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KMC chief calls for concerted effort

Newly elected KMC Mayor Bidhya Sundar Shakya has urged all to support the sanitation campaign in the metropolis.
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Mary Jo Putney is a brand name in historical romance. Her fans buy book after book because they know they'll find themselves vividly transported into the past. They will fall in love with intricately crafted characters who will lead them into captivating adventures woven through with romance. Her current series, Rogues Redeemed, introduces seemingly bad guys who turn out to be heroes. The next book in the series, Once a Rebel, is a signature Putney classic, but with a twistit's a Regency-era romance, complete with British characters, but set in the United States. The actionfull-scale naval battles, military heroism, rescues, and betrayalstakes place in between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore during the War of 1812.

After seven books in her Lost Lords series, both Kensington and Putney "thought it was time for a fresh direction," the author says, "but I had some characters I hadn't yet written about, so I gave Rogues Redeemed a new direction."

Rather than stick to the usual Regency formula, Putney is setting her new series outside of England. Fans will encounter familiar characters in the first two books (the series launched with Once a Soldier), but new places, such as the Iberian Peninsula and the U.S., for their lives to unfold in.

Once a Rebel follows Callista Brooke, a young Englishwoman exiled to the U.S., as the War of 1812 unfolds. While D.C. burns and the battle of Baltimorewhich inspired the "Star-Spangled Banner"rages, Brooke finds her loyalty torn between her new and old homes, with her life on the edge of ruin. She is rescued by a dashing English stranger who, she soon realizes, is the lost love of her youth, who had been sent away to the Australian penal colony. Now, reunited, their conflicted romance unfolds alongside of what Putney notes "is sometimes called the second American War of Independence." She adds: "A lot of Americans seem to have only the vaguest knowledge of the War of 1812, yet it was a really important piece of our history. It's such great history. The burning of Washington! The battle of Baltimore, in which Americans defeated Britain's army and naval forces, which were some of the most powerful in the world."

Putney lives in Baltimore, so, she says, "I've been waiting to hit the point in my ongoing timeline where I could logically set a book here." But it takes more than a personal investment in a place to write the kind of rich historical books Putney is famous for. "Clearly, one has to really enjoy history," she notes. "Once I have a general idea for a story line, I start reading history books. Partly I need to know the detailed history in order to ground the story, but real history always provides seriously cool incidents that I'd never have thought of on my own."

Beyond her passion for history, what makes Putney's books so enthralling may be her deep sense of what connects and separates the present and the past: "The past is both the same and different, and the differences are fascinating," she says.

More than anything else, Putney creates her powerfully immersive worlds so that her readers can lose themselves in her stories. "I want them to love and care for the characters, and to feel that they've been to places they've not been before, not just geographically but emotionally," she says. "And I want them to close the book with a smile and the belief that these characters will love each other forever, no matter what life throws at them."
After a one-day consumer show in Chicago in 2016, BookCon returned to New York City this weekend and also resumed being a two-day consumer show. A total of approximately 20,000 people--skewing towards females aged 18-30--filled the Javits Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, meeting authors and picking up swag. This year's show was 10% larger than the last BookCon held at the Javits, BookCon 2015, which drew 18,000 people. The first BookCon was held in 2014, and last year's BookCon was in Chicago.

While some publishers sold books, others gave them away. A few publishers also gave away galleys left over from BookExpo.

Sourcebooks marketing manager Valerie Pierce said that this year's BookCon marked the first one where the publisher sold books and other items (like t-shirts ant tote bags), instead of just giving things away. Selling books and merchandise allows us to interact more with readers, she said.

Lara Starr, senior publicist at Chronicle Books, said BookCon offered a way to " interact with readers." She went on: "It's a wonderful thing. I've seen groups of young girls, people on dates, families. It's been great."

Publishers PW spoke to preferred BookCon in its two-day format, with Scholastic v-p of trade publicity Tracy van Straaten explaining that it allowed the children's book publisher more time to promote authors and products to consumers. For Scholastic, top items included its 25th anniversary celebration of R.L. Stines Goosebumps series and 20th anniversary of Dav Pilkeys Captain Underpants series.

The first person in line on Saturday morning, Tiffany Chapman, 26, from Jamestown, N.Y., said that she and two friends arrived at 3 a.m., five hours before the doors to the building opened. She was most excited to see Cassandra Clare. Others PW spoke to cited their desire to see YA authors like Leigh Bardugo, Marissa Meyer, Sarah Dessen, and Rainbow Rowell.

Due to a family emergency earlier in the week, Dan Brown, who was scheduled to take to the Main Stage on Saturday morning, was unable to attend the show. In his absence, Margaret Atwood and Clare--who both wrote novels that were recently adapted for television--turned out to be the hits of the show, with tickets for their autographing quickly selling out Saturday morning.

Several BookCon attendees expressed surprise that neither authors presentation--Atwood on Saturday and Clare on Sunday--was booked in the Main Stage area, but instead took place in large meeting rooms. The events attracted standing-room-only crowds, with people turned away at the door after the rooms reached full capacity.

Atwood, the author of The Handmaids Tale, and Bruce Miller, the showrunner for Hulu (which adapted Handmaid's Tale for television), discussed the story in print and on screen before a crowd of more than 500. Much of their talk, moderated by Huffington Post culture reporter Madeleine Crum, centered on the inspiration driving both creatives, at different moments in time. Atwood talked about conceptualizing the book (which was published in 1985) over 30 years ago; Miller discussed the prescience of the novel today.

Disclosing that she was born in 1939, which was a bad year, Atwood cited the historical, cultural, and literary inspirations for her in writing The Handmaids Tale, saying, I read a lot of history books. I read a lot of prison memoirs: Gulag memoirs, concentration camp memoirs.

Noting the topical nature of the tale, Miller said that the television script was written long before the [presidential debates] began, [and] we were filming on election eve and election day in Toronto. Miller pointed out that, unlike the book, the television series is an ongoing machine. It has just been renewed for a second season. Miller urged the audience to read The Handmaids Tale before watching the show, as lots of things in the show are a reward for reading the book.

BookCon 2018 will be held at Javits in New York CIty on June 23, following BookExpo 2018, which will be held May 30June 1.
The Hot Graphic Novels panel at this year's BookExpo at the Javits Center was a vivid demonstration of how far comics have come since the days when they were dominated by white male superheroes. The panel featured six creators from all over the world discussing five works that spanned a variety of styles and subject matter from drone warfare and immigration to LGBTQ themes.

"Graphic novels are bringing in new readers by becoming a much broader category," said PW senior news editor Calvin Reid, who moderated the panel. "Yes, there is a comic out there for you!"

Iasmin Omar Ata, creator of Mis(h)adra (Gallery 13, Oct.), which examines a young mans struggle with epilepsy, introduced themselves as "a queer, Muslim, Middle Eastern comic artist." Ata explained, "I have epilepsy, and my work tends to center around identity and dismantling oppressive structures." The title of the work is a pun on the Arabic words for "seizure" and "I cannot."

Although Mis(h)adra is fiction, it reflects Ata's experiences with epilepsy. Ata started making the story as a way of dealing with the disease, and posted it as a webcomic. The strong response made Ata realize there was a larger audience for it.

Cartoonist Nidhi Chanani got the idea for her graphic novel, Pashmina (First Second Books, Oct.), from the negative depictions of India in the media. "The only times you really see Indians on TV would be in 'Feed the Children' ads," she said. A contemporary fictional fantasy story, Pashmina deals with the mixed feelings that a child of an immigrant experiences about her family's country of origin. In the book, an Indian American girl puts on a magic shawl and has visions of life in India. The book shows he beauty and culture of India, but is also candid about the oppression and suppression that women endure in traditional Indian culture.

Pratap Chjatterjee, an investigative journalist, and Khalil Bendib, a political cartoonist, pooled their talents to create Verax: The True Story of Whistleblowers, Drone Warfare, and Mass Surveillance (Metropolitan, Oct.), a nonfiction graphic novel about the useand misuseof technology in war and in anti-terrorist activities. "The book is about the fact that we believe technology is magic," said Chattergee. "We believe it can bring justice, and we believe drones can find terrorists and kill them, but this is not true." The book examines evidence linking the deaths of hundreds of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan to the failures of drone technology.

The Argentinian cartoonist Liniers, author of Good Night, Planet (Toon Books, Sept.), has spent the past year in residence at the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont. While there with his family, he was inspired by his youngest daughters love for a stuffed toy animalshe calls it Planetand when she confused the moon with a cookie. Toon Books publisher Francoise Mouly, told him "That's a book."

The tea dragon fantasy creatures in Katie O'Neill's The Tea Dragon Society (Oni Press, Nov.) are "small, cute, but incredibly annoying creatures," she explained. They also produce a delicious and enchanting brew from the tea leaves that grow on their horns.

"When you brew this tea, you share the memories this dragon has had through its lifetime"including the experiences of the previous dragon trainers, ONeill explained. But like her previous book, Princess, Princess, Ever After, a fairytale with two princesses and no prince, ONeill reimagines traditional fairytales in a new era of LGBTQ acceptance. The Tea Dragon Society offers a family that is self-selected by its members.

"I think especially for the queer community, it's important to have the feeling of choosing your family," she said, "because your biological family might not accept who you are. Being able to forge communities that accept and love you is part of it too."
An Alaska bookstore goes on the block; Kansas, New York stories celebrate anniversaries; a feminist bookstore honors Pride month; and more.

Alaska Bookstore for Sale: Gulliver's Books in Fairbanks, Ala., has closed its cafe and is now for sale.

Kansas Bookstore Celebrates 125 Years: Anderson Book & Office Supply in Newton, Kan., has been run by five generations of one family.

Bluestockings Bookstore Celebrates 18 Years: The feminist and activist bookstore on the the lower east side of Manhattan marks another anniversary.

Lamenting the Loss of a Florida Bookstore: A columnist in The Coconut Grove Grapevine mourns the impending closure of The Bookstore in the Grove.

Chicago Feminist Bookstore Has Pride: Women and Children First bookstore in Chicago has unveiled a month of events focused on LGBTQIA issues.

Bargain Bookstore Opens in Singapore: Page One Publishing, which runs six bookstores in China, has opened a new location.

A Jordanian Bookstore in Pictures: CNN photographs the Al-Maa Bookstore in Amman, which operates out of a Bedouin tent.
Major party top brass reach agreement to resume Parliament

The CPN-UML on Monday agreed to allow the Legislature-Parliament to resume from Tuesday paving the way for holding a parliamentary voting to elect the new prime minister.
Atresmedias international portfolio has reached over 50 million homes across the Americas, with potential viewing figures of up to 200 million.





The group, which launched its first international Spanish-language feed in 1996, recently signed distribution agreements with major pay-TV operators such as DirecTV, Liberty Global, Verizon and Telefonica, which have helped drive the channels reach.In fact, Atresmedia Internacional has seen subscriber numbers increase four-fold over the last four years. In the US Hispanic market, it has 75% penetration within Latino and Spanish-language packages.According to the company, which presented the figures at a summit in Madrid, the increased audience figures have also driven revenues. The mid-term goal for the three international feeds will exceed 25 million in revenues, said the media group.In recent years, Atresmedias international unit has also increased its online efforts, both on social media and digital platforms.The three international signals have one million followers in total across the main social networks. Their websites, which have been revamped recently in a move to strengthen their online video presence, have over 1.5 million unique users.Atresmedias international signals are the best channels to show the companys varied content offering, and have decisively contributed to strengthen the product and the series brand of Atresmedia, the company said.
Indian censors have been ordered to reverse the decision and provide certification for The Danish Girl to be shown on television.





The Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) has ruled the Censor Board must now allow the Anglo-American film to be broadcast in India.It said the film, starring Eddie Redmayne (pictured), shows the travails and sufferings of a husband who struggles to find his own identity, believing that he should be a woman ... His wife empathises with him, remaining by his bedside all through his sex reassignment surgery in the 18th century.The film had a theatrical release in India after being granted an A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in January 2017. However, in March it was decreed that as the film should be viewed only by mature adults it was refused the U / UA certification necessary for a movie to be shown on TV.The Danish Girl, directed by Tom Hooper, is a fictional drama inspired by the lives of Danish painters Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener (played by Alicia Vikander). Redmayne plays Elbe, one of the first known recipients of gender reassignment surgery.In reversing the CBFC decision, the FCAT, chaired by Justice Manmohan Sarin, cited a Supreme Court decision that granted recognition of gender identity to the transgender community by acknowledging the existence of the third gender.In the appeal, Sony Pictures cited films including Milk, Brokeback Mountain, Boys Dont Cry and D-Train, along with shows such as Shakti-Ek Ehsaas Ki and the Big F which had all be shown on Indian television and dealt with LBGT issues. The film studio has also offered cuts in 14 scenes and dialogues to fit the censorship laws with regard to television transmission.
Asian regional pay-TV association CASBAA has applauded action whereby tens of thousands of consumers of illegal TV services in Asia have lost their connections due to enforcement action against networks operating through illicit streaming devices (ISDs).





The association referred to recent police action in Thailand and Malaysia, which resulted in takedowns and arrests of operators of ISD networks. After the Thai raids, an estimated 50,000 consumers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia and other places all lost service, despite having pre-paid substantial amounts for so called expat.tv services.The enforcement action that shut down the service led to the arrest of two British nationals and one Thai citizen, as well as the seizure of equipment. In Malaysia, police estimated that 30,000 consumers were receiving service from a syndicate illegally retransmitting programming from Astro channels. Six men were arrested in raids in Kuala Lumpur and Johor.The criminal syndicates selling ISDs have defrauded many consumers into believing their services were legitimate, said CASBAA chief policy officer John Medeiros. They are not. And anyone buying an illicit IPTV box takes the risk of losing their money without warning when the network is taken down. Medeiros also warned that consumers also risk infection with malware when they attach ISDs, with their associated apps, to home networks.Added CASBAA CEO Christopher Slaughter insisted that the regions TV industry  including creators of all genres of TV content as well as leading distribution companies like Astro, PCCW, and True Visions  was determined to keep up enforcement actions against ISD networks. Its important for consumers to understand that if a bouquet of TV programming offered on a box seems too good to be true, then it probably is not legitimate, he added. Money invested in an ISD is at risk of loss at any time.
Despite the competition ratcheting up, there seems to be no stopping Netflix as Digital TV Research forecasts that it will have 128 million subscribers by 2022, up by 44% from 89 million at the end of 2016.





One of the key drivers for this expansion, says The Netflix Forecasts Report, will be among non- US subscribers who are predicted to surpass the core American audience by early 2018. The subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) leader expanded to 130 more countries in January 2016 to bring its total to 190 countries. The 130 new countries will have 14 million subscribers combined by 2022, up from three million at end-2016. The 2022 figure corresponds to 11% of Netflixs global total.The top five countries are set to supply two-thirds of Netflixs subscribers by 2022. The US will still contribute 44% of subscribers by 2022. By 2022, 17 countries will have more than one million subs, up from ten countries at the end of 2016. North America and Western Europe are forecast to together supply 72% of Netflixs total subscriber base by 2022, down from 81% in 2016. The Asia Pacific region will boast more than ten million subscribers by 2022, nearly triple the 2016 total.This impressive growth comes despite Netflix not having direct access to subscribers in the worlds largest country: China, said Simon Murray, principal analyst at Digital TV Research and author of **the report, https://www.digitaltvresearch.com/products/product?id=179 ** Furthermore, Digital TV Research believes that Netflix will fall foul of Russian legislation. Due to be introduced in July 2017, this restricts foreign companies to only 20% of digital platforms equity.In terms of the business that such growth will likely generate, Digital TV Research predicts subscription revenues for Netflix will climb from $8.29 billion in 2016 to $14.86 billion in 2022. The 60 countries that started before January 2016 will provide 90% of revenues in 2022. However, Asia Pacific is expected quadruple its revenues to more than $1 billion. In addition, the top five countries will generate revenues of $10 billion in 2022. The US will contribute 48% of Netflixs subscription revenues by 2022, down from 61% in 2016.Digital TV Research also forecasts that Netflixs content spend will climb to $8.5 billion by 2022  or 57% of subscription revenues.
Afghanistan will host a multinational peace conference in Kabul on June 6, as the country reels from a wave of bombings and unrest that has left more than 100 people dead and hundreds wounded in the past week.

The one-day conference, labelled the "Kabul Process," will include representatives of around two dozen countries, including the United States, India, China, and Pakistan.

"The Kabul Process is meant to reach a consensus with the region and the world for peace in Afghanistan," said presidential spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi.

Police have locked down much of the city ahead of the conference, with more armed checkpoints and armored vehicles patrolling the streets.

The conference comes after a series of bombings and clashes in the capital.

A deadly bombing on May 31 killed at least 90 people and wounded more than 460; at least five people were killed on June 2 in deadly clashes between police and protesters, and at least seven were killed after three suicide bombers detonated their explosives at a funeral on June 3.

Based on reporting by AFP and dpa
Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani has called for the dismissal of the country's top security chiefs after a wave of deadly attacks in the capital, Kabul.

Rabbani, speaking at a press conference in Kabul on June 5, said the attacks in the past week that killed or wounded over 600 people in the city had raised questions about the "security institutions and their abilities."

A deadly bombing in Kabul on May 31 killed at least 90 people and wounded more than 460, at least five people were killed and around 20 wounded on June 2 in deadly clashes between police and protesters, and at least seven were killed and around 100 injured after three suicide bombers detonated their explosives at a funeral on June 3.

The attacks in Kabul have exacerbated tensions between rival ethnically based political groups in Afghanistan.

Rabbani, who heads the mainly ethnic-Tajik Jamiat-e Islami political group, attended the funeral but escaped unhurt.

He blamed "terrorists within the system, suggesting elements in the government were behind the attack.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the two deadly attacks in Kabul, with the Taliban denying any involvement.

The National Directorate of Security (NDS), the countrys main intelligence agency, said the suicide bombers who attacked the funeral were 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.

Rabbani specifically called for the dismissals of National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar, Interior Minister General Taj Mohammad Jahid, Defense Minister Tariq Shah Bahrami, and intelligence chief Masoom Stanekzai.

He also demanded an investigation into the funeral blasts and called for President Ashraf Ghani to fully implement the national unity government agreement, including creating the position of prime minister for Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who is a member of Jamiat-e Islami.

The national unity government led by Ghani and Abdullah was brokered by Washington after the disputed election of 2014.

Police have locked down much of Kabul city, with armed checkpoints and armored vehicles patrolling the streets, although several dozen protesters on June 5 continued a peaceful sit-in near the blast site. Several other sit-ins were being held in other parts of the city.

Kabul will host a multinational peace conference on Afghanistan labelled the "Kabul Process, on June 6.

Representatives of around two dozen countries will attend the meeting, which aims to build international support for ways to restore security in the country.

With reporting by Tolo News and AFP
NATO welcomes its 29th member as Montenegro joins the alliance, and joins over Russia's strenuous objections.

On this week's Power Vertical Briefing, we look at the showdown between Moscow and the West in the Balkans.

Joining me is RFE/RL's news editor, Steve Gutterman.

Enjoy...

NOTE: The Power Vertical Briefing is a short look ahead to the stories expected to make news in Russia in the coming week. It is hosted by Brian Whitmore, author of The Power Vertical blog, and appears on Mondays.
Ukrainian forces have recaptured 12 settlements in the south, advancing seven kilometers in two directions in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Army chief Valeriy Zaluzhniy said on November 10 as Russia ordered one of the war's biggest retreats.

Zaluzhniy said Kyiv could not yet confirm whether Russia was indeed pulling out from the southern Kherson region but said Ukrainian forces were continuing their advance.

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.

"We continue to conduct the offensive operation in line with our plan," he wrote in a post on Telegram.

Russia on November 9 said its forces would retreat from the west bank of the Dnieper River, which includes Kherson, the only regional capital Moscow had captured since the start of its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February.

Kherson is strategically important, as it controls both the only land route to Ukraine's Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and the mouth of the Dnieper, which bisects Ukraine.

Zaluzhniy said Ukrainian forces had advanced from Pervomaiske toward Kherson and from Petropavlivka toward Novoraysk, roughly parallel with the Dnieper River.

It was unclear which Pervomaiske Zaluhniy meant. There are two settlements named Pervomaiske relatively close to Kherson city, one located some 25 kilometers to southeast and one some 50 kilometers to the north of the city.

Zaluzhniy said the territorial gains totaled 264 square kilometers.

Earlier on November 10, Ukrainian forces said they had recaptured Snihurivka, a strategic town in the southern Mykolayiv region while repelling fresh Russian attacks in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, where heavy fighting has been under way for weeks.

In video footage published on social media and Ukrainian national television, a Ukrainian soldier shouted, "Today on November 10, Snihurivka was liberated by the forces of the 131st Separate Intelligence Battalion. Glory to Ukraine!"

The footage could not immediately be verified and there was no immediate confirmation of the town's recapture from Ukraine's Defense Ministry, a day after Russia ordered its forces to retreat from the area.

Snihurivka, seen as the last remaining Russian-occupied town in the Mykolayiv region, is important for control of a strategic road that leads to Kherson.



The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said earlier that they had repelled fresh Russian attacks in Donetsk where Moscow continues to mount an offensive in the Bakhmut and Avdiyivka directions.

The Ukrainian military said it had also repelled Russian attacks in Luhansk, which together with Donetsk comprise the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.

Russian forces launched missile and air strikes and pounded more than 30 settlements with rockets in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, Mykolayiv, Sumy, and Kherson regions, the military said.



The fierce fighting in the east came as Kyiv reacted with skepticism to the announcement of a Russian retreat from Kherson, noting some Russian forces remained in the city and reinforcements were being sent to the region.

Mykhaylo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukraine's president, said on November 10 that Moscow wanted to turn Kherson into a "city of death," accusing Russia of mining everything from apartments to sewers and planning to shell Kherson from the other side of the Dnieper River.

"This is what (the) 'Russian world' looks like: came, robbed, celebrated, killed 'witnesses', left ruins and left," he wrote on Twitter.

U.S. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the initial indicators suggested Russia was following through with its withdrawal, but cautioned it could take time to complete.

"It won't take them a day or two. This is going to take them days and perhaps even weeks to pull those forces south of that river," Milley said in New York on November 9, estimating Russia probably had 20,000 to 30,000 troops north of the Dnieper River in that area.

Milley, the most senior U.S. general, said around 100,000 Russian and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or wounded in the war, the highest estimate offered yet by a Western official.

Milley also suggested around 40,000 civilians had died after being caught up in the conflict.

The estimates could not be independently confirmed.

Both Kyiv and Moscow carefully guard their casualty numbers.

Russia's last update in September said 5,937 soldiers had been killed since the start of the conflict on February 24.

"There has been a tremendous amount of suffering, human suffering," said Milley, adding the conflict has created between 15 and 30 million refugees.

The UN has recorded 7.8 million people as refugees from Ukraine across Europe, including Russia. However, the figure does not include those who have been forced to flee their homes but remain in Ukraine.

With reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, and BBC
A Chechen man who claimed in 2013 that he was tortured by police has been detained in Russia's Bryansk region.

The Committee for the Prevention of Torture said on June 5 that Murad Amriyev, a former world champion in mixed martial arts, was detained while travelling by train the previous day and was expected to be transferred to the Chechen capital, Grozny.

The rights group said that Amriyev will most likely face torture or even death if he is returned to Chechnya.

In 2013, Amriyev told the committee that he had been kidnapped by police in Chechnya who tortured him for two days, hanging him in handcuffs and using electricity to torture him.

Amriyev said at the time that the aim of the police was to force his older brother to return to Russia from Germany, where he had lived for many years.

A high-ranking Chechen police official claimed that Amriyev's brother was involved in an alleged plot to kill him.

After Amriyev was released, he fled Russia.

However, as he still holds a Russian passport he returned to Russia and was on his way to Moscow, where he planned to collect papers necessary to prolong his visa in a foreign country, when he was detained.

Chechen authorities issued an international arrest warrant for Amriyev in February, claiming that he used forged documents.

Amriyev's lawyer Pyotr Zaikin said he will appeal his client's detainment.

Rights groups accuse the Kremlin-backed head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, of responsibility for abuses, including kidnappings, disappearances, torture, and the killings of political opponents.

With reporting by Novaya Gazeta


Monsoon likely to arrive ahead of normal time this year

The Weather Forecasting Division says this year monsoon is likely to arrive ahead of its normal time due to change in weather system.
The trial of RFE/RL contributor Mykola Semena, a Crimean journalist who is fighting what he says is a politically motivated separatism charge on the Russian-controlled peninsula, resumed on June 5 in the Crimean capital, Simferopol.

Semena's lawyer, Aleksei Popkov, told RFE/RL that materials linked to the prosecution were read out at the session on June 5. The judge then adjourned the trial until June 14.

Semena faces up to five years in prison if convicted by Russia, which has jailed several people from Crimea who have opposed or criticized Moscows 2014 seizure of the Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine.

Semena's trial has been adjourned several times for different reasons since it started on March 20.

The charge against 66-year-old Semena stems from an article he wrote for RFE/RL's Krym.Realii (Crimea Realities) website in 2015.

The Kremlin-installed authorities in Crimea have charged that the article called for the violation of Russia's territorial integrity.

Semena maintains he is innocent. He has said that Crimea's status was and remains in dispute, and that he has the right to openly express his opinions.

The United States, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and international media watchdogs have expressed concern about Semenas prosecution.

Activists say his trial is part of a persistent Russian clampdown on independent media and dissent in Crimea since Moscows takeover.

RFE/RL President Thomas Kent has described the case against Semena as "part of a concerted effort by Russian and Russian-backed authorities to obstruct RFE/RL's journalistic mission to provide an independent press to residents of Crimea."

After a Moscow-friendly Ukrainian president fled in the face of pro-European protests in February 2014, Russia seized control of Crimea after sending in troops and staging a referendum considered illegitimate by Kyiv, the United States, and a total of 100 UN member states.

The United States, European Union, and other countries imposed sanctions on Russia over the takeover of Crimea and say they will not be lifted until it is returned to Kyiv's control.
Madina works in a children's center in Makhachkala, the capital of Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Daghestan. In January, she was stopped at a routine traffic roadblock. That's when she learned that she is on the extremism-prevention watch list of the local Interior Ministry branch.

Since then, her life has been virtually one continuous run-in with the law.

"To say that they are persecuting us would be an understatement," Madina, who asked to be identified only by her first name, told RFE/RL's Russian Service. "They call us. They bang on our door. They might show up at 3 a.m. or at 5 a.m. and demand that I come to the precinct for questioning. And if I'm not home, they go around to all the neighbors, demanding to be told where I am."



Madina's case is far from unique. In fact, authorities have told two of Madina's sisters that they are also on the highly secret "prophylactic list" of people the security forces are monitoring for potential terrorist involvement. Like many people caught up in this story, Madina says she has no idea why the authorities have focused on her.



"We don't have any militants in our family," she said. "None of my relatives has gone to Syria. We don't have any idea why they have created such a colorful life for us. Is it just because my sisters and I wear the hijab?"



Officials in the North Caucasus -- which has been a source of extremists for decades, especially in the wake of two brutal wars the government fought against separatists in Chechnya in the 1990s and early 2000s -- have released no formal information about how the list is compiled, what it is used for, or how many people are on it.

Thousands Of 'Wahhabis'

Daghestan President Ramazan Abdulatipov has said he estimates there are about 10,000 "Wahhabis" in his republic. The head of the regional Interior Ministry branch, Abdurashid Magomedov, has mentioned a figure of 16,000 "extremists." Activists suspect as many as 20,000 people may be on the list.



In June 2016, the presidential Council on Civil Society and Human Rights issued a report sharply criticizing the watch list, saying it had received "numerous" complaints from citizens that have ended up on it.

The report says that many of the people on the list are not radical Wahhabis or Salafis but rather are "representatives of traditional Islam (Sufis)."

The report questioned both the legal basis of creating such a list and its usefulness. "It is unclear how the list helps in the establishment of law and order in the republics" of the North Caucasus, the report states.



Abdurakhman, a 28-year-old truck driver who asked to be identified by a pseudonym, is a native of Makhachkala but now lives in Moscow. His wife recently gave birth to their son, but Abdurakhman is afraid to take the boy to visit relatives in Daghestan.

"I'd really like to see my family, but I am afraid that they will throw me in prison for something," he told RFE/RL. "For example, they might plant some drugs or weapons on me, which has happened many times to others. I am afraid they will imprison my wife...in order to frighten all my relatives."

Abdurakhman found out that he was on the watch list when he was stopped for an identification check on the Moscow subway several months ago. Since then, he has been detained by police for questioning "several" times. The procedure is always the same: They take his fingerprints and samples of blood and saliva, then photograph him. After that, he spends hours in a cell while police await a response from Makhachkala. Then they let him go.

Some of these detentions have caused Abdurakhman serious problems with his job as a truck driver. It is hard for him to explain that his delivery is late because he spent 10 or 12 hours in jail.

"He is terrified and keeps a low profile," Abdurakhman's lawyer, Aleksandr Ostrovsky, said. "Every time they grab him just like they grabbed people [during Stalin's Great Terror] in 1937 and take him off for God knows how long. And he has no idea how it is going to end. They won't tell us when or why he placed on the watch list. We have made official requests to the [Federal Security Service] and the Interior Ministry, but our inquiries just get sent to Daghestan and vanish."



"Yes, he is a Muslim," Ostrovsky said of his client. "He wears a neat beard. None of his relatives are terrorists. We believe there is no reason for him to be on the list."

Ostrovsky added that even several Moscow police officers have said Abdurakhman should be removed from the list and that they are tired of "wasting time on him."

Some Indication Of Change



Maksim Shevchenko, a member of the Council on Civil Society and Human Rights, said he personally handed President Vladimir Putin a copy of the council's report on the watch list in September 2016. Putin said he would order officials to look into the matter.



After that, Shevchenko said, there was some indication of change. In the months after the meeting with Putin, Daghestani lawyer Aida Kasimova was able to get a court to order three of her clients removed from the list.



"We learned a lot about the list during those trials," Kasimova said. "We learned that they not only placed entire families on the list, but even entire companies. First they would put the director on the list and then all the employees."



Kasimova said that she currently has several cases pending, but progress has been slow.



"We get completely different answers from the Center on Combating Extremism when we ask about the same people," Kasimova said. "Recently they told us that the watch list does not exist, while in the past they confirmed that it does. We are now preparing a case for the Supreme Court of Daghestan asking it to rule that the whole list is illegal."



Aleksandr Mukomolov, another member of the presidential human rights council, does not endorse such a sweeping solution to the problem, noting that the problem of extremism in Daghestan remains serious.



"Several thousand Daghestanis went to fight in Syria," he said. "And if they return with an assignment, we could see many terrorist acts. These people represent a serious potential threat and, of course, they and people close to them should be under the control of the special services. "



"But you can't 'watch-list' the entire population," Mukomolov added. "After the problem was reported to Putin, complaints about unreasonable detentions have gone down slightly. But the problem persists."

RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson contributed to this report
Words matter.

And they particularly matter when they are uttered by somebody as powerful as the second-in-command of Vladimir Putin's personal Praetorian Guard.

They matter when somebody like General Sergei Melikov gets caught telling the truth.

The deputy commander of Russia's National Guard recently told Izvestia that the 400,000-strong force, a force led by Putin's old bodyguard and reports to the Kremlin leader alone, is -- and I am quoting here -- "the heir to the NKVD."

So now it's official, I guess.

The No. 2 man in Putin's private army told the main pro-Kremlin newspaper that what everybody feared when the National Guard was formed last year was, in fact, true.

Putin's National Guard is the heir to the organization that implemented Josef Stalin's Great Terror.

It's the heir to the organization that carried out mass extrajudicial executions.

It's the heir to the organization that created and administered the Soviet gulag.

And it's the heir to the organization responsible for the mass deportations of Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Poles, Crimean Tatars, and other ethnic groups.

And General Melikov is proud of this fact.

This is a frightening window into the current thinking of Putin's top generals and into the subculture of his personal Praetorian Guard.

And it's an unmistakable -- and unmistakably disturbing -- message to Russia's opposition, its elite, and its neighbors.

Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page.
The European Union has urged Azerbaijan to release detained opposition figures, in an apparent reference to the alleged abduction and arrest of a journalist critical of Baku and the detention of an opposition politician.

The statement on June 4 did not mention names but came after journalist Afqan Muxtarli was kidnapped in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, on May 29 and the arrest of opposition politician Gozal Bayramli.

On June 3, the U.S. State Department said the "United States is disturbed by the reported abduction in Tbilisi, Georgia, and subsequent arrest in Azerbaijan" of Muxtarli. It said it was "troubled" by the detention of Bayramli.

The EU statement said "a review by Azerbaijan of any and all cases of incarceration related to the exercise of fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression, and immediate release [of] all of those concerned is urgent.

"We expect that the due process of law is respected, as well as the civil and political rights of citizens and those residing legally in states other than their own," it added.

Muxtarli, 43, was jailed last week for a preliminary three months by an Azerbaijani court.

His attorney, Elcin Sadyqov, told RFE/RL his client was abducted in Tbilisi on May 29, tied up in a car, beaten by men in civilian clothing who spoke Georgian, and brought across the border into Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani Prosecutor-General's Office spokesman Eldar Sultanov said on May 31 that Muxtarli was detained on suspicion of illegally crossing the border, and alleged that he was in possession of a large amount of cash.

The EU said it welcomed the Georgian government's announcement that it would investigate the alleged kidnapping. Tbilisi denies it was involved in the case.

Muxtarli and his wife fled to Georgia in 2015, fearing for their safety over his investigations into Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's alleged links to corruption.

Bayramli, the deputy chief of the opposition Popular Front Party (AXCP), was arrested on May 25 after she crossed the border from Georgia into Azerbaijan, her party chairman said.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Georgian and Azerbaijani services, and AFP
Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey have launched joint military drills near Tbilisi.

The drills began on June 5 at Georgias Vaziani military base and will end on June 14, the Georgian Defense Ministry said.

The ministry said forces from the three neighboring countries will coordinate and conduct special operation drills, including ground and air exercises.

This is the third time the trilateral exercises are being held, with the first being in 2009. The previous drills were held in Turkey.

On May 23, the defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey held the fifth trilateral defense ministerial summit in Georgia's southwestern city of Batumi and discussed joint military cooperation and security measures for regional economic projects.

Based on reporting by civil.ge and Interfax


BISHKEK -- The leader of Kyrgyzstan's opposition Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party, Omurbek Tekebaev, has gone on trial on corruption charges he says are politically motivated.

The Birinchi Mai District Court in Bishkek began the trial of Tekebaev and former Emergencies Minister Duishonkul Chotonov on June 5.

The two were charged with receiving a $1 million bribe from a Russian businessman in 2010, when Tekebaev was deputy prime minister.

Both Tekebaev and Chotonov deny any wrongdoing, saying the case against them is politically motivated.

At the June 5 hearing, Tekebaev and his lawyers asked the judge to give them additional time to get acquainted with all materials in the case. The judge satisfied the request and adjourned the trial until June 8.

Ata-Meken has alleged that the government launched the case in an effort to stifle dissent ahead of the October presidential election in the Central Asian country and keep Tekebaev off the ballot.

Telebaev was arrested in late February. On March 5, Ata-Meken named him its candidate for the presidential election.

The 58-year-old Tekebaev was once an ally of President Almazbek Atambaev.
Montenegro has formally joined NATO, with U.S. and Montenegrin officials sending subtle messages to Russia and the alliances chief trying to allay concerns about the U.S. commitment to the alliance.

Montenegrin Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic handed over the Balkan nations accession papers in a ceremony at the State Departments ornate Treaty Room on June 5, making the country the 29th member of the North Atlantic alliance.

The State Departments third-highest official, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon, said that Montenegro had asserted "its sovereign right to choose its own alliances even in the face of concerted foreign pressure."

Prime Minister Dusko Markovic, who also attended the event in Washington, alluded to his countrys past plight at the hands of larger powers.

"It is a historic event for a country and a nation which endured enormous sacrifices in the 19th and 20th centuries in order to defend their right to a free life, the right to decide our own future, recognized by the world under our own name, and with our own national symbols," Markovic said.

"We are celebrating today the fact that it will never happen again that someone else decides instead of us and our state behind our back, as was the case in the past, he added.

Montenegrin membership comes at a time when the alliance is showing strains among its members, particularly in the face of mixed messages from U.S. President Donald Trump.

During his recent trip to Europe, Trump scolded allies for not meeting pledges for defense spending, and repeated his position that Washington was shouldering too much of the burden.

What particularly worried allies, however, was Trumps lack of explicit endorsement of the alliances most important clause, known as Article Five. That clause is a one-for-all, all-for-one provision that obligates all members to come to the defense of any other member who is attacked.

It has only been invoked once in the alliances nearly 70-year history: after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

Politico reported on June 5 that the omission of Article Five from Trumps speech caught his top national security officials off-guard, potentially signaling confusion or internal clash among White House officials.

Trump also caused a minor stir in Brussels last month when he appeared to push Markovic aside during a group photo for NATO leaders.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg alluded to the ongoing disputes between the Trump administration and its European allies. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in particular, has signaled that any U.S. pull back meant that Europe must become more united.

"We are an alliance of democracies and we have, at times, different political perspectives. But together, we rise above those differences and unite around a common purpose: to stand with each other, to protect each other, and -- if necessary -- to fight to defend each other," he said during the ceremony.

For Montenegro, whose population is mostly Orthodox Christian, alliance membership offers protection from Russia, who experts believe has stepped up efforts to destabilize nations in the Western Balkans.

Montenegrin officials have charged 14 people in connection with an alleged Russia-backed plot to take over parliament during the October 2016 parliamentary elections and assassinate then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic.

In February, Markovic called out Russia and its allies within the country, warning of unrest and saying they should stop trying to interfere.

Russia has made no secret of its opposition to NATO membership. Moscow has said that Podgorica's NATO course runs counter to hundreds of years of "fraternal relations" between the two mostly Slavic, Orthodox Christian nations.

Russia wields considerable economic power, as it is the largest investor and an estimated 7,000 Russian nationals permanently reside in the nation of about 620,000.

Russians also own about 40 percent of the country's desirable Adriatic Sea coast and Russian tourists account for as much as a third of overnight visits in Montenegro.

"The anti-Russian hysteria that continues in Montenegro has only caused regret," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement released ahead of the ceremony. "In the light of the hostile line of Montenegrin authorities, the Russian side reserves the right to take retaliatory measures on the basis of reciprocity. In politics, as in physics, every action generates a reaction."

Still, analysts said it is unlikely Moscow will take any real action over Montenegros accession.

The Kremlin isn't ready to commit significant resources to keep Montenegro out of the U.S. orbit, said Maksim Samorukov, an analyst at the Moscow Carnegie Center.

RFE/RLs Balkan Service contributed to this report.
Montenegro will take a giant step toward integrating with the West when it officially becomes the 29th member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at a ceremony in Washington on June 5.

The small Balkan country is joining at a time when the alliance -- created to counter Soviet aggression -- looks to curb Russian attempts to increase its influence in Eastern Europe.

Prime Minister Dusko Markovic is to officially hand over Montenegros accession instrument at a ceremony at noon in the U.S. capital.

Montenegro's flag is to fly over NATO headquarters in Brussels for the first time on June 7.

Montenegro has achieved a "civilizational turning point, attaching itself to the Western system of values," a government statement said in announcing the ceremony.

Nestled on the Adriatic Sea between Croatia and Albania, tiny Montenegro and its $69 million annual defense budget may appear to have little military value.

Its army of some 2,000 soldiers will barely make a ripple in NATO forces, but its 293-kilometer coastline is a strategic parcel of real estate -- the penultimate piece in the Adriatic puzzle.

With the former Yugoslav republic securely in the fold, NATO will control the entire coast of the Adriatic, from the heel of Italy's boot to the rugged shores of Greece, except for a 20-kilometer stretch of land held by Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Montenegros accession "reaffirms to other aspirants that NATOs door remains open to those countries willing and able to make the reforms necessary to meet NATOs high standards, and to accept the risks, responsibilities, as well as benefits of membership," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

Montenegros accession also marks the end of a long and often arduous road to membership that the Kremlin has repeatedly tried to derail.

Moscow has said in various contexts that Podgorica's NATO course runs counter to hundreds of years of "fraternal relations" between the two mostly Slavic, Orthodox Christian nations.

Russia also wields considerable economic power, as it is the largest investor and an estimated 7,000 Russian nationals permanently reside in the nation of about 620,000.

Russians own about 40 percent of the country's desirable Adriatic Sea coast and Russian tourists account for as much as one-third of overnight visits in Montenegro.

Despite all its saber rattling, analysts said it is unlikely Moscow will take any real action over Montenegros accession.

"The Kremlin isn't ready to commit significant resources to keep Montenegro out of the U.S. orbit," said Maksim Samorukov, an analyst at the Moscow Carnegie Center.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will also participate in the Washington ceremony to welcome Montenegro as the alliances newest member.
The Pakistani Taliban have released six Pakistani employees of a Polish oil and gas company who were kidnapped last year, officials said.

The workers from Geofizyka Krakow were kidnapped by the militant group in November 2016 from the city of Dera Ismail Khan in the country's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

"They have been freed unconditionally and handed over to us late [on June 4]," Zafrul Islam Khattak, the top government official in South Waziristan tribal district, told AFP.

Khattak said local tribal elders negotiated the workers' release.

The workers have been moved to Wana, the main town in South Waziristan, according to Muhammad Tahir, the city's political administrator.

A Polish engineer was kidnapped by suspected militants in Pakistan's northwest in September 2008 and was later killed.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters


Nepal, China sign deal to build mega 1,200MW hydro project

The government has sealed a major deal with a Chinese company for development of a mega hydroelectric project, which could resolve perennial power crisis in the country and lay the groundwork to establish Nepal as an electricity exporter.
1 A convict showcases one of her creations during a fashion show at female penal colony No. 10 in the village of Gornoye. Prisoners of the colony sew clothes at a garment factory and every year they celebrate Day of Light Industry by presenting the clothes they made. (TASS/Yuri Smityuk)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking on a prime-time U.S. TV program, has again denied that Moscow interfered in the presidential election last year and said that the Kremlin has no compromising material on President Donald Trump.

Putin used an interview aired on June 4 on NBCs Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly to distance himself from the controversy over suspicions of Russian meddling, which has caused turmoil in Washington and seriously set back his stated hopes of improving badly strained ties with the United States.

He played down ties with a central figure in U.S. probes into the matter, saying that he "didn't even really talk to" Michael Flynn, who advised Trump during his campaign and served as his national security adviser for a few weeks before being forced out.

Putin said reports that he had any damaging information that could be used to compromise Trump were "just another load of nonsense. Where would we get this information from?"

Putin, who said last week that Russian hackers could have taken steps to interfere in the U.S. election for "patriotic" reasons but has repeatedly denied any state involvement, asserted that there was no need for Russia to seek to sway the results, suggesting it would be meaningless in the long term

"We don't even have to do that," Putin said. "Presidents come and go, and even the parties in power change, but the main political direction does not change."



WATCH: Megyn Kelly's Interview With Russian President Vladimir Putin

In January, the U.S. intelligence community issued an assessment that "Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election," with goals including undermining faith in the U.S. democratic system, denigrating Clinton, and improving Trump's chances of winning the presidency.

U.S. officials and many observers believe that Putin wanted to decrease Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's chances of election because she publicly took a tough stance over issues including Russia's record on human rights and democracy and its aggression in Ukraine, and strongly advocated continuing sanctions over its seizure of Crimea and its involvement in the war, whicht has killed more than 9,900 people in eastern Ukraine.

Putin has chilly relations with Clinton and accused her of encouraging antigovernment protests in Russia in 2011, as he was preparing to return to the presidency after four years as prime minister.

Trump, by contrast, made clear during the campaign that he would seek to improve relations with Russia and increase cooperation against terrorism -- something Putin has long called for.

Putin and Trump have at times voiced admiration for one another, but Putin said that he never had a special relationship with the U.S. president.

"We didn't have any relationship at all, he said. There was a time when he used to come to Moscow. But you know, I never met with him. We have a lot of Americans who visit us."

The FBI and the U.S. Congress are investigating the contacts between Russians and the Trump campaign and transition team, including for any signs of collusion by associates of Trump with what U.S. intelligence officials say were Russia's aims in the election.

Putin also said he had very little contact with Flynn, whose contacts with the Russian ambassador to Washington are among the factors that led to the probes, even though they sat next to each other at a dinner in Moscow in December 2015.

"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 told Kelly in a reference to state-backed channel RT.

"I made my speech. Then we talked about some other stuff. And I got up and left. And then afterward 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.

A longtime Soviet KGB officer, Putin usually seems to take pride in his attention to detail, knowledge of people he meets with, and thorough preparations for talks and other events.

Flynn was forced out by Trump in February after less than a month on the job following claims he misled Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Sergei Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the United States, during the transition period after Trump's election on November 8. He has also been accused of not reporting his meeting with Putin and income from Russian sources, such as payments from RT.

Putin also said he had no knowledge of a report by multiple U.S. media outlets of a proposal by Trump's son-in-law and key adviser Jared Kushner to set up a secret communications channel with the Kremlin.

"I don't know about this proposal. No proposal like that came to me," he said.

Putins comments were translated from Russian into English for the broadcast. The Kremlin released a Russian transcript on June 5.

While denying that Russia interfered in the U.S. election, Putin accused the United States of interfering in foreign elections.

"Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal electoral processes," he said.

Analysts say Putin frequently seeks to deflect allegations against Russia by trying to turn the tables and ascribe similar actions to the accusers.

He bristled when asked about reports of long-standing corruption and repression of dissent in Russia.

Why do you feel you have the right to ask us these kinds of questions? And do it all the time? To moralize and to give us lessons on how to live?" Putin said.

"We're ready to listen to comments when it is done constructively, with the goal of establishing a relationship, creating a common environment. But we will absolutely not accept when these sorts of things are used as an instrument of political conflict," he said.

With reporting by NBC, AP, Bloomberg, Reuters, and AFP
A Moscow court has handed Natalya Sharina, the former director of the city's Ukrainian library, a four-year suspended prison sentence for "inciting ethnic hatred" because some of the books in her library's collection were purportedly banned as "extremist."

Such run-ins with the law are far from rare in President Vladimir Putin's Russia, where vague laws such as those against extremism or against "insulting the feelings of religious believers" leave prosecutors and judges considerable leeway for cracking down.



RFE/RL has compiled a small collection of recent cases that demonstrate some of the more interesting ways Russians are finding themselves in trouble with the law.



Writing Letters To Putin

On May 9, 23-year-old Darya Kulakova finished a 10-day jail sentence for organizing a letter-writing campaign urging Putin not to seek a fourth term as president. She was charged with resisting a police order when she tried to hand in the letters at Putin's representative office in Tatarstan's capital, Kazan.



Painting Easter Eggs

In April, a court in the Republic of Chuvashia fined former nursery-school teacher Yelena Blinova 20,000 rubles ($350) for decorating about a dozen Easter eggs with the slogan "Freedom for Maltsev" to signal her support for popular blogger Vyacheslav Maltsev, an opposition activist who faces charges of attacking a police officer at a protest in Moscow in March.

The Chuvash Supreme Court on June 1 reduced that fine to 10,000 rubles, but confirmed Blinova's conviction for participating in an illegal demonstration.

Blinova argued that, because she painted the eggs in a section of a public park that has been reserved by authorities as a free-speech zone, she didn't violate any laws. Because the court disagreed, 11 other protesters who were with her at the time could also face charges.



Writing Poetry

Even Russia's rich tradition of writing poetry can get a person into trouble these days. In 2015, Oryol teacher Aleksandr Byvshev was convicted of "inciting ethnic hatred" for a poem he wrote called To Ukrainian Patriots. He was fired from his teaching job and sentenced to 300 hours of community service.

In January, prosecutors announced a new investigation of Byshev for a poem he wrote about Soviet-era dissident poet and Nobel Prize laureate Joseph Brodsky that investigators alleged could have "extremist connotations.

Combating Child Abuse

Kindergarten teacher Yevgenia Chudnovets was sentenced in the Kurgan region in November 2016 to five months in jail for reposting a child-abuse video aimed at raising awareness of what she argued was a serious social issue.

The Russian Supreme Court ordered the case reviewed and, on March 6, the court overturned its conviction and ordered Chudnovets released with just weeks left in her sentence.

The reposting of the video in question helped the authorities to catch two adults who were themselves convicted of child abuse and sentenced to three and six years in prison.



Playing Pokemon

In a case that made international headlines, Yekaterinburg-based blogger Ruslan Sokolovsky was convicted in May of "inciting hatred" and "insulting the feelings of religious believers" for posting videos online, including one showing him playing the popular game Pokemon Go in a church. He was given a 3 1/2-year suspended sentence. The court found that several of his videos offended religious believers by mocking organized religion and denying the divinity of Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad.

Russia's controversial 2013 law on insulting the feelings of religious believers was at the heart of a case in Stavropol in 2015. A man named Viktor Krasnov was tried under the law for posting the words "there is no God" in an online discussion that he was having on the social-media site VKontakte. He spent a month in a psychiatric hospital undergoing a court-ordered evaluation. When the case finally came to trial, none of the people whose feelings were allegedly insulted agreed to come to the hearing. The case was finally dropped in 2017 when the statute of limitations expired.



Posting Cool Photos

In February 2015, armed police came to the apartment of Polina Petruseva in Smolensk and arrested her. Her crime was reposting a historical photograph showing the building where she lived as it looked during the two years that the city was occupied by Nazi Germans during World War II.

Petruseva was fined 1,000 rubles ($18) because the photo showed a Nazi flag and several Nazis officers in uniform. Her crime was "disseminating Nazi insignias.

Posting About Your Previous Cases

In March, a court in Cheboksary, Chuvashia, convicted opposition activist Dmitry Semyonov of the "mass distribution of extremist materials" for reposting a news report about his earlier conviction for reposting "extremist" content. He was fined 150,000 rubles ($250), but the court immediately amnestied him, clearing the conviction from his record.



In March, a court in Novocheboksarsk, also in Chuvashia, convicted Dmitry Pankov of "extremism" for posting an article about how a previous accusation of distributing extremist material against him had been dismissed.

Both the Semyonov and Pankov cases involved the posting of a 2013 photograph showing then-St. Petersburg lawmaker Vitaly Milonov, who is now a State Duma deputy, wearing a shirt bearing an Orthodox slogan that has been ruled extremist.



Criticizing Things

There have been a large number of cases involving the criticism of things. In October 2016, Daghestani imam Magmednabi Magomedov was sentenced to five years in prison for "inciting hatred" after he visited a local police station and demanded the release of several locals whom he believed to be wrongly held.



In September 2016, Chechen journalist Zhalaudi Geriyev was sentenced to three years in prison for marijuana possession, a charge he denied. Russian and international activists have said he was punished for his critical writing about Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov.



In December 2016, a Tyumen region court sentenced Aleksei Kungurov to 2 1/2 years in prison for "publicly justifying terrorism" for a blog post he wrote criticizing Russia's intervention in the war in Syria.

In 2011, former Interior Ministry Major Igor Matveyev was convicted in Vladivostok of "abuse of office" and sentenced to four years in prison for posting a video in which he claimed that Interior Ministry troops in the Far East were being given dog food to eat.

Although investigators later justified his claim, he served his entire sentence and was released in 2016.

Trashing An Airport

We'll end this list with a case that is a little bit different. In December 2016, a viral video showed a driver smashing into an airport terminal in Kazan, and driving through it for hundreds of meters. The man caused 6 million rubles ($100,000) in damages and injured several airport security officials.

According to police reports, the driver was under the influence of drugs and 3.9 grams of marijuana were found in the vehicle at the time. Yet just two days after the incident, a district court sentenced the man -- whose name, for some reason, has never been released -- to just 15 days of administrative detention on charges of violating traffic rules, endangerment, and drug-trafficking.
A Russian court has convicted the former director of Moscow's Ukrainian Literature Library of inciting hatred in a ruling that Amnesty International said displayed "utter contempt for the rule of law."

In a June 5 verdict that followed a closely watched trial, the Meshchansky District Court also found Natalya Sharina guilty of embezzlement and handed her a four-year suspended sentence.

The hate-crime charge against the 59-year-old librarian stemmed from the Russian state's claim that her library's collection included books that are banned in Russia as extremist, including works by Ukrainian ultranationalist Dmytro Korchynskiy. Police have have been accused of planting some of the banned books at the state-run library.

The case was steeped in the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, whose historically close ties have been torn apart by Moscow's seizure of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Sharina was detained in October 2015 amid growing animus between Moscow and Kyiv over Russia's illegal annexation of the Black Sea peninsula and its involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine, which has killed more than 9,900 people.

In April 2016, investigators additionally charged her with embezzlement, claiming that she used library funds to pay for her legal defense in a separate extremism case against her that was dismissed in 2013.

Her lawyer said the authorities had "trumped up" the new charges after realizing their initial case against Sharina was too weak.

Sharina, who was under pretrial house arrest for most of the time after she was detained, has rejected all the allegations as politically motivated. The respected Russian human rights group Memorial considered her a political prisoner.

"This highly politicized case runs totally counter to justice and highlights serious flaws in the independence of Russias judiciary. Natalya Sharina should not have been prosecuted, still less convicted," Denis Krivosheev, deputy director for Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International, said following the verdict.

"The prosecution has exploited the highly charged anti-Ukrainian atmosphere that is prevalent in Russia at the moment, while the court simply dismissed key evidence for the defense, including testimonies that police officers were seen planting the banned books at the library," an Amnesty statement quoted him as saying.

On May 29, the state prosecutor asked the judge to find Sharina guilty and give her a five-year suspended sentence.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, Rapsinews, TASS, and Interfax
A man in the Russian region of Tatarstan has been awarded compensation after a court found that he had been tortured by police.

The region's Supreme Court on June 5 awarded the victim, who was not identified, 70,000 rubles ($1,250) in moral damages, increasing the amount from the 20,000 rubles awarded by a lower court.

The victim originally sought 750,000 rubles.

According to the court findings, on February 8, 2016, police Lieutenant Aidar Salmanov applied an electric shock to the victim 21 times in an attempt to extract a confession to robbery from him.

Salamonov was convicted of abuse of office in October 2016 and given a five-year suspended prison sentence.

In addition, he was barred from working in law enforcement for the same period.
Over the past five years, Iranian officials and state media have touted the "indigenous" ingenuity in the Islamic republic's mass-produced Mohajer-6 combat drone, which Russia has deployed in its war against Ukraine.

But a new investigation by Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, has found that electronic components underpinning Tehran's production of the Mohajer-6 are far from homegrown.



The Mohajer-6 drones contain components produced by companies from the United States and the European Union, both of which have sanctions restricting the export to Iran of such technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes  dual-use technology.

The presence of these components in the Mohajer-6 does not mean their producers are in violation of U.S. or EU sanctions, and RFE/RL does not have evidence that this is the case.

The investigation also found Mohajer-6 components produced in China, including a real-time mini-camera made by a Hong Kong firm that said it was "very sorry" that its products were being used in war.

At least one major foreign-produced component of the Mohajer-6 has previously been identified by reporters in a Mohajer-6 recovered from the battlefield by the Ukrainian military: an engine made by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of the Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products.

But Ukrainian intelligence assesses that the Iranian combat drone contains components from nearly three dozen different technology companies based in North America, the EU, Japan, and Taiwan, the Schemes investigation has found. A majority of these companies are based in the United States.



A Schemes reporter who personally inspected the foreign-made drone parts identified components produced by at least 15 of these manufacturers.

These include parts made by the U.S. technology firm Texas Instruments, which said in a statement that it does not sell into Russia or Iran and complies with applicable laws and regulations.

To identify these components, Schemes reporters examined parts of the Mohajer-6 drone that the Ukrainian military shot down over the Black Sea near the Mykolayiv region coastal town of Ochakiv. They also reviewed Ukrainian intelligence records on the sources of these components.

The drone also contains a microchip bearing the logo of a California technology company and a thermal-imaging camera that Ukrainian intelligence says may have been produced by a firm based in Oregon or China.

Both Western officials and experts on illicit technology transfers say Iran has built a broad, global procurement network using front companies and other proxies in third countries to obtain dual-use technology from the United States and the EU.

"Exporters will look at the request coming from the [United Arab Emirates] or another third country, and they'll think that they're selling to an end user based there, when really the end user is in Iran," Daniel Salisbury, a senior research fellow with the Department of War Studies at King's College London, told RFE/RL.

In September, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions specifically targeting Iranian companies that Washington links to the production and transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for deployment in its war on Ukraine. Fighting rages with no sign of an end more than eight months after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked invasion on February 24.

"Non-Iranian, non-Russian entities should also exercise great caution to avoid supporting either the development of Iranian UAVs or their transfer, or sale of any military equipment to Russia for use against Ukraine," U.S. Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement announcing the sanctions.

Chinese Cameras, California Chips

Development of the Mohajer-6, the latest model in a series of drones Tehran has used since the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, began in 2017, while mass production began the following year. During a ceremony commemorating the Islamic Revolution, then-Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami said that the new tactical drone could perform surveillance, reconnaissance, as well as help destroy targets.

Hatami extolled what he described as the drones domestic design, a portrayal echoed in later reports by Iranian media.

"The homegrown drone was made through cooperation among the army, Defense Ministry, and Quds Aviation Industries," the English-language Tehran Times quoted an Iranian military official as saying in July 2019.

The dismantling of the Mohajer-6 drone recovered by the Ukrainian military shows that the UAV is packed with foreign components.

One of these parts is a bright-orange real-time mini-camera produced by the Hong Kong-based company RunCam Technology. Documents seen by Schemes show that Ukrainian intelligence has also identified RunCam as the producer of the camera, which likely assists in remote guidance of the drone.

Founded in 2013, RunCam is involved in the development and production of so-called "first-person-view" real-time cameras. "Our users are our friends," the company's website states. The site says that RunCam has two authorized Iranian dealers.

Reached by Schemes for comment about the use of its camera in the Iranian drone deployed by Russia in its war on Ukraine, RunCam said in an e-mailed response: "We are very sorry to know that RunCam's products were used in warfare. RunCam is specialized in producing products for model aircraft hobby. We never contact any customer related to military."

The provenance of the Mohajer-6 drone-s thermal-imaging camera is more difficult to determine. A Ukrainian intelligence assessment reviewed by Schemes indicates it could be the Ventus Hot model produced by Sierra-Olympic Technologies, based in the U.S. state of Oregon, but that it also resembles a cheaper analog available for sale by the Chinese company Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology.

Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology said in an e-mailed statement that the company did not "have any business with Iran," because "it will affect our business." The company said it specializes in marine services and is not involved in manufacturing. It also said that it did not have a single successful order for its online advertisement of the thermal-imaging camera resembling the one recovered from the Iranian drone.

Sierra-Olympic Technologies did not respond to a request for comment on the possible use of its thermal-imaging cameras in Iranian combat drones in time for publication.

Microchips recovered from the drone also featured the logos of the California-based company Linear Technology Corporation and its parent company, the Massachusetts-based semiconductor company Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI). ADI did not respond to an e-mailed request for comment on the possible use of its technology in the Iranian combat drone.

Schemes reporters also observed among the components of the Iranian drone a voltage step-down converter produced by Texas Instruments. The company said in an e-mailed statement that it "does not sell into Russia, Belarus, or Iran."

"TI complies with applicable laws and regulations in the countries where we operate, and does not support or condone the use of our products in applications they weren't designed for," Texas Instruments said.

Schemes reporters also saw several components produced by the California-based technology manufacturer Xilinx, whose parent company is the multinational semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), also based in California.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, one of these Xilinx components was integrated into a video data-link module located in the wing of the Mohajer-6 that helped carry out attack missions.

"This module transmits information from the board to the missile head. That is, guidance for the missile. With the help of this module, it was possible to guide the missile to the target," a Ukrainian military intelligence representative told Schemes.

AMD did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

'No Authorization'

Previous media reports about the components of the Mohajer-6 drone, including by CNN, have shown evidence that its engine was produced by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, whose parent company is the Quebec-based Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP).

The Canadian company responded to the reports on October 21, saying in a statement that it "has not authorized and has not given any authorization to its distributors to supply military UAV manufacturers in Iran or Russia."

"As soon as we were made aware of this situation, we started an investigation to determine the source of the engines," BRP said. .

But Schemes reporters found that the authorized Rotax distributor listed on the Austrian manufacturer's website advertised itself as a Rotax aircraft engines distributor for Iran as recently as December 2020.

The distributor, the Italian company Luciano Sorlini S.p.a., has posted multiple magazine advertisements on its websites in which it describes itself as a Rotax distributor for numerous countries. Prior to January 2021, Iran was listed among these countries.

The Rotax website also lists a Tehran-based company -- MahtaWing -- as an official service center for its engines. The company, known in Persian as Mahtabal, conducts repairs of Rotax engines, including the Rotax 912 iS, the engine that was found in the Mohajer-6 combat drone recovered in Ukraine.

BRP said in an e-mailed statement on November 4 that while Luciano Sorlini S.p.a. is the appointed distributor of Rotax aircraft engines in Iran, "since 2019, no Rotax engines have been sold in Iran, and we will not sell any engines to Iran moving forward."

The Canadian company said it had "internal controls" that "significantly" restrict the sale of its products for military purposes.

"For example, the sale of any BRP product to operators with any military activity in Iran, Turkey, and Russia is strictly prohibited," BRP said. "We conduct our business in compliance with all EU, Canadian, and U.S. applicable regulations."

BRP described the Iranian company MahtaWing as a "local service center" that "offers maintenance services for previously sold aircraft engines."

Shahriar Siami of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report.
The Power Vertical is a blog written especially for Russia wonks and obsessive Kremlin watchers by Brian Whitmore. It offers Brian's personal take on emerging and developing trends in Russian politics, shining a spotlight on the high-stakes power struggles, machinations, and clashing interests that shape Kremlin policy today. Check out The Power Vertical Facebook page or Follow @PowerVertical
A team of open-source researchers investigating the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 has published reports linking the movements of Russian military equipment to the planes downing.

The reports, released on June 5 by Bellingcat, track the locations of vehicles including the Buk missile launcher that the British-based research group says was involved in the July 2014 downing of MH17.

Focusing on information gleaned from drivers, Bellingcat published censored photos of drivers and the convoys of trucks that it alleges moved the equipment into place in the weeks before the airliner crashed during a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

"An uncensored version of the report including full names and uncensored photographs has been shared with the MH17 Joint Investigation Team (JIT)," Bellingcat said, referring to the international team that has investigated the crash.

Bellingcat's previous reports had already identified Russias 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade as being the likely source of the missile that investigators say brought down the jet.

But the new reports add to a growing body of circumstantial evidence suggesting Russian complicity. This includes personal information about Russian military officers and enlisted soldiers who Bellingcat alleges specifically knew of, and possibly even manned, the Buk-M1 surface-to-air missile system believed to have brought down MH17.

International media, including the Associated Press, have pinpointed Buk-M1 systems in the eastern Ukrainian town of Snizhne on the day of the planes downing, and accompanying soldiers who spoke with accents that seemed to be from Moscow and other regions in Russia.

Russian Denials, Alternate Theories

Russia has strenuously denied the fighters it supports in eastern Ukraine were responsible or that it supplied the missile system. A leading separatist commander initially appeared to take credit for firing a missile and downing a Ukrainian jet, but those claims on social media were later removed.

Russian officials have also put forth myriad alternate theories, including claims that MH17 was downed by a missile fired from a Ukrainian fighter jet, in what Kremlin critics say is a disinformation campaign aimed to muddy the waters.

The 298 victims of the MH17 crash, many of whom were Dutch, are among at least 9,900 people the UN says have been killed since the conflict between the Russia-backed separatists and Kyiv's forces began in eastern Ukraine in April 2014.

The conflict broke out as Russia, which seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March 2014, was fomenting separatism across eastern and southern Ukraine after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia in the face of protests.
The World Bank has forecast Russian economic growth at a 1.3 percent rate in 2017, helped by improving consumption in the country, which is recovering from a two-year recession.

The World Bank report released on June 4 said it sees Russian growth edging up to 1.4 percent in 2018. Growth in 2016 was negative 0.2 percent.

"Russia is emerging from recession, with a diminishing contraction of consumer demand amid increasing price and currency stability, and a positive contribution from exports, the report said.

It added, though, that reduced access to international markets could slow Russian growth. Moscow has been hit by sanctions imposed by Western countries for its interference in eastern Ukraine and its illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

It added that the reduction in "adverse spillover" from recessions in Russia and Ukraine should benefit nearby countries, such as Belarus, Moldova, and Georgia.

"The recession in Belarus shows some signs of abating, amid tailwinds from the Russian recovery. Growth momentum in Croatia, Moldova, and Serbia is steady around potential growth," it said.

However, it said growth in Ukraine is seen slipping to 2.0 percent from 2.3 percent last year.

"Renewed conflict in Ukraine is already taking a toll, and is manifested in weak industrial production data," it said.

Ukraines declining growth rate for 2017 is nevertheless an improvement from the negative 6.6 percent rate in 2014 and negative 9.8 percent in 2015.

The report said Kazakhstans economy will likely grow at a 2.4 percent rate this year and 2.6 percent in 2018. Growth in 2016 was 1.0 percent.

Strengthening oil prices and an "accommodative macroeconomic policy stance" will aid economic activity in Kazakhstan, it added.

Worldwide, the report said economic growth will reach 2.7 percent in 2017, up from 2.4 percent in 2016 and helped by an increase in manufacturing and trade, rising market confidence, and stabilizing commodity prices.

It warned, though, that new trade restrictions "could derail the welcome rebound in global trade."

The United States is projected to grow at a 2.1 percent rate, up from 1.6 percent in 2016.
Engineering researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed the most detailed and extensive local map of air pollution ever produced for an urban area, using specially equipped Google Street View cars to measure air quality on a block-by-block basis. This new hyper-local mobile approach to measuring air quality, which reveals that air pollution can vary dramatically even within a single city block, could address major air quality monitoring gaps worldwide.

The research team was led by Cockrell School of Engineering assistant professor Joshua Apte in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Google and Aclima, a California-based provider of environmental sensors. By integrating Aclima's sensor system into Google Street View cars, the team mapped air pollution in 78 square miles of Oakland, California, over an entire year, collecting one of the largest data sets of air pollution ever measured of single city streets. This new technique maps urban air pollution at 100,000 times greater spatial resolution than is possible with traditional government air quality monitors. Their approach and findings were published this week in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. The study included co-authors from the University of Washington, University of British Columbia, Utrecht University, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Aclima and EDF.

The team believes that their hyper-local mobile measurement system could be implemented in many cities throughout the world, providing detailed air quality information for citizens, families, local governments and scientists. The new technique could address major air quality monitoring gaps worldwide and has the potential to transform the way air pollution is monitored in urban areas as well as shed light on the health effects on city dwellers.

Air pollution is a major global risk factor for illness and death, and the air pollution that people are breathing can be, at times, far worse than what official air quality monitors report. Most large urban areas have only one air quality monitor for every 100 to 200 square miles. In comparison, the UT Austin team's mobile approach maps air pollution every 100 feet, or at about four to five locations along a single city block.

"Air pollution varies very finely in space, and we can't capture that variation with other existing measurement techniques," Apte said. "Using our approach and analysis techniques, we can now visualize air pollution with incredible detail. This kind of information could transform our understanding of the sources and impacts of air pollution."

In many locations, the team's Google cars measured air pollution levels that were several times higher than at Oakland's official monitors. In their analysis, the researchers also identified many recurring hotspots where pollution on a single block was consistently much higher than elsewhere in a neighborhood. These pollution hotspots included the port, busy intersections, restaurants, warehouses, industrial plants and vehicle dealerships.

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"What surprised us is that there are consistently locations that can be as much as six times more polluted on one end of the block than on the other," said Kyle Messier, a UT Austin postdoctoral fellow and a co-author of the study. "Among other things, this demonstrates that people are getting disproportionate exposures of unhealthy air at some locations."

This project is the latest phase of a partnership between EDF and Google, who have been working together since 2012 to map and measure a growing list of health and environmental risks, including hidden leaks from local natural gas systems.

"Air pollution is largely an invisible threat, one that poses especially disproportionate risks in lower-income areas like West Oakland. This new method allows us to visualize the data so communities and policymakers can identify the sources of harmful pollution and take action to improve safety and health," said Steven Hamburg, EDF's chief scientist.

The study's approach was designed to be cost-effective and easily replicated. For instance, research partner Aclima designed pollution sensing systems that made it straightforward to collect high-quality air pollution data on moving vehicles day after day. Driving more than 14,000 miles, the Google cars collected 3 million measurements of nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and black carbon pollutants in Oakland, generating the largest urban air quality data set of its kind.

As the study's principal investigators, UT Austin's contributions included:

Designing the data collection approach and directing where the cars drove on a daily basis.

Developing data analysis algorithms to produce block-by-block maps of street-level air pollution from measurements made by passing Street View cars.

Identifying neighborhood hotspots of air pollution.

Determining how this approach could be efficiently scaled up to other urban areas.

In the future, Apte hopes to take this mobile air quality monitoring approach to other major cities to help formulate a hyper-local map of air pollution in the United States that could help people make more informed decisions.

"You could use this information when you're picking a school for your kids. Is there a school with a playground that might have better air quality because your kid has asthma?" Apte said. "This hyper-local information about consistent air quality can be really useful for people, especially those who are vulnerable because of age or health condition."
Ask Elizabeth Bowen about the intersection of homelessness and HIV/AIDS in the United States and she'll respond without hesitation, "Housing equals health."

That conclusion seemed clear to Bowen, assistant professor in the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, during the four years she worked in a supportive housing program in Chicago, Illinois. Now as a UB researcher she has published a study that empirically supports what she experienced on the ground.

"Supportive housing, a program of rental assistance and support services, is associated with improvements in the health outcomes of previously homeless people living with HIV/AIDS," she says.

"Without stable housing it's hard to achieve these good health outcomes."

The study, which appears in the journal AIDS Care, relied on biometric data that predicts how effectively the body combats the virus.

Prior to publishing their journal article, the team presented their preliminary findings at the 2016 International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa.

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Bowen and her coauthors examined two indicators of health: CD4 count, sometimes called T-cells, which show how well the immune system is working, and viral load, an indicator of the amount of virus particles in a person's blood. A person with a very low viral load may be described as having achieved viral suppression.

"The percentage of participants in our study with a healthy CD4 count and viral suppression improved significantly during their time in the program," says Bowen. "The positive relationship between length of program stay and viral suppression suggests that housing stability is key to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in supportive housing maintaining or improving their health."

Homelessness and HIV/AIDS overlap often in the United States, according to Bowen.

Approximately one in 12 PLWHA has an unmet need for housing. And although thousands of formerly homeless or unstably housed HIV-positive people live in supportive housing, little research has examined biometric changes in their HIV health outcomes after they become housed.

Bowen says a few previous studies have reported positive health outcomes for PLWHA in supportive housing, but those studies relied on small samples. A larger recent study in San Francisco reported promising findings from a single-site supportive housing program with on-site nursing care.

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Bowen's research analyzed a scattered-site program, where participants receive rental assistance while living in apartments of their choosing in a given community.

"We're about 35 years into the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and we've reached a point medically where this is no longer a fatal diagnosis -- but only if PLWHA have access to health care and housing," says Bowen, an expert in health and homelessness and the study's lead author.

Homeless people, due in part to certain risk behaviors, are more likely to become HIV positive than those with stable housing. In turn, those with HIV/AIDS, with its associated impact on health, employment and relationships, are more likely to become homeless than the general population.

The study grew out of an opportune meeting between Bowen and representatives of Caracole, a social service agency in Cincinnati, Ohio, whose programs include a HUD-funded supportive housing model called Shelter Plus Care.

Part of the challenge in studying the relationship between housing and health is how researchers can gather the required data.

In this case, Caracole had the data on their program participants, who voluntarily provided reports from their medical providers at periodic intervals. That data was part of Caracole's own program evaluation process, but the agency didn't have the resources to determine the larger story that unfolded within the numbers.

"I was excited about this partnership because this is exactly the kind of social work I did before becoming a researcher," says Bowen. "This study speaks to the power of these collaborations when agencies collect the information that researchers want to analyze."
Physicists from the University of Liverpool have made a huge step forwards towards building a novel experiment to probe the "dark contents" of the vacuum. What we see, normal matter and light, only accounts for a about 5% of the universe. Understanding the remaining 95% (the dark content) remains of the greatest challenges for fundamental physics in the 21st Century.

A novel experiment to probe the dark universe was co-initiated by Dr Jon Coleman, a Royal Society Research Fellow in the University's Department of Physics, together with Nobel Laureate Martin Perl (a visiting Professor at the University of Liverpool from 2011, until his passing in 2014). The unique experiment relies on "quantum interferometry" using ultra cold atoms. This is based on one of the most challenging modern experimental techniques of cold atoms (itself awarded a Nobel prize in 1997), called atom interferometry.

In a paper released to ArXiv, the research group present their results demonstrating interference, using low cost equipment and sophisticated control systems which are a synthesis of their work at Stanford, electronics expertise from the T2K neutrino experiment in Japan, and motivated by a vision for a new way to probe the universe.

There are only a handful of working atom interferometers in Europe and none configured to probe the dark universe. This marks a great advance in the university's ability to use the quantum nature of atoms.

Liverpool Physicist, Dr Jon Coleman, said: "This is certainly one of the most difficult things that I have attempted and has taken years of dedication. This would never have been possible without the fantastic team of staff and graduate students that are involved in the project, and the encouragement from my colleagues. We are excited because this apparatus can be used for so many things as well as probing for dark energy. Potential applications range from navigation to gravity scanning."

Professor Themis Bowcock, Head of the University's Particle Physics group, commented: "This is a critical new addition to way that fundamental physics will be done in the next decades. This technique could be as important as utilization of accelerators at CERN.

"We want Liverpool to be at the forefront of developing these technologies for studying the cosmos. We are very proud to be able to have given Jon the intellectual room, and the support, to complete the first stage of his programme."

Quantum Technology is estimated at a 1billion industry for the UK and quantum technologies are expected to have applications across multiple future multi-billion-pound industries in many markets and sectors.

Find more information at: https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.09376
A landmark 30-year-long UNSW Sydney study of wetlands in eastern Australia has found that construction of dams and diversion of water from the Murray-Darling Basin have led to a more than 70 per cent decline in waterbird numbers.

The finding of severe degradation in the basin due to reduced water flow has significant implications for managing the development of other rivers in Australia and around the world.

"Our study is the first long-term and large-scale assessment of the impacts of dams and diverting water from the rivers and wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin," says study lead author UNSW Professor Richard Kingsford.

"For more than 30 years we have carried out an annual aerial survey of waterbirds in an area covering almost a third of the continent. Our analysis of this unique dataset shows there has been severe degradation of the rivers and wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin during this period.

"By comparison, we found no signs of degradation in the rivers and wetlands in the undeveloped Lake Eyre Basin," he says.

The study is published in the journal Global Change Biology.

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The Murray-Darling Basin is Australia's most developed river basin, with 240 dams that store almost 30,000 gigalitres of water. By comparison, the Lake Eyre Basin further inland, which is a similar size, is one of the country's least developed, with only one dam holding 14 gigalitres of water.

The researchers compared trends in the numbers of waterbirds, including Australian pelicans, black swans, different duck species and shorebirds, across both basins, as well as separately in their main river systems and key wetlands.

They identified a 72 per cent decline in waterbird numbers during the 32 years between 1983 and 2014 in the Murray-Darling Basin, with declines in more than half of the species of waterbirds surveyed. By contrast, waterbird numbers in the Lake Eyre Basin did not change significantly.

The team found that river flows and waterbird numbers were closely linked, indicating reduced water flow due to dam construction and water diversion for irrigation was the primary reason for the long-term declines in waterbirds in the Murray-Darling Basin.

"By grouping waterbirds, such as plant-eating birds and fish-eating birds, we showed that the degradation affected a wide range of different plants and animals in the wetlands; declines in these waterbirds means their food levels are also falling," says Professor Kingsford, who is Director of the UNSW Centre for Ecosystem Science.

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The research team identified some impacts of duck hunting in southern Australia but these were not as strong as the effects of diverting water from the rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin.

"The key aspect of our study which gives us considerable confidence in our findings is that we were able to show that river flows and waterbird numbers were closely related, despite a range of other factors we examined, including the effect of duck hunting," says study co-author and UNSW research fellow Dr Gilad Bino.

The study also examines the impact of increased environmental flows provided under the Murray-Darling Basin plan. Although more water could lead to about an 18 per cent recovery in waterbird numbers, the team found this could be reduced to only a 1 per cent increase as a result of long-term climate change, which is not adequately considered in the plan for the Basin.

Last year, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority recommended a reduction in environmental flows of 70 gigalitres per year from the Darling River catchments, including a reduction of environmental flows to the internationally important Macquarie Marshes, which the study shows have also suffered a long-term decline in waterbird numbers across most species.

"This reduction in environmental flows would exacerbate the long-term impacts of water resource development," says Professor Kingsford. "The importance of environmental flows for the rivers and wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin cannot be underestimated; they are critical for such wetlands as the Macquarie Marshes where we have international responsibilities."

As one of the few studies in the world to examine the effects of river and wetland degradation over a long time period and wide area, the results allow the team to warn of the long-term impacts of new dams on rivers in other areas and countries.

"It is not just the waterbirds that are affected, but also the quality of the rivers and the services they provide to downstream communities, such as fish populations and river red gums, " says Professor Kingsford.

"This study rings alarm bells for the Australian and Queensland governments currently pushing to establish irrigation in Northern Australia. Clearly the building of dams and diversion of water will devastate our tropical wetlands, which are so important for the many ecosystem services they provide, including to future tourism and aboriginal communities."

Watch a short video on the research here: https://youtu.be/OYJKPg63r7o
Most bird chicks need parental care to survive. In biparental species the chicks have greater chances of success if both parents participate in this task, especially under hostile situations. An international team of scientists has revealed that when temperatures rise, males and females in pairs of plovers shift incubation more frequently.

Climate change causes ecological variation and affects the lives of animals. The ever-earlier springs and later autumns caused by rising temperatures cause changes to animals' physiology, breeding seasons and even population distributions. However, little is still known about how animals behave in response to these disturbances.

A team of scientists, working in collaboration with the Donana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), has studied the influence of climate change on incubation in plovers (Charadrius spp.), a genus of shorebirds spread over six continents, with a total of 33 species.

Many plover species nest on the ground in sites where there is no plant cover to detect more easily approaching predators, but where their nests receive direct sunlight.

"This can represent a significant challenge," as indicated by Juan A. Amat, a researcher at the EBD and one of the authors of the study, which was published recently in the journal Global Ecology and Biogeography.

The scientist adds that the situation can become complicated for birds in the middle of the day, "when incubating adults may not be able to tolerate the high temperatures." Typically, the optimum temperature adults provide for embryonic development is 35-39 C.

"In many bird species where both mates participate in incubation, one sex, generally the female, incubates by day, while the other (the male) does it by night," Amat explains. However, under hot conditions greater cooperation would be needed between males and females.

Males participate in daytime incubation

One solution under changing climates would be to shorten the duration of incubation shifts between the sexes. The paper, which was led by the University of Bath (United Kingdom), analysed the behaviour of 36 populations of 12 plover species. Its results reveal that male plovers assist the females during daytime incubation.

"Males' participation in daytime incubation increases both with ambient temperature and with as the variability of maximum temperatures during the incubation period," the expert stresses.

The research demonstrates that a rise in temperature changes these bird pairs' behaviour and their daily routine in terms of nest attendance. "This flexibility of parental cooperation would facilitate responses to the impact of climate change on populations' reproductive biology," explains Amat, who considers that the reason behind the male's increased help is the need to better protect the embryos from extreme conditions.

Previous studies have confirmed that environmental instability has an influence on the early stage of reproduction and the lives of birds, and that unpredictable variations in the environment also affect how bird pairs cooperate in caring for their offspring. The conclusion of this new paper is that climate variations strongly influence parental cooperation.
A newly discovered Jupiter-like world is so hot that it's stretching the definition of the word "planet."

With a day-side temperature of 4,600 Kelvin (more than 7,800 degrees Fahrenheit), planet KELT-9b is hotter than most stars, and only 1,200 Kelvin (about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler than our own sun.

In this week's issue of the journal Nature and at a presentation at the American Astronomical Society spring meeting, an international research team led by astronomers at The Ohio State University and Vanderbilt University describes a planet with some very unusual features.

For instance, it's a gas giant 2.8 times more massive than Jupiter but only half as dense, because the extreme radiation from its host star has caused its atmosphere to puff up like a balloon. And because it is tidally locked to its star -- as the Moon is to Earth -- the day side of the planet is perpetually bombarded by stellar radiation, and as a result is so hot that molecules such as water, carbon dioxide, and methane can't form there. The properties of the night side are still mysterious -- molecules may be able to form there, but probably only temporarily.

"It's a planet by any of the typical definitions based on mass, but its atmosphere is almost certainly unlike any other planet we've ever seen just because of the temperature of its day side," said Scott Gaudi, professor of astronomy at The Ohio State University and a leader of the study.

KELT-9b orbits a star, dubbed KELT-9, which is more than twice as large and nearly twice as hot as our sun. Keivan Stassun, a professor of physics and astronomy at Vanderbilt who directed the study with Gaudi said, "KELT-9 radiates so much ultraviolet radiation that it may completely evaporate the planet. Or, if gas giant planets like KELT-9b possess solid rocky cores as some theories suggest, the planet may be boiled down to a barren rock, like Mercury."

That is, if the star doesn't grow to engulf it first. "KELT-9 will swell to become a red giant star in about a billion years," said Stassun. "The long-term prospects for life, or real estate for that matter, on KELT-9b are not looking good."

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Given that its atmosphere is constantly blasted with high levels of ultraviolet radiation, the planet may even be shedding a tail of evaporated planetary material like a comet, Gaudi added.

While Gaudi and Stassun spend a lot of time developing missions designed to find habitable planets in other solar systems, the scientists said there's a good reason to study worlds that are unlivable in the extreme.

"As has been highlighted by the recent discoveries from the MEarth collaboration, the planet around Proxima Centauri, and the astonishing system discovered around TRAPPIST-1, the astronomical community is clearly focused on finding Earthlike planets around small, cooler stars like our sun. They are easy targets and there's a lot that can be learned about potentially habitable planets orbiting very low-mass stars in general. On the other hand, because KELT-9b's host star is bigger and hotter than the sun, it complements those efforts and provides a kind of touchstone for understanding how planetary systems form around hot, massive stars," Gaudi said.

Stassun added, "As we seek to develop a complete picture of the variety of other worlds out there, it's important to know not only how planets form and evolve, but also when and under what conditions they are destroyed."

How was this new planet found?

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In 2014, astronomers using the KELT-North telescope at Winer Observatory in Arizona noticed a tiny drop in the star's brightness -- only about half of one percent -- that indicated that a planet may have passed in front of the star. The brightness dipped once every 1.5 days, which means the planet completes a "yearly" circuit around its star every 1.5 days.

Subsequent observations confirmed the signal to be due to a planet, and revealed it to be what astronomers call a "hot Jupiter" -- the ideal kind of planet for the KELT telescopes to spot.

KELT is short for "Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope." Astronomers at Ohio State, Vanderbilt University, and Lehigh University jointly operate two KELTs (one each in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres) in order to fill a large gap in the available technologies for finding extrasolar planets.

Other telescopes are designed to look at very faint stars in much small sections of the sky, and at very high resolution. The KELTs, in contrast, look at millions of very bright stars at once, over broad sections of sky, and at low resolution.

It's a low-cost means of planet hunting, using mostly off-the-shelf technology: whereas a traditional astronomical telescope costs millions of dollars to build, the hardware for a KELT telescope runs less than $75,000.

"This discovery is a testament to the discovery power of small telescopes, and the ability of citizen scientists to directly contribute to cutting-edge scientific research," said Joshua Pepper, astronomer and assistant professor of physics at Lehigh University, who built the two KELT telescopes.

The astronomers hope to take a closer look at KELT-9b with other telescopes -- including Spitzer, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and eventually the James Webb Space Telescope. Observations with HST would enable them to see if the planet really does have a cometary tail, and allow them to determine how much longer that planet will survive its current hellish condition.

Study co-authors from Ohio State include Daniel J. Stevens, Marshall C. Johnson, Matthew Penney, Andrew Gould and Richard Pogge, all of the Department of Astronomy.

American partner institutions include Vanderbilt University, Fisk University, Pennsylvania State University, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, University of Notre Dame, Lehigh University, NASA Ames Research Center, Bay Area Environmental Research Institute, Swarthmore College, IPAC, Brigham Young University, University of California-Santa Cruz, University of Wyoming, Louisiana State University, University of Louisville, Spot Observatory in Nashville, Westminster College, Kutztown University, University of Hawaii, University of Washington, Texas A&M University, Wellesley College, and Winer Observatory in Sonoita, AZ. International team members are from Denmark, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Switzerland, Australia, Germany and South Africa.

The study was largely funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through an NSF CAREER Grant, NSF PAARE Grant and an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Additional support came from NASA via the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Exoplanet Exploration Program; the Harvard Future Faculty Leaders Postdoctoral Fellowship; Theodore Dunham, Jr., Grant from the Fund for Astronomical Research; and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Coral reefs face intensifying struggles as greenhouse gases warm and acidify the ocean, but new research suggests a potential silver lining: Some coral diseases might also dwindle amid environmental change.

A controlled lab study led by Mote Marine Laboratory and published June 1 in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE revealed that black band disease was less deadly to mountainous star coral (Orbicella faveolata) as water acidified, or decreased in pH.

Scientists from Mote and the University of South Carolina, and students from the University of Rhode Island, University of New Hampshire, University of Hawaii and Unity College in Maine conducted the study with funding from the Dart Foundation and the Protect Our Reefs grants program supported by sales of the Protect Our Reefs specialty license plate (www.motereefplate.com). Student contributions were supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and Mote College Internship Scholarships.

The ocean's pH is decreasing through the process of ocean acidification (OA) driven by excess carbon dioxide, the same greenhouse gas driving temperature increases worldwide. OA may weaken or dissolve corals' hard skeletons and cause other changes in multiple marine species. Warming water stresses corals, causing them to lose the vital algae in their tissues. Coral diseases, another major threat, may worsen in corals stressed by warming water temperatures, but few studies have examined how these diseases could change amid low pH levels expected with OA.

The new study is the first to examine how low pH water affects black band -- a fast-progressing, often deadly, worldwide coral disease affecting at least 42 coral species in the Caribbean alone. Affected species include mountainous star coral, a major contributor to the reef system of the Florida Keys and listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Black band, a variable group of multiple bacteria species, forms a dark circle that spreads across a coral, killing it.

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"Mountainous star coral only grows a couple of millimeters a year, and black band can kill a hundred-year-old coral within weeks," said Dr. Erinn Muller, lead author and Manager of Mote's Coral Health and Disease Research Program.

At a very small scale, black band produces a lower pH environment than its surroundings -- localized acidification. "In the lab, we thought that exposing an infected coral to acidified water would accelerate the virulence of this disease, but to our surprise, the opposite happened," Muller said.

During 2013 lab work at Mote's Summerland Key campus, the researchers inoculated 32 mountainous star coral fragments with black band disease, placing some in tanks with temperature and pH similar to present-day ocean water, and others into tanks with elevated temperature, lowered pH or both -- using year-2100 projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Fifth Assessment Report.

"These experimental studies in the lab are extremely important -- they give us a glimpse into the potential future for our reefs," said Mote's Ocean Acidification Research Program manager, Dr. Emily Hall. She oversees research in Mote's Ocean Acidification Flow-through Experimental Raceway Unit on Summerland Key, which was established thanks to an NSF grant. "With ocean acidification, not every organism is affected the same way. It's important for managers of marine protected areas to know how the impacts might vary."

The researchers carefully monitored the water conditions and photographed and measured the coverage of black band for 16 days; by then, some coral fragments had perished completely from the disease. The team sampled black band bacteria and the corals' natural resident bacteria -- some of which contribute to the coral immune system -- and sequenced their 16S rRNA gene, which helps classify bacteria into scientific categories.

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Their analysis revealed a surprise:

"Though warmer temperatures didn't significantly affect the progression of black band disease in this time period, the low pH treatment did -- it slowed the progression rate of the disease by 25 percent," Muller said. "It took us awhile to believe it."

Skeptical, Muller and colleagues ran similar tests with other coral species apart from the mountainous star coral in the current study. The mountainous star coral showed the clearest trend, but data from other species suggested similar patterns.

How might acidification slow down black band disease?

"Black band disease has a very distinct consortium of microbes, and it seems that lowered pH affected different microbes in different ways," said study partner Dr. Kim Ritchie Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina at Beaufort. "The abundance of one significant member of the consortium went down."

Specifically, acidified water reduced the abundance of Oscillatoriophycidae, a class of cyanobacteria that often dominates black band disease. These bacteria carry pigments that give the disease its distinct color. Though these bacteria live in the already-acidified environment of black band, past studies by others suggest that cyanobateria can decline if the water becomes acidified beyond their tolerance limits.

"There were also shifts in the corals' own microbial community, but none that explained the change in the disease," Muller said. "What happened in the black band itself, a reduction in the main contributor to the disease consortium, was likely a better explanation."

"One of our next steps is to study how low pH influences the very small scale conditions in the microenvironment of black band disease as the outside environment changes," Muller said.

The researchers also seek to expand and replicate the study in more facilities, with more detail, longer timeframes, more coral species and more diseases. No single lab study can simulate all the complexities of projected ocean acidification impacts, but important advances are on the horizon. Mote opened its new Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3) in May 2017 on Summerland Key, Florida. This 19,000-square foot facility includes new labs for enhanced ocean acidification research, thanks in large part to a donation from the Alfred and Ann Goldstein Foundation, which allowed Mote to establish its Alfred Goldstein Institute for Climate Change Studies.

In the field, Muller and others are investigating possible methods to control the spread of black band on wild corals.

The new PLOS ONE study benefited from the hard work of interns in the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and Mote's extensive college internship program. Through the study, University of St. Andrews undergrad intern Keir Macartney co-authored his first peer-reviewed journal article and found new directions for his career.

"My experience with Mote drove me toward coral reefs; it was awesome," said Macartney, a diver now earning his doctorate from the University of New Hampshire, studying sponges on deeper-water reefs. With two summers of work on the PLOS ONE study, Macartney articulates the clear take-home message:

"Ocean acidification will still have negative impacts ecologically, but it may not destabilize reefs in exactly the ways we expect," Macartney said. "Considering how the microbial communities changed in this study, I think ocean acidification can do things that will really surprise us."
Research from a University of Illinois expert who studies identity and meaning in occupations and organizations says a purposeful increase of female representation in the managerial ranks of the male-dominated profession of engineering may foster some unintended consequences, and may even add another layer of sex segregation on top of the one it's meant to mitigate.

Engineering remains one of the most sex-segregated occupations in the U.S., with women representing about 15 percent of the overall engineering workforce and as little as 8 percent in specialized fields such as mechanical engineering. To account for such disparity, engineering organizations have actively sought to promote women -- so much so that female engineers are now in managerial roles in numbers disproportionate to their overall representation as employees.

But according to a new paper from M. Teresa Cardador, a professor of labor and employment relations at Illinois, engineering firms may have well-meaning intentions regarding the promotion of female engineers, but moving them into managerial roles may foster a form of "intraoccupational segregation" that appears to have unintended negative consequences.

Published in the journal Organization Science, the paper sheds light on how and why sex segregation persists despite women's increased representation in managerial and leadership ranks of engineering firms.

"There are typically two career paths in engineering organizations -- technical or managerial," Cardador said. "So you can look at it in two ways: either women are more likely to move into managerial roles in engineering firms, or they're less likely to stay in technical roles. There are many men who pursue the managerial path as well, and women are still underrepresented at the highest managerial levels of an organization. But the number of female engineers who choose or are ushered into the managerial career path is disproportionate to those who choose the technical path."

The paper's analysis of interviews with more than 60 engineers suggests that an inverted role hierarchy in engineering -- that is, valuing technical roles over managerial roles -- may explain these gendered career patterns and their unintended consequences.

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"In business, the highest-status positions tend to be managerial. But in engineering, technical ability is revered while management is what you do if you have good organizational and communication skills," she said.

Subsequently, management is less associated with having "technical chops," Cardador said.

"Women are stereotyped as having less technical competence in engineering, which perhaps explains why men are much more likely to remain on the technical side and women are tracked into the management side," she said.

Although women's increased access to managerial positions in male-dominated occupations should represent an important step in addressing sex segregation by helping more women to stay in engineering, it may actually run counter to the retention benefits that organizations are trying to achieve, Cardador said.

"Companies are legitimately struggling with this problem of attracting and then retaining women in the engineering field, and are making a concerted effort to correct this imbalance," Cardador said. "But in their zeal to attract and retain female engineers, they may be overcorrecting and thereby undermining what they're trying to achieve. It's good intentions gone awry."

The negative consequences for women include fostering reduced identification with engineering as an occupation; reinforcing stereotypes about women's suitability for technical work; and increasing work-life balance tensions, according to the paper.

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"From an identity perspective, some women reported that taking the managerial path allowed them to experience perceptions of enhanced role fit -- the sense that they enjoyed and were well-suited for their work role," Cardador said. "But on the negative side, women on the managerial path described feeling mixed identification with engineering -- that is, they didn't consider themselves or feel that they were considered by others as 'real engineers' once they went over to the management side."

Having women in managerial roles also tends to validate the idea that women have "soft skills" like the ability to socialize and communicate with co-workers but lack the technical capability to be in a highly specialized role, Cardador said.

"Female engineers also encounter more subtle forms of discrimination in the forms of task-assigning," she said. "If you're a woman and you're in a project meeting, you're often the one who gets tasked with taking notes or managing follow-up communication, simply because you're seen as more organizationally and socially adroit than your male engineer counterparts."

Women also typically have more responsibility for child care outside of work, "and my research shows that managerial roles create more work-life tension because they may not have as much flexibility as technical roles," she said.

"All of these things combined -- the reduced identification with the profession, the persistent validation of stereotypes, and then these work-life balance issues -- have the potential to increase a woman's chances of leaving the profession, which may ultimately make the goal of retaining female engineers in engineering firms more tenuous."

A dearth of female engineers not only poses a problem for equal opportunity and gender equality issues, but also creates problems of "a diversity of ideas and creativity within organizations and the occupation itself," Cardador said.
One nabbed with pistols, bullets in Saptari

Police on Sunday night arrested a man in possession of two pistols and four rounds of bullets from Bodhebarsain Municipality  14 in Saptari district.
Humans have been drawing lines and circles to grasp geometrical concepts and describe the laws of nature for about 5,000 years. But most scholars have approached the history of ancient mathematical sciences through close examinations of texts and writings, an area of study called philology.

Eunsoo Lee, a PhD student in classics, hopes to expand that scholarship by tracing the changes and variations in diagrams over the course of human history.

"Diagrams can tell us a lot about visual norms of the day," Lee said. "Languages we speak affect how we think, but the visual images we draw also shape our thought."

Over the past six years, Lee has examined changes in diagrams used in Elements, a collection of 13 books on mathematical and geometric concepts attributed to Euclid, the ancient Greek mathematician who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, around 300 BCE. He is attempting to build a database of diagrams as part of his dissertation project.

From mathematics to classics

According to historians and scholars, Elements was deemed to be the most popular pre-20th-century textbook. The work, written about 2,300 years ago, was the second-most printed book after the Bible at one time.

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Lee first read Elements during his undergraduate years at Seoul National University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics.

"I was fascinated by its simple logic and structure," said Lee, a 2016-17 Geballe Dissertation Prize Fellow at the Stanford Humanities Center. The work inspired Lee to pursue the study of classics and examine the work of other ancient scientists.

Historians and classists have studied in detail the language of Elements -- which was first written on papyrus in Greek -- and how its text changed over time. But the work's diagrams, essential to its geometrical concepts, were left out of those studies.

"Until recently, no one has really examined the visual side of ancient science," said Reviel Netz, professor of classics and Lee's adviser. "You would try to recover the words that people said but you didn't try to recover the visual impact, the images."

Lee was puzzled by what he calls "a blind spot" in the study of Elements and similar ancient works, some of which changed drastically over the centuries after numerous copies and translations. Lee said this puzzlement was the seed for his dissertation project at Stanford.

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Netz called Lee's attempt to reconstruct and study the visual history of Elements unique and groundbreaking for the field of classics.

Recent scholarship has shown that diagrams are an essential part of demonstrating the scientific meaning of an argument, Netz said.

"We've come to realize just how central images are to scientific thinking," Netz said. "You do one kind of science when you assume that diagrams are precise pictures, and you do a different kind of science when diagrams are assumed to be just rough sketches."

"The changes in the diagrams reflect the culture and custom of that particular age and time," Lee said. "By examining them, we also get a better understanding of how visual knowledge has been created and transmitted."

Comparing diagrams

In the course of his project, Lee has traveled numerous times to Europe to study more than 175 copies of Elements -- from the earliest known Greek manuscript from the 9th century to the early printed editions in the 15th and 16th centuries.

As Elements was reproduced over hundreds of centuries, the work was adapted for new audiences. Examining the transmission and translation of diagrams over such a long time became a vast, challenging game for Lee.

In some cases, manuscript makers introduced errors into the diagrams that carried over to future copies. In other cases, the diagrams were meticulously transmitted and enhanced to better explain geometrical concepts to a different audience. For example, as the work's distribution increased and parchment codex replaced papyrus rolls, what was earlier presented as one complex diagram was divided into two or more simpler drawings.

"The diagrams were not merely copied and reproduced, but transmitted and transformed, reflecting the fashion and norms of each age," Lee said.

When the work was translated into Latin and Arabic from Greek, more changes were introduced. In the Arabic copies, the diagrams' orientations and letters were switched to accommodate a right-to-left reading audience.

But Lee also found that some Greek manuscripts carried the same switched diagrams. Lee said this finding is one of the most interesting discoveries he has made, because classics scholars overwhelmingly believe that Greek manuscripts precede the Arabic ones.

"I believe this suggests we have to open the possibility that some Arabic diagrams might have influenced the early Greek diagrams," Lee said.

The printing revolution in the 15th century marked a significant footprint in the history of diagrams, Lee said. The makers of the diagrams, who were previously largely unknown, became recognized as authors. The diagrams themselves became exposed to competition, he said.

"The competition naturally resulted in diagrammatic criticism and led to the invention of more practical drawing of diagrams to attract more readers," Lee said.

A 'lifelong' project

Aside from tracing the changes in diagrams themselves, Lee is also trying to develop a framework for how to distinguish them and record their differences.

"The methodology for examining diagrams remains in its infancy," Lee said. "And there is no consensus regarding how it might address the reconstruction, comparison and tracing of diagrams, which therefore are neither acknowledged nor investigated in any significant depth."

Lee hopes to continue to trace the history of visual knowledge and expand his analysis beyond Elements. But he recognizes that the task is of enormous proportions, particularly because of the need to examine a large number of ancient texts, most of which remain scattered across libraries in different countries and are available for limited viewing.

"It's a huge project," Lee said. "It's a lifelong plan."
Is it a case of nature versus nurture when it comes to two "cousin" exoplanets? In a unique experiment, scientists used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to study two "hot Jupiter" exoplanets. Because these planets are virtually the same size and temperature, and orbit around nearly identical stars at the same distance, the team hypothesized that their atmospheres should be alike. What they found surprised them.

Lead researcher Giovanni Bruno of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, explained, "What we're seeing in looking at the two atmospheres is that they're not the same. One planet -- WASP-67 b -- is cloudier than the other -- HAT-P-38 b. We don't see what we're expecting, and we need to understand why we find this difference."

The team used Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 to look at the planets' spectral fingerprints, which measure chemical composition. "The effect that clouds have on the spectral signature of water allows us to measure the amount of clouds in the atmosphere," Bruno said. "More clouds mean that the water feature is reduced." The teams found that for WASP-67 b there are more clouds at the altitudes probed by these measurements.

"This tells us that there had to be something in their past that is changing the way these planets look," said Bruno.

Today the planets whirl around their yellow dwarf stars once every 4.5 Earth days, tightly orbiting their stars closer than Mercury orbits our sun. But in the past, the planets probably migrated inward toward the star from the locations where they formed.

Perhaps one planet formed differently than the other, under a different set of circumstances. "You can say it's nature versus nurture," explains co-investigator Kevin Stevenson. "Right now, they appear to have the same physical properties. So, if their measured composition is defined by their current state, then it should be the same for both planets. But that's not the case. Instead, it looks like their formation histories could be playing an important role."

The clouds on these hot, Jupiter-like gas giants are nothing like those on Earth. Instead, they are probably alkali clouds, composed of molecules such as sodium sulfide and potassium chloride. The average temperature on each planet is more than 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit.

The exoplanets are tidally locked, with the same side always facing the parent star. This means they have a very hot day-side and a cooler night-side. Instead of sporting multiple cloud bands like Jupiter does, each probably has just one broad equatorial band that slowly moves the heat around from the day-side to the night-side.

The team is just beginning to learn what factors are important in making some exoplanets cloudy and some clear. To better understand what the planets' pasts may have been, scientists will need future observations with Hubble and the soon-to-be-launched James Webb Space Telescope.

The team's results were presented on June 5 at the 230th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Austin, Texas.
T he UK's terror threat level was today held at severe as Londoners returned to work after Saturday night's barbaric massacre in the heart of the capital.

Security chiefs decided the alert, which means an attack is highly likely, would not be raised in the wake of the attack on London Bridge and Borough Market.

A Home Office spokesman said the decision had been taken by the independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) following the atrocity in which seven died and dozens more were injured.

After the bombing in Manchester last month, the threat level was upped to critical, which means an attack is expected imminently.

Londoners return to work after London Bridge terror attacks 1 /18 Londoners return to work after London Bridge terror attacks Commuters leave London Bridge Underground Station after it was reopened following the terror attack Getty Images Commuters at London Bridge today Jeremy Selwyn Commuters at London Bridge today Jeremy Selwyn A police officer on patrol as commuters cross London Bridge with Tower Bridge in the background AFP/Getty Images Commuters leave London Bridge Station on their way to work Getty Images Pedestrians look at bouquets of flowers at a pedestrian crossing London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Commuters cross London Bridge Getty Images Commuters walk across London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Commuters fill the escalators at London Bridge Station Getty Images Commuters at London Bridge Station Getty Images Police officers stand on duty as commuters walk across London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Commuters make their way towards London Bridge after it was reopened following the terror attack Getty Images Commuters cross London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Commuters cross London Bridge PA

But on ITVs Peston on Sunday, Amber Rudd said the circumstances in the aftermath of two attacks were different.

She said: In Manchester, we had to be  the police had to be  absolutely sure that there was no additional material or explosives out there that could mean there could be a follow-up attack.

When they became satisfied of that the independent assessor of the threat level, JTAC said that it was right to come back down to severe.

We dont believe there is additional elements which could be carrying on the attack we saw last night JTAC have made that assessment, they haven't recommended going to critical.

It comes as police carry out raids on properties in east London they believe to be linked to the massacre.

Security barriers have also been installed on London's bridges as part of ramped up security efforts. The three terrorists on Saturday night drove into pedestrians on London Bridge before going on a knife rampage through Borough Market.

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

The strike bore similarities to Khalid Masood's attack in Westmister in March, when he ploughed into people on Westminster Bridge before stabbing a police officer to death outside the Houses of Parliament.

The terror threat level has only been raised to critical three times since it was first published in 2006 but has been at severe or higher since August 2014.
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PM poll put off until tomorrow

The parliamentary vote scheduled to elect the new prime minister on Sunday has been deferred till Tuesday after the main opposition CPN-UML warned of obstructing the House in protest against the Election Commissions decision
The United States has agreed to provide the Kenyan peacekeepers operating in Somalia with twelve MD530F armed scout helicopters. These will replace older MD-500D models of which only about fifteen are still operational. The MD530F is the latest model of the popular MD-500 light helicopter. Afghanistan received 27 MD530Fs between 2011 and 2016 where they succeeded despite the harsh extremes of hot and cold and high altitudes. The MD530Fs for Kenya will be armed with 12.7mm (.50 caliber) machine-gun pods as well as seven tune 70mm rocket pods. Normally one machine-gun and two rocket pods are carried. The MD530F can also carry three passengers in the back. Because of the low cost and simplicity of the MD500 the Kenyans (military and police) have been using them for decades. Most MD530Fs can fly several sorties a day doing reconnaissance and to provide ground support for troops who need some help fast.

The MD530 is the civilian version of the U.S. SOCOM (Special Operations Command) MH-6. Used for scouting and commando operations the MH-6 (and the similar AH-6) were developed from the 1960s era OH-6 light reconnaissance helicopter. Developed in the early 1980s, the MH/AH-6, or "Little Bird" is a 1.6 ton helicopter with a crew of two and a top speed of 280 kilometers an hour. Sortie length can be as long as three hours but more often are one or two hours. Nearly 5,000 MD-500 type helicopters have been built and they are particularly popular with police and military users looking to get the most for their money.

The MH/AH-6 was designed so it could be armed with two 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine-gun pods, or two 70mm rocket pods (seven or 12 rockets each) or four Hellfire missiles. The current MH-6 model is often equipped with a day/night targeting system, including a laser designator and laser guided missiles. Without weapons, the MH-6 can carry six troops (usually Special Forces operators) externally. The Kenyans had already been using TOW missiles on some of their older 500D models but the 70mm rockets (with a range of 8,000 meters) are more effective for the counterterrorism operations along the Somali border.

Earlier in 2017 the U.S. agreed to sell Kenya twelve AT-802U light attack aircraft and two AT-504s (two seat versions of the AT-802 equipped as trainers.) The deal is worth $400 million, which comes out to $28.6 million per aircraft. Without military electronics and weapons systems these aircraft cost about $4 million each. Military type sensors, electronics and weapons systems can triple that price. Add in maintenance and training contracts, spare parts, a supply of ammo plus the usual bribes for local officials and the cost per aircraft can easily get close to $30 million. The AT-802s are meant to replace Kenyas aging (and largely inoperable) F-5 jet fighters. The AT-802s became popular in Colombia after 2002 when they were militarized to aid in fighting leftist rebels and drug gangs. A growing number of Middle Eastern and African nations have adopted the armed AT-802U and found that the version equipped to fire Hellfire missiles was easy to operate and maintain and much cheaper (about $400 per flight hour) to operate that jets or helicopters (which cost at least ten times that).

The MD530Fs were also expensive and Kenya expected to get foreign aid to cover most of the cost. That, and accusations of bribery in Kenya have put both of these programs on hold for a while. While the bribery and other illegal practices are a concern, so is the work Kenyan troops are doing to deal with Islamic terrorism in Somalia and tribal lawlessness elsewhere in the region.
President Kabila openly denies promising he would allow elections to go ahead by the end of 2017 and blames lack of resources and other obstacles beyond his control. In the meantime he insists he must remain in power. Most Congolese disagree with this assessment and want Kabila and his crooked cronies gone. By law the president can only serve two terms, which he already has done and now he insists he no longer wants to change the constitution to allow him to rule longer (as in as long as he wants).

Kabila has been running the country for 17 years, having taken over from his assassinated (by one of his bodyguards) father. Congo has been in chaos since the 1990s when the senior Kabila took power during a civil war. It took over a decade of foreign aid and peacekeeping reach the point where it was possible to hold national elections and the current president won what was seen as a rigged vote. The 2006 constitution deliberately had the president limited to ten years in power (two five year terms). The idea was to prevent a return to a strong man dictatorship like the multi-decade tyrants so common in Africa colonial rule ended in the 1960s.

After the 2006 elections (the first in 40 years), accusations of cheating (which were later proven) caused angry members of losing political parties to openly protest and increasingly do it in large numbers. So did the party militias, except the militias showed up in public with lots of weapons. Not every political party has a militia but the big ones did. The militias look and act a lot like tribal militias. That is because Congolese political parties align fairly well with tribes or tribal groups. This is why keeping crowds from getting too boisterous is important. If fighting erupts and bloodletting starts, a tribal war could be a brick bashing or knife wound away. A tribal clash that can be kept low key and local is business as usual in the Congo. If it spreads, however, everyone fears a renewed civil war. For eleven years the UN peacekeepers managed, at great expense (over a billion dollars a year) to prevent the unrest from turning into a civil war.

Meanwhile more proof emerged that Kabila and his main supporters had stolen billions of dollars worth of foreign aid plus making even more from illegal mining and exporting operations. The government also imposed special taxes and fees on legitimate foreign firms and stole most of the money collected. The current government has become so corrupt that foreign aid donors are halting their contributions or insisting on more controls. The government resists more financial oversight and calls it foreign interference.

Meanwhile the growing number of political opponents forced to flee the country have learned to collect and take evidence of government corruption with them and use the foreign media to pressure foreign governments (that tolerate local firms that buy the illegal exports and bribe Congolese officials) to prosecute or at least put to shame. This makes it easier to pressure the UN into declaring Kabila a war criminal and removing him by force. That sort of thing never had a lot of support in the UN, where too many world leaders see themselves as vulnerable to similar treatment.

June 1, 2017: Apparently southwest Congo (Kasai) is Africas next hotspot. Over 600 people had died there because of tribal feuds, criminal gangs and trigger happy security forces since the end of 2016. This included 39 soldiers and 85 police officers and over 300 rebels. This figure doesnt include the estimated 400 civilians slain in Fall 2016. The government claims the rebel Kamuina Nsapu militia killed the civilians while the rebels blame the government. In early April the government declared the region to be a military zone. The conflict erupted in August 2016 when government forces killed a traditional local chief, Jean-Pierre Mpandi, who objected to government interference and called on locals to resist it. The government had appointed individuals (supporters of Kabila) from outside the region to local government posts. The locals complained that those posts were for local leaders. Thats why the Kamuina Nsapu militia accused Kabila and his government of seeking unjust political domination in the Kasai region. The fighting has displaced an estimated 1.3 million people. Many of the displaced still refuse to return to their homes and for good reason. In February the Kamuina Nsapu militia ambushed and beheaded 42 police officers outside the city of Kananga (Kasai-Central province). In late March at least 75 civilians were killed and but some investigators believe they were killed by the army. (Austin Bay)

The U.S. imposed sanctions on another Congolese official. This time it was Francois Olenga, the senior military advisor to the president who commands the Republican Guard (a well-paid military unit that does whatever needs to be done). Olenga is also involved with making illegal deals with military commanders and local warlords to keep Kabila in power. Olenga is a rich man who got that way via illegal payments for illegal services. Plus he supervised a lot of political violence (and murder). This comes as part of an international effort to sanction individuals in corrupt governments guilty of illegal acts. In Africa this is relatively easy to do because most of the corruption involves stealing money and getting it out of the Africa to safe havens in the West. The havens are often turning into prosecution and confiscation traps for the unwary and sanctioned.

May 30, 2017: President Nkurunziza of Burundi kicked 23 officers out of the army. The officers were studying for advanced degrees in three countries, Belgium, Canada and France. The officers were supposed to return in 2013 but have failed to do so.

May 29, 2017: Some 20,000 refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) have fled into Congo to escape renewed fighting and ended up in Congos Bas Uele and Ubangi provinces (which border the CAR). The fighting has displaced another 70,000 people within the CAR.

Many communities in northeast Uganda are objecting to the armys decision to withdraw 2,700 soldiers from the Karamoja region and be redeployed in Somalia. The residents are worried that Karimojong tribal cattle raiders will return. In 2001 the government deployed 10,000 soldiers to the region to provide local security and disarm Karimojong raiders. The raiders were stealing cattle, committing other thefts and occasionally ambushing vehicles. . The army collected over 43,000 weapons, many of them AK-47 rifles.

May 28, 2017: In Salamabila (eastern Congo) officials announced that a French citizen and three Congolese men kidnapped in March have now been released. They had been working at a local mine.

May 25, 2017: The Congolese government said it is opposed to an independent international criminal investigation of the March murder of two UN investigators in the Kasai region. One of the investigators were looking into reports that former government minister Clement Kanku had been involved in inciting the violence in the region.

Since early May Ugandan police have arrested 100 criminals in the capital, Kampala, who have committed crimes using machetes. The police also seized one AK-47 during the operation.

May 22, 2017: In Congo the government is once again playing the threat of violence card to justify delaying national elections. The president of Congos national election commission (CENI) said that sectarian violence may force the commission to postpone elections.

May 21, 2017: The army claimed it killed 47 rebel fighters in Kasai-Central province.

May 20, 2016: In the CAR heavy fighting has erupted between Christian and Moslem militias in the town of Bria. The fighting has so far killed 22 people. 17 of the dead were civilians not associated with the militias. An estimated 10,000 people have fled the immediate region.

May 18, 2017: In Congo (the capital Kinshasa) officials claimed that security forces have recaptured 179 criminals who escaped from the capitals Makala prison on May 17. Police in Kinshasa are asking citizens to provide them with information on escaped prisoners. Meanwhile, media are reporting 3,000 prisoners escaped.

May 17, 2017: Members of the Bundu Dia Mayala (BDM) movement attacked Kinshasa's Makala prison and freed their movements leader, Ne Muanda Nsemi. The government claimed that one policemen and five BDM attackers died in the assault. However, other sources report over 100 casualties in the incident. The government claimed another 50 prisoners also escaped in the attack. However, one escapee claimed 2,000 prisoners fled the facility. The BDM was formerly called the Bundu dia Kongo (BDK). The movement seeks the independence of the Bas-Congo region (western Congo) from the rest of Congo Its adherents have to renounce western and eastern religions. It also wants to revive the pre-colonial Kongo Kingdom.

May 16, 2017: UN peacekeepers in the CAR warned that a new wave of violence threatens the country. The capital, Bangui, is calm. However, on the night of May 13, a Christian anti-Balaka militia armed with heavy weapons attacked the peacekeeper base in the town of Bangassou. The same group also attacked a Moslem neighborhood in the town and killed 30 civilians. Local clinics treated 24 people wounded in the attack. On May 14 the militia once again attacked the peacekeeper base. Since March 1, 2017, six peacekeepers have been killed in the CAR. An estimated 150 to 170 civilians have been killed in sectarian violence.

May 12, 2017: There has been another Ebola virus outbreak in the Congo. So far there have only been nine confirmed cases and three confirmed deaths. The hot spot is Congos Bas-Uele province (northern Congo). Over 11,000 people died during the last major sub-Saharan Africa Ebola outbreak in 2014-2015. Most of the deaths were in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

May 11, 2017: Uganda has asked for $2 billion to provide aid for South Sudanese refugees living in camps within Uganda, which currently has 1.2 million refugees. Some 800,000 are from South Sudan. Uganda can provide security for the refugees and some assistance. However, it does not have sufficient food and medicine. The food shortage is already acute. Part of the $2 billion would improve and expand the physical facilities housing the refugees.

May 10, 2017: Angola said that it now has 20,000 Congolese refugees in its Lunda Norte province (northern Angola). This is 10,000 more than were present in early April. The refugees are fleeing fighting in Congos Kasai region. Angola intends to move some of the refugees to a refugee camp located in the town of Lovua.

May 9, 2017: President Kabila, in complete violation of Congos December Accord, named a new transitional government. Talks to implement the agreement ended in March. The opposition was supposed to name key members of the transitional government. Well, it didnt get to do it. Kabilas transitional government displays very little transition. Some 60 members of the new government are in Kabilas current government. Kabilas supporters still control the key ministries (foreign ministry, interior security) and the defense forces. In the December Accord, reached on December 31, 2016, the Kabila government ostensibly agreed to a timetable where Joseph Kabila would share power then eventually cede power. New elections by December 2017 were a key element in the December Accord. The agreement also specified that Kabila would not to alter the constitution and his government would free all political prisoners.

May 8, 2017: In the CAR an anti-Balaka militia attacked a UN convoy 470 kilometers east of Bangui, the CARs capital and killed four peacekeepers and wounded eight while another one remains missing. On May 6 four aid agencies announced they would temporarily suspend operations in the northern CAR due to attacks by militias.

May 6, 2017: Burundian security officials report unidentified armed men have conducted over the last two weeks in Bujumburas Kamenge neighborhood. The attackers have killed two people and wounded a dozen. Five of the wounded were injured in a grenade attack.

May 5, 2017: A criminal group in eastern Congo murdered a Congolese park ranger when his convoy was ambushed. The gang briefly kidnapped two foreign aid workers traveling in the convoy while another was seriously injured. One of the kidnapped workers was a French citizen. The attack occurred in South Kivu provinces Itombwe Reserve. The gang demanded a ransom for the French citizen. After negotiations, the Frenchman was released (on May 8). There was no statement made about paying the ransom. Over the last two years kidnappings for ransom in eastern Congo have increased dramatically. It is estimated that since 2016 175 people in eastern Congo have been kidnapped for ransom.

May 4, 2017: Congos Catholic bishops have appealed to President Kabila and asked him to allowed opposition leader Moise Katumbi to return to the country. Katumbi was once a Kabila ally, but in 2015 he resigned from Kabilas party. In 2016 he announced he would oppose Kabila in the next presidential election. Kabila couldnt accept that. He accused Katumbi of illegally taking property and hiring mercenaries (to topple the government). The bishops were among those who mediated negotiations that led to the December Accord.
A six-year-old girl had to be airlifted to hospital after suffering a serious arm injury in an accident in the Bay of Plenty.

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to Marotiri at 4pm where a six-year-old girl was playing on her bike and fell.

Pilot Todd Dunham says the fall resulted in a very serious arm injury that need immediate hospital care.

St John Paramedics stabilised the patient and drove her to Marotiri School to meet the helicopter.

She was flown to Rotorua Hospital for further assessment and treatment. Todd says the helicopter was called due to the seriousness of the injury and distance by road to the appropriate hospital.
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Oxford Industries, Inc., an apparel company, designs, sources, markets, and distributes products of lifestyle and other brands worldwide. The company offers men's and women's sportswear and related products under the Tommy Bahama brand; women's and girl's dresses and sportswear, scarves, bags, jewelry, and belts, as well as footwear and children's apparel and swimwear under the Lilly Pulitzer brand; and men's shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, ties, swimwear, footwear, and accessories, as well as women and youth products under the Southern Tide brand. It also designs, sources, markets, and distributes premium childrenswear, including bonnets, hats, apparel, swimwear, and accessories through thebeaufortbonnetcompany.com and wholesale specialty retailers; men's apparel, which include pants, shorts, and tops through duckhead.com and wholesale specialty retailers. In addition, the company licenses Tommy Bahama brand for various products, such as indoor and outdoor furniture, beach chairs, bedding and bath linens, fabrics, leather goods and gifts, headwear, hosiery, sleepwear, shampoo, toiletries, fragrances, cigar accessories, distilled spirits, and other products; Lilly Pulitzer for stationery and gift products, home furnishing products, and eyewear; and Southern Tide trademark for bed and bath product. Oxford Industries, Inc. offers products through its retail stores, department stores, specialty stores, multi-branded e-commerce retailers, off-price retailers, and other retailers, as well as e-commerce sites. As of January 29, 2022, it operated 186 brand-specific full-price retail stores; 21 Tommy Bahama food and beverage locations; and 35 Tommy Bahama outlet stores. Oxford Industries, Inc. was founded in 1942 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Politics of syndicates

The political leadership has come under greater public scrutiny in recent years. The fact that two new parties fared well in the recent local level elections in Kathmandu is perhaps a strong indicator that the Nepali public perceives major parties as insular institutions that are more concerned about partisan interests than those of the people
RPP, SSF-N back Deubas bid

The sole candidate for the prime ministerial election, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has received wide political support so much so that he could have a tough time accommodating all the parties in his Cabinet if they wish to be part of his government.
AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, and markets biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, neuroscience, and covid-19 diseases. The company's products include Revlimid, an oral immunomodulatory drug for the treatment of multiple myeloma; Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; and Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis. It also provides Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia; Yervoy for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma; Abraxane, a protein-bound chemotherapy product; Reblozyl for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with beta thalassemia; and Empliciti for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In addition, the company offers Zeposia to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; Breyanzi, a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma; Inrebic, an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with myelofibrosis; and Onureg for the treatment of adult patients with AML. It sells products to wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, retailers, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies. The company was formerly known as Bristol-Myers Company. The company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
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.
Saudi, Egypt, Bahrain, UAE, Yemen cut diplomatic ties with Qatar

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Yemen have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of destabilising the region on Monday, media reports said.
Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells. The company operates through five segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running, wellbore placement, directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), equipment manufacturing, and rig instrumentation services; and logging-while-drilling systems and services, as well as drilling optimization software. The company also offers REVit, an automated real time stick-slip mitigation system; ROCKit, a directional steering control system; SmartNAV, a collaborative guidance and advisory platform; SmartSLIDE, an advanced directional steering control system; and RigCLOUD, which provides the tools and infrastructure to integrate applications to deliver real-time insight into operations across the rig fleet. In addition, it manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and other drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools; and provides aftermarket sales and services for the installed base of its equipment. As of December 31, 2021, the company marketed approximately 301 rigs for land-based drilling operations in the United States, Canada, and in 20 other countries worldwide; and 29 rigs for offshore platform drilling operations in the United States and internationally. Nabors Industries Ltd. was founded in 1952 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Corning Incorporated engages in display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences businesses worldwide. The company's Display Technologies segment offers glass substrates for liquid crystal displays and organic light-emitting diodes used in televisions, notebook computers, desktop monitors, tablets, and handheld devices. Its Optical Communications segment provides optical fibers and cables; and hardware and equipment products, including cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware and connectors, optical components and couplers, closures, network interface devices, and other accessories. This segment also offers its products to businesses, governments, and individuals. Its Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide material formulations for glass, glass ceramics, crystals, precision metrology instruments, software; as well as ultra-thin and ultra-flat glass wafers, substrates, tinted sunglasses, and radiation shielding products. This segment serves various industries, including mobile consumer electronics, semiconductor equipment optics and consumables; aerospace and defense optics; radiation shielding products, sunglasses, and telecommunications components. The company's Environmental Technologies segment offers ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile, gasoline, and diesel applications. The company's Life Sciences segment offers laboratory products comprising consumables, such as plastic vessels, liquid handling plastics, specialty surfaces, cell culture media, and serum, as well as general labware and equipment under the Corning, Falcon, Pyrex, and Axygen brands. The company was formerly known as Corning Glass Works and changed its name to Corning Incorporated in April 1989. Corning Incorporated was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Corning, New York.
The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. 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C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. 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Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc.,      ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics.

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The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman as an investment bank catering to institutions and businesses. Among the firm's first products are the revolutionary use of commercial paper for entrepreneurs which opened a new method of finance for business and industry.

The original firm expanded to Goldman Sachs in 1882 with the inclusion of son-in-law Samuel Sachs and again in 1885 with a son and another son-in-law. The firm joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1896 expanding into trading of its own and in 1898 it was worth $1.6 million. The company began its work in the IPO market in 1906 with the initial public offering of Sears, Roebuck & Co., and then moved on to Ford and other prominent names of the time.

The 1930s brings a change of leadership and a new direction for the firm. The company shifted toward a purer play on investment banking and embarks on a campaign of acquisition that lasted until the present day. The company doesnt go public itself until 1999 and from that point on it will change into a bank holding company that not only offers investment banking services but takes deposits too, and in 2016 the company added consumer banking to its list of services.

Today, Goldman Sachs is a financial institution that provides a range of financial services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. The company operates through four segments that include Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. According to US banking regulations, it is systemically important to the financial health of America.

The company is headquartered in New York, New York, and operates 6 regional headquarters as well. Regional headquarters are located in financial hotspots such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangalore, and Warsaw. Among its many prominent CEOs are John Corzine and Hank Paulson who both went on to successful work in government.

The company's Investment Banking segment provides a full range of financial advisory services as well as underwriting for the public markets. The financial advisory services include but are not limited to strategic advisory for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture, restructuring, and spin-offs. This segment is also engaged in middle-market lending and transaction banking. Underwriting services include IPOs, preferred stock, debt instruments, and bridge loans.

Goldman Sachs Global Markets segment facilitates market transactions for institutions, banks, brokerages, corporations, and governments. Services include execution, derivatives, financing, clearing, settlement, and custody.

The Asset Management segment manages client portfolios across the investment spectrum while the Consumer & Wealth Management segment provides advisory and banking services to consumers.
The 23-year-old pop star performs in Manchester on Sunday. Photo: 2017 Getty Images

Up until the day before her performance at One Love Manchester on Sunday, Ariana Grande had an entirely different set planned. She had felt, in the wake of the terror attack at her Manchester concert only two weeks earlier that killed 22 people, that it would be inappropriate to perform anything upbeat. Then she met the mother of one of the victims, 15-year-old Olivia Campbell, and was reminded that in fact, nothing could be more fitting. Olivia would have wanted to hear the hits, Campbells mother Charlotte told her. You play your hits. You sing your heart out, you make everyone get up and dance and sing along with you. Dont let anybody tell you not to do something. So she injected some joy back into the set list  the reggae-pop cheek of Side to Side, synth-pop anthem Love Me Harder, and EDM banger Break Free, on which she yells, Im stronger than Ive been before. In the end, rather than the muted, maudlin occasion it could have been, last night was proof of the healing power of pop music, and the unadulterated, irrepressible joy of teenage girls.

Its a joy that Salman Abedi did his best to extinguish on May 22 when he detonated a nail bomb as thousands of fans poured out of Grandes Manchester Arena show, many still clutching the pink balloons shed released as part of her encore. At the time, Grande tweeted, broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i dont have words. A few days later, she found her words, releasing a long, heartfelt statement pledging to return to Manchester. This show, more than anything else, was intended to be a safe space for my fans, she wrote. A place for them to escape, to celebrate, to heal, to feel safe and be themselves. This will not change that.

Grandes statement got to the heart of the inimitable function a pop concert can serve in a world where teenage girls are consistently undermined, where their enthusiasm is dismissed as frivolity and their struggles dismissed as melodrama. In Ariana Grandes world and at her shows they can scream and sing along as loud as they want, wear their joy across their face, and not worry that their right to be taken seriously as a human being depends on them dampening the strength of their feelings. For a moment, the events of May 22 took that space away. Last night restored it.

Like her young fans, and like many other female pop stars, Ariana Grande is all too familiar with what it feels like to underestimated. With her ultrafeminine aesthetic, trademark ponytail, and tiny stature, shes dismissed and patronized, her agency in her own success constantly questioned. Despite being a successful artist in her own right, her identity has repeatedly been tied to the men she may or may not have dated, and her outfit choices and the unapologetic sexuality of her music have been held up as reasons she doesnt deserve respect, a toxic outlook bolstered by the Daily Mails recent assertion that her revealing stage outfits might be the reason behind the attack. The inane line of questioning she is all too often met with in interviews also exposes the medias skepticism of young female pop stars ability to say or do anything truly important. And yet her response to the horror of this attack has been ceaselessly impressive. Theres no media training that can prepare you for supporting your fans through an act of unmitigated violence, but she has done so with compassion and resilience. After taking a few days to untangle what must have been an overwhelming mix of shock and guilt, she gathered herself, offered her support and help to fans, visited them in hospitals, and helped organize an event that raised over 2 million for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.

At last nights concert, just a few miles from where the attack took place, Grande brought together the likes of Katy Perry, Little Mix, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, and Miley Cyrus to show support and defiance in the wake of the attacks, and to bring some comfort. The only slightly jarring moment was an appearance from Liam Gallagher. Though as one half of Manchesters most famous export Oasis, Gallaghers appearance was significant, the resolutely bored aesthetic of his era of rock and roll, the refusal to be seen to show any effort, felt somewhat out of place in an evening of otherwise uncynical earnestness. So did the alienating masculinity he upholds  just last week, he proclaimed that Damon Albarn had turned his brother Noel into a massive girl. Doesnt he know by now that thats the highest of compliments? Still, he showed up, he offered his support to the people of Manchester, and he avoided using it to further his own agenda  which is more than can be said of the president of the United States.

When the Manchester attack happened, Trump used it to fuel his scaremongering, calling on tighter limits on immigration, despite the fact the attacker was born in the U.K. When another attack happened in London this weekend, in which seven people were killed, Ariana Grandes manager insisted that the show would still go ahead, only with greater purpose. Trump used it to (completely illogically) bolster his pro-gun stance, condemn political correctness, and, though the identity and geographical origin of the attackers isnt yet known, urge the courts to reinstate his travel ban. It was an ill-thought-out and irresponsible reaction in the extreme.

As many people on Twitter last night pointed out, a 23-year-old popstar with a baby Mariah voice, along with most of her teenage fans, dealt with these terror attacks with more maturity than the 70-year-old leader of the free world. And that doesnt surprise me one bit. Young women are going to be leading the world someday. It cant come soon enough.
Were starting a new practice thats given us immense opportunities

With the completion of the first phase of local elections and the presentation of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, there is considerable interest in how the local government will function in the new federal set-up and how the people at the grassroots will benefit.
Toyota Motor Corp. has sold its stakes in Californian electric carmaker Tesla Motors Inc., a spokeswoman for Japans largest carmaker said Saturday.

The sale marks the end of collaboration between the two companies for now, Toyota spokeswoman Akiko Kita said by phone. Toyota held 1.43 per cent in Tesla as of July 2016, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

In 2010, Toyota acquired a $50 million stake in Tesla as automakers were competing to introduce less-polluting vehicles in the U.S. and sold a shuttered California factory to Tesla for $42 million. The two companies then started to jointly develop RAV4 electric vehicles in Canada in 2011 and later sold about 2,500 units over three years amid culture clashes and recalls.

Toyota formed its own unit to develop electric cars in November 2016 and aimed to introduce electric cars soon.

In May 2010, as the emerging alliance took shape, Elon Musk called the partnership historic and said Toyota was a company he had long admired. In describing his test drive of the Tesla Roadster about a month earlier, Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota said he felt the wind of the future. Shares of Tesla have risen by almost 60 per cent this year.

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LISBON, PORTUGALOfficials in Portugal have ordered an investigation into claims that one of the countrys most cherished historic monuments was damaged during the shooting of a film by director and former Monty Python star Terry Gilliam.

The General Directorate for Cultural Heritage said Monday it is looking into a report by public broadcaster RTP that alleged the recent location shoot for The Man Who Killed Don Quixote left behind chipped masonry, broken roof tiles and uprooted trees at the 12th-century Convent of Christ in Tomar, in central Portugal. RTP broadcast its investigation, based on claims by current and former staffers at the convent, on Friday night.

The convent was a stronghold of the Knights Templar and is classified as a world heritage site by the United Nations.

Gilliam, in a post on his Facebook page, said the allegations were ignorant nonsense. He said the convent is one of the most glorious buildings I have ever seen.

Everything we did there was to protect the building from harm . . . and we succeeded. Trees were not cut down, stones were not broken, Gilliam wrote.

Ukbar Filmes, the Portuguese production company used at the location shooting, acknowledged there was some damage, which it said was catalogued by the convent officials who monitored the filming.

The damage included six modern roof tiles and four small chips in masonry, which will be restored, Ukbar Filmes said in a statement sent to the Associated Press.

The company said the trees were planted during the making of another film and that convent officials consented to their removal at the end of the shoot.

Gilliams attempts to create this particular film, despite one setback after another, go back decades. An earlier shoot in 2000, which would have involved Johnny Depp, was undone by a series of tragedies including a flash flood on set and a herniated disc suffered by intended star Jean Rochefort. That doomed effort is documented in the 2002 film Lost in La Mancha.

With files from Star staff

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EDMONTONAlberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley is demanding answers after it was revealed a sex assault victim was shackled and jailed during her case and was even forced to ride in a prison van with her attacker.

Ganley announced Monday she has launched two investigations into the case.

The facts of this case are disturbing and tragic, and when you add in the treatment of the victim in the system, they are almost incomprehensible, said Ganley. What is clear is that both policies and people failed in this case.

Ganley said she wants to know if the fact that the woman was Indigenous and living on the street played a role in how she was treated by the justice system.

One of the questions that keeps me up at night is whether it would have been the case that if this woman was Caucasian and housed and not addicted, whether this would have happened to her, Ganley told a legislature news conference.

The 28-year-old woman, who was from central Alberta, was forced to spend five nights in the Edmonton Remand Centre during her testimony at a 2015 preliminary hearing for Lance Blanchard, the man who attacked her.

Court heard the woman was homeless and sleeping in an apartment stairwell when she was attacked and dragged into Blanchards apartment. She suffered stab wounds to her temple and hand as she attempted to fight off the sexual assault.

Court documents indicate the woman had trouble focusing and answering questions, so the hearing judge agreed with a Crown prosecutors request to have her spend the weekend in custody.

The complainant was forced to testify about her June 2014 assault in Edmonton while she was shackled and handcuffed and, on at least two occasions, she had to travel in the same prisoner van as her attacker.

A different judge  who found Blanchard guilty of aggravated assault, kidnapping, unlawful confinement and aggravated sexual assault  noted the womans treatment in his decision last December.

She was clearly distraught and, using her word, panicking. She was somewhat belligerent, Justice Eric Macklin wrote. Concerns were expressed as to her behaviour and whether she would voluntarily reattend on the following Monday to continue her testimony.

Macklin expressed regret that the young woman was kept in custody.

She was remanded into custody on the mistaken belief that she was a flight risk and that she was simply incapable of participating properly in the court proceedings, he wrote. Her treatment by the justice system in this respect was appalling. She is owed an apology.

That apology never came as she was killed in an unrelated shooting six months after her testimony.

Macklin noted the woman, whose name is protected under a publication ban, was never missing and had never failed to appear in court.

Nevertheless ... she remained in shackles, Macklin wrote. (She) emphasized again that she was the victim and not surprisingly, said the following: Im the victim and look at me. Im in shackles. This is fantastic. This is a great ... system. 

Ganley has hired Manitoba criminal lawyer Roberta Campbell to investigate what happened. A separate committee made up of representatives from police, the Crown prosecutors office, court services and victim services will make recommendations to fix gaps in policy.

Ganley said she has already apologized to the victims mother.

She also noted that any prosecutor who decides to use a section of the Criminal Code that allows for witnesses to be held in custody for refusing to testify must have the decision approved by the chief Crown prosecutor.

I dont think its too strong to say that this is a horrific situation, said Kim Stanton, legal director for LEAF, Womens Legal Education and Action Fund. I hope that it is unusual because its beyond appalling.

Stanton said the womans treatment highlights how the justice system continues to fail victims of sexual assault.

Its beyond belief, she said. Its just egregious that she had to spend the weekend there and subsequent nights. Surely somebody in that courtroom could have come up with an alternative solution.

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OTTAWACanadas environment minister says she is heartened to see states, cities and companies in the U.S. support the Paris climate agreement even as Donald Trumps White House pulls out of the global accord to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

To mark World Environment Day, which Canada hosted for the first time Monday, Catherine McKenna joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a paddle on the Niagara River, where they each underscored the countrys commitment to combat climate change and seize the opportunities they say are available in the emerging green economy.

We wont walk away from a global plan that has a realistic chance of fighting (climate change). We have a responsibility to future generations of Canadians and we will uphold it, Trudeau told reporters in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The better world you deserve will not come to us without a fight, but its a fight well win because its a fight we have to win. And like everything Canadians do, were going to win it together.

In an interview with the Star, McKenna reiterated her statement last week that she is very disappointed with the U.S. decision to drop out of the Paris climate agreement. The 2015 accord involves more than 190 countries that pledged to reduce emissions causing climate change, with the common goal of preventing the worst damage of a warming world.

But McKenna added that she believes Trumps decision to pull out of the agreement has galvanized others in the U.S.  such as the California and Washington state governments  to try to stick to the Paris accord. A group of state governments called the United States Climate Alliance has vowed to implement the accord in their own jurisdictions regardless of what Trump does.

In a strange way, its actually made people step up and say, Climate change is real. We need to be working. We need to be working together, McKenna said.

Under the Paris agreement, Canada has vowed to cut emissions to 30 per cent below their 2005 level by 2030. On Monday, Green party Leader Elizabeth May said in a statement that those targets are the weakest of any G7 country, calling them substandard remnants of the former Conservative governments climate policy.

Erik Solheim, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, was also in Niagara to mark World Environment Day. He told the Star theres always more that Canada could do, but said he views the country as a leader on the environment front.

The world has clearly closed the ranks and said we will move ahead, whatever happens in the White House, Solheim said.

Solheim declined to comment on the Trans Mountain pipeline project, which was approved by the Liberals last year and would more than double the capacity of an existing pipeline to carry oil from Alberta to the British Columbia coast.

The pipeline has become a touchstone of division since the B.C. election last month resulted in a pact between the NDP and Green parties to govern the province. The alliance has vowed to block Trans Mountain, even as the NDP government in Alberta and the Liberals in Ottawa insist it will be built.

Asked about the pipeline Monday, McKenna said the government understands it needs to move away from fossil fuel resources, but that the transition cant happen overnight.

She also pointed to the measures Ottawa has pursued in its push to reduce emissions, including a promised phasing out of coal-fired energy by 2030, the pan-Canadian agreement on climate change, and putting money toward public transit and green innovation.

McKenna said Canadian companies are set to cash in on the emerging market for green energy and carbon-reducing business ventures, and that she plans to continue advocating for that industry.

We understand that this is where the future is going, she said.

If the U.S. doesnt want to take advantage, theyre going to be left behind, and were going to position ourselves at the front.

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Three weeks before he died, Andrew Loku posed proudly for a photo in his graduation gown, eager to begin a new chapter in his life, coroners court heard Monday at the first day of a detailed probe into the high-profile police shooting death.

He was excited, he was happy, said Jackie Patterson, Lokus case worker at Across Boundaries, an organization that provides mental health support for racialized communities in Toronto.

Graduating from a construction program at George Brown College, Loku was keen to get a stable job and send more money back to his wife and five children in his native South Sudan, Patterson said. He ultimately hoped to bring his family to Canada.

It was the last day she saw him alive, Patterson testified, becoming emotional.

When I was taking his picture, he had this smile, she said. He was looking forward to starting a new life.

Loku, 45, was shot twice by a Toronto police officer on July 5, 2015, after police were summoned to his apartment complex by an emergency call. The 911 call, made from a neighbouring apartment, said Loku had a hammer and was threatening to kill the callers friend.

Ontarios civilian police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), cleared the officer who shot Loku, concluding no criminal charge would be laid because the officer believed he needed to stop a life-threatening attack.

The inquest into his death, overseen by Dr. John Carlisle, began Monday with 10 parties being granted standing to participate. The inquest is being held not to assign blame, but examine the circumstances of Lokus death in order to prevent future fatalities.

Read more:

Inquest into Andrew Loku shooting may delve into thorny issues of race and mental illness

No charges for police officer who shot Andrew Loku

One death, two versions: finding the facts in the killing of Andrew Loku

The probe is expected to last for three weeks and hear from 20 witnesses, including the unnamed officer who shot Loku.

Throughout the day, coroners court got a detailed outline of Lokus life, including the source of his mental health challenges.

Loku was born in 1970 in the village of Lire, in the Kajo-Keji region of what is now South Sudan. In 1993 he married Jane Poni and had five children, who today range in age from 12 to 20.

Jonathan Shime, the lawyer for the Loku family, told jurors that Lokus life was disrupted by a terrible war. In 1998, Loku was kidnapped by rebel forces and held for two months, enduring beatings and torture.

When Loku was released, he fled to Uganda, then in 2004, he came to Canada alone as a refugee. He was diagnosed with PTSD and showed signs of depression, loss of identity, and isolation due to losing touch with his family, though he later regained contact with his relatives. For years after, he suffered from flashbacks to the torture.

Court heard that in the final few years of his life that Lokus mental health had stabilized and he had not been taking any medication.

Loku, however, had previously disclosed to mental health care workers that he was a recovering alcoholic. An autopsy conducted after the shooting concluded Lokus blood-alcohol level was 247 mg/100 mL of blood, three times the legal limit.

At the time of his death, Loku was living in an apartment building near Eglinton Ave. W. and Caledonia Rd. with units leased by CMHA to provide housing for people with mental health challenges.

According to a summary of expected evidence provided by Michael Blain, the lawyer for the coroner, Loku was picked up by police about an hour before his death, after officers spotted him riding an e-bike on the Don Valley Parkway.

Two officers, concerned for his safety on the busy highway, seized his bike and drove him home, noting there was a faint smell of alcohol on his breath. He was dropped off late on July 4.

Soon after, a 911 call was made from the apartment unit directly above Lokus, indicating he had come upstairs and was threatening one of the residents. The inquest heard Loku had recently been complaining about the upstairs neighbours making noise, keeping him from sleeping.

When two officers arrived a few minutes later, Loku was located down the hall from the unit where the resident had made the call. When he saw the officers, he has the hammer in his hand and is gesturing, Blain told jurors, summarizing the evidence expected to be heard.

Surveillance cameras in the hallway captured Loku as he moved toward the officers, but did not record the moment Loku was shot. Blain said the officers are expected to say that as Loku was getting closer, he was not complying with the demands to drop the hammer.

Each of them decided they would have to use their firearm, Blain said, though only one did.

Robin Hicks, a witness to the shooting, told the Star two days after the shooting that she had managed to calm Loku down prior to the officers arrival, and that he posed no danger to anyone, including the officers.

Carlisle approved a total of 10 parties to participate in the inquest. They are lawyers for Lokus family; two different lawyers for the officers involved; Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders; the Toronto Police Association; the Toronto Police Services Board; the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA); the Black Action Defence Committee (BADC); the Centre for Addiction and Mental Healths Empowerment Council; and Across Boundaries.

Groups advocating on behalf of racialized communities and those with mental health challenges are hoping to raise issues around implicit bias, including the role of race and mental illness in police-involved shootings.

He did not need to die, Kingsley Gilliam, spokesperson for BADC, said outside coroners court Monday. We need a shift in paradigm, where we shift crisis intervention away from police.

In a statement to the jury on behalf of Lokus family, Shime said Lokus relatives and friends suffer every day with his absence.

Andrew was a warm, kind and gentle man. Regardless of the struggles he had endured, he always made sure to look after the people around him and make them feel valued, Shime said.

He only hoped for a better and more peaceful life for (himself), his children, his family and his country.

The inquest continues Tuesday.

Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca

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WASHINGTONPresident 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 Fords 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 has swaged war on innocent life, and its 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.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

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 Americas 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 Londons 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.

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The mayors spokesman said he was too busy to respond to Trumps 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 wasnt 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 dont 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? Thats because they used knives and a truck!

Khans office dismissed the tweet, saying 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.

Trumps 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 Trumps 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 theres new procedures put in place, put those procedures in place. Dont 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 CNNs State of the Union: I dont think that a major terrorist attack like this is the time to be divisive and to criticize a mayor whos trying to organize his citys response to this attack.

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WASHINGTON  White House officials said Monday that President Donald Trump will not invoke executive privilege to try to block James Comey, the FBI director he fired, from testifying before Congress this week, clearing the way for a hearing that may be the most anticipated in Washington in months if not years.

Comey is scheduled to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday for his first public discussion of the events that led to his dismissal last month in the midst of leading an investigation into associates of Trump. Lawmakers are especially interested in reports that Trump sought to persuade Comey to shut down an investigation into the presidents former national security adviser.

It was not clear that Trump would have succeeded in stopping Comey from testifying had he chosen to cite executive privilege. The Supreme Court has found that presidents enjoy a right to confidentiality in communications with their advisers, but it is not an absolute privilege and courts have overridden such claims in the past.

If Trump had tried to assert executive privilege and the Senate committee challenged him in court, legal experts said Trump had a weak case because he has himself publicly discussed his private conversations with Comey.

The presidents power to assert executive privilege is well-established, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a White House spokesperson, told reporters. However, in order to facilitate a swift and thorough examination of the facts sought by the Senate Intelligence Committee, President Trump will not assert executive privilege regarding James Comeys scheduled testimony.

The president fired Comey on May 9 as the FBI was looking into contacts between Russia and Trumps associates. While Trump and his aides initially said he had acted at the recommendation of the deputy attorney general because of the way Comey handled last years investigation into Hillary Clintons emails, Trump later said he had already decided to fire the FBI director regardless of any recommendations and that he had the Russia investigation in mind.

In the weeks since, associates of Comey have said the former director felt uncomfortable about efforts by Trump to compromise the bureaus traditional independence. Just days after Trumps inauguration, he invited the director to dinner and, according to people familiar with Comeys account, asked him repeatedly for his loyalty, which Comey declined to give. Trump has denied that he did so, but said it would not have been wrong if he had.

A few weeks later, the day after Trump pushed out Michael Flynn, his national security adviser, who had provided misleading accounts of a phone call with Russias ambassador, the president asked Comey to drop the investigation into Flynn, according to notes taken contemporaneously by Comey and read to a New York Times reporter. Comey refused.

Some critics of Trump have said that such a request, especially given that he later fired Comey, could be interpreted as an obstruction of justice.

But Republican lawmakers also plan to quiz Comey about why he did not act at the time if he considered the presidents request to be improper pressure.

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WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.Saving the fragile Everglades from destructive pythons fell this spring to 25 hunters who earned minimum wage plus bonuses to stalk and kill the invasive serpent.

The experimental program launched March 25 by the South Florida Water Management District ended Thursday with 154 dead snakes weighing a total of 4,000 pounds. While the final tally of costs wasnt available, water management officials said they expect it to be about half of the $175,000 set aside for the program.

Its been a great success, said district executive director Pete Antonacci, who will recommend to the districts governing board that the program be extended or become permanent. You dont want to lose momentum when something good is happening.

Frustration over the unbridled spread of the Burmese python, which eats everything from mice to alligators and has no natural predators in the Everglades, spurred the creation of the districts program.

Florida is trying myriad ways to reduce the python population, which is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.

Geneticists work in labs identifying python whereabouts by testing water samples for their DNA. Expert snake hunters from the Irula tribe in India were hired by the University of Florida to search for snakes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission holds python-hunting contests in which cash prizes are won based on the quantity and the length of snakes.

Last year more than 1,000 people from 29 states registered for the python contest, which netted 106 snakes, including one that was 15 feet long.

Antonacci said the water management districts program was met with skepticism.

All the wildlife guys said it was going to be a big bust, he said. I think it exceeded our expectations.

The job of full-time python hunter paid $8.10 (U.S.) an hour, plus incentives starting at $50 for a 4-foot snake and $25 for each additional foot. A snake found guarding a nest with eggs was worth an additional $100.

Since the programs start, the FWC created a similar plan to pay contract hunters minimum wage. It also launched a drop-off program that awards prizes for pythons caught by residents.

Diane Hirth, a spokeswoman for FWC, said the drop-off program netted five pythons. The contract hunters have logged more than 90 hours, but havent caught a snake.

Greg Conterio nabbed four pythons as a hunter for the water management district, including one that was 11 feet long. The longest snake was a monster at 16 feet, 10 inches, caught by Dusty Wildman Crum. Even Floridas lieutenant-governor went on a hunt. Carlos Lopez-Cantera helped dig up a 15-foot-4-inch python.

When you look at the different strategies that have been tried to control pythons, this has been by far the most successful, I think, Conterio said. I am looking forward to getting back out there again.

The districts recommendation to continue the hunt is expected to be presented at Thursdays governing board meeting.

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MANILA, PHILIPPINESPhilippine opposition lawmakers petitioned the Supreme Court on Monday to review and nullify President Rodrigo Dutertes imposition of martial law in the southern third of the country.

The petition filed by six House lawmakers led by Rep. Edcel Lagman said there was no revolution or invasion where public safety required the declaration of martial law and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. It said the proclamation contained fatal inaccuracies and falsities.

The petitioners said congressional leaders and the majority of lawmakers allied with Duterte were derelict in their constitutional duty by refusing to convene a joint session of Congress to vote whether to revoke the martial law proclamation.

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Duterte made the declaration May 23 after extremists allied with Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, laid siege to Marawi city. The declaration lasts through mid-July but could be extended with the consent of Congress.

The martial law proclamation said the militants openly attempted to remove that part of the country from its allegiance to the Philippine government by taking over a hospital, establishing several checkpoints in the city, burning down certain government and private facilities, and flying the flag of Daesh in several areas.

But the petitioners said the military acknowledged the conflict in Marawi was precipitated by an attempt by troops to capture Isnilon Hapilon, a high-profile militant commander. They also said the claim that militants took over a hospital and Dutertes claim that a local police chief was decapitated both turned out to be wrong.

The presidents proclamation of martial law in Mindanao has no sufficient factual basis as it is feebly based on mostly contrived and/or inaccurate facts, self-serving speculations, enumeration of distant occurrences and mere conclusions of fact and law on the purported existence of rebellion or invasion, the lawmakers said.

They said the martial law imposition was flawed because Duterte acted alone without the benefit of a recommendation from Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana or from any ranking officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as Lorenzana acknowledged during congressional briefings.

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Britains prime minister is calling for greater regulation of the Internet in light of the deadly weekend attacks in London. But technology experts are saying that the United Kingdom governments surveillance powers are already so vast that theres little else officials can do to digitally monitor terrorism suspects without widely violating human rights.

British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed Internet providers and large websites on Sunday for providing violent extremism the safe space it needs to breed.

May called on governments around the world to develop international agreements that regulate cyberspace to battle terrorism. And we need to do everything we can at home to reduce the risks of extremism online, she said in a speech on Downing Street.

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The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a technology advocacy organization, said that while the attacks in London were tragic, Mays proposed measures would be ineffective at curbing terrorist activity.

The most likely outcome, in fact, would be simply to drive threatening communications underground, where they will be harder to expose and challenge, EFF said in a statement. They will inevitably restrict the speech of law-abiding citizens. We should reject these calls and ensure that the Internet remains free and open.

Law enforcement officials on both sides of the Atlantic have called for greater powers to track down suspected terrorists by looking at their activities and communications online. Although Mays call lacked specifics, some in the technology industry called her response predictable in light of her previous efforts to expand the U.K.s surveillance authority.

I think we kind of knew this is where Theresa May already was, said Julie Samuels, executive director of Tech:NYC, an organization that represents the New York-based technology sector.

Mays call comes months after the U.K. government passed a law known as the Investigatory Powers Act, which May herself introduced in 2015. It went into effect in 2016 and greatly expanded the intelligence services ability to collect information on U.K. Internet users.

Under the law, British officials have a wide range of new authorities, such as the power to legally collect and store the browsing histories of all citizens, though implementation of some key provisions have been put on hold as companies figure out how best to comply with the requirements.

The bill was so expansive in its reach, even telecom companies, such as Vodafone, O2 and BT, spoke out against it, saying it could hurt their customers trust in them and may impose enormous costs and technical challenges.

(Mays) government now has incredible compulsory powers to do both targeted and bulk surveillance in her country, said Michelle Richardson, deputy director of the Center for Democracy and Technology, a Washington-based think tank. The only thing left you could seem to grab would be a complete surveillance state. If youre (proposing to go) even further than the current authority, theres not much you could do beyond that that isnt an explicit attack on human rights.

This is not the first time a politician has proposed a crackdown on the Internet in the wake of a terrorist incident. While on the campaign trail, then-candidate Donald Trump called for shutting down parts of the Internet frequented by extremists, despite the fact that experts say doing so would be virtually impossible. Also during the 2016 campaign, Hillary Clinton proposed giving law enforcement more power to compromise websites and online services to hunt terrorists.

Technology analysts say that while giving the government greater spying authority sounds attractive when people are scared and looking for officials to do something, the benefits rarely outweigh the costs. In many cases, Richardson said, the public later learns that the suspects in a terrorist attack were linked to an existing investigation, or that law enforcement had received warnings about the people.

Indeed, British officials said Monday that one of the two attackers shot dead at the scene of the recent London attack was known to police and had appeared in a 2016 documentary about extremism.

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WASHINGTONThe president of the United States is now attacking his own policy.

In a perplexing series of Twitter comments before 7 a.m. on Monday, Donald Trump criticized his presidential order for a ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority countries  falsely claiming the Justice Department, not him, issued this revised policy:

The tweets could possibly harm his chances of winning in court.

His administration has been attempting to convince federal judges that the ban is a good faith effort to protect national security, not a Muslim ban by another name and not a disguised twin of the original travel ban he issued in January.

Courts have disagreed so far, and their decisions have taken into account Trumps own remarks.

Trumps administration last week asked the Supreme Court to hear the case.

Its kinda odd to have the defendant in Hawaii v. Trump acting as our co-counsel. We dont need the help but will take it! Neal Katyal, the lead lawyer for Hawaiis legal challenge, wrote on Twitter.

Trump was even criticized by George Conway, a prominent lawyer who is the husband of senior Trump counsellor Kellyanne Conway.

In a television appearance on Monday morning, Kellyanne Conway had derided a media obsession with covering everything he says on Twitter. But George Conway said his most recent tweets could cause real problems.

Trump campaigned on a total and complete ban on foreign Muslims entering the country. He issued the revised ban after the January version was blocked in court and widely criticized.

The revised version seeks to ban people from Iran, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Syria for 90 days; it deletes Iraq from the original list. The revised version also seeks a 120-day ban on Syrian refugees rather than the indefinite ban of the previous version, and it explicitly exempts permanent residents who hold green cards.

But the revised version has also been stymied in court. Trumps most recent defeat came at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Virginia, which ruled in May that the policy drips with religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination.

Trump may have undermined his case again with another Monday tweet. While he and his legal team have argued that a temporary ban is necessary for the administration to figure out how to strengthen vetting procedures, Trump suggested he had already done so:

Trump was not finished tweeting inaccurate information. Later in the morning, he falsely blamed Democratic obstructionists for taking forever to confirm his ambassadorial nominees, though he has simply not nominated people for 178 of 188 positions. Then he denounced London Mayor Sadiq Khan for rejecting Trumps misleading criticism.

Khan had urged Londoners to not be alarmed by an increased police presence following the terror attacks on Saturday. Trump had misleadingly suggested that Khan was telling the city not to be alarmed by the murder of its residents. Khan, through a spokesman, responded that Trump had taken him out of context.

The acting U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, Lewis Lukens, had tried to play peacemaker on Sunday, tweeting support for Khans strong leadership. But Trump went after Khan once more on Monday, tweeting:

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In practical terms, U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to formally withdraw from the Paris climate accord doesnt much matter. Rather, it is a theatrical gesture that gives all actors in this drama a chance to strut their stuff.

The accord itself is largely aspirational. According to the United Nations, even if all the pacts signatories  including the U.S.  delivered on their Paris promises, the world would still face catastrophic climate change.

In any case, it is not clear that signatories will deliver on their promises. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal government, for instance, is still distressingly vague about how it plans to meet its carbon reduction target, a target that Trudeau, when he was in opposition, used to deride as grossly inadequate.

If Canada or any other signatory fails to meet its goal, there will be no penalty. There is no enforcement mechanism in the Paris pact.

Trump understands this. Since he became president in January, he has been busy dismantling every policy that might have allowed the U.S. to meet its carbon reduction goals.

All of that was fine with the world. Under the deliberately loose wording of the Paris accord, he had every right to do so.

Indeed, the real question is why Trump bothered to formally withdraw at all. He could have just as easily continued to sabotage the climate deal from within.

The answer, it seems, is that this veteran showman wanted to make a point that would resonate with his audience.

Certainly, there is a great deal of theatre involved in all of this. Major nations, including Germany, Britain, China and Canada, continue to pledge fealty to Paris. Given the inherent weakness of the accord, that is easy to do. Given the global unpopularity of Trump, it is also politic.

But it also allows these nations to portray themselves as being on the cutting edge of the new economy. Big business, including big energy, has belatedly come to realize that climate change provides major commercial opportunities. Chinese firms in particular hope to cash in on what they expect will be a worldwide craving for solar panels.

Americas Tesla wants to save the planet by selling everyone an electric car. Even those who manufacture sandbags benefit from a world in which frequent flooding has become the norm.

To the new corporate giants, like Facebook and Amazon  and even to some of the old ones, like Shell and IBM  Trumps decision to abandon Paris was definitely uncool. Tesla founder Elon Musk responded to the move by quitting one of Trumps advisory councils. In effect, he was saying: I cant afford to be associated with such an old dinosaur.

Still, the old dinosaur is far from toothless.

Trudeau has said that Trumps decisions wont affect Canadas unwavering commitment to fight climate change. In fact, they already have. In April 2016, Trudeau and then U.S. president Barack Obama jointly agreed to impose new restrictions on methane emissions from oil production. After his election, Trump scrapped the U.S. regulations. Under pressure from Canadian producers, Ottawa responded by announcing a three-year delay in its methane plans.

Expect more pressure on government to backtrack as Canadian businesses respond to specific Trumpian climate-change rollbacks that put them at a competitive disadvantage in the U.S. market.

This, however, will take place quietly, in the realm of reality.

On the main stage, meanwhile, the morality play is set to continue. Evildoer Trump has tied Paris to the railroad track. The coal-fired train of climate change is bearing down. In the distance, the good guys  led by Canada, Europe and China  are riding to the rescue in self-driving, electric cars.

Will they get there in time? Can they save the heroine? Or will the villainous Trump use old 20th century technology to shoot out their solar  powered battery packs?

Stay tuned. The melodrama continues.

Thomas Walkom appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the most protracted conflict in colonial history. Golda Meir was wrong when she said that there is no such thing as a Palestinian. Palestinians are a nation and a people with their own history, dreams, and hopes.

This year marks 100 years after the Balfour Declaration, 70 years after the 1947 conflict, 50 years after the Six Day War and the start of the occupation, and 30 years after the first intifada. Its also time to put an end to a few myths.

Following the independence of Israel and the Palestinian Catastrophe, David Ben-Gurion was asked what he was going to do with the Palestinians. He is said to have answered that the old would die and the young ones forget (SEE CLARIFICATION BELOW). He was wrong. Seven decades later, the old Palestinians did not die and the young ones did not forget.

Also the myth that Israel is surrounded by enemies, and Palestinians and Arabs want to throw Israel into the sea. Both nations, Palestinians and Israelis, exist and no one can deny the clear fact of their existence.

The Jewish people suffered and were victims of terrible acts that Palestinians played no part in. Palestinians welcomed the Jews, who lived among them as Palestinian citizens.

And Israel was not thrown into the sea.

Palestinians are tested every day and suffer because of the protracted occupation. The core of the Palestinian struggle is one of survival, and to be free from the occupation. Any free person will refuse to die in silence. The continued occupation of the land and people, the continued construction of illegal settlements in the West Bank, the separation wall and barriers, the house demolition, humiliation and suffering. All created enormous barriers to freedom and are a challenge to achieving Palestinian sovereignty.

Palestinians harbour no desire for revenge and do not hate anyone. Palestinians are people with potential, hopes and dreams. Palestinians are people who want to succeed and to be free, and want others to be free.

When will the world realize that the Palestinian people have suffered and are still suffering? And when will Israel understand the degree to which their fear of the Palestinians controls them? Is there a way to get rid of the Palestinians suffering and the Israelis fear? What is the best way to resume hope and life?

We need to heal our people and close the wound completely. Its time to do something. Its urgent and nothing is impossible.

Conflict is the result of mistrust, arrogance, greed and suspicion. We need to invest more and co-operate in order to achieve the security, freedom, and justice for all, which guarantees the safety for everyone.

For more than five decades, Israel has used its military might to oppress Palestinians, and the UN, and the international community acknowledge the Occupation.

What did we achieve? More bloodshed, more animosity, and less safety and security.

We believe that in order to overcome our mutual problems peacefully, we have to change course, without bowing our heads to anyone, and that there cannot be a solution or peace which is good and just for just one side.

We have to strengthen our willingness and enthusiasm to face and overcome the challenges and take chances again and again. This will help us accomplish the peace that we believe is possible.

We believe that more action is needed than just merely reacting against the common perceived threat to our future. If we want to survive living as brothers, cousins and neighbours, then we must get rid of the fear and face reality. This needs honesty and truth.

Without truthfulness there can be no healthy, safe, free or secure society. Without truthfulness human communication breaks down and distrust, hostility and force take over.

Truth goes hand in hand with responsibility. Its the responsibility of all, and in particular our intellectuals, to speak the truth and expose the lies. Honesty and truth mean doing the right thing in the right way at the right time.

Palestinians and Israelis have one destiny and were created to live side by side. Both are occupied. Both are like conjoined twins and need to find the way to live in harmony together. The freedom, safety, security, and future of Israel is linked and dependent on the safety, security, freedom and future of the Palestinians.

If we end the tragedy of the Palestinian people, then peace will prevail in this world. There is no freedom for a single man as long as another is deprived of their liberty.

Clarification  June 14, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version that referred to David Ben-Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel, as having once said of the Palestinians, that the old would die and the young would forget. While this statement has been widely attributed to Ben-Gurion, it has become a matter of dispute. The Star cannot verify with any primary sources that Ben-Gurion said those words.

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, is a Palestinian Canadian and a five-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee. He is fondly known as the Martin Luther King of the Middle East, having dedicated his life to using health as a vehicle for peace.

Dr. Michael Dan, a former neurosurgeon, is a committed philanthropist who created the Paloma Foundation to fund organizations that assist marginalized people in Toronto.

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What is happening with the Thunder Bay police force?

Since November the police service has been under investigation for allegations of systemic racism by the Office of the Independent Police Review Director over its handling of cases of dead Indigenous youths. This is a serious review. The office is an independent agency of the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Then last week the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, a provincial oversight body, announced it will appoint an investigator to look into the actions of the citys police board.

As the Stars Tanya Talaga reported, the probes come after the death of 41-year-old Stacey DeBungee, from Rainy River First Nation, who was found in a Thunder Bay river in 2015, as well as the deaths of five Indigenous students who were also found in city waterways between 2000 and 2011.

In all those cases police concluded that the victims had accidentally drowned, something critics cannot bring themselves to believe. In fact, the critics suggest Thunder Bay police simply arent treating the deaths of Indigenous youth as seriously as they would if the victims were white. Sadly theres a theme  less than worthy victims, lawyer Julian Falconer has said of the investigations.

Unfortunately, those deaths were not the end of it. In May two more Indigenous teens  Tammy Keeash and Josiah Begg  went missing in Thunder Bay. They, too, were later found dead in nearby waterways.

Now, chiefs representing almost all of Northern Ontario are demanding the RCMP be brought in to investigate the two most recent teen deaths and to re-open the DeBungee case. They are also asking the commission to appoint a new police board administrator.

Their requests are more than justified and should be met. The situation is even worse since there is currently no leadership at the top of the force. As if the probes into the service and the board were not enough, Thunder Bay police Chief J.P. Levesque is facing charges of obstruction of justice and breach of trust for allegedly disclosing information about the citys mayor, Keith Hobbs. Levesque is currently on medical leave.

The result is a crisis of confidence in the citys police service, especially among Indigenous people. With all that has transpired to date, it is painfully obvious that the Thunder Bay Police cannot credibly investigate the river deaths, says Francis Kavanaugh of Grand Council Treaty #3.

Even aside from that, there are concerns that Indigenous youth must travel far from home to Thunder Bay to receive a high school education, counselling or medical treatment because there arent adequate facilities on or near their reserves.

That was highlighted at an inquest that wrapped up last June into the deaths of the five Indigenous youth found in waters surrounding Thunder Bay between 2000 and 2011, and two others who died at their residences. It recommended that governments make sure services are available closer to reserves.

A year later, though, it appears nothing has changed. Keeash was in Thunder Bay for counselling that she couldnt get on her home reserve. Begg was in town for medical appointments.

Its time three steps were taken. First, Thunder Bay police should ask the Mounties to assist them in investigating the most recent deaths of Indigenous teens. Second, the civilian police commission should appoint an outside administrator to run the police board. Third, the federal and provincial governments should finally ensure that the educational, mental health and medical needs of First Nations kids are met in their communities.

Only then will there be hope for an end to these tragic deaths.

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A small grassroots coalition plans to launch a legal challenge against separate school funding in Ontario, hoping it will ignite debate about a topic most politicians would rather avoid.

The group wants to bring the issue to the forefront at a time when school closures are causing havoc in many regions, arguing that taxpayer-funded Catholic schools are no longer fair or affordable in a society of many religions and cultures.

Why do we only fund Catholic separate schools in 2017 in Ontario, which is a very diverse province? says Reva Landau of Toronto, who founded One Public Education Now (OPEN), about a year ago and is crowd-funding to help cover legal costs.

We believe there should be one non-denominational two-language public school system.

The move comes while the province faces shrinking school enrolment, planned closures of at least 121 schools, and repair backlogs of up to $15 billion for essentials such as repair backlogs to keep school buildings running.

I think it has to be an election issue, says Landau, who hopes to launch the case before the 2018 campaign.

Landau, a retired business systems analyst with a law degree, launched a similar challenge five years ago. But she was denied legal standing in Ontarios Superior Court of Justice and was, according to the judge, not the person to raise these issues. However, he did not dismiss the merits of her case.

This time around, shes enlisted two plaintiffs directly affected by the law.

Adrienne Havercroft is Hamilton teacher who says the existence of separate public and Catholic boards hindered her search for full-time work. As a non-Catholic, she was ineligible for the one-third of the publicly-funded teaching jobs in her region available through the separate school board, she says.

Only Catholic teachers are eligible for those positions, even though non-Catholic students can attend the schools and, according to the coalition, property taxes paid by Catholic residents in Hamilton account for only 7 per cent of the boards funding, with the rest coming from general provincial revenues.

Its been such a frustrating situation for many of us, says Havercroft, who spent five years trying to land a full-time position as a high school teacher after graduating in 2009. She said new Catholic teachers were able to get permanent jobs much more quickly.

Havercroft has a toddler and is currently a supply teacher at the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board.

The second plaintiff, James Sutton of Markham, has two sons who travel by school bus an hour each way to their French public school in Richmond Hill. The only closer French language option, 20 minutes away, is Catholic, he says but they want their children to have a secular education.

The family lives behind their local public and Catholic schools, but when it was time for their eldest son, Cooper, 13, to enroll nine years ago, they were told he would have to be bused to another public school with more space.

That prompted the Suttons, who speak French at home, to opt for a French language school even though the closest non-Catholic option was far away.

Sutton says the flocks of buses he sees every day carrying kids to schools in the four English and French public and Catholic boards makes no sense and ends up fragmenting communities. He believes merging those resources would result in a more streamlined system and more spaces for everyone in neighbourhood schools.

Theres no reason for us to stay the way we are, says Sutton, an information technology manager at Harry Rosen. If its difficult politically, seeking a mandate from the Supreme Court may be what (politicians) need to get behind it.

A legal case may be the only way to force the issue as long as politicians treat it as the third rail of public policy, says Charles Pascal, a professor at University of Torontos Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

Maybe that will change the landscape, says Pascal, a former deputy minister of education who advised former premier Dalton McGuinty on his early years strategy. He calls separate school funding an anachronism and says despite being enshrined during Confederation, it no longer has merit in a multicultural province.

Ending separate school funding has been part of the Green Party of Ontario platform. But it was considered the electoral kiss of death for John Tory, who as Conservative leader in 2007, attempted to address the inequity by proposing public funding for all religious schools.

Former Liberal finance minister Greg Sorbara wrote in his 2014 memoir that the time has come to defund separate schools. But that was after he left politics.

The OPEN coalition argues that funding separate school boards violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantee of equality. Supporters include the Canadian Secular Alliance and Civil Rights in Public Education, which has long argued that funding based on religion is discriminatory.

Quebec now has one secular system in two languages, and in 1997 backed out of the Confederation deal with Ontario that guaranteed education to each others Protestant and Catholic minorities. Landau says that renders Ontarios obligation unenforceable and void.

But she says it may be the costs of the current system that get peoples attention. She cites a 2012 study by the Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods of Ontario, which found that merging public and Catholic systems would save $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion a year.

The coalition also cites figures obtained through freedom-of-information legislation showing that in the four-year period ending 2014-15, separate schools received about $1,600 more a year per student in operational funding from the province than their public counterparts.

However, Toronto public education advocate Annie Kidder cautions that merging school boards has not saved money in the past.

She launched People for Education in 1996 when many boards were being amalgamated and the one thing it didnt do was save money, says Kidder, whose organization does not take a stand on the issue of separate school funding.

It didnt make it cheaper. There are still that many kids, they need that many staff. Just because one building closes, it doesnt actually save the money we think its going to save.

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Panama's Copa Airlines (CPA) - Get Free Report is in the sweet spot: Its margins are growing, Latin America is a bright spot in a bright global aviation picture and investors seem to have developed an unbridled enthusiasm for the stock.

Copa shares closed Friday at $111.98, up 23% year to date and up 116% in the past 52 weeks.

Last week, Copa hosted an investor day in New York, the same day the International Air Travel Association reported on Thursday that Latin American airlines experienced an April demand increase of 16%, the fastest monthly increase since December 2011.

At the presentation, Copa CEO Pedro Heilbron said the carrier is working to produce 2017 margins at the high end of the company's 15% to 17% guidance range.

"The economies continue to strengthen in our region," Heilbron said in an interview. "As we implement some of the ancillary revenue opportunities, which we haven't maximized yet, we can see our margins returning to similar to what we had before the economic crisis in Latin America -- that was in the 19% range."

Potential hazards would seem to include stock market cyclicality, growing capacity in Latin America and the threat of a U.S.-imposed laptop ban.

A ban, if one were to be imposed, would likely reduce travel on all carriers. Theoretically, Heilbron said, the impact on Copa and other Latin American carriers would be less than on carriers that carry a higher proportion of business travelers.

"We would be in the same boat as everybody else, but Latin America less than other regions, {due to} more leisure traffic," he said. Still, he said, using an idiom, "Mal de muchos, Consuelo de tontos," which means, "the misfortune of many is the consolation of the stupid."

A key factor in Copa's North American presence is a long-standing code-share partnership with United (UAL) - Get Free Report .

"Copa is a great partner and has been ever since the Continental days," said Patrick Quayle, United vice president of international network. Continental once owned 51% of Copa.

United and Copa continue to have extensive code-sharing. In particular, Quayle said, United flies from Newark and Houston to Panama City, and has extensive code-shares beyond Panama City.

From Panama City, Copa offers 160 daily departures to 73 cities in 31 countries. It serves 12 U.S. destinations: Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, F'a., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington.

Five of the 12 U.S. destinations are United hubs, and Copa will add four weekly Panama City-Denver flights on Dec. 11. Heilbron said he does not envision any additional U.S. destinations.

Analysts who attended Copa's investor day were generally positive afterward.

Buckingham Research analyst Dan McKenzie has a buy recommendation and a $147 target price, "with a slightly better performance (vs. their original {margin} guide earlier this year) coming from a faster than expected economic recovery in the region (despite a widening political scandal in Brazil)" and the frequent flyer program, he wrote in a recent report.

"Shares have corrected 10% from a recent high on profit taking following a massive move in the stock over the past year (+159% as of May 11th)," McKenzie wrote.

Cowen & Co. analyst Helane Becker is less enthusiastic, with a market perform rating and a $115 target price. In a note, she cited the strength of Copa's hub at Panama City's Tocumen International Airport, where the carrier has an 80% market share and will gain access to 20 new gates.

Panama's economy is slated to grow 6% this year, Copa is the country's second-largest employer after the Panama Canal, and 71% of Copa's markets have fewer than 20 passengers per day each way, meaning it would be tough for a competitor to provide point-to-point service without the benefit of hub connectivity, Becker said.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Saturday's terrorist attack on London may trouble investors, but experts contend it will have little impact on trans-Atlantic travelers.

The attack came in the first week of the summer travel season, which began Memorial Day weekend. Airlines for America, the principal airline trade organization, has predicted that a record 234 million people will travel worldwide on U.S. airlines between June 1 and Aug. 31. The number is up 4% from a year earlier.

"Experienced travelers understand that places like London and Paris are targets, just as New York and Los Angeles are targets," travel writer Joe Brancatelli said Sunday.

"If someone was planning for a London vacation last night and heard the news, maybe they hesitated," Brancatelli said. "And maybe a few booked away. {But} this year, the low fares and strong dollar overrides anything {else}."

Shares of British Airways parent, International Consolidated Airlines Group, fell 1.5% in London trading on Monday.

For the three global U.S. carriers -- American (AAL) - Get Free Report , Delta (DAL) - Get Free Report and United (UAL) - Get Free Report -- the trans-Atlantic has been an area of relative weakness for several quarters, producing revenue per available seat mile trends that have not matched those in other regions, primarily because of the strong dollar and capacity increases by low cost carriers.

In general, while ticket purchases have fallen in some European markets, they have increased in the United States. However, U.S. leisure travelers have most likely already booked their summer vacations, while business travelers, who book later, are unlikely to be deterred by the incident.

"Absent a State Department warning, I suspect the U.K. events in Manchester and London will have little effect on business, leisure or VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travel," said aviation consultant Bob Mann.

British Prime Minister Theresa May "has stated the intent to take a more aggressive line against organizers of an increasing frequency of terrorism incidents, which should both serve notice and have a calming effect on travel markets," Mann said.

New York-London is the busiest U.S. long-haul international route. American, which has a joint venture with British Airways, is the principal U.S. carrier in the market. The joint venture, which also includes Iberia and Finnair, means the carriers can jointly plan flights and split up the revenue.

However, the big three U.S. airlines' levels of revenue from the U.K. does not seem to differ all that much. American gets about 6.3% of revenue from the region, United gets about 5.4% and Delta gets about 2.8%, according to analyst research. But Delta also owns 49% of Virgin Atlantic.

On Delta's July 2016 earnings call, President Glen Hauenstein said U.S.-London routes represent about 35% of all the traffic between the U.S. and Europe, and "London has a very, very high business component."

While all three carriers have trans-Atlantic joint ventures with European partners, Star Alliance, headed by United and Lufthansa, does not include a British partner.

In the second quarter, American's trans-Atlantic revenue per available seat mile was minus 5.9%, worse than domestic, Pacific or Latin America and Delta's negative 4% RASM was second worst among the four regions.

United reported a 2.1% trans-Atlantic gain, its second best regional performance. "The strength in the Atlantic was boosted by strong results in Germany and a U.S. point-of-sale shift," said President Scott Kirby.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Prime Minister Theresa May has put big technologies companies in the cross hairs of the fight on terrorism, saying they have to do more to prevent hate speech online.

"We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed," May said in a Sunday statement outside Number 10 Downing Street in the wake of Saturday's terror attack in the London Bridge and Borough Market area of the capital.

"Yet that is what the internet - and the big companies that provide internet-based services - provide," May added. "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," she added.

The attack killed seven people and injured 48. It has followed a series of attacks in the U.K., including a suicide bomber at an Ariana Grande in Manchester in May killing 20 people and a vehicle attack on Westminster Bridge, which killed five.

Facebook Inc. (FB) - Get Free Report and Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOGL) - Get Free Report YouTube have come under fire in recent months for not doing enough to prevent extremist activity and remove content.

In a reply to May's statement, which was posted on Facebook, the company's policy director wrote: "Using a combination of technology and human review, we work aggressively to remove terrorist content from our platform as soon as we become aware of it.

"If we become aware of an emergency involving imminent harm to someone's safety, we notify law enforcement.

"Online extremism can only be tackled with strong partnerships. We have long collaborated with policymakers, civil society, and others in the tech industry, and we are committed to continuing this important work together."

In early May, after a row erupted with advertisers after commercials were shown alongside extremist content, Facebook hired 3,000 new people to moderate and remove inappropriate content.

A spotlight is also being put on the encryption of messages services including Facebook's WhatsApp, which can be used to prepare attacks.

U.K. Home Secretary Amber Rudd has demanded that social media companies, "limit the amount of end-to-end encryption."

However, campaigners have said that this is a risky approach and could force "these vile networks into even darker corners of the web, where they will be harder to observe," the Open Rights Group warned.

The European Commission on June 1 said YouTube and Twitter Inc. (TWTR) - Get Free Report have fallen short of new European Union standards for removing hate speech from websites.

Facebook, YouTube and Twitter have all pledged to remove such content within 24 hours. YouTube has only managed to do this om 42.6% of cases and Twitter in 39% of cases, according to EC data.

Facebook has succeeded in removing the content in this time period in 57.9 % of cases.

Jim Cramer and the AAP team hold positions in Facebook and Alphabet for their Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells GOOGL and FB? Learn more now.
Oil price futures rose then fell Monday as energy markets were buffeted by news that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt had cut ties diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Brent Crude futures for delivery in August climbed as much as 1.25% in early trading before tumbling to trade midday in London at $49.50, down 0.8%. West Texas Intermediate futures for July followed the same route, up 1.2% in early trading before sliding to $47.25, down 0.8%.

Saudi Arabia and its allies said Monday that Qatar's diplomats have 48 hours to leave their countries and said they would cut transport links with the tiny Persian Gulf nation in protest against Qatar's alleged "embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilizing the region." They also dumped Qatar from a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

The move escalates a rumbling dispute between Qatar, its sometime partner Iran, and their regional neighbors, but its direct effect on oil production is likely to be limited and could be outweighed by more important factors. Hence the oil price yo-yoing.

The first thing to note is that the diplomatic and transport embargo will have no effect on Qatar's ability to export oil, meaning its relatively small output of about 600,000 barrels per day of production will continue to flow.

At the same time the raised tensions heighten the prospect of a break down of cooperation in OPEC, notably between Iran and the Saudis. That increases the likelihood that the cartel's 1.8 million barrel oil production cut, recently extended for nine months, will falter.

There are already hints that it was being widely flouted. OPEC shipments appear to have climbed by about 1 million barrels per day from May to April, according to research by Thomson Reuters Oil Research that was released on Monday.

Meanwhile US domestic output continues to grow - heaping even more pressure on WTI prices. The US onshore rig count climbed by 11 last week, according to Goldman Sachs Weekly Oil Rig Monitor. Since a trough in May 2016, the number of rigs in the US has climbed 132% and shows no sign of abating.

"Despite limited recent hedging and lower prices over the last three months...the uplift (in rig count) continues to be driven by private equity backed and high yield producers," Goldman Sachs analysts noted on Monday.

And there is one other piece of news to watch - and one that could have a far more significant effect on US oil prices than the Qatari furor. The Trump administration is considering sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA as part of a wider ratcheting up of pressure on the government of President Nicolas Maduro, according to a report by Reuters on Sunday.

PDVSA provides as much as 800,000 barrels of oil per day to the U.S. market, making it the No.3 foreign supplier after Canada and Saudi Arabia. Sanctions would have a devastating effect on Venezuela, which sells just over a third of its oil to the US, but would also provide a bump to WTI.

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A defamation case brought against Disney's (DIS) - Get Free Report ABC News division is set to begin Monday in a South Dakota courtroom, in what could be the largest case of its kind in U.S. history, The Wall Street Journal reported. Beef Products is going after ABC for its 2012 "pink slime" coverage.

"Pink slime" is the name attributed to a highly used processed meat product. The company is calling the report false and said that its revenue declined as a result. Beef Products alleges $1.9 billion in damages.

ABC is standing behind its report, saying it never reported anything it knew to be a lie.

"This was the opposite of fake news," ABC lawyer Kevin Baine told the Journal. "It was real news of interest to consumers who didn't know this product was in their ground beef."

Retail's downturn giving you the blues? Jim Cramer has a list of retailers that are currently oversold, giving investors a leg up one of the market's most volatile sectors.
Incidents of terrorism in Western countries increased 174% in 2016, according to a new report by UK insurance giant Aon. And, while individual acts of terrorism don't generally move the stock market for long, some industries tend to react in increasingly discernable ways, according to the analysis.

The number of people killed through acts of terrorism pales in comparison to other forms of violence and disease, but the psychological impact of terror is often devastating.

Increasingly, cybersecurity firms have rocketed on news of instability. An analysis done by CNBC this month showed companies such as Palo Alto Networks (PANW) - Get Free Report , Symantec (SYMC) - Get Free Report , and FireEye (FEYE) - Get Free Reportposting large gains even a month after the WannaCry cyberattack did damage to companies worldwide.

Other companies stand to gain too, primarily in the defense sector. Companies such as Lockheed Martin (LMT) - Get Free Report , Boeing (BA) - Get Free Report , and Raytheon (RTN) - Get Free Report , which sell defense equipment to governments, may see increased sales as leaders increase spending on military supplies.

Surveillance companies such as Verint Systems (VRNT) - Get Free Report , a New York-based software analysis firm that enables law enforcement agencies to conduct mass surveillance, are also poised to gain. Similarly, countries may up their purchases of biometrics equipment, which may prove to be a boon for companies such as Next Biometrics, which provides fingerprint sensor technology, and Analogic (ALOG) , a large manufacturer of airport X-rays.

Oil and gas companies such as British Petroleum (BP) - Get Free ReportChevron (CVX) - Get Free Report , and Exxon Mobil (XOM) - Get Free Report tend to be most at risk of terror, the company found, with retail close behind.

Because rising rates of terrorism may cause leaders to adopt populist policies, companies that deal primarily in international trade are also at risk. This could suggest bad news for the remittance industry, with players such as MoneyGram International (MGI) - Get Free Report and Western Union (WU) - Get Free Report exposed to protectionist policies.

Outside of tech, luxury good providers may also see increased sales. In 1999, two researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that consumers who are more concerned with their mortality may flock to expensive items such as Lexus cars owned by Toyota Motor (TM) - Get Free Report and Rolex watches.

"By purchasing a high-status product, such as a luxury car or designer clothing, an individual may feel more valuable within the culture, thus relieving anxiety in response to threats to his mortality," the researchers write.

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It seems like a slippery slope to allow governments access to encrypted data, but in the wake of yet another terrorist attack in England, that appears to be where things are going.

U.K. Prime Minister on Sunday blasted large technology companies for affording terrorists a "safe space" to interact and attract followers, a day after seven people were killed more than 48 others badly injured after an attack near the London Bridge. Echoing earlier calls by members of her Conservative Party, May called for legislation gives governments greater access to social media messaging.

"We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed," May said. "Yet that is what the internet -- and the big companies that provide internet-based services -- provide."

Coming just two weeks after the suicide bombing attack at a Manchester, England concert stadium, she added that "we need to work with allied, democratic governments to reach international agreements that regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremism and terrorist planning."

Facebook (FB) - Get Free Report , Alphabet's Google (GOOGL) - Get Free Report and Twitter (TWTR) - Get Free Report were all quick to condemn the attacks and reassert their pledge to remove any content that might be used by would-be terrorists or to support such actions.

In a widely circulated statement, Facebook's Simon Milner, its director of policy, said "we want Facebook to be a hostile environment for terrorists." Reacting to May's exhortations, Facebook said it uses technology and a staff of reviewers to remove terrorist content, and then alerts relevant authorities.

"Online extremism can only be tackled with strong partnerships," Milner said in an e-mailed statement. "We have long collaborated with policymakers, civil society, and others in the tech industry, and we are committed to continuing this important work together."

That might be fine and good, but England's May wants more than just a commitment. She wants access to encrypted data.

Led by May's Conservative Party, the U.K. appears poised to approve legislation that would force social media companies to give governmental authorities much greater access to their networks. If May's Conservatives win election on Thursday, Parliament is likely to vote on legislation that would allow government agencies so-called "backdoors" to access decrypted data from communications companies.

On Monday, shares of Facebook were little changed at $153.64 while Twitter slipped 0.4% to $18.23 and Alphabet was gaining 0.7% to $1,003.88.

Following the 2015 San Bernardino, California killings, federal authorities asked Apple for the encryption codes to an iPhone owned by Syed Rizwan Farook, who along with his wife killed 14 people, in order to access information on an iPhone related to the attacks. Yet Apple refused. Government investigators were ultimately able to access that data through other means, and Apple didn't change its policies regarding encryption.

Yet efforts to give police and security officials access to private communications has been largely opposed by technology companies on the grounds such laws could violate personal privacy while handing governments a means to stamp out critics or activists, said Laura Moy, deputy director of the Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown University Law School.

"We may think in our relatively progressive democracies that it's pretty clear who the enemy of the state is, but different states and different governments have different views on that," Moy said. "What's to stop those ways from being exploited by regimes that wish to find human rights activists within their countries to target them for oppressive actions?"

Furthermore, Moy said, it's unclear that even when given such access, that police and security agencies would be able to use such data to prevent potential attacks.

"It's not clear that if we did build in backdoors to encrypted data that would actually help law enforcement capture the people which law enforcement wishes to capture," Moy said. "If one platform becomes subject to backdoors, tech-savvy criminals are going to move to a different platform."

Following Saturday's attacks in London, Twitter e-mailed its own statement together with background data to illustrate how it's working with government authorities to identify potential terrorist-related messaging. Twitter said that it sent U.K. law enforcement agencies data relating to 1,017 accounts following receipt of 681 requests between July 1 and the end of 2016.

Some 376,890 accounts were suspended for violations related to promoting terrorism, Twitter said.

In a statement, Google said it was already working with U.K. authorities to prevent its platforms led by YouTube from being used by terrorists.

"We are committed to working in partnership with the government and NGOs to tackle these challenging and complex problems, and share the government's commitment to ensuring terrorists do not have a voice online," Google said in an e-mailed statement. "We employ thousands of people and invest hundreds of millions of pounds to fight abuse on our platforms and ensure we are part of the solution to addressing these challenges."

Jim Cramer and the AAP team hold a position in Facebook for their Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL? Learn more now.

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The vast majority of shareholders of CSX (CSX) - Get Free Report on Monday supported an unusual and controversial one-time $84 million payment related to the recent appointment of the railroad giant's chief executive, Hunter Harrison.

CSX shares were down about 1% after the news.

The vote comes after the two major proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc., and Glass Lewis, urged shareholders to back the payment, which was partly fronted by activist fund Mantle Ridge, as part of an effort to convince Harrison to leave his previous employer, Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. (CP) - Get Free Report , and join the insurgent fund's efforts to shake up the board and management of CSX.

In March, Mantle Ridge and its founder, Paul Hilal, reached a deal with CSX to install Harrison as the railroad's new CEO, with a four-year contract. As part of the deal, CSX agreed to bring on five new directors, including Harrison and Hilal, while three incumbent directors agreed to step down.

On Monday, 93% of shareholder votes cast at CSX's annual meeting approved a non-binding proposal on the payment.

Harrison has indicated that he would resign from the CSX top position if the proposal would fail to receive approval from investors, a move that would have driven the company's share price down significantly. The stock price spiked up significantly, and traded recently at $52.33 a share, as it became clear that Harrison, a veteran railroad executive, would become the CEO.

In its report, ISS said "cautious support is warranted" for the non-binding proposal reimbursing Mantle Ridge and Harrison "as the failure to approve the payment will likely result in an immediate and significant loss of shareholder value."

And while many in the investor community consider the payment egregious, the company had not made a recommendation on it one way or another.

In its report, Glass Lewis notes that the payment is intended to reimburse Harrison for certain vested and soon-to-be-vested compensation and benefits that the well-respected chief executive essentially left on the table when he left CP to try and join CSX.

The advisory firm, which is very influential when it comes to institutional investor votes, said that the payment could appear to be an "egregious payout." However, it added that "given the decisive market upside and anticipated operational benefits of Mr. Harrison's service...we believe investors should offer clear support" for it. Glass Lewis also noted that the company's failure to provide a recommendation for or against the payment also helped the advisory firm reach that decision.

ISS had previously had urged shareholders to vote against Hilal, noting that it categorized him as a non-independent member of the board of CSX due to his positions on both the railroad's compensation and governance subcommittees.

However, last month CSX announced that Hilal had resigned from both of those committees. He continues to be a member of the CSX's finance and executive subcommittees. Hilal's move to resign from those committees was enough of a move to convince ISS to change its recommendation.

Nevertheless, there are health concerns that continue to plague Harrison. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that Harrison has an undisclosed medical condition that requires he use oxygen occasionally and demands that he works from home several days a week.

Management CV, a research firm, suggested that CSX has set itself up for future disappointment with Harrison as CEO. The research firm noted that Harrison declined CSX's request for an independent pre-hire review of his medical records.
Though Broadcom (AVGO) - Get Free Reportjust signaled that it's no longer bidding for cash-strapped Toshiba's valuable NAND flash memory unit, Taiwanese contract manufacturing giant Foxconn apparently remains undeterred, and has won the backing of two tech giants with large internal flash memory needs. But given political pressures and Western Digital's (WDC) - Get Free Report recent moves, the bid faces an uphill battle.

In a talk with Japan's Nikkei, Foxconn chairman Terry Gou confirmed prior reports that his company has bid for the Toshiba unit, and that Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report and Amazon.com (AMZN) - Get Free Report are taking part. Apple and Amazon could each use a Toshiba investment to help guarantee stable supplies and reasonable prices for the massive amounts of flash memory used by both their consumer hardware businesses and their cloud data centers.

Gou didn't disclose the size of Foxconn's bid, or how much Apple and Amazon are contributing. However, the Nikkei's sources state Foxconn parent Hon Hai Precision "is the highest bidder among five interested buyers, supposedly offering more than 2 trillion yen ($18.2 billion)."

Second-round bids for the Toshiba unit were reportedly made last month. In addition to Foxconn, reported bidders included Western Digital, Broadcom (now apparently uninterested), a joint bid from PE firm Bain Capital and South Korean memory maker SK Hynix and a bid featuring PE firm KKR and two state-backed Japanese funds.

The Japanese government, keen on seeing Toshiba's flash unit remain locally-controlled, has reportedly been providing support for the bid featuring KKR and two state-backed funds. It has also reportedly been especially wary of a Foxconn bid, given the strong ties the company, which has many manufacturing plants in mainland China, has with Beijing.

Meanwhile, Western Digital, whose SanDisk unit has a series of major flash manufacturing and R&D joint venture agreements with Toshiba, filed an arbitration claim in mid-May seeking to prevent Toshiba from including its JV interests in a flash unit sale, something that would significantly reduce the sale price Toshiba would get. Western pointed out that its JV agreements with Toshiba state that neither party can transfer a JV interest without the other's consent.

Toshiba responded by taking some of those JV interests out of the flash unit, but Western was quick to counter by arguing that a large portion of Toshiba's JV interests still remain in the unit. Between the apparent strength of Western's legal claim, and the fact that it could take about a year for an arbitration court to rule on its claim, the company's actions throw a big wrench into any attempt by Toshiba to sell its flash unit in a deal that doesn't feature Western.

Meanwhile, Western was reported last week to be open to a deal with KKR and the Japanese funds in which it obtains a minority stake in the Toshiba unit. Such an agreement could fit with Tokyo's goal of keeping the Toshiba unit under local control, while also meshing with Western's desire to grow its flash memory exposure and prevent the Toshiba unit's sale from hurting the long-term strategic goals it has for its SanDisk unit.

Thus, to secure Toshiba's flash unit, Foxconn and its allies not only have to make the highest bid, they likely have to convince Tokyo to have a change-of-heart and hope Western loses or abandons its arbitration claim. All while the two opposing forces it's dealing with reportedly discuss a compromise.

Crazier things have happened in the tech M&A world, but not often.

Jim Cramer and the AAP team hold positions in Apple and Western Digital for their Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells AAPL or WDC? Learn more now.

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As a government official, you face intense pressures every single day. But we know from experience that you have an unwavering commitment to your mission: do the best possible job of serving your community.

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Weve developed a unique understanding of your diverse challenges as well as your priorities, and that has given us the insight to design solutions with unrivaled breadth of domain expertise, trusted content, and intelligently connected technologies.

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Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG provides integrated telecommunication services to private and business customers in Germany. It offers mobile and stationery voice and data services; very high data rate digital subscriber line (VDSL) internet services; fiber-to-the-home lines; broadband services, consisting of VDSL, cable, fiber, and fixed mobile substitution services; and machine to machine communication and managed connectivity services. The company also distributes various terminal devices, such as mobile phones; and offers digital products and services in the fields of Internet of Things, as well as O2 Tv, O2 cloud, and O2 Select & Stream. In addition, it provides access to infrastructure and services for its wholesale partners. The company provides its products and services through a network of independently operated franchise and premium partner shops, and online and telesales channels, as well as indirect selling channels, such as partnerships and co-operations with retailers. It markets its products and services under the O2, Blau, AY YILDIZ, Ortel Mobile, Telefonica, and Geeny brand names. As of December 31, 2021, Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG served approximately 45.7 million mobile accesses and 2.3 million fixed-line customers. The company was formerly known as Telefonica Germany Verwaltungs GmbH and changed its name to Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG in September 2012. The company is based in Munich, Germany. Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG is a subsidiary of Telefonica Germany Holdings Limited.
3i Group plc is a private equity firm specializing in mature companies, growth capital, middle markets, infrastructure, and management leveraged buyouts and buy-ins. The firm also provides infrastructure financing and debt management. For debt management, it invests in senior and mezzanine corporate debt in typically large and private companies in United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and North America. It makes private equity investments in business and technology services, financial services, consumer, healthcare, consumption and distribution, media and telecom, renewable energy, wind, and industrial sector. Within business and technology services, the firm seeks to invest in sub sectors such as testing, inspection and certification; BPO and consultancy; human capital including staffing, governance, risk and compliance, services to pharmaceutical companies, vertical application software, education and training businesses; facilities management; support services to industrial sectors such as oil and gas and utilities; human resources outsourcing and advising; recruitment; logistics and infrastructure support services including distribution, waste, and rental. In the consumer sector, it focuses on polarization, health and wellness, ageing population, millennials, consumer goods; e-commerce; retail; food and drinks; and leisure. In the healthcare sector, the firm focuses on pharmaceuticals and biotechnology including specialty pharma, generics / OTC, drug delivery, and animal health; healthcare Services including activities such as elderly and specialty care, including caring for people in their own homes, in hospital and in community facilities, as well as operational services such as outsourced support, clinical services and B2B contract services; medical devices and technology including devices, medical equipment and consumables, diagnostics, and healthcare IT. In the industrial sector, it focuses on automotive, chemicals, construction and building products, electronics and electrical components, flow control and filtration, life science manufacturing, mobility, packaging, software, oil, gas and power. Through 3i BIFM Limited and 3i Infrastructure plc the firm makes infrastructure investments where it focuses principally on the utilities including energy transmission and storage, electricity and gas distribution, water, power generation, and communication network; transportation including airports, ports, ferries, toll roads, and rail; and social infrastructure sector including primary and secondary PFI, public private partnerships, healthcare, education, and government accommodation. In infrastructure it invests primarily in utilities, transportation and social infrastructure in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Europe, and Ireland. The firm prefers to invest in companies across Europe, France, United States, South America, and Asia. It seeks to make new investments in Northern Europe and North America. The firm typically invests between 5 million ($5.59125 million) and 300 million ($335.475 million) in companies with an enterprise value typically between 100 million ($111.825 million) and 500 million ($559.125 million) and sales value between 80 million ($89.46 million) and 1500 million ($1677.38 million). It seeks to take either majority or minority stakes. It seeks to take a board seat in its portfolio companies with regards to infrastructure investments. The firm invests through a combination of third-party and proprietary capital. It invests through its personal capital. 3i Group plc was founded in 1945 and is based in London, United Kingdom with additional offices across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Amazon and Apple are said to be working with Foxconn in an attempt to secure part of the semiconductor business of Toshiba, which is for sale.

Hon Hai, known also as Foxconn, offered over 2 trillion yen equal to $18.2 billion for the semiconductor business. According to the chairman of Foxconn Terry Gou, the bid has the financial backing of both Amazon and Apple though the specific details about financing of the deal were not disclosed.

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Gou said that both Amazon and Apple were offering money, but he could not comment on the amount of funds that each of the companies was bringing to the table.

It is unclear at this time if the deal is based upon financing as an investor, or if Apple and Amazon want to help out for a slice of the unit of Toshiba or its assets.

However, both tech companies are important customers for Foxconn for device parts and components for products such as the iPhone of Apple and the Amazon Kindle as well as the Amazon Echo.

Foxconn acquired Sharp in 2016 for $3.5 billion and is contributing to this bid as well. Toshibas U.S. unit for nuclear power known as Westinghouse Electric in March filed bankruptcy as delayed projects of nuclear plants caused it to start hemorrhaging money.

Through filing Chapter 11, Toshiba can cuts losses but has charges of close to $9 million, as well as $6.3 billion of losses.

The huge strain financially caused by the problems of the nuclear projects forced Toshiba into selling its business for its flash memory chip NAND, which provides the chips that are suitable for cloud computing and smartphones both of which might be of big interest to both Apple and Amazon.

The problems led to Shigenori Shiga the chairman of Toshiba resigning in February.

Sources close to the situation now say that despite the cash sitting on the table, that Foxconn is not one of the favored bidders to the companys links to China.

Apparently the government of Japan is worried that should the bid by Foxconn be accepted that key technology would leave and thus the acquisition might be stalled by regulators from the Japanese government.

However, Foxconn said it was confident the company would secure the acquisition. With Amazon and Apple potentially being backers, the government might have to reconsider the stance it has related to the deal.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site.
1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process.

2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive.

3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents.

4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance.

Vote

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Houseplants have been going in and out of vogue ever since the early Greeks and Romans started bringing their plants in from the outdoors. The Victorians loved their potted palms and the 70s wouldnt have been the same without ferns and spider plants ... everywhere. The current style dictates a lighter hand with the green things  sculptural stems and succulents rule the roost  but the truth is this: Houseplants should transcend trends. The benefits they confer should make us consider them a necessity rather than an object of decor, because honestly, good health should never be out of style. And if good health can be abetted by sustainable, all-natural plants, all the better.

If you need convincing, here are some of the ways that bringing plants inside helps us out.

1. They Give an Assist in Breathing

Treehugger / Kara Riley

Inhaling brings oxygen into the body, exhaling releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants do the opposite, of sorts. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making plants and people great partners when it comes to gasses. Plants help to increase oxygen levels, and our bodies appreciate that.

But heres something to know: When photosynthesis stops at night, most plants switch things up and absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. However, a few special plants  like orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads  flip that script and take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Meaning, use these plants in bedrooms to keep the oxygen flowing at night.

2. They Help Fend Off Illness

Treehugger / Kara Riley

In the great outdoors, plant roots tap the groundwater table for water which then evaporates through its leaves in a process known as transpiration. Studies show that this accounts for about 10 percent of the moisture in the atmosphere. The same thing happens at home (minus the groundwater table part), which increases the humidity indoors. While this may sound unappealing during hot moist months, its a gift during drier months or if you live in an arid clime. Studies at the Agricultural University of Norway document that using plants in interior spaces decreases the incidence of dry skin, colds, sore throats, and dry coughs. Other research reveals that higher absolute humidity is conducive for decreased survival and transmission of the flu virus.

3. They Clean the Air

Treehugger / Kara Riley

NASA has spent a lot of time researching air quality in sealed environments, which makes sense. Extensive research by the space agency discovered a then-new concept in indoor air quality improvement in which plants play a pivotal role: Both plant leaves and roots are utilized in removing trace levels of toxic vapors from inside tightly sealed buildings. Low levels of chemicals such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde can be removed from indoor environments by plant leaves alone.

When talking about the relationship between plants and space travelers, NASA notes that plants, "provide nourishment for the body when eaten as food, and they improve the quality of indoor air. Plants take the carbon dioxide from air to produce oxygen that humans can breathe."

Some of the best air-purifying plants, according to the agency, are:

Golden pothos (Scindapsus aureus)

English ivy (Hedera helix)

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Red-edge dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

4. They Boost Healing

Treehugger / Kara Riley

Bringing flowers or a plant while visiting a hospital patient may be verging on cliche, but so effective are plants in helping surgery patients recover that one study recommends them as a noninvasive, inexpensive, and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients. The study, conducted at Kansas State University, found that viewing plants during recovery from surgery led to a significant improvement in physiologic responses as evidenced by lower systolic blood pressure, and lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue as compared to patients without plants in their rooms.

Another technique to decrease recovery time is horticulture therapy in which patients are tasked with taking care of plants. The patients who physically interact with plants experience a significantly reduced recovery time after medical procedures.

5. They Help You Work Better

Treehugger / Kara Riley

A number of studies have revealed that studying or working in the presence of plants can have a pretty dramatic effect. As with simply being in nature, being around plants improves concentration, memory and productivity.

Meanwhile, two Norwegian studies found that worker productivity is greatly enhanced by the presence of plants in the office. Keeping ornamental plants in the home and in the workplace increases memory retention and concentration, notes Texas A&M Extension. Work performed under the natural influence of ornamental plants is normally of higher quality and completed with a much higher accuracy rate than work done in environments devoid of nature.
- President Uhuru made a maiden trip in the Madaraka Express from Mombasa to Nairobi after launching the new train and the SGR

- He was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and many other Kenyans

- TUKO.co.ke has learnt that despite being seen with Uhuru at stopovers on the way, DP Ruto was not in the train as many thought

- The DP was in one of the seven military choppers that protected the train

- We have every detail on why he did not travel in the train

Wednesday, May 31, 2017 was a historic day for Kenya as President Uhuru Kenyatta officially launched the Madarak Express train after the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway.

Uhuru then made history as he boarded the train from Mombasa to Nairobi, to officially launch its operations.

He was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, and a host of other government officials and Kenyans.

Sgr train which Uhuru boarded from Mombasa to Nairobi

READ ALSO: Traffic police officer in full uniform turns vicious preacher at a Nairobi bus stop (video)

As reported by TUKO.co.ke, the train was highly guarded by Kenya's disciplined forces. There were seven choppers hovering above the train from Mombasa to Nairobi, chase cars cruising along the road at the speed of the train and armed security personnel dotted along the railway line.

It was security of a kind.

Deputy President William Ruto could be seen at stopovers made by Uhuru to address residents. Many believed he was in the train too.

Uhuru, Margaret and Ruto during the launch of Madaraka Express

READ ALSO: Forget Uhuru snubbing Raila, something happened on Madaraka Day in Nyeri that has left Kenyans stunned (photos)

But TUKO.co.ke has learnt that the DP was actually not in the train and this was purely for security reasons.

Instead, he was in one of the seven military choppers that escorted the train as it cruised on the newly built SGR.

This was purely for security reasons. The president is always highly guarded. His cars are armoured, his flies in highly sophisticated military choppers, but here he was, in a train that was making its maiden trip in Kenya, not safe for the head of state.

Uhuru and Ruto at Voi terminus

READ ALSO: Single mum left to fend for her sick son after father said the disabled kid was not his

It means Uhuru's life was at risk despite the security accorded to the train. This explains why his second in command couldn't travel in the same train. Just in case of anything.

Reports indicate that it was the biggest nightmare for the security forces in the country.

Even the Speaker of the National Assembly, Justin Muturi, was barred from flying to Mombasa for the launch.

Uhuru makes stopover at Voi station

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In fact, he spent the day in parliament, under heavy security, just in case.

The speaker, according to the constitution, takes over should the offices of the president and his deputy fall vacant. He had to be safe.

Subscribe to Tuko youtube channel to watch more interesting

The only time Ruto join Uhuru in the train was from Athi River to Syokimau where they were seen alighting together.

This explains why many thought Ruto was in the train all along. No, he wasn't.

Will Muthama ruin votes for NASA in the Kenyan August polls?

Have something to add to this article or suggestions? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke
- Siaya Governor Cornel Ratsanga has claimed that a portrait of NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga cured his mysterious illness

- The governor claimed the illness had affected him just weeks into his term as governor

- The illness forced him to consult a religious healer who blamed his ailment to a portrait hanging in his office which he was forced to throw away and replace with that of Raila

A governor has sensationally claimed that a portrait of opposition leader Raila Odinga is responsible for curing his mysterious illness.

Speaking during the National Super Alliance ( NASA) rally in Kakamega, on Saturday, June 3, Siaya Governor Cornel Ratsanga, claimed he became sick just weeks after settling in his new office as governor in 2013.

The governor said he went to all doctors across the country but the disease could not be treated.

READ ALSO: REVEALED: Why DP Ruto NEVER boarded SGR train with Uhuru from Mombasa

Siaya Governor Cornel Ratsanga.

READ ALSO: After Raila called himself Joshua, Sonko gets a biblical name for good measure

After exhausting all medical avenues, Ratsanga consulted a well known religious healer who pointed the blame for his illness on a portrait hanging in his office.

"Just three weeks after I began my work as a Governor, I developed a very strange illness that I had to visit a religious healer for consultation,

"I was amazed when the healer told me that the cause of my illness is a portrait that hanged on the walls of my office and I had to remove it if I was to get any better,'' Ratsanga said.

READ ALSO: Raila Odinga unearths a MAJOR Scandal within the Jubilee Government

NASA co-leader Raila Odinga.

Install TUKO App To Read News For FREE

The governor said he threw away the portrait from his office window and immediately replaced it with that of NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga.

Ratsanga claimed that immediately he replaced the portrait with that of Raila he was cured of the mysterious illness.

The governor also advised his counterparts in the coalition to hang Raila's portrait if they wanted to be reelected in the August General Election.

"I encourage all Governors here to hang Baba's portrait and not the other one in their offices if they to secure victory in the elections and have peace,'' the governor is quoted

Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Watch what people think of Muthama's role in NASA:

Source: TUKO.co.ke
- KDF soldiers have been targeted in three bomb attacks in Somalia

- The attack occurred at Taraka village near the town of Bardhere

- According to sources, causalities have been reported but the number is yet to be confirmed

Kenya Defence Force (KDF) soldiers have been brutally attacked in three bomb attacks by al-Shabaab in Somalia.

TUKO.co.ke has learnt that three consecutive explosions targeted Kenyan forces in Taraka village near the town of Bardhere on Monday, June 5.

According to sources, several casualties have been reported in the attack but the number is yet to be confirmed.

READ ALSO: 14 al-Shabaab fighters killed after attempt to raid KDF camp

Kenya Defence Force (KDF) soldiers have been brutally attacked in three bomb attacks in Somalia.

READ ALSO: KDF and police capture DANGEROUS al-Shabaab commander after night raid (photos)

KDF, after the deadly explosions responded by opening fire to the al-Shabaab militants who retreated the scene.

The group is reported to have suffered heavy losses during the morning battle.

READ ALSO: Several FEARED dead after al-Shabaab attack on KDF

KDF, after the deadly explosions responded by opening fire to the al-Shabaab militants who retreated the scene.

Install TUKO App To Read News For FREE

In the last one month, al-Shabaab terror attacks have increased with the terrorist group carrying out several attacks in Northern Kenya near the border with Somalia.

The terror group has been using Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) and remote controlled bombs against Kenyan, Somali and African Union forces in Somalia, as a military strategy in its losing battle to retain parts of Southern and Central Somalia that it once dominated.

Have anything to add to this article or suggestions? Share with us on news@tuko.co.ke

What do Kenyans think of the Muthama- Raila dynamic? They speak:

Source: TUKO.co.ke
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Eight employees of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services have been referred
June 5, the Bellingcat group of investigators has published on its website two reports, stating the Buk missile launcher, which was used to down Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Donbas, belonged to Russians, and providing data on the Russian military drivers who drove the trucks carrying Buk systems In June and July 2014 in the direction of the border with Ukraine.

The first report contains a photograph of a Buk missile launcher, which was made before the MH17 tragedy and shared by a Russian mechanic, who was in Kursk, presumably in the spring of 2013.

Bellingcat was able to find the missing link photograph that shows these white transport markings on Buk 332 from before the June 2014 convoy. A photograph taken by a Russian mechanic, likely in the spring of 2013, shows Buk 332 with the same white transport markings that were on the Buk while in Ukraine shortly before and after the downing of MH17. This photograph is the last discovered image of Buk 332, showing its non-obscured unit designation and transport markings, before the June 2014 convoy, when the middle digit of its unit designation was painted over, the investigators wrote.

The white digits, gravity mark, and transport marks in the photograph are in the same location as in photographs and videos of Buk 332 while it was in Russia in June 2014 and in Ukraine in July 2014.

This Buk missile launcher was identified as Buk 332 from the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade (military unit 32406) due to these common features. The mechanics photograph was taken at a vehicle yard of this brigade, as we can determine with the help of another photograph from the same area, uploaded by a cadet in August 2014, the report reads.

The second report by Bellingcat is entitled "MH17  Drivers of the Russian June and July 2014 Buk Convoy Trucks". This report is about the involvement of the military drivers who could transport the Buk system to the Russian-Ukrainian border and then take it to eastern Ukraine, where the MH17 flight was shot down.

The last part of that report describes the route and destination of the 23-25 June 2014 Buk convoy that transported Buk unit vehicles of the 2nd Battalion of the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, as well as the route and destination of a 19-21 July 2014 Buk convoy that transported Buk unit vehicles of the 1stBattalion of the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade. The first convoy was last filmed when entering Millerovo and likely was on its way to a temporary military base in Millerovo, while Buk 332 was later transported to the Russia-Ukraine border near Donetsk, Russia and from there into Ukraine. The second convoy likely headed further to a military camp southwest of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, the report reads.

The report also focuses on the drivers of the June and July 2014 Buk convoy trucks and, in particular, the truck that transported Buk 332. This report also describes additional possible drivers of the truck(s) that could have transported Buk 332 from Millerovo to the Russia-Ukraine border. Bellingcat has discovered that trucks of the same military unit (11385) and an additional group of drivers were present in Millerovo around mid-July 2014. Apart from this finding, also previously undiscovered videos are detailed of the same truck and trailer that transported Buk 332, filmed at the end of July 2014, transporting a tank, which was later seen in the Luhansk Oblast in Ukraine.

As noted, an uncensored version of the report including full names and uncensored photographs has been shared with the MH17 Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

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Representatives of the Ukrainian side of the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) on ceasefire and stabilization of the demarcation line between the parties to Donbas conflict received a preliminary consent of the opposite side to repair the damaged power line in order to resume power supply to the Donetsk water filtering station.

Chairman of the Donetsk Regional Military and Civil Administration Pavlo Zhebrivsky posted this on his Facebook page.

"As of today, Avdiivka is provided with drinking and technical water. Representatives of the State Emergency Service and a local utility company deliver water to people. However, the situation is life-threatening: the representatives of the Ukrainian side of the JCCC received only a preliminary consent of the opposite side to start tomorrow to repair the damaged power line. It is still unknown when the repair works will be completed," he wrote.

As reported, the Donetsk water filtering station stopped to operate on June 1 because of damage to the pipeline as a result of shelling near the village of Yakovlevka in Donetsk region.

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The Defense Ministry of Ukraine closely follows the unexpected military exercises the Russian Federation conducts at the border with Ukraine and in the occupied Crimea; all military units are put on alert.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO Andriy Lysenko said this at a press briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The response of the Ukrainian military department is adequate: we closely follow the deployment of troops, strengthen airspace control and control at the borders. We use all possible means and methods to follow these exercises so that they would not suddenly turn into an unexpected act of aggression," Lysenko said.

He noted that the Russian Federation conducted the so-called unexpected military training or exercises all the time and deployed its troops and equipment not only in the territory of Russia but also on the territory of Belarus "allegedly within the framework of joint exercises."

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The US administration does not intend to lift sanctions against Russia until the necessary conditions are met.

US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Nikki Haley said this in an interview with CNN.

When asked about the possible pressure of the White House on the State Department to begin to lift anti-Russian sanctions, Haley replied: We are going to keep our sanctions strong and tough when it comes to the issue of Ukraine. There is no easing up on Russia until they start to really becoming the part of the Minsk agreements and following through what they are supposed to do.

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The Meshchansky Distrcit Court of Moscow found former director of the Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow Natalya Sharina guilty of extremism and embezzlement of the library's funds and gave her a four-year suspended sentence.

"The court convicts the defendant of extremism and embezzlement. Sharina is given a four-year suspended sentence," Judge Elena Gudovshnikova ruled on Monday, Interfax reports.

As reported, the trial in the case of Sharina began in November last year. The ex-director of the Ukrainian Literature Library was wrongly incriminated with inciting national hatred and enmity as well as humiliation of human dignity and embezzlement.

The Human Rights Center "Memorial" recognized Sharina as a political prisoner.

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Chicago, IL (UroToday.com) Dr. Brugarolas provided a succinct summary of the key points, highlights and potential limitations, of the these three excellent ASCO 2017 abstracts (Abstract 5422 DJ George et al, Abstract 5423 MH Voss et al, Abstract 5424 MI Carlo et al). He started with Abstract 5424 by Carlo et al, in which the authors assessed the prevalence of cancer susceptibility germline mutations in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Using the MSK IMPACT next-generation sequencing prospective study, they identified 226 patients over a 1 year period. Specifically, Dr. Brugarolas notes that the population has a relative high proportion of young (<45 years old patients), patients with bilateral disease, and non-clear cell histology  which may not represent a usual practice. The authors identified 38 germline mutations in 38 patients, and CHEK2 was the most common (24%). Other common mutations included BAP2, APC, while there was a smaller proportion of DNA damage repair gene mutations. Importantly, germline mutations were not significant predictor of presentation.The authors next assessed how many of these mutations would have been missed by ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics) criteria for genetics referral. Current guidelines recommend referral for early onset or aggressive clear cell RCC, any non-clear cell histology, or any clinical history consistent with genetic syndromes. About 62% of clear cell RCC patients with germline mutations would have been missed.His main input regarding their conclusions for this abstract are as follows:1. Their population may not be representative of the general population presenting with advanced RCC2. He agrees that the ACMG criteria needs to be updated with regards to non-clear cell RCC and inclusion of unclassified RCC.3. He feels the lack of correlation with clinical criteria is likely due to sample size4. CHEK2 mutation was associated with an increased risk of RCC and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the tumor5. BAP2 mutations seen in both clear cell and non-clear cell patients  which differs from prior studies. Two of this cohorts patients had both ccRCC and nccRCC  but only one nccRCC was clearly independentHe then moved on to abstract 5423 by Voss et al. In this nice study, the authors look back at the COMPARZ trial, which compared pazopanib to sunitinib in the setting of advanced or metastatic RCC. They utilized that patient data and available tissue to correlate PBRM1 and BAP1 mutation rates with clinical outcomes, regardless of treatment arm. RNA and DNA data was available for 352 of the patients. Of these patients, 15% had BAP1 mutation and 44% had PBRM1 mutation. Dr. Brugarolas notes that there is some relationship between these genes that may be confounding some of the results from the study; he requested secondary analysis after abstract submission to clarify.The original study found that PBRM1 mutation was associated with improved PFS and OS, but the groups were unbalanced for BAP1 mutations. A PBRM1 mutant tumor is less likely (OR 0.3) to harbor a BAP1 mutation than wild type. They subsequently noted reduced PFS and OS with BAP1 mutations.A prior study in Nature Genetics 2012 (Pena-Lops et al) identified 4 molecular subtypes based on different combinations of BAP1 and PBRM1 mutation, associated with different clinical outcomes. In order to compare, the authors, on Dr. Brugarolas request, did the secondary analysis. Similar to the 2012 study, 4 distinct clinical outcomes were noted. PBRM1-BAP1- patients had significantly worse OS and PFS. Subsequent analysis linking angiogenic signature demonstrated that high angiogenic signature was associated with improved PFS and OS.His main input regarding their conclusions for this abstract are as follows:1) Acquired mutations in PBRM1 and BAP1 are common mutations in advanced RCC2) PBRM1 and BAP1 mutations are not independent and should be considered together3) Loss of PBRM1 appears to enhance to the proangiogenic microenvironment  he feels this is provocative, but there are significant limitations to the dataset.4) It may be more interesting to look at treatment response prediction based on PBRM1/BAP1 mutationLast, he discussed abstract 4522 by George et al, in which the authors looked at the association of HGF levels (during treatment) to clinical response in patients treated in the ALLIANCE CALGB 90206 study. In that study, patients were treated with interferon alpha (IFNA) +/- bevacizumab (BEV) for advanced RCC. They found that baseline HGF levels were predictive of overall survival (OS)  high HGF levels predicting worse OS. Importantly, the absolute HGF level at 4 weeks and a decrease in HGF levels at 4 weeks were prognostic in multivariable analysis.Dr. Brugarolas didnt have much to add to the authors conclusion. They extend the work of others by demonstrating that HGF change during therapy has prognostic value. HGF levels that stay low on therapy have the best OS, and may be treated with VEGF-selected therapy. HGF levels that start high and stay high on therapy potentially identify patients that may need HGF-MET axis targeted therapy.Presented By: James Brugarolas, MD, PhD, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TXWritten By: Thenappan Chandrasekar, MD, Clinical Fellow, University of TorontoTwitter: @tchandra_uromdat the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting - June 2 - 6, 2017 - Chicago, Illinois, USA
The major political parties competing in Cambodias local elections on Sunday both claimed victory at the polls despite the officials results announcement being delayed.



The ruling Cambodian Peoples Party claimed it had secured more than 1,100 commune seats out of a possible 1,646, while the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party said it had secured huge gains and a large proportion of the overall vote in an election that was largely free of irregularities.



Unofficial results posted by Fresh News, a pro-government website, suggested the CPP had won 1,163 commune chief seats compared to 482 for the CNRP and one for the Khmer National Unity Party.



If the figures are accurate, it would signify large gains for the opposition, which won just 40 seats in the 2012 commune elections.

The National Election Committee was supposed to start announcing results shortly after polls closed, but by the evening had yet to start posting official results.



The CNRP claimed it had won 46% of the votes and more than 500 communes, including winning more than half of the communes in Phnom Penh.



Kem Sokha, CNRP president, said he hoped the local election results were an indication of support going into the general election scheduled for next year.



The CNRP was successful and took a big stride in the commune elections, he said in a statement. The result will be the foundation that we build on to win in 2018.

Chan Samnang, a female opposition candidate standing in Russey Keo commune in the capital, said she had won by some 3,400 votes over her CPP rival.



Samnang held the commune from 2007 to 2012 when she lost the seat amid claims of election fraud.



The current voting system is not 100 percent good, but it is better than last time, she said.



She claimed that she won this time around because locals recognized the work she had done for them in the past.

Peung Chansreyroth, 34, said she voted for the CNRP because she wanted change.



I voted for the CNRP because I wanted a fair commune chief, she said.



Oeun Kimheng, 21, a university student, claimed the previous commune chief was inefficient.



Services for providing documents were always late, she said. Any party is fine with me, but my decision to vote depends on my confidence and belief in a party that is capable of performing its duties.



The former commune chief, Moul Virak, declined to comment.
Afghanistans beleaguered president, Ashraf Ghani, will host an international conference Tuesday in a fresh bid to develop wider consensus on how to end an increasingly deadly conflict in the country and collectively fight cross-border terrorism.

The government has named its new regional peace initiative the Kabul Process" conference but the first meeting is taking place amid worsening national security and deepening political tensions.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Shakeb Mustaghani told reporters Monday that authorities are determined not to allow domestic challenges to hamper their efforts.

He said Afghanistans neighbors, such as Iran and Pakistan, are among the confirmed participants. The spokesman also said others taking part include the United States, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Britain, the United Nations and European Union.



And our security institutions have also assured the government of putting enough security measures in place in order to ensure the security of this meeting, said Mustaghani.

Events of the past week, however, have overshadowed what is being described as a key step toward promoting Afghan peace and security.

Two suicide bombings and deadly anti-government protests in Kabul have killed nearly 120 people and wounded around 600 more. The bloodshed started with a massive truck bomb explosion that ripped through the diplomatic section of the capital on Wednesday, May 31.

No group has claimed responsibility for the either attack, but analysts say they may mark a turning point.

The attack was so large that it changed the situation qualitatively," Zalmay Khalilzad, a former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq told VOA. "So many Afghans were killed and injured it cannot be treated as business as usual. Afghanistan should no longer have patience for such action."

The violence outraged residents and political opponents who took to the streets to demand Ghani resign. Several demonstrators were killed Friday in clashes with security forces.

Political divisions

Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, head of a major party in the ruling coalition, Monday linked his cooperation with the Ghani government to the removal of heads of all security institutions, including the national security adviser.

He maintained they all failed to prevent the violence and fired at innocent protesters.

There is no doubt that the situation, both political and security situation in particular, is not good. The inhuman terrorist act that took place on Wednesday...is a clear example that there is a big problem with the heads of the security institutions. They should be removed, Rabbani said.



On Saturday, the foreign minister and key members of his Jamiat-e Islami party, including Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, were attending the funeral of one of the victims of the deadly protests when a triple suicide bombing struck the service.

Most of the top leaders miraculously escaped unharmed, but an angry Rabbani, in a press conference, accused elements within the coalition government of playing a role in facilitating the attack.

Presidential spokespeople, without directly responding to Rabbanis accusations, dismissed them as "politically" motivated, saying a high-profile investigation into the violence is under way and the government urges all parties to await the outcome.

Pakistan Blame

While Afghan governing partners are locked in political confrontation, the state intelligence agency (NDS) has accused the Haqqani network, a key Taliban ally, of plotting Wednesdays suicide bombing in cooperation with Pakistans spy agency (ISI).

Islamabad has rejected the charges as baseless and unfounded, saying Pakistan in the strongest terms has condemned the Kabul terrorist attack. He also dismissed allegations that Taliban insurgents are using Pakistani soil for orchestrating the violence.

Instead of indulging in a blame game, Afghans must share evidence with Pakistan so it could take the required action, said foreign policy advisor, Sartaj Aziz, on Sunday.

This accusatory approach is instigated by those who have no interest in peace and stability in Afghanistan and their malicious agenda is to damage Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and the cooperation initiatives recently gaining momentum, Aziz asserted.

Attacks highlight need for talks

While some in Afghanistan rejected holding talks immediately following the brutal attacks, Barnett Rubin, associate director of the Center on International Cooperation at New York University and writer of several books on Afghanistan, said the situation highlights the need for dialogue.

You hold peace conference during a war. War means bloodshed and killing and unpredictable events. There are also many people who want to continue the war. Hence its inevitable that peace conference will meet under such circumstances.

Michael Kugelman, a South Asia specialist at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, said that although last weeks bombing has raised internal political divisions, it could lead to a greater push for a peace deal.

"The attack underscores just how horrible things are and that reconciliation is the only way forward to bring an end to the constant bloodshed in AfghanistanThe situation on the ground is growing increasingly critical, and clarity about U.S. plans has never been more necessary," Kugelman said.

The extent of the U.S. role in Afghanistan has been under review by the Trump administration, which is expected to announce its strategy soon.
A bomb planted in a police station killed at least one policeman in Somalia's southern port city of Kismayu on Monday, and militant Islamist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility.

"A policeman died and several others were injured after a bomb blast. We are investigating the cause of the blast," Hassan Nur, a policeman, told Reuters by phone.

Al-Shabab said the toll was higher. "We planted a bomb inside a police station in Kismayu. We killed four policemen and

wounded 27 others," its military operations spokesman Abdiasis

Abu Musab said.

Al-Shabab lost control of Kismayu in 2012, depriving it of a key source of funds. It had ruled most of south-central Somalia until 2011, when it was driven out of the capital Mogadishu by African Union troops.

Despite the loss of territory, al-Shabab still carries out major gun and bomb attacks, and often claims casualty numbers that conflict with those given by government officials.
Weeks after becoming U.S. President Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley described the U.N.'s Human Rights Council as "so corrupt.'' Expect some sparks to fly, then, when she addresses that body for the first time.

En route to the Middle East, Haley drops in Tuesday at the meeting in Geneva to deliver a speech and take part in a "side event" focusing on rights in Venezuela.

Her one-day appearance is shaping up as perhaps the standout event of the council's three-week session because the U.S. has a reputation as a key human-rights defender and is the single largest donor to the United Nations.



Her boss, however, has shaken up that image and raised doubts about America's global commitments.



Trump is seeking deep cuts in U.S. funding for international organizations like the U.N. and the council. On Thursday, he announced the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris climate accord, denting Washington's moral capital. Last month in Riyadh, he announced hundreds of billions of dollars in arms sales over 10 years to Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military campaign in neighboring Yemen that has killed hundreds of civilians.



Despite criticism of the kingdom on issues like women's rights and quelling of political dissent, Trump insisted: "We are not here to lecture."



Haley, on the other hand, will most certainly be in Geneva to lecture.



Laying out her tack in an opinion piece Friday in The Washington Post, Haley said the council must "end its practice of wrongly singling out Israel for criticism." She said "the presence of multiple human rights-violating countries ... has damaged both the reputation of the council and the cause of human rights." She called for "competitive voting to keep the worst human rights abusers from obtaining seats."



"I will outline changes that must be made," Haley wrote. "When the world's pre-eminent human rights body is turned into a haven for dictators, the idea of international cooperation in support of human dignity is discredited."



The council now counts among its 47 members Burundi, China, Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, all of which have spotty rights records but won seats through its arcane system of regional blocs.



And like all things U.N., it is eminently political: North Korea, for example, has used it to bash racial discrimination and gun violence in the United States, and CIA secret prisons abroad, calling the U.S. "the worst-ever tundra of human rights in the world" in its typically colorful prose during the March council session.



John Fisher, Geneva director for Human Rights Watch, said many will be listening out for Haley's tone.



"If the tone seeks to set the U.S. above the rest of the world in terms of its commitment to human rights and multilateralism, I think that's a message that will fall a bit flat" he said.



"That said, if the message is one of 'Let's work together' to strengthen multilateral institutions to the benefit of everyone involved, then I think that's a message that we can all work with," he added.



Rights advocates say key stakes in this session include a possible resolution about Congo, where concerns have risen about government repression, and the release of a U.N. human rights office review about how the council's recommendations on Israel and the Palestinian territories have been applied since 2009  a subject likely to be watched closely by the U.S. after Haley departs.



U.N. officials say the council is a reflection of the world and insist that human rights would be worse off if it didn't exist, while acknowledging its shortcomings. They say it's an important venue to name and shame rights abusers and to hold countries to their own principles, because no country is perfect or fully above reproach.



In her piece, Haley took aim at Cuba, a longtime U.S. nemesis despite a thaw under President Barack Obama, and Venezuela, where protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro have left at least 60 people dead. She noted the council has been effective at times, such as by helping monitor violations in Syria and North Korea.



But she made no mention of abuses in Egypt or Saudi Arabia, nor the Philippines, whose President Rodrigo Duterte has drawn international scorn for calling for vigilante justice against drug dealers and users. Despite that outrage, Trump has praised Duterte and invited him to the White House.



U.S. criticism of the council is nothing new: President George W. Bush's administration kept the United States out when it was created in 2006 in part because of repeated criticism of Israel. Obama brought back the U.S. in 2009, hoping to make it more effective and even appointing an ambassador exclusively devoted to the council.



Trump has not nominated anyone to fill that post, and it's far from certain whether he will.



Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in March said the United States will not continue participating in the council unless it undergoes "considerable reform," without elaborating. That same month, Haley told the Council on Foreign Relations: "I mean, the Human Rights Council is so corrupt ... I think that we need to look at it."



"We need to tell them what we want to see to make it effective," she said.
The terrorist attacks on and near London Bridge sent shockwaves across the globe this weekend. At a security forum in Singapore, which was wrapping up Sunday just as the attacks were unfolding, Asian Pacific defense officials talked about the need for more cooperation in the fight against religious extremism. VOAs Bill Ide has more from Singapore.
Having predicted the last British election wrong, as well as Junes referendum on European Union membership, the countrys pollsters are understandably nervous about Thursdays vote  even more so after Saturdays terror attack in the heart of London.

Before the attack, several opinion polls suggested a shift in public sentiment. Prime Minister Theresa May, who called the post-Brexit snap election for June 8, had been tipped to win in a landslide, but the polls have tightened.

A weekend survey conducted before the van-and-knife attack in the London Bridge district of the British capital gave the ruling Conservative a mere one percent lead, down from 20 percent. Another poll last week pointed to the possibility of a hung parliament, although the pollster concerned rushed to offer health warnings.

The Labour surge, if accurate, would be a remarkable turnaround at the best of times and these are not the best of times for a party led by the most left wing leader in its history, Jeremy Corbyn, who has spent the past 18-months fending off mutinies from his own lawmakers.

Although delighted by an opinion surge in their favor, Labour politicians cast doubt on the polls  as do many pollsters in private, who say they cant see the public backing Corbyn, a throwback figure to the militant 1970s. At the weekend, another poll had the Conservatives nine percent ahead of their chief rivals.

And in the wake of the weekend attack, which has been claimed by the Islamic State, Labour and the Conservatives are trying to fathom what impact Saturdays terrorism will have on Thursdays voting and whether the electoral landscape has been shaken up totally by the murderous rampage that left seven dead and 48 injured.

And no one is sure.



Right-wing edge?



Some academic research suggests Conservatives and right-wing parties, who tend to run on tough law-and-order platforms, benefit politically in the wake of slaughter and mayhem. But that didn't happen in France in April when centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron defeated emphatically his far-right rival Marine Le Pen. And Socialists won in Spain after the 2004 Madrid bombing, defeating ruling conservatives.

On the face of it, the killing spree should boost Theresa May. She has presented herself as a resolute leader throughout the six-week election campaign. In her statement Sunday before the cameras in Downing Street she continued in that style  saying enough is enough and that the time had come to be more robust in tackling terrorism.

WATCH: May on importance of election



Labours senior leaders have been under attack for weeks from the Conservatives and the countrys tabloid press for their past softness on the IRA, Hamas and Hezbollah and for voting against some counter-terror measures.

But last months Manchester bombing didn't halt the apparent surge towards Labour. Corbyns linking the bombing with British participation in recent wars in the Middle East resonated with voters across the political spectrum.

On Sunday, in a speech in the north of England, he toughened up his rhetoric, praising the police for shooting dead the three London Bridge attackers  in the past he has questioned shoot-to-kill policies  and blasting May for having overseen major and unpopular cuts in police man-power when she was the countrys interior minister.







Voter criticism



If the polls are correct about a shrinking Tory lead, then they have only themselves to blame, according to frustrated Conservative-leaning commentators, who have criticized May and her team for running a sometimes disorganized campaign full of U-turns.

Even accounting for the eternal tendency of Tories to moan, this latest effort from the Conservative Party ranks as possibly their worst general election campaign since before the war. By which I mean the First World War, argued columnist Iain Martin in The Times.

The prime minister tried to keep the election focus on Brexit, presenting herself as the strong leader Britain needs to secure a good deal from the EU. But with Labour, the main opposition party, accepting Brexit, voters have appeared more anxious about the state of the countrys National Health Service and social-care system.

Nonetheless, for all of the missteps, and evidence electors dont warm to her, much of the head-wind the Conservatives have been battling is the same all incumbents across Europe have been confronting since the 2008 financial crash. The crisis undermined the publics faith in their rulers, the Economist magazine argued this week.
Interpol Uganda has dismissed reports that it has received communication from their South African counterparts to exhume Ivan Ssemwangas grave to establish whether he is indeed dead.

This follows unverified accounts and speculation on social media that Semwanga forged his death.

Speaking to the media today, Assan Kasingye the police spokesperson said they have not received any such communication and no formal case about the allegations of forged death has been filed .

He said that until a formal complaint has been lodged, Ssemwangas death will be treated as real.
For the second time in a month Britains security services are facing awkward questions about their surveillance policies, after it emerged the ringleader of Saturdays terror attack in the heart of London was known to them and had been interrogated in the past.

The British-Pakistani, who police are not naming for operational reasons, was also a recognized Islamic State follower in the streets around his home in the east London district of Barking, where he tried to recruit children and proselytized openly in a nearby park, sparking a complaint to the police by a local resident.

The 27-year-old, father of at least two young children, appeared also in a television documentary last year in which he was pictured unfurling an Islamic State banner and later arguing with police during a London protest organized by radical preacher Anjem Choudary, a convicted IS recruiter.

Last month, community and mosque leaders in Manchester and neighbors of Salman Abedi, the British-Libyan who carried out the May 22 concert bombing in the city, accused the security services of missing several opportunities to identify him as a high-risk militant.

At least five times locals warned the police of their fears about the 22-year-old suicide bomber. One community worker said he contacted authorities after Abedi said being a suicide bomber was OK.

Insufficient response

Neither Britains domestic intelligence service MI5 nor the Manchester police responded to the claims, but lawmakers have demanded to know why Abedi was seen just as a peripheral figure and one not requiring surveillance and investigation.

Similar questions are being prompted again in the wake of the van-and-knife attack in the London Bridge district of Britains capital. Erica Gasparri, a mother of three who lived in Barking told local media she had reported Abedi two years ago, after he approached kids in a local park. She says she confronted him after her two children came home and said, Mummy I want to become a Muslim.

The parents of the ringleader of Saturdays attack are reported to have been asylum seekers from Pakistan. According to local media, the man, nicknamed Abz, worked at various times for a fast-food outlet, a clothing store and subsequently for the London Underground system.

A onetime friend of the ringleader also told the BBC that he warned police, alerting them to comments made about previous terrorist attacks in Britain and of his alarm at the man's increasingly extremist beliefs. The friend said the alleged attacker was a keen follower of American radical preacher Ahmad Musa Jibril and would watch YouTube videos of the cleric.

He used to listen to a lot of Musa Jibril, he told the BBC. I phoned the anti-terror hotline. I spoke to the gentleman. I told him about our conversation and why I think he was radicalized ... I did my bit, I know a lot of other people did their bit, but the authorities did not do their bit, he added.

Security strategy review

A senior Conservative official told VOA that there is deep frustration in Downing Street about Saturdays attack and the fact that at least one of the assailants was known to the authorities.

Prime Minister Theresa May promised to review Britains counter-terrorism strategy, holding out the prospects of enhanced powers for the security services and longer jail sentences for extremists. She said she wants to take a tougher line with internet providers and social media businesses that allow extremist material on their sites.

WATCH: British Prime Minister Theresa May

Among the measures being recommended by security chiefs, according to government officials, is the power to require those on terror watch lists to wear electronic tags, a ban on the sale of unregistered SIM cards, and a ban on immediate vehicle rentals, requiring renters to wait two hours and for rental firms to run checks on them with the police.

Police and counter-terror officers launched further raids early Monday in east London. A police spokesman said a number of people had been detained. Local residents reported hearing bangs and gunshots during the raids. On Sunday, police arrested 12 people, seven women and five men in connection with Saturdays terror attack. One of the men has since been released from custody.
Hundreds of internally displaced persons in northern Cameroon are deserting camps near the Nigerian border, saying they no longer feel safe after a series of suicide bombings.

The Kolofata central mosque on Cameroon's northern border with Nigeria is now a sanctuary for 70 people who began escaping a nearby IDP camp last Friday, after two suicide bombers disguised as refugees begged for food and blew themselves up.

Nearly a dozen people, including the bombers, were killed and 30 people were wounded.

Forty-year-old Samari Bakassia lost his wife in the attack. Bakassia says he fled the IDP camp with their two-month-old baby because their safety could not be guaranteed.

He says they are scared and are now relying only on God to save them from terrorists.

According to Cameroon's government, about 150 people deserted the camp that had housed about 500 Cameroonians who were fleeing increasing attacks by Boko Haram militants.

In another incident, two female suicide bombers blew themselves up when a self-defense group identified them as attackers headed to the camp. The bombers killed a member of the self-defense group and wounded at least a dozen people.

Doctor Vohod Deguime says 17 women and three children, one younger than 2 months old, are among the wounded who have come from Kolofata and Mora in the past 24 hours. He says those patients refuse to return to the IDP camp once their treatment ends.

It is the first time such attacks on IDPs have been reported. Most such incidents have targeted refugee camps for foreign nationals escaping Boko Haram. Last year, the Cameroonian government reported that suicide bombers were posing as refugees to attack the Minawao refugee camp, which hosts at least 65,000 Nigerians. Soldiers were then deployed to the area and access to the camp strictly controlled.

The governor of the far north region of Cameroon, Midjiyawa Bakari, says IDP camps need similar security measures, especially since five of 23 suicide bomb attacks recorded this year have occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan that began several days ago.

Bakari is calling for vigilance, saying suicide bombers in disguise are trying to deceive Muslims engaged in acts of charity required by the Quran. Boko Haram is still very active, he says, and no one should be deceived that the terror group has been defeated.

Authorities are condemning the acts of barbarism that have increased during this period of fasting and intensive prayer, Bakari says, adding that self-defense groups should be created in all mosques and public places to assist the military in tracking suspects.

The United Nations says that about 200,000 Cameroonians  70 percent women and children  have been displaced by the ongoing Boko Haram conflict.
Canadian social worker Christine Archibald is being remembered as a bright light for her profession as those who loved her launch an online campaign of compassionate acts after she was struck by a van of terrorists on London Bridge and died in her fiance's arms.

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 said. 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.

Worked in Calgary



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, Ferguson Rowe said.



Born and raised in Castlegar, British Columbia, Archibald had later lived in Calgary, where she worked at a homeless shelter before moving to Europe to be with Ferguson.



Her family in Castlegar said in a statement that Archibald would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.

She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected, the family statement said.

Award-winning student



Kathy Christiansen, executive director of Alpha House in Calgary, said Archibald had worked at the shelter for homeless people addicted to drugs and alcohol until recently. She called Archibald a talented social worker and exceptional human being who inspired all who worked with her. Chrissy was a bright light, she said.



Before that, Archibald was an award-winning social work student from Calgary's Mount Royal University. Peter Choate, an assistant professor of social work, said his former student fit the profession.

She was very caring but at the same time very professional. She understood that she wasn't in charge of the lives of her clients. She was able to offer her clients opportunities to do things with their lives, Choate said. She got it. The family should be very proud of the young woman, the social worker that she was. As a profession for us it is a loss.

'Tell them Chrissy sent you'

The Archibald family asked that people honor her memory by making the community a better place.



Volunteer your time and labor or donate to a homeless shelter, the statement said. Tell them Chrissy sent you.

The hashtag Chrissysentme was being used on Twitter to express sadness for the family's loss. Inspired by the call for meaningful action, some people pledged to make donations to shelters, soup kitchens and other community groups.

Ferguson Rowe said she hoped the use of the hashtag would urge people to not let her death be in vain, to do good in their community.

It's what she would have wanted, Ferguson Rowe said.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) accused the Colombian government Sunday of "repeatedly breaking" various terms of their peace deal, and threatened to delay the Marxist rebels' demobilization.

"In face of government's repeated failure to comply with the Peace Agreement, the FARC is going to seek international monitoring," rebel leader Rodrigo Londono, also known as Timochenko, warned on Twitter.

The statement does not make immediately clear what Londono meant about international oversight, which is already part of the UN-monitored peace process even after demobilization of FARC forces.

Timochenko earlier said he was "considering" postponing demobilization.

Earlier, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said the government would stick to its calendar. "That is our commitment and we will fulfill it," Santos said. He has called the peace process "irreversible."

The government and the FARC reached a deal after four years of negotiations in the Cuban capital last November.

The accord also takes foreign magistrates off special peace tribunals, although there will be foreign observers, and stipulates FARC must turn in "exhaustive and detailed" information about its involvement in the drugs trade.

The deal is bringing to an end 52 years of armed conflict in Colombia that has claimed at least 260,000 lives.
Russia's Foreign Ministry on Monday dismissed as baseless accusations that Moscow has been meddling in Macedonia's internal affairs.

The Kremlin response followed a report in The Guardian on Sunday that says documents leaked by Macedonian intelligence agents to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) show that "Russian spies and diplomats have been involved in a nearly decade-long effort to spread propaganda and provoke discord in Macedonia."

The leaked documents indicate that efforts to isolate Macedonia from Western influence are part of a broader Russian campaign to stop all republics of the former Yugoslavia from joining NATO and succumbing to Western political interests.

It was shortly after Greece blocked Macedonia's bid to join NATO in 2008, OCCRP says, that Russia's foreign policy, in concert with its energy strategy, sought to control strategic energy resources through partnership with the Balkan countries and to make Macedonia exclusively dependent.

The leaked files also describe how the Kremlin conducted espionage, stating that three agents from Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service  formerly known as the Soviet-era KGB  are based in Skopje, and overseen by the SVR's sister station in the Serbian capital, Belgrade.

OCCRP also says Russia's embassy in Macedonia houses a quartet of Russian military intelligence (GRU) agents whose activities are coordinated from the GRU's base in Sofia, Bulgaria. And It says journalists for Russia's TASS state news agency and officials from Rossotrudnichestvo, which promotes Russian culture and interests abroad, collaborated with Russian spies.

A Washington-based cultural center funded by Rossotrudnichestvo was investigated by the FBI in 2013 for attempting to recruit Americans as spies.

Sunday's Guardian piece on OCCRP findings are nothing but another clumsy attempt to shift responsibility for bringing about a profound crisis of the Macedonian state, said a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry information and press department.

Hollow accusations against Moscow for funding Macedonian media with the purpose to spread disinformation in Russian interests are stemming from an organization whose main sponsors are U.S. state structures and the George Soros foundation.

The statement goes on to accuse EU and American actors of failing to condemn the infamous Tirana platform, which is a manifestation of the ideology of Greater Albania  a reference to Macedonia's domestic ethnic issues. Part of a recent coalition deal to elect an ethnic Albanian to be legislative speaker led to protests by nationalists who stormed parliament and beat some deputies, including Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

On Tuesday, Macedonia's Ministry of Foreign Affair issued vaguely worded response reaffirming its strong strategic commitment to pursue EU and NATO membership.

We will maintain constructive relations, based on good will, with all our partners and friends of the Republic of Macedonia, including our friends from the Russian Federation, the statement said.

Risk of 'serious deterioration'

In an interview with VOA's Bosnian Service on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Hoyt Yee said Balkan politicians seeking EU and NATO integration need to make hard sacrifices and reforms necessary to help their citizens move closer to Europe.

Yee added that the United States remain a committed partner for countries wishing to join the Euro-Atlantic community, but it is up to the leaders to deliver on their commitments to their people.

Yee's comments come at a time when countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Macedonia, and Serbia are stumbling on the path to European and NATO integration, despite widespread popular support. Well-educated Balkan youth in particular have been emigrating in response to political dysfunction, lack of employment opportunities, decreasing freedoms and an abandonment of hope for a better future.

In Bosnia, Yee said, we have a situation in which the electoral system is in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, in violation of several decisions of the Constitutional Court of BiH, and that a major city [Mostar] has not had elections in eight years. Lack of structural and institutional reforms, he warned, could result in serious deterioration in BiH.

EU-backed meeting

On Saturday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addressed a European Union-backed meeting of Balkan leaders in Slovenia designed to boost European cooperation in the troubled region.

Despite Europe's own problems, he warned, what happens in the Balkans 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 was quoted as saying in a Reuters report. We have not forgotten the conflict. We have not forgotten the violence in this region.

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo make up the western Balkans, where the wars in the 1990s left some 100,000 people dead and millions homeless.

The EU has hoped that the prospect of EU membership will help steady and prevent conflicts in the Balkans.

However, there have been concerns that the bloc has been too busy with its own problems, enabling Russia to increase its traditional influence in the region.

This report originated in VOA's Bosnian Service. VOA's Macedonian and Albanian services contributed reporting. Some information is from Reuters.
On paper, all of the worlds seven richest nations warned last month against militarization of the contested South China Sea, where Beijing is building up small islets for combat aircraft and radar systems.

But analysts believe it was Japan that pushed the Group of Seven nations for the warning as it vies with China for political influence around Asia.

Japan is concerned

I think in recent times Japan has been trying to make use of various regional and international forums to, for lack of a better word, publicize Chinas military expansion and its associated activities, said Collin Koh, maritime security research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. So I think in this context using the G7 is a particularly timely platform.

The G7, which includes Japan as well as the United States and several Western European countries, expressed concern about the East and South China Seas in a leadership communique from the May 26-27 event in Italy. The G7 is strongly opposed to any unilateral actions that could increase tensions," it said, and "we urge all parties to pursue demilitarization of disputed features.

China is engaged in militarization of the South China Sea

China, though not named in the statement, leads in militarization of the resource-packed, 3.5 million-square-kilometer South China Sea that runs from its southern coast to Borneo. Reclamation work estimated at 3,200 acres has expanded islets in the Paracel and Spratly chains to support naval and air force facilities.

Japan has a particular stake in the dispute. It does not claim the sea but vies with Beijing for alliances with Southeast Asian countries that do have claims.

Japan and China separately dispute a tract of the East China Sea, which lies east of Shanghai. Tokyo controls the disputed area and eight uninhabited islands. China passed ships near the islands on more than 30 days last year to assert its claims, in some cases prompting Japan to scramble planes.

China further resents Japan over what it sees as unsettled issues from its World War II-era occupation of Chinese territory.

Japan wants to be a player in the South China Sea

The Japanese prime minister is very steadfast on the position that Japan needs to have a principled position in the South China Sea, said Yun Sun, senior associate with the East Asia Program under Washington-based think tank the Stimson Center.

With the United States taking a low-key approach on the issue for now, she said, I think Japan is probably the most concerned about what China is doing.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was leading discussions at the G7 meeting on maritime security, among other issues, the website of his countrys foreign ministry says.

When China was mentioned in the discussions, Prime Minister Abe stated the importance of relations with China and also that the G7 should urge China to play a constructive role in the international community, the ministry says.

US backing off for now

Japanese officials may be especially worried because U.S. President Donald Trump has sidelined the South China Sea issue since taking office in January, said Alexander Huang, strategic studies professor at Tamkang University in Taiwan.

Tokyo and Washington have historically worked together on checking Chinas expansion, but Trump now wants Chinas help containing North Korea and is considered unlikely to rile Beijing as they cooperate.

Japanese leaders have used forums under the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to issue "warnings" and senior-level meetings in Europe to air those views and canvass for support for its cause, Koh said.

China upset with G7 warning against militarization

China called the G7s statement irresponsible. It probably resents the G7 for reviving the issue, Huang said.

Basically the Chinese wanted this issue to just die down. So if G7 did not mention anything about the South China Sea, that would be the best case scenario for China, Huang said. I think China believes they are doing something about it, and its not necessary to bring about this issue at this moment.

Since a world arbitration court in The Hague ruled last year that Beijing lacks a legal basis to its claim over about 95 percent of the South China Sea, the Communist government has sought talks with four Southeast Asian countries whose exclusive economic zones overlap waters that Beijing calls its own.

Specifically, it has offered development aid to the Philippines, discussed maritime cooperation with Vietnam and pumped money into Brunei and Malaysia. China and ASEAN agreed in May to a framework for a code of conduct that would eventually prevent mishaps in the sea.

Partly in response to China, committees in Japans ruling party have drafted a revision to the Self-Defense Forces Law to give the military more powers than just to be a self-defense force as established after World War II.

We do see actually some signs of easing of tensions, but I think Japan wouldnt want people to forget that while all these negotiations are taking place, the fact is that China has been continuing with the buildup, Koh said.

The G7 leaders added in their statement they want a peaceful settlement of maritime disputes through diplomatic and legal means, including arbitration.
Developments in Washington, D.C., over the weekend U.S.-Asia discussions in Singapore, President Donald Trump says the world needs to stop being "politically correct" in fighting terrorism, protests, for and against the president, demonstrate over the weekend, The New York Times says Trump will not prevent fired FBI Director James Comey from testifying to Congress this week, and former Fox News host Megyn Kelly interviews Russia President Vladimir Putin, who claims American hackers could have framed Russia in 2016 presidential election:

WATCH: Mattis at security forum

Mattis Offers Assurances of US 'Enduring Commitment' to Asia  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 Says Chinas Militarization of Man-Made Islands Unacceptable  Mattis applauded Chinas efforts to work with the international community on North Korea at an annual security forum in Singapore Saturday. But when it came to the South China Sea, he called Chinas ongoing militarization of man-made islands there and its disregard for international order, unacceptable.

Tillerson to Tackle Regional Challenges on First Trip to South Pacific  The United States is enlisting its Oceania allies to tackle growing threats from North Korea and counter increasing Chinese influence in the Asia-Pacific region, U.S. officials and experts say. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis are departing for Australia for annual ministerial consultations on June 5, aimed at deepening cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues.

US Security Policy in Spotlight at Annual Asia Defense Summit  Questions about the U.S. commitment to the Asian region will be a key focus as Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis attends the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore this weekend. The annual meeting has typically been an opportunity for countries in the region to voice frustrations and concerns about China. This year, however, Washington may be getting most of the attention, analysts said, after Trumps announcement this week that the U.S. would exit the Paris climate change agreement.

Trump: World Needs to Stop Being 'Politically Correct' in Fighting Terrorism  Trump says the world needs to stop being "politically correct" in fighting terrorism and used the deadly London attack to renew his call for courts to authorize his ban on travel to the U.S. from six majority-Muslim countries. In a string of Twitter comments, the U.S. leader vowed support for Britain, criticized London's mayor and took a tough stance on fighting terrorism.

'Free Speech,' 'No Nazi' Counter Rallies Fill Downtown Portland  One week after two men were killed defending two women from anti-Muslim slurs on public transit in Portland, Oregon, a "free speech" rally and counter protests filled the city center. Four separate rallies including two titled "Trump Free Speech" and "No Nazis on Our Streets" took place Sunday, all in the city's center.

WATCH: Protesters support Trump



Anti-Trump Protesters Gather Across US, Abroad  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.

WATCH: Protesters against Trump

NY Times: Trump Not Planning to Invoke Executive Privilege for Comey Testimony  Trump reportedly does not plan to invoke executive privilege in an attempt to prevent former FBI Director James Comey from disclosing potentially harmful information to Congress about statements Trump made about his embattled former national security director. The decision was reported by The New York Times, which attributed information about the decision to unnamed senior officials with the Trump administration.

WATCH: PM May: Enough is enough

Islamic State Claims London Terror Rampage  Islamic State (IS) is claiming responsibility for Saturday night's deadly terror rampage in London, which killed seven people and wounded 48. IS made its claim of a "security detachment" carrying out the attack on its Amaaq news agency webpage. A van driver ran over pedestrians on the London Bridge. Three men jumped out of the van and stabbed people in a nearby market.

Bloomberg Leads Effort to Help US Stick to Paris Deal  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. 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.

Pence Praises Trump as More Concerned with Des Moines Than Denmark  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.

WATCH: Many businesses critical of Trump climate action

US Cities, States, Businesses Back Climate Change Agreement  Trump said he represented the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris when he announced the U.S. withdrawal from the historic climate agreement signed in the French capital. But Bill Peduto, the mayor of Pittsburgh, said he was personally offended by Trumps remarks. Peduto said Trumps speechwriter used Pittsburgh as a stereotype of a dirty old town that relies on big coal and big steel to survive. He said Trumps reference completely ignores the sacrifices that we made over 30 years ... to clean our air and clean our water.

Putin: US Could Have Hacked Election, Blamed Russia  American hackers could have planted false evidence that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election, President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying by NBC News Saturday. U.S. intelligence officials have said Russia tried to interfere in the U.S. election by hacking the Democratic Party to sway the vote in favor of Trump, a charge the Kremlin has repeatedly denied.

German Right-wingers Urge Switch of Climate Change Policy  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.

Trump 'Believes Climate Is Changing,' Haley Tells CNN  Trump "believes the climate is changing," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley says. "President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation," Haley said during an excerpt of a CNN interview released Saturday. The interview will be broadcast Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.

Facts Muddy Trump's Claim That US is Cleanest Country  Trump said the United States "will continue to be the cleanest and most environmentally friendly country on Earth" as he announced a U.S. pullout from an international accord designed to curb climate change. But facts muddy that claim. Data show that the U.S. is among the dirtiest countries when it comes to heat-trapping carbon pollution. One nation that has cleaner air in nearly every way is Sweden.

White House Looks at Sanctions on Venezuelas Oil Sector  The Trump administration is considering possible sanctions on Venezuelas vital energy sector, including state oil company PDVSA, senior White House officials said, in what would be a major escalation of U.S. efforts to pressure the countrys embattled leftist government amid a crackdown on the opposition.

Perry Staying Busy, Gaining in Enthusiasm at Energy Department  Rick Perry twice ran for president and appeared as a contestant on TV's Dancing with the Stars. But since becoming Trump's energy secretary, Perry has kept a low profile and rarely has been seen publicly around Washington. 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.

WATCH: Silicon Valley Debates Future of H1B Employment-Based Visa
When toymaker Estrela decided to move manufacturing capacity back to Latin America from China, it sank $2 million into a new factory not in its native Brazil - the region's largest economy - but in its tiny southern neighbor Paraguay.

The plant, which opened this month in the border town of Hernandarias, stands near a 4,500-hectare (11,000-acre) industrial park filled with Brazilian companies making everything from autoparts to clothing.

The dark-blue electric scooters assembled by 20 workers at the Estrela factory, known as a maquila, will be shipped across the border to Paraguay's giant northern neighbor under a Paraguayan system that allows hefty tax breaks for exporters.

An easy decision

For Carlos Tilkian, chief executive of Manufatura de Brinquedos Estrela SA, it was an easy decision to open the assembly plant in the landlocked nation of just 6.8 million people sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina.

Paraguay has important competitive advantages: cheap energy, labor flexibility and low social charges on wages, he said in an interview before the factory's inauguration. In Brazil, this would be much more expensive.

Brazilian companies increasingly have been flocking to Paraguay since the election of former-businessman turned President Horacio Cartes in 2013, when he steered his nation to the right after the impeachment of leftist Fernando Lugo.

In a bid to create jobs, Cartes built on a 1997 reform that allowed foreign exporters to pay taxes in the low single figures and excluded them from customs tariffs with additional pro-business measures. Though more than 90 percent of its manufactured goods go to Brazil, Paraguay's Mercosur trade bloc membership also gives exporters easy access to Argentina and Uruguay.

Since Cartes's election, the number of foreign manufacturers in Paraguay has nearly tripled, according to government figures, also spurred by Brazil's worst recession on record. The economic downturn has forced manufacturers to cut costs to remain afloat amid onerous taxes and bureaucracy.

Of the 126 foreign manufacturers now in Paraguay, four-fifths are Brazilian.

The move by Brazilian companies southward is sparking outrage among Brazilian unions.

Anthony Lisboa, secretary for international relations at Brazil's umbrella union federation, denounced the maquila system, saying it relied on slave labor. He said he was trying to galvanize opposition in Paraguay  which lacks Brazil's tradition of organized labor.

The U.S. auto industry has the same issue with Mexico: they are simply moving production to a country where laws permit worse working conditions, Lisboa said.

Brazilian businesses and economists say jobs created in Paraguay are replacing jobs in China, not Brazil, and that Brazil benefits from a more prosperous neighbor.

As China gets more expensive, it becomes viable for some industries to produce closer to home and Paraguay is close to home, said Thomaz Zanotto, foreign trade director for Sao Paulo's powerful business chamber FIESP. This is not going to rob Brazilian industry  Paraguay is not big enough for that  but ... it shows we could be more cost competitive in Brazil if we had better economic policies.

'Better quality of line'

Hernandarias' residents are overwhelmingly in favor of the Brazilian factories. The town of 80,000 has long been overshadowed by its neighbor Ciudad del Este, the second-largest city in Paraguay and home to a giant street market hawking everything from contraband perfume to televisions and assault weapons.

Convenience store worker Fabiola Vargas, 22, said the factories offer an option to residents who relied on part-time or informal jobs in Ciudad del Este as Paraguay tries to shed its reputation as a hub for illicit trade and finance.

We won't have to travel so much and will have a better quality of life, she said.

Brazilians invested $101 million in Paraguay in 2015, according to the most recent Paraguayan central bank data, more than one-third of the total foreign investment of $260 million.

After posting China-paced growth as recently as 2010 amid a commodities boom, Brazil now has the highest unemployment ever among its 207 million inhabitants. By contrast, Paraguay saw GDP growth of at least 4 percent last year, helped by the manufacturing boom.

Eduardo Almeida, the Inter-American Development Bank representative in Paraguay, said a 2015 law guaranteeing foreign companies investing more than $100 million a stable tax rate for 20 years had provided vital stability.

Brazilian meat packer JBS SA, the world's largest, said Paraguay's stability was important to its decision to double output there this year and lift national revenues to $550 million.

Paraguay is an economy that grows, has clear policies, and stable monetary policy, its local director Felipe Azarias told Reuters.

In Brazil, ranked among the world's most expensive nations to do business, benefits and taxes inflate workers' salaries by 40 to 60 percent, according to Rio de Janeiro-based think tank FGV.

Labor costs are on average 45 percent less in Paraguay than in Brazil, while companies pay average taxes of around 3.5 percent in Paraguay, compared to 36 percent in Brazil, Almeida said.

Cartes' government says it created 21,333 manufacturing jobs between August of 2013 and December of 2016, generating $900 million in exports.

Discontent

In Paraguay, some academics say Cartes' policies are depriving the government of revenue for long-term development, particularly in infrastructure.

The more exceptions and exemptions we have on manufacturing, the more we deprive the treasury of something foreign investors themselves need  financing for infrastructure, said Fernando Masi, director of the Asuncion-based Center of Analysis of the Paraguayan Economy.

A source at a large Brazilian infrastructure company said Brazilian builders had mostly left Paraguay due to concerns the government did not have the money to provide support for private investment in bridges, dams, airports and other projects.

Paraguay's Commerce and Trade Minister Gustavo Leite told Reuters that Cartes is committed to the low-tax policy and has no plans to seek more revenue from Brazilian companies.

If jobs are so important, why wouldn't we take care of employers, Cartes said at the Estrela factory opening. This is the Paraguay I believe in: we take care of those who provide jobs.
Men, women and children walk down the rubble in Mosuls al-Zanjili neighborhood in search for safety as the U.S.-backed Iraqi forces pound Islamic State from its last pockets in Mosul. VOAs Kawa Omar took these images depicting the situation in the city.
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.



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.

Christian revival

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.

Stable 7 percent



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.

Resurgence of faith

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.

Blind faith

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.
By Damali Mukhaye

Landlords at Centenary Park are up in arms against an ongoing demolition of some of their structures.

Early this morning, a group of workers from the Uganda National Roads Authority and National Water and Sewerage Corporation stormed the park, which lies in a wetland, and started passing water pipes under the buildings.

Together with some KCCA Councilors, the Managing Director of Nalongo Estates Sarah Kizito Nyakaana, claims they had an agreement with KCCA to find other routes for the water pipes and instead of passing them through their business structures.

Mrs. Nyakaana says they are ready to fight on as they have a presidential directive authorizing their operations at Centenary Park.

The park located on Jinja Road opposite the Electoral Commission Headquarters, is a hub for several restaurants and hangouts.
The recent anti-Muslim attack in Portland, Oregon, has highlighted an alarming rise in hate crimes across the U.S. targeting Muslims, African-Americans and other groups.

But hate crimes against Native Americans often don't often make headlines, which they say is part of a pattern of discrimination and violence dating back generations. They worry they may also see an upsurge in hate crimes against Native communities.

Theres an increasing sensitivity here, as in other places, said Charles Abourezk, a South Dakota lawyer, indigenous rights activist and Chief Justice of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Supreme Court. Our area is increasingly conservative and more increasingly susceptible to the same kind of growing backlash or regression in terms of race politics that we are seeing in the rest of the country.

Discrimination against Native Americans is widespread, he said, citing personal experience.

Just last year, former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell attended tribal celebrations marking the Battle of the Little Big Horn in Montana.

A pick-up truck came in with a bunch of white fellows in back, and they started waving scalps ... they were really just wigs. What kind of message are they trying to tell the Indians? he said. Indian kids feel the impact. They grow up feeling they have no self-worth.

He believes that is one reason for a high rate of suicide among Native youth.

Insufficient data

The FBI relies on local police agencies to voluntarily report hate crimes. The Bureau catalogued 4,200 hate crimes in 2015, 3.4 percent of them against Native Americans and Alaska Natives. The figure is statistically significant among a people who represent only one percent of the total U.S. population.

Barbara Perry, a global hate crime expert at Canada's University of Ontario Institute of Technology and author of Silent Victims: Hate Crimes Against Native Americans, believes those numbers are higher. Her studies show that only about 10 percent of victims report hate crimes to tribal or local police.

The reasons include a sense that they won't be taken seriously, that they may in fact suffer secondary victimization, harassment or verbal abuse from law enforcement, she said via email. They may also be reluctant to involve outsiders for fear retaliation by the perpetrator.

Some hate crimes take place on reservations, where tribal police resources may be thin. And, as a 2014 study showed, police may also be confused about what, exactly, constitutes a hate crime.

U.S. law defines a hate crime as a "criminal offense against person or property motivated partly or entirely by an offenders bias against a particular race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation." Because hate crimes are classified as federal crimes, they fall under FBI, not local, jurisdiction.

Evidence of bias might include membership in hate groups or using racial slurs during an attack, as demonstrated in 2012, when three New Mexico men with ties to white supremacist groups kidnapped a developmentally-disabled Navajo man, branding him with a swastika.

But motive can sometimes be tough to prove, as in the 2015 case of a non-Native parks worker who walked into an alcohol treatment center Riverton, Wyoming, and shot two sleeping men, both members of the Northern Arapaho tribe. The shooter said he was angry about having to clean up after homeless men in public parks and would have shot them regardless of their race.

Some jurisdictions intentionally avoid labeling attacks as hate crimes.

They would much rather prosecute as a regular crime than admit that theres racial hatred involved. Theyre playing politics, said Abourezk.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC ), which tracks hate groups, recorded 900 hate and bias incidents since November, but says the actual numbers may be higher.

The reality is that any community that has been targeted by any hate crime should be concerned in a political climate like this, said SPLC investigator Ryan Lenz.

In late May, a man driving a monster pick-up truck deliberately ran over two members of the Quinault Indian Nation at a campground in the state of Washington, killing one. Tribal witnesses said he shouted racial slurs and war whoops, but sheriffs said they found no evidence of a hate crime.
Russian President Vladimir Putin insists he has never met with U.S. President Donald Trump and wondered if the American media has "lost its senses."

Putin was interviewed last week by NBC's Megyn Kelly. Parts of their talk were broadcast Sunday night.

When asked if he had anything damaging on Trump, Putin called it "another load of nonsense."

The president said hundreds of American business executives come to Moscow every year and that he rarely sees any of them, including Trump, who was a business magnate before entering politics.

Putin also denied any contacts with fired national security advisor Michael Flynn.

There is a widely-seen photograph of Flynn and Putin sitting at the same banquet table in Moscow in 2015 when the retired Army general was a Trump advisor.

Putin was at the dinner to give a speech. He told Kelly he barely spoke to Flynn and was only told later who Flynn was.

Trump fired Flynn for failing to disclose that he had met with Russian officials.

The Russian president again denied Kremlin interference in the U.S. election by hacking Democratic Party emails.

He said hackers can be anywhere and can skillfully shift the blame to Russia.

Putin said it makes no sense for Russia to interfere, because he says no matter who is president, the Russians know what to expect from a U.S. leader.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Maldives cut diplomatic ties Monday with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Qatar's Foreign Affairs Ministry said the measures are "unjustified and are based on baseless and unfounded allegations."

The countries said they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from gas-rich Qatar and cut air and sea traffic to the country. Qatar Airways announced a suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia.

Egypt gave the Qatari ambassador 48 hours to leave Cairo, while the Persian Gulf states gave Qatari citizens 14 days to leave their countries.

Saudi Arabia, which leads a coalition of nations fighting in support of Yemen's government, also said Qatar's forces would be withdrawn from that fight.

The Saudi state-owned SPA news agency said Qatar "embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic State, and al-Qaida, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly."

"Qatar has been exposed to an instigation campaign based on allegations that amounted to absolute fabrications, which proves that there are premeditated intentions to cause damage to the state," Qatar's Foreign Ministry said. It further accused the nations involved of seeking to impose "guardianship" over Qatar.

US offers help to address tensions

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he does not expect Monday's actions to have an impact on the fight against terrorism in the region or globally. He urged all of the parties to address their disagreements.

"I think what we're witnessing is a growing list of some irritants in the region that have been there for some time," Tillerson said, "and obviously they have now bubbled up to a level that countries decided they needed to take action in an effort to have those differences addressed."

Tillerson said that if there's any role the U.S. can play "in terms of helping them address those" issues, "we think it is important" that the Gulf Cooperation Council "remain unified."

Dana Shell Smith, the U.S. ambassador to Qatar, also shared messages on Twitter that she and her embassy's account originally wrote in October 2016 expressing U.S. support for Qatari efforts to combat terrorist financing.

The U.S. military's Central Command maintains a presence at the al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Hints of Monday's six-nation split with Doha emerged last month when Qatar contended that hackers were behind the release of false remarks attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Qatari leader, that were published on the Qatar News Agency website.

The reports quoted him questioning U.S. hostility towards Iran, claiming "tensions" between Qatar and the United States and suggesting President Donald Trump might not remain in power for long.

Qatar said it had been the victim of a "shameful cybercrime." Despite Doha's official denial, media outlets in several Gulf countries reported the emir's comments as fact.
Seventy years ago today, then Secretary of State George Marshall unveiled his European Recovery Program, which became known as "The Marshall Plan," during a speech at Harvard University.

In 1947, Europe lay in ruins and on the brink of famine after years of fighting to stop German leader Adolf Hitlers Nazi march across the continent.

Marshall proposed funneling $13 billion to rebuild the devastated continent, not only in an act of global altruism, but according to historians, to stop the spread of Soviet communism.

The plan promoted European economic integration and federalism, and created a mixture of public organization of the private economy similar to that in the domestic economy of the United States. This reorganization of the European economy paid off politically and economically.

Containment

The roots of Marshalls thinking was that communism is more likely to take hold in countries weakened by the war, and over time the price of reconstruction would amount to pennies if the Soviet government was blocked from spreading its sphere of influence.

Just a few months before, in March, President Harry Truman in essence unveiled that same idea to the U.S. Congress in what became known as the Truman Doctrine.



Countries that participated in the plan included Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey.

The Soviet Union was suspicious of the plan and pressured its Eastern European allies to reject all U.S. assistance. The pressure proved successful and none of the Soviet satellites participated in the Marshall Plan. The Soviet-controlled press claimed the American program was a plan for interference in the domestic affairs of other countries.

The Marshall Plan successfully sparked economic recovery in the West, meeting its objective of restoring the confidence of the European people in the economic future of their own countries and of Europe as a whole.

And although the United States and the Soviet Union fought on the same side during the war, post-war animosity and suspicions grew, leading to a decades long so-called Cold War.
On the border of China and Kazakhstan, an international free trade zone has become a showpiece of Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road initiative to boost global trade and commerce by improving infrastructure and connectivity.

Chinese state media are filled with stories about the stunning success of Horgos, the youngest city of China's new Silk Road. Last month at China's Belt and Road Summit  its biggest diplomatic event of the year  promotional videos about Horgos' booming economy ran on a loop at the press center.

But Chinese business owners and prospective investors who had recently visited the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center (ICBC), told Reuters they were disappointed by the disconnect between the hype and reality.

Rather than the vibrant 21st century trading post of Beijing's grand vision, Horgos is instead developing a reputation as China's very own tax haven.

"We were so unimpressed by what we saw that after looking around for three hours, we turned around and drove eight hours straight back to Urumqi," said a businessman from the capital of China's far western region of Xianjiang, who only wanted to give his surname, Ma, due to the sensitivity of the topic.

Several business owners echoed complaints about poor design and low visitor numbers made by Ma, who visited Horgos to investigate the viability of opening a high-end clubhouse.

"You've got Kazakh farmers walking around with plastic bags full of cheap Chinese T-shirts and you want me to open a club for government officials and businessmen to meet inside the zone  which, by the way, you can't drive your car into and doesn't have any five-star hotels?" Ma said.

On the Chinese side of the border there are five malls selling cheap consumer goods, though traders complain there are not enough visitors.

"Sometimes I'll sit here for a whole day and not make a single sale," said Ma Yinggui, 56, who has a market stall selling clothes. "Some Kazakhs are rich but most are poor. They come and haggle over a 20 yuan [$2.93] T-shirt."

More than five years after the 5.3-square-kilometer trade zone opened, much of the Kazakh side remains empty.

Only 25 of the 63 projects on the Kazakh side have investors, according to Ravil Budukov, ICBC press secretary on the Kazakh side. About 3,000 to 4,000 people enter from Kazakhstan each day and around 10,000 from China, he added.

The Xinjiang and Horgos governments declined to make officials available for comment to Reuters for this article.

Huang Sanping, a senior Xinjiang government official, told Reuters at a news conference in Beijing that he had just returned from a visit to Horgos, a city "performing extremely well. It's full of vitality and flourishing."

China's tax haven

Beijing has bestowed numerous tax breaks and preferential policies on Horgos hoping to stimulate growth in this strategic border town in Xinjiang, a key link on the new Silk Road between China and Central Asia, where the government says it is battling to defeat Islamist extremism.

According to Horgos' tax bureau, 2,411 companies registered in Horgos last year, taking advantage of five years of no company tax, and a further five years paying half rate.

At least half those companies are registered in Horgos solely for tax purposes, estimates Meng Shen, director of Chanson & Co, a boutique investment bank in Beijing.

Chinese celebrities are opting to register production companies in Horgos and an increasing number of financial services and IT companies are also registering there, according to Guan Xuemei from Shenzhou Shunliban, a tax advisory firm that recently opened an office there.

But with no obligation to operate from Horgos or even in Xinjiang, it is unlikely this policy will create jobs or bring money to what has long been an economic backwater, say experts.

"In theory this is a good policy because it aims to stimulate the local economy," said Shen. "But Beijing didn't think through the fact lots of companies wouldn't actually want to operate from Horgos, which is very far away from China's economic centers."

Those who do trade in the "free trade zone" find they face restrictions from both sides.

The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU)  of which Kazakhstan is a member  limits traders from the Kazakh side to importing up to 50 kg (110 lbs) of any goods per month duty-free.

China bans imports of many food products  the Kazakh goods most desired by Chinese consumers worried about food safety at home  and caps traders from taking more than 8,000 yuan ($1,175) worth of goods out each day.

"The EEU is a significant barrier because Russia and Kazakhstan and other Central Asia countries want to develop their own industries, they don't want to constantly rely on cheap Chinese goods," said a former Chinese government official turned businessman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Mao Shishi, 44, who currently raises cattle in nearby Qingshuihe, wants to import wool and wild herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine from Kazakhstan to China through Horgos.

"I'm watching and waiting for any policy changes. Right now we can't import lamb, fish or wild herbs into China," Mao said.

Logistics thoroughfare

Plans to develop a parallel special economic zone in Khorgos  as it is known on the Kazakh side  as a logistics hub appear to be having more success.

Trade volumes are skyrocketing at the Khorgos Gateway dry port in Kazakhstan, where container freight is lifted off Chinese trains and onto Kazakh ones because of different gauge rail tracks.

"According to our plans, this year we are going to trans-ship around 100,000 TEUs, five times more than we are doing now," said Asset Seisenbek, head of the commercial department at Khorgos Gateway, referring to "twenty-foot equivalent units," an industry measure based on standard shipping container sizes.

Electronics giants HP and Foxconn both ship goods through the dry port, which is faster than sea freight but cheaper than air cargo. One container sent by sea to Europe is about three times cheaper than rail, while air freight is between five to 10 times more expensive, according to Seisenbek.

Last month, China's COSCO Shipping and Lianyungang port took a 49 percent stake in Khorgos Gateway  which Seisenbek sees as an opportunity to attract more Chinese business.

This sort of investment is what Horgos/Khorgos should hang its hat on, according to Ma, the businessman underwhelmed by the international free trade zone.

"The free trade zone doesn't need to be that successful if the intercontinental trains and roads take off," he said. "In the grand scheme of things, that's the main role for this part of the world."
South Korea is operating eight fewer coal-fired power plants this month as part of President Moon Jae-ins promise to improve air quality in the country.

Since Moon took over South Koreas presidential office nearly a month ago, the skies above Seoul have appeared much clearer compared to the weeks and months leading up to his election.

This is just a coincidence, said Yujeong Kim, a senior deputy director at South Koreas Ministry of Environment. Every year at this time, she said, shifting winds improve air quality. And its too soon to measure the impact of the halt.

However, Kim said while this shutdown is only temporary, its a sign of Moons strong will to see the aging plants shut down forever.

A trial run

According to the environment ministry, the government chose June for the first halt because power usage is now down, compared to Koreas sweltering summers and frigid winters.

Moon didnt come up with the plan; it was announced last July by the environment ministry while former President Park Geun-hye was still in office. Moon, however, has made it his own.

The original plan was to shut down the 10 older plants by 2025, but Moon has moved up the timetable to 2022 when his term ends.

Kim said its difficult to shut down the plants permanently at this point because of the potential impact on consumers. But as Moons government increases the share of renewable energy sources, she said, it will be easier to take them offline.

Its a tall order in a country that relies heavily on coal, which generates about 40 percent of South Koreas electricity.

Moon hasnt been clear about plans for expanding renewable energy sources, and it seems hes already had to back off coal just a bit. Last month, his administration announced the 10 older plants would be temporarily halted in June, but only eight are offline. Kim said the reliance on two plants in South Jeolla Province was too heavy to include in the trial shutdown.

Measured steps

The June halt is the first of two trial periods to reduce air pollution, in particular fine dust particles known as PM 2.5.

The same 10 plants will be targeted for shutdown from next March to June. The longer period would give researchers a better idea of how much air quality improves.

Lee Ji-eon, a climate and energy coordinator with the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements, expects to see a positive impact by the end of this month. He believes the temporary shutdown next year will provide an even more convincing evaluation that coal needs to go.

Moons critics have pointed to the halts as vanity projects. Hes taken eight plants offline temporarily, but he hasnt scuttled plans from the previous government to build 10 new coal-fired power plants. He has, however, agreed to reconsider their construction.

Lee is still optimistic about the new administration. He highly values Moons decision to rethink the new plants and says the new administration will be easier to work with. For one, Kim Hye-ae, a well-known environmentalist, has been appointed to the Blue House as a climate and environment secretary.

Holding onto coal

Critics share a great amount of concern about the potential economic impact of blocking the new plants from being built.

City councilors in Gangneung, a city along South Koreas northeast coast, say a plant in their region that is already under construction will create jobs and boost the local economy.

The councilors, all members of South Koreas opposition Liberty Korea Party, say about $4.4 million has already been spent to ensure a clean power plant. They say almost no fine dust emissions would enter the environment.

However, there will be increasing pressure on South Korea to wean itself off coal for renewable replacements as neighbors China and Japan are already making bigger strides in that direction. Its also harder these days to blame Koreas pollution problem largely on fine dust particles on China, as more studies show much of the pollution originates at home.
A cease-fire has taken effect in South Sudan's war-torn Yei River state. The deal was signed Sunday in Uganda between a breakaway faction from the SPLA in opposition and the government. But top opposition SPLM-IO leaders say they do not recognize the deal.

A peace agreement for Yei River state came after a four day joint military committee meeting in Kampala to discuss a cessation of hostilities, permanent cease-fire, national dialogue, and the opening of all roads leading to and from Yei town in South Sudan.

The key agreement was the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army in opposition agreed to declare a permanent cease-fire and for both sides to ensure Yei River State is not a battleground.

Brigadier General Hillary Edson Yakani represented the SPLA in opposition and explained some of their demands.

We have seen there are a lot of challenges, especially from the behavior of some military persons who were misusing their positions in mishandling our citizens, so this is one of our greatest demands, asking the government to bring in a well-balanced national army who will really handle people with all the respect and what is required of a national army, said Yakani.

Lead government negotiator Major General Marshal Stephen Babanen says the agreement signed Sunday is going to be fully operational in 18 weeks, including the integration of the former rebels into the national army.

As we have signed the agreement and the permanent cease fire, they are going to move to pre-assembly areas which will take them one to two weeks and then in the said week they will go to the assembly areas where all the activities of screening, training and integration will take place, he said.

But when VOA contacted the main opposition SPLM-IO deputy spokesman Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel he said they do not recognize the group led by Brigadier General Yakani. Gabriel said those who signed the "fake" peace deal are individuals who deserted opposition leader Riek Machar.

But Yakani says he represents more than 16,000 armed troops in Yei River State.

When we went to the bush we did not sign a document with Riek Machar, but we all went to the bush because there was problem, so now that we are coming back, we command the forces in Yei River State, it is not Riek Machar who commands the forces, he said.

The agreement was a result of a request from South Sudans President Salva Kiir to Ugandas Yoweri Museveni.

The grassroots peace initiative process follows a January visit to Yei by Kiir.

Yei was a headquarters of the SPLA during the struggle with Sudan and has been at the heart of the fighting in South Sudan. The U.N. human rights office released a report in May alleging pro-government forces killed at least 114 civilians in and around Yei town from July 2016 to January 2017. The army has denied those allegations.

Yei town was considered mostly peaceful until the flare-up of violence in July 2016, following Machars departure from Juba. Since that time, many residents have fled, often to refugee settlements in neighboring Uganda.
Southeast Asia faces far reaching challenges in ensuring regional cooperation in dealing with climate change after the decision by the United States to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The move, announced last week by President Donald Trump, is seen as a further step away from a higher profile U.S. role in the region after Washington backed away from the 12 nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) regional trade pact earlier this year.

President Trump said the 195 nation climate change accord imposed unfair environmental standards on American businesses and workers. He called the agreement a draconian international deal.

US withdrawal from Paris accord seen lessening its support role in Asia

But analysts say the U.S. decision may have wide ranging ramifications for the Asia Pacific, undermining the U.S.s commitment amid fears of a lessening of U.S. technical capacity on environmental and climate issues.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, said the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Paris agreement could weaken regional cooperation in dealing with climate change.

This [decision] has disastrous ramifications because this means that the international framework and agreement to contain environmental damage, global warming and overall climate is now undermined and is uncertain what will happen in the future, Thitinan told VOA.

US withdrawal from climate deal may increase role of China

He said the move also allowed China to take a higher profile in enforcing the climate deal.

The United Nations economic and social commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), in a 2016 report, warned many Asia Pacific countries were geographically vulnerable and highly exposed to the damaging impacts of climate change.

UN: US move could increase poverty in Southeast Asia

The report said without climate driven development, climate change could force more than a 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030, wiping out the gains in the poverty reduction achieved over the last decades.

Carl Thayer, a defense analyst at the University of New South Wales, in Australia, said the threat of rising sea levels placed several regions and cities in Asia under threat of inundation, undermining the regions economic progress.

[Climate change] will take countries that are weak and make them even weaker and contribute to them becoming failed states because they cannot cope. And the big issue is what do people do? Do they fight or take flight. So we could be seeing massive migrations of people affected  a new wave of Vietnamese boat people, Thayer said.

He said to meet the challenge will require effective international cooperation.

Thayer fears the U.S. may also step back from broader regional environmental and climate participation. The U.S. has long had a key role with the four nation Mekong River Commission (MRC), as part of multinational discussions over the river system and environment.

Key areas in Asia are threatened

Vietnams delta river region, the rice basket of the nation, is threatened by rising sea levels affecting rice production and insect infestations.

But following talks between President Trump and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the White House, the U.S. said it would continue to work together with Hanoi to address global challenges, including environmental protection.

US will continue working with Asian countries on an individual basis

In a statement, the White House said the U.S. affirmed its assistance to Vietnam in combating climate change via concrete mitigation and adaptation measures.

Analysts, such as respected Thai meteorologist Smith Dharmasaroja, feared the U.S. absence from the Paris accord would lead to less of a U.S. commitment, including technical support, on climate change.

Analysts say US technical support on climate change is essential

Pulling out from that agreement with the U.N. is not a good idea because we are in a region that is affected by global warming. Without security  without the help of the United States of America, the global warming in Asia and other countries will be affected a lot because we are looking for the worst floods, worst storms, Smith said.

He said most small countries looked to the U.S. for its technical expertise and knowledge in climate and environmental issues, with China unable to fill the void.

Analysts say other countries will now need to increase their efforts to keep global temperatures within the targets set by the Paris agreement.

A British wildlife conservationist, on background, told VOA, U.S. withdrawal from the Paris agreement comes against a backdrop of the U.S. budget cuts to environmental protection and climate science.

Take the U.S. commitments out of that equation it just means that the rest of the world has even more work to do to be able to stay below that 2 degree Celsius threshold, the scientist said.
Christine Lui Chen, a 36-year-old health care executive in New Jersey and mother of two small children, had never considered entering politics, focusing instead on her family, her career and her community.

That all changed in January, 13 hours after she attended the Women's March on Washington. She emailed Democratic officials: "Here's my resume. I want to get involved."

Less than five months later, Chen's name will be on the ballot, unopposed, in Tuesday's Democratic primary. She hopes to become her district's first Democratic state senator in more than 30 years, the first-ever Asian-American woman in her state's legislature  and a spear-point for legions of enthusiastic, mainly liberal-leaning women inspired by the election of President Donald Trump to get into politics.

"I just never thought politics was in the cards," says Chen, whose parents immigrated to the United States with almost nothing to their name. "But I don't want to be the one who didn't do anything, when we're at this moment in history where we need to stand up and say, 'This is what it means to be an American."'

New Jersey is one of two states holding general legislative elections this year; the other is Virginia. Political analysts will be watching closely to see if there's a shift in the red-blue balance, but the newfound enthusiasm for politics among women  particularly young women like Chen  is also drawing attention. Like her, a number of them say they were inspired by Barack Obama's suggestion, in his farewell speech, to "grab a clipboard" and collect signatures to run for office themselves, if they were disappointed with their elected officials.

'Unprecedented'

"This moment is unprecedented," says Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY's List, which works to recruit and elect pro-choice Democratic women. "We've never seen anything like it." She says since Election Day, her organization has heard from over 13,000 women from all 50 states interested in running for office.

To compare: In 2015 and 2016 combined, about 920 women contacted the group. "And that was a good year!" she notes.

The vast majority, Schriock adds, are running in their local communities or on the state level. "They realize, 'I've got to start local.' It's our responsibility to try to guide them into a race and that may be 2018, or it may be 2022. It's a huge pipeline."

In New Jersey, the Center for American Women and Politics holds an annual, non-partisan campaign training program, Ready to Run, each March at Rutgers University. Typically, only four or five women sign up by December, says Debbie Walsh, who heads the center. This year, 100 women had done so. Running out of space, organizers had to limit registration to 250.

"I've never felt that kind of energy," says Walsh of the recent session, where Chen was among the trainees. "I think it's this universal moment for a lot of women  more on the middle-of-the-road to progressive end of the spectrum  who didn't really pay that much attention to politics, kind of thought this was a world that they didn't need to really participate in. This idea that you could be on the sidelines and that that was OK  no longer feels OK."

'Women standing up for women'

Also among this year's trainees was Lacey Rzeszowski, 42, a registered Republican until January, when she officially switched to the Democratic side. Rzeszowski is running for New Jersey Assembly; like Chen, she hoping to turn a longtime red district blue.

Rzeszowski, who in recent years has been a fulltime mother to her three sons, says she made her final decision to run during the bus ride home from the women's march. All day, she'd been awed by the crowd  "the scale, enormity and beauty of it," she says. "Women standing up for women."

And so, when her seatmate fell asleep on the way home, she found herself staring out the window. "I knew that when I got home, I was going to discuss it with my husband," she says.

Like Chen and Rzeszowski, Lisa Mandelblatt, an attorney and teacher in Westfield, New Jersey, found her career plans changing quickly after the march. She recalls feeling "stunned and horrified" after Trump defeated Hillary Clinton, but newly hopeful after encountering the thousands of women  a sea of pink hats  who converged on Washington with her. "I started to feel, 'OK, we've got this,"' says Mandelblatt, 53, referring to the country at large. "We're going to be OK."

Perhaps because she's a teacher, Mandelblatt already owned a clipboard. "But I grabbed it," she laughs. She's now preparing to run for U.S. Congress in 2018, challenging for the seat held by Rep. Leonard Lance, a Republican.

LGBT issues

In Virginia, Danica Roem faces a June 13 primary for the House of Delegates. Roem, 32, says she was motivated less by feelings about Trump than about the longtime incumbent she seeks to unseat, Bob Marshall, a conservative Republican who Roem contends has been "for 25 years, the most anti-LGBT legislator not just in Virginia, but in the entire South."

But Roem, a journalist and transgender woman, doesn't plan to spend a cent on opposition research. She covered Marshall for nearly a decade for several Virginia news outlets.

On the day Roem announced her candidacy, Marshall introduced his bathroom bill, prohibiting people from entering restrooms designated for use by members of the opposite sex. "His legislative priorities are more concerned with where I go to the bathroom than how his constituents get to work," she says, referring to a major quality-of-life issue in her district: traffic.

Roem hopes to become what she says will be the first out transgender person ever seated in a state legislature. She's confident: Asked why her opponent has remained in his seat so long, she replies: "Because he's never run against me before."

'Be that change'

Also facing a primary for a Virginia legislative seat is Jennifer Carroll Foy, a public defender. Foy never thought politics would be her thing. But her shock over the election  she'd gone to bed at 7 p.m., certain of a Clinton victory, and thought her husband was joking in the morning  spurred her to action.

"It's true what they say," she says about women in politics. "Men have to be told NOT to do it, while women need to be told, yes, you CAN do it."

It took the 35-year-old attorney, who was one of the first African-American women to graduate from the Virginia Military Institute, about six weeks to resolve to run. By then, she says, she had gone through various stages of grief, including denial and anger. She decided not to be angry anymore.

"I realized that I can either wait for someone else to do it, or I can be that change that I'd like to see," she says.

It's that same realization, says Chen, that has led her to knock on hundreds of doors since resolving to oppose incumbent Michael Doherty, who she says was the first New Jersey elected official to back Trump.

For Chen, a chief motivating factor was Trump's immigration policies, a subject close to her heart. "Are we less American because we don't look like Donald Trump?" she asks, referring to her family. Chen says she is also motivated by the fact that her husband is a cancer survivor.

"Life is short," she says. "Too much is at stake."
U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he wants a quick Supreme Court ruling to reinstate his ban on travel to the United States from six majority-Muslim countries where terrorist attacks have occurred.

In a string of comments on his Twitter account, Trump attacked his own Justice Department for submitting a "watered down, politically correct" version of the ban to the Supreme Court review that would affect travel from Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Somalia. He said the agency should have stayed with an appeal of an earlier ban that also included Iraq.

"In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe," Trump said. "The courts are slow and political!"

Trump and administration officials have insisted his executive order limiting travel to the United States was not a travel ban, but he called it that in his latest barrage of Twitter comments.

"People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN.," Trump said.

Minutes later, he posted: "The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C."

He said, "The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!"

Several U.S. courts have blocked Trump's order aimed at travel from the six countries after earlier blocking his first order. In part, the courts have ruled that his comments on Islamic terrorism and one-time call for a total ban on Muslims entering the country show that even his more limited block on travel to the U.S. amounts to unconstitutional religious discrimination against Muslims. He has appealed the lower court rulings to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In a string of Twitter comments Sunday, the U.S. leader vowed support for Britain in the aftermath of Saturday's deadly attack in London, criticized London's mayor and took a tough stance on fighting terrorism.

"We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people," Trump said Sunday. "If we don't get smart it will only get worse."

He mocked London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was elected last year and is the first Muslim to lead a major Western capital.

Trump tweeted, "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!"



WATCH: Trump commenting on London attack

As news of the Saturday carnage spread throughout his city and the world, Khan condemned the attack, describing it as "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners," later saying that Britons should not be alarmed to see a greater police presence on the streets of London.

Khan's spokesman said the London mayor was too busy to respond to Trump, that "he has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks. On Monday, Trump called Khan's explanation of his remark a "pathetic excuse."

Within an hour after three attackers drove a van into a crowd of people on London Bridge and then stabbed people in a nearby commercial area, Trump 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!"

Trump said the United States will do whatever it can to help London and Britain combat terrorism. "WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" he said.

In the United States, most mass attacks involve gun violence, which typically then starts a new debate on gun ownership rights that are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

After the London attack, Trump noted, "Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"
By Ritah Kemigisa

The Minister for the Presidency Esther Mbayo has called for the separation and clear definition of the individual roles of KCCA officials if wrangling between KCCA and the Ministry of Kampala is to be stopped.

Speaking to KFM, Mbayo blames the problems faced in the management of Kampala City on the gaps in the roles and responsibilities which do not clearly define the authority of the officials.

She says currently KCCA is faced with role overlap so separation of roles is the perfect solution.

Recently the Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago contested the new KCCA Amendment Bill 2015 that was recently re-tabled in Parliament as one that seeks to trim the powers of the Lord Mayor and vest more power in the hands of the Kampala minister and the KCCA Executive Director.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday proposed privatizing the nation's air traffic control system, saying reforms are needed to cut air travel times and fuel costs and curb annoying delays for travelers.

Trump said the government-run Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) "is stuck painfully in the past," adding that it was designed decades ago for a country with an annual total of 180,000 air passengers, not the nearly one billion travelers it has now.

"The FAA has been trying to upgrade our nations air traffic control system for a long period of years, but after billions and billions of tax dollars spent and the many years of delays, were still stuck with an ancient, broken, antiquated, horrible system that doesnt work," Trump said. "Other than that, its quite good.

Trump said air traffic inefficiencies cost the country as much as $25 billion annually and called on Congress to create a private, non-profit company to run the system. Privatizing U.S. air traffic control is an idea that in the past has met resistance from some lawmakers or stalled as more pressing issues took precedence.

"Under this new plan, the Federal Aviation Administration will focus firmly on what it does best: safety," Trump said. "A separate non-profit entity would be charged with ensuring route efficiency, timely service and a long-awaited reduction in delays." Trump also said, "Our plan will get you where you need to go more quickly, more reliably, more affordably. And yes, for the first time in a long time, on time. We will launch this air travel revolution by modernizing the outdated system of air traffic control. Its about time. 

Improving infrastructure



Trump's announcement came on the first day of what the White House said would be a series of events in the coming days calling attention to his ideas to improve the nation's infrastructure.

Later in the week, Trump is scheduled to travel to the midwestern state of Ohio to discuss improvements to levees, dams and locks that are key to agriculture shipping.

There is also a planned meeting with a group of governors and mayors to discuss their plans, and the president is due to visit the Department of Transportation on Friday to talk about regulatory reforms related to roads and rail.

"It doesn't matter who you are, whether you are a 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," Gary Cohn, Trump's chief economic adviser, told reporters in advance of the air traffic announcement.

Campaign promise



During his run for the White House, Trump called for a $1 trillion program to fix the nation's infrastructure. His budget proposal issued last month included $200 billion for infrastructure that the administration hopes will lead to other investments. The White House has also discussed incentivizing local governments to sell existing infrastructure to private firms.

Senator Brian Schatz, a Hawaii Democrat, says that approach is "literally the opposite of an infrastructure plan" and is "dead on arrival."

Rep. Rick Larsen, the ranking Democrat on the House aviation subcommittee, called the proposal to privatize air traffic control "another idea worth killing."

"Congress will have much to say about this," Larsen wrote on Twitter.
During a recent visit to Kyiv, Michel Kazatchkine  the U.N. special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia  toured the Ukrainian capital's various harm-reduction programs, aimed at stopping the spread of HIV. Among those was the nongovernmental organization Eney (Aeneas), which specializes in providing medical and legal assistance to female sex workers in Kyiv.

Eney was founded in 1999, when it began work with drug addicts. In 2008, it expanded its operation to address sex workers.

Vladimir Borisov, head of the harm reduction program, says the group works directly with sex workers in apartments, along highways, and on the internet, providing such services as free, anonymous testing for HIV, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

"We give seminars for sex workers to help them survive while protecting themselves and their families," Borisov said.

Ninety percent of sex workers in Kyiv and other major cities throughout Ukraine have access to condoms and contraceptives, according to Borisov.



Eney's Viktoria Belekanich uses the organization's mobile laboratory to check up on sex workers around the city.

From the outside, the mobile lab looks like an ordinary van. Inside, however, it features a doctor's office complete with an examination chair. The lab distributes condoms and other needed supplies, as well as offering a private space for sex workers to get quickly tested for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections.

It was still daylight on a busy residential street when a woman who asked to be called "Olga" met with journalists on the press tour. At 32, she is divorced and has been working in the sex industry for four years, ever since she needed money to pay for her father's medical operation. Clients find Olga via the internet.

Olga says she gets tested every three weeks.

"There is a stereotype that Ukrainian girls don't care about their health; it's not true," she said. "The girls are very careful about their health."

Olga isn't coy about her motives for staying in the business. "The money," she said, explaining that her average rate is $200 per hour. Half of her proceeds go toward her employers, a so-called "VIP service," and in an average month she can make around $4,000. If she feels threatened by a client, she has a panic button to call security.

In the mobile lab, Belekanich drives to meet "Margarita," a sex worker who uses an apartment close to the Ministry of Justice. Margarita is 40, and has been in the business for a year and a half.

"The tests are most important," Margarita said. "We get tested more often than is normally required."

Belekanich's last stop is in a suburb near one of Kyiv's biggest shopping centers, where she meets with "Katya," 36, who is divorced with a son.

Katya works nearly seven days a week, averaging about four hours a day. She says she faces no coercion or violence, and simply takes a day off if she feels tired or ill. Her tests in the mobile lab take 10 minutes.

Belekanich says Eney's clients tend to be shy, adding that many of the women have families or traditional jobs. Initially, Eney had a tall hurdle of trust to overcome, as many of the sex workers didn't believe that an organization would give away boxes of condoms for free.

On at least one occasion, Belekanich explained, Borisov found the only way to deliver to some sex workers was to pretend to be a client so they would open their doors. Now, however, sex workers reach out to the organization, and they spread word of it to their coworkers.

"We've earned a lot of trust as a closed organization," Borisov said, while speaking about the organization's commitment to confidentiality. "And if we give up even one name from our database, we would lose that trust."
The U.S. military says diplomatic tensions between Qatar and five other Middle East countries has had "no impact" on coalition operations in the region.

"U.S. military aircraft continue to conduct missions in support of ongoing operations in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan," Pentagon spokesman Maj. Adrian Rankine-Galloway told VOA on Monday.

"We have no plans to change our posture in Qatar," he added.

He told VOA the United States and the U.S.-led coalition are "grateful" to the Qataris for their "longstanding support" of America's presence and their "enduring commitment to regional security."

In an interview with VOA's sister station, Al-Hurra, Rankine-Galloway said the U.S. military has seen "no impact so far" on operations out of Qatar.

And speaking in Sydney, Australia, Defense Secretary James Mattis insisted the regional tensions will not undermine the fight against Islamic State in the future.

"I am confident there will be no implications," Mattis said.

U.S. officials have encouraged all partners in the region to reduce tensions, and Rankine-Galloway said the U.S. would be "happy to play a role" in getting all sides to the negotiating table.

Defense officials say there are around 80,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines across the Middle East.

Largest U.S. military presence in Middle East

U.S. service members are located at two bases in Qatar, the sprawling Al-Udeid Air Base and the tiny As-Sayliyah Army Base, which U.S. Central Command uses to preposition materiel used in regional operations.

Al-Udeid is home to the largest U.S. military presence in the region. The base hosts 10,000 U.S. service members and is considered both the forward headquarters of United States Central Command and the headquarters of United States Air Forces Central Command.

Two of the five countries involved in the political spat with Qatar also have a large U.S. military presence.

Navy officials told VOA that 5,000 U.S. military personnel serve at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.

Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates hosts about 4,000 U.S. military personnel, according to UAE officials.

Officials say American military aircraft have not been affected by travel restrictions imposed during the political tension.

"The movement of U.S. aircraft has not been impeded in any way," Rankine-Galloway told VOA.

There are a handful of U.S. service members training Saudi forces in multiple bases in Saudi Arabia. In Egypt, American service members are part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), which supervise the implementation of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace.

Rather than basing any U.S. troops in Yemen, American operations carried out there usually originate at Camp Lemonnier, a base located across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the tiny African nation of Djibouti.
What happened Monday?

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Maldives cut diplomatic ties Monday with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Qatar's Foreign Affairs Ministry said the measures are "unjustified and are based on baseless and unfounded allegations."

What triggered action?

Last month, reports quoted Qatari leader Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani as questioning U.S. hostility toward Iran and claiming "tensions" between Qatar and the United States. Those reports were published on the Qatar News Agency website.

Qatar said it had been the victim of a "shameful cybercrime." Despite Doha's official denial, media outlets in several Gulf countries reported the emir's comments as fact.

Back story:

Although Qatar claims the posted comments were false, the country has long been seen by its neighbors as supporting Islamists in the region - particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist political group outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain recalled their ambassadors from Doha before in 2014 over its backing of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, a Brotherhood member. Eight months later, the envoys returned when Qatar forced a number of Brotherhood members to leave the country.

How nations reacted:

United States: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he does not expect Monday's actions to have an impact on the fight against terrorism in the region or globally. He urged all of the parties to address their disagreements.

Tillerson said that if there's any role the U.S. can play "in terms of helping them address those" issues, "we think it is important" that the Gulf Cooperation Council "remain unified."

Saudi Arabia: "(Qatar) embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (Islamic State) and al-Qaida," Saudi state news agency SPA said. Saudi Arabia also shut down Qatar-based Al Jazeera news' local office Monday, according to state media.

Egypt: Through its state news agency said that Qatar's policy "threatens Arab national security and sows the seeds of strife and division within Arab societies according to a deliberate plan aimed at the unity and interests of the Arab nation."
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has awarded a Chinese firm, Laxton Group Limited, a tender to supply Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits for registering voters ahead of the crucial 2018 general elections.

According to the state-controlled Sunday News, the State Procurement Board settled for Laxton Group, which proposed a US$3,9 million budget to supply the BVR kits. The other bidder, Demalog Identification Systems of German submitted a $5,5 million bid.

The newspaper quoted ZEC chairperson, Rita Makarau, as saying they are now finalizing the terms of the contract with Laxton Group.

Our team is negotiating the terms of contract of supply with a team from the selected supplier. Once the terms are agreed upon we will then advise on the dates of delivery and date of commencement of the registration exercise.

Indications are that the initial tender was for 1,600 kits but ZEC is said to be in need of 3,000 kits comprising 2,900 general kits and 100 districts kits.

Laxton Group, which was not immediately reachable for comment, has been allegedly working in nations like Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Malawi and Mozambique.

The Biometric Voter Registration process involves the electronic use of a persons unique physical traits like eyes in capturing someones identity.

Some Zimbabweans are skeptical about the BVR process saying it wont eliminate voter fraud.

Meanwhile, the opposition Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai say the awarding of the BVR tender to a Chinese company is a gigantic fraud.

This award is in stark contradiction to the recommendation of the political parties that observed the BVR validation process. The MDC is aware that the Zanu PF-appointed State Procurement Board directly influenced ZEC to award this tender to the Chinese company. It does not escape us that the beleaguered and faction-ridden Zanu PF party has strong bonds of friendship with the Communist Party of China.

Notwithstanding this biased and politically-inspired award of the BVR kits supply contract to Laxton Group Limited, the MDC is calling upon Zimbabweans, living in the country and in the diaspora, to register to vote in their millions when the voter registration exercise begins in due course.

The party said their technical experts are convinced that the German company, Demalog Identification Systems, are technically superior and better experienced in the supply of BVR kits compared to the Chinese company, Laxton Group Limited.

Be that as it may, our technical experts are highly trained computer specialists who will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the BVR exercise is not manipulated and bastardized by the crumbling and bankrupt Zanu PF regime. The people of Zimbabwe are guaranteed of winning against the Zanu PF dictatorship provided they register to vote in their millions in order to circumvent and short circuit the evil and malevolent vote rigging machinery that ZEC is desperately trying to put in place.

The MDC encourages all eligible voters, particularly the youth, to ensure that they not only register to vote but also that they cast their ballot on polling day. Voter apathy is one of the biggest enemies of democracy. Indeed, the collapsing and faction - infested Zanu PF regime will be a direct beneficiary of voter apathy, particularly in urban areas. The solution, therefore, is to make sure that no less than 6 million Zimbabweans should register to vote for the 2018 harmonized elections.

The MDC-T said no dictatorship can stop the people's march to victory as long as Zimbabweans remain united, determined and focused.

The MDC is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that each and every vote in next year's elections is free and fair. Our push for electoral reforms remains undeterred and our resolute stance against all forms of vote rigging is getting even stronger by the day.

Elections will next year be polling-station based, a move that has already been criticized by opposition parties as unfair and designed to benefit the ruling party.

Zanu PF has dismissed such allegations as wishful thinking.
While Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe attended Monday's official opening of the Oceans Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, declaring that his country too suffers when oceans are not well protected.

"The oceans and the seas are a vital resource to all of us, irrespective of our geographical location on this planet," said President Mugabe. "Developments around on or under the oceans, affect coastal and landlocked countries alike, admittedly with varying degree."

This point was reinforced by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who challenged world leaders to jointly address problems plaguing oceans and threatening marine life, including global warming, over-fishing and pollution such as plastic.

"The sea indeed belongs to all of us. Improving the health of our oceans is a test for multilateralism, and we cannot afford to fail. We must jointly address the problems of governance that have held us back," said Guterres.

President Mugabe, who was among nine leaders in attendance at the Conference, called on the UN to respect the sovereignty of nations such as his, as they try to combat global threats such as climate change.

"The effects of climate change are not discriminatory, so please down with your sanctions," Mr. Mugabe said. "My country is committed to implementing the SDGs (sustainable development goals) and will do so within the means available to it."

In 2015, the 193 U.N. member states adopted an agenda of 17 goals for the world's sustainable development up to 2030. One of those goals was to safeguard the ocean, while another calls for "urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts."

To this, President Mugabe demanded the UN to "allow my county to act freely within the context of our agreements and its sovereignty."

In 2001, some western countries imposed targeted sanctions on Mr. Mugabe and some of his inner circle, including his wife Grace, over allegations of vote-rigging and human rights abuses, which he rejects. While the sanctions are confined to a few individuals, President Mugabe has blamed the sanctions for his country's economic deterioration.

The Oceans Conference is running under the theme: "Our oceans, our future: partnering for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14."

The UN is expected to adopt a "Call to Action" committing to "conserve and sustainably use our oceans, seas and marine resources," on Friday.

Mugabe's travel to international conferences such as the ocean summit has raised eyebrows in cash-strapped Zimbabwe. Last year Mugabe made at least 20 trips abroad, spending $36 million in the first 10 months, according to government figures. (Reuters)
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Speaking at the opening of the UN Oceans Conference in New York, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe declared sanctions a hindrance to his country's ability to fight climate change. "Down with your sanctions," Mr. Mugabe declared, adding climate change is not discriminatory. (Reuters)




In mid-May, President Trump sent a letter to Congress saying he will renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) starting as early as August of this year. The letter was the first of many steps required to alter the 23-year-old agreement, which promotes free trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico. It came just weeks after Trump nearly withdrew from the agreement altogether.

For the agricultural industry, which relies on exports through NAFTA for nearly $40 billion of revenue, serious changes could prove devastating. In a field where products are essentially interchangeable  Argentinian corn works just as well as American  being able to offer cheaper products to consumers abroad via free trade agreements is vital to opening and keeping markets.





The production of many of those products is highly concentrated in the Midwest, placing the burden squarely on states that swung for Trump.





Theres a huge amount of uncertainty around how Trump plans to change NAFTA, and its making farmers worry. In Trumps letter to Congress, there werent any concrete negotiation goals listed.

Because the letter was scant on details, at this moment were all going by speculation, said Monica de Bolle, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a nonpartisan research institute. But the earlier draft version may provide some hints about what the administration is thinking. It included a number of negotiating points that could hurt, and help, agricultural exports.





Many of these requests are standard in free trade negotiation, according to de Bolle, and a major deviation from Trumps tearing up NAFTA rhetoric on the campaign trail. If the president ultimately follows whats written in the draft letter, de Bolle says, its unlikely Mexico or Canada would retaliate. But some experts, such as John Beghin, a professor of agricultural economics at North Carolina State University, see it as a possibility.

A previous trade dispute between the U.S. and Mexico, from 2009 to 2011, could give an idea of the impact retaliation could have today. Among the agricultural products Mexico targeted with retaliatory tariffs, there was a 22 percent decrease in agricultural exports, a study from the Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy journal found. And that loss was not made up with exports elsewhere  the products simply werent sold.

Perhaps more significantly, the study found that a 10 percent rise in the price of these products led to a 26 percent decrease in exports. In other words, the Mexican buyers were highly price sensitive and quick to seek out new suppliers.





Whether price increases come from retaliatory tariffs or from negotiated changes to NAFTA, for a product like corn the impact could be significant. Corn, the leading U.S. crop export to Mexico at $27 billion, is already facing low selling prices and profit margins, so even a minor shrink would hurt. It would be another economic stress at a time of lower prices, said David Salmonsen, the senior director of congressional relations at the American Farm Bureau. Other crops are in similar circumstances.





But even without formal retaliation, farmers may not get away scot free. The perception of changes hurts the market, said Mark Recker, a corn farmer in Arlington, Iowa, and the vice president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Buyers in Mexico are talking to sellers in South America. He continued: Once you lose a market, its very difficult to get that market back. Food is national security to them, and we need to take it very seriously.

The burden of price hikes or market loss would likely disproportionately fall on the very areas that supported Trump, with his America First agenda, according to de Bolle. Iowa, for instance, is the countrys top exporter of corn and soybeans  the two crops the U.S. sends most to Mexico  and voted for Trump by 10 points.





But farmers  and the organizations that represent their interests  are mobilizing to push Trumps renegotiation agenda in their favor. Were working with our senators and other organizations to let the administration know, Recker said.

The administration has already acted on its protectionist trade leanings, voiding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on its first full day in office. One study by American Farm Bureau economists estimated the TPP would have yielded an addition $4.4 billion in agricultural revenue.

Advocates hope this time will be different. Its up to us to explain why trade is important, Recker said. And I think theyre reacting to that message.

Armand Emamdjomeh contributed to this graphic.
Mild and blustery today with lots of cloud and only brief sunny interludes . There will be long dry periods and just a little patchy rain or drizzle . Top temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in strong and gusty south or southwest winds.

DID YOU KNOW?

Canaanite script, the earliest alphabet, was invented about 1800 BCE by Semitic-speaking people who were familiar with the Egyptian writing system. The system was used for hundreds of years, particularly in the Levant, and was standardised by the Phoenicians in ancient Lebanon. It went on to become the foundation for ancient Greek, Latin and most modern languages in Europe today.
Over the weekend, as the political talk shows debated the United States withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, I thought of a painting that was on view in Washington last year as part of the National Gallerys Hubert Robert exhibition. The French artists 1796 Imaginary View of the Grande Galerie in the Louvre in Ruins shows the imaginary decay of what was then a perfectly sound building. By including in the view an image of the Apollo Belvedere (one of the greatest relics of antiquity) and a bust of Raphael (the beloved master of the Renaissance) the painting becomes a conversation piece about the transmission and resilience of culture through the ages.

In the 18th century, depicting the Louvre in ruins wasnt a dark fantasy of some coming holocaust. Rather, it aligned your world with the values of Greece and the splendors of Rome. But it also spoke to arts solacing power in the face of our own mortality. At the heart of every aesthetic experience is the hope that someone, in the future, will experience the same thing, and that some part of our living consciousness, made manifest by a painting, symphony or great poem, will be replicated and repeated by other beings whom we will never know.

That wont happen if the planet dies. As a prominent climatologist for NASA has said, if we are unable to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere to about 350 parts per million, we are unlikely to live on a planet similar to the one on which civilization developed and to which life on earth is adapted. Last year, for the first time in millions of years, the planet passed the 400 ppm threshold.

Rising sea levels threaten to inundate entire nations. The Pentagon is preparing for the worst, warning that global climate change will aggravate problems such as poverty, social tensions [and] environmental degradation. Coral reefs are imminently threatened, and mass extinctions are possible on land, sea and in the air. There is a sense that we have reached a critical turning point, not just when it comes to U.S. environmental leadership but in how we prepare ourselves emotionally for a new era in civilization and the unraveling Anthropocene.

[The National Gallery explores the work of Hubert Robert]

David H. Koch attends the Lincoln Center Spring Gala at Alice Tully Hall on May 2 in New York City. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Lincoln Center)

And this could affect the arts, especially when it comes to the Koch brothers  Charles G. and David H. Koch  who are two of the most generous supporters of traditional arts organizations, and also the driving force behind the political movement that has pulled the United States out of the global fight against climate change. A recent report in the New York Times details how the Koch brothers, who have given hundreds of millions of dollars to institutions such as Lincoln Center and New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art, used their fortune to sow doubt about climate science and undermine the nations faith in basic science.

Unshackled by the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision and other related rulings, the Times reports, Koch Industries and Americans for Prosperity started an all-fronts campaign with television advertising, social media and cross-country events aimed at electing lawmakers who would ensure that the fossil fuel industry would not have to worry about new pollution regulations. This led directly to the situation we are in today, with the president of the United States repeating the Koch brothers talking points, and his supporters denying not just the science of climate change but the moral imperative of thinking globally about the planets survival.

It is impolite, in critical circles, to link the politics of major donors to the cultural institutions they support. Many of our cherished arts organizations were created by Gilded Age plutocrats, yet are no longer tethered to the Darwinian social views of their originators. But cultural organizations exist in a complicated moral world, in which every dollar they collect is a dollar that isnt being used to ameliorate poverty or cure disease. Most of us tend to deal with this dilemma by arguing that the good done by cultural organizations cant be quantified and thus it is unwise to place it crudely in the balance with other social needs.

Thats because we think of the good offered by a museum or opera house as a potent but intangible improvement to the general character of the society. They make us better in some way, perhaps more intelligent, or empathetic, or sensitive in ways that increase our capacity to be and do good.

The logic is tenuous, but defensible, at least so long as the world isnt in a state of extraordinary crisis. But it becomes much more difficult to argue for the arts relative to other social needs when the planet is threatened by wars, plagues, and other calamities, with the survival of civilization itself in the balance.

[A Trump attack on the arts would be more than just symbolic]

Its increasingly clear that the Koch brothers climate campaign has had a larger moral and intellectual cost to our society. They have undermined a critical set of our most important human capacities, and some of the same ones that the arts are often thought to enhance. These include things such as critical thinking and deference to reason and evidence, but also empathy and fellow feeling, and a sense that we are connected to other people in ways implicit in that painting by Hubert Robert.

So the Koch brothers philanthropy isnt just an extreme case of the old dilemma: Should arts organizations take money from sources that are tainted? By actively promoting policies that will make the world more unstable, dangerous and unhealthy, the Kochs campaign to discredit climate science will make it much more difficult for the arts to compete for limited philanthropic largesse. And they have furthered a worldview  based on unreason and selfishness  that undermines the basic good things we assume the arts promote.

At the end of Ridley Scotts Blade Runner is a famous speech, about dying, in which a replicant remembers details of his existence in a way that suggests his full humanity: Ive seen things you people wouldnt believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die. The words capture the fundamentally human need to pass on our experience of the world, to encapsulate and share memory, a power that is fundamental to all artistic disciplines. If these things are shared, they do not get lost in time, like tears in rain.

The threat to our planet will change every valence of every art form, because it is possible that we wont survive. There will be no ruins to connect us to the past, no C-beams glittering in the dark, no bust of Raphael to recall an age of rebirth. The arts cant survive the apocalypse anymore than the polar bears can. Which is why it is now time for our arts organizations to distance themselves from forces that undermine the most basic human capacities we need to survive.


Farmers Ben Myers, left, and Daniel Hostetler from the Path Valley Farms co-op deliver produce to Masseria near Union Market in Northeast Washington. (Cal Cary/For the Washington Post)

With a crop of curly brown hair that folds under his fraying straw hat, Emanuel Stoltzfus stands beside a split-rail fence at the edge of his Pennsylvania farm and watches a heavy fog scuttle across distant hilltops.

I was itching to get my fingers in the dirt, says Stoltzfus, 41, who lives in Doylesburg. So I grew some winter squash.

That was 10 years ago. His start with Path Valley Farms  a co-op that connects many of the Amish farmers in Franklin County  was intuitive and unceremonious. He harvested that squash and took it to the co-ops loading dock, where produce is gathered, sorted and boxed for deliveries.

Before joining the co-op, Stoltzfus picked up work hours at a nearby pallet factory. Other farmers used to bounce between carpentry and construction jobs. But as Path Valley Farms grew over the past decade, the co-op has become a lifeline for this Amish community. Farming has re-emerged as a sustainable venture, which, according to Stoltzfus (now the co-ops president), helps preserve a central pillar of Amish culture: Families can work together.



A buggy is parked outside of co-ops loading dock and icehouse in Doylesburg, Pa. Produce is gathered and sorted for delivery at the loading dock the same day that it is harvested. (Scott Rodd )

Washingtons flourishing restaurant scene has been the primary driver of Path Valley Farms success. The co-ops 20 Amish family farms supply vegetables, fruits, herbs and other goods to more than 50 of the Districts best restaurants. As chefs have become more focused on farm-fresh produce, they have grown dependent on the co-ops curated selection. Some also have forged connections with the farmers, allowing them to fine-tune what they order. Its a curious, symbiotic relationship: Cosmopolitan restaurateurs and pragmatic, tradition-bound Amish farmers occupy opposite ends of the lifestyle spectrum. But one thing has brought them together: A faith in the sacred produce of the earth.

[Mexican migrant workers came to California to pick grapes. Now they own wineries.]

A Pennsylvania native named Bonnie Wilson started Path Valley Farms in 1999, buying produce from about 10 local Amish farmers and selling to a handful of restaurants in the District. For nearly a decade, she grew her clientele and recruited farmers throughout the valley. In 2007, she stepped down as owner and gave the business to the farmers to run as a co-op.

There was a fair amount of anxiety when she turned it over to the farmers, said Katie Joynt, the co-ops produce coordinator. They were unsure if it would continue to be successful.

Path Valley Farms produce marked for delivery in the District. (Dayna Smith/For the Washington Post)

For the farmers, running a business that required coordination among multiple farms and delivering goods across state lines was daunting. At the heart of the Amish belief system is the idea of separation from the world at large  both socially and technologically. Electricity, the Internet, phones and other technologies are banned in most traditional Amish communities. This posed a significant hurdle when the farmers were figuring out how to run the operation. Additionally, selling produce directly to D.C. restaurants meant bending the commitment of separation. But the payoff was deeply appealing: the opportunity to work and live on the same land that has been the lifeblood of Amish families for generations.

The farmers wasted little time. They set up a board to delegate growing responsibilities and establish bylaws. Board meetings would be conducted in Pennsylvania German and the co-op would have no advertising or Web presence. Even Wilsons phone number, which had been transferred to Joynt, would be removed from the side of the delivery truck.

The farmers also built by hand a loading dock and icehouse, which serves as a central node for operations. During the winter, a shallow pool outside is frozen over and broken into large blocks of ice, which are packed into the icehouse to keep it cool year-round.

The board appointed a dock manager, who doubles as an accountant, and hired Joynt to manage the communications and deliveries. As a Catholic, Joynt is one of only a few co-op employees who are not Amish, which allows her to communicate with Washington chefs via email and phone. (The delivery driver and one family of farmers are Mennonite, who follow less-strict practices than the Amish.)

Everyone learned what they had to, recalled Joynt.

Before long, the co-op was humming along. Every January, growers submit their commitments, or what produce that they plan to grow for the year. There are first growers, who supply the majority of that item, and second growers, who supply additional produce as needed. When chefs submit their weekly orders, farmers typically harvest the produce and send it to the dock on the same day. Thirty percent of the revenue goes toward operational costs, such as purchasing new equipment, and the rest goes directly to the farmers. At the end of the year, if there is a surplus, some of the money is divided among the farmers as a profit share and the rest goes back to the co-op.

[The 2017 Spring Dining Guide]

When Path Valley Farms became a co-op in 2007, it sold produce to 11 restaurants in the Washington area. But as the number of restaurants steadily increased, so did the number of families who joined the co-op and began to rely on farming to sustain themselves.

Eli, a farmer who helped the business transition into a co-op (and asked to be identified only by his first name), also operates a sawmill and a stovepipe business, but farming has become his main source of income. On an afternoon in early April, Eli walked down a row in his greenhouse, noting the dozens of tiny sprouts. During cold months, his greenhouse remains a balmy 75 degrees, heated by a stove the size of an Oldsmobile that burns scrap wood from the sawmill.



Boots are repurposed as flower pots in Elis greenhouse in Doylesburg, Pa. Amish farmers find utility in even the most unusual and seemingly disposable items. (Scott Rodd )

Well have our tomatoes ready in another two weeks, he said, rubbing one of the leaflings between his dirt-caked thumb and forefinger. We have pineapple tomatoes, Cherokee purple tomatoes  all kinds.

The farmers grow specific types of produce in a kind of inheritance system. Those who grow something one year have first dibs on it the following year. If they elect not to grow it again, they can gift the selection to their children or another family. Elis 16-year-old son, for example, has taken on more responsibility, and Eli expects to hand off some of his produce to him in the coming years. His daughters help plant horseradish and herbs such as purple basil, horseradish leaves, mint and parsley.

[Breakfast was the most important meal of the day  until America ruined it]

During winter, Elis wife uses a homemade incubator of wood pallets, a plastic tarp and a kerosene lamp to help speed up the germination process. The temperature inside the incubator can be modulated by adjusting the length of the lamps wick. She also helps grow flowers, which restaurants use for decorations and garnishes.

For all the pride that Eli takes in the produce he grows, he hasnt eaten at any of the restaurants that feature his produce. Some offer samples to the men during deliveries, but theres no time for a full meal.

Usually, were just too busy, Eli said.

The farmers take turns riding in the truck and deliver produce to as many as 35 restaurants in a single trip. For diners, the sight of men clad in straw hats and suspenders can be a little jarring.

I usually tell people theres a horse and buggy out back, said Nick Stefanelli, chef-owner of Masseria near Union Market. A lot of people fall for it.

Stefanelli learned about Path Valley Farms the way many chefs around town do: through word of mouth. When he opened Bibiana downtown in 2009, one of his line cooks recommended the co-op after working at another restaurant that ordered from it.

The ability to talk to the person whos providing what comes through the door is phenomenal, he said. I can say to a grower, Can you harvest these beets a little earlier so they can be slightly smaller? 



An Amish house and barn overlook a large farm in Path Valley in Doylesburg, Pa. As temperatures increase throughout the spring, plants will be moved from the greenhouse to the field. (Scott Rodd / )

By communicating directly with farmers, Stefanelli can tailor produce before it hits the plate. A signature dish at Masseria, the pinzimonio, is a canvas of mini vegetables, edible flowers and other seasonal produce offered by the co-op.

Joynt, the produce coordinator, helps facilitate these conversations. But her role is much bigger than managing delivery orders; if Path Valley Farms is a wheel, one farmer said, Katie is the hub.

[A Muslim cook wanted to stop the hate. So she started inviting strangers to dinner.]

Joynt first encountered Path Valley Farms shortly after it launched, when she was the co-owner of a small, organic grocery in D.C. called Good Food. She bought excess produce right off the truck when the farmers made deliveries to restaurants and soon she started ordering regularly.

After Joynt and her husband had their first child in 2000, they decided to raise their family in a quiet setting and moved into a house near Bonnie Wilson, whom they had met through Path Valley. Joynt spent her first few years in central Pennsylvania raising her children and working as an apprentice to an Amish midwife. When she took the position at Path Valley, she assumed many of Wilsons responsibilities, including growing the clientele, overseeing deliveries and orchestrating communication among farmers and chefs.



Katie Joynt reviews produce orders for the coming week by flashlight in Doylesburg, Pa. Much of the co-ops business is conducted with pen and paper, though Joynt is able to communicate with D.C. chefs via phone and email. (Scott Rodd )

Today, Joynt serves as a kind of midwife between the soil in central Pennsylvania and the table in Washington. She also works to introduce chefs to produce that isnt available through other vendors.

Esther Lee, the chef at Obelisk, recently ordered  at Joynts suggestion  wild garlic that was foraged from the woods of central Pennsylvania.

I wasnt sure what to expect, said Lee, who has been a customer for over a decade. But the garlic worked out really well when I used it to braise a suckling pig.

While high-volume restaurants would struggle to meet demand if they relied solely on Path Valley Farms for produce, the co-op caters to small restaurants such as Obelisk that emphasize variety and attention to detail.

I struggle to make the minimum order from other vendors, Lee said. But I can order smaller amounts from Path Valley Farms; a couple pounds of watercress, for example, instead of a couple cases.

[One woman has stirred the pot at Bens Chili Bowl for 40 years. Her name is Peaches.]

As evening settles over the city, guests file into Obelisks foyer before being seated in the converted rowhouses cozy dining space. Recent dishes from Lee featuring Path Valley Farms produce include ravioli with a green tomato sauce and nettle suppli. Across the city, restaurants buzz as the patrons leave another workday behind.

Thats the time of day when activity starts to slow in Path Valley. On the Byler farm on a recent weeknight, a newborn calf settled into a hay bed near its mother and the familys children gathered inside before dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Byler, who requested that only their last name be used, made one last round through the greenhouse out back. Mrs. Byler led the way and shone her flashlight on a plow in the corner. Her husband had converted it from a tractor plow into a horse-drawn plow; before that, their sons had to spade the field with shovels.

The flashlight strobed across the greenhouse, illuminating nascent basil, sorrel, fernleaf dill and flat parsley. By now, the sun had disappeared below the hills; the day was done.

The mission of it all, said Mrs. Byler, is to make a living while working at home on the farm.

Its been our heritage to think that way, her husband added.

Rodd is a Washington writer who bartends part-time at Red Hen in Bloomingdale.
Months before it takes effect, advocates are collecting ammunition to enforce Marylands new law against prescription drug- price gouging.

The Maryland Citizens Health Initiative launched a website Sunday to collect examples of price increases that could potentially be used to build future cases against drug companies after the law takes effect in October.

This year, Maryland became the first state in the country to make certain types of drug-price gouging illegal. Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D), who backed the law, will have authority to take drug firms to court if they break the new law.

Vincent DeMarco, president of the health initiative that pushed for the measure, said that the law applies only to off-brand medications and that not all price increases are considered excessive. But he hopes the states provision could be a model for others and pressure drug companies to avoid unnecessary increases.

Really, up until this law takes effect on Oct. 1, there was nothing to prevent any drug corporation . . . from charging whatever the heck they want, DeMarco said. Someone is now able, for the first time, to do something.

Gov. Larry Hogan (R) has raised concerns over the constitutionality of the law, saying that it could violate the interstate commerce clause and that the definition of unconscionable increase was too vague to be enforced. Hogan let the bill become law without his signature.
The District and Virginia have joined a growing number of cities and states whose leaders are vowing to uphold the goals of the Paris climate agreement, despite President Trumps announcement last week that the United States will withdraw from the accord.

D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) signed an order Monday affirming the citys commitment to the global environmental pact. She was among more than 200 mayors who last week signed a pledge to adopt, honor, and uphold the commitments in the agreement.

Also on Monday, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) announced that Virginia would join the U.S. Climate Alliance, a group of more than a dozen states  including California, Massachusetts and New York  trying to achieve the goals of the Paris accord despite the federal governments lack of cooperation.

Neither action committed the District or Virginia to new emissions-reduction policies beyond those they are already pursuing. But they did add two prominent names to the long list of corporations, universities and city and state governments that have declared themselves at odds with Trumps decision to abandon the agreement.

The effects of climate change are already here, and without proper planning and collaboration, they will be catastrophic, Bowser said in a statement, adding that as the nations capital, we have a special obligation to create policies and implement programs that protect our environment.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) (Andre Teague/AP)

McAuliffe said in a statement that if the federal government insists on abdicating leadership on this issue, it will be up to the American people to step forward  and in Virginia we are doing just that.

A spokeswoman for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) declined to say Monday whether he would join the governors who are formally pledging to work toward the goals of the Paris accord, adding that the administration is still learning about this new initiative.

Hogans office released a statement last week, saying that Trumps withdrawal from the climate agreement was not an action the governor would have taken. The statement highlighted a 2016 Maryland law that set new, higher targets for reducing the states greenhouse-gas emissions.

Trumps decision to back out of the Paris accord  making the United States just one of three countries, along with Syria and Nicaragua, not to participate  has been widely condemned by political and corporate leaders. Critics say the move will impede efforts to slow global warming and weaken U.S. leadership on the international stage.

Trump, who once said the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese to make U.S. manufacturing noncompetitive, cast his decision as one that would save U.S. workers and businesses from intrusive environmental restrictions.

However, observers have called into question the economic case against the accord, saying the presidents analysis doesnt take account of new green jobs, among other things.

The federal government has the power to curb major sources of pollution, such as auto and industrial emissions. But states and cities have many levers at hand to reduce greenhouse gases, said Robert C. Orr, dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and former special adviser to the United Nations secretary general on climate change.

Among them, Orr said, is the ability to mandate renewable-energy portfolio standards, or how much of the power provided in a city or state must come from renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar.

The bottom line is they have a lot of power, Orr said. A lot of the reduction in carbon emissions envisioned under commitments made by the Obama administration were to happen at the state and local level anyway.

The Districts climate and energy plan calls for 50 percent of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2032. In Virginia, McAuliffe ordered state officials in May to draft a plan for cutting carbon emissions.

McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said the decision to sign on to the U.S. Climate Alliance reinforces the historic executive action the Governor took last month when he made Virginia the first state in the Trump era to cap carbon emissions.

But Mike Tidwell, executive director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, said McAuliffes support for the Paris pact was hypocritical in light of his support for offshore drilling and two proposed natural-gas pipelines.

The governors commitment to fracking and offshore oil will  if realized  cause Virginia to dramatically increase greenhouse-gas emissions in coming years, a total violation of the principles of the Paris agreement, Tidwell said Monday.

Ovetta Wiggins contributed to this report.
Right-wing protesters hold up signs as they demonstrate in Portland, Ore. (Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

Nazi salutes high in the air, white supremacists rallying on the town green, colorful banners telling homosexuals they are going to hell  this is what democracy looks like.

I know, awful.

But the right to say and do those things  no matter how offensive many Americans will find them  is that First Amendment freedom-of-speech thing that demonstrators in Portland, Ore., rallied for over the weekend.

Which is odd.

Because as far as we know, the folks taking part in the Trump Freedom of Speech rally werent jailed by their government for anything they said.

Counterprotesters at the Trump Free Speech Rally in Portland, Ore. (David Ryder/Reuters)

They may have been ridiculed, harassed, marginalized, ostracized, asked to leave businesses, refused service, lost their jobs or positions of influence because of the things they said.

But they havent been jailed.

And thats the freedom the First Amendment guarantees. The right to speak out without being jailed  although not the right to speak out without being criticized.

So its easy to see that we wield the greatest power  punishing peer pressure  to stop the growing tide of hatred in America. We have to speak out.

[Our ugly racisms newest artifact: The noose left at the African American Museum]

Heres an extreme example  the white supremacist in the gym.

Richard Spencer, the Hail Trump alt-right movement leader who champions an American apartheid, complete with a whites-only state, was quietly working out in his Alexandria, Va., gym when he was confronted by another gym member.

I just want to say to you, Im sick of your crap, Georgetown University professor C. Christine Fair said to Spencer, as he was lifting weights.

As a woman, I find your statements to be particularly odious; moreover, I find your presence in this gym to be unacceptable, your presence in this town to be unacceptable, she went on.

Spencer wasnt wearing a swastika shirt or handing out white power fliers at the gym. He was just doing reps. It was the professor who went after him. And she was relentless, calling him a Nazi, then a cowardly Nazi after he refused to identify himself.

It got so uncomfortable, another gym member yelled at the professor for making a scene.

Guess who lost their gym membership?

Spencer did.

And his world howled that this was a violation of his freedom of speech.

No, sorry, folks.

Most states ban most businesses from discriminating against clients based on the clients race, religion, sex or national origin, law professor Eugene Volokh wrote in The Washington Post last fall, right after the election, about a case where a New Mexico company said it would stop doing business with Trump supporters.

The Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects people from that kind of discrimination, while some states and cities also ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, marital status and other attributes.

But political affiliation is rarely on the list, Volokh wrote. A few cities or counties do ban such discrimination. D.C. bans discrimination based on the state of belonging to or endorsing any political party. 

Spencers freedom of speech wasnt violated. He can say whatever he wants without being jailed.

The Constitution doesnt protect his right to belong to a private gym that finds his political and social views dangerous and odious.

But what if a coffee place didnt want to serve a Muslim, a hotel wouldnt rent a room to black family, a baker didnt want to bake a cake for a gay couple or a restaurant didnt want someone with a wheelchair eating in their dining room?

Too bad for the businesses in those cases. State and federal laws prohibit businesses from discriminating against protected classes.

Neo-Nazi is not a protected class  at least not yet.

The ACLU is used to these sticky debates, and their attorneys have consistently stood their ground in protecting everyones right to say what they want, no matter how disgusting. It probably wasnt easy to defend the Ku Klux Klans right to march through the Chicago suburb of Skokie, a town filled with survivors of the Holocaust.

Im not defending hate speech, Im defending free speech, said Claire Guthrie Gastanaga, head of the ACLU of Virginia, which has been hearing plenty about Spencer, who lives in Alexandria.

As soon as you accept that its okay to suppress speech, you say its okay to suppress your speech.

But what about the rallies that seem so hateful?

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) had the wrong idea when he tried to stop that freedom-of-speech rally over the weekend. It was scheduled before two men were killed and another wounded on the light-rail train trying to protect two girls, one of whom was wearing a hijab .

Jeremy Christian, 35, was arrested and charged in connection with the slaying of Rick Best, 53, and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23, and the stabbing of another man, Micah Fletcher. When he was brought into a Portland courtroom last week, Christian yelled: Get out if you dont like free speech.

Dude, your free speech was protected at all those rallies where you threw the Heil Hitler salute. Killing two men and stabbing a third, as Christian is alleged to have done, is not speech.

The protesters in Portland had the right to spew all their hateful views. The feds recognized that and rejected the mayors request to shut down the event because it could incite violence.

It was the counterprotesters who behaved violently.

Until they started throwing stuff, damaging property and messing with the police who were there to do their jobs, the counterprotesters had the right idea.

The right response to speech you dont like is more speech, Gastanaga said. The real harm is the nice people who say nothing.

So do it. Speak, yell, shout.

Dont shut the other guys out.

Just be louder than them.

Twitter: @petulad
An engineer will receive tens of thousands of dollars from the Prince Georges County government to settle a federal discrimination lawsuit in which she argued that her male colleagues, one of whom had less experience, were paid more than she was to do equal work.

The county must pay Joanna Smith $139,633 in lost wages and increase her salary by $24,723 a year to ensure that her pay is equivalent to that of her fellow civil engineers at the countys Department of the Environment, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus ruled that the county government violated the 1963 Equal Pay Act by paying Smith less than her similarly qualified male counterparts. The county agreed to a three-year consent decree that includes hiring a consultant to review the agencys salary scales and policies for federal compliance and provide training to all managers. Prince Georges will also have to report to the EEOC on how it handles future complaints.

We filed this lawsuit because Prince Georges County not only refused Ms. Smiths efforts to negotiate a higher salary commensurate with her experience and education, it then continually paid her less than it paid her male colleagues even though she did equal, and in some cases, more complex and superior work, EEOC attorney Maria Salacuse said in a statement.

In a statement, the county government said the court ruling "exposed outdated policies and practices in our merit system that are a legacy from decades of our governments history.

Prince Georges County executive Rushern L. Baker III is committed to repairing their compensation system and updating their policies because All workers deserve equal pay for their work no matter their personal attributes ... he said through a spokesperson.

Prince George's County executive Rushern L. Baker III is "committed" to repairing their compensation system and updating their policies because "All workers deserve equal pay for their work no matter their personal attributes..." he said through a spokesperson.



Smith was hired in March 2012 as an engineer in the Department of the Environments stormwater management division. At the time, she had a bachelors degree in civil engineering and more than five years experience developing and designing flood control projects.

The county offered Smith an entry-level salary of about $61,000 a year. Smith requested $88,000, but the county told her she could not negotiate, according to court documents. The upper salary limit for the position exceeded $118,000.

Smiths lawyers pointed to three instances in which Smiths male colleagues were able to negotiate higher starting salaries with the county government. In two cases, the government initially offered the men salaries above the base amount Smith received.

Two weeks after Smith was hired, the Department of the Environment hired a male engineer for a comparable position and met his salary request, which was $10,000 above what Smith had been offered. A week after that, another male engineer doing the same work also received more money for the same job as Smith.

A few months after that, court documents show, the county agency hired an engineer who had less experience than Smith and lacked a professional license. Though the mans salary request was nearly equal to Smiths, the department offered him several thousand more dollars and promoted him  with a raise  within a year.

The wage gap pushed Smith to file a complaint.

The EEOC will take vigorous action against any employers, whether public or private, who engage in such blatant pay discrimination, EEOC regional attorney Debra M. Lawrence said in a statement.
Maryland attorney Michael Dobbs is expected to plead guilty in a courthouse where he practices to sexual solicitiation of a minor. (Dan Morse/TWP)

A longtime defense attorney in Maryland intends to plead guilty to sexual solicitation of a minor, according to new records filed in a police sting case that stunned the Montgomery County legal community.

Prosecutors will seek six months in jail for the lawyer, Michael D. Dobbs, 57, according to the records. Earlier this year, Dobbs allegedly sent lurid text messages to an individual he had met online and thought was a 15-year-old boy named Brandon, court files show. But Brandon was an identity created by an undercover detective, according to details disclosed at Dobbss arrest.

The plea agreement does not mandate jail time and lays the groundwork for Dobbs to possibly have the conviction stricken from his record.

Mr. Dobbs is taking this case seriously, and is taking all necessary steps to address his legal and personal matters, said David Felsen, an attorney who represents him in the case and signed the plea agreement with a prosecutor.

Michael D. Dobbs (Montgomery County Police/ )

Such plea agreements are not considered final until a judge accepts them, and Dobbs could still back out. He is scheduled to make the plea in Montgomery County Circuit Court on June 15.

Dobbs was arrested March 28, jailed briefly, and released on $100,000 bond. By mid-May, according to court records, Felsen and prosecutors were negotiating a plea deal. The terms were filed on May 24.

Dobbs has continued practicing law.

Good morning, your honor, he told Montgomery Circuit Judge Michael Mason last week, starting a 10-minute hearing on the probation status of a client convicted last year of drunk driving and eluding the police.

[Im an attorney. Text messages in underage sex sting]

Dobbs grew up in Montgomery County, earned a law degree from the University of Maryland, and worked as a prosecutor for the Montgomery County States Attorneys Office. His practice in Rockville handles a variety of cases, including criminal defense and workers compensation claims for military contractors who were injured overseas.

Dobbss reputation among local lawyers had long been that of a pleasant professional. Ive never heard anyone say a bad word about Mike, Rockville defense lawyer David Martella said after his arrest.

Authorities say Michael D. Dobbs drove to this commercial parking lot in Rockville, expecting to meet a 15-year-old for a sexual encounter. The teen was a fiction created online by detectives, who portrayed the teen as a student at Richard Montgomery High School, seen in the background. (Dan Morse/The Washington Post)

Martella and other attorneys were stunned at the time. Not only did the accusations conflict with what they knew about Dobbs, they were illogical, given how defense lawyers generally know the tactics that detectives use.

I hope there is an explanation, Martella said at the time.

Martella said Friday that he had spoken to at least 20 other lawyers about the case and that all were upset over what Dobbs was going though or by the prospect the allegations are true. No one has suggested any ill will toward Mike, Martella said.

Speaking in general terms, he said that when these types of allegations come out of the blue, in my experience, in cases like this, the accused usually is dealing with some kind of difficult, unrelated situation in their lives.

The police case against Dobbs was first detailed in a four-page court affidavit filed in March. The law enforcement sting had begun the month before, when a detective posted a message on a website stating: young wm seeking older.

He received an email from someone identifying himself as Mark RockvilleGuy. The detective, posing as Brandon, asked, Are you cool with me being 15. Im almost 16, according to the affidavit.

Mark RockvilleGuy kept emailing him, the detective said in the affidavit, and at one point wrote: Im an attorney.

Mark RockvilleGuy provided a cellphone number, sent a photograph of his face, and wrote increasingly detailed messages about sex acts, according to the affidavit.

A meeting was set up, detectives wrote in the court filing.

At 2:30 p.m. on March 28  a Tuesday  the detectives staked out the parking lot at a commercial rock-climbing facility near Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville.

The location fit the tale detectives had spun, according to court records, because they had led Mark RockvilleGuy to believe Brandon was a student at Richard Montgomery. According to police, they had told him to pick up Brandon at the lot and go to Brandons house nearby.

Police said Dobbs drove into the parking lot in a Kia Optima, made a couple of trips around the lot and pulled into a spot at the end of a row. Three detectives quickly appeared and took Dobbs into custody.

The Montgomery County States Attorneys Office asked colleagues in neighboring Howard County to handle the case, given the potential conflict of prosecuting a defense attorney whom Montgomery prosecutors had squared off against in previous cases.

According to the pending plea agreement, signed by Howard County Assistant States Attorney Jennifer Ritter and Felsen, Maryland sentencing guidelines call for a sentence as low as probation with no jail time and as high as two years in prison. The guidelines are not binding.

Ritter will seek a jail term of six months and ask to have Dobbss name added to an online, public sex-offender registry, according to the agreement. She also will ask that he undergo sex-offender treatment and be placed on five years of probation.

Felsen, the defense attorney, is free to ask for a lesser sentence. He received a commitment from Ritter that if Dobbs completes his probation, she would not oppose Felsen seeking probation before judgment for Dobbs, meaning that the conviction would be stricken from the record.
Rawle Farley was killed during a robbery after arranging to buy a computer at his apartment in College Park, Md., according to Prince Georges County police. (Family photo)

Rawle Farley thought he was going to buy another computer.

At least that was the plan when Farley opened the door to his College Park apartment to a man Farley had invited back to his home a day after Farley already had bought one computer from him, according to police.

But as soon as the door to Farleys apartment swung open on the afternoon of March 25, the man and two others with him yelled that they were there for a robbery, police said.

A tussle followed, one shot was fired and shortly after, Farley was dead, according to police who said there was no second computer brought to Farleys door by the robbers.

The fatal robbery left friends and family mourning a man they remember as a loving father and ambitious entrepreneur as police continue to search for those involved.

(Prince Georges County Police Dept.)

Anything he did he put a lot of passion in it, said Stacie Whisonant, who had known Farley for about a decade. Everything was go big or go home.

William George Moore Jr., 31, of Dundalk, Md., has been charged with first-degree murder in Farleys slaying, but two other men police say were involved remain at large.

This happened in the middle of the day in a crowded College Park apartment building, said Christina Cotterman, a spokeswoman for Prince Georges County police. These are the types of people we need to find.

[Man fatally shot in College Park/Beltsville area]

Police said Farley, 36, and Moore had met at a bar through a third party and that Moore had previously sold Farley a computer at the apartment. That led to an arrangement for a second deal, police said, in which Farley asked Moore back for a second sale, police said.

Moore arrived under the pretense of selling the equipment, police charging documents state.

Prince Georges County police released surveillance video that shows Moore dressed in red walking through the apartment buildings entry gate talking on a phone, according to police charging documents. Then a man in a black top and black cap comes in behind, looking directly at the surveillance camera. The gate closes, and the man in black goes back and opens it for a third man.

Police said they suspect the two others who followed Moore were involved in Farleys killing.

Capt. Tony Schartner, head of the Prince Georges police homicide unit, describes the robbery gone bad as senseless. They were trying to take his things, Schartner said. It didnt need to escalate to someone being shot.

[Maryland man arrested after fatal shooting in College Park last month]

A second person was also injured during the robbery, police said.

Farley, born in Guyana, was the son of immigrants and came to the United States when he was 9. He started a local garage-door-installation business in 2012.

Farleys family declined to be interviewed but provided the program and eulogies given at his funeral.

He was a successful businessman that understood people, marketing and sales, according to a speech by his brothers. The pursuit to being the best at it kept him up late nights as he researched and optimized his processes.

Farley graduated from Roosevelt High School. He had a 10-year-old son, whom his family said he cared for and adored.

In their statements at his funeral, his brothers said it was difficult to understand the events that led to Farleys death, but we trust that someway, somewhere and somehow, good and purpose will be revealed from this ordeal.

Whisonant said Farley leaves a legacy in his entrepreneurial spirit. Farley helped Whisonant create a business called PYT, or Pay Your Tuition, to help students get private funds through loans or crowdsourcing to cover education costs. Farleys belief in education inspired the launch of PYT, his longtime friend said. The business has helped more than 200 students in the Washington region graduate from college, Whisonant said.

Whisonant said friends and family remain shocked that Farleys life ended so abruptly.

His life was complete because he had his son, Whisonant said. The biggest part that hurts for everybody is that he wanted to be there for his son.

Police are urging anyone with information about the men in the surveillance video to call authorities at 877-411-TIPS. A reward of up to $25,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.
A man found dead outside his suburban Maryland house Sunday morning had apparently been injured in a motorcycle crash hours earlier, authorities said.

Police in Howard County said James Edward Clements, 47, was found outside a house in the 1400 block of Long Corner Road in Mount Airy. Officers were called there about 9:15 a.m.

Investigators think that he rode home on his motorcycle after it crashed at some time Saturday night. Police said no other vehicles were involved in the crash, which occurred in the 18600 block of Penn Shop Road, about one and a quarter miles from his home.

They said evidence at the scene of the crash linked Clements to it. They said the evidence included his cell phone, and the visor from his helmet.
Maria Reyes holds a dress her daughter Damaris was going to wear for a Sweet 15 Quinceanera celebration. Damaris went missing on Dec. 10 and was found dead. (Photo by Dan Morse/The Washington Pos)

Members of MS-13 allegedly abducted and threatened a witness set to testify against a fellow gang member in a case related to the killing of a 15-year-old girl from Gaithersburg, Md., in January, according to an application for sealing a search warrant in Fairfax County.

The application does not identify the case and Fairfax County prosecutors declined to name it because of a pending prosecution, but it is the latest troubling turn in a series of overlapping cases in Northern Virginia tied to the resurgent gang.

In all, 18 people have been arrested in connection with Damaris A. Reyes-Rivass killing at a Springfield park, the slaying of 21-year-old Christian Sosa Rivas in Dumfries, Va., and the disappearance of a teenage mother and her 5-month-old son from Springfield, Va., in January. Both Lizzy Rivera Colindres, 16, and the boy eventually returned home.

[With two young people killed, two more bodies found, police see rising gang threat]

Fairfax County prosecutors successfully lobbied a judge in February to have the search warrant in Damariss case sealed, citing the witness intimidation in the related case and other factors. The seal on the search warrant recently expired and it was made public.

Venus Lorena Romero Iraheta (Fairfax County Police)

During a May hearing in a Fairfax court, a special agent with the FBI testified that Damaris was killed in retaliation for the slaying of Sosa Rivas. Sosa Rivas, of Fairfax, was allegedly lured to a spot along the Potomac River by female associates of MS-13, then killed. Eight people are charged in the case.

A search warrant in Prince William County says Sosa Rivas was killed by MS-13 leaders who thought he was improperly passing himself off as a leader of the gang.

The special agent testified Sosa Rivass girlfriend, Venus Iraheta, blamed Damaris for his death and carried out her killing with other MS-13 members at Lake Accotink Park about a week later.

Iraheta, 17, told Damaris she would see her in hell, before plunging a knife into her, the special agent testified Iraheta told him. Damaris was also attacked with a large stick and her final moments were filmed by her tormentors, according to another search warrant. One attacker brazenly wore a court-ordered GPS monitoring bracelet.

Iraheta has been certified to stand trial as an adult.

Some of the suspects charged in Damariss case have also been charged in connection with the disappearance of Colindres, including Jose Castillo Rivas, the father of her child.

A search warrant in that case says Colindres was forced into a car being driven by Castillo Rivas on Jan. 10, after she went to Fairfax County court to update a protective order against him.

Colindres was driven to an unnamed location and shown a video of a girl who was bleeding badly and appeared unconscious, according to the search warrant. The girl on the video was not identified in the search warrant, but it is possible it was Damaris.

Colindres was told that if she told anyone about the video, she would be killed.

Colindres was then instructed to get her child and bring the baby to Castillo Rivas. The search warrant does not detail what happened after that, but Colindres and her child returned home in February.
Cars park illegally in the Kalorama neighborhood as Secret Service vehicles line up outside Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushners home. (Luz Lazo/The Washington Post)

To say finding parking on a residential street in most D.C. neighborhoods is challenging is an understatement. But for residents and visitors to Kalorama in Northwest Washington, home to several foreign embassies, dignitaries and political figures, it can be an unending nightmare.

Their parking challenges worsened this year when former president Barack Obama and his family moved into the neighborhood, followed by first daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, disrupting its peace with security details, street and sidewalk closures, and new No Parking signs.

The new neighbors  and their security installments  took over numerous parking spots in a community that was already struggling to balance supply and demand. The many embassies, chanceries and other government-owned residences have dedicated street parking all around the neighborhood. Then there are the hundreds of people attending prayers, held five times a day, at the Islamic Center of Washington, the citys largest mosque, just blocks from the Obama and Trump-Kushner residences.

Finding places to park has gotten increasingly worse, said Ellen Goldstein, a longtime resident and member of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. That obviously adds a great deal of stress to the residents who use street parking, she said. It is a struggle.

[The Obamas just bought their rental home in Washington]

A road is closed near the Obamas home. The new parking restrictions in Kalorama have also affected the nearby Islamic Center of Washington. (Luz Lazo/The Washington Post)

In response to neighborhood concerns, the city last month began installing resident-only parking signs to ensure the people who live there have access to their curbsides. The District has also taken steps to adjust the number of dedicated parking spaces assigned to the ambassadorial residences. City transportation officials said they notified the State Department last year that a number of residences were incorrectly provided reserved parking in public spaces and that the city would move to take the spaces back.

Growing tensions

Residents in the wealthy neighborhood asked for the changes last year, after years of growing tension over the mosque traffic and the diplomatic parking privileges. Then came January. The Obamas moved in on Belmont Road, and the Secret Service put up barricades to block off traffic access to their eight-bedroom, 9 -bath rental home  which the family purchased last week for $8.1 million.

[Ivanka Trumps Secret Service detail roiling her D.C. neighbors]

Trump and her family moved around the corner from the Obamas. With them came the requisite multiple Secret Service SUVs camped outside their six-bedroom, five-fireplace residence, taking over the Tracy Place block. Pedestrians were prohibited from their side of the sidewalk.

A few blocks away, on 24th Street NW, a couple of parking spots are taken by the security detail outside the home of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

(Amazon founder Jeffrey P. Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, also owns a home in the neighborhood.)

A highly sought community with a mix of mansions, townhouses, apartment buildings and embassies northwest of Dupont Circle, Kalorama has been home to many dignitaries and political figures over the years.

DDOT staff determine parking sign placement as Secret Service agents guard the Trump-Kushner home. (J. Lawler Duggan for The Washington Post)

Still, residents say they are just like any other neighborhood, with concerns about trash pickup, rats and parking. Though tensions escalated with the arrival of the Trump entourage, residents reject claims that their complaints are partisan-based.

I say thats ridiculous, Goldstein said. There are no red spaces, there are no blue spaces, there are only D.C. spaces. Parking is a nonpartisan issue.

District Department of Transportation spokesman Terry Owens said the new parking challenges, combined with the existing impacts from the foreign missions, as well as the spillover of commercial parking onto residential streets warranted further intervention to maintain District resident access to their curbsides.

The District has similar parking restrictions on residential streets with proximity to heavy commercial activity such as the H Street corridor, U Street and neighborhoods around Nationals Park. In many cases, the restrictions have resulted from growing tensions between neighbors and visitors, generally in booming areas of the city with limited public parking options.

Mosque official among critics

Kalorama residents welcome the resident-only parking, but some critics say it doesnt solve the problem. For example, it leaves fewer visitor spaces, making it more difficult for those who attend services at the mosque, located on Embassy Row on Massachusetts Avenue. Many of those who worship at the mosque say they have no other option but to park in the neighborhood. There are no public parking facilities nearby, and the closest Metro station is nearly a mile away.

This is the worst place to be for parking, said Abrahim Kamara, a Prince Georges County resident, who visits the mosque every afternoon to pray.

Mosque spokesman Abassie Jarr-Koroma said the facility is being unfairly singled out. Already, parking enforcement officers circulate the area during prayer times, particularly during busy Friday afternoons when as many as 2,500 people come to pray, he said. Most of them park in the neighborhood.

The new parking restrictions were implemented without any consultation or consideration of the mosques needs, he said.

We just woke up one morning and saw the signs, Jarr-Koroma said.

Afterward, officials with the mayors office alerted the mosque about the new regulations, and enforcement, Jarr-Koroma said.

A DDOT spokesman said the agency didnt speak directly with the mosque about the resident-only restrictions, but the mayors representatives met with the community.

Jarr-Koroma agreed an already difficult parking situation turned worse after the Obama and Trump-Kushner families moved. The new parking restrictions made things even worse. The mosque, which opened in 1957, is taking a hit with some people skipping prayers because they cant find a place to park, he said.

The block on the side of the mosque has various restrictions. One side of Belmont Road has some two-hour parking, with the rest reserved for resident-only permits. The other side is reserved for Russian diplomats. At the corner with Tracy Place, a Secret Service vehicle and barricades block traffic from continuing on Belmont Road where the Obama house is located. That block of Tracy Place has reserved parking for the Embassy of Guyana, and the next block has no-parking signs in front of the Trump home on Tracy Place.

Why are we being targeted? Jarr-Koroma said. We have been here longer than most people and we cant park in our neighborhood. The Russians have parking privileges in our block. The people in the building across the street, who have underground parking, can park on our street. But we cant park there.

By 12:30 p.m. Friday, about 30 minutes before prayers, the few Belmont Road spots available to visitors were filled. Traffic backed up around the mosque and a parking enforcement vehicle was idling curbside. By 1 p.m., scores of people could be seen walking from the neighborhood streets to the mosque, and there wasnt a free space for blocks.

Many of the mosque attendees are taxi drivers, recognizable by their cabs, which residents complain take up valuable parking. Some drivers who couldnt find a legal spot parked on streets displaying Diplomatic Cars Only and Resident Permit Parking Only signs. Many said theyre willing to risk getting ticketed.

If anything, Kamara said, the resident-only restrictions will push mosque traffic further into the neighborhood  and lead to more illegal parking.

They can give me hundreds of tickets, but I have to come to pray, Kamara said.

The fine for parking illegally in areas that require a residential permit is $30; repeat violators face $60 fines. Tickets for parking in reserved diplomatic spaces are $20.

Cheryl Haywood, who lives across the street from the Islamic Center, said sometimes its so busy that she stays in her car and reads a book for 20 minutes or so while she waits for prayers to end and a space to open up. But that doesnt bother Haywood, a teacher who has lived in the area for five years.

We need to respect the people who come to pray, Haywood said. Last week, she was lucky to find a tight spot edging the Secret Service barricade on Belmont Road. For the most part, people have been very understanding.
The White House on Monday formally endorsed a plan to spin off more than 30,000 federal workers into a private, nonprofit corporation, separating the nations air traffic controllers and those who work on a $36 billion modernization program from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Trump administration proposal essentially is an endorsement of a plan that failed to gain sufficient traction in Congress last year. It is in keeping with the desire of the administration and congressional Republicans to streamline government and transfer some functions into private hands.

President Trump said that during the Obama administration, the FAA didnt know what the hell they were doing in spending $7 billion to modernize the aviation system.

His proposal would transfer all air traffic control assets  control towers, routing centers and several billion dollars in tracking systems  to a private, nonprofit corporation without charge. Removing air traffic control operations from the FAA would allow it to focus solely on its role as a safety regulation, according to an administration blueprint of the plan.

The current [aviation] system cannot keep up, has not been able to keep up for many years, Trump said at a White House ceremony. Were still stuck with an ancient, broken, antiquated, horrible system that doesnt work.

Mondays announcement launched a week in which the administration will focus on infrastructure, with Trump traveling to Cincinnati on Wednesday to discuss the movement of freight on inland waterways, and on Thursday, he has invited mayors and governors to the White House to hear their infrastructure needs.

[Trump advisers call for privatizing some public assets to build new infrastructure]

Trump will wrap up the week with a trip to the Department of Transportation to discuss ways to change rules and regulations to expedite project construction.

The administration hopes to win congressional approval to spend an additional $200 billion in tax dollars on infrastructure in coming years, administration officials said.

We absolutely do feel that the infrastructure package can be accomplished this year. We are working every day to that end, an administration official said.

While separating air traffic control from the FAA has been discussed for decades and was proposed under the Clinton administration, the proposals current iteration has fractured the airline industry, divided unions that represent the federal workers, raised the ire of private plane operators, been opposed by ranking House Democrats and raised eyebrows in the Senate.

[Congress renews debate over fate of more than 30,000 FAA workers]

Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the House Transportation Committee, embraced the dormant concept last year and fought to win the approval of his committee. But the bill it passed got no attention on the House floor, and there was muttering on the Senate side that suggested it had no future there.

I first spoke to President Trump back in 2014 about the need for reform, and Im glad to be working on it with him in 2017, Shuster said. Government bureaucracy has held back innovation in American aviation. Its time to bring our aviation system into the 21st century.

The four-page White House plan tinkers with Shusters 2016 bill in what administration officials said was an attempt to ensure that airlines do not dominate the corporations board. The initial seats would be assigned to various entities  including the airlines, the unions, small-plane operators, airports and the government  but that configuration would evolve.

Going forward, it should operate like any other board and perpetuate itself and not be divided out by special interest groups, a senior White House official said.

The corporation would pay for itself through user fees for airlines and reasonable fees passed on to passengers, the administration said.

There will be absolutely no congressional review of the fees that would be paid, said Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (Ore.) the ranking Democrat of Shusters committee and an opponent of the plan.

The Trump administrations endorsement could provide the momentum needed to get the proposal through both houses and to the presidents desk for his signature.

If Shuster and Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) muscle the bill through the House, the narrower GOP margin in the Senate will require support from both sides of the aisle.

Commerce Committee Chairman Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) said that getting a bill to President Trumps desk will require bipartisan support, as well as a consensus among the aviation community on a way forward.

Sen. Bill Nelson (Fla.), the ranking Democrat on Thunes committee, was blunt in his opposition: Handing air traffic control over to a private entity partly governed by the airlines is both a risk and liability we cant afford to take.

The corporation also would have the authority to adjust air routes after seeking public comment. As FAA modernization has rerouted many jetliners, people in many neighborhoods near airports have complained about the noise. If it happens to be causing huge numbers of noise complaints, tough luck, go talk to the private corporation, DeFazio said.

The issue on Capitol Hill has not been the performance of the 14,000 air traffic controllers. Instead, Congress has expressed enormous frustration over the pace of the FAAs modernization program, called NextGen.

While commonly referred to as a GPS-based system for directing the flow of aircraft, that simplistic explanation is akin to saying that a spark plug is what makes a cars wheels go around. The reality is that NextGen is a complicated group of systems intended to smooth the flow of airplanes, speed air travel, save fuel and accommodate a 20 percent increase in passengers in the next two decades.

Congresss perception that NextGen was not moving fast enough was bolstered by critical reports from the inspector generals office and from the Government Accountability Office. The FAA, however, has been able to point to success in recent years with some elements of NextGen.

When Shuster revived the concept of moving the controllers and the NextGen program to a private, nonprofit corporation run by a board of directors, one of the big four airlines  Delta Air Lines  opposed the move and parted company with the lobbying group Airlines for America, which endorsed it.

Operators of small planes and corporate jets  known as general aviation to distinguish them from the airlines  pushed back out of fear the airlines would dominate the corporations board.

That National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) backed Shusters plan, saying the corporation would ensure more stable funding than Congress could provide, while the 11,000-member Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union strongly opposed it.

It is unfathomable, even dangerous, to consider gambling with the future and safety of our air traffic control system through privatization, PASS President Mike Perrone said in a statement last month.

Paul Rinaldi, president of NATCA, said his union would evaluate whether [the Trump plan] satisfies our unions principles, including protecting the rights and benefits of the ATC workforce.

The wording of the White House paper specifies twice that current federal employees would retain their pay and benefits and be able to participate in federal retirement and health-care plans. It does not say that the corporations new hires should expect the same pay or benefits.
Rep. Scott W. Taylor (R-Va.) is a new co-sponsor of the Equality Act, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity to federal civil rights laws. (Steve Earley/Virginian-Pilot via AP)

Rep. Scott W. Taylor, a Republican from Virginia Beach, just became the second House Republican  among 238  to support a federal ban on LGBT discrimination, reflecting a shift in public opinion on the issue in Virginia and the nation.

The Human Rights Campaign announced last week that Taylor was the newest co-sponsor of the Equality Act, which, if passed, would add sexual orientation and gender identity to existing federal civil rights statutes.

The other Republican co-sponsor, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Fla.), is not seeking reelection next year.

Among Democrats in Congress, the opposite disparity exists, with almost all members supporting the legislation, except moderates Joe Manchin III (W.Va.) and Joe Donnelly (Ind.) in the Senate and Marcia L. Fudge (Ohio) and Daniel Lipinski (Ill.) in the House.

David Stacy, a lobbyist for the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates for gay rights, said Taylor, a 37-year-old freshman House member and former Navy SEAL, is a natural fit for the legislation.

View Graphic Meet the candidates running to become Virginias next governor

It didnt take a big sales job because he understood right away that this was the right thing to do, Stacy said. It was broadly supported across the state and in his district.

Taylor, a foreign policy hawk who supports President Trump, represents a district that relies on tourism and has marketed itself as an ideal vacation spot for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

As a delegate in the state General Assembly, Taylor was a primary supporter of a bill introduced by Del. Marcus B. Simon (D-Fairfax), who represents a liberal Northern Virginia district, that would have banned LGBT discrimination in housing.

Once in the U.S. House, Taylor introduced a similar bill, which has 12 co-sponsors  six Republicans and six Democrats.

I think this is the right thing to do, Taylor said when the bill was introduced this spring. We havent polled it, so I have no idea if its a net negative or a net positive in the district.

His district is also home to many active-duty and retired military personnel, who, polls show, tend to be open-minded on social issues.

For Taylor, supporting LGBT rights is a political winner, Stacy said.

But the Equality Act is unlikely to go to a floor vote in the GOP-controlled House because Republican leadership would be reluctant to force lawmakers vulnerable to challenges from the right to go on record on an issue that animates social conservatives.

That helps explain why Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), who represents a Northern Virginia district that favored Hillary Clinton by 10 points last year, has a zero rating from the Human Rights Campaign.

But Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, said the mere introduction of LGBT rights bills is indicative of how much social attitudes have changed in the past decade.

When he wrote the 1996 book Second Coming: The New Christian Right in Virginia Politics, Rozell said, it wasnt even conceivable that we would have a conversation like this right now.

Its the older generation holding on more strongly to the traditional social views, he said. For the younger generation, they dont even understand why this is an issue.
 David Toscano ought to be the most comfortable Democrat in Virginia.

He represents a university town so deeply blue that Republicans arent bothering to challenge him for reelection to the General Assembly. From his perch as minority leader in the House of Delegates, Toscano shapes his partys strategy and priorities.

But he has been put on notice: Toscano has a primary opponent, a fellow Democrat trying to unseat him. And his opponents message is that there should be no comfortable Democrats right now.

For a party that has struggled in recent years to field candidates even against Republicans, the intramural challenge to Toscano shows a new level of restlessness in the era of Trump. Democrats motivated by last falls presidential defeat have poured into Virginia House races, where all 100 seats are on the ballot this fall and Republicans enjoy a 66-34 advantage.

Democrats are challenging in 54 of those Republican districts, up from 21 in 2015.

Ross Mittiga of Charlottesville will challenge Toscano in the Democrats June 13 primary. (Mark Edwards/Associated Press)

[Women in the running: Number of female candidates for Va. House jumps]

The aggressive slate of candidates, including a record number of women, is part of a national effort by Democrats to reemphasize state and local elections after watching Republicans make massive gains in recent years. Many of the new Democrats are untested, and are converging from a variety of backgrounds and progressive groups that are elbowing past the traditional party.

Nowhere is that more plain than in Toscanos district, where his challengers objective is to pull the Democratic Party to the left  to abandon what he sees as the politics of compromise in favor of urgency.

It must be scary to have a challenge to the conventional way of doing politics, said Ross Mittiga, the 28-year-old University of Virginia instructor and graduate student who is taking on Toscano. Im sure in their mind, we are risking alienating some kind of center that they think theyre going to appeal to. But thats not a winning strategy anymore.

Mittiga has been studying another intraparty revolution: The way disgruntled Richmond-area Republicans toppled House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in that partys primary for Congress in 2014. That dramatic upset, which put college professor Dave Brat into office, blew up the Republican establishment and marked the arrival of the tea party.

The Cantor parallel is not lost on Toscano. There is some of that going on, he said. Say what you will about candidates that make you uncomfortable, but they force you to think about things. It forces me to do my homework.

A similar dynamic is playing out in Virginias governors race, where former congressman Tom Perriello is mounting an insurgent challenge against establishment favorite Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam for the Democratic nomination.

[To shake up Democratic Party, progressives turn to primary race in Va.]

Perriello, also from Charlottesville, is riding a surge of national support from Sen. Bernie Sanders and progressive activists who say the party machinery failed them last fall. Toscanos race shows how far that dynamic is reaching down the ballot in this years state races.

Mittiga, like Perriello, has picked up an endorsement from Sanderss political action committee, Our Revolution. He still faces extremely long odds to upset Toscano, whose name recognition and cash advantage are enormous.

But his presence is being felt. While Hillary Clinton whupped Sanders statewide for the nomination last year, it was a different story in Charlottesville: 8 of 10 precincts went for Sanders.

That has to be at least a little bit disconcerting for Toscano, said political analyst Geoffrey Skelley of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. As the leader for Democrats in the House of Delegates, if he were to lose, it would be obviously surprising. But I think it would be really telling about the mood of Democrats at the moment. Also it would be sort of amazing in Virginia just from the perspective of a shift to the left for the party.

Toscano, 66, has been around long enough to see something of himself in Mittiga  his own rise was partly to rebel against the politics of then-President George W. Bush. Toscano was mayor of Charlottesville and served on City Council before being elected to the House of Delegates in 2005.

His law office is in an old house a few blocks off the downtown pedestrian mall, which he helped rejuvenate as mayor, and his home is a five-minute walk beyond that. Toscano knows, seemingly, everyone. Couples, retirees, college kids, shopkeepers  he can hardly walk three steps without being hailed or hugged.

Hes a Republican, but he always votes for me, Toscano says as he shakes hands with ice cream shop owner Tony LaBua.

I always cross lines . . . LaBua begins.

. . . and hes a great American, Toscano finishes.

While he says he welcomes the competition from Mittiga, Toscano clearly bristles at the notion that he hasnt lived up to progressive ideals. He took part in a testy debate with Mittiga a few weeks ago, and the two have battled through social media and public statements.

Ill hold our record against anybody who wants to make the case that were not in sync with Democratic values, said Toscano, who reminds anyone he meets in the street to vote for him in the June 13 primary.

He gets the anti-Trump fervor, he said. During floor speeches in this years legislative session, Toscano railed against actions taken by Trump  the travel ban, government hiring freeze, health-care repeal  and made a show of asking Republicans to sign on to letters of concern he sent to the new president.

He can tick off a list of progressive issues he agrees with: protecting the environment, raising the minimum wage, making college more affordable, reworking campaign finance, protecting womens access to abortion.

But with a legislature controlled by Republicans, he said, progress is slow. He said he would like to reject donations from big corporations such as Dominion Energy, as Mittiga has done, but wont until Republicans do the same.

[Virginia power broker in the hot seat in governors race]

And some issues need time to build support. For instance, Toscano said, college tuition relief seems to be gathering momentum. I think at some point, its going to happen, he said.

Mittiga has no patience for that. Raised in rural Florida, Mittiga came to Charlottesville about five years ago to study the political and ethical aspects of climate change. He worked for the Sanders campaign and grew increasingly active on environmental and progressive issues.

After Trump won election last fall, Mittiga said his despair drove him to look harder at issues close to home. One of the most urgent was the proposed construction of two natural gas pipelines through mountainous parts of Virginia. When he discovered that Toscano has not opposed the pipelines and that he has received thousands in donations from energy companies, Mittiga decided he had to act.

Toscano and most Democrats in Richmond have spent too long appeasing Republicans and corporations, he said. Theyre too cozy with corporate interests. They consistently failed to protect us from the ravages of right-wing extremism.

Like Perriello or Sanders, Mittiga is convinced voters are far ahead of their elected officials and burning for change. Years of pragmatic compromise, he said, have led to weak policy. Tepid centrism is not really appealing to anyone right now.

So while Toscano may say his heart is in the right place on all those issues, thats not good enough for Mittiga. The challenger sees immediate policy goals: universal health care, opposition to the pipelines, free college tuition, the end of private prisons, economic fairness, a robust inheritance tax.

His original intent, Mittiga said, was to push Toscano to the left on all that. But that has hardened into something more ambitious.

I thought Mr. Toscano would take on my positions, but he hasnt, Mittiga said. Now my sincere hope is that hell get out of the way.

With his all-volunteer campaign staff, Mittiga is relying heavily on enthusiastic young supporters. It hurts that most U.Va. students wont be in town for the June 13 primary. Hes had almost no interaction with the Perriello campaign but has drawn support from the Democratic Socialists of America, which has a chapter in Charlottesville.

Last month, Mittiga was among 40 novice candidates or aspiring candidates from around Virginia selected for a training session by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, the national group affiliated by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The participants reflected the diverse array of Democrats suddenly motivated to get involved  first-generation immigrants and fifth-generation Virginians. Men and women. Black, white, Asian, Hispanic and Middle Eastern. Christians, Muslim, Jews and atheists.

What they had in common was a disaffection with politics as usual and a desire to win seats across the commonwealth, from school boards and city councils to the General Assembly and Congress.

This explosion of activity raises issues for Democrats, though, who dont know whether the enthusiasm will wane or congeal into a sense of unified purpose.

In Mittigas case, if the predictable happens and he loses the primary, will he support Toscano in the fall? Would he support Northam if Perriellos bid for governor falls short?

My feeling is  keep em in suspense, Mittiga said. Its not appealing right now for me to be afraid enough to vote for Ralph Northam and David Toscano. Whats appealing is for them to be afraid enough that theyll lose the progressive vote that theyll become progressives. Thats where the fear should be.

Charlottesville Mayor Michael Signer, an up-and-coming Democrat who sees himself steering the city on a progressive course, said Mittigas passion is exciting, but familiar.

Howard Dean, John Edwards  past Democratic presidential candidates have tapped into the same populist progressivism Sanders inspires now, he said. He sees it in Perriello, an old friend. But Signer is supporting Northam and Toscano in the primary.

At some point, he said, that zealous idealism faces the reality of governing.

We would be in a very sad place in America if idealism had no role in our democracy, Signer said. Idealism sets your horizon. It sets the aspiration that realists then go about implementing.

Joe Heim contributed to this report.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly said the Progressive Change Campaign Committee was founded by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The PCCC recruited Warren to run for Senate and is strongly identified with her but was not founded by her. This story has been updated.
North Carolina

Man charged with killing wife and father

A North Carolina man was arrested Sunday in California on murder charges after authorities said he killed his wife and father with an ax and escaped on a West Coast flight.

Michael Allen Joyner, 38, of Wilson was arrested on two counts of murder, multiple media outlets reported.

This incident appears to be domestic in nature, with an ax being the choice of weapon use to facilitate this crime, Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard said. We were able to locate his vehicle as well as gather intelligence as to his whereabouts in California.

Joyner allegedly killed his wife, Michelle, 36, and his father, Dennis, 63, authorities said. Deputies were called to check on the family after Dennis Joyner didnt show up for work Friday. Officers found the two adults dead on the floor and a toddler  reportedly Michael Joyners child  locked in a bedroom, alone but unharmed.

Authorities found Joyners car at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, about 60 miles east of Wilson.

 Associated Press

Pennsylvania

Closing arguments expected in rape trial

Closing arguments are scheduled Monday in the trial of a Pennsylvania man accused of sexually assaulting 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 charges that include rape of a child and statutory sexual assault.

Police found the family, including a couple and their nine daughters and two grandchildren, living with Kaplan after a neighbors tip led them to search his home in Feasterville, north of Philadelphia, last year. Authorities allege that the couple gifted the oldest girl to him because he helped them financially.

 Associated Press

Funeral for World War II casualty: Services are set this week for a soldier from Tennessee who was unaccounted for after being killed by German troops during World War II. Media outlets reports a funeral for Pfc. Reece Gass will be held Saturday at a funeral home in Greeneville. He will be buried with full military honors at a cemetery in Cross Anchor. According to the Armys Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Gass, 20, and at least two others inside a tank died on Jan. 14, 1945, when a German tank fired upon them. Human remains found in 1947 in Belgium were eventually interred in Luxembourg. The remains were sent to the accounting agencys lab and were identified this year as those of Gass.

New York officer dragged by car: A New York City plainclothes police officer fired his service weapon even as he was being dragged by a driver in a stolen car for more than two city blocks, striking one of the occupants in the vehicle, police said Sunday. Officer Dalsh Veve, 35, was hospitalized in critical condition after the dragging, which took place about midnight Saturday in Brooklyn. Police Commissioner James ONeill said Veve and other officers had responded to calls of shots fired, but the sounds turned out to be fireworks. ONeill said Veve spoke to occupants of a Honda, and other officers saw him being dragged down the street by the car. The car crashed a short distance away and was abandoned by the people inside. ONeill said a 15-year-old believed to have been in the car came into a hospital soon after with a gunshot wound and was in serious condition. Two other people were being questioned in police custody.

 From news services
A Mexican national suspected in a 1989 killing in Colorado can be tried in the United States, even though he was acquitted of the crime 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. Constitutions prohibition of double jeopardy, the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel newspaper reported Sunday.

Garcia, 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 tried Garcia in Mexican Federal District Court. He 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 unclear.

The original arrest warrant on suspicion of murder was still valid, and he was arrested.
AN ODDBALL story in Baltimore caught our attention the other day as a microcosmic illustration of the damage President Trumps intensifying deportation crackdown may inflict. It involves an alleged rape victim, the lawyer for the alleged rapist, an alleged $3,000 bribe and  the tales real protagonist  a rising climate of fear that has gripped communities of undocumented immigrants.

The story involves a Baltimore lawyer, Christos Vasiliades, who represented a man accused of rape. In the event, Mr. Vasiliades himself was arrested for trying to get his clients accuser to back off by warning her that she risked arrest as an undocumented immigrant if she showed up in court to testify. (He is also alleged to have offered the victim a carrot  $3,000 in cash  to go along with the threatened stick.)

The alleged victim refused to be victimized twice. She reported the conversation to law enforcement, which subsequently managed to record Mr. Vasiliades making his offer, according to a criminal indictment charging him with witness intimidation and obstruction of justice.

Mr. Vasiliadess gambit might have been far-fetched if not for the national context  specifically, the accelerating pace of arrests of unauthorized immigrants, including tens of thousands of immigrants with no criminal history, by federal deportation agents, and flurries of reports involving arrests of immigrants at courthouses around the country.

Arrests, including at courthouses, and deportations took place under the Obama administration, but the pace accelerated sharply in the first 100 days of Mr. Trumps term, when more than 41,000 arrests were made, a nearly 38 percent increase from the same period in the previous year. Three-quarters of those arrested had criminal records, but the most dramatic increase occurred among immigrants with no criminal convictions.

Federal officials acknowledge making arrests in courthouses, although they insist its a last resort. But the rising number of such cases prompted a rebuke from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights as well as a plea from the chief justice of the California Supreme Court, who asked federal officials to desist.

As they both noted, arresting undocumented immigrants at courthouses imperils entire communities, making victims less likely to report crimes and witnesses less likely to testify. It may jeopardize individuals in civil matters, too, including family and custody disputes. If voluntary contact with law enforcement puts undocumented immigrants at risk of exposing their legal status, many or most will choose to avoid such interaction. The result is creeping lawlessness.

People are at their most vulnerable when they seek out the assistance of local authorities, said Catherine E. Lhamon, chair of the Civil Rights Commission, and we are all less safe if individuals who need help do not feel safe to come forward.

That threat was what Mr. Vasiliades allegedly hoped to leverage. You know how things are with Trumps laws now, a man serving as his interpreter was recorded as telling the alleged victim in Baltimore, according to the indictment. Someone goes to court, and  boom  they get taken away.

In the event, she was not deterred. How many would have her courage?
One of the privileges of my job is the chance to meet with some of the worlds bravest people: dissidents, exiles, relatives of political prisoners who come through Washington from every corner of the world, looking for support in their battles against dictators of every stripe.

Lately, though, theres been something different about these visits.

It used to be that The Post was a stop they made before or after the main event, which would be a meeting with administration officials. Since Donald Trumps inauguration, that has changed. The State Department, where virtually every important office remains unfilled, is a vacuum. The White House often seems on the side of the oppressors, not the oppressed.

Much has been said in the past week about the U.S. retreat from global leadership, given President Trumps truculence in Europe and his decision to join the Nicaragua-Syria axis in withdrawing from the Paris treaty on climate change.

The retreat from any commitment to democracy and human rights  the failure to stand with people such as Angela Gui, Li Ching-yu or Ali H. Aslan  wont generate as many headlines. But in the long run, it may do as much harm to U.S. interests and reputation, if not more.

Gui, 23, is a Swedish citizen, a university student in Britain and the daughter of Gui Minhai, a Hong Kong publisher who was apparently kidnapped by Chinese authorities while on vacation in Thailand in 2015. Hes been in Chinese captivity ever since. His firm angered authorities by publishing gossipy biographies of Communist Party leaders. Angela last heard from her father a year ago, when he telephoned to say she should stop agitating for his freedom.

I understand youve got to say that, Angela replied. But until you can tell me theres going to be an end to this, Im going to continue campaigning.

You might expect Sweden to lead that campaign, because her father, too, is a Swedish citizen. You might expect to hear from Britain, which 20 years ago accepted Chinas solemn promise that freedoms in Hong Kong would be respected. But both have been pretty quiet, which is why Angela was in Washington.

Li Ching-yus husband, Li Ming-che, is imprisoned in China, too. He is a Taiwanese human rights activist, but in Taiwan theyve been telling me I should keep quiet, his wife told me during a recent visit.

Thats why Im here in the United States, she said. Im hoping the United States will uphold its values and use its power to influence China to release a prisoner of conscience.

Ali Aslan has the same wish, though not much hope. He was Washington correspondent for Zaman, a leading Turkish newspaper until the increasingly authoritarian government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan shuttered it. Now, more than 50 of his former Zaman colleagues are in prison.

[President Barack] Obama was too soft on Erdogan, Aslan said during a visit to The Post last week. We told him, This isnt how you deal with a bully.

But at least Obama was not encouraging or supporting him, he said. Now we have Trump, who acts like a bully himself. Hes getting along better with dictators than with democratic allies.

Aslans assessment of Obama is a useful reminder that human rights supplicants often departed from Washington disappointed long before Trump. Even when the United States was encouraging democracy overseas, it necessarily balanced that interest against security and commercial concerns.

But its also true that even a meeting with a deputy assistant secretary or a photo op with a presidential adviser could have major impact, saving one prisoner from torture, winning freedom for another, maybe just boosting the morale of someone else. Trump, in helping two U.S. citizens escape political captivity (one from Egypt, another from Chinese agents in Thailand), has already seen how much clout he could have if he chose to wield it.

Given this administrations predilections, visitors are putting hope in meetings with members of Congress committed to human rights, such as Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.). Others look to France or Germany to pick up the slack.

And then there are those such as Prince Zeid Raad Al Hussein, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, who optimistically said he believes this administration eventually will pivot because of the connection between these severe human rights abuses and the instability that occurs as a result.

I think the evidence is so plentiful that its only a matter of time before they understand it, Zeid, a Jordanian, said during a visit to The Post last month. If you want a prevention rather than an intervention agenda, you have to embrace a human rights agenda.

Angela Gui, Li Ching-yu, Ali Aslan and thousands of others can only hope that such a revelation comes sooner rather than later.

Read more from Fred Hiatts archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Danielle Allen is a political theorist at Harvard University and a contributing columnist for The Post. This column is adapted from Allens keynote address at a 70th anniversary celebration for the Marshall Scholarship last weekend at Harvard University.

Secretary of State George Marshall visited Harvard on June 5, 1947, to give a commencement address. In it, he laid out his vision for the Marshall Plan, a framework for U.S. investment in European reconstruction after World War II. One of his worries was that the burden of power and influence had fallen on an American people still on the whole underprepared for it. Whatever the good intentions of ordinary Americans might have been, the fact was that, in his words, the people of this country are distant from the troubled areas of the earth and it is hard for them to comprehend the plight and consequent reactions of the long-suffering peoples. Moreover, the world situation was of such enormous complexity that the very mass of facts presented to the public by press and radio make it exceedingly difficult for the man in the street to reach a clear appraisement of the situation.

Seventy years after Marshalls compelling articulation of a vision for American links to Europe, we find ourselves in an America full of fog and confusion  beset by a whirlwind of fictions bruited about as facts  and as distant in our sympathies from the troubled areas of the earth as most of us have seen in our lifetimes. Current circumstances might incline some to think that the time has arrived not to celebrate the Marshall legacy but to bury it.

It strikes me, therefore, that this should be a moment to recommit to the cause of connection that Marshall identified as urgent. Figuring out concretely how to do so is no small matter, however, because the geopolitical situation has changed profoundly since 1947. These shifts also seem to have been accompanied by a diminishment in U.S. foreign policy foresight.

We rarely say it out loud, but three American administrations have now moved steadily away from Europe. Despite the Blair-Bush alliance, the George W. Bush administration castigated old Europe. The Obama administration pivoted toward Asia and devoted relatively little attention to the euro crisis, and scarcely more to the refugee crisis. This was the case despite the United States having been a central cause, ultimately, of both crises, given our destabilization of global financial markets through mortgage-backed securities and our destabilization of the Middle East through the invasion of Iraq. The Trump administration has moved away more aggressively, of course.

The rise of China as the only genuine global competitor to the United States is reason enough, a foreign policy realist would say, for the United States to shift its energies and resources from the Atlantic to the Pacific Rim and to seek to nudge Europe toward assuming more proactive leadership in its own defense. But realism comes in many flavors  and this is where we come to the more important point, the issue of decline in American foreign policy understanding.

Last week H.R. McMaster and Gary Cohn, President Trumps national security adviser and chief economic adviser, respectively, published a statement of this administrations foreign policy principles in the Wall Street Journal. If we trace a 70-year arc leading from the realism of Marshall to that of McMaster and Cohen, we have no choice but to acknowledge a diminishment.

In his brief, eloquent commencement address, Marshall organized his approach to foreign policy around a key idea that any successful action on the part of the United States requires an understanding on the part of the people of America of the character of the problem and the remedies to be applied. To this end, Marshall walked his audience through a concise analysis of the economic and political problems facing Europe at the end of the war, not merely naming them but dissecting and explaining them. The achievement of peace, which brings security, required, Marshall argued, a policy directed not against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos. Restoring a working economy would permit the development of political and social conditions that would ward off desperation and chaos, precisely by enabling the construction of free institutions.

This formulation rested on three important ideas:

First, there was the idea that successful foreign policy actions require domestic political work: the cultivation through argument of a shared understanding among the people why the action is needed and how it is expected to work. Second, that successful foreign policy requires a big-picture diagnosis of the conditions that are causing desperation, and a commitment to bringing about conditions that ward those off. Third, that our strategic interest encompasses a moral interest in free institutions as the better solution, the more permanent solution, among the array of options, to the problems of desperation and chaos.

None of these ideas is present in McMaster and Cohns essay. They assert that we need to do more to defeat terrorism, but provide no explanation of the character of the problem. They complain of trade deficits but provide no big picture of the challenges facing the global economy and their consequences for hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos. They ignore what is surely the biggest threat to our prosperity, namely climate change.

Their eschewal of any effort to cultivate a shared understanding in the American people of the character of the problems defining the world today reflects an absence of comprehension on their part of what politics is  the achievement of shared understandings, shared at least by a majority, to ground and stabilize the actions of a democracy. Similarly, as they list the tools and goals of their foreign policy, military strength comes first; diplomacy is an afterthought. They see no moral interest intrinsic in our strategic interests, instead viewing the world as an arena where nations, nongovernmental actors and businesses engage and compete for advantage. They seek bare advantage, not peace.

This brings me back to my suggestion that we ought to take this moment not merely to celebrate but also to revive Marshalls vision. As successive American governments have pulled away from Europe, they have neglected one other important element of foreign policy foresight. Human societies are learning organizations.

Just as individuals take on shapes responsive to the adversaries on whom their attention is concentrated, so too do nations. In 1954, as part of fighting the Cold War, the United States added the phrase under God to the Pledge of Allegiance, thereby dividing the phrase one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The goal was to distinguish the theistic United States from the atheistic Soviet Union. Paradoxically, we thereby took the conflict into our midst, driving a wedge between the secular and the faithful with regard to the capacity of each group to embrace a basic ritual of affiliation.

As the United States pivots toward Asia and seeks to counter Chinas rising power, we find ourselves modulating our educational practices in the direction of Chinese competitors who outperform us in math and science. Weve shifted our educational investments away from the humanities and social sciences and toward science, technology, engineering and mathematics ; weve developed a far more extensive regime of high-stakes tests. Consequent to this is the underpreparation of our citizenry for their civic responsibilities. Studies show a decline of time spent on social studies in K-12 classrooms over the past decade and a half.

To counteract the gravitational pull in the direction of our main competitor, we Americans need tight relationships with our friends in Europe, whose political systems are like our own, who recognize the value of an education for citizenship, and who continue to preserve an education in the humanities and social sciences as well as in STEM fields. We need a learning partnership with, for instance, Britain, whose traditions of constitutional rights and decision-making through parliamentary debate provide the worlds longest-lived example of free institutions. We need context and occasion for relearning that a shared moral interest in itself supplies a strategic interest.

We Americans need these things not just for our own advantage but also so that we may again equip ourselves to meet our responsibilities in the world.
Jan. 25, 2017 Trump signs an executive order for border security and immigration enforcement improvements at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington. Chip Somodevilla/Pool photo via Bloomberg News

The president has gone rogue.

Not one-eighth of the way through his term, Donald Trump has each day become more isolated: from his own appointees and staff (whom he routinely contradicts and undermines); from world leaders (whom he regularly offends); from the courts (whose integrity he has repeatedly assaulted); from his current director of the National Security Agency and his past director of the FBI (who are both expected to give damaging testimony this week on the Russia scandal); and even from his most ardent supporters (whose enthusiasm has softened markedly in polls).

In the space of a few hours on Monday, Trump managed to attack not just Democrats (OBSTRUCTIONISTS!) and the mayor of London (pathetic) but also the judicial system (slow and political!) and even his own Justice Department (for submitting a watered down, politically correct measure to the Supreme Court). He undermined his own administration officials and lawyers, who for legal reasons had painstakingly argued that Trumps ban on travel from several Muslim-majority countries was not a travel ban. Tweeted Trump: I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!

On top of all this Twitter madness, Politicos Susan Glasser reported that Trump blindsided his secretary of state, defense secretary and national security adviser, who had made sure that his speech to NATO reaffirmed the alliances collective-defense clause. Trump removed the language  the cornerstone of the military alliance  at the last minute without even telling the advisers.

Trump reacted Monday to all the chaos he created by hunkering down further, canceling without notice a scheduled pool spray with reporters at which he was expected to answer questions.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

It has become cliche to observe that Trumps behavior is both unprecedented and unpresidential. Perhaps we should combine the two and simply accept that Trump, to borrow one of his Twitter misspellings, is unpresidented.

So isolated is Trump that he accidentally hits send on a tweet with gibberish and theres nobody who can get him to delete the errant missive for hours. CNNs Gloria Borger last week quoted a Trump confidant describing a lost man: He now lives within himself, which is a dangerous place for Donald Trump to be. I see him emotionally withdrawing. Hes gained weight. He doesnt have anybody whom he trusts.

This is indeed dangerous. Though Trumps ineffectiveness comes as a relief, his isolation is no cause for celebration. Whenever his back is to the wall, he becomes even more aggressive. The further he falls, and the more alienated he grows, the greater the danger that he will do something desperate  and there is much that a desperate commander in chief can do.

Theres no telling when that might happen. Perhaps if the Supreme Court strikes down his travel ban, as lower courts have done? Neil Gorsuch, Trumps appointee to the high court, said Friday night that he is confident government can lose in its own courts and accept the judgment of those courts without an army to back it up. I hope hes right. But, as if by way of reply, Trump attacked the courts again Monday with the sort of language Gorsuch had in the past called disheartening.

Trump even seems to be alienating some of his base, that 35 to 40 percent of the country that seems to back him no matter what he does. Numbers cruncher Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight observed recently that while Trumps overall floor of support remains about the same  36 percent approve of the job hes doing in the latest Gallup poll  the number of Americans who strongly approve of Trump has declined sharply, from 30 percent in February to 21 or 22 percent now  a falloff of nearly a third.

Is there nobody outside of Trumps family who is in sync with Trump? Actually, there is.

I havent seen, even once, any direct proof of Russian interference in the presidential election in the United States, Vladimir Putin told Megyn Kelly for her NBC debut Sunday night.

The Russian president said hackers can make it appear as if your 3-year-old daughter carried out the attack. He went on to say there were no meetings between the Russian ambassador and officials affiliated with the Trump campaign, and, invoking the Kennedy assassination, floated a conspiracy theory that U.S. intelligence was trying to frame Russia.

These were curiously similar to Trumps responses  casting doubt on Russias involvement, suggesting the hacking could have been done by a 400-pound man in his bed, decrying facts as fake news and planting conspiracy theories.

At least somebody is on the same page as Trump. Unfortunately, the words are in Cyrillic.

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Theres more to Prince William Countys failure to adequately fund prekindergarten for low-income children than just its leaders apathy, as suggested by the June 1 editorial Virginia shrugs at needy children. The real culprit is its leaders continuing failure to deny the many new home development requests that increase the need for more schools and worsen classroom overcrowding. As a result, the county is barely able to fund the site acquisition, construction and operating costs for new schools, much less properly fund the pre-K program or hire the many more teachers needed to fix the overcrowded-classrooms crisis. Despite being the 12th-wealthiest county in the United States, we have fewer teachers per 1,000 students than any of the 136 regular school districts in Virginia. The blame falls squarely on the countys elected officials, who are always eager to accept political contributions from the building industry.

Doug Widener, Gainesville

The writer is founder of the Citizens Alliance

of Prince William.
Hugh Hewitt was right on target in his May 31 op-ed, Trump should raise this tax, about boosting the federal gas tax to address our nations crumbling roads and bridges. The federal gas tax of 18.4 cents a gallon has not been increased in 24 years. Imagine living today on the same salary you made in 1993. Thats the dire situation facing our infrastructure: Were supporting our roads and bridges using outdated budgets that fail to meet the demands of 2017.

On this important issue, Congress must look to the 22 states that have raised their gas taxes since 2013. States leading the way are red states such as Wyoming, Georgia and Idaho and blue states such as California, Maryland and Vermont. The list also includes New Jersey, with a Republican governor and Democratic-controlled legislature. Infrastructure is a bipartisan issue. Its time our federal government takes the action for which Republicans and Democrats have been tirelessly advocating.

Over the years, gridlock and finger-pointing have prevented real action on addressing our infrastructure challenges. All the while, traffic congestion has worsened, potholes have multiplied, and our roads and bridges have further deteriorated.

Governing is about making the tough decisions. Its time for Washington to step up to the plate.

Ray LaHood, Washington

The writer, a former U.S. transportation secretary, is co-chair of Building Americas Future.

Hugh Hewitt argued for a hefty increase in the gas tax, perhaps 50 cents per gallon, and using the funds for infrastructure investments, increased defense spending and tax reform. He argued that President Trump could sell a gas tax that does these things because it makes sense. I agree that a hefty gas tax makes sense, but it would be a lot easier to sell the idea if the tax were used for its original purpose: transportation-infrastructure improvements. The only deviation from this purpose should be to make the tax hike sufficient to also significantly subsidize public transportation. Even drivers who would never use public transportation might support such a move if it resulted in fewer cars on our congested roads.

Robert F. Benson, Silver Spring
In the June 3 Politics & the Nation article School choice is pushed for military children, Lindsey Burke from the Heritage Foundation explained that its really important to hear from military families about creating a voucher system for the 800,000 military-connected children in public schools.

As a military spouse and the mother of two children who attended multiple schools, I reject Ms. Burkes characterization of specific students generating federal tax dollars and her definition of public education as a whole. The schools receiving federal impact aid because they are near military installations are one part of the comprehensive public system of schools our country has built to serve all students. Although we each want the best for our individual children, we are also stewards of a viable public system that prioritizes access to education. And federal tax dollars, such as impact aid, are meant to keep those systems strong, not identify individual students as moneymakers for private institutions. Military families understand the importance of public services that aim to serve the needs of our entire country.

Michelle Van Lare, Arlington
Jennifer S. Bard is professor of law and medicine and the former dean of the law school at the University of Cincinnati. Larry Cunningham is vice dean and professor of legal writing at St. Johns University School of Law.

After President Trump issued his executive order in January banning travel from seven countries, lawyers dashed to the aid of immigrants and refugees trapped in legal limbo while in transit to the United States. The event was the most positive thing that has happened to our professions image since the civil rights era.

But that experience should not mask the fact that 80 percent of low-income individuals in the United States cannot afford the legal assistance they need to avoid the loss of their homes, children, jobs, liberty and even lives. The middle class doesnt fare much better: Forty to 60 percent of their legal needs go unmet.

In case after case, people caught up in our court system must represent themselves in matters of landlord-tenant lawsuits, foreclosures and family disputes  often failing to navigate the complexities of substantive and procedural law. Less visible are people who do not seek legal representation because they do not realize they have a claim. No system of pro bono lawyers or government-funded legal-services organizations can meet these needs.

We do not expect charities and generous doctors to provide 80 percent of the medical needs for low-income patients, so why do we think this is possible for our legal needs? As law schools become increasingly unaffordable  resulting in plummeting enrollment and debt levels that make it impossible for graduates to offer legal services at affordable prices  the legal profession needs some major changes.

Professionals must first acknowledge that not every legal task must be performed by a licensed lawyer. Instead, we need to adopt a tiered system of legal-services delivery that allows for lower barriers to entry. Just as a pharmacist can administer vaccines and a nurse practitioner can be on the front line of diagnosing and treating ailments, we should have legal practitioners who can also exercise independent judgment within the scope of their training. Such a change would expand the preparation and independence of the existing network of paralegals, secretaries and investigators already assisting lawyers.

New kinds of legal practitioners will require a new kind of legal education. Law schools today offer nearly identical curriculums taught by professors with nearly identical qualifications because students face nearly identical bar exams. Our proposal calls for differentiation, but not for throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Professors trained as scholars and researchers are as critical to the education of legal-services providers as they are to health-care providers. But that does not mean that every health-care or legal practitioner needs to follow a program qualifying him or her to be an active researcher. Legal education could create PhD tracks for those who want to research and design shorter and more direct programs of study for professionals who can provide access to justice in discrete areas at a lower price.

Finally, the qualifying exams for these new legal professionals would have to be different, too. As currently formulated, the bar exam assumes three years of classroom-based training and is focused on very small doctrinal distinctions in areas in which most lawyers will never see a single client. Its not a bad thing for every law school graduate to be equally prepared to represent a criminal on death row, draft a will or negotiate a public offering of securities, but is it necessary or cost-effective?

Lawyers might see such a solution as lowering the barrier to entry. But the result could be an expanded market, not a fragmentation of the existing profession. Practicing law is a challenging intellectual task, but developing a tiered system of training similar to that in the health-care industry would not diminish the status of anyone involved; rather, it would promote the kind of equal access to justice that still makes our country a beacon for those willing to risk their lives to come here. And we can ensure the quality of all legal-services providers through oversight, just as we are able to regulate nurse practitioners, pharmacists and physical therapists.

This kind of limited license to practice has already started to take hold in particular practice areas, such as tax, unemployment-insurance and special-education appeals. Notably, Washington state has recently begun experimenting with limited license legal technicians to assist with family law matters.

We should encourage an acceleration of this kind of innovation by the bar, the bench and the academy so that legal training and services can be more widely available.
A woman lays a flower on an impromptu memorial at the Hollywood Transit Center on June 1 in Portland, Ore. The center was the site where last week three men were stabbed, two fatally, after they stood up for two women who were being harassed on a MAX train. (Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

Regarding Colbert I. Kings June 3 op-ed, When will Trump call homegrown terrorists losers?:

Im inclined to dispute the characterization of Jeremy Joseph Christian as a terrorist. Yes, he sounds like an unpleasant bigot. And he allegedly murdered two of three men who interfered with his alleged harassment of women on the train. But thats quite different from an ideologue who trains abroad to bomb a public event, attacking people with no personal nexus. One is a terrorist; the other a criminally dangerous jerk. Bigotry is all over. I blame my parents for a deficiency in my upbringing. I was in middle age when I learned that my Hungarian heritage required me to despise Romanians. That was uncomfortable because I was quite fond of my Romanian aunt and half-Romanian cousins.

President Trump called out the Manchester, England, terrorists. What about the attacker in Portland, Ore.? The presidents silence only deepens the tragedy for the young women menaced by an anti-Islamic rant.

Anders Warga, Vienna
There was no need for President Trump to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement to achieve his goal of overturning the Obama administrations global warming policy. This had already occurred through court rulings and executive orders, which effectively halted higher vehicle fuel economy standards (up to 54.5 miles per gallon) and ended the Clean Power Plan program, which pushed electric utilities to shift away from coal. Moreover, national commitments to slash emissions made in Paris are voluntary. Countries can modify or ignore them. There is no enforcement or penalty for missing targets.

Under the Paris accord, countries made these commitments based on their own circumstances and political judgment. The United States pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025. The European Union promised to reduce emissions by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030. China said that its carbon dioxide (CO2) would peak by 2030 and that, by the same year, renewable fuels would represent about 20 percent of its energy use.

But as noted, none of these goals was binding. There was little, if any, loss of national sovereignty. The Trump administration could have accepted what it liked (presumably, cheap natural gas with lower CO2 emissions) and rejected what it didnt (say, the tougher vehicle fuel mileage standards). To make the same point slightly differently: Trumps actions were mostly symbolic and political. They were grandstanding, intended to impress his core supporters.

This distorts the climate debate in a dangerous and deceptive way. Its become all about Trump, when it should be about the inherent difficulty of regulating the global climate. The main practical consequence of Trumps stubborn stance is to offend (needlessly) the nearly 200 other countries that support the Paris accord. Trumps foreign policy seems to be a calculated effort to lose the United States as many friends in the world as possible. Its madness, a new strain of isolationism.

It also sends the wrong message: If only Trump would come to his senses, we could get on with the serious business of solving climate change. Trump is allegedly the big obstacle  his apparent unwillingness to admit human-induced warming  just as greedy oil companies were before him (most big oil firms now seem to have shifted). The truth is more complicated.

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

We cant predict the exact degree of warming. Still, the direction is clear. Even if the Paris accord were fully implemented and all countries met their commitments  now impossible outcomes  emission levels would remain high, just lower than they would otherwise be, says Kelly Levin of the World Resources Institute, an environmental group. Although warming would slow, temperatures would continue rising.

Heres why.

Growing concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are the culprits. They increase temperatures by trapping heat close to the surface. The emissions come mostly from the burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas). Even if emission amounts decline, theyre still adding to CO2 concentration levels  just at a slower rate. Because concentration levels matter, warming proceeds.

To stop this process requires replacing most fossil fuels  a daunting and perhaps impossible task. People wont surrender their vehicles, air conditioners and computers. Its true that wind and solar have made huge gains, but they started from low bases. With or without Paris, fossil fuels remain the foundation for modern civilization. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, fossil fuels accounted for 83 percent of world energy in 2015, down only slightly from 85 percent in 1990.

Based on present technology and knowledge, we dont know how to solve global warming. There is no obvious way to eliminate our pervasive dependence on fossil fuels without plunging the world into a prolonged depression and inviting widespread civil strife.

This is not an excuse for fatalism  doing nothing  nor an exoneration of Trumps casual dismissal of the Paris accord. Global warming exemplifies what economists call a collective action problem: Unless all major nations cooperate, little can be done. A U.S. carbon tax (as often suggested by this writer) would be a good start. It would favor energy efficiency and renewables, as well as reduce chronic budget deficits.

But what we most need is honesty, which is scarce. The right dismisses global warming as a fake problem; the left cant acknowledge that, as yet, there are no viable solutions. We need to keep searching and hope that something turns up.

Read more from Robert Samuelsons archive.
Trump signs an executive order for border security and immigration enforcement improvements at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington.

Jan. 25, 2017 Trump signs an executive order for border security and immigration enforcement improvements at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington. Chip Somodevilla/Pool photo via Bloomberg News

The statements President Trump issued on Twitter in recent days lead to a chilling conclusion: The man is out of control.

I know that is a radical thing to say about the elected leader of the United States, the most powerful individual in the world. And I know his unorthodox use of social media is thought by some, including the president himself, to be brilliant. But I dont see political genius in the invective coming from Trump these days. I see an angry man lashing out at enemies real and imagined  a man dangerously overwhelmed.

On Monday, he started at 6:25 a.m. to comprehensively undermine his own legal team in its quest to win Supreme Court approval for a travel ban targeting Muslims. I can call it that, without legalistic hemming and hawing, because the president did so. Emphatically.

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN, Trump wrote.

Maybe he thinks that tweets, somehow, dont count. But of course they do. These are written statements typed by the president himself, and as such should carry more weight than a processed release from the White House press office, not less. Trumps lawyers  arguing in support of the blocked measure, which would bar visitors from six majority-Muslim countries  contend it is not a travel ban as such. Attorneys on the other side will surely use Trumps own words against him.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

And he had plenty more to say:

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C. [Supreme Court]

The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court  & seek much tougher version!

In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!

Let that last one settle in for a moment. Has a president ever publicly dismissed the entire judicial branch of our government as slow and political, even in a moment of pique? Does Trump grasp the concept of separation of powers? Has he even read the Constitution he swore to preserve, protect and defend?

Whether Trumps statements during the campaign  calling for a surely unconstitutional blanket ban on Muslim visitors from anywhere  should be taken into account by courts considering the current watered down version is debatable. His written statements as president, however, are clearly germane. Opponents of the ban might want to send him flowers.

Trump first let the cat out of the bag Saturday night, following the terrorist attack in London, when he wrote, 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!

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

He went on to express compassion and support for London and the U.K. But by Sunday he was off the rails: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed! 

What rational head of state attacks the mayor of a city that has just been hit by terrorists? Why would Trump do such a thing, in the process taking Mayor Sadiq Khans words out of context in a way that totally changed their meaning? Because last year Khan, perhaps the highest-profile Muslim public official in a non-Muslim country, criticized then-candidate Trump, saying that his ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe.

What Khan actually said Sunday was that the public had no reason to be alarmed about an increased police presence on the streets  not, as Trump suggests, that they should be nonchalant about terrorism. Khans stoic and defiant response is in the tradition of Churchills during the Blitz of 1940 and 1941, and Thatchers during the Irish Republican Armys terrorism campaign. Londoners have rallied around him. Trump, by contrast, sounds like a ridiculous Chicken Little squawking about the coop.

Words have consequences. Trumps may hurt British Prime Minister Theresa May in Thursdays election. Assuming she survives, she will have learned a lesson about getting too close to a volcanic president who might at any minute erupt.

We already knew that Trump had a narrow mind and a small heart. Now we must wonder about his emotional stability, his grasp of reality, or both.

Read more from Eugene Robinsons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A.
Vice President Pence and guests applaud President Trumps arrival at the White House Rose Garden to announce his decision to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord. (T.J. Kirkpatrick/Bloomberg News)

The problem with America First is that it describes an attitude, not a purpose. It substitutes selfishness for realism.

It implies that nations can go it alone, that we stand for nothing beyond our immediate self-interest, and that we should give little thought to how the rest of humanity thinks or lives. It suggests that if we are strong enough, we can prosper no matter how much chaos, disorder or injustice surrounds us.

America First leads to the diplomacy of narcissism, to use what has become a loaded word in the Trump era. And narcissism is as unhealthy for nations as it is for people.

Perhaps the best approach to the problem as it affects us both individually and collectively was offered by Rabbi Hillel, who lived in the century before the birth of Christ. Hillels lesson to us began with two questions: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I?

Precisely. All of us should be prepared to stand up for ourselves. We are patriots because we love our own land in a way we can love no other. But we live in a world of more than 7 billion people and nearly 200 countries. Does our nation not stand for something more than its own existence? Can we possibly survive and prosper if we are only for ourselves?

(Meg Kelly/The Washington Post)

A constricted view of identity encourages destructive ways of thinking and, paradoxically, actions that reduce the United States long-term influence. Almost as disturbing as the irresponsibility of President Trumps decision to abdicate U.S. global leadership on the environment by pulling out of the Paris climate accord was the language he used to justify it. He cast the United States  our beloved republic  as stupid and easily duped, not the shaper of its own fate but the victim of invidious foreign leaders whom he cast as far shrewder than we are.

The rest of the world applauded when we signed the Paris agreement  they went wild; they were so happy  for the simple reason that it put our country, the United States of America, which we all love, at a very, very big economic disadvantage, Trump declared. A cynic would say the obvious reason for economic competitors and their wish to see us remain in the agreement is so that we continue to suffer this self-inflicted major economic wound.

Really? Our very best friends in the world, starting with Canada, were just trying to scam us? The climate pact was not even a little bit about staving off a catastrophe for the planet we all share? Should we take no pride in helping nudge the environment in a better direction?

And does Trump truly believe that President Barack Obama and the leaders of General Electric, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Google, IBM, BP, Disney and Shell are naive idiots? One more question: How could what even Trump had to concede is a nonbinding agreement bring about all the horrors he described?

A diplomacy of narcissism is of a piece, to borrow from the historian Richard Hofstadter, with the paranoid style of this president. In his statement, Trump spoke of foreign lobbyists who wish to keep our magnificent country tied up and bound down by this agreement. He painted our nation as a pitiful heap of insecurity. At what point does America get demeaned? he asked. At what point do they start laughing at us as a country?

If anyone is laughing after Trumps decision, it is our actual enemies and adversaries. They welcome a U.S. leader who wants to rip up or weaken alliances and other forms of collective security that our own practical visionaries, since the days of Harry Truman, Dean Acheson and George Marshall, put in place to advance our purposes.

Tragically, this choice was partly driven by selfish political motives. This only reinforces how narrow a definition of self-interest is in play here. Trump seems to realize how much trouble he is in from the metastasizing Russia story. So he sought to appeal to his political base, shrunken though it is, by re-embracing his nationalist side. He said hed pull out of the Paris agreement and, by God, he did it! Doesnt that make him look strong?

Quite the opposite. The genuinely strong regularly ponder Hillels second inquiry, If I am only for myself, what am I? I dont expect Trump to be troubled by this question, but as a nation, we cannot give up asking it.

Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
The Supreme Court on Monday unanimously limited the federal governments power to recover the profits made from illegal behavior.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that the Securities and Exchange Commission must abide by a five-year statute of limitations in seeking disgorgement from those whose fraudulent actions resulted in illegal profits.

It is a favorite tool of the federal government; in recent years, the SEC took in nearly $3 billion in disgorgements, more than double what it received in penalties, according to court filings.

[ Supreme Court skeptical about SECs powers ]

The question for the Supreme Court was whether disgorgements were a form of a penalty, which is subject to the statute of limitations, or a remedy for unjust enrichment that simply restores the offender to the situation he would have been in if he had not acted illegally, as the government claimed.

It appeared not to be a close call to the justices.

SEC disgorgement . . . bears all the hallmarks of a penalty: It is imposed as a consequence of violating a public law and it is intended to deter, not to compensate, wrote Sotomayor, who noted that the money received often goes to the government rather than victims of the fraud. The 5-year statute of limitations . . . therefore applies when the SEC seeks disgorgement.

It was one of the first cases heard by new Justice Neil M. Gorsuch after he was sworn in in April, and he joined his new colleagues in overturning a decision from his old court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver.

The case was brought by Charles R. Kokesh, a Santa Fe, N.M., businessman who was convicted of misappropriating money from four investment companies he controlled from 1995 through 2009 and using the proceeds for a lavish lifestyle.

A judge in 2015 ordered him to pay a $2.4 million civil penalty. But because the SEC has interpreted disgorgement to have no time restraint, the judge said Kokesh must also pay $35 million, the calculated amount of illegal profits dating back to the initiation of his illegal behavior.

With a five-year limit, Kokeshs disgorgement would be reduced to about $5 million.

Dixie L. Johnson, a securities enforcement lawyer in Washington, said the ruling shatters the SECs view of disgorgement.

Those who previously paid disgorgement purportedly for ill-gotten gains more than five years after the relevant violation will be reviewing their situations against this case to determine whether the disgorgement award should have been allowed, she said in a statement.

The case is Kokesh v. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Russian President Vladimir Putin testily rejected the idea that his government had interfered in the 2016 U.S. election  or that he is holding compromising evidence against President Trump  in an interview broadcast Sunday night with NBCs Megyn Kelly.

They have been misled, Putin responded when Kelly said that American intelligence agencies had concluded that Russia interfered in the campaign with the goal of electing Trump. They arent analyzing the information in its entirety. I havent seen, even once, any direct proof of Russian interference in the presidential election.

The interview with Putin  conducted last week during an economic forum in St. Petersburg  was the opening segment in the debut episode of Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly. Kelly, who was a prime-time star on Fox News Channel, moved to NBC at the start of this year.

The interview was tense at times, with Putin calling Kellys questions a load of nonsense. Your lives must be so boring, if Americans are reduced to making up stories about Russia, he said.

Kelly continued to push Putin. But the interview produced little that was new.

The Russian leader, a former KGB intelligence officer, is not given to unguarded moments or admissions of guilt. When Kelly asked him about allegations of Russian involvement in the campaign, he replied with a conspiracy theory about the death of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Theres a theory that Kennedys assassination was arranged by the United States intelligence services. So, if this theory is correct  and that cant be ruled out   then the same agencies could fabricate evidence of Russian hacking, Putin said.

In several cases, Putin said he was not even aware of contacts reported in American media. For instance, Kelly asked about an episode first reported in The Washington Post, in which Jared Kushner  the presidents son-in-law and senior adviser  suggested setting up a secret back-channel communication with the Kremlin before Trump took office.

I dont know about this proposal. No proposal like that came to me, Putin said, speaking via a Russian interpreter. Putin said such a request would have been reported to him. For me, this is just amazing. You created a sensation out of nothing, and . . . you turned it into a weapon of war against the current president.

Putin also rejected the idea that he had any relationship with Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security adviser. In 2015, Flynn visited Moscow for a banquet honoring Russian TV outlet RT, and photos show him seated next to Putin.

Putin said that he had not sat in the seat for much of the dinner, and that he barely spoke to Flynn. I didnt even really talk to him. Thats the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn, he said.

Kelly asked Putin if he was holding any kind of damaging information about Trump, either involving Trumps finances or a visit Trump made to Russia as a businessman. Putin, slouched over in his seat, scoffed at the idea.

We have a lot of Americans who visit us, Putin said. Do you think were gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something? Are you all  have you all lost your senses over there?

Intelligence experts have said Russian intelligence officials have a habit of trying to gather compromising information on influential foreigners when they visit.

Among the denials, however, were signs of Putins resentment toward the United States and its conduct as the worlds lone post-cold war superpower.

Putin, for instance, dismissed Kellys questions about repression and the killing of journalists in Russia by saying it was another example of American moralizing. Why do you feel you have the right to ask us these kinds of questions? he said.

At another point, Putin answered Kellys questions about Russias role in the election by saying that the United States had sought to influence other nations elections in the past. Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, he said, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal election processes.

Among Putins denials that the Russians had interfered in the U.S. election, he had just offered up a moral logic for Russia  interfering in U.S. elections.

That sounds like a justification, Kelly said.

It doesnt sound like a justification, Putin said. It sounds like a statement of fact. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
President Trump walks to the Rose Garden to speak on June 1. He withdrew the United States from the Paris climate accord. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Builder-turned-president Donald Trump has in many ways made good on his promise to be a political wrecking ball.

Last week, he withdrew the United States from the Paris climate accord. He has worked to roll back dozens of health, environment, labor and financial rules put in place by former president Barack Obama, and he scrapped a far-reaching trade deal with Asia as one of his first acts in office.

But he and his fellow Republicans have made little progress in building an affirmative agenda of their own, a dynamic that will be on display when Congress returns this week with few major policies ready to advance.

Voters are still waiting for progress on the $1 trillion package of infrastructure projects Trump promised, the wall along the Southern border he insisted could be quickly constructed and the massive tax cuts he touted during the campaign. Even debate over health-care reform is largely focused on eliminating key parts of the Affordable Care Act and allowing states to craft policies in their place.

After being the party of no during the Obama years, Republicans are trying to figure out what they want to achieve in this unexpected Trump era  beyond just rolling back what Obama did.

We are in an ugly era of people who do not understand what the legislative branch is even for, said Andy Karsner, who served as assistant secretary of energy for efficiency and renewable energy in the George W. Bush administration and is now based in California, working with entrepreneurs as managing partner of the Emerson Collective.

The Trump administration and Republican leadership in Congress, Karsner said, have no skill set, they have no craftsmanship. They have no connection to the time when people passed legislation.

Trumps aides fervently push back at the idea that the president is not already in building mode. Marc Short, Trumps director of legislative affairs, rattled off a list of things the president has built so far: A better job environment with fewer regulations, relationships with fellow foreign leaders and U.S. lawmakers, a budget and a plan for overhauling health care, along with nominating Neil M. Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court. The administration plans to roll out a number of infrastructure projects this week and tackle tax reform this fall, along with getting started on building a border wall, he said.

The American people elected him president, in part, to undo much of the damage that President Obama did to our economy, Short said.

But even some Republicans have raised questions about what the party now stands for, as opposed to what it is against.

Asked during a recent interview for a Politico podcast what the Republican Party stands for now, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) responded: I dont know.

President Trump during a March meeting with GOP leadership, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

Sasse said that both parties are intellectually exhausted and too focused on winning the next election, prompting them to get caught up in day-to-day fights instead of looking to the future. Later, Sasse was asked to give one word to describe the Republican Party, and he said: Question mark.

Short said the Republican Party stands for keeping the country secure and freeing businesses so the economy can boom and taxpayers can keep more of their money. He added that the president has been slowed by congressional Democrats who dragged their feet in approving Cabinet nominees and continue to obstruct Trumps agenda.

Josh Holmes, a former chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), said the appearance that Trump and Republicans are only focused on reversing Obama-era executive actions stems from the fact that theres a lot to do there.

The one thing that I think is underappreciated is the extent to which the entire Obama agenda in the last term was executed through executive order. Much of what President Trump was elected to do was roll that back, Holmes said. To the extent that a lot of this is focused on that, thats the way you handle it. Most administrations, there are legacies left by signature legislative accomplishments  and [Obama] had health care and Dodd-Frank, but he basically spent six and a half years doing nothing from a legislative perspective.

Holmes, like many other Republicans, stressed that its early in Trumps term, and he was encouraged to see the president focus on American taxpayers and improving the economy in announcing his decision to leave the Paris climate agreement on Thursday. That sort of focus will help rally support for tax reform, he said.

I would be concerned if the trajectory didnt improve. In the next couple of months, you dont need signature accomplishments, but you need progress towards it, Holmes said. I think tax reform is critically important for this administration  critically important. Theyve got to get it right.

For many Democrats, all they see in Trump and his fellow Republicans is a bulldozer. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement that the past six months have shown that the hard right, which has enveloped the Trump administration, is seasoned at being negative but cant do anything positive.

Republicans have used the Congressional Review Act to nullify 14 rules enacted by the Obama administration. Before this year, it had only been used successfully once in 20 years. If Trump and Republicans had not reversed these rules, then companies applying for federal contracts would have had to disclose their labor violations; coal mines would have had to reduce the amount of debris dumped into streams; telecommunications companies would have had to take reasonable measures to protect their customers personal information; individuals receiving Social Security payments for disabling mental illnesses would have been added to a list of those not allowed to buy guns; states would have been limited in the drug-testing they could perform on those receiving unemployment insurance benefits; certain hunting practices would not have been allowed on national wildlife refuges in Alaska; and states could have set up retirement savings plans for those who dont have the option at work.

Short said the fact that Trump was able to use the Congressional Review Act more than a dozen times when it had only been used once before is a pretty significant accomplishment and one that he says will benefit the economy by billions of dollars each year.

We look at that as one of the biggest accomplishments, he said.

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) recently touted this rollback of Obama-era regulations while visiting a nuclear power plant in Tonopah, Ariz., bragging that Republicans were able to reach back into the old administration and pull some of the regulations and start fresh.

Within agencies, the Trump administration has also worked to scrap regulations that it says hindered businesses.

At the Environmental Protection Agency, the administration has revoked several Obama-era policies aimed at reducing pollution and confronting climate change. Trump has signed an executive order to open up oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, while Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has signed a secretarial order to revisit drilling plans in two reserves in Alaska.

Trump has directed the Labor Department to reverse Obama-era rules imposing restrictions on major banks and investment advisers, and the departments Occupational Safety and Health Administration has also rolled back multiple regulations aimed at fostering worker protections. These include the delay of a rule requiring employers report worker injury and illness records electronically so they can be posted online, and the cancellation of a directive allowing a union official to accompany an OSHA inspector as an employee representative into a nonunion shop.

Multiple agencies have jettisoned or played down policies aimed at fostering LGBT rights. The Department of Housing and Urban Development revoked guidance for a rule requiring that transgender people stay at the sex-segregated shelter of their choice, while the Department of Health and Human Services has removed questions about sexual orientation from two of the surveys it conducts. The Justice and Education departments, moreover, withdrew guidance issued last year that instructed school districts to provide transgender students with access to facilities that accord with their chosen gender identity.

And while Republicans continue to try to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the Trump administration has begun to unwind aspects of the legislation through executive action, including no longer enforcing a fine for those who do not have health insurance, broadening exemptions for the contraception mandate and encouraging states to file waivers with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Trump has also proposed significant budget cuts, including reducing the State Department budget by 33 percent, the Environmental Protection Agency by 31 percent, the departments of Agriculture and Labor by 21 percent each, the Department of Health and Human Services by 18 percent, the Commerce Department by 16 percent and the Education Department by 14 percent.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said that career employees at the EPA and departments of Labor and State have told him that Trumps destroy not build approach is causing harm that could last for decades.

They see their lifes work crumbling, because they see a president taking a sledgehammer to really complex aspects of policy, he said. They realize theres pros and cons and conflicting interests, and theyve tried to reach compromises that he just impulsively destroys because it was a good campaign slogan.

Sean Sullivan contributed to this report.
Volunteer Harriet Zoller, left, greets Jon Ossoff, a Democrat running for Congress in Georgia's 6th District, at his campaign office in Sandy Springs on May 11. (David Goldman/AP)

Democrat Jon Ossoff, whose $8.3 million war chest has made him a contender for the congressional seat from Georgias 6th District, is under siege. The National Republican Congressional Committee is up with ads claiming Ossoff lied about his national security clearance. The pro-President Trump group America First Policies is priming $1.6 million of ads about Ossoffs national security clearance. The Congressional Leadership Fund has spots linking Ossoff to comedian Kathy Griffin  and about his national security clearance.

Republican-aligned outside groups funded mainly by large donors have swamped their Democratic counterparts, led by the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) that has announced plans to pump $7 million into the Georgia race. The main Democratic super PAC aimed at House races, in comparison, has announced only $700,000 in spending ahead of the June 20 runoff.

The disparity in outside funding has raised alarms among Democrats, who fear that the party is squandering clear opportunities in its quest to win the House majority in 2018. A surge in grass-roots enthusiasm has swollen the coffers of candidates such as Ossoff, but with the CLF alone pledging to raise $100 million to support House Republicans, key players say outside Democratic groups must do more now to support the partys candidates, seize on the unpopularity of Trump and his congressional agenda, and undermine GOP incumbents.

In recent special elections in Montana and Kansas, Democrats failed to counter an onslaught of funding against their House candidates, who ended up losing deep-red districts by single digits. Up next is the 6th District in Georgia, as well as a special election in South Carolina.

The organs of the Democratic Party need to step up and backstop these candidates, said Jeff Weaver, who managed the 2016 presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and now runs his group Our Revolution. The Koch bothers are playing for keeps, and the powers that be dont want to jump in. We can win if were outspent, but you cant fight nuclear weapons with pitchforks.

Some put the blame on large donors, who have not previously been asked to give so early in the off year of a congressional cycle. By contrast, the CLFs latest report revealed that it had raised $7.5 million from Jan. 1 through May 5. Seventy percent of that  $5.3 million  came as a transfer from the American Action Network, an affiliated nonprofit group that does not routinely disclose its donors.

New causes, such as an anti-gerrymandering campaign led by former attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr., who now chairs the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, have diverted the money and attention of big donors. Before Trumps ascent, Democratic leaders had suggested for years that the redistricting that will follow the 2020 Census offered the only path to flipping control of the House. And some in the partys base, echoing Sanders, decry corporate influence and the very existence of dark money, complicating any effort to match the Republicans.

Democrats make it as hard as possible to be successful in the outside money game, said Bill Burton, who co-founded the first major Democratic super PAC, Priorities USA. The roadblocks preventing donors from wanting to engage are far more abundant. Our activists want our values to be reflected in everything we do, and thats great  but on the GOP side, theyre not as adherent to principles.

Many intraparty critics have focused their attention on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which has been unapologetic about expending relatively little on special elections in Kansas and Montana that it viewed as unwinnable.

In Montana, the group spent $340,000 to attack Republican Greg Gianforte; its GOP counterpart, the National Republican Congressional Committee, spent $1.8 million against Democrat Rob Quist.

A memo the DCCC issued the day after Quists six-point loss mocked Republican groups for spending a combined $6 million to triumph in a traditional GOP stronghold but also said it Refused to Waste Money on Hype, claiming that polling did not justify more of its own investment.

The NRCC has also outspent the DCCC in Georgia, according to federal reports  $6.3 million vs. roughly $5 million. But the more significant disparity has been outside the party committees.

The House Majority PAC, the leading Democratic super PAC, has announced $700,000 in spending, recently launching an ad targeting GOP candidate Karen Handel in Georgia. Other Democratic groups have reported $655,000 in spending. But the CLF has already reported spending $3 million on the race, and other GOP groups have reported an additional half-million in expenditures.

Republicans familiar with the partys outside spending say that they have been forced to invest heavily in the special elections to prop up candidates such as Gianforte and Handel and counter the intense national interest among anti-Trump Democrats. Nearly 200,000 individuals have donated to Ossoffs campaign, according to his most recent federal filing, helping to set a fundraising record for a House race.

We exist to attack Democrats and to protect and strengthen the House Republican majority, said Corry Bliss, CLFs executive director. This cycle, CLF is prepared to raise and spend $100 million to do just that.

For some on the left, the gulf between Democratic investment in Georgia and in the Kansas and Montana races has fueled a theory that the party is sabotaging its liberal wing. Our Revolution endorsed Montanas Quist and Kansass James Thompson, and Sanders stumped for each of them.

Sanders did not stump for Ossoff, who has often eschewed progressive politics to campaign on fiscal responsibility and sense over nonsense. The investments in Georgia, compared with the dance around the previous races, inspired angry commentary and columns in liberal outlets, asking whether there is a quiet effort underway to undermine progressives.

I dont know if its malice, but its a fundamental misunderstanding of politics in modern America, Weaver said. This is why they lose. In Montana and in Kansas, you had Democrats who ran way ahead of the 2016 ticket, and they had to beg for support.

Democrats have made moves to cut off that line of criticism. This weekend, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez campaigned in South Carolina to boost the partys candidate in a lower-profile special election taking place the same day as Ossoffs race. On Monday, House Majority PAC, Priorities USA and American Bridge, another Democratic super PAC, announced a congressional accountability campaign aimed at 12 GOP-held House district, including Ryans. But a common defense, that getting involved would nationalize the races, lands with a thud among activists.

These races become nationalized whether the party wants it or not, said Thompson, the Democratic candidate in the Kansas election. I didnt necessarily want national involvement until the national GOP got involved. From the moment I was nominated they said I was Pelosis hand-picked candidate. Ive never met the woman. But they automatically try to make you this ultra-liberal person you really arent.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who plays a supreme role in House Democrats fundraising efforts, has replaced Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as the central villain in Republican ads. Yet she has not endorsed in special elections and has shied away from openly prodding large donors to give to outside groups.

In keeping with her past practice for non-election years, she has done labor-focused events for the House Majority PAC but not other events for the group aimed at her deep-pocketed donor base.

At a news conference Friday, Pelosi lamented Republicans endless, special-interest, secret, dark money flowing like black substance into the campaign, suffocating the airwaves with their misrepresentations.

But in a brief interview afterward, she said she was not concerned by the lagging performance of the outside Democratic groups that thrive on large donations, explaining that she would rather just grow our grass-roots support.

I think we have to have an accelerated pace in everything that we do, but these campaigns have had the benefit of grass-roots fundraising that is remarkable, unprecedented, and I dont know that any outside groups spending would have changed the outcome of these elections, Pelosi said.

Greg Speed, a former DCCC staffer who now leads America Votes, a group that helps coordinate progressive donors and groups, said that after 2016s losses the few major donors willing to make immediate investments focused on resistance efforts and on long-term, state-based redistricting campaigns.

Only recently, he said  thanks to the GOP health-care push and the special-election campaigns  are they awakening to the notion that the House might truly be in play for Democrats.

Many donors have been conditioned to believe that the House majority was out of reach until the next decade, Speed said. That is no longer operational. Donors will now have to walk and chew gum. Theres a real opportunity to win the House; our ability to hold it is contingent on a successful strategy at the state level through the next redistricting process.

Charlie Kelly, the executive director of the House Majority PAC, said that the heavy spending by Republican rivals revealed their defensive posture in an environment where Trump is toxic.

It concerns me if we havent made our case and made a good attempt to help explain things to folks, he said. I think its important for folks to realize, though, these are extraordinarily difficult special elections. Weve shown real momentum in GA-6; hopefully it continues. But theres clearly something happening, because none of these would have been competitive in previous cycles, and we have to feel good about that.

More than a dozen top Democratic donors who have previously given heavily to the House Majority PAC declined or did not return requests for comment. A Democratic fundraiser who spoke on the condition of anonymity to frankly describe conversations with major donors said they are not accustomed to investing heavily in House races this early in the election cycle  if they invest at all.

There is a mentality that the bigger checks make more sense when youre talking about Senate, president or governor, the fundraiser said. That is a challenge that we face all the time. I think for a lot of the Democratic big donors that we have, its hard to get them to write a $250,000 or a $500,000 check for one House seat in the off year in a district that is very uphill.

The key, said the fundraiser, is patience. If you were a super-wealthy person, do you want to give House Majority PAC a million-dollar check a year and a half before an election, or do you want to wait and see what it looks like and let your million dollars sit in your bank account for longer?

Read more at PowerPost
President Trump unleashed a fresh barrage of criticism Monday against courts blocking the administrations travel ban, calling for a fast-track Supreme Court hearing and urging the Justice Department to seek even tougher measures on who enters the United States.

In a series of tweets, Trump circled back on his push for the travel ban in the wake of Saturdays terrorist attack in London  even as new opposition emerged from Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

Trump also appeared again to disregard the potential legal problems linked to the term travel ban. Trumps use of the phrase was cited by several U.S. district court judges in decisions to stop plans to virtually halt U.S. entry for citizens of six Muslim-majority nations.

[Trumps latest tweets could hurt effort to restore travel ban]

The Trump administrations lawyers  as well as White House spokesman Sean Spicer and other top Trump aides  have argued that Trumps previous appeals for a Muslim ban have no connection to the travel restrictions. The White House claims the rules are needed because of security gaps in the six countries cited.

How Trumps travel ban broke from the normal executive order process



But Trumps latest comments possibly undercut that stance by calling the revised order a politically correct version  leaving open suggestions that religion was an element of the original order.

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C., Trump wrote, using initials to refer to the Supreme Court.

Minutes earlier, he posted: People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!

Trump also called on the Justice Department to seek an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court , and study options for a much tougher version in the meantime.

The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court  & seek much tougher version! Trump tweeted.

But it was Trump who put forward the revised travel ban provisions  dropping Iraq from the list and making other changes  after the original executive order was blocked by court challenges.

[Trumps London reaction: stoking fears and rekindling feuds]

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

On Sunday, several lawmakers suggested in TV interviews that Trumps proposed ban is no longer necessary since the administration has had the time it claimed it needed to develop beefed-up vetting procedures to screen people coming to the United States.

Its been four months since I said they needed four months to put that in place, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), a member of the Intelligence Committee, said on Fox News Sunday. I think you can do that without a travel ban and hopefully we are.

Sen. Mark R. Warner (Va.), the top Democrat on the panel, said Trumps administration has had plenty of time at this point to examine how immigrants are let into the United States and make any improvements that are needed. If the president wanted 90 days to re-examine how individuals from certain countries would enter the United States, hes had more than 90 days, Warner said on CBSs Face the Nation.

Trump argued repeatedly on the campaign trail and after his victory that a better system for screening immigrants is imperative to national security. He signed an executive order in mid-March to temporarily suspend the U.S. refugee program and block visas for citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. He promised to develop more-comprehensive screening that would render the temporary ban unnecessary once in place.

Trump renewed his call for the ban Sunday in response to the Saturday attacks near London Bridge, which left seven dead and dozens injured. The 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!

The travel ban was to last only 90 days, purportedly to buy agencies time to explore new procedures. Federal judges in Maryland and Hawaii have since suspended the ban, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit agreed with the Maryland judge that the order was discriminatory.

The Justice Department interpreted the Hawaii courts decision to mean federal agencies couldnt work on new vetting procedures.

We have put our pens down, acting U.S. Solicitor General Jeffrey B. Wall told the told the 4th Circuit last month, when questioned about work on new procedures during a separate hearing about the travel ban. Wall said the administration has done nothing to review the vetting procedures for these countries.

To get the travel ban reinstated, the Justice Department filed two emergency applications with the Supreme Court last week. If the court allows the development of new vetting procedures to go forward, that could start the clock on another 90 days for the administration to review vetting procedures. But that could also render a Supreme Court decision on the travel ban moot, since the court is not likely to hear that case before October.

That time frame has left some legal experts puzzled about the Trump administrations intent.

The enhanced procedures would be in place by the beginning of October, said Mark Tushnet, a law professor at Harvard University. By that time, the travel ban would not be in effect.

As more time goes by with no appearance of effort toward stronger vetting, it could undermine the administrations legal justification for a temporary travel ban.

I think the travel ban is too broad, and that is why its been rejected by the courts, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said Sunday on Face the Nation. The president is right, however, that we need to do a better job of vetting individuals who are coming from war-torn countries into our nation  but I do believe that the very broad ban that he has proposed is not the right way to go.

Read more at PowerPost
British police on Monday named two of the three attackers who killed seven people during a rampage in central London last week, saying both had lived only miles away from the scene of the carnage and acknowledging that one had been on the radar of security services but had recently dropped off.

The admission is likely to inflame a security debate already underway in Britain as the country counts down to an unpredictable election on Thursday.

The two main candidates for prime minister  the incumbent, Theresa May, and the challenger, Jeremy Corbyn  traded barbs Monday over how security services can better protect the public after three mass-casualty attacks in as many months.

May, a Conservative, said that authorities will need greater powers to crack down on extremism and that Corbyn had blocked such efforts. Corbyn, the far-left leader of the opposition Labour Party, accused May of starving police and other security services of personnel and funds.

Both agreed that the country will have to make changes as security services  which for years successfully thwarted attacks on British soil  struggle to confront a threat that is growing in scale and tempo.





The agencies say they have disrupted 18 plots since 2013, including five in recent months.

[London, reeling? The city that weathered Nazi bombs pushes back against fear.]

The identities of the two attackers announced Monday fit a pattern. Much like the assailants in the two earlier attacks, these men had British roots and were peripheral to the focus of security agencies.

Londons Metropolitan Police identified the assailants as 27-year-old Khuram Shazad Butt, a British citizen who was born in Pakistan, and 30-year-old Rachid Redouane, who had claimed to be Moroccan and Libyan.

Both lived in the Barking area of East London, only a half-hours drive from London Bridge and Borough Market  the adjacent areas where victims were targeted Saturday night.

Police said efforts to confirm the identity of the third attacker were ongoing.

Butt had been investigated in 2015, was known by neighbors to be an extremist and was featured last year in a documentary on Britains Channel 4 called The Jihadis Next Door.

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. 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.

But police said that they had no warning of a plot and that their investigation of Butt had been shelved.

Khuram Shazad Butt was known to the police and MI5, police said in a statement, referring to Britains main domestic intelligence agency. However, there was no intelligence to suggest that this attack was being planned and the investigation had been prioritized accordingly.

Redouane had not been known to the security agencies.

Police say they have 500 ongoing terrorism investigations and are keeping tabs on 3,000 individuals suspected of extremism. Investigations involving known plots, authorities say, take up the bulk of the security services resources.

The Islamic State claimed Sunday to have been behind the attack. But experts have cast doubt, noting that the group did not provide any details to prove its involvement. Similar claims in the past have been shown to be unreliable.

All three assailants in Saturdays attack were fatally shot by police within eight minutes of the first emergency calls.

Mondays identifications came as the police investigation intensified, with raids in Barking and Newham, another East London neighborhood. On Monday night, police announced that people arrested in the raids had been released without charge.

Saturday nights attack injured dozens, including four police officers. Eighteen people remain in critical condition.

Christine Archibald, 30, a Canadian from the western province of British Columbia, was the first victim of the attack to be named. The 30-year-old had worked at a homeless shelter in Calgary before moving to Europe to live with her fiance.

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, her family said in a statement.

At a news conference, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was furious that the attackers used Islam as justification for their actions.

Im angry and furious that these three men are seeking to justify their actions by using the faith that I belong to, said Khan, Londons first Muslim mayor and the Wests most prominent Muslim politician. The ideology they follow is perverse, and it is poisonous.

[Trump reacts to London terror by stoking fear and renewing feud with mayor]

Later Monday, President Trump escalated an attack on Khan that he began Sunday. Trump had chided the mayor for assuring the public that there was no need to be alarmed.

Khans comments were in reference to an intensified police presence on London streets. But Trump implied that the remarks were about the attack.

On Monday, Trump tweeted, Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement.

Khans spokesman said the mayor was focused on the citys response to the attack and would not have any comment on Trump.

Meanwhile, the pause in campaigning that had been called Sunday to honor the dead officially ended with just three days to go before the parliamentary elections.

During a speech in central London, the prime minister repeatedly refused to say that she regretted cutting police personnel during her six years as home secretary, Britains top domestic security official. Instead, she said her ruling Conservative Party had given police and security services enhanced powers to fight terrorism, noting that they were powers that Jeremy Corbyn has boasted he has always opposed.

Corbyn shot back, telling ITV that we should never have cut the police numbers.

[London attack spawns political controversy as May and Corbyn trade barbs ahead of vote]

Asked whether he would support calls for May to resign over the police cuts, Corbyn said, Indeed I would, before amending his comments to suggest that the upcoming election is perhaps the best opportunity to deal with it.

Khan, a member of the Labour Party, also took aim at Mays cuts, noting in an appearance at Borough Market that the Metropolitan Police had had its budget slashed by 600 million pounds  about $775 million  with more cuts planned.

The department, he noted, not only has to combat terrorism but also to prepare for major international events and high-profile visitors  some welcome, some less so, Khan noted in a subtle dig at Trump, who is due in Britain for a state visit later this year.

Amid the politics, there was a pause for remembrance. On Monday evening, amid pouring rain, thousands gathered for a vigil at Potters Fields Park, a short walk from the scene of the attack.

Its raining, people are still sticking around, getting wet. Why? For one reason. To show humanity, said Sai Giridhar, a 43-year-old architect. Theres an underlying sense of belonging, love, compassion. Its beyond race, color, creed, anything.

Read more:

Trump was terrorized by the London attack while Britain stood firm

I saw blinding white headlights.  It hit directly to the right of me.

Brits gather to see Ariana Grande again  this time in defiance

The London attackers chose an especially popular site

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Since Saturdays deadly attack in London, British Prime Minister Theresa May has traded blows with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over who has the worst record on countering terrorism. (Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg News)

A country once again buffeted by terrorism will go to the polls Thursday in the latest test of the relationship between mass violence, carried out with the most everyday of tools, and democratic debate over security and ties to the outside world.

Saturdays attack, which left seven people dead, marked the third major terrorist strike in Britain in as many months  the first unfolding steps from Parliament and the second outside a packed pop concert in Manchester. Each was claimed by the Islamic State.

The latest assault, in which three suspects mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge before slashing their way through a nearby market, inserts an unpredictable new dynamic  the fear and uncertainty sowed by terrorism  into this weeks contest, which was already tightening.

[Authorities begin to unravel deadly London plot, carrying out new raids]

Once projected to end in a landslide for Theresa May, the Conservative prime minister who called the election in a bid to consolidate her majority, the race has appeared less lopsided in recent days. Polls suggest it could even offer a lifeline to Jeremy Corbyn, the firebrand Labour chief whose leadership had been in doubt as his party struggled to gain traction.

The mass-casualty event will jolt the election even if it does not transform its outcome, said Edward Fieldhouse, a political scientist at the University of Manchester.

While noting that such attacks generally have a short-term effect on voters judgments, Fieldhouse said that because this one occurred so close to an election, you would expect it to have some impact. And since its an issue around security, you would expect this to favor the more right-wing parties.

Other experts said the attack underscores the issue of leadership, already a dominant theme in a contest where the biggest question, Britains exit from the European Union, has been decided.

Individuals in times of crisis look for leaders who portray a sense of resolve and strength that in turn restores feelings of hope, said Elizabeth J. Zechmeister, a political scientist at Vanderbilt University and co-author of Democracy at Risk: How Terrorist Threats Affect the Public.

The outcome, in a moment of feverish politics on both sides of the Atlantic, could shed light on how deeply Islamist terrorism has swayed Western political culture, analysts also said, as voters hostile to open borders and global markets search for candidates who promise them protection.

President Trump seemed to sense a political opening, tweeting Saturday that the latest attack in Britain illustrated the urgency of his travel ban, which has been blocked in the courts.

[In Twitter barrage, Trump ramps up push for travel ban]

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.

Timothy Snyder, a Yale historian and author of the best-selling On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, said uproar is a reaction that far-right politicians crave.

Whereas terrorism might frighten populations, it is a welcome relief to a leader like Trump, because it gives him an opportunity to direct political discussions away from rights and welfare and toward fear and preemption, Snyder said.

In Britain, Fieldhouse said, cultivating hysteria in that way would probably backfire with voters who pride themselves on resilience. The Conservative leader, he said, would instead seek to sow doubt about Corbyns credibility. On Monday, in a speech in London, May warned that there was no time for learning on the job.

Studies suggest that terrorism boosts incumbents, particularly conservative ones. But in this weeks election, a wrinkle is Mays six-year service as home secretary, when she oversaw policing and national security.

Bella Gough, an interior architect in London, said Saturdays attack made clear to her what a letdown Theresa May is. She blamed the Conservative leader for cutting security services and said the question now is: Whos responsible and who can be a strong leader?

Corbyn, stumping Sunday evening in the northern city of Carlisle, sought to capitalize on that idea, accusing May and the Conservatives of threatening public safety with cuts to the police. You cannot protect the public on the cheap, he said.

The Labour leader has rejected claims that he is soft on terrorism, specifically that he is sympathetic to followers of the Irish Republican Army and lenient toward Islamist militants.

May, for her part, has adopted a muscular tone, blaming the attack on the evil ideology of Islamic extremism and outlining several ways to crack down, including tougher jail sentences and tighter regulation of online activity.

The stern response testifies to Mays calculation that the British public is willing to trade civil liberties for the promise of security, Zechmeister said.

Our work suggests that the public tends to have an appetite for exactly the type of stances that Prime Minister May has expressed since the attack, she said.

Snyder said this may play into the hands of terrorists, who set out to provoke a harsh response. Terrorists do what they do in part to support right-wing governments who will espouse the alienating rhetoric and exclusionary politics that help them recruit, he said.

At the same time, Islamist extremist groups focus on elections because they see them as opportunities to effect regime change, weakening the resolve of governments participating in the coalition against militants in Iraq and Syria, said Rita Katz, director of the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist propaganda. Terrorists had their desired effect in 2004, she said, when bombings in Madrid appeared to help cast out the ruling center-right Spanish government, which had supported the war in Iraq.

Radical Islamist literature urges adherents to strike leading up to Western elections. The effect of an attack in the heart of Paris before the first round of voting in April was difficult to assess, however, as voters ousted mainstream candidates before ultimately rejecting the far-right, anti-Islam option, Marine Le Pen.

Election time is perfect for groups like the Islamic State, Katz said. At the end of the day, they really want Britain to stop attacking them and weakening them in the Middle East.

If Britains defiance is any indication, that outcome seems improbable. But just as those targeted by the attacks promised not to change their behavior, so, too, militants are unlikely to be dissuaded as their demands go unheeded, Katz said.

Will they carry out attacks regardless? she said. Yes.

Read more:

Theresa May wont get a landslide. Beyond that, the British election is hard to predict.

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Retired journalist Abraham Rabinovich pictured on June 7, 1967 with Israeli soldiers in the hours after Israel captured the Old City of Jerusalem from Jordan. (Courtesy of Abraham Rabinovich)

On June 7, 1967, a young American reporter looking for adventure witnessed the aftermath of a battle that would change the course of history for Israel and the Jewish people.

After hearing rumors about Israeli paratroopers entering the ancient walls of Jerusalems Old City, Abraham Rabinovich, with a notebook in hand, headed toward the forbidden eastern side of the city, until then in Jordanian hands. Passing through the former checkpoint that divided the city, he then walked, unhindered, to the area known as the Temple Mount to Jews and Haram al-Sharif, or the Noble Sanctuary, to Muslims  a sacred site for both religions.

The setting was monumental. The esplanade was full of battered old jalopies and vans, Israeli paratroopers were wandering about  some were sleeping, others celebrating  and prisoners were being led in, Rabinovich said.

Now 83, the retired journalist said he realized the moment was historic, but I had no real sense of what it all meant.

I asked a group of soldiers what might happen now, Rabinovich recalled. Someone said: They started the war, so we should keep what weve taken. Another said: They can have everything back except our holy city. 

Israeli soldiers guard Jordanian and Palestinian prisoners of war along a wall at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third-holiest site, in Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. (Thomas Coex/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

And thus began a debate about Jerusalems status that continues today, he said.

On Wednesday, Israel will mark 50 years since that battle, part of what it calls the Six-Day War, which began June 5, 1967, when Israel launched a preemptive strike against the armies of three Arab nations: Egypt in the south, Jordan in the east and Syria in the north.

[A Palestinians daily commute through an Israeli checkpoint]

In a ceremony Monday, veterans shared their stories and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war was a miraculous show of defense.

The war brought us back to our homeland, back to the inheritance of our patriarchs, in the heart of which is a united Jerusalem, said Netanyahu, who joined the army two months after the war and served as a paratrooper.

The war took place over six days. In that short time, Israel defeated its three foes, capturing not only Jerusalem but also taking the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, part of the Golan Heights from Syria and the West Bank from Jordan.

Some called Israels victory a miracle. According to minutes of the Ministerial Committee on National Security released by the Israel State Archives, even those leading the country were shocked.

Retired journalist Abraham Rabinovich was among the first civilians to arrive in Jerusalem's Old City after it was captured by Israel on June 7, 1967. (Ruth Eglash/The Washington Post)

For many Israelis, the most important achievement was gaining control of Jerusalem and reuniting the two sides of the city. With the Old City in Israels possession, Jews could once again pray at one of their holiest sites: the Western Wall.

But in the 50 years since, that success has given way to the heavy burden of maintaining the occupation, and confronting the violence and international condemnation that have come with it.

Within weeks of the June war, the Israeli government declared sovereignty over Jerusalems Old City and its eastern neighborhoods, a move still not recognized by much of the world and contested by the Palestinians.

Israel later annexed the Golan Heights, a decision also not recognized, although the Sinai was returned to Egypt as part of the Camp David Accords in 1978. And the status of Gaza and the West Bank are still in dispute, with the Palestinians hoping the two territories will eventually make up an independent state.

In a statement Sunday, Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization, said that for Palestinians, this week marks 50 years of oppression, subjugation and daily control over all aspects of peoples lives.

Avraham Sela, a professor emeritus from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a veteran of the Six-Day War, said, There was such euphoria in those days, there was never a second thought about Jerusalems fate, it would always stay in Israels hands.

No one could think of any other scenario, he said.

But when the intifada [the violent Palestinian uprising against Israel] started in the 1980s, Israelis could not believe that these populations, which had lived peacefully with us for two decades, would do this, Sela said. We did not think or feel what the other side was going through.

Said Guy Laron, senior lecturer of international relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem: I think Jerusalem was an open wound from the war of 1948. A lot of blood was spilled around Jerusalem and it was almost in the palm of Israels hand, but the army did not have enough artillery or air power at the time.

With hindsight, annexing Jerusalem was not done with a lot of forethought, they did not think about what it would mean to annex the citys eastern neighborhoods, he said, or its non-Jewish holy sites.

Read more:

The $1.4 billion bet on a new Palestinian future

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A 25-year-old government contractor has been charged with mishandling classified information after authorities said she gave a top-secret National Security Agency document to a news organization.

Reality Leigh Winner was accused of gathering, transmitting or losing defense information  the first criminal charge filed in a leak investigation during the Trump administration.

Winner was arrested Saturday and the case was revealed Monday, shortly after the website the Intercept posted a redacted version of a U.S. intelligence document describing Russian government efforts to use hacking techniques against employees of a company that provides technical support to states voting agencies.

Documents filed in federal court against Winner in Georgia did not identify the news outlet or the documentin question, although both the Intercept and the court papers say it the document in question was dated May 5. A person familiar with the case said the charges stem from the document given to the Intercept.

Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein said investigators fast work allowed us quickly to identify and arrest the defendant. Releasing classified material without authorization threatens our nations security and undermines public faith in government. People who are trusted with classified information and pledge to protect it must be held accountable when they violate that obligation.

(The Washington Post)

Winners lawyer, Titus T. Nichols, said he had not seen the evidence in the case, so he could not discuss the specific accusations. He said his client has served in the Air Force for six years, including a recent assignment at Fort Meade, Md., home of the NSA.

According to court documents, Winner had a top-security clearance as an active-duty member of the Air Force from January 2013 until February of this year, when she began working for Pluribus International, a government contractor, at a facility in Georgia.

Winner remains in jail pending a detention hearing later this week, the lawyer said, adding that he expects the government will seek to keep her behind bars pending trial. Nichols said his client should be released.

She has no criminal history; its not as if shes a threat to anyone, he said.

An affidavit filed by an FBI agent said the investigation moved quickly after authorities learned less than a week ago that the document had been obtained by a news organization, because the organization had asked for a comment on the classified material.

The government learned of the leak after a reporter contacted an individual working at another government contractor seeking an opinion about the document. That person then contacted authorities, sparking the investigation.

Inside the government, officials scrambled to determine who had recently printed out that document. A search identified six employees who had printed it out, including Winner. Authorities zeroed in on Winner because she was the only one who had been in email contact with the news organization, according to the affidavit.

On June 3, Winner was questioned by the FBI at her home in Augusta, Ga. She allegedly admitted intentionally identifying and printing the classified intelligence reporting at issue, according to the affidavit. It said she also allegedly admitted removing the classified intelligence reporting from her office space, retaining it, and mailing it from Augusta, Georgia, to the news outlet, which she knew was not authorized to receive or possess the documents.

In that conversation, according to the affidavit, Winner acknowledged that she knew the contents of the reporting could be used to the injury of the United States and to the advantage of a foreign nation.
After President Trump tweeted about his controversial travel ban Monday morning, plenty of people quickly pointed out that he probably was hurting his case. Among them: George Conway, a prominent lawyer who is married to top Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway and nearly became a Trump appointee.

Quoting one of the presidents messages, George Conway wrote on his Twitter account that Trumps tweets may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly wont help OSG get 5 votes in SCOTUS, which is what actually matters. Sad.

OSG is an abbreviation for the Office of Solicitor General, and SCOTUS is an abbreviation for the Supreme Court. Conways account is not verified, but he confirmed it was his in an email to The Washington Post.

[Trumps latest tweets will likely hurt effort to restore travel ban]

Last week, Conway had removed himself from consideration to head the Justice Departments Civil Division, which defends presidential policies from lawsuits. Lawyers in the division had actually been defending the presidents travel bans, although as the legal wrangling reached the appeals courts, Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey B. Wall argued the cases in court.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Conway cited timing as the reason he could not take the job, and he said he was happy to have been considered.

I am profoundly grateful to the President and to the Attorney General for selecting me to serve in the Department of Justice. I have reluctantly concluded, however, that, for me and my family, this is not the right time for me to leave the private sector and take on a new role in the federal government, Conway said in a statement. Kellyanne and I continue to support the President and his Administration, and I look forward to doing so in whatever way I can from outside the government.

Kellyanne Conway is one of the Trumps most vocal supporters, appearing on television frequently to tirelessly support the presidents policies. She told Fox News Channel earlier this year that she thought the presidents revised travel ban would pass legal muster, and on the Today show on Monday, she defended the order again, deriding what she called this obsession with covering everything he says on Twitter and very little of what he does as president. She added later: This president, through his travel ban, is trying to do something to protect the people of this country.

George Conway did not criticize the ban itself, instead focusing on the presidents remarks as possibly hurting the case to restore it.

Later, he added on Twitter: I still VERY, VERY STRONGLY support POTUS, his Admin, policies, the executive order and of course, my wonderful wife.

Which is why I said what I said this morning, he added. Every sensible lawyer in WHCO and every political appointee at DOJ wd agree with me (as some have already told me). The pt cannot be stressed enough that tweets on legal matters seriously undermine Admin agenda and POTUS  and those who support him, as I do, need to reinforce that pt and not be shy about it.

Federal judges have consistently cited Trumps public comments in ordering the travel ban frozen, determining that his statements show that his intent in signing the directive was not to protect national security, but rather to discriminate against Muslims.

The ban is now headed to the Supreme Court, where those suing are expected to file legal briefs next week.
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster praised President Trumps recent trip to the Middle East and Europe and spoke hopefully of a growing alliance between Israel and the United States Arab allies in a speech Sunday to the American Jewish Committees Global Forum in Washington.

McMaster, who serves as Trumps national security adviser, addressed the annual conference just days after the president announced that he was delaying a campaign promise to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. McMaster did not address the hot-button issue, which was a disappointment to hard-liners on Israel and to some within his administration.

Instead, McMaster described Trumps desire to seize the initiative in a Middle East that has been ravaged by sectarian tensions, terrorism and civil war.

Today we are witnessing a reassessment of regional relationships, most notably between Israel and a number of our Arab partners  all friends of America, but too often adversaries of each other, McMaster said. Today their interests are converging. This is an opportunity.

McMaster lavished praise on Trumps well-received address in Saudi Arabia, calling it an extraordinary speech in which the president outlined a path of unity and peace to people of all faiths. And he cited the condemnation by leaders throughout the Muslim world of those who are hijacking Islam to justify violence against innocents.

The Army general acknowledged that many of the leaders praising Trumps speech and promising to do more to combat extremism had come up short in the past. Many of the United States Arab allies have been sources of terrorist funding and propagated an extremist Islamist ideology around the world, McMaster said.

None of us, the president least of, will be impressed by mere words, he added. He promised that the administration was developing clear metrics to gauge the performance of countries that had promised to cut off the flow of money to extremist groups and slow the spread of extremist rhetoric that encourages violence.

McMaster made only brief mention of the recent terrorist attacks in England, expressing sympathy for the victims and promising American support. But he went out of his way to praise Trumps recent trip to NATOs headquarters in which the president scolded European allies for not spending more on defense. Trump was criticized in the United States and Europe for failing to explicitly endorse NATOs Article 5, the collective security provision that has been invoked only once  after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

McMaster insisted that Trump reaffirmed Americas unbreakable commitment to its NATO allies and had, in fact, endorsed Article 5. There may be some skepticism here, too, given some of the headlines, but you heard the president convey a direct a necessary message, McMaster told the Jewish organization.

To make his point, McMaster quoted from Trumps speech in Brussels in which the president described the NATO alliance as rooted in the courage of our people, the strength of our resolve and the commitments that bind us together as one.

He acknowledged that Trumps remarks had upset some European leaders. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was especially critical, saying that the days when Europe could rely on others was over to a certain extent. This is what I have experienced in the last few days.

McMaster had a different take, insisting that many European leaders appreciated Trumps remarks  especially on defense spending. They know it sometimes takes plain speaking to spur action, he said.
President Trump on Monday derided the revised travel ban as a watered down version of the first and criticized his own Justice Departments handling of the case  potentially hurting the administrations defense of the ban as the legal battle over it reaches a critical new stage.

Trump in a tweet called the new ban politically correct, ignoring the fact that he himself signed the executive order replacing the first ban with a revised version that targeted six, rather than seven, Muslim-majority countries and that blocked the issuance of new visas rather than revoking current ones.

Trump said the Justice Department should seek a much tougher version and made clear  despite his press secretarys past remarks to the contrary  that the executive order is a ban, not a pause on some sources of immigration or an enhanced vetting system.

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN! Trump wrote.

[Federal appeals court maintains freeze of Trumps travel ban. Attorney general vows Supreme Court appeal.]

President Trump posted tweets defending his travel ban and saying that he thinks even harsher measures might be necessary for U.S. security. (Mike Theiler/Reuters)

The presidents tweets could significantly damage his administrations effort to restore the ban, which has been put on hold by two federal courts.

Next week, those suing are expected to file arguments on the matter with the Supreme Court, and Trumps latest remarks will surely be part of their briefs. The administration appealed to the nations highest court after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit upheld the freeze on the ban last month.

Neal Katyal, the lawyer who argued for the challengers in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, wrote on Twitter, Its kinda odd to have the defendant in HawaiivTrump acting as our co-counsel. We dont need the help but will take it! He also wrote that he was waiting now for the inevitable cover-my-tweet posts from him that the Solicitor General will no doubt insist upon.



Even George Conway, a prominent lawyer who recently took himself out of the running to lead the Justice Departments Civil Division and who is the husband of top Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, posted on Twitter that the remarks might hurt the legal case.

These tweets may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly wont help OSG get 5 votes in SCOTUS, which is what actually matters. Sad, he wrote, using abbreviations for Office of Solicitor General and the Supreme Court.

[Conway: Presidents tweets certainly wont help]

A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president was not at all concerned that his tweets might muddy the legal case, and his attention was instead on the substance of his executive order. She said she was not aware of any vetting of his tweets by lawyers or aides.

View Graphic How Trumps travel ban broke from the normal executive order process

The president is very focused on exactly what that order spells out, and thats protecting Americans, protecting national security, and he has every constitutional authority to do that through that executive order and he maintains that, and that position hasnt changed in the slightest, Sanders said.

Trump himself indicated late in the day that he had no intention of backing down from his early morning sentiments, tweeting, Thats right, we need a TRAVEL BAN for certain DANGEROUS countries, not some politically correct term that wont help us protect our people!

Federal judges across the country have focused acutely on Trumps own comments in ordering that the ban be frozen, determining that the presidents words expose the measure as being a tool for discrimination disguised as a national security directive.

[President Trumps lawyers on revised travel ban repeatedly asked about campaign promises]

The majority opinion in the 4th Circuit maintaining the freeze on the ban quoted extensively from Trumps tweets and media interviews, and from those of his advisers. On the campaign trail, Trump called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

Omar C. Jadwat, the American Civil Liberties Union lawyer who argued the case in the 4th Circuit, wrote that Trumps tweets amounted to a promise: let me do this and Ill take it as license to do even worse. In an interview, Jadwat said the presidents tweets seem to undermine the picture the governments been trying to paint.

I cant say for sure what our brief is going to look like, but this stuff seems relevant, Jadwat said.

Government lawyers have sought to convince judges that they should not consider the presidents statements but instead limit their analysis to the text of the ban. They have also sought to portray the presidents words as campaign trail rhetoric, and noted that many of the remarks in question  though not all  came before Trump was elected.

We shouldnt start down the road of psychoanalyzing what people meant on the campaign trail, acting solicitor general Jeffrey B. Wall told judges at a recent court hearing in the 9th Circuit.

Trumps latest tweets  which were later set to dramatic music and posted in a video on his Facebook page  will provide those challenging the ban more examples of post-election remarks and a stronger case that Trumps revised travel ban had the same purpose as the original version.

That version, which unilaterally revoked the visas of tens of thousands of people from seven Muslim-majority countries, was seen as much harder to defend because it was more onerous and had a provision in the text that seemed designed to exempt Christian travelers.

Trump tweeted Monday that the Justice Department should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to the Supreme Court. In addition to creating possible headaches in court, that misstates the process. Trump signed the executive order imposing the ban. The Justice Department defends his policies in court.

Trump also wrote that the Justice Department should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court  & seek much tougher version! The Supreme Court would not be the body to enact a ban; the justices will be weighing whether Trumps order is constitutional.

The travel ban seems to have been on Trumps mind since the terrorist attack in London on Saturday, when Trump wrote on Twitter, 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 ramps up push for travel ban even as opposition hardens]

Legal analysts were quick to point out that the president was hurting his own case.

In case its not obvious, these will only undermine the governments case before #SCOTUS for both a stay & on the merits of the #TravelBan, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck posted on Twitter. These will also go a long way toward mooting debate over use of campaign statements; no need when, as President, he still says these things.

Trump also wrote on Twitter that the administration was already EXTREME VETTING travelers coming into the United States  which he said was necessary to keep the country safe because courts are slow and political! The Department of Homeland Security has previously suggested such vetting was taking place, but that, too, seems to undercut the Justice Departments legal position.

The travel ban was supposed to be a temporary measure, designed to afford the administration time to conduct a review and decide what new vetting procedures were necessary. When a federal judge in Hawaii ordered the ban frozen, though, the government interpreted his order as stopping even that review  and the judge declined to clarify that it did not.

Wall told the 4th Circuit last month that the administration had put our pens down and had done nothing to review the vetting procedures for these countries.

If the administration already has implemented new vetting procedures, that would seem to call into question the necessity of a temporary ban. Legal analysts, though, have previously said that presidents remarks indicate he might not view the measure as temporary  despite what the text of the executive order says.

Read more:

Graphic: What Trump changed in the new travel ban

Trump was terrorized by the London attack, while Britain stood firm
It was March 2020, and the world was closing down as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. At first, the news of...
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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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FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. provides digital payment solutions for businesses to control purchases and make payments. It offers corporate payments solutions, such as accounts payable automation; Virtual Card, which provides a single-use card number for a specific amount usable within a defined timeframe; Cross-Border that is used by its customers to pay international vendors, foreign office and personnel expenses, capital expenditures, and profit repatriation and dividends; and purchasing cards and travel and entertainment cards for its customers to analyze and manage their corporate spending. The company also provides employee expense management solutions, including fuel solutions to businesses and government entities that operate vehicle fleets, as well as to oil and leasing companies, and fuel marketers; lodging solutions to businesses that have employees who travel overnight for work purposes, as well as to airlines and cruise lines to accommodate traveling crews and stranded passengers; and electronic toll payments solutions to businesses and consumers in the form of radio frequency identification tags affixed to vehicles' windshields. In addition, it offers gift card program management and processing services in plastic and digital forms that include card design, production and packaging, delivery and fulfillment, card and account management, transaction processing, promotion development and management, website design and hosting, program analytics, and card distribution channel management. Further, it provides other products consisting of payroll cards, vehicle maintenance service solution, long-haul transportation solution, prepaid food vouchers or cards, and prepaid transportation cards and vouchers. The company serves business, merchant, consumer, and payment network customers in North America, Brazil, and Internationally. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Phoenix New Media Limited provides content on an integrated Internet platform in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through two segments, Net Advertising Services and Paid Services. It offers content and services through PC channel, mobile channel, and telecom operators, as well as transmits content to TV viewers, primarily through Phoenix TV. The company, through its website, ifeng.com, provides various interest-based content verticals, such as news, finance, video, automobiles, technology, entertainment, military, real estate, fashion, and sport; and offers interactive services, including comments posting and user surveys. Its mobile channel consists of ifeng News, a news application that provides newsfeeds and other contents in the form of text, image, live streaming, and video; ifeng Video, a video application, which offers video news, live broadcasting, Phoenix TV programs content, etc.; i.ifeng.com mobile Internet website; and digital reading applications. In addition, Phoenix New Media Limited offers mobile newspaper, mobile video, and mobile game services, as well as wireless value-added services. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. Phoenix New Media Limited is a subsidiary of Phoenix Satellite Television (B.V.I.) Holding Limited.
A Queensland state parliamentary committee inquiry into the re-identification of coal miners pneumoconiosis, also known as black lung, found that the persistence of the fatal disease was the product of a catastrophic failure of the regulatory and health surveillance systems covering the mining sector.

Released last week, the inquiry reports title pointed to the damning character of its contents, stating bluntly, Black lung, White lies.

Beginning in the late 1980s, successive Queensland governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike, along with the major mining companies and the trade unions, all declared the disease had been eradicated in Australias biggest coal-producing state. In 2015, however, a number of cases were reported.

The parliamentary committee tasked with producing the report was led by prominent Labor and Liberal-National MPs. As such, the report stops short of the conclusion suggested by the material it presents. Namely, that there was a conscious cover-up of the continued existence of the disease, with the entire political establishment, including the unions, heavily implicated.

Black lung is caused by the accumulation of coal dust particles in the lung, which leads to scarring and inflammation. It is incurable, and can result in lung failure, chronic bronchitis, heart problems, scleroderma and death.

The reports findings state that black lung, did not re-emerge in 2015 but was merely re-identified, after responsible Queensland authorities failed to look for it or properly identify it in more than 30 years. It notes that in 1984, a report to the Queensland coal board found 75 suspected cases of black lung. But immediately following the report, incidences of the disease appeared to all but vanish.

The parliamentary committee documented the absence of any regulatory oversight of dust levels in the states mines. In Queensland, the allowable level of exposure to coal dust in one shift is three milligrams per cubic metre of air. The report notes, however, that mines were not required to report dust monitoring results to the mines inspectorate prior to 2017, and virtually nothing was done to ensure compliance.

It was well-known in the industry that coal dust exposure routinely exceeded allowable levels, which were higher than those considered safe in the US and elsewhere. According to the report, a 1995 study found that 20 percent of readings at the states four longwall mines were above allowable levels. A 2002 report, based on data from 11 longwall mines between 1999 and 2001, found 15.6 percent of readings breached the official limit.

Warnings were issued, but nothing was done, and no further reports into dust levels were conducted until 2015. A number of workers testified that safety standards were frequently violated at mines across the state, in order to meet production targets.

The report also documented the utter inadequacy of the health scheme covering miners, established in its current form under the state Labor government of Premier Peter Beattie in 2001.

The Health Services Unit (HSU), working under the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DRNM), failed to undertake any actual health surveillance, the report stated. It served as nothing more than a storage unit for miners chest x-rays and health records. Tens of thousands of chest x-rays were stored in inappropriate conditions, including a janitors cupboard, rendering them unreadable.

The report notes a 2002 review by the DRNM, which criticised the fact that the HSU had no records for miners who left the industry, or were forced to retire on medical grounds. The reviews recommendations were not implemented.

Successive governments persistently underfunded the HSU, with the report noting that at one point, it was staffed by only one part-time administration officer at the lowest classification level available. The highest staffing level between 2005 and 2010 was three full-time employees.

At the same time, Nominated Medical Advisors, appointed by the mining companies, were often unqualified to identify black lung. Their primary responsibility was to assess a workers fitness for duty. The decision to undertake an x-ray was determined by risk of dust exposure, as determined by the employer.

The report cited a number of instances of workers whose x-rays were registered as clear, but were subsequently found to show signs of black lung, after being sent for examination in the US after 2015.

The report repeatedly lends credence to the claims of the Construction Forestry Energy and Mining Union (CFMEU) to be leading a campaign in defence of miners health and safety. Information contained in the document, however, shows that the CFMEU was no less complicit than the mining companies and government authorities in creating the conditions for the occurrence of the disease.

Like the rest of the political establishment, the union maintained the fiction, prior to 2015, that black lung had been eradicated. In 2014, Andrew Vickers, general secretary of the CFMEUs Mining and Energy Division, boasted that the CFMEU was instrumental in establishing some of the worlds best health and safety laws in the coal industry. Indeed, at a time that pneumoconiosisalso known as black lung diseaseis again on the rise, Australia has not had a reported case since the early 1970s, he said.

In reality, the report demonstrates that the CFMEU sat on a series of tripartite government-employer-union bodies that either directly oversaw the running-down of safety standards, or did nothing to alter them.

Most damningly, testimony indicated that the union played a key role in drawing up new health and safety measures in 1994, alongside the industry Coal Board, which excluded any requirement for a mandatory x-ray for workers leaving the industry. This had been among the main recommendations of the 1984 report, which had identified 75 cases of black lung.

According to Bruce Ham, who was Mining Health and Safety Advisor for the Coal Board in 1994: Andrew Vickers and I were both involved in casting the regulations. While we would have liked to have had exit medicals put in the regulations, there was an argument that we had to accede to that, if a guy works in the industry for two weeks, maybe he has to get a Coal Board medical to get in, but an exit medical is probably inappropriate.

In other words, the x-rays, which could have played a vital role in identifying black lung, were blocked with the support of the union, on the grounds that they would have been an unnecessary cost for the major companies.

Significantly, the report indicates that little has been resolved since the 2015 cases emerged. For instance, it describes as intolerable that Queenslands allowable dust limits have not been reduced to meet international standards. The report also notes that the 21 cases confirmed thus far, are likely to be followed by many more.

The report is an indictment of successive state governments, the mining companies and the unions, none of which have been held to account for their role in jeopardising the safety and lives of coal miners.
John Harvard monument by Daniel Chester French. (Photo: Getty Images)

A record-breaking 39,506 students applied to join the Harvard Class of 2021 this fall. But at least 10 of the 2,056 students who received acceptance letters will have to make other plans after the university discovered a private Facebook group chat that contained obscene and offensive memes or images with snarky comments attached.

According to the Harvard Crimson, the universitys student newspaper, approximately 100 students formed a Facebook group chat to share pop culture memes in December, and the group later splintered into another, more vulgar group where jokes about sexual assault, the Holocaust and child abuse were shared. Screenshots of the group chat obtained by the Crimson also showed that members referred to the fictitious hanging of a Mexican child as pinata time.

The splinter group was entitled Harvard memes for horny bourgeois teens.

The Crimson reports that the university rescinded its offers of admission to at least 10 students who were involved in the group chat. Harvard spokeswoman Rachael Dane told Yahoo News that the university does not comment on the admissions status of individual applicants.



For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

The college informs all students in their acceptance letters that Harvard reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission under different circumstances, including when a students actions cause the admissions committee to question that students character.

Harvard declined to describe how it discovered the students private messages.

This is not the first time that Harvard administrators have faced the issue of incoming students exchanging offensive messages, although the students involved in a similar incident last year were not punished, according to the Harvard Crimson.

It has become common practice for colleges to monitor the social media accounts of both their prospective and current students. Some schools, such as Samford University in Alabama, even ask for students usernames on their applications. Frequently, the content of students Instagram and Twitter pages damages their reputations with university officials. Forty-two percent of college admissions officers said that what they learn about applicants online negatively affects their chances of being accepted, according to a survey of college admissions officers conducted by Kaplan Test Prep.

Story continues

The members of Harvards Class of 2021 who spoke with the Crimson had mixed responses to the decision to rescind students offers of admission based on their behavior online. Incoming freshman Jessica Zhang, who was a member of the group chat in question but was not among those punished, supports Harvards decision.

I appreciate humor, but there are so many topics that just should not be joked about, Zhang told the Crimson. I respect the decision of the admissions officers to rescind the offers because those actions really spoke about the students true characters.

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One man was injured and nine others displaced after a Saturday morning fire in a second-floor apartment above Murphys Pub on Main Street, Black River Falls.

Smoke could be seen coming from around the apartments door, and flames could be seen under the doorway before firefighters knocked down the fire, according to the Black River Falls Fire Department.

The occupant of the apartment was found on the buildings roof with an injury to his arm. He was treated at the scene before being transported to Black River Memorial Hospital.

The fire was contained to the apartment, but there was smoke damage to the eight other apartments in the complex, and the pub below reported water damage.

The Black River Falls Fire Department, Wisconsin Fire Marshalls Office, Jackson County Sheriffs Department and Black River Falls Police Department are investigating the cause of the fire.

The displaced residents were assisted by the American Red Cross.
Who said your makeup has to be boring for your big day? (Photos: Priscilla De Castro)

For most women, their wedding day is high up on the list of whats considered one of the best days of their lives. While saying I do to your true love should be the easy part, figuring out your makeup and hair is not always so easy.

Are you feeling like you have to live up to the standards of whats considered a traditional bride? Well, think again. These days, brides are putting more creativity and personality into their wedding looks, and we are totally here for it.

With the help of MAC Cosmetics senior artist Fatima Thomas and Revolt TVs lead makeup and hair artist Keka Heron, Yahoo Beauty masterfully created five nontraditional wedding-day looks on five different beauty and fashion influencers that will inspire you on your big day.

Fashion market and styling by Yahoo Style Market Editor Julie Tong.

Orange You Fabulous

Alicia Yoon, the founder and curator of Peach & Lily. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

Alicia Yoon is the founder and curator of Peach & Lily, which is a top website for all things Korean beauty and skin care. She also recently founded Peach Slices  an affordable K-beauty line of skin care products that includes high-quality ingredients without the high price tag. Among a host of other things, Yoon is a busy boss, but also a happily married newlywed.

I wanted a natural, radiant look that focused more on having glowing skin rather than a heavily made-up look, Yoon told Yahoo Beauty about her big day. Being the skin care guru that she is, Yoon recommends applying a mask daily leading up to your wedding day. Using masks daily for at least three weeks is going to deliver outsized skin results. Youll see your skin stay superhydrated and be in tip-top shape. If youre stressing over details while youre planning your wedding, a little me-time goes a long way for the skin and mind.

Yoon rocks an unexpected bright orange lip and a classy bejeweled updo. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

Get the look

The focal point of Yoons look is centered around the pop of color on her lips. Instead of an expected nude or pink-toned lip color, surprise your guests with a punchy orange pout thats unforgettable.

Story continues

Makeup

To create the perfect hue on Yoons lips, combine MAC Lipmix in shades Orange and Yellow. Another key product includes soft sweeps of MAC Blush in Modern Mandarin along the cheekbones for a soft flush to balance out the complete look.

Hair

First, spray hair with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. Second, apply a dime-sized amount of Mizani Thermasmooth Style and Style Again cream evenly through hair. Using a barrel iron, create curls. After curling, put the hair in two low ponytails and wind together to create a curly bun. Use a small amount of hair wax on select strands, and then pin-curl to make it smooth and frizz-free. On the left side create a small braid, and connect it to the bun for extra flair. Secure with a dazzling jeweled hair comb.

Fashion credits: Lela Rose, the Primrose Hill Peaked Bodice Floral Applique Gown, $6,995, available at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, 110 E. 55th St., New York, NY 10022, call 212.319.6778 for more information. Nina Caleigh Haircomb, $106, ninashoes.com

Cutting Edge

Ty Alexander, beauty & lifestyle writer/blogger at Gorgeous in Grey and author of Things I Wish I Knew Before My Mom Died. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

One of the first things you will notice about Ty Alexander before officially getting to know her is her magnificent mane. Her half-shaved gray hair is hard to miss, and also a big topic of discussion on her popular beauty and lifestyle blog, Gorgeous in Grey. Alexander is also the author of one of Amazons bestselling books; Things I Wish I Knew Before My Mom Died: Coping With Loss Every Day. Another upcoming part of her life journey that is sure to be pretty epic? She will be a beautiful blushing bride soon.

When reflecting back on how her fiance proposed, Alexander revealed to Yahoo Beauty, He put his arms around me while I was sitting at my desk angrily tapping on my keyboard and sat a box wrapped in ribbon in front of me. Even though I knew exactly what the box was, I grabbed and opened the box while quietly screaming, Whats this? The next two minutes I can only remember staring at the ring and saying yes while he explained for the 50-11th time that he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.

Fast-forward a few months later, and its time to start putting all the wedding day planning in motion. Alexander said, Im really not traditional. I love doing the unexpected and I like setting my own trends. My wedding style is edgy and wont really fit into other traditional or modern categories.

Alexander is picture perfect with this alluring edgy-chic look. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

Get the look

Playing off Alexanders edgy vibes, a mesmerizing multihued eye look was created along with a saturated deep vampy lip. Her hair has a softer bridal feel with carefree, tousled beach waves.

Makeup

After prepping the skin with foundation and concealer, create drama on the eyes beginning with MAC Feline kohl pencil to line the lashes and define each socket. Then layer on MAC Carbon eye shadow to give a smoky finish. Next, press MAC Dazzleshadow in Get Physical on the center of each lid. Coat lashes with a voluminous mascara for a fabulous fanned-out flutter. Finish the look by adding a few swipes of a long-wearing, creamy, deep wine-hued lipstick.

Hair

Add a little extra length and volume by creating clip-ins with Outre hair extensions, then clip the pieces in. Next, lightly spray hair with Oribe Dry Texturing Spray. Part hair in medium-size sections and use a curling wand to loosely create waves. Finish by tousling the hair to give a textured rocker-style bridal look.

Fashion credits: Davids Bridal Cold-Shoulder Lace Plus Size Sheath Dress. $90, davidsbridal.com. Eddie Borgo Howlite Colonnade Earrings, $175, available at Mitchells store locations

Boho Babe

Pamela Katz, a DJ, model and stylist. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

Pamela Katz is the definition of a multihyphenate renaissance woman. Shes a DJ, model, stylist, and one of NYCs all-around coolest. Katz has taken beautiful snapshots with everyone from popular beauty brand Glossier to trendy sneakerheads favorite Vans Girls, and we simply cant get enough of one of fashions next big things, as Who What Wear proclaimed her presence in 2016. Another hard thing to miss is the adorable #couplegoals photos she shares on Instagram with her soon-to-be husband.

Like Alexander, Katz will also be gearing up to plan her very own wedding look. She shared with Yahoo Beauty, I am a natural girl. I want to always feel like myself. My favorite look for me and even others is a done but undone look. Perfection doesnt impress me. Its the flaws that show our character, and I appreciate when people embrace their individuality and physical appearance.

Katz looks effortlessly chic with soft makeup and French braids. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

Get the look

Katz is cool, calm, and collected, making her the perfect bohemian bride. Try this chic and stunning look.

Makeup

Prep skin with MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer for fresh, dewy skin. Smudge MAC Technakohl liner in Earthline around the upper and lower lash lines. Then, brush on a taupe-colored eye shadow from the lash line to brow bone. Add a few sweeps of rose blush to the cheeks and finish by adding lash-lengthening mascara.

Hair

Begin by applying Oribe Dry Texturing Spray. Next, use a barrel curling iron to create large-sized curls, and brush the curls out. Then, section the hair by making a side part, and create two French braids. Slightly pull apart the braids to make them look larger. Complete the look by locking one braid into the other. Use a flexible holding hair spray to set style in place.

Fashion credits: Fame and Partners the Joni, $1,299.00, fameandpartners.com. Jennifer Behr Aveline Circlet of golden leaves and flowers with Swarovski crystal centers, $825, jenniferbehr.com. Odette New York Small Maman Hoops, $138, odetteny.com. Mini silver hoop ear cuff, Pamela Katzs own

Bronzed Goddess

Nneoma Okorie, a lifestyle and beauty content creator. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

Nneoma Okorie is a lifestyle and beauty content creator who can change up the look of hair and makeup at what almost feels like the blink of an eye. As the wildly popular Youtube vlogger behind NnesCorner, Okorie breaks down her ever-evolving style and inspires others to follow her league. In May, she shared an Instagram photo where she absolutely glowed for her mothers Nigerian wedding. Her caption read, So happy for my mom who found love again & married this time last week! May God bless your union.

The best part about my mothers wedding was everything, really, Okorie explained while reminiscing about her moms matrimony. I was really inspired by her beauty, and Im hoping to look half as good as she looks at her age! It was definitely a modern Igbo bride look, with a glamorous touch.

Okorie looks radiant and regal as she channels her mothers Nigerian bridal bliss. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

Get the look

Okories vibrant coral Nigerian-themed accessories make a statement and are a modern nod to her culture. Mix in an array of metallic golds and cascading curls, and you are a bronzed goddess who looks like true royalty.

Makeup

To achieve the look of bronzed skin, start with MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 foundation mixed with MAC Strobe Cream in Peachlite. For eyes, use smoky bronze hues such as MAC Woodwinked and Amber Lights. Outline lips with a deep brown lip pencil and fill in with a shimmering gold lipstick.

Hair

Begin by applying a small amount of Mizani Thermasmooth Style and Style Again cream evenly through hair. Next, divide the hair into small sections and use a curling wand to curl the sections. Pro tip: Add hairspray prior to curling to help hold curls. Then, using a wide-tooth comb, comb out curls in outward motion to add volume.

Fashion credits: Jacquemus Provence Top, $320, shopbop.com. Jewelry and headpiece, Nneoma Okories own

A Rose Like No Other

Milly Almodovar, a television beauty expert and writer. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

Former senior beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for Latinas, TV beauty expert, and gorgeous show-stopper, Milly Almodovar has the kind of look that will make you want to do a double-take. You may recognize her face from The Wendy Williams Show, where she shares her best beauty tips and product recommendations. But the way she easily switches into mommy and wifey mode will keep you wondering, How the heck does she do it all?

When Yahoo Beauty asked her about her secrets to staying happily married, Almodovar shared, My hubby insists on a date night every week, and I appreciate that a lot. Also, we compliment each other. One time I came home from a bad day at work and while I was talking to my husband about it, he kept staring at me. When I asked him what he was looking at, he said Youre so beautiful. That changed my entire mood.

Almodovar sizzles with winged liner and ravishing roses-adorned hair. (Photo: Priscilla De Castro)

Get the look

Who said you can only carry roses in your hands while walking down the wedding aisle? Center your look around a flower updo for a romantic feel that will have all eyes glued on you.

Makeup

Re-create this sultry look by creating a smooth base with foundation. Touch up brows with a brow pencil. Use a black liquid eyeliner to create that flicked liner effect. For a statement-making lip, use MAC Prep+Prime Lip for conditioning and smooth wear. Finish with a mix of MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Oh Lady and High Drama all over your lips. Use concealer where needed around the perimeter of the lip line to perfect shape.

Hair

Begin by applying a small amount of Mizani Thermasmooth Style and Style Again Cream to add shine and make hair sleek but not hard. Then, gather hair in ponytail and create a ballerina-style bun. Secure the bun with pins, and tuck stems of about three roses into the bun. Use gel to slick edges down, and finish with hairspray to seal in style.

Fashion credits: Forever 21 Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress, $48, forever21.com. Eddie Borgo Barbell Chandelier Earring, $425, eddieborgo.com

Editors note: Get the wedding planning rolling by taking a screenshot of your favorite look and bring it to your local MAC Studio to schedule wedding services for your special day.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




Conakry (AFP) - The African Union (AU) on Saturday joined the chorus of disapproval at US President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the landmark Paris climate deal, expressing its full support for the initiative.

The current head of the regional grouping, Guinean President Alpha Conde, called for the matter to be discussed at the G20 summit in Germany next month "to raise US President Donald Trump's awareness of the issues of global warming".

"The African continent, though less guilty than others for anthropogenic (man-made) factors which cause climate change, is the one that suffers most directly," Conde said in a statement on behalf of the AU.

Therefore the African Union "urges the international community to put in place the Paris accords and accelerate that process."

The AU "reaffirms its full and unconditional support for the Paris Agreement," added Conde, who is also coordinator of the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI).

Trump announced on Thursday that the United States will withdraw from the 2015 Paris accord and try to negotiate a new global deal on climate change.
Aliens are among us. That's the gist of comments made by billionaire space entrepreneur Robert Bigelow on CBS' "60 Minutes" on Sunday. Could intelligent alien life really exist on Earth and we wouldn't know about it?

Not likely, according to Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, who said, "Obviously, I think that aliens are out there. The conditions for life seem to be very widespread. All the requirements for life are everywhere, that doesn't prove life is everywhere."

"Could they come here and be buzzing the skies and occasionally entertaining Bob Bigelow by visiting him? It doesn't violate physics, but is it likely?" Shostak told Live Science. (Not really, because if it were, humans would have better evidence by now for their Earthly invasion, he said.) [13 Famous People Who Believe in Aliens]

Bigelow noted during the interview May 28 that his grandparents spotted a UFO on a canyon road outside Las Vegas: "It really sped up and came right into their face and filled up the entire windshield of the car. And it took off at a right angle and shot off into the distance," he told "60 Minutes" reporter Lara Logan.

"Do you believe in aliens?" Logan asked. "I'm absolutely convinced and that's all there is to it," said Bigelow, founder and CEO of the commercial space company Bigelow Aerospace. "There has been and there is an existing presence, an E.T. presence."

When asked if he expects to see forms of intelligent life as humans explore the universe, Bigelow replied, "You don't have to go anywhere.  It's just, like, right under people's noses."

No proof of Earthly aliens

More than half of Americans (54 percent) believe intelligent life capable of communication exists among the stars, according to a 2015 survey by marketing research firm YouGov. Plenty of money and big minds have been put to the task of finding signs of E.T., with an entire institute called SETI devoted to just that.

Story continues

"He's not the only Silicon Valley type, entrepreneur in the tech industry, that thinks we're being visited," Shostak said.

Even so, the solid evidence of these visitors is nonexistent.

"Interstellar travel is very difficult; it's an energy problem," Shostak explained. Adding to that, why would aliens come visit humans now and not 2,000 years ago? (There are no records of the ancient Romans worrying about UFOs.)

If there were some reason for modern-day alien visitors, Shostak said, someone would have strong evidence by now.

"Well, if you really do think they're here, then why is it that the evidence is so poor; if the evidence was so good, we wouldn't be arguing about it, we'd be investigating it," Shostak said. "We have satellites monitoring the Earth all the time. And they don't see these guys, and yet they're apparently so visible that a random guy like Bob Bigelow can see them."

Hostile aliens

Cosmologist Stephen Hawking believes not only that aliens are out there (though he doesn't think we'll find them anytime soon), but that they could destroy humanity. Another believer in hostile aliens is film director Ridley Scott, who recently told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that extraterrestrial beings exist, and if they decide to visit planet Earth, humans should watch out. "If you are stupid enough to challenge them you will be taken out in three seconds," Scott told AFP.

Even Winston Churchill believed: "I, for one, am not so immensely impressed by the success we are making of our civilization here that I am prepared to think we are the only spot in this immense universe which contains living, thinking creatures," he wrote in an essay on the search for alien life that was recently uncovered at the Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri.

Astronomers are looking deeper into the universe for signs of alien life, which could range from microbes to "little green men," using sophisticated equipment to detect chemical signatures or radio signals that could be explained by biological or intelligent processes. [4 Places Where Alien Life May Lurk in the Solar System]

Right here in the solar system, NASA and private companies have spent billions on getting to know the Red Planet, with high hopes of finding signs of Martian life (though not intelligent beings), Leonard David reported in an article in Scientific American.

"Yet against all odds (and researchers' hopes for a watershed discovery), Mars remains a poker-faced world that holds its cards tight. No convincing signs of life have emerged. But astrobiologists continue to, quite literally, chip away at finding the truth," reported David, author of "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet," in a 2016 National Geographic article.

What if alien life were not fleshy biological beings at all? Shostak thinks that most intelligent life may be machines.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said that she would not have set up a backchannel to communicate with the Kremlin through their embassy in Washington, DC as senior White House aide Jared Kushner is accused of doing: BURHAN OZBILICI/AFP/Getty Images

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.

Story continues

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.

Related:

Watch news, TV and more Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.
Photo: AMC

Warning: This recap of the A Murder of Gods episode of American Gods contains spoilers.

This is the first episode made up almost wholly of stories and events that do not take place in  or at least, not within the pages of  the book. The main story involving Vulcan (Corbin Bernsen) feels like it should have been in the original American Gods, but the road trip with Laura, Mad Sweeney, and the taxi driver Salim (Omid Abtahi) feels like it was created for television  in the best way.

The Plot

Shadow and Wednesday stumble back to the hotel to find Shadows room a shambles. Wednesday suggests that Laura felt spurned and wrecked the place. Laura and Mad Sweeney agree to travel together since her car has been impounded, but when they try to steal a taxi, they run into Salim (Omid Abtahi), who the Jinn gave a new life to. Salim and Laura help each other come to terms with the loss of their old lives. Meanwhile, Shadow and Wednesday visit Vulcan, VA, home of the god Vulcan, who now manufactures guns. Vulcan forges Wednesday a blade, but then reveals hes sold them out to the New Gods. Wednesday beheads him with the sword.

Tales of the Gods

In an earlier episode, Mr. Wednesday says there are many Jesuses and, since this show focuses so much on the immigrant experience, its only fitting that we meet the Jesus of Latino immigrants crossing the Rio Grande. In many of the other stories of the Old Gods, there is a sacrifice and, for a moment, it seems like one of the immigrants is about to drown in this way, but he is saved by Jesus. Instead, when border vigilantes appear and begin gunning people down, Mexican Jesus leaps in front of the bullets and is shot in the palms and the chest, dying for the sins of His believers.

Photo: AMC

Vulcan

Neil Gaiman got the idea for the character, EP Michael Green told EW, after seeing a statue of Vulcan in Alabama. Much like the story Wednesday tells, Gaiman came across a factory that found it cheaper to pay out for fatalities than to shut down and upgrade their safety features. Its a sharp commentary on the American style of capitalism, but its only the first layer. The second layer is about the American fascination with guns.

Story continues

From a story perspective, Vulcan is an illustration of how an ancient myth could be revitalized in the modern world. The god of the blacksmiths finds a contemporary analog of his old job and even discovers new forms of worship. A bullet is such a powerful tool, it makes perfect sense that there would be a spiritual component  putting the ancient and terrifying power of a volcano into the palm of your hand. In fact, its basically what Mr. World offers Wednesday in the last episode with the Odin missile  a chance to be relevant, to be powerful again. So its a stark rebuke of that offer when Wednesday beheads Vulcan, throwing the god into his own sacrificial flames.

Wednesday

Slowly, Wednesday is revealing how far hes willing to go to achieve his ends. Until this point, its all seemed pretty innocuous. Is he willing to lie a little? Sure. Put Shadow in a little danger? Yep. But he does not like Laura coming back and speeds off when she returns to the hotel. His response to Vulcans betrayal is leaps and bounds beyond what weve seen of him previously. Until now, weve only had grim warnings from less-than-reputable sources  can anything out of Mad Sweeneys mouth be taken at face value?  but now, theres direct evidence that Wednesday would be only too happy to throw Shadow under the bus if he needed to.

Laura, Salim, and Mad Sweeney

One of the great joys of this show is seeing the stories of Laura and Mad Sweeney expanded from their brief roles in the book. Pablo Schreiber has a genius for being unlikable and Emily Browning makes you want to root for her to make better choices, even though you know she cant. Putting the two of them together on a road trip is a no-brainer: Guaranteed comedy gold. Adding Salim to that duo changes the chemistry in strange, but rewarding ways  going from comic relief to a journey of redemption.

Shadows story is the story of a man going from non-belief to belief. This trio of otherworldly creatures appear to be going in the opposite direction: learning what is best about life from the vantage point of the supernatural beyond. Its a mirroring that might have muddied the waters of a traditional heros journey novel, but feels right at home in the structure of a multi-season television show.

The Music

Mark Lanegan voices another American classic, I Put a Spell on You by Screamin Jay Hawkins. Exec producer Michael Green gives a shout out to the rights holders of The Partridge Familys Cmon Get Happy for their sense of humor. Apparently, getting the rights to use a song to associate with a string of awful industrial accidents isnt the easiest job in the world.

Godly Thoughts

Wednesday hopes to bribe Vulcan with a bottle of soma, which may bring to mind the government-distributed drug from Huxleys Brave New World. In the book though, its described as concentrated prayer and belief, distilled into a potent liqueur. Its based on an ancient Indian distillation of a plant now lost to the ages.

Line of the Night: Pretty much any quote from Mad Sweeney, none of which are printable. If American Gods ever makes it to network TV, itd require so many bleeps, you could make a whole new Daft Punk song out of them.

American Gods airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on Starz.

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Imagine if President Trump's tweets provoked calm and beauty rather than rage and fury.

Such a realm really exists, though you'll have to slink beneath New York City to find it.

A subterranean exhibition in Manhattan's Midtown neighborhood features hundreds of lavender plants and a lighting system powered by Twitter streams. When @realDonaldTrump or @POTUS fires off an early-morning musing, the small room's ceiling glows. As statements are retweeted, the fluorescent bulbs brighten to match the growing intensity.

SEE ALSO: Dramatic Venice sculpture comes with a big climate change warning

Martin Roth, an Austrian-born artist based in New York, said he wanted to address the "heightened anxiety" that's pervaded ever since Trump was elected last November. Not only have Trump's policies and rhetoric put people on edge  the flurry of news alerts, constant scandals, and he-said-she-said debates are also compounding our collective stress.

"The pace and tenor of the current political discourse, blasted out through social media 24/7 without respite, affects our psyche in a profound way," Roth said in an email.

"I'm interested in Twitter because it seemed to be the only news getting through. It's fast and used as a political weapon, but ... it seems overall just to be there to distract us," he said.

In the exhibit, leafy lavender plants provide a potent antidote to the endless, stressful social media streams. As controversy builds on Twitter and the lights reach full-blast, the lavender plants bloom, filing the small gallery space with their soothing perfume.

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

I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017

"The plant's restorative effect is important for me; it offers a reprieve against the heightened anxiety of our current moment," Roth said.

Story continues

His installation  formally titled "In May 2017 I cultivated a piece of land in Midtown Manhattan nurtured by tweets"  is at the Austrian Cultural Forum New York through June 21.

Eight tons of soil cover the main gallery's floor, while printed wallpaper simulates a verdant, vibrant forest. The heady scent of lavender, combined with crescendoing buzz of fluorescent lights, creates an unsettling juxtaposition, one art writer said.

Image: Owen Conway

"The total effect is less an immersion into the woods, and more a sojourn into a doomsday bunker of the One-Percent," Kate Sutton wrote in an essay shared on the forum's website. "Any calm this environment induces is innately tinged by suspicion of its circumstances."

Using a tiny Raspberry Pi computer, Roth synced the grow lights to correspond with the activities of about 20 Twitter accounts, which are all tied to Trump in one way or another.

Tweets from embattled White House press secretary Sean Spicer (@presssec, @whitehouse) and Trump's trusted adviser Kellyanne Conway (@kellyannepolls) also power the system. So do Trump's preferred news sources (@foxandfriends, @seanhannity, @tuckercarlson) and places that helped shape Trump's political ideology (@breitbartnews, @heritage).

The tweet-fueled light system.

Image: Owen Conway

The handles of mainstream media outlets, including @CNN, @washingtonpost, and @foxnews, are also linked to the lavender room's set-up.

"I see this group and its behavior (tweets/online activity) and the people that retweet the messages as a virtual organism," Roth said. "So the lights make the activity of this organism visible."

The installation would be a clever play on this political moment even without the tweets. The Austrian Cultural Forum's gallery in Manhattan is located mere blocks from Trump Tower.

[H/t Hyperallergic]
By Alexandra Ulmer CARACAS (Reuters) - Banging empty pots and brandishing signs saying "only the government is growing fatter," Venezuelan activists in Caracas on Saturday protested food shortages in the crisis-stricken country. The march by a few hundred people, quickly halted by security officials firing tear gas, built on two months of near-daily demonstrations against leftist President Nicolas Maduro, who critics say has plunged oil-rich Venezuela into its worst economic crisis in history. Protesters are demanding early presidential elections, freedom for jailed activists, and humanitarian aid to allow in scarce medicines and food. Currency controls that crimp imports, as well as ailing local farms, have left many supermarket shelves empty. Around 93 percent of Venezuelans cannot afford to buy enough food and 73 percent of them have lost weight in the last year, according to a recent study by three universities. Children begging in front of bakeries, restaurants, or markets are now a common sight, while more and more people are salvaging food from the trash. Many in the middle class have had to cut back on meat or vegetables and instead get by on cheaper starches. "Sometimes I only eat once or twice a day. Today I couldn't find bread (for breakfast) at any bakery, and I came here because I can't just stay home watching this country fall to pieces," said Consuelo, a 60-year-old protester banging two spoons together at the march in western Caracas. Traditionally a poorer, pro-government area, parts of western Caracas are now home to road barricades, graffiti reading "Maduro dictator!" and clashes between hooded youth and National Guards. "It's time for Nicolas Maduro to listen to the people and finally leave," said Consuelo, adding that she prays every day for an end to the crisis. DEATH TOLL HITS 64 But Maduro, a former bus driver and union leader elected in 2013 to replace the late Hugo Chavez, says he is not going anywhere. He accuses street protesters of leading an "armed insurrection" designed to bring down socialism and allow big business to get its hands on Venezuela's crude oil reserves, the world's largest. At least 64 people have been killed since the unrest began in early April, with the state prosecutor's office on Saturday confirming another death. Yoiner Pena, 28, died in the western state of Lara after being shot from a pickup truck near a protest in April, the office said in a statement. In what he says is an attempt to bring "peace" to Venezuela, Maduro is creating a new super-body, known as a constituent assembly, to rewrite the national charter. His opponents and even some dissenting voices from within the government have slammed the plan, however. The chief state prosecutor has said that creating the assembly without a plebiscite, as happened in 1999 when Chavez rewrote the constitution, threatened to "eliminate" democracy in Venezuela. The opposition is depicting this round of protests as a last-ditch effort to stop Maduro from building a "Cuban-style" one-party system in Venezuela and avoid a full-fledged meltdown. For many Venezuelans, daily life already revolves around trying to find food. "Once a week I get up at 5 a.m. and I line up for six hours to buy the basic food basket," said protester Solange Rey, 53. Venezuelans are only allowed to buy staples once a week, based on the number on their identity cards. "The rest of the week, I go from market to market looking for the best price," added Rey, who used to make lunches for companies but had to stop because she could no longer find the products. (Writing by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Disgraced comic Bill Cosby arrived hand-in-hand with his TV daughter at a Pennsylvania court, where he stands trial for sexual assault.

Both Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show, and the comedian looked crestfallen as they arrived to Montgomery County Courthouse, where the 79-year-old faces trial for sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee, in 2004.

Read: Bill Cosby Reveals He Won't Take the Stand at His Sexual Assault Trial

Constand claims Cosby drugged her and sexually abused her. He has denied the allegations.

Pulliam and Cosby were flanked by security as they entered the courthouse, and did not speak to reporters.

In 2015, Pulliam was asked by Inside Edition what she thought of the allegations against Cosby.

"You know, it is very unfortunate, but that's not the man I know," she replied. "That is not what I experienced."

Cosby, who is said to be legally blind, will not take the stand in his trial.

Another Cosby Show cast member, TV wife Phylicia Rashad, also plans to attend the trial in the coming days.

Noticeably absent on day one was Cosbys real wife, Camille.

Cosby winced as the prosecutor's opening statement to the jury accused him of sexually assaulting Constand.

Cosbys lawyers countered that the alleged victim is a liar.

The first witness for the prosecution was Kelly Johnson, a former employee of Cosby's agent. She broke down in tears as she testified that Cosby drugged and raped her at the Bel-Air Hotel in 1996.

It has been reported that Cosby was attentive and alert during the whole trial.

Several Cosby accusers are also in attendance at the trial outside Philadelphia.

Victoria Valentino, a former Playboy bunny, says Cosby drugged and raped her in 1965 when she was 21.

She plans to be in court every day.

I want to see justice done. I want her to know there are her sisters out here support Andria Constant and let her know that there are her sisters out here in support, she told Inside Edition. I hope he makes eye contact with me, because I want to stare at him and see who blinks first.

Story continues

Therese Serignese, who is suing Cosby in civil court for allegedly drugging and raping her in a Las Vegas dressing room in 1976, is also in attendance.

Certain to rattle Cosby is the presence of lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents 33 of his accusers.

This is a historic day, she told reporters outside the courtroom. This is the first time Cosby is gonna face allegations against him. I'm looking forward to justice being done.

Since 2014, a plethora of women have come forward, accusing Cosby of various instances of sexual misconduct. His accusers have included models Janice Dickinson and Beverly Johnson.

Cosby has denied all the accusers accusations.

The final juror for the trial was picked on May 25, and following the selection process, Cosby spoke to reporters.

I just want to be very specific about the wonderful people of Allegheny County, he said. I want to also thank the sheriffs department because they made everything very, very smooth here.

It took three days to select the 12 jurors and six alternates.

Two of the jurors are black, a man and women both in their 30s. Five of the jurors are white men in their 20's or early 30's.

Read: Defense Objects to Mostly White Jurors in Cosby Case as Selection Process Begins

One juror says he knows nothing about the Cosby case because he only watches sports.

Two of the jurors are middle-aged white women, and one is a teacher.

The jurors will be sequestered at a hotel for the duration of the trial, which is expected to last about two weeks. They'll be allowed access to TV, iPads and the internet, but must avoid all news reports about the trial.

Watch: One of Bill Cosby's Accusers Relives the Alleged Incident in New Show: 'Your Body Remembers It'

Related Articles:
The comedian, once the a beloved sitcom star, will face a possible 10-year prison sentence when his case opens in a Pennsylvania county courthouse

Bill Cosby departs the Montgomery County Courthouse after a preliminary hearing in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in May 2016. Photograph: Pool new/Reuters

On Monday, Bill Cosby will stand trial on charges that he drugged and sexually violated a one-time mentee in his Pennsylvania mansion more than 12 years ago. In a tidal wave of sexual assault accusations, it is the only claim that could result in prison time for the comedian once loved as Americas dad.

His accuser is Andrea Constand, a former employee of Temple University who says that in February or March 2004, Cosby pressured her to drink wine and take unidentified pills in order to incapacitate and assault her. One year after she claims the attack occurred, Constand made a report to police and became one of the first women to publicly accuse Cosby of sexual assault.

More than 50 other women followed suit, first in a trickle, then in a deluge.

The trial carries a possible 10-year prison sentence and the harshest reckoning with the law that Cosby is likely to face. The statute of limitations has expired for nearly all the other accusations of sexual assault. Some of the women accusing Cosby have not made a formal complaint to police.



His accusers have called this the moment they have been waiting for.

The case took a winding road to trial. One month after Constand made her report to police, the Montgomery County district attorney at the time, Bruce Castor, decided against charging Cosby with a crime.

Constand sued Cosby in civil court and the two parties reached an undisclosed settlement. But in the suit, Cosby unwittingly opened the door to Mondays proceedings. He admitted in a deposition to using quaaludes in order to obtain sex from women, although he said he only gave the drug to women who wanted it.

Nine years later, the stand-up comedian Hannibal Buress joked on a comedy tour that Cosby was a rapist. The joke revived old accusations and scores of women surfaced with claims of rape and sexual assault. Amid a blaze of new questions, a judge ruled to make Cosbys 2005 deposition public.

Story continues

A new Montgomery County prosecutor seized on the deposition and made it the basis for two felony counts of aggravated indecent assault, filed against Cosby days before the statute of limitations expired.

Cosby has denied all the accusations against him and even pursued some of his accusers in court on charges of defamation, cases he dropped in summer 2016. He acknowledges having had sexual contact with Constand, but says their encounter was consensual. In a recent radio interview, he said he would not testify.

What people want to say and want you to say and how they maneuver  I just dont want to sit there and have to figure out what I believe is a truthful answer to whether or not Im opening a can of something that my lawyers are scrambling, he said.

The case will unfold with Judge Steven ONeill presiding in the Montgomery County court of common pleas, not far from the Elkins Park mansion where Cosby still lives.

Cosbys attorneys sought to pick jurors from outside the county, hoping for a jury pool less homogenous and less influenced by local coverage. The jury, of seven men and five women, 10 of whom appear to be white and two of whom are black, was selected in late May from a neighboring county at a courthouse in Pittsburgh. A potential witness list includes more than 30 names, and the trial is expected to last two weeks.

Inextricable from the case are debates about consent, fame, race and expectations placed on assault victims.

Attorneys for Cosbys defense have already, in the pretrial phase, begun to interrogate Constands possible motives for waiting a year after her encounter with Cosby to file a police report. They have made much of her inability to consistently recall the date on which she claims the assault took place.

Both can be explained as normal behaviors for a traumatized victim of sexual assault, experts say. But in the renderings of Cosbys defense team, they are evidence of a spurned ex-girlfriends machinations.

There are competing narratives about Cosbys fame, and whether it provided him with a sense of impunity or made him a target for accusations. And there is Cosbys status as a barrier-busting black celebrity whose alleged victims are mostly white.

Both Cosby and his daughter Ensa have suggested in recent media appearances that the accusations could have a racial motivation. His prosecution has also prompted comparisons to white celebrities who faced similar accusations and lesser consequences.

Undoubtedly, though, the trials most powerful undercurrent will be the stories of the dozens of women who claim that Cosby sexually assaulted them.

Since 2000, nearly 60 women have told the media, a court or an investigator that Cosby violated them in ways ranging from inappropriate touching to rape. Their stories contain haunting similarities: Cosbys tendency to prey on women with young careers in show business; his posturing as a mentor; his use of drugs or spiked drinks, which he is said to have offered insistently or deviously.

The assaults allegedly occurred across decades, in hotel rooms and dressing rooms as Cosby toured North America as a comedian and speaker. Save for one, none of these women will testify in this trial. But their influence could prove inescapable: on the opening day of jury selection, more than 80 of 100 prospective jurors said they had encountered media coverage of the trial.

Prosecutors sought permission for 13 other women to testify to Cosbys pattern of abuse. A Pennsylvania law permits alleged sexual assault victims to testify in other cases against their alleged assailant even if their accusations never resulted in criminal charges.

The judge permitted just one of the 13 to take the stand beside Constand. The woman worked for one of Cosbys agents and met Cosby, she says, at a Bel Air hotel to discuss her desire for an acting career. She accepted his offer of a glass of wine and a pill, she claims, and when the combination incapacitated her, Cosby sexually assaulted her on the bed.

Prosecutors previewed their case against Cosby through a series of pretrial hearings in which they read from Constands report to police. Authorities also recorded a phone confrontation between Cosby and Constands mother in which Cosby apologized but maintained that his contact with Constand was consensual.

In her interview with police, Constand claimed Cosby invited her to his home for a conversation about her future. He urged her to drink wine, over her objections, and take pills that immobilized her, made it impossible for her to speak and made her legs feel like jelly. Cosby laid her out on the couch, she claims, where he put his hand in her pants and touched her genitals, and fondled her breasts.

I told him, I cant even talk, Mr Cosby. I started to panic, Constand told police.

Cosby touched her under her clothes and put her hand on his erect, exposed penis, Constand claimed. I was unable to move my body, Constand said, according to the transcript. I was pretty much frozen.
Valletta (AFP) - Maltese voters head to the polls Saturday to deliver their verdict on a government hit by corruption allegations linked to the Panama papers scandal, but fortified by a booming economy.

Opinion polls point to Joseph Muscat, the youthful Labour Party prime minister, retaining power. But with 20-30 percent of the electorate undecided as campaigning closed at midnight on Thursday, analysts have not ruled out a change of government.

The election battle has been dominated by the fallout from last year's massive data leak from Panama's Mossack Fonseca law firm.

Millions of its documents have exposed how the firm established offshore companies for wealthy figures from across the globe, allowing them to hold assets out of sight of tax authorities and financial supervisory bodies.

Muscat called the general election a year early after it was alleged his wife Michelle has a Panamanian offshore company and used it for kickbacks from Azerbaijan's ruling family linked to the licensing of an Azeri bank on Malta.

The premier called the claims the "biggest lie in Maltese political history," asked a magistrate to investigate and vowed to quit if any link was established between him and hidden offshore accounts.

That principle has not been applied to his inner circle. Muscat's chief of staff, Keith Schembri, and a government minister, Konrad Mizzi, were both exposed last year as owners of undeclared shell companies established through Mossack Fonseca. Neither has been sidelined.

- Budget surplus -

Muscat, 43, is a former journalist who has won plaudits for his polished performances at the helm of Malta's ongoing presidency of the European Union.

He won power in 2013, ending the 15-year rule of the conservative Nationalist Party on a pro-growth and socially liberal agenda.

In office, he has enacted legislation introducing gay civil unions and banned doctors from prescribing so-called gay conversion therapy.

Story continues

Even his opponents credit Muscat with delivering on the economy. GDP is forecast to grow 4.6 percent this year, three times the average of the eurozone, which Malta entered in 2008, four years after joining the EU.

Government finances are in surplus and debt has fallen below the EU ceiling of 60 percent of GDP.

Muscat, campaigning on the slogan "the best days for Malta are yet to come" has promised to leverage the healthy finances by spending 700 million euros ($786 million) resurfacing roads in the country's biggest ever infrastructure project.

Tourism, which accounts for a quarter of output and nearly 30 percent of jobs, is enjoying record visitor numbers and spending, fuelling investment and a construction boom.

- Corruption scandals not new -

The allegations of sleaze and cronyism however have helped revive the fortunes of the opposition PN under new leader Simon Busuttil.

A sharply-dressed former academic, the 48-year-old says Muscat has damaged the reputation for probity on which Malta's economy depends.

"Those who created the filth and tarnished it cannot be the ones to fix it," he says.

Ordinary Maltese however appear largely unfazed by the allegations swirling around.

Party loyalties run deep with jobs and promotions often linked to political patronage, the independent media is trusted less than elsewhere and corruption scandals are nothing new in the former British colony.

"What do I care what they get up to. What matters is now everyone is working," said Andrew, a taxi driver by day and black economy barman by night who said he would be voting for Muscat.

Hotel chambermaid Irene, who also did not want to give her family name, concurs: "They are all as bad as each other," she said. "I might not even vote this time."

Whoever wins the election is likely to have to deal with increased international scrutiny with Malta's financial services industry and a scheme offering citizenship to wealthy individuals from Russia, China, Libya and elsewhere particularly under the spotlight.

In the run-up to the election it was alleged Muscat aide Schembri had received kickbacks linked to the issuing of passports.

Germany meanwhile announced it was examining evidence that nearly 2,000 Malta-registered companies had been established as vehicles for illegal tax avoidance by major corporations.
State Senate leaders on Monday raised the prospect of crafting their own state budget instead of working with the Assembly through the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee  a fresh sign of the growing budget divide among statehouse Republicans.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, told reporters this weeks talks on the 2017-19 spending plan could prove pivotal.

With less than a month left to the state budget deadline, GOP Senate and Assembly leaders and Gov. Scott Walker are at an impasse over how to spend money on schools, address taxes and plug a shortfall in the states roads budget of nearly $1 billion.

Fitzgerald said he hopes to avoid writing a separate budget from the Assembly. But, he said, were in a rougher spot than I thought we were if the budget committee doesnt meet this week as Fitzgerald said hes urging its members to do.

Then it becomes a full discussion for the full Senate caucus as to where were going to proceed, Fitzgerald said.

Speaking earlier in the day, Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, budget committee co-chairman, said it remains to be seen if the panel will meet this week.

The typical state budget process starts with the governors proposal. It then goes to JFC, the states budget-writing committee, which adds and subtracts from his proposal. Sixteen lawmakers from both houses comprise the committee in an effort to find common ground and to build consensus between the two houses before the full Legislature votes on the budget bill.

July 1 is the deadline to have a new budget in place. If lawmakers and the governor fail to agree on one by then, current spending levels would carry over into the new fiscal year.

Fitzgerald said it would be pretty easy for Senate Republicans to develop their own budget. On two of the most high-profile topics, transportation and education, the Senate and Walker are aligned, Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald signaled his patience for budget talks is waning and he doesnt want the process to continue into the new fiscal year.

I want this budget done by 1 July, Fitzgerald said. Weve had more than enough time to debate and discuss this budget.

Responding to the possibility the Senate would finish writing its own budget based largely on Walkers blueprint, Nygren said: Is that waving the white flag that they dont have ideas? I dont know.

Assembly crafted

K-12 spending plan

The separate-budget idea surfaced on Friday after Assembly Republicans released their own proposal on school spending late last week, which was immediately rejected by Senate Republicans who want to work with Gov. Scott Walkers schools proposal.

It can be done, Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills and co-chairwoman of the budget committee, said Monday of writing a separate budget. I hope we dont have to do that.

Walker said in an interview Monday with the Wisconsin State Journal that the good news is the Senate GOP caucus is clearly on board with his proposal, but he acknowledged what ultimately is passed could change.

My hope would be that in the end, it certainly doesnt have to be 100 percent like what I proposed, but that to me having more money for schools and more relief for property taxpayers are certainly two priorities for us that were going to keep pushing for, Walker said.

Some GOP lawmakers have previously discussed separating transportation from the larger budget process. Nygren said any additional talks about breaking from the normal budget process are news to me.

The Assembly K-12 spending proposal called for, among other things, a smaller increase in the amount of money schools receive on a per-student basis.

But the linchpin of the proposal, Nygren said, is a provision that allows some school districts to raise more in property taxes, about $92 million, to pay for schools. Those districts are typically those that were spending less than the state average when revenue caps were instituted in 1993.

Darling said Friday that provision would be very difficult to do without new money to pay for it because Walker has said he wont support a budget that raises property taxes above 2014 levels.

More details about the Assemblys proposal will be released on Tuesday, Nygren said.

Several disagreements

The education proposal was the latest in a string of budget provisions Republicans in both houses have been unable to come to agreement on. How to fund roads, how much to lower property taxes and whether to self-insure state workers have also divided Walker and legislators.

Nygren said one of the biggest challenges has been the governors pledge to lower property taxes on a median-value home below what they were in 2014. Assembly Republicans have only committed to property taxes being lower than in 2016.

Additionally, many Republicans want to eliminate the personal property tax, which primarily affects businesses. Doing so would reduce funding for municipalities and school districts by $261 million a year. Some lawmakers want to get rid of Walkers proposed income tax cut and reimburse local governments for the lost revenue.

Walker acknowledged in the interview Monday that the budget likely wont be finished by the end of June. He noted thats not unusual  the last state budget wasnt signed until July 12.

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, said Monday that schools cant afford less money than what Walker proposed.

Our schools cant afford to shoulder more cuts while wealthy special interests benefit from massive tax giveaways, she said in a statement.

Secret wrap-up budget motion not dead

Nygren said he expects the finance committee to once again employ a wrap-up, or 999, budget motion at the close of this years budget-crafting process.

Its our intent to keep it limited as much as possible, Nygren said.

Some key lawmakers said last month that in this budget, they were working to block use of the controversial maneuver, deployed in the past to add major policy changes to the state budget at the last minute with little or no public scrutiny. It was what lawmakers used two years ago just before the July 4 weekend to try to drastically limit public access to government records.
Katie McHugh, a Breitbart reporter, demonstrated exactly why her publication has been branded as racist, fascist and hate site in the past by people, after she posted an anti-Muslim remark on Twitter, in the aftermath of the terrorist attack in London on Saturday.

While the rest of the world offered condolences and prayers for the families of the victims, McHugh took to Twitter to blame the attack on Muslims living in the U.K.

Reacting to McHugh's remark, Pej Vahdat, an Iranian-American actor, called her a moron. McHugh, however, was quick enough to lash back at her critic by incorrectly mistaking his as an Indian, which she posed as an insult.

Read: Steve Bannon, Breitbarts Matthew Boyle Fighting? Right-Wing News Editor Rubbishes Report About Disagreement

Other Breitbart employees have been reportedly appalled by McHughs behavior on social media, said a report.

"It's a terrible comment. I would never write what she said, a Breitbart employee told CNN. Another echoed similar sentiments saying: "I find it appalling."

It is not clear if Breitbart, which was originally founded by White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon, will take any disciplinary action against McHugh.

McHugh is not the only one to post offensive tweets regarding the attack.

"People think I'm kidding when I say this but the crusades need to come back, Ryan Saavedra, another Breitbart writer, wrote after retweeting his fellow employee, McHughs tweet. Saavedra has since deleted his tweet but not before insinuating that the terror attacks will continue if no one takes a stern step against it.

McHugh has also called for the restoration of crusades in some of her past comments. In one of her earlier posts, she called out the Mexicans for coming to U.S. and ruining it because they wanted to be cured of their retarded dysfunction.

Some of the Twitter users slammed Mchugh for her blanket statement on a religious group.

Story continues

When McHugh was hired by Breitbart's Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow, he announced she was going to aggressively and insightfully tell stories that are shaping our political and cultural experience.

Within a span of one year, she was promoted to the front page editor, despite the fact that she has been flooding her Twitter page with racist rhetoric ever since she started working for Breitbart, Raw Story reported. There is no culture or ethnicity that she did not go after. Through her tweets, she has attacked Muslims, Mexicans, British, Indians, Europeans, Latin Americans, immigrants and so on.

Breitbart is not a hate site, contrary to what the popular opinion might be. However, one of the authorities of Breitbart UK, Editor Raheem Kassam, has tweeted calling for internment camps in Britain after the London attacks, which raised many eyebrows, Marlow told NBC News, earlier this year.

Breitbart News continues to be regarded as the extreme right-wing news website which often promotes hate speech.

Related Articles
While dozens of women have accused comedian Bill Cosby of sexual harassment, wiping out his Americas Dad reputation, his future depends solely on one particular accuser  Andread Constad  as his trial begins Monday in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Read: Bill Cosby Net Worth As Jury Selection For Sexual Assault Trial Begins

Cosby s trial dates back to charges when he allegedly drugged and raped a then Temple University employee, Andread Constad in 2004. Constad, who accused Cosby sexually assaulting her at his home outside Philadelphia, is the only woman whose complaint has resulted in criminal charges.

The 78-year-old comedians family, as well as his co-stars, have largely come out in his support, NBC News reported.

Cosby who always maintained silence after the charges were pressed against him, spoke for the first time after nearly two years. In an interview with NPR, Cosby spoke about his career, "I miss it all and I hope that day will come. I have some routines and storytelling that I am working on."

"I think about walking out on stage somewhere in the United States of America and sitting down in a chair and giving the performance that will be the beginning of the next chapter of my career," he added.

Cosby

Photo: Reuters/DavidMaialetti/Pool

However, it would be quite difficult for Cosby to revive his career after such a huge downfall. Michael Bilello, who heads Centurion Strategies, a PR, and crisis management shop, said, "If he [Cosby] wants to have his final chapter written the way he wants to be recalled, he has to engage the public.

Perhaps something social media-based, an open forum for maybe two hours, taking all questions -- and having a moderator who's not a celebrity," he added.

Story continues

Meanwhile, Cosby will face a jury comprising of seven men and five women gathered for a criminal trial that could last for at least two weeks.

Read: Who is Andrea Constad? Former university employee has accused her 'mentor' Bill Cosby of sexual assault

Among his supporters are his family members as well as his co-stars who pledged to stand by him during his trial.

Phylicia Rashad, who played Cosbys wife on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, is likely to stand by him during the trial, an NBC report stated.

In a 2015 interview, Rashad said she believed Cosby was the victim of a scheme to end his career, although she never directly commented on the allegations made by almost 60 women accusing Cosby of drugging and raping them.

Apart from Rashad, Cosbys other co-stars, Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played his daughter Rudy, and Malcolm Warner, who played his son Theo, are also expected to attend his trial, the report added.

Speaking about his actual family, a source said the comedians wife, Camille Cosby, always stood by him since the sex assault allegations broke. Never, not one time did she abandon him, the source told the Telegraph. However, it is unclear if Camille would be present in the Pennsylvania courtroom given she has never attended any of her husbands pre-trials.

Some of the women who accused Cosby of sexual misconduct are expected to be present for the court proceedings. I haven't seen him since 1969. I hope he makes eye contact because I'd love to look him in the eye and stare him down, Victoria Valentino, 74, who accused Cosby of drugging and raping her in Los Angeles nearly five decades ago said, NBC News reported.

I'm just looking forward to our day in court. Even though this is for Andrea, it's kind of collectively for all of us," Janice Baker-Kinney, a former Reno bartender who alleged Cosby gave her a pill and sexually assaulted her in 1982, was quoted in the report.

If convicted, Cosby faces up to 10 years in prison.

Related Articles
By Ayesha Rascoe and Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (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. "It would be unthinkable if the president actually did what was reported, asked FBI Director Comey to, in effect, back off of at least the investigation into General Flynn," Warner said. The potential for explosive testimony from Comey that could impact a sitting president makes Thursday's hearing a highly anticipated event, akin to the hearings in the 1970s examining the Watergate scandal, said Linda Peek-Schacht, a political adviser who worked in President Jimmy Carter's White House. "There are only a few times when Americans come together to watch one thing," said Peek-Schacht, founder of a civics institute at Lipscomb University in Tennessee. "Americans will be watching this." LOOKING FOR 'EXACT WORDS' 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that he does not have any relationship with Flynn and only spoke briefly with Flynn when he sat next to him at a 2015 dinner for Russian TV network RT. "I made my speech. Then we talked about some other stuff. And I got up and left," Putin told NBC News' "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly" program. "That's it. I didn't even really talk to him. That's the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn." 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)
Corey Stewart, Republican candidate for Virginia governor, at a recent press conference in Woodbridge, Va. (Photo: Melina Mara/Washington Post via Getty Images)

WOODBRIDGE, Va.  Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, wasnt always a strident opponent of removing monuments considered racially insensitive to minorities.

But until this year, he wasnt running in the Republican primary for governor of Virginia.

Just a year ago, Stewart spoke at a ceremony to celebrate the renaming of a middle school here. The county school board had removed the name of Mills Godwin, a two-time governor of Virginia who fought desegregation of the states schools in the 1950s as a state senator.

The school board renamed Godwin Middle School as George M. Hampton Middle School. The schools new namesake, Hampton, is a long time community leader in Prince William County, a pioneering black officer in the newly integrated U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Stewart praised the name change at a ceremony at the school last August. Good evening, Prince William County! Stewart said to the audience as he began his remarks. Are you excited to rename this school? Its been a long, long, long time in coming, thats for sure.

Godwin, who died in 1999, never apologized for his racist actions, but he eventually did stop opposing desegregation. He campaigned for President Lyndon Johnson in 1964  the same year that Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law  and was endorsed by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in his 1966 run for governor. Stewart could have cited those more moderate positions in defense of Godwin, but he didnt.

Sen. Mills Godwin, left, speaks with an unidentified man during his support of bills introduced to state legislature by Gov. Thomas B. Stanley in defiance of Supreme Court decision banning segregation in public schools. (Photo: Margaret Bourke-White/LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)

As we move forward, Dr. Hamptons name will live on as an inspiration to future generations, to the children who will graduate and attend here, and for all of us. Dr. Hampton, youre a true American hero. Thank you for your service, Stewart said.

Less than a year after his remarks at the school renaming ceremony, Stewart has made opposition to the removal of Confederate monuments a core issue of his own campaign for governor, which is lagging frontrunner Republican candidate Ed Gillespie as the June 13 primary approaches. At an event in his home county last week, Stewart spoke at length about the controversy that has erupted recently in places like New Orleans, where four Confederate statues or monuments were removed. Stewart argued that something deeper was afoot, a movement that threatened the nations foundation.

Story continues

If you can take down a statue of somebody who fought for the Confederacy because you would argue that the Confederacy stood for the preservation of slavery, then you can easily say we should take down any statue and any monument to any slaveholder. And that in Virginia, and that in America, means our founders: Jefferson, Madison and Washington, Stewart said. And when you take down the founders, you take down the founding documents. And that is what this is all about.

Stewart didnt explain his contention that such a process would undermine the Constitution. But he included an allusion to possible violence when expressing his resolve to fight those who want to take down monuments. Over my dead body, when I am governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, are we going to remove a single statue to any Virginian, he said.

Asked by Yahoo News to reconcile that position with his approval of renaming the Godwin school, Stewart didnt retract his remarks from last year, but put them in a very different light. In a statement emailed to Yahoo News by his campaign, he said: Mills Godwin was a racist Democrat  quite distinct from the Founding Fathers or Gen. [Robert E.] Lee  so to decide to name a school after someone else is a far cry from the leftists destroying historical monuments and the erasing of all dissenting opinion.

Stewart speaks at a campaign kickoff rally in Occoquan, Va., on Jan. 23, 2017. Stewart, a tough-talking former Donald Trump campaign chairman, says the presidents victory has freed candidates to simply be yourself. (Photo: Steve Helber/AP)

To voters, Stewart gave different reasons for opposing the removal of monuments and statues than he did to reporters. In an interview, Stewart said that monuments to Confederate leaders served as warnings about the mistakes of the past.

You should never take a monument down, because at that point youre trying to sanitize history. Youre trying to erase history. And history is not always pretty. We have monuments up to people who in some cases were not exactly great people. But when you try to take that down youre taking a part of history down, and I think it has to stay there. Those monuments were erected for a reason so that people remember, and that was during a time when many civil war veterans were still alive, and their families. And they wanted to send a signal to future generations that there was a huge sacrifice here, and its something we should never repeat. And I think once you forget, you do repeat, and that concerns me, he said.

But to his audience of 50 or 60 supporters on the back deck of a restaurant overlooking the Occoquan River, Stewart went in a different direction.

If we allow them to destroy our history, to try to rewrite history, to sanitize history, we are losing part of our identity here in Virginia, he said. He did not talk at all about the idea that statues could serve as warnings.

Related slideshow: The fall of the Confederacy >>>

And in fact, many Confederate monuments were erected during the post-Reconstruction era to send a strong message to all who walked in their shadows about who was still in charge, as New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a recent speech.

Stewart said he rejected the idea that Confederate statues could serve as reminders of past injustices if they were placed in a museum instead, taken from a place of honor to a place of analysis. I dont go for it, Stewart said. Very few people actually go to museums and look at stuff like that.

Stewart first took interest in the monuments issue in February when he staged a protest at a statue of Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville, where the city council voted to remove the statue. A Charlottesville circuit court judge issued a six-month injunction to delay this action in early May. And white nationalist Richard Spencer held a torchlight rally at the Lee statue in early May, where he and a few dozen others chanted, You will not replace us! and Russia is our friend! The torches evoked memories of Ku Klux Klan rallies and cross burnings.

Protesters confront Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Corey Stewart during a local TV news interview about his opposition to removing Confederate statues, Feb. 11, 2017. (Photo: Fenit Nirappil/Washington Post via Getty Images)

Gillespie, Stewarts chief opponent in the Republican primary, condemned the torchlight rally.

The ugly display of divisive rhetoric and intimidation tactics in Charlottesville yesterday does not reflect the thoughtfulness and tolerance I see in my fellow Virginians everywhere I go, Gillespie said on Twitter.

Gillespie held a commanding lead over Stewart and a third Republican candidate, Frank Wagner, in a recent Washington Post poll of likely voters, with 38 percent to Stewarts 18 percent and Wagners 15 percent. Its an indication that Stewarts approach to the governors race, to try to provoke outrage similar to the ways Donald Trump did during the 2016 presidential campaign, has not worked. Its cost him endorsements from close allies even in his own county.

Stewart put no stock in the idea that his colleagues in government might have insight into his qualifications for elected office. I have only one endorsement that I care about and that is the vote of every citizen in this county. I dont go around asking for the endorsements of other politicians. I really dont care. I dont care. I never have. Ive never done that. Ive never run a campaign by saying, Hey vote for me because Im endorsed by so and so. Ive always run on my own record and thats what Im doing now, he told reporters at the marina event.

And with just over a week now until the primary, Stewart has resorted to even more inflammatory rhetoric and stunts. He accused Gillespie of being complicit in human trafficking because his lobbying and consulting firm was retained by Tyson Foods over a decade ago. Federal prosecutors in Tennessee brought an indictment against Tyson Foods in 2001 for arranging to have undocumented immigrants brought into the U.S. to work for the company, but a jury acquitted Tyson of the charges in 2003.

Republican gubernatorial candidates Ed Gillespie, right, Corey Stewart, left, and Frank Wagner, center, debatel in Goochland, Va., April 22, 2017. The three face off in a primary June 13. (Photo: Steve Helber/AP)

At the marina event, Stewart played fast and loose with the facts on the matter. He was paid $1 million by Tyson Foods to lobby for amnesty and to downplay charges, to help them out for the indictment for human trafficking and to downplay those charges. And in fact he got them off, Stewart said.

When asked if he thinks Gillespie is a bad person, Stewart said, Yeah, I do. I think anybody who would help a corporation smuggle people into this country, so that those people are exploited, theyre forced to work for almost nothing.  Hes made a lot of money off of that. And I find that morally reprehensible, he said.

Gillespie has said he did not work on the Tyson criminal case, and a Gillespie spokeswoman told the Washington Post that Stewarts campaign has been a constant stream of fabrication and falsehoods.

Stewart likes to say he was Trump before Trump was Trump, and he was even fired from the Trump campaign last fall after staging a protest in front of the Republican National Committee for not supporting Trump wholeheartedly enough. He has been a loud voice for cracking down on immigration in his role as chairman of the board of supervisors over the last decade.

But if Stewart loses to Gillespie, it will show the limits of running a campaign for statewide office using the same tactics that helped Trump win the presidency.

Joe Wolf, left, of Manassas, Va., jokes with Corey Stewart, Virginia chairman of Trump for President, prior to a Veterans for Trump dinner in Woodbridge, Va., Aug. 15, 2016. (Photo: Toni L. Sandys/Washington Post via Getty Images)

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
At least a dozen dogs in Florida are sick with "dog flu," but what exactly is this disease and where did it come from?

So far, 12 dogs in Florida have tested positive for a strain of dog flu virus known as H3N2, and many other dogs in central and north Florida are suspected to have dog flu, according to a statement from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. All of the dogs that tested positive for H3N2 recently attended one of two dog shows in the area, or were around dogs that attended the shows, the statement said. [11 Ways Your Beloved Pet May Make You Sick]

Although this is the first time that this strain of dog flu has appeared in Florida, it has been spreading in the United States since 2015. Here are some important things to know about dog flu.

What is dog flu?

Dog flu, or canine influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by a strain of the flu virus that infects dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are two types of flu viruses that can infect dogs: the H3N8 virus, which was discovered in 2004, and the H3N2 virus, which was discovered in 2007, the CDC says. The H3N2 virus has also been reported to infect cats in some cases.

Can people catch it?

So far, no cases of dog flu have been reported in people, and there's no evidence that dog flu can spread from canines to humans, the CDC says. However, there's always a possibility that the virus could mutate in a way that would allow it to infect humans. Because of this, the CDC says it is monitoring dog flu viruses closely.

Where did dog flu come from?

The H3N2 strain was discovered in South Korea in 2007. It is thought that the virus originated when a type of bird flu virus adapted, and became able to infect dogs, the CDC says. Cases of H3N2 dog flu were confined to Asian countries until 2015, when the virus appeared in Chicago and other parts of the Midwest. At that time, the virus caused a large outbreak in the area, affecting more than 1,000 dogs.

Story continues

The H3N8 virus is thought to have adapted from a type of flu virus that infects horses. This "horse flu" virus was known to exist for decades before it was detected in dogs, the CDC says.

What symptoms does it cause in dogs?

Dogs with dog flu may sneeze, cough and have a runny nose, according to the University of Florida. Dogs may also get a fever, have a decreased appetite and appear lethargic during the first few days of the illness, the university said.

Most dogs recover from the illness within a few weeks, but about 20 percent develop pneumonia, which can be serious and require veterinary care, according to the University of Florida. If you think your dog has dog flu, call your veterinarian to discuss whether your dog needs to have a diagnostic test for the virus.

How do pets catch dog flu?

Dogs can catch dog flu from being around sick dogs or from being in an area that's contaminated with the virus. When dogs cough, they can spread the virus up to 20 feet, according to the University of Florida. The virus may linger on surfaces, including toys or people's clothes, for up to 24 hours, meaning dogs could become infected if they had contact with contaminated items before the virus dies, the University of Florida says.

Dogs are most at risk of becoming infected if they participate in events with other dogs, or are housed with other dogs, such as at boarding kennels, day care centers, shelters, veterinary clinics or grooming parlors. Dogs that simply stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk for becoming infected, the University of Florida says. [10 Deadly Diseases That Hopped Across Species]

What can pet owners do to protect their dogs?

If there are confirmed reports of the virus in your area, be careful about taking your dog to events or areas with other dogs, the University of Florida advises. There is also a vaccine against H3N2, which makes infection with the virus less likely.

In addition, if your dog is diagnosed with dog flu, you should keep your pet away from other dogs and cats for four weeks. Although dogs typically recover sooner than this, they can remain contagious for about a month, the University of Florida says.

Original article on Live Science.

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LONDON (Reuters) - The date of Britain's June 8 election probably cannot be changed following an attack in London which killed seven people, Brexit 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. (Reporting by William James, editing by Estelle Shirbon)
Democrats say Hillary Clinton should rethink her public blaming tour and instead take a page from former President Barack Obama and step out of the limelight. Obama has largely refrained from discussing President Donald Trump and instead tried to focus on drumming up civic engagement.

The Hill reported Sunday Democrats worry Clintons rehashing of the events leading up to her defeat in the 2016 presidential election, particularly the FBIs investigation of her private email server, is doing the party no good. Clinton won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College after FBI Director James Comey reopened the investigation into her email little more than a week before the election. Russian interference also planted misinformation across social media platforms, and hackers released embarrassing emails from the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign chief John Podesta.

Read: How Did Americans Get Election News?

Clinton said last week the Russians could not have pulled off their interference without guidance from people who had polling and data information, indicating she believes the Trump campaign colluded with Russians. She also has been highly critical of the Democratic party, saying she had inherited nothing from it and earlier blamed her election loss in part on misogyny.

Complaining about an outcome and blaming everyone else is not a good political strategy, Democratic strategist Brad Bannon told the Hill.

Jamal Simmons, another Democratic strategist, said frustration is building over Clintons remarks.

It would be nice to hear a little more about the things she did wrong, which I believe mattered more than what she has discussed, said Simmons, who worked on former Vice President Al Gores presidential campaign.

Read: Susan Rice Says Vladimir Putin Is Lying

If she is trying to come across as the leader of the angry movement of what happened in 2016, then she's achieving it, a former senior aide to Obama told the Hill. But part of the problem she had was she didn't have a vision for the Democratic party, and she needs to now take a break and let others come to the forefront.

Story continues

The aide said Clintons remarks are making it more difficult for DNC leaders Tom Perez and Keith Ellison to move forward.

Longtime aides say Clinton has no intention of running for public office again and is thus free to speak her mind although she has been mentioned as a possible New York mayoral candidate.

In remarks delivered as part of Wellesleys commencement address little more than a week ago, Clinton likened the Trump administration to an authoritarian regime, criticizing the lack of attention to facts and science. She also called the administrations proposed budget unimaginably cruel for underfunding such things as education and mental health.

On Thursday, she warned Trump had unleashed an incredibly dangerous level of hate and vitriol that should not be tolerated.

Clinton is perhaps among the most reviled political figures in recent U.S. history, eclipsing even Richard Nixon, who was forced from office by Watergate. After losing the 1960 presidential election to John F. Kennedy, Nixon quietly moved into private practice but remained a credible figure, a respected member of the political establishment and popular within his own party.

Politico noted Clinton remains a pariah among a large portion of the U.S. population, despised by Republicans, blamed for Trumps win by Democrats and criticized by pundits.

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Orlando (AFP) - A US Army veteran who had been fired in April from his job at a Florida company opened fire Monday at the Orlando business, killing five people before taking his own life, authorities said.

Four people were killed at the scene, while a fifth died at the hospital, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. Seven people survived the ordeal.

The business, Fiamma, makes awnings and other accessories for recreational vehicles.

Demings said the incident was being treated as a "workplace violence incident" and did not appear to have any links to terror.

The 45-year-old shooter, identified by police as Army veteran John Robert Neumann Jr, had a semiautomatic handgun and two knives in his possession. All of the dead were former co-workers.

Shelley Adams, a resident of the area, told local media her sister worked at the firm and had been in the bathroom when she heard shooting.

"She came out and saw a man on the floor," Adams said.

The woman then called her sister on the telephone and kept saying, "My boss is dead. My boss is dead," Adams said.

The assailant had allegedly beaten up another employee at the business in 2014, but no charges were filed, the sheriff told reporters.

"It is a sad day for us here once again in Orange County," Demings said.

A year ago, Orlando -- a hub of Florida's resort industry popular with tourists -- was the scene of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub that left 49 people dead and dozens more wounded.

The gunman in that attack, Omar Mateen, had declared allegiance to the Islamic State group shortly before going on his killing spree.

"I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence," Florida Governor Rick Scott said in a statement.

Neumann, who had no known family and was living alone at the time of the attack, was an ex-soldier who had been honorably discharged from the US Army in 1999.

The reason for his dismissal from Fiamma, where he had worked for years, was not immediately known.

Police said he had walked into the offices through a back door as his former colleagues were arriving for work at around 8:00 am (1200 GMT) on Monday and opened fire, reloading his gun at least once.
A 45-year-old man shot and killed five people at his former workplace in an industrial area near Orlando Monday morning before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide, authorities said.

At a press conference later Monday, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said the suspect worked for Fiamma Inc., an RV accessory company where the incident took place, until he was fired in April.

He was a disgruntled employee that came back to this business this morning, Demings told reporters, adding that there was no indication the shooter had any links to terrorism.

This is likely a workplace violence incident. We will get more into the details of the investigation as it unfolds, Demings said.

Demings identified the shooter as John Robert Neumann Jr., a white 45-year-old U.S. Army veteran who was discharged in 1999. He lived alone and has no family in the area, he said.

The names of the victims have not yet been released. Demings said they range in age from 35 to 70s.

The shooting occurred just one week before the one-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, in which 49 people were killed and 53 others were wounded. It was the deadliest mass shooting on U.S. soil.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings answers questions at a news conference near the scene of a shooting where there were multiple fatalities in an industrial area near Orlando Monday morning. (Photo: John Raoux/AP)

Demings said that local law enforcement had responded to a workplace violence matter involving the same man at Fiamma in June 2014.

He allegedly battered another employee here in the business, he said. There were no charges at that time.

Demings said before Monday the suspects criminal history included only relatively minor incidents, such as possession of marijuana, driving under the influence and misdemeanor battery.

Sheriff: This violence is frustrating. The only way we have a fighting chance is to ask the public to report any suspicious activity.  OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) June 5, 2017

The suspect was also armed with a smaller knife and a large hunting knife during the shooting incident, Demings said, but there wasnt immediately any indication that he used those weapons on the victims.

Story continues

According to Demings, the Orange County Sheriffs Office received an emergency call about the active shooter about 8:03 a.m. Monday and deputies arrived on the scene just two minutes later. They found three deceased male victims and one deceased female victim. A fifth victim, another male, was transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he also succumbed to his injuries, Demings said.

Law enforcement officers, including a K-9 unit, investigate near the scene of a shooting where there were multiple fatalities in an industrial area near Orlando Monday morning. (Photo: John Raoux/AP)

The Orange County Sheriffs Office is currently interviewing seven survivors who were in the building at the time of the shooting, Demings said.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs extended her sympathy and sorrow to the family and friends of the victims.

Unfortunately, weve seen this play itself in our community and other communities across the nation. And it is incumbent upon all of us not to become complacent, she said.

Jacobs encouraged citizens to say something if they ever see anything suspicious or abnormal and commended the first responders and law enforcement for their swift actions.

One thing we know about central Florida is that we have expert law enforcement, men and women, Jacobs said. And we have a community that cares and that has shown that compassion time and time again. The community I know will display that same compassion for the loved ones that have lost their loved ones here today.

FBI Special Agent Ron Harper also expressed his thoughts and prayers for the victims loved ones and said the bureau stands shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of law enforcement in central Florida.

Shortly after the call came in to the Orange County Sheriffs Office, the FBI responded in force, as we would in an active shooter situation, he said. We will remain with the sheriffs office until our resources are no longer necessary to help them complete the investigation.

Danny Banks, the Orlando special agent in charge for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, explained that its his departments responsibility to determine whether these sorts of incidents are connected to terrorist groups.

Investigators work the scene of a multiple shooting at an area business in an industrial area Monday northeast of downtown Orlando. (Photo: Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)

What Ill tell you is  whether its a terrorist incident or not, which we do not believe it is  its still an incident of violence in our community. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this incident, Banks said.

He credited the Orange County sheriffs deputies who arrived on scene within minutes of the emergency call with saving the lives of the seven other people inside the Fiamma workplace. I think thats an important recognition that we give those deputies and the members of the Orange County Sheriffs Office, Banks said.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott released the following statement regarding the tragedy:

Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before. I have been briefed by our law enforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today. I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contact with the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the day as more information is made available.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office is processing the scene with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Authorities have set up a family reunification location down the road at Full Sail University. Demings said friends and family of the employees may call 407-679-0100, ext. 3087, to receive additional information.

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The Doctors review the latest health products and gadgets to find out if they are worth your money.

Facial Fitness Pao: If you are looking for strong facial muscles, the latest gadget out of Japan claims it will tighten your face and diminish wrinkles. The Doctors warn that the rocking motion required by the device is a little rough on your jaw and they question how effective it really is. The Facial Fitness Pao costs $120.

Watch: Stay Connected While Feeding Your Baby?

CareFull Catch: This device is meant to make giving a specimen at the doctors office a lot less messy. The Doctors like the disposable devices handle that will help extend your reach, which they think will cut down on spillage and dripping. CareFull Catch costs $10 to $20.

Watch: A New Way to Pancake?

Shower Beer: If you have ever wanted a reason to enjoy a beer in the shower, you are in luck! In addition to being something you drink, the company also says the beer can be used as a conditioner! Shower Beers first batch sold out and is not currently available.
A modest increase in deductibles, expanded wellness incentives and excess reserve funds could let Wisconsin save $60 million from state worker benefits without shifting to self-insurance, leaders of the state Legislatures budget committee said Monday.

Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, and Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, reaffirmed their opposition to Gov. Scott Walkers plan to move 250,000 government workers and family members away from a program in which the state pays premiums to 17 HMOs.

But the co-chairs of the Joint Finance Committee said theyre committed to finding $60 million in savings Walker counted on from self-insurance in the 2017-19 budget. One step, they said, is to tap reserves from state worker benefits  which reached $144.4 million last year, $18.4 million to $68.8 million more than the range allowed, the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau reported last week.

Is it because theyre overcharging? Nygren asked at a Wisconsin Health News forum. Are there built-in savings that are already there that arent being realized?

Darling said benefits can be redesigned to save money, such as offering more incentives for healthy behaviors. The last state budget called for $85 million in savings from state worker benefits, prompting the Group Insurance Board to add deductibles, increase co-payments and boost out-of-pocket limits.

To save $60 million without self-insurance in the upcoming budget, the state would have to make workers pay 18 percent of their premium, up from 12 percent, or increase deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums by $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for families, according to Segal Consulting, which was hired by the state Department of Employee Trust Funds.

Nygren, who works as an insurance agent, said he disagrees. Just with a simple, modest deductible increase, theres potential to see significant savings there, he said.

The fiscal bureau report  which put the base savings from self-insurance at $47 million over two years, not $60 million as estimated by Walker and Segal  prompted Darling and Nygren to call for an audit of state worker benefits.

On Monday, they said they will again seek broad oversight of the benefits program. Two years ago, Walker vetoed a bill to let the budget committee have significant oversight, letting it only approve or deny self-insurance contracts.

Walker also vetoed a measure that would have given the Legislature more say over appointments to the 11-member Group Insurance Board, controlled by the governor.

With the budget committee poised to vote down Walkers self-insurance plan after a hearing next week, Darling said the governor may be more open to allowing more oversight now.

Hes learned that hes a partner with us, she said.
President Donald Trump: AP

President Donald Trump has lambasted Democrats for not approving his nominees, even though he has named few candidates to fill those executive branch positions.

As part of a Monday tweetstorm, the US leader complained that Senate Democrats are taking forever to approve my people, including Ambassadors.

They are nothing but OBSTRUCTIONISTS! Want approvals.

Of the 559 key positions that require Senate confirmation, only 63  or 11 per cent  have been formally nominated. Of those nominees, 39 have been confirmed, according to the Washington Post and the nonpartisan group Partnership for Public Service.

They are nothing but OBSTRUCTIONISTS! Want approvals.

The President has still not named candidates for dozens of ambassadorships. Currently, only five nominated candidates remain unconfirmed.

Mr Trump said he would nominate New York Jets owner Woody Johnson as ambassador to the UK but has not formally done so.

Mr Trumps nominees that have been confirmed include David Friedman, the ambassador to Israel, and Terry Branstad, the ambassador to China.

During the previous administration, President Barack Obama had formally nominated 219 candidates for executive branch positions by 20 May during the first year of his presidency. Almost 60 per cent of those were confirmed by the Senate by that time.

Having a high number of unfilled positions across federal agencies may not be a huge risk in the short term, as the administration can appoint acting individuals to fill those roles while political appointees await Senate confirmation, according to experts interviewed by Business Insider. However, the ability to enact long-term policies may be hampered if those positions continue to remain unoccupied by the President's nominees.

Wires contributed to this report
Donald Trump has doubled down on his criticism of Sadiq Khans response to the terror attacks in London over the weekend, attacking him for a statement telling people that there is no reason to be alarmed.

Contrary to the US Presidents portrayal of the statement, the London Mayor had actually said that people in the capital shouldnt be alarmed by the visibly increased police presence in the city. Mr Khan did not tell people that they should not be alarmed by the attacks.

Mr Khan said that Mr Trump had deliberately taken his comments out of context, which the US President tweeted was a pathetic excuse. The media covering the London attack were working hard to sell Mr Khans excuse, Mr Trump wrote.

The President sent out a series of tweets following the attack in which he called for the implementation of his travel ban, even though it was not immediately clear how, if at all, a ban would be able to stop a similar attack in the US. Those tweets berating Mr Khan have been widely condemned, and are in contrast to a statement from the US embassy in London.

I commend the strong leadership of @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack, a tweet attributed to Lewis Lukens, the US ambassador to the UK, read.

Mr Trumps tirade on Twitter attacked the US courts that have so far blocked both of his travel bans, criticised his own Justice Department for not sticking with his original travel ban, and said that his administration was practising extreme vetting of, presumably, refugees seeking entry into the US.

At least seven people were killed and nearly 50 people were wounded over the weekend when a terrorists drove a van through pedestrians on London Bridge, and went on a rampage through Borough Market with knives.

Police have since detained a number of people related to the attacks, which Isis claimed responsibility for.

As London sought to absorb the shock and sadness of the attacks, stories of heroism in the face of terror began to emerge. Some of the injured people reportedly tried to intervene when the terrorists started attacking people with knives. Those attackers appeared to be wearing suicide vests with explosives  which was later debunked  but the people trying to stop the terrorists would not have known that the vests were fake at the time.

Story continues

I heard truly remarkable stories of extraordinary, brave actions by officers  on and off duty  who were first on the scene, Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said. 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, Ms Dick said.

One of those brave responders was a British Transport Police officer who tried to take down the terrorists with just a baton in hand. He reportedly tackled the attackers, and suffered injuries to his head, face, and leg. He is being treated for serious injuries.

Civilians responded bravely as well. A baker reportedly smashed a crate over the head of an attacker before helping to give shelter to about 20 people. A restaurant owner helped about 120 of his patrons to safety after having previously trained his staff on what to do in the case of an attack amid heightened tensions in London.

Three men were shot dead by eight police officers responding to the attack with an unprecedented hail of 50 bullets. One bystander was also shot during the response. Scotland Yard said that seven women and five men between the ages of 19 and 60 have been arrested in relation to the terror attack. One man, a 55-year-old, was released from custody without being charged.

The names of the victims have been coming out slowly, and one has been named as Canadian Christine Archibald. Ms Archibald worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.
When Donald Trump failed to mention Article 5  the Nato provision that binds all member countries to each other's defence  in his recent speech at the alliances new headquarters, world leaders were shocked.

They werent the only ones.

Key members of Mr Trumps national security team, including national security adviser HR McMaster, Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, all believed he would endorse the article.

It wasnt until Mr Trump finished delivering his address that they realised he had left the endorsement out.

They had the right speech and it was cleared through McMaster, a source briefed by National Security Council officials told Politico. As late as that same morning, it was the right one.

Speaking at the dedication for a Nato monument to September 11, Mr Trump instead chose to chide member states for letting in refugees and not paying their fair share toward defence. September 11 is the only time Article 5 has ever been invoked, in defence of the United States.

The speech did not go over well with world leaders. Several were caught on camera looking perturbed, and even whispering to one another. Only Jens Stoltenberg, secretary general of NATO, spoke to Mr Trump at a following photo op.

*Look at their faces* and the whispering as Trump admonishes leaders over NATO financial obligations. pic.twitter.com/gLCYgKTdi3

 Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) May 25, 2017

Mr Trumps advisers  likely predicting this reception  had been pushing for him to endorse Article 5 for days, according to Politico. The day before the speech, an unnamed official even told The New York Times that Mr Trump planned to do so.

In the days following the speech, administration officials continued to reaffirm their commitment to the provision.

Story continues

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at a gaggle that the president is fully committed to Article 5. Speaking at an American Jewish Committee forum. Mr McMaster championed America's unbreakable commitment to our NATO allies.

Of course we believe in Article 5, United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley told CNNs State of the Union.

Mr Trump, however, has made no such promises. He frequently condemned Nato on the campaign trail, calling it obsolete. While he has walked back some of these statements since taking office, he has yet to explicitly endorse Article 5.

The reason Mr Trump made last-minute edits to his Nato speech remains unclear. Some people close to the situation believe he made the changes on the fly; others believe they were made on advisement from Steve Bannon and Steve Miller.

Either way, the omission made its mark.

The times in which we could rely fully on others are somewhat over, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told supporters after the summit. We have to know that we must fight for our future on our own, for our destiny as Europeans.
Reuters

It is on. The White House has said it will not try to use its powers to stop former FBI Director James Comey from testifying against Donald Trump.

There had been speculation Mr Trump would seek to invoke executive privilege to prevent Mr Comey testifying before congressional investigators looking into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russias alleged effort to interfere with the election.

Last week, White House Sean Spicer said Mr Comeys appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee had to be reviewed by the White House counsels office before a decision was made.

Washington's blockbuster #Comey hearing is ON. White House statement confirms #Trump won't assert executive privilege to block testimony pic.twitter.com/OwKjAjSSMC  Rajini Vaidyanathan (@BBCRajiniV) June 5, 2017

I have not spoken to counsel yet. I dont know how theyre going to respond, he said.

But White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters in Washington on Monday, that a decision had now been taken not to try and interfere with Mr Comey, or what he had to say

In order to facilitate a swift and thorough examination of the facts sought by the Senate Intelligence Committee, President Trump will not assert executive privilege regarding James Comey's scheduled testimony, she said.

Mr Comey was fired by Mr Trump as he was overseeing the FBI probe into possible links between the New York tycoons campaign with Russia. After he was fired, it was reported that Mr Trump had sought a pledge of loyalty from Mr Comey and then asked him to drop an investigation into his former national security advisor, Michael Flynn.

Mr Trump was forced to fire the former general after it emerged he had lied about his contacts with Russian officials.

Story continues

Reports suggest Mr Comey has spoken privately with Robert Mueller III, the appointed by the US Justice Department to take charge of the investigation, to ensure he does not discuss evidence that it crucial to his case.

However, CNN has said Mr Comey is likely to discuss his various conversations with Mr Trump, when he appears on Thursday. It is known that Mr Comey is someone who keeps extensive notes of his official meetings and interactions.
Raoul Pal

Raoul Pal, an early investor in bitcoin (BTCUSD=X) who once argued it could be valued at $1 million, sold his entire position in the cryptocurrency as it surged to new highs.

The price of the digital currency has risen more than 168% since January. At the time of this writing, it was trading near $2,600.

Pal first invested in bitcoin in 2013 when it was hovering around $200 and he has held it ever since.

At one point, he put out a research note where he argued that the value of the cryptocurrency could surge to $1 million in the future. His thesis was based on bitcoin being a store of value, creating a killer app that would disrupt the payment processing business, and that blockchain technology was a true revolution.

All the things that I thought bitcoin offered, to me, didnt strand up any longer, Pal told Yahoo Finance in a telephone interview on Friday.

Yahoo Finance

In recent months, hes changed his mind. First, theres been debate within the bitcoin community about about changing bitcoin or even creating a new one. For Pal, that doesnt make it a store of value anymore. Then, the idea that it would be a killer app never happened as companies like Visa launched their own blockchain for B2B payments.

My thesis is really bitcoin is a solution looking for a problem, Pal said.

Selling his position doesnt mean hes bearish.

For me, I dont see any reason to hold it. For me, Im out.

He does think that theres a bubble, though. He thinks the price of cryptocurrencies will ultimately fall and many will go to zero.

Pal exited his position in bitcoin in late May. He estimates that hes made between 7.5 and 10-times his money. He described it as one of the best trades and possibly the best trade hes ever made.

Pal, a Goldman Sachs alum, is the publisher of The Global Macro Investor, which is read by the hedge fund elite. In addition, hes the cofounder of Real Vision Television and Real Vision Publications.

His full explanation for why hes out of bitcoin is available on Real Vision Publications.

Story continues



Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance.

Read more:
While Donald Trump relaunched his attack on Sadiq Khan, every mayor in America sent a message of support and solidarity.

Mr Khan has frequently been a foil for criticism from the US President, and Mr Trump began tweeting about him just hours after the attack in London that left seven dead. Even though Mr Khan has roundly condemned the attack and said there was no reason for people to be alarmed by the sight of armed police officers, Mr Trump had said: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!

On Monday morning, Mr Trump published a new tweet, that said: Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement. MSM is working hard to sell it.

What a great day for the Dayton Pride Festival! We truly have something to celebrate in our open and inclusive Dayton! #AllAreWelcomeHere  pic.twitter.com/iSVISKKx3P

 Nan Whaley (@nanwhaley) June 3, 2017

As Mr Trump was engaging in his attack on Mr Khan, the US Conference of Mayors, which represents 1,400 communities with populations of 30,000 or more, sent a message of support to the London mayor and to Londoners.

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, said the group, which represents every community in the US with a population of more than 30,00 people.

We send praise and absolute respect for the police officers who responded with eight minutes to kill all three of the London Bridge terrorist murderers.

The Mayors of the USA who havent had a terrorist attack know full well that in todays age of terrorist actions, domestic and international, an attack could happen in their city.

Story continues

Nan Whaley, the mayor of Dayton, Ohio, for four years, said that at a time like this, it was important for community leaders to show support. She told The Independent it was increasingly clear that incidents such as the one that played out in London, could occur anywhere.

Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!

 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

It happens everywhere, so having communities work together and share their support is something that is very important to the Conference of Mayors, said Ms Whaley, a Democrat, who heads the groups international liaison committee.

Karen Freeman-Wilson, the mayor of Gary, Indiana, said the organisation felt it was important to send a message of solidarity from people who understood what it was like to be on the ground working with citizens. She said it was too easy for people to act an armchair quarterback.

Without naming Mr Trump, she added: We did not want there to be fear or alarm because of statements made by people who have never held that position.

The statement from the group, added: 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 todayThank you, Mayor Khan, for your leadership during this crisis.

Related:

Watch news, TV and more Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.
Explosions ripped through the funeral of an Afghan anti-government protester in Kabul Saturday, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens in fresh carnage that spiked tensions in a city already on edge.

The latest killings, which could provoke a new cycle of bloodshed, bring to 101 the number of people killed this week with hundreds injured in one of the worst bouts of violence in the Afghan capital for years.

Witnesses reported three back-to-back blasts during the burial of Salim Ezadyar, who was among four people killed on Friday when a protest over spiralling insecurity in Kabul degenerated into street clashes with police.

The hilly, wind-swept cemetery was littered with human remains, 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 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 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 made a televised appeal for national unity after the funeral bombings. "The country is under attack," he said. "We must stay strong and 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.

Story continues

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 -

The tense week of violence during the holy fasting month of Ramadan has left hospitals in the city overwhelmed, with many running beyond capacity to treat the injured.

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 clashes.

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."

Dozens of protesters defied the warning and 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.

The United Nations and a host of international allies have urged restraint by all sides.

"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.

"In the context of so much suffering, now is the time to seek unity and solidarity."
A Florida law is keeping Christopher from seeing his son because the childs mother was married to another man. His lawyer joins The Doctors to share more about his struggle to have access to his child.

Christopher was with the woman for 6 months, but she went back to her estranged husband just 4 weeks before she gave birth.

Attorney Rebekah Brown-Wiseman says, The courts, unfortunately, see it very differently than the average person. In the courts, they are trying to use an old, outdated notion of protecting the child. They are trying to protect the child, so the child is not stigmatized in the courts mind from being an illegitimate child. So what they are trying to do is keep the child of an intact marriage.

Watch: Mother Loses Custody after Drinking Marijuana Tea While Pregnant

She furthers explains that the law, which is from 1993, does not give her client any rights as a parent to the child.

So, if the mother and her husband object to the biological father basically being a parent to his own biological child, theyre going to allow it, she explains, telling The Doctors that in the state of Florida these cases are difficult to resolve due to this archaic law.

Attorney Areva Martin says this law harkens back to 1950s mentality and slams the idea for not acknowledging that families come in all shapes and sizes and do not simply consist of a man and woman raising the child.

Watch: Kids Suing Parents For Posting Pics?

Rebekah tells The Doctors that she is making a constitutional argument under equal protection grounds on behalf of her client because she believes the law is sexist and unfair.

The case is now headed to an appellate court. We reached out to the mothers lawyer for comment but did not hear back. The Doctors hope that the best interests of the child are taking into consideration when ruling on this case.
A Flint official called residents the n-word and said they're the reason behind Flint's water problem: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

An official in Flint, Michigan, has been forced to resign after a recording of him using a racial slur to describe residents of the city surfaced.

Phil Stair, a longtime employee of the Genesee County Land Bank, resigned after water activist and independent journalist Chelsea Lyons released the tape. Mr Stair, a white man, had made the comments while Ms Lyons was with him driving to a restaurant, according to Truth Against the Machine, an organisation where Ms Lyons is a reporter.

Flint has the same problems as Detroit  f*****g n*****s dont pay their bills, believe me, I deal with them, Mr Stair is heard saying in a recording.

The release of the recording led the former sales manager to resign from his position at the Land Bank, which Ms Lyons said she is concerned with because it is Flints largest property owner. The agency takes over tax-foreclosed properties before conducting demolitions, rehabilitations, and sales on the homes. The Land Bank is a non-profit organisation whose stated mission is to "restore value to the community" through the rehabilitation of those properties in cooperation with stakeholders "who value responsible land ownership."

The Land Bank is taking up all of the properties in Flint... They are pushing people out of the neighbourhood, Ms Lyons told Michigan Live.

Flints ongoing water crisis has led many to express concern that more and more homes will be foreclosed as residents struggle to pay their water bills, and their property taxes. At least a third of the properties in the city are already vacated, foreshadowing a wave of blight that could overtake the city in coming years.

Even with that seemingly imminent catastrophe rushing over the horizon, fiscal realities have pushed the government to resort to seemingly desperate measures that have had the potential to push people out of their homes even quicker.

Earlier this year, for instance, the city sent out notices that unpaid water bills would result in tax liens that could have wrenched houses out of the hands of more than 8,000 residents who havent paid their bills  even though the water is still so toxic that it is virtually unusable at this time. That proposal was blocked that effort for a year by the city council amid uproar.

Story continues

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BLACK RIVER FALLS  One man was injured and nine others displaced after a Saturday morning fire in a second-floor apartment above Murphy's Pub on Main Street, Black River Falls.

Smoke could be seen coming from around the apartment's door, and flames could be seen under the doorway before firefighters knocked down the fire, according to the Black River Falls Fire Department.

The occupant of the apartment was found on the building's roof with an injury to his arm. He was treated at the scene before being transported to Black River Memorial Hospital.

The fire was contained to the apartment, but there was smoke damage to the eight other apartments in the complex, and the pub below reported water damage.

The Black River Falls Fire Department, Wisconsin Fire Marshall's Office, Jackson County Sheriff's Department and Black River Falls Police Department are investigating the cause of the fire.

The displaced residents were assisted by the American Red Cross.
Former U.S. national security adviser Susan Rice on Sunday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of lying when he denied interfering with the U.S. election.

The comment came just days before former FBI Director James Comey was scheduled to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee Thursday about his meetings with President Donald Trump to discuss the investigation into Russian meddling and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. Trump fired Comey last month, admitting in a broadcast interview that the Russia investigation was on his mind when he did so.

U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russia was behind the hacking of the Democratic National Committees email and the planting of false stories on the internet, one of which linked Democrat Hillary Clinton to a child trafficking ring out of a pizza parlor in Washington. Intelligence officials have said a disinformation operation of this magnitude had to have been orchestrated by Putin.

The Russian president, however, has said though Russian hackers may indeed have been involved, the government had nothing to do with it.

Frankly, he's lying, Rice, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said on ABCs 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.

susan rice

Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters

Rice said it is unfortunate the Obama administrations warnings about Russian interference were lost in the general din of the campaign. She said it would be a mistake to return control of compounds seized in Maryland and on Long Island in the wake of the intelligence revelations.

Read: Pruitt Says Paris Agreement Ineffective; Gore Says Pullout Reckless

Story continues

Let's be clear. Russia is an adversary, Rice said, adding, President Obama rightly imposed strong sanctions in December for the election meddling. Those sanctions should remain because Russia hasn't changed its behavior. It has just denied and obfuscated and continued to behave badly. So there's no reason to ease the sanctions. Indeed, I think, as some in Congress have suggested, it's time to consider strengthening sanctions.

The White House has been trying to deflect attention away from the Russia investigation.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., appearing on CNNs State of the Union said so far the investigation has produced a lot of smoke but no definitive answers.

Read: Is Kushner Russia Story Fake? Republicans Say Maybe, Dems Say Doubtful

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, Warner said. He said he would ask Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers if they felt pressured by Trump to downplay the investigation.

Warner said on CBSs Face the Nation he wants Comey to reinforce, one, the fact that the Russians directly intervened in our elections, which everybody accepts except for the president and maybe Vladimir Putin, and for Comey to detail his conversations with Trump.

Reports have indicated Comey wrote memos after his meetings with Trump, detailing that the president asked him to go soft on his investigation into whether former national security adviser Michael Flynn colluded with the Russians. Flynn was forced to resign his post just weeks into the Trump administration for misrepresenting his contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she wants to understand the tone and context of the conversations between Trump and Comey.
Riyadh (AFP) - Saudi Arabia and several of its allies on Monday cut relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis to have hit the region in years.

Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Maldives also severed ties with gas-rich Qatar, which Riyadh accused of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Qatar denied any support for extremists and accused its neighbours of seeking to put the country under "guardianship".

The crisis was likely to have wide-ranging consequences, for Qatar and its citizens as well as the Middle East and Western interests.

Qatar hosts the largest US airbase in the region, which is crucial in the fight against Islamic State group jihadists, and is set to host the 2022 football World Cup.

The dispute comes less than a month after US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia and called for a united Muslim front against extremism.

It also followed weeks of rising tensions between Doha and its neighbours, including Qatari accusations of a concerted media campaign against it and the alleged hacking of its official news agency.

The Gulf states and Egypt said they were severing ties and closing transport links with Qatar, which relies on imports from its neighbours.

- Qatar slams 'baseless claims' -

The Gulf states have ordered Qataris to leave within 14 days and banned their own citizens from travelling to the emirate.

Saudi Arabia also closed its borders with Qatar, effectively blocking food and other exports and prompting shoppers to flood Doha's supermarkets.

In one store queues were up to 25-people deep as shoppers piled trollies high with supplies from rice to nappies.

"It's a cycle of panic and I needed to get pasta," said Ernest, a Lebanese national pushing two trollies.

Riyadh said its measures were the result of "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar".

Story continues

It accused Doha of harbouring "terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to destabilise the region including the Muslim Brotherhood, Daesh (IS) and Al-Qaeda".

Gulf states have long accused Qatar of supporting extremist groups, in particular the Muslim Brotherhood.

Riyadh also accused Doha of supporting Iran-backed "terrorist activities" in its east and in Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia also shut the office of Qatar's Al-Jazeera global news channel. In the UAE, subsidiary satellite network beIn Sports went offline.

Any suggestion Qatar is backing the agenda of Shiite-dominated Iran -- Sunni Saudi Arabia's regional arch-rival -- is especially sensitive, particularly after Trump's comments last month.

"The measures are unjustified and are based on false and baseless claims," Qatar said.

"The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state," it said, insisting authorities would "take all measures necessary... to foil attempts to affect or harm Qatar's society and economy".

- Flights cancelled -

Qatari share prices closed down 7.58 percent.

UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia, as well as Saudi Airlines announced the suspension of all flights to and from Qatar as of Tuesday morning.

Egypt said it would also suspend air links with Qatar from Tuesday and gave Doha's ambassador 48 hours to leave.

Saudi authorities said the country's airspace would be closed to Qatari planes.

The Saudi-led coalition battling Iran-backed rebels in Yemen said it had expelled Qatar from the group for providing "support to (terrorist) organisations" there.

Gulf countries previously recalled their ambassadors from Qatar in 2014, ostensibly over its support for the Brotherhood, but Monday's moves go much further.

- Emboldened by Trump -

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies may have felt emboldened by Trump's visit, which saw the new president clearly align US interests with Riyadh and lash out at Iran.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he did not expect the dispute to have "any significant impact... on the unified fight against terrorism."

He encouraged Qatar and its neighbours to "sit down together", while Iran also urged Qatar and its neighbours to talk.

Signs of an impending crisis emerged last month.

Doha said hackers were behind the release of false remarks attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani published on the website of its national news agency.

The stories quoted him questioning US hostility towards Iran, speaking of "tensions" between Doha and Washington and speculating that Trump might not remain in power for long.

Doha denied the comments and denounced a "shameful cybercrime".

The crisis is the worst to hit Gulf Arab nations since the creation in 1981 of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) grouping Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
Although we're going to have to wait until June 13 for the proper launch of Hyundai's new small crossover, the Kona, the South Korean automaker has released a few slightly more revealing images to tease us with ahead of the official reveal. The latest images show the new Hyundai in three-quarter views from the front and the back, and probably show a little more of the new design than we might expect at this point ahead of a formal launch.

The Kona will be the fourth SUV in Hyundai's range and it's going to go head-to-head with the likes of the Kia Soul, Nissan Juke and the Toyota C-HR. It looks from the images as though the Kona will follow in the footsteps of those illustrious rivals in being what's often referred to as "funky" in terms of its design. However, the mean-looking split headlights of the Kona and its iteration of Hyundai's corporate grille and upper scoop appear to deliver a look that's considerably more serious and grown-up than the Juke, but also a little less futuristic and polarizing than the C-HR.

There does appear to be the kind of contrasting roof that's all the rage these days, while the somewhat aggressive front and sides resolve into something altogether more sober at the rear.

As well as the images, Hyundai has also released a teaser video to go with them, although the video probably doesn't tell us as much about how the Kona looks as the still images do. What the video does proudly show off though is a heads-up display, which is a first for any Hyundai model. The system uses a pop-up panel onto which information is displayed, so it appears to be pretty much like similar systems found in some Mazda and Mini models. It may not be a particularly remarkable development, but a heads-up display being available is always to be welcomed, and the color projection in this case does look pretty attractive.

What we might not hear too much about at the official launch later this month is an all-electric version of the Kona SUV. However, a Hyundai official has already told reporters in South Korea that there is to be a new electric vehicle from Hyundai next year in 2018, and that it's also going to be a small SUV. That suggests that it's almost certain to be a Kona EV.
Tehran (AFP) - 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.
Tehran (AFP) - Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday urged Qatar and neighbouring Gulf Arab countries that have severed diplomatic ties with it to engage in dialogue to resolve their dispute.

"Neighbours are permanent; geography can't be changed. Coercion is never the solution. Dialogue is imperative, especially during blessed Ramadan," Zarif tweeted, referring to the Muslim month of fasting.

Zarif also phoned his Qatari counterpart to discuss the latest development, and also spoke to the foreign ministers of Arab and Muslim countries, including Algeria, Turkey, Indonesia and Iraq.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said in a statement that a solution to the differences between Qatar and its three Gulf neighbours "is only possible through political and peaceful methods and dialogue between the parties".

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, plus Egypt and Yemen, on Monday announced they were cutting all ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis in the region for years.

Ghasemi said increased tension among its southern neighbours "is not to the benefit of any governments in the region and threatens the interests of all" at a time when the world was "suffering widespread terrorism and extremism".

Shiite Iran has had no diplomatic ties with most of the mainly Sunni Gulf states since 2016, when Arab nations followed Saudi Arabia in severing relations after protesters torched its missions in the Islamic republic.

"Using sanctions in today's integrated world is inefficient, to be condemned and unacceptable," Ghasemi added of Qatar's neighbours closing all land, sea and air links with it.

"Protecting the national sovereignty of independent governments, avoiding interference in their internal affairs and respecting recognised international borders are internationally recognised and fundamental rights which must be respected by all sides."

Story continues

Meanwhile the head of Iran's agricultural products export union said his group was ready to fill in for expected food shortages in Qatar, which relies on imports from its neighbours.

According to Fars news agency, Reza Noorani said his union had teamed up with Iran's Valfajr Shipping Line, which is ready to transport Iranian goods to Qatar through the port cities of Bushehr, Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh.

Saudi Arabia also closed its borders with Qatar, effectively blocking food and other supplies exported by land to Qatar -- prompting panicked shoppers to flood supermarkets in Doha.
LONDON (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei lashed out on Sunday against U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's leaders for their new regional alliance against Tehran, saying it would bear no fruit.

Trump singled out Iran as a key source of funding and support for militant groups during his visit to Saudi Arabia in late May, two days after the Iranian election in which pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani won a second term.

During Trump's visit to Riyadh, the U.S. sealed a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional arch-rival.

Khamenei called the visit a display of brazenness.

"The U.S. president stands alongside the leaders of a tribal and backward system and does the sword dance, but criticizes an Iranian election with 40 million votes," the supreme leader said in a speech broadcast live on state TV.

"Even with a multi-billion dollar bribe to America, the Saudis cannot achieve their goals in the region," he said.

Khamenei accused Washington of double standards, saying it turned a blind eye to the "killing of Yemeni people in mosques, streets and their homes," while claiming to promote human rights around the world.

Saudi Arabia is leading a Sunni Arab coalition fighting the Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen, part of the same regional power struggle that is fuelling the war in Syria.

The Iranian president championed a nuclear deal with the United States and five other major powers in 2015 that led to the lifting of most sanctions against Iran, in return for curbs on its nuclear program.

Related:

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The landmark deal, however, has not led to normalization of ties between the two countries that Tehran hoped for.

Trump has frequently called the agreement "one of the worst deals ever signed" and said Washington would review it.

European countries, Russia and China have expressed concern that the Trump administration might withdraw from the deal.

Story continues

"European leaders are now saying the Americans are not trustworthy. Imam Khomeini said the same thing more than 30 years ago," Khamenei said at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, marking the 1989 death of the founder of the Islamic Republic.

Relations with Washington were broken after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution and enmity to the United States has long been a rallying point for hardline supporters of Khamenei in Iran.

Khamenei hailed the high turnout in the election, saying that it showed the majority of Iranians still supported the Islamic revolution and its uncompromising values.

(Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's ambassador to Senegal will return to his post after he was recalled last year following Dakar's support of a U.N. Security Council resolution against Israeli settlements. 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 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 Organisation of African Unity. 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 occupied territory which the Palestinians hope will be part of an eventual independent state. 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. (Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Mosul (Iraq) (AFP) - 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.

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.

Story continues

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."
On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver had some choice words for the media's coverage of Saturday night's tragic attacks in London, where seven people were killed and many more injured. The media repeatedly said that the U.K. was "under siege" or that it was "reeling" from the attacks but Oliver said, "To say it's under siege and its people are reeling is to imply that it's weak enough to be brought to its knees by three monumental a**holes." Oliver wasn't the only Brit irritated by the coverage. Many people took to Twitter using #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling and as you might have guessed, terrorism wasn't on the list but "accidental eye contact on the tube" and "when people make tea in the microwave" definitely were. Oliver went on to explain that the British people are never going to let terror change their way of life showing the example of footage of people being evacuated which included a man carrying his pint of beer with him. "That is a one-man walking 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster," Oliver said. But Oliver was most impressed by one Londoner who witnessed the attacks firsthand and still went back to pay his restaurant bill and tip the staff. He said to a reporter, "We're not going to let these people win. And I keep saying if me having a gin and tonic with my friends, flirting with handsome men, hanging out with brilliant women, is what offends these people so much, I'm going to do it more, not less, because that's what makes London so great." In the end, Oliver raised a gin and tonic to this gentleman who won't be letting terror change his British way of life.
On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver had some choice words for the medias coverage of Saturday nights tragic attacks in London, in which seven people were killed and many more injured. The media repeatedly said that the U.K. was under siege or that it was reeling from the attacks, but Oliver contended, To say its under siege and its people are reeling is to imply that its weak enough to be brought to its knees by three monumental a**holes.

Oliver wasnt the only Brit irritated by the coverage. Many people took to Twitter using #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling and as you might have guessed, terrorism wasnt on the list but accidental eye contact on the tube and when people make tea in the microwave definitely were.

The host went on to explain that the British are never going to let terror change their way of life, showing footage of people being evacuated that included a man carrying his pint of beer with him. That is a one-man walking Keep Calm and Carry On poster, Oliver said.

But Oliver was most impressed by one Londoner who witnessed the attacks firsthand and still went back to pay his restaurant bill and tip the staff. He said to a reporter, Were not going to let these people win. And I keep saying if me having a gin and tonic with my friends, flirting with handsome men, hanging out with brilliant women, is what offends these people so much, Im going to do it more, not less, because thats what makes London so great.

In the end, Oliver raised a gin and tonic to this gentleman, who wont be letting terror change his British way of life.

Last Week Tonight airs Sundays at 11 p.m. on HBO.

Check out John Olivers hilarious message for National Spelling Bee contestants:

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Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
John Oliver is not taking climate change lightly, and he's not letting President Donald Trump get away with withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement.

In a segment on Sunday's Last Week Tonight, Oliver mocked Trump and other politicians for their apparent inability to understand climate change.

Oliver picked apart one Trump statement about the Green Climate Fund, which helps developing countries reduce emissions, where he claimed that it would cost the U.S. "tens of billions of dollars."

In response, Oliver retorted: Trump's agreement of the description is so flamboyantly deceptive, it would have been equally accurate for him to say, Compliance with the Paris Agreement would likely require all ducks to wear jean shorts. And that it would potentially cost each and every American citizen five fish and a dump truck full of hamsters.

In the end, Oliver summarized that even though it might have been hard to find the motivation to support climate change before, people can now rally in favor of the movement out of their unifying loathing for Trump.
Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia will launch joint patrols in waters off the Mindanao region this month to counter threats from Islamic State group militants, Malaysia's defence minister said Saturday.

Hishammuddin Hussein made the comments at a security conference in Singapore as Philippine troops continued to battle self-styled Islamic State group gunmen who attacked the city of Marawi on Mindanao island nearly two weeks ago.

Hishammuddin said joint sea patrols in the waters bordering the three nations would kick off on June 19, with air patrols starting at a later date.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in Mindanao in response to the crisis, describing the attack on Marawi as the start of a major campaign by IS to establish a foothold in the Philippines.

Security analysts say IS is planning to establish a "province" in the southern island of Mindanao as part of its efforts to set up a caliphate in Southeast Asia.

"If you talk about Sulu Straits (it) ... would involve Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines," Hishammuddin told delegates to Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual security summit.

"So within ASEAN, we decided at least these three countries, to avoid being accused of doing nothing, the three of us took the initiative to have the joint patrol... initiatives in the Sulu Straits," he added, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Hishammuddin said Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have carried out successful joint patrols in the Malacca Strait bordering their countries to fight maritime piracy.

- 'Decades of problems' -

Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the city-state stood ready to help Manila deal with the jihadist threat.

"There was clear realisation... that if the situation in Marawi in Southern Philippines was allowed to escalate or entrench, it would pose decades of problems for ASEAN," he said.

"We are fully on board on this threat."

Story continues

Analysts have said the porous maritime borders between the three countries make it hard to detect the movement of militants.

Mindanao is "the primary area in the region where Islamist militant groups are still able to operate with some freedom of operation, run training camps, and conduct frequent attacks," said Otso Iho, senior analyst at IHS Jane's Terrorism and Insurgency Centre (JTIC).

"This level of lawlessness and the fact that the space is difficult for government forces and institutions to effectively govern makes it the most likely place for a declaration," he told AFP.

"Its also the location where the vast majority of Southeast Asian groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State are based."

Hishammuddin and other defence ministers who spoke at the conference warned of the threat posed by returning Southeast Asian militants who are fighting with the IS in Iraq and Syria where the group is losing territory.

"This however then gives rise to the disturbing prospect that the Asia-Pacific is now in DAESHs crosshairs," he said, using an alternative acronym for the group.

The threat is "real and multidimensional, whether from returning fighters, regional franchises or more disturbingly, from self-radicalised lone wolves," he added.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said Washington stood by the Philippines, its defence treaty ally in fighting terrorism, but did not refer to moves by Duterte to shift his country's foreign policy away from the United States and closer to China and Russia.

"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 defence treaty," Mattis told the conference.
Demonstrators rally during a March protest against President Trumps proposed travel ban. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  White House and Justice Department lawyers quickly reached out to George Conway, the litigator-husband of White House senior counselor Kellyanne Conway, to endorse his sharp criticism of President Trumps early morning tweetstorm about the handling of his travel ban, according to Conways latest tweets about the issue.

George Conway, a prominent New York attorney, criticized the presidents Monday tweetstorm deriding his own Justice Department. Conway called the tweets sad and damaging to the federal governments case for its proposed travel ban.

These tweets may make some [people] feel better, but they certainly wont help OSG get 5 votes in SCOTUS, which is what actually matters. Sad, Conway tweeted. OSG is the Office of the Solicitor General, which is defending several challenges to the presidents revised executive order banning travel from six Muslim-majority countries and suspending the U.S. refugee program entirely.

Within hours after Conway stunned Washingtons legal community by publicly upbraiding his wifes employer, he said he had already heard from Trump administration lawyers privately backing up his position.

Every sensible lawyer in WHCO [White House Counsel Office] and every politicalappointee at DOJ [Department of Justice] wd agree with me (as some have already told me), Conway wrote. The pt cannot be stressed enough that tweets on legal mattersseriously undermine Admin agenda and POTUSand those who support him, as I do, need to reinforce that pt and not be shy about it.

These tweets may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly won't help OSG get 5 votes in SCOTUS, which is what actually matters. Sad. https://t.co/zVhcyfm8Hr  George Conway (@gtconway3d) June 5, 2017

Conway confirmed to Yahoo News the tweets were his but declined to elaborate on how he thinks Trumps comments could hurt the White Houses case in court.

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Conway was up for a top job in the Justice Departments civil division but withdrew from consideration last week, citing concerns that it was the not the best decision for his family. Before his Monday tweets criticizing the president, Conway had not posted on Twitter for more than a year. He was also reportedly up for consideration for the solicitor general position.

The president tweeted early Monday morning several times, criticizing his own Justice Department for submitting a watered down and politically correct version of his original travel ban executive order, which had also barred Iraqis from entering the U.S., among other changes. The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C., he wrote.

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN! the commander in chief tweeted.

Kellyanne Conway and her husband, George Conway. (Photos: Mark Wilson/Getty Images, Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The president signed a revised travel ban in March after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and other federal courts blocked his original ban, arguing that it was likely unconstitutional because its intent was to target Muslims.

Several federal judges cited the president and his staffs own words saying they wanted to institute a Muslim ban as evidence that the executive order was intended to unconstitutionally target a specific religion. Derrick K. Watson, the federal judge in Hawaii who blocked the revised executive order, wrote that he found significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus driving the promulgation of the Executive Order and its related predecessor. That evidence includes former Trump adviser Rudy Giuliani saying the president asked for a legal version of the Muslim ban to sign, and the presidents comments on the Christian Broadcast Network the day he signed the executive order, when he said he would give Christian refugees preference over Muslim ones.

The Justice Department has argued that the courts should consider just the text of the executive order, not comments by the president or his staff about its intent.

Now, attorneys on both sides of the political spectrum say Trumps words may again hurt him in court.

Neal Katyal, the former acting solicitor general under former President Barack Obama who now is representing the state of Hawaii in its challenge of the travel ban, tweeted that the president was acting as his co-counsel because his comments were so damaging to the governments case.

Its kinda odd to have the defendant in HawaiivTrump acting as our co-counsel.We don't need the help but will take it! pic.twitter.com/8ehqkLkOY2  Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) June 5, 2017

Faiz Shakir, national political director at the American Civil Liberties Union, also encouraged the president to keep it up. Keep tweeting, Mr. President. A lot of people are saying its fantastic and that we need more!! Tremendous, Shakir told Yahoo News.

Trumps tweets could potentially hurt the governments case in several ways. For one, the Trump administration has forcefully pushed back on referring to the executive order as a travel ban  a phrase Trump repeated several times in his Monday Twitter flurry.

This is not a travel ban, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said after the order was signed. This is a temporary pause that allows us to better review the existing refugee and visa vetting system.

The administration probably wanted to shy away from the word ban because it harkened back to candidate Trumps promise of a Muslim ban  a policy that many federal judges would rule unconstitutional.

Secondly, in calling his revised order watered down and politically correct, the president suggests that the new executive order does not make a clean break from the intent of the first, which is the argument that judges cited while rejecting the revised version. Criticizing the executive order the Justice Department is defending could also lead Supreme Court justices to argue the case is not ripea legal term that means its premature to consider an argument. Katyal could argue this isnt a ripe case because the president cant make up his mind whether he wants the original version or the new version of the order, said Douglas Kmiec, a law professor at Pepperdine University who worked in the Department of Justice under President Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. That would allow the Supreme Court to dodge a politically charged case, letting the lower courts rulings blocking the order stand.

Trump also attacks the courts as political in one of the tweets, potentially alienating the justices who will be examining his case. (In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe, he wrote. The courts are slow and political!)

Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that the Trump administration has not unveiled the new extreme vetting procedures the executive order was nominally crafted to create. The executive order asked for a temporary travel ban of 90 days on six countries (and of 120 days for refugees from all countries) while the government instituted new extreme vetting procedures for future visitors  procedures that the Trump administration has yet to produce. Judges may take the absence of extreme vetting measures as evidence that the travel ban was not actually urgently needed so the administration could immediately improve their procedures, as the government claimed. Trumps claim that extreme vetting is happening despite the courts slowness could also lead to the argument that his executive order was not necessary to accomplish its stated goal.

Still, the Justice Department has the powerful argument that the president has wide latitude in deciding who can enter the country. Government lawyers may also point to Trumps recent speech in Saudi Arabia distinguishing radical Islam from Islam as a whole as proof that religious animus is no longer driving his national security policy.

According to the New York Times, the president may have been reacting to a segment on MSNBCs Morning Joe when he started his Monday tweetstorm. A few minutes before Trumps tweets, the shows hosts played clips of Trump administration officials emphatically saying the policy was not a travel ban, contrasting it with the presidents Saturday evening tweet after the London terror attacks saying America needed a travel ban to be safe.

Additional contributions by Michael Isikoff.

Read more from Yahoo News:
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President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris climate accords on Thursday, but cities, states, and a spate of companies in a variety of different sectors have all vowed to abide by the landmark pact. As they do, theyre finding a willing partner in government  just not their own government.

National governments around the world have announced that they stand willing and able to work with those in the United States that want to remain committed to the Paris Agreement, even if their commander in chief doesnt.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel noted she was really thrilled that so many states and groups worldwide, also in the U.S., are willing to continue to work together on fighting climate change, the German embassy told Foreign Policy.

Japan swallowed its disappointment and focused on the bright side of life. Tokyo explained to the United States government the importance of its engagement, and expressed its disappointment in the withdrawal, a spokesperson for the Japanese embassy said. While the United States is a country with the second largest greenhouse gas emissions, it continues to bring innovative technology and policy methods to the environmental field.

Others noted that climate cooperation is happening, but not necessarily at the federal level. The French Embassy, for example, noted that the driving force behind trans-Atlantic cooperation on climate change is Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris and president of C40 Cities, a network of big cities committed to taking action on climate change. That network gives like-minded U.S. mayors a ready-made replacement for Paris. Hidalgo has spent the last few days tweeting out messages of thanks to C40 cities for displaying their support, including Boston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and, yes, Pittsburgh.

Italy, too, is prepared to partner at the state and local level. Theres Italys Smart Cities initiative  an effort to render Genoa, Turin, and Milan more efficient  and those three are ready to work with American counterparts. Italys also looking to partner at the regional level with certain states  one Italian diplomat pointed to California as being particularly receptive.

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Other countries are looking to cooperate with U.S. cities and states themselves. Notably, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted his regret that the U.S. federal government had announced its intent to pull out of Paris, a hint that there were perhaps other forms of government with which Canada planned to do business. Canada has already been working with U.S. states for a while, and Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna was in California in late April. For a decade, several Canadian provinces have worked with a handful of U.S. states in the so-called Western Climate Initiative.

Canada  the host of this years World Environment Day  is also looking to partner with U.S.-based companies, rendering the environmentally beneficial economically profitable. Canada is meeting with American investment groups and organizations such as the Gates Foundation to find new ways to encourage investment in the clean technology sector even in the absence of formal U.S. emissions reductions targets.

Trump kept one of his campaign promises by pulling out of Paris, and promised that doing so would be better for the economy. But cities, states, companies  and countries overseas  dont seem to have gotten the memo.

Photo credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
cameronabadi

The London police said they know the identity of the three individuals who attacked civilians on Saturday night. They said names would be released as soon as operationally possible. The three attackers were all shot dead within minutes of striking. The police also said a number have been detained in connection with the incident.

The attack caused further tension between the United States and its traditional ally, the United Kingdom, which was already under some strain after U.S. intelligence leaked the identity of the man responsible for the attack in Manchester just weeks ago. President Donald Trump took to Twitter hours after the attack to belittle the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, criticizing Khan for telling Londoners not to be alarmed by heightened police presence in coming days.

Undeterred by grammar or the actual context of Khans statement, Trump doubled down on Monday.

Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

How the attack impacts the upcoming general election will be seen this Thursday, when Brits take to the polls in snap elections. British Prime Minister Theresa May called for early elections thinking she could consolidate support for her party, but the maneuver may end up  like the Brexit referendum  backfiring on the Tories.

Her opponent, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has surprised many by rising in the polls, said May should resign over her cuts to police funding and accused her of trying to keep the United Kingdom safe on the cheap. May, who was home secretary before becoming prime minister, said police are fully funded and have very powerful counter-terrorism capabilities We have protected counter-terrorism policing budgets. Corbyn, she said, would not empower them to hunt terrorists.

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While those two battle it out and Khan does all the things he deemed more important than responding to Trumps ill-informed tweet, Trump will have a chance to boost ties with an increasingly eager ally  Romania. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis will meet with Trump on Thursday. The Romanian government recently announced it will spend tens of millions of dollars on new weaponry, which, given Trumps speech at the NATO meeting in Brussels, should be music to the U.S. presidents impatient ear.

Also Thursday, Russiagate comes back to Washington in a big way: Ousted FBI director James Comey will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Sure to come up? The dispute over whether Trump tried to get Comey to quash the Russia investigation before summarily firing him.

Photo credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
A vivid, turquoise-colored carving from ancient Egypt has been returned to a Berlin museum more than 70 years after it was thought to have been lost during World War II.

The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, which oversees Berlin's state-run museums, announced that the stone slab fragment had been found in the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The stone is covered with a blue Egyptian faience glaze, and it depicts Ptahmose, the mayor of Memphis under Ramses II, the warrior king and prolific monument builder who ruled during the 13th century B.C. Though the slab is broken, Ptahmose is still visible, raising both hands in a gesture of worship before the gods Osiris and Isis. [See Photos of Looting in Egypt]

Dutch Egyptologist Nico Staring, currently a visiting scholar at Leiden University, matched this object in a historical photo from Berlin's Neues Museum with a new photo from the Kelsey Museum. Staring informed the curators of both institutions of his discovery, and eventually, the Kelsey Museum decided to return the stone object to Berlin, where it will go on display beginning in mid-June.

This ancient Egyptian artifact missing from Berlin since World War II has been discovered in Michigan.  Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Agyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung

Hermann Parzinger, president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, said in the statement that the return was a "noble gesture."

"Now, after more than 70 years, it will once again take its place in the permanent exhibition," Parzinger added.

The Neues Museum was badly damaged by Allied air raids during World War II. Then, the building was left in ruin in the former Soviet-occupied section of Berlin. It didn't reopen until 2009, after a major renovation.

When the museum was closed at the beginning of World War II, this Egyptian stone slab which had been bought from an English collection in 1910 was left hidden inside a sarcophagus. It was recorded as missing after the war.

Strangely enough, the artifact had been given to the Kelsey Museum by Samuel Abraham Goudsmit, a Dutch-American physicist (and antiquities collector) who worked on the Manhattan Project. Goudsmit was in charge of the Alsos Mission, which was a secret U.S. project to investigate enemy scientific developments during World War II, specifically focused on the Germans' nuclear weapons program. Goudsmit had acquired the carving from a private collector in Germany in 1945, according to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation.

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The Nazis famously looted art collections in Europe during World War II, but art collections in Berlin also suffered big losses during the turmoil of war. Fires and bombing destroyed artworks that had been kept in safekeeping. Other objects were looted, and some were hauled off by Soviet troops after the war. Recently, art historians located 59 Italian Renaissance sculptures from Berlin's collections,including works by Donatello, in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow.

This return isn't the first time the Neues Museum will display art thought to be destroyed during World War II. In 2010, construction workers who were digging a subway line in the center of Berlin stumbled upon a cache of modernist sculptures that the Nazis had deemed "degenerate art." Archaeologists recovered 11 sculptures that then were prepared for an exhibition.

Original article on Live Science.

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A translation of a martial-arts book published in 1914, which was written by a woman for women, describes a group of Japanese women who banded together to form the Women's Self-Defense League in order to fight off attacks from men.

Nobatake Yaeko wrote the book  whose title translates as "Self-Defense for Women"  under the pen name Nohata Showa  and she published it in May of 1914. In the book, she describes and illustrates a number of martial-arts techniques that women can use to fight off attackers. These techniques include throws, ways to break an attacker's arm and a technique that strangles the abdomen of an attacker who is trying to rape a woman. [See Photos of the Images of Martial-Arts Techniques from the Book]

It has a detailed chart showing the weak spots on a man (called Kyusho). "Kyusho are points on the body that can cause damage if struck hard, or they can be used to resuscitate a person. If you violently strike any of these Kyusho, it can render a person unconscious and even stop their breath. Good and proper people would do well to learn these points," Showa wrote. The book, written in Japanese, was translated by Eric Shahan, who specializes in translating 19th- and early 20th-century Japanese martial-arts texts. Shahan also holds a San Dan (third-degree black belt) in Kobudo.

The techniques described in the book are derived from a martial art called Jujutsu. "The fundamentals of Jujutsu is to use the opponent's power. You can win by moving nimbly at the right time, without using much power. Should you ingrain these techniques into your body, even a cute weak girl can wrap up a large man and achieve a win!" wrote Showa, according to Shahan's translation.

Showa wrote in the book that she had used the techniques successfully. "While I was returning to my abode from running an errand just the other night I encountered a frightful situation. I was able to imitate the handful of Jujutsu moves I learned and, despite my slight form, was able to avoid falling prey to a dastardly scoundrel. It was an absolutely thrilling experience."

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Women's Self-Defense League

In the book, Showa decries what she described as a surge of violence against woman in Japan and talks of an organization called the Women's Self-Defense League, which was formed to combat it.

"My dear sisters, my dear daughters, the way in which the citizens of this country have fallen is truly regrettable is it not?" Showa wrote in the book. Some men "feel no qualms about affecting disrespectful conduct around us." Showa wrote, "A resolute solution to men's debauchery continues to elude us." She also takes aim at Japan's politicians, who she said were ignoring the problem.

The Women's Self-Defense League not only trained women to defend themselves against attackers, but the organization also handed out awards to women who successfully stopped an assault.

"Should any reader of this book have, by chanced toppled, restrained or otherwise through self-defense measures thrown a ruffian or [man] attempting mischief this organization will award you  a large certificate reading 'Meiji Imperial Achievement Award,'" Showa wrote, noting that this award could also be given to women who find new ways to spread martial-arts knowledge, or help more women get access to the book or others like it.

So far, Shahan's research has revealed little additional information on Showa or the Women's Self-Defense League beyond what is given in the book, he said. In the book, Showa "claims to have been a women's historian," Shahan told Live Science in an email. Given the Jujutsu techniques that Showa describes in the book, it's possible that she ran a dojo dedicated to teaching martial-arts techniques to women, Shahan said.

Original article on Live Science.

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In November of 1632, the townspeople of Lutzen, Germany, were stuck with a grim task: They had to bury some 9,000 soldiers who were left dead on a battlefield after a bloody fight during the Thirty Years' War.

Archaeologists recently undid some of that work.

A few years ago, researchers uncovered a mass grave at the site of the Battle of Lutzen.By analyzing the bones, they have now learned more about the violent lives and deaths of soldiers from this era. [See Images of the War Grave and Battle Injuries]

The Thirty Years' War was one of the bloodiest events in European history  deadlier than the Black Death and World War II, in terms of the proportion of the population lost. Fought between 1618 and 1648, the conflict started out as a struggle between Catholics and Protestants within the Holy Roman Empire. The brutal clashes touched much of central Europe, but most of the battles were fought in what is Germany today.

Outside of the killing on the battlefields, famine and disease outbreaks devastated populations. Both sides in the conflict heavily relied on wealth-seeking foreign mercenaries (whose loyalties might change based on who was paying more), and occupying armies terrorized civilians in cities and villages.

One turning point in the war came when Sweden intervened in 1630, lending support to Protestant forces. Swedish King Gustav II Adolf led a series of victorious battles, until he was killed in a fight against General Albrecht von Wallenstein, commander of the Holy Roman Empire's imperial troops, during the Battle of Lutzen, just southwest of Leipzig, on Nov. 16, 1632.

Wounds of war

Archaeologists located the site of the Battle of Lutzen in 2006 after a metal-detector survey turned up about 3,000 projectiles, ammunitions and other objects from the fight. A trench excavated in 2011 then revealed a mass grave. To prevent the burial site from being looted by treasure hunters and eroded by bad weather, the scientists didn't excavate the skeletons on the site. Instead, they lifted the remains out of the ground in a 55-ton block of soil, split into two.

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Led by Nicole Nicklisch, of the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt, a team of bioarchaeologists analyzed the 47 skeletons in this block of dirt, looking for the fatal injuries the men sustained during the battle.

According to their results, published in the journal PLOS ONE on May 22, most of the men were already in rough shape when they headed into their final battle. Sixteen had experienced previous head injuries; one man had even suffered four head wounds in previous conflicts before he died. Twenty-one had other healed or healing bone injuries, like fractures in the arms, legs and ribs.

By looking at the unhealed wounds, the researchers could see what the men suffered on the battlefield. Though some men had cut marks and slash wounds on their bones, bladed weapons seemed to play a minor role in the deaths of these soldiers. Instead, more than half of the men had been hit by gunfire. Twenty-one suffered gunshot wounds to the head, and 11 of them had bullets still lodged in their skulls.

Cavalry attack

The high number of gunshot wounds was unusual for the time  at least compared to other mass graves from the Thirty Years' War found German sites like Wittstock and Alerheim. Swords and knives were still "the weapons of choice for hand-to-hand combat," the researchers wrote. [Photos: Mass Graves Hold 17th-Century Prisoners of War]

This unusual gunfight at Lutzen might match one account of the battle. Historical records suggest that an elite unit (mostly made up of hired German soldiers) of the Swedish army called the Blue Brigadesuffered a deadly defeat in the area where the grave was found, after they were attacked by surprise by a cavalry unit from the Catholic imperial army, the researchers said.

Remains of bullets reveal that the soldiers had been attacked with pistols, muskets and carbinesweapons that cavalrymen used for short distances. Historical records mention that soldiers would keep bullets in their mouths so they could quickly reload their guns during battle, and two of the skeletons in the grave still had unfired lead bullets in their oral cavity.

The researchers speculate that most of the men buried in this grave were fighting for the Swedish army, though it's likely soldiers for the imperial Catholic army ended up in the pit, too. There was not much clothing or material found with the bodies, suggesting that the soldiers were stripped of their uniforms and whatever else they were carrying before they were buried. And while some bodies seem to have been laid down with care, others appear to have been thrown into the pit, most likely by the townspeople who were left to clean up the mess a few days after the battle, after the armies had moved on.

"It can certainly be assumed that the local population of Lutzen did not have a positive attitude towards the fallen soldiers, regardless of any military affiliation," the researchers wrote. "In the Thirty Years' War, every battle brought destruction and deprivation for the rural population."

Original article on Live Science.

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The Wisconsin Constitution states that the doors of each house of the Legislature shall be kept open, except on rare occasions. But even with the doors open, the public may not know whats going on.

A growing trend threatens transparency  and good government  in Wisconsin. Some legislative committees are using mail ballots to vote, instead of voting during public meetings.

Important measures have passed out of committee this way. The Assembly Committee on Organization used mail ballots in 2015 to increase lawmakers per diem payments, and in 2013 to lift the ban on campaign fundraising during the budget-writing process.

In the Senate, which more broadly permits the practice, mail ballots recently authorized legislation for controversial high-capacity wells and a recovery charter school contract.

Meetings where votes are cast in person can be attended by the public or viewed on WisconsinEye. By avoiding this process, mail ballots make it harder for citizens to understand what their elected representatives are voting on and why.

This use of mail ballots has predictable impacts on the publics faith in government. One critic of the well-legislation vote called this avoidance of public discussion just another example of concealing the effects of the legislation theyre enacting.

And Brett Healy of the conservative MacIver Institute told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2013, If its being used by politicians to avoid questions from the public or the press, thats a concern for everyone in Wisconsin.

Mail ballots lack the notice that usually precedes an in-person vote  posting in three places at least 24 hours in advance, as well as on the Legislatures website.

In both 2017 and 2013, legislative committees voted by mail ballot to hire law firms to defend the states redistricting maps in court. Some reporters were notified by the Assembly, and the Senate committee posted a single notice in a quiet Capitol hallway. The rest of us were left out of the loop.

The use of mail ballots also deprives legislators of opportunities to suggest amendments. Its basically take it or leave it, said state Senator Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, in 2013. Theres no room for debate. He and other legislators had to vote on hiring the law firm for the redistricting dispute without knowing critical details, like the firms billing rate.

Republican legislative leaders note that Democrats used mail ballots when they controlled the Senate in 2009, and to take some votes when they fled the state during the 2011 Act 10 battles.

But a bad idea doesnt get any better because someone has had that idea before. Transparency suffers either way. In 2005, a state court panned the use of mail ballots in an open meetings law case, saying they rendered the work of government all but invisible.

Legal questions aside, citizens shouldnt have to wait for future courts to limit or fix this problem. Legislators should hear loud and clear that votes should be taken in person, with all the deliberation, input and process that entails. Otherwise, democracy is reduced to just shuffling paper.




Early on in Megyn Kellys Sunday-night interview with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the anchor tried to get the Russian strongman to say whether or not his country interfered in our most recent presidential election. This is just another load of nonsense! is the way the Russian translator rendered Putins response. It was a phrase that could also have described Putins own answers, as well as most of the premiere of Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly.

Kelly, making her debut as an NBC host, marshaled her trademark steeliness, but it was no match for the insults (Do you even understand what youre asking?) and the weaselly tactics of the KGB master spy. Putin glared, he snorted derisively, he loudly cleared his throat while Kelly was speaking. His intent was to be as dismissive of Kelly as possible. On the outcome of the American election? It was a surprise to me. On the charges leveled at him? Just nuts We dont care who is the head of the United States. Michael Flynn, friend or foe? I dont know him. Jared Kushner and his legendary back channel to Moscow? I dont know him.

There was one moment of flickering interest, when Putin seemed to be extending a helping hand and a friendly wink to President Trump, whom Putin must have heard praising him during Trumps election campaign. Returning the favor, Putin told Kelly that all this Russian-collusion talk was, in effect, fake news: Youve created a sensation out of nothing, Putin said, referring to the American media, and turned it into a weapon against the current president. No wonder Trump likes this guy so much.

And so it went, for what seemed like a very long time but was actually only 15 minutes of Kellys premiere. Given the potential to make news here, Im sure she and her producers had blocked out at least half the show for Putin, had she been able to get something new out of him. The fact that Sunday Night spent as much time rolling in the African mud with elephants (in a report about elephant poaching) as it did with Putin suggests how slim the pickings were in the editing room.

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Kelly filled up the rest of her debut by turning it over to other correspondents. Cynthia McFadden did a story about accusations against the pharmaceutical company INSYS Therapeutics, at one point even stealing an old move from Kellys time-period competitor, 60 Minutes, in knocking on the door of a suspected wrong-doer for a confrontation. (Like most 60 Minutes segments, this one also ended with nada.)

Harry Smith got to spend two weeks in Africa for his elephant-poaching story, during which time I think he was afflicted with sunstroke, because he asked this head-shaker of a nonquestion: Ive watched you watch elephants; what do you see when you see elephants?

During her time at Fox News, Megyn Kelly acquired a reputation for running a tight ship. Shes going to have to start disciplining her NBC troops awfully quickly if she wants to compete on a broadcast network.

Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on NBC.
Melania Trump attended the Fords Theatre Annual Gala alongside President Trump in Washington on Sunday.

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the Fords Theatre Annual Gala in Washington on Sunday. (Photo: AP Images)

For the gala, the first lady wore a $2,595 crepe draped gown from Filipino designer Monique Lhuilliers 2017 resort collection.

Melania Trump wore a silk gown by designer Monique Lhuillier to the event. (Photo: AP Images)

She paired the glamorous floor-length silk gown, which featured a front knot at the waist and cape back detailing, with Manolo Blahnik pumps  also reverting to her signature hairstyle. She appeared to have a good time at the event, writing on Twitter, Thank you to everyone at @fordstheatre for tonights performances! @POTUS and I enjoyed the evening very much.

Thank you to everyone at @fordstheatre for tonight's performances! @POTUS and I enjoyed the evening very much.  Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) June 5, 2017

It appears the first ladys designer of choice was fond of the look  the designer wrote, Elegant in silk! @FLOTUS at the Fords Theatre Gala in # MLResort17 # moniquelhuillier.

Lhuillier is a well-known designer adored by high-profile stars, fashion influencers, political figures, and even a former first lady.

Michelle Obama was often photographed in the luxe label during her time in the White House. For the 37th annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington in 2014, she wore a pale pink embroidered gown from Lhuillier.

Former first lady Michelle Obama wore the designer to the 37th annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2014. (Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

The next year, she wore the designer once again to meet with Pope Francis at the White House.

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First Lady of The United States, Michelle Obama, wears #Moniquelhuillier to welcome Pope Francis to The White House ???????? I am incredibly honored xM #flotus #popevisit2015 #madeinusa A post shared by Monique Lhuillier (@moniquelhuillier) on Sep 23, 2015 at 8:40am PDT

Lhuillier wrote in her Instagram caption that she was honored Obama wore her design. In fact, Obama opted to wear the designer so much that Lhuillier was one of those who wrote special notes to her when her time in the White House came to an end.

I am so honored to have dressed you and love what you have done for American fashion. Your confidence and poise in every situation has been such an inspiration to me, Lhuillier wrote.

Happy President's Day!! xM #Aspen #friends #family #fun A post shared by Monique Lhuillier (@moniquelhuillier) on Feb 20, 2017 at 8:10am PST

Malia Obama was pictured in February on Lhuilliers Instagram. Dining at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro in Aspen, Colo., the former first daughter was joined by Lhuillier and her family as well as members of other influential families including the Lourds, Tisches, and von Furstenbergs.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




Thousands of people participated in the March for Truth across the country Saturday to demand an independent commission to look into President Donald Trump's alleged ties with Russia. The protesters from 135 cities across the country, including Washington, D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco and others, also demanded that Congress force the president to release his tax returns.

Some of the prominent speakers in the March for Truth  a coalition of activist groups and grassroots, local organizers  were Congressional representatives including Jerry Nadler, Nydia Velasquez, Brad Sherman, Mike Quigley, Al Green, Robin Kelly, Jamie Raskin, and Donald McEachin, according to a press release by the organizers.

Read: Trump's Top 5 Aides Accused Of Having Links With Moscow

Among the highlights of the protests were some of the catchy slogans used by various participants nationwide. Twitter users were quick to spot them and post them online.

Here are some of the creative and funny signs spotted at different protests Saturday.

"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 during the march in New York City. She added: "So we're here standing up for the truth."

In New York City, participants marched from Foley Square in Lower Manhattan and Chalupa said a wreath was laid at the Bowling Green subway station, which referred to Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway's statements about the so-called Bowling Green Massacre, an event that never actually took place.

Story continues

In February, Conway attempted to justify the administrations restrictions on refugee admissions and travel from several predominately Muslim countries by citing a massacre that never happened. However, she later acknowledged the mistake and tweeted, saying she meant "Bowling Green terrorists."

In the nation's capital, protesters gathered at the Washington Monument, and shouted slogans attacking the White House for its attempts to cover up its connections with the Russian government.

"The Rosenstein memo was phony, we want testimony from Comey!" the protestors reportedly chanted, criticizing Trump's decision to fire the director of the FBI after receiving a recommendation from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

"That firing was abrupt, what are you covering up?" another chant went.

According to Chicago Tribune, Odell Buggs, a 53-year-old small business owner who traveled to the capital from Rochester, New York, with her two sisters, said: "I wanted to be part of the crowd, to make it larger and make a statement."

Buggs also drove to D.C. for the Women's March, Tax March and Climate March this year. She added: "Because if you make a statement in D.C., you make a statement to the whole country."

Timothy Snyder, a professor of history at Yale University and the author of "On Tyranny," told ABC News: "The issue with the Trump Administration is no longer the traditional issue of transparency, it's the issue of fiction... 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.

Related Articles
Monday morning turned deadly in one Florida workplace, where officials said a fired employee opened fire on former co-workers, leaving five of them dead.

John Robert Neumann Jr., 45, a former employee of the RV accessories business Fiamma, entered the company's building in an industrial area of Orlando and began firing shortly after 8 a.m., the Orange County Sheriff's Office told reporters.

Read: Manchester United: Royal Family, Celebrities Show Support for City After Attack

He ultimately killed five others before turning the gun on himself, officials said.

First responders rushed to the scene at 8:05 a.m. Inside, they found three men and one woman dead.

A fourth man was taken to the hospital, but could not be saved.

He shot five innocent people this morning then turned the gun on himself and shot himself," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said.

The five victims were identified as Robert Snyder, 69, Brenda Motanez-Crespo, 44, Kevin Clark, 50, Jeffrey Roberts, 57, and Kevin Lawson, 46, WKMG reported.

Some of those killed were shot multiple times, and it appeared that Neumann, an army veteran, may have had a negative relationship with at least one of the victims, according to reports.

"... He was certainly singling out the individuals that he shot, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said.

Authorities said the shooting is not terror-related.

In a statement, Florida Gov. Rick Scott asked for prayers for the victims and their loved ones.

Read: Witnesses Describe Horror During London Terror Attacks: 'I Saw a Man Stabbing the Woman'

"I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contact with the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the day as more information is made available."

Anyone who has friends or family members who work at Fiamma can call 407-679-0100 ex. 3087 for more information, WKMG reported.

Story continues

Watch: Wife of Orlando Shooter Says She Was 'Unaware' of Husband's Intentions

Related Articles:
Monrovia (AFP) - 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.
North Korea on Saturday reacted to the United States successful missile interceptor test over the Pacific Ocean on May 30. The reclusive state said Washington will be unable to intercept its nuclear weapons and called the test a military provocation.

"Such a risky act is a sign that their (U.S.) preparations for unleashing a nuclear war against the DPRK [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea] have reached the final phase," a spokesman for North Korea's Strategic Force told the countrys official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA).

Read: North Korea Sourced IRBM Engine Likely From Ukraine Or Russia, Report Says

"Their foolhardy moves go to clearly prove that the DPRK's step for bolstering the nuclear force for self-defense is entirely just," the spokesman told the news agency.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon shot down a mock intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) over the Pacific Ocean using the long-range interceptor missile, launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After the successful test, Pentagon said the intercept was a "direct hit" and an "obliteration" of the target. The test was widely viewed as a test of Washingtons ability to tackle growing the nuclear power of North Korea, which has threatened to launch its ICBM that can reach the mainland U.S.

"The intercept of a complex, threat-representative ICBM target is an incredible accomplishment ... and a critical milestone for this program," Vice Adm. Jim Syring, the director of the Missile Defense Agency, said after the test. "This system is vitally important to the defense of our homeland, and this test demonstrates that we have a capable, credible deterrent against a very real threat."

However, North Korea called the test a bluff.

"They (U.S.) are now bluffing, bragging about the 'success' in the test and the efficiency of the missile interception system. But the DPRK considers it just a foolish act of those driven to despair," the North's spokesman told KCNA. "They are sadly mistaken if they think such missile interception system can prevent the shower of nuclear strike by the Strategic Force of the KPA (Korean People's Army). The last-ditch gambling of the Trump administration for a nuclear war will only bring earlier the day when the U.S. mainland will turn into ashes."

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The Kim Jong Un-led nation has repeatedly conducted missile launches, despite strict sanctions and warnings from the United Nations and other countries around the world. This has fueled tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

On May 14, Pyongyang test-fired the Hwasong 12 missile, a major step in its pursuit of the ICBM. The isolated country said the missile was fired at the highest angle and it reached the maximum altitude of more than 1,310 miles before landing in the East Sea, 500 miles away.

The mounting tensions with its neighbor led South Korea to ask the U.S. for installation of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system on the peninsula. THAAD was deployed in South Korea in April. Washington and Seoul also conducted joint military drills, much to the dislike of the North.

Related Articles
By Christine Kim and Soyoung Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea "fully rejects" the latest U.N 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.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

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."

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"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.

(Reporting by Christine Kim and Soyoung Kim,; Editing by Catherine Evans)
cameronabadi

Chinas growing assertiveness and economic heft across Asia, combined with a newly reticent United States, is making countries in the region wonder if and when theyll have to choose sides between Washington and Beijing.

Thats exactly what appeared to happen last week, after India rejected Australias request to send warships to participate in big naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal. News reports painted the rejection as a way for India to appease China, or at least avoid needlessly provoking Beijing.

But former naval officers and analysts say the rejection more likely reflects New Delhis worries that Australia may not be an entirely reliable security partner.

When it comes to formulation of a collective response to China, including in terms of moderating Beijings assertive behavior, Australia does not particularly inspire confidence, Indian Capt. Gurpreet Khurana, who also directs the National Maritime Foundation in New Delhi, told Foreign Policy.

Thats because the United States, India, Japan, and Australia have tried this before  only to see Australia walk away from four-way military exercises. In 2007, India, the United States, Japan, and Australia held naval exercises, along with Singapore. But China objected strongly, lodging diplomatic protests to each of the four main participants, as one goal of the quad was clearly a response to Chinas own expanding maritime interests.

After Kevin Rudd became Australian Prime Minister, he held several meetings with Chinese officials, and in February 2008 Australia withdrew from the quad in a joint press conference with the Chinese foreign minister.

New Delhi hasnt forgotten Canberras hasty capitulation a decade ago, said Nitin A. Gokhale, a New Delhi-based national security analyst, in an email to FP. Moreover, the foreign policy establishment is aware of the deep economic and political relations that Australia and China have.

Canberra has at times adopted a conciliatory approach to China, its largest trading partner. It has declined to participate in U.S.-led freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea to push back against Chinas expansive claims of sovereignty there, though Australia has participated in multilateral naval war games there. And, as demonstrated in the short-lived quadrilateral exercises of 2007, a change in government can easily usher in an about-face in its policy towards Beijing.

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But today, Australian security experts say, Canberra is eager to help make sure that one country doesnt come to dominate the Asia-Pacific region. Australia is quietly seeking to build and support informal coalitions to balance Chinese power, said Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at the Australian National University.

He said any Indian doubts about Australia being willing and able to help bolster regional stability are misplaced.

Any such Indian concerns misread the depth of Australian security planners determination to build a multipolar regional order. India may also not yet fully appreciate the extent of Australias capabilities as a maritime power, Medcalf said.

For decades, India and China have had a tense relationship, thanks to a disputed border which led to a war in 1962. Chinas increasingly tight economic and defense relationship with Pakistan  including the China Pakistan Economic Corridor  doesnt ease those tensions.

And they are spreading to the seas as well, as China has expanded its naval ambitions beyond just the South China Sea to include the wider Indian Ocean region. Beijing is building port facilities that can be used for commercial and military purposes from Sri Lanka to the Horn of Africa, and just established its first overseas military base in Djibouti. China has sent submarines into the Indian Ocean on at least six occasions since 2013, including several nuclear submarine deployments that cant really be explained by Chinas ongoing anti-piracy patrols.

That has made Indian naval planners wary of being encircled  and emboldened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to push back against Beijing.

I dont believe the hesitation on [Australia joining the exercises] is primarily at this point driven by concerns about provoking China, said Tanvi Madan, director of the India Project at Brookings, in an interview with FP. [Modis] government, if anything, domestically has been criticized for taking too many provocative steps towards China.

After more than twenty years of bilateral naval drills between the United States and India in the Bay of Bengal, Japan joined in 2014, just as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looked to expand the countrys traditionally pacifist defensive forces into a more active regional role.

But that trilateral group has yet to expand to include Australia, even though Aussies have sought to join for two years. Rather, New Delhi and Canberra are taking steps to firm up their own bilateral cooperation first. In September 2015, India and Australia held bilateral naval exercises, known as AUSINDEX, in the Bay of Bengal, focusing on anti-submarine warfare with a P-3 anti-submarine reconnaissance plane from Australia and a P-8 long-range anti-sub aircraft from India, along with naval vessels.

Retired Vice Admiral Anup Singh, who led the Indian Navys Eastern Command until 2011, highlighted that Indias current approach to Australias participation isnt a full-stop rejection, but rather more of a wait-and-see approach.

The Indian side has told the Aussies that we have to go through the bilateral [exercises] first, Singh told FP in an email. Other experts agree.

In my view, they wanted to wait for at least one more edition of Australia-India bilateral naval exercise to go through before firming up their opinion about Australias long-term intentions and capacity to stay the course, said Gokhale.

DESHAKALYAN CHOWDHURY/AFP/Getty Images
Stewart Rhodes tells Guardian group will protect an alt-right event set to go ahead Sunday in aftermath of double murder despite mayors attempt to block

A memorial in Portland, Oregon, to commemorate the recent killing of two men on a train as they tried to protect women from racial abuse. Photograph: Natalie Behring/Getty Images

Members of the Oath Keepers militia will attend an alt-right-hosted free speech rally in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday, according to the groups leader. The rally is due to take place little more than a week after the deaths of two men who came to the aid of women being subject to racial abuse on a train in the city.

The man charged in the stabbings, which killed Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23, and Rick Best, 53, and left 21-year-old student Micah David-Cole Fletcher injured, is Jeremy Christian, 35. He was found to have posted white supremacist rhetoric online and to have attended an alt-right rally in the city in April.

In an atmosphere of heightened tension in Portland, and as the citys mayor, Ted Wheeler, appealed for federal authorities to follow him in withholding permits for the rally, the chair of the citys Republican party last week told the Guardian he was considering contacting groups like the Oath Keepers to provide security for party events.

Speaking on Saturday on his way to Oregon from his home in Montana, Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes said: Were going to protect free speech, the exact same thing we have been doing at the last seven events weve been to over the past few months.

The Guardian contacted Rhodes about a Reddit post that claimed to reproduce the text of an email he sent to Oath Keeper members, advertising a Friday webinar that would discuss the Portland rally, a scheduled anti-sharia rally in Seattle next week, and why we need to be at such events to protect free speech against terrorism.

That was not for public use, Rhodes said. Some asshole posted that. But he confirmed the contents of the email: Of course I said that, why not.

Asked if he had been in touch with organizers of the Portland rally, Rhodes replied: Of course. And also the Portland police, DHS [Department of Homeland Security], and everyone else, as always.

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The posted text of the email read: The Portland PD PIO [Public Information Office], and also DHS let us know that the feds wont allow any weapons in the park, even for our cops. That sucks, but we will have to deal with it. And the park includes the sidewalk in front of it.

The rally is due to take place in Schrunk plaza, an area in downtown Portland with space for public performances and meetings.

The email continued: The Portland PD PIO also said that outside the park our retired cops can carry concealed under LEOSA [Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act], and people with a valid OR concealed carry can carry outside the park.



PIO spokesman Sgt Peter Simpson said he was unaware of any conversation the Oath Keepers would have had with the police bureau.

Asked about the information Rhodes said he had been given, and whether it accurately reflected the legality of concealed carry in downtown Portland, Simpson said: I have never spoken with one of these people. It appears that he is taking information I provided in interviews and turning it into a conversation.

They did not speak with a Portland PIO. The law does not allow for guns in the federal park and city code does not allow for guns in parks unless there is a concealed handgun permit.

On Sunday, Rhodes said he had spoken to a Sgt Niiya in the civil disturbance unit, which Sgt Simpson then confirmed.

Were going to protect free speech, the exact same thing we have been doing at the last seven events weve been to Stewart Wheeler, Oath Keepers

The email posted to Reddit also said Rhodes had been in contact with Multnomah County Republican party chairman James Buchal, who last week told the Guardian he was considering using groups such as the Oath Keepers and Three Percenters as security for public events.



Rhodes said: I saw the Guardian article and I called him up to talk to him and let him know wed be happy to do that and wed do it for free. Wed be happy to do that.

Asked if Buchal accepted, Rhodes said: He thanked me. And we talked for a while about how stupid it was for the leftist press to be freaking out because we offered to protect them. I mean, thats what we do.

Buchal told the Guardian he returned Mr Rhodes call, thanked him for his offer of assistance, and the matter remains under consideration. It is not in the nature of a political party, even a county sub-unit of one, to make decisions quickly.



He added that he remained baffled by the accusations of racism against this organization and listed a series of the Oath Keepers bylaws, including one barring anyone who advocates discrimination, violence, or hatred toward any person based upon their race, nationality, creed, or color.

Earlier this week, in response to the Guardian story, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) wrote an open letter to Buchal.

We think it is important for you to know that the Oath Keepers and Three Percenters are not benign security forces, the ADL letter said. They are, in our judgment, militia-style, anti-government extremist groups.

Asked if he anticipated trouble at the event in Portland on Sunday, Rhodes said: Well, we dont know. But thats the thing. Any time we do any kind of security operation like, you dont know whats going to happen. Im pretty confident [Portland police] are going to handle it pretty well.

Asked if any specific protesting or opposing groups concerned him, Rhodes referred to leftwing counter-protesters in the city when he said: Yeah. Antifa. Thats their claim to fame, right. To go punch people in the face, and declare that theyre not going to let them hold events etc etc.

Asked if his group would offer physical resistance to any attacks, Rhodes said: You mean would we defend ourselves and other people? Yeah of course. But only against unlawful action. If I were on the train I would have defended people against the crazy knife guy as well.

Rhodes also said: Part of the reason we go is to make sure people on our side dont do anything stupid. Its not just waiting to see if someone comes through a line, trying to hurt somebody.

Rhodes also claimed to have offered protection to a Florida counsel who he said had received death threats in the course of bringing their case against the DNC [Democratic National Committee].

I let her know that we do that kind of protection, and if she needs help let us know. And shes a Democrat, shes a Bernie supporter. Were bipartisan.

Rhodes did not name the counsel in question. A Miami law firm, Beck and Lee, is suing the DNC over its treatment of Bernie Sanders during the Democratic primary last year.

The firm is run by a husband and wife team, Jared and Elizabeth Lee Beck. Jared Beck has used his Twitter account to demand closer investigation of the murder of a DNC staffer, Seth Rich, which has become the subject of rightwing conspiracy theories. Elizabeth Beck recently complained about death threats on Twitter. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In two statements issued later on Saturday, Rhodes said he had pledged our unconditional support to Buchal and confirmed that his group would be present at the rally on Sunday, ready, willing, and able to effectively defend the rights of all present if there is any failure of the police to do so.

On Sunday, Rose City Antifa, one of the groups organising to oppose the rally, said via email that: The fact that the Oath Keepers feel the need to travel to our city, specifically calling out anti-fascist organizers as a threat, speaks volumes to their real intentions.

The Oath Keepers will, as they have in Berkeley and other cities, continue to protect white supremacists while threatening the communities that stand to oppose racism and hatred.
WASHINGTON  In the churning, murky pond water of Kremlin-gate, a few things are increasingly clear:

First, the Russian-influence scandal is consuming Donald Trump, and this is likely to get worse as the special counsels investigation moves forward. Associates describe the president as obsessed by coverage of the scandal  an impression reinforced by tweets that seem to emerge involuntarily, like myoclonic jerks. Trump possesses nothing of Bill Clintons talent for compartmentalization  the ability to prevent flooding in one area from sinking the whole ship. Trump reflects the design work of the Titanic. Breach one compartment and the rest flood as well.

Second, along with the president, Trumps administration is being consumed. Aides who entered government for at least partially noble reasons are now requiring criminal defense attorneys. This creates both tension and isolation, since it is a bad idea to discuss with fellow staffers anything remotely related to an ongoing criminal investigation. Even for the innocent, locating and surrendering documents and answering the questions of FBI investigators add a layer of distracting stress to already stressful jobs.

Third, Trumps traditional methods of damage control no longer work. In the past, he has used Twitter feuds and teased policy announcements as shiny, distracting objects. Special Counsel Robert Mueller cares not a whit for any of this. As Trump was attempting to use climate policy as a political page-turner, Mueller was hiring the chief of the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice to be part of the investigation into Russian influence. Trump is now facing not only the challenge of exploiting the medias limited attention span but the scrutiny of institutions. His normal repertoire of responses  demeaning, inflaming, vulgarizing  seems like arrows against an advancing tank.

Fourth, the chief advantage of nepotism  a bond outside political calculation  is also a considerable drawback. It is difficult to throw someone under the bus when you are handcuffed to them. This maneuver is not entirely unknown. I have already given two cousins to the war, said humorist Artemus Ward during the Civil War, and I stand ready to sacrifice my wifes brother. But the attitude makes for an awkward Thanksgiving dinner. And there is no possible way to claim that Jared Kushner  now revealed as a focus of the Russian-influence investigation  was somehow outside the inner circle, unless that circle is smaller than Trumps own head.

Mueller now has a job similar to mathematician Urbain Le Verrier. In the mid-19th century, Le Verrier noted some perturbations in the orbit of Uranus and predicted the existence of another, unknown planet exerting a gravitational pull. Neptune was duly found where Le Verrier calculated.

There is some unknown fact exerting influence on all the various parts of the Russian-influence scandal. Some pulling planet. Some missing key.

Why did candidate Trump insist on praising Vladimir Putin, even to the point of slandering America? (We have a lot of killers. Well, you think our country is so innocent?)

Why did the Russians work (according to American intelligence services) to tip the election in Trumps favor, perhaps achieving one of the largest intelligence coups in history? And why should Trump, instead of being offended by such manipulation, attack the credibility of American intelligence services in turn?

Why should both former national security adviser Michael Flynn and Kushner fail to fully report meetings with Russian officials and representatives in security background checks?

Why should Kushner apparently ask to use Russian facilities for a back channel that would escape the scrutiny of American intelligence services?

Why should Trump reportedly demand a loyalty oath from FBI Director James Comey, then fire him over the Russia investigation (by his own admission), then assure the Russian ambassador in the Oval Office that the pressure of the investigation had been taken off?

Why has Trump insisted  even in the midst of an investigation of Russian influence  on serving long-standing Russian policy goals in Europe (such as raising questions about the NATO mutual defense agreement)?

If Trumps tax returns and financial information are exculpatory, why not release them? And how does this unwillingness relate to Donald Trump Jr.s 2008 statement that Trump businesses see a lot of money pouring in from Russia?

For Mueller, Trump is innocent until proved guilty. But citizens judge their president according to reasonable inferences. We are now at a point when it is reasonable to believe something disturbing is occurring. A point when it is reasonable for citizens to demand of Trump: disclose, or confirm our worst fears.
Police said gunman, who killed himself, was a disgruntled former employee

It appears the incident has nothing to do with any global terror activities

A gunman described by Florida police as a disgruntled employee shot dead five former colleagues at a business in suburban Orlando on Monday before killing himself, investigators said.

John Robert Neumann Jr, 45, entered the premises of Fiamma, a manufacturer of awnings for recreational vehicles, at about 8am, armed with a semi-automatic pistol and a large hunting knife, said Orange County sheriff Jerry Demings at an afternoon press briefing.

Demings said that Neumann, a US army veteran who was fired from the company for undisclosed reasons in April, began shooting almost immediately then moved through the building purposefully, singling out the individuals that he shot.

Most of the victims were shot in the head, some multiple times, Demings said. He had a plan of action and he executed his plan today.

The victims, four men and one woman, were all employees of the family-owned company in north-east Orlando and ranged in age from their early 30s to their 60s, Demings said.

Detectives interviewed eight uninjured witnesses whom the sheriff described as survivors, including one woman, a temporary employee, who was not known to the killer and who was spared.

He pointed a firearm at her and told her to get out of the business, Demings said. The indications are that the subject reloaded the firearm at least once during the spree this morning.

Deputies arrived within two minutes of a 911 call reporting an active shooter and found three men and the woman dead at the scene. The fourth male victim was taken to the Orlando regional medical centre with gunshot wounds but died there.

Demings said Neumann did not use the knife and appeared to have shot himself as deputies prepared to enter the building.

The gunman entered the premises of Fiamma, a manufacturer of awnings for recreational vehicles, at about 8am, armed with a semi-automatic pistol and a large hunting knife. Photograph: Gerardo Mora/Getty Images

The sheriff named four of the five victims as Robert Snyder, 69; Brenda Montanez-Crespo, 44; Kevin Clark, 54; and Jeffrey Roberts, 57. Relatives of the other victim had not yet been informed.

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Orange County detectives, assisted by FBI agents, were looking into the background of Neumann, who according to Demings received an honourable discharge from the army in 1999 and lived alone.

In terms of motive, we have information that at least one of [the victims] he had a negative relationship with, Demings said.

At an earlier briefing the sheriff said Neumann had a criminal history minor in nature including possession of marijuana and DUI, and that officers were called to Fiamma in June 2014 when Neumann allegedly assaulted a colleague.

This is likely a workplace violence incident, Demings said. It appears this incident has nothing to do with any global terror activities. He was a disgruntled employee who came back to this business this morning.

We have no indication that this subject is a member of any subversive-type organisation or terror organisation.

The sheriff said a search warrant was being prepared for Neumanns residence and that the subject appeared not to have held a licence to carry a concealed weapon.

An FBI spokesman, Ron Hopper, said members of the agencys terrorism taskforce attended the scene as a matter of routine.

As we would in any active shooting situation, the FBI responded in force, he said. We will remain with the sheriffs department until our resources are no longer necessary.

A later statement from the FBIs Orlando office confirmed that agents had determined there to be no direct nexus to terrorism.

Rick Scott, the Florida governor, issued a statement noting that the incident came close to the first anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando that left 49 dead.

Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before, he said. I have been briefed by our law enforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today.

I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contact with the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the day as more information is made available.

Teresa Jacobs, the Orange County mayor, also referred to the Pulse shooting in expressing her condolences. Unfortunately, weve seen this play itself out in our community and other communities across the nation, she said.

Its incumbent on all of us not to become complacent or callous to these horrific situations but for each of our citizens to be vigilant.
Manila (AFP) - 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."
By Timothy Mclaughlin and P.J. Huffstutter ELK POINT, S.D./CHICAGO (Reuters) - ABC News' characterization of a South Dakota meat processor's ground-beef product as "pink slime" almost put Beef Products Inc out of business, BPI's lawyer said on Monday in the opening salvo of a closely watched trial. The $5.7 billion lawsuit pitting big agriculture against big media is the first major court challenge against a media company since accusations of fake news by U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters have become part of the American vernacular. The trial is expected to run eight weeks. BPI claims ABC, a unit of Walt Disney Co, and its reporter Jim Avila defamed the company by using the term pink slime and making errors and omissions in its 2012 reporting. But ABC lawyer Dane Butswinkas said "pink slime" was a common term, used more than 3,800 times in the media prior to ABC's reports. In the aftermath of ABC's broadcasts, BPI closed three of its four processing plants and said its revenue dropped 80 percent to $130 million. "That success took about 30 years to succeed and it took ABC less than 30 days to severely damage the company," a lawyer for BPI, Dan Webb, said in court. Butswinkas countered that BPI had already lost multiple customers for LFTB, including major fast food chains, prior to the ABC reports, due to unhappiness with the product. ABC has said its coverage was accurate and deserved protection under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment which guarantees freedom of religion, speech and the right to a free press. ABC denies any wrongdoing and is confident its reporting will be "fully vindicated," a lawyer for ABC and Avila, Kevin Baine of Williams & Connolly, has said. The trial is being held in Elk Point, South Dakota, about 20 miles (32 km) north of BPIs headquarters, which employs 110 people. Roughly 6 percent of the area labor force is involved in agriculture and related industries, according to the local chamber of commerce. Election records show 67 percent of the U.S. presidential vote in Union County, where Elk Point sits, was won by Trump, who uses the term fake news to argue that some mainstream media outlets cannot be trusted. Lawyers for BPI have declined to say if they plan to focus on fake news as a tactic at trial. But during a January court hearing, a BPI lawyer, Erik Connolly, said ABC broadcasts and online reports about "lean finely textured beef" (LFTB) used unreliable sources and set out to foment public outrage. The ABC reports amounted to "fake news," Connolly told the judge. BPI's signature product, commonly mixed into ground beef, is made from beef chunks, including trimmings, and exposed to bursts of ammonium hydroxide to kill E. coli and other contaminants. Webb said in court on Monday that between March 7 and April 3 of 2012, ABC used the term "pink slime" more than 350 times across six different media platforms including TV and online. Reporter Avila, who was in the courtroom wearing a gray suit and striped tie, had cherry-picked experts who backed up the story he wanted to tell and ignored experts who gave information that differed from this narrative, Webb said. Webb said Avila cursed at David Theno, a food safety expert, and hung up on Theno when he contradicted parts of Avila's story. "That is what happens when someone tells ABC something that's not consistent with what they want to hear about the product." Butswinkas, the lawyer for ABC, described Avila as an "old-school bulldog" journalist and said Theno was paid by BPI and had a close relationship with the companys founder. The focus of ABCs story was not food safety but labeling, Butswinkas said. He said BPI lobbied for years to get its LFTB added to ground beef without labels indicating it was there. Until the secret started to get out to consumers, no one knew that there was a product treated with ammonia in their traditional ground beef, he said. To win its case, BPI must show the network intended to harm the company or knew what it reported was false when it referred to BPI's LFTB product as "pink slime." The trial is upending the normally tranquil Elk Point, population 2,000. To make room for overflow crowds, the county commission earmarked $175,000 to turn the Union County Courthouse basement into an enlarged courtroom and move records into a specially constructed separate building. BPI moved modular offices into town to accommodate its legal team, the company said. (Additional reporting by Mark Weinraub in Chicago; Editing by David Greising, James Dalgleish and Matthew Lewis)
During the One Love Manchester concert, Ariana Grande and her friends paid tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Ariana Grande's Manchester benefit concert

It was an emotional night, with very moving moments such as Pharrell duetting with Miley Cyrus on Happy or Grande performing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

But perhaps the most emotional of them all was this video of a policeman dancing in a circle while holding hands with children and concertgoers:

A policeman skipping with young fans at #OneLoveManchester. This is the moment I broke. pic.twitter.com/F7Iw871WoQ  Mark Savage (@mrdiscopop) June 4, 2017

The "Ring around the rosie" touched many people's hearts because it embodied Manchester's and London's spirit of defiance and resilience.

People were moved to tears:

I completely broke at this moment   Brittany (@BrittanyMMDuffy) June 4, 2017

Awww. That's the moment. Can't hold it back anymore ...  GooRee (@GooRee) June 4, 2017

This was the nicest thing  Widiane Moussa (@widianemoussa) June 4, 2017

Yeah that's just absolutely melted me  Tom Connick (@ginandconnick) June 4, 2017

This police officer dancing with the kids is just gorgeous! Everything about #OneLoveManchester is beautiful & moving pic.twitter.com/R06fxZHn9M  Carol Byrne (@Carolb10) June 4, 2017

And it even inspired a beautiful drawing:

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Got inspired to draw that wonderful moving moment of a policeman dancing with children at #OneLoveManchester pic.twitter.com/erBWmLBXA8  Ula (@alulawings) June 5, 2017

WATCH: How to draw a millennial Pikachu
Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates. REUTERS/Ruben Sprich

Billionaire Ray Dalio, the founder of $160 billion hedge-fund behemoth Bridgewater Associates, has some concerns about President Donald J. Trump.

The more I see Donald Trump moving toward conflict rather than cooperation, the more I worry about him harming his presidency and its effects on most of us, he wrote in a LinkedIn post on Monday.

Dalio described trying to understand Trump and the decisions he might make as an interesting and challenging puzzle to try to solve.

He noted that Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord was consistent with his increasingly clear patterns of behavior.

From the higher-level perspective, when faced with the choices between whats good for the whole and whats good for the part, and between harmony and conflict, he has a strong tendency to choose the part and conflict. By the whole, I mean the whole ecosystem, the whole world community, and whole of the US, and by the part, I mean the part of the US that he is presumably trying to help.

In March, Dalio co-authored a note titled Populism: The Phenomenon, where he noted that the most important thing to watch for early on is how conflict is handled and whether opposing sides can coexist to make progress or whether they increasingly go to war to block and hurt each other and cause gridlock.

How Trump and his opponents approach conflict is something that Dalio has been paying close attention to.

Sometimes conflict produces better results and sometimes it produces worse results for the people who are pursuing it to get what they want. For example, if Donald Trump were optimizing for his own well-being through conflict, its entirely possible that he would undermine his own well-being because the retaliation could be more damaging to him than the cooperation.

I have to confess a personal bias that is opposite hisi.e., Im inclined to optimize for the whole through cooperation in order to make the pie bigger, and then cooperatively and competitively divide up the pie, Dalio continued. I believe that we are connected to our whole ecology, our whole world community, and our whole United States, such that it pays to be in symbiotic relationships with themso, Im concerned about his path. I am especially concerned about the consequences of his pursuing so much conflict.

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However, its not all gloom. Dalio is encouraged by Trumps pursuit of public-private partnerships to rebuild infrastructure.



Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance.

Read more:
CARTERSVILLE, Ga.Several miles off Route 41 in Bartow County, Georgia, is the downtown area of Cartersville. It's a throwback place with brick-face storefronts, independently owned businesses, and railroad tracks that bring freight trains straight through the center of the town every 30 minutes.

Here, the firing of James Comey arouses not support or opposition, but rather, indifference. Nobody I spoke with cared either way; it doesn't affect them or their families. People shrugged when asked about Trump's tweetstorms. Most agreed that press treatment of Trump is too harsh. Overall, the focus for Trump voters here is the big picture: the economy, jobs, and border security.

Bartow County is 885 miles from Manhattan, but this is Donald Trump country. He took 46 percent of the vote here during the primary, trailed by Ted Cruz at 25 percent and Marco Rubio at 18 percent. In the general election, Trump trounced Hillary Clinton, winning 75 percent of the vote to Clinton's 21 percent.

Recommended: The Myth of the Kindly General Lee

Currently, however, President Trumps job approval is clinging to the 40 percent threshold. And while Republican members of Congress, save for a select few, are backing the president, his legislative agenda appears stalled, with the prospects of health-care reform tenuous at best. Tax reform, at this point, looks like a pipe dream.

Trump's struggles have left Republicans, who had once hoped to gain seats in 2018, worrying they might lose control of both the House and Senate. "Obviously no one knows what is going to happen in next year's midterm elections, but analysts who have watched congressional elections for a long time are seeing signs that 2018 could be a wave election that flips control of the House to Democrats, Charlie Cook wrote recently in National Journal.

Trump keeps adding gasoline to fires, yet House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell behave as if its business-as-usual in Washington, D.C. If there is anything to explain their reticence in publicly rebuking Trump, it likely comes from GOP fears of alienating Trump voters across the country.

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Ross's Diner has been a Cartersville fixture since 1945. There are no tables (save for one or two outside), just two long counters with stools that hold a total of 30 people. On any given morning, a dozen or so are there at one time, eating breakfast, reading the newspaper, and chatting with each other about a variety of topics, including politics.

Recommended: The Republican Partys White Strategy

Several said Trump hadnt been their first choice. Tony Favero and his wife Elizabeth, owners of two "Larry's Giant Subs franchises in town, initially supported current Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson. "We wanted somebody who was a real outsider."

Both backed Trump in the general election, but at this point, Tony is handing Trump mediocre marks. "I would say a C. I'm disappointed he's focusing so much on Syria and North Korea instead of focusing on domestic issues, such as tax reform and repealing Obamacare." Elizabeth was more optimistic, but she also offered a mixed review. Although she believes Trump has achieved more than she thought possible, she also complained Trump is often immature, needing to dial back his impulsive behavior.

It does not appear that anybody in the White House can get Trump to dial down the tweetstorms and outbursts.

Sharon Ross was another early Carson supporter. "He really had it together. His answers to debate questions were thoughtful." She appreciated Carson didn't have a political background. After he dropped out, she voted for Trump to oppose Hillary Clinton. Ross didn't have much to say about his performance so far; she's tuned out of the news entirely, she said. "It's only been four months. Come back and ask me in four years and I'll give my opinion on how he's doing."

The word establishment never surfaced. People spoke only of political insiders and outsiders.

Recommended: Mother's Helper: A Shocking Thing I Learned After Giving Up My Eggs

"I was with him the moment he came down that escalator," Debra Cagle, a server at Ross's, said with a smile. Cagle, like the Faveros, wanted an outsider for president. "He can't be bought like those career politicians," she said. She dressed as Donald Trump for Halloween, and readily produces a photo to prove it. Thrilled with the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, Cagle said the biggest problem facing Donald Trump is the mainstream media. "I don't trust anything they report."

She wasnt alone. Ken Wilbur of Powder Springs grew up on a farm near the Cobb County Airport. "I've worked to elect politicians from the local level to the federal level," said Ken Wilbur of Powder Springs. I have no idea why people do it. Hes appalled by what he sees as the medias unfair treatment of Trumps family. If you went after my family, there'd be big trouble. I don't know why he wants that job. I sure wouldn't want it."

"I wish they'd leave him alone, already," said Hugh Siniard. The 61-year-old had recently retired from a utility company after 40 years. He hadnt had a preference in the Republican primary; he'd been prepared to vote for anybody that was not Hillary Clinton. "I'm glad he's holding the liberal media in line," he said.

But for all his discontent with the media, Siniard was still waiting to see Trump deliver on his campaign pledges. "I'm happy with Neil Gorsuch," he said, "but I want Trump to focus on what he promised, such as securing the border and putting people to work here in the United States." Siniard supports the construction of a border wall and Trump's infrastructure proposal.

This is the predicament now facing conservatives and Republicans in Congress. Trumps supporterstheir own primary votersare standing by him. But while Trump supporters want him to focus on the big picture issues such as health care and tax reform, the president spends most of his time consumed with the kind of trivialities other presidents leave for spokespeople to handle. Trump still sees the presidency as a brand to sell, rather than a political office in which to shape an overall agenda for the country. Instead of talking about his tax reform plans when asked questions, the president is still reminding people he won the election.

A 70-year-old man, who spent 50 years cultivating an image and personality, isn't going to adjust it, even while occupying the Oval Office. When Rod Rosenstein named Robert Mueller to as special counsel, the Trump administration released a brief, level-headed statement reiterating its belief no collusion between Trump's campaign and foreign entities existed and looked forward to the end of the investigation. The following morning, Trump took to Twitter, lashing out at the investigation, calling it the "single greatest witch hunt of a politician in history." He followed it up with another tweet, complaining about the lack of the appointment of a special counsel in the Obama administration.

At this point, it does not appear that anybody in the White House can communicate to Trump the urgency to dial down the tweetstorms and outbursts. (Kellyanne Conway defended Trumps tweeting as going directly to the people.)

That leaves leaders like Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell in a bind. They worry about Trump alienating the swing voters some of their members will need to win reelection but if they make their concerns public, Trump supporters may see it as an attempt to undermine the president. In March, Trump threatened lawmakers who didn't back the AHCA with a primary opponent. Many Republicans represent districts that went strongly for Donald Trump in 2016, and while they hold safe seats for the general election, none of them want to waste time and resources beating back primary opponents.

Much as Trump voters may detest insiders, the presidents ability to enact his agenda now rests on Ryan and McConnell. Theyre left to perform a high-wire act of politics and personal persuasion, trying to rein in their presidents excesses without alienating their own voters. If they cant pull it off, voters in places like Cartersville are likely to be unforgiving. Couple that with a resurgent Democratic electorate, and the wave election Charlie Cook warned about comes closer every day.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Never heard of social jet lag? Well, chances are you have it. Not only do you have it, its taking a substantial negative toll on your health.

Chances are, you suffer from social jet lag. (Photo: Trunk Archive)

About 85 percent of people go to sleep and wake up later on the weekends than they do during the work week, thus triggering worse moods and chronic fatigue. A new study reveals that these effects, dubbed social jet lag, even extend to long-term health issues like increased risk of heart disease, with each hour of jet lag resulting in an 11 percent increase in risk.

These results indicate that sleep regularity, beyond sleep duration alone, plays a significant role in our health, lead author Sierra B. Forbush, an undergraduate research assistant in the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona in Tucson, told EurekAlert. This suggests that a regular sleep schedule may be an effective, relatively simple, and inexpensive preventative treatment for heart disease as well as many other health problems.

This isnt the first study to reveal the negative impact of social jet lag. A 2012 study also linked it to obesity, with a 33 percent increase in risk per hour of social jet lag. The study also found that people with social jet lag are more likely to smoke, drink more alcohol, consume more caffeine and be depressed than the rest of the population.

The behavior looks like if most people on a Friday evening fly from Paris to New York or Los Angeles to Tokyo and on Monday they fly back, researcher Till Roenneberg PhD, a professor at the Institute of Medical Psychology at the University of Munich who coined the term, told WebMD. Since this looks like almost a travel jet lag situation, we called it social jet lag. They have to live a life almost in a different time zone in comparison to their biological clock.

Not sure how much social jet lag you have? Both studies measure it by subtracting weekday from weekend midpoint. Roennebergs research finds that most of the population would naturally like to sleep between 1 AM and 9 AM. These are the people most likely to experience social jet lag during the week, when they have to get up early for work. Based on the formula, a person who goes to bed at 1 AM and wakes up at 6 AM during the workweek would have 1.5 hours of social jet lag.

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And unfortunately, if this is something youre guilty of, countering the effects isnt so simple. Trying to keep your work schedule on the weekends will result in sleep debt, which can have enormous consequences, as Roenneberg pointed out. Instead, he proposes that societys attitude towards sleep needs to change completely, aligning work schedules with the biological clock.

If youre not making your own hours, Roenneberg suggests using daylight to your advantage. Early risers who need to fall asleep earlier in order to get more sleep should try to get more sunlight in the morning and avoid it in the evening, and vice versa.

Just be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep per night, based on recommendations from The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and keep those hours as regular as possible.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleand @YahooBeauty.
Washington (AFP) - Sean Spicer's colleagues have denied the White House spokesman is on the outs, saying he has been given extra duties after his absence from the White House podium on Monday fueled speculation about his future.

Spicer was replaced in the White House briefing room by his deputy Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who rejected suggestions the embattled spokesman was stepping down.

"He is taking on a little bit of extra duty at this point," Huckabee said of Spicer's role. "It's probably upgraded at this point, given that where we don't have a communications director."

Trump recently parted company with his first communications director, Mike Dubke, in what was expected to be a series of moves to shake up his press team.

Rumors have echoed around the West Wing for months about the possibility Trump would fire his public relations staff en masse.

Spicer's briefings have become must-see television in the United States, attracting attention from satirists who have teased his combative style.

Despite the assurances about Spicer's future, White House officials have also previously suggested he may do fewer on camera briefings in future.
Q: Why withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord?

A: President Trumps decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord last Thursday is a disheartening blow to the longstanding idea that sound science should play a role in the formation of public policy in our country.

This notion, in fact, was central to the creation of the National Academy of Sciences by the first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Lincoln and the Congress charged the Academy with providing independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology.

The National Academy and the overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that human activity is a major contributing factor to global climate change  there is essentially no disputing this fact. Despite this robust consensus, which serves as the motivation for 195 other nations to join forces in committing to a cleaner energy future for the benefit of future generations, our own government has committed to skepticism, short-sightedness and ignorance (literally, the act of ignoring).

It seems distressingly untenable to assert American exceptionalism on the one hand while on the other resigning to retreat from a unique and urgent global challenge. This is not a traditionally American position, it is an embarrassing shirking of responsibility, an unforced error motivated by ideology, not by reasoned judgment. Our country, in a complicated world where reason has long been one of its guides, has always done better than this.
The team behind Spider-Man: Homecoming has long discussed how they approached Julys reboot of the Peter Parker origin story like a John Hughes teen comedy. Director Jon Watts and star Tom Holland told Yahoo Movies about their neo-classic inspirations last year at San Diego Comic-Con, and during a Facebook Live interview with us last week, Holland rattled off a number of titles Watts had suggested he screen before filming: Pretty in Pink, Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Buellers Day Off.

The only entry in that batch not written or directed by Hughes was Back to the Future, but it is the one that appears to have resonated the deepest with Holland.

My goal was to try and kind of be our generations Marty McFly, Holland said of the vest-sporting time traveler so memorably portrayed by Michael J. Fox in the 1985 favorite and its two sequels. That was what my all-time goal was.

And like Back to the Future brought heart and charisma to a story that transcended its spiffy sci-fi bells and whistles, Holland is hoping Homecoming will have the same effect.

I think one of the best things about this movie is if you stripped away all the Spider-Man scenes, theres a really solid movie there without the superhero aspect, about Peter growing up, going to school, struggling, he said. So its a nice balance between superhero and kid at high school.

Spider-Man Homecoming opens July 7.

Watch Tom Holland talk about how Chris Hemsworth helped him land the Spider-Man role:





Read more from Yahoo Movies:
Wall Street (^GSPC) is backing away from last weeks record highs. Stock futures are leaning lower as investors wait for some key data on the manufacturing sector. Oil prices are falling after fiver Arab nations, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, cut ties with Qatar. Yahoo Finances Alexis Christoforous, Nicole Sinclair, Myles Udland and Melody Hahm discuss the days top business stories, including Facebooks (FB) reaction to the latest UK terror attack and the downgrade of Apple (AAPL) stock by an analyst right before the companys big developers conference.
Damascus (AFP) - Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has said the worst of his country's six-year war "is behind us" after a string of advances by his forces backed by key ally Russia.

In recent months, Assad's troops and allied fighters have retaken territory across the country, including recapturing all of Aleppo city in December after years of fighting.

"Things now are moving in the right direction, which is a better direction, because we are defeating the terrorists," he said in an interview in Damascus with the India-based WION television station.

"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."

The interview was released by the Syrian presidency on Saturday.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with demonstrations against Assad's government.

The Syrian leader repeated previous denials of responsibility for an alleged chemical weapons attack in April on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun.

And he said a peace initiative agreed by his allies Russia and Iran, and rebel backer Turkey, in the Kazakh capital Astana last month was a promising idea.

"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.

The agreement seeks to set up four areas in Syria where fighting will stop.
London (AFP) - Six victims were killed in a terror attack in central London, and the three attackers were shot dead by armed police, police said Sunday.

It was the latest in a string of terror strikes in London and elsewhere in Britain in recent years:

- May 2017: Manchester Arena bombing -

A suicide bomber blows himself outside a pop concert by 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 Mahmood, 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 pro-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 London's Leytonstone Underground station, two days after Britain's first air strikes on the jihadist 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.

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- 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 London's 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.
A protester is detained by Portland police during a demonstration in Portland: AP

As officers in riot gear and bearing heavy arms strove to keep one side from advancing into the other, protestors from each flank of Americas bitter political divide took over adjacent parks in downtown Portland, Oregon, in a simmering and dangerous show of mutual disdain and anger.

Tensions in a city known for progressive pride spiked as leaders of the alt-right movement began their promised rally as a few hundred followers waved flags and banners variously expressing faith in Donald Trump and defying the contrary message of anti-Trump protestors ranked outside the park - much larger in number - that they stood for racism and intolerance.

After claiming provocation, officers moved to disperse a main body of protestors away from alt-right gathering using flash grenades and pepper bullets and swinging batons. Police said they took the action after some of their officers had been struck by projectiles including balloons filled with foul-smelling liquid, as well as bricks, bottles and mortars. Twelve arrests were made and police said the had confiscated weapons including bricks and knives.

The so-called Trump Free Speech Rally, organized by Joey Gibson, an activist with the pro-Trump group Patriot Prayer, was billed in advance as an attempt by the West Coast alt-right to demonstrate their right publicly to voice their conservative views, even in a town where so many residents might find them repugnant.

The anti-Trump protestors, who numbered perhaps six thousand, saw it as a provocation coming nine days after the brutal murder of two passengers on a Portland light-rail train after they attempted to intervene when the man accused of killing them began shouting religious and racial slurs at two teenage girls. One was black the other was wearing a head scarf.

Bricks, mortars (not motors), other projectiles were thrown at officers from Chapman Square crowd. Crowd moved by police to Lownsdale Square  Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 4, 2017

The double-murders stunned the city. Jeremy Christian, 35, was arrested and charged for the murder, which Trump responded to via Twitter only several days later calling it unacceptable.

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It's OK to be a conservative in Portland, Mr Gibson declared in the small plaza, his lengthy, hoarse-voiced speech occasionally drowned out by chants coming from the several thousands counter-protestors outside. We are in one of the most liberal cities in America yet here we stand united together in a place we are not supposed to be.

The counter-protesters, some there under the umbrella of immigrant rights and religious groups as well as labour unions, drummed and played music and held angry signs, including, Our city is greater than hate and Black lives matter. Some chanted love, not hate and Go home, fascists.

Many of their signs denounced the alt-right supporters as Nazis. Sometimes people on either side of the police lines resorted simply to shouting Nazis to each other, and showing their mutual disdain with crude hand signals. A used tampon at one point was hurled across a street and just into the park occupied by the alt-right supporters, garnering disgusted outrage.

No hate, no fear, Nazis get the f out of here, was one of the common chants yelled by the anti-Trump contingents, some members of a group called Antifa, as in anti-fascist. As tempers frayed the police lines keeping the two sides apart thickened. A sign inside the pro-speech event retorted, It isnt hate speech just because YOU dont like it.

John Turano and his daughter Bianca had travelled from California to attend the alt-right rally (David Usborne)

Portlands Mayor, Ted Wheeler had unsuccessfully pleaded with the federal authorities to cancel a permit that had already been issued for the alt-right rally, which he said would unnecessarily exacerbate tensions. His action caused many on the conservative right to demand his removal from office.

We travelled here because we had to, explained John Turano, 40, who had come with his daughter, Bianca, from Los Angeles to show support for Mr Gibson and indeed for President Trump. He arrived in the park dressed in the amour of a Spartan warrior and a breastplate bearing small American flags depicting the Christian cross and declaring him a Soldier for Jesus. He said he freely identified himself as a member of alt-right saying he felt compelled to stand up for the rights of himself and his fellow activists to voice their anti-liberal feelings.

Among the long list of alt-right celebrities featured at the microphone beneath a yellow flag declaring Dont Tread on Me was a figure who styles himself as Baked Alaska. An internet agitator for ultra-conservatives who was disinvited from an alt-right ball celebrating Trumps victory last December for his public use of the Nazi salute and for using anti-Semitic slurs, he denounced his critics. I never thought Id live in a a country where I would say that I am white, Christian male and they would say that I am a racist, he told the crowd in Portland.
To kick off what Yahoo Style has dubbed Denim Week, were starting with basics: identifying the fashion industrys top favorite brands. After all, denim is such an integral part of ones wardrobe, we wanted to know which were leading the pack  whether you like your jeans skinny or straight-legged, high-waisted or low-slung, high-end or budget.

To determine the top 5 brands, Yahoo Style surveyed 100 women of varying ages from all parts of the industry  including fashion designers, influencers, editors from Who What Wear, Vogue.com and more, as well as publicists from companies including Hermes and Karla Otto.

Below, the final results.

No. 1: Levis

Rihanna, Rita Ora, and Bella Hadid wearing Levis jeans out and about. (Photo, left to right: AKM-GSI, AKM-GSI, Getty, Levis)

Levis holds the No. 1 spot in our denim survey. The iconic American brand is also the oldest brand in the Top 5 list, having launched in 1853, followed by the original blue jean release in 1873. And for over a century, Levis has proven its reign over the denim industry by remaining the most coveted jeans of fashionistas. As shown above, style icons like Rihanna and Bella Hadid are among the many celebrities who sport the little red tab. Popular styles among those surveyed included the 501, the 505, Levis Made & Crafted Empire Skinny, and just straight-up vintage styles. Who What Wears editor-in-chief Kat Collings selected Levis as her favorite denim brand, as did Mode PR founder, Amanda Carter, who stated:

I LOVE vintage Levis as my forever classics. I still have my dads pair he gave me from the 70s.

To shop Levis visit: levi.com.

No. 2: J Brand

From left: Hailey Baldwin, Kate Middleton, and Hilary Duff wearing J Brand out and about. (Photo, left to right: AKM-GSI, Getty, Getty, J Brand)

Established in 2004 by founder Jeff Rudes, J Brand began as the cult brand worn by fashionable women in need of the perfect skinny jeans (though the labels flared denim style referred to as Love Story is easily counted as one of the brands biggest breakout styles). J Brand counts It Girls like Hailey Baldwin and even the Duchess of Cambridge as fans, and was chosen in our survey by influencers including Hermes PR Coordinator Emily Rose, who stated:

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My favorite jeans are the J brand Maria  its the high-waisted skinny jean. I think its the best high-waisted jean on the market, with enough stretch for however your body is doing that day.

To shop J Brand visit: jbrandjeans.com.

No. 3: Frame

From left, Selena Gomez, Hanneli Mustaparta, and Kate Bosworth as seen in Frame denim. (Photo, from left to right: Getty, Getty, Getty, Net-a-Porter)

Taking the No. 3 spot is ultra-cool premium denim brand, Frame  established just five years ago by Swedish business partners Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede, who also notably founded the cultish fashion publication Industrie. Torstensson and Grede had set out to create the perfect pair of svelte jeans after garnering experience in fashion marketing by starting the Wednesday Agency in 2003 (past clientele included Calvin Klein and H&M). The duo decided to headquarter Frame in the denim capital, Los Angeles, where they have since leveraged the company into a multi-million-dollar business that now counts Selena Gomez and Kate Bosworth as regular supporters. Jennifer Bett Meyer, founder and president of Jennifer Bett Communications, selected Frame as her favorite denim brand in Yahoo Styles survey for one main reason:

They are great for long-legged gals!

To shop Frame visit: frame-store.com.

No. 4: Citizens of Humanity

From left: Chanel Iman, Vanessa Hudgens, and Kourtney Kardashian wearing Citizens of Humanity out on the town. (Photo, from left to right: AKM-GSI, AKM-GSI, AKM-GSI, Citizens of Humanity)

Citizens of Humanity narrowly makes the fourth spot with just a one percent lead over Rag & Bone (in spot No. 5). The brand was established in 2003 by founder Jerome Dahan, considered a veteran in the denim industry with more than 25 years of experience. Interview Magazines senior fashion & accessories editor, Julia Gall, chose Citizens of Humanity as her overall favorite denim brand, while others in the fan base include celebrities Vanessa Hudgens, Kourtney Kardashian and model Chanel Iman. Editors and stylists from the Yahoo Style survey particularly loved the brands Liya style, while others called out the Wilfred collaborative collection, and its vintage washes.

To shop Citizens of Humanity visit: citizensofhumanity.com.

No. 5: Rag & Bone

From left: Jennifer Lopez, Behati Prinsloo, and Gisele Bundchen wearing Rag & Bone out and about. (Photo, left to right: AKM-GSI, Getty, Splash News, Net-a-Porter)

The fifth and final spot goes to Rag & Bone. Established in New York in 2002 by Marcus Wainwright and Nathan Bogle (who has since departed from the company), the label has successfully fused a British attitude with an American fashion staple. The brand, known for its signature washes and flattering silhouettes, has expanded its business to include shoes, accessories, fragrances, and more. Wainwright continues to lead the brand into its next exciting era, during which Rag & Bones denim collection will likely remain a core part of the brand  especially with A-listers like Gisele Bundchen and Jennifer Lopez repping the brand.

To shop Rag & Bone visit: rag-bone.com.

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 Lauren Conrad On Launching a Swimwear Line: I Cant Believe This Is My Job!

 The Most Coveted Things to Buy On Your Summer Trip

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.
ACLU and other legal opponents celebrate Trumps use of term as Kellyanne Conways husband, a lawyer, suggests president is undermining own case

On Twitter, Donald Trump identified his immigration crackdown as a travel ban. Photograph: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images

In the aftermath of the London terror attack, Donald Trump on Monday returned the offensive over security, renewing his criticism of US courts for blocking his attempted travel ban against people from six Muslim-majority countries.

People, the president tweeted, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!

His comments drew criticism from legal experts, including a supreme court lawyer representing Hawaii against the White House and George Conway, husband of Trumps aide Kellyanne Conway and an attorney who has been considered for senior federal posts.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

Trump also added to his widely reviled criticism of the mayor of London, writing: Pathetic excuse by London mayor Sadiq Khan, who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement. [Mainstream media] is working hard to sell it!

Trumps executive order restricting entry to the US from Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Libya and Syria  a first version included Iraq  has been blocked by federal courts in Maryland and Hawaii. The White House has appealed to the supreme court.

Rulings against the order have concerned Trump and associates references to the order as a ban, and references to Muslims being its target. A ban on entry to the US based on religion  as a ban on the countries concerned would be on a de facto basis  would be unconstitutional on grounds of religious discrimination.

On the campaign trail last year, Trump called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the US.

Among the people who have insisted that Trumps policy does not amount to a ban is the presidents own press secretary. In January, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters: Its not a Muslim ban. Its not a travel ban. Its a vetting system to keep America safe.

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Trump tweeted about his travel ban on Saturday night, as events in London were unfolding. Seven people died and 48 were injured, 18 critically, when three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and then attacked people with knives in Borough Market. All three attackers were shot dead by police.

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough, Trump wrote then, in the first of a number of widely criticised tweeted responses to the London attack. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the travel ban as an extra level of safety!

In response, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) pointed to Trumps potential legal misstep when it tweeted: Glad we both agree the ban is a ban.

On Monday, Trump carried on regardless, writing: The Justice Dept should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to [the supreme court].

The Justice Dept should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down travel ban before the supreme court  and seek much tougher version!

In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the US in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!

In response to Trumps comment that the justice department should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, a message posted on the lawyer George Conways Twitter account said: These tweets may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly wont help OSG [Office of the Solicitor General] get 5 votes in SCOTUS [the US supreme court], which is what actually matters. Sad.

The solicitor general supervises supreme court litigation. Conway, a partner at the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, was previously under consideration for the role. He withdrew from consideration for a different justice department post last week, saying it was not the right time to leave the private sector for a federal role, though he continued to support the Trump administration.

Conways Twitter account is not verified. In an email to the Guardian, he confirmed it was his. He subsequently tweeted a link to a Washington Post piece titled Trumps latest tweets could hurt effort to restore travel ban, with the comment: Very good analysis.

Conways wife, Kellyanne Conway, told NBCs Today show on Monday morning the media had an obsession with covering Trumps comments posted on Twitter.

George Conway also published a statement via Twitter. Just to be clear, he wrote, and in response to inquiries, I still VERY, VERY STRONGLY support POTUS, his Admin, policies, the executive order and of course, my wonderful wife. Which is why I said what I said this morning.

Every sensible lawyer in WHCO and every political appointee at DOJ wd agree with me (as some have already told me). The pt cannot be stressed enough that tweets on legal matters seriously undermine Admin agenda and POTUS  and those who support him, as I do, need to reinforce that pt and not be shy about it.

Elsewhere, Neil Katyal, a supreme court lawyer, tweeted in response to the president: Its kinda odd to have the defendant in Hawaii v Trump acting as our co-counsel. We dont need the help but will take it!

White House social media director Dan Scavino has denied reports that as the Trump White House struggles with its legislative agenda and FBI and congressional investigations into ties between Trump aides and Russia, lawyers are now monitoring the presidents tweets.

Additional reporting by Jon Swaine

Extreme vetting: share your stories

Donald Trump has implied that extreme vetting is already underway at US borders. If you believe you have experienced this, share your stories with us.
President Trump; London Mayor Sadiq Khan. (Photos: Alex Brandon/AP, Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters)

For the second consecutive day, President Trump assailed London Mayor Sadiq Khans response to terror attacks, misinterpreting the mayors call for residents to remain calm as police stepped up anti-terror patrols.

Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement, said Trump via Twitter on Monday morning. [Mainstream media] is working hard to sell it!

Trump was referring to a statement by Khan on Sunday urging citizens not to be alarmed by an increased police presence in the city. Khan condemned the attacks in his city and called the perpetrators barbaric cowards.

Slideshow: Deadly terror attack in London >>>

Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days  no reason to be alarmed, said Khan. One of the things police and all of us need to do is make sure were as safe as we possibly can be.

In a string of tweets Sunday about the attack, Trump had written, At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!

Khans spokesperson dismissed Trumps original barb Sunday.

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 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.

The presidents Sunday morning tweets about London appear to echo comments made on Fox & Friends.

Related slideshow: Mourning the victims of the London attack >>>

Khan, a Muslim, called Trumps view of Islam ignorant in a May 2016 interview.

I think theyre very rude statements, said Trump in response, and frankly, tell him, I will remember those statements. Theyre very nasty statements.

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Yeganeh Torbati and David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump came under fire on Sunday for criticizing London's mayor in the aftermath of attacks in the city that killed seven people and injured at least 48 others.

In a tweet, Trump seized on comments by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who said Britons should not be alarmed to see more police in the streets after three men drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing others nearby.

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" 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," Trump said.

In response, a spokesperson for the London mayor said Khan "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," the spokesperson said.

Former Vice President Al Gore, speaking on CNN's "State of the Union" program, said he thought Trump's tweet misrepresented what the mayor had said.

"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," Gore, a Democrat, said.

Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat and vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CNN that it "troubles" him to see the kinds of tweets Trump has put out in the aftermath of the London attacks.

'EVIL SLAUGHTER'

Trump did not mention the mayor when speaking after a gala event at Washington's Ford's Theatre later on Sunday, where he condemned the attacks as an "evil slaughter."

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He said the United States would do everything in its power to assist the UK in bringing those responsible to justice.

"This bloodshed must end. This bloodshed will end," Trump said, adding he would "do what is necessary" to prevent the threat from reaching the United States.

Islamic State on Sunday claimed responsibility for the London attack.

Trump also spoke with British Prime Minister Theresa May to offer condolences and offered Washington's "full support," the White House said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, Trump cited the London attacks to push his March 6 executive order that would temporarily ban entry into the United States of people from six predominantly Muslim countries.

The ban has been blocked in the courts and Trump's legal team has asked the Supreme Court to reinstate it.

Trump has said the travel ban is needed to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. Critics say his reasoning is flawed and assail the ban as discriminatory.

Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, former Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday: "A travel ban will be cannon fodder to the recruiters. It's the worst thing we could do."

Republican Senator Susan Collins told the CBS program "Face the Nation" that she thought Trump's travel ban was "not the right way to go" because it was too broad.

The U.S. State Department said it was monitoring the security situation and advised Americans in Britain to heed the advice of local authorities and maintain their security awareness.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement late on Saturday saying: "At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States." Law enforcement officials in major U.S. cities said they were not aware of any threats but were on alert.

(Writing by , Yeganeh Torbati and Phil Stewart; Additional reporting by Lucia Mutikani and David Morgan in Washington and Angus MacSwan in London; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Peter Cooney)
Washington (AFP) - 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."

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"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.
WASHINGTON  President Trump announced Monday he would push to privatize the nations air traffic control system as part of a broader plan to pump more funding into American infrastructure.

In an East Room ceremony, Trump said he would ask Congress to transfer control of air traffic control operations from the Federal Aviation Administration to a private, nonprofit entity. The corporations board would be made up of airline, government and union personnel. He argued that this would increase the efficiency of an antiquated system.

Today were proposing to take American air travel into the future, finally, Trump said. Were proposing reduced wait times, increased route efficiency and far fewer delays. Our plan will get you where you need to go more quickly, more effectively and  on time.

The plan is based on a bill authored last year by Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa. The Pennsylvania lawmaker, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and airline executives were among those in attendance at the ceremony.

If Congress greenlights Trumps proposal, the U.S. would join other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, in moving to an air traffic control system run by industry stakeholders.

But previous attempts at privatization have failed. Shusters proposal did not receive a vote in either house of Congress, and the plan comes at a time when lawmakers are bracing for a battle to reauthorize the FAAs funding, which expires in September.

Opponents of the bill, including many Congressional Democrats, argue that Trumps plan would hand government assets over to private interests that would not ensure the safety and well-being of fliers.

Meanwhile, Trump criticized efforts by the Obama administration to improve the air traffic control system, calling them failed.

The previous administration spent over $7 billion to upgrade the system and totally failed, Trump said Monday. Honestly they didnt know what the hell they were doing.

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President Trump after signing the air traffic control initiative, June 5, 2017. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

The FAA is in the midst of a $38.5 billion modernization project, and agency head Michael Huerta told lawmakers last month that it has made tremendous progress on the upgrades.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union representing air traffic controllers employed by the FAA, said Monday that it was reviewing the presidents plan. NATCA has previously expressed support for Shusters plan.

NATCA shares the Administrations commitments to infrastructure modernization and providing the National Airspace System with a stable, predictable funding stream, NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said in a statement.

Air traffic control unions and the government have a fraught history. In 1981, president Ronald Reagan famously fired over 11,000 air traffic controllers after they refused to return to work following a strike.

Aviation is just one piece of Trumps much-touted infrastructure plans, which he will lay out in a series of events over the course of this week. The president will be in Cincinnati on Wednesday to unveil his broader infrastructure plan, a centerpiece of his campaign agenda in which he promised to revamp the nations roads, airports and waterways.

The administration is also organizing an infrastructure summit on Thursday, the same day that former FBI Director James Comey is expected to testify before a Senate committee on whether Trump asked him to impede an investigation into his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

Read more from Yahoo News:
by Kelli Hill

With his latest move to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, President Trump continues to undo the Obama administrations legacy. Whenever a new president heads to the White House, its always expected that there will be changes because each president looks to fulfill the promises made on the campaign trail.

Every new president also chips away at the previous presidents legacy, reversing policies and progress. For example, one of the ultimate flip-flops with each new president is the Mexico City policy, which changes depending on whether a Democrat or Republican is in the Oval Office. The policy, which stops U.S. funding for international groups that support abortion rights, was first signed into law by Ronald Reagan in 1984. Bill Clinton overturned it in 1993, George W. Bush restored it in 2001, Barack Obama dropped it in 2008, and Trump reinstated it when he took office.

The Paris climate accord is just the latest example of Trumps unraveling of his predecessors legacy.

When he first took office, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade pact negotiated under Obama. In February, he reversed the Obama administrations policy requiring public schools to allow transgender students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. In May, Attorney General Jeff Sessions put the brakes on the Obama-era policy for leniency in prison sentences.

Although Trump hasnt been able to fully repeal the Affordable Care Act, his administration is going after the birth control mandate that requires employers to provide birth control coverage in their health insurance plans. Now, Trump is considering undoing Obamas opening with Cuba, reestablishing the restrictions and regulations on business and travel that were lifted in the new deal.

So with each new resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., a little policy redecorating is inevitable. But when it comes to Trumps affect on Obamas legacy so far, at least you can say, Now I get it
By Mica Rosenberg and Andrew Chung NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump accused his own Justice Department on Monday of watering down his temporary travel ban on people from several predominantly Muslim countries, potentially hurting his case in the Supreme Court on the matter. In a series of early morning Twitter messages, Trump returned to the issue of the travel ban that he raised immediately after an attack in London on Saturday night that killed 7 people and wounded 48. Legal experts said Trump's tweets could complicate his legal team's defense of the ban, since they contradict some of the arguments the government's lawyers are making in court. Trump has presented the measure, which seeks to halt entry to the United States for 90 days for people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen and bar refugees for four months, as essential to prevent attacks in the United States. Critics suing the government, including states and civil rights groups, say there is little national security justification for the move and the ban is discriminatory against Muslims. Federal courts have stopped it from being enforced. "The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original travel ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.," Trump tweeted, referring to the country's highest court. "The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down travel ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!" Federal courts struck down Trump's first temporary travel ban, an executive order he issued a week after taking office on Jan 20. To overcome the legal hurdles, he replaced it with a new order in March. The second ban was also put on hold by courts. The Justice Department says the courts should look only at the text of the order, not at the president's comments during the 2016 election campaign about imposing a ban on Muslims. "His tweets invite the question: if the second ban is 'politically correct,' what is un-P.C. about the original? And the answer is obvious: Trump told us its about banning Muslims," said Micah Schwartzman, a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law. Trump, whose populist brand of politics includes criticizing political correctness as an evasion of uncomfortable truths, called in a statement on his campaign website for a "complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." "The President's tweets may help encourage his base, but they can't help him in court," said Jonathan Adler, a professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Trump's legal team asked the Supreme Court last week to reverse rulings by lower courts and allow the revised travel ban to go into effect immediately. At issue before the court is whether the travel curbs violate the U.S. Constitution's ban on favoring one religion over another. The revised order removed language barring legal permanent residents and a clause that protected religious minorities. It also removed Iraq from the list of targeted countries. Trump said in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network shortly after signing the first ban that it would help Syrian Christians fleeing the country's civil war, a comment lawyers challenging the ban have pointed to as a sign it meant to favor Christians over Muslims. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump agreed to modify the language of the first order in an effort to satisfy the concerns of a federal appeals court that halted it, but he preferred the stronger action. "He wants to go as far and as strong as possible under the Constitution to protect the people in this country," Sanders told a news briefing on Monday. 'SLOW AND POLITICAL' Neal Katyal, an attorney for the state of Hawaii, which challenged the revised ban, said the president's comments only bolstered its case. "It's kinda odd to have the defendant in Hawaii v Trump acting as our co-counsel. We don't need the help but will take it!" Katyal said in a tweeted response to Trump's posts on Monday. Trump also tweeted on Monday that his administration was implementing tougher vetting of would-be visitors to the United States, adding: "The courts are slow and political!" Legal experts said that comment could also undermine the government's case that the travel ban is urgently needed, given the government has said the temporary travel restrictions would free up resources to put in place tougher screening protocols. Last week, the administration rolled out new policies on visa applications for some people who are deemed subject to greater scrutiny. U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, who is the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and opposes the ban, said on CNN the tweets showed the Republican president's disdain for the judicial branch. Trump needs five votes from the nine-judge Supreme Court in his favor to put the ban into effect. With the confirmation of Trump's Supreme Court pick earlier this year, the court retains a 5-4 conservative majority, while the lower courts that have ruled thus far have been more liberal-leaning. Peter Margulies, an immigration expert at Roger Williams University School of Law in Rhode Island, said of Trump's tweets, "To the extent that Trump is sort of a bull in a china shop, that might make the Supreme Court nervous." On Friday, the Supreme Court asked the challengers of the travel ban to file responses to the emergency request by June 12. Trump's administration would then likely to file its own response before the court's nine justices make their decision. White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway defended Trump's tweets following the London attack. In an NBC interview on Monday, she cited a media "obsession with covering everything he says on Twitter and very little of what he does as president." (Reporting by Mica Rosenberg in New York and Andrew Chung in Washington; Additional reporting by Lawrence Hurley, Susan Heavey and David Alexander; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Frances Kerry)
(Photo Illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP, Getty)

Singapore  The Istana presidential palace sits on a lush green hill surrounded by the towering skyscrapers of this wealthy city-state, its gleaming white columns and porticos recalling the colonial-era British Raj that built it on a former nutmeg plantation in 1867. Begun as a trading post of the British East India Company and occupied by the Japanese during World War II, Singapore today boasts one of the highest per-capita GDPs in the world and is a hub of global finance and commerce. Just off shore in the Strait of Malacca a mighty armada of cargo ships stretches to the horizon, a visible sign of the trade that has made modern Asia the most powerful economic engine in history.

On a recent morning Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was greeted at Istana by a full military honor guard and band. Singapores president, prime minister and military leaders ushered Dunford into a ceremony where the general was given the countrys Distinguished Service Order, a medal as big as a fist that hung from a wide ribbon draped over his shoulders. As a combat leader and no-nonsense Marine, Fighting Joe Dunford does not revel in pomp or personal aggrandizement. Yet he fully understood that the award was bestowed not so much to him personally, but rather for what he represents.

Like the other Asian Tigers, tiny Singapore has thrived in the rules-based international order that the United States constructed out of the wreckage of World War II. As the chief of the U.S. armed forces, Gen. Dunford personifies the enforcement of those international rules and norms, protecting allies from threats like a rogue North Korea and the encroaching shadow of a rising China asserting control over the vital shipping lanes of the South China Sea. Along with Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, Dunford was in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, a major gathering of defense officials and foreign policy experts from across Asia. Both generals tried to assure nervous allies that the United States remains committed to an international order predicated on free trade and freedom from intimidation.

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Singapores Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, right, meets U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, center, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., left, at the presidential palace in Singapore, June 2, 2017. (Photo: Joseph Nair/AP)

I know theres been noise about the United States supposedly walking away from our rebalance to Asia. That narrative is real and its out there in the media, Dunford said in an interview with Yahoo News. But when you look at the facts, we have a pretty compelling story to tell.

Those facts include the Defense Department devoting 60 percent of its joint forces to U.S. Pacific Command, and a significant increase in the volume of multilateral military exercises in Asia. The Pentagon has also deployed the newest and most capable weapons in the U.S. arsenal to the Pacific, to include F-35 and F-22 fighter aircraft and littoral combat ships.

Were matching our actions to the message that the United States remains committed to the Asia-Pacific, Dunford said. And when you go country by country, and look at our military-to-military engagements with nations like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Australia, I will tell you that the state of those relationships is very healthy, and they are absolutely valued in the region.

Yet if facts are stubborn things, so too are narratives, especially when reinforced by the leader of the free world. As candidate and president, Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of withdrawing the United States protective nuclear umbrella over Japan and South Korea as retaliation for their failure to spend adequately for their own defense. He wrongly chastised Seoul for supposedly stiffing the United States for the cost of deploying the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system during the North Korea missile crisis.

Many Asian countries still feel bruised by Trumps rejection of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, on which Asian officials spent years and considerable political capital negotiating. They continue to argue that the web of trade relationships between the United States and its Asian allies is the underpinning of their military alliances, and critical for keeping China in check. Trumps haranguing of NATO allies for not meeting defense spending goals, while failing to reaffirm the U.S. treaty commitment to defend its closest allies, was not lost on Asian observers. Most recently, the Trump administrations decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement on climate change rankled Asian signatories whose coastlines are threatened by rising sea levels.

So the positive messages of U.S. commitment carried by Mattis and Dunford were greeted with relief at Shangri-La, but also with considerable skepticism. After all, the generals came as emissaries of the one man many allies fear could bring the international order in Asia crashing down.

Kori Schake, a research fellow at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution, and a former National Security Council staff member for George W. Bush, attended the Shangri-la Dialogue. My sense is that in Asia, just as in Europe, Secretary Mattis and Chairman Dunford are there chiefly to reassure allies who yearn for an America that still supports the U.S.-led global order, she said. Schake was struck by the traditional American foreign policy speech Secretary Mattis gave in Singapore, for instance, emphasizing enduring U.S. security commitments and the importance of trade in cementing relationships among countries that share common values. I was also struck by the fact that every question Mattis fielded afterwards from the audience was a variation of How can we believe you given the positions and statements of President Trump?

By a historic twist of fate, the first major crisis likely to test Trumps unorthodox America First foreign policy is one that has bedeviled U.S. administrations for a quarter century: North Koreas determined effort to acquire nuclear weapons and long-range missiles that can threaten U.S. forces and allies in Asia, and within an estimated two to four years the U.S. homeland as well. Responding to a rash of recent missile tests by Pyongyang, Trump administration officials have declared that the era of strategic patience is over, and the president has drawn a red line by insisting that North Korea will not be allowed to acquire an intercontinental ballistic missile. The tough rhetoric was recently backed by the deployment of the THAAD antimissile defense system to South Korea and a U.S. carrier battle group to the region. The stability of Asia and the very real potential for a second Korean War are now riding on Trumps uncertain crisis management instincts, and the actions of a mercurial and bellicose Kim Jong Un in North Korea.

Given Pyongyangs past unprovoked attacks on South Korea, its threats to attack the United States with a nuclear first strike, and its near-perfect record as a serial proliferator of its nuclear and missile technology, Mattis in his Shangri-La speech called North Koreas nuclear program a clear and present danger and the most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific. Privately, both he and Dunford walked allies in Asia through their plans to methodically squeeze Pyongyang with an ever-tighter noose of U.N. resolutions, economic sanctions and military containment. Notably, their strategy is based on the assumption that China will finally prove willing to implement potentially crippling sanctions on Pyongyang, and that North Korea can be pressured to relinquish a nuclear weapons program that it views as a guarantor of regime survival.

A test-fire of a strategic submarine ballistic missile in Pyongyang on April 24, 2016. (Photo: KCNA/via Reuters)

I think the new United Nations resolution passed [on June 3rd] is significant, because it shows that there is now a shared sense of urgency in the international community, said Dunford, referring to new sanctions slapped on Pyongyang after its ninth ballistic missile test this year alone. I also think North Koreas provocative behavior has captured Chinas attention in particular. If you look at the timing of Kim Jong Uns provocations, some of them seemed intended to insult China. [Secretary of State Rex] Tillerson has also made clear that the United States is not seeking regime change in North Korea, but simply a denuclearized Korean Peninsula, which is a goal that China shares. So I believe the two U.N. resolutions this year and Chinas concerns about North Korean behavior have set the right conditions. The entire international community is approaching this issue differently than in the past.

Given Trumps inexperience and past controversial statements about alliance commitments, however, a number of Asian allies are nervous about a strategy that is edging him closer to a self-declared red line, and the possibility of a preemptive U.S. strike that could have existential consequences for South Korea in particular. I think now is the time to abstain from tough talk that might send the wrong signal or be misinterpreted in way that has unintended consequences, said a senior South Korean official who asked not to be identified. What were hearing privately from Mattis and other U.S. officials is that while every option is on the table with North Korea, whatever the United States does will be in close consultation with South Korea.

Mark Fitzpatrick is an Asia expert for the International Institute for Strategic Studies, which hosted the Shangri-La Dialogue. Some of the Trump administrations strong rhetoric may have had a deterrent effect because North Korea has not tested another nuclear device recently, but Trumps volatile statements and controversial pronouncements about alliance commitments has understandably made Asian allies anxious, he said. Given President Trumps transactional approach to international relations, he noted, theres concern among Asian allies that he might make a deal with China that trades more lax U.S. enforcement of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea in exchange for Beijings help with North Korea. And while everyone appreciated Mattis assurance that the United States wouldnt use its allies as bargaining chips in that way, no one knows if they can really take that commitment to the bank. Only Donald Trump is the commander in chief.

Indeed, after his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Mar-a-Lago earlier this year, Trump revealed his transactional approach to foreign relations by backing off his oft-stated promise to label China a currency manipulator. Why would I call China a currency manipulator when they are working with us on the North Korean problem? Trump tweeted on April 16. We will see what happens!

Such transactional flexibility alarmed Asian allies who depend on the United States to be steadfast in pushing back against Chinese bullying in the South and East Asian Seas. Examples of Chinas muscle-flexing are many, including dredging up seven artificial islands from reefs in the South China Sea, and claiming exclusive territorial zones around them. Beijing also ignored a binding 2016 finding by the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration that favored the Philippines over China in an island dispute. Chinese warships and military aircraft routinely violate Japans territory, and harass U.S. forces as they conduct freedom of navigation patrols in international waters and airspace.

We made clear to our allies our continued support for a rules-based international order that requires the United States to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation by operating wherever international law allows, said Dunford, who reiterated the U.S. commitment not to use such operations in support of allied shipping as bargaining chips in negotiations with the Chinese. He also noted that China reversed a public pledge to the Obama administration not to place weapons systems and militarize the seven islands it has dredged from reefs in the South China Sea.

Its indisputable that China has militarized those artificial islands after promising not to do so in 2015, which tells me that they are trying to push the U.S. military further out to sea in order to prevent us from having free access to the region to meet our military commitments to allies, said Dunford, who called Chinas actions a classic anti-access, area denial strategy. If you combine that with Chinas pursuit of long-range anti-ship cruise missiles and rocket systems, its clear they are attempting to deny the United States the ability to operate freely in the region.

(Source: Yahoo News/AP)

The speech Secretary of Defense Mattis gave at the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 3 was arguably the most full-throated defense of traditional U.S. leadership that any Trump official has offered since the election. He spoke of the United States enduring commitment to the security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific based on strategic interests and on the shared values of free peoples and free markets. He offered a deep and abiding commitment to reinforcing the rules-based international order. The speech was widely praised by delegates and was the talk of the conference.

And yet the cognitive dissonance of the messaging coming from the Trump administration was also confounding to the Asian audience. In the question-and-answer session after Mattis speech, an Australian delegate wondered if the administrations rejection of TPP and the Paris Agreement, and its rough treatment of NATO, meant that Trump really wanted to deconstruct the rules-based international order. A Japanese parliamentarian questioned whether her nations security alliance with the United States was still based on common values like free trade, environmental protection and human rights. A delegate from Singapore wondered why the United States wasnt more worried that China was aggressively filling the economic and trade vacuum left in the wake of TPPs cancellation.

As for the rules based order, obviously we have a new president in Washington, D.C. Were all aware of that. And there are going to be fresh approaches taken, Mattis answered, trying to frame the current American moment in a historic context. Of course there has long been a strain of isolationism in the body politic, a reluctance to serve as the worlds policeman. But after witnessing the carnage of tens of millions of people in World War II, Mattis noted, the Greatest Generation realized what a crummy world it would be if everyone just retreated back inside their own borders.

Like it or not, were part of this world, Mattis said, speaking for the change in Americas post-World War II mindset. Even for all the frustrations that are felt in America right now and the sense that at times we carry an inordinate burden, that sense of engagement with the world is still deeply rooted in the American psyche.

And then he paraphrased Britains World War II-era statesman Winston Churchill. Bear with us, Mattis told the Shangri-La Dialogue audience. Once weve exhausted all possible alternatives, the Americans will do the right thing.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual defense and security forum in Asia, June 3, 2017 in Singapore. (Photo: Joseph Nair/AP)

_____

James Kitfield is a senior fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress and author of the recent book Twilight Warriors: The Soldiers, Spies and Special Agents Who Are Revolutionizing the American Way of War (Basic Books). He is a former senior correspondent for National Journal and has written about defense, national security and foreign policy issues from Washington, D.C., for more than two decades.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Tupac Shakur was not only one of the greatest rappers of all time, he was also a very talented actor. And no film role better showcased his skill than his debut (not counting his cameo as a member of Digital Underground in Nothing But Trouble) as the mercurial criminal Bishop in the 1992 favorite Juice.

The Ernest R. Dickerson-directed street drama celebrates its 25th anniversary with a new Blu-ray release that includes some bonus material gems for Pac completists. You can get a taste for the extras in the exclusive clip above, which shows the rapper-actor (allegedly getting nice on spiked orange juice) horsing around on set and disrupting an interview being shot with costar Jermaine Hopkins. Shakur then gives a rundown of what theyre capturing that day, the pivotal sequence where Bishop shoots and kills Raheem (Khalil Kain) in an abandoned building.

In subsequent contemporary interviews for the Blu-ray, Dickerson and producer David Heyman recalled how Shakur came into the picture in the first place. He had tagged along with his friend, Naughty by Natures Treach, who was auditioning for a role, so the filmmakers asked Shakur to try out as well.

After his audition, Shakur left them with something to remember. He walked out of the room, and then with a little wink and a smile, because he was mischievous he said, You better give me the part, because I know where yall live, Heyman said.

And we just looked at each other and said, Whoa,' Dickerson added. Thats the dude.

Juice: 25th Anniversary Blu-ray is released on June 6. Watch the movies trailer:





Read more from Yahoo Movies:
Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

Warning: This recap for Part 5 of Twin Peaks contains spoilers.

Theres been a lot of debate over the past two weeks regarding how one should consume Twin Peaks. Should it be picked apart and analyzed like a Westworld plot, with timeline charts and character graphs and an online course in numerology? Or should we view it like a painting, a piece of art which transcends logic and is open to endless interpretation?

In a recent interview with Vulture, actress Sheryl Lee (who plays Laura Palmer) said that Twin Peaks is like a dream world, its not meant to be dissected. Lees assertion echoes the thoughts of her fellow cast and crew members, especially co-creator and director David Lynch, who has always been reluctant to discuss his work in detail, at least in any narrative sense. Lynch chooses to talk tone, mood and feeling as opposed to plot points, character motivation and story speculation.

Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

Of course, that hasnt stopped fans from launching a thousand wild theories over the past two weeks (myself included), scrutinizing every frame of the new episodes for clues and connections to help work out just what the hell is going on. In a way, weve all become Dr. Jacoby (Russ Tamblyn), or should I say Dr. Amp? The eccentric former psychiatrist turned expert shovel painter and Internet conspiracist. Of course Dr. Jacoby would become the Alex Jones of Twin Peaks! Its so perfect, Im slapping myself for not seeing it coming earlier.

I like to think David Lynch and Mark Frost were purposely poking fun at the overanalytical viewership of modern day programming when they came up with Jacobys story. They made us watch ten minutes of a man spray painting shovels gold, knowing that our inquisitive minds would search for hidden meaning and metaphor. Perhaps the shovels were for ceremonial purposes? Maybe for a new land development with Ben Horne? What if the gold is somehow linked with the gold ball used to manufacture Dougie? No, no, and again, no.

Story continues

Photo: Screengrab/Showtime.

Jacoby is simply trying to hawk his gold-coated shovels to impressionable viewers of his rant-filled videocast so that they can dig their way out of the global corporate conspiracy. And at $29.99, thats a bargain. Shovel your way out of the s**t and into the truth, is the slogan of his homemade infomercial. Those viewers include a weed-smoking Jerry Horne (David Patrick Kelly) and Nadine Hurley (Wendy Robie), a woman with a history of mental issues and an obsession with silent drape runners.

The scene is a highlight in an episode of stand-out moments. It works as both a straight-up comedic piece and a commentary on clue-hunting fans who see every scene as a puzzle to be solved. Sometimes a shovel is a just a shovel. It can also be read as a critique on the Alex Jones of the world, the armchair broadcasters with their pent-up rage and conspiracy theories and distorted facts. The irony is not lost on me that one of the avid viewers is a woman who previously patched up her problems by escaping into the world of daytime soap operas. Nadine has replaced one melodramatic fiction with another.

You can enjoy Twin Peaks as a puzzle or a painting. There is no right or wrong way to watch this show. You can dig into the theories like Dr. Jacoby, or you can just go with the flow like Dougie Jones. Twin Peaks has always been this blend of dreamy art-house cinema, late-night soap-opera, and intriguing mystery drama. If you want to sit back and just let the Lynchian weirdness wash over you, then go ahead. Or you can buy a corkboard and an endless supply of post-it notes and try to break the code. Either is fine.

THE ADVENTURES OF DOUGIE JONES

Our electricity-travelling good agent, Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), is still adjusting to life as Dougie Jones  the stand-in doppelganger manufactured by Evil Coop. Unfortunately, the coffee he spat out last week didnt snap him out of his brain dead state, although it did return his insatiable taste for the caffeinated beverage. One of the biggest laughs of the episode is the image of Dougie passionately guzzling down his coworker Franks (Bob Stephenson) latte  although Frank seemed pretty pleased with his green tea replacement.

The Dougie scenes are like something out of an 80s sitcom, and not one of the famous ones, one of those that disappeared after a single season and only seem to exist in vague fragments of your parents memories. Youve got to hand it to Kyle MacLachlan for his performance, making Dougie sympathetic one moment (tearing up over his son) and a comic buffoon minutes later (being shoved out of an elevator by a dozen disgruntled coworkers). The fact hes also bringing a malevolent energy to Evil Coop at the same time is truly exceptional.

Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

What kind of person was Dougie before he was sucked into the Red Room and turned into a golden pebble? Nobody seems truly perturbed by his conduct, at least not enough to call a doctor. Not his friends or his family or his coworkers at Lucky 7 Insurance (hes not a real estate agent like I assumed last week). They cover for him, hold his hand, and shuffle him into ladies restrooms so he can pee. When his wife, Janey-E (Naomi Watts), drops him off at work, she mentions him having one of [his] episodes, which suggests that Dougie is no stranger to odd behavior. I suppose a guy that wears a lime green jacket to work at an insurance firm is known to be somewhat on the quirky side.

But memories are very slowly coming back to Dougie-Coop. The cowboy statue outside the offices unearth the law enforcement man hiding beneath the oversized jacket; Dougie is fascinated by the smart suit and the pistol, and maybe even the Stetson is tapping into a blocked memory of his old pal Sheriff Harry Truman. Words like Agent and case files momentarily snap Dougie back into detective mode, allowing his remarkable intuition to resurface, calling out a deceptive coworker (Tom Sizemore) for lying.

It may be frustrating to see Cooper in this state, but its also fascinating how Lynch and Frost have twisted the narrative and thrown everything we love about Cooper into a new context. Also, Dougie was eyeing up that donut something fierce; I think once he gets that pastry/coffee combo hell be really cooking.

WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

Meanwhile, Evil Coop is adjusting to his new world  federal prison. Actually, the prison is adjusting to Evil Coop, as he seems to be regaining his otherworldly powers. In the creepiest scene of the night, Evil Coop stares into his jail cell mirror where he sees the reflection of BOB staring back; the late Frank Silvas face stretched and morphed with MacLachans to create an unsettling image. Youre still with me. Thats good, Evil Coop proclaims, confirming that BOB is indeed still riding with the Cooper doppelganger and not possessing some other poor soul (like Bill Hastings). Its great that Silva is still a presence on the show given how important he was to the original series.

Its this union with BOB that likely gives Evil Coop the ability to set the alarm system off while making his phone call, disrupting the recording and allowing him to speak in private. He leaves an ominous message to whoever is on the other end of the line  The cow jumped over the moon. I assume thats a coded message, but given this is Twin Peaks, that might be something that literally happened.

OLD AND NEW

Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

Part 5 is packed with characters, both old and new. Alongside eye-patch wearing Nadine, we also catch up with her ex-lover Mike Nelson (Gary Hershberger), who is now the owner of a car dealership, and Norma Jennings (Peggy Lipton), who is still holding things down at the Double R Diner. Its through these scenes we learn more about Shellys (Madchen Amick) troubled daughter Becky (Amanda Seyfried) and her skeevy, drug-addict boyfriend (Caleb Landry Jones). Actually, they might be husband and wife as they both have the surname (Burnett) in the credits.

Of all the new characters introduced so far, Seyfried and Jones seem most comfortable in the world of Twin Peaks. Steven is a scummy loser who cant even piece together a decent sounding resume to get a job. Becky has shades of Laura Palmer, the beautiful blonde saddled with a cocaine habit and a toxic relationship, forced to borrow money from her mother (yes, its odd that 31-year-old Seyfried is playing 46-year-old Amicks daughter). Lynch uses Seyfrieds recognizable eyes to great effect in a gorgeous POV shot, filmed from above, as Becky beams in drug-fueled ecstasy.

Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

Steven isnt the only new bad boy in town; were also briefly introduced to Richard Horne (Eamon Farren), smoking and violently harassing women at the Roadhouse. Its unclear whose Horne offspring this is, we know Ben liked to get around, but we cant rule out Jerry or perhaps even Audrey, who weve yet to see in these first five parts. We do find out that Deputy Chad (John Pirruccello) is up to no good, as Richard hands him a cigarette carton stuffed with cash. I assume Chad and Richard are the ones smuggling drugs across the border, which was mentioned by Bobby Briggs in Part 4.

Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

Its an episode full of nasty men. Robert Knepper and Jim Belushi turn up in Las Vegas, beating the hell out of the Silver Mustang Casino owner (Bret Gelman) for letting Dougie-Coop walk (well, shuffle I suppose) away with $425,000 in winnings. Knepper and Belushi make perfect villains, intimidating and ruthless, and, of course, the scene is given the Lynchian weird touch by the three Vegas showgirls (one played by Amie Shiels) nonchalantly watching the ass-kicking go down.

Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

As for some friendlier characters, at least on the surface, we meet Colonel Davis (Ernie Hudson) and Lieutenant Cynthia Knox (Adele Rene) at the Pentagon. Cynthia informs the Colonel that theyve had another hit on Major Garland Briggs prints, which seems to confirm the theory that the headless body in Buckhorn does indeed belong to the Major. The Colonel tasks Cynthia with a mission to Buckhorn to investigate.

Meanwhile, Agent Tammy Preston (Chrysta Bell) is doing some fingerprint investigating of her own. Shes comparing the fingerprints of Agent Cooper and Evil Coop, and it seems that Evil Coops prints are reversed. There was some criticism last week that the character of Tammy was overly sexualized, and I think thats a fair comment, especially with that awkward butt-ogling scene. However, this short moment implies that there is more to Tammy than meets the eye, she perhaps has that brilliant intuition that Cooper has (or had, at least).

Now its time to shine our cosmic flashlight on some of the theories of the week.

THEORIES FROM ANOTHER PLACE

Who did Evil Coop call?

We know it wasnt Mr. Strawberry  apparently, he doesnt take calls anymore. Evil Coop appeared to be calling the flashing black box in Buenos Aries, Argentina  a box that magically turned into some sort of black stone? The importance of Buenos Aries will be known to fans of Fire Walk With Me, as its where Agent Phillip Jeffries was last seen before his time-travelling escapades.

Is Jeffries who Evil Coop is calling? He previously thought he was conversing with Jeffries back in Part 2 on his Inspector Gadget do-it-all briefcase computer thingy. But we also heard from Darya that Jeffries had hired her and Ray to kill Cooper (Evil or Good?). There are too many clues (here we go again) at this point for it not to be Jeffries Buenos Aries, the flashing lights, and the focus on security cameras which is what happened when Jeffries suddenly appeared at the FBI Headquarters in FWWM. The question is, who will be playing Jeffries? (the role was originally played by David Bowie, who sadly passed away before filming of the new series).

Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

Are the hitmen also working for Jeffries?

The useless assassins who missed their shot to take out Dougie last week inform their boss Lorraine (Tammie Baird) of their failure. Another mysterious character who appears to be working for someone higher-up who shes legitimately frightened of  just like Mr. Todd in Part 1. She makes a call to that same flashing box Evil Coop called in Buenos Aries. Are Lorraine and the hitmen also working for Jeffries? Is Jeffries trying to eliminate all known Coopers?

Side-Note: We saw some violent carjackers get blown to smithereens when they tried stealing Dougies car  the one the hitmen planted a bomb underneath last week. The kid in the house with the junkie mom watched from across the street. Im not sure what their connection to the story is, but theres playing cards on the table and we know Evil Coop carries around that deformed Ace of Spades card.

Is Harry Truman going to die?

I love that Lynch and Frost didnt simply recast or kill off Harry Truman; despite Michael Ontkean not reprising the role, theyve kept him present in conversation amongst the Sheriffs Department. However, the frequent references to his health  this episode Frank mentioned Harry getting some tests  has me wondering if Harry is going to pass away off-screen. Im not sure how Id feel about that  unless Ontkean secretly filmed a death scene, that might be the only way to stomach it.

Side-Note: We also met Frank Trumans wife, Doris, who seems to come from the Nadine Hurley school of spousal support. Robert Forster has the best deadpan look, though.

Photo: Suzanne Tenner/Showtime.

How did Major Briggs know Dougie?

With the Pentagon scene all but confirming that the body in Buckhorn belongs to Major Briggs, we have an interesting development with Dougies wedding ring being found inside the corpse. How did it get there? Well, the obvious answer is probably that Evil Coop forced him to swallow it.

My theory is that Evil Coop kidnapped or coerced Major Briggs into coming with him, perhaps somehow using him to get in contact with Jeffries (that special briefcase computer could be military operated, something that Briggs might have owned). When Briggs ran out of use, Evil Coop killed him, planting Dougies wedding ring inside him, either as a calling card or to point the blame towards Dougie himself.

Let us know your own thoughts and theories on the new series in the comments below.

Twin Peaks airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on Showtime.
Photo-illustration: Yahoo News; Photos: AP, Twitter

A new Twitter bot that turns President Trumps freewheeling tweets into official-looking White House statements has become somewhat of a sensation.

The bot, @RealPressSecBot, was launched Sunday night by St. Louis-based software engineer Russel Neiss and went viral overnight, with more than 47,000 followers as of Monday morning.

The bot scans for tweets from Trumps account, @realDonaldTrump, every five minutes, then converts them into the format of official White House statements.

Neiss told Yahoo News that he created the bot in about 40 minutes Sunday after he saw one of Trumps tweets about the London terrorist attacks converted into a presidential press statement.

Pat Cunnane, a former White House aide for the Obama administration, wrote because hes President  all of Trumps Tweets should be mocked up in the correct Presidential statement format.

It shook me right then and there in the moment  its sort of obvious in some ways that these statements on Twitter are presidential statements that are distributed to the world for their consumption, Neiss said about Cunnanes tweet.

For context  because he's President  all of Trump's Tweets should be mocked up in the correct Presidential statement format. It's telling. pic.twitter.com/UZ7d2WJRs4  Pat Cunnane (@PatCunnane) June 4, 2017

Neiss also drew inspiration from a Sunday tweet from New York Times correspondent Maggie Haberman calling on people to treat Trumps tweets as presidential statements rather than minimizing the presidents tweets.

I think the reason its so powerful is that its very straightforward, its a very obvious connection to make, Neiss said.

Though Trump has faced criticism for his use of Twitter, historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat told Yahoo News that the presidents Twitter habits are useful for archivists and biographers, and that the social media network has become the means of communication used by many world leaders.

Story continues

But the content of Trumps tweets  which often contain typos or factual errors  has caused him to face widespread ridicule and criticism for the unpresidential behavior, she said. On Sunday and Monday, Trump twice took London Mayor Sadiq Khans comments about last weekends terror attack out of context in order to deride him on Twitter.

Twitter plays into Trumps inability to recognize the boundary between his personal interests and his role in public office, Ben-Ghiat said. The aides are as usual having to do their cycle of getting on TV  as his defender and interpreter.

Neiss hopes that his bot will help people take Trumps Twitter stream more seriously.

If [the bot] makes folks treat the tweets with the gravity that these statements actually are, I think that would be a victory, Neiss said.

But will Trump stop tweeting? Probably not, Ben-Ghiat said.

I dont think hell be stopping anytime soon, she said.

Read more from Yahoo News:
A smiley Bill Cosby and Keshia Knight Pulliam arrived at the Montgomery County Courthouse for the opening of his sexual assault trial in Norristown, Pa. on June 5. (Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images)

It appeared to be a happy  and joke-filled  reunion for Bill Cosby and his TV daughter Keshia Knight Pulliam on Monday. As photogs snapped their photo, they walked arm in arm with big smiles on their face.

While the joyous reunion between The Cosby Show co-stars would have been fitting for a red carpet, they were actually arriving at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., for the start of his sexual assault trial. The one-time beloved TV dad is facing charges that he drugged and molested a former Temple University employee at his Philadelphia-area home in 2004. More than 40 other women have accused the 79-year-old entertainer of sexual misconduct but this is the only one being brought to trial.

Pulliam, who played the youngest Huxtable kid, clearly believes in Cosbys innocence, and showed her loyalty to the man responsible for giving her a career. But the criticism to their oddly joyful arrival at court today has been harsh.

This Twitter user described it as a slap in the face to all those victims.

This is a slap in the face to all those victims by Keshia Knight Pulliam giving her support to the sexual criminal of Bill Cosby. https://t.co/BcAC02kStj  Eric Benitez (@Eric_Benitez1) June 5, 2017

This woman was confused by Pulliam, 38, supporting Cosby after attending a meeting with the actress at Atlantas City Hall about fighting sexual assault in that city and BELIEVING survivors.

It's weird to me that Keshia Knight Pulliam is escorting Bill Cosby for his sexual assault trial b/c I was in a meeting w/ her before  Venkayla Haynes (@VenkaylaHaynes) June 5, 2017

In City Hall w/ APD, City Council, survivors, and advocates discussing fighting against sexual assault in Atlanta and BELIEVING survivors.  Venkayla Haynes (@VenkaylaHaynes) June 5, 2017

She offered her input on next steps which is great but why turn around and escort him? Like Im really confused.  Venkayla Haynes (@VenkaylaHaynes) June 5, 2017

This person was disappointed.

Story continues

There was speculation she received a paycheck for being there (or that she should have).

I wonder if Bill Cosby is paying Keshia Knight Pulliam to be there.  Sarah Studley (@StudleyEsq) June 5, 2017

JUST IN: Keshia Knight Pulliam earning her single mom pay today with Bill Cosby. pic.twitter.com/iGDdkvtBmd  Becky Bourgeois (@BlackKhaleesi) June 5, 2017

Does Keshia Knight Pulliam need a check or something?  Rap Game Ina Garten (@KaraBTweets) June 5, 2017

This one made a TV reference.

Bill Cosby went to court with Keshia Knight? Rudy is supposed to help with is sexual assault case?

Talk about jumping the shark  Dawn Colette (@DawnColette3) June 5, 2017

There were gifs.

Me watching how Keshia Knight Pulliam's PR team handles her going to trial with Bill Cosby. pic.twitter.com/uMD2XSPG1E  d. h. ???? (@tiemyshoedude) June 5, 2017

Me when Keshia Knight Pulliam arrives to the cookout No entry here boo pic.twitter.com/2JOd7ArnIa  George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) June 5, 2017

Keshia Knight Pulliam clearly has some bundles or lipgloss to sling. Nobody needs promo this bad. A mess pic.twitter.com/kjr0iNCUj6  Candis McLean (@CandisRMcLean) June 5, 2017

This person wasnt as harsh, simply saying it was not a good a good look supporting a serial rapist.

Keshia Knight. What the hell are you doing? Not a good look supporting a serial rapist. "Bill Cosby"  Tricia resist Nixx (@P_Nixx) June 5, 2017

And this one didnt care who Cosby brought and thinks the rest of the world shouldnt either.

Wait, KESHIA KNIGHT PULLIAM!? Hes obs innocent then.  Matthew Gilbertson (@MattRGilbertson) June 5, 2017

They werent all negative.

Regardless of the outcome of Bill Cosby's trial, I respect Keshia Knight Pulliam for being there. Innocent until proven guilty, right?  B Howard (@BHoward_ESQ) June 5, 2017

Keshia Knight Pulliam that's loyalty babe ????  ????Rolla (@_CartierBOY) June 5, 2017

Keshia Knight Pulliam showing up with Bill Cosby to his trial is beyond dope! Never forget who brought you up! ????????  MindYaBiness (@TyWalston_40) June 5, 2017

She even got applause  virtual ones.

One time for Keshia Knight Pulliam standing by Bill Cosby side today as he starts his trial. ???????????? loyalty  SlimMelanin (@DlvrUs4rmBria) June 5, 2017

According to a Fox News reporter on the scene, Pulliam left court saying its important to support friends when things are great and things arent great. Thats something shes learned personally as shes been battling with her soon-to-be ex-husband over their infant daughter since she first learned she was pregnant.

Pulliam reportedly wont be the only Cosby Show alum attending the trial to support their famous former boss. Phylicia Rashad, who played Cosbys TV wife, is also expected to make an appearance at some point.

Find out what the rest of the Huxtables think about the accusations against Cosby here:





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While most of the people in the United States as well as all over the world tuned into the special episode of Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly, to finally get some answers out of Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the raging controversy that Russia had sabotaged the 2016 U.S. election, it ended up being a one-way conversation that left many disappointed.

Knowing that it would be one of those rare occasions in which she got to have a one-on-one with the man of the moment, Putin himself, Kelly wasted no time in addressing the issues that have been plaguing American minds, including the FBI, who is currently looking into possible ties between President Donald Trumps administration and Russian officials.

But even though Kelly managed to ask all the right questions, her approach toward the same has been criticized by many who expected her to get Putin to open up more than he did, during the interview.

According to some people on the social media, Kelly let Putin own her interview, something that the NBC News reporter should have tried hard not to do.

Many even thought that there was no point in scheduling an interview with Putin as it was a common knowledge that he would look to deny every allegation that has been stated against his country. As predicted, Putin did adopt a tougher tone while defending the Russian government.

"There were no meetings. I - you understand? There were no meetings," Putin said when Kelly asked him what Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyaks meetings with former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn was all about, Business Insider reported. "When I saw this, my jaw dropped."

Kelly was also criticized for skipping any questions on the prosecution of the LGBT community going on in Chechnya, Russia.

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Putin went on to indirectly side with Trump when he blamed the American people of using their wild imagination to draw up political scenarios where their own country officials were colluding with Russia, as a form of extreme protest against their leader.

"For me, this is just amazing. You created a sensation out of nothing," Putin said, according to the Business Insider report. "And out of this sensation, you turned it into a weapon of war against the current president. Well, this is, you know, you're just, you people are so creative over there. Good job. Your lives must be boring."

This made some users allude to the notion that Trump and Putin were acting in each others interests. An American user even went as far as calling Putin my president in his tweet, insinuating that the POTUS was simply following the instructions given to him by the Russian leader.

Other than that, Megyn Kelly was also bashed by social media when she asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi if he was Twitter. Most people called her ignorant and criticized her ability as a journalist since Modi is the second most followed person on Twitter.

A lot was banking on the first episode of Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly, ever since Kelly left Fox News in January 2017 and joined NBC instead. However, according to the general consensus on social media, the reporter seems to have failed to use the given opportunity to her advantage.

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HBO late-night host and comedian Bill Maher is in trouble for using a racial slur on his show. In an interview with Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) in Friday night's episode of his program "Real Time with Bill Maher," the host used the N-word.

Maher released a statement Saturday, apologizing: "The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry."

Read: Comedian Bill Maher Drops N-Word On His Show

Although, the interview continued smoothly after Maher's N-word comment, Sasse later said on Twitter he wished he had been "quick enough" to challenge Maher.

An HBO spokesman Quentin Schaffer called the joke "completely inexcusable and tasteless," adding: "We are removing his deeply offensive comment from any subsequent airings of the show."

Maher's racist comments instantly became a national trending topic on social media. Many users called for the comedian's show to be canceled, while others pointed out that the host has a history of insensitive comments about race, religion and women.

Activists also criticized Maher's comments on social media. DeRay McKesson, a Black Lives Matter activist and former Baltimore mayoral candidate, led the criticism on Twitter. Bill Maher has got to go, he wrote. There are no explanations that make this acceptable.

In New York City, civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton addressed the issue in his Saturday sermon, the Guardian reported.

"Bill Maher decided to get on television last night and sanitize and normalize the N-word, Sharpton said. Just because Bill Maher is liberal and our friend, you dont give him a pass  you never get the right to use that term."

Jack Posobiec, an alt-right activist and commentator, wrote on Twitter: "Racist Bill Maher must be fired and @BenSasse must be held accountable for his endorsement of the n-word."

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Twitter users have demanded for instant firing of Maher for using the racist comment.

This is not the first time Maher has caused controversy with his views. He has made controversial remarks about religion, race and women in the past as well.

In 2008, he discussed Hillary Clinton's campaign strategy, according to reports, where he said: "Im not trying to be sexist here, but Im just saying that women try a lot of different tacks when theyre in arguments Im not being sexist, Im just saying that men, when we argue, were kind of a one-trick pony  we try our thing, and then we sulk when we dont get our way.

Then, he played several clips of Clinton on the campaign trail and said: "Because the first thing a woman does, of course, is cry and then they go to sweet talking and then they throw an anger fit totally unrelated to anything. And when it doesn't work, they bring out the sarcasm.

In 2015, he reportedly suggested all Muslims support the Charlie Hebdo attack. Just days after the attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdos offices in Paris, Maher appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to condemn the second-largest religion in the world.

He said: "I know most Muslim people would not have carried out an attack like this...But heres the important point. Hundreds of millions of them support an attack like this. They applaud an attack like this. What they say is, we dont approve of violence, but you know what, when you make fun of the prophet, all bets are off.

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By Dan Whitcomb

(Reuters) - Two men were charged with involuntary manslaughter on Monday for creating what prosecutors described as a "fire trap" at Oakland, California, warehouse where 36 people died in a blaze at an illegal dance party last year.

Derrick Ion Almena, 47, and Max Harris, were taken into custody elsewhere in the state earlier on Monday and face up to 39 years in prison if convicted, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley said at a press conference.

Almena rented the warehouse, which was known as the Ghost Ship, and ran it as an art collective and communal residence. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Harris was a creative director of the art space.

"Defendants Almena and Harris knowingly created a fire trap with inadequate means of escape, then filled that area with human beings," O'Malley said. "And they are now facing the consequences of their actions."

The 10,000-square-foot building lacked sprinklers and smoke detectors, and wooden pallets partially formed a makeshift stairway between the first and second floors, officials have said. It had just two exterior doors.

On Dec. 2, flames raced through what authorities say was an illegal, rave-style dance party on the second floor of the sprawling two-story building, which had a warehouse permit but was leased to the artists' collective.

It was the deadliest fire in the United States since 100 people perished in a 2003 Rhode Island nightclub fire.

Reuters has reported that in the two years leading up to the fire, city officials entered the building on numerous occasions and had multiple opportunities to see that residents were illegally living there in hazardous conditions.

The Oakland Police Department received dozens of complaints about the warehouse and went inside at least half a dozen times, according to police reports and accounts from former tenants and visitors.

O'Malley said Almena and Harris were criminally negligent because they had allowed people to live in the warehouse unbeknownst to the city, fire department and owners, permitting illegal construction and floor-to-ceiling storage that proved highly flammable.

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On the night of the dance party, she said, the men blocked one exit to the building as party-goers gathered there and provided no lighted exit pathways to the remaining outside door.

"The paying guests to this event faced a nearly impossible labyrinth to get out of the building," O'Malley said.

Authorities say that because nearly all of the evidence was destroyed by the flames, the precise cause of the fire may never be determined.

(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Cooney and Bill Trott)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - U.S.-backed Syrian militias said they seized a major dam on the Euphrates river from Islamic State on Sunday, their latest gain as they push towards Raqqa city. The Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters, said they captured the Baath Dam in the morning, renaming it Freedom Dam. The hydroelectric facility lies 22 kilometers upstream of Raqqa, where Islamic State's operations in Syria are based. The spokesman for the Kurdish YPG militia, the SDF's key component, said fighters were combing nearby villages for mines and shoring up their defensive lines. "The dam has been completely liberated," Nouri Mahmoud said. The advance means the SDF now hold all three major dams along the Euphrates, after gaining control of Syria's largest dam last month. With air strikes and special forces from the U.S.-led coalition, the SDF have been encircling Raqqa, which Islamic State has used as a hub to plan attacks abroad. The operation to storm the city will start in the next "few days", Mahmoud said on Saturday. The Raqqa assault will pile more pressure on the jihadist group's self-declared "caliphate" as it faces defeat in the Iraqi city of Mosul and retreats across much of Syria. Islamic State still controls swathes of Syria's eastern desert bordering Iraq and most of Deir al-Zor province, which would be its last major foothold in Syria after losing Raqqa. The SDF has advanced in recent months to within several kilometers (miles) of the center of Raqqa, facing fierce resistance from Islamic State. Fighting since late last year has displaced tens of thousands of people, United Nations sources say, with many flooding camps in the area and others stranded in the desert. The U.N. human rights office has raised concerns about increasing reports of civilian deaths as air strikes escalate. The Raqqa campaign has "resulted in massive civilian casualties, displacement, and serious infrastructure destruction" so far, it said in a May report. Islamic State militants have also reportedly forbidden civilians from leaving, it added. The United States-led coalition says it is careful to avoid civilian casualties in its bombing runs in Syria and Iraq. (Reporting by Ellen Francis; Editing by Catherine Evans and Susan Fenton)
Cities and states across the U.S. will keep fighting climate change, despite President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the country from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Local leaders from across the country say they're not backing down from America's commitments under the historic climate accord. In recent days governors and nearly 200 mayors  from small towns to megacities  have vowed to collectively reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and adopt clean energy technologies.

Their swift response offers more than just a dose of cheerful optimism. It signals that America's hard-fought progress on climate issues won't be so easily dismantled just because climate deniers and fossil fuel industry allies hold the top seats in the U.S. government, observers said.

SEE ALSO: 5 ways Trump's Paris Agreement decision will affect you

"The fact of the matter is, Americans don't need Washington to meet our Paris commitment, and Americans are not going to let Washington stand in the way of fulfilling it," Michael Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor and a special U.N. envoy for cities and climate, said in a recent statement from Paris.

Michael Bloomberg, left, with France's President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Bloomberg told French leaders the U.S. remains committed to the Paris treaty.

Image: michael bloomberg/flickr

At the White House last week, Trump announced he would pull the U.S. from the agreement and seek to negotiate a "deal that's fair." Yet the non-binding, unenforceable Paris treaty is far from the "draconian" economy-killer that Trump made it out to be, according to many policy experts and legal scholars.

Under the agreement, which entered into force last year, the U.S. voluntarily committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 26 to 28 percent by 2025, compared to 2005 levels. America is already about halfway to meeting that target, in large part because cheaper, lower-carbon natural gas has replaced coal in many U.S. power plants.

Following Trump's June 1 announcement, local officials  as well as the heads of giant U.S. tech companies, manufacturing firms, multinational banks, and universities  pledged to slash their own emissions to ensure America meets the target.

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Decision to withdraw from the #ParisAgreeement was wrong for our planet. Apple is committed to fight climate change and we will never waver.  Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 2, 2017

"Mayors understand that it is a false choice ... that you either can care about the environment and climate action, or prosperity and growing your local economies," said Sam Adams, a former mayor of Portland, Oregon, and U.S. director of the World Resources Institute.

Bloomberg is coordinating an effort called America's Pledge, which initially included 30 mayors, three governors, about 80 university presidents, and more than 100 businesses. Since last Thursday, the numbers have snowballed to "many hundreds," a spokeswoman for Bloomberg Philanthropies said on Sunday.

The group is negotiating with the United Nations to have its emissions-reduction pledge submitted to the Paris climate deal, akin to the commitments submitted by national governments.

Separately, 187 U.S. mayors so far have pledged to intensify their local climate efforts to meet the Paris agreement's aspirational goal to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, above preindustrial levels through 2100.

#SFCityHall shines in green to show our commitment to the #ParisAgreement. What is good for our environment is good for our economy. pic.twitter.com/dixOYjSMCs  Mayor Ed Lee (@mayoredlee) June 4, 2017

The treaty's official target is to limit warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, through the end of the century.

Bill Peduto, the mayor of Pittsburgh, is among the growing number of so-called Climate Mayors. Last week, Peduto unexpectedly found himself in the global spotlight after Trump said he would withdraw from the 195-nation agreement because he "was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris."

Trump's "misguided decision to withdraw from the Paris climate does not reflect the values of our city," Peduto said in a statement last Friday. He said the former steelmaking capital would not only "heed the guidelines of the Paris agreement" but also strive to get 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2035.

#Pittsburgh is definitely the best case study about how to turn a city from coal to tech : https://t.co/PO0Nftt08J #Cities4Climate pic.twitter.com/y5vRzMPk6A  C40 Cities (@c40cities) June 4, 2017

Governors from at least nine states have also banded together under the newly created United States Climate Alliance, which similarly commits states to upholding the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The group so far includes the Democratic governors of California, Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island, plus the Republican governors of Massachusetts and Vermont.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, who said he was disappointed in Trump's decision to withdraw from the treaty, said the state remained committed to an earlier promise to exceed the emissions reduction targets of the Paris agreement.

"Our administration looks forward to continued, bipartisan collaboration with other states to protect the environment, grow the economy, and deliver a brighter future to the next generation," Baker said in a statement.

Trump's Paris decision has ramifications far and wide for emissions reductions, clean energy investments, and plain old respect in diplomatic circles. But local policies and pledges outside of Washington prove the fight isn't over just yet when it comes to climate change.

"The wind is still at our backs," said Mindy Lubber, president and CEO of the sustainability nonprofit Ceres. Cities, states, other countries, citizens, and businesses are all "prepared to move forward to continue creating jobs and to build a clean energy economy that will survive our children's future," she added.
Abu Dhabi (AFP) - UAE and Saudi carriers said Monday they are suspending flights to Qatar after their countries announced a cut in ties with Doha, in an unprecedented regional crisis.

Abu Dhabi's Etihad and Dubai's Emirates airlines said flights would stop on Tuesday, after the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours.

Both carriers said the measure will stay in place "until further notice".

Dubai's budget carrier flydubai also said it will suspend flights to and from Doha.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Saudi Airlines said it was suspending flights to Qatar with immediate effect.

The unprecedented measures against Doha include ordering Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days and banning citizens of the three Gulf states from travelling to Qatar.

Doha airport, along with airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become major hubs after Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways seized a significant chunk of transcontinental travel on routes linking Western countries with Asia and Australasia.
LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May responded on Sunday to an attack in London which killed seven people, declaring "enough is enough" and calling for a review of Britain's counter-terrorism strategy. Below is the full text of the statement: Last night, our country fell victim to a brutal terrorist attack once again. As a result I have just chaired a meeting of the governments 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 three 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. 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. 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 peoples 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. 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 Britains 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. (Reporting by William James, editing by Estelle Shirbon)
Five Arab countries  six if you count one of Libyas rival governments  suddenly cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing the small Gulf state of backing militant groups including the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, a move that could potentially complicate the U.S.-led coalition against terrorist groups.

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain first cut ties on Monday morning. Egypt, Yemen, Libyas interim government, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), encouraged by Saudi authorities to do the same, quickly followed suit, preparing to expel diplomats, close off borders, and institute a travel ban on flights to and from the country. Kuwait and Oman are the only Gulf Cooperation Council members retaining ties.

The tiff is ostensibly over Qatars support for the Muslim Brotherhood  which the Egyptian government considers a terrorist organization  and Al Jazeera, a Qatari media network often critical of Saudi and Egyptian authorities. But tensions have been simmering between Qatar and its neighbors for years, primarily over Qatars open conduit with Iran, Riyadhs geopolitical archrival.

Those tensions boiled over in recent weeks. Gulf allies blocked Al Jazeera after Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani allegedly criticized Saudi Arabia on state media outlets while calling for improved ties with Iran. Nonsense, Qatar said: Those comments were fake. According to Doha, Qatar News Agency, which disseminated Thanis remarks, had been hacked.

In a statement, the Qatari foreign ministry expressed deep regret over the move by its neighbors to sever ties and to close its borders. The statement described the moves as unjustified and based on baseless and unfounded allegations.

The embassies of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, and the UAE did not immediately respond to request for comment.

There seemed to be a sixth country cutting ties with Qatar, after reports emerged that the Libyan government had also done so. But the Libyan Embassy in Washington clarified that the interim government in eastern Libya cut ties with Qatar; the internationally-recognized U.N.-brokered Government of National Accord has not.

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The move comes as a Saudi-led coalition, including Qatar, is fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen in a deadly conflict widely seen as a proxy war between Riyadh and Tehran. Saudi Arabia announced it would remove Qatari troops from the coalition fighting the war as accusations mount that Qatar is quietly backing Irans regional agenda.

Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of financing extremists and supporting the activities of Iranian-backed terrorist groups in the governorate of Qatif of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, in a statement Monday.

Saudi Arabia itself has come under fire for financing and exporting extremism. In fact, after Saturdays terror attack in London, calls came from the United Kingdoms Labour and Liberal Democrat parties for the British government to allow for a sensitive government report to be published. That report is thought to focus on the role Saudis play in funding terror groups and propaganda.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, speaking in Australia, said the diplomatic row wouldnt impact the ongoing war against the Islamic State; Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Libya, and Egypt are all members of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

I do not expect that this will have any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified  the unified  fight against terrorism in the region or globally, he told reporters in Sydney after a summit with the Australian foreign and defense ministers.

We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences, he added.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis also said he did not believe the move would have implications for the fight against the Islamic State. Trumps efforts to ramp up the fight against terror have focused on bringing Arab countries, and especially the Gulf states, closer together.

Tensions in the Gulf could be a headache for the Pentagon. Qatar and its neighbors are key to the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East. Qatar hosts the Al Udeid air base, from which the U.S. launches airstrikes against the Islamic State. Bahrain hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet, which patrols the wider Middle East and parts of the Indian Ocean.

And while the diplomatic snafu on Monday seemed to come suddenly, there have been hints of aggravation with Qatars seemingly cozy relations with Iran and with terror groups. In March 2016, Qatar sought to buy U.S. warplanes  but got a cold reception from the Obama administration.

FPs Elias Groll contributed to this piece.

Photo credit: STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images
An Australian man got the surprise of a lifetime when a 9-foot (2.7 meters) great white shark weighing 440 lbs. (200 kilograms) jumped into his boat.

Terry Selwood, 73, was fishing off the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, on Saturday (May 27) when he suddenly found himself face to face with the ocean predator.

"There I was on all fours, and he's looking at me and I'm looking at him, and then he started to do the dance around and shake, and I couldn't get out quick enough onto the gunnel [or gunwale]," Selwood told ABC news, referring to the upper edge of the side of the boat.

The shark thrashed violently in a boat only 4.5 feet wide (1.4 m) and 14 feet (4.3 m) long. Selwood was able to grab the radio and call for help. A local marine rescue unit at Evans Head came to pick him up and later towed his boat back to port. [See Photos of Great White Sharks Breaching the Water's Surface]

Besides a minor cut on his arm, Selwood was unharmed. But why would the shark jump into his boat?

Leaping sharks!

The great white shark on the deck of Terry Selwood's boat. Lance Fountain/Marine Rescue Evans Head

Selwood claimed he had no bait or lures close to the surface to tempt the shark to launch some 4 feet (1.2 m) out of the water and into his boat.

There are just three reasons a great white would ever jump into a boat, said George Burgess, director of shark research at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

"It's either caught by the angler, it follows a hooked fish to the surface and its momentum has it jump out of the water onto the boat, or a 9-foot shark in the ocean at random jumps up and lands in the boat," Burgess told Live Science. "The first two instances are much more likely than the last."

Despite what you may have seen on Discovery Channel's "Shark Week," great whites are not well-known for their jumping abilities, Burgess said. Mako and thresher sharks are more given to leaps from the water than great whites, he said.

A shark jumping into a boat without first being drawn somehow to the boat would be extremely rare, Burgess said.

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In most documented cases of sharks landing in boats, the people involved were either fishers or biologists. In a 2013 case, a mako shark jumped into the back of a fishing boat off the coast of New Jersey, according to USA Today. In 2011, a great white shark leapt into the back of a South African research vessel, News Corp Australia reported.

"Sharks are unpredictable animals, but they don't just jump into boats for no reason," Burgess explained.

A great white shark breaks the water's surface only while hunting for food, Burgess said. At those times, the animal swims beneath prey and may look up and recognize the silhouette of an animal like a seal or porpoise. The shark then swims at great speed straight up, and the tremendous momentum generated launches the predator up from the waves, Burgess said. Great white sharks can swim at speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h), according to ReefQuest Center for Shark Research.

The silhouette made by a 14-foot boat would automatically send a signal to any shark that this potential meal is far above its weight class, Burgess said. A smaller boat, however, could attract a shark mistaking the vessel for prey, he noted.

If your boat just happened to be passing a shark at the exact moment it was striking at its prey, the animal could land in your boat without any lure or provocation from you, Burgess said. But the odds of that happening are incredibly long, he said.

"We're missing a lot of information. I'd certainly need that information" about the Selwood case, Burgess said. "My inference, and it's purely inference, is that one should look at the story more closely."

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
Heres a pretty good idea from the Trump administration: Privatize the air-traffic control system, with a nonprofit corporation taking over the complex technology and the Federal Aviation Administration remaining in charge of safety. New technology would arrive faster, with the nations skyways (in theory) becoming more efficient.

This is the kickoff to what White House officials are calling infrastructure weeka series of proposals for investing in transportation and revitalizing the nations network of roads, bridges, ports and other byways. This comes the same week that fired FBI Director James Comey is due to testify before Congress, perhaps embarrassing President Donald Trump. So the White House, not surprisingly, is trying to change the subject to something less controversial that Republicans and Democrats might generally agree on.

Trumps infrastructure outline will also include new ideas for building and improving inland waterways, easing the permitting process for big projects and improving cooperation on transportation deals among various levels of government. Mayors, governors and airline executives will arrive for photo ops at the White House. Trump himself will probably start tweeting about infrastructure.

Trumps agenda is an indecorous yard sale

Many analysts think Trump should have started this way when he first arrived in Washington in January. But instead, Trump swept into town ordering travel bans that courts have systematically shot down, while pushing Congress into a dead-end alley on healthcare reform, with a bill to repeal Obamacare that cant possibly pass. A tax plan came in late April, right before Trumps 100th day in office, although there really isnt a plan yet. White House adviser Gary Cohn says there might be one by September.

The Trump legislative agenda is now an indecorous yard sale with agenda items strewn everywhere, and no single one of them quite worth carrying home. Congresss most pressing business right now is passing a budget by Sept. 30, which will be contentious enough to roil both chambers, even without Trump tweets egging on the opposition. Congress will then dig into a bill to undo the Affordable Care Act, because Republicans need to roll back taxes associated with that to help offset the tax cuts they plan in a different bill by year-end. But even Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority leader, says repealing the ACA may be impossible, which makes the whole Trump legislative agenda dependent on implausible developments, in an impossibly compressed period of time.

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So wouldnt an infrastructure bill that might attract bipartisan support establish some positive momentum for Trump? If he were serious about it, sure, it might. But in the current environment, thats wishful thinking, if not outright shysterism. The understaffed administration has no actual infrastructure plan it can submit to Congress, other than a couple of memos. White House staffers point out theres already a House bill that would privatize the air-traffic control system, as Trump wants to do. The House passed that bill last year, but the Senate ignored it, and the final bill that funded the FAA contained nothing on privatization. That was in a Republican-controlled Congress similar to the current one.

Trump aide DJ Gribbin told reporters recently that Trump envisions new infrastructure spending of $200 billion or so, which, paired with private investment, could bring as much as $1 trillion in new transportation money. But hold onTrumps budget, unveiled just a couple weeks ago, would cut, not increase, transportation spending, along with just about every other type of funding except national security. Huh? This would be over and above whatever Congress ends up appropriating for normal infrastructure spending, Gribbin explained, leaving reporters confused.

Theres nothing inherently wrong with Trumps ideas on infrastructure. If he were passionate about the issues and committed to getting them through Congress, he might have some innovative new programs to crow about in a year or so.

But its more likely Trump is paying lip service to the issue, and will soon lose interest, if he ever had any in the first place. Will we still be hearing about Trumps infrastructure plan in a month? Six months? Or is this merely a cynical distraction from less flattering news? And if a Trump tax plana top prioritywont be ready until September, then how many more months will it take to get a real infrastructure plan that Congress can legislate? Maybe Trump will tell us if the Comey hearing goes worse than expected.

Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com

Read more:

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman
Apple's Siri virtual assistant has been popular among home users thanks to its head start, but the program now has competition from companies like Amazon and Google.

Voice assistants are the latest focus among tech companies. For Apple, its Siri voice assistant remains popular, but for the first time in a while, its feeling the heat from the competition.

In a SurveyMonkey Audience poll for USA Today, 33 percent of those responding said they use Apples Siri the most regularly. The surveys other findings follow a rough split of general smartphone marketshare: 19 percent of respondents used Google Assistant, 6 percent named Amazons Alexa as their primary assistant and a middling 4 percent named Microsofts Cortana as their main assistant.

Read: Siri Speaker To Be Unveiled At WWDC, Apple Already Manufacturing Device Overseas

USA Today noted part of Siris popularity comes from the assistants head start. Apples iPhone remains a leader in the smartphone market and Siri has been available to users since 2011. Other entries have generally struggled to crack this market share, either due to their reach  devices like Amazons Alexa solely have been on its home Echo devices  or relative newness.

But at the same time, Siri is now facing significant competition from others. Within the last year, virtual assistants have expanded significantly into the home market. Amazons Echo assistants are built with Alexa and have made significant inroads among home users as Alexa can do everything from playing music to ordering Amazon products.

Amazon also plans to invest even more heavily into the Alexa platform in the upcoming year. Upcoming devices like the Echo Show will combine Alexa with a physical touchscreen and Amazons open approach to Alexa has allowed developers to bring the assistant to product families ranging from TVs to home appliances.

Investment and development also have been coming from companies besides Amazon. Microsoft teased a partner home speaker for Cortana earlier this year and Google has worked to bring Google Assistant to more devices alongside its Google Home personal assistant. Even Samsung has touted its own Bixby personal home assistant heavily although it remains a work in progress on its flagship Galaxy S8.

Story continues

Amid all this development, though, Apples Siri has remained largely static. The assistant has stayed out of the home space though Apple is reportedly planning on debuting its own home assistant at its Worldwide Developers Conference this month.

Read: Dish Partners With Amazon To Bring Echo And Alexa Voice Control To Dish DVRs

Functionally, Apples Siri also lies a step or two behind its competitors. In USA Todays own testing, Google Assistant provided a better experience than Amazons Alexa and Apple's Siri. Even in day-to-day use, Siri has generally been an adequate, if basic, client. Siri can handle basic requests about facts like the weather or your location but often struggles to handle more complex contextual requests. At its Galaxy S8 press conference, Samsung made a point of demonstrating its Bixby client understanding a multipart question.

Apple generally has been fine taking its time versus releasing products solely to keep up with the competition. For products like the iPhone or iPad, the company often has prioritized being the best over being first. But against an increasingly competitive field for home assistants, Apples Siri knows it needs to innovate and enter the space aggressively or risk being left behind.

Related Articles
The Indian Space Research Organisation communication satellite GSAT-19, carried onboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-mark III ), is launched at Sriharikota on June 5, 2017 (AFP Photo/ARUN SANKAR) (AFP)

New Delhi (AFP) - India Monday successfully launched its most powerful home-produced rocket, another milestone for its indigenous space programme which one day hopes to put a human into orbit.

The 43-metre (140-foot) rocket hurtled into a clear sky at 5:28 pm (1158 GMT) from the southern island of Sriharikota, one of two sites used by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch satellites.

Scientists hugged each other and cheered as the 640-tonne rocket lifted off.

"The GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on his Twitter account.

"The nation is proud!"

The rocket boasts a powerful engine that has been developed in India over many years. Programme managers hope to reduce reliance on European engines that have propelled some of India's spacecraft in the past.

The GSLV Mk III rocket carried a satellite weighing more than three tonnes into a high orbit above Earth, a landmark achievement as India had struggled to match the heavier payloads of other space giants.

"They just launched the most powerful engine in India. It is a cryogenic engine, which took them 20 years to develop. Some engineers have spent their life working on this," Mathieu Weiss, a representative in India for France's space agency CNES, told AFP.

The launch is another feather in the cap for scientists at ISRO, who won Asia's race to Mars in 2014 when an Indian spacecraft reached the Red Planet on a shoestring budget.

That feat burnished India's reputation as a reliable low-cost option for space exploration, with its $73 million price tag drastically undercutting NASA's Maven Mars $671-million mission.

ISRO is also mulling the idea of missions to Jupiter and Venus.

- Reaching for the stars -

India is vying for a larger slice of the booming commercial satellite business as phone, internet and other companies seek expanded and more high-end communications.

Story continues

In February India put a record 104 satellites in orbit from a single rocket, surpassing Russia which launched 39 satellites in one mission in June 2014.

The rocket's main cargo on that occasion was a 714-kilogram (1,574-pound) satellite for Earth observation but it was also loaded with 103 smaller "nano satellites", nearly all from other countries.

Although India has successfully launched lighter satellites in recent years, this latest rocket is capable of carrying a massive four-tonne payload into high orbit -- twice the capacity of its predecessor, ISRO says.

The space agency tested a less-developed version of the rocket in December 2014 while the cryogenic engine was still in the testing phase.

It carried an unmanned crew capsule which separated from the rocket and splashed down in the Bay of Bengal off India's east coast 20 minutes after liftoff.

The Indian-made capsule was designed to carry up to three astronauts but ISRO said it would take at least another seven years to reach the point where a crew could be put into space.

India wants to become the fourth nation -- after Russia, the United States and China -- to put astronauts into orbit but its manned spaceflight programme has experienced multiple stops and starts.
For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

Former Fox News Channel star Megyn Kelly launched her latest NBC News show with a bang on Sunday by securing a one-on-one interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

In her introduction on Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly, the host described the testy exchanges that occurred at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Kelly moderated a panel that included Putin and other world leaders.

Predictably, Kelly asked the president about the hacking accusations and Russia suspected interference in the presidential election, pointing out that hundreds of factors point to Russia, including IP addresses and fingerprints.

Also Read:Vladimir Putin Suggests US Hackers Framed Russia (Video)

What fingerprints or hoof-prints or horn-prints, what are you talking about? Putin responded as the conversation quickly became heated. IP addresses? They can be invented, you know? There are a lot of specialists who can even make it so it comes from your home IP address as if your three-year old daughter carried out the attack.

The combative tone continued in the subsequent sit-down interview. This week you floated the idea of patriotic hackers doing it. Why the change and why now? Kelly asked, in a transcript obtained by TheWrap from NBC News.

I hadnt said anything. Its just that French journalists asked me about those hackers. I told them the same thing I can tell you. Hackers can be anywhere. They can be in Russia, in Asia  even in America, Latin America, Putin replied. They can even be hackers, by the way, in the United States who very skillfully and professionally, shifted the blame, as we say, on to Russia. Could you accept that?

In the midst of a political battle, by some calculations, it was convenient for them to release this information, so they released it, calling out Russia. Can you imagine something like that? I can, he continued.

Story continues

The Russian leader went on to refer to JFKs assassination and the conspiracy theory that it was carried out by U.S. intelligence.

So, if this theory is correct and that cant be ruled out, then what could be easier, in this day and age, than using all the technical means at the disposal of the intelligence services, and using those means to organize some attacks, Putin said. And then pointing the finger at Russia.

Also Read:Megyn Kelly's 'Sunday Night' Premiere to Include 1-on-1 Vladimir Putin Interview

He went on to say that America interferes with elections in many other countries. Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal electoral processes, he said.

With respect, that sounds like a justification, Kelly quipped back, but her interview subject claimed it was a statement of fact.

Presidents come and go, and even the parties in power change, but the main political direction does not change. Thats why, in the grand scheme of things, we dont care whos the head of the United States, Putin continued.

We know more or less what is going to happen. And so in this regard, even if we wanted to, it wouldnt make sense for us to interfere, he added.

Putin to @megynkelly: "In the grand scheme of things, we don't care who's the head of the United States" https://t.co/oWSKbSkrAq  NBC News (@NBCNews) June 4, 2017

Also Read:Megyn Kelly's NBC Plan: 'Tune Out the Nonsense and Work Really Damn Hard' (Exclusive)

He also denied that there were meetings between the Russian government and the Trump campaign.

There were no meetings. When I saw this, my jaw dropped, Putin stated, adding that for him to know what all of his ambassadors are doing around the world is complete nonsense!

He said he knows nothing about a proposal from Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, either.

You created a sensation out of nothing. And out of this sensation, you turned it into a weapon of war against the current president, he told the news anchor. Well, this is, you know, youre just, you people are so creative over there. Good job. Your lives must be boring.

When asked about his contact with former U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, Putin replied:You and I, you and I personally, have a much closer relationship than I had with Mr. Flynn.

You and I met yesterday evening. You and I have been working together all day today. And now were meeting again.

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, he continued. 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.

Also Read:Putin Compares Russia Probe to 'Anti-Semitism'

The interview ended as it began  on a testy note, with Kelly asking Putin what he thinks of Americans thinking he runs a country full of corruption, a country in which journalists who are too critical could wind up murdered, a country in which dissidents could wind up in jail or worse.

Why do you feel you have the right to ask us these kinds of questions? And do it all the time. To moralize and to give us lessons on how to live? he replied. Were ready to listen to comments, when it is done constructively, with the goal of establishing a relationship, creating a common environment. But we will absolutely not accept when these sorts of things are used as an instrument of political conflict. I want everyone to know that. Thats our message.

Watch a clip from the interview above.

Kellys Sunday Night airs Sundays at 7/6c on NBC.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Megyn Kelly's 'Sunday Night' Premiere to Include 1-on-1 Vladimir Putin Interview

Megyn Kelly's NBC Plan: 'Tune Out the Nonsense and Work Really Damn Hard' (Exclusive)

NBC News Unveils First Promo for 'Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly' (Video)
- Leslie Mensah-Asare is a 22-year-old graduate who decided to do something for himself after school

- He now employs about 8 people

The recent cacophony surrounding the university graduate who has started a relatively successful bakery has thrown the spotlight once again on youth entrepreneurship. It is widely acknowledged that a guaranteed job after school is now a thing of the past and many university students have been encouraged and are being encouraged to start their own business.

However, many are those who consider some of the kinds of business, unconventional or unworthy for a university graduate to venture into. One such example is the business of sanitation.

Leslie Mensah-Asare, CEO of Consume-ate Janitorial Services

Leslie Mensah-Asare is a 22-year-old graduate of Ghanas premier university, the University of Ghana, who has set his eyes on defying the odds. He is the chief executive officer of Consume-ate Janitorial Services, a cleaning company that provides services to dormitories across the tertiary institutions in the country.

READ ALSO: Over 400, 000 students to sit for 2017 BECE exams

I came up with the idea when I was in the third year and took over a year for me to get over the fear of it not being successful, Leslie told YEN.

Leslie is not in short supply of role models, from Bill Gates of Microsoft to Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, both of whom started their multi-billion dollar business while being young students.

For Leslie, the business idea was not that difficult to spot, in the cluttered sometimes even stinking halls of residence on the university campus.

I identified a challenge; as a student, I realised people get busy and are not able to make the time to clean up, [so I decided to clean up for them and charge them for it].

I was recommended by students to people outside campus and the blessings continued," he said.

READ ALSO: Latest Update: 42 suspects arrested in connection with Captain Mahamas death

According to him, he followed his vision by writing a proposal to the University of Ghanas Dean of Students and recalls how it was approved.

One of my miracles was when the Dean of Students actually met with me and gave me approval after reviewing my proposal and added his number to the approval letter.

According to the food process engineering graduate, his parents who were initially unsure about this chosen career path now count as some of his strongest allies and motivators. According to the Cleaner-in-Suit, as Leslie is affectionately called by friends, he has always known he would start a business and that it was only a matter of time until that dream was realised.

Get more YEN news here.

I always saw myself as a CEO managing a firm. I have always seen myself as a manager either giving out work or ensuring that something is done right.

After a year of operation, Leslie now employs eight people. Five are janitors and three others (who are still in university) work as supervisors.

Leslie is now incorporating more ventures into the business including designing footwear, shirts and mobile phone cases using African wax prints.

The young man advised fresh graduates to seize any business opportunity which comes their way because there are times and seasons and when you miss your time it will be difficult to make it in life.

READ ALSO: Man lynched over GHC1.50 in Central Region - Report

Even though he admits being an entrepreneur is challenging, his advice is that young people should seize the opportunity to turn their lives and that others around with entrepreneurship.

Do you have any stories to share with YEN? Get featured! Contact us on Facebook and email via info@yen.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh
A popular UW-Madison outreach initiative will cut back programs that help disadvantaged students in the suburbs of Milwaukee and Madison prepare for college, while ramping up services for students within Wisconsins two largest cities, campus officials said Monday.

The result, administrators say, will be a Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence, or PEOPLE program, that better supports students.

The revamp comes one year after a critical evaluation found the initiative was falling short of several goals.

Milwaukee students will be the biggest beneficiaries of the changes. They will be able to join the program earlier and will have access to new after-school tutoring sites UW-Madison plans to launch in the city.

But the shift means students from school districts in Sun Prairie, Verona, Middleton, Waukesha, Kenosha and Racine wont have access to PEOPLE starting this fall.

We were pulled thin, said Patrick Sims, a PEOPLE administrator and UW-Madisons vice provost for diversity and climate. We felt we needed to more focus, more tailor, our approach.

PEOPLE will also spin off its services in the Menominee Indian School District into a new program officials are still developing, Sims said.

About 850 low-income and minority students are taking part in PEOPLEs pre-college initiatives, including summer programs in which participants live in UW-Madison dorms to help prepare them for life on campus. Those who are admitted to the flagship campus get full tuition scholarships.

A 2016 evaluation of the PEOPLE program criticized its lack of central organization and the lagging graduation rates of its students once they got to UW-Madison.

The evaluation noted the program offered varying levels of services to students in different school districts around the state. Although PEOPLE was founded in 1999 as a college pipeline for children in Milwaukee, the earliest those students could start taking part in the program was the summer before their sophomore years in high school; students in Madison could join as early as elementary school.

And while PEOPLE is one of several programs in Sims office that recruit minority students in an effort to make UW-Madison more diverse, the evaluation found less than half of its participants wound up enrolling there. UW-Madison spends between $3.5 and $4 million on PEOPLE each year.

Under the program changes announced Monday, which Sims described as a reset that standardizes services, all participants will start PEOPLE at the same time  during eighth grade. That change, which will take effect in fall 2018, is meant to help students make a more seamless transition to high school, Sims said.

The program will also focus more on preparing students to attend UW-Madison or other University of Wisconsin System institutions.

Despite the reduced number of sites, UW-Madison officials said PEOPLE will take in more participants from Madison and Milwaukee under the changes, potentially increasing its enrollment to 1,000 students in the pre-college program.

Students from suburban districts who are already enrolled in PEOPLE wont be affected by the changes, officials said. They will be grandfathered into the programs scholarship and support services. There are 81 PEOPLE participants from the three Dane County districts that will no longer have access to the program.

Although PEOPLE will not take new participants from those districts, UW officials said students still will have access to other pre-college programs.

Laura Love, director of secondary education in the Middleton-Cross Plains School District, said she understood why PEOPLE administrators wanted to go back to their core mission of helping Madison and Milwaukee students.

Still, Love said, It certainly is always a loss when a program like the PEOPLE program is no longer available to our families.

Gail Ford, assistant director of pre-college programs at PEOPLE, said it would have cost about $900,000 to provide the kinds of ramped-up services PEOPLE is bringing to Milwaukee in all of the suburban districts, at a time when the programs funding has been flat amid budget cuts around UW-Madison.
Monday, June 5, 2017

A Tennessee attorney has been suspended due to a conviction for the crimes of subornation of aggravated perjury and criminal simulation.

An attorney has been indicted in Williamson County for allegedly filing a fake petition.

Paul Van Burkleo lives in Texas, but in 2013, he found himself in a fight in Williamson County.

Just after being married to a person for so long, you know somebodys signature, he said.

His ex-wife, Denise Van Burkleo, filed a restraining order that would have kept him from seeing their children. But when Paul Van Burkleo saw the paperwork, he said something seemed off.

You can tell by the slant, he said. She writes with a left hand slant. This particular signature was a right hand slant.

The Channel 4 I-Team obtained notarized oaths bearing the name of Denise Van Burkleo. Both were signed in the officer of her lawyer, Robert A. Doll III.

If it hadnt been discovered, Id be sitting her today without any visitation with my children, Paul Van Burkleo said.

This summer, a grand jury indicted Doll and his client. Doll is accused of filing the fake oath then inducing his client to lie about it on the stand.

Paul Van Burkleo said this is not something an attorney should be doing, even if he wants to win his case.

That just opens the door for many problems for that attorney, he said.

Doll has been under scrutiny before. The I-Team found in 2014, he received a public censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility.

Doll was disciplined for issues involving incompetence and diligence. He was also held in contempt.

Channel 4 reached out to Doll on Thursday, but did not hear back by deadline.

Two years later, it is unclear who signed the oath. But according to Paul Van Burkleo, justice will always sift right from wrong.

You cant have crooked things happening in the legal system and let people get away with it, he said.

Judge Mark Fishburn will preside over a hearing in Williamson County Friday. A special judge was appointed after several others recused themselves.

Denise Van Burkleo was charged with aggravated perjury. The I-Team reached out to her and the district attorney, but did not hear back.

Records indicate the notary faces no charges.

(Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/06/a-tennessee-attorney-has-been-suspendend-wsmv-franklin-reported-on-the-charges-an-attorney-has-been-indicted-in-williamson.html
Monday, June 5, 2017

The Tennessee Board on Professional Responsibility produces a seasonal Board Notes publication that contains a wealth of useful information on matters involving attorney ethics.

The report does an excellent job of providing the public with a sense of the efficiency of the disciplinary system in the Volunteer State. It also provides insight into the sanctions imposed for ethics lapses.

Note below the wide range of misconduct that can draw a censure.

Also note the large number of interim suspensions for great public harm, which is a useful measure of a system that takes misconduct seriously.

Sanctions described in the most recent report include suspension for this conduct

On January 20, 2017, [an attorney] of Bristol, Tennessee, was suspended by the Tennessee Supreme Court from the practice of law. On December 9, 2016, the Tennessee Supreme Court issued a Show Cause Order, pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, Section 37.4, ordering [the attorney] to show cause as to why her law license should not be suspended based on [her] default on a loan guaranteed or administered by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC). [The attorney] failed to show cause as to why her law license should not be suspended and was suspended by Order of the Supreme Court of Tennessee.

And among the censures

On March 21, 2017, John P. Fortuno of Cleveland, Tennessee, was Publicly Censured by order of the Tennessee Supreme Court. On August 22, 2016, the Board filed a Petition for Discipline against Mr. Fortuno, an assistant public defender, alleging that he committed ethical misconduct by exchanging a series of inappropriate text messages with a client he was appointed to represent creating a potential conflict of interest.

Mr. Fortuno entered into a conditional guilty plea admitting that his actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.7(a)(2) (Conflicts of Interest) and 8.4(a) (Misconduct), and should be Publicly Censured for this violation.

A Public Censure is a rebuke and warning to the attorney, but it does not affect the attorneys ability to practice law.

Another unusual situation that drew a censure

On February 7, 2017, John R. Hershberger of Memphis, Tennessee, was Publicly Censured by order of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

While representing a party in a case pending before the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Mr. Hershberger went to the home of a judge on the Court of Appeals in order to ask her a question pertaining to the case. The judge was not at home and Mr. Hershberger left without speaking with her. A Hearing Panel found that by attempting to engage in an ex parte communication with the judge, Mr. Hershberger violated Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(a) (Misconduct) and should be Publicly Censured for this violation.

Mr. Hershberger appealed the decision to the Chancery Court for Shelby County, which affirmed the Hearing Panels decision.

The Chancery Court order is linked here.

Public censure for this

On November 14, 2016, James Kirby, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

While acting as Executive Director of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, Mr. Kirby engaged in an act of misconduct in connection with the hiring and supervision of a part time prosecutor pro tem.

By this act, James Kirby has violated Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(c) (misconduct), and is hereby Publicly Censured for this violation.

And this

On October 14, 2016, Robert Paul Starnes, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee, received a Public Censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Mr. Starnes repeatedly exposed himself to an employee at his law office. In April 2016, Mr. Starnes pleaded no contest to indecent exposure (Class B misdemeanor) for his conduct.

By these acts, Mr. Starnes is in violation of Rule 8.4 (b) (criminal conduct that reflects adversely on fitness to practice) of the Rules of Professional Conduct and is hereby publicly censured for this violation.

Kingsport Times News reported on the case.

When transparency is more than a hollow phrase in attorney regulation, applause follows as night follows day. (Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/06/the-tennessee-board-on-professional-responsibility-produces-a-report-that-contains-a-wealth-of-useful-information-on-matters.html
This new Politico article, headlined "American Legion to Trump: Allow marijuana research for vets," reports on a notable new push by a notable organization to seek a notable change in federal marijuana laws with the new administration. Here are excerpts from an article which strikes me as pretty big news:

One of the nations most conservative veterans groups is appealing to President Donald Trump to reclassify marijuana to allow large-scale research into whether cannabis can help troops suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder . The change sought by The American Legion would conflict with the strongly anti-marijuana positions of some administration leaders, most vocally Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Under current rules, doctors with the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot even discuss marijuana as an option with patients. But the alternative treatment is gaining support in the medical community, where some researchers hope pot might prove more effective than traditional pharmaceuticals in controlling PTSD symptoms and reducing the record number of veteran suicides.

"We are not asking for it to be legalized," said Louis Celli, the national director of veterans affairs and rehabilitation for the American Legion, which with 2.4 million members is the largest U.S. veterans organization. "There is overwhelming evidence that it has been beneficial for some vets. The difference is that it is not founded in federal research because it has been illegal."

The Legion has requested a White House meeting with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and close aide, "as we seek support from the president to clear the way for clinical research in the cutting edge areas of cannabinoid receptor research," according to a recent letter shared with POLITICO.

The request marks a significant turn in the debate over medical marijuana by lending an influential and unexpected voice. The Legion, made up mostly of Vietnam and Korean War-era veterans, is breaking with other leading vets groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars in lobbying for the removal of the major roadblock in pursuing marijuana treatment. But it also comes as the new administration, led by Sessions, is sending strong signals of its desire to thwart marijuana decriminalization and legalization efforts. Expectations are growing in Congress that DOJ may even try to roll back medical marijuana laws in 29 states....

"We desperately need more research in this area to inform policymakers," said Sue Sisley, a psychiatrist at the Scottsdale Research Institute in Arizona who is running one of the only cannabis studies underway focused on vets suffering from PTSD. "I really want to see the most objective data published in peer reviewed medical journals. She added that she isnt prejudging what the outcome of the research will be.

I don't know if cannabis will turn out to be helpful for PTSD, Sisley said. I know what veterans tell me but until we have rigorous controlled trials, all we have are case studies that are not rigorous enough to make me, medical professionals, health departments or policymakers convinced."

Some veterans activists are angry at the federal governments continued resistance to even studying cannabis, even as an average of 20 vets kill themselves every day. "We need solutions," said Nick Etten, a former Navy SEAL who runs the Veterans Cannabis Project, a health policy organization. "We need treatment that works. We need treatment that is not destructive. The VA has been throwing opiates at veterans for almost every condition for the last 15 years. You are looking at a system that has made a problem worse the way they have approached treatment."...

The VA declined to address whether it is reconsidering its stance on the issue, citing the illegality of marijuana in all its forms under federal law.... Most leading veterans groups are toeing that line, including Veterans of Foreign Wars. "The VFW has no official position regarding this ongoing debate because marijuana is illegal under federal law," said Joe Davis, the group's spokesman.

But grassroots support is growing among veterans  both young and older  and in Congress to reconsider the current approach. Much of that is because of growing anecdotal evidence that marijuana helps some veterans with PTSD control their symptoms when approved drugs do not, such as ridding them of nightmares and helping them sleep. And that is what is driving the efforts of the American Legion. Celli said the group's Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission, which represents veterans from World War II to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, recently gave the Legion "overwhelming support" to advocate changes....

In addition to cannabis, the organization is advocating for more research on so-called Quantitative EEG neurometrics, which measures the brain's electrical activity. "The American Legion believes these two areas alone can help cut the amount of veteran suicides and cases of chemically addicted veteran by more than half," the letter to the White House says. "The American Legion respectfully requests a meeting with President Trump as soon as possible and looks forward to partnering with this administration in the fight against narcotics addiction and reducing the veteran suicide rate from the tragic loss of 20 warriors per day, to zero."
As reported in this NBC News piece, headlined "Cannabis Drug Reduces Seizures in Severe Epilepsy Cases," some encouraging new research news was published in a major medical journal today. Here are the details:

A compound taken from marijuana greatly helped some children with a severe and often deadly form of epilepsy and completely stopped seizures in a very few, researchers reported Wednesday. It's a rare success in a field suffused with more hope than facts  in which advocates clamor to have marijuana and compounds taken from the herb legalized for free use, while government rules limit use and researchers struggle to prove what works and what doesn't.

In this study, the researchers enrolled kids with Dravet syndrome, a very rare and often deadly form of epilepsy caused by a genetic mutation. These kids have multiple, prolonged seizures that cause brain damage. There's no treatment. "It's hard to portray how serious and devastating this is," Dr. Orrin Devinsky, director of the New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, told NBC News.

Devinsky and colleagues around the country tested a cannabis derivative called cannabidiol  CBD for short  on 120 Dravet syndrome patients. Half took it for 14 weeks and half got a placebo.

"Seizure frequency dropped in the cannabidiol-treated group by 39 percent from nearly 12 convulsive seizures per month before the study to about six; three patients' seizures stopped entirely," the team wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine. "In the placebo group, there was a 13 percent reduction in seizures from about 15 monthly seizures to 14," they added.

"Quite remarkably, 5 percent of the children in the active treatment group with CBD were completely seizure free during the 14 weeks of the trial," Devinsky said. "And these were kids who were often having dozens of seizures, if not many more than that per week."

The kids who got CBD were more likely to stop the trial because of side-effects. "Side-effects were generally mild or moderate in severity, with the most common being vomiting, fatigue and fever," Devinsky wrote. But those who have been helped have been transformed, he added. "There's no doubt for some children this is just been an incredibly effective and game changing medication for them," Devinsky said.

"These are some of the children I care for [who] were in wheelchairs, were barely able to open their eyes in an office visit and really showed no emotion and  now they come in, they're walking, they're smiling, they're interactive. It's like a different human being in front of you."

He said it's not quite accurate to called CBD "medical marijuana."

"Cannabidiol is the major non-psychoactive compound present in cannabis or marijuana," Devinsky said. "In this study, we were giving a compound CBD which has no high-producing or psychoactive properties."...

"The drug we gave was derived from cannabis or marijuana but it really should not be confused with the medical marijuana that would be obtained from dispensaries in the 44 U.S. states that have approved it. Those typically contain combinations of THC with CBD and many other compounds," Devinsky said.

It's not clear precisely how CBD works. It appears to attach to brain cells, he said. "The CBD binds with a novel receptor in the brain and thereby dampens down too much electrical activity," he said. "It seems to be a relatively unique mechanism of action that's not shared by any of the existing seizure medications."

Doctors are interested in trying CBD on autism, anxiety, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, Devinsky said. It may help people with other types of seizures, as well....

Australian epilepsy expert Dr. Samuel Berkovic said much more testing is needed. "This trial represents the beginning of solid evidence for the use of cannabinoids in epilepsy," Berkovic, who works at the University of Melbourne, wrote in a commentary.
This notable new article from The Hill reports on notable new comments by the head of the federal Veterans Affairs department. The piece is headlined "VA chief: Medical marijuana could help vets," and here are excerpts:

Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin said Wednesday he's open to expanding the use of medical marijuana to help service members suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but noted its strictly limited by federal law. There may be some evidence that this is beginning to be helpful and were interested in looking at that and learning from that, Shulkin told reporters, pointing to states where medical pot is legal.

The VA has come under pressure from some influential veterans groups, including the American Legion, to reclassify marijuana to allow federal research into its effect on troops with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries....

Right now, federal law does not prevent us at VA to look at that as an option for veterans, said Shulkin, who is a trained physician. I believe that everything that could help veterans should be debated by Congress and by medical experts and we will implement that law."

Relaxing enforcement of marijuana laws, however, would conflict with several top administration officials who take a hard-line approach on drugs, including Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Shulkin, who spoke at the White House about President Trumps proposed reforms at the scandal-plagued agency, is a holdover from the Obama administration. The Senate confirmed him unanimously in February to lead the VA.
This new AP article, headlined "Growing pot industry offers breaks to entice minorities," reviews some efforts in some jurisdictions to help some minorities participating in the emerging marijuana industry. Here are excerpts:

Oakland and other cities and states with legal pot are trying to make up for the toll marijuana enforcement took on minorities by giving them a better shot at joining the growing marijuana industry.... The efforts' supporters say legalization is enriching white people but not brown and black people who have been arrested for cannabis crimes at far greater rates than whites....

Massachusetts' ballot initiative was the first to insert specific language encouraging participation in the industry by those "disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement." The law does not specify how that would be accomplished.

In Ohio, a 2016 medical pot law included setting aside 15 percent of marijuana-related licenses for minority businesses. In Pennsylvania, applicants for cultivation and dispensing permits must spell out how they will achieve racial equity. Florida lawmakers agreed last year to reserve one of three future cultivation licenses for a member of the Florida Black Farmers and Agriculturists Association.

There have been setbacks as well. The Maryland General Assembly adjourned last month without acting on a bill to guarantee a place for minority-owned businesses that were not awarded any of the state's initial 15 medical marijuana cultivation licenses.

There's no solid data on how many minorities own U.S. cannabis businesses or how many seek a foothold in the industry. But diversity advocates say the industry is overwhelmingly white. The lack of diversity, they say, can be traced to multiple factors: rules that disqualify people with prior convictions from operating legal cannabis businesses; lack of access to banking services and capital to finance startup costs; and state licensing systems that tend to favor established or politically connected applicants. "It's a problem that has been recognized but has proven to be relatively intractable," said Sam Kamin, a professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law who studies marijuana regulation....

The Minority Cannabis Business Association has drafted model legislation for states considering new or revised marijuana laws, including language to expunge pot-related convictions and to encourage racial and gender diversity among cannabis businesses. "The people who got locked up should not get locked out of this industry," said Tito Jackson, a Boston city councilman and mayoral candidate. He suggests Massachusetts give licensing preference to groups that include at least one person with a marijuana conviction....

An Oakland-based nonprofit known as The Hood Incubator provides training and mentoring to minority cannabis entrepreneurs. "Maybe they lack the money to get into the industry or they might have, you know, gotten arrested in the past for oh, what do you know? Selling weed. And now they can't actually get into the legal industry," said Ebele Ifedigbo, one of the group's three co-founders.
As a law professor, I am always distinctly interesting in stories about how marijuana reform is impacting the legal profession. Consequently, this new article from a Pennsylvania legal newspaper, headlined ""Medical Cannabis Is the Next Boom, but When Will It Bust?", really caught my attention. Here are excerpts:

With Pennsylvania well on its way toward implementing a medical marijuana program, dozens of lawyers in the state are preparing for an explosion of legal work related to cannabis. The blossoming industry is reminiscent of the surge in legal work that grew out of the Marcellus Shale play, which sparked up engagements for all kinds of firms almost a decade ago.

Everyone wanted to be in it, there were people who carved out individual expertise  but the special area is here to stay, said Steve Franko, a solo practitioner from Northeast Pennsylvania and member of the Pennsylvania Bar Associations medical marijuana and hemp law committee. Its going to be, just like the [natural] gas was, a combination of people who have skills that maybe cross upon multiple areas....

Lawyers now getting into the medical marijuana space acknowledge that there may come a time when federal authorities decriminalize marijuana, decreasing the number of legal questions and the demand for cannabis-related legal consultations. But thats a long way off, they said, as Pennsylvania is just starting to address the complicated effects of medical marijuana on numerous areas of law.

Andrew Sacks, head of both the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia bar associations medical marijuana and hemp committees, said he has also heard lawyers compare medical cannabis to Pennsylvanias gambling expansion, which created a rush of legal work several years ago, then saw a decline in work when casinos got their licenses.

But licensing is just the surface of medical marijuana law, said Sacks, a name partner at Philadelphias Sacks Weston Diamond. Lawyers in many other practices areas have an opportunity to get in on the action. Everybody is searching the world, searching the country and cities to see what people have done in their specific area so they can become specific experts, Sacks said. People are gearing up to become the names in the category....

Things will really explode in the legal world the second the first drip of medical marijuana gets sold, Sacks said. When that happens, it wont just create heath care and business issues, he said, but questions in a multitude of legal practices.

Kathryn Palladino, a criminal lawyer and subcommittee chair on the Philadelphia Bars medical marijuana committee, said she expects medical marijuana to become part of her day-to-day work, and its not just about clients breaking federal law to use it. DUI cases will raise questions about whether patients can drive after using marijuana, she said, and patients who are incarcerated may seek access to cannabis in prison. Patients on probation or parole who seek access to medical marijuana may risk violating parole. It will only grow as the patients have access to the marijuana and we see some issues come up that the legislature hadnt planned for, Palladino said. And thats just criminal law.

The new field of medical marijuana law will also touch on employment law, family law, education, intellectual property, licensing, life sciences, real estate, tax, workers compensation and zoning law, lawyers said. Thats one way that medical marijuana is different from the Marcellus Shale boom, Sacks said. Drilling and natural gas led to legal questions in five or so other areas of law, he said, but for legal cannabis, the collateral issues are more numerous.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017

As reported in this local article, "Gov. Phil Scott on Wednesday vetoed legislation that would have legalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in Vermont." Here is more:

At a highly anticipated press conference in his Montpelier office, the Republican governor said he could not sign S.22, which passed the Vermont House and Senate in the waning days of the recently concluded legislative session. But Scott said he was open to revisiting the debate with legislators  perhaps as soon as an expected veto session next month. Vermonts Democratic legislature is unlikely to override Scotts veto, given that the bill squeaked through the House two weeks ago on a 79-66 vote. The legislation would have allowed adults over age 21 to legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana and to grow as many as two mature plants per household, starting in July 2018. Similar to Washington, D.C.s marijuana law, it would not have allowed for sale or commercial growing of the drug. The bill would also have created a commission to study how Vermont could tax and regulate marijuana sales, as Colorado and several other states have done. The governor has said he does not consider marijuana legalization a priority and has concerns about the lack a roadside test to detect driver impairment. Had Scott signed the bill, Vermont would have been the first state to legalize marijuana through legislative action rather by public referendum.

Prior related post:

UPDATE : I have now had a chance to read Vermont Gov. Phil Scott's remarks explaining his veto, and they are available at this link. Here are some of the interesting particulars:

I have been clear since the campaign and throughout the session: I am not philosophically opposed to ending the prohibition on marijuana, and I recognize there is a clear societal shift in that direction. However, I feel it is crucial that key questions and concerns involving public safety and health are addressed before moving forward. We must get this right. Let the science inform any policy we make around this issue, learn from the experience of other states, and take whatever time is required to do so. In my view, policymakers have an obligation to all Vermonters  and those who visit us  to address health, safety, prevention and education questions before committing the state to a specific timeline for moving forward. More specifically  as I have said repeatedly throughout the campaign and this session  we should know how we will detect and measure impairment on our roadways, fund and implement additional substance abuse prevention education, keep our children safe and penalize those who do not, and measure how legalization impacts the mental health and substance abuse issues our communities are already facing. From my vantage point, S.22 does not yet adequately address these questions. Therefore, I am returning this bill to the Legislature. I am, however, offering a path forward that takes a much more thorough look at what public health, safety and education policies are needed before Vermont moves toward a regulatory and revenue system for an adult-use marijuana market. Ill be providing the Legislature with recommended changes. And to be clear, if they are willing to work with me to address my concerns in a new bill passed during the veto session this summer, there is a path forward on this issue. Those recommendations include the following: First, in its attempt to equate marijuana with alcohol. This bill appears to weaken penalties for the dispensing and sale of marijuana to minors. Sections of this bill must be rewritten to make clear that existing penalties for the dispensing and sale of marijuana to minors and on school grounds remain unchanged. Weakening these protections and penalties should be totally unacceptable to even the most ardent legalization advocates. Second, I am asking for changes to more aggressively penalize consumption while driving, and usage in the presence of minors.... Third, the Marijuana Regulatory Commission section must be enhanced in order to be taken seriously. It must include a broader membership, including representatives from the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Health, the Department of Taxes, and the substance abuse prevention and treatment community. The Commission must be charged with determining outcomes, such as an impairment threshold for operating a motor vehicle; an impairment testing mechanism; an education and prevention strategy to address use by minors; and a plan for continued monitoring and reporting on impacts to public health.

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/marijuana_law/2017/05/vermont-governor-vetoes-bill-to-legalize-marijuana-in-state.html
The title of this post is the headline of this lengty new Washington Post article which highlights racialized realities in the marijuana industry. Here are excerpts:

States generally do not track the race and ethnicity of license applicants, but industry analysts and researchers say that dispensaries and the more-profitable growing operations across the country are overwhelmingly dominated by white men.

The lack of minority representation is especially fraught given that research shows African Americans were disproportionately arrested and incarcerated during the war on drugs. Now that marijuana is seen as a legitimate business, advocates argue that minorities should also reap the profits....

The marijuana trade, legal in some form in 29 states plus the District of Columbia, is one of the countrys fastest-growing industries. The $6.6 billion in medical and recreational marijuana sales in 2016 is expected to expand to $16 billion by 2020, according to New Frontier Data, a cannabis data analytics company headquartered in the District.

But African Americans seeking to go into business as growers or retailers face a host of hurdles, researchers say. Many states bar convicted drug felons from the industry, disproportionately hurting minorities because of historically higher conviction rates. Others have set high investment requirements. Some dole out licenses through appointed commissions that industry researchers say reward the politically connected, who by and large are wealthy and white.

Marijuana legalization without racial justice risks being an extension of white privilege, said Bill Piper, a lobbyist for Drug Policy Alliance, which advocates for drug policy reforms.

The disparities have become such a source of consternation for some lawmakers and industry leaders that more than half a dozen states and municipalities, including Oakland and the District, are taking steps to boost minorities in the competitive licensing process....

Colorado, one of the earliest states to legalize marijuana, has nearly 1,000 dispensary licenses and nearly 1,500 cultivation licenses. African Americans make up less than a handful of license holders, according to cannabis entrepreneurs in the state. Wanda James, a former Navy lieutenant who says shes one of the few black growers and dispensary owners in Colorado, blames regulations barring those convicted of drug crimes from owning, and working in, a dispensary or cultivation center.

In Colorado, if you sell 10 pounds of cannabis today, you probably get written up in Forbes about what a great businessperson you are, but if a young black man sells a dime bag on a street corner in Alabama, hes probably going to jail for 10 years, she said. A black person is nearly four times more likely than a white person to be arrested for marijuana possession, even though the two groups use marijuana at similar rates, according to a 2013 American Civil Liberties Union report that examined arrests in every state using a decades worth of FBI crime data....

Jesce Horton, an Oregon marijuana entrepreneur who started the Minority Cannabis Business Association in 2015 to diversify the industry, said that as a college student in Florida, he was arrested three times for marijuana possession. His criminal record would have barred him from entering the business in other states. Its really a slap in the face to communities who have been targeted, Horton said. A lot of people see these as racist regulations. These are fear-based tactics by legislators who are more than willing to go along with the business interests sitting in the room.

Some states also require applicants to have financial holdings upward of $1 million, a particularly high bar given the documented wealth disparities between blacks and whites. Those without ready access to capital cannot turn to banks, which are unwilling to provide business loans for an industry that is still illegal at the federal level....

Even with potential shifts in federal drug-enforcement policies, several jurisdictions have moved to address racial disparities in the industry. Oakland recently voted to set aside half of all marijuana business permits for people who had been arrested for drug crimes in the city or lived in neighborhoods with high marijuana arrests.

Illinois, like Pennsylvania, awards extra points to minority applicants. Ohio requires 15 percent of licenses to be issued to minorities. Florida has reserved one of its future marijuana-cultivation licenses for a member of the states Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association. Maryland marijuana regulators, meanwhile, are fending off a lawsuit that threatens to halt its program after no black-owned businesses won cultivation licenses.
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.
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A former Brazilian congressman and adviser to President Michel Temer was arrested on Saturday in a new threat to the embattled president, whos under investigation amid threats of impeachment from a corruption scandal.

Rodrigo Rocha Loures was arrested on orders of Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin, according to a statement from Brazils Federal Police. Loures is being investigated after being captured on video allegedly receiving a suitcase containing 500,000 reais (USD154,000) from a businessman.

The arrest comes about two weeks after the newspaper O Globo reported that Joesley Batista, former chairman of the meat-processing giant JBS SA, had secretly recorded Temer endorsing the payment of hush money to Eduardo Cunha, the jailed former Lower-House speaker instrumental in the impeachment of Temers predecessor, Dilma Rousseff.

As part of a plea bargain arrangement, JBS owners accused Loures of receiving kickbacks. Those were just the latest turns in the sprawling corruption probe, known as Operation Carwash, thats implicated many of the countrys business and political elite and helped bring down Rousseff. The Supreme Court has authorized an investigation into Temer on accusations of passive corruption and obstruction of justice.

Temer, 76, has repeatedly denied all accusations of wrongdoing, said he wont resign, and has pushed ahead with economic reforms including an overhaul of Brazils pension system.

Loures had immunity from being arrested as a member of the Lower House, but lost his seat and that protection when Osmar Serraglio was ousted as Justice Minister and resumed his legislative term, displacing Loures, whod been Serraglios deputy.

Temer, in an interview with Istoe magazine this week, called Loures a decent person and said he considered it surprising that the former adviser would receive kickbacks. Temer said he doubts whether Loures would close a plea bargain agreement or denounce him, and that any denunciation would not be true.

Both the real and the Brazilian stock market have fallen since Temer was dragged into the corruption scandal. Brazils Electoral Court this week is due to resume its examination of whether the 2014 Rousseff-Temer campaign was illegally financed, which could lead to the results being invalidated and Temer being forced out of office. Bloomberg
Macaus CESL Asia, a company known for providing a wide range of services and technology solutions, has partnered with the China Development Bank (CDB) in a strategic cooperation agreement that aims to develop investments regarding the China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Cooperation and Development Fund (CPD Fund or D-Fund).

The agreement was one of the highlights of the 8th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) opening ceremony held last week in Macau.

According to Antonio Trindade, president and chief executive officer of CESL Asia, the agreement aims to add expertise and market know-how to project selection, investment, and development.

The accumulated expertise of CESL Asia in the development and management of major infrastructure projects in the region and abroad, both public and private, will be used to tackle various problems  such as post-contract-signing difficulties faced by Chinese companies operating in the Portuguese-speaking countries, Trindade stated.

Experience tells us that there are problems with the execution of the contracts, mostly due to differences in perception, not in science or technical capabilities, but the inexperience of working in [diverse] administrative environments, he said.

[There are also problems with] the [implementation] of project regulations and the issue with communication which sometimes can cause conflicts.

Trindade noted that the above were all matters that have been satisfactorily solved in Macau, remarking that Chinese companies operated similarly in Macau and Portuguese-speaking countries, but faced few difficulties in the former.

CESL Asias many years of experience have contributed to the signing of the agreement that has the local company working side-by-side with the CPD Fund.

This will be the role that is being shared between CESL Asia and the [Fund], as [the Fund] does not have enough expertise to analyze the projects, the company CEO told the Times.

When questioned on his perspective on the latest developments regarding the cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as Macaus role as a platform that links the parties involved, Trindade assured that never before has Macau participated directly in the investments of China in the Portuguese-speaking countries, but recently (in the last two years) the involvement of Macau with the government[s] has been resulting in the materialization of an active role of Macau in the commercial and investment relations with the PSC.

We are assisting the effective materialization of goals and the vision of the Macau platform role, which for a long time was only expressed in words and wishes  but is now going from idea to accomplishment, he said.

Trindade concluded by saying that CESL Asia demonstrates that Macau has the capability and expertise to assume such a role, noting the contributions of over 500 professionals in different fields that have been contributing to the economic and social development of Macau for the last 30 years.
British voters have backed the UKs continued membership of the European Economic Community by a large majority in the countrys first nationwide referendum.

Just over 67% of voters supported the Labour governments campaign to stay in the EEC, or Common Market, despite several cabinet ministers having come out in favour of British withdrawal.

The result was later hailed by Prime Minister Harold Wilson as a historic decision.

For him the victory came after a long and bruising campaign against many in his own party, following Labours promise to hold a vote in its general election manifesto last October.

Faced with the referendum question, Do you think the UK should stay in the European Community (Common Market)? Britons voted Yes in most of the 68 administrative counties, regions and Northern Ireland. Only Shetland and the Western Isles voted against the EEC.

When the result was beyond doubt, the leaders of the pro-Europe camp emerged from private celebrations to thank campaign workers for their efforts.

Home Secretary Roy Jenkins said: It puts the uncertainty behind us. It commits Britain to Europe; it commits us to playing an active, constructive and enthusiastic role in it.

The Conservatives were also campaigning to stay in the Common Market. Margaret Thatcher, elected Tory leader last February, said the Yes vote would not have happened without the Oppositions support for it.

Former Prime Minister Edward Heath said: Ive worked for this for 25 years, I was the prime minister who led Britain into the community and Im naturally delighted that the referendum is working out as it is.

Members of the No campaign accepted their defeat and promised to work constructively within the EEC.

Industry Secretary Tony Benn, who had come under criticism from the prime minister during the campaign, said: When the British people speak everyone, including members of Parliament, should tremble before their decision and thats certainly the spirit with which I accept the result of the referendum.

The trade union movement led by the TUC was also opposed to remaining in Europe and had boycotted key advisory positions in Brussels and Luxembourg since Britain joined in 1973.

TUC General-Secretary Len Murray said the boycott would be lifted but he remained adamantly opposed to the EEC. Many of the most imprtant decisions about our future can only be taken here in Britain, he said.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

Britain under Prime Minister Edward Heath had joined the EEC in January 1973 when the Treaty of Rome was signed.

Labours general election manifesto of October 1974 committed Labour to allow people the opportunity to decide whether Britain should stay in the Common Market on renegotiated terms, or leave it entirely.

In the run-up to the referendum the prime minister announced that the government had decided to recommend a yes vote. But it emerged that the cabinet had split, with seven of its 23 members seeking withdrawal.

The no faction included Michael Foot, Secretary of State of Employment and Tony Benn, Industry Secretary.

In 1996 billionaire businessman Sir James Goldsmith, who was against the Maastricht Treaty, set up the Referendum Party to campaign for a referendum on the European Union.

He spent 20m on the 1997 general election campaign but only managed to achieve 3% of the vote.

In 2005 the state of the European Union reached a critical point in its history after referenda in France and the Netherlands saw voters reject the latest EU constitution.

Almost a year ago, the United Kingdom hold a referendum on June 23, 2016 to gauge support for the country either remaining a member of, or leaving, the European Union. The Brexit referendum resulted in 51.9% of voters voting in favour of leaving the EU.
The annual candlelight vigil in memory of the events that occurred on June 4, 1989 in Beijings Tiananmen Square was held once again at Senado Square, but gathered fewer attendees than in previous years.

Last years vigil had also seen a decrease in attendees.

Organized by the Macau Democratic Development Association, the vigil was attended as per usual by lawmakers Ng Kuok Cheong and Au Kam San. However, the younger wing of the New Macau Association pan-democrats was unusually absent.

When questioned on the conspicuously fewer participants and the lack of youth attendees, Ng simply responded that, No matter how many people will attend, we must have this gathering.

The pro-democrat lawmaker remarked that the reduced attendance might be due several factors, suggesting, Maybe the youngsters already given up due to the wealth of the political leaders [in China], which shows them that although [the youth] dislike them, they cannot do much about it, adding that young people feel that there is no hope in China and they might or might not join the event according to their [mood].

We need to remind them about this, we must discuss what happened in China, that is our hope for the future, Ng said, adding, [My] generation has the [duty] to tell the new generation what happened.

According to Ng, China should adopt the democratic system since its communist ideology no longer exists and has become a capitalist system. The Chinese Communist Party has already given up communism, they have become a capitalist state and they use the resources and their accumulated wealth [to lure the people], he said.

He added that people in mainland China know that it is unsafe to live in and accumulate wealth in China, and so they accumulate wealth and they leave the country.

He expects that a revolution might occur in the near future, spurred by these funds that have been brought out over the last 20 years  which

are similar circumstances to those that led to revolution during the Qing Dynasty.

During this year and the previous years event, a group of 50 to 60 people were led by Ng and Au in the vigil, commemorating the events of 1989 with images, videos and leaflets.

Tourists from the mainland were also present in the audience, and were reportedly surprised by the event  with several admitting that this was the first time they had seen information relating to the 1989 events in Beijing.
Thousands of Hong Kongers attended a candlelight vigil yesterday 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 yesterday, 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 nongovernmental 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 yesterday night, observing 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. Kelvin Chan, Hong Kong, AP

Number of vigil attendees dropping

According to the South China Morning Post, the number of people attending June 4 vigils in Hong Kongs Victoria Park has continued to fall each year since 2014. The newspaper reported that fewer adults are attending each year and that this year the number of participants totaled just 110,000, compared with 180,000 three years ago, according to figures provided by organizers. The vigil has been held each year in Victoria Park since 1990 and is organized by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.
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 yesterday.

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 trios ground forces.

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 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 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 ended yesterday, also focused on the nuclear ambitions of North Korea. Annabelle Liang, Singapore, AP
Japans most popular politician resigned from Prime Minister Shinzo Abes ruling party, setting the stage for a potentially damaging local election confrontation after she thrashed his candidate in the race to become Tokyo governor last year.

Yuriko Koike said last week that she would leave the Liberal Democratic Party to lead a political group she set up to contest the citys assembly elections in July. This makes it clear that its a fight between Tomin First and the Tokyo branch of the LDP, she said at a party rally.

The party  whose name translates as Tokyo Residents First  will be counting on her star power to bolster its chances of beating the LDP in next months vote. Koike, 64, won a landslide victory to become the citys first female governor last year. The results of the July poll could weigh on Abes prospects in the next national election, which must be held by the end of 2018.

The result of the Tokyo assembly election will affect the next general election, said Hakubun Shimomura, who heads the Tokyo branch of Abes LDP. We cant avoid losing some of our seats, but we want to make sure we get more than Tomin First, he added. Abes party has 57 seats in the 127-strong Tokyo assembly.

In a policy platform announced at the rally, Koikes party promised open government and zero tolerance for misuse of public funds. It also pledged to introduce penalties for smoking in public spaces, a policy Abes LDP has failed to introduce on a national basis.

Abe and Koike have taken care to keep any animosity under wraps, as the capital prepares to host the 2020 Olympic Games. But members of his party have tried to paint her as indecisive, after she insisted on reviewing ballooning Olympics costs and delayed a plan to move Tokyos iconic fish market to a new site, where pollution levels were found to be higher than expected.

Such criticism has done little to dent her popularity. A national poll by Fuji News Network carried out May 13-14 found Koike had an approval rating of almost 71 percent, while 56 percent of respondents said they backed Abe. Still, surveys of voting intentions have shown her nascent group lagging behind the LDP.

In a coup for Koike, Abes Buddhist-backed coalition partner Komeito has thrown its lot in with the governor in the Tokyo elections, while saying that wouldnt affect its national alliance with the LDP. Koike has vowed to seek a female majority in the assembly. But the line-up of 48 candidates she introduced at the party rally on Thursday was only 35 percent female. Isabel Reynolds, Yuki Hagiwara, Bloomberg
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. AP
Nine people were injured on board a flight headed to Hong Kong yesterday morning, after their plane encountered an unexpected spell of severe turbulence.

The KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Hong Kong was around half an hour away from Hong Kong International Airport when it encountered the turbulence, but managed to land safely at around 10 a.m.

Several passengers and at least two cabin crew members were injured as the seat belts signs had not been active before the incident. According to passengers, people and objects were thrown upward against the cabin ceiling as the airplane shook violently.

The pilot was telling us in the broadcast that we would be arriving in Hong Kong in 30 to 40 minutes. When he was still talking, I started to feel the turbulence. It felt like we were in free fall, one passenger told the South China Morning Post.

The man next to me did not have his seat belt fastened. He hit the ceiling [] the seat belt sign was not on at the time and so some people were also in the toilet.

According to police reports, the nine injured were aged between 31 and 55 and just one of them had refused to be sent to the hospital.

Meanwhile, a KLM spokesperson told the SCMP that the airline will assist the [injured] passengers and crew members.

We are also taking care of the other passengers as it might have also been a frightening experience for them, the company representative added.
Chinas sovereign wealth fund is expanding its presence in Europe by acquiring a warehouse company in a 12.25 billion euro (USD13.8 billion) deal.

China Investment Corp.s purchase of Logicor from U.S. investment firm Blackstone Group adds to a multibillion-dollar string of Chinese acquisitions in Europe.

Logicor operates in 17 countries including Britain, Germany and France, from Blackstone Group, a U.S. investment firm. Blackstone said the company was ideally positioned to profit from growth in e-commerce.

Chinese companies are in the midst of a multibillion-dollar global buying spree to acquire brands, technology and real estate.

They are especially active in Europe, which they see as more welcoming than the United States, where security reviews of some Chinese purchases have made potential buyers skittish.

CIC was founded in 2007 to invest a portion of Chinas foreign reserves. It has more than $810 billion in assets.

The fund also owns stakes in companies that operate Londons Heathrow Airport and the British capitals water system. AP
A world-renowned strategy and leadership expert is joining forces with business and marketing specialists in the Asia-Pacific region to host a personal and professional development seminar next week at Banyan Tree, with all proceeds going towards feeding malnourished children in the Philippines.

Dr Brian To, who is an academic associate at more than 10 higher education institutions worldwide and regularly advises government and military leaders, is back in Macau as a co-organizer of the event.

Titled Strategy and Leadership: For personal and business success, the intimate program is designed to help individuals, managers, entrepreneurs and career professionals develop their strategic thinking skills, through lectures, case studies and interactive discussions.

Speaking to the Times last week, To stressed that all proceeds from the event will go to the Simply Share Foundation, which is devoted to fighting hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines.

He said that after visiting the Philippines on volunteer trips to feed impoverished children, the academic decided to take action himself.

Previously, To has held seminars and workshops to raise money for the foundation, his charity of choice. Now, he wants to go one step further and is reaching out to interested parties in Macau to turn his latest project into a reality.

These kids need help. When you look at them, theyre so skinny. [] Its heartbreaking, he told the Times. When you put it in perspective, how much can we eat? How many t-shirts do we need? How much of everything? If we just share a little bit we can make a difference.

The foundation is currently feeding around 200 children per day but the plan is to get this number closer to 2,000. To do this, they are developing a food truck system that will work like food banks in other countries.

To says he wants three food trucks, which will cost around USD45,000 (about MOP360,000) per unit. They will be operated on a volunteer basis by students, who will deliver at least one meal per day to the malnourished children and then serve paying customers at night in order to raise money for more of the childrens food.

The student-volunteers will hail from the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City under an agreement brokered by To, whereby every culinary graduate must complete an internship on the food trucks.

We dont want to just raise money and give it to [well-known charities], because their administrative costs are so high. For most of them [large charities], 6070 percent of the money raised goes to administrative costs and a CEOs paycheck, he said. Our money goes directly to feeding those kids. 

The two-day strategy program will be held on June 14 and 15 at Banyan Tree at Galaxy Macau.

To will be joined by Dr Peter Treadway, who holds a distinguished 35-year career on Wall Street, having won several awards and having been ranked an all-star analyst by Institutional Investor magazine 11 times.

Also present at the event will be Professor John Leung, the director of the executive MBA program at City University of Hong Kong and described by To as a marketing genius, as well as Professor Davis Fong of the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming at the University of Macau, and many other notable guests.
The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Friday to add 15 individuals and four entities linked to North Koreas 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 Koreas 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.

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 Norths nuclear program and isnt 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 countrys 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, Chinas 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 councils 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 Chinas 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.

Russias deputy U.N. ambassador Vladimir Safronkov, whose country borders North Korea and saw one of Pyongyangs 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 Fridays 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 Peoples 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 Chinas Liu made clear last week that Beijings 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 Koreas 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 Koreas 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 countrys 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 Koreas nuclear and ballistic activities in the strongest terms and reaffirms the Security Councils 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 Norths nuclear and missile activities are generating increased tension in the region and beyond and continue to threaten international peace and security. Edith M. Lederer, AP
MONTENEGRO Once the Balkan stronghold of pro-Russian sentiments, tiny Montenegro is silently celebrating its entry into NATO in a historic turn that has made the Kremlin furious. Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro formally became the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington yesterday.

PHILIPPINES Opposition lawmakers petitioned the Supreme Court yesterday to review and nullify President Rodrigo Dutertes imposition of martial law in the southern third of the country.

INDIA successfully launched its heaviest-ever rocket yesterday which it hopes will eventually be able to carry astronauts into space, a feat that only Russia, the United States and China have achieved, its space agency said.

IRAQ Mosuls children are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between U.S.-backed government forces and the Islamic State group in the citys western half, the United Nations childrens agency warned yesterday.

MOROCCO An official with West Africas regional bloc says leaders of the 15-nation group have agreed in principle on Moroccos membership application for membership, though more assessments will be made.

SPAIN Madrid is gearing up to host an international LGBT pride celebration by installing inclusive and gender equal traffic signals across the city. Figures of women or girls started going up yesterday at intersections that previously featured the familiar figure of a man in mid-stride to let pedestrians know when to cross.

VENEZUELA Jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is urging supporters to keep demonstrating as an anti-government protest movement that has claimed more than 60 lives enters its third month. Former Spanish President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez visited Lopez at the prison on Sunday, but did not say what they discussed.

US President Donald Trump is launching a major push for a USD1 trillion overhaul of the nations roads and bridges, a key item on his domestic agenda thats gained little traction amid a slew of controversies that have engulfed the White House.

WORLD BANK The world economy will pick up speed this year and next, helped by steadier commodity prices and a pickup in global trade, the World Bank said. The anti-poverty agency predicts 2.7 percent growth this year and 2.9 percent in 2018.
This spring was one of the wettest on record, drenching Midwestern fields and slowing down spring planting.

At this point, corn and soybean planting is still nearing complete, but is a bit behind schedule. Even as the final acres are planted, some producers are worried about the condition of the corn and soybean crops. Plants that develop during a wet spring typically dont build a deep root system, which can make them especially susceptible to dry weather if it hits later in the summer.

However, summer precipitation is forecast to be normal, although Illinois, Indiana and Ohio could have warmer than typical weather, which could stress the crops.

For now, the futures markets are focusing on the relative abundance of grains left over from last year and the prospect for another large harvest this fall. The huge stockpiles have pushed soybean prices to a 13-month low near $9.00 per bushel while corn prices continue to languish under $4.00 per bushel.

Trump says au revoir to Paris Accord

On Thursday, President Trump announced that the United States would pull out of the Paris climate accord. The treaty, signed by President Barack Obama and 194 other United Nations members, was designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Citing U.S. economic interests, President Trump stated Thursday that the U.S. would withdraw from the agreed-upon deal and attempt to renegotiate the United States commitment.

Other signers of the deal, including the European Union and China, have indicated they will hold fast on their pledges.

For futures traders, Trumps announcement was met with swift selling of crude oil and natural gas futures on the expectation that loosened environmental regulations would increase domestic fossil fuel production. Oil fell to a three-week low under $47 per barrel, while natural gas sank near a three-month low under $3 per million British thermal units.
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  In 1931, Herbert Hoover occupied the White House.

Winston Churchill was in the midst of political exile in Britain, and in Germany, Adolf Hitler did not yet hold office.

In Greene County, meanwhile, Ray Seaton began working on his fathers dairy farm in Debusk.

Seaton, whos quick to tell you hes 93  even though he doesnt turn 93 until August  still sits in on the twice-a-day milkings of the 50 cows on his family farm.

Its not his weathered and bent hands doing the milking, though. That task goes to his grandson, Ben, 21.

Much about the world has changed since 1931, including the dairy industry in Greene County  and across eastern Tennessee.

Ben Seaton represents the fourth generation of his family to work the dairy farm on Debusk Road, putting in time with his father, Frankie, and four brothers there. He cant imagine doing anything else.

It just gets in your blood, he said. Im the fourth generation.

His grandfather remembers when it was easy to make a living in dairy, when Pet Milk kept thousands of cows across Greene County busy.

Its hard times on the farm, Ray said of todays conditions. They raise the price of stuff the farmer has to buy, and the stuff he sells they lower.

The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture census reveals that tens of thousands of cows still can be found in Greene County: 70,000 total, according to figures released May 15. Of that, 3,100 are listed as milk cows, while 34,000 are classified as beef cows.

The USDA Farm Service reported earlier this year that there are only about 35 working dairy farms in Greene County. Thats a far cry from the heyday of Greene County dairying, when nearly every farm in the county was supplying at least some milk to the Greeneville Pet Milk plant, which closed in the 1990s.

But outside the number of dairy farmers, perhaps the most important number for each dairyman is how much money he gets per 100 pounds of milk.

Any dairyman who wants to keep afloat now must know how to economize and achieve peak efficiency. As the cost to do business goes up, the price dairymen at operations like the Seatons can fetch for each 100 pounds of milk has been dropping.

Mike Combs, who runs a 100-cow dairy off the Warrensburg Road, just sold a load of milk to his broker for $17.60 for 100 pounds of raw milk. But both Combs and the Seatons were told by Piedmont Milk to expect about $17 per 100 pounds for the next pay out.

For Combs, whose 102 cows are each putting out about 65 pounds of milk per day, that $1 off the price of 100 pound adds up to several thousand dollars of lost income per month. In my situation, $18 (per 100 pounds) is break-even, Combs said. I really have to be on a tight rope there.

Bean Seaton said hes going to hang in there and tough it out.

The Ottinger family, which runs a 60-cow operation in the Caney Branch community, told the Sun in March that milk pay-outs were about $19.50 per 100 pounds at the time. In 2014, dairymen were getting as much as $28 per 100 pounds, according to Seaton.

According to Combs, the system for buying and selling milk favors large, commercial dairies in the northern U.S. that have thousands of cows.

A milk buyer in Nashville, for example, recently told him that it can get a truckload of raw milk  about 48,000 pounds  from Ohio when its just eight hours old, whereas getting the same amount of milk from Combs would take several days. The difference is that on Combs small, family-run dairy, he just doesnt have the output to fill up a whole tractor-trailer of milk that quickly.

Thats causing a problem with us, Combs said. Its coming to commercial. Commercial is whats doing it to us.

Seaton is also bracing for losses, due to the decline in milk prices, which he says is tied to overall demand. The high  and fast  output by commercial dairies supplies milk brokers and co-ops with plenty of product, which leads to the depressed prices for dairies like those found in Greene County.

They say its too much milk that big dairies keep getting bigger, Ben Seaton said. We cant compete with them.

Greene County University of Tennessee Extension Director Milton Orr acknowledges the fact that the future for dairy look less bright than it did a generation or two ago, but he hasnt written it off as a viable sector of agriculture.

I think we will reach a point to where  when we start looking at these cooperatives buying milk  theyre going to reach a point where the margin between needs and surplus gets closer together, Orr said. Theyre going to make some changes to widen that back out. The buyers are pretty savvy about this stuff.

He doesnt think the price of milk will reach a point to push all small dairymen out of business.

The future doesnt look nearly as good as it used to, he said. But there is a future in it.

Orr, in his capacity as director with the Extension office but also as a beef cattle farmer himself, encourages all farmers  dairy and otherwise  to learn as much about the inputs of their businesses as possible so that they can find as many ways to maximize their efficiency.

The farmer cant really drive the price of milk that much, he said. I think a lot of the issue is, we tend to act out of emotion instead of sitting down and really knowing the true cost of producing our product and looking at where we can make changes.

Orr often points to the benefits of technology  everything from letting computer models help farmers know more about their animals to the role genetics plays. In a recent interview, he pointed to Greene County agriculture statistics he recently unearthed.

From 1939 to 1959, the number of milk cows in the county went from 16,900 to 27,500. But the amount of milk produced in Greene County in 1959 was the same amount produced here in 2007  when the number of milk cows had been slashed to about 5,000.

Were doing it on the same infrastructure, Orr said. What have we changed? Weve changed genetics.

The cows at both the Seaton and the Combs farms have been genetically engineered to produce as much milk as possible. Ben Seaton has been overseeing the breeding operations at his farm and takes pride in how his cows produce.

Its outside-the-box thinking  such as paying close attention to the field of genetics  that Orr says can help dairy farmer and any other livestock or produce farmer.

You cant make good decisions about anything until you know everything you can possibly know about your business, he said.

Still, for dairymen like Combs  who wanted to pass his business down to his own son after taking it over from his father  the future looks bleak. He says now, in terms of the price hes getting for milk, about every five years is a good financial year. Mixed in those chunks are one or two average years and one or two bad years, which is how he describes 2017.

Ray Seaton agreed.

Itll get better, the elder Seaton said.

But its difficult for Combs to look at up-and-comers like his son, Nicholas, 36, or Ben Seaton, who want to put in the hard, 15-hour days of a dairyman and who love the work, and tell them to keep pursuing dairy.

Youve got guys like that who are young and work  they dont mind the work. I just think its tough, Combs said about their financial prospects. I dont know what can be done about it.

Ben Seaton often asks Combs for advice on dairying.

I just stand and look at him, because you dont know what to say, Combs said. How do you encourage somebody when youre wondering yourself?

But Ben Seaton cant see himself doing anything else. He and his father have diversified their operation to try to weather dropping milk prices. They grow 3.5 acres of tobacco and have about 70 head of beef cattle. Ben says men like his father are tied to the fortunes of their farms, no matter what.

Its too late for him, he said. I can go out and get a job.

But he doesnt want to  and he doesnt think he will. Despite the economics, on the farm is where he wants to be.

Its a hard living, he said. If you can make a living, its a good way to make a living. We have good times and bad times. And were in the middle of a bad time.

Im just going to try to hang in there and tough it out.
MADISON, Wis.  A Wisconsin corn mill that exploded late Wednesday night was reprimanded by federal safety inspectors six years ago for not taking precautions against dust explosions, which are a major hazard in handling grain, records show.

The blast at the Didion Milling Plant in Cambria, a rural village about 45 miles northeast of Madison, left at least two people dead. Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards confirmed the body of the second worker was found late Thursday afternoon. Emergency crews were still searching for a third worker. Nearly a dozen other employees were taken to area hospitals. None of the workers have been identified.

The cause of the blast remained unknown as of Thursday afternoon, Didion officials said. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators were on the scene.

At a news conference Thursday evening, Cambria Fire Chief Cody Doucette said a smaller fire occurred in a different part of the facility on Monday. Investigators were working to determine whether there was a link between that fire and Wednesday nights explosion, Doucette said.

The safety and security of our employees is our top priority, Didion Vice President of Operations Derrick Clark said in a news release. Over the past 44 years, the Didion team has grown to be a close-knit family, and we ask for your prayers during this difficult time.

The plant processes corn for ethanol and other uses. A review of online OSHA records shows the plant was cited in January 2011 for exposing its workers to dust explosion hazards. The records state that plant filters lacked an explosion protective system.

The agency ordered the mill to correct the problem by April 2011. The records show Didion paid a $3,465 fine and the case was closed in September 2013. OSHA hasnt cited the plant for anything since, the records show.

Dust explosions are a serious problem in handling grain, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. There were five grain dust explosions in the United States last year and two of the incidents resulted in fatalities, Purdue University said in an annual report. Keeping facilities clean of dust and equipment in good working order to reduce the possibility of igniting the dust are critical to preventing explosions, the report said.

Dust explosions can occur when high concentrations of dust particles are suspended in the air in a confined space during grain handling and a spark from something like a cigarette butt ignites it, according to the USDAs website.

Emails sent to several Didion officials Thursday and a voicemail left for Vice President of Sales Jeff Dillon werent immediately returned. A note posted on the companys website said the company would be closed until further notice.

Nearly two dozen fire departments and four police departments responded. Cambria Village President Glen Williams said the fire was contained by early Thursday and there were no evacuations in the area.

Doucette said some area residents briefly lost power after the blast. Schools in the Cambria-Friesland district also closed Thursday because of the incident.

The district houses early childhood through 12th grade in one building about an eighth of a mile from the plant, Superintendent Timothy Raymond said. School officials wanted to be sure the danger was over on Thursday, he said. Classes were set to resume on Friday.

The number of employees inside the building during the explosion fluctuated through the day Thursday.

Sheriff Richards initially said 16 people were in the plant. Village of Cambria officials later said 17 were inside before revising the number back to 16.

In addition to the two fatalities, two other plant employees were treated and released. Eleven more were taken to area hospitals via ambulance and helicopter.

Cambria is a community of about 770 people. Williams, the village president, said the plant is an economic anchor for the entire area. Raymond, the schools superintendent, said his district plans to have counselors on hand when students return Friday.

Quite a few of the employees live in the village and surrounding area. So its going to affect the whole area. Not just the shock of the event, but the economic hardship to the families, Williams said.

OSHA spokesman Scott Allen said personnel from the federal agency were on the scene Thursday to begin an investigation. The agency has six months to complete its work.

The company employs more than 200 people. It has offices and a soybean plant in Jefferson County to the southwest, the mill and an ethanol plant in Cambria and an oil packaging plant in Green Lake County to the north, according to the company website.

Brothers John and Dow Didion began Didion Milling in 1972 and construction on the Cambria corn mill was completed in 1991, according to the website. The companys corn products are used in brewing beer as well as in making chips, breakfast cereals, bathroom moldings, steel and ethanol.
April through June are typically the best months for finding crappie throughout southwest and northern Idaho, said Martin Koenig, natural resource program coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Watch for them to move up into shallow waters to spawn as the water temperatures get into the mid-60s.
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TWIN FALLS  Emery Inc. is slated to get the citys chip sealing contract this year.

The Filer company was the only bidder, for $549,000, according to a memo attached to Mondays City Council agenda. The city had budgeted $927,000, and plans to use the remaining money for other roadwork.

This year, the city plans to chip seal some streets in Zone 5, in the northwestern area of the city, including Canyon Springs Road, Washington Street North and parts of Canyon Crest Drive West and Canyon Crest Drive.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in the City Council chambers, 305 Third Ave. East. The agenda and related materials are available online through the citys website tfid.org.
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 FALLSAntonio Limon, funeral services at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Rd. in Twin Falls.

William Bill Rickert

RUPERTFuneral 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. (Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary)

LeRoy Roy Sherrets

TWIN FALLS55 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

BUHLRoy 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 FALLSDouglas 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.
GLENNS FERRY  At least six fires started around southern Idaho on Sunday, including one near Glenns Ferry that temporarily closed a portion of Interstate 84 due to smoke.

The 300-plus acre fire caused a 45-minute shutdown of eastbound lanes at mile marker 118 and westbound lanes at mile marker 121. Despite the fire's proximity to Glenns Ferry, it is not expected to threaten homes, Bureau of Land Management Boise District Fire Mitigation and Education Officer Jared Jablonski said.

"I think the biggest concern is the smoke," he said.

I-84 lanes were open as of 10:30 p.m.

The BLM had 22 personnel, six engines, a bulldozer and a water tender on scene, and Jablonski expected more resources to assist Monday morning. A few outbuildings were threatened.

Meanwhile, Twin Falls District BLM reported five fires Sunday out in the desert, but had no issues controlling them. The biggest fire was 800 acres.

It is unknown how any of the fires ignited.

Check back for updates at magicvalley.com.
Hepatitis C support

Hepatitis C Support Group, 6 p.m. Monday at Magic Valley Fellowship Hall, 801 Second Ave. N., Twin Falls.

The meeting offers support for those who have been diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus. A medical professional will speak about HCV and options for treatment.

Information: Cathy Shaddy, 208-410-2768.

Bariatric support

Magic Valley Bariatric Support Group, 7 p.m. Monday in Oak Room 1 on the lower level of St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center, 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls.

The meetings are facilitated by licensed bariatric health-care professionals.

Registration isnt required. Information: 208-381-3641.

Parenting, coping support

Voices Against Violence is offering support groups at 212 Second Ave. W., No. 200, Twin Falls.

Parenting Group, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, to help improve parenting skills as well as learn rewards and consequences.

Mas alla de mi, Empoderando a las Mujeres domestic violence group in Spanish, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, for those who have been involved in an abusive or traumatic relationship, and also helps women develop a support system.

The Power to Change Group, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, provides information and support to women 18 and older, who have experienced difficulties in coping with past experiences.

Domestic Violence Support Group, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, provides information and support to individuals 18 and older, who have experienced domestic abuse or gender violence.

Information: 208-733-2558.

Yoga

Morning Bliss Yoga, 9 a.m. each Tuesday and Saturday at the Magic Valley YMCA, 1751 Elizabeth Blvd.

Stretch and strengthen your muscles through yoga.

Free to the community. 208-733-4384.

Victims support

Support group for victims of domestic violence, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Mini-Cassia Shelter Haven of Hope, 323 First St., Rupert.

Information: Rachel, 208-312-7021.

Child safety

Child and Babysitting Safety training for ages 11 to 16, 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the College of Southern Idahos Jerome Center. Instructors are Aaron and Christina Keyes.

Topics: Fundamentals of caring for children of different age groups, safety, injury prevention, preparation techniques, and communicating with parents.

Cost is $42, and includes course book, two-year certification card, and first aid kit. Register: communityed.csi.edu or 208-324-5101.

Blood drives

The American Red Cross has scheduled community blood drives next week in Twin Falls and Shoshone.

Blood donation opportunities will be available from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday at La Quinta Inn, 539 Pole Line Road, Twin Falls; 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lincoln County Community Center, 201 S. Beverly St. in Shoshone; and 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Friday at city of Twin Falls building, 305 Third Ave. E.

Donors of all bloods types are needed. To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire is encouraged.

Recovery support

Safe Harbor will hold Al-Anon meetings at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Recovery group meetings at 7 p.m. Thursdays at 213 Fifth Ave. W. in Twin Falls,

A meal will be provided at 6 p.m. Thursday; donations accepted.

Information: 208-735-8787.

Grief support

Visions of Hope meeting, 5 p.m. every Thursday at Hospice Visions, 1770 Park View Drive, Twin Falls.

This grief support group is open to everyone in the community.

Information: 208-735-0121.

Mental health support

Mental Health Support Group will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at 826 Eastland Drive in Twin Falls. The free support group is open to Magic Valley residents.

Information: 208-539-7492.

CPR

St. Lukes Magic Valley Education Department is offering a Heartsaver CPR and AED class, 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the Learning Center, 840 Meadows Suite 2, Twin Falls.

The course provides training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using an automated external defibrillator.

Cost is $50. Pre-registration is required: 208-814-9050.

Grief support

Griefshare meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday and June 15 at Lighthouse Church, 960 Eastland Drive, Twin Falls.

Anyone who has lost a loved one or friend is welcome to attend. A separate class for pre-teen and teens will meet at the same time. Participants can attend any session. Enter through the east doors at the rear of the building.

Information: 208-737-4667.

Stroke support

Stroke Education and Support Group meeting, 1 to 2 p.m. Friday in the Gwen Neilsen Anderson Rehabilitation Unit dining area at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center, Third Floor Medical Plaza, 775 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls. Topic: Staying fit after a stroke.

The support group provides an opportunity for stroke survivors and their families to develop a social network. Community members and current patients at St. Lukes Magic Valley are invited to attend.

Information and reservations: Stephanie Shawver, 208-814-0067.

CPR, first aid

St. Lukes Magic Valley Education Department is offering a Heartsaver CPR, First Aid and AED class, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Learning Center, 840 Meadows Suite 2, Twin Falls.

The course provides training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid and using an automated external defibrillator.

Cost is $60 and pre-registration is required: 208-814-9050.

Breastfeeding

Free Breastfeeding 101 class, 7 p.m. June 12 in Oak Room 4 on the lower level of St. Lukes Magic Valley, 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls.

The class is for new mothers and breastfeeding mothers wanting to review their skills. Babies and your support person are welcome.

Free; pre-registration is required, 208-814-0402.

C-sections

Caesarean childbirth class, 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 13 in the Oak Rooms 2-4 on the lower level of St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center, 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls.

Topics: Caesarean delivery procedures, pain management, and non-conforming labors.

Free; pre-registration is required, 208-814-040.
TWIN FALLS  Lightning ignited seven fires in rural southern Idaho on Sunday, burning vegetation and several sheds, but no homes.

A fire on both sides of Interstate 84 near the Glenns Ferry exit caused a nearly one-hour closure due to smoke, which has since dissipated. The fire was called in at 8 p.m. Sunday night.

The Bureau of Land Management Boise District responded with crews on the ground and in the sky, and had stopped the fires spread by 2 a.m. Monday. The fire burned around homes and destroyed four sheds, spokesman Jared Jablonski said.

Fire crews were expected to leave the scene by 6 p.m.

At 642 acres, the Glenns Ferry fire was not the largest over the weekend, but it was likely the most disruptive.

The BLM had no new fires reported as of Monday afternoon, spokeswoman Kelsey Brizendine said.

Heres a recap of fires the Twin Falls District of the BLM responded to Sunday evening:

The Kinyon Springs Fire, 16 miles south of Glenns Ferry, was mapped at 1,466 acres. It burned through grass and brush. The fire was expected to be controlled by 2 p.m. Monday.

The 363-acre Sailor Fire burned grass and brush 22 miles south of Hammett, near the Sailor Creek Day Station. BLM crews were expected to have it out by 6 p.m. Monday.

The Antelope Butte Fire, 176 acres, started 7 miles south of the Sailor Creek Day Station, and was expected to be controlled just before the Sailor Fire.

The 60-acre Winter Camp North Fire ignited 20 miles south of Hammett and burned grass and brush. It was contained by 9 p.m. and controlled by 10 p.m. Sunday.

The Twin Butte Fire burned 40 acres in grass and brush, and was expected to be contained by 6 p.m. Monday.

The Big Hollow Fire west of Oakley burned only one-tenth of an acre after Sawtooth National Forest and Twin Falls District BLM crews hiked in to the fire and contained it.
For the second time in President Donald Trump's young administration, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals is pressing the Justice Department to explain the legality of his travel ban, with Trump's record of campaign calls to ban Muslims from entering the US taking center stage.

Questions from each of the three judges on the panel -- all Bill Clinton appointees -- have touched on exactly when the court might be allowed to look behind the text of the President's travel ban to find a discriminatory purpose.

"The executive order sets out national security justifications, but how is a court to know whether in fact it's a Muslim ban in the guise of national security justification?" asked Judge Ronald Gould.

Yet acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, arguing on behalf of the Trump administration, urged the judges not to delve into a "wide ranging inquiry into subjective motivation" in considering Trump's past comments on Muslims.

Neal Katyal, arguing on behalf of the plaintiffs, countered that they are not in favor of "psychoanalysis" or trying to get in President's head, but suggested "this is a repeated pattern of the President."

"Does that mean the President is forever barred from issuing an executive order along these lines?" Judge Richard Paez asked.

Katyal said no, and pointed out that the President has never disavowed his past statements and instead went on CNN in 2016 and said "Islam hates us."

Two months ago, a federal judge in Hawaii halted the core portions of Trump's revised travel ban just hours before it was slated to go into effect nationwide, finding it likely violated the Constitution by disfavoring Muslims.

Trump immediately slammed the decision as "an unprecedented judicial overreach" and later tweeted about his frustrations with the West Coast-based 9th Circuit over an unrelated case.

Deja vu for the 9th Circuit?

This isn't the first time the 9th Circuit has been tasked with deciding the immediate fate of the President's travel ban.

In February, a federal judge in Seattle halted the original travel ban nationwide, and a three-judge panel on the 9th Circuit declined to reinstate it -- unanimously unpersuaded by the Trump administration's national security arguments and doubting travelers had been given adequate "due process," such as "notice and a hearing prior to restricting an individual's ability to travel."

As a result, the Trump administration went back to the drawing board, drafting a revised executive order in March that provided advance notice to travelers and exempting foreigners with valid visas, admittedly in the hopes of addressing the "judicial concerns" posed by the original order.

Yet Trump's continued inclusion of a 90-day ban on all foreign nationals from six Muslim-majority countries and the 120-day ban on all refugees in the revised travel ban led to fresh legal challenges from the state of Hawaii and an American imam that a new panel of 9th Circuit judges must now resolve.

But unlike the due process concerns driving the analysis in the last round, this time the appeals court must squarely wrestle with Trump's past statements about Muslims as it decides whether the lower court in Hawaii correctly blocked the revised ban.

The Justice Department maintains that the travel ban was animated by bona fide national security concerns, but US District Court Judge Derrick Watson disagreed in March, concluding that the executive order was likely motivated by a discriminatory purpose.

"A review of the historical background here makes plain why the Government wishes to focus on the executive order's text, rather than its context," Watson wrote. "The record before this court is unique. It includes significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus driving the promulgation of the executive order and its related predecessor."

"For instance, there is nothing 'veiled' about this press release: 'Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,'" Watson added. "These plainly-worded statements, made in the months leading up to and contemporaneous with the signing of the executive order, and, in many cases, made by the executive himself, betray the executive order's stated secular purpose."

The December 2015 press release remained on Trump's campaign website up until early last week.

Travel ban headed to SCOTUS?

The 9th Circuit isn't the only appeals court currently evaluating Trump's executive order, however.

The Justice Department separately appealed a different federal judge's decision to halt the 90-day travel ban to the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals. The court heard arguments for two hours last week, but no word yet on when it might rule.

In the event the two appellate courts reach different results, the travel ban will not go back into effect as long as one court's nationwide injunction remains in effect. But experts say such a scenario undoubtedly puts the case on track for review by the US Supreme Court.

"There's no guarantee that the 13 4th Circuit judges who heard argument last week will hand down their ruling before the three 9th Circuit judges hearing Monday's argument will," said Steve Vladeck, CNN legal analyst and professor of law at the University of Texas School of Law. "The real question, though, isn't the timing, but whether the two courts come out the same way. This issue may be bound for the Supreme Court no matter what, but it will certainly be heard by the justices if these lower courts disagree."

"No matter how the two courts rule, I predict this case will go to the Supreme Court," agreed Cornell Law School professor Stephen Yale-Loehr. "The issue is too important for the Supreme Court to pass up."
President Donald Trump on Monday emphatically referred to his executive order on immigration as a "travel ban" and said his Justice Department should not have submitted a "watered down, politically correct version" to the Supreme Court.

Trump's suggestion that changes to the ban -- which, among other things, temporarily restricts travel to the US from several Muslim-majority countries -- were due to political correctness could hamper his administration's legal argument that the executive order did not target Muslims. As a candidate, Trump called for a "total and complete shutdown" of Muslim immigration to the United States.

In a string of tweets, Trump reiterated comments he made in light of the London terror attacks that the travel ban was necessary.

"People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN," he tweeted at 6:25 a.m. ET.

"The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C." he added.

H

e then tweeted: "The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!" before adding: "In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!"

Last week, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to allow the ban after lower courts rebuked his national security justifications for the ban multiple times.

Sen. Ben Cardin said Trump's latest words attacking his own Justice Department revealed his true desire to use the ban to discriminate on religious grounds.

"It clearly shows his intent," the Maryland Democrat told CNN's Alisyn Camerota on "New Day" Monday. "His lawyers try to justify it by saying it wasn't a travel ban, but it was extreme vetting. The President made that clear. It is a travel ban."

Legal ramifications

As Justice Department attorneys have worked to convince courts not to look at Trump's statements in weighing the legal justifications of the travel ban, the President is not backing down -- instead, he's commenting more.

While DOJ lawyers argue that the revised ban is a significant change from the original order, Trump is minimizing the differences by calling it a "politically correct version."

Challengers could read his statements Monday morning as intent to disfavor Muslims in the ban, a point that has doomed the executive orders in court so far.

It's also notable that the revised travel ban was authored by Trump's administration and signed by the President himself -- his Justice Department's role is defending its legality.

'Go all the way'

At times, Trump's administration has insisted the executive order is not a "travel ban," though the President himself has referred to it as such, using the term "travel ban" on Twitter in early February.

And Trump has previously complained about the revised order, which removed Iraq from the initial seven countries listed in the first ban.

"The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first order," Trump said at a rally in March after a judge in Hawaii blocked the second version of the ban. "I think we ought to go back to the first (ban), and go all the way."

"That's what I wanted to do in the first place," he added.

Trump revived his call for the travel ban shortly after news broke of the weekend's terror attacks in London. He was then harshly criticized when he appeared to misconstrue a statement while launching an attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who said there was "no reason to be alarmed" by the visible increase in police activity in the wake of the attacks.

CNN's Laura Jarrett contributed to this report.
The gunman in Monday's fatal shooting spree at an Orlando, Florida, business targeted his victims and had a "negative relationship" with at least one of them, according to law enforcement.
This may be a good moment for the opening of Idahos newest staffed visitor center, in one of the not especially scenic areas of the state.

And one of the historically ugliest.

The site is the Minidoka War Relocation Center east of Jerome, which has been a designated federal historical site for a while and has allowed visitors in, but only now is staffing up so managers can show visitors around. Self-guided tours have been available for a while, but only now is the site properly being staffed.

Therell be plenty to talk about, and a lot of it is sadly pertinent today.

In 1942, shortly after the United States entered World War II, many Americans of Japanese ancestry, half of them children, a large majority American citizens, were uprooted from their homes and businesses and forced into relocation camps. (Americans of German descent were not similarly relocated.) A number of these camps were located around the West, and they were all primitive, degrading places. The camps remained in operation throughout the war. At Minidoka (or whats more often been called the Hunt Camp) about 13,000 people were effectively imprisoned.

In his book, Idaho for the Curious, writer Cort Conley quoted a former Denver Post editor, Bill Hosokawa, who was among those held at Minidoka: Its important to remember this chapter in American history. There are so many people completely unaware of what happened. We can set down the story of what happened, not out of bitterness, but to remind us, and to make damn sure it doesnt happen again.

Evidently, we need the reminder.

Last month the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial was vandalized, not once but repeatedly, with ugly, hateful graffiti. Boise Police Chief Bill Bones was quoted as saying, Theres an obligation to call this what it is. Its a cowardly act. Its a criminal act. The words that they wrote are obviously attacks against people that live in this community simply based on the religion they practice or the color of their skin.

All true. The same and more could be said of the recent killings on a Portland train attributed to a Portland white supremacist who, at his court appearance, shouted out, Youve got no safe place! and Death to the enemies of America!

He was in practice providing cheer for anyone who wishes ill for America.

Our real problem is the people who would turn us all against each other. If you want to consider who serves the interests of people who wish disaster on America, thats an excellent place to start.

A number of Idaho public officials, including Sen. Mike Crapo and Boise Mayor David Bieter, did speak at a ceremony to protest that Anne Frank attacks, and that was helpful. These kinds of strikes at decency and community should not go unrebutted.

But the understanding that all Americans ought to be free from attacks and fear, something most of us probably would take as a given, appears to need much more persistent effort if we dont want to travel down a road to a new set of relocation camps.
The delegation from the African Union ended its four-day trip to Libya by meeting with Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar with whom they discussed the political situation and developments of the country as well as the fight against terrorism. The delegation led by Jean Jacoso also met with Special envoy Martin Kobler, Fayez Serraj of the UN-backed government, State Council leader Abdulrahman Sewehli and President Ageela Saleeh of the Tobruk-based House of Representatives. The delegation was not able to assemble all the political players to have a dialogue geared towards ending the war.

Meanwhile, new clashes between the Libyan National Army (LNA) under the command of Haftar and forces loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) are becoming imminent in the western part of the country. The LNA took over the al-Jufra airbase in central Libya without any resistance and are preparing a plan to secure the area and deploy patrols to clear militants from the area, according to spokesman Mohammed Lafiras. The airbase was under the command of the Benghazi Defense Brigades.

In a bid to counter the advance of LNA, the Presidential Council (PC) of the GNA which dubs itself as the Supreme Commander of the Libyan Army appointed General Osama Juwely as the commanding officer of the Western Region and General Mohamed Al-Haddad as the commander of the middle region. The country was divided into seven military regions last week and the appointment of the two commanders was described by analysts as a hasten decision due to the progress of Haftars forces.

Elsewhere, Algeria has raised concerns about Cairos increasing military intervention in Libya. Algiers wants a political solution and fears that the airstrikes of the Egyptian forces could further worsen the situation.
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
Hero neighbor shoots knife-wielding father dead as he tries to drown his three-month-old twin babies in the bathtub

Neighbor Cash Freeman was alerted by family member, 12, as horror unfolded

Maniac had prior charges for arson and domestic abuse by strangulation

Foster had a knife and was trying to drown his infant twins, their mom told police

Leland Michael Foster, 27, shot dead in his Ada, Oklahoma home on Friday

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 the Ada 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.



+3 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.
via @learyreports

WASHINGTON -- Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson are pressing the Trump administration to seek compensation for Americans whose property was taken by the Cuban government.

The move comes as Trump is reviewing policy toward Cuba.

The U.S. Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (FCSC) has certified more than 5,900 claims against the Cuban Government for stolen property, the lawmakers wrote to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. These claimsnow valued at approximately $8 billionremain unresolved.

While the Cuban Government has manufactured ridiculous counter-claims to avoid responsibility, we urge you to seek fair compensation on behalf of these Americans as soon as possible. To that end, we request that you work with Congress to develop a plan and timeline for resolution of these claims, as well as consider instructing the FCSC to conduct a third Cuban Claims Program to allow for potential new claimants.

Rubio and Nelson also express concern with a January 2016 decision allowing Cubaexport to renew a trademark for Havana Club rum.

Cubaexport registered the trademark for Havana Club in the United States only after the Cuban Government stole the trademark from the original owners. The decision was a troubling development, given longstanding U.S. policy and support for the rightful owners of stolen property, and we urge you to reconsider.

--ALEX LEARY, Tampa Bay Times
@PatriciaMazzei

At least two candidates vying to replace state Sen. Frank Artiles have scheduled fundraisers over the next week at the luxe Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

Democrat Annette Taddeo has invited donors to the Biltmore on Thursday -- a date that got unexpectedly complicated last Friday after Republican legislative leaders scheduled a special session to take place from Wednesday to Friday of this week in Tallahassee. Sitting lawmakers can't fundraise during session, so Taddeo's camp had to remove some legislators from its invitation, Taddeo's political consultant Christian Ulvert wrote in an email attached to the invitation.

Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, whose campaign will presumably be interrupted by the three-day special session, will fundraise at the Biltmore next Monday, according to an invitation obtained by the Miami Herald. Because that date is after the special session, Diaz's event lists big-name lawmakers as hosts -- House Speaker Richard Corcoran of Land O'Lakes, future Speaker Jose Oliva of Miami Lakes and Rep. Chris Sprowls of Palm Harbor -- and along with a slew of other GOP representatives.

The special Senate District 40 election will take place July 26. The first campaign financial reporting period ends Friday, as Diaz's fundraiser, Brian Goldmeier, noted in an email to prospective donors Monday.

"Any contributions that can be sent to us by tomorrow for the first report would be greatly appreciated," Goldmeier wrote. "The election dates for this special election are on July 25th (primary) and September 26th (general) so we are working in an expedited manner."

Diaz is competing against former Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, while Taddeo is challenged by former Rep. Ana Rivas Logan and businessman Steve Smith.

--with Steve Bousquet
@anitakumar01 @PatriciaMazzei

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will dine with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, a White House source confirmed Monday to McClatchy.

Rubio will be one of several lawmakers at the dinner. Rep. Francis Rooney of Naples has also been invited. Politico reported four other lawmakers are also slated to attend.

The potential discussion topics are unknown, but Rubio has been working with the White House and National Security Council on revising U.S.-Cuba policy. Trump is planning a Miami trip as early as this month to announce whatever policy is agreed to.

In February, Rubio and his wife, Jeanette, had dinner with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. On that occasion, Rubio brought up the issue of Venezuela.
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After 11 years of research, Marcia Porter knows a little something about almost every person buried at the Fort Missoula Post Cemetery.

But at least one back story, that of Army laundress Matilda Tatje, remains a little murky.

Id never even heard of an Army laundress before we started doing stories here, Porter said Sunday at the cemeterys annual Stories in Stones event. But this laundress here is going to drive me crazy until I figure out who she was married to.

Tatje, the first woman buried at the post cemetery, died in 1879 of inflammation of the brain.

That was just a few years after the U.S. Army stopped the laundress program to save money, according to Porter.

Laundresses were brought into the Army in 1802, inspired by the British military. They were usually enlisted mens wives, living in cramped quarters and tasked with cleaning load after load of clothes as they cooked for their husband and took care of children.

Usually families had anywhere from 400- to 700-square-foot living quarters.

It was not the best living conditions, Porter said. However, as an enlisted man, you dont have to live in the barracks with the other men. And you got home-cooked meals.

Porters table had a list of sewing prices, from one cent to sew on a small button (three cents for a large one) to 40 cents for a coat alteration. Altering pantaloons or mending a great coat would only set a soldier back 37.5 cents.

She also had a wash bucket, with washboard and plunger, to show how grueling doing a load of laundry in the 1870s was.

Eight-year-old Kellen Farrar was not impressed.

Porter walked him through scrubbing a pair of socks and plunging the water to clean the clothes.

Asked how he liked it, Farrar shrugged. Itd be a lot easier.

His mother and Porter laughed.

Hug your automatic washer, Porter said.

"It wasnt the heat in the summer or the cold in the winter that drove them crazy. It was the isolation. Cause they may be the only woman at the fort.

***

The decade-old Stories in Stones is put on by the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History and the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and showcases some of Missoulas lesser known, but still fascinating, military figures.

Take Harry Garland, a Medal of Honor recipient in the late 19th Century Indian Wars.

He was in the 2nd Cavalry and served in a post-Little Bighorn campaign to retaliate against Native American tribes in the region, said Gary Lancaster, the retired police officer in cavalry garb who told Garlands history Sunday.

At a battle at Little Muddy Creek in 1877, Garlands regiment drove Chief Lame Deers band from their encampment and captured supplies, warriors and horses.

That same year, Garland went to Idaho with his regiment, chasing another band of Native American warriors.

Lancaster picked up a leather cartridge belt off the headstone, each slot with a bullet.

So, wearing a belt like that, Cpl. Garland climbs up a tree  to help direct the fire of his troops, Lancaster said. The Indian spots him up there and fires at him and hits right in the ammo belt.

The impact fractured Garlands hip bone, but he stayed in the tree directing fire until the end of the battle.

The injury left him unable to stand and he was made a hospital steward, where he had easy access to morphine.

Unfortunately, in 1883 he took a little too much morphine, Lancaster said.

During and after the Civil war, Lancaster said, Medals of Honor were a dime-a-dozen, pointing out another nearby recipient, Michael Himmelsbach.

By the time the Indian Wars came around, the Medal of Honor was a little lenient in terms of how it was awarded.

Stories in Stones also featured veterans from World War I, World War II and Vietnam. But it was the tales of soldiers who served in the four decades after the Civil War that often tie in to early Missoula history since they arrived in Montana while the logging town was just getting its start.

Bob Brown, the former 23-year director of the Fort Missoula Museum, portrayed Major Charles Rawn, who established the fort in 1877.

Brown was decked out in a navy wool uniform complete with coat, pistol, saber and plumed officers hat.

It wasnt Major Rawns story he was telling, though, but 1st Lt. Thomas Wallace's, the first officer to be buried in the cemetery established by the major.

Wallace enlisted in the waning days of the Civil War and was soon assigned to the 3rd Infantry, which was instrumental in "pacification" of the Great Plains, Brown said.

In November 1877, the 3rd Infantry was garrisoned at Fort Missoula to finish construction and make patrols.

Not a lot for them to do, Brown said.

But in 1878 Wallace was chosen to lead a group of soldiers to track down a group of Nez Perce, who had killed some white settlers nearby.

They found the band on the banks of the Clearwater River in Idaho and killed six Nez Perce in the battle.

It appeared Toms career was sky high, Brown said. But you can see that ends on Dec. 8, 1878.

Wallace went hunting that day with two other soldiers. The group split up, agreeing to meet back at the fort that night, but Wallace didnt appear.

After a seven-day search, they found his body on the bank of the Missoula (now Clark Fork) River and deduced that his horse kicked him off midstream and he swam to shore before dying of exhaustion and exposure.

The soldiers later found out a rancher in the Grass Valley had heard some cries in the distance near the river on Dec. 9, the day after Wallace disappeared.

He thought it was a coyote or something, left it alone, Brown said. Those could have been Toms last cries.
In the late 2000s, while working at homeless shelters in Oregon, Theresa Williams first heard of cities around the county launching 10-year plans to end homelessness.

She was skeptical at the audaciousness of the goal, and said that skepticism continued until last fall, when she took the job of implementing Missoulas own 10-year effort  called Reaching Home  which hits its halfway point this year.

We can end homelessness,'' she said. "Will we ever stop everyone from having a housing crisis? No. But we can end chronic homelessness.

A metric of success might be attaining what is called functional zero, where the housing placement rate is greater than the number of people experiencing homelessness. It wouldnt mean that every person in Missoula would be housed at all times, Williams said, but rather that the resources exist to assist everyone who needs it.

Before being hired by United Way of Missoula County in October to run the project, Williams coordinated the mental health services at the Missoula County Detention Facility, growing the program to have more staff and helping the jail administration implement more activities for inmates.

Boredom is a huge thing in jails. When you have boredom you have more incidents, more violence, more time for thinking, which can include thinking about self-harm, she said.

Although Williams said she loved working at the jail and believed it could have been her forever job, when the opportunity to run Reaching Home came last fall, she saw the potential to make broader change.

Now it's time to set plans in motion for the next five years.

***

On Thursday, Reaching Home launched the Coordinated Entry System, a new initiative that includes a master list, updated in real time, of the people in Missoula experiencing chronic homelessness.

Each person who comes through local shelters and is willing to take part will be evaluated and scored to determine their risk level and what assistance they qualify for, with all housing vouchers given out being funneled through the list.

It moves it to who is the most vulnerable, who is the most likely to die on the street, she said. Were no longer going to cherry pick the people who are easier to house.

The CES will give agencies critical data to better address the causes of homelessness and track the success of their efforts, Williams said. Before now, surveys were conducted once a year in January to determine the number of people who are homeless, and how many are sheltered and unsheltered.

Now we can do that every day, she said.

Other changes have been smaller but still have had an impact. Shelters across Missoula have been phasing out telling people up front how long they are allowed to stay because it can reduce the urgency in looking for permanent housing. Williams said one shelter saw a significant drop in its average length of stay after making the change.

Were really trying to retool it as a crisis system, Williams said. We dont want you to come in and get comfortable at our shelters, we want to get you a new home right away.

***

Born in Houston, Williams family moved to the Great Falls area when she was 12.

I used to ranch and farm. I used to have that lifestyle and I think thats where I got the work ethic, she said.

While her plan had been to attend Montana State University and study agricultural science, she made a last-minute decision to come to the University of Montana to study psychology instead. After a couple of years in school, Williams switched to studying social work, and started working at the Poverello Center in the evenings.

I was really young back then; I was 19 when I started. I didnt have that concept that I have now with ending homelessness. I was just doing the work day by day, she said.

After graduating, she and her husband Kyle  another UM social work student who Williams met on a humanitarian trip to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina  moved to Oregon, where Williams got both her masters degree and clinical license.

Missing the quality of life they had in Montana, the couple moved back to Missoula in 2013.

In addition to her work with Reaching Home, Williams is also the lead mental health coordinator for the local Crisis Intervention Team, including organizing training for law enforcement officers and other professionals who deal with people with mental health issues to help de-escalate crisis situations and know how to connect those in crisis with community programs.
Emily Bentley, the director of fairgrounds development for the Missoula County Fairgrounds, will discuss the progress of bringing the master plan to life at City Club Missoulas monthly forum scheduled 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday at Missoulas DoubleTree Hotel.

Bentley, hired in January, said she works with the county and community to ensure that the 46-acre fairgrounds meets its mission to promote agriculture, education, culture, recreation and community connection, and reflects the beauty and history of western Montana.

Implementation of the master plan will see this critical space in midtown Missoula enhance its important role as an attractive, integrated focal point of the community, connecting Missoulas rural heritage with our urban vibrancy. She said forums like City Club give the public opportunity to weigh in on what design should look like on the ground. The fairgrounds hosts hundreds of events annually; 67,000 people attended the 2016 Western Montana Fair. Admission to the fair in 2017 will be free.

Bentley, who also represents Ward 3 on the Missoula City Council, formerly served as multi-state campaign director for Compassion and Choices, a national nonprofit. She has spearheaded a number of city plans.

City Club Missoula forums are open to the public. City Club Missoula runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 100 Madison St. Registration is required at cityclubmissoula.com. To pay at the door by check, email ccm@cityclubmissoula.com and indicate if you want lunch  $16 per person for members, $20 per person for general public  or the no-lunch option of forum-only for $10. Payment is required for late cancellations and unclaimed reservations.
Join Tamarack Grief Resource Center on Tuesday, June 6, for an open house celebration. Stop by to meet staff, learn about grief support and education programs and enjoy a summer evening on the porch.

Since 2008, Tamarack Grief Resource Center (TGRC) has provided grief support and education throughout Western Montana. TGRC specializes in outdoor-based support strengthening and honoring individuals, families and communities throughout their journey with grief. TGRC provides year round, comprehensive, bereavement programs for children, adults, and professionals. 2017 marks the 21st year of our flagship program, A Camp to Remember where 80 grieving children and mentors will gather on the shores of Flathead Lake for connection, fun, honor and remembrance, and the magic of summer camp.

With offices in Missoula, Kalispell and Browning, Tamarack Grief Resource Center continues to extend our reach as we honor grief and celebrate life! The down payment on a stable building to house overall coordination of grief programming was made possible by the generous support of dozens of individuals and foundations.

Stop by TGRC headquarters at 405 S. First St. W., between 5:30 and 7 p.m., tour the new site, and take advantage of early registration discounts for upcoming youth bereavement camps. Call TGRC at 406-541-8472 for more information or visit TamarackGriefResourceCenter.org.
HELENA  In a heated hearing before the Public Service Commission on Monday, taxicab companies from around the state protested an application by the ride-sharing service Lyft to operate here, citing issues they have with Uber, another such service already working in Montana.

In a protest led by Carrie Pintor, who runs Amazing Taxi in Livingston, several cab company owners argued that ride-sharing services cannot guarantee insurance coverage for drivers and passengers. Pintor also said because Montana is a low-population state, she believes the potential for riders and drivers to form relationships and just arrange rides directly is high.

Pintor said taxis can't survive long under the current system. "It's going to be sad when they run the taxis out of business. (Ride-sharing) is for yuppies and upper-class who can afford the price gouging," she said.

The objections to Lyft's application spilled over into complaints about the way Uber operates and frustrations with the relatively new law to allow ride-sharing services in the state. But Public Service Commission Chair Brad Johnson tried to curb that line of discussion, saying the hearing held Monday was narrowly focused only to Lyft's application.

Pintor argued that it's the commission's job to protect the safety of Montanans, and that hearing information about Uber's operations should be included because it speaks to the overall nature of ride-sharing companies.

"It's just damning you can't even talk about this stuff," Pintor said after the hearing. "They were smothering me. The narrow scope doesn't fulfill the PSC's job of protecting the public."

Early in the hearing, Pintor questioned how Lyft's insurance coverage operates and about what happens if a driver loses coverage when passing through areas with no cellphone service.

Drivers initiate a higher level of their commercial insurance when they indicate (using an application on their smartphone) that they have a passenger in the car. That insurance coverage drops to a lower level when the trip ends. Pintor said she worried that a loss of cellphone service could end a ride and therefore the higher insurance coverage, but a representative for Lyft said that coverage doesn't end until the last passenger departs, regardless of cell coverage.

The actions of Uber drivers operating outside the confines of what's allowed by a state law passed in 2015 also came under question briefly before Johnson said that another carrier's actions weren't relevant to Lyft's application. Pintor questioned Vance Vanderpan, who runs Greater Valley Taxi out of Belgrade, who said he'd seen several Uber drivers lined up at the Bozeman airport waiting for passengers.

Ride-sharing services aren't supposed to queue up to pick up passengers on airport property without having a ride already arranged through the app. Emails between compliance specialists and taxi operators show that one check of the Bozeman airport in February found that out of nine Uber drivers waiting, two did not have apps open on their phones.

There are two compliance specialists who check into issues with ride-sharing companies as well as monitor railroads, said commission spokesman Chris Puyear. Commission records show in the last year there have been 23 taxi or charter company complaints compared to approximately four Uber-related complaints, Puyear said.

Johnson kept rebuking testimony that focused on Uber's operations, saying that the hearing was to determine if Lyft's application showed they would meet the requirements of operating in Montana, which include providing insurance and having safe drivers.

At one point Commissioner Bob Lake suggested that if taxi companies want to change the law, the place to do that is the Legislature, not the commission.

"Would it be fair to take complaints toward another ride share and tar another applicant that hasn't even operated in Montana yet but is simply trying to come in under the same criteria that Uber did? That has to be our total focus, under fairness, to treat every applicant the same."

You can stare at me all you want, Pintor said at one point in the meeting, looking at Johnson. The good old boy network has given me the glare.

***

It's clear that taxi operators are still frustrated with the passage of a law in 2015 that paved the way for ride-sharing companies to operate in the state of Montana. A large amount of frustration was leveled at Commissioner Travis Kavulla, who has been supportive of the services.

Pintor, Vanderpan and Michael Spreadbury, who operates a car service in Helena, have filed a lawsuit against Kavulla, the commission, Gov. Steve Bullock and the Department of Labor and Industry over Uber's operations and the damage they say it has caused their businesses. An earlier, similar suit was dismissed.

Taxi companies have said the change has hurt their operations by opening the door to drivers that don't have to jump through as many hoops as they did when they set up their companies years ago. Vanderpan said his business has dropped significantly and Pintor at one point shut down.

Taxi companies also say they can't refuse rides, while ride-sharing services can be selective and employ surge pricing when demand is high.

"What does grandma do when she wants a ride?" Vanderpan asked. "She doesn't have a smartphone. What about the people without credit cards?"

The commission has until Sept. 5 to make a decision, but an attorney for the commissioners said Monday they would like to make a decision before then. Pintor and attorneys for Lyft have until July to file briefs and closing statements.
The rest of the world, especially the industrialized nations, are moving forward to drop greenhouse gas-producing fossil fuels for alternative energy sources such as sun, wind, geothermal and tidal energy. But for some unfathomable reason, America, the nation that put a man on the moon more than half a century ago, is stuck in reverse. It would be great to say Donald Trump was wholly responsible for these incoherent, unsustainable and polluting policies. But the truth is that Democrats are complicit and, in Montana, on the wrong side of history once again.

American energy policy is in the spotlight with Trumps bizarre move to pull out of the already-agreed-upon Paris climate accords. Instead of being the leader among the worlds great nations, we are lost in a big money, big oil fantasy that somehow, already as the worlds second-largest generator of greenhouse gas pollution, we can escape the climatic consequences of our actions. Those consequences would include, but certainly not be limited to, the well-documented heating of the planet; melting ice caps; rising, acidifying, oceans with changing currents; bleached coral reefs; imperiled food crops; and long-lasting shortages of clean water that only promise to get worse in the future.

It wasnt always like this. In the '70s, having suffered the ravages of the Arab oil embargo, America turned to energy conservation rather than wild, unrestrained consumption. Here in Montana, we set up programs to insulate peoples homes and build solar greenhouses and small hydroelectric generators using interest earnings from the Coal Tax Trust Fund. It was deemed an appropriate use of revenue from a non-renewable resource, coal, to fund clean, alternative, sustainable energy sources.

But somewhere we lost our way  and our global leadership in renewable energy policies. Instead of moving forward on smaller, energy-efficient cars and trucks, we went in the opposite direction, toward enormous trucks and gas-guzzling SUVs, most of which are unlikely to ever leave urban pavement.

With the advent of fracking, predictions of peak oil vanished and gas prices dropped by half. Worse, however, was the recent decision by Congress  during Obamas administration  to abandon the long-standing ban on exporting crude oil. Now, in a blind rush to profits, America is sucking its own non-renewable fuel supplies down so we can export crude oil and liquid natural gas overseas.

In the meantime, the push to increase coal exports in the face of lagging global demand has taken a bizarre turn. Here in Montana, U.S. Sens. Jon Tester, a Democrat, and Steve Daines, a Republican, are gung ho on coal  despite the reality that outmoded thermal generation plants like those in Colstrip will send their pollution into the global atmosphere and back to us. Speaking of which, its tough to figure out why Montanas politicians like Gov. Steve Bullock and both Democrat and Republican legislators feel its the responsibility of Montanas citizens to preserve those coal plants that have reached the end of their projected lifespan as utilities turn to cleaner, cheaper natural gas. When did Colstrips owners ever give Montanans a break on our energy costs because we had to put up with their pollution? Never would be the answer.

Only Syria and Nicaragua refused to sign the Paris climate accords, while 200 other nations realized our joint responsibility to each other and the beautiful blue planet we call home. Its long past time to get over our love affair with fossil fuels and move on to a sustainable energy future. But that wont happen until Trump  and equally delusional Democrats  get our energy policies out of reverse.
With all the commotion in Washington, D.C., and at home  the shady dealings and investigations, alt-news and fake media, accusations and assaults, executive orders and counter-orders, bitter partisanship and struggling working people, it's easy to throw up our hands about doing anything positive as citizens.

But in days like these, we need to name the things we all can agree on: mothers and babies shouldn't die in childbirth, children shouldn't be malnourished or unvaccinated, kids should have a chance to go to school, and communities should know about hygiene, and have access to clean water, fair loans and basic health care. We all know that helping people get through famines and floods is the right thing, no matter how selfishly our elected officials pursue the interests of the few who don't need help.

In such times as these, it's important to remember that the government is us, and its money is our taxes. So the question of how to spend what is jointly ours is always an important one.

Earlier this spring, the president released a budget blueprint that would cut funding for key global poverty programs  those that fight AIDS, TB, malaria, maternal and child deaths, illiteracy and malnutrition, by getting recipient countries to ramp up their own health and education spending  even though total aid to developing countries is less than 1 percent of our annual federal spending, and programs within that aid have long been woefully underfunded, even as they have produced astonishing success: 50 percent fewer children now die than in 1990 and 40 million more go to school.

This budget has been widely condemned by scores of members of Congress, from both parties, and by a number of generals, such as Colin Powell, who see USAID's development programs as a far more effective weapon against global terrorism than military aid. As he put it:

"The idea that putting Americans 'first' requires a withdrawal from the world is simply wrongheaded... I learned that lesson the hard way when I became secretary of state after a decade of budget cuts that hollowed out our civilian foreign policy tools. Many had assumed the Cold Wars end would allow us to retreat from the world, but cuts that may have looked logical at the time came back to haunt us as tensions rose in the Middle East, Africa, the Korean Peninsula and elsewhere. Confronting such challenges requires not just a military that is second to none, but also well-resourced, effective and empowered diplomats and aid workers.

But if the president proposes, Congress disposes; Congress has the power of the purse and can decide to not cut funding for key anti-poverty programs. House and Senate committees will soon decide actual funding amounts for such programs for fiscal year 2018  decisions that take effect in October.

Our own U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is a member of a key Senate subcommittee  the one that decides whether to hold the line against the president's proposed cuts and maintain current levels of spending for USAID or hopefully, raise such spending. This is the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee or SFOPS. He is thus a powerful player in shaping the global aid part of next year's budget. He needs to hear from all of us to not cut USAID spending.

Email Senator Daines at daines.senate.gov, or call his D.C. office at (202) 224-2651 or his Missoula office at (406) 549-8198. Then get your friends and relatives here and in other parts of Montana to let Senator Daines know the will of his constituents.
Memorial Day weekend in Missoula was amazing, and the people there had everything to do with that.

I'm sorry that Montana will now be the butt of Washington, D.C., one-liners for years to come, thanks to the unforgivable actions of your new congressman. I even heard someone say that the reporter "probably deserved it." Is that really the kind of country we have become?

The next time a teacher, or a banker, or a waitress, or a librarian, or a truck driver, or yes, a reporter, asks a question that someone doesn't like, its suddenly OK to beat them up and hurt them? Is that what this ridiculous president has enabled closet racists to feel?

Your new congressman is never going to live this down. One may wonder what kind of behavior his poor wife and children have to tolerate.

People elected to represent us should have character above reproach, and I know most Montanans are not like this shameful new congressman. Those of us with ethics and standards cannot and will not support bullies like the president and Greg Gianforte, regardless of our political color or home state.

Remember: United we stand, divided we fall.

Sue Pace,

Spokane, Washington
In 2006 when Irene Scheidecker and I wrote the booklet on historic stained glass in Butte churches for Butte Citizens for Preservation and Revitalization (with support from the Montana Cultural Trust and the Butte-Silver Bow Urban Revitalization Agency), we encountered a small mystery which has just been unraveled.

The 1903 Congregation Bnai Israel Synagogue at Galena and Washington contains two dedicated stained glass windows. The large circular one in the south face of the building commemorates Elias and Mina Oppenheimer, whose sons joined with Harry and William Symons to establish one of Buttes most prominent department stores, Symons Dry Goods Company. The other window, a triptych, is in memory of Mrs. Frances A. Symons. Who was she?

The only person of that name that Irene and I could find in Butte was a daughter of Teresa and Isaac Newton Symons. The daughter died January 30, 1899, just five weeks old, obviously not a Mrs. I met recently with the granddaughter of Isaac and Teresa Symons, 85-year-old Jacque Ensign, and her daughter Susan, visiting Butte from Berkeley, California, and Henderson, Nevada. With the help of the familys genealogical research, we now know how Mrs. Frances A. Symons was connected to Butte.

Frances Aarons, born in England in 1828, married Samuel Symons in New York City. By the 1860s they were at Virginia City, Nevada, where most of their children were born, and in 1880 the family moved to Salt Lake City. Isaac appears to have been the first of their sons to come to Butte, before 1885. His brothers William and Harry came to Butte in 1897 to partner with Joseph and H.E. Oppenheimer, whose sister had married another Symons, George. They founded the Symons Dry Goods Company in 1897 at 54 W. Park, but by 1902 they had expanded into multiple buildings at 66-82 W. Park, occupying 50,000 square feet. Those buildings were all destroyed by fire on September 25, 1905, and the present Phoenix Building, housing Symons, rose on the same site in 1906, ultimately becoming The Store Beautiful.

William and Harry and the Oppenheimer brothers ran the business, and George served as the firms lawyer. Isaac was a buyer and head of the hat department. The Symons families lived all over the west side, including 815 W. Park, 9 N. Excelsior, and 212 N. Crystal (all still standing) and 223 N. Washington. The surviving Symons sold the business, and the store became Burrs in 1946.
A recent shooting at the Hickory, North Carolina, residence of GOP congressional candidate Pat Harrigans parents and young children caused no injuries but has placed tremendous stress on the family in the final weeks of his campaign, Harrigans mother said. The firearms manufacturer and U.S. Army Special Forces veteran is running against Democratic state Sen. Jeff Jackson for an open U.S. House seat in North Carolinas new 14th District based in western Charlotte. A Hickory Police Department spokesperson said the department has not made arrests related to the incident and that the investigation is ongoing.
America has an integrity problem. A big problem.

A small example is the recent Montana congressional election. When candidate Greg Gianforte assaulted a reporter from The Guardian, the quick response by the Gianforte group was that the reporter started the assault, and Gianforte was simply defending himself. The response was a lie which was later confirmed by an eyewitness from Fox News. However, when I watched a news program the day of the election a voter interviewed was asked if the incident influenced his vote. He said no; there was more than one version of what happened. It seemed the lie had become the truth, at least for him.

In Washington, the amount of misinformation or lies by the current administration is something I have not witnessed in my lifetime. The truth often branded as fake news makes a lie appear to be the real truth. The continued use of the tactic destroys the electorates ability to agree on what is real and what is a lie. How can Americans agree or disagree on issues when we have two different versions of the truth?

Essentially, the lack of integrity by our political leaders and the current administrations assault on the press is a genuine threat to our democracy. It is not guns that will keep America free, but the press and its ability to report the facts and a citizenry that will not tolerate the proliferation of lies.

-- Ron Balas, Lewistown
MISSOULA  Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio seemed pleased with the view at the new Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater.

After a few songs, he paused to banter about the panorama from the stage, which included a sun-drenched Lolo Peak.

"You've got the moon, you've got the mountains," he said on Saturday night, before continuing the inaugural show on the venue's massive new stage and grassy bowl.

Audiences there to hear Anastasio and his seven-piece backing band seemed equally happy with the new venue.

Knitting Factory Presents, the promoter for the summer concerts at the brewery, invested in significant improvements on the site of Airway Boulevard, where they've held shows for 10 years. The new stage, with 40 feet of clearance, allowed plenty of room for Anastasio's band and their lighting designs.

Viewing that action is vastly easier with the engineered bowl, which slopes about 6 vertical feet from the back to the front of the stage. It's a boon to concert-goers who are below average height.

The crowd of about 2,000 people was as easy-going as you'd expect for an Anastasio show on a Saturday in June in Montana. Toward the front on the concrete pad, people danced feet from the stage, which is raised about 4 feet from the ground. While Phish long ago outgrew venues in the Missoula area, at this show it didn't take much effort to reach the front where you could see Anastasio, a preternaturally cheerful performer, up close.

The sound was as solid as could be. Anastasio didn't bring the simplest group to mix, either. His band comprises a three-piece horn section, who doubled on back-up vocals; himself on guitar and vocals; keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, drummer Russ Lawton, and the superb percussionist Cyro Baptista. While many in the audience seemed winded by the 85-degree heat, Baptista, situated behind a custom kit of percussion gadgets including sheet metal, wore a fur hat the entire show. Perhaps what counts as heat in western Montana doesn't mean much to a Brazilian.

Anastasio was also proud to announce that after 19 years, he was playing with his bassist and Helena native Tony Markellis in his home state. "That's the way they play bass in this part of the country," Anastasio said, "Like this."

On cue, the band members dropped out for a few bars of Markellis solo. Indeed, the bass at the new venue was powerful but not overwhelming.

With that mix of instruments, often in kinetic funk jams, the sound remained clear at various spots around the bowl. At the opposite end of the grounds by the food trucks, there was some slap-back, but there's not a compelling reason to linger that far from the stage anyway.

It almost goes without saying, but Anastasio puts on a great live show. The Vermont native, ranked No. 73 on Rolling Stone's list of best guitarists, has a deeply melodic and unindulgent way of soloing at length. He's assimilated the major-key generosity of Allman Brothers' Dickie Betts, a dash of Santana's legato phrasing, and some of Frank Zappa's harmonic weirdness. He also has a deep sense of the pocket, buoyed by a serious rhythm section.

He's a generous bandleader, and gave ample space to his horn players. Saxophonist James Casey turned out excellent solos on tenor and baritone. Natalie Cressman on trombone and Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet were featured from the get-go as well, and all three lent a sense of structure and drama during the extended jams. For good measure, there was a big band-style swing tune.

The engineered bowl makes a huge difference from the previous level field.

In years past at Big Sky shows, people would often show up early to put down blankets and small chairs. By the time the band had started, though, you'd often find yourself sitting behind a standing crowd. With the bowl, it's easy to snag a spot toward the back where you can sit and still have an unobstructed view of the stage.

Some parts of the back, too, were undesignated, family-friendly kids' zones, where future Phish fans were running around and playing like it was a free Caras Park show.

Some shows will allow for first-come, first-served seating. At some, such as UB40, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals and Lee Brice, there will be dedicated seating in the bowl.

At Anastasio's show, shade was at a premium. Temperatures were hitting the mid-80s, and many early arrivals snagged the spots around the bowl where a small retaining wall provided a bit of precious cover.

Tickets started at $42, and the band didn't leave room for anyone to feel cheated. They powered through two sets with no opener, working their way from tighter songs at the introduction, and then stretched out after the sun went down and the crowd energy picked up in the cooler temperatures. Minus an intermission, they played from around 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Toward the end of the second set, the band went a cappella for a short rendition of "The Parting Glass," an Irish traditional tune with the lyric, "Goodnight and joy be with you all." Naturally, it broke back out into an extended funk jam before the evening closed out.

Phish hasn't played in Missoula since the '90s, making an Anastasio show a novel way to introduce the new venue. More than one person said it was a 100 percent improvement, and the energy seemed to bear out that sentiment.

Getting there

There's lots of parking on site, but there are some options for alternative transportation:

An Uber from the downtown area runs at about $17 to $24 on the way there. Not long after the show ended, prices were an agreeable $23 for an UberXL. Oddly, an UberX was listed at $48. Surge pricing can often spike the cost, and it could be a fluke, considering that the XL was so reasonable.

Alternatively, biking from downtown takes about 30 minutes. If you'd like to avoid pedaling along West Broadway, you can take Cemetery Road on the Westside. The route has significantly less traffic, except for crossing Reserve Street to reach Expressway Boulevard.

Other notes

The second beer and wine station wasn't open yet but service at the single station was fast, taking less than 5 minutes. Volunteers from nonprofit Trout Unlimited are quick pours and will get a cut of the proceeds, like all shows at Big Sky.

Unlike many outdoor venues, Big Sky isn't in the bottled water business. You can bring in one sealed bottle of water or a canteen, and fill it up at the water stations on the side of the building.
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MUSCATINE  Gregs Thomopulos has spent the last 50 years traveling the world and leading engineering projects in 35 countries for Stanley Consultants; now, he's ready to see the world from a new perspective.

Thomopulos retired last week as chairman of the board. While he spent most of his career circling the globe, Thomopulos said he looks forward to traveling for pleasure during retirement.

"Most of my travels in the past years were related to business," he said. "But the good news is I have many, many friends in many of these countries as a result of working with them."

One place Thomopulos hopes to visit again is Nigeria, where he was born the son of a Greek father and Nigerian mother. Thomopulos said at that time, Stanley Consultants had an office in Nigeria, which encouraged him to study engineering in the United States.

After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1965, 23-year-old Thomopulos joined Stanley Consultants in Muscatine as an engineering intern. He went on to earn his master's degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and then returned to Muscatine to work full-time.

"So I came back with all my worldly possessions packed in my VW Beetle," Thomopulos said, recalling the summer of 1967.

Thomopulos said he quickly had the urge to return to West Africa, and was able to do so by working at Stanley Consultant's offices in Nigeria and Liberia, where he was a manager for nearly a decade.

Thomopulos returned to Muscatine in the late 1970s, when he took charge of the company's international division, managing projects in more than 35 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. He was elected president of the firm in 1987, and chairman of the board in 2007.

He said of all the infrastructure, energy and environmental projects he has worked on, Thomopulos is proudest of Stanley Consultant's work in Kuwait and Iraq.

Following the Gulf War in 1991, the company worked to assess bomb damage to the Air Force base in Kuwait. The successful project led to the opportunity to lead reconstruction projects for seven years during the Iraq War.

"Our company was always in the forefront of designing facilities and infrastructure that have been damaged because of conflicts in the world," he said. "I'm so very proud of our members who always rose to the challenge of helping our clients in these conditions."

Thomopulos said he has seen many changes over the past half-century, in the engineering industry, and in world relations in general.

"I've been back to Nigeria many times," he said. "But we closed our offices in Nigeria and Liberia because of the economy, and civil wars in those countries, so we have no offices in Africa right now."

Thomopulos said while Stanley Consultants used to rely heavily on work developing coal-powered plants, it now works on more renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind. He also has seen more engineering projects move to public-private partnerships.

But, Thomopulos said one thing has not changed at Stanley Consultants: board members' dedication to their work and company.

"Many, many others in my company have devoted entire careers here," he said. "We have a great company with great people, and that's why we've been able to stay in business over 100 years."

Thomopulos also serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Board of Goodwill Industries of Southeast Iowa, the University of Iowa Foundation Board, the University of Kansas Endowment Association Board and the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.

And while Thomopulos looks forward to volunteering more, traveling with his wife and spending time with his grandchildren, he felt happy Monday, on his first official day of retirement, simply sitting at home, drinking his coffee.

Thomopulos will remain on the Stanley Consultants board as chairman emeritus. Gayle Roberts has been named the new chairman of the board.
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 []
Juliani, currently riding high on the moving new single Machozi Ya Jana, spoke to Pulse about family, his relationship with actress Brenda Wairimu, and Turning Tables, a non-profit organization that works to give voice to marginalized youth worldwide through music and film production.

The Exponential Potential rapper also addressed the rumors that he had parted ways with Brenda and why they have kept their relationship from the public eye.

How is your family? Im talking about Brenda and the baby

Everyone is doing fine.

How come we hardly see that, as in, we hardly see you guys posting anything to do with the family about your child.

But why should we? Just because everyone is doing it. No, we dont have to.

I mean because youre a celebrity and your personal life and public life are pretty much intertwined.

All people should know is that baby is fine. We love her and its beautiful to watch her grow. Her mother is fine too.

Were all good. Everything is fine. That should summarise everything you want to know about them.

As a Christian who got a baby before following the church procedures of officiating your relationship, did this get you backlash from the church?

Of course, it did. That is like the most obvious thing. But then again, everything happens for a reason and her birth was not an accident.

Can you clear the air that you and Brenda never parted ways as it was rumoured and all is flowery in your relationship

Yes, we are fine

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Fatherhood must be a big task, it has kept you off the music scene for quite a while or what else have you been doing?

I took a break from music for two years, 2014 and 2015. Artistes hit a plateau especially after topping charts for years.

It cant be just about recording and performing music. There are other various forms of art available to increase your influence and find revenue streams.

This forces an artiste to look for new avenues to exhibit their skills. Thats how we came up with Turning Tables.

Tell us about Turning Tables.

Turning Tables is a community of creatives, filmmakers, music, concept creators and social media influencers. We have different personnel handling different departments and we are in the process of acquiring more equipment for production.

We recruit talent from all over the place, manage them and help them monetise their art.

We produce for them, manage their content and help them monetise it on various platforms on agreed upon percentages.

Sounds like something off the Studio Mashinani business plan. Do you suppose politicians could do more in helping young talents come up?

Politicians have always been politicians and artistes have always received help in one way or another. However I will throw the ball back to artistes court.

They need to get better organised. Theres no saviour wholl come to help us.

The time is now to make it as an artiste. This is the first time that artistes can monetise their art after decades of fighting to make it happen.

In your opinion whats the true challenge that the industry is facing not to reach its full potential?

Artistes attitude and of course money to facilitate more projects.

Artistes are slow in keeping appointments and are not giving their all. I come here, Turning Tables, daily from dawn to dusk to interact with artistes and see what we can do together for each other.

Upcoming acts need to understand you can only go far if you have a community around you.
The holiday home of flamboyant lawyer Donald Kipkorir is ready and it is absolutely fantastic!

The city lawyer who counts Cyntonn Investments and Larry Madowo as some of his clients, has moved into his magnificent holiday villa located in the heart of Maiyan property in Nanyuki.

The luxury home is a Duplex pool villa with all modern facilities and amenities and comprises two villas on a three level: a ground floor, an upper floor and roof top floor.

It consists of two three bed roomed units all en suite with an open plan kitchenette.

The ground floor plan is replicated on the first floor with a common entrance, utility yard, a roof top with two barbeque points, an infinity plunge pool lounge and Jacuzzi all designed and set out on a 2  3 acre village with a common well-manicured lawn.

From the rooftop, the lawyer who has very many prominent friends, top among them Deputy President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, will be enjoying breathtaking and panoramic views of Mt Kenya to the East, the Loldaiga hills to the North and the Aberdare Ranges to the West.

[showad block=6]

The lawyers Villa is one of several units develpoed by CENTUM Group CEO James Mworia -who also owns one- through his own private company.

One can become part of Maiyan by investing in a Serviced Plot(1/4 Acre) at a value of Kes 5,000,000 payable within 6 months or a Duplex Pool Villa at a value of Kes 27,000,000 payable within 1 year . Phase 1 of Maiyan is open to interested buyers.

Mr Kipkorir, who proposed to his fiancee -Noni Weru- aboard an Emirates flight last December, sampled the villa over the weekend and took to social media to flaunt.

He wrote: Our Holiday Home In Nanyuki Is Ready ..

He shared the following pictures:
Wine mavens bidding against one another during Auction Napa Valley raised more than $1 million more than they did a year ago, the Napa Valley Vintners announced Sunday afternoon.

The 37th annual four-day fundraiser produced $15.7 million, compared to about $14.3 million for the 2016 auction, the Vintners trade association said in a news release. That total includes proceeds from Fridays barrel auction as well as Saturdays showcase live auction at the Meadowood Resort in St. Helena, which was hosted by members of the Coppola filmmaking family.

The live auctions leading fundraiser among 38 lots came from Colgin Cellars, which garnered $2.1 million for a collection of large-format bottles of its 2007 wines combined with trips to the Napa Valley and the Champagne region of France. A joint lot teaming Antica Napa Valley  Antinori Family Wine Estate and Staglin Family Vineyard placed second at $1.5 million, including a guided Italian vacation in Tuscany.

Vintners spokeswoman Patsy McGaughy declined to list a separate total from the live auction, citing agency policy.

At the barrel auction Friday, the top-selling lot came from The Mascot winery, raising $73,550. TOR Wines led electronic auction lots at $20,000.

Proceeds from Auction Napa Valley, which began in 1981, benefit community health and childrens education programs and aided 27 separate nonprofit groups in Napa County last year, according to the Vintners.
Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley filed involuntary manslaughter charges Monday against Ghost Ship warehouse master tenant Derick Almena and tenant Max Harris for the fire at the warehouse in Oaklands Fruitvale district last December that killed 36 people.

OMalley said at a packed news conference at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland that Almena and Harris knowingly created a fire trap with inadequate means of escape, filled it with human beings, and are now facing the consequences of their deadly actions.

OMalley said that authorities Monday morning arrested Almena in Lake County and Harris was arrested in Los Angeles County.

District attorneys office spokeswoman Teresa Drenick said she doesnt know how soon Almena and Harris will be extradited to Alameda County and arraigned there.

OMalley said Almena and Harris have both been charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter and could face up to 39 years in state prison if theyre convicted.

OMalley said the actions of Almena and Harris were reckless, creating a high risk of death and a reasonable person would have known that acting that way would create such a risk.

Nearly all of the people who died in the blaze at the warehouse at 1315 31st Ave. on Dec. 2 were attending a dance party on its second floor.

A recent lawsuit that was filed on behalf of the families of half of the 36 victims alleged that the warehouse was a death trap that contained a maze of makeshift rooms, alcoves and partitions and lacked a safe means of getting out.

Almenas attorney Tony Serra couldnt be reached for a comment.

In January, Serra issued a report that he said cast doubt on Almenas culpability for the fire and suggested that the fire originated in the warehouse next to the Ghost Ship, not the Ghost Ship itself.

Several weeks after the fire, Serra said Almena didnt engage in any criminal misconduct and alleged that governmental agencies were responsible for the blaze for not cracking down on code violations at the warehouse.
ST. HELENA  The City Council is ready to renew its annual marketing contract with the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce, but first it wants the Chamber to adjust its priorities.

A majority of the council  Mayor Alan Galbraith and Councilmembers Peter White and Paul Dohring  voted Tuesday to approve the full contract amount of $210,000. City staff will negotiate an amended contract that spends a little less on destination marketing and a little more on community programs.

The Chamber had proposed spending $10,000 out of the $210,000 on Chamber staff time to support events like Earth Day, Fourth of July fireworks, and the Harvest Festival.

Councilmembers Mary Koberstein and Geoff Ellsworth were not in favor of renewing the full amount of the contract, and Dohring said he would only vote for it if the Chamber shifts some money  he suggested $30,000  from marketing to the community.

The Chamber wears many hats, he said, and sometimes its political advocacy on behalf of certain issues gets intertwined with its role as a vendor performing destination marketing for the city.

There have been a number of projects  where the Chamber has taken sort of a take-no-prisoners advocacy stance, Dohring said. I think it has led to a little bit of consternation in the community. Its there. We have to grapple with it. Residents arent happy with the Chamber in many regards.

There needs to be a culture shift in which the Chambers values become more aligned with residents values, but in the meantime St. Helena needs to keep the Welcome Center open and conduct some basic marketing, he said.

Last week, when it was unclear whether the council was going to renew the contract, Chamber officials said that if the contract were eliminated they would continue their destination marketing but close the Welcome Center and cut their involvement in community events like Earth Day, the Harvest Festival and Fourth of July fireworks.

More than half of the citys revenue comes from local businesses and hotels, and shutting off our investment in them is imprudent, said White.

Businesses that saw fewer customers when Caltrans was doing road work south of town would have suffered even more if it hadnt been for the Chambers marketing efforts, White said. More promotion will be needed in the next two years as Caltrans plans to resurface Highway 29 from north Napa to Mee Lane, which could result again in fewer visitors making their way to St. Helena, said White, who chairs the Napa Valley Transportation Authority.

Councilmember Koberstein said shes not anti-Chamber or anti-business, but she wants the city to spend some of that money on its own economic development efforts, with the goal of filling empty storefronts.

White said hed like the city to work on that too, but theres no money in the budget for it.

Councilmember Ellsworth said there needs to be more discussion of the impacts of tourism on the community. He also said he was concerned that the Chamber might be helping generate revenue for the county by promoting member businesses that are outside the city limits.

He and Koberstein were in favor of tabling the matter until the city and the Chamber could come back with an amended contract, possibly for less than $210,000.
If you could boil down all the things that you deal with, whats most important to you? What really matters in your life?

I was recently going through my past Thursday Pulpit columns. Looking at the dates, I realized that Ive been writing them for 20 years (almost to the month). In fact, Im the only Pulpit contributor from 1997 still writing.

The first article I ever wrote was from New Zealand, where I served as a youth pastor. Thats What I Reckon was about the differences and similarities in the Kiwi culture compared to ours  And of course Jesus.

My second article was titled, Everything Matters. To summarize it  God is with us in the everyday, everything matters because everything matters.

Ten years later in the summer of 2007, I wrote, Everything Still Matters. So another 10 years later and in the spirit of summer sequels, Im adapting and writing Part III.

Dont ever be fooled or persuaded by someone who says, It doesnt matter   Everything does matter.

Isnt the human brain the most amazing creation ever? Technological wonder. To call the brain a computer (Intel inside) would almost be an insult, since humans developed computers.

And isnt it true that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction? Input equals output. Every decision we make affects our lives for the good or the bad or the ugly.

Everything we do, say, watch, hear, smell, touch, eat or drink becomes a permanent file in our God-created brains. Sure the file can be hidden in some back corner of the brain, but its still there. It is very important to remember this and to weigh our decisions carefully whether a certain something deserves an undeletable file forever in our heads.

You may have some files that youd rather not have permanently stored. We all do. We call them learning experiences. But Im sure many could have done without the learning and would have opted differently if given another chance. Fortunately God gives us limitless chances (1 John 1:9). Unfortunately, bad decisions can often have a snowball effect and turn into habits. Habits, good and/or bad, form our lives. So what are your habits?

Lets say we live to be 78 years old. Thats 28,470 days. Some live more, some substantially less. Are we making these days count? Good decisions? We never know when today will be our last. Do we treat each day like it could be?

Unfortunately, planet Earth has a 100 percent death rate. Those arent good odds. There are so many tragedies, illnesses and accidents. Simply watch the headlines on the news.

Romans 6:23 tells us, The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Why then do we ever put Jesus on the back burner? Maybe its just easier to treat lifes problems with temporary fixes. Could we be too self-reliant?

In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis describes humans trying everything in the encyclopedia to fill the God-shaped hole in their hearts. When we want to find the permanent solution, Jesus is the answer. God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son, says 1 John 5:11. Eternity. His love is everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 103).

Allow Jesus to lead in your life and in your decision-making. Habits can change with effort. Form your habits with heartfelt prayer. Pray about your decisions anytime, anywhere. Listen to the still, small voice. In Mark 10:21, Jesus invites us to Come, take up the cross and follow me.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our heart and we are never, ever the same.

Be a difference maker for Jesus. You have your life to live and all your love to give. Leave some footprints. Everything matters. Really.
An off-duty St. Helena firefighter helped pull an injured woman from a burning car in Rutherford last week in a perilous act that police say might have saved her life.

Elliot Bell was driving home from his job at The French Laundry in Yountville, where he works as chef de partie, at about 1:50 a.m. Friday when he saw a wrecked car that had hit a tree on Highway 29 near Rutherford Grill.

There was also a tow truck at the scene, and at first, Bell thought it was there to tow away the car. But as he drove closer he saw that the tow truck driver was struggling to open the door of the smoking car.

Bell pulled over to help and realized there was an injured woman pinned inside the car. Together, he and the tow truck driver managed to pull her out.

The car was getting more and more engulfed right before we got her out, Bell said. That was what prompted us to pick up the pace a bit. About a minute later it was fully engulfed.

Yeilyn Velasco, 23, of Napa had suffered a compound fracture in her leg, and Bell said she was in extreme pain.

Bell has only been with the St. Helena Fire Department since January. Hes still not cleared to respond to calls, so hed never been on the scene of a traumatic incident. But he had received medical training the previous week, which he put to use in assessing Velascos injuries once she was clear of the burning car.

He used his cellphone to call his mentor at the department, Scott Dale, who talked him through the process and assured him that help was on the way, according to the scanner.

By this time, the fire had spread from the car to the tree, and the tow truck driver had positioned his truck so that it could shield them in case the car exploded.

Bell said firefighters and an ambulance started arriving about 12 minutes after the initial 911 call. Once they assumed control, Bell went home. Velasco was treated at Queen of the Valley Medical Center for a broken leg.

According to the CHP, Velasco had lost control of her GMC Yukon while making an unsafe turning movement that caused the car to cross the opposing lane and hit the tree head-on. The CHP determined that alcohol or drugs were not a factor in the crash.

Bell credited the tow truck driver for taking the lead in the rescue. He never learned the mans name, and the CHP report identified him only as D. Serrano, 44, of Richmond.

According to the CHP report, Mr. Serranos actions in assisting Velasco from her vehicle may have been the determining factor in preventing her from being fatally consumed by the fire.

Bell said he never talked to the CHP about his own involvement.

The adrenaline was definitely pumping and I was definitely nervous, Bell said. Id be lying if I wasnt scared.  But having a little confidence and knowledge helped me stay calm and read the situation.

Id never been with someone who was in that much pain before. She was in a ton of pain, so it wasnt easy to have to drag her away from the car. But the knowledge that Ive learned (as a firefighter) calmed me down and made me feel more able to make decisions like that.

Another St. Helena firefighter, Jose Martin, was hailed as a hero after he helped the victims of a deadly crash escape a burning car in last November, while he was on vacation with his family near Indio. The American Red Cross of the California Northwest honored Martin as an Act of Courage Hero at its annual Real Heroes Breakfast in Santa Rosa in April.
23:39

The byelection to RK Nagar assembly constituency could not be held within the stipulated time period of six months as the ground situation has not improved, the Election Commission has said.

The April 12 bypoll was cancelled by the poll body over use of money power.

"The byelection would now be held when the situation in the constituency concerned becomes conducive to the conduct of free and fair election," an EC communication said today.

"...it is not possible to conduct the by-election within the time limit set, i.e six months from the date of occurrence of the vacancy, caused due to former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa's death on December 5, 2016," it said.

The six month period as mandated under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 expired on June 4, the EC communication released to the media here by Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni said.

The commission recalled it had rescinded the April 12 by-election following "distribution of money and gift items by candidates and political parties to bribe the voters seeking electoral favours."

We are constantly monitoring the situation but the ground situation in the constituency has not improved, it said.

Lakhoni had also submitted a report to the EC recommending to "extend the period for holding the byelection", it said.

Subsequently, EC had informed the Central government last month explaining the "difficulties" in holding the bypoll within six months as mandated in the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission said, adding the government in a June 2 letter concurred with the view.
NEW YORK: 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.

Read Also:

LG Electronics Releases Mobile Payment Tool

Adobe Launches Scanning App To Create PDF Files
Ten Taliban militants and three security personnel were killed in a clash for the control of a district in Afghanistan's Kunduz province, an official said on Monday. The militants launched a coordinated offensive on Sunday to overrun Imam Sahib district, but their attempt was foiled by security forces, Xinhua news agency reported. --IANS ksk/bg ( 67 Words) 2017-06-05-15:16:24 (IANS)
Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Sirajul Haq said that statements issued by individuals after the ICJ's verdict had hinted that Pakistan was not well prepared to fight the case.

"These and similar statements have been passed around, which are creating confusion," Haq was quoted by Dawn News as saying, and adding that Pakistan did not act according to expectations and the steps taken by the country in the Jadhav case had only caused embarrassment to the nation.

Haq said that though Jadhav's arrest was a major achievement, Pakistan wasted an opportunity to bring forth facts about Jadhav and India's "subversive" activities on the international stage.

He also claimed that the ICJ had "adopted" India's stance in its order to out on hold the verdict in Jadhav's case.

"India is constantly issuing threats to Pakistan regarding Jadhav's case," Haq said and insisted that the matter was of national importance.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, on hearing Haq's arguments, admitted the motion for debate.

Terming it an important matter, Rabbani also issued notices to the Foreign Ministry and the Attorney General.

--IANS ahm/vt

( 226 Words)

2017-06-05-16:48:40 (IANS)
While stating that India wants peace along its border, Indian Director General Military Operations Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt on Monday told his Pakistani counterpart that "appropriate retaliatory action" will be taken if Pakistan abets infiltration. A statement from the Indian Army on Monday said the Indian DGMO spoke to his Pakistani counterpart after a request by Pakistan, and discussed the current situation along the Line of Control. "DGMO Indian Army conveyed his commitment to ensure peace and tranquility which is contingent on Pakistan Army's intentions and actions," the statement said. "If Pakistan Army continues to abet infiltrations and cause cross LoC firing, the Indian Army would take appropriate retaliatory action," it said. "Needless escalations" by the Pakistani side were highlighted. When Pakistan raised the issue of civilian killings, the Indian DGMO said the Indian Army is a professional force which does not harm civilians in any manner. "Indian Army is a professional Army and we will not harm civilians in any manner," Lt. Gen. Bhatt told his counterpart. This comes as tension continues to simmer along the India-Pakistan border, with several ceasefire violations being reported in recent months. On June 1, a civilian was killed and two others, including a BSF trooper, were injured in firing exchanges between Pakistani and Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. On the same day, Pakistan also summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad over fresh ceasefire violations on the Line of Control, claiming that one Pakistani civilian was killed. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had visited Jammu and Kashmir last week to review the security and also met state Governor N.N. Vohra to discuss the security situation. The Army on May 23 had released a video of attack on Pakistani posts across the LoC. The video showed what appeared as bunkers in a forested area being bombed and smoke and fire billowing up after the explosion. --IANS ao/rn ( 335 Words) 2017-06-05-21:06:20 (IANS)
A large contingent of police and the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was deployed outside the uptown Hyderpora residence of senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani to prevent entry into the octogenarian's house.

Mirwaiz Umer Farooq was placed under house arrest at his Nigeen residence on the outskirts of the city, while the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Muhammad Yasin Malik was arrested to prevent their participation in the meeting.

Separatists had called a meeting at 11 a.m. on Monday to discuss the fallout of the NIA raids last week at the houses of separatists and some businessmen in Srinagar.

After separatist leaders Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmad Dar and Gazi Javaid Baba confessed in an India Today TV news channel expose that they had been receiving funds from Pakistan to foment trouble in Kashmir, the NIA registered FIRs to investigate the issue.

The NIA also carried out raids in Srinagar and Jammu city on Sunday. Some raids were also carried out in Delhi last week in this connection.

--IANS sq/in/vt

( 211 Words)

2017-06-05-12:16:16 (IANS)
Pernod Ricard India brings fresh energy and vibrancy into the wine category with the launch of their Spanish wine, Campo Viejo, in the country. Pioneering the richest expression of Tempranillo grapes, Campo Viejo is the No. 1 Rioja brand in the world and is synonymous with innovation, expressiveness, coloUr and vibrancy, that the Rioja region of Spain is renowned for. In a unique and engaging evening at the Bombay Art Society, Campo Viejo brought alive its deep connection with celebrating expression, vibrancy and philosophy of 'Live Uncorked' through many forms of art. To further give this philosophy a connection with India, Campo Viejo brought on board the versatile and vibrant Bahaar Dhawan Rohatgi to bring alive the philosophy of 'Live Uncorked' who in turn designed the bar as an art piece. Commenting on the launch, Jagbir Sidhu, vice president, Marketing, Pernod Ricard India, said, "We are proud to present Campo Viejo, as the latest addition to our portfolio of wines in India. India is an emerging wine market and there is a huge opportunity to grow. Campo Viejo is the No.1 Rioja wine globally and No. 1 Rioja wine in the UK, Canada, and Germany etc. In the UK, it is also the No.1 Spanish wine. We want to make sure we have a big footprint in India with the right brands and believe that Campo Viejo will play an important role in this ambition. This as an exciting phase for us and we are confident that not only will Campo enhance our connection with the fun loving, experimenting, modern yet evolved Indian consumers, but will also set a new benchmark in the wine category in India." Pernod Ricard India announced the launch of two variants of Campo Viejo in India - Campo Viejo Tempranillo, the best expression of the Rioja Tempranillo and Campo Viejo Blanco, which is a blend of Tempranillo and Viura grapes. Speaking on the occasion, Federico Lleonart, Global Brand Ambassador, Campo Viejo, said, "At Campo Viejo, we express ourselves through our wines in the same way an artist expresses themselves through their work. Winemaking is truly an art form; both artist and winemaker start with a blank canvas and through extensive craftsmanship, experimentation and dedication, masterpieces are created. It was great to see art and winemaking come together before us and what better way to celebrate the start of something new but through bringing alive this idea!" (ANI)
Girl child activists on Monday accused the Indian Medical Association (IMA) of trying to "decriminalise" sex determination through its 'Dilli Chalo' protest here. Activist Neelam Singh, member of National Monitoring and Inspection Committee (NMIC) of the PC-PNDT Act, told media persons here that the IMA was trying to turn sex determination into a civil offence, rather than a criminal offence which it is today. "Foetal sex determination is a criminal offence in India according to PC-PNDT Act (Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act)," said Singh. Singh said IMA is trying to make sex determination into a civil offence by stating that there can be clerical errors on the part of doctors. "If identified by test that it is a female then the foetus is killed. Then how can it not be a criminal offence?" she asked. When separately asked to respond to the charge by the activists, IMA President K.K. Aggarwal told IANS that the Dilli Chalo protest on Tuesday is to fight against rising cases of "criminal prosecution and conviction of doctors" in alleged cases of "clerical and administrative errors". Aggarwal denied the allegations that IMA was trying to decriminalise sex determination. "What they are saying is wrong," he asserted adding that the licence of any doctor who performs a sex determination test should be cancelled. Sudha Sundaraman, General Secretary of All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), present at the media interaction, said a 2016 Supreme Court order clearly stated that there should be stringent implementation of the Act. She said a female foetus doesn't have a voice of its own and "there should be no dilution or amendment of the Act". Smita Khanijow, member of Delhi supervisory board of PC-PNDT, said: "It's surprising that we have to come together to say this. Doctors should be a part of this and more responsible." She said that already the conviction rate for sex determination is extremely low and diluting the Act would be disastrous. "The unborn child is defenceless and sex determination is profiting through a crime," Satish Agnihotri, former Secretary of Women and Child Department, Odisha, said. He added that sex ratio is increasing in Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan, states where the implementation of the Act is stringent. "I've inspected a clinic were they had names and bank account details of ASHA workers and a worker told me that she transfers money to ASHA workers for bringing women to do sex determination," Singh said. In Delhi, there have only been seven convictions after the Act was passed in 2003 and even a doctor who was caught performing sex determination tests on TV was let off, said Bijayalaxmi Nanda, a professor at Delhi University. She added that Prime Minister's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative is rooted in the PC-PNDT Act and urged that the Act should not be watered down under any circumstances. Sabu M. George, a girl child activist, said they had to put up a fight to pass the Act in 2003 and alleged that attempts to amend the Act by IMA had political backing. --IANS nkh/rn/dg ( 521 Words) 2017-06-05-22:46:15 (IANS)
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has assured that fast-track courts would be set up to tackle cases related to crime against women in the state. "Fast track courts will soon be set up to tackle cases related to crime against women in the state," said Singh at the inaugural function of the two-day state-level seminar on "Development Priority of Manipur" held at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences. The seminar was organised by Steering Committee, constituted by the Government of Manipur's Department of Planning. Speaking at the function Chief Minister Biren said that the sole objective of organising such seminar is to discuss the problems and hurdles which affect the development process in the state so that we could bring out a prospective and positive solution to the problems. Stating that such platform was first-of-its-kind in the state, he stressed that people from different professions, including academicians, entrepreneurs, farmers, etc. could share and exchange their innovative ideas collectively to bring development and work towards economic stability of the state. Singh opined that the government would listen to the opinions or recommendations brought forward during this seminar and will do the needful to bring inclusive development in the state. "To have inclusive development, the 'Hill Area Development Programme' would be introduced in Manipur including Assam and Tripura soon," he added. Taking a firm decision against the drug abuse in the state, the Chief Minister said that the government was conducting mass drive against illegal drugs and stringent punishment would be given to the those drug traffickers. On the occasion, Steering Committee Chairman, Professor N. Mohendro Singh said, "A structural change is the need of the hour for beginning a new phase of planning and development in the state." The function was attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Y. Khemchand, Minister for Social Welfare and Co-operation Nemcha Kipgen, Minister for Tribal and Hill Areas Development N. Kayasii, State Planning Board's Deputy Chairman, S. Rajen Singh. (ANI)
The militants were reportedly attempting a suicide attack on the CRPF camp.

Earlier on June 3, at least two Army personnel were killed and four injured in attack by terrorists on Army convoy in the Qazigund district.

In another incident, at least one civilian was injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Poonch sector.

The Pakistani Army had earlier initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Naushera and Krishna Ghati sectors on Thursday in which two civilians were injured. (ANI)
"Indian intelligence has improved. New arrangements have also been made to control infiltration. Army takes their decision on its own, that is why the success rate in operations has increased," Defence Expert Qamar Agha told ANI.

He further said that these attacks have been continuously happening, adding that this is an all out war against militancy.

Defence Expert Shivali Deshpande also hailed the Indian Army for its swift action against the terrorists, while saying that the security forces need to be vigilant to counter such attacks.

"The very fast action shown by the CRPF in killing these four terrorist was absolutely fantastic. This is a good action and it shows that the security forces are vigilant," Shivali told ANI.

She further said that the terrorists reaching the CRPF posts indicate that they have a local support and have strong intelligence services.

At least four militants were killed in retaliatory firing by 45 Battalion CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) at Sumbal in Bandipora district this morning.

The militants were reportedly attempting a suicide attack on the CRPF camp.

"The terrorists tried storming camp around 3:30 a.m. to execute a fidayeen attack. Four terrorists have been gunned down," Yogesh Kumar, Sub Inspector (CRPF) told media.

The CRPF also confirmed about the neutralization of four militants on its Twitter handle while stating that CRPF and Sumbal Police successfully foiled fidayeen attack on army camp.

The army also recovered four AK-47 rifles, one fitted with UBGL, grenades and huge cache of ammunition. (ANI)
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will begin her visit to North Bengal today with a programme in Mirik. She is slated to attend a programme at Mirik today followed by an administrative meeting on June 7 and a Cabinet meeting on June 8 at Raj Bhawan in Darjeeling. The Chief Minister will lay foundation stones and inaugurate a bouquet of developmental projects from today's programme. Trinamool Congress became the first mainstream political party to win an election in the Hills in almost three decades when it won the Municipal Board election in Mirik last month. Recently, Kalimpong was declared the 21st district of the state and then Mirik was declared a sub-division.UNI SJC KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-921888.Xml
Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov on Monday informed that Russia is planning to hold an international meeting on settling the Syrian crisis in Astana on June 12-13.

"Now the countries-guarantors - the Russian Federation, the Turkish Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran - are holding active and intense consultations between each other to finally set the dates of the next round of the Astana process meeting on the Syrian settlement. Preliminarily, our Russian partners have informed us that they are going to offer their partners to gather in Astana on June 12-13," Tass news agency quoted Abdrakhmanov as saying.

Implementation of the memorandum on de-escalation zones is expected to be discussed during the talks.

"As I understand, it is essential now for the countries-guarantors to confirm the positive tendencies, which we see now on the territory of Syria," Abdrakhmanov said.

Earlier, the fourth international high-level meeting on Syria as part of the so-called Astana process was hosted by Kazakhstan on May 3-4.

Delegations of the Syrian government and the armed opposition, countries-guarantors of the ceasefire and also high-level representatives of the United Nations, Jordan and the United States had attended the talk.

Russia, Iran and Turkey had signed a memorandum in Astana, earlier, on creating de-escalation zones in Syria, but agreed to continue offensive against militants of the Islamic State (IS). (ANI)
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday lauded the Indian Army for its 'alertness and unmatched courage' during the retaliatory fire by 45 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) at Sumbal in Jammu and Kashmir 's Bandipora district. "Congratulate 45th battalion of CRPF in particular and entire force of CRPF and J&K police for their alertness and unmatched courage," the Home Minister's Office tweeted. The HMO further said that all brave officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp need to be cited for their alertness and unmatched bravery. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police hailed the Indian Army for successfully foiling the militant attack and neutralizing four terrorists adding that efforts are on to indentify the terrorists and the organisation they belong to. "The terrorists were not local. They had come with an intention to create mayhem but fortunately our armed forces retaliated effectively. We are trying to identify who these terrorists were and which organisation they belonged to," Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) S. P. Vaid told media. Meanwhile, CRPF Director General R. R. Bhatnagar said that the terrorists were armed with automatic grenades and other weapons. "Their intention was to enter the camp and then cause huge damage. It was the alertness and bravery of our troops which stopped these terrorists from entering the campus. We were able to liquidate them without any losses on our side," he added. At least four militants were killed in retaliatory firing by 45 Battalion CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) at Sumbal in Bandipora district this morning. The militants were reportedly attempting a suicide attack on the CRPF camp. "The terrorists tried storming camp around 3:30 a.m. to execute a fidayeen attack. Four terrorists have been gunned down," Yogesh Kumar, Sub Inspector (CRPF) told media. The CRPF also confirmed about the neutralization of four militants on its Twitter handle while stating that CRPF and Sumbal Police successfully foiled fidayeen attack on army camp. The army also recovered four AK-47 rifles, one fitted with UBGL, grenades and huge cache of ammunition. (ANI)
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved projects worth Rs 1,900-crore for the creation of sewage treatment infrastructure in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar.With approval of these projects, hundred percent sewage treatment facility will be made available for Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Allahabad and Delhi.These projects were approved in the third meeting of the Executive Committee of NMCG held here last month, an official from Ministry of Water Resources said today.A comprehensive project of interception, diversion and treatment of sewage in Naini, Phaphamau and Jhunsi sewerage zones of Allahabad at an estimated cost of Rs 767.59-crore has been approved.Apart from construction of a 42 MLD (million litres per day) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Naini, the project also encompasses building up of eight sewage pumping stations among other works.None of the three zones have any sewerage schemes or any sanctioned STPs as yet. These approved projects along with the existing ones would take care of sewage management of the core city of Allahabad bounded by rivers Ganga and Yamuna.The projects would also arrest flowing waste water of 18 drains into the rivers to ensure pollution free water for bathing at Sangam during Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019.With approval of these projects 100 per cent sewage treatment capacity can be achieved in Allahabad.Three projects of sewage treatment infrastructure were approved for Pahari sewage zone in Patna city of Bihar including construction of a 60 MLD STP and laying of sewerage lines at an estimated cost of about Rs 744-crore.With these approvals, Patna will now have a sewage treatment capacity of 200 MLD.In the National Capital Territory of Delhi, construction of as many as seven prioritised STPs of total capacity of 94 MLD in Najafgarh area have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 344.81-crore under 'Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna' project that was initiated on the directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT).Najafgarh drain contributes around 70 per cent of the total discharge of the city into river Yamuna that includes a lot of untreated sewage.The locations where STPs have been approved are Tajpur Khurd (36 MLD), Jaffarpur Kalan (12 MLD), Khera Dabar (5 MLD), Hasanpur (12 MLD), Kakraula (12 MLD), Kair (5 MLD) and Tikri Kalan (12 MLD). With this, all planned projects in Delhi have been approved.On afforestation front, an all-encompassing programme in five Ganga main stem States Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal at an estimated cost of Rs 61.5-crore has also been given a go-ahead.This would include sapling preparations in nurseries, soil work, plantation and care.With this, NMCG has given go-ahead to projects worth more than Rs 4,100-crore during the last three months in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and NCT of Delhi. Union Minister for Water Resources, River development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti is currently on a three week Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan from Gangasagar to Gangotri to personally monitor the progress of Namami Gange programme.The Minister has reached Narora in UP and will proceed to Haridwar today via Bhrigu Ashram and Najibabad.UNI NY SNU 1416 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0099-922089.Xml
The central function to mark the Day was organised at Dibrugarh University in eastern part of the state, in which Mr Sonowal, state Forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma and other dignitaries participated.

Chief minister Sonowal urged the society to be involved in conservation of nature, underlining that government efforts alone cannot yield result unless there is community participation.

He mentioned how ancient scriptures and preachers had extolled the virtues of preserving nature and the ode to nature in immortal songs penned by luminaries of Assamese literature and music.

Mr Sonowal also distributed saplings among students at the University, calling on the student community to actively pursue environmental protection measures.

Plantation drives and awareness programmes were organized by district administrations, NGOs and educational institutions across the state, including at main city Guwahati. UNI SG AKM 1555

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Emphasising that there had been no change in the pace, she said that ''India and US have a relationship of mutual benefit.''

The Prime Minister ''has spoken to President Trump thrice, the officials have also had talks with theirs on many occasions. Every interaction has been positive and good,'' she said, noting that the US was India's major defence partner.

''And there has been no intimation from their side that might suggest diluting this special relationship we share,'' to a correspondent's query on the state of India-US ties with the new Republican headed administration taking over.

The MEA Minister was briefing the media on three years of the Modi government and highlights of NDA Government's foreign policy.

On the Ministry's achievements, Ms Swaraj said the Ministry had simplified passport rules and there was 50 per cent increase in the number of applicants.

Assuring that security of Indian nationals residing in foreign countries was the Government's priority, the Minister said 80,000 people stranded in abroad successfully brought back to India, in last three years.

''We have helped 80,000 Indians facing trouble abroad in the last three years,'' she added.

During the past three years, there had been a 37.5 per cent increase in FDI, she claimed.UNI SD SW1612

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In continuing drive against smuggling of liquor into 'dry' Bihar, police arrested two peddlers and seized huge consignment of foreign liquor being smuggled from Haryana on National Highway 30 under Bypass police station area here today. Patna Senior Police Superintendent Manu Maharaj told newspersons here that more than 500 cartons of liquor were seized from the truck following a specific intelligence input. He said that driver and cleaner of the truck were arrested from the spot. He said that peddlers had kept cartons of liquor bottles beneath LPG gas cylinders with an intention to escape prying eyes of the police. The driver during interrogation revealed that he was carrying the consignment from Chandigarh and peddlers had asked him to call on a mobile number once he reached Bihar. Nabbed peddlers were being thoroughly interrogated to identify the mastermind behind the gang. UNI DH KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-922376.Xml
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questions former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Monday over alleged irregularities in allotment of 14 industrial plots in Panchkula. This is the second time Hooda has been questioned over this particular land allotment scam. The case pertains to the alleged purchase of 400 acres of land from farmers in Gurugram for Rs. 100 crores when the actual worth (according to market rate) was Rs. 1,500 crores. The purchase, according to the CBI, was made during August 2004-August 2007, under the "threat and false apprehension of acquisition of the land by the state government". The CBI had conducted searches around 24 places including Rohtak, Gurgaon, Delhi, Chandigarh and Panchkula at the the residential and office premises of various persons in an on-going investigation of a case. The CBI had also registered a case on Sep 15, 2015 against unknown public servants of Haryana Government and unknown private persons. A case was registered at Police Station Manesar, District Gurgaon under section 420, 465, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, on the request of Haryana Government and further directions of Government of India. In this process, initially the Government of Haryana had issued notifications under various sections of Land Acquisition Act for acquisition of land measuring about 912 acres for setting up an Industrial Model Township. As a result of this, a large number of land owners, in haste, had allegedly sold their land at throwaway prices. It was further alleged that the land, about 400 acres, had been grabbed from the land owners by the private builders under the threat of acquisition at meager rates. An order was also allegedly passed by the Competent Authority in Government on August 24, 2007 releasing this land from the acquisition process in violation of the government policy and the licenses/CLU were issued to the private builders. An alleged loss of Rs.1500 crores (approx) was caused to the land owners of Village Manesar, Naurangpur and Lakhnoula of District Gurgaon. (ANI)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today announcedthat state government would open cow shades for abandoned cattle andalso came down heavily on BJP for its 'self proclaimed' concern forcows, saying those who were truly concerned should first take care ofthe stray cattle before making hue and cry over the issue. Mr Kumar while responding to a query on new cattle trade lawof the Centre, said that he had his own opinion to share with on theissue and it was providing shelters for stray cattle where they couldhave facility for food and proper care. "Those who were raising much hue and cry over the issue of cowprotection, should first make arrangement for food and proper care ofstray cattle, " the Chief Minister said adding that concern of thoseraising their voice at high pitch, would have no value if they did notcome forward for opening cow shelters for stray cattle. Mr Kumar said that cow slaughter had been banned for the last50 years in Bihar and people of the state had not the mindset for cowslaughtering. Such issue was being raised only to divert the attentionof the people from real issues, he remarked. The Chief Minister said that his government had decided to opencow shade for stray cattle and instruction had been issued to DistrictMagistrate of Patna. Once the District Magistrate resumed his dutyafter one month long leave, process for opening the cow shade would bestarted in Patna, he informed. Mr Kumar said that stray cattle was responsible for roadaccidents but no one was truly concerned on the issue. Maximum numberof stray cattle on road could be found in Uttar Pradesh, a BJP ruledstate, he pointed out. The issue of cow protection was also raisedvigorously by saffron forces during campaign before Bihar assemblyelections held in 2015, he further added.UNI KKS KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-922604.Xml
: Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla inaugurating a Financial Literacy Week organised by Financial Inclusion and Development Department, Reserve Bank of India, Imphal here today at Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Chingmeirong appealed to make women attend such functions. Dr. Najma Heptulla expressed unhappiness at the poor presence of women in the function even though they are involved in economic and financial activities and Manipur has the largest Womens' Market in the World, the famed Ima Market. Womenfolk of the State are active in economic activities and enjoy economic freedom unlike women in other parts of the country she said. She said those attending the week long observation should visit the market to know the activities of the women of the State. Reminiscing her involvement in promotion amongst women in opening of small Savings Account in Post Offices to make them economically independent, she invited the attention of the Bank officials to inculcate the habit of small savings for sound financial management among the dynamic and enterprising women of the State who form a regular source of income for their families. Capacity building is very much necessary to make the people know the various fundings in rural as well as urban areas. She also cautioned about the modern technology being misused and that people in rural and urban areas should be made aware of the fraudulent activities that are prevalent now-a-days. Governor said that banks should come forward to develop entrepreneurial skill and provide finance for viable and sustainable micro, small and medium enterprises which creates jobs and local employments. She also added that bank should extend necessary assistance for mobilizing the untapped potentials of the State for job creation especially in areas of agro-based enterprises, tourism etc. Manipur is very rich in bio-resources specially in two areas i.e., traditional plant and floriculture. Bank should join hands and co-operate with experts to help in capacity building of the people to promote financial activities by giving loan and the use and repayment of the loan. Tourism is also another field where financial support can be given to generate more opportunity for people to come to Manipur, she added. She asked the Reserve Bank of India to take lead in ensuring financially educated population in the State with people engaging in fruitful economic activities. A booklet on Financial Awareness Messages(FAME) was also released by Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla as part of the inaugural function. Representatives of NABARD, Reserve Bank of India and officials of various banks also attended the inaugural function. A video on Financial literacy was also screened. T. Hauzel, Chief Manager, Reserve Bank of India said that the main aim of observing the week is to spread awareness of the need for financial literacy specially among the financially excluded masses and that the week will be observed under four themes Know your Customer, Exercising Credit Discipline, Grievance Redressal and Going Digital in line with the prevailing Economic Environment. Awareness will be given through posters in bank branches, ATMs and websites of banks . UNI NS KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-922616.Xml
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said India's ties with the countries of West Asia were robust as never before, proving wrong those who believed that the country's priority regarding the Muslim nations of the region would change under the Modi Government. "When our Government came, experts of foreign affairs said West Asia will be out of focus. If I talk of regional relations today, we have the best of ties with West Asia,'' Ms Swaraj said at a press conference on three years of the Modi Government here. She underscored that India had equally good relations with even those countries of West Asia which were at loggers head with each other -- like for example Saudi Arabia and Iran, and Israel and Palestine. ''Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who recently visited India, said we could use our friendship with Israel in resolving the problem between the two nations," she said. The Minister also pointed out that India recently hosted with equal enthusiasm both the leaders of Cyprus and Turkey, the other two nations of the region in conflict. The Prime Minister had been bestowed Saudi Arabia's highest honour, and the UAE ruler was the chief guest at India's Republic Day function, she pointed out. Ms Swaraj also spoke of how much the Prime Minister had done to enhance ties with Gulf region, as a result of which nations of the region were helping India in various ways. In fact, since the Modi Government had come to power, the country's global prestige and influence have been on the rise, and Indians across the world too have gained confidence she added. The Minister also recounted the various effective steps being taken to promote regional connectivity. Replying to a question on the complaints of the Iranian side that India was going slow on the Chabahar Project, Ms Swaraj said their complaint was genuine, but now effective steps had been taken to give pace to the project and as of now work on all such project was progressing at a fast pace. She said she was monitoring the project, and taking of review every three month to report to the Prime Minister every six month. Ms Swaraj said India had set new standards in helping its citizens in distress and it had rescued 80,000 of them from foreign countries. The Minister underlined that the motto of her Ministry during all these three years had been "effective diplomacy, excellent delivery'', to serve the country's developmental agenda which was sought to be achieved through programmes like Make in India and Smart City. "Our envoys are very active. There has been a 37.5 per cent increase in FDI over the last three years,'' she said.UNI NAZ SW SNU 1920 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-922774.Xml
The Centre would soon form a committee to tackle the issue of groundwater depletion, Minister for Water Resources said today. The committee would comprise Rural Development Secretary, Water Resource Secretary and Environment Secretary, the Minister said during a 'Ganga Chaupal' at Narora in Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of 'World Environment Day' Underlining that the problem of depleting water level was posing a great challenge, Ms Bharti asked the people to plant trees like Palash and Ashoka that contribute in recharging groundwater. "You sow sacred plants and trees like Tulsi, Pipal and Neem in India. I would urge you to grow indigenous plants like Palash and Ashoka as well as they help in raising groundwater levels, an issue that has come as a huge challenge in India and which can be resolved in an economic and eco-friendly manner without spending crores of rupees," she added. The Minister also asked people to refrain from using plastic/polythene bags to reduce pollution. "The use of plastic material is a major cause of pollution to river Ganga and should be stopped," she said. Ms Bharti said that she wanted to start a Jan Andolan where she would require retired senior citizens, students, youngsters, and house wives to volunteer in conserving water, adopt rain water harvesting and to keep the ghats clean. "Mass participation is the key to development and change," she said. The Minister is currently on a three week Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan from Gangasagar to Gangotri to personally monitor the progress of Namami Gange programme. Total replenishable groundwater resource in the Ganga basin is 170.99 billion cubic metres (BCM). Ganga basin alone accounts for nearly 40 % of the country's total replenishable groundwater resource of the country which is 433 BCM. Net ground water availability is 398 BCM. The annual groundwater draft (a reasonable release of discharge) is 245 BCM (as on 31st March 2017) and out of total 6607 assessed units (blocks, mandals, districts) as many as 1071 units are 'over-exploited', 217 units are 'critical', 697 units are 'semi-critical' and 4530 are 'safe'. Apart from these, there are 92 assessment units which were found to be completely saline. UNI NAZ SB 2038 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-922946.Xml
Punjab Chief Minsiter Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday warned that if the final verdict on Sutlej Yamuna link canal (SYL) deprives the people of Punjab of their water rights, it could lead to the revival of militancy in the region. "Amarinder rahe na rahe, SYL will become a national problem if the final judgement goes against Punjab. Any move to deprive the people of the state of their water rights could lead to the revival of militancy in the region," Capt. Amarinder said firmly. He said that he had requested Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to start negotiations on the SYL issue through the Water Resources Department in the interest of Punjab's and India's peace and stability. "Punjab would be pushed back to its dark days of terrorism if the SYL resolution does not address the state's concerns. Any such negative development could lead to a major crisis in the state," he said. He further added that all the extremist movements in the state, including the Khalistani, Naxalite and Mujhaira movements, had started from southern Punjab, which would be the worst affected by the construction of SYL canal. Blaming the Akalis squarely for plunging the state into this catastrophic situation, Amarinder said they had been responsible for depriving Punjab of its natural resources, which were diverted to Himachal Pradesh and Haryana after the division of the state. "Haryana got more water despite having less land, while Punjab did not get any share of water from river Yamuna. The root of the problem could be traced to the state's partition and the lopsided allocation of its resources at that time," he said. He pointed out the Punjab has no water to nourish and irrigate its own land and added that with less than 25% irrigation through surface water, agriculture in the state had become unviable. Promising to make farming remunerative again for the state's farmers, he said that his government was working on several initiatives to facilitate diversification and bring in a new green revolution, not just with wheat and paddy but with other crops. Recalling the `farm to fork' project, which he had launched with Reliance during his earlier chief ministerial tenure, the Punjab Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to bring the farmers of the state out of the abyss into which they had been plunged in the last 10 years of the SAD-BJP mismanagement and misrule. Earlier in May, the Apex court had heard the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal matter. The final hearing was put off after the Centre informed the court that a meeting of Punjab and Haryana has been convened by it on April 20 to resolve the matter. The court, however, made it clear that if a solution was not found, it would proceed with the matter on the next date of hearing. The bench, also comprising of Justice Amitava Roy, considered the statement of Solicitor General, Ranjeet Kumar and deferred the hearing in the case. The apex court refused to hear the Punjab Government's plea to adjourn the SYL Canal matter till the election results were announced and posted the matter for further hearing till February 22. Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani, appearing for the Punjab government, sought an adjournment which the top court refused. A bench headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh refused the plea and asked, "What has the Supreme Court to do with the election results?" In January, the apex court asked both the Haryana and Punjab Governments to file their replies on the issue within three weeks. The Punjab Government had earlier sought more time from the court to file a detailed reply on the same. A bench of the court headed by Justice Ghosh and Justice Amitava Roy granted the decision. The apex court had, in November last year, termed the law passed by the Punjab Government in 2004 to terminate the SYL Canal water sharing agreement with neighbouring states as 'unconstitutional'. Holding that the Punjab Termination of Agreement Act, 2004 was not being in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution, the top court answered in the negative to all four questions referred to it in a presidential reference. A constitution bench of the court ruled that Punjab could not and should not have taken a 'unilateral' decision to terminate the agreement with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh to share the Ravi-Beas river waters. The court ruling was also followed by resignations of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Captain Amarinder Singh and state Congress MLAs. (ANI)
India's brand new and heaviest rocket - the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III) - with the 3,136 kg communication satellite GSAT-19 on board, blasted off from the Sriharikota spaceport on Monday. --IANS vj/vd ( 46 Words) 2017-06-05-17:32:10 (IANS)
"I am delighted to know that the Indian space agency has successfully launched its heaviest (640 ton) rocket with an indigenous cryogenic engine, carrying the heaviest (3.4 ton) satellite. I congratulate all its scientists, engineers and employees for achieving a rare feat in maiden attempt," said Siddaramaiah in a statement here.

India joined the elite space club to launch and deploy four-tonne class and above satellites in the geo-stationary orbit in the first attempt, with an indigenous cryogenic engine.

In a congratulatory message to ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar, who hails from Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said he was proud of the space agency, which is headquartered here and has many of its facilities for making satellites, telemetry and command control centre at Bylallu on the city's outksirts and the Master Control Facility at the state's Hassan.

--IANS fb/vd

( 179 Words)

2017-06-05-22:40:10 (IANS)
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. (ANI)
Severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, Bahrain's foreign affairs ministry on Monday issued an advisory for all Qatari diplomatic staff to leave the country within the next 48 hours and also issued an 14-day ultimatum to Qatari citizens to leave Bahraini territories . Bahrain has accused Qatar of supporting terrorism ,media incitement and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain. Bahrain said it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from the Qatari capital of Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period. The ministry's statement has also given 14 -day ultimatum to Qatari citizens as they have to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. Bahrain has announced it is cutting all ties and relations what so ever with Qatar, according to a statement carried on Bahrain News Agency. Bahrain decided to sever all diplomatic ties with its neighbor "on the insistence of the State of Qatar to continue destabilizing the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to intervene in its affairs". "(Qatar has) spread chaos in Bahrain in flagrant violation of all agreements and covenants and principles of international law Without regard to values, law or morals or consideration of the principles of good neighborliness or commitment to the constants of Gulf relations and the denial of all previous commitments," the statement read. Qatar is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and has extensive air links with he group of countries that have snapped diplomatic ties. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain have broken off diplomatic relations and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar over terrorism and extremism. Riyadh accused its fellow Gulf Arab state of backing terrorism and extremism while Bahrain has charged Qatar of interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.(ANI)
China has accused the United States and Japan of making "irresponsible remarks" over the South China Sea and Taiwan during the recently held Shangri-La Dialogue. Stressing that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha islands and their adjacent waters, the Global Times quoted Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, as saying over the weekend that Beijing has always been committed to peacefully resolving 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. 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," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying' said. U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis had earlier taken aim at China's growing 'militarisation' during the Shangri-La Dialogue, saying that while North Korea is an urgent military threat, one must not lose sight of other strategic challenges to regional peace and prosperity. Mattis also said that while Washington welcomes China's economic development, economic and political friction between the two sides is anticipated, as the United States cannot accept Chinese actions that impinge on the interests of the international community. Referring to the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the case brought by The Philippines over territorial rights in the South China Sea, Mattis called on all claimants to use this as a starting point to peacefully manage their disputes over these waters. In an apparent reference to China, he also opposed countries militarising artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims unsupported by international law. Meanwhile, the situation in the South China Sea has improved and shown positive development momentum, the spokesperson said, citing the success of the first meeting of the China-Philippines bilateral consultation mechanism, and the agreement between Beijing and Asean countries on the framework for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the disputed region. "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. Talking about the Taiwan issue, Hua stressed China's position has been "clear and coherent". China urged the US to stop selling arms to Taiwan and terminate any official exchanges so as to guarantee the development of bilateral relations.(ANI)
The Arab coalition has said it has suspended Qatar's troops participation in an ongoing war in Yemen. The Guardian quoted the official Saudi Press Agency, as saying that Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar "proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism". Qatar is home to the sprawling al-Udeid Air Base, which is home to the US military's Central Command and some 10,000 American troops. Western officials have also accused Qatar of allowing funding of Sunni extremists like Al-Qaida's branch in Syria. The snapping of the Saudi-led Arab coalition ties with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar was due to the news that was carried by Qatar's news agency which Doha alleged to have been hacked. Qatari-state run news agency quoted Qatar's emir statement, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani criticised U.S. President Donald Trump and described Iran as a force for stability in the region and threatened to withdraw ambassadors from a range of Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia. Qatar's government claimed its official websites had been hacked and categorically denied in which the country's leader expressed support for Iran. The Washington Post reported that Online footage of Qatari state television's nightly newscast from Tuesday showed clips of Sheikh Tamim at the ceremony with the anchor not mentioning the comments, though a scrolling ticker at the bottom of the screen had the alleged fake remarks. They included calling Hamas "the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people," as well as saying Qatar had "strong relations" with Iran and the United States. Further said "Iran represents a regional and Islamic power that cannot be ignored and it is unwise to face up against it," the ticker read at one point. "It is a big power in the stabilization of the region." The alleged hack happened early on May 24th and hours later, the website of the Qatar News Agency still was not accessible. The fake article quoted Sheikh Tamim as calling Iran an "Islamic power" and saying Qatar's relations with Israel were "good" during a military ceremony. Doha denied all the comments and said it was the victim of a "shameful cybercrime." Egypt, Bahrian, UAE joined Saudi Arabia in snapping all their ties with Doha . This situation is a repeat of 2014, when several Gulf countries recalled their Ambassadors from Doha over its support for Muslim Brotherhood.(ANI)
The sheriff's office confirmed multiple fatalities at the business on North Forsyth Road near Hanging Moss Road in Orlando, local media reports said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">OCSO working shooting scene that has stabilized. Multiple fatalities. Situation contained. Sheriff will brief as soon as info is accurate.</p> OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrangeCoSheriff/status/871716253328715776">June 5, 2017</a></blockquote>

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According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the situation is contained and the police is investigating the incident.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">OCSO on shooting scene w/ multiple fatalities. Situation contained, Now investigating tragic incident & will soon have accurate information</p> OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrangeCoSheriff/status/871722451436285952">June 5, 2017</a></blockquote>

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Forsyth Road near Hanging Moss Road was closed after the reported shooting incident.

However, police has not given any information regarding the death toll. (ANI)
Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's Foreign Policy and National Security Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi has held U.S. President Donald Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia, and its interventions responsible for current diplomatic tensions among gulf countries of the region. "The first impression of the US President Donald Trump's visit to the region is the recent tension in the countries' relations", IRNA news agency quoted Boroujerdi as saying in reference to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain and Yemen severing their ties with Qatar. He emphasized that Iran had always stressed that any problem in the Middle East should be resolved by the countries of the region. The remarks by Boroujerdi comes after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain broke off their diplomatic ties and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar over allegations that the latter is encouraging terrorism and extremism. Riyadh has accused Qatar of backing terrorism and extremism, while Bahrain has charged Qatar with interfering in it internal affairs. Saudi Arabia said the move was necessary to protect the kingdom from what it described as terrorism and extremism. Bahrain's Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement that it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period. The ministry's statement said Qatari citizens needed to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. It wasn't immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the region's major long-haul carriers. Egypt also announced the closure of its airspace and seaports for all Qatari transportation to protect its national security. Qatar's Foreign Ministry said that the country regrets the decision of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates' and Egypt to cut off diplomatic ties with it. "The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact," Al-Jazeera quoted the Qatar Foreign Ministry as saying in a statement. The ministry added that the decision taken by the four Gulf nations would not affect the normal lives of its citizens and residents. (ANI)
The Orange County Sheriff's Office confirmed the death of five people in the incident, saying that four people were dead at the scene and another victim died at the hospital.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said that the gunman was a former disgruntled employee who was fired from the office in April.

He added that the shooter had shot him dead.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sheriff: The shooter was carrying a gun and an knife. He was fired from this business. The individual shot former co-workers.</p> OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrangeCoSheriff/status/871747404470644736">June 5, 2017</a></blockquote>

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"We are all on heightened alert from the tragic incidents across the globe. We cannot connect this incident to any global terrorism," Demings said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sheriff: we are all on heightened alert from the tragic incidents across the globe. We cannot connect this incident to any global terrorism.</p> OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrangeCoSheriff/status/871746919739084800">June 5, 2017</a></blockquote>

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Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs urged everyone to be vigilant if they see something, local media reports said.

Forsyth Road near Hanging Moss Road was closed after the reported shooting incident. (ANI)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 21:00:00|Editor: xuxin

British Prime Minister Theresa May delivers a speech in response to the terror attacks on London Bridge and at Borough Market in London, Britain on June 4, 2017. (Xinhua/UK OUT)

LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Britain's governing Conservatives have increased their chances of success in Thursday's general elections following Prime Minister Theresa May's reaction on Sunday to the latest London terror attack, a leading academic told Xinhua Sunday.

Professor Anthony Glees, director at the Center for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham, said May's tougher stand on terror following the London Bridge attack which killed seven and injured 48 was correct.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Glees said: "She is advocating the right policies, but 10 years too late. What she is proposing should have been done following the 7/7 attacks in London in 2005."

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, May warned there has been "far too much tolerance of extremism" in Britain.

She also said internet companies must not allow extremism a place to exist, and also put forward longer prison terms for terrorism offences, even relatively minor ones.

"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," she said.

May described what happened as the result of an "ideology that is a perversion of Islam and a perversion of the truth".

She added: "Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time. But it cannot be defeated through military intervention alone. 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."

May said Britain was "experiencing a new trend in the threat the country faces", adding: "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.

"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."

Prof Glees said "Strong actions are called for, and we have to show that Britain is not a soft touch," but adding that people in civil liberty groups as well as some members of the Conservative party will resist the tougher stand May is suggesting in the war on terrorism.

"I think this will be played out in the general election and it could increase Theresa May's chances in the election because she seemed to deliver a firm message to the people. The Conservatives are therefore likely to benefit as a result on Thursday. This is a national emergency and at such times people feel the need to rally around."

Glees said May's approach to tackling the way extremist propaganda was spread through the internet was the right approach, but doomed to failure.

"May is saying the right things, but the government is incapable of delivering tighter controls of repugnant and extreme views. This material is spread on sites not controlled by the UK, but mainly in the United States," said Glees

"The attacks in London and Manchester could well prove to be the last straw in testing the patience of the British people.

"It is for the government to act, and not people taking the law into their own hands," said the academic.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-04 23:01:04|Editor: yan

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by Zheng Jianghua

BRUSSELS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Within the context of growing global uncertainties, the just-concluded 19th China-EU summit yielded fruitful results, sending out a positive signal that China-EU relations remain stable and is steadily forging ahead.

According to the list of outcomes of the summit, which took place in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, the two sides raised a series of new cooperation initiatives on strengthening China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit and all-win results.

It's worth noting that the two sides at the summit 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 the 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 in consistency with WTO rules, according to the full text of the list of outcomes.

Free trade requires both parties to honor the corresponding international rules, especially the WTO's multilateral trading mechanism.

It's regretful that the EU, an important rule-maker and champion of free trade, balks at living up to its obligations. It hasn't abandoned application of the "surrogate country" approach in calculating Chinese export prices in anti-dumping investigations. Article 15 of the protocol obliges the EU to terminate application of the "surrogate country" approach as of Dec. 11, 2016.

Premier Li Keqiang cautioned in a speech at the EU-China Business Summit on Friday that if all WTO members chose to observe international rules in a selective way, this would trigger cycles of reactions and undercut the foundations of the multilateral order.

"No one will emerge as a winner eventually," he stressed.

Trade and investment are the bedrocks of China-EU relations. The EU is China's largest trading partner and China is the EU's second largest. The average daily trade volume stands at more than 1.69 billion U.S. dollars.

As of March 2017, China's cumulative direct investment in the EU amounted to 73.3 billion dollars, and the EU's cumulative investment in China reached 114.6 billion dollars.

Even with those seemingly striking figures, there is still considerable potentials that remain untapped, especially in investment.

Premier Li pointed out that the EU's investment in China only accounts for 4 percent of the bloc's total overseas investment, and China's investment in the EU only takes up 2 percent of all foreign direct investment flowing to the EU. "This is not commensurate with the size of the two economies," Li said.

Taking stock of this, the two sides viewed the ongoing negotiations on an investment agreement 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," read the text of of the list of outcomes.

In addition to backing trade liberalization and investment facilitation, China and the EU, as two major players in the international community, also have broad consensus on addressing global challenges.

Especially with regard to climate change, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of the issue and their commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement when U.S. President Donald Trump announced his country's withdrawal from it. They agreed to step up cooperation and promote the implementation of the accord.

Openness, pragmatic cooperation and mutual benefit have always been the mainstream of China-EU relations. Facing growing uncertainties around the globe, the summit sent a positive and clear signal that the two sides are determined to propel their cooperation to a new height.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 03:47:30|Editor: yan

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U.S. PresidentDonald Trumpdelivers a speech at the White House in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, on June 1, 2017. U.S. PresidentDonald Trumpsaid 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.

The No. 2 U.S. car maker declined to say if it would stay on the president's council.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 06:23:10|Editor: Liu

Police block off London Bridge after a terror attack in London, Britain, on June 4, 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)

LONDON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The so-called Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for Saturday's London attack, British media reported Sunday.

BBC reported on its website that the group's news outlet Amaq, on the messaging app Telegram, said "a security unit of Islamic State fighters carried out the London attacks yesterday".

Meanwhile, The Telegraph reported that an IS group propaganda outlet exhorted would-be jihadists to carry out vehicle and knife attacks on civilians just hours before three terrorists went on a rampage in central London.

According to the report, the message sent out on an encrypted messaging app, urging attackers to "gain benefit from Ramadan" and "kill the civilians of the Crusaders. Run over them by vehicles".

British police said 12 people have been arrested so far after the attack, which left seven people dead and 48 injured. Among the wounded, 21 people are in critical condition.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 07:27:29|Editor: Xiang Bo

Contestants from Washington University in St. Louis display their robot during a robot contest held at Xi'an Jiaotong University in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 4, 2017. Sixteen teams from home and abroad participated in the contest here on Sunday. (Xinhua/Liu Xiao)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 07:33:18|Editor: xuxin

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CARACAS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday that the killing of a young man in protest is "hate crime," and efforts should be made to prevent violence.

The head of state said in his weekly TV program that Orlando Figuera, who passed away on Sunday after being stabbed and set on fire on May 20, was the result of "fascism."

In an effort to stem the violence, Maduro called on the country to make more effort to ensure peace, "against sectors who promote campaigns of hate to bring about a civil war."

"I call on all Venezuelans, beyond their political preferences, to avoid violence taking place and being multiplied as a factor of destruction. We cannot allow anymore for, through networks and media, an escalation of conflicts continue to rise," he vowed.

Figuera's death brings to 65 the number of dead in violent protests in Venezuela since the start of April.

The president blamed the deaths in protests on the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable(MUD).

The MUD has called for constant protests to fight back against a political and economic crisis that is blamed on Maduro, especially the country is critically short of food and medicine.

More recently, the protests have targeted the government's attempt to write a new Constitution and have called for early presidential elections.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 09:15:47|Editor: xuxin

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SUVA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has written to his British counterpart Theresa May, expressing sympathy on behalf of the Fijian government and Fijian people for the latest terror attack in London.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those who have been injured," Bainimarama said on Monday.

He said that in great solidarity and friendship it pained Fijians deeply that Britain has again been subjected to a vile and cowardly assault on innocent people.

Unidentified attackers driving a van ran over pedestrians and stabbed people on Saturday night in London, leaving at least seven people dead and 48 injured.

The Fijian prime minister reiterated the same sentiments in the wake of the Westminster and Manchester attacks that Fiji stood shoulder to shoulder with Britain as it confronted the terrorist threat and was ready to assist in any possible way.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 09:25:49|Editor: xuxin

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CANBERRA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has called on moderate Muslim leaders to speak out against extremism and terrorism, after she confirmed that three Australians had been injured in a terror attack in London.

Three men drove a van into Saturday night revelers on London Bridge in the British capital, before exiting the van and making their way through bars and restaurants, slashing and stabbing people enjoying a night out.

The attack took place just weeks after the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a blast that killed 22 people at a pop concert in Manchester.

Speaking to Sky News Australia on Monday, Bishop backed calls from British Prime Minister Theresa May for Muslim leaders to publicly denounce acts of terror, saying that voices of moderate Islam had been too quiet in the wake of terror attacks.

"I believe (May) is calling on the voices of moderate Islam to be far louder than the voices of extremism, savagery and brutality, and we most certainly need to see that in our country as well," Bishop said on Monday.

"We need all Australians to condemn terrorism in all its forms we need all Australians to unite in the condemnation of the brutality and savagery of these attacks. The whole community must work together to stamp out radicalization."

Also on Monday, former Australian ambassador to the United States Kim Beazley agreed with Bishop's sentiments; he said a statement condemning IS and its actions was long overdue from those in positions of leadership within the Islamic community.

"We do need to hear from folk who represent the appropriate Islamic position," Beazley said.

Meanwhile, after initially saying that no Australians were caught up in the attack on Saturday night, Bishop confirmed that three Australians were injured, including an unidentified Australian, a Northern Territory man and a Queensland woman.

Bishop told the Seven Network that Australia's terrorism risk level would remain at "probable," after she met with high-level security experts at the weekend.

"We've seen a number of savage and brutal terror attacks in that time, so we're not immune, but we keep a constant watch on the threat assessment level and we'll advise the Australian public if there is any change."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 10:56:46|Editor: xuxin

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PHNOM PENH, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won the majority in the fourth commune elections on Sunday, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Monday.

"According to the informal figures, the turnout was 6,743,329, and the Cambodian People's Party received 3,529,400 votes equal to 51.39 percent," he wrote on his Facebook page, adding that the CPP saw an increase of more than 300,000 votes if compared to the votes it got in the national elections in 2013.

The 64-year-old prime minister said that based on the figures, the CPP is still expected to win the majority in the national elections in July 2018.

Hun Sen also extended his profound thanks to the party's leaders and members at all levels for bringing the victory to the party again.

Twelve political parties had contested in Sunday's elections, with the ruling CPP and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) being the major contestants.

Speaking in a press conference late Sunday, CNRP's spokesman Yim Sovann accepted that the party lost the elections, saying that the party earned 46 percent of the votes.

The preliminary results are expected to be released on June 5 and the official results will be publicized on June 25, according to the National Election Committee.

Held once every five years, the commune elections were to elect 11,572 commune chiefs and councilors for the kingdom's 1,646 communes.

The commune elections are seen as a test for the popularity of political parties ahead of the national elections in July 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 11:06:50|Editor: xuxin

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CAIRO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Egypt announced Monday that they have decided to sever diplomatic relations with Qatar.

In a statement carried by its official news agency, Bahrain accused Qatar of backing terrorism and interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.

Saudi Arabia's state news agency quoted an official source as saying that the move was to protect national security "from the dangers of terrorism and extremism."

In an official media report, Egypt also accused Qatar of supporting terrorist groups.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 11:21:57|Editor: xuxin

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HARBIN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A freight train route has been put into operation between northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and Belarus, taking around half the transportation time of the traditional sea route.

A train departed from Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang, earlier this month and will travel nearly 10,000 kilometers in around 16 days before reaching Minsk, capital of Belarus, according to Harbin government.

It is carrying 42 containers, mainly loaded with textiles and sanitary products. The train is expected to transport goods with high added value, such as electronics, in the future.

The route will help integrate Heilongjiang into the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

With the rapid expansion of China-Europe trade, cargo train services from Harbin began operation to Hamburg, Germany in 2015 and to Ekaterinburg, Russia last year. As of May, the trains have made 357 trips, carrying more than 18,000 containers.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 11:42:10|Editor: xuxin

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MANAMA, June 5, (Xinhua) -- Bahrain announced Monday it cut ties with Qatar, accusing the country of disturbing its security and stability, according to the Bahrain News Agency.

In a statement released by the media outlet, Bahrain said Qatar has interfered with its internal Affairs, engaged in negative media coverage against it, and supported terrorist activities and armed groups, as well as financed Iranian-backed groups that are responsible of vandalisms and violence in the country.

The country has also decided to withdraw its diplomatic mission in Qatar, and asked Qatari diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

Bahrain is also going to suspend air and sea traffic between the two countries within 24 hours following the statement.

Meanwhile, Bahrainis are not allowed to go to Qatar, while Qataris in Bahrain have 14 days to leave the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 11:57:20|Editor: xuxin

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CANBERRA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he is leading a Parliamentary push to allow the nation's armed forces to quickly intervene and lead major counter-terrorism operations, saying many in Canberra hold reservations about how local police respond to major incidents.

Abbott has called for special commandos to be deployed to deal with terror situations, in the wake of the weekend's terror attack in London, which left at least seven dead and scores injured after three men drove a van into London Bridge and attacked pedestrians with knives, as well as the New South Wales coroner's findings from December 2014's deadly Sydney cafe siege.

In the findings of a review of the Sydney cafe siege, it was determined that the police response took too long, and may have contributed to the deaths of two of the hostages.

At a press conference on Monday, the former PM said the government and police should take a "zero tolerance" approach to terror situations, applauding the "shoot-to-kill" response of London police during the attack at the weekend.

Abbott added that, in Australia, there was still sufficient unease about the capabilities of local police and security forces when faced with terror and hostage situations.

"We cannot tolerate the intolerant and we cannot tolerate people who wish us very serious harm, and that's why it's important that there be the strongest possible in terrorist situations," Abbott told the press.

Earlier, Abbott told News Corp newspapers that an increasing number of politicians were backing a push to change the country's Defence Act to allow the insertion of Tactical Assault Groups (TAGs) into terror situations - taking the lead from local police forces.

"In the case of multiple or complex terrorist incidents, as soon as that is established, the military should become the lead agency in terms of the operations," Abbott said on Monday.

Meanwhile Senator David Fawcett, chair of the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, agreed with Abbott, telling News Corp that the current law, as it stands under the Defence Act, creates "unnecessary delays" for deployment of TAGs.

"The Defence Act currently requires a state or territory government to request assistance before the TAGs can be deployed," Fawcett said.

"This unnecessarily delays deployment of the most effective force to deal with the threat."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 12:02:23|Editor: xuxin

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PYONGYANG, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has called on the country's air force to be ready to strike aircraft carriers, the official media reported Monday.

While guiding the combat flight contest among commanding officers of the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force-2017, Kim said that "fighter pilots successfully performed diverse artistry flights, their flights were wonderful and they fully showed scientific flying and perfect aviation," said the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The contest was aimed at "training all the flight commanding officers to be a-match-for-a-hundred fighters capable of destroying any targets including enemy aircraft carriers ... and encouraging all the army to be combat-ready for national reunification," said the KCNA.

The contest was held separately among a group of division or brigade commanders, a group of commanders of pursuit fighters, bomber and raider regiments, a group of commanders of light transport planes, helicopter and education aircraft regiments and a group of young graduates of pilot-training institutions, the KCNA reported without specifying the date of the event.

The contest took place while the United States is holding extended naval exercises with South Korea off the South Korean coast with aircraft carrier Carl Vinson participating in them.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 12:02:24|Editor: xuxin

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SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Four militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with Indian troops Monday in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The militants, according to police, tried to storm a paramilitary camp in Sumbal village of Bndipora, 40 km north of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Early today at around 4:00 a.m. local time militants tried to enter a paramilitary camp of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Sumbal, Bandipora with the aim to carry out a (fidayeen) suicide attack. However, the attack was foiled just outside the camp, which resulted in killing of four militants," a senior police official posted in Bandipora told Xinhua.

According to police, immediately after the militants attempted to enter the paramilitary camp, reinforcements of Indian police and army were rushed to the spot to take on militants.

The stand-off continued for around two hours, police said.

Police officials said they have not suffered any causality or damage in the attack.

"All the policemen and paramilitary troopers are safe and our side has not suffered any damage during the attack," the police official said.

The identity of the slain militants was being ascertained. However, preliminary investigations carried out by the police suggest the militants are foreigners.

Region's Police Chief Shesh Paul Vaid said police recovered four assault rifles and some ammunition from the slain militants.

On Saturday two army troopers were killed and four others wounded after militants attacked their convoy in Qazigund town of the region.

Last month eight militants, including a top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant outfit, were killed in two separate gunfights in the region. Following the commander's killing, authorities have to impose restrictions for four days to prevent clashes and protests.

Militant groups are engaged in a guerrilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. The militants often carry out attacks on police and army in the region. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.
Photo taken on Jan. 11, 2017 shows the white paper, "China's Policies on Asia-Pacific SecurityCooperation," in Beijing, capital of China. China has issued a white paper on policies related to Asia-Pacific security cooperation, which also clarified the nation's stance on issues of regional concern. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

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.

Singapore police are on duty outside the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on Jun 2, 2017. Issues related to Asia-Pacific security and cooperation are expected to go through intense discussion at the Shangri-La Dialogue held here from June 2 to 4. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

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| 2017-06-05 12:27:33|Editor: xuxin

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HANOI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's capital city of Hanoi is expected to decide early next month to ban motorbikes in its urban districts from 2030.

The ban, which will be in place if a resolution on strengthening management over means of transport in Hanoi is adopted by the municipal legislative body in early July, local daily newspaper Tuoi Tre (Youth) reported on Monday.

"The motorbike ban will be prepared for a long time. We should develop synchronous infrastructure, including public transport development," the newspaper quoted Nguyen The Hung, vice chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, as saying.

Many experts and residents have agreed on the potential motorbike ban and made specific suggestions.

Nguyen Duy Son, who works at the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Hanoi should adopt a model applied in Beijing: allowing residents to rent bicycles conveniently via mobile phone applications and online payments. He also proposed Hanoi offer inexpensive metro and bus fares.

Nguyen Quang Toan from the Vietnamese Transport University said the capital city should call for investors to actively engage in building and accelerating construction of normal bus and bus rapid transit systems, and elevated railways.

"Now, the city's public transport can serve around 10 percent of demand for traveling. This rate should increase to 50-60 percent in the next 13-14 years to make the ban feasible," he was quoted by Yupik Tre as saying.

By the end of November 2016, Hanoi had over 5 million motorbikes.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 12:37:38|Editor: xuxin

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HEFEI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- At least four people died and three rescued alive after a boat overturned in eastern China's Anhui Province Monday morning.

The precise number of people who fell from the vessel, which was carrying farmers from Huoqiu County, remains unknown, according to the provincial transport department.

Three survivors have been rushed to hospital. Search and rescue is ongoing.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 12:47:40|Editor: xuxin

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LHASA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Sixty-six year old village leader Konchog stands near wetlands, worried that the grass is still withered and yellow, not the usual lush green that signifies the arrival of summer.

He lives in Sharduy village near the foot of Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak.

Qomolangma National Nature Reserve covers around 33,000 square kilometers of Tibet Autonomous Region and is home to roughly 90,000 farmers and herders.

Konchog knows little about the science behind climate change, but he has seen receding snow lines and felt the impact of a changing environment.

"The temperature definitely has gotten higher every year. Sometimes I don't need to wear as many clothes," he said.p It is already summer, but grass has not turned green in the wetland near the village, where farmers grow barley and other crops.

"It is time to sow seeds, so we need to act fast," he said.

Together with Lhundrup and Phurbu, the leaders of the neighboring Tsatse and Gangga villages, Konchog has called upon local residents to dig sluices in the wetland to help the grass grow.

The three Tibetans are members of Pendeba Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation. The society helps them coordinate environmental efforts.

"If we do not act, the wetlands will disappear and the environment will change," said Konchog.

Established in 2009, Pendeba Society gathers villagers with practical skills to take part in environmental protection programs.

The Tibetan word "Pendeba" means people who work to benefit others, said executive director Tsering Norbu, 41, who began non-profit work in 2006 after leaving a government job.

The society has over 400 members, most of whom are farmers and herders.

"They help themselves and others, so that we live in harmony with the environment," said Tsering.

"Most people living in the reserve are poor, and their lives depend heavily on the environment. We help people improve their living conditions as well," said Tsering.

The society uses funding from the government and donations to help herders build strong fences to house their cattle, give public lectures on environmental protection, and build small flood-prevention facilities to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding on farmland. It also helps organize anti-poaching projects and promote the use of clean energy such as solar and gas.

"Our work has not gone down the drain, we have been welcomed by local residents, and we are calling for more people to join our efforts," Tsering said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 13:17:44|Editor: xuxin

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SYDNEY, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Australia has posted strong company profit results for the first quarter of 2017, with gross profits rising by 6 percent, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The 6-percent increase outperformed the market expectations of 5 percent, senior economist at the Commonwealth Bank Michael Workman said in a statement on Monday that over the year, company profits are up by 40 percent.

Workman pointed to the strong data coming out of the mining sector as a driver for the gains, and said this was indicated by the 13 percent gain achieved, whilst non-mining profits rose by 2.4 percent for the quarter.

"Profits growth was strongest in the mining sector, rising by 13 percent in the first quarter. Buoyant results for the previous quarters mean that mining profits are up by an astonishing 113 percent over the year," Workman said.

"Consequently, we expect to see higher spending by the mining groups on new equipment and maintenance over the next few quarters."

The economist did however contend that the "missing ingredient" in Australia's growth mix was increased investment in non-mining business operations, as the nation contends with shifting from mining to non-mining led growth.

Kate Hickie, economist at Capital Economics said that there is a growing concern that the "household sector has begun to falter," and cited the weakness in the income growth figures as an indicator that the situation was likely to improve in the short to medium term.

"We expect that consumption growth will slow from 2.7 percent last year to 2.0 percent this year, and with household debt at a record high and growing signs of a slowing housing market, the risks lie to the downside," Hickie said.

Rising mortgage payments are also set to hit homeowners hip pockets, according to Hickie, who believes that the "record high" level of debt in Australian households has led to uncertainty in terms of consumption growth.

"With income growth set to remain subdued and households' budgets facing additional headwinds from higher mortgage rates, consumption won't quite be the powerhouse of growth over the next couple of years we've all become accustomed to," Hickie said.

Australia's Reserve Bank will meet on Tuesday to decide the cash rate, while first quarter GDP figures for the year are set to be released on Wednesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 13:22:46|Editor: xuxin

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CAIRO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Egypt announced on Monday the cut of diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing the Gulf Arab state of supporting "terrorist" organizations, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt decided to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in light of the Gulf Arab state's persistence to take a path against Egypt, and the failure of any attempts to prevent it from supporting terrorist organizations, topped by the Muslim Brotherhood," said the statement.p The Brotherhood has been outlawed by Egypt.

It added that Qatar is sheltering leaders of the Brotherhood who targeted security and safety of Egypt by conducting terrorist operations.

The statement attributed cutting ties with Qatar to the state's promotion of extremist thoughts of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, its support for terrorist operations in Sinai, as well as its intervention in Egypt's internal affairs in a way that threatens its national security.

Ties between Egypt and Qatar have been deteriorated since the ouster of the Egyptian Islamist affiliated leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013 as a result of a mass protest against his rule.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 14:18:05|Editor: xuxin

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KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's export for April grew within economists forecasts, expanding by 20.6 percent compared with the same period last year, underpinned by higher shipments of manufactured, mining and agricultural goods.

Data from Malaysian International Trade and Industry Ministry showed on Monday that exports reached 73.97 billion ringgit (17.33 billion U.S. dollars), which was the fifth consecutive month where exports posted double digit growth since December 2016.

The total trade surged by 22.5 percent to 139.18 billion ringgit compared with the year before, supported by expansion in trade with ASEAN, China, Japan, India, the European Union and the United States.

Meanwhile, imports expanded by 24.7 percent to 65.21 billion ringgit, resulting in a trade surplus of 8.75 billion ringgit.

However, on a month-on-month basis, total trade, exports and imports dropped by 12.9 percent, 10.5 percent and 15.6 percent respectively due to the high base effect in March.

Trade with China for April expanded by 28.9 percent to 22.62 billion ringgit compared with last year. Exports to China continued to record the positive year-on-year growth since October 2016. It registered a sturdy growth of 50.6 percent, buoyed by higher exports of petroleum products, electronics and electric (E&E) products, liquefied natural gas as well as rubber products. Imports from China also increased 15.3 percent to 12.46 billion ringgit.

According to United Overseas Bank economist Julia Goh and TA Securities' chief economist Shazma Juliana Abu Bakar, April's export figure turned to be within their expectations.

"The export growth has been slowed down from its peak in February (26.5 percent), I am expecting it to moderate in the second half," Goh told Xinhua over the phone.

She expected the export to moderate in the second half due to a combination of factors, including the moderation in regional demand, the strengthening of ringgit and the higher base effect for exports in the second half last year.

Shazma, however, opined that the slowdown would not be a concern and emphasized that the export growth in April still suggesting for a resilient gross domestic production growth in the second quarter. Enditem (1 U.S. dollar equals to 4.25 Malaysian Ringgit)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 14:18:07|Editor: MJ

Photo taken on June 5, 2017 shows the Embassy of Qatar in Manama, Bahrain. Bahrain announced Monday it cut ties with Qatar, accusing the country of disturbing its security and stability, according to the Bahrain News Agency. (Xinhua/Wang Bo)

CAIRO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday.

According to earlier reports, Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of supporting "terrorism" and financing "groups" linked to Iran.

Announcing the decision on Monday to cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, Saudi Arabia also accused its fellow Gulf Arab state of interfering in its internal affairs.

Saudi Arabia was also cutting land, air and sea contact with Qatar, according to media reports.

Saudi Arabia's state news agency quoted an official source as saying that the move was to protect national security "from the dangers of terrorism and extremism."

Meanwhile in a statement carried by its official news agency, Bahrain accused Qatar of backing terrorism and interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.

The UAE said in a statement it will "sever relations with Qatar, including diplomatic relations, and the country's diplomatic mission has a grace period of 48 hours to leave the country," UAE state news agency WAM reported.

Qatari nationals in the UAE would have 14 days to leave while Qatari nationals would be prevented from entering the UAE.

The UAE has taken these steps "as a result of the failure of the Qatari authorities" to stop funding "terrorist organizations ... especially the Muslim Brotherhood," it said.

The Brotherhood, which has been outlawed in Egypt, is labeled a terrorist organization in the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The UAE also accused Qatar of "harboring extremists."

The UAE and Qatar are both members of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to which Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also belong. Founded in 1981, the GCC is a leading political and economic block in the Arab world.

Egypt also announced its decision to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar earlier on Monday.

Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on accusations of supporting terrorist organizations, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt decided to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in light of the Gulf Arab state's persistence to take a path against Egypt, and the failure of any attempts to prevent it from supporting terrorist organization, topped by the Muslim Brotherhood," said the statement.

The statement added Qatar is sheltering the leaders of the Brotherhood who have targeted the security and safety of Egypt by conducting terrorist operations.

The statement attributed cutting ties with Qatar to the state's promotion of extremist thoughts of al-Qaeda and Islamic State, its support for terrorist operations in Sinai, as well as its intervention in Egypt's internal affairs in a way that threatens its national security.

Ties between Egypt and Qatar have been deteriorating since the ouster of the Egyptian Islamist-affiliated leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013 as a result of a mass protest against his rule.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 14:23:10|Editor: xuxin

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WASHINGTON, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday questioned U.S. President Donald Trump's sincerity to negotiate a better version of the Paris Agreement.

"Everybody knows he isn't going to do that because he doesn't believe in it. Because if he did believe in it, you wouldn't pull out of Paris (Agreement)," said Kerry in an interview with NBC.

"America has unilaterally ceded global leadership on this issue, which, for years, even Republican presidents, George H.W. Bush, you know, pushed in this direction," he added.

Trump on Thursday announced his decision to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement on climate change, arguing that the international accord poses a threat to the U.S. economy.

Despite his decision to leave the deal, Trump would stick to the four-year-long withdrawal process stipulated by the agreement, which means that the U.S. withdrawal won't take effect till November 2020, about two months away from the end of his first term.

Trump also said the United States would begin negotiations to re-enter the Paris Agreement or make a new deal.

However, he indicated that re-entry may not be a top priority for his administration.

"If we can, great. If we can't, that's fine," said Trump, adding that the new agreement must ensure "fair" treatment to the United States, its businesses, its workers, and its taxpayers.

"There is a significant risk that the administration has underestimated the complexity of global climate negotiations," David Livingston, associate fellow in Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Energy and Climate Program, told Xinhua in an email.

"The Paris Agreement was, practically speaking, more than a decade in the making," Livingston added.

Since the 1990s, the international community has been engaging in forging collective actions on climate change.

The Paris Agreement of climate change, agreed on by almost every country in the world in 2015 after lengthy negotiations, aims to tackle global warming by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and sets a global target of keeping the rise in the average temperature no higher than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 14:38:32|Editor: xuxin

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SEOUL, June 5 (Xinhua) -- South Korean lawmakers, excluding the main opposition party, agreed Monday to push the adoption of the resolution calling for the reunion of separated families from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The agreement was reached at the meeting among National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun and floor leaders of the ruling Democratic Party and two minor opposition parties including the centrist People's Party and the minor conservative Righteous Party, according to local media reports.

The main opposition Liberty Korea Party declined to join the meeting to protest against the parliament's passage last week of the bill to approve the nomination of Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon.

The three parties would push to adopt the resolution demanding the reunion of the families separated along the inter-Korean border, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, on the upcoming August 15 Liberation Day.

The Korean Peninsula was liberated on August 15 in 1945 from 36 years of Japanese colonial rule.

The two Koreas technically remained in a state of war as the fratricidal war ended in truce, not a peace treaty. No phone call and exchange of letters have since been banned.

The latest reunion of the divided families was held in October 2015. The emotionally charged event has not been held since then due to the escalated tensions on the peninsula, which came from the DPRK's nuclear tests in 2016 and ballistic missile test-launches.

The Moon Jae-in government maintained a position that it would flexibly review civilian exchanges within a range of not damaging international sanctions toward the DPRK though it would sternly deal with any provocations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 15:03:48|Editor: MJ

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SYDNEY, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Two top White House officials held high level talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers in Sydney on Monday, in the wake of the London terrorist attack.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defence Minister Marise Payne hosted U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis to discuss a wide range of global and regional concerns for the two nations at the annual Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) consultations.

Highest on the agenda was the recent U.K. terror attacks in London and Manchester.

"We are united in our resolve," Mattis told reporters.

"Even against an enemy that thinks, by hurting us, they can scare us, We don't scare."

The meeting also centred on recent acts of terror in Jakarta, Kabul and Baghdad, as well as the ongoing situation of unrest in the Philippines.

When addressing media after the talks, Tillerson also called for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to abandon its nuclear ambition and said other regional partners should increase efforts to help solve the security situation.

In a joint statement, Bishop said, "Australia and the United States underlined their shared, deepening commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, and to strong regional organisations, especially the East Asia Summit, APEC, and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus."

Tillerson also echoed these sentiments to local media and praised Australia for its ongoing alliance with the United States.

"It is clear that our long standing relationship with Australia will continue to remain strong," Tillerson said.

"Our shared values.. and long bonds that have been formed in the sacrifices we have made together over the past century through two world wars and we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder in upholding these values."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 15:18:59|Editor: MJ

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SYDNEY, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Australian market finished lower on Monday, with financial stocks failing to recover from the morning sell off.

At the close of trade, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was down 33.20 points or 0.57 percent at 5,754.90, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 29.00 points of 0.50 percent at 5,792.10

"The financials held the market back today, Commsec market analyst Steven Daghlian told Xinhua on Monday.

"If you look else where it wasn't such a terrible day for other sectors, with energy, tech and gold stocks nudging higher."

The Commonwealth Bank fell 1.33 percent, Westpac Bank sank 1.80 percent, National Australia Bank lost 1.59 percent and ANZ slid 1.66 percent.

Rio Tinto was 1.31 percent lower, BHP plunged 1.70 percent, Fortescue Metals added 0.84 percent and Newcrest Mining gained 0.61 percent.

Woodside Petroleum slipped 0.34 percent, Santos was flat at 0.00 percent and Oil Search dipped 0.14 percent.

Wesfarmers dived 1.80 percent, while Woolworths was flat at 0.00 percent.

Telstra dipped 0.22 percent, Qantas dropped 1.55 percent, while CSL rose 0.19 percent.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 15:39:07|Editor: MJ

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CAIRO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Egypt announced on Monday the cut of diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing the Gulf Arab state of supporting "terrorist" organizations, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt decided to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in light of the Gulf Arab state's persistence to take a path against Egypt, and the failure of any attempts to prevent it from supporting terrorist organizations, topped by the Muslim Brotherhood," said the statement. The Brotherhood has been outlawed by Egypt.

It added that Qatar is sheltering leaders of the Brotherhood who targeted security and safety of Egypt by conducting terrorist operations.

The statement attributed cutting ties with Qatar to the state's promotion of extremist thoughts of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, its support for terrorist operations in Sinai, as well as its intervention in Egypt's internal affairs in a way that threatens its national security.

Ties between Egypt and Qatar have been deteriorated since the ouster of the Egyptian Islamist affiliated leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013 as a result of a mass protest against his rule.

The statement said Egypt would close all the air and marine spaces, ports for all the Qatari transportation means to preserve Egypt's national security.

The move came as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) took similar decisions by cutting diplomatic relations and all land, sea, and air contacts with Gulf Arab country Qatar, citing "terrorism" and "flagrant violation" of international law.

The official Saudi news agency said Saudi Arabia had decided to cut ties with Qatar "for protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism."

Bahrain said it broke relations "on the insistence of the state of Qatar to continue destabilizing the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to intervene in its affairs."

The UAE also gave Qatari citizens 14 days to leave the country and asked the Qatari diplomatic mission to leave in 48 hours.

In 2014, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar to protest its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that is labeled a terrorist organization in the three countries.
(FILES) This file photo taken on October 4, 2012 shows skyscrapers in the Qatari capital Doha. (AFP photo)

DUBAI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The political tug-of-war between a Saudi-led group of Arab countries and the Gulf state of Qatar escalated on early Monday when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt said they cut their diplomatic relations with Doha after a week of tit-for-tats and accusations on "terrorism support."

The announcement by the Saudi-led coalition to severe diplomatic ties with Qatar marks the culmination of a year-long dispute between some Gulf Arab states and Qatar.

Since the outbreak of the Arab turmoil, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular along with the UAE and Bahrain have been accusing the ruling Qatari family Al-Thani of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt which gained power after its leader Mohamed Morsi was elected President of Egypt in 2012 following the fall of the Mubarak regime in February 2011.

The differences escalated earlier after U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz pledged a united stance against Iran, accusing the Islamic Republic of sponsoring "terrorism" in Yemen, Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East.

Shortly after, Qatar's state news agency QNA released a statement by Qatar's Emir Al-Thani saying Iran was an "Islamic power," a statement which Qatar later denied claiming QNA's website was "hacked."

Relations between Qatar and the other Gulf Arab states suffered an eight-month breach in 2014 over the kingdom's support for the Muslim Brotherhood.

The diplomatic rift came just days after the Riyadh summit, where U.S. President Donald Trump called on the Sunni Arab nations to isolate Iran and ensured his Arab allies that Iran would "never have a nuclear bomb."

The UAE and Saudi Arabia accuse Iran of funding and arming Shiite Houthi rebels in war-torn Yemen, where a Saudi-led pan-Arab military coalition has been fighting the Houthis in favor of the legitimate government of Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi since March 2015.

Qatar is also part of this coalition. On Saturday, Qatari media reported that at least four of its soldiers have been killed during operations in Yemen. Qatar and Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman are part of the 1981-founded union Gulf co-operation council (GCC).

Earlier last week, the UAE and Saudi also blocked the Qatari government-owned news channel Al Jazeera and its Arabic and English website.

The UAE government said in a statement earlier today released by WAM "The United Arab Emirates regrets the policies taken by the Qatari authorities that lead to the rupture among the peoples of the region. It affirms its adult respect and appreciation for the brotherly people of Qatar for its ties of ties, relations, history and religion."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 16:24:28|Editor: MJ

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DAMASCUS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Military forces targeting Islamic State (IS) are pushing towards Raqqa, the de facto capital of the terrorist group, after capturing an IS stronghold on Sunday.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitor group, the Syrian army and allied fighters on Sunday captured the last IS stronghold, the town of Maskanah, in the northern province of Aleppo.

Located in the southeastern countryside of Aleppo, Maskanah is the latest victory in a string of successful operations of the army and its allies to end the presence of IS in Aleppo.

The Observatory added that the IS fighters and their families withdrew from the town before the army could place a full siege on it, after cutting the road between the town and the northern province of Raqqa, which the IS has used as a hub to plan attacks abroad.

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.

The Syrian army is also active in the Syrian desert against the IS, capturing large swathes of territories from the designated terrorist group.

Besides, U.S.-backed Syrian militias said they have recaptured a major dam on the Euphrates river from IS on Sunday, their latest gain as they push towards Raqqa city.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters, said they got the Baath Dam in the morning. The hydroelectric facility lies 22 kilometers upstream of Raqqa, where IS's operations in Syria are based.

The advance means the SDF hold all three major dams along the Euphrates, after gaining control of Syria's largest dam last month.

Reports said on Sunday that with air strikes and special forces from the U.S.-led coalition, the SDF have been encircling Raqqa.

Earlier on Sunday, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the military branch of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), started a U.S.-backed offensive on Raqqa on June 2.

But the U.S.-led coalition in Syria rejected the claim later in the day.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 16:34:32|Editor: MJ

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BEIRUT, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack that took place on Saturday night in central London, leaving at least seven people killed and 48 others injured.

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.

In a statement released by the Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it said "in the face of this new tragedy in Britain, which hasn't yet recovered from the horrors of Manchester and Westminster attacks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms Lebanon's support, more than ever before, to the British people and their government."

The statement expressed full support in the international battle against terrorism, renewing calls on the international community "to unite, cooperate, and take immediate and coordinated action to eliminate terrorism and its dangerous Takfiri ideology."
(FILES) This file photo taken on March 21, 2017 shows an Etihad Airways aircraft coming in for a landing at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California. (AFP photo)

DUBAI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Following the decision by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen and Libya to cut diplomatic relations with Qatar on Monday, UAE airliners Emirates, Etihad and FlyDubai have decided to suspend flights to Doha until further notice.

Emirates, the Dubai government-controlled international carrier of the UAE, said in an e-mailed statement that "As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates will suspend its flights to and from Doha, starting from the morning of June 6, 2017, until further notice."

The Emirates' last flight from Dubai to Doha will depart as EK847 at 02:30 local time on June 6, it added.

All customers booked on Emirates' flights to and from Doha will be provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternate Emirates destinations, said the carrier.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 17:20:05|Editor: Lu Hui

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Police in Portland, the largest city in the U.S. northwest state of Oregon, tried hard Sunday to separate crowds of protesters supporting Donald Trump and those against the president.

In the downtown standoff between the two groups which had lasted for hours from morning till late afternoon, the local police force, joined by state and federal law enforcement officers, seized a large number of weapons including knives and other dangerous items.

The Portland Police Bureau posted a series of messages on its Twitter social media account to update on the situation and warn against violence.

"Protesters should stay with their groups, not attempt to cross streets to escalate tensions," one Twitter posting warned the crowds, the size of each was estimated to be thousands.

"People who cross the street to agitate opposing groups may be arrested," another posting warned.

The pro-Trump protest, called Free Speech Rally, had been planned for Sunday afternoon by a conservative group, known as Patriot Prayer.

After the May 26 stabbing of three men, resulting in the death of two, who tried to stop a suspected white supremacist harassing two teenagers, one of them presumably a Muslim, with religious and racial slurs on a Metropolitan Area Express light-rail train, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler cited fear for violence and urged, though unsuccessfully, to cancel the event.

At a similar right-wing protest in April, Jeremy Joseph Christian, the 35-year-old stabbing suspect now in custody, was seen giving a Nazi salute.

As of Sunday afternoon, a larger crowd showed up near Portland City Hall for the Antifa, or Antifascist, demonstration, and surrounded a public plaza where the pro-Trump protest was held.

Shown in a live video feed from The Oregonian/OregonLive reporters, tensions were high at some moments between the two sides as they shouted against each other.

By about 4:30 p.m. (2330GMT), pro-Trump protesters, some of them claiming to be from as far as states of Texas and California, were leaving.

The police ordered the other crowd to disperse from the downtown streets, and then used "chemical munition" in response to bricks and other projectiles thrown at officers.

While some minor injuries among protesters were reported, Portland Police Bureau posted at 7:00 p.m. (0200GMT, Monday) pictures of an additional "collection of weapons" seized and said 14 arrests were made throughout the day.
Soldiers attend a military parade in central Pyongyang, April 15, 2017. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Saturday showcased its military muscles by parading all of its most-advanced ballistic and tactic missiles, including a submarine-launched ballistic missile which could strike targets 1000 km away. (Xinhua/Cheng Dayu)

Hi, here's what you need to know about China.

HARBIN -- A freight train route has been put into operation between northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and Belarus, taking around half the transportation time of the traditional sea route.

A train departed from Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang, earlier this month and will travel nearly 10,000 kilometers in around 16 days before reaching Minsk, capital of Belarus, according to Harbin government.

----

BEIJING -- As China continues its moves to contain leverage and financial risks, its growth may slow, but a steep decline is unlikely due to a buttressing effect from reforms and burgeoning new growth drivers.

Fresh data showed that despite an overall picture of stabilizing growth, signs of weakening momentum have emerged in the Chinese economy, stoking concerns that the rebound has lost steam and may slip into a hard landing.

---

BEIJING -- When the Dragon capsule docks with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, devices from China for the country's first scientific research project will go aboard the ISS.

The project between the Beijing Institute of Technology and NanoRacks, a U.S. firm, aims to investigate how the space environment affects DNA, said Deng Yulin, a life science professor with the institute who leads the research project, on Sunday.

---

SINGAPORE -- 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).


Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 17:55:21|Editor: Lu Hui

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ADEN, Yemen, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The internationally recognized government of Yemen announced Monday the severing of diplomatic ties with Qatar following similar decisions made by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya and the United Arab Emirates.

According to a statement issued by Yemen's Official Saba News Agency, "the decision of severing diplomatic ties with Qatar took place as a result of Qatar's clear actions and its links with the groups behind the Shiite Houthi coup."

The statement accused Qatar of "providing support for different extremist groups in Yemen, in contradiction with the main goals announced by the Arab countries in helping the legitimate government."

Yemen government statement also backed the decision of ending Qatar's participation in the Saudi-led, anti-Houthi Arab coalition.

The Saudi-funded Arabiya TV channel confirmed in its breaking news dispatch that Yemen's government officially severed relations with Qatar in a clear support for the decisions declared by a number of Arab countries earlier in the day.

Qatar was a member of the Saudi-led Arab coalition and participated in the military campaign in Yemen since March 2015.

Yemeni observers say that the unprecedented tension in the region may badly affect the recent crisis in Yemen.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya and the United Arab Emirates announced the severing of diplomatic ties with Qatar, as they accused the Gulf state of supporting terrorism.

The official Saudi news agency SPA said in a statement that Riyadh cut diplomatic ties and closed borders with its neighboring country Qatar that is "supporting terrorism and extremism."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 18:00:23|Editor: Lu Hui

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LUSAKA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Monday.

-- Zambia's ruling party has rescinded its earlier statement that it has settled for President Edgar Lungu as sole candidate for the 2021 general elections.

Patriotic Front (PF) secretary-general Davies Mwila said the position of party president will open to all members at the 2020 party congress although Lungu was a preferred candidate contrary to his earlier statement last week where he said those with presidential ambitions in the party for the next elections should put them on hold. (Zambia Daily Mail)

-- Millers in Zambia have appealed for a special electricity tariff which will be lower than the 75 percent upward adjustment announced last month to enable them produce cheap mealie-meal.

Miller Association of Zambia (MAZ) president Andrew Chintala said like mining firms had special power purchase agreements, it was equally important for millers to enter a special agreement with the power utility for special electricity tariffs. (Times of Zambia)

-- The Zambian government said it has put in place stringent measures to ensure prudent utilization of resources by ensuring that all projects are appraised before commencement.

Minister of National Development Planning Lucky Mulusa said appraising mega projects will ensure government realizes beneficial outcomes on its investments and grows the economy. (Daily Nation)

-- The Zambian government has revealed there were huge syndicates behind the continued illegal harvest and export of a popular timber species, Mukula in the country.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Godfrey Malama said it was proving difficult to tackle the problem of illegal export of the Mukula logs because of a huge syndicate which was active across the country. (The Mast)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 18:10:35|Editor: Lu Hui

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ADDIS ABABA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has firmly condemned the attack in central London, which has killed seven people and left 48 injured.

"I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and a full recovery of those injured in yet another cowardly attack of terror in the world," said Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission in a statement.

He has also expressed AU's steadfast rejection of all terrorist attacks and underlined the need to continue the fight against the scourge of violent extremism and hate.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 18:10:37|Editor: Lu Hui

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Written by Hassan Rouhvand

TEHRAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian presidential official said Monday that cut of diplomatic ties and isolating Qatar will not help Saudi Arabia and its allies to overcome the region issues, official IRNA news agency reported.

"The age of sanctions is over, and the cut of diplomatic relations, closure of borders, siege of countries are not solutions to crisis," Hamid Aboutalebi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the President for Political Affairs, tweeted on Monday.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have no choice but to "adopt democracy inside their borders and to pursue dialogue in the region," he said.

Aboutalebi's words came as a reaction to Monday decisions by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar after they accused the latter of "terrorism support."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 18:15:42|Editor: MJ

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NAIROBI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Monday launched a training program on climate change policy, planning and budgeting at both national and county level, as it joined the rest of the World in marking the World Environment Day.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Charles Sunkuli said the program will shape response actions to ensure that Kenya take steps to reduce vulnerability to climate change.

"The climate change program is premised on the notion of mainstreaming climate change into national and county decision making progress," Sunkuli said in a statement released on Monday.

Sunkuli noted that Kenya is highly vulnerable to impacts of climate change, given that most of the country's population's livelihoods and economic activities rely on natural resources.

The World Environment Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

The PS said that Kenya will use the World Environment Day to showcase to the world, the beauty of its natural environment on land and water.

Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Judi Wakhungu said that this year's World Environment Day slogan, "I am with Nature", reminds everyone of their responsibility towards nature.

"As our population continues to grow each day and our desire for better resources rises, we should never compromise on nature and our environment at the expense of development but rather find a middle ground where our needs and those of the environment meet," Wakhungu said.

The World Environment Day comes at a time when the country is preparing for the commencement of the plastic carrier bag ban that was gazetted earlier this year, and takes effect on Aug. 28.

The purpose of the government to ban the use of plastic bags is to avoid health and environmental effects resulting from the use of plastic bags.

Government data indicates that approximately 24 million single-use plastic bags are used monthly in Kenya.

"These plastic bags take between 20 to 1,000 years to biodegrade and thus have a long presence in the environment," Wakhungu said.

She noted that many countries in the developing world like Kenya are yet to have efficient and eco-friendly plastic bags waste management strategies.

"As a result there is widespread plastic bags pollution across most ecosystems, and the situation is worsening," she added.

The government official said that plastic bags were thought to be a cheap and easy solution for packaging, but the negative effects on the environment have become too expensive.

According to the CS, the world is currently experiencing a massive loss of nature's species, habitats and ecosystems. "Therefore, there is need to take action to reverse the trend of species extinction," she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 18:15:44|Editor: MJ

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BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday condemned the recent terrorist attacks in London, expressing condolences to the bereaved families, and pledging to work with the international community to fight terrorism.

"The Chinese side has expressed sympathy to the British side through diplomatic channels," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a daily press briefing.

Hua said the recent terrorist attacks in Britain showcased the severe challenges terrorism poses to the world.

"China is firmly opposed to terrorism of any kind, and is ready to enhance cooperation with the international community, including Britain, to fight terrorism together and safeguard world peace and security, said Hua.

Hua said that the Chinese side has not received any reports of Chinese citizens killed or injured in the attacks.

The attackers drove a van at high speed 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.

. The IS group has claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, British media reported Sunday, while an investigation is under way.

According to British Prime Minister Theresa May, it was the third act of deadly terrorism in Britain since March, with two attacks in London and one on the Manchester Arena two weeks ago.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 18:40:55|Editor: MJ

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MALDIVES, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The foreign ministry of Maldives said Monday the country had decided to sever diplomatic relations with Qatar after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates announced the same decision.

A statement by the foreign ministry said the Maldives took the decision because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism.

"The Maldives has always pursued a policy of promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The Maldives reiterates its commitment to work with countries that promote peace, stability, and show solidarity in the fight against terrorism," the statement said.

The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Qatar on May 26, 1984.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt have accused Qatar of supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region. Qatar has rejected the accusations calling them "unjustified" and "baseless."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 18:56:07|Editor: Song Lifang

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NAIROBI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Olympic silver medallist Hellen Obiri of Kenya is the latest addition to the 5,000m list of elite runners to grace the Rome Diamond League meeting on Thursday in Italy.

Obiri, however, will miss the expected clash with Ethiopia's 10000m world record holder Almaz Ayana, who has pulled out of the Rome Golden Gala due to a physical problem.

But there will be enough inspiration to get out the best performance from Obiri as she will come up against Ethiopia's Genzebe Dibaba who has confirmed that she would run the 5000m on the track of the Olympic Stadium.

"In this race there is always a strong challenger and though I have trained well, I do not expect to win easily. I have the advantage of being a strong finisher owing to my experience in the shorter 1,500m race, and so is Dibaba. So it will be an interesting race for both of us," said Obiri in Nairobi.

On Thursday, the Rome Olympic Stadium will open its doors to the fourth leg of the IAAF Diamond League. It will be again the first Diamond League meeting in Europe this year.

The withdrawal of Almaz Ayana, the 10,000m Olympic champion and world record holder, may have taken the excitement out for a possible attempt on the world record in the race, but it will still have the spark when the Kenyans and remaining Ethiopians clash.

Ayana was expected to take part in the 5,000m over the distance where she clocked 14:12.59 narrowly missing Tirunesh Dibaba's 14:11:15 world record.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 18:56:09|Editor: MJ

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KABUL, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kabul police during routine operations on Monday intercepted a car and discovered 20 kg of heroin from, said a statement released by police.

Police have arrested three commuters from inside the car and investigation is underway, the statement added.

According to the statement, the contraband was taken from the northern Badakhshan province of Afghanistan for selling into the capital city of Kabul.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 19:01:14|Editor: MJ

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah sent a message of condolence to British Prime Minister Theresa May, following the latest attacks in London, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Monday.

In the message, the Sultan said that he was saddened yet again to learn of the latest attacks specially so soon after the incident in Manchester.

Attackers drove a van at high speed 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.

The IS group has claimed responsibility for the attack, British media reported Sunday, while an investigation is under way.

"Brunei Darussalam stands firmly with the Government and people of the United Kingdom and join others in condemning this senseless and heinous acts of terror," the Sultan said.

In ending the message, the Sultan extended his deepest condolences and great sympathy to the families and victims of this tragedy at this difficult time.
File photo of AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat with journalists after the conclusion of the 28th AU summit in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, Jan. 31, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)

ADDIS ABABA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has firmly condemned the attack in central London, which has killed seven people and left 48 injured.

"I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and a full recovery of those injured in yet another cowardly attack of terror in the world," said Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission in a statement issued on Monday.

He has also expressed AU's steadfast rejection of all terrorist attacks and underlined the need to continue the fight against the scourge of violent extremism and hate.

African countries including Kenya and South Africa on Sunday also condemned the London terror attack.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta called for a concerted stand by states, civil society and all citizens against extremism, to delegitimize fanatical ideologies, and stem radicalization.

He welcomed enhanced collaboration with the UK and all other countries targeted by terrorists and extremists.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 19:11:33|Editor: MJ

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BANGKOK, June 5 (Xinhua) -- One thousand kilograms of marijuana were found on the bank of the Mekong River in northeastern Thailand on Monday, border patrol police told local media.

Local media reported that the seizure was made on early Monday in Nakon Phanom, a province bordering Laos to the east of the Mekong River.

Patrol police were informed by villagers who spotted suspicious-looking sacks on the river bank. Then they found marijuana sealed in plastic wrap, weighing 1,000 kilograms in 25 sacks.

officers found no body showed up to pick up the sacks.

It has been the second seizure of marijuana along Mekong river in the same province in less than one week.

The Thai Navys Mekong Patrol Operation Command seized 840 kilogrammes of compressed marijuana worth nearly 17 million baht (490,000 U.S dollars) seized last Wednesday night. They arrested the skipper of the motorboat where the marijuana was uploaded in sacks.

The Mekong is a trans-boundary river in southeastern Asia which runs through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia.

The river has been awash with drugs and traffickers. Drugs are usually smuggled into Laos first and spirited across Mekong river into Thailand.

Officer in charge of patrols said marijuana smuggling was increasing in the northeastern province this year. Nakhon Phanom officials seized almost two tonnes in the past months. Last year they seized about three tonnes in total.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 19:11:34|Editor: MJ

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NAIROBI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Airways said on Monday that it has signed a code-share agreement with EgyptAir (MS), on the Nairobi-Cairo route, in a bid to improve connectivity to Egypt in northern Africa.

Kenya Airways Group CEO Sebastian Mikosz said the agreement will see EgyptAir load Kenya Airways flight code on the Egyptian carriers' four flights between Cairo and Nairobi from June 1.

This, Mikosz said, will allow the national carrier to resume direct market access between Nairobi and Cairo since its own operations were suspended in August 2013.

"As African airlines, partnerships are our biggest opportunity as we seek to sustainably develop Africa. This is indeed in line with the core purpose of Kenya Airways," he said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Passengers will benefit primarily from more options of connectivity between Cairo and Nairobi which will enable them to travel more conveniently through both airlines' hubs, Cairo International Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Mikosz said the partnership will enable customers of both carriers to enjoy the benefits of each other's network.

"As COMESA member countries, this partnership enhances bilateral trade as well as enabling both carriers to offer customers seamless connectivity between Kenya and Egypt, especially for our passengers in the region who mainly travel for business and leisure. Our guests will now be able to enjoy flights to Cairo either directly from Nairobi or through Entebbe or Khartoum," said Mikosz.

The CEO of EgyptAir Holding, Safwat Musallam stressed the importance of this cooperation, as a step in stimulating economic cooperation between Egypt and Kenya

"EgyptAir has initiated the partnership with Kenya Airways as a foundation for future commercial operational opportunities between both airlines. The cooperation also reinforces our commitment towards our customers by increasing the range of destinations all around the world with seamless connectivity," Safwat said.
(FILES) This file photo taken on March 21, 2017 shows a Qatar Airways aircraft coming in for a landing at Los Angeles International Airport. (AFP photo)

RIYADH, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Civil Aviation announced on Monday an immediate ban of the landing of Qatari airplanes in Saudi airports, Sabq online news reported.

The ban also covered commercial and private airlines that are registered in Saudi Arabia from directly or indirectly travelling to Qatar.

The move is part of the decision taken by Saudi Arabia and other countries on Monday to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar citing the reasons over the objection of Qatar's foreign policy that interferes in the internal affairs of other countries and supports terrorist and armed groups.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 19:31:50|Editor: MJ

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CAPE TOWN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa on Monday called on all South Africans, particularly the youths, to connect with nature on the World Environment Day.

Molewa made the appeal as the nation joined the global community in celebrating the World Environment Day on June 5.

This year's World Environment Day is celebrated under the theme: "Connecting People to Nature", imploring every individual to appreciate and protect the importance of the natural environment.

The World Environment Day is the United Nations Environment Programme's biggest annual event, with an aim of galvanizing positive environmental action.

"I urge all South Africans to protect and optimally use the natural environment in their communities, for the benefit of the current and the future generations," said Molewa.

Mankind all rely on environment for their wellbeing, she said.

"We are therefore duty bound to be at the forefront of protecting our environment, and ensure that as we derive benefits from natural resources, we do so in a manner that will not compromise the integrity of the environment.

"It is our responsibility to bequeath to the next generation, an environment that will continue to sustain their needs," Molewa said.

She stressed the importance of protecting Africa's biological resources which she said are the backbone of many African economies, providing life-support systems for many people, especially marginalized rural communities.

Africa is a continent endowed with a wealth of unique and diverse genetic resources, species, ecosystems, as well as blessed with diverse people and cultures. The continent contains a quarter of the world's biodiversity and has an extraordinary range of animal and plant species.

South Africa has dedicated the entire month of June to heighten awareness of environmental issues through various pertinent activities.

It is during the month of June that the World Oceans Day on June 8 and the World Day to Combat Desertification on June 17 are celebrated.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 19:36:56|Editor: An

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TIANJIN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China will lift restrictions on the participation in research programs, announced a senior science official here on Monday.

"We hope private firms will join key research plans [and support] research and transform [results into] achievements," Huang Wei, vice minister of science and technology, told attendees of the opening ceremony for the 11th China International Private Equity Forum, which began in the northern port city of Tianjin Monday.

The government, companies and individuals should all play a part in ensuring diverse funding channels for innovation, he said.

In this respect, in March, the ministries of finance, science and technology released a funding guideline for research projects. It said that government departments would cease to manage key projects and allow professional agencies to manage the funding.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 19:57:04|Editor: MJ

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LONDON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- More properties in London were being searched Monday as detectives said of the 11 people under arrest following Saturday's terrorism, seven are women, aged between 19 and 60.

A number of other people are assisting police, but are not under arrest, the London Metropolitan Police said.

The intensive on-going investigation came as claims were made at least one of the shot terrorists had twice been reported to police for his extremist views.

Britain's capital was getting back to normal at the start of a busy general election week, though a large area around London Bridge, including Southwark Cathedral, remained closed.

People woke up Monday to new barriers on Westminster bridge, aiming at preventing people on the sidewalks being mowed down, the method of attack used at both London acts of terrorism this year.

London Bridge railway station, the fourth busiest station in Britain, was operating normally, making life easier for tens of thousands of London commuters.

With seven killed and nearly 50 in hospital, some with life-threatening injuries, attention turned Monday to the question of whether security services missed opportunities to round up any of the three terrorists who carried out the Saturday night attack on London Bridge and in the nearby Borough market restaurant area.

Prime Minister Theresa May came under attack Monday from Steve Hilton, former director of strategy for May's predecessor at 10 Downing Street, David Cameron. In a strong criticism of May, Hilton said on social media that she should resign over security failures.

"Theresa May responsible for security failures of London Bridge, Manchester, Westminster Bridge.

Should be resigning not seeking re-election," said Hilton.

May, meanwhile, was chairing a meeting in Whitehall of Britain's main emergency committee known as Cobra.

The Islamic State militant group ISIL has claimed its fighters carried out the London Bridge attack.

The Daily Telegraph in London reported the terror group is said to have urged extremists to run over civilians in a poster released over the weekend featuring a knife, handgun and lorry urging radicals to "gain benefit from Ramadan".

The Telegraph also reported Monday that one of the three terrorist killed by police in the London attack had been reported to anti-terror police on at least two occasions.

The newspaper said a former friend of the terrorist, claimed he had been radicalized while watching YouTube videos. He said he contacted the authorities after becoming concerned over his friend's extremist views.

Scotland Yard know the identities of the three men, who were shot and killed by armed police just 8 minutes after the alarm was raised. The names are not being released at the moment with the British media urged not to public details of their identities.

Of the injured, it emerged Monday that six police officers suffered injuries in the Saturday night attack.

A British Transport Police officer and three Met officers were injured during the attack on Saturday night, and a further two Met officers were hurt, a plain clothes officer who received stitches to a head injury and a uniformed officer received an injury to his arm.

One of the officers, armed only with a baton, was seriously injured as he tackled one of the terrorists who were all armed with knives and blades.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 19:57:05|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The vast Qilian mountain range in northwest China is starting to heal from decades of over exploitation, under the largest ecological restoration campaign in more than half a century.

In progress of a Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) campaign starting more than a year ago, illegal mines and unlicensed hydropower plants closed, sewage treatment monitoring increased, and tourism construction halted, and over 90 percent of environmental violations have been corrected, according to local authorities in Zhangye of Gansu Province.

The Qilian Mountains stretching the provinces of Gansu and Qinghai have long been designated a significant shelter zone helping to hold the ecological balance in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, blocking the invasion of the northern desert. Rivers, along which more than five million people reside, depend on the snow and glaciers on the mountains for water.

But excessive and disorderly development since the 1960s had put the area in deep crisis, with water sources contaminated and grassland degraded, until officials moved to tackle environmental problems.

Despite progress, the situation remains grim and more efforts are needed, according to an MEP inspection, citing illicit mining and hydropower projects that still exist throughout the region.

In response, local officials have promised that all man-made pollution and disruption will stop by the end of 2017.

Qilian represents the country's ongoing shift from GDP obsession to a more balanced growth philosophy that puts equal, if not greater, emphasis on the natural environment.

More energy has been channeled into cleaning up the economy, which had long been powered by polluting heavy industries. Stricter rules were imposed on both factories and officials, and violations received tougher penalties.

The MEP has expanded its inspections to include greenhouse gas emissions and energy saving, and as well as to wider geographical areas, including smog-shrouded northern Beijing-Tianjin--Hebei and the less-developed northwest.

The former minister of environmental protection Chen Jining said earlier this year that more than 6,400 officials had been held accountable during inspections of 16 provinces.

"All 31 provinces will be covered this year to prompt local governments to fulfill their duties," he said.

"Modern industrialization was pushed forward when we were unaware of the capacity of the environment in the world, which resulted in an ecological crisis," said Qiao Qingju, a professor with the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In its drive for stellar economic success, China was confronted by serious environmental issues, some still lingering.

During a senior CPC meeting last month, policy makers agreed that China should firmly reject development models that damaged or destroyed the environment, and bade farewell to practices that boosted short-term economic growth at the cost of the environment.

"The country should speed up transformation from over-reliance on resource consumption, high energy use and high emissions to innovation-driven growth," according to a statement released after the meeting.

On Monday, China set its theme for the 46th World Environment Day: "Clear waters and lush mountains as valuable as gold and silver."

The move to a more sustainable growth path has been steadily advancing for years.

More local governments, including Fujian, have scrapped GDP-obsessed assessments in evaluations and given environmental issues higher weighting.

While glutted and polluting industries have been downsized, high-tech and green sectors are being given stronger support, including for electric cars, energy saving and emissions reduction.

The energy mix has also been improved, with less coal-burning plants and more solar energy and hydropower stations; China has become the largest renewable energy market in the world.

While U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to pull out of the Paris Agreement, a landmark global pact to fight climate change, China has stayed firm.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China would remain committed to upholding and promoting global governance on climate change and take an active part in the multilateral process.

China has pledged to cut its carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60-65 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 and raise the share of non-fossil energy use in total consumption to about 20 percent. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 20:07:12|Editor: MJ

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TEHRAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry said Monday that the increasing tension in the relations among Arab states is a threat to the interests of the regional states, official IRNA news agency reported.

"Amid the threat of terrorism, extremism to the region and the world, and with the continuation of occupation of the Palestinian territories by the Israel, the rising tension among regional states benefits neither the regional nations nor governments and is a threat to the interests of all," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement.

The Islamic republic urges its Persian Gulf neighbors, involved in the recent political row, for "self-restraint and an increase of tension," the spokesman, Bahram Qasemi, was quoted as saying.

Qasemi's remarks came as a reaction to Monday decisions by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen and Libya to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar after they accused the latter of "terrorism support."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 20:32:35|Editor: An

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TEHRAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry said Monday that the increasing tension in the relations among Arab states is a threat to the interests of the regional states, official IRNA news agency reported.

"Amid the threat of terrorism, extremism to the region and the world, and with the continuation of occupation of the Palestinian territories by the Israel, the rising tension among regional states benefits neither the regional nations nor governments and is a threat to the interests of all," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement.

The Islamic republic urges its Persian Gulf neighbors, involved in the recent political row, for "self-restraint and an increase of tension," the spokesman, Bahram Qasemi, was quoted as saying.

Qasemi's remarks came as a reaction to Monday decisions by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen and Libya to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar after they accused the latter of "terrorism support."

Political and peaceful means, straightforward and transparent talks are the only ways to settle the differences between Qatar and Saudi allies, Qasemi said.

The Iranian diplomat also dismissed the sanction approach as a means to pressure Qatar.

On Monday, Hamid Aboutalebi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the President for Political Affairs, said that cut of diplomatic ties and isolating Qatar will not help Saudi Arabia and its allies to overcome the region issues, official IRNA news agency reported.

"The age of sanctions is over, and the cut of diplomatic relations, closure of borders, siege of countries are not solutions to crisis," Aboutalebi, tweeted on Monday.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the UAE, Yemen and Libya have no choice but to "adopt democracy inside their borders and to pursue dialogue in the region," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 20:57:44|Editor: MJ

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FREETOWN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Traffic Police in Sierra Leone's second largest city of Bo confirmed Monday morning that 17 passengers have died in a gruesome road accident that occurred in the Freetown-Bo highway on Sunday.

Eleven people were also critically injured and are currently at the Bo government hospital.

According to traffic officer Lawrence Lahai in Bo, who confirmed the the accident, the truckload of about 300 passengers, mostly traders were on their way to Kailahun in the east of the country, when the accident happened.

The cause of the accident is still unknown but police have arrested the driver, who is helping the police with investigations.

John Kamara, a passenger who came out unhurt, attributed the accident to "dizziness and fatigue" of the driver, noting that the driver was complaining of dizziness on the way.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 20:57:46|Editor: An

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ULAN BATOR, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia reportedly proposed signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in recent talks between Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat and Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Tigran Sargsyan.

The two sides commended the results of cooperation between the two sides over the past two years during the talks, which was held as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum between June 1-3, according to a press release of the EEC.

The Mongolian prime minister said that it has taken quite a long time to make significant progress in cooperation between the two sides, from signing a memorandum of trade and economic cooperation to reviewing specific initiatives set to intensify mutual trade and remove trade barriers.

The working group on the Mongolia-EEC cooperation held the second meeting in February. The two sides adopted a plan of action for 2017-2018 on trade policy, customs administration and fair competition among others.

"Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat came up with a proposal to sign a free trade agreement with the EAEU and to set up a joint group to review the viability of the deal," noted the press release.

The Mongolian prime minister invited the EAEU to talk over establishing a Eurasian transport and logistics network that would become a powerful driving force to promote cross-border cooperation in trade and economy.

The two sides also agreed to organize the first Eurasian business forum in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, in autumn this year. "Our task is to make the forum successful and help it catch the eye of the EAEU business community. This could become an additional impetus to (the) Mongolia-EEC cooperation," said Sargsyan.

"We will consult all EAEU countries and then offer a jointly-agreed position to our Mongolian colleagues. The EEC is ready for all kinds of cooperation that help accelerate trade and foster relations among businessmen (in the region)," Sargsyan added.

The EAEU is an economic union of states located primarily in northern Eurasia. It groups Russia, Armenia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 21:07:55|Editor: ZD

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BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese diplomat said on Monday that President Xi Jinping's visit to Kazakhstan this week will help to advance bilateral ties and the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

From June 7 to 10, Xi will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan, attend the 17th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State and the opening ceremony of the World Expo in Astana.

Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai said at a press conference that the visit is Xi's first visit abroad since the Belt and Road Forum on International Cooperation held in mid-May and one of China's major diplomatic activities for Kazakhstan and Eurasia this year.

"The visit will help further improve the relationship between China and Kazakhstan as well as Eurasian countries and forge ahead the healthy and stable development of the SCO," Li said.

As China's neighbor and a comprehensive strategic partner, Kazakhstan is an important partner on the Belt and Road Initiative and international production capacity cooperation, he said.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Kazakhstan. Describing bilateral ties as "at the best in history," Li said this is Xi's third visit to the central Asian country and the 16th meeting with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

He said the two presidents will exchange views on bilateral ties, alignment of development strategies and cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative.

They will also sign and issue a joint statement, participate in a video link event on cross-border transportation and witness the signing of a series of deals in the areas of the economy and trade, finance and water conservation, said Li.

Xi's presence at the opening ceremony of Astana World Expo, which bears the theme "future energy," not only shows China's full support to Kazakhstan, but also the importance China attaches to new energy, he said.

On the development of the SCO, Li said that with the accession of India and Pakistan, the SCO will cover three-fifths of the Eurasian continent with nearly half the world population, which would make the regional organization the biggest in terms of area and population in the world and further improve its potential for cooperation and representation.

China said last week that India and Pakistan will complete the process of joining the SCO during the Astana summit, the first time for the SCO to expand membership since its founding in 2001.

The SCO now covers China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The accession procedures for India and Pakistan started in 2015.

Li said China will assume the SCO rotating presidency after the Astana summit and will host a summit in 2018.

China will continue to uphold the "Shanghai spirit" of equal treatment, win-win cooperation and open and inclusive attitudes and advance cooperation in various fields, which will help the development of the SCO benefiting its members and making greater contribution to regional peace and stability, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 21:18:03|Editor: MJ

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MOMBASA, Kenya, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan authorities on Monday seized ivory worth over 120,000 U.S. dollars in the coastal county of Kilifi.

A team of detectives from Directorate of Criminal Investigation (CID) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) acting on intelligence reports arrested three suspects with the consignment hidden in a house within Mariakani town.

Mariakani police boss Ramson Lolmodoni said the suspects will be arraigned in court and charged for trafficking 70 kilograms of elephant tusks.

"We managed to arrest three suspects and recovered three big elephant tusks in stashed sacks. They are being interrogated by officers to assist in the investigation," said Loimodoni.

He said the suspects are believed to be linked to local ivory traffickers in the country. Police suspect the three intended to smuggle the ivory for international market where the demand for ivory is high.

He said the police have intensified war on poaching at main national parks where several poachers have been killed and assorted weapons recovered recently.

Senior KWS lead investigator says DNA analysis will be conducted to determine the origin of the ivory.

"We suspect the ivory was packaged and transported to the country from the bordering countries. We will carry out a DNA analysis to determine which population of elephant it belongs to," the KWS officer said.

In a bid to stop the trade, he said KWS in partnership with other key stakeholders has set up all-round surveillance at all entry points.

The government continues to enhance its fight against poaching which has threatened both elephant and rhino's population in the country.

In 2016, Kenya set ablaze more than 100 tonnes of ivory in a move aimed at showing its commitment to saving Africa's population of elephants.

A joint team comprising Kenya and Uganda security agents, customs officials have conducted several arrests of high profile individuals involved in the latest seizure of ivory in the country.

Senior Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Revenue Authority officers were also arrested over ivory smuggling through the port of Mombasa.

President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed concern about cargo theft and trafficking of drugs, wildlife and other contraband where senior officials collude with clearing agents.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 21:23:06|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China has lodged solemn representations to Zambia for detaining 31 Chinese nationals, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Monday.

"China never defends illegal actions, but opposes 'selective' law-enforcement actions against its citizens overseas," Hua said at a routine press briefing.

According to Hua, the 31 Chinese nationals, who were working for copper smelting Chinese companies in the African country, were detained by police of Zambia's Copperbelt province for suspected illegal purchasing of copper tailing raw materials.

Hua said the Chinese Foreign Ministry lodged solemn representations to the Zambian embassy in Beijing on Sunday, urging the country to properly handle the issue and release the innocent as soon as possible.

The Chinese embassy in Zambia has sent a working group to the site to offer consular protection to the detainees, Hua said.

The Chinese government has always asked Chinese companies and citizens to respect the laws of the countries where they operate, Hua said.

China will continue to pay close attention to developments in the case and urge the Zambian side to properly settle the issue in accordance with the law, she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 21:23:08|Editor: MJ

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ADDIS ABABA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has embarked on a five-nation tour in the Sahel Saharan region, reaffirming AU's commitment and solidarity with the region in the fight against terrorism and criminal networks.

The Chairperson kicked off his tour on Saturday in Niamey, Niger, according to a statement from AU on Monday.

Accompanied by Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, and Minata Samate Cessouma, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, the Chairperson will continue the tour in the region until June 10, said the statement.

The Chairperson makes the tour "to reaffirm the African Union's commitment and solidarity with the region in its fight against terrorism and criminal networks in order to create a safe and secure environment and contribute to the stabilization of the situation in the Sahel region, as well as its long-term development," it said.

He will continue to Chad, Mauritania, Mali and Burkina Faso, also known as the G5 Sahel states, in support of the region's cooperation agreement to address security issues along common borders due to the interlinked effects of terrorism and transnational organized criminal networks and inter-communal conflict in the region.

The daunting security and political challenges in Libya and the resurgence of terrorist attacks, especially along the northern Mali border has created one of the most worrying threats to regional peace and security.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission is in the region to thank the regional leaders for taking the initiative to create an African framework of operational military support, according to the statement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 21:23:10|Editor: An

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MACAO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Passports holders of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will be granted visa-on-arrival entry to Iran and Guinea-Bissau, the authorities said in a press release on Monday.

The Identification Services Bureau of Macao SAR confirmed that holders of the Macao SAR passports visiting Iran with tourist purpose can obtain a visa upon arrival at Gheshm Island, Kish Island, Mashhad, Esfahan, Shiraz International Airport, Tabriz and Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport for a maximum stay of 30 days.

Holders of the Macao SAR passports visiting Guinea-Bissau can obtain a visa upon arrival at the Osvaldo Vieira International Airport for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Besides, holders of the Macao SAR travel permit visiting Palau can obtain a visa upon arrival for a stay of 30 days, and can be extended to a maximum of 90 days.

A total of 132 countries and regions have agreed to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to Macao SAR passport holders, while 14 countries or regions have agreed to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to Macao SAR travel permit holders.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 21:28:14|Editor: MJ

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NAIROBI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's health ministry said on Monday that it has finalized a draft deal with the nurses after the health workers boycotted work in some parts of the country citing a breach of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) they signed with the government.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health Julius Korir told a media briefing in Nairobi that the concluded draft Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has been forwarded to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for guidance and for the SRC to issue a "no objection" letter in relation to the content of the CBA.

"Once the SRC makes a pronouncement on the matter, the county governments will go ahead and sign the CBA with the nurses union," Korir said.

His remarks come after Kenya National Union of Nurses called for a strike beginning Monday unless the National and County governments sign and implement the CBA that was agreed upon in December 2016 that hiked nurses salaries.

Under the 2010 constitution, the health functions have been devolved to the 47 county governments with the national government responsible for formulation of health policies.

The negotiations on the nurses CBA between the nurses union and the Joint National and County governments have been ongoing since December 2016.

Chairman of the Council of Governors Josephat Nanok said the negotiations have been carried out in good faith and all parties have been in constant discussions to finalize the CBA as agreed in Return to Work Formula.

"The national and county governments are following due process to ensure that the CBA is signed and that it shall not have any legal challenges in the registration process," Nanok said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 21:28:15|Editor: MJ

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DAMASCUS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian rebels shot down a Syrian warplane over the Syrian desert near the capital Damascus on Monday, the Saudi-funded Alarabiya TV reported.

The foreign-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) announced it shot down a warplane in the Dakweh area in the countryside of Damascus, said the report, adding that the rebels were searching for the pilot.

The official Syrian media has yet to confirm the report.

Dakweh and other FSA positions in the Syrian Desert have been the target of the Russian air force and the Syrian army, which is advancing in the desert to secure a triangle of border areas between Iraq, Syria and Jordan.

The main aim of the military campaign in the Syrian desert is against the Islamic State (IS) group and other rebel group to secure the borders with Iraq.

The U.S. struck a convoy of the Syrian army last month as it was reaching close to the Tanf border crossing with Iraq. The U.S., Britain and the FSA are positioned in Tanf, and the Syrian army progress in that area seems like a redline to Washington.

The U.S.-backed rebels said that their forces came under Russian airstrikes as they were attempting to thwart the advance of the Syrian army in the Syrian desert.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 21:58:28|Editor: MJ

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MANILA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has offered 20 million pesos (400,000 U.S. dollars) for information leading to the capture of three militant leaders who are being hunted by military troops in the southern Philippines, a military statement said on Monday.

Duterte has put a bounty of 10 million pesos (200,000 U.S. dollars) on Isnilon Hapilon, leader of Abu Sayyaf, a militant group in the Philippines founded with funds from al- Qaeda, which has also pledged loyalty to the IS.

Duterte has also put a bounty of 5 million pesos (100,000 U.S. dollars) each for the capture of the two Maute brothers - Abdullah and Omar.

General Eduardo Ano, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said that Hapilon led the militants that attacked the southern Philippine Malawi City on May 23. The city of about 200,000 people is now raging with sporadic fightings between government troops and militants.

Ano expressed hope that the bounty will help in the capture of the three fugitive criminals.

"This reflects the resolve of the administration to get the terrorists dead or alive," Col. Edgard Arevalo, a spokesman for the military, said.

Fighting continued to rage in Malawi City in Lanao del Sur province, killing almost 200 people and displacing most of the city residents.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 22:23:44|Editor: An

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SHANGHAI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The first vessel carrying rice departed Shanghai on Monday, part of China's emergency food aid for drought-stricken Somalia.

The 2,821.75 tonne-rice, loaded in two ships, will be given to 223,500 Somali people as their provisions for four months, according to the China office of World Food Programme (WFP).

The rice is among the 2-billion-yuan (300-million-U.S.-dollar) emergency food aid plan announced by China for Belt and Road countries at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation last month.

WFP China Representative Qu Sixi said the Belt and Road Initiative would help countries to "help each other" eradicate poverty and hunger.

"WFP is extremely grateful to the Chinese government for its longstanding commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs to vulnerable people on the brink of famine," he said.

Half of the Somali population, including 363,000 acutely malnourished children aged under five, need urgent assistance as its drought intensifies, especially in southern and northeastern parts of the country, according to WFP.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 22:38:59|Editor: yan

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HELSINKI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Both commercial and public television news operators are facing problems in Finland.

While commercial TV news could not get enough advertisement sales for a wider operation, the management of national broadcaster, Yle suffered reputation damage after trying to maintain good relations with purse controlling politicians.

The head of the news operation of Yle resigned last week after allegations of having given Prime Minister Juha Sipila preferential treatment in news selection last year.

During the winter, several journalists had resigned in protest and the Finnish Media Council established management decisions in contravention of media ethics.

The financial problems of the commercial television news operation have existed for several years. This week the Finnish government submitted an additional budget request to parliament for a one-million-euro infusion into commercial television.

Of the several commercial television networks currently licensed, only the Finnish commercial television MTV3 maintains a service comparable to the public broadcaster, Yle albeit affected by staff cutbacks and outsourcing.

The TV4 channel used to offer fully fledged TV news, but switched some years ago to small bulletins only.

The government aid package to commercial television required the networks to have a public interest license. With the license, the networks are supposed to broadcast news daily and also offer services such as texting for audiences with limited hearing.

In the licensing round concluded in May, no commercial networks chose to apply for a heftier license and they only took a basic license. Both MTV3 and TV4 said they would continue offering news. But to benefit from the government offer, networks would have to upgrade their licenses.

The problems of commercial television stemmed from increased use of internet as a news source and unwillingness of the Finns to subscribe television programs.

The Yle crisis has an indirect financial background. Yle is totally financed by the national budget. Yle management may have wanted to avoid risks of aggravating their relationship with politicians.

Political observers have said that the attitude towards Yle in the current center-right coalition government has been rather negative.

While market liberals would like Yle to leave more living space to commercial media, value conservatives, mainly the populists, view the contents of Yle as being too liberal and multicultural.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 22:44:05|Editor: yan

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LUANDA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Angolan Vice President Manuel Domingos Vicente has expressed his country's readiness to enhance cooperation with China in various fields.

The vice president made the remarks on Monday while meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong.

Angola and China, as each other's strategic partner, have achieved great results through mutually beneficial cooperation in recent years, Vicente said, adding that the Angolan side will work with China to further increase political mutual trust and take the bilateral strategic partnership to a new level.

The Chinese state councilor said Angola has been China's important strategic partner in Africa, and China is happy to see the achievements made in the country in recent years.

Wang said China will work with the Angolan side to implement the important consensuses reached by leaders of the two nations as well as outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit held in Johannesburg so as to enhance mutually-beneficial cooperation and bring more benefits to peoples of the two countries.

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 that China will actively develop bilateral friendly relations with Angola, continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in the country, and enhance cooperation in sectors such as energy, finance and infrastructure.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 22:44:07|Editor: yan

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MOSCOW, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia has played no role in the making of the diplomatic row between Qatar and the Gulf countries and it will not interfere in the matter either, Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.

"It is an issue of bilateral relations between those states. We do not interfere in these decisions, although we are suspected of being behind any development in the world. But I assure you it is not true," Lavrov said at a press conference.

Moscow is convinced that there may be all kinds of contradictions between countries and it has never rejoiced at difficulties emerging in relations between other states, he said.

Lavrov said Russia was interested in maintaining good relations with all, especially in the region where a main thing was the "concentration of all efforts aimed at fighting international terrorism."

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt said earlier on Monday that they decided to cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Qatar has rejected the accusations, calling them "unjustified" and "baseless."

Libya, Yemen and the Maldives also severed ties with Qatar on the day.

The Kremlin said earlier in the day that Russia hoped the diplomatic rift would not affect the global efforts aimed at fighting terrorism.

"Russia, as an active participant in the global process of fighting international terrorism, hopes that this situation will not in any way affect the general spirit and determination in the struggle," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti news agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 22:59:27|Editor: yan

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by Hummam Sheikh Ali

DAMASCUS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army is making significant progress against the Islamic State (IS) group on key fronts in Syria, mainly the Syrian Desert and the northern province of Aleppo.

The Syrian army on Sunday captured the town of Maskanah, the last key IS stronghold in the eastern countryside of Aleppo province.

Located in the southeastern countryside of Aleppo, Maskanah is the latest victory in a string of successful operations of the army and its allies to end the presence of IS in Aleppo.

Activists said that the IS fighters and their families withdrew from the town before the army could place a full siege on it, after cutting the road between the town and the northern province of Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS.

Capturing Maskanah also places the Syrian army close to the administrative borders of Raqqa, where the Kurdish-led groups are also advancing toward that city.

Hmaidi Abdullah, a Syrian political analyst, told Xinhua on Monday that there are few villages left in Aleppo countryside, whose capture will put the army only two kilometers from the administrative borders of Raqqa.

The control over Maskanah also constitutes a base for the Syrian army to expand its military operations to re-open roads between the eastern provinces and the northern ones and to secure the Khanser-Athria road, the main supply line for the government into Aleppo city.

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.

The official Syrian media said over 5,000 IS fighters were killed during the Aleppo battles.

The Syrian army is also active in the Syrian desert against the IS, capturing large swathes of territories from the designated terrorist group.

The Syrian forces and allied fighters captured over 1,400 sq km of the Syrian desert in the eastern countryside of the ancient city of Palmyra, in an attempt to reach the T3 and T2 oil fields in the depth of the desert of the city of Bukamal in the countryside of Deir al-Zour province near the Iraqi borders.

Maher Ihsan, a Syrian journalist, told Xinhua that the Syrian army is working to benefit from the momentum of the battles against IS in Iraq to prevent the IS fighters from infiltrating and positioning on the Syrian sides of the borders.

He added that the Syrian army will up the ante in the battles against IS on the Iraqi-Syrian borders, benefiting also from the fact that most of the areas near the Iraqi borders are desert and striking the IS by the warplanes will be easy, particularly with the lack of residential areas in the desert.

The Syrian army recently unleashed the Great Dawn battle against IS in several areas, mainly the desert, and the next step after Maskanah for the army is to secure the eastern countryside of the city of Salamiyeh in central Syria from IS.

Securing the eastern countryside of Salamiyeh from IS, will push the army to connect the countryside of the central province of Hama, with the eastern countryside of Homs province all the way to the city of Sukhneh in the Syrian desert, which constitute the launching pad of the battle to break the IS siege on Deir al-Zour province.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 22:59:30|Editor: yan

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TBILISI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey on Monday kicked off a joint military exercises code-named "Caucasian Eagle 2017" at the military base of Vaziani near Georgian capital Tbilisi.

According to the Georgian Defense Ministry, special forces from the three countries will jointly practice tactical, fire, engineering and other special tasks in the exercises. Ground and air components will both participate in the 10-day drill.

This is the third trilateral special forces drill by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Turkey had hosted the previous two exercises.

On May 23, the defense ministers of the three countries held the fifth trilateral defense ministerial meeting in Batumi, the second largest city of Georgia.

During the meeting, the three ministers discussed the conducting of joint military exercises and adoption of security measures for regional peace. A joint computer-assisted staff-level exercise to be held in September was also announced during the meeting.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 22:59:32|Editor: yan

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NAIROBI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people across the globe will take part in activities that strengthen their bond with the natural habitat during this year's world environment day to be observed on Monday, UN Environment said in a statement issued in Nairobi on Monday.

The global environment body said green enthusiasts from six continents will take part in massive cleanup of beaches, parks and other protected areas to demonstrate their commitment to preserve Mother Nature.

Executive Director of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Erik Solheim said that humanity's advancement in science, technology and industrialization was harming the planet hence the need to reverse course.

"Our entire modern life, with its skyscrapers and smartphones, stands on a delicate foundation of natural systems," Solheim remarked.

Today, these foundations are shaking, undermined by man-made climate change, deforestation and extinction. No amount of advanced technology will save us if we destroy and pollute our natural lifeblood," he added.

Canada will host this year's world environment day whose theme is "connecting people with nature".

The Canadian Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna said her country will join hands with the rest of the world to advance the green agenda.

"We are steadfast in our commitment to address climate change and promote clean growth," said McKenna.

Different countries have organized a series of activities to mark the world environment day that will have far-reaching impact on the health of the planet.

The UNEP's statement revealed that Bosnia and Finland will announce protection of an additional 1,600 square kilometers of land while over 30 iconic landmarks across the globe will be lit in green to demonstrate humanity's love for nature.

At the Mexico-US border, volunteers will undertake massive clean-up of the beaches to reaffirm the importance of protecting oceans from pollution.

Simultaneous clean up of the beaches will be conducted in Mumbai, India, East Africa, Central Europe and Middle East during this year's world environment day.

The UNEP statement noted that governments, corporations and civil society have already identified creative ways to revitalize protection of vital ecosystems as they gear up for this year's world environment day celebrations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 23:09:39|Editor: yan

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DAMASCUS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Kurdish-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have become on the outskirts of the city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of the Islamic State (IS) group, a monitor group reported on Monday.

The SDF, which is heavily backed by the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition, have become so close to the western entrance of Raqqa, after becoming closing in on the northern and eastern part of the city over the past few days.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the warplane of the U.S.-led coalition pounded on Monday the areas of Romaniyeh and Frusiyeh and other places inside Raqqa.

It added that the SDF captured on Monday the town of Khatoniyeh, west of Raqqa, amid intense battles still raging in the village of Hawi, as the SDF is advancing to capture that area as well.

The Observatory said the big battle for dislodging the IS completely from its de facto capital of Raqqa in northern Syria is near.

It said the Raqqa battle is around the corner after the SDF, an alliance of Kurdish, Arab and Assyrian fighters led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units group, recently captured the towns of Mansura, Hnaideh and al-Baath Dam in Raqqa countryside.

The UK-based watchdog said all three positions were strategic, adding that Mansura is the largest town on the western outskirts of Raqqa.

The battle for Raqqa started in March when the U.S. carried out airdrops near Tabqa, a prelude to capturing the city and the pivotal dam there.

Even though there is no declared cooperation with the Syrian army, the Syrian government sees the Kurdish groups' fight against IS legitimate.

The government, however, regards the intervention of the U.S.-led coalition as illegitimate, as the state media outlets in Syria release news of civilian deaths by the coalition strikes on daily basis.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 23:09:45|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX's uncrewed Dragon cargo ship arrived at the International Space Station on Monday, carrying for the first time an experiment independently designed by China and also supplies for the astronauts living in the orbiting laboratory.

NASA astronauts Jack Fischer reached out with the space station's robotic arm and grappled the spacecraft at 9:52 a.m. EDT (1352 GMT), as the space station was flying over the South Atlantic Ocean, just east off the coast of Argentina.

Dragon carried almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg) of cargo for its 11th commercial resupply mission for NASA, including solar panels, tools for Earth-observation and equipment to study neutron stars.

Among the cargo is a 3.5-kg device from the Beijing Institute of Technology that aims to investigate how the space radiation and microgravity environment affect the DNA.

The deal for the delivery was reached in 2015 with NanoRacks, a Houston-based company that offers services for the commercial utilization of the space station.

A U.S. legislation known as the Wolf amendment bans cooperation between NASA and Chinese government entities, but the deal is purely commercial and therefore considered legal.

Dragon, launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on Saturday, was expected to remain docked with the space station until early July.
Polish taxi drivers block traffic in Warsaw, Poland, June 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Xu)

WARSAW, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of taxi drivers took part in a protest held in Warsaw on Monday, citing the problem of illegal carriers.

Polish Press Agency reported that the exact number of taxis taking part in the protest varies from 2,000 to even 5,000, according to the estimates of Taxi Drivers' Association.

The Association claimed that the protest is aimed at drawing the government's attention to the problem of illegal carriers, such as Uber, whose drivers, unlike the professional taxi drivers, do not obey the duty of cash register, technical and psychological examination and license possession.

The protest began in the morning when several taxi columns set off from five different locations, heading for same direction -- the center of Warsaw.

Upon the arrival, the drivers prepared to file a petition with their demands in the Chancellery of Prime Minister, Ministry of Infrastructure and Construction, Ministry of Finance and the provincial governor's office.

Taxi drivers from Warsaw, Poznan, Lodz and Wroclaw jointly organized the protest in Warsaw. Meanwhile, similar protests were held in several Polish towns.

According to Polish Press Agency, Minister of Infrastructure and Construction Andrzej Adamczyk said that equal rules should be applied to all operators of passenger car transport, adding that the government's draft law regulating this issue would be given to the government this week.

Uber Poland, on the other hand, issued a statement before the protest, saying that the urban mobility has changed worldwide and that there was a place for both ways of transport to coexist.

The protest overlapped with the morning traffic peak, causing even worse traffic jams.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 23:14:50|Editor: yan

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HARARE, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Monday extended a 2.6 million U.S. dollars grant to Zimbabwe to help improve human rights protection.

The grant marked the resumption of EU direct development assistance to Zimbabwe since 2002 when the bloc imposed sanctions on the country.

The EU said in a statement that the fund aims at supporting the rule of law through justice sector reforms and increased access to justice for all.

The grant came under the framework of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) signed between Zimbabwe and the EU in 2015.

Under the 11th EDF, the EU provided a total grant of 270 million dollars to support Zimbabwe's socio-economic programs from 2015-2020, of which 12 million euros was allocated for the justice sector.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 23:29:54|Editor: yan

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SHANGHAI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong said on Monday that the city will clean up 1,864 river sections this year by introducing the system of river chiefs.

There are 26,000 river sections in Shanghai, and more than 1,800 of them are polluted. "By the end of this year, the problem of black and stinking rivers will be addressed," Ying said when attending a radio talk show.

He said the river chief system had covered the 1,864 river sections, which means river chiefs, usually an additional post for local officials, must oversee the treatment of polluted rivers.

"The target of clean rivers needs a lot of work, but I believe it can be done," Ying said.

China first appointed local government officials as river chiefs in 2007 to address a blue algae outbreak in Taihu Lake, Jiangsu Province.

The practice was later adopted in several regions rich in water resources to ensure strong enforcement of environmental policies and enhance coordination.

Government officials are eligible for the river chief position at the provincial, city, county and township levels, and heads of provincial regions are responsible for all rivers and lakes in the region.

The responsibilities of the river chiefs include water resource protection, pollution prevention and control, and ecological restoration. Their job performance is assessed and they will be held accountable for environmental damage in the bodies of water they oversee.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 23:29:55|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday appealed to the rebel groups across the country to stop war and find a peaceful settlement through dialogue.

"Peace will remain our greatest achievement and therefore we will constantly work to enhance sustainable dialogue between the sons of the homeland and among the different political components of the society to achieve development and improve the living conditions of the people," said al-Bashir when addressing the first session of the National Council for Strategic Planning.

"Our call for lasting peace and working to achieve it will not prevent us from seeking to build and develop military capabilities and defence systems because the peace which is not protected will be subject to collapse," he noted.

Al-Bashir also commended the role being played by the Sudanese armed forces in restoring the legitimacy in Yemen and countering terrorism.

"We will continue this participation until its goals are achieved," he said.

The Sudanese army has been fighting three armed groups in Darfur region since 2003. It has also been fighting the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/northern sector in South Kordofan and Blue Nile areas since 2011.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 23:34:56|Editor: yan

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PHNOM PENH, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Kem Sokha, president of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), on Monday recognized that the party lost the fourth commune elections on Sunday.

The commune polls were held to elect 1,646 commune chiefs and 9,926 commune councilor seats for the kingdom's 1,646 communes. Twelve political parties contested in the elections, with the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the CNRP being the major contestants.

"According to the provisional results we received, the CNRP earned nearly 500 commune chief seats and nearly half of the commune councilor seats across the country," the opposition leader said in a message to the party's members and supporters.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who is the CPP's president, wrote on his Facebook page on Monday that the CPP won the majority, gaining 51.39 percent of the votes in the elections.

According to unofficial results published by a government-aligned media outlet late Sunday, the CPP won 1,163 commune chief seats to the CNRP's 482 seats, and the Khmer National United Party earned one commune chief seat.

The National Election Committee has said that the provisional results are expected to be released in coming days and the official results will be announced on June 25.

Held once every five years, the commune elections are seen as a test for the popularity of political parties ahead of the general elections in July 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-05 23:50:04|Editor: yan

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by Julius Gale

JUBA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The UN Environment Program (UNEP) on Monday called on the South Sudanese government to expedite ratification of the long-awaited environmental bill.

UNEP Country Director in South Sudan Asrad Khan said that despite South Sudan being one of the richest countries in natural resources, poaching, deforestation, pollution and other forms of human-induced pressure on the environment threaten sustainability of the country's natural resources.

He blamed lack of stringent laws for the increasing rates of environmental destruction and wildlife crimes.

Khan urged South Sudan to protect the environment on which 90 percent of the country's population depend on for their livelihoods such as agriculture and mining.

"One of the most essential step and necessity is for the government of South Sudan to have tougher environmental legislations," Khan said.

South Sudan does not have a national environmental legislation despite being a party to the Paris climate agreement (COP22).

The country's Draft Environment Bill has been lying in parliament since 2005. If passed, it would provide guidelines to protect and conserve the environment.

The war-torn country on Monday marked the World Environment Day under the theme "Connecting People to Nature".

The day is designated by the United Nations Environment to scaling up positive environmental action.

Africano Bartel, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, said despite South Sudan being the least emitter of carbon gases in the East African region, official data show that the country is the fastest warming in the region, citing a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Bartel said the country is saddened by the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement as it will affect its efforts to fight climate change due to a lack of funds and technology.

He said South Sudan would seek to enhance ties with the remaining members of the COP22 to fight the negative effects of climate change.

"We are being affected by the actions of the developed world in terms of climate change. We will not be able to protect and conserve nature without the financial support and technology transfer from the developed countries," Bartel said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 00:25:17|Editor: Zhou Xin

Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Khemaies Jhinaoui (R) meets with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Malki in Tunis, Tunisia, on June 5, 2017. "Tunisia is following with concern the development of the situation in the Arab Gulf in the light of the latest decisions" issued by some Arab countries towards Qatar, announced on Monday the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Khemaies Jhinaoui during a meeting with his Palestinian counterpart. (Xinhua/Adele Ezzine)

TUNIS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- "Tunisia is following with concern the development of the situation in the Arab Gulf in the light of the latest decisions" issued by some Arab countries towards Qatar, announced on Monday the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Khmais Jihinaoui.

The Tunisian Minister has alluded to the suspension of diplomatic relations with Qatar, a decision taken by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

During a meeting with his Palestinian counterpart, the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the hope that this conflict would be resolved as soon as possible.

"The Gulf countries must overcome the current disagreement before arriving at a consensual outcome that will favor the immunity of these countries," insisted Jihinaoui.

"The Arab world, which is experiencing more and more of crises, will never again support division and other conflicts," he warned.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 00:30:21|Editor: yan

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TOKYO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Japan unveiled on Monday the first domestically assembled F-35 fighter at the Komakiminami factory of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. in Aichi Prefecture.

The company is scheduled to assemble and test-fly two F-35 fighters and deliver them to the Defense Ministry by March, according to local reports.

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force has planned to procure a total of 42 F-35 fighters. Four of the fighters were manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp. and have already been delivered to Japan's Defense Ministry, while the remaining 38 will be assembled domestically.

Local manufacturers will supply engines and some parts for the fighters, and Mitsubishi Heavy will assemble and test-fly them, according to the ministry.

The fighter jets will be deployed at Misawa Air Base in Aomori prefecture, northeastern Japan in succession from the end of fiscal 2017, according to the ministry.

F-35 fighter jets are a family of single-seat, single-engine fighters that feature high stealth capabilities and mobility, and are designed to perform ground attack and air defense missions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 00:55:42|Editor: yan

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(FILES) This file photo taken on March 21, 2017 shows an Etihad Airways aircraft coming in for a landing at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California. (AFP photo)

by Emad al-Azrak

CAIRO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The decision of a number of Arab countries to sever diplomatic relations with gas-rich Qatar would impose a strict regional isolation on Doha, Egyptian political experts said on Monday.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt cut on Monday diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing the Gulf state of supporting and financing "terrorism" as well as interfering in their internal affairs.

Later on the day, Yemen, the Maldives and Libya's eastern-based government also decided to sever diplomatic relations with Qatar.

"These steps have been taken after all mediation efforts made in the Arab-Islamic-American Summit last month have failed," Egypt's former assistant foreign minister, Hussein Hariedy, told Xinhua.

He said that severing ties with Qatar came after Doha determined to continue pursuing the same policies that support terrorism and are based on interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

"Apparently, Qatar had no desire to amend its policies which led these countries to sever ties with it," Hariedy.

In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Egypt decided to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in light of the Gulf Arab state's persistence to take a path against Egypt, and the failure of any attempts to prevent it from supporting terrorist organizations, topped by the Muslim Brotherhood.

It added that Qatar is sheltering leaders of the Brotherhood who targeted security and safety of Egypt by conducting terrorist operations.

The statement attributed cutting ties with Qatar to the state's promotion of extremist thoughts of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, its support for terrorist operations in Sinai, as well as its intervention in Egypt's internal affairs in a way that threatens its national security.

The statement said Egypt would close all the air and marine spaces, ports for all the Qatari transportation means to preserve Egypt's national security.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE took similar decisions by closing all land, sea, and air contacts with the fellow Gulf country.

In 2014, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar to protest its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that is labeled a terrorist organization in the three countries.

"The recent decisions to sever relations will isolate Qatar within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League as well," Ambassador Hariedy pointed out. "This will no doubt cost Qatar a lot."

These measures will intensify the isolation not only on the ruling regime but also on the people of Qatar, he revealed. "Qatar imports most foodstuff from Saudi Arabia, the only country Qatar shares borders with."

Qataris have business and connections in other Gulf states and the recent crisis will "for sure affect all of their trade as well as the deeply rooted family relations," he explained.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohammad Kamal, a professor of political science at Cairo University, hailed the decision to sever diplomatic relations with Qatar as a "good step" and a beginning to impose "isolation" on Doha, adding that Qatar must revise its policy both within the GCC and in the wider Arab world.

Qatar should review its cooperation with terrorism, its support, funding as well as hosting of terrorist elements on its soil, in addition to a review of its role with regard to Iran, which is in sharp contrast to Gulf policies and policies, Kamal said.

The expert said that Egypt's decision to join Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain gave the issue an Arab dimension and a greater weight, and encouraged other countries to join and take similar steps.

"The ball is now in Qatar's court...the Gulf States and Egypt are waiting for Qatar's reaction and the steps it should take to regain their trust," Kamal said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 01:21:01|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Visiting German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel vowed on Monday more efforts to fight the Kurdistan Workers' Party's (PKK) activities in Germany.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, Gabriel said PKK is also a danger to Germany and they were determined to take additional measures against the group.

The PKK, which Berlin has recognized as a terrorist organization since 1993, is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the EU.

Berlin will review Turkey's request for the extradition of nearly 4,500 Turkish nationals living in Germany who are described as terror suspects by Ankara, according to Gabriel.

Cavusoglu said the two ministers discussed steps necessary to be taken to improve bilateral relations, adding that he told his German counterpart about a number of issues Turkey is concerned about, including rising anti-Turkey sentiment in Germany and activities of terrorist groups.

Both sides stressed the need to maintain good ties by focusing on a "positive agenda," as a breakdown in relations would serve neither side.

Tensions between Turkey and Germany have risen in recent months, as the Turkish government is resentful that Berlin is reluctant to meet the Turkish demands for the extradition of alleged PKK members.

Moreover, Turkey accuses Germany of providing a safe haven for hundreds of Gulenists, who are blamed by Ankara for orchestrating a failed coup attempt last July.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 01:31:03|Editor: yan

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TEHRAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Monday called for talks to peacefully tackle the recent disputes among the Persian Gulf Arab states.

Iran's Foreign Ministry said Monday that increasing tension in the relations among Arab states is a threat to the interests of regional states, official IRNA news agency reported.

"Amid the threat of terrorism, extremism to the region and the world, and with the continuation of occupation of the Palestinian territories by Israel, the rising tension among regional states benefits neither the regional nations nor governments and is a threat to the interests of all," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement.

The Islamic republic urges its Persian Gulf neighbors, involved in the recent political row, for "self-restraint and an increase of tension," the spokesman, Bahram Qasemi, was quoted as saying.

Qasemi's remarks came as a reaction to Monday decisions by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen and Libya to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar after they accused the latter of "terrorism support."

Political and peaceful means, straightforward and transparent talks are the only ways to settle the differences between Qatar and Saudi allies, Qasemi said.

The Iranian diplomat also dismissed the sanction approach as a means to pressure Qatar.

Also, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday expressed regret over the conflagration of disputes between neighbors on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf, urging for political settlement of the differences, Tehran Times daily reported.

"Neighbors are permanent; geography can't be changed. Coercion is never the solution. Dialog is imperative, especially during blessed (Muslim Month of) Ramadan," Zarif tweeted.

On Monday, Hamid Aboutalebi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the President for Political Affairs, said that cut of diplomatic ties and isolating Qatar will not help Saudi Arabia and its allies to overcome the region issues, IRNA reported.

"The age of sanctions is over, and the cut of diplomatic relations, closure of borders, siege of countries are not solutions to crisis," Aboutalebi said on Monday.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the UAE, Yemen and Libya have no choice but to "adopt democracy inside their borders and to pursue dialogue in the region," he said.

In the meantime, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, chairman of Iran's Majlis (parliament) National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said that the tension among the Arab countries has resulted from the U.S. interference.

Interference by the foreign countries, especially the U.S., cannot help settle crises in the region, he said.

Problems in the region should only be solved by the regional countries, he added.

Besides, Mohsen Rezaee, the Secretary of Iran's Expediency Council, said that differences between Saudi Arabia and Qatar should be bridged through dialog.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 01:51:16|Editor: yan

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BELGRADE, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as the State Duma wish to strengthen the relations with Serbia, said Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma during meetings with Serbian leaders here on Monday .

Volodin arrived in Serbia to lead a delegation to the second sitting of the commission for cooperation between National Assembly of Serbia and Russian State Duma.

Besides his counterpart, President of the National Assembly Maja Gojkovic, he also met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and Foreign Minister and acting Prime Minister Ivica Dacic.

According to the Serbian parliament, Gojkovic and Volodin agreed that the relations between two countries are extremely good and based on traditional friendship as well as cultural and historical closeness.

Volodin said that they should consider new ways of cooperation that would enable better results, and he called for intensive cooperation in international blocs, especially European ones -- the European Council and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

During his meeting with Vucic who assumed presidency on May 31 after winning April 2 elections, Volodin thanked him for his engagement on strengthening the ties between the two countries, adding that parliaments of Serbia and Russia have successful cooperation.

Vucic stressed that Serbia is proud to have the best relations with Russia in contemporary history.

According to the release of the president's office, Vucic said,"Serbia will work on strengthening of the economic cooperation with Russia in order to use the advantages provided by the free-trade agreement," adding that Russian investments are welcome in Serbia.

With Dacic, Volodin has once again repeated that the "friendly relations between Serbia and Russia have reached the level of strategic partnership", and there is dedication to strengthen cooperation.

"A more comprehensive and deep cooperation of two parliaments and their committees for different areas, especially economy and investments, can contribute to this goal," the Serbian government stated in a press release after the meeting.
Migrants and refugees carry their belongings during a police operation evacuating the refugees from the old airport of Hellenikon in Athens, Greece on June 2, 2017. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

PRAGUE, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Czech Interior Minister Milan Chovanec said on Monday that the Czech Republic will not accept any further refugees from Italy and Greece based on the EU redistribution quotas.

At a press conference, the minister said Czech government has identified the quota system as non-functional, and it made the decision due to the worsened security situation.

Chovanec said the one-off mechanism of quotas is to end in September and the Czech Republic will no longer be active. He said the cabinet has ordered his ministry to end all activities related to possible resettlement within the quota system. The Interior Ministry will now prepare a defense for possible proceedings that could be started by the European Commission against the country for not meeting the commitment.

According to Chovec, the step of the Czech government is in reaction to the statement of EU Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs Dimitris Avramopoulos who has called on EU member states to meet their commitments in recent weeks. Chovanec said Czech might get a fine of up to tens of millions euros from EU court.

Under EU quota system, Czech is expected to receive around 2,600 people by September, 2017, but it accepted only 12 migrants from Greece so far.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a meeting with his Nigerian counterpart in Moscow on May 30, 2017. (AFP PHOTO)

MOSCOW, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia has played no role in the making of the diplomatic row between Qatar and the Gulf countries and it will not interfere in the matter either, Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.

"It is an issue of bilateral relations between those states. We do not interfere in these decisions, although we are suspected of being behind any development in the world. But I assure you it is not true," Lavrov said at a press conference.

Moscow is convinced that there may be all kinds of contradictions between countries and it has never rejoiced at difficulties emerging in relations between other states, he said.

Lavrov said Russia was interested in maintaining good relations with all, especially in the region where a main thing was the "concentration of all efforts aimed at fighting international terrorism."

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt said earlier on Monday that they decided to cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Qatar has rejected the accusations, calling them "unjustified" and "baseless."

Libya, Yemen and the Maldives also severed ties with Qatar on the day.

The Kremlin said earlier in the day that Russia hoped the diplomatic rift would not affect the global efforts aimed at fighting terrorism.

"Russia, as an active participant in the global process of fighting international terrorism, hopes that this situation will not in any way affect the general spirit and determination in the struggle," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti news agency.
Armed police officers patrol near London Bridge after the terror attack took place on Saturday night in London, Britain on June 4, 2017. (Xinhua/UK OUT)

WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday doubled down on his criticism of London mayor's reaction after a couple of deadly attacks killed at least seven and injured dozens more.

In one of a series of tweets on Monday morning, Trump bashed London Mayor Sadiq Khan for "pathetic excuse," saying the mayor had to "think fast on his 'no reason to be alarmed' statement."

After the deadly attacks on Saturday, Khan said in an interview with BBC that while the "threat level remains at severe," Londoners need not to be alarmed by an increased police presence in London.

In a move that appeared to mischaracterize Khan's remarks, Trump accused Khan, the first Muslim mayor of London, for his remarks on BBC on twitter.

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed."

However, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders on Monday said Trump was not "picking a fight with the mayor of London at all."

Trump's tweet on June 4, 2017

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday came to Khan's defense, praising him for doing a "good job."

"And it's wrong to say anything else. He's doing a good job," said May, without directly criticizing Trump.

After Trump's attack on Khan on Sunday, Lewis Lukens, the acting U.S. ambassador to the UK, praised Khan on twitter for his "strong leadership" after the attack.

Also, the U.S. Conference of Mayors sent a message of support to Khan and Londoners, praising Khan for his leadership.

"He (Khan) has risen above this crisis of death and destruction, as mayors continue to do, to alleviate fear, to bring comfort to his people and to give support to the first responders who continue to protect, defend and provide emergency care to his people of London," said the statement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 04:37:45|Editor: yan

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Apple's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Cook attends Apple's Wolrdwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California on June 5, 2017. (Xinhua Photo)

SAN FRANCISCO, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Apple Inc. introduced Monday a music speaker, its first hardware since Apple Watch was rolled out two years ago, at an annual gathering of software developers.

To be "smart," the latest product in Apple's portfolio, known as HomePod, comes with a A8 microprocessor chip, the same power engine in the company's flagship iPhone smartphone and iPad tablet computer.

To be available on the market in December this year, the compact wireless speaker has some identical functions offered by similar products made by other companies, such as Amazon Echo, but promises to produce sound with higher quality.

HomePod is deemed a more expensive competitor of Echo, which was released two years ago.

Meanwhile, at a San Jose venue in Northern California, Apple's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Cook opened the Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, with announcement that Prime Video, a video streaming service that is operated by Amazon.com, will be integrated into Apple TV, a digital media player and microconsole.

In addition, Cook said Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, Northern California, now has 16 million registered software developers worldwide for its consumer electronics, including smartphone known as iPhone, and 3 million of them were added last year. He claimed this year's WWDC is the largest of the kind for the technology company.

At the event, a parade of executives unveiled updates to Apple's hardware, software and mobile applications, or apps, including iMac desktop computer, MacBook laptop machine, iPad, Apple Watch, iOS software operating system and App Store. The company said its App Store has so far paid out 70 billion U.S. dollars to developers, of which 30 percent was made last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 04:58:01|Editor: yan

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed in a wild elephant attack in the Tanzania's central region of Singida on Monday, police said.

Debora Magiligimba, Singida Regional Police Commander, said that a group of 32 elephants stormed the remote village of Musimi in Ikungi District, killing two farmers.

She said the incident occurred on Monday morning around 10 a.m.

The situation caused mayhem in the village as most people were puzzled to learn that the largest mammals were in the village, the regional police chief said.

Magiligimba further said the elephants might have strayed from either Maswa Game Reserve or Kigosi and Kizigo Game Reserves.

She also explained that the area where the elephants were roaming was the wildlife corridor and 1974 was the last time when the animals invaded the area.

The Monday's accident came a day when a group of 43 elephants stormed into five villages of Monduli district in northern Tanzania, causing fear among villagers and destroying 43 hectares of crops.

According to the law on compensation for destruction made by wildlife, Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is responsible for compensating those who had been affected by elephants' invasion.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 04:58:03|Editor: yan

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HELSINKI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The revelation by an internet magazine about a closed social media group of Finnish police officers have resulted in an official investigation in Finland.

Internet investigative magazine Long Play reported last week that it had found racist comments in the posts in the Facebook group.

The 2,400-member group is restricted to current and former police officers. Finnish national broadcaster, Yle said there were about 7,250 police officers in Finland last year.

Finnish Minister of the Interior Paula has ordered a thorough review.

Police force management has submitted some content to the state prosecution for evaluation of a possible crime. Finnish News Agency STT reported Monday night that a civilian had filed a criminal complaint about the group a month ago.

Among the implicated police officers was Marko Forss, who was the first internet policeman in Finland. He was known as "Internet Police Officer Fobba" by many netizens. He was awarded Finland's Police Officer of the Year in 2011 for his efforts to keep order in social media.

Forss had been one of the moderators of the Facebook group before he reportedly left the group in April.

Helsinki police commander Lasse Aapio told Yle on Monday that Forss cannot continue as the leading inspector of a hatred speech criminality task force.

Seppo Kolehmainen, the national police director, told STT earlier that the police management is not under obligation to control what the officers do during off-hours.

Participating officers were not required to report about the contents as it was not "a serious crime", said Kolehmainen.

Kolehmainen told STT that the police management knew about the group but did not know about the contents.
People take pictures of a salmon installation made of debris collected from the Pacific Coast beaches on the first day of the Ocean Conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York, June 5, 2017. Representatives from some 85 countries attend the five-day conference. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Monday urged the international community to take coordinated global action to solve the deteriorating health problems of the oceans.

"We created these problems. With decisive, coordinated global action, we can solve them," said Guterres in his opening remarks at the Ocean Conference, the first such summit convened by the UN.

"Pollution, overfishing and the effects of climate change are severely damaging the health of our oceans," he said, adding that "plastic could outweigh fish - if nothing happens - in our seas by 2050."

"Rising sea levels threaten entire countries. Oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, causing coral bleaching and reducing biodiversity," said the UN chief.

"Changing currents will have a serious impact on weather patterns; we must prepare for more frequent storms and droughts," he said.

Guterres also called for "decisive action" to nurture and protect the lifeblood of the planet.

Representatives from some 85 countries attended the five-day conference, which would focus on the targets outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the UN menber states in 2015, the organizers said.

Photo taken on June 5 shows the Ocean Conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Representatives from some 85 countries attend the five-day conference. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

In particular among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 14 highlights the need to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources to benefit present and future generations.

A surge in the number of voluntary commitments to take action to improve the health of the ocean by countries, businesses and civil society groups has been recorded, the organizers said.

The commitments, now numbering over 600 and still increasing, come as heads of state and government and ministers are joining ocean leaders, experts, businesses, and civil society organizations to discuss solutions that restore the health of the world's ocean.

The commitments target a wide range of ocean problems, ranging from protecting coral reefs, strengthening sustainable fisheries, reducing plastic pollution, and addressing the impacts of climate change on the ocean, the organizers said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 05:38:41|Editor: yan

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DAMASCUS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Over 30 people were killed on Monday by U.S.-led airstrikes on the northern city of Raqqa, pro-government al-Watan online newspaper reported.

The airstrikes targeted boats transporting civilians in the southern bank of the Euphrates River, said the report, adding that the strike hit before the Iftar time of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights placed the death toll at over 20.

On June 3, at least 43 civilians were killed by similar strikes on Raqqa, according to the state TV.

The rate of civilian causalities by U.S.-led airstrikes has increased recently as a result of the intensification of U.S. airstrikes on Raqqa, the de facto capital of the IS group, and other IS strongholds in northern and eastern Syria.

The Syrian government repeatedly denounced the attacks that target civilians, branding the operation of the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition in Syria as "illegitimate."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 05:38:42|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Babatunde Osotimehin died suddenly at home on Sunday night at the age of 68, the United Nations said on Monday.

Osotimehin, a physician and public health expert, became UNFPA's fourth chief on Jan. 1, 2011. Before that, he was Nigeria's minister of health. And he once served as director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, which coordinated HIV and AIDS work in Nigeria.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "profoundly saddened" by the sudden passing of Osotimehin, noting that "the world has lost a great champion of health and well-being for all."

Guterres said sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights are among the most important and sensitive on the international agenda, and that Osotimehin's efforts helped families get the sexual and reproductive services they need.

A statement issued by the UNFPA said "Dr. Osotimehin was bold and never afraid of a challenge and his strong leadership helped keep the health and rights of the world's women and girls high on the global agenda. He understood that the world's 1.8 billion young people are truly its greatest hope for the future."

The UNFPA is a UN agency which works for the improvement of reproductive health. It operates in more than 150 countries and regions.

In April, the U.S. Department of State said that it was cutting all funding to the UNFPA and was withholding 32.5 million U.S. dollars for the UN agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 05:38:44|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Monday expressed concern over decision by some Arab countries to sever their ties with Qatar, calling for stoppage of escalation.

The Foreign Ministry would like to express its deep concern over this unfortunate development among sisterly Arab countries which are dear to the hearts of the Sudanese people and the entire Arab nation," said Sudan's Foreign Ministry in a statement on Monday.

"Sudan, based on its role dictated by bonds of religion, blood and common history, calls for self-restraint and working to overcome the differences on bases of wisdom and keenness on the interests of the States and peoples of the Arab nation," it noted.

Sudan further expressed full readiness to exert its utmost efforts and endeavors with all the brothers for calmness and stoppage of escalation to bring matters back to normal and in a manner that achieves the upper interests of the peoples of the region.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen on Monday cut off ties with Qatar, accusing it of backing "terrorism" in the strongest rift among some of the most powerful countries in the Arab world for years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 05:43:46|Editor: yan

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BRASILIA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's President Michel Temer signed into law the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on Monday, which marks the World Environment Day 2017.

The Paris Agreement is now law in Brazil, with Temer highlighting his environmental commitment during the ceremony.

"Brazil will make its contribution, it will meet the height of its responsibility. We know climate change is a real problem and we must face it in a systematic and vigorous way. Its effects are already being felt, in Brazil and in the world," he said.

The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 parties in Paris in 2015 and it went into effect in November last year. The pact sets a target of holding the global average rise in temperature below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and preferably below 1.5 degree Celsius.

In last September, Brazil ratified the document, which means that the country must reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases by 37 percent by 2025, and by 43 percent by 2030, from 2005 levels.

Also at the ceremony, Brazil's Environment Minister, Jose Sarney Filho, expressed his concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump's decision last week to pull the United States out of the Paris accord.

"We are showing the world that Brazil's commitment to this implementation will be unbreakable. We reiterate our deep preoccupation with the recent decision by the American government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement," said the minister.

To mark World Environment Day, Temer also signed decrees to expand three federal conservation units and create a new national park. This brings Brazil's total protected land to over 347,000 hectares.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 05:48:49|Editor: yan

TIRANA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Albanian state police general director Haki Cako signed Monday a protocol of agreement with his Montenegrin counterpart Slavko Stojanovic seeking to enhance cooperation during summer season, a state police press statement informed.

Albanias State Police Director General Haki Cako praised the fruitful cooperation between the two police directorates, adding that this cooperation was driven by the same geographic police interest as well as the shared priorities in the light of European Union integration.

Head of Albanian police expressed willingness to fight together the organized crime, drugs and human beings trafficking, cross border crime and terrorism.

"Its time to tight up control on green border and border crossing points setting up task forces involving representatives of two police, local media cited Cako as saying to his Montenegrin counterpart.

Slavko Stojanovic, director general of Montenegro Police, highlighted the excellent cooperation with the Police of Albanian state.

Stojanovic added that cooperation at police level would be more efficacious as part of the efforts to fulfill the common priorities as well as those in the regions interest and beyond, state police said in its statement.

Cooperation between the Interpol offices of the two police is to be appreciated particularly in exchange of information and coordination of joint actions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-06 06:08:56|Editor: yan

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SANAA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's top Houthi rebel official said Monday that the UN Special Envoy for Yemen was not allowed to return to the country any more, accusing him of partiality, the Houthi Al Massira TV channel reported.

"UN Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed is forbidden from returning to Yemen," Saleh al-Sammad, chief of Houthi supreme political council, was quoted by Al Massira TV channel as saying.

"Your envoy is not welcome any more after today, and if you choose another envoy he should respect the will of the Yemeni people," al-Sammad said.

Al-Sammad announced his decision in a formal speech during a meeting with the rebel's political elites in the Republican Palace in the capital Sanaa, which was aired live by Al Massira TV channel.

He accused Cheikh of bias in favor of "aggression coalition countries" led by Saudi Arabia, without giving further details.

Last week, the UN envoy to Yemen briefed the Security Council about his recent visit to Yemen, during which he said he was troubled with the reluctance of the key parties to embrace the concessions needed for peace.

The envoy said he made clear to the parties during his recent meetings in Yemen that they must reach a compromise on the situation in the war-torn port city of Al-Hodeidah.

He appealed to the parties to stop fighting for power and strive to build a country that respects the rights of all its citizens, a country with prosperous economy and strong institutions.

The UN envoy's recent visit to Yemen occurred on May 22, during which he met with Houthi officials to try to mediate a peaceful political settlement between Houthis and their foes.

The Yemeni war pits Iranian-allied dominant Shiite Houthi rebels, backed by forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, against the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbo Mansour Hadi, which is backed by Saudi-led Arab coalition.

The capital Sanaa and most of the northern provinces have been under control of Houthi rebels since September 2014.

The war has so far killed more than 10,000 Yemenis, half of them civilians, and displaced over two million others, according to UN humanitarian agencies.
Getty Images/Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester(MANCHESTER, England) -- Fans who attended Ariana Grande's concert last month, which was struck by a terrorist attack that killed 22, were given the VIP treatment at her star-studded benefit concert Sunday.



The "One Love Manchester" benefit concert is being held to raise funds for those affected by the May 22 bombing inside Manchester Arena, which also injured more than 100 others.



Inside Manchester's Emirates Old Trafford venue, Grande's fans who attended her concert last month, had a special reserved section at the front of the T-shaped stage.



Since the attack, many concertgoers have become friends, one fan said during the "One Love Manchester" broadcast, airing on Freeform and ABC.



"We're all going to stick together," the young fan added.



Freeform, ABC and ABC News are all part of the Walt Disney Company.



Another fan mentioned that it was "a bit nerve-wracking coming back to the city" Sunday to attend the benefit concert.



Emirates Old Trafford venue is less than four miles away from the Manchester Arena, where a bomber detonated explosives in the venue's foyer nearly two weeks ago.



The fan added during the broadcast that she cried while "driving past the arena."



A third fan said that Sunday's concert would be "really emotional."



"It's going to be an emotional night for everyone," she added.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Women robbed, sexually assaulted

According to reports, the 40-year-old woman and her 32-year-old male friend were walking along Pujadas Street, St James at about 5.45am when they were approached by two men armed with guns.

The men robbed them of cash and jewellery and ordered the to the house where they were staying.

While at the house, two other friends, the other 32-year-old man and the 24 year-old woman, were also robbed of cash and jewellery.

One of the gunmen then ordered the 40-year-old woman inside a bedroom where she was sexually assaulted while his accomplice stood watch over the two men and the 24-year-old woman. The 24-year-old woman was then taken to the same bedroom where she too was assaulted.

After the incident, the suspects fled the scene and the victims made a report to the St James police.

They were examined by a doctor and Newsday understands camera footage was obtained by police to assist them in identifying the suspects.
New lawsuit for JLSC

Former United National Congress senator Devant Maharaj is adamant that the JLSC is not properly constituted and today intends to file a claim seeking the courts interpretation of relevant sections of the Constitution which relates to its composition .

He is seeking a declaration that retired judge Humphrey Stollmeyers appointment is unconstitutional, illegal and invalid .

According to Maharaj, he has been following the controversy surrounding the recent judicial appointments of the JLSC which culminated in the Law Associations passage of a motion of no confidence in the chief justice and the members of the JLSC, calling on them to resign .

Having regard to the critical constitutional role and function of the JLSC, it is imperative that its membership is properly appointed in accordance with the supreme law that created it, he said in his lawsuit .

Maharaj on May 8 issued a pre action protocol letter seeking answers to several questions relating to the composition of the JLSC, namely whether a person over the age of 65 was eligible or qualified to serve as a member; whether the JLSC was properly constituted at the time with four instead of five members; whether persons with legal qualifications other than retired judges was catered for by section 110(3)(a) and whether there should be representation from the bar .

On May 9, attorney Ernest Koylass, SC, was appointed to the JLSC and the body, on May 18, conceded that with four members it fell short by one as contemplated by section 110, but that this was rectified by Koylass appointment .

It also noted that section 110 permitted the appointment of retired judges Roger Hamel-Smith and Humphrey Stollmeyer and that they were aptly qualified to so serve. The other members of the JLSC are Archie as chairman, and head of the Public Service Commission Maureen Manchouk .

In its response to Maharajs attorney Anand Ramlogan, SC, the JLSC also noted that there was no discernible prohibition placed by the Constitution on a former judge filling one of the posts since it provides for one of the two members with legal qualifications to not be in active practice .

I disagree with the JLSCs interpretation and remain of the view that Justice Stollmeyer cannot be properly and lawfully appointed to serve as a member of the JLSC. It is plain to me that on a correct reading (of the Constitution) the category of persons targeted are members of the legal profession who were practitioners and one who is still a practitioner and not retired judges, Maharaj said .

He also provided a history of the JLSCs composition, dating back to 2005, which showed that two retired judges and one legal practitioner have sat on the commission .

Maharaj said as of October 2015, there would have been three retired judges on the JLSC until the departure of retired judge Annestine Sealy, leaving four members, two of whom were retired judges .

He is seeking an early hearing in order to guide the President, Chief Justice and other state functionaries on the issue of appointment of members to the JLSC .
Disco Daddy with the medicine

He performed at the Mason Hall harvest in Tobago as well which he said he thoroughly enjoyed as he felt the love from his supporters.

Home is wonderful. Being back here is not a rest period, its like a joyful period coming home one more time again, he said.

Lord Nelson, 85-years-old, is considered a legend in calypso and soca with timeless hits such as King Liar, Meh Lover, Disco Daddy and Family to name a few.

Nelson, who left for the US as a teen, discovered his talent when he was drafted at the age of 18 in the US Army and later deployed to fight in the war in Korea. He began singing and mimicking The Mighty Sparrow whose music was gaining popularity. Nelson described Sparrow, a multiple calypso monarch, as one of the greatest calypsonians and a really good friend.

During my time, while serving in the war, there were a couple of us that were West Indians and Caribbean so we got we little group and we singing we little calypso and me, I was mimicking Sparrow, (Lord) Melody and Kitchener; but I was mimicking Sparrow because he was the hardest and I ended up being that great by singing for my fellow soldiers, he said, as he fondly reflected on his days in the army.

Nelson had no idea what Sparrow looked like but would soon find out in what some would call an awkward situation. He added, One time I came out of the service and I was in a little steelband called The Magnets. Then after that, I got in a real orchestra kind of band singing calypso music but I was so good with Sparrow that if he made a mistake on a recording, I would make the same mistake, but I had never seen the young man and there were no albums in those days. Somehow I was on stage singing Sparrow song and there was a group of people coming up in front with a young man and they were saying, let him sing its Sparrow, I think is me (they referring to) and I saw the man coming up and I didnt know.

They were playing his music and saying sing Sparrow sing and I am waving too and they said, give him the mike and I gave him the mike. When I heard him sing he sounded like me, then is when I knew that it is The Sparrow, said Nelson, as he recalled his first encounter with Dr Slinger Francisco.

Nelson said although Sparrow was his muse, Kelvin Pope, The Mighty Duke , helped him tremendously with understanding how to write and sing calypso.

Discussing his role in the invention of soca music, he said although Ras Shorty I is widely acclaimed as the creator of the art form, he said his input was valuable too.

When people talk about soca there is a whole lot of me in that and I keep telling the story over and over, my music is not like regular calypso.

Shorty I was singing, Endless Vibration, and I was singing, Disco Daddy, and we got together and we talked about how we will try and make our music go further around the world, then I went back to New York and the next time when I came back I hear them say he invented something called soca, he said. Nelson explained their plan was to combine soul and calypso music.

He said not being given credit for his contribution does not bother him but he reminded everyone that he still has the medicine and no one alive can sing soca how it was really intended to be done.

I got the medicine, I got the background, Ras Shorty I had it too but nobody else can figure it out. I got the secret; they tried with something else called groovy soca, he pointed out.

The Tobago icon said he does not plan to reveal the secret unless it is absolutely necessary.

The Plymouth native also spoke about being labelled a foreigner in his own country.

Nobody knew about me, I am not a calypsonian, I am an entertainer that mimicked calypso and became what I am. I am famous around the world and my people dont even get it, and I see people wearing jackets that dont even fit them, they are given all types of credit and they dont even know what it is all about.

Trinidad treats me a whole lot better than Tobago and that really annoys me. When I hear about some of the top awards, I wonder how come I never got any and they sing All ah we is one family and I wonder if they know who sang it; I wonder if they realise its me, he said.

Nelson, touching on the state of soca, hailed the genius of Machel Montano but said he is not impressed by some of the music being produced.

He said Trinidad and Tobago has a lot to offer and artistes should try to develop what they have here instead of copying other cultures.

You could imagine, they got four of five girls on the stage and singing the same thing raise your hands and count to four and some smoke and thing going on, and who could wine more, he lamented.

Nelson said he entered the soca competition this year to show the youngsters how it is done.

I did not go up there to actually win something because I already won it. I cant compete with them. I was just there to show them that without people like me, they couldnt even have that. Despite the lack of creativity by some, Nelson said he is proud of Montano.

With all that Machel is into and is doing I always feel proud and most people know there is a little bit of Nelo in Machel Montano, he laughed.
Double murder in Tarodale

They opened fire hitting 17-yearold Jabari Ettienne and 35-year-old Wendel Pierre. Both are now dead.

Family members said to Newsday yesterday that Ettienne and Pierre were liming at the side of a neighbours house with several other people up until 2am. The steps and patch of grass at the side of the neighbours house was a daily liming spot for young people in the area. None of them expected the night to end in bloodshed.

We had just finished watching TV and was about to go to bed when we heard the first shots, said Ettiennes 23-year-old sister Akela Ettienne. Akela, who was at home with her mother and other siblings one street away from where her brother was liming, said the first set of gunshots sounded as if they came from machine guns. Then I heard the last two shots, said Akela who believes they came from a different gun. After a little while, he just start banging down the door. When we opened it, he stumbled and collapsed on the ground and told us to call an ambulance. With the help of a neighbour, Akela and her mother rushed Ettienne to the San Fernando General Hospital as he bled from his chest and arm. The bullets, said his sister, went straight through him. He died while undergoing emergency surgery.

Akela said the gunmen chased after her scampering brother and only shot him when he reached the foot of their own hill. The fact that he was chased led some police to believe he was a target of the gunmen, but Ettienes grieving mother Karen Baptiste-Ettienne does not believe that was possible.

He was not a troublesome child at all, she said. He is always at home and the furthest place he would go is by that same house and look what happened now. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Meanwhile, as Ettienne was being rushed to the hospital, Pierre was lying on the ground in the neighbours yard, bleeding from his neck and his foot as his family awaited the arrival of the ambulance.

He died at the scene.

Unlike Ettienne, Pierre no longer lived in Tarodale. His brother Henry Pierre said he lived in Todds Road, Chaguanas and had only visited Tarodale to do a private job for another one of their brothers. Henry said after doing the job, Pierre dropped money off for his 13-yearold daughter in Marabella before returning to Tarodale to lime.

I dont want anybody saying my brother was a bad person, Henry said. He wasnt. He was a good man, my last brother, and now he gone and leave two children with one on the way. Several men who were at the lime yesterday morning said the gunmen approached them casually, dressed in all black and wearing masks. There were no arrests up to press time, but Ste Madeleine and Homicide Bureau Region III police are continuing investigations.
I did not authorise visit of AGs children to shooting range

Maharaj described as erroneous the contents of the TTDFs response to United National Congress senator Wayne Sturge who submitted a request for information after photographs of Al-Rawis children posing with, what appeared to be, high-powered rifles belonging to the TTDF were made public.

In a letter dated April 25 and addressed to Sturge, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Rodney Smart said based on evidence adduced by a board of inquiry (BOI) established to conduct an investigation into the issue, Al-Rawis children accompanied him to the Regiments Cumuto Barracks on October 31, 2015. Smart said Al-Rawi was invited to witness a tactical display so that he would become familiar with the set of actions his security team may have to employ in the event of an incident.

Smart said the BOI deduced that Al-Rawis children were not allowed to have high powered weapons belonging to the TTDF in the presence of Al-Rawi and members of the TTDF and there was no evidence that anyone in the TTDF was complicit in the performance of their duties.

It was established that the former chief of defence staff Major General Kenrick Maharaj, acting on his own volition, authorised the range practice, Smart said.

This practice is a standard procedure which is offered to all high risk national leaders who come under the protection of members of the defence Forces Special Operations elements. Consequently, there was no evidence that any member of the Defence Force was coerced into breaching any practice of procedure. Maharaj, in his statement yesterday, said given the context of this particular situation, the statement that he acted on his own volition can reasonably be interpreted to mean authorisation for any or all activities in relation to the matter under scrutiny, including the issue of children handling weapons on the range at Cumuto Barracks on the day in question. I am gravely concerned, from a position of absolute denial in granting such authorisation, that I was not informed of testimony to that effect in the BOI and therefore a fundamental requirement for me to attend the BOI to confirm or deny such an allegation /accusation, Maharaj said.

Notwithstanding this, it is noted that the statement acting on his own volition is language commonly associated with the criminal law environment and therefore has negative connotations in that regard. It is highly unusual to ascribe such language to the decision- making process of a chief of defence staff, and so leaves one to wonder in this circumstance, if there was an underlying intent to cause mischief by the person who drafted the TTDF response to Senator Sturge.

Even if a chief of defence staff exercises his initiative in any given instance, his ultimate decision is usually based on staff a advice (feasibility, suitability etc), and the subsequent execution by personnel down the chain of command. Maharaj said he is deeply concerned that the disturbingly misleading statements in Smarts response carry the potential to do serious harm to his character and reputation. He said he wanted to place on the record that he did not authorise the range practice conducted at Cumuto Barracks, he did not invite Al-Rawi to any military base to attend any range firing activity, he did not have any communications with Al-Rawi on the matter at any time, and he was not at Cumuto Barracks on the day in question. Consequently, Maharaj said he is not aware of who would have received Al-Rawi and his family at that military installation on that day and what protocols were observed.

He is calling for Smart to retract the statements in areas where he has been named and an amended document be prepared and re-submitted to Sturge. Also being sought is a public statement to undo the hurt caused to Maharaj and his family.

I conclude with the recommendation that when matters such as the one in question, with high political sensitivities and public interest have to be addressed by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, the organisation should not engage in compromise in respect of its professional ethics and proper procedure. Greater attention should have been given to procedural accuracy, the judicious use of language as well as exercising greater prudence in treating with a former chief of defence staff.
Al-Rawi: Maharaj arranged everything

In an interview with Newsday in response to a letter to UNC senator Wayne Sturge signed by Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Rodney Smart, Al-Rawi said it is clear that he had nothing to answer in relation to queries made about his children handling weapons at an army base in 2015.

The letter was dated April 25, 2017.

I will maintain that I attended at the invitation of the army contrary to allegations that there was some nexus to Brigadier Smart.

It turns out that even that was a lie because it was Major General Kenrick Maharaj that had arranged everything. I find it incredible that if the United National Congress (UNC) had this letter that they would have sat on this for so long. Clearly they were not too happy, it seems, with what they got. He said it was no secret that he confirmed a very long time ago, that my children went with me at the invitation of the army for an orientation around security threats. Al-Rawi said he was not aware that the army had responded to Sturge and he has not seen the letter.

However, Opposition MP Dr Roodal Moonilal said the letter raises more questions than it answers. He also called for the report of the board of inquiry, established by the army to probe the matter, to be made public.

I have taken note of excerpts of what is alleged to be the findings of a report of the Defence Force, Moonilal said.

As the person who raised this matter in the Parliament one year ago, I am very concerned that this report itself appears to be extremely confusing and convoluted. Moonilal raised several questions which, he said, the letter brings to the fore.

I do not know what is meant by General Maharaj gave permission of his own volition. Is it that he waived a protocol or overturned a rule? I think that is a critical issue.

I am not even sure if Mr Kenrick Maharaj was on the compound during those incidents. He questioned what other related national security issues were in the report which prevented it from being aired in the public domain.
Reema: Too much red tape in drug approvals for region

Carmona was speaking on Thursday last at a sub-regional consultation for the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean on the Global Strategy for Womens, Childrens and Adolescents Health - 2016 to 2030 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

She said not enough is being done to address the unwieldy, bureaucratic process of drug approvals in the Caribbean with some sense of speed and institutional urgency.

Why must a country in the Caribbean go through the tedious process of a drug approval regime after approval of that same drug by, for example, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? she asked.

The United States FDA approval, represents, I would hope, international benchmark standards for the operationalisation and use of new drugs. They have the resources, infrastructure and finance beyond the capacity of the many burgeoning democracies in the Caribbean. It begs the question, Why then, are US FDA-approved drugs for the terminally ill and other patients years away from being approved locally and regionally? This inability to provide pain relief and other medications may well constitute an infringement of a persons basic human rights. Carmona said she has been told by several stakeholders that the non-approval of new drugs is further burdened by an environment that makes no comprehensive, informed provision for the execution of clinical trials involving new and experimental drugs.

I am reliably informed that there are boxes of drugs and dossiers, waiting to be approved at the food and drugs laboratories throughout the Caribbean and even the GRULAC region. These labs are simply overwhelmed due to lack of resources, weak infrastructure and insufficient personnel, to fully and competently carry out its mandate. The region may be right for the harmonisation for the registration of drugs through its umbrella bodies, CARICOM and CARPHA. She suggested that the Bahamian Pharmacy Act of 2009, supported by the Pharmacy (Import and Export) Regulations 2010, may be a legislative template for that proposed harmonised registration of drugs.

Regarding the standard and importation of drugs, any drug to be imported into the Bahamas and hopefully in the future, in the Caribbean, must meet one of the following prescribed international standards  the British Pharmacopeia; the United States Pharmacopeia; the European Pharmacopeia; the International Pharmacopeia; or any other Pharmacopeia as approved by the Minister of Health.

This not only saves time, but also money, as the authorities will be saved the expense of paying experts to approve the many dossiers submitted to them.

The availability of drugs would decrease patient morbidity and mortality, easing the suffering of our loved ones. By allowing US FDA approved experimental drugs, we can also begin supervised clinical trials in collaboration with the various foreign entities and university hospitals - possibly resulting in a decrease in our medical brain drain and patients leaving the country to access US FDA approved drugs and experimental drugs. Carmona said drugs like Oxycodone and Vicodin, approved by the US FDA for years but not available in local markets, will then be accessible.
Abdulah joins calls for Archie to resign

Addressing a media conference at the MSJs St Joseph Road, San Fernando headquarters yesterday, Abdulah said the no-confidence motion was another indication of the collapse which was taking place in institutions.

We want to say that in our view, the time has come for Chief Justice Archie and the members of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to resign in order to ensure that the credibility and legitimacy of the Judiciary and for our legal process to regain some of its very significantly tarnished reputation, Abdulah said.

The media conference also focused on the state of health care delivery with MSJ general secretary Ozzi Warwick once again calling on the minister of health to come clean on the Point Fortin hospital and the delay in its construction.

On Saturday April 1, the MSJ held a press conference just outside the construction site of what was supposed to be the new Point Fortin hospital where we highlighted the fact that, notwithstanding sod turning, nothing has actually happened, Warwick said.

Well subsequent to that, you had the UdeCoTT and the minister of health coming out in a strong statement to give the indication that some work is taking place. Now today, on June 4, absolutely nothing is happening. Abdulah also highlighted a case involving an MSJ activist whose daughter had been denied funding from the Childrens Life Fund after she had initially been approved to receive funding for lifesaving surgery.

There was approval in 2015 March for Jordan Adams, the daughter of Ronnie Adams, to get surgery in the United States. We are now more than two years after that and to date the Childrens Life Fund has not honoured its original commitment to disburse the money, Abdulah said.

His daughter is alive today but needs ongoing medical treatment and shes only alive because in desperation, Ronnie and his wife approached Petrotrin to get a loan.

We are saying that the Childrens Life Fund ought to honour its commitment that was made originally. The loan was in the amount of US$147,000.
Rambharat: Grow more local produce, respect the environment

There is a lot of consciousness about eating what you know and eating what you grow, Rambharat said, adding, The more we produce and the more accessible it becomes, we are able to keep the prices at a level where it becomes more affordable. He was speaking after a tour of the Godineau River, south Oropouche yesterday as part of World Environment Day observances which is being observed worldwide today .

Continue to respect nature and the environment. Rambharat, who was accompanied by Fyzabad MP Dr Lackram Bodoe, was taken by boat along the river to those areas which had been affected by last years oil spill .

One of the issues I saw in the Godineau river and in the Caroni bird sanctuary was the issue of dredging of rivers and the way in which the silt that is dredged is dumped onto the banks. When you do that, you really affect the shell fish that is using the bank of the river as a breeding ground so that will affect the oyster .

We need to put in some infrastructure to help the boat operators to be able to land and anchor their boats a little more safely along the Godineau at an area called St Johns and another area called Woodland, he said .

Rambharat also said the river possessed the potential for eco-tourism as there was already some activity taking place along the river but on a limited basis .

At a meeting with farmers, Rambharat said he knows the number one issue is land tenure; the number two issue is access roads; and third is the support from the Ministry and spoke at length about the work of the Ministry and other agencies to address their legitimate concerns .

While at the meeting with the fisherfolk, he called on the Fishing Association to instill discipline among its members with a view to proper management of their facilities .
Police in Shirako, Chiba Prefecture, on Sunday arrested a 21-year-old woman on suspicion of dangerous driving resulting in injury after she plowed into a group of 10 university students, injuring four of them.

Police said the suspect, Moe Katsuma, was also charged with drunk driving after the incident which occurred at around 2:30 a.m., Fuji TV reported.

According to police, the 10 students were walking along the side of the road in Odoroki when they were hit from behind by the car. Four of the group, aged between 19 and 21, suffered injuries, including a 19-year-old girl who remained in a coma on Sunday.

Katsuma, a part-time worker, was quoted by police as saying she had been drinking beer and other alcoholic drinks before the accident.

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A 14-year-old boy from Osaka, western Japan, has been arrested for allegedly creating a type of computer virus called "ransomware."

This is the first arrest in Japan for the creation of this kind of malware.

The junior high school student is suspected of having produced the virus in January. It encrypts and renders data on infected computers inaccessible until a ransom is paid.

Police officers in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, say they found a message posted by the boy on an online website. In the message, the boy stated that he had created the malware. The officers raided his home in April and discovered traces of the virus inside a personal computer.

The investigators say there have been no reports of damage caused by the virus, which was downloaded many times from a website.
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The launch of 5G networks is a few years off. But, according to Ericsson (News - Alert), once cellular network operators get 5G up and running, this technology will provide a great platform for medical applications. And those applications, the infrastructure supplier says, will drive the transformation of the healthcare industry and of patient care.





Ericssons ConsumerLab report, From Healthcare to Homecare lays out the potential benefits 5G networks and applications could deliver.

The report is based on the results of online surveys with 4,500 smartphone/mobile broadband users. Those surveyed were between the ages 18 and 69 at the time of the study, which took place in February. They were located in Germany, Japan, South Korea, the U.K., and the U.S.

The study also relied on input from 900 decision makers across the healthcare, insurance, medical technology, and telecommunications service provider industries. And it collected and reported on the views of app developers and aggregators, and government regulatory bodies, in the same countries.

Ericsson in the study notes that 5G networks will be capable of supporting such applications as remote monitoring through medical-grade wearables, virtual doctor-patient interactions, and remotely operated robotic surgery. The company in this study  and during a recent presentation at Kings College London provided a list of the potential benefits of 5G networks and applications.

Those Ericsson efforts included suggestions that:

wearables will enable consumers to take more control over their healthcare;

online consultations supported via 5G will reduce painful patient wait times;

connected healthcare supported by 5G will make better doctors and healthcare available to more people, regardless of location; and

5G will make centralized patient records more accessible, leading to more efficiency and better outcomes.

Here are some specific statistics from the study:

47 percent of telecom decision makers say that secure access to an online central repository of medical records is a key challenge and expect 5G to address this.

45 percent of cross-industry experts consider the central repository as a breakthrough in healthcare provisioning.

39 percent of chronic patients prefer online consultations to face-to-face meetings.

35 percent of consumers say that online access to a central repository of medical records will help them more easily manage the quality and efficiency of their care.

35 percent of cross-industry decision makers expect 5G to provide reliable low-latency connections.

In a separate study, Darrell M. West, vice president and director of governance studies and founding director of the Center for Technology Innovations at Brookings, noted that connected medicine will help people get quality care through improvements in imaging, diagnostics, and treatment. And he said that 5G will take connected medicine to an entirely new level.

Rather than having computing equipment that is disparate and separate, the 5G world will allow us to enter an era where real-time health services will become the norm rather than the exception, West wrote in the paper How 5G technology enables the health internet of things, which was published in July of 2016.

Some mission-critical medical functions require high reliability and availability with latency intervals that are down to a few milliseconds, he added. 5G will make this possible and bring consistent, reliable user experiences to improve medical care.

5G is expected to allow for connectivity speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second  providing parity with wireline speeds. It will also include the ability to support a larger number of devices (like millions or billions of them). And it will allow for ultra reliable low latency communications.

But, as noted above, 5G standards are still a work in progress. And 5G networks are not expected to go live for a few years.

The cellular community (3GPP and then ITU) is working on two phases of 5G standards. The first, called Release 15, is expected to be frozen by June 2018. The second, referred to as Release 16, should come out 15 months after that.

As for carrier launches, T-Mobile (News - Alert) USA, in what is considered the boldest plan to date for the launch of 5G services, last month announced plans to turn up 5G services in 2020.

Edited by Alicia Young
If a home or other building seems to have been invaded by hundreds of flies this fall, these are likely cluster flies. While a nuisance, they do not cause any damage or harm to people or pets and they do not reproduce indoors.
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Morocco is illustrative of a rising power that has cannily deployed its soft power toolbox, including investments, human development projects, media, culture and religion to boost stability in the Sahel and Africa.

In an article on the World Politics Review on the contribution of four main players in the security arena in the region, Morocco was distinguished by the author, Anouar Boukhars, for succeeding to tap into the potential of soft power in its ties with African states.

Morocco has demonstrated the centrality of soft power as a complement to hard powerin strengthening both counterterrorism measures and regional cohesion more broadly, writes Boukhars in the article entitled Overcoming the Barriers to Regional Security Cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel

The author noted that Moroccos pivot towards Sub-Saharan Africa was strengthened by a forward-looking Royal vision bolstered by visits that led to dozens of deals in banking, insurance, telecommunications, mining, renewable energy, agricultural sustainability, fishing and infrastructure.

In particular, the state-owned Office Cherifien de Phosphate (OCP), Attijariwafa Bank, telecommunications company Maroc Telecom, flag carrier Royal Air Maroc and real estate developer Addoha Group have all played a key role in promoting Moroccos corporate outreach in Africa, he added.

The Casablanca Finance City, a business center created in 2014 will help Morocco reinforce the soft power character marking its ties with the rest of Africa as part of a South-South cooperation approach, Boukhars went on to say.

This soft power dimension underlying Moroccos relations with African states earned the Kingdom the support of several countries notably in English speaking Africa that were previously ardent supporters of the Algerian-backed separatists thesis in the Sahara. In this regards, Boukhars shed light on the volte-face in favor of Moroccos territorial integrity by several influential countries in the continent including, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, Ethiopia.

Moroccos soft power has also a cultural, educational and religious dimension, explained Boukhars. Thousands of African students are benefiting from scholarships and the Kingdoms media are expanding their audience base in the continent. At the religious level, Morocco offered training to African imams and continues to advocate its comprehensive approach to counter violent extremism.

Mohammed VI has made himself promoter-in-chief of the kingdoms spiritual and tolerant brand of Islam, known as the Sufi-Maliki tradition, which he bills as an alternative to the extremist, Wahhabi-inspired tendencies encroaching on the Sahel, Boukhars explained. Moroccos multimillion-dollar Mohammed VI Institute for Training Imams, inaugurated in 2015, and its Foundation for African Ulema, constructed in 2016, are examples of Rabats attempts to reshape Islam in Africa.

Immigration policy also features prominently in Moroccos soft power toolbox. In December 2016, Algeria deported some 1,500 African migrants to Niger, Rabat dispatched humanitarian aid and announcedwith great fanfareits second round of regularizing the status of thousands of sub-Saharan migrants, the author of the article added.

In terms of hard power, Morocco is active in counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel, wrote Boukhars, recalling the Kingdoms assistance to Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram in 2016 through providing military equipment.

Moroccos counterterrorism strategy is reinforced by its involvement in security initiatives that offer military and border-security training to allies in the region. Rabats intelligence services are also active in some parts of the Sahel, he said.

Boukhars pointed to the paralysis plaguing the Maghreb union in light of Algerias attempts to exclude Morocco from trans-Saharian security initiatives that it hosts. In this regards, he stressed that Rabat needs to collaborate more efficiently with Nigeria to address stability and peace challenges in the region.
By the end of 2016, 204 Jihadists left the Spanish-occupied cities of Ceuta and Melilla in northern Morocco to join the ranks of the Islamic State (Daesh) in Irak and Syria, warns a report of the Spanish intelligence services.

Relayed by the Moroccan media, the report dealing with the issue of foreign fighters from the two occupied cities notes that 20% of them are Moroccans who obtained the Spanish nationality while 65% are Moroccan residents in the two cities. The remaining 15% are from other nationalities who joined Daesh from Ceuta and Mellila.

Most of them travelled to join Daesh in the Middle East either from Malaga or from Mohammed V airport in Casablanca, the same source said.

Out of the 204 militants, 45 militants died in battles in the Iraqi and Syrian fronts. Some of them carried out suicide attacks, said the report.

The source warns of the dangers looming in Spain due to the return of these fighters, noting that 30 jihadists have already come back to the Iberian Peninsula.
The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guteres, expressed deep concern over the shortage of food supplies sent to the population held in the Polisario-run camps in southwestern Algeria.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over the plight of tens of thousands of Sahrawi refugees in Algeria, who will have their food rations cut due to lack of funding, the Spokesperson for Guteres said in a statement.

He added that Humanitarian aid, including food aid, is a lifeline for the population held in abject living conditions by the Algerian-backed polisario militias.

A recent survey highlighted the precarious nutrition situation in the Sahrawi refugee camps and the refugees limited access to markets or livelihoods, he deplored.

The statement shed light on the lack of funding affecting the World Food Program (WFP), which was prompted to cut food rations by almost one fifth this year, and to halt distributions of nutritional supplements to treat anemia and malnutrition in pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children.

Yet the lack of WFP funding is only the tip of the iceberg in the Tindouf camps food supply ordeal. The embezzelement of humanitarian aid by the Polisario and Algeria has been hampering food supplies to the Tindouf camp population for decades.

Last March, Mauritanian authorities foiled an attempt to embezzle humanitarian aid by the Polisario separatists seizing a large amount of foodstuff and medicines.

The seizure comes after the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva denounced at its 34th session the embezzlement of basic commodities such as formula and vaccines.

In 2015, the EUs anti-fraud office (OLAF) disclosed a report blaming the Polisario and Algeria for diverting humanitarian aid. The OLAF report documents well-organized, years-long embezzlement by the Polisario Front of humanitarian aid designated for Sahrawis held in the camps of Tindouf in Algeria.

The report states that aid theft begins in the Algerian port of Oran, where the sorting between what should arrive and what can be diverted takes place.

Following the disclosure of the report, the European Commission said it would cut aid commensurately with the estimated number of 90,000 people instead of the inflated 165,000 people put forward by the Polisario and Algeria in an attempt to sell the idea of the existence of a Sahrawi People with a republic in exile.

On the need to undertake a census of the Tindouf camps population to determine actual humanitarian needs and bar the road to embezzlers, the report explains that one of the reasons that made these diversions possible is the overestimation of the number of refugees and therefore aid provided.

Morocco and UN organizations kept calling on Algeria to conduct a census of the population held against their will in the Polisario-controlled Tindouf camps. Morocco puts the number of Sahrawis in the camps at no more than 30,000, while the Polisario separatists and their mentor Algeria claim a largely inflated number.

The lack of such a registration facilitates humanitarian aid embezzlement and leaves the camps population without international protection.

Carrying out a head-count of the population held in Tindouf will enable international aid agencies to assess the needs of the population. It will also pave the way for the camps dwellers to obtain the refugee status, which will grant them the right to return to their homeland Morocco or at least the right to freely choose their country of asylum.

Algeria and the Polisario dread such options the most as they continue to trade in the suffering of Sahrawis living in abject conditions.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gave its initial agreement to Moroccos membership request at the 51st summit of the sub-regional grouping held in Liberias capital, Monrovia.

In a statement following the summit, the West African Heads of State approved in principle Moroccos bid to join the West African trading bloc in light of the close cooperation ties between the Kingdom and countries of the region.

The summit said that Moroccos official membership will be announced after examining the implications of such decision, the statement added.

Morocco has maintained institutional relations with ECOWAS, through an observer status, which has been in place for several years.

The Kingdom has participated in several meetings of ECOWAS and has contributed to its activities in the past.

The political sequence has just ended. It paves the way for a legal sequence, which must make this accession effective. Then comes a technical sequence, where it will be necessary to negotiate sector by sector , a Moroccan diplomatic source told AFP.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who hosted the summit in Monrovia, is stepping down from the presidency of the regional bloc after serving two terms. She will be replaced as ECOWAS chair by Togos president Faure Gnassingbe.

The ECOWAS statement said that King Mohammed VI has been invited to attend the next summit to convene in Togo. Other news sources reported that Tunisia, which seeks observer status, and Mauritania that seeks to return to the sub-regional grouping will attend the upcoming summit.

If Mauritania joins, Morocco will share a land border with the ECOWAS facilitating trade and movement of goods and persons.

Moroccos King avoided attending the 51st ECOWAS summit in Monrovia on the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A statement of the Moroccan Foreign Ministry had said that the King hopes that his first participation at an ECOWAS summit does not take place in a context of tension and controversy and makes sure to avoid amalgams and confusions.

However, a Moroccan delegation led by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita attended the summit and held talks with several West African delegations.

Last February, upon directives from King Mohammed VI, Morocco officially requested membership in the ECOWAS, a sub-regional grouping that has been steadily forging ahead on the path of regional economic integration.

The membership request came after a fruitful royal tour in Africa that evidenced, once more, Moroccos willingness to build on its close political, human, historical, religious and economic ties with West African countries.
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attends the U.S.-Gulf Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 21, 2017. Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

In an unprecedented move, at least five countries  Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, and Yemen  announced in separate but coordinated statements on Monday that they are cutting diplomatic and economic ties with the tiny nation of Qatar. This entails expelling diplomats, giving citizens 14 days to return to their home nation, and cutting off sea and air travel. Saudi Arabia will also shut down land crossings with its neighbor, which deprives Qatar of a key source of food and other imports.

Saudi Arabia said the move is a response to Qatars embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilizing the region such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Al Qaeda, and ISIS. Bahrain pointed to Qatars media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain.

Theres long been tension between Qatar and its Arab neighbors over its ties to Iran and other Islamist groups, and the Doha-based news network Al Jazeera. Qatar has denied that it funds extremist groups, and its foreign ministry called the move to isolate the nation unjustified and based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact.

Tensions between Qatar and the other nations had been rising in recent days. On May 24, the state-run Qatar News Agency reported that the nations ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, had called Iran an Islamic power and said Qatars relationship with Israel is good. Qatar quickly said the incendiary comments were fake and had been posted by hackers. They were still aired repeatedly by Saudi-owned satellite channels throughout the day, and media outlets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates attacked Qatar.

The criticism intensified a few days later when Sheikh Tamim called Iranian president Hassan Rouhani to congratulate him on his reelection. This was a clear rejection of Saudi Arabias efforts to get Qatar to fall in line against its top enemy.

That same weekend, President Trump had a very friendly trip to Saudi Arabia, where he called for an Arab coalition against extremism (and Iran). Trumps visit may have emboldened the Saudis to punish Qatar.

There are going to be implications for people, for travelers, for business people. More than that, it brings the geopolitical risks into perspective, Tarek Fadlallah, the CEO of Nomura Asset Management Middle East, told Bloomberg. Since this is an unprecedented move, it is very difficult to see how it plays out.

The situation is even more complicated for the U.S. because Qatar is home to a base for the U.S. militarys Central Command, and about 10,000 American troops. Its unclear how the situation affects U.S. military operations.

Speaking in Sydney, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he didnt think the diplomatic crisis would hamper the war against ISIS.

I think what were witnessing is a growing list of disbelief in the countries for some time, and theyve bubbled up to take action in order to have those differences addressed, Tillerson said. We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences.

This post has been updated to include the addition of Yemen to the boycott.
Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images

When President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris accord on climate change last week, he attempted to justify the move with false information about the deal, dubious concerns about other countries and other leaders [laughing] at us, and a mischaracterization of the people of Pittsburgh. Trump barely mentioned the global warming that the Paris Agreement aims to ameliorate, suggesting that he continues to think that climate change is, as he once put it, a hoax.

After the announcement, reporters tried to get a clear answer to the question of whether Trump believes that climate change is real, but they didnt have much luck: EPA head Scott Pruitt (who has questioned climate science himself) said that he and the president had never discussed the issue, as did Sean Spicer. When pressed about Trumps beliefs, advisors Gary Cohn and Kellyanne Conway told journalists to ask him. Two unnamed officials sent to brief the press after the presidents Paris agreement speech said that they couldnt speak to his personal views.

Finally, in an interview set to air on Sunday, U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley gave a more straightforward response: President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation, she told Jake Tapper. Haley wouldnt address Trumps infamous claim that the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive, saying only that, [He] knows that its changing and that the US has to be responsible for it and thats what were going to do.

Given Trumps long history of climate denial and his susceptibility to misleading right-wing memes on the topic, it seems at least possible that Haleys representation of her bosss views might not be entirely accurate. Or maybe Trump does now believe in climate change  and has simply determined that appeasing his base and sticking it to the United States allies is more important than co-operating with the international effort to make humanity less completely doomed.
Police stand guard near floral tributes at the entrance of Southwark Street a day after the London terror attack. Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

ISIS claimed in a statement from its Aamaq news agency on Sunday that a detachment of Islamic State fighters were responsible for the attack in Londons Borough Market a day earlier that left seven people dead and dozens wounded, including 21 who remain in critical condition.

Its unclear if the terror group had any direct role in planning the attack, as it claims anyone they inspire as a member. Over the weekend, ISIS sent a message on one of its main propaganda channels calling on supporters to kill civilians of the Crusaders, run over them by vehicles during the month of Ramadan.

They usually use these messages to simply inspire people to carry out attacks whenever the opportunity arises, Matt Olsen, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told ABC News. So, really, the real goal is to motivate as many people as possible in the hopes that somebody will carry out an attack just like this.

The three attackers, who plowed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge then stabbed bystanders, were fatally shot by police just eight minutes after the incident was first reported. Police said they will be identified as soon as operationally possible.

Police conducted raids in Barking, east London, early on Sunday morning and made 12 arrests, including seven women and five men, ages 19 to 60. One man was released without being charged. Police said they are still searching four properties believed to be connected to the attackers.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said, Things need to change, in remarks delivered outside 10 Downing Street on Sunday. We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are, she added. There is  to be frank  far too much tolerance of extremism in our country.

Saturdays incident was the third terrorist attack in the U.K. in three months. In March, a man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four people, then fatally stabbed a police officer. Twenty-two people died last month in a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. Grande held a concert on Sunday to benefit the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, which was expanded to recognize the new victims in London.

May said the three attacks were not coordinated, but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism. She said there is far too much tolerance for extremism in our country, and called for a review of the nations counterterrorism programs.

Britains general election will be held on Thursday as scheduled, and supporters of the opposition Labour Party accused May of politicizing the attack. May has accused their leader, Jeremy Corbyn, of being too soft on anti-Western militants.

Corbyn responded by accusing May, who was home secretary for six years before becoming prime minister, of weakening national security through austerity. You cannot protect the public on the cheap, Corbyn said. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts.

Corbyn also attacked President Trump for responding to the attack by misquoting and insulting the mayor of London. At this time it is more important than ever that we stay united in our communities, Corbyn said. It is the strength of our communities that gets us through these awful times as London mayor Sadiq Khan recognised but which the current occupant in the White House has neither the grace nor the sense to grasp.
A fired disgruntled employee opened fire at a local business Monday morning in an industrial park near Orlando, killing five people. Seven other people survived the attack, which Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said did not appear to be terror-related.

Shelley Adams says her sister hid in bathroom,heard shots, saw boss dead on floor. #OrlandoShooting https://t.co/j1XWQnr22x pic.twitter.com/5K6M0ODzNc  Paul Brinkmann (@PaulBrinkmann) June 5, 2017

The alleged 45-year-old shooter was also found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect was fired in April from this business, Fiamma, which manufactures awnings for campers, says the Orlando Sentinel. According to police, he had a minor criminal history, but had been accused of workplace violence in 2014 after he allegedly beat up an employee. He was not charged in that particular case.

Sister of employee said the shooting happened at Fiamma, makes awnings for campers. pic.twitter.com/LRytDkarZb  David Harris (@DavidHarrisOS) June 5, 2017

Local law enforcement and the FBI swarmed the scene in the aftermath of the shooting, though officials declared around 9:30 a.m. that the situation had been contained.

Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before, Governor Rick Scott said in a statement, adding, I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence.

Governor Rick Scotts statement regarding the shooting incident in Orlando: https://t.co/YkwMjFDbEF pic.twitter.com/VUb85tXQIW  Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) June 5, 2017

A year ago this month, Omar Mateen, an ISIS-inspired gunman, opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, killing 49. It remains the deadliest mass shooting in American history.

This post has been updated throughout.
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is just slightly off on his figures. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, appearing on This Week With George Stephanopoulos, casually asserted that the Trump administration has presided over a staggering increase in coal-industry employment. Weve had over 50,000 jobs since last quarter  coal jobs, mining jobs  created in this country. We had almost 7,000 mining and coal jobs created in the month of May alone, boasted Pruitt.

How false are these statistics? Extremely false.

Last month, the coal industry added 400 jobs, not 7,000. Since October, it has added just 1,700 jobs. The industry as a whole now employs 51,000 people  total. (No, there were not merely 1,000 people working in coal before the election.)

It is bizarre to design your countrys energy policy  which, even if you disregard climate science, has important implications for public health and international diplomacy  around the goal of maximizing jobs in an industry that employs fewer people than Arbys. Even if jobs was the maximal priority of energy policy, the solar industry employs twice as many people. But, if youre going to live in a fantasy world in which greenhouse gas emissions do not necessarily trap heat in the atmosphere, you might as well flesh out the fantasy with some imaginary jobs.
Photo: Paul Brady/Getty Images

On a rainy afternoon in April, I went to see a 71-year-old New Jersey bail bondsman named Ron Olszowy, who keeps a suburban office about 15 miles west of Manhattan, in an unassuming brick building that also houses legal and accounting practices. A former president of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States, the industrys premier trade association, Olszowy has been in business for more than 40 years and considers his work no less honorable than his neighbors. But to his dismay, New Jersey law has recently been changed to reflect a contrary view, plunging him into the most difficult period of his career. As of January 1, monetary bail in the state has been all but outlawed, effectively rendering its several hundred licensed bondsmen unemployed. Since the beginning of the year, business at Olszowys shop, Nationwide Bail Bonds, was off about 90 percent. When I arrived, I was greeted by his wife, Marge, who was heading to lunch, a yellow umbrella with a duck-head handle tucked beneath her arm. Its sad when you work so hard your whole life for something, she said earnestly. Its heartbreaking.

Among those who arent bondsmen (or are married to them), the change in law has been widely celebrated. The old system, which had been on the books in one form or another since pre-Revolutionary days, required that bail be set for all felony defendants charged with sub-capital crimes. That was fairly standard. More than 40 states use a bail system, and many of them guarantee the right to bail in their constitution. Theoretically, this helps ensure the presumption of the innocence of the accused before trial. But in practice, compulsory bail can be doubly problematic. On one hand, courts can be forced to release dangerous defendants, as long as they can afford to pay. On the other, poor defendants charged with minor crimes often languish in cells, unable to muster even modest bails. To replace bail, New Jersey has introduced a risk-assessment rubric that incorporates the severity of a defendants charges and the chances he will flee.

The headquarters of Nationwide Bail Bonds, Olszowys company, bear a striking resemblance to a doctors office: a windowed waiting room, a rack of crinkled magazines, walls hung with framed certificates. He is slight, with gray hair and twinkling blue eyes. He welcomed me with the warm manner of a seasoned Rotarian, wearing a loose-fitting suit and a French cuff shirt. Im not saying that some of them arent poor, he said of his clients, settled in now behind his desk. But its just like anything else. If you go to the dry cleaner, if you need groceries  you have to pay for those things.

Like others in his field, Olszowy argues that bondsmen help preserve law and order  and that the new system doesnt. Throughout the 200-plus years that bail has been used, the U.S. justice system has relied on people like him to monitor defendants before trial and to shepherd them to court, sparing taxpayers the associated costs. (In the event a defendant fails to appear in court, the bondsman involved takes responsibility for his clients bail; he, in turn, is backed by an insurance company.) He hopes the law change will be reversed, but more likely, other states will follow New Jerseys lead. Already, Washington, D.C., and Maryland have adopted similar, though less progressive policies, and in February, lawmakers in Illinois introduced legislation that would do away with monetary bail there.

Olszowy got his start in bail bonds in the early 1970s. His father, Emil, who was then running the business  known at the time as Paramount Associates  ventured into local politics, eventually becoming a state assemblyman. Back then, mafia prominence in the tristate area made contact with organized crime difficult for the upwardly mobile bondsman to avoid, and Emil considered the dynamic unpromising. Dad didnt want to be associated with mob guys, Olszowy recalled. He thought theyd be asking him for favors. With no plans to run for office, the younger Olszowy didnt mind: As long as its not illegal, Id help anyone. Over the years, bookies have made some of his best clients  Youve never seen a poor bookmaker  and hes assisted more distinguished mafiosi, too, once writing a $2 million bond for the late Genovese capo Louis Gatto. (Bondsmen generally collect a fee equivalent to 10 percent of the bond.) Later, Olszowy got a call from Richard Kuklinski, the notorious contract killer known as the Iceman, who asked him to bail out a relative. He obliged, telling Kuklinski to consider his service a professional courtesy.

If twin traditions of loyalty and recidivism helped make La Cosa Nostra an unusually rich source of referrals, Olszowy has also networked along more quotidian lines. The walls of his personal office are covered with framed photographs of him standing beside assorted notables  Gerald Ford, Lawrence Taylor, John Updike  at galas and conferences put on by professional, educational, and charity groups. During his heyday, he would, before arriving at his office in the morning, visit jails and police stations, leaving behind business cards, branded pens, and goodwill. Once, he succeeded in having a Nationwide Bail Bonds clock installed in the holding cell of a North Jersey jail.

After taking over for his father, Olszowy renamed the company, although without much deliberation. He knew only that he didnt want to be a Speedy or a 1-2-3 or an ASAP  tacky-sounding titles favored by the storefront bondsmen who cluster near jailhouses, like pawnbrokers around casinos. To his delight, though, Nationwide attracts many long-distance callers. Olszowy can usually connect them with a local bondsman, taking a cut for his trouble. The most famous of these was Amy Fisher, better known as the Long Island Lolita, for her 1992 shooting of the wife of her lover, Joey Buttafuoco  another $2 million bond. Interstate income, Olszowy says, plus what he makes on probate bonds  financial instruments related to the execution of wills  ought to sustain him. And while younger New Jersey bondsmen I talked to described pending career changes  plans to get into auto repossession, expand sidelines in private investigation, go back to school  Olszowy does not intend to retire. I need people in my life, he said, indicating the subdued hum of his office, which seemed to have just one employee, down from ten. I have pleasant surroundings. I like to talk on the phone. You can learn a lot from the sound of a persons voice.

Some of his favorite clients, he told me, had belonged to a fraternity of thieves, fraudsters, and fortunetellers affiliated with a self-styled King of the Gypsies  Steve Two Bones Mitchell. If the King guaranteed em, they were there, he recalled, referring to their propensity for making court dates. Hed become friendly with the Mitchells. Matter of fact, when Steve Mitchell died  there were cars from California, Oregon, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts  the kids asked me, Ronnie, were Catholic, but we dont have a church. Can you get us a church? So I got em St. Clares, where I go to church. They says, Ronnie, could you say a few nice words? I said, You want me to eulogize em? They said, Yeah  yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

So he did. But he couldnt remember when Mitchell had died. He called one of Mitchells sons. Bobby! How are ya? he said. I got a question for ya, when did your dad pass away, the King  03? The muffled voice of a man obviously pleased to hear from Olszowy came through the receiver. They took bail away from us, Olszowy told him. But Im doin okay. After hanging up, he read aloud from his computer screen the address in Elizabeth where Steve Mitchell had lived with his wife. When people die that are in my contact list, if I like them, I dont delete em, he said.
Loose lips sink racist executive orders. Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images

Say a prayer for the unscrupulous Justice Department lawyer in your life: As a Supreme Court battle over Trumps travel ban looms, the president chose to start his week by trading the credibility of his administrations case for some likes and retweets.

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

The president has the impulse control of a 14-year-old who just discovered Red Bullvodka shots  and the racial politics of an elderly white man who just discovered Breitbart. Trumps Monday tweetstorm is yet another example of that first trait mitigating the destructive potential of the latter one.

The presidents latest posts make life harder for defenders of his embattled executive order for at least four reasons:

1) The administration wanted to keep its distance from the word ban, ostensibly because it harkens back to the (inarguably unconstitutional) Muslim ban that Trump had promised on the campaign trail.

Thus, days after Trump signed his initial executive order barring residents of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S., the administration berated the press for describing the measure as a travel ban.

Its not a Muslim ban. Its not a travel ban, Press Secretary Sean Spicer insisted. Its a vetting system to keep America safe.

[opening credits]



VERBAL KINT: Hi, I'm Keyser Soze



[closing credits] https://t.co/6S4EcKeXQ3  Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) June 5, 2017

2) The case against the presidents travel ban centers on the Trump administrations motives for pursuing it. Challengers maintain that the order was motivated by animus against Muslims, rather than reasonable concerns about national security. The orders defenders must argue that there is no connection between Trumps campaign pronouncements and his narrowly tailored, temporary ban on immigration from a select list of high-risk nations.

Now, Trump has admitted that the executive order his administration will defend does not, in fact, represent his true intentions for immigration policy. This cedes one of the challengers core premises: that one cannot divine the presidents motives from the text of the order itself. Whats more, if Trump sees his second travel ban as a more politically expedient version of the first, it seems all the more reasonable to assume that he saw the initial travel ban as a more politically expedient version of his campaigns Muslim ban.

More concretely, the first travel ban established a preference in refugee admissions for those who belong to minority religions in their countries of origin. Since the ban was concentrated on Muslim-majority countries, it wasnt difficult to read discriminatory intent into the provision. And the president made doing so even easier when he told the Christian Broadcast Network that his executive order would give priority to Christians over Muslims.

Such a preference likely violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. Which is why, when the Justice Department sought to clean up the mess Steve Bannon had made, it discarded that provision. Now, Trump says that he wishes that bit was still in there. (He also, bizarrely, suggests his administrations executive orders are dictated by the Justice Department instead of by the president.)

3) The official rationale for Trumps travel ban is that it restricts immigration from countries that are too unstable  or unwilling  to provide the U.S. with the information necessary to effectively vet their residents for immigration. But Trumps final tweet suggests that the United States is already capable of conducting EXTREME VETTING, even though that second travel ban has been blocked by the courts.

"May it please the Court we would like to stipulate in writing to the prohibited rationale and assert as moot the permitted one."  pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) June 5, 2017

4) Trump renewed his public advocacy for the travel ban Saturday night, when news of the terrorist attack at London Bridge first broke.

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

As of this writing, there is no public indication that the attackers were immigrants from any of the countries blacklisted by Trumps ban. Thus, the fact that he saw the attack in London as a testament to his bans necessity, is one more indication that the executive order isnt rooted in cold-headed risk assessment, but rather, in the same bigoted fear that produced Trumps previous proposal for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.
Be alarmed. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

When news first broke of the attack at London Bridge Saturday night, the president of the United States retweeted an unsubstantiated report from Matt Drudge; reiterated his call for banning immigration from several Muslim countries; and suggested that a low-casualty attack committed by men with knives somehow validated his opposition to gun control.

He also, briefly, expressed solidarity with the people of 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!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017

The morning after the attack, London mayor Sadiq Khan told his constituents that they shouldnt be alarmed if they see an increased police presence in the city, as the mobilization of law enforcement was strictly precautionary.

Shortly thereafter, Trump ostensibly decided that the best way for him to help out would be to take Khans words out of context, and suggest that Londons first Muslim mayor views terrorist attacks with blithe indifference.

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

Here's the proper context for Sadiq Khan's 'no reason to be alarmed' remark.



Trump's tweet takes him out of context https://t.co/a2DE2X2dhf pic.twitter.com/LvDqjKSWwo  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 5, 2017

Trumps tweet angered and embarrassed officials at the State Department. Downing Street, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and Americas acting ambassador to the United Kingdom all bucked the president, and praised Khans leadership.

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

Khans spokesperson told reporters that the mayor had 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.

Trumps surrogates, for their part, found his tweet impossible to defend on the merits. Asked whether the presidents tweet had been a mistake, Kellyanne Conway derided the Today shows obsession with covering everything he says on Twitter and very little of what he does as president.

Nevertheless, Trump persisted. On Monday morning, the president doubled down on his attack, suggesting that any reference to the context of Khans remarks is a pathetic excuse.

Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

This blatantly dishonest, demagogic insult of the mayor of a grieving city may be the ugliest tweet of Trumps presidency. Granted, the competition for that title is formidable. But Trumps skewering of Khan feels exceptional for how it combines so many of the presidents worst impulses into a single, 140-character message.

Trump has said things so patently dishonest, they undermine the very concept of objective reality. He has made dog-whistle appeals to anti-Muslim animus that validate the worldviews of white supremacists and ISIS militants alike. And he has crassly exploited public tragedies to stoke fears of vulnerable minority groups.

But in his tweet about Khan, Trump manages to do all three.

Trumps characterization of Khans remarks is demonstrably mendacious. But there would have been no justification for Trumps criticism, even if Khan had instructed his constituents not to be alarmed by the attack, itself.

Three weeks after 9/11, Mayor Rudy Giuliani implored New Yorkers to heed the phrase, Be not afraid  and suggested that by resisting fear, his city would not give in to terrorism.

That basic sentiment is a commonplace in post-attack political rhetoric. And it is a sentiment with deep roots in the United Kingdom (imagine an old-timey Trump raving through his Teletype, At least 40,000 civilians dead and 139,000 wounded in blitz and Ministry of Information says Keep calm and carry on!).

Trumps ostensible implication  that Khan should have reacted to the murder of seven people by encouraging Londoners to go about their lives in perpetual alarm  is far more odd and outrageous than the sentiment he (dishonestly) imputes to the London mayor.

But the presidents own conduct in the wake of the attack suggests he genuinely believes that fearmongering is the only appropriate response to terrorism.

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

Translation: "Why isn't he standing over the dead and using them to induce racial anger and panic, like me?" https://t.co/T3SRQ1xsx0 https://t.co/BB1rL3HNlt  David Simon (@AoDespair) June 4, 2017

Finally, the astounding unfairness of Trumps attack on Khan  less than 24 hours after he pledged solidarity with the people of Britain  makes it impossible to dismiss the relevance of the mayors skin color and religion. For the far rights sniveling snowflakes  who interpret every crime committed by a Muslim as the destruction of Western civilization  Khans election is seen as a symbol of Europes self-immolation. It is hard to believe that Trump is ignorant of this narrative, which has been loudly trumpeted by his chief strategists old website.

And it is hard not to suspect that Trump felt so little dissonance in expressing his support for London one minute, and denigrating its mayor the next because, on a fundamental level, he does not see Khan as a real Londoner.

After all, Trumps tweets about the mayor bear a striking resemblance to remarks he once made about another nonwhite Western leader, whose citizenship  and loyalties in the fight against terrorism  he found cause to question.

Last summer, following the mass murder at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Trump said that Barack Obama should resign for failing to say the words radical Islamic terror  and that there was quite likely an unspeakable motive behind that failure.

He doesnt get it or he gets it better than anybody understands. Its one or the other, Trump said of Obama on Fox & Friends. People cannot  they cannot believe that President Obama is acting the ways he acts and cant even mention the words radical Islamic terrorism. Theres something going on. Its inconceivable.

Its possible that Trumps attack on Khan wasnt motivated by racial animus, but merely by the mayors past hostility toward the president. But to posit that intention is merely to say that Trump is delusionally petty, rather than delusionally bigoted.

Regardless, with his tweet, the president asked the American people to fear the nonwhite immigrants among them; despise Londons Muslim mayor; and trust his descriptions of reality over the evidence of their own senses.

This is reason to be alarmed.
Khuram Shazad Butt (left) and Rachid Redouane (right). Photo: Metropolitan Police

British police have named two of the three suspects in the terror attack in central London on Saturday: Khuram Shazad Butt and Rachid Redouane. Authorities have reportedly working to confirm the identity of the third attacker. All three were fatally shot by police on the scene.

According to Metropolitan Police, Butt was a 27-year-old British citizen of Pakistani descent. He was known to police and British intelligence, but he had not been under suspicion of planning an attack. Investigators looked into him in 2015, but did not consider him a high priority. At least one neighbor told The Guardian that she had called Scotland Yard about Butt in 2015, fearing that he was trying to radicalize kids in the local park. The New York Times reports that Butt had a brief cameo in a Channel 4 documentary called The Jihadis Next Door:

The film, which is also available on Netflix, featured a number of British Muslim men openly expressing their support for violence. In one scene, Mr. Butt stands in line with five other men in Regents Park in London as another man kneels in front of them unfurling an Islamic State flag.

The other suspect, 30-year-old Redouane, claimed to have roots in Morocco and Libya. Redouane, who also went by the alias Rachid Elkhdar, had not been on law enforcements radar. Redouane reportedly lived in Dublin until very recently, where he worked as a chef. Irish authorities do not believe he was under surveillance, either.

British officials do not believe other suspects were directly involved in the attack, but have made a total of 12 arrests as they try to uncover any possible accomplices. Work is ongoing to understand more about them, their connections and whether they were assisted or supported by anyone else, Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said in a statement.

Two of the twelve individuals have been released without charge, but the rest reportedly remain in custody. Almost all are from or near Barking, an East London suburb where at least two of the attackers lived.

This post has been updated with additional details.
Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

For some reason or another, says Vice-President Mike Pence, this issue of climate change has emerged as a paramount issue for the left in this country and around the world. Might that reason be  a global scientific consensus that greenhouse-gas emissions pose a dire risk to humanity? Pence does not pause to consider it, instead moving on to the burden of Paris and how refreshing it is to finally have a president who stands up for American interests.

The Trump administration has been conspicuously silent on the question of climate science. When George Stephanopoulos asked Kellyanne Conway about Trumps stance on climate change, she replied, He believes in clean air, clean water, a clean environment. Press Secretary Sean Spicer, asked whether the president still dismisses climate science as a Chinese hoax, said, Honestly, I havent asked him. EPA Director Scott Pruitt, himself a confirmed skeptic, refused to answer whether Trump believes in climate change. A White House official deflected the question by insisting, I have not talked to the president about his personal views, and then shut down follow-up questions as off topic.

Only Nikki Haley, known for deviating from script, would answer a question, and she did so elliptically. President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation, the U.N. Ambassador told CNN. The official White House line has relegated the scientific basis for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions to an irrelevant side issue, a question of personal views, perhaps akin to religious belief, but unrelated to the policy at hand.

At the same time, they have not actually renounced Trumps oft-stated skepticism of climate science. The administration has clearly decided that climate-science skepticism is an inconvenient way to frame their position, and that nationalistic arguments sell better.

Most of the Republican Party has already arrived at this conclusion. Several years ago, Republicans like Marco Rubio, John Boehner, and Rick Scott began shooing away questions about climate science by insisting theyre not scientists. (While true, this fact would seem to militate toward following the conclusions of scientists, rather than treating them agnostically.)

But, if Republicans dont want the baggage of defending climate-science skepticism in public, why dont they just declare themselves in agreement with the scientific consensus?

The reason is that large chunks of the party elite continue to attack the science. Republicans in Congress like Lamar Smith and James Inhofe regularly make loopy attacks on the alleged international conspiracy to fake global warming. Conservative movement cadres have been toiling in think tanks and lobby shops for decades to attack climate science, and they have not given up, and never will. A National Review editorial cautiously refrains from taking a stance on whether the release of heat-trapping gasses into the atmosphere results in the trapping of heat, using the careful conditional: Even if one accepts, for the sake of argument, the alarmist interpretation of climate-change data. (Alarmist is conservative movement lingo for the climate scientists median conclusion about the impact of greenhouse-gas emissions; the most alarmist views among climate scientists are actually much worse.) NR published a story ten years ago urging conservatives to accept the science and move their defense of unlimited carbon emissions to other policy grounds, but it continues to publish polemics questioning the science. There is no conservative media organ of which Im aware that does not publish climate-science skeptics.

Most conservative elites may not believe the loopy claims of the climate-science skeptics, but the conservatives who do believe it happen to be the ones who care about the issue most. To openly concede that the climate scientists are correct, and the skeptics wrong, is to commit an act of treason against the movement.

Any political movement is at least somewhat susceptible to this dynamic: The most fervently committed people have the most extreme views on their subject of specialty, and tend to set the party line for the entire cause. Its said that science advances one funeral at a time. The GOP wont be able to openly make its peace with climate science until the generation of climate scientists that came of age during the 1980s and 1990s  the time when questioning the theory of anthropogenic global warming was merely tendentious rather than utterly preposterous  has shuffled off this mortal coil.
The tilde is 3,000 years old, but is there any grapheme thats more ~of the times~? The little traveling worm, originally designed to convey approximation (and used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote certain sounds), expresses so much more: strangeness, emotional and physical distance  but perhaps most importantly, sarcasm.

Weve been looking for a sarcastic punctuation mark for hundreds of years now, says Gretchen McCulloch, a linguist whos writing a book about internet language. Back in the 1580s, the English printer Henry Denham proposed that we use a reversed question mark as our indicator of sarcastic language use. In 1668, the philosopher John Wilkins wrote an essay proposing that we use an inverted exclamation mark as punctuation for ironic statements. But these punctuation marks never caught on, McCulloch noted, because every time a reversed question mark was used, it had to be footnoted, which of course killed all the fun.

The tilde, though, seems to have bypassed that problem. If I say that your question is wonderful, youre going to interpret it as the most common meaning, explained linguist Michelle McSweeney, a researcher at Columbia University. But if I say that its ~wonderful~, you understand that I dont mean the boring, old meaning of wonderful.

If there were such a thing as visual onomatopoeia, the tilde would definitely be it. The tilde looks like what it means  like its shrugging, or swaying in the breeze, like it sorta knows, ish.

Though visual onomatopoeia isnt actually a real idea, when I floated the idea by the linguist Lauren Gawne, she referenced a 1929 study done by German-American psychologist Wolfgang Kohler on what he titled the bouba/kiki effect. In the study, both American college students and Indian Tamil speakers were shown two different shapes  one curvy, and one jagged. The participants were then asked which of these shapes was named bouba and which was named kiki. In both the English and the Tamil-speaking groups, 95 to 98 percent picked the curvy shape as bouba and the jagged shape as kiki. In other words, the names of objects are not arbitrary  which means, by extension, that our reasons for repurposing punctuation marks may not be so arbitrary, either.

United has always kinda been the shittiest airline. At least with like Frontier, everybody was there with a sense of ~adventure~ & savings  Erin this difficult time Ryan (@morninggloria) April 10, 2017

As much as wed like to think were the first to invent everything internet (Gawne cited the recency illusion here), Twitter users  the most frequent deployers of the tilde  are not the first to give it a second lingual purpose. Back in the 1990s we absolutely littered AOL, Prodigy, and CompuServe with tilde flair. For example, it wasnt uncommon to see an AOL profile adorned in beautiful tilde roses:

~~~~~~~

 Or an earnest little curtain of tildes around the well-worn line of a Rumi poem in the Personal Quote section of the same profile:

~~~~~~~~~~The beauty you see in me is a reflection of you.~~~~~~~~~

 And not to be forgotten is the 1990s ~hey~ tilde:

~hey~

Back then, the ~hey~ tilde was a flirtatious tilde  a sort of prehistoric salsa-dancer emoji, if the salsa-dancer emoji was frequently deployed in invitations to go do dirty things in private chat rooms. (Quick! Go get your mom!) This tilde was used to temper the weird things people began using the internet for, like cyber, as it was called back in the day.

It also signified an early step in the tildes shift from total earnestness to something else. These days, theres not much room for earnestness on the internet, and the transformation is basically complete: What was once a marker of sincerity has now been co-opted to signify the opposite. The snark of todays internet tilde is frequently amped up by the company of its funk-tuation brethren  namely, the internet asterisk and the internet pattern of mis-capitalization. On Gawnes addictive blog, Superlingo, her associate Georgia Webster refers to all of these new grapheme uses as sparkly unicorn punctuation. They work well together:

*walk into boardroom*

CEO: whatcha got

"Innovative Solutions"

CEO: not enough

*scribble madly*

~*~*InNoVaTive SoLuTiOns~*~

CEO: by Jove!  Jacob S(taying at home) (@betamax3000) May 12, 2017

Another timely thing that the internet tilde happens to be ~~particularly excellent~~ at? Mocking the powers that be. Tildes often signal an upcoming troll of a powerful person, company, concept, or some combination:

When I asked Blake Montgomery, the author of the above tweet, about the tildes in it, he responded, With ~brands~, its about companies trying to be your BFF on social media, but theyre disingenuously trying to sell you something. Theyre not cool, theyre trying too hard. The tildes, to me, say that something is not as meaningful, opulent, or important as it tries to come off.

Indeed, snarky responses to brands sincerity often invoke the tilde:

~~PEPSI CHAT~~ has been renamed to ~~WAR CHAT~~  Brooks Otterlake (@i_zzzzzz) April 7, 2017

Whats perhaps funniest about the tilde as a tool of mocking protest is that those being protested cannot easily track it. Say youre Pepsi  you cant log into Twitter and search for ~ in your mentions, as the service offers no search on the character. In my book I Love My Computer Because My Friends Live in It, I wrote a behind-the-scenes story about how the corporate Twitter sausage is made, and it often involves spending abject fortunes on services like Hootsuites sentiment analysis software  a way of gauging the public mood on your company or brand. As far as I can tell, these systems dont have any mechanisms in place to account for tilde snark. (I asked Hootsuite about this, but never heard back.)

Which makes the humble tilde a powerful weapon on todays internet is, its a way of registering your disdain while flying under the radar, a sort of siren call for other who feel similarly: The tilde is a signal to like-minded users that they can mine another layer of meaning out of your message, one a little snarkier than the words themselves might suggest. And in a time when the leader of the free world is making up words in his midnight revenge-tweets, we need all the snark-creating tools we can get. There is nothing more now than the tilde.

Jess Kimball Leslie is the author of I Love My Computer Because My Friends Live in It.
Palmer Luckey. Photo: Gabriellle Lurie/AFP/Getty Images

After revitalizing the entire virtual-reality industry, selling his company to Facebook for billions, and being taken down by connections to right-wing memes, Palmer Luckey is ready to try again. According to the New York Times, hes got a new venture related to border security, the backing of billionaire and presidential adviser Peter Thiel, and the ear of the Trump administration.

Luckey is apparently working on a way to use LiDAR technology to spot people trying to illegally cross the border, a sort of virtual wall that would have the same effect of surveilling vast portions of the region that separates the U.S. and Mexico  the technology is already being used to that effect in parts of the country. The Times writes that, Those familiar with the plan say Mr. Luckey believes his system, which can be mounted on telephone poles, can be built far more cost effectively than Mr. Trumps proposed wall on the Mexican border  and with fewer obstacles from landowners.

Last October, Luckey was unmasked as the donor who had contributed $10,000 to the Nimble America PAC, which was devoted to anti-Clinton activism, mostly through meme magic and shitposting (mostly, a single billboard near Pittsburgh). In the aftermath, he was mothballed by Facebook, and eventually parted ways with Oculus in March. Since then, Luckey has become more politically outspoken. During the Nimble America news cycle, he stated support for Gary Johnson, but in January, he donated $100,000 to the inauguration (on Twitter, he implied he was just currying favor with those in power, as most large businesses try to).

Luckey is reportedly receiving funding from Peter Thiels Founders Fund, which believes that the start-up would pair well with Thiels government(-contractor) surveillance operation, Palantir. He also brought the idea up with Steve Bannon, a close Trump adviser, and with Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke in a brief conversation. He was referred to the Department of Homeland Security.
I have no words.

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Because I'm really going to listen to anything an anti-vaxxer has to say

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mte

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mte

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She's right up there with GOOP and Jennie McCarthy re: promoting stupid, harmful ideas.



They can all fuck RIGHT off.

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Tbh she is worse... poeple will be even more likely to trust what she says because she has a doctorate.



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She's more dangerous than either of them because she has a PhD in a relevant topic.

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end post lol

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basically

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mte

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she is!? doesn't she has a phd in like neuroscience or something? there's honestly no excuse for that level of ignorance, then.

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Yep, that's all folks!

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lol for real

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finish it.

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Lol end post

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This

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Right

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ugh how did i miss that about her. cancelled.

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I'm not inclined to watch it, either. Those who did, when she talks about women looking for one partner, does she discuss if said woman seeks the best of the species with which to procreate?

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A zionist anti-vaxxer

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And she has a PhD in neuroscience so she had to work really hard to keep those anti-vax beliefs, so like...no one should really listen to her on much of anything, imo.

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bitch i might finally be getting my v-card punched and the lucky lady has both a fiance and a girlfriend. don't waste your time trying to ruin this for me lmao.



as long as everyone involved is of age and consenting and safe, wtf's the problem. this whole ~biology bullshit.

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omg slay

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wanna be slain more



the tricky thing is she lives literally on another continent, but she's visiting europe this summer. and when she heard she'll be here on my birthday suggested i come to paris to meet up, where she will give me (certified art nerd) a tour of the louvre. there may have been talk of other stuff lol.



like. if this is what i get for waiting so long i think i'm ok lol. gimme the lavish cultured vacation stuff as foreplay. (yeah, keep my expectations low etc, but even if we didn't end up fucking i'd have a certified grand old time lmao.)

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I'm not into open relationships or polyamory, but if that's what makes other people (who I am not dating) happy, more power to them. Everyone just needs to mind their own damn business.

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met, I can't believe she's trying to say her view is science / biology too

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That's exactly how I feel.

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Signed, Sealed, Delivered.



I know I am not emotionally wire for those kind of relationships, but if they are working for everyone involved, I just don't have the energy to give any fucks.

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agreed

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Totally. Like, let people live the way they want as long as all parties are consenting, geez.

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Yeah mte I'm the same and just..... who cares...

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I agree.

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Yeah, people going "I don't GET open relationships/premarital sex/homosexuality/whatever" and then trying to use the fact that they don't "get" it as a reason why it must be unnatural or not a real thing need to stop. Like newsflash people are different and some of them like different things than you!

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Yep, same here. It's fucking dumb of her to make the argument using ~biology~ And honestly that's a really dangerous argument to make, because people can use it to justify a whole bunch of shitty beliefs.

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Agreed

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mte like why do people make it their business to police other peoples' lives?

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Exactly. I don't know why people think the way they do, like gay people are really straight or everyone wants to have children. I was cheated on once and it nearly killed me before I recovered but I'm literally unfazed when I hear someone else cheated on their loved one.

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Sameee

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ia

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That's exactly how I feel.

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Agreed and well said.

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mte, its crazy how often you have to say something as simple as "mind your own business", i want it tattooed on my forehead

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mte

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I legitimately need her to stop thinking she is the voice of all things. Just shut the fuck up.

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Ugh sexist reasoning to explain something you wouldn't do



I don't understand open relationships that much tbh nor would I participate in one because dealing with one human is enough, but juggling multiple? Absolutely not lmao



I just don't care if other people engage in it though, whatever makes y'all happy



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i can't fucking stand her

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anyway what she's saying isn't true and here's a book about why: hetero relationships sound so cumbersome sometimes, so much gender dynamics baggageanyway what she's saying isn't true and here's a book about why: https://www.amazon.com/Testosterone-Rex-Myths-Science-Society/dp/0393082083

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Ohh I have one of Cordelia's books, Delusions of Gender. It was a rather good read.

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Says open relationships are too hard to maintain because she can barely maintain a monogamous relationship.



Just because she cannot handle it does not mean other people would have the same issues. I really wish people would just worry about what is happening in their own bedrooms/houses/bed/marriage/closets/wha tever.





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I hate when people project their own relationship baggage on other people.

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yeah if and if a person can't understand this, they should stop doling out relationship "advice." or at least acknowledge that they have a bias - i don't need their whole life story, just some self-awareness

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lol right? This sounds like evo sci garbage (the "women evolved to want one mate for PROTECTION!")

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Science VS did a great podcast on monogamy and love that features some actual science if anyone's interested.



https://gimletmedia.com/episode/true-love/ Ugh this bitch.Science VS did a great podcast on monogamy and love that features some actual science if anyone's interested.

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just let ppl do what they want jfc

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She's craycray.

But I won't lie, I don't like open relationships / poly relationships. When I work with people who are in them, I see that it rarely has positive affects on all parties involved. (Not saying it can't or doesn't work out for everyone, but from what I've seen, at least 1 of the people involved is completely unhappy.)

I guess, in a way, I'm just really old fashioned and I feel like...if you're not ready to commit to someone, don't come after me so you can date me and another person. If you want me, come to me when you're ready for just me.

Just my personal opinion--only in relation to me.

I respect everyone's decision if that's what works for them. <3

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relationships are hard enough with just one partner I can't imagine the toll of meeting the needs of multiple partners.

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The type of emotional upkeep I imagine they require feels so daunting to me. Maybe I'm just too lazy (and also too much of an introvert)...

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That's how I feel, too. It's just not for me. I've also noticed with poly friends that there's just not as much space in their life for other stuff or relationships because additional romantic attachments take work, of course. (This isn't a value judgment, more just an observation--we all have different priorities for our personal time). I already sometimes struggle to balance my creative work, day job, spouse, friendships... another romantic relationship doesn't sound exciting as much as exhausting!

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This. Just one person tires me out at times.

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open relationships sometimes seem like a step towards (or an avoidance of) breakup. like, the two of us are having problems and one or both of us is kind of bored but we still love each other, let's bring in another person to ~balance things out. i know it works out for a lot of folks and at the end of the day, it's none of my business either way. but it does seem extremely complicated.

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Will the Canadian oil producers rake in higher prices for their crude oil if they sell to Asia? Is the U.S. unfairly discounting Canadas heavy crude oil stream  the Western Canadian Select (WCS)? Will the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain project be a game changer for the Canadian producers?

The Ottawa and Alberta government certainly thinks so.

However, scientist and energy resources expert David Hughes is of a different opinion. In his new report titled Will the Trans Mountain Pipeline and tidewater access boost prices and save Canadas oil industry?, he argues that Canadas oil is not being unfairly discounted by the U.S.

Oil prices internationally and in North America are now nearly identical. That means Canadian crude producers are likely to receive lower prices overseas than in the U.S. because of the higher transportation costs involved in transporting bitumen by pipeline to B.C.s coast and then exporting it by tanker, said Hughes in the report.

What is the quality of crude oil that Canada produces in Alberta?

Canadas oil sands produce a heavy crude, similar to Mexicos Maya crude, Venezuelan heavy crude, or the Californian heavy crude oil. These are costly to refine when compared to the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) or Brent Crude oil, both of which are light crude oil. Hence heavy crude oil is often priced at a discount to the light crude oil.

Related: OPEC Cuts Send Russias Oil Heartland Into Decline

What is the discount for quality when exported to the U.S.?

(Click to enlarge)

As seen in the table above, the average WCS-WTI price differential fell to below $14 per barrel in 2015 and 2016. For the first four months of this year, WTI averaged $51.72 per barrel, whereas, WCS averaged $37.21 per barrel  an average discount of $14.51 per barrel, according to the Government of Alberta website.

Comparison with a similar heavy crude oil shows no unfair discounting

Canadian oil sold on the U.S. Gulf Coast fetches the same price as comparable heavy crudes (such as Mexican Maya), which sell at a discount to WTI due to their heavy gravity and high sulphur content, which makes them more costly to refine. The difference between Canadian heavy crude (Western Canada Select [WCS]) priced at Hardisty, Alberta, and Maya priced at Houston on the U.S. Gulf Coast is solely due to the cost of transport from Hardisty to Houston, not an unfair discount, said Hughes in his report.

What is the historical price differential between WTI and Brent

(Click to enlarge)



The price differential between Brent and WTI rose sharply between 2011-2014 due to pipeline constraints at Cushing. Since then, the price differential has been reducing and has been steady for the past few months, as seen in the chart above.

The price differential between a barrel of Brent and WTI was $3.65 in 2015, which dropped sharply to only $0.41 in 2016. For 2017, the differential is expected to be $1.92 per barrel and for 2018 it is expected to be $2 per barrel, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Therefore, the Canadian producers will gain an average of $2 per barrel if they sell oil to Asia, however, it will entail higher transportation cost.

If, on the other hand, the price differential between Brent and WTI reverts to its historical mean  of minus US$1.34 per barrel according to Hughes  then the Canadian producers will get lower prices in Asia, without even considering the added transportation cost. Related: Canada Pushes For Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy

What is the cost of transportation from Canada to Asia?

(Click to enlarge)

The tolls to move oil from Alberta to northeast Asia are higher than to move it to markets in the U.S. Midwest and the Gulf Coast, resulting in a loss of $2 to $4.80 per barrel on exports to Asia, said Hughes in his report.

In the current environment of an oversupplied market, it is difficult to get a foothold into new markets, without competing in price. Hence, if Canada has to increase its exports to Asia, it may have to offer discounts. Combining the discounts with the transportation cost, selling to Asia is not a viable option for the Canadian producers.

By Rakesh Upadhyay for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Last week I described my unplanned stop in Brazil, part of my recent jaunt through South America. Where a plane breakdown, an unfolding corruption scandal, and a massive strike by Brazilian workers all conspired to make for an unforgettable three days.

That experience drove home the problems Brazil is facing right now. The drive to root out corruption has unveiled a massive web of wrongdoing  it may not be an exaggeration to say a majority of Brazils politicians could be implicated in the expanding probe.

Thats a huge issue, not easy to set right. And its coming at a time when Brazil is already struggling to deal with an economic collapse and a currency meltdown.

Oil is one of the few bright spots left in Brazil right now. With the offshore subsalt and presalt plays here still representing some of the highest-potential projects on the planet.

Thats attracted tens of billions in investment over the last decade. And the total would have been higher  had it not been for a slew of protectionist policies that made investment here much more complex than other parts of the world.

That included measures like local purchasing requirements. But the biggest albatross was state participation  with national E&P Petrobras getting a 30 percent right in every offshore project as well as guaranteed operatorship. Related: Russias Economy Minister: Russia Can Live Forever At $40 Oil

Thats why the petro-world was thrilled late last year when Brazils government scrapped the requirement for Petrobras to participate in offshore projects. It appeared that, for the first time, international firms would be able to fully own and operate blocks.

That made a lot of sense for everyone. E&Ps could get the upside and operational profile they wanted  and Brazil could attract more investment, helping to boost the floundering economy.

But things arent quite that simple. With reports suggesting that the move to full foreign ownership of licenses triggered a backlash of national sentiment in certain circles of Brazils business and government communities.

Last month, the government caved to that protectionist crowd, and reintroduced preemptive rights for Petrobras in the offshore. Although state participation is not guaranteed, Petrobras is now allowed to single out fields where it wants to take a stake  with the government then required to give the state E&P at least 30 percent.

There are some wrinkles in the new system. Because going forward, Petrobras will have to declare interest in blocks before they actually go out to bidding. With the bid round then taking place, and Petrobras theoretically joining the winning bidder(s) in a consortium on the project.

That means some unusual situations could arise. For example, if Petrobras nominates a block that ends up getting a rich bid from other operators.

In such a case, Petrobras might find itself facing higher-than-expected financial terms on the license. So the government has given the state firm an out  with Petrobras able to withdraw if the winning bid terms end up being higher than the minimum required.

That could lead to international bidders gaming the system. Putting in higher than normal bids on blocks where Petrobras has declared interest, in order to discourage the state company from exercising its rights.

The issue of operatorship is also complex. Under the new rules, the government petroleum agency CNPE, has the final decision on whether Petrobras will be granted operator status on blocks where it declares interest. Related: Are Oil Markets Becoming Untradeable?

But its not clear whether the regulator actually has a legal right to deny Petrobras of operatorship. With the enabling legislation appearing to require that the state firm be given this preference.

All of that raises some big questions around how bidding will actually work. The upcoming Q3 licensing round will thus be a major test run  showing whether the inclusion of Petrobras will drive up competition for blocks, or whether bidders will simply stay away because of the confusion around the abrupt rule changes.

The outcome is a critical one for the global oil sector. Theres almost certainly many more big discoveries to be made in Brazilian waters  and we could see a surge of activity here if bidders find a way to make the new system work. Or, we might see a lot of missed upside if the governments nationalist gamble backfires.

Heres to waiting for clarity,

By Dave Forest

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Oil prices were off to a jumpy start in volatile trade on Monday after Saudi Arabia and five other Arab nations severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of sponsoring terrorism and destabilizing the region.

As of 8:15am EDT on Monday, WTI Crude was down 0.73 percent at US$47.31, while Brent Crude was trading down 0.82 percent at US$49.54. After opening at US$49.87, Brent touched briefly above the $50 mark at US$50.74, before dropping to below US$50 again.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Yemen, and Libya have now cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Saudi Arabias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it had made the decision to sever ties with Qatar as a result of grave violations committed by the authorities in Doha. Related: OPEC Cuts Send Russias Oil Heartland Into Decline

Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of adopting various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilizing the region including the Muslim Brotherhood Group, Daesh (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda, promoting the ethics and plans of these groups through its media permanently, supporting the activities of Iranian-backed terrorist groups in the governorate of Qatif of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, financing, adopting and sheltering extremists who seek to undermine the stability and unity of the homeland at home and abroad.

Iran, for its part, pointed the finger at U.S. President Donald Trump and his recent visit to Saudi Arabia.

What is happening is the preliminary result of the sword dance, Hamid Aboutalebi, deputy chief of staff of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, tweeted, as quoted by Reuters.

The Arab countries that cut ties with Qatar closed their airspace for Qatar Airways. UAEs Etihad Airways and Emirates said they would be suspending all flights to Doha beginning on Tuesday, and until further notice.

While flights would be severely affected, analysts do not expect Qatars LNG and oil shipping to be directly impacted by the rift in the Persian Gulf relations. Qatar is the worlds no.1 LNG exporter. Related: The OPEC Extension Is Already Under Threat

According to experts and sources who talked to Bloomberg, despite the fact that some of the Arab states would close their waters and ports for Qatar-originated shipments, Qatars main LNG customer region, Asia, probably would not be disrupted.

In principle Qatar should still be able to export via its own waters, Iran and Oman, Robin Mills, head of Dubai-based consultant Qamar Energy, told Bloomberg.

Qatars LNG supplies to the UAE will probably stop now, but there are plenty of LNG cargoes out there for the UAE to pick, Mills noted.

According to a Platts analysis, market and trading sources said on Monday that the rift in the Persian Gulf is not expected to affect directly oil and LNG trade from Qatar. Refiners often buy VLCCs to be co-loaded with crude oil from various Middle East countries, and shipping sources told Platts that they had not heard there were any restrictions imposed on VLCCs carrying Qatari crude oil cargoes from calling on Saudi or UAE crude loading ports.

In addition, Egypt has not explicitly stated that it would bar Qatar cargoes or Qatar-flag cargoes passing through the Suez Canal, and currently there are no indications it intends to do so, according to Platts.

Qatars three main crude grades are being shipped almost exclusively to Asia, Platts noted.

Although its not immediately clear how the Arab states rift would affect OPECs current production cut deal, it may be reasonable to expect that the diplomatic clash could jeopardize the very high compliance to the deal that the cartel has been boasting.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Its the 101st anniversary of the SykesPicot Agreement and, in light of the non-stop Syrian Civil War, its time to ask, Hows that working out for you?

The SykesPicot Agreement formalized the British and French spheres of influence in the Middle East and set the stage for the French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon, which ran from 1923 to 1946. In 1936, Ali Sulayman al-Assad, grandfather of Syrian President Bashir Assad, and other Alawite notables petitioned French President Leon Blum, in an attempt to stay under French protection: The spirit of hatred and intolerance plants its roots in the heart of Muslim Arabs toward everything that is non-Muslim, and is forever fueled by the spirit of the Islamic religion. There is no hope that the situation will change. If the Mandate is canceled, therefore, the minorities in Syria will become exposed to a risk of death and annihilation

Al-Assads thoughts are timely in light of a proposal by Jamsheed and Carol Choksy of Indiana University for an impartial partition plan for Syria. The proposal would complement a cease fire with partition along ethnic lines (with concomitant population transfers) and no role for Russia, Iran, and Turkey who have acted as belligerents. The majority Sunni Arabs would get the provinces in the center and the north, the Kurds would take the northeast, the Alawites and Shiites would keep the Mediterranean coastal provinces, the Christians, Druze, and Jews would share the southwest and south, and the Yezidis would get an enclave on the Syria-Iraq border.

Related: Clash Between Qatar And The Saudis Could Threaten OPEC Deal

The proposal recognizes that Syrias many sects were never bonded together by secularism and tolerance and that the pitiless fighting since 2011 has only sharpened ethno-sectarianism. Autonomous areas may ensure a measure of security for minority Christians, Jews, Druze, and Yezidis whose cooperation with the Assad regime secured protection, and who will want to escape Sunni retribution.

The international community should seriously consider a proposal for independent ethnic states or autonomous areas and take the opportunity to avoid repeating the sectarian character of Iraqs constitution which, Iraqis point out, was not drafted by Iraqis. This goes against the grain in the West, which celebrates diversity but has been dealing, often unsuccessfully, with strains bought on by uncontrolled immigration from Africa and Latin America.

Four factors will bedevil the negotiators of an ethnic autonomy arrangement: the oil and natural gas in the Levant Basin Province; two competing proposals for natural gas pipelines that cross Syria; Irans transport corridor through Syria, which Iran needs to support the Assad regime and its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah; and the Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons.

1. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates there are potential mean recoverable resources of 1.7 billion barrels of oil and 122 trillion cubic feet of [natural] gas in the Levant Basin Province, which is offshore Israel, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria. Israel is developing its fields and is becoming an energy exporter. Lebanon likely has a similar bounty and has passed legislation governing oil and gas exploration, but development has stalled as Lebanon and Israel are disputing a 300 square mile area both countries claim for their Exclusive Economic Zones. The gas in Gazas waters wont be safe to develop until the Israelis and Arabs conclude a peace deal and the Palestinians adopt rigorous transparency measures due to the Palestinian Authoritys corruption. Syria has limited oil reserves in eastern Deir ez Zor province which have been productive through the civil war, and both the Assad regime and ISIS have benefitted from smuggling oil to Turkey.

The ethnic states/autonomous areas will likely demand a share of the oil and gas revenue from the fields offshore the two provinces controlled by the Alawites and Shia before they agree to a cease fire and partition. A solution may be to form an operating company with transparency as the foundation of its corporate charter or endow it with a governance structure informed by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

It will be important to keep track of the money as it will be needed for reconstruction, estimated to cost at least $180 billion. Russia and Iran have enough money to disrupt Syria, but not to rebuild it. The U.S. is focusing on domestic concerns and, if America is out, Europe will never be all-in. Turkey will want a piece of the action, but no one will tether a reconstruction effort to the authoritarian Pasha. The Gulf states have cash but may lack the contract administration skills to oversee rebuilding. China may want to include Syria in the One Belt, One Road transport network, but only if it gets security and natural resource guarantees.

2. Competing natural gas pipelines that cross Syria will be vital. In 2009, Qatar approached Syria about routing its planned 1,500 mile natural gas pipeline to Europe via Syrias Aleppo province. Qatar wanted a pipeline to Europe as its gas transport modes were limited to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanker, mostly to Asia with limited spot shipments to Europe, or the Dolphin pipeline to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Syria refused Qatars offer and, in 2011, Syria, Iran, and Iraq agreed to build a pipeline to connect Irans South Pars gas field to Europe. The pipeline would run from Assalouyeh, Iran to Europe via Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, with Syria as the center of assembly and production.



The projects are dead, but the obituaries havent been published. The physical risk is at 11 so no lender will touch them, even if a long term purchase contract could be conjured up. The political risk is almost as bad, as pipeline transits would have to be negotiated with sub-national groups and maybe a surviving Syrian government with little remaining institutional capacity. With an abundance of gas discoveries in the region, there are other ways for a natural gas company CEO to get a headache than getting involved in Syria.

Related: 4 Wildly Different Oil Price Scenarios For 2020

But the projects arent useless; they have political utility. Their sponsors  Iran and Qatar  can manipulate the fighting and keep the politicians and warlords dreams of transit fees alive by saying when the time is right.

3. Irans Syrian corridor. Iran built a corridor through Syria to support the Assad regime and its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah. The route originally skirted the Syria-Turkey border before turning south to Homs and Latakia. In response to the U.S. troop build-up in the northeast, Iran shifted the route 140 miles south, mostly though Homs and Deir ez Zor provinces, which will be Sunni-controlled in the mooted partition.

Under partition the loss of the corridor through Sunni territory would be a strategic setback for Tehran as it would have to rely on ocean shipments, many of which have been intercepted, and air shipments, which are expensive and limit the size of the cargo. In addition, increased use of Irans airlines to support Assad and Hezbollah will expose them to increased Western sanctions  and may cripple the deals with Boeing and Airbus - at a time when Iran is trying to integrate with the world economy. This will cause tensions between the siloviki and the economic reformers which may dilute Irans expansionist efforts, to the benefit of Irans neighbors, and the victims of Assad and Hezbollah.

4. The last issue, and one that may swamp the others, is Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). There are almost five million registered Syrian refugees in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. Turkey has the largest contingent of refugees, almost three million, but also has the most developed economy and capacity to host them - for now. Jordan hosts over 650,000 Syrian refugees, and Lebanon hosts over 1 million, over twenty percent of the native population of 4.5 million. Iraq hosts over 200,000 refugees, all in areas controlled by the Kurdish Regional Government. There are six million IDPs, many caused by combat operations. Increased military activity by the U.S. and alleged forced displacement of civilians by U.S. proxies may be sowing the seeds of future trouble.

Jordan and Lebanon are least financially able to indefinitely host the refugees, and they have the most precarious ethnic balancing acts and lack the money to paper over the differences, so the priority should be repatriating the Syrians in Jordan and Lebanon. But repatriate them to where? The only lure may be a share of the oil and gas revenue allocated to the independent ethnic states or autonomous areas. Given that, Lebanon and Jordan wont be interested in delays or excuses.

The above list isnt all inclusive. Other potential troubles are:

- The status of the Golan Heights. If Syria goes away, will Israel annex the Golan and just get it over with?

- Absorption of the ethnic states/autonomous areas by neighboring states. Turkey wont like a semi-autonomous Syrian Kurdish province; it might like a larger Iraqi Kurdistan even less. And in Iraq, will a larger Iraqi Kurdistan cause the Kurds to demand a greater share of oil and seats in the Council of Representatives?

- Russia playing the spoiler. Russia will make things difficult, on the ground and in the UN Security Council, unless it secures naval and air bases in the Alawite entity and its national champions Gazprom and Rosneft participate in the development of the Levant Basin. Both firms, however, are under Crimea-related sanctions so they may be weak players.

The word unprecedented has been thrown around a lot in regards to Syria. It may be time to apply that thinking to Syrias partition. The default setting for the international community will be to try to patch the old Syria back together within the internationally recognized borders, but that is make-work for bureaucrats, the aid agencies and their contractors. The impartial partition plan for Syria will give each ethnic or sectarian group territory under its own control.

Should Syria be patched back together? Maybe, but thats a question for the Syrians and the answer wont be rendered in this political cycle. Reconstruction after Americas Civil War took 12 years, from 1865 to 1877, and that was for a fight between people of the same ethnic group and religion that werent determined to exterminate each other. In Syria, the final decision on unity will be made by the grandchildren.

By James Durso for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Total SA is back in the running to develop two oil blocks in South Sudan after previous negotiations for the French company to work the same fields collapsed in April, according to a new report by Bloomberg.

"They have written to me that they are still interested" in B1 and B2, Petroleum Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth told Bloomberg in an interview in Cape Town. U.K.-based Tullow Oil is also in talks to explore the dual areas, he added.

The worlds youngest country has been tearing itself apart in a civil war since 2013. Oil output has fallen to 130,000 barrels per day, as opposed to just over 350,000 bpd before the war started. But foreign investment in the two blocks portions of a single block, which the government has claimed to be the largest untapped oil deposit in the nationcould help restore the oil sector.

Total had not been forthcoming during the former round of negotiations, Gatkuoth said, adding that points of disagreement included exploration timelines, taxes, and royalties. South Sudan is currently the only mature oil producer in East Africa.

"Were still in discussions with the government around opportunities in South Sudan," Robin Sutherland, head of Tullows new ventures in Africa. "We think its a good opportunity and that "many options" exists for the transportation of crude via pipelines to Uganda and Kenya, he said. The construction of 4-5 refineries will enable the export of refined petroleum products as well.

Block B had previously been united under a single tender, until Juba divided the 46,300-square-mile area into three parts in 2012. Estimates by British Petroleum say the country has the third-largest reserves in Sub-Saharan Africa, which the federal government plans to pump at 200,000 barrels per day by the end of 2017 and 350,000 barrels per day by June 2018.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Washington is studying options for imposing sanctions against Venezuelas energy sector as a way of pressuring the South American countrys government to step down. No decision has been made yet, however, two sources from the Trump administration told Reuters. It may never be made, given all the questions surrounding such a move.

For one thing, sanctions may well have the opposite effect and solidify Maduros power  the Venezuelan president is accusing the U.S. of working with the opposition to topple the government. For another, if the U.S. imposes sanctions, this will almost certainly lead to a humanitarian crisis, which nobody wants.

There are also practical considerations, centering on the fact that the U.S. imports oil from the Venezuela. In March, it accounted for 8 percent of total crude imports, third after Canada and Saudi Arabia. For Venezuela, the U.S. is the biggest buyer of its oil.

According to Reuters, the shape the sanctions could take range from a blanket ban on crude oil imports from Venezuela, which will quickly put Venezuelas oil industry in a coma, to banning PDVSA from doing business in the U.S., and to only banning it from taking part in U.S. government tenders. The latter option is the softest.



Related: Clash Between Qatar And The Saudis Could Threaten OPEC Deal

The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on certain individuals from the government of Nicolas Maduro, including his vice president, and eight justices from the Supreme Court. There are also grounds for wider ones: corruption and indirect human rights abuse, the White House officials told Reuters.

According to Adam Smith Institute fellow Tim Worstall, sanctions are a bad idea that will have an effect opposite to the one sought. Besides further strengthening Maduro, they will also fail to bring Venezuelas oil industry to its knees: oil, he notes, is a fungible commodity, and when one export market closes, another can always be found.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
By John A. Charles, Jr.

Late last month, the TriMet Board adopted a budget for fiscal year 2018, which begins on July 1.

As usual, the budget shows no correlation between the levels of subsidies given to TriMet and the amount of service provided to customers.

For example, in 2008, TriMet had a total of $397 million to pay for operations of bus and rail service. In 2018, the agency predicts it will have $600 million, a 51% increase. Yet bus servicewhich carries two-thirds of all passengershas barely improved.

In 2008 the revenue-miles of bus service (those miles where buses were in operation) totaled 22,574,030. If service increases in 2018 as planned, the total is likely to be 22,597,927only a 0.1% increase.*

Where did all the money go?

TriMet claims that increased light rail service made up the difference, but between 2008 and 2016 the revenue-miles of MAX only went up 14%. No service increase in 2018 will make up the difference between 14% and 51%.

Moreover, ridership is not growing along with the increased funding. In fact it is shrinking. During 2008 the total number of originating rides (which excludes transfers) was 77.6 million. Ridership peaked in 2012 at 80 million, and then dropped to 77.2 million in 2016.

TriMet is also losing market share, especially at peak hours. According to the Portland city auditor, in 2008 an estimated 15% of all Portland commuters used TriMet. By 2016, that had dropped to just 10%.

The steady rise in TriMets revenue is almost entirely due to tax subsidies, not passenger fares. In fact, next year passenger fares will only account for 10% of TriMets all-funds budgetlikely the lowest level of passenger support in TriMet history.

Nonetheless, the Oregon legislature is considering a bill that would authorize a new, statewide employer tax that would generate even more subsidies for transit. The Portland experience shows that this is a bad idea. The more we subsidize monopoly transit, the more the employees divert funds for their own use.

Last year TriMet spent $1.23 on employee benefits for every $1.00 expended in wages. That largely explains why service levels have been stagnant.

In 1969 the Portland City Council put Rose City Transit out of business because Councilors believed that a government-run monopoly would be much more efficient than a private-for-profit company. The TriMet experience has shown that the City Council was wrong.

John A. Charles, Jr. is President and CEO of Cascade Policy Institute, Oregons free market public policy research organization.

*Percentage corrected 6/6/17.
Wilsonville, OR The Oregon Republican Party issued the following statement from Chairman Bill Currier in reaction to Portland Mayor Wheelers attempt to ban political demonstrations whose message he doesnt favor, as well as other statements and events this past weekend.

We do not want to see violence of any kind in Portland  by anyone  against anyone, stated Oregon GOP Chairman Bill Currier. What we do want to see is peaceful free speech and free expression of ideas and opinions, which it is the job of government to protect. We call on Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler to get busy doing so.

On Monday May 30th, Mayor Ted Wheeler stated he had blocked the permit for a Free Speech rally by supporters of Donald Trump and other upcoming rallies because the Mayor condemns their political opinions. In addition, he is seeking to rescind a permit on federal property where the June 4th Free Speech rally is scheduled to take place.

It appears Mayor Wheeler has decided he has the authority to cancel Freedom of Speech in Portland when it suits him, said Currier. It is a blatant violation of the free speech provisions of both the Oregon and U.S. Constitutions, a violation of equal protection under the 14th Amendment, and a betrayal of his sworn duty as a public official in the state of Oregon.

At the end of April Wheeler allowed permits to the Alt-Left Portland Resistance protest groups that he knew included violent elements that would, and did, riot during the traditional May Day Socialist-Communist Celebration. These groups enjoyed full police protection while protesters spray painted Kill Cops all over the city.

Just days earlier, members of these same violent activist groups issued threats against the 82nd Avenue Parade of Roses for including the local county Republican Party  threats which led to the parades cancellation. The justification used by these groups on Facebook was that the opinions of those that they disagree with amount to hate speech and that they have the right to prevent people from hearing it.

So the question becomes, what is the difference between Mayor Wheelers justification for trying to block the free speech he deems objectionable, and the justifications stated by Antifa and other domestic terrorist groups in threatening, and using, violence to shut down kidsparades and terrorize political opponents?

Based on Mayor Wheelers actions and statements, he allows and even supports demonstrations by those whose message he favors, and doesnt permit, and even seeks to block, demonstrations by those he doesnt, added Currier. Freedom of speech and freedom from violence are supposed to be for everyone.

The Oregon Republican Party is the states arm of the Republican National Committee.
PTI,PLM-N both accused each other for photograph leakage

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) have accused each other of leaking a photograph of the prime ministers son, Hussain Nawaz, on social media, with both sides alleging that the other had shared the photo to further their own political agenda.



The photograph, which appears to be a screen grab from a CCTV feed, bears the date of Mr Hussains first appearance before the joint investigation team (JIT) on May 28. It shows the PMs son sitting by himself in a plain room on the premises of the Federal Judicial Academy, ostensibly facing his questioners.



Expressing serious concerns over the photos illegal publication, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb called it demeaning and a serious breach of investigation rules.



Since the JIT is functioning under the supervision of the judiciary, it is the responsibility of the judges to take cognisance of such things, which are creating doubts about the working of the JIT. We have already expressed our reservations before the SC in this regard, Dr Musadik Malik, the spokesperson for the prime minister, told Dawn.



What is the purpose of releasing this picture? he asked, alleging that the PTI activists had made the picture viral on social media to humiliate the Sharif family.



But the PTI has also called for an investigation into the photos release. Maintaining that the photo had been intentionally released by the ruling party as a calculated and planned move to present Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members as victims, the party denied allegations that the photo was shared by any of its activists.



PTI activist Ali Haider Zaidi was one of those who shared the photograph on social media.



But when contacted, PTI Information Secretary Shafqat Mehmood denied the allegation that the picture had been shared on social media by any party activist.



He claimed that this was part of a two-pronged strategy by the ruling party. The PML-N, he said, wanted to drag the judiciary and the JIT into controversy and present the Sharif family as victims. The release of the picture seems to be a part of the second strategy, he said.



Talking to media men on Sunday, Dr Malik said that releasing the picture, which showed Hussain Nawaz sitting pathetically was not only an immoral act, but also against legal and judicial norms and a violation of human rights.



The court, if it is supervising, should not only take notice of the release of the picture but should also take notice of all the intimidation, attempts to shout down people and forcing them to sign or withdraw documents, he said, referring to PMs cousin Tariq Shafis complaints against the JIT members.



Mr Shafi had alleged mistreatment at the hands of the investigators, claiming that they threatened him with dire consequences if he did not withdraw the affidavit submitted in the Panama Papers case. Mr Malik said the government had already recorded its reservations before the court.



An investigation does not mean forcing someone to sign off or withdraw something. The JIT should simply carry out its investigation. What the JIT is doing is not in accordance with legal norms, he said.



While he would not say that the photos release was planned, You will have to admit that there is an element of prejudice in it, he said.



In her statement, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also claimed that the assigning of controversial epithets, [insinuations about] WhatsApp calls and the illegal release of Hussains picture had raised serious questions about the impartiality and transparency of the whole process.



The occurrence of these incidents in succession smacked of vengeance, leading to the creation of an ambience of misgivings, the statement quoted her as saying.



The minister said that the prime minister and his family were meeting all the requirements of justice and attempts to insult and ridicule them for seeking legal recourse constituted a brazen violation of human and legal rights, which was absolutely untenable.



She said that despite their reservations about the entire process and the rampant irregularities, the prime minister and his family were hoping for justice as they believed in the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution.



Ms Aurangzeb claimed that the picture was a [testament] to the fact that he was waiting for the justice to be done.


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Democratic congressional candidate Patrick Nelson called for the federal government to restrict or prohibit direct to consumer pharmaceutical advertising on television.

We did it with cigarettes. We should do it with pharmaceuticals as well, he said at a campaign forum at Crandall Public Library on Saturday.

Nelson said television advertising is an unnecessary expense that increases the price of prescription drugs.

Medical providers should be the ones suggesting prescriptions to patients, not pharmaceutical industry advertising, he said.

Nelson, of Stillwater, a political activist and Bernie Sanders delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, in 2018.

Christopher Schmidt, a political activist from Washington County on Monday announced he has established a committee to explore challenging Stefanik on the Liberatarian Party line.

Nelson, at the forum on Saturday, also called for a federal commission to regulate pharmceutical prices.

If they want to jack up the price, they have to come and make the case for it, he said.
Christopher Schmidt, a political activist from Washington County, on Monday announced he has established a committee to explore running for Congress in the 21st District in 2018 on the Libertarian Party line.

Schmidt said he is hoping as soon as possible to formally announce his candidacy once his committee finishes its analysis.

The momentum is building right now.  As a Libertarian in the North Country, I know I can change the narrative, he said in a telephone interview on Monday.

Schmidt, age 30, is a day laborer, writer and political activist who has been vocal on redrawing voting districts in Queensbury and Glens Falls, and in opposition to Glens Falls Police Department using tasers.

He is temporary chairman of the newly-formed Washington County Libertarian Party and was a co-founder of the Warren County Libertarian Party.

Schmidt, if he gets on the ballot, would challenge U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro.

Patrick Nelson of Stillwater, a political activist and Bernie Sanders delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, is seeking the Democratic nomination.

At least two Green Party members are seriously considering the congressional race, Matt Funiciello, the Green Party candidate in 2014 and 2016, has said.

Schmidt, in a press release, said nearly a dozen individuals are serving on his exploratory committee.

He would not identify committee members on Monday.

Theres a range of people. Im hoping that we can get our official list for the media in the future, but definitely people that have been involved in the Libertarian movement from here out to Jefferson County, even surrounding counties, he said.

At first it was going to be a write-in (campaign.) But then I got some support and now theres some people that want me to be on the ballot and theyre willing to get the 3,500 signatures, he said.

Because the Libertarian Party does not have ballot status in New York, the partys House candidates must run as independents, which requires at least 3,500 valid signatures on nominating petitions, a daunting task in comparison with established political parties.

Republican and Democratic candidates need collect only 1,250 valid signatures from enrolled party members in the congressional district to get on the ballot.

Candidates on other established ballot lines in the 21st District require from three to 1,237 signatures  5 percent of enrollment  based on current enrollment statistics.

The most recent local Libertarian congressional candidate was Eric Sundwall in the 2009 special election after Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Greenport, was appointed to the U.S. Senate.

Sundwall was disqualified from the ballot when the state Board of Election ruled that only 2,900 of 6,730 signatures on his nominating petitions were valid.

Sundwall, at the time, said the Board of Elections invalidated many signatures based on minor technicalities.
New York Journalists in print and broadcasting took a time out Saturday night to celebrate their best journalism.

The New York State Associated Press Association, of which I am on the board of directors, held its annual award banquet in Saratoga Springs.

It was a great night for The Post-Star.

Our 19 awards in the Division II circulation category were the most of any newspaper, but the big news was that The Post-Star was named the Newspaper of Distinction for newspapers our size.

It was the seventh time The Post-Star has been honored with the top award in the past 15 years and the second time in the past three.

Our former chief photographer, Steve Jacobs, also had a big night. He won four photo awards  two firsts, a second and a third  and was named the Cromie Award winner for his outstanding photography. Thats sort of the best in show award for newspapers in all circulation categories.

The Post-Star also came away with six first-place awards, five seconds and eight thirds. We will have more details on that later in the week.
MOREAU  A South Glens Falls man was jailed Saturday for allegedly assaulting another person and damaging property, police records show.

Johnny Rivera, 29, was arrested shortly after State Police were contacted about a "domestic dispute," the agency's public information website showed.

He was charged with felony criminal mischief for causing more than $250 damage to unspecified property, and misdemeanor assault, the website showed.

Rivera was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail for lack of bail.
QUEENSBURY  The issue of arming SUNY Adirondack campus police officers with stun guns, or even with firearms, is not completely decided, even after a college board of trustees vote late last month.

We are just beginning to review the costs associated with Tasers as well as a timeline, President Kristine Duffy said in an email response to questions about the cost and timeline for the stun guns. We are considering all aspects of campus safety and the arming of our sworn campus safety peace officers is still under discussion.

When asked if opposition by some professors had an impact on the decision on stun guns, she replied, The board and the president have carefully considered all voices on campus.

The day after the board meeting, Duffy sent an email to all faculty and staff members announcing the decision.

Duffy said the board had unanimously accepted the following resolution: Endorse the Presidents recommendation to increase campus safety measures by pursuing the issuance of stun guns (Tasers) for Campus Safety Peace Officers and an assessment of a campus-wide locking system.

Opposition still there

Two of the louder voices opposing arming officers said they also oppose the stun-gun initiation, and another longtime English professor added his voice as well.

One of the things I resented was that all the presentations given to staff, faculty and students at our school were all pro-arming. There was no balance, Stuart Barlow said. No one came to speak to us about potential detriments to arming, which there are. Perhaps omitted from the argument is the probability that local law enforcement would arrive at any emergency situation at about the same time that campus police would arrive, which I understand is estimated at about 10 minutes.

Jane Arnold, a recently retired professor of English and reading specialist, who had a letter read to the board, was asked by The Post-Star what she thought of the decision and she addressed the question of whether police officers being issued Tasers will make the campus safer.

My answer would be, how? There are so many other, easier, cheaper, and more sensible ways to make the campus immediately safer than arming the peace officers with Tasers, she said. Remote camera surveillance of the res (residence) hall parking lot, for one thing, was a suggestion that a campus peace officer told me the college administration had already rejected. Providing every single building with an adequately stocked first-aid kit (something besides Band-Aids, and including an EpiPen) and training someone to use the tools is another.

She said the decision does make everyone feel warm and fuzzy about having achieved an undocumented and rushed compromise.

But as someone pointed out to her, It doesnt seem to address either being safe from a hypothetical random shooter or increasing other issues of campus security.

Adjunct Professor Neal Herr, also in the English Department, said he was glad the board did not vote to issue guns to the officers, but remained unsure about the Tasers and the way the decision was made.

Executive session

The board held much of its discussion on the stun-gun resolution in executive session, meaning only members of the board were allowed and the public was excluded.

SUNY Adirondack spokesman Doug Gruse explained, in an email, the boards reasoning for discussing the stun-gun issue in executive session:

The topic of the college providing required equipment to employees in a bargaining unit is a mandatory subject of bargaining, he wrote in an email after a request for the reason the issue was not discussed in public. As such, it is a proper topic for an executive session because it concerns a topic that is subject to collective negotiations, pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law (the Taylor Law).

Discussions about topics that relate to Article 14 are specifically allowed as executive session topics, according to state law.
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Five employees from Guardian Industries, DeWitt, where an explosion occurred Saturday night, were released from care Saturday night without serious injury, according to a release from the company.

The company reported that just before 7 p.m. Saturday there was an explosion at the plant at 300 S. 5th Ave. E.

Our hearts go out to these employees and their families, the release said. While we do know last nights incident involved natural gas, this is still under investigation and we are assessing the extent of the damage to the east side of the plant.

Emergency personnel were on-site throughout the night and the situation remains under control, the update continues. We are grateful for the outstanding assistance weve received from the emergency response agencies.

Guardian asks that employees do not come to work until we can ensure the plant is safe for operations. The safety of our employees remains our number one concern.

At the time of the explosion, the plant was evacuated and emergency crews responded. Numerous ambulances were at the scene, and mutual assistance came from as far away as the Rock Island Arsenal.

--Linda Cook
Filmmaker Kelly Rundle will discuss the background and research conducted for his documentary Villisca Axe Murders - One of Iowas Most Notorious and Unsolved Crimes, on Wednesday, June 14, at a Black Hawk College Lifelong Learner Lunch.

Lunch will be at 11:30 a.m., with the program afterward. Cost is $23. Registration deadline is Wednesday, June 7.

Lifelong Learner Lunches are designed for those ages 55 and older, but all ages are welcome.

To register, call 309-796-8223. For more information, visit www.bhc.edu/lifelong.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate that a woman found dead in a Rock Island home Friday night died from traumatic injuries to the face, Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson said.

The autopsy was conducted Monday morning on Rochelle Davis, 43, in Rockford, Illinois, the coroner said. A toxicology report is pending, Gustafson added.

Rock Island police are investigating the case as a homicide, but no one has been charged in her death as of Monday afternoon. However, police on Saturday issued a $250,000 arrest warrant for Sean E. Rogers, 49, for aggravated battery of a child, a Class X felony, in connection with the case.

Police were called at 10:12 p.m. Friday to the 700 block of 25th Street for a battery complaint.

When officers arrived, they found two juveniles  one of whom is 11  who had suffered injuries. Both were taken to Trinity Rock Island; the 11-year-old was then airlifted to OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

According to the court documents filed in Rock Island County Circuit Court, Rogers struck the 11-year-old in the head with an object. Court documents did not say what the object was.

Police also located a woman, later identified as Davis, dead inside the home.

Police took Rogers into custody about 3:43 a.m. Sunday at Genesis Medical Center-West Central Park, Davenport, on a $250,000 arrest warrant.

He was being held Monday in the Scott County Jail on that warrant, as well as warrants from the Illinois Department of Corrections and from Scott County for failure to appear in a 2012 misdemeanor theft case.

Bond in that case was set Monday at $2,000 cash-only, and a pretrial conference was scheduled for Wednesday. Judge Cheryl Traum ordered that two extradition requests be held open for further review until the Scott County case is complete.

Neither police nor prosecutors have formally identified Rogers as a suspect in Davis' death or the battery of a second juvenile.

Rock Island County States Attorney John McGehee met with police Monday to go over the case and said he plans to meet with them again Tuesday. No further charging decisions have been made as of Monday, he said.

McGehee declined to discuss the particulars of the ongoing investigation but said he filed the aggravated battery charge in regard to the 11-year-old because of the seriousness of the childs injuries.

He (Rogers) was picked up over in Iowa; we know that hes in custody now, and we do have a warrant for his arrest, he said. We are still evaluating all of the information and facts of the case to make a decision about how we are going to proceed next.

Rogers has a long criminal history in Rock Island and Scott counties, as well as in federal court, dating back more than 20 years.

On Dec. 5, 2013, he pleaded guilty in Rock Island County Circuit Court to one count of robbery and one count of theft. He was sentenced to six years in prison on each count, with the sentences running concurrently.

Court records show that on Oct. 23, 2013, Rogers stole a cash register from a Rock Island restaurant. On Oct. 1, 2013, he robbed a woman by force, according to court records.

Rogers was being held in Dixon Correctional Center until he was paroled on Oct. 24 in those cases.

He was arrested in August 2013 on a charge of obstructing justice for giving a false name to a police officer on May 22, 2013. He was placed on 12 months of conditional discharge in September 2013; a petition to revoke his conditional discharge was filed a month later, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to court records.

In November 2006, he was arrested after prosecutors say he assaulted a Rock Island police officer in the face with a metal shank.

He was found guilty by a Rock Island County jury of aggravated battery of a peace officer, fleeing and disobeying a stop sign in 2007 and was sentenced to four years in prison.

He was acquitted of a charge of aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon in that same case, according to court records.

In 1993, he was arrested and charged with attempted murder and robbery in Scott County District Court. According to Quad-City Times archives, Rogers was accused of using a sledgehammer to bludgeon the heads of two clerks at a Davenport pawn shop.

He pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery and two counts of willful injury in August 1993 and was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. The attempted murder charge was dismissed, according to court records.

In January 1994, he was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison on a bank robbery charge in U.S. District Court, Davenport. A federal judge ordered the sentence to run concurrently with the Scott County robbery and willful injury charges.

He was released from prison and placed on supervised release in December 2003. In May 2008, his supervised release was revoked, and he was sentenced to two more years in federal prison.
Davenport police early Sunday arrested Sean Everett Rogers, 49, who was wanted on a Rock Island County warrant for aggravated battery to a child and for questioning in a homicide associated with the battery.

When police arrived to the battery complaint in the 700 block of 25th Street at about 10:12 p.m. Friday, they also found the body of a woman, Rochelle Davis, 43.

The case is being investigating as a homicide, Rock Island Police said in a news release.

Rogers was taken into custody at Genesis Medical Center - West Campus, about 3:43 a.m. on Rock Island's charge of aggravated battery to a child. Bail in that case is set at $250,000.

He also is being held without bond a parole violation out filed by the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Rogers will be transported to the Rock Island County Jail pending extradition.

Heres what happened Friday that led to is arrest, according to the Rock Island Police Department:

When officers arrived at the home, they found two juvenile victims who sustained injuries from a battery. Both were transported from the scene by Rock Island Fire Department to Trinity Hospital  Rock Island. One juvenile later was flown to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, for treatment.

Officers also discovered Davis' body inside the residence.

An arrest warrant was issued Saturday for Rogers.

Anyone with information about the case should contact the Rock Island police, 309-732-2677, or Crime Stoppers of the Quad-Cities, 309-762-9500.
Senior Gabrielle Quinn described the feeling as akin to almost winning the lottery.

Senior Jarred Campbell called the experience "bittersweet."

Parent Christian Smith said he is so proud of his graduating son, Andrew, that he was bursting with pride.

Those were some of the emotions Sunday when 276 Davenport Central High School seniors graduated in a commencement ceremony at the iWireless Center, Moline.

The 11 a.m. program was the first of three commencement events Sunday. Graduations involving Davenport North and Davenport West high schools followed.

A program laced with a poem, music, speeches and celebration was colored with the traditional red and blue colors of the school.

Senior Class President Cole Montgomery thanked families and school staff for all they did for each student. He said while graduating is a big accomplishment, this is just the beginning for all of us. There is so much potential I see in everyone of you.

Principal Scott McKisssick called students an exceptional group, and said whatever they do in life, they will always be Davenport Central Blue Devils.

Some will say, 'well done.' But I say 'not done,'  he said. You must continue to force yourself to improve. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Smith said his son, Andrew, is the second of three children who have graduated.

But he is our first in Iowa. The first was in Illinois but we moved, he said. He chose Davenport Central through open enrollment because he thought it was the best school.

And he got a full ride to the University of Iowa. He wants to be a neurosurgeon.

Quinn was all smiles as she donned her cap and gown. It is almost like winning the lottery, she said. I am going to school to become a music teacher.

Campbell said the ceremony was bittersweet because I am glad it is done, but at the same time, I wish it wasn't over because I will miss a lot of people.

He will either join the military or attend college.

His mother, Denise Campbell, was overwhelmed.

This is my first graduate. I have another who is 13, she said. I knew when his name was called, tears filled my eyes and I knew it was real.

Senior Jenna Ramker, who will attend Iowa State University and plans to become a veterinarian, said the event helped her get ready for the next step.

It made me more excited for the college situation, she said. It was exciting but different. (College) is going to be weird but I am excited to start school.

Davenport School Board member Richard Clewell spoke about giving grace to others in life. But he also stressed giving yourself grace when needed to lower those anxiety levels in daily life.

So walk in fullness and grace, he added.
Officials from the city of DeWitt and the state of Iowa continue to investigate an explosion at Guardian Glass, DeWitt.

DeWitt invited the Fire Marshal Division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety to assist in the investigation, said Ron Humphrey, special agent in charge of the Arson and Explosives Bureau.

The city of DeWitt is responsible for the investigation, but they called us to assist, he said.

Officials have done a preliminary site investigation at the scene, he said.

We try and determine where the fire started, then we narrow it down to what caused the fire, he said. Investigators are interviewing witnesses, he said.

The investigation continues and could take some time, he said.

We havent ruled anything out," he said. "There was a lot of damage, so were still sorting it out.

Guardian reported that an explosion occurred at the plant at 300 S. 5th Ave. E. just before 7 p.m. Saturday. Five injured employees were released from care Saturday night without serious injury, according to Guardian.

Our hearts go out to these employees and their families, Guardian said in a release. While we do know (the) incident involved natural gas, this is still under investigation and we are assessing the extent of the damage to the east side of the plant.

Guardian has asked that employees not return to work until we can ensure the plant is safe for operations. The safety of our employees remains our number one concern.

At the time of the explosion, the plant was evacuated, and emergency crews responded.

At this time, we are focused on recovery, both ensuring a safe work environment and returning to operational status, according to a Monday statement from Guardian. Until then, we cannot provide any additional updates. We appreciate all of the support and remain committed to our customers, employees and the long-term success of the DeWitt plant.
A new evening program for working adults is available at all three Eastern Iowa Community College sites, as well as some satellite locations. Classes combine traditional classroom instruction with online work.

Students go to the classroom just once a week and then complete additional work online.

Classes are part of the colleges new Flexplan scheduling to limit the time students are required to be in an actual classroom, and provide them the flexibility to fit classes around busy work and family schedules. It is available at Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges, and other satellite locations.

For more information go to www.eicc.edu/adultplan or call 800-336-3907.
Susan G. Komen Greater Iowa has announced that four Quad-City-area programs will receive part of its $450,000 in new community grants for 2017.

Last year, the Komen organization announced a goal to reduce current breast-cancer deaths by 50 percent in the United States by 2026. Komen Greater Iowa funds local projects to help meet the most critical needs of the community, including projects that provide breast-cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment services and support.

To meet needs we have discovered right here in the communities we serve, this years grant slate will fund critical gaps in screening, treatment and education and will help minimize barriers women face in accessing the services they need to stay healthy, said Jennifer Brinkmeyer, executive director of the affiliate. We are proud to be able to distribute the funds we raise throughout the year, through events like Race for the Cure, to these worthy organizations.

These Quad-City-area programs were selected for funding through a competitive application and independent review process:

 Genesis Health System, Davenport: $114,900 to provide free or low-cost mammograms for uninsured and under-insured women.

 Genesis Visiting Nurse Association, Clinton: $2,353 to provide free or low-cost mammograms for uninsured and under-insured women.

 Gildas Club Quad-Cities, Davenport: $16,502 to provide breast-health outreach and education to at-risk populations.

 Trinity Medical Center, Moline: $57,754 to educate women about breast health and to encourage and incentivize individuals to schedule a mammogram.
More than a year and a half after having its liquor license temporarily suspended, Shenanigan's Irish Pub has filed suit in federal court against the city of Davenport and former Alderman Bill Boom.

Here We Go Again Inc., doing business as Shenanigan's, owner Burton Davison and Davenport resident and patron Steven Willis have claimed civil and constitutional rights violations, including not being afforded the due process and equal protection rights outlined in the 14th Amendment.

Attorney Mike Meloy, who is representing the plaintiffs, said, "Boom and Davenport took actions to shut down a lawful business in downtown Davenport for 46 days (and) was unlawfully done without any prior notice to Shenanigans."

Meloy also said "there never existed any emergency closure and that Shenanigan's was targeted by Davenport because of its predominate African-American clientele."

After being served on Thursday, Boom said the city will act as counsel and would not comment further.

The city of Davenport's legal department has disputed the allegations and said the city will defend against them.

Shenanigan's is at 303 W. 3rd St. in downtown Davenport. Its liquor license was suspended from Nov. 20, 2015, to Jan. 8, 2016, after an emergency suspension order was granted by Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division Administrator Stephen Larson.

One day prior, the city submitted a request for an order granting the emergency suspension, citing "the protection of the public from immediate risk of danger to public health, safety and welfare if the license is allowed to continue."

The suspension request referred to a stabbing incident that occurred outside the premises on the night of Oct. 31, 2015, and early morning of Nov. 1 as well as other calls for service and violent incidents at Shenanigan's.

Davenport also would challenge Davison's ability to hold a liquor license on the grounds that he was not a "person of good moral character."

The city initially submitted a request to revoke Shenanigan's license on Oct. 6, 2015.

A contested hearing was held before Administrative Judge Margaret LaMarche on Dec. 15, 2015, which resulted in her decision to vacate the suspension order and license revocation petition on Dec. 31.

Larson would vacate the summary suspension on Jan. 8, 2016, and issued his final order upholding LaMarche's decision on Jan. 13, 2017, which the city of Davenport did not appeal during the 30-day appeal period.

The complaints

With Larson ruling in their favor, the plaintiffs have now turned their attention toward how the city handled the suspension order.

After calling the emergency suspension a "sham," the plantiffs contend that the city engaged "selective enforcement of state statutes and municipal ordinances against Davison in a retaliatory manner" as well as targeting Shenanigan's license without legal basis.

The lawsuit claims that the city's suspension application included hearsay and misleading information.

One of the incidents the city presented as evidence occurred 20 months before the suspension was issued.

In filing for emergency suspension of Shenanigan's license, the plaintiffs claim Davison was not afforded due process because neither he nor his attorney at the time, Steven Havercamp, was notified by the city in a timely manner.

Havercamp received the suspension application three days after the suspension was issued because it was sent through U.S. mail despite Assistant City Attorney Brian Heyer initially emailing the request for suspension to the Alcoholic Beverages Division on Nov. 19.

In testimony given to LaMarche during the Dec. 15 hearing, Havercamp stated that he had to withdraw as attorney because he was going to be called as a witness to not being notified of the summary suspension in a timely manner.

Havercamp stated that if he was notified, he would have contested the suspension and submitted evidence.

In attempting to get documents regarding the latest incident, Havercamp said he was denied by the Davenport Police Department and told to get a subpoena.

In regard to Boom, the lawsuit contends he provided false testimony and his private ownership of the bar Mary's on 2nd, 832 W. 2nd St., constituted a conflict of interest when he made public statements and testified under oath against Shenanigan's.

The lawsuit contends that Boom stated on Nov. 12, 2015, that "Shenanigans must be eliminated by all means available because Shenanigans constituted an attractive nuisance" and then made similar comments on Nov. 25, 2015.

The clientele they (Shenanigans) attracted was such that it caused problems to the neighborhood," Boom said. "Weve constantly had numerous squad cars there to handle before and after closing, stabbings and a number of other situations that attracted police attention. Thats not good for downtown Davenport.

The lawsuit also goes on to contend that the city and Boom "targeted Shenanigans because its clientele are predominantly African-American who congregate, drink and dance there."

During the Dec. 15 hearing, Boom testified to the "concerns of the clientele he would bring into the downtown" as well as issues at Malarkey's, one of Davison's former businesses in Rock Island.

"I've had meetings with my aldermanic counterpart in Rock Island," Boom said. "They had been experiencing some difficulties with some gang activity and fights, stabbings, etc."
An Iowa artist, inspired by one of Iowas most compelling historic chapters, will perform at the release of a new album, The Plow in the Oak: Honoring the Unequaled Sacrifice of the Littleton Brothers."

Chad Elliott will give a performance at Briggs Community Center, 317 N. Water St., Wapello, Iowa, on Flag Day, June 14. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:30. It is free and open to the public.

The EP will be availalbe for purchase, with all proceeds going to support the Littleton Brothers Endowment. Light refreshments will be served at this family event.

Elliott is a nationally known Iowa-born song writer/performer, painter and childrens book author.

Immediately after the performance, Elliott will autograph purchased CDs ($5 each). The EP also includes three other songs inspired by this special history from the Civil War, plus Elliotts title song, The Plow in the Oak, a song he suggested to include because of its Civil War perspective.

A short video providing an overview of the Littleton Brothers story will be screened. The SE Iowa Civil War Group in full authentic uniforms from that era will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

The six Littleton brothers of Toolesboro, Iowa, fought to abolish slavery and gave their lives for the North during the Civil War

For more information, call 515-707-1532.
1. Highs in the mid 80s

A good Monday to all. Here's the forecast from the National Weather Service.

Today will be sunny with a high near 85 degrees. Northwest winds between 5 to 10 mph will become northeast at 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 53 degrees.

Tuesday will be sunny with a high near 78 degrees and a low around 54 degrees.

2. Davenport road update

Here is this week's update of Davenport street closures and lane reductions as supplied by the city of Davenport.

 Brady Street

Work on Brady Street between River Drive and 7th Street flips to the two right/east lanes today. Work in these lanes will continue into July.

Other work/lane reductions on Brady include:

 One left/west lanes of Brady between 8th and 12th street will remain closed until July 7 for construction activities at Palmer College of Chiropractic.

 Periodic lane reductions will continue in one right/east lane of Brady Street between 7th and 17th streets for sidewalk and side street improvements.

 Kimberly and Division widening project

Stage 2 of the Kimberly Road and Division Street project has been delayed because of weather and underground utility work. Head-to-head travel in the northbound lanes of Division Street between 38th and 40th streets, and the eastbound lane reduction on Kimberly Road between Wilkes and Division streets will remain in place through July 28. Once completed, Stage 3 of the project will begin. During Stage 3, work will flip to the east side, and head-to-head travel will move to the southbound lanes.

 Other significant closures, lane reductions

Lane reductions will occur on Locust Street at the intersection of Eastern Avenue today for sewer and water main repairs. The lane reductions will reduce both east and westbound traffic to one lane in each direction. Turning onto eastbound Locust from Eastern will not be permitted. Work should be completed by June 13.

Work continues on Rockingham Road, I-80 ramp and overpasses, Forest Grove Road, and River Drive.

3. Graduation day for Davenport students

Students from Davenport West, Central and North gathered at the iWireless Center Sunday for high school graduation ceremonies. Check out these photos from the day's events.

4. Davenport resident in London witnesses terrorist attack

Joseph Dillon of Davenport is in London studying counter-terrorism. But there was nothing that could quite have prepared the 23-year-old for what he experienced this weekend in England.

Seven people were killed and 48 injured in a terrorist attack Saturday night on London Bridge where a van deliberately struck down pedestrians, before three people went on a stabbing frenzy in the nearby neighborhood of Borough Market.

The three involved in the stabbing were shot and killed by police.

Dillon described his ordeal which happened about 10 p.m. London time Saturday, near his house, which is near the bridge and across the street from Borough Market.

"I was walking down an alleyway to the main street. Right as I was getting on the main road (leading to London Bridge), I heard screams and gunshots, he said. I was ushered back to where I live  I saw many people in my courtyard behind my house. We went upstairs, met with some travelers from Australia, gave them Wi-Fi.

He said he now believes the gunshots he heard were the suspects being shot and killed by police. Read more.

5. Highway B closed this week in Rock Island County

The Rock Island County Highway Department reports that County Highway B (284th St. W) from 162nd Ave. W to 141st Ave. W, will be closed to through traffic beginning today and continuing until 3 p.m., Friday.

6. Work to begin today on Moline Road bridge

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that weather permitting, work will begin today on the Moline Road bridge over I-88 east of Silvis. Work will involved the replacement of the wearing surface on the bridge and making other minor repairs to the structure.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic during construction. All the ramps at the Moline Road interchange with I-88 will remain open but the bridge over the interstate will be closed.

Drivers wishing to cross the interstate to go northbound on Moline Road should use the I-88 interchange at Illinois 92 west of Joslin.

The bridge is expected to re-open to traffic by the end of July.

Also there will be a lane closure on westbound Illinois 84 between Cleveland Road and the Rock River bridge in Colona beginning today and continuing until June 16 for pavement repairs.
Can Americans Be Happy Again?

America is not a very happy place, and it is getting less so. Our downward trend in happiness precedes the election of Donald Trump, but sadly, there's little in his agenda that would reverse this trend. On the contrary.

That's because a boost in economic growth, though nice, wouldn't get to where the trouble is. Per capita income is a factor in subjective well-being; make no mistake. However, it's only one of six factors listed in the 2017 World Happiness Report, released by the United Nations.

The other five are life expectancy, social support, personal freedom, generosity of donations and perceived corruption in government and business. America's scores in these areas are all headed downhill.

"America's crisis is, in short, a social crisis, not an economic crisis," economist Jeffrey Sachs wrote in reviewing the report.

The happiest country is Norway, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Finland, the Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia and Sweden in a tie. America's 14th-place finish marks an ongoing deterioration. In 2007, the United States was the third-happiest country on the Cantril ladder.

Not much of a surprise, given the heartbreaking stories of rising rates of suicide among middle-aged whites, alcoholism and drug overdoses. And we know that a per-person income number, however handsome, is an average that can hide gross disparities.

"Income inequality has reached astronomical levels," Sachs writes, "with the top 1 percent of American households taking home almost all of the gains in economic growth in recent decades, while the share of the bottom 50 percent plummets."

The ills plaguing many of our Rust Belt and rural communities stem from increasing social isolation, as well as deteriorating economic status (especially painful when comparing with others). Struggling rural and factory towns are suffering losses in people, with their brightest and most accomplished children first to leave.

One cannot see how tax cuts aimed at the rich, paid for with cuts in federal social support programs -- health coverage, above all -- are going to add much joy to 99 percent of the population. Now, one could make the Trump/Paul Ryan argument that tax cuts would boost economic growth, the benefits of which would trickle down to ordinary folk.

There's something to the notion that lower taxes can spur investment, but the questions remain: By how much? And who would benefit? George W. Bush oversaw the most ambitious tax cuts of his generation, and he left office with the American economy in a smoking ruin.

Government spending on such things as infrastructure and health care also stimulates the economy. In some of the most hurting parts of America, health care is the one bright economic light. What will happen if Trump and his allies go through with their plan to pull billions of federal dollars out of health care?

Using the happiness report's measuring device, Sachs calculated how much economic growth would be needed to offset America's recent decline in social support networks. To maintain the 2006 level of happiness, per-person GDP would have to rise to $82,000 from the current $53,000.

To offset the decline in happiness caused by deterioration of all four social variables (social support, freedom, donation, corruption), Sachs figured the per capita GDP would have to rise to $133,000 from the current $53,000. For comparison purposes, note that per-person GDP in the happier Nordic countries is $47,000, lower than ours.

But Americans don't really need number crunchers to tell them that they're feeling less happy with each passing year. What they need are political leaders who flatter them less but deliver policies that truly enhance their sense of well-being. Happily, Americans have the power to replace Trump and Ryan with leaders who can and will.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was his usual self during the final week of the General Assembly's spring session, passing bills to make one point or another, but not actually accomplishing anything.

Bills are routinely moved in the House for the sole purpose of creating TV ads, or direct mail pieces or newspaper headlines. Madigan's only real ideology is maintaining his majority, and he doesn't consider that to be a bad thing. And maintaining that majority has been inextricably tied for two long years to stopping Gov. Bruce Rauner at every turn, despite Madigan's repeated claims that he's cooperating and that Rauner should just accept a win and move on.

But whatever else you can say about Madigan, he's not wrong about that last part. The governor could've accepted a two-year property tax freeze proposed by both Senate Democrats and Republicans as a down payment on reform. That freeze would've gotten him through the 2018 election and he could've warned voters that the Democrats would never pass another freeze if he was defeated.

The Senate's freeze proposal even included provisions for local referendums in 2018 to let voters decide whether or not to keep their freezes. That would've helped the governor gin up turnout among his Republican base next year.

But Rauner wouldn't compromise with the Senate and here we are with nothing.

Gov. Rauner constantly derides the "headline" bills which Madigan loves. But Rep. Steve Andersson, R-Geneva, was totally right when he told Chicago Magazine's Whet Moser: "At this point, there's not enough reform to counter the damage we've done to the state in the past two years."

Rauners own four-year property tax freeze coupled with workers' compensation insurance reform that would've saved maybe $120 million in Illinois' $700 billion economy could've done some good two years ago. But now, the reforms are little more than political cover.

Those reforms won't come close to making up for the damage already caused by running a government on court-ordered autopilot and then compounding the problem by signing state contracts that can't be paid. We as a state have starved our universities nearly to death, devastated the social safety net and, in the process, piled up billions of dollars in unpaid bills, including the $1.1 billion currently owed to K-12 schools that the state has no way to pay anytime soon.

Rauner's reforms also won't do much of anything to ease the damage from the much-needed "cure." The longer Illinois waits, the higher the taxes will have to rise and the deeper the cuts will have to go.

In other words, this whole thing on both sides is a grotesquely fake Kabuki dance.

Madigans reforms are lip service at best and Rauner's "real" reforms won't come within a solar system of his overly promised "booming" economy.

So, now what? The attorney general's attempt to overturn a judicial order that state workers be paid without a legal appropriation appears hopelessly stuck in the courts. University layoffs have exceeded 1,500 and lasting damage has been inflicted upon their reputations, but that hasn't moved the Statehouse needle an inch. Thousands upon thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable among us have been kicked to the curb and nobody seems to care. Our bond ratings are ridiculously low and are going lower, but it's being shrugged off.

The only thing that literally everyone is deathly afraid of is a K-12 school shutdown. There's a reason why Gov. Rauner vetoed everything out of the budget passed in 2015 except K-12 funding. The same goes for including K-12 in the last-minute 2016 stopgap funding deal.

As long as they can contain the damage, the warring parties can continue their bizarre dispute. But a school shutdown would literally bring out the torches and pitchforks.

The governor has said repeatedly that he won't sign a partial budget without permanent property tax relief and term limits, which puts him in a horrible box. But a flip-flop would likely go mostly unnoticed if schools open on time.

Will the Democrats pass a partial budget for schools? I assume the House would. Speaker Madigan seems to prefer this war.

The Senate Democrats might be another story. They could impose the terms of surrender during an extreme crisis because their chamber has already courageously approved those terms  a budget, revenues and reforms. They may have to step up again and refuse to do a stopgap and finally bring this thing to an end.
Black Hills Energy is alerting customers to a scam claiming they have overdue utility bills that must be paid immediately.

The company said in a release that it has heard from customers who have been targeted.

Anyone who has concerns about being contacted by someone claiming to represent Black Hills Energy is urged to call customer service at 888-890-5554 or local law enforcement.

Black Hills Energy employees carry a company-issued photo ID and drive vehicles bearing the company's logo, the release said. Employees who visit your home will wait outside while you call the company to verify their identity.

The company sends written notice by mail to anyone at risk of having service disconnected. Customers should not give money or provide account numbers or any other information if contacted by someone claiming to be a company representative without verifying the person's identity with Black Hills Energy, the release said.
HOT SPRINGS | Two Hot Springs residents played key roles among a team of 11 scientists in coming to understand a paleontological dig site that may push back the date humans arrived in North America by more than 100,000 years.

The current accepted time frame for the first humans arriving in North America is about 30,000 to 40,000 years ago. However, what Steve and Kathe Holen, of Hot Springs Center for American Paleolithic Research, helped their fellow scientists discover could push this timeline back to more than 130,000 years ago.

The Holens came to Hot Springs several years ago to retire. They wanted to escape Denvers rat race, as Steve describes it, after both retired from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where theyd spent the past 12 years of their lives  Steve as curator of archaeology, Kathe in the department of anthropology.

Prior to this, Steve served as state archaeologist and tribal liaison with the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service in South Dakota, and as public archaeologist with the University of Nebraska State Museum. Kathe holds a degree from Exeter University and the University of Michigan and specialized in cognitive and interpretive archaeology and human dispersal into the Americas.

After searching for a place in the Northern Hills, they found their home in Hot Springs, on Cascade Road, by chance, when a real estate agent showed them the final home of the day and they decided to buy it.

Not people to sit around during retirement, the couple kept their hands in projects that piqued their interest. They also befriended several notable Hot Springs people, including The Mammoth Site's late principal investigator Larry Agenbroad and his wife, Wanda, and The Mammoth Sites current chief scientist and site director, Jim Mead.

During the early 1990s, Agenbroad and Mead worked on the Cerutti Mastodon Site, a paleontological dig near San Diego, with a team of researchers from the San Diego Natural History Museum, led by Thomas Demere. The site was named for retired museum paleontologist Richard Cerutti, who discovered the spot during the expansion of State Route 54.

At the Cerutti site, paleontologists discovered the fossil remains of a young mastadons tusks, molars, vertebrae, ribs and more than 300 other bone fragments, along with the remains of other species of that time period  dire wolf, horse, camel, mammoth and ground sloth.

For the next 15 years, nothing much happened with what paleontologists discovered at the Cerutti site.

However, in February 2008, the Holens  archeologists, as opposed to paleontologists  had their first research visit to the San Diego Natural History Museum to examine the fossils and artifacts salvaged from the Cerutti site.

Paleontology is a branch of science concerned with studying fossilized animals and plants, not unlike the researchers at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.

Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory using the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains  think Indiana Jones, Louis and Mary Leakey.

The Holens were some of the first archaeologists to examine what had been found at the Cerutti site.

What they saw was not some cool mastodon bones, but evidence of human beings using rock tools to form those mastodon bones into tools for their own use. And when they put their observations together with what the paleontologists saw, a whole new picture of what had taken place at the Cerutti site emerged.

This was no longer a place where some critters had died, but a place where human beings and, what the Holens believe was a dead mastodon, interacted. It was also a story that would continue to evolve as more information came to light.

Late in May 2009, the archaeologists and the paleontologists put their thoughts together during a conference. At the same time, sediment samples were taken from the Cerutti site for optically stimulated luminescence dating, a way to determine how long ago mineral grains were exposed to sunlight. Geologists and archaeologists use this method to learn when things happened.

In 1994, University of Southern California geologist Richard Ku had used uranium-thorium radiometric dating to determine the dates involved at the Cerutti site. However, it wasnt until early 2012 that U-Th dating results were reported to the Cerutti mastodon team.

In addition to the bones to be dated, what the Holens and others believed to be rock tool specimens were sent to Australia to be analyzed for use-wear and residue by archaeologist Richard Fullagar, an expert in this field.

Kathe said that when Fullagar stood looking at the bones and stones, he gulped, realizing that something very special was about to reveal itself.

Between 2012 and December 2014, Paces prepared more than 100 samples for dating analysis, and between January and April of 2015, he compiled and evaluated the U-Th data using new aging models for bone.

Soils were also analyzed by geo-archaeologist and soil scientist Jared Beeton.

By May 2015, the scientists came up with a final U-Th age determination for the Cerutti mastodon bones of about 130,700 years.

Their analysis of the site led the team to deduce that the association of stones and broken mastodon bones together at the site indicated the stones were purposefully used by humans as hammer stones and anvils, to break apart the mastodon bones so the bones could be shaped into useful tools, such as choppers, scrapers, flake knives, leather clothing fasteners and other items.

The Holens demonstrated some of this in Colorado and in Africa, when they used elephant bones (taken from an elephant that had recently died) and rock hammers and anvils to break apart the bones and form tools. The patterns of breakage  like a car window fractured by a stone  were the same as the patterns at the Cerutti site.

Steve said that he tried using some of the Cerutti site stones to break apart elephant bones and found he couldn't  they weighed more than 30 pounds  but a young graduate student with a stout back could.

The importance of their discoveries is this: If the teams analysis of the Cerutti site is correct, it would say that some form of human being was present in North America 100,000 years earlier than most archaeologists currently believe is when human beings arrived in North America, some 30,000 to 40,000 years ago. It basically rewrites the whole human history of North America.

The findings were submitted to the prestigious peer-reviewed science journal Nature in March 2016. A year later, the article was accepted.

The Holens consider it quite an accomplishment, saying Nature doesnt publish information that hasnt been thoroughly vetted by the scientific community, which is why it took a year for the article to be accepted.

There were multiple lines of evaluation that formed our conclusion, said Kathe, which helped substantiate the paper.

Still, Steve notes that the issue is far from settled among the scientific community. The conclusions of the team remain controversial, he said, and its hard for archaeologists who have been saying for many years that humans were in North America not more than 30,000 to 40,000 years ago to bump that date back.

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, Kathe said, and that remains to be uncovered.
South Dakota lawmakers in 2015 thought they had a good reason to raise the states top speed limit to 80 mph: People were already driving that fast on many sections of the states interstates.

The rise in speed, they argued, would make legal what was happening in practice.

But highway safety advocates warned that raising the speed limit would only encourage people to drive faster.

They were right.

An Argus Leader Media analysis of four years of speeding ticket data shows that motorists cited by the South Dakota Highway Patrol are speeding at a higher level since the increase to 80 mph, which went into effect on April 1, 2015.

Prior to the increase, the average speed motorists were driving when cited in 75 mph zones  then the highest speed limit in the state  was 86 mph. In the 21 months after the increase, the average speed of motorists cited in 80 mph zones increased to 88 mph.

At the same time, citations for excessive speeding are also up dramatically. There were 465 citations to motorists driving 100 mph or greater following the new speed limit, compared to 272 over the same period of time before the increase.

The findings confirm what safety advocates predicted and feared, said Catherine Chase, the vice president of governmental affairs for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety in an email.

Higher limits, even higher speeds, she said. This is a race to the graveyard because survivability in high-speed crashes goes down.

Overall, the number of fatal crashes in South Dakota were at their second lowest last year in more than 55 years. Still, there was a slight increase in 2016 in the number of fatal accidents in which speed was a contributing factor, according to Tony Mangan, a Department of Public Safety spokesman.

That uptick in speed-related fatalities followed four years of steady declines.

The numbers also show that the Highway Patrol has become less lenient since the new speed limit. Where the average citation was once 11 mph in zones of 75 mph, it is now 8 mph in zones of 80 mph.

Even before the 80 mph speed limit was implemented, the Highway Patrol said the speed limits would be enforced, Mangan said in an email. That has not changed. The Highway Patrol will continue to enforce the law.

Earlier this year, Argus Leader Media analyzed the number of speeding tickets issued in the two years before and two years after the increase to 80 mph. The analysis found a nearly 45 percent increase in the number of tickets written by state troopers since the new speed limit, evidence the Highway Patrol stepped up speed enforcement following the increase.

At the time, Highway Patrol released data on each ticket written since 2013, including the location, the make and model of the vehicle and the sex of the driver. But the Department of Public Safety refused to release the speeds at which drivers were cited, arguing that motorists would then know how fast they could drive over the limit without getting a ticket.

Argus Leader Media appealed the departments denial to the South Dakota Office of Hearing Examiners. The department then reconsidered and agreed to release the speeds as well as the zones in which motorists were cited.

The new data dont reveal whether there were other charges brought against motorists, for example, driving while intoxicated. But the data do show that troopers write tickets for even modest speeding infractions. Troopers wrote 131 tickets to motorists driving between 82 and 84 mph in 80 mph zones.

We always stress safe driving habits and that includes driving the speed limit, Mangan said. Drivers have always exceeded the speed limit; this is nothing new. We will continue to enforce the speed limits just as we are now.

More findings from the data:

 The number of citations to motorists for extreme speeding is also way up since the new speed limit. There was a 70 percent increase in the number of motorists cited for driving 100 mph or greater since the 80 mph increase.

The fastest speed at which a motorist was cited came on the morning of Sept. 23, 2016, when a male driving a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL600 was ticked for going 144 mph. The ticket wasnt on one of the Interstates but on Highway 115 north of Sioux Falls in an area posted 65 mph.

 Southern Sioux Falls near the intersection of Interstates 29 and 229 could just as well be dubbed Speeding Ticket Alley. No mile marker in the state saw as many tickets as I-29 at mile marker 80, with 960 tickets between 2013 and 2016.

The adjacent mile markers also saw several hundred tickets, including I-29 mile markers 79 (601 tickets), I-229 mile marker 3 (707 tickets) and I-229 mile marker 1 (620 tickets).

 Men far outpaced women for citations, including those for 100 mph or greater, with 542 tickets compared to 214 to women drivers. The fastest speed at which a woman was cited was for 125 mph, which occurred July 22, 2016, on Interstate 29 in Roberts County. She was driving a 2005 Nissan Maxima.

The average citation for women in 80 mph zones was slightly higher than men, at 88.7 mph compared to 88.3 mph for men.
SPEARFISH | After nabbing a bank robbery suspect in less than six hours two weeks ago, Spearfish police, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, set a new local record in apprehending a bank robbery suspect Thursday morning when they stopped the alleged thiefs car 19 minutes after receiving their first call.

According to Spearfish Police Lt. Boyd Dean, a lone woman wearing nothing to disguise her appearance walked into the Main Street branch of Black Hills Federal Credit Union shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday and demanded cash. A short time later, she left the credit union with an undetermined amount of money. No weapons were observed during the commission of the robbery, said Dean, who added that police received their first call of the robbery at 10:10 a.m.

Witnesses provided an accurate description of the vehicle, including a specific Colorado license plate, which was immediately disseminated to area law enforcement, Spearfish police stated in a release. Approximately 10 minutes later a Spearfish Ambulance unit observed the vehicle traveling east on Interstate 90 near mile marker 16 and relayed this information.

A Lawrence County Sheriffs deputy observed and followed the suspects Dodge Caliber, still eastbound on the interstate, at exit 17. At 10:29 a.m., Dean said the deputy was able to stop the suspects vehicle further east and the lone female occupant, identified as 54-year-old Kimberly Robin Campbell, was taken into custody. While Campbell reportedly held a Colorado drivers license, she had most recently resided in Spearfish, Dean said.

We just had people in the right place at the right time, said Dean, noting he had not seen two bank robberies in Spearfish in this close of a time period in his 23-year stint with the police force. We had the Spearfish Ambulance personnel in the right place at the right time on the interstate, and Lawrence County deputies in the right place at the right time, and it all worked out.

Cash was recovered from the vehicle, Dean said, although investigators were still working Thursday afternoon to determine if all of the money taken in the robbery had been found.

Campbell faces charges of second degree robbery and grand theft and was booked into the Lawrence County Jail in Deadwood, Dean said.

The robbery and quick arrest comes two weeks after a Belle Fourche woman allegedly walked into the Pioneer Bank & Trust building on Jackson Boulevard and demanded cash. The woman, identified as 22-year-old Kaycee Jade Teppo, fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money while driving a red Volkswagen sedan.

Less than six hours after the heist, Spearfish police arrested Teppo on charges of first degree robbery and grand theft.

In the latest case, Spearfish police were assisted by the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, FBI and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Police also praised the Spearfish Ambulance Service, for their quick and timely observations of the suspect vehicle.
Kaycee Teppo, 22, of Belle Fourche, is charged in federal court for using force and intimidation to take money from First Pioneer Bank on Jackson Boulevard. The offense is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. A jury trial has been scheduled for Aug. 8.

Spearfish police said Teppo entered the bank around 10 a.m. May 18 and showed a demand note to a teller. Shortly after, she fled in a red car with an undisclosed amount of cash. Teppo was arrested that afternoon, after police had distributed images of her captured by the banks surveillance camera. Authorities believe she acted alone, and no weapon was seen on her during the robbery.
Ex-chief of Ukrainian literature library found guilty of extremism, embezzlement

MOSCOW, June 5 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov)  The Meshchansky District Court on Monday found ex-director of the Moscow library of Ukrainian literature Natalya Sharina guilty of inciting ethnic hatred and embezzling entrusted property valued at around 2.2 million rubles ($38,800), RAPSI reports from the courtroom.

Earlier, a prosecutor demanded a 5-year suspended sentence for Sharina. Defense asked the court for her acquittal.

In October 2015, police raided the Moscow library of Ukrainian literature and seized reading materials containing calls to anti-Russian propaganda.

Sharina was charged with incitement of ethnic hatred and enmity and placed under house arrest.

According to investigators, from 2011 to 2015, Sharina distributed books prohibited by court as extremist among the librarys members. Thus, she has violated the Federal Law on Countering Extremist Activities.

During the first court hearing, acting director Natalya Vidineyeva said that Sharina had caused a 2.2-million-ruble damage to the library.

Sharina has pleaded not guilty.
Moscow authorities to pay $10.3 mln to Gazprom subsidiary

MOSCOW, June 5 (RAPSI)  The Moscow Commercial Court has recovered 587 million rubles (about $10.3 million) from the Moscow municipal property department in favor of Gazprom Energoholding, a subsidiary of the gas giant Gazprom, RAPSI learnt in the court on Monday.

The case documents read that the department issued an order to sell shares of the Moscow United Energy Corporation, belonging to the Moscow city, as well as the citys property, including real estate, rented by the corporation. As a result, Gazprom Energoholding signed the contract with Moscow authorities over privatization of several objects.

However, 175 objects of property, evaluated as high as 587 million rubles could not be transferred to Gazprom Energoholding because the Moscow city had no property rights over them causing the company to file a lawsuit.
Russian Interior Ministry ordered to pay $1,200 to man tortured by police

MOSCOW, June 5 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul)  The Supreme Court of Tatarstan has ordered Russias Interior Ministry to pay 70,000 rubles ($1,200) to a man tortured in a police office, lawyer Andrey Suchkov told RAPSI on Monday.

The ruling will be appealed. Suchkov said the awarded sum is inconsistent with the plaintiffs depths of physical and moral suffering, as well as with standards of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

According to case papers, on February 2016, a police officer questioned the man suspected of theft. The suspect pleaded not guilty, and as a result the police officer tortured him with the use of electric shocker.

In October 2016, a court in the town of Almetyevsk gave the police officer a 5-year suspended sentence and banned him from working in law enforcement agencies for the same period.

In his claim, the police officers victim demanded a 750,000-ruble compensation ($13,200) for moral injury. In March 2017, a court in Kazan ordered Russias Interior Ministry to pay 20,000 rubles ($353) to the plaintiff. The man appealed the ruling. The Supreme Court of Tatarstan thus overturned the lower courts decision.
Russian Justice Ministry drafts bill regulating activities of foreign NGOs branches

MOSCOW, June 5 (RAPSI)  The Justice Ministry has prepared amendments to the Federal law on non-commercial organizations regulating activities of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) branches in Russia, the ministrys announcement reads on Monday.

The bill extends possible grounds for refusal to include data on structural subdivisions of foreign NGOs into the specialized registry. Authors of the bill also propose to document requirements for the content of provisions for foreign NGO branches.

According to the bill, a branch of an NGO may be removed from the registry by a ruling of the authorized body if the main organization decides to close itself or cancel its activities in Russia.

In addition, the bill specifies that branches should provide the information to authorities within five days.
Supreme Court (SC) of Nepal

By Review Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal: Supreme Court (SC) has issued a stay order on the Election Commission (EC)s decision to conduct reelections in the ward 19 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City.

Responding to the writ petition filed against of the EC decision, a single bench of Justice Cholendra Shumsher JBR issued the ordered on Monday to the EC not to implement its decision right away. In the writ, the EC has also issued order to present at the court on June 11.

Challenging the ECs decision to conduct elections again two separate writs were filed on Sunday. UCPN Maoist cadres had torn up the ballot papers during the vote counting on May 28.

Following the incident, the EC had formed a probe committee, which had submitted a report to the EC confirming that 90 balloter papers had torn up by the Maoist Center representatives sat in the vote counting process.

As CPN UMLs mayoral candidate Devi Gyanwali and UCPN Maoists mayoral candidate Renu Dahal were close contenders of the elections, the former had been demanding for resumption of the vote counting process while latter had demand reelection in the ward number 19.

The EC had on June 20 decided to conduct reelections in ward 19 referring to the report of the probe committee and the existing laws. The UML has been launching various protest programs against of the EC decision.
Algeria suffered two setbacks at the United Nations in New York, in the course of a single day, while its Moroccan neighbor was granted two key positions by the UN General Assembly.

Despite the offensive by Algerian diplomats and their use of unorthodox means, Morocco won with flying colors the positions of Vice-President of the General Assembly and Vice-Chair of the 4th Commission in charge of decolonization.

Algeria suffered a resounding failure as its candidate won only 58 votes while her Moroccan challenger Yasser Halfaoui, Counsellor at Moroccos Permanent Mission to the UN, was elected by a comfortable majority of 88 votes Vice-Chair of the 4th Commission on Decolonization, one of the most politically sensitive and coveted UN bodies.

In its campaign among the voting members, Morocco committed to comply with the statutes and regulations ruling the General Assembly 4th Commission in charge of decolonization, said a Moroccan diplomat positioned in New York.

Meanwhile, the Algerian delegates were conducting a double campaign. On the one hand, they were lobbying for their Algerian colleague, although her candidacy was registered at the last minute. On the other hand, they were trying to convince the UN General Assembly to exclude Morocco from the vice-presidency of the 4th Commission, said the Moroccan diplomat.

Actually, the Algerian diplomats were not concerned about the election of their candidate; all they wanted was to bar the road to Morocco to accede to the vice-presidency of the 4th Commission. They wanted to exclude Morocco from the Commission, which deals with Western Sahara among other files.

On the very day of the election of Yasser Halfaoui, Algeria suffered another bitter setback, after Morocco was elected unanimously by the 193 member states Vice-President of the 72nd General Assembly to run from September 2017 to September 2018.

Because of its insidious maneuvers and its false claims that it has a neutral stance in the Western Sahara conflict, Algeria has lost all credibility in this territorial dispute, not only at the UN but also on the African, Arab and European diplomatic scenes.
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Questions have begun to swirl about the capabilities of Britain's security agencies after community members said they had reported at least one of the suspected London attackers to the police.
 Supreme Court unanimously limits reach of federal drug-offense forfeiture statute | Main | Gearing up for big state court argument on the state and fate of California's death penalty 

June 5, 2017

Deputy AG Rosenstein suggests rising crime justifies prosecutorial shift from Holder Memo to Sessions Memo

I just saw this AP article from late last week reporting on an interesting interview with the second in charge at the US Department of Justice. Here are the details:

The Justice Departments new policy urging harsher punishments for most criminals is meant to target the worst gang members and drug traffickers, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said Friday in an effort to mollify critics who fear a revival of drug war policies. Were not about filling prisons, Rosenstein told The Associated Press in his first interview since becoming the Justice Departments No. 2 official. The mission is to reduce violent crime and drug abuse, and this helps us do that. Rosenstein emphasized the departments plan to fight violent crime that includes prosecutors ability to decide whether to level charges that carry mandatory minimum sentences  a carrots-and-sticks approach for gaining cooperation. He acknowledged that federal prosecutors will sometimes charge lower-level criminals to take down entire gangs but thats the exception not the rule.... Attorney General Jeff Sessions directive last month urges federal prosecutors to seek the steepest penalties for most crime suspects, a reversal of Obama-era policies that aimed to reduce the federal prison population and show more leniency to lower-level drug offenders. Sessions Democratic predecessor, Eric Holder, told prosecutors they could, in some cases, leave drug quantities out of documents to avoid charging suspects with crimes that trigger years-long mandatory minimum punishments. Some prosecutors have said they felt constrained by the Holder directive. Under that old rule, they worried about a loss of plea-bargaining leverage  and a key inducement for cooperation  without the ability to more freely pursue charges that carry mandatory minimum sentences. Advocates for changes to the criminal justice system assailed the reversal as a return to drug-war era policies that helped ravage minority communities and put even nonviolent drug offenders in prison for long terms. Among the sharpest critics was Holder, who called it an ideologically motivated, cookie-cutter approach that has only been proven to generate unfairly long sentences that are often applied indiscriminately and do little to achieve long-term public safety. Rosenstein said he dutifully implemented Holders policy when it was issued in 2013 but believes recent spikes in violence in some cities necessitate a new approach. Supporters of Holders policy felt like there were too many people in prison and crime rates were falling, and they were hopeful that they could reduce enforcement and keep crime rates low, he said. Were in a different position now. Officials will be continually tracking crime statistics in cities that have seen recent spikes in violence. But any change wont be immediate, Rosenstein said. Sessions directive gives prosecutors leeway to veer from the policy and levy less-serious charges when warranted. And federal prosecutors rarely take cases against minor offenders, focusing their attention instead on larger criminal organizations, Rosenstein said. We think its important in this circumstance in 2017 to restore to our federal prosecutors the authority to use the penalties Congress has given them in cases they think its important, Rosenstein said. Were not micromanaging from Washington.

I find it quite interesting that DAG Rosenstein here repeated a line used by AG Sessions last month when discussing his new charging/sentencing memo that the new policy is "not micromanaging from Washington." This leads me to think that at least some local US Attorneys expressed concern about being "micromanaged" by the Holder Memos, and it leads me to wonder if these US Attorneys will really feel more free from micromanaging under the Sessions Memo.

Prior recent related posts:

June 5, 2017 at 12:09 PM | Permalink

Comments

Roddie. The rising crime rate justifies expelling and excluding all punk ass Harvard Law grads like you. Replace all Harvard scum at the DOJ with real police in their policy positions.

You freak, you killed hundreds of black people when you Fergusoned the Baltimore Police Department, you frickin' mass murderer.

Posted by: David Behar | Jun 5, 2017 7:04:12 PM

Doug,

I am less familiar with the workings/politics of the DOJ and USAs offices, but it would seem to me that an equally plausible read is that USAs felt the Ashcroft and Sessions memos constituted micromanagement from Washington, what with the written approval of an DAG to deviate.

Posted by: Fat Bastard | Jun 5, 2017 7:42:24 PM

I see, though, from the tone of the article where you got the inference. It's semantics and a soundbite anyway.

Posted by: Fat Bastard | Jun 5, 2017 7:45:15 PM

I suspect both will be micromanagement, but the new policy is something they'll be less inclined to bristle at.

Posted by: Erik M | Jun 6, 2017 11:49:26 AM

Post a comment
Derick Almena, who also goes by the name Derick Ion, was arrested and taken into custody in Lake County, California on Monday in connection with the December 2, 2016 warehouse fire in Oakland that claimed the lives of 36 people. As the East Bay Times reports, Almena is being charged along with one of his sub-tenants the space, Max Harris, a.k.a. Max Ohr, who was arrested in Los Angeles. Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley announced at a press conference Monday that both men had been booked and charge (more details on her statement are below). The New York Times reports, via the father of one of the fire victims, that he'd already been informed the pair were being charged with 36 counts of manslaughter.

O'Malley did not discuss any charges against the landlord of the building, Chor Ng, but Mike Madden, the father of fire victim Griffin Madden, tells the Times, "Our hope is that this aggressive approach continues including pursuing charges against her."

ABC 7 reports that Almena and his wife Micah Allison have been living in a new home in Lake County with their three children, and that he was arrested there early Monday morning.

I-TEAM EXCLUSIVE PHOTO: Ghost Ship Founder Derick Almena arrested at new home in Lake County; with Alameda County DA investigators. #ABC7now pic.twitter.com/h851wTnbxZ  Dan Noyes (@dannoyes) June 5, 2017

Almena ran the collective that went by the name Satya Yuga and subleased spaces to about a dozen artists in the un-permitted live-work and event space in Oakland's Fruitvale district, and he came under scrutiny and received criticism immediately after the deadly blaze as multiple accounts suggested that it was his negligence in constructing the interior spaces  and his open defiance of building and safety codes  that were to blame for the deaths of party-goers who were unable to escape the building.

Just two weeks ago, the East Bay Times reported on body camera footage they obtained from the Oakland Police Department that showed an 11-minute conversation Almena had with two officers following an apparent arson incident involving a couch on the sidewalk outside the Ghost Ship property, shot on September 26, 2014, about eight months after Almena had moved himself and his family into the space and began building it out. In the video, Almena and another unidentified tenant can be heard talking about the work they were doing all night inside to prepare for a "benefit" event that day. Almena lies about residing elsewhere, giving the officers a bogus home address, and brags about the collective he's created inside, and the "40 organs, 20 antique player pianos; the amount of antiques I go to India and Bali and I bring back old houses and door fronts." He also talks about constructing things out of scrap wood  which should have been a red flag for police, who did not look inside  saying, "I take things that people normally discard. You know, pallets and wood and stuff, and I build out of them." Wood pallets, as we learned shortly after the fire, were used to construct a rickety staircase to the space's second floor, where most of the victims perished.

It's unclear whether this video in any way influenced the investigation by the DA's office, and talk of possible criminal charges in the case were mentioned by O'Malley as early as mid-December.

The investigation has also brought up the potential for charges against the landlord, Chor Ng, and her two children who managed the property on her behalf. Within a couple of months of Almena signing the lease with Ng in late 2013, a second person on the original lease, Nicholas Bouchard, had an apparent falling out with Almena and wrote a letter telling the landlords that he wanted to be taken off the lease because Almena had already been making un-approved alterations to the interior of the space. The Ngs have maintained that they were unaware that anyone was residing in the building.

Almena's attorneys, led by veteran local defense attorney Tony Serra, have sought to suggest that the landlords were aware that the building had insufficient electric infrastructure, and the source of the fire is believed to have been overloaded electrical cables at the rear of the structure. As of last month, families of the fire victims filed suit against PG&E alleging that the utility should have been aware that the building was drawing far more electricity than it was wired for.

SFist will update this post as soon as the DA's press conference concludes.

Update: DA Nancy O'Malley said in the press conference that she had been meeting with her investigative team throughout the six months of the investigation, and that they spent a great deal of energy analyzing the prosecutable evidence they had against Almena and Harris. She said the team had conducted over 75 witness interviews, executed dozens of search warrants, and pored over reams of documentation pertaining to the case before reaching today's charges.

"To prosecute a manslaughter case [like this]... we must prove that the defendant acted with gross negligence," O'Malley said. "Almena and Harris acted knowingly and with disregard for risk when the did the following: they allowed individuals to live in the building and conspired to deceive police, inspectors, and the landlord to conceal this fact. [Also] they allowed large groups to assemble for unpermitted and unsafe musical events in the space, and on December 2 in particular, they blocked one of the points of egress, leaving only one way to exit the second floor.... they also conducted unpermitted construction... and allowed for the storage of floor-to-ceiling [piles] of flammable materials... Their actions amount to disregard for human life. Their reckless acts were the proximate cause of the deaths of 36 individuals."

Deputy District Attorney Teresa Drenick further said, in response to questions about any other individuals who were investigated for possible charges, "We left no stone unturned in the evidence... and [we did] extensive legal analysis as to who could be charged... and this is the conclusion we came to."

Drenick confirmed that Almena is being booked into a jail in Lake County, and Harris in Los Angeles County, and it's so far not known when they will be arraigned in Alameda County.

All previous coverage of the Ghost Ship fire on SFist.


It's totally possible for Facebook to be even more upfront about "fake news" that appears on the social media site, but CEO Mark Zuckerberg doesn't think that's necessary.

KPIX 5 reports that "activist investors" proposed a plan for the company's Board of Directors to publish an annual report on exactly how Facebook manages fake news posts, and detail the effect those policies ultimately have.

According to Arjuna Capital's Natasha Lamb, the proposal would have required Facebook to report on, "public policy issues associated with managing fake news and associated hate speech" including how it impacts "the democratic process, free speech, and a cohesive society." Interesting, right?

When the plan came up at Thursday's annual shareholder meeting, Zuckerberg and his more than 50-percent control of the company vetoed it. The gabillionaire nerd argued that the fake news spammers don't actually care about their outrageous headlines. They're just going for clickbait  and that's all about money.

"We have focused a lot on disrupting the economics for these folks. If we can make it so it's no longer profitable for them to do this, then they'll stop," explained Zuckerberg on why his super rich company doesn't need to take extra steps to combat the impacts of faux news.

"The impact of fake news is about to destroy us," said Rev. Jesse Jackson at the shareholder meeting, according to Business Insider.

In March, SFist looked at Facebook's new tag for "disputed" news, a way for users to flag fake news without using the work "fake." This service is another reason Zuck felt his investors' idea wasn't worth the effort.

After all, efforts have already been underway to help us figure out what's real and what's not.

Just last month, the Verge told us about the company's full page ads in British newspapers advising Facebook users (at least the three of them who read print) how to spot fake news. Facebook's director of policy in the UK, Simon Milner told the Financial Times, "People want to see accurate information on Facebook and so do we. That is why we are doing everything we can to tackle the problem of false news. To help people spot false news, we are showing tips to everyone ... how to identify if something they see is false."

Everything they can  up to a limit. Still, Facebook executives insist that they're on this whole fake news problem. "We know false news goes against what people want on Facebook, the company's COO Cheryl Sandberg told Business Insider. "You're going to continue to see more efforts from us."

Related: Facebook Rolls Out 'Disputed' Tag For Fake News Stories, Rather Than Calling Them Fake
This weekend local burlesque group Dainty Rogues present Doctor Who: Or How I Learned To Stop Time and Love the Dalek. It's a stylishly sensual and occasionally sexy dance theatre inspired by the long-running BBC sci-fi show. The decades-old story of a time-traveling man and his many companions and incarnations is lovingly referenced in a program of dances accompanying music from French techno duo Daft Punks 2013 album Random Access Memories.

A number of incarnations of the Doctor show-up right away to pair-up with an equal number of the Doctors companions. Thus begins a dreamy surrealistic narrative fugue in dance form. The first half also concludes with a very elaborate and cleverly-conceived multi-Doctor dance in which numerous companions are saved by a number of Doctors all at once. It's like an impressionistic rendering of a constantly recurring dynamic in the long-running series. There's some very charming variation in and within some cleverly integrated symmetry. Very cool stuff that fuses contemporary dance theater with an evolution of traditional strip tease burlesque.

There are 13 individual songs in the show. Much of the narrative bits play out in pairings and groupings of dancers. Costuming is fun without being too elaborate. There are numerous direct references to the BBCs character, but there are enough deviations from it to feel as though were watching Dr. Who from a sexier parallel dimension in which people communicate only in dance. Visual representations of the main character range from a short, boyishly feminine David Tennant to a voluptuously alluring Tom Baker-like woman. Funny that it feels as natural here as it does. The BBC could learn something from the diversity in this cast with a female Doctor and an African-American in the mix. Theres a variety in movement and body type that amplifies the visual fantasy of it.

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In and amidst the more specific renderings of plot elements some classic iconic imagery filters-in. Somewhere in there we find a sensual dance between male cyberman and female cyberman.

A couple of perfect replica Daleks (courtesy of Dalek Asylum Milwaukee) show-up onstage after intermission, wave hello to each other and proceed to observe a sensual slow dance by Raven McCaw. The Daleks are very iconic...it's strange to see them in such an uncharacteristic moment live and in three dimensions. By the end of the song, the Daleks arms and blast guns are draped in lingerie. Its adorable.

While the show does quite well in solo moods with McClaw and the Daleks and a particularly cute bathtub dance with noted burlesque personality Faye Tahl, the show really excelled in big group moments with multiple Doctors interacting with their companions. The diversity present onstage is punctuated by countless little interactions between characters. Pippy Pickfair has some endearingly clever comic moments in various crowd scenes. Shes got great instincts for nonverbal physical comedy that actually manages to deliver a very thought-out character without any dialogue at all. Pickfair and others provide vivid characterization in and amidst the overall run of a story that features Daleks and Cyberman bathing in contemporary techno dance by Daft Punk. The show ends with a rather dazzling, little dance impression of the TARDIS dematerializing. Polly Amour hypnotically spin colorful LED hula hoops as an animated representation of the transit appears on a screen behind her.

Dainty Rogues' Doctor Who: Or How I Learned To Stop Time and Love the Dalek runs through Jun. 4 at the Next Act Theatre on 255 S. Water St. For ticket reservations, visit Next Act online.

Here's a look at a few Doctors dancing for the show courtesy of Dainty Rogues' Facebook page:
 Expand A woman identifies her departed husband.

The dead house is about the last place people want to visit," the Milwaukee Journal wrote in 1891. Living or dead."

The line was from a hybrid investigatory/exploitation piece the paper ran on the sorrowful scenes at the little city morgue on Water Street. The morgue in 1891 was a more familiar place for the average Milwaukeean than it is today. The average life span of a city resident of the era was less than 30 years. And it was very often that the dead had no living person to claim them. That year, the city expected to bury about 100 people who passed through the morgue without ever being identified. The coroners office had recently adopted the practice of photographing each of the unknown dead before burial and keeping the images in a file open to the public in hopes that someone might claim a body in the months or years that followed their death.

The focus of the Journal s mini-expose was stories of the nameless dead. The first body the Journal reporter watched being brought in was a rough-looking 40-something man who had died by his own hand. Bearing no identification, he was stripped nude and covered with a white sheet with the word UNKNOWN" printed on it. The man had drowned himself in the river, with nothing on his person besides a rather large roll of cash. A frail-looking woman of about the same age was admitted to the dead room and led to the body. A police officer lifted the sheet to reveal the mans face. The woman stared at the man, but breathed a hopeful sigh as she declared that it was not her missing husband  who wore a heavy mustache. The body was clean-shaven, but police had suspected the man had gotten a shave just before his suicide, perhaps to avoid identification. The officer asked the woman to take a closer look. She did and, after a moment, the color ran from her face. My husband! My Husband! Why did you do this?"

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The corner had a name, but the routinely heartbreaking scene quickly took an even more grisly turn. As the officer and coroner were busied with paperwork, the womans cries went silent. The men turned to see her rumbled in the corner, an emptied bottle of poison in her hand. Hers was the next body to the slab after her husband was cleared away. Even the hardened newspaper scribe never become reconciled to the institution," the paper wrote of the office. [And] the coroner is always glad when his term of service is up."

Another body was pulled from the river later that same day. Draped with another UNKNOWN sheet, her beauty was noted by all in the room. She was young and held an attractive glow even after life had left her. Her face and slender shoulders were framed with curly blond hair. She was another suicide. The men surrounding her all wondered why someone so pretty would take their own life, assuming physical beauty to equate with mental well-being. The undertaker guessed that she was a harlot" and that no one would claim her, while others argued that no one with her smile could have ever done wrong. Such were the times.

The dead girl caused quite a chatter among the newspaper men on the scene, who vowed a campaign to find her family. The next day, after columns about the mystery girl ran in the papers, a well-known local banker" arrived at the dead house. His daughter had not been seen in several days. He positively identified her and she was buried that same day in the family crypt. Recognizing a good story, the papers followed up on their good deed by getting to the bottom of her tragic death. As it turned out, her parents were about to force her to marry a man whom she did not love. Such were the times.

And so it is at the morgue year in and year out," the Journal wrote. [These stories] are of almost daily occurrence in the large cities and this and other countries."
SIOUX CITY | It's been three months since city economic development staff unveiled the name and design for a proposed $20.2 million hotel planned for downtown Sioux City.

Monday, following months of discussion, vote deferrals and opposition from some local groups, the Sioux City Council will decide whether to approve the plans and enter into multiple agreements with the developer.

The council will separately take up development, management and parking agreements that would allow North Liberty, Iowa-based Kinseth Hospitality Co. to build a five-story, 150-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel adjoining the Sioux City Convention Center. Under terms of the three agreements, the company would also manage and provide catering for the city-owned Convention Center.

The council's first vote will be on a development agreement that requires Kinseth to build the hotel to specification and operate it as a Marriott Courtyard for at least 20 years. In turn, the city will provide full property tax rebates on the new construction of the hotel, estimated at $6 million.

As part of the agreement, the city will additionally construct a two-level parking deck with a minimum 140 parking spaces behind the hotel and will construct a "pre-function" space connecting the Convention Center to the hotel. The city will also renovate Gallery C of the Convention Center into an approximately 7,500-square-foot ballroom space.

The second item, a management agreement, makes Kinseth responsible for day-to-day operations, management and maintenance of the Convention Center. Under the agreement, the company will receive the following payment:

-- In the first year, a base fee of 2.5 percent of gross revenues, as well as an incentive fee of 20 percent of any improvement in operating income using -$500,000 as a base.

-- In years two through five, a base fee of 5 percent of gross revenues and an incentive of 25 percent of the annual improvement using -$500,000 as a base.

-- In years six and beyond, a base 5 percent fee and an incentive fee calculated as either a 50 percent "loss share" if there is a negative operating profit or a 75 percent "profit share" if there is a positive operating profit.

The third item, a parking agreement, lays out terms of parking for the new ramp. The city will lease the first level of the two-story ramp to Downtown Sioux City Hotel Associates -- a limited liability company registered under the Kinseth name -- while leaving the second level open to overflow guests or the general public.

Kinseth will receive a discounted rate for its use of the facility equal to between 60 and 65 percent of the usual monthly rate using a staggered scale. Members of the public on the second level will pay the regular 75 cent-per-hour rate.

City staff say having a quality, brand-name hotel near the Convention Center and signing over management of the venue to the hotel company will help the city attract more conferences and lower the Convention Center's subsidy. City staff cite studies that show the Convention Center needs a close-by hotel and a ballroom space to grow.

The project, however, has faced opposition from some community members, including a group of local hotel owners and the Taxpayers Research Council, a local watchdog group.

The TRC in March suggested looking into renovating the already-existing Howard Johnson Hotel, which is currently connected to the convention center via skywalk. City officials have said such a move was explored in the past but was found by developers to be cost-prohibitive.

In a recent statement, TRC Executive Director Taylor Goodvin reiterated the group's support for renovating an existing hotel or building on another piece of property, such as the former site of the Riviera 4 Theatre across the street.

"The TRC has expressed our concerns and opposition to the proposal with council members, city staff, and the public," he said in the emailed statement. "We strongly urge the council members to reject this current proposal and look into the other ideas that have been presented both by us and other members of the community."

Other local groups, such as Downtown Partners and the Sioux City Growth Organization, have voiced strong support for the project.

The hotel is a crucial part of Sioux City's bid for $14 million in future state hotel and sales tax revenue through the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Reinvestment District Program. Other project elements include an Ag Expo Center in the former stockyards area and Ho-Chunk Inc.'s Virginia Square commercial development in the 100 block of Virginia Street.
STORM LAKE, Iowa | A Storm Lake man has pleaded not guilty to making fraudulent withdrawals from a bank ATM.

Antonio Suarez-Valladares, 24, entered his written plea Monday in Buena Vista County District Court to single counts of second-degree theft and commission of a specified unlawful activity.

According to court documents, Suarez-Valladares deposited five empty envelopes at a Central Bank ATM from May 4-18, then withdrew the maximum daily amount of cash from the ATM.

Bank employees told police that Suarez-Valladares fraudulently deposited a total of $4,800 and was able to withdraw $1,443 before the bank could deactivate his card.
SIOUX CITY | Rogelio Morales' case has taken several twists and turns since his arrest.

On Tuesday, more than two years since he was charged with killing his estranged wife, Morales will stand trial for first-degree murder.

Jury selection begins at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to take two days. Trial testimony is expected to stretch at least into the middle of next week.

First Assistant Woodbury County Mark Campbell will prosecute the case and be assisted by Assistant Woodbury County Attorney James Loomis. Mike Williams and Doug Roehrich are representing Morales.

District Judge Jeffrey Poulson will preside over the case.

Morales, 29, of Hubbard, Nebraska, is charged with the April 19, 2015, death of Margarita Morales, 21, of South Sioux City.

According to court documents, Morales told investigators he was talking to his wife in his car in the 2200 block of Floyd Boulevard when he became upset after she told him she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him and had been seeing another man. Morales showed investigators how he put his hand around his wife's neck, then said he blacked out. His next memory was that Morales was not breathing and she may have been dead, court documents said.

He drove to his sister's home, according to court documents, and she called 911. Margarita Morales was declared dead upon arrival at UnityPoint Health -- St. Luke's.

It's not unusual for a murder case to take some time before going to trial, but Morales' case has been an extreme example. The case has been delayed several times because three different attorneys representing Morales have withdrawn. Each time a new attorney was appointed, the case essentially returned to the beginning as the new lawyer familiarized himself with the case.

Williams was appointed to represent Morales in October.

If found guilty of first-degree murder, Morales would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

His case is the fourth murder trial in Sioux City in the past 11 months.

In July, Timothy Schroeder, of Sioux City, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of Dustin Wilder in Sloan, Iowa, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

In December, Isack Abdinur was found guilty of first-degree murder for the stabbing death of Cornelia Stead in Sioux City. Abdinur was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Elias Wanatee stood trial in December for the fatal stabbing of Vernon Mace. The trial ended in a mistrial after jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict. The case was retried two months later in Council Bluffs, and Wanatee was found guilty of second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
LA PLATA, Md.

Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme.

(June 5, 2017)The Charles County Sheriff's Office released the following incident and arrest reports.SECOND-DEGREE BURGLARY: On June 1 at approximately 3:09 a.m., officers responded to Johnny Boys Ribs, located in the 7500 block of Crain Highway in La Plata, for the report of a burglary. Investigation revealed two males entered the business by removing a window air conditioning unit. Once inside, the suspects stole cash and food. They left the business through the door. Cpl. P. Anderson is investigating.SECOND-DEGREE BURGLARY: On June 1 at approximately 1:20 a.m., officers responded to the Dunkin Donuts located in the 2000 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf for an intrusion alarm. Upon arrival, officers discovered the drive-thru windows open and the alarm sounding. The owner was contacted and arrived on scene. After looking through the building, the owner advised that nothing appeared to have been taken. Security footage revealed two unknown suspects, dressed in black clothing with hoods over their heads covering their faces and wearing blue latex gloves, pried open the drive-thru windows at 1:09 a.m. After prying the drive thru windows open, the suspects left the area. At 1:12 a.m., the same suspects returned to the building and entered through the drive-thru windows. Once inside, they ran around the building for a short time and left by unlocking one of the exit doors. Once outside of the building, the suspects ran toward a nearby gas station. Pfc. K. Makle is investigating.THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLES: Between the hours of 8 p.m. on May 29 and 9 a.m. on May 30, unknown suspect(s) entered several unlocked vehicles in the Gleneagles neighborhood in Waldorf and stole several items. Officer B. Rash is investigating.ARMED ROBBERY: On May 29 at approximately 1:53 p.m., officers responded to the 3100 block of Marshall Hall Road in Bryans Road for the report of an armed robbery to the rear of Safeway. Investigation revealed four juvenile males were seated on the trail leading from the Safeway to a neighborhood when they were approached by a black male. The suspect produced a gun and demanded property. Two victims fled the scene, while the remaining two victims surrendered their coats and a cell phone. The suspect was seen fleeing in a dark-colored passenger car that was parked in the Bryans Road shopping center. Detective J. Feldman is investigating.BURGLARY/TRESPASSING: On May 27 at approximately 8:27 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 9000 block of Penns Hill Road in La Plata for the report of trespassing. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who had received a telephone call from a friend who stated two individuals occupying a white work van were on his property that was under construction. When the victim arrived at his property, he witnessed the men exiting his detached garage that was also under construction. Upon telling the individuals that he was calling the police, they attempted to leave in the work van but got stuck in the mud. When officers arrived on the scene, the suspects were sitting in the van. Dewarne Keith Thompson, 24, of La Plata, and Joshua Preston Sinclair, 22, of La Plata, were arrested and transported to CCDC where they were charged with trespassing and burglary. Cpl. T. Hemsley investigated.
HOLLYWOOD, Md.

Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme.

(June 05, 2017)In April of 2017, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Vice/Narcotics Division began an investigation, as a result of several neighborhood complaints, into the illegal use and distribution of controlled dangerous substances in the 23000 block of Luckton Court in Hollywood. As a result of the investigation, a search and seizure warrant was obtained.On May 24, at approximately 5:22 a.m., the search and seizure warrant was executed at the residence. A search of the home revealed approximately 94.3 grams of suspected marijuana, related marijuana paraphernalia, two digital scales, a quantity of suspected Oxycodone tablets, and additional drug paraphernalia and smoking devices containing suspected CDS residue.The following individuals were placed under arrest and charged with the following:Matthew Edward Davis, age 19, of Hollywood: CDS possession not marijuana (Oxycodone Tablets)Heather Marie Hall, age 23, of Hollywood: CDS possession marijuana 10 grams plus and possession of paraphernalia (Digital Scale).Kaitlin Eileen Davis, age 22, of Hollywood: CDS possession not marijuana (Capped Syringe w/cocaine residue)Jacob Allen Wagner, age 26, of Hollywood: CDS possession marijuana 10 grams plus and possession of paraphernalia (Digital Scale).
(EDGE) At this Sunday's 32nd annual AIDS Walk & Run Boston, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced Boston's commitment to join the Fast-Track Cities Initiative.

"Fighting the stigma around HIV and AIDS is something every single person can do," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "We need to make it clear that we support those who are affected, and that's why I'm proud Boston is signing on to become a Fast-Track City. I want to thank each and every person who has stepped up, and spoken out, to support this vital work."

In doing so, Boston becomes the 12th city in the United States to join the global campaign to end the transmission of HIV. The other U.S. cities are Atlanta; Baltimore; Denver; Miami; New Orleans; New York City; Oakland, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Providence, RI; San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Fast-Track Cities commit to taking the necessary public health, social justice, and access to healthcare initiatives to ensure that, by 2020, 90 percent of city residents living with HIV are aware of their status; 90 percent of those diagnosed with HIV are treated with antiretroviral therapy; and 90 percent of those receiving antiretroviral treatment are virally suppressed.

"It is incredibly exciting that the city of Boston will join the nearly 60 cities from 50 counties who've signed on to the Fast-Track Initiative to end the transmission of HIV. Our state has been a national leader in fighting AIDS since the early day of the epidemic, and Boston has been a leader in our state," said AIDS Action Executive Director Carl Sciortino. "It is fitting that Mayor Walsh will make this announcement at AIDS Walk & Run Boston, which is the single largest HIV and AIDS awareness event in New England. Public awareness and education will be key to the city's efforts to end the transmission of HIV in Boston, and at a time when our president is proposing deep cuts to long established public health and social justice programs, it is deeply encouraging to see Mayor Walsh step forward to lead this effort."

The AIDS Walk & Run Boston took place Sunday, June 4 at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade. The event regularly draws thousands of participants, making it AIDS Action Committee's largest annual fundraiser. The Walk is 4.85 miles. The 5K Run is a competitive, timed event fully sanctioned by the USA Track & Field Association.

AIDS Action will support AIDS Walk & Run Boston with a robust social media outreach and fundraising plan. Walkers can fundraise through their Facebook and Twitter pages.
(WB) President Trump has declined to issue at the start of June a proclamation designating the month as a time for celebration of Pride, breaking with a tradition started under the Obama administration.

By the end of the last weekday in May, President Obama each year during his two terms in the White House issued a proclamation recognizing Pride. Trump, on the other hand, has thus far issued no such proclamation  or even recognized June as Pride month from his Twitter account.

Trump on the last day of May issued five separate proclamations recognizing June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, African-American Music Appreciation Month, National Homeownership Month, Great Outdoors Month and National Ocean Month. Absent from the list was anything related to Pride.

The White House last month didnt rule out the possibility that Trump would recognize Pride, telling the Washington Blade the decision would be announced at the time of the June proclamations. But after the White House omitted Pride from its series of proclamations on Wednesday, the White House didnt respond to a request on whether a recognition of Pride would be forthcoming.

The tradition of presidential Pride proclamations started under President Clinton, although President George W. Bush discontinued that practice during his time in office. Obama renewed that tradition for each of his eight years in the White House, recognizing not only Pride in his proclamations but also achievements in LGBT rights, such as Dont Ask, Dont Tell repeal and the U.S. Supreme Court ruling for same-sex marriage nationwide.

Obama also started a tradition of hosting annual receptions at the White House recognizing June as Pride month. It seems unlikely Trump would continue that practice and hold a similar reception after declining to issue a Pride proclamation, not to mention his unpopularity with the LGBT community after policies such as revoking Obama-era guidance assuring transgender kids have access to school bathrooms consistent with their gender identity.

Instead, a group of former LGBT Obama administration officials, led by former White House LGBT liaison Gautam Raghavan and Aditi Hardikar, are planning a NOT the White House Pride Party, taking a cue from Samantha Bees Not the White House Correspondents Dinner event.

The event is scheduled to take place June 10 to coincide with Capital Pride and the 2017 Equality March. Set to attend are Valerie Jarrett, former senior adviser to President Obama, and former Army Secretary Eric Fanning. Proceeds will go to Casa Ruby, a D.C.-based shelter and center for trans women of color and immigrants.

Meanwhile, LGBT affinity groups for federal agencies are continuing their traditions of holding events to observe Pride. Agencies known to the Blade that are hosting events are the Pentagon, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Justice Department.

A representative of HUD GLOVE told the Blade HUD Secretary Carson was invited to speak at the HUD event. It remains to be seen whether hell take that opportunity given an anti-LGBT record that includes comparing homosexuality to bestiality and calling transgender people abnormal.

For the Pentagon event on June 12, DOD Pride invited Defense Secretary James Mattis to speak. A DOD spokesperson said the departments leadership instead will send a lower level official, Tony Kurta, acting under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness.





 Chris Johnson, Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.
NEOWISE Data NASA

NASAs Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission has released its third year of survey data, with the spacecraft discovering 97 previously unknown celestial objects in the last year.

Of those, 28 were near-Earth objects, 64 were main belt asteroids and five were comets.

The spacecraft has now characterized a total of 693 near-Earth objects since the mission was re-started in December 2013. Of these, 114 are new. The NEOWISE team has released an animation depicting this solar system surveys discoveries and characterizations for its third year of operations.

NEOWISE is not only discovering previously uncharted asteroids and comets, but it is providing excellent data on many of those already in our catalog, said Amy Mainzer, NEOWISE principal investigator from NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. It is also proving to be an invaluable tool in in the refining and perfecting of techniques for near-Earth object discovery and characterization by a space-based infrared observatory.

Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of the planets in our solar system into orbits that allow them to enter Earths neighborhood. Ten of the objects discovered by NEOWISE in the past year have been classified as potentially hazardous asteroids, based on their size and their orbits.

More than 2.6 million infrared images of the sky were collected in the third year of operations by NEOWISE. These data are combined with the Year 1 and 2 NEOWISE data into a single archive that contains approximately 7.7 million sets of images and a database of more than 57.7 billion source detections extracted from those images.

The NEOWISE images also contain glimpses of rare objects, like comet C/2010 L5 WISE. A new technique of modeling comet behavior called tail-fitting showed that this particular comet experienced a brief outburst as it swept through the inner-solar system.

Comets that have abrupt outbursts are not commonly found, but this may be due more to the sudden nature of the activity rather than their inherent rarity, said Emily Kramer, a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow at JPL and lead author of paper on the NEOWISE study. It is great for astronomers to view and collect cometary data when they find an outburst, but since the activity is so short-lived, we may simply miss them most of the time.

The tail-fitting technique identifies the size and quantity of dust particles in the vicinity of the comet, and when they were ejected from the comets nucleus, revealing the history of the comets activity. With tail-fitting, future all-sky surveys may be able to find and collect data on more cometary outburst activity when it happens. A paper detailing the tail-fitting technique and other results of the study was published in the March 20 volume of the Astrophysical Journal.

Originally called the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), the spacecraft was launched in December 2009. It was placed in hibernation in 2011 after its primary astrophysics mission was completed. In September 2013, it was reactivated, renamed NEOWISE and assigned a new mission: to assist NASAs efforts to identify the population of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects. NEOWISE also is characterizing more distant populations of asteroids and comets to provide information about their sizes and compositions.

NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, manages the NEOWISE mission for NASAs Planetary Defense Coordination Office within the Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Space Dynamics Laboratory in Logan, Utah, built the science instrument. Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. of Boulder, Colorado, built the spacecraft. Science operations and data processing take place at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center at Caltech in Pasadena. Caltech manages JPL for NASA.

For more information about NEOWISE, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/neowise

More information about asteroids and near-Earth objects is at: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroidwatch
On Monday, June 5 at Mohawk Racetrack, WEGs publicity department, OSAS and driver Jody Jamison were busy showing members of Global Torontos The Morning Show what racing at the Campbellville, Ont. is all about, as the raceway gears up for the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup.

The NA Cup will spearhead a tremendous card of live Standardbred racing on June 17. North America Cup eliminations will take place this coming Saturday (June 10). The elims will be drawn on Tuesday (June 5).



Liem Vu (in the background) and Jody Jamieson, pictured in the drivers room at Mohawk Racetrack (Image courtesy Mark McKelvie / WEG)

Liem Vu (co-host of The Morning Show) was out here (at Mohawk) this morning, WEG communications co-ordinator Mark McKelvie told Trot Insider. He shot a feature on racing at Mohawk and had the opportunity to jog an OSAS horse with Jody Jamieson. He also got to learn a bit about what goes on at Mohawk and got to see how drivers prepare each night.



Liem Vu and Jody Jamieson, amongst the colours in the Mohawk drivers room (Image courtesy Mark McKelvie / WEG)

The horse that Liem and Jamieson jogged with was the 13-year-old grey gelding Ruff Me Up. The promotional work came less than 24 hours after Jamieson was helping promote racing in Quebec.



Liem Vu, selecting his boots in the Mohawk drivers room (Image courtesy Mark McKelvie / WEG)

McKelvie explained to Trot Insider that the feature is scheduled to air on June 15 and will be shown on The Morning Show on Global Toronto.

The feature will help promote the NA Cup and Mohawk racing, which will occur five nights a week all summer at the picturesque raceway.



Liem Vu and Jody Jamieson, pictured jogging OSAS Standardbred Ruff Me Up at Mohawk Racetrack (Image courtesy Mark McKelvie / WEG)
It has been reported that Super Pleasure 3,1:58f ($827,238), the son of Super Bowl who stood at stud for two decades in Ontario, recently passed away at the age of 29.

A report by the U.S. Trotting Association states that Super Pleasure passed away on May 26, 2017, according to his co-breeder and co-owner Bob Key.

Bred and owned by Key and John Glesmann, the son of Super Bowl-B Js Pleasure won 15 out of 39 career starts as a freshman and sophomore in 1990-91.

He went on to stand stud in Ontario for two decades and produced 607 foals, with 411 total starters, who banked more than $18.4 million. His co-fastest and richest offspring was Ramas Pleasure 1:53.1s ($1,057,776).

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Super Pleasure.

(With files from the USTA)
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
By Olivia Rose

JAGS McCartney was a real change agent, a man who devoted his life to ensuring Islanders had opportunities, education, equality and social justice.





These sentiments were expressed by the Leader of the Opposition Washington Misick in honour of the life and legacy of the founding leader, statesman and nation builder.





Thousands of patriotic residents across the country recognised the life and achievements of the countrys first Chief Minister James Alexander George Smith JAGS McCartney on Monday (May 29).





Misick in his address on National Heroes Day called the statesman courageous for giving his blood and sweat for the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.





He said: "The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it - Henry David Thoreau.





"That my friends are why most heroes live short lives but achieve more than many who go on to live into old age and honourable JAGS McCartney was no different - meeting his early demise just shy of his 35th birthday.





"As someone growing up in the 60s, just five years younger than McCartney, and witnessing the unprecedented wave of decolonisation, 32 countries gaining independence between 1960 and 1968, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Guyana, with a combination of the civil rights and the black-power movement in the US resulting in the civil rights act in 1964 and the voting rights act in 1965, instilled a sense of racial pride and self-esteem in blacks across the world, and greatly influenced the fearless courage of McCartney and others to agitate for change in the status quo from colonial rule to the attainment of self-determination.





Misick pointed out that McCartney was passionate about the rights, opportunities and issues facing people.





He noted that McCartney had a burning desire for change in his native country and wanted to be in the very midst of his own peoples struggles.





Never disagreeable

He said: "I knew JAGS; we disagreed on the means and the timetable for self-determination - a divisive argument to this day, but we were never disagreeable.





"JAGS had a strong conviction and an unshakeable focus on improving the future of these Islands and in this he was selfless.





"McCartney was a humble man who never forgot his roots, or sought out credit for things he did or did not do, as so many of us do today.





"He was empathetic, and compassionate, always displaying a sense of concern and kindness devoid of partisan politics.





"Dont get me wrong, JAGs was no saint. He was human and never hypocritical about his faults. His love of women is legendary.





"He was a regular guy with his share of domestic issues, but he was also a great visionary with a profound sense of purpose leaving a legacy that testifies to the fact that imperfection has never been a barrier to greatness.





"JAGS was about love and about cooperation and compromise and working together.





Misick emphasised that the decision to introduce legislation to establish a National Heroes Day on which JAGs was inducted as the TCIs first National Hero was easy for all of those reasons.





He said: "There is a lot of cheap talk these days about change, but JAGS was a real change agent, a leader who refused to work in the system but choose to work on the system instead.





"Change - historic change and heroic change comes by working on the system.





"Real change is not spun without substance. It is honesty in the face of vulnerability. McCartney despite his vulnerabilities demonstrated that he could be trusted with power.





"May those who have inherited his baton and all of us who lead prove to be trustworthy as we remember the contribution of our first National Hero, Misick said.





JAGS and the TCI

This year, 2017, marks 41 years since JAGS McCartney was elected Chief Minister and negotiated a new constitution which brought self-determination for the Turks and Caicos Islands.





His list of accomplishments is hailed as impressive for someone who was born in 1945 in Grand Turk with a serious heart condition.





McCartney moved to Jamaica when still quite young so that he might get medical help.





He could have focused only on improving his health and living a slower paced life, but instead he became active in the struggle he saw all around him.





At 17 he returned to the Islands and created programmes for young people.





In his 20s he worked in the Bahamas where he was actively involved in political events like the 1967 Grand Bahama Hotel Strike to improve workers conditions.





McCartney had a burning desire for change in his native country and wanted to be in the very midst of his own peoples struggles.





He died tragically in an airplane crash just before his 35th birthday.





Events to commemorate National Heroes Day are held on May 30 throughout the Islands.





Grand Turks official ceremonies are usually held at the National Memorial Park. Presentations are made to unsung island heroes and wreaths are laid.





In Providenciales there was a motorcade, travelling from Downtown and along Leeward Highway, which kicked off the festivities followed by presentations and musical performances.





On this national holiday Islanders join together to proudly wave the national flag and remember one of their own who epitomised a hero.




By Olivia Rose

A FORMER Clement Howell High School pupil has been appointed as one of four opposition senators in the Bahamas.





Attorney at law JoBeth Coleby Davis along with three other senators received their instruments of appointment during a swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Nassau, on May 23.





Speaking at the ceremony, Opposition Leader Philip Brave Davis said the Progressive Liberal Party will cooperate and support the newly elected Government of the Bahamas "generously and in good faith.





"We are after all instruments of nation building not agents of national disunity or unnecessary conflict.





The new senators are Fred Mitchell, former Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister, who will serve as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate; Dr Michael Darville, former Minister of Grand Bahama, will act as the voice for Grand Bahama; Clay Sweeting, businessman and former PLP election hopeful from Spanish Wells, will serve as a voice for the people from the family islands; and attorney JoBeth Coleby Davis, who represents a new voice in politics but comes from a family who have served their country in the political arena.





Biography

Coleby Davis, who ascended to the upper echelons of government, came from humble beginnings being born in Freeport, Grand Bahama, on July 17, 1984, to Wayde T Coleby and Irma L Coleby nee Bootle.





She attended Walter Parker Primary School up to the sixth grade. After that her family relocated to the United States, where she attended middle school and high school.





However, relocation had it so that JoBeth would complete and receive her high school diplomacy from Clement Howell High School in the Turks and Caicos Islands.





She gained her dual Bachelor of Law degree with Business Management at Keele University, UK in 2009 and completed her bar vocational course at Nottingham Trent University in 2010.





She holds an LLM in Energy Law and Policy from the University of Dundee in Scotland.





Coleby Davis has been called to the Bar of England and Wales, and the Bahamas Bar.





She completed her associates degree in Law and Criminal Justice at the College of the Bahamas.





According to a press release, Coleby Davis has in the past worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia as a contracted compliance officer for five years while attending law school.





She worked alongside bank lawyers and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to ensure organisations were efficiently and effectively adhering to laws and regulations.





She was responsible for commercial customers of the bank, carrying out due diligence, risk management and inspections of their operations for compliance with the financial policy of the FSC.





Coleby Davis has extensive knowledge of the legal system in the Bahamas, including the Petroleum Act and Petroleum Regulations, which she has relied heavily on in executing her duties.





At present, she serves as in house legal counsel at Bahamas Petroleum Company.





She is responsible for compliance and risk management of Bahamas Petroleum Company licences, government relations and works closely with the management team to advice on legal and commercial risks associated with day to day business operations.





She also served on the board of Real Property Tax Appeal Tribunal during 2012 to 2017, where she was able to learn and contribute to the amnesty program and assisting with re-evaluation of various properties that were victims to the decline in the real estate market.





Her main platform and interests are ensuring the present government continues the work to modernise the Bahamian economy, more specifically energy conservation and sustainability.





She completed her dissertation as the final stage in her bid for an LLM, and her topic was Promoting sustainable development in the Bahamas: Overcoming the barriers and creating renewable energy in a safe and affordable way.





In addition, Coleby Davis is a part of the millennial era, where she like many others holds the leadership of the Bahamas accountable to ensuring the Bahamian economy, legislation, and implementation thereof meets the modernisation standards that have been set by the international community.





Coleby Davis is the granddaughter of the late Granville Coleby who during his life served the Progressive Liberal Party as a stalwart councillor up to his passing.





In addition, the late Edwin Coleby who also served as a senator under the PLP administration is also her grand-uncle.





Recently she married Donavon A Davis Jr, a system engineer and also the grandson of Lionel Davis who served as MP for Fox Hill.




By Olivia Rose

A FEASIBILITY study and designs for coastal protection works in Grand Turk, North, Providenciales and Salt Cay will be rolled out soon.





A shoreline management plan will also be created to protect the Islands coastlines using climate-resilient approaches.





This comes as the board of directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) approved funding to the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands.





The project will be supported by a $440,000 loan, a $50,000 grant allocated from resources provided by the European Investment Bank under the Grant Facility for Climate Action Support to CDB, and counterpart funding of $289,000 from TCI Government.





The provision of the loans and grant come directly on the heels of the CDBs recently concluded 47th annual flagship event held in the Turks and Caicos Islands last week.





The CDB has since approved millions in loans and grants for 10 borrowing member countries for numerous development projects and initiatives.





According to a CDB press release, chief of economic infrastructure division of the CDB, OReilly Lewis, underscored the importance of coastal defence to the TCIs tourism industry, the countrys main economic engine.





He said: "Tourism is the main pillar of TCIs economy, with its coastal and marine resources as the basis of the sector.





"The loss of critical beach assets due to coastal erosion, as well as the other anticipated changes resulting from climate change, would potentially have significant negative implications for settlements, tourism sites and livelihoods resulting from the reduction in coastal and marine economic activity.





Lewis pointed out that the feasibility study and designs derived from the technical assistance project will provide the TCI Government with viable designs for climate-resilient infrastructure solutions to safeguard social and economic development, economic growth and livelihood security.





The shoreline management plan will strengthen TCIs capacity to sustainably monitor and manage the countrys beaches and related coastal assets.





It will also assist the Government with the development of a more comprehensive integrated coastal zone management plan.





The intervention is consistent with the banks strategic objective of supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development within its borrowing member countries.





It also aligns with CDBs corporate priorities of promoting disaster risk management and climate change mitigation and adaptation; and improved protection and sustainable management of natural resources.





Investment in the region

The CDB plans to inject some $110 million into climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience projects across the region.





On Wednesday (May 24) the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) signed a financing agreement in Providenciales.





The cash will support investment projects in the Caribbean under CDBs climate action policy.





The EUR 100 million climate action initiative is EIBs biggest loan to the Caribbean to date.





It supports nine projects in seven countries across the Caribbean including the Turks and Caicos Islands.





CDBs president Dr William Warren Smith and EIB vice president responsible for the Caribbean, Pim Van Ballekom, signed the new agreement during the 47th Annual Meeting of CDBs Board of Governors.





Van Ballekom said that the signing of the new climate action loan with CDB is the result of a fruitful partnership that has lasted for almost four decades.





He said: "This partnership is currently supporting CDBs efforts to mainstream climate action to help its borrowing member countries, which are all considered small island developing states, to adequately tackle risks related to climate change.





"Caribbean countries face economic and social challenges which must be addressed whilst ensuring resilience to climate change.





Smith pointed out that through this new line of credit CDB will be able to provide to its borrowing member countries much needed low cost financing to address the climate impacts already affecting these countries.





He said: "The line supports our ongoing work to build climate resilience and the adaptive capacities of BMCs, as they work towards their goal of achieving sustainable development.





"The signing of this agreement reinforces the longstanding partnership between EIB and CDB, and signals strengthened cooperation between our two institutions.





Under the Climate Action Framework Loan II appropriate investments will be made in climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, road transport, water infrastructure and community level physical and social infrastructure that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resilience to the impacts of climate change.





According to CDBs website, a healthy pipeline of climate action projects amounting to more than $300 million have been developed with support of an EIB-funded technical assistance programme.




By Olivia Rose

"IN A nutshell, as a country well be saving for rainy days and saving for future investments.





Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson explained the importance of the National Wealth Fund Bill before it was passed in the House of Assembly on Wednesday (May 31).





She said that the National Wealth Fund will secure budgetary surpluses to ensure the future economic prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands.





The Minister of Finance Investment and Trade, in whose name the bill was tabled, pointed out that it is the same as the sovereign wealth fund which was touted under the previous administration.





During her second reading of the bill, Cartwright Robinson said sovereign wealth funds are not new, as commodity based countries have been squirreling aside some of their revenue for decades.





She said: "Although these types of funds are generally commodity based, in recent times their dominance is being challenged by funds that are being financed by fiscal surpluses (non-commodities).





"Non-commodity based funds account for 40 percent of the management by sovereign wealth funds, for the most part the growth and value of sovereign wealth funds continue to be fuelled by two main sources that is countries with high current account surpluses and commodity prices.





She explained that the Turks and Caicos National Wealth Fund Bill proposes the establishment of a non-commodity based sovereign wealth fund fuelled by high current account surpluses, specifically accessed revenues.





She said: "The fund can simply be described as pools of nationally owned monies that will be set aside, purposefully saved and invested to meet three overarching objectives.





"The first one is for economic stabilisation and that is the stabilisation fund, the second undertaking of large scale infrastructural investments that is the infrastructure and competitiveness fund and three saving for posterity, the heritage fund, so there are three funds.





"In a nutshell as a country well be saving for rainy days and saving for future investments.





Importance of investing

The Minister of Finance turned her attention to importance of saving and investing and its critical role in fortifying a countrys stability.





She said: "Im certain that from a very young age weve all been taught the merits of prudence and weve all been cautioned about not spending all of what weve earned, this we know as savings.





"The accumulation of cash that is oftentimes used to meet some unplanned expense or a short to medium term obligation, in the context of establishing a national wealth fund we move along the continuum from merely saving to investing.





Debating sharply on the need for the wealth fund, Premier Cartwright Robinson said the TCI has a sterling track record of being able to save and over the years boasted of building reserves and surpluses which have proven the countrys ability to conserve.





Making savings

She said: "Recently the country has seen an acceleration of debt repayment accomplished through saving and despite the acute austerity measures that were in place the country was still able to save from its fiscal surpluses.





"These savings will now need to be invested by buying financial assets that are intended to generate higher returns over the long term; the wealth fund institutionalises this objective by investing we will assume some levels of risk, forego some of its liquidity but we will diversify the countrys portfolio of assets so that they do not face the same risk exposure.





Drawing a blunt nexus between the need for the wealth fund and the absence of one for many years she said: "If the Government were to ask the populace to rank its priorities there would be a plethora of opinions tabled.





"Governments have always had to manage competing priorities that are often constrained by budgets.





"This Government is no different, however when the enviable position of having revenues far exceeding that which was budgeted occurs, a government must be prepared with clear policy objectives in place to utilise or manage such surpluses.





"Therefore when revenues far exceed expectations, governments will need to strategically weigh the impact of a decision to spend more or create an implicit limit on government spending through policy driven, deliberate saving and investing.





"Both of the options mentioned have three pros and cons, however the idea of a wealth fund focuses on choosing to flesh out the benefit and cost of the latter.





The finance minister pointed to the global financial crisis and the havoc it wreaked on small island economies such as the Turks and Caicos Islands.





"If there was one true lesson that came out of the global financial crisis it would be that it validated the value of building national and international reserve funds.





She argued that the global financial crisis gave credence to countries maintaining actively managed buffers, like sovereign wealth funds that would insulate governments from the effects of catastrophic events either economic or acts of nature that could destabilise economies.





There was a unanimous agreement as both sides of the House agreed to enforcing the bill that would mandate saving of extra revenue.




By Olivia Rose

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands is gearing up to complete its first money laundering and terrorist financing National Risk Assessment this June.





About 50 stakeholders and representatives from both the public and private sectors are expected to convene for a two-day workshop at the Blue Haven Resort in Providenciales.





The workshop is aimed at putting together comprehensive action plans to decrease the levels of risks, and strengthen controls and supervisory oversight in each sector.





Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE, chair of the national Anti-Money Laundering Committee, announced the launch of the National Risk Assessment.





She said: "This is a major initiative here in the Turks and Caicos Islands which will enable us to develop an effective framework to prevent money laundering and combat terrorist financing.





World Bank experts Emily Adeleke and Roberto Biel will lead the various workshop sessions which will take place on June 26 and 27 with a closed half day workshop for policy makers on June 28.





The initial phase began in October 2014, with a workshop which identified the approach to gathering supporting data.





A global phenomenon

Understanding the money laundering and terrorist financing risks is crucial to developing and implementing national anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.





The June workshop is being run in line with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations where each country assesses its own money laundering and terrorist financing risks.





With increasing globalisation and liberalisation, money laundering and terrorist financing have become a global phenomenon.





They pose real and significant threats to nations, their people, their financial systems and their security apparatus, no matter the makeup of the economy or the size of the country.





All nations, particularly small and developing jurisdictions are susceptible to disruption from criminal and terrorist activities.





Corruption, money laundering and its associated economic and financial crimes tend to impact and undermine good governance and rule of law, which are core values of regional constitutions.





A risk assessment allows countries to identify, assess and understand its money laundering and terrorist financing risks.





Once these risks are properly understood, countries can apply AML/CFT measures that correspond to the level of risk.





The risk-based approach, which is central to the FATF recommendations, enables countries to prioritise their resources and allocate them efficiently.





The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) has blacklisted countries such as Guyana for failing to approve legislation to combat money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.





The CFATF pursues the objective of achieving effective compliance with and implementation of the FATF standards to prevent and control money laundering and to combat the financing of terrorism.





In that regard, the Anti-Money Laundering Committee in conjunction with the CFATF are preparing the national framework for the upcoming fourth mutual evaluation of the AML/CFT system of the Turks and Caicos Islands.





The FATF 40 recommendations are widely accepted as one of the most useful international countermeasures designed against money laundering and terrorist financing: their implementation increase transparency and enable countries to successfully take action against illicit use of their financial system.





Countries have diverse legal, administrative and operational frameworks and different financial systems, and so cannot all take identical measures to counter these threats.





The FATF recommendations, therefore, set an international standard, which countries should implement through measures adapted to their particular circumstances.




By Delana Isles

IT IS important for Caribbean countries to "push the envelope in order to foster and sustain economic growth, a top economist stated this week.





Dr Daniel Lederman, deputy chief economist for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank Group, spoke on the topic on Tuesday (May 23).





"If we have explored all areas, it is about seeing the big picture that tells us how seemingly unrelated opportunities are actually connected in the process of economic growth, he said.





He made these statements during a signature event - the William G Demas Memorial Lecture - hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) during the 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the CDB in Providenciales.





Dr Lederman, who first paid homage to the late William G Demus, addressed a gathering comprised of Governor Dr Freeman, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, CDB president Dr

Warren Smith, several members of the TCI Government and the local judiciary, and other specially invited guests, at the Beaches Resort in Providenciales on Wednesday, May 24.





Lederman - an economist and political scientist by training - joined a distinguished roster of speakers who have delivered the lecture.





He began the lecture by encouraging the gathering to think big about development in small economies and about what the Caribbean can accomplish together.





"Thinking big about small economies begins with aspirational goals - we must believe that the challenges of small economies can be overcome.





"But it goes well beyond aspirations. It is about pushing the envelope; it is about looking for ideas in areas we have not explored before, Dr Lederman noted.





He stated that when it comes to economic development or economic growth, the aspiration is obviously to raise the standard of living of Caribbean populations.





As it relates to the evidence regarding the potential of small economies, he pointed out that the evidence speaks loud and clear: Small economies do grow fast and many are already among the worlds most prosperous economies.





According to Lederman, within the community of the Americas, some of the richest economies are actually small: The Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay in South America, all have incomes per capita (adjusted for purchasing power) that put them among the richest economies in the Americas south of the US-Mexico border.





However, he noted that this is not to say that these economies do not face challenges.





On the contrary, he said, even rich economies must confront their challenges, but believing that they can overcome them is a starting point for taking action.





Open and nimble

He further stated that in order for small economies around the world to be even more successful than large economies they need to be open and nimble.





"Open, because small economies do tend to be more exposed to international trade, as a share of GDP, than large economies.





Pointing to the United States, Dr Lederman said that there is a lot of trade between New York and California, and less trade with the rest of the world.





"Small economies may not have large domestic markets but we have trade with the world, and particularly with nearby large markets, which allows us to achieve economies of scale in

production, but while producing and exporting a small portfolio of goods and services.





"So, being open is one unique characteristic of small economies; export concentration is another.





However, he added that export concentration presents challenges for economic growth and development, and this is so because the volatility of the average price of an economys exports, and therefore of its terms-of-trade, depends on the number of products and markets in a countrys export basket.





"Many of you have certainly heard the phrase do not put all your eggs in one basket.





"The economic interpretation is that if all your national production is concentrated in one basket, in one type of good or services, then this basket will be risky, as it will fluctuate with the ups and downs of one particular global market, as opposed to having many such baskets in the form of a variety of products and services.





So, how have small economies overcome the challenge of external volatility that is consequence of being specialised in a few products or services? he questioned.





"They are more Nimble than large economies.





"Although this unique ability of small economies to innovate, to reinvent ourselves, has not been studied until recently, the evidence is clear to us:





"Small economies appear to have an uncanny ability to reinvent themselves more quickly and more often than large economies.





He stated that simply put, they are more likely than large economies to innovate by introducing new exports and letting go of old ones.





In economic jargon, small economies tend to have higher rates of export-product churning than large economies, and this unique characteristic of being small helps ameliorate the volatility caused by fluctuations in global demand for specific goods and services, Dr Lederman noted.





He further stated that by being innovative, small economies become more nimble than large economies, however, this nimbleness by itself might not be enough to send them on a path toward stable growth.





"It does mean, however, that fiscal policies, specifically countercyclical fiscal policies become even more important for small economies than for large economies.





"In sum, we argue that by being open and nimble, small economies have been able to overcome challenges of diseconomies of scale.





"Our hope is that this part of the story sounds familiar to many of you.





He stated that small economies can and do innovate while remaining open to international trade, but this is accomplished while also having large governments (as a share of GDP).




tech2 News Staff

The launch of the GSAT-19 on board ISRO's geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) MK III to take place at 5:28 PM on 5 June 2017 is the first developmental flight of the rocket. The mission is called the GSLV MKIII-D1. The heavy lift vehicle is capable of lifting payloads of 4,000 kg into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), and opens up the possibility of India commercialising launch services for a heavier category of satellites. The rocket can also deploy payloads of 10,000 kg into low Earth orbit (LEO).

In 1980, India joined a select club of countries with satellite launch capabilities with its first generation rocket, the satellite launch vehicle (SLV). The second generation was the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV). The third generation was the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) which had its first flight in 1994. The PSLV proved to be one of the most reliable rockets in the world, with a record of 38 successful launches till February 2017, when it was used to launch a record setting 104 satellites in one launch. The GSLV MK II is the heaviest rocket currently being used by ISRO, and was used to launch the South Asia Satellite, and ISRO plans to use it for the Chandrayaan-2 mission as well.

The GSLV MK III is the fifth generation launch vehicle by ISRO. Although currently known as the "Fat Boy", it is expected to replace the PSLV as the "workhorse" rocket. The design and development of the GSLV MKIII was based on ISRO's three and a half decade long experience in handling solid, liquid and cryogenic rocket propulsion technologies. The two S200 strap on motors used by the GSLV MKIII is an evolution of the S139 solid core motor used in both the PSLV and the GSLV MKII. Two clustered Vikas engines used in the PSLV and GSLV MKII. The first suborbital test flight of the GSLV MKIII was conducted on 18 December, 2014. The launch tested a crew re-entry module for future ISRO manned missions, which is expected to use the GSLV.

The C25 cryogenic engine on the GSLV MKIII-D1 mission is the third of three stages in the rocket. It is integrated on top of the L110 stage with Hypergolic liquid propellant. All the three stages are new developments. There are advanced navigation, guidance, control and separation systems on the rocket as well. The cryogenic stage will be ignited 2 seconds after the separation of the L110 stage, which will be 322 seconds into the sixteen minute flight. The c25 will burn for 643 seconds, and this will allow for the insertion of the GSAT-19 into the intended geosynchronous transfer orbit. The indigenous cryogenic engine is intended to replace a cryogenic stage imported from Russia.

ISRO started testing the cryogenic stage back in 2000. The test was conducted at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre test complex at Mahendragiri in Tamilnadu. The test had been planned for a 30 second burn, but was aborted after 15 seconds because of anomalies. The test marked the beginning of a series of ground based tests, during which data from the instruments were collected to make corrections and adjustments to the rocket, to ensure smooth functioning in future launches. In March 2002, after a series of tests lasting 10, 40, and 200 seconds, the cryogenic stage was fired for a full 12 minutes, or 720 seconds. In September 2002, the cryogenic stage was fired for 1000 seconds.

An earlier indigenous cryogenic stage with lower capacity, and part of the GLSV MK II uses liquid propellants stored at very cool temperatures. The liquid hydrogen is stored at -250 C and the liquid oxygen is stored at -196 C. In 2006 ISRO verified that all the components of the stage, including the engine, insulated propellant tanks, booster pumps, fill and drain systems, pressurization systems, gas bottles, igniters, cold gas orientation and stabilization system were working as intended in unision. The "Hot Tests" continued into 2008 as well. In 2010, the GSLV-D3 mission conducted the first test flight of the indigenous cryogenic engine. The launch was a failure, and the rocket with the GSAT-4 on board ended up in the sea.

In 2012, the cryogenic upper stage was successfully tested again for a duration of 200 seconds at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) test facilities at Mahendragiri. The stage performed as expected, and the test was successful. The GSLV D-5 mission in 2014 successfully flight tested the cryogenic stage with the launch of the GSAT-14. The duration of the flight was 17 minutes and four seconds, about a minute longer than today's mission.

The cryogenic engines developed by India for use on the GSLV MKII were giving about 7 tonnes of thrust. ISRO then developed the high thrust cryogenic engine, giving 19 tons of thrust, which was first tested in 2015. The duration of the test was 800 seconds, which was 25 percent more than the intended burn duration in the flight. This cryogenic engine allowed for four ton class satellites to be placed into GTO, whereas the capacity so far had only been two tons. The cryogenic stage was named as the C25, and the temperature of the liquid propellants was slightly tweaked. The liquid hydrogen was stored at -250 C and the liquid oxygen was stored at -196 C. In January 2017, ISRO sucessfully test fired the cryogenic upper stage for 50 seconds.

The high thrust cryogenic stage was realised by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), an ISRO facility dedicated to developing liquid propulsion systems for the Indian space program. Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) and the flying saucer shaped Sathish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR contributed to the design of the engine. The upper stage uses a combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) propellants. Indian industries have manufactured the engine and the various sub systems on the cryogenic stage.

ISRO has indicated that it is in the process of developing a semi-cryogenic stage for a future heavy lift rocket. The engine will use a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and ISROSENE, which is propellant grade kerosene. The combination of propellants is both environmentally friendly and low cost. Some components meant to be used in the stage have already been tested. The preliminary configuration and engineering details for the stage has been worked out by ISRO scientists.
IANS

Botswana, which is interested in buying EVMs from India, and their manufacturer Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) on Sunday denied that an attempt was made in the southern African nation to check if the electronic voting machines could be hacked.

The clarification came following reports that a hackathon was organised in Botswana. A BEL statement said that its team went for a demonstration on the invitation of the Independent Electoral Commission of Botswana and was there from May 16 to 21. It said that in Botswana, the team discussed with IEC about the news of this hackathon and told them it was deputed only for demonstration of EVMs and VVPAT (Voter verified paper audit trail) machines.

"IEC confirmed that BEL team has been requested to make in-depth presentations and demonstrations of EVMs and VVPATs, and categorically denied having arranged for a hackathon concerning the Indian EVMs," the statement said.

The IEC also denied that any hackathon was organised. "We categorically deny having arranged for a hackathon on the Indian EVM," it said in a letter. According to reports, no other device can be introduced into the system. Each EVM has a serial number which centrally tracked. In India, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had organised an EVM challenge.
IANS

Japanese authorities on Monday arrested a 14-year-old boy for creating a ransomware virus similar to WannaCry which was responsible for global cyberattacks last month. The boy, a student at a secondary school in Osaka prefecture, is accused of creating the ransomware -- a malware, or malicious software programme that limits or prevents users from accessing the computer or files unless they pay a ransom -- through free encryption software, Efe news reported.

The student, who admitted to the allegations, then uploaded it to a foreign website and taught users of the platform to download and use it, according to sources quoted by the Kyodo news agency. This ransomware, which has been downloaded 100 times, allowed the user to infect the victim's computer and asked for virtual currency as ransom, although the economic toll has not yet been confirmed, added the same sources.

The young boy, who supposedly learned by himself how to create this type of programme, revealed to the investigating authorities that he only wanted to become famous, according to state television channel NHK. His arrest comes after WannaCry's ransomware hit at least 150 countries and health centres in the UK, large companies in France and Spain, railways networks in Germany, public institutions in Russia and universities in China.

Some 600 Japanese companies, including Hitachi and Nissan, were affected by this cyberattack. Japanese IT security company Trend Micro has detected more than 65,000 ransomware attacks over the past year in Japan, a figure 10 times higher than that of the previous year.
hidden

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 $23 billion with a 35 percent market share. As per the monthly trend on Trai's portal, Bharti AirtelBSE 1.63 % logged average download speed of 10.15 mbps in April.

This comes right after unconfirmed reports that the company is planning to expand the cities for testing its upcoming Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) services, Jio Fiber before its commercial launch.

With inputs from PTI

Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.
Vodafone India has introduced VODAFONE RED SHIELD, a complete device security solution with complimentary insurance for smartphones that assures a protection cover of up to Rs. 50,000 (fifty thousand) on brand new handsets and those up to six months old. Currently available exclusively for Vodafone RED Post Paid customers, VODAFONE RED SHIELD is the only device protection offering in the industry that offers theft cover, beyond basic handset damage cover and extends complimentary insurance cover to handsets that have been purchased up to six months earlier.

The VODAFONE RED SHIELD App, available at Google Store and iOS, offers a comprehensive security solution to smart phone devices. In addition to the theft cover, VODAFONE RED SHIELD comes with malware protection and other security features.

VODAFONE RED SHIELD is being brought to the customers through an association with Shot formats Digital Productions Pvt. Ltd. This insurance cover is provided through New India Assurance Company Ltd.

While actual premium amount will be borne by Vodafone, the subscription fee has been maintained at a pocket friendly price point so that maximum number of customers can avail the benefits of VODAFONE RED SHIELD. The annual subscription of Rs 720 will be debited to the customers monthly bill through 12 equal installments (Rs. 60 x 12). VODAFONE RED SHIELD comes with a validity of one year. It is also important to note that RED SHIELD is applicable to only VODAFONE RED customers and if they under any circumstances move out of the RED plan, they will automatically forfeit the RED SHIELDs benefits and insurance.

Announcing the launch of VODAFONE RED SHIELD, Alok Verma, Business Head, Delhi-NCR, Vodafone India, said Smartphones have become a way of life in our country and its no longer just a calling device but has gone on to become the lifeline for people. To ensure the hard earned money spent by our customers on acquiring expensive handsets remains insured, we are delighted to launch VODAFONE RED SHIELD, a first of its kind mobile security offering that builds in a unique combination of features like Theft protection, Accidental Physical & Liquid damage, Virus protection and many more security features. Our own customer research has revealed that most mobile phone buyers tend to either be unaware about handset insurance or dont seem to have it as a priority/top of mind factor while purchasing a new smartphone. To bring larger numbers of our customers within the protective cover of VODAFONE RED SHIELD, we have extended the facility to handsets up to 6 months old, at a very nominal price. I am happy to say VODAFONE RED SHIELD is also the only service that covers handset theft.

Another aspect which makes VODAFONE RED SHIELD unique is that customers can claim insurance cover up to two times in a single year.

To avail this service, Vodafone customers can download VODAFONERED SHIELD App and then sms DSS to 199 from their handset. The app will diagnose the mobile handset and approve if it matches the criteria.

Making the offering a true value add for customers, Vodafone has put in a place a simple claim process that can be initiated through a phone call, sms, email or logging on to the claim registration portal. VODAFONE RED SHIELD facilitates door to door pick-up and drop facilities to repair damaged devices, alternately customers can walk in to the nearest partner service centre, or can courier the device to Vodafone.
Google Slides is one of the most popular presentation apps out there. Google Slides was released in 2007 as a presentation program for Google Docs. This tool provides some exceptional features, which makes it different from other presentation tools.

Apart from its reliability and solid features, the intuitive and minimalistic user interface, it is built with collaboration in mind, facilitating teams to work concurrently in the same presentation and acting as a performance booster.

Even if you are not connected to the Internet, you can still create, view and edit presentations in Google Slides offline, as you can also do with Google Docs and Spreadsheets using Chrome.

Google Slides is also a great tool for educators and teachers, allows you to take audience questions while you are giving your presentation, which is very helpful when using it in the classroom, but also when there is a need to grab the audience feedback in an event or business conference.

Instead of downloading an application, Google Slides works in the cloud as an online service. You dont need to download an application to start using the presentation tool. All you require is a Google Account and you can start creating slides without any further delay. Obtaining a Google Account is free, and if you have a Gmail email address then you already have such account. Just need to make sure you are logged in to start using the tool.

<blockquote>When it comes to collaboration, Google Slides is an incredible tool.</blockquote>

With all these features and more to count, Google Slides is no doubt a powerful tool introduced by Google. Google Slides is an easy tool and everyone can learn how to use it. Still, it takes some time to learn regarding how to create a professional presentation.

If you want to come up with a powerful presentation without spending much time, you better use predesigned Google Slides Templates. There are many vendors out there providing paid and free Google Slides templates, but most of them require you to sign up and open your wallet before you can download any template.

Is there any free source that provides Google Slide templates? Well, you are really lucky to be here. Free Google Slides Templates, accessible at FreeGoogleSlidesTemplates.com is a website initiated by professional presentation designers and it has dozens of free themes and templates for Google Slides. In this article, we are going to review Free Google Slides Templates.

Introduction to Free Google Slides Templates

Free Google Slides Templates is initiated by a group of experienced designers who want to help the online community. They have been making presentations for last 10 years and know exactly how to engage the audience.

Now, they want to help the new presenters regarding how to create powerful presentations using Google Slides. They have started making free Google Slides Templates, offering dozens of editable presentation templates for Google Slides that can be customized easily. Using these templates, anyone can create an impressive presentation with spending the minimum time on it.

In short, the basic purpose of this website is to enable everyone to create a professional presentation without hiring anyone or opening your wallet.

Features of Free Google Slides Templates

As mentioned previously, the website offers free to use templates for Google Slides. Lets take a brief look at its features.

Each template post includes a brief description regarding the template to give you the complete idea whether its a fitting template for your presentation.

To be very sure about the right template, you can even preview the template online and watch each slide before you download.

Each template is created for 16:9 aspect ratio but you can adapt it to any other format, including the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio that is still in use.

They have used vectorial icons and shapes to ensure that you dont feel like you are losing the resolution.

Although, templates are created for Google Slides, but they are also compatible with Apple Keynote and Microsoft PowerPoint. Particularly for PowerPoint, they offer a button to download the template as a .pptx file.

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Simple Formal Creative

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The United States is expected to signal on Tuesday that it might withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council unless reforms are ushered in including the removal of what it sees as an "anti-Israel bias", diplomats and activists said.



U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley, who holds cabinet rank in President Donald Trump's administration, said last week Washington would decide on whether to withdraw from the Council after its three-week session in Geneva ends this month.



Under Trump, Washington has broken with decades of U.S. foreign policy by turning away from multilateralism. His decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement last week drew criticism from governments around the world.



The Council's critical stance of Israel has been a major sticking point for its ally the United States. Washington boycotted the body for three years under President George W. Bush before rejoining under Barack Obama in 2009.



Haley, writing in the Washington Post at the weekend, called for the Council to "end its practice of wrongly singling out Israel for criticism."

It was a good thing the US government decided to leave the Paris climate summit last week. It was meaningless, and wasn't bound to lead to anything truly helpful. Now, Trump will hopefully do another good deed by pulling out of the UN's phony councils due to the antisemitism prevalent there:It would be a lot better if the UN were defunded altogether, and told to get their cruddy assembly out of the USA entirely. They don't belong in the USA or anywhere else because of the revolting anti-Israelism they espouse.

Labels: anti-americanism, anti-semitism, dhimmitude, islam, Israel, political corruption, UN corruption, United States, White House
US looks to reassure allies as concerns grow about American global role

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks at a press conference at the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) at Government House in Sydney, Australia.

Reuters, Sydney :

Senior U.S officials said on Monday the United States, under President Donald Trump, was committed to the region, reassuring nervous global partners even as it received criticism for pulling out of major a climate pact.

Global leaders have said there was growing mistrust of the Trump administration, especially because of his withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership on trade and from the Paris climate accord.

Trump's "America First" rhetoric and expectations that he would concentrate on a domestic agenda has stoked fears of a retreat from a traditional U.S. security role that has underpinned the region for decades.

But U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the Trump administration should be judged for its actions and not words.

"I hope the fact that we are here demonstrates that is certainly not this administration's view or intention to somehow put at arm's length the other important allies and partners in the world," Tillerson told reporters in Sydney.

"That's why we're here ... That's why we engage with our counterparts," Tillerson said.

He is in Sydney for an annual conference along with U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford and the head of Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris.

Diplomatic ties were stained between the United States and Australia this year following a row over asylum seekers when Trump described a refugee swap arrangement as a "dumb deal" on Twitter.

Despite the public dispute, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the nature of the bilateral relationship extends beyond the superficial.

"We deal with the president, with his cabinet, and with the U.S. administration on what they do, what they achieve, what their strategies are, and how we can work together," Bishop said.

While Australia's government said it has not lost faith in the United States as a global leader, the decision to leave the Paris Climate agreement has drawn a wave of global criticism.

Speaking for the first time on the decision, Tillerson appeared to distance himself from it, saying that it was Trump's "judgment" that the climate pact did not serve the American people.

With growing fears that the United States could not be relied on to maintain a buffer against China's assertiveness, several Asian nations have bolstered informal alliances among themselves.
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2017

Life Desk :

On 19th August, 1982, the United Nations declared 4th June as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression after having been "appalled at the high number of Palestinian and Lebanese children victims of Israel's acts of aggression."

'The United Nation's International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression affirms the commitment to protect the rights of children without exception.'

The day aims to address the physical, mental and emotional abuse. pain suffered by children who fall victim to atrocities across the world. On this day, the United Nations along with other organizations, conducts awareness campaigns centered on the protection of child rights.

The need to protect the rights of children

Child abuse and atrocity is one of the most disturbing realities of our times. Young children are the most vulnerable and hence an easy target for bullies and other perpetrators of aggression and violence.

Children who are subjected to violence and abuse are at an increased risk of poor physical and psychological health, which can consequently lead to inadequate education. Child rights violation constitutes some of the most under recognized and under reported forms of violence in the world, yet it is pervasive in every strata of society.

Some appalling facts on child victimization:

Globally, about 80-93% children suffer from some form of punishment at their homes.

Nearly 150 million girls and 73 million boys experience some form of sexual abuse.

More than 2 million children are murdered in conflict worldwide.

In its 2016 report, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented about 11,418 civilian casualties in the Afghan war, with children accounting for about 30% of the total count. In 2017 the count is believed to have touched record numbers.

According to the World Health Organization, children in low and middle-income countries are more than twice more likely to die as a result of homicide than children in high-income countries. Disabled kids who are unable to fend for themselves, those who belong to the minority groups, who live on the streets, and child refugees are particularly vulnerable to different forms of aggression.

Boys experience a higher risk of physical violence, while girls face a greater risk of sexual violence, neglect, and forced prostitution.

Types of child abuse

Physical abuse - It is an injury caused to a child from physical aggression. The injury may result from beating, pushing, shaking, kicking, throwing, and burning with hot objects. Many children are physically abused by someone close to them. Hundreds of thousands of children die from injuries inflicted upon them. For those who survive physical abuse, emotional scars are deeper than the physical scars.

Sexual abuse - A child is sexually abused when they are forced to take part in sexual activities. Globally, about 1.8 million children are victims of prostitution and pornography. Every year, one million children fall prey to trafficking. Sexual abuse is never the child's fault. It is the responsibility of the adult not to engage in sexual acts with children, regardless of the child's behavior.

Emotional abuse - This is the most common type of child abuse. Children can be emotionally abused by their parents, teachers, peers, or other adults in positions of power. A child suffering emotional abuse shows signs of low self-esteem, social withdrawal and lack of social skills. Emotional abuse can have a far more long-lasting negative effect than physical or sexual abuse.

Aggression against children in India

In a country like India, with a myriad of castes, classes, religions, races, and with the staggering rates of poverty that still pervades the country, one can only begin to imagine the extent of violence and exploitation that children suffer every day. According to a 2007 report released by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), children between the ages of 5 and 12 are at a higher risk of neglect and abuse, with girl children suffering the worst due to Indian prejudices against them. Children are made to work as labourers, and child trfficking and prostitution remains one of the most unsettling issues in the context of child aggression.

However, nearly 83% of the violence was reported in the form of emotional abuse in the hands of parents. The home, thus, most disturbingly, remains one of the darkest places for a child in India.

Conclusion

Violence faced at a very young age scars a person for life. Children who experience abuse are nine times more likely to be involved in criminal activity. They are also more likely to be abusive in their own relationships as adults. Yet, these young people are the future of every nation. And it is during childhood, and adolescence, that an individual's personality gets moulded for the future.

Each one of us has a duty to protect the fundamental rights of our children. Let us not steal away the childhood from the young, innocent minds who will lead the world tomorrow. We, as individuals, or along with organizations, can do out bit by taking part in campaigns to protect every single child from abuse, exploitation, and violence.

Source: Medindia
World Environment Day observed in IIUC

Chittagong Bureau :

Vice chancellor of IIUC prof Dr. AKM Azharul Islam was attended as chief guest at IIUC permanent Campus in Kumira for observing the World Environment Day yesterday.

Vice Chancellor formally innagurated the tree Plantation programme in the campus and said that the importance of tree in our life is very essential.To create awarness about the Importance of tree in our life a discussion meeting also arrange in the Campus .Chairman of University beautification committee mohammed Nurullah presided the Meeting . acting vice chancellor of the IIUC Prof Dr. Mohammed Delwar Hossain attended as Special guest.

Dean of Shoriah Faculty Dr. Nazmul Hoque Nadvi, Dean of Engineering department Prof. Dr. Monirul Islam , Dean of Arts faculty Prof. Mohammed Humaun Kabir and registrar of IIUC Cornel (Retd.) Mohammed Kasem was present as guest university sources said.


No breakthrough in Mitu murder probe

Reuters :

Police are still searching for answers to questions such as who had ordered the murder of former police officer Babul Aktar's wife Mahmuda Akhtar Mitu in Chittagong a year ago and why.

Investigating officer of the case, Chittagong Metropolitan Detective Branch Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Kamruzzaman says the investigation is under way and there is 'good progress'.

Police arrested six people within a month of the murder near GEC Intersection on June 5 last year. Two other suspects were killed in a so-called gunfight with police.

But Kamrul Islam Shikder alias Musa, who police say masterminded the murder, and 'Kalu', who allegedly took part in the murder directly, are yet to be caught, according to the law enforcers.

"We are investigating the case. It's a continuous process," said detective Kamruzzaman.

Musa's wife Panna Akhtar, however, claimed at a press conference a month after the murder that her husband was picked up by a police team led by the then OC of Port Police Station Mohiuddin Selim on June 22 that year.
Brandon Chase/ABC News(PORTLAND, Ore.) -- Police seized several weapons and arrested 14 protesters in Portland, Oregon on Sunday as a day of demonstrations descended into chaos.



The arrests were made throughout the course of the day at a "variety of locations during multiple protests in the citys downtown area, according to the Portland Police Department.



The protests came just days after two Portland men were stabbed to death while trying to fend off a man who shouted anti-Muslim insults at two young girls on a light-rail train.



At least three demonstrations occurred across the city on Sunday, including a controversial pro-Donald Trump free speech rally near city hall, which spurred counter protests. The demonstrations drew thousands of participants, according to ABC affiliate KATU-TV.



Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler had fought to have the federal permit for the Trump Free Speech Rally revoked, saying it could exacerbate an already difficult situation and threaten public safety.



At one point, authorities fired pepper balls and flash-bang grenades to clear crowds after protesters threw a significant amount of projectiles at police, the department said. Police also seized multiple weapons and other items, including hammers, bricks and chains.



We have to understand that its legitimate that Portlands shaken up right now," rally organizer Joey Gibson told a crowd at Terry Schrunk Plaza, located across from the Portland City Hall.

"They did everything they can to keep us out of here because they thought that were going to come in here and just ruin the city ... and spread out hate speech.  Weve got to prove them wrong," he said, according to KATU.



Police said protests at the plaza were mostly peaceful, but a separate protest at Chapman Square required significant attention from law enforcement.



The 14 suspects, who ranged from 19- to 64-years-old, are scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
HC bans heavy vehicles on Rampura road for 3 months

Heavy vehicles still plying the road stretches from Rampura Bridge-Demra-Amulia via Banasree in Dhaka despite entry-exit ban order for three months by the court, as this road is in a dilapidated condition. This photo was taken on Monday.

bdnews24.com :

The High Court has suspended the movement of heavy vehicles for three months on the Rampura-Demra-Amulia road in Dhaka.

The road is in a dilapidated condition as trucks and lorries weighing more than 30 tonnes have been using it, whereas it can bear up to five tonnes, as per a report published last month.

The road stretches from Rampura Bridge to Amulia in Demra via Banasree.

AFM Hassan Khan, a Banasree resident,

has filed a writ petition with the High Court, along with the report.

On Monday, Justice Salma Masud Chowdhury and Justice AKM Zahirul Hoque passed the order on the petition.

It also issued a rule asking defendants to explain their inaction in preventing heavy vehicles from using the road.

Eleven people including the Road Transport and Bridges Secretary, Home Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner, Rampura OC, and Khilgaon OC will have to respond to the court in four weeks.
Oishee`s death sentence commuted to life term

Court Correspondent :

The High Court Division of the Supreme Court yesterday commuted the death sentence of Oishee Rahman to life term imprisonment in the case filed for killing her parents in 2013.

The HC bench of Justice Jahangir Hossain Selim and M Jahangir Hossain passed the order on Monday morning after conclusion of hearing on the death reference and appeals. The court also fined Oishee Tk 5,000 and in default she will have to suffer six months more in the prison. The court said, it commuted the sentence of Oishee as she was addicted at the time of the murder and she had no previous criminal record.

On Sunday, the court fixed Monday to deliver its verdict on the death reference, and appeal of Oishee against the death penalty. Earlier, on May 7, the Bench kept the death reference and appeal in the case waiting for verdict after conclusion of the hearing that begun on March 12.

On November 12, 2015, Judge Syed Ahmed of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-3 of Dhaka sentenced Oishee Rahman to death for killing her father the river, he said.

"A boat carrying seven passengers capsized in the area around 10:00pm while it was returning from Mirpur. Several passengers managed to swimming to the shore, but the, three children went missing. On information, Mirpur fire service rushed to the spot and after hours of searching they recovered bodies of two children early Monday" he added.
Police shoot gunman dead and free hostage in Melbourne

The Guardian :

A possible terror incident has left two men dead and three police officers and a woman hostage injured in a Melbourne apartment building.

Police shot the gunman dead after discovering the body of another man in the foyer in the serviced apartment in Brighton, 11km south-east of Melbourne's central business district.

The Seven Network is reporting the gunman called the organisation saying "This is for I.S [Islamic State]. This is for al-Qaida." Victoria police said it was investigating whether the incident was "terrorism related".

Channel Seven reporter Paul Dowsley reported that his newsroom was called by a man claiming to be linked to the incident. "My colleague could hear a woman screaming in the background," he said.

Police arrived at the Buckingham Serviced Apartments in Bay Street at about 4pm after receiving reports of an explosion. "It's believed he has a woman inside with him who he won't allow to leave," a police spokeswoman said at the time. The police attempted to negotiate with a man in one of the apartments.

Brighton resident Gemma was on the corner of Hillcrest Ave and Bay St when she heard gunshots.

Andrew Crisp, Victoria's deputy police commissioner, said police had not yet identified either of the dead men. The woman was injured, but her injuries are believed to be non-critical. "We don't know who rang Channel 7. At this point we haven't confirmed the identity and terrorism is one line of inquiry."

Crisp said: "We will certainly be working with Channel 7 in relation to that phone calls."

A major investigation was under way and Crisp called for patience on Monday evening. Terrorism was one possible avenue being pursued as one line of enquiry, he said, but stressed it was "early days" and that a number of lines of inquiry were being investigated. Police did not communicate with the man during the situation, he said. Police were working to verify his identity. "Just before 6pm whilst police resources were in the vicinity of the serviced apartments a male has existed one of the services apartments and began firing at police members," he said. "Police members returned fire and as a result the man who exited the serviced apartments was fatally shot. As a result of the gunfire three police members were injured."

Two were taken to hospital and one was treated at the scene. The hostage is believed to be in her 20s.

While the initial reports were of an explosion, Crisp said it was likely the explosion was likely to have been gun fire. Victoria's premier Daniel Andrews praised the work of officers and the Victorian police, who "sacrifice so much to keep us safe".


Reconsider excise duty on bank balance

MPs say budget proposal spreads panic among people

Special Correspondent :

The lawmakers on Monday urged the government not to increase excise duty on account holders' bank balance as the decision has already spread panic among the country's general people.

They drew the attention of the government over the issue taking part in a discussion over the supplementary budget of fiscal year 2016-17 in the Parliament yesterday.

The supplementary budget is likely to be passed today (Tuesday).

Earlier on Thursday, Finance Minister AMA Muhith in his budget speech declared the increase of the excise duty on bank accounts by 60-62.5 per cent for the fiscal year 2017-18 which invited widespread criticism from across the country.

"Panic has spread among the people centering the proposed excise duty. Usually, the village people deposit Tk 1 lakh or Tk 2 lakh in their bank accounts. Now they fear their deposited money will be curtailed in the name of excise duty. I urge the Finance Minister to drive away the people's panic," Whip Shahiduzzaman Sarkar said.

He also proposed to reduce the purview of VAT and increase other direct duties. "I urge not to increase the excise duty, rather to keep it in the same level like earlier years. If it can be done, the people will get relief," he said.

Among others, Agricultural Minister Motia Chowdhury, former minister Ramesh Chandra Sen, former chief whip Abdus Shahid, independent lawmaker Dr Rustam Ali Farazi, opposition Jatiya Party MPs Selim Uddin and Nurul Islam Milon took part in the discussion.

Taking the part in the discussion, the lawmakers pointed out that 27 ministries have spent more money than the allotted funds in the 2016-17 fiscal year. The Finance Minister certainly knows how to check the "over expense". But the ministries those failed to spend the allotted funds must be accountable to the authorities.

Significantly, the lawmakers raised the issue in the parliament yesterday just hours after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina assured people to reconsider the matter through discussions.

"If there is anything unusual in the budget, it could be re-fixed through discussion," the PM said on Sunday while addressing an Iftar party arranged by Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists at Jatiya Press Club in the city.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Monday said that the government has proposed to increase excise duty on bank accounts apparently to divert people's attention to other side.

Criticising the process, he said, "Why it will be reconsidered after discussion? Was it impossible to fix the matter earlier? In fact, you (government) have kept the issue alive so that other issues (political) could not get focus."

As per budget of 2017-18, accounts with a balance between Tk1 lakh and Tk10 lakh at any given time in a year will be slapped with Tk 800 excise duty. It is 62.5 per cent up from the existing Tk 500.

The excise duty will rise to Tk 2,500 from Tk 1,500 for accounts with balance between Tk 10 lakh and Tk 1 crore. It's an increase of 60 per cent. Besides, the charge will be Tk 12,000 instead of Tk 7,500 for any balance between Tk 1 crore and Tk 5 crore.

If anyone has over Tk 5 crore balance in his account, he will have to pay Tk 25, 000 as excise duty, instead of the current Tk 15, 000.
CIID hunting for Apan Jewellers` more bullion stocks, factories

Dildar likely to be arrested anytime

Md Joynal Abedin Khan :

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has traced as many as 50 syndicate members of 19 gold smuggling channels of Apan Jewellers after confiscating 498 kg gold from five outlets in the capital on Sunday.



The customs authorities have already found two gold manufacturing factories in the city, according to the CIID officials.



They are now hunting for the secret stocks of gold that were imported in the country through illegal channels from the United Arab Emirate, Singapore, Malaysia and some other countries, they said.



The CIID is working to find out secret stocks of the gold targeting the Eid market.



The customs detectives also have special watch in the city's Gulshan DCC Market, Gulshan Avenue, Uttara, Simanto Square and Mouchak, they said.



The alleged gold smugglers Firoj, Anis, Faruq, Sohel, Sarwar, Wahid, Huda, Awal, Sheikh, Rubel, Razul and Boro Faruk are under the scanner of CIID, they added.



Two cases will be filed against Apan Jewllers in three days on charge of smuggling and tax evasion, Saifur Rahman, Joint Director of the CIID told The New Nation on Monday night.



They own some factories for maufacturing of gold ornament and two of the factoiries were identified, the Joint Director said.



Apan Jewellers' owner Dildar Ahmed is likely to be arrested in a smuggling case as he could not show any legal documents to the CIID office at Kakrail in the city, the customs official said.



They are trying to unearth the stocks of hidden gold before arresting the owner of Apan Jewllers. That's why they are taking time to file a case in connection with the gold smugglimg, he said.



On query, he said, "After rounding up the items, the CIID held a hearing on the issue three times to obtain an explanation from Apan Jewellers about how the gold and diamonds were imported."



According to another sources, the Apan Jewllers did not import a single bar of gold from abroad in the last ten years though it has huge stocks of gold in several outlets in it several outlets.



In this context, the customs detectives have started the investigation into legal papers against the gold stocks. But the authorities concerned failed to show any document papers. It also dodged a huge amount of tax for the import.



But Dilder told the reporters that he was conducting gold business by following all legal process, including paying tax and VAT.



He also claimed that he is not involved in any illegal activities.
Stagnated economy and pauperisation is not development

Editorial Desk :

THE budget for fiscal 2017-18 is quite unprecedented so far but what troubles economists and business leaders is that it lacks clearly spelled out allocation to translate our growth potentials into employment generation. The government budgetary spending is only growing but joblessness of our educated youths and ordinary workforce is also on the rise to raise question about the government development strategy whether it means pauperizing the common people without care.

It appears that the Finance Minister has unveiled the huge budget of Tk 400,266 crore to run a highly expensive regime when the economy is plagued by a dip in remittance and down turn in export earning. But the Finance Minister seems to be counting on an aggressive revenue scheme without looking at the affordability of the tax-payers that include 15 percent VAT, additional excise duty on bank accounts, air tickets and supplementary duty on almost every kitchen items and so on.

We have a budget deficit of over 119,000 crore while the government is planning to borrow Tk 2,11529 crore that include long term and short term borrowing from banks

and funds from sales of saving certificates. Broadly speaking it shows that the entire Annual Development Programme of Tk 1,55252 crore to come from borrowing when 48.35 percent of the revenue budget will go for public administration. Since the government has developed a financial system based on ever larger borrowing, 17,25 percent of the forthcoming budget or Tk 41,431 crore will go for debt servicing at a time we are increasingly mortgaging our future to past debt service liabilities.

The leaders of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) said at a joint press briefing after the budget. They have expressed concerns over lack of identified allocation for job creation for the country's highly educated unemployed youths who now constitute 47 percent of the total unemployed workforce.

Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud has also voiced concerned saying for the past few years, total investment in the economy - both in public and private sectors -- has lagged behind domestic savings even with supply of more foreign ingestible resources. There is an investment tardiness that needs to be urgently addressed; he said to accelerate public sector investment for job creation in the economy.

It appears that our government is now pursuing a development strategy that aims at collecting more revenue by pauperisation of the general public. The job creation for young ones lags behind. The unemployed are used for human trade like slave business of the past. Gas price has increased three times in three stages. Export has diminished. Those who save in bank are being forced to pay tax more for discouraging them to save and take the money out of the country.

The bureaucrats are asked to produce false statics to hide shameful incompetence and pauperisation of the general public is shown as development.


Rehabilitate homeless tribal people

PROTEST against the arson attacks on indigenous people in Longadu following death of a Jubo League leader ended in Rangamati after observing half-day hartal without any report of untoward incidents. United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), a political group of indigenous people. No long-haul or inter-district buses and launches left the district town during the shutdown. A few CNG-run auto-rickshaws were seen plying the roads.

Meanwhile, a temporary police camp has been set up at Tintila village to maintain law and order situation there, SM Moniruzzaman Monir, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), told journalists while visiting Tintila Ban Bihar, a Buddhist monastery, in the morning. The DIG suspects that the attack was planned as so many housed were burnt and damaged in the incident, the correspondent said. He assured that the perpetrators will be brought to book.

Tension was running high in the area since Thursday evening, after police recovered the body of Nurul Islam Nayan, lying beside a road (Khagrachhari-Dighinala) at Charmile in Khagrachhari, a bordering district of Rangamati. Nayan was the organising secretary of Longadu Sadar Union Jubo League, a pro-Awami League youth body. He used to carry passengers on his bike in and outside Rangamati for living.

His body was brought to Rangamati yesterday morning from Khagrachhari district hospital, where the autopsy was done. Several hundred Bangalee people then brought out a procession in Longadu Sadar around 9:00am, carrying his body. They claimed Nayan was killed by indigenous people.

Before the procession they held a rally in Sadar area. There, Shafiul Islam, General Secretary of Longadu upazila Jubo League, said two indigenous men hired Nayan's bike and that he was found dead after that. Indigenous people refuted his claim. They said the two people who hired the bike were Bangalees.

Later, the agitators attacked the indigenous people's homes, first in Tintila village and then in Manikjurchhara and Battyapar.Some 80 indigenous families are believed to live in Tintila village alone.

If the DIG suspects that the attacks were planned then the culprits should be arrested immediately. Police are yet to detain Saiful, Jewel and Qayum, who allegedly led the procession from where the attack was carried out. However, those arrested yesterday include Halim and Shah Alam, brothers of Saiful and Qayum.

But the main question remains--why was the procession allowed to continue in the first place, in an area; which had strong police and army presence? When the authorities knew that the situation was tense following the death they could have established Section 144 before or disallowed the procession from gathering momentum--but none of this occurred. As a result the indigenous people are distrustful of the authorities and not even receiving food relief. The next best thing that the government can do is rebuild their homes and allow them some funds to buy their possessions instead of giving them 30 Kg rice and other food. It is the least attempt at repairing the damage that the erosion of trust has caused that they can do.
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Kris Kobach, right, will shoulder President Trump's efort to make the virtually non-existent rampant. Photo Illustration (d'uh)

[Editor's Note: This story has been updated below to provide links to podcasts of Pearson Cross' "Bayou to Beltway" program on KRVS featuring interviews with Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler and Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Louis Perret.]

On May 11, President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. This commission was principally created to pursue Trumps claim that fraudulent ballots cost him the popular vote in the 2016 election. If true, such a claim would be deeply troubling, given that Hillary Clinton was reported to have won the popular vote by 2.87 million. Yet, Trumps claim of voter fraud is a canard, as is his Commission on Election Integrity. Any number of scholarly studies have shown voter fraud to be extraordinarily rare. What the creation of this commission does reveal, however, is the cynical use to which a fact-finding body may be put by an administration determined to arrive at a particular conclusion, however unjustified. It also illuminates how the Trump administration works, generally speaking.

Here are the Trump administration rules: keep promises, no matter how rash; address issues of little real importance but of high public sensitivity; increase the publics fear of the future and mistrust of government; take actions that disguise your true intentions; and finally, maintain, or when opportunities present themselves, extend your power. For those paying attention, Trumps farcically misnamed Commission on Election Integrity promises to illustrate each of these rules.

First, the creation of the commission fulfills a promise made to Trumps supporters. It was not so long ago that Trump referred to the 2016 presidential election itself as rigged. Second, the commissions conclusions were telegraphed with the selection of Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who has long perpetuated Trumps dubious vote-fraud claims, as commissioner. Does anyone doubt that a commission on voting integrity that is led by someone who believes the few cases of illegal registration on record are only the tip of the iceberg will fail to conclude, as Kobach has already announced, that substantial numbers of noncitizens [are] getting on our voter rolls. (Wines, Bosman, New York Times, May 14, 2017).

Wikimedia

Third, the commission tilts at windmills. Criminal voting fraud has been shown to be extremely rare here in Louisiana and across the United States. As Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler, recently appearing on Bayou to Beltway (KRVS 88.7), pointed out, the election system has never been better  we do it as good as anybody else (Nov. 23, 2016). Seconding Schedlers view was Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Louis Perret, who said it would be almost impossible in Louisiana for someone to steal an election (Feb. 1, 2017). Thus, the Integrity Commission is a sham, tackling a problem that doesnt exist.

Fourth, the commission fuels what Americans already fear about their political institutions. Currently, just 26 percent of Democrats and 11 percent of Republicans say they can trust the federal government just about always or most of the time (Pew Research, Trust in Government, 1958-2015). This lack of trust limits the effectiveness of government and makes passing meaningful legislation and working across the partisan divide especially difficult.

Last, the deceitful search for voter fraud prevents recognition of what is truly scandalous about elections today: low voter participation. Voter turnout is already perilously low and efforts to undercut public confidence in our electoral institutions will only decrease it further. A focus on illegally cast votes also disguises who benefits from a smaller turnout. Some strategists in the GOP have decided that reducing the size of the electorate  by making it harder for minorities, poor people, women and other groups to vote  will result in more Republicans getting elected. This strategy was clear in Kansas, where just nine cases of voter fraud have been detected since 2015 but a court found that restrictive registration requirements [have] denied more than 18,000 Kansans their constitutional right to cast ballots (Wines, Bosman, 2017).

Cynical efforts to reduce turnout have helped Republicans take control of the legislatures in several states and worked for that party nationally as well. This effort has been aided by the prejudicial effects of racial redistricting, where black and Democratic voters have been shoved into districts that diminish their clout. The audacity of these efforts was made clear last month when the Supreme Court decided that efforts by the Republican legislative majority in North Carolina to limit minority voting were so blatantly transparent that even Clarence Thomas, the bane of voting rights advocates everywhere, joined the majority in striking them down.

Yet, without limiting the size of the electorate, the Republican coalition of religious voters, older voters, rural voters, white male voters and voters without a college degree cannot hope to retain power, thus the rationale for the creation of the Kris Kobach-led Commission on Election Integrity. It requires no Cassandra to foretell that a Kobach-led commission will find evidence of significant or widespread voter fraud regardless of what the research reveals. As the Kansas City Star Editorial Board caustically opined after Kobach had won his ninth conviction for voter fraud, Keep this up, sir, and you may yet prove that of the 1.8 million registered voters in [Kansas], the number of those who have perpetrated this crime is in the double digits. The only fraud Kobach is likely to uncover in this expensive taxpayer-funded goose chase is himself.

Pearson Cross is an associate professor in the Political Science Department at UL Lafayette. He holds a Ph.D. from Brandeis University (1997), and his principal areas of teaching are state and local politics, and Southern politics. Cross interviews local politicians and newsmakers on his radio show, Bayou to the Beltway, which airs on KRVS 88.7 FM at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Contact him at [email protected]
The House and Senate developed starkly different responses to the state's budget issues with each chamber claiming it has taken the most responsible path toward addressing the state's needs.

The Senate on Saturday overwhelmingly approved its dramatically different version of the state budget that had emerged from the House a month earlier, setting up negotiations to find a compromise as the session enters its final days.

The Senate voted 36-1 to approve HB1 that its Finance Committee rewrote after three weeks of hearings. Finance Committee chair Sen. Eric Lafleur told his colleagues that the budget was a better bill than the one that emerged from the House. It restores deep cuts to the Louisiana Department of Health, Department for Children and Family Services and the Department of Corrections. The committee also addressed late-year budget needs in the current fiscal year.

The House-passed budget was based on a formula developed by GOP Caucus leader Rep. Lance Harris and House Appropriations chair Rep. Cameron Henry. Their budget was based on 97.5 percent of the revenue forecast for the state developed by the Revenue Estimating Conference. The base number of the estimate is $9.5 billion.

"Basing a budget on 100 percent of a number that you know will be wrong is irresponsible," Henry explained on numerous occasions throughout the session. Henry and Harris say their formula is aimed at ending the state's cycle of mid-year budget cuts which have become a staple of state budgets since the first year of the administration of Governor Bobby Jindal.

Lafleur and his Senate Finance colleagues believed that the method Henry and his Appropriations Committee used to create the budget was questionable, if not irresponsible. Their revised budget is based on 100 percent of the REC revenue forecast.

During three weeks of hearings, Finance Committee members made a habit of asking department heads whether they had been given the opportunity to discuss the impact of the proposed House cuts with the Appropriations Committee. They responded that they had not.

The $234 million in targeted LDH cuts the House included in HB1, according to Secretary Rebekah Gee, would have resulted in a cut of $920 million in healthcare programs in the state due to the loss of federal matching funds. Gee told the committee she would have end Medicaid behavioral health services to make that kind of cut.

The cuts at DCFS would have required her department to withdraw from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, according to Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. She pointed out that doing so would mean that the state would not qualify for Disaster SNAP food assistance in the wake of natural disasters without participation in the SNAP program.

Lafleur Photo by Robin May

Lafleur stated early in his committee's hearings that he believes the state "has a moral obligation to help the least of those among us  and I certainly include children in that group."

Lafleur told the full Senate on Saturday the House had not sent over a supplemental appropriations bill that was needed to address state obligations in the current fiscal year. He told his colleagues that his committee had done "the responsible thing  we didn't kick the can down the road  we decided to pay the bills we had committed to pay when this fiscal year began." The $80 million included in that bill goes primarily to school districts and local sheriffs based on public school enrollment and the number of state prisoners housed in local jails, respectively.

Sunday evening, Lafleur revealed to his committee that he has been in contact with Rep. Henry regarding bills he considers important to the committee and the state  SB232 and SB251. Both bills are in Henry's Appropriations Committee and both are scheduled to be considered on Monday after the full House adjourns for the day.

Lafleur said he had been assured by Henry that both bills would be considered and approved by the committee and that Henry would handle them on the House floor to ensure their passage.

SB232 would add legislative representation to the Cash Management Review Board, which oversees the state's internal cash management. The bill adds the chairs of House Appropriations and Senate Finance to the board.

SB251 would allow the state to bond the $1 billion in economic damages awarded to it from the BP settlement stemming from the 2010 disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Under the settlement, BP is scheduled to pay the state $200 million in the next fiscal year followed by 15 annual payments of $53.3 million. Lafleur's bill would allow the state to bond the total proceeds of the settlement, commit the proceeds to existing state trust funds, and allow the state treasurer to invest the proceeds to improve the return on it.

SB232 has been lingering in the House since early May. SB251 cleared the Senate in mid-May but just got assigned to Appropriations last week.

That the chief architects of the competing budgets are working together on the bills is an indication that partisanship has not completely overrun the session.

Henry Photo by Sarah Gamard/Manship School News Service

Lafleur served two terms in the House before winning election to the Senate where he is now in his third term. Henry served as an aide to former state Rep. Steve Scalise for five years before succeeding his former boss after Scalise won election to Congress.

Lafleur, a country Democrat from Ville Platte, graduated from Sacred Heart High School and Tulane Law School. Henry is a Jefferson Parish Republican who graduated from Jesuit High School and has an MBA from Tulane.

HB1 sits on the House Order of the Day for Monday but has not been scheduled for a vote to reject or concur with the changes made by the Senate. It could be a sign of continuing turbulence in the House that began with complaints from Democrats about being shut out of the budget process. That erupted into a full-fledged fight two weeks ago when Democrats blocked approval of HB3, the bill that provides funding for HB2 (the Capital Outlay bill). HB3 required two-thirds approval because it is a revenue bill. The Democrats, who have only 41 members in the 105-member House, were able to deny the Republican majority the 70 votes needed for passage.

Negotiations over HB3 are continuing, as Democrats push for more seats on the Appropriations and Ways and Means committees.

That was before last week's eruption of anger over the House's inability to pass any new revenue proposals, including an increase in the state gasoline tax which would have gone for roads.

A lobbyist with the Louisiana Association of General Contractors lambasted what he called "the toxic House" that has emerged in this session. Ken Naquin attributed the toxicity to a lack of leadership from Speaker Taylor Barras. He said the real power in the House resides with GOP Caucus leader Rep. Lance Harris and Rep. Henry.

The Daily Advertiser leapt into the fray with an editorial that finally saw the light of day on Sunday calling for Barras to resign as speaker. House Education Committee chair Nancy Landry defended Barras' leadership in an op-ed that ran on the same page as the editorial.

The Advocate also reported that some House Republican moderates are upset with Barras' handling of tax issues in the session.

The already charged environment in the House is now being amped up by pressure to address the state's major funding issues in the final four days of a fiscal-only session that has yet to live up to its billing. The session is required to end by Thursday at 6 p.m. As a precautionary measure, Gov. John Bel Edwards has called a special session that would convene at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday if the two chambers have not been able to agree on one or more of the four essential state bills  the budget, Capital Outlay, financing for that bill, and the supplemental appropriations bill that would allow the state to end the year without a deficit.




Congressman Clay Higgins never shrinks from an opportunity to reinforce his brand. After the terror attack that killed seven in London over the weekend, Higgins took to his private Facebook page to stupidly argue that A) All of the free world is Christian; B) Christendom is at war with Islamic horror; and C) America has a lot of killing to do.

Red meat for his ravenous supporters, to be sure  and a fair sample of them weigh in with attaboys for Higgins holy-war huffing. But the congressman's meat-headed myopia drew a ton of criticism and condemnation in the comment thread beneath his Sunday post, too. Not a few of the responses point out the recent $110 billion arms deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, one of the most repressive Islamic states on the plant and home country to most of the 911 terrorists.

This bluster is little more than campaign rhetoric. Sadly for Southwest Louisiana, it will work. Because Cap'n Clay is a "Christian" damn it!
Justice Reinvestment Task Force bills face action in both the House and the Senate on Monday that could determine the fate of the bills this year. Key floor debates in the House are set for Monday afternoon.

Photo by Robin May

The fate of the legislative package supporting the objectives of the Justice Reinvestment Task Force could be decided on Monday in the House of Representatives. Three bills viewed as the heart of the criminal justice reform effort are scheduled for floor debate and votes.

The three bills  SB220, SB221, and SB139  deal with aspects of the criminal justice system that have made Louisiana the state with the highest rate of incarceration in the country despite the fact that crime rates here are equal to those in neighboring states.

SB220 by Senate President John Alario adjusts sentences and redefines what constitutes a felony-level conviction on some crimes.

SB221, also by Sen. Alario, changes the state's habitual offender law to allow crimes committed by individuals to be removed from consideration in whether a prosecutor can seek to apply habitual offender status when charging a person with a crime. Being classified a habitual offender makes those charged eligible for longer sentences.

Sen. Danny Martiny Photo by Robin May

SB139 by Sen. Danny Martiny changes parole practices and makes non-violent offenders eligible for parole earlier if they have participated in education, rehabilitation and treatment programs. The most controversial part of Martiny's bill is that it would grant the possibility of parole to just over 100 inmates who were convicted of second degree murder at a time when state law offered the possibility of parole. The state later revoked that possibility with a change in the law. SB139 would reinstate the possibility of parole for those inmates whose eligibility existed and then was taken away.

The bills are the products of Senate veterans but their fate will rest in the hands of one of the newest members of the House, Rep. Joe Marino of Gretna. Gretna is the parish seat of Jefferson and he is a criminal defense attorney there and a former member of the Gretna council. Marino is not a member of a political party and won the seat in a special election last year.

He heard about the work of the Justice Reinvestment Task Force and let the Edwards administration know he was interested in helping advance whatever legislation resulted from the work of the task force.

Early opposition to the task force's recommendations came from the Louisiana District Attorneys' Association. Pete Adams, executive director of the LDDA, told The Independent earlier in the session that he did not believe the task force had "enough practitioners on it." Marino fills that bill although perhaps not from the perspective that Adams sought. Adams and the LDAA have since endorsed the Justice Reinvestment Task Force bills after negotiating changes in them with advocates and the Edwards administration.

When the bills were considered in the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee last week, Marino handled the explanations and the technical amendments to the bills. He will be handling the bills in the well of the House this afternoon.

Because the bills were amended in committee and might be amended again from the floor today, they will have to be returned to the Senate for concurrence in the amendments. Part of Marino's job will be to try to keep deal killer amendments off the bills because of the lack of time remaining in the session. If the bills clear the House today, they will be sent to the Senate. Martiny and Alario would then recommend that senators either concur in the changes or reject them. If the amendments are rejected, a conference committee would need to be created (one could possibly handle all three since the bills have traveled as a pack through both chambers).

But, that would put things in a deep time crunch with the end of the session looming on Thursday.

Sen. Dan Claitor Photo by Robin May

Sen. Dan Claitor urged the Senate to reject House changes to SB16, the bill dealing with juvenile life sentences without the benefit of parole. Despited the fact that the Supreme Court of the United States has declared life sentences without parole for juvenile offenders unconstitutional, SB16 was amended to allow district attorneys to continue to seek those sentences in cases involving first and second degree murder. The Senate rejected the House amendments and a conference committee will try to reach a compromise on the issue.

One of Claitor's other bills that, like SB221, also deals with the state's habitual offender law has won final approval and awaits Gov. John Bel Edwards' signature. SB146 won Senate approval on Saturday on House amendments to the bill.

Rep. Vincent Pierre is going to recommend that his House colleagues concur with Senate amendments made to his HB688, which bans most public colleges and universities from asking questions about an applicant's criminal background on the school's initial applications for admission.
The bill to rename the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts faces a House floor vote on Monday with alumni of the school pitted against the brother and good friend of one of the school's co-founders. Meanwhile, hair braiding gets knotted up.

The bid to rename the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts will be up for a House debate and vote on Monday afternoon as members of the school's alumni association continue their fight against the change. SB1 is scheduled for House action on Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Senate is scheduled to debate Rep. Julie Emerson's HB486, which would deregulate the practice of natural hair braiding. The bill was scheduled for Senate action on Friday but it did not get called from the calendar. At the time, Emerson said she was expecting attempts to be made to amend the bill. The Senate had not yet considered the bill at press time on Monday.

SB1 by Sen. Francis Thompson of Delhi seeks to honor his late friend Jimmy D. Long, Sr., by naming the school that Long helped found after the former state representative and member of the University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors.

Long is widely recognized as one of the Natchitoches school's four founding fathers, along with Gov. Dave Treen, Sen. Don Kelly and Dr. Robert Alost, the school's first executive director. Long was killed in an automobile accident in Natchitoches in August 2016. At the December 2016 meeting of the LSMSA governing board it was announced that the school would name its new dormitory after Long. Sen. Gerald Long, Jimmy Long's brother, was present at the meeting and noted that legislation would be needed to honor his brother and that he would ask Sen. Thompson to handle it.

Alumni and others associated with the school were stunned to learn in February that Thompson's bill did not name the dormitory after Jimmy Long but named the entire school after him.

The head of the LSMSA Alumni Association told the House Education Committee that he felt the school and his association had been "bamboozled by two grieving men," referring to Sens. Long and Thompson. The LSMSA is one of about a dozen state-sponsored high schools for high achievers in the country, all of which operate under the name of their state.

The House Education Committee heard about three hours of testimony on the subject, most of it by alumni and friends of the school who oppose the change.

The committee voted to favorably report Thompson's bill by a 5-2 vote. If the bill wins House approval today, it must return to the Senate for concurrence as Thompson had the bill amended in the Education Committee so that the name change would not affect the school's branding.

The delay of consideration on Emerson's bill cannot be viewed as a positive development for it. The bill seeks to remove the Board of Cosmetology's regulation of the practice which does not involve dyes, chemicals or other items that are commonly involved in services regulated by the board.

Those regulated by the board have pushed back against the bill saying it will harm their businesses. Emerson said the reason to deregulate the practice is that there are no schools providing the training required under current law. The bill was amended in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs on May 31. If it wins Senate approval, the bill must be returned to the House for concurrence in the amendments made in committee and any that might be made on the floor when it is considered.
BENTON  After being given the all-clear more than four hours after a bomb threat was called in Sunday evening, Franklin Hospital and Helia Healthcare in Benton started to get back to normal, but for some city officials the work has only begun.

Derek Johnson, Franklin Hospital chief operations officer, said two calls that were received Sunday at the hospital  one at 5:13 p.m. and one at 5:16 p.m.  were the origins of the bomb threat. He said the hospital immediately enacted its emergency plan, and Benton Fire Chief Shane Cockrum said the fire department was on the scene by 5:19 p.m.

From there, Cockrum said they, along with several area police, fire and ambulance services, began evacuating the nearly 100 staff, residents and patients from the two facilities.

I thought everybody did an exceptional job, Cockrum said of the effort, adding that despite not having dealt with such calls often, all the responders knew exactly what to do.

Benton Mayor Fred Kondritz echoed this enthusiasm.

I didnt hear one complaint out of any responders, which is something, he said. Kondritz said he was amazed and thrilled at the way emergency crews responded and the way the community opened their arms to those displaced by the evacuation.

It was a transportation nightmare and it went smoothly, he said.

Cockrum said the Secretary of State Police arrived on the scene between 8 and 8:30 p.m., and by about 9:30 p.m. had completed their search of the hospital and had given the all-clear, signaling emergency crews and hospital staff to begin the move back to into the facilities.

As smooth as it went, and despite the relatively short timeline of the incident, the effects of Sundays bomb threat will continue to ripple through Benton and Franklin County.

I believe that through both tax dollars used and loss of revenue from local business we are in the tens of thousands of dollars, Cockrum said in an interview Monday of the financial impact of the threat.

He said Dairy Queen, Freds Dollar Store, and a Hucks gas station all had to shut down and evacuate as a result of the threat. Cockrum said all were very cooperative, but nonetheless suffered a loss of business while also having to pay staff. To this end, he also added that the hospital was in a similar boat. They were having to pay staff to be on duty, but were unable to accept new patients during the evacuation.

Kondritz said the city has not received a formal calculation of overtime, but said between 15 and 17 people were on call from about 5:15 p.m. to almost midnight. Despite the potential economic impact, Kondritz said there was no hesitation in calling for all hands on deck.

In a crisis, you cant worry about dollar bills or over time, he said. We will just find a way to pay for the overtime.

The cost of investigation also has to be factored in to the grand total for the county and the taxpayer.

Incidents like this cost a significant amount of resources and not to mention the harm to the most vulnerable people of our population, Franklin County States Attorney Evan Owens said.

Not wanting to comment on an ongoing investigation, Owens said broadly that making a bomb threat is a Class 3 felony in Illinois and comes with a potential punishment of two to five years in prison. However, he said if it is treated as a terrorist threat, it becomes a Class X felony with a minimum sentence of 20 years. He said facts of the case will make that determination, and intent is a big factor.

The human toll cant be discounted either. Loretta Ellis, administrator for Helia Healthcare, said among the residents she had to move were those on hospice.

They dont feel well, so they shouldnt be moved, she said. Those on hospice were transferred by ambulance to a sister facility, Ellis said, so they could be comfortable and not have to sit in the temporary evacuation shelter at a Benton-area church.

Ellis said it was confusing for some of her patients, particularly those with Alzheimer's, but in all, she said the residents seemed to handle the abrupt move well.

All of them seemed to do very well last night, Ellis said, attributing some of this to the calmness of staff and volunteers. However, they are concerned about some lasting effects of taking elderly patients out in the rain.

Were hoping no one gets sick after all this, she said, adding that they would be keeping an eye out for colds and the like.

Ellis said there may be some financial impact on Helia in terms of staff overtime, but as of Monday morning, they have not done a final calculation. She said there were a lot of volunteers who came out, which should help ease the cost.

Ellis, like others involved in Sundays bomb threat, was pleased with the open arms of the Franklin County community. She said she even saw some old, familiar faces show up to help with her residents.

I looked up and I found five or six people who used to work here, Ellis said.

She said there is a good family in this community.

The Benton Police Department could not be reached for comment about the status of the investigation.
BENTON  After a search, the Secretary of State Police have given the all clear to the Franklin Hospital and Helia Healthcare in Benton after a bomb threat was called in earlier in the evening.

Derek Johnson, chief operations officer for the hospital, said he was given the notice that no bombs were found at about 9:37 p.m. As of 10 p.m., officials were in the process of moving patients back in. Helia Healthcare, a senior living center adjacent to the hospital was also moving their residents back in.

Johnson said two phone calls  one at 5:13 p.m. the other at 5:16 p.m.  were the origin of the threat. Johnson said the hospital then enacted its emergency disaster plan.

Earlier in the evening, Johnson said about 20 staff members were evacuated to a safe location and the five medical patients in the hospital were transferred to other medical facilities.

Benton Fire Chief Shane Cockrum said 64 residents and 10 staff from Helia Healthcare, a senior care facility adjacent to the hospital, were also evacuated.

Cockrum said the Benton Fire Department was on the scene by 5:19 p.m. and began evacuation immediately. He said it took more than an hour to complete the evacuation.

Cockrum said all side roads around the hospital as well as Bailey Lane between North Main and Grand streets were shut down as the scene is secured. He said residents were asked to stay in place until further notice. However, as of 10:05 p.m., area police were in the process of reopening those roads to traffic.

Cockrum said all area residents signed up for Nixle, a text and email alert system, will receive updates. He also said the Benton Fire Department, Franklin County Emergency Management and Franklin County Hospital Facebook pages will provide updates as well.

The hospital was answering the phones remotely and Johnson said those with questions about family were asked to call its number, 618-439-3161.

Benton, West City, West Frankfort and Christopher fire departments responded as well as Benton, West City and Christopher police departments. Cockrum also said ambulances from West City, West Frankfort, Abbott EMS and Litton EMS were used in the evacuations.
The City of Carbondale Police Department is seeking the publics assistance in identifying a suspect in a retail theft investigation.

Police said in a Monday news release that at about 2:04 p.m. Monday, May 22, an unknown female with blonde hair entered Old Town Liquor, at 514 S. Illinois Ave. Police said she concealed a bottle of Absolut Vodka and made no attempt to pay for the concealed merchandise.

The suspect left the store and got into the passenger side of a 2017 black Kia four-door vehicle. The vehicle left northbound on South Illinois Avenue and turned left on to West Cherry Street.

Police included images of the subject and the suspect vehicle, and asked anyone who can identify the suspect or anyone with information about the incident to contact the police department at 618-457-3200 or Crimestoppers at 618-549-2677. The investigation into the incident is continuing.

 The Southern
A decorated veteran and Orangeburg restaurant owner has been named the 2017 South Carolina Veteran Small Business Person of the Year.

Wayne Murphy, the owner of HavenConnections LLC DBA Chick-fil-A Orangeburg, received the award last month from the South Carolina Small Business Administration District Office. The SBA is a subsidiary of the United States Business Administration.

The award was presented during the annual National Small Business Week.

Murphy was nominated by the South Carolina State University Region Small Business Development Center.

"I am extremely grateful to be recognized," Murphy said. "It means a lot as a military veteran to be recognized as well."

He said he credits the business success to "God's favor" as well as his friends and co-workers.

"The most important resource is our people," Murphy said. "I think that the people we have buying into the vision of Chick-fil-A in Orangeburg and what we do every day has enabled us to be successful."

He said that, both as a businessman and veteran, service is at the heart of what he strives to do.

"I have an attitude of servant leadership," Murphy said. "That is very important to me. I feel that we are all created to serve and that has been indwelled in me as a military officer serving the greatest county on earth."

"Having the opportunity to come back home and to be able to serve our great community here in Orangeburg is a great blessing," he said. "It is almost like a dream come true."

Murphy's Chick-fil-A received technical business assistance from the Service Corps of Retired Executives and the Small Business Development Center during its start-up phase. The restaurant currently employs 97.

Murphy's business acumen has been recognized in the past.

Three years ago, Murphy and his wife, Trina, were named the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year. The award is sponsored annually by First Citizens Bank. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott recognized the couple for this achievement.

The Orangeburg Chick-fil-A serves as a sponsor for South Carolina State and Claflin Universities and was recognized by The Times and Democrat as the "Best of the Best" place for chicken in 2015 and 2016.

The business has also awarded scholarships to five employees pursuing higher education and has partnered with the county Chamber of Commerce and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College in designing a customer service program that was made available to local businesses and organizations.

Murphy, a St. Matthews native who graduated from Calhoun County High School, received his commission through the Army ROTC program at South Carolina State University, where he earned a B.S. degree in marketing. He also holds a masters degree in acquisition and contract management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

A highly decorated officer, Murphy garnered more than 15 awards and medals while serving more than two decades in the United States Army. Those include the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service, the Afghanistan and Iraq Commendation and the Humanitarian Service medals.

He served in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

In addition, Murphy served several tours in Southwest Asia and also in Turkey and northern Iraq in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Provide Comfort. He served a tour in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and two tours in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After retiring from the Army, Murphy worked at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia as the business manager for the C-5 Aircraft Program.

He comes from a long line of veterans as three of his brothers and his wife are all military veterans.

Murphy's service has gone beyond country. He has served the local community through his participation in a number of organizations including the Regional Medical Center Foundation and Pink Ribbon Committee, Orangeburg Christian Academy, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Child Evangelism Fellowship, Morning Rotary and the OCtech Foundation.

Every year since 1963, the president of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the contributions of Americas entrepreneurs and small business owners.

More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of entrepreneurs, small business owners and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories.

The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
Social media is creating a dangerous feedback loop that is making it difficult to consider other points of view, further exacerbating the nations political divide. Many universities are struggling with how best to navigate the highly charged political divide that has become even more pronounced since the election of Donald Trump.

Universities have long been bastions of free speech. But many colleges are struggling with how to balance that First Amendment right, while ensuring all students feel free to be heard.

At Middlebury College in Vermont, violent student protests shut down a talk by conservative social scientist Charles Murray. The University of California at Berkeley was forced to cancel a talk by a then-editor at Breitbart News after violent protests that included fires being lit, smashed windows and the hurling of Molotov cocktails.

At Hampshire College, some students wanted the American flag flown on campus to come down after the election. Others argued that it should be lowered to half-staff, and did so. Then overnight the flag was taken down and burned, sparking more argument.

At Drexel University, a professor has twice sparked uproars in recent months with offensive tweets. The tweets were done on his own time, away from campus via a private account. The university issued a statement saying the professors views did not represent the views of the university. Even so, we were bombarded with thousands of angry emails and phone calls.

To be sure, hate speech has no place on a college campus or elsewhere. But there is a need for greater understanding and tolerance for differing views. Given the tense political environment, we cant depend on lawmakers in Washington to lead when it comes to finding common ground. It has to come from the grassroots. Thats where universities can play a leading role in encouraging informed debate and civil discourse.

Part of the problem is that social media often lacks context and often occurs in short, angry or reactionary bursts. At the same time, social media has helped to intensify the current divide by providing news feeds that affirm individual biases. This is creating a dangerous feedback loop that is making it difficult to consider other points of view, further exacerbating the political divide.

The internet is a double-edge sword. It has provided greater access to more information than ever before. But it has also left many individuals less informed or even misinformed. This is especially a problem for many young people who spend so much time on social media.

A recent study by researchers at Stanford University found most students were unable to distinguish between real and false news. The study found that 82 percent of students surveyed believed sponsored content  essentially an ad presented as news  was a real story.

This is troubling considering 61 percent of millennials use Facebook as their primary source of news about politics and government, according to a 2016 study by the Pew Research Center. This is not just a problem for the younger generation: 62 percent of U.S. adults also get news from social media, according to Pew.

An analysis by BuzzFeed News found that hyperpartisan political Facebook pages and websites routinely provided their followers false and misleading information. Even more alarming, the least accurate pages generated some of the highest number of shares and comments from readers, the analysis found.

To combat the fake and misleading news, Facebook has added a warning label to indicate the report is disputed. Other social media are developing products to get users out of their information bubble. An iPhone app called Read Across the Aisle uses a meter to tell readers the ideological bent of a particular site. Escape Your Bubble pulls opposing political views into your Facebook feed. Slate is offering a feature called Today in Conservative Media.

In other words, the same social media platforms that have helped to fuel the political divide are now developing products to combat it. That is fine as far as it goes. But it seems ludicrous for these same social media providers to benefit from their blunders.

In a perfect world, a better solution would be for individuals to spend less time on social media and more time speaking and listening to one another. Liberals and conservatives need to better understand one anothers points of view and seek to find areas of agreement and engagement. Empathy and respect will go a long way to bridging the political divide.

But it is unlikely to expect everyone to put down their mobile phones. Thats all the more reason colleges and universities have a duty to foster healthy debates grounded in civil discourse. To be sure, many universities that are traditionally bastions of liberal thinking would be wise to recruit more conservative and independent scholars.

Professors and students from all political sides should be free to voice their points of view. Universities can play a role in teaching how to identify false news and make sure arguments are grounded in facts.

We can also encourage the importance of purposefully seeking out those who have a different point of view. University campuses are perfectly suited to bring together people from different racial, ethnic, economic and political backgrounds to debate issues of the day.

That does not mean exchanges cant be robust, especially surrounding controversial topics. But respectful, thoughtful and honest dialogue  done face to face and not behind the safety of a mobile phone  is the best way bind and repair a divided nation.
The right wing of the American political spectrum is often portrayed as intolerant, bigoted and dangerous.

As much as both ends of the political spectrum have people and views that can be labeled extreme, the time has come for those on the left to wake up to the intolerance they are fostering.

So-called safe spaces on college campuses are in vogue as a way for students to shield themselves from uncomfortable or dissenting viewpoints. Too often, the views from which they are being protected are those espoused by anyone on the political right.

College campuses are supposed to be bastions of diverse thinking and views, but they are too likely to officially and unofficially promote thinking that is on the political left.

By the very nature of the environment, liberal or progressive views among educators and their students are not new. Nor are they surprising.

But the intolerance is. The very concept of being progressive should be about fostering open-mindedness of the type that makes college campuses centers for expression of all manner of views.

None other than Fareed Zakaria has stepped up to send a message to American campuses. The host of CNNs flagship foreign affairs show, a Washington Post columnist, a contributing editor for The Atlantic and a New York Times bestselling author, Zakaria has been called by Esquire Magazine the most influential foreign policy adviser of his generation.

Speaking out on his CNN Saturday program, Zakaria said many liberals think they are tolerant. Often they aren't.

Zakaria noted that "at the height of commencement season," many new graduates across the country made their political views apparent, from the Notre Dame students who walked out as Vice President Mike Pence gave his commencement address to the crowd members who booed Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos during a speech at Bethune-Cookman University.

"American universities seem committed to every kind of diversity except intellectual diversity. Conservative voices and views are being silenced entirely," Zakaria said.

The CNN host said he finds this attitude strange, especially given the incidents occurred on college campuses that "promised to give their undergraduates a liberal education."

"The word liberal in this context has nothing to do with today's partisan language, but refers instead to the Latin root, pertaining to liberty. And at the heart of liberty in the Western world has been freedom of speech. From the beginning, people understood that this meant protecting and listening to speech with which you disagreed," Zakaria said.

That means not drowning out "the ideas that we find offensive."

In addition, Zakaria noted what he called "an anti-intellectualism" on the left.

"It's an attitude of self-righteousness that says we are so pure, we're so morally superior, we cannot bear to hear an idea with which we disagree.

No one, he continued, "has a monopoly on right or virtue."

By being open to opposing views, those on both sides of the political spectrum can learn something. Nowhere should such learning be more prevalent and promoted than on college campuses.

As Zakaria stated: "By talking seriously and respectfully about agreements and disagreements, we can come together in a common conversation.
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By Azernews





By Kamila Aliyeva

An international conference titled "Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Trilateral Relations: A vision for Future" kicked off in Baku on June 5.

The conference is organized by the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan (SAM).

Addressing the event, Assistant to the President for Foreign Policy Issues, Department Head Novruz Mammadov hailed the contributions of the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey cooperation format to the relations.

He underlined the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars projects as the examples of this cooperation. Mammadov hailed good prospects for trilateral relationship.

Mammadov added that Turkey's membership in NATO and signing of the Association Agreement between Georgia and the EU do not hinder the development of this cooperation, but rather contribute to the security, stability and sustainable development in the region.

Mammadov went on to say that the North-South corridor cooperation format created two years ago between Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran, has a great future as well.

These formats are effective because national, economic and political interests coincide, he said.

Speaking at the conference, the Director of the SAM under the President of Azerbaijan, Farhad Mammadov, brought to the attention of the conference participants that the trilateral cooperation of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey has great experience and history.

The SAM director stressed that the recent projects  the transport agreement, the construction of ports, the signing of the agreement with China, the securing of Turkey's access to the Central Asian region, the role of Azerbaijan in the development of the West-East corridor  create new opportunities for cooperation.

Mammadov underlined that the cooperation of the three states in ensuring peace and stability in the region is of great importance.

"History shows that this cooperation has strengthened our independence. Ensuring our security is not directed against other states. However, some circles abroad say that this format is directed against someone. In this matter, they pursue their goals. We must protect this format," Mammadov added.

Chairman of the Center for Strategic Studies under the Foreign Ministry of Turkey Mesut Ozcan also stressed the importance of Azerbaijan-Turkey-Georgia trilateral cooperation.

The chief research fellow at the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies Kakha Gogolashvili, while speaking at the event, noted that the geopolitical location of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey allows ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

"Political changes in our countries in no way affect the relationship between our states. The format of tripartite cooperation allows us to discuss our problems and relies on the interests of our countries. All three countries support each other's territorial integrity, he said.

Gogolashvili also stressed that Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey support each other in the process of European integration.

Georgia has signed an associative agreement with the EU, Turkey discusses membership in the European Union, Azerbaijan is negotiating a new agreement - all three countries in the broad sense of this word are part of the European community. Our cooperation in this direction is very important," he said.

Turkey supports Georgia in its membership in NATO, and we believe that we will become a member of the Alliance. This is important for Azerbaijan. It will be a guarantee for Georgia in terms of protecting its territories and will impact the entire region," Gogolashvili concluded.

The conference continued with panel discussions.

The event features discussions on the development of cooperation between the three strategic allies as well as security challenges for trilateral relations, security aspects of relations and tools for fighting non-traditional threats.

The conference brings together acclaimed experts from Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia, including chairman of the Strategic Research Center under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, director of Center for EU Studies at Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, director of Political, Economic and Social Studies Foundation, chief research fellow at the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies.




By Azernews





By Kamila Aliyeva

The National Holding Company Uzbekneftegaz and Russia's Gazprom PJSC signed an agreement on strategic cooperation, a representative of the Uzbek holding told Trend.

The document was inked by Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Uzbekneftegaz Gulomzhon Ibragimov and CEO of Gazprom energy company Alexei Miller in the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum  2017.

The document envisages cooperation between the parties in the implementation of new projects in the territory of Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the agreement, the parties will cooperate, in particular, in the field of reconstruction, construction and operation of gas infrastructure facilities, geological exploration, production, processing and storage of hydrocarbons as well as use of compressed and liquefied natural gas for autonomous gasification.

Gazprom has been cooperating with Uzbekistan since 2002. Then, Gazprom International completed a five-year exploration program on investment blocks in the Ustyurt region, which resulted in the discovery of the Jel gas field in 2009. The parties plan to sign a production sharing agreement (PSA) on Jel.

Gas Project Development Central Asia AG (GPD, a subsidiary of Gazprom International) is a member of a consortium that since 2004 under the PSA has been building and reconstructing the Shakhpakhty field in the northwest of Uzbekistan.

GPD also owns 25 percent of the equity participation of Kokdumalakgaz joint venture (JV), which is engaged in the extraction and utilization of associated gas in the fields in the Kashkadarya region.

This year, GPD and Uzbekneftegaz created Natural Gas Stream for joint exploration and development of gas fields in the Ustyurt region.

GPD will also take part in the construction of a new oil refinery in the Jizzakh region.

In April, Uzbekistans government signed PSA on the investment block "Independence of Uzbekistan" with supplementary exploration and development of the '25 years of independence' gas field with a consortium of investors in the GPD, Altmax Holding Ltd. and Uzneftegazdobycha (part of Uzbekneftegaz). The total volume of investments under the PSA is estimated at the level of $5.8 billion.

The project is designed for 30 years. At the initial stage, it provides for the creation of capacities for extraction and processing of up to 2 billion cubic meters of gas per year, at the second stage the capacities can be increased to 4 billion cubic meters. It is planned to build a gas chemical complex on the basis of the '25 years of independence' field.

In April, within the framework of the visit of the Uzbek president to Russia, Gazprom and Uzbekneftegaz signed a five-year contract on Gazproms purchase of 4 billion cubic meters of gas annually.
By Trend





Qatar, which has been known as a mediator for many regional disputes, is now drawn into serious disputes amid growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran over mutual accusations of sponsoring terrorism.

Saudi Arabia and its regional allies severed ties with Qatar on Monday over Dohas support for the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist movement, and also its ties with Saudis arch-rival Iran, sparking off simmering dispute in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The tiny island nation of Bahrain cited [Qatars] media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities, and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain" as a justification to join the move initiated by Saudi Arabia.

Qatar, however, describes the decision by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt as unjustified, terming the allegations baseless.

Hamid Aboutalebi, a senior Iranian official with presidential office, was the first to echo Tehrans concerns over the move, saying the era of imposing sanctions is over and measures such as cutting diplomatic ties, closing borders, and blockades are incapable of resolving the crises.

The Saudi allies, in the meantime, have announced their plan to close air and sea transport links to Qatar with the UAEs Etihad Airways suspending all flights to and from Doha, leaving Iran as the sole transportation route to the blockaded Arab nation.

The decision to severe ties with Qatar makes it inevitable for Doha to foster Iran ties, Sadegh Zibakalam, a renowned political analyst and professor at Tehran University, told Trend.

Ties between Saudi Arabia, the bastion of Sunni Islam as well as a loyal ally of the White House, and Iran, the Shia power close to the Kremlin, have been broken since they support each others enemies in proxy wars in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. However, Tehran-Riyadh disputes go back in history with deep roots in religion.

Forecasting that the strained ties between the Arab states will continue to worsen in future, Zibakalam concluded that Tehran is very likely to back Qatar in the Saudi row as ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia have already broken off.
Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Establishment, the sole importer and distributor of Bridgestone brand tyres for Dubai and the Northern Emirates within the UAE, in partnership with Dubai Municipality, has broken ground on its modern 52,000-sq-ft facility in Dubai.



The Dh10-million ($2.72 million) Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre is part of Alserkals strategic retail expansion plan and will be built within the truck and heavy equipment market in the Al Ruwwaya area of Dubai, said the company in a statement.



The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by officials from Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Establishment including vice chairman Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal and director for retail and marketing Tariq Al Rasheed besides Dubai Municipality officials - Ahmed Abdul Karim, the assistant director general for public support, Jumaa Al Fakaii, the director of property management department, Faisal Al Badiaoui, the director of market management, Omar Abdulrahman, the head of investment department, and senior executive of Bridgestone Middle East and Africa region.



As per recent industry reports, the truck market sales in the UAE is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of eight per cent until 2021.



Industry analysts have dubbed the launch of Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre as both timely and strategic, as it is expected to cater to the increasing demand for a professional trucking centre and facility for the UAE.



The new centre, which is up for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2018, will be staffed with certified and highly-experienced trucking maintenance managers and technicians - in full compliance of set international standards and best practices in heavy vehicle maintenance, said the statement.



On the new project, Abdul Karim, said: "Dubai Municipality is happy to partner with Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Establishment for the development of a modern and innovative truck centre in Al Ruwwaya3."



"The centre is expected to add positive value in the continuing efforts to provide excellent, safe, healthy, environment-friendly and accessible services, which in turn, will further reinforce the strategic vision of Dubai Municipality towards sustainability, development of strategic partnerships and the efficient management of financial assets," he added.



Al Fakaii pointed out that this new centre, once completed, will be the first-ever truck and heavy equipment facility that will combine all trucks and heavy vehicles in one location.



"The transport and commercial movement for import and re-export of trucks and heavy equipment will continue its growth for the trucking and heavy equipment segment, accompanied by a continuously increasing demand for a facility that can service and address all trucking needs of heavy vehicles passing through Dubai's roads," he added.



Alserkal said the new facility will house a truck wash, repair facility and a registration and insurance counter providing a complete solution to private, fleet and transport companies.



The Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre will also be offering preventive maintenance services for trucks and trailers, which include oil, lube and filter service; DOT annual inspections; electrical repairs for lights, charging and starting; brake adjustments, repair and replacements; wheel-end work; and minor body repair services.



On its partnership with Dubai Municipality, Alserkal said: "It represents a strategic retail investment that will help Bridgestone and Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal grow faster across a very dynamic transportation sector.



"Over the years, we have enjoyed strong partnerships with both Bridgestone and Dubai Municipality and the establishment of this new trucking centre will allow us the opportunity to further reinforce our ties and help drive in more growth," he added.



Al Rasheed said Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre is being positioned as the first one-stop showcase for truck owners and transport companies.



"With a total of 148 rentals from the Dubai Municipality as well as the owners of trucks and transport companies outside the market, which will help meet the growing expectations of transporters on quality products and services," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Aconex Limited, a major provider of a global platform connecting teams on construction and engineering projects, has appointed Baraq Hadi, previously vice president at Bentley Systems, as general manager of the Middle East.



In his new role, Hadi is responsible for Aconex business throughout the Gulf region, which contributed A$12.2 million ($9.07 million) to the companys total revenue for the first half of the financial year.



Hadi will report to Henry Jones, senior vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and global accounts.



Welcoming Hadi into the fold, Jones said: "We are fortunate to have hired an executive of Hadis calibre to lead this strategically and financially important region for us."



"Aconex has been the market leader in the Middle East for nearly a decade now, with particular strength in serving airport, rail, highway, and other infrastructure megaprojects. Hadis 20 years of managing project delivery and asset management services in the region have positioned him well to drive our continued growth," he stated.



"We expect his enterprise-level experience with the Gulfs largest asset owner/operators and contractors to help us deliver increasing value to our customers," he added.



Previously at Bentley Systems MEA, Hadi was responsible for the local and global engagement and growth of strategic accounts in the oil and gas, power, water, and transportation sectors.



He spent two years as country manager of Saudi Arabia and managed Bentley acquisitions in South Africa and Turkey.



Previously, Hadi held senior technical consulting and project management positions at Convergent Group, a leading geographic information system (GIS) provider, Intergraph Corporation, and American Digital Systems.



He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Alabama, Huntsville, and is fluent in both English and Arabic.-TradeArabia News Service
The DIFC Academy of Law (AOL) in Dubai, UAE has launched an annual scholarship programme for the countrys most promising law students.



The first recipients are eight undergraduates from four law schools, with each awarded Dh10,000 ($2,720) for tuition by the AOL, and a $500 award for textbooks from LexisNexis.



The winning students were selected from Ajman University, American University in the Emirates, University of Sharjah, and Saint Joseph University in Dubai. The Academy of Laws Learning & Development Advisory Board, which comprises senior officials from AOL, the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department (LAD), LexisNexis, legal firm Stephenson Harwood, and DIFC Courts, deliberated over finalists and chose winners based on appropriate criteria.



Abed Ahmed Shaikh, a student from Saudi Arabia studying at the University of Sharjah, said: I am hugely grateful to AOL and LexisNexis for awarding me this scholarship. These programmes are critical in providing people like me with opportunities to continue pursuing education, and have motivated me to reach the top of the UAEs legal sector. This award made my family proud and will help me to achieve my future goals, InshaAllah.



Each winning student demonstrated a strong Grade Point Average (GPA), clear commitment to advancing the global legal system, and requirement for financial support with their education. The winners for the 2017 Scholarship Programme include five females and three males from a range of countries, including two UAE nationals.



David Gallo, director, AOL, said: The AOL is delighted to collaborate with LexisNexis on developing the ecosystem of legal education in the UAE in line with global standards. Ensuring students have access to world-class learning resources is a key undertaking of the Academy, and fundamental to our mission to create an international centre of legal excellence in the UAE. To achieve this goal, we are encouraging undergraduates to pursue jurisdictional knowledge in both civil and common law, using these scholarships as a platform to help broaden and hone their skills within these systems.



The AOL will coordinate with the university faculty of each winning student to ensure that scholarship funds and the books fund are transferred for the academic year commencing September 2017.



Justice Shamlan Al Sawalehi of the DIFC Courts, added: While this programme is about providing high-achieving undergraduates with access to the best education, it is also about ensuring they can benefit fully from the career opportunities offered by the UAEs twin legal system. The teams at the AOL and the DIFC Courts will always be available to engage in discussions with students to help them as their careers progress.



Hussain Hadi, director, LexisNexis Middle East, said: This partnership with the AOL reinforces our commitment to support and fill any gaps in legal education, as well as arming students with the research tools they need to be comparative lawyers. These individuals have earned their scholarships through hard work, dedication and passion, and LexisNexis is proud to help them along their journey to become successful lawyers that will help shape the UAEs legal landscape over the coming years.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Investments (DIC), a leading, diversified investments conglomerate listed on the Dubai Financial Market, recently hosted the second round of the training session for Sustainability Champions of the company and its subsidiaries.



Held under the theme For a Better Partnership within the Dubai Investments Family, the session focused on the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 outlined by the United Nations in its Agenda, which is being adopted by countries globally, especially the UAE.



The Sustainable Development Goals 2030 agenda is being implemented by governmental bodies and several public and private sector departments, as well as by humanitarian, environmental and social NGOs.



Statistics, reports, films and a variety of models for international companies were presented to explain the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which range from poverty eradication, hunger, clean drinking water, health care and education for all, to decent work, economic growth and innovation, reducing inequality, preserving environment, reducing climate damage and partnerships, said a statement.



Sustainability Champions at Dubai Investments actively participated in a range of practical tests that contributed to developing concepts for furthering the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, implementing them internally, and improving corporate responsibility among the employees. The participants discussed the role of private sector, and companies specifically, in studying and selecting objectives aligned with nature of each companys business and sustainability strategies.



A total of 15 Sustainability Champions took part in the session, including employees from Dubai Investments, Dubai Investments Park, Dubai Investments Industries, Masharie, Dubai Investments Real Estate Company, Emicool, Emirates Glass, Emirates Float Glass, Lumiglass Industries, Al Mal Capital, Al Taif Investment, Dubai Cranes and Emirates Extruded Polystyrene.



As part of its sustainability strategy, Dubai Investments deals with environmental and social issues in a highly responsible manner, including supporting Dubais Smart Vision, producing clean energy, reducing carbon emissions, ensuring the safety of its employees, and encouraging volunteerism, generosity and community services across its projects in Dubai and the UAE in general.



Dubai Investments and its subsidiaries are also eager to play proactive role in furthering the UNs Sustainable Development Goals 2030, UAEs Vision 2021 and launching volunteer programmes & social partnerships with the community to support the UAEs Year of Giving initiatives, the company said.  TradeArabia News Service


Cigna Corporation, a Fortune 100 global health insurance and service company, has opened its regional management office for the Mena markets at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).



The DIFC is the leading financial hub in the $7.4 trillion Middle East, Africa and South Asia (Measa) region. By establishing its presence at the financial hub, Cigna marks a significant new phase in its operations as it strategically expands the reach of its health services and solutions to people in the region.



The new office puts Cigna in prime position to effectively deliver personal and local health service solutions in the UAE and the wider Middle East region that is an important contributor to new growth and revenue in the area.

Howard Gough, chief executive officer of Cigna for the Mena region and GIPMI, will be supported by Jai Verma, the global B2G segment lead, in leading Cignas team at DIFC to offer management assistance and specialist services to its regulated entities across the GCC.



Arif Amiri, chief executive officer of DIFC Authority, said: We are pleased that Cigna has chosen to be a part of the DIFC community. With the healthcare industry in the GCC region projected to grow to $71.3 billion by 2020, the opening of Cignas new regional management office is well-timed to leverage this immense market potential. We look forward to enabling Cigna to achieve its growth objectives across the region, with the support of our robust legal and regulatory framework that meets the requirements of global insurance companies.



Jason Sadler, president of Cigna International Markets, said: The UAE offers a strategic edge for global businesses with its advanced regulatory environment, unparalleled connectivity and access to several high-growth markets. At Cigna, we recognise the long-term value this creates for our business and the people we serve. Moreover, we see this as a valuable opportunity to enhance our presence in the Middle East and Africa region, which represents a crucial element in our global growth strategy. We are pleased to work with the DIFC in supporting Cignas ambitious plans in this exciting region.



Howard Gough, chief executive officer of Cigna for the Mena Region and GIPMI, said: Cigna has been present in the region for over 15 years, and continues to remain committed to delivering superior quality healthcare services for clients and customers here. We are confident that we will make a significant impact across the region through this strategic hub at DIFC.



Operating from DIFC will allow Cigna to seamlessly manage the global health requirements of its locally regulated offices across the Mena region. Furthermore, Cigna stands to benefit from DIFCs unmatched business environment and an exceptional geographical location in Dubai that bridges the east and the west.  TradeArabia News Service
Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) and Alizz Islamic Bank have signed an agreement to provide Islamic financing facilities for the construction of a petroleum coke (petcoke) storage facility at the companys refinery complex in Sohar, said a report.



The agreement was signed by Salaam bin Said Al Shaksy, CEO of Alizz Islamic Bank, and Ahmed Saleh Al Jahdhami, CEO of Orpic, said a statement from the company.



The signing ceremony was led by the project finance team at Alizz Islamic Bank, which has extensive experience in providing structured financing solutions that comply with the principles of Islamic Sharia, and was attended by a number of senior officials from the organisations, it said.



This is the first agreement of its kind in which Orpic avails sharia-complaint financing, it added.



Alizz Islamic Bank offers various structured financing solutions that are designed to meet all the development requirements in various sectors such as in the oil and gas, energy, infrastructure (roads, ports, airports), communications, transport, contracting, machinery, equipment, manufacturing, education, healthcare, tourism and hospitality.



Al Shaksy said: We are delighted to partner with Orpic in building its petcoke storage project. The signing of this agreement is in line with our strategy to support and finance various projects in the sultanate and contribute to the growth of the local economy.



Islamic financial institutions have created a variety of banking products and services that meet all the financing needs of government owned entities and corporations operating in Oman, he said.



Al Jahdhami said: This agreement with Alizz Islamic Bank will provide us with the groundwork to continue our achievements in the construction of important national projects.



Alizz Islamic Bank is one of the important local banks that offers strategic solutions and we are proud to strengthen our relationship with them and build a partnership for future project financing, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
The contribution of free trade zones to the Islamic economy globally is set to double to $117 billion by 2021, according to a recent report by researchers Salaam Gateway.



The UAEs free trade zones are using advanced information management tools to drive the doubling of the global free trade zone GDP, said experts.



The UAE hosts four of the worlds top 10 free trade zone cities for the Islamic economy.



Industry-watchers agree the new Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is showing global best practices in using digital transformation to support its more than 13,000 companies.



Andrew Calthorpe, CEO at the free trade zone consultancy Condo Protego, said: Digital transformation is vital for UAE free trade zones to drive the countrys economic growth.



Using the latest information management solutions, trade zones can deliver digital services to boost the business competitiveness of small businesses, he said.



In the UAE, Condo Protego has seen strong success on driving digital transformation for one of the regions largest free trade zones. By replacing legacy infrastructure with automated software-defined and scale-out infrastructure, the free trade zone can publish its own business applications and move closer to cloud and mobile app delivery.



Calthorpe added: Using cloud and mobility information management solutions, free trade zone businesses can gain a level playing field with large enterprises.



Businesses can incorporate faster and more easily, better manage sales and supply chain, and enhance their ability to better meet customer needs, he added.



Among UAE free trade zones, Condo Protego is seeing strong demand for solutions such as Dell EMC hyper-converged infrastructure, and Dell EMC software-defined storage such as ScaleIO, ECS scale-out storage, and Isilon network attached storage, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
A senior Brazilian delegation successfully completed its visit to the GCC, which was aimed at strengthening its agribusiness ties within the region and draw interest from potential investors.



The delegation was led by Blairo Maggi, Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, and included senior government officials, multinational companies, and leading private sector organisations such as the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), said a statement.



The Brazilian delegations stops included Kuwait, followed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, it said.



According to recent statistics, Saudi Arabia emerged the fourth biggest importer of agriculture and livestock products from Brazil for the first quarter of 2017, while the UAE ranked 19th.



In fact, the Middle East is the worlds biggest importer of poultry from Brazil. During the same period, Brazilian agribusiness export to the four GCC nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar touched $1.363 billion, an increase of 12 per cent for the same period in 2016.



During their visit to the GCC, the high-level delegation aimed at further strengthening its ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar in trade, investment and cooperation as these nations are long-time importers of Brazilian agri-business products, especially poultry.



Nearly 20 delegates, representing about 25 agribusiness companies, met with senior government authorities in the four countries as well as participated in hosted seminars for potential investors to showcase their agribusiness projects in Brazil.



Rubens Hannun, president, ABCC, said: The Middle East in general and the four GCC nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar in particular, have been traditional trade partners for Brazil.



The four-nation tour was held to underline the importance of the bilateral ties between the Arab countries and Brazilian agribusiness and showcase its untapped opportunities, he said.



The delegation expressed its gratitude to the GCC nations for their response to the Operation Carne Fraca (Operation Weak Flesh), an operation by the Federal Police of Brazil to investigate 21 of the countrys largest meat processing companies and subsequently leading to a ban on the import of meat and poultry products by some countries.



In addition, the visit underscored Brazils role in ensuring food security for the Arab countries that invest in overseas agricultural projects to ensure proper supply to their markets.



Hannun added: Our organisation, in particular, has played a key role in highlighting the measures taken by Brazil as part of Operation Carne Fraca.



As part of the operation, we had organised a meeting of the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Brazil with Brazilian ministers as well as hosted a tour to a meat packer in Rio Grande do Sul to enlighten them about our stringent halal process, he said



We continue to relay information between the governments and private sector players which has further cemented relations between Brazil and the Arab countries, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubai-based Emirates Insolaire, a pioneer in the development of new solar technologies, has received strong enquiries for its sustainable, energy-efficient coloured solar panel technology, reinforcing the surging demand for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) across the globe.



The company is a joint venture of Dubai Investments and SwissInso Holding Inc.



Emirates Insolaire, which offers the worlds-first KromatixTM coloured solar panels technology, generated a lot of enquiries for photovoltaic modules from consultants, architects, entrepreneurs and photovoltaic manufacturers during Intersolar Europe exhibition, the largest solar exhibition in the world, held between May 31 and June 2, at Munich, Germany, said a statement from the company.



Over 1,200 exhibitors and 40,000 trade visitors attended the exhibition. The companys booth was one of the most visited at the fair, and the KromatixTM technology is now established worldwide as reference for beauty, high efficiency and durability for BIPV, it said.



This comes amidst booming global photovoltaics market. According to the latest research by industry experts, the demand for photovoltaics is expected to grow to nearly 392 GW this year, which would mean a doubling of the global PV market since 2014.



Globally, there was nearly 306 GW of solar power capacity in 2016, up from around 50GW in 2010 and virtually nothing at the turn of the millennium.



Rafic Hanbali, managing partner of Emirates Insolaire, said: The solar PV industry has reached a critical tipping point, with end-market demand hitting record levels.



Emirates Insolaire has completed installation of KromatixTM solar PV modules in several locations in the world, including Lausanne, Basel, Leysin, Austria, Copenhagen, Germany etc, he said.



The company is making significant inroads in Europe and the Gulf. With Emirates Insolaire, it is possible to have energy-elegant dress on every house and building, bringing an important relief to Planet Earth, he added.



Each photovoltaic module of Emirates Insolaire is capable of generating 170 to 190 watts per sq m for roof or 110 to 130 watts per sq m for facades.



Emirates Insolaires coloured solar panels and photovoltaic modules enhance the design of any building and can be easily integrated to any facade or roof, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabias Ministry of Culture and Information has ordered the closure of the office of Qatari news channel Al Jazeera in Saudi Arabia and withdrawn its licence, said a report.



The Al Jazeera office shut down comes after the channel promoted the plots of terrorist groups, supported Houthi coup militias in Yemen, and tried to break the Saudi internal ranks by inciting them against the state and harming the sovereignty of the country, reported Emirati news agency Wam.



Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia along with its Gulf neighbours Bahrain, UAE and Egypt announced that it had severed diplomatic relations with Qatar over security issues.



Saudi news agency SPA said Riyadh has decided to close borders with Qatar to protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism.



The decisive measure was due to gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years, the Saudi statement said.


International law firm Clifford Chance recently advised Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) on a $6.245 billion export credit agency (ECA) financing for the KNPC Clean Fuels Project.



The latest tranche is part of the landmark $10 billion financing and the first time that KNPC has tapped international financial markets. Clifford Chance also advised long-standing client KNPC on the first tranche of the financing which saw KNPC tap domestic Kuwaiti debt markets for the first time.



The ECA facility is supported by seven agencies including: K-SURE, KEXIM, SACE, JBIC, NEXI, Atradius, and UK Export Finance and included, as part of the financing, a club deal with 10 international banks for a total amount of $4.245 billion under the K-SURE, SACE, Atradius and UKEF ECAs and a further US$500 million with four international banks under the NEXI ECA.



Clifford Chance worked in conjunction with NBK Capital who was the exclusive financial adviser on the deal and Al Tamimi & Co as Kuwaiti counsel to KNPC.



Not only is the deal the largest ECA financing for corporate purposes in the world, it is also Kuwait's largest ECA financing to date. In early 2016, Clifford Chance advised KNPC on the first tranche of the financing which involved mandated lead arrangers National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) and Kuwait Finance House, on the conventional and Islamic finance tranches respectively.



The Clean Fuel Project (CFP) will upgrade and expand two of Kuwait's largest existing refineries at Mina Abdulla and Mina Al-Ahmadi. The CFP will transform the two refineries into an integrated merchant refining complex with a focus on producing higher-value products such as diesel and kerosene for export. Total refining capacity of this complex after completion will go up to 800,000 barrels a day.



Dubai-based lead partner Peter Avery said: "We are very proud to be involved in supporting KNPC on the ongoing development of its Clean Fuel Project. This historic financing was achieved through the excellent and long-standing working relationship we hold with KNPC as well as NBK Capital and all of the ECAs and international banks involved in the transaction. The deal cements Clifford Chance's strength in project finance and export finance transactions in Kuwait and the wider Middle East."



The Clifford Chance team was led by Peter Avery (Partner, Dubai) who was supported by Mark Valenzia (Senior Associate, Dubai), Yiting Xu (Senior Associate, Dubai), Lilly Alamir and Jessica Eilts (Associates, Dubai). Construction aspects of the project are being led by Sandy Hall (Partner, London) and Tim Steadman (Construction, London) with support from Paul Coates (Senior Associate, London).



Clifford Chance has also recently advised National Bank of Kuwait on the establishment of its $3 billion GMTN programme and its inaugural Rule 144A/Regulation S international debt capital markets issuance thereunder as well as the State of Kuwait on the establishment of its GMTN programme and debut dual-tranche $8 billion issuance. The team continues to advise on some of Kuwait's most prominent projects including advising on the Az Zour North 2 IWPP, and Az Zour North 1 IWPP.  TradeArabia News Service
ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- President Trump's administration is coming off as "tongue-tied and confused" about climate change because "the truth is still inconvenient" for companies and industries that emit heavy emissions that contribute to global warming, former Vice President Al Gore said.



On This Week Sunday, Gore was asked by ABC News Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos about comments by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt earlier on the show that it doesn't matter whether the president believes in man-made climate change because the U.S. is still leading by example in the world in its reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.



"The administration comes off as tongue-tied and confused about the climate crisis because the truth is still inconvenient for the large carbon polluters," Gore said, "and they don't want to stop polluting the atmosphere, it interferes with their business plan."



The former vice president under President Clinton has since leaving office gained fame for his advocacy for combating climate change and was the star of the 2006 documentary on global warming,



"An Inconvenient Truth." His new film "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power" will debut in theaters this summer. Gore on Sunday also took issue with President Trump saying last week that he was withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement to focus on what's good for the American economy and jobs.



"The number one fastest-growing job is wind power technician," Gore said. "The renewable energy sector and the sustainability revolution are the brightest spot for economic growth and prosperity in this country."



"The rest of the world is moving forward. President Trump isolated the United States with his reckless and indefensible decision," the former vice president added.



In December, prior to Trump taking office, Gore met with him at Trump Tower to advocate for action on climate change. He also spoke to Trump last month over the phone. Asked by Stephanopoulos about those conversations, Gore demurred.



"I have honored a commitment to keep those conversations private. I'll tell you, nothing would surprise you about them. I presented all of the reasons I felt and still feel it would be in the best interests of our country to stay in the Paris Agreement," Gore said on This Week.



"It was a reckless decision," Gore said of Trump's taking the U.S. out of the accord. "But, the good news is, we are going to continue moving forward. It would be better if we could move faster."



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Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt have has severed diplomatic relations with Qatar over security issues in a major row between members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, media reports said.

Saudi news agency SPA said Riyadh cut diplomatic ties and closed borders with Qatar to protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism.

A Saudi official cited by SPA said the country decided to sever diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar, and to close all land, sea and aviation ports.

Saudi Arabia said in exercising its sovereign rights to protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism, it has decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar, close all land, sea and air ports, prevent crossing into Saudi territories, airspace and territorial waters.



A statement attibuted to an official source on SPA said it will "start immediate legal procedures for understanding with fraternal and friendly countries and international companies to implement the same procedure as soon as possible for all means of transport to and from Qatar for reasons relating to Saudi national security."



The decisive measure was due to gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years, the Saudi statement said.

Bahrains action is based on the insistence of Qatar to continue to undermine the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to interfere in its domestic affairs, as well as on the escalation and incitement of its media and its support to acts of terror and to financing armed groups associated with Iran to carry out subversive attacks and spread chaos in the Kingdom the BNA news agency said.

Bahrain is also withdrawing its diplomatic mission from Doha and giving all members of the Qatari diplomatic mission 48 hours to leave the Kingdom and the completion of the necessary procedures, the report said.



Bahrain is also closing its airspace, ports and territorial waters to air traffic and shipping to and from Qatar within 24 hours of the announcement of the statement.



Bahrain is also banning its citizens from travelling to Qatar or staying there, while Qatari citizens are not allowed to enter or pass through Bahrain.



Qatari residents and visitors are therefore given 14 days to leave the Kingdom in order to avoid any hostile attempts or activities that may exploit the situation, according to the report.



The dangerous Qatari practices have not been confined to the Kingdom of Bahrain, but have also been extended to sister countries that have been informed that such acts reflect a very dangerous pattern which cannot be ignored or accepted and must be addressed with full strength and firmness, the report said.

Egypts foreign ministry also accused Doha of supporting terrorism as it announced the severing of diplomatic relations.

Meanwhile, the Command of Coalition to Support the Legitimacy in Yemen announced that it has decided to end the participation of Qatar in the coalition, said a Saudi Press Agency report.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the Government authority on trade, enterprise and commodities in Dubai, UAE recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India-based Cropdata Technology.



Based in the city of Nagpur, Cropdatas mission is to enhance the countrys agricultural sector, while improving the lives of its farmers, which comprise some 55 percent of Indias population.



The objective of the memorandum is to explore how DMCC and Cropdata can collaborate to enhance bilateral trade relations with a focus on agricultural-based commodities, a sector that has shown remarkable stability, according to the World Banks Agricultural Price Index, with grains showing the most promise, posting 4 percent price gains in the first quarter of 2017.



As one of the worlds biggest producers, Indias 2016-17 grains yield reached 136.2 million tonnes, according to the International Grains Council, up from 124.6 million the year before.



Sanjeev Dutta, executive director, Commodities, DMCC, said: We are committed to developing and leveraging new marketplaces and sectors, and this memorandum with Cropdata Technology is a natural step in that journey. Our scope of trade covers a broad range of food products, and food production issues having an increasingly wider global impact, agro goods occupy an increasingly strategic role in DMCCs commodities mix. We are very pleased to work with Cropdata to identify areas where we can work together, as well as facilitate skills and knowledge transfer for our mutual benefit.



The food trade has been an increasing focus for DMCC. Last year, DMCC created a dedicated Food Trade Group to address significant challenges facing the sector. The Group was formed to identify better ways to access finance, reduce trading risk, and maximise profit for stakeholders of all scales and sizes.



Sachin Suri, managing director, Cropdata Technology Private Limited, commented: This collaboration is the beginning of our journey in the direction of bilateral trade growth between India and the United Arab Emirates and clearly underlines the various opportunities we could jointly explore innovatively in the IT and agriculture space.



In line with its goal to position Dubai as a strategic hub for the agricultural trade, DMCC, in association with Dubai Customs, has also developed a wide range of powerful data tools to help stakeholders assess opportunities across commodities sectors.  TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt have has severed diplomatic relations with Qatar over security issues in a major row between members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Saudi news agency SPA said Riyadh cut diplomatic ties and closed borders with Qatar to protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism.

A Saudi official cited by SPA said the country decided to sever diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar, and to close all land, sea and aviation ports.

The decisive measure was due to gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years, the Saudi statement said.

Bahrains action is based on the insistence of Qatar to continue to undermine the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to interfere in its domestic affairs, as well as on the escalation and incitement of its media and its support to acts of terror and to financing armed groups associated with Iran to carry out subversive attacks and spread chaos in the Kingdom the BNA news agency said.

Bahrain is also withdrawing its diplomatic mission from Doha and giving all members of the Qatari diplomatic mission 48 hours to leave the Kingdom and the completion of the necessary procedures, the report said.



Bahrain is also closing its airspace, ports and territorial waters to air traffic and shipping to and from Qatar within 24 hours of the announcement of the statement.



Bahrain is also banning its citizens from travelling to Qatar or staying there, while Qatari citizens are not allowed to enter or pass through Bahrain.



Qatari residents and visitors are therefore given 14 days to leave the Kingdom in order to avoid any hostile attempts or activities that may exploit the situation, according to the report.



The dangerous Qatari practices have not been confined to the Kingdom of Bahrain, but have also been extended to sister countries that have been informed that such acts reflect a very dangerous pattern which cannot be ignored or accepted and must be addressed with full strength and firmness, the report said.

Egypts foreign ministry also accused Doha of supporting terrorism as it announced the severing of diplomatic relations.

The Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its deep regret at the decision of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain to close their borders and airspace and cut off diplomatic relations, said a report in The Peninsula newspaper.

Giving reasons for the action, Saudi Arabia said it has taken this decisive decision as a result of grave violations being committed by the authorities in Doha over the past years in secret and public aiming at dividing internal Saudi ranks, instigating against the state, infringing on its sovereignty, adopting various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilising the region including the Muslim Brotherhood Group, Daesh (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda, promoting the ethics and plans of these groups through its media permanently, supporting the activities of Iranian-backed terrorist groups in the governorate of Qatif of Saudi Arabia and in Bahrain, financing, adopting and sheltering extremists who seek to undermine the stability and unity of the homeland at home and abroad, and using the media that seek to fuel the strife internally. It was clear to the Saudi Arabia the support and backing from the authorities in Doha for coup by Al-Houthi militias even after the announcement of the Coalition to Support the Legitimacy in Yemen, a statement published on SAP site said.



The kingdom has also taken this decision in solidarity with Bahrain, being subjected to terrorist campaigns and operations supported by the authorities in Doha, it added.



Since 1995, Saudi Arabia and its brothers have made strenuous and continued efforts to urge the authorities in Doha to abide by its commitments and agreements, yet, they have repeatedly violated their international obligations and the agreements they signed under the umbrella of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for Arab States to cease the hostilities against the kingdom and stand against terrorist groups and activities of which the latest one was their failure to implement the Riyadh Agreement, the statement said.



In accordance with the decision to cut off diplomatic and consular relations, Saudi citizens are prohibited from travelling to Qatar, residing in or passing through it while they, residents and visitors have to leave its territories within 14 days, it said.



The decision, for security reasons, unfortunately prevents Qatari citizens' entry to or transit through Saudi Arabia and those Qatari residents and visitors have to leave Saudi territories within 14 days, confirming the kingdom's commitment and keenness to provide all facilities and services for Qatari pilgrims and Umrah performers, the statement added.



Saudi Arabia affirms that it has long been patient despite the fact that the authorities in Doha continue to evade their commitments and conspire against it. The kingdom will continue to support the people of Qatar, its security and stability regardless of the hostile practices being carried out by the authorities in Doha, it said.



Meanwhile, the Command of Coalition to Support the Legitimacy in Yemen announced that it has decided to end the participation of Qatar in the coalition.
Following the strong action taken by the Gulf states Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE along with Egypt, the Arab world's most populous nation, on Qatar over key regional security issues, Maldives too has severed diplomatic relations with that nation.

With this move, these countries have banned their citizens from travelling to Doha, and the closure of land, maritime and airspace borders to Qatari transport vehicles, aircraft and sea vessels.



In a statement, the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the country took this decision because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism, reported state news agency Wam.



The statement also reiterated the Maldives' commitment to work with countries that promote peace, stability, and show solidarity in the fight against terrorism, it stated.



The Maldives decision comes close on the heels of Yemen and Libya severing their relations with Qatar.
Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies, the sole authorized dealer of Ford and Lincoln vehicles in Saudi Arabia, has launched a spare parts fast delivery initiative, to strengthen ties with its partners in service centres and spare parts stores.



The initiative comes in line with the increasing demand for Ford genuine spare parts. This step will shorten the time for Al Jazirah Agencies customers, meet their needs and enhance the brand presence in the local market.



The company has provided an immediate contact number with service centres and spare parts stores to receive and record customers request to help them in having Ford genuine spare parts, then deliver the order through a modern fleet of 40 plus Ford Econoline Vans.



Mohammed Abdullah Al Kraidees, deputy CEO Automotive in Al Jazirah Agencies said: Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies seeks to introduce new initiatives to bring the Parts closer to its customers wherever they are. Through this initiative, the company will provide Ford genuine spare parts to enhance the services provided to Al Jazirah Vehicles customers and save their time. This Initiative confirms the company commitment towards the customers by providing them with the real value of Ford.



Through its 100 + spare parts outlets across Saudi Arabia, Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies will fulfil its partners needs in no time. The companys huge investments in this area confirm the determination to improve customer satisfaction with Ford and its Agent in the Kingdom, he added. - TradeArabia News Service
Global technology leader Honeywell today announced that it is collaborating with Integrated Industrial Gases (IIG), Trane and Ashrae to deliver environmentally preferable refrigerant solutions to Saudi Arabia.



These organisations are experts in the refrigerants industry: IIG is the leading supplier of industrial gases and refrigerants in Saudi Arabia; Trane is one of the leading industrial air conditioner providers in the region; and Ashrae is the global society of air-conditioning and refrigeration professionals.



As summer begins, cooling technology becomes vitally important in countries like Saudi Arabia, where the average summer temperature is 45 deg C and can reach 54 deg C. This collaboration supports Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to reduce energy consumption in the kingdom and limit the environmental damage of greenhouse gases in line with global regulations.



Honeywells suite of Solstice refrigerants help users meet energy goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in applications such as air conditioning systems for vehicles, residential and commercial buildings, and refrigeration appliances.

Honeywells groundbreaking refrigerant technology is designed to help realise a more sustainable future, said Amir Naqvi, regional marketing leader, Honeywell Fluorine Products, Middle East, Turkey and Africa. As the Middle East transitions to more environmentally preferable cooling solutions, Honeywells hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) refrigerants are immediately available, near drop-in alternatives that offer superior performance and energy savings.



In order to effectively communicate the benefits of Solstice refrigerants, Honeywell has been holding customer roadshows in the region, which aim to educate new and existing users about this breakthrough, next-generation technology. Attendees can hear from experts at Honeywell, IIG, Trane and Ashrae, and participate in workshops hosted by industry experts, policymakers, contractors, consultants, original equipment manufacturers and sector stakeholders, who discuss in-market specific factors such as regulations and sustainability agendas within regional and national visions. More than one hundred people attended the most recent shows in Al Khobar and Jeddah, with the next roadshow taking place in Riyadh on September 21, 2017.



Rami Nasser, managing director at IIG, said: Were proud of our collaboration with Honeywell to bring its next-generation, lower-GWP solutions to the region to support Saudi commitment to sustainability. As we foresee a quick transition in the Kingdom towards the use of HFO refrigerants, Honeywells products will be the ideal solution for the changing regulatory environment in the region and around the world.



The refrigeration and air conditioning sectors are in the midst of a major transition towards environmentally-preferable refrigerants. Currently, the region is phasing out hydrochloroflourocarbons (HCFCs) to limit the damage to the ozone layer caused by HCFCs. These are being replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). However, HFCs have high global warming potentials (GWPs), and have also become subject to phasedown regulations. Last year, 197 countries signed an agreement to the Montreal Protocol that established a timeline to substantially reduce the use of HFCs across the world.

To help offer customers choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we introduced the EcoWise portfolio of products, which are designed to lower environmental impact with next-generation, low-global warming potential refrigerants and high-efficiency operations. said Johan Samuelsson, vice president and general manager for Trane MEA. We have received great feedback from our customers who are also interested in the Series E CenTraVac, the first large-capacity centrifugal chiller that uses an ultra-low global warming potential refrigerant, Honeywell Solstice.



Khalid Al Mulhim, chairman at the Saudi Chapter of Ashrae, said: Ashrae is always keen to share technical advancements in the a/c and refrigeration industry. We believe strongly in the importance of HFO refrigerant alternatives in phasing out high-GWP chemicals while providing a long-term, effective solution.



Honeywells presence in Saudi Arabia extends back to the 1970s with presence in 10 offices throughout the kingdom. Honeywell is leveraging its technological and innovative capabilities to help the advancement of renewable energy and sustainability through education, research, development, investment, commercialisation and adaptation.



Honeywell is a world leader in the development, manufacture and supply of refrigerants that are sold worldwide under the Solstice and Genetron brand names for a range of applications, including refrigeration, building and automobile air conditioning. Honeywell and its suppliers are completing a $900-million investment program in R&D and new capacity based on Honeywells HFO technology. TradeArabia News Service


Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) has signed an agreement to support the Madac Education Academy in Madinah with a SR20 million ($5.3 million) initiative.



Under the agreement, Sabic will support the Madac Education Academy, which aims to build a world-class educational complex with a balanced environment for education and cultural values  one that applies the best educational theories and practices.



Sabic will contribute to the construction of the academys museum and exploration centre, with an area of 2000 sq m. The centre specialises in providing an investigative education for children and young people, encouraging them to understand the historical, cultural, and scientific aspects of civilisation and to develop intellectual skills in science and culture.



Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Madinah Region, was the patron of the signing ceremony.



The ceremony, held on May 29, was attended by Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thenyan Al-Saud, president of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and chairman of Sabic.



The chairman commended the Madac Academys role in improving the quality of education and said Sabic is keen on innovative socially responsible initiatives and cooperating with community partners to provide the best services to society.



He said Sabics contribution to establishing this academy is in line with its strategy, which supports science and technology education.



Yousef Al-Benyan, Sabic vice chairman and chief executive officer, and Abdullah Hafez, Madac executive director, Madinah, signed the agreement.



Hafez spoke about the vision of the academy and its quality services, which will be provided through education, training, and research, from kindergarten to high school. He commended Sabics social initiatives and support for the academy. - TradeArabia News Service
Evonik, a leading German speciality chemicals company, aims to achieve profitable growth by making its portfolio more specialty and more balanced, strengthening its innovation power and driving a performance-oriented corporate culture.



I am excited at the opportunities that lie ahead for our company, Christian Kullmann, chief executive officer, Evonik, told analysts and investors at a recent strategy update in London, UK.



We will enhance value creation for our stakeholders by sharpening our focus on specialty chemicals, driving innovation and encouraging a trustful corporate culture of measured risk-taking, he said.



With the help of these three levers, Evonik aims to grow sales volumes faster than global gross domestic product (GDP). At the same time the company plans to lift its adjusted EBITDA margin into a sustainably higher range of 18 -20 per cent, from a historic range of around 16  18 per cent.



We want to focus more strongly on businesses with a clear specialty chemicals character, said Kullmann. Going forward our portfolio will have a higher share of growth businesses.



The new four-member management board will form a strong and aligned team with complementing strengths. Along with Christian Kullmann, Harald Schwager will be joining Evonik on September 1 as the new deputy chairman of the executive board with responsibility for chemicals and innovation, said a statement.



Ute Wolf and Thomas Wessel will continue in their roles as chief financial officer and chief human resources officer respectively, it said.



The company has identified four areas  specialty additives, animal nutrition, smart materials and health care - that have above-average growth and margin potential. These will be the focus of capital allocation, it added.



Active portfolio management with regular strategic reviews as well as improved cost competitiveness will help the group achieve its growth and margin goals, emphasised Ute Wolf, chief financial officer, Evonik.



Evoniks innovation pipeline will also drive improving profitability. The goal is for products and applications younger than five years to make up 16 percent of sales in the medium term. The company will sharpen the focus of its activities by intensifying collaboration with customers and along value chains, it said.



The company aims for a corporate culture in which employees will take action and initiate change. The goal is to develop a more international and diverse mind-set that builds on trust, respect and openness, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
UAE-based Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai have announced suspension of flights to and from Qatar from Tuesday (June 6), following a major diplomatic row within the GCC.

The move follows UAE severing all diplomatic relations with Qatar, in a coordinated decision with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt. The countries also said all air, sea, and land links with Qatar will be closed.

As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates will suspend its flights to and from Doha, starting from the morning of June 6 until further notice, an Emirates airline statement on its website said.



The last flight from Dubai to Doha will depart as EK847 at 02:30 am on June 6. The last flight from Doha to Dubai will depart as EK848 at 03:50 am on June 6, it said.



Emirates flights to and from Doha today (June 5), will operate as normal. Travellers bound for Doha, who are boarding their flight from airports around the Emirates network today (June 5), will be advised to make alternative arrangements, it added.



All customers booked on Emirates flights to and from Doha will be provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and rebooking to the nearest alternate Emirates destinations.



For more information, customers can call the Emirates Contact Centre on +971 600 555555, or visit www.emirates.com, it said.



UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has announced that it will suspend all flights to and from Doha, Qatar, until further notice.



The last flight from Abu Dhabi to Doha will depart as EY399 at 02:45 (local time) on June 6. The last flight from Doha to Abu Dhabi will depart as EY390 at 04:00 (local time) on June 6, the ariline said in a statement.



Flights on June 5 will operate as normal.



All customers who are booked on Etihad Airways flights to and from Doha are being provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternative Etihad Airways destinations.



Detailed information is available by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 (0) 2599 0000, or by visiting etihad.com, it said.



Any further changes to the status of flight schedules to Doha will be communicated through the appropriate channels, it said regreting any inconvenience caused as a result of the suspension.

Dubai-based budget carrier flydubai also announced that it would suspend flights to and from Doha from Tuesday.



Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia until 02.59 Doha time on June 6, a report said. --TradeArabia News Service
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region, recently hosted its annual conference at Yas Island Rotana, Abu Dhabi.



Held every year to celebrate employee achievements and share progress made towards key organisational targets, the 2017 Rotana Annual Conference was chaired by Nasser Al Nowais, chairman of Rotana.



The three-day event saw top management executives and general managers of Rotana properties in the Middle East, Africa & Turkey congregate at Yas Island Rotana to share performance reports, outline market trends and financial forecasts, and provide updates on company activities and business strategies to bring internal audiences up to speed on key developments within the organisation as well as its future direction.



Awards were given out in a number of different categories to recognise properties, teams and individuals that demonstrated outstanding performance and commitment to excellence in the past year. Winners of the awards for group achievement included Salalah Rotana Resort for Hotel of the Year, Centro Sharjah for Top rotana.com Hotel Performer, Al Ain Rotana which won the Rotana Earth Award category for its contribution to promoting community and environmental sustainability, Centro Capital for Hotel Opening of the Year, and The Boulevard Arjaan by Rotana for Hotel Achiever of the Year. Other winners were Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa in the Chairmans Award category for maintaining the highest percentage of local employees in its workforce among all Rotana hotels.



In the individual awards, Ursula Chidiac, general manager of Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana has received the Presidents Award and Ulrike Andorff, general manager of BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana, was named Manager of the Year in recognition of his efforts in leading the property under his charge to exceed performance targets across key parameters. As always, the Guest Service Champions of the Year awards  aimed at recognising and celebrating the achievements of guest service professionals across the portfolio  proved the highlight of the awards program.



As the face of our brand, guest service professionals play a major role in shaping customer perceptions of service quality at our hotels and driving overall satisfaction. The value they bring to the business and the contribution they make to building long-term customer loyalty is often underappreciated, which is why we at Rotana, since our inception, have been determinedly striving to see to it that our guest service staff are accorded their rightful place in the organisation and are celebrated as the most important drivers of our business success, said Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana.



He added: The Guest Service Champions of the Year awards are an expression of our commitment to acknowledge and reward the achievements of guest service staff from across our operating properties, and I congratulate and thank all the winners this year for their hard work and dedication.



Winners of the Guest Service Champions of the Year  2016 included Nanako Nukui, Guest Services team leader, Al Ghurair Rayhaan and Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana, Dubai; Jolipher Delos Santos, hostess in the Food & Beverage Department at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi; Ebin Jose, banquet waiter at Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana, Dubai; Ibrahim Said, Front Office team leader at Salalah Rotana Resort, Oman; and Fathima Simjee, Guest Services team leader at Oryx Rotana, Doha. - TradeArabia News Service


DOUGLASWith their massive size, loud engines and blinking lights, snowplows should be easy for drivers to spot.

Yet snowplows get hit all the time, said Heather OConnor, an emergency dispatcher in Cheyenne.

OConnor testified recently before the Wyoming Legislatures Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee about the need for legislation to penalize people who hit highway workers.

She represents the Wyoming Highway Patrol and Peace Officers associations and is again asking the Legislature to change the law to protect people who work on roads.

OConnor last worked on a roadway safety bill about a dozen years ago, after her former husband was hit twice as a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper. Her endeavors resulted in a state law that penalizes drivers with fines of up to $200 and jail of up to 20 days if they hit an officer or other emergency personnel.

Now OConnor and other highway workers are back, asking for a new law that would protect snowplow drivers and others who work on the side of highways  often without a vehicle to shield them  and get hit, injured or sometimes killed.

Move over bill

The legislative committee sponsored in the 2017 session a measure that would have required people working on highways to use flashing lights. Drivers would have had to move into another lane of traffic away from the workers. On a two-lane road, they would have had to slow down. The penalty for breaking the law would have been a $120 fine.

The bill failed.

Committee chairman Sen. Curt Meier advised highway workers to review every nay vote in the Wyoming Senate and call them, asking them why they opposed it and how they can make the bill tenable.

Otherwise, it doesnt have a snowballs chance, the Republican said.

Two members of the committee, Rep. Bunky Loucks, Republican of Casper, and Sen. Wyatt Agar, Republican of Thermopolis, said they opposed the 2017 bill because most people are raised to be responsible.

Its hard to legislate responsibility and morality, Agar said.

Agar said he also thought the bill was too broad. It covered city, county, public service company, highway construction and maintenance workers.

Republican Sen. Jim Anderson of Casper said hed like to see another bill.

Drivers are distracted these days, he said.

That hardhat and that vest is not going to protect you, he said.  Weve got to do something to protect these people who work on our roads.

First law

Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper John OConnor has been hit twice while patrolling Interstate 25, his ex-wife Heather OConnor said.

He was in his patrol car during the first accident in 2000, having just stopped a driver for a traffic violation, when a one-ton flatbed truck traveling at a high speed struck him from behind.

Two years later, John OConnor was home and Heather OConnor was at work, dispatching officers to emergencies. She called her former husband in, she said, because his assistance was needed. And she was on the radio when he was outside his patrol car. He was struck by a vehicle while investigating an accident, she said.

Injuries were so severe from the second accident  a brain jury, back and knee issues  that he had to retire because of his disability, she said.

It definitely impacted our family, she said. And I wouldnt want any other family to go through this.
Kathryn and Kristen Lenth spend $550 a month on their 2-year-old sons child care  and they said the cost is lower than what many other Casper parents pay.

Some of the places are $750, $800, Kristen said.

Especially ones with the preschool component, Kathryn said.

The couple are professors at Casper College with advanced degrees. When they had Wesley, both wanted to continue working full time. So they had to find child care for their son.

Since Wesley is an only child, they opted for an in-home setting where they thought he could get the socialization he lacks at home. They are happy with his day care, which they estimate costs about 10 percent of their income.

Child care takes a hefty chunk out of Wyoming families expenses, according to a new congressional report. Yet in Wyoming, child care costs are lower than the national average.

Infant care in Wyoming costs $9,110 a year, below the national average of $10,476, according to the report, released by Sen. Martin Heinrich, a New Mexico Democrat and the ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee.

Wyoming families spent 13 percent of their income on infant care. For a single mother, infant care e ats up 30 percent of her income on average, the report states.

Nationally, 15 percent of a familys income and 42 percent of a single mothers income is spent on child care.

In Wyoming, child care costs are also lower for older kids, running $7,841 annually for a 4-year-old, compared to the national average of $8,469.

Even though Wyomings costs are lower than average, child care is no bargain, parents said.

Families are confronted with the decision of whether it is more affordable for one of the parents to quit their job than pay for day care.

Natasha Adams of Casper is a registered nurse who has used child care through the years. When she had her first child, her parents helped a lot, she said.

Later, when she lived in Lander and had more children, she worked in surgery  sometimes 15-hour shifts  but found a woman in town who accommodated her schedule when Adams husband, who is in the military, was unable to pick the children up.

Currently, she has an arrangement in which she chooses whether to work shifts at hospitals when they need a nurse. She can schedule her work around her husbands job and turn down offers that dont work. For instance, sometimes she works shifts from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. when her husband is at home, she said.

It would pay off for me to have day care, and I could still bring home money, she said. But its finding a day care that has the hours that I need. Other nurses have even bigger problems, if youre on a unit (in which) they require you to alternate between day and night shifts.

Parents such as Adams say they worry about access to day cares that are safe and offer an educational environment  in addition to ones that are affordable.

The congressional report addressed access, too: Research shows children who receive high-quality child care are less likely to be arrested as juveniles and have criminal records. They are more likely to graduate from college and earn higher incomes as adults, the report said.

High-quality child care even makes a difference in kids health: Research shows children who receive good care have lower blood pressures. Children who participate in Head Start have lower obesity rates at ages 12 and 13 and have fewer long-term health problems overall, the report states.

Casper single mother Mariah Bovee described being shocked by the costs of day care when she adopted her first child, now 12 years old.

Bovee ended up as a parent when her daughters biological mother asked her to raise the baby. The woman was transient and struggling with a drug problem, Bovee said.

Since then, Bovee had two other children, now 10 and 6.

She paid about $150 a week in day care per child, Bovee said.

Then there was the cost of preschool. She wanted her kids in full-time preschool and paid $780 a month per child.

Essentially, I could have paid for a bachelors degree by the time my kids were out of preschool, she said.

The Lenths anticipate they, too, will have to start paying for preschool for Wesley soon. There will be considerations of whether he should be in a part- or full-time program. Theyll have to weigh the costs and which school is right for him to prepare for kindergarten

They will have to visit preschools, just as they toured day care centers when Kristen was pregnant.

Soon, well be having this conversation again, Kathryn said.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some June 5 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages.
Help India!

By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net

New Delhi: For our Muslim brothers, Ramadan comes once a year, but we have been fasting continuously for the past five years, says Satish Kajla alias Abul Kalam, a leader of Bhagana Sangharsh Samiti spearheading movement seeking justice for Dalit victims of violence in Bhagana, Haryana.



The words of Satish alias Abdul Kalam may seem exaggerated to some, but he is definitely not lying. On May 21, 2017, the sit-in protest of Dalit families from Bhagana at Jantar Mantar completed five years. It all started on May 21 2012, when the ground where Dalit boys played was acquired by Jats in Haryana and a wall was constructed obstructing Dalits from accessing the village Chowk (community space).

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We have been on a dharna since last five years and none of our demands have been accepted yet. Our people are continue to protests outside the mini secretariat in Hisar and at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in extremely hot conditions. We are continuously being sidelined by our state as well as central government, Abul Kalam told TwoCircles.net .



According to the Bhagana Sangharsh Samiti, the Haryana Khap Panchayats had boycotted 250 Dalit families, declared a social and economic boycott against them and forced them to flee the village in 2012. The Jats had illegally occupied 280 acres of land and stopped Dalits from using them.



The atrocities didnt stop here, on March 23, 2015, 4 girls from the Balmiki community in Bhagana village were allegedly kidnapped by a group of Jat boys and gang-raped. They were dumped at Bhatinda railway Station, about 170 km away, where they were found in almost unconscious state by the village head and their relatives a day later.

After the Khattar-led BJP came into power in the state, we were hopeful that our issues will be resolved but they still remain as they were in 2012. We met the Chief Minister few times where he acknowledged that injustice was meted out to us but he expressed his inability to intervene as Khap panchayats are powerful in those regions and his government has been newly formed, Ramphal Jangra alais Rehmat Ali informed TwoCircles.net.

The recent cases cannot and must not be seen in isolation. Bhagana village has seen several clashes in the last couple of years between dominant Jats and backward Dalits of Balmiki and Kumhar community. The benefits of Constitutional guarantees and reservations have impacted in empowering the backward community as several of their wards could study and even join forces or find jobs outside. When the members of the backward communities started asserting themselves and demanded equal rights, they had to face the backlash from the land-holding community in the village. Many of these Dalits, for example, earlier worked as bonded labours.

The atrocities are continuously being committed on us. In November 2016 our Dalit brothers were beaten by upper castes for asking about their rights on panchayat lands. On May 4 this year also, one Dalit boy was so badly beaten by upper castes that he had to hospitalized for days. This is all happening under the nose of the district administration and BJP government in the state. Dalits are being falsely implicated in different cases, Ali claimed .

In August 2015, around 100 protesting Dalit families from Bhagana had accepted Islam during protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar in the National Capital as what their leaders termed as mark of protest against perpetual persecution and torment at the hands of the upper-castes Hindu Jats. The Protesting Dalits had recited Kalma and later offered Namaz in congregation .Different right-wing groups had threatened them against conversion.

President of Bhagana Sangharsh Samiti, Virender Bagoriya, who converted to Islam but continues to use his older name said, We didnt budge to their (Hindu right wing) pressures and continue to live a Muslim way of life because we were only treated as Hindus during elections. We are just used as baits to win elections and pampered when polling is around but this drama is over after elections and our real worth is shown to us.



A month before completing five years of sit in protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police along with NDMC had dismantled their tents at Jantar Mantar.

These tents used to give us little shade in this simmering heat, said Jagdish Kajla. We know how difficult it is to stand against the injustice. Sometimes we dont have any water to drink; sometime there is no food at all. We are not able to go and work since last five years but what can we do, we have to struggle so that our coming generations dont have to suffer,he added.



The protesting families have decided not to go back to their village until and unless justice is delivered to them and their demands are met. We have taken a vow to fight for justice and wont move from here (Jantar Mantar) even if it takes our whole lives to assert our rights, Kalia said.



Related:

Bhagana Dalits get open death threats from Haryana Khap Panchayats for converting to Islam

Bhaganas Dalit victims seek justice; protest at Jantar Mantar
Help India!

New Delhi, (IANS): Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu Monday on rubbished allegations of witch-hunt by the NDTV news channel after the CBI raided its founder Prannoy Roys premises in connection with a bank default case, saying the law was taking its own course.

Law is taking its own course and there is no witch hunt against anyone at all as this government does not believe in interfering, Naidu told reporters here.

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They (CBI) must have got some information and thats why they might have taken these steps, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader also said the government wont remain silent if anyone does wrong.

If somebody does something wrong simply because they belong to media, you cannot expect the government to keep quiet, Naidu said.

Naidus remarks came after the investigative agency raided the premises of NDTVs founder in an alleged bank loan default case.

Following the CBI raids, the NDTV in a strongly-worded statement said the raids were a concerted harassment to muzzle free speech.

The CBI registered the case against Roy, his wife Radhika Roy, a private company named RRPR Holdings and others and conducted searches at the Roys Greater Kailash-I residence in south Delhi and three other places in Dehradun.

According to CBI officials, the agency has registered a case against Roy, his wife and RRPR Holdings for allegedly causing losses to the tune of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank.

The CBI raids come days after NDTV anchor Nidhi Razdan had an on-air verbal scuffle with BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, after he alleged the news network was following an agenda, during a debate over the new central notification on cow trade and slaughter. The BJP leader was told to leave the programme.
Help India!

Panaji, (IANS): A lawyer filed a complaint with Goa Police on Monday, demanding a ban on the Facebook pages of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and his organisation Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).

The Goa-based lawyer said the pages are active despite a ban on the foundation.

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The Islamic Research Foundation and Dr Zakir Naik are active in India, even after the notification of ban, and are committing cognisable offence. Therefore, the Facebook page of IRF and Zakir Naik should be blocked immediately. Also, an offence must be registered against Naik and his active followers, fans, members, advocate Nagesh Takbhate said in his complaint to the Cyber Cell of Goa Police.

The lawyer asked for his complaint be registered under the Information and Technology Act, 2008, and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

The complainant also says that the respective Facebook pages were posting objectionable content and encouraging followers to promote disharmony between different religious communities and groups.
Considering Brexit minister Robin Walker campaigned for Britain to remain in the European Union last year, it is refreshing, and somewhat ironic, to see him provide an optimistic outlook on the UK's prospects outside the trading bloc as a minister in the Department for Leaving the EU.

Mr. Walker provided many straight answers to the questions posed to him, and did not shy away from the difficulties Britain will face as the Brexit negotiations begin. It is clear the Department for Leaving the EU is preparing transitional arrangements in the likely event that quitting the superbloc will longer than two years.

This is the time frame Article 50, the mechanism triggered by Theresa May in March to leave the EU under the 2007 Lisbon Treaty, allows for.

'Played a significant role in helping to unite the Conservatives'

The Worcester Tory candidate demonstrated how in touch he is with his constituents. He acknowledged that his constituency voted to leave the EU as a whole and has played a significant role in helping to unite the Conservatives in respecting the will of the British people.

Mr. Walker was calm and composed throughout, crucial traits if one wants to advance in Politics. He has worked incredibly hard as a constituency MP. He has vigorously campaigned for fairer funding for Worcestershire schools, championed a reduction in business rates to aid Worcester's High Street and spoken up for improved transport links to the city.

He deserves to get re-elected this week and to progress beyond the portfolio of Brexit minister.

The Worcester PPC also took many of the questions asked of him in good humour, too. Interviews with journalists can be tough, and to come out laughing at some of the questions posed is commendable. Re-electing politicians like Robin is crucial to preventing Labour from destroying this country's prospects post-Brexit and I would urge anyone living in Worcester who has read this to vote for him.

You can listen to a short transcript of the interview above.
Brexit minister Robin Walker says Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is confused about Britain's upcoming departure from the European Union.

In an exclusive interview with Blasting News, Mr. Walker said no one knows what Labour's position on Brexit is, as it seems to change from one week to the next.

He added: 'One week you have Keir Starmer, saying one thing, and then you have Mr. Corbyn saying something different, then another comment from him the week after.'

'Strong leadership'

The Conservative candidate for the Worcester constituency said the Labour leader has favoured leaving the European Union for all of his life, but when he was selected to lead his party's campaign to remain in the trading bloc last year, he was silent throughout.

He added: 'Only a Conservative government led by Theresa May can provide the strong leadership necessary to get us through upcoming Brexit negotiations.'

But when he was asked whether he believes the current Prime Minister will walk away from negotiations with the EU, which her predecessor David Cameron failed to do, he said: 'The Prime Minister has been clear that no deal is better than a bad deal.

'We will respect the will of the British people and negotiate the best partnership possible with them to ensure both the UK and the EU can trade with each other on a tariff-free basis.'

Yet the Worcester candidate said Britain will be leaving the EU in two years' time, but the Brexit Department will seek to agree implementation arrangements to allow businesses to access Europe's markets.

'Barriers to trade are a bad thing'

He hinted at a possible transitional deal after April 2019, Britain's EU departure date.

Asked whether he believes the UK may have to resort to World Trade Organisation rules in the likely event of failing to agree a suitable trade deal with the EU, the minister said: 'Any barriers to trade are a bad thing.

We are seeking to counteract them through a trade agreement.

'Last year's result was about taking control of our laws and borders, something we will be able to do once we leave the EU.

'We must seek to try to reach a trade deal with customs arrangements.'

However, Mr. Walker said that whilst Brexit is a 'very important issue' during this General Election, it is not the only one.

The minister said it is about getting the right leadership that this country needs to negotiate properly with the other EU member states, something Mr. Corbyn cannot deliver.

He added: 'There are other issues at stake here. This general election is also about growing our economy whilst ensuring that we have the finances to pay for our public services.

'The Conservatives have better answers to these issues than Labour do. We need to go out there and convince people Jeremy Corbyn cannot provide a magic money tree to Britain's problems.'

'Make Brexit a success'

Mr. Walker, who campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU last year, he said: 'I always made the case that the British people should make the final decision on whether we choose to remain in the EU or not.

'I rebelled in order to get a referendum. I thought that it was right for the people to have the final say on the issue.

'People in my constituency, Worcester, thought we would have an easier path if we chose to leave the EU. However, the moment people took that decision, I said it is right for all democratic politicians to respect that and to work on making it a success. So I said on the day after the referendum that people of all good will should come together to make it a success.'

The Worcester candidate said it is a great privilege, but hard work, to be part of making Brexit work.

Despite this, Worcester Conservative Association's two youngest campaigners are at odds with each other over the UK's EU departure, despite campaigning for Mr.

Walker to get re-elected.

Adam Lawless, who is the country's youngest political activist after joining the Conservatives last year at the age of 12, said leaving the EU will allow this country to strengthen its relationship with the Commonwealth.

He added: 'Leaving the EU will make it so much easier for us to do trade deals with other countries.'

But Will Hunter, 14, who has volunteered to help the Worcester Tory candidate, questioned Mr. Lawless' claim, asking him why Britain has the fifth largest economy in the world whilst remaining part of the EU.

But the Tory activist hit back, saying the original concept of the Common Market was fantastic, but it has moved away from its original purpose.

Robin Walker, who is the son of former Worcester MP and Margaret Thatcher's former Welsh Secretary, Peter Walker, was elected as the MP for his father's former constituency in 2010.

He was appointed as Brexit minister when Theresa May became Prime Minister last July.
Questions are being raised about the large number of ethics waivers Donald Trump has granted to his White House Staff in just his first 4 months in office. The number of ethics waivers is alarming because it took Obama 8 years in office to grant that many ethics waivers. An ethics waiver allows all White House staff to communicate with the news media even if a former employee or client is involved.

A pledge to drain the swamp

In his election campaign, Trump pledge to "Drain The Swamp" in Washington. The term has long been used as a metaphor by American politicians and Trump used it to communicate his promise to bring about changes in the federal bureaucracy and eliminate waste fraud and abuse.

Donald Trump signed an executive order in January that had strong ethics rules for his political appointees which meant that Steve Bannon could not, as a White House staffer, contact Breitbart staff for 2 years to discusses issues he dealt with while he worked there.

Concerns about retroactive waivers

Top White House aides who were granted ethics waivers include White House strategist Steve Bannon, Senior Counselor Kellyanne Conway and Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. Some sources say that Trump may have bypassed federal ethics rules when he granted a blanket exemption retroactively and some question his commitment to drain the swamp. The waiver means that Steven Bannon is now able to interact with Breibart editors.

Bannon is a former executive of Breibart News.

Ethics complaints against White House staff

Donald Trump's stringent ethics rules did not stop his White House staff from violating them which resulted in a number of ethics complaints. Steven Bannon continued to talk with Breibart editors after he was appointed Chief White House Strategist which led to a complaint by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics.

However, the blanket ethics waiver could mean that a pending ethics complaint against Bannon for his previous discussions with Breibart may not be able to proceed. Ethics complaints were also filed against Kellyanne Conway who appeared to promote the Ivanka Trump brand during a Fox news interview.

The Director of the Office of Government Ethics Walter Shaub has questioned the validity of the waivers saying that there is no such thing as a retroactive waiver.

Several of the waivers did not have dates casting suspicion about when they were issued. For a waiver to be valid, it must be issued prospectively according to a 2010 statement by Don Fox general counsel for the ethics office.
After Republicans finally took a legit step in the process of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, Democrats were quick to push back. As the pressure mounts on Donald Trump and the GOP in Congress to explain their Health Care Bill, advisers to the president like Kellyanne Conway are doing their part to defend it.

Conway on health care

The battle over the Affordable Care Act has lasted almost eight years, with Republicans struggling to gain any real ground in the fight with a Democrat in the White House. Since former President Barack Obama singed Obamacare into law back in January 2009, Republicans have tired to repeal it over 60 times, but haven't had much success.

During the 2016 presidential election, it became clear that while each Republican candidate had a different vision for the country, they were on the same page when it came to their opposition to the current health care law. Following the election of Donald Trump, and with Republicans in majority-control of both chambers in Congress, Obamacare's days appeared to be numbered. While Trump was unable to convince Republicans to rally around his proposed health care bill in its first attempt, the second time was the charm as it passed through the House of Representatives earlier this week. After backlash from Democrats, Kellyanne Conway appeared on the May 5 edition of "Hannity" on Fox News to discuss the issue at hand.

Joining Fox News host Eric Bolling, filling in for Sean Hannity, was Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway who was quick to deflect the blame for the new bill onto the Democrats.

Bolling played a montage of clips showing various Democratic politicians criticizing the GOP bill for putting American's lives a risk, but Conway wasn't impressed. Conway's opposition comes despite the fact that the Republican plan would eliminate tax credits for up to as many as seven million veterans due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being considered a pre-existing condition.

.@KellyannePolls: "Where the hell were those Democrats...when veterans were dying waiting for care?" #Hannity pic.twitter.com/L445wNv75a  Fox News (@FoxNews) May 6, 2017

"The Democrats lost everything not nailed to the ground in three of the last four elections, mainly because of Obamacare," Kellyanne Conway said, before adding, "it's been a terrible political loser for them." After ripping into the more unpopular previsions of the Affordable Care Act, Conway then shifted blame for the GOP's bill hurting veterans.

(Full interview in the above video.)

Conway's blame game

"Where the hell were those Democrats, excuse me, when veterans were dying waiting for care?" Kellyanne Conway shouted. "Lets no pretend, and lets no forget that Democrats want people to forget and just scare them," she continued, in regards to Obamacare. While Conway and the White House continue to back up Donald Trump and his agenda, it appears that the fight over the future of health care is only going to get worse.
The Syrian army announced that they are willing to plow through U.S. backed rebels as they push ISIS out of the country. In the last month, the Syrian army managed secure 5,000 square kilometers of territory from ISIS control. It is the biggest defeat inflicted on the terrorist group to date.

How rapid is the Syrian army's advance into ISIS lands?

According to the Syrian military, Assad's forces have advanced 1,400 square kilometers earlier this week into the Badiyeh region east of Tadmur (Palmyra). This is a significant thrust into ISIS territory while inflicting heavy casualties to the renegade jihadists.

The Syrian offensive called Operation Grand Dawn involves the securing of ISIS territory east of Palmyra and the capture of the Khneifis phosphate factories and mines. According to military sources, the first phase of this operation had been achieved and the next move is to push through the offensive and capture more ISIS territory.

However, the only hindrance to the Syrian advance is the territory held by U.S. backed rebels, who are against Assad's regime. The Syrian government had clearly stated that they will not hesitate to plow through rebel territory if it impedes their advance towards ridding ISIS from Syria.

How will the United States react to Syria's successful invasion of ISIS lands?

The United States had long been planning an attack on Raqqa, the main ISIS stronghold in Syria. However, the rapid advance of the Syrian forces caught the American-backed rebels off guard. The United States has issued a warning to Syria to back off from rebel-held territories or face the consequences, to which the Syrian army scoffed.

It is unsure how will the United States react to the Syrian advance, especially since Russia played a major part in its success. A few weeks ago, the United States approved a strike on Assad forces who are drawing near a rebel base that infuriated Syria. It is for certain that any push through rebel-held lands by the Syrian government will be faced with strikes coming from the United States.

Russia and Iran have openly placed their support for Assad and is expected to act in response to the United States support of rebel fighters in Syria. The Raqqa offensive is set any time this June and when it is underway, the ISIS threat will surely be exterminated in the Syria. The only question now is what will the United States do when the rebels and the Russian-backed Syrian forces finally go face to face.
The tide has turned and ISIS is slowly being defeated as it desperately defends itself against a two-front war. Syrian forces under Assad and the Iraq forces supported by the U.S. are cooperating unintentionally to destroy ISIS and reclaim the vast lands they have invaded. It might be that if the pace of attack doesn't change, the terrorist group will be defeated sooner than expected.

What are the military operations made by Syria and Iraq?

Syria is slowly gaining pace after it had captured the city of Palmyra, one of the major ISIS strongholds.

After which, Assad's forces have taken most of Syria's eastern desert from radical Islamist control. However, the rapid advance of the Syrian army is due also to the air support coming from Russia. Targeted strikes on key installations by the Russian air force had weakened ISIS considerably, making the advance a relatively walk in the park.

Iraq, on the other hand, is pushing through its northern regions, where the major concentration of ISIS fighters is hiding. The Iraqi army is supported by the U.S. and like Russia, the American air force provides tactical airstrikes on key ISIS locations. With this two-pronged attack, ISIS is slowly being driven out of their territories and are now slowly on the run.

Another front is to be opened when the Kurdish forces, who are also backed by the U.S., attacks Raqqa, the ISIS capital. From three sides, the terrorist group is slowly being crushed and hopefully, the Islamist group will be destroyed in the not so distant future.

What will be the effect of destroying ISIS to the world?

ISIS is a major terrorist organization that continues to terrorize western countries.

The eradication of ISIS will be a major win for the Western countries, especially the United States. However, the real problem of the post-ISIS world is that terrorist and radicalized individuals come from political vacuums made by superpowers like the America as they topple governments and pull out of a country before stability is restored.

There are many instances where the helping hand of America became the seed for vile groups, one example is Al-Qaeda, the remnants of a U.S. backed group in Afghanistan and ISIS. Both groups came into existence after America occupied the countries of Afghanistan and Iraq and left. Destroying ISIS may be good news for many, but it also signals the possibility of another Islamist group to rise up and terrorize everyone.
Over the last week, one of the biggest stories to dominate the news cycle has been Donald Trump pulling the United States out of the Paris climate accord. After Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway continued to praise the decision on Twitter, her message didn't go over well with critics.

Conway on Twitter

It's no secret that Donald Trump and his administration push back against the evidence that shows climate change is a legitimate threat to the population. Even before announcing his candidacy for office, the former host of "The Apprentice" expressed his skepticism about global warming, once claiming it was a "hoax" invented by China.

Since then, according to a report by Vox, Trump has tweeted his climate change denial over 100 times. This issue was a talking point used to lure in conservative voters during the election who often have a tendency to dismiss science, writing it off as nothing more than a "liberal conspiracy" to promote left-wing causes and harm the American job market. With this in mind, Trump confirmed what many news outlets had reported and removed the United States from the historic Paris climate accord on Friday, joining only Syria and Nicaragua as the two other nations to do so. In response, supporters of the president were thrilled, while many others expressed their outrage, including the majority of the scientific community.

As seen on her Twitter account on June 3, Kellyanne Conway decided to tweet her thoughts along with posting a graphic from Fox News.

Zero. This would be a useful graph in any story about #ParisAgreement. https://t.co/4qCzcM7ori  Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) June 3, 2017

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, Kellyanne Conway continued her support of Donald Trump pulling out of the Paris climate accord.

"Zero. This would be a useful graph in any story about #ParisAgreement," Conway tweeted. Conway's remarks were in reference to an attached graphic from Fox News that showed the United States was contributing $1 billion to the green climate fund, compared to zero from China, Russia, and India. Conway's comments come just one day after she refused to say whether or not the president believes that climate change is a hoax, deflecting the issue on more than one occasion during an interview with "Good Morning America."

Kellyanne Conway wont say if Trump thinks climate change is fake. Good thing our kids wont be around to see this! (@ToddDracula for CAFE) pic.twitter.com/em2bZtokfM  CAFE (@cafedotcom) June 2, 2017

Twitter reacts

In response to Kellyanne Conway's climate change denial tweet, social media users were quick to voice their opposition.

"When this country is underwater in 50 years, I am using your corpse as a raft KELLYANNE," comedian Kristina Wong wrote on her Twitter feed.

When this country is underwater in 50 years, I am using your corpse as a raft KELLYANNE.  Kristina Wong  (@mskristinawong) June 3, 2017

Btw...didn't you just buy an 8 million dollar house, too? What's this called again?  President Tiny  (@Orbital_Lexicon) June 3, 2017

Completely and totally fake. What would you expect from a woman like this. Dishonest just like 45 her boss  Brad Onorato (@brad_onorato) June 3, 2017

"So, since nobody else wants their population to have clean water to drink, we don't either. And clean air? No thanks," another Twitter user wrote, while adding, "Btw...didn't you just buy an 8 million dollar house, too?

What's this called again?"

Kellyann, China has invested $300 billion in green energy in the last year. India will be 100% electric cars by 2030. Stop lying.  Michael Licari, Esq. (@MlicariEsq) June 3, 2017

You really don't understand this agreement do you?  Rebecca Hale (@RevRLHale) June 3, 2017

"Kellyanne, China has invested $300 billion in green energy in the last year. India will be 100% electric cars by 2030. Stop lying," an additional tweet pointed out. "Completely and totally fake. What would you expect from a woman like this. Dishonest just like 45 her boss," another tweet read. The backlash continued as it was clear that the current administration was not going to hear the last of those who support action on climate change.
Portland, which has become the base of operations for the alt-left Antifa movement, was once again rocked by violence as pro-Trump and anti-Trump demonstrators squared off against each other on Sunday.

Fourteen arrests have been made thus far, and city police have seized numerous weapons from Antifa members, including dynamite, brass knuckles, wooden bats, and knives.

Antifa members assault law enforcement with feces and used tampons

According to Fox News, the anti-Trump protesters hurled bricks and glass bottles at police officers in Chapman Square, while eyewitnesses claim that other Antifa members hurled bloody tampons and rubber balloons filled with feces at Trump supporters and police officers alike.

A few blocks north of the Chapman Square pro-Trump rally, police held back a large crowd of protesters and journalists, threatening them with charges of disorderly conduct. One reporter for the Portland Tribune was also arrested but later released.

Antifa throwing balloons with filled with sh*t, bloody tampons and Burning flags. So disgusting. And this is why Trump's base is growing. https://t.co/09mLmNOHYn   Vikki Veach  (@VikkiVeach1) June 4, 2017

These are some of the items that have been seized so far today. pic.twitter.com/VsfenLPZhS  Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 4, 2017

Officers have made an arrest and seized several weapons from the suspect. pic.twitter.com/5IUUvqLHii  Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 4, 2017

Portland mayor's assault on free speech.

Sunday's violence comes in the wake of a deadly stabbing in Portland that claimed the lives of two men who attempted to confront the attacker after he began shouting anti-Muslim slurs at two females.

While several media outlets were quick to blame Donald Trump for inspiring the incident, social media posts revealed that the 35-year-old attacker, Jeremy Joseph Christian, was an ardent Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein supporter.

As a result of the knife attack, Mayor Ted Wheeler attempted to revoke the permit of the the pro-Trump demonstrators, claiming that their presence might incite violence.

Federal officials stepped in and said that such an action would be a violation of the First Amendment rights of Trump supporters, adding that there was "no basis" for revoking the permit.

The traditionally left-leaning Oregon ACLU also defended the right of Trump supporters to rally, calling Mayor Wheeler's actions "wrong" and "unconstitutional."

Patriot Prayer, the conservative group behind the Portland pro-Trump rally, denied having any connection with Jeremy Joseph Christian and disavowed the killer's actions.

In spite of the evidence that Christian's actions were not motivated by Trump, counter-protesters who clashed with Trump supporters held up signs reading "Our city is greater than hate" and chanted "love, not hate" and "Go home, fascists."
The first Penis Transplant in the U.S. occurred last year and it was successful. The 16-hour procedure was done on a Massachusetts man and only a couple of men have undergone this procedure in the entire world today.

First on U.S. soil

The first penis transplant on U.S. soil took place at Massachusetts General Hospital and it gave a cancer survivor a chance at leading a normal life.The 54-year-old man was very eager to talk about his procedure and share with the world his second chance at a normal life. He feels it is not something that should remain in the shadows.

He was looking forward to living a normal life now that he is back to they way he was before he was stricken with cancer.

Four transplants worldwide

This U.S. transplant in 2016 was the third reported transplant in the world. A penis transplant that was done in 2006 in China was reported as a failure. The second was done in South Africa in 2014 and this transplant was so successful that the man was able to father a child, according to an archived article from the New York Times.

Then the U.S. transplant was the next in line with the fourth taking place in South Africa once again. It was this South African transplant that was successful when it came to the procedure, but the man who had this done was black and a white man's penis was used in that procedure reports The Sun.

'Botched'

Despite this second South African penis transplant being reported as a "botched" operation because the penis was the wrong color, it wasn't. It was successful for all intents and purposes, but the color of the skin didn't match. This patient had lost his penis after a botched circumcision.

The 40-year-old man was given a new penis by a South African doctor in a procedure that took a little less than 10 hours.This man has gone without a penis for 17 years, so in about six months he should be healed enough so that he will be able to stand and urinate for the first time in almost two decades.

White penis on black man

The white penis attached to the Black Man wasn't done by mistake. There are very few donors and this one donor was a match all-around when it came to the important factors, except of course for skin color.

The man won't have a white penis for the rest of his life, the color will be corrected with medical tattooing, reports the doctor.

The hospital is reporting this is the third operation of this kind in the world, but with the one in China, and the other one in South Africa, followed by the procedure in Massachusetts, it sounds as if it is the fourth, but the second one out of South Africa.

Life-saving operation

Back in the U.S., there is a waiting list for penis transplants. It is an important life-saving operation for men, some who have lost their penis in the military after a bomb went off while stationed overseas.

The Sun describes how these young men, who lose their penis due to sickness or an accident, don't think they have a chance at happiness. They can get terribly depressed knowing that they are not able to have sex for the rest of their lives or get intimate with a partner because they lack a penis and this can lead to suicide. The chances of suicide go way up under these circumstances, so the doctors believe this can be a life-saving operation.
After the latest Islamic terrorist attack rocked the United Kingdom on Saturday night, Donald Trump was quick to offer his thoughts. As expected, backlash quickly followed, including from two high-profiled critics of the president.

Trump checked

On Saturday night, at least three suspects were killed following a terrorist attack at and around the London Bridge. As of press time, seven deaths have been confirmed, with dozens of innocent civilians left injured. In addition to the three suspects, eight others have been arrested in relation to the attack after authorities raided an east London flat owned by the terrorists in question.

After being briefed on what took place, Donald Trump sent out a pair of tweets, both with drastically different messages. One of Trump's tweets offered London help from the United States, while the other promoted his controversial travel ban. On Sunday morning, Trump returned to Twitter to insult the mayor of London, while lashing out at political correctness and mocking the fact that the terrorists didn't use guns. In response, author Stephen King and actor George Takei decided to give their thoughts in a series of Twitter posts on June 4.

President Trump appeared to misconstrue a statement while criticizing London Mayor Sadiq Khan over terror attack https://t.co/m3RRy6Pn1z pic.twitter.com/8x6ByQn0O1  CNN (@CNN) June 4, 2017

After Donald Trump fired off his tweets about the attacks in London, Stephen King sent out a short, but to the point reality check on the issue.

"If those London a**holes had had guns, the death toll would have been much higher," King wrote. In a follow-up tweet, the author added, "London lives. And thrives. And stands together. I love you guys. We all do."

If those London assholes had had guns, the death toll would have been much higher.  Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 4, 2017

London lives. And thrives. And stands together. I love you guys. We all do.  Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 4, 2017

Takei speaks

In addition to Stephen King, George Takei also chimed in on social media over Donald Trump and his reaction to the London terrorist attack.

"We need to not politicize terror. We need to show compassion while people are still in shock. We need to not make policy based on prejudice," Takei wrote.

We need to not politicize terror. We need to show compassion while people are still in shock. We need to not make policy based on prejudice. https://t.co/gWSwGa4yCl  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 4, 2017

Trump is chomping at the bit to exploit the first incident he can pin on terrorists within the U.S. Remember that if and when it happens.  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 4, 2017

"Trump is chomping at the bit to exploit the first incident he can pin on terrorists within the U.S.

Remember that if and when it happens," George Takei tweeted out. "Just imagine if they had easy, unfettered access to powerful semi-automatic weapons," Takei noted in response to Trump's tweet about gun control.

Just imagine if they had easy, unfettered access to powerful semi-automatic weapons. https://t.co/CjRib9YoxY  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 4, 2017

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. https://t.co/dWbMlpqVYO  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 4, 2017

Your lawyers JUST argued in federal court that it was not a Travel Ban, it was a "pause." Oops. #DeleteYourAccount pic.twitter.com/L3MtvIJ05B  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 4, 2017

"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," George Takei pointed out in response to Donald Trump taking the mayor of London's words out of context. "Your lawyers JUST argued in federal court that it was not a Travel Ban, it was a 'pause.' Oops. #DeleteYourAccount." The criticism wasn't isolated to just Takei and Stephen King as the president was once again tending on social media for all the wrong reasons.
Brazilian and Chinese officials have launched a joint Brazil-China investment promotion fund in order to increase productive capacity.

Representatives from Brazil's ministry of planning and the China Latin American Industrial Cooperation Investment Fund (Claifund) made the announcement on May 30, at the 2017 Brazil Investment Forum in Sao Paulo.

The fund, now in operation, will have an initial sum of $20 billion to finance investment projects in Brazil that are of interest to both countries.

At the signing ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Li Jinzhang said the fund is the result of a long-running joint effort and reaffirms the countries' strategic bilateral ties.

"The fund reflects a higher level of cooperation for both countries, as well as cooperation between China and Latin America," Li said. "It will create a new model of financial cooperation."

According to Dyogo Oliveira, Brazil's Planning Minister, commerce between China and Brazil has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years, as have investments as well. As one of the major countries investing in Brazil, China has helped significantly in the country's social development.

"China boosted its interest in Brazil by initiating the fund. It is an innovation in the cooperation of both countries," Oliveira said.

According to Li, the new fund will serve as a mechanism to promote investment by bringing the public and private sectors of both countries together on a variety of projects.

"As soon as the fund is established, both sides will be committed to various areas of cooperation under the agreement, including infrastructure, resource, equipment manufacturing and agriculture," said Li.

"Both sides fund together, manage together, discuss together and make decisions together," Li added.

The innovative mechanism is the first of its type in Latin America, as Brazil becomes the first country in the region to participate in a fund that is jointly governed by China.

"This launch is of particular importance as it confirms the mutual confidence Brazil and China share," said Oliveira. "It is taking place at a time when we and our international partners are seeking support for projects in infrastructure, energy and technology."

According to Brazilian President Michel Temer, who delivered a speech at the opening ceremonies of the Investment Forum, the country has emerged from severe economic recession since the first quarter of 2017.

"With the prices of goods and the jobs market back on track, the Brazilian government would like to send the signal that the economy has gone back to growth," said Temer.

"More than 40 countries have investments in Brazil, covering more than 20 fields," Temer said. "The government will promote reform in labor and social security in order to create a more convenient and safer environment for investors."

Li expressed confidence that the fund would play an important role in the productive capacity cooperation of the two countries.

According to the new agreement, projects approved by the fund's board of directors will receive financing from Claifund, the Brazilian Development Bank and Caixa Economica Federal, Brazil's federal savings bank.

According to the agreement, for every dollar put up by Brazil's financing sources, China will put up three, with the initial $20 billion comprised of $5 billion from Brazil and $15 billion from China. Both sides have said they are willing to provide more financing, if projects call for it.

Brazil's Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi also spoke highly of the fund. "China's trust toward Brazil is ever greater. Brazil is a great supplier of raw materials, trade is always growing. The fund is very important and goes in this direction," he said.

"If it finally becomes a successful project, this mode of cooperation will be copied in other countries as well. As far as I am concerned, this fund will undoubtedly be prosperous," said Li.

Oliveira said that China and Brazil should build more platforms of communication and promotion of interaction in a variety of areas.

"BRICS is stepping into its second decade, and the ninth meeting of BRICS leaders will take place in China's coastal city Xiamen in September," said Oliveira. "This is another important moment in the two countries' relationship."

China and Brazil established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012; three years later China became Brazil's leading trade partner.
US Department of Agriculture officials are scheduled to meet their counterparts in China this week as both nations prepare for the resumption of US beef exports to the mainland on July 16.

In May, China and the US reached new trade deals that partially open market access for a variety of industries, including beef, financial services and energy.

"I expect that the talks will focus on the final details of the access protocols (requirements) for US beef and perhaps any remaining issues related to plant certifications," said Derrell Peel, a professor at Oklahoma State University.

He believes that China will insist on some requirements for US beef. "I expect that access will have requirements for source verification as well as the exclusion or limitations of production technologies, especially beta agonists (growth promoting feed additives such as ractopamine) and possibly synthetic growth hormones," Peel said.

It appears that China is likely to require producers to document the locations where cattle raised for export to China are born and slaughtered, according to the USDA.

Ted Schroeder, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, said the lifting of the ban will be an important development for the US beef industry.

"US beef is produced for a higher-quality, higher-marbling market than the mostly grass fed beef produced by China's existing major import country sources," Schroeder said. "Canada is the only significant supplier to China of higher quality grain-fed beef and, the market potential for supplying grain-fed beef to China from the US will gain momentum."

Schroeder said if US exports to China increase quickly, US beef prices would increase a bit until the beef supply is adjusted. "Once US beef producers respond to these increased prices for cattle resulting from the exports and expand cattle production, the US consumer would see prices largely return to levels prior to the export market development," he said.

Peel said that he doesn't expect a specific quota or legal limitation to US beef imports, but he believes that the requirements China places on US imports will inherently limit the amount of US beef in China.

"I believe the Chinese market has very significant potential for US beef in the long run, but will be a work in progress and something of a moving target initially," he said.

Schroeder said Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay are the largest beef exporters in China now. China banned US beef in 2003 after an incident of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, in the state of Washington.

paulwelitzkin@chinadailyusa.com
Chinese scientists and enterprises should collaborate with Silicon Valley in major areas, especially in basic science research, for the benefit of mankind, said Zheng Xinli, a noted Chinese economist.

Collaboration between the two sides will be conducive to breakthroughs in fundamental research, which requires a tremendous amount of talent, materials and funding, said Zheng at the US-China New Economic Policies Conference held on Saturday in Burlingame, California.

"Significant breakthroughs are being made in such areas as quantum communication, life sciences and new materials. In some areas China enjoys advantages. It's doing just as well as Silicon Valley," said Zheng, vice-chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, and former senior advisor to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Last year, China launched the world's first quantum communication satellite. In the nuclear power arena, China is leading in the technology that will influence the energy crisis and climate change.

Compared to the US, China lacks innovative universities and the capability of training innovative students, which is the "shortest plank" (of a wooden bucket) for China, according to Zheng.

"China does not have well-developed venture capital and private equity systems. Monopoly profits lead state-owned enterprises to have little incentive for innovation," he said. "Most of the innovation happens with privately owned enterprises - two-thirds of the patents were filed by the private companies."

To learn from Silicon Valley's innovative experience and system will be a challenge for China to make reforms and progress in technology, he said.

Zheng also told the conference that China has two "bay areas" - the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and the Shanghai-Hangzhou Bay Area. Just like the San Francisco Bay Area, home to Silicon Valley, the two bay areas in China are expected to contribute to the country's scientific and technological research as well as economic development.

The San Francisco Bay Area provides a favorable environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, but the two bay areas in China are facing several problems that need to be addressed.

Urban-rural isolation and high housing prices are among the major problems that impede scientific and technological progress and healthy competition, said Zheng.

"The two bay areas in China should learn from the San Francisco Bay Area," he said.

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com
By Amy He in New York | China Daily USA | Updated: 2017-06-05 09:49

Resolution urges DPRK to abandon its nuclear ambitions immediately

The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Friday to extend sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in response to its repeated missile launches.

China and the US had jointly proposed a resolution blacklisting additional 15 DPRK entities and individuals, including Koryo Bank and the Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People's Army.

The resolution urged the DPRK to abandon its nuclear programs and cease all related activities immediately.

"The resolution adopted by the council today has demonstrated the united position of the international community against the development of nuclear and missile programs by the DPRK," said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN.

He said that China calls for the full implementation of Security Council resolutions related to the DPRK and reaching a settlement on the nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations.

China has "always insisted on the denuclearization of the [Korean] peninsula" and has "always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the peninsula", he said.

China previously proposed a dual-track solution to the issue through progress in denuclearization and the establishment of a peace mechanism. It also put forth the "suspension for suspension" proposal, which calls on the DPRK to suspend its nuclear missile activities while the US and Republic of Korea suspend their military exercises.

"These are pragmatic and feasible proposals which we hope will get serious consideration and constructive response by the parties concerned," Liu said. "On this part, China is open to helpful proposals by all parties."

He added that China will keep pushing for a resolution within the framework of the Six-Party Talks, which involve China, the US, the DPRK, the ROK, Japan and Russia.

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, said that "pressure will not cease until North Korea complies fully with this council's resolutions".

Foreign ministers had previously gathered to demand a cessation in the DPRK's activities and Friday's resolution "shows that these were not just words", she said.

The DPRK condemned the US again on Saturday over the US' launching of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) interception test, according to Xinhua.

The US launched a missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base in central California last Tuesday in a test meant to intercept an incoming ICBM over the Pacific, it was reported.

amyhe@chinadailyusa.com
Brazilian and Chinese officials have launched a joint Brazil-China investment promotion fund to increase productive capacity.

Representatives from Brazil's Ministry of Planning and the China Latin American Industrial Cooperation Investment Fund made the announcement on May 30, at the 2017 Brazil Investment Forum in Sao Paulo.

The fund, now in operation, will have an initial sum of $20 billion to finance investment projects in Brazil that are of interest to both countries.

At the signing ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Li Jinzhang said the fund is the result of a long-running joint effort and reaffirms the countries' strategic bilateral ties.

"The fund reflects a higher level of cooperation for both countries, as well as cooperation between China and Latin America," Li said. "It will create a new model of financial cooperation."

According to Dyogo Oliveira, Brazil's planning minister, commerce between China and Brazil has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years, as have investments. As one of the major countries investing in Brazil, China has helped significantly in the country's social development.

"China boosted its interest in Brazil by initiating the fund. It is an innovation in the cooperation of both countries," Oliveira said.

According to Li, the new fund will serve as a mechanism to promote investment by bringing the public and private sectors of both countries together on a variety of projects.

"As soon as the fund is established, both sides will be committed to various areas of cooperation under the agreement, including infrastructure, resource, equipment manufacturing and agriculture," said Li.

"Both sides fund together, manage together, discuss together and make decisions together," Li added.

The innovative mechanism is the first of its type in Latin America, as Brazil becomes the first country in the region to participate in a fund that is jointly governed by China.

"This launch is of particular importance as it confirms the mutual confidence Brazil and China share," said Oliveira. "It is taking place at a time when we and our international partners are seeking support for projects in infrastructure, energy and technology."

Li expressed confidence that the fund would play an important role in the productive capacity cooperation of the two countries.

According to the agreement, for every dollar put up by Brazil's financing sources, China will put up three, with the initial $20 billion comprised of $5 billion from Brazil and $15 billion from China. Both sides have said they are willing to provide more financing, if projects call for it.

Oliveira said that China and Brazil should build more platforms of communication.
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ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- Former national security adviser under President Obama, Susan Rice, said Russian President Vladimir Putin "is lying" by denying Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.



Rice in an exclusive interview on This Week Sunday was asked by ABC News Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos about Putin's recent statement that the Russian government didn't meddle in the U.S. election although patriotic Russians might have done so.



"Is that as close to an admission of guilt we're going to get form President Putin?" Stephanopoulos said.



I don't know what we'll hear from President Putin, George. But frankly, he's lying," Rice said. "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."



We need to understand exactly how and why that happened and whether or not there's any evidence to suggest that there were those on the American side who facilitated that meddling, she added.



Rice also said President Trumps approach to NATO helps further Putins objective of weakening the European alliance.



In his meeting with European leaders on his recent trip abroad, Trump drew attention by not explicitly endorsing NATO's Article 5, which requires all nations in the alliance to come to the defense of any member that is attacked.



That is exactly what Vladimir Putin wants, Rice 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 also commented on reports that the presidents senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, spoke with Russias ambassador to the U.S. during the transition period before Trump took office about setting up back-channel communications with Russia.



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, Rice said.



That's extraordinary, if not mind-boggling from the point of view of a national security professional. I have worked in this field for 25 years. And I have never heard of such a thing, Rice said.



The Russia investigation is also bringing new scrutiny to Rices time as national security adviser. The House Intelligence Committee's Republican chairman, Devin Nunes, has issued subpoenas to intelligence agencies for any information about Rice's efforts made to identify, or "unmask," individuals named in intelligence reports.



I don't have of course any objection to the agencies being responsive to congressional oversight," Rice told Stephanopoulos. "That's what they're expected to do, Rice said.



"I think what is unfortunate is that it appears that ... this subpoena was issued on a unilateral basis by the chairman, not on a bipartisan basis," she said.



Rice added that she has nothing to hide.



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, which is to protect the American people, to protect classified information, to protect civil liberties. That's what those documents will show, she said.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
HCM CITY  Vietnamese businesses will have their first look at new global agricultural technologies and equipment at the EIMA Agrimach India expo to be held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi in December.

The 2017 EIMA Agrimach India, the 5th International Exhibition & Conference on Agricultural Machineries, Equipment and Technologies, seeks to showcase the best and latest in agri-machineries besides providing an excellent opportunity for Indian and overseas players catering to the entire value chain through vertical-based national and international pavilions, according to the organisers.

Marco Acerbi, exhibitions department director of the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation (FEDERUNACOMA)  one of the organisers  said the machinery displayed at the show could be adapted for both the Indian and Vietnamese markets.

Jasmeet Singh, head of agriculture at the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), said India too, like Viet Nam, faced the challenge of small land holdings.

We have huge lands but cultivable lands for farming are fragmented.

He added FICCI was working with FEDERUNACOMA to launch all kinds of farm machinery in India and would like to do the same in Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  Lotte Duty Free, the travel retail arm of South Korean conglomerate Lotte Group, is making a foray into the Vietnamese market for the first time as a Korean duty-free retailer.

It seeks to diversify revenue sources after local outlets were hit hard by thinning Chinese visitors, according to pulsenews.

The company said last week it had opened in May a duty-free shop in a Nang, a popular tourist destination in Viet Nam. The shop called Phu Bkanh Duty Free was set up in a joint venture between Lotte and a Vietnamese company, with the Korean company holding a 60 per cent stake.

The 1,000-square metres outlet is situated in the a Nang International Airport. The store will be operational as early as August, said a Lotte Duty Free official.

Following the opening of the Phu Bkanh Duty Free, the Korean travel retail company plans to open additional stores in HCM City, Ha Noi and other major cities in Viet Nam.

Lotte Duty Free, which currently runs stores in Indonesia, Japan and Guam, plans to open another shop in Bangkok this month.  VNS
HCM CITY  Demand for organic farm and other products has increased significantly both in Viet Nam and globally, and this is good news for businesses investing in the field, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam said many countries had begun to adopt organic agricultural practices, and the area under organic farming is increasing.

In Viet Nam the area has increased by 3.6-fold since 2010 to more than 76,000ha now.

Though it is still very modest compared to the total farming area, businesses and organisations apply international organic standards, and certified organic products are exported to many markets, including the US and EU, he said.

According to the Viet Nam Organic Agriculture Association, the country exports small quantities of organic products like tea, shrimp, rice, cinnamon, anise, and attar.

There are also some successful organic models to grow tea and vegetables by Ecolink and Ecomart, vegetables by Organik a Lat, a unique thick-skinned orange in Tuyen Quang Province, rice by Ca Mau-based Vien Phu Green Farm and others.

In the domestic market, organic-certified products and products with environmental-friendly certification are increasingly seen in supermarket shelves, shops and websites, with cosmetics, milk, fruits and vegetables, attar, spices, coffee and tea being the most popular.

For instance, Organica, which sells imported and local fruits, vegetables and many other products, is a familiar address to many consumers in HCM City and a Nang.

Lotte Mart now has shelves for displaying organic products, mainly shampoo, facial cleansing milk and shower cream.

To meet the increasing demand for organic products, domestic retailers and businesses are seeking collaboration and investment opportunities in the organic agriculture sector to reduce costs.

Saigon Co.op recently unveiled four groups of products under the Co.op Organic brand: rice; cucumber, squash, tomato; choy sum, mustard green, water spinach; and basa fish fillet and black tiger shrimp.

The company invested in a 300ha organic farm in Ca Mau Province growing agricultural produce certified by the USDA, JAS of Japan, the EU, and Naturland, Diep Dung, Saigon Co.op chairman, said.

The co-operative recently signed agreements with Vinamit JSC, Germanys Binca Group, international organic certification organisation Control Union, Peterson Consultancy, and Vietwatch to develop its organic products to international standards.

Nguyen Lam Vien, general director of Vinamit Joint Stock Company, said signing the deal with Saigon Co.op would help promote locally-made organic products.

Dung said Saigon Co.op would continue to expand its list of both food and non-food organic items, and seek to become a leader of the organic production-processing-distribution- consumption chain in both the Vietnamese and export markets.

According to market research company Nielsen, more consumers want products that are good for their health and do not hurt the environment.

Experts said organic agriculture offers advantages like lack of pesticides residues, helping increase the value of agricultural and aquaculture products and having a greater likelihood of being accepted in choosy markets.

But companies in the field also face many challenges, they said.

Challenges

There is no domestic certification organisation for organic products and growers have to depend on foreign organisations.

Prof Dr Pham Van Bien, former director of the Institute of Agricultural Science for Southern Viet Nam, said "Viet Nam still lacks national standards and a comprehensive legal framework for production, certification and quality control of organic agricultural products. The Government should soon have in place policies, mechanisms and a national standard system to make it easy for businesses and farmers".

Nam said his ministry had worked with relevant ministries to counsel the Government in setting up a legal framework and national standards for organic farming to boost organic agriculture and building brands for organic products.

The country has enough natural and social conditions to develop organic farming, especially products like vegetables, fruits, rice, tea, and fisheries, he said.

Existing and proposed free trade agreements would bring opportunities for exports, especially of organic produce, he added.  VNS
HCM City  Price competition between traditional taxis and ride hailing companies like Grab and Uber has become fierce, but it is mostly the drivers on both sides who are suffering the biggest losses.

Grab and Uber continue to offer huge discounts to passengers to grab market share from traditional taxis.

They are 25  50 per cent cheaper than traditional taxis, and passengers are informed before the ride how much it will cost them.

Grab and Uber have changed the public transport market, Le Trong Thanh, a traditional taxi driver, said.

Traditional taxis have to follow many regulations and pay lots of fees, but not Grab and Uber.

ao Van Long, another traditional taxi driver, said, With their current prices, Grab and Uber put up with losses to eliminate traditional taxis.

Under intense price pressure from Grab and Uber, many traditional taxi companies have also changed their policies. Like Uber and Grab, traditional taxi companies now rent out their taxis instead of signing labour contracts with their drivers. The drivers thus lose their benefits like social and health insurance.

Vinasun, one of the biggest taxi companies, has recently signed contracts renting its cars to drivers.

Ive just re-signed a contract with Vinasun, Nguyen Hung Tuan said, worried.

From now on every day I have to pay VN800,000 (US$35) to the company.

He revealed that if drivers rent the cars before May they would get VN100,000 ($4.5) per day in support from company.

Vinasuns turnover has reduced by 30 per cent because Grab and Uber undercut its prices, Ta Long Hy, director of Vinasun, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

He revealed that his drivers incomes have also fallen by 30 per cent and now they only earn VN5  6 million ($220-250) a month.

Twenty per cent of our drivers have quit.

Another major taxi company, Mai Linh, encourages drivers to buy a new car and run it under the companys colours.

All these have put pressure on drivers, and customers are benefiting, Nguyen Thanh Hung, a traditional taxi driver, said.

Taxi drivers will not be able to buy accident insurance.

With the financial pressure of renting their taxi, drivers have less time to rest and this could cause more accidents, he said.

Ride hailing drivers too face risk

The number of cars signing up with Grab and Uber has increased sharply, causing a severe loss of income for drivers.

When Grab and Uber first came, many people borrowed money from banks to buy cars and sign up with them. In the beginning they could earn VN20  30 million a month ($900-1,200), but incomes have since gone down sharply.

Bui Tan Cao quit his job at a construction company a year ago, borrowed VN300 million ($13,300) from a bank, and signed up with Uber.

A year later his income has fallen 30 per cent to around VN800,000 ($35) a day because there are too many Grab and Uber cars.

Cao drives for both Grab and Uber to make a living.

Nguyen Phuong, owner of a transportation company in District 2, is worrying about his 12 cars which used to run for the two ride hailing companies.

Last year he sold his two trucks, borrowed some money from a bank and also persuaded some friends, which added up to 12 cars. In the first few months he could earn VN30-40 million ($1,200 - 1,800) a month, but sine then his income has fallen and 40 per cent of the drivers have quit. Now he rents out his cars for VN400,000  800,000 ($17 -35) a day, yet only four of them are running. The other eight remain in the garage.

I drive 16 hours a day and only earn VN300,000 ($12) a day after expenses, Nguyen Minh Phong, a Grab driver, said.

Public transportation pressure

It is undeniable that Grab and Uber have benefited customers, but they have also contributed to worsening traffic by having many cars operating on the streets.

The severe traffic congestion around Tan Son Nhat airport is partly caused by Grab and Uber cars, many of which cruise around to wait for customers, a Southern Airport Authority official said.

Ta Long Hy, director of Vinasun and chairman of the HCM City Taxi Association, demanded equal treatment for traditional taxi and ride hailing companies.

He said since 2010 only 11,000 taxis were licensed in HCM City, but now it allowed 20,000 cars to be operated by Grab and Uber.

o Quoc Binh, chairman of the Ha Noi Taxi Association, made a similar point.

Economist Ngo Tri Long said: This is an opportunity to create a fair business environment for taxis.

Grab has been licensed on a trial basis for two years in five cities and provinces -- Ha Noi, HCM City, a Nang, Quang Ninh, and Khanh Hoa.

Uber was allowed to operate on a trial basis by the Ministry of Transport but the company has yet to complete incorporation procedures and is now operating "illegally". -- VNS
TOKYO  Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company Limited (MUL) will finance Vietjets acquisition of three brand new A321 aircraft, worth US$348 million.

The loan followed an agreement inked between the two sides in Tokyo on Monday in the presence of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and high-ranking dignitaries from Viet Nam and Japan.

The three aircraft are part of the A320 family aircraft contract signed between Vietjet and European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

Vietjet will receive the aircraft this year to meet expansion plans for the airlines flight network. The airline has so far taken delivery of more than 20 brand new A321s and A320s.

Under the agreement, Vietjet and MUL - a member of Japans leading finance group Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group - will also work together to share best practices for the operation of airlines.

On the same day, Vietjet announced a three-day promotion, with 800,000 promotional tickets priced from zero dollars available from Tuesday.

The discounted airfares will be applied for all international routes from Viet Nam to Seoul and Busan (South Korea), Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Taipei, Taichung and Tainan (Taiwan), Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Yangon (Myanmar) and Siem Reap (Cambodia) with travel time from August 1 to December 31.

Customers successfully booking tickets at www.vietjetair.com with instant payment from now to June 15 will also join the lucky draw for the gifts of mobile phone top-up cards and air ticket promotion codes at summerwin.vietjetair.com. -VNS
TOKYO  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met representatives of many major Japanese enterprises in Tokyo on Monday, as part of his official visit to Japan.

The Japanese business representatives appreciated Viet Nams development potential in various spheres, noting with satisfaction the thriving extensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

An executive of J-Power introduced the groups strength and capacity, along with its modern and environment-friendly technologies, and said it wanted to continue investing in coal electricity in Viet Nam.

Leaders of Capital Partners Securities and Daiwa Securities noted they had carried out a number of projects in securities and finance, along with cultural exchanges in Viet Nam. They hoped the meeting would create favourable conditions for their investment and co-operation activities with the country in the future.

The Japanese entrepreneurs also voiced their hope that PM Phuc would continue facilitating their firms production and business activities in Viet Nam.

At the meeting, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh applauded J-Powers intention to expand investment in energy, adding that coal power was important to Viet Nam, as other energy sources were nearing the limit level, while renewable energy was in the initial phase in the country.

He noted the special attention given by the Vietnamese Government to environment protection while developing coal power.

Speaking at the working session, PM Phuc said it was a good time for Japanese enterprises to invest in Viet Nam, as the two countries had reached high-level agreements on boosting co-operation.

He said that Japan was the top supplier of Official Development Assistance, the third largest source of tourist arrivals and the fourth largest trade partner of Viet Nam, and bilateral co-operative potential between the two remained huge.

Viet Nam is striving for rapid and sustainable development, so that the demand for energy and finance for economic growth is extremely high, he said, adding that the Vietnamese Government was pursuing the goal of a transparent and constructive Cabinet which would best serve investors.

The PM assured the Japanese business community that Viet Nam considered the private sector and foreign direct investment important resources for the development of the country.

He asked Japanese firms to work closely with the Vietnamese ministries of Planning and Investment, and Industry and Trade to accelerate projects in Viet Nam, particularly those regarding infrastructure and power energy for production and consumption.

Urging Japanese investors to engage in equitisation of State-owned enterprises in Viet Nam, the leader said the Government was carrying out the policy to reduce State control and withdraw capital from many areas, including energy, finance and banking, which would open up many opportunities for Japanese investors.

PM Phuc also hoped to promote cultural co-operation between the two countries.

Later, the PM hosted receptions for Yuji Nakamine, a member of the board of directors and General Director for Asia, Europe, Pacific, the Middle East and Africa of Mazda, and President and CEO of Route Inn Katsutoshi Nagayama.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Finance has issued a circular to guide the implementation of Decree 69/2016/N-CP on conditions for debt trading.

Under Circular 53/2017/TT-BTC, which will take effect from July 3, debt traders must meet regulations issued in Decree 69/2016/N-CP, dated July 1, 2016.

As per the decree, debt traders must have at least VN100 billion (US$4.38 million) in charter or investment capital.

Besides, debt buyers and sellers must not be related parties under the Enterprise Law; and debts cannot be used as collaterals for civil liabilities at the time of debt trading.

The trading of debts must also be under written contracts, which must specify the rights and obligations of debt buyers and sellers.

Debt trading companies must not receive loans or guarantees of credit institutions and foreign bank branches to buy debts from these lenders other borrowers.

Finally, debt buyers and sellers and related parties must observe current regulations on foreign exchange management, in case the debt trading has a foreign lending/borrowing link and requires foreign currency in transactions.

As per the new circular, debt trading enterprises that were set up before July 1, 2016, when Decree 69/2016/N-CP took effect, must meet the decrees requirements before June 1, 2017, and report it to the business licensing agency. If they fail to meet the conditions, they must stop operations and report the closure to the agency.  VNS
by Dr Brian McNaull*

August through November, the so-called wet months in Ha Noi, are prime season for mosquito-borne diseases, the number of dengue fever cases in the capital has increased since the beginning of this year.

Dengue (DENG-gay) fever is a mosquito-borne disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Mild dengue fever causes high fever, rash, and muscle and joint pain. A severe form of dengue fever, also called dengue hemorrhagic fever, can cause severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock) and death.

Millions of cases of dengue infection occur worldwide each year. Dengue fever is most common in Southeast Asia and the western Pacific islands, but the disease has also been showing up more frequently in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Symptoms

Many people, especially children and teens, may experience no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they usually begin 3 to 10 days after the infected mosquito bite. These most commonly include:

Fever, up to 106 F (41 C)

Headaches

Muscle, bone and joint pain

Pain behind the eyes

You might also experience:

Widespread rash

Nausea and vomiting

Minor gum and nose bleed

Most people recover within a week or so. In rare cases, however, symptoms worsen and can become life-threatening with bleeding from the nose and mouth, severe abdominal pain and bleeding under the skin, which may look like bruising

Immunity

Dengue fever is caused by any one of four dengue viruses spread by mosquitoes that thrive in and near human lodgings. When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, it becomes a carrier and then infects someone else it bites.

After youve recovered from dengue fever, you have immunity to the virus that infected you  but not to the other three dengue viruses. The risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever increases if youre infected a second, third or fourth time.

Risk factors

Living or travelling in tropical areas, especially in high-risk areas, such as Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean  increases your risk of exposure to the virus.

Prior infection with a dengue fever virus increases your risk of severe symptoms if youre infected a second time. This is especially true for children.

Complications?

In rare cases, dengue fever can damage the lungs, liver or heart. Blood pressure can drop to dangerous levels, causing shock and, in some cases, death.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing dengue fever can be difficult, because its signs and symptoms can be easily confused with those of other diseases  such as malaria, leptospirosis and typhoid fever.

Your doctor will likely ask about your medical and travel history. Certain laboratory tests can detect evidence of the dengue viruses

Treatment

No specific treatment for dengue fever exists. Your doctor may recommend that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration from vomiting and high fever. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can alleviate pain and reduce fever. Avoid pain relievers that can increase bleeding complications  such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).

If you have severe dengue fever, you may need:

Supportive hospital care

Intravenous (IV) fluid and electrolyte replacement

Blood pressure monitoring

Transfusion to replace blood loss

Prevention

A dengue fever vaccine is in development, but isnt generally available. If you are living or traveling in tropical areas where dengue fever is common, these tips may help reduce your risk of mosquito bites:

- Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened housing: Its particularly important to keep mosquitoes out at night.

- Reschedule outdoor activities: Avoid being outdoors at dawn, dusk and early evening, when more mosquitoes are out.

- Wear protective clothing: When you go into mosquito-infested areas, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes.

- Use mosquito repellent: Permethrin can be applied to your clothing, shoes, camping gear and bed netting. You can also buy clothing made with permethrin already in it. For your skin, use a repellent containing at least a 10 percent concentration of DEET.

- Reduce mosquito habitat: The mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus typically live in and around houses, breeding in standing water that can collect in such things as used automobile tires. Reduce the breeding habitat to lower mosquito populations.  Family Medical Practice Vietnam

* Dr William Brian McNaull serves as Medical Director at Family Medical Practice Hanoi. He brings extensive experience to the practice.

For more advice on any medical topics, visit Family Medical Practice Hanoi on 298 I Kim Ma, Ba inh, Tel: (04 or 024 from June 17th) 3843 0748 and hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com.

FMPs downtown HCM City location is at Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, District 1; Other facilities are at: 95 Thao ien Street, District 2. Tel: (08) 38227848. E:hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com

FMP Danang is located at 96-98 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Hai Chau District, a Nang. Tel: (0236) 3582 699. E: danang@vietnammedicalpractice.com.
In a message on the occasion of Denmarks Constitution Day, June 5, Ambassador Charlotte Laursen asserts that the country will play an active role in Viet Nams future development.

Denmarks Constitution of 1849 marked the beginning of the Danish democratic system and culture. The charter established Denmark as a constitutional monarchy and defined our fundamental civil rights, including the freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Fast-forward to 2017, our constitution and its imbedded values remain the foundation of our society and our position in a globalised world. That is why we celebrate the Danish Constitution Day today.

Partners through knowledge sharing

On the global scene, Denmark is an active partner. We aim to contribute to topics and sectors in which we have special skills, know-how or experience, no matter if these are with the State or with private companies. Some of these topics and sectors are energy, environment, food safety, health and education, which also happen to be selected as focus areas for the new Viet Nam-Denmark strategic sector co-operation, as also sectors where we have strong commercial co-operation with Viet Nam.

Over the years, Viet Nam-Denmark co-operation has been strengthened through official development assistance (ODA) with a focus on poverty reduction, capacity building, environmental protection, etc. Denmark has contributed US$1.3 billion in ODA grants since 1993.

Though our co-operation has changed, Denmark continues to be a committed and active partner in Viet Nams future growth and development.

With the relatively new tool, strategic sector co-operation, introduced in 2015 under the Partnering with Denmark concept, we are able to focus more on matching modern Danish technology and know-how with Viet Nams goal of becoming a higher middle-income country by 2035.

It is a partnership of knowledge sharing and technical assistance between Vietnamese and Danish ministries with the aim of promoting sustainable and responsible growth in tandem with creating jobs and prosperity in both countries.

The selection procedure for the sectors under this initiative has been meticulous and the interest among Danish ministries for co-operating with Viet Nam was both very positive and very strong. Four Danish ministries were selected in the end for the new type of bilateral co-operation.

Following thorough discussions on Viet Nams strategic needs, the ministries of both countries have approved four projects. Two growth counsellors have joined the embassy to initiate and support implementation of these projects. The focus on food safety, environment, health and vocational education is obviously very broad, but a considerable joint Vietnamese-Danish effort has been devoted to carving out the specific areas of co-operation and intervention, which is quite encouraging and a first step to success.

In early May, the Danish Minister for Development Co-operation, Ulla Trns, visited Viet Nam, cementing our good bilateral strategic partnership and underlining Denmarks commitment  especially within the Strategic Sector Co-operation.

Partners through trade

The rapid development of bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Denmark is another way in which we are an active partner. In fact, the total value of bilateral trade in goods increased more than four times between 2005 and 2015 and Danish investments in Viet Nam nearly tripled during this period. Denmark has become the regions largest per capita exporter of goods to Viet Nam, at 65 euros in 2016.

The figures illustrate the strong interest of Danish companies in doing business in Viet Nam. Today over 130 Danish companies are established in Viet Nam, with a majority in the area of production, thanks to Viet Nams diligent and qualified workforce.

Famous Danish production companies in Viet Nam are operating in textiles, footwear, furniture, electronics and software. These companies include ECCO (shoes), Scancom (furniture) and Sonion (hearing aids).

Another example of success is the retail company JYSK, which has opened a number of furniture shops in both Ha Noi and HCM City.

But Danish exports to Viet Nam also include live breeding pigs, large scale pig farming equipment and animal feed, thereby supporting food safety in the Vietnamese value chain. We also help with environmentally-friendly solutions like energy efficient pumps for the water management sector, and windmills for production of clean energy. These, and many other similar Danish products and solutions support Viet Nam in turning its high growth rates into sustainable development.

On the top of this, Denmark has proven experience and technical solutions in key areas like flood control and solid waste management, which can support sustainable development of large Vietnamese cities. We therefore hope more Danish companies will look towards Viet Nam and enhance commerce and investment co-operation.

The outlook is positive for Danish businesses and other EU companies in Viet Nam with the new EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) expected to come into effect in 2018. The EVFTA represents an important platform for co-operation between our two countries and we strongly believe that the pact will deliver mutual benefit.

Denmark stands ready to continue working with Viet Nam on the challenges and solutions ahead. We will remain a committed and active partner in Viet Nams future development.  VNS
ISTANBUL  Veteran Spanish anti-Franco writer Juan Goytisolo, one of Spains most celebrated writers of the postwar period, died Sunday aged 86, his agent said.

The novelist and essayist, who won the Cervantes Prize  Spains version of the Nobel  in 2014, died in Marrakesh, Morocco, "surrounded by his loved ones," said the Carmen Balcells agency in a statement.

A member of Spains Royal Academy, he had suffered from health problems for some months, including a fractured hip which had forced him to use a wheelchair

He was born in 1931 in Barcelona to a bourgeois family. His mother was killed when he was seven, in an air raid by the forces of right-wing General Francisco Franco during the civil war.

He went into exile in France due to his "total disagreement" with the Franco regime and the censorship it imposed.

He flirted with the communist party during the late 1950s, which brought him a four-month jail term, but he was inspired more by his opposition to the Franco dictatorship than by proletarian conviction.

He began writing at the age of 11, encouraged by his uncle Luis, and his first novels were published after attending law school.

In Las Afueras (1958) and Las Mismas Palabras (1962) he displayed literary traits that would appear in later works: the importance of dialogue, the absence of a main character, multiple points of view.

This complexity was again in evidence in his tetralogy Antigonia, his most celebrated work. Set in the youth culture of Barcelona in the 1950s and 1960s, it is made up of Recuento (1973), Los Verdes de Mayo Hasta el Mar (1976), La Colera de Aquiles (1979) et Teoria del Conocimiento (1981).

Goytisolo explores life in all its facets, from childhood to death, in a complex mixture of memories, introspection and reflections on the work of a writer.  AFP
Nguyen Viet Tien, Deputy Minister of Health, speaks to Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam (Viet Nam Economic Times) about challenges the health sector faces when importing second-hand high tech medical equipment.

What are the main reasons why many patients in rural areas prefer to have medical checks or treatment in Ha Noi hospitals rather than facilities near their home?

I dont think the poor equipment in rural areas makes them go to Ha Noi for health checks or treatment. Nowadays, medical equipment in provincial or district health clinics is much better than in the past. But, medical treatment results depend very much on the quality of the health workers working in the clinics. I agree that medical facilities are only a part of low quality service. But health workers, including doctors skills, are key factors for high quality service.

At present our health sector has quite a good contingent of medical staff with good skills. However, most of them work at medical facilities/hospitals in Ha Noi or major cities. On the other hand, the professional skills of many medical practitioners in provinces are not up to patients expectations. This is a key reason why in serious cases, local hospitals have to refer patients to central hospitals. The Ministry of Health knows about this problem and has discussed plans on how to solve it.

Do you mean that our medical equipment has improved a lot?

Compared with the past, our health services have improved considerably in recent years. To meet peoples increasing demand, particularly for the treatment of serious diseases, we need good and high-tech equipment and facilities. I have to admit that so far we have not fulfilled this demand. In the long run, we have to seek help from inside and outside the country to improve our services.

The governments investment in the health sector is still limited, so we have adopted a policy to mobilise private financing through users fees and investment capital in the health sector. This idea is known in Viet Nam as socialising health care. I think that socialising the health sector will help it sector improve services to cater to peoples needs.

I hope in the near future, many foreign investors will work with us in giving the best healthcare services.

No doubt, with high quality medical staff and good facilities, our health services will be up to high standards.

Some say that the socialising health care has caused problems in patients health checks due to imports of low quality second-hand medical equipment. How do you respond to that?

I dont disagree with that. In the past, among non-refundable foreign aid to our country was a lot of used medical equipment. But the quality was still very good. But nowadays, Viet Nam has become a middle income country and the story of non-refundable foreign aid became a story of the past. However, imports of second hand medical equipment have continued through the black market.

Worse still, in some cases, importers have written in customs declarations that the equipment is brand new. But in fact they are second-hand goods. Then this medical equipment is illegally installed in hospitals.

Principally speaking, no legal documents dictate that only brand new medical equipment can be used in medical facilities, but in reality, tests using these imported machines often consume more chemicals than brand new ones. As a result, the added costs from the tests fall on the patients. Thats why we have tightened our control from the stage of import of medical machines and equipment.

Another point I want to mention is that socialising health service is a good Government decision. Yet, all hospitals or health facilities should carefully check the quality of the machines/equipments in their hospitals which come from their partners. We should maintain the principle of nothing but the best for the patients!  VNS
TOKYO  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, his spouse and a high-ranking government delegation arrived in Japan yesterday, beginning a five-day official visit to the country to attend the 23rd International Conference on the Future of Asia, at the invitation of Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.

PM Phuc yesterday visited the Viet Nam Embassy and talked with the Vietnamese community in Japan.

He spoke highly of the sound performance and contributions the embassy has made in boosting Viet Nam  Japan strategic partnership across multiple fields.

The PM said co-operation potential between the two countries remains extensive, based on mutual trust and their respective strengths to supplement each other.

He asked the embassy and Vietnamese expats to promote bilateral co-operation programmes in all fields.

The PM recommended the embassy to implement the protection of Vietnamese nationals in Japan and support expatriates in living and studying.

As scheduled, an official welcome ceremony and talks between PM Phuc and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will take place tomorrow.

During his stay, the Vietnamese Government leader will deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the 23rd International Conference on the Future of Asia and have a dialogue with participants.

He will preside over an investment promotion conference in Tokyo and witness the signing of cooperation agreements between ministries, sectors and enterprises of the two countries.

The Vietnamese official will also meet with local officials of Japan, and representatives from the Japan-Viet Nam Friendship Association and trade organisations.-VNS
HCM CITY  The Government has issued a decree containing preferential policies to support production, trading and infrastructure development in industrial clusters and craft villages.

Decree No 68/2017/N-CP calls for providing investment projects preferential credit of up to 70 per cent of cost.

Projects in industrial clusters are exempted from land rents for seven years, which goes up to 11 years for technical infrastructure projects.

In craft village clusters, projects are exempt for 11 years and 15 years.

Local budgets will support the relocation of enterprises, co-operatives, households and individual-owned businesses from craft villages to craft village clusters.

The central and local budgets will prioritise support for technical infrastructure in craft village clusters.

The decree takes effect on July 15 this year.  VNS
HCM CITY  As more start-ups have been established, HCM Citys labour demand has increased, with 25,000 permanent and 7,000 temporary jobs that need to be filled in June.

The main fields looking for workers are: sales, textiles, footwear, mechanics, automation, IT, transport, import-export, travel services and real estate, according to the citys Centre for Forecasting Manpower Needs and Labour Market Information (Falmi).

Workers with a college or university degree make up 30.7 per cent of recruitment needs and those with an intermediate degree 18.9 per cent.

In May, Falmi conducted a survey of 4,277 companies with a total of 49,105 vacancies.

The survey found that mechanical engineering/automation and IT sectors have an increased need for experienced workers.

Forty-four per cent of the jobs in the mechanical engineering/automation field need experienced workers, with 33 per cent of the jobs requiring at least one year of experience. More than 9 per cent of workers in the field need to have two to five years of experience, and 1.4 per cent five years of experience or more.

Companies that need to recruit web designers and programmers, and other positions with similar skills, require at least one year of experience.

The jobs attracting the most applicants were in accounting/auditing, marketing, administration, transport, import-export, architecture, IT and human resources, according to Falmi.

More than 75 per cent of the people applying for jobs such as accountant, human resources manager, directors assistant and electrical engineer had a university or college degree.

Falmi also on Thursday reported that in the first four months of the year, nearly 42,000 people claimed unemployment allowance, with the figure predicted to increase next month.

In April alone, nearly 14,000 registered as unemployed, said Nguyen Cao Thang, deputy director of HCM City Jobs Placement Centre.

In the first four months, HCM City spent more than VN653 billion (US$29 million) in unemployment allowance.

Many workers register for benefits from April to October every year, because after the Tet holiday, they want to find a better job with higher income, according to Thang.  VNS
HCM City  The HCM City Peoples Committee has notified the Ministry of Construction that it agrees with the ministrys master plan to boost capacity by up to 40 per cent at Tan Son Nhat Airport.

According to the master plan, Tan Son Nhat Airport would add a runway, a terminal (T4) with a capacity of 15 million passengers and an air plane parking and technical maintenance area to welcome 43-45 million passengers each year. About 32.5 million passengers passed through the airport in 2016.

The city requested information from the ministry about managing the impact the expansion will have on urban traffic after the airport successfully expanded by 2024.

In addition, because the current urban infrastructure wont be able to serve 43-45 million passengers a year coming through Tan Son Nhat Airport, the city has required the Ministry of Transport to ask the Prime Minister to give permission to the city to adjust urban traffic around the airport.

This move is expected to ensure traffic flow around the airport,while best using the airport and minimising the impacts to current residential areas.

The city also suggested the Ministry of Transport consider the Hy Vong canal as the main water drainage for Tan Son Nhat Airport because the A41 canal that was built is able to handle a limited amount of water. -- VNS
HCM CITY  HCM City Department of Health has instructed managers of public and private hospitals to strengthen the close supervision of dialysis operations after seven people died when they received dialysis treatment at a northern hospital late May.

Deputy head of the city Department of Health, Tang Chi Thuong, ordered that hospitals should check and improve the dialysis process to ensure safety and limit incidents which could harm patients.

These hospitals should prescribe the dialysis process for patients under Ministry of Healths guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases relating to kidneys and the urinary tract.

They should carefully check the health status of patients before dialysis, Thuong said.

In the technical process, they should point out the way to operate dialysis machines and the potential complications that can occur during dialysis treatment and how to prevent and deal with them, he added.

The control process for contaminating bacteria before, during and after dialysis should be obeyed, he said.

According to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, the Department of Health last Friday ordered a halt of the dialysis treatment at Vu Anh International General Hospital because the hospital had changed the doctors who work in its dialysis division.

Doctors need to be verified to ensure they have the professional capacity to perform the process of dialysis treatment, according to the department.

The department will check and verify the hospital before allowing it to operate again.

Thu uc District Hospital, which provides dialysis treatment to 130 patients, for example, checked the whole process of dialysis, following the departments requirement.

The hospital, which is the first health facility in the country to provide dialysis to 10 patients at the health centre in Binh Chieu Ward, also stopped this activity to improve its facility there.

Dr Pham Huu Quoc, head of Go Vap District General Hospital, told Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Sai Gon) newspaper that the dialysis treatment started to be provided to patients at the beginning of the year.

Now, the hospital has 50 patients getting dialysis, Quoc said, adding that carefully checking the technical process for dialysis has to be done every day. VNS
HA NOI  Both employers and employees need to change their attitude and approach to improve the very low rate of social insurance coverage in the country, experts say.

A survey commissioned by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs found just 23 per cent of the nations labour force receiving any social insurance coverage in 2015, with the figure for salaried workers also a low 58 per cent.

The survey results were presented at a conference held in Ha Noi last Friday by the Labour Ministry and the International Labour Organisation.

The survey showed that the social insurance coverage rate in some sectors was very low. In the construction sector, for instance, just six per cent of salaried workers were covered, while 20 per cent received coverage in the furniture and bamboo craft sector.

Paulette Casttel, an expert with the International Labour Organisation in Viet Nam, said that although the social security system had been open to private sector workers for more than 20 years, the share of retired people from the private sector in the total number of old-age pensioners was growing very slowly.

The rate of participants in voluntary social insurance scheme in Viet Nam remained low, she said, adding that there was a high incidence of early withdrawal when employees retired or otherwise left.

Regarding low social insurance coverage in the construction and bamboo sectors, she said research showed that these sectors tended to use a lot of temporary workers hired by verbal agreement, or provide day-to-day work, only keeping a small core of permanent workers.

In the companies view, only the permanent employees were entitled to labor contracts and social security coverage, she said.

And even among the workers, it had been seen that there was a strong preference for short-term income gains than social benefits, she added.

Nguyen Thi Dieu Hong, a social security consultant, said that lack of interconnections between compulsory and voluntary social insurance schemes, as also schemes within the social protection system were key reasons for the low rate of social insurance coverage in Viet Nam.

Weak enforcement of the Law on Social Insurance and weak compliance by businesses also led to high social insurance payment debt, particularly among non-State businesses, she said.

Low awareness among workers about the meaning and benefits of social insurance also kept them outside the system.

Hong suggested that authorities encourage the peoples ability to self-guarantee social protection by developing a multi-tier social insurance system with links between compulsory and voluntary social insurance. The system should be funded and developed with citizens contributions and the States supports and guarantees.

Strengthening communication to raise the awareness and importance of social protection policies in general and social insurance policies in particular was also needed, she said.

She also suggested the establishment of an enterprise satisfaction index on social insurance administrative procedures and for studies to be conducted on limitations in social insurance participation of various stakeholders. This would enable evidence-based adjustments to legislation and statutory documents, she said.

Casttel of the ILO recommended that authorities co-operate with trade unions and business associations to increase workers awareness about social rights (fringe benefits, paid holidays, etc.), including social security; rights and obligations. This would reduce fear and anxiety among workers and increase their interest in social insurance schemes, she said

In order to reduce fears of non-compliant competitors, it was necessary to organise compliance drives on geographical basis and target specific sectors and co-ordinate the actions with employers organisations, she said.

For enterprises that are not registered, a transitional period can be allowed for small firms to join social security schemes. Small firms should also be supported to join with access to credit and relevant training, etc, she added.

Viet Nam has set a target of having half its labour force covered by social insurance by 2020. - VNS
A NANG  The HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155), an Anzac-class Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate, arrived at the central citys Tien Sa Port yesterday, beginning its four-day friendship visit to the city.

The ships 166 crew members will take part in sport exchanges and make visits to Navy Zone 3, Military Zone 5, the citys Military Commander and the citys Border Guard Force. They will also tour the city and nearby destinations.

Before leaving on Thursday, the Australian Navy ship and its members will have joint-sea activities with the Vietnamese Navy. VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs (MoLISA) must re-examine the operation of vocational training centres to curb financial waste, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong inh Hue has said.

Noting that the training centres, especially the district-level ones, were left unused or abandoned, he made the request at the conference on renewing the operation mechanism of public units on Friday.

Reports from the ministry showed that there were nearly 1,990 vocational training institutes in the country. Of these, about 1,340 were State-owned, accounting for 67 per cent of the total centres. Most of the institutes were located in delta regions.

The number of teachers and managers in vocational training institutes were 91,555 people. Of them, about 71,770 were working for State-owned institutes, accounting for 78 per cent of the total strength.

Luong Minh Hien, principal of the Lilama 2 International Technology College under the Ministry of Construction, said that some institutes should be managed by the ministry, instead of local authorities to ensure professional quality.

Specifically, the ministry must manage certain schools through the school board to avoid disturbing the governing authority of the principals.

Hien said technical institutes should be self-reliant and adjust its enrolment based on market demand.

In reply to Hiens opinion, Deputy PM Hue said it would be difficult for some schools, especially those in the mountainous areas and islands, to be self-reliant. "These schools still need the States support," he added.

In addition to these, Hue said the ministry was proposing the formation of key vocational schools. He asked the ministry to make sure only schools that could be self-reliant were given licences to operate.

ao Ngoc Dung, Minister of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs, said that there were five self-reliant institutes. Some vocational schools have started applying for local autonomy in terms of finance, organisational structure and management. However, they had not been approved by local authorities.

He cited Thai Binh Medical School as an example. The provincial Peoples Committee granted only VN 1.5 billion (US$66,045) each year, and the school had been self-reliant, but had not been approved officially by the committee.

At the conference, Deputy PM Hue asked the ministry to evaluate the current organisation and operation of vocational training institutes, especially district-level ones, in terms of its scale, its ability to meet social needs and human resources training for industrialisation. Hue affirmed that the State encouraged and created conditions for all vocational institutes to implement the mechanism of autonomy and self-responsibility, of which the most important was to be self-financed.  VNS
PHU YEN  Seamen caught a bluefin tuna weighing 240kg in the sea off the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago on Sunday.

Huynh Van Quy, a seaman who was part of the fishing trip, said that after going out to the sea, the seamen caught more than 20 tunas, and on May 28, they caught the 240kg bluefin tuna.

It took the seamen three hours to take the bluefin tuna to the ships hold and put it into the frozen store. The ship then returned to land immediately. However, because of the southern wind, the ship could go at the speed of only two nautical miles per hours, so it took them more than five days and six nights to reach the land.

After receiving the information, many enterprises specialising in processing tuna asked the seamen to sell them the bluefin tuna. Thoai Khoa Enterprise from Tuy Hoa City in the central province of Phu Yen, paid VN66 million (US$2,900)  three times higher than the market prices  for the bluefin tuna.

On June 3, Ben Vung Co Ltd, based in the central province of Khanh Hoa, bought the bluefin tuna from Thoai Khoa Enterprise to process it for export.

Barry Cohan, an expert from the Ben Vung Co Ltd, told the Cong An TP HCM (HCM City Police) newspaper that bluefin tunas were often found in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean with an average weight of about 150kg each.

The fish could live for 40 years and dive at the depth of more than 1,200m, he said.

It was the biggest tuna Barry Cohan had ever seen.  VNS
HA NOI  Ha Noi, HCM City, Hai Phong, a Nang and Can Tho will be the first five cities in the country to sell plate numbers at an auction.

The Traffic Police Department, under the Ministry of Public Security, said that this is a pilot programme for which the ministry has got approval.

Learning from the experience of other countries that have implemented similar programmes, the ministry will choose interesting/attractive licence plate numbers, which are believed to bring luck or fortune to owners, and put them up for auction.

Other number plates will be chosen at random, as usual.

The scheme hopes to limit the giving and receiving of bribes for the issuance of plate numbers, and to increase the States income.

The auction will be organised at public places in different cities. People participating in the auction must pay a deposit in advance; the money will be regulated by the provincial and municipal peoples committees.

The proposal of auctioning plate numbers was submitted years ago, in 1993, but until now the plan has never been implemented.

While discussing the draft amended Law on Management and Use of State Property at the National Assembly meeting on May 29, Nguyen Van Canh, a member from the central province of Binh inh, said that not just interesting number plates, but all number plates are public property.

If the proposal is implemented, the State could earn VN5 trillion (US$222.2 million) a year, Canh said.  VNS
HCM CITY  HCM Citys Party Secretary Nguyen Thien Nhan has urged the city to call for further investment in infrastructure and to promote public-private partnerships.

Speaking at a recent meeting, Nhan also asked the city to review a land plan and publicly call for investment on online government websites in different localities.

Nguyen Thanh Phong, chairman of the citys Peoples Committee, said the city was seeking VN500 trillion (US$22 billion) for urban infrastructure by 2020. The State can only meet around 32 per cent of that amount, which excludes costs to remove houses on or along canals in the city.

Phong called on businesses to invest in public transport, the metro system, express buses, underground parking lots, satellite urban development and commercial service centres.

Bui Xuan Cuong, director of the Department of Transport, said investment was needed for two more flyovers and 106 km of roads, as well as for metro line No 1 and ring road No 2, which are both under construction.

For the 2016  2020 period, the city needs VN318 trillion ($14 billion) for 189 projects, including building bridges and roads (connecting Tan Son Nhat Airport, Cat Lai Port and ring roads, among others), as well as parking lots for cars and public buses.

Tran Trong Tuan, director of the Department of Construction, said the city has 935 old apartment buildings with 1,249 apartments. Of that number, 577 buildings were built before 1975 and are in disrepair.

The city plans by 2020 to renovate half of them that are in seriously poor condition, he said.

To improve the city landscape, at least 20,000 houses on or along canals will be removed. More than 50 per cent of the houses are in District 8. To do so, investment is needed from businesses and the private sector.

Nguyen Toan Thang, director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said the city also needed investment to treat waste with cutting-edge technologies as the city produced 8,300 tonnes of waste a day in the 2006-2016 period, of which 76 per cent was buried.

As it is expected that by 2020, around 10,080 tonnes of waste will be produced each day, the city is calling for investment in thermal plasma technology. Authorities are also looking for funds for anti-flooding projects.

Nguyen Hoang Anh Dung, deputy director of the Steering Centre for the Urban Flood Control Programme, said the city needed more than VN73 trillion ($3.2 billion) for the 2016 - 2020 period for the flood control programme.

The capital would mainly come from official development assistance (ODA) loans to build waste treatment plants and systems to forecast rains and monitor canals, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  Public citizens will soon have chance to access National Assembly meetings, said Nguyen Hanh Phuc, Chairman of National Assembly Office.

The NA Office is preparing facilities so that normal citizens can observe activities of National Assembly deputies at the year-end NA session or next year, he told Phap Luat Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh (HCM City Law) newspaper.

Hoang Minh Hieu, head of Information Department of the National Assembly Office, said a plan to receive guests had been set up since the head office of Viet Nam NA put into operation in October 2014.

Many people have visited the NA Office over the past two years, Hieu said, however, none of the visits were while the NA was in session.

He said that only some groups of visitors have been allowed to observe NA meetings.

According to Phuc, the public has accessed the NA through different channels of information.

The number of NA session live broadcasts has increased substantially, not only at the opening ceremony or closing ceremony but also at Q&A sessions as well as issues of common concern to voters, he said.

Public citizens and voters have the right to observe, closely watching activities of NA or NA deputies, he said, adding that it might be impossible to occur at the old NA building.

The NA Office was accomplishing a regulation for visiting and observing the NA, he said. Once it was finished, every citizen could register for this purpose.

Under the draft regulation, all visits to NA Building will be held on weekdays.

When the NA is not in session, the NA headquarters is open to foot traffic.

Anyone who wants to observe NA meetings should have a letter of recommendation from a NA deputy or submit an official letter with the Information Department of the NA Office.  VNS
AK LAK  The Peoples Court of ak Lak on Monday opened the first court of instance hearing in the fraudulent case related to online shopping and training company MB24 (muaban24.vn)s branch in ak Lak Province.

The four defendants are Ngo Van Chien, 37, and Tran Van Su, 42, former director of the companys branch in ak Lak; ang Anh Tuan, 37 and Bui Thi Chien, 40, former director of the companys branch in Buon Ma Thuot.

The four people were arrested since August 2012 on charges of using computers and internet systems to illegally appropriate more than VN10 billion (US$440,200) from other people.

The case may last many years, as it involves more than 700 victims. About 150 persons concerned have been summoned by the court as witnesses.

According to the indictment, the companys branches in ak Lak and Buon Ma Thuot were set up in October and November 2011, respectively. It got licence from ak Lak Provinces Planning and Investment Department and operated under the direction of MB24 in Ha Noi, which was led by Ngo Van Huy (Chiens brother).

The defendants promoted the company, opening fake online booths, which purported to allow members to buy and sell goods online. To become a companys member, each person had to contribute VN5.2 million to the company.

Members paid real money to the company and got virtual currency in return.

From October 2011 to July 2012, the two branches have developed 2,054 booths with a total turnover of VN10 billion. This money was transferred to the companys head office in Ha Noi. The four defendants received commission of over VN3.2 billion from the company.

Specifically, Chien and Su received over VN1 billion each; Tuan got VN900 million and Chien got nearly VN29 million.

Earlier in 2014, the Ha Noi court sentenced Ngo Van Huy, the then general-director of the online shopping and training company MB24 to 16 years, while his deputy Le Van Cuong and Nguyen Manh Ha, the technical chief and administrator of the website, got 14 years and 12 years, respectively.

In addition to their jail sentences, the men were ordered to pay back the remaining proceeds of the ill-earned money to their 107 victims.

Most victims of the MB24 scheme lived in remote rural areas and lacked an understanding of technology and e-commerce. The court found they were lured by VN1.5 million commissions that the company promised to pay them for signing up as new members.

MB24 managed to enlist recruiters and dupe victims all over the country, before its headquarters in the capital was raided on August 1, 2012.

The first instance court is expected to last until June 16.  VNS
HA NOI  The eighth of 18 total patients has died in the recent medical tragedy at northern Hoa Binh Provinces General Hospital.

Nguyen Thi Bich Nguyen, 46, from Luong Son District died yesterday of suspected anaphylactic shock during her kidney dialysis after more than four days struggling in the provincial hospitals intensive care unit.

According to Dr Hoang Cong Tinh, deputy head of the intensive care unit of Hoa Binh General Hospital, Nguyen was moved to the unit in the morning of May 29 in very critical conditions after the medical incident. Thus she could not be transferred to an upper level hospital, such as the Bach Mai Hospital in Ha Noi.

Despite all efforts from doctors and nurses at the hospital, with appropriate treatment options, the patients health status continuously worsened with all of her organs suffering from failure.
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 Japans Northern Alps in Tateyama on Saturday, 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 said on Saturday 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 2,300m (7,545 feet), police and reports said.

The four men were then taken to hospital where they were confirmed dead, police said.  AFP
British armed police on duty near the site of an attack at Borough Market in London, Britain, on Sunday. At least seven members of the public were killed and dozens injured after three attackers on Saturday plowed a van into pedestrians and later randomly stabbed people on London Bridge and nearby Borough Market.  EPA/VNA Photo

BEIRUT  The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the London attacks, which left seven people dead, an online news agency affiliated with the jihadists said on Monday.

A "detachment of fighters from Islamic state carried out London attacks yesterday" the Aamaq news agency said, referring to Saturdays assault which saw three men in a van plough into pedestrians on London Bridge before going on a stabbing spree.

British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed "evil" Islamist ideology and vowed to crackdown on extremist content online worldwide, as police detained 11 people following two raids in east London.

National campaigning for Thursdays vote was suspended for the day out of respect for the victims, who included 48 people treated in hospital for injuries.

Of those, 21 are still in a critical condition.

One Canadian national and one Frenchman were among the fatalities and seven French citizens were among the injured.

No details have been released about the perpetrators, who were shot dead within minutes by police.

Eight officers fired an "unprecedented" 50 rounds at the three attackers, according to Mark Rowley, head of national counter-terrorism policing, who said that a member of the public also suffered a gunshot wound.

Detectives were still investigating whether the assailants acted alone, and Rowley said their identities would be released "as soon as operationally possible".

Police launched raids in the ethnically diverse London suburb of Barking in the hours after the rampage, arresting seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 at two properties.

A 55-year-old man was later released.

Copying one another

May said the attack was driven by the same "evil ideology of Islamist extremism" behind last weeks Manchester suicide bombing that left 22 people dead, and the Westminster attack in March, which killed five.

"The recent attacks are not connected but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face," she said after chairing an emergency ministerial meeting.

She warned that perpetrators are inspired to attack "by copying one another".

The assailants ran people over on London Bridge before lunging seemingly at random at the crowds gathered around Borough Market, which is full of restaurants and bars.

Gerard Vowls, 47, said he saw a woman repeatedly stabbed, and 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 Guardian newspaper.

Another witness called Eric told the BBC he had seen three men get out of the van and thought they were going to help tend those who had been run over.

Instead they "started kicking them, punching them and took out knives. It was a rampage really," he said, adding that he heard a shout of: "This is for Allah".

An Australian was among those hospitalised, while a Spaniard escaped with light injuries.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is due to visit Britain on Monday to speak to the injured French nationals, after President Emmanuel Macron said France was "more than ever at Britains side".

Among those stabbed was a London Transport Police officer, who was one of the first responders on the scene and received injuries to his face.

A vigil for the victims will take place at nearby Tower Bridge on Monday evening.

Britain was already on high alert following the recent attack on a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande in Manchester, northwest England, in which seven children were among the dead.

Grande, who headlined a benefit concert in Manchester on Sunday, alongside stars including Pharrell Williams and Justin Bieber, tweeted that she was "Praying for London".

"A lot of people suffered and I had some second thoughts coming, especially with what happened last night in London," ticket holder Abdullah Mala, 34, told AFP. "But we got to move on".

The national threat level was raised to maximum after the Manchester attack and troops were deployed at key public sites, but reduced to its second highest level last weekend.

Prime Minister May, who served as interior minister for six years before taking office after the Brexit vote last summer, said Britains response to the terror threat must change.

"We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are," she said, adding there was "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country."

The ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour party suspended national campaign events for the day, but May insisted the election would go ahead as planned on Thursday.  AFP
Forum to look

at sentencing

WATERLOO -- A Redesigning Justice: Promoting Human Rights and Public Safety through Sentencing Reform conference will take place June 15 and 16.

It's set for 7 to 9 p.m. June 15 at Jubilee United Methodist Church, 1621 E. Fourth St., and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 16 at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial St.

Keynote speakers will be Marc Mauer, executive director, the Sentencing Project, an expert on sentencing policy and sentencing reform; and Kevin McCarthy, first assistant to the attorney general of Iowa, an architect of recent sentencing reform in Iowa.

On Thursday night, a panel of formerly incarcerated persons will discuss the topic What are prisons for? and share their experiences. Friday panels will include a variety of topics related to sentencing reform.

The registration fee is $25, which can be waived for low-income persons. Register by June 9 with allen.hays@uni.edu

Sponsors are the Iowa Justice Action Network, Waterloo Commission on Human Rights, Voices to be Heard.

Juneteenth

walk June 17

WATERLOO -- A community Juneteenth Peace Walk is planned for 12:30 p.m. June 17.

The procession will start at Walter Cunningham School and conclude at Sullivan Park.

Organizers urge clergy, citywide missions, human rights groups, dancers, rappers, neighborhood associations, choir groups, youth groups, drill teams, lay leaders, churches and social organizations to join the walk for unity and peace in the community.

Confirm attendance by calling Marvin Spencer Jr. at 269-9949 or Belinda Creighton-Smith, 493-0097.

NRC to meet

near Toledo

TOLEDO -- The Natural Resource Commission of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will meet at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Tama County Nature Center, 2283 Park Road.

Commissioners and DNR staff will meet at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Tama County Nature Center for presentations before leaving at 1 p.m. for a tour of the area. The meeting and tour is open to the public.

For a complete agenda, go to www.iowadnr.gov/nrc.

Estate planning

seminar planned

WATERLOO  The Waterloo Community Foundation and Cedar Falls Community Foundation are sponsoring an educational seminar, The Benefits of Charitable Giving In Your Estate Plan, at 2 p.m. June 13 at Friendship Village, 3720 Village Place, Door C, Cove Lounge.

The presenter is attorney Theresa E. Hoffman, a board member of the Waterloo Community Foundation. Time will be allowed for questions and answers and brief presentations by each sponsoring foundation.

The event is free and open to the public by calling 291-8100 to register. Light refreshments will be served and door prizes awarded.

More information about the Waterloo Community Foundation may e obtained at wloocommunityfoundation.org or the Cedar Falls Community Foundation at cf-communityfoundation.org.
CEDAR FALLS  Across the street and a few doors down from Meghan and Sean ONeals home on Neola Street in Cedar Falls is a small, nondescript one-story brick building.

I have seen that building before, Meghan ONeal said. I never knew what it was.

Cedar Falls Utilities pump station 3 is one of eight water wells that supply the citys water system.

ONeal and her husband are new to the neighborhood, but long-time Neola Street resident Rosann Good wasnt aware of its purpose either. Nor was Chuck Parsons, who has lived directly across the street from the pump station for two decades.

Three of Cedar Falls wells  3, 9 and 10  consistently have recorded high nitrate levels over several years. All three are in the northern part of Cedar Falls, where a shallow layer of bedrock allows more nitrates to infiltrate the groundwater.

They stand in contrast to Cedar Falls southern wells, where thicker bedrock layers better protect the groundwater, keeping nitrate levels lower, a journalism collaboration of the University of Northern Science in the Media project, the Cedar Falls High School Tiger Hi-Line and IowaWatch found.

CFU presently is able to keep its water at legal nitrate levels by diluting the higher nitrate water from the northern city pump stations with the lower nitrate water from the southern pump stations in the pipes, said Jerald Lukensmeyer, gas and water operations manager at CFU.

Reported levels in the citys wells reached as high as 9.9 parts per million in five different years from 1996 through 2016, CFU records show. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists 10 ppm as the acceptable limit.

CFU has records of nitrate testing levels dating to 1966. At that time, the highest nitrate reading at a city well was 4.2 ppm, far below the EPAs 10 ppm limit. It wasnt until 1992 that a nitrate reading exceeded 8 ppm. It has been between 8 ppm and 10 ppm ever since.

The Cedar Falls water systems eight wells are linked to an underground aquifer. Those wells supply the water all residents drink. CFU tests drinking water nitrate levels quarterly. Wells consistently high in nitrates are tested more frequently.

Lukensmeyer said well 3 has been shut off at times so its nitrate level doesnt exceed 10 ppm.

Despite the potential nitrates threat in Cedar Falls water supply, residents have faith in the water system. I kind of trust Cedar Falls Utilities that they are doing a good job with that, Good said.

A 1999 U.S. Geological Survey study on Cedar Falls water supplies blamed the application of nitrogen-based fertilizer to farm fields as the main cause of high nitrate levels.

A 2013 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship report, Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, said 92 percent of nitrates in Iowas water came from runoff largely from agriculture land. The other 8 percent came from wastewater treatment plant discharges, the report said.

Effects

A major side effect of high nitrates is blue baby syndrome, known as methemoglobinemia, which affects infants who consume a high concentration of nitrates in a short period of time.

Some birth defects have also been associated with a mothers exposure to nitrate in drinking water, Peter Weyer, interim director of the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination at the University of Iowa, said. Long-term nitrate exposure also can lead to various forms of cancer.

Many argue the acceptable EPAs 10 ppm standard for a safe nitrate level should be raised, Weyer said, perhaps as high as 15 ppm or 20 ppm.

However, the cancer studies we have conducted show that the risk increases for long-term consumption of drinking water that has nitrate concentrations at or above 5 ppm, or half the drinking water standard, Weyer said. He added other contaminants in water make it difficult to evaluate effects on people.

Runoff

Some states, such as Minnesota, have passed laws with bipartisan support to curb farm chemical runoff. However, water quality management has failed to gain serious footing in the Iowa Legislature, even following a recent federal lawsuit filed by Des Moines Water Works.

The lawsuit said drainage from three Iowa counties in the Raccoon River drainage district contributed to high nitrate levels in runoff the water company cleans for drinking. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in March saying the state had to resolve the problem, not the drainage districts.

I was very disappointed with what occurred this year, state Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, said. Weve been working backwards.

Various pieces of water quality legislation have been introduced in the Legislature in response to the Des Moines Water Works lawsuit. None has passed.

The question facing Iowans and their legislators is how to balance protecting constituents and Iowas farm economy.

Republicans have supported the agriculture industry. County conservation commissions have been working with farmers across Iowa to stimulate interest in planting cover crops, establishing buffer strips and using no-till farming methods to conserve soil and water.

We need to address the water quality issue. Each year that we wait we will just kick the can down the road, and the costs to fix the issue will continue to increase, state Rep. Bob Kressig, D-Cedar Falls, said. We can do more to convince legislators that we need to make this a priority, he said.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man who was out on bond for a January car chase has been arrested in connection with a pursuit in a stolen car over the weekend.

Police said Jeremiah Lee Wroblewski, 39, of 616 Flower St., initially disappeared into a Waterloo neighborhood after driving the stolen Pontiac GTO onto a yard when he found a road closed due to road construction.

Officers later received a tip he was at a house. He fled when they arrived, and police found him hiding under a parked vehicle a short time later.

Wroblewski was arrested for first-degree theft, reckless driving, driving while suspended and felony eluding. He was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail, and bond was set at $15,900.

Court records allege he took the Pontiac from Sampson Supply on Airline Highway around 7 a.m. Saturday. Police noticed the vehicle in the downtown area around 8:45 a.m., and a chase ensued until Wroblewski left the vehicle on the lawn of a Campbell Avenue home.

Authorities later received information that Wroblewski had claimed that angels were talking to him and told him the vehicle belonged to him, according to court records.

Wroblewski had been involved in a January chase that lasted three blocks and ended when he ran out of gas. He was arrested for eluding and drugs and released on a $6,650 bond. Trial is scheduled for later this month.
President Donald Trumps rejection of the Paris accord to limit climate change was largely disingenuous.

The U.S. became only the third country to reject the accord  joining Nicaragua and Syria  while 194 support it. Trump dismissed the counsel of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (former head of ExxonMobil), economic advisers and his daughter, Ivanka.

The accord is an attempt to reduce manmade greenhouse gas emissions warming the atmosphere. Unlike the failed 1997 Kyoto Protocol  which put draconian limits on the U.S. while giving free passes to China, India and Brazil  nations voluntarily submitted goals without penalties for noncompliance.

The aim is to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to the pre-industrial late 1800s. The planet is already about one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer.

A 2016 Massachusetts Institute of Technology analysis maintained the global average temperature with the accord would rise between 2.7 and 3.6 degrees by 2100 or between 3.3 and 4.7 degrees without action. Trump cited a benefit of only 0.2 degrees.

As the icecaps melt, oceans will continue to rise. Southern Florida already has been forced to act. The Navy Times reported 128 U.S. naval bases are at risk.

President Obama pledged a 26 to 28 percent reduction in U.S. emissions (using a 2005 baseline) by 2025, largely by reducing coal dependence and increasing gas mileage goals.

Trump could have kept the U.S. in the agreement with lower goals, but appears fixated with reversing Obama initiatives, including his executive orders on coal and mileage.

His coal obsession  an environmental scourge on land, in the water (Trump also reversed Obama on protecting waterways from coal mining runoff) and in the air  defies economic realities.

With utilities forsaking coal for cheaper, abundant natural gas, Trumps chief economist Gary Cohn remarked, Coal doesnt even make that much sense anymore as a feedstock.

U.S. coal jobs  now 100,000  markedly decreased the past quarter century because of lower demand and more automation. The solar industry generates 260,000 jobs. The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum even converted to solar to cut expenses.

Trump said the Paris Accord would put the U.S. at competitive economic disadvantage with as much as 2.7 million lost jobs by 2025, according to the National Economic Research Associates. This includes 440,000 fewer manufacturing jobs  not what we need.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Council for Capital Formation  along with Koch Industries, among the leading accord foes  commissioned the report. It has a telltale footnote that it does not take into account potential benefits from avoided emissions and does not take into consideration yet-to-be developed technologies that might influence the long-term cost.

If you assume that there are no benefits and the costs are there, then of course things look bad, said Yale University economist Kenneth Gillingham.

In fact, as the New York Times reported, The worlds gradual transition from fossil fuels has opened up a huge global market, estimated to be $6 trillion by 2030, for renewable fuels like wind and solar, for electric cars, for advanced batteries and other technologies.

Communities from Cedar Falls to Tallahassee have built solar farms. New York State wants solar to power all its schools.

Studies by Citibank and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development take the long-range view that it will cost trillions of dollars to offset climate change if nothing is done. In January, leaders of 630 U.S. corporations wrote a letter to Trump backing the accord. They represented oil companies (ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Occidental Petroleum), technology, banks, chemical companies, health concerns and others.

If not born-again environmentalist, theyre realists. Multinational companies still must do business in nations setting accord standards. In the U.S., they must contend with higher gas mileage and other standards set by California, New York and Washington  a fifth of the U.S. economy.

Trump is correct the accord falls short. China and India have relatively relaxed goals. Both, though, are reversing coal dependency. China canceled plans to build 100 coal plants and leads in manufacturing solar panels  a technology invented in the U.S. India is delaying new coal plants following a boon in wind and solar energy.

Trump claimed the U.S. commitment to help underdeveloped countries deal with global emissions would take away tens of billions  raided out of Americas budget for the war against terrorism.

Its a gross exaggeration. The U.S. committed $3 billion from a State Department foreign aid fund. Obama already distributed $1 billion.

In the 1980s, the Reagan administration supported U.S. involvement in climate-control accords. As George Schultz, Reagans secretary of state, remarked about global warming, The potential results are catastrophic. So lets take out an insurance policy.

We only have one planet. Leadership must help preserve it. Trump  who seemingly disdains all multilateral agreements  proved a laggard.
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.

Last 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. Charles 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 adviser 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, 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 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.
Q: I get the E-edition of the Courier. Im never able to get Ask Amy or Ask the Doctors columns large enough to read. The community briefs on the same page come through fine. What must I do to make this work so I can read those columns?

A: Go to the top of the page and click on View Text or View Page button and you should be able to read those columns better.

Q: When and where are the next of the three meetings planned for the University Avenue reconstruction for Waterloo?

A: The next meeting has not been scheduled yet.

Q: What is the difference between an undocumented immigrant and an illegal immigrant?

A: They are the same thing. An undocumented immigrant is a foreign-born person who doesnt have a legal right to be in the United States. Many object to the term illegal immigrant, noting the people themselves are not illegal, rather the way the entered the country.

Q: Will the Marine Corps Band be performing at the Sturgis Falls Celebration this summer?

A: Sturgis Falls Celebration President Jay Stoddard replies: The Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Band has accepted our invitation to march in the parade and perform a concert on Saturday night. As always they rely on military air for their transportation and add a caveat to their acceptance on military air ... if available.

Q: Why does Rep. Sandy Salmon only have on her desk at the Iowa Legislature that she represents Black Hawk County, but doesnt she represent Bremer County?

A: The signs denote the county where the lawmakers live. While Salmons district includes Black Hawk and Bremer counties, she lives just south of Janesville in Black Hawk County.

Q: How can I contact Chris Schwartz of the Board of Supervisors either by phone or email?

A: Contact information for all of the supervisors is on the Black Hawk County website. Schwartz can be reached at 833-3074 or cschwartz@co.black-hawk.ia.us.

Q: Im epileptic, and fireworks make me jump and could cause me to have a seizure. Is there anything I can do to stop my neighbors from bothering me with fireworks this summer?

A: You could ask them not to shoot off fireworks. But the law now allows it.

Q: Waterloo hired a consulting firm to decide what to do with their portion of University Avenue. Dont we have any city planners on staff that can make that decision instead of spending money on consultants?

A: The type of consulting that is being performed by the consultant requires different expertise than that of city planners, city officials said.

Q: Did Sen. John McCain switch is party affiliation from Republican to Democrat? If so, when did he do this?

A: No, McCain did not switch parties.

Q: What are the qualifications of Black Hawk Countys new human resources director Deb Bunger?

A: The longtime county employee had served as acting director since Audra Heineman resigned. She has worked for the county since 1988, first in the payroll office, then human resources and eventually in a new position in the board office as purchasing and asset management specialist. She returned to the human resources department in 2013.
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.
Jun 5, 2017 | By Benedict

A number of medical and aerospace experts have warned that astronauts should brush up on their 3D printing skillsor potentially face death. They say that 3D printed medical devices could be critical as humans attempt the long journey to Mars.

If you visit our site with any regularity, youll probably be aware that 3D printing in space is a thing now, and something that happens quite often too. Ever since Made In Space installed a 3D printer on the International Space Station, astronauts have been printing away, producing items both practical and not so practical in zero-gravity conditions. Whats most exciting of all is that the practice has only recently begun, opening the doors to all sorts of exciting future developments.

But according to some space experts, the current crop of astronauts should be better trained in how to use 3D printers. Why? Because it could potentially save their livesand the lives of their fellow astronauts.

Although astronauts heading into space are almost always in peak physical condition, there is (obviously) still lots that can go wrong with the human body when it hurtles through space in massively unfamiliar physical conditions. Heart problems can occur, while decompression sickness and osteoporotic fractures are also real threats.

Professor Jochen Hinkelbein, President of the German Society for Aerospace Medicine, recently told British newspaper The Telegraph how astronauts could be at a greater risk in the near future than ever before.

In the context of future long-term missions, for example to Mars, with durations of several years, the risk for severe medical problems is significantly higher, Hinkelbein said. Therefore, there is also a substantial risk for a cardiac arrest in space requiring CPR.

The diagnosis was corroborated by Dr Matthieu Komorowski, a Consultant in Intensive Care and Anaesthesia at Charing Cross hospital in London.

During these long-duration flights, the estimated risk of severe medical and surgical events, as well as the risk of loss of crew life, are significant, Komorowski warned.

A component 3D printed on the International Space Station

So what can astronauts do to protect themselves? Besides obvious things like learning CPR, the answer could lie in the additive manufacturing of medical devices.

These space experts say that advanced training in 3D printing could give astronauts the chance to fabricate potentially life-saving medical equipment while up in space. Of course, 3D printable designs can be put together on Earth and then sent to space, but that becomes more and more difficult the further astronauts go from Earth. Those heading to Mars could totally lose contact with Earth, leaving them in a difficult position if they were to require some 3D printed medical equipment.

In these situations, astronauts would give themselves a huge advantage by honing their CAD and 3D printing skills in advance. While they wouldnt need to be experts at the practice, having the ability to at least modify and print simple designs could be hugely advantageous.

The view is shared by many in the field of 3D printing, as well as those in medicine and aerospace.

Earlier this year, Toronto-based medical 3D printing company 3D4MD put forward a strategy detailing how ISS astronauts can use their onboard 3D printer to create 3D printed medical supplies. The plan underwent a trial run in January, and could be used in the long term to help astronauts fabricate splints, medical tools, and other items.

Last year, market research firm Future Market Insights valued the global 3D printed medical device market at $279.8 million.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Jun 5, 2017 | By Tess

The United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) in East Hartford, Connecticut says it is investing $115 million to establish an Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence ($75M) and an Engine Compressor Research facility ($40M). In addition to the announcement, UTRC has also inaugurated its newest innovation hub, a $60 million facility located on the companys East Hardford campus.

As the global innovation arm of aircraft manufacturing company United Technologies Corporation, UTRC is planning big things. In addition to announcing the forthcoming development of a new 3D printing center and engine compressor research facility, the organization can immediately start to advance technologies and innovations for the company with its newly established innovation hub. The just-opened $60 million innovation hub is reportedly made up of new offices and laboratories that span 185,000 square feet.

The new facility and its construction were supported by the State of Connecticut, thanks largely to the 2014 Connecticut Aerospace Reinvestment Act (CARA). With Connecticuts investment, UTRC will be better equipped to expand its research and use of advanced materials, measurement sciences, sensor technologies, environmental sciences, autonomous systems and human-collaborative robotics.

The $75 million Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, for its part, will enable UTRC to advance and speed up the adoption of 3D printing technologies (both metal and plastic) across UTCs aircraft manufacturing business.

As for the $40 million Engine Compressor Research facility, the UTRC says it will partner with Pratt & Whitney, another aerospace manufacturing company, to develop and improve upon advance compressor technologies for future commercial and military engines. There is no word yet on when the additive manufacturing or engine compressor research facilities will be inaugurated.

"Since 1929, UTRC has served as a strategic partner to all UTC businesses, driving the newest and best advances in aerospace and commercial building technologies, said Dr. David Parekh, Corporate Vice President, Research, and Director, UTRC. This investment in our headquarters and our current and future innovators will allow us to remain global leaders for decades to come."

The UTRCs new innovation hub, which is seeking to obtain LEED Gold certification with the U.S. Green Building Council, was officially inaugurated last week. A number of UTC executives were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well as the Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, U.S. Senator for Connecticut Richard Blumenthal, and U.S. Representative John Larson.

"Global innovation at UTC begins right here at the Research Center in East Hartford," said Dr. Parekh at the inauguration. "Today we are unveiling a clear demonstration of UTC's commitment to investing in the breakthrough technologies that will help shape our future.

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by Carl Pierer

Arthur Miller's famous dissection of the American Dream in his Death of a Salesman still stands as a hallmark of American literature that has not lost any of its appeal. Its striking and damning socio-politico commentary continues to be of relevance. There is, however, a second, more intimate and personal drama that takes place between the two main characters, Willy and Linda Loman. The Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, well-known for his calm and minimalist depiction of domestic drama in such films as A Separation and The Past, transposes the play to an Iranian setting and thereby allows for a new perspective on Miller's play. Farhadi's unexcited narrative style gives much room to the interior life of his characters, creating a suspense that entirely draws from the psychological development of the protagonists. With his new film The Salesman, Farhadi continues to explore the subtle mechanics of a fractured relationship.

The film opens with for Farhadi unusually blunt symbolism: At night, Rana (Taraneh Alidoosti) and Emad (Shahab Hosseini) have to rush to evacuate their Teheran apartment, for an immediate collapse of the building is feared. In this opening scene already, the dynamic of the couple's relationship is manifest. Emad is shown as caring and sympathetic, carrying their bedridden neighbour to safety and making sure that everyone gets out of the building all right. Rana, in the meantime, is not shown to participate actively in the hubbub.

Although the building eventually does not crumble, it is clear that the main couple's home has become unsafe to live in, the cracks in the wall standing for the cracks in their relationship. Emad and Rana are actors, and their group is rehearsing Miller's Death of a Salesman. When another actor offers to let them stay at one of his apartments, the couple is only too glad to accept. But the new place does not provide the fresh start they were hoping for. Something already seems to be odd when the previous tenant, despite multiple calls from the landlord, refuses to pick up her remaining boxes. Nonetheless, Emad and Rana make an effort to make their new home. Soon, however, the events take a turn for the darker. One evening, Rana, home alone, buzzes open the door unsuspectingly thinking it is Emad.

When Emad returns later that evening, he discovers bloodstains leading up to their apartment. Unable to find Rana anywhere, he is informed by the neighbours that Rana was attacked in the shower by an intruder, and rushed to the hospital. He arrives there only when she has already received treatment. The wounds are not serious, and the doctors predict that Rana will soon be fine.

Only that she is not. This completely random act of violence, without any justification or objective, leaves its traces. Rana is frightened and withdraws. Not wanting to be alone, she desires Emad to be close, to care for her, yet at the same time she also wants to be left alone. And this gets to Emad. Wanting to help her, to comfort and support her, he does not know how to provide the support she needs. Her, from his point of view, female' irrationality and her contradictory demands frustrate his desire to care for her. Not able to protect her, and incapable of understanding her, he grows impatient.

Farhadi takes his time to develop Emad's growing frustration with Rana's emotional withdrawal, which sees him turn from sympathy and understanding for others to an obsession with revenge. Farhadi shows this change with minimal excitation, but all the more accurately. There is little dialogue and each line seems to have been chosen with great care, every conversation between them seems to alienate them further.

At the same time, Emad is trying to find the perpetrator. But his investigations are mostly stuck, pushed along more by luck than anything else. When he stumbles over the culprit as if by accident, his identity suddenly does not seem to matter anymore. At this point, it is no longer a question of who has done or even the reason for the attack. It is now about what Emad is going to do with the knowledge once he has found the attacker. While the violence of the deed justifies Emad's anger at the culprit, and while he is in a position to get revenge, this does not feel good. Unlike such films as Die Hard, where the viewer relishes in the final violent punishment of the antagonist, there is a strong incongruity here between the justified anger and the impotence of vengeance.

Farhadi's film explores skilfully this almost metaphysical complexity of revenge. It becomes clear that Emad's anger is not directed at the perpetrator, but rather at Rana. He is enraged by her withdrawal and his failure to live up to the chivalrous ideal he set for himself and in getting back at the attacker, he really is getting back at her. Rana does not seek revenge herself and dislikes how Emad has changed. It is as much about Rana's way of coping as it is about Emad's, and the film portrays how Emad's frustration is ultimately a consequence of his gallant ideal, which precludes female agency.

All the while the drama is unfolding, the action is interwoven with the characters performance of Miller's play. Whilst the story already provides certain points of identification (Emad plays Willy Loman and Rana his wife Linda), most of the parallels between the play and the film are subtle. The connection does not feel forced, if anything it is rather obscure for the most part. Yet, in the end, all the strands come together and, in a harmonious composition, we find Farhadi affording as much of a new perspective, as he meticulous uncovers the intricacy of the male gaze.

Alidoosti's performance captures magnificently her character's torment of fright and powerlessness, convincingly inspiring Emad's transformation and his complex anger. Hosseini's superbly acted Emad is chivalrous and gallant, but ultimately driven to cruelty by his loss of control. Together with Farhadi's intimate staging, his minimalist style and calm development, this makes The Salesman an intense and haunting psychological domestic drama.
El Capitan is popular among hardcore climbers who make headlines for tackling it; but until this past weekend, none have yet attempted it without the use of recommended climbing gear. But on Saturday, 31-year-old Alex Honnold's ascent was, shall we say, lacking: Hannold used no ropes, no clips, and no harnesses; there was literally nothing but a prayer keeping him from certain death had he lost his grip on the ninety-degree vertical.

But Hannold made history, and survived to tell the tale.

"I was pretty much elated," he said, in a telephone interview with The Associated Press , just moments after he hurled himself, adrenaline pumping, over the summit's coarse granite lip. "I was probably the happiest I've ever been. It's something that I thought about for so long and dreamed about and worked so hard for. I mean, it's pretty satisfying."

The Sacramento native is a well seasoned rock climber, no stranger to seemingly insurmountable bouldering obstacles. Aside from his well-documented solo ascent up Yosemite's Triple Crowna climbing route through the finger-tensing stretch weaving together Mount Watkins, The Nose, and the Regular Northwest Face of Half DomeHonnold also currently holds numerous records for speed. He managed to scale El Capitan in a mind-bending three hours and 56 minutes.

"I could see how for a non-climber it might seem completely insane," he confessed. "But I've devoted 20 years to climbing, and probably six or seven to this particular project so, it's not like I'm just some crazy kid who in the spur of the moment decided to do this crazy thing. It took years of effort."



Still, it's hella crazy thing to do on a Saturday afternoon.





For a more cinematic lens into Honnold's historic climb, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming National Geographic documentary.

Feel like testing your own climbing chops? Check out some of our favorite climbing gyms in the Bay Area.
Just in time to (hopefully) help banish the June gloom weather, Negroni Week kicks off Monday, June 5 to celebrate a week's worth of the simple, summery combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouthperfect for sipping outside.

While bars across the Bay Area are shaking and stirring this classic cocktail (see the full list at negroniweek.com), we found some of the craziest tweaks on the libation, ranging from slushies to smoke-infused drinks to Campari-coated popcorn. Even better? For each Negroni Week cocktail you order, $1 is donated to a charity of the bar's choosing. So raise a glass, and get to drinking (and eating).

The Alembic

For a chocolatey riff on the classic, The Alembic's Under the Radar Negroni highlights Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro infused with cocoa nibs mixed with Gran Classico and Avion Reposado. Feeling dark? Order a Black Monday Murders Negroni, with overproof rum, Aperol, and Carpano Antica. To celebrate its three-drink Negroni menu, The Alembic is hosting Una Noche en las Nubes ("A Night in the Clouds") on June 6 in collaboration with Lo-Fi Aperitifs and Tequila Avion. Sample the three craft cocktails prepared by guest bartenders, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit No Kid Hungry. // 1725 Haight St. (Haight), alembicsf.com.

DOSA

The popular South Indian restaurant gives the Italian classic a spicy spin for its Bicycle Thief cocktail. Named after the Italian film, the drink combines Campari and Aperol with Averell Damson plum gin and Ancho Reyes Chile liqueur, finished with Italian Chinotto soda and garnished with a Chinotto popsicle. The restaurant's Negroni twist benefits No Kid Hungry. // 995 Valencia St. (Mission); 1700 Fillmore St. (Lower Pac Heights/Japantown), dosasf.com

(Courtesy of Finn Town)

Finn Town

Flower power is strong at Finn Town with Norton's Negroni, named after the self-proclaimed Emperor Norton. Bar manager Gillian Fitzgerald's tweak on the classic is made with poppy liquor, Cynar, and cherry juice, served in a bodega glass with a poppy. // 2251 Market St. (Castro), finntownsf.com



Foreign Cinema and Laszlo Bar

If you can't resist a boozy slushie, head to Foreign Cinema and its connected full-service bar for the Fro-Goni. A combination of Nolet's silver gin, Cocchi Americano, and fresh grapefruit juice, the Campari-rimmed slushie is perfect for the patio. // 2534 Mission St. (Mission), foreigncinema.com, 2526 Mission St. (Mission), laszlobar.com

Maven

As a nod to the famous surfing competition, Maven's Mavericks drink highlights Cocchi "Dopo Teatro," Arkansas Black straight applejack, Denizen Merchant, and Campari. Keeping with the theme, $1 per cocktail will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation. // 598 Haight St. (Lower Haight), maven-sf.com

(Courtesy of Mezcalito)

Mezcalito

The new(ish) Mexican restaurant is featuring six inventive riffs on the Negroni, ranging from a mescal-gin version to a pilsner- and Oaxacan sea salttopped cocktail. Our favorites of the bunch? The smoked Negroniwhich features San Luis del Rio mescal, alpine liqueur, Campari, Carpano Antica, and smoked salt with an applewood smoky decanterand the Negroni Ansestral, a combination of del Maguey Pechuga, Campari, Gran Classico, Oaxacan chocolate bitters, and a cinnamon-pacilla de Oaxaca air-and-alajebrije "whisper." // 2323 Polk St (Russian Hill), mezcalitosf.com

Novela

The SoMa bar is partnering with Tanqueray and Campari for a few tea-infused events and cocktails. All week long, Novela will serve three tea-infused Negroni variations alongside a paired bite. Try a ginseng and oolong-infused Negroni with Cinzano 1757-marinated olives, silver needle teagin served in a teacup with a madeline cookie and Aperol marmalade, and a punch bowlsized Negroni with tea- and cocoa-dusted popcorn. Swing by on Tuesday, June 6, for happy hour, or on Wednesday, June 7, for a Mad Hatter Tea Party. A portion of the proceeds will go to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. // 662 Mission St. (SoMa), novelasf.com

One Market Restaurant

For a south-of-the-border variation, One Market will complement a classic Negroni with the Siete Leguas Reposado Agavoni, which includes Siete Leguas Reposado Tequila, Campari, and Punt e Mes. // 1 Market St. (FiDi), onemarket.com

Perbacco

Lead bartender Lisa Sanchez crafted three special cocktails for the week, including the Negroni Romantico (topped with grapefruit beer), Prosecco-topped Negroni Spritz, and the aquavit- and limoncello-forward Negroni Internazionale, all benefitting Muttville. But the most off-beat offering is Perbacco's Negroni Caramel Corn. The popped kernels are coated with a caramel made with Campari and sweet vermouth, and dusted with a salt made with gin botanicals such as juniper, coriander seed, cardamom, and licorice root. // 230 California St. (FiDi), perbaccosf.com

The Saratoga



While it's hard to compete with booze, The Saratoga's dessert option may have the sip-able version beat. Donuts are glazed with a barrel-aged Negroni, then sprinkled with foie. Proceeds benefit the SF-Marin Food Bank. // 1000 Larkin St. (Lower Nob Hill), thesaratogasf.com

Poggio Trattoria

Home of the Tony Negroni (a classic featuring Bombay Sapphire), the Sausalito Italian restaurant features a menu of six subtle variations of the cocktail, showcasing different spirits, vermouths, and mixers. But it does shake things up with a vanilla bean panna cotta topped with blood orange, kumquat, and a Negroni simple syrup. // 777 Bridgeway (Sausalito), poggiotrattoria.com

Tartine Manufactory

Although typically not known for its booze, Tartine Manufactory is still getting in on the Negroni Week action with a sweet take: a Negroni ice cream sundae. The deconstructed dessert will include orange blossom ice cream, strawberry, Campari pate de fruit, and juniper meringue. // 595 Alabama St. (Mission), tartinemanufactory.com
Aberdeen man recovering after crashing vehicle into house

The driver of a van was injured and taken to the hospital after driving through a field and crashing into a house.
Baraq Hadi Will Drive Continued Leadership of Growing Regional Market



Aconex Names Former Bentley VP as Middle East GM

Dubai, June 5, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Aconex Limited ( ASX:ACX ) ( ACNXF:OTCMKTS ), provider of the #1 global platform connecting teams on construction and engineering projects, today named Baraq Hadi, previously vice president at Bentley Systems, as general manager of the Middle East. He is responsible for Aconex business throughout the Gulf region, which contributed A$12.2 million to the company's total revenue for the first half of the financial year ending June 30, 2017. Mr. Hadi reports to Henry Jones, senior vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and global accounts.



"We are fortunate to have hired an executive of Baraq Hadi's caliber to lead this strategically and financially important region for us," said Mr. Jones. "Aconex has been the market leader in the Middle East for nearly a decade now, with particular strength in serving airport, rail, highway, and other infrastructure megaprojects. Baraq's 20 years of managing project delivery and asset management services in the region have positioned him well to drive our continued growth. We expect his enterprise-level experience with the Gulf's largest asset owner/operators and contractors to help us deliver increasing value to our customers."



At Bentley Systems Middle East and Africa, Mr. Hadi was responsible for the local and global engagement and growth of strategic accounts in the oil and gas, power, water, and transportation sectors. He spent two years as country manager of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and managed Bentley acquisitions in South Africa and Turkey.



Previously, Mr. Hadi held senior technical consulting and project management positions at Convergent Group, a leading geographic information system (GIS) provider, Intergraph Corporation, and American Digital Systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Alabama, Huntsville, and is fluent in both English and Arabic.



About Aconex Ltd





Aconex Limited (ASX:ACX) project collaboration solution digitally connects owners, builders and other teams, providing complete visibility and management of data, documents and costs across all stages of a construction project lifecycle. The Aconex cloud-based solution has been used to manage over $1 trillion in projects across 70,000 user organisations in over 70 countries. The companys ordinary shares are traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the ticker code ACX and are included in the S&P/ASX 200 Index.

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MANAMA - Bahrain has decided to cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, according to a statement carried by Bahrain's official news agency on Monday.

The brief statement accuses Qatar of backing terrorism and interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE have followed Bahrain and cut ties with Qatar on the same day.
Albinos victims of human sacrifices

Beliefs surrounding albinos remain in Africa

Water-Genies, fortune tellers, half-men half-gods, those are some of the attributes associated with albinos in some countries in Africa. Sought after for their good or evil powers, they are often killed as human sacrifices. To put an end to these beliefs and the obscure practices that follow it, associations fight daily for the rights of the albinos. Report.








Mobile phones have changed the way we live, communicate and gather information. However excessive usage of cell phone is taking heavy toll on human lives but we still remain glued to our handsets. In this scenario, the mobile service providers are earning enormous profit by offering competitive tariffs to customers. Due to prevalence of cut throat competition truly the customers are kings and it is time to have a choice with best offers. The mobile operators provide personalised tariff plans based on customers usage patterns. However, subscribers have to grapple with connectivity problems due to blocking of towers reported in certain areas.

On the other hand, there has been sharp rise in mobile phone related accidents across the country. In Kolkata, a man fell from a train while clicking selfies. Even though four co-passengers tried their best to rescue him but he died. It is a very common sight to watch people using mobile phones on roads, moving vehicles, standing on pavements, crossing tracks and hanging outside trains. They carry mobile phones along with them or attached to a belt. They use ear-phones and remain disconnected with the real world. Government and police have appealed to people to follow cell phone etiquettes at public places. However, users are engrossed in their talk thereby paving way for accidents. We find people using mobile phones after getting down from the taxi or while traveling in a train. I do not know how people communicate during this shortest duration and what is the need to speak risking ones own life?

Youngsters use cell phones while cross the road, using level crossings. While doing so they risk their own lives and cause hardship to others. The risk is manifold using a cell phone while driving. I had noticed a girl using cell phone while crossing the road. Since the girl was busy talking on the phone she was hit by the auto as she fell in the middle of a busy road. Later she got up and continued to use the phone forgetting about the accident. The impact was severe and she would have felt the pain only on the next day. But for the time being she was engrossed in mobile conversation and that was dangerous even for her life. Even CCTVs have been installed at several locations in the city to curtail mobile menace.

It is indeed a fine gesture on the part of media to take up the cause more seriously to avoid mobile menace on the streets. Traffic police should do their duty most meticulously to deter people from using mobiles on roads and punish the erring users strictly. Stringent punishment must be awarded to motorists using cell phones while driving. It these steps are taken then accidents can be minimised. Nothing has changed the singular obsession we have with this tiny aid to communication, that has ironically, cut us from most of the people who surround us while keeping us connected to those on the other side of the world.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
Sanatan Sanstha has forwarded a letter to the Home Ministry and National Investigation Agency to impose a ban on Islamic preacher Zakir Naiks facebook page Islamic Research Foundation and register offence against active members of the organisation. Naik has more than 6 million followers on facebook and has delivered more than 4000 lectures pertaining to Islam across the world. He is wanted in India for allegedly financing terror activities and money laundering. Naik had left the country after reports emerged that attackers responsible for Dhaka terror attack were inspired by his speech pertaining to Islam.

In a letter addressed to Home Ministry and NIA, advocate Nagesh C Takbhate mentioned, Facebook has more than 166 monthly active users in India. Out of these at least 85 millions users use facebook daily while 81 million access the website through a mobile device. After years of fighting armed terrorists with bullets and brickbats, security agencies are now facing a new enemy in the form of bedroom jihadis who manipulate social media from the comfort of their homes to spread rumours and influence youths. Social media is strong and much more advanced platform to propagation as compared to public meeting and lectures held earlier. If Zakir Naiks facebook remains active then it wont serve any purpose to ban IRF.

The central government had banned Islamic Research Foundation on 17th November 2016. Nagpada Police station has registered offence under sections 10, 13 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Despite this IRF is operating an active official facebook page and it has not been blocked by investigating agencies. A valid contact number is also provided on IRFs facebook page. The following is the link of the page http://www.facebook.com/irfonline

The Home Ministry had genuine evidence that Zakir Naik has been encouraging and aiding his followers to promote disharmony between different religious communities and groups. The central government had received information that the statements and speech delivered by Naik was objectionable and subversive in nature as he has been extolling the known terrorist like Osama Bin Laden proclaiming that every Muslim should be a terrorist and claiming that if Islam indeed wanted 80 per cent of Indian population would not have remained Hindus as they could have been converted, added Takbhate.

Naiks followers of banned organisation are active through its official facebook page. IRF and Naik are active even after the notification of ban and are committing cognizable offence.
AB -2109 authored by Assembly Man Richard Pan MD, MPH required that as of January 1, 2014, the parents affidavit be accompanied by:

California Assembly Bill 2109 was signed by Governor Brown and filed with the California Secretary of State on September 30, 2012. At the time, existing law exempted a child from vaccination requirements if the parent or guardian filed with the governing authority a letter or affidavit stating that the immunization was contrary to his or her beliefs.

It may be wise for the California Legislature to stop tilting at such windmill and to concentrate on the states devastating autism epidemic.

More recently, laws were introduced in California to educate doubting parents and abolish personal belief and religious exemptions in order to further improve pediatric vaccination rates and prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases.

In the early 1990s, a renowned pediatrician realizing that susceptible adults in the United States were uninterested in the recently introduced Hepatitis B vaccine, decided that the best way to control Hepatitis B infection was to vaccinate all newborns in the nursery, whether they needed to be vaccinated or not. Clearly he was fighting a windmill because acute and chronic hepatitis B infections are still occurring in large numbers among immigrants, adults choosing risky behaviors and prison inmates who were still adamantly refusing to be vaccinated.

Reprinted with permission. By Edward F. Yazbak, MD The story of Don Quixote charging windmills under the delusion that they were giants is well-known. Just as memorable were the melody and lyrics of The Impossible Dream.

b) A signed statement by the parent or guardian that indeed he or she had indeed received said information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201120120AB2109

Although AB-2109 effectively reduced the number of KG Personal Belief Exemptions (PBE), it did little towards actually preventing outbreaks of communicable diseases. In February 2015, the CDC reported:

As of February 11, a total of 125 measles cases with rash occurring during December 28, 2014February 8, 2015, had been confirmed in U.S. residents connected with this outbreak. Of these, 110 patients were California residents. Thirty-nine (35%) of the California patients visited one or both of the two Disney theme parks during December 1720, where they are thought to have been exposed to measles, 37 have an unknown exposure source (34%), and 34 (31%) are secondary cases. Among the 34 secondary cases, 26 were household or close contacts, and eight were exposed in a community setting. Five (5%) of the California patients reported being in one or both of the two Disney theme parks during their exposure period outside of December 1720, but their source of infection is unknown. In addition, 15 cases linked to the two Disney theme parks have been reported in seven other states: Arizona (seven), Colorado (one), Nebraska (one), Oregon (one), Utah (three), and Washington (two), as well as linked cases reported in two neighboring countries, Mexico (one) and Canada (10).

Among the 110 California patients, 49 (45%) were unvaccinated; five (5%) had 1 dose of measles-containing vaccine, seven (6%) had 2 doses, one (1%) had 3 doses, 47 (43%) had unknown or undocumented vaccination status, and one (1%) had immunoglobulin G seropositivity documented, which indicates prior vaccination or measles infection at an undetermined time. Twelve of the unvaccinated patients were infants too young to be vaccinated. Among the 37 remaining vaccine-eligible patients, 28 (67%) were intentionally unvaccinated because of personal beliefs, and one was on an alternative plan for vaccination. Among the 28 intentionally unvaccinated patients, 18 were children (aged <18 years), and 10 were adults. Patients range in age from 6 weeks to 70 years; the median age is 22 years. Among the 84 patients with known hospitalization status, 17 (20%) were hospitalized.

The source of the initial Disney theme park exposure has not been identified. Specimens from 30 California patients were genotyped; all were measles genotype B3, which has caused a large outbreak recently in the Philippines, but has also been detected in at least 14 countries and at least six U.S. states in the last 6 months.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6406a5.htm

The 28 intentionally unvaccinated because of personal beliefs individuals in a state of almost 39 million inhabitants immediately became an attractive Windmill to now CA State Senator Richard Pan MD to realize his dream to abolish once and for all pediatric philosophical and religious exemptions.

On February 4, 2015, surrounded by mothers carrying their infants, Senators Ben Allen and Richard Pan announced to the world that they would be introducing Legislation to End Californias Vaccine Exemption Loophole.

http://sd26.senate.ca.gov/news/2015-02-04-senators-richard-pan-and-ben-allen-introduce-legislation-end-california-s-vaccine

At the announcement, Dr. Pan stated: As a pediatrician, Ive been worried about the anti-vaccination trend for a long time. Ive personally witnessed the suffering caused by these preventable diseases and I am very grateful to the many parents that are now speaking up and letting us know that our current laws dont protect their kids.

In spite of significant opposition, Dr. Pan feverishly lobbied for SB-277 until it was passed by the Senate 25 to 10. The bill was approved by Governor Brown and filed with the Secretary of State on June 30, 2015. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB277

TIME Magazine called Dr. Pan a Hero who had authored a landmark legislation to abolish non-medical exemptions to legally required vaccines for school students, thereby restoring community immunity from preventable contagions. There were even unconfirmed reports that Dr. Pan often hummed The Impossible Dream driving to work in Sacramentos famously challenging traffic. http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/Hourly

In addition to practicing Pediatrics and witnessing the suffering caused by preventable diseases around the State Capital, Dr. Pan chaired  the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement and the Senate Select Committees on Children with Special Needs and on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs and that he also served on the Senate Committees on Agriculture; Business, Professions, and Economic Development; and Education and accomplished all that in record time.

http://sd06.senate.ca.gov/biography

***

On April 12, 2017, Dr. Pan victoriously hailed new data by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) demonstrating that, in its first year of implementation, Senate Bill 277 is raising school vaccine rates to levels not seen in a decade and a half

Dr. Pan added: I am pleased that this first year of the implementation of SB277 has resulted in the significant rise of the vaccination rate of this years Kindergarten class and This success is a first step toward reducing the number of unimmunized people putting our families at-risk for preventable diseases, thereby restoring community immunity throughout our state in the coming years.

http://sd06.senate.ca.gov/news/2017-04-12-dr-richard-pan-vaccinate-california-respond-new-state-data-showing-kindergarten

The same report also mentioned that The results posted today by CDPH in their annual immunization assessment, show that the proportion of kindergarten students who received the required vaccines dramatically rose from 93 percent during the 2015-16 school year, to 96 percent during the 2016-17 school year, a rate above the 94 percent needed to prevent measles transmission.

Without mentioning measles by name, Dr. Pan appeared to suggest that the 2014-2015 measles outbreak in California was somehow related to philosophical exemptions and poor pediatric vaccination rates among KG students necessitating the introduction and adoption of SB277.

Once more he had jousted against another windmill!

*****

On May 16, 2017, an Original Research report was published in Annals of Internal Medicine.It was titled Missed Opportunities for Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccination Among Departing U.S. Adult Travelers Receiving Pretravel Health Consultations and authored by Emily P. Hyle, MD, MSc; Sowmya R. Rao, PhD; Emily S. Jentes, PhD, MPH; Amy Parker Fiebelkorn, MSN, MPH; Stefan H.F. Hagmann, MD, MSc; Allison Taylor Walker, PhD, MPH; Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH; Edward T. Ryan, MD; Regina C. LaRocque, MD, MPH.

Among the five most widely cited medical journals in the world Annals of Internal Medicine, the Journal of the American College of Physicians, sets the standard for evidence-based, practice-relevant information. https://store.acponline.org/ebizatpro/Default.aspx?TabID=251&productId=4897

The authors of the Original Research report, all attached to distinguished hospitals and universities, clearly stated that: Measles outbreaks continue to occur in the United States and are mostly due to infections in returning travelers" and not to foreign visitors or a magic percentage of California or US children.

According to the report, 40 810 adult travelers were included; providers considered 6612 (16%) to be eligible for MMR vaccine at the time of pretravel consultation. Of the MMR-eligible, 3477 (53%) were not vaccinated at the visit; of these, 1689 (48%) were not vaccinated because of traveler refusal, 966 (28%) because of provider decision, and 822 (24%) because of health systems barriers. Most MMR-eligible travelers who were not vaccinated were evaluated in the South (2262 travelers [65%]) or at nonacademic centers (1777 travelers [51%]). Nonvaccination due to traveler refusal was most frequent in the South (1432 travelers [63%]) and in nonacademic centers (1178 travelers [66%]).

The authors concluded that: Of U.S. adult travelers who presented for pretravel consultation at GTEN sites, 16% met criteria for MMR vaccination according to the provider's assessment, but fewer than half of these travelers were vaccinated. An increase in MMR vaccination of eligible U.S. adult travelers could reduce the likelihood of importation and transmission of measles virus.

[The Global TravEpiNet (GTEN) includes 24 sites of a CDC-funded consortium]

The study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Steve and Deborah Gorlin MGH Research Scholars Award.

http://annals.org/aim/article/2626466/missed-opportunities-measles-mumps-rubella-vaccination-among-departing-u-s

***

By tradition, an Original Research publication is almost invariably accompanied by a related editorial. The editorial published on May 16, 2017 was titled Why Aren't International Travelers Vaccinated for Measles? and authored by Lori K. Handy, MD, MSCE and Paul A. Offit, MD.

Dr Handy is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. Her area of expertise is Infectious Diseases and Vaccines.

Dr. Offit is Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He is also the Director of the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP.

In their Editorial, Drs. Handy and Offit reported that: Before a vaccine against measles was introduced, 500 000 cases occurred each year in the United States, resulting in 500 deaths, 48 000 hospitalizations, and 1000 cases of permanent brain damage from encephalitis (1). Endemic measles was eliminated from the United States in 2000 (2), but sporadic outbreaks have occurred since then because of importation of the virus from other countries. These cases occur in travelers as well as their contacts in the United States, many of whom are unvaccinated themselves (3). In 2014, the United States had the largest single outbreak of measles (667 cases) in more than 20 years because of infected travelers returning from abroad combined with the low vaccination rate of certain U.S. populations (4). This outbreak was linked to travel to the Philippines, which was in the midst of a measles epidemic. In 2015, a multistate outbreak associated with Disneyland likely was the result of a park visitor who had traveled overseas; 188 cases were reported that year (5). Importations remain the source of measles transmission in the United States, and persons visiting travel clinics present an opportunity to reduce or eliminate these cases.

http://annals.org/aim/article/2627899/why-aren-t-international-travelers-vaccinated-measles

It is very clear that Drs. Handy and Offit were also discussing unvaccinated US travelers who go to countries where they are exposed to measles and then return to the United States where they expose friends and relatives.

The listed Reference # 4 related to the largest single measles outbreak of 667 cases deserves discussion in some detail. That report was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on October 6, 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27705270

According to the authors, the outbreak of measles originated from two unvaccinated Amish men in whom measles was incubating at the time of their return to the United States from the Philippines.

The reported and most interesting findings of the study were that:

From March 24, 2014, through July 23, 2014, a total of 383 outbreak-related cases of measles were reported in nine counties in Ohio. The median age of case patients was 15 years (range, <1 to 53); a total of 178 of the case patients (46%) were female, and 340 (89%) were unvaccinated.

Transmission took place primarily within households (68% of cases).

The virus strain was genotype D9, which was circulating in the Philippines at the time.

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage with at least a single dose was estimated to be 14% in affected Amish households and more than 88% in the general (non-Amish) Ohio community.

The spread of measles was limited almost exclusively to the Amish community (99% of case patients) and only affected about 1% of the estimated 32,630 Amish persons in the settlement.

***

Drs. Handy and Offit stated:

Although these results may not be representative of all travelers, individuals who visit travel clinics presumably are highly motivated to seek protection from infectious diseases while abroad. Therefore, it is surprising that the MMR vaccination rates at these visits were not higher.

Vaccine eligibility in this study population was based on self-reported disease and immunization history, which is less strict than the criteria of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Although these more lenient standards may have influenced one's perception of whether vaccination was neededor notprevious studies estimated that measles seroprevalence is greater than 75%and likely closer to 90%in agreement with the authors' findings (8).

Many departing U.S. travelers attend travel clinics or visit their own physician to take appropriate precautions before leaving the country. Conversely, many others are not motivated to visit a travel clinic or are logistically unable to do so; travelers overall may have even lower immunization rates.

Because these data are from surveys, information is incomplete regarding the reason for traveler refusal, the drivers of provider decisions, and the measures taken to encourage vaccination.

The study included sites at both academic and nonacademic institutions in various regions of the country. Variability by clinic is one factor that may be addressed to try to standardize care among clinics. Travelers did have the opportunity to report why they refused the MMR vaccine, and most stated they did so because they were not concerned about illness.

Exotic infections, such as malaria and yellow fever, preoccupy travelers; measles should be just as feared, and vaccination should be strongly encouraged.

Because of the low incidence of measles in the United States, few persons understand the severity of the disease for themselves, the contagiousness of the virus, or the implications for society at large on their return.

Providers must play a role in helping travelers understand the seriousness of this infection.

***

Hyle et al clearly stated that An increase in MMR vaccination of eligible U.S. adult travelers could reduce the likelihood of importation and transmission of measles virus.

They clearly were not talking about KG vaccination rates.

The related Editorial by Handy and Offit should make reasonable people wonder whether Dr. Pans elation was justified and whether indeed a 1 or 2% increase in vaccination rates in Kindergarten was going to actually prevent infectious disease outbreaks and as Dr. Pan promised restore community immunity throughout our state in the coming years.

Concerning the earlier mentioned California Department of Public Health statement that the proportion of kindergarten students who received the required vaccines dramatically rose from 93 percent during the 2015-16 school year, to 96 percent during the 2016-17 school year, a rate above the 94 percent needed to prevent measles transmission., it seems strange that the good people at the CDPH really believed that a 93% MMR vaccination rate was dismal and a 94% vaccination rate in KG was totally effective in preventing measles transmission statewide.

It was also interesting to note that the California measles outbreak of less than 150 cases was more intensely used by Dr. Pan as an argument in favor of abolishing philosophical and religious exemptions than the recent whooping cough California epidemics.

In 2010, California experienced the highest number of pertussis cases in >60 years, with >9000 cases, 809 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22819634

More recently, the CDC reported that During January 1November 26, 2014, a total of 9,935 cases of pertussis with onset in 2014 were reported to CDPH, for a statewide incidence of 26.0 cases per 100,000. Referring to the relatively ineffective whooping cough vaccine presently in use, the CDC authors had added: As long as currently available acellular pertussis vaccines are in use, it is likely that the "new normal" will be higher disease incidence throughout pertussis cycles. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6348a2.htm

Interestingly, Californias leading calamity appeared to have been somewhat ignored during the fierce discussion of SB277. According to the Sacramento Bee, July 18, 2016, published in Dr. Pans own backyard: More than 97,000 California public school students have been diagnosed as autistic, a number that has risen seven-fold since 2001, according to the latest special education data from the California Department of Education.

The figure represent a jump of about 6,500, or 7 percent, from 2014-15 to 2015-16.

The increase was especially sharp among kindergartners, where autism cases grew by 17 percent last year. More than one of every 65 kindergartners in California public schools is classified as autistic.

In 10 years, the number of autistic students statewide has risen by between 5,000 and 7,000 every year, state figures show.

In the four-county Sacramento region, the number of autistic students rose by about 660, or 12 percent, to roughly 6,400 from 2014-15 to 2015-16.

According to the included graph, California public school students diagnosed with autism increased from about 14,000 cases in 2001 to about 97,000 cases in 2016. http://www.sacbee.com/site-services/databases/article90300877.html

During the same 15 years, the population of California increased from 34.5 to 39.25 million.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/206097/resident-population-in-california/

The societal cost of autism in California was estimated to reach $40 billion in 2015.

http://californiahealthline.org/news/high-cost-of-autism-to-california/



*****

Like everywhere else, there are a multitude of serious issues confronting California.

The relatively small number of pediatric vaccination exemptions does not appear to be the states gravest challenge

Maybe Senator Pan can forget the windmills and concentrate on discovering what is really causing Californias Mega-Epidemic of Autism.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Windy with rain likely. High 66F. Winds ENE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low near 65F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
May 22, 2017

Granting incentives and guarantees to encourage investment, notably foreign investment, tops the Egyptian government's list of priorities for economic reform. Major foreign companies, however, remain reluctant to invest in the country's gold mining sector despite the opportunities available in Egypt's deserts.

In January, the government announced an international tender for exploring and exploiting gold in five locations in the Eastern Desert and Sinai  Umm el-Russ, Bokari, Umm Samra, Umm Ud and Hangaliya  under a production-sharing scheme. The tender process is currently ongoing.

Omar Taima, head of the Mineral Resources Authority, told Al-Monitor, The [initial] results of the international gold bid so far show great interest by big companies in the gold-drilling field to operate in Egypt. We have received bids from 14 companies so far. In August 2014, the General Committee of the Mineral Resources Authority had canceled agreements signed in 2009 with SMW Gold, Vertex and Z-Gold, after the companies failed to start operations due to financial problems.

Two systems govern Egypt's gold-mining sector, and agreements between the government and investors must receive parliamentary approval. The first system is a royalty and tax framework in which profit sharing begins after the investor recoups the money it pumped into research, exploration and project setup. The Australian Centamin Company operates in Egypt under this type of arrangement.

The second system involves the investor covering the full cost of exploration and setup and then the government and the investor sharing profits equally from the first day of production. The Canadian Alexander Nubia Company and the Emirati Thani Dubai Mining Company have these types of contracts and currently remain in the exploration and search phase.

Centamin was the first company to respond to the call for bids  but by announcing that it would not participate due to the production-sharing arrangement, which it said is commercially unprofitable.

Taima, however, denied disadvantage investors, asserting, The results of the selections that will soon be announced will be the clearest response to those accusing the Egyptian government of including unfair conditions that chase away investors. He further claimed, The conditions that the government imposes for bids protect the rights of the Egyptian state and investors. The production-sharing system guarantees the rights of both.

Sami al-Rajihi, Centamin founder and its main shareholder, manages the Sukari mine, the biggest in Egypt, in the Eastern Desert southwest of Marsa Alam. He told Al-Monitor, Egypt is the only country working in the gold-mining field based on a production-sharing system. Other countries have been adopting the royalty and tax system, which has proven [production sharing's] failure, having not attracted any investors since its implementation in 1983.

Rajihi further said, The Egyptian government is restricting investors to certain locations to search for gold, based on old maps and information. Serious gold miners wouldnt settle for the conditions that the government is setting in the bid.

We agreed back in 1994 to a [modified] production-sharing system with the Egyptian government, which provided that if we discover a gold mine, the agreement would be changed. Despite getting all approvals and working for 18 months in the Sukari mine, a ministerial change took place, and the then-new government was not convinced of our contract. Thus a dispute emerged and went on for five years, during which no equipment was allowed to reach the company through the desert. We resorted to international arbitration but took back this step following promises from the Ministry of Petroleum to end the dispute and help the company resume work. But bureaucracy was always delaying the development of Sukari mine and the gold extraction process.

Rajihi contended, The current mining law does not encourage investors, whether in mines or quarries, and it has pushed many investors to retreat from quarries.

Only two companies  Centamin and the Matz Holdings, a Cypriot outfit  have so far extracted gold in Egypt. As noted, Centamin manages the Sukari mine, which has estimated reserves of 14.5 million ounces worth $20 billion. Matz Holdings had operated the Hamash mine, some 62 miles west of Marsa Alam in the Eastern Desert, but it halted work in 2012, after producing only 65 kilograms of gold since 2007 due to financial and technical setbacks. Matz had started operations in 1999 and had begun commercial production in 2007.

Abdel Aal Hassan, a geologist and deputy head of the Mineral Resources Authority, told Al-Monitor, The state amended the gold agreements after the Minex Company quit its operations in the 1990s due to the rising royalties to the state and taxes, which reached 8%, and due to the conditions of the production-sharing agreement. The requirements were amended to reduce the royalties in the Sukari mine agreement to 3%, but the new agreements set the minimum royalty rate at 5%, as per the constitution and the Mining Law.

Hassan added, The Mineral Resources Authority determined the locations for gold exploration according to specific data and geological maps and coordinates. But, investors have to take the plunge and embark on exploration to receive the 50% profit offered by the state in exchange for benefiting from its natural resources. The state cannot possibly give the investors full freedom to excavate any place they like, as the companies want.

Having participated in several technical committees to review gold agreements with investors, Hassan said, Although some companies have rejected the conditions set by the state to protect the right of the Egyptian people to their mineral resources, some companies are convinced that Egypts resources have not been fully discovered yet and are willing to work in the country.

Egypt effectively pockets less than 5% of the money generated by the exploitation of its mineral and stone resources. Meanwhile, through its economic program, the government is trying to encourage investments in the mining sector in general in the hope of creating job opportunities and to expand in the gold industry beyond extracting and exporting.
June 5, 2017

The dramatic decision by five Arab countries to sever ties with Qatar over its alleged coddling of the Muslim Brotherhood and its flirtation with their archenemy Iran has caught the pugnacious emirates closest regional ally, Turkey, off balance and wondering whether it too may be targeted.

Turkeys initial reaction to the announcement by Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen that they were suspending diplomatic ties as well as air and sea travel to and from Qatar was a call for dialogue. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a news conference, We see the stability in the Gulf region as our own unity and solidarity." He went on, "Countries may of course have some issues, but dialogue must continue  for problems to be resolved peacefully. We are saddened by the current picture and will give any support for its normalization.

Clearly, Qatars predicament will have a ripple effect in Turkey. Turkeys flourishing political, military and business ties with Qatar have been described and analyzed in exhaustive detail by fellow Al-Monitor columnists Metin Gurcan, Mustafa Sonmez and Fehim Tastekin. As Sonmez pointed out, the Turkish construction giants who are driving the Turkish economy are pinning their hopes on winning contracts in Qatar. While relatively small compared to Qatar's investments elsewhere, injections of Qatari money has brought some relief to Turkeys faltering finances. Qatar has also helped bankroll Turkeys Sunni Arab rebel proxies in Syria and piggy-backed on Turkeys geostrategic clout to amplify its own in the region.

But above all, the increasingly conspiratorial and paranoid mindset in Ankara has some worrying that Turkey may somehow be in the line of fire.

A Turkish source with access to the countrys senior leadership who asked to not be identified by name told Al-Monitor, They see parallels between [former Egyptian President] Mohammed Morsis ouster and whats happening to Qatar now. They see it as part of a concerted campaign orchestrated by Israel and the United States against the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies with whom they feel an ideological affinity and they are connecting the dots to the July 15 coup.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was among the most vocal critics of current Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after the former general ejected and jailed Morsi in 2013. Erdogan called Sisi a putschist who had murdered thousands of his own people in an interview with the Qatari news channel Al Jazeera. For Erdogan, Sisi is no different from the Turkish generals who waged an unsuccessful campaign to unseat him. And while he blames the July coup attempt on the Pennsylvania-based Turkish imam Fethullah Gulen, the source said, Erdogan believes that Gulen could not have acted without America and Israels support and that they may try to go after him again, and going after Qatar is like going after Turkey.

As Erdogan himself frequently acknowledges, Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was the first international leader to call him on the night of the coup. The emir was rumored to have offered the Turkish president an airplane, protection and sanctuary if need be.

The UAE, which is spearheading Qatars isolation, has been accused by the pro-government Turkish media of transferring funds to Gulen operatives weeks before the coup attempt. Some of the accusations are based on the hacked emails of the UAE ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al Otaiba.

As of the time of publication, Erdogan had yet to publicly rise to Qatars defense. But pro-government accounts on Twitter have already done so in force with the hashtag #TurkeyWithQatar trending in Turkey. Echoing the prevailing mood, an account called @fireoftheturk tweeted a picture of Thani shaking hands with Erdogan captioned, We are with you [Q]atar, dont worry and "Allah too [has] a plan."
June 5, 2017

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Hamas' Interior Ministry executed three citizens convicted of assassinating Mazen Faqha, a former prisoner in Israel and senior operative in Hamas military wing. Faqha was shot dead March 24 in front of his house in Tel al-Hawa in the south of Gaza.

The men were executed May 25, only four days after a field military court in Gaza issued death sentences for the convicted killer Ashraf Abu Leila (execution by hanging), and his accomplices, Hisham Alloul (execution by hanging) and Abdullah al-Nashar (execution by firing squad). They were convicted of spying for Israel, surveilling Faqha and providing information that facilitated his assassination.

During a press conference to reveal the identity of Faqhas killers May 11, Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas political bureau, said he considered the discovery of details about the assassination a military, security and strategic accomplishment. However, there have been issues raised surrounding the trial's speed and legal proceedings, all of which happened in the space of only 15 days.

Haniyeh said the killer confessed to committing the crime on Israeli orders. Haniyeh indicated that Hamas' penal code calls for the formation of a field military court in emergencies and times of war, both of which were applicable in this specific case. Such courts were defined in the 1979 Revolutionary Penal Code as a judicial entity with absolute powers whose verdicts are not subject to appeal.

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights criticized the death sentences, saying in a May 21 press release, The verdict came out a week after the trial began and after only four sessions were held, a first since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in 2007. The center expressed fear that the accused were not granted their right to self-defense or a fair trial and wondered why there was such a rush to issue the sentence.

Bakr al-Turkmani, coordinator of the unit responsible for investigations and complaints at the Palestinian Authority-affiliated Independent Commission for Human Rights, condemned Hamas execution of the three men without fair trials.

Field courts are meant for times of war, when civil courts cannot convene. Turkmani expressed doubt that such a court was called for. He told Al-Monitor, There were several legal violations during the trial. The accused appeared before the military courts even though they are civilians, which is against Palestinian law. Besides, forming the field military court to prosecute them violates the law because there was no pressing need for such a court. Turkmani went on, "The trial should have taken place before the civil judiciary.

Turkmani said the accused should have had the right to appear before three courts before the final verdict was issued  the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation  to ensure a fair trial and appropriate punishment. He said human rights commission called May 25 for a retrial before the appropriate courts. But the authorities did not oblige.

According to a statement issued by the Hemaya Center for Human Rights on May 24, when researchers from the center visited the three men May 23, Nashar did not admit to killing Faqha, but confessed to having links to Israel since 2010. The statement quoted Nashar as saying, The court appointed a defense attorney to represent me, but there was not enough time to sit with him and discuss the case. My trial was unfair and hasty.

The head of the military court in Gaza, Nasser Suleiman, defended the prosecution. He told Al-Monitor, We are in a state of war. Israels aircraft are always in Palestinian airspace. When any crime that affects national security is committed, it is legitimate to form a field court to examine the case.

He added that the court followed proper procedures, saying, The criminals confessed and the prosecution completed its investigation and prepared its list of charges to present to the court. The court gave the prosecution and the defense ample time before issuing the verdict.

Yahya Moussa, Hamas representative and head of the Palestinian Legislative Council's Oversight Committee, accused Israel of being behind the assassination. He considers the quick apprehension of those implicated in the assassination and their swift trial and execution a slap in Israels face."

He told Al-Monitor, The Israeli enemy believes it has the upper hand in Gaza, but it is not aware that the Palestinian resistance is [so] smart and resourceful.

He said that the quick trial proceedings and execution were the product of the Palestinian political situation under Israeli occupation. He added, We do not live in a stable and independent country. This is a national liberation struggle requiring exceptional judicial conditions to deal with spies for Israel, firmly and without hesitation, to protect our internal front.

Despite the legal issues raised concerning the execution of Faqhas assassins, the Palestinian public widely supports and encourages the execution of spies for Israel.
June 5, 2017

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered one of his harshest criticisms of the new US shift in adopting Saudi Arabias anti-Iranian stance.

In a speech commemorating the death of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei said that a number of enemy countries emerged immediately in the first decade following Iran's Islamic Revolution in 1979 and have remained enemies until today. He urged Iranian officials to not ignore the principle of separating from the coil of American power. Khamenei added, Our enemies are not idle. Until today, they have not been able to knock us back, but the enemy is lurking.

On US President Donald Trumps adoption of Saudi Arabias positions with respect to Iran and criticism by US officials of Irans presidential election during a recent Saudi trip, Khamenei said, The president of America stands next to a tribal leader and does a sword dance and then criticizes the vote of 40 million people in our election.

In an indirect attack on President Hassan Rouhani, who had advocated larger negotiations to remove all sanctions on Iran, which would likely require direct US-Iran talks on non-nuclear issues, Khamenei said, Some know it to be reasonable  and they make a mistake  and say that challenging [the United States] has a price. He added, However, compromise also has a price. Consider that the Saudi government  to compromise with the new American president  is required to give more than half of its budget at the service of Americans. During Trumps trip to Saudi Arabia, the two sides agreed to a $110 billion arms deal.

Khamenei continued, If challenging [the United States] is reasonable and in accordance with logic, its cost is lower than compromise. Despite the moderate candidates re-election, Khamenei remained steadfast in his opposition to broader talks with the United States. When you retreat, then they present new demands until you give in to their demands and the cycle continues, he said. Being a revolutionary means to not make your goal to please the enemy. Their goal should be to rely on the people and domestic forces and not submit to any power.

Khamenei also acknowledged the issue of election violations, which conservative candidate Ebrahim Raisi complained about directly to the Guardian Council. Khamenei noted that while the violations did not change the outcome of the election, this should be prevented from happening again during the next election. He asked the candidates to put the partisan hostility and accusations behind themselves now that the election is over.

Khamenei also asked the electorate  whether their candidate won or lost  to compose themselves. Recalling the 2009 election in which the Green Movement leaders called the election fraudulent and brought out street protests, Khamenei said, We saw what problems 2009 brought for the country.

In a speech June 3, Rouhani made the case that his administration had been given a mandate with the re-election. All the votes are to be respected, Rouhani said. The minority vote is to be respected, they too have rights. But the method of administration must be in accordance with the majority.
June 5, 2017

While President Hassan Rouhani focused on Irans educated middle class ahead of the May 19 vote, his conservative rivals targeted the poor. Having achieved an impressive victory, Rouhani now faces the challenge of maintaining this enormous asset, namely the Reform and moderation movement. Failing to do so could mean a return of hard-liners to power, as in 2005, when then-Reformist President Mohammad Khatami was succeeded by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

In his first campaign documentary, which aired on state television May 3, conservative presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi tried to concentrate on the vulnerable social classes. The documentary, dubbed The Peoples Concert, attempted to take the focus off of concert cancellations as a result of pressure by conservative clerics and instead give the sense that jobs and housing are more important. In the documentary, Raisi said, Are concerts really the peoples problem? Dont people laugh at us? Our workers are unemployed. They have no bread or homes. And then we talk of concerts?

In contrast, Rouhani emphasized the values largely espoused by the middle class. His first campaign documentary, which was aired May 6, rather than showing images of villagers, slum dwellers or the vulnerable social classes, began with the topic of free speech and university students voicing their criticisms. He also spoke about the environment and the measures taken by his first-term administration to revive Lake Orumiyeh in northwest Iran or solve the problem of a dust storm in the southwestern province of Khuzestan. In addition, he referred to his administrations extensive diplomatic exchanges with the world  issues that were all of interest to the youth and the educated middle class. His special focus on this part of society prompted even some of his supporters to charge that his campaign was too elitist.

Yet Rouhani maintained his focus. He repeatedly defended free speech and the idea of women playing an active role in society, while also addressing economic issues, the unemployment crisis and hunger among slum dwellers. Rouhanis approach prompted concern among some analysts who thought a low turnout among middle-class voters amid a high turnout among poorer voters could spell a win for Raisi.

In fact, the fear of a potential Raisi victory was perhaps one of the determining factors behind Rouhanis victory. In a May 7 speech in Orumiyeh, Rouhani addressed his rival and said, Please stop talking of freedom since freedom will be embarrassed. People should be aware that these [individuals] who have come out today aimed to limit [access to] the internet and filter social media networks during the past four years.

One day later, while delivering a speech in the western city of Hamadan, Rouhani implicitly accused Raisi of wishing to impose gender segregation even in the streets. He said, In a meeting, they decided to build walls in the streets. They sought to divide the streets for women and men, just like when they issued a circular for gender segregation in their workplaces. You dont know them; I know them.

Moreover, two days before the elections, on May 17, Rouhani spoke in the northwestern town of Ardebil, saying, Today is a decisive day for the nation to either return to an era of sanctions and imprisonment or to move in the path of the future.

Matin Ghaffarian, a journalist and a doctoral sociology researcher at Tehran University, told Al-Monitor, Making a definitive statement about each of these two classes [voter] participation requires the release of detailed figures. However, based on my personal observations, 'fear' played an important role in bringing the middle class to the ballot boxes. One [piece of evidence] of this argument is that [voter] participation levels and candidate selections were [initially] low. When Raisi became the Principlists ultimate candidate [after Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf withdrew in the last week of the race], [voter] participation levels rose as well as the number of decisive votes.

On May 18, Al-Monitor reported on the reasons for why all of Ghalibafs votes would not go to Raisi after he withdrew his candidacy, predicting that this could rather benefit Rouhani by leading to a higher turnout among the middle class and so-called gray voters, who, in the Iranian political lexicon, are voters who usually dont vote but are swing voters whenever they do participate in elections  such as in 2013 when Rouhani was first elected.

Indeed, a look at opinion polls published by the US-based International Perspectives for Public Opinion (IPPO), which accurately predicted Rouhanis win, is useful in assessing the partisan tendencies of various social classes. According to an IPPO poll published May 18, among university-educated voters, 78% supported Rouhani while only 22% backed Raisi. Another IPPO poll published on the same day predicted that 67% of rural and 73% of urban voters favored Rouhani with only 33% and 27%, respectively, backing Raisi.

In the capital city of Tehran, turnout among the middle class was different than in the Feb. 26, 2016, parliamentary polls. In the 2016 vote, Mohammad Reza Aref, who won most votes in Tehran, received 1.6 million ballots. Rouhani got about 2.7 million votes in the capital alone on May 19. Even Mohsen Hashemi Rafsanjani, the son of late Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, won 2.3 million votes in the concurrent City and Village Council elections, coming first in Tehran.

Two conclusions can be drawn from this data. First, the middle class turned out in great numbers on May 19. Second, the lower social classes, which turned out in high numbers in 2013 but participated less in the 2016 parliamentary polls, came out in greater numbers again on May 19.

Indeed, while Rouhani won about 70% of the votes in Tehran, he received far fewer ballots in nearby counties such as Varamin, Shahr Rey, Gharchak and Robat Karim, which are predominantly inhabited by the lower economic and social classes. Yet he received just over half of the votes in those counties, too.

In this vein, Ghaffarian told Al-Monitor, There is no doubt that the urban middle class voted for Rouhani. However, based on reliable pre-election polls, we know that the lower class also voted for Rouhani in these elections  although a smaller difference is seen between Rouhani and Raisis votes in this class than in the middle class. Based on opinion polls conducted by [social scientists] Abbas Abdi and Mohsen Goudarzi, in the upper-class districts, approximately two votes were cast for Raisi for every 14 votes for Rouhani. Meanwhile, in the lower-class districts, two votes were cast for Raisi for every three votes for Rouhani.

The May 19 elections saw strong voter turnout of 73%, with Rouhani re-elected in the first round of polling. If not given proper attention, disappointed youths and middle-class Iranians could not only collapse the administration, but also create a repeat of what happened to the Reformists in 2005. As such, given his strong reliance on the middle class, Rouhani has no choice but to spend more political capital on practically addressing the concerns of his educated supporters. If not, Iran could very well be looking at the rise of another Ahmadinejad to power.
June 5, 2017

In discussing Israel's nuclear capabilities, even foreign publications have not gone back to 1967, to the war that transformed Israel from a state under siege and faced with annihilation into a regional empire. The international community now believes that Israel has 90-200 nuclear warheads. According to foreign researchers, some are installed on Jericho missiles, while others can be delivered by fighter jet. A few may even be carried by German-manufactured submarines. Nevertheless, no one had imagined that the story of Israel's atomic arsenal began as early as it did. Israel's nuclear option, once called the Samson option, was not even thought to have existed on the eve of the war that broke out in June 1967. As it turns out, however, it did, at least according to The New York Times.

In the early 2000s, Israel invested significant energy and no small amount of money in an effort to collect and destroy the drafts and manuscripts of personal diary entries and an ostensibly fictional memoir by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak Yatza Yaakov that he had sent to several friends, publishers and members of the American news media. It now looks like Yaakov's writings included one of the most secretive and explosive stories in the history of Israel's defense establishment.

Yaakov stood at the center of the story, which was never published. Given the effort Israel exerted, it looks like the state did everything it could to keep it that way. Nevertheless, Israel's defense establishment and press spent years dealing with the Yatza Affair, until Yaakov's death slightly more than four years ago, in March 2013.

In 2001, Yaakov arrived in Israel from the United States to celebrate his 75th birthday and was promptly arrested. Accused of espionage, his trial was held in camera. Yaakov was eventually convicted of lesser crimes, handed a two-year conditional sentence and released from house arrest. The story he wanted to tell was censored, and a strict publication ban was imposed on it until this week. Now that Yaakov is dead, however, his supposed secrets have emerged from the shadows, published June 3 by The New York Times. The paper obtained the transcript of an interview that Yaakov had given to Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman.

On the eve of the Six-Day War, which broke out fifty years ago today, Israel faced a real existential threat. It was a tiny state with only 10 air miles between the seaside town of Netanya and its eastern border. It had indefensible boundaries and was surrounded by enemies whose armies had amassed along its borders. The population was much smaller then, some 2.7 million people, and the predominant feeling among the country's leaders was that they were facing a second Holocaust. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployed along the borders to counter any problems, the political leadership was reluctant to act. It feared that a pre-emptive strike by Israel would lead to international isolation and wake the slumbering Soviet Union, which was consistently providing aid to the Arab states.

According to the report in The New York Times, this was the background to a decision by the Israeli General Staff to draw up a desperate plan for the worst-case scenario: Israel would detonate a nuclear device on the summit of a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula. The bomb would be hidden at the site by a special paratrooper unit. According to foreign sources, Israel's nuclear program was in its infancy at that time. Those same sources claimed that although Israel had the capability to detonate a nuclear device, it still lacked the means to deliver it.

According to the top-secret plan, the Egyptians would in theory see the explosion from a great distance, perhaps even from Cairo, and get the hint. One theory has it that the plan was made in response to concerns that in case of a war, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser would use chemical weapons against Israel, just as he had used them during Egypt's military intervention in Yemen. Israeli leaders were not only concerned about a military defeat and annihilation, but also about the possibility that Egyptian missiles armed with chemical warheads would land in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Haifa. In response to this potential apocalypse, Israel prepared an apocalypse of its own.

The plan was never carried out, nor was it even close to becoming a reality. The Six-Day War broke out on June 5. Within the first two hours, the Israeli air force had destroyed the Arab air forces in Operation Focus, and everyone knew that Israel would win. The story of the plan was never revealed, apparently because it was censored or out of concern that it might harm Israels credibility as a responsible state. Then along came Yaakov, who had headed the unit that prepared the operation for the bomb during the war.

Yaakov led the Weapons Development Unit in the IDF's Operations Division and then served as the head of the Research and Development Unit at the Ministry of Defense. Foreign reports claim that Yaakov was one of the founders of Israel's nuclear program.

Once he reached the age of 70, Yaakov sought ways to ensure that his contributions to Israel's security would be remembered for posterity. He wrote a book, supposedly a work of fiction, in which he described, among other things, the secret 1967 operation. He sent the manuscript to various publishers, friends and public figures in the United States, along with a personal note in which he explained that it was a completely true story, but written as a fictional account to bypass Israeli censorship. He followed up by sending excerpts from his personal diary, describing this secret plan, to others in the United States. Yaakov was occasionally cautioned against doing this by Israeli authorities, but he chose to ignore their warnings.

The climax came when he gave a long, detailed interview to Bergman in which he described the events that appeared in The New York Times story. At that time, the interview was censored in full. Digital copies  the interview was also filmed for television broadcasting  were collected and destroyed. Israel invested a lot of energy, quite a bit of money and serious effort in dealing with the manuscripts, books and journals, which had been disseminated across the United States. Yaakov was arrested, imprisoned, convicted and released.

This week seems to have brought the roundup and concealment to an end. Transcripts of Bergman's interview with Yaakov reached The New York Times and were published, but the sky did not fall. No one was too upset about it either, even in Israel. In the current age of fake news and seemingly fabricated scandalous events that actually did happen, no one is about to lose their mind over dusty old accounts of things that did not happen five decades ago. Israel has never revealed whether it has nuclear weapons, but its neighbors certainly act as if it does, and as if they are intimately familiar with Israel's nuclear capacity. This whole incident proves that time can change a story's significance.
June 5, 2017

While the 40-day hunger strike by Palestinians in Israeli prisons recently ended, it's no secret that the Palestinians were not satisfied with the level of official support the prisoners received. At one time, Fadwa Barghouti, the wife of Marwan Barghouti, who was leading the hunger strike, protested the lack of support from President Mahmoud Abbas and senior leaders. She held a vigil May 22, along with other wives and mothers of prisoners, at the grave of the late Palestinian National Authority President Yasser Arafat.

A survey by the Ramallah, West Bank-based Awrad polling agency conducted May 21-23 found that more than 60% of Palestinians were not satisfied with the amount of support that the prisoners were receiving from Palestinian leadership. Yet soon after the strike ended May 27, Fatah prisoners sent a glowing letter to Abbas thanking him for his support of the striking prisoners.

This apparent contradiction can be explained by one name: Karim Younis.

One day before the end of the hunger strike, the Fatah Central Committee decided to appoint Younis, the longest serving prisoner in Israeli jails (since January 1983), to the committee.

Who is Younis and why was his appointment to Fatahs Central Committee a game-changer in the epic protest?

When Israel charged Younis, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, with murder in 1982, he was in college. Younis father died while he was in jail and his mother is in her 80s. Local Palestinian media have run a number of profiles on the man they call the dean of Palestinian prisoners and monitored his participation in the hunger strike as an indication of the depth of the support for the strike.

Younis was quoted in the leading Palestinian news agency, Maan, explaining his support for the demands of the hunger strikers for better treatment and more family-visit privileges. I have been in jail for [nearly] 35 years, and I don't know my relatives at all because they are denied visits for so-called security reasons. He told Maan that being denied family visits has become an abusive punishment depriving prisoners of the basic human right of communicating with their family members.

A holder of Israeli citizenship, Younis was charged with killing an Israeli soldier in the occupied Golan Heights. He was sentenced to death, a sentence rarely used in Israel (with the only exception being Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann, who was hanged in 1962). The sentence was later reduced to life imprisonment and then to 40 years in jail. While prisoners are normally eligible for parole over time, Israel rarely releases Palestinian war criminals on parole.

Mohammad Darawshe, a political commentator and senior researcher at Givat Haviva, the Center for Shared Society in Israel, told Al-Monitor that Younis' appointment to the most powerful Palestinian body has many potential meanings. It is a sign of respect to the person and to the prisoners movement. But it is also a confirmation that the Palestinian resistance movement extends to Palestinians on the inside [of Israel] and with that it reflects erasing the Green Line that has been a barrier between our two Palestinian communities.

Darawshe, who worked as a parliamentary assistant to Palestinian members of the Israeli Knesset, said that this act shows we are one people and not a separate entity.

He continued, In the past, there was a feeling that our future is separated  we, as a national minority in Israel, and our people in the West Bank and Gaza striving for an independent state. Despite his remarks, Darawshe believes that the proper place for Palestinian leaders who are Israeli citizens should be the Palestine National Council (the PLO's legislative body) and not the various executive arms of different PLO factions.

Hassan Abed Rabo, a member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council who hails from the Dheisheh camp near Bethlehem, told Al-Monitor that Younis' appointment reflects the movement's sincere appreciation of the prisoners' action and the unity it demonstrates between the people and the prisoners, reflecting Fatah's holistic ideological approach.

In its thinking, Fatah still considers our people in the 1948 areas to be an authentic part of the Palestinian struggle and partners in the national struggle, he said.

Abed Rabo concedes that the appointment of a Palestinian prisoner holding Israeli citizenship has political implications. There is no doubt that this is a reflection of the fact that the two-state solution has receded a lot because of the reality on the ground and the policies of the Israeli occupation.

However, not everyone accepts that Younis' appointment has far-reaching political implications, as Darawshe and Abed Rabo claim. Mohammad Horani, a former Fatah spokesman and now a member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, told Al-Monitor, [Younis] is the dean of prisoners, who has been in jail longer than any other prisoner, and he was denied three times a chance to be free as part of prisoner exchanges or as part of the political deal between Israel and the PLO.

Horani argued that the decision to appoint Younis is strictly a sign of appreciation for his sacrifice and we shouldnt draw any further conclusions.

Younis and 20 other Fatah veteran prisoners imprisoned before the Oslo Accord in 1993 were expected to be released in 2014 as part of a deal between the PLO and Israel facilitated by then-US Secretary of State John Kerry. One of the reasons the last batch of prisoners, including Younis, was not released is because of his Israeli citizenship and the Israeli concern that this would further deepen the relationship between the PLO and citizens of Israel.

Younis said in previous interviews that upon his release, he would live in the West Bank or Gaza and work with the government to help build the state of Palestine, for which he and others inside and outside Israel have sacrificed so much. Now his appointment to the Fatah Central Committee certainly ensures he will be able to land a good position in the Ramallah-based administration.
June 5, 2017

As Russia and the United States are holding back-channel talks over de-escalation zones in southern Syria, theres a larger question of whether the two countries might broker an ultimate peace deal for the Syrian civil war.

Officially, Moscow is relying on the de-escalation zones to be in effect for an indefinite term and considers them instrumental to settling the conflict. However, agreements on the soft decentralization of Syria reached in Astana, Kazakhstan, tend to prompt questions rather than give answers.

Its not clear yet how those violating the cease-fire will be punished or who will become the peacekeepers in these so-called security zones. Not many in the opposition even understand the term de-escalation zone, which does not exclude military operations. Moreover, according to Al-Monitor sources in the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the militants fear that the agreement will play into the hands of the regime, which aims to divide and domesticate the opposition, according to the FSA sources. Toward that end, the opposition fears it is to be sent to fight the radical Hayyat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Islamic State (IS).

The cease-fire agreement is likely to be violated. Nevertheless, if Moscow is set on keeping it, the prospect of a political settlement will become much more realistic, especially after IS is cleared out of eastern Syria. Still, the cease-fire is just one step on the long road toward ending the civil war and isnt considered a breakthrough.

Its obvious that, despite its seeming adherence to United Nations Resolution 2254, the Syrian regime and Iranians will hamper any significant reforms that could reduce their influence. Here, Moscow will have to solve a very complicated problem: how to make its allies compromise without giving up on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad  at least not right away. In view of the Russian presidential elections scheduled for March, even the Russian public would perceive Assads ouster as a Kremlin failure.

However, as they say, where there is a will, there is a way. Theres a view among those Russian experts who take an unbiased look at the Syrian situation  unlike those who indulge in propaganda  that the most feasible settlement scenario is something along the lines of the famous Dayton Agreement for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995). Above all it would allow Syria to preserve its army and integrate the government and the opposition military formations into new armed forces. Numerous discussions with the Syrian opposition in Moscow prove that, in essence, their suggestions concerning the settlement boil down to the Bosnian model.

The Dayton Agreement provided for two administrative units: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Serb Republic (Republika Srpska). The separation boundaries did not correspond to the front line as of the moment of cease-fire. Despite criticism that it would weaken the central power, the Dayton Agreement proved key to settling the conflict: The sides committed themselves to ensuring security in their territories and preserving the civil law-enforcement bodies, and pledged to send all foreigners, including advisers and volunteers, out of the country.

In Bosnia, military formations were integrated in two stages: first Muslims and Croats created joint military forces, and only then were they joined by Serbs. Eventually, by 2006, three armies had merged into one with three infantry brigades at its core and every brigade had a Muslim, Croatian and Serb battalion.

As for a Syrian version of the Dayton Agreement, which would integrate military formations into one army not exceeding 150,000 troops, the integration should be implemented in several stages. For instance, first, groups of militants and opposition would unite into corps to consolidate the maximum of armed people, then these corps are to be reduced to the necessary numbers. The redundant fighters could be transferred to civilian positions to help restore the destroyed infrastructure. It seems expedient that one corps be created at the Turkish buffer zone. The Bosnian plan of building the national army could be used to integrate the Southern Front rebel alliance and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF, which includes the Kurdish People's Protection Units, or YPG), thus contributing to ethnic and confessional diversity rather than sectarian division.

However, right after the cease-fire it would also be reasonable to create a special military council of 20 to 30 people. Under international supervision, it could become a platform for talks and negotiations between the commanders of the regime and their counterparts from the opposition.

This military council could also contribute to political reform, as it could be used as both a watchdog authority and bench strength for the key defense and law-enforcement positions. For example, the post of the defense minister could go to the regime candidate, while the chief of general staff could become someone from the opposition. That would balance the situation. The question about the nature of the reform  should it be military or political  is to be discussed by thinkers, but there are at least two arguments in favor of the first priority being a military council.

First, in today's Syria, security is a critical issue. It is complicated by confrontation with the radicals troops, which will likely try to wreck the agreement by any means. It is also compounded by the necessity of ensuring the security of the population in the opposition-controlled territories relying on local councils.

Second, the agendas for the Astana and Geneva meetings prove that it will take years to agree on political platforms, while the issues of cease-fire, amnesty and forming delegations can be dealt with today.

Integrating the regime and opposition armed forces will only be viable after a series of political reforms. This two-year process must be put in sync with forming the transitional government. Otherwise, we may see another case of the Tajikistan scenario of 1997, when President Emomali Rahmon kept the office while the army and the opposition failed to unite.

Another problem to be discussed is how to integrate the US-supported Kurdish YPG groups, which demonstrate a strong separatist sentiment and are not to be easily disarmed in the presence of the American contingent in Syrian Kurdistan. One could regard the formation of another corps, which should by all means include various formations of the SDF, where at least 23,000 are Arabs. The Arab participation should be real and not for show, and the YPG and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) symbols should be abandoned.

Therefore, Moscow believes that after the liberation of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor from IS, Americans are unlikely to give up on their presence in northern Syria. However, Moscow can benefit from the US presence if the formation of the united military forces is supervised by the four countries: Russia (Syria's west), Turkey (the northwest), the United States (the northeast) and Jordan (the south). Largely, these steps would reduce Irans influence, which cannot be allowed on the Syrian-Iraqi border, where IS is most likely to return.

Its not news that in Syria, trust is in short supply. Who can guarantee that the militants will not go on the offensive? Who can guarantee the opposition wont end up in prison as soon as they disarm? The credibility issues are connected with the pressure on Damascus, and in the Astana format, Russia may show readiness to make compromises. However, there is a big question of how to pull Assad outside the settlement framework. The Kremlin has not yet found the answer, or maybe it has not been looking hard enough.
Hyundai's Montgomery factory turned out 33,900 vehicles in May, its second highest monthly production total of the year, according to sales figures released by the company.

For the year, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama has produced 158,000 vehicles.

For the individual models, the plant produced:

14,408 Sonatas in May, 68,514 for the year.

12,994 Elantras, 61,837 for the year.

6,498 Santa Fe Sports, 28,049 for 2017. May's figure was the highest monthly production number this year for the Santa Fe Sport.

The numbers come even as sales for Hyundai plunged 15 percent in May as the auto market continues to look for its footing. Hyundai attributed last month's sales decline to a reduction in sales of cars to fleet customers such as rental car companies, the New York Times reported. Some analysts also attribute the sales plunge to consumers flocking to SUVs and trucks in the face of lower gas prices.

According to Bloomberg, May marked the first three-month stretch since 2014 during which total auto market monthly sales fell short of 17 million. The lack of demand is taking place in the midst of available financing, low gas prices and strong job growth.
Media retailer Books-A-Million is apparently converting its Oxford store into a 2nd & Charles location.

The 2nd & Charles website is advertising a location as "coming soon" at the same address as the current Books-A-Million store at 900 South Quintard, directly across from Quintard Mall.

The company has not commented yet on any plans, but an employee confirmed for the Anniston Star that the change is in the works.

Last month, the retailer announced it will open a 23,000-square-foot location this summer on 8050 U.S. 72 West in Madison.

2nd & Charles is a division of Birmingham-based Books-A-Million which was founded in 2010.

The company accepts trade-ins on a number of items, including books, DVDs and Blu-ray, CDs, video games and gaming systems, comics, iPads and iPods, vinyl records, eReaders and more.

2nd & Charles has two other Alabama stores in Hoover and Dothan. In total, there are 36 locations in 17 states.
I first talked to Pizza Girl on Wednesday afternoon when she was still Carolina Williams. Someone sent me a link to a week-old story on her in the Tennessean. The college application essay she had written on her love for ordering Papa John's had actually helped her get into Yale. I was more interested in the part about her turning down Yale and choosing Auburn.

I tracked her down. I called, she answered. She was actually in the car with the fam, driving to Auburn University's orientation extravaganza, Camp War Eagle. We talked. Things were calm. When I had a follow up question, she texted right back. I wrote a story. People read it. Good times.

The second time I talked to her was Friday afternoon. She was back in the car, heading home to Brentwood, Tenn. Things were different. Still nice. Still great. I even talked with her dad. But this time, it had taken a while to connect. Because Carolina Williams is now Pizza Girl, and she has other people in her life.

She'd just hung up with Washington Post. Before that, the New York Times. I had tried texting earlier, but she was talking with ABC. Another time, she was Skyping with Inside Edition. And that's just scratching the surface.

The family trip--her mom and sister came, too--the Williams' had planned for months to prep their daughter for college had by the time they arrived turned part meet 'n' greet, part media tour.

Her phone vibrated constantly with congrats from strangers, interview requests from major networks, and promises of a summer internship from John Schnatter, the Papa himself.

Pizza Girl was among television's top trending topics Thursday and Friday, discussed not only on Kelly and Ryan Live and The Today Show, but in local news coverage from New York to Los Angeles.

"All of the (Camp War Eagle) counselors had read the (al.com) article before I got there and were super excited," Williams said.

Her fellow incoming freshmen were hip to the story, too. Pizza Girls says she was recognized "so many times it was crazy."

"Especially because of my (red) hair, I'm pretty easily identifiable," she says. "They would be like, 'oh, are you the Pizza Girl? Did you really get into Yale?' It was so funny. But it was great, though."

Pizza Girl's father thought it was great, too--and eye-opening.

"Boy, I tell you, I thought I knew what viral was," Kevin Williams said. "It's been crazy to watch this thing develop and compound over about three days, and now go global."

Williams, acclaimed guitarist for southern gospel legends the Gaither Vocal Band, has his own Facebook fan page and co-hosts a radio show heard on nearly 3,000 stations across the world, yet for the time being he's no longer the most famous member of his family.

"There's something written in Chinese with her picture on it on the Internet," he says. "She got to Auburn and was already known. The people in the bookstore were like 'you're the Pizza Girl, you're the Pizza Girl.'"

For Williams, his daughter's instant popularity at Auburn is the best part of her becoming Pizza Girl.

"They (her parents) love all the attention it has been getting me because it's helped me make connections at Auburn," Pizza Girl says.

Not just new friends--friends in high places.

Bill Hardgrave, Dean of Auburn's Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, tweeted Williams an invitation to stop by his office.

After reading AL.com's article, Bill Hardgrave, Dean of Auburn's Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, tweeted Williams an invitation to stop by his office if she had the time. She did. They talked. They took a picture.

(Kevin Williams said someone with Auburn University's Honors College tracked her down, too.)

Joe McAdory, Communications Editor for the Harbert College of Business, spends his days trying to get exceptional achievements by Auburn business students into the news. Pizza Girl was a different animal.

"I've been at the university four years and I've never heard or seen anything like this," said McAdory, who interviewed Pizza Girl (in between interviews with USA Today and Business Insider) for a story on the Harbert College website after she met with Hardgrave.

It wasn't as if Williams wasn't already on the Harbert radar. On Wednesday, she learned that in addition to AU's Presidential Scholarship her ACT scores and great grades had earned her the business school's Edward and Catherine K. Lowder Endowed Scholarship--and she wasn't even Pizza Girl yet.

"She's not even taken a class and she's already been given opportunities for internships," McAdory said. "That's completely unheard of. Two months ago, this young lady was figuring out how to take her finals in high school, and now she's got her career all mapped out."

Pizza Girl was too busy during the final day of Camp War Eagle to think much about the Papa John's corporate internship other than to say "it sounds fantastic." In fact, the day was so hectic, she'd even somehow missed the best part of Schnatter's kudos.

"Yeah, he's giving you free pizza for a year," I told her.

"Oh my gosh, that's fantastic!"

Just want to thank @PapaJohns for making my day again!  Can't wait for my year of free pizza and can't wait to eat pizza at @AuburnU pic.twitter.com/QtZHlW2sZI  Carolina Williams (@justcarolina22) June 3, 2017

That's on top of the pizza party for her dorm the Papa John's in Auburn will be throwing her next semester, which she just found out will be her second personal pizza party of the summer.

"We're very flattered that she loves us and that she's been such a great customer," said Laura Lee, manager of the Brentwood, Tenn. Papa John's that Pizza Girl orders from once a week. Lee said the store will host their own hometown pizza party for Williams and her friends.

"It's great to have someone like that in our neighborhood."

The only people in the story of Pizza Girl that haven't reached out to Williams since she became Pizza Girl are the folks at Yale.

Pizza Girl doesn't really expect them to.

"I think that they're usually pretty quiet about any (news) stories," she says. "The things that I read about them, they usually don't respond for comment."

Old Eli may not have weighed in, but others in Connecticut have.

"Nothing against Auburn--you got accepted to Yale!" Gerry Brooks, news anchor for Hartford NBC affiliate WVIT shouted at the camera at the end of a Thursday segment on Pizza Girl. "As a dad of a high school junior, that just mystifies me."

It wasn't academic, but culinary concerns that had rival Fox affiliate WTIC up in arms.

"Can I just do this," a WTIC anchor said smacking his palm to his forehead. "You got into college writing about your love of pizza and then you choose Auburn, Ala over New Haven, Conn."

New Haven pizza apparently has a reputation worthy of a Wikipedia entry; in 2013, foodie website The Daily Meal actually declared a New Haven parlor to have the country's best slice in a story Yale actually publicized on its own website. But Pizza Girl isn't into just pizza--she's into Papa John's pizza.

Auburn has a Papa John's on campus. Yale doesn't.

Nor does it have an on-campus Chick-fil-A, which pleases Pizza Girl's palate just as much as Papa John's (to the point she actually journals about it).

In fact, the cell phone that Pizza Girl uses to order Papa John's--she's all about the app--and that helped her survive Camp War Eagle as a Trending Topic is actually protected by a case celebrating the inventors of the original chicken sandwich.

"That's why I'm so excited about Auburn," Pizza Girl told me on Wednesday, "because they have a Papa Johns and a Chick-fil-A on campus."

It's probably not too late to apply to Harvard, Chick-fil-A Girl.
Three people were killed in Jefferson County traffic crashes over the weekend, including a 16-year-old Forestdale boy.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office on Monday identified the victims as Gavin Proctor Eller, 34, Jody Allen Vieau, 47, and 16-year-old Darrius Odell Sumter. One of the wrecks happened Friday, and the other two on Saturday.

The first happened at 4:43 p.m. Friday on Alabama 79 at Sunhill Road. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said Eller, who lived in Oneonta, lost control of his vehicle, went into the median and hit a culvert. He was taken by Center Point Fire Department to St. Vincent's East, where he was pronounced dead at 5:58 p.m.

Authorities don't yet know what caused Ellers to lose control, and the accident remains under investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

On Saturday, authorities said, Vieau was killed in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in western Jefferson County. The accident happened at 1:35 a.m. on Fourth Avenue North and McCalla Road.

Yates said the Bessemer man lost control of his motorcycle, struck a road sign and then a tree. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 1:52 a.m.

Later that afternoon, Sumter was killed and his teen friend injured in a crash in the Forestdale area. Authorities said Sumter was traveling southbound on Heflin Avenue at a high rate of speed when his vehicle left the road and struck a tree near Warrior Robins Road. The wreck happened at 2:58 p.m.

Sumter was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. His friend, also a teen boy, was taken to Children's of Alabama. His condition was not immediately available.
Eight people are behind bars in Cherokee County after a drug roundup.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said six people were arrested at one home on drug charges and outstanding warrants on Friday. The other two suspects were arrested at other locations, authorities announced Monday.

Those detained at a home on County Road 635 in Gaylesville are: Martha E. Coleman, 63; Carey R. Popham, 45; Jonathan M. Nicholson, 30, Jason L. Nicholson, 38; Donnie R. Gosset, 43; and Celeste N. Seaman, 26.

Coleman, Popham, Nicholson, all of Gaylesville, were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Coleman was also charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Gossett and Seaman, both of Piedmont, are charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Holcomb was taken into custody at a home on County Road 19; and Davis at a home on County Road 14, the sheriff said. Holcomb is charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Davis was arrested on four felony warrants including bond revocations.

The eight suspects were taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall on Monday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overrule an appeals court and reinstate Thursday's planned execution of Robert Bryant Melson, the man convicted in the 1994 shooting deaths of three fast food employees at a Popeye's in Etowah County.

The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday granted a stay of Melson's execution. Melson is challenging his execution on grounds that the three-drug cocktail Alabama uses for lethal injections "has failed to work properly."

The 11th Circuit issued the stay so it can rule on Melson's challenge, which is also being appealed by four other death row inmates.

Melson and the other inmates argue that the first drug administered in the cocktail, the sedative midazolam, doesn't work well enough prevent the inmates from experiencing the pain caused by the other two drugs that stop breathing and the heart.

The Alabama Attorney General on Monday, however, filed a motion to the U.S. Supreme Court that argues in part that the U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that midazolam can be used in drug protocols.

"No one disputes that Alabama will execute Melson using the same lethal injection protocol which this Court approved in Glossip v. Gross (in 2015)," the Attorney General states. "The Eleventh Circuit's stay was improper and fundamentally misapplied this Court's long-standing stay principles by completely failing to address, much less find, a 'likelihood of success on the merits' of Melson's method-of-execution challenge"

The appeals court also "ignored this Court's precedent requiring courts to 'be sensitive to the State's strong interest in enforcing its criminal judgments without undue interference from the federal courts,'" the Attorney General writes in the motion to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to have the execution. "In short, the Eleventh Circuit granted Melson a stay because it wanted to hear his co-appellants' appeals, not because Melson had a likelihood of success on his

claims," the Attorney General argues.

Robert Melson

Also, the Attorney General argues, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the stay requests of four Arkansas inmates who were executed using the same drug protocol as Alabama. And Alabama has already carried out three executions using the protocol, including the May 25 execution of Tommy Arthur in which the 11th Circuit denied a stay.

The other two Alabama inmates who were executed - Ronald Smith and Christopher Brooks - also were co-plaintiffs in the case with Melson "and their stay requests were denied by the Eleventh Circuit because their nearly identical claims were also time-bared," the Attorney General argues.

"Melson presents nothing different; he filed the same complaint, alleging the same claims, and relying on the same expert witnesses, who admitted in their depositions in this case that a large enough dose of midazolam will place a person in a coma such that he would not respond to noxious stimuli," the Attorney General argues in the motion to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Melson has been on death row since May 1996. He was convicted along with Cuhuatemoc Peraita in the shooting deaths of fast-food employees Tamika Collins, 18, Nathaniel Baker, 17, and Darrell Collier, 23, during a robbery of a Gadsden's Popeye's restaurant. A fourth person, Bryant Archer, was shot four times but survived.

"Archer told officers from the Gadsden Police Department that the other man was a black male, but that he was unable to identify Melson because both men were wearing bandannas over their faces. Archer was able to identify Peraita by his distinctive hairstyle," according to an appeals court document.

AG Motion to SCOTUS by KentFaulk on Scribd
President Rodrigo Duterte contradicts own military by saying siege in Mindanao is the handiwork of ISIL.

An earlier version of this story stated that President Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 24, a day after the attack in Marawi. Martial law was declared on the night of the attack on May 23. We regret the error.

On May 24, the day after armed fighters laid siege to the city of Marawi in southern Philippines, a military spokesman denied the presence of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in the country.

Categorically we are saying, we do not have ISIS in the Philippines, declared Colonel Edgard Arevalo.

When we call them ISIS, we are only making them famous, Arevalo told reporters, repeating previous assertions that ISIL had nothing to do with the Maute armed group and its ally Abu Sayyaf group, who operate in the southern Mindanao province.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the island of Mindanao on the night of the deadly siege of Marawi, a mainly Muslim city of about 200,000 people.

Contradicting Arevalo, Duterte said the arrival of ISIL in the country has come to pass.

READ MORE: Mindanao crisis  A city on fire

Government must put an end to this. I cannot gamble with ISIS because they are everywhere and you know what is happening or you must be very aware of what is happening in the Middle East, he told reporters in the capital, Manila, after he cut short a trip to Russia.

In Moscow, his Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana also said that the Maute fighters and ISIL are one and the same, adding that the attack was carried out with international backing.

Lorenzana later told senators that the situation in Marawi could have been contained even without martial law, contradicting the presidents statement.

But Dutertes supporters on social media, who command millions of Filipino followers, tried to rally support for the presidents martial law order.

But in an interview with Al Jazeeras Inside Story, Anders Corrs, an analyst who monitored attacks in the Philippines, said there is no evidence that has come out to show that ISIL is financially supporting the fighters in Mindanao.

I dont see that they are being operationally controlled by [ISIL] abroad, Corrs said casting doubt on Dutertes justification for martial law.

Clashing narratives

It was only the beginning of the clashing narratives that the Duterte administration offered the public.

In the same May 24 press conference, Duterte claimed a police chief in a town near Marawi was decapitated by the terrorists while mannng a checkpoint.

While there were civilian deaths reported at the beginning of the siege, Dutertes statement on the beheading was proven false. The police chief was alive, according to a Washington Post report.

Whether or not the release of information about the beheading was intentional, the president fell victim to what armed forces spokesman Restituto Padilla had earlier warned against: Disinformation.

When the military operation was first carried out on May 23 in Marawi, the presidents press office also reported that it was targeting local Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and up to 15 of his followers.





By June 1, Duterte said the rebellion is purely ISIS, and that it has long been planned. Dutertes chief lawyer called it an invasion by foreign terrorists.

Since then, the numbers have also changed.

At least 120 fighters were reportedly killed, including at least two Malaysians, two Indonesians, two Saudis, a Yemeni and a Chechen, according to defence chief Lorenzana, who said between 50 to 100 fighters remained holed up.

Then on June 3, the number changed again. The government claimed up to 500 local and foreign fighters were involved in the siege, and that between 200 to 250 of them were still in hiding.

Other than the estimated 120 deaths among the fighters, the government could not clearly explain where the rest of the 500 fighters had gone. This despite the governments assurances on May 29 that it was in full control of Marawi, and that it held the reins over who comes in, and who comes out of the city.

Still, this did not prevent Armed Forces Chief General Eduardo Ano from declaring on Saturday that the worst is over in the Marawi crisis, and that situation has been contained.

That was a day after the militarys self-imposed Friday deadline for ending the siege.

Ano had also said that the military plans to halt the implementation of martial law before its 60-day constitutional limit.

But Duterte has urged the Congress to consider extending the order beyond the two-month period if requests come from the military.

Despite Defence Minister Lorenzanas earlier claim that the clashes will be over in a week or less, the siege, has not ended.

The death toll has now reached at least 178, including civilians and soldiers. One trapped civilian was killed by snipers on Saturday, as the military rescued 181 others. The death toll also include the 11 soldiers killed by friendly fire.

Most of Marawis 200,000 residents have been forced to evacuate as the two-week mark nears.
In a series of statements released on June 5, the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt  along with Yemen, Libya and the Maldives  announced they were severing ties with Qatar. Jordan also announced it was downgrading its diplomatic representation with Qatar, and revoked the Al Jazeera Media Networks license to operate in the country, along with Saudi.

The move came at the end of a few weeks of rising tensions between Qatar and its GCC neighbours. Below is a brief history of regional discord over the years.

Ties severed

June 9, 2017: A joint action by Saudi, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt placed 59 individuals and 12 organisations on a terror list. It includes the chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, and 18 prominent Qataris. Qatar dismissed the list as baseless allegations that hold no foundation in fact.

June 5, 2017: Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt announced they will sever ties with Qatar. Saudi Arabia agreed to continue services to Qatari pilgrims in the country, while Bahrain gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave Bahrain. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE allowed Qatari residents in and visitors to their countries two weeks in which to return to Qatar. Saudi also expelled Qatar from its coalition leading the war on Yemen. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar responded by saying there was no justification for the severing of ties.

Hacked emails reveal UAE-Israel ties





June 4, 2017: Media reports emerged of the hacking of the email account of Yousef al-Otaiba, the UAEs ambassador to the United States. The emails revealed ties between Otaiba and a pro-Israel think-tank in Washington, along with efforts to undermine the image of Qatar  and, to some extent, Kuwait  internationally, including Emirati requests to move the US forward Central Command operations from the airbase in Qatars al-Udeid to the UAE.

Qatar News Agency hacked

May 23, 2017: The website of the Qatar News Agency was hacked, and a statement falsely attributed to the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, published. The hacking was announced by Qatari officials, who said the published statement was false. It was later announced that the FBI would help Qatar to solve the question of who had undertaken the hacking. In spite of the official denial, a number of regional media outlets continued to quote the hackers statement and attribute it to the emir.

December 2016: Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arrives in Doha in a visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.

READ MORE: Leaders and markets react to Gulf diplomatic rift

UAE foreign policy objectives

2015: A media report by the Daily Mail revealed that the government of the UAE had been paying a UK consultancy firm for the past six years to promote and achieve the foreign policy objectives of the UAE, and that all the activities as part of this agreement will be carried out in strict confidence. Among the tasks assigned to the firm was briefing British journalists about Qatar, which resulted in a campaign accusing Qatar of funding terrorism.

Unstable GCC ties

November 2014: Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain agreed to return their ambassadors to Doha after eight months of tension and frozen relations between the three countries and Qatar.

March 5, 2014: Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain suspended ties with Qatar over its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a group labelled a terrorist organisation by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Qatar was accused of breaching the 2013 GCC security agreement, of failing to commit to promises it made not to interfere in the internal affairs of fellow GCC states, and of harbouring hostile media, referring to the Doha-based Al Jazeera.

March 3, 2014: A Qatari citizen, Mahmoud al-Jaidah, was sentenced to seven years in jail in the UAE, charged with supporting al-Islah, described as an Islamist political society and seen by Emirati prosecutors as a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.

READ MORE: Analysts  Leaks could threaten Emirati diplomacy

Arab Spring involvement

2011: The Arab Spring had little effect domestically on the countries of the GCC, with the exception of Bahrain, which saw some upheavals. However, Saudi Arabia and Qatar were seen as backing different sides in the unrest that gripped the Arab world, and tensions began to surface.

Qatar pardons Saudi citizens accused of attempted coup

2010: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, then emir of Qatar, pardoned an unknown number of Saudi citizens accused of taking part in a coup against him. This was in response to a request by Saudis King Abdullah. The pardon played a large role in improving relations between the two countries.

July 2008: Qatar and Saudi Arabia reached a final agreement on the demarcation of their border after years of tension. Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz visited Doha to signal a thawing of relations, which had been frozen since the 2002 withdrawal of the Saudi ambassador from Doha.

Saudi Arabia revokes approval of Qatars regional plans

2006: Saudi Arabia withdrew its approval for Qatari plans to build a gas pipeline to Kuwait, which would have passed through Saudi territorial waters. The memorandum of understanding between Qatar and Kuwait had been signed in 2000, and according to the memorandum, Kuwait would be importing gas from Qatar. Saudi gave its agreement for the pipeline to pass through its territorial waters in 2003, and the following year, Kuwait agreed to import the gas in a liquefied state by tanker until the pipeline was built.

Saudi also protested in 2006 against a plan to build a pipeline taking Qatari gas to the UAE and Oman, this is known today as the Dolphin pipeline. In 2005 there had also been Saudi protests against a plan to build a bridge linking Qatar to the UAE. A similar project for a bridge between Qatar and Bahrain also stalled; construction was meant to begin in 2008 but changed plans and financial obstacles have prevented the project from taking off.

2002: Saudi Arabia withdrew its ambassador from Doha in reaction to controversial comments that were made on the Al Jazeera satellite channel by Saudi dissidents critical of the Saudi ruling family.

2000: Then Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia boycotted an Organization of the Islamic Conference summit held in Doha in protest of Qatars trade relations with Israel.

READ MORE: Hackers leak emails from UAE ambassador to US

Border disputes

1996: Qatar and Saudi Arabia signed a border demarcation agreement. The agreement process took three years to complete, but the border issue was not settled until more than a decade later.

1992: A 1965 agreement between Qatar and Saudi Arabia set the borders between the two, but in 1992 a border clash resulted in three deaths. Qatar claimed that Saudi Arabia had attacked its border post at Khafus, while Saudi Arabia countered that the clash was on Saudi territory and had occurred between Bedouins from the two sides.

1991: Qatar referred the border dispute with Bahrain over the Hawar Islands to the United Nations International Court of Justice. Also under dispute were the town of Zubara on mainland Qatar, the Janan Islands, and a number of reefs vital in establishing maritime boundaries. An armed confrontation between the two countries had been narrowly avoided in 1986 thanks to Saudi intervention. The ICJ decided that Bahrain had claim over Hawar Islands and one of the reefs, while Qatar was awarded the other reef, Zubara and the Janan Islands.
London, UK  In April, details of the Labour Partys manifesto were leaked to the press. It contained pledges to properly fund the NHS, to renationalise key services such as the railways and Post Office, and to increase tax for those earning more than 80,000 (roughly $103,000). The reaction from sections of the British press  notoriously partisan and shrill  was predictable.

Now, even if we lose the election, our detractors within the party can't say it's because left-wing ideas are doomed, because the manifesto was really popular with the public. by Labour party insider

Comrade Corbyn, screamed the headline on the Evening Standard, edited by former Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. The return of Old Labour: Corbyn vows to give unions more power as he plots tax hikes to fund billions of pounds more public spending, said the Daily Mail.

Yet, by the time Corbyn  a mild-mannered man with a passion for tending to his allotment  was celebrating his 68th birthday on May 26, the tide had turned. A YouGov poll, out that day, gave Labour 38 percent of public support. When the campaign began, the party was trailing the Conservatives by 52 points; now, the gap is closer to three.

Although polling has been notoriously unreliable in recent years, it was taken by many in the Corbyn camp as vindication of their ideas after a long, brutal battle  not just with the Conservatives and the media, but within the Labour Party itself.

Now, even if we lose the election, our detractors within the party cant say its because left-wing ideas are doomed, because the manifesto was really popular with the public, said one insider who asked not to be named. That was the real risk here  that losing this vote would mean any sort of socialist principles for Labour were shelved for a generation.

Ever since the days of New Labour  who, under Tony Blair and Gordon Browns leadership, spent 13 years in power  came to an abrupt halt after the election defeat of 2010, the party has been soul-searching. This intensified after Corbyns shock victory in 2015s leadership contest; Corbyn was the representative of the Campaign Group, a small wing within the party seen as an arcane irrelevance throughout the Blair years. Despite decades in parliament, Corbyn had never held a frontbench position. His shock win was a drastic swing of the pendulum of power from one faction of the Labour Party to the other. It kicked off months of vicious in-fighting.

In September 2015, Corbyn addressed the Labour Party conference as leader for the first time. He criticised austerity, defended the welfare state, and stressed Labour values. Reaching out to Scottish voters, he said: I know you feel we have lost our way. I agree with you.

Not for the first or last time, he was reckoning with Labours legacy. He and his close associates have often described their project as a return to traditional Labour, real Labour, old Labour. It is an appealing narrative. The New Labour project was frequently portrayed  not least by those on the often marginalised left-wing of the party  as a betrayal of Labours core vales.

But competing claims on ownership of Labours history are nothing new, and the tension between revisionists such as Blair and socialists such as Corbyn has long roots. What can the partys history tell us about its current predicament?

READ MORE: The roots of Jeremy Corbyns support

Labour and unions

The Labour Representation Committee was formed in 1900, borne out of the trade union movement. Socialist groups did have a role, but were by no means the loudest voices  many members simply wanted trade unions to be able to operate unencumbered. It elected two MPs that first year, and 29 in 1906. After this, it changed its name to the Labour Party.

It was 1922, after World War I, when Labour won enough seats to displace the Liberals as the main opposition party. Until this point, the party had been leaderless, preferring majority decisions, but now it selected its first leader, Ramsay MacDonald. The party formed brief minority governments in the 1920s and joined Winston Churchills wartime coalition during World War II. It won its first majority in 1945.

I'd conceive of the Labour Party as a messy grassroots organisation, partly because of the role of the trade unions... by Charlotte Riley, history lecturer at the University of Southampton

For its first 100 years, Labours spells in national government were sporadic. But its dominance of the British left was near total. Since the 1920s, there hasnt been any serious threat to Labour as the dominant progressive political organisation.

From the outset, it incorporated many views. Labour has to be a broad church if people on the far left want to have any chance of electoral success and if people in the centre want to be able to vote for an alternative to the Conservatives, says Charlotte Riley, a history lecturer at the University of Southampton.

Today, affiliated trade unions pay an annual fee to the Labour Party. In return, their members have certain rights  they can vote in leadership elections and at the party conference. Id conceive of the Labour Party as a messy grassroots organisation, partly because of the role of the trade unions  which means the leader of Labour can never have full message control, Riley explains. Traditionally the Conservatives have been much better at message discipline.

In 1945, after the war ended, Labour won by a landslide. Much like Corbyn today, Clement Attlee was not seen as a man with leadership qualities; Churchill described him as a sheep in sheeps clothing.

Nonetheless, the party implemented sweeping social changes that would go on to set the political agenda in the UK for a decade. Aneurin Bevan, the fiery Welsh orator, was minister of health, and founded the National Health Service (NHS).

Despite Labours successes in reshaping the British state during this parliament, it was defeated in elections in 1951, 1955, and 1959, and was out of office for 13 years. In debates echoed today, there was soul-searching about whether it would ever win an election again.

It did return to power under Harold Wilson in 1964. He remained prime minister until 1970, and the party formed a minority government under James Callaghan in 1974. By this time, Labour was increasingly seen as chaotic. When Margaret Thatcher swept to a landslide victory in 1979, it kickstarted another long period in opposition.

Despite the brevity of Atlees government, it has taken on a near-mythic quality for Labour activists: an emblematic sign of what Labour should stand for. Free healthcare, education for all, welfare support and workers rights. When people talk of a return to old Labour, they are usually referring to this.

READ MORE: Labours Corbyn launches manifesto for the many

The wilderness years

In 1983, after Thatchers first term, Jeremy Corbyn, a 34-year-old local councillor and trade union official, stood for parliament in the safe Labour seat of Islington North. He advocated reversing spending cuts, increasing benefits, and called for the UK to leave the group that would later become the European Union. This election is vital, read one of his leaflets. We are faced with the most callous government since the Thirties; they have created unemployment to frighten people. There is an alternative  and a Labour government can provide it. In place of fear, we offer hope.

Corbyns platform as a first-time MP in 1983 was remarkably similar in many ways to the manifesto he produced as party leader in 2017. He won the seat, which he has retained ever since. That same year in Sedgefield, a young barrister named Tony Blair was elected as an MP for the first time, too. His leaflets cited Labours sensible answers to Thatchers misrule.

The party was led by Michael Foot, a passionate and eloquent left-wing parliamentarian who advocated nationalism, disengagement from the Cold War and nuclear disarmament. When he became leader, he was derided for his dishevelled appearance. His white hair and walking stick were taken as an emblem of a lumbering Labour Party. He was nicknamed Worzel Gummidge, after the fictional scarecrow. Although his 1983 manifesto is described as the longest suicide note in history, these presentational factors arguably had a bigger impact. Labour suffered a heavy defeat, winning only 209 seats.

Many have compared Corbyn to Foot. This is a byword for being ineffectual, out of touch, and overly leftist. If people are comparing Foot to Corbyn, its an insult, because 1979 to 1997 are characterised as the wilderness years where Labour lost  Thatcher won three stonking majorities, then [John] Major won and he wasnt even that popular, says Oliver Patel, research associate at University College Londons European Institute.





There are lessons to be learned from 1983. Firstly, packaging is vital: Foots manifesto has long been derided as absurdly radical, but much of the programme was implemented by Blair after he led the party to victory in 1997. Secondly, perceived problems with leadership can undermine even a popular manifesto  this is certainly a high risk for Labour in 2017. And thirdly, what is happening outside the Labour Party is just as important for electoral outcomes. The 1983 election happened soon after Thatcher led Britain to war in the Falklands, and she was enjoying sky-high popularity ratings. The current turmoil in Britain after the Brexit vote may be comparable.

During Foots brief leadership of Labour, the partys periodic battle between centrists and leftists exploded. His leadership was clearly a victory for the left-wing faction, and it was too much for some to bear. In 1981, a group of Labour MPs broke away to form the Social Democratic Party. The four were keen to present themselves as the true heirs to Labour. One of them, Bill Rodgers, said in a speech in November 1979: From Keir Hardie to Jim Callaghan, our Party  has owed its inspiration to British radicals, trade unionists, cooperators, non-conformists and Christian socialists  not to Marx or Lenin  if our party should abandon or betray those principles, it would be a tragedy.

Labour party divisions

Throughout Labours history, both centrists and leftists have claimed they are the true torch-bearers for the partys legacy. But the reality is that Labour has always been, and promoted itself as, a messy organisation with more than one strand of thought. It has always included people now castigated as Blairites  revisionists such as Anthony Crosland in the 1950s and 1960s, who argued for Labour modifying its image so as to adapt to modern circumstances, says Matthew Cole, a history lecturer at Birmingham University.

Today, New Labours early campaign videos look dated: in one, a group of conspicuously multicultural people dance on the streets while the song Things Can Only Get Better plays. In another, the camera follows the back of a mans head into a voting booth and sees him cross the box for Labour. The man turns around and smiles. Its Tony Blair.

Blair became Labour Party leader in 1994, and enacted quick reforms. He scrapped Clause IV, the partys flagship socialist policy which stated a commitment to public ownership of key industries. This was one of the clearest recent examples of Labour reckoning with its past  and, along with Blairs active courting of the business community and acceptance of market economics, is one reason why he is seen by some as a betrayer of Labour values.

In the 1997 election campaign, he portrayed the Tories as incompetent and minimised differences in policy in a deliberate effort to appeal to floating voters, and emphasised the competence of his party  and himself. Like Thatcher in 1979, he offered the public a messianic message about national renewal  things can only get better  without quite articulating how.

It worked. Labour won by a landslide. After 16 years of Conservative rule, it was a euphoric moment. I think in some ways the 1997 government was more revolutionary and made a bigger impact than the 1945 one, says Riley. Blair implemented sweeping reforms in keeping with the broad Labour values of workers rights, welfare provision, and education  although he also allowed the finance sector to expand, largely unregulated, and encouraged private money in some areas of public services.





It was the first time that a Labour government had won a clear governing majority since Harold Wilson in 1966  and Blair went on to win two more elections. At no other time [than 2001] has the Labour Party secured such a huge majority again after serving nearly a full term in office, says Cole. Blair was in a really powerful position and had the opportunity to be more radical.

This euphoria ended abruptly after Blair led the UK into war with Iraq in 2003. A million people marched against it in London. But it went ahead. This would eventually poison Blairs legacy to such an extent that now, within the Labour Party, the term Blairite is to many an insult  despite the fact that of the five times that Labour has ever held a clear majority, three were under Blair.

Throughout this period, the centrist faction of Labour was dominant  but internal dissent remained. The Campaign for Labour Democracy, established in 1973 and led by Foots political mentor and hero Tony Benn, met regularly at the house of founding member Vladimir Derer in Golders Green, north London. This small group of MPs was seen as irrelevant, but they continued to vote against many of Blairs policies. Corbyn was a member, as was now shadow chancellor John McDonnell and now shadow home secretary Diane Abbott.

Throughout these years, Corbyns electoral campaign material stressed his personal record in parliament and the wider achievements of Labour. He rarely mentioned Blair, distancing himself from the party leader even before the Iraq War, a small sign of Labours deep divisions. Today, there is some circularity: numerous local candidates have left Corbyns name off their leaflets altogether. They have deemed, rightly or wrongly, that his low personal popularity ratings are too great a liability.

Crisis of confidence

On April 5, 2017, a group of activists gathered outside the office of the New Statesman, a left-wing magazine, in London. They were from Momentum, the pro-Corbyn campaign group. They were angry about that weeks front cover, which read: Wanted: an opposition. The magazine featured a package of articles criticising Corbyn and the state of the party. The protest illustrated the depth of acrimony between different factions on the left  despite the daily drumming Corbyn receives in the right-wing media, these outlets have not been picketed.

I hope this election will be something of a watershed, and help swing this battle for the party's soul one way or another and stop some of the vitriol. by Labour party insider

Since Corbyn became leader in 2015, a steady flow of politicians and commentators have questioned Labours viability. It is not difficult to see why; Labour has performed poorly in local elections and by-elections, parliamentary colleagues have spoken out about procedural incompetence in the leaders office, and Corbyn trails Theresa May in personal popularity. But talk of Labours demise is almost as old as Labour itself.

Before World War I, many questioned the purpose and prospects of the party. After 1931, many doubted its future prospects and there was pressure to cooperate with either Liberals or Communists. In the 1950s, academics asked Must Labour lose? and there were predictions in the 1970s and 1980s that it was finished. I tend to think its just a cycle the Labour Party goes through, says Riley. The Conservatives dont seem to go through these crises of confidence. But Labour was only in power for 23 out of its first 100 years, so of course they have experience of the wilderness.

In the summer of 2016, when Corbyn had been leader for less than a year, 172 of his 229 parliamentary colleagues voted no confidence in his leadership. Only 40 supported him (the rest abstained). But in the second leadership contest that followed, he was victorious again. This was down to changes in the method of electing a leader, brought in by his predecessor Ed Miliband, which meant that MPs votes no longer held more sway than those of ordinary members. This has led to an unprecedented situation, where the leader has been elected by the membership despite not having the support of 80 percent of his colleagues. The people with whom the leader has regular contact do not elect him, says Cole. This has serious implications for the day-to-day running of political business.

What the party does next is unclear. Commentators have variously argued that Corbyns manifesto has renewed the party, or that he is about to lead it into a historic defeat. There is huge enthusiasm among the partys hundreds of thousands of new members  many of whom signed up explicitly to vote for Corbyn in 2015 and 2016. During the current election campaign, there have been door-knocking campaigns in marginal seats organised by Momentum, and Corbyns rallies across the UK have been attended by tens of thousands.

But although the polls indicate a closer race than was previously expected, electoral annihilation remains distinctly possible. I think that Labour will continue, somehow, in some form, says one insider who has opposed Corbyns leadership. I hope this election will be something of a watershed, and help swing this battle for the partys soul one way or another and stop some of the vitriol. Britain needs a progressive force more than ever, whatever that looks like.
Admitting the reality of apartheid is the first step towards a peaceful and democratic future in Israel and Palestine.

At what point does an occupation transform into something entirely different? Is 50 years enough? Half a century after Israels 1967 lightning takeover of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, is it still accurate to characterise its control of these territories as a military occupation, which by definition has always meant a temporary phenomenon?





Occupations are at the core military systems established to regulate the presence and behaviour of a foreign army over a conquered territory and its indigenous population. The underlying assumption informing the law of occupation is that a pronounced de facto and de jure difference exists between the occupying country and the territory it has occupied.

Yet, over the past 50 years the Green Line separating pre-1967 Israel from the areas it captured has been geographically and politically erased. In addition to connecting the two regions with roads, electricity grids, and a customs union, Israel has moved hundreds of thousands of settlers to East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Currently, two Supreme Court Justices, several Cabinet and Knesset members and numerous other public servants live there.

Far from ameliorating this situation, the Oslo process  which is today almost half as old as the occupation itself  enabled the ongoing de facto erasure of the Green Line. Effectively, then, for well over a generation there has been one state between the Jordan Valley and the Mediterranean Sea, and the Israeli government is its sovereign.

READ MORE: Why Jerusalem is not the capital of Israel

The UN Security Council, the International Court of Justice, almost every country on earth and even Israels own High Court consider the territories occupied in 1967 to be legally separate from Israel. Decades of reports by Palestinian, Israeli and international human rights organisations unequivocally demonstrate Israels systematic violations of the laws of occupation.

Israels responses to these accusations have been twofold. First, like other human rights abusers, the government does whatever it can to deny, rebut, or muddy the claims. Second, the Israeli government denies even the applicability of the laws of occupation, arguing that because the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem were not legally part of Egypt or Jordan before the war, they are merely disputed, meaning Israel has a free hand to expropriate and settle the land while denying Palestinians rights otherwise guaranteed by international law.

From occupation to apartheid

Understanding Israel as an apartheid system reveals the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we understand and attempt to transform the political reality in Israel and Palestine. by

Ironically, today the most virulent supporters and harshest critics of Israels control of the conquered territories believe the debate over whether they are occupied is no longer relevant.

On the one hand, many members of Israels present ruling coalition would like to end the debate about the legal status of the Palestinian territories by simply annexing much, if not all, of the West Bank (Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1967), transforming the de facto annexation into a de jure one while leaving Gazas fate to the international community.

On the other hand, a growing number of legal scholars believe that after 50 years of unrelenting repression and settlement the occupation itself rather than its specific manifestations has become illegal. While more and more Palestinians and even some Israelis maintain that the correct term to describe the situation is no longer occupation. It is apartheid.

Critics of the use of the apartheid label argue that it is a false analogy, claiming that the historical and political experiences in both countries are too different to justify using such a highly charged and historically specific term vis-a-vis Israel. But the fact that Israels system of ethnic domination and exclusion is different from South Africas no more delegitimises its categorisation as an apartheid system than the unique experiences of Italy and France would challenge their similar characterisation as democracies.

Apartheid  not only in its South African experience, but in its clear definition under the 1973 International Covenant on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid  possesses a fundamental characteristic that defines its practice wherever it exists: two populations, one of them endowed with all the civil rights and the other denied all rights.

READ MORE: HRW condemns Israels 50 years of occupation abuses

These words come not from the 1973 covenant but from the mouth of Israels greatest diplomat, Abba Eban, who uttered them less than a week after the conclusion of the Six-Day War in warning his colleagues that such a situation would be very difficult to defend. But they anticipate the Covenants description of apartheid as systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime.

New tools needed for securing Palestinian rights





Understanding Israel as an apartheid system reveals the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we understand and attempt to transform the political reality in Israel and Palestine. Instead of asking how to end the occupation and create two states, decision-makers need to consider how to democratise the one state reality existing between the River and the Sea. Instead of continuing to use the law of occupation to criticise Israels policies, new tools need to be developed to secure the Palestinian right to self-determination within a context where territorially grounded statehood is no longer (and likely never was) a possibility.

In this context, far from singling out Israel, the apartheid label would normalise it, allowing the same broad range of strategies that have worked elsewhere to be deployed here, giving Israelis and Palestinians alike new tools to fight for a peaceful, just and democratic future for all the countrys inhabitants. After 50 years of violence, oppression and war, both peoples deserve a better future. Admitting the reality of apartheid is the first step in that direction.

Neve Gordon is a Leverhulme visiting fellow at SOAS, University of London.

Mark LeVine is a professor of Middle Eastern History at University of California, Irvine, and a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Lund University.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.




At least 14 arrested as counter-protesters clash with police in Portland, Oregon, amid rally by far-right activists.

Portland, United States  More than 1,000 people descended on the northwestern US city of Portland on Sunday for an alt-right rally and a large counter-protest, just nine days after two men were stabbed to death on a train.

Organised by alt-right activist Joey Gibson, leader of the far-right Patriot Prayer political group, Sundays event was described as free speech rally for supporters of US President Donald Trump.

Among those in attendance were groups like Identity Evropa, regarded by the Anti-Defamation League watchdog group as a white supremacist organisation.





Gibson, who organised a similar protest on April 29, and attendees of Sundays rally were outnumbered by counter-protesters, among them labour groups, religious organisations, socialists, anarchists and other anti-fascists.

More than 70 groups showed up to voice their opposition to the alt-right rally.

The alt-right is a loosely knit populist coalition that includes far-rightists, white supremacists and neo-Nazis, among others.

Sundays protest came as tensions were on the rise in the city.

On May 26, Jeremy Christian allegedly killed two men and injured a third on a train when they tried to stop his racial harassment of two teenage girls, one of whom was wearing a hijab.

A third man who intervened was badly hurt and hospitalised.

Christian, 35, had been filmed at Gibsons April 29 rally loudly using anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic slurs and performing Nazi-like salutes.

READ MORE: What is the alt-right and what does it stand for?

The focal point of Sundays protests was in Terry Schrunk Plaza in Portlands business district.

Local police and federal government security forces were deployed in large numbers and prevented major clashes between alt-right demonstrators and counter-protesters.

There were only minor scuffles between the two sides.

Clashes between police and demonstrators also took place throughout the day.

Anti-fascists and other demonstrators took to the streets to march after police drove them out of Chapman Square.

Officers fired stun grenades and rubber bullets and later said they had confiscated weapons from a group of protesters.

Around 100 people were detained, with police saying that at least 14 were placed under arrest. Journalists were among those detained.

14 total arrests today. Additional information will be released shortly.  Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 5, 2017

Officers from the Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Protective Services assisted local law enforcement.

Scott McConnell, the departments acting deputy press secretary, said in a statement: The Federal Protective Service stands with its partners within the Portland community to ensure peaceful exercise of individual freedoms of demonstration and speech while preserving and protecting the safety of all individuals on federal property.

READ MORE: US anti-fascists can make racists afraid again

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Jake Von Ott, a 19-year-old Portland resident and a local Identity Evropa coordinator, rejected accusations that his organisation is made up of white supremacists, arguing instead that they are white identitarians.

In the run-up to Sundays rally, Antifa groups had published photos of Von Ott shaking hands with accused killer Christian at the April 29 protest.

The images were posted on social media outlets, while the walls of the business district were plastered were posters of Von Otts face accompanied by the suggestion that he could be the next Jeremy Christian.

Fraught with tension

Among those protesting against Gibsons alt-right rally was Maggie ONeal, 68, who joined others outside the local city hall across from Terry Schrunk Plaza.

Im heavily concerned about events in the last few weeks and years in terms of how minorities have been treated, she told Al Jazeera. Theres an ebb and flow, and the hate is starting to become flagrant.

With Portland fraught from tension and still reeling from the May 26 murders, Mayor Ted Wheeler publicly appealed to organisers to cancel Sundays rally and an upcoming anti-Muslim march on June 10.

Writing on Twitter, Wheeler said the timing and subject of these events can only exacerbate an already difficult situation.

Joey Gibsons group did ask the eventual killer to leave his [April 29 march], said Michael Cox, the mayors communications director.

But what is it about rallies like that that attract people like Jeremy Christian?

According to Cox, there is a need to reckon with the fact that these racist attitudes lead to racist words, and these racist words lead to violence.

The local event for the National March Against Sharia is also being organised by Gibson, but it has been relocated to Seattle, Washington, situated about 278km north of Portland.

Organisers gave conflicting reasons for the decision to move the June 10 march.

READ MORE: White Lives Matter  A new US hate group shows its face

We just felt that the mayor put everyone in danger by labelling us as something we are not. We cancelled for safety reasons, said Carrie French, Act for America coordinator, whose group is coordinating numerous marches on June 10.

The Southern Poverty Law Centre describes Act for America as one of the countrys largest grassroots anti-Muslim group.

Gibson criticised Cox for linking the May 26 killings with his protests, arguing that the mayor has lost all credibility.

Murder questions

Against this backdrop of growing protests, questions remain unanswered about the murder of Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23; Ricky Best, 53; and the stabbing of Micah Fletcher, 21, who intervened as Christian directed hateful remarks at a teenage girl in a headscarf.

You look at this in the same lens as a terror attack. Looking backward its easy to see the red flags, said Sergeant Pete Simpson, Portland Police Bureau spokesperson.

He said differentiating between protected speech and hate speech has become increasingly difficult online.

While many suspect that police were aware of Christians often violent comments on social media before the May 26 killings, journalist Corey Pein reported that officers had searched his bag at the now infamous April 29 rally.

Hed posted some stuff on Facebook about open carry [of firearms] and shooting the police that was making the rounds before the rally, Pein said, but police found only comic books upon searching his bag.

The killings have prompted a public discussion about the parameters of the alt-right and its potential capacity for inciting people to violence.

Randy Blazak, an instructor at the University of Oregon whose research focuses on white hate groups, says there is a political space between most mainstream Republican Party [members] and the neo-Nazis who want to march around.

READ MORE: Reflections of a former white supremacist

Its a relatively broad space, including people dissatisfied with the [Republicans], including white nationalists  which is basically a PC way of saying white supremacist.

With the alt-right appealing to a broader audience by framing their political struggles around issues of free speech and religion, Blazak worries that yet more people could be incited to racist violence.

While Gibson and other groups maintain that they do not subscribe to white supremacist political beliefs, Blazak argues that the sad reality is that neo-Nazis and such have [latched] on to the more palatable elements of the alt-right movement.

Follow Mike Bivins on Twitter: @itsmikebivins








The following statement was posted online in Arabic by the Qatari foreign ministry on Monday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar expressed its deep regret and surprise at the decisions by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain to close their borders and airspace, and sever diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar, bearing in mind that these measures are unjustified and based on false claims and assumptions.

The State of Qatar has been subjected to a campaign of lies that have reached the point of complete fabrication. It reveals a hidden plan to undermine the State of Qatar.

Qatar is an active member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and is fully committed to its charter. Qatar respects the sovereignty of other nations and does not interfere in their internal affairs, and it has fulfilled its role in fighting terrorism and extremism.

It is clear that the media campaign of fabrications has failed to sway public opinion in the region, and among Gulf countries in particular, and this explains the continued escalation against Qatar.

That reasons were fabricated in order to take action against a brotherly GCC nation is clear evidence that there is no legitimate justification for such measures, which have been implemented in coordination with Egypt.

Their purpose is clearly the imposition of guardianship over Qatar, which is in itself a violation of its sovereignty, and is rejected outright.

The Qatari statement pointed out that the allegations contained in the statements by the three GCC nations announcing the severing of relations clearly confirms the existence of a planned and clandestine media campaign, which has included fabrications and fake news.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that these measures will not affect the normal course of life of citizens and residents of Qatar. The Qatari government will take all necessary measures to ensure this and thwart attempts to influence and harm Qatari society and economy.

Finally, Qatars Foreign Ministry expressed its regret that the three countries have determined, at this critical time for the region, that there are no greater threats to their people that require their attention, and have instead decided to target and cause harm to the State of Qatar.
CBI launch fraud probe against channel founders, but the network dubs it a witch-hunt and an attack on free speech.

Indias federal police have conducted raids on offices and residences linked to founders of NDTV, the countrys oldest English-language news channel, which termed it a witch-hunt and an attempt to undermine free speech.

NDTV and its promoters will fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies. We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India, the broadcaster, which is seen as critical towards the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said in a statement on Monday.

It dismissed the raids as concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on same old, endless false accusations.

Prannoy Roy of NDTV being raided by IT Dept. India officially a Goonda Raj, anyone critical of govt will be crushed by official machinery.  Ajai Shukla (@ajaishukla) June 5, 2017

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it had registered a case against NDTV founders Prannoy Roy and his wife, Radhika Roy, for causing an alleged loss of 480 million rupees ($7.45m) to a bank.

A criminal case was registered against the pair while federal agents raided properties in New Delhi and Dehradun, a hill town in northern India, in relation to their investigation, said RK Gaur, spokesman for the CBI.

NDTVs editorial director Sonia Singh said the network, which broadcasts in English and Hindi, would not be cowed by false charges.

Black day

The investigation comes at a time of often heated, polarising debate in Indias fiercely competitive TV news industry.

Senior NDTV presenter Srinivasan Jain said the message is clear.

Any independent voices in media will be bullied and shut down. Black day, tweeted Jain.

People, including journalists, came out in support of NDTV on social media  criticising the government action as an attack on media freedom.

#NDTV was trending as people on social media voiced their disapproval of the raids. Many Twitter users asked why the government was not acting against big corporations that have defaulted on loans worth billions of dollars.

Wah wah pic.twitter.com/CZfvkoTW11  Jasjeet Chowhan   (@ChowhanJasjeet) June 5, 2017

But the CBI said the investigation had no link to the editorial line of NDTV, which has been targeted by right-wing groups linked to the ruling party for its perceived pro-opposition stance on a number of issues.

We have nothing against NDTVs news coverage  they are accused of a financial fraud and its our duty to investigate, a senior CBI official said.

India slipped by three places to 136th in this years World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, which highlighted concerns that Hindu nationalists were trying to purge all manifestations of anti-national thought.

Senior officials in Prime Minister Modis office and members of his nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have told Reuters they consider NDTV to be the least government-friendly channel.

In a heated exchange last Thursday, an NDTV moderator demanded that a spokesman of the ruling BJP either apologise or leave the live debate after he accused the channel of pursuing an anti-government agenda.
After two deadly attacks in two weeks, Labour leader attacks Conservative prime minister over record on security.

Just days before Britains general election, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn has called on Prime Minister Theresa May to resign for cutting the number of police officers during her time as home secretary.

Speaking to ITV News on Monday, the leader of the Labour Party said May was directly responsible for reducing the number of police officers by about 20,000 between 2010 and 2016 before becoming prime minister.

Theres been calls made by very responsible people on this, who are very worried that she was at the Home Office for all this time, presided over these cuts in police numbers, and now saying that we have a problem, said Corbyn, who is pledging to recruit an extra 10,000 new officers.

Yes we do have a problem, we should have never cut the police numbers, he added.

Britons will cast ballots on Thursday, with opinion polls showing Mays ruling Conservatives ahead of Labour between one and 10 percentage points.

Crying wolf

Corbyns comments come in the wake of two attacks during the campaigning period in the northern city of Manchester and in the capital, London, which have left 29 people dead and scores wounded.

In the aftermath of the Manchester attack, the army was deployed to the streets due to a shortage of armed police.

Several opposition politicians and former police officials have previously criticised May for presiding over the cuts to the number of police officers

Responding to criticism in 2015, May said police officials were crying wolf.

Today youve said neighbourhood police officers are an endangered species, she told a meeting of the police federation, which represents officers.

I have to tell you that this kind of scaremongering does nobody any good, May added.

OPINION: Corbyn was right in 2003, and he is right again today

The Conservatives have hit back at Corbyn over his record of blocking anti-terrorism legislation as a Labour MP, some of which May herself also voted against.

I am shocked that (Corbyn) boasted that he had opposed every piece of anti-terror legislation in his 30 years in office, said current Home Secretary Amber Rudd, during a leaders debate, in which she stood in for May.

The attacks in Manchester and London have pushed security higher up the agenda than they were when the campaign for the election started.

In a speech after the Manchester bombing, Corbyn blamed British foreign intervention in Iraq and Libya for creating the conditions for organisations like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group to thrive.
The murder of an outspoken university student was organised by faculty members and rival students, says official report.

An outspoken Pakistani student killed by a lynch mob was falsely accused of blasphemy, according to an official report that added his murder was organised by faculty members and rival students.

Mashal Khan, 23, was stripped, beaten and shot before being thrown from the second floor of his hostel at the Abdul Wali Khan University in northwest Mardan in April.

The killing led to a national outcry after a video of it went viral.

The countrys top court ordered the formation of a joint investigation team comprising police and intelligence agencies, which is set to submit its findings this week.

No direct or indirect evidence supporting blasphemy allegations against Mashal Khan (or his friends) Abdullah and Zubair was received, the 308-page report, a copy of which was seen by AFP news agency, said.

The investigation says that the killing was instigated by members of Khans own secular Pakhtun Students Federation, who felt threatened by his growing prominence as a critic of rising fees and alleged corruption at the university, as well as the institutions staff.

READ MORE: Pakistani student killed over alleged blasphemy

Mashals father, Muhammad Iqbal, told reporters on Monday that the findings had vindicated his son.

This proves my son was not a blasphemer, he said, calling for the suspects to be tried by a military court.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive charge in conservative Muslim Pakistan, and can carry the death penalty. Even unproven allegations can cause mob lynchings and violence.

Last month a 10-year-old boy was killed and five others were wounded when a mob attacked a police station in an attempt to lynch a Hindu man charged with blasphemy for allegedly posting an incendiary image on social media.

Weeks earlier a mob attacked a mentally ill man claiming to be a prophet at his local mosque. He was later saved by police.

Currently, about 40 people are on death row or serving life sentences for blasphemy in Pakistan, according to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Right-wing vigilantes and mobs have increasingly taken the law into their own hands, killing at least 69 people over alleged blasphemy since 1990.
US Central Command says its flights out of Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar will be unaffected by the Gulf diplomatic crisis.

The US military on Monday lauded Qatar for its enduring commitment to regional security and said US flights out of Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar were unaffected by the Gulf diplomatic crisis.

Weve seen no impact to our operations and all flights continue as planned, Lieutenant-Colonel Damien Pickart, a spokesman for US Air Forces Central Command, told Reuters.

The United States and the [anti-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, US-led] coalition are grateful to the Qataris for their long-standing support of our presence and their enduring commitment to regional security.

The US militarys Central Command also said that it has no plans to change our posture in Qatar.

READ MORE: Timeline of GCC, Egyptian discord with Qatar

Major Adrian JT Rankine-Galloway told The Associated Press in a statement on Monday that US military aircraft continue to fly missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria despite the rift.

Rankine-Galloway said: We encourage all our partners in the region to reduce tensions and work towards common solutions that enable regional security.





A representative for the US military at the Pentagon told Al Jazeera there would be no change in the US operations regarding the base.

From a military perspective, we are not affected by the current news events, said the representative, who declined to be named.

Qatar is home to the vast Al-Udeid airbase that holds the forward headquarters of Central Command and hosts some 10,000 American troops.

In the aftermath of the Gulf War in 1991, the US and Qatar signed a military cooperation agreement, which deepened military ties between the countries.

The US military moved into the base in 2003 after evacuating the Prince Sultan air force base in Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced early on Monday they would sever diplomatic ties with Qatar, calling into question whether that would affect US military operations.

READ MORE: Qatar diplomatic crisis  How it affects air travel

In Sydney, Australia, Rex Tillerson, US state secretary, said he didnt believe the diplomatic crisis would affect the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group in Iraq and Syria.

I think what were witnessing is a growing list of disbelief in the countries for some time, and theyve bubbled up to take action in order to have those differences addressed, he said. We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences.
Police said situation is now contained but reported at least five deaths after shooting near an industrial area.

At least five people have been reported killed in the US state of Florida after a shooting near an industrial area.

Orange County Police said on Monday that the attacker also killed himself, adding that the situation has been contained.

Several roads in Orlando, where the shooting took place, were closed as officers responded to the incident, according to the Associated Press news agency.

READ MORE: Is gun violence in the US infectious?

The focus of the investigation is on a business that makes roof and shade for recreational vehicles.

Authorities said officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have joined in the probe.

Shelley Adams told AP her sister Sheila McIntrye works at the company where the incident took place, and was in the bathroom when the incident happened.

McIntyre, who is now safe with police, told her sister that her boss had been shot dead.

The incident happened almost a year after the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting that left 50 people dead including the shooter.

In 2016, there have been at least six mass shootings reported in the United States, leaving at least 71 people dead.

This year there have been two mass shootings recorded before last Mondays incident.
Doha says move by neighbours aims to pressure Qatar to abandon its national decision-making and sovereignty.

Qatar has expressed surprise over the unjustified decision by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, Yemen and the Maldives to suspend relations with Doha, saying that the decision was in violation of its sovereignty.

It was clear from the outset that the aim of the media campaign and the decision to cut off diplomatic and consular relations and close the borders is to pressure Qatar to abandon its national decision-making and sovereignty, the Qatari Cabinet said in a statement on Monday.

The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact, the foreign ministry said in another statement, adding that the decisions would not affect the normal lives of citizens and residents.

The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state. This by itself is a violation of its [Qatars] sovereignty as a state, it added.

READ MORE: Qatar: No justification for cutting diplomatic ties

Qatar has taken all necessary measures to ensure normal life and there is no need to panic or stock up essential items, according to a cabinet statement.

Import of goods and movement of people will not be affected as all channels of import other than those from the Gulf states, which severed ties with Qatar, will continue to work as before, it said.

Marine and air spaces will remain open for import and movement. We have taken all necessary precautions to ensure normal life, the statement said.

Push for isolation

The Saudi kingdom made the announcement to cut ties via its state-run Saudi Press Agency early on Monday, saying it was taking action for what it called the protection of national security.

The news agency released a statement in which it accused Qatar of harbouring a multitude of terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to create instability in the region.

As part of the measures, Saudi Arabia said it would pull Qatari troops from the Yemen war.

The UAE said in a statement it was cutting all ties with Qatar. It also ordered Qatari citizens to leave the country within 14 days and banned its citizens from travelling to Qatar.

Bahrains foreign ministry issued a statement saying it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

Egypt also announced the closure of its airspace and seaports to all Qatari transportation to protect its national security, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

READ MORE: Qatars reaction in full

Later on Monday, the Maldives said in a statement that it took the decision to sever diplomatic ties because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism.

Libyas out-of-mandate Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni later joined the Arab nations in saying they too would cut ties.

This is the most serious political crisis in the region in years, said Hashem Ahelbarra, Al Jazeeras senior Middle East correspondent. There are two aspects here, political and economic, to put more pressure on Qatar.

The official statement here in Qatar is basically that they view [the fallout] as part of coordinated effort to further undermine Qatar.

It will ultimately have to be solved at the diplomatic level.

Hacking scandal

The dispute between Qatar and the Gulfs Arab countries escalated after a recent hack of Qatars state-run news agency. It has spiralled since.

Following the hacking on Tuesday comments falsely attributed to Qatars emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, were published.

READ MORE: How Gulf diplomatic rift will affect air travel

Qatars government categorically denied that the comments  in which the countrys leader expressed support for Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel while suggesting that US President Donald Trump may not last in power  were ever made.

There are international laws governing such crimes, especially the cyberattack. [The hackers] will be prosecuted according to the law, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars foreign minister, said on Wednesday.

UAE-based Sky News Arabia and Al Arabiya kept running the discredited story, despite the Qatari denials.
Major airlines have suspended travel to and from Qatar amid diplomatic row  here are the details.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain have cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar and say they will suspend air, sea and land transport with Qatar.

The diplomatic rift has wreaked havoc with airlines in the region, with major long-haul carriers such as Doha-based Qatar Airways and Dubais Emirates suspending flights, leaving many passengers stranded at airports in the Gulf.

Several people have expressed concern on social media over disrupted travel, with images posted of travellers stranded at airports.

Twitter user @FahadBuwazir posted a photograph which he said showed Qatari citizens stuck at Jeddahs King Abdulaziz International Airport.

How travel will be immediately affected?

Qatar Airways, on its website, said it has stopped flights to Saudi Arabia, starting at noon on Monday.

A spokeswoman said it was unclear if the suspension would be extended.

Qatar Airways flies to nine cities in Saudi Arabia.

Qatars flag carrier has not yet said if there would be changes to flights to cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Cairo.

READ MORE: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Bahrain cut ties to Qatar

Dubais Emirates and Abu Dhabis Etihad Airways are suspending all flights to and from Doha, starting Tuesday morning.

Emirates, in a statement on its website, said its flights to and from Doha on Monday will operate as normal.

Its last flight from Dubai to Doha will depart as EK847 at 02:30am on Tuesday. The last flight from Doha to Dubai will depart as EK848 at 3:50am on Tuesday.

Etihad Airways last flight from Abu Dhabi to Doha will depart as EY391 at 9:35pm, while the last flight from Doha to Abu Dhabi will depart as EY398 at 10:50pm on Monday, the airline said in a statement.

Both airlines are offering full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to alternate cities to customers booked on flights to and from Doha.

The carriers operate four daily return flights to Doha.





FlyDubai, a Dubai-based budget carrier, said it is cancelling its flights to Qatar beginning on Tuesday.

Air Arabia, a Sharjah-based carrier, said its last outbound flight from Sharjah to Doha will depart at 6:30pm on Monday, while the last inbound flight from Doha to Sharjah will depart at 7:25pm local time.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), in a Twitter post, said it has cancelled all flights to Qatar from Monday morning onwards.

Gulf Air, Bahrains national carrier, said its daily service between Manama and Doha will be suspended until further notice. Its last flight from Bahrain to Doha, GF530, will depart at 8:55pm and its final flight from Doha to Bahrain, GF531, will depart at 10:40pm local time on Monday.

Egypts flag carrier, Egypt Air, has delayed its flights to and from Doha on Monday. The countrys ministry of aviation said it will halt all flights between Egypt and Qatar and close off Egyptian airspace to Qatari aircrafts that seek to land or pass through beginning on Tuesday at 04:00GMT.

At the time of publishing, it was not clear whether airlines of the Maldives, which also joined the measures against Qatar, planned to suspend flights.

Its main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), in a statement warned any restriction will cause huge disruption to the tourism sector.

What are the likely implications of the new restrictions?

Many analysts and experts have said the current travel disruptions are unprecedented.

John Strickland, a UK-based aviation consultant, told Al Jazeera the announcement came as quite a shock to the industry.

Theres been disruptions in the region before, such as during the Gulf War, Strickland said. Flights had to be re-routed, but I cannot think of anything comparable to the current events.





Alan Peaford, editor-in-chief of Aerospace Magazine, like Strickland, said Qatar airways will see greatest impact.

The real problem would be if airspace closes. Not just for Qatar Airways passengers, but also for cargo, like food and fresh fruit that is flown into the country, Peaford told Al Jazeera.

He added that there are two main air routes in and out of Qatar  over Saudi Arabia and Bahrain with the latter controlling most of the Gulf air space.

If Qatar is banned, I cant see a way out of the country for Qatari aircraft, he added.

Saj Ahmad, an analyst with London-Based Strategic Aero Research, told Khaleej Times that the damage here isnt a one-way street.

He said that airlines like Emirates, FlyDubai and Etihad out of Abu Dhabi will end up reeling from the sudden collapse of traffic rights.

The long term-effects are far from clear, Ahmad said. This has the potential to be a long and drawn-out affair.
Arab countries decisions led by Saudi Arabia are founded on baseless allegations, Qatar foreign ministry says.

Qatar said there is no legitimate justification for several nations cutting diplomatic ties after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, Yemen and the Maldives announced they would suspend relations with the Gulf state.

The Saudi kingdom made the announcement via its state-run Saudi Press Agency early on Monday, saying it was taking action for what it called the protection of national security.

The news agency released a statement in which it accused Qatar of harbouring a multitude of terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to create instability in the region.

READ MORE: Leaders and markets react to Gulf diplomatic rift

Reacting to the fallout, Qatar explained that the decision was in violation of its sovereignty, vowing to its citizens and hundreds of thousands of residents that the measures would not affect them.

The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact, the statement said, adding that the decisions would not affect the normal lives of citizens and residents.

The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state. This by itself is a violation of its [Qatars] sovereignty as a state, it added.

READ MORE: Qatars reaction in full

Qatars foreign ministry made the statement hours after the Saudi announcement, but before Yemens internationally backed government, which no longer holds its capital and large portions of the country.





Libyas out-of-mandate Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni later joined the Arab nations in saying they too would cut ties.

As part of the measures, Saudi Arabia said it would pull Qatari support from the Yemen war.

Airspace and sea traffic would also be affected, with major Saudi and UAE-based airlines announcing they would stop flying to the Qatari capital, Doha.

Etihad Airways, the UAEs national carrier, said it would suspend flights to and from Qatar starting on Tuesday. Emirates, a Dubai-based airline, and FlyDubai, the emirates budget airline, quickly followed suit.

It was unclear how other airlines would react.

READ MORE: How Gulf diplomatic rift will affect air travel

Saudi Arabia had called on brotherly countries to join its measures against Qatar.

The UAE said in a statement it was cutting off all ties with Qatar. It also ordered Qatari citizens to leave the country within 14 days and banned its citizens from travelling to Qatar.

Later on Monday, the Qatari embassy in Abu Dhabi asked citizens to leave the UAE within 14 days.

Qatari citizens must leave the UAE within 14 days, in accordance with the statement issued by the concerned Emirati parties, the embassy said in a tweet, adding that those who cannot travel directly to Doha should go through Kuwait or Oman.

Bahrains foreign ministry issued a statement saying it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

Egypt also announced the closure of its airspace and seaports for all Qatari transportation to protect its national security, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Later on Monday, the Maldives said in a statement that it took the decision to sever diplomatic ties because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism.

Economic fallout

The announcements roiled financial markets, with the price of oil surging and Qatari stocks and shares falling.

This is the most serious political crisis in the region in years, said Hashem Ahelbarra, Al Jazeeras senior Middle East correspondent. There are two aspects here, political and economic, to put more pressure on Qatar.

The official statement here in Qatar is basically that they view [the fallout] as part of coordinated effort to further undermine Qatar.

It will ultimately have to be solved at the diplomatic level.





US, Iran, Turkey react

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson gave a statement on Monday while on a state visit in Australia, urging the Gulf states to stay united.

We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences, he said in Sydney.

If theres any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united.

READ MORE: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Bahrain cut ties to Qatar

Tillerson said despite the impasse, he did not expect it to have any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism in the region or globally.

All of those parties you mentioned have been quite unified in the fight against terrorism and the fight against Daesh, ISIS, and have expressed that most recently in the summit in Riyadh, he added, using alternative names for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group.

Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkeys foreign minister, also called for dialogue to resolve the dispute.

We see the stability in the Gulf region as our own unity and solidarity, Cavusoglu told reporters.

Countries may of course have some issues, but dialogue must continue under every circumstance for problems to be resolved peacefully. We are saddened by the current picture and will give any support for its normalisation.

A senior Iranian official said the measures by the Arab nations would not help to end the crisis in the Middle East.

The era of cutting diplomatic ties and closing borders  is not a way to resolve crisis  As I said before, aggression and occupation will have no result but instability, Hamid Aboutalebi, deputy chief of staff of Irans President Hassan Rouhani, tweeted, referring to the coalitions involvement in Yemen.

The Maldives opposition strongly condemned the governments decision to break diplomatic relations with Qatar as short-sighted. In a statement on Monday, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party said the move by the Maldives president would hit businesses hard, damage tourism, and is clearly not in the national interest.

Hacking scandal

The dispute between Qatar and the Gulfs Arab countries escalated after a recent hack of Qatars state-run news agency. It has spiralled since.

Following the hacking on Tuesday, comments falsely attributed to Qatars emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, were broadcast in Qatar.

TIMELINE: GCC, Egyptian discord with Qatar

Qatars government categorically denied that the comments, in which the countrys leader expressed support for Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel  while suggesting that US President Donald Trump may not last in power, were ever made.

There are international laws governing such crimes, especially the cyberattack. [The hackers] will be prosecuted according to the law, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars foreign minister, said on Wednesday.

UAE-based Sky News Arabia and Al Arabiya kept running the discredited story, despite the Qatari denials.
Qatar calls decision by Gulf nations and Egypt unjustified, saying allegations against Doha have no basis in fact.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen and the Maldives say they are severing diplomatic relations with Qatar.

The Saudi kingdom made the announcement via its state-run Saudi Press Agency early on Monday, saying it was taking action for what it called the protection of national security.

The news agency released a statement in which it accused Qatar of harbouring a multitude of terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to create instability in the region.

READ MORE: Leaders and markets react to Gulf diplomatic rift

The three Gulf states gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries, Reuters news agency reported.

Saudi also closed the border and halted air and sea traffic with Qatar, urging all brotherly countries and companies to do the same.





The statement appeared to be timed in concert with an earlier announcement by Bahrain, which was similarly cutting ties and halting air and sea traffic between the two countries.

Unjustified

Qatars foreign ministry said it regretted the measures by the Arab nations, calling the decisions unjustified.

The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact, the statement said, adding that the decisions would not affect the normal lives of citizens and residents.

The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state. This by itself is a violation of its [Qatars] sovereignty as a state, it added.

WATCH: Whats behind recent media attacks against Qatar? (25:14)

Bahrains foreign ministry issued a statement saying it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from the Qatari capital, Doha, within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The UAE said in a statement it was cutting off all ties with Qatar. It also ordered Qatari citizens to leave the country within 14 days and banned its citizens from travelling to Qatar.

Egypt also announced the closure of its airspace and seaports for all Qatari transportation to protect its national security, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Later on Monday, the Maldives said in a statement that it took the decision to sever diplomatic ties because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism.

UAE-based carriers Emirates, Etihad Airways and FlyDubai said they would suspend flights to and from Qatar beginning Tuesday morning.

It was not immediately clear how Mondays announcement would affect other airlines.

READ MORE: How Gulf diplomatic rift will affect air travel

A Saudi-led coalition which for more than two years has been fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen separately announced that Qatar was no longer welcome in the alliance.

Yemens internationally recognised government also cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of working with its enemies in the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, state news agency Saba reported.

A senior Iranian official said the measures by the Arab nations would not help end the crisis in the Middle East.

The era of cutting diplomatic ties and closing borders  is not a way to resolve crisis  As I said before, aggression and occupation will have no result but instability, Hamid Aboutalebi, deputy chief of staff of Irans President Hassan Rouhani, tweeted, referring to the coalitions involvement in Yemen.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson gave a statement on Monday while on a state visit in Australia, urging the Gulf states to stay united.

We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences, he said in Sydney.

If theres any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] remain united.

Tillerson said despite the impasse, he did not expect it to have any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism in the region or globally.

All of those parties you mentioned have been quite unified in the fight against terrorism and the fight against Daesh, ISIS, and have expressed that most recently in the summit in Riyadh, he added, using alternative names for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group.

Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkeys foreign minister, also called for dialogue to resolve the dispute.

We see the stability in the Gulf region as our own unity and solidarity, Cavusoglu told a news conference.

Countries may of course have some issues, but dialogue must continue under every circumstance for problems to be resolved peacefully. We are saddened by the current picture and will give any support for its normalisation.

Hacking dispute

The dispute between Qatar and the Gulfs Arab countries escalated after a recent hack of Qatars state-run news agency. It has spiralled since.

Following the hacking on Tuesday, comments falsely attributed to Qatars emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, were broadcast in Qatar.

Qatars government categorically denied that the comments, in which the countrys leader expressed support for Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel  while suggesting that US President Donald Trump may not last in power, were ever made.

There are international laws governing such crimes, especially the cyberattack. [The hackers] will be prosecuted according to the law, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars foreign minister, said on Wednesday.

UAE-based Sky News Arabia and Al Arabiya kept running the discredited story, despite the Qatari denials.
Qatar trends with many calling decision by several Arab countries to cut diplomatic ties with Gulf country reckless.

Following the announcement that several nations were cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar, the world erupted on social media, with many calling the move severe and reckless.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, Yemen and the Maldives announced they would suspend relations with the Gulf state on Monday, escalating a row following a recent hack of the Qatari state-news agency.

Qatars foreign ministry said it regretted the Arab countries unjustified decision that is in violation of its sovereignty.

Online, the hashtag translating as cutting ties with Qatar (#___) was the number one trend worldwide with more than one million mentions at the time of publication.

Qatar was also trending worldwide with many pointing to the seriousness of the current rift between the countries:

These measures against #Qatar is unprecedented, the inter-Arab/GCC relations hasn't seen this escalation since Camp David Accords.  Reem Al-Harmi   (@Reem_AlHarmi) June 5, 2017

This is the most severe crisis in the GCC's history. Even the Emir of Kuwait, the wise man of the Gulf, was unable to halt the escalation.     (@SultanAlQassemi) June 5, 2017

https://twitter.com/Max_Fisher/status/871563708933210112

You see Qatar?

I don't see Qatar. pic.twitter.com/HnBMWNp0zD  ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) June 5, 2017

Many in Qatar shared their support for the country:

We are united with His Highness and fully support him. Please don't be fooled by the media #Proud_Qatari #_  pic.twitter.com/xVSaHX3pUf    (@Saeed_SXV) May 24, 2017

(Translation: They think that this way they will get people to turn against the government, they dont know that the Qatari people stand with their government even if we live on bread crumbs.)

https://twitter.com/alrahman911/status/871629460205965312

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain have given Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries, Reuters news agency reported. Many worried what this might mean for families who live in different GCC countries:

https://twitter.com/NouraBJ_/status/871674308904361984

Such a reckless decision which terrifies me as an Egyptian who's born and lived in SA. Did they consider the families?!#___  Abdalla M. Edres (@AbodyRulez) June 5, 2017

Just feeling concerned about many families that are half Emirate/ Qatari #___  TA (@NikeHoney) June 5, 2017

Major long-haul carriers such as Doha-based Qatar Airways and Dubais Emirates have suspended flights. Some shared photos of Qataris who were reportedly banned from boarding planes in Saudi Arabia.

           

        #___ pic.twitter.com/xEoSEIpj4G  F B A |   (@FahadBuzwair) June 5, 2017

Others called on the leaders of the countries involved to mend strained ties, with some using a hashtag that translates to We are all Tamim, referring to Qatars emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani:

https://twitter.com/x7Tme/status/871571120679419904

In the times of most need to unite we choose to be divided. Well done leaders. #___  Mo (@MohamedMMoneer) June 5, 2017

United We Stand, Divided We Fall#_  Iftikhar Ayoub (@IftikharAyoub) June 5, 2017
Sequence of events that led to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain severing diplomatic relations with Qatar.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting Islamist groups, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

The coordinated move dramatically escalated a dispute over Qatars support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamic movement, and added accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional rival Iran.

READ MORE: Qatars reaction in full

Announcing the closure of transport ties with Qatar, the three Gulf states gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries.

Qatar was also expelled from a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

Economic disturbances loomed immediately, as Abu Dhabis state-owned Etihad Airways, Dubai-based Emirates and flydubai said they would suspend all flights to and from Doha from Tuesday morning until further notice.





The measures are more severe than during a previous eight-month rift in 2014, when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE withdrew their ambassadors from Doha, again alleging Qatari support for armed groups. At that time, travel links were maintained and Qataris were not expelled.

A split between Doha and its closest allies can have repercussions around the Middle East, where Gulf states have used their financial and political power to influence events in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The announcements come 10 days after President Donald Trump visited Riyadh to call on Muslim countries to stand united against armed groups, and singling out Iran as a key source of funding and support for armed groups.

Here is a timeline of the recent main events that led to the escalation of disputes between the GCC nations.

Yemens sacking of southern leaders

April 28, 2017: Tens of thousands of Yemenis protested in Aden against President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadis sacking of the provincial governor and a cabinet minister widely praised for helping drive Iran-aligned Houthis from the city in 2015.

READ MORE: Qatar: No justification for cutting diplomatic ties

The two men sacked, Aden provincial governor Aidarus al-Zubaidi and cabinet member Hani bin Brek, were both seen as supporting separatism for southern Yemen.

Zubaidi was one of the leaders of the Southern Resistance that helped expel the Houthis from his city.

Yemen accuses UAE of behaving like occupation power

May 2, 2017: President Hadi of Yemen accused the UAE of behaving like an occupation power in Yemen rather than a force of liberation in a meeting with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed.

Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia

May 20, 2017: US President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on the first leg of his first foreign trip since taking office to hold a series of meetings with the king and other Arab and Muslim leaders.

In a red-carpet airport welcome, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud greeted Trump, his wife Melania and his entourage shortly after they landed in the capital, Riyadh.

Give them hell

May 22, 2017: The night before former US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was scheduled to speak at a high-profile Washington conference on Qatar, the UAEs ambassador to the US, Yousef al-Otaiba, using a nickname of UAE Crown Prince Muhammed bin Zayed emailed Robert Gates asking him to give them hell.

READ MORE: Riyadh summit discusses ways of rooting out terrorism

May 23, 2017: The next day, Gates offered a scathing assault on Qatar, criticised its support for Islamists, at an event hosted by the hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).

Tell Qatar to choose sides or we will change the nature of the relationship, to include downscaling the base, Gates said.

Hacking of Qatar News Agency

May 24, 2017: Qatar News Agency was targeted by hackers with fake comments purportedly criticising US foreign policy attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Qatar News Agency (QNA) platforms that sparked a regional media war.

Qatar denied the statement attributed to the emir, purportedly criticising US foreign policy. The emirs false remarks were picked up by Saudi and UAE media, and sparked angry responses in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

FBI help Qatar in QNA hacking investigation

June 2, 2017: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation arrived in Doha after the Qatari government asked the United States for help following the security breach by hackers the previous month on its official media platform, QNA.

Hackers leak emails

June 3, 2017: Hackers released the first series of emails which were taken from the inbox of the UAEs ambassador to the United States, Yousef al-Otaiba, including the email to Robert Gates on May 22.

The Intercept reported that the emails, released by a group called Global Leaks, show a close relationship between Otaiba and a pro-Israel, neoconservative think-tank  the FDD.

READ MORE: GCC rejects formation of Yemen transitional council

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE sever ties with Qatar

June 5, 2017: Several nations cut diplomatic ties after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE and Bahrain announced they would suspend relations with the Gulf state.The Saudi kingdom made the announcement via its state-run Saudi Press Agency, saying it was taking action for what it called the protection of national security.

The news agency released a statement in which it accused Qatar of harbouring a multitude of terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to create instability in the region.

Reacting to the fallout, Qatar explained that the decision was in violation of its sovereignty, vowing to its citizens and the hundreds of thousands of residents that the measures would not affect them.
UNs childrens agency says children bearing the brunt of intensifying violence in ISIL-held areas of west Mosul.

Mosuls children are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between US-backed government forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL) group in the Iraqi citys western half, the UN childrens agency warned on Monday.

Iraqi forces are continuing their operation to drive ISIL fighters from the remaining pockets of Mosuls Old City, where narrow streets and a dense civilian population are complicating the fight.

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF representative in Iraq, estimated that 100,000 children are still in ISIL-held areas, living under extremely dangerous conditions.





Hawkins said the agency is receiving alarming reports of civilians being killed, including children, with some caught in the crossfire while trying to flee.

He did not give a specific number for killed children.

Hawkins called on the rival parties to protect the children and keep them out of harms way at all times, in line with their obligations under humanitarian law.

Childrens lives are on the line. Children are being killed, injured and used as human shields. Children are experiencing and witnessing terrible violence that no human being should ever witness, he said in a statement.

In some cases, they have been forced to participate in the fighting and violence.

Backed by the US-led international coalition, Iraq launched a wide-scale military offensive last October to recapture Mosul and the surrounding areas, with various Iraqi military, police and paramilitary forces taking part in the operation.

The eastern half of Mosul, Iraqs second largest city, was declared liberated in January, and the push for the citys western section, separated from the east by the Tigris River, began the following month.

READ MORE: ISIL fighters seal off Mosul mosque for last stand

In another Mosul-related development, an international human rights group reported on Monday that at least 26 bodies of blindfolded and handcuffed men were found in government-controlled areas and around city since the operation started.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said local armed forces told foreign journalists that in 15 of the cases the men were extrajudicially killed by government forces who were holding them on suspicion of being affiliated with ISIL.

HRW said that in the remaining cases that were reported by local and international sources, the sites of the apparent executions all in government-held territory raise concerns about government responsibility for the killings.

The bodies of bound and blindfolded men are being found one after the other in and around Mosul and in the Tigris River, raising serious concerns about extrajudicial killings by government forces, said Lama Fakih, deputy Middle East director at HRW.

The lack of any apparent government action to investigate these deaths undermines the governments statements on protecting detainee rights.

Extrajudicial executions during an armed conflict are war crimes and if widespread or systematic, carried out as part of policy, would constitute crimes against humanity, HRW said.

Mosul fell to ISIL in the summer of 2014 as the fighters swept over much of the countrys north and central areas.

The UN estimates almost 10,000 people fled from Mosuls northwest and the Old City every day last week.

More than 750,000 people have been displaced from the city since October. Twelve camps for the displaced have been set up in the surrounding area.
Denouncing Trumps decision to abandon the Paris Climate Agreement, Greenpeace International ([www.Greenpeace.org](http://www.greenpeace.org/)) said the decision would cost the US its global leadership position and its share of the economic benefits of the clean energy transition. Greenpeace Africa Executive Director Njeri Kabeberi said: Thursday, June 1st 2017 will be written in history as the Read more []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
Briefing the Security Council for the final time as the United Nations mission in Cote dIvoire draws down, the UN envoy for the country thanked the Government for its support and said that though more needs to be done, but the West African nation has shown its resolve for a peaceful, stable and prosperous future. []Source : http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
In the minds of the high priests of climate change, mans alleged ravaging of the earth causes everything from original sin to the common cold. It was surprising that Hillary Clinton didnt list it as an excuse for her lost election right after computer nerds in Macedonia. With President Trump pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate fraud agreement, the prophets of doom have returned in full voice.

Former Secretary of State and failed presidential candidate John Kerry, who once said climate change was as big a threat to human life as Islamic State terror, says President Trump just gave the kids of the world the gift of asthma. As Fox News Insider reports:

Former Secretary of State John Kerry ripped President Trump's decision to abandon the Paris climate deal yesterday, saying the lungs of American children will take the hit. "He is not helping the forgotten American ... their kids will have worse asthma in the summer," Kerry said on MSNBC Thursday.

Governor Jerry Brown of the failed state of California took the hysteria a little farther, rolling out the standard Democratic mantra that people will die as a result of Trumps Paris exit. No doubt before he pushes granny over the cliff, Trump will first give her a bad case of asthma. As Real Clear Politics reported:

California Governor Jerry Brown blasted the President's decision to leave the Paris accord, describing it as a "crazy decision." JERRY BROWN: My immediate reaction is this is a crazy decision. It is against the facts. It is against science. It is against reality itself. We know we have to decarbonize our future. If we dont, it is a horror. People will die. Habitat will be destroyed. Seas will rise. Insects will spread in areas they never have before. This is not a game. It is not politics to talk to your base. It is humanity and whether it makes it through the 21st century. California will stay the course.

King Canute, the Viking king of England, Norway and Denmark was the legendary king whose sycophantic followers praised his power and wisdom. As the story goes, he once stood on the shore and commanded the waves to halt. Rather than exercising his ego he in fact was giving his followers a lesson in reality -- the power of man over nature is finite and inconsequential

States and the cities whose mayors, like King Canute, will try to make the seas recede are free to knock themselves out. Just ensure that the last person fleeing your jurisdictions turn out the lights. Poverty, not climate change, kills, and the Paris Accord was a recipe for global poverty. Wealthier societies are healthy societies that can develop the technology to guarantee clean air and water. Denying cheap fossil fuel energy to those in poverty keeps them poor and polluting the environment by burning animal dung to cook and keep warm.

Withdrawing from Paris will not cause biblical plagues. And I have news for Gov. Brown: insects are already everywhere. Some even hold elective office. Climate change does not cause asthma. For any increase, you have to look elsewhere as the air in recent decades has grown demonstrably cleaner with CO2 emissions declining thanks to increased use of natural gas unearthed by fracking.

Even President Obama once blamed global warming for giving his daughters asthma. He was as wrong then as John Kerry is now. As James S. Robbins wrote in USA Today:

President Obama blames global warming for his daughter's asthma. Today that's politically useful spin, but the science says something different. If you're looking for a culprit, it just might be Malia's dad.  The good news is that there is less reason for alarm than the White House suggests. The Environmental Protection Agency cautions that "outdoor air pollution and pollen may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma." Yet the EPA also reports that our air quality has substantially improved; aggregate emissions of common pollutants have decreased 62% between 1980 and 2013. It is unlikely that cleaner air is causing the increase in asthma. Which brings us back to her father and his Marlboros. No father wants to feel that his habits might hurt his children. But sometimes you have to look in the mirror to find the guilty party, not search the stratosphere for a hidden culprit.

The air has been getting cleaner and CO2 emissions have been declining. In fact, most pollutants have been declining, so if asthma is increasing, the cause must be blamed on something else besides emissions and climate change. As the Institute for Energy Research noted in 2015, is regulations on carbon dioxide emissions were as futile as King Canutes commands to the sea::

In an attempt to garner support for the Environmental Protection Agencys controversial regulation of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, President Obama and EPA officials have taken to linking climate change to an issue that hits most Americans close to home: asthma. The problem is that carbon dioxide -- which the rule regulates -- does not cause asthma. EPA claims its rule will improve Americas health by reducing criteria pollutants that contribute to asthma prevalence. Instead, the data show that while pollution has been dropping for decades, asthma rates are rising. This casts doubt on the health benefits of the EPAs rule and suggests that other factors, such as poverty, may play a larger role in asthma development than air pollution. The EPA is relying on dubious asthma claims because its climate rule has no discernible impact on climate change. Using the EPAs own models, the climate rule reduces global warming by just 0.02 degrees Celsius and slows sea-level rise by just 0.01 of an inch by the year 2100equivalent to the thickness of three sheets of paper.

The futility of the Paris Climate Accord mirrors the futility of the EPA regulations and severe doubts need to be cast on both. As the Institute for Energy Research documents that while child asthma rates rose 131% since 1980, sulfur dioxide was down by 81%, nitrogen dioxide was down by 60%, and ozone was down 33%, Since 1990, Particulate Matter 10 was down by 34%, as child asthma was up 43%. Since 2000, Particulate Matter 2.5 was down 34% as the child asthma rate was flat.

Both EPA climate regulations and the Paris Accord were all pain and no gain. They were sure to reduce economic growth and increase poverty and poverty is more likely to create conditions to increase asthma rates than anything coming out of the tailpipe of your SUV.

Two things are certain. Climate change does not cause child asthma and since weve left the Paris Accord we can all breathe easier.

Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
The current wave of Islamic terror in Manchester and in London only reinforces the general feeling that the excessive political correctness of recent years by the Obama presidency, by the British Labor party, and the European media has fostered and festered breeding grounds for Islamic terrorists in the heart of England. Londons current Mayor Sadiq Khan, a practicing Muslim, could have a significant impact on the minds and hearts of many of Englands young Muslims, if he decides to express what should have been said years ago to Muslims living in England and throughout the Western world by the very Muslims that have enjoyed the privileges and benefits of living and prospering in a Western nation.

In response to this weeks Islamic terror attack in the heart of London, Mayor Khan should have taken the initiative, using himself as a role model of what it means to be a Muslim in a Western nation. Mayor Sadiq Kahn is a practicing Muslim and regularly attends the Al-Muzzammil mosque in Tooting. He has two daughters, both raised in the Islamic faith. Khan could have forcibly reinforced the idea that practicing Muslims such as himself are modern citizens who happen to worship Allah, yet do not belong to any kind of belief in the preeminence of Sharia Law which clearly is based on the belief that Sharia Law must be imposed on others, Islamic terror being the logical extension of this imposition. Mayor Kahn could state that the former would not pose a threat to England or the Western lifestyle while the latter would be a mortal threat. The danger facing England and other Western nations from the Islamic wave sweeping the Middle East and beyond arises not from the fact that people practicing the Islamic religion are Muslim, but rather from the degree to which they adhere to the totalitarian, supremacist Islamic doctrine of Sharia.

However, you dont have to go back very far in Mayor Sadiq Khans past to find links with some pretty questionable characters. Some of these associations date back to his time as a human rights lawyer trying to get England to lift its ban on the American Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has described Jews as blood-suckers and called Hitler a very great man, and speaking at the same conference as Sajeel Abu Ibrahim, a member of the now proscribed Islamist organization that trained the 7/7 bomber Mohammad Sidique Khan. In 2004, Sadiq Khan appeared on a platform with five Islamic extremists at a conference in London organized by Al-Aqsa, a group that has published works by the notorious Holocaust denier Paul Eisen. In, the same year, Khan was the chair of the Muslim Council of Britains legal affairs committee and was involved in defending the Muslim scholar Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. So, who is this Muslim scholar so vigorously defended by Sadiq Khan? Among other things, hes the author of a book called The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam in which he justifies wife beating and discusses whether homosexuals should be killed. Most notoriously, he condones martyrdom operations, i.e. suicide bombings, against Israeli civilians, which he describes as Gods justice: Allah Almighty is just; through his infinite wisdom he has given the weak a weapon the strong do not have and that is their ability to turn their bodies into bombs as Palestinians do. Despite holding these views, Qaradawi was not an extremist in Sadiq Khans eyes. In 2006, by which time Sadiq Kahn had been elected to Parliament, Khan was one of the signatories of a letter to the Guardian that blamed terrorist incidents, such as 7/7, on British foreign policy, particularly Britains support for Israel. It is our view that current British government policy risks putting civilians at increased risk both in the UK and abroad,

Khan can align himself with the call for tougher counterterrorism measures suggested by the British PM and be the first to demand that England must not pretend that things can remain the same. Khan can abandon the politically correct rhetoric about Islam and the legitimacy of terror to advance political goals. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, can be that agent of change that modern Islam so clearly needs.

The writer, a 25-year veteran of the I.D.F., served as a field mental health officer and Commander of the Central Psychiatric Military Clinic for Reserve Soldiers at Tel-Hashomer. Since retiring from active duty, he provides consultancy services to NGOs implementing Psycho trauma and Psychoeducation programs to communities in the North and South of Israel and is a strategic advisor to the Chief Foreign Envoy of Judea and Samaria.

Contact: medconf@netvision.net.il
Stockholm Syndrome was first named in 1973 when a failed bank robbery resulted in four hostages being taken. To the surprise of Stockholm police  and just about everyone else on the planet  the hostages assisted the robbers, defended them to the media, and later refused to testify against them.

This is a real phenomenon among survivors of abuse who have no possibility of escape. It was described by the psychoanalyst Viktor Frankl in Nazi concentration camp inmates, some of whom volunteered to become Kapos (KampPolizei), prison guards who wore mock SS uniforms and abused other prisoners on behalf of their captors. Psychologically, Stockholm Syndrome may be an evolutionary adaptation in women and children who are brutalized and sexually attacked for so long that they have no hope of escape.

This psychological phenomenon is also known as identifying with the aggressor. It is not unusual in conditions of inescapable abuse, because from a biological point of view, sexual kidnap victims only hope for survival is to surrender and show complete and utter submission.

The Swedish surrender of the city of Malmo to Jihad may be an example of Stockholm Syndrome on a large scale. Sweden has celebrated sexual liberation for decades, with the results that many Swedes need more and more of a kick to get the same satisfaction. This kind of addictive escalation is common in human history, as in the Roman emperors who had absolute power, and in the French aristocracy before the French Revolution. The writings of Marquis de Sade provide a famous example.

In the new Jihad war, it is likely that the United States has been infiltrated by Saudi and Iranian jihadis, who join in the American free sex culture (lets not forget that the last thing the 9/11 hijackers did the night before carrying out their attack was to visit a strip club). Because Muslim culture celebrates pedophilia with children who have no capacity to even imagine what it is like to submit to sexual abuse, there is a long Western colonial tradition of pedophiles and homosexuals who travel to Muslim countries where they can practice their deviant style. The famous novel series of colonial Egypt by Lawrence Durrell, The Alexandria Quartet, takes pedophile kidnapping and its traumatic effects as a major theme. Pedophile dominance is also featured in Kiplings famous novel Kim. Obamas professor Edward Said at Columbia published a famous critique of Western imperialism in a book called Orientalism, which features a pedophile painting on its cover. In Europe and America, sexual tourism to other countries is conducted to allow addicts to indulge their tastes in places where such practices are legal.

In the 1930s, the Soviet NKVD took advantage of the British prohibition of male homosexuality to recruit professors and college students at Cambridge University to become Soviet spies. The Cambridge Spies are perhaps the most (in)famous cases of successful espionage against the UK in the 20th century. Six of the lifelong spies became publicly known, but the actual number may have been much larger. Both the Gestapo and Jihad plausibly learned their spycraft from the successful Soviets.

Sexual abuse of women and children, and plausibly of male homosexuals, is a standard feature of Jihad. Sexual victimization of wartime slaves is an explicitly stated incentive in the theological doctrine of Jihad, which emerged out of primitive desert warfare in the 6th century.

The vital strategic question is whether dominant-submissive sex practices are also a means for Jihad infiltration and sabotage in modern Western cultures, which are helpless targets for this kind of aggression. Some Westerners go out of their way to invite this kind of assault. The major cities of Europe and America all have a subterranean culture of sexual obsessions, a natural target for a war theology that celebrates submissive sexuality. The pre-Hitler Weimar culture of Germany was also marked by publicly celebrated sexual deviancy. Such cultures are easy prey for serious aggressors.

Admiral James Lyons has been the most articulate truth-teller on the Jihad war, which he believes goes back to the 1960s and 70s, when OPEC began to amass enormous oil wealth. Because Islam executes men who practice deviant sexuality (by its own definition), many Saudi princes visited London and the United States to indulge in sexual habits that are forbidden in Saudi Arabia, such as receptive anal intercourse. Islam does not prohibit all homosexual acts, only those where the Muslim male is passive. Afghanistan is (in)famous for dominant males who take boys from low-status tribes for sex slaves. Violent rape of boys has appeared in the Jihad invasion of Germany and Sweden.

The famous anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon is one of the most important students of tribal warfare in the last half century. Since the 1960s Chagnon has described the Yanamamo, a South American hunting and foraging people who practice intergroup violence so often that about 30 percent of adult males die from violence in each generation. (Chagnon, 1966). After decades of intense controversy, a number of scientific anthropologists have been persuaded by the extensive evidence for bachelor raids on neighboring clans for the purpose of killing males and kidnapping and raping females.

Chagnon has provided evidence that such a war strategy actually pays Darwinian reproductive benefits to the aggressor. Access to submissive women is sometimes openly declared by tribal peoples to be a major incentive for aggressive war.

After the rise of feminism half a century ago, it became a strict taboo in American and European culture to talk about what Sigmund Freud called female masochism. It is understandable that anything that encourages the brutal abuse and rape of women should be discouraged by civilized peoples.

However, the open surrender to Jihad in Europe, specifically Sweden and Germany, now has many of the earmarks of a large-scale Stockholm Syndrome. The very large sales figures of mainstream pornography books featuring male domination of women, as in Fifty Shades of Gray, and its successor, Fifty Shades of Black, shows how much female abuse and submissiveness has been normalized, particularly in the female book market.

Angela Merkel explicitly invited a new wave of violent and aggressive Jihadist males into Germany only a year ago. Merkels video on YouTube ends in a sexual head-flip that is openly seductive. This is more than just shocking; it is revealing of a side of European surrender to Jihad that is never openly discussed.

Dominance-submission is a common part of sexual escalation, where people practice more and more extreme acts to achieve the same kick. Dominant-submissive gear is now easily available on Amazon. Male homosexuals may be attracted to the submissive role, and lesbian couples often develop a strong bond between dominant and submissive women.

These are not rare phenomena, and in sexually promiscuous cultures they are well-known when promiscuous people become bored and look for a more excitement. Sadomasochistic practices can result from long-term sexual addiction.

One can have liberal values about sexuality, but not when it poses a clear and present danger to national security. There is a great deal of photographic and other evidence that Presidents Obama and Clinton engaged in deviant sexual practices that could easily be used for political blackmail in the United States. Large number of Federal bureaucrats have been exposed for insecure web surfing to find child and other pornography. Former CIA Director Anthony Deutch was one famous case.

It is easy enough for hostile intelligence services to track insecure web searches by Federal employees to pinpoint individuals who are vulnerable to national security blackmail.

Because the full range of sexual practices are now widely viewed as a basic human right in the West, Western culture is extremely vulnerable to aggressive exploitation by Jihad, and by serious powers like Russia and China. After the immense success of the KGB infiltration in the UK using the homosexual ring of Cambridge Spies, this is now a routine piece of spycraft that every intelligence agency in the world must teach its members.

The recent exposure of the Pakistani Awan brothers, who worked as IT professionals for the House Intelligence Committee, may only be the tip of a very large iceberg. America and Europe are unbelievably vulnerable to Jihadist infiltration, influence agents, and espionage. The Awan brothers are now back in Pakistan, being celebrated as national heroes.

We are the most unserious nation in the world, outside of Europe. Our Hollywood and political elites are deeply immersed in deviant and often illegal sexual practices. These are not minor habits. They can kill us.
As with the car and stabbing attacks on the Westminster Bridge on March 22, 2017, media reports on Saturday night highlighted the terrorists new tactic of using cars to mow down a large number of pedestrians, and knives to stab as many as they can. There is nothing new about this tactic. As with other forms of terrorism, the Palestinians used them first on Israeli civilians. Despite decades of advancing Palestinian terrorist tactics in Israel (suicide belts and vests, and car bombs with nails and screws, car mowing pedestrians, and stabbing, to name but a few), the political leadership of most Western nations seemed oblivious to the emerging patterns of Islamic terrorism. They failed to recognize their jihad against Israel for the deadly contagious disease they spread. This has been going on for decades.

Instead of pressuring the Palestinians to stop, Arab and Western nations have been rewarding the Palestinians who employ terrorists and fund their activities with billions of dollars while pressuring Israel for concessions. Incredibly, since the rise of global Islamic radicalism, the Palestinians have successfully managed to falsely argue that the creation of the state of Palestine, an Islamic terrorist state, would somehow influence other radical Islamic groups to give up their jihad. The Saudis and the Gulf States that have been funding the Palestinian jihadists know better, but are finding it difficult to change their longtime habits, they apparently encouraged President Trump to renege on his promise to recognize Jerusalem as the legitimate capital of Israel by relocating the American embassy to the city, while legitimizing the Palestinian leaderships that fund terrorism. (The Saudi agreement to purchase some $400 billion worth of U.S. weapons and technology has probably helped their appeal).

The Saturday night Islamic terrorist car and knives attack in East London should signal the end of multiculturalism in England. But dont hold your breath.

For many decades, radical Islamist ideology was allowed to flourish in England, mostly under the guise of pro-Palestinian, anti-Israeli activities. Those, however, allowed the expansion of Islamic networks with Saudi and Gulf funding of mosques, madrassas, and Islamic centers and with Muslim Brotherhood political guiding laid down a global network. After the 9/11 al Qaeda attacks on America and the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan supported by the United Kingdom and Canada, Islamic organizations in Britain, including the Palestinians, have increased their activities, raising money for future widows and orphans and expanded their base through the dawa.

Law enforcement officials privately voiced their concern but there was no political will to confront the problem. Not even after fifteen Islamic terrorist attacks beginning on July 7, 2005, on Londons transportation systems killing 52 and wounding many others.



The threat of Islamic takeover has been clear to many and mostly ignored by British politicians. A few, like Baroness Cox, protested the imposition of Sharia courts in England. In March 2014 she described the Islamic modus operandi: Sharia law, imported from theocracies like Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia, began to be used here in a strictly limited form, dealing mainly with narrow issues like Islamic financial contracts. But as the Muslim population has grown, and the pervasive creed of multiculturalism has become ever more powerful, so Sharia law has rapidly grown in influence within some communities. 'There are now estimated to be no fewer than 85 Sharia courts across the country -- from London and Manchester to Bradford and Nuneaton. They operate mainly from mosques, settling financial and family disputes according to [Islamic} religious principles. The government of David Cameron, like that of Tony Blair before, paid little attention and refused to outlaw the Muslim Brotherhood, which has been collecting funds for Hamas for decades.

Radical Islam spreads in large Muslim communities everywhere in the West. The Islamic ideology is preached and enforced in Mosques and schools, usually with no interference from the local secular authorities. For example, on May 18, 2015, sharia became the law officially in the Muslim-majority Barking & Dagenham Borough in East London, where the Metropolitan Police has been hunting for potential supporters of the latest car and knife attacks this past Saturday night that killed seven and injured at least 48 people, many critically.

At that time, the local council took this step to welcome our Muslim immigrants and nourish a multicultural society. Imposing sharia on all residents, Muslim and non-Muslim alike prohibited the consumption of pork or alcohol. All businesses required to desist all their operation during Islamic prayer time, or else they will incur fines. All women, whether they are Muslim or not required to wear hijabs (the local government [was] in the process of sewing tens of thousands for non-Muslim women) Representatives of the council saw the move to Sharia as a natural next step. Moreover, Linda Gayle, a local representative declared: It was only a matter of time before Sharia Law became reality in London and were happy to be the forerunners of this very tolerant and multicultural governing process. Barking is home to tens of thousands of Muslims, and we could no longer ignore the richness that they have brought to our little part of town. Implementing Sharia Law is honoring all the people of Muslim faith who make this community thrive. Now they will finally feel home! The Saturday night attacks on the infidels was another bloody reminder that radical Muslims do not honor others.
The student antics at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington have recently garnered some national media attention  but not nearly enough. Tucker Carlson interviewed progressive biology professor Bret Weinstein, who had the moral dexterity to show up to teach his own class as contracted by the college in spite of the fact that students had decided to impose on the campus an anti-white imperialism day. The point of the student protest was that any white person who came to the college on that particular day was demonstrating that he is not in alliance with their anti-racist crusade. Blaming Trump's election, such a proposal was a reversal of a long standing practice at the college where students gave themselves a day of absence to protest racism.

Weinstein, who is Jewish, was alarmed. In a lengthy interview, he pointed out that such demands have an echo of the fascism of yesteryear and characterized the situation on campus as a witch hunt. Before showing up to his scheduled class, Weinstein wrote a careful and gracious letter explaining how ill advised such a proposal was to the students organizing the anti-white crusade. Rather than listen to Weinstein's wisdom, a mob of students confronted him when he arrived to teach his class. Quickly spiraling out of control, students charged him with racism and demanded his resignation with many expletives. Later, the protest erupted into campus anarchy as a student mob seized the library. Yet the college president, George Bridges, told the police to stand down. While Bridges has not yet fired Weinstein, as demanded by the students, he did congratulate their courage and proclaim himself appreciative of their activism.

Much more disturbing, it appears that Bridges is actually on the side of the students. Outside firing Weinstein, Bridges has essentially capitulated. Weinstein's safety on campus is still a major concern. His wife, who also teaches on campus, has also been threatened. It appears that the president's ploy is to allow the circumstances to become so unbearable that it will be unnecessary to fire Weinstein, as it will be easier for him to simply give up and leave on his own. While Weinstein has received many positive emails supporting him privately, colleagues at Evergreen have for the most part been silent on the crisis. So far, only Fox News has been willing to expose the crisis on national TV news.

Evergreeners are called "the Fighting Geoducks." Geoducks are clams. Evergreen is an anti-traditional college that prides itself on its anti-capitalism, socialism, radical environmentalism, postmodernism, and Marxism, with a special emphasis upon indigenous values that convert the old American melting pot ideal into a subversive form of racist multi-tribalism under the guise of progressive multiculturalism.

Evergreen professors do not grade students, but they do give them lengthy teacher evaluations. The students are also required to write their own evaluations of themselves. While everyone pretty much passes under such lax standards, one does have the freedom to put in as much work as he or she wishes. Most coast through the college. Tests are rare. Yet Evergreen students do a tremendous amount of reading and writing that must also be collectively articulated and discussed with the professor and other students in what they call seminars.

Evergreen education is based on holism. All credits are holistically integrated into one course. For example, as an Evergreen graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (1985-89), I took a 32-credit course my freshman year entitled "Political Ecology" that was two quarters long. While it was largely a nonstop attack on Christianity and capitalism for helping precipitate the ecological crisis of modern times, all of the credits were divided among ecological studies, agricultural studies, Native American studies, geography, evolutionary biology, and creative writing, among other credits. In the spring, I took a course called "Thinking Straight" (16 credits) that consisted of credits in philosophy, English, creative writing, and logic. My favorite course at Evergreen was "The Classical World," which lasted my entire sophomore year (48 credits). We began with the early Greeks in the fall and ended with early Christianity in the spring, reading through much of St. Augustine's City of God.

My junior year was given over to "Political Economy" (32 credits) in the fall and winter, followed up by "Race, Class, and Gender" (16 credits) in the spring. Such a year presaged many of the political convulsions now rocking America, with no small thanks to the Obama administration  but all of which is still rooted in the hippie radicalism of the '60s, not to mention all of the social upheaval in Europe dating back to the 1800s that was largely a very German affair. The content of these particular courses was loaded with a blending of socialism, Marxism, fascism, and postmodernism taught by true believers.

While one of the professors seemed to enjoy his popularity with female students, another was actively involved in fomenting lunatic student protests against the college administration. One particular memory stands out in sharp relief: at lunchtime on one beautiful spring day  while watching the student protest proceed  one wise Native American student said something along these lines, which I have never forgotten: "You know, we can all try to do good things to help bring about a better world by protesting the unfair and evil things we see around us, but the problem with all this is that people like that professor over there will be running things."

This is precisely the crossroads that Evergreen has arrived at now, only worse, as the more fascist elements of liberalism so-called are now dominating the school. Could this not be a wake-up call for the entire left as the radicals are poised to eat up their own? Much of the history of Marxism and socialism is riddled with tragic outcomes that are always ignored by its proponents until it is too late. My own days at Evergreen were a precursor to all that has transpired under Obama. What about now?

My final year at Evergreen, I took 32 credits of "Management in the Public Interest" that essentially taught students how to become an effective bureaucrat in the political economy of the modern world. Rather than finish this course (48 credits all year), I switched to take "Liberation Theology" (16 credits) in the spring, as I had just decided that I wanted to go to seminary for postgraduate studies. Popular in Latin and South America, Liberation Theology is a more spiritual blending of Marxism, socialism, and fascism with Christianity that was consistent with much of my previous education at Evergreen.

Last but not least, it was Rockefeller Republican Dan Evans who was one of the primary founders of the Evergreen State College. Without his political will as the governor of the State of Washington for 12 years (1965-1977), the Evergreen State College would not exist. The very library that was taken over by the students is named after him.

Mark Musser is a part-time pastor, author, missionary, and a farmer who lives in Olympia, Washington. He is a contributing writer for the Cornwall Alliance. His book Nazi Oaks provides a sobering history lesson on the philosophical foundations of the early German green movement, which was absorbed by National Socialism in the 1930s and proved to be a powerful undercurrent during the Holocaust. Mark is also the author of Wrath or Rest, a commentary on the warning passages found in the epistle to the Hebrews.
The recent rise in gay rights, and the rights of LBGT-LMNOP communities, evinces something more disturbing than a sexual agenda. We are forced to ask: who is in charge of the planet?

In 2008, Obama proudly proclaimed that he understood marriage to be the union of a man and a woman. Obama had to, or he would not have been electable. The attempt to redefine marriage did not have broad popular support at that time.

In 2008, Proposition 8 (affirming marriage to a man and a woman) passed the muster of a referendum to become state constitutional law in California, arguably the most liberal state in the Union.

In 2012, the Ninth Circuit Court Court of Appeals overturned the decision, in violation of popular will.

In 2014, a federal judge overturned a similar Arkansas state amendment limiting marriage to a man and a woman. Eventually, the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015 declared marriage redefined to include same-sex couples.

What is noteworthy is that all of this was done against the will of the people expressed through referenda.

And not just in the United States. In 2010, in Argentina, which formerly prided itself on a macho culture, marriage was legally redefined after a series of dueling court decisions that ended in legislative change.

Argentina, while it allows freedom of religion, has an established Catholic Church  much like the Anglican Church in England. The Catholic Church has clout in Argentina and was vociferous in condemnation of redefining marriage, and yet the Church was defied. Why?

Strict Catholics obviously outnumber gays. Why would Argentine politicians ignore them to appease a demographically insignificant minority?

[T]he [Argentine] Catholic Church ... organized marches and verbal attacks on the bill as "a plan to destroy God's plan[.]"

One is not shocked that Europe includes same-sex couples in its definition of marriage, as post-Christian and secular as Europe is. However, courts forced the same on Brazil in spite of popular opposition and a growing Evangelical Christian population that would not have approved. Argentina may have the Catholic Church, but Brazil has 40-plus million Evangelicals, and they vote. Yet they are ignored.

Turning aside from Western nations, Vietnam redefined marriage in 2015. Yet Freedom House lists Vietnam as an unfree nation. Somehow, a man's right to attempt to marry another man trumps other rights.

In 2017, a court in Taiwan has ruled in favor of redefining marriage.

The constitutional court ruled that Taiwan's current Civil Code, which stipulates an agreement to marry can only be made between a man and a woman, "violated" the constitution's guarantees of freedom of marriage and people's equality. It gave Taiwan's parliament two years to change the law and implement the ruling. If legislators fail to do so, same-sex couples will be able to register to marry regardless.

We see a noticeable pattern that this is not welling up from the people, but is the result of activist courts around the world. Democracy be damned. Tyranny be damned. Homosexuality uber alles.

Even more disturbing trends are following suit:

Tel Aviv trumps New York to be named world's best gay city  Daily Mail, 2012

Welcome to Tel Aviv, the gayest city on earth  Boston Globe, 2016

GAY PARADE TEL AVIV ISRAEL 2016  (Disturbing) YouTube

Tel Aviv? Israel? The land of the Torah?! Don't they read the book of Leviticus? We are bound to ask, WWMD (what would Moses do)?

China is being assaulted with this and is slowly yielding.

In 1997, the Chinese government abolished the law on hooliganism, which criminalized homosexuality. In 2001, the Chinese Society of Psychiatry declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. After 2001, then, homosexuality was no longer defined as a crime or an illness in the official context, and since then, China's LGBT community has been able to find a comfortable (comparatively speaking), semi-overt living space: Gay parks and gay bars are booming in Chinese big cities; the topic of homosexuals is no longer a taboo for Chinese media. More and more reports centering around the Chinese homosexuals' predicament and condemning those homosexuals who marry straight a wife or husband to cover their sexual orientations have been published.

China is not a free country, yet somehow gay rights are important.

Now, I am not in favor of persecuting gays, and I see no problem with allowing for civil unions for them. But what strikes me as odd is that the gay agenda is pushing ahead in areas where free speech does not exist. How did gays get this much clout?

In Cuba, gay and transgender rights are on the march.

Cuba hosts first transgender Mass - Reuters

Cuba? Cuba is not a free nation! Yet, somehow, transgenderism is prospering? Who is in charge? Who rules?

Homosexuality, which was once universally illegal or taboo, is now illegal only in India, and the Muslim world, and some parts of Christian Africa. And India seems ready to go along. Only a large Muslim community may be stalling India. Nor is the prohibition universal across Muslim nations. Some Muslim countries allow homosexuality, while pedophilic abuse of boys is common in others. What does scare Muslims universally is female sexuality. What should be allowed is forbidden; what should be forbidden is allowed.

The above nations often have nothing in common. It may sound conspiratorial, but it is becoming obvious that against the wishes of the majority of people across the world, across all cultures, across all religions, and across all forms of governance, an agenda for homosexuality is being pushed successfully. The agenda tramples on democracies and tyrannies with equal measure.

Now, obviously, gays are a small minority, not big enough to swing elections, nor even to exert much social pressure in tyrannies. So who is pushing this? This gay agenda is not an end in itself, but a symptom of something else.

We may be forced to admit there is an internationalist elite bent on deconstructing all societies everywhere to an end where they will be in control. There is no other plausible way to explain this. When tyrannies can uphold gay rights but not freedom of speech; when courts overrule majority wishes on marriage; when the Irish vote to officially call two men "married," when Israel  Israel!  arguably the first people in history to set rules and standards on sexual behavior, now boasts of the most gay-friendly city on Earth, then something is radically wrong.

This is a symptom of a greater problem. An international elite is pushing this, and it is the problem. I do not see any other valid explanation.

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.
How ISIS Genocide Victims Still Face Discrimination in Kurdistan

Washington -- After the Islamic State ravaged large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014, religious minorities targeted for genocide fled into Kurdistan -- but a new report alleges continued discrimination against them. "We praise the Kurdistan Regional Government for sheltering and protecting these oppressed groups and urge it to continue to take steps to ensure that these communities realize their rights and fully participate in society," said Fr. Thomas Reese, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. He made his remarks in the wake of the release of the commission's report on the situation for persecuted religious minorities in Kurdistan. The report, "Wilting in the Kurdish Sun," was prepared for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) between May and August of 2016 and released on June 1. USCIRF is a bipartisan federal commission charged with monitoring abuses of freedom of religion around the world and making policy recommendations to the State Department on international religious freedom. In their new report, USCIRF explains how religious minorities in Northern Iraq -- Yazidis, Christians, Shabak, and Turkmen -- fled the ISIS onslaught in 2014 into Kurdistan. Christians, Yazidis, and Shi'a Muslims were labeled by the U.S. as genocide victims of ISIS, while other minorities were said to be victims of "crimes against humanity." They took shelter in Kurdistan, including around 70,000 Christians in Erbil. This has added to the ethnic and religious diversity of the region, which had already become more diverse since the U.S. invasion in 2003 resulted in minorities moving to Kurdistan, the report explained. However, despite the freedom of religion of these minorities being "comparatively robust" in Kurdistan to other areas in the region, they still face discrimination, violence, and restrictions upon their movement there, the report alleged. Furthermore, the region's "strained resources and security situation" threaten to contribute to future unrest and ethnic and religious conflict, the report warned. Laws in Kurdistan are on the surface "favorable to religious freedom," USCIRF said, and "senior religious leaders are frequently consulted by ministers and government officials." Minorities are represented in the regional parliament as mandated by law. However, "many religious groups complained to researchers that they remain second-class citizens compared with Sunni Kurds," the report said. And while laws may be friendly to religious minorities, they may not experience such support from their neighbors in their communities. Some Assyrian Christian lands have been seized or built upon by Kurds in the northern part of the region. In one case "involving Erbil International Airport," Christian leaders claimed that "land owned by the Chaldean Catholic Church (and others) was built on by developers without permission." Although authorities have spoken out against the land appropriations, "Christians, however, are frustrated by a perceived lack of action by the authorities and a lack of recourse in the courts," the report said. "They believe that encroachments are increasing." Christians who tried to demonstrate against the appropriations were prevented from doing so by Kurdish security forces in one instance in 2016. Additionally, Yazidis have reported pressure that they be identified as ethnic Kurds, contrary to the opinions of some Yazidis that they are separate ethnically. NGOs have also reported that, in the Sinjar region, there are "economic blockades" and "restrictions on freedom of movement and return, and the prevention of goods and supplies being distributed." Other countries surrounding Kurdistan feature abuses of freedom of religion, USCIRF reports. USCIRF rates countries on how much they respect religious freedom in a tier system. Tier 1 Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) are those with the worst situations for religious freedom, with "severe" abuses of freedom of religion that are "systematic, ongoing, and egregious." The State Department has followed USCIRF's recommendations and has listed Iran as a CPC. USCIRF has also recommended that Syria be designated as a CPC. Tier 2 countries represent the next level where the religious freedom situations are not as serious, but are still concerning. Iraq is a Tier 2 level country, according to USCIRF's latest recommendation. "Until 2017, it was also recommended that Iraq be included in the list of CPCs, but improvements in the country have led to USCIRF revising its assessment," the commission explained. USCIRF has also listed Turkey as a Tier 2 country. Yet despite its security for religious minorities that is comparatively better than surrounding areas, Kurdistan on its own "might well be considered a so-called 'tier 2' country, requiring close monitoring due to the nature and extent of violations of religious freedom engaged in or tolerated by its authorities," USCIRF stated. This is concerning, the report said, because there is already a push for Kurdistan to be an independent country, and the pressure for such a state of affairs may only increase in the future. "By strengthening institutions and encouraging reforms to promote and protect religious freedoms and minority rights now, (Kurdistan) and its population will ensure that these rights and freedoms are deeply ingrained in the makeup of any new nation and its social contract," USCIRF said. "On the other hand, allowing rights and freedoms to be eroded now risks setting a trend that will likely continue after independence."
We've been talking about this since the campaign and especially election day. It is Topic #1 in the Cuban-American community.

Is President Trump about to undo another one of his predecessor's bad deals? Meaning the one-sided deal with Cuba?

Well, it looks that way:

Mr. Trump wants to announce the changes in Miami as early as June and deliver on a campaign promise that remains a cherished demand for the politically conservative Cuban-American exile community, according to aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity. But he has not made a final decision on the steps he will take because of internal disagreements within his administration over how far to go in unwinding one of President Barack Obamas most significant foreign policy achievements.

Clamping down on engagement with Cuba would be a high-profile way for Mr. Trump to showcase a stark break with his predecessor and to fulfill a pledge, delivered during a speech in Miami in September, to a crucial constituency that disproportionately supported him. It would also enable the president to reward the loyalty of Cuban-American lawmakers who have been agitating for a harder line on Cuba, including Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, both Republicans of Florida.

But as the White House has sought to formulate a series of steps for Mr. Trump to announce, a split has emerged over rolling back a policy that many senior officials privately agree has been an improvement on the Cold War dynamic that shaped relations with Cuba in the past. In addition to the revival of diplomatic relations for the first time in a half-century and liberalized rules for trade, travel and commerce, the new approach has paved the way for cooperation in intelligence-sharing, drug interdiction, scientific research and a host of other areas.

This is a good start.

In reality, all President Trump needs to do is to enforce the embargo, something President Obama kept going around. The embargo is the law and requires certain preconditions for investment in or even tourism to Cuba.

Furthermore, he can demand from the Castro regime a plan to compensate the U.S. citizens who had their property stolen, valued today at $7 billion! In fact, you can make a good case that the Cuban government has been allowing foreign companies to invest in homes or properties that were once owned by U.S. citizens. This is what many of the thousands of claims are about!

Frankly, it would not require much to change the Obama Way with Cuba. All President Trump has to do is remind everyone that he plans to obey and implement existing U.S. laws, or the same thing we did from President Kennedy to President George W. Bush!

And tell Raul Castro to put Joanne Chesimard on a plane to New Jersey before we take another phone call from the Cuban government. This is the woman who killed a New Jersey trooper and has been hiding in Cuba ever since.

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk), (YouTube) and follow me on Twitter.
On Saturday, June 10, there will be a march in many parts of the country against the imposition of sharia law in America and for human rights in general, particularly for women. You will not hear any advance notice  unlike with leftist marches  from the impartial, objective journalists in the media, because that would increase awareness of and participation in the march. If the press were to pay attention at all, it would dish out bad publicity and call the marches racist, homophobic, etc. etc., and the people who might otherwise do the announcing all desperately want the liberal media to like them. And don't count on the corrupt East Coast establishment Republicans or their publications such as National Review.

To be sure, this is not a march to demand security by demanding that immigration from Muslim pigsty countries such as Somalia, Sudan, Pakistan, and others end. Nor is it to protest the crimes committed by many Muslim immigrants such as the rape of a child by a Sudanese savage, nor the mass murder of gays in Orlando by an Afghani, nor the gang rape of an elderly woman by five Iraqis, nor the rape of a five-year-old Idaho girl by three Iraqi and Sudanese refugees who urinated on the child after raping her, nor even the crime committed by some of the endless Somali savages who commit such crimes, perhaps because they are frustrated on having to learn to use toilets, a high-tech device to many of them, the very Somalis who are being forced on our communities by liberal bureaucrats. No, this march is narrowly focused on preventing sharia law from being implemented by some of our enlightened and progressive liberal bureaucrats. And that's good, too. This is a war, and, as in all wars, there are many fronts.

But here is the problem, one I have fulminated about for a long time, one that I have condemned, ridiculed, and insulted conservatives about  and for which I make no apologies  and it is that most of them do nothing in this war. When hearing about some atrocity committed by a communist, Muslim, or antifa, or some leftists physically attacking a libertarian or conservative speaker, or some local politician forwarding the politically correct agenda, they simply mutter, "Isn't that awful?"; scratch their rear ends; and stay inside their homes like hermit crabs, doing nothing.

Scott Presler, the organizer of the event, agreed with me recently, stating, "Conservatives don't participate! We conservatives are terrible at getting our message out there!"

Well, on June 10, you can actually leave your shell and participate. Act For America has put up (actforamerica.org/rally) a website where you can take part in 25 cities in America. Even if you are not in the city itself, you can drive there. They are:

Arizona: Phoenix

Arkansas: Batesfield

California: Roseville, San Bernardino, Santa Clara

Connecticut: Waterbury

Florida: Orlando

Georgia: Atlanta

Illinois: Chicago

Indianda: Indianapolis

Kansas: Wichita

Michigan: Lansing

Minnesota: Minneapolis

Missouri: St. Charles, Kansas City

New York: Syracuse, New York City

North Carolina: Raleigh

Pennsylvania: Harrisburg

Texas: Dallas, Houston, The People's Democratic Republic of Austin

Virginia: Virginia Beach

Washington: Seattle

Considering how big this country is and how many large cities there are, this is a small list, but it is a start. The question is, is the march going to be by a handful of poor, dedicated souls who love their country and want to protect their women, or will it be inspirational?

It won't even cost you a nickel to participate. So what's your excuse for not doing your part?

Armando Simon is a retired college professor and is the author of A Cuban from Kansas, Very Peculiar Stories, and The U. They can be found at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
King of Hearts was a wonderful French film in 1966. Set at the end of World War I, a Scottish soldier mistakenly identified as an explosives expert is sent to a small French town to defuse a bomb left by the retreating Germans. But the town's inhabitants have all fled, leaving open the gates to the local insane asylum. The inmates have fled the asylum and taken over the roles of the townspeople. Coming from the fields of war, the soldier has no reason to suspect that these interlopers are not who they pretend to be.

This scenario, to a point, is a perfect analogy for what has become of our college campuses: the student inmates have taken over the asylum and are making a mockery of American university education. The inmates  the pampered, brainwashed students who from childhood have been told they are both "special" and victims of one oppressive group or another, or that they are guilty of having "privilege" if born white, apparently think they can disrupt with childish demands the campuses of the universities they are so fortunate to attend and where they supposedly study.

What they study and learn is how to make the most of their alleged victimhood or guilt. This is what their parents and American taxpayers are paying for. Many, if not most, of the students making the loudest noise are those getting their college indoctrination for free. Not only have they been taught to feel entitled to their university educations for free, butthey feel ("feel" being the operative word) that they are entitled to dictate to their professors and administrators exactly how their colleges should be run. No whites for a day? No homework? No conservative speakers allowed? Segregated housing for African-Americans? No free speech, no micro-aggressions, no literature without trigger warnings, which pretty much means no literature at all. No offending words or opinions may be expressed, and the inmates must be provided with safe spaces stocked with stuffed animals, coloring books, and Silly Putty.

This is almost exactly how institutions for the mentally ill operate in order to keep their patients calm, compliant, and malleable. Our student inmates are not calm, but they do not realize how compliant and malleable they are.

Our college residents of today are so blighted by our culture of political correctness that they make outrageous demands and on most campuses get their way. The administrations of these schools capitulate, over and over again  U.C. Berkeley, U.C. Santa Cruz, Middlebury, Yale, Evergreen, Missouri, etc. The powers that be bend over and give these student thugs everything they claim to deserve. There are exceptions, but only a few.

There is no courage among most college administrators these days. They are scared to death of losing their jobs if they do not bow to every nonsensical student demand. Today, self-appointed victim groups demand and get their own graduations  African-American, LGBT, Hispanic, etc. The more one can be defined by race, class, or questionable gender, the better  the more credibility he, she, or whatever has on campus.

We have come full circle, and not in a good way. Martin Luther King is turning over in his grave. The content of one's character no longer matters. Only one's status as a member of an aggrieved group has weight and meaning.

As for character, it was once the principal trait parents sought to inculcate in their children. Like gratitude, it seems to be, for the most part, a trait lost on the millennial generation. Whose fault is this? Parents, to be sure, but in the main, it is the fault of the left and its nearly 50-year assault on what Americans used to define as traditional values: love of family, love of country, knowledge of and respect for the Constitution, an essential religious faith, an accurate sense of the difference between right and wrong. These things are unknown to these inmates who disrupt and perpetrate violence on their campuses. They have been taught to dismiss such old-fashioned tenets of civilized life. As a result, civilization is spinning out of control. How do they respond to a terrorist attack? They blame America, Christians, and white people in general and defend the barbarity of the terrorists. In their warped worldview, they, the terrorists, are oppressed!

Elect a president these snowflakes have been taught to loathe? There is no limit to their vicious rejection of him. Their professors incite their wrath, as they too were taught that only ideas in alignment with their own are legitimate.

Kathy Griffin may not be a Millennial, but she is illustrative of their mindset. Her fans, like Stephen Colbert's, Bill Maher's, etc., are college students. Comics are no longer humorous; they are angry and intolerant, and so are their audiences.

The inmates of the film are not particularly angry; they enjoy their freedom and role-play, unlike our coddled student inmates of today, who are as mentally disordered as the inmates of the asylum in King of Hearts but operate out of sheer hatred and anger. That is what they are being taught; it is the only thing they are learning.
There have been numerous articles about Kathy Griffin's photo of a facsimile bloody severed head of President Trump. The general view of the Opposition Party, consisting of the MSM, Democrats, and NeverTrumps, is that the photo, while in poor taste, is protected speech by our First Amendment.

Congressional Republicans have been their usual silent cowardly selves by not defending Trump and agreeing that this is protected by the First Amendment, so there's nothing else to say.

I disagree that the photo is protected speech. If you make a threat to kill or injure another person, you should be charged with a criminal offense.

The photo is speech, but what is the point or purpose? It is, in fact, is a play on the photos and videos released by ISIS, where ISIS has beheaded Catholics, journalists, and other civilians.

The purpose of ISIS releasing videos and photos of beheadings is to terrorize. ISIS beheads and releases the videos and photos.

What is the purpose of Griffin's imitation of the ISIS-inspired photo? The obvious message is that President Trump should be beheaded in the same manner that ISIS beheads. Is there any other message in holding a photo of a severed bloody head? If so, what is the message?

This is not protected speech. It is not a discussion to disagree with the policies of Trump. It is a crime. For example, Pennsylvania, like most states, has a criminal statute dealing with terroristic threats.

Section 2706 of Title 18, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, reads:

Terroristic threats.

(a) Offense defined.--A person commits the crime of terroristic threats if the person communicates, either directly or indirectly, a threat to:

(1) commit any crime of violence with intent to terrorize another;

(2) cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly or facility of public transportation; or

(3) otherwise cause serious public inconvenience, or cause terror or serious public inconvenience with reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience.

Clearly, Griffin's photo is a crime under section (1).

Holding a facsimile of a severed bloody head of another person and showing it to that person and his family is a threat to commit a crime of violence. In this case, because it is President Trump, then the Opposition Party has a chuckle and talks about the First Amendment.

But I guarantee you that if you make a facsimile of a severed bloody head of your neighbor and walk to his house to show him the severed head, you will be charged criminally, and you should be.

Bottom line: What is the point of holding the facsimile of a severed bloody head, which is the trademark of ISIS, if not to say that the person should be beheaded?

But Griffin will not be prosecuted. There is no outrage, because it is only "speech" by a member of the Hollywood left, part of the Opposition Party, directed against President Trump, who is fair game for every outrageous attack in the campaign to weaken and destroy his presidency.
Miscalculating, Kathy Griffin thought her deranged "mock beheading of Trump" photo would win her a tsunami of attagirls from fellow leftists. I envision Ms. Griffin fantasizing about her brilliant stunt skyrocketing her to queen of the anti-Trump resistance movement, finally putting her on the Hollywood A list she has craved for decades. She was wrong. People are backing away from her.

CNN and several others have appropriately said, "Ms. Griffin, you're fired!" However, we are dealing with a pathetic woman who suffers with deep self-esteem issues. Kathy Griffin is a Hollywood red carpet lapdog suck-up who emits a "please, please notice and like me" vibe. Ms. Griffin's non-funny comedic career is rooted in hate for traditional values, America, and Christians.

Ms. Griffin initially apologized, though many perceived her apology to be fake. And then her sick craving for attention kicked in. Ms. Griffin thought, "Finally: The whole country is focused on me. I'm going to milk this attention for all it is worth. I'll do a press conference to tearfully accuse Trump and his family of abusing me, trying to destroy my life. Everyone will rally around me." Once again, Ms. Griffin miscalculated. Her embarrassingly absurd attempt to spin the situation to portray herself as the victim bombed. Leftists are begging her to stop hurting their cause.

Ms. Griffin's fellow leftists do not comprehend the depths of her illness as she relishes her 15 minutes of fame. The ripple effect of Ms. Griffin's vile act will last far beyond 15 minutes. Kathy Griffin's photo of her holding the bloody severed head of President Trump represents the jump-the-shark moment of leftists' unprecedented vitriolic movement against a U.S. president.

"All that is needed for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing." Ms. Griffin's career is crumbling due in part to a new group of fed up conservatives, called Stop The Scalpings, announcing "Operation Fight Fire With Fire" to push back against her evil. Advertisers are distancing themselves, and performance venues are closing their doors to Ms. Griffin.

"Operation Fight Fire With Fire" was launched by my patriot sister Melanie Morgan along with Brian Maloney. Emboldened by successfully removing Bill O'Reilly's powerful voice from Fox News, leftists have targeted the conservative voice of Sean Hannity for removal from the airways. Saying "not on our watch," tens of thousands of conservatives are signing on to the new movement led by Melanie Morgan and Brain Maloney. Thanks to Melanie and company, leftists like Ms. Griffin are finally paying a price for their arrogance; disrespect; and attempts to undermine laws, elections, the American people. Praise God!

Could "Operation Fight Fire With Fire" spark the rebirth of the Tea Party  a rallying cry for decent patriotic Americans to push back against Democrats' planned anti-Trump "Resistance Summer," which is an openly treasonous assault on our country?

It is time for a rebirth of the Tea Party. We the People who elected Trump in an electoral landslide have been starving for someone to lead the charge. We are frustrated over the Republican-led Congress not fully supporting Trump's mission to make our country great again. Republicans allow leftists to silence conservative voices and behave treasonously with impunity.

Regarding Ms. Griffin: Life has taught me that God sometimes gives us great gifts wrapped in ugly packages (circumstances). The backlash from Ms. Griffin's ill conceived Trump stunt was a golden opportunity for Ms. Griffin to reassess her life, inspiring a change. Unfortunately, Ms. Griffin's liberal arrogance and lust for the spotlight caused her to take back her fake apology and double down on her attempted media assassination of the president. I pray that Ms. Griffin will fill that hole in her heart with love from above accompanied with a peace that surpasses all understanding.

But until that happens, Ms. Griffin and her ilk losing everything due to their treasonous assaults is well deserved and crucial to restoring America.

Thank you, Stop The Scalpings, for launching "Operation Fight Fire With Fire."

Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American

Author: Confessions of a Black Conservative: How the Left has shattered the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black America.

Singer/Songwriter and Conservative Activist

http://LloydMarcus.com
Lew Lukens, the highest-ranking U.S. official in London, is a piece of work. The Charge d'Affaires, or acting U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, undercut President Trump's criticism of London's Mayor Sadiq Khan in the wake of the recent terror attack by brazenly tweeting high praise to the leftist leader, whose hostility to Trump is well known.

Lukens's tweet, spotted as a retweet on former Obama deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes's Twitter feed, reads:

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

Just in time for U.K. elections, giving a boost to the fast rising Labour Party, it seems.

Electioneering or not, it was an unusually insolent act against the current U.S. president, a signed statement to undercut Trump, and evidence that the U.S. embassy is being managed as a Democratic Party outpost rather than a representation of the entire U.S. government.

A day or two ago, Trump tweeted 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

So who is Acting Ambassador Lewis Lukens, anyway?

Turns out he's a career diplomat, with nearly 30 years' experience in assorted outposts. His most prominent positions, however, have been at the side of the person who must have served as a sort of mentor, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, serving as her chief administrative officer. In that time frame, he managed to reach the inner circle of Clinton's tight little circle of acolytes  on the same level as Cheryl Mills and Huma Abedin.

In testimony to Congress, Lukens claimed to have come up with the idea of having Clinton set up a private server:

Q: And so what did you  did you propose a solution at that point? A: So my proposal was to set up a computer on her desk, a standalone computer [not part of the State Department's system], for her to be able to access the internet to check her e-mails [privatized  and therefore not subject to FOIA requests or historians' investigations].

For what it's worth, Sundance at Conservative Treehouse points out that a mysterious fire that destroyed documents related to Clinton's illegal email server occurred at the State Department on administrative officer Lukens's watch, too.

Given his administrative role, it is possible he was involved in turning down Ambassador Chris Stevens of Libya as Stevens futilely sought additional embassy protective staff, although he seems to have moved on before the envoy was killed in 2012. One thing is for certain: Lukens has always been onboard with Hillary Clinton.

Here's the next peculiarity:

Clinton seems to have a relationship to Khan, whom Lukens went so far out of his way to defend on Twitter. According to a report from the London bureau of the Voice of America:

The London mayor said he is "a big fan" of Democrat Hillary Clinton, and called her "arguably the most experienced candidate to run to be president." He went on to say, "As the father of two daughters, I think the message it sends when the most powerful politician in the world is a woman is phenomenal, and hope she wins."

He wasn't shy about wanting to help Hillary Clinton win the 2016 election, either:

London's new mayor Sadiq Khan Wednesday promised to help Hillary Clinton defeat Donald Trump in November's presidential election  insisting the race for the White House was now "personal." Khan, the first Muslim leader of any major Western capital, said Clinton should use his mayoral campaign as a "template" because he had seen off a "Donald Trump approach" to elections in the U.K.

Now Lukens, Clinton's private server enabler and close inner circle member, is returning the favor to Khan from the U.S. embassy walls, through his Trump-contradicting tweets. Sure, it might be coordinated. But given the history, and Trump's latest tweets about not getting his envoys confirmed, it's more likely it's not.

Any question as to what the face of the Deep State looks like? What is this guy doing in the U.S. embassy in London, and who put him there?
Hillary Clinton plans to attend the launching ceremony of a warship. And not just any warship, but the USS Gabrielle Giffords, named for the liberal congresswoman who was shot in the head. For Hillary, every decision is still about wimmen and grrrls. But her decision raises the larger question about whether it is appropriate to name a warship after Giffords.

USS Gabrielle Giffords

After all, Giffords was viewed as a helpless victim. That doesn't make for a very intimidating name for a warship. Giffords is called a hero because she survived. Does surviving make her a hero? I think surviving makes her a survivor. I think Giffords would have been a hero if she had been shot while doing something heroic. But Giffords was just giving a liberal speech.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Giffords became the poster girl for gun control. She claims that if the law had forced her to be defenseless, then the man who shot her would also have been unable to own a gun. What we have seen with gun control laws is the opposite, of course: the criminals ignore such laws while the law-abiding leave themselves open to being targets for a massacre.

It still raises the question about whether a military warship should be named after someone who abhors firearms. It seems more than a little ironic. I would support naming an unarmed ship after Mrs. Giffords. That way if it ever got attacked and was defenseless, it would reflect Mrs. Giffords's passion for gun control.

Democrats say that Giffords earned it because she was shot. Many Navy SEALs and special forces soldiers are shot, too, and they are shot doing something brave for the country, unlike Mrs. Giffords. It is sickening watching Mrs. Clinton pay tribute to the Giffords when she never pays tribute to the rest of our armed forces. Let us hope the ship does not become the laughingstock of the fleet.

The Navy is not Operation Petticoat and should not be used for political statements.

Exit question: If you had to name something after Gabrielle Giffords, what would it be?

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
I could hold the wisdom of ten worlds in the palm of my hand, tuck the knowledge of all mysteries into the spaces of my mind, and still I'd be no closer to understanding how the cancer of leftism, in a symphony of scandalous asininity, manages to inveigle whole nations into third-world status, the people smiling as they march into that chthonic misery known as socialism.

So often does leftism venture into face-palming stupidity that one could be forgiven for not understanding its appeal. Of course, the folly is in treating leftism as strictly political. It isn't. It's more of a stand-in religion that thrives on creating feelings of despair with cynical victim narratives and other flavors of cultural Marxism. The goal is to politicize everything, to divide and conquer.

We saw it again last week.

Images of polar bears floating on ice cubes were splattered across social networking sites, and the chatter of mainstream media grew into an apocalyptic crescendo as the United States pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Everyone is the victim.

Putting aside that this agreement was unlikely to produce any measurable change in global temperature, or satisfy any need apart from the left's appetite for virtue-signaling, I'll focus instead on the crisis language that led to this agreement in the first place  namely, the factually unsound (read: plain wrong) alarmism of left-wing activists.

Simply put, there is no scientific consensus that human beings have contributed to climate change in any significant way. As time drags on, the number of scientists who believe that human activity is the primary driver of climate change actually decreases.

Between the years 1993 and 2003, 75% of papers found in the Web of Science database held that human activity is responsible for climate change. By 2008, that number plummeted to just 45%.

Naturally, the left attacks any explanation for climate change that isn't sexy enough to be politicized. After all, it's hard to campaign on natural climate cycles and solar activity.

I would be willing to take seriously the left's alarmism if only leftists took it seriously themselves. It seems strange for them to push fanciful solutions like wind and solar that can't come close to meeting global energy demand any time in the near future. So why aren't they supporting nuclear power? If disaster is just around the corner and all.

Then I remembered that this isn't about climate change, and it sure as hell isn't about science. It's about control. It's another issue by which to divide the country and pit citizen against citizen for the benefit of leftism.
Whenever Muslims act out the violence against infidels that Islamic scripture requires, the left-wing media swing into action to create and reinforce a contrasting narrative: that most Muslims condemn and fight such attacks. Never mind that the terrorists could not unleash their violence if the Muslim communities in which they live agreed with the media narrative. They would be spotted and turned in to authorities by their co-religionists if the fantasy narrative of "good Muslims" rejecting violence and insisting that their "great religion" is truly beneficent for the world, including its non-Muslim majority.

Because the actual facts on the ground do not support the benign view of Muslims as overwhelmingly hostile to terrorists and committed to peaceful coexistence, it is necessary to create (not simply report) events that confirm the media narrative. CNN has just been caught creating a fake news event to support its narrative, and its efforts were rewarded with pick-ups by the BBC and the AP, among others.

In this two-minute video, CNN puts together a handful of people, carrying pre-printed signs (no spontaneity involved), and arranges them before the camera to look like a substantial crowd. The elevated stage is a nice touch, confirming the professional expertise brought to bear in prepping this scene for the cameras.

If you don't have time to watch, Sundance of Conservative Treehouse explains what you would see:

[Y]ou see British Media, together with CNNi correspondent Becky Anderson, with full support from British Law Enforcement, carefully staging a backdrop for media broadcast in the aftermath of the latest terrorist attack in London. The intent of the scripted propaganda is clearly to create a counter storyline and reduce backlash against the political policies of the British government. CNNi taking the lead creating a false narrative for domestic consumption by the UK media audience. The production staff go above and beyond by carefully positioning a group of women and children they call "Muslim Mothers" complete with signs showing Muslim support for the UK electorate. Additionally, the staff place flowers and teddy bears at the feet of the women to create the best optics for the broadcast. The broadcast journalist then begins introducing the "discovery" by describing what they "found" as a "poignant scene" etc. "What we want to show you now viewers, is a wonderful scene. These are Muslim Mums" You really must watch how the manufactured scene is described. A few of those who watched the entire creating of the media production begin to laugh in the background.

Here is the broadcast report of the CNN correspondent, Becky Anderson (hat tip: Gateway Pundit):

My message to the #LondonBridge attackers: You are a handful of twisted fools hell-bent on taking lives https://t.co/0v17H67El1  Becky Anderson (@BeckyCNN) June 4, 2017

It appears that the fraud was spotted by Mark Dice, who was on scene. Below, he narrates a discussion of this video:

He also tweeted out that as part of the staging, white police officers were removed and replaced by "Asians" (which is a British euphemism to avoid the words "Pakistani" and "Bangladeshi"), who then left once the filming was done. He also noted that the BBC was there, but it was unclear if they showed any footage. It turns out they did, and Katie Hopkins is on the case:

It was on the BBC1 News just before the Manchester concert, I took a pic as I couldn't believe it. Hope that helps. pic.twitter.com/rJLUZfUWXZ  Donald (@DonOftheDead80) June 4, 2017

The Associated Press also signed on to the fake news project and added some colorful verbiage about "brings out the best"  which actually implies that without media puppeteers, the rest of us would be left with the actual reality of the Muslims in London, which would not be demonstrations like this.

This famous scene from Seinfeld is oddly appropriate:
After London And Manchester lets be generous, audacious, passionate and free

When France was attacked by Islamist extremists, journalist Bertrand Dicale wrote for the Bataclan website. His words resonate in light of the attacks in Manchester and London. Last night at One Love Manchester, the benefit concert held in the wake of the Manchester attack to remember the victims of the suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert on 22 May, joy and love shone through. It was fabulous.

On November 13 2015, Islamists attacked Paris, murdering 89 people on a night out at the Bataclan.

Heres Dicale:

Several times in its very long history, the Bataclan had to be reborn and, in November of 2016, it is still reborn. By reopening one year after the November 13 attacks, the Bataclan confirms what it has always been: a reflection of the culture and the art of living of Paris, whatever the events, the crises, the upheavals this city. This theater has experienced revolutions, chills, aesthetic quarrels and storms. It was glorious, it went bankrupt, it was forgotten, it came back And, as Paris was able to overcome its pain, its anger and its fear, the Bataclan would not die. It is born again, with more fervor and more humility than ever: it is to host concerts and shows, to give pleasure, to share the party. It is not much, although we all know that it is one of the freedoms guaranteed to us by living in a democracy.

He concludes:

The Bataclan could only resume the course of its history  generous, audacious, passionate. Free.

Its a recipe for living.

Anorak

Posted: 5th, June 2017 | In: News, Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
After London: Should we be like Texas and arm the police?

Should London be more like Texas? One writer makes the comparison:

In the heart of the nations capital, at near-maximum terror alert, with the densest national concentration of armed officers, the attackers had 8-10 minutes to rampage unimpeded before the armed police turned up and whacked them in short order. Contrast this with the May 2015 attack in Garland, TX where the heavily armed gunmen just made it out of their car, managed to slightly wound a security officer, and then promptly expired in a hail of bullets. I cant help but notice the complete lack of follow-on terror attacks in Texas since then; presumably word has got around the terror community that its a poor choice of location. (Glasgow is probably number 2 on the do-not-terrorise list after the terrifyingly vicious response of the residents.). I cant help but think that the complete dis-arming of the UK civilian population is not working out quite as well as most of its proponents expected.

What of Dallas, 2016?

These are grim and sobering times for the US. On back-to-back days last week, two videos emerged showing police officers shooting black men  Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota  apparently without provocation. A day later, Micah Johnson, a black former soldier, gunned down police at a demonstration in Dallas, killing five officers. During the standoff with police, Johnson said he was upset about the police shootings, and wanted to kill white people, especially white officers.

In 2016, Scotland Yard announced plans to increase the number of armed police in the capital by 600, bringing the total to almost 3,000.

What do the police think?

The poll, by the Metropolitan Police Federation, reveals that 75% of officers surveyed feel all Metropolitan Police officers should be issued with Taser whilst on duty. Just under 11,000 Met Police officers responded to the survey on Taser and Firearms, which ran for three weeks in January. As well as indicating that more officers should carry a Taser, the results show that only 6% of officers feel there are currently an adequate amount of gun carrying officers in the capital. The force is currently increasing the number of Authorised Firearms Officers in London. Results also show that the largest number of respondents  43.6%  believe there should be more specialist firearms officers in the Metropolitan Police Service but not all officers should be routinely armed. Other results in the survey show:  57% of officers who responded said they would be prepared to carry a gun if the Commissioner and the Home Secretary made a decision that all MPS officers should routinely carry a firearm whilst on duty.  A little over one in four respondents (26%) said that they believe all police officers should be routinely armed.  12% of officers surveyed said under no circumstances would they carry a firearm whilst on duty.  8.2% of respondents said they would resign from the MPS rather than accept an order to routinely carry a firearm whilst on duty. 86.5% said they would not.

Good idea or not?

Anorak

Posted: 5th, June 2017 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
Transfer balls: Kylian Mbappe goes from 17,000 to 114m as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United get dizzy

Transfer balls: theres lots of chatter about Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United bidding for Monacos Kylian Mbappe. The numbers are staggering  and mostly guesswork.

17,000  Chelsea could have signed Kylian Mbappe for 17,000 as a 14-year-old  but SNUBBED the wonderkid  Daily Mirror

230,000  Arsenal could have signed Kylian Mbappe for just 230,000 last year  Daily Mail

Rob Draper tells readers:

Arsenal could have signed Kylian Mbappe for just 230,000 last year but 100m-rated teenager heads list of targets

Hes worth 100m.

Arsene Wengers side have put away 100m (87.5m) for his signing

Curse those euros and pounds! Arsenal dont have enough.

What do the other reports say  all are from this year?

60m  INTER MILAN believe they can sign one of Europes most-wanted talents, Kylian Mbappe, on a discounted 60million fee.  Express

70m  PARIS ST-GERMAIN are reportedly ready to offer 70m for Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe.  Daily Star

80m  Mbappe: Monacos 80m teenager  The Times

85m  Kylian Mbappe says yes to Real Madrid move as Premier League giants appear to miss out on 85m starlet  Daily Mail

87m  YOURE KYDDING ME Arsenal could have signed Kylian Mbappe for just 230,000 but could now have to spend over 87million for the Monaco striker  Sun

96m  Monaco reject 96m bid for Kylian Mbappe from English club  Express

100m  Manchester United enter 100million race to sign Monaco star Kylian Mbappe  Manchester Evening News

105m  Arsenal have had a 100million euro (87million) bid for Kylian Mbappe rejected by Monaco.  Daily Telegraph

The offer is the third turned down already this summer by the French champions, including a world-record fee of 120million (105million) made by Real Madrid.

114m  The France international, apparently valued by Monaco at a massive 114m  Daily Star

And up it goes  where it stops, nobody knows.

Anorak

Posted: 5th, June 2017 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Chelsea, manchester united, Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
(ANSA) - Venice, June 5 - A show highlighting the majesty of 15th-century art and dress through textiles as symbols of power will go on display at the Casa del Giorgione Museum in Castelfranco Veneto beginning October 27.

The museum dedicated to the Venetian painter will showcase fabrics such as velvet, satin, silk, as well as brocades and symbolic objects representing the world as seen through the artist's political and allegorical renderings.

The show's itinerary culminates in a visit to the city's Duomo cathedral, which houses the famed 1504 Giorgione panel titled "Madonna and Child Between St. Francis and St. Nicasius", commonly known as the Castelfranco Madonna.

The exhibition, titled "The Storylines of Giorgione", is sponsored by the City of Castelfranco Veneto with the support of the Italian Culture Ministry (MiBAC) and the Veneto Museum System Association, and is curated by Danila Dal Pos.

The show examines two historical tracks - art and textiles - to follow the evolution of Italian and European dress across two centuries, from 1500 to 1700.

Allegory is an important key to the show, starting with the Castelfranco Madonna, which is both a devotional artwork as well as a political one, given the rich fabrics used to dress the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus in the painting and the surrounding saints.

Dal Pos said in that painting, nothing is "only" what it seems, beginning with the five different textiles that Giorgione represents in a stunningly lifelike way. She said the aim of the painting was to send a precise message to reassure the Venetian Senate that the painting's commissioner, the nobleman Tuzio Costanzo (whose father was the vice king of the island of Cyprus), planned to permanently settle with his assets in Castelfranco and not Cyprus.

Giorgione therefore created a painting for private devotion, with a chess-board floor opening onto a landscape, a red velvet curtain draped behind St. Nicasius and St. Francis and separating them from the outdoors behind.

Other artists in the exhibition include Lotto, Titian, Jacopo Bassano, Paolo Veronese and many other painters of the time, along with textiles in the form of original period dresses, bodices, gloves and purses on loan from Venice's Mocenigo Palace.


ISTANBUL - Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Monday about a crisis in the Gulf between Qatar and other countries in the region that Turkey ''will give any support for its normalisation''.



Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Cavusoglu called for dialogue. His Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov instead said that it was none of Russia's business but that ''the important thing is to unite against international terrorism''.



The Kremlin said that it hoped the matter could be solved in a peaceful manner.


TUNIS - The Tunisian Tourism Office (ONTT) said 1,527,891 tourists visited the country between January and May 20, 2017, representing a 46.2% increase over the same time in 2016.

It said these figures show the first signs of a recovery regarding European tourists to the country, especially French (152,050 visitors, up 45%) German (37,909 visitors) and Italian (28,807).

The majority of tourists, however, still come from Maghreb countries.

Visitors from those countries made up 60.2% of tourists overall between January and May 20, up 51.6% over the same period in 2016, led by Algeria (628,350 visitors, up 68.3%) and Libya (498,987, up 37.2%).

English and Russian tourist numbers are also on the rise.

The outlook for summer tourism in 2017 in the country is bright, especially for Tunisian and Algerian tourists, but caution is still called for, said Afif Kchouk, president of the Tunisian Tourism Observatory (OTT).

He said work still needs to be done on the image of Tunisia as a tourist destination.
About 800 migrants enter Serbia monthly, 250 go to Hungary Currently 6,200 refugees in country says migrant commissioner

(ANSAmed) - BELGRADE, JUNE 5 - About 20 to 30 migrants enter Serbia daily for an average of 800 migrants each month, despite the closing of the so-called "Balkan route" to migrant traffic, according to Serbian Commissioner for Migrants and Refugees Vladimir Cucic.



Cucic said about 250 migrants per month travel legally from Serbia to Hungary through points for asylum seekers set up at the borders in the Serbian towns of Horgos and Kelebija.



An average of about 700 more migrants leave Serbia illegally with the aid of human traffickers, Cucic told Serbian public broadcaster RTS.



There are currently about 6,200 migrants in Serbia, compared to 8,400 last January, following a consistent downward trend, Cucic said.(ANSAmed).




BEIRUT - Forty-three civilians were killed by US-led coalition airstrikes in the northern Syria ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, according to Syrian state TV reports on Monday.

It said the raids took place between Friday and Saturday in the Jumailiya neighborhood, but the report has not been independently confirmed.

Meanwhile, anti-ISIS activists in Raqqa said intense airstrikes and artillery fire have increased over the past 48 hours, including by pro-US Kurdish fighters who have assaulted the city on three sides.


DUBAI - Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen announced Monday that they were cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar after growing tensions between the countries. The Gulf countries claim Qatar protects terrorist groups that undermine regional stability, naming such groups as the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of ''backing terrorist groups in the province of Qatif, Saudi Arabia, and in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the financing and the adoption of harboring extremists who seek to strike the stability and unity of the nation at home and abroad.'' Bahrain blamed Qatar's ''media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain'' The internationally recognized government of Yemen under President Abd Rabbo Mansur Hadi said that Qatar was also supporting Houthi Shia rebels linked to Iran. Hadi's government has close relations with Saudi Arabia and is headquartered in the southern city of Aden, while Yemen's capital Sanaa has been occupied by the Houthis for almost three years. Qatar has also been expelled from the Saudi-led Arab coalition that has been carrying out a military campaign in Yemen for the past two years against the Houthis.



Hadi's government has released a statement saying that Qatar's relations with the ''coup militias and its support for extremist groups have become clear''. The decisions taken today by the five nations against Qatar have led to geographical isolation of the country as well, with Saudi Arabia announcing that it is closing its land border, the only one Qatar has. All the countries aligned with Riyadh have announced that they will suspend their sea and air connections with Doha.

Qataris expelled from Riyadh, UAE, Bahrain, but not Cairo

Israel applauds break. Anti-ISIS US raids continue from Doha



Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain ordered the expulsion of all Qatari citizens from their respective countries, giving them 14 days to leave, following the decision Monday to break diplomatic relations with Doha, according to Saudi satellite broadcaster Al Arabiya.

The governments of the three countries also ordered all of their citizens who are living, residing, or passing through Qatar to leave the country.

Egypt has given the Qatari ambassador 48 hours to leave the country, but isn't expelling Qatari citizens from Egypt, given "an important Egyptian community in Qatar", an Egyptian diplomatic source told ANSA.

Egypt said its diplomatic break with Qatar and the closure of its airspace to air traffic from Qatar was due to the fact that Doha gave "support to terrorist training to the Muslim Brotherhood" and "supported terrorist operations in the Sinai" conducted by ISIS.

Egypt also accuses Qatar of welcoming "directors" of the Muslim Brotherhood "convicted at trial for terrorist operations" as well as for promoting "propaganda for the ideas of al Qaeda and ISIS terrorists" and involvement in "the internal affairs of Egypt and other countries of the region to the point of threatening national Arab security".

Meanwhile the US Air Force will continue to conduct anti-ISIS airstrikes from the US base in Qatar, according to Damien Pickart, a spokesman for the US Air Force. "We're grateful to the Qataris for their longstanding support of our presence, and we encourage all partners in the region to work for a common solution that ensures the region's security," Pickart said. Qatar and Bahrain, involved on the front lines on rival fronts in the diplomatic and political crisis in the Gulf, host the main US air and naval bases in the region.

Since 2003 Udaid airbase in Qatar has been a forward headquarters of US Central Command and hosts about 10,000 American troops.

In Bahrain, the naval base in Juffair is home to the United States Fifth Fleet and about 2,000 US military personnel work there.

Even the eastern Libyan "government" that responds to the Tobruk Parliament has broken diplomatic ties with Qatar,

according to Al Arabiya.

The strongman of eastern Libya, General Khalifa Haftar, enjoys the support of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

As for Israel, Defence Minister Avigdor Liberman called the political crisis in the Gulf a positive development, adding that it opens "opportunities" in the "fight against terrorism".
Iran urges dialogue over Qatar, Zarif says 'imperative' President Rohani's office recalls 'sword dance' for Trump

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 5 - Iran on Monday invited all parties involved in the crisis that brought various Arab and Gulf countries to cut relations with Qatar to learn "from the bitter experiences" of conflict in the region and reduce tensions, "avoiding excited reactions and relying on wisdom and moderation", said Foreign Minister Spokesman Bahram Qasemi.



Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted: "Neighbors are permanent; geography can't be changed. Coercion is never the solution. Dialogue is imperative, especially during blessed Ramadan". Semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim called Zarif's tweet an explicit call for dialogue.



Tasnim editor-in-chief Abas Aslani tweeted that Zarif spoke by phone with representatives of Iraq, Oman, and Turkey.



Political Deputy for Iran's Presidential Office Hamid Aboutalebi said the period in which relations were cut is over, adding that what's happening is a result of the "sword dance". This was an implicit reference to US President Donald Trump's recent visit to Riyadh, where a sword dance was performed in his honour.



Aboutalebi said it's also a sort of humiliation for Saudi Arabia - traditionally considered a sort of big brother of the Arab world - to abdicate this role to the Trump administration.



(ANSAmed).




Qataris expelled from Riyadh, UAE, Bahrain, but not Cairo Israel applauds break. Anti-ISIS US raids continue from Doha

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, JUNE 5 - Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain ordered the expulsion of all Qatari citizens from their respective countries, giving them 14 days to leave, following the decision Monday to break diplomatic relations with Doha, according to Saudi satellite broadcaster Al Arabiya.



The governments of the three countries also ordered all of their citizens who are living, residing, or passing through Qatar to leave the country.



Egypt has given the Qatari ambassador 48 hours to leave the country, but isn't expelling Qatari citizens from Egypt, given "an important Egyptian community in Qatar", an Egyptian diplomatic source told ANSA.



Egypt said its diplomatic break with Qatar and the closure of its airspace to air traffic from Qatar was due to the fact that Doha gave "support to terrorist training to the Muslim Brotherhood" and "supported terrorist operations in the Sinai" conducted by ISIS.



Egypt also accuses Qatar of welcoming "directors" of the Muslim Brotherhood "convicted at trial for terrorist operations" as well as for promoting "propaganda for the ideas of al Qaeda and ISIS terrorists" and involvement in "the internal affairs of Egypt and other countries of the region to the point of threatening national Arab security".



Meanwhile the US Air Force will continue to conduct anti-ISIS airstrikes from the US base in Qatar, according to Damien Pickart, a spokesman for the US Air Force. "We're grateful to the Qataris for their longstanding support of our presence, and we encourage all partners in the region to work for a common solution that ensures the region's security," Pickart said. Qatar and Bahrain, involved on the front lines on rival fronts in the diplomatic and political crisis in the Gulf, host the main US air and naval bases in the region.



Since 2003 Udaid airbase in Qatar has been a forward headquarters of US Central Command and hosts about 10,000 American troops.



In Bahrain, the naval base in Juffair is home to the United States Fifth Fleet and about 2,000 US military personnel work there.



Even the eastern Libyan "government" that responds to the Tobruk Parliament has broken diplomatic ties with Qatar, according to Al Arabiya.



The strongman of eastern Libya, General Khalifa Haftar, enjoys the support of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.



As for Israel, Defence Minister Avigdor Liberman called the political crisis in the Gulf a positive development, adding that it opens "opportunities" in the "fight against terrorism".



(ANSAmed).




Turkey calls for dialogue to solve Gulf crisis Russia 'hopes it will not affect anti-terrorism' efforts

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, JUNE 5 - Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Monday about a crisis in the Gulf between Qatar and other countries in the region that Turkey ''will give any support for its normalisation''.



Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Cavusoglu called for dialogue. His Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov instead said that it was none of Russia's business but that ''the important thing is to unite against international terrorism''.



The Kremlin said that it hoped the matter could be solved in a peaceful manner. (ANSAmed).






Etihad, Emirates, Flydubai Air Arabia and Gulf Air said this morning they will end to services to Doha with effect from tomorrow.

Saudi Arabia has announced a ban on any of its citizens going to Qatar and is closing land, air and sea borders.

The other four nations are doing the same and are proposing closure of airspace to Qatar aircraft, effectively isolating the GCC nation.

Saudi Arabia said the move was necessary to protect the kingdom from what it described as terrorism and extremism. The kingdom also pulled all Qatari troops from the ongoing war in Yemen.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on Saudi Arabia and Qatar to stay united and solve their differences, after Riyadh severed ties with Doha and asked its allies to follow suit.

We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences, Tillerson said early today.

Accusations against Qatar include meddling in internal affairs and supporting terrorism and sectarianism.

In turn Qatar denies these allegations and blames the hacking of its official news agency was hacked last week, which was followed by fake remarks critical of US foreign policy posted on its website and wrongly attributed to Qatars leader.

In Washington, a series of emails belonging to the United Arab Emirates ambassador to the US have been leaked. These allegedly reveal close coordination between the diplomat and a pro-Israeli think-tank.

News reports quote the emails are calling on the Americans to move their military base from Qatar to the UAE.

The ban could have a devastating effect on Qatar. It bans Saudi, UAE and Bahraini citizens from travelling to Qatar, living there or passing through it, according to the Saudi government. People affected have 14 days to leave.

Meanwhile Qataris will have the same amount of time to get out of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain.

A major concern for Qatar will be if Egypt issues a similar ban. Around 180,000 Egyptians live in Qatar - with many involved in engineering, medicine and law as well as construction.

There are also fears about food and materials shortages as much passes through the land borders with Saudi Arabia.

Qatar Airways would also be at risk if it is banned from the Saudi or Bahrain airspace which surrounds the peninsula. It has not made any statement on the likely cancellation of flights to the four countries

CEO of the airline Akbar Al Baker is currently at the IATA annual meeting in Cancun Mexico along with other airline leaders  the subject is likely to be a main talking point when the conference opens later today.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE say closure of their airspace will take place "within 24 hours", while Egypt and Saudi Arabia have yet to specify when the closure will take effect.

Analyst Saj Ahmed said: "Qatar Airways will of course be severely impacted on key regional routes, especially to cities like Dubai. But then so to with other GCC/Arab carriers that also fly into Doha. So the damage here isn't a one-way street - both sides will hurt and in the mix will be passengers who'll have to spend more to get to where they want to be.

"The fallout of this spat is far from clear - this has the potency to be a protracted affair. While Qatar Airways can look to its more profitable long haul operations to offset the costs of losing or standing down regional flights, the cost of parking airplanes, crew and other services will not be cheap.

The fallout for Qatar and other regional neighbours will be quite expansive if air services are not reinstated quickly.

"That said, some travellers may opt to fly to Qatar via Iran, depending on their departure point and the cost(s) incurred - so there's definitely an opportunity for Iran to step in. The question now is whether this stalemate between GCC neighbouring countries is short or long term and at this point, its all very opaque."




News that EgyptAir is scaling back its fleet renewal programme frankly surprised no-one when it was confirmed by Sherif Fathy, the countrys transport minister, in December.

Fathy had repeatedly warned that the flag-carrier faces troubling headwinds, telling Arabian Aerospace as long ago as November 2015 that he was re-evaluating plans for dozens of aircraft orders.

At the time, his main concern was the bombing of Metrojet Flight 9268 shortly after take-off from Sharm el Sheikh Airport  an attack that claimed 224 mostly Russian lives, and prompted several countries to ground routes to the Red Sea resort. Coming on the heels of the 2011 popular revolution and the 2013 military coup, the terror atrocity signalled a new low for Egypts reeling aviation sector.

Hopes of a swift recovery in 2016 were dashed by a triumvirate of further disasters and security scares. In March, an unstable man with a fake suicide-bomb belt hijacked EgyptAir Flight 181; in May, 66 people died in the still-unexplained crash of EgyptAir Flight 804; and in September, another troubled passenger tried to storm the cockpit of Flight 462, which was operated by EgyptAirs short-haul subsidiary, Air Cairo.

Even as its parent knuckles down for a drawn-out period of uncertainty, however, Air Cairo is pressing on with ambitious plans to nearly triple in size  placing all bets on the still-reeling European market.

Yasser el Ramly, its chairman and chief executive, admits that the strategy is high-risk.

While several governments have softened their travel advisories for Egypt, Russia still bans all flights to the country and Britain still advises against flying into Sharm el Sheikh Airport. Nonetheless, Ramly believes the tide is slowly turning for Egyptian tourism, and he is positioning Air Cairo at the front of the queue to benefit from gradual normalisation.

The demand, of course, was affected after the crash of the Russian aircraft. The first half of the year [2016] was very tough from January to June, he said during an interview at the annual meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation in Casablanca in November. But, still, we operate around 30 weekly flights to Europe with good loads, even 75% load factor.

Confirming that the airline is sticking by plans to deploy 20 aircraft by the end of the decade  up from seven at the time of writing  he repeated the oft-versed claim in Egypt that tourism slumps do not last forever.

The recent difficulties postponed our plan by two aircraft, the chief executive continued. We were supposed to be 10 [aircraft] by the beginning of 2017; instead it will be only eight. But I think by this coming summer we will have 10 or 11 aircraft.

Air Cairo launched operations in 1997 as a charter specialist, before diversifying with low-cost scheduled flying when EgyptAir became its majority shareholder in 2003. The airline presently deploys Airbus A320s  all but one of which are configured in an economy-only layout.

Despite the brand name, Cairo plays only an incidental role in the business model. Just one of Air Cairos aircraft  the unit with a business class cabin  is based in the capital. The other six are spread liberally between cities on the Mediterranean coast (Alexandria); the Red Sea (Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam); and the Nile River (Asyut, Sohag and Luxor).

Our flights out of Cairo are less than 5% of the total operation, Ramly said. We concentrate on the secondary airports. Even for the Gulf and Middle East we dont fly from Cairo a lot So, for us, the competition is coming from the low-fare carriers in the Gulf and Egypt.

Air Cairos strategic shift towards low-cost scheduled operations came at a time when EgyptAir was trying to capitalise on the growing popularity of self-booked travel around the world  particularly in Europe. For years, management split their attention between legacy charter partners and independent travellers. But, with tour operators now fleeing the country en masse, Ramly finally seems ready to turn his back on package holidays.

Eighty-five per cent of our operations now are scheduled flights. It could move to 90% this coming summer, he confirmed.

We want to introduce a new strategy in the Egyptian market, to make our scheduled flights available to many customers, not only for the tour operators and the people who have a programme with the hotel. We would like for all the markets we serve to be all-year-round, so that customers can always find an aeroplane to spend a nice holiday in Egypt.

Although charter contracts will continue to be signed for the foreseeable future, their main purpose will be to add capacity on pre-existing routes during the high season.

With Air Cairo, thus, becoming a traditional scheduled operator, management are opening up to distribution channels that were previously considered superfluous. Last June, they completed the transition to Amadeus Altea reservation and inventory systems  an upgrade that paves the way for future interline and codeshare agreements with other carriers.

We want to sell [tickets] on any distribution system to market ourselves for regular flights to Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada and other tourist airports, Ramly affirmed. One of the reasons that we moved to the Amadeus system is because we would like to have cooperation with some of the private airlines in Egypt and the Middle East, and in Europe as well. We have already signed an interline agreement with EgyptAir and we are ready to take this step with airlines in Europe and the Gulf.

The chief executive added that business class may be offered on some new aircraft  potentially up to 25% of the fleet  but declined to repeat earlier claims about moving from a low-cost to a full-service business model. Actually, we are low-fare, he said, opting for the ambiguous hybrid term that is favoured by both categories of airlines.

Air Cairo already provides a free checked luggage allowance and free on-board meals to all customers.

As of December 2016, the airlines scheduled network comprises 11 destinations in Europe (Belgrade, Billund, Bratislava, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Hannover, Munich, Oslo, Prague and Stuttgart); eight in the Middle East (Amman, Doha, Hofuf, Jeddah, Kuwait, Qassim, Riyadh and Yanbu); and Tbilisi in the Caucasus. Charter flights are, meanwhile, operated to Armenia, Austria, Germany, Poland and Russia.

New scheduled routes to Warsaw and Katowice were being lined up as this article went to press, while Linz and Vienna are also in the pipeline for early 2017. Asked about other prospective markets, Ramly said that Bucharest, Dubai, Kazakhstan and one additional point in Germany are under evaluation  along with a resumption of flights to Baku.

The expansion will coincide with the introduction of a new aircraft livery, though management have decided not to adopt a brand-name more reflective of the network.

We studied [whether we should] change our company name, Ramly admitted, referring to the airlines limited presence in Cairo. It currently serves just three scheduled routes from the capital: Hofuf, Jeddah and Yanbu. But we found that we built it up over the years, so we will keep it. Even though its Air Cairo, Cairo is Egypt.

With Russian President Vladimir Putin pledging to restore flights to Egypt in the near future  ending more than a year of diplomatic pressure over airport security  Ramly is not alone in predicting an imminent tourism recovery. Colliers International, a commercial real estate firm, says that hotel revenues are already rising across Egypt, buoyed by the return of German charter operators last autumn.

However, having dropped from 14.7 million in 2010 to 9.3 million in 2015, visitor numbers have a long way to climb before the crisis is over. If 2017 becomes another disappointing year, Air Cairos gamble will have been a costly mistake.


Playwright Charles Smith happened upon the story while watching his own plays. The new is based on the true story of a young actor named Shedrick Yarkpai. Smith met Yarkpai when a theater company in Adelaide, Australia, produced two of Smiths plays with Yarkpai in the lead. Then, at lunch, the entire double-identity, maybe double-jeopardy plot revealed itself when Yarkpai talked about how he got to Australia. (2017 ironic twist: The actor couldnt get a visa to come to Chicago to see the play about him.)
I was amusing myself on Twitter before turning off the light and going to sleep last Friday night, and had occasion to post this deliberately curmudgeonly sentiment: For the gazillionth time: No problem is NOT the correct reply to Thank you very much.

I had no reason to suppose that more than a handful of people would bother to respond to my trivial little exercise in inter-generational trolling, and I assumed that most of those who did so would react pretty much as Mrs. T did when she saw it: Prig. (For the record, she was kidding, but on the square.) To my astonishment, it went viral, albeit in a modest way. I received some two thousand direct replies, far too many for me to easily break down along pro-con lines, though my impressionpossibly mistakenis that they split more or less evenly.

I dont think I need to say much about those who agreed with me. They felt, as I do, that there is something tin-eared and unresponsive about No problem, even when, as is often the case, its sincerely meant. As for those who begged to differ, I received a couple of hundred replies that said, Hey, no problem! That got old after about ten minutes, though five other funny replies did make me laugh:

 Chillax, bro.

 Prescriptivist codswallop.

 Will this be on the test?

 Youre right. The correct response is, Kiss my ass, boomer scum.

 The contemptible Millennials ONCE AGAIN fail to bow when my litter enters the Starbucks.

What surprised me far more than the sheer number of replies was the fact that so many people were made angryreally, really angryby a total strangers expression of tepid distaste for a now-commonplace conversational mannerism. This inspired me to cull the most noteworthy negative replies and sort them into four illustrative categories. The tweets posted below are representative of dozens of others just like them. (All replies are unedited.)

The vast majority of my angriest respondents were millennials, among whom the use of No problem is widely thought to be second nature. It is, Im led to understand, their way of being polite, though you couldnt prove it by the ones who wrote to me in a die-soon-old-man vein:

 we get it, youre old as fuck, calm down

 Sure thing, no problem. (PS fuck the old.)

 Im gonna put you in a home old man. This world doesnt belong to you anymore.

 ohmYGOD STOP BEING SO OLD. LANGUAGE CHANGES YOU GRUMPY OLD FUCKS

 Nobody cares old man. Pour yourself another prune juice and lighten the fuck up.

 its going to be great when all the boomers are gone

 The folks most upset on this thread are the ones denying the objection. Your intolerance is intolerable. You are old-minded.

 Bookmarking for the next time I see a thinkpiece about easily-outraged young people with their microaggressions

 delete your account and never log back in. sincerely. this is not the place for you. youre a relic & nobody cares what you think.

Many other responses were specifically class- and politics-driven:

 Shut up newt gingrich

 Hey Terry, did you know the arctic is melting?

 Imagine having so few problems in your life that this bothers you.

 Prescriptivist policing of casual phrasing is the refuge of ableist cowards who wish to feel superior to others.

 Fascist gonna fascist

 [minimum wage worker tries to get through the day] [haughty theater critic rages internally]

 Guarantee you this guy is a shitty tipper.

Several respondents, presumably in the name of intersectionality, played the race card:

 When will old white men get over themselves lmao

 ah, when a weird guys rant about modern colloquialisms devolves into literal racism

 Yup, the peasants are getting uppity and the servants need a beating and more training. They should be grateful always to their white lord.

 No surprise coming from someone whos got a giant stick parked up their ass over informal conversation. Love to hear you rant on ebonics.

 You had a hard time when it wasnt okay to call African-Americans colored anymore, didnt you

Most of the harshest responses, however, amounted to little more than reflexive how-dare-you-disagree-with-meism:

 Hows blow me suit you

 The correct response is kiss my ass bitch

 At work, when a customer says thank you to me, I say of course, no problem, and sure! Literally eat my ass

 For the gazillionth time: stop fucking policing the way people speak.

 Hi, Terry. Kindly go jump up your own ass and pull your linguistic prescriptivism up there after you. No problem!

 Okay lemme try: bite me fuckwit did I do this good who cares

 youre a fuckboy.

 Shut the fuck up, you feckless abortion is the correct response to a Terry Teachout tweet.

Does any of this really matter? I didnt get any death threats, after all. Come Saturday morning the outrage robots had found juicier bones on which to gnaw, and by Sunday we were all preoccupied with the latest terrorist assault on London. But writers, being writers, are compelled by their nature to seek significance in unexpected events (writers gonna writers!). So I couldnt help but put on my thinking cap as my notifications box bulged with the irate replies of people to whom my passing grump did matterenough, at any rate, for them to tell me off in startlingly large numbers.

It goes without saying that a great many of these latter replies betoken the diminishment of civility enabled by the social media, and in particular by Twitter, which facilitates anonymous hit-and-run sideswiping. I was struck by the high percentage of my respondents who tweet under pseudonyms, especially those whose tweets contained the word fuck.

I was also struck by their humorless touchiness. These respondents clearly arent accustomed to being criticized, however mildly, and just as clearly dont know how to deal with it, civilly or otherwise. Indeed, my impression is that they actually feel threatened by criticism, and think themselves entitled to respond to it in a way whose tone speaks for itself. Were seeing a lot of that kind of thing nowadays, especially on campus.

Above all, though, I was struck by the furious resentment that came boiling into my Twitter feed as a result of my casual observation, as well as by the assumptions implicit in this resentment. It was, lest we forget, a one-sentence tweet devoid of context. Nevertheless, many respondents seem to have taken it for granted that I was portraying a real-life encounter between a haughty middle-aged man of means (i.e., me) and a poorly paid millennial convenience-store clerk (i.e., them). And while hundreds of people earnestly assured me, some pleasantly and others less so, that there is no definitional difference between No problem and Youre welcome, I soon lost count of the responses which made it crystal-clear that there is, at least for these particular respondents, a huge and purposeful difference.

These two tweets were characteristic:

 This may come as a shock, but it might have been. Im sorry old folks like to assume everyone should be grateful to serve them.

 Theyre telling you that youre not welcome, that theyre simply being forced into helping you as part of their crappy job.

It happens that I know something about crappy jobs. When I was in my twenties, I spent several years working as a teller in an inner-city bank. It was, in fact, a perfectly decent job as jobs go, but I still hated it, in part because I feared that Id hit a dead end that I might never be able to steer around.

As I later wrote of this painful part of my life:

At night I was a writer, on weekends a jazz musician. During the day, though, I was a servant. My nameplate was displayed for the world to see, and strangers, seeing it, called me by my first name.Once I had been a young man of unlimited promise. My teachers had predicted great things for me. Now I spent my days making change. My promise was running dry, my great expectations turning sour. I was sure I had gone as far as I could go. I expected to spend the rest of my life punching a clock.

Yet it never occurred to me to resent the customers who, as most did, went out of their way to treat me nicely. I responded in kind to their kindness. The only customers I resented were the ones who treated me like a servant, and there werent all that many of them.

I cant help but wonder exactly whos treating my angrier respondents like servants and who, like me, is treating them with genuine, agenda-free politeness. I often get the feeling that young people are startled by my politenessthat it is something experience has taught them not to expect as a matter of course. I wonder, too, whether what my Twitter feed told me over the weekend was that many millennials are touchy and resentful precisely because they fear that service is their destiny and that theyll never know any other way of life. True or not, thats a terribly sad thought.

Just in case youre wondering, I always behave with perfect courtesy whenever people say No problem in response to my thanking them for doing me a service. I wouldnt dream of doing anything else, much less being anything other than gratified by a well-meant response, regardless of whether or not it happens to suit my linguistic tastes. Somehow I doubt that my more outraged respondents could make the same claim under different circumstances.

Incidentally, I like millennialsa lot. And Im a big tipper.

* * *

The Who perform My Generation in concert in 1967:

A scene from Ghost World, written by Daniel Clowes and Terry Zwigoff, directed by Terry Zwigoff, and starring Thora Birch:
While I was in London recently (returning before the latest terror attack, thank God), I stopped in at the National Gallery to see its marvelous exhibition, Michelangelo & Sebastiano, whichfor the first time, apparentlyunited the work of these two artists. Michelangelo helped Sebastiano immensely, giving him ideas and even drawings, at least partly to win him over to his side and keep him away from the circle of arch-rival Raphael.

As have other museums, the National Gallery has loaded its website with explanatory materiala few films are here, for example, and an illustrated In Focus article is here.

But there was also something I had not seen before. As I entered the exhibition, which cost 16.00 for adult admission (and less for seniors, students, etc.), I was handed a thick booklet. It contained all wall texts and all picture labels, noting which ones had an audio component as well, plus a floor plan, a chronology and a few other end items, like events and museum information.

Brilliant! No longer was everyone bunched up reading the texts and jockeying to get a look at the labels, especially useful during crowded times or at very popular objects. And its a little keepsake. I found myself taking notes on the paintings I liked, or didnt. See for yourself here, in a PDF of the M&S label booklet. (Click twice-first on the link and then on the booklets picture.)

The NG, the press office said, tends to print these for big exhibitions but not always. It should, and I wish other museums would follow suit.

Over at the Tate Modern, I visited the Giacometti and Wolfgang Tillmans exhibitionsalso paid entrywhere I was given smaller booklets containing just the wall texts. No label textsbut thats probably because the labels were simply titles and dates. Less useful, but still better than nothing.

How much could these cost, I asked a knowledgeable museum person in NYCnot much, he said. They should be in reach for museums.

Since you all know Michelangelos talents, Im posting two paintings by SebastianoChrist Carrying the Cross and The Holy Family with St. John the Baptist.

Finally, heres a good review of the exhibit in Hyperalleric. Its on view through June 25.

UPDATE: On a recent visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, I discovered that it, too, handed out brochures of the checklist to all visitors to its Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style special exhibition. Kudos.
Salman says he hasnt seen the movie Little Boy but adds that director Kabir Khan has.

Salmans next home venture, Tubelight, has got everyone taking notice. And when bhai talks, you most definitely pay attention.

I am a big tubelight. When I compare myself to the way I was the previous year, only then do I realise the difference between then and now. As we grow older, we think about our memories and understand how simple life was when we were kids. Today I am in my 50s, and I have seen life, yet I cannot replicate that innocence of my childhood. I am happy this character allowed me to bring back my childhood persona, says Salman in his trademark style.

Salman says he hasnt seen the movie Little Boy but adds that director Kabir Khan has. Tubelight is not set against the war backdrop. It is, in fact, about the emotional upheavals that the army families go through. It is about all those jawans who go missing in the line of duty. It is about a father-son relationship. Keeping that central, Kabir has done his own thing. In the film, this little boy grows up intelligently, but I have miles to go, he adds with a smile.

Ask him if being a writers son has benefitted him as an actor, he answers in the affirmative. Yes, being my fathers son, I do have an inkling about how a likeable story should unfold. The audience is intelligent and wont be fooled by some well-choreographed action sequences. The story must connect emotionally. Everyone feels they are making a Sholay or a Mughal-E-Azam, but thats where they go wrong. I have not yet gone that route, thankfully. In case I have flops back to back, then I will need to rethink my strategy. But yes, every film has its destiny. You never know what Tubelight has in store for all of us, he says in all honesty.

Salman likes positive stories. I always prefer the story of an underdog. I like tales that are rags to riches, or even about unsung heroes. I avoid negativity in real and reel life.

Talk about ZhuZhu in Tubelight, and he lights up. She is a cool girl, a thorough professional actress. No tantrums and we shared a good chemistry on screen.

Ask him if he thinks Bollywood actresses throw tantrums, and he replies, I have never had that experience with any of my co-stars. But yes, I have heard stories of actors throwing their weight around.

Question him on his easy camaraderie with his ex-girlfriends, and he haughtily replies, Perhaps the distance made them realise I am not so bad after all.

Salmans take on social media is somewhat stringent. I have stopped reading Twitter. I wanted to discontinue it, but my PR team advised against it. If they were my fans, they would have an identity. Are they so ashamed of who they are that they hide behind a nameless face? We did track a few of them down, but did not reveal their identity as we didnt want to ruin their future. It would hurt their parents the most. We all need to take a step back and be ourselves. If we err, say sorry and move on, else social media will become a monster. Being faceless is not brave.

Talk about Shah Rukh doing a cameo in Tubelight, Salman gushes, I am happy he is a part of my film. His character brings about a turning point in the movie, he adds.

Lastly, when asked about his Marathi venture with Reitesh Deshmukh, he smirks. I have announced that I will work with him in his next Marathi film, now the ball is in his court. I am keen on doing Marathi films. He has to come up with something, he signs off.
Harsh Vardhan added that the notification was not a prestige issue for the government, and it would review all the suggestions submitted to it.

The environment and forests ministry had notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules 2017, banning trading in cattle (cows, bull, buffalo and camel) for slaughter at animal markets last week.

New Delhi: Amid widespread protests over the ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter, the government said Sunday that the step was not taken to harm any community or group and that it was open to suggestions on the issue.

The intention behind the notification was not to harm any particular group, restrict the food habits of people or affect business, science and technology minister Harsh Vardhan, who also holds charge of the environment, has said. Dr Harsh Vardhan added that the notification was not a prestige issue for the government, and it would review all the suggestions submitted to it.

The environment and forests ministry had notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules 2017, banning trading in cattle (cows, bull, buffalo and camel) for slaughter at animal markets last week. The Madras high court has ordered a four-week stay on the ban as of now.

Protests had erupted in many states across the country after the May 23 order, with Opposition leaders crying foul. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has even threatened to go to court and claimed that the ban amounted to encroaching on the states powers and was an infringement of the federal principle.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called for a nationwide agitation against the notification and has also invited all like-minded chief ministers for a meeting on the issue. The DMK in Tamil Nadu has also protested.

Some BJP leaders from the Northeast have also raised objections to the ban. The government had earlier indicated that it was talking to all stakeholders to review the various representations made by them and was considering whether buffalo meat could be excluded from the purview of the ban.
Forces get free hand to deal with skirmishes on border.

New Delhi: India has decided to fully exploit its strategic advantage along the Line of Control with security forces having been directed to launch a major offensive as additional deployment has already been mobilised in the region and the option of moving heavy artillery close to the LoC also being explored.

Sources said Indian security forces have an upper hand in terms of better tactical location at most places along the LoC and it has now been decided to launch a fresh onslaught against Pakistani posts and their border guarding forces. Even since Pakistans Border Action Teams (BAT) had mutilated bodies of two Indian soldiers earlier this month, a section of the security top brass has been pushing for India playing a more pro-active and aggressive role at the LoC with the aim of pushing Pakistan on the defensive.

Indian security forces had recently released video footage of heavy shelling which demolished two Pakistan security posts following the mutilation of Indian soldiers. Sources claimed that more such action with greater intensity was now expected in the days ahead.

A similar strategy was adopted earlier also when Pakistan was forced to announce a unilateral ceasefire in 2003. Pakistan fully realises that Indian security forces enjoy a major tactical advantage due to the location in some sectors like Chammb, Poonch, Pallanwala, Akhnoor, Pulwama, along the LoC and it been decided to again fully exploit it, specially because intelligence reports suggest that terror groups operating out of PoK will step up infiltration in the coming days, a senior security official said.

Sources claimed as part of the stepping up offensive along the LoC, Indian forces will resort to heavy firing, specially at those Pak border outposts that provide cover fire to the infiltrating militants.

Intensifying operations along the LoC is part of an elaborate plan drafted by the government to restore normalcy in the Valley. Union home minister Rajnath Singh has already hinted at the Centre putting in place a strategy to improve security situation in the Valley.

As part of the same ongoing exercise, security forces have launched an aggressive operation against active militants in the Valley, having killed as many as 14 in the last few days including Sabzar Bhatt, the acting chief of Hizbul Mujahideen. Security forces have also prepared a list of most wanted militants in the Valley, with the Army, CRPF and J&K police launching a joint operation to eliminate them.

The ongoing investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against separatists into terror funding is also part of the same plan as the Centre wants to keep their activities under check.

The NIA on Monday had interrogated three such separatists  Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karat, Javed Ahmed Baba alias Gazi and Nayeem Khan  in connection with the same case. Investigating sources said some top Hurriyat leaders including Syed Ali Shah Geelani as well chief of J&K National Front Nayeem Khan, who has been suspended from Hurriyat, will also be questioned in the coming days.
Lt General AK Bhatt conveyed his commitment of ensuring peace and tranquillity which is contingent on Pak Army's intentions and actions.

New Delhi: Indian Army Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General AK Bhatt on Monday met his Pakistani counterpart to discuss the current situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and highlighted needless escalations by the the Pakistan Army.

Lt General AK Bhatt conveyed his commitment of ensuring peace and tranquillity which is contingent on Pakistani Army's intentions and actions.

"If Pakistani Army continues to abet infiltrations and cause trans-LC firings, the Indian Army will take appropriate retaliatory," General Bhatt said.

Also, needless escalations by the Pakistani Army were highlighted.

On the issues raised by Pakistan Army DGMO regarding civilian killings, the Indian Army DGMO conveyed that the Indian Army is a professional and would not harm civilians in any manner.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed ISRO for the historic achievement.

ISRO's GSLV-MkIII D1 rocket as seen from Sriharikota, Tamil Nadu. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its most powerful rocket GSLV Mark III carrying GSAT-19 communication satellite from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Former ISRO Scientist, Nambi Narayanan said, "We are glad on its launch. It is a three stage vehicle and has four tones of capability and post 10 tones in lower orbit. It's is a big milestone for all of us, we also wish more clients to come".

ISRO launches its most powerful rocket GSLV Mark III carrying GSAT-19 communication satellite from Sriharikota, AP #GSLVMK3 pic.twitter.com/3Tnme9Qlz5  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

ISRO Chief Kiran Kumar also lauded his entire team who worked on the project.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed ISRO for the historic achievement.

GSLV-Mark III was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center at 5:28 pm.

The rocket is carrying 3,136-kilogram weighed GSAT-19 communication satellite and will place it a distance of 36,000 km from earth.

The rocket was developed for 15 years at a cost of around Rs. 300 crore.

Dubbed by the scientists as the "Monster Rocket", it has the capability to launch satellites as heavy as 4 tonnes, i.e. 4000 kilograms.

Currently, India has to take the help of foreign countries if it wants to launch communication satellites beyond 2.3 tons.

With this India will be in the elite club of launching a heavy satellite. So far, the United States, Russia, Europe, China and Japan have achieved this feat.

The rocket is powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine that uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants.

The flight's launch is expected to boost India's assertions of putting humans into space.

Reportedly, the ISRO has asked Rs. 12,500 crore from the Centre for its mission to place humans in space. If approved, the work is expected to take roughly seven years.

The premiere space agency has already developed critical technologies for a human space mission. The space suit is ready and a crew module was tested in 2014.
The meeting was attended by finance minister Arun Jaitley and officials from the PMO, as well as Cabinet secretary P.K. Sinha.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked officials on Monday to keep maximum emphasis on cyber security in IT systems linked to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) mechanism ahead of the proposed July 1 rollout of the new indirect tax regime.

The PM reviewed the GST preparedness, especially aspects related to IT, HR, training, sensitisation of officers, query handling and monitoring. He described the GST as a turning point in Indias economy and called it an unprecedented moment in the nations history.

He said the creation of the one-nation, one-market and one-tax system would greatly benefit the common man.

The meeting was attended by finance minister Arun Jaitley and officials from the PMO, as well as Cabinet secretary P.K. Sinha.

A Twitter handle, @askGst_GOI, was laun-ched to handle realtime queries. An all-India toll-free number  1800-1200-232  has also been activated for this purpose.
So far, it is Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who has been instrumental in sewing up alliances.

New Delhi: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is learning it the hard way. With scheduled elections in several states in next couple of months, brand Rahul Gandhi finds no taker in the state Congress units.

The party state units in these poll-bound states have clearly conveyed Mr Gandhi is not their first choice, said party sources, requesting anonymity.

The reluctance on part of the state units have emanated from the rout, which the party faced in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Assembly elections. Mr Gandhi led from the front but the party was decimated. In Even before the Congress could get into an alliance with the Samajwadi Party in UP, Mr Gandhi had travelled the length and breadth of the state  he had already one state-wide yarta and attended 45 public meetings and by then. The Congress party could only win 7 seats out of 425. Similar results were witnessed in Uttarakhand.

The Congress cadre seems to have has conceded to the fact that if Mr Gandhi is put forward in a state election, it automatically becomes a Gandhi Vs Modi election, in which the Prime Minister scores. If Mr Gandhis involvement in any election would be limited  like it was in the Punjab Assembly election  the Congress could win handsomely. The idea is to build or engage the present state leadership and take on the BJP on local issues. In Punjab, it was Congress chief minister Candidate Amarinder Singh, who led the charge. His only directed his attacks on Akali Dal and Aam Aadmi Party; Mr Gandhi made guest appearances and did just a few rallies. Ultimately, it came down to the state-level leadership in which the Congress scored. There were also reports that in the Kerala Assembly elections in 2016, some candidates had raised objection over Mr Gandhi leading the campaign.

Since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress has only been able to win Punjab and is in alliance in Bihar  both these wins cant be credited to Mr Gandhi. Hence, he should take a backseat for a moment, said the sources, adding that he should focus on strengthening the party organisation and building alliances. The Rahul Gandhi camp tries to see a silver lining behind this realignment. They feel once the Congress Party starts winning states, it will strengthen Mr Gandhis position.

So far, it is Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who has been instrumental in sewing up alliances. Even in the upcoming presidential polls, Ms Gandhi is the fulcrum of the Opposition unity. Since Mr Gandhi is all set to take over as Congress president, he will have to hone his skills in negotiating with leaders of other parties.

Faced with such hidden hostilities, the party also seems to be making peace with the fact that if the state-level polls are fought without Mr Gandhi, chances of the Congress scoring are amplified.
Gandhi blamed the NDA government for the current unrest in Kashmir, saying it had completedly mishandled the issue.

Chennai/Hyderabad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the Modi government of turning the Kashmir issue into a "weakness" from "strength", prompting the ruling side to hit back by citing a Congress booklet which depicted the state as a territory "occupied by India".

Gandhi blamed the NDA government for the current unrest in Kashmir, saying it had completedly mishandled the issue.

"They (government) are creating a problem for this country by their incompetence and by trying to utilise Kashmir as a political asset," the Congress vice president told reporters in Chennai.

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.

Gandhi 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."

Hitting back, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu referred to a booklet released by the Congress yesterday in Lucknow which depicted the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir as "India occupied Kashmir".

He said in Hyderabad that the people of the country would never forgive the Congress party for such a "mindset".

Questioning if the final solution that the Congress had in mind was to give Kashmir to Pakistan, Naidu asked, "Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up

their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity?"

BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said in Delhi that the government has a very strong Kashmir policy.

He said the government is treating differently the common Kashmiris, terrorists and separatists and "this policy is bearing fruits".

The Congress, Hussain recalled, had even raised questions on the surgical strikes carried out by the Army across the line of control.

Gandhi, who had yesterday attended an event to celebrate the 94th birthday of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, 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.
Directs SDMC to draft guidelines and introduce concepts like colour coding.

New Delhi: Hoping to clean and green the sprawling sub-city of Dwarka by streamlining waste collection, the Delhi high court has directed the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to draft guidelines and introduce concepts like colour coding.

The issue of waste segregation has to be addressed by civic agencies on a priority basis, a bench of Justices S. Ravindra Bhat and Pratibha M. Singh said while passing the order in May. It said the draft guidelines should be publicised well by putting it up on the corporations website and by providing a copy to each society in the sub-city. The guidelines are to be finalised only after due consultation with the societies, the bench said.

Therefore, the SDMC shall draft simple guidelines highlighting the salient points such as three colour code collection process, the points of collection, days of collection for different types of wastes, the timings of collection. Preferably, the collection should be done on a shift basis commencing at 4 am in the morning. The point of each collection would be made and the relevant timings etc. Should be clearly notified, it said.

The court also asked the SDMC and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to cooperate with each other in compiling the data necessary for the exercise.

Introducing the system of disincentives, it said the guidelines shall indicate clearly if a society or certain residents were not cooperating in waste segregation.

They would then be suitably dis-incentivised and garbage would not be collected from their apartments.

The court directed the authorities to file an action taken report in six weeks, indicating whether they have complied with its directions, including compiling log books of solid waste collected in the last three months from the 16 dhalaos in Dwarka.

The logs or separate appropriate charts indicating the extent of garbage collected (in metric tonnes) on daily basis and transported to the site and further compiled into weekly and monthly charts, shall be prepared on the basis of such facts, it said.

The directions came on a PIL filed by law student and Dwarka resident Ebbani Aggarwal on the issue of lack of cleanliness and poor condition of roads as well as pavements in the sub-city, a relatively newer addition to the national capital housing high rise apartment blocks and several offices and hotels.

On the issue of pavements, the bench said there was nothing on record about any uniform standards with respect to the height and width of the pavements and the material used for constructing them.

It also directed the Delhi Development Authorityto file an affidavit indicating total pavements (in kilometres) provided for in Dwarka and what actually exists as well as their state of repair and when they were last appraised. The authority has to file its response within six weeks, the court said and listed the matter for further hearing on August 9.

The court had earlier said the failure of municipal corporations to provide an efficient garbage removal mechanism was one of the main reasons for lack of cleanliness in the national capital, especially in Dwarka.

In November last year, the court had asked senior officials of the police department, municipal corporation and DDA to show cause why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for not cleaning up Dwarka despite judicial orders.
The constable was posted at 7th Battalion of Delhi Armed Police (DAP) in Malviya Nagar.

New Delhi: The security agencies were on their toes after a Delhi police constable, who was in an intoxicated state, allegedly made a call to the Rohini district police control room (PCR) threatening that he will kill chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The constable was posted at 7th Battalion of Delhi Armed Police (DAP) in Malviya Nagar.

Police sources said the constable, Vikas Kumar, claimed that while he was returning home, he had given a lift to a stranger on his bike.

The unknown man made a call from the constables phone, said a senior police officer. However, a senior police officer, investigating the matter said that Mr Kumar also told his name and designation when he called.

The call, received in Narela, was transferred to the Bawana police station. Apart from the local police, the Special Cell of Intelligence Bureau too joined in the investigation to find out the identity of the caller. In a joint interrogation by all the security agencies, police eventually tracked down the constable.

When constable Vikas was questioned, he claimed that he was depressed due to familial troubles and that under the influence of alcohol he had made the call to PCR.

However, he later changed his statement and alleged that the call was made from his mobile phone by an unknown person, whom he had given a lift on his bike. The police said that it has taken departmental action against the constable and a probe is underway in the matter.


Kapil Mishra had announced the launch of India Against Corruption 2.0 to take on the AAP chief.

New Delhi: In a continued attack against Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, rebel Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kapil Mishra on Sunday alleged that an email regarding senior AAP leader Kumar Vishwass illicit affair was sent from the IP address of Mr Kejriwals house.

Mr Mishra, who was ousted from Mr Kejriwals city cabinet, claimed that an internal report on this matter is lying with Mr Vishwas. In his blog on Sunday, he said he doesnt know if Mr Vishwas will speak out on this issue.

The suspended AAP leader was shunted from Mr Kejriwals cabinet while the party was trying to mollify Mr Vishwas, who had threatened to call it quits. After Mr Mishra had accused the Delhi chief minister of taking Rs 2 crore bribe from health minister Satyendar Jain, Mr Vishwas had come out the support of the AAP chief.

Mr Mishra accused Mr Kejriwal of betraying those who had helped him. Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, late AAP leader Santosh Koli, and expelled party leaders Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav fell victim to the Delhi chief ministers political ambitions, he said.

With the help of a lie, Mr Kejriwal tried to ruin Mr Vishwass family life, he alleged. He also claimed that Delhi chief ministers deputy Manish Sisodia removed his driver and long-time AAP volunteer because he endorsed a tweet by Mr Vishwas.

Earlier on Saturday, Mr Mishra had announced the launch of India Against Corruption 2.0 to take on the AAP chief. At an event at the Constitution Club here, Mr Mishra had said that he will met Mr Kejriwal at his janata darbar on Monday and demand a probe into alleged irregularities in the AAP government.

The Saturday 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 Mr Hazare and Mr Kejriwal were associated.
The accused wanted to exact revenge from the Cheepa and also earn money by selling the statue and used the opportunity to fulfil his twin goals.

New Delhi: The Delhi police has arrested two persons, including a woman, for allegedly stealing a 12th century idol of Terton Pema Lingpa, who is highly revered in the Buddhist religion.

The idol, worth several crores and around 900 years old, was stolen from the house of the head Cheepa (head Lama) in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on the intervening night of May 31 and June 1, said deputy commissioner of police (Crime) Madhur Verma.

The accused wanted to exact revenge from the Cheepa and also earn money by selling the statue and used the opportunity to fulfil his twin goals.

On June 4, the crime branch of the Delhi police received information that the accused were trying to sell the 900-year-old idol in the grey market of Majnu-Ka-Tilla for Rs 1.40 crore. From there, the idol would be smuggled to Tibet.

Mr Verma said that they received crucial inputs from the Arunachal Pradesh police and developed on the information. A team led by the assistant commissioner of police (Crime), Sanjay Sehrawat, laid a trap near Gurdwara Majnu-Ka-Tilla on June 5 around 8 am to nab the accused.

The accused, Ngawang Tsundue (29) and his live-in partner Lobsang Gakey Sherpa (26), were arrested when they arrived there to meet a prospective buyer. The police recovered a golden coloured idol from Tsundues bag and some religious clothes were recovered from Sherpa.

Tsundue, who is a permanent resident of Tibet, came to India in 2009-2010. He started living in Dharamsala, where he met the daughter of the head Cheepa of Tawang. He was working in a medicine shop there. In 2011, he married her but their marriage ended in divorce last year. He wanted to take revenge from the Cheepas family. He knew that if he stole the idol, he could earn a huge amount of money by selling it and the incident will tarnish the Cheepas name.

He started planning the theft with his live-in partner. He knew that the idol was kept at the Cheepas home and was only taken to the monastery on special occasions. Tsundue was aware that the Cheepas family had gone to attend a function in Kullu and he used the opportunity to steal the statue from the latters home. There was an old woman present at the home when the burglary happened. The incident had generated social and religious unrest in Tawang, said the DCP, adding that they have informed their counterparts in Arunachal Pradesh.
Farmers had launched their stir pressing for various demands, prominent being loan waivers due to crop failures and indebtedness.

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena, on Monday, attacked the Maharashtra government over the farmers' stir, accusing it of creating fissures among them in an attempt to break their unity.

Similar tactics were used to crush the Maratha stir as well in the past, the Sena charged.

"Had the demands of farmers been accepted, they would have showered the CM with flowers. But some people in the government took (Minister of State for Agriculture) Sadabhau Khot with them and tried to break farmers unity," the Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana.

"A divide and rule policy is being used. Leaders who went to 'Varsha' (to hold talks with the CM at his residence) need to answer if any of their demands were met," it said.

Farmers in Maharashtra had launched their stir on June 1 pressing for their various demands, prominent being waiving loans due to crop failures and indebtedness, and guaranteed MSP.

"The CM says 35-40 lakh farmers will be benefited with the loan waiver. But can he answer what about those farmers in Marathwada who have a land holding of more than two hectares and are dependent on rains?" the Sena questioned.

"The state government has tried to delay its death temporarily. First farmers were called to his house (Varsha), were insulted and finally given nothing. The farmers have no trust in the government and hence are continuing their strike," the Sena said.

The Sena said the chief minister got an opportunity to temporarily save his government by creating fissures among the farmers.

"But, will farmers get a guaranteed rate for their produce? Sadabhau's ministerial position will stay but will extinguished gas stoves of farmers' light again ?" it said.

Also, attempts made to break the strike points to the failure of the government, it added.

The Sena also questioned if Jayaji Suryawanshi, who was part of the delegation that met the CM and announced calling off the strike, give a guarantee that farmers won't commit suicide for the next four months.

After holding talks with leaders of farmers on late Friday night, the Chief Minister had on Saturday announced that his government would waive loans of farmers with small land-holdings.

He said 80 per cent of such farmers are in Vidarbha and Marathwada who will benefit by the move.
The court has now fixed June 9 for hearing arguments of all concerned in the case.

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday filed its reply on late Bollywood actress Jiah Khans mother Rabiya Khans application, and told the court that it was not possible to retrieve BlackBerry Messenger or BBM messages that were exchanged between Jiah and her then boyfriend Sooraj Pancholi before Jiah committed suicide at her Juhu flat in June 2013.

Rabiya had sought retrieval of BBM messages exchanged between her daughter and Sooraj, and taking on record the opinion of a private forensic expert who claimed that Jiahs death could have been a murder and not a suicide.

Judge Shayeda Razvi on Monday told Rabiya that she could not make such an application because she did not have locus, however the state government could file such an application. When the judge sought to know the state-appointed special public prosecutor Dinesh Tiwaris stand, he replied that the court should consider Rabiyas application, as filed by the public prosecutor.

After this, CBI counsel Rajendra Bhatnagar filed a reply before the court which claimed that CBI had already filed its supplementary charge sheet stating that this was not a case of murder but suicide. According to the reply, the CBI had forwarded the mobile phone of the accused, Sooraj, to the forensic science laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to retrieve BBM messages sent by the accused to the deceased before her body was found at her home. However, experts in FSL could not retrieve the deleted messages.

The CBI said that the high court in its order earlier this year had already discussed the report of the private forensic expert, and the applicant had not produced any other fresh documents during the investigation.

The court has now fixed June 9 for hearing arguments of all concerned in the case.
The English-language version of Bixby wont likely to debut in the US until at least late June.

Samsung introduced its voice-assistant Bixby as the most significant feature of Galaxy S8, but unfortunately the firm failed at giving a chance to S8 customers worldwide to experience it as it struggles to learn English-language.

The English-language version of the voice-activated virtual assistant was previously reported to get delayed by a month at the time of Galaxy S8s release. And now, reports suggest it will be further delayed, at least by another month.

According to a report by Wall Street Journal, the English-language version of Bixby wont likely to debut in the US until at least late June, more than two months after the launch of Galaxy S8, with which the voice assistant supposed to arrive.

The delay is no surprise to industry analysts, as many of them doubt Bixby when it was announced. "It's not talking yet," Bob O'Donnell, an analyst and consultant with Technalysis Research told AFP. "They have room to expand and grow."

"Bixby is trying to do things a little differently but careful assessment of what Samsung demonstrated shows a service that has very little intelligence at all," Richard Windsor, an independent analyst who writes the Radio Free Mobile blog told AFP.

Its delay by another month has resulted in growing sceptical of Samsungs ability to compete against rivals which includes Apples Siri, Amazons Alexa, Googles Assistant and Microsofts Cortana, on the software front.

"Samsung has once again delayed the rollout of the voice component of its digital assistant Bixby, further reinforcing our opinion that Samsung can really only compete in hardware," said Richard Windsor, an analyst with Edison Investment Research told the register. "This, combined with the poor performance already offered by Bixby services on the Galaxy S8, leaves me unsurprised that a method to rewire the Bixby hard key to Google Assistant has already been published."
A spokesman said that Mr Khan has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet.

Washington: Donald Trump lashed out on Sunday at Londons mayor Sadiq Khan accusing him of downplaying the threat of terrorism a day after knife-wielding men mowed down and stabbed revellers in the British capital.

Londons mayor swiftly shot down the US Presidents remarks, made in a series of overnight tweets, as critics accused Mr Trump of exploiting a terror attack for political gain  and not for the first time.

A spokesman said that Mr Khan has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet.

Mr Trump poured scorn on Mr Khans 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 the mayor of London said that there is no reason to be alarmed! the US President said in one tweet.

Mr Trump said that 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.

Mr 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 on Sunday to Mr Trumps 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 Trumps ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks.

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 presidents 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.

In the United States, former vice president Al Gore told CNN that I dont think that a major terrorist attack like this is the time to criticize a mayor who is trying to organize his citys response to this attack.

Regarding Trumps 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 dont 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.
The drills coincided with the 3 day joint military drill between Japan's naval and air forces and US aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan.

Moscow: The residents of Abu, a small coastal town on the Sea of Japan, were rushed to safety as part of evacuation drills after being warned of a ballistic missile attack amid tensions with North Korea over its missile and nuclear programs.

The drills coincided with the three-day joint military drill between Japan's naval and air forces and US aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan. A North Korean ballistic missile takes 10 minutes to reach Japanese territory.

The Japan authorities has informed the citizens that they would be notified of an imminent missile attack on Japan 10 minutes prior to the projectile hitting the country and the government has also published a guide on protection against "armed attacks and terrorism."

Some 280 people involved in the drills were alerted to a potentially devastating missile launch through loudspeakers as blaring sirens stunned school children playing outside a local elementary school.

The drills were conducted to test the means of emergency communication and to ensure that in case of a real-life attack everybody would find their way to a designated shelter.

Russia Today reported that a scenario of the imaginative strike was created in which the missile was set to fall in the rocky terrain of the Yamaguchi Prefecture where the town with some 3,400 residents in located.

The exercises were held at the behest of the Japanese government, the fire service and disaster management agency, as well as the local prefectural and town authorities.
No details have been released about the 3 perpetrators, who were shot dead within minutes by police.

The assailants ran people over on London Bridge before lunging seemingly at random at the crowds gathered around Borough Market, which is full of restaurants and bars. (Photo: AP)

London: ISIS claimed responsibility on Sunday for an attack by knife-wielding men who mowed down and stabbed revellers in London, killing seven people before being shot dead in a barrage of police gunfire.

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 and came only days before a general election. "A detachment of fighters from Islamic State carried out London attacks yesterday," said the Aamaq news agency, which is affiliated with ISIS.

British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed "evil" Islamist ideology and vowed to crackdown on extremist content online worldwide, as police detained 11 people following two raids in east London.

National campaigning for Thursday's vote was suspended for the day out of respect for the victims, who included 48 people treated in hospital for injuries.

Of those, 21 are still in a critical condition.

Read: Don't be politically correct, look into security: Trump post London terror attacks

One Canadian national and one Frenchman were among the fatalities and seven French citizens were among the injured.

No details have been released about the perpetrators, who were shot dead within minutes by police.

Eight officers fired an "unprecedented" 50 rounds at the three attackers, according to Mark Rowley, head of national counter-terrorism policing, who said that a member of the public also suffered a gunshot wound.

Detectives were still investigating whether the assailants acted alone, and Rowley said their identities would be released "as soon as operationally possible".

Read: Time to say enough is enough: UK PM May on London terror attacks

Police launched raids in the ethnically diverse London suburb of Barking in the hours after the rampage, arresting seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 at two properties.

A 55-year-old man was later released.

May said the attack was driven by the same "evil ideology of Islamist extremism" behind last week's Manchester suicide bombing that left 22 people dead, and the Westminster attack in March, which killed five.

"The recent attacks are not connected but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face," she said after chairing an emergency ministerial meeting.

She warned that perpetrators are inspired to attack "by copying one another".

The assailants ran people over on London Bridge before lunging seemingly at random at the crowds gathered around Borough Market, which is full of restaurants and bars.

Gerard Vowls, 47, said he saw a woman repeatedly stabbed, and 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 Guardian newspaper.

Read: After London attack, Facebook says aims to be 'hostile environment' for terrorists

Another witness called Eric told the BBC he had seen three men get out of the van and thought they were going to help tend those who had been run over.

Instead they "started kicking them, punching them and took out knives. It was a rampage really," he said, adding that he heard a shout of: "This is for Allah".

An Australian was among those hospitalised, while a Spaniard escaped with light injuries.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is due to visit Britain on Monday to speak to the injured French nationals, after President Emmanuel Macron said France was "more than ever at Britain's side".

Among those stabbed was a London Transport Police officer, who was one of the first responders on the scene and received injuries to his face.

A vigil for the victims will take place at nearby Tower Bridge on Monday evening.

Britain was already on high alert following the recent attack on a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande in Manchester, northwest England, in which seven children were among the dead.

Grande, who headlined a benefit concert in Manchester on Sunday, alongside stars including Pharrell Williams and Justin Bieber, tweeted that she was "Praying for London".

"A lot of people suffered and I had some second thoughts coming, especially with what happened last night in London," ticket holder Abdullah Mala, 34, said. "But we got to move on".

The national threat level was raised to maximum after the Manchester attack and troops were deployed at key public sites, but reduced to its second highest level last weekend.

Prime Minister May, who served as interior minister for six years before taking office after the Brexit vote last summer, said Britain's response to the terror threat must change.

"We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are," she said, adding there was "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country."

The ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour party suspended national campaign events for the day, but May insisted the election would go ahead as planned on Thursday.

Saturday's rampage is the latest in a string of attacks to hit Europe, including in Paris, Berlin and Saint Petersburg, and the French, German and Russian leaders sent messages of support.

US President Donald Trump offered his help, tweeting "WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" -- and highlighting his thwarted ban on travellers from six mainly Muslim countries.
Saudi Arabia cut all land air and sea contacts with Qatar and urges all brotherly countries and companies to do the same.

Saudi Arabia also broke diplomatic relations and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar on Monday, saying the move was necessary to protect the kingdom from what it described as terrorism and extremism. (Photo: AFP)

Dubai: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

The coordinated move dramatically escalates a dispute over Qatar's support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.

Announcing the closure of transport ties with Qatar, the three Gulf states gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries. Qatar was also expelled from a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

Economic disturbances loomed immediately, as Abu Dhabi's state-owned Etihad Airways said it would suspend all flights to and from Doha from Tuesday morning until further notice.

Oil giant Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of backing militant groups and broadcasting their ideology, in an apparent reference to Qatar's influential state-owned satellite channel al Jazeera.

"(Qatar) embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (Islamic State) and al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly," the Saudi state news agency SPA said.

The statement accused Qatar of supporting what it described as Iranian-backed militants in its restive and largely Shi'ite Muslim-populated Eastern region of Qatif and in Bahrain.

The measures are more severe than during a previous eight-month rift in 2014, when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE withdrew their ambassadors from Doha, again alleging Qatari support for militant groups. At that time, travel links were maintained and Qataris were not expelled.

A split between Doha and its closest allies can have repercussions around the Middle East, where Gulf states have used their financial and political power to influence events in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The diplomatic broadside threatens the international prestige of Qatar, which hosts a large US military base and is set to host the 2022 World Cup. It has for years presented itself as a mediator and power broker for the region's many disputes.

Kristian Ulrichsen, a Gulf expert at the US-based Baker Institute, said if Qatar's land borders and air space were closed for any length of time "it would wreak havoc on the timeline and delivery" of the World Cup.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters in Sydney on Monday that the spat would not effect the fight against Islamist militants and that Washington has encouraged its Gulf allies to resolve their differences.

The announcements come 10 days after President Donald Trump visited Riyadh to call on Muslim countries to stand united against Islamists extremists, and singling out Iran as a key source of funding and support for militant groups.

"It seems that the Saudis and Emiratis feel emboldened by the alignment of their regional interests - toward Iran and Islamism - with the Trump administration," said Kristian Ulrichsen, a Gulf expert at the US-based Baker Institute.

"(They) have decided to deal with Qatar's alternative approach on the assumption that they will have the (Trump) administration's backing."

Qatar has used its media and political clout to support long-repressed Islamists during the 2011 pro-democracy "Arab Spring" uprisings in several Arab countries.

Muslim Brotherhood parties allied to Doha are now mostly on the backfoot in the region, especially after a 2013 military takeover in Egypt ousted the elected Islamist president.

The former army chief and now president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, along with the new government's allies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, blacklist the Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation.

Egypt, the Arab world's most populous nation, said on its state news agency that Qatar's policy "threatens Arab national security and sows the seeds of strife and division within Arab societies according to a deliberate plan aimed at the unity and interests of the Arab nation."

Oil prices rose after the moves against Qatar, which is the biggest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a major seller of condensate - a low-density liquid fuel and refining product derived from natural gas.
He said India and Syria could learn from each other and work towards building a genuine coalition against terrorism.

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. (Photo: AFP)

Damascus: 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, the Syrian President said.

Read: Putin claims Syria chemical attack was against Bashar Assad

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.

Read: Trump, Putin discuss first meeting, Syria during 'very good call'

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.
Emirates said, the last flight from Dubai-Doha will leave at 2:30 am on June 6 while the last flight in the other direction is at 3:50 am.

Dubai: In the wake of the ongoing diplomatic rift in the Gulf, Dubai-based Airline Emirates is suspending flights to and from Doha beginning Tuesday morning.

In a statement, Emirates said that the last flight from Dubai to Doha will leave at 2:30 am on June 6 while the last flight in the other direction is at 3:50 am.

"As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates will suspend its flights to and from Doha, starting from the morning of June 6, until further notice. Emirates' flights to and from Doha on June 5, will operate as normal," the statement read.

It further said that the travellers bound for Doha, boarding their flight from airports around the Emirates network on June 5, will be advised to make alternative arrangements.

"All customers booked on Emirates' flights to and from Doha will be provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternate Emirates destinations. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers," the statement further read.

This comes after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain ended diplomatic relations and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar over allegations that the latter is encouraging terrorism and extremism.

Riyadh accused Qatar of backing terrorism and extremism, while Bahrain charged Qatar with interfering in its internal affairs, according to a report published by The Guardian.

Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism," the report said.

Saudi Arabia said the move was necessary to protect the kingdom from what it described as terrorism and extremism.

Bahrain's foreign affairs ministry issued a statement that it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The ministry's statement said Qatari citizens needed to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. It wasn't immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the region's major long-haul carriers.
There are 7 lakh Indians in Qatar, and annual bilateral trade amounts to $18 billion.

Riyadh/New Delhi: Key Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt on Monday cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis to hit the region in years.

Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Maldives joined Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Libya in severing relations with gas-rich Qatar, with Riyadh accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, that aim to destabilise the region.

Qatar reacted with fury, denying any support for extremists and accusing its Gulf neighbours of seeking to put the country under guardianship.

India will not be impacted by the crisis, foreign affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday. Gulf countries are home to 8 million Indians and vital to Indias energy supply.

There is no challenge arising out of this for us. This is an internal matter of GCC (Gulf Coordination Council). Our only concern is about Indians there. We are trying to find out if any Indians are stuck there, she told reporters.

There are about 700,000 Indians in Qatar. The size of the annual bilateral trade between two countries is $18bn.
Trump's decision, which has been roundly denounced was based on his belief that it 'did not serve the American people', Tillerson said.

Sydney: US President Donald Trump wants to stay engaged on climate change and has not abandoned the issue, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Monday, days after Trump announced he was quitting the Paris accord.

Trump's decision, which has been roundly denounced by the international community, was based on his belief that it "did not serve the American people", Tillerson said in Sydney. "It did not serve their future economic interest either," he added.

"But I think the president indicating his desire to re- examine, enter into discussions with others perhaps a new construct of an agreement indicates his recognition that the issue is still important and that he wants to stay engaged on the issue."

Tillerson, who reports have suggested was among those who counselled Trump not to scrap the deal, said last week the United States would pursue unilateral efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions despite plans to pull out of the Paris accord.

He insisted in Sydney that his boss was "not walking away" from the issue altogether. Expressions of shock and regret have poured in from around the world, including from Pacific islands at risk of being swallowed by rising seas which accused Washington of abandoning them.

As well as a world outcry, Trump's decision prompted a domestic backlash, with state governors, city mayors and powerful companies already drawing up plans to meet the Paris pact's greenhouse gas emission targets.

With the United States virtually isolated on the world stage, a string of administration officials have sought to justify the decision to abandon the 195-nation Paris deal curbing global emissions.

The agreement commits signatories to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep the worldwide rise in temperatures below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial times.
A report by investigators says 23-year-old Mashal Khan, who was killed in April, was targeted by students who saw him as a political rival.

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. (Photo: Facebook)

Islamabad: Pakistani police say the lynching of a university student falsely accused of blasphemy was organised a month ahead of time by other students.

A report compiled by investigators says 23-year-old Mashal Khan, who was killed in April, was targeted by students who saw him as a political rival. It said some faculty members investigating the killing pressured students to support the blasphemy allegations because of Khan's past criticism of the university.

Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and the mere accusation of insulting Islam or the Prophet Muhammad can spark deadly mob violence. Blasphemy allegations are often used to settle scores.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the police report on Sunday, which is expected to be submitted in court later this week.
by Paul Wang

Fewer than last year following break away of young "localists" from commemoration and the pressure to not anger Beijing. The testimony of Ge Guirong, one of the "Tiananmen Mothers". The prayer time of Catholics before the vigil. The unauthorized march of "localists".

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - At least 110,000 people attended the vigil for the Tiananmen Square victims at Victoria Park last night. It is the only non-consumer event to gather such numbers and the only one allowed in the Chinese world to commemorate those who died in the massacre that took place on the night between June 3rd and June 4, 1989 in Beijing, Tiananmen Square.

Since it was first held in 1990, the moment has become almost a rite: flowers wreaths are laid at the foot of the reproduction of the Monument of Heroes (located in the center of Beijing Square, where the young people gathered before being mowed down by tanks); Eulogies read by some representative of the organizers; A river of candles lit up in memory of the martyrs of democracy; Testimonies of survivors. Last night the testimony via video was that of one of the "Tiananmen Mothers," Ge Guirong, 83, whose son Du Guangxue was killed in 1989. Ge thanked the people of Hong Kong for their support in these 28 years. "As a mother, it is unacceptable that the government fails to admit its responsibility for the massacre, hiding under the words of a 'political storm' ... I hope that the June 4 issue can be resolved honestly and fairly."

Ge Guirong's testimony shows how important this memorial is at a time when the local population is increasingly divided: on the one hand there are young localist students who work for democracy in Hong Kong and to distance the territory from the fate of China (to invoke a kind of independence). On the other hand, there are people who want a relationship with the homeland without problems and want to accept any influence of China in Hong Kong affairs. That is why there are voices suggesting that the annual appointment of the vigil may be soon canceled forever.

According to the organizers - the Alliance for Supporting Democratic Patriotic Movements in China - these divisions are the cause of lower participation, the lowest since 2008. Last year there were 125,000 in attendance.

Before the vigil at Victoria Park, at 18.30 nearby, there was a time of prayer organized by the Hong Kong Justice and Peace Commission, where the auxiliary bishop Joseph Ha spoke.

At the end of the vigil, at least 200 young "localists", including Joshua Wong and "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung, marched from Victoria Park to the Office of Relations between China and Hong Kong. In the march they shouted slogans against Beijing and called for the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. The police followed the procession, which was not authorized, but there were no incidents.
The priest has been held by terrorists since 23 May with another 240 civilians. In the time of prophet Muhammad, He respected so much religious leaders and non-combatants, says MILF leader Ghadzali Jaafar. The latter is helping the Filipino government to set up a humanitarian corridor. So far, 250 people have been rescued. The New People's Army has joined the fight against jihadists.

Zamboanga (AsiaNews/Agencies)  A top official with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has called for the release of a Catholic priest and more than 200 other civilians held since 23 May by the Islamist Maute group in Marawi City.

We appeal to those who are still holding captive Fr Chito (Teresito Suganob) to release him in the name of peace, said MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar.

Fr Chito, vicar-general of the prelature of St Mary in Marawi and chaplain of the Mindanao State University (MSU), was snatched by militants in the early hours of the siege on 23 May, along with two church workers and a dozen of parishioners.

In a video released by Maute guerrillas last week, the clergyman said he was part of a group of about 240 hostages.

He is a priest, a religious leader. In the time of prophet Muhammad, He respected so much religious leaders and non-combatants, like children, women, the elderly. By releasing him the soonest possible time, we are sure that such deed will be rewarded by Allah, Jaafar added.

Fr Chito has worked for over 20 years in various capacities in the prelature which was established by the Vatican in the mid-1970s to provide a reconciling presence among the Muslims.

In addition to interfaith dialogue, he has been active in helping Maranao activists advance the cause of clean elections in the province. The Maranao are a Muslim ethnic group in Mindanao.

The MILF is also helping the Filipino government to set up a peace or humanitarian corridor in a bid to rescue civilians still holed up in homes and buildings for about two weeks, unable to flee for fear of being hit in the crossfire.

President Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday that he had accepted the offer by MILF leader president and founder Nur Misuari to send some 2,000 of his men to join the fight against the Maute group.

The peace corridor was active yesterday during a four-hour truce, albeit limited to a three-kilometre area through the Marawi business district.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the humanitarian pause resulted in the rescue of 179 civilians whilst 95 people were rescued at around 6 am in the Dansalan area. Two soldiers were injured during operation when an elderly woman was killed by sniper fire from the Maute side.

The Duterte government has offered MILF fighters involved in rescue missions the opportunity to become regular members of the Armed Forces of Philippines.

The president made the same offer to the Maoist rebels of the New People's Army (NPA), even though the government interrupted the fifth round of peace talks with the paramilitary group last week.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), of which NPA is part, yesterday decided to join the battle against Maute guerrillas. It will observe a ceasefire with the Filipino government during the Marawi conflict.

The NDFP announced that the decision entails redeploying NPA fighters to Marawi and North Cotabato to face directly the terrorist group.
"A work of mercy is not doing something to assuage our consciences, to make us feel better...". And "so many times it means taking a risk. Think of here, in Rome. During the war: those who risked, beginning with Pius XII, to hide the Jews. "

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Doing a work of mercy is not just doing good, but also sharing, complying, ie suffering together. And risk. Pope Francis said during the mass celebrated this morning at Casa Santa Marta.

Reflecting on the first reading from the book of Tobit, or Tobias, the Pope noted how Tobit was saddened and wept at the murder of a Jewish kinsman, whose body he brought inside to bury after sunset. Pope Francis went on to speak about the 14 corporal and spiritual works of mercy, saying that to do them properly means not just sharing what we possess, but also sharing in the sufferings of others.

We do not do works of mercy to assuage our consciences, to make us feel better, he said. Rather, the merciful person is the one who has pity on others and shares in their suffering. We must ask ourselves, am I generous? Do I know how to put myself in another persons shoes? Do I suffer when I see another person in difficulty?

The Pope continued by noting how the Jews in the bible reading had been deported to Assyria and were not allowed a proper burial. Therefore Tobit risked being killed too  just as we too must take risks as we carry out works of mercy.

Recalling the Second World War years here in Rome, Pope Francis spoke of all those people, beginning with Pope Pius XII, who risked their own lives to save Jews from deportation and death.

Those who carry out works of mercy must take risks, but they may also be mocked by others, just as Tobit was mocked by his neighbours. Doing works of mercy also means being willing to be inconvenienced, the Pope went on, just as Our Lord was inconvenienced  all the way to the Cross  to show mercy to us.

We do works of mercy for others, Pope Francis said, because we know that we have been shown mercy by Our Lord first. We think about our mistakes, our sins, and how the Lord has forgiven us, so we do the same with our brothers and sisters. Works of mercy, the Pope concluded, keep us away from egoistic behavior and help us imitate Jesus more closely.
by Melani Manel Perera

The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka has reported 190 cases of violence since 2015. For the National Peace Council, the failure to arrest the perpetrators is the failure of the police. The Human Rights Commission notes that it is the government's task to prevent and curb hate speech.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), an umbrella movement for Evangelical Churches, has reported at least 20 anti-Christian incidents, as well as other attacks against Muslims and other groups so far this year.

In view of this, the National Peace Council (NPC) has complained that no one has been arrested in connection with the violence.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has joined its voice, calling on President Maithripala Sirisena to order the Ministry of Law and Order and the General Inspector of Police to take all the necessary action to deal with criminals and those who instigate religious hatred.

In recent months, the NCEASL has recorded 20 cases of anti-Christian violence, including attacks against Christian places of worship.

Since the current government took office in 2015, over 190 incidents of religious violence against churches, clergy and Christians have been recorded, the group noted in a press release.

In one such incident, on 18 May, about 30 Buddhist monks and a crowd of 2,000 people staged a protest against a Christian place of worship in Devinuwara (Matara district)."

"Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Sri Lankan Constitution," the Evangelical association said. This is why it is "vital for the government to speedily stop the current situation and address attacks against minorities in order to ensure the integrity of its reconciliation efforts."

For the National Peace Council, The failure of the police to protect people subjected to violence is an abdication of the governments duty to protect all citizens equally.

Worse still, The rise in verbal and physical violence has been accompanied by public statements that Sri Lanka is a Sinhalese and Buddhist country with the implication that ethnic and religious minorities have a lesser place.

Likewise, for the HRCSL, the spate of attacks on places of Christian religious worship in the recent past adds to an alarming trend of religious bigotry and intolerance which has gone unchecked."

Both national law and international human rights obligations of Sri Lanka obligate the government to prevent such acts of violence and take timely action to stop the spread of hate speech, which foster and promote violent conduct, the HRCSL noted.

"Failure to do so will be a black mark on the human rights record of the country and will be another serious obstacle to the reconciliation process," it added.
Bangkok is at the centre of labour and sex trafficking. Source told AsiaNews that it is like printing money so that no one has any interest in shutting it down." The issue tops this years national agenda. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha calls for zero tolerance, announces a '5 P Strategy'.

Bangkok (AsiaNews)  Today 5 June, is the Day Against Human Trafficking in Thailand. Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha led the ceremony marking the occasion at the Santi Maitree Building, Government House.

Students were invited to take part in a drawing contest titled Thailand is safe from human trafficking, and the first prize was handed to the winner by the prime minister in person.

Speaking on the matter, Permanent Secretary for Social Development and Human Security Maitree Intusu, said: "Following the report on the plan against human trafficking issued by the Ministry in the first quarter of this year, Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, pointing out the severity of the problem, said that it was at the heart of the 2017 National Agenda. This year's theme is the Civil state is united in the fight against the danger of human trafficking."

"As indicated in the 2016 report, human trafficking is a very complex and complicated problem, as it violates human rights seriously, General Chan-o-cha said. The Thai government continues its fight against this scourge, taking protection and prevention measures in related sectors, each of which is invited to implement the government's mandate to fight human trafficking on the basis of a zero-tolerance policy and prosecute and punish offenders to the fullest.

The plan against human trafficking follows a 'Five P Strategy': policy, prosecution, protection, prevention and partnership. In fact, the area is part of the national agenda with 23.88 per cent more funds invested. The efficiency of legal action against trafficking rose from 5 per cent in 2015 to 19.92 per cent in 2016.

In terms of protection, 196 victims found jobs, whilst trial witnesses have been allowed to stay in Thailand for up to two years instead of one. In addition, 138 trained interpreters and other 89 volunteer interpreters have been provided to victims to alleviate suffering or allay concern."

"I call on the authorities concerned, the prime minister went on to say, to highlight the results of the objectives by integrating work to develop a greater understanding of the problem both at national and international level as well as create a vision of Thai society in which human trafficking beings is seen as a pending danger. All of us must respect the rights of our fellow citizens."

General Chan-o-cha also noted that the status of any organisation obstructing the work as a whole should be changed.

Speaking about General Chan-o-chas statement, a source told AsiaNews that "Human trafficking is talked about a lot in Thai politics, but the situation has not improved at all. Bangkok remains the centre of human trafficking.

Even today, thousands of irregular workers are being 'exported' abroad by companies that, once they arrive, take away their passports and force them to work, sometimes unpaid. Unable to rely on regular pay, the latter remain hostage to these companies and cannot return to their families.

As far as prostitution is concerned, it is a real business, led by powerful people who benefit from enormous economic benefits. Corrupt members of law enforcement are also involved.

Some programmes for the rehabilitation of women victims of prostitution do exist, but in reality, the business is like printing money so that no one has any interest in shutting it down."
According to WHO, almost 74,000 cases of cholera have been reported with more than 600 dead (40 per cent children). Up to 300,000 people are at risk. Every ten minutes a child under five dies. Health facilities are on the verge of collapse. Bishop Hinder calls for prayer and silent help for Christians and Muslims. It's hard to bring aid, but keep attention must be kept alive.

Abu Dhabi (AsiaNews)  The situation in some parts of Yemen is "disastrous", although it is not possible at present to draw a full picture of the situation because "it is hard to go there and have credible information" based on facts unfiltered by propaganda, said Mgr Paul Hinder, apostolic vicar of southern Arabia (UAE, Oman and Yemen).

"Compared to other conflicts that seem more interesting to the media, Yemen is a forgotten nation that needs greater attention, said the prelate who spoke to AsiaNews about the acute humanitarian emergency in the Arab country, devastated by almost 30 months of bloody war.

None of the parties involved in the war can be said to be "innocent", noted Mgr Hinder. "Violations" are perpetrated on both sides. In the end, it is the civilian population that pays the price, often forgotten and abandoned to itself, forced to face a "cholera emergency" as well.

Many powers are involved  including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United States  fighting in Yemen via proxies. None of them, however, "have an interest in being cast in bad light" and for this reason, a veil of silence seems to fall upon on the conflict far too often.

UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien is among those sounding the alarm. Yemen, he said, is facing "total social, economic and institutional collapse". Yemenis suffering was no coincidence, he added, but rather the fault of those involved and inaction by world powers.

What is worse, neither side has been willing to compromise, and "the call for peace . . . is still falling on deaf ears," noted UN envoy for Yemen, Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

Since January 2015, Yemen has been fought over in a bloody civil war pitting the countrys predominantly Sunni leadership, led by former President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, backed by Saudi Arabia, and Shia Houthi rebels, close to Iran and Lebanons Hezbollah.

In March 2015, a Saudi-led Arab coalition began carrying out air strikes against the rebels, which the United Nations criticised because of the civilian casualties they provoked, including children.

So far, more than 8,000 people have died, more than 44,000 injured and 3 million displaced. Almost 19 million people (out of a population of 24 million) are in need of humanitarian assistance to varying degrees.

The conflict has brought almost seven million people to the brink of starvation. A child under the age of five dies every ten minutes, and more than 55 per cent of the country's medical and health facilities have become unusable.

Making matters worse, cholera has broken out in recent weeks, reaching the level of a real emergency. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost 74,000 suspected cases have been reported since early April, with at least 605 dead, 40 per cent of whom are children.

If nothing is done, cholera cases could quadruple in the next month to 300,000, half of them children, with hospitals unable to meet demand.

"For Yemen, said Mgr Hinder, I feel a silent sorrow that embraces both Muslims, who are 99 per cent of the population, as well as Christians, almost all foreigners, who have remained for a variety of reasons. Certainly, the conditions vary depending on the area of the country, but the difficulties and the sufferings touch everyone."

"I continue to pray for the people without special proclamations or announcements, the prelate added. My prayers are not only personal, but embrace the whole community. Recently, during a visit to an Abu Dhabi parish, I shared my intentions with the faithful, asking them to pray for peace in Yemen."

Some people and organisations have "offered financial and material aid, but distribution remains a problem," the apostolic vicar explained. For now, we collect the offerings, waiting to see how we can deliver them and "relieve at least some of the sufferings.

We are ready to help, but the climate is difficult, and we have to move carefully. The Church continues "its silent help through prayer, waiting for developments, including political ones after Qatar was excluded from the Arab coalition. The important thing is to not forget, to keep attention alive, and continue our spiritual mission of memory through prayer." (DS)
No matter how much you may enjoy -- or despise -- shopping for new clothing, we can all agree that the fitting room is not where you want to be spending even a few minutes of your time.

The stress of having to make a quick decision, the deceiving lightning, the pressure from the sales person... Sound familiar? You're not alone. That shopper's anxiety is very real and its exactly where the style subscription box was born out of. With most style subscription boxes on the market, you can actually preview your clothes in the comfort of your own home and simply pack them right back up if they don't fit just right. Yeah, you can officially say goodbye to the pressure of the fitting room... for good.

Along with the pressure-free way of shopping, most of the top style subscription boxes are actually tied to your own personal stylist; someone to help you out with sage guidance and style advice if you're not entirely sure of what your wardrobe needs are or what looks good on your body type. To sum it all up: subscribing to a style box means you'll have someone on the other end to shop for you, curating exactly what will suit your style and needs, and to remember what you liked and disliked for next time.

We asked some of our most reputable style writers to personally test out all the top style subscription boxes out there to see which ones rose to the top of the list. After a month of unboxing countless pairs of jeans, socks and underwear, the results are in. These hands-on, unbiased reviews unveil which boxes to invest in and which ones to pass on if you want to look and feel your best without having to hit up the mall.
EPA VIC fines 7-Eleven over petrol leak





The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has fined 7-Eleven more than $7, 700 for failing to remove hydrocarbons from groundwater beneath a Newport premises in a timely manner.

EPA Metropolitan Region Manager, Daniel Hunt, said EPA officers discovered the fuel residues at the site following a report to EPAs Pollution Hotline.

An EPA investigation found what has been analysed and appears to be weathered petrol, in groundwater at and in the immediate vicinity of the premises, Hunt said.

During the investigation in February 2017 it was disappointing to uncover that 7-Eleven had known about the hydrocarbon issue at the site since it received a report in 2015, yet had failed to undertake any form of clean up, he said.

Hunt stated the EPA would issue 7-Eleven with a notice that required it to determine the extent of hydrocarbon contamination at and beyond the boundary of its premises, and undertake testing of underground fuel tanks and equipment for any leaks.

The notice also has a requirement for the company to provide EPA with an approved interim clean-up plan completed by an EPA-appointed environmental auditor, he said.

Hunt further stated that the EPA expected owners and operators of petrol stations to proactively take practical measures to protect people, property and the environment from potential leaks and spills of fuels, oils and hydrocarbons.

The design, installation and management requirements for underground petroleum storage systems have been available for a number of years now, and EPA expects owner-operators to undertake regular monitoring and rectify issues without delay, he said.

7-Eleven disappointed by the EPAs pre-emptive statement

In response to the fine, 7-Eleven said it had only received an infringement notice from the EPA on Friday 26 May 2017 and that 7-Eleven is still working through the facts.

A response to the notice is not required until July, and it is open to 7-Eleven to contest the infringement, 7-Eleven said.

We have already shared information with the EPA that shows the issue is not as clear-cut as it has alleged, and we are seeking further advice in relation to the matter. Recent testing suggests there could be other causal factors than what the EPA has alleged, 7-Eleven said.

The EPAs claim that we have failed to act upon the issue since first detected is incorrect. In 2015, 7-Eleven detected some levels of contamination but which did not warrant active remediation. 7-Eleven instituted monitoring at the site, and subsequent testing in late 2016 revealed that the levels of hydrocarbons were rising. Upon receipt of this report, we instructed our consultants to investigate further and to take appropriate remedial action, which is still in process, 7-Eleven stated.

7-Eleven is disappointed by the EPAs pre-emptive statement before the proper processes have been fully worked through, 7-Eleven concluded.

Related articles
Overseas born Australians are spending more on groceries





The rate at which Australians born overseas are purchasing fast moving consumer goods is growing faster than the rate of Australian-born shoppers.

According to Nielsens latest Ethnic-Australian Consumer Report, in the next five years Australians born outside the country will spend AUD $18.7 billion on groceries, accounting for 28 per cent for the countrys total spend.

This represents an increase of AUD $4.4 billion in incremental revenue, with Asian-born consumers making up 57 per cent of this growth.

Justin Sargent, Chief Executive Officer of Nielsen Pacific, said that engaging with Asian-born consumers requires a change in mindset that few Australian manufacturers have embraced to date.

For example, Asians food preferences are very different, Sargent wrote on Nielsens website.

They devote almost a third (32 per cent) of their grocery spend to fresh food (compared to Australian-born consumers who allocate 26 per cent of their spend on fresh); and they also have a strong skew toward seafood, fresh herbs and healthier food options in general, he said.

Key report findings

75 per cent of Asian-born Australians say they would shop more at mainstream supermarkets if there was a greater international selection

Almost half (48 per cent) of Asian-born Australians say their purchasing decisions are influenced by retailer catalogues and brochures

31 per cent of Asian-born Australians say their food choices are influenced by their children

Asian-born consumers are more likely to read product labels, are more inclined to purchase healthier ingredients, are influenced by comments and reviews posted online, and are willing to pay extra for well-known brands

The traditions, attitudes and shopping behaviours of multicultural consumers are influencing mainstream consumers and expanding the market opportunity, Sargent said.

The multicultural selling proposition for marketers and advertisers benefits all Australian consumers seeking unique flavours and products, he said.

Related articles
By Ron Johnston, Executive Director, Australian Centre for Innovation, University of Sydney

University of Washington/Flickr, CC BY-NC

Australia ranks 15 out of 63 nations when it comes to digital competitiveness, according to a new report from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). While were in the top 20, the result highlights serious structural flaws in our economy that will impact our future performance and living standards.

According to the IMD, Australia has also fallen four places to 21st in the world in economic competitiveness. On both scores, lead performers like Hong Kong, Switzerland and Singapore are very different from Australia, not just in their size or geography but because of a deep commitment to growing their competitiveness and technological capabilities.

Being 15th in digital competitiveness is worrisome. On most measures included in the score, Australia is steadily falling behind and changing this trajectory will take time and commitment.

Are we digitally competitive?

IMDs analysis of digital competitiveness is based on three (somewhat opaque) performance characteristics:

Knowledge: the capacity to understand and learn new technologies, which includes talent, training and education, and scientific performance,

The technology environment: encompassing regulatory and technological frameworks, and capital, and

Future readiness: based on adaptive attitudes, business agility and IT integration.

According to a summary of the IMD report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA is the official Australian partner for the yearbook), we have some areas of high comparative performance. These include the net flow of international students (in which we lead the world), e-participation and e-government (in which we rank 2nd respectively), and ease of starting a business (we place 5th).

But by many other measures we are at the bottom of the pack. Australia rates 45th when it comes to digital and technological skills. Theres hardly been silence on this issue: the Australian Computer Society, among many others, has long emphasised the growing labour market for IT skills, and the need to enhance training.









Etienne Valois/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND





In education, Australia has a global ranking of 51st, down 20 places since 2013. In my view, this is substantially due to two factors. The first is the telling ranking of 52nd for the pupil-teacher ratio in tertiary education, which raises questions about the adequacy of university funding.

The second is a very low level of employee training, where we rank 43rd. The National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) has argued that the growth of casual employment, together with outsourcing, has had a significant impact on vocational education and training (VET) in the workplace. As it states,

There has been a shift in the balance of responsibility for VET in Australia. Employers using labour hire or outsourcing have tried to shift the burden of training onto the labour-hire firm or the outsourced service provider. However, these organisations are in turn trying to minimise any investment in training. At the same time the governments role in direct provision of generalist and comprehensive trade and vocational training has declined in favour of support for a training market and user choice.

Given regular reports of the failings of Australias slow internet and broadband rollout, it comes as no surprise that Australia ranks 40th for internet bandwidth speed and 54th in communications technology. What chance for a smart country when we cannot invest in the necessary infrastructure?

Finally, despite the almost daily reports of cyber insecurity, and announcements of investment by government, our current ranking on cybersecurity is an alarming 40th. We clearly lag well behind most other countries in preparing for this new threat.

So what might be done?

Specific policies focused on these failings are not the answer. Australias innovation policy has suffered for years from fragmentation, short-term measures, changes of emphasis and an almost indecent desire to clean the slate.

Rather, as has been emphasised by the Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), each of these elements needs to be seen as interconnected, and afforded support over many years. The ATSE has said,

Australia needs a suite of complementary measures to incentivise innovation which are delivered at sufficient scale, with sufficient funding, and with the long-term support and stability necessary to be effective.

For Australia, the difference between us and Singapore is all too evident.

Its government-affiliated Committee on the Future Economy released a commendable seven-point national economic strategy in 2017. The group suggested, among other points, substantial measures to boost trade and investment through a a Global Innovation Alliance, the requirement for companies to play a stronger role in developing their workers and further building digital capabilities.

In contrast, we have little problem taking on 5 to 10 year projects to expand the housing supply, build roads, airports and dams, but seem to baulk at investment in what has become the biggest driver of economic competitiveness  the generation and application of knowledge.

The root cause of Australias continuing decline in competitiveness may well be what Ross Garnaut and others have labelled the countrys great complacency - the shell be right attitude that assumes because we have prospered in the past, it must inevitably continue.

Such critics will be proven correct if we continue to imagine our future wealth is a matter of providence, as opposed to welcoming major reform and investment in education.

Ron Johnston does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.

Originally published in The Conversation.
By Richard Banati, Chair professor, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

Nature Scientific Reports , CC BY-SA

Shearwaters are migratory marine birds that travel in a figure-of-eight pattern between the coasts of Siberia and Japan to Tasmania.

Placing one of the undistinguished grey feathers from a shearwater into the brilliant light of the X-ray fluorescence microscopy beam reveals something unexpected. We see intricately patterned deposits of chemical elements that tell the story of how a feather grows.

Among other findings, the images show strikingly regular bands containing zinc. There are roughly the same number of bands as the estimated number of days of feather growth.

Different from simple feather growth bars, these patterns were not known before our study, published this month.









Nature Scientific Reports, CC BY





Like the annual growth rings of trees, birds feathers lay down growth bars during their moult. (Moulting is the process of shedding old feathers, making way for new ones to grow.)

While bars simply show growth, the patterns of chemical elements tell us about the birds life during the growth period of the feather. They can indicate environmental exposures in a bird population, perhaps before impacts such as illness and death are clear.

We think the zinc banding may be a natural diurnal (daily) time stamp locked up within the feather. If confirmed, its a finding that may be applicable for retrospective dating of the occurrence of stressful events  for example, the temporary exposure to environmental contaminants such as heavy metals  during the period when birds grow new feathers.

In addition to zinc, other elements detected in feathers include calcium, bromine, copper and iron, each with its own unique pattern of distribution.









Nature Scientific Reports, CC BY





The team, including field researcher Jennifer Lavers, analysed feathers painstakingly sampled from remote locations in Japan, as well as Lord Howe Island and New South Wales, and complemented by feathers from the Australia Museum collection in Sydney.

The bulk of the work investigated feathers from three species of shearwaters who migrate more than 60,000km over open ocean each year, to and from their breeding areas.

Foraging across huge areas, shearwaters are important indicators of environmental health. As described by Nobel Laureate and author Peter Doherty in his book Sentinel Chickens:

Birds of all kinds are recruited by humans to help us interpret changes in our increasingly challenged and unpredictable world. These wonderful creatures continually sample the atmosphere, oceans, fields and forests, signalling toxic and environmental dangers that threaten all vertebrates.

Studying the population health of our feathered fellow creatures might be translatable into early warning signs for humans.

Observed patterns of chemical elements are also useful in a more fundamental scientific sense, as they open a window onto the dynamics of how feathers grow. Its an example of topobiology, a term that describes the complex growth and regulation processes that take place as a few stem cells develop into an organ or structure such as a feather.









Nature Scientific Reports, CC BY





Developmental biology is usually studied under the highly controlled conditions of a laboratory experiment. However, the current study shows that sensitive markers of development and health can also be applied to samples collected in field studies.

The chemistry of feathers might become a tool for watching our environment.

Richard Banati does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.

Originally published in The Conversation.
'The whole valley is kind of proud of us:' Lifelong friends from Kern River Valley among students appointed by Congressman Kevin McCarthy to military service academies
A 31-year-old was arrested Monday morning in St. Petersburg and is facing numerous charges after a bizarre series of events that included a carjacking and her crashing into multiple vehicles and physically striking an officer.

Woman, 31, arrested in St. Pete after carjacking, hit-and-runs, slow chase

Michelle Renee LaMotte was taken into custody this morning

Series of charges to be issued

According to St. Petersburg police, Michelle Renee LaMotte was taken into custody this morning and transported to an area hospital for medical clearance.

Police said the series of events started at 9:44 a.m. when a woman was getting into her Chevrolet rental car in the 3200 block of 36th Avenue North.

As the woman got into the rental car, LaMotte walked up to the vehicle and began hitting and kicking the woman, police said. LaMotte was able to wrestle the keys away from the woman, who police say she did not know and eventually got into the Chevrolet and drove off.

Resident Kal Patrick Howard, who captured video of the attack on his surveillance camera, was still in shock about the incident when we spoke to him.

"It was crazy," said Howard. "I've never seen anything like that. It's really surprising, especially since it's here at my house."

Car jacking CAUGHT ON VIDEO! Tune in to @BN9 to watch the full video and hear more about this one-woman crime spree! pic.twitter.com/Dl2KLinieu  Saundra WeathersOnTV (@SaundraONTV) June 6, 2017

According to St. Petersburg Police spokesperson Rick Shaw, an officer responding to another call in the area of 36th Avenue and 33rd Street saw LaMotte driving erratically and watched LaMotte commit a hit-and-run to another car at the intersection.

The officer was unaware at the time that the Chevrolet LaMotte was driving had just been taken via carjacking.

LaMotte refused to stop for officers, and subsequently hit another car at low speed at the intersection of 30th Avenue North and 37th Street. She then jumped out of the carjacked Chevy and got into the vehicle she just hit, attempting to take that car from the driver.

"LaMotte jumps out of her car through the passenger door, she jumps into the car that she just hit, right rear passenger door, jumps in that car and then tries to climb into the front seat and in the process, batters or hits the driver, shoving him into the door," said Shaw.

LaMotte was then taken into custody by the officer.

While at the hospital and being read her Miranda rights, LaMotte slapped the hand of the officer, grabbed the Miranda card from the officer and threw it, according to police.

LaMotte has been charged with carjacking, battery on a law enforcement officer and burglary with battery. Investigators said more charges could follow.

"We dont know what her motive was," said Shaw. "We dont know if it was drugs. We dont know why she tried to carjack this one lady. Obviously shes not a good driver, she hit two vehicles, she had a warrant for her arrest. That could be another reason while she was trying to flee."
A "disgruntled employee" who was fired in April walked into an Orlando-area industrial building Monday morning with a handgun and a knife, opening fire and killing five workers before killing himself as deputies arrived to the scene.

6 dead, including gunman, in Winter Park-area shooting

Shooting happened at Fiamma along N. Forsyth Road

No schools impacted, Orange County Schools said

RELATED: Leaders, viewers react to Orange County workplace shooting

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings identified the shooter as 45-year-old John Robert Neumann Jr., of the Orlando area. He was a U.S. Army veteran, lived alone and didn't appear to belong to any type of subversive or terrorist organization.

The shooting happened at about 8:03 a.m. at Fiamma, an RV accessory company along North Forsyth Road, after Neumann made his way through a door in the rear of the vast facility, an area Demings said is larger than two football fields.

Sheriff: Gunman targeted specific people at Fiamma

Demings said Neumann stopped at least once to reload his handgun and specifically targeted his victims.

The five people killed were Robert Snyder, 69; Brenda Motanez-Crespo, 44; Kevin Clark, 53; Jeffrey Roberts, 57; and Kevin Lawson, 46.

Neumann allowed an employee he didn't recognize to leave the building as he opened fire, Demings said. Most of the victims were shot in the head. Some were shot multiple times.

"We don't know why he chose this day," Demings said during a 2 p.m. update.

It doesn't appear that Neumann used the hunting knife he had on his person during the attack.

To the best of our knowledge, he did not have a concealed weapons permit," said Demings.

Demings said that didnt stop Neumann from targeting his victims.

At least one of them he had a negative relationship with, but he was certainly singling out the individuals that he shot," Sheriff Demings said.

Neumann was Army vet, lived alone

Sheriff Demings said the disgruntled employed lived alone and did not have family in the immediate area.

Deputies spent several hours Monday evening searching Neumann's mobile home in Seminole County. They left with bags of evidence, but no word on what they found inside.

Neighbors at the Lake of the Woods Mobile Home Park say they saw Neumann around, but he largely kept to himself.

Some people put up a front. Some people are good at that, you dont believe that he did what he did," neighbor Davis Alter said.

Neumann was honorably discharged from the Army in 1999. His criminal history includes arrests for DUI and possession of marijuana. He was involved in a June 2014 workplace incident where he was accused of battering another employee, but no charges were filed, deputies said.

He continued to work there until he was fired in April 2017.

Fiamma calls itself one of the largest manufacturers of awnings for camper vans, motor coaches and SUVs.

A woman at the scene, Shelley Adams, said her sister, Sheila McIntyre, was in the bathroom when the shooting happened. When she came out, she found her boss shot, Adams said.

Three men and a woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Another male was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he died.

Kevin Clark, one of the victims, was a father of a 14-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy. He was involved with Lake Howell Pop Warner. According to a GoFundMe site set up for Clark, his wife died about nine years ago.

Family members of those who work at Fiamma were encouraged to go to Full Sail University at 3535 Forsyth Road to Live 1 building or call 407-679-0100, Ext. 3087.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs offered sympathy to family and friends of those who were killed Monday.

"It's incumbent upon us not to become complacent or become callous to these horrific situations," she said.

Several agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI, responded to the scene Monday.

No schools were impacted by the shooting, according to Orange County Schools.

The Gofundme.com site above is not managed by News 13/Bay News 9. For more information on how the site works and the rules visit http://www.gofundme.com/safety
Residents in one of the fastest growing parts of Manatee County are finding it tougher to safely pull out of their neighborhood.

State Road 64 east of Interstate 75 sees growth

Residents say it's a problem just to leave neighborhood

Want to suggest a Traffic Inbox story? Click here



Michael Cairo and his wife moved into the Greyhawk Landing community a decade ago, and in that time the growth has been incredible. New communities are popping up all along State Road 64 east of Interstate 75.

"The traffic has just increased exponentially," Cairo said. "When we first moved here, State Road 64 was a two-lane highway both ways all the way out to Myakka and all the way past the interstate."

People who live in the area have more lanes and more traffic to manage, and it's not going to get better soon. There are hundreds of new homes planned for the area.

Any opening in the traffic allows cars to get to the middle, then they stack up waiting for the next small chance to finish the turn.

Cairo said it can be 20 to 30 minutes in line just to leave the neighborhood.

"There's got to be something put in place to put a break in the traffic to allow these communities to exit safely on to State Road 64, both east and west," he said.

Bay News 9 Real Time Traffic Reporter Chuck Henson reached out to the state, and according to Florida Department of Transportation spokesman Robin Stublin, the agency just finished a traffic study of the area and is ready to make some recommendations to help.

"Based on the report, a roundabout is recommended at this intersection," Stublin said. "At this time cost estimates for both a roundabout and traffic signal are being developed."

The state has scheduled a management meeting Tuesday to discuss the intersection. They are anticipating a decision on the best way to help -- a signal or a roundabout -- will be made at that meeting.
David Bradley, Southeast Texas representative for the State Board of Education, announced that he will not seek an eighth term in November of 2018.

"I have a grandchild and a new sailboat," Bradley said on Monday. "It's time for someone younger."
Walnut Hill Medical Center, a for-profit 100-bed hospital in Dallas, closed Friday, according to The Dallas Morning News.

Confusion about whether the hospital was shutting down arose on Thursday evening after Rich Guerra, MD, a cardiologist and executive board member at Walnut Hill Medical Center, posted a note entitled "Farewell WHMC" to a Facebook page called "Expats of Walnut Hill Medical Center," according to the report. Dr. Guerra wrote, "How do I begin? I could start by saying how sorry I am that our journey together is at an end. I certainly am sorry that our Walnut Hill family will be scattering to the four winds."

The page was later taken down and employees were reportedly told Friday morning the hospital was closing.

In a statement issued Friday to The Dallas Morning News, hospital spokesperson Natalie Weeks confirmed Walnut Hill Medical Center had closed. The statement did not include details about how many employees were affected by the hospital's closure.

According to Walnut Hill Medical Center's website, the hospital is a joint venture between a Franklin, Tenn.-based hospital management company and a development company from Texas.

Walnut Hill Medical Center did not immediately respond to Becker's request for comment.

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A bill in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives would impose work requirements and a lifetime limit of five years for eligibility to the state's Medicaid program, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"We have a finite amount of taxpayer dollars," said Rep. Seth Grove, R, who sponsored House Bill 1407, according to the report. "We need to make sure they go to the most needy individuals." Mr. Grove said the proposed bill would only apply to able-bodied adults.

Currently, almost $1 out of every $4 in the commonwealth's annual budget goes toward Medicaid, according to the report. Medicaid is Pennsylvania's second highest expenditure after education.

However, it's unlikely the bill will become law under Pennsylvania's current Democratic governor, Tom Wolf, who said he doesn't support the bill. A statement from Mr. Wolf's office said the proposed legislation would "reverse progress we've made on improving overall health outcomes and drive people further into poverty," according to the report. "Policies that arbitrarily limit the amount of time an individual can receive Medicaid move away from the core mission of the program, which is to improve outcomes and the overall experience of care, improve population health, and reduce health care costs through improvement."

More than 2.8 million residents of Pennsylvania receive Medicaid benefits, though many beneficiaries are children, the elderly or disabled, according to state data cited by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Delaware Health Information Network  a statewide health information exchange  is offering patients more transparency through a consumer-facing app, the Cape Gazette reports.

The free app, called Health Check Alert, will deliver various updates to subscribed patients via secure text message  for example, that a medical result has been delivered to their physician or that a physician has accessed their medical record. The service aims to help patients access their healthcare information and improve patient-physician communication.

Patients will also be able to access their own personal health records through an interactive secure portal that includes prescription information, vital statistics and data from personal health trackers, according to the Cape Gazette.

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Americans should have a single EHR that follows them throughout their lives, said ONC Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Technology Reform John Fleming, MD, according to FedScoop.

Dr. Fleming made his comment at an event hosted by Washington, D.C.-based Georgetown Law. "I believe every American should have a single, unified electronic health record system that resides in the cloud and is under full control of the patient, of the individual, of the American," he said, according to FedScoop.

Here are three highlights.

1. Dr. Fleming said patients should manage and have access to their own medical record, although physicians should also have a version.

2. He said two challenges to address before instituting this type of unified system are IT security and interoperability.

3. Despite the proposed 2018 budget cut to ONC, Dr. Fleming remains hopeful.

"[W]e've got the world's experts, in some case, tackling [interoperability]. But I am convinced that someday we will solve that problem, Dr. Fleming said, according to FedScoop.

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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that he would enact emergency regulations that counter the possible repeal of the ACA and guarantee New York residents the same 10 basic health services currently required under the ACA.

These 10 services include emergency room visits, maternity care and prescription drug coverage.

The new regulations, implemented through the New York State Department of Financial Services, will ban insurers that withdraw from the state's ACA marketplace from participating in Medicaid, Child Plus, or Essential Plan programs.

No matter what changes may occur on the federal level, Mr. Cuomo's plan guarantees that all contraceptive and birth control devices are covered without co-pays or deductibles by all plans available on the state marketplace.

"We will not stand idly by as ultra-conservatives in Washington try to roll back the progress we have made to expand access quality, affordable healthcare, putting our most vulnerable New Yorkers at risk," Mr. Cuomo said.

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The Senate returned from a recess Monday to tackle the issue of passing the AHCA, which passed through the House of Representatives May 4, according to Roll Call.

Though the House and the Trump administration have pressed GOP senators to pass the bill as it stands, there has been little unity from Senate Republicans on the issue. While Sen. John Coryn, R-Texas, recently said in an interview that he believes the Senate can pass a bill by the end of July, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., told a local radio station that he doesn't foresee the passage of any bill in 2017.

Some senators believe that passage of the AHCA isn't even the most important issue facing legislators right now, as Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has stated that focusing on stabilizing current ACA markets for 2018 is a more imperative task.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has been vocal about the difficulties of creating a bill that will garner the necessary votes for passage, which leaves many in the Senate unsure of whether or not a bill can be passed before the Senate breaks again for their Independence Day recess.

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Republican senators are expressing various degrees of optimism and skepticism regarding potential passage of a healthcare reform bill, reports The Washington Post.

The Senate is slated to continue working on a healthcare bill this week following a Memorial Day recess. The House narrowly passed its own ACA replacement plan  the American Health Care Act  May 4. But now it is unknown whether GOP senators can come to enough of a consensus to pass healthcare legislation.

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., told WXII 12 News he thinks it's "unlikely that we will get a healthcare deal," and that the House healthcare plan is "dead on arrival" in the Senate. He added, "I don't see a comprehensive healthcare plan this year," and noted he is "more interested in putting the American people back to work right now."

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., recently expressed similar sentiments, saying he is uncertain the Senate could pass a healthcare bill prior to a recess in August, reports The Washington Post.

"There are some still saying that we'll vote before the August break. I have a hard time believing that," Mr. Flake said.

But The Washington Post notes Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, was more optimistic, telling KFYO radio, "We'll get it done by the end of July at the latest."

But there are various hurdles to overcome before the Senate could pass healthcare reform. For instance, some GOP senators believe other issues, such as tax reform, should be more of a priority right now than healthcare, reports The Washington Post. Additionally, the publication notes, other lawmakers must come to a consensus on various policy issues, such as the funding of Medicaid.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth MacDonough, a lawyer and Senate parliamentarian, and her staff will decide whether the House bill meets Senate reconciliation rules, reports The Washington Post. If the House bill does meet the rules, the Senate could pass a healthcare bill with 50 "yes" votes from GOP members, assuming no Democrats vote for the bill and Vice President Mike Pence casts a tiebreaking vote. However, a previous report from The Washington Post notes the budget reconciliation process may only be used for tax or expenditure items, as well as other items related to federal spending. This could exclude some parts of the AHCA.
Becker's Hospital Review is pleased to release the 2017 edition of its 100 Great Community Hospitals list.

This list includes independent community hospitals as well as facilities affiliated with large health systems. Some hospitals serve expansive rural geographies while others care for small communities outside of large metropolitan cities. Many of these hospitals have been recognized for their clinical quality, operational excellence and economic impact on the surrounding area. For the purposes of this list, Becker's defines a community hospital as a facility with no more than 550 beds.

The Becker's editorial team selected hospitals for inclusion based on rankings and awards from organizations such as the National Rural Health Association, iVantage Health Analytics, Truven Health Analytics, Healthgrades, CareChex, the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Leapfrog Group.

Contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com with questions or comments on this list.

Note: This list is not exhaustive, nor is it meant to be a ranking. Organizations are listed in alphabetical order.

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Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital (Downers Grove, Ill.). Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital features DuPage County's only Level I trauma center, a certified Level III neonatal intensive care unit and Magnet recognition for nursing excellence. [CLICK HERE]

Alhambra (Calif.) Hospital Medical Center. Alhambra Hospital Medical Center is the first solely Chinese-owned hospital in Southern California. [CLICK HERE]

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (Medford, Ore.). Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center is the flagship hospital of the Medford-based Asante health system. [CLICK HERE]

Ascension (St. Louis). Ascension is a nonprofit, faith-based health system covering around 2,500 sites of care. [CLICK HERE]

Aspirus Riverview Hospital (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.). Wisconsin Rapids community leaders joined together in 1912 to establish Aspirus Riverview Hospital. [CLICK HERE]

Augusta Health (Fishersville, Va.). Augusta Health opened its doors to patients in 1994. Today, the hospital houses 255 beds and its staff includes 200 active physicians. [CLICK HERE]

Aurora BayCare Medical Center (Green Bay, Wis.). The 167-bed Aurora BayCare Medical Center is part of a joint venture between Milwaukee-based Aurora Health Care and Green Bay-based BayCare Clinic. [CLICK HERE]

Avera Queen of Peace Hospital (Mitchell, S.D.). Avera Queen of Peace Hospital was established by the Presentation Sisters faith community in 1906 as 35-bed St. Joseph Hospital. [CLICK HERE]

Bear River Valley Hospital (Tremonton, Utah). Bear River Valley Hospital's roots date back to 1923 when a physician opened The Whitlock Hospital in a two-story home in Garland, Utah. [CLICK HERE]

Blanchard Valley Hospital (Findlay, Ohio). The 150-bed Blanchard Valley Hospital has treated patients of Northwest Ohio for more than 125 years. [CLICK HERE]

Bozeman (Mont.) Health Deaconess Hospital. Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital is the flagship facility of Bozeman Health, which serves communities throughout Southwestern Montana. [CLICK HERE]

Brookings (S.D.) Health System. Brookings Health System includes a 49-bed hospital with three operating rooms, a 79-bed skilled nursing home, a senior living facility and several clinics. [CLICK HERE]

Cape Cod Hospital (Hyannis, Mass.). Cape Cod Hospital has one of the busiest emergency departments in Massachusetts, seeing more than 85,000 patients a year. [CLICK HERE]

Castleview Hospital (Prince, Ohio). Castleview Hospital, part of Brentwood, Tenn.-based LifePoint Health, is a 49-bed hospital serving Ohio's Carbon and Emery counties. [CLICK HERE]

Cedar City (Utah) Hospital. Cedar City Hospital's current facility was built in 2003, though its roots date back to 1963 when Cedar City replaced Iron County Hospital. [CLICK HERE]

Centinela Hospital Medical Center (Inglewood, Calif.). Centinela Hospital Medical Center has served Inglewood and its surrounding regions since 1924. [CLICK HERE]

Central Vermont Medical Center (Berlin). Central Vermont Medical Center, part of Burlington-based University of Vermont Health Network, was established in 1963 through the merger of Montpelier's Heaton Hospital with Barre City Hospital. [CLICK HERE]

Childress (Texas) Regional Medical Center. The 39-bed Childress Regional Medical Center was formed in 1970, and underwent numerous renovations and additions from 1991 to 2016. [CLICK HERE]

Chino (Calif.) Valley Medical Center. Established in 1972, Chino Valley Medical Center is a 112-bed community hospital and part of Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare. [CLICK HERE]

Christus Mother Frances Hospital - Tyler (Texas). Christus Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler's roots date back to 1937, when community leaders partnered with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth to establish Tyler's first hospital. [CLICK HERE]

Dickinson County Healthcare System (Iron Mountain, Mich.) Dickinson County Healthcare System has provided care to the Iron Mountain community for 65 years. [CLICK HERE]

Edward Hospital (Naperville, Ill.). Edward Hospital is the main campus of the Edward-Elmhurst Health system, which was created by the merger of Edward Hospital and Elmhurst (Ill.) Memorial Healthcare in 2013. [CLICK HERE]

EvergreenHealth Kirkland (Wash.). The Kirkland campus is the flagship hospital for the EvergreenHealth system, formed in 1972. [CLICK HERE]

Fairview Northland Medical Center (Princeton, Minn.). Fairview Northland Medical Center, part of Minneapolis-based Fairview health system, was formed in 1993. [CLICK HERE]

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital (Pinehurst, N.C.). As the flagship of FirstHealth of the Carolinas, 402-bed FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital serves patients across a 15-county region. [CLICK HERE]

Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center (Daytona Beach, Fla.). The Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center encompasses the 293-bed main Daytona Beach hospital, 80-bed Ormond Beach hospital and outpatient facilities. [CLICK HERE]

Fort Madison (Iowa) Community Hospital. With a history dating back to 1912, Fort Madison Community Hospital now encompasses a surgery center, themed BirthPlace rooms and a 23,500-square-foot outpatient rehabilitation services center. [CLICK HERE]

Franklin Woods Community Hospital (Johnson City, Tenn.). An 80-bed, nonprofit hospital, Franklin Woods Community Hospital opened in 2010. [CLICK HERE]

French Hospital Medical Center (San Luis Obispo, Calif.). As San Luis Obispo's only nonprofit hospital, French Hospital Medical Center has served the community for almost 70 years. [CLICK HERE]

Gordon Hospital (Calhoun, Ga.). Gordon Hospital houses 69 beds and operates under the umbrella of Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based Adventist Health System. [CLICK HERE]

Hawkins County Memorial Hospital (Rogersville, Tenn.). Opened in 1961, Hawkins County Memorial Hospital employs more than 50 physicians as well as 160 nurses, technicians and support staff. [CLICK HERE]

Henry Community Health (New Castle, Ind.). Henry County Hospital is part of Henry Community Health. [CLICK HERE]

Hill Country Memorial Hospital (Fredericksburg, Texas). The 86-bed Hill Country Memorial Hospital opened in 1971 and now consists of 140 medical staff personnel, 650 employees and 200 volunteers serving eight counties. [CLICK HERE]

Holland (Mich.) Hospital. The independent, nonprofit Holland Hospital opened in 1917 and now includes 375 physicians and 2,000 employees. [CLICK HERE]

Holy Family Memorial (Manitowoc, Wis.). Opened in 1899, Holy Family Memorial employs more than 1,100 healthcare professionals. [CLICK HERE]

HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center (Phoenix, Ariz.). The 266-bed John C. Lincoln Medical Center houses a Level I Trauma Center, primary stroke center and accredited chest pain center. [CLICK HERE]

Houston Methodist Sugar Land (Texas) Hospital. More than 850 physicians staff Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, which houses an accredited chest pain center and certified primary stroke center. [CLICK HERE]

Howard Young Medical Center (Woodruff, Wis.). Howard Young Medical Center, a member of St. Louis-based Ascension, opened in 1977. [CLICK HERE]

HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital Breese (Ill.). An affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System, HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital Breese opened more than 100 year ago. [CLICK HERE]

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (Fairfax, Va.). Inova Fair Oaks Hospital is a 182-bed acute care facility specializing in spine, weight loss, joint replacement and minimally invasive surgery. [CLICK HERE]

Kalispell (Mont.) Regional Medical Center. More than 400 physicians and 3,400 employees treat patients at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, which opened in 1910. [CLICK HERE]

Lake Region Healthcare (Fergus Falls, Minn.). Lake Region Healthcare came to fruition with the 1951 merger of St. Luke's Hospital, opened in 1903, and Wright Memorial Hospital, opened in 1906. [CLICK HERE]

Lakeview Hospital (Bountiful, Utah). The 128-bed Lakeview Hospital has 226 physicians on staff and 597 employees. [CLICK HERE]

Lakeview Medical Center (Rice Lake, Wis.). Lakeview Medical Center was dedicated in 1978. Today, 67 physicians offer care in 22 specialties at the 40-bed medical center. [CLICK HERE]

Lawrence (Kan.) Memorial Hospital. Founded in 1921, Lawrence Memorial Hospital houses 173 beds and is accredited by The Joint Commission. [CLICK HERE]

LeConte Medical Center (Sevierville, Tenn.). LeConte Medical Center opened in 2010 and holds 79 beds. [CLICK HERE]

Logan (Utah) Regional Hospital. A part of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare, Logan Regional Hospital opened in 1980. [CLICK HERE]

Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center (Houston). Opened in 1971, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center has more than 1,100 affiliated physicians and 1,800 employees. [CLICK HERE]

Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center (Jasper, Ind.). Sponsored by the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center serves patients in eight rural counties across southwestern Indiana. [CLICK HERE]

Mercer County Community Hospital - Coldwater (Ohio). Mercer County Community Hospital  Coldwater serves as the anchor facility for Mercer Health, which was founded in 1950. [CLICK HERE]

Mercy Health-Clermont Hospital (Batavia, Ohio). Mercy Health-Clermont Hospital, part of Cincinnati-based Mercy Health, was founded in 1973. [CLICK HERE]

Mercy Health-Defiance (Ohio) Hospital. Defiance Hospital, part of Cincinnati-based Mercy Health, has 17 patient rooms and 23 beds and is connected to Fauster Surgery Center and Mercy Defiance Clinic via a walkway. [CLICK HERE]

Mercy Health-Fairfield (Ohio) Hospital. Fairfield Hospital is a nationally recognized facility serving patients in Butler County and northern Cincinnati for almost 40 years.[CLICK HERE]

Mercy Hospital (Coon Rapids, Minn.). Mercy Hospital opened in 1965, two years after the Anoka Community Hospital Association agreed to construct the facility near Coon Rapids. [CLICK HERE]

Mercy Hospital Washington (Mo.). Originally established as St. Francis Hospital in 1926, Mercy Hospital Washington moved under its parent company, St. Louis-based based Mercy, in 1976. [CLICK HERE]

Mercy Iowa City (Iowa). Four Sisters of Mercy, who traveled by train carrying as many medical supplies as possible, arrived in Iowa at the request of State University of Iowa's medical school dean to found Mercy Iowa City in 1873. [CLICK HERE]

Mercy Regional Medical Center (Durango, Colo.). Mercy Regional Medical Center, part of Centennial, Colo.-based Centura Health, is a nonprofit 82-bed acute care hospital. [CLICK HERE]

Mid Coast Hospital (Brunswick, Maine). The 93-bed, nonprofit Mid Coast Hospital was established in 2001 and is part of Brunswick, Maine-based Mid CoastParkview Health. [CLICK HERE]

MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena (Mich.). MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena traces its roots to Alpena's first community hospital, which opened in 1915 as the Donald McRae Hospital. [CLICK HERE]

Monroe (Wis.) Clinic Hospital. Five physicians collaborated in 1939 to create community-oriented primary and specialized care through Monroe Clinic, the umbrella organization of its flagship Monroe Clinic Hospital. [CLICK HERE]

Montrose (Colo.) Memorial Hospital. Montrose Memorial Hospital has more than 100 physicians across 23 medical specialties. [CLICK HERE]

Morris (Ill.) Hospital & Healthcare Centers. Established in 1906, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is an 89-bed hospital with 1,200 employees and more than 200 physicians and advanced practice providers. [CLICK HERE]

Mosaic Life Care (St. Joseph, Mo.). Mosaic Life Care is a member of the Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic Care Network.[CLICK HERE]

MHP Medical Center (Shelbyville, Ind.). MHP Medical Center, a part of Major Health Partners, was built in 1924 after a late William Major and his wife Helen Thompson willed their home the City of Shelbyville. [CLICK HERE]

Newberry (S.C.) County Memorial Hospital. Newberry County community members created the Newberry County Hospital Association in 1923 to fund and plan the opening of Newberry County Memorial Hospital in 1925.[CLICK HERE]

Newton (Kan.) Medical Center. Newton Medical Center's tradition of excellence began in 1988 with the merging of Bethel Deaconess Hospital and Axtell Hospital. [CLICK HERE]

Northern Hospital of Surry County (Mt. Airy, N.C.). Northern Hospital of Surry County opened its doors in 1957.[CLICK HERE]

Northern Maine Medical Center (Fort Kent). The 49-bed, fully accredited Northern Maine Medical Center features a six-bed intensive care unit and a child, adolescent and adult inpatient psychiatric unit. [CLICK HERE]

Novant Health Huntersville (N.C.) Medical Center. Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, part of Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health, opened in 2004 as a 50-bed facility. [CLICK HERE]

Ochsner Medical Center-Baton Rouge (La.). More than 300 physicians staff Ochsner Medical Center-Baton Rouge's 150 beds and 13 health centers.[CLICK HERE]

OhioHealth Dublin (Ohio) Methodist Hospital. OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital features eight operating rooms and 80 beds. [CLICK HERE]

Parkview Huntington (Ind.) Hospital. Parkview Huntington Hospital's tradition of quality dates back more than 96 years [CLICK HERE]

Penn Highlands DuBois (Pa.). Penn Highlands DuBois' seven centers of excellence, including The Heart Center, The Hahne Cancer Center and The Women's Health Center, provide care to west central Pennsylvania residents.[CLICK HERE]

Peterson Regional Medical Center (Kerrville, Texas). Established in 1949 as the Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital, Peterson Regional Medical Center opened its current location in 2008. [CLICK HERE]

Pomerene Hospital (Millersburg, Ohio). Pomerene Hospital traces its beginnings to 1919, when the original Joel Pomerene Hospital Company was comprised of a six-bed women's ward, a three-bed men's ward, six private rooms and 10 physicians.[CLICK HERE]

ProMedica Flower Hospital (Sylvania, Ohio). ProMedica Flower Hospital has served the greater Toledo community for more than 100 years.[CLICK HERE]

Renown South Meadows Medical Center (Reno, Nev.). Reno-based Renown Health's Renown South Meadows Medical Center includes a chest pain center, institute for heart and vascular health, a critical care unit and the Monaco Ridge Assisted Living facility. [CLICK HERE]

Riverside Medical Center (Kankakee, Ill.). Riverside Medical Center is Kankakee-based Riverside Health's 312-bed community hospital.[CLICK HERE]

Roper Hospital (Charleston, S.C.). Founded in 1829 as the first community hospital in the Carolinas, Roper Hospital has grown to include a 24-hour emergency room, a heart and vascular center as well as cancer and breast care services. [CLICK HERE]

Russell Medical (Alexander City, Ala.). Russell Medical is a nonprofit acute care facility serving central Alabama. [CLICK HERE]

Salem (Ore.) Health Hospital. Salem Health Hospital includes 494 licensed acute care beds and 449 practitioners on the active medical staff. [CLICK HERE]

Sentara Williamsburg (Va.) Regional Medical Center. Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center includes 145 licensed beds and a Joint Commission-certified primary stroke center. [CLICK HERE]

Sheridan (Wyo.) Memorial Hospital. Sheridan Memorial Hospital employs more than 700 people, making it one of the largest employers in Sheridan County by number of employees. [CLICK HERE]

Spectrum Health Zeeland (Mich.) Community Hospital. For more than 80 years, Spectrum Health's Zeeland Community Hospital has provided medical services in Michigan. [CLICK HERE]

St. Clair Hospital (Pittsburgh). A 328-bed acute care medical center, St. Clair Hospital is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. [CLICK HERE]

St. Cloud (Minn.) Hospital. The Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict founded St. Cloud Hospital in 1886. [CLICK HERE]

St. David's Medical Center (Austin, Texas). Opened in 1924, St. David's Medical Center includes a 24-hour emergency department as well as the full-service St. David's Rehabilitation Center. [CLICK HERE]

St. Luke's Hospital-Quakertown (Pa.) Campus. St. Luke's Hospital-Quakertown Campus includes 275-plus physicians who provide care in 40 different specialties. [CLICK HERE]

Sycamore Medical Center (Miamisburg, Ohio). Orthopedic surgery and weight loss procedures are the cornerstone services at Sycamore Medical Center. [CLICK HERE]

Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton (Ga.). The 181-bed Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton's hospital campus includes heart and vascular, maternity care and cancer centers. [CLICK HERE]

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth opened in 1987 and includes 199 beds. [CLICK HERE]

Timpanogos Regional Hospital (Orem, Utah). The 122-bed Timpanogos Regional Hospital is part of Cottonwood Heights, Utah-based MountainStar Healthcare, a division of Hospital Corporation of America.[CLICK HERE]

University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center (Ashland, Ohio). University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center was a gift to the city of Ashland, Ohio, in 1912 from local philanthropists as a hospital where no sick person would be turned away. [CLICK HERE]

UPMC Bedford Memorial (Everett, Pa.). UPMC Bedford Memorial is a nonprofit, 49-bed acute care hospital with 301 employees and 43 affiliated physicians. [CLICK HERE]

Valley View Hospital (Glenwood Springs, Colo.). The 49-bed Valley View Hospital reported 2,807 admissions in 2016 and physicians performed 952 inpatient surgeries. [CLICK HERE]

War Memorial Hospital (Sault Sainte Marie, Mich.). War Memorial Hospital has served Sault Sainte Marie for more than 100 years. [CLICK HERE]

Waynesboro (Pa.) Hospital. A group of volunteers established Waynesboro Hospital in 1922 in response to the Spanish influenza epidemic. [CLICK HERE]

West Florida Hospital (Pensacola). West Florida Hospital, an HCA affiliate, is a Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care atrial fibrillation certified hospital with an accredited chest pain center and breast imaging center. [CLICK HERE]

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A driver crashed a car into a window of Newton (Mass.)-Wellesley Hospital's emergency department pediatric waiting area June 4, according to Boston 25 News.

An 87-year-old driver was attempting to park in a handicapped-designated space near the ED when she reportedly pushed the wrong pedal and crashed into the pediatric waiting area's window, a NWH nursing administrator told Boston 25 News.

"Fortunately, no one was inside at the time so there were no injuries to anybody inside," Newton-Wellesley Hospital spokesperson Brian O'Dea told CBS Boston. As of Sunday, the 87-year-old driver and an 86-year-old passenger were being evaluated and are expected to be OK.

The ED was open throughout the incident.
Illinois will conduct a broad market examination of Chicago-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois' compliance with consumer protection regulations, a move it hasn't pursued since 1990, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

The payer, which covers 4.1 million consumers statewide, confirmed last week with Chicago Tribune the Illinois Department of Insurance will commence a broad review of its consumer treatment in areas such as advertising, enrollment, claim payments and complaints. The last time regulators publicly released a widespread review of the insurer's consumer treatment was 27 years ago and involved parent company Chicago-based Health Care Service Corp.

While the Illinois Department of Insurance isn't required to conduct regular reviews, BCBSI is an outlier compared to its competitors, which have been subject to multiple broad market reviews within the same timeframe, according to documents obtained by Chicago Tribune through the Freedom of Information Act. The department conducted at least three broad reviews of UnitedHealthcare of Illinois, at least four of Cigna Healthcare of Illinois, at least two of Aetna Health of Illinois and at least four of Humana. Illinois released a narrow review of HCSC in 2011, but it didn't include a broad examination of the payer.

HCSC had 228 complaints in Illinois in 2016 the insurer addressed directly, according to the report. This is compared to UnitedHealth's 52 complaints. HCSC does hold 63 percent of the market compared to UnitedHealth's 10 percent.

BCBSI spokesperson Colleen Miller told Chicago Tribune the payer is "more than happy to cooperate" with state regulators on the reviews "to make sure we're serving our members the best possible way." Ms. Miller did not comment on the 27-year gap.



For the full Chicago Tribune investigation, click here.
Atlanta-based Vertera Spine raised $3 million, according to a Mass Device report.

Here are four things to know:

1. The company raised funding in an equity offering, exchanging equity for a minimum $2,000 investment from 29 investors.

2. Vertera Spine focuses on spinal technologies using the patented porous PEEK technology. The company partners with the Georgia Institute of Technology and Duke Angel Network. The Georgia Research Alliance and National Science Foundation supported the company's efforts to commercialize its Scoria technology.

3. Vertera's COHERE Cervical Interbody Fusion System is available in the United State. The implant is designed to mimic physical bone properties and provide the radiolucency of PEEK.

4. Last year, spine surgeons Frank Phillips, MD, of Rush University in Chicago, and James Chappuis, MD, of SpineCenterAtlanta became the first surgeons to use the COHERE device.
Tigard, Ore.-based Orthopedics Northwest and Yakima, Wash.-based Virginia Mason Memorial hospital have entered into a business agreement, according to yakimaherald.com.

Here are seven insights:

1. The "professional services agreement" is designed to deliver streamlined patient care and strengthen the practice's sustainability.

2. Virginia Mason Memorial will bear the financial risk of the orthopedic practice.

3. Under the agreement, Orthopedics Northwest will still staff and operate the clinic with its own employees.

4. The orthopedic practice will not change its name, but Orthopedics Northwest is now considered within Memorial's Family of Services.

5. Virginia Mason Memorial owns Orthopedics Northwest's clinic building, which the orthopedic practice has leased since 2005.

6. The partnership is designed to help with payer contract negotiations.

7. Orthopedics Northwest physicians are not required to refer patients only to Virginia Mason Memorial under the agreement.
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Sarah Friars, chief financial officer at Square, Adrian Doran, head of corporate banking for Barclays NI and Jon Bradford, co-founder of Ormeau Baths

More must be done in schools, backed by the Government, to attract girls and young women into technology and science-related careers, a top Northern Ireland-born female Silicon Valley entrepreneur has said.

Sarah Friar, who is from Strabane in Co Tyrone, said additional investment in schools will help attract all children into science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects.

She's now chief financial officer for digital payments business Square - a Silicon Valley tech firm which now employs 2,000 staff and has recently expanded into the UK.

The former Strabane Grammar School pupil was in Belfast to help launch a new 500,000 technology and entrepreneurial hub at Ormeau Baths.

"The answer and the way to change things normally lies within us, and within the community," she said.

"What makes it (Silicon Valley) so special is people, it's input, but it doesn't define who you are or what you are going to build.

"I think that's the spirit of Northern Ireland. It's always been a community of innovators and builders. Look at the ship builders, and Harland & Wolff... that spirit of engineering that kept going all through the 60s, 70s and 80s.

"There is a lot of deep engineering and innovative skill here, but it's just never been harnessed in this newer global economy.

"I think it starts in school. I was blessed to have a phenomenal maths teacher.

"It was never a thing, that girls didn't do science, which is some of the things I hear now. I would love to see investment in the schools around Stem.

"I would like to see a focus for girls, especially because I think they need a push to see that it is for them.

"I would love to see more role models and mentor-ship coming back into the community. I'd love to see the Government sponsoring in all of those places."

The new Ormeau Baths space represents a 500,000 investment and is set to turn the historic building into a thriving start-up and business hub, after sitting empty for five years.

Firms setting up at the centre include insurance platform Trov, Frankly, drone company Flyte, along with a financial services business.

Those behind the scheme include entrepreneurs Jon Bradford, Aaron Taylor and Steve Pette, as well as being backed by FanDuel co-founder Nigel Eccles.

Companies and individuals can secure space in the centre from 99 each month, rising to 249 a month for a permanent workspace.

Co-founder Aaron Taylor of Frankly said: "There is a nice mix. The key thing for us is, we are less concerned about the vertical of the company.

"Fundamentally, what we are looking for is companies that have the mindset to avail of what we have... companies that want to succeed."

Ms Friar said: "My mum and dad still live here and this is very much still home. I wanted for a long time to figure out how to give back to the community here - on so many levels.

"The Baths will give a space, and a community with like-minded people... and putting a little money back into the province."

The team are also set to work alongside both Queen's and Ulster University, as well as liaising and bringing in schools.

The hub is also set to include a large events space with top-end projection equipment and audio.

Around 40 to 50 of the desk spaces are expected to be filled when the doors open on June 12, but the hub can accommodate up to 140 workers.

And Ormeau Road coffee business Root & Branch is also setting up what will be its second cafe as part of the overall Ormeau Baths development.

Meanwhile, Barclays is launching its own business incubator as part of the tech centre. The bank will become a major partner in the new Ormeau Baths venture.
Shares in the online grocer were up following news of the deal

Ocado shares surged after the online grocer announced a long-awaited overseas deal for its software platform - although the identity of the customer is yet to be disclosed.

The FTSE 250-listed firm said it has signed an agreement with "a regional European retailer" to help it access website software and other technology, but added that the customer "wishes to remain anonymous until it launches its online business".

The stock rose over 4% to 330.5p in morning trading.

It is the first international deal that the retailer has made, and has been long anticipated by the market.

The company missed its self-imposed deadline of the end of 2015 to expand overseas, and short-selling of the stock increased as investors grew increasingly sceptical over the retailer's strategy.

In a statement, Ocado chief executive Tim Steiner said that the company is in ongoing discussions with other retailers around the world, and hinted that the firm would be signing "multiple deals in the medium term".

He added: "This is an exciting step in the evolution of our business and in the delivery of our strategy."

Ocado said it will provide its new unnamed partner with its "full software platform, know-how and support services", helping it to create an online grocery business.

The European retailer will not, however, use Ocado's automated warehouse technology, which could disappoint investors hoping for a more wide-ranging foreign deal.

The deal gives the partner "the right to request" future installation of the equipment, but this would require a separate agreement.

Few details about the financials of the deal were given, although the group said it expects the agreement to make no difference to its earnings or cash flow this year or next. It added that it should become "increasingly accretive" after then.

The deal comes after a similar partnership with Morrisons was agreed in 2013. The two retailers agreed to extend that agreement last year.

Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at ETX Capital, said: "It's what investors have been waiting for: Ocado has at long last agreed an international deal with a retailer that it's been promising to deliver for over a year and a half.

"This is good news for sure. Investors have shown a great deal of patience and while the rewards from this agreement won't be immediately forthcoming, it bodes well for the future.

"Investors should be relatively hopeful that this is just the first of a slew of new deals around Europe."

However, he also warned that investors should watch "how much the technology push eats up cash and whether these deals increase the burn".

He added: "They will also need to beware a potential slowdown in the UK retail market."
Former model turned mental health counsellor Caroline McMenamin has a prevailing memory from her childhood - being afflicted by anxiety and the debilitating effects of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - which involves her common black patent leather school shoes.

"Every morning, before going to school," she recalls. "I would obsess over the tightness of my shoelaces and spend hours ensuring that they were as tight as they could possibly be, to the extent that my little hands were red raw when I was done.

"It was the same every morning. If, in the end, my shoelaces felt just right, then I believed that my day would be good. God forbid if they didn't.

"I remember standing in my bedroom, crying as I stared down at the frayed laces. I had no idea that I was suffering from OCD."

Born and raised in Londonderry, Caroline remarkably recalls a "happy" childhood, despite her ongoing mental health issues. She attended St Mary's College, loved to sing and enjoyed spending time with her sister Elaine and brother Tony.

From the age of four, however, when she felt the first sensations of anxiety creep into her every day life, Caroline learned to live with what she innocently described then as "the bad feeling". It would govern her existence for 17 years until she was diagnosed and medicated aged 21.

"The World Health Organisation lists OCD as one of the world's top 10 debilitating disorders and I can attest to that," she says. "OCD is often misconstrued as a condition that relates to an individual's obsession with cleaning, for example, and while contamination fear is a big and debilitating part of the illness, there is so much more to its definition.

"If everyone knew how sinister OCD really is, we wouldn't use it as a word to casually describe a harmless quirk or innocent need for symmetry."

While Caroline daily fretted over shoelaces and lived with a plethora of other irrational fears, her particular form of OCD manifested itself mostly through intrusive thoughts, a common symptom for sufferers.

"I was so plagued by intrusive thoughts and panic that I didn't want to live anymore," she says.

Expand Close Loving life: Caroline at a wedding with her boyfriend Stephen Cleary, who lives in Germany so the couple enjoy a long-distance relationship between Londonderry and Nuremberg / Facebook

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Whatsapp Loving life: Caroline at a wedding with her boyfriend Stephen Cleary, who lives in Germany so the couple enjoy a long-distance relationship between Londonderry and Nuremberg

"I'd constantly be bombarded by thoughts and images of the most vile, sick and twisted scenarios. It was crippling because those thoughts and images went against the person I was.

"I'd obsess over why I had those thoughts but I would never find an answer.

"That's because OCD is a bottomless pit that keeps getting darker and darker and harder to come back from.

"Every human gets nonsensical, fleeting thoughts and images now and again, but someone with an anxious disposition, like myself, can react to those thoughts, personalise them and believe them. That's when they wreak havoc."

Throughout her teens, Caroline attempted to live a normal life, going out with friends to gigs, listening to her favourite rock bands, indulging in the odd alcoholic drink.

"I was surviving and was able to keep the anxiety managed. But when I was stressed, the OCD would spike and my anxiety would be unbearable. It felt like I was living with an invisible monster," she says.

She began modelling aged 15, citing her bright red hair as the reason behind her popularity among photographers and agencies.

She took part in catwalk shows all around Ireland and featured in fashion shoots for magazines and television.

"The whole experience improved my confidence and introduced me to new friends," she adds.

"But it was a novelty, really. I never took it too seriously. How could I when I was constantly consumed with what was going on inside? Plenty of times I'd be sat in a chair having my make-up done while trying to stave off a panic attack."

In spite of a culture of silence surrounding mental health at the time - "Nobody spoke about it; I didn't know what was wrong with me" - Caroline regularly visited her GP with parents Teresa and Tony in tow, without ever truly getting to the bottom of her affliction.

Shortly after her 21st birthday, however, after refusing to leave her GP's office without further tests, she was finally given as assessment in Adult Psychological Therapies.

"And I broke down," she recalls. "I cried. I vented. I verbalised everything. I pleaded for help.

"It was then that I was diagnosed with OCD and prescribed Sertraline, an anti-depressant," Caroline adds.

She is not at all sheepish about discussing her medication, which she describes as "empowering".

Expand Close Better times: Caroline McMenamin takes a stroll along the River Foyle in her native city / Facebook

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Whatsapp Better times: Caroline McMenamin takes a stroll along the River Foyle in her native city

"Some people see medication as a form of defeat. Not me," she says. "Medication helps me be more me. You wouldn't deprive a diabetic of their insulin, nor should you deprive someone with OCD of their medication, especially if it considerably increases their quality of life."

Having graduated with a drama degree in 2000, Caroline was so consumed by a desire to further understand and combat the effects of OCD and anxiety that she returned to Queen's University in 2011 to study for a post grad in Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, and subsequently attained an Associate Degree in Integrative Counselling from the University of Ulster and North West Regional College in 2014.

These days, Caroline delivers mental health well-being workshops across Northern Ireland and further afield through her Replenish programme and will be recognisable to many through her online Red Dutchess persona.

"Initially I was on the blogging bandwagon by posting content on fashion and make-up," she admits.

"I still love fashion, but I felt I had so much more to say, so I changed my approach. I spoke openly about my struggle with OCD, but also used my professional experience and training to give some guidance.

"Through my fashion work, I knew that people would assume that my life was carefree and easy, but lots of my users were surprised to discover that I've been living with OCD for so many years.

"People assume that people suffering with mental health issues have a certain look - that people look how they feel - but obviously that isn't always the case."

Each Monday at 8pm, Caroline offers a free Facebook Live video clinic in which she answers user's questions and gives one-to-one advice.

"I get requests to talk about topics such as depression, eating disorders and how to help a loved one with their mental health, and it's the most rewarding, humbling and fulfilling process.

"By Tuesday morning my video views are at 6,000, on average, and I spend all day replying to messages and comments. I encourage people to private message me so that I can signpost them onto the organisation or charity that I feel would help them most.

"Mental health awareness is my passion and I won't stop until people know that there is always hope."

She has come a long way since her own diagnosis and agrees that her OCD and anxiety now have much less of an impact on her life than they previously did. She is still on medication and takes "specific self-care steps" to ensure that she doesn't fall ill again, but she is happy to have left her darkest days behind.

Finding love has helped with that. Caroline has been dating 27-year-old fellow Derry native Stephen Cleary since 2014, whom she met through social media.

"No, not on Tinder," she laughs. "I actually stumbled across his profile on Instagram while I was at the hairdressers. It's quite a nice story, in fact.

"Stephen lives in Germany, where he works for Adidas, so we have a long distance relationship. Initially we talked on Skype and then we met up in Dublin and really hit it off.

"We have been together ever since and usually meet up every three weeks, whether it's in Derry, his home in Nuremberg, or somewhere else in the world.

"I've blogged about it, about how I discovered his sense of humour in Australia and he my interest in history in Rome.

"He's an unbelievable guy, an absolute gentleman, and he's very handsome. He backs me 100% in everything I do and we plan to live together very soon. But for now, we're just living in the moment."

That is something that Caroline has become used to over the years - appreciating the here and now, trying not to stress too much about what's around the corner - and it has served her well, so much so that she even took the brave step to appear in a film last year.

She says: "It was called Taking Off The Mask, and it highlighted mental health in Derry in particular and how it is perceived here.

"I was lucky enough to have University of Ulster drama students help me stage a panic attack in the middle of Guildhall Square to see the public's reaction to blatant mental health distress and the results were surprising. You can see it on my YouTube channel.

"The conversation on mental health has just begun, really, and we need more voices to join that conversation.

"Thankfully, I've now become the person that my four-year-old self needed when mental health dialogue was non-existent. I hope to help many more young people in the years ahead."
Q. You are one of our youngest MLAs. Is your youth of benefit to you in today's political arena because you don't come with baggage from the past?

A. I think younger people can have baggage, as much as older people. Certainly, bringing a more youthful perspective is as useful as someone older bringing a more experienced perspective.

I do think I see the value and opportunity in Northern Ireland and in the people within it and how we can move forward.

I don't necessarily have the same connections to the past as older members and I do think that is an opportunity to catch hold of.

A lot of the reforms we were doing in Government won't happen overnight, they will happen in five or 10 years. Therefore I think someone of my age and my generation should be part of these conversations, so I do think youth helps.

Q. Although you are very strong about being an independent and not belonging to any political party, who do you admire as a politician?

A. I do admire the strong women that are in the Assembly, whether that is Michelle O'Neill, the leader of Sinn Fein, Claire Hanna (SDLP), some of the great women the Ulster Unionist Party had but unfortunately lost in the most recent election and the likes of Pam Cameron (DUP).

I do admire that, because it isn't easy being a woman in politics, but I do think they hold themselves with grace and they move forward for the needs of their constituency and that's good leadership moving forward.

I work with everyone, these are my colleague ... that's my job.

Q. Who is your best Catholic friend?

A. I don't know. I don't ask my friends what their religion is. That is a really funny question to ask. I don't know, I honestly don't know. That is a bizarre question. I don't think of my friends as having a particular religion.

Q. What was life like in the Sugden house when you were growing up?

A. I grew up in a relatively big family. I have three sisters and a brother and we grew up in Coleraine.

We are very close, I see my family pretty much every day and I talk to them every day.

They have been very supportive of me in my career, both as an MLA and then as Justice Minister.

We have had a few difficulties over the past year, but we have all come together and we are very supportive of each other. I wouldn't be without them.

Q. Your father was a prison officer; were you aware of the risk and threats there would have been to his life and did that impact on your childhood?

A. We grew up with it and we grew up with what was happening in Northern Ireland, so we didn't really know any different.

My mother and father were very good at protecting us if there were any troubles or difficulties.

As children, it wouldn't have been so apparent to us, but you couldn't get away from it when you were younger in Northern Ireland.

We saw what was happening in the cities like Belfast and Derry, but my parents were very good at protecting us.

I don't recall ever being frightened, I remember being interested, which is maybe what led me on to politics in Northern Ireland, but I was very lucky in the childhood that I had.

I had a great family and I felt very safe and comfortable.

Q. You have recently become engaged to Andy Anderson, who has been a big part of your life for a long time. Tell us about Andy, where did you meet and was it love at first sight?

A. Andy worked in the restaurant where I was a waitress. He and I probably knew each other for two or three years before we began dating.

I wasn't really interested at first, but he courted me and I eventually agreed to go on a date with him and 11 years later we are engaged a year and hope to get married within the next two years.

Andy is wonderful, he is my rock and is the only person who knows me better than I know myself. He is my better half and I love him dearly.

Q. Have you begun planning your wedding yet?

A. No, we haven't. We got engaged in March last year and then I got elected the following May. Then shortly after that I became Justice Minister and it was a crazy year, so we haven't started planning yet.

We hope to set a date for 2018, but we will see.

Q. What are your interests outside of politics, how do you relax, or do you relax?

A. No, because you are always on the job, but the past couple of months have been the quietest for me since becoming an MLA.

I normally just have down-time with Andy, I do tend to walk a lot. I live in a beautiful part of Northern Ireland, up on the north coast, and we tend to walk the beaches a lot.

I like to try and keep a Saturday to myself when I can get the house tidy, get the washing on. I find housework a little bit therapeutic, I like the thought of getting my seven loads of washing done, getting them out to dry.

I have become my mother, I think.

Q. You were returned as an MLA with an increased vote after considering not standing at all. How much did that mean to you?

A. That was really important to me. Last year when I was elected I made a promise that I would be there for five years, so I thought the least I could do for my constituents was to stand and fight for them and they rewarded me for that with a much increased vote.

It was difficult to enjoy it because of the difficult political situation we were in then, but I was really humbled by it.

Q. Why were you considering not standing? At the time it was clear it wasn't an idle threat. You were very serious.

A. The reason I took the seat when my predecessor died was because I really do want to help people and the way we do that in politics is by having a Government that works towards better public services for the people of Northern Ireland.

When the Government was brought down at the beginning of the year, it made me question why were we actually doing this. What is the point of standing for election again, because we can't actually do the job that people expect of us when they put their number one or number two on the ballot paper.

It was a sense of frustration for me in that I couldn't see us moving forward, because Northern Ireland has come so far, but the whole thing could be brought down because of scandals within political parties.

It is a disgrace, because they are putting themselves before they are putting the people of Northern Ireland, and that's not why I got into it and it is why I am an independent.

Q. Stormont is at an impasse, how much is that frustrating you?

A. It is terrible, especially when I think of the number of wonderful things we could have done in terms of politics within the justice department.

I was hoping to move through the various stages of legislation in respect of domestic abuse offences, which undoubtedly will change people's lives. We saw a recent domestic homicide where a woman lost her life and the family around that will be greatly impacted. That starts with coercive control, which was the legislation we were trying to put through - that and a number of other things, it is frustrating.

While Stormont is in impasse, I am in my constituency office every day and we are definitely feeling the repercussions of not having the Government up and running. The same response we are getting from the Government departments, which seem to exist in a caretaking role, is that "we can't move forward on this because we don't know what our budget is going to be from month to month, so we can't give you a decision".

That is the most frustrating thing. While the politics are stagnant the public services are also stagnant and unfortunately hospital doors still have to open, schools still have to open. Life still goes on, but politicians don't seem to grasp that.

Q. Are you, or have you been involved in, the talks to get Stormont up and running again?

A. I think the two main parties that I work with in Government have been very good at keeping me up to date.

I have met with them on a number of occasions during the talks period, to see if there was a way we could find a solution moving forward.

I was in the Ministry just nine months, but I did get a sense of how we could take that department forward and deal with a lot of contentious issues that were being talked about which did fall within the remit of the Department of Justice, so I was quite keen to help the two main parties find a solution.

While I appreciate the five main parties are talking, ultimately it is up to the two main parties to decide if they want to form a Government or not.

Q. Do you think that is achievable, do you think a deal can be struck?

A. I don't think there are any big issues here.

I think ultimately what they need to do is work on their relationship, which will not happen until the Westminster election is over, because obviously they all have their game faces on and I think anything said in this period should be taken with a pinch of salt. I do think they need to step ahead so they can find a solution within the three-week period they have, but I don't know if a deal can be struck.

I think it has been one of those years where anything can happen.

Ultimately, yes, there will be specifics about any sort of an agreement, but it is about trying to rebuild the relationship between the DUP and Sinn Fein, who will be the two main parties in Government.

I think with what both have said, they have backed themselves into corners, so I think it will be difficult for them to move forward, but if they are genuine in what they are saying and this is about the people who follow them, then they have to find a way to move forward.

Each of them will not get 100% of what they want, but that is what politics is - it is about compromise and about finding a solution that works for as many people as is possible.

Q. Do you want to go back as Justice Minister?

A. I have been quite open about the fact I would like to finish the job I started, but I appreciate this is much bigger than I am.

Certainly I am keen to see the Executive up and running, but whether I am part of that or not I don't know.

I do think as an independent Justice Minister I really did bring something new to the table.

I didn't bring party politics, I didn't bring baggage, therefore I looked at each issue on merit.

I am quite willing to compromise on certain things and I think that is what politics should be about, it should be for the greater good and what we can do for the best.
In the alarming event that the general election produces a hung parliament, expect the republican movements inner circle to respond to its friend Jeremy Corbyns plea for help by having Gerry Adams (and appropriate sidekicks) fly to London for talks before calling an emergency party meeting to approve Sinn Fein taking its seats in Westminster.

The troops would vote the right way when they learned that a close relationship with a Corbyn government would be dreadful news for unionists and most southern politicians.

Republicans are dismayed that Leo Varadkar will be Taoiseach.

Not only has he said he wont extend an olive branch to Sinn Fein  the greatest threat to our democracy and our prosperity as a state  but hes also anxious to work with constructive politicians north and south to help restore the Executive and find solutions to problems posed by Brexit.

Worse again, he and Arlene Foster overlapped as tourism ministers for more than three years and got on well.

So whats not to like about changing the rules to help elect a hardline socialist British Prime Minister who has been close to IRA and Sinn Fein leaders since the early 1980s, regards a united Ireland as sacred dogma and has had nothing to do with the SDLP, unionists or democratic southern politicians?

Just in case you havent been following whats been going on across the Irish Sea, you should know that Jezza, that amiable grandad figure who loves peace and his allotment, actually hates the West, has flirted with a bevy of its enemies including Vladimir Putin, Hamas and Hezbollah, and has surrounded himself with an appalling cabal who despise and loathe their own country and love its enemies.

As recently as 2013, John McDonnell, the Marxist Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, exulting in London riots, called for insurrection against capitalism.

The Stalinist journalist Seamus Milne, whom Mr Corbyn appointed as Executive Director of Strategy and Communications, has written eloquently in support of an array of dictators and demagogues that in recent times included such mass murderers of their own people as Slobodan Milosevic and Bashar al-Assad.

Then theres Andrew Murray, until last December a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain, who has expressed his solidarity with North Korea and is now the Labour Partys campaign manager.

And lets not forget Diane Abbott, Shadow Home Secretary, who earnestly explained on television that Mao Zedong  who through purges and famine murdered around 60,000,000 Chinese  did more good than harm.

All of them, of course, were enthusiastically pro-IRA: Ms Abbott said on the record that every defeat of the British state is a victory for all of us.

(Shes tried to explain this away on the grounds that she said it 34 years ago, however not only was she 30 at the time and with a degree from Cambridge University financed by the tax payer, but she had worked for three years as a graduate trainee in the Home Office). Its been annoying for Messrs Corbyn and McDonnell and Ms Abbott that  especially in the light of the inconveniently timed Manchester bomb  people are making a fuss about their support over many decades for those wreaking havoc with bombs and bullets on the mainland as well as Northern Ireland.

Theyve taken refuge in claims they hobnobbed with the Provos only because they were working for dialogue and peace.

Some dialogue, when you associate with the terrorists and their apologists and ignore their victims.

In 1996, The Guardian said that in giving Irish republicans a publicity platform after the Canary Wharf bomb, Mr Corbyn demonstrated that he was a fool who lacked wider political and moral judgment and had a predilection for gesture politics.

Recently, the SDLPs Seamus Mallon  Northern Irelands first Deputy First Minister  said bluntly that Mr Corbyn very clearly took the side of the IRA[which] was incompatiblewith working for peace.

Buoyed by the polls, the Adams inner circle will already be drawing up the blueprint for the concessions to be immediately granted to Northern Ireland republicans by a Corbynite Secretary of State.

All decent Irish people must hope it will be wasted labour.
DUP leader Arlene Foster has dismissed claims by Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill that the DUP have given up on power-sharing with nationalists in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Foster says it's not her party but Sinn Fein whose demands are preventing the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland.

She was responding to comments posted online by the Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland over the weekend.

Ms O'Neill claimed the DUP had issued "a whole new series of conditions" to be met before the Assembly and Executive resume operations.

Expand Close Sinn Fein leader for Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sinn Fein leader for Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill (Brian Lawless/PA)

When asked by the Belfast Telegraph to comment on the remarks, Ms Foster stated: "Devolution is best for Northern Ireland. I would like to see the Assembly and Executive restored immediately.

"Unlike Sinn Fein, the DUP has no red-lines or preconditions to the restoration of devolution. Sinn Fein set down a list of demands during the Assembly election. That list has been getting longer since then."

Ms Foster also called on Sinn Fein to compromise, warning that a failure to do so would lead to the return of direct rule.

She said: "Any negotiations should be quite separate from the restoration of the Executive. The DUP manifesto sets out tests against which any deal would be weighed.

"If Sinn Fein is serious about restoring devolution then I would be happy to sit down with Michelle ONeill today and start the process immediately. If Sinn Fein continue on their current path and refuse to compromise then it will inevitably lead to Direct Rule. I would much prefer to see local Ministers back in position taking decisions for the good of Northern Ireland."

Dup 'living in denial' - O'Neill

Writing for Eamonn Mallie's website , Ms O'Neill said: "The re-establishment of the Executive is a matter of agreeing the implementation of previous agreements. It could and should happen without delay.

"It now appears that DUP support for the Executive has a whole new series of conditions.

"Their Westminster manifesto sets out five tests for the negotiations and ten commitments. All, from a party that says, it has no red lines for agreement."

The latest developments, the mid-Ulster MLA said, "make reaching agreement more difficult and read like a manifesto for a return to British direct rule".

She continued: "It appears that the DUP has given up on power sharing with nationalists and republicans in favour of Tory rule.

"They are either living in denial about the step change that is required or have made the judgement that they would rather have Tory direct rule ministers than equal partnership Government based on the principles of the Good Friday Agreement."

Power-sharing talks are due to resume after the General Election.
A teenager accused of murdering Christopher Meli in Belfast can be released on bail, a High Court judge ruled today.

Caolan Laverty, 18, allegedly fought with the young father and kicked him as he was put in the recovery position amid violent confrontations in December 2015.

Laverty, of Broom Park Heights in Dunmurry, is the youngest of three people charged with 20-year-old Mr Meli's murder.

He had been returned to custody in March for breaching curfew and alcohol conditions in an incident where a car registered to him was discovered on fire.

But Mr Justice Treacy said he was granting bail once more "by the slimmest of margins" based on his behaviour at the youth detention centre and potential delays in any trial.

Detectives believe up to 20 youths were involved in clashes that led to the victim suffering fatal head injuries at Doc's Lane in the Twinbrook estate.

One line of enquiry is that the murder victim and his friends were targeted in retaliation for a clash outside a kebab shop on the Stewartstown Road earlier the same night.

Mr Meli was said to have been located, knocked to the ground and then repeatedly punched and kicked about the head.

A previous court heard Laverty told police during initial interviews that he punched him twice in self-defence.

The second strike was said to have been delivered with the aim of "putting him down" after the first blow had no effect.

However, Laverty then produced a prepared statement retracting those admissions, claiming they were untrue and only made up to help out others.

He denied any assault on Mr Meli.

But prosecution counsel said others have alleged Laverty was involved in a one-on-one fight with the deceased at the location his body was found.

Witnesses claimed that while Mr Meli was being tended to by passers-by on the ground and placed in the recovery position, Laverty ran forward and kicked him in the stomach area.

Another at the scene alleged they heard the defendant shout "Come on, we'll get knives and go after him", and join the crowd pursuing Mr Meli.

In court today Mr Justice Treacy cited a report praising Laverty's enthusiasm for education at the detention centre.

He also pointed to support being offered by the Youth Justice Agency and a 1,000 cash surety put up by the accused's family.

Granting bail under curfew and electronic monitoring, the judge warned: "If he breaches again he will go back into custody and stay there for however long it takes for the trial to take place." ends
Amy Webster from Londonderry was caught up in the London attacks on Saturday night. [Photo: Amy Webster]

A 26-year-old woman from Northern Ireland who survived the terror attack in London on Saturday night also cheated death two years ago on Mount Everest.

Amy Webster, from Londonderry, and her boyfriend Ryan Davies were at a restaurant in Borough Market when three men armed with knives burst in and stabbed a woman near the door.

Seven people died and 48 were injured, 21 critically on Saturday night, after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge and three men wearing fake suicide vests went on a rampage, stabbing anyone in their path.

Police shot all three attackers dead within minutes of the first alert being raised.

Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Ms Webster said she and her partner Ryan had gone out for a few drinks and decided to have a meal.

Ten minutes after they went into a restaurant in Borough Market, the horror unfolded.

"We thought it looked like a brawl. There was glasses being chucked around and bottles." Ms Webster recalled.

Some people were throwing chairs and people at the back of the restaurant started screaming and running to the far back, away from it. So we started running. - NI witness

"It wasn't until after a couple of minutes that they managed to get the guys out of the restaurant and close the shutters. "

As Ms Webster and her partner came back into the restaurant, they learned that a woman had been stabbed.

"Three men had come in with knives and stabbed a girl next to the door.

"But people reacted so quickly. I couldn't believe how quickly people reacted - throwing chairs and just trying to get the people out.

"My partner saw one of the attackers briefly. He saw a man holding up a big knife that was about a foot and a half long and waving it about. He just saw it for a split second."

Evacuating the restaurant, Ms Webster added, was "almost the scariest part" as they had to walk past bars that had also been attackied.

"There was a lot of blood on the ground. There were people still in the bars who were injured and were being treated.

"And there were people in the bars who weren't being treated yet.

"We had to walk for a couple of hundred meters around the perimeter of borough market before we could get away.

"It just felt like chaos.

"We just keep recounting all the things that we were really lucky that we did do or that we didn't do.

"There's no point thinking 'What if'."

Saturday night's horror was the couple's second lucky escape.

In April 2015, they were on their way to base camp on Mount Everest when they had to turn back because Mr Davies took ill.

One hour later, the camp was buried in an avalanche.
A waitress from Northern Ireland has told of her terror during the horrific weekend attack in London, describing it as "one of the scariest nights of my life".

Cookstown woman Alex Reid was working as a waitress at one of the restaurants right in the middle of the area where the attacks were taking place.

She posted an emotional message on Facebook yesterday, saying she never thought she would have been caught up in such an incident.

"I have no words for the events that happened on London Bridge last night," she wrote.

"I never thought I would be in the middle of something like that, having to keep a restaurant of people calm when you're full on freaking out.

"It had to have been one of the scariest nights of my life."

Model Rebekah Wallace (24), from Portadown, was staying in a Travelodge hotel just yards from the scene of Saturday's terror attack.

She and colleague Gerard Lavery from the CMPR model agency had been working on a film shoot in the capital.

They were planning to celebrate after wrapping up the assignment when the terrorists began their rampage.

"It was scary. We were all on edge. We could hear the sirens. At least 10 ambulances passed us heading towards London Bridge - and within five minutes all the local bars were closed, and the Tube lines were closed too.

"It was really strange. One minute everything was normal, next minute everything was like a ghost town. The mood completely changed."

Gerard (23) said the CMPR team had been socialising in the Borough Market area the night before the attack.

"It was a very sociable area, very cosmopolitan, everybody was friendly," he said.

But everything changed when the terrorists struck.

"We'd just left the hotel when everything went in to lockdown - Tubes, taxis, everything,

"It was crazy. Ambulances were coming flying by, police and ambulances constantly. We didn't really understand the scale of what was going on.

"It was just really kind of scary seeing it all," the Magherafelt man added.

It was only later that he realised he and his colleagues were at the centre of a terrorist attack.

"You never really think you're going to be that person," he said.

"But you can't live your life in fear. You really can't. That's what I've gathered from it - but it's still really a lot to take in.

"It's been pretty mad."

Another visitor to the capital, Pamela, from Belfast, had been on the London Underground with her 12-year-old son when the attacks took place. "We had been on the Underground when it happened and had been due to get off at London Bridge but the Tube didn't stop and went on to the next stop," she told BBC Radio Five Live. "So we got off at the next stop to try and figure out where we were going to go.

"They then shouted evacuate, evacuate and we all had to run up the stairs - that was probably the most frightening thing."

They had been staying at the Ibis hotel in Southwark, but when they returned there, it was evacuated by police.

"We had just got through the cordons into the hotel when the police rushed in and told everyone to get out and set the fire alarms off and sent us all out," she told the BBC.

"We went out to run across the bridge, they just kept shouting 'run, run'.

"So we all just ran across the bridge.

"It was terrible.

"The Crown Plaza Hotel put us up on the floor, there was about 100 people, we slept on the floor with towels around us last night.

"We have had no sleep, obviously we are exhausted but at least we are safe."

People staying in the Premier Inn Bankside crossed Southwark Bridge to a nearby hotel.

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.
Decebal Mihai was detained after searches were carried out at Kenlis Street and a property on Belfast's Newtownards Road

A man accused of trafficking and controlling up to four prostitutes operating in parts of Northern Ireland must remain in custody, a High Court judge ruled on Monday.

Decebal Mihai, 28, was refused bail amid claims he exploited women who earned in excess of 125,000 from a sex trade centred in Banbridge, Co Down and Belfast.

Prosecutors also disclosed that police believe there may be other victims of the same alleged vice racket.

Mihai, a Romanian national of Kenlis Street in Banbridge, and his 20-year-old brother Spartacus, from Henly Road in Ilford, Essex, are jointly charged with controlling prostitution, human trafficking and concealing, converting and transferring criminal property.

They were detained after searches were carried out at Kenlis Street and a property on Belfast's Newtownards Road on May 25.

According to police four women were rescued from the two locations.

But all four refuse to co-operate with the investigation and have turned up at court appearances in support of the defendants.

The brothers were allegedly observed driving women to clients for sex, including trips to hotels, according to the prosecution.

Further research was said to have uncovered bank accounts and moneygram transfers of cash to Romania.

Crown lawyer Conor Maguire claimed 100,000 earned from the prostitutes over a three-year period was deposited in Northern Ireland.

A further 26,000 was said to have been wired to Romania.

One alleged victim transferred more than 12,000 to Decebal Mihai, while a second sent him over 10,000, the court heard.

A telephone account registered to the older brother is linked to seven different escort websites, it was claimed.

At one point he was allegedly stopped in a car with two women who each had boxes of condoms and 300 and 160 in cash in their bags.

Decebal Mihai denies all charges against him, insisting he was unaware any women at his address were working as prostitutes.

He told police that since moving to Northern Ireland he earned money as a labourer or working at a car wash.

Opposing bail, however, Mr Maguire said: "Police are concerned that there are other females out there potentially controlled by this applicant and his brother.

"There are currently investigating that, there's quite a substantial amount of telephone evidence to be checked through."

Defence counsel accepted a prima facie case has been established against his client, but stressed the alleged involvement in a crime gang was denied.

Refusing bail, Madam Justice McBride cited the risks of flight and interference with the investigation.
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.
Democracy will not be thwarted by terrorism, Arlene Foster has said in the wake of the London attack.

The leaders of Northern Ireland's main parties will restart their election campaigns today after suspending them yesterday for the day as a mark of respect to the victims.

Joining other political leaders in their expression of sympathy for the families of those killed, DUP leader Mrs Foster said: "Northern Ireland stands with the people of London."

The former First Minister offered prayers for those who had been bereaved and injured, saying the people of London had been challenged once again by evil.

"Terrorism depends upon fear and is the enemy of democracy," Mrs Foster said.

"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."

She praised the security services, police and emergency services for their swift response and bravery.

Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann said: "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."

Alliance leader Naomi Long has said people must remain strong following the attacks.

"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," she said.

"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.

"It is difficult to comprehend the mindset of those who would carry out this terror against people simply out enjoying their weekend.

"Despite last night's 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."

PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton also extended his condolences to the victims.

"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."

The "horrendous attacks" were condemned by Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

"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," he said.

The party's leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, also condemned the attacks.

She said Sinn Fein cancelled all election activity yesterday "apart from local canvassing" as a mark of respect to those killed and injured.
Neighbours of one of the suspected terrorists involved in the London attacks  who recognised him from a picture in which he appears to be wearing an Arsenal shirt and a fake suicide bomb vest  have spoken of their shock.

The photo appeared to show two of the suspects lying on the ground after they were shot by police, with the one in the foreground wearing an Arsenal away shirt under camouflage clothing.

Seven people were killed and at least 48 injured, 21 of them critically, by the three terrorists before they were killed by police.

People living in a flats in King Road, Barking, east London, were woken early on Sunday morning by an armed police raid in connection with the attack.

Residents who spoke to the Mirror anonymously said he was known as Abbs and that he appeared quiet and unassuming.

Construction worker Seva Litvjakovs (35), who lives in the block that was raided, said: I looked on Twitter and saw one of the terrorists who had been shot by police and he looked 90% like my neighbour  he was even wearing the same Arsenal shirt that I had seen him in at 5pm that evening.

I only had a normal neighbour relationship with him, but he always smiled and said hello.

One resident said he had reported one of the attackers to police after he believed he had become radicalised by videos on YouTube.

The three attackers drove a van at pedestrians on London Bridge before indiscriminately stabbing people with large knives.

The terrorists were shot dead within eight minutes of the start of the attack but had managed to fatally wound or kill seven people and injure at least 48 others.

Gabriele Sciotto, who took the photograph, said he witnessed the men trying to attack people in the crowds, before officers shot them.

There were three men. Policemen were trying to pull the attackers off the crowd ... then I saw them being shot, said Mr Sciotto. I couldnt tell who was dead or who was alive. Im glad Im alive.

Mark Rowley, Scotland Yards Assistant Commissioner, said the attackers had worn fake suicide bomb vests with canisters strapped to their backs in an attempt to deter police officers from approaching them.

It did not work. Four police officers, including an off-duty officer and one armed with a baton, were injured as they tried to tackle the terrorists before armed colleagues arrived.

Meanwhile, PSNI officers have been patrolling airports and train and bus stations across Northern Ireland. Posting photos on Facebook, the force said its Tactical Support Group, Armed Response and Dog Section had been providing reassurance.

The PSNI also suggested this would be a more common occurrence. Chances are you will see a few more of us out and about over the next while. We are here first and foremost to provide reassurance to our local community so please feel free to come over and have a chat, it said.
People with their hands on their heads flee the scene of the attack

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)

Police opened fire with an "unprecedented" hail of 50 bullets to kill three knifemen whose eight-minute wave of terror in central London left seven people dead and 21 fighting for their lives.

The terrorists brought carnage to the streets of the capital, mowing down pedestrians with a van on London Bridge before stabbing a police officer and revellers around Borough Market with 12in blades. One of the attackers shouted "this is for Allah" as he knifed a man near a pub. Saturday night's atrocity was the third terrorist outrage to hit the country this year.

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The three attackers, wearing fake suicide bomb vests, were shot dead by eight officers outside a pub, while a bystander was injured when they were accidentally hit by a stray bullet.

Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a stark assessment of the threat facing the UK, saying that although there was no direct link between the three incidents, "terrorism breeds terrorism".

People from around the world were caught up in the incident as hundreds cowered in pubs and restaurants, barricading themselves inside as the attackers stalked the streets.

Tales of heroism emerged in the aftermath, with one British Transport Police officer taking on the trio armed only with his baton before being stabbed in the head, face and leg.

Forty-eight people were left in hospital, 21 critically injured.

Canadian authorities confirmed one of its citizens had died, while French officials said a French person too was among the dead, another is missing and four are seriously injured in hospital.

As counter-terrorism police units and security services launched a huge investigation for the third time in a matter of weeks, officers arrested 12 people in raids on flats in east London.

Expand Close Members of the public leave the area at London Bridge Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Members of the public leave the area at London Bridge

Witnesses to Saturday night's attack said the terrorists deliberately drove into pedestrians on London Bridge shortly after 10pm, in the same way as Westminster Bridge attacker Khalid Masood.

Attacking people after abandoning the van, they headed to Borough Market where the pubs and restaurants were packed with Saturday night crowds, many watching the Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid in Cardiff.

One woman, Elizabeth O'Neill, said her son Daniel was approached by one of the men who said, 'this is for my family, this is for Islam', before sticking a knife in him.

The 23-year-old was left with a seven-inch wound from his stomach to his back, and was saved by a friend who applied a tourniquet.

With her son being treated in King's College Hospital, Mrs O'Neill condemned the terrorists as "callous and barbaric", saying: "These people say they are doing it in the name of god which is an absolute joke."

Cordons remained in place around much of London Bridge and Borough Market last night, and sources said the area was expected to remain closed today.

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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

Giving an update on the investigation outside New Scotland Yard, the Met's assistant commissioner, Mark Rowley, said "significant progress" had been made in identifying the attackers. He added that as well as more armed police on patrol across the capital in coming days, "the public will also see increased physical measures in order to keep public safe on London's bridges".

The Government's emergency Cobra committee met yesterday afternoon, for the second time that day, to discuss Saturday night's attack.
A Conservative has topped a list of Westminster politicians who faced the most hostility on Twitter.

Researchers at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston used machine learning software to analyse all the tweets sent to MPs between December 22 and May 9.

A total of 681,084 single @message tweets in English were examined and ranked as either positive, neutral, disagree or hostile.

Expand Close Tim Loughton topped the list. (Gareth Fuller/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Tim Loughton topped the list. (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Conservative Tim Loughton came top of the list for receiving hostile Twitter messages, which spiked after he attended the Baftas and criticised director Ken Loachs speech as pathetic drivel.

He was Tory MP for East Worthing and Shoreham at the time, and is the partys candidate in the General Election on Thursday.

Labours Chi Onwurah was second, dealing with a sharp rise after she tweeted about Prince Philips financial security upon retirement, compared to women with reduced pensions. She is fighting to retain the Newcastle Central seat this week.

Expand Close Chi Onwurah also featured heavily. (David Parry/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Chi Onwurah also featured heavily. (David Parry/PA)

Scotlands only Labour MP in the last parliament, Ian Murray, came third followed by Tory George Freeman, who faced a rise in hostile messages after saying that people with physical disabilities should be prioritised over people with mental health difficulties.

Mr Murray was one of four Scots who featured in the top 10, with Scottish Secretary David Mundell at number five, the SNPs Mhairi Black in sixth place and her party colleague Callum McCaig at number eight.

Researchers found the type of angry messages directed at Scottish MPs tended to differ from their English counterparts, broadly focusing on political issues rather than responding to a specific comment.

Expand Close Labour MP Ian Murray faced a different kind of abuse. (Andrew Milligan/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Labour MP Ian Murray faced a different kind of abuse. (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Mr Murray and Mr Mundell were found to face recurring bouts of extreme hostility, peaking around the triggering of Article 50 in March.

The study found many hostile tweets aimed at Mr Mundell referenced terms including Brexit, EU, independence, union, Scotland, Scottish, unfair, democracy, and referendum.

Those aimed at Mr Murray often referenced Scotland, Corbyn, Brexit, disaster, destroying and independence.

Researcher Amy Binns said: The hostility aimed at the Scottish MPs appears to be of a different type to hostile tweets experienced by MPs in the rest of the UK. It is a more regular feature of their Twitter streams.

It comes in recurring waves, though it is linked to events such as the triggering of Article 50. There seems to be more invective aimed at the Conservative Mr Mundell than the Labour MP Mr Murray.
The world's seas are "under threat as never before," the United Nations Secretary-General has told the group's first oceans conference.

Antonio Guterres told presidents, ministers, diplomats and environmental activists from nearly 200 countries that seas are being severely damaged by pollution, over-fishing and the effects of climate change as well as rubbish.

He cited a recent study that warned discarded plastic rubbish could outweigh fish by 2050 if nothing is done.

Mr Guterres said the aim of the five-day conference is "to turn the tide" and solve the problems that "we created".

He said competing territorial and fights over natural resources have blocked progress for far too long.

"We must put aside short-term national gain to prevent long-term global catastrophe," the Secretary-General said.

The conference, which began on World Environment Day, is the first major event to focus on climate since President Donald Trump announced last Thursday that the US will withdraw from the landmark 2015 Paris Climate Agreement - a decision criticised by Bolivia's President Evo Morales and other speakers.

General Assembly President Peter Thomson, a Fijian diplomat, said "the time has come for us to correct our wrongful ways".

"We have unleashed a plague of plastic upon the ocean that is defiling nature in so many tragic ways," he said. "It is inexcusable that humanity tips the equivalent of a large garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute of every day."

Mr Thomson also warned that illegal and destructive fishing practices and harmful subsidies for fisheries "are driving our fish stocks to tipping points of collapse".

And he said increasing human-caused carbon emissions are not only driving climate change but causing rising sea levels by warming the oceans and making them more acidic with less oxygen which harms marine life.

Mr Thomson said the conference probably represents the best opportunity ever "to reverse the cycle of decline that human activity has brought upon the ocean" and spur action to meet the UN goal for 2030 to conserve and manage the ocean's resources.

The conference asked governments, UN bodies and civil society groups to make voluntary commitments to take action to improve the health of the oceans.

So far, more than 730 commitments have been received, most on managing protected areas, according to conference spokesman Damian Cardona.

At the end of the conference on Friday, nearly 200 countries will issue a Call for Action addressing marine issues which Mr Cardona said has already been agreed.

It urges nations to implement long-term and robust measures to reduce the use of plastics, including plastic bags, and counteract sea-level rise that threatens many island nations as well as rising ocean temperatures and increasing ocean acidity.

Micronesia's president Peter Christian said Pacific islanders are concerned that the ocean has been "left to heal itself" after being used as "a dumping ground for industrial waste," a weapons testing ground, and being polluted by humans on shores and ships at sea.

Stressing the importance of all countries being part of the Paris agreement, Mr Christian said in an apparent reference to Mr Trump's decision: "While some may continue to deny man's culpability for the damaging effects of climate change on islands and islanders... no man, no island, no village and no nation can deny that trash in our oceans is of man's own doing."

"And for this, man must clean up his mess," he said.

Bolivia's Mr Morales was more forthright, telling the conference that the government of the United States, one of the world's "main polluters," decided to leave the Paris Agreement, "denying science, turning your backs on multilateralism and attempting to deny a future to upcoming generations".

This "has made it the main threat to mother earth and life itself," Mr Morales said.

Baron Waqa, president of Nauru, the smallest UN member with just over 10,000 people and a single island of just 21 square kilometres, said the nation's exclusive economic zone is more than 15,000 times larger and its economic survival depends on tuna.

While Nauru and seven neighbouring islands have taken action "to sustainably manage our tuna," Mr Waqa said tuna fishing is still threatened by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing which he said "is a criminal act, akin to piracy, and must be addressed with urgency".

Mr Waqa urged governments, businesses and civil society to support the Tuna 2020 Traceability Declaration to ensure that all tuna products can be tracked from the vessel where the fish is caught to the final buyer.

AP
US president Donald Trump has described the London Bridge terror attack as "horrific" and vowed that "this bloodshed must end".

Mr Trump's remarks, made during a Sunday night fund-raising event at Ford's Theatre in Washington DC, were his first public comments on the atrocity in which seven people died.

Up to now, the president had expressed his views only on Twitter.

Earlier, Mr Trump criticised London's mayor Sadiq Khan after he sought to reassure people about a stepped-up police presence on city streets.

In a series of tweets, President Trump challenged Mr Khan for saying there was "no reason to be alarmed".

Mr Trump also repeated calls for his stalled travel ban, took on gun control supporters and pledged that the United States would be there to help London.

At the fund-raiser Mr Trump said he would do whatever was necessary to protect the United States from a "vile enemy" that had waged war on innocents for too long.

"This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end," he said, with his wife Melania beside him.

Mr Trump made his comments at the conclusion of the event for Ford's Theatre - the scene of one of the most famous acts of bloodshed in American history: the assassination of 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 has waged war on innocent life, and it's gone on too long," Mr Trump said.

"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."

Across the world in Sydney, Australia, US defence secretary Jim Mattis and secretary of state Rex Tillerson pledged unity with America's longtime ally in fighting Islamic extremists who seek to intimidate the West.

"We are united, as I said, in our resolve, even against an enemy that thinks by hurting us they can scare us," Mr Mattis said.

"Well, we don't scare."

In their first joint appearance abroad, Mr Mattis and Mr Tillerson spoke alongside their Australian counterparts at the opening of a joint meeting expected to touch on a range of subjects including defeating the Islamic State group, stabilising Afghanistan and dealing with North Korea's nuclear threats.

Mr Tillerson said the enduring US-Australian alliance would prevail in "this common fight we share against the most heinous of actions we've seen most recently in London yet again".

In the London attack, three men drove a van over London Bridge on Saturday and struck pedestrians before crashing the vehicle outside a pub.

The attackers, wielding blades and knives, ran to nearby Borough Market and stabbed people in several different restaurants.

Seven people were killed and at least 48 were taken to hospital.

Police fired 50 bullets to stop the violence, killing the three attackers and wounding one member of the public.

In her opening remarks, Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop said "countering terrorism" would be high on the meeting's agenda.

"The global terrorist threat is ever evolving, we've seen brutal attacks in a number of European cities, we've thwarted attacks here in Australia, and so we want to discuss with you, the links back into the Middle East, the role we're playing with you in Iraq and Syria and also Afghanistan," she said.

"We are united in our resolve to defeat Isis, the Islamic State terrorist organisation and its ilk."

Australian defence minister Marise Payne said her government was concerned by IS links in Asia and the Pacific.

"For Australia, from our perspective today it's important that we do discuss Isis' links in south-east Asia, violent extremist organisations and the risk that returning foreign fighters who may endeavour to resume positions in their own countries might pose in this region," she said.

"They'll come back with battlefield skills, they'll come back with hardened ideology, they'll come back angry, frustrated, and we need to be very aware of that."

AP
Vladimir Putin says claims about Russian involvement in US elections are untrue and that the United States actively interferes with elections in other countries.

The Russian president has also dismissed as "a load of nonsense" the idea that Russia has damaging information on US President Donald Trump.

"I never met with him. We have a lot of Americans who visit us," Mr Putin said in an interview with US television network NBC's Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly.

He added: "Do you think we're gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something? Are you all - have you all lost your senses over there?"

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia meddled in the presidential election to hurt the bid of Democrat Hillary Clinton. Mr Trump himself has been dogged by questions about any business dealings with Russia as well as reports of a Russian dossier of damaging personal information. Mr Trump denies the claims.

"Well, this is just another load of nonsense," Mr Putin said. "Where would we get this information from? Why, did we have some special relationship with him? We didn't have any relationship at all."

Mr Putin again denied any Russian involvement in the US presidential election and any knowledge of Russian contacts with the Trump campaign. A special counsel appointed by the Justice Department and congressional committees are investigating.

Former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by Mr Trump fired after allegedly asking him to drop an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn and his Russian contacts, is scheduled to give evidence on Thursday before the Senate's intelligence committee.

In the NBC interview, Mr Putin was asked about reports of Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner's attempt to set up a secret communications channel with Russia. Mr Putin said he knew nothing about it and that he had not discussed with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak any meeting with Mr Kushner.

"Had there been anything significant he would have reported it to the minister. The minister would have reported it to me," Mr Putin said. "There weren't even any reports. There's nothing to even talk about. There wasn't even any kind of specific discussion about sanctions or anything else. For me, this is just amazing. You created a sensation out of nothing."

Mr Putin suggested that skilled hackers anywhere, including the US, could shift the blame for hacking onto Russia. He also alleged that the US actively interferes with electoral campaigns of other countries.

"Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal electoral processes," he said.

Mr Putin said the US intelligence agencies had been misled over their findings.

As the Senate prepared for Mr Comey's appearance, Mr Trump appeared unlikely to try to block him from giving evidence. The public hearing is expected to shed light on his private conversations with Mr Trump in the weeks before his dismissal, including any discussion about the Flynn investigation.

There has been no final decision as to whether Mr Trump would invoke executive privilege, and the matter remains under discussion, according to two administration officials. Mr Trump is known to change his mind on major issues.

On Sunday, legislators from both parties urged Mr Trump not to stand in the way of Mr Comey's evidence.

"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," said senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee.

Senator Roy Blunt, a Republican member of the intelligence committee, said Mr Comey's evidence would be critical to address mounting questions about possible obstruction of justice. The Senate intelligence committee has also invited the top spy of the US and law enforcement officials to give evidence on Wednesday at a hearing about the federal law governing foreign intelligence collection. Acting FBI director Andrew McCabe and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein are also expected to give evidence.

For Thursday's hearing, Mr Trump could invoke executive privilege by arguing that discussions with Mr Comey pertained to national security and that he had an expectation of privacy in getting candid advice from top aides. But legal experts say Mr Trump most likely undermined those arguments because he publicly discussed the conversations in tweets and interviews. Mr Trump's argument in favour of privilege may also be overcome because the investigation is focused on corruption and possible obstruction of justice.

AP
Once again terrorists have struck in England, and the sense of shock is reverberating around the UK. Seven people, excluding the terrorists themselves, have died, and 48 others are injured, 21 of whom are in a critical condition.

All terrorist attacks are appalling, but there was something particularly barbaric about this one, when three individuals drove a vehicle into people on London Bridge and then went on a knife rampage.

Barely two weeks after the Manchester atrocity, yet more innocent civilians were targeted as they were enjoying themselves in London on a summer evening.

There could not have been easier targets for those seeking to kill and main.

Terrorist attacks are meant not only to kill and injure people but also to make headlines, and the men and women of violence go to ever more appalling lengths to do so.

Sadly, attacks like this one in London are almost impossible to counter. How can the authorities control all vehicles, and the use of all knives?

There is always the need to balance security with providing access to familiar places, and too many restrictions on movement will only aid the terrorists' aim of disrupting normal life.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister is right to call for tighter security measures, including greater controls on the internet, where these messengers of death and injury can plot their horrific crimes. For far too long this has been an area which has required much more attention from those who are able to devise ways of cutting down the terrorists' means of communication.

Mrs May is also right when she says: "Enough is enough". These people of violence should have no hiding places, on the internet or anywhere else. She is also correct in stressing that things must change, and that there is too much tolerance of extremism in Britain. Others have been saying this for quite some time, but so far their warnings have been largely ignored.

Given the technological expertise available in this country, there is no reason why the war against terrorists should not be waged on the internet as well as on the ground, in the interests of overall security.

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away on the Isle of Barra, the body of Eilidh MacLeod, who was 14, was repatriated after the Manchester bombing. This is a haunting image of a young girl who left a peaceful island to attend a pop concert, and was returned lifeless to her family. This is a tragedy that is beyond words.

Sadly, there will be more funerals in the Manchester area and in London in the near future. Many victims of both atrocities continue to suffer from severe injuries, some of them life-threatening, and many people will be haunted by what has happened in both cities, and elsewhere.

The plight of the badly injured victims is sometimes forgotten when the immediate news impact is taken over by something else.

This state of virtual anarchy, where innocent people are murdered and injured, cannot be allowed to continue. There is a mounting anger across the UK at the continuing bloodshed and violence, and this demands an adequate response from the authorities.

We in Northern Ireland know only too well the importance of showing defiance in the face of violence, and the value of this is incalculable in the war against terrorism.

Today our prayers are with all the families of the dead and injured in London and Manchester, and also with those brave people who have the difficult job of keeping us all safe.
Many have hoped or anticipated that a new generation of republicans would be able to look more critically on the past than the generation which directed the movement through the Troubles. Michelle O'Neill is not that new thinking.

She will not do for Sinn Fein what Khrushchev did for the Communist Party when he broke with the legacy of Stalin.

But he had been elected to lead and she has not. A post was invented for her that had not previously existed - Sinn Fein's Leader in the North, the LIN.

Read More

Initially it seemed she was simply the designated successor of Martin McGuinness, to be the First or Deputy First Minster when and if devolution was restored. Now she is more than that. She is taking the lead in the General Election campaign though she is not actually a candidate. And she is the voice of Sinn Fein's condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London.

She is not the one who can acknowledge the anomaly in that - that within the republican movement, the IRA bombed London many times, so there is a credibility problem when she seeks to damn others for things the IRA also did.

When the inconsistency is mentioned in the media, she is outraged. She seems to think that only someone opposed to peace and reconciliation would liken the past conflict, or war, to attacks by Isis on the British state. For the campaign of the IRA is to be honoured as a legitimate struggle by those who had no alternative.

Maybe some day there will be a Sinn Fein leader who will be able to acknowledge the scepticism so widely held about the decency and justice of the IRA campaign.

But for that to happen, there will have to be open discussion within the party and a vote taken on who might lead and who might speak for the membership.

In order to put that off, the old guard has appointed the LIN and denied the party rank and file any say. That's Michelle O'Neill's job, to forestall the future.
Just three months ago, the people of the north sent a powerful message to the DUP and the British Government. The Assembly election saw the biggest voter turnout since the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Fein received our highest-ever vote - almost 225,000 votes.

The people put their faith in our party in order to make a difference. They do not want a return to the status quo, or business as usual, at Stormont. They want a fundamental step-change and a competent government that will deliver.

The people showed in no uncertain terms that they stood with Martin McGuinness. They supported his decision to call time on the arrogance, on the disrespect and on serious allegations of DUP corruption.

They fundamentally changed the political landscape by ending the so-called permanent unionist majority, opening up new possibilities for progressive politics in the time ahead.

People do not want majorities, or minorities - they want equality and a government that treats citizens fairly and decently and protects, rather than denies, their rights. It was a genuinely historic and ground-breaking election.

Irish unity is now firmly on the agenda and rights and equality have been put centre-stage of the political process. Those are huge achievements. Your vote made a real difference and we must defend those achievements in the Westminster election on Thursday.

We have to continue the momentum for change, because the DUP and the British Government want to reverse it; to maintain the status quo. They want to ignore the stand you took, just as they are ignoring the result of the EU referendum last June.

The clear majority of people in the north voted to remain in Europe, but Theresa May and Arlene Foster are determined to drag us out of the EU against our will.

They can't be allowed to succeed, because Brexit will be a disaster for our economy. It will be a disaster for local business, for farmers and the wider agri-food industry, for the health service, for workers' rights and border communities.

Staying in the EU - a changed EU - is vital to our future prosperity. Sinn Fein is the only party to put forward a credible alternative to Brexit. An alternative which gives effect to your vote to remain.

We proposed that the north secures designated special status within the EU. It is a credible, realisable plan, but the case for it will not be won at Westminster. What makes anyone think the Tories will listen to a handful of MPs from the north, when they are already ignoring the majority of the population?

Sinn Fein is taking the battle against Brexit where it matters - across Ireland and throughout Europe. We have already secured support from the majority of the parties in the Dail for our proposals. Our all-Ireland team of MEPs is working to secure the same at the EU parliament.

We have been engaging with all the other member states and key figures, including the EU's chief negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier. That is how we will win the case for special status within the EU - by taking the fight to where our case will be listened to. Not to the green benches of Westminster to be ignored by a British Prime Minister, who has already dismissed the democratic wishes of the people here and in Scotland.

An enhanced mandate for Sinn Fein helps us to make - and win - that case. It also strengthens our hand in the coming negotiations to restore the power-sharing institutions on the basis set out by Martin McGuinness.

Just as they did three months ago, the people are demanding institutions which operate on the basis of equality, respect and integrity.

They haven't forgotten the RHI scandal, the sectarian decisions on Liofa, bands' funding and community halls. They haven't forgotten the broken and unimplemented agreements. They haven't forgotten that the DUP is the party of Nama and "dark money" from anonymous donors to support Brexit.

Those are the issues which compelled Martin McGuinness to tender his resignation. They need to be addressed and redressed.

That is what Sinn Fein is determined to do in the coming talks and, with your support, achieve what is required for a return to the power-sharing institutions and equal partnership government.

And, as the largest political party on this island, with a strong team in Belfast, Dublin, London and Brussels and across Ireland's 32 counties, we are the only party which is capable of doing that.

We have the opportunity to unite our people and unite our island. The opportunity to build a new, agreed, united Ireland with rights and equality for all.

Your vote is your voice, so make it count. The political stakes are high. What Sinn Fein wins in this election is a win for everyone who wants new, progressive politics, which is modern and inclusive.

We will continue to build bridges through dialogue and reconciliation between all our people. That is the future, which Sinn Fein is asking the people to endorse on June 8.

It is a progressive vision for a prosperous future within an agreed Ireland. This election is an opportunity to stand against borders, against Brexit and against cuts. It is your opportunity to stand for equality, for rights and for unity.

You created history three months ago. On Thursday, you can help create a new future.

Michelle O'Neill is northern leader of Sinn Fein
An Indian army vehicle is parked next to a burning house where two Kashmiri rebels were killed during a gunfight in the Tral area south of Srinagar, May 27, 2017.

Indian security forces claimed they shot dead four suspected Pakistani militants who attempted to attack a paramilitary installation in Indian-administered Kashmir on Monday.

The foiled attack on the headquarters of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in north Kashmirs Sumbal town came two days after suspected Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) separatists ambushed a police party in south Kashmir on Saturday, killing two soldiers, police said.

All four heavily armed militants were gunned down in an intense shootout that lasted around 40 minutes, director general of police S.P. Vaid told BenarNews, while describing the attackers as part of a Pakistani suicide squad.

Four automatic rifles, grenades and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, Vaid said.

They (the attackers) could be members of Laskar-e-Taiba (LeT), he said. LeT is a militant outfit based in Pakistan, which, along with India, claims the whole of the Himalyan region of Kashmir.

The attack came amid heightened tensions between the two countries since the alleged beheadings of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani troops on May 1.

Indian Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh applauded security forces for stopping the attack.

The brave soldiers and officers must be complimented for their alertness and exemplary bravery. This joint operation by security forces has raised (the) morale of forces in the region, Singh said on Twitter.

Anti-India protesters poured out on the streets of the disputed region that has been on edge since a top HM leader, Burhan Wani, was killed by security forces last July.

Hours after Mondays attack, anti-India protesters clashed with security forces, injuring four protesters, police said.

Mondays attack on the CRPF camp was the second suicide attack this year by suspected militants in Muslim-majority Indian Kashmir, where an outbreak of separatist insurgency has claimed more than 70,000 lives since the late 1980s.

On April 27, suspected Pakistani militants stormed the Panzgam army base in north Kashmirs Kupwara district, killing three army soldiers.

LoC flare up

Following a flare-up in cross border skirmishes in the recent past, Indias Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt on Monday spoke to his Pakistani counterpart. Bhatt conveyed serious concerns over the increasing cease-fire violations allegedly by the Pakistan army along the Line of Control (LoC) in Indian Kashmir.

India will take appropriate retaliatory action if the Pakistan army continued to facilitate militant infiltrations or resorted to cross border shelling along LoC, Bhatt told his counterpart, according to Press Trust of India.

India is committed to maintain peace and tranquillity at the LoC, he said.

The DGMO-level talks took place after the local commanders of the two armies spoke Sunday night at Rawlakot-Poonch sector along the LoC. However, during that conversation the Pakistani commander denied having violated the cease-fire, according to a statement issued by Pakistan militarys Inter-Services Public Relations wing.

LoC is the de-facto border dividing the two arch rivals who have fought three full-blown wars over Kashmir, claimed in its entirety by both countries.

On Sunday, the Indian army rejected a video circulated by Pakistan apparently showing attacks by its army on some Indian posts in Kashmir.

A General Engineering Reserve Force worker was killed and two others, including a Border Security Force soldier, were injured as Pakistan allegedly violated the cease-fire and fired mortar shells on Indian forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts on Thursday.

On May 15 and 16, the Pakistan army allegedly bombed civilian areas along the LoC in Rajouri, forcing more than 5,000 people to leave their homes and migrate to safer areas.

Two days earlier, the Pakistani army allegedly pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector, killing two civilians and wounding three others. The top army commanders of the two countries held discussions on May 2, a day after members of Pakistan Border Action Team allegedly sneaked across the LoC in Poonch and beheaded two Indian army soldiers.
Philippine troops observe movements of Islamic State-linked fighters during a lull in fighting in the southern city of Marawi, June 4, 2017.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday offered large bounties for three militant leaders whose Islamic State-linked fighters have been waging bloody gunbattles with government forces in the southern city of Marawi for nearly two weeks.

Military chief Gen. Eduardo Ano said the government had set aside 10 million pesos (U.S. $202, 500) for the capture or killing of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon, the acknowledged leader of Philippine militants who have declared their allegiance to Islamic State (IS).

Duterte also offered 5 million pesos each (U.S. $101, 250) as bounties for brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute, Ano said. The brothers lead a small but brutal armed gang that has backed Hapilons group in the Marawi area battles since May 23.

The president is offering 10 million pesos as reward money for the neutralization of Isnilon Hapilon, Ano said.

In addition, the United States has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the capture of Hapilon, who is on Washingtons list of most-wanted foreign terrorists.

Hapilon, a senior leader of Abu Sayyaf, is believed to be holed up in Marawi. In January this year, he escaped a military strike in his former base in the southern island of Basilan that left him wounded, officials said.

We hope that this will bear significant accomplishments leading to the eventual arrest and neutralization of Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute brothers, Ano said.

Violence ignited 13 days ago when troops and police moved in to arrest Hapilon, who was spotted in Marawi, a mostly Muslim city of 200,000. But they were surprised to find out he was backed by the Maute group, and fighters from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Chechnya, among other countries and regions.

The rebels torched buildings and seized a Catholic priest, who later claimed in a video appeal that he was with 240 other hostages. The presence of that number of hostages could not be verified.

MNLF offer

As the government struggled to end the fighting that has killed at least 180 people, according to information from the military, Duterte announced over the weekend that he had accepted an offer from the leader of the Moro National Liberation Front to help repulse any extremists seeking sanctuary in towns under MNLF control in the southern Philippines.

MNLF leader Nur Misuari has ordered his troops  the able-bodied ones  to fight with government, and I accepted the offer, Duterte told troops in the southern town of Jolo.

Duterte said he told Misuari he was willing to take in about 2,000 MNLF fighters and integrate them into the armed forces of the government.

MNLF, the largest of Muslim separatist groups in the country, fought a war for secession since the 1970s. In 1996, it signed a landmark peace agreement with the government and saw the creation of an autonomous region in five predominantly Muslim provinces in the southern Philippines.

But in 2003, Misuari launched a rebellion against the government and laid siege to the southern city of Zamboanga. More than 200 people were killed in three weeks of fighting that displaced 100,000 people. The military also suffered heavy casualties.

Misuari, a charismatic, soft-spoken Muslim leader, fled and went into hiding. But since becoming president last year, Duterte has wooed Misuari to come out and promised him he wont be arrested and charged if he talked again to the government.

This will only lead to complications in the overall complication for the government effort against the Maute group, said House of Representatives member Gary Alejano, a former Marine captain. Combat operations have operational aspects, intelligence and logistics that troops train for.

While the intention to help is welcome, bestowing complete trust on them would be problematic, he said.

Humanitarian efforts stall

Since the fighting erupted on May 23, the once-scenic city of Marawi, about 1,170 km (730 miles) south of the countrys capital Manila, has been transformed into a virtual ghost town. But, humanitarian officials said, hundreds of civilians were still believed to be trapped in the fighting.

Efforts to rescue trapped civilians trapped were stalled Monday, when both sides engaged in heavy fighting despite an earlier negotiated ceasefire to allow remaining residents to evacuate.

Abel Moya, co-convenor of the Saving Lives movement, said the military had been reluctant to allow humanitarian convoys to move in and extricate civilians.

Moya said a humanitarian convoy to rescue residents had yet to leave Iligan City, about 40 km (25 miles) away, by Monday afternoon.

We are still negotiating with the military. We cannot leave unless they gave us approval, Moya said.

More than 1,000 people may still be stuck inside Marawi, the International Committee of the Red Cross reported.

Figures on trapped civilians vary from one government agency to another, making it more difficult to account for everyone, said Heidi Anicete, ICRCs head of communications.

Anicete cited figures from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  to which Marawi belongs  saying that some 2,647 individuals were trapped in the city, while the Lanao del Sur provincial government had the figure at more than 1,000.

An estimated 47,116 families, or 235,580 persons, have fled Marawi city since the fighting began, Anicete said.

A humanitarian convoy that entered Marawi on Sunday managed to rescue 100 residents before intense fighting led to the mission being aborted.

That was a very risky mission. We have a window time of only four hours, Saff Dipatuan, who headed the convoy, told BenarNews.

Dipatuan said they used megaphones to urge the residents to come out from the buildings.

President Duterte approved the humanitarian convoys as peace corridors or pathways to reach the trapped residents.

Abdul Rakman Pundogar, among dozens of civilians rescued by volunteers from besieged Marawi city, gets checked in a clinic at a nearby town in Lanao del Sur province, June 4, 2017. [Richel V. Umel/BenarNews]

Communist guerrillas also offer to help

On Saturday, Duterte said that the communist New Peoples Army, which has been engaged in a guerrilla war since the 1960s, had also offered to help the government crush the militants in Marawi.

In 2015, the Philippine Army estimated the strength of the NPA  the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines  at 3,200 fighters deployed in different parts of the country. There are no official figures on how many communist guerrillas operate around Marawi.

I do not have to train them to go to war. They are at war with us. But if they decide to side with us, then maybe I can solve a little bit of the problem, Duterte said.

Froilan Gallardo in Iligan City contributed to this story.
After an 18-year run in Goose Creek and unforeseen challenges presented by COVID-19, Dreamalot Books has gradually  but decidedly  gained a steady foothold in the Moncks Corner community as a welcoming haven of second-hand books for both area bibliophiles and those traveling in from Myrtle Read moreThe 'happy place' for used books: Dreamalot Books emerging as a go-to hot spot in Moncks Corner
Through Darkness to Light: Seeking Freedom on...

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Von: By CHRISTIAN STENZEL und ANDREAS THELEN (pictures)

BILD: Mr. Prime Minister: The Nato summit and your notable encounter with President Trump made you possibly one of the most famous prime ministers in the world.

Dusko Markovic: (laughs) The Brussels summit was of historic importance for Montenegro. Not only because Montenegro was treated as a full member state, even though formal membership enters into effect on 5 June, but because it will be able to contribute to peace, stability and development of democracy and harness its own potentials.

When the last ceremonial part was about to finish, we went on a tour of the new headquarter building. There was no particular protocol in that regard. Several leaders  including President Trump, Chancellor Merkel, and President Macron  were left standing behind us.

Montenegro's Markovic Trump, the push and I 01:45

Probably, at some point, President Trump decided to join the Secretary General and the rest of us. Then that contact took place, which media referred to as pushing. I have to honestly tell you that I did not perceive it like that. I believe it was a completely harmless event. And Id like to highlight: the President of the United States belongs next to the Secretary General. Before that, I had the opportunity to meet President Trump. We shook hands and I conveyed to him our gratitude for all the support of the United States for our Nato integration path. I received thousands of emails and messages from US citizens and from across Europe. They liked my reaction in that situation.

BILD-reporter Christian Stenzel interviewing Dusko Markovic

You have 2000 soldiers and a handful of tanks, so youre not really a military power. Why is Montenegro important to Nato?

Markovic: We do not perceive Nato only as a military alliance, but as an alliance of the most progressive countries in the world. Our military potential is modest, but despite that, we were able to deploy our mission to Afghanistan and elsewhere in order to help maintaining peace and stability. Our country is the smallest country in the Balkans. But it has an important role. It has shown its ability to preserve its own stability at the hardest times following the dissolution of former Yugoslavia and embark simultaneously on the path of European and Nato integration.

Lesen Sie auch

Russia tried to sabotage your accession to NATO.

Markovic: Russia did everything that was within its power  politically, financially, in terms of intelligence services  to prevent Montenegros accession to Nato. The ultimate goal was to carry out a terrorist act  a coup  to deter Montenegro and to overtake power in a violent manner. But as you can see, we managed to get out of all of this. Russia must stop interfering and meddling in the political systems of foreign states. It must give up on interfering into domestic Montenegrin issues. It is not supposed to interpret the will and orientation of citizens of Montenegro. This is not something that is done by democratic and friendly countries. That is a characteristic of non-democratic systems.

Markovic strongly criticizes Russian efforts aiming at disturbing the democratic process in Montenegro

The refugee policy of our Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is subject to controversy  especially in Eastern Europe. What do you think of her?

Markovic: What Ms. Merkel did and the German state did by opening the borders for a large number of afflicted persons represents the greatest achievement of todays democratic world and a confirmation of democratic values of Europe.

The UK voted for Brexit. In Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, many states are Eurosceptic. You definitely want to join the EU  why?

Markovic: We believe in the vision of the European Union that your country embodies and that your country has been advocating. The European Union will gain a lot from Montenegro, we have an enormous economic and social potential. On 29 June, we are going to mark the fifth anniversary of our accession negotiations. Thats why we want to make the best use of the next five years in order to become a fully-fledged EU member. I am also going to say that at the meeting with your Chancellor in Trieste on 12 July. Montenegro went furthest among all the countries of the region, and it will take them many years to reach our current level of negotiations. It is of tremendous importance for the Balkans that the enlargement policy be active.

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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
She is a well-known educationist who is committed to quality education and also an author of the Challenge Mathematics a series on mental mathematics, published by Macmillan India Limited

Pratima Rao has been appointed as mission director & head of Biocon Foundation. Prior to joining Foundation, she was heading the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, Baldwin Girls High School, Bengaluru for over two decades.

She is a well-known educationist who is committed to quality education and also an author of the Challenge Mathematics a series on mental mathematics, published by Macmillan India Limited.

She has been a proud recipient of the Best Educator award initiated by the Rustom Irani Foundation in Bangalore and associated with Biocon Foundations Chinnara Ganitha rural education program since its inception in 2006.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, CMD of Biocon said, We are extremely happy to have Pratima Rao lead our CSR wing, Biocon Foundation. As a Mission Director, she will be responsible for the overall management of the activities, strategy and operations of Biocon Foundation. We are confident that her collective knowledge, experience and expertise will strengthen our commitment to promote social and economic inclusion of marginalized communities.
Manohar Khattar suggested two sites for the project in Sonepat or in Gurugram.

Manohar Lal Khattar, chief minister of Haryana recently met Dr. Mahesh Sharma, minister of state for Culture and Tourism to discuss the proposed Science City to be developed in Haryana by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under Ministry of Culture.

Manohar Khattar suggested two sites for the project- either in Sonepat or in Gurugram.

Dr. Mahesh Sharma assured him that NCSM team will soon visit the suggested places to assess the feasibility of the project.

The proposed Science City in Haryana is expected to be bigger and more fabulous than the Science City in Kolkata. The total cost of the project is approx Rs 191 crores.

Education, extension and research are three main pillars of this project. Its purpose is to popularize science among masses, especially among students and youths. It will consist of Thematic Galleries, Fun Science Gallery and High Voltage sport Theatre etc.
With the #MenAreTrash campaign's angry memes swirling all over the Internet - and even into newspapers, radio and TV - it is interesting to be reminded that, much as we can be pigs sometimes, there are decent males out there.

And, with June 18 looming (Fathers Day, if you had to ask), those of us fortunate enough to have, or had, fathers present in our lives and those of us who have kids will identify with the latest campaign for Supa Quick, which reminds us that there are some Dads out there who are heroes. Supa-Heroes, even

Those of us who did grow up in good homes will remember those times of innocence when, anything we were in trouble, or were confused, we could always ask Dad.

Screenshot from the ad.

Supa Quicks campaign combines that piece of insight with research that shows that many young people these days dont know the basic things when it comes to cars. And also that, 94% of Millennials go to the Internet for advice before they ask the old man.

So, agency Artifact Advertising agency came up with three videos that offer answers to basic motoring questions: How do I change a tyre?; How do I check my cars oil? and How do I jump start a car?

Theyre all amusing and informative and position Supa Quick as an expert when it comes to helping out on day-to-day motoring problems.

The campaign runs under the banner What would Dad do? and runs until Fathers Day (I already reminded you of the date), offering prizes for lucky winners.

I like it because it reminds all of us of the importance of a father  and how, as Mike and the Mechanics once sang, we wish we had appreciated him in the living years

An Orchid to Supa Quick and to Artifact.

I do realise that General Motors had to play its cards close to its chest on the decision to pull out of South Africa. But the way the announcement was done, at short notice, to staff  and then the ones in Port Elizabeth were told to go home for a few days (to contemplate their jobless futures, presumably)  left a bad taste.

And I do realise that some of the car giants advertising had been booked months in advance.

But, I still find it slightly sick that GMs ads for its Chevrolet bakkies can continue running on radio and elsewhere as if nothing has happened.

There may be those who might take a chance on getting a bargain on run-out stock vehicles, but I wouldnt be one of them. I would like to know my car would have backup for some years into the future and, sadly, I dont believe that will be the case with GM products.

The irony is in the Chev slogan, which is only too true: Find New Roads.

Yep  new road somewhere else.

An Onion for you GM. Pack it and take it with you.

And, finally, yet another grumpy language Onion.

There is an ad running at the moment on radio for accounting firm KPMG, which is all about how they can help you with a tax dispute. Its timeous because, I hear, an increasing number of businesses are involved in fights with the SA Revenue Service, especially over VAT refunds.

However, KMPGs ad has a line which focuses on its expertise and that of its associates which, it swears, will turn Win intoVictory

Huh?

What is a win if it is not a victory?

This column now appears weekly in the Saturday Citizen. You can mail me on az.oc.nezitic@snadnerb.
Medical devices will now be regulated, with the newly established South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra), replacing the Medicines Control Council (MCC).

Photo: Acumen Magazine Stavros Nicolaou, head of industry association, Pharmaceuticals Made in SA.

Medical devices and complementary medicines have been unregulated as the MCC only dealt with conventional medicines. Sahpra came into being when the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Act of 2008 was finally signed. The body is not yet operational as Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is yet to appoint a board.

Sahpra came into being to relieve extensive delays at the MCC in approving new medicines and clinical trials.

Sahpra will also regulate foodstuffs, cosmetics, disinfectants and diagnostics.

Stavros Nicolaou, head of industry association, Pharmaceuticals Made in SA (Pharmisa), said the new body would be able to generate its own income, allowing it to use modern systems and retain staff that were often overwhelmed by large volumes of work and prone to being poached by the private sector. "The workload of the MCC had quadrupled but the funding hadn't matched," Nicolaou said.

The new regulator will be clearing a backlog of more than 2,000 applications awaiting registration by the MCC.

Pharma Dynamics CEO Erik Roos said Sahpra could usher in a new and much more effective era for the local pharmaceutical sector.

"Sahpra's new structure will follow a similar model to the US Food and Drug Administration in that it will be more independent than the MCC," Roos said.
Industry 4.0, otherwise known as the 4th Industrial Revolution, along with IoT (internet of things) is central to digital transformation in the manufacturing industry. Creating a significant level of manufacturing agility is key to making it possible for customers' needs, to be aligned with a business's ability to deliver a product - virtually on demand.

Andrey Armyagov via 123RF

Manufacturing originated from steam, then progressed to mechanised machines and evolved to the development of electricity, the assembly line and the introduction of mass production. The 3rd era of manufacturing introduced computers and the start of automation on assembly lines. Now we enter a Smart Future of Industry 4.0, whereby computers and automation come together in a new and innovative way to control robotics with very little human intervention, ultimately creating the smart factory.

Industry 4.0 has already begun to transform products and how companies operate and manage production in this unique environment. It is a giant leap for manufacturing innovation, characterised by smart devices that can take control of machines on the shop floor, communicating autonomously device-to-device to manage manufacturing operations and distribution. Through the monitoring of productivity and efficiency of employees, machinery and business processes, the company management is now able to access important information in real time. The entire manufacturing value chain can be monitored, from concept to completion and beyond.

The fusion of Big Data, the Internet of Things, and advanced analytics is providing manufacturers with unprecedented insights  insights into manufacturing performance, customer behaviour, and new product development as never seen before.

Another critical benefit this new technology delivers is a consistent feedback flow between companies and their customers in which products could be improved  or highly influenced  by the end-user, transforming how products are designed and produced. Industry 4.0 harnesses uncertainties and in its place, removes assumptions and risky forecasts, enabling a relevant level of actual knowledge and an new found level of insight.

Workers need skills

The impact of these shifts is that there is a need for companies to manage the transition by up-skilling their workforce to utilise these technologies effectively and act upon that knowledge and insights. Importantly, these changes will create opportunities for the youth who are a lot more comfortable with technology and it will give them opportunities to enter the workplace, says Saul Levin the director of the Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), a not-for-profit economic research organisation.

Manufacturers need to be prepared to translate that knowledge and awareness into concrete investments and real projects. For that to happen, manufacturers need to be convinced that Industry 4.0 will make a significant difference to their businesses, delivering a return on their investment.

Compared to the rest of the world, the current adoption and impact of industry 4.0 on the African continent remains low. However, it is a topic that is increasingly being acknowledged and discussed by industry leaders and policy makers, largely because of the impact smart technologies can make at a socio-economic level.

The biggest challenges in Africa/South Africa remain connectivity and accessibility, however, companies that have embraced IoT have already started to become more globally competitive as they streamline operations, increase productivity and reduce costly wastage. Industry 4.0 will have a strong impact in the coming years on Africa/South Africa in general, especially the South African manufacturing industry.

It remains a key topic in South Africa and the Manufacturing Indaba 2017 places a weighted value on the subject. Being an important focus, there will be a dedicated session focussing on the implementation of Industry 4.0 and its implications for South African manufacturers. The 4th annual Manufacturing Indaba will be hosted at Emperors Palace in the City of Ekurhuleni from 27-28 June 2017.
Former Eskom CE Brian Molefe has turned to the courts to fight his dismissal, which he wants declared unlawful and void.

Molefe's court bid is the latest development in the saga of his employment contract that has seen him leave Eskom twice in six months - once voluntarily and once under duress.

Molefe lodged a notice of motion in the Labour Court at the weekend, notifying Eskom and Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown that he would lodge his application in the court on Monday.

Brown's spokesman, Colin Cruywagen, confirmed that the minister had received Molefe's notice.

Eskom board spokesman Khulani Qoma also confirmed receipt of the notice.

Molefe wants his application heard urgently.

The Eskom board announced on Friday that Molefe was no longer group CE, days after Brown instructed it to rescind his appointment.

Brown has also indicated that she is considering replacing the board when the utility convenes its AGM later this month.

Having dismissed Molefe, the board is now waiting for Brown to choose an acting CE from one of the two names it submitted to her. "The minister will use the AGM later this month to look at rotating and strengthening the board," Cruywagen said on Friday.

Among the most likely candidates to act as CE are Thava Govender and Mongezi Ntsokolo - both long-serving executives responsible for transmission and distribution, respectively.

Finance director Anoj Singh is another possibility to stand in as CE, but Singh has also been dogged by scandal for his alleged involvement with the Gupta family.

Molefe was reinstated as Eskom CE in May, after Brown voiced her displeasure with the board's decision to pay him a R30m golden handshake for the 18 months he worked at the utility.

His December resignation came after he was implicated in irregular dealings with members of the Gupta family, that Eskom assisted in buying a coal mine through prepayment for coal at premium prices.

The DA had turned to the court in a bid to have Molefe's appointment set aside.

The matter is expected tobe heard this week, but it is not clear if the party will go ahead with its court application.

Source: Business Day
The launch of the recent Young Investor Programme (YIP) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers enterprising young finance students the opportunity to learn by doing and putting their theoretical investment knowledge to good, practical use.

The Young Investors Programme 2017 student committee (from L-R): Sinalo Mhlauli (Secretary), Benetton Petersen (Chairperson), Yamkela Mdletye (Student Liaison), Kgomotso Makena (Treasurer), Musa Sotashe (Marketing & PR) and Lelethu Bodlani (Project Manager).Photo credit: Nicklaus Kruger

The finance industry is a competitive one and the YIP is a useful means of obtaining a practical understanding of the investments industry, and an opportunity for students to see where they fit in, says Professor Ricardo Peters, director of UWCs School of Business and Finance (SBF).

The challenge has never been a matter of not knowing how to crunch the numbers to pass a test or exam, but rather to build on the softer skills so that our students can have the right level of self-confidence so as to prepare well for interviews and know how to conduct themselves in the workplace.

The YIP aims to help students build those skills and bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge obtained at university and the practical aspect required by the investment industry.

Finding sponsors

When a group of UWC B.Com Honours Finance students realised they lacked the kind of practical knowledge they would need out there in the finance and investment industry, they approached the SBF with a solution in July last year.

Since then, the SBF has set out to secure sponsorship to tackle this challenge. SBF senior lecturer Dr Warren Brown approached Coronation and it agreed to sponsor R62,500 towards the Young Investor Programme initiative, thus changing the course of several students lives.

So far, six YIP groups, consisting of five members each, have been formed, all in their second or third year of finance and investment studies. For the rest of the year they will be participating in a number of workshops, interacting with industry professionals, and performing practical investment exercises, picking companies to invest in, reviewing financial headlines and conducting company analyses and virtual trading, recommending whether to buy, sell or hold to academia and sponsor assessing groups. Many participants have already been taken up in the workplace - a source of pride for the students and the SBF alike.

We want to create activities that are aimed at enhancing the practical, personal and professional skills of the members within the programme, Prof Peters notes. Wed like to see students equipped, able to make informed financial decisions and understand the intricacies of the industry - and secure their futures.

Students doing it themselves

Keagan Martin (24) from Ennerdale, Johannesburg, was one of the students who initiated the programme. A UWC B.Com Finance honours 2016 graduate and a member of the Golden Key International Honours society, he currently works as a financial reporting accountant at State Street SA.

In our honours year, we noticed a key trend after going for interviews. We discovered that our level of real-world or industry knowledge was not quite as advanced as we wanted and we came up with the idea of the programme to help. Being part of this initiative helped me develop a sense of responsibility and understanding. I think the greatest tool students will take away from the Young Investors programme is confidence.

The current YIP committee has dedicated themselves to growing the initiative and sharing its benefits with other dedicated students.

As a student, having fantastic results alone is not enough, says Brackenfell-based finance honours student Kgomotso Makena (23), who was a YIP member in 2016 and has been elected YIP Treasurer for 2017. If your ambition is to be a trader or an analyst, it is essential to be doing things right now that will show that you have an interest in what a trader or an analyst actually does. Moreover, as a member of the YIP, you will receive the guidance needed to become a successful professional within the investments industry. 

Final-year finance student - and YIP 2017 Secretary - Sinalo Mhlauli (22) from Gugulethu, is proud of her participation in the initiative. The programme has opened my mind so much in terms of the finance industry. Our initial meet-ups have already helped shape my view of how the industry operates. Where else would I get the opportunity to engage with professionals in the finance industry? Im convinced UWC students who take part will be coming out stronger than ever.

YIP Student Liaison Yamkela Mdletye (21), from the Free State, is a final year B.Com general student, majoring in investment and finance and information systems. I am grateful to be part of this project. I look forward to developing soft skills through workshops and expanding my passion for investment and finance, along with the other benefits of being in YIP. To me, the programme means commitment and dedication, with the hope of making history by making YIP even better."
Saskia Cilliers of Hoedspruit has won a full scholarship from the Pearson Institute of Higher Education and Cardiff Metropolitan University (CMU).

Saskia Cilliers

Cilliers has a B.Com degree from Pearson Institute. I have always dreamed of a globally recognised degree and pursuing international work experience and this is certainly a stepping stone towards achieving this, says Cilliers.

With Cardiff being a hub for international students, my goal is to gain exposure to as many different views of the world as possible, and then to bring new ideas back to South Africa, so that I can increase my value-add for any company I may join in the future.

I want to explore Welsh living and I look forward to visiting the St Fagans Museum - an open-air Museum that chronicles the historical lifestyle, culture and architecture of the Welsh people, as well as the Cardiff Castle and the Welsh countryside.

To qualify for the scholarship to Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cilliers obtained an average of 65% for all of her modules, in all three years of her studies. She also had to present a motivation letter explaining why she wanted to study abroad, what skills and knowledge she wanted to gain during the postgraduate studies and how she saw that being applied in the workplace, when returning to South Africa. Her final hurdle was a gruelling panel interview.

Jansen Van Vuuren, commercial director, Pearson Institute says, Congratulations to Cilliers, who worked hard for the scholarship. Not only were her academic results more than impressive but her intellectual curiosity made her stand out of the crowd. We look forward to her doing us proud.
South African Tourism (SAT) has joined Cape Town Air Access as a member of the steering committee which comprising Cape Town Air Access' founding partners and meets every quarter to guide the work of the project team.

Cape Town Air Access is a partnership, based at Wesgro, between the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Airports Company of South Africa, Cape Town Tourism and now South African Tourism, and is the focal point for international air route development in the Western Cape.

Wesgro CEO Tim Harris says: South African Tourism joining Cape Town Air Access is another national vote of confidence in the initiative and we look forward to SATs contribution.

Since its launch in 2015 Cape Town Air Access has landed nine new routes and facilitated ten route expansions for the Cape. This has increased Cape Town International Airports (CTIA) capacity by over 600,000 seats which last year helped the airport reach the 10 million passengers per year mark for the first time.

International traffic at CTIA was up by 27% between January and March this year, and the airport is expecting two million more international passengers this year than it processed in 2016. Cape Town Air Access has already secured new routes to Victoria Falls and Cologne as well as the expansion of Air Frances Paris route this year to help CTIA reach its ambitious goals.

Air access critical to the successful development of destinations

This increased air access will also make a significant impact on jobs and growth as 3,000 jobs are supported by each regularly scheduled long-haul flight, and for every 10% increase in passenger numbers, the regional economy grows by 2%.

Air access is critical to the successful development of destinations, thus SAT is delighted to collaborate with the Cape Town Air Access team and will work closely to ensure South Africas status as a preferred destination to the world, said SAT CMO Margie Whitehouse.

"The increase in the frequency of flights and creation of more direct flights is a key driver of economic development in our city. This has a catalytic impact on all of our key sectors. It is for this reason that we fund air access and appreciate all hands on deck to grow the number of direct flights to its full potential. The addition of SA Tourism is most welcome and we look forward to collaborating with them so that we can bring more flights, more investment, more tourism and in turn jobs for our people," said Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille.

Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde, said: We are delighted to welcome South African Tourism to the Air Access team. SAT brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in reaching strategic markets and will be a key partner in continuing to improve access to the Western Cape. As part of our Project Khulisa economic strategy, we identified improving air access as a catalyst for growth in the tourism sector. Since launching the Air Access initiative, we have achieved significant progress in improving air access, as seen in the number of new routes and expansions. An increase in air access has an important economic impact, adding jobs to our tourism sector. I am looking forward to working with SAT to continue building on this momentum.
FlySafair today announced that it will be launching new routes between Durban's King Shaka Airport and East London as well as Durban and Port Elizabeth.

 anyaberkut via 123RF

The launch of these routes comes in the wake of a survey that the company conducted amongst 29,000 unique respondents, to determine public appetite for a number of potential route options. The survey included the Durban-East London and Durban-Port Elizabeth options along with Nelspruit-Cape Town, Durban-George, Cape Town-Bloemfontein, Lanseria-Bloemfontein and Lanseria-Cape Town.

The winning route according to the survey, with an overwhelming majority of 54% of the votes, was Cape Town-Nelspruit. However, the airline chose to launch the routes that came in second and third place instead.

Public appetite for a new route is naturally a massive consideration when launching new routes, says Kirby Gordon, head of sales and distribution at FlySafair. But there are some other important factors that have to fall into place, including utilisation of aircraft and crew and slot compliance.

Gordon explains that airlines look at three key factors when choosing to launch a new route:

Demand to capacity fit

FlySafair operates Boeing 737-400 and 737-800 aircraft which have either 165 or 189 seats. In order for a route to be economically viable, the airline needs to mostly fill its aircraft, most of the time. What this means is that there needs to be a minimum of about 140 people willing to fly on each flight offered. If there are less than that number of people, the route is better served by an airline that operates smaller aircraft.

Efficiency

The key to running a low-cost airline lies in keeping the costs low - as the name suggests. One of the most critical factors in achieving this is to maximise the available flying hours of both the aircraft and the crew. As such its necessary to determine the right movement patterns that allow for maximum flying while ensuring that crew sleep in their own beds.

Take-off and landing slots

OR Tambo International Airport processes up to 50 take-offs and landings every hour - thats a movement every minute and 12 seconds. These slots are all scheduled very carefully and competition for the slots between airlines can be intense as everyone needs specific slots to match their utilisation patterns. Sometimes, there has to be a compromise somewhere along the line.

Looking at all these factors, the Durban to East London and Durban to Port Elizabeth links are the ones that made the most business sense, says Gordon. The interest in the Cape Town-Nelspruit route is very encouraging and well certainly keep looking into it too, he adds.

Final survey results

Proposed route and score:

Cape Town-Nelspruit - 54%



Durban-East London - 15%



Durban-Port Elizabeth - 12%



Lanseria-Port Elizabeth - 6%



Durban-George - 6%



Cape Town-Bloemfontein - 4%



Lanseria-Bloemfontein - 2%

The first flights will depart on 27 November 2017.
We all know that different traffic infringements come with different fines - but did you know your fine can also depend on your location?

 Michal Kalasek via 123RF

Due to crackdowns on province-specific road accident issues, various local governments deal with lawbreakers in different ways. The most notable difference is the cost of fines in the Western Cape versus other areas in the country.

In 2014, the Western Cape approved a sharp increase in traffic fines  with some fines even doubling in cost. Not every province followed suit, however.

Western Cape system vs AARTO system

CompareGuru took a look at the fines under the Western Cape system and the AARTO system, to see just how much they differ. It gathered the most expensive fines for traffic infringements in the province and found the equivalent AARTO offence.

The differences became apparent very quickly, with Western Cape fines often being double or triple the AARTO equivalent. The most expensive fine in the Western Cape is R5000, while in Tshwane and Johannesburg it is R1500.

Continue reading the full article on CompareGuru.
Under the theme Content is King, and he is one of us', the 18th annual Pan African Media Research Organisation (PAMRO) All Africa Media conference comes to Cape Town this year.

The Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town.

The PAMRO conference will take place from 27-30 August 2017, at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. This year, only a limited number of spaces are available for delegates, so it is imperative to book early to avoid disappointment.

The PAMRO conference provides an opportunity to get to grips with the latest developments around media research from across Africa, while building relationships with industry figures from across the continent and beyond.

Event delegates will be able to network, exchange ideas and discuss findings presented by leading local and international speakers. Special room rates are available for PAMRO delegates until the end of June, so delegates should reserve rooms before then, to take advantage of discounted rates for the Vineyard Hotel.

PAMRO seeks to create a forum for industry organisations, media research providers, media owners, marketers and advertising agencies in different African countries to exchange knowledge and to learn from one-anothers successes and failures, to ensure the highest quality and to harmonise our research methodologies, thereby leading to a continental media research database.

PAMRO would like to thank the following sponsors, who have already committed their support to this years conference: Nielsen, DSTV Media Sales, Ornico, Plus 94 and Kantar.

To register as a delegate at the conference and to book accommodation, to join PAMRO, or for more information, please visit: http://pamro.org/upcoming-events/18th-pamro-conference-27st-august-to-30th-august-2017-vineyard-hotel-cape-town-south-africa/.
Reviewed: Jan-Werner Muller, Quest-ce que le populisme ? Definir enfin la menace, Paris, Premier Parallele, 2016, 183 p. (Also translated into English: What is Populism? (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2016).

In todays global political landscape, there is undeniably a groundswell of what seems to fall under the rubric of populism. From the United States (Donald Trump) to Greece (Alexis Tsipras), as well as Hungary (Victor Orban), France (Marine Le Pen), Spain (Pablo Iglesia), Italy (Beppe Gillo), and Ecuador (Rafael Correa), a range of political actors have been labelled populist, particularly by their opponents.

Covering a broad variety of phenomena and movements, populism has become a catch-all concept including every possible ideological component, with commentators placing Victor Orban and Pablo Iglesias, for example, in the same category. Even proponents of radical neoliberalism such as Alberto Fujimori in Peru or Carlos Menem in Argentina have been described as populist, further adding to the multi-faceted nature of the concept. Jan-Werner Mullers book, Quest-ce que le populisme ? aims to develop a theory of populism that distinguishes between the different phenomena observed.

According to J.-W. Muller, the debate about populism conflates many things and sparks strong emotions. Those who see it as negative find it difficult to remain detached, referring to pathologies, the degradation of democracy, or even ochlocracy (mob rule). In the eyes of its proponents, its critics are in the grips of nothing less than a hatred of democracy or even of the people. The concept is therefore bitterly disputed and, J.-W. Muller tells us, a theory of populism is necessarily also a theory of democracy. While populism can seem to be democratic or to be part of radical democracy, in fact it is not and, according to the author, has a tendency to be anti-democratic.

A definition of populism

J.-W. Muller suggests defining populism as a anti-establishment attitude coupled with antipluralism, reflected in a fundamental claim to have moral monopoly over representation. According to the author, being critical of elites  something usually ascribed to populists  is a necessary but insufficient criterion. A politician who takes an anti-elite stance but does not claim to have any monopoly over representing the people could be described as a demagogue but not as a populist. The decisive criterion is that populists claim that they, and they alone, represent the people as a whole.

In J.-W. Mullers view, populism is therefore intrinsically anti-democratic as it challenges the very foundations of modern democracy: the polyphony of the people, political representation and pluralism, and the recognition of intermediate institutions. In the populist conception of politics, the people are envisaged as homogeneous, morally pure, and with nothing in common with the immoral, corrupt, and parasitic elites. According to the author, this vision illustrates a concerning relationship between populists and democracy: for populists, all other representatives of citizens are illegitimate in one way or another. In theory, only the imperative mandate, directly giving representatives the peoples instructions, is acceptable: presenting themselves as nothing more than spokespeople, populist politicians distrust or even reject deliberative and pluralist institutions (parliament or other forums) in the name of the unique and clearly recognisable will of an authentic people. Perfectly capable of identifying this popular will, populist leaders have no need for intermediate institutions such as the media to communicate directly with the people. They therefore prefer the spirit of the people, in other words the supposedly self-evident general interest of an authentic, homogeneous people, rather than a general will viewed as a will guided by a certain number of interests. For populists, anyone who does not rally to join this spirit of the people excludes themselves de facto from the people and disqualifies themselves from exercising any legitimate power.

For J.-W. Muller, the relationship to democratic processes, and particularly elections, is a significant illustration of populisms problematic relationship to democracy. Populists frequently refuse to accept election results when they have lost; they draw a distinction  which is fatal to democracy  between the empirical and the moral election result. They draw on the notion of a silent majority that was unable to express itself, attack fake representatives of the people in the name of the true people, and call into question the processes through which these representatives came to power.

A variable voter base

What are the characteristic features of the populist vote? J.-W. Muller suggests it would be simplistic to explain the rise of populism by anger, resentment, or status anxiety among the population. These criteria cannot account for the complexities of voter behaviour. The motivations and representations of the populist vote differ according to period and geographical space. J.-W. Muller underlines, for example, that, until the 1970s, populism was mainly linked to peasants and farmers and to value placed on cultivating land. In Europe as in the United States, populist parties were mainly supported by farmers wanting to defend their interests, particularly in the face of financial and industrial groups.

However, the populist vote has evolved and, according to the author, there is now a complete transatlantic misunderstanding surrounding it (p. 48). In Europe, populism is mainly considered as right wing and synonymous with exclusion, whereas on the American continent, it tends to be found on the left wing and to campaign for the inclusion of people marginalised by financial capitalism in the economic and social system. For J.-W. Muller, this is only an apparent contradiction: it simply illustrates the fact that populism has various historical connotations, is not a recent phenomenon, and cannot be identified with a specific categories of supporters. Without denying that there is such a thing as the populist vote, the author is doubtful that populism can be defined based on the distinctive features of its electoral base.

In point of fact, drawing on empirical studies, the book shows that people who have lost status or who are facing that threat do not necessarily vote for populist parties. The determining factor underpinning the choice of populism is often not so much voters socioeconomic situation as their personal conviction they are witnessing a national decline. Level of education, which is a determining factor in income, therefore cannot suffice to explain this choice.

Populism in practice

The book also questions populist parties capacity to govern and, in doing so, challenges a few certitudes. Some commentators draw comfort from claiming that, once in power, populists would by definition no longer be able to play the moral card of not belonging to an elite considered corrupt and immoral. Others console themselves in advance that populists would lose all credibility once their simplistic solutions came apart when plunged into the political and economic reality. According to the author, however, these scenarios are unrealistic because populists are capable of constantly finding new enemies and continuing to behave like a persecuted minority, even when in power. Such polarising of political conflict is typical of the populist style of government, which also consists in hijacking the State apparatus, gaining the loyalty of the greatest number through mass clientelism, and developing profound hostility towards civil society actors, particularly the media.

These populist techniques of exercising power all share discriminatory legalism, J.-W. Muller tells us, which means applying the law differently depending on the groups in question, an approach encapsulated in Kurt Weylands expression: For my friends, everything; for my enemies, the law. This logic pushed populist leaders such as Chavez or Orban to create an exclusive Constitution, that is to say a constitution serving only one party. Ideology and praxis interweave and overlap, allowing populists to justify their actions in a language that has all the trappings of democracy as well as, in their view, an indisputably moral dimension. This dimension, in particular, means it is not enough to simply levy rational arguments in order to defeat populism. An innovative approach is necessary, which is developed in the final section of the book.

Dealing with populism

Focused on Europe, the final chapter of the book addresses the different strategies for responding to populism, looking at which seem destined to fail and which seem efficient. In the authors view, the best tactic consists in seeking out frank and direct debate with populists, because cordoning them off only strengthens their representation of themselves as persecuted political actors. By bringing populists inside the framework of democratic debate, democracies can hope to unsettle their claim to monopoly when it comes to representing the people.

Contrary to claims by some commentators, there is no potential reservoir of voters who are naturally favourable to populism: its rise can be curbed and minimised as long as it is tackled head on, by responding to rather than avoiding its critique of representative democracy. In order to do so, democrats must first and foremost definitively set aside at least two misapprehensions, widely relayed by populists because they reinforce their arguments about decline. The first is that there was a golden age of democracy in Western Europe during which citizens participated far more actively in the democratic process, public action had much greater room for manoeuver, and voters wishes were quickly enacted. The second is that, in the past, Europe did not exert any supranational power, whereas in fact, from the very outset, the anti-totalitarian architecture of the post-war period made provision for certain limitations to popular sovereignty, notably by creating the Court of Justice of the European Union in 1952 and the European Court of Human Rights in 1959. In J.-W. Mullers view, populism forces us to think about the aims of democracy and the failings of our democratic model; however, the crisis of representative democracy should not be tackled with the rhetoric and specious conclusions of populism.

Could left-wing populism be the answer to the rise of right-wing populism in Europe? This counter-populism could potentially tap into citizens anger about the neoliberal consensus and divert it from the right. In J.-W. Mullers view, though, such a scenario would be a vision of horror: right-wing populists would face off against left-wing populists, with each side using its conception of the single authentic will of the people to claim power. The result would be an intrinsically anti-pluralist and anti-political Europe. In order to allow the advent of a democratic and non-populist Europe, J.-W. Muller believes that Europeans will have to make necessarily painful choices between economic integration, national sovereignty, and democracy. If they want to continue moving towards, they will have to give up a certain portion of national democracy in favour of a supranational democracy.

Left-wing and right-wing populists: same difference?

Populism is therefore anti-elitism combined with anti-pluralism, expressed through claims of moral monopoly over popular representation. While this book aims to develop a specific concept of populism  an ideal-type drawing distinctions between existing political phenomena  the fact it does not define its key concepts complicates any understanding of its arguments. In particular, it is a shame that it does not develop any general theory of democracy, which could have offered a way of better understanding populisms threat to our model of representative democracy. Moreover, the final chapter devoted to answers to populism would have benefitted from more specific, substantial arguments regarding possible and necessary proposals for quelling the populist wave.

The book would also have benefited from drawing a clearer distinction between the motivations and evolutions of the populist vote over time and according to country, in order to better understand the reasons behind the transatlantic misunderstanding. On this point, particular attention could have been paid to the respective rise of right-wing populism in the United States and of left-wing populism in Europe, as they radically alter the traditional representations mentioned in the book. For the author, empirical studies and the historical perspective show that populism cannot be defined simply by describing its voters. However, one can question the relevance of an approach that considers that populism cannot be linked to, or defined by, specific political content.

The author broaches populism as a very specific conception of political rhetoric and practice, therefore giving little room in his book to the question of political content. Yet the latter is fundamental, particularly in European countries where left- and right-wing populisms pursue different political goals and therefore cannot be entirely conflated. The author implicitly acknowledges this at the end of the book, when he defines the difference between the democratic and the populist as a conflict between being open and closed, between advocating integration and supporting separation. He reminds us himself that left-wing populism, whether on the American continent or in Europe, emphasises integration and is part of a logic of openness. European movements such as Podemos or Siriza are not anti-European and do not reject the idea of European integration.

Furthermore, by asserting that there is simply no rigorous and broadly accepted democratic theory that can define the people, the demos (p. 126), the author contents himself with defining democracy as a process through which belonging to a demos can be negotiated. Beyond the fact that it is at the very least curious to broach the question of populism without trying to define the people, this choice, aimed at legitimising the books definition of populism, does not allow for a full understanding of the complexity of the phenomenon  particularly in its various variety contemporary manifestations. In this respect, left- and right-wing populisms perhaps do not represent the same threat to democracy.


A file photo.

ST. PETERSBURG (TASS-DEFENCE): The launch pad for the Angara carrier rocket and associated infrastructure will be built at the Vostochny spaceport in Russia's Far East by 2021, Rano Dzhurayeva, CEO of Russia's Center for Ground-based Space Infrastructure Operation told TASS.



"The design (of infrastructural facilities for the Angara carrier rocket at the Vostochny cosmodrome) has been worked out. The documents have been submitted to Russia's State Expert Evaluation Department. Then, a decision on the prime contractor will be made. The second-stage work will begin in 2017 and is planned to be completed by 2021," Dzhurayeva said.



The tender for selecting the prime contractor will be held in the autumn of 2017 but the acceptance of bids has not begun yet, she added.



After a meeting on the development of the rocket and space industry, the Vostochny spaceport has remained responsible for launching rockets for deep space exploration.



"Considering the latest meetings and reports, the task will remain but is likely to be accomplished during the next stage of the spaceport development," the CEO said.



It was reported earlier that Russia's Roscosmos state space corporation had cancelled the development of the manned version of the Angara-A5 carrier rocket, the Angara-A5P, and postponed the construction of infrastructural facilities for manned launches at the Vostochny cosmodrome until a super heavy rocket was ready.




A file photo of Tu-160 in flight. Photo: Presidential Press and Information Office, Russia

MOSCOW (TASS-DEFENCE): Russia's Armed Forces will be receiving the Tupolev Tu-160M2 (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) strategic bomber in 2021, Yuri Slyusar, President of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) told Rambler News Service.



"We have said that the main plane will perform a flight in 2018 and its delivery to the Armed Forces will begin in 2021," Slyusar said.



The number of planes to be delivered to the Defense Ministry is under discussion now, he added.



In February 2017, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said that the serial production of the upgraded Tu-160 plane was expected to begin at the Kazan Aircraft Plant in 2020.






NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat 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 155mm artillery gun developed by 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 going 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.






NEW DELHI (PTI): 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 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.


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At 12:05 a.m. on Sunday, a 51-year-old man from Mesa, Ariz., was stopped and arrested for impaired driving in the 500 block of 18th Street.

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Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.

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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A man caught in a car with a sawed-off shotgun and an ammunition belt packed with shells has received 30 months in prison.

Seril Mitchell Mazawasicuna received the sentence on Thursday in Brandon provincial court after pleading guilty to possessing the prohibited weapon.

Crown attorney Grant Hughes said Mazawasicuna was the target of a Brandon Police Service drug investigation (although he wasnt charged with any drug offences during the following arrest).

Police had also received a tip that Mazawasicuna had a number of guns.

Officers had his home on the 200 block of Rosser Avenue East under surveillance on May 9 when they saw him exit and get into a car.

Police followed, then pulled over vehicle over in the 200 block of Princess Avenue.

Inside, a woman was behind the wheel and her son in the passenger seat. Based on court records, however, it appears mother and son werent charged with any offences.

Mazawasicuna was. He was sitting in the back of the vehicle. Police found a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun with a pistol grip under the front passenger seat  in front of where he was sitting.

There was a round in the chamber of the gun, and beside it was an ammunition belt that held 14 shells.

Mazawasicuna, 27, was banned from having guns at the time, but his lawyer, Ryan Fawcett, said his client had the shotgun for protection after being recently attacked with a hammer.

For unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition and breaking a firearm prohibition order, he received a total of 30 months in prison minus 36 days remand credit.

Mazawasicunas arrest was part of a larger operation in which police also searched the Rosser Avenue East home and at least one other vehicle, and made three other arrests.

During the investigation, police also found a .22-calibre handgun, two cans of bear spray, 16 rifle rounds and 80 grams of marijuana  although they didnt specify where they found all those items.

Mazawasicuna was only charged in relation to the gun in the car.

A 24-year-old Winnipeg man and 19-year-old Brandon woman were also charged with weapon offences.

The only person charged with a drug offence was a 16-year-old girl, for possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. She was also charged with unsafe storage of ammunition.

The status of charges for the remaining accused werent immediately available on Thursday.

 ihitchen@brandonsun.com
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On Wednesday morning, a man walked into a business located on the 900 block of Victoria Avenue.

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Local journalism needs your support!

As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

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Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We dont torture people in Manitoba, right? Unlike barbarians with medieval devices such as the rack or modern-day techniques such as waterboarding, Manitobans would not knowingly inflict pain on other Manitobans, would we?

Ask the hundreds of people regularly kept in solitary confinement in Manitoba. They are entombed for 23 hours a day in cells about the size of a horse stall, outfitted with only a cot and a toilet.

This constitutes torture  psychological torture  according to a growing body of medical research and a report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture.

They conclude solitary confinement for periods longer than 15 days can have severe psychological consequences, including hallucinations, panic attacks, major depression and reduced brain function. One study suggests such damage can be irreversible.

Like slavery was in its day, solitary confinement is a normalized, inhumane practice, on which we will one day look back and wonder why and how it was tolerated for so long, Debra Parkes wrote last year in an opinion piece during her tenure as associate dean in the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba.

Fortunately, Canadas federal corrections agency is considering changes to its rules regarding solitary confinement. Under the proposed guidelines, prison officials would not be able to isolate inmates who are suicidal or have serious mental health problems. The proposed changes would also double the minimum time  to two hours daily  segregated prisoners are allowed out of their cells.

But prison reform advocates say the proposed changes dont go far enough, and that there is an urgent need for federal and provincial institutions to be more transparent about the practice.

Manitobas federal prison, Stony Mountain Institution, is relatively open with information about solitary confinement in comparison to Manitobas provincial institutions, which include the Winnipeg Remand Centre, Headingley Correctional Centre and the Womens Correctional Centre. In response to a request for information by the Winnipeg Free Press last week, the justice department would not say how long, on average, inmates are isolated, only that the maximum for continuous disciplinary segregation is 45 days.

With the proposed changes at the federal level, Manitobas provincial government should review the provincial use of segregation and be more publicly accountable on details of how long prisoners are held in the hole, as solitary confinement is disparagingly known.

The provincial review should also include possible alternatives to solitary confinement to afford prison staff better ways to punish inmates who break rules, and protect prisoners who are in danger in the general population.

It wont be an easy fix, given chronic overcrowding in Manitobas provincial institutions which, according to 2016 statistics, had 2,555 inmates in seven institutions with a total capacity for only 2,010 inmates.

Its likely some citizens will not immediately feel sympathy for prisoners held in solitary confinement. They would opine that jails are supposed to be tough and criminals get what they deserve.

But even people who summarize their views with slogans such as Dont do the crime if you cant do the time should acknowledge these prisoners will someday be released onto the streets of Manitoba. If the freed prisoners have been psychologically damaged by long stints in solitary confinement, the public is less safe.

Forensic psychologist Joe Dvoskin has studied the effects of solitary confinement on prisoners.

Some people have told me theyve been locked down so long theyre fearful of their own behaviour if theyre around human beings, he said in an interview with a publication of the American Psychological Association.

Prisoners shouldnt emerge from jails more dangerous to the public than when they went in. That in itself is enough reason to stop the torture.

 Winnipeg Free Press
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The First World War still casts a dark shadow. And we still struggle to understand the war, and the shadow.

We look at big historical events. And we retell the stories of ordinary people. We marvel at the interplay of global forces, human aspirations and sheer luck.

Here are some memories of the First World War from the Brandon Municipal Cemetery.

TEN THOUSAND, MAY 1917

One hundred years ago, the citizens of Brandon realized they were in the midst of a long war. To recognize the continuing sacrifice, an inaugural Decoration Day and Memorial Service was held at the Brandon cemetery on Sunday, May 27, 1917.

The gathering was huge. The Brandon Daily Sun reported 10,000 people, the largest assembly ever held in the city. Notable in attendance were the soldiers who had returned home because of injuries suffered in Europe.

Great War Veterans, Maimed And Scarred By War, the Sun headline read, Focal Spot For All Eyes And Prophetic Of Hosts To Come.

A FATHER AND SON GO TO WAR

When war broke out in August 1914, the Burton family  Arthur, Agnes and their five children  lived in Brandon at 39 Princess Ave. East. The oldest child was Albert, not quite 14; the youngest was Cecil, a baby. Sadly, the next month, Cecil died; he was buried in the Brandon cemetery.

Arthur was born in 1878 in the United Kingdom. As a teenager, he immigrated to Canada, settling first in Minnedosa. In 1900, he married Agnes Nasval, an immigrant from Sweden. Arthur worked as a school caretaker. He also served in the militia as a trumpeter. In February 1915, he enlisted for overseas service.

Two months after his father enlisted, Albert followed suit. Albert  born on Sept. 23, 1900  was only 14 years, seven months old. The boy lied about his age, giving his year of birth as 1899.

Agnes urged her husband to keep an eye out for their son. In order to be with Albert, Arthur volunteered to take a demotion from sergeant to private, with an accompanying pay cut.

Father and son, both trumpeters, were sent to Europe in September 1915. During fighting at Ypres, in June 1916, Arthur was captured by the Germans. He remained a prisoner of war in Germany for the rest of the conflict.

After the war, Arthur returned to Brandon. He worked as a postal carrier, and he and Agnes had three more children. Agnes died in 1924. Arthur married again, to Maud Fake, an immigrant from the U.K., and they had three children.

In 1953, Arthur died at age 75, soon after moving to Victoria, B.C. He is buried in the military cemetery at Esquimalt, B.C.

While his father was a prisoner of war, Albert continued to serve on the front lines as a trumpeter. Then, in November 1917, he was sent home because he was underage for active military service.

Albert came back to Brandon to live with his mother and siblings. He had just turned 17. He was a war veteran, having served two years in the trenches of Europe. Now safe in Canada, he had his whole life ahead of him.

But one year later  on Nov. 4, 1918  Albert was dead: a victim of the flu epidemic.

Young Hero Trumpeter Burton Braves Shot And Shell, the Sun headline read, But Succumbs To Plague.

Albert Burton is buried beside his baby brother Cecil in the Brandon cemetery, in Section 15, Block E, Plot 25. Noted on the headstone: his age (18 years, two months); his service in the war; and his vocation as trumpeter.

  

You can get to know some of the other intriguing people buried in the Brandon cemetery with the return of Gossip in the Graveyard. Actors from 7 Ages Productions portray individuals right at their graves. You can even ask them about their life and death.

This years Gossip is on the June 17-18 weekend. Sponsored by Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, tickets are $15 from

Kelly Lumbard, 204-724-2682. Proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. <t-4>

You can get another look at our history with Doors Open Brandon on the July 15-16 weekend. For information, contact the citys heritage marketing co-ordinator at 204-729-2117 or visit heritagebrandon.ca. As part of this years program, I will host a walking tour of historic downtown Brandon.

 David McConkey is an active citizen. Contact him and read previous columns at davidmcconkey.com,
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Being railroaded

We all complain about high taxes, but in the RM of Sifton CP Rail does not pay taxes on a rail line and yet keeps on using it on a daily basis. Taxes are going up five per cent for the ratepayers in the 2017 budget.

Dont degrade low wage earners

There are many minimum wage employees who are putting themselves through school. One shouldnt degrade those working for minimum wage. All workers are important.

Yay Fletcher

I would like to applaud Winnipeg MLA Steven Fletcher for speaking out against Bill 19. The last thing Manitoba needs is another Crown corporation to manage how Manitobans use electricity. Do we really need more government office types encouraging energy conservation and efficiency? Startup costs for this initiative would be $75-$100 million. I understand the NDP turned Manitoba Hydro into a disaster, but trying to correct a mistake with a mistake is not the answer. We need smaller government.

Public before party please

The silence from our local MLAs is almost deafening around the Brandon issues such as funding for the Keystone Centre, the P3 proposal for our new school and transit funding. Please remember you represent us in Brandon and Brandons issue should be addressed before party loyalty.

Arrogance will be his undoing

Are you getting a little tired of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau constantly telling you what Canadians want? Its getting a little old, isnt it? In response to every criticism, he replies, that what he and his government is doing, is what Canadians want, and what we voted for in the last federal election. What perhaps he cant remember, or most likely wont admit, is that 62 per cent of Canadians did not vote for him, or his government, in the last election. And 62 per cent of voters did not want him or his policies. His unlimited arrogance is bound to wear off soon.
The Guinness Storehouse remains Ireland's most popular tourist attraction, welcoming over 1.6 million visitors last year.

New figures from Failte Ireland show visitors to the Dublin brewery increased by 10% on 2015.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and Dublin Zoo both also registered very strong performances last year with the cliffs enjoying a particularly significant jump in business.

The National Aquatic Centre also welcomed more than one million visitors last year, a 4.5% increase, with the Book of Kells named as the fifth most popular attraction, with 890,781 visitors.

Amongst Irelands free to enter attractions, the National Gallery of Ireland continues to lead the way with numbers up 5% to over 755,000.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art, National Botanic Gardens, Doneraile Wildlife Park and National Museum of Ireland.

Commenting on todays figures, Paul Kelly, CEO of Failte Ireland, said: "Our visitor attractions are a great barometer for tourism activity and the growth across most attractions reflects a record tourism year.

"This growth can be even stronger if we all work together to unlock the further potential of our natural landscapes and built heritage. If we take a site such as the spectacular sea cliffs at Sliabh Liag, it has a similar appeal as the Cliffs of Moher  yet the latter receives eight times as many visitors.

"This is just one example of the many of our attractions and natural assets which have the potential to generate even more visitors, revenue and jobs for local communities.

"Failte Ireland is committed to work with all parties to realise the full potential of these visitor attractions, we work in strong partnership with local authorities and communities, Coillte, the OPW and the National Parks and Wildlife Service amongst others to achieve this.

"Together we need to do more and move faster on this agenda and we call on all those who want to grow their local tourism sector to work with us to deal with the obstacles and grasp the opportunities which are available.

"Attractions are one of the key reasons why many overseas visitors choose Ireland as a destination  they create the variety of experiences that make for an enjoyable holiday and are the basis of visitor memories and moments to share that are critical to the growth of tourism in Ireland.

"Failte Ireland is committed to investing in our current stock of attractions and developing new ones and our future investment in this regard will be shaped to reap growth in lesser visited regions with great potential as well as investing in those experiences which can generate visitor traffic beyond the high season.

"This will help us to generate revenue and jobs all around the country and all year round."
Labour spokesperson on Finance Joan Burton has repeated her called for a minimum effective corporation tax rate, as it was revealed that AIB had informed potential investors that it will pay no corporate tax for up to 30 years.

Deputy Burton said: The largest bank in Ireland, which cost us 20.8bn to bail out has been informing potential investors that it will pay no corporation tax for up to 30 years.

Since the last Budget I have been calling for the implementation of a minimum effective corporate tax rate to ensure that profitable companies in Ireland cannot use accounting tricks and tax losses from the property crash to avoid paying their fair share.

AIB has a deferred tax asset of 3bn on its books that will be used to ensure it does not have to pay any corporation tax for decades to come.

Those losses were paid for by the Irish people. It is not acceptable that when the bank is sold off that private investors will see the benefit of those gains.

I have repeatedly been seeking information from the Department of Finance on the extent and value of unused deferred tax assets from losses racked up in the recession.

The Department of Finance have refused to cost the yield from a minimum effective corporate tax rate, but we were able to introduce a similar income tax measure for high earners so it is not impossible to do the same for companies.

At a minimum the Fine Gael government should at least examine this idea, and commit to retaining and increasing the bank levy in the years ahead to ensure AIB pays its fair share.
Around 2,000 delegates will gather in Ireland in 2020 for an International Obesity Conference.

Failte Ireland have announced that Dublin has been chosen as the destination for the European Congress on Obesity.
The Head of the Australian Federal Police has told an international conference in Ireland that the age profile of victims of child abuse is getting younger.

From infant to toddler years and older, Commander Lesa Gale said the realities of the situation are very disturbing and "no region is untouched or immune".
An off-duty policeman fought off the London Bridge terrorists with his bare hands, it emerged, as Scotland Yard revealed two more of its officers were injured in the attack.

A British Transport Police (BTP) officer was also stabbed in the head, face and leg after taking on the three knifemen armed only with his baton.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said she was "enormously proud" of the unarmed officer who stepped in to help uniformed colleagues and members of the public.

"He had finished a day's work and was having a drink with friends and he witnessed the attack," she told BBC Breakfast.

"My understanding is that, without hesitation, wearing his normal clothes, he dived in and tried to assist, and he I'm afraid was himself severely injured, but utterly heroic."

The officer, who was based in Southwark, remains in hospital in a serious condition, while two other Met officers, who were both on duty, received less serious injuries during the Borough Market rampage.

Police said a plain-clothes officer received stitches to a head injury, while a uniformed officer suffered an injury to his arm.

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 and suffered serious injuries, which the force said are not thought to be life-threatening.

Ms Dick described the police response as "extraordinary", adding: "I think those of us who weren't there are in awe of what both the police officers armed, the unarmed officers we've heard about and indeed the emergency services and members of the public - just extraordinary amounts of courage shown."
Vladimir Putin says claims about Russian involvement in US elections are untrue and that the United States actively interferes with elections in other countries.

The Russian president has also dismissed as "a load of nonsense" the idea that Russia has damaging information on US President Donald Trump.

"I never met with him. We have a lot of Americans who visit us," Mr Putin said in an interview with US television network NBC's Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly.

He added: "Do you think we're gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something? Are you all - have you all lost your senses over there?"

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia meddled in the presidential election to hurt the bid of Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump himself has been dogged by questions about any business dealings with Russia as well as reports of a Russian dossier of damaging personal information. Mr Trump denies the claims.

"Well, this is just another load of nonsense," Mr Putin said.

"Where would we get this information from? Why, did we have some special relationship with him? We didn't have any relationship at all."

Mr Putin again denied any Russian involvement in the US presidential election and any knowledge of Russian contacts with the Trump campaign. A special counsel appointed by the Justice Department and congressional committees are investigating.

Former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by Mr Trump fired after allegedly asking him to drop an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn and his Russian contacts, is scheduled to give evidence on Thursday before the Senate's intelligence committee.

In the NBC interview, Mr Putin was asked about reports of Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner's attempt to set up a secret communications channel with Russia.

Mr Putin said he knew nothing about it and that he had not discussed with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak any meeting with Mr Kushner.

"Had there been anything significant he would have reported it to the minister. The minister would have reported it to me," Mr Putin said.

"There weren't even any reports. There's nothing to even talk about. There wasn't even any kind of specific discussion about sanctions or anything else. For me, this is just amazing. You created a sensation out of nothing."

Mr Putin suggested that skilled hackers anywhere, including the US, could shift the blame for hacking onto Russia. He also alleged that the US actively interferes with electoral campaigns of other countries.

"Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal electoral processes," he said.

Mr Putin said the US intelligence agencies had been misled over their findings.

As the Senate prepared for Mr Comey's appearance, Mr Trump appeared unlikely to try to block him from giving evidence. The public hearing is expected to shed light on his private conversations with Mr Trump in the weeks before his dismissal, including any discussion about the Flynn investigation.

There has been no final decision as to whether Mr Trump would invoke executive privilege, and the matter remains under discussion, according to two administration officials. Mr Trump is known to change his mind on major issues.

On Sunday, legislators from both parties urged Mr Trump not to stand in the way of Mr Comey's evidence.

"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," said senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee.

Senator Roy Blunt, a Republican member of the intelligence committee, said Mr Comey's evidence would be critical to address mounting questions about possible obstruction of justice.

The Senate intelligence committee has also invited the top spy of the US and law enforcement officials to give evidence on Wednesday at a hearing about the federal law governing foreign intelligence collection.

Acting FBI director Andrew McCabe and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein are also expected to give evidence.

For Thursday's hearing, Mr Trump could invoke executive privilege by arguing that discussions with Mr Comey pertained to national security and that he had an expectation of privacy in getting candid advice from top aides.

But legal experts say Mr Trump most likely undermined those arguments because he publicly discussed the conversations in tweets and interviews.

Mr Trump's argument in favour of privilege may also be overcome because the investigation is focused on corruption and possible obstruction of justice.
A Canberra woman accused of stabbing her elderly mother in the chest with a kitchen knife in an attempt to kill her has been found not guilty.

Mary Ivanisevic, 45, was charged after her mother was found curled on the floor of her Curtin home, still attached to an oxygen machine and with a single stab wound, on December 6 in 2015.

Not guilty: Mary Ivanisevic, 45, was acquitted of trying to murder her mother.

She pleaded not guilty and emphatically denied the stabbing, insisting the woman had inflicted the injury herself in the weeks after her husband's death.

Her mother, who had end-stage emphysema, has since died.
Condemning terrorism is simply not enough - on its own, it is probably even detrimental. We need to try something else, because the status quo is not working.

The overarching tone of the counter-terrorism discussion is now more divisive than ever. There is a palpable sense of frustration among those who are trying hard to find a solution. There are now louder voices calling for a more Machiavellian option. It is a tense situation  sudden moves could be catastrophic and cause irreparable damage to our social fabric.

Armed British police officers walk within a cordoned off area after the attack. Credit:AP

Like one of Pavlov's dogs, I have been conditioned to hastily update my Facebook status in the immediate aftermath of every terrorist attack in a Western country. It saddens me that I don't instinctively feel the same way about terrorism in the Middle East or Afghanistan. How could I? I live a very privileged life in Australia and my brain finds it easier to empathise with those who live a life like mine. It is ironic that it was Donald Trump's recent speech in Saudi Arabia which reminded me that "95 per cent" of the victims of terrorism are Muslim. (He doesn't really care, but that's another story.)

Reflecting on my condemnation record (which includes hosting a 5000-strong vigil for the victims of the Sydney siege) I have come to realise that my primary driver for condemning terrorism is not the fact that I consider the murder of innocent men, women and children to be horrific and criminal. For all of us non-murderers that simply goes without saying. It is most likely the same reason why none of my non-Muslim friends ever feel the need to condemn terrorism.
In late 2015 I had just arrived in London on sabbatical and was staying in a scruffy part of the city's north  full of cultural diversity and social disadvantage. On the first morning, as I emerged from my basement flat in search of the Sunday papers, a woman came towards me brandishing a greeting card and pen.

"Would you like to sign?" she asked. Just up the road was the strangely incongruous sight of a group of photographers pointing lenses at a modest '60s maisonette. "It's a congratulatory card," she explained, "from his neighbours to Jeremy. He's won."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn greeting supporters on the final week of the election campaign. Credit:Getty Images

And then it dawned on me. I was lodging just along from the newly elected leader of the British Labour Party: Jeremy Corbyn. I signed the card, explaining I was only a temporary neighbour, but was overjoyed at his victory.

Corbyn's rise is a most improbable political story. A complete outsider more at home marching with the comrades than debating in the Commons, he fought against apartheid, welfare cuts, privatisation and successive Gulf wars. He was on the progressive side of every major vote in his long parliamentary career.
The United States has vowed there will be no escape for Australian foreign fighters from the battlefields of Syria and Iraq under its new approach of hemming in the Islamic State terror group and killing its fighters, known as "annihilation".

After the annual AUSMIN talks between the US and Australia, Defence Secretary James Mattis fleshed out his new tactic, which aims to stop foreign fighters spreading around the globe as their so-called caliphate crumbles - a tactic strongly supported by Australia.

"This is an enemy against all civilisation," Mr Mattis said. "In this campaign, where before we were shoving them from one town to another and they're falling back, we now take the time to invest the town and make certain that foreign fighters cannot escape to return to Paris, France, to Australia, to wherever they came from, and bring their message of hatred and their skills back to those places and attack innocent people."

To "invest", in military terms, means to surround an enemy and prevent their escape.
Cory Bernardi's new Australian Conservatives party has responded to the London Bridge terrorist attack by surveying its members about their views on Islam, saying "we can't put it off any longer".

The survey, titled "We Need to Talk About Islam" was emailed to supporters of the former Liberal Senator's party on Monday, just a day after knife-wielding attackers murdered seven and injured nearly 50 in London's Saturday night attack.

A graphic next to the survey showed the Islamic "shahada" or proclamation of faith, written in Arabic with a large cross through it, a move labelled "fiercely extremist" by the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, and offensive by Sydney Muslim community leader Dr Jamal Rifi.

Senator Bernardi defended the timing of the survey.
Malcolm Turnbull has joined with British Prime Minister Theresa May in accusing Facebook and Twitter of shirking their responsibility in cracking down on online extremists.

Mr Turnbull said he agreed with Ms May's comments after the London terror attacks that "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."

Malcolm Turnbull agrees with British PM Theresa May that social media needs to do more to combat extremism online. Credit:AP

Mr Turnbull said Ms May had "put her finger on a very important point, that there is too much tolerance of extremist material on social media and that, ultimately, requires co-operation from the big social media platforms, in particular, Facebook and Twitter".

He added that authorities should be given access to private communications, such as encrypted messages.
It's the $5 billion fund that is meant to turn the north into an economic powerhouse.

But Minister for Northern Australia Matt Canavan was forced to spend a good portion of his time in front of a Senate estimates hearing defending the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund and its board, including the appointment of Queensland business woman and LNP donor, Karla Way-McPhail.

Greens Senator Larissa Waters is calling for a Senate inquiry into the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund.

Ms Way-McPhail, who heads a company that hires out labour and machinery to mining interests, has been a target of Senator Canavan's opponents over the potential for a conflict of interest.

The independent NAIF board is considering an application from Indian mining company Adani for a $1 billion concessional loan for a rail line from its proposed mine in the Galilee Basin in central Queensland to the state's coast, which it says is crucial to the future of the multi-billion project.
Fears are growing for two more Australians caught up in the London terror attack, with one thought to be seriously injured and Australian officials scrambling to locate the other.

Staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs and at the Australian High Commission have been working frantically with the families of the two Australians and with British officials.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed on Monday that in addition to Brisbane woman Candice Hedge and Darwin man Andrew Morrison, who were both injured in the stabbing phase of the attack, two more Australians may have been caught up in the incident.

But Mr Turnbull was tight-lipped about the condition of the second pair of Australians, saying only that authorities were "in close touch" with their families and that it would not be appropriate to say more.
Remember when we used to sleep on things before we bought them? Well, the internet killed that.

Convenience, coupled with the low cost of fast fashion, means we are making more poor purchases more frequently.

Melissa Lewis, founder of personal brand and image consultancy Style Confidante, says guilt and the fantasy of wearing a garment often causes her clients to hang on to bad purchases.

"Maybe the piece was on sale, or [they] were in a hurry, or the shop assistant said it looked great," she says, adding that most women only wear 20 per cent of their wardrobe.

Even fashion experts make mistakes. Daily Life columnist Clare Press once bought a pair of Miu Miu boots in Rome she has never worn.
While very high corporate tax rates can be a drag on economies, there's little evidence in experience or modelling (apparently) that reductions in the "headline" rate in Australia will have significant benefits. Indeed, while those implemented for small and medium companies may be emotionally satisfying, they are likely to be of less benefit than the scant gains likely from those planned for large enterprises. Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull have hardly excelled in selling the bank levy. Credit:Andrew Meares It's true that Australia's legislated corporate tax rate is relatively high. It is exceeded by only four OECD countries and it approximates another five. However, bald comparisons of statutory rates are, especially when taken in isolation, an unsatisfactory way of assessing Australia's investment competitiveness. For example: Businesses contemplating where to put their money look at investment environments in the broad; they will vary enormously, as between places like Ireland, Turkmenistan, France, Thailand and Australia. On many criteria, Australia enjoys great advantages over lots of countries and its competitive position will be well above many with lower corporate tax rates.

While a legislated rate of corporate tax is one thing, the effective rates actually paid are usually more important. These comparisons are not easy but the US Congressional Budget Office was confident enough earlier this year to publish some (admittedly based on data a couple of years old). In a field of 18 countries, this data showed Australia to be exactly in the middle of the field. On the total amount of corporate tax paid as a proportion of company income, Australia was lower than all but three.

The comparison of tax rates is complicated by Australia's dividend imputation, a system used by few others. It provides incentives for Australians to invest domestically while potentially making corporate tax cuts more attractive and rewarding for foreign investors. The lesson is that when politicians and business people urge reduced corporate tax because of Australia's place in the "headline rate" league table, that's likely to be an expression of ideology and/or self-interest and should be regarded accordingly. When Scott Morrison says "more favourable tax rates in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia put further pressure on our ability to attract investment", that's more than half wrong. The US and Europe's two biggest countries, France and Germany, have higher corporate taxes than Australia. And when Alberto Calderon, the chief executive of explosives company Orica, says Australia's "corporate taxes are the highest in the OECD", he blows up any authority he may pretend to have because his assertion is untrue.

Treasury head John Fraser with Finance Minister Mathias Cormann during estimates hearings. An excellent rationale for the levy is to fund the implied guarantee that the governments gives to the big banks, yet Fraser says that's not the tax's purpose. Credit:Andrew Meares A race to the lowest corporate tax common denominator based on crude comparisons of legislated rates that fail to take into account all relevant factors or the complications of international comparisons is a recipe for public sector impoverishment in Australia and the development of an environment that risks making investment less rather than more attractive. Further, it's not good enough for Bill Shorten to confine his opposition to shallow rhetoric about the government giving "a tax handout to your rich mates ... that's going to put extra debt on the backs of every Australian". Mention of Shorten brings to mind his curious position on the government's wish to increase the Medicare levy. He backs it but only for the top two income-tax brackets. Whatever his rationale, Shorten's line is a threat to a Medicare fundamental: its universality, which was key to the scheme when his predecessors introduced it. That is to say, with the exception of those now with a taxable annual income of $21,000 or less, all would contribute an equal amount relative to their incomes expressed as a flat percentage rate. Shorten, the great champion of Medicare, wants to undermine the extent of its universality in what seems to be a quest for political advantage. The facts about tax may be bad enough; the steady flow of fictions, distortions and shallowness is a good deal worse. At the same time, Shorten's sympathy for the "workers" doesn't extent to supporting the government's attempts to move school funding to a needs basis (as recommended by the ubiquitous Gonski)  no indeed. Shorten is willing to retain the advantage of well-off schools because he says the government is spending $22 billion less than the ALP would; $22 billion that is unprovided for and thus mythical.

Finally, there's the so-called "bank tax" or levy, a $6.2 billion impost on the five major banks over four years. This has caused a fury in some quarters  especially, of course, in the affected banks. National Australia Bank chairman and former Treasury secretary Ken Henry was one of the first out of the blocks, raging that this was "bad tax policy" that would damage the economy and need to be subbed by shareholders. Henry called for an "open, public inquiry" on the levy, a proposal even less likely than a royal commission on the banks. His rage was mild, however, compared to the self-proclaimed "voice for freedom", the Institute for Public Affairs. It said the tax was a "quasi-nationalisation of the major banks and will permanently reduce economic growth ... and discourage investment in Australia". What crap. Part of the problem is the government's ineptitude in explaining the rationale for the tax. Treasury secretary John Fraser told a Senate estimates committee last month the tax was not based on the implicit guarantee the government gives to the banks on the basis that they're too important to allow to fail. He said "the primary purpose, as the Treasurer and others have said, is to raise money to help in the process of fiscal repair". It's no wonder many in the business community are sick with worry about who will be hit next, or why ANZ chairman David Gonski asked that the levy be lifted when the budget is repaired, however that might be judged. The government and the Treasury secretary got things back to front. The implicit guarantee is a significant benefit for banks, in terms of credit ratings, the cost of capital and the like, although these benefits will vary according to changing financial circumstances. For 2013, the Reserve Bank estimated the benefit to be up to $3.75 billion. It's hard to imagine why the banks should be able to obtain this degree of benefit without making a contribution to the taxpayer for it. The guarantee provides a perfectly reasonable basis for the levy. If that were to be so, there would be no reason for other businesses to worry about being next in line to be hit, and bank shareholders and customers, as beneficiaries, should not complain about contributing. John Howard's GST was probably the last half-sensible political debate about taxation, although it might not have seemed so at the time. It's been more or less downhill ever since reaching its nadir with the appalling, successful campaign by the Minerals Council against the ALP's mining tax. There's not a lot of comfort in more recent experience.
A radical proposal to allow councillors from individual wards to determine planning controls for their area would be the "biggest devolution" of power in years, Housing Minister Anthony Roberts says.

Mr Roberts last week joined Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet in announcing the government's housing affordability package, which offered financial incentives for first home buyers and also changes to planning laws.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts unveil a housing affordability package last week. Credit:Nick Moir

But the measures also included a proposal by Mr Roberts to deliver more power to the smaller wards that make up councils.

Under the proposal, Mr Roberts told Fairfax Media, he could deliver directions under section 117 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act to require individual council wards to develop their own Local Environment Plans.
Queensland is the skin cancer capital of the world but is failing to match, or even consider, some sun-smart initiatives being introduced abroad.

New York City has installed free sunscreen dispensers across all five boroughs to encourage residents to use sunscreen.

Brisbane City Council has said providing sunscreen is a personal responsibility and they will not supply free sunscreen dispensers. Credit:istock

This initiative, as reported by CityLab on May 26, is a collaboration between Bright Guard and Impact Melanoma.

Since 2014 the partnership has installed more than 2000 free dispensers with SPF 30 sunscreen across all 50 American states.
Mr Swan said he asked whether his partner could be given magnesium and steroids for the infants' development and if they could be transferred to Mater Hospital to give his twins, who he said had strong beating hearts, a shot at life. "They told us we couldn't have the drugs, that they wouldn't work and that in about 20 minutes someone would come in and explain why they can't resuscitate and the steps that will happen during the labour," he said. "We asked if we could be transferred to Mater Hospital knowing that Mater has a neonatal critical care unit that can actually handle this type of early pregnancy. "They told us they had already called the Mater and the Mater said they wouldn't take us because of the gestational age." Metro South Health acting chief executive Robert Mackway-Jones said Logan Hospital has the capacity to care for infants of 32 weeks gestational age and greater.

"In the unfortunate event of a woman presenting in premature or extreme premature labour, it is our policy for Logan maternity service to always contact our tertiary referral hospital (Mater) for direction." About 20 hours after the couple were admitted, Mr Swan claims no medical staff had come in to explain the procedure to the couple. At 3.30am on Saturday morning, when Ms Radke was rushed to the birthing suite, Mr Swan invoked Ryan's Rule  a three-step process implemented across Queensland in 2011 to provide patients, families and carers with another way to get medical help if not satisfied with the response being given. Within minutes, she was given medication and rushed to Mater Hospital, Mr Swan said. A statement from Mater Hospital confirmed a referral from Logan Hospital was accepted on May 6 but could not release any further details, citing patient confidentiality.

Mr Swan said the staff at Mater Hospital had managed to hold the labour off for 36 hours. "Dianna was a wreck, she was just waiting for the inevitable, unfortunately," Mr Swan said. Ms Radke gave birth to twin boys  Maximus Andrew Branson at 579 grams and Nikolai James Richard at 669 grams. Both babies have severe health issues including chronic lung disease and have undergone extensive surgery. The twins have been given a 20 per cent survival rate at this stage. Mr Swan said the ordeal has "broken" his partner Dianna.

"She hasn't slept, between the both of us we have probably had 20-30 hours sleep in past two weeks if that," he said. "She is up all night, she is crying all the time. She is very angry at the Logan (Hospital). "They could have just been placed on her chest if we hadn't said anything. They would just be dead. "Now we are in this predicament that every time they go in for an operation she just thinks this could all have been avoided." Mr Swan has filed a complaint with Logan Hospital.

Mr Mackway-Jones confirmed Logan Hospital was investigating the the case. "We are upset and empathetic for the mother and her partner that they are going through a traumatic time with their newborn twins," he said. "We can confirm that our obstetrics doctors spent time with the parents at the start of their admission while deciding treatment options and consulting with the tertiary hospital on possible plans." Mr Swan has also made contact with Slater and Gordon lawyers with regards to possible legal action. Slater and Gordon lawyer Olamide Kowalik, who spoke with Mr Swan last Friday, said the case was something that "warrants proper investigation".
An estimated 3500 homes north of Brisbane are being warned to boil drinking water before consumption, with concerns held that water quality could be compromised.

Seqwater and Unitywater said on Monday evening that for the next 24 hours maintenance would be carried out at the water treatment plant and associated infrastructure, which supplies residents in Petrie and Old Petrie Town.

Residents in Petrie and Old Petrie Town are being warned to boil drinking water for the next 24 hours due to health concerns. Credit:iStock

Unitywater executive manager infrastructure services Rob Dowling said the first batch of test results were due to come through at 2pm on Tuesday.

But he told ABC Radio Brisbane multiple tests would be needed to confirm the water was safe to drink again.
The parents of Maddilyn-Rose Stokes, who died from a heart attack in Brisbane's north last month, have been charged with murder and torture.

It will be alleged the two-year-old, who would have turned three this month, suffered life-threatening burns to her lower back, buttocks and back of her legs all the way down to her feet.

Her parents had described the girl's death to police as "a terrible accident" caused by "a moment's inattention" after the toddler was found not breathing by paramedics at her family's Northgate townhouse about 3.30pm on May 25.

It is understood the parents had called for an ambulance, with paramedics performing resuscitation on the toddler for about half an hour before taking her to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, but Maddilyn-Rose died that night.
The family of a slain Queensland toddler erupted in court  condemning his killer, judge and prosecutors  as his babysitter was told he could walk from prison in less than two years.

Matthew James Ireland wept in the dock of the Mackay Supreme Court on Monday as he was jailed for eight-and-a-half years for manslaughter.

Hemi Goodwin-Burke died in 2015. A Mackay court heard Matthew James Ireland drunkenly beat him. Credit:MyCause

But 18-month-old Hemi Goodwin-Burke's family, already incensed Ireland was not being tried for murder, screamed out as the 31-year-old was handed a parole eligibility date of March 2019.

"You're a f---ing murderer," a man shouted from the public gallery.
Brighton siege: Shooting victim a Chinese national who had recently married

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Key advice from senior planners was ignored by Planning Minister Richard Wynne when he approved Crown casino's new, $1.75 billion, 90-storey skyscraper, newly released papers reveal.

Public servants told Mr Wynne that a rooftop viewing platform and a new shopping centre in the Yarra-side hotel and apartment tower were of benefit primarily to the gaming giant, not the Victorian public.

Crown's proposed 90-storey tower (centre). Credit:FloodSlicer

But despite this advice, Mr Wynne sided with the casino giant  ruling that its $10 million shopping centre and $25 million rooftop viewing deck and nightclub "public realm" improvements.

Planners within the Planning Department told Mr Wynne they would "primarily benefit the proposal" and not the public.
One of the men involved in the fatal bashing of a teenager in a Chinatown alley has been sentenced to six months' jail for his involvement, which a magistrate called "pure cowardice".

High school student Longxiang "Jeremy" Hu, 19, was set upon by three others in La Trobe Place in Melbourne's CBD on April 15, 2016.

Longxiang 'Jeremy' Hu was fatally bashed in Chinatown in April last year.

He died in hospital days later from severe head injuries.

Police allege that Shenglian Wan, 23, who will stand trial for Mr Hu's murder, kicked and stomped on Mr Hu's head during the fight.
WA Police have released chopper footage of police dog Mako taking down a man who was trying to flee from police in Perth's southeast on Saturday.



Police Sergeant Andrew Maher said about 11:10pm officers tried to stop a Holden Commodore on Forrest Road in Haynes.

The car drove off through Brookdale, Darling Downs and Oakford, ignoring police who had their emergency lights and sirens on.

A stinger was deployed on Nicholson Road forcing the driver to flee on foot down Kargotich Road into a farm.



Police Dog Mako tracked the man and caught him as officers moved in.



A 24-year-old man from Gosnells has been charged with failing to stop when called upon, aggravated reckless rriving and no authority to drive.

The man will face Armadale Magistrates court at a later date.
Beijing: The Chinese government has hit back at a Fairfax/Four Corners investigation into its influence in Australia.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said the claims of spying and the Chinese government threatening students at Australian universities were "totally pointless" and refuted by China.

Credit:Jason South

She urged Australian media to "make objective reporting" instead of "creating obstacles" to co-operation between the two countries.

Earlier, China's nationalist newspaper, The Global Times, prominently reported the allegations by the Fairfax/Four Corners investigation.
London: US President Donald Trump lashed out at the London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Monday and accused him of making a "pathetic excuse" over one of his comments following the terrorist attack that killed seven people in London on Saturday night.

Mr Khan had said on Sunday morning that people would see an increased police presence on the streets of the capital and should not be alarmed by that.

"Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his 'no reason to be alarmed' statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!", Mr Trump said in a Tweet. MSM referred to mainstream media.

The Tweet about Mr Khan came shortly after Mr Trump criticised the latest version of his own travel ban as "watered down" in an early morning tirade on the social media platform
Bangkok: South-east Asian nations and the United States have pledged to support the Philippines in its fight against Islamic State-allied militants in the southern Philippines, including use of spy planes, drones and increased sharing of intelligence.

Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines - with assistance from Singapore - have also agreed to fast-track joint patrols of the Sulu Sea in an attempt to stem the movement of militants across porous borders.

Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Malaysia and Singapore have also agreed to re-energise a long-standing Five Powers Defence Agreement, saying they wanted to better link new military capabilities as well as boosting counter-intelligence and sea security, officials said after a meeting of defence ministers in Singapore.

The moves come as 4000 Philippine troops continue to battle Islamist militants who besieged the southern Philippine city of Marawi, 830 kilometres south of Manila, two weeks ago in the strongest indication yet that IS loyalists are building a base in the region.
Latest News Sydney records highest auction clearance rate in six months Almost 70% of properties sold in first week of November

ScotPac opens new broker portal System aimed at speeding up approvals

The Australian Investments and Securities Commission (ASIC) has been asked to explain why it consults with lenders and other parties prior to publishing some media releases.In front of a Senate Budget Estimates Hearing last Wednesday (31 May), ASIC deputy chair Peter Kell responded to a question by Nationals senator John Williams around why the regulators media team shares information with those mentioned in select press releases.Thats like me preparing a media release to attack the Labor party and I ring up Mr Bill Shorten to say Bill, are you happy with this? Williams said. Why are you corresponding with the very people youre putting out in the public arena for their wrongdoing?Kell said it was policy for ASIC to supply media releases in certain scenarios.We do provide for a short window in which to check media releases in relation to negotiated outcomes, not to court-based outcomes. It only occurs after the outcome has been decided and determined, he told the hearing.Our primary aim in doing this is to ensure accuracy  so to allow checking of things like dates, the number of affected consumers, the amount of compensation that may have been paid.The focus on accuracy was very important, he added, pointing to a case in which the UKs Financial Conduct Authority released erroneous information around one of their actions and wiped 2.4bn off the value of some UK insurers.With large entities, in particular if theres a prospect at times of the action taken may have a material impact for negotiated outcomes, we allow a short window of up to 24 hours for checking the accuracy [of the media releases].Williams then asked about emails obtained under a freedom of information (FOI) request around an enforceable undertaking with Macquarie Bank in January 2013.The emails were sent between Adrian Borchok, senior manager at ASIC, and other staff investigating Macquarie Banks wealth arm Macquarie Equities. In this correspondence, Borchok described this review as a sham and superficial, Williams said.In response, Kell said there would always be differences of opinion which can be used to reach the proper outcomes for each individual case.I hope that you would understand and expect that within an agency such as ASIC there will be robust debate between officers about the best ways to deal with enforcement and regulatory matters.That is one of the ways that we ensure that our approach to getting the right sort of outcome is tested. There will be differences of opinion and there will be different views expressed.He also stressed that the enforceable undertaking achieved a positive outcome regardless of these differing views, with the business changing the way it operated, a number of advisors being banned, and over $20m in compensation paid out.There will inevitably be, along the way, arguments [and] disagreements around how to get to the right outcome. I think in that case, we clearly got to a very positive outcome for the consumers and for the bank.
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It could have been death from above.

A chunk of steel fell from the Manhattan Bridge landing just feet away from patrons of an outdoor rock climbing gym, which stayed open for days as fragments cracked off the crossing because authorities assured its owner there was nothing to worry about.

The MTA and DOT were trying to tell us it was more of an isolated incident so we took it at face value, but when a second piece fell we said enough was enough, said Mike Wolfert, who owns Dumbo Boulders on Plymouth and Adams streets in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority and city Department of Transportation officials said the plummeting steel  approximately the size of a piece of paper  was a one-time incident, but when a screw rained down from the bridge days later, Wolfert shut his operation to prevent climbers from getting bonked in the head by future falling fragments.

He announced on Facebook on May 23 the gym would close as it investigated why scraps were tumbling from the span. The piece of steel that fell six days earlier, on May 17, could have killed someone had it landed any closer, according to one witness.

Dust cloud was thirty feet high. Strangely no one really reacted or realized. I am surprised that no action was taken. Ten feet further away and this piece would have killed, Oliver Handlos wrote on Facebook.

City and state agencies said that the hunk of metal and the screw fell from the subway tracks that carry the B, D, N, and Q trains, according to Wolfert. The transportation department did not advise the boulders to close after the steel fell, according to a spokesman.

Dumbo Boulders reopened on May 27 after officials told Wolfert they inspected the bridge, tightened the tracks, and will perform regular checkups.

The gym owner is pushing the agencies for more permanent fixes  such as installing netting under the 105-year-old crossing, which the city did temporarily during construction on it in 2014  but said until those are implemented he cannot do much except trust that officials are telling the truth.

Its horrifying. Theyve assured us theyve addressed it and we kind of have to accept the MTAs word for it, he said. We believe its safe now, its obviously a temporary fix as they address the major concern of the aging bridge.

Reps for Brooklyn Bridge Park, which rents the land out to Wolfert, contacted the transit authority and transportation department immediately after the first piece fell. But the park leaves it to vendors to decide whether or not to close their shops, according to a spokesman.

Decisions about when to close and open are entirely up to our tenants, he said.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority did not respond to requests for comment.
Nearly 80 PA people have been charged for Jan. 6 riot. Three are dead.
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) presented a check to Yardley Borough Police Chief Joseph Kelly for $68,600 for the purchase of a new police vehicle and motorcycle during a visit to the station. Our police put themselves on the line every day to keep our community safe, said Sen. Santarsiero. Dating back to when I was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor more than...
Malala Yousafzai to lead off 31st annual Distinguished Speaker Series at UB

Renowned across the globe for her courage and convictions, Malala offers our university and our community the opportunity to engage with one of the foremost advocates for the education of girls and young women. 

BUFFALO, N.Y  Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai will speak at the University at Buffalo on Tuesday, Sept. 19, in Alumni Arena on the UB North Campus as the first speaker in the 31st annual Distinguished Speakers Series.

Tickets for Malala are not yet available for sale, pending completion of the entire series schedule, which is expected to be finalized later this month.

A champion since the age of 10 of the right for girls to receive an education, Malala made headlines when she was shot by the Taliban in 2012 at the age of 15 while traveling home from school on the bus with her friends in Pakistan.

Now living with her family in Birmingham, England, she is internationally known for her courage in refusing to be silenced and continues to campaign for the right of every child to go to school.

Malala is the co-recipient with Kailash Satyarthi of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle against the suppression of children and young people and childrens educational rights. Aged 17 at the time, she was the youngest-ever to receive the Nobel Prize laureate.

We are delighted that Malala Yousafzai will be headlining the 31st season of our Distinguished Speakers Series, said UB President Satish K. Tripathi. Renowned across the globe for her courage and convictions, Malala offers our university and our community the opportunity to engage with one of the foremost advocates for the education of girls and young women. Her visit to UB will mark the seventh appearance by a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in the Distinguished Speakers Series and will continue our proud tradition of bringing compelling public figures to campus to spark provocative discussions about the defining issues of our time.

In April of this year, Malala received honorary Canadian citizenship  only the sixth person, and the youngest, to receive the honor  and also became the youngest person to address the House of Commons of Canada. In addition, this year she became the youngest person ever to become a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Malala was named to TIME Magazines annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2012, she was the recipient of Pakistan's first National Youth Peace Prize and the 2013 Sakharov Prize.

She is the author of I Am Malala (2013), an international bestseller that has been translated into 40 languages.

Following the outpouring of support that Malala received after the Talibans attempt on her life in 2012, she set up an international fund  the Malala Fund  dedicated to help promote education for girls throughout the world.

Lecture sponsors are Girls Education Collaborative, a Buffalo-based nonprofit that works to equip girls in developing countries to transcend their circumstances, realize their fullest potential and become catalysts for change; and the UB School of Management Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, which recognizes Malalas global leadership as a testament to her extraordinary resilience, courage and unwavering sense of purpose.

To receive timely information about early-bird purchase opportunities for series subscriptions and Malala tickets, visit https://www.ubevents.org/event/ub-speakers and register at no charge to become a series patron.
Covers has opened its doors to students to give them an insight into the workings of a modern sawmill.

The party of students, aged between 16 and 21, travelled from the Brockenhurst Colleges Marchwood Skills Centre for a tour around the Quarry Lane site with Timber Production Manager Peter Openshaw.

They were given a demonstration of the depots new planing and moulding machines, and viewed the timber treatment facilities and hardwood timber sheds. Covers new timber mill was unveiled last September following a two-year investment programme.

Marchwood Skills Centre is the home of construction and marine courses for Brockenhurst College. Liam Bickerton, Senior Technician at the college, said: The students are all working towards an extended certificate in construction studies, learning the basics of carpentry and other assorted building trades.

They thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Covers, and it was fascinating for them to witness the workings of a real timber mill. They were shown the entire process, discovering how the raw materials are cut and treated and finally sent out to customers. All in all it was an excellent visit, and wed like to say a massive thank you to Covers.
Two family-run companies, Build Supplies of St Columb in Cornwall and Buildrite Trade & DIY Supplies of Weymouth, Dorset are the latest members of the h&b buying group to join the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) in the south west region.

Build Supplies was established 12 years ago to serve mid-Cornwall and the surrounding areas. Specialising in heavyside and timber products, its user-friendly service quickly helped them develop a 5m turnover business. It has recently acquired a new off-site warehouse and distribution facility to provide an additional 20,000 sq ft of internal storage space allowing it to increase the product range and stockholding at its existing 3-acre site.

At Buildrite Trade & DIY Supplies, brothers Jason and Luke House have developed their fathers original roofing business into one of the areas most successful independent merchants. As well as offering a wide range of building, roofing, timber and sheet materials, Buildrite has a well-established kitchen and bathroom showroom, a large self-service area and a tool hire point.

Welcoming the two merchants into membership, Richard Jones, south west regional manager at the BMF, highlighted the positive effect that a regular programme of local meetings and training events has had in boosting membership in the region.

He said: Im delighted that two more thriving independent companies have recognised the benefits of BMF membership and Im sure that both will participate fully and make the most of the opportunities to network with other members in the region as well as at our national events.

The opening of the first south west Regional Centre of Excellence at RGB in Tiverton means we now have a focal point for training as well as meetings. The south west BMF Diploma in Merchanting study group meets there regularly, we are running two of our most popular one-day courses, Excellence in Customer Service & Maximising Margin, in early November and it will also be the venue for the next south west Regional Meeting on 13 September.

Mr Jones continued: Having a regular programme of events in the south west is an undoubtedly helping to boost our presence in the region, and I look forward to welcoming more local merchants, including others in the h&b group, into membership soon.
NJ Weedman got a license to sell NJ legal weed. He almost said no.
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This summer, people across Burton will flock to nearby airports to jet away for their annual holiday abroad. While most are looking forward to soaking up the summer sun, others will have the threat of terrorism on their minds, and want to know how best to stay safe on holiday.

The UK's own terror threat level still stands at severe following the Manchester Arena attack but which countries are the safest to visit this summer?

According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice, here's all you need to know about potential holiday destinations this year:

United States of America

The FCO states that terrorist attacks are likely to take place in the USA. Tourists should watch media reports and be vigilant at all times, reporting any suspicious activity they see.

Like most Western countries, the USA is pretty safe, however there are risks associated with firearm ownership and international terrorism, and the country has also witnessed a number of mass shootings in recent years.

Turkey

The FCO says a number of terrorist groups are active in Turkey, and since 2015 there has been an increase in PKK (Kurdish separatist) terrorist activity in the south-east. Those in Burton thinking of traveling to Antalya, a popular tourist destination in the country from East Midlands Airport should remain vigilant at all times.

These terrorist groups have publicly threatened to attack tourist sites in Turkey  with random attacks potentially affecting places visited by UK citizens.

Tunisia

The terror threat in Tunisia remains highly likely after 38 tourists were killed by an IS gunman as they sunbathed on a beach resort in Sousse in June 2015. The FCO advises against all non-essential travel to Tunisia.

France

France still remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists, with East Midlands Airport offering flights to the country regularly, despite enduring high profile terrorist attacks such as the shootings at Charlie Hebdo and attacks in Paris and Nice. The FCO wants tourists to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting France.

Egypt

Egypt attracts thousands of tourists a year, though the FCO advises those staying within the Red Sea coastal resorts of Sharm El Sheikh to stay within those areas and avoid traveling elsewhere.

Morocco

Around 600,000 British nationals visit Morocco every year and most visits are trouble-free. However the Foreign and Commonwealth Office say that there is a high risk of terrorism in Morocco which may target popular places with tourists such as hotels, bars and beaches.
Uber, the ridesharing app, has released a Green Index on the occasion of . The launch of uberPOOL in the Chennai helped save 184,000 litres of fuel and 3,911,000 kms travelled, there by curbing 433,000 kg CO2 emissions in the city.
The proposed tax structure for footwear under the goods and services tax (GST) has left manufacturers high and dry. While the 18 per cent tax bracket for footwear priced over Rs 500 may lead to an increase in product prices, the dual taxation structure will add to their woes as pricing will get more complex, they say.
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appointed P R Venketrama Raja as its new chairman. He would be heading the company's board of directors, said .



Venketrama Raja relinquished from the post of the company's managing director on June 3.
Indian carriers continue to main regular schedule to Doha but there could be some flight delays due to restrictions in airspace in the Gulf region.
Homegrown auto major Tata Motors on Monday said the head of its commercial vehicles division has resigned citing personal reasons. Satish Borwankar has been given additional charge as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Pisharody has been holding the position of Executive Director (Commercial Vehicles) since June 21, 2012, having joined Tata Motors as vice-president Commercial Vehicles (Sales & Marketing) in 2007.

Pisharody has submitted his resignation as Executive Director (Commercial Vehicles) and as a Director of the company and its associated companies for personal reasons, Tata Motors said in a BSE filing.

His resignation comes at a time when Tata Motors has witnessed sales of its commercial vehicles slowing down in the domestic market.

The company's CV sales grew by just 0.45 per cent to 3,05,620 units in 2016-17.

In May 2017, the company's overall commercial vehicles sales in the domestic market were at 23,606 units, down 13 per cent from the same month last year.

Prior to joining Tata Motors, Pisharody was with Castrol Ltd, a subsidiary of BP. He had also worked with Philips India in various roles.
Vedanta and Tata Steel saw a turnaround in their operating performance in the March quarter. Tata Steels operating profit grew more than three-fold over the year-ago quarter, while Vedantas operating profit more than doubled. Not surprising then that their stocks have nearly doubled over the past year, and analysts seem confident about their prospects.
I spoke with Go Arai, CEO of Arcterus, a startup that is trying to help students learn more effectively. It is a platform that allows students to share their study notebooks with other students and then profit from it.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has advised the operators to launch at least one data pack with single payment that has exclusive data benefits and a validity of 365 days.
A day after the Centre said it was open to suggestions from various groups on the May 23 slaughter notification, the move continued to invite criticism.
Rejecting strongly US President Donald Trump's charge against it on climate deal, India said on Monday it signed the Paris agreement not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect environment. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also described the proposed changes in H1B visas as a matter of concern.
China on Monday defended People's Liberation Army (PLA) helicopters hovering over Barahoti region of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, saying India and China have a territorial dispute in the eastern section of their boundary and the Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas.

While the details can be obtained from the Ministry of Defence, "in principle China and India have territorial disputes in the eastern section of the China-India border", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media when asked about reports that PLA helicopters violated Indian airspace on Saturday.

"The Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas. We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to maintain tranquillity and peace in the border areas," Hua said.

Two helicopters of the PLA of China hovered over Chamoli district 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 in New Delhi 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 choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incident.

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.

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.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC). While China claims Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Section as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during 1962 war.
There was no political interference in the CBI raids on NDTV founder Prannoy Roy's properties, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday while stressing that the law was taking its course.

"If somebody does something wrong simply because they belong to media, you cannot expect the government to keep quiet," Naidu told reporters.

The officials were doing their duty and there is no political interference in this, he said, adding that media was free and independent in the country.

"The CBI might have received some information. That is why they have taken action," Naidu said.

The CBI on Monday searched the residence of NDTV founder Prannoy Roy in New Delhi and three other locations for allegedly causing losses to a private bank, a move termed by NDTV as a "witch-hunt" based on "same old" false accusations.

The agency has registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika and RRPR Holdings for allegedly causing losses of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank, CBI sources said.

They said the agency was conducting searches at four places in the capital and in Dehradun.

"This morning, the CBI stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations," NDTV said in a statement.

It said NDTV and its promoters would fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies.

"We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India. We have one message to those who are trying to destroy the institutions of India and everything it stands for: we will fight for our country and overcome these forces," it said.
The two factions of Forum for IT Employees (FITE), which has been gathering support from the IT employees, against the alleged lay off of various companies, has today alleged that the death of Infosys employees is raising serious questions on the safety of the employees at workplace.
Five Pakistani nationals were detained in Barmer district of Rajasthan for violating visa norms.

Khojo Bhil (60), Chandu Bhil (75), his wife Dhai Bai Bhil (70), and two minors-- Naresh Bhil (10) and Dharmi Bai (12) -- had a visa for Jodhpur but travelled to Barmer.

They were detained from Gadra road railway station in the district when they were waiting for a train to Jodhpur on Sunday.

Khojo and Naresh came to Jodhpur some two years ago and the other three entered India around 20 days back, SHO Gadra road police station Karan Singh said. They were staying at their relatives' house in Barmer for two days.

The place where they stayed is restricted for foreigners, the SHO said.

They are being interrogated by intelligence agencies.

Barmer is among four districts in western Rajasthan which lies along the border with .
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) today successfully launched its most powerful rocket with capacity to hurl four tonne communication satellites into a higher orbit. The rocket also has the potential to carry a ten tonne capsule for a manned mission to space.
More than a month after the killing and beheading on May 1 of two Indian soldiers on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir, near Battal in the Krishna Ghati sector, Indian posts continue their retaliation against Pakistani positions in that area.
Scotland Yard today named two of the three terrorists behind the London attack as Khuram Butt, a British citizen born in Pakistan, and Rachid Redouane.

Butt, 27, was married with children and lived in Barking, east London for a number of years.

Police said Butt was known to security services but there had been no evidence of "attack planning".

Redouane,30, who also lived in Barking, claimed to be Moroccan-Libyan.

The pair and one other man were shot dead by police after killing seven people and injuring 48.

They drove their hired van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people in the area around Borough Market.

Assistant Commander Mark Rowley said: "Inquiries are ongoing to confirm the identity of their accomplice.
Indian farmers in Maharashtra held back farm produce in the province for a third day on Saturday, despite the state's assurance that it would waive loans held by defaulting farmers with small tracts of land and low incomes.

Maharashtra farmers want Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' government to take steps to boost farm incomes and output including waiving all agricultural loans, similar to the $5.6 billion in debt forgiveness announced in April by India's most populous Uttar Pradesh state.

Prices of vegetables and milk have jumped more than 50 per cent in major cities such as Mumbai and the information and technology hub of Pune after farmers cut supplies from Thursday.

Maharashtra, India's second most populous state, is the country's second-biggest producer of sugar, cotton and soybean.

A small fraction of farmers union called off the strike Saturday following a four-hour long meeting with Fadnavis.

The government would waive the debt of marginal farmers who defaulted in the last few years, Fadnavis said, adding a panel would be set up to find ways to implement the waiver.

Maharashtra needs to spend 305 billion rupees to write off debt owed by about 3.2 million farmers who had defaulted on bank loans, he said on Thursday.

But a larger faction of farmers said they would continue the strike until the government waived debt of all Maharashtra farmers and not just marginal, or poorer, farmers who defaulted.

"The strike is not over. We will continue the strike until government announces debt waiver for all farmers," said Ajit Nawale, who walked out from the meeting.

Such outbursts of rural discontent in Maharashtra and other states pose a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has promised to double farm incomes over the next five years.

Two-thirds of India's 1.3 billion people depend directly or indirectly on farming for their livelihood but farm incomes only account for 14 per cent of gross domestic product, reflecting a growing divide between the countryside and wealthier cities.
Three activists of the Bhim Army were on Monday arrested for collecting funds for the Dalit outfit at Shukartal in the district.

SP (Rural) Vinit Bhatnagar said Amit Kumar, Bablu and Harish were booked last evening along with several other activists of the organisation. A case under Section 153 (inciting a mob with an intent to cause riots) and Section 420 (cheating) of the IPC had been registered against them.

It is alleged that they distributed pamphlets and appealed to people to participate in a panchayat to be held in June 14 in Ratheri village in the district.

Police on Sunday dismantled a camp in Shukartal set up by them for collection of funds, and removed pamphlets and donation boxes from there.

Meanwhile, Saharanpur police has announced a rewardfor information about the Bhim Army's chief Chandrashekhar and its other absconding leaders, in connection with their alleged role in the caste-based violence in Saharanpur.

According to Saharanpur SSP Bablu Kumar, a reward of Rs 12,000 will be given to anyone providing information about Chandrashekhar and his supporters Vinay Ratan, Kamal and Manjit who are facing non-bailable warrants.
Jails in Uttar Pradesh remain overpopulated with convicted and under-trial prisoners, as the number of people behind bars exceeds the total capacity by 60 per cent.
At 5:28 pm on June 5, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will attempt to launch the Mk III variant of itaGeosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). It will be an historic occasion for the countrys space programme. The Mk III is ISROs most muscular launch vehicle to date, being able to lift 4,000 kg of payloads to the geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and 10,000 kg to the low-Earth orbit. These capacities have been enabled by a third stage powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine, the development of which has engaged ISROs best for over two decades. Naturally, the success of this rocket will mean a lot for India, in a variety of ways that can be difficult to assimilate.
As part of its contribution to World Environment Day, ride-hailing app Uber has released a Green Index, which showed that with the launch of uberPOOL, it has effectively managed to reduce congestion and pollution in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the need for nurturing a better planet on on Moday.

He also saluted those working towards protecting the environment.

Modi said this year's theme of 'connecting people to nature' was nothing but a way of "getting connected with ourselves".

" is the right time to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our environment and nurturing a better planet," he tweeted.

"We salute the will & determination of all those individuals & organisations working towards protecting the environment," he added in another tweet.

#WorldEnviromentDay is the right time to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our environment and nurturing a better planet. pic.twitter.com/DE3dnrX6L2  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017

Last week, after President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate deal, Modi had said the present generation should not snatch the right of the future generations to a clean and healthy earth.
The Andhra Pradesh government has come out with a separate policy for global in-house centres (GICs) with an objective to attract potential job creators by offering plug-and-play infrastructure developed in collaboration with private sector.
Three Gulf Arab states and Egypt severed their ties with on Monday in a dispute over Doha's support for Islamist groups, in particular the Muslim Brotherhood, which they regard as a political enemy.
The government is planning to shift to a January-December financial year, and it could happen as early as January 1 next year.
The boom in India's renewable energy sector, particularly solar power, is attracting investors from abroad  at the cost of companies involved in coal or coal-based energy.
Textile industry exppressed satisfaction with the proposed goods and services tax (GST) regime as it hails the dawn of fibre-neutrality in the sector. Both fibres have been exempted from the porposed tax structure, while keeping the value chain within the purview of .
The first among the ambitious interlinking of river projects, the Ken-Betwa linkage in Madhya Pradesh has reached its penultimate stage of clearance with the Ministry of Environments forest advisory committee giving its nod. It now requires only the approval of the environment minister to move into the implementation stage.
Drug makers want the government to lower the 18 per cent goods and service tax (GST) rate on nicotine gum as the current rate contradicts its health policy and makes de-addiction more expensive.
Privatising Air India at 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.

Business Standard has learnt from sources who are involved in this process that once a final decision to divest a stake in Air India is taken, there wont be any gradual stake sale. In a single stroke, the government will cede control by reducing its stake to either below 49 per cent, or exit the national carrier completely.

No investor, domestic or foreign, will be interested in buying a minority stake in Air India. There wont be a 10, 15, 20 per cent stake sale. It has to be privatisation at one go. The decision to be taken is whether the government will bring down its ownership to below 49 per cent or exit altogether, said a senior government official. The official said that a number of departments in the government, including the Prime Ministers Office, civil aviation ministry, and finance ministry, are considering various options regarding the national carrier, which is laden with a debt of Rs 46,570 crore.

A number of informal discussions have taken place on this. The consensus view is that there is no sense in the Centre divesting stakes and retaining ownership. The final decision would be taken by the Cabinet in the next couple of months, sources said.

It is clear that before any attempt to privatise is made, the debt will have to be dealt with. To that extent, Air India is looking to sell some of its real estate assets. And public-sector banks will soon start a fresh round of discussions with the airline to recast part of the debt.

The official quoted above said that the privatisation process was not contingent upon the discussions around debt. Talks on retiring or recasting debt can and will take place alongside any discussion on privatisation. It is not that we wait for the debt burden to lighten and then start the divestment process, the official said.

This will ensure a time-bound process that will not stretch over multiple quarters. However, the official said that it was too early to comment on whether Air India would count in the ambitious disinvestment target of Rs 72,500 crore for 2017-18. If the decision is to sell, the government is confident that a good suitor can be found. Air India is on a strong footing operationally. It has a great value in terms of fleet and international routes. Its flight crews and other staff have more experience than domestic competitors, the person said.

At a press conference on three years of the Modi government on Thursday, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government was studying the NITI Aayogs recommendations on Air India. The Aayog had tweeted on Friday that the government had to take a call on four issues, namely, whether the national carrier needed to be sold or not, whether the bids would be open to foreign or only domestic investors, whether the Centre should maintain any stake at all, and whether the debt should be cleared.




Dhundi, Kheda district, Gujarat: Phodabhai Parmar, a 72-year-old farmer, sits on a charpai sipping tea as solar panels gleam in the fields behind him. Parmar is one of six farmers who have formed the worlds first solar irrigation cooperative in Dhundi village in Gujarats Kheda district, about 90 km from Ahmedabad.

The Solar Pump Irrigators Cooperative Enterprise (SPICE), which began operating in May 2016, not only made a switch from diesel to solar pumps but also adopted net meteringselling excess power to the local electricity utility.

Members now have an incentive to save power and curtail their groundwater use, as any leftover power is sold to the the Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL), the local power utility, thereby creating a parallel revenue stream.

Net metering

SPICE signed a 25-year power purchase agreement to sell power to MGVCL at the rate of Rs 4.63/kWh (kilowatt-hour, a unit of energy). With six solar pumps and a total capacity of 56.4 kWp (kilowatt peak, which stands for peak power and is the output achieved by a solar module under full solar radiation), the irrigation systems in Dhundi are expected to generate 85,000 kWh/year of solar energy, according to this paper published by IWMI-Tata Water Policy Program, which initiated and partly funded SPICE.

The pump owners will use 40,000 kWh/year for irrigation, and sell the remaining 45,000 kWh/year to the grid, earning Rs 3,00,000/year. By December 2016, the six members had together earned more than Rs 1,60,000 from sale of surplus energy to MGVCL.

The selling of power to the grid attaches an opportunity cost to the power that is being generated by the solar pumps, which otherwise would be free power, Neha Durga, a consultant with IWMI-Tata Water Policy Program, told IndiaSpend. So even if farmers use the pumps for 100 days of the year for irrigation, for the other 200 days the grid is getting green power. At the same time the farmers now have an incentive to economise on their energy as well as water use.

A solar pump is viewed in Dhundi not only as an irrigation asset but also an income-generating asset that has potential to deliver climate-proof, risk-free income stream, the paper stated.

The IWMI-Tata Water Policy Program is a partnership between the International Water Management Institute, a not-for-profit research organisation based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the Mumbai-based Sir Ratan Tata Trust, a philanthropic organisation.

Solar pumps expensive to install, but electric and diesel pumps sub-optimal

In 2015, 9 million diesel pumpsexpensive and big greenhouse gas emitterswere being used for irrigation, largely due to lack of electricity connections or poor power supply.

Yet, the upfront cost of a solar pump, about 10 times that of a conventional pump, discourages buyers. Capital subsidy and financing support are a must to promote adoption of solar pumps, a 2014 analysis by Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, a not-for-profit based in New Delhi, said.

Guided by this logic, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been running a programme to install solar water pumping systems for irrigation and drinking water across India since 1992, providing subsidy of up to 90% of the upfront capital cost. Various state governments also offer subsidies to varying extentsin Rajasthan, farmers pay only 14% of the total cost of solar pumps, while in Maharashtra, farmers pay only 5%.

At the same time, many states subsidise agricultural electricity connections and consumption, making solar-powered irrigation systems even more uneconomical in comparison, as this 2016 CEEW paper shows.

Source: Council on Energy, Environment and Water

However, solar pumps pay for themselves over the years by providing cheap and uninterrupted power, while costing little by way of maintenance. Diesel pumps, in contrast, cost anywhere between Rs 20,000 and 25,000 a year for fuel and maintenance.

The SPICE experience is instructive. Farmers who joined initially contributed Rs 5,000/kWp towards the capital cost of solar pumps. The balance Rs 59,000/kWp was subsidised by a research grant from IWMI.

The total project, which consisted of six solar pumps and infrastructure like grid lines and electricity poles, cost Rs 50 lakh for 56.4 kW capacity, Durga said. Rs 15 lakh was spent on constructing the grid and the rest was the cost of solar pumps. However, four new farmers who joined the collective later paid Rs 25,000/kWp, which is four times more than the initial participants, because they saw the benefits, Durga said.

Subsidised solar pumps may encourage excessive groundwater use

By October 2016, 92,305 solar pumps had been installed throughout the country31,472 during 2015-16 alone, more than the total installed during the past 25 years (since the beginning of the programme), according to the MNRE.

Based on the Dhundi solar experience, IWMI-TATA suggests that state governments scale down capital cost subsidy on solar pumps to around Rs 50,000/kWp from the average Rs 90,000 offered in 2016, and use the savings to offer farmers the opportunity to sell power to the grid at a feed-in tariff of Rs 7.0-7.5/kWh. Farmers would get solar pumps by foregoing power use from the grid, and would instead get a power purchase guarantee for selling power to the utility.

Durga points out that subsidised solar pumps provided under the governments scheme encourage overuse of groundwater, just like free power to farmers has done for decades in many parts of the country.

There is no rationing mechanism for water withdrawal. In grid-connected pumps, you can still switch off the line, and control the number of electricity connections being issued to farmers per year, but with solar pumps you cannot do that. It is a 25-year free source of power, Durga said.

The Ministry of Water Resources had recommend in the National Water Policy 2012 that the use of electricity for groundwater extraction be regulated. Separate electric feeders for pumping groundwater for agricultural use should be considered, the policy said. The SPICE model fits in well with this aim.

(Patil is an analyst with IndiaSpend.)

Republished with permission from IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, public-interest journalism non-profit organisation. You can read the original article here
The Global Peace Index 2017 released by Sydney-headquartered Institute for Economics and Peace has ranked India 137 and Mexico 142 out of 163 nations in a report released earlier this month. Since 2011 when the index was first published, Mexico has always but once, been ranked above India despite having some of the most violent towns in the world. The index throws up many interesting facets of the evolving security situation in India and its impact on economic growth.
The Ministry of should be able to infuse $27 billion of capital into PSU by 2019 without breaching its fiscal deficit target, says a Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML) report.

According to the global financial services major, PSU bank capital risks are overdone and government is fully incentivised to address their asset quality to support recovery.

"We estimate that the MoF should be able to infuse $27 billion of capital into PSU by 2019 without breaching its fiscal deficit target of 3.5 per cent of GDP," said in a research note.

The report said the NPL (non-performing loan) flow can be arrested only by cutting lending rates to spur recovery.

"We continue to expect the RBI to OMO Rs 1,200 billion in the second half of this fiscal to pull down lending rates by as much as 50-75 bps," it added.

OMOs are market operations conducted by RBI by way of sale/purchase of government securities to/from the market with an objective to adjust the rupee liquidity conditions in the market on a durable basis.

If there is excess liquidity, RBI resorts to sale of securities and sucks out the rupee liquidity. Similarly, when the liquidity conditions are tight, RBI buys securities from the market, thereby releasing liquidity into the market.

"...The real source of rising bank NPLs are high lending rates when we are living through a global recession that may be longer than the Great Depression," it said.

have already cut MCLR by 50 bps after PM Modi's December 31 speech. expects base rate cuts by major banks like SBI and HDFC Bank.

Last week, the government empowered the RBI to direct banks to initiate insolvency proceedings to recover bad loans.

Minister Arun Jaitley had said the ordinance (to amend the Banking Act) gives the Reserve Bank powers to issue "directions to any banking company or banking companies to initiate insolvency resolution process in respect of a default under the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016".

The government has notified the Banking Regulations Amendment Ordinance last week.
ICICI Bank and Fairfax Financial Holdings will sell a part of their stakes in General Company in the latters initial public offering (IPO) of equity, to monetise their investment.
Committee of Secretaries to be set up soon to tackle The issue of Groundwater Depletion: says Uma Bharti

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharati has urged people to plant more trees while addressing the critical issue of groundwater depletion. The Minister was speaking during a Ganga Chaupal at Narora in Uttar Pradesh today on the occasion of World Environment Day. Sushri Bhrati asked the people to plant trees like Palash and Ashoka that contributes in recharging groundwater. You sow sacred plants and trees like Tulsi, Pipal and Neem in India. I would urge you to grow indigenous plants like Palash and Ashoka as well as they help in raising groundwater levels, an issue that has come as a huge challenge in India and which can be resolved in an economic and eco-friendly manner without spending crores of rupees," she added while addressing the gathering.She said a committee would be formed soon comprising Rural Development Secretary, Water Resource Secretary and Environment Secretary to tackle the issue of groundwater depletion. The Minister also asked people to refrain from using plastic/polythene bags to reduce pollution.

The use of plastic material is a major cause of pollution to river Ganga and should be stopped," she said. Sushri Bhrati said that she wants to start a Jan Andolan where she would require retired senior citizens, students, youngsters, and house wives to volunteer in conserving water, adopt rain water harvesting and to keep the ghats clean. Mass participation is the key to development and change," she said. The Minister is currently on a three week Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan from Gangasagar to Gangotri to personally monitor the progress of Namami Gange programme. The Minister has reached Narora in UP and will proceed to Haridwar today via Bhrigu Ashram and Najibabad. Total replenishable groundwater resource in the Ganga basin is 170.99 billion cubic metres (BCM). Ganga basin alone accounts for nearly 40 % of the countrys total replenishable groundwater resource of the country which is 433 BCM. Net ground water availability is 398 BCM. The annual groundwater draft (a reasonable release of discharge) is 245 BCM (as on 31st March 2017) and out of total 6607 assessed units (blocks, mandals, districts) as many as 1071 units are over-exploited, 217 units are critical, 697 units are semi-critical and 4530 are safe. Apart from these, there are 92 assessment units which were found to be completely saline.
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh announced the launch of, Hill Area Development Programme" (HADP) for Northeast in Imphal (Manipur) today..

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Dr Jitendra Singh was addressing a meet of Investors and Entrepreneurs, organised by NEDFi (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd), with joint participation of the Union Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Manipur represented by Chief Minister, Shri N Biren Singh and other senior State functionaries. Secretary NEC Shri Ram Muivah and a large number of prominent prospective entrepreneurs were present on the occasion..

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Elaborating on the new scheme, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the hilly areas of Manipur, Tripura and Assam have a distinct geo-physical entity and are lagging in socio-economic development. As a result of peculiar topography, he said, there is a wide gap between the hill and valley districts in terms of infrastructure, quality of roads, health and education etc. The Hill Development Programme, he said, is inspired with a serious research and deliberation of all these factors..

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As far as State of Manipur is concerned, Dr Jitendra Singh observed that hill areas are less developed compared to the plain areas. Not only this, he cited figures to state that out of 80 districts of Northeast, 3 districts of hilly areas, which ranked lowest in the composite district infrastructure index, belonged to Manipur and these were namely, Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur. .

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The Hill Area Development Programme, Dr Jitendra Singh said, is aimed at giving a focused attention to the lesser developed hilly areas and will be initiated on a pilot basis in the hilly districts of Manipur..

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Earlier, soon after his arrival here today, Dr Jitendra Singh participated in a programme to mark the 3 years of the completion of the Union Government. He also distributed free LPG connections to the needy women under Ujjawala" scheme..

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Dr Jitendra Singh said that the hallmark of the 3 years of Union Government is that it has not only put the Northeast on the fast track of development, but has also undertaken development initiatives which should have been undertaken several decades ago. He said, the approach of the Government is two-fold, that is, to ensure equitable development of every area, every section of society and every tribe living in the North Eastern Region and at the same time, to bring the eight North Eastern Region States at par with the more developed States in the rest of India..

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The Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh thanked Dr Jitendra Singh for the announcement of the exclusive Hill Area Development Programme. He appreciated the proactive manner in which the Ministry of DoNER was engaging itself with the State Government Officers for a wide range of projects. .

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A Handbook along with Module & Guidelines on protection of Child Rights at Gram Panchayat level was released jointly by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Ministry of Panchayati Raj and UNICEF at New Delhi today. The Handbook, Module & Guidelines will be useful for the functionaries of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in protecting the rights of children at the village level. .

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Releasing the Handbook, Secretary of Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Jitendra Shankar Mathur called it as a landmark occasion. He said, Unless and until communities are involved, making a difference in the lives of children at the village level is an uphill task." Shri. Mathur also said that the beneficial legislations which are available in the country should be implemented in reality to empower the children of the country. He suggested that the initiative by NCPCR and UNICEF should be pursued vigorously" for quick outcomes. .

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NCPCR Chairperson, Smt. Stuti Kacker, who spoke about the importance of community support which was available in earlier times said that today, with changing socio-economic conditions, children are not always safe. Therefore, she said, involvement of Gram Panchayats will go a long way for a safe and secure childhood. Smt. Kacker said keeping that in view, the Handbook, Module & Guidelines have been prepared in collaboration with UNICEF. .

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Highlighting that children migrate towards cities because they feel cities have luxuries and better opportunities, NCPCR Member Smt. Rupa Kapoor said the idea of community participation is to retain children in villages. Child-friendly Panchayats or Bal Panchayats, recreational activities for children at the Panchayat level and vocational training for children to make a livelihood for themselves are some of the additions proposed to be made to the already-existing Panchayat systems in the country. Stating that no new resources will be required for the initiative and mentioned that the Programme will be launched in 14 States initially (Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttharakhand, Uttar Pradesh) where State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) have a proven track-record of initiatives pertaining to children and are strong and active in the field of Child Rights. The Programme will cover the entire country later. .

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Stating the importance of Panchayats in preventing incidences of child abuse and in protecting rights of children at the village level, Chief, Child Protection, UNICEF, Shri. Javier Aguilar, emphasized the need of mobilizing communities for trickling down of information on their rights and services to the children. .

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Safe Childhood Programme will contribute in improving the current scenario related to health, development, education and protection of children. Children are vulnerable and subject to abuse and exploitation in day to day life. To counter it, this Handbook will help Panchayat Members and other stakeholders to understand their role and actions in protection of children at the village level resulting in better convergence of programmes and increased allocation of resources to address Child Right issues. NCPCR will receive reports on its implementation each month from the 14 States. After one year, the Commission will evaluate the impact and felicitate those States which achieve good results. .

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NCPCR Member Shri. Yashwant Jain and Member Secretary, Smt. Geeta Narayan, Chairpersons/Members of the 14 State Commissions were also present on the occasion. .

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SNC
Leading Importers and Exporters participate in the Mango Buyer Seller Meet

Twenty one leading importers from China, Iran, Japan, Australia, Mauritius, Republic of Korea and UAE, participated in the Mango Buyer Seller meet(BSM) organized by APEDA today. More than 100 exporters from across the country participated in the Buyer Seller meet. One of the leading importers M/s Dalian Yidufrom China having a chain of stores interacted with the Indian exporters and expressed his positive response towards the Indian fruit offered. Some of the leading exporters such as M/s Bombay Exports, M/s Asar Brothers, Kaybee Exports, etc. informed about the very good response during the BSM. Another important highlight of the event was wet sampling of different commercial varieties of mango like, Alphonso, Kesar, Banganpalli, Totapuri, Dussheri, Langda, Chausa, etc. Local indigenous varieties of mango like SelamGundu, Mallika, Peter, Rumani, Neelam, HimamPasand, Mulgoa, Kundath, ArkaAnmol, Fazli, etc.

State horticulture departments from ten mango producing states displayed wide range of varieties grown in respective states. These states were provided with stall for showcasing their products along with their strengths. APEDA showcased range of fresh fruits at its pavilion to sensitize the importers about the offerings by India in fresh sector.

Along with the fresh fruits segment, value added products of mango such as MangoPulp, Pickles, Chutneys, Jams & Jellies, Juices, etc. were also displayed.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. AlokVardhanChaturvedi, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry and was joined by Mr. DK Singh, Chairman APEDA, Dr. Shakil P Ahammed, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture &Farmers Welfare, Mr. KadireGowda, Managing Director, Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation, Mr. ChiranjivChaudhary, Commissioner Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh, Ms. MadhumitaSinha Ray, Commissioner Horticulture, West Bengal and senior officers from various State Governments.

On the second day of the BSM, visit of importers to the common infrastructure facilities in Mumbai is being organized to showcase the Indias capability to export quality and pest free produce which will create confidence among the importers. These facilities included, Gamma Irradiation facility, Hot water treatment facility, Vapor Heat treatment facility and integrated pack house.

MJPS
MoU signed between Central Industrial Security Force & National Skill Development Corporation

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) & National Skill Development Fund (NSDF), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here today. The Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy and the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju were also present during the occasion.Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy hailed the signing of the MoU between the two Ministries. He said that skill development has increased the employability among the youth. He said that the system in the country needs to be such that it gives enough importance to the skills possessed by any individual and the policies are framed accordingly. He added that many skills are in huge demand world over and our youth can tap this opportunity, if groomed properly. He also suggested to CAPFs that aspirational values need to be added to the designations in the system, which will act as an encouragement to the individuals.Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kiren Rijiju said that India can become a world power if youth of the country develop the attitude towards skill development. He expressed happiness that in the last two and half years, skill development has led to employment of large number of youth in different areas, thereby strengthening India by skill development. He said that it has brought a revolution under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The signing of todays agreement has added a new chapter to it, he added. He said that the dignity of labour and value of hard work is losing importance in the country, which needs to be addressed and the attitude towards labour needs to be changed. He said that hard work and dedication are the most important factors in skill development. He also expressed his faith in the success of outcome of this agreement.

He said CAPFs, when given any Government programme for implementation, have executed in a very speedy and efficient manner, for example: Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and Digital Payment initiative. He also added that there is no dearth of skills in India and skills need to be given importance along with degrees to attract youth towards developing their skills. Shri O. P. Singh, DG, CISF, in his welcome address stressed that this project will help families of CISF personnel. Simultaneously, CISF would be contributing majorly in enhancing the skilling initiative and potential. He said that CISF has taken skill development has a new challenge. Dr. K. P. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said that skill development is a challenge that India needs to be addressed very seriously because India is a younger nation and a lot of youth enter the work force every month. That is why a separate Ministry has been created for the purpose of providing skills to youth for employability, he added. The MoU provides that CISF, NSDC and NSDF shall work together at CISF units all across the country where Family Welfare Centres are functional and other CISF locations with an objective to impart skill development programs under the Skill India Mission for the purpose of implementation of CISF Multi Skill Development Institute Projects. The MoU aims at assisting retiring/retired, serving low medical category (LMC) CISF personnel to acquire additional skills and facilitate their resettlement through a second career. It will also provide welfare to wards, family members of serving CISF personnel, retired personnel and personnel killed in action. Skill Development would go a long way towards supporting gainful employment and at the same time would contribute towards nation building. The MoU shall remain in effect for a period of 5 years (starting from 5th June, 2017 till 5th June, 2022), subject to a mid-term review after 3 years. DGs of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship were also present.
Giving another major push to Namai Gange programme National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved projects worth Rs 1,900 crore for the creation of sewage treatment infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and UT of Delhi. With approval of these projects hundred percent sewage treatment facility will be made available for Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Allahabad and NCT of Delhi. These projects were approved in the third meeting of the Executive Committee of NMCG held in New Delhi last month. .

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A comprehensive project of interception, diversion and treatment of sewage in Naini, Phaphamau and Jhunsi sewerage zones of Allahabad at an estimated cost of Rs 767.59 crore has been approved. Apart from construction of a 42 MLD (million litres per day) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Naini, the project also encompasses building up of eight sewage pumping stations among other works. None of the three zones have any sewerage schemes or any sanctioned STPs as yet. These approved projects along with the existing ones would take care of sewage management of the core city of Allahabad bounded by rivers Ganga and Yamuna. The projects would also arrest flowing waste water of 18 drains into the rivers to ensure pollution free water for bathing at Sangam during Ardh Kumbh mela 2019. With approval of these projects 100% sewage treatment capacity can be achieved in Allahabad. .

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Three projects of sewage treatment infrastructure were approved for Pahari sewage zone in Patna city of Bihar including construction of a 60 MLD STP and laying of sewerage lines at an estimated cost of about Rs 744 crore. With these approvals, Patna will now have a sewage treatment capacity of 200 MLD. .

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In the National Capital Territory of Delhi, construction of as many as seven prioritized STPs of total capacity of 94 MLD in Najafgarh area have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 344.81 crore under Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna project that was initiated on the directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT). Najafgarh drain contributes around 70 per cent of the total discharge of the city into river Yamuna that includes a lot of untreated sewage. The locations where STPs have been approved are Tajpur Khurd (36 MLD), Jaffarpur Kalan (12 MLD), Khera Dabar (5 MLD), Hasanpur (12 MLD), Kakraula (12 MLD), Kair (5 MLD) and Tikri Kalan (12 MLD). With this, all planned projects in Delhi have been approved. .

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On afforestation front, an all-encompassing programme in five Ganga main stem States Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal at an estimated cost of Rs 61.5 crore has also been given a go-ahead. This would include sapling preparations in nurseries, soil work, plantation and care. .

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With this, NMCG has given go-ahead to projects worth more than Rs 4,100 crore during the last three months in the States of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and NCT of Delhi. .

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It may be recalled that Union Minister for Water Resources, River development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti is currently on a three week Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan from Gangasagar to Gangotri to personally monitor the progress of Namami Gange programme. The Minister has reached Narora in UP and will proceed to Haridwar today via Bhrigu Ashram and Najibabad. .

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Samir/JD
Shri S. S. Ahluwalia leads Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Israel The Holocaust Memorial Museum is a living symbol of forbearance and a warning to future generations that such instances should never make their way into human history", says Shri S. S. Ahluwalia Delegation makes Field Visits to witness Israels latest technological innovations including autonomous car technology and latest water solutions for precision farming

In advance of the Prime Minister India, Shri Narendra Modis visit to Israel expected soon, the first official Parliamentary delegation from India, led by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S. S Ahluwalia, visited Israel on 4-5 June, 2017. Apart from Shri Ahluwalia, 10 MPs representing 9 political parties from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, were part of the delegation.In their meeting with Mr.

Yuli Edelstein, the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) during the visit, views were exchanged on the vital role of Parliament in building relations between countries, especially in vibrant democracies like India and Israel. Shri Ahluwalia and Speaker Edelstein agreed on the need for countries to work together to combat the menace of terrorism, which was afflicting countries across the world. The delegation was also briefed on bilateral relations by the Political Director of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Following the delegations visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, Minister Ahluwalia wrote that the museum is a living symbol of forbearance and a warning to future generations that such instances should never make their way into human history". The delegation had a number of field visits to familiarize themselves with some of the technologies that have made Israel famous in the world. These included a visit to the autonomous car technology company Mobileye" which was recently bought by Intel for more than $15 billion. Israel has now become the center for R&D in the area of autonomous car technology. The delegation also saw the latest water solutions for precision farming at the Kibbutz Naandan Jain, and also visited Israels largest water desalination plant at Sorek, south of Tel Aviv. The delegation also witnessed a plenary session of the Knesset and had a useful exchange with a few other members of the Knesset on June 5.
One of the most tweeted pictures from last nights terror attack on London Bridge shows a group of people running away from the scene of the killings. The runners are led by a man who is carefully balancing a half-full beer glass in his hand, as if even the threat of sudden, savage death isnt reason enough to part a Brit from the pleasure of his pint.
Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc will join Foxconn's bid for Toshiba Corp's semiconductor business, the Nikkei business daily quoted Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou as saying on Monday.

The two US technology giants plan to "chip in funds", Gou said in an interview, according to the newspaper. It was not immediately clear if this would take the form of a direct investment in the semiconductor unit or would be financing for the deal.

Taiwan's Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, has also partnered with its Japanese unit Sharp Corp in its bid.

"Foxconn can confirm that we have submitted a bid for Toshiba's chip business with a number of strategic partners," the Taiwanese firm said in a statement to Reuters. It said it would discuss details "at the appropriate time".

Representatives for Apple and Amazon declined to comment.

Toshiba is depending on the sale of the unit, the world's second-largest NAND chip maker, to cover billions of dollars in cost overruns at its now-bankrupt US nuclear unit Westinghouse.

Foxconn, which is also a major supplier to Apple, is not seen as a frontrunner for the unit, which Toshiba has valued at at least $18 billion, due to its deep ties with China. The Japanese government has said it will block any deal that would risk the transfer of key chip technology out of the country.
The US does not need India, China and France telling it what to do on the issue of Paris Climate agreement, American Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, strongly supporting the controversial decision of President Donald Trump to withdraw from the landmark accord.

Trump last week withdrew the US, the second-largest polluter after China, from the Paris Agreement.

He 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.

"I think the rest of the world would like to tell us how to manage our own environment and I think that anybody in America can tell you that we're best to decide what America should do. We don't need India and France and China telling us what they think we should do," Indian-American Haley was quoted as saying by CBS News.

Responding to a question on global reaction to Trump's decision, Haley said countries should continue doing what's in their best interest.

"They should continue doing what's in the best interest. And if the Paris agreement was something that works for them, that they can achieve, they should do that," Haley said.

Haley defended Trump's decision saying business could not be run under the kind of regulations imposed by the Paris Climate deal.

"There's a reason that President Obama didn't go through the Senate to get this cleared, because he couldn't. The regulations were unattainable. I mean you could not actually have a business run under the regulations that we had," she said.

She said that the US is conscious about the environment and it will continue to do its part in protecting climate change.

"We know that there are issues with the environment. We know that we have to be conscious of it. But we can't sit there and have Angela Merkel telling us to worry about Africa. She should continue doing her part. We're going to continue doing our part. We're going to continue encouraging other countries to do what they think is in the best interests of them. But American sovereignty matters," Haley said.

The top American diplomat said that Trump believes the climate is changing, and he does know that pollutants are a part of that equation.

"He believes that climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of that equation. He is absolutely intent on making sure that we have clean air, clean water, that he makes sure that we're doing everything we can to keep America's moral compass in the world when it comes to the environment," she said.

"We've done that in the past. We'll do it in the future. It's what the US does. It's what we'll continue to do," she added.
The Arab coalition has said it has suspended Qatar's troops' participation in an ongoing war in Yemen.

The Guardian quoted the official Saudi Press Agency, as saying that Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar "proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

Qatar is home to the sprawling al-Udeid Air Base, which is home to the US military's Central Command and some 10,000 American troops.

Western officials have also accused Qatar of allowing funding of Sunni extremists like Al-Qaida's branch in Syria. The snapping of the Saudi-led Arab coalition ties with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar was due to the news that was carried by Qatar's news agency which Doha alleged to have been hacked.

Qatari-state run news agency quoted Qatar's emir statement, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani criticised U.S. President Donald Trump and described Iran as a force for stability in the region and threatened to withdraw ambassadors from a range of Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia.

Qatar's government claimed its official websites had been hacked and categorically denied in which the country's leader expressed support for Iran.

The Washington Post reported that Online footage of Qatari state television's nightly newscast from Tuesday showed clips of Sheikh Tamim at the ceremony with the anchor not mentioning the comments, though a scrolling ticker at the bottom of the screen had the alleged fake remarks. They included calling Hamas "the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people," as well as saying Qatar had "strong relations" with Iran and the United States.

Further said "Iran represents a regional and Islamic power that cannot be ignored and it is unwise to face up to it," the ticker read at one point. "It is a big power in the stabilisation of the region."

The alleged hack happened early on May 24th and hours later, the website of the Qatar News Agency still was not accessible.

The fake article quoted Sheikh Tamim as calling Iran an "Islamic power" and saying Qatar's relations with Israel were "good" during a military ceremony.

Doha denied all the comments and said it was the victim of a "shameful cybercrime."

Egypt, Bahrian, UAE joined Saudi Arabia in snapping all their ties with Doha. This situation is a repeat of 2014 when several Gulf countries recalled their Ambassadors from Doha over its support for Muslim Brotherhood.
Three attackers drove a white van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday night and stabbed people at nearby Borough Market, killing at least seven people and injuring 48, the authorities said.
Qatar's ties with Hamas and recent alleged statements by its emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in support of Iran may have finally plunged the Gulf into a crisis. As reported earlier, Saudi Arabia and its key allies Egypt, UAE and Bahrain on Monday cut ties with Qatar.
JPMorgan Chase & Co Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jamie Dimon, who in December agreed to exit a minority-owned Chinese investment-banking joint venture, said the US bank is seeking to find a new structure that would eventually give it full control.
Pakistan's Senate on Monday decided to debate the Court of Justice (ICJ) order staying the execution of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav after a senator of a hardline party tabled a motion saying the verdict hinted that Islamabad was not fully prepared to fight the case.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani admitted the adjournment motion by Jamaat-I-Islami Senator Sirajul Haq for regular debate and issued notices to the foreign ministry and the attorney general to brief the upper house of the parliament.

Haq made a forceful plea in the Senate about his motion, saying the judgment by the ICJ at The Hague to stay Jadhav's death sentence hinted that Pakistan was not well-prepared to fight the case brought by India.

"These and similar statements have been passed around, which are creating confusion," Haq said.

On May 18, the ICJ in a setback to Pakistan restrained it from executing Jadhav, 46, who was convicted of espionage and sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court after a secret trial.

India took the matter to the ICJ, citing that it had been repeatedly denied consular access to Jadhav in violation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention. New Delhi believes that Jadhav was abducted from Iran and brought to Pakistan.

The senator said Pakistan did not act according to the expectations and steps taken by it in the case has only caused embarrassment to the nation.

Though Jadhav's arrest was a major success, Haq said, Pakistan wasted an opportunity to bring forth the facts about the Indian national and India's subversive activities inside the country on the stage.

He also said India has adopted aggressive attitude after Jadhav's sentencing. "India is constantly issuing threats to Pakistan regarding Jadhav's case.
Its a depressingly familiar story. Terror on the streets of London, almost two weeks after the Manchester bombing. This time, a speeding van hit pedestrians on London Bridge before three assailants, wearing fake suicide vests, jumped out, stabbing members of public enjoying a Saturday night in nearby Borough Market.
Enough is enough announced the British prime minister, Theresa May, outside Downing Street in the aftermath of the third terror attack in the UK in as many months.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced on Monday they were severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, as they accused the Gulf state of supporting terrorism.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.
Saudi Arabia and key allies on Monday cut ties with Qatar, the world's top seller of liquefied natural gas (LNG), stoking concern over any supply disruptions to neighbouring countries spilling over into global gas markets.

Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and Egypt  both highly reliant on Qatari gas via pipeline and LNG  and Bahrain said they would sever all ties including transport links with Qatar, an escalation on past diplomatic spats.

They accuse Qatar, which supplies roughly a third of global LNG  natural gas that has been converted to liquid form for storage or transport  of supporting extremism.

As the rift lifted oil prices, LNG traders took a wait-and-see approach, alert to potential disruption of regional energy flows but erring on the assumption that any trade shocks could be contained given well supplied global markets.

Qatar's top clients in Japan and India quickly received reassurances that supplies would continue as usual.

"I cannot see this impacting exports of Qatari LNG outside the Arab world at all and it won't likely impact LNG and gas pipeline exports within the Arab world either," Morten Frisch, an independent LNG and gas industry consultant, said.

Still, traders startled by the development began to plan for all eventualities, especially any upsets to piped gas supplies from Qatar to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UAE consumes 1.8 billion cubic feet/day of Qatari gas via the Dolphin pipeline, and has LNG purchase agreements with its neighbour, leaving it doubly exposed to tit-for-tat measures, industry sources and traders said.

So far flows through Dolphin are unaffected but traders say even a partial shutdown would ripple through global gas markets by forcing the UAE to seek replacement LNG supply just as its domestic demand peaks.

With LNG markets in bearish mood and demand weak, the UAE could cope with Qatar suspending its two to three monthly LNG deliveries by calling on markets, but Dolphin piped flows are too large to fully replace.

"A drop off in Dolphin deliveries would have a huge impact on LNG markets," one trader monitoring developments said.

Spot LNG prices have not yet reacted.

Egypt, while relying heavily on Qatari LNG brought in by Swiss commodity trade houses, is less vulnerable than the UAE because it has no direct deals with Qatar, the domestic gas output is squeezing out the need for imports, and traders would be liable for any moves by Qatar to restrict exports.

"Trafigura, Glencore and Vitol frequently take LNG from Qatar and deliver it to Egypt but they take ownership of the cargoes at the Qatari port and don't use Qatari ships, meaning technically that Qatar shouldn't have sway," one trade source said.

In reality, though, Qatar can block exports to certain countries by issuing so-called destination restrictions.

"It's not clear yet," another LNG trader said of potential impacts to deliveries from Qatar to Egypt.

Egypt is halfway through its annual LNG cargo delivery programme for the year, with 50 shipments left to arrive, of which at least 10 are of Qatari origin, a Cairo-based energy source said.

Retaliatory measures such as suspending LNG supply deals would leave Qatar free to push more volumes into Europe where it has access to several import terminals.

Under that scenario, trade houses with supply commitments to Egypt could turn to the United States, Algeria and Nigeria for replacement cargoes, traders and industry sources said.

The deterioration in ties between Qatar and Egypt contrasts with 2013 when the producer gifted five LNG cargoes to Egypt - when Mohamed Mursi, leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, served as president.
Donald Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement is certainly a blow for the global climate regime. But it is primarily a bad deal for the US. It is bad for Americas economy, its global leadership, and its non-climate policy goals. The good news is this: global efforts to tackle climate change will survive without the US.
US President Donald Trumps decision to pull out of the Paris accord  a global climate deal worked out after years of tough negotiation  has left many Americans aghast. Leaders of US tech giants have come out in open criticism of the pullout.
In late May 2017, the hashtag #FightTogetherWithShiori started to trend on Japanese Twitter. The hashtag was created in support of a woman, known simply as Shiori, who appeared on television to allege she was sexually assaulted by a well-known journalist in 2015.
During his recent trip to Europe for meetings at NATO Headquarters in Brussels and with the Group of Seven in Italy, delivered on his campaign promise to disrupt business as usual. In the process, he is undoing U.S. policies undertaken since World War II to promote security and stability in Europe.
Shares of auto and auto-related companies continued to remain in top gear for the 10th consecutive day, with both S&P BSE Auto and Nifty Auto indices hitting their respective record highs on Monday.
Shares of jewellery companies rallied by up to 15% on BSE in early morning trade after the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council fixes GST rate at 3% for gold, gems and jewellery.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday commenced trading at Gift City- an international financial services centre (IFSC) that offers tax sops to investors. The move comes five months after rival BSE went live with its operations in the special economic zone (SEZ).
The Defence Experts on Monday lauded the Indian Army for successfully foiling fidayeen attack at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp and killing militants in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Indian intelligence has improved. New arrangements have also been made to control infiltration. Army takes their decision on its own, that is why the success rate in operations has increased," Defence Expert Qamar Agha told ANI.

He further said that these attacks have been continuously happening, adding that this is an all out war against militancy.

Defence Expert Shivali Deshpande also hailed the Indian Army for its swift action against the terrorists, while saying that the security forces need to be vigilant to counter such attacks.

"The very fast action shown by the CRPF in killing these four terrorist was absolutely fantastic. This is a good action and it shows that the security forces are vigilant," Shivali told ANI.

She further said that the terrorists reaching the CRPF posts indicate that they have a local support and have strong intelligence services.

At least four militants were killed in retaliatory firing by 45 Battalion CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) at Sumbal in Bandipora district this morning.

The militants were reportedly attempting a suicide attack on the CRPF camp.

"The terrorists tried storming camp around 3:30 a.m. to execute a fidayeen attack. Four terrorists have been gunned down," Yogesh Kumar, Sub Inspector (CRPF) told media.

The CRPF also confirmed about the neutralization of four militants on its Twitter handle while stating that CRPF and Sumbal Police successfully foiled fidayeen attack on army camp.

The army also recovered four AK-47 rifles, one fitted with UBGL, grenades and huge cache of ammunition.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the city of Nawabs, Lucknow, where the first month of Ramzan witnessed customers flocking to 'Tunday Kabab' to indulge.all does not seem to be well.

Following the notification for banning the sale of cows for slaughter under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there seems to be a gap between the customers and slaughterhouses in Uttar Pradesh, as there has been a 50 percent drop in sale during Ramzan season.

With less supply, the cost of meat has also gone up which is pinching people who would normally gorge themselves senseless on 'kabab-parantha' or 'kulche-nihari' during iftar or sehri.

Customers who come to the famous 'Tunday Kabab' shop are complaining about portions, saying that earlier they would get a whole meal out of Rs. 60 which could easily satiate two people, but now all they can get from that amount is few pieces of kebabs.

Tunde Kabab owner Haji Rais Ahmed said, "There has been a decrease in customers to the shop. Now that we sell chicken kebab, people come here less and still demand beef or mutton. It's been more than two month we are facing losses".

Meanwhile, 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 here off guard.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last month said, that he will call for a meeting of all the Chief Ministers, asserting that the Union Government does not have the right to issue such an order on cattle slaughter ban.

Vijayan further said that the Centre's new rule is an impermissible encroachment into the domain of the State Legislatures which is a clear 'violation of the spirit of federalism.'

The students at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT- Madras) last week staged protest against the Central Government's notification banning the sale of cattle for slaughter.

With the police deployed in front of the IIT campus, the students protested at the main gate and raised slogans against the Centre's controversial notification.

Around 50 students on May 28 took part in a 'beef fest' as a mark of protest against the new rule.

Later, R. Sooraj, a PhD student of aerospace engineering at the college, who was also part of the ' beef fest', was allegedly attacked by a few students from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

Sooraj, who is a member of the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC), was injured in his right eye and was hospitalized.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday appealed to exceed the remand of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Mohammad Shahabuddin in an ongoing investigation of case relating to murder of journalist Rajdeo Ranjan.

The CBI earlier on May 29 took Shahabuddin into custody for questioning.

Earlier on May 26, a court in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district accepted the CBI plea for questioning Shahabuddin in connection with the journalist murder case.

Shahabuddin is alleged to have had Ranjan---the bureau chief of a Hindi daily in Bihar---murdered on May 13 last year.

Five persons were arrested in connection with the case within a few days of the murder.

Shahabuddin has several other cases pending against him.

The CBI counsel submitted that it would soon file charge-sheet against Shahabuddin, who is currently lodged in high-security Tihar jail in New Delhi.

The premier investigating agency has already filed charge-sheet against seven accused persons in the case while two accused, Mohammad Javed and Mohammad Kaif, are on bail.

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Kamkhaya Prasad Tassa, Lok Sabha MP from Assam's Johrat, along with district BJP workers, district administration officers, staff and students of Johrat Medical College planted about 500 saplings inside the campus.

"We planted 200 plants and the medical college planted 300 plants. Despite enough plantation in Assam, we want Assam to be greener than other states. We want more fruits and medicinal plants to be planted," the MP said following the drive.

BJP workers along with the medical college students pledged to make Assam a greener state.

"Today, the medical college and BJP together planted trees. We appeal every college in Assam to plant at least one sapling in their campus. We want the whole Assam to be green", he added.

The whole district celebrated World Environment Day, as hundreds of saplings were planted across Johrat.

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Ousted All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran on Monday said that he will just 'sit back and see' what the party led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami is going to do in coming weeks, over the speculated merger with the faction led by former Chief Minsiter O. Panneerselvam.

"They are just talking and talking, nothing has happened in past 45 days. I came and told this to our General Secretary (Sasikala), she told that they will be given two months of time. Let them complete the merger we will give them time, after that we will take action as per the instruction given by our General Secretary," he said after meeting his aunt VK Sasikala at a jail in Bengaluru.

He further said that the MLAs of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have no fear in their mind and hearts expect for few, and rest are taking the power of General Secretary in their hands.

Earlier in the day, Dinakaran reached Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara jail to meet Sasikala who was jailed in February in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case which was considered to be a first step towards reinstalling himself at the helm of the party.

In the morning, he even stressed that he remains number two in ruling party and it is his "duty" to unite the party.

A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to Dinakaran and his aide Mallikarjun over allegedly bribing the Election Commission officials for the party's two leaves symbol.

The Tis Hazari court granted bail to the duo on personal bond of Rs. five lakh, however, they were asked to surrender their passports.

Sasikala appointed Dinakaran, her nephew, as her deputy before she went to jail to serve a four-year sentence for corruption.

He was sidelined by the party as it attempted a reunion with a rebel faction led by former Tamil Nadu chief minister O. Panneerselvam or OPS, whose main condition for a merger was that Sasikala and her family be kept away from the party and the government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ousted All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran on Monday reached Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara jail to meet party leader and General Secretary V.K. Sasikala who was jailed in February in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case.

A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to Dinakaran and his aide Mallikarjun over allegedly bribing the Election Commission officials for the party's two leaves symbol.

The Tis Hazari court granted bail to the duo on personal bond of Rs. five lakh, however, they were asked to surrender their passports.

Sasikala appointed Dinakaran, her nephew, as her deputy before she went to jail to serve a four-year sentence for corruption.

He was sidelined by the party as it attempted a reunion with a rebel faction led by former Tamil Nadu chief minister O. Panneerselvam or OPS, whose main condition for a merger was that Sasikala and her family be kept away from the party and the government.

Dinakaran and his aide Mallikarjuna were arrested in April by the Delhi crime branch police.

The duo was charged with attempting to bribe election commission officials in the AIADMK symbol row to gain a favourable verdict.

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Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has assured that fast-track courts would be set up to tackle cases related to crime against women in the state.

"Fast track courts will soon be set up to tackle cases related to crime against women in the state," said Singh at the inaugural function of the two-day state-level seminar on "Development Priority of Manipur" held at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences.

The seminar was organised by Steering Committee, constituted by the Government of Manipur's Department of Planning.

Speaking at the function Chief Minister Biren said that the sole objective of organising such seminar is to discuss the problems and hurdles which affect the development process in the state so that we could bring out a prospective and positive solution to the problems.

Stating that such platform was first-of-its-kind in the state, he stressed that people from different professions, including academicians, entrepreneurs, farmers, etc. could share and exchange their innovative ideas collectively to bring development and work towards economic stability of the state.

Singh opined that the government would listen to the opinions or recommendations brought forward during this seminar and will do the needful to bring inclusive development in the state.

"To have inclusive development, the 'Hill Area Development Programme' would be introduced in Manipur including Assam and Tripura soon," he added.

Taking a firm decision against the drug abuse in the state, the Chief Minister said that the government was conducting mass drive against illegal drugs and stringent punishment would be given to the those drug traffickers.

On the occasion, Steering Committee Chairman, Professor N. Mohendro Singh said, "A structural change is the need of the hour for beginning a new phase of planning and development in the state."

The function was attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Y. Khemchand, Minister for Social Welfare and Co-operation Nemcha Kipgen, Minister for Tribal and Hill Areas Development N. Kayasii, State Planning Board's Deputy Chairman, S. Rajen Singh.

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India and Israel have agreed on the need for countries to work together to combat the menace of terrorism, which was afflicting countries across the world. This was discussed during a visit of Indian Parliamentary delegation to Israel, in advance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel expected soon.

The Indian parliamentary delegation led by Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, S.S Ahluwalia consisting of 10 MPs of 9 political parties from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha visited Israel on 4-5 June, 2017.

In their meeting with Yuli Edelstein, the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament (Knesset)during the visit, views were exchanged on the vital role of Parliament in building relations between countries, especially in vibrant democracies like India and Israel.Shri Ahluwalia and Speaker Edelstein agreed on the need for countries to work together to combat the menace of terrorism, which was afflicting countries across the world.The delegation was also briefed on bilateral relations by the Political Director of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was the first official Parliamentary delegation from India, before the PM Modi's upcoming visit to Israel.

Following the delegation's visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, Minister Ahluwalia wrote that the museum is a "living symbol of forbearance and a warning to future generations that such instances should never make their way into human history".

The delegation had a number of field visits to familiarize themselves with some of the technologies that have made Israel famous in the world.These included a visit to the autonomous car technology company "Mobileye" which was recently bought by Intel for more than 15 billion USD.

Israel has now become the center for R&D in the area of autonomous car technology.The delegation also saw the latest water solutions for precision farming at the Kibbutz Naandan Jain, and also visited Israel's largest water desalination plant at Sorek, south of Tel Aviv.

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At least twenty two militants affiliated with the ISIS terrorist group were killed in a series of military operations in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan on Monday.

The airstrikes and ground operations were conducted in the past 24 hours in the restive Achin district, Khaama Press reported.

The jihadists of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) were targeted in the vicinity of Mamand Dara, Lata Band Bazar, Pekha, and some other areas of Afghanistan.

The two ISIS local leaders killed during the operations have been identified as Saqib and Noman, the officials said, adding that three vehicles belonging to the terror group were also destroyed.

US military had dropped the largest conventional bomb on 13 April this year, striking a complex of tunnels and bunkers used by ISIS militants in the same Achin district in Nangarhar province.

Nangarhar has become the stronghold of ISIS and the anti-government armed militant groups have recently increased their insurgent activities in some parts of the province during the recent years.

The Afghan forces in coordination with the US forces are conducting counter-terrorism operations to eliminate the militants affiliated with the ISIS terrorist group in Nangarhar province.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Islamic State has surrendered the key town of Baaj in north-west Iraq, which was a known hideout of the terrorist group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Baaj had been under Islamist militants' control throughout the 14 years of war and insurgency.

After the surrender, the remaining fighters fled the town on Saturday night, allowing Shia militia forces to enter unopposed.

"The Iraqi flag has been hoisted above its buildings," a statement from the Popular Mobilisation Front, which is an umbrella organisation for pro-government paramilitaries that is dominated by Iran-backed Shia militias, announced the "total liberation" of the Baaj district.

The withdrawal leaves just a pocket of Mosul and the border town of Bukamal as the only urban centres in Iraq with a significant presence.

Bukamal is expected to be a new focus of both Iranian and US efforts.

Meanwhile, US-backed Kurdish troops are now within sight of Raqqa on three sides of the city and the battle to retake the city is likely to start sometime this month.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj over the current 'geo-political situation' brewing in the Middle East, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stated that he extends his full support to the Centre on the steps they take in the matter.

"I would like to place on record the full support of our State to the considered stance that Union Government would take on the issue, given the complexities involved. We do appreciate that it is a complex situation and we are in no doubt that Union Government will come out with the most appropriate diplomatic and geo-political stance in this regard taking into consideration all aspects and put in place a robust mechanism for addressing all the concerns," the Chief Minister said.

Vijayan also made a request that the Indian Embassy in Doha may be suitably empowered to respond presciently to the concerns of the Indian population in Qatar.

The Chief Minister's concern comes after five nations severed all relations with Qatar after accusations against the nation about supporting terrorism and Islamic groups.

The said countries- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen are also reported to have cut all air and water transportation services to Qatar.

The rift between Qatar and the other Gulf countries had taken a turn after the former's state-run news agency was hacked. The matter has since spiralled out of control.

The crisis started when Qatar had alleged that cyber criminals had hacked its news agency in May and published fake comments about Iran and Israel made by Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Following the news of the hack, various comments made by Hamad Al Thani were broadcast in the nation.

The government had denied that these comments had been made by its ruler.

Some of these comments had also stated that US President Donald Trump might not last in power.

Qatar is the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

This unprecedented crisis came up in the wake of President of the United States, Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia for a summit with the leaders of the country.

Qatar plays hosts to the Al-Udeid Air Base, home to the US military's Central Command and about 10,000 American troops. It is, however, still unclear if the boycott would affect the United States' military operations in the Middle East.

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questions former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Monday over alleged irregularities in allotment of 14 industrial plots in Panchkula.

This is the second time Hooda has been questioned over this particular land allotment scam.

The case pertains to the alleged purchase of 400 acres of land from farmers in Gurugram for Rs. 100 crores when the actual worth (according to market rate) was Rs. 1,500 crores.

The purchase, according to the CBI, was made during August 2004-August 2007, under the "threat and false apprehension of acquisition of the land by the state government".

The CBI had conducted searches around 24 places including Rohtak, Gurgaon, Delhi, Chandigarh and Panchkula at the the residential and office premises of various persons in an on-going investigation of a case.

The CBI had also registered a case on Sep 15, 2015 against unknown public servants of Haryana Government and unknown private persons.

A case was registered at Police Station Manesar, District Gurgaon under section 420, 465, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, on the request of Haryana Government and further directions of Government of India.

In this process, initially the Government of Haryana had issued notifications under various sections of Land Acquisition Act for acquisition of land measuring about 912 acres for setting up an Industrial Model Township.

As a result of this, a large number of land owners, in haste, had allegedly sold their land at throwaway prices.

It was further alleged that the land, about 400 acres, had been grabbed from the land owners by the private builders under the threat of acquisition at meager rates.

An order was also allegedly passed by the Competent Authority in Government on August 24, 2007 releasing this land from the acquisition process in violation of the government policy and the licenses/CLU were issued to the private builders.

An alleged loss of Rs.1500 crores (approx) was caused to the land owners of Village Manesar, Naurangpur and Lakhnoula of District Gurgaon.

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Metropolitan Police is leaving no stone unturned in finding the details of the three terrorists that rampaged through central London killing seven and injuring 48 people. London Bridge attack is the third terror attack on British soil in less than three months and Scotland yard has declined to reveal any details or information concerning the London terror attack in strak contrast to the last month's Manchester bombing when the minute details of the explosives used and the information related to the bomber along with photographs were leaked to the media .

The information that was leaked by the media obstructed the investigation process .

This time the investigative agency is keeping information about the identity of the three attackers and the details under wraps .About 12 people have been arrested at multiple addresses in Barking, east London on Sunday following a seies of armed raids by British counter terrorism police, CNN reported

Metropolitan Police twitter Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command investigating the London Bridge terror attack entered two further addresses - one in Newham and another in Barking.

This is a fast-moving investigation and we have significant resources deployed both to the investigation and to the visible patrols that people will be seeing as they wake up this morning. We will have increased patrols in many areas by the police, and these will as you would expect include armed officers," Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, said in a statement .

"Our priority now is to work with our colleagues in the National Counter Terrorism Policing Network and also with the intelligence agencies and other security services to establish more details about the individuals who carried out the attack and the background to it,Dick added.

ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday night, although they provided no evidence for their involvement or details for the attack.

A memorial has been planned for 6pm Monday in the capital's Potters Field Park to commemorate those affected .

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.

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.

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In the wake of the terror attacks which killed at least seven people in London a day before, United States President Donald Trump launched an attack on London Mayor, while apparently misconstruing a statement made by him post the incident.

Trump had tweeted, "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"

This was in reference to Khan's statement that there was no cause for alarm. It's being touted that he was referring specifically to "a visible increase in police activity on the streets of London in the wake of the attack."

"Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. There's no reason to be alarmed," he had said.

Trump's tweets have been criticised by a number of British politicians.

A spokesman for Khan called Trump's tweet "ill-informed."

"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."

Conservative politician Penny Mordaunt tweeted the transcript of Khan's interview and said: "I'm standing with resilient London and him."

Labour politician David Lammy asserted Trump's tweet was "cheap, nasty and unbecoming of a national leader."

Not only in the U.K., even in the U.S., Democrats are said to be "troubled" by Trump's tweets.

"I believe in many ways the Muslim-American community is better integrated into our society. I think that's always been our secret sauce here," Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, ranking Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee said.

"That's why it troubles me so much to see the type of tweets the President has put out in the last 12 hours or so."

Trump's tweets came a day after he touted his travel ban in the wake of the London terror attacks, while also pledging assistance to Britain.

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In a shocking incident, a case of sodomy was registered against a German teacher of a leading international school here.

The case was registered on May 15 after two students of the school filled a complaint against the teacher.

The case was registered under MIDC Police jurisdiction reportedly under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) confirmed the news but refused to comment on it.

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Tiger Shroff, one of the finest dancers in Bollywood, will be seen doing the typical masala number for the first time in upcoming film 'Munna Michael.'

During the trailer launch of the movie in Mumbai today, the 'Heropanti' actor informed, "This is the first time I did typical Bollywood masala style dance."

The trailer launch was also graced by debutant Nidhi Agarwal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

While speaking about his working experience with the 'Manjhi' star. Tiger said, "I have got to learn so much from sir."

The 2.55-minute-video sees Tiger, playing Munna, a street con, who aspires to become a renowned dancer like Michael Jackson. In his journey, Munnas meets gangster Mahinder Fauji and starts giving him dance training. It also sees debutant Nidhi Agerwal, portraying Dolly, who loves to dance and wants to win the trophy of a major competition called 'Dance World.'

'Munna Michael,' directed by Sabbir Khan, is set to release on July 21.

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Commenting on the recent topper scam that brought embarrassment to Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday blamed the people for spoiling the image of the state.

"Not the outsiders, but people of Bihar play main role in ruining the image of the state," Nitish said at a press conference here.

He further said that the government is making efforts to ensure fair conduction of examination and to check cheating.

Recently, a topper scam again raised question over education system of the state after an Arts topper, Ganesh Kumar failed to show any of his academic prowess.

Where around 65 percent of the students failed the Bihar board, Ganesh Kumar topped from the Arts stream.

He secured 65 out of 70 marks in the Practical examinations of Music and 18 out of 30 in the theory.

However, a meeting with him gave a different picture as he failed to answer basic questions related to the subjects in which he secured the highest mark.

When he was asked to play some instruments and sing a song, he seemed unable to play anything in tune.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also filed a money laundering case against four principals in connection with the scam.

Last year, scam in the Bihar Board landed the state government in the dock of embarrassment after topper Ruby Rai who secured 444, marks out of 500 in the arts stream was not even able to answer basic questions related to her subjects.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday ruled out any meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Astana, Kazakhstan, where both world leaders will attend a conference.

"There is no meeting scheduled between PM Modi and Nawaz Sharif in Astana, during the forthcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)." Swaraj said at a press briefing here.

"Neither any such meeting is planned from our side, nor from their side," she added.

The Indian government's statement keeps in accord with Prime Minister Modi's assertion that 'talks and terrorism cannot go together'.

India and Pakistan will become full members of the SCO at the oranisation's summit on June8-9 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are scheduled to attend the summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be other important dignitaries who would be attending the summit.

The SCO, which comprises of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, is a regional security organization that primarily aims to fight terror and the trafficking of narcotics in Central Asia.

India and Pakistan's admission into the group is made possible as China gave its nod for the same after years.

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Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday met Japanese Ambassador Takashi Kurai and discussed matters of mutual interest with focus on regional security at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

The envoy appreciated efforts and sacrifices of Pakistani people and army against terrorism, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.

He also expressed his Government's desire to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in all fields.

General Bajwa thanked Ambassador Kurai and expressed hope that Japan will continue to play a positive role towards peace and stability in the region.

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Pakistan can neither take the Kashmir issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), nor hang Kulbhusan Jadhav, asserted External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday.

Since the ICJ has stayed Jadhav's death sentence, reports suggest that Pakistan mulls taking Kashmir issue to the ICJ.

Kulbhusan Jadhav is an Indian Navy officer who has been awarded death sentence by a Pakistani Military court on the charges of spying for India's intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, and fomenting terrorism in Balochistan province of Pakistan.

After India was denied consular access to Jadhav, it moved the ICJ that on May 18 stayed the death sentence of Jadhav.

Addressing a press conference here, Swaraj said Pakistan can't take Kashmir issue to the ICJ as it is a bilateral issue.

"Pakistan can no way take the Kashmir issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the Simla Agreement and Lahore Agreement on Kashmir are very clear that Kashmir is a bilateral issue, which would only be resolved by the two countries," said the External Affairs Minister.

Swaraj refuted the notion that with India moving the ICJ over Jadhav, Pakistan can also take the Kashmir issue the international court as well.

She said Pakistan can't hang Jadhav until the ICJ doesn't pass its order on the case filed by India.

Expressing confidence over the matter, Swaraj said the next hearing in the Jadhav case would be on the jurisdiction on the merit of the case, in which India would win as its position is very strong.

Pakistan has been planning to challenge the ICJ stay by challenging the jurisdiction and has appointed a new counsel.

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Pernod Ricard India brings fresh energy and vibrancy into the wine category with the launch of their Spanish wine, Campo Viejo, in the country.

Pioneering the richest expression of Tempranillo grapes, Campo Viejo is the No. 1 Rioja brand in the world and is synonymous with innovation, expressiveness, coloUr and vibrancy, that the Rioja region of Spain is renowned for.

In a unique and engaging evening at the Bombay Art Society, Campo Viejo brought alive its deep connection with celebrating expression, vibrancy and philosophy of 'Live Uncorked' through many forms of art.

To further give this philosophy a connection with India, Campo Viejo brought on board the versatile and vibrant Bahaar Dhawan Rohatgi to bring alive the philosophy of 'Live Uncorked' who in turn designed the bar as an art piece.

Commenting on the launch, Jagbir Sidhu, vice president, Marketing, Pernod Ricard India, said, "We are proud to present Campo Viejo, as the latest addition to our portfolio of wines in India. India is an emerging wine market and there is a huge opportunity to grow. Campo Viejo is the No.1 Rioja wine globally and No. 1 Rioja wine in the UK, Canada, and Germany etc. In the UK, it is also the No.1 Spanish wine. We want to make sure we have a big footprint in India with the right brands and believe that Campo Viejo will play an important role in this ambition. This as an exciting phase for us and we are confident that not only will Campo enhance our connection with the fun loving, experimenting, modern yet evolved Indian consumers, but will also set a new benchmark in the wine category in India."

Pernod Ricard India announced the launch of two variants of Campo Viejo in India - Campo Viejo Tempranillo, the best expression of the Rioja Tempranillo and Campo Viejo Blanco, which is a blend of Tempranillo and Viura grapes.

Speaking on the occasion, Federico Lleonart, Global Brand Ambassador, Campo Viejo, said, "At Campo Viejo, we express ourselves through our wines in the same way an artist expresses themselves through their work. Winemaking is truly an art form; both artist and winemaker start with a blank canvas and through extensive craftsmanship, experimentation and dedication, masterpieces are created.

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Ayatollah Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran has vehemently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabian rulers during his speech on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of Father of the Islamic Revolution the late Imam Khomeini on Sunday.

"See how obscene our enemy is! With a decadent, backwards tribal system, the US president stands by the head of the clan and performs a sword-dance. He, however, also criticizes the vote of 40 million Iranians during their free election, "Ayatollah Khamenei said addressing a huge gathering at the late Imam mausoleum in southern Tehran. Later, in a series of tweets, Khamenei attacked both the U.S. and Saudi rulers and tweeted highlights of his speech which he delivered at the late Imam mausoleum in southern Tehran on Sunday.

"POTUS sword -dances next to head of a tribal, backward and purely decadent regime, then sams Iran's free 40-million election," Khamenei tweeted.

See how obscene our enemy is! POTUS dances with head of a reactionary regime, criticizes Iran's 40-million electionhttps://t.co/piA2UhlSKFpic.twitter.com/ZCIY24VKpQ  Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 4, 2017

Criticising U.S. policy in Syria, Yeman and Bahrain Khamenei said in his tweet, "We believe the enemy's stage wars in #Syria, #Bahrain, #Yemen-the Muslim world. Solutions are negotiation &

terminating weapons transport."

POTUS sword-dances next to head of a tribal, backward & purely decadent regime, then slams Iran's free 40-million election. #??????_????????  Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 4, 2017

Referring to the Saudi people on his Twitter handle, Khamenei said, "If you talk to the youth in #SaudiArabia, you'll see they hate depending on the U.S."

He further said, "Wisely challenging U.S. has a lower price than appeasing it. Saudi govt. spent half of its wealth on U.S. interests to appease POTUS."

Wisely challenging US has a lower price than appeasing it. Saudi govt spent half its wealth on US interests to appease POTUS.  Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 4, 2017

Praising the efforts of Imam Khomeini, Iran's supreme leader Khamenei tweeted, "The Islamic revolution brought by Imam Khomeini was not solely a political transition. The revolution sought change in the social structure: its aim was building a society with a unique identity, one that embraced independence, core values, and innovation. #ImamKhomeini's political change meant defeating a dictator & client regime, then turning it into a people-oriented govt".

An intellectual foundation of #ImamKhomeini was ending US domination. This appeals to youth in countries whose govts have long ties to US.  Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 4, 2017

#ImamKhomeini's political change meant defeating a dictator & client regime, then turning it into a ppl-oriented govt.  Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 4, 2017

Slamming attacks on Yemen, Khamenei said, "Saudi government has been bombing Yemen for nearly two and a half years".

"For 2.5 years, Saudi government has been bombing #Yemen, they will never win over Yemeni people if they bomb them for 20 years! Sadly our brothers and sisters in #Yemen, #Bahrain, #Syria & #Libya are facing major problems while fasting in #Ramadan", Khamenei tweeted.

.

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Severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, Bahrain's foreign affairs ministry on Monday issued an advisory for all Qatari diplomatic staff to leave the country within the next 48 hours and also issued an 14-day ultimatum to Qatari citizens to leave Bahraini territories .

Bahrain has accused Qatar of supporting terrorism ,media incitement and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain.

Bahrain said it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from the Qatari capital of Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The ministry's statement has also given 14 -day ultimatum to Qatari citizens as they have to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted.

Bahrain has announced it is cutting all ties and relations what so ever with Qatar, according to a statement carried on Bahrain News Agency.

Bahrain decided to sever all diplomatic ties with its neighbor "on the insistence of the State of Qatar to continue destabilizing the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to intervene in its affairs".

"(Qatar has) spread chaos in Bahrain in flagrant violation of all agreements and covenants and principles of international law Without regard to values, law or morals or consideration of the principles of good neighborliness or commitment to the constants of Gulf relations and the denial of all previous commitments," the statement read.

Qatar is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and has extensive air links with he group of countries that have snapped diplomatic ties.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain have broken off diplomatic relations and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar over terrorism and extremism.

Riyadh accused its fellow Gulf Arab state of backing terrorism and extremism while Bahrain has charged Qatar of interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.

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Incensed by the demolition of Rajiv Gandhi's bust in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, the Congress on Monday strongly condemned the act and demanded a probe by the state government.

"We strongly condemn the act of damaging of the statue of Late Rajiv Gandhi statue in Mirzapur. This act has hurt the sentiments of millions and millions of people and Congressmen across the country because of their love and respect for the great leader. The State Government should immediately conduct an inquiry into the incident in a time bound manner so as to punish the guilty". General Secretary, Congress Committee, Ghulam Nabi Azad said in a statement.

Continuing to berate the Yogi Adityanath-led state government, Azad further said that anti-social elements have become 'blatantly active' in last few months due to the inaction of the state government which has resulted in deterioration of law and order in Uttar Pradesh.

"The culprits had also left a message below the damaged statue - "Humari sarkar hai, usey Pakistan bhej diya gaya (This is our government, he has been sent to Pakistan)," the statement added.

The incident took place a day after the Congress landed in a controversy when a map of India in a 15-page booklet distributed during state party in-charge Ghulam Nabi Azad's visit to Lucknow referred to a part of Kashmir as 'Indian-Occupied Kashmir'.

An FIR has been lodged against unidentified persons in Katra police station on the basis of a complaint by city Congress president Abdul Wahid.

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Taking a jibe at Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said that New Delhi doesn't spend extra time and energy on Islamabad as it just like 'any other country'.

Addressing a press conference here to highlight her ministry's three-year- achievements, Swaraj said India is not burning the midnight oil on Pakistan as it has a set a foreign policy for Islamabad.

"India foreign policy for Pakistan is based on three pillars: we want to resolve all bilateral issues through dialogue, dialogue will only be bilateral and terror and talks can't go simultaneously," said the External Affairs Minister.

She said India was always ready for bilateral talks when all the three prerequisite conditions of Indian policy towards Pakistan are met.

"India is always ready for the talks. This was evident when Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was invited at the swearing in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We kept extended hand of friendship for two years. Even, PM Modi took out of the box initiative to fly down to Lahore to meet Nawaz Sharif. What did India get in return? Pathankot attack after one week of PM Modi's visit," said Swaraj.

The External Affairs Minister lamented that there was no progress on the the investigation of the Pathankot attack in Pakistan.

On December 25, 2015, Prime Minister Modi had paid a surprise visit to Lahore on Nawaz Sharif on his 66th birthday while he was returning to India from Kabul, Afghanistan.

On January 2, 2016, six heavily armed terrorists, who entered India from Pakistan on the night of December 30-31, 2015 through Kathua-Gurdaspur border in Punjab, attacked Indian Air Force's Pathankot Air Force base.

The gun battle and the subsequent combing operation lasted about 17 hours on 2 January, resulting in five attackers and three security personnel dead.

Since then the bilateral relations between two countries have become sour. Pakistan is continuing its age-old policy of continuing cross-border terrorism in India, especially Kashmir Valley.

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In the wake of the ongoing diplomatic rift in the Gulf, Dubai-based Airline Emirates is suspending flights to and from Doha beginning Tuesday morning.

In a statement, Emirates said that the last flight from Dubai to Doha will leave at 2:30 am on June 6 while the last flight in the other direction is at 3:50 am.

"As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates will suspend its flights to and from Doha, starting from the morning of June 6, until further notice. Emirates' flights to and from Doha today, will operate as normal," the statement read.

It further said that the travellers bound for Doha, boarding their flight from airports around the Emirates network today, will be advised to make alternative arrangements.

"All customers booked on Emirates' flights to and from Doha will be provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternate Emirates destinations. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers," the statement further read.

This comes after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain ended diplomatic relations and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar over allegations that the latter is encouraging terrorism and extremism.

Riyadh accused Qatar of backing terrorism and extremism, while Bahrain charged Qatar with interfering in it internal affairs, according to a report published by The Guardian.

Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar "proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism," the report said.

Saudi Arabia said the move was necessary to protect the kingdom from what it described as terrorism and extremism.

Bahrain's foreign affairs ministry issued a statement that it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The ministry's statement said Qatari citizens needed to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. It wasn't immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the region's major long-haul carriers.

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Dismissing claims that the police are underfunded, British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday said that overall police budgets have been protected since 2015 and that the number of armed officers in the country is also increasing.

She claimed that the Labour Party had opposed extra spending on the police and their party leader Jeremy Corbyn had opposed giving new powers to the police.

Speaking about Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick's statement that it would be appropriate to look at police resources, May said Dick has said she has the resources she needs.

May added that the police counter-terrorism resources are well-funded.

She confirmed that the police have identified all the attackers and 11 persons have been taken into in custody.

"The police are working to establish the identity of all of those killed," The Guardian quoted May as saying.

However, she said that the threat level remains at severe.

Asserting that victims of London attack were from different countries, May said it was an attack not just on London and the UK, but on the free .

She lauded the efforts of the police and the emergency services by calling it as 'extraordinary'.

May emphasized that the democratic way of life must go on after the London Bridge terror attacks.

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After Siddharth Roy Kapoor and Kamal Hassan, Bollywood actor Salman Khan is the latest from the film industry to express his feelings over the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

When asked about government's decision for announcing 28 percent tax slab under the GST for cinema, the 51-year-old actor said, "Whatever the government has done, they must have done it with proper planning."

To mark the world Environment Day, the 'Sultan' star launched two battery-powered bicycles under his Being Human brand.

Both the variants of the Being Human E-Cycle - BH27 and BH12 - are available in four colours, white, yellow, red and black. Additional variants will be available for sale in a few months.

While addressing the media, Salman said, "People often drop the idea of using cycles when they have to travel long distances because of the effort involved. With the pedal assist and rechargeable motor support Being Human E-Cycles make it easy and practical to cycle across both urban and not-so-urban areas."

These bicycles have a maximum speed of 25 km/hr.

Both the variants present at the event were priced at Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 57,000.

On the work front, Salman Khan will be next seen in Kabir Khan's 'Tubelight,' alongside Sohail Khan and late actor Om Puri.

The flick is slated to release on June 23.

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Tripura is celebrating 'World Environment Day' today.

Tripura Environment Minister Bijitha Nath flagged off an awareness race from the Museum area today.

The idea was to disseminate the messages highlighting the threat of global warming, human-induced climate change, the thinning of the ozone layer and the impact of chemical pollution and deforestation.

The minister said, "This year's theme from the UN is 'People Connect to Nation'. The balance of nature is getting disturbed and to save that, every year new themes are being adopted and which we follow dedicatedly and not only in the capital but throughout the all district by involving all school students."

Meantime, Biswendu Bhattacharya, an environment activist said, "After U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement the role and responsibility of India as a world leader in saving the environment gets more committed."

Students, representatives from non-government organisations (NGO) and paramilitary forces participated in the race organised by Association for Research on People and Nature (ARPAN), an NGO.

Priyanku Sarma, one of the participants in the race said, "On the occasion of World Environment Day, a cross-country race was organised and in which I had participated and came first. I am very happy."

Meantime, Tripura Pollution Control Board organised 'a sit and draw competition' on various issues related to protection of the environment. Prizes were distributed among the winners.

Several programmes have been organised across the state to create awareness about environmental disasters and ways to mitigate them.

The environment activists had also urged the people in Tripura to reduce use of petrol and diesel in transport sector and curb the burning of Green House Gases (GHGs) which ultimately contributed to increase in the global temperature.

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Following a similar move by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, Yemen also broke off its ties with Qatar for working with its enemies of the Iran-aligned Houthi militia, local media reports said.

The Yemen Government also extended its support to decision by a Saudi-led coalition fighting for more than two years to overthrow the Houthis from Sanaa.

"Qatar's practices of dealing with the (Houthi) coup militias and supporting extremist groups became clear," Al- Arabiya quoted the government as saying in a statement.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry on Monday said that the country regrets the decision of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates' and Egypt to cut off diplomatic ties with it.

"The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact," Al-Jazeera quoted the Qatar Foreign Ministry as saying in a statement.

The ministry added that the decision taken by the four Gulf nations would not affect the normal lives of its citizens and residents.

This comes after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain broke off their diplomatic ties and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar over allegations that the latter is encouraging terrorism and extremism.

Riyadh has accused Qatar of backing terrorism and extremism, while Bahrain has charged Qatar with interfering in it internal affairs.

Saudi Arabia said the move was necessary to protect the kingdom from what it described as terrorism and extremism.

Bahrain's Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement that it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The ministry's statement said Qatari citizens needed to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. It wasn't immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the region's major long-haul carriers.

Egypt also announced the closure of its airspace and seaports for all Qatari transportation to protect its national security.

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The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Monday foiled an early morning suicide attack on one of its camps in Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir. Four militants were killed.

The "foreign terrorists" failed to breach the camp's security as they were neutralised near the camp's fence, officials said.

CRPF Inspector General (IG) Ravideep Sahi told reporters the terrorists hurled grenades and used heavy volume of automatic gunfire to enter the camp around 4.35 a.m.

The four terrorists, who were foreigners, were engaged in a gunfight which lasted for nearly an hour. The exact identity of the attackers is being establishede.

"the alert sentries were joined by Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel in immediate retaliation. The four terrorists, who were foreigners, although their exact identity is being established, were engaged in a gunfight that lasted nearly an hour," Sethi said.

"They were neutralised 10-15 yards away from the camp's fencing," he added.

The CRPF camp in Sumbal town is 34 km away from Srinagar.

A Jammu and Kashmir Police spokesman said four AK rifles, one under-barrel grenade launcher and some ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of police (DGP) S.P. Vaid tweeted about the incident, commending the alertness of CRPF troopers and the state police.

"The fidayeen militants kept firing as they tried to enter the camp. The attack was effectively repulsed by the CRPF sentry and Sumbal police," CRPF Deputy Inspector General M. Dinakaran told IANS.

Luckily, no loss was reported from the CRPF side, he added.

The Sumbal camp of the CRPF is the headquarters of the 45th Battalion which was headed by Chetan Kumar Cheeta, who survived despite taking nine bullets while fighting militants in Bandipora in 2016.

--IANS

sq/pgh/vt

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Five people, including an attacker, were killed in a shooting incident in Orlando on Monday.

Police said the early morning incident at Florida business headquarters had no connection to terrorism. "It appears to be a work-related incident," CNN affiliate WFTV reported.

It was reported earlier that the police were investigating a "multiple fatality" shooting.

The sheriff's office, however, said the situation was "contained and stable", indicating that the shooting was over and no gunman was on the loose.

--IANS

soni/dg

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Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani on Monday called for the immediate dismissal of all security institution heads following the recent attacks in Kabul, that left over 100 people dead.

Rabbani, who is also the leader of the Jamiat-e-Islami party, said all heads of security branches including the National Security Advisor Haneef Atmar must be sacked along with General Taj Mohammad Jahid, Minister of Interior Affairs, National Directorate of Security Chief Masoom Stanekzai and acting Defence Minister Tariq Shah Bahrami, Tolo News reported.

Apart from the sacking of the security chiefs, Rabbani urged a full investigation into the recent attacks in Kabul and said that those involved must be prosecuted.

He said the recent attacks have raised questions about the security institutions and their abilities, adding that there were circles within the government and security institutions that have links to the Taliban.

The Jamiat leader went on to say that the recent spate of deadly incidents in Kabul showed that security institutions were not able to secure the Afghan people.

--IANS

ahm/bg

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Every country in the world will participate in the International Yoga Day event, scheduled to be held on June 21, Union Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters in Panaji, Naik said there is no compulsion on schools and other institutions to hold Yoga Day events and that no holiday has been declared as the event is an early morning activity.

"The situation is that 100 per cent countries in the world this year will do Yoga," Naik told reporters.

"The programme was held in 199 countries last year. This year, more countries will be added to the list and programmes will be held through our embassies and missions," the North Goa Lok Sabha member said.

The Minister also said the main International Yoga Day event would be held in Lucknow and attended by over 51,000 yoga enthusiasts, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

"Over 51,000 people will be participating. As there is paucity of space, screens will be put up in eight to nine parks nearby and simultaneously Yoga will be conducted," Naik said.

"We have requested to the state governments to organise a big programme. NGOs, schools and colleges also have been asked to hold their own events," he said, adding that central ministers would be attending the major Yoga-related programmes in every state.

"There is no compulsion (to hold Yoga Day in schools). We are encouraging yoga for the betterment of one and all," he said in response to a question.

Naik ruled out the possibility of a state holiday to celebrate International Yoga Day.

"We have not declared a holiday as yoga is a morning activity. From 6 a.m. to 7.30 a.m., after the activity is finished, they can go to work. You can opt to take leave on your own account. No special holiday has been announced," Naik said.

--IANS

maya/pgh/vt

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World No.1 Andy Murray secured his place in the last eight at the French Open with a sweep over Karen Khachanov on Monday, setting up a quarter-final clash with Asian top-ranked Kei Nishikori.

Murray beat the 21-year-old Khachanov 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and four minutes to record the 650th win of his career. He finished five aces and a total of 29 winners. Last year's finalist could bounce back immediately after suffering two breaks in the third set, reports Xinhua news agency.

"I think today was probably the best I have played overall," said the top seeded Murray.

For Khachanov, losing the match was always hard to bite: "It's never fun to lose a match, but I took a great experience from this match to play on the centre court," he said.

After experiencing a five-set thriller in the third round delayed by the rain, the eighth-seeded Nishikori regrouped himself and came back from one set down to see off Fernando Verdasco 0-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-0. The Japanese won 73 percent of net points, and he managed to overcome 46 unforced errors to cruise into the quarter-finals.

-- IANS

sam/gau/dg

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A court here on Monday sent to judicial custody till June 17 an army officer and a middleman arrested in connection with a transfer racket at the Army headquarters here.

Special CBI Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra sent Lt. Col Ranganathan Suvramani Moni, posted in the Personnel Department, and Gaurav Kohli to custody after the Central Bureau of Investigation said the duo were not required for further custodial interrogation.

Moni was arrested along with Kohli from thhe former's residence here following a tip-off.

The two were produced before the court after the expiry of their three-day CBI custody.AKohli also filed bail plea stating that since he was not required for a further probe, he should be released on bail.

The court will hear the application on June 9.

CBI said Moni and Kohli took a bribe for the transfer of a Bengaluru-based Army officer to a choice posting.

CBI teams conducted raids on the premises of the accused and others at over 10 places in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram and seized Rs 10 lakh and several incriminating documents, said the investigating agency.

The agency said both were arrested when Kohli visited Moni's house to deliver him Rs 2 lakh, a part of the Rs 5 lakh bribe, for the transfer of Army officer S. Subhas.

"With their arrest, the CBI has busted a transfer racket in the Army Headquarters here that involved manipulation of Army postings in lieu of illegal gratification," the CBI said.

Besides Moni and Kohli, the CBI has registered an FIR against a Secunderabad-based Army officer Purushottam, S. Subhas and other unnamed persons for criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Moni was commissioned in the Army in August 1994 and was posted at the Army Headquarters since August 2015. He belongs to Thiruvananthapuram.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China has slammed the "irresponsible remarks" made by top US and Japanese officials on the South China Sea and Taiwan issues during the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Stressing that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha islands and their adjacent waters, spokesperson Hua Chunying on Sunday said Beijing has always been committed to peacefully solving disputes through consultation and negotiation with countries directly concerned, Xinhua news agency reported.

China has always respected and maintained the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law.

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.

The situation in the South China Sea has improved and shown positive development momentum, the spokesperson said, citing the success of the first meeting of the China-Philippines bilateral consultation mechanism, and the agreement between Beijing and Asean countries on the framework for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the disputed region.

"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.

Talking about the Taiwan issue, Hua stressed China's position has been "clear and coherent".

China urged the USs to stop selling arms to Taiwan and terminate any official exchanges so as to guarantee the development of bilateral relations.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US 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.

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, Xinhua reported.

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.

US 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 said.

Since the president's announcement of withdrawal on 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, 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.

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.

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 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 on 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.

The numbner two US car maker declined to say if it would stay on the president's council.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The bodies of an Indian techie and his three-year-old son who drowned in the community pool in Michigan city last week, are being taken to India and will reach on Tuesday.

The victims were identified as 31-year-old Nagaraju Surepalli and his son Ananth. Their bodies were found in a swimming pool at the Glens of Northville apartment complex in Michigan city last Tuesday, CBS Detroit reported.

Surepalli was from Andhra Pradesh's Guntur city and was in the US for the past three years along with his mother, wife Bindu and son Ananth. He was working for Infosys as a software engineer.

Novi police chief David Malloy said the victims, who are residents of India, were out enjoying the day when the tragedy occurred. An employee of the complex had called 911 after seeing two bodies floating in the complex's pool.

'The dad had taken the child to the pool. They were not intending to swim, they were just going to sit by the pool, and that was evidenced by what we found at the scene,' Malloy told CBS Detroit.

'They were not dressed in swim attire.'

Police said the boy fell into the pool while riding his tricycle. The father jumped into to rescue his son and drowned. There was no lifeguard, and the pair were not experienced swimmers.

The family's friends and Surepalli's Infosys colleagues started an online fundraiser so that the bodies could be sent back to India, said the report.

Friends described Surepalli 'one of the most jovial, honest, friendly person you would ever meet and always smiling'.

'The bodies will be airlifted to India along with Surepalli's wife Bindu and her relatives,' a recent update on the fundraiser site said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Border Security Force (BSF) personnel arrested a Bangladeshi woman from West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on charge of smuggling foreign currency, an official said on Monday.

The BSF personnel seized currency and medicine worth Rs 25.71 lakh from her possession.

Acting on a tip off, the BSF troopers kept close vigil near the Perapole border outpost and apprehended a Bangladeshi resident named Hasina Alam on Sunday evening.

"BSF has seized US Dollars worth Rs 19.33 lakh, Bangladeshi Taka worth Rs 1.4 lakh and medicine worth Rs 4.88 lakh from the woman among other valuables," BSF South Bengal frontier's Deputy Inspector General ARPS Jaswal said in a press release.

"The apprehended woman was handed over to Bongaon police station along with the seized items for further legal action," he said.

The South Bengal frontier of BSF has seized different foreign currencies worth Rs 3.91 crore from the border area and apprehended two smugglers so far in 2017.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rabat, June 5 (IANS/MAP) Burundi will host the 8th East African Oil and Gas Conference from June 7 to 9, Minister of Energy and Mines Como Manirakiza said on Monday.

These regional conferences provide an opportunity for the governments of member states of the East African Community (EAC) and the oil companies to "discuss the development strategies of the oil industry in East Africa", an official said.

The meetings also provide an opportunity for regional oil companies to promote their oil and gas products and technologies in order to contribute to energy and gas efficiency and growth in the region, the official added.

The East African Community comprises six member states -- Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, which were founded in 2000, while Burundi and Rwanda joined the regional grouping in 2007. South Sudan, for its part, joined the community in 2016.

--IANS

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A special vigilance court on Monday framed charges against eight accused in the Rs 1,800 crore Uliburu mining scam case in Odisha.

The vigilance court in Keonjhar framed charges against prime accused Deepak Gupta and others in the case.

Apart from Gupta, charges were also framed against original leaseholder of Uliburu mines B.K. Mohanty, former Deputy Director of Mines (DDM) - Joda Mining Circle Manas Ranjan Mohanty, and former mines officials Haladhar Das, Satyabrata Rout, Jagannath Mishra, Krutibas Giri and Rabindra Mohanty.

The Vigilance Department had earlier filed chargesheets against 29 persons in the mining scam.

Deepak was arrested by the state Vigilance Department on September 4, 2013 for his alleged involvement in the scam.

According to the chargesheet, Deepak had the power of attorney of an iron ore mine, lease of which was with B.K. Mohanty. He illegally extracted iron ore beyond the permissible limit in the mining plan.

Mohanty, who has 35 hectare iron ore lease at Uliburu, is accused of illegally raising and exporting iron ore worth Rs 1,800 crore up to 2009, before the irregularities were noticed by the government.

--IANS

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China on Monday hailed Prime Minster Narendra Modi for his "positive remarks" about Sino-India relations, saying a sound relationship was of great significance to both the countries.

"We have noted the positive remark made by Indian Prime Minister about China-India relations. We welcome that," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

At an economic forum in Russia on Saturday, Modi said that despite the contentious boundary issue between India and China, not a single bullet was fired on the border in the last 40 years.

He was responding to a question whether India skipping China's Belt and Road Initiative reflected acrimony between the two neighbours.

"The two major countries China and India maintaining sound and the steady bilateral relationship is of great significance," Hua said.

China and India, fought a war 1962, have a dragging border dispute.

China claims India's Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet while New Delhi lays claims to Aksai Chin held by Beijing.

"Both sides agree that an early settlement of the boundary questions serves the interests of the both sides. It helps both sides to achieve their strategic goal. The sides have also taken serious measures to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," Hua added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Beverages multinational Coca-Cola's Indian arm on Monday said it will contribute over $1.7 billion in the agri ecosystem of the country over the next five years.

According to the company, close to $800 million of this contribution would be towards the procurement of processed fruit pulp and fruit concentrate for its increasing portfolio of juice and juice drinks and carbonated drinks with juice products in India, and the remaining would be invested towards creating the required infrastructure.

The company also launched its Minute Maid Pulpy Mosambi beverage, produced with fruits locally sourced from Jalna in Maharashtra.

"An estimated 2,00,000 farmers will benefit from this five-year roadmap of sourcing fruit pulp and fruit concentrate derived out of 2.10 million tonnes of fruit," the company said in a statement.

The company said that through this initiative, its bottling partner Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, 13 other independent franchise bottlers and fruit processing companies will invest around $900 million on manufacturing lines, juice bottling infrastructure and fruit processing plants and equipment and agriculture interventions over the next five years. This will help support the demand and the growing range of its non-carbonated drinks portfolio.

"More than 1,800 million tonnes of the Mosambi fruit has already been sourced from Jalna in Maharashtra for the first phase of the Minute Maid Pulpy Mosambi production. The investments announced today by Coca-Cola will further catalyse economic growth and create new opportunities for farmers and local suppliers," said T. Krishnakumar, President, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actress Dia Mirza was on World Environment Day on Monday appointed brand ambassador for the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), an official said.

Dia, an ardent advocate for nature conservation in India, has consistently used her celebrity status to bring conservation issues before a wider, more mainstream audience.

She has been the face of several pivotal environmental and humanitarian campaigns and was last year made an ambassador for the Swachh Bharat Mission's 'Swachh Saathi' programme.

Dia has lent her support to WTI's wildlife conservation endeavours for several years now and is a founder-member of the organisation's Club Nature initiative, a statement from the WTI said.

"I'm proud to be part of the team that's securing India's natural heritage," Dia said.

"I deeply admire WTI's mission to conserve wildlife and its habitat and to work for the welfare of individual wild animals in partnership with communities and governments. In my role as brand ambassador, I look forward to launching and elevating the message of WTI's next vital nationwide campaign, where we celebrate India's mighty elephants through the Gaj Yatra," she added.

According to Vivek Menon, Executive Director and CEO of WTI, Dia has been supporting their work for long.

"Over the next few months we will be launching our mega campaign to celebrate elephants across the country, and having Dia on board as a social influencer would be an eminent addition to our team," Menon said.

Launching in August 2017, the Gaj Yatra is part awareness campaign, part celebration. It is an 18-month road show through 13 states; a confluence of local art, culture and imagination that aims to build a groundswell of public support for India's elephants.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A court on Monday issued notice to Delhi Police's Crime Branch on the bail plea of an alleged middleman Sukesh Chandrashekar in the cash for election symbol case, involving AIADMK leader and party General Secretary V.K. Sasikala's nephew T.T.V. Dinakaran.

Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry sought response from Delhi Police on Chandrashekar's plea and posted the matter for arguments on June 7.

Filing a bail application, Chandrashekar sought parity with Dinakaran, who was granted bail on June 1.

Chandrashekar said that Dinakaran was granted bail even though he was more influential than him. Arrested on April 16, he claimed he had been made a "scapegoat and falsely implicated" in the case.

On May 22, the court had dismissed the bail plea of Chandrashekar saying it was not appropriate to grant him bail at this stage as it was a serious crime and he could tamper with the evidence. On Monday, he again approached the court for bail.

Dinakaran has been accused of allegedly arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels, while his close aide Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly facilitating a Rs 50 crore deal between Dinakaran and Chandrashekar to get favourable order from the poll panel.

Dinakaran was arrested on April 25 by the Crime Branch on allegations of attempting to bribe Election Commission officials to obtain a favourable verdict from so that the now frozen 'two leaves' party symbol could be restored to Sasikala's faction of the AIADMK.

The poll panel had frozen the AIADMK's symbol after two factions of the party -- one led by Sasikala and the other by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam -- staked claim to it.

Along with Dinakaran, Mallikarjuna was also granted bail on June 1.

On Tuesday, the court will pronounce its order on the bail pleas of suspected hawala operator Nathu Singh and co-accused Lalit Kumar, who are in judicial custody.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Farmers in Madhya Pradesh were back on the streets to protest on Monday, despite the assurance by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan that the government would purchase onions at Rs 8/kg and moong dal at an agreed price.

Farmers stopped trucks and vehicles carrying milk and vegetables from village at several places.

In the state capital, full cream milk of Sanchi Dairy was unavailable. Indore is also facing a milk crisis, and a similar situation prevails in Jhabua, Dhar, Shajahanpur and Sehore. The farmers in Harda shaved their heads as a sign of protest.

Chouhan on Sunday met representatives of the Indian Farmers' Union and agreed to most of the demands, including buying onions at Rs 8/kg, and paying 50 per cent in cash for produce and depositing the rest in banks, and buying moong at an agreed price.

Though the farmers union postponed the strike, the other organisations continued with the stir.

Framers in Ratlam pelted stones and damaged property on Sunday, due to which police lathi charged them.

Police had to lathi charge and use tear gas on protesting farmers in Delanpur, after which the farmers resorted to stone pelting. In the turmoil Sub-Inspector Pawan Yadav got a severe eye injury. Farmers also set four vehicles on fire.

"The farmers have been cheated. The strikes will continue till the demands have been properly met, including the main ones of loan waiver and fair price for produce," said State Secretary of the Indian Farmers' Union Anil Yadav in a statement.

The President of Rashtriya Kisan Majdoor Sangh Shivkumar Sharma organised a rally supporting the farmers on Monday, and announced that "the protest would continue till June 10."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday announced they were severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, and accused the Gulf state of supporting terror groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said Riyadh severed its diplomatic ties to "protect national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that Qatar's policy "threatens Arab national security and sows the seeds of strife and division within Arab societies according to a deliberate plan aimed at the unity and interests of the Arab nation," Al Ahram news agency reported.

The five countries announced they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, and also that they were closing their airspace and borders severing land, sea and air contact with Qatar within the next 24 hours.

The SPA quoted a Saudi official as saying that Qatari troops would be pulled from the ongoing war in Yemen due to Doha's "practices that strengthen terrorism" and its support to groups "including Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as dealing with the rebel militias."

Bahrain said Qatar has interfered in its internal affairs, engaged in negative media coverage against it, and supported terrorist activities and armed groups, as well as financed Iranian-backed groups that are responsible of vandalism and violence in the country, reports Xinhua news agency.

The country has asked Qatari diplomats to leave within 48 hours.

The UAE has also accused Qatar of "supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organisations", according to state news agency WAM.

The Yemen government also announced that it was severing all ties with Qatar, and accused it of working with its enemies in the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, state news agency Saba reported.

"Qatar's practices of dealing with the (Houthi) coup militas and supporting extremist groups became clear," the government said in a statement.

It added that Yemen supported the decision of a Saudi-led coalition, fighting for more than two years to oust the Houthis from the Yemeni capital Sanaa, to remove Qatar from its ranks.

In response, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said it regretted the measures by the Arab nations, and called the decisions "unjustified".

"The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact," Al Jazeera TV cited the statement, adding the decisions would "not affect the normal lives of citizens and residents".

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged the Gulf nations to stay united.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying in Sydney.

"If there's any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."

Tillerson said despite the impasse, he did not expect it to have "any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism in the region or globally".

Etihad Airways, the UAE's flag carrier, said it would suspend flights to and from Qatar beginning Tuesday morning.

It was not immediately clear how Monday's announcement would affect other airlines.

A Saudi-led coalition which for more than two years has been fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen separately announced that Qatar was no longer welcome in the alliance.

Monday's move comes after Qatar alleged that hackers last month took over the site of its state-run news agency and published what it called fake comments alleged to be from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel, Al Ahram reported.

Following the hacking, comments "falsely" attributed to Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, were broadcast in Qatar.

Qatar's government categorically denied that the comments, in which the country's leader expressed support for Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel while suggesting that US President Donald Trump may not last in power, were ever made.

In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain had recalled their ambassadors from Qatar for its alleged backing of then-Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood member.

However, eight months later they returned their ambassadors as Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Five Pakistani nationals were detained in Rajasthan's Barmer district on Monday for entering a "restricted area", police said.

Two men, a woman and two children were detailed in Lakashar village and questioned about their presence in the area, Karan Singh, an officer from the Gadra police station, told IANS over telephone.

"They have valid travel documents. But as they entered an area where prior permission is necessary from the government, we have detained them," Karan Singh said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terror groups including the Muslim Brotherhood and interfering in its internal affairs.

"Qatar's policy threatens Arab national security and sows the seeds of strife and division within Arab societies according to a deliberate plan aimed at the unity and interests of the Arab nation," Al Ahram news quoted an Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement as saying.

The four countries announced they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, and also the closure of its airspace and borders severing land, sea and air contact within the next 24 hours.

According to Saudi state news agency SPA, authorities announced that Qatari troops would be pulled from the ongoing war in Yemen due to Doha's "practices that strengthen terrorism" and its support to groups "including Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as dealing with the rebel militias", reports the BBC.

In an official statement, Bahrain said Qatar has interfered with its internal affairs, engaged in negative media coverage against it, and supported terrorist activities and armed groups, as well as financed Iranian-backed groups that are responsible of vandalism and violence in the country, reports Xinhua news agency.

The country has asked Qatari diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

The UAE has also accused Qatar of "supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organisations", according to state news agency WAM.

Monday's move comes after Qatar alleged that hackers last month took over the site of its state-run news agency and published what it called fake comments from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel, Al Ahram reported.

Its Gulf Arab neighbours responded with anger, blocking Qatari-based media, including the Doha-based satellite news network Al Jazeera.

In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain had recalled their ambassadors from Qatar its alleged backing of then-Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood member.

However, eight months later they returned their ambassadors as Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country and quieted others.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The West Bengal goverenment on Monday said regional cinema will be hugely impacted by the present form of the Goods and Services Tax regime scheduled for a July 1 roll-out and demanded suitable changes.

Consumer Affairs Minister Sadhan Pande and Information Technology Minister Bratya Basu flayed the decision to put cinema tickets in the 28 per cent tax bracket in the new indirect tax system.

"Tickets will be significantly pricier. Also, we have the menace of piracy. Regional cinema will be affected," Basu told the media here at an event.

Pande hoped the tax rates will be revised.

"I think they will correct it. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is opposing it staunchly in its present form," he said.

Basu, also an acclaimed playwright and actor, reiterated actor-filmmaker Kamal Hassan's view that the current tax will "ruin regional cinema.

"Kamal Hassan had welcomed the 'One India, One Tax' GST system but said the 28 per cent tax will ruin regional cinema. We wholeheartedly welcome the GST. But the current rate needs to be revised, otherwise it will run regional cinema," Kamal said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dhundi, Kheda district, Gujarat: Phodabhai Parmar, a 72-year-old farmer, sits on a charpai sipping tea as solar panels gleam in the fields behind him. Parmar is one of six farmers who have formed the worlds first solar irrigation cooperative in Dhundi village in Gujarats Kheda district, about 90 km from Ahmedabad.

The Solar Pump Irrigators' Cooperative Enterprise (SPICE), which began operating in May 2016, not only made a switch from diesel to solar pumps but also adopted net metering -- selling excess power to the local electricity utility.

Members now have an incentive to save power and curtail their groundwater use, as any leftover power is sold to the Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL), the local power utility, thereby creating a parallel revenue stream.

India is the largest user of groundwater in the world. By 2012, it used an estimated 230 cubic kilometres of groundwater per year -- over a quarter of the global total. More than 60 per cent of irrigated agriculture is dependent on groundwater and if current trends continue, in 20 years about 60 per cent of all aquifers will be in a critical condition, the World Bank has said.

SPICE signed a 25-year power purchase agreement to sell power to MGVCL at the rate of Rs 4.63/kWh. With six solar pumps and a total capacity of 56.4 kWp (kilowatt peak, which stands for peak power and is the output achieved by a solar module under full solar radiation), the irrigation systems in Dhundi are expected to generate 85,000 kWh/year of solar energy, according to a paper published by IWMI-Tata Water Policy Programme, which initiated and partly funded SPICE.

The pump owners will use 40,000 kWh/year for irrigation, and sell the remaining 45,000 kWh/year to the grid, earning Rs 3 lakh a year. By December 2016, the six members had together earned more than Rs 1.6 lakh.

"The selling of power to the grid attaches an opportunity cost to the power that is being generated by the solar pumps, which otherwise would be free power," Neha Durga, a consultant with IWMI-Tata Water Policy Program, told IndiaSpend. "So even if farmers use the pumps for 100 days of the year for irrigation, for the other 200 days the grid is getting green power. At the same time the farmers now have an incentive to economise on their energy as well as water use."

In 2015, nine million diesel pumps -- expensive and big greenhouse gas emitters -- were being used for irrigation, largely due to lack of electricity connections or poor power supply.

Yet, the upfront cost of a solar pump, about 10 times that of a conventional pump, discourages buyers. Capital subsidy and financing support are a must to promote adoption of solar pumps, said a 2014 analysis by Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation.

Guided by this logic, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been running a programme to install solar water pumping systems for irrigation and drinking water across India since 1992, providing subsidy of up to 90 per cent of the upfront capital cost. Various state governments also offer subsidies to varying extents -- in Rajasthan, farmers pay only 14 per cent of the total cost of solar pumps, while in Maharashtra, farmers pay only five per cent.

At the same time, many states subsidise agricultural electricity connections and consumption, making solar-powered irrigation systems even more uneconomical in comparison.

However, solar pumps pay for themselves over the years by providing cheap and uninterrupted power, while costing little by way of maintenance. Diesel pumps, in contrast, cost anywhere between Rs 20,000 and 25,000 a year for fuel and maintenance.

The SPICE experience is instructive. Farmers who joined initially contributed Rs 5,000/kWp towards the capital cost of solar pumps. The balance Rs 59,000/kWp was subsidised by a research grant from IWMI.

The total project, which consisted of six solar pumps and infrastructure-like grid lines and electricity poles, cost Rs 50 lakh for 56.4 kW capacity, Durga said. Rs 15 lakh was spent on constructing the grid and the rest was the cost of solar pumps. "However, four new farmers who joined the collective later paid Rs 25,000/kWp, which is four times more than the initial participants, because they saw the benefits," Durga said.

By October 2016, 92,305 solar pumps had been installed throughout the country -- 31,472 during 2015-16 alone, more than the total installed during the past 25 years (since the beginning of the programme), according to the MNRE.

Based on the Dhundi solar experience, IWMI-TATA suggests that state governments scale down capital cost subsidy on solar pumps to around Rs 50,000/kWp from the average Rs 90,000 offered in 2016, and use the savings to offer farmers the opportunity to sell power to the grid at a feed-in tariff of Rs 7.0-7.5/kWh. Farmers would get solar pumps by foregoing power use from the grid, and would instead get a power purchase guarantee for selling power to the utility.

Durga points out that subsidised solar pumps provided under the government's scheme encourage overuse of groundwater, just like free power to farmers has done for decades in many parts of the country.

"There is no rationing mechanism for water withdrawal. In grid-connected pumps, you can still switch off the line, and control the number of electricity connections being issued to farmers per year, but with solar pumps you cannot do that. It is a 25-year free source of power," Durga said.

The Ministry of Water Resources had recommended in the National Water Policy 2012 that the use of electricity for groundwater extraction be regulated. "Separate electric feeders for pumping groundwater for agricultural use should be considered," the policy said. The SPICE model fits in well with this aim.

(In arrangement with IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform, with whom Mukta Patil is an analyst. The views expressed are those of IndiaSpend. Feedback at respond@indiaspend.org)

--IANS/IndiaSpend

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said the international community is "concerned" about Russian poll meddling and that Moscow should know there are "consequences" for interfering in US elections.

"I can tell you, the international community is concerned about Russia's meddling within all of their elections," Haley said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" in an interview on Sunday.

"But they're concerned about Russia for a lot of reasons. And so we'll continue to keep our eye on them. And when we can work with them, we want to try and do that. But when we can't, we're going to hold the line."

The Indian-American lawmaker -- when asked why sanctions aren't being imposed on Russia -- emphasised the US isn't going easy on Russia.

"Well, I think that, you know, they're going through the motions of the investigation," Haley said.

"I could tell you we've taken actions against Russia in the UN Security Council. We've stood strong on the sanctions in their situations with Ukraine. We called them out in their association with the Assad regime."

"We're going to continue to call them out as we need to," Haley continued.

"At the same time, we are trying to see if we can have talks with them on how to better come in line in the Syrian conflict. We're working with them on counter-terrorism. But if we see Russia doing anything wrong, we're going to tell them."

Haley said that she will support whatever Congress decides to do in terms of sanctions against Russia.

Pressure was mounting on US officials to take a tougher stance on Russia, even as Trump himself is reluctant to criticise the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the report.

Haley also had tough words for North Korea. Tensions between the US and North Korea continue to mount amid the latter's frequent missile tests. The temperature of the North Korea situation right now is "volatile", Haley said.

"I think what you can see is that we have worked very closely with China," Haley said.

"China has really stood up in putting the pressure on North Korea. And yesterday the Security Council voted to increase sanctions on individuals and entities that are related to those ballistic missile tests," she said.

--IANS

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Actor-filmmaker Anil Kapoor says he feels protective towards his son Harshvardhan as he is still naive in Bollywood.

The actor spoke about his son, who made his debut in Bollywood with "Mirzya" last year, in an interview in GQ India June 2017 issue, read a statement.

"I'm protective because I feel Harsh is still naive. Like for example, he'll say no to very big filmmakers. I hope they understand that he really wants to work with them and means well, but he's not ready to do those films. I wish he'd at least spoken to me before... But it's fine... That's his decision," Anil said.

What would he change about Harshvardhan?

"I want him to loosen up. I want him to meet people and be more social," Anil said.

Anil, who also has two daughters Sonam and Rhea, has been part of the industry for over three decades, and made a name for himself on foreign shores too courtesy "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol".

Asked if he is planning to call it a day anytime soon, Anil said his children want him to work.

"I'm waiting for the day when they come and tell me, 'Dad, enough'. Nobody (in the family) takes me seriously," he said.

To this, Harshvardhan replied that he wants him to do more films so that "I can be creatively more liberated and make the choices I want".

The "Bewafaa" actor quipped: "By which he means, he can be experimental and I make the money. They're all very selfish. They don't care about me."

--IANS

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The Indian Army honoured its longest-serving mule "Pedongi" by naming an Army mess after it, but there was a time when the Army had decided to mark the end of the road for the sturdy mule, that has walked miles on some of the most treacherous tracks providing logistics support in difficult situations.

Just before the Kargil war, there was a proposal to disband the Animal Transport units that come under Indian Army Service Corps, consisting of sturdy mules.

But during the Kargil war, Pakistani intruders came inside Indian territory in the Drass and Kargil mountainous areas. Highway 1, that connects Srinagar with Leh and cuts through Kargil, witnessed infiltration and fighting along a 160-km-long stretch of ridges overlooking this only motorable road.

"The situation was such that it appeared the line of communication would be cut. At that time the mules played an important role in ensuring supplies reached," an Army official, who did not want to be named, told IANS.

Availability of local ponies had also gone down as bombing started, and even helicopters could not operate because of difficult weather.

The Animal Transport unit was used at that time to provide logistics support to Indian posts and troops fighting in the sector.

"Finally the Animal Transport unit was the only available resource that worked in the face of intense shelling. The mules could go through tracks on which no vehicle could reach," the official said.

"The dauntless and loyal of the Army Service Corps have enabled last-mile logistics supply in the most inhospitable conditions along our frontiers in all past wars and operations in the highest tradition of the Indian Army."

The Indian Army at present has a 6,000-strong force of mules, which continue to be the reliable last-mile transport in difficult Himalayan terrain along the Indian borders in the western as well as eastern sectors.

At a smaller scale, mules are also used in the central sector.

Pedongi, after whom a new lounge at the Central Army Service Corps (ASC) officers' mess on Polo Road has been named, has the distinction of being the longest-serving mule with the Indian Army, serving for 37 years, while average mules serve for 18-20 years.

Pedongi had joined the Indian Army in 1962, and served till his death on March 25, 1998. He also found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-serving military mule.

While the Indian Army is considering other options for transport in the difficult mountainous terrain, and considering drones as an option among other things, in the modern world battles the mules have not lost their place.

The mules have remained relevant since the World Wars. American forces that landed in Afghanistan in 2001 to fight the Taliban had to employ mules to transfer loads in the treacherous mountain terrain.

The US Army's last Cavalry units had given up their horses in the 1940s and the last pack animals were phased out in the 1950s.

However, the animals gained significance again in Afghanistan and a new Army field manual was issued June 16, 2004, with the title, 'Special Forces Use of Pack Animals'. A formal pack animal training course was also started at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California.

In the Indian Army, the mules are categorised on the basis of the kind of load they carry, being broadly divided into Mule Arti -- which carry guns and weapons, and Mules GS  that carry general supply ranging from food to medicine and even water.

The around 6,000 mules are divided into 15 units. Usually a company has three troopers and 96 animals. Each animal also has one to two handlers, depending on the load and terrain.

An Army official, recounting the services rendered by the mules in the difficult areas along the border, said a mule had once strayed and was taken in by the Pakistani troops who then started using it for load-bearing along with their own mules.

"One fine day, the mule remembered its way back home. That day he was leading the other mules that were transporting supplies for the Pakistani troops. The mule, along with other mules that belonged to the Pakistan Army and their supplies, walked straight back to our post," the officer recounted with a laugh.
Filmmaker Karan Johar had an enlightening conversation with spiritual leader and yogi Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

Karan on Sunday shared a photograph of himself with the spiritual leader, who founded the Isha Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which offers yoga programmes around the world, including India, the US, Britain, Lebanon, Singapore, Canada, Malaysia, Uganda, China, Nepal, and Australia.

"Enlightening 'in conversation' with the mystic Sadhguru JV this morning... Isha Foundation," Karan captioned the image.

The Isha Foundation is also involved in various social and community development activities, which have earned it a special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

-*-

Salman's singing woes

Bollywood star Salman Khan, who has sung songs like "Hangover" and "Main hoon hero tera", says when he sings, technicians lose sleep for several days.

During an video call with select media last week, when an international journalist requested Salman to sing the latest song "Sajan radio" from his upcoming film "Tubelight", Salman quipped: "First of all, I did not sing the song... Let me tell you something, when I sing a song, a lot of hard work goes after that. The technicians stay awake in the studio for days to make it sound perfect".

"Tubelight" is releasing on June 23.

-*-

Anupam Kher gets 9 mn Twitter followers

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has garnered nine million followers on Twitter. He has thanked all his fans for their support and warmth.

"Thank you for your love, support, warmth, criticism and appreciation. Interacting with you all is a great learning experience. Love you," Anupam tweeted.

On the acting front, the 61-year-old actor, who was last seen on screen in "Naam Shabana", is currently gearing up for the release of "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha".

--IANS

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Expressing sadness over the killing of Indian soldier Dipak Kumar Maity in Kashmir, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday pledged all assistance to his bereaved family.

"Saddened to lose India's and Bengal's brave son Naik Dipak Kumar Maity, martyred... in Kashmir," Banerjee posted on twitter. She said the state stood in solidarity with his family in their hour of grief.

"The state government will extend all assistance," she said.

Maity was one of the two soldiers killed in a militant ambush on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Saturday.

Maity, 43, joined the Army in 1997. He hailed from Sabong in West Midnapur. He is survived by his wife Rikta and a 13-year-old daughter.

--IANS

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Soldiers on Monday shot dead a self-styled "Major" of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) in Manipur, police said.

The incident took place early in the day at Khoupum in Noney district. A M-16 rifle and 11 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the slain militant, identified as G. Thanmei.

Police said the area was cordoned off soon after Sunday midnight on receipt of intelligence inputs about the presence of armed persons. As the Gorkha Rifles moved in, a gun battle began with a group of militants.

While Thanmei was killed, his accomplices escaped. Police believe some of the escaping militants had sustained injuries. None of the security personnel was injured.

The NSCN(K) entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in 2000. It abrogated the truce on March 27, 2015.

On June 4, 2015, the NSCN(K) was blamed for killing 18 soldiers in Chandel district in Manipur.

--IANS

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Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu Monday on rubbished allegations of witch-hunt by the NDTV news channel after the CBI raided its founder Prannoy Roy's premises in connection with a bank default case, saying the law was taking its own course.

"Law is taking its own course and there is no witch hunt against anyone at all as this government does not believe in interfering," Naidu told reporters here.

"They (CBI) must have got some information and that's why they might have taken these steps," the Information and Broadcasting Minister said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader also said the government won't remain silent if anyone does wrong.

"If somebody does something wrong simply because they belong to media, you cannot expect the government to keep quiet," Naidu said.

Naidu's remarks came after the investigative agency raided the premises of NDTV's founder in an alleged bank loan default case.

Following the CBI raids, the NDTV in a strongly-worded statement said the raids were a "concerted harassment" to muzzle free speech.

The CBI registered the case against Roy, his wife Radhika Roy, a private company named RRPR Holdings and others and conducted searches at the Roy's Greater Kailash-I residence in south Delhi and three other places in Dehradun.

According to CBI officials, the agency has registered a case against Roy, his wife and RRPR Holdings for allegedly causing losses to the tune of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank.

The CBI raids come days after NDTV anchor Nidhi Razdan had an on-air verbal scuffle with BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, after he alleged the news network was following an "agenda", during a debate over the new central notification on cow trade and slaughter. The BJP leader was told to leave the programme.

--IANS

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday assured of action against officials and school teachers after completion of the probe in the Class 12 topper scam. He said teachers of those schools where no student passed the exam would be dismissed.

"We have already taken action against those guilty and no one will be spared. After the probe, officials from the Block Officer (BEO) to District Officer (DEO), school teachers and others will be punished for not fulfilling their duty," Nitish Kumar told newspersons here after his weekly Lok Samvad programme.

"Thosh karwai hogi sabhi ke khilaf jo jimmedar hain (tough action will be taken against all those responsible), yeh sab mahaa-manthan ke baaad jaldi hoga (this will be done after discussions)," he added.

The Chief Minister said his government will take tough action against teachers of the schools, where all students have failed in the Class 12 exams conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB). He admitted that irregularities were committed at thee home centres for the Class 12 exams.

Nitish Kumar said that some people have been indulging in acts that is damaging Bihar's image.

"Bihar ki chawi Bihar ke hi kuch log badnam karne ki koshish kar rahein hain (some people of Bihar are attempting to damage Bihar's image.) Lagatar apne rajya ki chawi ko bigadne mein lage hue hai (they are repeatedly trying to damage the state's image)", he added.

Earlier, Bihar Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh had said that in 654 schools all students had failed in the Class 12 exams.

"Teachers of all such schools will be dismissed within 15 days," said Nitish Kumar.

He said the government has succeeded in conducting cheating-free exams this year and managed to improve the and examination system in the state.

"But some people have managed to damage our effort... It is a challenge for us," he added.

Nitish Kumar said he had ordered an FIR be filed soon after he was informed about this year's Class 12 Arts topper Ganesh Kumar, who fudged his age to appear in the exams.

The Chief Minister said he has asked top officials to prepare a detailed action plan for Class 10 and Class 12 in a bid to improve the education system.

Ganesh Kumar, a student of RNSJN Utkraamit Madhya Vidhyalaya in Samastipur district, was arrested on Friday evening and later sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

He was declared the topper of Class 12 Arts stream securing 82.6 per cent, but he stumbled over queries posed by the media on music in which he scored 65 out of 70 in practicals.

BSEB chairman Anand Kishore on Friday said Ganesh Kumar is 42-years-old and a father of two. The BSEB lodged an FIR against him after finding that he declared his age as 24 in the registration form to appear in the exams.

The BSEB has also served Ganesh Kumar a showcause notice, asking him to explain his stand in three days.

Ganesh Kumar passed Class 10 in 1990 from CRSR High School in Giridih, Jharkhand. He had then mentioned his age as 07-11-1975, and written his name as Ganesh Ram, son of Shankar Nath Ram.

In 2015, he fudged his age in order to take the Class 10 exam again in Samastipur. He changed his name from Ganesh Ram to Ganesh Kumar and gave his date of birth as 02-06-1993.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Kashmiri separatists, calling them "destructive and obstructive" and alleging they receive funds from Pakistan to stoke unrest in the valley.

"Why we should have discussions with the separatist leaders? Every day they (Pakistan) are giving training to the terrorists, provoking them and sending them into our country," Naidu said, speaking at an event here.

"They are sending money to the separatist leaders.... and we have seen it," he said, referring to an NIA probe into alleged cross-border terror funding to Kashmiri separatist leaders for organising stone pelting protests.

"I don't know what is this disease of stone pelting," Naidu said.

"We are collecting stones to construct infrastructure there but they are trying to destroy it," the Minister said.

"We are constructive, and they are destructive and obstructive," the Information and Broadcasting Minister said.

"This is the kind of mentality we are seeing in the people of the country," Naidu added.

His comments come as the government has said it is working towards a "permanent solution" to .

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Not one river in Uttar Pradesh can be called clean, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday.

Expressing concern over pollution in rivers and elsewhere, the Chief Minister said his government was committed to increasing the forest cover in the state from 9 to 15 per cent.

At an event organised on World Environment Day here, Adityanath also said that the society should come forward to conserve nature and protect plants and trees.

He also launched a mobile app for the forest department - Van Mitra.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Pakistani senator on Monday tabled a motion for debate on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, taking note of the International Court of Justices (ICJ) order to suspend the capital punishment awarded to the alleged India spy.

Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Sirajul Haq said that statements issued by individuals after the ICJ's verdict had hinted that Pakistan was not well prepared to fight the case.

"These and similar statements have been passed around, which are creating confusion," Haq was quoted by Dawn News as saying, and adding that Pakistan did not act according to expectations and the steps taken by the country in the Jadhav case had only caused embarrassment to the nation.

Haq said that though Jadhav's arrest was a major achievement, Pakistan wasted an opportunity to bring forth facts about Jadhav and India's "subversive" activities on the international stage.

He also claimed that the ICJ had "adopted" India's stance in its order to out on hold the verdict in Jadhav's case.

"India is constantly issuing threats to Pakistan regarding Jadhav's case," Haq said and insisted that the matter was of national importance.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, on hearing Haq's arguments, admitted the motion for debate.

Terming it an important matter, Rabbani also issued notices to the Foreign Ministry and the Attorney General.

--IANS

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Vatican City, June 5 (IANS/AKI) Days after US President Donald Trump said he was withdrawing from the landmark 2015 Paris climate pact, Pope Francis on Monday said that the entire world must safeguard the environment.

"We must never forget that the natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of everyone," Francis tweeted on the occasion of the World Environment Day.

Trump drew widespread condemnation when he announced on Thursday the US's pullout from the Paris accord, claiming the multi-nation pact to curb greenhouse gas emissions would harm his country's economy.

The Paris agreement committed countries to global warming "well below" 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and "endeavour to limit" them even more, to 1.5 degrees.

During Trump's visit to the Vatican in May, Francis gave him a copy of his 2015 papal letter or encyclical on protecting the environment, 'Laudauto Si', which Trump said he would read.

The encyclical is a searing indictment of nations' failure to take care of the earth - to the detriment of its poorest - and a call to action.

The US withdrawal from the Paris agreement could add 0.3 degrees to global temperatures by the end of the century, according to The World Meteorological Organisation and US think tank Climate Interactive.

--IANS/AKI

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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday met party leaders from minority communities to discuss ways to strengthen the organisation.

Gandhi tweeted that he also discussed how to expand the party's outreach at all levels. Those who attended the meeting came from all over the country.

Senior Congress leaders Oscar Fernandes and Ahmed Patel were present in the meeting.

"It was discussed how to unite people belonging to the minority communities and how to reach out to them," said a leader who attended the meeting.

"Everybody gave suggestions, opinions and ideas how to further strengthen the support of minority communities. Some even expressed their dissatisfaction. Rahul Gandhi listened to everyone carefully and noted down the points," he added.

--IANS

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Actor Rana Daggubati says he will dedicate the teaser of his upcoming Telugu political drama "Nene Raju, Nene Mantri", to be released on Tuesday, to his late grandfather and producer D. Rama Naidu as his birth anniversary gift.

In a statement, Rana said he would like to dedicate the teaser to his grandfather.

Talking about the film, in which he plays a politician, Rana said: "I love the audacity of my character Jogendra in the film. The teaser is packed with gripping moments and it gives a glimpse of Jogendra's attitude."

Directed by Teja, the film also stars Kajal Aggarwal and Catherine Tresa.

"All films Rana had acted in so far have been well received for his courage to carve a distinct screen persona. I wanted "Nene Raju, Nene Mantri" to match not only the actor's stature but also surpass the viewers' expectation," Teja said.

The film's producer Suresh Babu said the film will be "another landmark in Rana's career and will bring diversity to his acting talent".

The film will have a simultaneous release in Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam.

--IANS

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Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan on Monday said he is not pressurising the government, but has made a plea on behalf of regional cinema to reduce the Goods and Service Tax rate which is currently pegged at the highest 28 per cent.

"Not pressurizing. It's a plea and SOS from regional cinema to our FM. We fear it will collapse. We request the council to do all to save it," tweeted Haasan, who had interacting with reporters here last week, urged the Finance Minister to reduce the GST rate to 12-15 per cent.

The "Vishwaroopam" actor welcomed the GST regime but said the 28 per cent tax will ruin regional cinema.

"At the present rate, I can't afford the tax and I'll be forced to quit. We should remember this is not East India Company," he had said, adding that Hollywood, Bollywood and regional cinema can't be put on the same slab.

"Film tickets across industries can't be fixed like essential services," he said.

--IANS

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Japanese and Australian scientists have discovered the communication patterns of a species of starfish that feeds on coral.

This discovery, the scientists hope, will help in the preservation of the coral reefs as a single specimen of the crown-of-thorns starfish consumes up to 10 sq. metres of coral meat per year and is responsible for between 37 per cent to 99 per cent of the decrease in live coral cover, Efe news reported.

This crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) species is "one of the few animals that can eat corals", Ken Baughman, one of the authors of the study by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, said on Monday.

The presence of this species, referred to by the locals as "onihitode" or "demon starfish", in the waters off the coast of the Japanese village of Onna in the Okinawa island was first reported in 1957.

A native of the Indo-Pacific region, this species is experiencing a boom in population that has resulted in tens of thousands to millions of starfish in population densities of 150,000 per sq.km.

"Normally, reefs only have a few," says Baughman, adding "But in recent decades the population outbreaks have tripled."

Baughman's team and Australian researchers analysed the starfish's genome, which for the first time has been completely sequenced.

It is "kind of like an instruction manual for how to build a starfish. We can better understand crown-of-thorns starfish biology" and consequently its behaviour, Baughman explained.

--IANS

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Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya, the UAE and the Maldives on Monday severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it supporting terror groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood. The Gulf country denied the allegations.

The dramatic development followed linering tensions within the once unified Gulf Cooperation Council. Riyadh closed its land border and snapped sea and air links, triggering a run on supermarkets in Qatar.

The Arab and Gulf nations accused Qatar of destablising the region and claimed Doha had links with the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

Qatar called the decision "unjustified and based on slander". "The measures were taken despite there being no evidence to support the accusations lodged against the nation," Qatar's Foreign Ministry said.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called the Gulf rift "an internal matter" and that there was "no insecurity because of this" development.

Some 4.82 million Indians live in the Gulf, including 630,000 in Qatar.

The Saudi Press Agency said Riyadh had closed its borders, severing land, sea and air contacts with Qatar to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

Media reports in the Gulf said the diplomatic withdrawal was put into motion by Bahrain, followed quickly by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Yemen and Libya. The Maldives in the Indian Ocean followed suit.

Bahrain, the only Shia-majority Gulf nation ruled by Sunnis, said it was cutting ties because Qatar was "shaking the security and stability of Bahrain and meddling in its affairs".

It said Qatar supported terrorist activities and armed groups as well as financed Iranian-backed groups responsible of violence in Bahrain.

The UAE accused Qatar of "supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organisations".

Both Bahrain and the UAE gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave their countries. Saudi Arabia told all Qatari visitors and residents to quit the kingdom in two weeks.

UAE airlines Etihad Airways, Emirates and Flydubai suspended all flights to and from Doha from early Tuesday.

Egypt accused Qatar of taking an "anti-Egyptian course" and said Cairo had been unable to dissuade it from supporting terrorism.

Saudi Arabia and its allies announced they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar and closed their airspace to Qatar Airways, which suspended all flights to the Saudi kingdom, its neighbour.

Yemen accused Qatar of working with its enemies in the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, state news agency Saba reported.

Kuwait and Oman, however, did not embrace the Saudi decision to isolate Qatar.

Libya alleged that Qatar interfered in its domestic affairs. The Maldives expressed "its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism".

After the diplomatic upheaval, the Qatari stock market dropped 783 points, 7.89 per cent. According to the Qatar Stock Exchange website, the stock market indicator fell sharply from 9,923 to 9,400, followed by a continued decline to around 9,100 points.

The US urged the Gulf nations to stay united. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called for a dialogue and said it was ready to help defuse the diplomatic row.

Like India, Russia too said the diplomatic crisis was an internal affair.

Monday's move came after Qatar alleged that hackers last month took over the site of its state-run news agency and published what it called fake comments alleged to be from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel, Al Ahram newspaper reported.

Qatar denied that the comments, in which the country's leader expressed support for Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel while suggesting that US President Donald Trump may not last in power, were ever made.

In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain recalled their ambassadors from Qatar for its alleged backing of then Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood member.

--IANS

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One of Australias most treasured World War II warships has been illegally salvaged for metal, and in the process a war grave for over 300 sailors has been devastated, according to maritime archaeologists.

An Australia-Indonesia joint expedition team conducted a dive on the wreck of HMAS Perth, which sank in 1942 following a fierce battle against the imperial Japanese navy on the north-west tip of Java, the Guardian reported on Monday.

Kevin Sumption, the director of the Australian National Maritime Museum, said: "It is with profound regret we advise that our joint maritime archaeologist diving team has discovered sections of the Perth missing. Interim reports indicate only approximately 40 per cent of the vessel remaining."

"The research team has found evidence of large-scale salvage on the site, including what appears to be recent removal of material from the wreck," he added.

The dive was the first detailed survey of the ship since 2013, when scuba divers reported damage to the wreck as well as sightings of a salvage barge with a large crane on board floating above the site.

The HMAS Perth, a light cruiser, is the latest of dozens of World War II-era ships to be confirmed as having been ripped off of their metal and parts during the past few years.

Crews seeking to sell scrap steel and other metals estimated to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars have left only a few sunken vessels intact in the South China Sea.

Starting its life as a British navy ship, the HMAS Perth was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1939 and sailed to the World's Fair in New York before the war broke out, reports the Guardian.

On February 28, 1942, the Perth ran out of live ammunition. Its captain attempted to force a passage through the Sunda Strait but the ship was struck by Japanese torpedoes.

More than half of the crew, 353, did not survive the sinking. Several are believed to have been trapped inside the ship and remained there, 35 metres below the water surface.

--IANS

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Automobile major Tata Motors on Monday announced it has appointed Satish Borwankar as its Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect.

"Tata Motors Board has decided to extend Satish Borwankar's tenure as the Executive Director, for a period of two years and has appointed him as the Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect," the automobile major said in a statement.

According to the statement, in another unrelated development, Ravindra Pisharody resigned as the Executive Director (Commercial Vehicles), and as a Director of the automobile major and its associated companies for personal reasons.

"Ravindra Pisharody has resigned from his role as Executive Director (Commercial Vehicles), and as a Director of the company and its associated companies, due to personal reasons. Pisharody will continue to serve the company until further notice," the statement said.

"Tata Motors thanks Pisharody for his astute contribution to the commercial vehicle business and to the executive committee and wishes him all the very best for his future endeavours. An announcement of his successor will be made in due course."

--IANS

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Delhi Police on Monday arrested a Tibetan couple from north Delhi's Majnu Ka Tilla area for trying to sell a 900-year-old idol of Lord Buddha which they stole from Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Police said the couple -- Ngawang Tsundue, 29, and his live-in partner Lobsang Gakey Sherpa, 26 -- were arrested around 10.30 a.m. by a team of Crime Branch sleuths during a raid on a tip-off. The couple had come to sell the stolen idol to a prospective buyer for Rs 1.40 crore near a Gurudwara in Majnu Ka Tilla area.

Tsundue is a resident of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, while Sherpa stays in Punjabi Basti in Majnu Ka Tilla area, according to police.

"On the intervening night of May 31 and June 1, Tsundue stole the idol of 'Terton Pema Lingpa' from the house of head Cheepa of Sangyeling gompa in Tawang of Arunachal Pradesh. A major socio-religious unrest was brewing up in the state over the incident," Deputy Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma told IANS.

"Police teams received a tip-off on June 4 that the racketeers involved in the theft of idol having high religious and spiritual value are trying to sell it in the grey market in north Delhi. The complainant also said that the idol would be smuggled to Tibet for monetary gain," Verma said.

The idol recovered from Tsundue and Sherpa is believed to be of 12th century A.D., having reverence of highest order in the Buddhist world over. Its value runs into several crores of rupees in the international market.

"On interrogation, Tsundue told the police that he is a permanent resident of Tibet and came to India in 2009. He then started living in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh where he came in contact with the daughter of head Cheepa of Tawang-located gompa in Arunachal Pradesh. He later married her in 2011," Verma added.

"Tsundue said his marriage did not last long and they divorced. Since then he was having enmity with the head Cheepa's family. As he was aware of the idol of Terton Pema Lingpa in his house, he stole it to get monetary gain and to defame head Cheepa," the officer said.

--IANS

sp/nir/dg

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The US and Australia will remain united and will not stop their fight against terrorism, Washington's Secretary of Defence James Mattis said on Monday here.

"We are united in our resolve even against an enemy that thinks, by hurting us, they can scare us. We don't scare," Mattis said at the start of the annual Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN).

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is also participating in the forum, stressed the importance of the historic alliance between the US and Australia to defend the fundamental principles of democracy and peace, Efe news reported.

Tillerson emphasised the commitment of both countries to "this common fight we share against the most heinous of actions we've seen most recently in London yet again," referring to Saturday's terror attack in London that killed seven people and injured 48 others.

Tillerson and Mattis and their Australian counterparts, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, and Defence Minister Marise Payne, met to discuss terrorism, as well as other issues of mutual strategic interest, including North Korea's nuclear program.

At the 15th Asia Security Summit in Singapore, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, held from Friday to Sunday, Mattis and Payne had urged China to become more involved and to use its influence over North Korea to end its missile program.

The North Korean regime warned Australia in April that it could be targeted by a nuclear attack if it continued to "blindly" follow the US, which has responded by threatening Pyongyang with a pre-emptive strike.

The meeting was also expected to address the South China Sea territorial dispute and Beijing's construction of military facilities on man-made islands in the resource-rich waters.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion worth of trade passes each year.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also partially claim the territory.

The AUSMIN meeting - a mechanism established 30 years ago to address foreign policy, defence and strategic issues - is held annually, although in 2016 it was not convened due to the general elections in the US and Australia.

--IANS

ksk

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A US businessman has pleaded guilty of exporting products without a licence to atomic and space agencies in Pakistan, violating American federal laws, the media reported on Monday.

Imran Khan, 43, faces up to 20 years in prison, Dawn news reported.

US Attorney Deirdre Daly for the District of Connecticut on Sunday said that Khan, a resident of North Haven, Connecticut, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty on Saturday in a federal court to violating US export law.

Court documents and statements show that from 2012 to December 2016, Khan was engaged in a scheme to purchase goods that were controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and exported them without a licence to Pakistan.

When asked by the US manufacturers about the end-user for a product, Khan either informed them 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 Khan's North Haven residence or to a business owned by him, according to the court documents.

"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)," the US Justice Department said.

The three organisations are included in the US Department of Commerce Entity List, reports Dawn news.

The Justice Department said that Khan never obtained a licence to export any item to the designated entity even though he knew that a licence was required prior to export.

Khan is scheduled to be sentenced by US District Judge Vanessa Bryant in August.

--IANS

ksk/vt

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With Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone already hoping India doesn't "wreck" an upcoming remake of his iconic actioner "Rambo", the Hindi film's director Siddharth Anand is confident of delivering an impactful punch with it. He says he's going all out to make the world to sit up and see what India can do with action and emotions.

The brawny and rugged look of actor Tiger Shroff on the "Rambo" remake's poster -- unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival last month -- drew eyeballs. Siddharth is only hopeful the team lives up to the expectations.

"Rambo is a global icon. When we launched the film in Cannes, we realised the magnanamity of the character. When we spoke to journalists from across the world, they all were very enthused and keen to know what we will do with it, because it's a much-loved character," the director told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"It's a character that resonates in every part of the world. We know there will be a lot of fans and detractors -- watching it with a keen eye. It has the potential to reach out to people across the globe, and we are aiming to make a film that's world class in action and emotion," he said.

"I'm competing on a global level. I do not just want to make a film that's iconic only in India. I want the world to sit up and see what India can do with action and emotions," Siddharth added.

This is Siddharth's second remake after he officially adapted Hollywood film "Knight and Day" and made "Bang Bang!". Before that, he had helmed romantic dramas like "Salaam Namaste", "Ta Ra Rum Pum", "Bachna Ae Haseeno" and "Anjaana Anjaani".

"I suddenly switched to action and took to it like fish takes to water. I really enjoyed the thrill of what I could bring to screen, the kind of action we did in 'Bang Bang!'. I was wanting to take it further, and what better character than Rambo," he explained, adding how crucial it was to give "Rambo" an Indian hook.

"Just because you have a brand like 'Rambo', it might get people into theatres but it won't bring them back. That's what I need to do -- bring up an emotional connect more than the action in it."

The original film series is about John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam War veteran and former US Army Special Forces soldier. For the desi remake, there had to be a "complete overhaul" with ths script.

"India doesn't have that history, so obviously there had to be a major adaptation in the sense of character, story and setting. That's why the project has taken two years. We have taken the mythology of Rambo forward and that's what we are playing on... More than remaking it," he said.

Is the setting then about India and Pakistan?

"That would be the first thing that will come to people's mind, but it's not," said Siddharth, who has co-written the project with Sagar Pandya.

What he knows is "opinions about the film will be very polarised" -- just as they were when Tiger was announced as the actor who will fill Stallone's big shoes.

"There will be fans of the film and then those who will be agnostic about it that there shouldn't be a remake... Or there will be both sides who will be waiting to see what we do. So in all ways, we have immense pressure to satisy both haters and lovers -- that's the challenge," Siddharth said.

"Also, I feel you have to bring your own take when you do a remake. You should have your voice heard with it. 'Rambo' will have my voice, the way I see an issue prevailing in our country and which is what the character is fighting for."

"I am excited about getting that out. People think 'Rambo' is just another mindless action film, but it's not."

Siddharth hopes the movie goes on floors in February 2018, and is ready in time for a release towards the end of next year. What about the budget?

"We are clear in ambition, we have a target in sight, and we're going all out," he said.

(Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)

--IANS

rb/nn/vt

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A Chinese commentator has urged the Western to end its "double standards" over terrorism.

"We hope that Western outlets will abandon their double standards," said a commentary in the state-run Global Times.

"Terrorism is an enemy of all humankind and the international community must unite in face of increasingly rampant lone wolf attacks."

Writer Liu Jianxi said ideology seemed to be the only criterion for terrorism as far as Western was concerned.

"Those attacking the West are terrorists while atrocities against socialist countries come from revolt by minority groups that deserve sympathy.

"The West's double standards on terrorism disregards the human rights of innocent Chinese victims and have tremendously harmed the feelings of Chinese people.

"More seriously, such double standards are, in essence, acquiescence of terrorism and have boosted the morale of terrorists."

Liu warned that Western double standards would eventually backfire.

The commentator pointed out how in 2014, when terrorists randomly stabbed people at China's Kunming railway station leaving 29 dead, the Western media was reluctant to dub the attackers terrorists, "putting quotation marks around the term".

"How would the West react if Chinese media put quotation marks on London terrorists and attributed the recent terrorist attacks to Western ethnic policies?"

The Chinese commentary followed Saturday's London terror attack which left seven people dead before police shot dead all three attackers.

--IANS

mr-soni/

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Coming down heavily on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration - the development body in the north West Bengal hills, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced a special audit to check how it has utilised the government aids and a punishment ifany discrepancies are found.

"I have decided to run a special audit on the money that GTA received from the government. If GTA has stolen money, I will not spare them. This is common man's money," Banerjee said at a public meeting in Darjeeling district's Mirik.

"I have instructed the Finance Department to run a special audit on how the money has been used. If they have done a good job, we will reward them. But if we find some discrepancy, we will not spare even the secretary of the GTA," she said.

The Trinamool Congress supremo also attacked the semi-autonomous administrative body on the issue of the state government's new three language policy.

Claiming that she has never said Bengali would be compulsory in the hills, Banerjee alleged that GTA is spreading "such lies" to create a divide between Bengalis and Nepalis of the region, as they do not have any other political issues.

"I have never said that Bengali would be compulsory in the hills. This is 100 percent lie. I haven't seen such a liar in my life who always resort to the of lies. (Gorkha National Liberation Front chief Subash) Ghising was not like this," Banerjee said in a veiled reference to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung.

The Ghising-led GNLF was in the forefront of the movement for a separate Gorkhaland since the 1980s, but lost its dominance to the GJM in 2008.

On July 18, 2011, a tripartite agreement was signed between the GJM, and the state and central governments for setting up a new autonomous, elected GTA, a hill council armed with more powers than its predecessor, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) formed in the late 1980s.

The GJM won the first GTA elections held in 2012, and is running the board since then.

"The GTA election is approaching and they have no other issues. That is why they are resorting to this sort of . They are trying to divide the Bengalis and Nepalis here," she claimed.

Pointing out that the state government has never objected to the students of the hills learning Nepali, Banerjee said it is important to know a little bit of Bengali to get job elsewhere in the state.

"We have never asked the students of the hills to stop learning Nepali, Hindi or English. It is always better to know as many languages as possible. But if we do not keep Bengali as an option, how would you people come to the other places in Bengal and work there?" she asked.

"In a Nepali-speaking region, knowing Nepali is important but in Bengal, knowing a little bit of Bengali is also important," she added.

--IANS

mgr/ssp/vd

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With Bollywood superstar Salman Khan confirming that he is venturing into the smartphones business, industry experts on Monday welcomed his new venture -- though with a bit of caution.

Khan, who owns the 'Being Human' clothing brand, told IANS in an e-mail interview from Mumbai: "We have just started our entry into the category, we need to be careful. If people buy our products and like it, we will see. We are starting the smartphones in small numbers and we hope to have minimum losses and maximum gain."

According to earlier media reports, the Bollywood superstar is targeting at the entry- to middle-level smartphone segment (which is anywhere between Rs 8,000-Rs 20,000).

"Bhaijaan's range of mobiles will surely be the most 'Wanted'! He is capitalising on his personal popularity to start this new business. How he will be able to build it into a sustainable enterprise remains to be seen," Jaideep Mehta, Managing Director, IDC South Asia, told IANS.

Khan commands a huge fan base in India that can be leveraged.

"For the smartphone to be successful, it will have to be different from the current offerings in the market. The differentiating can be on any of the software or hardware going into the phone. A price point of below Rs 10,000 will make the phone accessible to a number of users looking for an upgrade from a cheaper device," Shobhit Srivastava, research analyst, Mobile Devices and Ecosystems, Counterpoint Research, told IANS.

The Bollywood star is not alone.

Reportedly a strategic investor in the home-grown technology and Internet of Things (IoT) company Smartron, Sachin Tendulkar has just launched srt.phone (srt is interpreted as Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar here).

This is the third device in less than a year from Smartron, earlier ones being the t.phone and t.book.

The company, however, is yet to prove its mettle in the domestic market.

"It's a two-way strategy for connecting with the youth and building a community. Firstly, smartphones somehow connect with today's youth and creating such a product line connotes connecting with the youth community. Secondly, this will open up a channel for Salman's fan club to access exclusive Salman content and go for huge content consumption," Faisal Kawoosa, Principal Analyst (Telecoms) at CyberMedia Research (CMR), told IANS.

"Salman's fan club will definitely give it a leg up but, in the long run, the brand needs to differentiate itself to stand out in the crowd," added Krishna Mukherjee, another analyst with CMR.
A 23-year-old woman has alleged that her six-month-old daughter was killed by three unknown persons and she was gang raped by them in an auto-rickshaw here last week, police said on Monday.

The victim is a resident of Bass Kusla village near IMT Manesar. She said in her complaint to police that the incident took place on May 29 midnight.

She alleged that three men in an auto-rickshaw sexually assaulted her on the old Khandsa road in Gurugram, close to the Delhi-Gurugram expressway.

The woman said she left her home on May 29 night after an argument with her husband and was heading towards her parents' home on Khandsa road.

"The men in an auto-rickshaw offered me a lift and after a while, started molesting me. When I objected, one of them threw my daughter on the ground after which she died and I was sexually assaulted," the woman said in her complaint.

"Earlier, we had registered a case under relevant sections of murder, molestation and common intent against unknown persons after the woman refused to undergo medical examination. Now, she is alleging gang rape. We are investigating it further," a senior police officer told IANS.

--IANS

pradeep/pgh/bg

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Ferrara (Italy), June 5 (IANS/AKI) A woman has been arrested after she allegedly stabbed her partner to death in northern Italy in front of her young daughters after a heated argument late on Sunday.

The fatal quarrel began in the couple's car as the family returned to their home in the town of Ambrogio di Copparo in the province of Ferrara after spending the day at a beach resort on the Adriatic.

As soon as the family got back from the beach, 45-year-old Lara Mazzoni hurried inside before returning to the car with a kitchen knife which she plunged into 40-year-old Mirko Barioni's chest several times. He died at the scene, reportedly from a stab wound to his heart.

"It's over, I've ended this situation," Mazzoni allegedly told a friend in a phone-call immediately after the frenzied attack, regional daily Il Resto del Carlino reported on its website.

Local shopkeepers said the couple argued "very frequently"," local daily La Nuova Ferrara daily on its website.

Mazzoni and Barioni had reported each to other police several times between 2013 and 2014 after violent rows, Il Resto del Carlino said.

The couple's three-year-old daughter and Mazzoni's 15-year-old daughter from a previous partner are being cared for by relatives.

--IANS/AKI

vd

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The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is invoking clarion calls from the Indian freedom movement for a peaceful protest in New Delhi on Tuesday. Calling it Dilli Chalo  the famous war cry of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose  the IMA march will demand stringent laws to curb violence against doctors. Doctors will also be on a pen down satyagraha and refrain from giving any prescriptions between 10 am and 11 am to express solidarity with the Dilli Chalo movement and to protect professional autonomy. At the crux of their demands is the plea for one drug, one company, one price.
If US President Donald Trumps refusal to re-affirm his countrys commitment to the crucial deterrence clause in the 68-year-old North Atlantic Treaty Organisation signalled a significant shift in the post-World War II order, his decision to exit the Paris climate accord unequivocally cedes the United States global leadership. Commentators have pointed to the fact that the deleterious effects of Mr Trumps withdrawal from the Paris Accord, a key campaign promise linked to reviving coal-mining jobs, may be leavened by an extraordinary coalition, of 10 state governors, 187 mayors and many businesses, that has resolved to uphold the agreements target of limiting global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The fact that coal-mining jobs are being increasingly replaced by automation and that renewable energy is creating the jobs may blunt the presidents promises.
At least 24 passengers were charred to death and 14 suffered burns when a state-run bus burst into flames after crashing into a lorry on the national highway here early today.

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus, carrying 41 passengers from Delhi, was on its way to Gonda in eastern Uttar Pradesh when the accident occurred near Bada bypass on NH 24, over 250 km from the national capital.

The bodies were so badly charred that doctors found it difficult to determine the gender of the victims. DNA tests would be conducted to identify the victims.

"The death toll has risen to 24. Besides, 14 others are suffering from serious burn injuries," senior UP minister Rajesh Agarwal told reporters here.

Initially the number of those injured was placed at 15, but the name of one more passenger was added to the list taking the number to 16, of whom two died during treatment.

Three passengers escaped with minor injuries.

Senior Superintendent of Police Jogendra Kumar said, "The accident involving a bus of UPSRTC and a truck occurred between 1.00 AM and 1.30 AM," he said.

Kumar said six passengers, who were critically injured, have been hospitalised.

According to eyewitnesses, the diesel tank of the bus burst after the collision which led to the fire.

"Around 5.45 am, we received 22 bodies from the bus accident site. The bodies are charred beyond recognition. It is difficult to even determine the gender of the people," said Dr Shailesh Ranjan of the Bareilly district hospital.

The number of male and female passengers who died in the accident would be clear only after the post-mortem, Chief Medical Officer, Bareilly, Dr Vijay Yadav, said.

Agarwal, who flew in here from Lucknow in a helicopter on instructions of Chief Ministe Yogi Adityanath to supervise relief operations, said, "A DNA test will be performed on all bodies."



Agarwal was accompanied by two of his ministerial colleagues Swatantradev Singh and Brijesh Pathak.

The driver of the bus is also among the deceased, while the conductor received serious injuries.

The driver of the truck, which was coming from Shahjehanpur, is absconding.

"The truck and the bus both caught fire after the collision. Fire engines reached as soon as possible but the flames were so high that it took us a lot of effort to actually douse the flames and reach inside", said senior police officer SK Bhagat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and sanctioned Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of those killed.He also announced Rs 50,000 for each of those injured.

The chief minister announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those whogot minor injuries.

Agarwal, who belongs to Bareilly, however, said the compensation would be paid only after after the identity of the deceased was established.

He also instructed the officials to ensure adequate medical treatment for the injured persons.

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The board of Adani Power will meet tomorrow to consider hiving off its flagship Mundra power station to a new subsidiary in which the Gujarat government entity may take a majority stake.

"A meeting of the board of directors of the company is scheduled to be held on June 6, 2017 to consider and evaluate, among others, the Slump Sale of its Mundra power generating business undertaking to its subsidiary company, name Adani Power (Mundra) Ltd," the company said in a regulatory filing.

Industry sources said Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) -- the Gujarat government entity -- which buys bulk of the 4,260 MW electricity generated at Mundra - may take 51 per cent stake in the new subsidiary.

While emails sent to company for comments remained unanswered, GUVNL officials could not be immediately reached for for the same.

Last month, Adani Power had discontinued 1,250 MW power supply to GUVNL in a phased manner, mainly due to the unviability of running its power plant at Mundra on imported coal.

Of 2,000 MW power provided by Adani Power to GUVNL under different power purchase agreement's (PPAs), 1,250 MW supply was



discontinued.

Sources said the company had told the state government that operating Mundra power plant at the tariff specified in the PPA using imported coal (from Indonesia) was unviable after the Supreme Court disallowed raising power tariffs to compensate for rise in price of coal from Indonesia.

Adani Power had entered into a long-term PPA with GUVNL in 2007 for supply of 1,000 MW of electricity at a levelised tariff of Rs 2.35 per unit for a period of 25 years. More supplies were contracted under PPAs signed at different times.

It also contracted to sell 1,424 MW of power to Haryana.

Mundra plant has a capacity of 4,620 MW, comprising of four units of 330 MW each and 5 units of 660 MW each. The 330 MW units are based on sub critical technology and the 660 MW units are based on supercritical technology.

Power from the plant is evacuated by two transmission lines -- one 433 km, 400 KV transmission line to transmit 1,000 MW from Mundra to Dehegam in Gujarat and another 989 km, 500 KV high Voltage Direct current (HVDC) bipole line with the capacity to transmit 2,500 MW from Mundra to Mohindergarh in Haryana.

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Several Londoners and businesses opened their doors to people stranded here after the London Bridge attack by sharing offers on social media with the hashtag #SofaForLondon, days after Manchester residents helped out in a similar manner in the wake of the concert bombing.

Residents offered shelter and comfort to those affected by the terror attack on the capital by sharing the hashtag #SofaForLondon on social media.

Taxi drivers provided free rides from the cordons around London Bridge and Borough Market that left many cut off.

Places of worship across many faiths, including gurdwaras, joined hotels and businesses in providing food and shelter.

Strangers reached out on social media offering a cuppa, chat or a spare bed for the night, BBC reported.

All this came just days after Manchester residents opened up their homes and offered help to concert-goers affected by the horrific terror attack at the Manchester Arena last month.

They used the hashtag #RoomForManchester to offer help to distraught people after their night of music ended in tragedy with a suicide bomber blowing himself up at the arena, killing at least 22 people and injuring 59 others.

Londoners immediately reached out to help after yesterday's horrific attack in which three knife-wielding attackers unleashed a terror rampage here, ploughing a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge before stabbing revellers in a nearby market, killing seven people.

George Moss, 22, was taken in by friends Holly Robinson and Mary Lynch, who had tweeted that strangers with nowhere else to stay could go to their home in Vauxhall.

Moss, who had lost his mobile phone, was unable to get home after police put a cordon between Borough Market and Elephant and Castle.

He borrowed a phone from a journalist to let his parents know he was safe and spotted #SofaForLondon on Twitter.

"After that I went towards Vauxhall and found Holly and Mary who very kindly gave me a place to stay," he was quoted as saying.

Staff at the Royal Oak pub in Tabard Street, Southwark said they gave shelter to around 150 people following the attacks.

"There were people standing in the street who were evacuated from hotels nearby or who couldn't get back so we invited them in," said barman Radek Malis.

Neil Coyle, Labour candidate for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, was just minutes away from the scene of the attack and said the response from Londoners was "amazing".

Anthony Myers tweeted a heart-warming offer to "anyone caught up in" the terror attacks: "Tea, salt and vinegar crisps and comfy cushions. All the essentials. #sofaforLondon #LondonBridge".

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The Ambedkar Park, synonymous with BSP founder Kanshi Ram and Mayawati, may soon accommodate the statue of Suheldev Rajbhar, the warrior who is said to have killed Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud, the nephew of Mahmud of Ghazni.

The Uttar Pradesh government said today that the Ambedkar Park, along the banks of the Gomti river here, may soon get a Suheldev Rajbhar statue that would be taller than the statue of BSP chief Mayawati that stands there.

The sprawling park, a brainchild of the BSP supremo, presently has huge statues of several Dalit icons, including Dr B R Ambedkar.

"If all goes as per the plan, then the statue of the legendary warrior will be at least a couple of feet taller than the statue of the former UP chief minister (Mayawati)," cabinet minister Om Prakash Rajbhar told PTI here.

Yesterday, I inspected the park and found 13 vacant spots that could accommodate new statues, Rajbhar, minister for Backward Class Welfare, said.

"I feel statues of other eminent personalities from Indian history like Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji and Maharaja Suheldev should be installed, so that the young generation can draw motivation from their heroic feats," he said.

The minister said that during the Assembly elections, he had promised voters that a statue of Suheldev would be installed at the park.

Rajbhar, who heads the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party, an alliance partner of BJP, said he will meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and discuss the issue before sending a proposal to the government.

Several Hindu nationalist groups have characterised Suheldev Rajbhar as a Dalit Hindu king who defeated a Muslim invader.

According to the folklore in and around Shravasti, 175 km from here, Suheldev was the eldest son of King Mordhwaj.

Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud (born 1015), a nephew of Mahmud of Ghazni, invaded India at the age of 16. He crossed the Indus river, and conquered Multan, Delhi, Meerut and finally Satrikh (located in modern day Barabanki district).

The local Raja of Bahraich and other Hindu kings formed a confederation, but an army led by Masud's father Ghazi Saiyyed Salar Sahu defeated them.

In 1033, Masud himself arrived in Bahraich to check their advance.

Masud inflicted several defeats on his enemies, until the arrival of Suheldev Rajbhar from Shravasti. Rajbhar's army defeated Masud, who was killed in a battle in 1034, the legend says.

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The Border Security Force apprehended a Bangladeshi national from near Petrapole border in North 24 Parganas district and seized foreign currency from her possession, BSF sources said today.

The BSF had received inputs about smuggling of foreign currency in Petrapole Border outpost area, a BSF official said.

"Yesterday in the evening, the operation party observed suspicious movement of a lady near international border outpost. Immediately, the operation party detained the lady named Hasina Alam, a resident of Bangladesh with the help of BSF Mahila Constable," the official said.

The BSF seized 30,000 US Dollar, 1,75,000 Bangladeshi Taka and medicine worth 4 lakh, from her possession which were concealed inside a bag and undergarments.

The apprehended Bangladeshi national and seized foreign currency along with other items were later on handed over to local police for further legal action.

During the year 2017, south bengal frontier of BSF has seized foreign currencies of different countries valued at approx Rs 3,91,24,312 and had apprehended two smugglers.

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A prominent Chinese human rights lawyer who disappeared late last year has been officially charged with "subversion of state power", his wife said today, after his case attracted international attention.

Jiang Tianyong took on numerous high-profile cases, including those of Falun Gong practitioners, Tibetan protesters and victims of the 2008 contaminated milk powder scandal before being disbarred for his activism in 2009.

Jiang's father received official notification of his arrest last Thursday, according to Jiang's wife Jin Bianling, who currently lives in the US where she fled in 2013 to escape harassment from Chinese authorities.

The family has not had contact with Jiang since his sudden disappearance on November 21 en route from Beijing to Changsha, the capital of the central province of Hunan, where he had gone to enquire about a detained human rights lawyer.

In the six months since Jiang disappeared "we have not spoken, his lawyers have not been allowed to see him, and we didn't know where he was being held," Jin told AFP.

"Now at least we know where he is."



Jiang's treatment, according to Amnesty International China researcher Patrick Poon, "violates international human rights standards on protection of the rights to a legal counsel, and Jiang can no way be given a fair trial in such manner.

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China on Monday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in Russia that not a single bullet has been fired at Sino-India border in the last 40 years despite the simmering boundary dispute between the two neighbours.

"We have noted positive remarks made by Prime Minister Modi. We welcome that," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told media briefing in Beijing when asked about Modi's comments made during his visit to Russia last week.

Modi said the world has increasingly become inter-connected and inter-dependent, a transformation that has made it necessary for India and China to cooperate on trade and investments despite a simmering border dispute.

"It is true that we have a border dispute with China. But in the last 40 years, not a single bullet has been fired because of the border dispute," Modi said speaking at a panel discussion at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Reacting to his remarks, Hua said, "we have been stressing that as two major countries China and India maintaining sound, a steady and in-depth growth of the bilateral relationship is of great significance."



"Actually, leaders of the two countries pay great attention to the boundary question. Each time they meet they exchange views on this issue. Both sides have agreed that an early question of boundary question serves the interests of the both sides. It is also a strategic goal both sides are striving to achieve," she said.

Referring to the 19 rounds of boundary talks held by the special representatives of both sides, Hua said both sides have "taken serious measures to maintain peace and tranquillity of the border areas."



"The two sides will stick to the overall relationship of the bilateral relationship and deepen cooperation in relevant field so as to realise common development and bring more benefits of the people of both sides," she said.

"We believe that the sound and steady growth of the bilateral relationship will also bring more benefits to the whole region and the world at large," she added.

Modi's remarks, as well as China's reaction, comes in the backdrop of growing discord between the two countries over a host of issues including the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing blocking India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group as well as the listing of JeM leader Masood Azhar a terrorist by UN.
Civil services exam topper Nandini K R got 55.3 per cent marks, reflecting the tough standard adopted by the UPSC in conduct of the prestigious test to select the country's bureaucrats.

The marks of the successful candidates of the civil services examination 2016 have been disclosed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

The examination is conducted annually in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- to select candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.

Nandini, an officer of Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), has topped the examination, the result of which was declared on May 31.

She got 1,120 marks (927 in main and 193 in interview) out of the total of 2,025 -- 55.3 per cent.

Second rank achiever Anmol Sher Singh Bedi got 1,105 marks (54.56 per cent) and third rank holder Gopalakrishna Ronanki secured 1,101 marks (54.37 per cent), the UPSC said.

The topper of civil services examination 2015, Tina Dabi, had got 1,063 marks (52.49 per cent).

A total of 1,099 candidates (846 men and 253 women), including 500 in General category, 347 belonging to Other Backward Class, 163 from Scheduled Caste and 89 from Scheduled Tribe, have been recommended for appointment to various central government services on the basis of the 2016 civil services exam results.

Among the successful ones, the one with the lowest marks is Abhishek Srivastava, who has got 1,099 rank. He has secured a total of 817 marks, or 40.34 per cent.

All of these candidates will get central government services.

"The marks of the successful candidates show the tough standard followed by the commission in selecting the country's bureaucrats," said a senior official in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), nodal authority for the UPSC.

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India has witnessed the warmest years in the last fifteen years due to climate change, according to a data released by the Centre for Science and Environment.

An analysis which looks at temperature trends in the country, both annual and seasonal, from 1901 till 2017, has found that the country has been getting warmer continuously, consistently and rapidly.

Citing the data, CSE Director General Sunita Narain expressed concern over US President Donald Trump pulling his country out of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

"With the US exiting the Paris Agreement, controlling emissions and temperature is now a tougher task for the world. With the increasing temperature, we are moving towards a disaster and we appeal to the global community to come together and take strong actions," Narain said in a Facebook live while releasing the data.

"India is warming and warming rapidly. The implications of this fundamental fact are serious for economic, social and ecological well-being of the country.

"We are experiencing frequent extreme weather events, and our weather is becoming unpredictable. Losses due to extreme weather events are mounting and it is our poor who are suffering the pains of climate change," said Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Director General, CSE.

According to the report, the annual mean temperature in India has increased by about 1.2 degrees Celsius since the beginning of the 20th century.

"Annual mean temperature in India has rapidly increased since 1995. At this rate of increase, it will breach the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark within the next two decades. 1.5 degrees is the aspirational target set under the Paris Agreement," the report said.

13 out of the 15 warmest years were during the past 15 years (2002-2016). The last decade (2001-2010/ 2007-2016) was also the warmest on record, the report revealed.

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Congress leader and industrialist Naveen Jindal, an accused in two coal scam cases, was today allowed by a special court here to travel abroad for business purposes.

Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar accepted the plea filed by Jindal seeking the court's permission to visit London, Germany and other places from June 7 to July 6.

The court, however, imposed certain conditions on him.

Jindal, a former MP, has been asked to inform the investigating officer and the court of the details of the places visited within seven days of his return to the country.

"He shall not tamper with evidence, nor try to influence any witness in any manner and will not use the permission granted to him contrary to the rules," the court said.

Jindal had earlier been granted bail by the court after imposition of several conditions.

Besides Jindal, the CBI had chargesheeted former Union minister of state for coal Dasari Narayan Rao, former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, former coal secretary H C Gupta and 11 others in a case of alleged irregularities in the allocation of the Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block in Jharkhand to Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) and Gagan Sponge Iron Private Ltd (GSIPL).

The CBI recently filed a supplementary charge sheet in the case naming five more persons as accused, including Jindal Steel's adviser Anand Goel.

The agency has also filed another charge sheet against Jindal and five others, including Goel, for allegedly cheating the government by misrepresenting facts to bag the Madhya Pradesh-based Urtan North coal block. They have been summoned to appear in the court as accused on September 4.

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Global beverages major Coca-Cola today said it will contribute, along with its parters, over USD 1.7 billion (Rs 10,943 crore) in next five years to the Indian agriculture ecosystem.

To be contributed by the company, its bottling partners, fruit suppliers and processors, the amount will be for the entire supply chain from "grove to glass through a concept called 'Fruit Circular Economy'," Coca-Cola India said in a statement.

"Close to USD 800 million (Rs 5,150 crore) of this contribution would be towards procurement of processed fruit pulp and fruit concentrate for the Coca-Cola Company's ever increasing portfolio of juice and juice drinks and carbonated drinks with juice products in India," it said.

The company further said it is also working on a transitional journey focused on creating sustainable agriculture by using a variety of Indian fruits in its beverages under juice and aerated drinks categories.

Through this initiative company's bottling arm Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, 13 other independent franchise bottlers and fruit processing companies - will invest around USD 900 million (Rs 5,793 crore) over the next 5 years.

The investments would be on manufacturing lines, juice bottling infrastructure and fruit processing plants and equipment and agriculture interventions to support demand and grow range of the company's non-carbonated drinks portfolio, it added.

Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia President T Krishnakumar said: "The investments announced today by Coca- Cola will further catalyse economic growth and create new opportunities for farmers and local suppliers."



The company, which today launched a new Minute Maid Pulpy Mosambi, said it would also expand its juice product range.

"We have already expanded our Minute Maid juice range from one variant in 2007 to 11 variants in 2017 and if we are to realise our portfolio ambitions of being a total beverage company, we must invest in the agri ecosystem," he added.

Coca-Cola said an estimated 2 lakh farmers will benefit from its five year roadmap of sourcing fruit pulp and fruit concentrate derived out of 2.10 million tonnes of fruit.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages and Jain Irrigation have already invested on Project Orange Unnati and Project Mango Unnati working on technology like Ultra High Density Plantation and Micro Irrigation System for enhanced produce.

Currently, the company procures and exports raw materials and ingredients worth USD 280 million (Rs 1,802 crore) from India to 44 countries.

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Upset over a statue of former PM Rajiv Gandhi being vandalised, state Congress chief Raj Babbar claimed today that such incidents reflected an intolerance towards ideologies other than that of the ruling dispensation.

Party leaders also demanded that those who had damaged the prime minister's statue in Mirzapur should be immediately arrested or else they instensify their protests.

"This was not an effort to damage a statue but (an attempt) to finish an ideology...The damage to the statues in the state (in the recent past) from Saharanpur to Mirzapur indicates that there are governments at the Centre and the state which cannot tolerate any ideology other than their own," Babbar, who was leading his party's sit-in in Mirzapur, said.

What was found written at the place where the statue was damaged points towards those who all are behind this act, the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief alleged.

He said the Mirzapur incident took place the night after UP Chief Minister Adityanath held a review meeting there.

Is this the 'rule of law' that the chief minister has been talking about, he said.

"The chief minister is going about making claims on rule of law but it is continuously on the decline," he said.

Babbar also recalled the services rendered by the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, especially in the field of information technology and communications.

Reminding the district administration of its promise to nab the culprits within 48 hours, a deadline which ends tomorrow morning, Babbar warned that the agitation will be intensified in the state if the wrong-doers were not booked.

"If required, the stir will be launched at the national level," he said.

As part of the call for holding protests, Congressmen led by former MP PL Punia also held a 'dharna' at the GPO Park in Lucknow and before the Raj Bhawan.

According to a party release, addressing Congress workers who set the effigy of the prime minister and the UP chief minister on fire, Punia said the Mirzapur incident is not a coincidence but a conspiracy to vitiate the atmosphere.

Protests were also held in Kanpur, Pratapgarh, Farrukhabad, Varanasi, Allahabad and Barabanki, the release said.

In Amethi, a constituency once represented by Rajiv Gandhi, Congress workers shouted slogans and burnt the PM's effigy and later submitted a memorandum addressed to UP Governor Ram Naik through SDM, Gauriganj, alleging breakdown of law and order in the state.

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Police today thwarted an attempt by a women's group to stage a demonstration against alleged wrongful arrest of some innocent Dalits in connection with caste clashes here.

Mahila Adhikar Manch had threatened to stage a demonstration against the arrest of some "innocent" Dalits in connection with violence and clashes in various parts of Saharanpur since May 5.

The Manch claimed that some Dalits arrested were innocent and it had planned to submit a memorandum to the district administration in this regard.

But the police and the paramilitary personnel deployed at the entrances of the district headquarters allowed people to enter only after vetting them.

Additional SP Prabal Pratap Singh said the forces were deployed as a preventive measure and no organisation had sort permission for a demonstration.

Violence first broke out in Saharanpur about a month ago following a procession to mark Ambedkar Jayanti. On May 5, a person was killed and 15 people were injured in clashes between Dalits and upper caste Thakurs.

About a dozen police vehicles were set ablaze and 12 policemen were injured on May 9. On May 23, another person was shot dead and two others were wounded.

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Once the Balkan stronghold of pro- Russian sentiments, tiny Montenegro is today silently celebrating its entry into NATO in a historic turn that has made the Kremlin furious.

Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro is formally becoming the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington today.

To get there, Montenegro has stood up against its former ally Russia, which has sought to maintain strong historic, political and cultural influence in the Slavic country it considers a special zone of interest.

Bringing Montenegro into NATO further diminishes Russia's influence in southeast Europe, and blocks it from the so- called "warm seas" in Europe that could be used as staging grounds for military interventions in the Middle East.

Russia has threatened economic and political retaliation, including a campaign to undermine the Montenegrin tourism industry, which relies heavily on Russian visitors. It has also banned imports of Montenegrin wine and recently deported a ranking official from a Moscow airport.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recently warned potential Russian tourists that "there is an anti-Russian hysteria in Montenegro."



"We do not rule out the possibility of provocations, arrests for suspicious reasons or extradition to third countries" of Russians, Zakharova said.

Her claim was dismissed by the president of the Russian- speaking diaspora in Montenegro, Alexander Khrgian, who runs his law office in the coastal resort of Budva.

He said that about 15,000 Russian-speaking people who permanently live in Montenegro feel safe.

"I have been living in Russia for 25 years and now I am here for more than 10 years, and we love Montenegro. It is a wonderful country with wonderful climate," he said.

"People know that Russia and Montenegro have very close cultural links. That is why we are here like at home."



Montenegro says Moscow was behind a foiled coup attempt in October that allegedly targeted former Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who was the driving force behind the country's NATO bid. Russia denies involvement.

"One of the reasons we are joining NATO is to create greater stability, not only for Montenegrin citizens, but also for foreign investors and tourists," Djukanovic said. "Therefore, our goal is to bring even more Russian tourists."



On the eve of the NATO accession, Montenegrins don't seem interested in their country's historic move and many of them want good relations with both Russia and the West.

"If we were neutral all the time, why shouldn't we continue with it so that we keep good relations with America, Russia and all the other countries?" said Mirko Bozovic from Podgorica.

The pro-Russian opposition Democratic Front, whose top two leaders were indicted over allegedly planning the Russia- orchestrated coup, said the day when Montenegro joins NATO is one of the saddest days in its history.

"Today, Montenegro is being annexed like never before in its history," official Strahinja Bulajic said. "Today is one of the most shameful days in Montenegrin history.

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The director generals of military operations of India and Pakistan today discussed the situation along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking over the hotline between the two countries, the DGMO of the Indian Army conveyed to his Pakistani counterpart India's commitment towards ensuring peace and tranquility on the LoC.

At the same time, Lieutenant General A K Bhatt asserted that India will take appropriate retaliatory action if the Pakistan Army continues to "abet" infiltrators and resort to "trans-LoC" firings.

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AIADMK (Amma) leader T T V Dhinakaran, out on bail in a case of alleged bribery, today met his party chief and aunt V K Sasikala at the Parappana Agrahara prison here.

"Dhinakaran today met Sasikala at our prison. However, I do not have any information about what transpired between the two leaders," a Parapanna Agrahara prison official told PTI.

A close associate of Dhinakaran, however, said the leader discussed the current developments within the party with Sasikala.

After Tamil Nadu ministers said on April 18 that they were dumping the top duo, Dhinakaran had said he was stepping aside in deference to their wish.

But he recently asserted that he will continue party work, contrary to his earlier stand.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister and senior AIADMK (Amma) leader D Jayakumar said in Chennai today that Dhinakaran should stick to his stand of keeping away from party affairs.

Earlier today, Dhinakaran had told reporters at Hosur en route to Bengaluru to meet Sasikala that a section of state ministers had revolted against him due to "some fears", but declined to say what they were.

Dhinakaran said he will plan his future course of action after meeting Sasikala and will base his actions on her guidance.

Senior Tamil Nadu cabinet ministers had revolted against Dhinakaran and said he and his "family" -- an obvious reference to Sasikala -- will be kept out of the party and the government.

The leader was recently released on bail by a Delhi court last week in a case of allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official to wrest the AIADMK's 'two leaves' symbol.

Dhinakaran had kicked up a fresh row on his role in the party when he said he would "continue party work" since he had said in April that he was keeping away from party affairs.

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In an escalation of differences in the ruling AIADMK (Amma), its Deputy General Secretary today questioned the diktat of Chief Minister K Palaniswami's camp that he keep away from party work.

Finance Minister D Jayakumar, representing the Palaniswami camp, which had revolted against Dhinakaran and jailed party chief V K Sasikala in April, asked the deputy chief to keep away from the party affairs.

However, Dhinakaran, who has come out on bail in the EC bribery case last week, shot back asking who gave them the authority and said only the party general secretary had the powers to remove office-bearers.

Jayakumar was reacting to Dhinakaran's assertion last week that he will continue party work, in contrast to his announcement in April after the revolt by the ministers that he would keep away from the party.

It was the party's unanimous view to hold on to its stand of having no dealings with Dhinakaran, Sasikala and their associates, he told reporters in Chennai.

Earlier, Dhinakaran, called on Sasikala, serving term in the disproportionate assets case, at the Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru.

"Dhinakaran today met Sasikala at our prison. However, I do not have any information about what transpired between the two leaders," a Parapanna Agrahara prison official told PTI.

A close associate of Dhinakaran, however, said the leader discussed the current developments within the party with Sasikala.

Before proceeding to meet her, Dhinakaran in Hosur, bordering Karnataka, repeated his earlier claim that the ministers had revolted against him out of some fears.

On his return from Bengaluru, he said that Sasikala asked him to wait for two months to see if the ministers could facilitate a patch-up as assured by them with the rebel group led by O Panneerselvam.

Jayakumar said Dhinakaran should stick to the assurance he had made in April to keep away from party.

"We are firm, and we are clear. We have no truck with him, we are not dependent on him," he said.

He said Dhinakaran, Sasikala or their associates were not "in the background. He (Dhinakaran) should stick to his stand that he will keep away from party," Jayakumar said.

Hitting back, Dhinakaran asked "I dont know who gave the authority (to ask him to keep off) to those 20-30 ministers." He mocked at Jayakumar for taking up "sky-high" powers of the party general secretary.

He said only the party general secretary had the power to remove office-bearers. Since she was imprsioned, the next in command (deputy general secretary) was he and he has the powers to do so.

Jayakumar, flanked by ministers including K A Sengottaiyan, said top party functionaries and ministers held deliberations following Dhinakaran's repeated assertions to continue party work after he returned from a Delhi prison.

Questing Jayakumar and other ministers, Dhinakaran said by two months, Sasikala told him that both factions would come forward to work under the "general secretary," if they realised the "true situation" and when their "fear" faded.

"I have accepted it and decided to wait for two months," he said, adding Sasikala had told him what to do just in case things did not fall in place by sixty days.

Dhinakaran said when the ministers in April had announced that they were "keeping him out of party," it was said by them that only then it would help the patch-up bid.

The leader, who was arrested by CBI for his alleged attempt to bribe Election officials to get the AIADMK symbol, said he agreed to keep off to help the ministers work for a merger.

"Even after 45 days there is no development. Everyday they (both factions led by K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam) are attacking each other in the media and causing set back to the party and the government," he said.

He reiterated that the ministers were acting out of fear, adding only time will tell what those fears were.

Jayakumar, however, said, "We (Chief Minister and Ministers) are leading Amma (Jayalalithaa) government without anybody being in the background and there is no doubt about it," he said.

Though he affirmed that "no party leader will meet Dhinakaran," some ruling party MLAs were seen with him during his Bengaluru visit.
Music icon and Nobel literature laureate Bob Dylan has delivered his Nobel lecture, the only requirement to claim the money that comes with the prize, the Swedish Academy said today.

"The speech is extraordinary and, as one might expect, eloquent. Now that the lecture has been delivered, the Dylan adventure is coming to a close," Sara Danius, the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, which awards the prize, wrote in a blog post.

In the speech, sent to the Academy with an audio link in which Dylan reads it aloud, the enigmatic rock star reflects on the possible links between his lyrics and literature.

"When I first received this Nobel Prize for Literature, I got to wondering exactly how my songs related to literature," Dylan said.

He then cited musicians who inspired him -- including Buddy Holly, whose music "changed my life" and made him want to write songs when he was a teenager -- and the classic novels that made a big impression on him, including "Moby Dick", "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "The Odyssey".

Dylan is the first songwriter to win the prestigious Nobel Literature Prize.

The lecture can take nearly any form, including a short speech, a performance, a video broadcast or even a song, and must be held within six months of December 10, the date of the Nobel prize ceremony and the anniversary of the death of the prize's founder Alfred Nobel.

Dylan will be able to claim the eight million kronor (819,000 euros, USD 923,000) associated with the prize.

He was honoured "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition", the Academy said when it announced Dylan as the winner in October.

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today sought the Centre's intervention to ensure safety of 6.5 lakh Indians, including Keralites, residing in Qatar following recent developments in the Middle East.

In letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Vijayan said he was writing the letter in the context of the developing geo-political situation in the Middle East today.

"As you are aware millions of Indians are working in countries in the Middle East and therefore the geo-political developments in the region have raised deep concerns among the people in the state since each family has at least one family member or a relative in the region," he said.

There are about 6.5 lakh Indians in Qatar, of which nearly three lakh people hail from Kerala, Vijayan said, expressing concern on their safety and employment in Qatar.

"I would like to place on record the full support of our state to the considered stance that Union government would take on the issue, given the complexities involved," he said.

He said the state was aware that the Centre would come out with the "most appropriate diplomatic and geo- political stance" in this regard taking into consideration all aspects and put in place a "robust mechanism" for addressing all the concerns.

Vijayan also wanted the Indian Embassy in Doha to be "suitably empowered" to respond presciently to the concerns of the Indian community in the country.

The letters were written in the backdrop of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, as tensions escalated in the region over accusations that Doha backed militant groups.

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Realty firm Godrej Properties today said it will develop a new group housing project at Sohna, Gurugram, with a saleable area of 1.7 million sq ft.

This is its eighth project in the national capital region.

Mumbai-based Godrej Properties said in a statement that it has entered into the Sohna real estate market to develop a group housing project, offering about 1.7 million sq ft of saleable area.

However, it did not disclose the name of the land owner with whom it has formed partnership to develop the project.

Godrej Properties said it entered the NCR market about five years back and has established itself as one of the market leaders in Gurugram. It expects to replicate this success in other parts of NCR.

Commenting on the new project, company's executive chairman Pirojsha Godrej said, "This strengthens our development portfolio in NCR and fits with our strategy of deepening our presence across India's leading cities."



Godrej Properties, part of Godrej group, is currently developing residential, commercial and township projects spread across approximately 134.69 million sq ft in 12 cities.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the successful launch of India's heaviest rocket and said it takes the country closer to the next generation of satellite capability.

The country's heaviest rocket GSLV MKIII-D1 carrying communication satellite GSAT-19 lifted off from Sriharikota at 5.28 pm and was soon put in orbit successfully.

"Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV - MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission," the prime minister tweeted soon after.

"The GSLV - MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud," he added in another tweet.

Modi spoke to the Secretary, Department of Space and congratulated him and his team on the successful launch, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III) weighs equivalent to the weight of five fully- loaded Boeing Jumbo Jets or as much as 200 fully grown elephants.

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FMCG major Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) now gets around half of its revenue from international business, as it expands its presence in the overseas market.

GCPL, which has presence in Latin America, Africa, and Asian markets including Indonesia, has cornered 48 per cent of revenue from international business in the last fiscal.

"International business now contributes to nearly half of our consolidated revenues," the company said in an investor's presentation.

The home-grown firm had clocked a strong sales of Rs 9,600 crore in India in 2016-17.

Besides, GCPL said it would continue "growing presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America" in segments as home care, hair care and personal care products.

The company said it has gained strong foothold in the African hair care market with the acquisition of 100 per cent equity stake in Strength of Nature(SON)



In April last year.

In the last fiscal, GCPL had reported 16 per cent sales growth globally. Out of its total international sales, Africa, which also include SON, contributed 43 per cent, followed by Indonesia at 33 per cent. Latin America and the UK contributed 12 per cent and 9 per cent respectively, while others were 3 per cent.

On the domestic front, GCPL said it has delivered consistent, healthy volume led ahead of the category sales growth despite the imp



act of demonetisation.

In Indonesia, the company said the growth was impacted by softness in household insecticides. However, constant currency growth witnessed a 9 per cent growth.

African market sustained double-digit organic constant currency growth while Latin America delivered competitive performance in a challenging operating environment, it added.

In Europe, the company said it saw mixed performance with weak sales performance but robust margin expansion.

The company ranks among the largest household insecticide and hair care players in emerging markets. In segments as household insecticides, it is the second largest player in Indonesia and is expanding footprint in Africa.

It's number one player in hair colour in India and Sub- Saharan Africa and among leading players in Latin America.

GCPL is a leading player in air fresheners and wet tissues in Indonesia. It is also a leading player in hand sanitisers and female deodorants in the United Kingdom.

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A 22-year-old woman today allegedly committed suicide by setting herself on fire at her house in Yacharam near here, police said.

M Shyamala, who was alone in the house, poured kerosene and set herself ablaze, said police.

Her parents have alleged that she took the extreme step due to the harassment by a police constable who was pestering her with his love proposal.

On hearing her cries, the neighbours tried to rescue her and immediately shifted her to a nearby private hospital where she was declared brought dead by the doctors, they said.

Her parents and family members in a complaint lodged with Yacharam Police station alleged that she resorted to the extreme step unable to bear harassment from a police constable identified as S Narsimha, inspector J Madan Mohan Reddy said.

"The constable has been accused of mentally harassing her to accept his love proposal, as per the complaint. Today he called her on her cell phone and threatened her," the inspector said based on the complaint.

A case was registered and further probe is on.

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Madras High Court today issued notice to the authorities concerned on a PIL against the selection process for recruitment of 49 Assistant Professors for the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS).

Petitioner P.I.Ganesan, a retired professor in the university, contended that the process further to the November 26, 2016 advertisement was illegal, unconstitutional and null and void on the ground that higher marks had been set apart for interview.

Stating that a total of 35 marks had been earmarked for interview, he claimed it will not ensure transparent recruitment and lead to nepotism.

The selection process was bogus and fraudulent and directly in violation of the ratio laid down by the Supreme Court in Ajay Hasia's case, he submitted.

When the matter came up for hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M.Sundar ordered notice to the Chairman, Selection Committee, and Vice Chancellor and Registrar of TANUVAS and Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries secretaries.

The bench posted the matter to June 9 for further hearing.

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The Madras High Court today suspended the three-year prison term awarded by a special court to former Tamil Nadu minister C Aranganayagam in a corruption case.

Additional Sessions Judge for Vigilance & Anti-Corruption cases here had on April 17 awarded the jail term to Aranganayagam for accumulating disproportionate assets of Rs 1.15 crore during 1991-96 when he was part of the then Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government.

Justice N Sathish Kumar, before whom the appeal filed by Aranganayagam against the order came up today, admitted the appeal and posted the matter for arguments to June 28.

The Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption had registered a case against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act in 1998. The charge sheet was filed in 2006.

The DVAC case was that Aranganayagam as the education minister and as an MLA and as a public servant, had acquired and possessed in his name and in the names of his wife and sons properties of value of Rs 1.15 crore and that the same were disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The special court judge, however, acquitted Aranganayagam's wife and two sons of all the charges in the case.

The judge had granted bail to Aranganayagam, in his 70s, on a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with two sureties of the like sum to enable him challenge his conviction and sentence in the high court.

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Ahead of the NSG plenary, India today asked countries friendly with China to convince it on the issue of allowing New Delhi entry into the grouping based on credentials, even as Beijing asserted that the membership bid has become "more complicated".

India had officially applied for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which controls export of nuclear materials, equipment and technology in May last year.

The matter came up for discussion at the Seoul plenary session of the NSG in June last year, but yielded little result with Beijing scuttling India's bid on the grounds that it was not a signatory to the non-proliferation treaty (NPT).

"We have always engaged with China and we are doing it for NSG as well. And (it is being done) not only by us, but even nations friendly to us as well as enjoying good relations with China, who feel that India should get an NSG membership," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said.

Giving Russia's example, she said Moscow feels that India should be a part of the NSG and UNSC.

"So we feel, since Russia and China share good relations, it should talk to China. We are not asking them to put pressure on China, but use its good offices. Our effort is to convince China on the issue and also involve nations friendly with both the countries," the minister added.

On China's objection on inclusion of non-NPT countries, she said France was a non-NPT country when it was admitted into the NSG.

When it (China) states that India and Pakistan are non- NPT countries, India makes a distinction that in 2008 it got a privilege (NSG waiver), she said, adding that at that time "our criteria was throughly looked into".

"It were the same required for any non-NPT country. Today, the time is not to see our criteria, but our credentials. We have proven our credentials and fulfilled all the commitments made in 2008. Which is why we are saying India and Pakistan are two different cases," Swaraj said.

"India will be successful in getting it (NSG membership) one day," she said.

Her remarks came on a day when China asserted that India's membership bid in the NSG has become "more complicated" under the "new circumstances" and again ruled out backing New Delhi's entry in the grouping, saying there should be non-discriminatory solution applicable to all non-NPT signatory countries.

The group, which will be holding its next plenary in Swiss capital Bern soon, goes by consensus approach on the admission of new members.

"About the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) it is a new issue under the new circumstances and it is more complicated than the previously imagined," China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Huilai told a media briefing in Beijing.

He, however, did not elaborate what the new circumstances and complications were.

"China supports the NSG to have consultation for reaching non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution, applicable to all members of the NSG," he said.

Pakistan has also applied for the NSG membership. While China has not openly supported Pakistan's membership, it came with a two-step approach which stipulates that the NSG members first need to arrive at a set of principles for the admission of non-NPT states into the NSG and then move forward with discussions of specific cases.

Asked about the chances of India's admission into the grouping during this month's plenary session expected to take place in the Swiss capital Bern, Li said, "China's position on the non-NPT members' participation in the NSG has not changed."



Li, who interacted with media to highlight Chinese President Xi Jinping's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held at Astana Capital of Kazakhstan on June 8-9, said China wants to deepen relations with India.

"China and India are important neighbours and both are fast developing, both are emerging new market economies. Both are important forces upholding peace and stability," he said.

In recent years, relations between India and China are developing "sound and at quite fast speed".

President Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meetings have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and make joint efforts to build even closer development partnership, he said.

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India today signed a USD 39.2 million (over Rs 251 crore) loan agreement with the World Bank for the 'Citizen Centric Service Delivery' project in Assam.

The programme size is USD 49 million, of which USD 39.2 million will be financed by the Bank and the remaining amount will be funded out of the state budget, the finance ministry said in a statement.

The programme's duration is 5 years, it added.

According to the statement, the objective of the project is to improve access in the delivery of selected public services in Assam.

The Project adopts an integrated approach to improve access and accountability.

Loan agreement was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India and Hisham Abdom, Manager, Operations (India) on behalf of the World Bank.

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India will "101 per cent" raise with China the issue of airspace violation by PLA helicopters in Uttarakhand, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today, even as Beijing defended its actions, stating that there is a territorial dispute in the area and its military carries out regular patrolling there.

Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district on Saturday, triggering concern in India's security establishment about the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March this year.

"For the first time, a matter of airspace violation has taken place. We will 101 per cent raise this issue with China, but it has not been decided on how we will go about it," Swaraj said at a briefing in New Delhi.

Official sources in New Delhi 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 choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incident.

However, the action was defended by China, which asserted that India and China have a territorial dispute in the eastern section of their boundary and the Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas.

While the details can be obtained from the Ministry of Defence, "in principle China and India have territorial disputes in the eastern section of the China-India border", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media in Beijing.

"The Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas. We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to maintain tranquillity and peace in the border areas," Hua added.

Swaraj said whenever there is an incursion of land, they give a logic that borders have not been settled and this happens due to different perceptions of the border.

Asked about India's position on China's 'One Belt One Road', a mega unilateral connectivity project, Swaraj said, "We, in principle, agree with the concept of connectivity. When China had not conceptualised about OBOR, India had several such initiatives" and "India does not have any issue with (OBOR and CPEC) connectivity, but with its principles."



Referring to India-assisted projects like Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project that will connect the northeastern states of India to Myanmar, BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal) projects, Chabahar port (in Iran), she said they were done considering basic principles of sovereignty or territorial integrity of countries involved.

"These are some principles we put forth during OBOR. I am happy that when (OBOR) meet took place, several nations put forth the same concerns. Which is why I think China will be again compelled to rethink on this," she said.

She said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is part of OBOR, is directly related to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We have reiterated it several times that Kashmir is an integral part of India. We have a Parliament resolution on this. If any part of the road (CPEC) passes through (PoK) it compromises our sovereignty. We have registered our protest there," she added.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said India-US ties are progressing under the Trump administration as they were during the Obama presidency and the pace had not slowed down.

Addressing a press conference on key initiatives of her ministry in three years of the Modi government, Swaraj also described the proposed changes in H-1B visas as a "matter of concern".

She said the government was engaged with the Donald Trump administration as well as US Congressmen on the issue and was "alert" to any possible negative impact.

Some of the other major points made by Swaraj during the press interaction are as follows:



1) India to raise airspace violation issue with China after Chinese choppers flew over Chamoli district.

2) India opposed China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) project as it violated India's sovereignty which was not acceptable. China will be forced to rethink as other countries while participating in the OBOR meet, conveyed their view on territorial integrity and sovereignty.

3) India is also involved in various connectivity projects, including BBIN, BCIM and Chahbahar, but goes by principles of maintaining of territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries.

4) India wants countries which back its bid for NSG membership and are friends with China, to talk to Beijing on the issue.

5) India's NSG membership to be credential-based and not criteria-based.

6) India wants to resolve all issues with Pakistan bilaterally, but talks and terror cannot go together. No flip-flop in India's policy on Pakistan.

7) Pakistan can't take Kashmir issue to International Court of Justice (ICJ). Kashmir can only be resolved bilaterally.

8) Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, cutting ties with Qatar is an internal matter of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). India is only ascertaining if any of its nationals are getting adversely impacted by it.

9) All issues pertaining to Chahbahar port in Iran have been resolved.

10) Fishermen issue is of "primary importance" to the government, which has taken several steps to address it jointly with the Sri Lankan government.

11) There cannot be any timeline in finalising Teesta waters agreement with Bangladesh as there has to be consensus among the Centre, the West Bengal government and the Bangladesh government.

12) The government is looking into concerns expressed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the sharing of Teesta waters.

13) There is no decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi not travelling to the Maldives. The prime minister and the external affairs minister have covered all the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries.

14) India's relations with West Asia have become one of the best.

15) 80,000 people stranded abroad brought back to India in the last three years.

16) There is a 37.5 per cent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government took over three years ago.
An Iranian official says his country can export food to Qatar by sea, as Saudi Arabia and three other nations move to isolate the gas-rich nation after severing diplomatic ties and accusing it of supporting terrorism.

The semi-official Fars agency quoted Reza Nourani, chairman of the union of exporters of agricultural products, as saying today that food shipments sent from Iran can reach Qatar in 12 hours.

Qatar relies on food trucked in from Saudi Arabia across its sole land border. Al-Jazeera reported that trucks carrying food for Qatar are now lining up across the border, unable to enter the country.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are regional rivals who back opposing sides in the wars in Syria and Yemen.

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Iran's foreign ministry today urged Qatar and neighbouring Gulf Arab countries that have severed diplomatic ties with the gas-rich peninsula to engage in dialogue.

"The solution to differences between states in the region, including the current problem between Qatar and its three neighbours, is only possible through political and peaceful methods and dialogue between the parties," spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said in a statement published on the ministry's website.

Gulf states Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, plus Egypt and Yemen today announced they were cutting all ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis in the region for years.

Ghasemi said increased tension among its southern neighbours "is not to the benefit of any governments in the region and threatens the interests of all" at a time when the world was "suffering widespread terrorism and extremism".

Shiite Iran has had no diplomatic ties with most of the mainly Sunni Gulf states since 2016, when Arab nations followed Saudi Arabia in severing relations after protesters torched its missions in the Islamic republic.

"Using sanctions in today's integrated world is inefficient, to be condemned and unacceptable," Ghasemi added of Qatar's neighbours closing all land, sea and air links with it.

"Protecting the national sovereignty of independent governments, avoiding interference in their internal affairs and respecting recognised international borders are internationally recognised and fundamental rights which must be respected by all sides.

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A Shiv Sena MLA, who is a prosecution witness in the journalist Jyotirmoy alias 'J' Dey murder case of 2011, was declared hostile after he denied receiving a call from one of the accused as contended by the CBI before a special Mumbai court today.

"MLA Sunil Raut appeared before the court today (as a prosecution witness). However, he was declared hostile as he did not support the case of prosecution," special public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat told PTI.

Citing the CBI, Gharat said Raut had received and attended a call from an international calling card number on his phone, but in court he denied taking that call.

According to the CBI, the call was made by Paulson Joseph, one of the accused in the case, he said.

"This is the same number that gangster Chhota Rajan (the prime accused in the murder case) used to get in touch with journalists after the murder (of Dey)," the special public prosecutor said.

However, the exact date and time of the purported call are not known.

Raut is a sitting legislator from Vikhroli in Mumbai.

Dey, working with an English tabloid here, was shot dead in suburban Powai on June 11, 2011. The court on August 31 last year had framed charges against Rajan.

According to a supplementary charge sheet filed by the CBI, Rajan had the veteran crime reporter killed because he was miffed with some articles written by him, and also because a book being written by Dey portrayed him as a 'chindi' (petty) criminal.

The book, "Chindi--Rags to Riches", was to be about 20 gangsters who rose from humble origins.

Rajan was arrested at Bali airport in Indonesia on October 25, 2015, and deported to India.

The first charge sheet filed in the case in 2011 named Satish Kaliya, Abhijeet Shinde, Arun Dake, Sachin Gaikwad, Anil Waghmode, Nilesh Shendge, Mangesh Agawane, Vinod Asrani, Paulson Joseph and Deepak Sisodia (all arrested) as accused.

A charge sheet was filed against Mumbai-based journalist Jigna Vora for allegedly instigating Rajan against Dey owing to her professional rivalry with the scribe.

The 55-year old gangster, once a close aide of fugitive terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, was brought to India to face trial in over 70 cases of killing, extortion and drug smuggling in Delhi and Mumbai.

He was recently convicted in a fake passport case by a special court in Delhi.

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Students of Jamia Millia Islamia today staged a protest against the university for inviting RSS leader Indresh Kumar for an Iftar party organised by RSS- affiliated Muslim Rashtriya Manch.

Despite writing a memorandum to the Vice Chancellor Talat Ahmad against the move, Indresh visited the institution, said Imran Khan, a research scholar.

"He is prime accused in many blast cases. We do not want him in our institution and that is why we protested," he said.

Another student, Kabir Das, took to Facebook to register his protest saying, "Police and Army made Jamia premises look like a war-hit zone. Peaceful protesters were attacked by the cops. Six Jamia students have been detained by Delhi police without any reason."



"We gathered at main gate and offered namaz in front of fascist barricades after breaking Roza/fast. We are demanding release of our six brothers," Das said.

Khan too alleged that police resorted to lathicharge in which four students, including a female student, was injured.

However, the allegation was refuted by police officials.

"Nobody was detained and there was no lathicharge," police said.

The university officials, however, said the Bhopal Ground, where the Iftar party was organised, was rented out to Muslim Rashtriya Manch and the institution had no involvement in its affairs.

"The ground was rented out to MRM. And there was no involvement of students neither on MRM side nor among the protesters. All of them were locals," said an official from the varsity.

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Private carrier Jet Airways today launched a new commercial pilot license (CPL) cadet pilot training programme in partnership with CAE.

The tie-up with CAE is aimed at creating more than 380 professional pilots over the next five years, in line with the airline's growth strategy, Jet Airways said in a release.

As part of the agreement, the first set of 60 cadets will begin training in the second half of 2017, with ground school and flight training at CAE's flight academies in Phoenix, Arizona (USA) and National Flight Training Institute at Gondia in Maharashtra.

These cadets will continue with Boeing 737 type-rating training at CAE's training centre in Bengaluru, the airline said adding upon successful completion of their training programme, the selected candidates will be employed by Jet Airways.

CAE has been providing training to Jet Airways pilots for more than 10 years.

"With the introduction of this training programme, we're creating fresh batches of highly skilled cockpit crew to augment our in-house talent pool. We are delighted to launch a new ab-initio pilot training programme with CAE. The training module is designed to provide meaningful training in a consistent manner with similar level of content engagement to all pilots," Jet Airways acting CEO Amit Agarwal said.

Jet Airways currently owns four CAE-built full-flight simulators, including one Airbus A330 full flight simulator (FFS), two Boeing 737NG and one Boeing 777-300ER FFS.

The Bengaluru-based six-bay CAE training centre has the approval as a fixed-wing Type Rating Training Organisation (TRTO) by India's DGCA.

"As the demand for professional pilots is on the rise globally, we are proud to support our long-standing airline partner's initiative to create future competent pilots. CAE is honoured to partner with Jet Airways through the launch of this new pilot training programme," Nick Leontidis, Group President for civil aviation training solutions at the CAE said.

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As many as 10 pilots of Jet Airways have been kept out of flying duties, and their mistake -- quoting incorrect designation of a senior DGCA official in a communique.

A communication, sent to the aviation watchdog opposing the proposal to increase notice period for pilots to one year, in which the DGCA official's designation was written incorrect, seem to be have backfired with an 'arbitrary' regulatory action against them, sources said.

Besides, the DGCA official has directed the airline to check the "mental alertness of these pilots" since "they could not even quote a designation properly".

The airline has asked the 10 pilots to report at the headquarters today following the developments, the sources said, adding the DGCA has also directed the aviators to appear before it tomorrow.

The two unions of Air India pilots --Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) -- have come out in support of the Jet Airways pilots over the issue, they said.

A response to a query sent to Jet Airways on the issue was awaited.

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Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran will formally inaugurate the second edition of International Conference on Tourism Technology (ICTT), billed as India's biggest tourism technology meet, at a function here on June 9.

The second edition of ICTT, to be held here from June 8-10, is the only conference of its kind in the country focusing on the most pertinent aspects of building businesses on technology platforms, organisers said here today.

This includes topics such as managing online reputations, using Whatsapp, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and other such tools for product marketing; writing content for websites and blogs; making payment gateway more efficient; and video marketing on Facebook Live and YouTube.

Around 500 delegates, including tour operators, hoteliers, resort owners, home stays, SEO (search engine optimization) companies, software firms, social media marketing companies and bloggers, are expected to attend the conference, President of the Association of Tourism Trade Organisation (ATTOI), Anish Kumar P K said.

"Earlier, the online platform was termed as a big threat to the tourism trade.. However, the inception of ICTT explored different ways to convert this threat into an opportunity," he said.

The inaugural function will be attended by dignitaries including Hibi Eden MLA, Dr Venu V, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, and Bala Kiran, Director, Department of Tourism.

Venu will launch the twitter campaign #Kerala #IndiaForBeginners on the sidelines of the event, being organized by ATTOI with support from Kerala Tourism.

Kiran will launch the Facebook Campaign during the inaugural ceremony.

Over 15 subject experts across the globe will offer their insights on 24 different topics related to online promotion of the business, organisers said.

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A day after two key farmers' unions called off their agitation, another peasants' body -- Kisan Union -- today vowed to continue with the stir along with like-minded organisations in Madhya Pradesh.

"We burnt the effigies of RSS-affiliated BKS leader Shivkant Dixit at Jiran area of Neemuch district last night. We are going to continue our protest and burn his effigies as he has betrayed the farmers," alleged Rakesh Merawat, a farmer from Neemuch and is associated with the Kisan Union.

Other leaders of the Kisan Union -- Anil Yadav and Shailendra Verma -- said that they will block the National Highways state-wide during the day to protect farmers' interests.

Other farmer bodies are also with the union, they claimed.

Another aggrieved farmers' body -- Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh's state spokesman Sunil Gaur said that they will take out a massive rally led by leader Shivkumar Sharma 'Kakkaji' today in Indore in support of the farmers' demands, thus baring the rift between various farmer bodies.

Yesterday, MP Kisan Sena (MPKS) and Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), who were spearheading the agitation, had ended their stir after Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held meeting with different farmers' bodies at Ujjain.

Following the meeting, the CM had tweeted last evening saying, "I am happy the farmers have decided to withdraw the strike. The MP government is pro-farmer and will continue to work for their welfare."



Both the farmer organizations had called off their agitation after Chouhan assured them that onion would be purchased at Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 8 per kg.

Chouhan had tweeted that the procurement of onion at Rs 8 per kg would start within 3-4 days and continue till the month-end.

"In summer (from next year), the government would purchase Moong dal at Minimum Support Price (MSP)," Chouhan had said in another tweet.

He had also announced withdrawal of cases filed against the farmers during the course of the agitation.

Besides, Chouhan had agreed to other demands of the farmers, particularly, satisfactory prices for their produce.

Meanwhile, Congress today reiterated its support to the farmers' protest.

"The farmers' stir will continue even as Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan tried to mislead the farmers yesterday," said Congress MLA Jitu Patwari today.

State Congress chief Arun Yadav said that the state government has failed to redress the problems of farmers.

"Chouhan himself claims to earn a profit of Rs 11 lakh annually from an acre of his farm land. In contrast, the farmers of state are living in penury," Yadav added.

Yesterday, on the fourth day of ryots' stir, violence was reported from Sehore and Ratlam districts with nearly a dozen policemen injured in stone-pelting at both places.

Also, farmers had emptied 5,000 liters of milk from a tanker at Raipuria in Jhabua district.

However, no fresh violence was reported today from any part of the state.

The strike, which is mostly confined to western Madhya Pradesh, impacted the supply of milk, vegetable, fruits and other essentials at Indore, Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsaur, Dhar, Shajapur, Khandwa, Neemuch and Ratlam districts.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami has assured a delegation from seven western districts in the state, under the banner of Kongu Global Forum (KGF), that necessary action would be taken with the regard to expansion of the airport here.

Directors of KGF met the Chief Minister besides Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development S P Velumani in Chennai to discuss the developmental needs of their region during which airport expansion was given top priority, the Forum's convener Vanitha Mohan said in a release here today.

Water was another area of concern which has not only hampered farming operations but also impacted day-to-day life of its citizens and the delegation sought various steps to increase the water table which had dipped to alarming levels, she said.

The Chief Minister had given consent to convene a high-level meeting with the Ministers concerned as well as bureaucrats along with KGF members to discuss steps to put the region on the growth path.

The delegation also met Electricity and Prohibition Minister P Thangamani, Education Minister K A Sengottaiyan and Chief Secretary Girija Vaidhyanathan.

KGF is an entity formed for harnessing the collective energies of representatives from the districts of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur and the Nilgiris and channelising it towards developmental activities of the region.

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Commandant Iqbal Ahmad had risen for an early morning meal today before he began his fast for Ramzan when his wireless crackled ominously.

There was a fidayeen (suicide) attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in the Bandipore area of North Kashmir, he was told.

The meal, or sehri, forgotten, the commandant picked up his assault rifle and rushed to the nearby camp where four terrorists, believed to be members of the banned Lashker-e- Taiba (LeT), were carrying out the attack.

The quick response and immediate reinforcement to deal with the terrorists foiled the attack which could have taken many lives.

Ahmad, who took over command of the 45th CRPF battalion after his predecessor Chetan Cheeta was injured, was 200-300 metres away in Sumbal when the wireless message informed him of the attack in the camp that houses two companies of his men.

The officer, a devout Muslim who keeps a fast for the holy month of Ramzan, rushed to the troubled spot and remained there till all the terrorists had been killed and the area cleared.

At the Sumbal camp, it was two street dogs who gave the first tip off to the CRPF personnel with their loud barks.

The dogs, who are fed regularly by the CRPF personnel, continued to bark, giving the personnel an idea that there were people hiding in a particular area.

The personnel fired an illuminator -- and learnt about the presence of the intruders.

"The dogs saved the lives of many," said a senior CRPF official.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Police Commissioner Cressida Dick have toured the site of the London Bridge attack and praised the quick police work that they said prevented further deaths.

Dick said today the attack was "ghastly" but that Londoners are pulling together and refusing to be cowed by terrorists.

She said providing more firearms for London police would not be a sound solution to the increased tempo of terrorist attacks, saying the strategy of heavily armed, highly mobile specialty teams is effective.

The mayor and the commissioner were briefly heckled by a man who called for more police to be put on the streets.

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A new bridge on Savitri river in adjoining Raigad district today opened for vehicular traffic, almost 10 months after the old British-era bridge collapsed on August 2 last year.

Nearly 26 people had died last year after two State Transport buses and some other vehicles fell in the swollen river following the bridge collapse on Mumbai-Goa Highway near Mahad in Raigad district, about 170 kms from here.

The British-era bridge was to be dismantled in December 2016 as part of Mumbai-Goa Highway expansion project.

The highways ministry and the state public works department have now built a three-lane bridge in 165 days.

The new bridge, thrown open for public use from today, has been built alongside the British-era bridge that was washed away during the rains last year.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Surface Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari were present at the inauguration of the new bridge.

Gadkari expressed hope that there won't be any accidents on this bridge.

Fadnavis said that four-laning work on the Mumbai-Goa highway will be completed in 2019.

Meanwhile, bridge projects worth over Rs 4,500 crore were launched today by the state government.

These include projects in the Raigad section of Mumbai-Goa highway worth Rs 3,812 crore, besides a slew of other infrastructure works.

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A proposed meeting of the Kashmiri separatist leaders to discuss the NIA raids was thwarted today by the authorities who detained all the participants.

The meeting was to take place at the residence of hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

However, the government deployed a posse of police personnel outside the house since the morning to prevent anyone from entering it, a police official said.

Moderate Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was put under house arrest since late last evening to prevent him from attending the meeting, a Hurriyat spokesman said.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was also taken into preventive custody and lodged at a police station here.

Another separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah was also placed under house arrest.

The meeting was convened by the separatists to discuss the NIA raids on several of their second rung leaders as part of crackdown on funding street protests and businessmen suspected of carrying out hawala operations.

Later, in a joint statement, the separatists said not allowing them to hold meetings had become a "norm" for the state authorities who had to "keep up the farce of normalcy through repression at the bidding of their masters in New Delhi".

Referring to the NIA raids, the separatists claimed that these moves are to "intimidate and harass" their leaders and activists.

The separatists called for a peaceful protest after the Friday prayers across the Valley against the "witch-hunt, coercion and intimidation of resistance activists, leaders and members of the business community".

They said, "The people will also strongly protest the Indian electronic media's propaganda war against Kashmiris and its shameless attempt to discredit their freedom struggle.

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A militant suspected to be a NSCN (K) cadre was killed in an encounter with the army at Gaijianglong village in Noney district, police said today.

The incident occurred last night around 10:30 pm, in the dense hilly terrain of the district and the deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Gaithalung Thaimei, the police said.

Security forces recovered a sophisticated M-16 assault rifle and 11 rounds along with a mobile handset from the possession of the dead militant, police said.

The dead militant is suspected to be a cadre of NSCN (K), they added.

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An elderly couple was killed when a bus ran over a moped they were riding in Pipili area of Odisha's Puri district today, triggering tension in the area as a mob torched three buses.

The mishap took place when the private bus from Puri to Bhubaneswar hit the moped while trying to overtake the two-wheeler, police said.

The death of the couple, identified as Hadu Khan (70) and Kuni Bibi (68) of nearby Dahangiria Jajpur village, led a mob to set the bus afire. Subsequently, two other private buses were also torched by the mob which demanded compensation to the family of the deceased, they said.

Police personnel in strength were deployed at the spot to prevent further trouble as a large number of local residents staged a road blockade. "The situation is tense, but under control," said Additional Superintendent of Police Banbihari Sahu.

Eyewitnesses said some police personnel were also manhandled by the protesters, while some vehicles stopped on the highway connecting Bhubaneswar and Puri were also damaged.

Vehicular movement between Puri and Bhubaneswar was disrupted for quite some time as officials held talks with the protesters to resolve the issue, police said.

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The NDA government is trying to shut the defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), the today said.

"Stakes in Indian PSUs are being sold by the government. No country is able to defend itself without being able to produce good-quality weapons.

"Hence cannot be shut down for crony capitalism. The pledges to resist and expose this agenda of the BJP," senior leader said in Mumbai.

The Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha also slammed the Modi government on job creation and economy.

The government should publish the names of all those to whom it provided jobs in the last three years, Sharma said.

"We also demand a white paper on the economy. The Centre should also come out with comparative GDP figures of the last ten years when the UPA was in power as per the old and new series," the former Union commerce minister said, speaking to reporters.

"All this will prove that the economy is not galloping as claimed, but is slowing down," he said.

The prime minister has no proper roadmap to take the economy forward, and economists all over the world have started questioning the fudging of economic data by the BJP-led government, he claimed.

"The PM owes an apology for this embarrassment," the Congress leader said.

India saw a investment rate of 34.8% under the UPA, which has now come down to 26.9%, he claimed.

"The 7% fall indicates that new industries have not started, new capacities have not been created and one-third of existing capacity is lying unused. The gross capital formation has moved in the negative territory in real terms for the first time," Sharma said.

When the UPA was in power, crude prices were hovering around $109 which have now come down to $50 per barrel, he pointed out.

"The government has thus saved 100 billion dollars annually, which is Rs 6.5 lakh crore.

"But since petrol prices have remained more or less the same (in the country), where did all the money accumulated in three years disappear?" he asked.

"The PM has spent between Rs 1,500 and 2,000 crore on the publicity of his three years in power. You see his photos everywhere," he said.
Monkeys outside an Indonesian temple are running a ransom racket on visiting tourists by stealing valuables such as glasses, hats, cameras or even cash to exchange them for food, researchers have found.

The macaques grab valuable items and then wait for tourists and staff to offer them food before dropping their ill-gotten gains and dashing off with the prize.

"It is a unique behaviour. The Uluwatu Temple is the only place in Bali where it is found, which suggests it is learned rather than being an innate ability," said Fany Brotcorne, a primatologist at the University of Liege in Belgium.

Researchers spent months observing four different groups of the monkeys that live near the temple.

The two groups that spent the most time around tourists had the highest rates of robbery and bartering, supporting the idea that they were learning the behaviour by watching each other, researchers said.

They found that groups with more young males, who are more prone to risky behaviour, also had higher rates than other groups, 'New Scientist' reported.

Although the study is based on a small sample, Brotcorne believes it provides the first evidence that the behaviour is cultural, transmitted across generations as monkeys learn from each other.

"Bartering and trading skills are usually defined as exclusive to humans. Seeing them in macaques could help us learn how early the behaviour might have arisen in the human lineage," Brotcorne said.

The research was published in the journal Primates.

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Moroccan authorities today arrested two more leaders of a protest movement, after demonstrators rallied for more than a week against corruption and unemployment.

The northern port city of Al-Hoceima, in the neglected Rif region, has been rocked by social unrest since the death in October of a fishmonger.

Mouhcine Fikri, 31, was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season and his death has sparked fury and triggered nationwide protests.

The demonstrations have snowballed, giving way to a wider protest movement demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment.

Nasser Zefzafi, who emerged as the head of the grassroots Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or "Popular Movement", was arrested on May 29 after three days on the run.

He was detained along with others for "attacking internal security" forces, after a warrant for his arrest issued May 26 sparked turmoil in Al-Hoceima, a city of 56,000 inhabitants.

Since then protesters have taken to the streets nightly.

Today, the man widely referred to as Al-Hirak's number two, Najib Ahamjik, and a woman, Silya Ziani, seen as an active member of the protest movement were arrested, a lawyer and an activist said.

Ahamjik, who identifies himself as an accountant on his Facebook page, had gone into hiding after Zefzafi's arrest but posted two online videos calling for "peaceful" protests to continue.

His arrest was announced by lawyer Abdessadek El Bouchtawi on social media.

Ziani was in a taxi with three other activists on her way to Casablanca when they were arrested, said one of them, adding that the three activists were however released.

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The leader of Malta's Labour party, Joseph Muscat, was sworn in as prime minister today, a day after his party's second landslide victory in four years.

Muscat, a 43-year-old former journalist who has been premier since 2013, called the general election a year early after his wife was implicated in an alleged corruption case arising from the Panama Papers data leak.

He took his oath of office at the president's palace in Valletta before proceeding on foot amid throngs of cheering supporters to the Auberge de Castille, which houses the prime minister's offices.

Official results show that Labour won more than 55 percent of the votes, beating the Nationalist Party by over 35,000 votes, a result similar to that achieved four years ago.

The Nationalist Party won 43.7 per cent, the greens took 0.83 per cent, while the rest went to independent candidates.

Muscat's party is expected to have a nine-seat majority in the 69-seat parliament.

"My priority is to unite the country. We have huge potential but we need to erase the divisiveness this campaign has brought about. There are people with potential on either side," Muscat told journalists after the ceremony.

"Irrespective of the electoral result - which was the biggest ever - this will not lead to us treating people like flies. It places an even greater responsibility on our shoulders," he said.

A judicial inquiry is underway to determine whether an offshore company disclosed in the Panama Papers leak actually belongs to his wife, Michelle. They have both denied the claims.

The leaked documents also revealed hidden offshore companies allegedly owned by the country's energy minister, Konrad Mizzi, and by Muscat's chief of staff, Keith Schembri.

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The mortal remains of Naik Dipak Kumar Maity, who was martyred in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, were consigned to flames in a military funeral at his native village in West Midnapore district today.

Thousands of people lined the streets at his village Masagram to bid farewell to the soldier, who was killed in a terrorist attack on an Army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir on June three, a Defence spokesperson said.

"Military, civil and police officials paid homage before military funeral was conducted," the spokesperson said.

Maity is survived by his wife Rikta and daughter Riya.

The 43-year-old was travelling from Udhampur to Srinagar as part of an Army convoy when it came under fire from terrorists near Lower Munda between Jawahar Tunnel and Wazur in Kashmir Valley.

Two soldiers were martyred in the incident and six others were injured.

The remains of Naik Maity and Gunner Manivannan G were earlier brought to Delhi where wreaths were laid by the Chief of Army Staff before being despatched to their respective homes, the spokesperson said.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Eastern Army Commander at the Eastern Command headquarter here before the mortal remains of Naik were sent to his native village of Masagram.

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The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), bench at Ahmedabad, has approved the merger of Aditya Birla Nuvo (ABNL) with Grasim Industries to be followed by the listing of Aditya Birla Financial Services Ltd (ABFSL).

The approved scheme has been filed with the BSE and the NSE.

It is expected to become effective during the second quarter of the financial year 2017-18.

The merged entity, will have pro forma consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 54,824 crore, EBITDA of Rs 12,259 crore and a net profit after tax and minority interest of Rs 4,076 crore for the year ended March 31, 2017.

It will be top cement manufacturer company in the country, and leading player of VSF and caustic soda manufacturer in India and among the top five fund managers with funds under management of Rs 246,759 crore, a company statement said here.

The merged company will be among the top 5 diversified private NBFCs in India with a lending book (including housing finance) of Rs 38,839 crore and among the top five private sector life insurers and top four asset management companies in the country and third largest telecom operator in India.

"Grasim commands the pole position in the VSF, cement and chlor-alkali businesses in India. All of these businesses have capacity expansion plans to further strengthen their leadership position.

"The financial services business of Aditya Birla Nuvo is among the top 5 fund managers in India. Having built a broad based portfolio and a leadership position in the sector, Aditya Birla Financial Services is well placed to grow rapidly, given the under-penetration of financial products and services in India," Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, said.

"We will soon be listing the financial services business. This merger marks a milestone, bringing together, the financial strength provided by the debt free balance sheet of Grasim and the growth opportunities offered by ABNL's financial services business.

"I believe, the merger will enable fast paced growth and create enormous shareholders' value," Birla said.

"The combination of Grasim's cash generating manufacturing businesses and ABNL's high growth service sector businesses, is a win-win for the both the set of shareholders.

"Aditya Birla Financial Services has scaled up its AUM at a CAGR of 23 per cent to USD 38 billion and lending book at CAGR of 61 per cent to USD 6 billion during past five years. It continues to widen and deepen its business portfolio," Aditya Birla Group CFO Sushil Agarwal said.

Grasim's strong parentage will enable financial services business to continue this growth momentum and enhance its competitive advantage.

The listing of financial services business will further enhance the shareholder value, Agarwal said.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today 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.

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government on a plea alleging the lack of sewage mechanism and disposal of solid municipal waste in Trans Delhi Signature City in Ghaziabad.

A vacation bench headed by Justice Dalip Singh issued notices to the Yogi Adityanath government and the UP State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) and sought their reply in two weeks.

The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by the Trans Delhi Signature City Resident Welfare Association (RWA) seeking directions for a long-term mechanism for disposal of sewage from the township earlier known as Tronica City.

The integrated industrial township was conceived in the 1990s to develop the industrially-backward area of Loni and to attract the untapped entrepreneurial skills of northeast Delhi.

Tronica can be accessed from Delhi through the traffic free Khajuri Pushta road which starts just next to Wazirabad Bridge.

The plea claimed that the RWA was severely affected by the "wrong interpretation and misreading" of the orders of the tribunal by authorities.

The petition said the respondents were citing the orders of the NGT passed in "Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalisation Project" and other related cases whereby colonies upstream of the Yamuna were strictly forbidden from releasing wastewater and sewage in the river as the water flows towards Delhi and its water is used for drinking.

"Polluting Yamuna water cannot be allowed under any circumstance as it would endanger the lifeline of Delhiites. As a corollary and logical consequence, the villages, towns, cities etc have to find some other viable way to dispose of their used water including sewage," the plea said.

It said that the petitioner RWA brought residential plots in a regularised and authorised township made by UPSIDC with certain promises and assurances.

"It is a normal presumption that in such an authorised colony the disposal of used water including sewage and drainage would be made available to its inhabitants.

"The respondents ought to make a long term plan to dispose the used water which includes sewage/industrial effluents or drainage water. Making of Effluent Treatment Plants, Sewage Treatment Plants, laying of pipelines and pumping stations are some of the basic responsibilities of the respondents who cannot take refuge behind the orders of the tribunal and abdicate their primary responsibility," it said.

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Residents of a village near Annur in this district adopted a novel method to protest against the presence of liquor shops in their area by blocking access to it using thorny plants.

The plants were placed along a one km-long stretch in Aragapalayam, some 40 kms from here, due to which the, police said.

The residents protested against the administration, which had ordered relocation of the shops on June 1, from near the city railway station, they said.

Meanwhile, a group of government school students staged a demonstration against the functioning of two liquor outlets situated on the way to their schools in city limits.

They raised slogans against the wine shops, and alleged that it inconvenienced the public, particularly women, police said.

Despite representations from the residents, the district administration refused to the close the shops and the demonstration was to bring to the attention of the government, the problems faced by the public, the residents said.

On receiving information, officials reached the spot and assured the agitators to take up the issue with the higher authorities.

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Various political parties today expressed shock at the CBI's searches at the residence of NDTV founder Prannoy Roy and condemned the action saying it was an attack on the freedom of the press.

The Congress condemned the raids and criticised the NDA government for its "pick and choose" policy while taking on the media houses.

The party also criticised the Centre over the CBI raids, saying it was "blatant abuse of power taking place in the country".

The TMC, JD-U and AAP also criticised the Central government for the raids.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the CBI searches on Roy's residences and said the trend of conducting such search operations was "disturbing".

"Shocked at the raids on Dr @PrannoyRoyNDTV's house. He is highly respected and reputed. Disturbing trend," Banerjee tweeted.

Senior Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken said the Congress strongly condemns the action and warns the Central government that it should not try to hound the media as the act is seen as "an attempt to create an atmosphere of terror and muzzle the voice" of the fourth estate.

"It is a strong attack on the freedom of the press and the Congress party strongly condemns it. We warn the central government that it should not try to hound and threaten the media," he said.

"We are standing with the media. If the need arises, we will use democratic means to oppose this action," Maken said, adding that the prime minister had used derogatory words like "bazaaru" and a Union minister had branded the media as "presstitutes".

Another senior party leader Anand Sharma said, "Centralisation of decision-making is happening at the Centre. The media and the other voices of dissent are being muzzled. A warning is being sent to the media outlets to fall in line or face a similar fate."



The Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said "The government machinery is being misused and an environment of fear is being created through the (investigation) agencies."



Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the searches saying it was an attempt to "silence independent and anti-establishment voices".

"We strongly condemn raids on Dr Roy and NDTV group. It is an attempt to silence independent and anti-establishment voices," he tweeted.

The JD(U) termed the raids on NDTV founders as the "beginning of black days", saying the government's action is reminiscent of the raids carried out on the Indian Express group premises by the Indira Gandhi government during the Emergency.

"NDTV is known for its objectivity and the raids are aimed at stifling the voices of independent media and freedom of expression. It is beginning of black days," its spokesperson K C Tyagi said.

He said journalists should rally against the government's action.

The CBI today carried out searches at the residence of NDTV founder Roy for allegedly concealing a share transaction from the SEBI and causing a loss to a private bank, a move termed by the channel as a "witch-hunt" based on "same old" false accusations.

The CBI has registered a case against RRPR Holding Pvt Limited, Roy, his wife Radhika, and unidentified officials of ICICI Bank for criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption.

RRPR Holdings had allegedly taken a loan of Rs 500 crore from India Bulls Private Limited to purchase 20 per cent shares of NDTV from the public.

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A Pakistani-origin man was among three knife-wielding militants responsible for carrying out the brutal London terror attack that killed seven people and injured 49, according to a media report.

The man, identified as 'Abz' is believed to have been the ringleader of the trio that carried out the horror attack at two London landmarks, The Mirror reported.

Abz, 27, is said to be from Barking in east London, was pictured lying on the ground after police swooped on the attackers on Saturday night and shot them dead in a flurry of 50 bullets.

Seven people were killed and 49 injured when the trio rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers in bars in the nearby Borough Market.

Abz, a father of two children, appeared to pray to an Islamic State flag in a London park in a TV documentary about the behaviour and motivations of British extremists.

Police are searching four houses in Barking and have made 12 arrests as part of their investigation into the atrocity.

His neighbours said the Arsenal fan had been wearing the club's replica away shirt the day before the attack, matching the one worn by one of the suspects pictured lying on the ground with what appear to be canisters taped around his body.

The terrorist was a home-grown jihadi who came from Pakistan as a child but was brought up in the UK, the report said.

He was twice reported to anti-terror authorities, the report quoted sources as saying.

A neighbour said he immediately noticed the Arsenal away shirt Abz was wearing after being shot dead by police outside the Wheatsheaf pub on Saturday night.

He said: "I looked on Twitter and saw one of the terrorists who had been shot by police and he looked 90 per cent like my neighbour - he was even wearing the same Arsenal shirt that I had seen him in at 5 pm that evening."



Abz is the only one of the attackers identified so far.

He lived in a block of flats with his wife and two young children which was raided by police early on Sunday.

Ken Chigbo, 26, who lives in the same building, described him as "really sociable" and said Abz had invited him to a barbecue just last week.

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.

On March 22, 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.

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Pakistan government has decided to take the issue of joining the Saudi-led 41 nation military alliance to parliament, amid concerns among the policymakers that the alliance would create further sectarian divisions in the country.

In principle, Pakistan agreed to be part of the Islamic Military Alliance against Terrorism (IMAT) as it granted permission to its former army chief General (retd) Raheel Sharif to head the grouping.

However, the extent of Pakistan's participation in the alliance has yet to be decided.

Saudi leadership used a recent Arab-US summit in Riyadh to target Iran, which has forced Pakistan authorities to tread a careful path.

There has been a realisation within the policymakers that the alliance would create further sectarian divisions, said officials familiar with the development.

Last week, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz conceded before the Senate that Riyadh conference had widened the sectarian divide in the Muslim world.

Pakistan was stuck between the "devil and the deep blue sea" meaning that neither it could say completely "No" to Saudi Arabia nor could afford antagonising neighbouring Iran, an official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

"So, we are trying to find a middle ground. We want to ensure a balance in our ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran," the official explained.

In order to achieve that difficult task, the official said, the government would present the terms of reference of the military alliance before parliament for approval.

The thinking behind this move is to use the leverage provided by parliament to set certain limits as far as Pakistan's participation in the activities of Saudi-led military alliance is concerned.

The government has already made it clear that member countries are free to decide the activities they would want to become part of it in the alliance.

This, according to officials, has provided a room to the government to set clear guidelines.

Given the tricky situation facing Pakistan, the government has drawn certain "red lines" that seek to ensure that it does not become part of any initiative aimed at any other Muslim country.

"We cannot side with any party to create rift within the Muslim Ummah (community). We don't want to align ourselves with any alliance which is against other countries because that's part of our policy," commented ruling party senator Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qayum.

In 2015, the government took the Saudi request seeking Pakistani troops for its campaign in Yemen to parliament.

The National Assembly and Senate passed a unanimous resolution urging the government to stay away from the conflict involving other Muslim countries while at the same time reiterating full support to Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The move, however, caused an unusual strain in Pakistan's ties with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.

Opposition parties -- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan People's Party -- have insisted that the April 10, 2015 joint resolution of Parliament should serve as a guideline for the government.

The adviser assured that the government would seek rectification of Parliament before taking a final decision on the Saudi-led military alliance.

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today ridiculed the BJP and saffron outfits for "going over board" in the name of cow protection and asked them to instead give shelter to cattle which are seen loitering on roads in Uttar Pradesh.

"They should first display sensitivity towards cattle by creating special shelter houses for cows and buffaloes seen loitering on roads - a common feature in Uttar Pradesh where deserted cattle can be seen even on a four lane expressway," he told reporters here.

"UP has the highest number of cows dying after eating plastic items," he said lampooning the growing cow-vigilantism in the BJP-ruled state.

Kumar described the Centre's notification to prohibit cattle trade for slaughter and the controversy shrouding banning of illegal slaughter houses as "bakwas" (ridiculous).

"The BJP and its associate saffron organisations' overdrive in the name of cow protection is an attempt to vitiate the environment with an intent to cast a veil on failed promises made during poll," the chief minister claimed.

Talking about banning illegal slaughter houses, Kumar mocked the BJP saying "Bihar enacted a law against illegal slaughter houses way back in 1950 when BJP was no where in the picture".

Bihar, he said, would soon see its first special cow shelter in Patna where deserted cattle would be housed and taken proper care of.

"I have instructed the Patna district magistrate for this (special cow shelter) and it will be opened soon," he said.

On the completion of three years of the Modi government, Kumar said none of the promises made before the polls like creation of jobs for youths or enhanced MSP to farmers by adding 50 percent to input cost have not been fulfilled anywhere.

On the 'Modi Fest' proposed to be inaugurated in Bihar by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on June 15, he said, "As BJP does not have faith in the calibre of its party leaders in Bihar, it is hiring names from outside."



Replying to a about question the unrest in Kashmir, Kumar demanded that the Centre invite leaders of all the parties to formulate a more effective plan to restore peace in the state and also draw up a strategy to reclaim Indian land in Pakistan's control.

About his June 3 visit to Tamil Nadu on the 94th birth anniversary of DMK chief M Karunanidhi and the progress of non-BJP parties deciding to field a candidate for Presidential post, the JD(U) chief said he had gone to Chennai to pay his respects Karunanidhi.

"The onus of choosing a consensus candidate for presidential poll for it lies with the ruling party. In case they fail to do so, opposition will field a candidate with the largest unity possible."



Kumar, who had last month met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and also held talks with many Left leaders for the Presidential poll, however, refused to take any name for the post.

Talking about Sushil Modi making corruption allegations on Lalu Prasad's family and writing a letter to him in this regard, he said the senior BJP leader has been sidelined by youngsters within his party and "I do not take notice of his statements".

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Privatisation of airports and aviation infrastructure in India and some other countries has "failed to deliver" the benefits and the passengers and the economy have continued to suffer high costs, global airlines' body IATA said today.

As the World Airport Summit of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) began here, IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac pointed to the burgeoning growth in air traffic demand and said a crisis in aviation infrastructure was looming.

The summit was attended by over 1,000 industry leaders from across the world.

"Many cash-strapped governments see privatisation as the solution for infrastructure funding. They should be cautious.

"Privatisation has failed to deliver promised benefits in many countries-India, Brazil, France, and Australia to name just a few. The concessionaire makes money. The government gets its cut. The airlines pay the bill-usually a big one. And passengers and the local economy suffer the results of higher costs," de Juniac said in his opening address here.

He said when the governments privatise critical infrastructure, economic regulation is essential.

"To date I cannot name a single success story. Finding the solution is an important piece of work that needs government and industry collaboration. It's the only way to balance the investor's need for profit with the community's need for cost efficient connectivity," he said.

Referring to the threatening security situation, the IATA chief said "the freedom that is at core of aviation remains a target for terrorists".

Observing that the UN Security Council Resolution 2309 confirms that states would have to do more in fulfilling their responsibility to keep their citizens secure when travelling by plane, de Juniac said this was vital to the airlines which have a natural partnership with the governments.

However, "the relationship is showing cracks".

On the US and UK ban on carriage of electronic devices on board, he said "there was no consultation with the industry and little time to implement. The action caught everybody by surprise.

"And it was a big challenge for airlines to comply, and a huge inconvenience to our customers. It should not be that way."



The IATA chief summed up some of the major challenges - the mounting security threats, a "looming" infrastructure crisis and high taxes and "onerous" regulations.

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A racist graffiti reading "Terrorise your own country" and "Go away" was spray-painted by vandals on an Islamic Centre in south London after the van and knife attack in the heart of British capital claimed seven lives.

The graffiti on the building in Sutton in South Londonwas spray-painted from the site of the attack, which is more than 19 km away.

The Islamic Centre has no connection to the attackers who carried out the terror attack on Saturday night, the metro.Co.Uk reported.

But the building's very presence has provoked the ire of racists and Islamophobes in the area, it said.

In the wake of the attack, Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain has condemned the terrorists.

"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," he said.

"Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons," Khan added.

"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. My prayers are with the victims and all those affected. I commend the work of our emergency services working hard to keep us safe and cope with the ensuing carnage, he said.

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 nearby Borough market.

At least 48 people have been injured in the attack, the third to hit Britain in less than three months and just days before the general election on June 8.

The attack comes as British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism".

"We are concerned about some elements of Theresa May's statement earlier today. May acknowledged as Jeremy Corbyn did nine days ago in response to the Manchester attacks, that such attacks are a perversion of Islam not representative of Islam," Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor, said.

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The Congress today condemned the CBI raids on NDTV founder Prannoy Roy and termed it as an attack on the freedom of the press.

Criticising the NDA government for its "pick and choose" policy while taking on the media houses, the opposition party said it is "an attempt to create an atmosphere of terror and muzzle the voice" of the fourth estate.

Senior Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken said the Congress strongly condemns the action and warns the Central government that it should not try to hound the media.

"It is a strong attack on the freedom of the press and the Congress party strongly condemns it. We warn the central government that it should not try to hound and threaten the media," he said.

"We are standing with the media. If the need arises, we will use democratic means to oppose this action," he said, adding that the prime minister has used derogatory words like "bazaaru" and a Union minister had branded the media as "presstitutes".

Maken also questioned the timing of the raids as it happened two days after a NDTV journalist's spat with a BJP leader on a TV debate on the beef ban notification.

Another senior Congress leader Anand Sharma criticised the Centre over the CBI raids, saying it was "blatant abuse of power taking place in the country".

"Centralisation of decision-making is happening at the Centre. The media and the other voices of dissent are being muzzled. A warning is being sent to the media outlets to fall in line or face a similar fate," Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha told reporters in Mumbai.

"The government machinery is being misused and an environment of fear is being created through the (investigation) agencies," Sharma alleged.

Maken said till the time NDTV was playing into the hands of the government everything was fine and cited several incidents in this regard, including the channel not airing the interview of former finance minister P Chidambaram.

The Delhi Congress chief and former Union minister said NDTV has done several reports against the UPA government but it never used such a policy to hound it.

Both Maken and Sharma said many BJP chief ministers and other ministers have serious allegations against them but asked why was no inquiry or action initiated against them.

"When somebody questions them, they become anti- nationals. We never did this when we were in power. Those who had no contribution towards India's freedom have no right to preach nationalism," Sharma said.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today raided the residence of Roy, the founder of NDTV, in New Delhi and three other locations in connection with losses allegedly caused by the journalist to a private bank.

NDTV called it a "witch-hunt" based on the "same old false accusations".

The CBI has registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika and RRPR Holdings Pvt Ltd for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank, sources in the probe agency told PTI.

They said the CBI was conducting searches at two places in the national capital and one each in Dehradun and Mussoorie in connection with the case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma today criticised the Centre over the CBI raids on journalist Prannoy Roy's residence by saying that a "blatant misuse of power" was taking place in the country.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today raided the residence of Roy, the founder of NDTV, in New Delhi and three other locations in connection with losses allegedly caused by the journalist to a private bank.

The NDTV called it a "witch-hunt" based on the "same old false accusations".

Sharma alleged that the raids showed that a "blatant abuse of power" was taking place.

"Centralisation of decision-making is happening at the Centre. The media and the other voices of dissent are being muzzled. A warning is being sent to the media outlets to fall in line or face a similar fate," the Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha told reporters here today.

"The government machinery is being misused and an environment of fear is being created through the (investigation) agencies," he alleged.

"Many of their (BJP) chief ministers and other ministers have serious allegations against them. Why no inquiry is being conducted in those cases?," the former Union minister asked.

"When somebody questions them, they become anti- nationals. We never did this when we were in power. Those who had no contribution towards India's freedom have no right to preach nationalism," he said.

The CBI has registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika and RRPR Holdings Pvt. Ltd for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank, sources in the probe agency told PTI.

They said the CBI was conducting searches at two places in the national capital and one each in Dehradun and Mussoorie in connection with the case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Centre today told the Supreme Court that parents of a youth, who was killed in a road rage in 2011 in Manipur involving the son of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, will be provided security by the state government.

The state government also informed the apex court that the parents of victim Irom Roger would be provided round-the- clock security by Manipur Rifles at their residences.

Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh told the vacation bench of Justice Deepak Gupta that an affidavit has been filed by the state government stating that orders have already been issued to provide round the clock security to Irom Chitra Devi and Irom Lokendra Singh.

He said even advocate Utsav Bains, who is pursuing the case in Manipur High Court on behalf of the victim's parents, will also be provided security if he visits Imphal in connection with the case and added that on June 3, an order in this regard was issued by the Inspector General of Police.

In an affidavit filed before the apex court, Manipur Chief Secretary O Nabakishore Singh denied the allegation that at the instance of the chief minister, the administration including police were obstructing the Iroms from approaching the high court to challenge the conviction of Ajay Meetai for lesser offence of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The ASG also said that the five allegations, including that the chief minister was abusing his official positions to obstruct the parents from approaching court, have been found to be false.

The Manipur Chief Secretary in his affidavit said that the allegations levelled that administration was acting in "high-handed and arbitrary manner" was meant "solely to malign" the chief minister.

On May 29, the apex court asked the Centre to consider giving security cover to the parents of the youth.

The Manipur government had told the court that it does not have any problem in providing security to the parents of the youth who have alleged that they feared for their lives.

Meetai, son of the chief minister, has been awarded a five-year jail term under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC for firing at Roger on March 20, 2011, and killing him.

The incident had occurred after Roger had allegedly not allowed Meetai to overtake him in his SUV which had irked the chief minister's son.

Advocate Kamini Jaiswal, appearing, for Roger's parents of victim had earlier said that no one from Manipur has dared to file an appeal in the high court against the five-year jail term awarded to Meetai.

She had alleged that advocate Utsav Bains has also received threats from Ultra groups after he started pursuing the case.

The apex court had on May 22 sought response from the Centre and the state on the plea of parents of youth who also alleged that they are being threatened and family members are being allegedly implicated in cases.

The apex court had not issued any notice to the chief minister and others in the case as sought.

The parents have sought directions "to provide security for the safety of the life and liberty of petitioners and their family members against any kind of threat and victimisation for their peaceful stay throughout India."



They have also sought a direction for an independent probe by a central agency on the ground that the state police was working at the behest of the convict.

"In January, the petitioners (parents) approached several lawyers in the high court of Manipur at Imphal, to file an appeal against the judgement of the sessions judge, Imphal (West), but all the lawyers they approached, refused to represent them due to the influence and clout of the Respondent No 3 (CM), more so, in view of the fact that nobody could dare to stand-up against the chief minister, home minister of the State," the plea said.

The petition referred to the fact that the convict, who was sentenced to five-year-jail term in 2011, is still serving the imprisonment which proves that he has been out of jail for a considerable period during the trial.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The working style and scope of the MEA has changed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, while safety of Indians abroad has become a "priority", External Affairs Minister said on Monday.

Giving the slogan of "Effective Diplomacy and Excellent Delivery" to highlight the three years of "achievements" of the Modi government, Swaraj said India shares good relations even with countries considered to be bitter rivals.

"If we have given the slogan of Effective Diplomacy and Excellent Delivery, then we have lived up to the expectations," Swaraj said, addressing a press conference.

She said experts had claimed that India's foreign policy towards the Gulf would suffer after Modi took charge, but West Asia is the "only region" New Delhi shares a great equation with.

"When we came to power, all experts in one voice said that West Asia would go off India's foreign policy radar. They thought it comprised mostly Muslim-populated countries and it would not be Modi's priority.

"Today, after three years, I confidently say that if we have good relations with any region in the world, then it is West Asia," Swaraj said.

She also referred to Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia last year, where he was conferred with the highest civilian honour by the country's monarch, and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the chief guest at the Republic Day function to highlight India's deep relations with Gulf countries.

Both these countries share close relations with Pakistan.

Swaraj also credited Modi for making India's relations with the Gulf countries "very good", which helped the ministry bring back its citizens at the time of crisis in Yemen.

Citing an example of Saudi Arabia and Iran, Swaraj said the two countries share "bitter" relations, but India is friends to both.

"It is this effective diplomacy of India due to which we share good relations with both the countries.

"Similarly, Israel and Palestine are locked in a decades- long struggle, but we publicly say this and I have also said this in Parliament that Israel is our friend, but we will not let down the Palestinian cause," the minister said.

Swaraj gave another example of Turkey and Cyprus, who share a long-pending territorial dispute, yet both enjoy good relations with India.

She said, Turkey also shares good relations with Pakistan and yet has a warm equation with India.

Holding that Indian diplomats are also playing a key role in government's flagship programmes like 'Make in India', she claimed that there has been a rise in FDI by 37.5 per cent in the first three years of the NDA government when compared with the last three years of UPA rule.

Swaraj said, some 80,000 Indians abroad in distress were brought back over the last three years.

She said the number does not include people rescued in Operation Maitri, carried out during the 2015 Nepal earthquake in which 1,05,000 people were brought back to India, and 28,000 who were rescued from Saudi Arabia.
Reality TV star Scott Disick is all set to go on a fitness drive.

The 34-year-old television personality was photographed at the LAX after holidaying in Cannes, France, with Sofia Richie, actress Bella Thorne and former girlfriend Chloe Bartoli, reported People magazine.

Sources say after having a gala time in Europe, Scott feels he needs to set the record straight and get back to business.

"He could have stayed in Europe if he wanted to. He has been partying for weeks, and it has been catching up to him. He is not 20 anymore and has complained that he is not feeling great. Usually LA is the place he returns to when he is ready to shape up," says a source.

The source adds Scott is now prepared to quit partying for the sake of his three children, he shares with former partner Kourtney Kardashian - Mason, seven, Penelope, four and Reign, two.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Shiv Sena today attacked the Maharashtra government over the farmers' stir, accusing it of creating fissures among them in an attempt to break their unity.

Similar tactics were used to crush the Maratha stir as well in the past, the Sena charged.

"Had the demands of farmers been accepted, they would have showered the CM with flowers. But some people in the government took (Minister of State for Agriculture) Sadabhau Khot with them and tried to break farmers unity," the Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"A divide and rule policy is being used. Leaders who went to 'Varsha' (to hold talks with the CM at his residence) need to answer if any of their demands were met," it said.

Farmers in Maharashtra had launched their stir on June 1 pressing for their various demands, prominent being waiving loans due to crop failures and indebtedness, and guaranteed MSP.

"The CM says 35-40 lakh farmers will be benefited with the loan waiver. But can he answer what about those farmers in Marathwada who have a land holding of more than two hectares and are dependent on rains ?" the Sena questioned.

"The state government has tried to delay its death temporarily. First farmers were called to his house (Varsha), were insulted and finally given nothing. The farmers have no trust in the government and hence are continuing their strike," the Sena said.

The Sena said the chief minister got an opportunity to temporarily save his government by creating fissures among the farmers.

"But, will farmers get a guaranteed rate for their produce ? Sadabhau's ministerial position will stay but will extinguished gas stoves of farmers' light again ?" it said.

Also, attempts made to break the strike points to the failure of the government, it added.

The Sena also questioned if Jayaji Suryawanshi, who was part of the delegation that met the CM and announced calling off the strike, give a guarantee that farmers won't commit suicide for the next four months.

After holding talks with leaders of farmers on late Friday night, the Chief Minister had on Saturday announced that his government would waive loans of farmers with small land-holdings.

He said 80 per cent of such farmers are in Vidarbha and Marathwada who will benefit by the move.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The separatists camp in Jammu and Kashmir today hit out at the PDP-BJP state government for preventing them from holding a meeting by putting them under house arrest, saying it was doing this at the "bidding of its masters in New Delhi".

While hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani has been under house arrest for a long time now, the authorities today put Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Ahmad Shah and several other second-rung separatist leaders under house arrest to prevent them from reaching Geelani's Hyderpora residence for the said meeting.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody and lodged at a police station here.

Security personnel were posted outside Geelani's residence, a police official said, adding that no one was being allowed to enter the premises.

In a joint statement, the separatists said not allowing them to hold meetings had become a "norm" for the state authorities who had to "keep up the farce of normalcy through repression at the bidding of their masters in New Delhi", otherwise "they will be shown the door by them".

The meeting was to be attended by separatist leaders and members of the business community in the wake of National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids on several of their second- rung leaders as part of a crackdown on the fundings of street protests and businessmen suspected of carrying out hawala operations.

"The meeting was barred by the anti-Kashmir ruling regime through force," the statement read.

Referring to the NIA raids, the separatists claimed that these moves to "intimidate and harass" their leaders and activists was Government of India's "acceptance" that it had not been able to politically defeat the people's struggle in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The Government of India has completely failed in crushing the people's revolt, despite its largest military concentration in the world in Jammu and Kashmir, who have unleashed a reign of terror and torture upon the people for the past seven decades, inflicting untold miseries upon the masses," it alleged.

The separatists called for a peaceful protest after the Friday prayers across the Valley against the "witch-hunt, coercion and intimidation of resistance activists, leaders and members of the business community".

"The people will also strongly protest the Indian electronic media's propaganda war against Kashmiris and its shameless attempt to discredit their freedom struggle," they said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A disgruntled man went on a shooting spree at his former workplace in the US state of Florida on Monday, killing five of his colleagues including a woman before turning the gun on himself.

Today's shooting incident comes a week ahead of the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando. It was the deadliest mass shooting in US history in which 49 people were killed by a gunman on June 12.

Deputies responded to today's shooting at the Fiamma Inc building on Forsyth Road in Orlando around 8 am.

The 45-year-old shooter, a disgruntled employee who was fired in April, also killed himself, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. He ruled out a terrorist incident.

"The shooter was carrying a gun and a knife. He was fired from this business. The individual shot former co- workers," he said.

According to the Sheriff, there were no reports of any specific threats to this business. The name of the shooter will be released after next of kin notified, he said.

"We are all on heightened alert from the tragic incidents across the globe. We cannot connect this incident to any global terrorism," Demings said.

Florida Governor Rock Scott urged people of the state to pray for the families of the victims killed in "this senseless" act of violence.

"Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before. I have been briefed by our law enforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today," he said.

"I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contact with the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the day as more information is made available," Scott said.
An Army veteran went on a shooting spree at his former workplace in the US state of Florida today after being fired from his job, killing five of his colleagues including a woman before turning the gun on himself.

Today's shooting incident comes a week ahead of the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando. It was the deadliest mass shooting in US history in which 49 people were killed by a gunman on June 12.

Deputies responded to today's shooting at the Fiamma Inc building on Forsyth Road in Orlando around 8 am.

The 45-year-old shooter, identified as John Robert Neumann, also killed himself, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters.

Neumann was fired from job in April. He lived alone and had no family in the area, Demings said. He was an Army veteran who was honourably discharged in 1999.

"The shooter was carrying a gun and an knife. He was fired from this business. The individual shot former co- workers," he said.

Demings named the victims as Robert Snyder, 69; Brenda Motanez-Crespo, 44; Kevin Clark, 53; Kevin Lawson, 46; and Jeffrey Roberts, 57.

According to the Sheriff, there were no reports of any specific threats to this business. Police said Neumann was a disgruntled former employee acting alone and had no ties to terror or subversive groups.

Demings said it did not appear Neumann had a concealed weapons permit for the semi-automatic pistol he used.

"We are all on heightened alert from the tragic incidents across the globe. We cannot connect this incident to any global terrorism," Demings said.

Florida Governor Rock Scott urged people of the state to pray for the families of the victims killed in "this senseless" act of violence.

"Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before. I have been briefed by our law enforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today," he said.

"I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contact with the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the day as more information is made available," Scott said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Five persons, including a woman, were killed at a workplace in the US city of Orlando when a disgruntled former employee went on a shooting spree before killing himself.

The incident happened at Fiamma, a business on North Forsyth Road near Hanging Moss Road near Orlando, the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) said, calling it a "tragic incident".

Four died at the scene of business. One victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

The 45-year-old shooter - a former "disgruntled employee" who was fired in April - then killed himself, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said.

"OCSO working shooting scene that has stabilised. Multiple fatalities. Situation contained," the Sheriff's Office said in a tweet.

Seven people were rescued.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Changing an over 50-year-old rule, the government has set a deadline of six months to complete probe in involving its employees.

The decision has been taken to speed up the investigation in such cases, most of them pending for quiet a long time.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has amended Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, and decided the timeline for critical stages of investigation and enquiry proceedings.

The inquiring authority should conclude the inquiry and submit its report within a period of six months, says the amended rules.

However, an extension for a period not exceeding six months at a time may be allowed for any good and sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing by the disciplinary authority, it said.

Earlier, there was no time-frame to complete an enquiry.

The disciplinary authority shall deliver to a government servant, accused of irregularity and corruption, a copy of the articles of charge, the statement of the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour and a list of documents and witnesses by which each article or charges is proposed to be sustained, the new rules said.

On receipt of such articles of charge, the government servant shall be required to submit his written statement of defence, if he so desires, and also state whether he desires to be heard in person, within a period of 15 days, it said.

The time-limit can, however, be extended for a period not exceeding fifteen days. But under no circumstances, the extension of time for filing written statement of defence shall exceed forty-five days from the date of receipt of articles of charge, the rules said.

At present, there is no time-limit for submission of the employee's statement of defence.

The new rules are applicable to all category of employees excluding those in all-India services  Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS)  and a few other categories of officers.

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), in a directive, had last year expressed serious concern over the delay in finalising and asked all departments to complete these inquiries within a maximum period of six months to keep away "nothing will change" notion associated with governance.

The directive comes after the commission noted that administrative authorities are not adhering to the time- schedule prescribed for completion of disciplinary proceedings.

"In a recent study conducted by the commission, it has been noticed that while the average time taken by the administrative authorities in finalisation of disciplinary proceedings is more than two years, the maximum time taken in a particular case was eight years and at least in 22 per cent cases the inquiry took more than two years," the CVC had said.

As per the anti-corruption watchdog, the time-limit for completion of departmental inquiries is six months from the date of appointment of inquiry officer.
Pakistan's embattled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today accused "some people" of hatching conspiracies against his government, while his close aide openly pointed finger at the powerful establishment.

"I know about conspiracies against my government but let me tell you our journey to economic progress of the country will continue," Sharif said while speaking to the PML-N workers at old city of Lahore.

The prime minister said he will continue to serve the masses "despite conspiracies against my government", in an indirect reference to Pakistan's powerful establishment.

Sharif said he does not know the agenda of "some people".

"We have made Pakistan an atomic country and now we will make it economically strong despite all conspiracies," he said.

Sharif and his children are facing probe for their offshore holdings revealed in the Panama Papers.

A Joint Investigation Team constituted by the Supreme Court is currently grilling Sharif's sons - Hussain and Hasan - during interrogation sessions.

A picture of Hussain was leaked on social media showing him sitting in a room facing the JIT members at the Federal Judicial Academy, creating panic among the government circles.

State Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb openly pointed finger at the establishment saying it is behind the ongoing campaign of "humiliation" of the Sharif family.

"We are smelling revenge (from the establishment)," she said.

Last month, Pakistan powerful army withdrew a controversial tweet that had rattled the Sharif government over a media leak about a rift between the two power centres over fighting militancy in the country.

It was taken as the army's defeat and an unprecedented criticism was ensued on social media against the army, which enjoys considerable influence over policy decisions in Pakistan.

The rift was a grim reminder of 1999 when then army chief Pervez Musharraf had ousted the government of Sharif.

Pakistan's powerful army has ruled the country for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two government school teachers were killed and one injured when a speeding truck hit their stationary car near a village in the district, the police said.

The accident occurred in the Fatehpur police station area.

According to the police, the incident occurred near the Batdanaw village, when the car, which was stationary was hit by the truck.

They three persons in the car were rushed to a nearby hospital where Noranglal and Shivbhagwan, both teachers in a senior secondary school, were declared brought dead, the police said.

The third person, school principal Brahmdatt was injured and is under treatment, officials said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
From the majestic beauty of Dhar Fort built by Mohammad Tughlak in 1344 A D to realistic images of sunsets and ruins, artist Nita Banerji's new exhibition showcases breathtaking paintings of still life.

Titled "Glimpses of Magic", the ongoing exhibition at India International Center incorporates works form Banjeri's three-decades long artistic journey. The artist, who turned 75 recently, says age doesn't stop her from pursuing her passion. Her preferred medium is watercolours.

"I was really bad at art during my school days. I also tried oil on canvass but it didn't work. Finally, I ventured into the medium which I admire the most and constantly made art works in still life," says Banerji.

In vibrant hues of greens, yellows and blues, the artist has created pictures which are so exquisitely realistic that one could be forgiven for thinking they are photographs, not paintings.

She decided to paint "Dhar Fort" after a her trip to Madhya Pradesh. In earthy tones, the painting portrays the real essence of Mughal architecture. Similarly, "Steps in the Hills" (watercolour on paper) displays the beauty of nature at its best.

"The charm of working with colour pencils is that it is a diversified medium through which you can explore ways to create an art work. By using different techniques, one can really make a pencil sketch look similar to an oil painting."



When asked why she never tried any other popular medium like "abstract" in her long artistic journey, the artist says she prefers creating works which mirror nature.

"I was asked earlier why I don't paint abstract. It has never been an embarrassment for me because I see things and can create works which are actually real. Most of my work is drawn from my own surroundings. I think the essence of the composition matters more than the subject."



The artist believes that water colour despite being versatile as a medium is not appreciated as much as it should be.

"I believe that it is an unforgiving medium because if you have made a mistake you can't rectify it. You have to start afresh. Although there is a lot of scope for manipulation, it comes with experience. Most of the time you really do not know what the end result would look like."



The exhibition will continue till June 8.

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A Special court today sought a response from Delhi Police on the bail application of an alleged middleman arrested in the Election Commission bribery case involving AIADMK (Amma) faction leader T T V Dhinakaran.

Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry issued a notice to Delhi Police's Crime Branch on the plea and posted the matter for arguments on June 7.

Accused Sukesh Chandrashekar sought relief on grounds of parity with Dhinakaran, who was granted bail on June 1. He said his custody period had exceeded that of the AIADMK leader.

Chandrashekar, arrested on April 16, claimed he had been made a "scapegoat" and "falsely implicated" in the case.

The plea, filed through advocate Anand Pandey, said Dhinakaran had been granted bail even though he was more "influential" than Chandrashekar.

This is Chandrashekar's second bail plea as the court had declined an earlier application fearing that he could tamper with evidence.

The court will tomorrow pronounce its order on the bail pleas of suspected hawala operator Nathu Singh and co-accused Lalit Kumar, who are in judicial custody.

Dhinakaran and his close aide Mallikarjuna were granted bail by the court which had said the poll officials who were allegedly being bribed so that Dhinakaran's faction of the AIADMK could get the 'two leaves' election symbol were yet to be identified.

Dhinakaran was arrested here on the night of April 25 after four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe Election Commission (EC) officials for the symbol.

His faction had hoped to obtain the symbol for the bypoll to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu, which was later cancelled by the EC after the alleged irregularities were reported in the media.

The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who represented the constituency.

The EC had frozen the AIADMK's symbol after two factions of the party -- one led by Dhinakaran's aunt Sasikala and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam -- staked a claim to it.

Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly facilitating a Rs 50-crore deal between Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar.

Dhinakaran has been accused of arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tata Motors today announced appointment of Executive Director Satish Borwankar to a newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, which coincided with the resignation of the head of its commercial vehicles unit, Ravindra Pisharody.

Borwankar, currently Executive Director (Quality), has been appointed as COO with immediate effect and his tenure of executive directorship would be extended for a period of two years from July, 2017, the company said in a BSE filing.

In an earlier announcement, the company said the head of its commercial vehicles division Pisharody has resigned citing personal reasons.

Pisharody, among the senior most in the company's management, has been holding the position of Executive Director (Commercial Vehicles) since June 21, 2012, having joined Tata Motors as Vice President Commercial Vehicles (Sales & Marketing), in 2007.

Prior to joining Tata Motors, he was with Castrol Ltd, a subsidiary of BP. He had also worked with Philips India in various roles.

Borwankar, on the other hand, started his career with Tata Motors in 1974, as a Graduate Engineer Trainee. He has been the Executive Director (Quality) since June 21, 2012.

He has held various executive positions, overseeing and implementing product development, manufacturing operations and quality control initiatives of the company's CV business unit.

A mechanical engineer from IIT, Kanpur, Borwankar has also played significant roles in setting up greenfield projects of the company.

Tata Motors has witnessed sales of its commercial vehicles slowing down in the domestic market. Its CV sales grew by just 0.45 per cent to 3,05,620 units in 2016-17.

In May 2017, the company's overall commercial vehicles sales in the domestic market were at 23,606 units, down 13 per cent from the same month last year.

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Technology giants, under intense pressure after the British Prime Minister accused them of providing a "safe space" for terrorist ideology, today defended their handling of extremist content following the London terror attack.

Speaking outside Downing Street yesterday, Prime Minister Theresa May said: "We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed.

"Yet that is precisely what the internet, and the big companies... Provide," she said.

Her terse statement came after three Islamist men carried out a knife and van attack in central London, killing at least seven people and injuring 48 others. The Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

British Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said tech companies needed to tackle extremist content, in a similar way to how they had removed indecent images of children.

"We know it can be done and we know the internet companies want to do it," she told the BBC.

Islamism-inspired terrorism remains the principal terrorism threat to both the United Kingdom and British interests overseas, a report that studied terror-related convictions in the country had said in March.

The study by the Henry Jackson Society had warned that Half of Britain's jihadists are now radicalised online.

Amidst intensifying pressure, Google said it had already spent hundreds of millions of pounds on tackling the problem of extremist content online.

Facebook and Twitter said they were working hard to rid their networks of terrorist activity and support.

Google, which owns Youtube, along with Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, and Twitter were among the tech companies already facing pressure to tackle extremist content.

Google said it had invested heavily to fight abuse on its platforms and was already working on an "international forum to accelerate and strengthen our existing work in this area".

Google added that it shared "the government's commitment to ensuring terrorists do not have a voice online".

Facebook said: "Using a combination of technology and human review, we work aggressively to remove terrorist content from our platform as soon as we become aware of it - and if we become aware of an emergency involving imminent harm to someone's safety, we notify law enforcement."



Meanwhile, Twitter said "terrorist content has no place on" its platform.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said yesterday that tech firms needed to take down extremist content and limit the amount of end-to-end encryption that terrorists can use.

End-to-end encryption renders messages unreadable if they are intercepted, for example by criminals or law enforcement.

The Open Rights Group, which campaigns for privacy and free speech online, warned that politicians risked pushing terrorists' "vile networks" into the "darker corners of the web" by more regulation.

The way that supporters of jihadist groups use social media has changed "despite what the prime minister says", according to Dr Shiraz Maher of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) at King's College London.

They have "moved to more clandestine methods", with encrypted messaging app Telegram the primary platform, Dr Maher said.

Dr Julia Rushchenko, a London-based research fellow at the Henry Jackson Centre for Radicalisation and Terrorism, said that more could be done by tech giants to root out such content.

She felt that the companies erred on the side of privacy, not security. "We all know that social media companies have been a very helpful tool for hate preachers and for extremists," Dr Rushchenko said.

Simon Howard, chief executive of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association, said: "We'll need all the technology companies to do a bit more and we'll have to decide what the UK legal framework in which they do that is.

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Tenzin Paldon from Karnataka was crowned Miss Tibet 2017 in a ceremony at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in McLeod Ganj.

The event, held on Sunday evening, also saw Tenzin Khechoe and Tenzin Nordron being named first and second runners-up, respectively.

Paldon, 21, is a cabin crew member of Spice Jet and hails from Kollegal.

"I will use the title of Miss Tibet to inspire the younger generations in every way possible. The title will also be immensely helpful to my modelling career," Paldon said.

"The modelling agency has already come forward with more offers."



Pladon, who also won the Miss photogenic title which was decided by online voting, got a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh as well as a two-week trip to Vietnam, sponsored by Claire Huynh Hong Hai.

Khechoe received Rs 50,000 and Nordron got Rs 25,000.

The winners were named after seven rounds of contests over the period of three days.

A record of nine contestants from India, United States and Europe took part in the 15th edition of the beauty contest.

Miss Tibet Pageant was introduced in 2002 by Lobsang Wangyal Production.

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The terrorists, who tried to storm a CRPF camp in a pre-dawn suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir, intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage, Home minister Rajnath Singh said today.

Giving the details of the attack in which four militants were killed while attacking CRPF's Sumbal camp in Bandipora district, Singh said the heavily-armed "fidayeen" terrorists approached the paramilitary camp with the intent of breaching it.

"The terrorists were heavily armed with automatic rifles, grenades and incendiary material such as petrol, and were carrying dry rations which indicates they intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage," he said in a statement.

The home minister said the group of heavily armed terrorists attempted entry by cutting the wire fencing and also forcing their entry by shooting at the sentry.

"The sentries responded with alacrity and returned their fire. Heavy exchange of fire took place during which the terrorists lobbed more than two dozen grenades in an attempt to escape," he said.

However, Singh said, the Central Reserve Police Force, in cooperation with force from the adjoining Jammu and Kashmir Police camp shot dead all the four terrorists.

The home minister said the CRPF jawans and the Jammu and Kashmir Police showed exemplary courage and valour by thwarting the terrorists' attempt and in eliminating them.

He said a massive recovery of arms and ammunition, including grenades, explosives and automatic weapons, has been made from neutralised terrorists.

"It is inspiring to see CRPF men staying awake all night and maintaining tight vigil, and to see the Jammu and Kashmir Police coming to the CRPF's assistance quickly," he said.

Singh congratulated the CRPF, particularly, its 45th battalion, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police for their "alertness and unmatched courage".

"Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces," he said.

The home minister said all the brave officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp "need to be cited for their alertness and unmatched bravery".

Those who were appreciated by the home minister for their exemplary courage are CRPF commandant Iqbal Ahmad, company commanders Shankarlal Jat and Pankaj Hallu, guard commander Pankaj Kumar and constables K Dinesh Raja and Praful Kumar, and all the officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp.

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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Monday called on Gulf states to stay united and sort out their differences after several nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he said in Sydney.

"If there's any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."



In the region's most serious diplomatic crisis in years, Qatar's Gulf neighbours Riyadh, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Egypt all announced they were severing ties with gas-rich Qatar.

Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism", the official Saudi Press Agency said.

A Saudi-led coalition which for more than two years has been fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen separately announced Qatar was no longer welcome in the alliance, accusing it of supporting terrorist organisations.

Qatar had assigned warplanes to the coalition conducting air strikes against Yemen's Huthi rebels.

Tillerson said despite the impasse, he did not expect it to have "any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism in the region or globally".

"All of those parties you mentioned have been quite unified in the fight against terrorism and the fight against Daesh, ISIS, and have expressed that most recently in the summit in Riyadh," he added.

Less than a month ago, US President Donald Trump visited the region to cement ties with powerhouse Saudi Arabia -- the first foreign stop of his young presidency.

In a Riyadh speech to Muslim leaders from around the world, Trump urged them to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists", as Sunni jihadists carry out attacks in many countries.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly will meet for its next session on June 14.

Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has 'summoned' the Assembly to meet at 10 AM on June 14, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretary (in-charge) K Boopathy said in a release.

The session is likely to witness the debate on grants for various departments.

The state government is also likely to move the Tamil Nadu Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017, draft for which has already been approved by the state cabinet.

Finance Minister D Jayakumar had last week said the government will "very soon" introduce the bill in the Assembly for consideration and passage.

The government's announcement on convening of the state assembly comes amid persistent demand from main opposition party DMK in this regard to debate the grants for various departments.

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The top career diplomat at the US embassy in China has stepped down, an official told AFP today, amid reports that he opposes President Donald Trump's climate policy.

Embassy charge d'affaires David Rank was a 27-year veteran State Department officer appointed to serve in Beijing in January last year.

Trump's choice as the new ambassador to China, former Iowa governor Terry Branstad, has yet to arrive in country so it is not clear who currently runs the mission.

"Mr Rank made a personal decision. We appreciate his years of dedicated service to the State Department," a State Department official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"We informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today that Jonathan Fritz will be serving as charge d'affaires," she added.

"I am not going to talk about the details of how we decide who fills what is, in any event, a temporary position, until the new ambassador arrives."



of Rank's resignation was broken on Twitter by veteran China reporter John Pomfret, an editor at the SupChina site, formerly of the Washington Post.

According to Pomfret, Rank stepped down because he "could not back Trump on climate" and had been dismayed by the president's decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord.

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A special court today sent a Lieutenant Colonel and an alleged middleman to judicial custody till June 17 in connection with a transfer racket at the Army headquarters here in which officers allegedly paid lakhs of rupees to manipulate their postings.

Special CBI Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra sent Lt Col Ranganathan Suvramani Moni, posted to the personnel division of the Army, and Gaurav Kohli to custody after the Central Bureau of Investigation submitted they were not required for further custodial interrogation.

The two were produced before the court after the expiry of their three-day CBI custody.

Kohli, meanwhile, moved a bail plea submitting that since he was not required for a further probe, he should be released on bail.

The court will hear the application on June 9.

During the proceedings, Public prosecutor Amit Kumar told the court the CBI had taken the voice samples of the two and conducted searches at the premises of some others in relation to the case.

According to the CBI, an FIR was registered against Moni, a Hyderabad-based Army officer identified only as Purshottam, Bengaluru-based barracks and stores officer (BSO) S Subhas and Kohli for various offences including criminal conspiracy and corruption.

The bribe was paid through hawala channels, the CBI said in its FIR.

It alleged Moni entered into a criminal conspiracy with Kohli and Purshottam, posted to the engineer stores department, for influencing the transfer of various officers.

Purshottam allegedly contacted army officers who were either posted to different field formations or faced a transfer and wanted to be posted to a preferred location.

He used to contact Kohli, who was allegedly close to senior officers in the personnel division of the Army headquarters here, and used these contacts on the transfers of Army officers for money, the FIR said.

It claimed Purshottam requested Kohli to pursue the posting of one D S R K Reddy and Subhas in exchange for a bribe. Both wanted to be posted from Bengaluru to Secunderabad or Visakhapatnam.

Moni assured Subhas that he would get him transferred through senior officers in the Army headquarters against payment, it claimed.

Subhas allegedly delivered Rs 5 lakh as bribe to Kohli through hawala operators.

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Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy today travelled in the Delhi Metro, including its recently opened heritage corridor, and hailed the mass rapid transit facility as one of the best in the world.

Roy, 72, incidentally is a trained engineer and was part of the pioneering team that created the Calcutta Metro.

"He took a ride in the metro, and was all praises for it. The Governor boarded a train from Central Secretariat Metro Station and travelled all the way up to the Kashmere Gate Metro Station.

"In between, he got down at Lal Quila Metro Station and stepped out to see the design of the structure, as also the bustling Old Delhi the metro line enters into," a senior protocol officer told PTI.

The Governor also spent some time at the new Kashmere Gate Metro Station of the recently inaugurated heritage corridor of the Violet Line service and saw the exhibits on the area's history, put up there.

"He then returned through the Violet Line service and got down at Mandi House Metro Station on way to a press interaction at the Metro Bhawan," he said.

"Though, I am now on in a different profession, but deep within still a 'metro man'. I enjoyed the ride very much.

"Delhi Metro is something that we all are very proud of. I have seen metros in foreign countries too, but this is one of the best," Roy was quoted as saying by the senior officer.

The senior official said it was his first visit to the Delhi Metro. Roy was accompanied by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Mangu Singh during the visit.

"The Governor arrived here Sunday evening and is expected to meet some senior government officials in Delhi. On June 7, he is scheduled to go to Chandigarh, after which he will return home via Delhi," he said.

Violet Line of the DMRC network stretched for about 36 km from ITO metro station to Escorts Mujesar station, up until late last month, when the 5.17-km-long corridor was launched from ITO station to Kashmere Gate metro station.

The three new stations- Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid and Red Fort on this heritage corridor take the Delhi Metro into the heart of Shajehanabad, once the seat of the Mughal empire.

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US President Donald Trump today returned to his offensive criticism of London's Pakistani- origin mayor Sadiq Khan, calling his assuring statements to Londoners a "pathetic excuse", and renewed the demand for a tougher travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority nations.

Trump yesterday slammed Khan after the attack on London Bridge that killed seven people and injured 49. He referred to an interview Khan gave to BBC in which he told Londoners that they "will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. No reason to be alarmed."



Today, the US president doubled down on his criticism of Khan, whose spokesman has said he would not respond personally to Trump.

"Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his 'no reason to be alarmed' statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!" Trump said in a tweet, which also criticised the mainstream media (MSM).

He forcefully referred to his controversial executive order on immigration - that seeks to block people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the US - as a "travel ban".

"People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!" he said, and in another tweet added that: "The Justice Dept should have stayed with the original travel ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to Supreme Court."



The Justice Department last week asked the US Supreme Court to reinstate Trump's executive order banning travel to the US from the six Muslim-majority nations while it appeals a lower-court ruling that upheld a nationwide block on the ban.

"The Justice Department should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered-down travel ban before the Supreme Court - and seek much tougher version!" Trump tweeted.

Trump has used the London attacks - in which three men plowed a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge and went on a stabbing spree in a nearby market - to promote and call for support for his travel ban.

Today, he also accused the American courts of being "slow" and "political".

"In any event, we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the US in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!" Trump said.

He followed that by calling the Democrats "obstructionist".

"Democrats are taking forever to approve my people, including ambassadors. They are nothing but OBSTRUCTIONISTS! Want approvals," he said.

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President Donald Trump has vowed to do whatever necessary to protect the US and its allies from a "vile enemy" that has "waged war" on innocent lives, his first public comments after the van and knife attack in London.

"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 has waged war on innocent life, and it's gone on too long," Trump said yesterday, a day after three knife-wielding men unleashed a grisly terror rampage in London, killing seven people and injuring 48 .

It was his first public comments on the London attacks. He previously had commented via a series of Twitter posts.

"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 yesterday.

"This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end," he said, speaking at an annual fundraiser for Ford's Theater, scene of Abraham Lincoln's assassination.

Trump said he had spoken with British Prime Minister Theresa May and offered the US' "unwavering support" in investigating the terror attacks at the iconic London Bridge and Borough Market in the heart of the British capital.

Trump earlier 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 attacks.

"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 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.

The mayor's spokesman said he was too busy to respond to Trump's "ill-informed" tweet.

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 nearby Borough market, killing seven people for which Prime Minister Theresa May blamed the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism".

British Police has arrested a dozen people in connection with the attacks.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the London attacks.
Turkey today called for dialogue and said it was ready to help defuse the row between Qatar and Arab nations including Saudi Arabia and Egypt that accuse Doha of supporting extremism.

"It's a development that really saddened all of us," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters.

"There could be problems between the countries but dialogue must prevail in all circumstances," he said, adding that Ankara was ready to do its best to help resolve the dispute.

Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen joined Saudi Arabia and Egypt in severing relations with gas-rich Qatar, with Riyadh accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Cavusoglu said problems could only be resolved through dialogue.

"We will give any kind of support for the situation to be normalised," he said.

Turkey enjoys friendly relations with Qatar including in the energy sector but also maintains good ties with other Gulf countries.

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Two persons were arrested on June 1 for their alleged involvement in crimes such as chain-snatching, cheating, burglary, and vehicle theft, from Kondhwa in Pune, police said today.

Police claimed to have seized gold and silver ornaments, foreign and Indian currency, and vehicles worth Rs 1.40 crore from Jafar Irani and Amjad Pathan.

Deputy commissioner of police (Crime) Pankaj Dahane said during the investigation, the duo confessed to their role in 51 cases of chain-snatchings, cheating, vehicle theft and burglary.

"We have so far detected 51 cases and seized gold and silver ornaments, foreign as well as Indian currency, an SUV, motorcycles, total worth Rs 1.40 crore," he said, adding that police are interrogating the duo.

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The head of the United Nations Population Fund and a former health minister of Nigeria who also headed his country's fight against AIDS, Babatunde Osotimehin, has died, the UN said today. He was 68.

Osotimehin passed away suddenly at his home Sunday evening, said a statement from UNFPA.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Osotimehin as a strong advocate for the health of women and girls worldwide.

"The world has lost a great champion of health and well- being for all," he said.

Osotimehin led the UNFPA, which provides reproductive health and birth control services in more than 150 countries, since 2011 and held the rank of UN under-secretary-general.

"Sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights are among the most important, and often sensitive, on the international agenda," Guterres said.

"Dr Babatunde's calm yet ardent efforts helped families get the sexual and reproductive health services they need."



A trained physician, Osotimehim also served as minister of health in Nigeria and led the national AIDS agency.

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Weeks after becoming US President Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley described the UN's Human Rights Council as "so corrupt."



Expect some sparks to fly, then, when she addresses that body for the first time.

En route to the Middle East, Haley drops in today at the meeting in Geneva to deliver a speech and take part in a "side event" focusing on rights in Venezuela. Her one-day appearance is shaping up as perhaps the standout event of the council's three-week session because the US has a reputation as a key human-rights defender and is the single largest donor to the United Nations.

Her boss, however, has shaken up that image and raised doubts about America's global commitments.

Trump is seeking deep cuts in US funding for international organisations like the UN and the council. On Thursday, he announced the US will withdraw from the Paris climate accord, denting Washington's moral capital.

Last month in Riyadh, he announced hundreds of billions of dollars in arms sales over 10 years to Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military campaign in neighbouring Yemen that has killed hundreds of civilians.

Despite criticism of the kingdom on issues like women's rights and quelling of political dissent, Trump insisted: "We are not here to lecture."



Haley, on the other hand, will most certainly be in Geneva to lecture.

Laying out her tack in an opinion piece Friday in The Washington Post, Haley said the council must "end its practice of wrongly singling out Israel for criticism." She said "the presence of multiple human rights-violating countries ... Has damaged both the reputation of the council and the cause of human rights." She called for "competitive voting to keep the worst human rights abusers from obtaining seats."



"I will outline changes that must be made," Haley wrote.

"When the world's pre-eminent human rights body is turned into a haven for dictators, the idea of international cooperation in support of human dignity is discredited."



The council now counts among its 47 members Burundi, China, Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, all of which have spotty rights records but won seats through its arcane system of regional blocs.

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The United States today gave the Philippines hundreds of machine guns, pistols and grenade launchers, which a local commander said would be used against Islamist militants battling troops in a southern city.

The weapons, including machine guns capable of firing thousands of rounds a minute, were handed over at a ceremony in Manila that highlighted a decade-old American counter- terrorism assistance programme to the Philippines worth about $150 million.

"This equipment will enhance the (Philippine Marines') counterterrorism capabilities, and help protect (troops) actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines," a US embassy statement said.

Philippine Marines chief Major General Emmanuel Salamat said at the ceremony troops would use the weapons in the ongoing battle against Islamist militants in the southern city of Marawi.

Militants flying black Islamic State (IS) group flags rampaged through Marawi nearly two weeks ago, triggering clashes with troops and police that have left at least 178 people dead.

In response to the violence, President Rodrigo Duterte quickly declared martial law in the southern region of Mindanao to quell what he said was a fast-growing threat from IS there.

The Philippines and the United States have for decades been close allies, and they are bound by a 1951 mutual defence treaty to protect each other if attacked.

The United States is the Philippines' biggest supplier of military hardware and arms.

However Duterte, who took office last year, has sought to loosen the Philippines' ties with the United States while forging closer relations with China and Russia.

Duterte has called for the withdrawal of American troops from his country while scaling down joint military exercises in response to US criticism of his deadly war on drugs.

He has looked to China and Russia as new sources of weapons, and complained about the quality of "second-hand" American military hardware.

"I will not accept any more military equipment that is second hand. The ones the Americans are giving, I do not want that anymore," Duterte said on Friday.

The equipment turned over on Monday was all new, according to US officers at the ceremony.

It included four M134D Gatling-style machine guns, which are capable of firing thousands of rounds a minute, as well as 300 M4 assault rifles and 100 grenade launchers.

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Footwear and apparel brand Woodland will roll out inner-wear and leisure wear collection as part of its expansion plans as the company looks to cross Rs 1,500 crore total turnover mark by current fiscal.

Besides, the company has firmed up plans to enter new export markets including Canada to expand its footprint overseas.

"We will launch inner-wear and leisure wear collections. This is part of our expansion plans as this was the category which we thought we were missing," Aero Club MD Harkirat Singh said. Aero Club owns Woodland brand.

The collection will comprise products like vests, briefs, trunks, inner T-shirts and shorts, he said.

The current size of the innerwear category in the country is pegged at over Rs 15,000 crore, as per company estimates.

"The new range of our product line will be available at company run 600 stores and about 4,000 multi-brand outlets," he told PTI.

Woodland offers an extensive line of footwear, performance apparel and outdoor gear.

Singh said Woodland will also open 40 to 50 company-owned exclusive stores in current fiscal to deepen its footprint in the country.

"We will be opening 40 to 50 stores this financial year," he said.

Singh said the company is also selling its products through e-commerce portals like Amazon, Flipkart, etc. "As much as 14 per cent of the total revenue comes from e-commerce web sites," he said.

Aiming 15-20 per cent growth, the company expects to cross Rs 1,500 crore of total turnover by the end of the ongoing fiscal.

"Last fiscal, we clocked turnover of Rs 1,300 crore and this fiscal we expect to cross Rs 1,500 crore on the back of expansion and new product lines," he said.

On export front, the company is keen to enter Canada and South Africa by partnering locals for expanding its overseas operations.

"We have plans to enter Canada and South Africa which are very attractive markets and we are looking for right partners for the same," he said.

The company has offices in Hong Kong, Dubai and Moscow with retail presence in over 50 countries.

It has also recently tied up with a Chinese brand for selling Woodland range of products at over 5,000 stores in China, he said.

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CAIRO (Reuters) - Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit expressed regret on Monday that relations between Qatar and major regional powers had got to the point of suspending diplomatic relations.

The Arab world's strongest powers cut ties with Qatar on Monday over alleged support for Islamists and Iran.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut relations with Qatar in a coordinated move. Yemen, Libya's eastern-based government, and the Maldives joined in later.

"Aboul Gheit is sorry things reached this point between several Arab states and is concerned about the ramifications these differences will have on joint Arab work," his office said in a statement.

A former Egyptian foreign minister, Aboul Gheit said he hoped Arab states would overcome their differences and present a united front against common threats to their national security.

He called on all sides to return to agreements reached in 2014, the last time matters between Qatar and its neighbours had reached a tipping point.

Qatar has for years presented itself as a mediator and power broker for the region's many disputes, but Egypt and the Gulf Arab states resent Qatar's support for Islamists, especially the Muslim Brotherhood, which they see as a political foe. Qatar denies it interferes in the affairs of other countries.

(Reporting by Cairo newsroom; Writing by Ahmed Aboulenein Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)

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By Hadeel Al Sayegh

DUBAI (Reuters) - Credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service is concerned that the rift between Qatar and other regional states could have an impact on Qatar's credit outlook, if trade and capital flows are disrupted, a senior Moody's analyst told on Monday.

"There's a high degree of uncertainty. There's not much clarity on what could resolve this spat between Qatar and other GCC countries," Mathias Angonin said in Dubai.

"The last tension ended with no credit implications," he said, referring to a row when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar in March 2014.

"But this time around blocking sea, air and land (routes) shows a credit-negative escalation. And we're concerned that could have a credit impact if it disrupts trade and capital flows."

Late last month, Moody's downgraded Qatar's credit rating by one notch to Aa3 from Aa2 with a stable outlook, citing increasing external debt and uncertainty over the sustainability of the country's growth model over the next few years.

(Writing by Andrew Torchia)

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
DUBAI (Reuters) - A natural gas pipeline from Qatar to the United Arab Emirates and Oman was operating normally on Monday despite a Gulf political dispute with Doha, two industry sources said.

"The pipeline is still up and running," one industry source familiar with the matter said.

"There is no impact on Oman, it is still flowing," another source said.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain said on Monday they would sever all ties including transport links with Qatar, the world's top seller of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The Dolphin gas pipeline links Qatar's giant North Field with the UAE and Oman, and was the first cross-border gas project in the Gulf Arab region. It pumps around 2 billion cubic feet of gas per day to the UAE.

(Reporting by Rania El Gamal; editing by Jason Neely)

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Private Equity is in the final leg of talks with an Indian company to set up industrial and warehousing centres in the country.
Recently, when a video featuring actor Shilpa Shetty showed the PepsiCo-owned Tropicana brand in the background, it caused a stir on social media and some embarrassment for ITC since the actor is the endorser for its B Natural juice brand. Endorsing one brand while being seen with a rival drew flak all around until the company clarified that it did not hold Shetty responsible and saw it as a genuine mistake. However, the video raised a few issues about the dos and don'ts of brand-endorser relationships in an age when the harsh and hawk-eyed glare of social media is always upon them.
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The anticipation of central government employees waiting for an update on allowance recommendations by the 7th Pay Commission might come to an end this week. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is likely to decide on the changes in allowance structure when it meets on Wednesday this week.

The suggestions regarding reforms in allowances were handed over by the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley last week. He is expected to table these proposals before the Cabinet which were drafted after deliberating over recommendations by Committee of Allowances on June 1.

The E-CoS meeting on June 1 saw discussion over House Rent Allowances (HRA) and increase in basic pay among other things. The Empowered Committee capped HRA rates between 25 per cent and 27 per cent of the basic pay. Central government employees have been demanding 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent.

The pay panel had recommended that HRA rates to be pegged at 24 per cent, 16 per cent and 8 per cent of the basic pay and further revised to 27 per cent, 18 per cent and 9 per cent if dearness allowance crosses 50 per cent. HRA rates were suggested to be further revised to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent if DA went beyond 100 per cent of basic pay for Class X,Y and Z cities respectively. The Cabinet may even look into the HRA rates demanded by the central government employees.

The Committee of Allowances was formed by the Union Cabinet last year in August under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa to look into the extensive changes in allowance structure recommended by the 7th Central Pay Commission. The Commission had suggested 52 allowances out of 196 allowances to be done away entirely, while 36 others to be subsumed under other allowances.

Considering the representations from various central government department and agencies, the Lavasa Committee submitted its report to Jaitley on April 27. After being examined by Department of Expenditure, the recommendations were forwarded to Empowered Committee for screening and consolidations.

The Cabinet has already approved revision of pension to pre-2016 pensioner and family pensioners, benefitting 55 lakh former central government employees and army veterans. The Cabinet also agreed to retain the percentage-based regime of disability pension for defence pensioners, instead of the slab-based criteria recommended in the 7th Pay Commission. Central government employees, however, were receiving allowances on old rates due to delays in finalising allowance rates.

Dissatisfied with the pay hike recommended by the pay panel, the central government employees are waiting for something good news to come of Cabinet's decision on allowances.

Also watch:




With a 300 per cent increase in its value in just one year, Bitcoins could well be the kind of investment you may be looking for.



However, in spite of all the curiosity, many of us have wondered if it is safe to buy, store and sell bitcoins in India.



In the news recently for being the only payment method to pay ransoms to WannaCry attackers, Bitcoins can be used for a host of other things. And countries such as Japan and South Korea are leading the way.



One of Japan's biggest electronics retailers, Bic Camera, began accepting bitcoin at two stores in Tokyo last month.



Another Japanese firm, Recruit Lifestyle announced it will add bitcoin acceptance to its mobile point of sale tool AirRegi, which is used in 260,000 merchant and restaurant locations across Japan.



How are Bitcoins created?



Unlike paper currencies, Bitcoins cannot be minted, they can only be mined. There are only 21 million bitcoins that have been created.



At present, only 16.8 million or 80 per cent of all the bitcoins have been mined.



How to buy Bitcoins?



You can look for various digital currency exchanges to buy bitcoin.



You can purchase Bitcoins with a credit card. Coinbase.com and Coindesk.com are the most popular exchanges. They also offer tutorials on digital currencies.



In India, you can purchase Bitcoin from Zebpay exchange. Zebpay has Android and iPhone app which lets you link your bank account for quick transfers.



You can buy Bitcoins by making a payment to Zebpay's bank account. You can also withdraw the money to your bank account, and track data on Bitcoin valuation in the country.



There is a KYC requirement and you need to verify your ID by simply clicking a photo of your PAN card.



Unocoin, another India-based exchange, lets you trade Bitcoins. They can help you buy, sell, store, use and accept bitcoin.



The company claims it has over 1,50,000 customers.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government going the whole hog to make India a less cash economy, digital cryptocurrency has caught the attention of many Indians.



Post demonetisation, leading Bitcoin exchanges in India witnessed a rise in user base by up to 250 per cent.



Sathvik Vishwanath, CEO of popular bitcoin wallet Unocoin had told BT that after demonetisation demand from India has increased manifold.



Sandeep Goenka, CEO of Zebpay, one of the largest bitcoin exchanges in the country had said, "Indians are enquiring about bitcoins as an alternative and safe investment option. They are downloading Zebpay as they want to experiment with digital currencies. There has been a 50% increase in Zebpay downloads."

To be able to store Bitcoins, you'll need a wallet which can be in your computer or smartphone. You can back up the wallet at another location so that you don't lose data if your hard drive crashes. Depending on your requirement, you can choose a wallet.



How much returns can you get if you invest in Bitcoins?



The decentralized virtual currency that took the world by storm has witnessed a 300 per cent rise in value in just one year. Its value hit an all-time high when Japan passed a law to accept bitcoin as a legal payment method.



Despite RBI's reluctance to recognize the cyptocurrency, the interest in Bitcoins in India has not waned. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move, Ahmedabad-based bitcoin trading start-up Zebpay witnessed a 25 per cent surge in revenue.



Unocoin, another bitcoin trading firm which had received funds from Blume Ventures, saw a threefold rise in its user base to 1,20,000 following demonetisation.

Value of Bitcoins may not come down as there are limited number of Bitcoins and everyday more and more people are showing interest in investing in the cryptocurrency.



Are Bitcoins legal in India?



Even as economies like Japan and Russia move to legalize the use of Bitcoins, India, despite being at the cusp of a digital revolution is yet to officially recognize the cryptocurrency.



India's central bank, the Reserve bank of India or the RBI, which regulates Indian rupee, had earlier cautioned users, holders and traders of Virtual currencies (VCs), including Bitcoins.



"The creation, trading or usage of VCs including Bitcoins, as a medium for payment are not authorised by any central bank or monetary authority. No regulatory approvals, registration or authorisation is stated to have been obtained by the entities concerned for carrying on such activities," the central bank had said.



In March, RBI Deputy Governor R Gandhi warned against crypto-currencies such as Bitcoin. "They pose potential financial, legal, customer protection and security-related risks," Gandhi said. "Payments by such currencies are on a peer-to- peer basis and there is no established framework for recourse to customer problems, disputes, etc. Legal status is definitely not there," he added.



However, the central bank hasn't unequivocally banned Bitcoins in the country.



Blockchain, the technology behind Bitcoin



Although Bitcoin is yet to become mainstream in India, the underlying technology behind it, the blockchain technology has caught the attention of several Indian banks. Last year, ICICI Bank announced that it successfully executed transactions in international trade finance and remittances using blockchain technology.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said India-US ties are progressing under the Trump administration as they were during the Obama presidency and the pace had not slowed down.

Addressing a press conference on key initiatives of her ministry in three years of the Modi government, Swaraj also described the proposed changes in H1B visas as a "matter of concern".

She said the government was engaged with the Donald Trump administration as well as US Congressmen on the issue and was "alert" to any possible negative impact.

The matter will also figure during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, she said, but did not give the date of his travel. Modi is expected to visit the country by the month-end.

Some of the other major points made by Swaraj during the press interaction are --

1) India to raise airspace violation issue with China after Chinese choppers flew over Chamoli district.

2) India opposed China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) project as it violated India's sovereignty which was not acceptable.

China will be forced to rethink as other countries while participating in the OBOR meet, conveyed their view on territorial integrity and sovereignty.

3) India is also involved in various connectivity projects, including the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative, the Bangladesh China India Myanmar Forum for Regional Cooperation (BCIM) and Chahbahar port in Iran, but goes by principles on maintenance of territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries.

4) India wants countries which back its bid for NSG membership and are friends with China, to talk to Beijing on the issue.

5) India's NSG membership to be credential-based and not criteria-based.

6) India wants to resolve all issues with Pakistan bilaterally, but talks and terror cannot go together. No flip-flop in India's policy on Pakistan.

7) Pakistan can't take Kashmir issue to International Court of Justice (ICJ). Kashmir can only be resolved bilaterally.

8) Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, cutting ties with Qatar is an internal matter of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). India is only ascertaining if any of its nationals are getting adversely impacted by it.

9) All issues pertaining to Chahbahar port have been resolved. All the projects are reviewed by me every three months and by the prime minister, every six months. So, the pace of these projects are picking up.

10) Fishermen issue is of "primary importance" to the government, which has taken several steps to address it jointly with the Sri Lankan government.

11) There cannot be any timeline in finalising Teesta waters agreement with Bangladesh as there has to be consensus among the Centre, the West Bengal government and the Bangladesh government.

12) The government is looking into concerns expressed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the sharing of Teesta waters.

13) Totally "baseless" Pakistani allegations that Afghanistan was afraid of India and that was the reason for Kabul to blame Islamabad for terror attacks there.

14) The ministry will not hesitate in utilising budgetary allocation to bring back Indians stuck abroad.

15) There is no decision on Modi visiting the Maldives.

The prime minister and the external affairs minister have covered all the SAARC countries.

16) India's relations with West Asia have become one of the best.

17) 80,000 people stranded abroad brought back to India in the last three years.
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 India's 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.
Union minister Uma Bharti said it would 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 & 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.
China on Monday said India's membership bid in the NSG has become "more complicated" under the "new circumstances" as it again ruled out backing New Delhi's entry in the grouping, saying there should be non-discriminatory solution applicable to all non-NPT signatory countries.

China has been blocking India's membership in the 48-nation grouping which controls the nuclear commerce even though India has the backing of majority of the members.

The group goes by consensus approach on the admission of new members.

"About the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) it is a new issue under the new circumstances and it is more complicated than the previously imagined," China's assistant minister of foreign affairs Li Huilai told media briefing here.

He, however, did not elaborate what are the new circumstances and complications.

"China supports the NSG to have consultation for reaching non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution, applicable to all members of the NSG," he said.

Pakistan has also applied for the NSG membership. While China has not openly supported Pakistan's membership, it came with a two-step approach which stipulates that the NSG members first need to arrive at a set of principles for the admission of non-NPT states into the NSG and then move forward discussions of specific cases.

Last month, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media that there is no change in China's stand on admission of non-NPT states into NSG, ruling out any chances of India's entry into the elite grouping.

Asked about the chances of India's admission into the grouping during this month's plenary session expected to take place in the Swiss capital Bern, he said, "China's position on the non-NPT members' participation in the NSG has not changed."

Li, who interacted with media to highlight Chinese President Xi Jinping's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held at Astana Capital of Kazakhstan on June 8-9, said China wants to deepen relations with India.

"China and India are important neighbours and both are fast developing, both are emerging new market economies. Both are important forces upholding peace and stability," he said.

In recent years, relations between India and China are developing "sound and at quite fast speed".

President Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meetings have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and make joint efforts to build even closer development partnership, he said.

The highlight of the SCO summit is the admission of India and Pakistan as new members of the organisation.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to take part in the SCO summit where his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif is also expected to be present.

Modi is also likely to meet Xi on the sidelines of the summit though officials say the meeting has not been confirmed.

Li said the six-member grouping will be strengthened by the entry of India and Pakistan and it will extend the group's reach from Central Asia to South Asia.

He said the entry of the two countries will cover three fifth of Euro Asian continent and will account for half of the world's population.

China will take the rotating Presidency of the group next year, Li said.

He also said Iran, which is the observer, has expressed interest to join the organisation and its application will come up for discussion at the Astana summit.

The SCO comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan acts as China-dominated security group focussing on Central Asia.

India and Pakistan till now had the status of observers along with Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia in the group.

Asked about Afghanistan blaming Pakistan's intelligence agency for recent massive bomb attacks in Kabul, Li said China condemned recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, Britain and Philippines.

Also watch:




Amit Gossain, Managing Director of KONE India, discusses the revival of the real estate segment and how it will spur the elevator/escalator industry, and details the company's plans to instal the world's biggest escalator in Mumbai. Edited excerpts.

The revival of the real estate sector signals changing fortunes for its suppliers. Is KONE India witnessing similar changes?

The real estate sector has been through lots of ups and downs over the past few years. Due to the demonetisation announced late last year, the industry is currently facing a short-term impact, but I am sure it will pick up in the long run. India is seeing fast-paced urbanisation and it is evident that this trend will set the stage for faster development across all sectors.

Elevators are there in the heart of a building to ensure smooth people flow. Of late, a great many tall buildings are being built; In fact, this trend has become more prevalent and the buildings are now more complex. As we are finally creating 'cities in the sky', we have to ensure both safety and efficiency when we design our escape systems.

True to its vision of 'delivering the best people flow experience', KONE will provide solutions with all the right features, ensuring smooth and safe rides for users. We have been in the Forbes list of most innovative companies for six years in a row, which is a testimony to the world-class technology we use. The customer today defines his needs well. He is not only looking at better aesthetics, but also at more economical and safer world-class solutions. Providing the best people flow to create an enjoyable and memorable user experience will continue to be our priority.

Which is your biggest and most buoyant market? What are your India expansion plans?

Growth is happening across the country and all markets are equally important. Customers' requirements in different geographies could be different, but we need to provide value to all our customers, across all regions, with the same enthusiasm and vigour that mark our world-class operations and services.

We will continue to innovate and provide value in line with the market trends. We have a best-in-class production unit that can support the ever-increasing needs of the customers. We are also investing in a new plant in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu, which will be a state-of-the-art, world-class facility.

Then there is our Chennai-based Indian Technology and Engineering Centre that helps with innovative product developments across the globe. We have multiple service and installation offices and centres across India that serve our customers in all cities and even in remote areas. This centre is also helping us instal the world's largest escalator in Mumbai, which is capable to carry 250 passengers in a single flow.

Now that there is enough splurging in the luxury market, do your top-end customers want something different?

KONE is an innovation leader and we are committed to delivering the best people flow experience. With the demand rising for high-rise buildings, the need for faster elevators is increasing. KONE has also led the way by introducing a new hoisting technology called KONE Ultra rope - a superlight carbon fibre core. The Ultra rope is 90 per cent lighter than the equivalent steel cable, thus ensuring more than 50 per cent reduction in moving masses and 15 per cent reduction in energy consumption. It also allows an elevator to travel up to 1 km in a single run, double of what's currently possible with a steel cable.

Our latest partnership with the IBM will enable us to use technology to provide a better experience for our customers and end users. By leveraging the Watson IoT platform, we will be able to improve the uptime of elevators and escalators, bring a better experience, shorten journey time and improve people flow in big cities. Our differentiation will come from how best we utilise the insights to improve our service.

What is the parent company's plan to deal with the changing investment climate in India? Do you want to focus on capex?

Our new plant will be operational in a couple of years. This is an investment to ensure that we meet the dynamic needs of the ever-changing market. We are also expanding our offices to make sure we deliver on-time and quality services to our customers.

As India moves from horizontal to vertical spaces and buildings, what kind of development do you expect?

Even now, India is largely a residential market and growth will essentially come from this segment. With affordable housing given the infra status, this segment is bound to experience a bigger growth. Also, with the focus on the infrastructure sector and the growing number of metros, the need for escalators and elevators will be increasing. The government is also pushing for airport modernisation and I see a great potential in that sector as well. With the Indian government keen on infrastructure development, there will be a lot of scope to improve people flow and that will happen through urbanisation.

Which product segment is witnessing the maximum surge - entry, mid-level or the niche?

As I have mentioned earlier, the residential segment is witnessing maximum growth. And the growth is mostly happening in the mid-segment. The luxury segment will continue to grow, but with all the new government policies coming in to support the real estate sector, the mid-segment will see a better surge.



Also watch:




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 USD 1 trillion in the coming 5 to 7 years.
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.


CLEARFIELD  In Dec. 2016, Jay Stocking, owner of Sierra Homes, approached the <a href=http://cvhba.com/>Cache Valley Home Builders Association</a> (CVHBA) with an idea for the organizations 2017 service projectraising funds to benefit the wife and children of <a href=http://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/article_0477e914-b1a1-11e6-bd48-ef4c81e57392.html>fallen Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Ellsworth</a>, who died of injuries he sustained on Nov. 18, 2016 while directing traffic near a low-hanging powerline near Garland.

Jay came to us and said, We have to help this widow, said Kristi Summers, the CVHBAs executive officer. People sometimes get it in their heads that shell be taken care of, but thats not necessarily the case. Shes got three boys to raise, and theyre still tiny. If we can help her with one little piece, thats what wed like to do.

With a goal of raising enough money to pay off Janica Ellsworths mortgage, the CVHBA has coordinated a <a href=http://cvhba.com/givingback/>Trooper Ellsworth Fundraising Day</a> on Saturday, June 10, at <a href=https://www.davis.k12.ut.us/Domain/7356>Clearfield High School</a>, Trooper Ellsworths alma mater.

At first, we just started seeking donations, said Summers, but then we decided that wasnt good enough, and it grew to this full-day event. We chose to do it in Clearfield because thats the area where hes from.

With 100% of net proceeds going to support Ellsworths family, the CVHBAs Day of Charity and Fun includes a 5K fun run and 1-mile walk; firefighters pancake breakfast; kids carnival and lunch; honor balloon launch; bake sale and silent auction; catered dinner; and live auction. Organizers are still seeking <a href=https://secure.processdonation.org/cvhba/Donation.aspx>donations</a>, <a href=https://secure.processdonation.org/cvhba/events.aspx?eventRefID=AHB74E2091E76FF>sponsors</a>, <a href=http://cvhba.com/givingback/>vendors and volunteers</a>, but say the most important invitation they can extend is for <a href=https://secure.processdonation.org/cvhba/events.aspx?eventRefID=130BCJG06G2HJ94>community support</a>.

Were just a bunch of rookies, said Steven Cottle, one of Ellsworths best friends from high school. We dont know what were doing. Were just trying to put something together to celebrate Erics life, and the biggest thing people can do is sign up. Wherever the money ends up is where it ends up, but if we can get a bunch of people out there, we can have fun remembering Eric in a good way.

Since Ellsworths passing, Cottle said there have been months of memorials, including a vigil at the National Mall in Washington, DC and a permanent tribute to hima 20-foot by 12-foot cross funded by an anonymous donorrecently erected on private land adjacent to I-15 in Willard. Cottle said the Trooper Ellsworth Fundraising Day is an extension of these efforts, honoring his friends service and directly helping his family in his absence.

Having grown up in West Point, Ellsworth followed in his fathers footsteps to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was a seven-year UHP veteran who served for two years in Green River before transferring to Brigham City, where he patrolled throughout Box Elder County. He is remembered as being devoted to his work and his family, often going above and beyond to serve his community.

At his passing, Utah Governor Gary Herbert called Ellsworth an exceptional second generation UHP trooper who cared deeply for his young family and a committed public servant [who] paid the ultimate sacrifice while keeping others safe from harm.

Friends like Cottle and admirers like Stocking, who didnt know the fallen trooper personally but was driven to help nonetheless, agree that the best way to remember Eric Ellsworth is to help provide Janica Ellsworth with the financial resources necessary to raise their children.

These officers are out there working hard for us, to keep us safe and look out for our best interests, and sometimes I think we take it for granted, said Stocking. This officer was out there trying to keep people safe and was hit by a car and killed, and his family no longer gets to have Dad come home. They grow up knowing he was a hero, but that doesnt replace him. I just figured we could make a small difference by helping with their financial burden. It doesnt take much from a lot of people to help out a family. If we can pay off her house with a little contribution from each person, we can lighten their load. These men and women who are out there serving, we need to have their back when they need it because they have ours every day when theyre out there serving.

Registration information, ticket purchases and sponsorship opportunities for the Trooper Ellsworth Fundraising Day are available online at <a href=http://cvhba.com/givingback/>cvhba.com/givingback</a>. The CVHBA is coordinating the event through its 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization, the CVHBA Giving Back Foundation.

Clearfield really is a super quick drive, said Summers. Were super excited and hope we can pay off this house.

<hr />

jennifer@cvradio.com
By the end of 2016, combined debt of central and local governments in China stood at 27.3 trillion yuan ($4 trillion), with a debt-to-GDP ratio of about 36.7%.

(Beijing)  While top policymakers step up efforts to deleverage the economy and deflate asset bubbles, capital-thirsty local governments are embarking more on off-budget borrowing to continue their debt-fueled binge, undermining Chinas years-long battle to contain the runaway growth of government debt.

Mounting debt overhang has raised red flags on the countrys economic stability as governments at province, city and county level have borrowed aggressively, sometimes beyond their repayment capacity, to fund infrastructure in hopes of revitalizing local growth after the 2008 financial crisis.

By the end of 2016, combined debt of central and local governments in China stood at 27.3 trillion yuan ($4 trillion), with a debt-to-GDP ratio of about 36.7%. The outstanding local government debt totaled 15.3 trillion yuan, according to official data. Although Chinas Finance Minister Xiao Jie said in March that the Chinese government still has room to borrow more, the International Monetary Fund in April warned the countrys reliance on debt  funded through an increasingly opaque and complex financial system  to drive growth will eventually raise the specter of a disruptive correction in growth in the longer term.

To control the spiraling local debt, the central government has since 2014 tightened its grip on local government borrowing through an amendment to the budget law and a slew of policies targeting local governments and their financing vehicles. It also allowed some local governments to swap 8 trillion yuan worth of short-term debts into bonds over the past two years to defuse imminent risks.

But Beijings stricter scrutiny hasnt stopped local governments finding alternative ways to raise cash for local construction that dont appear on their balance sheet. To get around tighter budget restrictions, local authorities and their financing vehicles have expanded borrowing and stepped up public-private partnership (PPP) projects, in which private investors and local governments work together to finance and develop infrastructure projects. They have issued debts for special investment funds and use of government procurement contracts to continue pumping cash from banks, mostly funds raised from retail investors via wealth management products, into investment projects, analysts said.

There are no official statistics on these off-budget debts, but some experts estimated that by the end of 2015, local governments hidden debt pile through off-budget borrowing methods reached 35 trillion yuan. The same year, the countrys parliament capped the total on-budget borrowing of local governments at 16 trillion yuan.

The risks are spreading, said a source close to the Ministry of Finance who declined to be named, referring to local governments backdoor borrowing activities.

According to the source, an inspection by the finance ministry last year found some local governments using PPP arrangement, government procurement contracts and investment funds to raise capital and skirt rules on local borrowing. Some local authorities have offered implicit guarantees to local companies debts, violating related rules.

There is plenty of gray zone (in the operation) of PPP, investment fund and government procurement. Local authorities try to get around the (borrowing) rules by promising buyback or fixed yield to investors, said an official from a local governments fiscal department, adding such practices are prevalent in east costal provinces.

For instance, some local authorities invited banks and state-owned companies to invest in a PPP project or local investment fund, while promising to pay back their investments with fixed yield at certain time, making the projects nothing more than camouflaged off-budget financing.

Tightened Scrutiny

Concerns over the hidden debt overhang have spurred a series of regulatory moves since late last year to tighten oversight on local off-budget borrowing activities. On June 2, the Ministry of Finance issued a document to bar local governments from using government procurement contracts to finance infrastructure and land development projects, a practice that largely fall outside regular oversight on local debt.

According to a bank executive, some local authorities have expanded the notion of governments public service procurement to include infrastructure construction in order to get additional financing from banks and avoid borrowing limits.

The National Audit Office in June last year accused authorities in Inner Mongolia, Shandong, Hunan and Henan of violating borrowing rules through government procurement contracts.

The tightened procurement rules followed another key document issued on May 3 by six government agencies, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the finance ministry, the central bank and securities and banking regulators to further regulate local government financing.

Under the policy directive, local governments will be banned from using borrowed money to set up investment funds, from issuing excessive debt through PPP projects, and from offering any implicit guarantee to their financing vehicles. The agencies also ordered local governments to set up debt management teams to audit all local debts and correct all irregularities by July 31.

A finance ministry official told Caixin that the ministry also ordered its local offices to conduct a survey on the debt situation of local governments financing vehicles, state-backed companies and other government institutions, involving in investment fund, PPP, government procurement and other possible borrowing activities.

A senior financial regulatory official told Caixin that the finance ministry will speed up to work out unified accounting rules and statistics standards to more accurately monitor local government debts, including the off-budget ones. Local authorities will be assessed for their debt risk exposure and officials will be found accountable for irregularities, said the official.

Loan in Disguise

Beijing started to encourage local governments to set up industry investment funds in late 2014, with an intention to push forward the transparency of local government spending.

According to a State Council policy issued in December 2014, local governments were barred from offering direct fiscal subsidies to benefit select companies. Instead, authorities set up special investment funds in partnership with private capital to invest in certain industries.

But in practice, some local authorities swiftly tweak the policies to make such funds a new platform to raise capital for local government and their investment vehicles.

Government investment funds have mushroomed since then. According to information provider Zero2IPO, by the end of 2016, 1,013 local government investment funds have been set up across the country, with plans to invest 5.3 trillion yuan in various industries, compared to only 76 funds involving 212 billion yuan as of the end of 2014.

The size of the investment funds range from 100 million yuan to 100 billion yuan, such as the Yangtze River Industry Fund set up by Hubei provincial government.

Analysts told Caixin that in practice many local governments offer implicit guarantee on the repayment or use land or equity as collateral to lure banks and other investors to pour money into the funds, which then are channeled to local government financial vehicles and infrastructure projects.

The funds, guaranteed by local fiscal revenues, become new fundraising platforms for local governments and add to their hidden debt level, said Guozhou-based Huachuang Securities.

There is lots of chaos in government investment funds. It is time to clear them up, said an official close to the MOF.

PPP programs are also under closer scrutiny as local officials have used such arrangements for extra borrowing that falls outside of normal supervision.

The central government has promoted local governments to form partnership with private investors in infrastructure investment since 2014 with the aim of encouraging private investments while alleviating local governments spending pressure. By the end of March, a total of 1,700 PPP projects, such as road construction, water plant and garbage disposal facilities, had been filed to the Finance ministry, involving 2.9 trillion yuan in planned investment.

But in practice, most local authorities have expanded the concept of private capital to cover state-owned companies and design the PPP projects to favor certain state players.

The true private players have been largely absent in PPP projects as it is difficult for them to access projects with better profit prospect, according to a manager at a trust firm.

Some local government-backed companies have leveraged the PPP projects to tap new bank loans or issue bonds with local governments as the implicit guarantor, analysts said.

Lingering Battle

While adding government leverage, expanding off-budget borrowing has also fueled concerns over risks stemming from the mismatch between the short-term capital and the long-term nature of the investments being made with the cash, as a major funding source of local PPP projects and investment funds is capital raised through wealth management products that are kept out of commercial banks' balance sheets.

Most wealth management products offered by banks are obligated to pay their investors back in between three months to one year. But the money is invested into long-term infrastructure projects that may not be able to see returns for 10 or 15 years, according to an analyst.

There are serious problems of maturity mismatch because banks wealth management products are packed in a black box and there is no way to tell exactly the maturity of each product involved, said the analyst.

According to research by Huang Jie, a banking analyst at China International Capital Corp., about 1.1 trillion yuan from bank wealth management funds were invested in PPP, local investment funds and other projects through off-budget borrowing arrangements.

Sources close to the finance ministry said Chinas prolonged war against excessive local government borrowing is partly due to the lack of adequate monitoring and precise statistics on local irregular borrowing, as well as toothless accountability mechanisms.

In January, the finance ministry noticed five local governments of Inner Mongolia, Shandong, Sichuan, Chongqing and Henan to fix irregular borrowing activities and punish institutions and officials with misconducts. However, only Chongqing and Shandong have published their punishment results according to the ministrys requirement so far.

A finance ministry official said in previous supervision on local borrowing, only local governments were accountable for misconducts, but the new policy document issued on May 3 will expand the oversight to financial institutions, law firms and accounting firms, who involve in local debt issuance.

Debt supervision is not only the matter of the finance ministry. It is highly related to the overall reform of government functions, said a finance ministry official.

Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com)
| BY Ricki Green |

How will Australia perform at Cannes this year? In the lead up to the Festival, Campaign Brief will be showcasing the work we hope will impress the judges

The Glue Society, Revolver/Will ORourke, CHE Proximity

Cochlear, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, created a short film via CHE Proximity, that is actually a hearing test in disguise. Does Love Last? is a short film with two different outcomes depending on the viewers level of hearing loss. Screenwriting and direction via The Glue Societys Pete Baker.

The Glue Society, Revolver/Will ORourke, BWM Dentsu, Melbourne

As Australias largest shopping centre, Chadstone is uniquely qualified to cater to the one thing which makes a person unique  taste. We designed, created and built The Tailor Made Store. An intelligent kinetic structure which adapted and transformed to suit each and every individual. Chadstone shoppers used a bespoke Instagram mechanic to queue for their tailor made experience. On entry, the store asked a series of questions, gathering information from each person. A unique algorithm interpreted the data. And a team of stylists transformed the store within minutes. Tailor made products, lighting, music and mood meant a truly unique retail experience every single time. Project direction via The Glue Societys Luke Nuto.

The Glue Society, Revolver/Will ORourke, DDB, Sydney

The Amarok V6 is the most powerful ute in its class and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles team tasked DDB Sydney to create a campaign that brought the fun back into driving a 44 ute and at the same time challenge some flawed perceptions around the Volkswagen Amarok. The resulting campaign saw the creation of a powerful, off road performance vehicle, the Korama, that looked like it belonged in the Dakar Rally, but actually hid a full production Amarok V6 model underneath. Project design, editing and direction via The Glue Societys Luke Nuto, Henry Curchod, Jonathan Kneebone, Luke Crethar and Scott Stirling). Post Production via Glue Society Studios.

The Glue Society, Revolver/Will ORourke, TBWA\Melbourne and Auckland

New research finds LGBTIQ community twice as likely to feel uncomfortable holding hands in public. As the LGBTIQ community on both sides of the Tasman get ready to celebrate love at the Auckland Pride Festival and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG), the majority still struggle with the smallest acts of public affection. This insight is the inspiration behind ANZs latest campaign in support of the LGBTIQ community, a joint effort between agencies TBWA Melbourne and TBWA Auckland. #HoldTight aims to highlight this disparity and encourages all people across New Zealand and Australia and beyond to show their support. The campaign launched with a hero piece of film accompanied by heartfelt stories told by ANZ staff. Directed by The Glue Societys Pete Baker.

The Glue Society, Revolver/Will ORourke

The Art Gallery of New South Wales commissioned creative and art collective The Glue Society to create a project inspired by its Nude: art from the Tate collection exhibition  in particular the Rodin work. By using 3D scanning and printing, the collective has recreated the famous pose using seven couples from around Sydney. Concept, editing and direction via The Glue Societys Max Rapley, Alex Harrod, Kate Davies, Alice Cogin, Mia Middleton, Luke Crethar and Scott Stirling. Post Production via Glue Society Studios.

The Glue Society, Revolver/Will ORourke, Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne

As part of its mission is to create a world where anyone can belong, Airbnb asked Australians to make their support of marriage equality known by wearing the symbol of marriage itself a ring. The campaign was developed by Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne. Launched with support from some of Australias biggest brands including Qantas, Google, ANZ and eBay, and in collaboration with The Equality Campaign, Until We All Belong marks the most public corporate declaration for marriage equality in Australia to date. The initiative calls on the people of Australia to show their acceptance of marriage equality and commit to wearing a bespoke ring until same-sex marriage is recognised in Australia. Designed in support from world-renowned designer Marc Newson, this unique, matte black metal ring is a visual representation of the gap in marriage equality and is intricately engraved with the words Until We All Belong on the interior. Airbnb is also making it easier for Australians  no matter where they call home to get involved by making the rings free of charge and standardising postage costs across the country. To make your acceptance of marriage equality known and receive an Acceptance Ring, visit www.untilweallbelong.com. Directed by The Glue Societys Jonathan Kneebone.

The Glue Society, Revolver/Will ORourke, Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne
| BY Ricki Green |

Australian hotel franchise group Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has today launched its new, integrated marketing campaign, Need A Break, across Australia and New Zealand via Akkomplice.

The Need A Break campaign is a result of comprehensive research  both proprietary and independent consumer analysis  which identified that about two thirds of Australians (67 per cent) and New Zealanders (65 per cent) feel some level of stress and are in need of regular breaks from their daily grind.

These results are indicative of other independent research studies that show our population has some of the highest volumes of underutilised annual leave accrued in the developed world.

In response, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has developed a comprehensive strategy and a range of marketing initiatives to ensure taking a short break is easy and accessible to most Aussies and Kiwis; the number one stress reliever in the Need A Break research study.

The end result is an innovative, multi-layered campaign, including: the launch of the new website  NeedaBreak.com, the branding and wrapping of a Jetstar plane, a new TVC, large-format location-specific outdoor advertising, targeted radio advertising within the Hamish & Andy drive show, innovative programmatic digital advertising, a new social direction and traditional PR.

The television commercial will run every day of the year alongside an integrated sponsorship of Channel 9s Today show. The clever creative shows an office descending into chaos, after a seemingly innocent and relatively innocuous source of irritation sets off a chain reaction of hilarious events, ultimately ending with a photocopier in flames being thrown out of the building.

This same creative theme is then portrayed across all other media, including the branded and wrapped Jetstar plane, which will be in the skies across the next four months.

Says Matt Taylor, general manager, marketing, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac: After 12 months of rigorous research and development, we are delighted with the end result of our creative Need A Break campaign and feel that consumers will be inspired and uplifted by its tonality and messaging to take a well-deserved short break from their day-to-day stresses.

We wanted to adopt an upbeat, light-hearted tone to our campaign, to reflect the sense of revitalisation that short breaks provide. Our research confirmed 82 per cent of Aussies and 83 per cent of Kiwis feel revitalised after a short break and that ultimately short breaks renew a sense of happiness, healthiness, work motivation and sense of connection to partners and kids.

This strategy also enables Choice Hotels to showcase their breadth of accommodation options across Australia and New Zealand.

Says Taylor: Choice Hotels has over 250 properties across all major capital cities, regional gateways and rural areas across Australia and New Zealand. Through this offering we can allow people to explore all areas of our two great countries. The NeedaBreak.com website will be a vital driver to facilitating this, providing a range of information, ideas and planning tools to allow everyone to get away from their daily grind.

Assisting Choice Hotels with this new direction has been its agency team, who have been vital to orchestrating the theme and direction for the brand.

Says Taylor: We are very excited to launch this new campaign and I would like to thank all of our agency partners for the enormous amount of work they have put into ensuring this campaign is a success for our brand. These include our media agency, Gravia Media, creative agency, Akkomplice and TVC production company, The Producers.

Media Agency: Gravia Media

Creative Agency: Akkomplice Group Australia

Creative Director: Kenny Hill

Production Co: The Producers

Director/DOP: Mitch Kennedy
| BY Ricki Green |

Clemenger BBDO Sydney has promoted Madeleine Marsh to head of account management effective immediately.

Marsh, who has been on maternity leave for the past year, joined Clemenger BBDO Sydney in 2010 as group account director. She has led the Mars and Wrigley businesses and been a driving force behind award winning campaigns including Whiskas Catstacam, Masterfoods Make Dinner Time Matter and Dolmio Pepper Hacker.

Marsh will continue to be involved on the Mars and Wrigley business, as well as overseeing the account management department across all clients.

Says Emily Perrett, managing director, Clemenger BBDO, Sydney: I cant wait to have Maddie back in the office  personally and professionally. There was never anyone else for this job. Shes a force of nature, and weve missed her energy about the place.
| BY Ricki Green |

By Jon Burden (pictured right with Steve Back), executive creative director, Naked Communications

When a few high profile people left agency life recently, my first thought was it couldnt be good for Adland. This thought was reinforced whilst reading a study from the 4As in partnership with LinkedIn, which revealed turnover in advertising is higher than related industries and growing at a faster rate, with people moving to different agencies or leaving the business all together.

I recently worked with Steve Back on a project for a client of ours. Steve was previously a Creative Partner at a small agency and before that a Chief Creative Officer at one of Australias biggest agencies and is now a director at Brilliant! Films. Our time together presented the perfect opportunity to get a relevant perspective about this very subject. We sat down and had a chat about the reasons behind his leap and his new life outside agencies.

Have you always thought about moving into directing?

Ever since I started as a creative. People joke about creatives aspiring to write a book or film; I always had an ambition to start directing because it felt like a pure form of creativity and I love ideas and story telling.

What prevented you from moving sooner?

Being frank, it was a struggle to get over the hump of a big salary every month. You become a slave because you dont want to risk the pay packet, and so you constantly feel compromised.

But I was also constantly searching for satisfaction in agency life. People were critical of me shuffling between jobs, but as a creative person theres an inherent desire to do new things.

I moved around to satisfy the creative urge, by trying different clients, agency structures and management teams. Even when youre in charge, you dont always have the power to feed that urge when and where you want to.

I had worked overseas, I had worked for massive agencies with 600+ people, and I had come home and worked for places much smaller. I felt like Id covered the big and the small and everything in between, so I knew it was time to try something new.

Why was this the right time to move?

After 25 years in the business, I was really motivated to get back to being a true creative. I started as an art director, and my drive took me all of the way to CCO, which, as it turns out, wasnt my cup of tea. When I was leading a huge team, I felt like I had lost touch with the creative.

When I came back to Australia and joined a smaller place, I was able to work much more closely with clients and products, and it made me feel like I was in the creative mix again. And I suppose ultimately the reason I took the step to directing.

Whats different in this role compared to your former career?

In directing, its still all about ideas. For me, success is based on the quality of the idea and how you execute it; this is why directing appeals to me.

The difference is the process, which now feels simpler compared with agency life. People come with a solution thats already been processed, and look to me for value. Theres less steps that Im involved in, and I feel like Im giving more enhanced creative input, at the right time.

How has your own creative style adapted to this new career?

I have a reputation for high standards, and in the past, I have struggled with patience. Admittedly, I was hard about resolving the issues, but I now take a more relaxed approach because I feel more confident about what Im doing.

Whats the best thing about being on the other side?

The general excitement of sitting in other peoples boardrooms and helping other creative people in Australia is really exciting  we all want to help solve problems.

What do you miss about agency life?

Being part of a wider department was always fun, and being able to bounce ideas around. Theres nothing better than having a cool idea presented to you and then selling it and bringing it to life.

What would you change about agency or industry processes?

The way the industry operates is, you put your script out to three directors to provide a treatment, and then you pick. Ive never understood this, because creatives have a pretty good idea about what they want. This has a negative knock on effect, because directors want to win the job, and so they have a fear about putting down something that the agency doesnt like. I think it would be better to appoint your director straight away and start from a place of true collaboration, away from other agendas.

What skills are lacking in creative agencies? How should this be addressed?

For an industry that says theyre about collaboration, the skills to communicate and operate in a collaborative way are lacking  at all levels. I was guilty of this too.

Agenda, budgets and ego get in the way of collaboration. I think, often, its a confidence thing; if people are out of their depth, they close down, but to collaborate you need to be open-minded. This lack of confidence comes down to a lack of training, which was why I was a big fan of exposing young people to the process early.
| BY Ricki Green |

When more species can now be lost in a single week than in the whole of human history, independent advertising agency Magnum Opus Partners (MOP) thought it was time people were alerted again to the scale of the problem. Currently up to a quarter of mammal species, an eighth of bird species and a third of plant species face extinction, and according to authorities species are disappearing from the planet at a rate of more than 70,000 a year.

The agency pro-actively contacted Wildlife Victoria and offered their support, by way of an animated video showing the extent and immediacy of the problem. The video will be circulated on social media and via email to supporters.

Says Pat Langton, creative director, MOP: People need to be constantly reminded that there are things we can do, right here in Victoria, and around the country, to make a real difference. The vast majority of species losses are due to reckless human endangerment of habitat and climate change. But we can all seek to preserve the land in a way that supports fauna and flora. We can all do our bit to combat climate change. World Environment Day is the perfect opportunity to remind people that this is the responsibility of all us.

The spot ends with an opportunity for people to donate to support the work of Wildlife Victoria, which specialises in the care and rescue of Victorias wildlife, while advocating for the protection of species and better education about wildlife, including in the school system.

Client: Wildlife Victoria

Agency: Magnum Opus Partners

Executive Creative Director: Mike Allen

Creative Director: Pat Langton

Art Director: Pat Langton

Copywriter: Stephen Yolland

Account Manager: Alicia Yeoh
Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 7:08PM

WWDC 2017 takes place in new and uncertain territory

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

San Jose - Apple's WWDC or World Wide Developers Conference, is first and formeost. a developer event designed to usher in new technologies and ecosystems for the coming year.

Ten years ago, WWDC was all about macOS and later, the focus shifted to iOS. 2017 has the most number of ecosystems than ever before. iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, HomeKit, HealthKit and CarPlay are just some of the ecosystems that developers are expecting updates on. There's also a surging interest in ApplePay, in a standalone smart assistance and now, more than ever before, a focus on new hardware.

Hardware announcements at WWDC were always a rarity. I remember seeing the first new generation MacBook Pro and the then new Mac Pro. These were all cherries on top of multiple layers of innovative iOS and macOS announcements and that was fine, then.

It is 2017, and confidence in Apple's hardware focus has been greatly challenged. Apple has grown to be an even bigger and more profitable company than before, but it is being challenged on all sides. The Cupertino company has focused primarily on its iPhone business. It has neglected and shut down peripheral product lines like its WiFi routers and desktops.

Competitors like Microsof have aggressively attacked Apple's notebook and even desktop lines with similarly premium products that have touch displays, take stylus input and look and feel just as premium and innovative as Apple's MacBooks and iMacs but at a similarly competitibe price.

Since Apple hasn't had a proper media event since last September, there's a lot of weight on this WWDC to serve and a big Apple reveal event, not just for future software initiatives but for sexy new hardware.

Apple does have a lot to update. There's Intel Kaby Lake processors expected on iMacs and MacBooks. MacBook Air notebooks, still Apple's biggest PC product, haven't been updated in ages, same with the iMacs. There's some speculation that the 2-inch MacBooks as well as iPads will receive highly anticipated updates as well. Let's not even bring up Apple TV, the company's set-top box product that's due for an OS and hardware overhaul in order to compete with cheaper and 4K-capable competitors.

Apple seems to be behind the eight ball. Specially after Microsoft has unloaded a slew of Surface Books, Notebooks, Studios and Pros catering to a wide range of users. Google, on the other hand, has the WiFi and smart assistant space covered in Canada and the US while Samsung has made major moves to leapfrog the current smartphone status quo, a stark contrast to Apple's three-years-in-row design for the iPhone and Apple Watch.

The pressure has never felt greater than it does today for Apple. Thankfully, this is a company that's got a track record of proving detractors wrong, of zagging where other forces are zigging, and being capable of rewriting entire business segments with pivotal products and strategies. Tomorrow's WWDC will hopefully be a landmark event that will bring various new directions in the Apple ecosystem.
One general difficulty he will face, which any other appointee would also have faced, is underlying uncertainty about the proper role and public profile of his new position. The office of ombudsman is a relatively recent graft on to the Westminster constitutional system and is still evolving (as that system itself is also adapting to changed circumstances). The ombudsman's original and prime function was to investigate complaints from individuals, groups or organisations about administrative decisions made by government agencies and service providers. As such, though not a judicial body, the office sits within the overall structure of administrative law, allowing citizens an extra avenue of redress against government maladministration, which is more informal and less expensive than recourse to a tribunal, such as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, or to a court of law. The ombudsman also belongs to a wider set of accountability mechanisms for disgruntled citizens, which includes in-house complaints procedures as well as approaches to local members of Parliament and the media.
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
In today's digital world, the need to instill book reading habit in children is growing larger. But the availability of books for the underprivileged is getting lesser, obstructing the idea of cultivating book reading in kids.

In order to bridge this gap, K Raheja Corp's Mindspace, an IT Park in Hyderabad launched 'Teaching Tree', an initiative to hone the reading skills of kids.

How does this work?

Employees from Raheja Mindspace will donate books such as fiction, non-fiction, blank note books and stationaries for school kids.

Partnered with Teach for India, an NGO, there will be a book reading campaign in six low-income schools adopted by Raheja Mindspace.

There will be multiple stalls inside Raheja Mindspace, set up by Crossword Bookstore, for people in the IT Park to buy books and rekindle their reading habit.

Children will be brought inside the IT Park for an interaction with the employees by means of book reading and story telling sessions.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Spend Your Summer Holidays

When does this event start?

This event starts on 14 June 2017. Last year, it was two-weeks long session. This time, the duration has not been announced.

What does Raheja Corp management have to say?

Speaking on the initiative, Shrawan Kumar Gone, Director Operations, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, K Raheja Corp said, "Books are very integral to a child's education, and we were overwhelmed and encouraged by the generosity of our clients and employees last year. The Raheja Mindspace campus came out in full strength, which fortified our endeavour to move forward and continue to strive to undertake more such initiatives.. After the success of last year, we are bringing our Book Donation drive back this year, and look forward to make it bigger and empower more young minds with books."

Why is the book donation drive organised?

The book donation drive and other sessions are a part of Raheja Corp's Corporation Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

About Teaching Tree

As the name suggests, the initiative aims at providing quality education to children belonging to very low-income groups. The initiative reaches out to children studying in private schools, and whose parents are committed to ensuring a good future for their children.

About Teach For India:

Teach For India is a non-profit organization that believes in an excellent education for all children & is striving to end the problem of educational inequity in our country. We are driving this movement through our Fellowship program which places outstanding working professionals and college graduates as Fellows - teachers who work full-time for two years in low-income & under-resourced schools.

How to Empower School Students Through Education?
A 21-year-old Corvette ZR1 driver led police in Omaha on a high-speed chase which injured three people.



According to the Omaha World Herald, Shaheer Atiqullah was driving the Corvette on the West Dodge Expressway when he passed a trooper from the Nebraska State Patrol. The police officer pulled behind the Corvette and Atiqullah allegedly floored it, reaching speeds of up to 132 mph (212 km/h).

The police officer pursued the vehicle and it eventually exited the expressway. Shortly after this occurred, Atiqullah hit a van causing the Corvette to lose its drivers side front wheel.

Despite suffering serious damage, the Corvette was still drivable and the chase continued. However, things quickly came to an end when the Corvette slammed into the back of a landscape companys trailer.

Atiqullah and two female passengers in the Corvette were hurt and taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Atiqullah is facing a long list of charges including willful reckless driving, speeding, driving with a suspended license, and suspicion of felony flight to avoid arrest. He also had a warrant out for his arrest for willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, and failure to appear in court.

H/T to Jalopnik!

Video
To help promote its veteran program and commemorate Memorial Day, Tesla has created a handful of distinctive one-offs over the past few years and has just rolled out its latest creation.



This year, the automaker joined forces with tuning company SS Customers and had a facelifted Model S wrapped in an eye-catching 8-bit camouflage that really catches the eye.

Hundreds of veterans are employed by the company through the Tesla U.S. Veterans Program, which aims to put their skills into good use within the firm, particularly at its Fremont facility in California and while this camod Tesla might be only a small gesture to some, its much greater to many others.

PHOTO GALLERY
Crime Stoppers is asking the publics assistance in locating the following female who is wanted on a province-wide warrant as of June 5, 2017.

Danielle Lynn Pedersen (DOB 1987-03-10) is wanted for one count of theft under $5000 and one count of breach of undertaking.

Pedersen is described as a 30-year old Caucasian female, 54 tall and 130 lbs. She has blonde hair and hazel eyes.

Crime Stoppers will pay cash for information leading to the arrest of this suspect. If you see her, do not approach her.

Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, go to www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: ktown.

RCMP File # 2016-18152

Photo: Crime Stoppers Kelowna's most wanted is Danielle Lynn Pedersen.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Contributed

We'd rather be ruined than changed

We'd rather die in our dread

Than climb the cross of the moment

And let our illusions die.

 W.H. Auden

We sure like our stuff, our drama, our life situations, the movies we create in which we are victim or hero, or both.

On the other hand, we don't like our life much: the kids crying, bills overdue, the toilet backing up and the cat throwing up.

We cling to the illusions that we are separate, that we are limited, that we are flawed.

But our greatest fear is not that we are limited, but that we are powerful. We want to believe we are victims, that we have excuses for not writing that novel or climbing that mountain, or achieving our secret dream.

We cling to these illusions because when we cut through them, shatter them, we have no excuses for not being the best we can be.

We pick at our wounds and the people we like are the ones we can talk wound-ology with, the ones who will sympathize and empathize with our long list of hurts.

We describe how hard done by we are, like a he-done-me-wrong song on an iPod player stuck on play. Our body seems to produce a chemical cocktail of bliss when we tell an attentive listener that we aren't better or more successful because...

We love our children when they're good or make us proud, when they make the dean's list. But how do we feel when they're on the janitor's list, when they come home drunk, stoned or end up pregnant or in jail, when they turn out the way we don't want.

We have become so attached to outcome, that we forget what happens in between. Psychologist Abraham Maslow said that a self-actualized person is never concerned about outcome or what other people think of him.

"A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be," he wrote.

This is the need we may call self-actualization ... referring to a person's desire for fulfilment, namely to the tendency to become actually what we are potentially.

But that isn't nearly as much fun as judging ourselves and others, something we do from the moment the clock goes off in the morning until we re-set it at night: I like her, I don't like him; listening to music is good, fixing a plugged-up toilet isn't.

We see in our children, our spouses, our friends and ourselves what we don't like, instead of shifting and seeing what is good and worthwhile.

We need to replace "the horror, the horror" of Kurtz in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, with the wonder of an infant exploring its world, and experience the absolute joy and awe of this amazing world, our bewilderment.

Imagine seeing the world every day with childish awe. We would probably appreciate our children, our spouses, our parents, our job, our lives, even ourselves.

We might even remember that life is a dance and that we don't waltz to get to the other side of the room. We do that for the sheer experience, for the joy of moving, of being in the moment.

Should we treat our lives with any less enthusiasm than we would do the funky chicken or whatever dance grabs us?

We're amazed at the altruism of Mother Teresa, but it is the athlete, the actor and the rich we want to emulate. We know money doesn't buy happiness -- if it did, the brightest stars in Hollywood's firmament wouldn't switch partners, gurus and hairdressers so often.

But we still line up to buy lottery tickets hoping the winnings will buy a good imitation of joy.

We have forgotten that the coin we should run after is peace of mind and we find by accepting that the most important person who has ever lived is us, each of us. The most important relationship is with ourselves. We must accept that we were chosen  by God, fate, circumstance or the universe  to be here.

We must become like the Indian god who proclaimed, "I am Shiva, destroyer, shatterer of worlds." We might consider shattering the pretend worlds we create to avoid living in this one.

Before we can create a new us, we must destroy the illusions that keep us shackled to an image we don't like. We create the world daily in our own image. But it's time to create a new image; to remember who we are.

Every atom of us  except hydrogen and helium, which were formed during the Big Bang  was forged in a star.

Yet, we don't look up to our birthright, to the lights in the night sky that call to us to be who we should be. Instead we look down at the mundane: mortgages, bills and traffic jams.

Every moment we are at a crossroads. We can choose the well-worn path or we can take the road less travelled, like the knights of the Round Table who always blazed a new trail, never, never following someone else's path.

In this world of 9-5, we have forgotten that we, too, are on as important and as romantic a quest as Gaiwan, Lancelot or Perceval.

We, too, search for the Holy Grail  ourselves. But unlike those knights, we must remove the armour of illusion and face the lance of life with the only weapon we'll ever need: faith in ourselves.

All we have to do is choose to believe.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Contributed Eileen and Jim Burgess attended Bollywood Bang.

UPDATE: 10:05 a.m.

Bollywood Bang's big cash infusion for the NONA clubhouse brings the fundraising effort closer to its goal, said Helen Armstrong, NONA executive director.

"NONA Child Development Centre is grateful for the support from the community and is very thankful to Dalvir and her team who planned, organized and hosted Bollywood Bang," Armstrong said in a statement. "The money raised brings us so much closer to our goal of $1.6 million for the new clubhouse which is nearing completion this month."

NONA has issued an invitation to the entire community to attend the grand opening on Friday, Sept. 15th at 2802 34th Street.

ORIGINAL STORY: 5 a.m.

One of Vernon's biggest bashes of the year has raised $100,000 for charity.

Around 1,000 people dressed in colourful Indian and Pakistani garb for the Apr. 29th event to raise money for the NONA Child Development Centre in Vernon.

The funds will help pay for the North Okanagan Neurological Association's 9,800-square-foot clubhouse on 28th Avenue. NONA, which serves more than 700 children with special needs each year in the community, has been working to raise $1.6 million for the project.

You can have a vision of what you want to do but without sponsors it's not always possible, even if you are working on an Indian budget, laughed Bollywood Bang organizer Dalvir Nahal, referring to the huge Indian weddings that are held.

Nahal thanked TD Bank, the event's title gold sponsor.

We were super happy to support not only an event that is unique and multicultural but also such a great cause," said Doug Bradshaw, manager of TD Bank.

Other sponsors included (silver) Central Hardware, DavidsonPringle Lawyers and Emco Plumbing as well as (bronze) Nolans Pharmacy, Johnston AutoGroup and Whitehouse Mortgages.

Nahal also thanked her brother, Ranvir Nahal, who raised $31,000 during a five-minute challenge on the night.

I didn't think we were going to make that much because our expenses were so high, she said, referring to the cost of decorations, security and caterers from the Lower Mainland.

Nahal said a number of Vernon area businesses contributed to the success of the night with big donations and bids during a live auction.

As well as hired staff, volunteers were a major help throughout the weeks leading to the event, she said.

It was literally a village. This is why it was successful. It's one of those rare events that everybody wants to be a part of.

Over four years, Bollywood Bang raised $206,000 for Vernon charities and has become so successful it was officially franchised to Kelowna this year.
Photo: The Canadian Press People run from the attack scene in London on Saturday night.

For eight agonizing minutes, the orders came from all directions, frantic and contradictory. Crowds scattered, sometimes directly into the path of the men trying to kill them. Police cars screamed past the attackers toward the van they had abandoned. Chairs, bottles and even a basket flew through the air as terrified onlookers tried to hold off the three men and make sense out of the senseless.

Gerard Vowls was across the street from a Barclays bank branch when he heard someone moan, "I've been stabbed." He thought it was a joke. But as the man leaned weakly against a wall, the blood was all too real. Moments later, as one bystander helped the wounded man, Vowls saw the three attackers fall upon a nearby woman with their knives.

"The three guys, yes, they were just stabbing this woman constantly, non-stop 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.'"

Police cars screeched past the scene, so intent upon the van the attackers had abandoned after plowing it through a crowd at London Bridge that they did not yet know about the mayhem around Borough Market.

Vowls tried to distract the men with knives and warn the unwitting neighbourhood filled with crowded restaurants and bars. He shouted as he ran through the streets, according to his account and that of bystanders who believe he saved many lives Saturday night. Doors slammed shut. The attackers retreated from at least one establishment when they were hit with a barrage of glass bottles.

In another, Richard Angell was gossiping with friends when a security guard shouted to take cover. A waiter jammed his foot in the door to prevent anyone from pushing in. People overturned tables and ducked under chairs. Food flew through the air.

Images started to cohere. Angell saw someone throw a table and realized it was a "heroic guy who saw what was happening"  apparently Vowls  and was trying to keep the attackers at bay. Vowls said he picked up whatever was handy  chairs, a stool and bottles of beer.

"I went 'Oi, terrorists, cowards, Oi!'" Vowls said. He was hoping to lure them toward a main road and into the line of fire of police. Still, the squad cars headed the wrong way. Vowls ran back and found a local beat officer, saying he knew where the attackers were. Despite being unarmed in a country where few police carry firearms, the two started back toward the restaurant.

By then, full-blown panic had set in at Borough Market.

Rhiannon Owen, a student nurse studying in London, said she was standing at a cash machine when a taxi driver saved her life.

"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. There was a guy, he was injured. I just ran."
Photo: The Canadian Press Londoners have hailed a man who fled with his beer as a tongue-in-cheek symbol of defiance.

People in the U.K. have responded to the deadly London Bridge attack with sorrow and distinctly British humour, hailing a man pictured walking away from the mayhem holding a pint of beer as a tongue-in-cheek symbol of defiance.

Television footage of crowds running away from the attack that killed seven includes a man in a red top walking slowly with a mostly full beer in his hand.

A picture of the man was posted on Twitter by Howard Mannella, who tweeted : "People fleeing #LondonBridge but the bloke on the right isn't spilling a drop. God Bless the Brits!" The comment received tens of thousands of retweets.

Some joked on social media about London's notoriously high prices. Twitter user Andrew Brooks said in response to the photo: "Evacuate? Well, OK. But this beer cost 6 a pint. I'm taking it with me."
Photo: The Canadian Press

British police named two of the three men who left a trail of bloodshed with a van and knife attack in central London and appealed for the public's help Monday to learn more about their movements in the days leading up to the deadly rampage that left seven people dead and dozens wounded.

Khuram Shazad Butt was a 27-year-old Pakistani-born Briton known to authorities, according to a statement issued by London police. Rachid Redouane, who had claimed to be Moroccan and Libyan, variously given his age as 30 or 25 and also used Elkhdar as a surname, was unknown until the night the two were shot dead along with a third attacker who has not been identified, police said.

Ten others who were arrested in the east London neighbourhood of Barking where the two named suspects had lived remained in custody.

The attack launched by three men in the London Bridge area Saturday night is shaping the final days of an election campaign, focusing attention on Prime Minister Theresa May's role in reducing the ranks of police officers.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he supported those calling for May to resign because of her role reducing police staffing during her tenure as home secretary, though he said the best remedy was to vote her out.

"There's an election on Thursday, that's the chance," he said, citing an "appalling" cut in police staffing levels.

"We're calling for a restoration of police numbers, and there's a call being made for her to go, because of what she's done on the police numbers."
If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,...
Building collapses at Holcim Obourg

ICR Newsroom By 05 June 2017

A collapse of a building near one of the kilns of Holcims 1.4Mta Obourg plant in Belgium on 23 May has resulted in the death of one worker and the closure of the plant as an investigation takes place into the causes of the collapse.



Emergency services were promptly at the scene but the heavy damage to the structure of the building required further specialist help to locate the at first missing 34 year-old employee, who had worked for Holcim for the past 10 years.



Holcim has undertaken steps to guarantee the safety of the site and its staff as well as supporting the family of the worker.

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College aint cheap. But depending on where you go to college, it can be significantly more expensive. From state to state, tuition costs range wildly. There are many variables at play, of course, and if youre an in-state student, you can expect to pay a great deal less than a student who has decided to come from another state. If you decide on a private school, things can get even more expensive.

The fact is unless youre laden with scholarships and have enough savings to get you through, youre probably going to end up with student debt. And in case you havent been paying attention, the average graduate as of 2016 is leaving school saddled with more than $37,000 in debt. Good luck trying to budget with that monkey on your back with an entry-level job  assuming you can find one.

In some states, you can end up paying a fairly cheap rate, say less than $5,000 per year. In other states, those costs can range higher than $14,000 per year for an in-state student. Data from Abodo, an apartment-listing service, detail which states have the highest and lowest college costs. Weve listed the top 15, using the average cost of one year at a public university for an in-state student. So if youre hoping to go to school and come out with a relatively inexpensive degree, you might want to avoid schools in these states.

15. Ohio

Residents in the Buckeye State are paying some of the higher tuition rates in the country  at least at public universities. The data show the average cost for a year of in-state tuition at a public school in Ohio is $9,301. There are many schools in Ohio, but none is bigger than Ohio State University, which is also one of the largest public universities in the country.

14. Connecticut

Well see a flurry of states from New England and the Northeast on this list, but Connecticut is unique in that its tuition costs are fairly pedestrian compared to the others in the region. A years worth of tuition at a public university in Connecticut costs, on average, $9,517. But thats a relative bargain when you look at the averages for private schools (such as Yale), which are a mind-boggling $35,407.

13. Arizona

The state of Arizona is also home to some large public universities. Arizona State, for example, is in the same echelon (in terms of size) as Ohio State, meaning it gets a lot of out-of-state students who come to earn their degrees there. In Arizona, the average cost of tuition for one year is $9,694 at a public school. At a private school, its $11,462  roughly a third of that in Connecticut.

12. Virginia

Virginia is one of those Eastern states that has many old, private institutions churning out thousands of graduates per year. Its also home to several large-scale public universities, where one year of tuition costs an average of $9,866. On the private side, one year will run you an average of $22,280. Some of the states larger schools include the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, and George Mason University.

11. Minnesota

If you love frigid winters and humid summers, spending some semesters in Minnesota might be a good choice. For in-state students, one year of tuition will cost, on average, $10,291. For out-of-state students, that figure swells to $16,915. But again, these numbers pale in comparison to tuition at private schools, where one year averages more than $27,000.

10. South Carolina

When you think higher education, you might not think of South Carolina. But the state is home to several large schools, where tens of thousands earn their degrees. Its also among the top 10 for the most expensive college costs in the country, with one year of in-state tuition at a public school racking up at $10,691. If you want to go to a private university, that number jumps to $21,769.

9. Rhode Island

We mentioned youd get an onslaught of New England and Northeastern schools, so youd better brace yourself because here they come. First among them, and ninth overall, is Rhode Island. One year of tuition at a public university in Rhode Island will run you $10,817, and for out-of-staters its $26,763. At a private university, one year will cost more than $35,000.

8. Massachusetts

As Rhode Islands northern neighbor and fellow New England state, Massachusetts also finds its way to a fairly lofty position on the list. Massachusetts is home to many prestigious and expensive schools, including Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Tufts, and several more. One year at a public school will cost an average of $10,632 for an in-stater, and at a private school, its a whopping $38,009.

7. Delaware

Delaware might not be in New England, but its another small Eastern state with high education costs. A year at one of Delawares public institutions will run you an average of $10,929 if youre from within the state, and its more than $27,000 for out-of-state students. Surprisingly, costs at private institutions are almost even with public ones  on average, costing a mere $13,444.

6. Michigan

Go, Blue! Well, you might be feeling blue if you graduate with a huge amount of debt after going to school in Michigan. Its a state thats home to several large public universities, which have an average cost of attendance of more than $11,000 for an in-state student. For out-of-state students, youre looking at more than $32,000. And at a private school, its $19,372.

5. Illinois

There are plenty of schools to choose from in Illinois, ranging from large public universities to prestigious private schools (such as Northwestern). The commonality among them is theyre all fairly pricey. One year as an in-state student at a public school? $11,882. And its $27,623 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average for one year is $27,504.

4. New Jersey

Well spend the rest of our list on the East Coast, mostly in the Northeast. Coming in at No. 4 overall, per Abodos data, is New Jersey, where schools are plentiful and expensive. One year at a public school in New Jersey, such as Rutgers, will run an in-state student $11,955. For an out-of-state student, its $25,637. If you fancy a private university, that number swells to more than $32,000 per year.

3. Pennsylvania

Bordering New Jersey, Pennsylvania also suffers from some of the highest college tuition costs in the country. For one year at a public school in Pennsylvania, such as Penn State, youre looking at an average cost of $12,184  assuming youre an in-state student. For out-of-state students, the price nearly doubles to $23,571. And at a private school, costs average more than $34,000 per year.

2. Vermont

The thing about small, rural states is they dont have huge tax bases. And as a result, schools can be expensive. Thats one of the reasons higher education in Vermont costs so much. Per Abodos data, one years tuition at a public Vermont university is $13,524 for an in-state student. And its nearly $34,000 for an out-of-state student. At private schools, its not much better at $36,449.

1. New Hampshire

Vermonts neighbor and fellow small New England state, New Hampshire has the dubious distinction of being the most expensive state in the nation for college tuition. According to Abodos figures, one year at a public university for an in-state student averages out at $14,435, and its $25,357 for an out-of-state student. For students at private schools, plan on paying more than $31,000 per year.

See Abodos complete report here.

More from Money & Career Cheat Sheet:
Trustwave, the Chicago-based information security firm that helps businesses protect against cyberattacks, unveiled its expanded headquarters and announced an internship program with the City Colleges of Chicago Monday at an event with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

CEO Robert McCullen said he plans to hire about 100 employees in Chicago this year. Once construction wraps up on a second floor of the expansion  at 70 W. Madison St. in the Loop, where Trustwave has its existing headquarters  the company plans to add another 300 in that space, he said. The company said it expects the construction to be done by the end of the year.

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The firm currently has more than 400 employees in Chicago and approximately 1,700 worldwide. It plans to add workers in sales, engineer, operations and security research roles in Chicago.

Trustwave opened a cyber briefing center earlier this year, and plans to add a cyber command center on the second floor of the expansion this fall, McCullen said. One feature in the briefing center is a video wall that lets Trustwave conference call employees, customers and partners as well as visualize threats.

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"When you read about stuff, a lot of times it's hard for people to grasp what's going on," McCullen said. "But when you can visually see it in its whole anatomy, if you will, from beginning to end and what the impact can be on your business, that's pretty eye-opening."

The expanded headquarters and jobs announcement shows high-tech companies can attract talent in Chicago, Emanuel said in a news release.

Trustwave also announced it will sponsor five fall internships for students from the City Colleges in support of Emanuel's push to make Chicago a cybersecurity hub. They will first receive training from a pilot cybersecurity boot camp at Wilbur Wright College in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, which Emanuel announced earlier this year. The city paid $1 million from property tax rebate funds, while the Department of Defense put in $500,000 for the program.

McCullen said Trustwave hopes to use its relationships to influence curricula and help produce graduates for the skills it seeks.

Trustwave was acquired by leading Asian communications company Singtel for $810 million in 2015.

aelahi@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @aminamania
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of several hospitals in a case that examined whether Advocate Health Care must follow a federal law designed to protect employee pensions  or whether its religious affiliation exempted it from that law. (Olivier Douliery / Abaca Press)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that Advocate Health Care and two other religiously affiliated hospital systems don't have to follow a federal law designed to protect employee pensions.

The justices ruled unanimously in favor of Advocate, with the exception of new Justice Neil Gorsuch, who did not take part in the decision.

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The ruling, which reversed a lower court's decision, will save a number of religiously affiliated hospitals in Illinois and across the country from having to potentially pour more money into funding and supporting their pension systems. But it also means employees of those hospitals may not enjoy the same protections as employees of many other businesses when it comes to their pensions.

Employees and former employees of Advocate brought the lawsuit in 2014. The ruling also applied to two lawsuits over the issue brought against St. Peter's Healthcare System in New Jersey and San Francisco-headquartered Dignity Health, which has hospitals in California, Arizona and Nevada.

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The federal law, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, requires that pension plans be insured and sufficiently funded, among other things.

But Downers Grove-based Advocate had argued, along with other religiously affiliated hospitals, that it shouldn't have to follow the law when it comes to pensions for its 35,000 employees because its pension plan is technically a "church plan," and church plans are exempt from the law.

Advocate, which has 11 hospitals and a two-campus children's hospital, is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Church of Christ. Advocate had argued that Congress allows church plans to be exempt from the federal law in order to limit government intrusion into church activities. Advocate has said its pension plan is fully funded.

"The Court's ruling sets a precedent for the dozens of other cases being heard at varying jurisdictions throughout the country," Advocate said in a statement Monday. "We agree with the Supreme Court's decisive interpretation of the law and will continue to operate our plan in the best interest of our associates to ensure they have a successful transition to retirement."

The employees and former employees who brought the lawsuit had argued the exemptions weren't meant to extend to "giant businesses" such as Advocate. They also argued that allowing Advocate and other hospitals to get around the law gave them an unfair advantage over competitors.

Karen Handorf, an attorney for the employees, called the decision "disappointing" in a statement Monday. She said attorneys will continue to fight in court to make sure the "church plan exemption" is claimed only when appropriate.

"The decision avoids deciding whether large non-profit hospital systems meet the requirements for the exemption," Handorf said in the statement.

The group Americans United for Separation of Church and State warned that the ruling could "jeopardize the financial security of hundreds of thousands of workers."

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"The Supreme Court has put the retirement of hundreds of thousands of Americans at risk," Richard Katskee, legal director of Americans United, said in a news release. "These hospitals now have the right to use their religious affiliation to pocket hundreds of millions of dollars that they promised to their employees as retirement funds and pensions."

Americans United had filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case, along with the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, among other groups, siding with the employees.

Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the court, said an employee pension plan doesn't have to have been originally established by a church in order for it to qualify as a church plan that is exempt from the federal law.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor also wrote an opinion, in which she agreed with the court's decision but said she was "troubled by the outcome of these cases." She wrote that despite the health systems' relationships to churches, they can operate for-profit subsidiaries, employ thousands of workers and earn billions of dollars in revenue, meaning they "bear little resemblance to those Congress considered when enacting the 1980 amendment to the church plan definition."

Advocate isn't the only Illinois hospital that has been in court over the issue. Presence Health, which has 11 Illinois hospitals; OSF HealthCare, which has 10 Illinois hospitals; Sinai Health System's Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago; and Franciscan Health, which has 12 hospitals in Indiana and two in Illinois, have also been to court over the matter.

lschencker@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @lschencker
For reasons that confound this Cantonese gentile, my attraction to Jewish delicatessens has only grown more intense with age. It was sparked by a visit years ago, after a New York guidebook listed Katz's as a must-stop. To the sneers of tourist-scoffing locals, I took the F train to the Lower East Side and walked east along Houston Street. To walk inside Katz's is to walk back 75 years. When that first hunk of warm pastrami made contact with my tongue, gelatinous melted beef marbling washing over it, my head tipped back, and out came a noise halfway between wet gargle and feral cat.

Chicago has no guidebook-worthy Jewish delis  ones like Katz's, 2nd Avenue or Carnegie Deli in New York, where it's as much about spectacle as food. Those are the places where you take photos of sandwich meat stacked a foot high, using your head for scale, or noisily impersonate Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally."

What Chicago has are Jewish delis with the kitsch toned down, where locals will always outnumber tourists. You can order a lunch in which every component, from rye bread to corned beef to chicken liver to trout, is baked, brined, chopped and smoked in-store.

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A place like Kaufman's Delicatessen & Bakery in Skokie can't separate itself from its Jewish deli association, which permeates the store with an Old World aura that might repel a newer generation. But I see it as more than a place where the median customer's posture is "hunched." To me, Kaufman's is one of the great sandwich shops of Chicagoland.

It should be noted that we're in the midst of Rosh Hashana, and this marks the first Jewish New Year celebrated at Kaufman's since a malfunctioning stove ignited a fire and closed the deli for much of 2012. The fire damage wasn't that extensive, charring a telephone-booth-size section of the kitchen. But because the bakery was built a half century ago, its outdated building codes had to conform with today's safety standards. The deli, mother-and-daughter owners Judy and Bette Dworkin decided, had to be rebuilt from the ground up.

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One of the silver linings is that the new Kaufman's gleams, its once-frumpy-if-serviceable space pushed into the 21st century with glass and stainless steel modernity. The interior is now a single open area (pre-fire, the bakery and deli were partitioned), with shiny new coolers and glass cases, a long, sleek black counter for lunch and retro-contemporary aluminum ceilings. It feels like Bucktown, with pickle barrels. Plus, the bathroom chandeliers give Kaufman's the classiest commodes on the North Shore.

Beyond structural face-lifts, I'm finding packaged foods there more associated with upscale downtown grocers than suburban pastrami slingers. Tim's Cascade, a Washington state brand I consider the finest potato chips in the land, is sold here (get the jalapeno-flavored), as are Deep River Kettle Chips (spicy dill pickle) and Bruce Cost's ginger ales.

Everything described so far pertains to the new, when it's the old that has engendered the deepest loyalties. I remember the first time asking for the corned beef and being offered four (!) fattiness options. Of course I opted for the deckle, the cardiologist-disapproved, best-tasting flap of the brisket, shaved into luscious pink ribbons of garlic-kissed beef you don't so much chew as allow to glide on the palate until deciding to swallow.

The hot corned beef is the basis of The New York Special, a terrific warm-and-cool sandwich that couples the meat slices with horseradish and a generous schmear of chicken liver salad  sweetened with fried onions and chicken fat schmaltz. The rye bread, baked mere yards from where the sandwich gets assembled, has a denseness that matches up well with its sharp caraway-seed spice. If the soul of a film could inhabit food, this sandwich would taste like Woody Allen's "Manhattan."

The other in-house deli meats warrant your attention too. Kaufman's smoked turkey will ruin supermarket turkey slices for you. Here, breast meat is brined for three days, then smoked with hickory wood, tasting of the Friday morning after Thanksgiving. Pastrami is crusted with a thick carapace of black pepper, while the beef brisket has a plainness that for some will be reminiscent of grandma's version.

The rebuilt Kaufman's now devotes an entire case to smoked fish. The fishiness-averse might consider the minced whitefish salad, mild on the fish spectrum with a mellow-sweet smoke finish. (Chicago-style incorporates a mayo-based egg salad; New York-style has sour cream and chopped onions.) Sablefish remains the best bet: It spends six hours in the hot box absorbing the waft of alder and cherry wood smoke. Buy a whole chunk, and break off a piece inside the store. Inhale that full-bodied richness. Then bite into the buttery flesh, savory and smooth, a few ticks of firmness away from creamy. This, atop one of Kaufman's crusty onion bagels, is such a memorable one-bite that its absence from your life just might drive you meshugah.

kpang@tribpub.com

Twitter @pang
As the Kenwood Academy Jazz Band records with composer and pianist Jason Moran, two graduating seniors reflect on their musical journey. (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune) (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune)

The students hardly could believe it was happening.

But, as promised, one of the most admired pianists in jazz  MacArthur Fellow Jason Moran  was about to cut a record with them.

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Last Thursday morning, Moran rushed directly from the airport to the recording studio at Chicago Public Media (home to WBEZ-FM 91.5) on Navy Pier, where the Kenwood Academy Jazz Band eagerly awaited him.

The young musicians knew this was the culmination of an improbable, roller-coaster journey that began three years ago, when Symphony Center commissioned Moran to compose an evening-length work.

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Surprising everyone, Moran decided to write the piece for the students at Kenwood Academy High School, on South Blackstone Avenue, and to feature them in his May 2014 performance at Orchestra Hall. Many of the kids never had been inside the place, let alone played on the stage where Riccardo Muti conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the world's greatest soloists perform.

Moran's "Looks of a Lot"  which he created, in part, to address the violence that threatens the lives of these youngsters and to offer hope in the face of it  proved tragically timely. Less than two weeks before the much-anticipated performance, 15-year-old Kenwood band guitarist Aaron Rushing was killed by gunshot.

On the night of the world premiere, then-CSO president Deborah Rutter spoke through tears in dedicating the performance to Rushing and to another 15-year-old Chicagoan felled by gunfire, Vaughn Holeman.

Members of the Kenwood Academy Jazz Band, directed by Gerald Powell, perform with Jason Moran and Theaster Gates at Eisenhower Theater at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

The concert proved so well received and, really, cathartic that Rutter, who subsequently became president of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., decided that "Looks of a Lot" needed to be seen in the nation's capital. And Moran, artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center, was glad to oblige.

When the performance at the Kennedy Center reached its finale on the evening of Feb. 24, the audience instantly rose to its feet. Moran bowed with his young colleagues and embraced them, then made a remarkable public pronouncement.

"We're going into the studio in late May to make a recording of this," he said, the band cheering the news.

Later that evening, unwinding in his dressing room, Moran told me he was determined to make good on his promise.

"I said I'm going to record this piece," he said. "I don't know how I'm going to do it, but we are going to make that happen."

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So here he is on June 1  not precisely "late May," but mighty close  standing before the Kenwood band.

"When I said onstage, 'We're going to make a record,' I kind of was lying," he tells the students, with a big laugh.

"But then, I was not. We need to do that. Sometimes you say stuff, you're not sure why you said that, but you said it."

Moran proved good to his word, paying for this recording session out of his own pocket, the forthcoming album to be released on his label, Yes Records.

"Here's what my goal is," Moran tells the students in the studio. "I want to try to have the record out right when you go to school. If I could put it out in September, that's my goal."

And just as he did before the students took to the stage of Orchestra Hall and the Kennedy Center, he offers words of encouragement.

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"It's really exciting," he says. "Don't feel afraid to make a mistake. And I will say, though I remember my first recording, I didn't really understand that this was going to be forever. Whatever you make in this room today, it just stays there.

"Your kids should listen to it 40 years from now. We're kind of doing it really for real."

Then Kenwood band director Gerald Powell calls out the first tune and offers a few words of wisdom.

"Like he says, it's going to be forever," Powell tells his students, assistant band director Bethany Pickens nearby.

Considering the pressures of the occasion, the young musicians sound remarkably calm, if a little overwhelmed.

Recording engineer Sascha von Oertzen picks that up from what she's hearing in the control room and comes out to talk to the students.

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"For the recording, don't be too tentative," she tells them. "If you feel strong for your tone, safe, go for that, rather than be too tentative."

Then Moran calls for a composition that can strike terror in a young soloist's heart.

"Let's do 'Wabash Stomp,'" he says, prompting an immediate response from trumpeter Andre Franks.

"Yeah, so I can get it over with," he quips.

He had struggled mightily with the "Wabash Stomp" solo leading up to the Kennedy Center performance, where he nailed it.

Once again, despite his gallows humor, he aces his part.

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"It felt like it was easier playing it, recording it, (compared to) playing it in front of a big crowd in the Kennedy Center," he says later.

In concert, "I didn't want to mess up in front of everybody. With a recording, I knew we could redo it if I messed up."

What does this moment mean to him?

"It means a lot," says Franks, 17, a senior. "It's ending the year. I never thought that this would happen. I never thought I'd be in a recording session. Never thought I'd be in a recording with a famous piano player, Jason Moran."

In the fall, Franks will head to Central State University, in Ohio, with a music scholarship and thoughts of possibly becoming a computer engineer.

Brian Morrow, a senior, has been playing in "Looks of a Lot" since its inception and believes the experience has changed his life.

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"It just made me want to play music even more," says Morrow, 18, who will be a music education major at Central State University.

"It made me want to be a professional, so I can come back and do this with people in the future, and come back and give them a similar experience. It solidified that I want to be a music teacher, because maybe if I'm lucky I can do something like this with a high school band, when I get one."

Like Morrow, trombonist Alyssa Younger has been with "Looks of a Lot" from the beginning, and she has felt tension throughout.

As the recording session got underway, "Nerves were still building up," says Younger, 18, a senior.

"I just didn't want to mess it up. I didn't want to make us redo it over and over just because I couldn't get the top note."

Younger, who'll be going to Illinois Wesleyan University, in Bloomington, in the fall, will study biochemistry in hopes of becoming a dentist. She has gone through the rigors of "Looks of a Lot" for deeply personal reasons.

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"What music means to me is being able to say what you want without necessarily using words," she says. "I feel like I wasn't a good communicator when I was younger. I joined the band. This gave me my voice."

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 28 Jason Moran, left, watches as Kendall Curtis, center, Dylan Hunter and Kyndal Purkett perform onstage during rehearsal inside the Eisenhower Theater at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Feb. 22, 2017. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

During the course of the recording session, the band runs into trouble periodically, Moran at one point asking the musicians to play a particularly tricky passage over and over, until they get the intonation right. Some of the musicians never do, so Moran comes up with an instantaneously effective solution: "When you get down to those notes," he says, "don't play them."

The session runs into the evening and will finish up the following morning, the players showing remarkable professionalism and aplomb.

Along they way, they say they've learned a lot and would like to offer some advice to the next wave of students.

"I'd tell young players: You never know where you'll be," says Franks, the trumpeter. "You might be in my shoes. You might be playing with Jason Moran or making a recording with him. Just keep working hard."

Trombonist Younger echoes that message, reflecting on Moran's earlier message that this recording will last forever.

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"I'm actually happy it's forever," she says. "Because I can show my kids (in the future) that through hard work you can get what you want.  Had I not worked to get into Kenwood, had I not worked to get into the jazz band, I would not be where I am today."

How many other high school students, after all, can say they made a record with Jason Moran?

Howard Reich is a Tribune critic.

hreich@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @howardreich

To watch video and read all entire "Kenwood's Journey" coverage, go to www.chicagotribune.com/kenwoodjazz

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
New mom Brittney Scott said she'd never heard of a handshake-free zone and wasn't sure about the idea. "But once you really understand the meaning behind it, it's great," she said. (Anna Gorman / TNS)

Dr. Mark Sklansky, a self-described germaphobe, can't stop thinking about how quickly those little microbes can spread.

"If I am at a computer terminal or using a phone or opening a door, I know my hands are now contaminated, and I need to be careful and I need to wash my hands," said Sklansky, professor of pediatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

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Not all health workers are so careful, despite strict hand-washing policies in virtually all medical facilities. A 2010 study published in the journal Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology showed that only about 40 percent of doctors and other health care providers complied with hand hygiene rules in hospitals.

Sklansky decided to test a new method at UCLA for limiting the spread of germs and reducing the transmission of disease: a handshake-free zone.

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"We are trying to do everything to minimize hospital-acquired infection except for the most obvious and easiest thing to do in my opinion, which is to stop shaking hands," he said.

Hospital-acquired infections are a serious and potentially life-threatening problem in hospitals, and the unwashed hands of health care workers are often to blame. On any given day, 1 in 25 patients across the U.S. suffers from at least one infection acquired while they are in the hospital, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sklansky first proposed the concept of handshake-free zones in a 2014 editorial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. His proposal launched a debate about the possible risks of the time-honored greeting.

In 2015, Sklansky decided to try out the idea with a six-month experiment. He picked a place where patients are especially vulnerable  the neonatal intensive care unit. Infections among infants can cause them pain, prolong their stay in NICU, require more medications and even put them at risk of dying.

The anti-handshake experiment took place at two of UCLA's NICUs, in Westwood and Santa Monica. Starting in 2015, Sklansky and his colleagues explained to the staff and families the purpose of handshake-free zones and posted signs designating the new zones. The signs feature two hands gripping each other inside a circle with a blue line through it, and the words: "To help reduce the spread of germs, our NICU is now a handshake-free zone. Please find other ways to greet each other."

They didn't ban handshakes outright. They suggested other options: a fist bump. A smile. A bow. A wave. A non-contact Namaste gesture.

"We aren't like a military operation," Sklansky said. "We are just trying to limit the use of handshakes."

This spring, Sklansky and his colleagues published the findings of a survey on their handshake-free zone experiment in the American Journal of Infection Control. They found that establishing such zones is possible, can reduce the frequency of handshakes and that most health care workers supported the idea. They didn't measure whether avoiding handshakes actually reduced the rate of infections, but Sklansky said he hopes to answer that question in a future study.

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Though the formal experiment is now over, the signs in the NICUs are still in place and doctors and nurses still discourage handshakes.

Avoiding handshakes is an effective way to decrease the spread of germs, said Maureen Shawn Kennedy, editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Nursing. Health care providers do wash their hands frequently, she said, but often they don't do it for long enough or use the right technique. And bacteria live on computers, phones, medical charts and uniforms throughout hospitals, she noted.

"There are just so many reasons to avoid handshakes, even when people are washing their hands," Kennedy said. "Just because someone is walking around in a white coat  doesn't mean they don't have bacteria on their hands."

Although there is no data to prove that reducing handshakes limits hospital infections, one study showed that bumping fists was more hygienic than shaking hands.

However, some infectious-disease specialists believe health care workers don't need to stop shaking hands. They just need to scrub better.

In a 2015 editorial in the Texas Heart Institute Journal, Herbert Fred, a Houston physician, wrote that "the problem isn't the handshake: it's the hand-shaker." Doctors need to ensure their hands are clean before touching patients, he said.

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Didier Pittet, an international expert on hand hygiene, said in an email that handshake-free zones are not the solution for hospital-acquired infections. They simply "reflect the lack of capacity in infection prevention and control," he said.

Sklansky agreed that hospitals need to improve compliance with hand hygiene, and he said handshake-free zones aren't designed to replace hand-washing but to complement it. "I actually think handshake-free zones will bring attention to the hands as vectors for disease and help improve compliance with hand hygiene," he said.

Neonatologist Joanna Parga, who was part of UCLA's handshake-free survey, said she liked the idea when she first heard about it but wasn't convinced it would work. Shaking hands is "so ingrained in our culture," and it is how many doctors connect with patients, she said.

Parga said she has tried several alternatives to shaking hands, including bowing, making eye contact and touching people on the shoulder. She believes some of the other options are more intimate than a handshake  and they open up a conversation about safety. "Especially in a fragile patient population like the NICU, we really need to think about how we can protect our patients," she said.

On a recent afternoon, as Parga walked through the Westwood NICU, she introduced herself to a mother who was holding her infant son.

"Hi. I'm Dr. Parga," she said. "Are you Mom? I'm not gonna shake your hand.  It's to help prevent infection in the NICU."

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Meena Garg, a neonatologist who is the medical director of the NICU in Westwood, said she still finds not shaking hands uncomfortable sometimes, because patients often extend their hands in greeting. "You feel like you are being rude," she said.

But Garg said she supports the handshake-free zone, because it is an easy  and inexpensive  way to reduce infections. "I am the medical director so I have to look at costs," she said. "This doesn't cost anything, but it may be just as important as anything else we do."

(EDITORS: STORY CAN END HERE)

As part of the UCLA survey, Sklansky and his colleagues asked staff and parents what they thought of the new handshake-free zones.

The majority of health care workers supported the idea  especially medical school students and nurses. Male doctors were the most resistant to giving up the handshake, partly because they weren't convinced it was necessary to prevent infections.

Families, however, were universally supportive of the handshake-free zone, Sklansky found.

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On one recent day in the NICU, Brittney Scott stood beside the crib of her 2-week-old son, Samuel, as he slept. He had ended up there with intestinal problems.

Scott said she'd never heard of a handshake-free zone and had instinctively offered her hand to a doctor when she first arrived. She said she was "a little taken aback at first" when the doctor declined to take her hand. "But once you really understand the meaning behind it, it's great."

Scott knows Samuel is at risk of infection, so avoiding germs is critical. She said she now prefers a smile to a handshake.

"A smile goes a long way in here," she said. "There's a lot of ups and downs  being a parent to a NICU baby."

KHN's coverage in California is funded in part by Blue Shield of California Foundation.






Jim Watkins lives with pain so intense it can snatch his breath away. He has osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, and the best way he has found to control the anguish is with daily doses of tramadol, an opioid medication.

He has been on the drug for nearly two decades, and for almost all of that time, his doctors gave it to him without any problems. But over the last few years, he said, that has changed.

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Watkins, a 59-year-old Chicagoan, is required to come in monthly to receive his prescription  he used to go as long as three months between visits  and each time, he said, he undergoes questioning about his opioid use that he regards as just short of harassment.

"(Chronic pain patients) are being singled out on a daily basis for something that other people have abused," he said. "Those of us who have legitimate conditions, why are we being treated differently?"

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Americans' use of opioid painkillers has exploded since the mid-1990s, driven by changing philosophies on pain treatment, drug company marketing campaigns and unscrupulous "pill mill" operators. The result, many experts say, has been a surge in addiction, overdoses and death.

Now, a reversal is underway. Opioid prescriptions have dropped sharply since 2012 as doctors have grown more conservative and the federal government has cracked down on what it deems "problematic prescribing." But some chronic pain patients say the turnabout has gone too far.

They describe unwarranted dosage cuts from doctors and unprovoked suspicion from neighborhood pharmacists. And even those who have good relationships with their health care providers say they feel more and more that society views them as junkies, not patients.

"I don't advertise the fact that I take these medications just because of the way people look on it, like I'm a drug addict," said a 59-year-old Lincolnwood woman who takes oxymorphone for back pain. "You mention it to someone, and it's like, 'Oh, you're going to die; my cousin's neighbor's son died.' They start connecting it with heroin abuse."

But some believe the correction is long overdue. Dr. Andrew Kolodny of the Opioid Policy Research Collaborative at Brandeis University said the drugs have ill-served many people they were meant to help, condemning them to addiction while leaving their pain undiminished  or, in some cases, even worse.

"They're stuck on these medicines they feel they can't live without, and many of them may be right," he said. "The trick is not to get more people stuck on opioids."

Prized medicine

Opioids inhibit pain signals traveling to the brain, and that trait has made them a prized medicine for thousands of years. But their addictive properties made many doctors hesitant to prescribe them for chronic conditions, said Theodore Cicero, a professor of psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis.

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"You were given aspirin," he said. "The attitude was that you just have to put up with (pain)."

That changed in the 1990s after some medical organizations concluded that doctors were not adequately treating their patients' pain. They created new standards that portrayed pain as "the fifth vital sign," encouraging doctors to use more powerful medications in the name of compassionate care.

Another game-changer was the 1996 introduction of OxyContin, a powerful, time-release opioid aimed at patients with long-lasting pain. Drug company Purdue Pharma mounted a huge marketing campaign portraying the drug as less prone to misuse than other opioids.

That claim was false, as the company later admitted in a fraud settlement with the federal government. Drug abusers simply crushed the pills to unleash their full potency, and OxyContin swiftly became a leading product offered by shady medical clinics proliferating around the country.

"There were more than 1,000 pain clinics operating just in Florida around 2011," said John Temple, a West Virginia University journalism professor whose book, "American Pain," chronicles the rise and fall of a crooked clinic. "They were all churning out these prescriptions every day. I would say the vast majority were not for legitimate patients but for people who just walked in off the street."

OxyContin wasn't the only painkiller to soak into American culture: Overall opioid prescriptions more than doubled over 20 years, from 112 million in 1992 to 282 million in 2012, while per-capita consumption more than quintupled.

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As the pills flooded into medicine cabinets, overdose deaths soared, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While many fatalities were because of abuse, Kolodny said some studies suggest the majority came from valid prescriptions.

The grim statistics caused many to rethink pain treatment. The CDC released guidelines advising doctors to be more cautious when prescribing opioids. The Drug Enforcement Administration tightened the rules for hydrocodone, one of America's most frequently prescribed medications.

Meanwhile, the American College of Physicians declared that doctors should consider opioids a "last option" for the treatment of lower back pain, while the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense recommended against prescribing the drugs for chronic pain.

If those messages weren't loud enough, physicians could also consider the high-profile arrests of colleagues accused of indiscriminate opioid distribution.

"You're not dealing with normal drug dealers in this situation  you're dealing with doctors who have something to lose," Temple said. "If they see another doctor being led away in handcuffs, that has a big impact."

Insurance hassles

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But Judith Paice, an advanced practice nurse who writes prescriptions for her work with cancer patients at Northwestern Medicine, said it's not fear of the law that is steering medical professionals away from opioids  it's fear of insurance companies.

Private insurers and the state's Medicaid program are increasingly requiring prior authorization for opioid medications, she said, and the hassle of those restrictions has convinced some to steer clear of the drugs altogether.

"Many practices are saying, 'I'm not going to prescribe opioids  it's not worth it because of the time and personnel constraints,'" said Paice, past president of the American Pain Society.

Experts say patients on long-standing opioid regimens sometimes get "fired" by their doctors out of concern they might be abusing the medication. A 47-year-old Chicago woman said that has happened to her repeatedly.

She said she has dealt with crippling back pain since trying to work through a slip-and-fall injury she suffered in her 20s, when she was a cocktail waitress on a riverboat casino. She has spent much of the last two decades on one opioid or another.

She said three doctors have dropped her for vague reasons or no reason at all, including one just last year. The clinic she now attends has a strict daily limit on the amount of opioids it allows patients to have, and she said her new regimen does not adequately treat her pain.

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"We walk on eggshells with our doctors," said the woman, who asked to remain nameless for fear of being dropped again. "We're afraid of being labeled, blacklisted. It happens to a lot of people."

Bad choice?

Some doctors say that even without abuse worries, opioids are a bad choice for chronic pain. Kolodny said patients' suffering can be exacerbated by withdrawal symptoms, while other researchers have found that people on high doses of painkillers can become more sensitive to pain  a phenomenon known as hyperalgesia.

Dr. Asokumar Buvanendran, a pain specialist at Rush University Medical Center and president of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, said therapies such as epidural injections, biofeedback and even acupuncture have proved to be equally or more effective at pain relief than opioids.

"Large studies have shown that over a year's time, it makes no difference whether you take narcotics or not," he said.

He noted, however, that alternative treatments often are not covered by insurance companies. That has left chronic pain sufferers like Paula Gianfortune reliant on opioids.

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Gianfortune, 50, of Oak Brook, said she injured her neck in two accidents, and the ferocious pain that followed has caused her to be on opioids for about 14 years. She wears a patch that supplies a steady flow of fentanyl, and takes hydromorphone pills when her pain spikes.

She said she would like to try nonmedicinal therapies but can't afford the 20 percent copay required by her insurance policy. In the meantime, she said, she lives in fear that her doctors will decide unilaterally to cut her dosage or take away the medication altogether.

"Hurting people who need (opioids) to survive day to day is just so wrong," she said. "You're going to have people who are truly in pain resorting to doing illegal drugs, and good people will overdose and die. You're going to be so desperate to get rid of the pain somehow."

jkeilman@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @JohnKeilman
Former U.S. Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks during BookExpo 2017 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, June 1, 2017 in New York City. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images)

Hillary Clinton doesn't seem to realize that the curtain has come down on her political career. And if she isn't careful, she's going to turn into a modern-day Norma Desmond.

I was one of the many Americans who thought Clinton would have made a better president than Donald Trump, but we lost that election. It's time she realized that no one is interested in hearing her excuses for why Trump is in the White House and she isn't.

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Like the protagonist in Billy Wilder's acclaimed 1950 film, "Sunset Boulevard," Clinton is beginning to sound like the faded silent film star who lives in a fantasy world where she makes a triumphant return to the screen.

While Clinton has stopped short of saying she'd like another shot at the White House, she seems to be implying that she deserves a second chance because the universe conspired to keep her from getting the job.

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For months after the stunning loss, Clinton mostly stayed out of the spotlight, opting instead to take long walks in the woods and reflect on the election that has redefined America's mission both at home and abroad.

After a lifetime in politics, she doesn't seem to know what to do with herself. It's understandable that she's trying to sort out her next step. But from what we've seen so far, she's off to a bad start.

The conclusions she drew during her self-imposed solitude are disappointing, to say the least. Nothing we have heard from Clinton thus far can be used to move us forward. Instead, she has proved that Trump isn't the only one who's stuck in the past.

While the rest of us are trying to come to terms with the harsh reality of this election, both Clinton and Trump seem to be trapped in campaign mode. He keeps reminding us that he won the election and that we were stupid for underestimating his political prowess. She keeps telling us how stupid everyone, except herself, is for allowing that to happen.

In a series of public appearances in recent weeks, Clinton has laid the blame for her loss everywhere except for where it belongs. The truth is that she ran a lousy, ineffective campaign that broke down in key battleground states.

While intelligence officials have confirmed that Russia meddled with the election, we don't know what the impact was.

But according to Clinton, the Russian hacking appeared to be a "more effective theft even than Watergate."

Before that, she laid the blame on former FBI Director James Comey for announcing publicly on Oct. 28 that he might reopen the investigation into her use of a personal email server when she was secretary of state.

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"If the election had been on Oct. 27, I would be your president," she told CNN's Christiane Amanpour at a Women for Women International event in New York last month.

Clinton went on to say that she takes "absolute personal responsibility" for the loss. "I was the candidate; I was the person on the ballot," she said.

There have been few times in American history that a presidential candidate got such a head start in the campaign as Clinton did. The Democratic Party, from the beginning, had parted the political waters for her, knocking down other potential contenders who might have considered mounting a challenge.

The party essentially anointed Clinton the next president, and even worked behind the scenes to discredit Sen. Bernie Sanders, the only candidate with the guts to oppose her on the ticket.

For Clinton, this election should have been an easy win. She had the momentum of being the first woman to capture the nomination of a major political party and her opponent was a political novice who wasn't even sure he really wanted the job.

It was Clinton herself who blew it.

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In spite of the hacking and leaks, she won the popular vote by a substantial margin. She failed in the Electoral College, which indicates that her bigger problem may have been strategy.

But since we're talking honestly now, let's go back and look at her message. It didn't resonate with a lot of people, even with some of those who voted for her. In some cases, a vote for Clinton amounted to choosing the lesser of two evils.

The bottom line is that she took too much for granted. She believed that blue state voters would cast their ballots for her because she was a Democrat. She believed that women would come out for her in droves because she was a woman. She believed that African-Americans would make up the slack as they have done in past presidential elections.

In placing the blame for her loss on everyone but herself, Clinton is exhibiting the trait that so many voters disliked about her in the first place  her unabashed sense of entitlement.

She truly believed that it was her turn to be president and that sensible people would vote for her because they believed it too. What she didn't understand, in spite of devoting her adult life to politics, is that many Americans simply despise the idea of entitlement.

In this country, nobody owes anybody anything. And some of us will vote against our own best interests to prove it.

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dglanton@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @dahleeng
Someone left a noose inside the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. (Jahi Chikwendiu / The Washington Post)

It's time people stopped waiting for a conversation about race in America. We are not a country that likes to talk things out.

What would that conversation look like anyway? Would African-Americans get to sit in a circle and lash out at white people about all the injustices they have inflicted on us, beginning with slavery? Would white people then see the error of their ways and fall on their knees to ask for forgiveness? And when the conversation is over, would we all leave the room and live harmoniously ever after?

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No. That's never going to happen.

I commend LeBron James for speaking out about racism after someone spray painted the N-word on the gate leading to his mansion. The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar reminded us that it's tough being black in America and that no matter how successful blacks become, they are never able to shed the cloak of their race.

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It was powerful statement but, in effect, he was preaching to the choir.

There is not a black person in America who doesn't know that the odds are stacked against us. And the white people who agreed with James already know it too. The people who would benefit most from this revelation are the ones who don't give a damn.

So where does that leave us? Exactly where we started.

I'm not saying that we should stop discussing race altogether or that we shouldn't shine a spotlight on malicious acts of racial intolerance. Of course, it's unacceptable when someone leaves a noose at the National Museum of African American History and Culture or defaces someone's home with racial epithets.

And anyone who commits a race-related crime should be prosecuted. We must have no tolerance for incidents such as the one that occurred on a train last week in Portland, where a suspect fatally slashed two men and injured another who came to the aid of two young women being attacked with racial slurs.

Such instances are symptoms of a deeply rooted problem in America called racism. This is not a word I use freely. It's a much too serious infliction to toss around every time something unfair or unpleasant happens to a black person.

Racism is cunning and pervasive, a sickness that can take on many forms and spread quickly if not put in check. It also is an illness that cannot be cured unless the sufferer chooses to be healed.

There is evidence that racism has peaked since the election of President Donald Trump. Perhaps some Americans have just become more aware of it. Whatever the case, it's useless for blacks to keep harping on how painful it is. The racists aren't listening.

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Inflicting pain is exactly what they intended. Once we succumb to it, the racists have achieved their goal.

As for myself, I choose not to surrender to defeat. I don't spend my energy lamenting the hurt of being called the N-word or any of the countless derogatory terms people spew at me whenever my column appears. I allow their words to flow off my back like the spray of water from a shower.

Words and graffiti, you see, are not our biggest issues. There are greater aspects of racism that deserve our full attention.

Like the soaring rate of black unemployment in America, at 8.1 percent by the end of 2016, almost twice the rate for whites. Illinois led the nation that year with 12.7 percent.

Judicial racism allows for sentencing disparities that land too many young black males in jail for minor drug violations. And when they come out and apply for jobs, they are denied because of their criminal records.

Educational racism allows failing schools to become a staple of low-income black communities, churning out poorly trained students who are ill prepared for life, much less the workforce.

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Housing racism allowed cities to restrict minorities to certain parts of the city for decades, forbidding them from renting and buying homes in more stable communities. And racism is what continues to support that system of segregation, clustering crime and poverty in the most neglected neighborhoods.

Racism is what allows some people to pretend that racism doesn't even exist. It is what convinces them that so many black people are jobless and poor because they are lazy. It is what allows some people to close their eyes to the systemic inequities in our country that sentence the most disadvantaged to failure while the most fortunate flourish.

If you are not African-American, I ask of you one thing: Do not pity me because I am.

Yes, it's tough being black in America. But we are strong and defiant people  because we've always had to be.

We will never stop fighting racism. And you are welcome to join us if you like.

dglanton@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter: @dahleeng
The following are stories as they appeared in The Lake County Star, a weekly newspaper started more than 150 years ago that covered all of Lake County and most of Porter County. The paper was owned and operated by the Wheeler family, descendants of Crown Point founder Solon Robinson. Items are replicated here as they originally appeared.

June 1, 1917

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A cyclone, one of the worst that ever happened in this section of the state, passed over Lake and Porter counties last Saturday evening, between 5:30 and 6 o'clock, and the devastation wherever the twister came into contact with the earth was complete and piles of wreckage was holy left to tell the tale of the destruction that occurred in each vicinity where the rolling wind swooped down momentarily. The tornado in this vicinity followed a downpour of rain which was augmented with hail stones as large as walnuts, and in Crown Point no inkling of the storm's fearful toll was learned until word began reaching town calling doctors from the neighborhood of Cedar Lake, from the fair ground and a little later from Hebron where the first reports said that the town had almost been wiped out with heavy loss of life and injuries. The storm entered Lake county in the vicinity of Brunswick, where nearly all of the outbuildings, windmills, silos and an occasional home was wrecked, and again came down with fearful results near the north end of Cedar Lake, where it struck the home of George Calnon and nearly whipped the farm clean of its buildings. The Gard family only saved their lives by getting into the cellar of the house in the nick of time. All of their possessions were swept away in a half minute's duration. No further damage of consequence followed until the bounding demon reached the vicinity of the fair ground, where in one quick swoop it caused a loss amounting to at least $6,000, and nearly took the life of Joseph Shilds, the only horse trainer on the grounds at the time... many of the large oak trees had been uprooted and toppled over in every direction. The greater portion of the two immense training barns were a heap of splintered and twisted lumber, much of which had found a lodging place in the park timer several hundred feet away.

The Indiana section of the National Red Cross Association has had a representative in Hebron and Kouts looking over the situation since last Monday, and the probabilities are that the national association will render financial aid to those who are unable to stand the losses which were complete in many instances in both of the towns.

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June 5, 1942

After serving as colonel of the 38th Engineers at Camp Shelby, Mississippi for nearly 18 months, John W. Wheeler of this city was ordered to report to the office of the Chief Engineer, U. S. Army in Washington the first of the week for a new assignment with it his rank of colonel. He returned home Tuesday afternoon just long enough to pack some fleece-lined underwear and other warm clothing, announced that he had been assigned to a cold weather climate, and departed Wednesday morning on a far-flung trip "somewhere" in the north. Army regulations prevented him from disclosing his destination.

"To be or not to be" is a quotation from Shakespeare's "Hamlet", but if Father Joseph Hammes of St. Mary's church had penned the few words this week he would have, no doubt, hat it read, "To bee or not to bee." You ask a reason? Well, it's bee-cause Father Hammes bee-came distressed early in the week when a swarm of bees selected one of the pillars of the rectory for a summer habitat. Never having studies bee culture to any extent, Father Hammes finds himself utterly defeated in any pan so far devised to coax the swarm out in the open so that he may plug the entrance to the strange bee-hive. He tried smoke to win his point, but finally called it a bad job when one of the swarm asked him in bee-language for a package of Camels. Will some bee expert come to Father's rescue with some feasible plan of attack, bee-cause he's getting provoked with his unruly and uninvited guests

June 2, 1967

A gathering of family members and close friends at Col. And Mrs. John W. Wheelers' home on Memorial day served not only to observe the holiday but the host's birthday on May 31 and the 20th wedding day of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Veach.

A new parade unit made it first appearance in Tuesday's Memorial day observance, formed by members of Fred Schmidt Post 20, The American Legion. Seven men dressed as "Boys in Blue" made up a Civil War cavalry parade unit that included a supply wagon. Flag bearers are Russell Hixon and Given Padgett. Clark Jones and Fred Swallow followed. Claude Jones, chairman of the committee, drove the wagon team and Bryan Rider and Max Merrion brought up the rear. The unit will be expanded as ideas occur to its members and will represent the post in Lake County parades.

kconley@post-trib.com
Police work the scene where a teenager was killed in an officer-involved shooting near 59th Street and State Street in the Washington Park neighborhood on June 2, 2017, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Eight people were shot dead and 27 other people were wounded in attacks across Chicago over the weekend, including two shootings involving police officers from a summer mobile detail that happened 24 hours apart.

In the first police-involved shooting, officers fatally shot Corsean Lewis, 17, about 11:10 p.m. Friday in the 5800 block of South Wabash Avenue in the Washington Park neighborhood, according to officials.

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Officers with the summer mobile unit had responded to a call of a person with a gun and were approaching a group of people when someone fired a shot at the officers, hitting the front bumper of the unmarked police car, according to officials.

Officers returned fire, striking the teen multiple times, according to police. Officers found a gun at the scene, and they believe the teen was the one who had fired the shot at them, according to officials.

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About 24 hours later, officers working a similar summer mobile unit farther south in the 8100 block of South Maryland Avenue were involved in another shooting. A Chicago police officer and another man were both wounded.

In that incident, a man ran from officers who had seen him drinking outside. He went into a nearby apartment building, where a struggle over a gun ensued between an officer and the man.

An officer was shot in the hand, and the officer's partner shot at the man, critically wounding him, police said.

In addition to the police-involved shootings, two men were killed and six others were wounded within about an hour early Sunday. Among those killed was 41-year-old Edward Mason, who was shot in the head and chest just before 3:15 a.m. in the 1800 block of West Maypole Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sunday afternoon, Shantae Nevith, 22, was fatally shot in an apparent murder-suicide in the 2500 block of West Lyndale Street about 12:30 p.m. in the Logan Square neighborhood, police said. The 23-year-old man, who police believe shot Nevith, was found dead hours later from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

Despite the violent weekend, the number of people killed and shot in Chicago is down compared with last year, when gun violence rose to levels not seen in two decades.



The city has recorded 259 homicides this year compared with 271 this time last year, according to data compiled by the Tribune.

The number of shooting victims has decreased by about 9 percent. As of Monday, 1,434 people had been shot compared with 1,588 people this time last year, according to Tribune data.
Amanda Presslak, front, a fourth-grade teacher at Passages Charter School, and other teachers, protest in front of the school on May 24, 2017. Negotiations continue between Asian Human Services, the local nonprofit that runs Passages, and union representatives, and the schools charter teachers, parents, students and allies scheduled the rally prior to final bargaining sessions and a potential strike. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

Unionized teachers at Chicago charter schools are set to begin voting Monday on a plan to join the Chicago Teachers Union, a merger that would alter the politics of the city's education system by pulling the independently operated schools under the direct influence of a powerful labor group that has sought to limit charter expansion.

The Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff has framed the merger to members as one that will "help us survive and thrive in this challenging political environment."

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A successful merger could also generate fresh political pressure on Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration and allied education reformists who have prized charters' independence from union influence.

"What it does is it helps all Chicago teachers fight together on the same issues," said Chris Baehrend, president of the Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff, of the potential merger.

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"We face the same issues with privatization.We face the same issues with budget cuts.We face the same issues with resources in our schools," Baehrend said. "It allows us to have a unified strong voice to fight for the things we want."

Andrew Broy, head of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, said the move would establish the combined labor group as "definitively anti-charter."

"They're making explicit what had been implicit for a while," he said.

The outcome of this week's ballot isn't expected to be announced for several days. The Chicago Teachers Union must still vote on the deal, an effort officials said is not likely to occur until the fall.

If approved, teachers at each unionized charter network would still operate under separate contracts negotiated with each charter operator in entirely different legal territory from the one that sets rules for how and when CTU's teachers can strike.

Quirks like those are bound to create some growing pains within the expanded union, CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey said.

"There will be trials," Sharkey said. "I well imagine there are things that could potentially be tricky, but frankly you could say they're the same things that divide our teachers now."

"People will figure it out."

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There are also advantages. Union leaders have told members that all 10 of the city's charter school labor contracts expire next year, part of a deliberate effort to "maximize the strength of all union charter school educators."

"This is an opportunity for us to significantly increase our voice," charter union leaders have told members in printed materials.

Unionized charter teachers in the city are collectively represented by ChiACTS, a branch of the American Federation of Teachers and a statewide affiliate of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Practically speaking, the merger would build on an existing agreement between CTU and ChiACTS that has subsidized contract negotiating prowess and other staff support for charter teachers as they've protested their working conditions and made recurring threats to walk off the job.

"People are very used to thinking of the CTU as monolithic, that it's one union representing one employer at Chicago Public Schools," Sharkey said.

"It's an important change to the CTU. The CTU would become a union that is federated, that represents multiple employers. When people hear the term 'CTU,' they're going to have to understand that the CTU doesn't just represent CPS. It will more broadly be an organization for public educators in the city of Chicago."

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Information distributed to charter teachers ahead of this week's vote said the merger would grant them the right to help elect CTU officers and win seats on the union's influential executive board and its larger House of Delegates. Individual charter schools would technically continue to vote on and negotiate their own contracts.

Other reasons behind the merger, as many things in Chicago are, are related to money.

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According to materials promoting the merger, many of the costs of the "servicing agreement" between CTU and charter teachers have been subsidized by the larger union  a trend described as "no longer sustainable."

Dues would increase with a CTU merger, but charter leaders say the shift would occur at a lower rate.

Baehrend would not comment on why the charter union would proceed with a vote without participation from educators at the Noble Network of Charter Schools, who are still in the middle of ongoing efforts to formally organize its own branch of ChiACTS  and one that would eventually be part of the broader CTU if this week's vote advances.

He also wouldn't discuss when Noble teachers might take a unionization vote.

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"This is an internal matter, and we want this to be settled amongst members by talking to other members," Baehrend said. "This is not something for charter bosses to influence; this is an internal decision for us to make amongst ourselves."

jjperez@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @PerezJr
Charges are pending against a 27-year-old man after he allegedly sideswiped a marked police vehicle and then crashed into the side of a Little Village home, according to Chicago police.

It all started about 2:20 a.m. Sunday when the of driver of a Jeep sideswiped a marked police car in the 2700 block of South Homan Avenue in Little Village.

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The man kept driving until he crashed into the side of a home in the 3000 block of West 27th Street, near the Cook County Jail, police said.

No one was reported injured, and the home had minor damage from the crash, according to police.

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The man was arrested, and charges were pending Monday. Officers found a gun in his vehicle, police said.

Check back for updates.
Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Chicago is known for its science curriculum, with students getting 100 minutes per day of the subject  more than any other school in the Chicago region. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Three years after Illinois made a bold change in how science would be taught and tested, little is known about how students have performed because neither schools nor families have seen state science exam scores since 2013-14.

Whether supported or maligned, state testing gives important information to schools and families about what students know in reading, math and science, and achievement results have been released continuously in reading and math.

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But the delay in science scores  blamed largely on state budget woes  is unusual and problematic, given that federal law requires states to administer science exams at least three times from grade school through high school and make the results public.

There were no scores in 2015 because the Illinois State Board of Education didn't give a state science exam, getting into hot water with the U.S. Department of Education. At the time, the state argued it shouldn't give an old exam based on outdated standards for what students should know in science. For years, students took the state science exam in 4th, 7th and 11th grade grades.

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Illinois adopted the updated Next Generation Science Standards in 2014, but a new state exam had not been created by 2015 testing time.

In spring 2016, the state administered a new science exam called the Illinois Science Assessment to 5th and 8th graders and to high school students taking biology. But scores have yet to be released for the 2016 exam, and by now, students have taken the spring 2017 science exam.

"How could schools have tested in 2017 and not have gotten 2016 results? It is kind of crazy," said Carol Baker, a longtime science educator who helped write the new state standards in science. She's now a grade school superintendent in west Cook County.

State officials acknowledged science testing and scoring has not gone smoothly.

"The timeline for scoring the ISA has been less than ideal. We deeply appreciate all of Illinois' educators and administrators for working hard to administer the ISA. We hear and understand their frustration with the delay," ISBE spokewoman Jackie Matthews said in response to written questions from the Tribune.

The agency has partnered with Southern Illinois University Carbondale to do the scoring, and the university is about one-third of the way through scoring the 2016 state science exams, according to Matthews. Those scores are expected to be released to districts this summer, and the 2017 scores in the fall.

"Uncertainty about state funding delayed ISBE's ability to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with SIU Carbondale to begin scoring the ISA. The delay was the result of Illinois' lack of a state budget and not of the process, nor of the scoring partner," Matthews said.

Baker said the delay in getting scores affects everything from curriculum planning at school to input at home about how students are achieving in science. In addition to providing individual student scores to parents, the statewide exam gives context to the public on how students are faring statewide, in districts and at local schools.

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Baker said the state's budget crises delayed the start of scoring, and testing officials had to undergo the time consuming and complicated process of setting "cut" scores that determine if a student essentially passes or fails the exam.

But Baker said the situation is not all bad. Without a state science exam in 2015, for example, teachers got the chance to train in the new science standards without the pressure of a statewide exam. And teachers have been incorporating the new standards in their instruction.

Next Generation Science Standards move away from memorizing science facts and toward analysis in key areas of science and engineering.

"One of the good things is that NGSS has really lit a fire in the science community," Baker said. "Most schools, most teachers, are working hard to implement NGSS  not because they have to, but because they want to. It is good instructional practice. It is good teaching and learning."

The state board of education keeps track of how much instruction time is spent in math, English, science and social sciences in grades 3, 6 and 8, and statewide data in 2016 show science instruction minutes on average rose to the highest in 15 years.

Third grade instruction in science rose to to an average of 34 minutes per day; 6th grade minutes went up to 48, and 8th grade minutes to 50. Science has usually trailed math and English in terms of instruction minutes, and has been about equal to minutes spent on social sciences.

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Chicago Public School's McAuliffe Elementary School in 2016 had the highest number of instruction minutes in science in the Chicago area and the second most in the state. In 3rd, 6th and 8th grades, students at McAuliffe averaged 100 minutes of science instruction per day. That's double to triple the state averages.

The largely Hispanic school in the Logan Square and Hermosa neighborhoods focuses on science, technology, engineering, math and and the arts, and is named after teacher Sharon Christa McAuliffe, who died along with six other crew members in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986.

McAuliffe Principal Ryan Belville said while the school has not received state exam science scores, it does do local science testing to measure students' progress in the subject, and teachers have incorporated the new science standards into the curriculum.

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Last week, 5th graders in teacher Georgia Siannas' midmorning science class did hands-on work in establishing how leaves lose their green hue and turn into different colors in the fall.

"I'm a facilitator. I'll provide an example, but the rest is up to them," said Siannas, who walked through the classroom watching groups of students working together.

The current Illinois Science Assessment was put together by using test questions from the Washington, D.C., school district, a process that was not ideal because Illinois was under pressure from the federal government to give a science exam in 2016 after missing the science test in 2015. "ISBE created the ISA under significant budget constraints," Matthews said.

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In addition, Baker said some high school administrators were not happy with the biology-related state science exam for a variety reasons, including that other key science areas were not tested, such as chemistry and physics.

"Despite our successes, we know we have room to improve and are committed to continuing to listen to the field to make each administration of ISA smoother," Matthews said.

ISBE and SIU plan to work with science experts and educators to create new test items, she said, but, "Expanding on the scope and content of the ISA will require a budgetary investment from Illinois lawmakers."

drado@chicagotribune.com
Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley said Monday that Russian operatives hacked into the State Board of Elections last year to view voter database files, a potential move toward trying to make voters distrust the state and federal election system.

Quigley, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, also warned of a potential "constitutional crisis" over executive privilege between President Donald Trump and the U.S. Supreme Court as part of multiple investigations into possible collusion between agents of the Russian government and Trump's presidential campaign.

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Quigley's declaration of Russian involvement in the hacking of the state elections board marked the first time the country had been definitively identified as behind the attack last year, though it had been widely suspected.

"The Russians hacked into the Illinois State Board of Elections," Quigley said after a meeting with the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board.

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"They got into the database," he said. "I believe they're on the doorstep to hacking into our voting systems. That is my educated guess.

"I'm not saying I know they'll do this, (but) think about what you could do. You could check and say, 'Oh no, all these people already voted, or these people voted absentee.' Once you get into that, then there's all kind of mischief," Quigley said.

The Democrat, who represents the North Side and north and west suburbs, said the intelligence committee should look at classifying election systems as a "target" that should be hardened and given federal resources.

"If the committee ended right now, that would be my first recommendation," Quigley said.

Ken Menzel, the general counsel of the State Board of Elections, said no voter information had been manipulated by hackers. The identification of 3,000 voters was viewed, and hackers may have viewed up to 80,000 more. Those 80,000 received letters letting them know that their driver's license number or last four digits of their Social Security number may have been seen.

Menzel said the state elections board does not tabulate votes, something that occurs in each of the state's 102 counties and seven special local election boards. Any toughening of tabulation would involve those local election officials. Menzel said that the manipulation Quigley theorized about would have minimal effect on balloting compared with normal human error at local precincts.

"A lot of election administrators would like more resources and more help, but what kind of help is he talking about? What kind of hardening of things? The election administrators would not be happy with a pile of additional unfunded mandates," Menzel said.

As for the House Intelligence Committee investigation, Quigley said, "I am concerned we will face a constitutional crisis," adding it was something he was not saying lightly.

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Citing the administration's firing of FBI Director James Comey, Quigley said there may be new attempts to define executive privilege protections by the president. Comey is scheduled to testify before the Senate's intelligence committee Thursday.

"If you had read what I had read and heard and so forth, and you watch this president and how he's acted under certain situations, if there's ever a president who would defy the Supreme Court, this is the one," Quigley said.

"I could be wrong, but this is a guy who put Andrew Jackson up in the Oval Office, the last president to tell the Supreme Court, 'No.' I'd like to think I'm wrong," he said. Quigley referenced Jackson's opposition to an 1832 ruling by the high court that ruled the federal government, and not the state of Georgia, had jurisdiction over access to land controlled by Native Americans.

Quigley's comment came shortly before the White House issued a statement that the administration would not seek to use executive privilege to block Comey's testimony.

rap30@aol.com

Twitter @rap30
Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield. Subscribe here.

Topspin

Joining the ranks of comedians, radio hosts and millennials with microphones, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has started a podcast.

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It's called the "Chicago Stories" podcast, with City Hall billing the mayor as meeting with "everyday Chicagoans and special guests in his office" and hearing "their stories of the Windy City."

The first episode features Haymarket Brewing, which has a restaurant and pub at Halsted and Randolph streets and recently opened a tap room and production brewery in southwest Michigan.

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Haymarket operations director Mike Gemma and brewer Trevor Hagen talked to Emanuel about the city's craft brewing culture, and the conversation let the mayor lay claim to some craft beer bona fides.

"I can't think of a conventional beer I've, you know, a commercial beer that I've ordered in the last five years," Emanuel said.

The mayor plugged the city's new Friday Night Flights, six summer events to highlight Chicago craft brewers. He asked the Haymarket crew for four and five up-and-coming craft brewers to watch. Going to some bars with so many options "is like the wine list all of the sudden, man, it's getting too complicated."

Their response included: Haymarket "obviously," Dovetail Brewery, Half Acre Beer Company and On Tour Brewing.

Emanuel starting a podcast echoes moves by other politicans in the Internet age, using technology to speak to voters directly rather through traditional media. Gov. Bruce Rauner has regularly taken questions about the state budget stalemate via Facebook Live, for example.

"Little-known fact if you didn't know about Haymarket Brewery, the most award-winning brewery in the city of Chicago and I think the United States," Emanuel said.

"I don't know about the United States," one of the Haymarket guests replied.

"It's only three of us here on this show, let's go," Emanuel said, laughing. "Who's here to refute us, man?"

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What's on tap

*Mayor Emanuel will break ground on a pedestrian and bike bridge at 41st Street.

*Gov. Rauner has no public events scheduled.

*U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth hold an immigration roundtable at the Heartland Alliance National Immigration Justice Center in Chicago.

*The week ahead: On Tuesday, Cook County Clerk David Orr will speak to the City Club of Chicago. On Wednesday, David Reifman, Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development, will speak to the City Club. And on Thursday, the Illinois House will hold a budget hearing in Chicago.

From the notebook

*On the Sunday Spin: Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson's guests were Greg Baise, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers Association, Democratic governor candidate Chris Kennedy and Republican state Rep. Keith Wheeler of Oswego. The "Sunday Spin" airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on WGN 720-AM. Listen to the full show here.

What we're writing

*Kennedy says Pritzker doesn't 'deserve' to be governor, cites FBI recordings with Blagojevich.

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*Independent monitor to oversee CPD under Justice Department deal.

*City Water Department emails reveal racial insensitivity, sexism.

*Emanuel to Rauner: Education funding bill 'once in a lifetime opportunity.'

*Former Illinois senator wants money from pay increases he missed.

*Developers named for former Michael Reese Hospital site.

What we're reading

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*Prosecutors allowed to view statements by officers at Laquan McDonald shooting.

*Why we stay: Notable Chicagoans talk about why they call city home.

*$4.9 million sale of mansion is South Barrington's priciest deal ever.

Follow the money

*State Sen. Daniel Biss, a Democratic candidate for governor, reported $43,700 in contributions.

*The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform's look at the week's big donations.

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*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.

Beyond Chicago

*London continues to probe deadly attack.

*Trump responds on Twitter.

*Comey testimony might not get blocked.

*Pruitt defends exit from Paris accord.
President Donald Trump for a second day lashed out at London's mayor on Twitter in the wake of a deadly terror attack in the city.

Trump stated on Twitter Monday morning that London Mayor Sadiq Khan had offered a "pathetic excuse" and "had to think fast on his 'no reason to be alarmed' statement."

Trump's tweet renews his mischaracterization of Khan's statement to London residents following a vehicle and knife attack that left seven people dead and dozens injured. The mayor had told London residents not to be concerned by a stepped-up police presence in the city after the incident.

In a Sunday tweet, Trump mischaracterized Khan's remarks by suggesting the mayor had said there was "no reason to be alarmed" about the attack itself. Khan's spokesman said he was too busy to respond to Trump's "ill-informed" tweet.

On Monday, a spokesman for Khan responded to the latest statement from Trump, saying: "Nothing has changed since yesterday."

He said: "The mayor is focused on dealing with Saturday's horrific and cowardly attack and working with the police, the emergency services and the Government to keep London safe."

Asked if Trump was wrong to make the comments, British Prime Minister Theresa May said at a news conference Monday that "Sadiq Khan is doing a good job and it's wrong to say anything else - he's doing a good job."

Trump's latest missive at Khan was part of several Monday morning tweeted statements from the president. Trump also lashed out at his own Justice Department for seeking a "watered down" version of the travel ban he signed in March instead of a broader directive that was also blocked by the courts.

The war of words was the latest episode in a long simmering feud between Trump and Khan, a Muslim who was elected as London's mayor in May 2016. After his election last year, Khan tweeted criticism of then-candidate Trump's rhetoric, saying that his "ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe. It risks alienating mainstream Muslims." Trump later challenged Khan to an IQ test during an interview on ITV.

Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway on Monday condemned what she called the media's "obsession with covering everything he says on Twitter and very little of what he does as president."

In an appearance on NBC's "Today Show," Conway said people should pay attention to what the president is doing, saying people in England had tried to inform authorities about the terrorists before the attacks happened.

"If you're going to see something and say something, it has to be followed by, do something," she said. "And this president is trying to do something to protect the people of this country."

Trump said he had spoken with 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.

British authorities say that have identified the three attackers but have not revealed that information publicly.
Herbert Kraus began his career as a publicist in Chicago in the early 1950s, working to help sell bonds to support the new nation of Israel.

It was work that brought him into contact with what friend and fellow publicist June Rosner called scores of national political leaders and show business celebrities, launching a career in public relations that lasted for more than 50 years.

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Kraus saw himself as more of a journalist, Rosner said, always telling the truth. His approach won him clients ranging from the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, Bresler's Ice Cream, Inland Steel Container Co. and the Tommy Bartlett Show in Wisconsin Dells to Candlelight Dinner Playhouse and Drury Lane Theatre.

"He was kind of the dean of public relations in Chicago," Rosner said. "He never took a client if he didn't think they were doing good things."

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Kraus, 95, died of natural causes May 20 in his home on Chicago's North Side, according to his daughter, Claudia Kraus Piper.

He was born Hershel Kraus in Cleveland, then moved with his family to northwest Indiana, where his grandfather had founded a store fixtures business. After skipping some grades in elementary school and graduating from high school at 15, he went on to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he got a bachelor's degree in political science.

He joined the Army in 1942 and served in the South Pacific. His daughter said he was in a Jeep when he was shot. The bullet pierced his chest, missing his heart but leaving lasting damage to his right elbow and earning him a Purple Heart.

He left the Army in 1946. He was accepted into law school at the University of Chicago, but decided law was not for him. By the early 1950s, he was the Chicago area publicist for Bonds for Israel.

In 1954, he started his own public relations agency, eventually called Herbert M. Kraus and Co. One of his first clients was the Chicago Committee for the Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Mo.

Rosner said Kraus hired her to help on that effort. The two later worked together on nonprofit and other public relations projects.

Howard Mendelsohn was the+ first employee Kraus hired for his new firm and said he began working for $50 a week in a newly rented office while Kraus was still with Israel Bonds. "It took us a couple of months before Herbie could come to the office every day," Mendelsohn said. "Herbie taught me, worked with me, taught me to write a little bit. He was a great writer, loved to write, loved words."

Rosner concurred on Kraus' writing skills, citing a time when she stalled trying to write a press release listing newly elected officers for her first client, a group of doctors.

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"I just froze at the typewriter. I started to cry," she said. "He sat down at the typewriter and in seconds had it done. I said to myself, 'I'm going to learn how to do that.'"

Kraus was a longtime member of the Saturday luncheon group begun by the late Chicago columnist and television talk show host Irv Kupcinet, which still meets regularly. Joseph Morris, one of the group's members, said Kraus in his prime was a fabulous storyteller and great wit.

Morris said public relations seemed a perfect vocation for Kraus. "He just enjoyed people. It was a case of someone who found a profession that played to his personal strengths. He was a person who was interested in people, who found a way to make a living as a specialist in knowing people and communicating with people."

Kraus had a special interest in history and enjoyed the fact that his work brought him into contact with a number of prominent people, among them political figures Truman and Adlai Stevenson II and with civil rights leaders including Chicago Urban League director Edwin "Bill" Berry and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1973, Kraus merged his company with and managed the Midwest office of Manning Selvage and Lee. Around 1983, he became president of Kraus Dunham Nickolich Public Relations. He re-established an agency under his own name before retiring around 2007.

From about the late 1970s to the time of his retirement, Kraus taught public relations at Columbia College Chicago. It was typical of his interest in sharing knowledge and encouragement generously with young people, according to Mendelsohn and Rosner.

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"If you wanted some advice, you could always call him," said friend and fellow publicist Mert Silbar. "He was a mensch, a good person."

In 2006, the Publicity Club of Chicago honored Kraus with its Golden Trumpet Award for Lifetime Achievement.

In addition to Piper, Kraus is survived by another daughter, Gale Reinitz; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

His first marriage to the late Barbara Marks ended in divorce. His second wife, Catherine Kraus, to whom he was married for 50 years, died in 2007.

Services were held.

Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter.
By now, anyone with a television or Internet is aware of Kathy Griffin's misfired attempt at humor by posing with a replica of President Donald Trump's bloody, disembodied head. At its best, this stunt could be considered comedic. At worst, it's just ... the worst.



I'm not sure why a depiction of the president's bloody head hanging from your hand should be considered funny. Griffin made a political statement that stood miles away from any claim of humor. Griffin, herself, called it a "horrible, horrible call."



But I come not to rail against Kathy Griffin, nor to praise her.



Instead, I want to speak in the defense of political satire, which can connect people to news and politics in a way that traditional reporting can't always do.



As a disclaimer, I knew Kathy Griffin before she ever stepped on stage as a comedian. I met her when she worked backstage at the Groundlings improvisation theater in Los Angeles. Back then, Griffin was shy compared to other performers and she had to be talked into going on stage by comedian Judy Toll. Toll's advice to Griffin was not to worry about being a comic and instead just to speak her mind.



It seems that she took Toll's advice to heart with her most recent stunt. Explained by Griffin, the Trump photos were created to reflect candidate Trump's crude reference to then-Fox News host, Megyn Kelly, having blood coming out of her "wherever."



People on both sides of the aisle have taken to social media to passionately debate whether Griffin's actions where simply bad comedy or an act of treason. But one thing is clear to me: This was not political satire and to call it that is an injustice to what political satire is supposed to be.



Merriam-Webster defines "satire" as: (sharp) wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit vice or folly.



Satire, especially political satire, is just as important as serious reporting. It's also just as protected by the Constitution. Sometimes satire is purely about getting a laugh, but sometimes it's about getting a laugh and making a point.



When done well, the impact of satire can be even more important than the news itself. Satire's humorous elements can bring in a wider audience than the original reporting. Satire connects audiences to news and can sometimes be the first exposure that younger, less savvy audiences have when it comes to newsworthy issues of the day. If satirical observations voice your point of view, you not only laugh with the satirists, but you cheer them on as well.



Whether written for sites like The Onion or National Lampoon or performed on stage, political satirists like Will Rogers, Lenny Bruce Mort Sahl, Jon Stewart and Bill Hicks have made fun of politicians and heads of state for decades. More recently, the New Yorker's Andy Borowitz and TV hosts Samantha Bee and John Oliver have unleashed their own unrelenting brands of satire on our current president, with jokes about everything from his policies to his fashion choices.



Political satire has perhaps seen it's most popular resurgence through this season of "Saturday Night Live" thanks to unrelenting satirical portrayals of Trump and his administration, especially Alec Baldwin's portrayal of Trump's eccentricities and Melissa McCarthy's Sean Spicer character.



It's not always the left satirizing the right. Will Rogers became known as a non-partisan satirist when he said, "I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat." When I was political editor at National Lampoon, we created a spoof-site of progressive Moveon.org. The satirical Moveonplease.org mocked Moveon.org's left-leaning depiction of right-wing issues. The right-leaning audience loved it, because it represented a point of view they agreed with in a way that made them laugh.



The difference between those examples and Griffin's photos is simple: Griffin's photo was not political satire at all. It was political art. That's what Griffin's photographer, Tyler Shields called it when he tweeted, "Can you go to jail for making an artistic statement?"



Whether it was appreciated or not, the photos of Griffin holding a faux bloody Trump head were political art, not satire. So please, don't confuse Griffin's stunt with the important satirical work that's done by sites like The Onion or shows like Saturday Night Live.



Satire has its place when done well. This wasn't it.

Tribune Content Agency

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Steve Young is an award-winning TV writer, author and the former political editor of National Lampoon. He wrote this for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
President Donald Trump announces his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 1, 2017. (Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump's decision to remove the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement is yet another manifestation  alongside the budget submitted to Congress and the president's speech at NATO headquarters in Brussels  of how he continues to see U.S. interests as narrowly economic, and U.S. influence as exerted solely through hard power.

Had the president a more expansive view of both the nation's interests and influence, he would have kept the U.S. in the accord. Instead, he not only harmed global efforts to address a pressing problem, but also deprived the U.S. of an important source of so-called soft power. In a world in which military might is increasingly difficult and costly to use, America will suffer from this loss.

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My Harvard colleague Joe Nye coined the term soft power, defining it simply as "the ability to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payments." According to Nye, the soft power of a country depends largely on three components: its culture, its political values, and how it conducts itself in the world and at home. To the extent that these three factors are attractive to others, a country can wield considerable sway abroad. This soft power complements more traditional notions of hard power: the military, the economy, and coercive elements of policy.

Contrary to a view in which the U.S. cows or pressures others into doing its bidding through its military power alone, it has long relied on soft power to shape the world in a way conducive to its interests. For instance, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, an initiative the U.S. took to help rebuild Europe, including Germany, after the devastation of World War II. During the Cold War, the attractiveness of U.S. ideas, values, and policies helped inspire those living under Soviet rule to oppose it, and allowed the U.S. to sustain alliances in the face of decades-long pressure from Moscow.

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The U.S. had, and continues to have, many sources of soft power, be it our technologies, universities that attract hundreds of thousands of foreign students each year, or many elements of our popular culture. But a new and significant source of soft power was U.S. leadership on an issue that virtually every country in the world cares enough about to have devised a national action plan: climate change.

While the U.S. cannot claim all the credit for producing the Paris accord, the Barack Obama administration was widely seen as having been a critical driver. America became the champion of many countries that view climate change as an urgent, if not existential, problem. This global goodwill was extinguished overnight with Trump's announcement  and with it, the countless ways in which the U.S. could have leveraged it to achieve other, non-climate related goals.

The most specific and likely most important example of how this will affect tangible American interests is with the relationship with China. Much has already been said about how Washington, in withdrawing from the Paris agreement, has handed China a geopolitical gift by ceding global leadership role to Beijing. Trump's abdication is no doubt welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is making a big push to increase Chinese soft power in the world  even speaking of it in these terms.

But what few appreciate is how climate was one of a perilously small number of issues on which Washington and Beijing had managed to build a cooperative relationship.

Perhaps ironically, the boom in U.S. shale gas production helped the U.S. bring down the country's 2015 per-capita carbon emissions to a level not seen since the early 1960s. This helped give the Obama administration credibility when it approached Chinese officials to forge a bilateral agreement in which both countries would commit to reining in carbon emissions.

This 2014 agreement was followed by three additional joint climate pacts and other initiatives  such as the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center  that have been the basis for constructive cooperation between two countries otherwise mired in tense and suspicious relations.

The hope was not only that the partnership between the U.S. and China would be good for the environment and climate, but that the personal relationships and mechanisms built through this engagement would have positive spillover effects into more tendentious issues. With tensions high on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea, and with Russian President Vladimir Putin aggressively seeking to position Moscow as a better partner than Washington, removing one of the few points of common interest and real cooperation between the U.S. and China is nothing short of folly  even if you cared not an iota about climate.

President Trump had other options than simply declaring the costs of meeting climate targets too high for the U.S. Given the inefficiencies and costs associated with Obama's Clean Power Plan, Trump might have instead galvanized Americans  through more funding for research and development and other policies  to find better ways of meeting U.S. pledges made in Paris.

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Such innovations could have themselves been both an economic boon to the U.S. and a source of soft power if shared with countries struggling worldwide to meet climate challenges. Now that would have truly made America great again.

Bloomberg View

Margaret O'Sullivan is a Bloomberg columnist and the Jeane Kirkpatrick Professor of the Practice of International Affairs at Harvard University's Kennedy School. She served on the National Security Council from 2004 to 2007, and was deputy national security adviser for Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Even before starting school, I began to spend hours at my local Chicago Public Library: the beautiful Hild (now Old Town School of Folk Music). My early years of school were spent in McPherson, even then an old Chicago Public School. I swam and ice skated (not too well) at Welles Park. I went through grade school and high school at some of the best of Chicagos Catholic schools. I still have friends from the neighborhood whom I see today.

As a child, we made frequent trips to Lincoln Park Zoo and the (then) Chicago Historical Society, where my favorite was the diorama of the Great Chicago Fire. I grew to love a city that could rebuild itself after such a disaster. I was exposed to the Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry. In high school, I grew to love just wandering through the Art Institute. I was exposed to great music from symphony to jazz, from opera to folk to blues.

During high school, I was lucky enough to accompany an order of nuns who worked in Cabrini-Green, going into apartments of families who lived there, a life-changing experience. After college, I worked as a teacher and educator. Later, I worked at a great Chicago institution, Northern Trust.

Its not just that I was born here and grew up here and worked here; I owe Chicago. Along with my parents, Chicago educated me. The libraries, the schools, the parks, the neighborhoods, the museums  all of these made me who I am. I benefited from growing up in a great city and all it had to offer. I love Chicago, and Im grateful for all its given me. Im very happy to be moving back. Yes, I see the problems: corruption, violence, discrimination, but I also remember that diorama. Chicago has risen before from the ashes.

When people ask, Why are you moving back, especially to a place with so many problems? I say: I am a Chicagoan. I owe a lot to this city, and I dont want to give up on it.

 Kathleen (Hagemann) Almaney, St. Joseph, Mich.

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If binge-watching season two of "Master of None" left you craving a negroni, you're in luck. From June 5-11 you can try creative spins on the classic bitter Italian cocktail which typically blends Campari, gin and vermouth  at 85 Chicago spots as part of the fourth annual Negroni Week. In case you need another excuse to drink, the bars will also be making donations to charity. We picked 10 great spots to visit, but you can find the full list at negroniweek.com.

Il Porcellino

59 W. Hubbard St. 312-595-0800

The Peanut Butter & Jelly Negroni puts a nostalgic spin on the cocktail with peanut-infused gin, red berry jam-washed Campari, vermouth and toasted pecan bitters ($13). You can also try one of the four negronis on River North restaurant's regular menu including the rum-based Jamaican negroni and the Negroni Sbagliato which features aperol, vermouth and prosecco.

Benefitting: Greater Chicago Food Depository

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Spiaggia

980 N. Michigan Ave. 312-280-2750

Whiskey lovers can get in on the action with the Magnificent Mile restaurant's Criminalita Negroni, which blends Redemption rye, Punt e Mes, Campari, Contratto Fernet and bitters ($16). If you want to savor the classic flavors, opt for the 5 Hour Negroni where the gin, vermouth and Campari are simmered over a low heat for five hours before being served ($16).

Benefitting: No Kid Hungry

Arbella

112 W. Grand Ave. 312-846-6654

Cool off with the Amaro Congelato, a mix of gin, Campari, orange juice, vermouth and Lillet Blanc turned into a slushy by freezing it with liquid nitrogen, or feel like you're curled up by a fire when you sip the Smoke If Ya Got 'Em, which blends mezcal, vermouth, Campari and applewood smoke. The River North cocktail bar also mixes up the Mom Makes it Better, a pisco-based negroni garnished with a lemon peel ($15 each).

Benefitting: Helen David Relief Fund

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The Bristol

2152 N. Damen Ave. 773-862-5555

Two forms of rabarbaro, an amaro made with rhubarb, are used in the Bucktown restaurant's Rhubarb Negroni, which also features gin, Campari and a burnt orange peel ($10).

Benefitting: Greater Chicago Food Depository

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Sunda

110 W. Illinois St. 312-644-0500

A trio of $14 negronis at the River North restaurant each highlight different spirits, with the Hammer Negroni featuring Ardbeg 10-year-old scotch, Casamigos reposado tequila, Campari and vermouth, the Divine Wind mixing sake, bitters and Jelinek Fernet, and the Unfolded Haze sticking to gin but adding the aperitif wine Cocchi Americano Rossa, amaro and bitters.

Benefitting: SHARE

Sable

500 N. State St. 312-755-9704

The River North cocktail bar serves four versions of the negroni including the Negroni con Toro made with reposado tequila, ancho chile liqueur and China-China bitter orange peel liqueur, and the Negroni in the Dark, which features Evan Williams bourbon, the Italian bitter liqueur Cynar, vermouth, amaro and grapefruit bitters (both $14).

Benefitting: Greater Chicago Food Depository

Gilt Bar

230 W. Kinzie St. 312-464-9544

Try a classic negroni ($13) or a Boulevardier, a common spin on the drink substituting rye for gin ($13). You can also go a bit further afield with the River North bar's mezcal negroni ($13) or a French negroni featuring cognac, yellow Chartreuse and sweet vermouth.

Benefitting: Greater Chicago Food Depository

Boleo

122 W. Monroe St. 312-750-9007

The Loop rooftop bar's cocktail menu is focused on the flavors of South America so their negroni is made with coconut fat-washed Chilean Kappa pisco, Campari and sweet vermouth ($12).

Benefitting: Greater Chicago Food Depository

Luxbar

18 E. Bellevue Place 312-642-3400

Suntory Toki Japanese whiskey, blood orange cordial, sweet vermouth, Campari and French dry sparkling wine are blended together in the Gold Coast bar's Bloodlines Negroni ($13), with a bit of lemon essential oils added at the end to give it a bright citrus aroma.

Benefitting: Greater Chicago Food Depository

Salero

621 W. Randolph St. 312-466-1000

The West Loop Spanish spot uses mezcal to give its negroni a smoky flavor, blending the spirit with Spanish sherry and sweet vermouth ($13).

Benefitting: Point Foundation

Samantha Nelson is a RedEye freelancer.
The Rev. James Finno, pastor of St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr church in Tinley Park, talks with Auxiliary Bishop Peter Wypych prior to a recent groundbreaking for an 11,530 square foot addition at the church. (Dennis Sullivan / Daily Southtown)

Auxiliary Bishop Peter Wypych of the Archdiocese of Chicago congratulated Tinley Park's youngest faith community on a recent Saturday during a groundbreaking for an 11,530-square-foot addition.

"This parish is becoming a great place," Wypych told about 100 people gathered under the bright sun behind St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr Church," but it's also a resource. You are not building just for yourself."

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The Rev. James Finno, founder and pastor, foresees the nearly $3 million addition serving the educational, religious formation and social needs of the approximately 4,000-households that regularly attend Mass at the church, 175th Street and 84th Avenue.

The addition, designed by Ken Lindberg of Chicago-based HOH Architects, stands almost 45-foot-tall, putting it 10 feet shorter than the church. Finno anticipates Mokena-based George Allen Construction beginning work "in the next couple of weeks."

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"It's a big parish, but we only have a 30-foot by 60-foot room," said Finno, known to parishioners as "Father J." "We really don't have a parish hall to gather in."

Finno said the larger space would allow workshops with speakers the ability to break into smaller discussion groups. He said he's also discussing ways Catholic Charities can use the addition.

Parish Finance Committee member Jim Knawa said parishioners began discussing the addition "four to five years ago."

Parishioners, Knawa said, recognized the added space would give "both the older people and, especially, the younger people a place to go."

Not that Tinley Park lacks locations for old and young, but having a location on the parish grounds would be "keeping our religious faith involved in this," he said.

Knawa said the addition, along with special events held there, have "the potential for getting the youth involved in the parish a little more." He estimated about 1,400 youngsters are enrolled in the parish's religious studies program.

He credits Finno's "tireless effort" for gaining "the backing of the entire parish community" to take action.

The pastor, he said, was "the backbone of getting this done."

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Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Finno, however, credits Wypych with championing the expansion at both the parish and archdiocesan level. Wypych has direct authority at the archdiocesan level over St. Stephen and neighboring Catholic parishes, Finno said. "He's our area vicar."

Finno, handing Wypych a ceremonial shovel Saturday, noted it was the same shovel used "to break ground for the church."

Wypych praised the commitment of St. Stephen's parishioners.

"Prayer gives strength, but money gives growth. See how your money is getting into the holes here," he joked. "This will be a great story to tell."

Acknowledging Finno's involvement in the project, Wypych told those present, "When you see Father Jay taking too much (on himself) tell him to take a rest."

The archdiocese established St. Stephen in November 1999, with Finno saying Sunday Mass for three years in the nearby Prairieview Junior High School.

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The church, designed by Architect Terry Russell of LZT/Filliung, Inc., was completed in 2002 and dedicated by Francis Cardinal George. Its interior includes a dozen stained glass panels from a closed Catholic church on the Chicago's South Side and seating for approximately 1,000.
Rainnese Butler was worried. Her once secure job as a procurement analyst working with manufacturing teams was cut in 2015. That left her unemployed for 18 months after which she could only find temporary jobs at significantly less pay.

The mother of two teen boys was six months behind in her mortgage and was in foreclosure on her Hazel Crest home.

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She found help through the Illinois Hardest Hit program. The program is paying her past due mortgage and her monthly mortgage through next May.

While recent data shows foreclosures nationally dropped to their lowest levels since November 2005, many homeowners in the south suburbs and throughout the state remain at risk of losing their homes, and local housing agencies are helping them access the lifeline program.

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The Hardest Hit program provides up to $35,000 in much needed financial assistance to help homeowners avoid foreclosure at a time when many are still awaiting their personal economic recovery. The program offers a one-time payment of all past due mortgage payments, fees and penalties and or monthly mortgage payment assistance that pays 100 percent of monthly mortgage payments for up to 12 months. The financial assistance is provided as a five-year forgivable loan.

Years after the mortgage meltdown and housing market collapse, many communities are still dealing with the aftermath of foreclosed and abandoned properties and housing prices that haven't recovered. The Hardest Hit program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Treasury and administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, is meant to help stabilize neighborhoods. The Treasury Department provided $269 million in funds for the Illinois program that began accepting new applications last August.

Among the eligibility requirements, homeowners must have had at least a 15 percent reduction in income due to "a qualifying hardship event." Those hardships include unemployment, underemployment, decrease or loss of business income, the death or divorce of a spouse or title holder or loss of income due to disability or a health-related event. The event must have occurred after Jan. 1, 2010 and after the property was purchased. Income can't exceed 120 percent of the area median income, liquid assets can't exceed $17,500 and the unpaid principal balance can't be more than $500,000.

"Right now, it's granting me the opportunity to breathe and not worry about moving my children," said Butler, 45, of the program. "They've grown up in this neighborhood. They have their classmates here, just to not worry about having to move somewhere not familiar to them, and for them to have to reacclimate their whole lives with school, that would be a huge concern for me."

Butler, who currently receives unemployment benefits, has administrative, payroll and computer experience and obtained her commercial driver's license. She is optimistic about landing work over the next 12 months that will help her get back on her feet.

Illinois Hardest Hit applicants are matched with designated housing agencies throughout the state that prescreen applicants for eligibility and assist homeowners for free in preparing their applications and assembling the necessary supporting documents.

Butler received assistance applying for the program through Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago's South Suburban office in East Hazel Crest.

"What we see out here is people are still struggling to make their mortgage payments," said Sandra Wells, director of the South Suburban office. "People are still losing their jobs. There are still events where people have health issues. Mortgages are increasing due to taxes. The loss of income creates an issue. That continues to happen. I think this program is important if we want to keep stability in our communities."

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During the first quarter of this year, more than 1,900 borrowers in Illinois received $20.7 million in financial help through the program, according to figures from IHDA.

NHS' six offices in the metropolitan Chicago area have assisted with roughly 600 applications for the program since last August, said Sherry Smith, NHS home ownership consultant in the South Suburban office. Approximately 100 homeowners received financial assistance. Some applicants weren't eligible, others withdrew their applications, she said. She estimates 200 to 300 of NHS's current applications are eligible for funding.

The South Suburban Housing Center in Homewood, which provides housing counseling and education, has helped more than 140 homeowners gain funds through the program since last August, said John Petruszak, executive director.

"Demand is off the charts," he said.

According to ATTOM Data Solutions, Illinois had the fifth highest foreclosure rate in the country in April 2017, according to the most recent figures available. One in every 1,083 housing units in the state was in foreclosure, and Illinois was among seven states to post year-over-year increases in foreclosure starts with a 6 percent rise over April 2016.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

NHS says it has been working to raise awareness of the Hardest Hit program through events in south suburban communities.

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Housing counselors say pride, procrastination and inaction all too often prevent homeowners in need of foreclosure prevention help from seeking it out and taking advantage of it. Don't let that be you or someone you care about. If you need help or know of someone who does and meets the eligibility requirements, direct them to the Hardest Hit website.

Butler says she's spreading the word.

"I personally share my experiences and my blessing with this funding with everyone," she said. "I posted it on my Facebook page. I let my family members know if they are going through a hard time. The word needs to be out more."

I couldn't agree more. A lot of people are still hurting and badly need this support.

Fknowles.writer@gmail.com

Francine Knowles is a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown
Organizers of this year's School Chest drive at Deerfield High School are getting an opportunity to see the impact of their record-setting $170,000 effort up close.

This year's drive was personal for many members of the school and greater Deerfield community because they raised money and awareness for propionic acidemia, a disease that killed Class of 2018 member Jordan Franks in June 2016.

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Proceeds from the drive are going to the Highland Park-based Propionic Acidemia Foundation, which was started in 2003 by Jill Chertow-Franks, Jordan Franks' mother. Some of the students who were active in the School Chest effort will soon get a close look at the impact of their effort when they volunteer at the Warrior Wisdom Conference.

Warrior Wisdom, an educational conference set to take place this weekend, will bring together families dealing with the disease, medical practitioners treating it and researchers trying to find a cure, according to Chertow-Franks.

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"We are looking for the next step in fighting the disease," Chertow-Franks said.

An international organization with a website disseminating information in eight languages, Chertow-Franks said people are scheduled to come to the foundation's event from as far away as California, New York and Texas.

PA, or propionic acidemia, is a rare metabolic disorder caused by an enzyme deficiency, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders' website.

Chertow-Franks said people impacted by the disease come to Warrior Wisdom with their families. Parents get the opportunity to learn more while children with propionic acidemia get a chance to meet people with whom they have something very significant in common.

"Kids (with the disease) and siblings will be coming along with the parents," Chertow-Franks said. "For children they may be seeing somebody else for the first time who (also) has the disease."

Spending time with the children at the conference is one of the things the Deerfield High School students will be doing there, according to Tyler Jensen who co-chaired School Chest with Jessica Kaplan.

"This gives us an opportunity to volunteer at the event," Jensen said. "We're helping to organize for the kids who come with their families. We'll be with them while their parents are in the sessions. We'll get to know them and play with them."

Along with easing the way for children at the conference, Kaplan said the Deerfield students will help at the registration desk. She said it will also be an opportunity to communicate to others at the high school how the money they raised is put to use.

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"We'll be able to let the school know what is going on," Kaplan said. "We'll really get to see what is being done. It's very exciting to see the effect on the community."

While Chertow-Franks said much of the cost of the conference comes from sponsors, the money raised from School Chest will likely go toward grants to researchers who are trying to find ways to reduce the impact of the disease and eventually cure it.

Typically the grants are given for a year at a time and can be renewed, according to Chertow-Franks. They can be as much as $40,000 or $50,000. No grant decisions have been made but those involved with the foundation will be able to learn more about the latest research at the conference.

"They are researching more on the pathways of the disorder," Chertow-Franks said. She said much of the research is technical but attendees leave knowing more about what it can do for loved ones. "They're testing things with rats, mice and fish."

Jensen said both spending time with young people impacted by propionic acidemia and the scientific advances gives him an opportunity to "see how the money will help people."

Chertow-Franks said the conference will be an emotional one for her because it is the first since Franks died nearly a year ago. She said it has not diminished her commitment.

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"Nothing will ever change my feeling of loss in dealing with Jordan's death," Chertow-Franks aid. "Something needs to change so we can save more lives."

Steve Sadin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Julian Nisenboim plans to make movies professionally one day. The Deerfield High School junior recently earned a prize from the same organization that hands out television's Emmy Awards.

Nisenboim won the Crystal Pillar for his video, "The Crash," from the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the short form fiction category during the video festival of the Midwest Media Educators Association April 28.

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Deerfield junior Bernadette Itzkow, a Highland Park resident, was nominated for a Crystal Pillar in the making a difference/public affairs category.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences gives the Emmy Awards for achievement in television, according to Brett Schwartz, a Highland Park resident who teaches media production at Deerfield. The local chapter presents local Emmy Awards.

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With a desire to evoke emotion from the audience and judges, Nisenboim said he hopes this is part of the beginning of a career. He wrote the script, found the actors and directed the entire production.

The four-minute film depicts a teen trying to find himself after a tragedy.

"My dream is going to film school, going to California and making it big," Nisenboim said.

Nisenboim's main character, played by classmate Nic San Jose, loses his parents in a car crash and goes into a depression. He takes a journey to find himself and eventually returns home, according to Nisenboim. The only spoken words in the film occur midway through the video when San Jose reads aloud a letter his character is writing to his deceased parents.

"I wanted to make the viewer feel something," Nisenboim said. "I wanted to evoke true emotion. Art does not have to be happy. You can show a beauty when you show the dark side of something. I wanted the audience to really feel for the kid."

Inspiration for "The Crash" came to Nisenboim in an unusual way. He said he got the idea during a sleepless moment.

"I woke up in the middle of the night, got the idea and wrote it down," Nisenboim said. "I had the script in my mind. I got everything done in a weekend."

Schwartz said the images Nisenboim created in the film display innate talent. He said when he watched it he felt the emotions his student was trying to make the audience feel.

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"You can't teach that outright," Schwartz said. "He showed he cared. If you show the audience you care you can evoke the feeling of caring."

Nisenboim said he was surprised and then thrilled with the award.

"I didn't know what to expect," Nisenboim said. "I felt I did a really good job but I was not sure what was going to happen."

Itzkow said for her project she chose a subject important to her. She was involved in the school's annual rummage sale that raises money for a charity. Along with the money, she said some of the students donated their time to help out at a battered women's shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. They spent time making the shelter a more livable place.

"I went back there to do the video," Itzkow said. "I wanted to show what kind of a caring organization it is."

For Nisenboim, Itzkow and other students in the Deerfield High School media production program, Schwartz said the hands on learning is an important lesson.

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"I let them struggle and make some mistakes," Schwartz said. "They have to keep trying."

Steve Sadin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Damiana Mills demonstrates her invention of blowing up a balloon with the aid of vinegar and baking Soda at St Cyprians Invention Convention on June 2, 2017. (Eric P. Davis/Pioneer Press )

Everyday objects  including a pine cone, a piece of cardboard, a magnet and a remote control  became works of creativity and compassion through the efforts of third-grade inventors at St. Cyprian School in River Grove.

Students showcased their designs for the St. Cyprian community during the fifth annual Invention Convention, held June 2. Third-grade teacher Sarah Ptacek organizes the event.

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"It's good for the students to learn about inventions  but it is very important for them to know that they can change the world, too," Ptacek said.

Many inventors proposed solutions, making common tasks faster or more accessible.

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Kamaren Moore, 8, used a remote-controlled car, skateboard and bag to create a "Roller Buddy" that he said could make it easier for people to lift groceries and other objects.

"I felt really good, because I invented this to help others with disabilities.  I'm going to keep doing it," Moore said.

Sabrina Diaz, 8, said she realizes that laundry tends to get "mixed together" after it dries. Her "Dry-Find" consists of a magnet that attaches clothing to the edge of a dryer. Diaz predicted the effect her invention could have on families.

"I think their laundry will go faster and make more time for families to be together," Diaz said.

Ptacek said that St. Cyprian's emphases on educating the whole child and caring for the community are learned throughout the school year, becoming tangible during the Invention Convention.

"We  see the [student] models that will help others and make life safer because we have taught them to be good citizens," Ptacek said.

Juan Diego de la Mora demonstrates the robotic arm he made from cardboard and string at St Cyprians Invention Convention on June 2. (Eric P. Davis/Pioneer Press )

Both younger and older grades come to see the third-graders' projects, and attending the Invention Convention is a tradition for many students, faculty and staff.

St. Cyprian's parish priest, the Rev. Darrio Boscutti, said that seeing so much creativity gave him hope that some modern challenges, such as dependence on fossil fuels instead of renewable resources, could be met and overcome.

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"It's so exciting  the possibilities that are out there," Boscutti said.

Boscutti described the importance of "trying to live together on this planet," and the only time the inventors and visitors were silent was during a daily time of prayer for peace.

Other inventors demonstrated that fun and games are also part of learning to live in a community.

Victoria Brabenec, 9, came up with the idea for her game, "Shishka-Bob" from her dad.

"My dad found a pine cone and started throwing it around," Brabenec said.

Soon, she developed a concentration game where players toss a pine cone, adding a letter to the words "Shishka-Bob" if they drop it. Brabenec painted her pine cone, explaining that her game also connects to her family's Czech heritage, as "siska" (pronounced "shishka,") means "pine cone" in Czech.

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Juan Diego de la Mora, 9, invented a robotic arm from cardboard, which he said could help him in a future career as a geologist. Diego de la Mora said he feels confident in his creative abilities.

"You can invent stuff all the time," Diego de la Mora said.

Parents are also noticing the effect inventing has on their children.

"My mom really likes it [the "Shishka-Bob" game] because it gets the kids off the phone," Brabenec said.

Zerimar Roman said that her son David, 9, has taken inventing beyond what was required for class.

"The other day, he wanted to create something for the kitchen," Roman said, adding, "I've never seen him so enthusiastic and creative about anything before."

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Some inventors spoke of future creations.

"I want to invent a remote-controlled wheelchair," Moore said.

Cynthia Tartaglia, a fourth-grade teacher, believes that they can.

" Some of the ideas that they came up with can be developed into something we can use in society," Tartaglia said.

Margie Marshall, St. Cyprian's principal, said she attends the convention each year.

"It connects them with their world.  It makes you look at your own world through a new lens," Marshall said.

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Rachel K. Hindery is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
For many years, Anthony Rocco worked in the legal community, including as an assistant state's attorney and assistant public defender in Cook County.

Rocco died in April at age 82. For most his professional career, he and his children lived in Oak Park.

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Michael Rocco is Anthony Rocco's only son, along with two daughters, Christine and Cathleen.

"My dad was not one necessarily to walk around with a smile on his face, but he always had an easy smile for anybody that he met," Michael Rocco said.

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"He loved to tell stories," said Anthony Rocco's sister, Marlene Carey.

Marlene Carey is eight years younger than her brother. Carey said that Anthony Rocco helped a great deal with their mother as she declined. "Not many men would have helped the way that he did."

"We were both brought up to care about other people," she said.

Kane County Judge Joseph Grady said he first met Anthony Rocco in the early 1970s, when Grady was a police officer and Rocco was prosecuting for the Metropolitan Enforcement Group.

"He turned out to have an interesting background," Grady said. "He knew the law."

"He had a very high regard for law," said Christine Rocco, the youngest of Anthony Rocco's three children.

She said she recalled a case that involved a child who was starved and beaten. She said she told her father, "if you take that case, I'm not going to speak to you again."

She said he explained to her that it doesn't matter what the crime is, "the law is the law; everyone is entitled to a fair defense, and if they can't pay for it, they come to the public defenders, and that's what we do."

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"He had been on the prosecution side for so long prior to that.  I guess I was just kind of blown away that he would have compassion enough to say that to me."

Michael Rocco recalled one time his father took him fishing off the coast of Florida.

"The two of us we were on a charter boat. As soon as we got out far enough where you couldn't see land, he got horrendously sea sick," Michael Rocco said.

He explained that his father wound up lying down inside the cabin of the boat, and every time Michael Rocco would catch a fish, he would exclaim, "Dad! Dad! Look at what I caught. ... He would take a look at the fish, and then he'd promptly have to go throw up."

Michael Rocco said his father would do his best to make it a fun outing.

"His heart was always in the right place, even if circumstances didn't quite cooperate with him. And that is what I'll miss the most," he said. "That is something that I try to live myself: To try to do things with people and do things for people in the spirit of goodness and the spirit of giving and not in the spirit of what it will get for you in the end."

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Taryn Galbreath is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
The friends and family of Hinsdale mother and actress Andrea Urban who were shocked by her brutal killing are helping the children she loved.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up online and raised more than $48,000 in three weeks.

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The Andrea Urban Memorial Education Fund also has been established at the Hinsdale Bank & Trust. Money donated to the fund will solely benefit Urban's two children and be held in a trust for them.

Urban's daughter, Daria, will be a sixth-grader at Hinsdale Middle School next year, Urban's friends said. Her son, Sasha, graduated from Hinsdale Central High school in May.

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"We are very happy we live in such a generous community," said Eugene Urban, Andrea's father. "Everyone has been very supportive and very generous. It goes a long way to help us cope with our grief."

Andrea Urban, 51, was killed in her home May 4. Dominic J. Sanders, 30, who is accused of stabbing and beating her, has been charged with first-degree murder.

Tom Schroder, a fellow Hinsdale Central 1984 graduate of Urban's, started the Go Fund Me page to benefit her children. He noted on the page that Urban had been fighting a 13-year mental and physical battle with chronic myeloid leukemia.

"She used her good days to work as an actress, trying to make ends meet and spend time with her children, always assuring they had a loving home," Schroder wrote.

Schroder kept in touch with her at high school reunions and other gatherings of alumni. After her death, Schroder said he asked her younger brother about fundraising efforts for Urban's two children.

Schroder learned about the education trust fund set up at Hinsdale Bank, which had about $10,000 in it, he said. But he believed they should reach out through social media, too.

The Go Fund Me website deducts administrative fees from the donations, but that forum will reach a hundred times more viewers than a traditional bank account, Schroder said. Plus, it allows people to write a message with their donation. Contributions made via the website will be transferred to the memorial trust fund.

The donors come from all parts of Urban's life: high school and college friends, her Hinsdale neighbors, friends from Hinsdale Covenant Church, friends from her time living in New York, people who knew her through her work as an actress and those who knew her as an advocate for alternative treatments for cancer pain.

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Friends also have been grocery shopping and preparing meals for Urban's family. Such kindness and support does not surprise Schroder.

"The thing that surprises all of us is that this happened at all," he said. "I can't imagine this ever happening in Hinsdale."

"Andrea was so gentle and loving," Schroder said. "She was so well-liked. That's why there is the response there is."

The money raised will enable Sasha to attend Pace University in New York as he planned, Eugene Urban said.

"Both kids are extremely mature, way more mature than their years," Schroder said.

At Urban's funeral, her son Sasha read a poem he had written about a boy who was going through troubled times and the angel who calmed the storm for him, Schroder said. Sasha said the angel had to leave to get her wings. Those in the church were moved to tears, knowing he was talking about his mother, Schroder said.

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Urban's daughter, too, spoke at her funeral, Schroder said. He believes because of their mother's battle with leukemia, "these kids had to grow up a lot sooner than other kids their age."

To help with the expenses they will face as they grow up, Schroder hopes to raise even more. He is planning a benefit concert for the fall.

"We have two bands lines up. We are trying to figure out the venue," he said.

The support for Urban's children as they move forward from this tragedy is not going to stop, Schroder said.

People wishing to donate to the Andrea Urban Memorial Education Fund, can write a check and mail it to Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, 25 E. First St., Hinsdale IL 60521, or go to www.gofundme.com/andrea-urban-benefitting-her-kids and follow the directions there.

kfornek@pioneerlocal.com

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Twitter @kfdoings
The College of Lake County has announced plans to constructan innovation laboratory at its Grayslake Campus via a $175,000 grant from Baxter International. (Dan Moran/Lake County News-Sun )

To most people, a raspberry pie is purchased at a bakery and eaten with a fork. However, for people on the forefront of innovation, a "Raspberry Pi" refers to a mini computer that can be programmed to do just about anything.

The possibilities are exactly what the College of Lake County intends to explore in a new laboratory at its Grayslake Campus, thanks to a $175,000 gift from Baxter International.

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The gift to the school's foundation will be used to renovate and create a new Baxter Innovation Lab, school officials said.

"One of the central focuses of this area  and I think it's aptly named the innovation lab  is to get students experimenting in design, innovating on their own time," said Rob Twardock, the college's engineering department chairman, who is coordinating the project.

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Baxter is giving the college $100,000 this month followed by $75,000 in June 2018 in exchange for 20 years of naming rights for an existing lab, he said.

"The gift will help pay for renovation, primarily, and to make it more suitable for an innovation lab," Twardock said.

According to a statement from the college, the 1,875-square-foot lab in the Technology Wing at the Grayslake Campus, "will consist of two adjacent laboratories, one for design and digital fabrication, and one for more traditional shop work and construction."

Twardock said he believes this type of laboratory will encourage students to work not only on their class assignments, but also on their own personal projects. Many high school students are entering college "ready, willing and able" to start computer coding when they arrive, which is standard in the engineering industry, he said.

Because technology has advanced microprocessing chips  which are small circuit boards, or mini computers, that an be programmed for use on a wide array of products  students can afford to experiment with them, he said. Ten years ago, for example, that was cost prohibitive.

The Baxter Innovation Lab will allow students, and eventually the public on a limited basis, an opportunity to explore, design, create and innovate using these microprocessors, including Raspberry Pi and another, called Arduino.

"Innovation is at the core of Baxter's mission to save and sustain lives," according to a statement from Stacey Eisen, senior vice president, communications, Baxter, and president, The Baxter International Foundation. "We are excited to be working with College of Lake County to establish the Baxter Innovation Lab to give future generations of innovators an inspirational new home to bring their ideas to life."

The lab is an opportunity for students to create "life-changing" designs, according to a college statement. Twardock explained that it will contain tools, such as a 3-D printer, which is commonly used to fabricate prosthetics.

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"Students can help design, print and provide" prosthetics as requested by the medical and scientific communities, he said.

Drones are another product that are being explored for uses in surveying agricultural crops, delivering packages, as well as performing search and rescue, he said. Finding more and better uses for these items already growing in popularity are what the lab will offer, he said.

After the main renovation is completed, the college will offer an open house tour for the lab, according to Anne O'Connell, director of public relations at the College of Lake County. They expect that to occur in late 2017 or early 2018, O'Connell and Twardock said. At that time, they will be able to offer information about how the public, including other students, will be able to access the lab.

"The Baxter Innovation Lab will be the first public fab lab/makerspace in Lake County," according to the college's statement. "It will be part of a United States Fab Lab Network, which is associated with the Fab Foundation and the Center for Bits and Atoms at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology."

Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Lake County News-Sun.
Concern for canines

To the person who found the two little dogs who were later thrown to their deaths, you did a good deed in finding them. Why didn't you follow through by calling an animal hospital or a shelter? Why did you allow a stranger to come and take them without giving any identification? Let's hope that the judge realizes that this perpetrator is dangerous and needs to be locked up.

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Roused about new Route 53

Will one of the informed readers of The Lake County News-Sun let us know who is responsible for advertising about building a new Route 53 through Lake County? It has been on various channels on television. I think it's the road builders and the unions, along with the tollway commission, who want more work. I would love to find out.

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Fired up about Comey

Former FBI Director James Comey found Hillary Clinton guilty of giving secret information on her email server and did not do anything about it. President Trump was right to fire him. Most people doing the same thing would be in jail. People are tired of a double standard in Washington that protects the guilty.

Frustrated about freeloaders

Doesn't it amaze you that the people who complain the most about where they want to live are the ones who have no money? They have no money because they don't work. They are all on public aid. They want their housing for free and their food for free. They want everything for free. They believe that it is all government money. Who do you think gives the money to the government? It just shows how ignorant people can be.

Pocketing the money

Here's another scandal in Illinois. A bunch of politicians were given money, and what did they do with it? They put it in their pocket. Imagine that. They were supposed to be giving it to underprivileged youth for job training. It's just like all the pension money and all the money for the Chicago Housing Authority. It's all gone. They should take all the politicians in Cook County and lock them up for good.

Leave your lights on

I thought it was a law to have your vehicle lights on from dusk to dawn. Tonight there was a downpour of rain on Lewis from 23rd to 33rd, with all this construction. I drove past two cars with no lights after 8 p.m. It was scary. People need to turn their lights on.

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Outraged about Obamacare

I read that there are 23 million more people who will be uninsured under the GOP health bill. That's amazing because Obamacare got 20 million people signed up. Of that 20 million, 14 million were put on Medicaid. Six million people in this country signed up for Obamacare, and they say it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. It isn't. The people who are paying for it are people like me who are on Medicare. My rates keep going up. Obamacare didn't save me any money. President Trump has the right idea. If you are able-bodied, you should go to work and support yourself. Enough is enough. Time to trade in your free Obama cell phones for an alarm clock.

Take a stand against unlicensed businesses

I agree with the caller about flower stands in Waukegan. These people opening up little stands all over the city without a business license and without paying taxes on their income are selling inferior goods. They are showing up everywhere, just like the panhandlers on the corners. If you need help, go get a job. Plain and simple.

Twitter @NewsSun

Editor's Note

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Talk of the County is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-4554 or email talkofthecounty@tribpub.com. For a continuously updating blog of Talk of the County comments, go to newssunonline.com/talk.
Stand up for Rauner

I keep reading about people putting Gov. Rauner down. This man doesn't need this job. He came into the political arena to help the people of Illinois. He is sticking to the exact same plan he had. It is the Democrats who have been taxing and spending the heck out of the county and state for the past four decades that he needs to bring over to his side. Madigan's nest is feathered with pension fund money. Rauner is just trying to straighten it out so Illinois can go forward. People pay into a pension fund. It should be there when they retire and not in a politician's pocket. Wake up, people. This man is trying to straighten out the state.

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Puzzled about priorities

What is wrong with our judges? A guy dropped two dogs from a five-story parking garage. I'm an animal lover, and I agree that's a travesty. The judge gave the man a $350,000 bond. There are people involved in shootings whose bonds aren't even a 10th of that amount. Where are our priorities?

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Perplexed about panhandlers

I see all these panhandlers standing on the corners from Gurnee to Kenosha. I saw one idiot standing with an $8 Starbucks cup asking for spare change. I saw another man as big as a house holding a sign saying he's starving. Really? These homeless people are wearing clothes better than what I can afford. People, call your police department. I thought panhandling was illegal. Don't tell me there aren't jobs. They are everywhere.

Secret deals

I imagine Waukegan's secret lakefront cloak and dagger affair will turn out exactly like the huge concert Waukegan was going to have. I hope the deal does not work out.

Beware of scams

There is another scam right now. A man approaches you at the gas station saying he is a veteran and he has a flat tire that will cost him $20. If you offer to fix it for him, he says he just wants the money. Beware, people. Don't fall for this scam. If we stop padding the pockets of panhandlers, they might go away.

Raising doubts about Route 53 study

I'm calling about the Route 53 study. Come on. Who is getting paid off on this? Who has their hands in the cookie jar? They could have rebuilt the highway three times over with the money on reviews and surveys. This is ridiculous. It's never ending, and it's costing the taxpayers a fortune.

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Taxed to the max

I am a retired senior. I just received my tax bill. The school system took another $300. With all the money I'm losing to the school system, they could at least put my name on the building as a donor.

Tension over pensions

I figured out how to solve the pension crisis. Any government official found guilty of misuse of funds should lose their pension. It might make these people think twice. It's time we did something.

Twitter@NewsSun

Editor's Note

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Talk of the County is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-4554 or email talkofthecounty@tribpub.com. For a continuously updating blog of Talk of the County comments, go to newssunonline.com/talk.
Irate about insurance

This is about tweaking the system. The reason that are so few insurers out there is because the Obamacare plan told insurance companies that all these people were going to be signed up for insurance. What did they do? They put 16 million out of 20 million on Medicaid. With all the fines they were supposed to be charging, our government should be rolling in money, but that's not the case. They are not backing it up. People who don't work for it get it for free, while the people who do work for it get double billed.

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Kudos on decorations

I was at a wedding at Bonnie Brook Country Club. The bride's parents did an awesome job of decorating the hall. They should be hired out.

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Worried about White House

Now we Jared Kushner in the mix. How much longer are we going to have to put up with this president? It's been over four months, and it's been complete chaos. All of the people the president has surrounded himself with, including his son-in-law, are no good. You know who is enjoying all of this? All the politicians in Russia.

Perplexed about Plascencia

To the people on the school board in Waukegan, why did you bring in someone from the Chicago public school system? Theresa Plascencia is running Waukegan just like a mini Chicago. Is that what you wanted? It makes no sense. If I was on the school board, I would be very hesitant to bring any upper management person from Chicago in. Now a personnel file is missing. Thank you very much, Waukegan.

Sinking money into study

Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

They have been studying Route 53 since 1960. They must have spent close to a billion dollars on studying it. They could have built a road and paid people to ride on it.

Health Department questions

In how many ways does the Lake County Health Department waste county and federal tax dollars? I've seen their vans drive individuals to a bank ATM, to Aldi's and to other business locations. So, we're paying for a taxi service and paying the drivers with our tax dollars? And if they're a Health Department, why is the clinic replacing RNs with medical assistants? Is that good medicine? But then, why do we even have a "general clinic" when those same services are available at facilities not dependent on our tax dollars, and everyone should have Obamacare? President Obama promised our tax dollars would not provide medical care to those not in this country legally, but the Health Department won't even ask questions regarding citizenship, so how would they know? What percentage of their clients are here illegally? Does anyone ever ask these questions? Does anyone care?

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Tiger a victim

I have never been a Tiger Woods fan, but I believe he is just another victim of the "fake news" people. First of all, he was not driving while impaired. He had pulled over, perhaps when he realized that his medications rendered him unable to continue. I would say that was a good decision. It has been established that he has legal prescriptions for pain medications after three back surgeries. The press appears to find delight in reporting and sensationalizing this event and "photo-shopping" his picture to make him appear more disheveled. The "fake news" seems to delight in embellishing events and making mountains out of mole hills. Let's just report the actual facts. My advice to Tiger Woods: Hire a chauffeur. You can afford it.

Twitter@NewsSun

Editor's Note

Talk of the County is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-4554 or email talkofthecounty@tribpub.com. For a continuously updating blog of Talk of the County comments, go to newssunonline.com/talk.
Hard to read

I have a feeling you will not publish this. How come the print in the News-Sun gets smaller and smaller? It has now come to the point that many of us older people could not read the print even with our prescription eyeglasses. For a long time now, it has been a challenge to read the News-Sun even with a magnifier. If this is the way you want to take care of the bottom line, don't you think increasing the number of subscribers would be the better way of doing it? I have been a News-Sun subscriber forever, and I will discontinue my subscription if you do not get back to the old print (larger) that the old News-Sun used to be.

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Dirty dogs

This is the second year the homeowners association for the town homes by Midlane Country Club had to hire outside people to clean up after the winter because of all the dog feces people left behind. How lazy can you people get? Maybe you should move and take your dogs with you.

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No excuse

Kathy Griffin falls into the same class of people as ISIS while holding a bloody head of what is our country's president. No excuses for her actions.

No mistake made

Does any liberal wonder why the people who voted for President Donald Trump love the outcome of their vote? President Donald Trump voters know that they did not make a mistake.

Mad about Madigan

Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

This is response to the person who is "Riled about Rauner." Are you for real? The reason he has done none of the things he promised to do is one word  Madigan. Michael Madigan dictates to everyone, which includes you. It has nothing to do with who has millions of dollars, nor does it have anything to do with Republicans and Democrats. Madigan needs to be investigated, but lucky him  His daughter Lisa can't investigate her father. He controls her too. Wake up and think before you speak.

Double standard

I read the "Pondering about Prisons" piece with amazement, wondering if the submitter was a white male, I may be wrong, but thinking not. Let me share a true story of probably one of the main reasons too many black men are in prison and white ones are not. A local, white acquaintance of mine who is financially very comfortably off has a son in his 20s who, not too long ago after smoking pot and drinking a few beers, got into his vehicle and while driving hit an elderly black women and left the scene of the accident. A local store had the incident on CCT cameras and, after airing the footage on a local news station, a viewer recognizing the vehicle alerted the police which led to the driver's arrest. After months of court dates and expensive legal fees, the young man served a couple of months in the county jail on work release. Not one day was spent in prison. As a retired white women, I would safely bet my monthly pension that if the driver would have been black and the women who was killed was white, the black man would be spending at the least the next 20 years in prison. I am in total amazement how privileged white men whom created so many of the negative issues that women, minorities and gays sadly experience every day have the gall to complain about the consequences.

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Why so much?

My waste water bill is normally around $12. My latest bill is $19.49. More than a 60 percent increase. Have the trustees lost their minds?

Twitter@NewsSun

Editor's Note

Talk of the County is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-4554 or email talkofthecounty@tribpub.com. For a continuously updating blog of Talk of the County comments, go to newssunonline.com/talk.
Sally Stovall with the Interfaith Green Network talks with Liz Quan Kiu of Oak Park during the 44th A Day in Our Village festival June 4 in Scoville Park in Oak Park. The event, always held on the first Sunday in June, featured more than 170 vendors this year, setting a new record. (Caitlin Mullen/Pioneer Press )

To Cedric Melton, the best of Oak Park is on display during A Day in Our Village.

"It may sound corny, but I love seeing the camaraderie," said Melton, Oak Park's director of community relations, as he looked around Scoville Park on June 4.

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Seeing people smiling, interacting, "just sharing information on the human level" is what Melton relishes during the event, always held on the first Sunday in June.

More than 170 vendors  a record number, according to Melton  filled the park at Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street in Oak Park for the 44th festival. Typically, 12,000 to 15,000 people from all walks of life visit the park during the event, he said.

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"It's really a community commitment," Melton said.

The festival features booth after booth sharing information and freebies, from community nonprofits and civic organizations to local businesses, religious institutions to political groups, plus live music and food vendors.

"It's just a clearinghouse of information," Melton said.

In light of the increase in violence in Chicago in the last few years, "this year, what I really wanted to do was reach out to our neighbors in Austin," Melton said.

The event featured three organizations from Austin, for the first time in village history. Melton also noted there were a few new political protest-type booths this year, along with a few longstanding ones.

For organizations that aren't highly visible  like the Oak Park Area Arts Council, which resides in village hall  A Day in Our Village is a key time to connect with the community and remind people of its work, said Kaidrea Stockman with the council.

"It's fun to be out here and see the community," Stockman said.

Liz Schacht, member of The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, said vendors appreciate that the event offers an opportunity to advertise and share what's new with the community.

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"Not everybody gets around to see these things," she said, gesturing to the various booths. "I think you just gain information about what's happening here in Oak Park."

A Day in Our Village started in 1973. Melton noted many of the volunteers who work to organize the event participated as children years ago and want to see the festival continue. He thanked the Park District of Oak Park, which allows the festival to occupy Scoville Park and Rehm Park, where children's activities are held.

As he enjoyed the live music at the festival, Linzy Sizer, who has lived in Oak Park since 1978, said he attends the event each year, along with frequenting other warm-weather favorites like the farmers market and Thursday Night Out events.

"The last 10 or 12 years, I started to try to enjoy the town where I live," Sizer said with a smile. "It's a beautiful town."

Oak Parker Kaye Nevada, who relaxed with her family after walking from booth to booth, said the event provided a nice opportunity to learn more about her community and get a bite to eat at the same time.

"It's one way to get the community together and for them to introduce what they can offer," Nevada said.

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Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Ruben greeted me like we were old friends last week, though we had never met.

"Hello, my name is Ruben. Welcome to Opportunity Enterprises," he said, reaching to shake my hand. "This is one of the best places around for us."

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Without asking him a single question, he offered the well-rehearsed patter he tells most guests at Opportunity Enterprises Inc. in Valparaiso.

"Most clients who you see here have different challenges and different needs in their lives. Just like with your life in every way," said Ruben, who's been a client for more than a decade. "We have jobs, too, just like everybody else. I wish people could understand this."

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Ten years ago this week, I first visited "O.E." as it's called in the community. The organization bills itself as a not-for-profit agency promoting self-sufficiency for roughly 1,000 challenged individuals across Northwest Indiana.

During my initial visit there, I learned that "challenged" comes in many forms, from many disabilities, and through many faces. O.E.'s catchy tagline is, "We're in the business of amazing people." And it's true, on multiple levels.

One of the first clients I met 10 years ago was Anita, who has since passed away. We were raised as kids across the South Shore railroad tracks from each other in Miller. She graduated Wirt High School in 1979, one year before me.

I don't remember much about her, but I recall her getting teased by other students.

As I wrote in a 2007 column, "It was a different time, with different social rules, and teenagers of any era sometimes prefer cruelty to kindness. Looking back, I don't remember teasing Anita. But I also don't remember stopping other kids from teasing her. I probably did neither."

"Even back then, I was more of an observer than a participant. Anyway, Anita was the kind of girl who, well, I don't know. I never bothered to find out," I wrote.

During that first visit to O.E., I learned about Anita, her hardships as a kid, her health problems since high school, including two kidney transplants and two years on dialysis. She was born with tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic disorder causing tumors to form in different organs.

I remember Anita being so kind to me during my visit to O.E. despite how I may have treated her in our childhood.

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I also have never forgotten what a business-savvy woman named Mabel told me before I left O.E. that day. For side cash, she sold homemade "Purr-fect Treats" for cats, and "Dog-gone Treats" for dogs.

"Do you have a dog or cat?" she asked me.

"No, I don't really like pets," I replied.

She stared at me in disbelief, as if I just ate my last pet.

Mabel told me she loved pets, and she had many at her Chesterton home, including a rat, a dog, a fish and two chinchillas. I asked her why she likes pets so much.

"Because pets like me back," she replied without a hint of pathos. "People aren't like pets."

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Last week, I made new friends during my return visit and I also bumped into old friends.

"Hi Jerry, how have you been?" asked Melissa, 39, who was working on counting money with help from a computer and an aide.

Melissa was born with Cornelia De Lange Syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting one in every 10,000 live births that causes learning disabilities.

"I'll tell my mother I saw you," Melissa told me with a tight hug.

In the facility's arts and crafts room, Lauren, 37, made a handcrafted birthday gift for her mother.

"Hi Jerry, I like your shoes," she told me. "When is your birthday? What do you do?"

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This is one of the few places where I'm asked more questions than I ask. I love it.

O.E.'s main complex is still a finely-tuned operation where several programs work in sync. There's a production line workshop providing local and regional businesses with piecework goods, and providing O.E. clients with low-end manufacturing jobs.

The sprawling facility continues to house a booming business of shredding papers  up to 20 tons each week  for roughly 1,200 customers across Northwest Indiana.

The facility launched a new curriculum-based program last month called TREND, an acronym for Technology, Recreation, Education, Nature and Discovery.

"This program offers a structured, small group curriculum allowing clients opportunities to participate in creative activities such as art, music, and poetry," said Kacie Ensign, the agency's development director."They learn self-sufficiency skills such as cooking while working on projects to increase cognitive ability along with ample opportunities for fun and engaging interaction with peers."

"They work here for 45 minutes and then move on to the next program," said Becky Jascoviak, communications director.

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It seems like a wonderful initiative. However, for this column, I couldn't help but focus on the agency's clients, who are pretty darn amazing, as billed in O.E.'s mission statement.

This is why I agreed to emcee the organization's annual Power of Potential celebration of achievement 8:30 a.m. Thursday at Aberdeen Manor in Valparaiso.

Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Several clients will be recognized for their amazing achievements. How could I say no? (Tickets for $20 are still available. Call 464-9621, ext. 333 or visit www.oppent.org.)

"I want people to better understand us," Ruben told me as we parted ways.

"OK, I'll write about you guys in my newspaper column," I replied.

"Promise?" he asked.

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Promise.

jdavich@post-trib.com

Twitter@jdavich
Melecio Ramirez hands change to Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen after the mayor makes a purchase at last years opening of the Farmers Market on June 12, 2016, outside Skokie Village Hall. (Pioneer Press )

Skokie's popular Farmers Market will kick off June 11 and run every Sunday through Nov. 5 in the parking lot of Skokie Village Hall, officials announced.

The market will offer a plethora of locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods, cheeses and items from various other vendors, according to market organizers.

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Village officials said they have always thought of the market as more than just a shopping venue, but a community gathering place and a sure sign that summer in Skokie has begun.

"The market is truly a Skokie community event," organizers say on the village's farmers market website. "People renew their friendships with the farmers and other visitors each year. They come to shop  some even purchasing bushels of sweet corn and apples  and to catch up on a year's worth of news."

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According to organizers, the market's mission is "to provide a venue to bring nutrient-dense produce to all members of the community, while supporting local farmers and the local economy in Skokie."

Skokie records indicate that, historically, some 2,500 people visit the market every Sunday, drawing farmers from three Midwestern states. Each week, the market offers between 20 and 25 vendors, according to organizers.

Sponsored by Skokie's Consumer Affairs Commission, the market first began in 1975 with a dozen vendors. Today, organizers say, the market hosts more than 4,000 visitors every year.

Two of today's vendors from Coloma, Michigan  R&B Miller Farms and Noffke Farms  were part of the original market, according to organizers.

The village traditionally has scheduled a series of special features at each Farmers Market through the end of August every year.

This year's scheduled June highlights include the grand opening June 11 featuring Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen and members of the Skokie Consumer Affairs Commission, an opportunity to donate blood June 18 and a visit with Skokie police officers June 25.

July highlights include "Yoga on the Green" and a visit with Skokie firefighters July 2, the market's first "French Market" July 16 in honor of Bastille Day, a Skokie Public Library story time July 23 and a visit with the Skokie Health Department July 30.

August highlights include a visit with Skokie's animal control officers Aug. 20 and a farmers market on the last day of downtown Skokie's Backlot Bash Aug. 27.
Why these young voters in Pueblo want to get more youth involved in voting
By Alexander Chipman Koty

In China, regional governments are authorized to set their own minimum wages according to local conditions. If adjustments to minimum wages are made, they usually occur in the first half of the year. However, the cities of Shanghai and Shenzhen and the provinces of Shandong, Fujian, and Shaanxi are the only jurisdictions that have done so in 2017.

Authorities in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Shandong, Fujian, and Shaanxi all increased their minimum wage levels. Although other regions still have ample opportunity to adjust their wages in 2017, the reluctance of a majority of provinces to increase wages in the first half of the year reflects the nationwide concern to keep wage growth in check in order to maintain competitiveness, particularly as Chinas economy slows.

Employers in the affected regions must take into account the revised wage standards, as well as social insurance and other forms of employee compensation that may be tied to wages in a given location. Investors in labor-intensive industries should also review the latest minimum wage adjustments to understand payroll trends that could affect their business.

Shanghai

The Shanghai municipal government raised minimum wages earlier this year, effective as of April 1, 2017. The monthly minimum wage was elevated by five percent, from RMB 2,190 to RMB 2,300, while the hourly minimum wage increased from RMB 19 to RMB 20.

Although Shanghai has increased its minimum wage each year since wage hikes were frozen in 2009, the five percent increase is lower than in previous years. Nevertheless, Shanghai still has the highest monthly and hourly minimum wages in China.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen has increased its minimum wage for the first time since 2015. The monthly minimum wage has increased from RMB 2,030 to RMB 2,130, and the hourly minimum wage from RMB 18.5 to RMB 19.5. The changes came into effect on April 1, 2017.

With the increase, Shenzhen continues to have the second highest minimum wage in China, trailing only Shanghai, which also recently increased its minimum wage.

There is no minimum wage increase for the rest of Guangdong province, as provincial authorities put a freeze on minimum wage hikes for 2016 and 2017.

Shenzhen autonomously sets its own wages, separate from Guangdong Province.

Shandong province

Shandong provincial authorities announced on May 26 that the province will increase minimum wages, effective June 1, 2017. Shandong also increased its minimum wage last year.

Minimum wage standards in Shandong are divided into three groups, depending on the regions stage of development. Group A monthly minimum wages have been increased by RMB 100 to RMB 1,810; Group B by RMB 90 to RMB 1,640; and Group C by RMB 80 to RMB 1,470. Hourly minimum wages have increased to RMB 18.1, RMB 16.4, and RMB 14.7, increases of RMB 1, RMB 0.9, and RMB 0.8, respectively.

Fujian province

The Fujian provincial government recently announced minimum wage changes, also the provinces first since 2015. Besides increasing wages, the update divides what was previously Group B into two separate groups, thereby increasing the number of wage groups from four to five. Fuzhou is now alone in Group B, while Ningde, Quanzhou, and Zhangzhou occupy Group C.

Dividing Group B  which previously had a monthly minimum wage of RMB 1,350  into two separate groups helps Fujian keep wages in line with local conditions. With the new scheme, the wealthier provincial capital Fuzhou enjoys a higher minimum wage of RMB 1,650, while the slightly less developed cities in Group C have a lower minimum wage of RMB 1,500.

Shaanxi province

Shaanxi province has also adjusted its minimum wage for the first time since 2015. The monthly minimum wage in Group A has increased from RMB 1,480 to RMB 1,680; Group B from RMB 1,370 to RMB 1,580; Group C from RMB 1,260 to RMB 1,480; and Group D from RMB 1,190 to RMB 1,480. Hourly minimum wages increased from RMB 14.8 to RMB 16.8; RMB 13.7 to 15.8; RMB 12.6 to RMB 14.8; and RMB 11.9 to RMB 13.8, respectively.

The changes came into effect on May 1, 2017.

Slowing wage increases

So far, only five regions  Shenzhen, Shandong, Fujian, Shaanxi, and Shanghai  have increased their minimum wages in 2017. At a similar point in 2016, nine regions had already adjusted their minimum wages, while 27 had already done so in 2015. Of the regions increasing wages, only Shanghai and Shandong also increased wages the previous year.

In 2016, Chinas Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) gave provinces more independence and flexibility in determining minimum wages. Previously, provinces had to adjust their minimum wages at least once every two years.

Factors such as economic growth, average wages, the cost of living, and housing prices affect the calculation of minimum wages. As wages in China have sharply risen over the past several years and growth has slowed, it appears as though many provinces are freezing wage increases to maintain their competitiveness  both within the country as well as vis-a-vis locations in ASEAN and India.

Despite these efforts, fewer and fewer workers in China are being paid at the minimum levels. With an aging labor pool and a growing demand for skilled workers, wages in China are steadily increasing. In 2016, the average monthly salary in 34 leading Chinese cities was RMB 7,606.

Although provinces are trying to put the brakes on rapid wage growth, Chinas demographic and macro-economic changes suggest that average wages will continue to increase at a steady rate.



About Us China Briefing is published by Asia Briefing, a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. We produce material for foreign investors throughout Asia, including ASEAN, India, Indonesia, Russia, the Silk Road, and Vietnam. For editorial matters please contact us here, and for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click here. Dezan Shira & Associates is a full service practice in China, providing business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax, IT, HR, payroll, and advisory services throughout the China and Asian region. For assistance with China business issues or investments into China, please contact us at china@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com

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Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide.

An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2017

This Dezan Shira & Associates 2017 China guide provides a comprehensive background and details of all aspects of setting up and operating an American business in China, including due diligence and compliance issues, IP protection, corporate establishment options, calculating tax liabilities, as well as discussing on-going operational issues such as managing bookkeeping, accounts, banking, HR, Payroll, annual license renewals, audit, FCPA compliance and consolidation with US standards and Head Office reporting.

Payroll Processing in China: Challenges and Solutions

In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we lay out the challenges presented by Chinas payroll landscape, including its peculiar Dang An and Hu Kou systems. We then explore how companies of all sizes are leveraging IT-enabled solutions to meet their HR and payroll needs, and why outsourcing payroll is the answer for certain company structures. Finally, we consider the potential for China to emerge as Asias premier payroll processing center.

Dezan Shira & Associates
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Trade and investment have steadily grown with Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, a Chinese commerce official said Monday.

China-CEE trade increased to 58.7 billion U.S. dollars last year from 43.9 billion dollars in 2010, said Zhou Xiaoyan, head of the department of European affairs with the Ministry of Commerce, at a press conference.

The share of China-CEE trade in China's overall trade with Europe expanded to 9.8 percent in 2016, said Zhou.

China's investment in CEE countries has accumulated to more than 8 billion dollars, covering machinery, chemical, telecom, new energy and other industries, according to Zhou.

Meanwhile, 16 CEE countries have invested over 1.2 billion dollars in China, she told reporters.

An investment and trade expo for China and CEE countries will be held in Ningbo of eastern China's Zhejiang Province from June 8 to 12, with Belt and Road development and economic cooperation highlighted.

China has signed documents on Belt and Road cooperation with 13 of the 16 CEE countries, Zhou said.
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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.
The Chinese leadership has stressed the role of supervision in implementing reform on various occasions, especially at meetings of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform.

In the public reports of all 35 meetings of the group, the word "implement" has appeared 219 times, and the word "supervision" showed up 69 times.

All departments and localities should attach greater importance to delivering reforms and devote more efforts to examining reform effects, President Xi Jinping said on April 18, 2017 during the 34th meeting of the leading group, which he heads.

"We need to gather enough people to strengthen the supervision force in order to supervise the implementation of major reform programs. Supervision goes wherever reform goes," said Xi on the fifth meeting of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform on Sept. 29, 2014.

Over the past three years, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has regarded supervision as a key part of work that should constantly be improved.

-- During the group's 21st meeting on Feb. 23, 2016, the leadership highlighted improved supervision and evaluation of reform, stressing that all departments should ensure plans are well documented, and any mistakes or deadline breaches are dealt with accordingly.

It noted that only truly effective reform will boost social and economic development and give people real benefits.

-- On July 22, 2016, a report on supervision of reform efforts in all departments was approved at the 26th meeting of the leading group.

Supervision should target major reform tasks, progress and effectiveness. It should also supervise officials' awareness of reform, their division of duties and work styles, said a statement issued after the meeting.

-- On March 24, 2017, the leadership emphasized the importance of implementation, urging leading officials to keep in mind the overall situation while pushing forward with reform at the group's 33rd meeting.

At the meeting, senior officials reported on the progress made in reforms in environmental protection, the judicial system, poverty relief, rural affairs, the Shanghai FTZ, state-owned enterprises and others.

Leading officials must refine the implementation process to ensure results, improve coordination between various reforms and focus on the most important and difficult issues, according to the meeting.

-- At the group's 34th meeting, the leadership stressed the role of supervision in implementing reform, demanding such work be carried out with a wider and deeper scope to detect and solve problems.

Authorities should review the results regarding major reforms and "intricate matters," according to a statement issued after the meeting.

The group called for timely corrections to problems uncovered during supervision, and those found to be making insufficient efforts should be called to account.

Leading departments and local authorities were also ordered to regularly track reform implementation and report the effects.
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]

When the SpaceX Dragon capsule docks with the International Space Station tomorrow, it will be carrying equipment for the first experiment to have been independently designed by China.

A research project by the Beijing Institute of Technology aims to investigate how the space environment affects DNA, said Deng Yulin, a life sciences professor with the institute.

It will study gene mutation, one of the biggest risks to astronauts working in space, as they are exposed to 10 times the radiation than on earth, he said.

PrevioU.S.ly, equipment for space experiments was sent via China's 2011 launch of the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft, its 2016 lift by a Long March-7 rocket and via China's cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 this year.

"The research team caught evidence of the gene mutation after the first experiment via Shenzhou-8, which proves the space environment can caU.S.e DNA mutation and biomolecular changes," Deng said.

The project on the ISS will continue to study whether gene mutation follows any rules in a space radiation and microgravity environment, he said.

The Chinese payload was first reported in 2015, when an agreement was reached with NanoRacks, a HoU.S.ton-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, data from which will be sent back to the Chinese researchers.

There is a U.S. law, known as the Wolf amendment, banning cooperation between U.S. space agency NASA and Chinese government entities, but this deal is purely commercial and therefore considered legal.

NASA spokeswoman Kathryn Hambleton said, "NASA complied with all legal requirements to notify the Congress of this activity, and all of the ISS partners approved the inclU.S.ion of the experiment.

Professor Deng said, "This is a new model of cooperation that we can follow in the future."

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."

The SpaceX mission is the 11th of up to 20 trips to the space station the California-based company will fly for NASA.

The Dragon spacecraft lifted off on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:07pm on Saturday.

About 10 minutes later, SpaceX successfully landed the rocket's first stage at the company's Landing Zone 1, jU.S.t south of the launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, as part of its effort to develop fully reU.S.able rockets.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday.

According to earlier reports, Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of supporting "terrorism" and financing "groups" linked to Iran.

Announcing the decision on Monday to cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, Saudi Arabia also accused its fellow Gulf Arab state of interfering in its internal affairs.

Saudi Arabia was also cutting land, air and sea contact with Qatar, according to media reports.

Saudi Arabia's state news agency quoted an official source as saying that the move was to protect national security "from the dangers of terrorism and extremism."

Meanwhile in a statement carried by its official news agency, Bahrain accused Qatar of backing terrorism and interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.

The UAE said in a statement it will "sever relations with Qatar, including diplomatic relations, and the country's diplomatic mission has a grace period of 48 hours to leave the country," UAE state news agency WAM reported.

Qatari nationals in the UAE would have 14 days to leave while Qatari nationals would be prevented from entering the UAE.

The UAE has taken these steps "as a result of the failure of the Qatari authorities" to stop funding "terrorist organizations ... especially the Muslim Brotherhood," it said.

The Brotherhood, which has been outlawed in Egypt, is labeled a terrorist organization in the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The UAE also accused Qatar of "harboring extremists."

The UAE and Qatar are both members of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to which Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also belong. Founded in 1981, the GCC is a leading political and economic block in the Arab world.

Egypt also announced its decision to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar earlier on Monday.

Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on accusations of supporting terrorist organizations, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt decided to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in light of the Gulf Arab state's persistence to take a path against Egypt, and the failure of any attempts to prevent it from supporting terrorist organization, topped by the Muslim Brotherhood," said the statement.

The statement added Qatar is sheltering the leaders of the Brotherhood who have targeted the security and safety of Egypt by conducting terrorist operations.

The statement attributed cutting ties with Qatar to the state's promotion of extremist thoughts of al-Qaeda and Islamic State, its support for terrorist operations in Sinai, as well as its intervention in Egypt's internal affairs in a way that threatens its national security.

Ties between Egypt and Qatar have been deteriorating since the ouster of the Egyptian Islamist-affiliated leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013 as a result of a mass protest against his rule.
Premier tells EU leaders of need for stable ties amid the growing global uncertainties

Premier Li Keqiang wrapped up his three-day trip to Europe on Saturday, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to developing stable China-EU ties amid the growing global uncertainties.

The trip, which focused on the economic and trade ties, brought Li to Belgium and Germany, where he attended the annual meeting of the Chinese premier and German chancellor.

While in Brussels, the 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 the face of rising global uncertainties.

The premier said he hoped the meeting will send a positive signal that the China-EU relationship remained stable and steadily improving, and that they can respond to the global uncertainties with stability of their cooperation.

Noting that China and the EU have made steady progress in their cooperation in recent years, Li urged the two sides to better align their development strategies, expand two-way opening-up and press on with their negotiation on an investment agreement.

In the keynote speech at the Business Summit, Li said both sides believe they should go with the tide of globalization and work to make globalization fairer and more inclusive.

Globalization has brought tremendous benefits to China, the EU and the world, Li said, and it should not be blamed for the negative influence emerging along with it. But he cautioned that China and the EU should take action to tackle the 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.

Li also made an official visit to Belgium, meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. The two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of agreements on infrastructure, manufacturing, quality testing, telecommunications and logistics.

Zhou Hong, a professor of international relations at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said "candidness and openness" was the highlight of Li's visit to Europe.

"While reaching consensus, disagreement on certain issues was candidly discussed in Li's meetings with the German and EU leaders. This will help build China-EU relations more effectively, as such open discussion of disagreements lead to solutions," Zhou said.

China Daily - Xinhua
A farmer uses mobile phone to do live streaming, Wuxiang county, Shanxi province, May 18, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Kuaishou, a Chinese video sharing and live streaming app, has become popular among China's rural population as it brings them closer by allowing them to record and share their lives.

What makes Kuaishou distinct is its focus on ordinary people, not glamorous celebrities and stars who abound on mainstream short video and live streaming apps.

"The number of daily active users of Kuaishou has surpassed 40 million, creating millions of short videos via the UGC (user generated content) method," said Su Hua, its founder and CEO.

The next goal is to encourage rural folk to record and share lighter-vein videos.

For any social networking app, the key is daily active users. Considering the success of Instagram, Su believes there is still great potential for growing the number of daily active users of Kuaishou.

The APP is popular even in urban centers. Daily active users in first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen number 10 million.

Stated differently, 30 million users, or more than 70 percent of users, come from outside first-tier cities.

And 87 percent of Kuaishou's users are from the post-'90s generation or the so-called millennials. "We are devoted to recording the daily life of ordinary people, giving them a stage to express themselves," said Su, adding the app aims to improve the user experience and attract more new users.

The app would recommend personalized content to users based on their browsing history and preferences with the help of artificial intelligence technology and a sophisticated algorithm. "We also pay attention to data confidentiality and user security," Su said.

Kuaishou was established over six years ago. The company is now exploring ways of monetizing its assets (user traffic). It believes online virtual tools, gifts, video advertisements, e-commerce, games and other value-added services could prove money-spinners.

Su said Kuaishou's ultimate goal, however, is not to commercialize the platform totally. "However, excellent commercialization programs will make us strengthen team building, hire more talent, and optimize our products."

In March, Kuaishou received 350 million yuan ($1.1 million) in financing. The funding round was led by Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd. Last year, it received funding from internet search giant Baidu Inc and Sequoia Capital. Their investments valued Kuaishou at over $3 billion.

Apart from Kuaishou, the Su-led startup also provides two video-related apps, focusing on live broadcast assistance and short video, editing features.

Given its large number of short videos, Kuaishou feels the pressure to review all that content, to ensure it is safe, decent and compliant with existing regulations.

"As a video-sharing platform, we need to check the contents of uploaded videos in accordance with the national regulations, before recommending them to users," Su said.

"The pressure of manual review is huge. We have spent three years establishing our review system. The professional review team comes from television channels with rich work experience. We'll strengthen the monitoring of live-streaming content, and deal with users who disseminate inappropriate content, including pornography," said Su.

Zhuang Qiange contributed to the story.
A Hong Kong shop clerk tests the Alipay app. Alipay launched its Hong Kong version on May 24, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

If KPMG is set to launch a compilation of top 50 financial technology or fintech companies in China, it indicates the new business segment has truly arrived and is poised for rapid growth, said Zou Jun, vice-chairman of its China unit.

The global audit, tax and advisory services major accords high regard to the fintech segment, which refers to online payment systems and other financial services offered digitally. KPMG will persuade Chinese companies to upgrade their systems so as to integrate fintech into their operations, he said.

"China is indeed taking the lead in global fintech," said Wang Lipeng, a partner at KPMG. "Fintech is bringing profound changes to the Chinese economy and industrial reforms."

He attributed China's lead in fintech to two key aspects: the fast-growing internet-related businesses; and the government's encouragement for innovation and entrepreneurship.

"Fintech benefits a lot from a culture of innovation and experts driving the development of internet-based businesses," Wang said.

According to a report by DBS Bank and EY, 40 percent of online consumers use electronic payment tools. China's investment on fintech last year was $8.8 billion, much higher than the previous year's level.

China is now home to four fintech unicornsstarups whose valuations have grown to $1 billion and above.

Ant Financial, from the Alibaba stable helmed by Jack Ma, leads the pack. It is followed by Luafx, a peer-to-peer lending platform powered by Ping An Insurance; Qufenqi, an online retailer that allows monthly installments; and JD Finance, a financial subsidiary of JD.com Inc, one of China's biggest online marketplaces.

Their rapid growth has lured traditional banks to fintech services. According to China Merchants Bank, it has earmarked 790 million yuan ($114 million) to encourage innovation in fintech projects.

In March, the bank agreed to grant 1 percent of its annual profit to fintech-related project innovation.

The bank also plans to intensify its efforts to adopt mobile technology, cloud computing, big data and blockchain technologies in its operations.

Industry observers, however, said fintech services should be adopted in a conscious way, not as a fad. Sringent risk management in enterprises holds the key, they said.

Chen Shengqiang, CEO of JD Finance, said in a recent message to the China Banking Regulatory Commssion that risk management is the very foundation of the fintech business.
A prospective homebuyer enquires about a new project at a property event in Hebei's Handan. Some listed small and mid-sized real estate companies have been facing difficulties in home sales in third-and fourth-tier cities after stricter norms took effect last month. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Sales, financing become big challenges as stiffer norms begin to pinch

China's listed real estate enterprises are likely to face big challenges in both sales and financing this year due to stricter measures, according to a report of the China Index Academy.

More companies have turned to traditional financing channels, which include bank loans, medium-term notes and trusts, instead of corporate bonds, according to the report.

An increasing number of real estate companies are looking at overseas financing channels to prevent capital flows from drying up, the report said.

It also revealed overseas financing has grown 308 percent year-on-year and 169 percent than the previous quarter in the first quarter of this year.

Next year will likely pose higher capital risk to some listed small and mid-sized real estate companies, given their current difficulty in selling homes in their key markets like third-and fourth-tier cities, the report stated. Meanwhile, the property market in major cities continued to stabilize after authorities implemented a string of measures to contain prices.

Of the 70 large and medium-sized cities surveyed by the National Bureau of Statistics, 30 cities witnessed slower price rises in April, up from 24 cities in March.

Since October last year, the Chinese government has implemented a slew of measures to cool the runaway rise in home prices. Such measures included restrictions on home purchases and increase in minimum down payment requirements.

Ouyang Jie, senior vice-president of HongKong-listed real estate enterprise Future Holdings, said sales will nevertheless likely rise in the second half of 2017, but in single-digit terms, due to a possible slight growth in housing prices, even though the pace of growth in real estate supply has slowed.

He, however, said the government's latest round of regulation will cause a slump in real estate sales and a drop in the average home price in the 70 cities.

"Third-and fourth-tier cities, where the housing prices grew too fast, will also be regulated soon," he said.

Ouyang also said that real estate companies should increase their capital reserves by promoting financing, reducing participation in buybacks and stock splits, and by adjusting their investment patterns.

Some leading property companies have been actively exploring alternative ways of guarding themselves against the risk of downward pressure.

For instance, Vanke, the country's largest property developer by market value, has quickened its Internet Plus strategy. An affiliate company of Vanke joined hands with a number of internet-based service providers (apps) such as ofo, Flower Plus and Meituan, to jointly explore the consumption potential of residents of Vanke projects.

"There are different phases in our collaboration with internet firms, starting from introducing clients to online platforms and later finding new marketing channels via big data," said Liu Xiao, Vanke's vice-president.

According to the academy's report, the average gross assets of the top 10 Shanghai- and Shenzhen-listed Chinese real estate companies reached 323.3 billion yuan ($46.9 billion) by the end of 2016, 6.34 times that in 2015. The average net profit grew 7.32 times to 9.58 billion yuan in the same period.
A denizen of Hangzhou walks past a poster of CITIC Group. The company has vowed to boost support for projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative. [Photo provided to China Daily]

State-owned CITIC Group Corporation said it will continue to boost financing of and investment in, infrastructure projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative.

Chang Zhenming, chairman of the group, said that the Belt and Road Initiative is a "new force of promoting the development of the world economy" which will further push China's opening-up and serve as a "rare opportunity" for Chinese companies.

CITIC Group has financed projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2015, CITIC Bank, the group's banking subsidiary, and other subsidiaries, declared they would provide investment and financing totalling 700 billion ($102 billion).

The bank has also accelerated its global expansion by setting up a representative office in London, and signed a strategic memorandum with Kazakhstan's Halyk bank to acquire its subsidiary Altyn Bank, the first such deal for a Chinese commercial bank in Kazakhstan.

In 2015, the group also won the bid to invest and develop a port and an industrial park in the special economic zone of Myanmar.

In addition, the company stepped up export of high-end equipment to countries and regions related to the Belt and Road Initiative.

CITIC Heavy Industries Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, sold its products in more than 30 countries including Russia, Thailand and the Philippines, with overseas markets accounting for more than 40 percent of the total revenue.

"CITIC Group has encouraged its financial and non-financial units to join hands in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative. The business synergy could facilitate the sharing of overseas resources and channels between CITIC subsidiaries, and help lower various costs in developing our overseas business," Chang said in a recent interview.

According to Chang, CITIC Group has signed agreements with 31 large companies and 15 local governments and ministries at home and abroad so far.

The group is working with Thailand's Chia Tai Group and Japan's Itochu Corp to jointly explore business opportunities in infrastructure, retail, e-commerce and energy, all identified as key sectors by the Belt and Road Initiative.

It has also formed partnerships with financial institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the China Development Bank and the Silk Road Fund to exploit opportunities presented by the Initiative.

While developing its overseas business, CITIC Group has recognized that people-to-people bonds are important for the success of the Initiative, Chang said.

He further said the group is aiming to win long-term trust and support of its local partners. The company has taken measures such as setting up local factories, employing local workers, and opening occupational training schools to help improve local management skills.

Zhuang Qiange contributed to the story.
Wang Zhen (second from left), founder and president of 1436, discusses sketches for the styles of the new fashion season with other designers at the company's Beijing office in 2015. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Inner Mongolia-based Chinese cashmere label expands overseas

The Chinese cashmere brand 1436, founded a decade ago, got its name from the fact that wool yarn is 14.5 microns thick and 36 mm long. Such cashmere fiber, the top standard in the world, is thinner than a quarter of hair's breadth. Only 2 grams of cashmere in every 1,000 grams meets such a standard.

In September last year, 1436 opened its first boutique abroad. It shared floor space with luxury brands at Hankyu department store in Osaka, Japan. It was the sole Chinese brand on the premises.

Wang Zhen, founder and president of 1436, said the company has also established a design studio in Milan, Italy, as it aims to connect with international resources and markets, and further expand into the European market.

The brand also plans to launch more stores overseas at an appropriate time.

China produces more than 75 percent of the cashmere globally, and more than 90 percent of cashmere worldwide is initially processed in China. Chinese local brands account for only roughly 20 percent of the total.

"I grew up in the world of cashmere. We own very rare cashmere resources, and we would like the world to know that the top cashmere products are in China," said Wang, who is also the daughter of the founder of Erdos, a group that produces about one-third of the world's cashmere.

"Affluent consumer groups in China are emerging, and they demand top cashmere products. Our main consumers are young and affluent, have independent tastes, and pursue a high-quality life," she said.

In 2011, British designer Graeme Black, who worked with Giorgio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo and Hugo Boss in the past, became the creative director of 1436.

Wang said Black has helped combine his inspiration and international mindset with exquisite cashmere production. He has also reinforced the brand's vision to become more cosmopolitan, and integrated the latest fashion elements into cashmere.

"We'll maintain an open mindset and invite more international designers to work at the company. We will also try to cooperate with some up-and-coming independent designers," Wang said.

Currently, 1436 has more than 40 boutiques. In March last year, the company launched its flagship store at Kerry Center in the Guomao area at Beijing.

In October 2014, the leaders who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Beijing wore the scarves and shawls of 1436. Wang said the brand has stood out among 347 competitors with its competitive products of high quality and fine craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, the brand has started to eye online stores and digital destinations targeting smartphone users. It is increasing its marketing efforts through social media, to adapt to the change in spending habits of Chinese consumers.

Yu Guangjun, director of the Institute of Economics at the Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences, acknowledged the changes. In the past, he said, Chinese cashmere brands were known for their relatively low prices and large-scale production, thanks to low labor and feed costs.

"Now, such advantages have faded, with improvement in sheep variety, feeding pattern adjustment and a series of policies that limited production. Meanwhile, the younger generations of Chinese consumers are not that addicted to cashmere products like the older generations," he said.

"Globally, sales and demand are falling, and the high quality is a key factor to make brands stand out. And that's why the Erdos Group launched the brand 1436 to grab more global market share."
Ugur Talayhan, a native of Turkey and managing director of the Astor Hotel, the Westin and the Sheraton, the three Starwood hotels in Tianjin. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Turkey's Ugur Talayhan brings decades of experience to Tianjin's top luxury hospitality brands

Ugur Talayhan started as a chef and graduated to management roles around the world in the hospitality industry. More than two decades on, he is managing director of three Starwood hotelsthe Astor Hotel, the Westin and the Sheratonin Tianjin in northern China.

A native of Turkey, his role of chef at resorts and hotels took him to London, Portugal and Dubai. Talayhan said his experience in cooking since childhood, and knowledge he drew from his first passion, have prepared him well for his current position.

To be sure, managing three hotels at a time, even if they are in the same city, isn't an easy job. In the past, it took three people, one for each hotel.

"As a chef, you've to be a perfectionist, which is very important in hospitality, as our guests expect the best and we are proud to offer it," said Talayhan, who has been in the hotel sector for 27 years.

"Chefs work long hours to deliver plate after plate of great food to the guest's table. That dedication doesn't change with high-level management. My experience as a chef helps me in my manager role. I know not only the front of the house but the back," he said.

"Cooking has not only taken me out of my first home in Turkey but taught me to be hardworking, allowing me to be creative, which is something that has stayed with me."

As foreign hotels continue to expand business in China, their focus has shifted to second- and third-tier cities. For, metros like Beijing and Shanghai already have enough number of hotels. But smaller cities like Tianjin are attracting more tourists.

Talayhan explained this was due to a great deal of wealth in these citiesthey now need the facilities to support this growth.

"People are expecting to stay in international hotels now wherever they go in China and many of these cities are now expanding at a terrific rate, which means more demand," he said.

However, running a hotel in a second-tier city does not mean a lower service level. As a global company, it's necessary for Starwood to do the same as in first-tier cities and around the world, Talayhan said.

"It's our job to educate staff who are new to the company, particularly when we enter a new market where perhaps the established competition doesn't have the same levels of experience," he said.

"It was necessary to find a way to respect both our ethics and local customs, and it does require a special skill to find the balance between the two."

With higher purchasing power, Chinese are increasingly willing to splurge on both better service and enhanced travel experiences. This means, they prefer to stay at high-end hotels wherever they go.

A hotel's brand, its location and distinct elements are the top three factors that wealthy Chinese people consider when they choose hotels.

High-quality accommodation, Michelin-starred dining and opportunity to experience local culture also determine people's choices.

In order to satisfy this relatively new level of expectation, Marriot has been focusing on new and bespoke experiences in its hotels, including tailor-made cooking and cocktail-making classes delivered by the industry's finest. It also offers extraordinary summer experiences such as the Haihe river tours in Tianjin.

Marriott, as one of the largest hotel groups with 30 distinctive brands, including W, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, St Regis, Bulgari and Luxury Collection, offers something for everyone aiming to attract every kind of guest.

"The same could be said about the three hotels I oversee in Tianjin. The Astor Hotel is a historic 154-year-old property and the only hotel with its own museum; Sheraton is the first international five-star hotel in Tianjin; and the Westin Tianjin is one of the few hotels that is right in the middle of the city center, next to the best shopping," said Talayhan.

He said he pretty much enjoys the challenge of overseeing three distinctive and unique hotels. "I've worked at all three brands before, so I know them very well. I love creating experiences. It's a fantastic platform from which to try and excel every day."

In his view, new short-term accommodation options offered by digital platforms like Airbnb would not pose too much threat to the traditional hospitality sector.

"Budget and value brands are bound to see some impact, but the effect on the luxury segment is milder where the expectations and experiences are different," he said.

"It's important for our guests that we're on hand to help with anything they might need during their stay, an aspect that has been somewhat removed from services such as Airbnb."
An employee of a startup displays an augmented reality or AR product at an incubator in Hebei's Gu'an county. [Photo/Xinhua]

Techcode SME Services Co Ltd, an incubator of science startups, has said it will establish its first Global Scientific Achievements Experience Center in Langfang in northern Hebei province.

The center will help promote commercialization of research findings in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Techcode said last month.

Founded in 2015, Techcode operates 30 incubators in seven countries. So far, it has incubated more than 600 startups that have received more than $500 million in financing, according to the company.

Langfang, which is at the geographic center of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, was to build an innovation-driven city to link Beijing and Tianjin in terms of industries, assets and policies, according to a local government report earlier this year.

Techcode's proposed experience center in Langfang would likely be part of that city, and would provide spaces for the exhibition of scientific and technological achievements worldwide.

It would also promote trading in research findings and enable entrepreneurs from different countries to exchange ideas.

More than 10 Silicon Valley companies engaged in artificial intelligence displayed their products at the unveiling of the Techcode center plan in Langfang.

They are expected to invest in innovative businesses in China, including The One, which can calculate return on investment for enterprises, and CoContest, which can combine 3-D and visual reality technologies for interior design.

Huang Haiyan, CEO of Techcode, said through global expansion, the company will bring the best resources together and realize its potential in China.

Toward that end, the company has established incubators of innovative startups in Beijing and three counties of Hebei provinceXianghe, Gu'an and Dachang.

In 2016, it cooperated with a real estate company, China Fortune Land Development Co Ltd, to set up an artificial intelligence industrial cluster in Xianghe.

The University of California-Berkeley, the Robotics Institute of Beihang University, the Institute of Artificial Intelligence of Northeastern University and the Shenyang University of Technology signed an agreement with Techcode's incubator for industry-university-research cooperation in AI.

Subsequently, 16 AI projects have been incubated. And 16 patents were obtained, laying the foundation for an AI industrial chain.

Huang said Techcode puts equal emphasis on several stages of startups' evolution, from financing to mergers and acquisitions, as well as industrialization of segments like AI, new materials, new energy and big health.

At its first anniversary last year, the company announced it would build a global innovative incubation system covering 40 maker spaces across 15 countries in three years.
Peng Huagang, deputy secretary general of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, attends a news briefing in Beijing, May 20, 2016.[Photo/VCG]

The deputy secretary general of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission has confirmed China's centrally administered State-owned enterprises will be divided into three types: entity industrial groups, investment companies and operating companies, China Business News reported.

Peng Huagang made these remarks at a news briefing held by the SASAC on Friday, and said the function of State assets investment and operating companies will be clarified gradually.

State asset investment companies focus on promoting industrial integration, as well as the transformation and upgrade of the sector in some key regions, and the optimization of the State assets layout structure, while operating companies focus on improving efficiency and rational flow of State assets.

"The country also plans to promote the restructure of coal power, heavy equipment manufacturing and steel sectors and to explore overseas asset integration," Peng said.

Currently, China has 102 centrally administered SOEs, which manage the bulk of the country's State assets.

This year, the government pledged to deepen the State-owned enterprises (SOE) reform and promised measures, including the introduction of a mixed ownership system and the incorporation of more efforts to make SOEs leaner, healthier and better in performance.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Chinese SOEs administered by different levels of government  including central SOEs  have made a combined profit of 825 billion yuan during the first four months of 2017, up 24.8 percent year-on-year.

The rate outpaced the combined business revenue growth by all SOEs, standing at 17.5 percent year-on-year, which has made 15.6 trillion yuan during the same period, the ministry said.
The stand of Shenhua Group is pictured at the China Mining Congress and Expo in Tianjin, on Oct 20, 2014. [Photo/VCG]

State-owned coal mining and energy company Shenhua Group is currently in merger talks with energy producer China Guodian Corp, as revealed in a report by Bloomberg.

The report revealed, while discussions are in the early stages, there could be a chance the merger may not seal. However, if the two companies decide to consummate the merger, the organization's combined assets could be worth up to 1.82 trillion yuan ($267 billion).

According to the Bloomberg report, the two State-owned giants' Shanghai-listed subsidiaries on Monday started trading halts, and the organization's Hong Kong-listed subsidiaries announced it was notified of the matter.

Before the latest proposed merger between Shenhua and China Guodian, a proposal of reorganizing eight coal-fired and nuclear power enterprises into three giants had been put forward in China's power industry, Bloomberg said. The proposal included Shenhua teaming up with China Datang Corp and China General Nuclear Power Corp.

In the past two years, cutting overcapacity has also accelerated in China, as well as industrial mergers and reorganization, amid the government's effort to deepen supply-side structural reform.

The National Development and Reform Commission confirmed, on May 12, more than 150 million metric tons of coal capacity will be phased out this year, on top of the 69 million tons cut on May 10.

Chairman Xiao Yaqing of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) said, in March, the country would deepen consolidation of State-owned enterprises this year, Bloomberg reported. The SASAC has yet to comment on the merger.

Bloomberg also reported Shenhua's assets reached 1.014 trillion yuan at the end of April, with a total power generating capacity of about 83 gigawatts. China Guodian had 803 billion yuan in assets and 143 GW of power-generating capacity at the end of last year, according to the report.
Baidu conducts test runs with unmanned vehicles in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

People say many hands make light work. Companies in the automobile industry are increasingly turning to that wisdom as they try to shed light on such new tech trends as autonomous driving.

Among others, Ford has acquired Argo AI, PSA is working with NuTonomy and Audi is partnering with Nvidia.

The number of partnerships is mushrooming. Late last month, German technology company Continental signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Baidu, one of the biggest dotcom companies in China, to work on autonomous driving and connected vehicles.

Under the agreement, the two will explore collaboration in fields such as sensor systems and software for advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving, said Continental in a news release on June 1.

Their cooperation will also include Baidu's Apollo project, covering artificial intelligence, cyber security and connected cars, as well as road testing, data collection and analysis for automated driving.

Baidu announced the Apollo project in April, which is a software platform that will allow its partners to build their own autonomous driving systems.

The online Chinese giant plans to introduce fully autonomous driving capacities on highways and urban roads by 2020.

"Continental develops and provides pioneering technologies and services for the mobility of tomorrow. Baidu is one of the most important internet companies in China. With our strategic collaboration, we will take intelligent mobility an important step further," said Continental Chairman of the Executive Board Elmar Degenhart.

Baidu CEO Lu Qi said artificial intelligence has great potential to drive social development and one of AI's biggest opportunities is intelligent vehicles. "By joining hands with Continental, we are striving to upgrade intelligence in the automobile industry and develop a new ecosystem of intelligent mobility and automated driving, thus empowering existing industries and new ones."

Baidu has invested heavily in research and development into autonomous driving technology since 2015. In December 2015, it conducted successful road tests for its fully autonomous cars in Beijing.

The company is not Continental's first partner in the field. Earlier this year, Continental announced its decision to form a joint venture with Nexteer to promote motion control systems for automated driving.

The joint venture will combine Nexteer's advanced steering and driver assistance technologies with Continental's portfolio of automated driving and advanced braking technologies.

Also in May, British car supplier Delphi Automotive announced that it would join BMW, Intel and Mobileye as a development partner and system integrator for their autonomous driving platform.

The four partners intend to deploy a cooperation model to deliver and scale the developed solutions to the automotive industry and potentially other industries. "This is a great opportunity for Delphi to use its technical depth and experience in automated driving and electrical architecture to help the cooperation partners develop and deploy at scale," Kevin Clark, Delphi's president and CEO, said in a statement.

"Our close working relationship with all three partners serves as a solid foundation for success."

Delphi has already provided a prototype computer platform to BMW and is working together with Intel and Mobileye in the areas of perception, sensor fusion and high performance automated driving computing.

BMW, Intel and Mobileye announced in 2016 that they are joining forces to put highly and fully automated driving into series production by 2021.

The three companies have developed an architecture that could be used by other automakers and mobility companies.
Workers install chassis on a production line of JAC Motors. [Photo/China Daily]

Volkswagen, which translates to "the people's car" in German, is living up to its name in China.

Last year, the automaker sold nearly 4 million cars in the country, beating all other carmakers with operations in the world's largest auto market.

Late last month, the German company's premium arm, Audi, which had been sales champion in China's premium car segment until last year, successfully persuaded its current partners to introduce another manufacturing partner and expand its sales network.

Late last week, during Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Germany, the brand signed an agreement with JAC Motors to develop, produce and market electric vehicles and mobility services in China, preparing to charge ahead at full speed in the country's new energy vehicle market.

JAC Motors, a State-owned carmaker in East China's Anhui province, produces and sells passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Volkswagen has long made clear its ambition: to deliver 400,000 new energy vehicles to China in 2020, a quarter of Chinese authorities' latest sales goal for the year.

Jochem Heizmann, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, told reporters earlier this year that about a quarter of its 2020 sales are expected to come from the new joint venture, JAC Volkswagen.

The 50:50 partnership will have a total investment of 6 billion yuan ($882 million), according to JAC Motors, and is making Volkswagen the first international automaker to have three partners in China.

Its first model, which will be produced at existing JAC facilities, is expected to roll off the assembly line in 2018.

That would give Volkswagen a head start in the country, as the first localized electric car from its major rival GM will not hit the market until at least 2019 and Ford's first after 2020.

Matthias Mueller, CEO of Volkswagen Group, called the new joint venture a milestone in its electric offensive in China. Mueller said, "Just as we have played a key role in shaping mobility together with our partners in China over the past 30 years or more, we want to play our part in shaping the mobility of the future: electric, fully networked and in line with the needs of our customers."

Industry insiders said JAC Motors is also expected to benefit from the partnership in terms of both sales and research capabilities, as the joint venture will also build a research and development center in addition to a plant that can produce 360,000 cars a year. It will also produce components for new energy vehicles and develop vehicle connectivity and automotive data services.

JAC Motors' president, An Jin, said, "Our company is very confident about the prospects of this joint venture with one of the world's leading automotive groups."

JAC Motors sold about 640,000 passenger cars, commercial vehicles and chassis last year, including 18,000 new energy vehicles.
Beijing is determined to improve public services, including dealing with parking difficulties in hutong, Cai Qi, the city's Party chief, said on Saturday during his first public activity since being appointed to the post.

Cai, together with Chen Jining, who was minister of environmental protection until his appointment as acting mayor of Beijing on May 27, went into a convenience store in Dongcheng district to ask customers for comments on prices and services.

He Ren, a local resident, told Cai that the vegetables for sale in the store were fresh and the prices were reasonable, adding that customers can find the source of vegetables by scanning a code on the package.

Many convenience stores in Beijing are addressing customers' needs by offering not only daily necessities, but services such as residential cleaning, laundry and short-distance delivery.

According to a report from the China Chain Store and Franchise Association, Beijing had 1,400 convenience stores as of the end of last year, up 25 percent from 2015. The growth rate of convenience stores in Beijing ranked fourth in China, and 53.3 percent of those are open 24 hours, it said.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform and the Beijing Municipal Commission of Commerce announced last month that the city will give 200 million yuan ($29.3 million) in subsidies annually for the next three years to be invested in community services - such as vegetable markets, convenience stores and street vendors who serve breakfast.

According to the Commerce Commission, Beijing built or upgraded 2,824 convenience stores, vegetable markets and breakfast stalls, along with other stores related to housekeeping in 2015. This year, the government plans to build and upgrade another 1,000 stores in the convenience service sector.

"As a government, we should make efforts to improve people's daily lives and solve problems on their doorstep," Cai said.

He said that narrow residential streets, or hutong, in Dongcheng and Xicheng districts are core areas of the capital, and it's important to improve the environment and management of them.

Beijing plans to gradually solve long-standing parking problems in hutong through measures such as shared parking spaces, he added.

Cai said Beijing has been working on relieving its noncore functions by moving some wholesale markets out of the city to make room for high-tech industries, which doesn't mean that public services will be reduced.

"On the contrary, convenience will be improved in neighborhoods to improve people's satisfaction with their standards of living," he said.
A charity has refunded 17,000 yuan ($2,500) to a man in Jiangsu province whose 8-year-old son "donated" to the organization while playing with his father's cellphone.

The China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation released a statement on WeChat on Sunday saying it acknowledged the transaction was a mistake and had credited the bank account from which the payment was made.

On May 3, the boy in Suqian unwittingly opened the "charity" tab in WeChat and made a payment to a project helping veteran soldiers of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).

Liu was originally told by Tencent, the company that owns WeChat, that he would be refunded within a few days, but after more than a week, the money had still not been returned. He called Tencent again and was told the funds had been transferred to the foundation.

The foundation said in its post on Sunday that it informed Liu on May 4 that donations can only be revoked under special circumstances - for example, if the donor is incapacitated, or if a donation was made against their will.

When Liu provided evidence that the donation was an accident, he eventually received a refund. The money was returned on Friday, as shown in a screenshot posted by the foundation on Sunday.
A man rides his scooter through a flooded street in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Saturday.Provided To China Daily

Minister advises checks of repaired works that haven't yet faced real test

China's national weather observatory issued a blue alert on Sunday, the lowest in a four-tier weather warning system, for rainstorms in the central and eastern parts of the country in coming days, after recent floods in Guangdong province brought direct economic losses of 39 million yuan ($5.7 million).

It was the third consecutive day that the National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert. China has a four-tier color-coded warning system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

According to the Guangdong flood control and drought relief headquarters, the province's Dapu county was hit by its biggest flood in a decade after heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday in at least five cities. As of Saturday evening, 227 of the 2,200 people affected in the county had been evacuated.

The headquarters also said that 240 hectares of farmland in Dapu had been flooded and 13 sections of river dikes were damaged or destroyed. No casualties were reported.

On Monday, the storm front will move from the west to the central and eastern parts of the country, and some areas will see torrential rain accompanied by thunder or hail, the Meteorological Center said on Sunday.

Rainfall in Guangdong is expected to continue until Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources, 20 to 40 millimeters of rain is expected in the central and eastern regions of China from Saturday to Tuesday, with rain reaching up to 120 millimeters in some areas, creating a chance that water in some rivers may reach the danger warning level.

Chen Lei, the water resources minister and deputy head of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, called on local authorities at a recent flood control conference to take precautionary measures against disaster.

"In South China, soils are near saturation point after continuous rainfall, and water levels in some rivers have also been very high," Chen said. "All these raise the possibility of mountain torrents and mudslides."

Although the 50 sections of dikes along the Yangtze River and the 175,700 water conservancy projects across the country that were damaged in floods last year have been repaired, none of them has been tested by a major flood yet. More inspections should be made to ensure safety, he said.

Chen also asked local authorities to pay more attention to small and medium-sized rivers.

The State flood authorities dispatched six teams to guide work in Hunan, Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces to avert disaster during the current spate of storms.
Students at No. 2 Middle School in Donghai county, Jiangsu province, seek diversion on Tuesday from the pressure of the upcoming gaokao, the national college entrance exam.Zhang Kaihu/for China Daily

Eighteen-year-olds in Shanghai and neighboring Zhejiang province who are taking this year's gaokao will have the task half finished even before the highly competitive college entrance exam begins this week.

For the first time, the exams will cover only Chinese, mathematics and English on Wednesday and Thursday - the exams for the other three, minor courses were already finished by April.

This is one of the changes introduced in the pilot gaokao reform in Shanghai and Zhejiang, which may be extended to other parts of the country.

Every year in China, about 9 million students take the gaokao, a one-shot exam vital to students getting a college education that will later help them compete in the tough job market. Some see it as the only way to ensure their futures.

As part of the reform, students can take the exam on minor subjects twice, and the higher score will be counted for their overall gaokao grade. Those exams are held twice a year, in April and October.

Students are free to choose the three minor courses out of a total of seven - physics, chemistry, biology, technology, politics, history and geography.

Before the reform, Shanghai and Zhejiang students had to take exams in a combination of politics, history and geography if they opted for a liberal arts education and had to brave a combination of physics, chemistry and biology if they selected science.

Teachers said it is a good idea to break down the walls between art and science.

"It encourages students to gain exposure to knowledge in different fields, which benefits their well-rounded development," said Wang Yunfan, who teaches English to seniors at Hangzhou No 2 High School, in Zhejiang province.

Many educators believe the reform vastly improves the gaokao system and gives the students more opportunity to succeed.

Some parents, however, said the change has kept them anxious throughout the past three years because it prolongs the battle of preparation and testing.

Xiang Yin, whose daughter is a high school senior, disagreed.

"Perseverance and the psychological ability to deal with ups and downs are two important elements in their studies, and in their career and life in the future," the Shanghai father said.

Students' performance at school and participation in social activities will also be put on record for reference.

"So students are encouraged to go to local communities, hospitals and even jails with their tasks and research topics and try to find solutions, which is also a good way to cultivate and examine their comprehensive abilities," said Cao Zi, a teacher at a senior high school in Shanghai's Xuhui district.
China's high-profile campaign to bring back corporate fugitives from abroad is reverberating around the globe.

While the recent publication of the names, photos and addresses of 22 Chinese suspects in six Western countries have the unwitting hosts on the defensive, one global corruption fighter is lauding Beijing's efforts.

"China places special emphasis on cooperating with other countries, in particular those from the region, to bring to justice nationals who have committed corruption offenses," said Martin Kreutner, dean and executive secretary of the International Anti-Corruption Academy, a think tank headquartered in Laxenburg, Austria.

"The country's efforts thereon are generally in line with international anti-corruption conventions and norms, such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and other frameworks," Kreutner said in an email to China Daily.

The first institution of its kind, the academy was established in 2011 by the global police agency Interpol in collaboration with other international law enforcement organizations to provide a holistic approach to anti-corruption education.

China became a member in 2014.

The academy has been working closely with Chinese authorities to empower the country's anti-corruption experts and foster regional and international cooperation, Kreutner said.

"The IACA has also welcomed a number of Chinese participants in its programs and trainings over the years, including the annual IACA Summer Academy and the master's in anti-corruption studies."

The academy's initiatives comes at a time of unprecedented levels of corruption worldwide. It is estimated that trillions of dollars in ill-gotten wealth is pushed through the global financial system annually.

China, meanwhile, is continuing efforts to secure the repatriation of the 22 fugitives.

They are among 946 suspects the top anti-graft watchdog, the Communist Party of China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, has said it is hunting abroad.

One country that has taken swift action in the wake of the Chinese crackdown is Australia.

It has promised to review visa rules for wealthy would-be migrants, who need to bring in a minimum of A$5 million ($3.75 million) to become eligible for the program.

Reports say Chinese account for almost 90 percent of applicants in this category.

Other countries China believes the fugitives are hiding are the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Professor Vito Tanzi, a former director of the Fiscal Affairs Department at the International Monetary Fund, is an authority on issues related to corruption.

His pioneering study, Corruption Around the World: Causes, Consequences, Scope, and Cures, was published by the IMF in 1998.

When I asked him for his thoughts on stopping the tide of dirty money, Tanzi gave a frank assessment.

"The fact that some countries gain when people with large financial assets invest their money in them makes the fight against graft a difficult zero-sum game," he wrote in an email.

He noted that penalties and greater efforts to bring back violators can help, but are not likely to be sufficient.

"Making laws less complex and regulations more transparent and uniform would help," Tanzi added.

Contact the writer at abdul@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/05/2017 page2)
Liu Zonglin patrols a section of the Great Wall near Yushudi village in Chengde, Hebei province.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Volunteer patrolman has spent 40-plus years preserving, protecting famous relic

For more than four decades, Liu Zonglin has sought to protect a section of the Great Wall near his home in Chengde, North China's Hebei province.

The 72-year-old farmer has lived in Yushudi village, about 150 kilometers northeast of Beijing, his whole life.

Near the village sits a section of the wall built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), but the 10 towers and one gate along the 9.88 km stretch have become badly damaged over time.

"I've lived by the Great Wall my whole life, I feel like it's my responsibility to take care of it," Liu said.

As a child, he would climb the towers with his friends - either for fun or to collect firewood for his parents.

"It's not the same anymore," he said.

"Back in 1970s, we didn't understand the historical significance of the Great Wall."

Villagers would often remove stones from the wall to build their houses, even after it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.

To prevent such destructive behavior, Liu began carrying out regular checks of the wall and reported any damage he spotted to local government officials.

He also picked up trash and removed any weeds he saw growing through the ancient stonework.

"I tried my best to tell people that we should be protecting the Great Wall rather than destroying it," Liu said, adding that his actions sometimes drew the ire of his fellow villagers, who called him boring and officious.

"I don't care, as long as it stops them vandalizing the precious cultural heritage."

Liu's own wife has even spoken out against him, saying he should stop wasting his time and focus more on cultivating their land and feeding their cattle.

"I don't listen to her, because I am stubborn," he said, proudly.

Over time, his efforts and persistence appear to have paid off.

People stopped damaging the Great Wall and five more protectors have been recruited by the department for cultural heritage protection of Chengde, where his village is located.

In 2013, Liu's section was designated as one of the major sites protected at the national level.

It is now visited by many tourists from Beijing as it has never been repaired or rebuilt and still retains its original look, Liu said.

Gradually, more people are getting to know of the section, but he wants more.

"I have a dream that this part can be restored to its former glory in the future," Liu said.

Unlike many well-maintained parts of the wall, such as Badaling in Beijing, Shanhaiguan in Qinhuangdao, and Jinshanling in Chengde, the section in Yushudi is badly damaged, with only two of its towers in good condition.

But Liu's dream may soon come true.

According to the Relics Bureau of Chengde, the city has submitted an application for repairing the section to the nation's top government organ for the preservation of cultural relics - the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

As of June last year, there were 3,400 protectors like Liu scattered across 404 counties along the 21,000 km of the Great Wall, according to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

Most of them are villagers who are familiar with local geographical conditions and can efficiently patrol their designated section, said an official at the Relics Bureau of Chengde, surnamed Du.

About a year ago, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage started to issue official work cards to Great Wall protectors, a move that shows the importance the country is putting on preserving cultural heritage.

"With their regular patrols, the protectors are irreplaceable in protecting the Great Wall," said Gu Yucai, deputy director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.




Li Xueping, a porter for more than a decade, makes noodles in the makeshift community he and other porters share on the mountain.

Li Xueping, 49, has worked as a porter on Taishan Mountain since 2005.

A towel is essential for us porters, no matter whether in summer or winter. It acts as a cushion between the pole and my shoulders, and I also need something to regularly wipe the sweat from my face. Even in winter, I perspire.

I was born in Changqing district of Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, about 50 kilometers north of Taishan Mountain. After I joined the only remaining porter team, I moved into a shelter on the mountain made of stone and plastic.

My day can start early. I usually skip breakfast, as it tends to affect my stomach, which only slows me down. As porters, we don't move particularly fast, but you have to maintain a steady pace and take care with every step.

You need to be patient and persistent to do this job - it's not for everyone. It's not even easy for someone who grew up in the mountains, let alone someone who grew up on a plain or in a city.

The first week is the hardest. Many people quit during that first week.

On average, I carry about 50 kilograms of cargo at a time, mostly instant noodles and bottled water or other beverages to supply stores on the mountain. I'm paid according to the total weight and the distance I need to cover.

I make about 7,000 yuan ($1,050) a month, and the most I've earned is 10,000 yuan. Thankfully, we're always paid on time.

Being a porter on Taishan Mountain is something I'd like to be able to keep doing until I'm too old. It's hard work, but I'm satisfied. No job is easy.

My wife is back at home in Jinan, where she works planting trees. So we're both shouldering the burden of providing for our family.

Li Xueping was talking to Zhao Ruixue.
Peng Jiaqi (top) and Guo Fei (below) before and after losing weight. [Photos/chinadaily.com.cn]

To encourage students to live a healthy life, Chongqing University in Southwest China organized a one-month battle against fat in May and 328 students lost a total of 1,320 kg.

Among over 1,000 participants, only one third successfully lost weight. Three participants reduced over 15 kg.

It is the third year of this activity and the participants who lose weight during the one-month time will get cash reward ranging from 30 yuan ($4.4) to 90 yuan per kg. The first five winners can also get sport scholarship from 500 to 2,000 yuan.

One third of their prize money will go to the school's volunteer programs, according to the organizers. This year nearly 20,000 yuan prize money has been donated to those charity funds.

Guo Fei, a student majoring in computer science, has taken part in the event three times. In the first year, he failed to lose any weight. But with strong determination, he lost nearly 25kg in the past two years.

"After I lost weight, I feel that I have gained more energy and passion in life," he said. "I have become much more confident."

Peng Jiaqi, from the film academy, lost 9 kg, from 96 kg to 87kg, in one month this year.

"A good diet habit is very important," he said.


Tuo Zhen (L), vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and a Kazakhstan's official attend the release ceremony of the Kazakh version of President Xi Jinping's book "Xi Jinping: the Governance of China" in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 5, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

The launch ceremony of the Kazakh-language version of President Xi Jinping's book, Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, was held on Monday in the First President Library in Astana, Kazakhstan's capital.

The book demonstrates China's development theory and path, and internal and foreign policies, according to Tuo Zhen, deputy head of Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

"The publication of the Kazakh-language version of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China opens a new window to Kazakhstan people to understand more about China, and provides a new platform for both countries to communicate over issues about governance of our countries," Tuo said.

Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Hanhui said the new edition offers the people of Kazakhstan a firsthand acquaintance with Xi's insights.

"Since the new book has been published before the visit of President Xi to Kazakhstan, we believe the two countries will enhance mutual trust and better strategic coordination," Zhang said.

Bachtitem Timurblatter, deputy director of the Kazakhstan Presidential Administration, said Kazakh readers will be able to better understand how Chinese people realize the Chinese Dream, and will learn about the determination of the Chinese government in the anti-corruption campaign.

The book contains 79 speeches, talks, interviews, notes and letters of the Chinese leader between November 2012 and June 2014.

More than 6.2 million copies have been distributed around the world.

The book event opens a series of activities on Sino-Kazakh cooperation ahead of Xi's visit. The China-Kazakhstan Media Dialogue, also on Monday, saw senior officials of mainstream media from both countries discuss the media's role in boosting ties between the countries.

Tuo said media from China and Kazakhstan played a significant role in enhancing Sino-Kazakh relations. Tuo encouraged media of both countries to provide more coverage of the Belt and Road Initiative and become witnesses to Sino-Kazakh friendship.
The opera The Red Detachment of Women features music and dance inspired by the folk culture of Hainan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The Red Detachment of Women caused a sensation in the country when it was screened in 1961.

Directed by Chinese filmmaker Xie Jin, the film was based on the true story of a group of female Communist soldiers on Hainan Island during the civil war in the early 1930s.

The story was later adapted into a ballet by the National Ballet of China. The ballet version of The Red Detachment of Women has been staged around the world more than 4,000 times since its premiere in Beijing in 1964.

It is best known in the West as the ballet performed for US President Richard Nixon during his visit to China in 1972.

Over the past few decades, the story has also been turned into Peking Opera productions, TV series and, now, the China National Opera House is reviving the story again.

An opera based on the film version will be staged at the National Center for the Performing Arts on June 14 and 15.

For the show, the symphony orchestra and chorus of the China National Opera House will perform under the baton of Chinese conductor Yang Yang.

The opera, like the film's script, follows a rural girl named Wu Qionghua, who escapes a life of slavery and joins an all-female Communist Party army battalion led by commander Hong Changqing on Hainan Island during the civil war in the early 1930s.
Cast members of the 10 online movies during the Beijing event on May 26. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Hollywood studio Fox International Productions has joined a Chinese project to support young Chinese directors and online movies.

Flying Wings New Film Program, launched by Tencent Pictures, the movie body of Chinese tech company Tencent Holdings Ltd, released the first slate of 10 online movies on May 26.

Fox International Productions is acting as the production supervisor of the project, weighing in with its content-development know-how and international expertise.

All the movies have been adapted from popular comic series shown on Tencent's online platforms and a few are expected to be released this year.

Through a video message released at the May 26 event, Tomas Jegeus, president of Fox International Productions, asked young Chinese directors to dedicate themselves to creating high-quality works in personal styles.

Fox International Productions, a division of 20th Century Fox Film, has produced and released more than 50 local films in 11 countries since 2008.

Edward Cheng, vice-president of Tencent and CEO of Tencent Pictures, said that such projects will help young talents gather experience for the future.
Riders scan ofo bikes in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. [Photo/China Daily]

ON THURSDAY, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development co-issued a draft regulation on propelling the development of the short-time car rental industry to solicit public opinions. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

The car rental industry in the regulation mainly refers to the newly emerged car-sharing industry, and the draft spends many large paragraphs talking about the business model.

Actually, the idea of short-time car rentals emerged earlier than that of the booming bike-hiring industry. However, within two years, short-time bike rental services have already taken off not only in metropolises such as Beijing and Shanghai, but also in a majority of second and third-tier cities. The total number of bicycles offered for shared use now exceeds 20 million and is expected to reach 50 million by the end of this year.

In comparison, short-time car rentals remain essentially a business idea. That's mainly because the business model has yet to solve some key issues. For example, a user can just leave a rented bicycle by the roadside and the company that owns it will collect it, but anybody living in Beijing or Shanghai knows how difficult it is to find a place to park a car.

Besides, the cash pledge required to rent a car even for a short period of time is much more than the deposit required to hire a bicycle, which has limited the development of the short-time car rental industry. Other problems include protection of users' information, road safety, as well as insurance. It will take time to solve all of the issues involved.

That's why the draft regulation of the two ministries is timely. With the authorities making the regulations early for the industry, it sends a clear signal to the market that there will be rules to follow. That's both a warning to potential investors that they should keep a cool head and a move to boost their confidence in its future prosperity.

By introducing the regulations now, the two ministries have also shown the market that they will shoulder their responsibility to regulate the industry. There are ample reasons to believe the short-time car rental industry will prosper.
GREEN HARBOR RED RIBBON SCHOOL, located in Linfen, North China's Shanxi province, is a special school for students infected with HIV. This year, 16 of the 36 students enrolled in the school will take the national college entrance examination. The local authorities have arranged a separate exam room for the 16 students. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

Many people have expressed their disagreement with the move to put the students in a separate room, saying that they should sit the exams with the other examinees. Some have even said that arranging a special exam room for them is a kind of discrimination.

Such comments are reasonable. The students infected with HIV have the right to take the exams together with other students, instead of being separated. However, the reality is that society as a whole still lacks proper understanding of the disease. If other students or their parents learn that they are taking the exams in the same venue as students infected with HIV, they might object and create a fuss.

Therefore, the move of the local authorities should be regarded as a progress rather than being discriminatory. At least the students have the chance to sit the exams as their peers do. Headmaster of the school, Guo Xiaoping, clearly knows a separate exam room for these students represents discrimination, but he is practical and he knows that it is a step in the right direction.

Society still has a lot to do to eliminate discrimination against people infected with HIV. For example, in this specific case, after the students take the exams, there remain many questions to be answered. Will the students get enrolled in colleges equally with others? Will they be given equal opportunities to select their majors? Will they stay in the same classrooms and dormitories as other students when they enter college?

Let's solve these problems one by one so that discrimination can be totally eliminated as early as possible.
An express delivery firms prepars for the busiest season of the year, Jiujiang city, Jiangxi province, Nov 8, 2015. [Photo/China Daily]

ON THURSDAY, SF EXPRESS, the leading domestic delivery company, and Cainiao Network Technology, a company financially backed by Alibaba that provides technological support to delivery companies, shut down their data sharing. As a result, a large number of deliveries were affected. With the intervention of the State Post Bureau, the two resumed their data sharing on Saturday. ThePaper.cn comments:

Both Cainiao and SF Express blamed each other for the shutting down of their data sharing and it is hard to know which was responsible for the quarrel. But one thing is certain: It is Cainiao that first raised the request to SF Express about providing more comprehensive logistics data, ostensibly to detect counterfeit goods. Cainiao also asked the delivery company to transfer the data from the Tencent Cloud storage it currently uses to Alibaba Cloud storage.

Such requests are unreasonable because they are a kind of extortion. SF has the right to choose its own data storage as well as which part of the delivery data it chooses to share. By raising these requests, Cainiao hopes to build a closed service platform from which it can exclude all competitors.

It is Cainiao's monopoly in the collection of logistics data that has given it the confidence to make such a request. Even though Cainiao claimed it "co-works, not competes" with delivery companies, the fact is that Cainiao could get huge quantities of orders from e-commerce platforms under the flag of Alibaba. According to data from Alibaba, the average number of deliveries that go through Cainiao every day is 57 million in 2016, or 71 percent of the total number of express deliveries.

Having a monopoly in the industry, Cainiao has set its own standards for the express companies joining it. Now, with the move against SF Express, it shows it intends to expand its existing monopoly.

The quarrel between the two companies has ended for now, but it sends a warning: When a company becomes a monopoly, it disturbs the normal market order. It is necessary to prevent such monopolies from growing in the future.
The government of Shapingba district in Southwest China's Chongqing issued a new injunction in March, prohibiting its civil servants from drinking during official receptions. Many other local authorities have also issued bans on civil servants drinking during official business. For instance, some local authorities forbid civil servants from drinking during working hours, while other local authorities have interdicted civil servants drinking in the name of official social activities or celebrations.

The General Office of the State Council issued a regulation on the official receptions of government organizations and public institutions in December 2013, which stipulates that working lunches should not include cigarettes and expensive alcohol. Since then almost all local authorities have proscribed drinking during working hours and on official business, but the trend of drinking during official receptions hasn't been completely curbed.

Some local authorities' upgraded civil servant drinking prohibitions are much stricter than the central government's general requirement and they are expected to crack down on the unhealthy tendency of drinking during official receptions.

Whether the upgraded civil servant drinking rules can be effective depends on strict implementation and supervision. Local authorities should enhance the auditing of public funds and supervision of official receptions. Those who violate the bans should be held accountable.
A United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeeping soldier stands guard as children walk by during a patrol close to the town of Bentiu in Rubkona county, northern South Sudan, February 11, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

When I entered the United Nations Secretariat building for the first time as Secretary-General in January, my first act was to lay a wreath honoring more than 3,500 United Nations staff who died in the service of peace. Later that same week, two Blue Helmets were killed in the Central African Republic, where they were working to prevent violent confrontations between communities from descending into mass killings. United Nations peacekeepers place themselves in harm's way every day, between armed groups that are trying to kill each other or to harm civilians.

Countless lives have been saved and improved by UN peacekeeping over the past seventy years; countless families ravaged by war have been given a new start. Independent research has shown the worth of peacekeeping: it prevents the spread of violence; and it typically reduces the numbers of civilians killed by more than 90 percent, compared to before the deployment.

We also know peacekeeping is cost-effective. The UN peacekeeping budget is less than half of 1 percent of global military spending, and is shared between all 193 UN Member States. US studies show that UN peacekeeping missions are an estimated 8 times more cost-effective than when the US acts alone. That investment pays off many times over when we consider the economic growth and prosperity that follow from increased stability and security after successful peacekeeping missions.

In our interconnected world, the emergence of global terrorism means that instability anywhere is a threat everywhere. United Nations peacekeeping operations are on the frontlines of our efforts to prevent the emergence of lawless regions where insecurity, transnational crime and extremism can flourish. They are an investment in global peace, security and prosperity.

Our missions have contributed to a legacy of stability, development and economic growth from El Salvador to Namibia, and from Mozambique to Cambodia. Fifty-four operations have completed their mandates and closed; two more, in Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, will do so in the months ahead.

While the United Nations is facing up to the challenges and shortcomings of our peacekeeping efforts, we should also recognize the successes of our mission for peace.

The Central African Republic was facing the threat of genocide when peacekeepers arrived two years ago. Today, the country has elected a new government in a peaceful and democratic process, and is struggling to move towards peace and stability, disarmament and the rule of law. Our mission, MINUSCA, is providing crucial support to reduce the threat posed by armed groups, but the situation remains challenging. It is frightening to imagine the tragic consequences if peacekeepers had not been there.

In South Sudan, UN peacekeepers are sheltering more than 200,000 civilians who fled when their homes were destroyed by the fighting. As famine stalks the country, UN peacekeepers are providing security for humanitarian agencies to deliver lifesaving aid.

Peace in our world may seem like an abstract concept. But peace on the ground depends on gruelingly hard work, every day, under difficult and dangerous conditions. The world relies on United Nations peacekeepers to go where others cannot and will not, despite the many obstacles they must confront.

Too often, United Nations peace operations face a gap between our goals and the means we have to achieve them. In many places, peacekeepers are deployed where warring parties show little commitment to peace. Our missions themselves are increasingly targeted by parties to conflict and violent extremists.

Dealing with this new reality requires a serious strategic reform on our part, based on an analysis of the mandates and capacities of our missions and our partnerships with governments and others. We must adapt peace operations to the dangerous and challenging environments they now face.

We have already made reforms that have reduced costs significantly and given us greater flexibility to deploy peacekeepers at short notice. But more remains to be done. I am determined to work with governments, regional organizations and other partners to make sure peacekeeping has the tools and rules it needs.

United Nations peacekeeping has been tarnished in recent years by appalling cases of sexual exploitation and abuse that are an outrageous violation of everything we value. Tackling this scourge is a priority for the whole United Nations system. I have presented a plan to all UN Member States that is aimed at ending impunity, and will create victims' rights advocates in our peacekeeping missions and at UN headquarters. I intend to mobilize world leaders around these critical steps.

When people around the world are asked about their priorities, from New York to New Delhi, from Cairo to Cape Town, they give the same response. They want safety and security, to raise their children in peace and give them education and opportunities to shape their future.

United Nations peacekeepers are one of the ways in which we deliver on that universal aspiration and make the world safer for everyone.

Mr. Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Ever since the policy of One Belt One Road Initiative was propounded by President Xi Jinping, the Gulf Region Countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq and Iran)whole heartedly appreciated and pledge their co-operation to it. The relationship between China and Gulf Countries dates back to thousands of years of peaceful existence and cooperation. The Gulf region is in Unique geo-political position, as it connects three continents Asia, Africa and Europe this geographical position gives it a vital strategic Significance in One Belt One Road Initiative.

Currently, China is highly dependent upon oil and gas imports, principally from the Persian Gulf and Africa, which are carried mainly by tankers over sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and runs through maritime choke points. According to Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical arm of the U.S. Department of Energy, Chinas oil imports in 2015 amounted to about 6.6 million barrels per day (b/d), representing 59 percent of the countrys total oil consumption and gas imports amounted to 1.4 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) in 2015 (about 24 percent of consumption) this consumptions are expected to double in next 20 years for its sustainable development. An energy imports cut-off enforced during hostile conditions may trigger a rapid collapse of Chinas economy and paralyze its military forces, hence One Belt One Road and Specially the Gulf Pearl Chain which includes all the six GCC countries as well as Iraq and Iran would be a major breakthrough to reduce its dependence on SLOCs on one side and increase Economic and regional integration as it would connect West Asia with Southeast and East Asia which would be a win-win situation to all the partners.

At a time whenUSA is moving out of this region and the US President pledged to build walls and other roadblocks to international immigrants and in particular Muslims, has forced these countries to look east, where as Chinas vital energy interests in the region have given it reasons to take a larger interest in regional security. Hence, today China is making inroads providing suitable alternative in all spheres Energy, Political, Infrastructure, Defence etc.

This paper emphasizes on significance of Middle East in Chinas One Belt One Road Initiative as well as increasing mutual interdependency between the China and Gulf Countries in various sectors such as Energy, Construction and Infrastructure building, Political ties, Human resources, Agriculture, Defence ties and Regional security measurements. As stable Gulf region is vital for Chinas Sustainable growth. And how with the Completion of the Gulf Pearl Chain, China can achieve effective management and control the flow of its energy needs and will open a new markets and trade routes for the Gulf Countries as the One Belt One Road Initiative would connect Gulf economies with the Southeast and East Asian economies which will enhance economic integration and co-operation.

Insight of Chinas One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR)

The moment OBOR was propounded by Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 7, 2013 in a Speech Delivered at Kazakhstans Nazarbayev University, apprehended attention of the world and Asian countries in particular, on October 3, 2013, while addressing the Indonesian parliament he suggested that China and Southeast Asian countries should work together to revive the Maritime Silk Road, but the official birth of OBOR took place at a work forum on Periphery Diplomacy held by the Chinese Communist Party held on October 25-25, 2013 in Beijing, President Xi said that China is committed to forging amicable and mutually beneficial relations with its neighbourhood.

The scope of OBOR, is quite large, covering more than 60 countries thus, this great ambition will require significant resources like technological, human, financial and political that will need to be garnered globally to realise the vision as the Belt and the Road will run through Asia Africa and Europe it will directly link the East Asian economies to the West Asian and further to the European economies. The One Belt One Road initiative talks about two different routes A land route called as The Silk Road Economic Belta series of land-based infrastructure projects including roads, railways, and pipelinesfocuses on strengthening links between China, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe, and a sea route, known as the Maritime Silk Road or simply the Road, made up of ports and coastal development, begins from Chinas eastern ports and goes on to Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Africa and then on to West Asia and the Mediterranean, embracing Greece and Venice and ending at Rotterdam. Both routes, again recalling the old Silk Road, will have a series of loops and branches, with the two main routes also meeting at important junctions, such as Gwadar, Istanbul, Rotterdam and Hamburg.

The Action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative issued by the National Development and reform Commission, Peoples Republic of China (PRC),(March 2015) stated thatthe initiative to jointly build the Belt and Road, by embracing the trend toward a multipolar world, economic globalization, cultural diversity and greater IT application, is designed to uphold the global free trade regime and the open world economy in the spirit of open regional cooperation. It is aimed at promoting orderly and free flow of economic factors, highly efficient allocation of resources and deep integration of markets; encouraging the countries along the Belt and Road to achieve economic policy coordination and carry out broader and more in-depth regional cooperation of higher standards; and jointly creating an open, inclusive and balanced regional economic cooperation architecture that benefits all. Jointly building the Belt and Road is in the interests of the world community. Reflecting the common ideals and pursuit of human societies, it is a positive endeavour to seek new models of international cooperation and global governance, and will inject new positive energy into world peace and development.

The plan fits with Chinas economic, security, military, and diplomatic strategy as well as long term strategic requirements

Long Term Goals

In the 21st Century China has emerged as the worlds top trading nation hence it needs to ensure that it has timely, efficient, and secure access to markets and resources, and therefore facilitation of trade and investment is one key focus. In addition, it should not be surprising that securing conventional and renewal energy and resources is another focus for China. Once completed, OBOR will provide land-based and sea-based alternatives not just for China accessing to the continents, but also access for other countries to China. Transport link is a critical consideration for China, as it is vulnerable to choke points along its sea route. Such threats would be mitigated once land based alternatives including railroads, highways, and communication links are in place.

Short Term Goals

More immediately, OBOR will provide new markets and business opportunities for the China which will help it to deal with its excess industrial capacity especially for its debt-laden state-owned companies. In addition, after three decades of breakneck economic development, Chinese companies are now more capable of competing for businesses with its overseas competitors, given the rise in technological sophistication and maturity. One should also take population and 29% of global GDP. Trade between these countries and China reached more than US$1tn in 2014, or 26% of China's total trade value. (China Focus I, 2015)

Significance of Middle East to China and its One Belt One Road Initiative

The middle east region is in distinctive geographical position connecting 3 continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. The relationship between China and the Middle East is deeply impacted by the international system and regional patterns, as well as the adjustments of Chinas own developmental and diplomatic strategies. In the 1950s and 60s China relation with Middle East was characterised by the confrontation between the US and the U.S.S.R. As China, itself was a new State formed by a revolution it supported national revolutionary movements against the monarchies who had formed alliance with the West. Hence one can understand why China established diplomatic relationship with post-revolution Iraq in 1958, and supported the leftist revolution against Sultan of Oman.In the 1970s the relationship between China and USA started to ease but the relationship between China and U.S.S.R hit an all-time low as there were serious confrontations between them hence China started confronting U.S.S.R. in this region as a result it established relations with monarchies, like Iran, Kuwait etc.

The decade of 1980 was the decade where China started its one independent policy towards this Middle Eastern Countries, it was a decade which witnessed lot of drastic changes in international politics establishment of Iran Islamic Revolution in 1979 which led to the outbreak of Iran-Iraq war, U.S.S.R. waged a war on Afghanistan, US fostered the Carter doctrine as a response to U. S. S. R.s action in Afghanistan. China adopted neutral policy Iran-Iraq war and continued developing its relations with the Monarchies by end of this decade China had established diplomatic relations with all the GCC countries and the last among them was Saudi Arabia.

After the collapse of U.S.S.R. in 1990 US remained the only dominant power in the worldand started spreading its hegemony in the world in general and Middle East in particular through the gulf war, Chinas policy during this period was carried by National Interest to be reserved on important topics like gulf war or Iraq disarmament crisis, improved relations with western countries and improved economic relation with the middle east countries as rapid industrialisation and modernisation took place in China and it started transforming into global trading partner.

In the first decade of 21stCentury China became major driver of global trade firmly established itself as manufacturing hub of the world and in the same period it also over took USA as most preferred export partner. Last year US, Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management chief market strategist Joseph P. Quinlan Backpublished a report in which he shared a chart showing how in 2000, just five countries considered China as their top export market, while a whopping 53 said the same about the US. But till 2014, the positions changed "today, it's China more so than the US." 43 countries count China as their main export partner now, compared with just 31 saying the same about US.Hence today Chinas economy is very much integrated into the world and adeep economic downturn in China will be felt globally, and especially among the world's top commodity producers.

Hence today China and Middle East need to co-operate with each other more than any period in the history of mankind, large scale of energy imports, diversified economic relations, the solidification of the power ambitions, and current diplomatic conversion have made China to gradually increase its participation in the economic governance of Middle East. This participation is not limited to energy but also in other fields such as construction and infrastructure building, finance, defence sector agricultural sector etc.

Gulf Pearl Chain a Pilot Project of Chinas OBOR

Gulf countries can be referred as core of Middle Eastern region as this are the most influential countries in the Middle East, which consists of 6 GCC countries plus Iraq and Iran. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, signify a kind of black pearls scattered along the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf (as historically this region was famous for abundance in black pearls) these countries are very much interested in OBOR, they currently have good economic development and political stability, at the same time enjoy a level of financial strength as people here are comparatively wealthy then other Middle Eastern countries. Although the economic scales of these countries are relatively small, as are their populations once the co-operation is successful, it can not only play a demonstration role for the entire Middle East, but also can also prove as a pioneering example for the OBOR initiative, as according to me though China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is considered as flagship of OBOR but we look at it carefullyits only a bilateral agreement between two all-weather friends hence the real multilateral success will come after creation of the Gulf-Pearl Chain which will connect this countries by a network of roads and railways as well as oil pipe line to the western part of China through CPEC. It will test Chinas diplomatic ability to bring mutual consultationamong these countries, while balancing its relation between arch rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The purpose of the Gulf Pearl Chain in the construction of OBOR includes first to achieve pluralistic, autonomous, balanced and sustainable development of countries along the OBOR, to create a community of political mutual trust, economic integration, cultural tolerance, which shares common interest, destiny and responsibility; the second isto promote orderly free flow of economic factors and efficientallocation of resources, and depth fusion of markets, driving thecountries along the Silk Road to achieve the coordination of economic policies, to carry out regional cooperation in a widerrange, higher level and at a deeper level, and together to build anopen, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial regional economic cooperation framework. (Xuwen, Q., 2016).

The gulf countries are all Arab countries except Iran and China has good relations with them as it considers them as natural partners in OBOR,which is in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It upholds the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual nonaggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. The Initiative is intended to be inclusive and to follow market principles.

The One Belt, One Road strategy emphasizes international cooperation according to the following five priorities:

1. Policy coordination

2. Facilities connectivity

3. Unimpeded trade

4. Financial integration (linking economies through institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the BRICS New Development Bank, and the Silk Road Fund)

5. People-to-people bonds (providing public support for implementation)

Chinas emergence as an important state providing economic governance in Middle East in general and the Gulf Region in particular

Chinas participation in Middle East Economic governance and specially in the gulf region has its own characteristics in governance goals, which is different from its western counterparts and for this it also faces criticism from the west and specially from the US as free rider in this region.

Chinas answers Western criticism through its bilateral and multilateral co-operative actions and multilateral governance. The focus of Western powers reform in terms of the governance objective is to promote democracy and security which tends to be short-lived and with little success, China places great importance on livelihood and development of the people, it says that if these countries are helped in enhancing their independent developmental capacities it will prove as a permeant solution. The political security dilemma has often resulted from economic problems, unemployment, poverty and other livelihood issues are main causes of the upheavals in the Middle East. If these problems are adhered stability and development can be achieved in this region which will pave way for OBOR.

Chinas strategic coordination with the Arab world is an important part of its One Belt, One Road vision, and China has proposed a comprehensive cooperation strategy known as 1+2+3 (Yang, 2014). One refers to the need for increased cooperation on energy, covering a range of issues that include oil and natural gas production, ensuring the safety of energy transport routes, and establishing a mutually beneficial, long-term China-Arab energy relationship. Two stands for the two wings of infrastructure development, construction and trade/investment facilitation. Three relates to breakthroughs that need to be made in the high-tech areas of nuclear energy, aerospace satellites, and new energy in order to upgrade practical cooperation between China and the Arab world. (Xinhua net June 2014).

Energy sector:

China is the worlds largest import of energy resources specially oil and gas in 2015 its crude oil imports were close to 336 million tons, the oil imports from middle east amounted over 170 million tons accounting for 50.7%, its to top ten oil sources includes six Gulf countries Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Oman. Thus,China, has become an important market for gulf countries which are highly dependent on oil and gas exports. In return China brings certain investment funds and technological assistance which enhances the capacity of sustainable development of energy industry.

Construction and Infrastructure Building:

Chinas involvement in construction in the gulf region date backs to 1990 e.g. Tehrans Metro Line no 1 and 2 1995. Today the gulf countries are focusing on promoting industrialization with the priority of the expansion of infrastructure and equipment manufacturing in high-tech industry at present the engineering contracting market accounts 19% of the world, this brings great opportunity for Chinese enterprises at present they are collaborating in the field of high-speed rail, electricity, and port construction.e.g. in 2014 CNPC obtained 40% shares of the land and maritime cooperation zone of the Abu Dhabi national oil company, in December 2015 Harbin Electrical Group and the Saudi International Electricity and Water Group signed agreement to jointly develop the electrical power market in Europe, Asia, and Africa.Further China is also helping Iraq in post war construction and development processes.

Outer Space Technology:

China has advanced aerospace technology, complete scientific research system as well as a complete set of industrial facilities. Hence China can effectively help the region to develop outer space technology. At present, China and the Arab countries have reached a consensus in projects, such as the China-Arab technology transfer centre, and the Training Centre for peaceful use of nuclear energy in Arab, clean energy training centre in Arab, and the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has landing in the Arab world, showing the sincere wish and a huge potential of the cooperation between the two sides.

Trade and Investment:

China has signed trade co-operation agreements with Middle Eastern Countries, to build mutually beneficial trade platforms, and has promoted the construction of mechanisms, such as China-Arab Economic Trade Forum and the China-GCC free trade area the negotiations of which are in last stages. The increase of bilateral trade has mutually benefited boththe sides as it gave energy security to China and provided manufacturing goods to the gulf countries who are heavily dependent on it. Chinas participation in the Middle East investment and financial management includes mechanism building, expanding governance co-operation in petrodollars, sovereignty wealth fund, Islamic finance, oil finance etc. China and Middle eastern countries have established multilateral and bilateral development funds and have set up offshore RMB trading centres, through currency swaps agreements trade and investment facilitation with its currency circulation, which has made a positive impact on the financial governance structure of the Middle East.

e.g. In November 2014, China and Qatar signed a bilateral swapagreement of 35 billion RMB/20.8 billion Rials. For theconvenience of Chinese enterprises to carry out business activities in the Middle East, the industrial and Commercial Bank of Chinaopened branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait, Riyadh andIstanbul.

Six out of eight gulf countries are among the 57 founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank initiated by China.

Political Ties:

As discussed earlier China and Gulf countries relations were influenced by the Cold war power dynamics the GCC states where suspicious of China Iran relations. China and Iran first established diplomatic ties in 1971, UAE in 1984, Qatar in 1988, Bahrain in 1989 and Saudi Arabia in 1990. At first the GCC countries doubted Chinas intentions as China-Iran relations grew in various fields, including arms technology and energy China helped Iran in building bridges, dams, railroads etc. But due to drastic changes in Global Order and emergence of China as the largest trading nation in the last 30 years made GCC countries to move closer to China. Since then there have been high level state and military visits from both the sides. From the2000s early the GCC has enacted plans at times jointly or at times individually to reach out to China in a robust manner to balance to China Iran relations precisely through economic engagement. E.g. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia gave his first official visit to China after assuming the throne in 2006. Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifas visited China in September 2014 while serving as GCC president to build new opportunities through sustainable development.Chinese President Xi Jinping has placed a lot of importance on Gulf region in January 2016 he visited Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran which marked the first full frontal launch of Chinas One Belt, One Road (OBOR) strategy in the Middle East. The visit has wide implications for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China relations.

Agricultural Cooperation:

These countries depend on foreign exports for agricultural products hence it provides a market for Chinese agricultural products, beyond this China seeks to co-operatein arid zone agriculture, water-saving irrigation, Muslim food, food security, animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. By encouraging agricultural science and technology personnel from the two sides to increase exchanges. In Chinas Arab policy paper, it claims that it will continue to set up demonstration projects of agricultural technology in Arab countries, scale up agricultural management and technology training, and strengthen project follow-up and evaluation.

Defence ties and Regional security:

The military and defence relations between China and Iran dates to 1980s but co-operation saw downfall due to nuclear sanctions.In January 2016 on President Xi Jinping visit to Iran, the two countries signed a twenty-five-year strategic cooperation agreement that included a call for much closer defence and intelligence ties. In November 2016, Chinese defence minister Chang Wanquan concluded a three-day trip to Iran, the latest in a series of high-ranking bilateral military exchanges over the past two years.Interestingly, inter-defence affairs rose slowly over the yearswith GCC countries and most with Saudi Arabia Irans arch rival. By far the biggest indicator is the Chinese sale of CSS-2 ballistic missiles to Saudi Arabia in 1988. An additional sale of a more accurate solid fuel intermediate range missiles occurred in 2007.Chinas naval participation through the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) deployment of several vessels in counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia resonated with the GCC by showing that Beijing is a reliable security partner in keeping maritime sea leans open. Notably, a Chinese colonel attended regular meetings of Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) mechanism in Bahrain as part of the information sharing nexus against maritime piracy in the Gulf of Aden and beyond.Currently, both the Saudis and the Emiratis are using Chinese UAVs in their military action in Yemenagainst Iranian-supported Houthi rebels. (Karasik, T., Feb 2016). Further China calls for a concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in the Middle East, and supports Arab and regional countries in their efforts to build an inclusive and shared regional collective cooperation security mechanism, so as to realize long-term peace, prosperity and development in the Middle East.

From the above explanation, it becomes clear that at a period when west used pressure and reforms from the outside as a path for governance in this region, China gave emphasis on mutually beneficial cooperation based on the gradual and localized governance. The west preferred radical governance for e.g. United States Greater Middle East Democracy to create democratic countries in the region eventually failed, China has preferred progressive governance and till now has achieved a great success in this region.

Challenges for OBOR and Gulf Pearl Chain

Middle East is a region where the most global hot issues are concentrated. Since the Arab Spring in the Middle East, ethnic, religious and sectarian conflicts the region has remained in constant turmoil.

The extremist terrorist forces are very much active in this region, in the last two years, the ISIS terrorist forces have grown fast in Syria and Iraq they have occupied cities in this states, the area controlled by ISIS groups has become a place for the aggregation and diffusion of global extremist and terrorist forces. Today ISIS is not only active in Middle East but has also penetrated Europe, Africa and other places. OBOR also faces threats from terrorist organisations which are active on borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Investment in planned and ongoing Belt and Road projects could total roughly 240bn US$ in the coming years. However, the total investment needs in Asia are much larger than that. It is estimated, that only South Asia and South-East Asia will need at least 3,6 trillion US$ over the period 2010 2020 in domestic infrastructure investment if they are to meet the needs of their growing population and of the trend towards urbanisation (Bhattacharyya et al, 2012). If we take into consideration the entire region of OBOR total estimated cost is going to increase day by day hence it will be responsibility of all the partners to finance this project as per their capabilities with a combination of public and private, domestic and international financing sources, customized to the specific circumstances of countries and projects.

Non-clarity on investment and fund accumulation how the fund will be allocated and it will be distributed some of these questions are still to be answered.

The OBOR lacks central coordination, as many routes and local construction are to be carried on by local or regional governments which may create delays and hurdles if States wont cooperate with each other. Furthermore, Changes in political climate in individual countries would create roadblocks to Chinas strategy. Another obstacle in OBOR is low oil prices, which are currently creating repayment challenges for some oil investments.Currently, China tends to rely on bilateral relations with each country to help secure its investments, but transnational infrastructure investment in OBOR might suggest a transition to more of a regional and multilateral engagement strategy. However, instead of joining an existing international framework, such as the Energy Charter Treaty, which could potentially provide legal recourse against investment dispute, China would prefer establishing a Chinese-led or Asian-led institute, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. (Kaho, May 2016)

Conclusion

China's "One Belt One Road" policy focuses on connectivity in many dimensions. It includes trade, infrastructure and telecommunications connectivity technology transfer etc. China hopes to sign 60 free trade agreements with countries along the new Silk Road. But the policy goes much broader in also talking about people to people connectivity, cultural exchange and learning from each other's development experience. It also talks about peaceful development as a way of assuaging any fears that China is emerging as a global hegemon or that wants to oppose others. Within the broad One Belt, One Road strategy, Chinese Middle East energy policy proceeds according to the energy cooperation framework known as "1+2+3," which seeks to build a reliable China-Arab strategic cooperative relationship based on long-term friendship.

With the invest $45.6 billion China has launch of China Pakistan Economic Corridor as a flagship project of OBOR and if succeeded would be a big relief for China as it could able its landlocked western region to the Arabian sea. But the real first Multilateral Pilot Project of the OBOR would be Persian Gulf Chain which has specimens of all the obstacles that China will face in the broader concept of OBOR initiative and if succeeded it will not only benefit the two sides but will also open a new markets and trade routes for the Gulf Countries as the One Belt One road Initiative would connect Gulf economies with the Southeast and East Asian economies and with economic integration can become a pioneering modelof Greater South -South co-operation.

Citations

1. Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, Issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, with State Council authorization (March 2015), retrieved on 20 January 2017 from http://vancouver.china-consulate.org/eng/topic/obor/.

2. A Brief on The Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road", China Focus I, UOB Global Economics & Markets Research, Quarterly Global Outlook 3Q2015 retrieved on 20 January 2017 from http://www.uobgroup.com/assets/pdfs/research/CN-Focus_I_3q15.pdf.

3. Bhattacharyay, B.N., M. Kawai and R. Nag (2012): Infrastructure for Asian Connectivity, Edward Elgar.

4. Yang Chengxi, China Lays out '1+2+3' Strategy at CASCF Ministerial Meeting, China Central Television, June 6, 2014, retrieved on 22 January 2017 from http://english.cntv.cn/2014/06/06/VIDE1402009324468536.shtml .

5. Chinese President Stresses Top-Level Planning in Cooperation with Arab States, Xinhua, June 5, 2014, http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-06/05/c_133385932.htm.

6. QIAN Xuewen, The New Silk Road in West Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative Journal of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (in Asia) Vol. 10, No. 1, 2016, retrieved on 5 January 2017 from file:///F:/India/New%20folder/gulf%20pearl%20chain.pdf .

7. Theodore Karasik, The GCCs New Affair with China, Middle East Institute, Policy Focus Series February 2016, retrieved on 25 January 2017 from http://www.mei.edu/sites/default/files/publications/Karasik_GCCChina_PF6.pdf .

8. Kaho, Energy cooperation in Chinas One Belt One Road initiative Harvard Kennedy School Energy Policy Seminar Series, Spring 2016, May 2, 2016 retrieved on 7 February 2017 fromhttps://www.hks.harvard.edu/mrcbg/cepr/Yu%20summary%20final.pdf

References

1. China's Arab Policy Paper, Government of Peoples Republic of China, Xinhuanet, January 2016,retrieved on 19 January 2017 from http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/201601/13/c_135006619.htm .

2. Gautam Sen, China-One Belt and One Road Initiative:Strategic & Economic ImplicationsVivekananda International Foundation, 2016. retrieved on 16 January 2017 from http://www.vifindia.org/sites/default/files/china-one-belt-and-one-road-initiative-strategic-and-economic-implications.pdf

3. Wu Xia, Ye Shan, Spotlight: China's "Belt and Road" initiative boosts Mideast development,retrieved on 19 January 2017 fromhttp://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-01/19/c_135024451.htm

4. Robert R. Bianchi, ChinaMiddle East Relations in Light ofObamas Pivot to the Pacific Middle East Institute, National University ofSingapore,retrieved on 19 January 2017 fromfile:///F:/India/New%20folder/obor%20important.pdf

5. Cui Shoujun, Sino-Gulf Relations: From Energy to Strategic Partners, Jewish Policy Centre, 2015, retrieved on 4 February 2017 from https://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/2015/08/31/china-gulf-relations/

6. YAO Kuangyi, Opportunities and Challenges ofChina-Middle East Countries Production Capacity CooperationMinistry of Foreign Affairs, Peoples Republic of China, retrieved on 4 February 2017 from, http://mideast.shisu.edu.cn/_upload/article/files/f3/f4/37414652469f9fb20fa1374ef673/cf74dff9-b6de-4aeb-be72-2a58b6e9c8fd.pdf
The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road (21) or One Belt, One Road (OBOR) is a dynamic development strategy and framework, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 that promotes the connectivity and cooperation of countries between the People's Republic of China and Eurasia by land and a number of coastal states by sea. Indeed the reach of this network is vast, already spanning 60 nations along the land and sea routes.

Given that China alone will invest $4 trillion into the development of these trade routes and corresponding initiatives, such investment will certainly require cooperation from a number of both public and private actors in order to succeed. Undoubtedly, with the high number of parties involved, disputes will arise, and there must be an efficient mechanism for resolving those disputes.

However, brokering cross-industry trade routes across many different nations that vary in terms of wealth and legal sophistication is a complex matter. When disputes arise, what legal recourse do merchants, traders, and investors have against one another? That question becomes even more intricate when a dispute originates from the government of a state where an individual is operating. The remedy to this conflict for decades has firmly been a mechanism known as Investor-State Dispute Resolution (ISDS). ISDS is a system through which individuals or organizations can sue countries for alleged discriminatory and injurious practices.

Although ISDS is often associated with international arbitration under the rules of the World Banks International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes or the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, dispute settlement often takes place under the auspices of international arbitral tribunals governed by different rules or institutions such as China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, or the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission. Regional arbitration centers like these tend to see an influx of new disputes filed to be resolved before their tribunals as commercial activity increases. Thus, it is likely that as OBOR trade routes become more established, so too will Chinese arbitralinstitutions.

ISDS and OBOR

The entire scope of both the land-based and sea-borne OBOR routes are laden with ISDS mechanisms. There are multiple bilateral and multilateral treaties between China and nations along each route that will afford for increased investor protections. Such common protections for investors found among these treaties are:

1) Compensation for expropriation or nationalizations of private assets by the state;

2) Fair and equitable treatment, as well as protection and security of investments;

3) Treatment of foreign investments in a manner no less favorable than that provided to domestic investments; and

4) Most favored nation status, which allows an OBOR investor to rely on guaranteed protections set out not only in treaties to which China and OBOR countries are parties, but potentially also any other, better substantive protections that any third-party country enjoys under its treat with the OBOR investment host state in which the investor is investing.

In summation, these protections, and the more specific ones laid out in the individual treaties, signal that China is seriously addressing investor rights in its creation of the OBOR routes. More importantly, it also signals Chinas belief not only in the ISDS regime broadly as an efficient means of resolving disputes, but also bolsters Chinas commitment to rule of law at a time when many economic rivals in the West are faltering in how to resolve such disputes. Such commitment to the principles of rule of law while pushing innovation economic stimulus initiatives are the sort of indicators that China should continue to highlight as it awaits its ascension to the World Trade Organization.

Despite the safeguards taken by China to ensure a fair implementation of ISDS principles, the utility of ISDS had been called into question in recent years with nations from around the world scrutinizing its value.

ISDS Criticisms: China leads the West

As China seeks to give new ground to ISDS, it seems other countries, particularly in the West, are not as confident about the alternatives of ISDS. In fact, Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, South Africa, Indonesia, Italy and Russia have all withdrawn in some form or another from various investmenttreaties that avail them to the purview of ISDS mechanisms. A handful of Central American countries and Australia have also voiced their skepticism of the benefits of ISDS.

Countries that have withdrawn from the mechanism argue that it lends itself to pro-investor resolutions from tribunals, tends to lack transparency, and may have a potential chilling effect on state regulatory powers. This is not to mention the potential for biasabuse on behalf of the arbitrators, or parties seeking to by-pass national judicial systems.

Furthermore, tribunals in ISDS arbitrations have in some cases awarded billions of dollars to be paid to private investors in order to resolve disputes. Many nations are hesitant to participate in the ISDS framework because a third-partys ability to order the state itself to pay large sums of moneywhich is understandably disconcerting for less familiar and stable nations.

Indeed, it seemed for the better part of the last 10 years that many states were fleeing ISDS and that the practice may fall into obscurity in favor of other dispute resolution tools, especially in light ofthe United States withdrawing from the Transpacific Partnership (TPP) which would have anchored ISDS among the international community. It appeared that even the U.S. which has never lost an ISDS case, was squeamish about the possibility of having foreign powers, even if impartial, decide if it had committed any wrong doing. However, another superpower, like China, using ISDS signals that perhaps the practice is not dead, and instead may find new life with the economically progressive Xi Jinping.

This support for ISDS may be surprising to some, allowing private parties to directly sue national governments may seem to clash with traditional Chinese values. In fact, this model of incentivized investor aggression fits the narrative of a China as the Leader of the Free Trade World.

ISDS, with the support of a global economic and political super power like China, will find fertile ground among the OBOR trade routes, and the paradigm established will likely facilitate the growth and proliferation of ISDS in other parts of the world. Perhaps the U.S. or Europe will create competing versions based on the success of ISDS within OBOR nations. Protected, and nurtured by a confident Chinese economic and infrastructure the future success of ISDS will certainly hinge upon its utility among the OBOR regions. For now, though its destiny was once uncertain, it seems that ISDS has found its way home.
As Chinas economy has risen rapidly in the last two decades, its role as a global leader and second biggest ranking economy in the world has been pushing towards a more determined and active foreign policy. Thanks to economic reforms and a change of perspective in dealing with other countries, China has achieved an extraordinary development and it has become one of the main actors at the international level.

Promoting its regional interests and improving its image as a political entity and economic partner have been the reason behindseveral government initiatives aimed at diversifying China's economic, political and cultural strategies. China is currently building strong partnerships across the globe, in Asia, Africa and Europe where the number of Chinese investments has increased significantly in recent years. Also, politically, China has succeeded in improving relations with many countries, strengthening bilateral cooperation in several fields and industries.

China's economic and political advance on the international scene illustrates primarily a conventional type of power, on the basis of which states act internally and externally. There is also another type of power, the soft power, which refers to the attractiveness of a state, its image, its ability to promote its interests throughculture and ideology. Although military and economic capabilities are behind it, soft power plays a very important role for a state's foreign policy, because it facilitates cooperative relations, increases interest in a particular state, and promotes culture and ideas to encourage openness and dialogue between states. As a complement to its growing economy and army, China needs to create foreign policies that will encourage cooperation and trust for further dialogue.

President Xi Jinping emphasized the idea of promoting a new model of China, a responsible one, engaged in peaceful development, determined to protect international justice and dedicated to humanitarian contributions in the world. He has recognized and promoted the importance of building soft power as a necessary tool for a modern globalized world.

Promoting soft power, however, requires a strategy adapted to China's goals and capabilities, and such a strategy is the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. This strategy seeks to establish new connections, strengthen bilateral relations, improve dialogue and achieve common goals.

The overall idea is to create an open and inclusive economic space that facilitates economic exchanges and allows the multilateral development of the Eurasian area. At the same time, this initiative could be seen as an attempt to redirect the surplus capital and Chinas industrial overcapacity, thus helping to reshape Chinese economy. Aiming at65 states with roughly 70% of the global population, BRI is not only an ambitious regional project, but also an attempt to create a new international system based of new instruments such as AIIB, New Silk Road Fund,BRICS New Development Bank, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and nonetheless China's currency, Renminbi, which has recently become an international currency .

More than an initiative, BRI is a foreign policy strategy that will fulfill a number of regional and global functions and objectives. Firstly, considering its founding ideas and objectives, BRI represents China's contribution as a UN member state to regional development, peacekeeping, and the creation of an inclusive and open economic integration framework. In the opposite direction, BRI will have a positive impact on the Chinese economy by implementing economic reforms and opening up to other states and communities. Secondly, engaging China in this strategy will help improve its image as a responsible and generous state in the opinion of neighboring states which will enhance Chinas soft power and attractiveness as a political and economic partner.

The success of BRI will thus help to revive China's image and role globally and regionally but will in particular have a positive impact on its structural power. The first perspective of structural power refers to the dependency relation between large economies and small economies which become vulnerable over time and tend to change their behavior according to the preferences of the stronger economy. The second perspective refers to the characteristics of the system and how the rules and institutions in the international system contribute to increasing the structural power of the state with the greatest influence on these rules and institutions. This is the case for the United States and the Bretton Woods institutions, which have influenced the economic behavior of the other states by imposing a set of rules and guidelines at international level in exchange for prosperity and economic integration. Through AIIB and BRI, China can create a similar system and expand its influence on the regional level.

Coming back to soft power, BRI has the potential to enhance China's ability to attract the interest and trust of other states. By increasing visibility and regional involvement, China will show its generosity and demonstrate that it is a viable alternative toother states and institutions. BRI is thus an invitation to build a new economic community based on cooperation between a number of states with different political systems and culture, but with common interests and needs. Therefore, the Belt and Road Initiative is Chinas response to the expectations and needs of Asian infrastructure and, at the same time, an engagementto create a new regional development system.
Throughout Chinas long history, cultural and commercial interactions with many parts of what constitute todays Malaysia have become commonplace. In 1974, the then Malaysian Prime Minister Abdul Razak made a historic visit to Beijing, and Malaysia became the first Southeast Asian country to establish diplomatic relations with communist China. Malaysia has also not lost sight of Chinas marvelous achievements since its reform and opening-up process started. Indeed, China is Malaysias largest trading partner and Malaysia is Chinas largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with their bilateral annual trading volume surpassing US$100 billion and is projected to reach US$160 billion by 2017. It then came as no surprise that in 2013 the two countries upgraded their relationship to that of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Malaysia has been focussing on China market all this while, considering its size.

China is so big that working with one province is similar to working with one country. Malaysia can work independently with individual provinces in China. Its easier to do business with China, which has similarities with us in terms of culture. The challenge is whether Malaysias SMEs are ready. With the participation of Malaysia in the BRI, Malaysia will see more international trade being conducted in this region and it is expected to benefit from it since Malaysia is already the 23rd largest exporter in the world out of 168 countries in the WTO.

Malaysia has been having trade deficit with China since 2012. But with the BRI is has suddenly become a big concern. Total trade increased by 4.4%. Export was RM98.6 billion and import RM142 billion, which means there was trade deficit of about RM43 billion. Here, we can see that Malaysia will have trade deficit with or without China. The BRI will open up more opportunities for Malaysia mainly because it involves the belt and the maritime. The maritime route will go from China down to Asean and Malaysia is right in the centre of the route between China and Europe. That gives us the best opportunity to generate trade. The Malacca industrial park is part of the giant Malacca Gateway project that China and Malaysia signed last year. The project includes building three reclaimed islands and developing a fourth natural island. Most of this project will cater to tourism, commercial and housing needs, but one island  Pulau Melaka  has been earmarked to become a maritime activities centre with a container and bulk terminal, shipbuilding and ship repair services, and maritime industrial park.

On 4th November 2016, Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba group has agreed to act as an advisor to the Malaysian Government on its digital economy aspirations. Following this agreement, Alibaba would set up a logistics hub in Malaysia, the latest in a string of Chinese investments including in infrastructure and real estate projects, underscoring the close ties between the two countries.The Malaysian Government has allocated a piece of land to Alibaba to set up this e-hub, which will make it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia to participate in international trade. The hub, which is expected to be launched at the end of 2019 will be part of a digital free trade zone. It is said that the hub will function as a centralized customs clearance, warehousing and fulfilment facility for Malaysia and the region to deliver faster clearance for imports and exports.Alibaba will also explore e-payment and financing opportunities to facilitate business-to-business trade.Ma said he expected to launch Alipay in Malaysia soon, but stressed that it was not to occupy the local market but to push for Malaysia to be an inclusive, transparent cashless society.

More and more Malaysians are learning Mandarin now, in fact, it is encouraged by the government. Malaysian government believes that a nations peace and safety can be achieved if public is able to perform well in education. Education is the most important tool to break the poverty cycle and a guaranteed path to the economy growth. The government is currently planning to improve the education system that includes Mandarin in the syllabus. With the increase of Mandarin speakers in Malaysia, this is advantage for both countries as it is easier for SMEs to communicate in common language and for them to conduct trades.
There once existed a country even though not many people know this because posterity very easily forgets its failureswhich had the potential to be one of the richest and most prosperous nations the world has ever seen. It was incredibly rich in natural resources (among them the largest oil reserves in the world and also huge amounts of precious metals and minerals); it was located in the midst of the tropics, which meant wonderful, reliable and comfortable weather, perfect for growing all kinds of high-yielding crops and a soil so fertile that everything could grow with barely any effort being made. Its borders included large coastlines in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans a strategic location if there ever was one and a territory with huge tracts of wetlands and rainforest filled with an amazing diversity of life; it also had reserves of water large enough to guarantee not only that water scarcity would never be an issue if these were properly managed, but also a huge potential for energy development. This was a paradise, a country blessed with all the possible advantages to succeed if only it played its cards properly.

This land of riches was a former Spanish colony known as the New Granada and it comprised the territories of what today are the countries of Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador and western Guyana, as well as a portion of Northwestern Brazil. After the independence that came after almost 400 years of Spanish rule, suddenly the New Granada found itself bursting with possibilities and, at the time, the world saw not only New Granada but the whole of South America as holding great promise and expected a bright future for the region because it was a rich place that had inherited western ideals of governance and self-determination. But none of the promises eventually materialized and the great New Granada eventually fell apart, divided into smaller units that today still struggle to define themselves among poverty, mismanagement and inner conflicts. And the main reason for this collapse, even though there were other political and economic factors, can be simply summarized as a chronic lack of something very basic, something we often take for granted: roads.

Huge amounts of resources meant nothing without roads. Those vital connections between cities and points of gathering and recollection, between centers of power or wealth and the structures that allow that power and wealth to exist in the first place, were scarce and nobody paid attention to that problem. The Spanish rulers that occupied what was the Viceroy of New Granada before it became an independent country in the early 19th century hadnt bothered to build more roads than those connecting the main locations where gold and silver were extracted and the ports mainly that of the city of Cartagena where it could be sent out to Spain. Everything else hardly counted and this was reflected in the fact that even the three capital cities of the former colonies Bogota, Quito, and Caracas were barely connected to each other through any more than elemental routes that required weeks of arduous travel to complete a single journey.

Even though they shared the same culture, these cities and other territories became suspicious of each other and the reason for this suspicion that led to internal wars and to the downfall of the unified Republic, was the perceived distance between them and the evident unreachability caused by the both physical and metaphorical lack of connections and routes of exchange between them. And if this happened between people who had joined their efforts to obtain their freedom from a common colonizer and even spoke the same language, what could be expected of countries that are distant from each other not only linguistically but also in terms of culture, religion and moral values? Today, many places as full of potential as the New Granada are affected by many issues that are the result of the same basic problem: the lack of contact, of interconnectedness, allowing large portions of the population to feel isolated, forgotten and disengaged from whatever is happening in their own country and in their neighboring territories.

The example of the New Granada, of an unfulfilled promise of greatness being thwarted by disconnection, should be remembered today as a cautionary tale for those who believe that globalization will spontaneously produce relationships even among the most different of cultures when the opposite is true: even in our interconnected world where everyone carries a GPS on their pocket, relationships between different countries and cultures have to be carefully and painfully constructed often from scratch and, more importantly, their emergence and development has to be facilitated through several different catalysts of which infrastructure actual, physical roads is only the most salient one among many which are even more important: building trust, making everyone feel equally important within different economic and political relationships, listening to the needs and demands of different cultural groups and catering to the economic conditions of local communities, regardless of their size. In a relationship of this kind, differences should never mean conflict but rather an opportunity for developing new strategies and increasing ones knowledge and awareness of how diverse the world remains even though globalism has always been seen as a force that will regrettably homogenize cultures and ways of living. And nobody should ever be regarded as too small or too weak: people often say that there isnt such a thing as a small enemy, and the same applies to allies.

This is where the Belt and Road initiative, propelled by several Chinese economic policies, and which has been hailed as the construction of a new Silk Road, can prove its worth as a strategy to integrate economies that have been affected by neglect or perhaps the lack of imagination of those who think of themselves as too powerful. The idea of this being a reboot of the ancient Silk Road is appropriate if we remember that there was never an actual, unified road where goods were traded from East to West and back, but rather a network of pathways and trade routes that were painstakingly constructed through centuries of relationships and an unquenchable thirst for both exotic goods and knowledge. For those who lived during its heyday, the commercial routes we know as the Silk Road were never physical roads: there was merely an idea of it, the Road was far more than a series of lines traced on maps and charts. It represented an awareness of their interconnection with other cultures, it meant the comforting knowledge that they were not isolated and that they counted and were part of something bigger than themselves. The Road was also not only a place to exchange goods but also ideas that fostered innovation and brought prosperity to many.

And the majority of these networks werent even inside China itself and this is why it can be a very appropriate symbol for the new initiative: because by promoting trade as well as strategic partnerships and enabling new ways for cooperation and economic diversity, it is saying that it isnt only China itself that counts but its neighbors, mainly in Central Asia and the places that have always been located at the borders between East and West, these places that have been often seen, just like the New Granada once was, as full of riches and potential, willing to open their doors to the world but without having the resources to do it on their own. The Belt and Road initiative is a clear invitation for participation that states loudly and clearly that regardless of who happens to be the trailblazer in charge of opening the path, the idea is that everyone should have access to it and share it equally. Those who share the same roads will be always connected and their futures will depend more and more on how they treat each other and learn that connections mean everything.
Route 66, the iconic US road threading through eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica, offers a glimpse of a bygone era of history.[Photo/Agencies]

For decades, Route 66 captured the imagination of travelers the world over, offering a glimpse of a bygone era of US history, when people hit the road in search of adventure and a better life.

The two-lane highway established in 1926 and coined the "Mother Road" by John Steinbeck seemed to encompass the essence of the United States, threading through eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica.

But after it was decommissioned in the 1980s in favor of larger and faster thoroughfares, Route 66 appeared headed for the dustbin of history as the mom-and-pop stores, kitschy motels, diners and gas stations that lined the road gradually shut down.

"Entire towns folded up, and what had been a 2,400-mile (4,000-kilometer) carnival becameto a large extenta 2,400-mile ghost town," explains David Knudson, founder and executive director of the nonprofit National Historic Route 66 Federation.

In recent years, however, the iconic road that has been immortalized in countless books, movies, music (Get Your Kicks on Route 66) and a TV series has been experiencing a nostalgia-driven revival that is attracting tourists from around the globe.
Islamic State claims responsibility for London terror attack

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-06-05 07:18

LONDON - The so-called Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for Saturday's London attack, British media reported Sunday.



BBC reported on its website that the group's news outlet Amaq, on the messaging app Telegram, said "a security unit of Islamic State fighters carried out the London attacks yesterday".



Meanwhile, The Telegraph reported that an IS group propaganda outlet exhorted would-be jihadists to carry out vehicle and knife attacks on civilians just hours before three terrorists went on a rampage in central London.



According to the report, the message sent out on an encrypted messaging app, urging attackers to "gain benefit from Ramadan" and "kill the civilians of the Crusaders. Run over them by vehicles".



British police said 12 people have been arrested so far after the attack, which left seven people dead and 48 injured. Among the wounded, 21 people are in critical condition.
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]

LONDON - After a militant attack on a nightlife district of London this weekend, British Prime Minister Theresa May will resume campaigning on Monday just three days before a national election which polls show is much tighter than previously predicted.

May said Britain must be tougher in stamping out Islamist extremism after three knife-wielding assailants rammed a hired van into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed others nearby, killing seven people and injuring 48.

After the third militant attack in Britain in less than three months, May said Thursday's election would go ahead. But she said Britain had been far too tolerant of extremism.

"Violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process," May said outside her Downing Street office, where British flags flew at half-staff.

Islamic State on Sunday night claimed responsibility for the attack via the militant group's agency Amaq.

"A detachment of Islamic State fighters executed yesterday's London attack," a statement posted on Amaq's media page, monitored in Cairo, said.

A policewomen takes away a suspect in connection with the attack during a police raid of the Barking district of east London, June 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

London police arrested 12 people in the Barking district of east London in connection with the attack and raids were continuing there, the force said. Police have not released the names of the attackers.

It was not immediately clear how the attack would impact the election. The campaign was suspended for several days last month when a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a concert by Ariana Grande in Manchester.

Grande gave an emotional performance on Sunday at a benefit gig in the city for the victims of the attack, singing with a choir of local schoolchildren, including some who had been at her show.

Before the London Bridge attack, May's gamble on a June 8 snap election had been thrust into doubt after polls showed her Conservative Party's lead had collapsed in recent weeks.
US 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.

The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft lifted off on the company's Falcon 9 rocket at 5:07 pm EDT (2107 GMT) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 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.

In the cargo is a 3.5-kilogram device from the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) that seeks to tell how a person's DNA code is affected by microgravity in space.

It's one of the more than 40 scientific experiments that will happen at the station.

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 BIT 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 BIT team in Florida.

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.

NanoRacks 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 BIT regularly publishes in Western scientific journals.

"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."

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.

amyhe@chinadailyusa.com
CAIRO - The United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday.

According to earlier reports, Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of supporting "terrorism" and financing "groups" linked to Iran.

Announcing the decision on Monday to cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, Saudi Arabia also accused its fellow Gulf Arab state of interfering in its internal affairs.

Saudi Arabia was also cutting land, air and sea contact with Qatar, according to media reports.

Saudi Arabia's state news agency quoted an official source as saying that the move was to protect national security "from the dangers of terrorism and extremism."

Meanwhile in a statement carried by its official news agency, Bahrain accused Qatar of backing terrorism and interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.

The UAE said in a statement it will "sever relations with Qatar, including diplomatic relations, and the country's diplomatic mission has a grace period of 48 hours to leave the country," UAE state news agency WAM reported.

Qatari nationals in the UAE would have 14 days to leave while Qatari nationals would be prevented from entering the UAE.

The UAE has taken these steps "as a result of the failure of the Qatari authorities" to stop funding "terrorist organizations ... especially the Muslim Brotherhood," it said.

The Brotherhood, which has been outlawed in Egypt, is labeled a terrorist organization in the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The UAE also accused Qatar of "harboring extremists."

The UAE and Qatar are both members of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to which Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also belong. Founded in 1981, the GCC is a leading political and economic block in the Arab world.

Egypt also announced its decision to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar earlier on Monday.

Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on accusations of supporting terrorist organizations, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt decided to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in light of the Gulf Arab state's persistence to take a path against Egypt, and the failure of any attempts to prevent it from supporting terrorist organization, topped by the Muslim Brotherhood," said the statement.

The statement added Qatar is sheltering the leaders of the Brotherhood who have targeted the security and safety of Egypt by conducting terrorist operations.

The statement attributed cutting ties with Qatar to the state's promotion of extremist thoughts of al-Qaida and Islamic State, its support for terrorist operations in Sinai, as well as its intervention in Egypt's internal affairs in a way that threatens its national security.

Ties between Egypt and Qatar have been deteriorating since the ouster of the Egyptian Islamist-affiliated leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013 as a result of a mass protest against his rule.
Lieutenant General He Lei, vice-president of the PLA Academy of Military Science and head of the PLA delegation, attends the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, which ended on Sunday. Joseph Nair/ap

Two senior Chinese and Japanese military officials met in Singapore on Sunday, People's Liberation Army's delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue said in a news release.

Lieutenant General He Lei, vice-president of the PLA Academy of Military Science and head of the PLA delegation, met on Sunday morning with Lieutenant General Kazuaki Sumida, vice-chief of staff of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces' Joint Staff, at the Shangri-La Hotel on the sidelines of the regional security conference that concluded later in the day.

He told Sumida that Sino-Japanese relations appeared to be improving, but they are still sophisticated and fragile. China always holds a positive attitude toward communication and exchange with Japan in defense affairs and that the two sides should make efforts to improve their defense relations, He said according to the news release.

He said China attaches great importance to the negotiation of an air-sea communication mechanism between the two countries' defense departments and has made a lot of effort on this matter. China hopes that Japan will consider this issue in a strategic perspective and use flexibility to handle it, the Chinese officer said.

Sumida said more communication and exchanges between the two nations' defense departments would contribute to stable relations, which are crucial to security in the Asia-Pacific.

Sumida was quoted by the Chinese news release as saying that the air-sea communication mechanism will be established through efforts from both sides. The Japanese officer also said Japan is willing to enhance bilateral exchanges and talks in defense, especially when the two countries mark the 45th anniversary of normalization of their diplomatic ties this year and as they mark next year the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
In South America

Our investigators found this young black bull in Egypt. He had been rounded up from the wide open pampas of Uruguay, herded onto a live export ship, and forced to endure the gruelling 21-day journey from South America to the Middle East.

It is for him, and for the thousands of animals who are so cruelly exported from Uruguay to face fully-conscious slaughter overseas, that we have launched Latin Americas first ever campaign to end live export.
We had to keep our voices low. In the distance - a few hundred meters from our canoes - was a large, majestic moose, calling out from across the lake. My three kids couldn't believe their luck.

After spending several days paddling through Canada's Algonquin Park, it was a sight and sound they won't soon forget. Today, as Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I'm still inspired by these moments in nature with my kids. I think everyone should experience this same wonder.

On June 5th, Canada is hosting World Environment Day, and this year the theme is 'connecting people to nature.' I'm encouraging people across the world to explore green spaces around them. It can be a local beach, a city park, or a sprawling forest in the hills. The point is: Amid the hum of your daily life, find a moment in nature.

I truly believe the first step to protecting nature is learning to appreciate it. And as environmental problems around the world advance - with rising temperatures, more frequent natural disasters, and declining biodiversity - the importance of connecting with nature only increases.

In Canada, we are celebrating World Environment Day across the country. You can learn to fish in a Nova Scotian wildlife reserve, practice yoga on the banks of Ontario's Niagara River, or go birding on mountain bikes in the rugged Yukon. And to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation - our government made it free to visit all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.

World Environment Day is an occasion of global engagement. In Kenya, volunteers are running a program to plant a thousand trees in local communities. In Mexico, beach cleanups are planned along the Nazas river. And in India alone, there are close to 200 events planned.

Organized through the UN Environment, World Environment Day has been a catalyst for change since 1974. It's been a platform to mobilize world leaders, business and citizens to reduce the hole in the ozone and end the scourge of acid rain. As early as the 1980's, World Environment Day began raising awareness about a new global threat, climate change.

That's right: There has been global awareness of climate change since the 1980's. Yet almost 40 years later, some still doubt the need to reduce carbon pollution, or expand the millions of jobs being created in the clean growth economy. Yet Canadians, scientists, business leaders and people around the world know better. We know that countries must continue, now more than ever, to work towards a low-carbon future. We know it's good for the economy and the environment, and our children and grandchildren deserve no less.

On World Environment Day the plan is simple: Get out into nature. Enjoy the singing birds in the park or the rustling of leaves near your home. Discover the mystery of nature to better understand our urgent need protect it.

You don't need to live in the countryside to appreciate nature. Erik Solheim, the Head of UN Environment, grew up in Norway's thrumming capital city of Oslo. Despite living in the city, he still experienced the woods and mountains surrounding it. As he puts it: "Nothing could beat exploring the hills and mysterious forests. There was adventure everywhere."

Experiences in nature are invaluable. My three children always look forward to summers filled with glowing fires, starry nights, and fishing for lake trout. Who can blame them? Like Erik, these memories last a lifetime and often shape the paths we follow.

On World Environment Day this June 5th, join me in celebrating the infinite beauty of our natural world by getting out into it!

The author is Catherine McKenna, who serves as Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada.
FALLUJAH, Iraq - Even as Iraqi forces in Mosul close in on the last pockets of urban territory still held by the Islamic State group, residents of Fallujah in Iraq's Sunni heartland are still struggling to rebuild nearly a year after their neighborhoods were declared liberated from the extremists.

After declaring the city liberated last June, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called the victory a major step toward unifying Iraq more than two years after nearly a third of the country fell to IS. "Fallujah has returned to the nation," he declared in a speech broadcast nationwide.

But in the months that followed, while the Iraqi government compiled databases and set up tight checkpoints on the main roads in and out of Fallujah to screen residents for suspected ties with IS, it provided little in the way of reconstruction money, local officials say.

Sheikh Talib al-Hasnawi, the head of Fallujah's municipal council, said international aid is what has provided electricity, repaired water pumps and built filtration systems.

"We have a real problem with (IS) sleeper cells," he said, adding that what Fallujah needs most is a strong security force to prevent the extremists from re-establishing a foothold in the city some 65 kilometers west of Baghdad. "Honestly the support from Baghdad has been very weak," he added, noting that his repeated requests for more equipment and arms for the city's local police have gone unheeded.

"So mostly we are relying on the civilians to alert us to threats," he said. "All we can provide are the very basics."

Located in the heart of Anbar province, Fallujah has a long history of anti-government sentiment. After the US-led invasion in 2003 toppled Saddam Hussein, many of the city's residents supported a Sunni insurgency that rose up against US forces and the Shiite-dominated government in Baghdad.

In 2014, many in Fallujah welcomed IS when the militants took over following a bloody government crackdown on thousands of protesters camped out on the city's outskirts to challenge the increasingly sectarian rule of then-Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Abdul Hassan, a blacksmith from the al-Askari neighborhood hasn't brought his wife and children back to the city yet. When asked if he was concerned about security, he shrugged.

"Once there are enough schools, I'll bring my children. Until then I'll keep them in Baghdad," he said.

Associated Press
Meetings come after Cairo was accused of providing support to rebels

CAIRO, Egypt - Talks between Egypt and Sudan have been welcomed as a step forward in easing the growing tension between countries that will help maintain the strategic and historical ties.

On Saturday, Cairo hosted Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour for discussions with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi on methods of enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

The meetings came more than a week after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir accused Egypt of providing military support to the armed rebels in the chaotic region of Darfur in western Sudan.

The claims have been strongly dismissed by the Egyptian president.

"The Sudanese foreign minister's visit comes as a step to repair relations between Cairo and Khartoum and contain their disagreements," said Maher Shabaan, professor at the African Studies and Research Institute of Cairo University.

Shabaan stressed that both countries should be aware that differences will help neither country and risk harming the strong ties they have developed, "which has been highlighted by the foreign ministers of both countries in their today's joint news conference."

Sudan has recently turned down Egyptian agricultural and animal exports and a ban has been approved by the Sudanese cabinet to urge the private sector to exclude imports from Egypt.

"The visit has three dimensions: political, economic and social. Politically, it addresses issues of disagreement, like Sudan's claims of Egypt's support of armed rebels in Darfur, their positions on Ethiopia's giant dam and Egypt's support for Sudan at the United Nations Security Council," Shabaan said.

The disputed border regions of Halayeb and Shalateen, which is currently under Egyptian sovereignty, remain a complicated matter between Cairo and Khartoum and have caused tension between the neighbors.

Mohamed al-Shazli, former Egyptian ambassador to Khartoum, welcomed the Sudanese foreign minister's visit to Cairo as a positive step, yet he said the visit alone might not be enough to resolve the ongoing issues without further communication at a higher level, referring to the heads of the two states.

"The visit is an attempt to return the bilateral relations to their natural course, which is undoubtedly welcomed," the former diplomat said, stressing that "the ball is in Sudan's court."

He argued that Egypt remained careful not to be dragged into political or diplomatic escalation despite Sudanese accusations of Egyptian conspiracy, rejection of Egyptian exports, raising the issues of the disputed border regions and limiting Sudan's entry visas to Egyptians.

"Egypt always asserts its friendly and historical relations with Sudan and the Sudanese people and avoids any kind of escalation," Shazli added.

During a news conference following Ghandour's meetings with Sisi and Shoukry, the Sudanese foreign minister urged the media to stick to facts and not to exaggerate disagreement between the two countries.

"Despite the tension, the Egyptian foreign minister's invitation to his Sudanese counterpart to visit Cairo and the quick response of the latter show that there is real keenness of both sides to maintain their ties," said Shahira Wahib of the Technical Secretariat of Water and Environment Council of the Arab League.

Xinhua
New voters seen as key after EU split causes division in old party loyalties

WAKEFIELD, England - Until the Brexit referendum, Gary Hill had never voted.

Now the 58-year-old roofer plans to back Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives in Thursday's election because he wants Britain out of the European Union.

The EU divorce has broken the mold of British politics, luring new voters like Hill to the ballot box and deeply eroding old party loyalties. That makes turnout - and the election result - all the harder to call.

May, who last year campaigned quietly to stay in the European Union, is now leading the march for the exit. If she can poach Brexit-supporting voters from the opposition Labour Party and the United Kingdom Independence Party, her big gamble on a snap election could pay off.

In contrast, if opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - who voted against EU membership in 1975 - can entice enough younger pro-EU supporters out to vote Labour in the hope of a "softer" Brexit, he could be in with a chance.

"As long as they get us out of Europe I'm not bothered" about other issues, said Hill.

Nearly 3 million more people voted in the referendum than in the 2015 national election, with the biggest increases in leave-supporting areas, like Wakefield in northern England.

The city, held by the Labour Party since 1932, voted 66 percent in favor of leaving the EU. Turnout was more than 10 percentage points higher in the referendum than in the 2015 election.

Whether people like Hill will turn out again, and how far socialist leader Corbyn will succeed in attracting his own cohort of new voters, is driving uncertainty about the election result.

Since May called the election in April, her party's poll lead has narrowed. But different polling methods have produced a dramatically wide range of forecasts - from May losing her majority in parliament to winning a landslide victory.

"(Turnout) is the big unknown, it is one of the reasons why there is a difference between all the polls at the moment," said Anthony Wells, director of political and social research at pollsters YouGov.

Wakefield's Brexit-supporting Conservative candidate Antony Calvert, hoping to overturn a 2,613-vote Labour majority, is aware he needs to get people like Hill to vote again on June 8.

"These are not habitual voters, these are one-off voters. What we are seeing is people still talking about Brexit all the time, and we need to just ensure that is motivating people to the ballot box on Thursday," he said.

Gillian Cruise, a lifelong Labour voter in Wakefield until she switched to the Conservatives in 2015 because of their promise to hold the referendum, has now volunteered to campaign for May's party.

The 49-year-old is angry at the city's incumbent Labour lawmaker, who voted in parliament against starting the formal Brexit process.

"We told her that we wanted to leave and she threw it back," said Cruise. Some are following her to the Conservatives, but others cannot bring themselves to abandon their roots.

"There are still a lot that voted to leave the EU that just can't bring themselves to vote Conservative because it is so ingrained in them to vote Labour," she said.

"Those are the people that I want to talk to."

Reuters
A Buddhist monk casts his ballot at a polling station in Phnom Penh on Sunday. Millions of Cambodians started voting in local polls in what many observers say is a warmup for next year's national elections.Tang Chhin Sothy / Agence Francepresse

KANDAL, Cambodia - Millions of Cambodians voted in local polls on Sunday in what many observers are viewing as a warm-up for next year's national elections.

While there have been political tensions at the national level in recent times, Cambodians are confident that their votes will bring good leaders to rural areas.

"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 said after casting her vote at a polling station in the southern Kandal province.

She said she voted for the ruling Cambodian People's Party since it has brought 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 said after voting at a station in Phnom Penh. "I love the CPP because the party has brought peace and development to our country."

Kim Sokhonn, a 46-year-old housewife who voted at a polling station in Kandal province, is hoping for a free and fair election.

"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 said, referring to the national elections in July 2013 in which the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party did not recognize the election results and staged mass protests for months.

CPP President and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen voted at a polling station near his mansion in Kandal province, roughly 10 kilometers 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.

Held every five years, the commune elections are being 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.

Xinhua
KABUL - Explosions ripped through the funeral of an Afghan anti-government protester in Kabul on Saturday, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens in fresh carnage that spiked tensions in a city already on edge.

The latest killings, which could provoke a new cycle of bloodshed, bring to 101 the number of people killed this week with hundreds injured in one of the worst bouts of violence in the Afghan capital for years.

Witnesses reported three back-to-back blasts during the burial of Salim Ezadyar, who was among four people killed on Friday when a protest over spiraling insecurity in Kabul degenerated into street clashes with police.

"So far seven dead bodies and 119 wounded people have been brought to Kabul hospitals," health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh said.

The funeral of 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 the attack, with the Taliban - the biggest insurgent group in Afghanistan - denying any involvement.

The fresh killings are likely to further polarize 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 made a televised appeal for national unity after the funeral bombings. "The country is under attack," he said. "We must stay strong and 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 center 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.

The tense week of violence during the holy fasting month of Ramadan has left hospitals in the city overwhelmed, with many running beyond capacity to treat the injured.

Police on Saturday locked down much of Kabul city, with armed checkpoints and armored vehicles patrolling the streets to prevent a repeat of Friday's clashes.

The United Nations and a host of international allies have urged restraint by all sides.

"The attack today, conducted by those opportunistically seeking to use these very fragile moments to destabilize Afghanistan, follows so much violence this week," the UN said in a statement.

"In the context of so much suffering, now is the time to seek unity and solidarity."

Agence France-presse
DAMASCUS, Syria - Government forces and allied fighters on Sunday captured the last Islamic State stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo, a monitoring group reported. The Syrian Army and fighters of Hezbollah 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 the ground, said the army has been combing the town since early on 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 wide-scale military offensive in the countryside of Aleppo was unleashed on Jan 17, after government forces took back control over the entire city of Aleppo.

Now, the army is also active in the Syrian desert against IS, capturing large swaths of territories from the terrorist group.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the situation in the nation is witnessing big improvements, largely due to the retreat of terrorist groups. The situation on the ground has become much better from a military perspective, Assad said in an interview published by state news agency SANA on Saturday.

The president's remarks came as the IS group is losing ground on several fronts, mainly in the desert in central Syria, the countryside of Aleppo province, and in Raqqa province.

He also mentioned the retreat of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.

Xinhua
WASHINGTON - US 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 Trump's decision on 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 aired 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 US 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 on 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 on 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.

Agence France-presse
Fans run away from San Carlo Square in Turin following panic created by the explosion of firecrackers as they were watching the Juventus v Real Madrid match on a giant screen on Saturday. Reuters

Panic triggered by fireworks let off, people shouting a bomb had exploded

TURIN, Italy - At least 1,000 people were injured, seven seriously, 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.

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 organizers 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 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 7-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.

Heysel memories

"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."

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 neighboring 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."

Agence France-presse
SINDHUDURG, India - The fishermen were dubious when ocean experts suggested they could save their dwindling marine stocks just by switching to new nets.

It took years for the United Nations Development Program to convince the fishing communities along India's tropical western coast that the diamond-mesh nets they were using were trapping baby fish, while a square-shaped mesh could allow small fish to escape to maintain a breeding population. But two years after the new nets were fully adopted, fishermen insist they're making a difference.

"This square net is a blessing for us," said John Gabriel Naronha, who runs six trawlers in the area. "When the small fish grows up, the fishermen can really benefit ... we can get good prices for big fish. And the small fish gets a chance to grow."

The project, launched in 2011, is one of many being showcased at a major conference on oceans beginning on Monday, where the UN will plead with nations to help halt a global assault on marine life and ecosystems that is threatening jobs, economies and even human lives.

"The oceans of the planet are in dire need of urgent action," said Marina Walter, deputy director for UNDP in India. That action is even more urgent now that climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise while waters also become more acidic, causing widespread destruction of coral reefs that sustain a quarter of all marine species.

The struggles of India's fishermen are hardly unique. About one out of every 10 people in the world relies directly on the ocean to survive. Most of those are among the world's poorest, meaning they have few substitutes when marine life declines.

Meanwhile, the UNDP has also helped set up a crab farming project in the Sindudurg area to encourage local preservation of the mangroves and resistance to land developers and those gathering firewood from chopping the saltwater-tolerant trees down.

Local officials are delighted with the low-fuss process and positive results.

"With very little manipulation of the environment, you can grow crabs wherever you have mangroves," said N. Vasudevan, who heads a special unit for the government of India's western state of Maharashtra.

Associated Press
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Campaigning for Britain's general election was suspended for a day after British police said seven people were killed and 48 others injured when a white van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge in the city's center, and three attackers were shot dead after stabbing several victims at nearby Borough Market on Saturday night.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May held an emergency meeting of COBRA, the government committee that coordinates intelligence matters, on Sunday and afterward said: "The whole of the country needs to come together to counter this extremism. We need to review our counterterrorism strategy, to see police have everything they need."

She added: "It is time to say enough is enough."

Both the ruling Conservatives and the Labour Party confirmed they would suspend national campaigning ahead of Thursday's general election, although the minority UKIP party said it would continue.

The attackers drove a white van at pedestrians on London Bridge before coming to a halt near Borough Market, a popular bar and restaurant quarter. The men then attacked anyone they could find with knives before being shot dead by police eight minutes after the incident had begun.

The attacks took place outside and inside bars and restaurants. In some places the attackers were repelled by people throwing chairs and bottles at them. An unarmed policeman who confronted them was one of the injured.

The London Ambulance Service said they took 48 people to six hospitals around the capital, most suffering from stab wounds and collision injuries.

May confirmed the three attackers were wearing fake bomb vests. She said police had foiled five terrorist plots since March. She said the recent attacks were all connected to Islamist extremism and that the "safe spaces" where it was allowed to breathe on the internet, in British communities and foreign countries such as Libya and Syria must be challenged.

But she said the London Bridge attack was not directly linked to a similar one on Westminster Bridge in March that killed five or a bomb attack on a pop concert in Manchester. The attack comes less than two weeks after a man blew himself up at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, killing 22 people.

Saturday's attack happened just south of London's financial district. The French government confirmed that at least two of its citizens were injured and at least one Australian and a New Zealander are being treated at a hospital. The Chinese embassy said so far no Chinese nationals had been hurt.

The area of the attack remained closed on Sunday as police officers searched for evidence. Cressida Dick, the head of the Metropolitan police, said authorities did not know the identity of the attackers but that they believed the incident had been contained.

Leaders from all over the world condemned the London attack. US President Donald Trump spoke with May after the attack and Russian President Vladimir Putin said the London Bridge attack is "shocking in its cruelty and cynicism".

European leaders including Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy have voiced solidarity with the British government and expressed condolences to the victims in the London attacks.

conal@mail.chinadailyuk.com

People disperse along Borough High Street following the London Bridge van attack and subsequent stabbings in which seven people were confirmed killed and dozens hurt. The suspected perpetrators were shot by police.Dominic Lipinski/press Association Via Ap

(China Daily 06/05/2017 page1)
College student Vashu Tyagi was leaving his dorm and heading to a nearby bar to celebrate the end of classes Saturday night in London when he saw people running frantically down the street. As three men with large knives moved through the area, stabbing anyone in their path, police yelled at Tyagi and others to get back inside  an order he credits with saving his life.

Commuters across London Bridge after is was reopened following an attack which left 7 people dead and dozens of injured in central London, Britain, June 5, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

"Obviously they gave us good advice," he said. "I'm quite lucky to be here."As reports of stabbings in a popular London nightspot started flowing in late Saturday, police sent out a tweet warning people in the area to run, hide, then call authorities. Officers on the scene also shouted at bystanders to disperse, a response that experts say likely saved lives.



Yet while the Run, Hide, Tell strategy  known in the US as Run, Hide, Fight  has been credited with saving lives in certain circumstances, some say it's not perfect, especially when a victim's first instinct might be to freeze on the spot.



"The best thing you can do is to get as far away from the source of the danger as possible," said Denis Fischbacher-Smith, a risk analyst and professor at the University of Glasgow. "But it's never going to be a universal solution. It's never going to work all the time."Saturday's attack unfolded over a few minutes: First, a rented van veered off the road and drove into pedestrians on busy London Bridge. Three men wielding large knives got out of the van and attacked people at bars and restaurants in the popular Borough Market. The men killed seven people and injured roughly 50 before they were shot dead by police.



The Run, Hide, Tell strategy promoted by the United Kingdom's National Police Chiefs' Council says that in the event of an active attack, people should first run to a place of safety. If there is nowhere to go, hiding is the next best option, setting up barricades if possible. Then, when safe to do so, victims are urged to call police.

France has a similar strategy, and posters providing directions are meant to hang in all public places. The goal is to make sure people are vigilant and adopt the right attitude in the event of an attack, said Cedric Michel, president of the Union for Defense of Municipal Police.



Fischbacher-Smith said the strategies in Europe are an evolution of the Run, Hide, Fight approach in the United States, which started in 2012 in Houston, Texas. Run, Hide, Fight is standard protocol for active-shooter situations in the US It advises people to run away if possible, get out of view, and if that's not feasible, try to incapacitate the shooter if there is an imminent threat.



Larry Barton, professor of public safety at the University of Central Florida and a threat assessment instructor for the FBI, said the strategy saves lives, but people need to make decisions quickly.



"The longer you wait and deliberate ... the chances of your survivability really diminish notably," he said.



Hiding is easier in a school setting or office, where people know the building's layout. On the street, or in a stadium or nightclub, hiding is virtually impossible. And if someone choses to fight, he or she has to be "all in," he said.



In the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, roughly 40 people hid in bathrooms  where they were trapped for hours as the gunman went through the club, then became cornered when he entered the bathroom and began shooting into stalls.



There are occasions in which people cannot protect themselves by running. Many people didn't have time to run when a truck careened into a seaside crowd in Nice, France, last year. More than 80 people died. Those who survived jumped from the promenade onto the beach below or threw loved ones out of the way.



In a study to be released later this month, Barton analyzed 61 deadly assaults in public places such as arenas, nightclubs, coffee houses or other venues from 2006 to 2016. He found that 73 percent of those who survived did so by running, and they had no injuries or moderate injuries such as a sprained ankle. Twenty percent of survivors hid, but about a third of the hiders were injured. The remaining 7 percent both ran and hid, he said.



But for those who are out enjoying life, running or hiding might be easier said than done.



Joseph LeDoux, a professor of neuroscience at New York University and head of the Emotional Brain Institute, said humans are evolutionarily programmed to freeze when there is danger, and a person can't run if they are frozen on the spot.



"It sort of short-circuits the entire slogan from the get-go," he said.



Dean Mobbs, assistant professor at the California Institute of Technology, said an individual's perception of the situation can also affect whether one flees or freezes. If someone feels they can't control a situation, or can't escape it, freezing is more likely, he said. In addition, people tend to greet horrific situations with initial disbelief, delaying their response.



But he said that after three attacks in London in as many months, Londoners are more prepared and will likely react more quickly.



One survivor of the London attack said he decided to fight before he ran and hid.



Chef Florin Morariu said he first froze when he went outside the bakery and saw two people stabbing others. Then, he said, he began fighting and hit one of the attackers on the head with a crate before police told him to run.



"There was a car with a loudspeaker saying 'go, go' and they (police) threw a grenade. ... and then I ran," he said. He then let about 20 people hide in the bakery and closed the shutters.



Forliti wrote from Minneapolis. Associated Press writers Raphael Satter in London and Elaine Ganley in Paris contributed to this report.

Agencies


TRIPOLI - Libya's eastern-based government on Monday announced cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Libya's decision shortly followed decisions of UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Yemen to cut diplomatic relations with Qatar due to its "interference in domestic affairs and support of terrorism."

Qatar has been accused of supporting terrorist groups as well as the Muslim Brotherhood in many countries of the Arab spring, including Libya.

Libyan army commander Gen. Khalifa Haftar last week accused Qatar of financially supporting terrorist groups in Libya.

Libyan National Committee for Human Rights on Sunday also called for a comprehensive international investigation into Qatar's interference in Libya's internal affairs and financial and military support for extremist groups and organizations in the country.

Libya remains politically divided despite signing a UN-sponsored peace agreement by the rival parties and appointing a unity government. The North African country is plagued with insecurity and unrest with presence of numerous extremist groups.
CAIRO - Egypt has given the Qatari ambassador in Cairo 48 hours to leave the country, Egyptian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement Monday.

The Qatari diplomat was summoned to the Foreign Ministry headquarters on Monday and was handed an official memorandum on ending his accreditation as ambassador to Egypt, the statement said.

The Qatari ambassador has only 48 hours to leave the country, according to the statement.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, Libya and the United Arab Emirates announced the severing of diplomatic ties with Qatar, as they accused the Gulf state of "supporting terrorism."
BEIJING - China has lodged solemn representations to Zambia for detaining 31 Chinese nationals, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Monday.

"China never defends illegal actions, but opposes 'selective' law-enforcement actions against its citizens overseas," Hua said at a routine press briefing.

According to Hua, the 31 Chinese nationals, who were working for copper smelting Chinese companies in the African country, were detained by police of Zambia's Copperbelt province for suspected illegal purchasing of copper tailing raw materials.

Hua said the Chinese Foreign Ministry lodged solemn representations to the Zambian embassy in Beijing on Sunday, urging the country to properly handle the issue and release the innocent as soon as possible.

The Chinese embassy in Zambia has sent a working group to the site to offer consular protection to the detainees, Hua said.

The Chinese government has always asked Chinese companies and citizens to respect the laws of the countries where they operate, Hua said.

China will continue to pay close attention to developments in the case and urge the Zambian side to properly settle the issue in accordance with the law, she said.
At the height of the blitz in 1940 and 1941, when Nazi Germany's bombers were raining high-explosives down upon East London, laying huge areas to waste and killing 32,000 civilians in the capital while injuring more than 80,000, the government-inspired mantra was "London can take it!" It was a tribute to the dogged character of the Cockneys who had no time for Adolf Hitler and bore all their tribulations with irreverent humor.

Now, 77 years later, London's demographics have changed radically. Virtually all the Cockneys, those who were born within earshot of the chime of the bells on Bow churchin London's East End  have moved out, mainly to new towns built after the World War II in Essex.

London's famous docks, the main target of Hitler's bombers, are long gone, and the rows of Victorian houses that were home to dockworkers were either obliterated by the bombing or torn down to make way for the ubiquitous tower blocks that now dominate the area that has become known as Tower Hamlets.

They are inhabited by people, many immigrants from diverse communities, who make up the patchwork quilt that is London.

But one thing hasn't changed  the city's spirit. In the wake of Saturday night's van and knife attack that killed seven and critically injured 21 and led to police marksmen shooting dead all three perpetrators in a hail of bullets, the mood is one of defiance. All three attackers are believed to have been Islamic militants.

Survivors and eyewitnesses of the attack on London Bridge and in the adjacent Borough Market area, when interviewed on television or radio, all expressed the view, often vehemently, that Londoners would never give in.

Signs appeared all over the place saying as much  a handwritten sign on a London Underground white board that is usually used for service messages now proclaims "London Bridge Will Never Fall Down  you can't break our spirit!" It is a reference to an old children's nursery rhyme, titled London Bridge is Falling Down.

Several people have commented on the way in which commuters have started talking to each other on trains and tubes  unheard of in London, where people normally keep themselves to themselves.

Many of those that were interviewed by journalists reflected on London's multicultural diversity, and all called for Londoners to carry on.

That's also a nod to a World War II poster, designed by the government's propaganda department, which urged citizens to "Keep Calm and Carry On"  a line that has recently become available on T-shirts, mugs, postcards and other memorabilia.

The attacks have also given rise to a raft of typically British humor, much of it self-deprecating.

New York Times staff couldn't have realized what they were starting when their sub-headline following Saturday's attack read "The London attacks hit a nation still reeling from the shock of the bombing in Manchester almost two weeks ago".

The reaction on Twitter, Britain's favorite social-network, was instant.

Tweeters started a meme that included such advice for the New York Times as "We'll start panicking when we've no milk for our tea", and "Biting into a chocolate bar to discover it's Hershey's (a US brand) and not Cadbury's (a popular UK brand)".

Other comments include "People who stand to the left on the Tube escalator"and "If London is reeling it means there must be an Irish Dance Festival in Trafalgar Square".

JK Rowling, author of the famous Harry Potter books and an inveterate Tweeter, weighed in with her own contribution in response to the New York Times.

"The thugs who mowed down innocent people would love to think of the UK as reeling' but it isn't. Don't confuse grief with lack of courage."

As Winston Churchill once commented, the US and Britain are two nations divided by a common language.
Xi at summit this week expanding Shanghai Cooperation Organization

India and Pakistan will be accepted as members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization this week at a summit to be attended by President Xi Jinping in Astana, Kazakhstan. The move will make the SCO one of the biggest regional organizations, covering about half of the world's population.

Analysts said that while the increase in members may bring a bigger variety of voices in the organization, any disagreements can be resolved through communication and consultation.

The two new countries will go through official procedures to become members during the 17th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai said at a news conference on Monday.

Xi will make a state visit to Kazakhstan at the invitation of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev from Wednesday to Saturday. He will attend the SCO summit and the opening ceremony of Astana Expo 2017.

India and Pakistans' accession to the SCO will increase the organization's global impact and representative nature, Li said, adding that the cooperation potential and scope of the organization will be increased.

By accepting the two countries, the SCO will expand its geographical coverage to South Asia. It will account for three-fifths of the area of Eurasia, he added.

The SCO launched accession procedures for India and Pakistan in July 2015 at the Ufa summit in Russia. At the SCO's Tashkent summit in Uzbekistan in June 2016, SCO members signed the memorandum on the obligations for India and Pakistan to obtain membership in the SCO.

China will have the rotating presidency of the SCO next year. Xi will talk with other leaders at the summit about making the SCO stronger and a bigger contributor to global peace and stability, Li said.

During Xi's visit, China and Kazakhstan will sign cooperation documents in such areas as production capacity, investment, finance and trade, Li said. The two presidents will speak on a video conference call on Eurasia cross-border transportation, talking to people such as port workers in East China, he added.

Kazakhstan has played a leading role in jointly building the Belt and Road, and with China has agreed on 51 projects of production capacity, with a total investment of $27 billion, Li said.

Xing Guangcheng, a senior researcher of Russian and Central Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the incoming members of the SCO will bring more energy to the organization and increase its influence.

"Any expansion in an organization can be a double-edged sword," he said, adding that SCO members may have different interpretations of the organization and different voices may emerge in the future.

Wu Hongwei, another Central Asian studies researcher at CASS, said SCO members can cultivate cooperative potential in economics, culture and education, and reach consensus through more dialogue.
All parties involved in the South China Sea issue should find common ground at a bilateral level and follow the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, Kazakhstan's foreign minister said on Thursday.

Erlan Idrissov made the remarks when asked about the South China Sea issue by China Daily on the sidelines of the fifth foreign ministers' meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia held in Beijing.

He emphasized the need to find common ground at a bilateral level, to resolve all disputes through peaceful dialogue and constructive negotiations on the basis of the principles of equal responsibility for peace and security, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

Idrissov said his country welcomes China and ASEAN's effort to find an agreement on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in accordance with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which was signed in 2002.

"We hope that the parties will be able to determine the appropriate mechanisms for the settlement of territorial disputes in the region," he added.
Over 2,000 tons of cooking oil was imported to Xian from Kazakhstan on March 26 via the freight train Changan.

After clearing customs and being processed by Xian Aiju Grain and Oil Group, the oil was put on the market for customers on April 26.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the only international organization to officially bear the city's name, will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its founding at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences on Thursday.

Rashid Alimov, secretary-general of the SCO, said it was a proud day.

"The organization was established in Shanghai and has paved a brilliant path with the Shanghai spirit centering on respecting various civilizations and seeking joint development," Alimov said. "It has contributed greatly to the peace, safety and prosperity of the region and multilateral economic and cultural collaborations."

More issues, including ways to better cooperate over drug control, anti-terrorism, education and technology, will be discussed, he said.

The SCO currently has six member states  China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan  and 12 observer states and dialogue partners. The population of the 18 countries involved make up 45 percent of the world's total.
The HOMES Brewery mnemonic is a familiar one: a simple way to remember the Great Lakes. Water is a recurring theme in the building at the corner of Jackson and Collingwoodit once housed a Culligan office and now has an extensive underground storm-water retention system.

A beer aficionado, Tommy Kennedy was working with his brother David at Kennedy Care, a home health care provider, when his wife, Melissa, encouraged him to pursue his passion. He had hoped to open last fall, so anticipation had time to build: When HOMES finally opened its doors in April, normally sleepy Collingwood was suddenly lined with cars as beer fans overflowed the parking lot in their eagerness to try the citys ninth and newest brewery.

Visitors cant miss the bright blue shipping container perched atop the building. Asked about it, Kennedy exclaims, Our contractor got that for us! The sister container is over at Katoi, the Detroit restaurant that recently suffered a devastating fire. The HOMES container provides extra space for equipment, including the air compressor, the front half of the boiler, and the wort chiller. Downstairs, the basement holds nine French oak barrels used to sour and age select beers.

Currently, eleven taps are available including 6 Languages 3 Voices (a roasty toasty oatmeal stout), King Cold Brew (an imperial cream ale using Milan Coffee Works coffee), and a number of IPA and pale ales. We are a very hop-forward brewery! head brewer Nick Panchame enthuses. Sources include American hops such as Mosaic, Citra, and Simcoe, but the beer Sincerely, Vic uses Vic Secret hops from Australia, and our Sincerely, Nelson contains Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand, Panchame says. These are more fruit-forward than bitter.

Panchame, formerly with Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, adds tasty and interesting adjuncts to many of the beers on tap. Drops, a Gose-style wheat beer, is aged on Sweety Drop peppers from the Peruvian Amazon. The teardrop-shaped peppers are both sweet and sour, giving the beer a unique flavor and slight tartness. The kettle-soured Leafy Leaf is made with coriander and aged on basil.

Kennedy and his team carefully curated the menu to pair well with their beers. Noe Hang (of No Thai!) helped develop the menu, and executive chef Chou Vang came from Tomukun Noodle Bar. Their menu features Asian-inspired street food from Thailand, Laos, and Korea. Items include Thai beef salad, Asian steamed buns, and bowls of Korean marinated beef or Thai chicken. Theres a kimchi reuben bun (the sandwich ingredients, plus kimchi), and French fries with toppings based on kimchi or bulgogi beef.

The venture is a team effort. Every tank is marked with the name of a family member or friend who supported Kennedy and his crew. One bears the name of a friend who passed away. Because he was involved with youth golf camps, the current charity tap will donate $1 per pint to youth golf charities. Our motto is beer about people, Kennedy says. Its about the relationships that got us to where we are today.

HOMES Brewery, 2321 Jackson Ave., 954-6637. Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Tues.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-midnight, Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Closed Mon. homesbrewing.com
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C, front) attends a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, May 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

TASHKENT - Countries of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Tuesday expressed support for maintaining peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region, including the South China Sea.

In a statement of SCO Secretary-General Rashid Olimov on South China Sea issue, all SCO countries agreed and supported China's efforts made to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.

They also voiced support for any country in the Asia-Pacific region to promote a peaceful, friendly and harmonious environment in the South China Sea.

The SCO member states stressed the UN Charter, UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other international laws should be the basic principles when addressing the South China Sea issue.

Directly concerned states should resolve disputes through negotiation and consultation in accordance with all bilateral treaties and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), the statement said.

It urged to respect the right of every sovereign state to decide by itself the dispute resolution methods, and strongly opposed outsiders' intervention into the South China Sea issue, as well as the attempt to internationalize the dispute.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that a press communique released after the foreign ministers' meeting of the SCO held Tuesday here at the Uzbek capital, particularly clarifying stance on the South China Sea issue.

Foreign ministers of SCO countries stressed all disputes should be resolved through peaceful and friendly negotiations and consultations, according to the communique.

It added that SCO countries are against the internationalization of and external interference into the South China Sea issue, while all related countries should abide by the DOC and the Guidelines for the implementation of the DOC.

Wang stressed that more and more countries support China's stance on the South China Sea issue, which goes in line with the international laws and also protects the international rule of law.

"Any country, that ignores the basic facts, draws lines for allies or intentionally sparks political exploitation over the South China Sea issue, could get no result or support, but only destroy the reputation of itself," Wang said.
China's Belt and Road Initiative has prompted broad interest not only at the official level but also among analysts and experts. The central question that many are discussing about this initiative is: "What does it mean in economic, cultural and especially geopolitical terms?" Indeed, is it just a declaration of intent or an actual, concrete and practical project?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on June 23 and 24 will probably be an important opportunity for Chinese President Xi Jinping to re-articulate the Belt and Road Initiative and give it a more realistic shape, especially because the SCO summit will take place in the context of increasing geopolitical contradictions on the one hand and the active reformatting and accommodation of Central Asian and Eurasian spaces on the other.

The Belt and Road Initiative is a long-term and ambitious strategy so is the Russian strategy of creating the Eurasian Economic Union. And the two projects are supposed to be conjugated. Those who analyze Russian and Chinese thrust for pivotal role in Central Asia often consider if Russia can provide security arrangements for the region and China can support economic development. Such a perception, however, looks quite simplistic and superficial.

According to widespread and stereotypical perceptions Russia-led arrangements imply Eurasian Economic Union and Collective Security Treaty Organization and China-led arrangements imply SCO and the Belt and Road Initiative. That's why the statements about the possibility of conjugation of these two sets of arrangements look, so far, vague.

The SCO's agenda, hitherto primarily focused on Central Asia, will obviously become broader with the inclusion of India and Pakistan. This would complicate the situation of the SCO's existing Central Asian members and could become an excessive burden both for these states and the organization itself.

Uzbekistan's president has said the SCO is likely to be joined by two nuclear powers that are in permanent conflict. Besides, not all SCO conventions and agreements adopted within the organization are implemented in full, especially in the realm of confidence measures and military activity in the border areas. New entrants to the SCO are even more sensitive to such issues.

So the SCO is changing structurally and functionally; it has taken an essential step forward and shouldered an unprecedented and comprehensive ambition: to accommodate and shape the overall perspectives of three regions - Eurasia, Central Asia and South Asia. Euro-Atlantic area which is outside the, so to speak, "zone of SCO responsibility", has its own gravity force for Central Asians. In this sense, the overall security arrangements, economic strategies and even socio-cultural life in the region are now shaped in a very eclectic way.

Ultimately, the Belt and Road Initiative cannot be considered separately from the SCO. Three types of countries in the SCO/Belt and Road Initiative exemplify a more complex, eclectic strategic environment than that imagined under the romantic rubric of the Silk Road.

First, construction of the Andijan-Osh-Irkeshtam railway can help connect China's coastal region and Amsterdam through the land route, which will be 8,000 kilometer shorter than the sea route through Suez Canal. But this project, designed in 1997, still remains unrealized because of disagreements between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Second, from Turkmenistan, a non-SCO country, four gas pipelines already stretch through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan toward China. This means that economic cooperation can be developed at bilateral levels when interests so dictate.

And third, Afghanistan is apparently covered by the Belt and Road Initiative and possibly by the SCO as well. Afghanistan's security and economic recovery gets strong help from NATO/US and their military presence in the country.

How will all these eclectic arrangements be adjusted with the SCO and Belt and Road Initiative frameworks remain to be seen. And it will be interesting to watch how the Belt and Road Initiative accommodates many different travelers on the routes.

The author is director of the non-governmental Research and Education Institution, Bilim Karvoni (Knowledge Caravan), in Tashkent.

(China Daily 06/17/2016 page9)
MOSCOW - The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has been successful both regionally and globally in spite of a complex international environment, Russian experts have said.

"The SCO has established itself as one of the most influential subjects of the modern system of international relations in conditions of geopolitical turbulence," Anatoly Smirnov, president of the National Institute for Research of Global Security, told Xinhua ahead of the upcoming SCO summit to be held in Uzbekistan's capital city of Tashkent.

The SCO has set an example by adequately responding to, as well as settling crisis situations politically and diplomatically within the framework of international law, said the expert.

Its success, Smirnov said, is largely determined by the "Shanghai Spirit", which "embodies mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultations, as well as respect for cultural diversity and a desire for common development."

Upholding regional security is one of the responsibilities that the SCO shoulders. Smirnov expected the forthcoming SCO summit in Tashkent will focus on the development and implementation of joint measures for fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism in all their manifestations.

The struggle against illicit drug production and trafficking, transnational organized crime, crimes involving the use of modern information technologies, as well as illegal migration and human trafficking will also be among the most important issues to be discussed, Smirnov said.

"The SCO has a fine-tuned mechanism to deal with these issues," he added.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the SCO's establishment. Founded in 2001, the SCO now has China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as its full members.

The SCO has proved its efficiency and relevance in its 15 years of existence, helping each member to become stronger in all respects, Grigory Trofimchuk, chairman of the Advisory Board of the Workshop of Eurasian Ideas Research Support Foundation, told Xinhua.

The broad integration between the SCO members is most clearly manifested in the cooperation between commercial companies, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses, said Trofimchuk.

"The SCO has heralded a cooperative trend ... Now people are talking about the alignment of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union and the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative," he said.

However, Trofimchuk noted that a lack of coordination of national legislation has somewhat impeded the integration process, an area he said needs to be improved to further boost the exchange of goods and cargo, as well as the migration of labor resources.

The SCO remains as one of the pillars of Eurasian integration and therefore it has to formulate "concise, clear and simple principles," said Trofimchuk.
President Xi Jinping will attend the 16th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tashkent on June 23 and 24 to end his eight-day visit to Serbia, Poland and Uzbekistan which started on Friday.

At the Tashkent meeting, he is also expected to discuss with other SCO leaders the applications of India and Pakistan to join the bloc, as well as other key issues including the fight against terrorism and transnational cooperation in the Beijing-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the six-nation SCO was among the first regional organizations to address the issue of cross-border terrorism. In fact, before Uzbekistan joined the organization in 2001, the other five SCO members had already agreed to establish a routine communication mechanism involving their defense and law-enforcing departments. And on the day of its official founding, the heads of the six member states signed a pact on battling terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure was set up in Tashkent in 2004 as a permanent SCO organ, followed by the establishment of the Secretariat in Beijing. Regularized exchanges, including annual meetings of security authorities and joint anti-terrorism training exercises such as the "Peace Mission-2014" and the "Tianshan-2-2011" have also contributed to the coordination among the member states on the military front.

Despite the United States-led anti-terrorism alliance, the Islamic State terrorist group has been threatening regional peace and exporting its extremist ideas to Central and Western Asia. And to counter the IS group's threat, all SCO member states have to abide by the new security concept of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation, and improve their joint enforcement and communications to better deal with emergencies.

As a whole, the organization should also seek to play a bigger role in rooting out extremism from Afghanistan and helping the peaceful reconstruction of the country by taking measures to cut off the financial support to terrorists and reduce drug-smuggling and money-laundering.

The possible inclusion of India and Pakistan, some observers say, may further complicate the situation - even deal a blow to the bloc's unity - because the two nuclear powers are in constant conflict with each other and often adopt very different foreign policies. So discussing the pros and cons of taking in more members is an essential task for the existing SCO members and in line with the "Spirit of Shanghai". The inclusion of new members in the SCO, however, will enhance the group's international reputation, expand its geopolitical reach and facilitate more multilateral exchanges, which will likely give it a bigger say in regional affairs.

Primarily focused on Central Asian affairs, the SCO has now added South and Western Asia to its agenda. That means it has to deal with increasing frictions within the group, because its members are at various stages of economic development and will thus adopt different approaches to safeguard their interests.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which basically covers all SCO countries - the six member states, six observer countries and six dialogue partners - is conducive to their pursuit of a community with shared destiny. For that to happen, however, all the countries involved need to make more efforts for the success of key demonstration projects while seeking closer cooperation in multiple fields, such as connectivity in Central and South Asia, trade and investment, and cross-border financing.

The author is secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Research Center affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

(China Daily 06/22/2016 page9)
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization which turned 15 on June 15 will get a good opportunity to review its achievements and chart a new course at the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Tashkent on June 23-24.

In the run-up to the Tashkent meeting, however, many speculations have been doing the rounds. Many believe the SCO will induct new members while others want to know how it will rise up to new security challenges in the region. It is widely perceived that leaders of the SCO member states will endorse the membership of Pakistan and India. The memberships of two South Asian countries were approved last year at the SCO's summit in Ufa, Russia, but a series of formal procedures need to be carried out before the two countries can be formally admitted to the bloc.

Since its formation in Shanghai 15 years ago, the SCO, which groups China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, has become increasingly effective in tackling regional issues, and the time now is right for the bloc to increase its membership and expand its influence and political sway wider.

Over the years, the bloc has set an example of forging multilateral cooperation in security and economic fields among countries with different cultural, political and development backgrounds. By increasing its membership, its security and economic cooperation, which are badly needed in the region, will benefit more countries and more people.

If Pakistan and India are admitted to the SCO at the Tashkent meeting, it will also help improve the ties between the two South Asian rivals, and thus contribute to peace and development in the subcontinent.

On the security level, it is believed the SCO will recalibrate its strategies in security cooperation to tackle new challenges in the region, which will enable it to play an even greater role in safeguarding regional peace and stability. In fact, it was the common security concerns of the SCO member states that drew them together. Since then, the SCO has accumulated ample experience in security cooperation, for example, through multiple joint anti-terrorism exercises, which have effectively curbed the spread of the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism in the region.

The rise of terrorist groups in the Middle East, the Islamic State in particular, and the rampancy of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan pose real threats to Central Asia.

With the world intensifying its anti-terrorism campaigns, the possibility of IS terrorists fleeing or spreading out to Central Asia has become real. Some terrorists returning from the Middle East have already been caught in Central Asian countries while trying to instigate terrorist attacks. Adding to the region's security concerns, the Taliban and some other terrorist groups are gaining ground in northern Afghanistan.

The SCO meeting in Tashkent, therefore, has to provide some answers on how to deepen security cooperation among the member states in light of the new situation and security challenges in the region.

As far as China is concerned, it has remained a staunch supporter of deepening all round cooperation under the SCO framework. President Xi Jinping will attend the Tashkent meeting and elaborate on China's proposal to expand the realm of the SCO's cooperation and new objectives for the growth of the bloc.

Beijing has proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt which aims to link China with Europe through Central Asia. The ambitious initiative has won the support of almost all the countries along the ancient Silk Road because it will create opportunities for development for the entire region.

It would be in the development interest of all if SCO member states could better integrate their national strategies with China's initiative. And hopefully, the Tashkent meeting will shed light on this aspect as well.

The author is deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia Pacific. jasmine@chinadailyhk.com

(China Daily 06/22/2016 page9)
President Xi Jinping urged on Friday that the projects of China-Kazakhstan production capacity cooperation should be launched as soon as possible.

The Chinese president made the remarks while meeting with his Kazakhstani counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev in Tashkent during the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

The two sides should work together to enhance cooperation in areas including agriculture, energy, people-to-people and culture exchanges, Xi said.

Kazakhstan will become the rotating chair country of the SCO after the Tashkent summit, and China will make joint efforts with Kazakhstan to ensure that the SCO will play a bigger role in regional and international affairs, Xi said.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Nazarbayev agreed to connect his country's strategy of the Bright Road with China's strategy of Belt and Road, and the bilateral relationship with China is the country's priority, he said.

Kazakhstan would like to initiate the cooperative projects on automobile and chemistry, and enhance cooperation in trade, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure and tourism, he said.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the 16th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

TASHKENT -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a five-point proposal Friday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to consolidate unity and mutual trust, and deepen comprehensive cooperation.

Speaking at the 16th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Uzbek capital Tashkent, Xi hailed the remarkable achievements of the regional bloc since its establishment 15 years ago.

The first of the achievements is that the SCO has advocated and put into practice the pioneering Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development, said the Chinese president.

Moreover, Xi noted that members of the SCO have worked to build political mutual trust and firmly supported each other's independent choices of development path.

The SCO countries have also deepened their cooperation greatly in trade, business, finance, energy and transportation, among other areas, Xi said.

The SCO has signed the Treaty of Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, codifying into law the aspiration of enduring friendship.

In addition, the Chinese president noted, the organization has actively reached out to others with an ever-growing circle of friends. As last year's Ufa summit initiated the process to take in new members for first time in SCO history, the international influence of the organization has kept increasing with its full members and observers accounting for nearly half of the world's population.

Proposing for future development of the SCO, Xi urged all members to firstly carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, which has been regarded as the bloc's undergirding value.

The SCO should remain open and transparent without targeting any third party, engage all like-minded international partners in wide-ranging cooperation and act as a constructive force for the healthy development of the international order, said the Chinese leader.

Secondly, the SCO should continue to prioritize security and cement this foundation of the SCO development, said Xi, adding that it needs to beef up the institutional construction for cooperation on combating terrorism and drug trafficking.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the 16th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 23, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

As India and Pakistan join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) economic and military alliance, political analyst Eric Draitser discusses Washington's shrinking global influence.

"The SCO is really seen, in many ways, as sort of the vehicle by which Russia and the Chinese moved closer together," Draitser said. "This multilateral, international organization provides a potential platform, a potential forum for conflict resolution."

"I think we have a new potential vehicle for peacemaking and prosperity-making," he suggested.

The inclusion of India and Pakistan is the first expansion since the 2001 founding of the SCO. Taken with other recent economic unions, Russia, China, and many former Soviet republics are seeking to provide for their own opportunities.

"I think there are a number of reasons why there is a potential for a lasting alliance here," he says. "If you take these things together, what you see is one cohesive and coherent strategy for the creation of an antidote to the West."

Despite political conflicts between India and Pakistan, a new partnership between the two nations could work to prevent Washington's ability to meddle in Asia.

"Can these seemingly disparate issues be, sort of, coalesced into one formal relationship? Ultimately, that's what would benefit all of these countries, and, in my view, that's what the United States fears more than anything else," Draitser says.

Iran could be the next nation to join the SCO.

"If we see that, what that allows Iran to do is to access major investment that is non-Western," he says.
BISHKEK - The just-concluded prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) greatly boosted economic and security cooperation among SCO member states, providing fresh impetus to a new type of international relations marked by win-win cooperation.

Over the 15 years since its inception, the organization has played an indispensable role in promoting regional stability and prosperity and also contributed to world peace and development.

Upholding the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and consultation, the SCO is about to embrace a brighter future by continuing to deepen pragmatic cooperation on economy and security among its member states.

During the meeting in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang put forward a six-pronged proposal on the organization's future development and cooperation.

Li's proposal, covering a wide range of fields including industrial cooperation, innovation, a regional financing mechanism and people-to-people exchanges, reflected the strong willingness of the SCO members to deepen practical cooperation.

The proposal, which is in line with the overall interests of the whole region, will also help improve people's livelihood and well-being in the region.

Security cooperation and economic cooperation have been two major driving forces behind the rapid development of the regional cooperation mechanism.

Safeguarding regional security is an important mission of the SCO, and one of the top priorities in cooperation among its member states. As a major multilateral mechanism in safeguarding regional security, the organization has dedicated itself to improving its risk resistance capacity and creating a harmonious environment conducive to regional stability.

On security cooperation, Li urged all members during the meeting to observe a concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, suggesting more information exchange and cooperation in law-enforcement so as to ensure the safety of peoples, institutions, enterprises and personnel of SCO members.

He also asked SCO members to further strengthen their cooperation and coordination on security and boost the construction of regional anti-terrorism institutions and mechanisms.

It is expected that the SCO will continue to play a pivotal role in safeguarding security in the Eurasian region.

Economic cooperation is another major force driving the development of the organization. Amid a sluggish world economy, accelerating industrial upgrading and carrying out multilateral cooperation are the common aspirations of SCO member states.

During the meeting, leaders of the SCO member states vowed to make joint efforts to drive forward regional economic cooperation and integration and signed a joint communique on deepening cooperation within the SCO.

In the communique, the six leaders agreed that expanding and deepening cooperation among SCO members are in line with the overall interests of the sustainable development of the regional economy.

They reaffirmed that promoting people's welfare and living standard while further enhancing cooperation in fields that accord with common interests are the SCO's top priorities.

According to the communique, initiatives proposed for regional economic cooperation, including China's Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative, are conducive to seeking new models for international cooperation and cementing ties among member states.

They also ratified a list of measures to further promote cooperative projects within the SCO from 2017 to 2021.

Premier Li said that China stands ready to make joint efforts with other SCO members to boost regional trade and facilitate investment, adding that China is open to the initiative of establishing a SCO free trade zone.

As to enhancing production capacity cooperation, Li said China is ready to make joint efforts with other member states to make production capacity cooperation a pillar of regional trade cooperation. Major cooperation projects, including a power plant in Uzbekistan, an oil refinery in Kyrgyzstan, a cement plant in Tajikistan and a China-Uzbekistan industrial park are underway.
URUMQI -- A freight train on Saturday left a major logistics center in northwestern Chinese city of Urumqi for Kazakhstan's Almaty on a new route.



Carrying auto parts, clothing, and household goods, the train crossed the China-Kazakhstan border at Xinjiang autonomous region's Horgos instead of Alataw Pass on the old route. Travel time between Urumqi and Almaty is shortened by almost 25 percent to 30 hours.



Nan Jun, a manager with Urumqi Railway Bureau's international logistics company, said the new route also links countries like Iran and Turkey, beyond Central Asia.



Westbound trains from Urumqi have been able to reach Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Poland, and Germany.



Nan said the operation of a logistics hub in Urumqi offers "one-stop" services for freight trains heading westwards from across China.



Xinjiang, bordering Central Asia, is strategically positioned as the country's transport hub on the Silk Road Economic Belt -- as part of the Belt and Road Initiative Chinese leadership proposed in 2013.



Xinjiang handled the passage of 223 freight trains from China to Europe last year and aims to more than double that figure to 500 in 2017.
Liu Xinwei and his long Hummer. [Photo/Xinhua]

Liu Xinwei's long Hummer is an eye-catcher on the China-Kazakhstan border.

"In two years, tall buildings will rise up here, and opportunities are everywhere," Liu told tourists on board while driving his long Hummer in a China-Kazakhstan free trade zone.

The Horgos International Border Cooperation Center on the China-Kazakhstan border in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has seen an increasing number of tourists since 2012. It attracted a total of 5.43 million tourists in 2016.

Covering 5.28 square kilometers, the center opened in April 2012 as a destination for cross-border shopping. It has more than 40 duty-free shops selling luxury brands such as Omega and Versace.

The facility is the world's first cross-border free-trade zone and the biggest duty-free shopping center in west China. It allows entry of citizens from any country with valid passports or with exit and entry permits.

Since its establishment, more and more fortune-seekers have been enticed here. Liu left his home in central China's Henan Province and arrived here in July 2016. He bought a second-hand Hummer in Kazakhstan and began to work as a tour guide. Every day he drives to show tourists around the FTZ.

"The center is especially busy in May. You can earn hundreds of yuan even if you sell bottled water," Liu said.

It takes about 20 minutes to travel around the FTZ by car. The Chinese guide put on rhythmic music, and introduced places of interest in Kazakhstan to tourists on the American vehicle.

Liu showed them the former gateway, villages, and construction sites on the Kazakhstani side. Scaffoldings shoot up here and there in the FTZ, marking high-rise buildings in the future.

At the westernmost end of the Silk Road in China, Horgos was a transit point on the ancient trade route in the Tang Dynasty (619-907). In ancient times, merchants from Central Asia, the Middle East and Western Europe braved the Gobi Desert and nomadic bandits to arrive at Chang'an, the historical name of Xi'an, then the world's largest metropolis and capital city of Tang.

Today Horgos has become the youngest city on the Silk Road Economic Belt. Put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

The Horgos FTZ has seen rising flow of people and goods. It has recorded a trade volume of 878 million US dollars since opening as of last July.

"It's off season, so I have time to tell my customers more about the place," said Liu, "When in high season, we can stop for only ten minutes in every place. We have to leave after a snapshot, because too many tourists will line up behind us."

"When in July, I can pick up 20 tourists in every trip. Each pay me 50 yuan (7.2 US dollars), and I can do 10 trips a day," Liu did the math. "It's easier to make a fortune here than in the inland."

He plans to build some yurts near the Kazakhstani gateway, providing local cuisine and folk performance. "When tourists come, they will want to stay, just as I did."
PetroChina's petrol station is pictured in Beijing, China, March 21, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

The 1,454-km Kazakh-China link will transport 5 billion cu m annually

A new strategically important natural gas pipeline running from southern Kazakhstan to China began operating on Friday, China National Petroleum Corp said in a statement.

The company said the pipeline, which has annual installed transportation capacity of 6 billion cubic meters of gas, will help ensure diversification of the nation's gas supplies.

The 1,454 kilometer pipeline is being jointly operated by CNPC Trans-Asia Pipeline Co Ltd and Kazakhstan's state KazTransGazand will provide China with 5 billion cu m of natural gas each yearaccording to Asia's biggest oil and gas producer CNPC.

CNPC said it is a key energy project between the two countries as well as a significant part of the Central Asia-China gas pipeline, which starts at Turkmen-Uzbek border city Gedaim and runs through central Uzbekistan and southern Kazakhstan before reaching Horgos in China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

According to the State-owned CNPC, which provides more than two-thirds of the country's natural gas, the pipeline is a typical project along the Belt and Road Initiative and Kazakhstan is located in a prominent position.

Analysts said the new natural gas pipeline would further diversify China's sources of gas imports and followed the China-Russia crude oil pipeline, the China-Kazakhstan oil pipeline as well as the China-Myanmar crude oil pipeline, which started operations on Monday.

Li Li, energy research director at ICIS China, a consulting company that provides analysis of China's energy market, said there is also a chance that China might face a gas surplus.

Li said the growth of China's gas consumption had also moderated since the start of the economic slowdown.

A bonus was that the safety standards for pipeline transmissions were much higher and the project would also ensure a stable energy supply to China, she added.

A researcher at State-owned China National Petroleum Corp in November said the country could face a gas surplus of 50 billion cu m a year by 2020, due to long-term contracts for imports of liquefied natural gas and pipeline expansion plans, energy news agency Platts reported.

CNPC said the pipeline would also provide more than 2,000 jobs for locals and provide natural gas for more than 1.5 million local residents.

The start of gas flows at the southern Kazakhstan natural gas pipeline followed news that a CNPC unit specializing in oil engineering, manufacturing and constructionChina Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corpsigned a contract with Russian gas giant Gazprom to take part in the construction of the Amur gas processing plant, a move to further secure domestic gas supplies.
About 80 travel agency and media representatives gathered in Beijing for a promotion event by Air Astana to get to know about the airline and the tourism resources of Kazakhstan.

Launched in 2001, the airline currently operates direct flights from Beijing and Urumqi to Kazakhstan. The flights between Beijing and Almaty will be increased from five to seven per week from Sept 1, and those between Beijing and Astana will be increased from three to four per week from June 1.

Meanwhile, for $75, passengers can enjoy a pick-up, sightseeing and one night at a hotel at Almaty and Astana.

Separately, as the official air carrier of Expo 2017 that will be held in Astana, the airline offers a free entrance ticket to the expo for those who arrive or transfer at Astana by an international flight between June 1 and Sept 10. One can apply for the ticket on its official website.

According to Wang Shu, the sales manager of the airline's Beijing office, Chinese tourists who want to visit the country have to apply for visas from authorized travel agencies. The fee is $20 per person.

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A file photo of Tulenov Ruslan. [Photo/CCTV]

Tulenov Ruslan, a carrier of "panda blood" - as rhesus negative blood is known in China, has donated more than 5,000 milliliters of blood since he came from Kazakhstan to study in 2009.

Ruslan, 25, usually donates blood twice a year. The volume of blood he has donated equals to all the blood in his body.

President Xi Jinping praised Ruslan in a speech at Nazarbayev University during his visit to Kazakhstan in 2013. Xi said Ruslan has helped relieve the pain of many Chinese patients, embodying the friendship between the two countries.

Ruslan, who is interested in Chinese culture, came to Hainan University in the southern island province of Hainan in 2009 to study Chinese and then joined Beijing's University of Science & Technology in 2016 for postgraduate degree.

"I first donated blood after I a classmate told me that he donated blood twice a year. I too wanted to donate blood as helping others is an important thing to me," he said.

Ruslan, whose Chinese name is Lan Tian (blue sky), said his mother told him many times to help others before he came to China.

When he realized that his blood type was rare in China, he told blood banks that they could give his phone number to patients who were in urgent need of blood.

In 2014, a nine-year-old girl, a victim of a traffic accident, urgently needed blood transfusion in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. When he heard about the case on WeChat Moments, Ruslan left a comment that said "Lan Tian brother wishes to help you."

"I wanted to help her, but I did not know how to find her since I had never been to Guangxi. I asked a friend at a blood bank for help," Ruslan said.

"The friend informed me at around 11 pm that the girl had received blood in Guangxi. If needed, I would have surely gone there," he said.


Editor's note: President Xi Jinping continued his schedule of bilateral meetings with leaders attending the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on Sunday. Following are highlights of the two-way talks:

Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan's president

Kazakhstan

China expects to push forward the Belt and Road Initiative with Kazakhstan to achieve more to benefit the two peoples, President Xi Jinping said during a meeting with Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

The Silk Road Economic Belt, which was introduced in Kazakhstan in 2013, has been actively endorsed by more than 100 countries and international organizations, Xi said.

After four years of joint efforts, bilateral cooperation on the initiative has entered a new stage featuring deep integration and mutual promotion, Xi said.

He also asked the two sides to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement and fighting the three evil forces - separatism, extremism and terrorism.

China supports Kazakhstan in playing a bigger role in international security affairs and contributing to global peace, he added.

Nazarbayev congratulated the successful opening of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Xi's keynote speech answered many major questions facing the international community at the moment, he said.

Kazakhstan firmly supports the initiative and expects to deepen cooperation with China in fields including trade, agriculture, mining, railroads and technology, Nazarbayev said.

Joko Widodo

, Indonesian president

Indonesia

Efforts to integrate China's 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative and Indonesia's vision of "global maritime nexus" have borne fruit in enriched bilateral relations and a greatly enlarged space for cooperation, President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday.

Xi introduced the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative in Indonesia in 2013, while Widodo unveiled his concept of a global maritime nexus soon after assuming office in 2014.

The two countries should deepen pragmatic cooperation, promote infrastructure projects and promote balanced bilateral trade, Xi said.

Widodo said Indonesia has high praise for the Belt and Road Initiative and the forum. He said his country believes that building the initiative will bring more opportunities for economic cooperation with China.

Indonesia expects to deepen cooperation under the framework of the initiative, raise the level of trade and investment and discuss construction of an economic connectivity corridor - especially cooperation on major projects infields such as industry, agriculture, electrical power, ports and tourism, he said.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements, including an action plan to implement the comprehensive strategic partnership.
President Xi Jinping will embark on a four-day trip to Kazakhstan next Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang announced on Friday.

At the invitation of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Xi will pay a state visit to the country, which borders western China. He will attend the 17th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the opening ceremony of Astana Expo 2017 between Wednesday and Saturday, Lu said.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kazakhstan. The two presidents had a meeting in Beijing last month on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Visit to Kazakhstan expected to yield harvest of cooperation

President Xi Jinping's upcoming trip to Kazakhstan, beginning on Wednesday, is expected to bring more outcomes of cooperation on jointly building the China-proposed Belt and Road, analysts said.

At the invitation of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Xi will make a state visit to the country. During the four-day trip, he will also attend the 17th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the opening ceremony of Astana Expo 2017, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Friday.

The wide support from the international community for the Belt and Road Initiative was highlighted by the successful Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, held last month in Beijing.

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, proposed by Xi in 2013, aim to boost interconnectivity and free trade between Asia and the rest of the world through reviving the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

Kazakhstan witnessed the initiative's origination when Xi, in a speech in September 2013 at Nazarbayev University in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, proposed building the Silk Road Economic Belt. Last month, Xi and Nazarbayev met in Beijing on the sidelines of the Belt and Road forum.

It will be Xi's third state visit to the western neighbor. Xi and Nazarbayev have met with each other 15 times in recent years.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Kazakhstan has played a positive role in working with China to implement the initiative. In 2014, the two countries signed documents to enhance cooperation under the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Xi and Nazarbayev have expressed willingness many times during their meetings to connect Kazakhstan's "Bright Road" economic policies with the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi, in his keynote speech at the opening of the Beijing forum, said, "We have enhanced coordination with the policy initiatives of relevant countries, such as the Eurasian Economic Union of Russia, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, the Bright Road initiative of Kazakhstan."

Kazakhstan's advantage of geographic location has made the country an important partner for building the Belt and Road, said Jin Yong, a professor of international relations at Communication University of China.

As an inland nation, Kazakhstan could export its products through maritime routes by cooperating with Chinese seaports, he said.

Xing Guangcheng, a senior researcher on Russian and Central Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said, "Xi's visit to Kazakhstan can have positive effects on building the Belt and Road amid China's efforts to boost regional interconnectivity."

China should make full use of the platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to push forward the construction of the Belt and Road, he added.
India and Pakistan will be officially accepted as members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during a meeting to be attended by President Xi Jinping in Astana, Kazakhstan, later this week, a senior diplomat said on Monday.

The two countries will go through procedures in line with SCO rules to become members during the 17th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai said at a news conference.

Their accession to the SCO will increase the organization's global impact and representativeness, Li said, adding that the cooperation potential and scope of the organization will be increased.

After accepting India and Pakistan, the SCO will expand its geographical coverage to South Asia and become one of the biggest regional organizations, accounting for three-fifths of the area of the Eurasia continent and half of the world's population, he added.

At the invitation of Kazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Xi will make a state visit to the country during which he will attend the SCO meeting.

The SCO launched accession procedures for India and Pakistan in July 2015 at the Ufa summit in Russia. In the SCO's Tashkent summit in Uzbekistan in June 2016, SCO members signed the Memorandum of India's and Pakistan's Accession to SCO Obligations.
BEIJING - A senior Chinese diplomat said on Monday that President Xi Jinping's visit to Kazakhstan this week will help to advance bilateral ties and the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

From June 7 to 10, Xi will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan, attend the 17th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State and the opening ceremony of the World Expo in Astana.

Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai said at a press conference that the visit is Xi's first visit abroad since the Belt and Road Forum on International Cooperation held in mid-May and one of China's major diplomatic activities for Kazakhstan and Eurasia this year.

"The visit will help further improve the relationship between China and Kazakhstan as well as Eurasian countries and forge ahead the healthy and stable development of the SCO," Li said.

As China's neighbor and a comprehensive strategic partner, Kazakhstan is an important partner on the Belt and Road Initiative and international production capacity cooperation, he said.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Kazakhstan. Describing bilateral ties as "at the best in history," Li said this is Xi's third visit to the central Asian country and the 16th meeting with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

He said the two presidents will exchange views on bilateral ties, alignment of development strategies and cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative.

They will also sign and issue a joint statement, participate in a video link event on cross-border transportation and witness the signing of a series of deals in the areas of the economy and trade, finance and water conservation, said Li.

Xi's presence at the opening ceremony of Astana World Expo, which bears the theme "future energy," not only shows China's full support to Kazakhstan, but also the importance China attaches to new energy, he said.

On the development of the SCO, Li said that with the accession of India and Pakistan, the SCO will cover three-fifths of the Eurasian continent with nearly half the world population, which would make the regional organization the biggest in terms of area and population in the world and further improve its potential for cooperation and representation.

China said last week that India and Pakistan will complete the process of joining the SCO during the Astana summit, the first time for the SCO to expand membership since its founding in 2001.

The SCO now covers China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The accession procedures for India and Pakistan started in 2015.

Li said China will assume the SCO rotating presidency after the Astana summit and will host a summit in 2018.

China will continue to uphold the "Shanghai spirit" of equal treatment, win-win cooperation and open and inclusive attitudes and advance cooperation in various fields, which will help the development of the SCO benefiting its members and making greater contribution to regional peace and stability, he said.
The European Investment Fund and the Silk Road Fund on Monday launched a new fund to support the Belt and Road Initiative, as part of the effort to enhance cooperation under the existing cooperation framework.

The China-EU Co-Investment Fund, which is expected to provide 500 million euros ($540 million) once operational, is expected to support equity investment across Europe, according to an online announcement by the European Investment Bank on Monday.

The agreement to establish the China-EU Co-Investment Fund was signed at the 19th European Union China Summit in Brussels, according to the bank.

"The new China-EU Co-Investment Fund will build on the strong spirit of partnership between Europe and China," said Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank Vice President responsible for East Asia.

Creation of the China-EU Co-Investment Fund will help to further develop synergies between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Investment Plan for Europe, the so-called "Juncker Plan", the European Union's strategy to mobilize 315 billion euros of new public and private investment across Europe, according to the bank.

While he paid a visit to Beijing earlier in March, Taylor said he was not sure what the initiative will be like in the future, but the bank is interested in getting involved in the China-led initiative, as long as projects fit into the screening criteria, referring to projects that are sustainable and are expected to generate long-term benefits.

The bank is considering co-financing a green transportation project with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in an Asian country, according to Taylor, who did not provide further details on the matter.

The European Investment Bank plans to provide an additional 500 million euros of finance for environment and climate-related projects in China this year, according Taylor.
Spring is coming to an end, but its not too late to conduct a little spring cleaning. First on the list: get your IP in order and register your trademarks in China. The following are 8 reasons to do so.

1. Because you are having branded goods manufactured in China, and dont want them seized for trademark infringement. China is a first-to-file jurisdiction for trademarks and this means that if you dont register your trademark, someone else could and probably will. Trademark squatters with particularly bad intent will register the trademarks of foreign companies manufacturing goods in China, and then hold those companies for ransom by threatening to seize their goods for trademark infringement. Export-only manufacturing in China generally constitutes infringing trademark use and so even if you are just manufacturing your product in China for sale elsewhere, failing to register your trademark used on that product puts you at great risk of losing your brand name or your logo to someone else in China and not being able to continue having your product made in China. Why expose yourself to that kind of risk?

2. Because you want to take down infringing listings on Chinese e-commerce sites. If you only have a trademark registration in the US or EU or some other jurisdiction outside China, you should be able to submit takedown requests to foreign-facing sites like Alibaba. But to remove listings from domestic Chinese e-commerce sites like Taobao and 1688.com you almost always need a Chinese trademark registration. Many other e-commerce or social networking sites require a Chinese trademark registration and every site will take action more quickly with one. Do you really want to spend your time arguing with DHgates customer service representatives? Do you really want to take the risk of having someone selling products with your name on them all around the world (or even just in China)?

3. Because you want to enter into a licensing agreement with a Chinese distributor. If you are going to license your products to a Chinese distributor and those products will be sold in China under the same brand name, then you need to own that brand name in China. You cant license something you dont own. A good Chinese distributor will insist that you register the trademark first; a less experienced (or shady) distributor might register your trademark on your behalf without telling you.

4. Because you want to sell goods in China. This is an absolute no-brainer. If you are selling branded products in China without having registered a trademark, there is a near 100% chance someone else will register your trademark in China and then come after you for trademark infringement. China does not recognize common-law trademarks and only has minimal recognition for famous marks. Just register your trademarks. And register the Chinese-language version of your trademarks, too.

5. Because you want to have counterfeit goods seized by Chinese Customs. With few exceptions, a foreign trademark has no relevance in China. It certainly means nothing to Chinese Customs. Would U.S. Customs and Border Patrol seize goods based on a Chinese trademark registration? Not a chance. And the only way to have Chinese Customs seize infringing goods is to first have a Chinese trademark registration, and then register that trademark again with Chinese customs.

6. Because you want to file a lawsuit in China against notorious counterfeiters. This seems obvious but is sometimes overlooked. You do not have any trademark rights in China unless you have registered your trademark in China. If you attempt to file a lawsuit in China for trademark infringement without actually owning the trademark in China that is allegedly being infringed, you will be laughed out of court. You would be surprised (or maybe you wouldnt) how often our China IP lawyers are asked to sue a Chinese company for trademark infringement, only to discover that the company that engaged us has no China trademark and hence no basis for a claim of infringement.

7. Because even though youre not selling goods in China, you might want to someday. Its no mystery that China is the biggest market in the world, with monstrous buying power and a rapidly growing consumer class. Its the rare company that can say it is categorically uninterested in selling to China for the foreseeable future. Currently it takes at least a year from the trademark application date to the registration date, and that assumes everything goes smoothly. Having a trademark registration in hand will make it that much easier for you to enter the Chinese market.

8. Because you want to make your company a more attractive buyout target. This goes hand in hand with the above reason. The annals of history are rife with tales of companies who found out too late that a trademark squatter had already registered their trademark in China. Dont be that company. A company that has its IP all zipped up will always be more attractive as a buyout target. We have represented many a smart company that registers trademarks in China for no other reason than to increase its value to investors.
Not so long ago few people outside of the rail industry had even heard of Mick Lynch, but in the space of a week, the head of the RMT union ...
(Photo : US Navy) A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) is America's main anti-satellite weapon.

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The U.S. Air Force is asking Congress for more money to allow it to better fight and win a war in outer space against Russia and China.



The increased funding will also go to protecting its multitude of military satellites (milsats) from attacks by either Russia or China. Only last March, Russia awoke its most sophisticated anti-satellite satellite -- Kosmos 2504, a maneuvering satellite killer "asleep" for the past two years.



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The robotic Kosmos 2504 represents the newest generation of Russian ASATs (anti-satellite weapons) that neutralize a target not by colliding with it or exploding in close proximity to it, but by pushing enemy (United States) milsats out of their orbits, thereby rendering these milsats useless.



What makes the Kosmos 2504-class extremely dangerous is they can keep attacking U.S. milsats until their thruster fuel runs out.



And to make certain the U.S. milsat targeted for destruction is indeed the intended prey, Kosmos-2504 ASATs maneuver close to their target and first send photos or video to ground control prior to the attack.



The Air Force is asking to increase its fiscal 2018 budget for space programs to $7.7 billion, a 20 percent increase from the current year. The request is an effort to protect the space domain and the U.S.' missile defense network that depends heavily on satellites to detect enemy missile launches.



Space is now considered a warfighting domain by the U.S., said Maj. Gen. Roger Teague, director of Space Programs for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition.



He said China and Russia have been "quietly watching" and preparing their own ASAT systems that will destroy U.S. satellites and ground stations, as well.



Gen. Teague, however, refused to categorically state the U.S. will use ASAT missiles to destroy Chinese and Russian satellites.



"It's imperative that the United States preserve freedom of action and freedom of maneuver," he said. "I won't detail what actions that we are taking to any kind of counter space capabilities that we may have."



Gen. Teague said "it's important we recognize the rising threat environment, and that we are taking action to defend ourselves if necessary."



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TagsU.S. Air Force, china, Russia, space war, Kosmos 2504, anti-satellite weapons, ASATs
The first log cabin of New Haven went up in the fall of 1637. A few men wintered on the bay that year and in the spring more arrived. Among them was the Reverend John Davenport.

Strong religious overtones marked the formation of the "colony" as the town called itself. Davenport helped form that religious consensus. For example, his first Sabbath day in New Haven, he preached to the little company under one of the many elms which would give the city its nickname, "City of Elms.

Having paid the Indians for land, the settlers sought to establish a colony. Scripture would rule them, they decided. They agreed to meditate and pray for God's illumination on the best way to organize and govern themselves. In 1639, they came to consensus. Again John Davenport played an important role. the men of New Haven assembled in a barn where he preached and prayed earnestly and proposed four fundamental articles for the governance of the "colony."

His four articles were simple. (1) Scripture contains the perfect rule for government by men in commonwealth, church and family; (2) They were to be guided by scripture; (3) They would create a church as soon as God fitted them for it, and (4) They would establish a civil order to implement these articles and ensure prosperity for themselves and their descendants.

The organization New Haven created was theocratic. Twelve members were chosen to rule the "colony" and seven of them also to serve as the seven pillars of the church, which they organized with the help of nine assistants. They also elected a magistrate and imposed wage and price controls.

This was one of the first autonomous governments by English colonists in the New World. The inhabitants of New Haven swore allegiance only to their own civil government and not to king or parliament. After 23 peaceful years, they were compelled, in 1662, to unite with Connecticut. John Davenport fought this merger fiercely, fearing that Christ's interests would be miserably lost in the unification.

Before coming to the new world, Davenport had distinguished himself as a pastor in England. Because of his Puritan leanings, his election to the vicarage of St. Stephens in London was resisted by other ecclesiastics. He was allowed to occupy the post only after denying he was a Puritan. He proved to be a bold and faithful pastor, remaining at this post even during the great plague of 1625.

If not a Puritan at the time he was elected to St. Stephens, Davenport soon became closely linked with them. When Archbishop Laud took power in England, Davenport fled to Holland. Eventually he migrated to New England and became the luminary of New Haven. Men of Davenport's caliber played leading roles in the young American colonies giving them a strongly Christian tone at their birth.

Bibliography:
home US America's five main faith groups are divided on political and social issues, says Barna survey

A new study conducted by Barna Group has suggested that American society is divided into five main faith segments, and these faith groups are becoming more divided by the most contentious political and social issues of the day.

According to Barna, Americans fall into five "faith tribes," namely, evangelical Christians, non-evangelical born again Christians, notional Christians, adherents of non-Christian faiths and religious skeptics.

The study noted that evangelical Christians only form about six percent of the adult population, despite receiving prolific media coverage. As many as 71 percent of evangelicals take a conservative view of the optimal size and reach of government, and 69 percent tend to describe themselves as fiscally conservative.

Seventy-nine percent consider themselves as socially conservative, and 84 percent say they are pro-life advocates. Only four percent say they advocate for LGBT rights, while 18 percent are supportive of the Black Lives matter Movement.

Non-evangelical born again Christians represent 23 percent of the American adult population, but their numbers have been rapidly declining over the past decade, according to the research. Fifty-six percent consider themselves fiscally conservative, while 41 percent say they hold a conservative point-of-view on governance issues.

Thirty-seven percent describe themselves as environmentalists, and 27 percent claim to be advocates of LGBT rights. Non-evangelicals hold the highest percentage of gun owners among all the faith groups at 37 percent. Despite being less conservative and less traditional than evangelicals, as many as 87 percent of non-evangelicals say they support traditional values.

Notional Christians are the largest of the five faith segments in America, representing 42 percent of the population. Barna defines notional Christians as people who "have not made a commitment to Christ that they believe will guarantee their eternal salvation." Members of the faith segment tend to exhibit some progressive leanings, with 38 percent claiming to support the Black Lives Matter movement and 39 percent describing themselves as environmentalists.

Notional Christians have the highest number of people who have served in the military at 21 percent. It is the only Christian-oriented faith segment that does not have a majority who claim to be pro-life, with just 46 percent describing themselves as such. Only thirty percent of notional Christians think of themselves as theologically conservative and 57 percent maintain a biblically orthodox view of God.

Adherents of non-Christian faiths, which includes all faith groups not associated with Christianity, represent six percent of the adult population. The largest faith groups in the segment are Jews, Buddhists, Mormons and Muslims, representing about 80 percent of non-Christians.

Fifty-eight percent of the group is aligned with the Democratic party, and it is the faith segment that is least likely to own a gun. Fifty-one percent say they support the Black Lives Matter movement, and 47 percent claim to be advocates of LGBT rights. Only one-third of the group consider themselves as pro-life.

Religious Skeptics make up 23 percent of the adult population. Barna describes the group as the political anti-thesis of evangelicals, with 62 percent of the segment claiming to be liberal on social issues. Fifty-three percent say they support Black Lives Matter, while 66 percent claim to be advocates of LGBT rights.

Only 13 percent are pro-life advocates and just six percent say they are theologically conservative. Twenty-seven percent say they believe in absolute moral truth, while four percent say their religious faith is important to them today.

George Barna, special analyst for the 2016 election, said that the votes were consistent with the faith profiles.

"Evangelicals were overwhelmingly behind Trump, giving him a 79 percent to 18 percent margin over Clinton. Given their political views, that makes sense," he noted.

Barna explained that 56 percent of non-evangelicals supported Trump, while the notionals were split between the then-Republican candidate and Hillary Clinton. He further noted that the two non-Christian segments overwhelmingly favored Clinton due to their liberal leanings.

"Since the two Bible-driven segments represent about 30 percent of the population, as do the two non-Christian segments, that provided notionals with more influence than they normally have in an election," he said.
home US Appeals court says Michigan township can prohibit Christian school from relocating to town

An appeals court has ruled that a Michigan township did not violate a Christian school's right to exercise its religious mission when it refused to grant a permit to allow the school to relocate to a church in the town.

Livingston Christian Schools (LCS) filed a lawsuit against Genoa Township in 2015 over its refusal to issue a permit to allow the school to relocate from the former St. Mary School building in neighboring Pinckney to Brighton Church of Nazarene. The board reportedly refused to grant the permit, citing traffic concerns as well as the school's failure to follow proper approval process and incompatibility with the township master plan.

LCS wanted to move students to Brighton, claiming it was necessary because of growing enrollment that required a larger space. However, the township alleged that the school contradicted itself when it later stated that the move was necessitated by "financial challenges" and it needed to move to a new location to spur enrollment growth.

Attorneys with the First Liberty Institute, which is representing LCS, argued that the denial of a permit to the school has put a substantial burden on its right to exist as a Christian ministry, in violation of the Religious Land use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

According to WHMI, a federal judge ruled that the school's claims had no merit and dismissed the case. The school took the case to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, which heard oral arguments in April and upheld the ruling of the U.S. District Court on Friday.

In the opinion written by Circuit Judge Ronald Lee Gilman, the three-judge panel concluded that the township can reject the school at the proposed location because two other alternative sites nearby are available for the school.

"This precedent is very dangerous. It states that it is not a burden on religious exercise for a city to ban religious schools, churches, synagogues or mosques from moving into town. In fact, if a city wanted to ban a specific synagogue or mosque from moving into its city limits, the court held such a ban would not be a substantial burden on religious exercise. This is shocking and cannot be allowed to stand," said First Liberty Deputy Chief Counsel Hiram Sasser in response to the ruling.

"Towns who use their zoning laws to keep religious schools and organizations out of their backyard violate federal law and the First Amendment," he added.
home World Australia reassesses refugee claims of Coptic Christians following violent attacks in Egypt

The Australian government has announced plans to reassess the asylum applications of Coptic Christians who have been targeted in recent Islamic State attacks in Egypt.

Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Alex Hawke told SBS on Wednesday that he is reviewing the applications of Coptic Christians who have been refused by the Department and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The Coptic Bishop of Australia, Anba Suriel, has called on the government to provide protections to more than 20 Coptic families in the country who are facing deportation to Egypt.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton explained that there had been "instances" when asylum seekers had claimed to be Christians but had been found to be untrue, but he maintained that those whose applications have been rejected will not be sent back into harm's way.

"We're not going to send people back into harm's way, we don't do that. But we just have some cases where we're concerned about where the court, for example, has found that the application is fraudulent," he said, as reported by The Gospel Herald.

"We're not going to ... deport anyone until we can have another look at each of the cases but in some cases, we do have concerns about the legitimacy of the claims made," he continued.

Labor's immigration spokesperson Shayne Neumann has written a letter to Dutton, asking him to consider the attack on Coptic Christians in Egypt when assessing protection claims.

In the past few months, terrorist groups aligned with ISIS have targeted Coptic Christians in Egypt, with a series of bombings and targeted massacres.

In April, at least 45 Christian worshippers were killed in the suicide bombings of two Coptic churches in Tanta and in Alexandria on Palm Sunday.

In late May, a group of gunmen executed 28 Coptic Christians who were on their way to a monastery near Cairo after they refused to recite the Muslim profession of faith.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that the loss of adherents of the Coptic Christian faith to terrorism was "felt deeply by the rest of the Australian community."

"Australia stands united with the Coptic Christians in shared resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism," he said, according to The Guardian.

Hawke said that his office would review all protection applications by Coptic Christians that have been rejected by the immigration department and by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. However, he maintained that temporary protection does not guarantee permanent protection and all claims will still be assessed against international legal criteria for protection.

"Those found not to engage Australia's protection obligations will be expected to depart Australia at an appropriate time in the future," he said.
home Entertainment Benny Hinn to launch new TV channel highlighting God's miracles

Televangelist Benny Hinn has partnered with Nigerian Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Believers' LoveWorld Inc. to launch a new Christian cable television channel that would highlight God's miraculous powers.

The launch of the new channel, called "LoveWorldUSA," was announced on Thursday during an online news conference.

A spokesman said during the conference that the channel will be vastly different from "boring types of Christian networks."

"Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Pastor Benny Hinn are delighted to launch this new network dedicated to demonstrating the power of God on a daily basis in the United States and around the world," said Pastor Deola Phillips, according to CBN News.

"2017 is the year of flourishing and May is the month of meditation - this transformational new TV channel has divine timing," he added.

When the initial announcement was made in late May, Oyakhilome said that the world is living in the "last days," and "LoveWorldUSA" will be an effort to showcase God's glory before Christ's return. He also noted that the channel will specifically focus on "the power of the Holy Ghost."

Hinn, who is known for his miracle crusades around the world, said, "we don't want just another boring network, we want signs and wonders, miracles" that attest to God's power.

Phillips stated that the two evangelists began developing the new channel earlier this year after "direct instruction from the Lord to them" during a prayer session.

Hinn's flagship program "This Is Your Day," as well as Oyakhilome's program titled "Atmosphere of Miracles" will be featured in the new Christian channel.

The channel, which will be available in July on Spectrum cable, will also feature other well-known Christian speakers such as Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley, Marilyn Hickey and Apostle Guillermo Maldonado.

Oyakhilome and Hinn have both faced some major controversies in the past.

In April, criminal investigators from the IRS and inspectors from the U.S. Postal Service raided the office of Benny Hinn Ministries in North Texas.

Hinn, who was reportedly in Paris at the time, said that the investigators were looking into "certain operations of the church." In a statement on Facebook following the raid, the evangelist said that he was "confident that there will again be a positive and speedy outcome" to the investigation.

Oyakhilome, who runs Christ Embassy Church in Nigeria, gained media attention earlier this year when Central Real Estate sued his church for unpaid rental costs.

In 2014, his wife, Anita, accused him of "adultery" and "unreasonable behavior," leading to their divorce. The evangelist denied his wife's accusation at that time, saying she was influenced by "bad friends" who want to break up their home.
home World China demolishes under-construction church and arrests 40 of its members

Chinese authorities in China's central Henan province have reportedly demolished a church that was under construction and arrested more than 40 of its members.

On the morning of May 5, 300 local police officers and city inspectors forcibly demolished Shuangmiao Christian Church and arrested around 40 Christians. According to China Aid, the demolition order was issued on the church after it was labeled as an "illegal structure."

The church demolition has been compared by its members to the Japanese invasion of China during World War II. The officials reportedly beat dozens of church members, pushing them to the ground and twisting their hands.

Eight out of the 40 arrested Christians still remain in custody, while the cases of Shuangmiao Christian Church pastor Zhang Di and the church's vice director, LA Yuexia, were transferred to the procuratorate, which will decide whether or not to formalize their arrest.

The Communist Party reportedly dispatched personnel to search the belongings of the Christians and construction workers. The officials allegedly damaged the closets, smashed the offering boxes, confiscated personal property, and stole laptops, money, and jewelry during the raid.

The government also claimed that the demolition was the result of the church's refusal to pay 4,000 yuan ($588 USD) annually as part of an arbitrary road usage fee imposed by villagers.

Prior to the demolition, the church attempted to negotiate with the officials to resolve the issue. However, the negotiations culminated in the arrest of Zhang, who was accused of assaulting the police station, limiting the freedom of others, and attacking a village representative.

The church is now demanding the immediate release of the Christians as well as the punishment of the leaders of the officers who acted out violently against them.

The authorities in Henan appear to have stepped up efforts to crack down against Christianity. In April, officials in the province have apparently outlawed the singing of a Christian worship song.

Taiwanese pastor Xu Rongzhang was taken into police custody on April 15 for leading a Christian concert and singing the renowned Chinese worship song "Jesus Loves You." The police also arrested the Christians gathered at the event, accusing them of taking part in illegal religious activities. The officers further claimed that the song they were singing was deemed against the law.

Xu was released on the same day after being interrogated for several hours, but his travel documents and phone were only returned to him two days after he was released.
"Morning Light," Les Baux, France 2017 Niki Gulley

SOLD  7" x 5" textured oil painting

Just Sold!





On the second day of our Provence Art Trek, we visited the picturesque town of Les Baux, perched atop its rocky outcropping with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside below. Some folks visited the castle, galleries and shops while the painters set up in this quiet plaza capturing the unique stone residences, medieval cathedral or picturesque courtyard.In the afternoon we went to one of the most renowned wine towns in the world and sampled some amazing Chateaunef du Pape wines.Next summer we will be leading an Art Trek to Croatia and Slovenia and Cinque Terre and Lake Como, Italy, so if you've always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trip! Details will be coming soon on nikigulley.com/artreks.
home World Christian lawyer details 'sadistic torture' he endured in Chinese prison

A Christian lawyer who was imprisoned in China for almost two years has revealed that he wanted to commit suicide due to the "sadistic torture" he suffered at the hands of the prison guards, but he was kept alive by his faith in Jesus Christ.

In an article published in The Wall Street Journal on Monday, Bob Fu, the founder and president of China Aid, recounted the experiences of his friend, Li Heping, while he was in prison.

"There were times that I wanted to commit suicide. I survived because of my Christian faith, the courageous advocacy of my wife and the attention of the international community," Li said, according to Fu.

Li, who had openly spoken against human rights abuses in China, was arrested along with other rights lawyers on July 9, 2015 in what is now known as the 709 Crackdown.

Fu stated that Li suffered "sadistic torture" at the hands of Communist Party officials during while he was incarcerated, including confinement in frigid cells, beatings, electric shocks, sleep deprivation and being chained in stress positions.

Li said that he was drugged with unknown substances and forced to take six pills a day for nearly two years after he was diagnosed with high blood pressure.

The Christian lawyer was released earlier this month after almost two years of incarceration at the Tianjin Municipal Detention Center No.1.

Terry Halliday, an author of a book on China's human rights lawyers, said that he did not recognize Li in the photographs of the lawyer's reunion with his wife and daughter.

"[He looked] very thin. He's aged about 20 years. His hair has gone grey. He's gone through a torturous time, I would say," Halliday said. "I would defy anybody ... to imagine that so much transformation could have occurred over two years," he added.

Fu lamented that Chinese President Xi Jinping has "sought to eviscerate China's network of human rights lawyers and rights advocates, viewing their peaceful efforts at legal reform as a national-security threat."

"Mr. Xi has re-instituted the Maoist practice of televised public confession and embraced a system of torture so horrific it demands an international response," he added.

The China Aid founder noted that several other lawyers have come out to speak about the abuses they suffered, such as Li Chinfu, who has suffered from schizophrenia after he was forcibly medicated.

Fu said U.S. President Donald Trump has made some efforts to help the victims of human rights abuses in China, such as authorizing the rescue of the wife and two daughters of another lawyer, Xie Yang, in an escape to Thailand in February.

However, Fu said that other lawyers still remain in prison and are in danger of "horrific torture."

The China Aid founder has previously warned that Xi might make attempts at diplomacy with Western leaders, including Pope Francis, to appear respectful of Christianity, but Fu insisted that religion is still oppressed in the Communist country.
home US Illinois bars social workers and foster families from working with children if they reject transgenderism

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has enacted a new policy that would prohibit social workers and foster families from working with children if they refuse to facilitate a child's gender transition.

In early May, George Sheldon, the director of the DCFS, approved a new policy that requires all LGBTQ children and youth to "be placed in an affirming safe housing, receive LGBTQ competent medical and mental health services, and have equal opportunity and access to care."

The new rule would also require anyone who is involved with DCFS children or youth to "complete mandatory training in LGBTQ competency."

The policy states that the department "will not tolerate exposing LGBTQ children and youth to staff/providers who are not supportive of children and youths' right to self-determination of sexual/gender identity."

Mary Rice Hasson, director of the Catholic Women's Forum at The Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., argued that the new policy was "less about safety and well being and more about using state power to 'overrule' basic, empirical (and common sense) truths about human beings and to replace them with ideological assertions that validate adult feelings rather than benefit children."

She noted that under the new policy, parents of children under state care will have no part in deciding whether a child will receive puberty blockers or hormone treatments, as long as two physicians, or a physician and a counselor, who are deemed "culturally competent" in transgender healthcare, gives their approval.

Hasson added that if the child's "permanency goal" is to return home, the parents will be notified if hormone therapy is being administered, but parental permission is not required.

According to Life Site News, the new procedures and standards were drafted with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Pride Action Tank and other pro-LGBTQ groups.

The ACLU was not allowed to review the final version of the policy revisions, but it commended DCFS for incorporating "nearly all of the changes" requested by the group.

Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council noted that "While this portrays itself as being based in science, it is 100 percent ideological."

Laurie Higgins of the Illinois Family Institute contended that there is no study to prove that children are best served if their gender dysphoria is affirmed. She claimed that the best research to date suggests that gender dysphoria diminishes over time if it is not affirmed in young children.
home World India arrests 10 men for taking Christian children to Bible camp

Government authorities in India have detained as many as 10 Christians earlier this month for allegedly kidnapping and attempting to convert dozens of children, who came from Christian families.

On May 21, the police arrested nine men while they were transporting 60 children, aged between 13 and 15, to a Christian summer camp in Nagpur. The men were charged with "attempted conversion" even though the children were from Christian families.

On May 22, two men were arrested on similar charges when they tried to bring 11 children, aged between 11 and 17, to the same camp. One of the men was also involved in the previous incident, according to New Indian Express.

"The camp was organised by Jeevan Raksha, a Gujarat-based organisation. We sent our team to Nagpur to find out whether the children were being taken to a summer camp there. But our team found out that there was no summer camp, but a special Bible prayer camp from May 22 to May 25," said Krishnaveni Desavatu, the police superintendent.

The first group of children was reportedly sent to shelter homes in Ratlam and Jaora. The second group, who reportedly belong to Hindu tribals from Ambua area of Alirajpur district, is under the custody of Child Line in Indore.

The parents of the children said that they were being taken to the summer camp with their consent and there was no question of any religious conversion because they are already Christians. However, the authorities insisted that the children are still considered Hindus under the law because their parents did not follow the proper procedures of changing their official religion to Christianity.

"For changing to another religion, one needs to submit a written application to the district collector and only after the stipulated process, a person can change religious identity, which didn't happen in the case of any of the parents claiming to be Christians," said Desavatu.

"This is why, the children and their parents will be officially treated as Hindu tribals and not Christians," he added.

Desavatu said that the Bible camp's caretaker, Vincent Patil, has been questioned by the police about the attempt to convert the tribal children.

According to Crux, the Catholic Church strictly adheres to the country's conversion laws. However, poor and lower-caste Indians who convert to other denominations often encounter obstacles when they try to follow the said laws.

Christians in India have often suffered various forms of intimidation and harassment, driven by accusations from Hindu nationalists that questionable tactics were being used to convert Hindus.

India has been ranked in the Open Doors 2017 World Watch List as the 15th worst country in the world when it comes to persecution of Christians.
home World ISIS claims responsibility for three bombings that killed 35 in Iraq

The Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for three separate bombings that killed at least 35 people in Baghdad and in a city to the west of the Iraqi capital on Tuesday.

A car bomb exploded outside a popular ice cream parlor, killing at least 13 and wounding 40, in in the commercial Karrada district on Tuesday, just after midnight.

Iraqi officials said that families with children were enjoying a late-night snack after breaking their Ramadan fast when the blast occurred.

Fox News reported that videos of the attack showed the wounded people crying for help on the sidewalk outside the ice cream parlor.

According to Reuters, a second bomb exploded near a government office in Karkh district a few hours later. At least 10 people were killed and 44 were injured in the second blast.

Later that night, another 12 people were killed, including seven military members, and at least 24 were wounded after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest at an army check point in a commercial street of Hit, a Sunni town west of Baghdad.

A London-based Middle East expert said that ISIS carried out the attacks to prove that the group can still terrorize Baghdad, even as it loses ground in Mosul.

"[ISIS] wants Iraqis to fear going out and this is to show they are still present and able to strike the heart of the Iraqi capital, even as they are being defeated on the battlefield," Hayder al-Khoei said.

Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy to the coalition against IS, condemned the attacks after the militants took credit for the bombings.

"Isis [IS] terrorists tonight in Baghdad target children & families enjoying time together at an ice cream shop. We stand w/Iraq against this evil," McGurk tweeted.

Iraqi Interior Minister Qasim Mohammad al-Araji vowed to capture the militants "wherever they may be," following the attacks.

"They targeted a group of civilians; families, women and children in these nights of Ramadan and this is clear evidence that this organization is a terrorist one trying to kill civilians by any means," he stated.

The bombings occurred just days into the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast during daylight hours. Families usually stay up late and go out at night to shop and eat before dawn breaks and the next day's fast begins.

In July 2016, at least 324 people were killed after a massive truck bomb exploded in the Karrada district. It was seen as the deadliest attack in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion of the country in 2003.
home US Kansas legislature passes bill requiring physicians to provide more information to women seeking abortions

The Kansas legislature has advanced a measure that would require physicians to provide more information to patients seeking abortions at least 24 hours before the procedure.

The legislation, which is aimed at updating the 1997 Woman's Right to Know statute, was passed by the House last week by a vote of 84a38. The bill is now headed to Gov. Sam Brownback's desk after the state Senate approved it by a vote of 25a15 on Tuesday.

According to Life News, the bill, known as the Disclose Act, had numerous pro-life co-sponsors, including three state representatives who are also practicing physicians. The measure would require abortion facilities to provide minimum professional information about each abortionist listed on clinics' online informed consent documents.

Kansas City Star noted that the information has to be printed on white paper, in black ink, and in 12 point Times New Roman font.

The document would include education and employment information of the physicians, including any disciplinary actions.

Some lawmakers took issue with the fact that the bill would require information about abortions but would not require similar information regarding other medical procedures.

Sen. Dinah Sykes (R-Lenexa) who described herself as pro-life, suggested that the bill should be sent back to committee to extend the requirement to obstetricians and gynecologists.

Sen. Ty Masterson (R-Andover) contended that abortion should be treated differently because a third person is involved and that consideration should be given to those who are contemplating an abortion as well as to the unborn baby. "That is why the information should be maximized to the person making the decision," he said.

Sen. Steve Fitzgerald (R-Leavenworth) argued that sending the bill back to the committee is an "insincere and deceitful attempt to kill the bill," adding that the measure only intends to make the information easy to read and understandable for the woman making the decision. "I cannot believe that senators would want to oppose that," he remarked.

Shortly after the Senate vote, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes president and CEO Laura McQuade issued a statement denouncing the bill.

"These deeply discriminatory regulations force doctors who provide abortions to meet a set of standards not required of any other physician providing health care in the state," she stated.

"It is disgraceful how extreme legislators dominated this legislative session and focused on creating more barriers to health care at a time when increasing access to health care and better education is the will of the Kansans who elected these legislators," McQuade added.
home US Leaked draft rule suggests more protections for religious institutions and employers

A leaked document suggests that President Donald Trump's administration may be preparing to enact a regulation that may provide more conscience protections for faith-based institutions and religious employers who do not want to provide coverage of abortion-causing contraceptives to their employees.

According to Vox, the leaked 125-page federal proposal is currently under review by the President's Office of Management and Budget, which is the final step before a new regulation becomes official.

Under the Affordable Care Act, nearly all employers are required to offer health insurance that covers contraceptives.

The Affordable Care Act initially provided exemptions for churches and houses of worship, and some private corporations, like Hobby Lobby, have won the right to decline coverage for religious reasons in a 2014 Supreme Court case.

The draft proposal, if finalized, would broaden the types of companies and organizations that can request an exemption from the contraceptive mandate.

Christianity Today reported that the draft of the new regulation would apply to "any kind of employer," such as Christian colleges and religious orders.

Groups like the Little Sisters of the Poor, an order of Catholic nuns, have been fighting a legal battle against the contraceptive mandate for years. But last year, the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to rule in their case, sending it back to lower courts that previously ruled against the religious order.

The new regulation would not totally repeal the contraceptive mandate, and the vast majority of employers who do not have objection to contraception would still be required to provide coverage.

Mark Rienzi, senior counsel with the Becket Fund, the law firm representing the Little Sisters of the Poor, estimated that about 120,000 to 130,000 Americans working for religious employers would no longer be provided with contraceptive coverage under the draft rule.

First Liberty Institute, a Texas-based law firm specializing in religious liberty cases, applauded the draft rule, saying it would end a near-three-year legal battle for some of its clients.

"The Trump administration has clearly announced its intent to adopt an important new policy for religious ministries across the country," said Jeremy Dys, First Liberty Deputy General Counsel.

"Our clients are delighted to see their religious liberty potentially restored and to be freed to pursue their mission without the threat of punishment by their government hanging over their heads," he added.
home US Michigan market bans Catholic farmer for objecting to same-sex marriage

A city in Michigan has reportedly prohibited a Catholic man from selling his produce at the farmers market because of his objection to same-sex marriage.

Stephen Tennes, the owner of Country Mill Farms, has been banned from selling his fruits and produce at the farmers market in East Lansing, Michigan, after city officials found out about his Facebook post, in which he expressed his views that "marriage is a sacramental union between one man and one woman."

In the Facebook message posted last year, Tennes stated that his farm would not host same-sex weddings because of his family's Catholic beliefs.

The farmer claimed that the city officials "strongly and immediately pressured" him not to return to the market after they learned about the Facebook post.

On Wednesday, Tennes filed a lawsuit against the city at a federal court, seeking his reinstatement at the market.

According to Michigan Radio, the city changed its farmers market vendor agreement this year requiring the vendors to agree to and comply with East Lansing's Human Relations Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

The city of East Lansing has issued a statement, saying the farmer's refusal to host a same-sex wedding violated a "long-standing ordinance that protects sexual orientation as well as the Supreme Court's ruling that grants the right for same-sex couples to be married."

In the lawsuit, Tennes is seeking damages as well as the reversal of the city policy requiring the vendors to agree to the ordinance.

"The government should never force its citizens to choose between following their deepest convictions and earning a living," said attorney Kate Anderson, with the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a Christian-based nonprofit legal organization representing Tennes.

The Stream reported that Tennes turned down a lesbian couple who sought to be married in a wedding ceremony at Country Mill in 2014, before the U.S. Supreme Court issued its 2015 ruling in the in Obergefell v. Hodges case that legalized same-sex marriage across the country.

The lawsuit noted that Tennes had a "civil" discussion with the women, and he had referred them to an orchard that held same-sex weddings.

The ADF has maintained that Tennes' religious views have no bearing on his involvement in the market and that the city's actions amounted to a violation of the First Amendment.

"Steve and his farm have been singled out and excluded from full participation in the life of the community for only one reason," Anderson said. "Steve expressed a viewpoint the city did not like," she added.
home US Mike Huckabee announces launch of his new talk show on TBN

Former Arkansas Governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has announced the fall debut of his new hour-long talk show that will air on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

Huckabee, who recently went on a trip to Israel with President Donald Trump, announced the show from TBN's Jerusalem studio on May 24.

He said that those who watched his show on Fox News Channel will be familiar with the new show which he hopes will "encourage, edify and even entertain." The program included political commentary, conversation and some music played by a house band comprised of network staffers when it aired on Fox News.

The hour-long talk show, simply titled "Huckabee," will be broadcast live from the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, according to TBN Chairman Matt Crouch.

"We are excited to add 'Huckabee' to our lineup at TBN, as the first of many new developments at our network," said Crouch in a press release.

Crouch praised Huckabee for the success of his Fox News talk show, which ran on the network from 2008a2015. TBN will schedule the new show on the same weekend time slot as his old program, which drew two million viewers when it aired on Fox News.

Huckabee left his show on Fox News Channel when he sought the Republican nomination for U.S president in 2015.

According to Variety, Huckabee hoped to return to Fox News after the end of his presidential campaign in February 2016, but the executives had other ideas about how to use his former weekend time slot.

The former governor remains a Fox News contributor, and he is still under a contract with them for another two years. But the 21st Century Fox-owned outlet allowed him to take his program to another network, as long as it was not a direct competitor.

"TBN is the perfect home for this new television offering," Huckabee said. "I am grateful to Matt Crouch for sharing the vision of a weekend destination on TV where we talk to newsmakers and celebrities in a civil and respectful manner as well as introduce America to some not-so-famous people whose stories remind us that the greatness of our nation is about the people who love God, raise their families, and serve their neighbors," he added.

Apart from his television show on Fox News, he also hosted the syndicated radio show "The Huckabee Report," which aired three times daily on nearly 600 radio stations across the U.S. from 2008a2015. The former governor also plays bass guitar for a cover band called Capital Offense, and he has authored numerous books including the New York Times bestsellers "God, Guns, Grits and Gravy," and "Do the Right Thing."
home US Nabeel Qureshi's supporters raise nearly $250K for his cancer treatment

Supporters of Christian apologist Nabeel Qureshi have raised nearly $250,000 for his cancer treatment in less than two weeks since he launched the crowdfunding campaign.

Qureshi, who was diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer last August, set up a GoFundMe account on May 19, shortly after he revealed that his chemotherapy treatment has not worked.

He explained in a YouTube video that all the money donated to the crowdfunding campaign will pay for his medical expenses, and any funds left over, should he die, will go to his wife and daughter.

The Christian apologist said that he has heard from numerous people who has offered to help him out financially even though he had been hesitant to accept money from other people.

"Over the past few days, so many people have asked to donate, even people who said, 'Nabeel, we understand you don't need it but we still want to help.' That made me reevaluate whether I should be opening up an avenue for people to be able to contribute if they want,'" Qureshi said. "That's when I realized that we actually do have needs that I haven't realized before," he added.

Qureshi noted that his health insurance plan is set to expire in 18 months and that his life insurance policy that he bought two months before he was diagnosed with cancer is now being questioned due to a two-year window of contestability.

He said that he received a letter from a lawyer, stating that "there may be some fraud" involved with his policy.

Qureshi expressed concern that his life insurance might not be able to support his wife and daughter if something were to happen to him. He further noted that he still does not have regular work, as there has been little progress in his treatment.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 1,797 donors have raised a total of $249,270 to Qureshi's GoFundMe page.

He explained that he had set the goal of $1 million for the crowdfunding campaign because he will not be able to anticipate the costs of his medical treatment.

"Should the worst happen, I hope to leave the remainder of these funds to my bride Michelle and my little daughter Ayah," he said.

Qureshi had also raised $11,450 through the crowdfunding site Patreon to fund his online ministry. He expressed his plans to release educational videos depending on how much people contribute to the campaign each month. "The more that people donate and contribute to the cause, the more teaching I can do," he said.
home World Ontario announces plan to ban pro-life protesters outside abortion clinics

Ontario's Attorney General has announced plans to introduce a legislation that would prohibit pro-life protesters and sidewalk counselors from standing in front of abortion clinics in the province.

Yasir Naqvi, Ontario Attorney General and Ottawa Centre MPP, said that his proposal would create safe zones around abortion clinics in the province and ensure that women will have "safe access to healthcare services."

The attorney general said during a press conference that he believes that every woman in the province "has the right to make decisions about her own health care and she deserves to do so freely without fear, without fear for her safety, privacy or dignity, without fear of being judged or publicly humiliated because of her choice, without fear of being threatened with violence, harassment, or intimidated."

Naqvi, who made the announcement alongside Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Coun. Catherine McKenney on Monday, said his ministry will consult with advocacy groups, local clinics as well as legal and health care experts to determine the details of his proposal. He will also be looking into similar laws that are already in place in British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland, and Labrador as a model for his legislation.

Jim Hughes, National President of Campaign Life Coalition, described the proposal as an attack on free speech.

"Once again we see the heavy-handed people on the left attempting to remove the right of free speech from those they disagree with," he told Life Site News, adding that "heaven only knows" how many women have received help and how many children have been spared from abortion because of the counselors outside abortion clinics.

Naqvi noted that his proposed legislation would have to stand up to any court challenges based on the rights of the protesters. "We [have to ensure] that we protect the right to free speech," he said.

CBC reported that Watson had asked the province last week to create a law to protect women's access to abortion services. He pointed to reports of patients and staff being confronted outside the Morgentaler Clinic on Bank Street.

"We've seen harassment over the years on Bank Street at the clinic but it was starting in many ways to get worse," he said.

Louise Harbour, executive director of the pro-life group Action Life Ottawa, suggested that there should be an investigation into the alleged harassment outside the clinic before limiting the rights of the protesters.

A 1994 court injunction prohibits protesters from going 150 meters near three abortion clinics in Toronto, but the facility in downtown Ottawa is not covered by the order because it was not open at the time.
The immediate source of her ire seems to be boomerangs being sold by Chanel for nearly $2,000 each but she also has in her sights didgeridoos being used as beer yard glasses in bars and as sex toys in gay porn movies.

In this case the particular outrage she wants to highlight is the appropriation of indigenous icons by non-indigenous people for profit.

She is also typically wearing a t-shirt whose message clearly tells us where her sympathies lie.

THE young woman stares earnestly out of the photograph accompanying her article . It is the sort of humourless look you see on the faces of dedicated greenies and other activists; a combination of intensity and indignity.

She argues that there is a power dynamic at play whereby a powerful appropriating culture is exploiting a less powerful culture. She says this lack of parity is hard to separate from colonialism and capitalism.

Deeper into the article we get to the crux of the matter. These cultural icons are being taken rather than given and there is no provision for compensation.

The article is argued in that strange pseudo academic style used by serious journalists and as a consequence is quite dense and difficult to understand.

That aside, it reminds me very much of a debate here on PNG Attitude in March last year about bilums being used as fashion items by non-indigenous designers overseas.

We lay a lot of blame for the ills of societies at the feet of neo-colonialism, especially in its exploitive capitalist context but Im not sure you can extend it to this particular argument.

Boomerangs, for instance, are not uniquely Australian. The Egyptians had them, as did people in India. Tamils in Sri Lanka still use them. They are, in effect, a form of throwing stick used by hunters worldwide.

Didgeridoos are used in Africa and in South America where they make them out of clay. They are what musicians classify as aerophones and are in a class with trumpets and flugelhorns.

Bilums are used worldwide too. Most Pacific Island cultures use them, as do many African cultures. Even the materials and weaving styles are similar.

My maternal grandmother in England made them until commercial versions with plastic handles became available. I recall taking my mothers string bag to the grocers in the 1950s.

Not all Aboriginal groups had returning boomerangs and didgeridoos, and not all Papua New Guinean groups made string bilums.

Its not so much the uniqueness of these items to particular cultural groups that is significant but rather the beliefs that accompany them.

The boomerang and didgeridoo are believed by Aboriginal indigenous people to be uniquely theirs even though it can be demonstrated this is not the case. Papua New Guineans believe the bilum is uniquely theirs when this is not so.

What is under threat is not so much these items but the beliefs that go with them.

The appropriation of a belief by a more powerful group can be a traumatic thing, as can the destruction of a belief and its replacement by a stronger alien belief. The sense of loss leaves a deep pit in the stomach.

This is what the young woman in her convoluted article is actually getting at I think. It is why she links such appropriation to neo-colonialism.

The colonising power has already ridden roughshod over her culture and continues to do so in the post-colonial period.

The appropriation of these cultural items could be a celebration of indigenous ingenuity and pass on a very positive message but they are marketed solely for gain instead.

This is what has got up the young womans nose. In that context I dont blame her for being outraged. And I dont blame her for claiming the boomerang as hers, just as I dont blame people in Papua New Guinea claiming the bilum as uniquely theirs.
home US Pakistani Christian says Kathy Griffin's photo with fake head of Trump insulted Christians beheaded for faith

A Pakistani Christian has denounced Kathy Griffin's controversial photo shoot involving a fake severed head of U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming the stunt insulted Middle-East Christians who were beheaded for their faith.

Griffin has drawn criticism for posing for photographs while holding up a replica of a severed, bloodied head resembling Trump.

The comedian has since lost some sponsorships and jobs, including a deal to appear on CNN's annual New Year's Eve broadcast with journalist Anderson Cooper, according to Reuters.

In a video posted on YouTube on May 31, Hadassah Shabnam Lal, a fourth-generation Christian from Pakistan, claimed that she was not able to sleep due to the controversy. She admitted that she was an admirer of Trump and said that she felt "very, very insulted" at what Griffin did.

"Now when you depicted that head of President Trump being held up, beheaded, you insulted me," Lal said, as reported by Church Militant. "Not only did you insult me, but you insulted every person, every Christian who has ever been beheaded for their faith! Shame on you! Shame on you, Kathy Griffin!" she added.

Lal noted that children as young as 12 have been beheaded and that 90,000 Christians have been martyred across the globe. She also pointed out that 12 Christian men have been executed just last year for refusing to renounce their faith.

She proceeded to read a poem "in honor of my brothers who are Christians that were martyred and beheaded." After reciting the poem, she then addressed Griffin directly, saying, "No apology is going to make up for what you did."

Griffin had issued an apology in a video posted on Twitter late Tuesday, but on Friday, she held a press conference, saying she will continue making jokes about the president.

"I'm not laying down for this guy," she said, referring to Trump. "I'm going to keep making jokes about this guy," she added.

She said that the photo was intended to mock Trump's comments during the presidential campaign, when he said that Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly had "blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her - wherever" when she moderated a presidential debate in 2015.

The comedian claimed that she had been contacted by the Secret Service, and she accused the Trump family of "trying to ruin" her rights.

According to Reuters, the U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for presidential security, has launched an inquiry into the photo of Griffin posing with the fake severed head of the president.
home US Pastor blasts Kentucky governor's proposal to combat violence with prayer

A pastor has criticized Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin for his proposal to combat violence in Louisville by creating walking prayer groups in the city's most crime-ridden neighborhoods.

Bevin had recently promised a solution to gun violence after Dequante Hobbs, a 7-year-old boy from Louisville, was killed when he was hit by a stray bullet while eating a snack in his kitchen.

During a meeting with Louisville residents and faith leaders on Thursday, the governor called on groups of volunteers to adopt streets in the city's high-crime neighborhoods, and spend a few nights a week to walk around the area and pray at each corner.

Pastor Joe Phelps, of Highland Baptist Church, said that he believes in prayer, but he described the proposal as a "political ploy."

"That's not the answer here and for him to reduce the problems of violence to getting people to go pray for a block is an embarrassment to Christianity," Phelps said, according to WHAS 11.

Dr. Frank Smith, Jr., Senior Pastor of Christ Church, said that additional resources need to be invested in the poorest parts of Louisville before the city's crime problem can be solved.

"The resources, the education, and the opportunities that are available in the eastern parts of the community need to be brought to West Louisville," the pastor said.

Clay Calloway, an associate pastor at St. Stephen Baptist Church and founder of the West Louisville Ministers Coalition, said that he wanted a "barf bag" after hearing the governor's plan. He maintained that the churches are already praying, and he said he was hoping for a more practical and political solution.

"He has a responsibility to produce public policy, regulation and provide resources. We don't need a sermon or him quoting Scripture. We know the Bible and we're already praying," he argued.

Some faith leaders commended Bevin, who expressed intentions to join in various prayer walks.

Aaron Harvie, senior pastor of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, said he was encouraged that Bevin was "not ashamed or afraid to call us to prayer." "Governor Bevin did a fantastic job communicating his heart for the health of our communities," he added.

Bevin maintained that his plan to solve the problem of gun violence is multifaceted and that prayer was just one aspect of the solution.

He said that he wanted the prayer walks to be organized "organically," and he noted that the volunteers would not need permission from the government to participate.
home US Physician accuses insurance companies of denying treatments to patients while pushing assisted suicide

A physician from Nevada has accused insurance companies of denying his two patients of life-saving medical treatment coverage while offering to pay for their assisted suicide pills.

In a video released by the Patients Rights Action Fund on Wednesday, Dr. Brian Callister of Reno, Nevada recounted his experience when he requested insurance coverage for his two patients, one from California and the other Oregon.

"The insurance medical directors I spoke with said they would not cover the life-saving procedure we requested. But hey, by the way, have you considered assisted suicide?" he said in the video.

Callister said that his two patients both needed life-saving treatments, but his hospital did not perform the said treatments, so he made several calls to request transfers to hospitals in the patients' home states.

California and Oregon are among the states where assisted suicide is legal, according to The Christian Post.

The physician said that he called the patients' insurance companies, but both have refused to cover their treatments. He noted that neither of the patients were terminally ill, but they could face such a condition without the treatment.

After turning down his request, Callister said that both insurance representatives suggested that the patients consider assisted suicide instead.

"Quite frankly, I was stunned," Callister remarked. "It's a lot cheaper to grab a couple drugs, kill you, than it is to provide you life-sustaining therapy. It's as simple as that," he added.

Patients Rights Action Fund said that a lawyer had advised the group against naming the insurance companies involved due to a federal privacy law called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

According to Callister, the attorney said that naming the insurance companies could lead to the identification of the patients because the doctor makes transfer requests infrequently.

"It's a low-enough number that naming the insurance companies would potentially make the individual patients identifiable, and therefore a violation of HIPAA," the physician said, as reported by The Washington Times. "I would love to name the insurance companies, but it is what it is," he added.

Kat West, national director of policy and programs at Compassion & Choices, which advocates for legalizing assisted suicide, has voiced her skepticism about Callister's experiences.

She argued that there was no proof to support the doctor's claims and that he needs to provide evidence to support his allegations.

West contended that her advocacy group wants terminally ill patients to "get the best care possible" and would be "appalled" if there were proof of Callister's claims.
home US Planned Parenthood releases annual report showing increase in abortions in 2015

Planned Parenthood has released its annual report this week, showing increases in taxpayer funding and abortions performed in 2015.

The report indicated that Planned Parenthood performed 328,848 abortions in 2015, 4,349 more than the previous year.

While the number of abortions increased, there were decreases in contraception, breast exams and overall patient numbers, according to Life News.

The abortion provider saw 2.4 million patients in 2015, which is about 100,000 fewer than the previous year and about half a million fewer than five years ago. Contraception services, which has been promoted as Planned Parenthood's primary service, dropped from 2.94 million to 2.8 million in the past two years.

Despite the decrease, Planned Parenthood executives had renewed their call to keep its half billion dollars in federal funding.

"Anti-women's health politicians will jump at any opportunity a no matter how baseless a to attack our organization," the report stated while referring to those who oppose the organization and its abortion services as "extremists."

Melanie Israel, a research associate for the DeVos Center for Religion & Civil Society at The Heritage Foundation, noted that there was also a decline in Planned Parenthood's prenatal services. The abortion chain only provided 9,419 in 2015a2016, compared to 17,419 in the previous year.

The report appeared to reinforce the findings of an investigation carried out by the pro-life organization LiveAction. The group had contacted 97 Planned Parenthood clinics searching for prenatal care but were turned away by 92 facilities.

The report also revealed that Planned Parenthood received $554.6 million in taxpayer funding, which is up from $553.7 million the previous year.

Planned Parenthood has also reported an increase in its excess revenue and net assets. The organization's excess revenue in the fiscal year 2015 was around $59 million, and its net assets amounted to more than $1.4 billion. For the fiscal year 2016, its excess revenue increased to $77.5 million, while its net assets totaled more than $1.5 billion.

The latest report came just as Congress is considering a budget reconciliation bill that would include a provision to exclude Planned Parenthood affiliates from receiving Medicaid reimbursements for one year after the enactment of the bill.

There have been speculations that Planned Parenthood did not release its report in January, its usual timeframe, because of the efforts of state and federal lawmakers to defund the organization.

Earlier this year, Planned Parenthood executives received an offer to increase the organization's taxpayer funding if it stops performing abortions. However, CEO Cecile Richards rejected the offer, calling it "obscene and insulting."
home World Pope Francis cancels trip to South Sudan due to security concerns

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will not be traveling to South Sudan this year after it was determined that the proposed trip would be too dangerous due to the deteriorating situation in the war-torn country.

South Sudan, which gained independence from Muslim-majority Sudan in 2011, has been under civil war since 2013 due in part to ethnic divisions between the Dinkas and the Nuers.

The proposed trip was supposed to be an ecumenical event with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, but it was postponed due to South Sudan's worsening security situation.

In October 2016, Catholic Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro of Juba and other leaders from other Christian denominations traveled to Rome at the invitation of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which is now part of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development.

The delegation invited the pope to visit South Sudan and proposed to make it an ecumenical event, involving Welby, who made a pastoral visit to the war-torn country in 2014.

According to Crux, Francis discussed the proposal during a visit to Rome's All Saints Anglican Church on Feb. 26.

The Christian leaders reportedly asked the pope to "please, come to South Sudan, even for a day, but don't come alone, come with Justin Welby."

"We are looking at whether it is possible, or if the situation down there is too dangerous," the pontiff said at the time. "But we have to do it, because they - the three [Christian communities] - together desire peace, and they are working together for peace," he added.

On Tuesday, Vatican spokesperson Greg Burke confirmed that the proposed visit will not take place this year.

Francis had hoped that the visit could have helped bring peace to South Sudan, where some 300,000 are believed to have died since the civil war began in 2013.

South Sudanese Bishop Erkolano Lodu Tombe, President of Caritas South Sudan and Bishop of Yei, has previously stated that the proposed trip would have reinforced "the trust the local people have in their own local Church authorities."

Apart from the civil war, South Sudan has been hit by a drought that had also affected other African countries, such as Somalia. More than one million South Sudanese are in imminent danger of famine, and as many as 5.1 million are in urgent need of food and livelihood assistance, according to Caritas Internationalis.

Burke said that the trip to the troubled African country is still being considered, but "not for this year." Francis had visited another country going through a civil war in 2015 when he went to the Central African Republic amid strong security. He briefly met with the president of South Sudan in Uganda during that same trip.
home World Priest abducted by terrorists in the Philippines pleads for ceasefire for fear of being used as 'human shield'

A Catholic priest who was abducted by an Islamic terror group in the Philippines has called on the government to stop the military offensive against his abductors for fears that he and the other hostages might be used as "human shields."

In a video posted on Facebook, Rev. Teresito "Chito" Suganob, vicar general of the Prelature of Marawi, pleaded to President Rodrigo Duterte to consider the lives of the hostages and stop the airstrikes in Marawi City on the island of Mindanao.

Suganob, who is seen in the video standing in front of ruined homes in Marawi, said that the terrorists threatened to execute the hostages unless the Philippine government stops the military offensive against them.

"Mr. President, please consider us," the priest pleaded. "They don't ask for anything... they just ask that you leave this place peacefully," he added.

Suganob, along with a dozen worshippers and church workers, were kidnapped last week after the military raided the hideout of Islamist commander Isnilon Hapilon, who leads the Abu Sayyaf militant group. In retaliation, the group, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, swept into Marawi city, burning buildings, raising ISIS flags, and killing at least two police officers.

The vicar general said that the terrorist group is holding 240 more hostages, including women and children.

"Mr. President, if you want me to kneel before you just to knock your heart in favour of our families who are crying out there in different places, for our relatives... we will do that," Suganob said, noting that the militants were ready to "die for their religion."

"Mr. President, you can't use force and violence because they have the commitment they will die for this," he went on to say.

The military said that the terrorists include foreign fighters and local gunmen who want to establish a regional branch of ISIS.

The death toll since Tuesday last week has risen to nearly 100, which includes 16 civilians, 61 militants, 11 soldiers and four police officers, Fox News reported, citing The Associated Press.

Duterte has declared martial law on the island of Mindanao, which includes Marawi, in an attempt to restore order in the country.

Military chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano claimed that soldiers have already taken control of 70 percent of Marawi, where the militants have been fending off the army for a week.

"They wanted to show the world that there is an ISIS branch here which can inflict the kind of violence that has been seen in Syria and Iraq," said Ano.
home World Taliban rapes young men and blackmails them to carry out terror acts, says former fighter

A former Taliban fighter has revealed that the Islamic terror group has been raping young men and filming the acts on camera in order to blackmail them into carrying out terror attacks.

A young Taliban fighter who goes by the name of Haibatullah, who was captured by the National Directorate of Security (NDS) Special Forces, detailed his experience with the jihadist group in an interview with Fox News.

Haibatullah recounted that a friend convinced him to travel to the Pakistan border city of Quetta, which is known to be a haven for Taliban members, to become one of the group's fighters.

"He said that the Americans and foreigners do whatever they want to our country. And we must fight the foreigners," he said, recounting how his friend managed to convince him.

For two months, he was trained to use guns and other weapons, and he was taught to recite Quranic verses to convince him that it was "mandatory to use jihad against foreigners" and "fight the infidels."

When a mullah ordered him to prepare to be a suicide bomber, Haibatullah refused, claiming that he "was not ready." He said that he was repeatedly told to engage in sexual acts with the mullah, but he declined.

One day, he woke up in a state of confusion and excruciating pain, with his legs covered in blood, some time after he was called by the mullah.

"After that," he narrated "He told me that he filmed the rape and if I didn't follow his orders and bomb myself, he would reveal the tape," he went on to say.

Haibatullah, who was 17 at the time, said that he was raped two more times after that. He noted that the mullah had called his parents to inform them that he has joined the Taliban. The young man suspects that others have also been drugged and raped, but none of them had disclosed their stories to the public.

An NDS official said that Haibatullah's story is almost certainly true and not unique. He noted that the Taliban has been drugging victims and filming their rapes in order to blackmail them into committing terrorist acts.

The official said that the mullahs generally separate the "most vulnerable minds" for such acts, and that they also saw an increase on detainees who have been injected with large amounts of human growth hormone.

In November, Haibatullah received an order to attack the German Consulate in the northern province of Mazar-e-Sharif. Twenty civilians died and more than 120 were injured in the attack, but no members of the German Consulate staff were harmed.

Haibatullah said that he is still not sure whether having Americans and other NATO forces in Afghanistan is a "good or bad thing," but he now realized that his acts in Mazar-e-Shariff was a mistake. "I am 100 percent regretful," he said.

The young man is currently awaiting trial and will be transferred to another detention facility. An NDS official has noted that terrorists who are found guilty typically receives anything from a 20-year sentence to life imprisonment or even execution, depending on their crimes.

The Taliban and the Islamic State have used similar tactics when it comes to forcing people into jihad. ISIS is known for indoctrinating young children with radical ideology and training them to carry out shootings and beheadings.
home US TBN founder Jan Crouch accused of covering up granddaughter's rape to avoid 'bad press'

Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) co-founder Jan Crouch has been accused of covering up the rape of her own granddaughter by an employee of the network in order to avoid "bad press."

Carra Crouch, the granddaughter of the late TBN founders Paul and Jan Crouch, said that a TBN employee sexually assaulted her at a Praise-A-Thon fundraiser in Atlanta when she was just 13-years-old, Mercury News reported.

When Carra informed her grandmother about the assault, she said that Jan yelled at her and berated her instead of reporting it to the police.

In 2012, Carra filed a personal-injury lawsuit against Trinity Christian Center of Santa Ana, the non-profit that runs TBN, saying the incident led to years of trauma and emotional distress.

During the closing arguments of the trial on Wednesday, Carra's attorney, David Keesling, contended that Jan, who died in May 2016, did not report the incident because she was more concerned about the "bad press."

Jan, who was also an ordained minister, was legally required to contact the authorities under California's mandatory reporting laws, according to Keesling.

"This is absolutely the reason why we need mandatory reporters," Keesling said. "Had Jan Crouch not failed her obligation to the law, we wouldn't be here," he continued.

Carra, who is now 24, stated in her complaint that she was in a hotel room with the unnamed TBN employee when he gave her alcohol. She said that the 30-year-old man also gave her water, which she suspected was mixed with a drug to make her pass out. When she woke up, she suspected that she had been raped and went to her grandmother for comfort and protection.

"Jan Crouch, like her or not, her words mattered to Carra," Keesling said. "Carra went in fragile and she came out broken," he added.

Lawyers for Trinity Christian Center did not deny that Jan was informed about the assault, but they argued that she had no duty to report the incident because Carra went to her "as a grandmother" not as a minister.

"Jan Crouch is not here to defend herself. She loved her granddaughter; she would never intentionally hurt her granddaughter," said attorney Michael King, according to Daily Mail.

King also claimed that the family, including Carra's parents, worked together when they decided not to report the assault.

The jury is expected to decide whether any of Jan's actions rose to the level of outrageous conduct and reckless disregard for her granddaughter.
home US Tech leaders urge Texas governor to veto 'discriminatory' laws

Tech leaders representing Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon and other companies have sent a letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, urging him not to pass "any discriminatory legislation."

Abbott is expected to sign HB 3859, also known as the Freedom to Serve Children Act, which would protect faith-based adoption and foster care agencies from legal retribution for declining to place children in homosexual-led households.

The Texas House has also passed SB 2078, which prohibits students in public schools from using bathrooms or restrooms that correspond with their gender identities. The bill, which was an amended version of SB 6 or the Women's Privacy Act, also requires schools to provide single-stall restrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities to transgender students.

In a letter dated May 27, the CEOs of 14 top tech companies urged Abbott to veto "any discriminatory legislation," but it does not specifically mention HB 3859 or SB 2078.

"As large employers in the state, we are gravely concerned that any such legislation would deeply tarnish Texas' reputation as open and friendly to businesses and families," the CEOs wrote.

"Our ability to attract, recruit and retain top talent, encourage new business relocations, expansions and investment, and maintain our economic competitiveness would all be negatively affected," the tech leaders continued.

The signatories of the letter include Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Jeff Wilke, IBM Chairman Ginni Rometty, Microsoft Corp. President Brad Smith and Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

According to The Dallas Morning News, the letter was sent just days before the state legislators were scheduled to end the 2017 regular legislative session.

Abbott had been silent on the issue surrounding the bathroom-related legislation, but he had urged lawmakers to find a compromise on the issue.

The Senate has reportedly rejected the House's amended version of the bathroom bill because it has stripped away too much from the original measure, which was originally intended to keep individuals from using opposite-sex restrooms and facilities in all public buildings

Opponents of the bill have compared it to Jim Crow-era policies that segregated bathrooms based on race, but supporters have insisted that the measure was about child safety and was not intended to be discriminatory.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick described the legislation as "a common sense, privacy and public safety policy for everyone." The bill's author, Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, said that the measure would "strike a balance to protect all of us when we find ourselves in the intimate spaces, vulnerable spaces."

After the regular legislative session ended on May 29 without taking action on the legislation, Abbott said that he would soon announce whether to call a special session to pass the bathroom bill. The governor had promised to sign any bathroom legislation that would reach his desk.
home US Texas legislature sends bill banning dismemberment abortions to governor's desk

A bill that would ban dismemberment and partial-birth abortions is now headed to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's desk after it was approved by state Senate on Friday.

The Senate voted 22a9 to approve Texas Senate Bill 8, which would prohibit dismemberment abortions, a method typically used by abortionists in the second trimester. According to Life News, the procedure involves tearing apart the fetus and pulling the pieces out of the womb while the heart is still beating.

Dallas News reported that the measure also bans partial-birth abortions, which refers to a late-term procedure prohibited by federal law.

The bill's author, Sen. Charles Schwertner, said that the legislation will "ensure the dignity and protection for the unborn child" in Texas.

When the bill was approved by the House last week, Rep. Cindy Burkett (R-Sunnyvale) said that the statewide ban on the said procedure was necessary so that the authorities can enforce it. The provision to ban dismemberment abortions was added to the measure by Rep. Stephanie Klick (R-Fort Worth).

Rep. Donna Howard (D-Austin), openly wept as she called on other Democrats to vote against Klick's amendment.

"Unfortunately, women are sometimes in a position where they become pregnant and that pregnancy is not something that they choose," she said.

"Changing the law to make it illegal will not stop abortions from happening. All it will do is make it less safe," she continued.

After the Senate approved the legislation, the Center for Reproductive Rights sent a letter to Abbott, urging him to veto the measure.

"Texas women deserve access to the health care that is best for them and their personal circumstances a not abortion restrictions pushed by extreme anti-abortion organizations," Amanda Allen, state legislative counsel for the organization, said in a statement.

"The Center for Reproductive Rights vows to battle any unconstitutional measures in the courts until the rights of Texas women are respected and protected," she added.

The ban on dismemberment abortions is based on a model legislation from the National Right to Life Committee, which prohibits the use of forceps, clamps, scissors or similar instruments to remove the unborn baby from the womb in pieces.

Similar legislation has been approved in several states including Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana. However, the law is only in effect in Mississippi and West Virginia, as the other states are still battling legal challenges.
PNG had already signalled it would not sign the agreement, preferring to pursue bilateral deals with Australia and New Zealand, as well as a multilateral trade deal already negotiated with other Melanesian states (Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu).

Dampening the celebrations somewhat was the fact that Papua New Guinea and Fiji  the two largest Pacific island countries  did not attend.

The agreement is to be signed this month, bringing to an end almost a decade of sometimes acrimonious negotiations.

IN APRIL this year, trade ministers from Australia, New Zealand and 12 independent Pacific island states agreed to a regional trade agreement, the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus.

Fijis inclusion remains uncertain, with ongoing concerns regarding infant industry protection and most favoured nation measures.

Since the outset of negotiations, commentary in relation to PACER Plus has been polarised.

The Pacific Network on Globalisation, which has featured prominently in the regional press, describes the agreement as unbalanced in favour of Australia and New Zealand.

The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that the agreement will result in loss of government revenue, loss of policy space to support ni-Vanuatu industries, and the loss of the right to protect its people and natural resources.

Listen to the governments of signatory countries and the narrative is very different.

The Chief Trade Adviser for the Pacific islands, Edwini Kessie, said in a recent interview that PACER Plus offers a unique opportunity for the Pacific island countries to deepen their trade and economic links with Australia and New Zealand and enhance their participation in international trade to achieve robust economic growth and sustainable development.

Such polarisation is not uncommon when trade agreements are negotiated. In the case of PACER Plus, there are a number of reasons to think that claims by both advocates and critics are overstated.

PACER Plus is an agreement between two (relatively) large developed economies  Australia and New Zealand  and a collection of small, developing states. Some rank in the smallest countries globally: five countries have populations of under 20,000 people; Niue has less than 1,500 people.

These states will never achieve the economies of scale necessary for most export industries, PNG and Fiji excluded, which explains why exports to date have been negligible.

A trade agreement is unlikely to change this. Nor will it completely address an important barrier to exports of agricultural products from these countries  stringent quarantine measures at the border.

But neither will PACER Plus undermine nascent infant industries. Outside of Fiji and PNG, there simply isnt scope to leverage domestic demand. Successful export industries from the Pacific are more likely to be niche (such as Fiji Water), and are unlikely to develop in such a manner. In most countries, a combination of tourism, remittances and foreign aid will remain the dominant source of foreign exchange.

Pacific island countries nevertheless have some reason to be lukewarm toward PACER Plus. These states already enjoy tariff-free access to the Australian and New Zealand markets under the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement. What is to be gained by the Pacific islands in joining PACER Plus is therefore unclear.

Australia and New Zealand have always insisted that PACER Plus is not a traditional free trade agreement, but rather a comprehensive development agreement. They have committed to provide AUD$19 million and NZ$7 million respectively to implement a work program designed to assist Pacific island countries implement the agreement.

In addition, both have made commitments regarding the percentage of official development assistance to the region that will be directed towards aid for trade measures. None of these commitments are overwhelming.

PACER Plus will also feature a side Arrangement on Labour Mobility, but one that does not commit Australia or New Zealand to providing labour mobility opportunities. This will be disappointing for the Pacific, which had pursued such a commitment.

But it is worth noting that Australia and New Zealand have moved over the last decade to provide Pacific islanders with temporary employment opportunities for unskilled labour. Both now have seasonal worker programs in place in the horticulture industry, and Australia has introduced new opportunities for a number of Pacific island microstates as part of its North Australia strategy. The negotiations for PACER Plus can be credited to some extent for the establishment of these programs.

What of other controversial issues? PACER Plus advocates have highlighted the potential impacts of the investment provisions in the deal. Again, the impact is likely to be limited. In most countries the real barriers to investment  partial or out-dated legal systems, lack of confidence in regulatory frameworks, the absence of economies of scale, and limited (complicated) access to land  cannot be addressed by a trade deal.

In sum, the impacts of PACER Plus have been overstated by both advocates and critics. PACER Plus will not undermine export industries. But neither will it resolve the deep-seated development challenges in the region.

Without strong labour mobility provisions, the impact of a PACER Plus agreement on Pacific island states is likely to be limited. There is not much to celebrate, beyond a deal being struck.

Matthew Dornan is deputy director of the Development Policy Centre at the Australian National University
home World U.S.-backed anti-ISIS forces to announce Raqqa assault start date on Tuesday

U.S.-backed Syrian rebels fighting Islamic State will announce the start date for the final assault on Raqqa city on Tuesday, aiming to oust the militants from their de facto capital in Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Monday.

The SDF is an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias backed by the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State. On Saturday the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, part of the SDF, told Reuters the fifth and final stage of the attack would start in the coming few days.

"The SDF will announce tomorrow the date of the start of the fifth stage of the campaign to liberate Raqqa which will include an assault on the city of Raqqa," the SDF said in a statement.

In the past week the SDF has advanced to within a few kilometers of the city's edge, after gradually encircling Raqqa since November in a multi-phased campaign to drive Islamic State from the city where it has planned attacks on the West.

On Monday it took some of the final few villages to the west of the city which is located on the River Euphrates some 90 km (56 miles) from the Turkish border, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said.

"The (SDF) will enter the city and begin attacking Raqqa directly," Ibrahim Ibrahim, head of the Syrian Kurdish PYD party's media center in Europe, told Reuters. The PYD is the political arm of the YPG.

The assault on Raqqa will pile more pressure on Islamic State's self-declared caliphate with the group facing defeat in the Iraqi city of Mosul and being forced into retreat across much of Syria, where Deir al-Zor is its last major foothold.
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Regional airports expressed concern Monday that President Donald Trump's proposal to privatize the country's air-traffic control system could give airlines too much power and not protect the interests of the recreational and business pilots who use their runways.

"The airlines, which have more money, they can potentially take control," said Mike Shahan, airport director for Scholes International Airport in Galveston. "And I think it would be to the detriment to general aviation."

On Monday, Trump proposed creating a nonprofit organization that would be in charge of such operations as maximizing route efficiency, providing timely service and reducing delays. The new group ideally would free the Federal Aviation Administration to focus on safety, and it would be overseen by a board that represents airlines and other aviation stakeholders.

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"If we adopt these changes, Americans can look forward to cheaper, faster and safer travel - a future where 20 percent of a ticket price doesn't go to the government, and where you don't have to sit on a tarmac or circle for hours and hours over an airport - which is very dangerous also - before you land," Trump said in his prepared remarks in Washington, D.C.

Privatization has been widely supported by large carriers, including Southwest and United airlines, each of which has a large Houston presence. But opponents are concerned about general aviation fees that have harmed the industry in other countries with air-traffic control systems not run by the government.

A group of general aviation associations co-authored a letter to the president requesting he provide "ample opportunity for all stakeholders and citizens to carefully review, analyze and debate any proposed legislation changing the governance and funding for air traffic control."

There's also concern about giving airlines even more control over the skies.

"The industry responsible for massive IT meltdowns, sky-high airline fees and shrinking seats should not be in control of managing the most complex airspace in the world," U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said in a news release. "Instead of this ill-advised proposal to turn over this critical aviation safety function to a private entity, the administration should instead come up with real ways to help rebuild our crumbling infrastructure."

Airport officials in the Houston region were hesitant to give opinions on Trump's proposal until learning more specifics.

Some agreed to talk about privatization in general.

Houston Executive Airport already has a privately run tower. Executive director Andrew Perry said the tower opened in October 2014 to provide additional safety and prepare the young airport for future growth.

He said he could see a private system being more efficient, but he's also worried his airport could see fewer takeoffs and landings if the general aviation industry gets saddled with fees.

"Aviation is already expensive," added Galveston's Shahan. "Adding another tax of $25, $50, $100 per segment, it would increase the cost dramatically."

Shahan said additional fees could cause general aviation companies, including air ambulances, flight schools and charters, to lay people off.

For his airport, specifically, Shahan is worried about staffing the control tower. Scholes International Airport is part of the FAA's Contract Tower Program. The FAA pays for the controllers and the airport pays for the facility.

A privately run organization could decide to end this program, and Shahan said he isn't sure if Scholes would be able to afford to hire controllers.

"In certain things, privatization is good," he said. "I don't think so with air-traffic control services."

Scott Smith, airport director for the Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport, also is concerned about the Contract Tower Program: Would a privatized system continue this program? Would it charge additional fees? If the program ends, would the state provide grant money?

"My concern about any change in the air-traffic system is what would happen to the contract towers," he said.

The FAA has its own towers at Bush Intercontinental, Hobby and David Wayne Hooks airports. It also has a radar approach facility, which handles traffic over the greater Houston area, and the Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center, which controls tens of thousands of square miles of airspace over southeast Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Houston Airport System, which operates the city's two airports with commercial flights, said it was pleased to learn that airports would be represented on the governing board of the nonprofit proposed by the president.

"Airports are tasked with performing at safe and efficient levels daily, and it is vital that airports play a role in supporting and implementing this next important technological step forward," chief external affairs officer Saba Abashawl said in a news release.

The need to take that next technological step, however, isn't the source of disagreement. Trump, who called the system "painfully in the past," isn't alone in thinking the system needs to be modernized.

The FAA has been addressing this with its NextGen project, which uses GPS technology to enable aircraft to move more directly from Point A to Point B. The infrastructure includes a satellite-based system that will replace radars as the primary means by which air-traffic controllers track and manage aircraft.

"Our nation's infrastructure in the sky is a vital part of our economy, and the demand for air services in the United States is growing," Nicholas E. Calio, Airlines for America president and CEO, said in a news release. "The president's leadership means that we can look forward to legislation that gets government out of the way so we can modernize for the future and maintain our global leadership in aviation."

Not everyone thinks privatization will be the best way to speed up the NextGen rollout.

"I don't see why privatizing the ATC (air-traffic control) services will necessarily make that happen faster," Shahan said.
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Companies denied licenses to dispense medical marijuana in the state, including one in Houston with ties to the Texas Medical Center, have filed demand letters to the Department of Public Safety. They request a hearing, claiming they deserved licenses under state law.

On May 1, the law enforcement agency approved only three out of 43 applications for a conditional license to produce and sell low-THC cannabis medication to patients with intractable epilepsy.

No dispensaries were approved in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas. The companies, some families, nonprofits and legal experts claim three licenses would not be enough to meet the needs of the estimated 150,000-plus patients in Texas.

Alamo CBD, a San Antonio-based company, applied for a license with the backing of Houston vertical farming group Indoor Harvest and a Medical Center-based startup Vyripharm Biopharmaceuticals. Together, the three entities planned to build state-of-the-art facilities east of San Antonio where they would cultivate low-THC cannabis to both sell and study for scientific evidence of medicinal properties.

Yet even with ties to the TMC, Alamo CBD's license for the Compassionate Use Program, or CUP, was denied conditional approval.

Keith Oakley, founder and CEO of the lobbying group Medical Cannabis Association of Texas, has submitted three demand letters to DPS on behalf of companies denied conditional licenses, and he sent out a sample demand letter to other applicants.

Alamo CBD submitted a filled-in version of Oakley's sample and the company appears prepared to sue should DPS deny the hearing request.

"There appears to be little doubt that CUP licensee applicants who have been denied a license would prevail in a declaratory judgment action," Alamo CBD's demand letter reads. "A sound policy decision would be for DPS to proceed with processing the applications of the remaining CUP applicants who have submitted properly completed application packages allowing the state to avoid litigation."

The letter goes on to claim that the Department of Public Safety's licensing policies and rules for the medical marijuana program did not comply with state administrative laws since "the selection model used to rate applicants and as the tool to select and award the three licenses was not posted for the required public comment period in the Texas Register."

A DPS spokesman in an emailed response restated that no license has been granted as the three conditionally approved companies must pass upcoming inspections.

"DPS does not speculate on potential litigation," the spokesman said.

In the meantime, Alamo CBD and Indoor Harvest have retained legal counsel to develop a joint venture project in Colorado. The pair has identified a 59,000-square-foot facility in Denver, where marijuana is more widely legal, and Indoor Harvest aims to oversee engineering and construction of the facility, with the ultimate goal of becoming a license holder in the state.

Oakley, who previously served in the Texas House and oversaw the public safety committee, said he hopes that by the next legislative session bills can be pushed forward to expand the state's medical marijuana program.
Parker Peddicord has been ailed by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism symptoms since he was a toddler, when his parents began noticing him becoming socially anxious, unable to focus and uninterested in many tasks.

Parker would barely sleep some nights and frequently forget simple things. He began seeing a therapist as a three-year-old.

By his early teen years, Parker's difficulties had improved. He still struggled socially, but his parents, Laura and Bob Peddicord, were hopeful that Parker could one day live independently. Yet one significant question stood in the way: as someone with special needs, how difficult would it be for Parker to obtain a driver's license?

They soon found an answer. The Safeway Driving school, a franchise with a location in Katy, offered training specific to people with special needs. Parker enrolled about two years ago when he was 16.

"We are older parents, so that's one of the things we worried about. You never know what might happen," said Laura, 54. "You worry about if something happens to you, will they be able to take care of everything they need to? Because almost everything involves driving."

Nationally, one in every 68 children has autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scientists, psychologists and specialists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia published a study this year that found one in three adolescents with autism spectrum disorder acquire a driver's license, compared to about 83 percent for other adolescents.

Safeway Driving is the only privately operated driving school in Houston to offer a program specific to people with special needs, according to Rick Nussle, owner of the school's Katy location in Cinco Ranch. Safeway has more than 15 locations throughout Houston, with Nussle having begun his branch about three years ago.

Safeway uses a program through Social Motion Skills, a consultant for businesses that deal with autism. The program offers students with special needs extra content while training, in-car acclimations, added one-on-one time and options for added training.

For students like Parker, the course can be a lifeline to independence. It's changed everything, he said.

"It's very hands-on," Parker said of the program. "They helped me all the way through it. They were very patient with me."

Now 18, Parker drives his silver Honda Accord almost daily to his job at a Kroger in the Katy area. He enjoys picking up donuts from a shop near his family's east Katy home and is able to drive himself to therapy sessions in uptown Houston.

Nussle's school has served about 15 people with special needs. Some of them have been adults.

But why are there not more driving schools throughout Houston with similar services?

Other schools "want to get as many kids through as fast as they can because that's how they make their money," Nussle said. "I've seen schools with four kids in a car at the same time. At Safeway, we do max two kids. I just don't think enough parents know this is out there, or they don't think their kids will be able to drive."

Not enough people realize the service is needed, Laura said. It can also be too costly for parents of children with special needs that have to pay for added driving hours. At Safeway, for example, added instruction can cost up to about $2,000, while a basic package for the average student costs roughly $400.

At the same time, the course can seem priceless, Laura added.

"It was very important to us because he is a little different (than other kids)," Laura said. "And it's not that he shouldn't be driving, but it's just that it's different for him. It's reassuring that there was someone to work with him on that."
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At 84, lifelong educator still making a difference

John Lenes has flown in fighter jets, worked as a logger, taught in prisons and for the past 24 years helped prepare students for college classes at College of the Mainland.

Lenes, 84, teaches COM College Success Academy students, helping them to pass college placement tests or earn a high school equivalency diploma to prepare for college classes and workforce training. He covers English, reading and math from first grade addition to pre-algebra - all in just eight weeks.

"Students enjoy his classes. They are drawn to him," said Roger Mora, COM career navigator. "He has one of the highest attendance rates. He is very strict and very good. People say that they can understand math the way he teaches math."

Lenes previously taught 11 years in Texas Department of Corrections Windham School. He also served in the U.S. Air Force, Reserves and Texas Air National Guard. He was a weapons systems officer for F-101 Voodoo fighter jets and navigator for transports. While he was in college he worked summers as a logger.

With no plans to retire, work is what Lenes will continue to do at COM.

"All my friends say, 'I wish I had something to do like you do,' " Lenes said. "I'd rather be active and help people out."

To learn more about the COM Adult Education Program, visit www.com.edu/adulted.

Friendswood rotary recognizes long-time city employee

The Rotary Club of Friendswood recently recognized City of Friendswood employee Cindy Edge as she retires after 31 years of working at City Hall. Edge has worked in several departments throughout the years but is known for the work she has done in the finance department.

The Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce office, 1100 South Friendswood Drive, Friendswood. For more information, contact Carol Ives Marcantel at carol@friendswoodchamber.com or visit www.friendswoodchamber.com.

Pet of the Week

Meet Minnie, as in "skinny Minnie." This tiny, sweet, shiny black three year-old Chihuahua mix was left in a New Dawn play yard during one night, scared and so very thin. She enjoys nothing more than being held and loved on and will make a loyal and adoring pet. Minnie has been treated by a veterinarian, is heartworm free, spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. She is currently being administered flea and heartworm preventative medication. Be the first to apply to adopt Minnie. Come visit her at A New Dawn Pet Adoption, 202 W. San Augustine, Deer Park. For more information, call 281-904-0280 or visit www.anewdawnpetadoption.org/

Pearland school trustee on way to complete leadership course

Pearland Independent School District board of trustees' secretary Lance Botkin was among a group of school board members who attended a training session in McAllen in April about the 21st century challenges to leadership and the implications of those trends for educators. The theme for this, the fourth of five training sessions of Leadership TASB, was "Where Leadership Happens at the Wall."

Trustees visited specialized schools in Hidalgo and South Texas school districts. Featured speakers included Kori Hamilton, whose presentation was "Oh Gosh! Is My Privilege Showing?" and Derek Greenfield, whose presentation "From Diversity to Inclusion" highlighted techniques and strategies public schools can employ to better include all children and families.

The Leadership TASB class of 2017 represents Texas school districts of all sizes and reflects the range of property wealth. Participants who complete all required elements of the study will graduate in June with a unique designation recognized by TASB. TASB, which stands for Texas Association of School Boards, is a nonprofit association that serves local school boards.

Two Pearland ISD artists EARn medals at state

Two Pearland Independent School District students earned medals at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event April 28-29.

After receiving the top score at the regional event, Dawson High School's Helen Wang received Rating IV-Superior for her entry, titled "Afternoon Bath," as did Andrew Aguilar, of Pearland High School, for his piece "Paradise in My Mind."

The art teacher at Dawson is Teri Zuteck; and Pearland's is Ben Stiles.

The state contest  VASE  is the culminating event of the school year for Texas art students and teachers.

Throughout the different competition levels, professional Texas Art Education Association jurors interview students and judge their pieces. During the state event, students have the opportunity to participate in professional workshops, lectures, demonstrations and sketching exercises.
White Oak Music Hall welcomed its first concert fans just more than one year ago, but in that short time has managed to make noise both on and off the stage.

There's the pending lawsuit from residents near the music venue alleging the night-time concerts interfere with their property rights that was filed in December of 2016, as well as the non-stop calendar of national and local artists that have played to sold-out crowds on two stages inside the multi-level building on Main Street just north of Interstate 10. A third outdoor stage saw a handful of performances until the lawsuit put a hold on shows scheduled for the lawn for most of December. The venue saw its first outdoor concert return in April after the ban failed to be extended.

But in the midst of the raucous beginning, owners Johnny So, Will Thomas, Will Garwood and Jagi Katial have managed to engender goodwill in the Houston Heights and beyond by opening their newly built doors for community-enriching events that appeal a variety of interests.

"Here's an asset," said So. "We are locally owned and operated and we want to be approachable for outside organizations to come to us with ideas."

They've hosted everything from morning yoga sessions with Heights neighbors Black Swan Yoga, a "Sober Bowl" that featured celebrities, music and activities for kids on the day of the big game for those who wanted in on the fun but not the hangover and recently allowed Northside High School to use the space for their jazz and dance team. They'll be allowing teens from the school to use their building for summer dance and music clinics too while the high school is under renovations.

Their latest endeavor reaches an even broader audience with a fusion of performance-art called White Oak COLLAB.

COLLAB is a community arts initiative that chooses a handful of local talent and allows them to use state-of-the-art venue and equipment for free to put on their events.

The requirements were to keep ticket prices modest and that any proceeds go back to the artistic endeavor or a charitable organization.

They've picked out four Houston creatives in the first round of the venture and will host the first artist event June 10. DJ Hiram Trevino's "Open Source" is an interactive DJ'ing party that brings together musicians and DJs from across genres to promote new ideas about how we define different musical styles.

So said they had about 40 submissions, all of which were interesting and worthwhile he adds.

Veering from the musically-themed event, the fourth and final night of the series will feature the Houston Archives Bazaar on September 10. Local archivists will share bits of Houston-past through film, public speakers and an oral history booth.

"You don't typically see an archivists event in a music venue," said So. "Sometimes people have great ideas and when it comes to execution they couldn't make it happen."

So and his partners in the music club wanted to offer a space for these types of free-thinkers who wouldn't normally know how to begin putting on an event, or have the money to pay someone in the traditional sense, and they wanted to make sure it's "not a proxy for promoters to put on events."

"Our philosophical approach is if it's a good idea, if it's fun, if it's supportive of a creative group in Houston, we'll do it," said So.

He and his partners know putting on an artistic performance is a daunting process. There's securing a space, hiring lighting, stage and sound professionals and staffing a bar not to mention managing your own talent. It could drain your savings and there's no guarantees it will be received well, he said. They see the COLLAB project as taking those burdens off the artist and allowing them the opportunity to just show up and do what they do best.

The community outreach on behalf of White Oak has been a continual effort from the beginning phases of opening the music hall when residents of the surrounding streets began voicing their concerns about noise, concert-goers parking on their narrow streets, alcohol bottles littered near parking spaces and the occasional inebriated person relieving themselves of one bodily fluid or another post-show in a nearby yard.

"There's a certain narrative out there that we're profit hungry corporate individuals running this," said So. "If money was at our core, you would not open a music venue. It's a risky business. We wanted to create an institution for Houston, profit is important but not what we're going for."

'Neighbors are coming down on them'

The fate of that mission is yet to be seen in light of the pending litigation against the club.

"Thunderous bass and amplified noise has ricocheted through the historic Near Northside, jumping nine lanes of Interstate 45 into the Woodland Heights," attorney for the residents Cris Feldman said in another Houston Chronicle report.

One resident who has an autistic son said the noise is extremely disturbing to him, has trouble sleeping and suffers episodes of panic in response to it.

Lisa Munns, 48, has lived Woodland Street for 27 years. Her house is right next to the parking lot for White Oak and when the music hall opened the self-admitted music fan said she was happy to have a the venue steps from her home. She is not involved in the lawsuit brought by nine residents.

Her only complaint was people parking on her street that can't accommodate parked cars and still allow enough room for emergency vehicles if something bad were to happen. Because her street is narrow enough to restrict first responders the City of Houston was within its right to post no parking signs and enforce towing.

"That was my biggest concern," said Munns. "It's sad it's come to all this publicity and stuff. They're good guys and the neighborhood is coming down on them."

The neighbors coming down on them are armed with sound meters and can monitor the noise from the building from their own front yards. Munn said she's taken readings before and found the club to be under the noise limit, but still had neighbors ostracize her for not making a complaint.

Attorneys for both parties did not return calls this week, but So said the next trial date is set for October.

"Until then, all our currently scheduled Lawn shows and indoor shows will proceed as normal. We believe over the past few months we have gathered useful, real-world, and scientifically-based data regarding our outdoor concerts, which can be used not only to evaluate the plaintiffs' case, but to address neighborhood concerns. Although we remain hopeful for a mutual resolution, we continue to prepare for trial in October," said So.
A 20-year-old man was recently arrested after police identified him by the documentation he left behind at a house he was attempting to burglarize, authorities said.

According to a neighborhood forum post by Harris County Constable Alan Rosen, Ciriaco Balmaceda and two other suspected burglars were attempting to rob a Heights home near 10th and Ashland when the homeowner confronted the trio with a handgun.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo warned violent criminals Monday that his department is changing up its tactics.

"This community is tired of gangs thinking they own the streets," he said, announcing Monday that officers will be working more nights and weekends to fight violent crime. "If you want to play the fool, don't play the fool here."

Acevedo made the announcement during a wide-ranging press conference detailing the projects and changes the Houston Police Department has made over the last six months.

The department had made numerous other changes, he said, including a way for families with mentally ill or autistic relatives to notify dispatch so that if officers ever were called out to an incident involving that person they would be forewarned.

Flipped by Houston Chronicle on Scribd

Acevedo announced numerous other changes, including:

A paperwork reduction review

A study of how to make the homicide division more effective

A staffing study to see how the department should shift around its officers

An overhaul of the department's disciplinary process

Several new investigative units

Expanded hours for violent crime-fighting units

The creation of a program for multi-lingual volunteers to ride with officers and translate for them at the scene of crimes.

The press conference came the day after the Chronicle's look into Acevedo's first six months. Read the full list of the changes he's made in the document below.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The weekend terror attack in London shows that the free world "is at war with Islamic horror," says a Republican congressman, adding that "radicalized Islamic suspects" should be hunted down and killed.

Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana wrote Sunday in a Facebook post: "Kill them all. For the sake of all that is good and righteous. Kill them all."

Higgins, a former sheriff's captain known as the "Cajun John Wayne," was elected to Congress last year representing southwest and south central Louisiana.

In a Facebook post in which he is identified as "Captain Clay Higgins," the freshman lawmaker decried the van and knife attack near London Bridge that left seven people dead. One of the men believed to have carried out the attack in central London was a known radical Islamist who was filmed unfurling a black flag resembling the one used by the Islamic State group, and had raised the suspicion of a neighbor after allegedly trying to lure local youngsters to join his jihadist campaign.

(Story continues below ...)

"The free world ... all of Christendom ... is at war with Islamic horror," Higgins wrote. "Not one penny of American treasure should be granted to any nation who harbors these heathen animals. Not a single radicalized Islamic suspect should be granted any measure of quarter. Their intended entry to the American homeland should be summarily denied. Every conceivable measure should be engaged to hunt them down. Hunt them, identify them, and kill them. Kill them all. For the sake of all that is good and righteous. Kill them all."

FILMED: Documentary 'Jihadis Next Door' featured a London attacker

In a statement late Monday, Higgins said he has "never been accused of being politically correct," adding: "I call things the way I see them. The meaning of candid speech is frequently mischaracterized or misunderstood. This is about prioritizing national security and protecting American lives."

Every measure should be taken to "eliminate radical Islamic terrorism and the threat it poses to the free world," he added. "My only concern is protecting the people that live in my district, my state and my country. ... The fate of the free world will be determined by the courageous, not by the intimidated."
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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.
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."
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Police are asking for help identifying the person who shot and gravely wounded a young father along the Westpark Tollway last month just west of Houston.

The victim was Anh Tuan Nguyen, 31, the Harris County Sheriff's Office announced Monday. He was shot shortly before 3 a.m. May 13, near the 14100 block of Alief Clodine.
A mom in Central Texas is warning other parents of the potential danger at a swimming hole after her son almost drowned in front of her.

Elizabeth Crowe said she took her kids to Georgetown's Blue Hole on May 31. The trip went from fun to panic and fear when one of her sons was sucked into a drainage hole while swimming.
Collin County Sheriff's Office

A man was arrested after police said he killed his girlfriend before stabbing himself. The incident reportedly happened in Plano around 10:30 p.m.

Witnesses called to report that a woman had been chased from a vehicle. They told police he was stabbed several times at an intersection, an affidavit obtained by the Dallas Morning News reports. Police arrived and arrested Ynes Oliba-Cabrera, 50, who's accused of killing 48-year-old Ludivina Frias.
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WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump's plan to privatize the nation's air traffic control system was met with starkly contrasting views Monday by two high-profile Houston lawmakers.

Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who took part in Monday's rollout at the White House, shook hands with Trump and praised the initiative, which has long been supported by the airline industry.

"I am grateful this administration has been eager and willing to reduce the burden of federal regulations and mismanaged bureaucracy on a variety of America's core industries," Cruz said in a statement. "The aerospace and aviation industry directly provides over 130,000 Texans with good paying jobs.... It's time that we stop leading from behind and allow American innovation in our nation's aviation sector to spur economic activity, increase safety, lower costs, and enable more travel options for consumers."

Houston Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee, former chairwoman of a House transportation security subcommittee, expressed concern.

"Air traffic controllers are essential to commercial aviation security and the proposal just announced by the Trump Administration raises serious questions regarding security at our nation's airports," she said. "I am concerned that privatization would lead to mass firings and the degradation of the work conditions crucial for maintaining the viability of the air traffic control system."

Trump's move would privatize the job of tracking and guiding airplanes, a task that currently falls under the Federal Aviation Administration.

"Today we're proposing to take American air travel into the future, finally," Trump said. He added that the current system is "stuck, painfully, in the past."

Executives from United, Delta and American Airlines were on hand as the president announced his plan.

"I fear the ultimate goal of the president's plan is to issue a big check to one of his corporate friends," Jackson Lee said.

Backers of the plan say the proposal would create a private, nonprofit corporation to operate and manage the air traffic control system nationwide. It would be governed by a board made up largely of airline representatives, though the FAA would still have some oversight.

Cruz said the new independent air traffic control system would be more modern and efficient. "With millions of Texans who travel by plane, this modernization is essential to improving quality of travel and providing more affordable and better travel options," he said.
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A 31-year-old man who died earlier this year contracted flesh-eating bacteria while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico with a freshly inked tattoo, according to a new report.

The gruesome details of the man's death are documented in a BMJ case report published May 27, 2017, which chronicles how the bacteria slowly ate away the flesh on the man's leg in the weeks preceding his death.

According to the report, authored by Nicholas Henderson, the man went swimming in the Gulf of Mexico five days after getting a tattoo of hands clasped in prayer and a cross on his right calf.

RELATED: Family: Texas man battles to keep leg after flesh-eating bacteria in Port Aransas causes infection

Three days later, the area around the new tattoo appeared irritated and red, and officials suspect vibrio vulnificus, a bacterial microorganism, entered the man's body through his calf tattoo and festered in his body.

According to a University of Michigan report, those with new tattoos should avoid any kind of swimming until the ink has healed.

Tattoos are considered open wounds and are susceptible to infection.

Experts concluded that a combination of seawater exposure the the still-fresh tattoo and alcoholic cirrhosis, a liver disease that develops from drinking too much alcohol, contributed to the severity of the bacterial infection, according to the report.

READ MORE: What you need to know about 'flesh-eating' infections caused by bacteria in Texas waters

Two hours after being admitted into the hospital, officials noted a purple patch was progressing on the man's right hip and dark purple bubbles began appearing on the man's leg as well.

After weeks of treatment, the man died due to cirrhosis, renal failure and necrotic skin lesions, according to the report.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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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Los Angeles, June 5: Rapper Tyga seems to have mocked his former girlfriend Kylie Jenner by suggesting that she acted like his slave, in his new single "Playboy". Tyga released the lyrics for the new single on June 3, reports dailymail.co.uk. "She a superstar, she got it bad for me, if I hang up, she call right back to me," reads one of the lines of the song.



Tyga followed it with: "You cut her legs off, she crawls right back to me, I call it playboy tenacity." Tyga and Kylie, who were in an on and off relationship since the last few years, split in April. It was earlier reported that Tyga is planning to mock Kylie in a new single after he found out that she has moved on with another rapper named Travis Scott.
BNM anunta concurs pentru postul vacant de expert principal, pe durata determinata, responsabil de elaborarea/actualizarea cerintelor metodologice de reglementare a procesului de raportare la BNM
A recent decline in the accuracy of tornado warnings is not as alarming as it may appear, weather officials say.

Forecasters are doing well with storms that produce strong tornadoes  those that measure EF-2 or higher on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, said Russell Schneider, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

A review of warnings issued by National Weather Service meteorologists shows that average lead time given to the public on tornado warnings across the U.S. has fallen from 15 minutes in 2011 to nine minutes in 2016. But almost all that drop is associated with weaker tornadoes, Schneider said.

In 2011, National Weather Service forecasters were able to issues warnings ahead of a tornado 75 percent of the time. By 2015, that figure was 58 percent.

Weaker tornadoes, they are difficult to forecast and warn for, Schneider said.

Because weak tornadoes make up the bulk of the total, he said, that can skew the warning accuracy statistics.

Is that the only cause for the drop in warning accuracy? Schneider asked. There is research looking into it.

Congress is demanding improvements.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, which was signed into law last month by President Donald Trump, mandates that the NOAA reduce the loss of life and economic losses from tornadoes through the development of accurate, effective and timely tornado forecasts, predictions and warnings. That includes developing the capability of reliably predicting tornadoes at least an hour ahead of time.

The challenge with comparing tornado warning accuracy statistics with past years, weather officials say, is that the basic parameters changed significantly in 2007.

Instead of issuing warnings for entire counties, the weather service identified smaller zones that encompass areas directly in the path of thunderstorms producing  or capable of producing  tornadoes.

The change allowed forecasters to exclude areas within a county not threatened by severe weather, thus reducing the false-alarm rate.

The national rates of false alarms  when a warning was issued but no tornado materialized  were about 76 percent in the 10 years before Greensburg, Hayes said. In the decade since Greensburg, that figure has dropped to about 73 percent.

From 2008 to 2010, the average lead time of warnings for strong tornadoes was 17.5 minutes, Schneider said. In 2011, a record-setting year for tornadoes that included a deadly outbreak in late April and the devastating Joplin, Mo., tornado in May, the average lead time was 19.5 minutes.

But from 2012 to 2017, that figure fell to 15 minutes.

For all tornadoes, the average lead time dropped from 13 minutes in 2008 to nine minutes in 2016.

A decrease in warning lead times is not necessarily a bad thing, Schneider said.

Longer warnings may not be more effective, he said. They may be less effective. People may assume they have a lot of additional time to do other things before seeking shelter.

Is a 60-minute warning four times better than a 15-minute warning?

Even before Congress passed the Forecast Innovation Act in April, the NOAA set up a unit called the hazardous weather test bed in Norman. It brings together more than 50 scientists from around the world, forecasters and warning coordination meteorologists to work on new techniques to better warn the public, Schneider said.

The deadly outbreak in April 2011 in the southeastern U.S. prompted weather officials to partner with experts in social science to more closely examine how people receive and respond to weather warnings. That included examining how people perceive false alarms, he said.

Integrated Warning Teams, made up of weather officials, emergency managers and members of the media, have been established to review and improve language used in warnings to more clearly describe the threat and impact of threatening storms.

Along with issuing warnings in small targeted zones, weather officials now have the ability to send weather warnings to smartphone apps inside those zones. No longer do they have to hope residents are at home watching television or within range of an outdoor siren.

We have a much more nimble society, Schneider said, so tools needed to be developed to reach them.

Officials in Greenwood County in southeast Kansas directly credited those alerts sent to phones with saving lives when a strong tornado struck Eureka after sunset last July. Residents were warned that a tornado was approaching, and they took cover.

There were no fatalities and only a few injuries despite the tornado striking at night.

Theres many stories like this, Schneider said. The information is getting out to people much more quickly.

The dip in tornado warning lead times hasnt occurred in Kansas, said Chance Hayes, warning coordination meteorologist for the Wichita branch of the weather service.

The average lead time for the four weather service branches in Kansas before the Greensburg tornado was 13.7 minutes, Hayes said. In the 10 years since, it has been 14.26 minutes.

When you look at the four core offices for Kansas, there was improvement in every statistic thats kept, Hayes said.

That includes the false alarm rate, which is important because it means residents are less likely to ignore warnings when theyre issued.

The false alarm rate for Kansas branches in the 10 years before Greensburg was 64.5 percent, Hayes said. Since 2007, its been 60.1 percent. Those figures were at least 10 percent lower than the national average.

When your false alarm rate goes down, thats good, Hayes said.

AccuWeather senior vice president Mike Smith has called the decline in tornado forecasting accuracy very, very worrisome.

The warning accuracy rate hasnt been as low as 58 percent nationally since 1994, Smith said. He attributes that in part to the retirement of many experienced meteorologists in recent years.

In a lot of cases, they dont have the training and the experience to more accurately predict tornadoes, Smith said of current meteorologists.

But Hayes said he doesnt share Smiths concern about the recent decline in warning accuracy statistics.

The offices here in the heartland perform extremely well, Hayes said. Were very educated, very well-trained staffs across the whole country.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
13 Arrests in Louisiana Fake Crash Scheme

Louisiana State Police say 13 people have been arrested in connection with an insurance fraud scheme involving staged automobile crashes.

A news release says Thursdays arrests followed an investigation that began with complaints from insurance companies.

Investigators say the scheme involved a group of people who regularly participated in reporting fictitious automobile crashes, bogus injuries and property damage in southwestern Louisiana.

At least seven phony crashes were involved. State police estimate the group defrauded insurance companies out of more than $30,000.

Those arrested were jailed in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. State police said three more suspects were at large.

West Virginia Men Admit False Claims in Staged Crashes

Federal authorities say two West Virginia men have admitted their roles in filing false insurance claims for motor vehicle accidents.

They were among eight people indicted in March over staged accidents from 2012 to 2014 in three counties.

According to prosecutors, 55-year-old Dallas Lewis, of Clarksburg, pleaded guilty to mail fraud conspiracy and 34-year-old Charles Bonner, of Morgantown, pleaded guilty to mail fraud.

Authorities say Bonner took part in a staged accident in January 2012 in Harrison County, faking injuries and filing a false insurance claim that paid approximately $101,500 to him and others.

He also admitted a role in getting an insurance settlement check sent to someone else for $46,500.

The indictment alleged that Lewis coordinated the crashes and recruited the others.

West Virginia Woman Admits Role in Staged Accident, Insurance Claim

Federal authorities say that a 56-year-old Fairmont woman has pleaded guilty to fraud, admitting she participated in a staged vehicle accident, faked injuries and filed a false insurance claim.

Prosecutors say Robin Stonekings false insurance claim in 2013 in Marion County resulted in a $41,000 settlement.

She could face up to 20 years in prison at sentencing.

The West Virginia Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated.

Hooligans Motorcycle Gang Indicted for High-Tech Auto Theft

Authorities in San Diego, Calif., have indicted nine members of a motorcycle gang known as the Hooligans, alleging they stole more than 150 Jeep Wranglers in a high-tech auto-theft ring.

The U.S. attorneys office says Tuesday that the Tijuana, Mexico-based club used handheld electronic devices and stolen codes to make copies of keys and disable alarms on the vehicles in California while their owners slept. They would take the Jeeps back to Mexico and sell them or strip them for parts.

Authorities allege the ring has stolen more $4.5 million in Wranglers since the scheme began in 2014.

Three Hooligans have been arrested so far. Six more are fugitives.

The thefts were perplexing to investigators because no glass was broken or alarms triggered. Surveillance camera video from one of the victims tipped them off to the techniques being used.

Louisiana woman gets 366 days for insurance fraud

A 54-year-old Louisiana woman has been sentenced to a year and a day in prison for insurance fraud, and must pay $9,100 restitution.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook said in a news release Friday that Lasandra Laverne Edwards of Monroe was sentenced Thursday on one count of mail fraud.

Her guilty plea says she valued her belongings at $1,000 when filing for bankruptcy in October 2013, but bought a $100,000 renters insurance policy a month later.

After her house caught fire that December, she claimed that it destroyed $116,000 worth of property.

The news release says the house caught fire Dec. 1, 2013, and Edwards reaffirmed the $1,000 value for her furniture and clothes at a bankruptcy hearing Dec. 10, 2013  one day before filing the insurance claim.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Every day, 91 Americans die from opioid overdoses according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Overdoses from prescription opioids started to increase in the mid-90s, and since 1999, the amount of prescription opioids sold in the U.S. has nearly quadrupled. Increased prescription of opioids was thus a significant factor associated with the increase in opioid overdose deaths between 2000 and 2015, according to the CDC.

While there is now widespread awareness about the opioid crisis, opioids continue to be prescribed for injured workers. However, the development of opioid use guidelines by various entities, including the CDC, has spurred many physicians to abruptly cut back on either the quantity or the dose of opioids prescribed in order to be in compliance with guidelines. This has alarmed those injured workers already taking opioids who are concerned about how they will manage their pain with lower doses or without opioids entirely.

Most injured workers using opioids are not aware that the drugs themselves can lead to increased pain sensitivity as well as other serious side effects such as depression and addiction. Informing injured workers who are prescribed opioids after an injury or a surgery about the risks and benefits in addition to developing a plan, right from the start, for tapering off the opioids would facilitate the weaning process. But most physicians who prescribe the drugs are not familiar with how to wean injured workers off them, especially injured workers who have been on opioids for many years. The focus of this article is on tapering injured workers already taking opioids either to lower doses or completely off of the drugs.

There is a plethora of guidance for prescribers regarding the initiation and maintenance of pain management therapy. However, there is very limited actionable guidance on tapering therapy when the drugs are no longer effective, no longer appropriate or the risks outweigh the benefits  especially the when and the how of tapering. A 2014 report by the Public Broadcasting Service Newshour stated, In fact, 80 to 90 percent of physicians in the United States have absolutely no training or education in the use of controlled substances. A 2011 study of 117 U.S. and Canadian medical schools found that only 17 of 104 medical schools offered a designated pain elective.

Regardless of their lack of education in pain management during their training years, the question to be answered now is do providers have enough evidence-based directed guidance available to help them effectively taper injured workers off drug therapy in chronic pain cases? There are now many opioid treatment guidelines available but not as much information on how to manage the weaning process or on what to offer, other than opioids, to treat the injured workers pain.

For tapering to be successful, the provider needs to develop an individualized plan for the injured worker that is based on the best evidence-based weaning recommendations. The limited availability of clinical standards for tapering drug therapy compounds the problem of the under-education of prescribers regarding management of chronic pain. Prescribing a drug regimen is relatively easy, but reducing or removing a drug regimen is significantly difficult. However, there are some guidelines available, including those from the CDC.

Drug tapering, the gradual reduction in dosage over several months or longer, is a medically safe strategy to reduce long-term dependence on opioids. Abrupt denial of payment for opioid treatment can lead to medically dangerous withdrawal symptoms and drug-seeking behavior and is not recommended (although if urine testing indicates that an injured worker may be engaging in illegal activities such as drug diversion, denial of payment without tapering may be appropriate). In most cases, however, discontinuation of payment for opioid therapy should be made in collaboration with and in support of a physician-supervised tapering plan.

Caution and good judgment are required in developing a tapering plan. The CDC confirms that there is a tendency among many well-meaning clinicians to prematurely taper injured workers off maintenance medications. The CDC guidelines state, Experts noted that injured workers tapering opioids after taking them for years might require very slow opioid tapers as well as pauses in the taper to allow gradual accommodation to lower opioid dosages. By very slow, the guidelines mean it could take weeks or even months.

The tapering plan might include use of maintenance medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms; these will also need to be tapered off once the injured worker is no longer at risk for acute withdrawal symptoms. Alternative treatments for the injured workers pain also should be strongly recommended and, if possible, initiated during the weaning process. These include physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, over-the-counter analgesic medications, and psychotherapy. Counseling regarding the psychology of pain is enormously helpful for injured workers who are having difficulty living with their pain. Patients should also be advised that even with the most gradual tapering plan possible, they may still experience mild withdrawal symptoms and/or pain for quite some time.

The most important message to convey to injured workers undergoing a tapering plan is that they must stick with the plan even if there is some degree of pain or withdrawal present. Patients may be fearful of making changes to their medications, but many will notice that they were experiencing higher sensitivity to pain when they were on opioids. Patients will need a lot of support and encouragement throughout this process. Physicians who are not able to offer the necessary degree of support and counseling should consider referring their injured workers to a pain management program that has the following:

Experience with the tapering process.

 A proven track record of not using added opioids to treat flare-ups during the weaning process.

Ability to offer pain coaching or pain psychology services.

No pressure placed on recovering workers to have invasive procedures or operations.

A good weaning success rate among their injured workers.

Finally, predictive analytics can be used to identify injured workers who are at risk for opioid issues. The earlier and more accurately these injured workers can be identified, the sooner an intervention can occur to ensure that they are not going to be at risk for opioid addiction.

Dr. Laura B. Gardner is a physician entrepreneur who founded and ran Axiomedics Research, Inc., a successful consulting company for 22 years before joining CLARA analytics as VP of Products. Her primary focus is providing claims teams and network managers with predictive analytics-based software tools that help to improve outcomes for injured workers. Visit www.claraanalytics.com/ and follow CLARA analytics on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Some coastal residents always put off emergency preparations until storm clouds loom on the horizon. The National Hurricane Center is going to try giving those people a deadline this year, issuing experimental advisories showing when tropical-storm force winds may hit particular communities to help them understand when its too late to put up storm shutters or evacuate.

The forecasters advisories will be fueled by more data than ever, thanks to new weather satellites and an expanded network of underwater gliders.

On the official start of hurricane season Thursday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott joined Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly at the Miami center to encourage residents to prepare and heed warnings.

NEW ADVISORY

To help people understand when storm preparations should be completed, the hurricane center will experiment with advisories showing the times when sustained tropical-storm force winds are estimated to hit land. If a tropical disturbance nears shore, forecasters also could post advisories or warnings before it develops into a tropical depression or named storm.

Floridas emergency management director, Bryan Koon, said the new advisories could help validate evacuation orders for people who complain about hype around approaching storms.

We can say, Listen, this is when things are going to get bad in your area, Koon said. We can also use that to say, A few hours ahead of that, stores are going to close, roads are going to get jam-packed with people, we might have to shut down power substations.

Storm surge watches and warnings will be issued this year when U.S. coastlines are at risk for life-threatening flooding.

SHRINKING CONE

The uncertainty cone showing a storms projected path shrinks again this year, with continued improvements in track forecasts. Its still the best-known advisory released by the hurricane center, but forecasters continue to emphasize individual hazards away from the center of a storm.

On his last day as hurricane center director before returning to The Weather Channel, Rick Knabb said better data and better computer models help create a narrower cone. But that can give a false sense of security to areas outside the cone.

Hurricane watches and warnings can extend well outside the cone. In fact, the hurricane itself can be much larger than the width of the cone, Knabb said. So clearly a hurricane is not just a point on the map.

Forecasters will add an outline of a storms wind field to the graphic to help people see hurricane impacts beyond the cone, Knabb said.

INTENSITY FORECASTS

Predicting the intensity of a storm remains a challenge. Apart from improving public communications about storm hazards, the hurricane center also has been working to improve its forecasts predicting when and how much a storm will strengthen.

Its difficult to measure whats happening around a hurricanes eye  where the strongest winds swirl  or how it interacts with the ocean and the atmosphere, and that affects the accuracy of storm intensity forecasts, said Dan Brown, a senior hurricane specialist at the hurricane center in Miami.

Its a combination of everything, but oftentimes, its understanding what the structure of the storm is and getting that right when the computer models are first run, Brown said.

FORECASTING TECHNOLOGY

More and better data will be streaming into those models this year, which forecasters hope will help improve their predictions for a hurricanes intensity.

NASA launched eight mini-satellites in December to measure surface winds deep in the hearts of hurricanes. Unlike other weather satellites, the $157 million Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System can give scientists a clear look into a hurricanes eye even through walls of clouds and rain.

Forecasters said the $1 billion GOES-16 weather satellite, launched in November, is as significant an upgrade as switching to high-definition television, with more detailed images and more channels looking at storms.

To keep up with higher resolution forecast models, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has upgraded the Doppler radar on its hurricane hunter aircraft to give scientists a more detailed look at hurricane winds.

NOAA again will launch four underwater gliders from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to collect ocean data, and this summer the agency will expand its data pool by collaborating with universities and research institutions in the U.S. and Bermuda that have up to 20 their own gliders in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic.

Gustavo Goni, director of the physical oceanography division at NOAAs Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, said glider data has helped improve the models understanding of the ocean. He added that we want to put all these efforts together to make a better analysis.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Oil and gas operators in Colorado appear to be complying with state-ordered inspections of thousands of pipelines after a natural gas explosion blamed on a severed line killed two people inside a home, regulators said Friday.

All but a few small energy companies submitted reports by a May 30 deadline on their inspections and locations of oil and gas flow lines, said Todd Hartman, spokesman for the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates the industry.

Flow lines connect wells to storage tanks and other collection points. Hartman says the state has processed information associated with more than 16,500 wells.

The state ordered inspections and locations of above-ground flow lines within 1,000 feet (300 meters) of buildings after the April 17 explosion in the town of Firestone, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Denver. Investigators blamed the explosion on odorless, unrefined gas from a small severed pipeline near the home.

The state also required inspections of all flow lines to verify that any abandoned lines are clearly marked and capped pending a permanent sealing of the line.

Operators must test all flow lines for leaks by June 30. That involves closing the lines, pressurizing them and monitoring for any loss of pressure. Commission Director Matt Lepore has warned that wells connected to pipelines that havent been inspected could be shut down.

As of Friday, the agency had processed reports from all of the largest oil and gas firms operating in Colorado and will contact any firms that missed the deadline, Hartman said.

Fire investigators said the Firestone explosion was caused by odorless, unrefined gas spewing from an old underground pipeline. The 1-inch (2.5-cm) line was believed to be out of service but was still connected to a producing gas well owned by Anadarko Petroleum.

The line had been cut about 10 feet (3 meters) from the home and the gas seeped into the basement, investigators said. Authorities have not said why the line was still connected to a well or how it was severed.

The explosion and another fatal blast that killed a worker at a small oil tank farm in nearby Mead intensified a debate over regulating the oil and gas industry in Colorado. Dozens of fast-growing neighborhoods have overlapped with the busy Denver-Julesburg field north of Denver, prompting concerns about health and safety.

Anadarko and Nobel Energy, the states two largest gas producers, say they expect to meet the June 30 testing deadline.

(Associated Press Writer Dan Elliott contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The sudden collapse of spillways at the nations highest dam has raised alarm among those building, running and regulating big dams around the world because it seemed to come with little warning the spillways were on the verge of failing, dam experts investigating the crisis at Californias Oroville Dam said Thursday.

Februarys breakup of the main spillway and then the backup spillway at the 770-foot-high (230 meters) Oroville Dam stands as an extremely significant event among dam disasters and near-disasters in modern U.S. history, said John France, an engineer leading the investigation by two national trade associations representing dam-safety and dam-engineering professionals.

The significance was only partly due to the size of the Northern California dam, France said.

Unlike most dam failures, which happen in flooding and after signs that a structure is being overwhelmed by water, what happened was a surprise, France said.

Im sure there are lessons to be learned, he said. Im confident theyre going to be significant and change the practice of dam safety engineering in the country and perhaps in the world.

The national Association of State Dam Safety Officials and the United States Society on Dams created the independent panel to try to identify the operational and physical failures that made the two spillways at Oroville Dam give way.

Authorities ordered the evacuation of nearly 200,000 people below the dam on Feb. 12 with an hours notice, fearing the disintegration of the spillways and the hillside around them could lead to massive, uncontrolled releases of water. Residents were allowed to return home in two days.

The dam holds back the states second-largest reservoir and is an anchor of the states complex north-south water delivery.

Federal and state agencies that manage and oversee Oroville Dam also are conducting separate investigations into the spillway failures.

State officials with the Department of Water Resources, which runs the half-century-old dam, at times have pointed to the torrents of runoff pouring into the dam at the time of the crisis. But the amount of water streaming down the two flood-release spillways when they began to collapse was relatively small.

The state water agency and others involved are cooperating with the independent probe by the dam groups.

The independent probe will cover everything from the preliminary work leading up to Orovilles construction in the 1960s to this winters spillways failures, members of the investigation team said.

We recognize how significant this incident is, said Dan Wade, another member of the investigating team and a program director for the San Francisco Public Utility Commission.

Dam professionals around the country, many of them working with dams as old or older than Oroville, want independent and thorough answers on the Oroville crisis, he said.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AKRON, Ohio -- A 1-year-old boy died days after he overdosed on an opioid in Akron, the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office said.

The boy, who has not been identified, overdosed Thursday at a home on Gale Street, police said. Emergency crews revived with him Narcan, and overdose reversal drug, and took him to Akron Children's Hospital for treatment.

The boy, whose identity has not yet been released, died Sunday night, the medical examiner's office said Monday.

The medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The boy's mother ran away from the home following the overdose, police said. She was later arrested on an unrelated warrant out of Portage County.

Investigators have not announced any charges related to the boy's overdose.

The boy's 9-year-old sibling called 911 after he overdosed, police said. The sibling told a police dispatcher he was not breathing.

Summit County Children Services took custody of the boy and his two siblings following the incident.

At least three Akron children have overdosed on opioids in the past three months.

On March 6, a 2-year-old child likely ingested or came into contact with an opiate before he overdosed, police said.

On March 14, a 6-year-old girl became dizzy and appeared to have a seizure while she was in the shower at a house on Popham Street near Winston Street, police said.

Both of those children were revived and survived, police said.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Monday's crime and courts comments section.

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AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man fired two shots at a house before he climbed a tree and sneaked inside through a window following an argument over a pair of sneakers, police said.

Horace M. Johnson II, 30, is charged with aggravated burglary and improperly discharging a firearm at a habitation in the Friday incident on Sumner Street near East South Street, police said.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Johnson went to the house just after 9:30 p.m. and argued with a resident over a pair of sneakers. A woman ordered Johnson to leave and locked the door behind him, police said.

The woman then heard two gunshots strike the house. She ran upstairs to the attic and called 911.

Johnson then climbed a tree and sneaked inside through an open window, police said. Several people inside the house caught him and held him down until officers arrived.

Johnson was arrested and taken to the Summit County Jail. He remains in custody on $75,000 bond, records show.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Monday's crime and courts comments section.

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AKRON, Ohio -- Tuesday Musical Association will open its 2017-18 Main Stage season with "Prelude," an anniversary concert and party on Saturday, Sept. 16, at E.J. Thomas Hall.

The organization will also host concerts by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis as part of its Main Stage and Fuze series for the 2017-18 season.

The "Prelude" concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will showcase Tuesday Musical's programs and collaborations.

Escher String Quartet, Tuesday Musical's Quartet-in-Residence, will perform the world premiere of a piece written by University of Akron composer James Wilding to commemorate the organization's 130th anniversary.

Other performers include a member of Tuesday Musical's Brahms Allegro Junior Music Club for students, Tuesday Musical 2017 Scholarship Competition winner Olivia Boen and 2016 Cleveland International Piano Competition winner Nikita Mndoyants.

Prior to the concert, guests can attend a "Prelude" party 5:30-7 p.m. in in E.J. Thomas Hall's Goodrich Lobby. The event will feature an open bar, live music and small plates catered by Splendid Fare. Party tickets are $130.

"While we are known by many in our community for bringing world-acclaimed musicians to Akron, during this anniversary year we are also celebrating our vibrant education and community engagement programs that break down barriers to classical music for children and adults by providing opportunities to experience some of the best live music from around the world," Jarrod Hartzler, Tuesday Musical's executive and artistic director, said in a news release.

Tuesday Musical's full Main Stage and Fuze concert schedule is below.

Sept. 16 - Prelude anniversary concert and party (Main Stage)

Sept. 28 - Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (Fuze)

Oct. 19 - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble (Main Stage)

Nov. 29 - The Vienna Boys Choir with "Christmas in Vienna" (Fuze)

Jan. 23 - Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, a concert that juxtaposes works by Romanticism giants Antonin Dvorak and Johannes Brahms (Main Stage)

March 8 - Pianist Andreas Haefliger (Main Stage)

March 17 - The Chicago Jazz Orchestra with "A Tribute to Sarah Vaughan" (Fuze)

March 28 - The conductor-less Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with violinist Augustin Hadelich (Main Stage)

April 18 - Brentano String Quartet with flutist Marina Piccinini (Main Stage)

All Main Stage season concerts are held in E.J. Thomas Hall and begin at 7:30 p.m. Most include a pre-concert talk one hour before the performance.

While past Fuze concerts have been in smaller venues throughout the community, the 2017-18 season performances will also take place on the E.J. Thomas Hall stage.

Season subscriptions are on sale now. Prices are $220 and $190 for Main Stage and $110 and $95 for Fuze. Subscriptions are available for purchase by calling Tuesday Musical at 330-761-3460 or visiting www.tuesdaymusical.org.

First-time subscribers to Main Stage save 50 percent on subscriptions, and all subscription packages provide savings on single-ticket prices. Single-concert Main Stage tickets go on sale Aug. 17 for $45, $40 and $25.

Single tickets for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis concert are available now for $45, $40 and $25 from the E.J. Thomas Hall Ticket Office at 330-253-2488 or www.uaevents.com.

Tickets-on-Demand packages of three or four tickets for Main Stage concerts are also available now from Tuesday Musical. Student tickets are free for all Tuesday Musical concerts.

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Associated Press

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Here are the Cleveland restaurants and retailers cited with the most food inspection violations during the 2016-2017 inspection year ending Feb. 28, according to state records.

Our top 25 actually includes 27 businesses because of a five-way tie for 23rd. Each of the 27 businesses had at least 22 violations.

In Cleveland, 2,286 places were cited during the most recent inspection year. But more than half the businesses - 1,424 - received three or fewer citations. More than one-fourth of those cited - 656 businesses - received just one citation.

Each restaurant in Ohio is inspected at least twice a year. Other places handling food to a lesser extent may be inspected once a year.



Some violations are minor. Some can be disturbing. Many problems are fixed at the time of the inspection. Health inspectors cannot impose fines, but health departments can suspend or revoke operating licenses.

Violations identified as "critical" are those that "may immediately lead to a foodborne illness," said Jamie Higley, food safety program administrator for the Ohio Department of Health.

For the details on each violation, check out our related database at the end of this story.

- By Rich Exner, cleveland.com

Note: In some cases, the number of non-critical violations shown is one fewer than what was published in an earlier version.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

21 - Caribe Bakeshop, 2906 Fulton Road

The Caribe Bakeshop had 21 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records. Most of the violations occurred before moving into a new building (shown above) late last year.

June 27, 2016 - 5 critical violations, 13 non-critical.

Nov. 27, 2016 - 2 non-critical violations.

Jan. 21, 2017 - 1 non-critical violations.

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21 - China Star Cleveland, 3283 West 117th St.

China Star Cleveland had 21 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Oct. 3, 2016 - 4 critical violations, 7 non-critical.

Feb. 16, 2017 - 7 critical violations, 3 non-critical.

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21 - Court House Cafe Inc., 9300 Quincy Ave.

Court House Cafe Inc. at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice Center had 21 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Aug. 11, 2016 - 6 critical violations, 5 non-critical.

Feb. 21, 2017 - 6 critical violations, 4 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

21 - Sterle's Slovenian Country House, 1401 East 55th St.

Sterle's Slovenian Country House had 21 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Sept. 8, 2016 - 2 critical violations, 10 non-critical.

Feb. 16, 2017 - 9 non-critical violations.

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22 - Irish 32, 15715 Lorain Ave.

Irish 32 had 22 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Dec. 31, 2016 - 5 critical violations, 12 non-critical.

Feb. 16, 2017 - 5 non-critical violations.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

22 - B & M Bar-B-Q, 840 East 105th St.

B & M Bar-B-Q had 23 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Oct. 31, 2016 - 3 critical violations, 8 non-critical.

Feb. 5, 2017 - 2 critical violations, 9 non-critical.

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Karen Farkas, cleveland.com

22 - Main kitchen, buffet, employee dining, 100 Public Square

An area described as the main kitchen, buffet, employee dining area at 100 Public Square, the Jack Casino, had 22 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

May 13, 2016 - 5 critical violations, 9 non-critical.

Jan. 23, 2017 - 5 critical violations, 3 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

22 - Muldoon Saloon & Eatery, 1020 East 185th St.

Muldoon Saloon & Eatery had 22 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records. (The business name on the building varies slightly from the name listed on health department records.)

Sept. 26, 2016 - 4 critical violations, 6 non-critical.

Oct. 5, 2016 - 1 critical violation, 2 non-critical

Feb. 12, 2017 - 5 critical violations, 4 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

23 - Mamma Santa's, 12301 Mayfield Road

Mamma Santa's had 23 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Nov. 14, 2016 - 7 critical violations, 11 non-critical.

Feb. 21, 2017 - 3 critical violations, 2 non-critical.

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23 - Bistro On 185/ Ruth Levine Events, 991 East 185th St.

Bistro On 18th/Ruth Levine Events had 23 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Aug. 31, 2016 - 5 critical violations, 5 non-critical.

Feb. 11, 2017 - 6 critical violations, 7 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

23 - Shaw Dairy, 12810 Shaw Ave.

Shaw Dairy had 23 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

March 30, 2016 - 3 non-critical violations.

Feb. 21, 2017 - 9 critical violations, 11 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

24 - Abe's Market, 9209 Quincy Ave.

Abe's Market had 24 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records. (A different business name appears on a small sign outside the location, but health department records list the market at this address.)

June 9, 2016 - 5 non-critical violations.

Nov. 9, 2016 - 2 critical violations, 14 non-critical.

Feb. 17, 2017 - 3 non-critical violations.

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24 - Maxi's Bistro, 12113 Mayfield Road

Maxi's Bistro had 24 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Aug. 13, 2016 - 1 non-critical violation.

Dec. 1, 2016 - 7 critical violations, 6 non-critical

Feb. 23, 2017 - 3 critical violations, 7 non-critical.

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25 - Gyro George, 3965 Lee Road

Gyro George had 25 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

April 20, 2016 - 4 non-critical violations.

Oct. 18, 2016 - 1 critical violation, 10 non-critical

Oct. 31, 2016 - 10 non-critical violations.

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25 - Nido-Italia, 12020 Mayfield Road

Nido-Italia had 25 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records. (The sign provides a longer business name than what is listed in the health department records.)

Dec. 7, 2016 - 9 critical violations, 8 non-critical.

Feb. 24, 2017 - 2 critical violations, 6 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

26 - Red Walter's Barbecue, LLC, 8425 Cedar Ave.

Red Walter's Barbecue had 26 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Sept. 23, 2016 - 5 critical violations, 12 non-critical.

Feb. 25, 2017 - 4 critical violations, 5 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

26 - Au Bon Pain, 9500 Euclid Ave.

Au Bon Pain at 9500 Euclid Ave. in a Cleveland Clinic building had 26 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Aug. 5, 2016 - 2 critical violations, 3 non-critical.

Feb. 4, 2017 - 5 critical violations, 16 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

27 - M.L.K. Savmor, 3750 Martin Luther King Drive

M.L.K Savmor had 27 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records. (The business name on the building varies slightly from the name listed on health department records.)

Sept. 12, 2016 - 1 critical violation, 13 non-critical.

Sept. 28, 2016 - 1 critical violation, 9 non-critical.

Jan. 14, 2017 - 3 non-critical violations.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

28 - La Dolce Vita, 12112 Mayfield Road

La Dolce Vita had 28 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Dec. 22, 2016 - 9 critical violation, 12 non-critical.

Feb. 24, 2017 - 2 critical violation, 5 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

29 - Laplaza Supermarket, 13609 Lakewood Heights Blvd.

Laplaza Supermarket had 29 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records. (The sign has a different variation of the spelling of the business.)

Dec. 28, 2016 - 7 critical violations, 15 non-critical.

Feb. 16, 2017 - 3 critical violations, 4 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

29 - New Orleans Deli & Seafood, 14814 Kinsman Road

New Orleans Deli & Seafood received 29 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Aug. 8, 2016 - 2 critical violations, 16 non-critical.

Jan. 9, 2017 - 2 critical violations, 9 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

29 - Wolf's Den, 8214 Cedar Ave.

Wolf's Den had 29 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

May 26, 2016 - 5 critical violations, 8 non-critical.

Jan. 21, 2017 - 4 critical violations, 12 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

31 - Rumi's Market, 8225 Carnegie Ave.

Rumi's Market had 31 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Oct. 17, 2016 - 5 critical violations, 8 non-critical.

Feb. 21, 2017 - 7 critical violations, 11 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

32 - Subway, 16122 Lake Shore Blvd.

Subway at 16122 Lake Shore Blvd. had 32 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Aug. 23, 2016 - 2 critical violations, 3 non-critical.

Aug. 24, 2016 - 3 critical violations, 3 non-critical.

Sept. 1, 2016 - 4 critical violations, 4 non-critical.

Dec. 24, 2016 - 3 critical violations, 5 non-critical.

Dec. 30, 2016 - 1 critical violation.

Jan. 10, 2017 - 1 critical violation, 3 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

47 - Carnegie Marathon, 8302 Carnegie Ave.

Carnegie Marathon had 47 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

March 30, 2016 - 1 critical violation, 7 non-critical.

April 12, 2016 - 7 non-critical violations.

April 19, 2016 - 10 non-critical violations.

May 10, 2016 - 10 non-critical violations.

May 25, 2016 - 1 non-critical violation.

June 23, 2016 - 2 non-critical violations.

Dec. 19, 2016 - 4 critical violations, 5 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

63 - Buettner's Bakery, 704 East 185th St.

Buettner's Bakery had 63 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

Feb. 14, 2017 - 10 critical violations, 17 non-critical.

Feb. 28, 2017 - 17 critical violations, 19 non-critical.

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Rich Exner, cleveland.com

78 - American Food Market, 2603 Woodhill Ave.

American Food Market had 78 food inspection violations during the inspection year from March 1, 2016, through Feb. 28, 2017, according to Ohio Department of Health records.

June 2, 2016 - 3 critical violations, 11 non-critical.

June 6, 2017 - 3 critical violations, 11 non-critical.

June 10, 2016 - 10 non-critical violations.

June 23, 2016 - 8 non-critical violations.

Aug. 23, 2016 - 5 critical violations, 11 non-critical.

Nov. 21, 2016 - 1 critical violation, 8 non-critical.

Feb. 17, 2017 - 1 critical violation, 6 non-critical.

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Use the link below to access this searchable form.

Rich Exner, cleveland.com

More details

Details for each violation at these 27 businesses and at thousands of other restaurants and food handlers across Ohio can be found at our searchable Ohio food inspection database at this link.

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Associated Press

Suburban Cuyahoga County restaurants with the most food citations

At this link, find which suburban Cuyahoga County restaurants and stores were most frequently cited by the Cuyahoga County health department in the inspection year of 2016-17.

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Associated Press file

Summit County places with the most citations

At this link, find which suburban Cuyahoga County restaurants and stores were most frequently cited by the Cuyahoga County health department in the inspection year of 2016-17.

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Associated Press file

Lake County places with the most citations

See our list published earlier of the Lake County restaurants and food retailers with the most violations during the 2016-17 inspection year.

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Associated Press file

Medina County places with the most citations

See our list of Medina County restaurants and food retailers with the most violations during the 2016-17 inspection year.

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Associated Press file

Lorain County places with the most citations

See our list of Lorain County restaurants and food retailers with the most violations during the 2016-17 inspection year.

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Associated Press

Upcoming

Cleveland.com will be publishing similar lists for other health districts.

Rich Exner, data analysis editor for cleveland.com, writes about numbers on a variety of topics. Follow on Twitter @RichExner.

Please take a moment and click here to help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a cleveland.com partner. Every dollar you give buys four meals for the hungry.

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BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio - PizzaFire will open its 11th restaurant in Northeast Ohio in Broadview Heights on Friday, June 16.

The fast-casual restaurant, at 4101 East Royalton Road, is at the northwest corner of Interstate 77 and Ohio 82 (Royalton Road), just west of Giant Eagle. Ribbon cutting is 11 a.m.

A rep for the company says a portion of sales during the grand-opening week will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Summer Camp.

The restaurant offers four dozen toppings, sauces and cheeses, and bakes its pies in 800-degree ovens.

PizzaFire has 15 locations in the state, with most being in Northeast Ohio - Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Cleveland, Fairlawn, Kent, Niles, Parma, Rocky River, Strongsville and Woodmere. It started in 2014.

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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
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland City Council voted Monday to approve legislation to close the city's jail and to pay Cuyahoga County to house prisoners and suspects.

Council also voted to sell the downtown building that houses the city jail and police headquarters to Cuyahoga County. With closure of the jail, the headquarters could be moved to another building downtown.

The long-discussed deal is expected to save Cleveland about $5 million a year. Rather than operating a jail, the city would pay the county $99 a day per person to house its prisoners.

The Cuyahoga County sheriff's staff would handle the booking of all prisoners.

A deal long in the making

Merging jail operations has long been discussed -- most recently in 2014. The city and the county each operate lockup facilities in the Justice Center complex in downtown Cleveland. But they've never been able to finalize a deal.

Cleveland already has been working toward getting out of the jail business. Neighborhood jails at police-district headquarters already have been closed.

A second ordinance authorizes the administration to sell the downtown building. The fair market value for the building at the Justice Center is $9.25 million.

Potential for savings

In 2014, when the last deal fell through, Cleveland housed about 265 prisoners per day. At $99 a day, that would cost the city about $9.6 million over a year.

Mayor Frank Jackson's budget for 2017 allocates $14.7 million toward the city's corrections division. That includes funding for more than 100 corrections officers that no longer would be needed as jailers.

Some of those officers could be shifted to the police department, which is looking to add officers.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - The city of Cleveland will ask the Ohio Supreme Court to sort out the legal issues over whether a referendum on use of city tax money for improvements at Quicken Loan Arena can proceed.

Mayor Frank Jackson and City Council President Kevin Kelley said today that the city's law director would file an action with the state's high court today asking it to rule on whether the city must accept the petition and begin the process toward verifying the signatures they contain.

The city refused to accept the petitions last month, saying that an attempted referendum would unconstitutionally interfere with a contract the city already had entered into over The Q agreement with Cuyahoga County.

Lawyers representing a group of taxpayers from Cleveland had sent the city a letter threatening a lawsuit if the city does not accept their petitions to start the referendum process.

They said today they will seek to intervene in the case.

What's the project?

The Quicken Loans Arena project would dramatically alter the facility's appearance, creating more space for dining, bars and public gathering. The Cavaliers contend that the work will keep the 22-year-old arena competitive with other cities and extend the life of the arena into the 2030s.

The price tag for the work is about $140 million. The final bill, though, after paying off the bonds over several years, will top $200 million. Cleveland's portion of the project would direct admissions taxes collected at the arena from 2024 to 2034 -- estimated to be as much as $8 million a year for 11 years -- toward paying off the debt.

What happened to prompt this?

To get a referendum before voters, those supporting the referendum must gather about 6,000 signatures from Cleveland voters on petitions and submit those petitions to the clerk of City Council.

In May petitioners collected 20,000 signatures from Clevelanders in an effort to repeal the city's commitment to use the admissions tax collected on ticket sales at The Q to help pay for renovations.

The coalition -- Greater Cleveland Congregations, the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus, Service Employees International Union Local 1199, AFSCME Ohio Council 8 and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 268 -- has argued that The Q improvements deal should leverage money for use in neighborhoods for job development, community improvement and for help addressing mental health and addiction issues.

When the group tried to submit the petitions, they were refused. A spokesman the clerk of council said that accepting the petitions would interfere with an existing contract - the one with Cuyahoga County over financing The Q deal - and that would be unconstitutional.

Cleveland lawyers Subodh Chandra and Peter Pattakos, shortly after that, wrote the city on behalf of Cleveland taxpayers in the coalition demanding that the law director file legal action to force the clerk to accept the petitions, as provide under terms of the city charter. Otherwise, they said, they would file a taxpayer lawsuit against the city.

What happens now?

With the announcement Monday, Kelley and Jackson said outside counsel would be hired for both the law director, Barbara Langhenry, who usually represents city government, and for Clerk of Council Patricia Britt.

The reason for filing directly with the Ohio Supreme Court is to try to speed resolution of the case. That process still could take several weeks.

"What the court says will be the rule of law that we will follow," Kelley said.

The issue comes down to what Jackson described as a clash between two valid legal arguments.

The city rejected the petitions arguing an already executed contract, entered into legally, would be improperly interfered with if the referendum proceeds.

The petitioners seek to use a legal referendum process in the city's charter to repeal an ordinance that would use admissions tax on The Q deal and collected 20,000 signatures under that process in hopes of forcing a vote.

"This has nothing to do with The Q deal itself," Jackson said. "This is really about two constitutionally legal arguments."

What do the opponents say?

Lawyers for the coalition will ask the Supreme Court to be allowed to join the case to protect their clients' rights. They don't have confidence that the city, with parties effectively on both sides of the case, will adequately represent the coalition's views, even with use of outside counsel.

The city, Chandra said, "has disinvited the taxpayers."

He questioned why the taxpayers whose names were contained in the letter threatening legal action weren't named as parties to the case.

"We're going to seek to intervene," Chandra said.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mayor Frank Jackson announced Sunday he is joining a group of mayors focused on climate change, just days after Donald Trump announced the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.

Mayors National Climate Action Agenda (MNCAA), also know as Climate Mayors, has nearly 200 members. The group recently sent a letter to Trump opposing the president's policies on the environment.

"We're in support of a worldwide climate action plan and we are committed to doing our part here in Cleveland," Jackson said in a news release. "It is simply the right thing to do."

It is the second time since Trump made his announcement that Jackson has voiced his support for fighting climate change. On Friday, he posted a video on the city's website saying Trump's decision would not affect the city's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

"We have a responsibility to leave for future generation a more green, vibrant and healthy Cleveland," Jackson said in Sunday's statement.

Jackson is not alone in his defiance of the decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord. Several governors and nearly 200 mayors have said they will continue to pursue the goals of the agreement, CNN reports.

In his decision, Trump said the Paris Accord is a "bad deal that will harm American workers."
DAYTON, Ohio -- The cities of Lorain and Dayton plan to file suit against pharmaceutical companies, opioid drug distributors and physicians they say are responsible for Ohio's opioid addiction and overdose crisis.

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, a Democrat who is also running for governor, said the city filed suit Monday and Lorain plans to soon. She said opioid overdoses have burdened police officers and first responders, drug treatment programs and other public services. The lawsuit seeks damages to recover that cost.

"We are beyond a crisis," Whaley said at a news conference. "We have lost so many people. We are in a state of emergency. We need action now."

The lawsuit names as defendants:

five opioid manufacturers: Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and subsidiary Cephalon, Johnson & Johnson and subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Allergan, formerly known as Actavis.

three distributors: McKesson Corporation, AmerisourceBergen Corporation and Ohio-based Cardinal Health.

four physicians associated with the drug companies: Russell Portenoy, Perry Fine, Scott Fishman and Lynn Webster.

The cities' legal threats follow a civil suit filed last week by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. The state's lawsuit, however, only targets the drug makers.

DeWine, a Republican expected to also run for governor, did not rule out going after drug distributors or others.

Whaley said the state's lawsuit does not go far enough.

"As our state's broken partnerships with our communities continue, we are again taking matters into our own hands to get this right and make the drug companies and distributors who created this mess to clean it up," Whaley said.

The complaint filed Monday in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, like the state suit, alleges drug makers understated the risks and overstated the benefits of opioids through deceptive marketing practices.

Dayton's lawsuit also targets doctors who promoted wider opioid prescribing and distribution as consultants paid by the drug manufacturers. The doctors and associated front groups, the complaint says, developed "pro-opioid marketing pieces disguised as science" that misrepresented the risks and benefits of the highly addictive medications.

Distributors, the middlemen between drug makers and pharmacies, have paid millions in settlements in recent cases for not reporting inordinate amounts of painkillers. The complaint alleges the distributors shipped millions of doses of opioids into Dayton -- far more than necessary -- without questioning suspicious or excessive orders.

Ohio led the nation in overdose deaths in 2014, and 3,050 people died in 2015, according to state reports. Several counties have reported more deaths in 2016, with no signs of it slowing down this year.

The opiate epidemic claimed 666 lives in Cuyahoga County last year. County officials are projecting 775 deaths in 2017.

"Cities big and small across Ohio are struggling to serve our citizens with the increasing number of accidental overdoses," Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer said in a statement. "It is time that the companies and distributors who started this epidemic take responsibility for the communities that have been ravaged as a result of the medications they produce."

Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl said the overdose death numbers don't tell the whole story.

Biehl said the Dayton Police Department responded to more than 1,800 calls for service so far this year, on track to respond to double the number of calls compared to 2016.

A greater percentage of opioid overdose deaths have come from heroin and fentanyl, as the state has placed restrictions on prescribers. But officials -- including Whaley and DeWine -- say most heroin users got hooked by first using prescription painkillers.

Mobile readers, click here to read the complaint.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Even before the dead and injured were counted Saturday night in the latest London terror attack, President Donald Trump sent out a series of tweets renewing his calls for a tough 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

The current U.S. travel ban is suspended by two federal judges in Hawaii and Maryland, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th District has upheld the suspension, calling the ban discriminatory.

Nevertheless, Trump's tweets say that the U.S. needs to stop being "politically correct" and to "get smart." On Monday morning, he re-upped his "travel ban" phrasing, even though his use of it has caused legal problems and "was cited by several U.S. district court judges in decisions to stop plans to virtually halt U.S. entry for citizens of six Muslim-majority countries," a Washington Post article states.

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

Politicians on both sides have expressed confusion and distaste for the new travel ban calls, saying they don't believe it's still necessary since the Trump administration has had time to consider and develop new vetting procedures.

"It's been four months since I said they needed four months to put that in place," Missouri GOP senator Roy Blunt said on Fox News Sunday. "I think you can do that without a travel ban and hopefully we are."

Trump's tweets peeved not only politician but also critics, as his travel ban calls and taunts of London's Muslim were sent out before any condolence messages.

"One is prompted to ask if he is off his rocker," conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin wrote in the Washington Post. "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."

On the other hand, Trump's advisors have publicly defended his tweets, particularly on morning shows. White House advisor Kellyanne Conway said on NBC's "Today Show" that the public show pay attention to Trump's actions, not words.

"If you're going to see something and say something, it has to be followed by, do something," Conway said. "And this president is trying to do something to protect the people of this country."

So pundits' opinions aside: do you think Trump's tweets will reignite the fire underneath his arguments? Do you think they will help or hurt his cause to get the ban through the courts?

Join us today from noon-2 p.m. for a constructive conversation about your thoughts on his tweets. Comments will be reviewed by a moderator before they are published.

In a pre-curated conversation, comments are published after they are reviewed -- promptly -- to ensure they adhere to our community rules, which prohibit indecent, hateful, abusive or harassing comments, personal attacks, vulgar nicknames, personal information, email addresses belonging to others, anything inciting criminal behavior and copyrighted material for which you do not own the rights.

Comments that are not on the topic of this discussion will not be published.

Criticism is fine, but make it respectful.

We seek a robust discussion, and civil discourse requires courtesy.
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2017 Excellence in Theatre Education Award Winner Inspires Students in Oregon

Carnegie Mellon University and the Tony Awards Recognize Rachel Harry of Hood River, Oregon

June 05, 2017

By Pam Wigley



Students from Hood River Valley High School helped teacher Rachel Harry of Hood River, Oregon, celebrate her win as this year's Excellence in Theatre Education Award winner.

The Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University have announced that Rachel Harry of Hood River, Oregon, has been named the third recipient of the Excellence in Theatre Education Award. Carnegie Mellon, the exclusive higher education partner of the Tony Awards, will present the award to Harry, a drama teacher at Hood River Valley High School, at the 71st Annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 11, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.



The Excellence in Theatre Education Award recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who has demonstrated monumental impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession. A panel of judges from the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon and other leaders from the theatre industry selected Harry from finalists across the nation. Harry will receive $10,000 for her theatre program, round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for her and a guest to New York City, and tickets to the Tony Awards and Gala.

Harry has been teaching students theater at Hood River Valley High School for 30 years. She built the program and created performances that frequently sell out at the high school and a larger middle school theater with 1,100 seats. Among students and colleagues, she is known by her nickname, "Krum."

"I feel strongly that my teaching should be student-driven. I want my students to explore and to reach and to fail, because all of those things  especially failure  will lead to new avenues of learning. And that makes for better people, more well-rounded people, whether you go into the theater business or not," said Harry, who was an honorable mention choice for the award in 2016.

"Rachel is an inspiration not only to her current students, but also to the alumni she continues to follow as they go out into the world. Her colleagues admire her for her selfless nature and for her work with her students. She is preparing well-rounded, responsible citizens for success in whatever fields they choose. She inspired us when we heard her story, and we are honored to present the Excellence in Theatre Education Award to her," said Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, president of the American Theatre Wing.

"One of the best experiences we have as the exclusive higher education partner of the Tony Awards is recognizing teachers, who inspire students every day to go out and make a difference. We think Rachel is an exemplary role model," said Dan J. Martin, dean of Carnegie Mellon's College of Fine Arts.

A former dancer, Harry is a native of northern Wisconsin. She earned her bachelor's degree in English and theatre at the University of Utah; she earned her master's degree in theater production at Central Washington University. In addition to her Hood River teaching position, she is an instructor at Columbia Gorge Community College. Her philosophy on teaching, she said, is that her students must be given the ability to fully and actively create their own successes and failures.

She credits her former mentor and high school teacher, Richard Webber, for guiding her toward the path she has taken in her career and life. "Webb opened the door to the possibility of, 'I can try anything.' And that's what I try to pass along to my students," she said.

Harry's arts influence extends to her family. She has two children: Duncan Krummel, 21, a recent magna cum laude music composition graduate of Ithaca College in New York, and Tay Camille Lynne, 25, an Austin, Texas, film student who recently presented a short documentary at South by Southwest.
A particularly vexing issue was China's status as a non-market economy. That allows the EU and the U.S. to levy anti-dumping charges on Chinese products allegedly selling below cost. The designation of non-market economy was supposed to be lifted last year, but both Washington and Brussels remain firmly opposed to such an important concession to Beijing.

The gutsy EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told a European Business Summit in Brussels last month that China "needs to walk the (free-trade) talk"  because "whatever President Xi (Jinping) says in Davos (during the World Economic Forum last January), China is still far from a market economy."

Looking at all this, I was wondering: Why does China need to take this sort of treatment?

Beijing has a literally captive Asian market of 4.4 billion people in by far the fastest growing segment of the world economy. Its own increasingly affluent society, with a middle class approaching half a billion mark, is a huge bargaining chip to smash trade shenanigans of hard-up foreign producers desperately looking for large and growing sales opportunities.

And China's stupendous savings rates -- households save 30 percent of disposable income, and the gross national savings amount to 48 percent of GDP -- indicate that it has plenty of money to finance its public and private investments. In fact, China is one of the world's largest financial capital exporters: Last year, it was supposed to recycle its current account surplus of $210 billion.

The monumental Belt & Road project, backed up by China's official funding, magnified by financial resources of private-official partnerships, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the New Development Bank (aka the BRICS bank), local governments (along the B&R trails) and the Eurasian Economic Union (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia) should be a true "dream team." That's what Europeans will be eager to join  just like they did, despite Washington's injunctions, in becoming the first AIIB founding members.

Europe and America can never compete with China's B&R Initiative. More than 100 countries and international organizations are latching on their development programs to these open projects free of trade discrimination. In addition to the $60 billion invested over the last four years, Beijing has just pledged another $79 billion, and a total of $500 billion is expected to finance infrastructure (and related economic assets) in 60 countries along the B&R itineraries over the next five years.

China should not be drawn into the trans-Atlantic family quarrel. Ever since the U.S. presidential elections, the European praise for China was a dig at America. Only the naive could believe the sincerity of China being feted as a new world leader on free trade and climate change by people seething with anger at an America calling out trade freeloaders, ready to correct trade distortions damaging the U.S. economy and asking NATO members to honor their financial obligations.

What happened in Brussels last Friday should help China to see a number of issues.

One, the key to lifting China's non-market economy status is in Washington, not in Brussels.

Two, Washington controls exports of top (i.e., dual-use) technologies that China is complaining about. Brussels has nothing to do with that.

Three, Europe will come around. Its $318.4 billion export business to the U.S., where it takes a trade surplus of $165 billion, has no ready substitutes. China should look at the current episode as a passing hiccup in an irreplaceable trans-Atlantic community, bound by centuries old history, common culture and unbreakable bonds.
China's services sector was more active than expected in May, with a private survey pointing to the fastest pace of expansion in four months thanks to a surge in new orders.

The Caixin/Markit services purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 52.8 in May, beating the forecast of 51.4 and the previous month's 51.5, according to latest figures released on Monday.

The upbeat performance of the services sector contrasted with the country's manufacturing sector. The Caixin/Markit Manufacturing PMI, released last week, fell to 49.6 in May, lower than a 50.1 forecast and April's 50.3.

"The improvement in the services sector bolstered the Chinese economy in May," said Zhengsheng Zhong, director of macroeconomic analysis at CEBM Group in an accompanying note to the data.

"However, the rapid deterioration in the manufacturing industry is worrying," he added.

 Reuters contributed to this story
lowered its sales outlook for the current quarter early Monday, as it gears up for tougher new Federal Trade Commission regulations that appeared to hurt business more than anticipated.

Herbalife now expects revenue to be lower than prior estimates, with a key sales metric known as volume points expected to be 3 percent below its earlier view. Earnings per share were actually increased for the quarter and the full year.

Herbalife expects adjusted profit of 95 cents to $1.15 per share in the second quarter ending June 30, compared to the 88 cents to $1.08 per share it expected earlier.

The company said the transition to the new FTC rules along with softness in Mexico was to blame for the lowered numbers.

"Whenever we introduce change in the marketplace there is typically a short-lived slowdown in sales followed by a return to growth," Herbalife spokesman Alan Hoffman said in an email. "We believe this is a short-term episode and that the second part of 2017 will pick up."

The news comes only about a week after Herbalife had to begin adopting stricter new regulations mandated the FTC as part of its landmark settlement with the company back In August 2016. As part of that deal, Herbalife agreed to a $200 million fine, the biggest ever imposed by the commission, and stricter new rules related to how it accounts for sales of its nutritional products.

Herbalife must now prove that at least 80 percent of its sales are made outside the company's distributor network, with a small portion of that number allowed for personal consumption by the nearly 300,000 distributors in the U.S. Those distributors must also provide receipts for their sales to show they have legitimate end customers. In addition, the company agreed to an outside monitor for seven years to make sure it complies with the new rules.

Though the company said preparing distributors for the new regulations likely impacted sales, there was a silver lining in the disappointment. Herbalife said it easily exceeded the new FTC threshold, showing that 90 percent of sales since May 1 have met the new guidelines.

"We knew we would be able to meet the threshold test of 80 percent because we knew we had real customers," Hoffman said.

The company said it could also show that it has 400,000 so-called "preferred" members in the U.S. who buy products at a discount and aren't pursuing the business opportunity in any way.

Though the cut in guidance could give the activist investor William A. Ackman renewed ammunition in his claim that Herbalife's business will suffer under the weight of the FTC's new rules, the strength of documented sales from outside the company's distributor base runs counter to his claims that Herbalife has no "real" customers.

"These figures should put an end to any questions regarding demand for our nutritional products and the strength of our go-to-market business model," said Richard P. Goudis, Herbalife's new CEO.

Ackman has been short Herbalife shares since 2012, but has lost money on the investment as the stock has traded much higher than he expected. Part of that has to do with rival billionaire Carl C. Icahn, who famously took the other side of Ackman's Herbalife trade and remains one of the company's most powerful financial supporters. Icahn and Ackman famously brawled on live television in January 2013 and are still at odds over the company's future. Icahn has bought more shares in recent months to increase his stake to nearly 25 percent.

When reached by phone on Sunday night and asked to respond to the coming announcement, Icahn said he wasn't alarmed by the lowered sales outlook for the quarter but rather emboldened by the strength of the documented sales and the fact that earnings guidance for the June period and the full-year were taken higher.

"I think this validates the fact that people use the product who are not distributors and it makes any claim against that absurd," said Icahn. "But more importantly I think it's ironic, but factual, that as a result of the propaganda against the company that it now has a much better idea of who their customers are and it opens the door for Herbalife to greatly benefit from e-commerce. Many people in my office use and truly like the products. To digress, it's sort of funny that at times throughout the last four years I felt almost compelled to add to my position when the stock was depressed because of inaccurate rumors out there that I was selling. Obviously, the stock I purchased is much higher today. I haven't sold a single share."

approached a record high just last week.

Reuters contributed to this report.

CORRECTION: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Richard P. Goudis.
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The investing world heads into the first full week of June with a slew of events that will test the market's mettle. Primarily, the action will be focused around Washington and other global capitals for a look ahead on how the economy is shaping up. Neither rain nor sleet nor a real bummer of a May jobs report could derail the market last week, so it will be interesting to see how investors react to this week's news.

Jamie Dimon, chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Christophe Morin | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The business perspective

Tuesday might turn out to be the most interesting day of the week. That's when the Business Roundtable will release its 2017 CEO Economic Outlook survey that will provide clues on what the titans of industry think about the road ahead. The survey will indicate what plans companies have for capital spending, their expectations for sales and whether they will be hiring. Last Friday's nonfarm payrolls report, which showed growth of just 138,000, cast doubt on how robust the employment climate will be. In addition to Tuesday's presentation, the roundtable on Wednesday will talk about the job "skills gap," or the difficulty employers are having finding workers qualified for open positions. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon leads the group and will be joined Wednesday by Ginni Romerty of IBM, Wes Bush of Northrop Grumman and Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta.

On the legislative front

Meanwhile, Congress and President Donald Trump will have a full slate of items to consider with far-reaching consequences. The highlight of the week is an expected vote on the Financial Choice Act, a measure that would roll back reforms to the banking industry made after the financial crisis and the Great Recession. Among other things, the bill would limit the government's ability to declare big institutions "too big to fail" and would cut annual stress tests to every two years. In addition, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also would face substantial changes, and likely would change restrictions banks face on trading for their own benefit. Bank stocks were the big winners after Trump's election, surging nearly 30 percent at one point. However, their fortunes have changed lately and they're down as a group nearly 9 percent over the last three months.

Former FBI director, James Comey. Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

The Russia probe

Not that the markets seem to care, but there remains this small matter in Washington over allegations that Trump campaign principals had improper contact with Russia. This week could provide some real drama in that regard. The big day will be Thursday, when former FBI Director James Comey will testify. None of this Russia business has had a tangible effect on the markets so far. But if Comey comes into that room with some type of smoking gun regarding collusion, or efforts by Trump to get Comey to back off on the investigation while he ran the bureau, that might make investors finally care about instability in the White House.

Busy week for the economy

The beginning of the month means we start another round of economic data, and there's a ton of it ahead. A quick glance: Monday: Nonfarm productivity, unit labor costs, ISM non-manufacturing, factory orders and durable goods.

Tuesday: Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS, a preferred indicator for Fed policy makers.

Wednesday: Consumer credit

Thursday: Quarterly services survey, an under-the-radar indicator that can influence GDP outlook for economists.

Friday : Wholesale inventories. In addition, the European Central Bank on Thursday will issue its latest statement on monetary policy. And UK elections will take place the same day; an upset of Prime Minister Theresa May most certainly would carry reverberations.

A final word
Four Unusual Oregon Coast Weather Phenomena: What They Don't Tell You About

Published 06/04/2017 at 6:53 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast)  It's like a real life X-Files. The Oregon coast is truly stranger than fiction sometimes, especially when it comes to weather phenomena. The green flash, a double-headed sunset, when beaches are ten degrees warmer in winter, and the wild mini-summer that February can bring: expect the absolutely unexpected. (Above: the green flash at sunset taken in Seaside in the early 2000's).





One very interesting aspect of the Oregon coast that many don't realize is the vast difference in temperature that can happen between the tide line and the vegetation line. This is full of surprises.

In summer, this is more obvious  and yet more complex. A town like Manzanita, Cannon Beach or Newport  with sands very close to the sidewalks of city streets  can drastically cool down next to the water. On those rare occasions when it gets into the 80's or even 90's, being next to the ocean  often just a few hundred feet  can put you in the midst of cooling winds and a ten-degree or more temp drop.

Usually, this cools you down. However, in some instances, being up against the tide line can make things a lot warmer. If there's little to no wind, especially in spring, it is warmer next to the ocean. That's because the sands and the sea reflect the sun back. These are the times you really have to worry about sunscreen, too. Even though the temps may be in the 50's or 60's, the sun is strong enough to begin cooking your skin.

This phenomenon is even wilder in February, when winter dissipates at times and the beaches can be at their warmest until summer kicks in. Under these conditions, the town streets can be in the 40's or 50's, but if there's no wind and the sun is just right, the beaches feel more like the 60's, and often the 70's.

Mini-Summer of February. Thus begins the second fascinating fact about Oregon coast weather: the mini-summer of February. This doesn't happen every year (it did not at all in February of 2017), but it does most years.

What happens is there are about 10 to 14 days interspersed throughout the month (not consecutive at all), where things get downright balmy in the middle of winter. The beaches can rise into the 50's to twenty degrees more with bright, cloudless skies and little to no wind. Meanwhile, inland Oregon can be frozen in the 30's. It's downright astounding.

The cause of this? It's a complex set of circumstances that have to do with the coast's temperate climate reacting to the slow warming of this region because of longer days and calming storm patterns. All this equals a bit of a warming trend.





Famed Green Flash at Sunset. This one is also downright jaw-dropping, and often people seeing it for the first time are either shocked or in simple disbelief.

What you see is a kind of a green blob hovering just above the sun, right before it pops out of view at the end of the day. It lasts for a second to nearly ten seconds at times. The exact configuration differs as well. It can be a blob, or just the top of the sun turning green, or it turns the whole glowing ball a shade of green, and other shapes.

It is not, however, literally a flash.

What happens here is the Earth's atmosphere is so thick at that point between you and the sunset that it blocks out certain light bands. In this case, if conditions are right, it will block all but the green bands.

Related to Green Flash: Novaya Zemlya. In most cases, the green flash requires a completely clear and empty horizon, free of clouds. But some cloud formations create the unusual Novaya Zemlya effect and they in turn bring the green flash with them.

The Novaya Zemlya is apparently very rare in many parts of the world, but not so much on the Oregon coast. This is when the clouds create a double-headed sunset, creating an illusion where it seems the sun is setting later than it really is. The upper part is often distorted in appearance, most of the time showing as a series of lighted bands of a rectangular shape. Yet you always see at least part of the real orb just below, descending below the horizon.

This too is the result of refraction, but more complex. In order for the Novaya Zemlya effect to occur, there has to be a large inversion layer in the weather offshore, interacting with what are called atmospheric thermoclines (transition layers between cooler and warmer air and / or ocean). The light of the sunset essentially refracts  or is bent  around those layers.

All this bending and twisting of sunset light can bring the green flash with it. So it's kind of a double feature. Oregon Coast Hotels for this - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours -- Keep an eye on Oregon Coast Weather for these conditions

More on these in the books:





Above: the Novaya Zemlya is showing a hint of green

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Igor Sechin, the Russian securocrat-turned-oil baron, makes his presence felt long before he appears. As a security guard opens the 5-metre-high white doors and shoos a waiter out of the meeting room, the Rosneft chief executive's aides snap to attention.

Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin attends the panel at the 2017 St Petersburg International Economic Forum in St Petersburg, Russia on June 2, 2017. Sefa Karacan | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

Electronic lounge music ripples through the white marble lobby as, across the hallway, a second pair of high doors swing open, revealing the view on to a shiny black floor-to-ceiling Rosneft logo at the end of another immense meeting room. The stage management complete, Mr Sechin saunters into view. More from the Financial Times:

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World Bank warns on emerging market growth As head of Rosneft, the country's biggest oil producer, and a long-time close associate of President Vladimir Putin, Mr Sechin is one of Russia's most powerful men. That power put him at the centre of the political storm triggered by Russia's annexation of Crimea in early 2014. The US hit him with a travel ban and an asset freeze in April of that year, part of wide-ranging sanctions that, together with the oil price collapse, pushed the Russian economy into a two-year recession. Although Rosneft has weathered the crisis surprisingly well, Mr Sechin cannot conceal his resentment.

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"To be honest, I don't like to talk about sanctions. I believe they are totally unjustified and even illegal. One cannot transfer political responsibility on to the corporate level. We are not part of the international politics. We do not form policy," he says. While Rosneft is a publicly-listed company with international shareholders, a controlling 50 per cent stake is held by the state. At times, its business strategy appears to dovetail with the Kremlin. "The aim [of the sanctions] was to influence, to affect the socio-economic situation. To make it worse and to affect the [Russian] elections. That's my deep conviction," he says. Proudly recalling the 25 per cent rise in Rosneft's market capitalisation under his first 18 months as chief executive, he complains that the political crisis put a deep dent into that achievement. "I am sweating to try to bring the capitalisation up. It used to be $93bn. And then somebody decides to impose sanctions. And my capitalisation, the product of my efforts, goes down to $62bn," he says. "The problems that we could have had because of the sanctions, we are solving those problems without any difficulty. They are not affecting us, so far. But the market views it differently," he adds. Outside, over the music and the sound of chatter, handpicked executives from across the global oil industry wait for Mr Sechin at the company's annual St Petersburg party.

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Despite spending most of his career rising through Russia's political system, often as Mr Putin's aide  and with no formal education in geology or engineering  Mr Sechin displays a commanding grasp of the oil industry's technicalities and an understanding of the mechanics and economics of the US shale industry that often escapes many of his traditional crude peers. And while the immediate impact of the sanctions was a financing crunch that forced Rosneft to ask for assistance from the state in 2014, the company's performance over the past three years has defied those that assumed Russia's oil and gas producers would wither without foreign support. Between 2013 and 2016 Rosneft's production rose 10 per cent. No other publicly-traded oil company can get a barrel of oil out of the ground at a lower cost, according to the company. Mr Sechin, a workaholic who rises at 5am and involves himself in all areas of the company's operations, attributes this resilience to "a team that is distinguished by high professionalism, decency, and patriotism in the sense of company patriotism". "We work very hard," he says. "They kept telling us that private companies operate in a more efficient manner. And I completely disagree with that . . . We obviously demonstrate that we are competitive. We can compete with any market players." Not that sanctions have held back Mr Sechin's longstanding ambition to turn Rosneft into a big global producer. This week he is expected to close a deal to take control of Essar Oil, an Indian producer and refiner. Rosneft also owns a stake in a major Venezuelan oil project, is building a refinery in Indonesia and is developing five oilfields in Kurdistan, as part of a number of deals this year to increase its presence in the Middle East market.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly denied he had any compromising material about U.S. President Donald Trump, in a televised interview broadcast on Sunday.

"Well, this is just another load of nonsense," Putin said on NBC News' "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly," when asked whether he had any damaging information on the Republican president.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Libya, Bahrain, and Maldives severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism and opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

Iran  long at odds with Saudi Arabia and a behind-the-scenes target of the move  immediately blamed President Donald Trump for setting the stage during his recent trip to Riyadh.

Gulf Arab states and Egypt have long resented Qatar's support for Islamists, especially the Egyptian-based Muslim Brotherhood, which they regard as a dangerous political enemy.

The coordinated move, with the Maldives and Libya's eastern-based government joining in later, created a dramatic rift among the Arab nations, many of which are in OPEC.

Announcing the closure of transport ties with Qatar, the three Gulf states gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave. Qatar was also expelled from the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

Oil giant Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of backing militant groups  some backed by regional archrival Iran  and broadcasting their ideology, an apparent reference to Qatar's influential state-owned satellite channel al Jazeera.

"(Qatar) embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (Islamic State) and al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly," Saudi state news agency SPA said.

It accused Qatar of supporting what it described as Iranian-backed militants in its restive and largely Shi'ite Muslim-populated eastern region of Qatif and in Bahrain.

Qatar said it was facing a campaign aimed at weakening it, denying it was interfering in the affairs of other countries.

"The campaign of incitement is based on lies that had reached the level of complete fabrications," the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement.

Iran saw America pulling the strings.

"What is happening is the preliminary result of the sword dance," Hamid Aboutalebi, deputy chief of staff of Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, tweeted in a reference to Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia.
President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris climate change deal, but big money investors, such as Singapore wealth fund Temasek, said they're continuing to go green.

Robin Hu, head of the sustainability and stewardship group at Temasek, told CNBC's "The Rundown" on Monday that going green was just good business.

"If you are sitting on the board, whether as a director or an independent director, you must be caring about not just profit, but also the community that you belong to," Hu said on the sidelines of the Ecosperity conference in Singapore on Monday.

"You can not be a sustainable business if you are doing harm to the world around you."

Temasek had a portfolio of around 242 billion Singapore dollars ($175.20 billion) at the end of March.

In a controversial move last week, Trump said the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, saying he wanted a more "fair" deal for American businesses and workers. Globally, there are now only three countries that haven't signed onto the deal: The U.S., Nicaragua and Syria.

That decision spurred an immediate outcry.

Former U.S. Vice President and long-time environmental activist Al Gore said on "Meet the Press" on Sunday, referring to Trump's vow to bring back coal jobs, "Promising to recreate the 19th century is not a visionary strategy for a successful 21st century."
One of the biggest challenges for health-care providers today is getting patients to actually take the medications they've been prescribed. New York City-based start-up AdhereTech is out to change that.

It is one of a latest crop of health-care companies that address an alarming trend that is costing the United States about $290 billion a year: the non-adherence to prescribed medications. Studies have shown that 20 percent to 30 percent of prescriptions are never filled, and 50 percent of medications for chronic disease are not taken as prescribed, according to a review in the Annals of Internal Medicine. This not only causes death but an increase in hospitalizations and cost to our health-care system.

Recognizing the problem, AdhereTech makes patented smart pill bottles that track and improve medication adherence in real time. The wireless bottles are loaded with state-of-the-art technology to tell when patients take their medications, aided by sensors that measure the open and close of the bottle, as well as the bottle's contents.

"It compares what patients are doing, to what they should be doing. If our system notices a discrepancy, which means a dose is missed, we have a bunch of interventions," said AdhereTech's CEO and co-founder Josh Stein.

More from iCONIC:

Tech toy alert: This friendship bracelet teaches girls to code

This guy is keeping Elon Musk's employees healthy  and raking in $30 million a year

A Chinese answer to McDonald's all-day breakfast is booming in New York

The bottles analyze and stream data back to providers so they can study how medications are being taken once administered. If a dose is missed, the bottles light up and chime to remind patients to take their pills. The technology can also prompt reminder phone calls to landlines or cellphones, as well as text messages to patients and caregivers. Doctor interventions can also be activated. While it sounds like a high-tech solution, Stein insists it's anything but.
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The deluge began the day after the election. Countable had already been a popular app among the civic-minded since 2013. Its goal is to make connecting with lawmakers as simple as posting a comment on Facebook. Weighing in on legislation takes just one tap. But ever since Donald Trump's presidential victory, Countable's metrics have been off the charts. Downloads of the app have jumped 300 percent, the company said. Sign ups have also tripled and now hover near a million. Votes on bills have doubled to more than 8 million. "It's been bananas around here since the election," founder and Chief Executive Bart Myers said.

I always used to say this is a country that spends more money marketing a hamburger than we do for our entire political race. Today, we spend more money on politics than a hamburger. Mark Penn veteran Democratic operative

Countable is part of an emerging industry of political start-ups riding the wave of civic engagement that has spread across the country and over both sides of the aisle. There are apps for activism, data and polling firms, advertising and strategy operations  all hoping to tap into the passion of the pussy-hat protests of the Women's March, as well as the packed stadiums that were the hallmark of Trump's campaign. "I think you're seeing the marketplace explode," said Mark Penn, a veteran Democratic operative who runs a private equity fund in partnership with former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "I always used to say this is a country that spends more money marketing a hamburger than we do for our entire political race. Today, we spend more money on politics than a hamburger."

You can thank the super PACs

Politics has always been a magnet for money, but turning the machinery of a campaign into a bona fide business model is trickier. Lobbyists and consultants abound, but their work can be highly cyclical, booming in election years and tapering in between. Fortunes rise and fall depending on the party in power. And local variations in voting make it difficult to scale operations. But those dynamics appear to be changing. The rise of super PACs  political action committees that have no legal limits on how much they can take in and spend  means more money is flowing into politics than ever. Super PACs spent $1.1 billion in 2016, according to OpenSecrets.org, dwarfing expenditures by the parties themselves. And no one is sure just how much money is being spent outside of individual elections on hot-button issues such climate change or the Keystone Pipeline.

We're at the start of this new normal, and more people are more civically engaged than they ever have been. Jeb Ory co-founder, Phone2Action

Take Patagonia, for example. The privately held outdoor outfitter recently launched a campaign to help protect Utah's Bears Ears National Monument. The company used a platform developed by start-up Phone2Action to help people send official public comments to the Interior Department through a website or over their phones. The campaign generated more than 30,000 messages, Phone2Action co-founder Jeb Ory said. "We're at the start of this new normal, and more people are more civically engaged than they ever have been," Ory said. "I think that's something that's really going to reset expectations." Patagonia is one of 60 new clients the start-up has signed since the first quarter of the year alone. Phone2Action's staff has doubled to 50 people since Trump was elected, and Ory said his inbox is flooded with interest from investors. The company started with seed financing of about $600,000 in 2013 and closed a $4.6 million Series A round last year.

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He said many investors who are reaching out have already used his company's technology. In other words, they're becoming activists, too. "They themselves now have taken actions on campaigns," he said. "So when they seek us out and want to talk to us, it's because they've been personally moved around issues. And that makes all the difference in the world." Some big-name investors are already betting on the sector. CB Insights, which tracks venture capital, ranks Civis Analytics as one of the best-funded civic start-ups. The data and research firm was founded by the chief analytics officer of President Barack Obama's presidential campaigns, with seed money from Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Alphabet. It raised $22 million in a round of Series A financing in November.

Demonstrators hold signs to protest against President Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement, on June 2, 2017. Omer Messinger | NurPhoto | Getty Images

Facebook's Sean Parker partnered with Marc Benioff of Salesforce.com and others to invest $9.5 billion in Brigade, an app designed to simplify voting. Countable's backers include Gokul Rajaram, a veteran of Facebook and Google . In March, they received $2 million in seed financing led by venture capital Canaan Partners. Penn's private equity fund, Stagwell Group, recently acquired Targeted Victory, a Republican political strategy firm. "Now we have instant communication through hundreds of millions of people through the amplification social media gives to things," Penn said. "More messages careen through more people than ever before. And people are going to need help developing and sending the best message they can."

Surviving when there's no election
Curiosity is a quality that has always helped in his leadership of one of Asia's biggest cosmetics companies, according to South Korean billionaire Suh Kyung-Bae.

That quality eventually led him to develop three habits through the years that he says are behind much of his entrepreneurial success, Suh told CNBC.

Suh is the chairman and chief executive of South Korean beauty company Amorepacific, and the second-wealthiest man in South Korea. Forbes values his worth at $8.4 billion.

Amorepacific is the largest beauty company in South Korea and the seventh-largest cosmetics manufacturer in the world, according to Women's Wear Daily. The company counts popular South Korean brands like Sulwhasoo, Laneige and Innisfree as part of its portfolio.

The first of Suh's three habits involves picking up a book whenever he can. The billionaire said reading is like a vicious cycle that continuously encourages him to expand his horizons.

It's also a habit he shares with other billionaires  such as Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.

"Reading allows me to acquire new knowledge that I previously did not know, and this motivates me to learn more," Suh explained.
Apple CEO Tim Cook delivers the opening keynote address the 2017 Apple Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) at the San Jose Convention Center on June 5, 2017 in San Jose, California.

The president's decision to withdraw from a landmark environmental agreement is not in the best interest of the country, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said on Monday.

"I think he did listen to me. He didn't decide what I wanted him to decide," Cook told Bloomberg's Emily Chang on Monday. "And I think he decided wrong. I think it's not in the best interest of the United States, what he decided."

On Thursday, President Trump announced that the United States would pull out of the Paris Agreement, a treaty designed to prevent global temperatures from rising by more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Cook sent an email to staff last week reassuring them that Apple would continue to protect the environment.

Apple's new headquarters, Apple Park, is the "world's largest naturally ventilated building," according to the company, projected to require no heating or air conditioning for nine months of the year. About 96 percent of Apple's operations use renewable energy, according to the company. The company is also the steward of multiple forests.

The environment wasn't the only political difference with Trump that Cook expressed during the interview. Cook also explained why he didn't join Trump's business council.

"It wasn't about not wanting to advise on something where I thought that we could help or we had a point of view that should be heard," Cook said. "I'm doing the latter. I can't imagine a situation where I wouldn't do the latter, because I think it's in the best interest of America to do it, and I am first and foremost an American."

Cook's comments followed Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose. At the event, Apple unveiled a new high-end home speaker, new operating systems for Mac, Apple Watch and iPhone, and new and refreshed hardware, including an iPad Pro, iMac Pro, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

Siri was front and center during the event, serving as a conduit for Apple's machine learning capabilities. Augmented reality was also a focus of the keynote address, where a new development platform was demonstrated.

The $349 HomePod is much more expensive than similar products that have already been released by rivals: Amazon's $179.99 Echo device and Google's $129 competitor, Google Home.

Apple "deeply cares" about Music, after creating the iPod, and wants to reinvent music in the home as well, Cook said. Music is just the beginning, Cook told Bloomberg, though he declined to say whether the speaker will eventually make phone calls or enable e-commerce, the way other speakers do.

"For us it's not about being first, it's about being the best," Cook said. "And giving the users an experience that delights them every time. So we don't let the impatience result in shipping something that's just not great."

 CNBC's Todd Haselton and Tom DiChristopher contributed to this report.
A novel cancer drug being developed by AstraZeneca boosted the survival prospects of patients with an aggressive form of breast cancer during a late-stage clinical trial, paving the way for the pharmaceutical group to secure regulatory approval.

The drug was studied in a large Phase III trial of people with a type of breast cancer known as HER2-negative, whose tumours had already spread to other parts of the body and who had inherited a mutation in a gene known as BRCA.

Patients taking AstraZeneca's medicine, Lynparza, typically went for seven months before their cancer became worse, whereas the rate of "progression-free survival" for those on chemotherapy was just over four months.

More from Financial Times:

London mayor accuses May of underfunding capital's security

Clayton team signals rethink for SEC enforcement

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar



The results of the trial were unveiled at the world's largest cancer meeting on Sunday and were included in a late-breaking session by the conference organisers because they were deemed to be scientifically important.

Lynparza is part of a new class of medicines known as parp inhibitors that work by trying to stop cancer cells from repairing themselves. They appear to help those patients who have inherited a BRCA mutation that significantly increases their chances of developing ovarian or breast cancer.

AstraZeneca's drug has been approved for some ovarian cancer patients, as have rival medicines from Clovis and Tesaro, but doctors have not yet been given a green light to use the therapies in breast cancer.

"The results in breast cancer have been spotty and not yet definitive but I think this will start to change that," said Dr Daniel Hayes, the president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which is hosting its annual meeting in Chicago this weekend.

Like most novel drugs, Lynparza is first being tested in the sickest patients  those who have so-called metastatic disease that has spread to other parts of the body and who often have grim survival prospects.

"This is the first time we have been able to show an improvement in outcomes for these patients with a parp inhibitor," said Dr Mark Robson, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer, who led the trial.

Breast cancer sufferers with metastatic disease account for about a quarter of patients, and only a minority of those have BRCA mutations.

But Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca chief executive, said the trial results were a sign that the drug could help patients whose disease is not so advanced.

The company is presently running a large trial to determine whether the medicine can improve outcomes in so-called adjuvant therapy  which is given to earlier stage patients after they have undergone surgery  with results due in 2019.

"The data are important, they show there is a very significant clinical benefit, and they give us hope for the adjuvant study we have been running," Mr Soriot said.

Lynparza is one of several cancer drugs that AstraZeneca hopes to use to build a successful oncology franchise in the coming years, which could guarantee its future as an independent company.

Sales of the medicine have struggled in the US amid fierce competition in the ovarian cancer market, but a string of approvals in breast cancer would change that, Mr Soriot said.
Ben Jealous wants to do what Bernie Sanders' couldn't: Win.

The former NAACP president's work as one of Sanders' most prominent surrogates last year led to his own campaign for governor of Maryland, which he launched last week.

"The campaign that I will build will focus equally on not just defending but extending Obama's legacy, and finishing what Bernie started," Jealous, who hopes to combine the support of young progressives and people of color into a winning coalition, said in an interview with NBC News. "Politics cannot be symbolic. We are in this to win real victories for real people in real time to make real change."

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Sanders' "political revolution" has helped move the center of gravity in the Democratic Party to the left, pushing issues like single-payer health care and debt-free college closer to the mainstream. But it's had a harder time actually winning elections.

Maryland is one of four heavily Democratic states with GOP governors. Ambitious Dems are lining up to challenge Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in 2018, when he's expected to be vulnerable thanks to President Donald Trump's deep unpopularity in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans two-to-one.

Jealous, well known as the youngest person ever to lead the NAACP, is one of the first candidates to get in the race. But several top-tier hopefuls are expected to follow, setting up what will likely be one of the nation's marquee Democratic primaries next year, helping to set the party's ideological course ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

The primary, like almost every one that gets tagged as a replay of the Hillary Clinton-Sanders face off in 2016, is more complicated, with race, experience, and geography all likely to be major factors.

So far, Sanders and his allies have suffered more high-profile losses than wins.

Another setback may come on Tuesday in New Jersey. Polls in the state's gubernatorial primary show Phil Murphy, a former Goldman Sachs executive with near-unanimous support from state party leaders, on track to beat a Democratic field that includes state Sen. John Wisniewski, who chaired Sanders' presidential campaign in the state.

Sanders himself has stayed out the race, a snub familiar to several Sanders-aligned candidates who waited in vain for a visit from the Vermont senator.

Other recent losses include: Rob Quist, the congressional candidate in Montana, where Sanders made four stops the weekend before the election; Heath Mello, whose Omaha mayoral campaign Sanders helped nationalize; Rep. Keith Ellison, whose bid to lead the Democratic National Committee ended with a consolation prize of deputy chair; and Sanders-wing candidates who lost bids to lead state Democratic parties in California, Florida and Maine.

Neither of the two Sanders-aligned candidates in an April special congressional election in Los Angeles made it to the runoff. "We're really good on the messaging, and the rallies," Wendy Carrillo, one those candidates, told Politico California. "But it needs to translate into votes."

But Sanders' defenders say the so-called party establishment loses plenty of races, too, starting with Clinton.

They point to a slew of down-ballot wins, tallied on the website of Our Revolution, which grew out of Sanders' presidential campaign, and some higher-profile ones like Rep. Primaya Jayapal's successful race last year.

And they say party leaders are too quick to pass over races in tough districts, like the one Christine Pellegrino won last month to claim a New York Assembly seat from a part of Long Island Trump carried overwhelmingly.

"The teachers union and the Working Families Party forced the Democratic Party to back a bold progressive in a race that they had written off," said Dan Lipton, the New York State Director of the liberal Working Families Party.

"It just shows that that message, regardless of the person that it's attached to, that's the message that people want to hear," said Pellegrino, who was a Sanders delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

And in almost every race, defenders say, even losing Sanders-wing candidates help shape the eventual winner's policies.

"I think this year you are seeing an outpouring of a new politics  and whether someone voted for Bernie or Hillary, there's a new openness to serious, honest compassionate populism," said Zephyr Teachout, a prominent progressive activist who ran unsuccessfully for Congress last year.

But a state assembly race is still a baby step compared to winning contests for governor, Senate or even president.

In Maryland, Jealous says Sanders voters are crucial to his path to victory.

"You start with the broad coalition that comes out of a so-called unsuccessful presidential primary bid and then you add to it the life that you've lived," said Jealous, whose interracial parents were not legally allowed to marry in Maryland in 1967.

Specially, that means African-Americans, who make up about 45 percent of the Democratic primary electorate in Maryland, but with whom Sanders struggled to win support.

Jealous' model is Doug Wilder, who became the first African-American governor since Reconstruction when he won in Virginia in 1989, in part by building on Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign from the previous year.

Sanders has been criticized for saying the Democratic Party needs to focus more on economic issues and less on so-called identity politics.

But Jealous, perhaps surprisingly for the former head of the NAACP, says a class-based appeal is necessary to win both working-class whites in western Maryland and African-Americans in Baltimore.

"Our party is the party of FDR, JFK, MLK, RFK and LBJ," he said. "When you're that party, of course you have to stand up for civil rights. But if we're honest, each of those folks were as committed, if not more so, to ending poverty and expanding opportunity. Dr. King died planing the Poor Peoples' campaign. FDR's greatest legacy is what he did to lift us out of the Great Depression," he said.

"We as a party have to get back to being all of who we are," he added.
He singled out companies in the memory and semiconductor spaces as the ones most vulnerable.

Andrew Swan, BlackRock's head of Asian and global emerging markets equities, said Monday the asset manager has turned "underweight" on the IT sector. One of the concerns he cited was the increasing supply, which can be "damaging" for the sector going into the second half of 2017 and 2018.

Technology stocks have had a great start to the year, touching record high levels after posting better than expected earnings. But BlackRock , the world's largest asset manager, sounded a word of caution: profit growth may not be sustainable.

Pedestrians walk with umbrellas in front of BlackRock Inc offices in New York, U.S.

"In terms of the areas that we're underweight or cautious, that would be in IT, increasingly. What's interesting is over the last six months, we've seen very strong profit recovery in the sector of about 25 percent in terms of profit revisions, but the sector has actually gone up more than that. It's gone up close to 35 percent," Swan said at BlackRock's 2017 Asia Mid-Year Investment Outlook.

"There's a high probability we're going to see companies looking to scale capacity in general. And it's normally the supply side that becomes more damaging for the sector," he added.

Despite that, BlackRock still has holdings in tech companies such as Samsung Electronics , Tencent and Alibaba Group . But Swan said his team is also increasing investments in the "old economies sector" such as financials and energy.

Overall in Asia, the asset manager is optimistic on China, India and Indonesia in both equities and credit. Belinda Boa, CIO of emerging markets and fundamental active equity, said the reflationary story is very much alive in the region despite the recent pull back seen in many economic data.

China, for instance, posted uneven PMI readings for its services and manufacturing sectors, while India's growth decelerated in the first quarter.

"We believe that the implied (global) growth rate will be sustained. This reflation trend will continue to dominate as the main macro theme for markets. We think that both emerging markets and Europe will continue to look attractive going forward," said Boa, who is also head of active investments for Asia Pacific.

She added that political risks in Europe have diminished compared to the beginning of the year, but security risks surrounding North Korea remained.

In terms of the impact of external developments on Asia, BlackRock's head of Asian credit Neeraj Seth said guidance by the European Central Bank is a larger factor than the United Kingdom elections this Thursday.

"Overall, the election this Thursday is getting a lot closer than say a month ago when it was called, but I don't think the U.K. election results have any significant impact on our markets either way The markets have started to insulate a lot of those. If anything, I'd say the more important event in the current week is going to be the ECB meeting and what we get out of it in terms of the forward guidance," he said.
President Donald Trump (L) listens to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt after announcing his decision that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., June 1, 2017. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

A group of conservation organizations sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday, saying the agency unlawfully suspended Obama-era rules to cut methane pollution. The lawsuit is another sign that environmentalists intend to use the courts to block President Donald Trump's effort to roll back energy regulations and climate change initiatives pushed by his predecessor. Environmental groups have already sued the president over his approval of the Keystone XL pipeline and for seeking to overturn President Barack Obama's ban on offshore drilling in the Arctic. Some nonprofits, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, have also sued over Trump's executive order requiring federal agencies to repeal two regulations for every new one they propose. Six conservation groups on Monday filed suit after the EPA last week suspended implementation of rules meant to prevent methane leaks from oil and gas operations. They said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt issued a 90-day stay without giving the public advance notice or the opportunity to comment, as required by law.

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"In its haste to do favors for its polluter cronies, the Trump EPA has broken the law," Meleah Geertsma, senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a statement. "The Trump administration does not have unlimited power to put people's health in jeopardy with unchecked, unilateral executive action like this." The groups are asking the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals to review the EPA's action and either temporarily block it or throw it out altogether. The EPA asserted in a press release last week that it has the authority to issue the stay under the Clean Air Act while it reviews the rule. Trump ordered the review as part of a wide-ranging executive order that targeted Obama-era climate policies. An agency spokesperson told CNBC that the EPA does not comment on ongoing litigation. This comes after Senate Republicans unsuccessfully attempted to overturn a similar Bureau of Land Management methane rule regulating drilling on federal and Native American land. Both the EPA and BLM rule have been challenged in court by a number of oil-producing states with backing from the energy industry.

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Industry groups such as the American Petroleum Institute say the methane rules are unnecessary, because many drillers are already tackling the problem themselves and the regulation does nothing to help those efforts. Scientists recently concluded that the oil and gas industry produced far more methane emissions than previously thought, but leaks from the sector did not drive the increase in overall emissions since 2007. That is because the industry has indeed reduced leaks. But the scientists also concluded that while the industry got better at preventing methane from escaping, increased production of oil and gas in the United States had offset the drop in leaks. Methane accounts for a smaller share of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity than carbon dioxide and stays in the atmosphere for less time than CO2, but it is more efficient at trapping radiation, according to the EPA. Watch: Mnuchin says withdrawing from Paris not about environment
1. Request feedback

Starting a business is a process of trial and error. During an August 2013 Google Hangout hosted by Google for Entrepreneurs, Musk emphasized the importance of asking for advice. "Take as much feedback from as many people as you can about whatever idea you have," Musk said. "Seek critical feedback. Ask them what's wrong. You often have to draw it out in a nuanced way to figure out what's wrong." Sometimes critiques are hard to hear, but it's all part of the learning process. If you want to succeed in business, learn not to take feedback personally. This advice is useful even if you're not trying to helm a startup. When you're too close to a project, it's often difficult to spot missteps, so input from others can prove invaluable.

VCG | Getty Images

2. Get your hands dirty

Musk didn't build Tesla by sitting in a corner office watching employees work. During the Hangout, he explained that as company leaders, co-founders and CEOs have to pitch in where necessary to keep the company afloat. "You've got to do all sorts of jobs and tasks that you might not wish to do, that are not intrinsically interesting to you," he said. "You've got to be prepared to do whatever it takes, work whatever hours. No task is too menial. I think, that's the right attitude for CEO of a startup." Anything but glamorous, the job of the CEO can include anything from answering phones to cleaning the office kitchen when your company is just starting out. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

3. Hire for cultural fit

When hiring new employees, you have to make sure they mesh well with your team. In the Hangout, Musk emphasized the importance of teamwork and aligning expectations from the beginning. "I think it's important that everyone understands exactly what the mission is, what the goal is and that when they join the company, they be brought into that overall goal," Musk said. "As long as that goal is clearly defined and understood and people are saying 'yes,' they agree with that goal when they join the company  so, they are not just joining for a salary but they believe in what the company is doing" If a staffer starts behaving in a manner that doesn't align with your company culture, Musk recommended talking to the person and explaining the problem. In most cases, he said the person will change their behavior, but if they don't, you need to be prepared to let them go.

4. Ask meaty interview questions

Job seekers looking for work at Tesla, SpaceX or any of Musk's companies are put through the ringer. Not likely to be fooled by an expert interviewer, Musk believes tough interview questions show a candidate's true fit for the position. At the February 2017 World Government Summit in Dubai, Musk talked about the one interview question he believes reveals the most about a candidate's aptitude  though it's quite the multifaceted request. "Tell me the story of your life and the decisions that you made along the way and why you made them. And also tell me about some of the most difficult problems you worked on and how you solved them," Musk said. "People that really solved the problem, they know exactly how they solved it  they know the little details." Musk emphasized the importance of the question, noting that candidates trying to fake their way into the job can only elaborate to an extent until they're caught in the lie. Therefore, if you want to hire the best person for the job, you have to dig deep.

5. Don't let naysayers get you down

When Musk was named to the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2013, Richard Branson wrote a profile on him for the magazine, praising his ability to prove critics wrong. "Whatever skeptics have said can't be done, Elon has gone out and made real," Branson wrote. Powered by innovation, the Tesla motors CEO is unstoppable  even when skeptics believe his ideas won't make it off the ground. Whether he's defending the price of Tesla stock or the need to colonize Mars, Musk doesn't flinch. "It's a paradox that Elon is working to improve our planet at the same time he's building spacecraft to help us leave it," Branson wrote. "But true vision is binocular  and Elon Musk is clearly a man who can see many things at once."

6. Get rid of process

"I don't believe in process ," Musk said in a 2012 Wired interview. "In fact, when I interview a potential employee and he or she says that 'it's all about the process,' I see that as a bad sign." Though shocking if said by most other CEOs, it's probably not too surprising that a man focused on innovation likes to switch things up. In fact, his reasoning will probably make you want to throw process out the window. "The problem is that at a lot of big companies, process becomes a substitute for thinking," he said. "You're encouraged to behave like a little gear in a complex machine. Frankly, it allows you to keep people who aren't that smart, who aren't that creative."

7. Don't focus on money
The efforts of tech companies to disrupt online terror planning have been criticized after attacks in the U.K., but one analyst says there is little they can do.

"Encryption is used to secure all our conversations online. Strong encryption enables us to do commerce and do business and communicate in a very, very secure way," security consultant Brian Honan told CNBC on Monday. He said that asking tech companies to provide security services with special access to online communication can't be done.

"It is not possible mathematically and technically to create a back door or golden key that can only be used by law enforcement to bypass that encryption. What you are doing is weakening the strong property of encryption," said the CEO of BH Consulting.

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May and her Home Secretary Amber Rudd have asked big internet firms to do more in the fight on terror. In her speech Sunday, May called for wider regulation on companies operating in the sector.
Barely an hour after a news organization published an article about a Top Secret National Security Agency document on Russian hacking, the Justice Department announced charges against a 25-year-old government contractor who a senior federal official says was the leaker of the document.

The May 5, 2017 intelligence document published by The Intercept, an online news organization, describes new details about Russian efforts to hack voting systems in the U.S a week prior to the 2016 presidential election. While the document doesn't say the hacking changed any votes, it "raises the possibility that Russian hacking may have breached at least some elements of the voting system, with disconcertingly uncertain results."

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Even as the document was ricocheting around Washington, the Justice Department announced that a criminal complaint was filed in the Southern District of Georgia charging Reality Leigh Winner, 25, a federal contractor, with removing classified material from a government facility and mailing it to a news outlet.

The complaint did not link the charges with the story, but a senior federal official confirmed to NBC News that Winner is the accused leaker of the document published by the Intercept. The NSA has a large facility in Georgia.

The complaint says she admitted to printing out the document and mailing it to the news outlet.

It adds that the government found evidence that Winner "had email contact" with the news outlet, and that Winner was one of just six individuals who had viewed the intelligence reporting since the U.S. government published it internally.
President Donald Trump's string of tweets Monday about his hoped-for travel restrictions "certainly won't help" the government's case in the Supreme Court, prominent lawyer George Conway said.

In a tweet, Conway  who is married to Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway and recently dropped out of consideration for a Justice Department post  said the tweets may make some people "feel better," but they won't help the argument that Trump's executive order on immigration is legal.

Conway tweet: These tweets may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly won't help OSG get 5 votes in SCOTUS, which is what actually matters. Sad.

NBC News confirmed that the Twitter account is Conway's. "OSG" is an abbreviation for the Office of Solicitor General, which litigates on behalf of the government. "SCOTUS" is the Supreme Court of the United States.

The Justice Department filed last week for the Supreme Court to review a decision by a Virginia-based federal appeals court that blocked enforcement of the measure. Trump's executive order, revised from an earlier version so that it would stand up better to legal scrutiny, temporarily restricted travel from six predominantly Muslim countries.
Customers look at a dress at a Big Bazaar hypermarket, operated by Future Retail Ltd., in Mumbai, India, April 16, 2017.

As retailers struggle in the U.S., a new report suggests India could be the next bright spot for the industry.

A.T. Kearney's annual look at emerging retail markets puts the country at the top of the list, ahead of China, which has been a longtime index leader. The report gauges the best opportunities for retail investments globally and ranks the top 30 developing countries based on the firm's findings for market attractiveness. Population, GDP per capita, national retail sales and country risk are a few factors taken into consideration.

"The 2017 [global retail development index] is all about the geopolitical scene and how it affects business," said Hana Ben-Shabat, a co-author of A.T. Kearney study. "Retailers are thinking twice about expansion into places where there is uncertainty about future government actions or high political risk."

Further, "mobile shopping is challenging the ways retailers think about global expansion, as well as about their role in the value chain," co-author Mike Moriarty added. "We are expecting more retailers to use mobile as part of their future expansion plans."

In this year's "Age of Focus" report, Asia houses five of the top 10 countries, including India and now second-place China.

India's expanding economy, coupled with booming consumption rates, urbanizing population and growing middle class, are what moved the country to the top spot, A.T. Kearney explained.

Retailers such as Armani Exchange, Kate Spade , Cole Haan and Muji all entered the Indian market in 2016.

Meanwhile, China fell on 2017's list as its market is maturing and GDP growth has lagged, but the country's size and e-commerce opportunity remain strong, the consulting firm went on.
Albatross | Getty Images

Israel's energy sector is going through momentous changes due the development of its large offshore natural gas reserve. Last week, Greek oil and gas company Energean introduced a new element of competition into the country's domestic gas market by signing contracts for its two Israeli fields, and earlier this year the country started exporting gas to neighboring Jordan, albeit in initially small quantities. There are high hopes that Israel's substantial proven reserves, as well as the likelihood of future finds, will change not only the economy but also the geopolitical situation in the region, with Israel potentially becoming an exporter also to Egypt, Turkey and even to Europe. Yet, a combination of that same geopolitical situation, low natural gas prices, the lack of an export infrastructure and regulatory issues may temper such dreams, say experts. Exports are crucial to attracting major international players to Israel's gas exploration and production sector, says Roee Zass of Tel Aviv-based TASC, which has extensive experience consulting in the Israeli energy sector. "The Ministry of Energy has understood that exports are crucial and is trying to assist but infrastructure and geopolitics is something that takes years and there are lots of obstacles on the way," says Zass. The real measure on Israel's gas potential may come next month, when it becomes clear what companies are bidding for on a tender for oil and gas exploration in 24 additional blocks that are generally thought to hold significant possibilities. Yet, the deadline had to be postponed from April, indicating tepid interest from major international players.

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Israel went within the space of 10 years from a country that hardly even consumed gas to a major producer that's eyeing significant export opportunities. The country's first offshore gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, Yam Thetis, came online in 2004, followed by the much larger Tamar field in 2013. Both are majority owned by a partnership between Israel's Delek and the U.S. firm Noble Energy and almost exclusively supply the domestic market. The real game changer, making Israel potentially a natural gas player, was the discovery of Leviathan in 2010. It is estimated to hold at least some 500 billion cubic meters (BCM) of gas and is expected initially to be able to produce 12 BCM annually starting in 2019. Noble Energy decided to go ahead with development of Leviathan earlier this year after a protracted political and regulatory wrangle in Israel over competition and prices was settled in 2016, and after a major export contract was signed with Jordan.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem March 5, 2017. Abir Sultan | Pool | Reuters
A daily morning look at the financial stories you need to know to start the day. STOCKS/ECONOMY -Stock futures are a bit lower after last week's strong gains. PMI and ISM non-manufacturing data are due out this morning. OIL/ENERGY -Oil prices are a bit lower after the news that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are cutting ties initially raised prices. U.S. crude is at the $47 a barrel level. TERROR/DEFENSE -Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates have all cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, claiming that nation has too many terror ties and is in some kind of allegiance with Iran. TERROR/DEFENSE (continued) -London police have arrested 12 people, including 7 women, in connection with Saturday night's deadly terror attack on and near London Bridge. ISIS has claimed responsibility. -British PM Theresa May is calling for more regulation of the Internet and social media after the London attack. TRUMP TRADE -President Donald Trump will today unveil some details of his plan for a $1 trillion spending program to improve U.S. infrastructure. -President Trump will also reveal today his plan to at least partially privatize air traffic control. TRADING NATION -Apple got a rare downgrade by Pacific Crest Sunday. Its analysts suggest owning Alphabet instead. MOVING AMERICA -Toyota has dumped its stake in Tesla. BOX OFFICE -Warner Brothers' Wonder Woman enjoyed a $223 million opening weekend in global sales.

New high-rise office buildings and hotels in Doha, Qatar. Nadine Rupp | Getty Images
The National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656 4673 provides confidential support and referrals. Callers who enter their zip code will be connected to a support organization working in that area. The Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence represents 50 programs statewide, helping survivors find resources and advocating for them at the state capitol. The Childrens Alliance of Montana represents nationally certified Childrens Advocacy Centers that provide support tailored to kids.
A disgruntled former employee at an Orlando, Florida RV accessory business fatally shot five workers Monday morning before turning the gun on himself, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The shooting was first reported around 8 a.m. at the headquarters for Fiamma, Inc. Once deputies arrived on scene, they found three men and one woman already dead, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said during a press conference.

A fifth man was transported to a nearby hospital where he died, according to Demings.

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The 45-year-old suspect, who was fired from Fiamma Inc. in April, shot himself, Demings said. The suspect's name was not released.

The shooter arrived at his former place of work with a knife and a handgun, police said, but there is no indication he used the knife. There were approximately 12 people in the building at the time of the shooting, according to police.

Demings said that the former employee had a minor criminal history, including DUI, marijuana possession and misdemeanor battery.

However, he added, police had been called to Fiamma Inc. before because the suspect had been involved in a "workplace violence" incident.

Demings said there was no indication the suspect was involved in any kind of terror plot.

A sister of one of the employees told reporters gathered at the scene that her relative was using the bathroom when she heard a "loud bang."

Shelley Adams, of South Orlando, said her sister, Shelia McIntyre, told her that when she exited the bathroom, she saw a deceased victim on the ground.

Adams said her sister and others were taken to a nearby fire academy, but Adams didn't know how many people were with her sister and if they were also employees of the business.

Florida Governor Rick Scott issued a statement, asking Floridians to pray for those impacted by the shooting.

"Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before," Scott said. "I have been briefed by our law enforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today."

The shooting comes just one week before the first anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, in which 49 people were killed, one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs asked that the public be vigilant, and report any activity that seems suspicious.

"The situation here appears to be very different than the situation at Pulse," Jacobs said. "They appear to be two separate incidents. I would ask citizens that if you see behavior that troubles you  make the call."

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
Protesters outside the New York City office of Mylan Pharmaceuticals, the maker of EpiPen, in New York last September.

A few weeks ago, after some particularly incompetent parenting on my part (nuts in the dessert, a rushed trip to an emergency room after my child's allergic reaction), I visited the local pharmacy to fill an EpiPen prescription.

You might recall EpiPen as last year's poster child for out-of-control drug prices. Though this simple medical device contains only about $1 of the drug epinephrine, the company that sells it, Mylan , earned the public's enmity and lawmakers' scrutiny after ratcheting up prices to $609 a box.

Outraged parents, presidential candidates and even both parties in Congress managed to unite to attack Mylan for the price increases. By August, the company, which sells thousands of drugs and says it fills one in every 13 American prescriptions, was making mea culpas and renewing its promise to "do what's right, not what's easy," as the company's mission statement goes.

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So I was surprised when my pharmacist informed me, months after those floggings and apologies had faded from the headlines, that I would still need to pay $609 for a box of two EpiPens.

Didn't we solve this problem?

Not quite. What's more, Mylan is back in the news. On Wednesday, regulators said the company had most likely overcharged Medicaid by $1.27 billion for EpiPens. The same day, a group of pension funds announced that they hoped to unseat much of Mylan's board for "new lows in corporate stewardship," including paying the chairman $97 million in 2016, more than the salaries of the chief executives at Disney , General Electric and Walmart combined.

Over the last several weeks, I've spoken with 10 former high-ranking executives at Mylan who told me that they weren't surprised EpiPen prices were still high. Nor were many startled by last week's developments.

Mylan, they said, is an example of a firm that has thrived by learning to absorb, and then ignore, opprobrium. The company has an effective monopoly on a lifesaving product, which has allowed its leaders to see public outrage as a tax they must pay, and then move on.

Mylan has been called out again and again over the years  by the company's own employees, regulators, patients, politicians and the press  and hasn't changed, even as revenue has skyrocketed, hitting $11 billion last year. The firm is a case study in the limits of what consumer and employee activism, as well as government oversight, can achieve.

Which means this time, if we're hoping for a different outcome, something more needs to be done.

To understand Mylan's culture, consider a series of conversations that began inside the company in 2014. A group of midlevel executives was concerned about the soaring price of EpiPens, which had more than doubled in the previous four years; there were rumors that even more aggressive hikes were planned. (Former executives who related this and other anecdotes requested anonymity because they had nondisclosure agreements or feared retaliation. Aspects of their accounts were disputed by Mylan.)

In meetings, the executives began warning Mylan's top leaders that the price increases seemed like unethical profiteering at the expense of sick children and adults, according to people who participated in the conversations. Over the next 16 months, those internal warnings were repeatedly aired. At one gathering, executives shared their concerns with Mylan's chairman, Robert Coury.

Mr. Coury replied that he was untroubled. He raised both his middle fingers and explained, using colorful language, that anyone criticizing Mylan, including its employees, ought to go copulate with themselves. Critics in Congress and on Wall Street, he said, should do the same. And regulators at the Food and Drug Administration? They, too, deserved a round of anatomically challenging self-fulfillment.

When the executives conveyed their anxieties to other leaders, including the chief executive, Heather Bresch, these, too, were brushed off, they told me.

Those top leaders' responses are a far cry from the message on Mylan's website, which says that "we challenge every member of every team to challenge the status quo," and that "we put people and patients first, trusting that profits will follow."

But Mylan is a prime example of how easy it is for leaders to say one thing publicly and act differently in private. When we talk about consumer or employee activism, we tend to focus on firms like United Airlines, which quickly apologized and changed its policies after a video emerged of a passenger being dragged off a plane.

However, in many other cases, outrage is ineffective. Mylan's behavior persists because it is hard, and often tedious, for employees and the public to continue complaining  particularly when bosses disagree, or when some newer outrage appears on our Facebook feed.

But the costs of going silent are real. Regulators missed an opportunity to reform Mylan in 2012 when the company produced a television commercial showing a mother driving her son to a birthday party and implying that he could eat whatever he wanted, despite his nut allergy, as long as an EpiPen was nearby to counteract a reaction. The commercial also suggested that an EpiPen was a sufficient treatment on its own.

Mylan knew neither of those was true, according to executives from that period. In fact, Mylan had recently started a major lobbying effort to encourage schools to stock EpiPens by arguing that people with serious food allergies are always at risk, and that EpiPens were a necessary supplement to emergency medical treatment.

Before the birthday advertisement aired, the ad went through multiple internal review processes. Mylan executives told Ms. Bresch that the commercial was improper. One employee went so far as to send an internal email saying the advertisement would increase the frequency of allergic reactions, according to a person who saw the correspondence.

Ms. Bresch disagreed. She said it was better to act boldly, according to a former executive who participated in that conversation.

So the advertisement went on television. And a record number of consumer complaints arrived at the Food and Drug Administration. The agency ordered the commercial pulled after just a few days because it was "false and misleading," "overstates the efficacy of the drug product" and "may result in serious consequences, including death." The agency ordered Mylan to broadcast another ad, this one acknowledging that the "EpiPen cannot prevent an allergic reaction."

But regulators never investigated why Mylan's internal protocols had allowed the dangerous ad to air. And a year later, Mylan received something akin to a government endorsement. President Barack Obama signed a federal law encouraging schools to stock emergency epinephrine supplies. The White House celebrated it as the "EpiPen Law."

When I approached Mylan about these and other anecdotes, the company disputed employees' accounts. In a statement, it wrote that "any allegations of disregard for consumers who need these lifesaving drugs, government officials, regulators or any other of our valued stakeholders are patently false and wholly inconsistent with the company's culture, mission and track record of delivering access to medicine."

Mr. Coury declined to be interviewed, but Ms. Bresch sat down with me last month at Mylan's Manhattan offices. She said that Mylan was "a pretty rare and unconventional company," and that it was focused on delivering low-cost drugs. A broken health care system, she said, is responsible for the inefficiencies and high prices that plague consumers.

She added that Mylan had responded promptly when the Food and Drug Administration criticized the company's advertisement in 2012, and that the EpiPen had become more expensive because Mylan had invested in public awareness and improving the device.

"Look at what we've built, and what we deliver day-in and day-out," Ms. Bresch told me, "and at the center of all of that is the patient."

But it seems hard to reconcile those comments with allegations from employees, regulators and other companies. In December, attorneys general in 20 states accused Mylan and five other firms of conspiring to illegally keep prices high on an antibiotic and a diabetes drug. In October, Mylan returned nearly a half-billion dollars to the federal authorities in an attempt to stem the investigation into overcharging that regulators cited on Wednesday. And in April, one of Mylan's competitors, Sanofi, filed a lawsuit accusing the firm of committing antitrust violations to keep an EpiPen competitor off the market.

Then there are situations that, at other firms, might have set off firings or corporate soul-searching, but that at Mylan caused neither. In 2007, reporters discovered that Ms. Bresch had not received the M.B.A. degree she claimed on her resume. In 2012, Mr. Coury was criticized by investors and the media for repeatedly using the company plane to fly his son to music concerts. (And then there was the time, in 2013, when Mr. Coury, at a Goldman Sachs conference, indicated his dislike for hypothetical questions by saying that "if your aunt had balls, she'd be your uncle.")

In our interview, Ms. Bresch said there was nothing in Mylan's culture she would change. The company also said it had found no evidence of price-fixing or antitrust behavior, that the government overcharges had resulted from an innocent disagreement over regulatory interpretations and that Mylan's compensation policies were appropriate.

"We are a for-profit business, and we have a commitment to shareholders," Ms. Bresch told me. "But I think if there's any company out there that has demonstrated you can do good and do well, we're one of the few." For instance, Ms. Bresch noted that Mylan had recently released a generic version of EpiPen.

When I asked my pharmacist for the generic EpiPen, he told me that I would have to wait 90 minutes, until he could get my doctor on the phone to authorize the substitution. Then, he charged me $370 for the generics.

Mylan points out there are online coupons for EpiPen customers. In fact, the company says that since it came under attack in August, nearly 90 percent of EpiPen buyers have paid less than $100 per box because of insurance, discounts or coupons.

But for parents in urgent need of an EpiPen, or for patients who are poor, are not internet savvy or have high insurance deductibles  which are increasingly common  those programs can mean little. The most vulnerable often end up paying the highest prices, which is troubling when you consider that 15 million Americans have food allergies.

But hope springs eternal. With the recent criticisms coming on the heels of last year's controversies, Mylan will have to change, right?

Perhaps. But only if people stay angry and active. Doctors need to write different prescriptions. Pharmacists need to guide patients to alternatives. Investors should examine further efforts to elect new Mylan board members.

In the meantime, I still believe  perhaps foolishly  that sustained attention might create change. And so, as long as Mylan flouts the norms of good corporate behavior, it seems worth continuing to scrutinize what the company is doing, and questioning why EpiPens cost so much.
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Qatar's stock market tumbled more than 7 percent on Monday as six of the Middle Eastern country's neighbors reportedly severed diplomatic relations with Doha for allegedly supporting terrorism. The key stock index in Doha slipped shortly after Monday's open  the benchmark's sharpest fall in more than seven years  before paring some its losses to trade down 7.2 percent at around 3:00 p.m. local time. Six countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, had all coordinated on Monday to accuse the wealthy Gulf state of supporting terrorism, which Qatar has denied. Investors viewed the diplomatic withdrawal as a major breakdown between powerful Gulf nations, who are also close U.S. allies. While Saudi Arabia  the world's leading crude oil exporter  said Qatar had supported "Iranian-backed terrorist groups," Qatar described the joint decision as having "no basis in fact" and was therefore "unjustified".

Qatar 'vehemently deny' extremist allegations

Political tensions in the region had been building in recent weeks as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates  all countries to have cut relations with Doha on Monday  had blocked Qatari-based news sites in May. However, Monday's decision was reported to be based on Qatar's alleged role in supporting Islamist groups and its stance concerning Iran  a regional rival to Saudi Arabia. Qatar, a member of the U.S. coalition against the so-called Islamic State, has frequently and consistently rejected accusations from Iraq's Shia leaders that it has provided financial backing to ISIS. "Whilst Qatar is the member of the U.S. coalition against IS, wealthy individuals have reportedly made donations to extremist groups and the government is also accused of supporting extremists - allegations that Qatar vehemently deny," Tamas Varga, oil associates analyst at PVM, said in an email on Monday.

Saudi Arabia and UAE 'emboldened' byTrump administration

Sean Gallup | Getty Images
Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio said Monday he is increasingly worried about President Donald Trump's actions and policies.

"The more I see Donald Trump moving toward conflict rather than cooperation, the more I worry about him harming his presidency and its effects on most of us," Dalio wrote in a LinkedIn blog post.



"I have to confess a personal bias that is opposite his  i.e., I'm inclined to optimize for the whole through cooperation in order to make the pie bigger, and then cooperatively and competitively divide up the pie."



Dalio cited Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement last week as "consistent with his increasingly clear patterns of behavior" to pursue conflict over harmony.



"I believe that we are connected to our whole ecology, our whole world community, and our whole United States, such that it pays to be in symbiotic relationships with them  so, I'm concerned about his path. I am especially concerned about the consequences of his pursuing so much conflict," Dalio wrote.



Bridgewater is the world's largest hedge fund, managing about $160 billion, according to its website.

Dalio doesn't say how Trump's fighting stance affects his market outlook. In his last big blog post on May 12, the hedge fund manager wrote that the near-term market picture looks OK, but that longer term the economic outlook is "scary" because greater social and political conflict could eventually cause a downturn.
"It is becoming evident that the current pharmaceutical system is too complicated, too expensive and too inflexible to support medicine tailored to individual patients," said a commentary from researchers at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Utrecht University pharmaceutical researcher Huub Schellekens was the paper lead author on the paper, published Monday in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

While more work is being done in the field to develop such therapies, there also are obstacles such as regulatory and economic hurdles that must be overcome.

The team said the technology is already available to make drugs tailored to the chemistry of individual patients. These so-called precision, or personalized, drugs are based on data such as genetic code. It is hoped these drugs will work better with people's unique body chemistry, providing more effective treatment, and fewer side effects, than mass-produced medicines.

A group of researchers say they have come up with a new roadmap for making personalized drugs available to patients in the near future.

Schellekens his colleagues have begun a trial, financed by Dutch insurance companies, to make precision medicines for a group of patients. He did not disclose the specific details of the trial in an interview with CNBC.

Under the "magistral model" Schellekens' team proposed, doctors would pull information about a patient's individual biological makeup  say, by analyzing a blood sample  take that information to colleagues within the same clinic or hospital and order a specialized drug for the patient.

Because the medicines would not be marketed to the general public, they would not need to obtain the marketing authorizations normally needed in many countries, including European countries and the United States.

Instead, the process would be regulated, both in Europe and the U.S., as something sometimes called "compounding." The researchers say it was once common for pharmacies in the U.S. and Europe to compound medicines in-house.

The drugmaker and the health-care provider would be collapsed into one entity, which could save a great deal of money.

Drug costs have become a hot topic of debate in the U.S. and abroad, and drugmakers have faced public scrutiny over pricing.

The most expensive drug in the Netherlands, called Glybera, is a treatment for a rare condition that causes pancreatitis. It costs $1.3 million for a single patient's full course of treatment, Schellekens told CNBC in an interview. (Glybera's maker has said it intends to not seek a renewal of the drug's manufacturing license.)

In the United States, the Schellekens and his colleagues found costs for about 50 "targeted" drugs run $70,000 to $130,000 for a treatment cycle.

But perhaps more importantly, it would save a lot of time, Schellekens said. A single drug could go from design to deployment in few weeks, rather than the currently common period of several years.

There may of course be some safety concerns around developing drugs in this manner.

History has proven there can be dangers with similar forms of compounding. In 2012, fungal contamination at the New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts led to more than 700 infections and more than 40 deaths.

But the researchers said in their paper that that scandal involved the bulk production of medicines, and does not represent the sort of model they are describing, where doctors would develop drugs directly for individual patients in a clinical setting. The team also said there are examples of mass-marketed, FDA-approved drugs posing safety risks, such as in the case of the drug Vioxx.

They also said that the direct relationship between a doctor and a patient, including close supervision, would make it easier to diagnose safety issues as they arise.

"There is no technical reason this cannot work," Schellekens told CNBC. "We know we can make these products. Of course, we need a process to ensure these projects are safe to give patients because we cannot afford to screw up. But the big challenge will be the reaction of big pharma."

Watch: Incyte CEO on future of cancer treatment
Skyrocketing health costs don't just make it harder for you now  they can diminish your retirement, too. More than 60 percent of employees said they are contributing less to their 401(k) plans because of rising health-care costs, according to a new survey from Bank of America Merrill Lynch. "Financial stress caused by rising health-care costs is affecting other goals people have, like retirement," said Kevin Crain, head of workplace financial solutions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The survey, conducted in September and October of 1,242 workers who contribute to a 401(k) plan, also found that rising medical costs tend to hurt women more than men. (See chart below.)

HSAs don't seem to crowd out 401(k) contributions and may actually be increasing overall retirement savings among workers. Employees using both a 401(k) and HSA had a higher savings rate, 10.6 percent of their 2016 salary, compared with those saving in just a 401(k), which was 8.2 percent of salary, according to a recent analysis of the employee benefit programs Fidelity manages for more than 23,000 businesses. Fidelity found that 88 percent of people who opened an HSA maintained or increased their 401(k) savings after they enrolled in an HSA. Will Applegate, vice president of HSA business development at Fidelity, expects more employers to only offer high-deductible plans to workers in an effort to control rising health-care costs. That, in turn, will drive the growth of HSAs. "It's a minority approach among employers now, but it's a growing trend," Applegate said.

HSAs could improve

Republican lawmakers and President Donald Trump have made the expansion of HSAs a part of their plans to replace Obamacare.

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The American Health Care Act, which passed the House last month, will increase the annual limit on HSA contributions to match the annual deductible and out-of-pocket expenses under a high-deductible health plan. That means the HSA contribution limit could be at least $6,550 for individuals and $13,300 for families beginning next year. The House bill also makes HSA rules more flexible by: Allowing both spouses to make catch-up contributions to one HSA beginning in 2018.

Permitting qualified medical expenses incurred before HSA-qualified coverage begins to be reimbursed from an HSA as long as the account is established within 60 days.

Letting people use their HSAs to pay for over-the-counter medications, which was restricted under the Affordable Care Act.

Lowering the tax penalty if you use an HSA to pay for unqualified medical expenses to 10 percent, from 20 percent. (If you're 65 or older, you can withdraw from an HSA penalty-free, but you do not get a tax break if you use the money for something other than health care.) Roughly three-quarters of people who have HSAs withdraw less than they contribute. People who invest their HSA money in stocks and bonds have an average balance of $14,000 compared with $2,500 for those who keep it 100 percent in cash, according to recent research from Fidelity Investments based on data from the accounts it administers.

How to pick an HSA

Unlike flexible spending accounts, you don't have to "use it or lose it" with an HSA each year. In fact, more than three-quarters of HSA account holders withdraw less than they contribute, and roughly a quarter of people don't touch any money from their accounts, according to Fidelity. Your employer may direct you to sign up with its preferred HSA provider, but if you are enrolled in a qualified high-deductible health plan, you can choose whatever provider you want. However, if employers only offer matching HSA contributions to their preferred provider, it makes sense to stick with them. Roughly 80 percent of employers give "seed money" to workers to fund their HSAs, according to Fidelity. That can come in the form of a direct contribution or a dollar-for-dollar match. The average contribution at Fidelity-run plans was $541 last year. If you do receive matching contributions to your HSA, Roy Ramthun, president and founder of HSA Consulting Services, recommends that you keep one HSA with your employer's preferred provider and open another one to use as an investment account. Devenir estimates that about 4 percent of people are using their HSAs as investment plans. Many HSA providers require that you have at least $1,000 in your account before you can invest. How should people invest their HSA money? Generally, you should have enough cash in your HSA to cover expected medical expenses and invest the rest. Here are some portfolio guidelines Fidelity uses based on age:
Workers load a truck with sugarcane in a field in the town of San Cayetano in the municipality of Tepic, Nayarit state, Mexico, on Thursday, May 18, 2017. If U.S. reinstates duties on sugar imports, Mexico's government should immediately respond with reciprocal tariffs on imports of high fructose corn syrup from the U.S.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Monday extended the deadline for sugar trade negotiations between the United States and Mexico by 24 hours, saying extra time was needed to complete "final technical consultations" for a deal.

"The two sides have come together in quite meaningful ways, but there remain a few technical details to work out," Ross said in a statement as time was running out on a Monday deadline. "We are quite optimistic that our two nations are on the precipice of an agreement we can all support, and so have decided that a short extension of the deadline is in everyone's best interest."

These talks are supposed to remedy harm to U.S. sugar producers. The negotiations come as President Donald Trump is seeking to negotiate the North American Free Trade agreement as part of his "America First" agenda.

Mexico was originally found to violate U.S. trade laws as it pertains to sugar dumping and subsidizing. In March, Mexico canceled its sugar export permits to the United States.
Discussing which executive search firm will help the Billings City Council select the next city administrator tops a three-item agenda for the councils Monday work session.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall, 220 N. 27th St.

The search firm thats selected and the price that firm will charge to help find Tina Voleks successor will be identified during the councils June 12 business meeting. Work sessions are generally reserved for discussion only.

On Monday, the council is scheduled to discuss the merits of the three firms selected by a council subcommittee on May 23. Those three search firms emerged from the 11 applicants that responded to a request for proposals.

The three finalists are Colin Baenziger & Associates of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida; The Mercer Group Inc. of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Springsted/Waters of Addison, Texas.

Council members received redacted versions of the applications from the three finalists in their Friday packet. Before they're posted on the city's website for public consumption, applications are redacted in order to omit, for example, information that's proprietary to the applicants.

Also on Mondays agenda is further discussion on proposed water, wastewater and solid waste charges. On May 22 the council disapproved rate increases of around 3 percent for the 2017-18 fiscal year, which could put on hold up to $3.6 million in capital projects planned over the next two years.

The Friday packet contained no new information on the topic.

The Friday packet does, however, include a presentation on tax increment financing policies.

Mondays discussion on developing policies and criteria for the use of TIF funds is in response to an initiative proposed by Councilman Larry Brewster, which won unanimous approval from his council colleagues.

According to the presentation, Billings created its first TIF district, the downtown district, in 1976. The council created the East Billings Urban Renewal District in 2007 and the South Billings Boulevard Urban Renewal District in 2008.

City administrators review all applications and program requests. All East Billings and South Billings requests are reviewed by both planners and the administration office. In addition, the public works department is almost always involved in infrastructure projects," the presentation states.

The courts, the presentation asserts, have given broad discretion to governing bodies to decide what constitutes the public purpose and the public benefit in economic development.

The presentation concludes that operations within the three TIF districts are similar, but not identical. Thus, city policies may be similar but should acknowledge individual character and needs of the three districts.

The presentation also includes four classes of property where TIF might be used. They are:

Publicly owned infrastructure for general public use, such as streets, water and sewer lines; and government buildings, including city, county and school-owned facilities.

Publicly owned infrastructure, including property adjacent to private property and related to or in support of a specific redevelopment project. Those include sidewalks, utility connections, parking facilities and conference centers.

Privately owned buildings and infrastructure that is visible and available for use by the general public or beneficial to the general public. Examples include building facades, signs, exterior lighting and landscaping.

Privately owned buildings and infrastructure that may or may not be available to or directly benefit the public. Examples include elevators, fire suppression systems and asbestos removal.
Last month saw wind turbines in Scotland send enough electricity to the National Grid to meet, on average, the electrical needs of 95 percent of Scottish homes. This represented an increase of nearly 20 percent compared to May 2016.



WWF Scotland's analysis of data from WeatherEnergy also showed that, on 11 days in May, wind produced enough output to supply more than 100 percent of homes in Scotland.

The news from Scotland comes after President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would be withdrawing from the landmark Paris Agreement.

"Despite the disappointment of last week's announcement that President Trump is to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, the global energy revolution is unstoppable and continues at pace here in Scotland," Sam Gardner, acting director of WWF Scotland, said in a statement.

"May proved to be another great month for renewables with the wind sector meeting 95 percent of the electricity needs of Scotland's households," Gardner added. "On one day in particular, May 15, output from turbines generated enough to electricity to power 190 percent of homes or 99 percent of Scotland's total electricity demand."

WWF Scotland added that, for homes with solar photovoltaic panels, there was enough sunshine in May to produce more than 100 percent of the electricity needs of average households in a range of locations, including Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Photovoltaics refers to a way of directly converting light into electricity.

"Thanks to a super sunny month, solar was on sizzling form and could have met more than 100 percent of household electricity demand in towns and cities across Scotland," Gardner went on to say.

According to the Scottish government, there are more than 58,000 jobs in the low carbon and renewable energy economy there, while the country is home to one quarter of Europe's offshore wind resources.
Floral tributes are left near the scene of last night's terrorist attack on June 4, 2017 in London, England.

Another major terrorist attack in the U.K. has left at least seven dead and injured a further 48 people. The attack - which took place on Saturday evening at London Bridge - focused on an area teeming with revelers.

A van filled with three armed men mowed down pedestrians on the bridge, before the attackers, armed with knives, continued on foot and stabbed people in nearby Borough Market. All three attackers were then shot dead by police.

Prime Minister Theresa May has said Britain must be tougher in stamping out Islamist extremism with the so-called Islamic State claiming responsibility for the atrocity. London police have arrested 12 people in east London in connection with the attack and further raids are taking place on Monday.

Scroll down below to see how events over the weekend unfolded.
But critics accuse it of seeking to punch above its weight diplomatically, meddling in regional affairs and using the Arabic channel of Al Jazeera, the satellite television network it set up, as a propaganda tool.

Qatar, a US ally that hosts an American military base, has long drawn the ire of its neighbours, who consider Doha an irritating regional maverick. The world's top exporter of liquefied natural gas, it has used its immense wealth to court relations from London to Washington and Tokyo.

Doha denies it backs terrorist groups and dismissed the blockade by its neighbours as "founded on allegations that have no basis in fact". It said it could not immediately respond to a request for comment on the hostage deal. But a person close to the Qatari government acknowledged that "payments" were made. The person was unaware of the amounts or where the money went.

"The ransom payments are the straw that broke the camel's back," said one Gulf observer.

The deal, which was concluded in April, heightened concerns among Qatar's neighbours about the small gas-rich state's role in a region plagued by conflict and bitter rivalries. And on Monday, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain took the extraordinary step of cutting off diplomatic ties and transport links to Qatar, alleging the country fuels extremism and terrorism.

Commanders of militant groups and government officials in the region told the Financial Times that Doha spent the money in a transaction that secured the release of 26 members of a Qatari falconry party in southern Iraq and about 50 militants captured by jihadis in Syria. By their telling, Qatar paid off two of the most frequently blacklisted forces of the Middle East in one fell swoop: an al-Qaeda affiliate fighting in Syria and Iranian security officials.

Qatar paid up to $1bn to release members of the Gulf state's royal family who were kidnapped in Iraq while on a hunting trip, according to people involved in the hostage deal  one of the triggers behind Gulf states' dramatic decision to cut ties with Doha.

Doha has a history of reaching out to all kinds of controversial groups, from rebels in Sudan's Darfur region to the Taliban in Afghanistan and Hamas in Gaza. Qatar touts itself as a neutral player that can act as an intermediary in regional conflicts. But its critics, notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE, allege it also uses such interventions to play both sides and fund radical Islamist groups, most recently in Libya and Syria. And to Doha's critics, the hostage deal was further evidence of that role.

"If you want to know how Qatar funds jihadis, look no further than the hostage deal," said a Syrian opposition figure who has worked with an al-Qaeda mediator on hostage swaps in Syria. "And this isn't the first  it is one of a series since the beginning of the war."

The FT spoke to people involved on both sides of the hostage swap deal, including two government officials in the region, three Iraqi Shia militia leaders and two Syrian opposition figures.

Around $700m was paid both to Iranian figures and the regional Shia militias they support, according to regional government officials. They added that $200m to $300m went to Islamist groups in Syria, most of that to Tahrir al-Sham, a group with links to al-Qaeda.

Those who spoke to the FT said the deal highlighted how Qatar has allegedly used hostage payments to bankroll jihadis in Syria. But to its Gulf neighbours, the biggest issue is likely to be the fact that Doha could have paid off their main regional rival, Iran, which they accuse of fuelling conflicts in the Arab world.

This particular saga began when an Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militia, known as Kata'eb Hizbollah, kidnapped the Qataris in December 2015. Three Iraqi militia leaders say the hostages were held in Iran.

Kata'eb Hizbollah is an Iraqi group but it is seen as having links with Iran's main regional proxy, Hizbollah, the Lebanese militant group. The latter is helping Iran back Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, in his country's six-year conflict.

Two regional diplomats said they believed one of the Iraqi group's motives for the kidnapping was to give Hizbollah and Iran leverage to negotiate the release of Shia fighters kidnapped by the radical Sunni group Tahrir al-Sham in Syria.

Tahrir al-Sham, in previous iterations, was an al-Qaeda branch. It claims it has broken the connection, but the international community still views it as an affiliate.

The hostage transaction was also linked to a separate agreement to facilitate the evacuation of four towns in Syria  two surrounded by jihadi forces and two besieged by Shia militias  say Syrian rebels and diplomats.

One western diplomat said the arrangement provided Qatar the "cover" to finance the hostage deal. "Iran and Qatar had long been looking for a cover to do this [hostage] deal, and they finally found it," he said.

According to two opposition figures with close contact with the groups paid, Qatar used the evacuation arrangement to pay $120-$140m to Tahrir al-Sham. Another $80m, they said, went to the Islamist group Ahrar al-Sham.

"The Qataris pay anyone and everyone, to what end? They have only brought about our ruin," said a Syrian rebel commander, who gave details about the payments but asked not to be identified.

A regional Arab official said the total paid to jihadi groups was closer to $300m.

"So, if you add that up to the other $700m they paid to Iran and its proxies, that means Qatar actually spent about a billion dollars on this crazy deal," he said.

The Iraqi Shia militia commanders in Iraq, all from hardline Iranian-backed groups, said that, to their knowledge, Iran had obtained around $400m after giving them a payment they would not disclose. They agreed to share some details because they were unhappy about their share of the payment.

"They [the Iranians] took the lion's share," said a member of one of the Iranian-backed Shia militias in Iraq. "That's caused some of us to be frustrated, because that was not the deal."

Another confusing chapter of the deal is that Haidar al-Abadi, Iraqi prime minister, said in April his government had seized hundreds of millions of dollars, which Iraqi officials said arrived on Qatari planes "illegally". It is not clear if this is money is part of the sums mentioned above, or an additional amount.

"The money all came in suitcases, can you imagine this?" said one senior official.

Additional reporting by Simeon Kerr in Dubai

Watch: Why Saudi Arabia is mad at Qatar
The goal of the so-called NextGen program is to reduce air traffic jams during peak periods in the most heavily congested portions of the country. The project, which itself has suffered from repeated delays, has set a target for completion of 2020.

Trump wants to speed up the rollout of that system by turning over the upgrade and management of the air traffic control system to a private company. He has said that the government's ongoing modernization efforts are already obsolete.

Privatization advocates, including the CEOs of most major U.S. airlines, argue that spinning off the system into a nongovernmental entity would improve efficiency and speed the rollout of new technologies.

Opponents, including Delta Air Lines, say the system is so large that privatization would not save money, would drive up ticket costs and could create a national security risk. Critics of the plan are also concerned that airlines would dominate the private-company board and limit access to airports by private aircraft and business jets.

The proposal also faces obstacles in Congress, where Democrats and some Republicans oppose it.

Trump's privatization proposal is "a tired Republican plan that both sides of the aisle have rejected" and would "hand control of one of our nation's most important public assets to special interests and the big airlines," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.

A summary of the proposal released by the White House includes a three-year transition period to shift oversight of the nonprofit system to new ownership, which would be overseen by a board made up of airline, union and airport officials. The new entity should honor existing labor agreements but air traffic controllers would no longer be federal employees.

The FAA spends nearly $10 billion a year on air traffic control, funded largely through passenger user fees, and has about 28,000 air traffic control personnel.

Monday's announcement is part of a week-long series of proposals to overhaul the country's aging infrastructure as the White House confronts a growing probe into alleged ties between Trump's campaign and Russia. On Wednesday, Trump will visit Cincinnati for a planned speech on the need to upgrade the system of inland waterways, dams, locks and ports critical for shipping farm products.

 Reuters contributed to this report.

Watch: Former Spirit CEO on airport delays
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he does not expect a decision by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to sever ties with Qatar on Monday to have a significant effect on the fight against Islamic State.

"I do not expect that this will have any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified - the unified - fight against terrorism in the region or globally," Tillerson told reporters in Sydney after meetings between Australian and U.S. foreign and defense ministers.

Tillerson urged the Gulf Cooperation Council nations to instead sort out their differences. The coordinated move dramatically escalates a dispute over Qatar's support for the Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.

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U.S. infrastructure suffers from a serious funding gap. In the quest to raise more money for infrastructure, the Trump administration recently proposed an increase in the federal gas tax. This has drawn renewed attention to America's infrastructure challenges.

Infrastructure is one of those issues that normally holds broad bipartisan appeal. Even the casual observer can see that America's infrastructure, the backbone of our national economy, is in dire need of repair.

This didn't happen overnight, and it didn't happen by accident. Basic maintenance on many transportation infrastructure facilities has been deferred, often for decades. Freight is moving too slowly, while dams and levees are deteriorating rapidly. Energy grids are stretched thin, while U.S. transit systems are second to all and the envy of none.

Nearly every state is currently struggling just to keep its existing infrastructure in good repair, let alone finding enough money to address rapidly growing new demands on transportation and other systems. Each year that another critical repair or capacity expansion project is deferred, it costs us dearly. Although the current debate has focused on $1 trillion over ten years, experts contend that we need to spend even more and much quicker.

The overall gap between the U.S.'s infrastructure needs and current funding is often pegged at around $2 trillion. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimates that investment gap will result in dramatic costs to the U.S. economy by 2025: $3.9 trillion in losses to gross domestic product; $7 trillion in lost business sales; and the loss of 2.5 million American jobs.

The ASCE's 2017 Report Card gave America's transportation infrastructure a shameful overall grade of D. And with phrases like, "strong risk of failure significant deterioration many elements approaching the end of their service life," the details of the report hardly make for reassuring bedtime reading.
President Donald Trump speaks beside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the start of the NATO summit at their new headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, May 25, 2017.

President Donald Trump's failure to endorse the central principle of NATO  the members' commitment that they will defend each other militarily  shocked his national security advisors as much as it did America's allies, according to Politico.

Trump alarmed members of the 28-nation alliance late last month when he stopped short of endorsing Article 5, the clause in the NATO charter that requires allies to automatically come to each other's defense if an attack happens. That provision has been used only once  when Europe and Canada came to America's defense in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

National security advisor H.R. McMaster, Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson worked to include an Article 5 endorsement in the speech and expected it to be there, Politico reported Monday, citing five sources familiar with the events.

The senior advisors did not know it had been removed from Trump's remarks until he actually spoke, according to the report.

It is not clear if Trump made the decision himself to remove an Article 5 endorsement, or if White House advisors outside of the foreign policy team yanked the reference from the speech.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request to comment on this article.

Read the full Politico report here.
Trump may be the best thing that ever happened to the planet 12:33 PM ET Wed, 7 June 2017 | 00:55

I am both devastated and oddly ecstatic about President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. While the decision is deeply troubling, it may turn out to be the best thing that ever happened for the planet.

In Trump's first few months in office, he has done more to catalyze and motivate the private sector than Hurricane Katrina or Sandy, or the work of talented environmental organizations put together. Trump's latest decision will activate the private sector like we've never seen before.

For years, we trusted that government would act in our best interests, protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink. We have relied on regulations to guide our actions and then made business decisions accordingly, allowing the role of the private sector in years past to focus largely on creating shareholder value.

The Trump presidency marks a new era. As citizens and business leaders, it is now up to us to take the future into our own hands and create the change we want to see.

The private sector and governments around the world understand that the impact of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement translate to financial risks and costs for business and therefore for our country.
President of China, Xi Jinping. SeongJoon Cho | Bloomberg | Getty Images

China is set to grow much closer to Europe

The reshuffling of the world order in the wake of Trump's announcement could be seen almost immediately, with top Chinese and European leaders criticizing the US's withdrawal side by side on Thursday. Standing next to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that "fighting climate change is a global consensus" and pledged that China would remain committed to the Paris agreement. Merkel said "the cooperation of the European Union with China in this area will play a crucial role, especially in regards to new technologies." In a statement to the press, Miguel Arias Canete, the European Union commissioner on climate action and energy, made the point even more forcefully: "No one should be left behind, but the EU and China have decided to move forward. Our successful cooperation on issues like emissions trading and clean technologies are bearing fruit. Now is the time to further strengthen these ties to keep the wheels turning for ambitious global climate action." It won't be the last time that Beijing and Brussels find themselves seeing eye to eye, or that the two sides look past the US and look to work on joint initiatives that don't involve Washington. And Europe and China's enhanced cooperation is quite likely to go beyond coordinating on climate change. "These agreements ... build ties and align interests in ways that reduce the likelihood of conflict and bolster the opportunities for greater growth and development," Wang says. To make that a little more concrete, let's take something like China's jaw-droppingly ambitious One Belt, One Road initiative. It's a Chinese-funded infrastructure project designed to connect China to 64 countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa that make up around 60 percent of the world's population. As is often the case with countries that deal with trading with China, Europe has expressed concern about China's compliance with global trade norms as Beijing goes about pitching its proposals for trains and tunnels. Those are big issues that aren't easy to surmount, but they become a little bit easier to deal with when you're able to build goodwill through cooperation on issues like climate change. If Europe and China are actually able to grow closer through their coordination on climate change, it could potentially build a better relationship for navigating conflicts over trade. In the meantime, the US and Europe are going through the roughest patch they've had since they split over the Iraq War in 2003. Even before Trump pulled out of the Paris agreement on Thursday, he had already alienated Europe during his trip abroad last week, when he, among other things, refused to reaffirm America's commitment to NATO and accused Germany of being a trade cheat.

Trump's America First agenda has been a huge gift to China
President Donald Trump (C) shakes hands with James Comey, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), during an Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House on January 22, 2017 in Washington, DC.

President Donald Trump will not use executive privilege to try to block former FBI Director James Comey's Senate testimony this week, the White House said Monday.

"In order to facilitate a swift and thorough examination of the facts sought by the Senate Intelligence Committee, President Trump will not assert executive privilege regarding James Comey's scheduled testimony," spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

Presidents can assert executive privilege to prevent government employees from sharing information.

On Thursday, Comey will speak to an open hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee followed by a closed session. The hearing is part of the panel's probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election and any possible ties between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin.

Comey was abruptly fired last month while overseeing the FBI's own investigation of alleged Russian interference. His testimony could potentially be damaging for Trump, but attempting to block Comey could have looked bad for the president, as well.

The former FBI chief will certainly be asked about his reported conversations with Trump and any efforts the president made to interfere with the probe. Robert Mueller, who was FBI director before Comey, is now overseeing the probe as a special counsel.

It is not yet clear how much Comey will say about his conversations with Trump or an alleged memo in which Comey reportedly says the president asked him to back off the investigation into ex-national security advisor Michael Flynn.

People close to Comey say he is eager to speak in public, according to NBC News. He met with Mueller, who cleared him to testify.

It is not clear what Mueller told Comey he could say publicly. Some legal experts have said that, if Mueller is investigating possible obstruction of justice, he may not want Comey to speak in the open about his conversations with Trump, NBC reported.

Trump and the White House have denied any collusion with Russia related to the 2016 election.

 Reuters contributed to this report.

Watch: Comey to testify June 8th
U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to abandon the Paris climate pact may have the counter-intuitive effect of speeding the pace of meeting environmental goals, Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever , told CNBC on Monday.

"You see groups of mayors, states, the business community, civil society really accelerating its pace of implementation," Polman said on the sidelines of the Ecosperity conference in Singapore. "Seeing this enormous outcry I come to the conclusion a little bit that he might have done us a favor; that we're moving faster now than we otherwise might have been."

He noted that there have been strong initial reactions from the 194 countries that remained in the Paris accord. Only three countries aren't part of the pact: The U.S., Syria and Nicaragua.

"At the governmental level, we see an increased momentum," he said. "We saw that coming in from the G6, we saw it in Brussels last week when the Chinese and the Europeans met. So at the political level, which is very difficult, we see momentum."

He added that businesses were also gaining traction, pointing toward the "Better Business, Better World Asia" report released on Monday by the Business & Sustainable Development Commission, which indicated around $12 trillion worth of untapped business potential and the creation of around 380 million jobs globally by 2030 if companies take sustainability seriously.

Polman, whose company has long-held a commitment to green, sustainable operations and spurring development in emerging markets, noted encouragement from the awareness that around 3 million people in the U.S. were employed by sustainable endeavours, with the sector's job creation around 12 times faster than average.
U.S. government debt prices were lower on Monday as investors digested fresh economic data. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury notes , which moves inversely to price, was higher at around 2.173 percent, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was also higher at 2.833 percent.

In economic news, the IHS Markit U.S. services PMI for May came in at 53.6, up from 53.1 in April, marking "the largest rise in overall activity since February," IHS said in a release.

The May ISM nonmanufacturing index, meanwhile, came in at 56.9, just below a consensus estimate of 57.0.

Overseas, German benchmark government bond yields nudged up on Monday but did not venture far from one-month lows, with bond investors confident that the European Central Bank will this week only take baby steps towards unwinding its extraordinary stimulus.

The ECB, which meets on Thursday, is set to take a more benign view of the economy and will even discuss dropping some of its pledges to ramp up stimulus if needed, sources with direct knowledge of the discussions told Reuters last week.

An improving economy and some fading of euro zone political risks following French presidential elections in April and May have boosted speculation about a scaling back or "tapering" of the ECB's massive asset-purchase scheme in coming months.

But with the ECB expected to strike a cautious tone because of doubts around inflation, bond investors seem largely unruffled.

In oil markets, prices slipped amid rising tensions in the Middle East in which Arab states, including top crude exporter Saudi Arabia, coordinated to sever ties with Qatar.

Brent crude traded at around $49.51 a barrel on Monday, down 1.04 percent, while U.S. crude was around $47.3622 a barrel, down 0.63 percent.

CNBC's Fred Imbert and Reuters contributed to this report.
Warren Buffett attends the 'Becoming Warren Buffett' World Premiere at The Museum of Modern Art on January 19, 2017

Investing legend Warren Buffett is known for his buy-and-hold strategy. "The money is made in investments by investing," Buffett tells CNBC, "and by owning good companies for long periods of time. If they buy good companies, buy them over time, they're going to do fine 10, 20, 30 years from now." Chicago-based Russ Gremel, 98, did just that about 70 years ago when he bought $1,000 worth of Walgreens stock. "He figured people would always need medicine and women would always buy makeup," the Chicago Tribune reports. "He planned to hold onto that stock for a long time, as an investment."

Gremel's discipline paid off. Today, his 28,000 or so shares are worth more than $2 million, and he turned over all of that to the Illinois Audubon Society to build a wildlife refuge. In addition to making smart investments, the retired lawyer has always been careful with his money. He's never had a mortgage  he lives in the same home where he grew up. His previous car lasted him 25 years. And he'd rather eat oatmeal at home than go out. Gremel's frugality, coupled with the fact that he's never been married or had children to support, allowed him to retire at age 45.
The Paris Climate Change agreement, global trade, New Zealand's contribution to Afghanistan and regional security are likely to be on the agenda as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson prepares to arrive in New Zealand on Tuesday.

Tillerson is slated to meet with Prime Minister Bill English and Minister for Foreign Affairs Gerry Brownlee in Wellington on Tuesday, with New Zealand aiming to strengthen and promote economic ties with its third-largest individual trading partner.

"We share a deep interest in maintaining peace, prosperity and stability in the Asia Pacific region and we have worked closely together to counter terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan," Brownlee said ahead of the visit.

It comes as defense officials wrap up the 16th Asia Security Summit  also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue  a meeting of ministers and delegates from over 50 countries to examine the region's most enduring security challenges.

"The U.S. have got a very important leadership role in the Asia Pacific region," New Zealand's defense minister, Mark Mitchell, told CNBC.

"Actions speak louder than words, and the amount of resources that they're actually dedicating and positioning to come into the area speaks very clearly to the intent that they are going to have a very strong leadership role."

Defense officials have used the Shangri-La Dialogue to urge greater regional security corporation, in another effort to curb the rise of Islamic extremism in the aftermath of the London Bridge attack.

"There is a strong commitment between all of the nation's participating, including the U.K., that we recognize and understand that terrorism is at the forefront of everyone's mind," said Mitchell.

"The problem with the terrorism and the ideology that we're dealing with is that it has the ability to morph and change and spring up in different parts of the world.

"Everyone has recommitted and is showing resolve to actually deal with this terrible, tainted, corrupted ideology," he added.

According to Mitchell, the biggest threat is militant group Islamic State and "returning foreign fighters, existing groups that are starting now to grow and trying to develop a caliphate."

"I think this is a very big focus for all of us in the region to make sure that we don't allow them to get this foothold."

After a major review of its security and intelligence legislation, New Zealand policymakers recently moved to strengthen rules regarding returning foreign fighters.
The latest coin in the Animal Skin series from the Helvetic Mint showcases the eyes of that fearsome feline predator, the house cat.

The Helvetic Mint takes a closer look at animals with its latest issue in the Animal Skins series.

The new 2017 silver $2 coin from Niue celebrates the pet predator, the domestic cat, showing an intense, zoomed in look at the eyes of the fearsome feline on the colorful reverse.

SS Central America reveals thousands of new findings, celebrating the house organ: Another column in the June 19 Coin World details what a house organ is, and expounds on some intriguing half dollar varieties.

Cats can be incredibly relaxing and will be more than happy to offer a chin to tickle when youre relaxing on the sofa, according to the distributor, First Coin Company. In fact, animal behavior experts believe cats are able to sense our mood and many cat owners claim their cats often try to cheer them up if they are feeling down. Feel and see the cats fur!

Connect with Coin World:

Sign up for our free eNewsletter

Like us on Facebook

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The 1-ounce .9999 fine silver coin is struck with an Antique Finish and features high relief, with digital print on the relief creating the cats fur, its orange nose and holographic green eyes.

The coin is the latest in a series from the private Helvetic Mint issued in the name of Niue, in an annual program dating back to 2012.

The Raphael Maklouf effigy of Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse.

The coin is oval, measuring 23 millimeters tall and 54 millimeters wide. It weighs 31.1 grams and has a mintage limit of 700 pieces.

It is packaged in a case and a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity and retails for $109.90.

For more information, or to order, visit the distributor website.
Note: This article was updated on June 5, 2017 to reflect two paragraphs of a revised version that were accidentally omitted in the original publication.

To Gallatin County Attorney Marty Lambert:

Montanas newly elected Congressman, Greg Gianforte, already faces a misdemeanor assault charge as a result of his May 24 attack on Guardian journalist Ben Jacobs.

I write to urge that Gallatin County Attorney Marty Lambert consider charging Gianforte with the additional offense of civil rights harassment, a felony.

Like the sheriff who made the initial charge, Lambert is friendly with Gianforte and may be inclined to treat his behavior as Montana justice warranting a mere slap on the wrist. In so doing, Lambert would put the imprimatur of his office on the single most disturbing episode in an escalating pattern of violence against journalists.

This is a phenomenon without precedent in American history, and the danger it poses cannot be overstated. Our nations sudden coziness with brutal dictators like Erdogan, Duterte and Putin casts the matter in a particularly sinister light. Gianfortes unrestrained act of violence is the crossing of the Rubicon. It cannot be normalized.

Fortunately, the law of most states provides a remedy for such shockingly anti-democratic behavior, and Montana is no exception. Montana Code Section 45-5-221 makes it a felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment, to assault a person because of [that] persons  involvement in civil rights  activities.

Gianfortes verbal statements made during and after the assault suggest he was punishing the victim for being a liberal journalist  and, specifically, for his affiliation with the Guardian, which had run stories critical of the candidate. Is reporting on an election a civil rights activity as contemplated by Section 45-5-221? I believe so.

While it is up to state courts to interpret their criminal statutes, it would seem to be a minimum requirement that any definition of civil rights encompass those enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Chief among these is political speech, which, according to our Supreme Court, occupies the highest rung in the hierarchy of expression protected under the First Amendment.

A Tennessee court embraced an even more expansive reading of its own civil rights harassment statute, requiring only intent to unlawfully intimidate another because that other exercised any right or privilege secured by the constitution or laws of the United States;.

Indeed, historical documents suggest the Montana law should be interpreted much the same way. When it was enacted in 1989, Section 455221 was accompanied by a statement of purpose reading as follows: The Legislature finds and declares that it is the right of every person, regardless of [their]  political or religious ideas, to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, harassment, and physical harm.

The preamble goes on to recognize the constitutional right of every citizen to harbor and express beliefs on any subject.

Finally, a congressman speaking in support of the bill prior to its passage argued it would prevent people from being beaten  because of their  political actions. In short, there can be little doubt political speech is a civil rights activity within the meaning of the statute.

As an elected official, I hope Lambert will use his prosecutorial authority to charge Gianforte to the fullest extent of the law. History is replete with examples of authority figures quelling dissent through spectacular displays of violence; but not our history. Until recently, this was the stuff of third-world banana republics and forgotten monarchies. It is now at our doorstep, and it falls to law enforcement officers like Lambert to do something about it.

Peter Collins is a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree candidate at Stanford Law School in Stanford, California.
The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form
Families receive financial help during Ramadan ceremony in Singapore

In the true spirit of giving in the ongoing holy month of Ramadan, about 600 needy families received cash and vouchers worth SGD200,000 in a ceremony organised by the Muslim Converts Association of Singapores Ramadan Zakat Disbursement ceremony.

Halimah Yacob, Speaker of Parliament of Singapore. Photo courtesy: Parliament of Singapore

Speaking on the occasion, Halimah Yacob, guest of honour and Speaker of Parliament, said The institution of Zakat is well-organised and strong in Singapore. Zakat is the obligatory act of almsgiving and is one of Islams pillars. People are brought together through the sharing of wealth, while at the same time performing their Islamic duty.

She added, Todays event reminds us of the strong spirit of charity and unity among Singaporean Muslims. This innate sense to help one another is not only nurtured in Islam; it has always been part of the values upon which the Singaporean community builds itself.

During the ceremony, about 575 recipients received financial help through gifts and vouchers. The beneficiaries included the low-income, the elderly and those with chronic diseases. The items included turkey ham, dates and tea.

The recipients, 103 of whom are converts to Islam and 472 of whom were born into the religion, each received SGD255 from the zakat and NTUC FairPrice vouchers of SGD110 from fidyah, which are religious donations made when a fast is broken.
Cllr Leon Spence represents Whitwick on Leicestershire County Council and recently defected from the Labour Party to the Conservatives.

If you have ever been to a Labour Party meeting, an experience that Im sure most of you reading this piece today have never enjoyed, you will know that many members on the far left of that party totally and utterly hate the Tories and everything that we stand for.

Its a hatred that I really havent encountered since I joined Conservative Party. Im sure that many Tories have no liking for Labour but the visceral contempt for our opposition is something I just havent encountered. But that really is a story for another day.

You see, from all of my years of going to Labour Party meetings, there is one other thing that jumps out as being despised as much, if not more, than the Tories amongst those same members. They hate religion. They ridicule believers and save their highest contempt for Christians.

You will often find atheists, agnostics and humanists amongst the ranks of the far left and their greatest vitriol is held over for faith-based education. Try mentioning faith schools at Labour Party meetings and wait for the howls that there is no place for religion in education, you will see what I mean. Its for that reason as a practising Catholic and writer that I am more than a little worried about that remotest of possibilities, a Labour Government next Friday morning.

Nowhere in the Labour manifesto does is mention faith schools. What you will find however are causes for concern if you are a parent whose children attend one.

Their manifesto claims that Labour will ensure that all schools are democratically accountable, including appropriate controls to see that they serve the public interest and their local communities. What does that mean? How do diocese fit into that structure of democratic accountability? Or, maybe they dont?

The Manifesto goes on:

We will require joined-up admissions policies across local schools to enable councils to fulfil their responsibilities on child places, to simplify the admissions process for parents and to ensure that no child slips through the net.

Will faith based criteria find its way into those joined-up admissions policies? Or, will that not be acceptable in a modern socialist Britain?

Of course I could be scare-mongering, but just think for a second. We know that the last moderate Labour government changed admissions procedures to prevent a majority of places being allocated on the basis of religion in new faith schools. We know how that prevented Christian denominations from seeking to build new schools.

If that was a moderate Labour government then what will an ideologically pure one do? You wont find much about faith schools on Labour websites but cast your net a little wider into the hinterland of left wing politics and it becomes much more illuminating.

The Socialist Party, formerly Militant, is no fan of faith schools. In 2014 on its website the party questioned whether faith schools should have any place in our school system at all. Around the same time the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist) was posting on its website End private, sectarian and religious schools. Quality education for all. Before going on to state it is christian schools of all denominations, with catholic schools at the forefront, that are the largest players in the sectarian delivery of education. Following the advice of the Jesuit priest Gracian  Give me a child of seven and Ill give you the man  they aim to indoctrinate in a manner that will dominate their pupils for life, ensuring the ongoing power of their anachronistic institutions.

Is it mere chance that Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, described himself as a Marxist? Is it a coincidence that both fringe parties in this General Election are campaigning for a Corbyn victory?

The truth is that disagreeing with faith schools is a perfectly laudable position. I disagree profoundly but other reasonable people would support such a stance. The real worry is that with this Labour Party we simply dont know what their intention is for the future of faith schools. Practicing Christians, parents, and grandparents have a right to know before they go to the polls on Thursday.
Overview:

There are 58 Parliamentary constituencies in the East of England. Currently the Conservatives hold 51, Labour four, and the Liberal Democrats one, and UKIP are defending one.

Over the last two general elections the Conservatives have come very close to maxing this region out: there are only five seats with MPs from another party. Barring a real surge its not clear that any Labour seats are competitive, but the Liberal Democrat and UKIP seats are within reach.

Labour had an OK time here two years ago, picking up two seats off the Lib Dems. However they didnt take back any of the seats they lost to the Tories in 2010, and to have any chance at power will need to start winning back some of the regions large towns.

Former leadership challenger Norman Lamb is the last Lib Dem standing in the East, and hell be fighting hard to hold onto his Brexitish constituency. The party may also be in with a shot in Cambridge, which they lost only narrowly last time.

Method:

Welcome back to our series on the election battlegrounds! As in 2015, well be taking a region-by-region look at the seats which could change hands and offering our suggested lists of target seats for each party.

These lists arent predictions of gains: rather, theyre just seats which we think could be competitive. They might be official party targets, have a small majority, or be subject to other factors which could leave them open to change.

Amongst the resources well be using to steer us through these murky waters are Electoral Calculus, UK Polling Report, Number Cruncher Politics, and Election Polling, whilst all Leave vote share estimations are from Chris Hanrettys very helpful constituency-by-constituency charts. Were also keeping an eye on the work of many other pollsters, psephologists, and analysts, some of whom our assistant editor has collated onto a Twitter list.

Battleground Rating: 3/10

Targets by party:

(NB These are our own suggestions of potential attack seats for each party  including those officially designated as targets and others where the incumbent has a relatively small majority, or local factors are at play which may open the seat to change.)

Conservatives:

Clacton: The only seat UKIP ever held in a general election, Douglas Carswell has since announced that hes standing down and endorsed the Conservatives, saying that his former partys job is done now that a pro-Brexit government is in office. As a result Giles Watling must be confident of being returned to Parliament at the third time of asking, and Electoral Calculus thinks he will.

Luton South: This is one of those seats which looked competitive after 2010 (with a majority of just over 2,300) and decidedly less so after 2015 (majority 5.700). However it could be competitive if the Tory candidate can win over a big chunk of UKIPs 5,000 voters from last time and Labours vote slipped. Unfortunately Electoral Calculus only gives the Conservatives a one-in-three shot, predicting that theyll put on votes but Labours will hold up.

North Norfolk: One of those seats which managed to slip from the Conservatives grasp after the 1997 landslide, Norman Lamb has held this since 2001. One of the Lib Dems parliamentary talents, he challenged Tim Farron for the leadership after Nick Clegg stepped down. Unfortunately for him, Farrons hard Remain campaign may not have played well in a constituency estimated to be 58 per cent Leave, so the Tories might finally unseat him. Electoral Calculus tips the battle as two-to-one in the Conservatives favour, and predict a Con gain.

Labour:

Bedford: Richard Fuller currently holds this seat by just under 1,100 votes, a slightly smaller majority than he enjoyed after first winning it in 2010. This seat is likely an essential staging post for any Labour recovery in the area. However, it is Leave-leaning and saw 4,434 UKIP votes in 2015, which may help to bolster the Tory defence. Electoral Calculus gives Labour a one-in-three shot.

Thurrock: Another very marginal seat, Jackie Doyle-Price won here by just 92 votes in 2010 and only extended her majority to 536 in 2015, which was a close-fought three-way fight between the Tories, Labour, and UKIPs Tim Aker. On paper, the narrow majority should put this in play  however, the rout of the Peoples Army in the polls could make this a much safer Conservative seat if anything like a third to half of Akers 15,700 voters break Doyle-Prices way in a seat estimated at 70 per cent Leave. Electoral Calculus still gives Labour another one-in-three shot, though.

Liberal Democrats:

Cambridge: Formerly a solid Liberal Democrat seat with a majority of almost 6,800, this was one of their narrower losses during the great collapse of 2015. Julian Huppert is standing again, and in a very heavily Remain est (est. 75 per cent) this might be one area where his partys election campaign actually cuts through. Unfortunately Electoral Calculus predicts theyll fall back, with Labour and the Tories putting on votes instead, and puts Hupperts chances at 23 per cent.
Four years ago, the TaxPayers Alliance reported that in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories.

Since then, the figures have varied, and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts.

Nonetheless, it remains the case that, since it took office in 2010, our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply dont apply in the same number as Labour supporters.

To help remedy this, every fortnight we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented.

         

Judicial Appointments Committee  Commissioners

It is widely acknowledged that our judiciary is among the very best in the world, unrivalled for its integrity, professionalism and independence. The JAC is an executive non-departmental public body established by the 2005 Constitutional Reform Act. It has a vital role selecting candidates for appointment to the judiciary through fair and open competition. JAC Commissioners recommend candidates solely on merit, from the broadest possible pool of talent. This important work must be led, as it is now, by a capable and effective group of Commissioners who work as a team to deliver the highest calibre of judicial appointments.

Time: 17-28 days per annum

Remuneration: 338 per diem plus expenses.

Closes: 13 June

         

Economic and Social Research Council  CEO/Executive Chair

We are seeking an inspirational social scientist with international standing and proven track record to lead the ESRC  initially as its CEO and subsequently as its Executive Chair as it is established as one of the nine Councils within UK Research and Innovation in April 2018. As part of UK Research and Innovations Executive Committee the Executive Chair will have an important role in determining how these benefits are manifested in UK Research and Innovation and a critical role in championing and increasing the impact of the social sciences within UK Research and Innovation, government and the UK more widely.

Time: Full time.

Remuneration: Dependent upon skills and experience.

Closes: 16 June

         

Ofcom  Board Member

This Board Member will be expected to have a good understanding of broadcasting policy issues, content regulation and be a clear advocate for the consumer in the context of devolved policies in the nations and regions. They will, in the context of the new Members of the Ofcom Board being appointed by each of the devolved administrations, reflect the needs of consumers and citizens in England and be able to work with their colleagues from the devolved Nations on policy and consumer issues. This will demand a good understanding of the legislative environment in which Ofcom operates and of the wider public policy environment.

Time: Up to two days per week.

Remuneration: 42,519 per annum.

Closes: 16 June

         

Pubs Code Adjudicator  Deputy Adjudicator

The Pubs Code governs the relationship between large pub-owning companies and their tied tenants. The Code regulates the relationship between around 11,500 tied pub tenants and the large pub-owning businesses which rent the pubs to them and sell them tied products. The Code governs their relationships with tied pubs, but not with their managed houses or free-of-tie pub tenants. Tied tenants have the right to take disputes regarding the Code to the PCA. The Adjudicator has statutory powers to arbitrate Code disputes and award compensation if a breach is found. The Adjudicator can also investigate suspected systemic abuses of the Code and may impose sanctions on one or more pub-owning companies following an investigation.

Time: Full time.

Remuneration: 80-95,000 per annum.

Closes: 22 June

         

Regulatory Policy Committee  Chair

We are seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC). The RPC is a small advisory Non-Departmental Public Body of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. It provides independent, expert advice on the quality of analysis and evidence supporting regulatory changes that affect businesses, charities and voluntary organisations. The Committee is an essential part of the better regulation system providing stakeholders, in particular business, with confidence that the costs and benefits from regulatory change have been properly considered. The RPC is seeking to recruit a new Chair to lead the Committee and to assure the quality, consistency and proportionality of the Committees opinions.

Time: Ten meetings a year plus additional duties.

Remuneration: 500 per diem up to 20,000 per annum.

Closes: 22 June

         

Department for Communities and Local Government  Housing Ombudsman

The Housing Ombudsman has responsibility for investigating complaints against social landlords in accordance with the Housing Ombudsman Scheme. Housing is an important part of everyones lives and issues relating to our homes can have a huge emotional impact. The Housing Ombudsman plays an important role in ensuring the fair resolution of disputes, aiming to resolve problems quickly and efficiently. Rented housing plays a vital role in the nations housing and we are keen to see that tenants experience good standards of service regardless of whether their landlord is a local authority, housing association or private landlord.

Time: Full time.

Remuneration: Up to 120,000 per annum.

Closes: 23 June

         

National Portrait Gallery  Chair

The chief role of Trustees is to assist the Chair in meeting the Boards overall responsibilities under the Charities Act and in accordance with the guidance issued by the Secretary of State. Trustees offer guidance and expertise on the Gallerys strategy and its practical implementation. They must be positive advocates for the Gallery, representing it to ministers, officials at DCMS, and others. They must also assist the Chair in ensuring that the Gallerys affairs are conducted with probity The new Chair will naturally need enthusiasm for the Gallery, a love of art and an interest in the Collection, an ability to champion the importance of scholarship to the future of the Gallery and a strong interest in its learning mission and to act as an ambassador for the Gallery. They will need to devote sufficient time and energy to have the necessary impact, and a clear understanding of any potential for conflict of interest between this public role and their own professional activity.

Time: Two days per month (equivalent) plus extras.

Remuneration: Reasonable expenses.

Closes: 23 June

         

Valuation Tribunal Service  Chair

The Valuation Tribunal Service is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). It was established under the Local Government Act 2003 to provide administrative support, procedural advice and central direction to the Valuation Tribunal for England. It has a strong corporate identity and clearly delegated powers and responsibilities. The VTS employs around 80 staff and is able to encourage the spread of best practice across the organisation, leading to better public service delivery.

Time: 24 days per annum.

Remuneration: 8,839 per annum.

Closes: 23 June
Nicky Morgan is a former Education Secretary, and the Conservative candidate for Loughborough.

This has been a long election campaign. For a snap poll it has, at times, seemed interminable  but the end is suddenly very near and the prospect of a shock Jeremy Corbyn win is, according to some polls and commentators, a distinct possibility.

The thought of Corbyn in Downing Street is giving some of my electorate sleepless nights  fearful at the prospect of a man who it is doubtful would keep our country secure at any moment of maximum danger.

Security comes in many forms. It can involve our defence and intelligence capabilities. The whole point about having a nuclear deterrent is that everyone hopes it never has to be used. But if it does we need someone who is prepared to make the ultimate decision to protect this country and its citizens. Corbyn refuses to commit to doing that.

Security is also about keeping the country on an even keel, so that we can have an education system which unlocks everyones talents; a health system which looks after us when we are most in need, and a welfare system which gives those relying on it a hand-up, not a handout.

All these services can only be paid for through a healthy and growing economy, and a fair tax system which encourages enterprise and innovation. And yet Corbyns Labour manifesto proposes a tax and spend binge not advanced for decades. It outlines a desire to crash our economy headlong into a brick wall  without a care in the world for the people who will ultimately stand to lose out by such behaviour: those most reliant on our education, health and welfare services.

The two lessons I learnt about Jeremy Corbyn when I was a Minister are highly revealing about the man who already seems to be choosing the artwork to be installed in Downing Street. He once worked as a geography teacher in Jamaica when he was 18, and has been quoted as saying: I worked out what all teachers do. If you are a chapter ahead of the class you are okay until you have a really bright kid, and then you have got a problem. You say dont be so pushy, give a chance to the others. So I learnt tactics of crowd control during that process

Corbyns belief in setting a cap on the aspirations and talents of the many via the hard-left tactic of crowd control  which really means controlling us, the British people  are laid bare in that anecdote.

The second fact that stays with me about Corbyn is that, at his own party conference in 2015, he had to appeal to members of his party to cut out the personal attacks. The cyberbullying. And especially the misogynistic abuse online. This is before we even get to the failure of Corbyns Labour Party to really crack down on anti-semitic sentiments expressed by leading members. No wonder it is reported that only 13 per cent of British Jews intend to vote Labour on Thursday.

A battle-hardened fellow parliamentary candidate reported to me this weekend that Momentum had been out in their constituency on Saturday. Their behaviour was described as nasty and intimidating.

I find that the trolling, and the consistently unpleasant and abusive posts on Facebook and Twitter, are not new but have grown in their nastiness in this campaign. Other candidates report deeply unpleasant and hostile behaviour at hustings meetings, where the genuine undecided voters are now few and far between. There is a pattern here, and it comes from the Far Left of the political spectrum, which has been emboldened by Corbyns manifesto and election campaign.

Every election is deemed to be the most important for a generation. Thursdays vote really matters because the British public have a very real choice between a government with Theresa May as Prime Minister, ready to face the challenges ahead  Brexit, technology, economic growth, an ageing population, widening social divisions  or a Leader of the Opposition who isnt some misguided but well-meaning old man, but a deeply committed socialist intent on crashing our economy, failing the young people in our schools, undermining our defences and holding people back to suit the aims of him and his cronies.

The fact that he is Leader of the Opposition is bad enough  but to allow him anywhere near Downing Street would be a catastrophe.
SOUTH GLENGARRY, Ontario  The SD&G OPP began an investigation into a report of domestic related incidents at a residence on County Road 34, South Glengarry Township.

Investigation indicated current and historical (2014-current) events where an adult male had assaulted, sexually assaulted and threatened his common-law spouse. Upon his arrest, officers seized a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.

The 30-year-old male from South Glengarry Township was arrested and is charged with;

 Sexual Assault (2 counts)

 Assault  Spousal (5 counts)

 Utter Threats

 Voyeurism (3 counts)  record victim without her knowledge

 Publication of an Intimate Image Without Consent

 Possession of a Controlled Substance

 Fail to Comply with Recognizance

He was held in custody pending an appearance (bail) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall. His name is being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim.
UNITED COUNTIES OF SD&G, Ontario  In response to the growing Fentanyl crisis, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario has purchased Naloxone kits for all CDSBEO schools.

On Tuesday, May 30, several staff from each school attended training sessions in Kemptville and Cornwall to learn how to administer Naloxone, an antidote for opioid overdose. Kits were distributed to each school at the session.

Discussing the growing opioid crisis at the training session, Harm Reduction Coordinator Jennifer Adams from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit noted, Opioid related deaths are a leading cause of death in Ontario. These deaths are outnumbering motor vehicle collision deaths by a long shot in our province, and there has been a 463 per cent increase in opioid deaths between 2000 and 2013. In 2015, there were 735 opioid deaths in Ontario, and 201 of these were from Fentanyl.

The Board has recently partnered with the Upper Canada District School Board and local health units to host a series of public information sessions to promote community awareness regarding the Fentanyl crisis. Bootleg Fentanyl is a highly toxic and dangerous opioid drug that has been discovered in several areas across Eastern Ontario. It can be found in powdered form, pressed into pills or mixed into other drugs such as OxyContin and heroin. It may also go by the street names of Faded 80s, Fake Oxys, or K22s. Bootleg Fentanyl has also been detected in the cocaine supply in the area, and this is of particular concern as the majority of people will unknowingly consume the drug, placing them at a much higher risk of overdose.

Director of Education, Wm. J. Gartland explained the importance of having the kits in schools.

We hope that these kits will never need to be used, but in the event that they are needed, the Naloxone will help to buy time for someone experiencing an opioid overdose until first responders arrive.

Please visit www.healthunit.org or www.eohu.ca for more information and resources on the Fentanyl crisis.
Close

Uterine cancer or cancer in the uterus is a highly growing disease for women across the world. A recent study showed that women who breastfeed their infants or at least one child tend to have a lower risk of getting the disease.

How Can Breastfeeding Reduce The Chance Of Getting It?



The study is recently being conducted by a team of Australian researchers at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. This is said to be the largest and most comprehensive study ever done on the connection between breastfeeding and uterine cancer, as reported by My Sunshine Coast.

Dr. Susan Jordan, the head of QIMR Berghofers Cancer Causes and Care Group along with her colleagues examined data from over 26,000 Australian women with at least one infant, including a big number of 9,000 women with the specific kind of cancer. We found that the longer women breastfed each child, the more their risk of uterine cancer reduced, up until about nine months when the reduction in risk plateaued, Dr. Jordan said.

Dr. Jordan added that the team looked into the total amount of time these women had spent breastfeeding over the course of their lives. They also minutely looked into the number of days the women were involved into breastfeeding their infants.

Later, the researchers came to a sort of conclusion that a woman who was breastfed two kids for nine months each had 22 percent lower risk of getting the cancer, compared to a woman who was never involved in breastfeeding her infants.

Researchers Say Having A Baby Reduces Risk



The recent research carried out in Australia also concluded that having a baby reduces the risk of getting the cancer. However, Dr. Jordan believes that the best thing is to ensure that the women have a healthy lifestyle.

According to The Cable Lifestyle, the key things to lower the risk of uterine cancer is eating well, keeping normal body weight, and regularly exercising. Stay tuned for more updates.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
Channel programs News

Appirio CEO: Becoming Part of Wipro Has Aided Push To Take Cloud Business From Accenture, Deloitte

Michael Novinson

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Appirio CEO Chris Barbin said his company is gunning for Accenture and Deloitte and has successfully displaced the consulting giants on some cloud projects and programs.

The Indianapolis-based cloud services powerhouse said it no longer considers Indian service providers (which includes companies like HCL Technologies, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra) to be its core competition, even though it was acquired by Bangalore, India-based Wirpo in October 2016.

Appirio's broad capabilities around leading cloud platforms set it apart from the rest of the Indian IT service provider pack, Barbin said, putting it on a collision course with the industry's two cloud services leaders: Accenture and Deloitte.

[Related: Wipro To Buy Salesforce Superstar Appirio for $500 Million]

"We don't necessarily see the other Indian providers as the thought leaders driving transformation with deep relationships with the likes of Salesforce, Workday, Amazon and Google," Barbin told CRN. "We want to chase, be part of, cluster ourselves with, and compete with those thought leaders, not people that are lagging."

Accenture, Deloitte, HCL Technology, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Barbin said Appirio's Agile strategy, quick iterative prototyping and messaging around customer experience have been the keys to winning business from Accenture and Deloitte.

The company brings a very structured, Agile-based model into every customer environment that takes advantage of Appirio's cloud-related intellectual property, Barbin said. Appirio has over the past decade built out multi-tenancy application platform around Amazon and Salesforce, which Barbin said has provided a level of consistency when onboarding new consultants.

Appirio's crowdsourcing platform has also been embraced in a big way by Wirpo, which paid $500 million to purchase the 1,250-employee company. The platform allows for fast iterations on design and development, which Barbin said has unlocked Salesforce-related engagements as well as platform development work for a big pharmaceutical company.

"We win a lot of times on speed to value," Barbin said. "Our platform allows us to iterate and drive our deployments much, much faster than our competition."

Appirio has messaging focused around the intersection of worker and customer experience. Barbin said the company typically starts with a lightweight, actionable strategy engagement, and is focused on iterative prototyping and delivering value quickly.

Barbin said Appirio works to ensure customers understand its capabilities go far beyond Salesforce and Workday implementations and encompass an end-to-end solution that addresses the customer experience.

"We pride ourselves on thinking differently than some of the other players," Barbin said. "Our methodology, our IP, and the level of consistency we provide does drives the speed, the agility and the time to value."

Appirio is proud and excited about a handful of wins its had over Accenture and Deloitte thus far, Barbin said, but acknowledged the company hasn't necessarily taken any mega transactions or mega deals from the consulting giants.

"We're chipping away and we're doing some displacement on some projects and programs, but not large-scale transformations yet," Barbin said. "It takes time."

Customers cite industry expertise and global scale as the most common reasons they want to stay with Accenture and Deloitte for cloud engagement, Barbin said.

Accenture and Deloitte both have a greater scale of cloud expertise in more countries than Appirio does, Barbin said. As part of Wipro, Barbin said a big part of Appirio's expansion plans are to get more cloud expertise in more and more countries.

Appirio additionally still has work to do around fully integrating industry-specific solutions, capabilities and talent onto its existing cloud teams, Barbin said.

"For the ones we do lose, those are still the stumbling blocks for us," Barbin said. "We're making progress there, but that doesn't happen overnight."
Data center News

HPE Targets SOHOs, SMBs With New Servers, Linux OS Bundles

Joseph F. Kovar

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HPE is making a SOHO and SMB server play as it bundles ClearOS Linux on ProLiant servers and unveils several new servers targeting small and midsized business customers.

Among the new servers introduced on Monday at HPE Discover 2017 are new rack and tower models targeting SMB customers, and the return of the MicroServer line targeting small office and home office (SOHO) customers.

HPE sees a lot of evolution in the SMB market, especially in smaller businesses, said Tim Peters, vice president and general manager of HPEs ProLiant rack and tower servers and SMB solutions

[Related: HPE Unveils Hyper-Converged Infrastructure Based On ProLiant DL380 Servers]

SMB and SOHO customers look at how things like the cloud and hyper-converged infrastructure promise simplicity, and at the same time see security to be a major issue, Peters told CRN.

"So we are looking at how to take away the complexity while increasing security and, as always, help customers save money," he said.

To do this, HPE has signed an exclusive partnership with Salt Lake City-based ClearCenter, developer of the ClearOS Linux operating system. Under that partnership, HPE will load, configure and support ClearOS on HPE's SMB servers at no extra charge, Peters said. Customers with ProLiant 100 and ProLiant 300 servers can also download the operating system at no cost, he said.

ClearOS is a proven Linux operating system with over 400,000 deployments to date, Peters said. "It provides a very simple user environment," he said. "It also includes an app marketplace with over 140 apps, and that number will grow as HPE works with it."

ClearOS will be available at no cost to partners and customers, and partners can sell four different levels of support priced from $9 to $129 per month, he said. ClearOS is an attractive alternative to smaller customers, Peters said.

"The license cost for Microsoft Server 2016 is not $500," he said. "It used to be $300. Microsoft is trying to make Azure more attractive," Peters added.

ClearOS is trying to be an "instant-on" operating system, said Bill Cassidy, CTO at IT Partners, a Tempe, Ariz.-based solution provider and HPE channel partner.

"It has its place, an attraction for a certain type of customer," Cassidy told CRN.

However, for a large part of the customer base above the small business level, the question of pre-installed Linux may not be such an issue, Cassidy said.

"The majority of servers we sell will end up with vSphere on them," he said. "I'd say this is common in the HPE channel. And vSphere is now often installed from a card."

For SOHO customers, HPE is reintroducing its MicroServer line of servers, Peters said. The new models, based on HPE's new Gen10 server platform and available with AMD dual-core Opteron processors, fits in a 9-inch by 9.25-inch by 10-inch chassis with integrated graphics that supports up to two 4K displays or an optional Radeon GPU that supports up to five 4K displays, he said. They include a Gigabit Ethernet port and room for four SATA hard drives or SSDs.

Pricing for the MicroServer starts at $399 or less.

HPE previously offered a Gen8-based MicroServer, but did not offer one based on its Gen9 architecture, Peters said. "That was our mistake," he said.

HPE also introduced a couple of entry-level SMB servers.

The DL20 is the shortest depth rack-mount server with a 15-inch depth, Peters said.

The DL20 is based on the Intel Core i3, Pentium, or Xeon processor with two or four cores, and comes with up to 64GBs of memory, integrated graphics or an optional NVidia GPU, and room for four small form factor or two large form factor drives. The ClearOS Linux operating system can be pre-loaded by HPE.

The ML30 SMB tower server is similar, but has room for up to eight small form factor or four large form factor hard drives, he said.
The Week Ending June 2

Topping this week's roundup of those having a rough week is an undisclosed number of sales representatives at printer maker Lexmark, which lost a U.S. Supreme Court case over refurbished ink cartridges.

Also making the list this week was Microsoft, for a botched release of a Windows 10 build that bricked some mobile devices; burrito restaurant chain Chipotle, for a widespread security breach; OneLogin, for its own security breach; and British Airways, which struggled to recover from a massive IT system failure.

Not everyone in the IT industry was having a rough go of it this week. For a rundown of companies that made smart decisions, executed savvy strategic moves  or just had good luck  check out this week's Five Companies That Came To Win roundup.
Melkote On The Record

Keerti Melkote the senior vice president, general manager and co-founder of Aruba Networks, the HPE subsidiary driving the intelligent edge Internet of Things revolution, spoke with CRN about the company's new switch that takes on Cisco at the network core, new asset tracking solution and the dramatic architectural differences between Cisco and Aruba.

Melkote said the HPE acquisition of Aruba has helped unleash more innovation in HPE. "The innovation and customer first approach to our culture is what I think is giving HPE more confidence that we can do more of these acquisitions, like Nimble and SimpliVity, and create this new stack that customers are looking for," he says. "And most importantly have the confidence that we can keep the talent  the innovation DNA  that comes from these startups as part of the HPE organization and make HPE a very innovative company moving forward."

Melkote, in fact, has become an "ambassador" of sorts to the newly acquired companies  providing advice on how to continue to drive innovation at an unprecedented clip  while taking advantage of HPE's enterprise channel muscle to grow the business dramatically.

Get all of CRN's coverage of HPE Discover 2017, here.
The launch of the Buffalo Trail through North Dakota and South Dakota, along with a self-guided tour book, "Buffalo Trails in the Dakota Buttes," will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Great Plains Theater in the North Dakota Heritage Center, 612 E. Boulevard Ave.

Ten historically significant sites relating to the history of the buffalo have been identified and organized into a self-guided tour for history and nature enthusiasts. Five sites are part of the Last Great Buffalo Hunts, which were traditional hunts by Native Americans as the buffalo nearly went extinct. The remaining five sites are connected to the rescue of calves by Pete Dupree and his brothers, who became internationally famous as one of five family groups to help save the buffalo from extinction, as well as the subsequent rebuilding of herds, and establishing live buffalo on ranches, in parks and within tribal herds.
Aruba Takes Center Stage At HPE Discover

Aruba Networks launched a slew of products at HPE Discover in Las Vegas on Monday including its first core switch, a new ArubaOS software and an asset tracking solution integrated into Aruba's wireless infrastructure.

"It's exciting and encouraging to see Aruba constantly innovating and that's what we're absolutely seeing here," said Al Chien, chief sales officer of Dasher Technologies, a Campbell, Calif.-based HPE Platinum and Aruba partner. "You see some manufacturers who once they release an initial or second wave of a product, they stand pat  that's not the case with Aruba."

The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based networking vendor was acquired by HP in 2015 for $3 billion. Here are the five biggest networking products launched today at HPE Discover.
Tom Graves (R-GA) released an update to the initial Active Cyber Defense Certainty Act (ACDC) that intends to exempt victims of cyber attacks from being prosecuted for attempting to hack back at their attackers under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). If enacted, the law allows organizations that are the victims of hacks to conduct their own hacks to identify the assailants, stop the attacks or retrieve stolen files. At a high level, it makes sense. In practice, it is ridiculous.

According to the proposed law, organizations would be exempt from prosecution if they alert law enforcement before committing such acts. It sounds very straightforward, and I wish there were more to this law. The reality, though, is that most victims are ill-equipped to deal with an incident and even less equipped to hack another organization without creating damage. It is reminiscent of the scene in The Dark Knight, where Batman points out that the would-be vigilantes le he is wearing bulletproof armor.

Even the logic of the ACDC is flawed. For example, you cannot retrieve a stolen file. They are not physical entities. The law fundamentally lacks an understanding of computer crime.

First, lets consider the attribution problem. Even in cases where attribution was considered very straightforward, such as the Russian hack of the DNC and the North Korea hack of SONY, the attributions were criticized and mocked. How can individual organizations, with less skill and resources, be expected to sufficiently determine the attribution that will justify their subsequent actions?

Then, while you might allow organizations to hack organizations, you have to consider the resulting damages. Even assuming that a victim is skilled enough to accomplish the intended actions, if the infrastructure used by the criminal belongs to another party, the retaliating victim could cause damage on the third party. Would the victim be liable for damages suffered? If the third party doesnt suffer direct damages, but they are subject to data breach notification requirements, would the hacking by the victim result in a situation requiring notification?

There are also a variety of other circumstances where the offending infrastructure is owned by a third party. For example, a website can be hacked and used to launch attacks, but the website is hosted on AWS. Would Amazon then be justified in hacking the victim again to stop the attack against the hosted website?

While in theory it might be useful to have highly skilled organizations authorized to perform some level of active defense, it is not practical. There would need to be some licensing ability established. Even then, it would likely require international cooperation. And there are an unlimited number of scenarios where the ACDC could be improperly implemented, resulting in collateral damage.

While I agree that organizations can use more support when victimized by a computer crime, the ACDC is definitely not the answer. A better approach would be for the handful of organizations that may be capable of hacking back actively engage with law enforcement.
MAYA ALLERUZZO / AP

Fremont, Calif.-based Digital Power acquired Microphase, a developer of radio-frequency subsystems for defense and industrial uses that was long based in Norwalk before moving in 2015 to Shelton.

Microphase reported a $1.2 million loss in its third fiscal quarter ending March 31, with an accumulated deficit at that point of $17.3 million from losses and dividends paid to investors over the years. The companys systems have been used as components aboard military platforms ranging from Polaris submarines to Predator drones.
The Bismarck apartment building fire that displaced numerous people on Sunday night started in a garbage can.

The exact cause of the blaze is still undetermined, according to Bismarck Fire Department Deputy Chief Dean Meyer. No one was injured.

Residents will be displaced for an "extended period" while about $100,000 in damages to the apartment and attic are repaired, said Meyer, reporting that, while the fire was contained to one area in the 18-unit building, smoke damaged several other units.

The fire at 158 E. Indiana Ave. broke out around 7 p.m., according to a press release from the fire department. Police officers and 21 firefighters responded, evacuated the structure and put out the fire.

While handling the blaze, a water line broke at 176 E. Indiana Ave., causing water to spray an electric panel, Meyer said. The pipe break may have been caused by added pressure from the hoses. Electricity was shut off there, and residents of the 24-plex were evacuated for the night.

The Red Cross helped displaced people find accommodations.
Being an entrepreneur is no cake walk. There will be times when you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep on walking. Astronaut, emergency trauma doctor, father, inventor and professional thrill-seeker Dr. Scott Parazynski has been through a lot and has come out on top -- the top of Mt. Everest that is! The good doctor offers a motivating message on thriving in the face of adversity. In the second half of the hour, we hear from the CEO and co-founder of Centrify, Tom Kemp, regarding recent security breaches, cyber attacks and the significant need for stronger password protection. How safe is your company from a breach? Find out now.

Related: Courageous and Wild: Maverick Startups Turned Multimillion Dollar Companies

Discover more about segments and guests below . . .

[00:00:00] Dr. Parazynski Shoots for the Stars, Literally

From a very young age, Dr. Scott Parazynski would watch his father assist with space shuttle launches. It was clear to him that he wanted to be an astronaut and Scott set his sights on outer space, a goal that would be arduous to achieve. Parazynski believes that lifes greatest lessons happen outside of school; its the people you meet, the experiences you have and the doors you open. If you set lofty goals, you will encounter great things (even if theyre not what you expected).

[00:06:18] Space Doctor, Trail Blazer and Dad -- Oh My!

Setting out to be an entrepreneur can mean blazing a brand new trail, and many people wont understand the journey. Parazynski turned his love for outer space and passion for healing people into a dream career as an astronaut medical doctor. When it comes to young entrepreneurs, the space doc believes that as long as hard work and a solid plan exist, the possibilities are endless. Parazynski shares his personal parenting strategy for helping his son set out on an entrepreneurial path.

[00:12:30] Fluidity Technologies: Inventions for Life

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. That age old adage certainly rings true for Parazynski. Often in extreme situations or locations, Parazynski developed a myriad of disruptive technologies, including a single handed robotic flight controller. With game-changing IP in tow, Parazynski launched Fluidity Technologies in an effort to simplify complicated systems to make them more energy, time and cost efficient.

[00:19:51] Overcome Adversity to Achieve Success

Parazynski is an astronaut, emergency trauma doctor, adventure seeker, inventor, father and a regular guy. Alright, hes not exactly a regular guy, but just like all of us hes faced unexpected health and business setbacks. Parazynski shares his two most important tenets for achieving success: resilience and tenacity. To help others conquer fear, rise up from failure and build relationships with like-minded individuals, Parazynski has penned a new book available this summer titled, The Sky Below. To get a sneak peek of the motivational guidebook and learn how you can put your best foot forward, listen now.

[00:30:02] WannaCry Ransomware Cyberattack

The news is littered with stories of widespread data hacks, and it has the general population understandably freaked out. An anonymous group called The Shadow Brokers recently exposed a stockpile of NSA hacking data, and Centrifys Tom Kemp is here to give us a clear understanding of what went down. In simple terms, the NSA had been discreetly gathering intelligence on new hacking methods. That information was stolen and leaked. Its rumored to be the work North Korean hackers, though theres no hard evidence at this time. Separately, the WannaCry ransomware cyber attack affected computers all over the U.K. including computers in manufacturing plants and hospitals, making this a life-threatening situation. As scary as this is, there are some crucial steps for data protection that your company can and should take as soon as possible.

[00:35:52] Shore Up Cybersecurity with Simple Tips

Is your company relying on a single form of security authentication? If so, its time to make a change. Modern hackers capitalize on weak user credentials, making one layer of security not enough. Often, attackers access your information via faulty email hyperlinks. Once youve taken the clickbait, they gain access to everything connected to your email account. Kemp gives security tips to protect your company from a cyber attack similar to the WannaCry ransomware debacle. Learn how to shore up your cybersecurity.

Entrepreneur Radio, hosted by award-winning broadcast professional Alan Taylor, equips fans with the critical information necessary to grow their business through practical advice and thought-provoking interviews. Tune in live on Saturdays 2 p.m. EST/11 a.m. PST and Sundays 10 a.m. EST/7 a.m. PST and listen to weekly episodes on demand on Entrepreneur.com.

Related:

An Astronaut's Guide to Entrepreneurship

Courageous and Wild: Maverick Startups Turned Multimillion Dollar Companies

'Cheers' TV Star John Ratzenberger Explains Why We Need an American Manufacturing Revival



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Tom Schumacher wasn't thinking about opening a children's home in Burma.

One day, while doing missionary work in the area, he was crossing a bridge between Thailand and Burma when he saw an 8-month-old on the side of the road. The baby was lying on a blanket just inches away from the road under an umbrella shielding him from the 95-degree heat.

"I stood by this child, and I looked around for his parents and I couldnt find anybody there, he said. "Everybody was walking by this child. At that point, I thought, Lord, now I know why youre asking me to do this."

Tom Schumacher is originally from Bismarck. He and his wife, Elizabeth, visit Bismarck occasionally, but they mostly work with bible schools across the Golden Triangle, an area along the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos.

Recently, they opened their first Burmese children's home in the small village of Patamaugone, on property that used to be a swamp and bamboo trees.

Elizabeth Schumacher, who is from the Burma, said they opened the dormitory for children who come from poor villages and lack opportunities to advance in their lives.

Earlier this week, they had their first 10 children move into the home, which is designed for those older than 6. They are also building a second dormitory, pending additional funding to finish the interior. In total, they will be able to house 64 to 72 children.

They hold devotionals every morning and evening, and drive the children to a local school everyday. Being close to the larger city of Tachiliek, the children have access to a better education.

"Their lives can really blossom here," said Tom Schumacher, who has been involved in missionary work in the region for more than 20 years.

In 1995, he took his first trip to Burma with a pastor from Word of Faith Church in Bismarck. Since then, he's been back and forth between the United States and the area. He moved to Thailand in 2008 and met his wife. They got married a year later.

"Asia has been my calling and its where my wife is from, and so we always felt that thats where we would settle," Tom Schumacher said.

They were also part of an international bible school in southern Thailand, where he was also the dean for a few years.

Ministry was not always what Tom Schumacher wanted to do. In his late 20s, he worked for his brother's local taxi company, Taxi 9000. When he took his first trip to Burma, he realized he was meant to be there.

"I think God has something for me here," Tom Schumacher said.

In 1998, he left the taxi business. Through his relationships with family and the Christian community in Bismarck, he began to see his calling in ministry.

His wife speaks Burmese and also preaches at the children's home in Burma. In 2012, Elizabeth Schumacher graduated from Victory Asia Bible College in Sriracha, Thailand, with a diploma in ministry. They have a son, Jeremiah, 6.

The Schumachers finished building the first children's home in March. The project was entirely funded through donations, mostly from people they know, including relatives, friends and church members. Elizabeth Schumacher's family play a big part in the ministry in Burma.

Without (their support) none of this would happen," Tom Schumacher said.

For more information on their work, visit www.loveforburma.com.
As an employer and a health care provider I would like to discuss several things that are not being addressed in the debate between Obamacare and Trumpcare.

Firstly, though it is a dirty little secret, between 40 percent and 50 percent of the population in the U.S. is already on government-funded health care and mostly they are happy with it.

If you add up all the employees of the military and their families, those eligible for VA health care, Medicare, Medicaid, federal, state, county and city employees and their families, individuals in prison, companies that depend mostly on government-funded projects like highway construction companies and defense companies, and heath care providers treating mostly Medicare patients and the disabled, you have a large part of the population on government-funded health care.

Secondly, what both parties are trying to do in addressing only health insurance is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The reason health insurance costs are so high is due to what it insures, health care. The cost of health care is high and getting more so. Neither party is addressing this. It is as if everyone drives a Rolls Royce and we are wondering why car insurance costs so much. As an employer, I saw the same double-digit increases to health insurance premiums before Obamacare as I do now afterward.

I have heard a lot of nonsense about allowing the free market to work here. Health care in the U.S. does not function on a free market basis. There is no way to choose one hospital over another as to quality and cost. When you go into an emergency room you have no idea what your costs will be. You just walk out of the hospital afterward and hope you can pay your share. Anyone who has ever examined a hospital bill will tell you it is beyond understanding.

Allowing health insurance providers to sell stripped-down plans is the same as just increasing the deductible. It just allows the insurers to call it a non-covered procedure rather than tacking the charges on the deductible. Health care is a necessity. No one goes through their whole life and refuses to ever see a doctor. The federal government acknowledges this by requiring hospitals to treat anyone who walks into an emergency room whether they can pay or not. If health care was free market, hospitals could tell people "sorry you don't have insurance, so go die."

My proposal to both parties is to provide a federal re-insurance for the health insurance providers. Let's say an individual has more than $100,000 in a year in health insurance costs, then a type of Trumpcare along the lines of Medicare would step in and take over the costs. In addition, if an individual has more than $1 million in health insurance costs over their lifetime, what the old lifetime maximum was, then they would become instantly eligible for Medicare. Medicare is essentially a high-risk group insurance anyway and most people who need that much health care will end up disabled and soon on Medicare.

By limiting the losses to the insurers it should help to keep costs down. The costs of the program will only go to those we know are high risk and not individuals that insurers would perceive to be high risk. Medicare also approaches the costs of health care differently than most insurers by paying for the disease and not just procedures and supplies used. This is a real attempt to control costs. Medicare also has much lower administrative costs than private insurance.

Once we have addressed the costs of health insurance we need to take a good look at the cost of heath care. The answers to that puzzle are more complicated and require wiser men than me.

In addition, we should not switch regular Medicaid to block grants to the states. As most welfare payments go to support people in nursing homes and with us baby boomers reaching that age, going to block grants will put an incredible strain on state budgets. Remember Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., you were all once state officials and what it takes to balance a state budget.

Could Congress also reduce the reporting paperwork of Obamacare and simplify it? One of our office managers spent three full days this year just filling out the Obamacare forms that no one will ever look at. It was ridiculous.
With the honourable exception of Theresa May, the response so far from the political class has been depressingly predictable

For the third time in less than three months, innocent people going about their everyday lives have been slaughtered at random and without conscience by Islamist fanatics filled with hatred and contempt for our democracy and our secular freedoms.

First, it was tourists and ordinary Londoners strolling across Westminster Bridge. Then, heartbreakingly young girls and their mothers leaving a Manchester pop concert. And now, people enjoying their evening in an area of the capital noted for its lively bars, cafes and restaurants.

Using hired vans as lethal weapons, nail bombs and foot-long knives, these crazed zealots have deliberately targeted vulnerable, unsuspecting members of the public in popular locations that are almost impossible to protect.

Its cowardly and contemptible, of course. But its also deadly, striking at liberal societys soft underbelly.

With the honourable exception of Theresa May, the response so far from the political class has been depressingly predictable. In place of constructive comments or anything that might provide genuine reassurance, weve been fed a stream of platitudes and glib cliches.

They tell us we must stay calm and soldier on, remain vigilant, not let the terrorists win by changing our behaviour, not let them divide communities and, above all, recognise that their violent jihadi creed is a perversion of Islam and thoroughly rejected by ordinary Muslims.

London Mayor Sadiq Khans words were typical. In the wake of Saturdays outrage, he said: London is one of the safest cities in the world, if not the safest city in the world . . . We will never let these cowards win.

London Mayor Sadiq Khans words were typical. He said: London is one of the safest cities in the world, if not the safest city in the world . . . We will never let these cowards win

The complacency of that statement simply beggars belief. If were so safe, then why is the MI5 terrorist threat level oscillating between severe and critical  the highest on the scale?

Banalities will no longer do. We need action  now. There is a war being fought on our streets and its time to deploy all the weapons at our disposal. As the Prime Minister said yesterday: Enough is enough.

The fact is that we will keep our heads and we will prevail. This a country that lived through the Blitz  during which towns and cities up and down the country were bombed almost every night for eight months, at a cost of 43,000 lives  not to mention nearly three decades of indiscriminate carnage perpetrated by Jeremy Corbyns friends in the IRA.

The British people are biologically programmed to defy those who threaten them and do not buckle under stress.

Prime Minister Theresa May expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning

But we dont deserve to be patronised. What we want to hear from our political masters are not sermons about not letting the terrorists win, but what they are going to do to stop them.

This is a threat like no other we have faced in the past, and we require strong and unequivocal leadership to guide us through it.

Much of that leadership must come from within the Islamic community. These terrorists may be on the fringes of mainstream Islam, but they are Muslims nonetheless.

Indeed, the London Bridge killers shouted This is for Allah as they slashed, stabbed and cut the throats of dozens of people.

In the name of multiculturalism, too many Muslim families have been able to insulate themselves from wider British society, and that has provided a climate in which extremism can thrive. This self-imposed apartheid must end. Ordinary Muslims must take responsibility for the terrorists in their midst and root them out. If they suspect young men are becoming radicalised, its their duty as citizens of this country to inform the authorities.

This is a threat like no other we have faced in the past, and we require strong and unequivocal leadership to guide us through it

Next, there is the vexed question of how to galvanise our policing of this terror upsurge. In all democratic societies, a balance must be struck between civil liberties and the protection of the public.

The painful truth is that the balance in Britain today needs to be fundamentally readjusted.

The Mail has huge admiration for the dedication and courage of the police and MI5 in tackling this scourge. Since the Westminster attack on March 22, they have foiled no fewer than five plots, which reflects well on their professionalism  but also reveals the sheer scale of the threat facing us all.

Make no mistake, this is a new breed of terrorist. Most previous plots had fairly long gestation periods, as symbolic targets were selected, weapons or explosives acquired and plans carefully laid: think of the Brighton bombing, or 7/7, which were many months in the preparation.

But these new attacks are haphazard and impromptu, with impressionable and often troubled Muslim boys watching Islamic State beheadings online, reading the vile IS propaganda that is rife across the internet, or seeing news coverage of terror attacks on their TV screens and being inspired to launch copycat attacks.

Just eight minutes after receiving the first emergency call, armed officers had shot all three terrorists dead

As Mrs May said yesterday, terrorism breeds terrorism and, in France, Belgium, Germany and Sweden, as well as here, law enforcement agencies are struggling to cope. The numbers of young men involved, their lack of previous terror convictions and the sheer randomness of the targets has created a policing nightmare.

On Saturday, the speed of the Scotland Yard response was truly extraordinary. Just eight minutes after receiving the first emergency call, armed officers had shot all three terrorists dead.

Yet in that brief period, seven people were murdered and more than 40 injured. And worryingly, as with several previous attacks, at least one of the perpetrators was already on the MI5/police radar. He was associated with a well-known radical cleric, but because he was regarded as being a minor player, the security services did not have the resources to place him under close surveillance.

We owe it to the dead of London and Manchester to ensure that this situation never arises again. If MI5 or the police need extra resources, they must have them  whatever it takes.

Similarly, with an estimated 3,000 radicals living in the UK and hundreds returning from Syria, there must be a huge extension of the terrorism prevention orders known as TPIMs, which restrict the movements of suspects.

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

(And if there is any problem funding these changes, the Mail has a humble suggestion  that we take the money from the 12 billion a year we squander on foreign aid.)

The longer prison sentences for terrorists pledged by Mrs May are also to be welcomed. But perhaps her most important mission is to bring to heel the tax-avoiding social media giants who allow terrorist propaganda, blood-soaked IS videos and bomb-making instructions to be spread across the internet with impunity.

Only last week, an IS manual urging followers to slit the throats of infidels was circulated on Google.

At the recent G7 summit, Mrs May secured support for an international crackdown on the terrorist bile carried by these global companies, and that must now be carried through with the threat of massive fines  or possibly even criminal charges  if they refuse to comply.

So, while the Prime Minister is working to tackle the evil ideology of Islamist extremism and improve the security and well-being of the British people, what is the Labour Party doing?

The bodies of two men, believed to be terrorists, lie in the road in Borough market after shots had been heard

Suddenly, Mr Corbyn seems to have had a Damascene conversion to the merits of tougher policing. Having previously described the shoot-to-kill policy as dangerous and counter-productive, he now seems to be all for it. He also says he would consider new anti-terror laws, which is even more surprising given that he voted against such legislation 56 times when he was a backbencher.

The truth is that Mr Corbyn has made a career out of at best excusing, and at worst supporting, terror groups. He called Hamas and Hezbollah friends, has taken tea with IRA bombers and laid a wreath at the grave of a Palestinian militant involved in the Munich massacre. The idea that he has had such a radical change of heart overnight is risible.

And, of course, his ex-girlfriend Diane Abbott, who would be Home Secretary in a Corbyn government, is just as bad. She voted against banning al Qaeda in 2000 and, in the Eighties, championed the IRA, once saying: Every defeat of the British state is a victory for us all.

It is likely that the London Bridge attack was intended to disrupt the General Election, which takes place in three days time. Those behind it have failed, and all parties rightly agree that the democratic process must go on.

When the people consider how to cast their vote, they must ask themselves in whose hands Britain would be a safer place: Theresa Mays or Jeremy Corbyns. The answer should be blindingly obvious.

If we are to defeat these butchers, we need a strategy that is both coherent and uncompromising. Too much blood has already been spilled. Enough is enough.
In the '90s it was the likes of Amanda De Cadanet, Tamara Beckwith and the late Tara Palmer Tompkinson flying the 'It Girl' flag, before Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller and Pixie Geldof in the noughties.

Now society bible Tatler has unveiled its definitive pick of Millennial It Girls for a new generation with its English Roses list, featuring 26 of the most 'exciting, interesting and beautiful' young women in Britain.

The Roses, who include Princess Diana's nice Kitty Spencer and Rolling Stone Keith Richards' granddaugher Ella, are set to feature in a new multi-media exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in association with Michael Kors, opening on Friday 30th June.

Femail has been given an exclusive preview of the list, which features musicians, actresses, dancers, equestrians, poets and artists, such as multi-talented Greta Bellamacina who has published poetry and made her acting debut in a Harry Potter film.

Tatler Editor Kate Reardon, who will host a party along with Michael Kors to launch the exhibitions, commented: 'As the oldest magazine in the world, Tatler has long been dedicated to chronicling the most fabulous members of British high society.

'More than anything, we understand the special alchemy that creates an It-girl  that rare combination of beauty, charisma and timeliness.'

Lady Diana's niece Kitty Spencer who balances modelling with volunteering for Centrepoint and working works four days a week for the military charity Give Us Time has made it on to Tatler's 2017 list of English Roses

Model Ella Richards is the granddaughter of Rolling Stones hellraiser Keith and has starred in campaigns for Burberry and Topshop

Artist and illustrator Sabrina Percy is a relative of the Duke of Northumberland (left). Rod Stewart and Rachel Hunter's daughter Renee has forged a successful modelling career (right)

Michael Kors added: 'I've always been inspired by people who are curious, who are thinking about what's next and what's new.

'That point of view is intrinsic to the next generation, which is why I love shining a spotlight on women who are starting to find, or create, their paths in the world.

'When you capture budding talent, there's a sense of possibility, a feeling that anything can happen, that is endlessly refreshing.

'The women pictured here are young but they're sophisticated. They've taken the glamorous, jet set lifestyle of the '50s and '60s and made it both up to date and integral to how they live their lives.

'There's still a quintessentially British sense of natural elegance, but there's an easiness to it that makes it modern.

'These women represent the balance of youth and sophistication, polish and ease, knowledge and curiosity, that's necessary for life today. Their potential knows no bounds.'

TATLER'S 2017 ENGLISH ROSES Livvy Banks Bee Beardsworth Greta Bellamacina Georgina Bevan Emilia Boateng Hero Douglas Hum Fleming Frankie Herbert Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart Lady Eliza Manners, Clara McGregor Alexandra Moncrieffe Idina Moncreiffe Aziya Aldridge-Moore Laura Murray Lana Palumbo Bea Fresson Lady Tatiana Mountbatten Sabrina Percy Katie Readman Ella Richards Lady Kitty Spencer Renee Stewa Cherie Jones Tess Ward Olivia Wentworth-Stanley Advertisement

Idina Moncreiffe attended St Martins College in London and is also a talented artist, as well as modelling for the likes of Vogue and Vivienne Westwood (left). Glossy PR girl Hum Fleming is descended from the author Ian Fleming and her family run a private investment service, tailored for super-rich clients (right)

Clara McGregor, daughter of Ewan is making her first forays into the world of acting (left). Fashion PR and model Katie Readman is a close friend of Pippa Middleton (right)

Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart is the daughter of the 7th Marquess of Bute, but the family have shunned their aristocratic title in favour of plain old Bute (left). Lady Tatiana Mountbatten the daughter of the 4th Marquess of Milford Haven, the Queen's cousin, is a dressage rider and model (right)

Model Gabrielle 'Bee' Beardsworth, 21, grew up in the Cotswolds and has modelled for Marques Almeida and Vivienne Westwood (left). Lady Eliza Manners, 20, is an aspiring actress known for wild parties with her siblings Lady Violet and Lady Alice, collectively dubbed the 'bad manners' sisters (right)

Alternative pop singer and songwriter Jones, 25, (Cherie Jones) is a rising star who has won praise from Sam Smith (left). Aspiring fashion designer Frankie Herbert, 21, is the niece of the Earl of Carnarvon (right)

Emilia Boateng, the daughter of tailor Ozwald Boateng and Russian former model Gyunel Taylor, now has a catwalk career of her own (left). Actress, poet and film-maker Greta Bellamacina made her film debut playing a Slytherin school girl in Harry Potter (right)

Street style star Livvy Banks, 17, has been described by Tatler as 'one of the freshest faces in fashion' (left) Hero Douglas, granddaughter of the 12th Marquess of Queensberry, is an aspiring actress (right)

Singer-songwriter Aziya Aldridge-Moore, 17, is the niece of Victoria's Secret Angel Lily Aldridge

The full portfolio can be seen in the August issue of Tatler, on newsstand from Thursday 6th July
Told Emirates Woman they 'find it weird when people approach us'

They claim they have never seen the similarities they share with the celebrities

The sisters bear a striking resemblance to Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner

Sonia and Fyza Ali are Dubai-based sisters, beauty bloggers and make up artists

As the reigning social media and make up trendsetters, Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner have inspired plenty of fans to recreate their looks.

But it seems for two Dubai-based beauty bloggers, their uncanny resemblance to the Kardashian-Jenner sisters is simply a coincidence.

Sisters Sonia and Fyza Ali told Emirates Woman they have never even watched an episode of the Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

'Our close friends and family are so used to seeing us they have never seen a resemblance,' Sonia and Fyza told the publication.

Dubai-based sisters, Sonia (right) and Fyza Ali (left) claim they don't see the resemblance between themselves and celebrity A-listers Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner

Sonia and Fyza say they've never watched an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians (pictured: Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner)

Sonia Ali, who is a beauty blogger and reviewer, said even her close friends don't see the similarities between herself and Kim Kardashian

'It's only when we are out together people constantly point it out  people that don't know us at all  especially in the States.'

Fyza, who is a trained makeup artist, often recreates Kim-inspired looks on her sister Sonia.

Previously speaking to FEMAIL, Sonia said: 'My sister and I love Kim Kardashian's make up.

'Fyza likes to experiment with celebrity-inspired looks on me so we have recreated her looks a few times.'

Fyza Ali (right) , who is a trained makeup artist, often recreates Kim-inspired looks on her sister Sonia (left)

The Kardashian-Jenner sisters strike their signature pouts and sultry pose, often recreated by the Ali sisters

Kim Kardashian and sister Kylie Jenner at the 2017 Met Ball in New York

Sonia and Fyza Ali bear a striking resemblance to the Keeping Up With The Kardashians stars, from their full lips to their chiseled cheekbones, sleek black hair and sultry poses - and even their outfits.

Despite the similarities, the sisters told Emirates Woman they are still shocked when people mistake them for the Hollywood A-listers.

'We find it weird when people approach us saying so because we don't even dress anything like them,' Sonia said.

Sonia bears a striking resemblance to Kim Kardashian, with the chiseled cheekbones and slicked back black hair

While sister Fyza is a doppelganger for makeup mogul Kylie Jenner with her fresh-faces beauty looks

The Dubai-based sisters are very close, with Fyza (left) creating makeup looks on Sonia (right) for their combined Instagram account

Their resemblance has led companies to send the sisters Kim and Kylie-inspired outfits in the past, however Sonia previously told FEMAIL their styles are different.

'As for her fashion, I don't really take inspiration from her outfits because our bodies are different and what she wears wouldn't flatter me,' Sonia said.

'Companies have sent us Kim-inspired outfits, but only once or twice we agreed to wear and advertise for them, which is why you will see some similar clothing items.

'Other than that my style is more casual with bomber jackets and converse.'

The sister's resemblance has led companies to send Kim and Kylie-inspired outfits in the past, but Sonia told FEMAIL their own styles are different

Even Fyza's poses bear an uncanny similarity to Kylie Jenner's, with a sultry stare and prominent pout

Sisters Kim and Kylie have inspired makeup, fashion and lifestyle recreations with their enviable style

With over 550,000 followers on their combined Instagram account, the UK-born sisters specialise in makeup for Middle Eastern skin.

'Fyza specialise's in makeovers for Middle Eastern skin and Sonia is a beauty addict that also posts her reviews and life style posts on Instagram,' the sisters wrote on their website.

Fyza is also a make up artist for the ruling families of the Middle East, they claim.
It's hard not to feel the lure of France. With its undulating hills, boulangeries and cheese and wine for days, for many it's a country of romance, good food and decadence.

Just as Emily Lawrence Gazal. The 44-year-old, from Bondi in Sydney, is so obsessed with the country that she packed up and re-located herself and her three children to Paris last summer - leaving her husband at home in Sydney.

'It was the most wonderful experience,' she told Daily Mail Australia of their three months spent there.

The Lawrence Gazal family - including husband and father, Christian - plan to head back to France all together early next year.

Emily Lawrence Gazal (pictured left) packed up and re-located to Paris with her three children (one of which pictured right) for three months - she left her husband at home in Sydney

'It was the most wonderful experience,' Ms Lawrence Gazal said of the time spent there (pictured: her three children in Paris)

Ms Lawrence Gazal (pictured) has been obsessed with France since a young age - her parents spent six months living there and she worked as an au pair after she finished school

MOVING ABROAD AS A FAMILY ON THE CHEAP * Research all of the free things you can do for free - you don't have to spend lots of money to have a good time. * Ride bikes where possible as this will save you lots of money. * Hire a car in order to save money when you want to travel outside the city. * Avoid eating out in restaurants and instead take advantage of local markets and have picnics - you can also cook delicious food at home from the place where you are. * Be strict with yourself - for instance, Ms Lawrence Gazal's kids relied on baguette most mornings for breakfast, and enjoyed more pricey croissants as a special treat. * Use things like AirBnB, which will often get you great city accommodation for a reasonably cheap price. Source: Emily Lawrence Gazal. Advertisement

For Ms Lawrence Gazal, her love of all things French began at a young age:

'I was good at the language at school, and my parents went there for six months when I was 13 which started things off,' she explained.

The 44-year-old later worked as an au pair in France before she eventually settled down in Bondi and had her children, now aged 12, 10 and 8.

'The obsession with all things French really escalated when I had the kids,' she told FEMAIL.

'I was determined to make them be bilingual and so raised them trying to make them speak both languages.

'I am very much of the opinion that there is more to life than just buying a house and settling down.'

The Lawrence Gazal family first did a stint in France all together five years ago for six months, before Ms Lawrence Gazal returned with the children last summer:

'I did it because my husband, Christian, got offered a job in Sydney and a job in Paris and he turned the Paris one down - I was so mad,' she said.

'Because I was so crushed and devastated and mad at him, I said: "Fine, I'll take the kids to Paris by myself".'

The mother-of-three enrolled her children (two of whom, pictured) into a French school for three months - where they improved their language skills and learned European history

'I am very much of the opinion that there is more to life than just buying a house and settling down,' Ms Lawrence Gazal said of her attitude to life (pictured: her two boys)

'Taking your kids out of school and putting them in another school is not a big deal,' she told FEMAIL (pictured: the kids)

That was exactly what she did.

Last year, the mother-of-three and her three kids left Sydney for Paris, renting a central apartment in the city and enrolling in a local school:

'The school was really close to the apartment, which was handy,' Ms Lawrence Gazal said.

And while she admitted it was difficult for her children - as their French is not perfect and the French school system is very different to Australia - Ms Lawrence Gazal also said she doesn't regret it for a second:

'Taking your kids out of school and putting them in another school is not a big deal,' she said.

'Yes the French school system is quite harsh, but they also got to improve their language skills and learn all about the rich European history, which they just wouldn't have done in Australia.'

Ms Lawrence Gazal said living in another country also doesn't have to be the hugely expensive thing you would imagine either - they enjoyed doing lots of free things

'I rode a bike to and from my French lessons - these are free in Paris, which is fantastic - and I researched all the free stuff myself and the kids could do,' she explained

Ms Lawrence Gazal said living in another country also doesn't have to be the hugely expensive thing you would imagine.

'I worked a little bit as a freelance writer, but otherwise we just budgeted,' she said.

We didn't eat out once in a restaurant during the three months - instead, we cooked delicious French foods at home and also went to the markets and had picnics

'I rode a bike to and from my French lessons - the bikes are free in Paris, which is fantastic - and I researched all the free stuff myself and the kids could do on Wednesdays [when they were off] and at the weekends.'

Ms Lawrence Gazal said they did enjoy life hugely, but were also careful - for instance, they had croissants twice a week because these were more expensive than simply dividing up a cheap - and equally delicious - baguette.

'We didn't eat out once in a restaurant during the three months,' she explained.

'Instead, we cooked delicious French foods at home and also went to the markets and had picnics.'

The Lawrence Gazal family enjoyed visiting places such as the Jardin d'Acclimatation, Cafe Angelina for hot chocolate and Disneyland during their stay.

They also had countless bike rides along the Seine.

The family also didn't eat in restaurants once - preferring to cook French food at home and go to the local markets

The Lawrence Gazal family also enjoyed visiting places such as the Jardin d' Acclimatation, Cafe Angelina for hot chocolate and for bike rides along the Seine

Speaking about her tips for parents travelling abroad with young children, Ms Lawrence Gazal said you should research everything you can do for free online and rent a car:

'We rented a car for going outside of Paris which was really easy,' she said.

'Yes, France is a big country, but it's nothing like Australia so it's easy to travel round,' she added.

The mum is also a fan of AirBnB and eating in.

'It's easy to cook in or make a picnic and still have a fantastic time,' she said.

peaking about her tips for parents travelling abroad with young children, Ms Lawrence Gazal said you should research everything you can do for free online and rent a car - markets are good, too

The family intend to return - with Ms Lawrence Gazal's husband - to France next year for a year

Meanwhile, they recreate the Parisian lifestyle at home in Bondi (pictured)

For the mother-of-three, even though her children did miss their father sometimes, she said that they were the ones having fun, so it wasn't so bad:

'When he is working, he works really long hours, so I never felt guilty during the week - maybe a little at the weekends,' she said.

'The kids missed him sometimes, too, but when there's something wonderful on every corner, it's okay.'

Now she is home in Sydney, Ms Lawrence Gazal has convinced her husband to move from Bondi to Paris for a year once his current job is up:

'We're going to go back to Paris for a year and see how we go,' she said.

In the meantime, the French-obsessed mother has started an Instagram account, @FrenchObsessed, which she uses as a creative outlet:

'We recreate a lot of French things at home,' she said.

'Every few months, I'll only speak to the children in French, and we cook a lot of French dishes. My husband and I will always take the kids to French things if they open up in Sydney.'

She confessed her favourite Australian Francophile haunts are Label Baguette in Maroubra, and Lavie & Belle in Surry Hills.

'I think the baguettes in Sydney are really gross, not at all like the baguettes in France, but these places do really good ones,' she said.

'My favourite and lasting memory of France is just one of me riding my bicycle along the Seine as the golden statues glint in the sunlight.

'It's such a beautiful place, and a wonderful experience. People should take advantages of things more.'

To follow Ms Lawrence Gazal's French-obsessed Instagram account, click here.
Kat Mehajer Sakalaki, the sister of former deputy Auburn mayor Salim Mehajer, and her husband Ibraham Sakalaki have welcomed their baby boy Abraham.

The Sydney-based pair announced the pregnancy on November 20 after their elaborate wedding before hosting an enormous $10,000 baby shower to celebrate.

'Alhumdullilah, Allah swt has blessed my husband and I with the birth of our healthy & happy little prince, Abraham Radwan Sakalaki,' Kat wrote on Instagram on Sunday.

Kat Mehajer Sakalaki and her husband Ibraham have welcomed their baby boy Abraham

Kat, the sister of former deputy Auburn mayor Salim Mehajer, shared this snap on Instagram captioned 'My whole entire heart'

She also shared this photo of her husband laying with their newborn captioned 'My boys'

'May Allah swt guide you, bless you, and make you one of the righteous of mankind, being respectful and kind to all.

'Feeling so blessed and overwhelmed with joy that you have brought upon our hearts.'

Kat proudly shared a snap of their newborn before posting a photo of her husband and son laying together on the hospital bed.

'Alhumdullilah, Allah swt has blessed my husband and I with the birth of our healthy & happy little prince, Abraham Radwan Sakalaki,' Kat wrote on Instagram on Sunday (pictured May 6)

Kat and Ibraham celebrated the impending birth of their son with a lavish $10,000 baby shower in April

Kat, who was eight months pregnant at the time, held a shower for her son Abraham at Cedrus Restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Ryde surrounded by 80 of her closest friends and family

'My boys,' she captioned the image.

Kat and Ibraham celebrated the impending birth of their son with a lavish $10,000 baby shower in April.

Kat, who was eight months pregnant at the time, held a shower for her son Abraham at Cedrus Restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Ryde surrounded by 80 of her closest friends and family.

'We are super excited to meet the new prince,' Kat's sister Zena Mehajer told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

'We are super excited to meet the new prince,' Kat's sister Zena Mehajer told Daily Mail Australia at the time

Ibraham attended the baby shower briefly to cut the cake, which was just one of several sweet treats offered to guests

Kat's sisters Mary (left) and Aiisha (right) were among the guests

Kat was seen wearing a light blue dress with long, open sleeves and heels as she posed for photos with family members and friends.

Ibraham attended the baby shower briefly to cut the cake, which was just one of several sweet treats offered to guests.

The large cake was decorated with blue and white icing with a large letter A on the top and bottom of their cake for Abraham.

Kat (pictured right with her sister Zena), was all smiles at the event

About 80 people gathered at Cedrus Restaurant for the baby shower

Parfaits, cupcakes, cookies and donuts were also seen scattered across the large dessert table

Parfaits, cupcakes, cookies and donuts were also seen scattered across the large dessert table.

For the main course guests ate a massive selection of meat, salad and seafood.

Another table held numerous presents stacked on top of one another.

Small thank you notes tied to crystal glassware on the tables thanked the female guests for celebrating with the mother-to-be.

'Thank you for sharing this happy day and sending your love and blessings our way. We hope you had a great time,' it read.

Small thank you notes tied to crystal glassware on the tables thanked the female guests for celebrating with the mother-to-be
After a very public backlash to her planned speaking appearance at a Perth shopping centre, Constance Hall has pulled out of hosting the event.

The mummy blogger announced on Facebook that she had to cancel her appearance at the Baldivis Stocklands because of 'threats of violence'.

'Sorry to everyone who wanted to get together in Baldivis,' she wrote.

'My management team has pulled me away from the event due to too many threats of violence made.'

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Australian blogger Constance Hall cancelled an upcoming appearance in Perth

Constance wrote to her fans on Facebook, claiming 'threats of violence' led to her cancelling a speaking appearance for a charity event in Perth

'For the first time they and Stocklands shopping centre believed a public appearance to be too dangerous.'

Constance was set to host a charity event at the shopping centre on June 10, to raise money for the CARE foundation.

The shopping centre's page was flooded with trolls, with many leaving their opinions in the comments.

Constance Hall was mocked online for an upcoming speaking appearance, which she has now cancelled (pictured with boyfriend Demin)

Constance was set to host a charity event at the shopping centre on June 10, to raise money for the CARE foundation

'Pencil into diary: do not approach Baldivis Stocklands on June 10. Thanks for the heads up,' one comment said, which has now been 'liked' over 400 times on Facebook.

Another user added: 'Make a note to avoid the shops that day, I'd rather stick forks in my eye than see her in person.'

Constance said she is 'used to haters', but the public backlash to her set appearance was too much.

Constance said she is 'used to haters', but the public backlash to her set appearance was too much

Constance said her marriage to Bill Mahon (pictured) was ending for a long time, so 'I was feeling pretty lonely for a really long time'

'We are used to haters, but Stocklands shopping centre has had to delete some threats that were just on another level,' she wrote.

'I don't really know what else to say.

'All tickets are being refunded. I hope to get us all together really soon, maybe somewhere safer and less public.'

Constance addressed the comments, many of which were slamming the mother-of-four for her new relationship with Denim Cooke, in her radio show on Sunday morning.

'My marriage was ending for a long time, so I was feeling pretty lonely for a really long time,' the 33-year-old said.

Constance split with her husband of six years, Bill Mahon, in April, and began dating a new man not long after, to the fury of her fans

'And I think, a lot of the time when women finally leave a marriage, they've spent so much time alone and they can sometimes feel more ready than society would like them to be.

'You can't sacrifice your own happiness because of other people's ideals of what's right or wrong,' she said.

Constance split with her husband of six years, Bill Mahon, in April, and began a new relationship with Denim not long after, sparking fury with her fans.

She has previously taken to social media to say: 'I don't have to justify my actions to anyone' after fans began to turn on her.

The 33-year-old continues to defend her new relationship, claiming she and her estranged husband had 'lived separately and officially separated for months.
For mothers, trying to organise and plan meals throughout the week can be a frustrating task.

But one single mother from Langwarrin, Victoria, has mastered the art of meal prepping and as a result, saves herself countless hours in the kitchen and hundreds of dollars each month.

To show just how simple it can be to organise meals ahead of time, Nikola Green, 33, recently cooked up 68 healthy dinners, lunches and snacks in just four hours - and each of them came in at only $2.90 per serve.

A single mother from Langwarrin, Victoria, has mastered the art of meal prepping and as a result, saves herself countless hours in the kitchen and hundreds of dollars each month

Nikola Green, 33, recently cooked up 68 healthy dinners, lunches and snacks in just four hours - and each of them came in at just $2.90 per serve

Ms Green, who spent just $200 on groceries for the cook, documented the entire process in pictures and shared her top tips for those wishing to give it a go

Ms Green, who spent just $200 on groceries for the cook, documented the entire process in pictures and shared her top tips for those wishing to give it a go.

'I like to cook more than one thing at a time as it saves time,' Ms Green told Healthy Mummy.

'I use all four stove top elements plus an electric wok and electric frying pan. I made 68 meals and I froze some.'

'I use all four stove top elements plus an electric wok and electric frying pan. I made 68 meals and I froze some,' she said

Since starting the Healthy Mummy program, Ms Green has lost an impressive 16 kilograms and says she has become a better mother to her boys

Menu items included devilled sausages, chilli con carne, red curry, laksa and San Choy Bow

What are Nikola's top meal prep tips? 1. Plan your menu for the week every seven days - don't plan and meal prep all at once 2. Prep everything before you put your groceries away and cut up all fruit and vegetables before storing them 3. Try and cook two different meals at the one time 4. Stock the freezer for those times where you can't be bothered cooking 5.Freeze brown rice and quinoa 6. Use plastic take away containers to store meals in the freezer 7. I use snap lock bags for portioning snacks 8. I use plastic drawer containers that I purchased from Kmart to store food in the fridge Advertisement

Ms Green wasn't just cooking for herself either, with the thrifty mother saying her four-year-old twin boys also eat the meals she makes.

'I find it helps them eat their meals if theyve been involved in the process. A lot of the meals Ive made here are for their lunches,' she added.

And while some may think meal prepped meals involve boring veggie bowls or tiny portions, this is certainly not the case in Ms Green's kitchen.

Menu items included devilled sausages, chilli con carne, red curry, laksa and San Choy Bow.

Also on the menu was chicken and brown rice soup and korma with noodles - each of the recipes from the Healthy Mummy recipe hub where she follows programs and recipes to maintain her weight.

Since starting the program, Ms Green has lost an impressive 16 kilograms and says she has become a better mother to her boys.

In addition to healthy recipes, she also works out at home by following a DVD workout program

'The first time can be a little overwhelming but when youre sitting down to that healthy meal you grabbed out of the freezer instead of eating takeaway it will all be worth it,' she said

In addition to healthy recipes, she also works out at home by following a DVD workout program.

Ms Green has made a name for herself in the meal prepping community and urges all mothers to give it a go.

'The first time can be a little overwhelming but when youre sitting down to that healthy meal you grabbed out of the freezer instead of eating takeaway it will all be worth it,' she said.
Chloe Shorten has added her voice in support of parents who want their children to grow up 'free from limiting gender stereotypes'.

On Monday, Australian domestic violence advocacy group Our Watch released a report which showed 79 per of parents, with children aged three and under, want their kids to be able to be free of limiting gender stereotypes.

92 per cent agree it is important to treat girls and boys equally in their early years.

The report, called Power of Parents, said that children start learning 'gender appropriate' and 'gender-role' behaviour by the age of two, and 'develop their understanding of ideas about gender-related characteristics during their toddler and preschool years'.

Chloe Shorten (pictured with husband and Opposition leader Bill Shorten) has added her voice in support of parents who want their children to grow up 'free from limiting gender stereotypes'

'This child development research suggests that children who understand and identify gender labels earlier tend to express stronger gender-typed preferences and use gender stereotypes to guide their attitudes and behaviours,' the report continued.

Ms Shorten, a corporate affairs specialist, who is also wife of Opposition leader Bill Shorten, gave her support to those calling for change, as she joined Our Watch as an ambassador.

'As a parent, supporting children to pursue their interests free from limiting gender stereotypes is crucial,' she said.

'Gender inequality is underpinned by rigid adherence to gender stereotypes, and evidence says gender inequality and disrespect breed violence against women.

'As a parent, supporting children to pursue their interests free from limiting gender stereotypes is crucial,' Ms Shorten said

Ms Shorten spoke out after report showed 79 per of parents, with children aged three and under, want their kids to be able to be free of limiting gender stereotypes

'This is one of the reasons why I'm excited to become an Our Watch Ambassador,' she continued.

Ms Shorten, who is the daughter of former Governor-General of Australia Quentin Bryce, also said her own childhood home was 'a household of ideas about gender equality, shared parenting and education'.

'It was a household where talk became action' Ms Shorten said.

'For as long as I can remember, my mother has fought to eliminate domestic violence from the community.

'It wasn't a passing interest  it has been a lifetime commitment. My dad, a renowned architect, consistently modelled modern marriage and parenting for us.'

'Gender inequality is underpinned by rigid adherence to gender stereotypes, and evidence says gender inequality and disrespect breed violence against women,' she said

'Ms Shorten is a proud champion for gender equality and respectful relationships,' the organisation's chair Stott Despoja said, adding that her role as ambassador 'highlights further her commitment to gender equality and to eliminating violence against women and their children'.

'Language matters, and expressions of gender stereotypes shape attitudes that last into adulthood,' she added.

'These can include telling boys that 'boys don't cry' when they express their emotions, or calling girls 'bossy' when they assert themselves.

'These notions embolden the stereotype that men make better leaders due to being more decisive and rational. This view is supported by one in five Australians.'

Organisation Chair Stott Despoja said Ms Shorten was committed to 'gender equality and to eliminating violence against women and their children'

Ms Shorten, who is the daughter of former Governor-General of Australia Quentin Bryce, also said her own childhood home was 'a household of ideas about gender equality, shared parenting and education'

'Of course, parents have enormous influence over their child's development.

'Challenging outdated gender stereotypes can be as simple as sharing the care-giving and house work.

'It can, including exposing our children to a diverse range of role models and championing both female and male leaders in books, television, movies, arts and sport,' Ms Despoja continued.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem described the U.S. border with Mexico as a war zone last year when she sent dozens of state National Guard troops there. Noem said theyd be on the front lines of stopping drug smugglers and human traffickers. But newly released records from the National Guard show that in their two-month deployment, the South Dakota troops didnt seize any drugs and sometimes went days without encountering any migrants at all. Noem justified the deployment and a widely criticized private donation to fund as a state emergency because of drugs making their way across the southern border to South Dakota. But the records cast doubt on whether the deployment was effective in addressing that.
After touching down in Western Australia on Sunday, it seems Pippa Middleton and James Matthews are off yet again.

The couple were spotted at Perth Airport on Monday, with Pippa clutching the same straw tote bag with fringed detailing she has carried since arriving in Australia.

The jet-setting couple were dressed casually as they arrived at the airport, with James sporting a relaxed look while Pippa glowed in a 383 (AUD $660) pale blue poplin shirt dress by Maje.

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews were spotted at Perth airport on Monday, after only touching down 24 hours earlier

The newlyweds looked relaxed and very much in holiday mode as they made their way into the airport

Pippa wore her favourite $200 espadrilles and sported a 383 (AUD $660) pale blue poplin shirt dress by Maje

James paired his blue jeans with casual black shoes and a blue buttoned shirt, accessorising with designer sunglasses.

While Pippa paired her chic look with her favourite AUD $200 Castaner espadrilles and carried her favoured Sensi Studio straw tote, valued at AUD $558.

Wearing her long tresses down, Pippa smiled as she faced cameras and television crews at the airport, as husband James followed closely behind.

Earlier in the day, the couple were spotted going for a jog around Perth's Swan River, before heading to the airport.

Wearing her long tresses down, Pippa smiled as she faced cameras and television crews at the airport, as husband James followed closely behind

Pippa glowed as she arrived at Perth Airport on Monday, sporting her favoured Sensi straw tote and her AUD $200 Castaner espadrilles

Packing light? The pair opted for minimal luggage as they arrived at Perth airport

'We're having a wonderful time, thank you,' Ms Middleton told Channel Nine News.

The pair arrived in Western Australia on Sunday, after spending three days at the luxury wild bush resort Bamurru Plains in nearby Kakadu National Park, in Darwin.

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.

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.

The pair both opted for a relaxed, casual look as they arrived at the airport on Monday, carrying minimal luggage

The couple couldn't keep their happiness a secret, smiling as they entered Perth airport

Pippa's hair billowed in the wind as she stepped into Perth airport on Monday, smiling as she passed waiting cameras

Perth, meanwhile, is known for its beautiful beaches and river, the historical port area of Fremantle, the island of Rottnest filled with quokkas, and extensive wine regions to the south.

Pippa and James' whirlwind Australian honeymoon began last Wednesday when the newlyweds touched down in Sydney.

After only 36 hours in the New South Wales capital, the couple jetted off to the Northern Territory.
A Sydney-based blogger has proved yet again that she is the queen of over-the-top desserts.

Marie Phitidis has created the drool-worthy Cookie Monster Cheesecake which is made of an Oreo biscuit base, cookies and cream cheesecake and topped with chocolate ganache and an assortment of chocolate.

'A perfect table centrepiece or knockout dessert, PLEASE let me know if you make it!' she wrote on her blog Phoodie.

Marie Phitidis has created the drool-worthy Cookie Monster Cheesecake

The cheesecake is made of an Oreo biscuit base, cookies and cream cheesecake and topped with chocolate ganache and an assortment of chocolate

Ms Phitidis has previously blessed us with a Three Ingredient Toblerone Mousse, Three Ingredient Kit Kat Fudge Slice and Emerald City Cheesecake.

She previously spoke to FEMAIL saying that the recipe for the Emerald City Cheesecake, which she posted on to her blog last September, had over one million views within two days of sharing it.

'Mint and chocolate have long been a winning flavour combo in my eyes so I just let my imagination run wild with it and the result was INSANE!' she wrote on Phoodie.

Blitz the Choc Ripple and Oreo biscuits in a food processor to a fine crumb

Blitz the Choc Ripple and Oreo biscuits in a food processor to a fine crumb

Combine the cookie crumbs with the melted butter in a bowl and mix

'That said, there were a few people who loved the idea of it but expressed a distaste of mint and chocolate together'.

Ms Phitidis then chose to run a poll on her Facebook page to see which one her followers would prefer to see next: cookies and cream or honeycomb.

Cookies and cream was the big winner and Ms Phitidis named her creation The Cookie Monster.

Place room temperature cream cheese and sugar in an electric mixer and beat on slow for 2 mins, increase speed to medium for a further 5 minutes and then mix on high for a further five

Turn mixer off and very gently fold through the chopped Milky Bar with Cookies, Oreos and whipped cream

The cheesecake is made of an Oreo biscuit base which is then filled with cookies and cream cheesecake before being topped with chocolate ganache and an assortment of chocolate such as original and chocolate Oreo's, white chocolate Tim Tams and Flakes, just to name a few.

Ms Phitidis said that you can pick and choose which chocolates you use to decorate depending on what you can get but try to use some cookie and cream flavours.

'Food is Love. FOOD IS LOVE! Dont forget that!!' she adds.

Pour the cream cheese, cream, Oreo and Milky Bar filling on top of the cheesecake and smooth top with a spatula

Once the chocolate ganache has cooled pour over the cheesecake but be careful it doesn't spill

Cookies and cream was the big winner and Ms Phitidis named her creation The Cookie Monster

Allow the ganache topping to set slightly before generously decorating the top in an array of Cookies and Cream flavoured bikkies and chocolate bars
A collection of signs showing medical practitioners with names that range from the blush-inducing to the down-right disconcerting have been unearthed on the internet.

The gallery includes everything from the foreboding-sounding Dr Frankenstein to a whole host of gynecologists with comedy names including Dr Beaver, Dr Bush, Dr Hardman and Dr Dick L. Ong.

And somewhat confusingly for patients, there's also the practitioner who was clearly born to do the job: Doctor Docktor.

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Titter ye not: The medical practitioners operating with surnames that might make it hard to keep a straight face including the gynecologist named Dr Dick L. Ong

Lost in translation? Dr Pornsak's clinic and, right, the snigger-inducing Dr Richard L Weiner

You're in the right field! Dr Harry Beaver plies his trade in obstretics and gynecology

Red-faces all round: How does an appointment at the Hardman Gynecology Centre sound?

Richard and Freda, otherwise known as Dr Stiff and Dr Bush also make a living in the gyno field

Who would you prefer for your appointment, madame? Dr Bang or Dr Wang?

The snigger-raising gallery also includes more than a few surnames that are a little too close to certain parts of the anatomy.

There's the painfully-named urologist Dr Cockburn and the gynecology expert Dr Hardman.

Indeed, when it comes to obstetrics and gynecology, it seems the puns just run and run. Genuine doctors include Dr Beaver, Dr Bush, Dr Hardman and Dr Wang...and Dr Bang.

Elsewhere, there's the Carry On-style saucy surnames including: Dr Blome, Dr Pornsak and Dr B.J. Hardick. Oh, and we mustn't forget Ireland's very own Dr Bonar.

There's also the dentist, an unlikely advert for a sugar-laden soft drink, named Dr Pepper.

Let's hope that's not the reaction you get: Dr OMG has suffered from social media abbreviations

Blush! This car parking space is reserved for Dr Blome, while Dr B.J. Hardick has some comedy initials

A foot doctor with the name Dr Will Tickel? It's

A very appropriate name for a urologist...meet Mr A Cockburn

Dr D Bonar might have found his good Irish surname misinterpreted a few times

Dr Cholera can see you now...but do you still want to see Dr Cholera now you know their name?

Are you an advocate of sugary drinks, Dentist Dr Pepper? Meanwhile, you don't want to catch a cold from Dr Atchoo

A Docktor in every sense: Dr J Docktor was born to do this job

Then there's the doctors whose own names sound like they've been lifted from a medical dictionary including Dr Atchoo and Dr Cholera.

The most unfortunate surname lighting up a sign outside a clinic? Dr Hytham S***, who's apparently very good at his job.

Looking for a good prognosis? An appointment with Dr Dooms doesn't seem like the most hopeful place to start
Prince Harry's charity fundraising polo match in Singapore has fallen silent in tribute to the victims of the London terrorist attack.

Before the match began, the players and spectators observed a minute's silence in memory of the seven killed and dozens injured when pedestrians were mowed down by a van on London Bridge before the attackers went on a stabbing rampage.

Harry hopes to raise 1 million from the polo event for his charity Sentebale's work with HIV positive children in Lesotho and Botswana, as well as other projects helping vulnerable youngsters.

After riding on to the pitch, the players observed a minute's silence after the national anthems of Singapore and Britain were played.

The compere announced the tribute, saying it was "a mark of respect for all the victims and those affected by the terror attacks in London on Saturday night".

Harry bowed his head as the sports field fell silent, then sprang to life with the other players when a whistle was blown to signal the end of the tribute.

Prince Harry takes part in a minute's silence for the victims of Saturday's terror attack in London

Prince Harry arrives to take part in the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup at the Singapore Polo Club

Celebrating a good shot! The Prince had a moment of triumph on the field

Solemn Prince Harry observes a minute's silence with his teammates before taking part in the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup in Singapore

Today's event has become an important annual fundraising event for Sentebale, an organisation 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.

Earlier today the Prince cut a dapper figure in a stone-coloured jacket and white open-necked shirt as he arrived at the grounds and was introduced to players, including Argentinian hero Nacho Figueras - an ambassador for the charity.

Commenting ahead of a polo match, Harry said the fight against HIV cannot be won unless children living with the disease are given a voice.

He added he continued to support the world's commitment to ending the Aids epidemic by 2030.

The prince received a presentation from former Dr Who actress Karen Gillan

The Prince greets Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 actress Karen Gillan with a kiss on the cheek

Harry hopes the event will raise 1 million in vital funding for his organisation's work with children affected by and living with HIV and Aids

The royal chats with Argentinian player Nacho Figueras, who is also an ambassador for his charity Sentebale

Harry hopes to raise a million pounds from the event being staged in Singapore for his organisation's work with HIV positive children in Lesotho and Botswana as well as other projects helping vulnerable youngsters.

Writing in the official programme for the Sentebale Polo Cup, with his charity co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, the prince said: 'In the past year we have expanded operations into Botswana, addressing the pressing needs of the country with the world's third-highest HIV prevalence.

'We will continue to support the global commitment to ending the Aids epidemic by 2030.

An animated Prince Harry looked to be in his element as he took part in the game

Ahead of the match, Harry said that he continues to support the goal of ending the global HIV epidemic by 2030

No Meghan today? At his last match back in May the Prince's actress girlfriend cheered him on from the sidelines

'We believe that we cannot beat HIV without giving children and adolescents the voice they deserve.

'It is our ambition to change the tide of this epidemic by ensuring more young people know their status, access treatment and are empowered to tackle stigma and play their part in bringing the Aids epidemic to an end.'

In-roads have been made in tackling the Aids epidemic among adults and the under-fives in Africa but it is still the biggest killer of the continent's adolescents.

Prince Harry is both hosting and playing in the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, which benefits his charity of the same name

They face problems with accessing treatment, as clinics are sometimes only open during school hours, stigmatisation is still prevalent and the language used by adults helping them can be off-putting.

Sentebale launched its Let Youth Lead campaign in April to give young people with HIV a platform to tell decision makers, NGOs, governments and others what they need, and the charity has already held two summits to train up young advocates.

The polo match is being staged at the exclusive Singapore Polo Club, founded in 1886 by British officers.

Among the guests were Karen Gillan, a former Doctor Who companion currently starring on the big screen in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2, actress Gemma Chan, who is reportedly dating comic Jack Whitehall, and Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt.

Harry arrived in a smart casual outfit of jacket and trousers and a shirt without a tie, and was greeted by Sentebale chief executive Cathy Ferrier and Nacho Figueras, a professional polo player and Sentebale ambassador.

The royal, 32, looked smart in a stone coloured blazer and white open-necked shirt, which he teamed with a pair of dark chinos

The royal consults with his team mates as the match unfolds in Singapore

Harry and his brother Prince William, have taken part in polo fixtures since 2007 to raise money for charity, bringing in 10 million.

At his last event, the Audi Polo Challenge in Coworth Park in May, Harry was supported by his girlfriend Meghan Markle who cheered on her royal beau from the sidelines.

The Suits star attended on both days to watch Harry and William lead their team to victory on the second day of matches at Coworth Park.

The polo event, being held at the Singapore polo club, usually features international professional players and talented amateurs.

Prince Harry (centre) takes part in the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup. The Prince and his brother William have regularly play for charity and have raised 10 million since 2007

The royal lines up with his team. At his last bout in May, Harry had the support of his girlfriend Meghan Markle who cheered him on from the sidelines

Cathy Ferrier, Sentebale's chief executive officer, said: '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 HIV by addressing their mental health and wellbeing.

'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.'

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.

The Prince catches up with the pros, including Argentina's Nacho Figueras and Britain's Malcolm Borwick

Prince Harry meets Nacho Figueras Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup. The event usually features international professional players and talented amateurs

Today's polo game will support Harry's charity Sentebale, for children whose lives have been affected by HIV and Aids in Botswana and Lesotho

The Prince, who shares a passion for polo with his brother William, shows off his skills on the field

The annual event will raise funds for Prince Harry's charity Sentebale to support vulnerable children and young people living with and affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana

Their aim was to help youngsters in need and other children who had lost one or both parents to Aids or contracted the disease themselves.

In November 2015 Sentebale opened its 2 million 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.

The prince began his visit to Singapore on Sunday when he joined a Muslim community breaking its daily Ramadan fast, at a community centre run by a Muslim-faith led voluntary welfare organisation called Jamiyah Singapore, which provides a range of services from help for recovering addicts to residential homes for young people.

Prince Harry, who is dating Suits actress Meghan Markle, is on a five-day visit to Singapore and Australia. On Wednesday he will celebrate the launch of the Invictus Games in Sydney

The prince with polo player Nacho Figueras who cut a dashing figure in white trousers teamed with blue suede shoes

Harry spent yesterday at a Muslim-faith led voluntary welfare organisation where he sat down to break the Ramadan fast and remember those killed in Saturday night's terror attack in London

Harry (second right) will head for Sydney to take part in celebrations for the launch of the 2018 Invictus Games

Those gathered waited until 7.11pm - the moment the sun set - before the mufti completed the ceremony and the traditional iftar began - the evening meal eaten after the daily fast has ended.

The quiet room sprang to life with people talking and Harry reached for a date and popped into his mouth then licked his fingers.

A few minutes later he tucked in to a small bowl of porridge, known as bubur, as he sat at a table with other guests.

Polo fan Harry launched the annual event to raise vital funds for this Sentebale charity

Actresses Karen Gillan (left) and Gemma Chan pose for a photograph before the Sentabale Royal Salute Polo Cup match at the Singapore Polo Club

Prince Harry, Chief Executive of Sentebale Cathy Ferrier and polo player Nacho Figueras

Minutes before the sun went down and the call to prayer was made by an Islamic scholar, Muhammad Rafiuddin Ismail, secretary-general of Jamiyah, said: 'Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims of the London terror attack last night.'

Harry bowed his head as he began speaking and the secretary general added: 'Let peace and harmony prevail in communities all over the world.'

Later this week, Harry will arrived in Sydney to 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.
Sometimes the lure of a bargain is so enticing that you throw caution to the wind and rush to add the item to your shopping cart without a moment's to speculate on why it's such a rock-bottom price.

That's the trap shopper Blaque from Florida fell into when she snapped up a clear plastic chair for a mere $4.29 (3.33), only to discover it was doll house sized when it arrived.

Seeing the funny side, Blaque posted an image of the tiny seating apparatus on Twitter, which has been liked more than 11,000 times, saying: 'And this is why you should ALWAYS read the description while shopping on Amazon.'

It turned out that Blaque is by no means alone in her impulse buying as followers were prompted to share photos of their own online shopping disasters.

Twitter user Blaque from Florida posted this snap of a miniature chair with the warning that you should always read the description before hitting 'buy' on Amazon

A follower reassured Blaque with a snap of a 'full-length mirror' that would only be suitable if you happen to be leprechaun height

Another eager shopper had purchased what they thought was a full-length mirror, but when it arrived it turned out to only be suitable for leprechauns and other mythical creatures who are several inches tall.

Having said that, her two cats seemed to be quite taken with it so it may not have gone to waste.

One woman's mother was no doubt disappointed when the beautiful bird bath she'd ordered turned out to be about 20 times smaller than expected.

But one woman refused to be disappointed when the camping chairs she ordered were toddler sized and squeezed into them anyway.

Both this tweeter's mother and the local birds were left disappointed when the Amazon order arrived

Don't bother putting the kettle on! Heather was expecting a bumper delivery, but ended up with just a small sachet

Still a happy camper! Erin didn't let her delivery of toddler chairs spoil her fun

Unless your daughter is Thumbelina then these Alice In Wonderland socks are not going to fit
Lauren Booth appeared on This Morning claiming that the cause of the recent spate of terror attacks was because of drugs and not Islam religion.

The half sister of former Prime Minister Tony Blair's wife Cherie, 49, who converted to Islam in 2010 following the breakdown of her first marriage, blamed the atrocities on 'young, disenfranchised drug addicts'.

'The Westminster bomber was known to take drugs and use prostitutes. The Tunisia bomber took drugs, the Paris attacker took drugs,' Lauren claimed.

'The Muslim community has been calling for a long time for the police to come into these areas where drug taking is rife.'

She defended the Muslim community during the segment discussing whether it was 'time to get tough on terror', after Theresa May announced a four-point plan including tougher sentences and a crackdown on communities suspected to be sympathetic to terrorists.

But Lauren said this kind of 'gung ho' attitude is not going to help and that the police need to addressing different issues such as drugs.

Lauren Booth, the half-sister of Cherie Blair, converted to Islam in 2010 and lives in Stockport with her husband Sohale Ahmed

She blasted the actions of the police saying they shouldn't be 'rounding up random innocent' people and instead focusing on the right areas to investigate

Following the recent Manchester bombing and the weekend's London Bridge attack, presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield discussed what action should be taken by authorities.

Lauren said she was just as 'angry' as everyone else in the country and questioned the mistakes the government made immediately after the Manchester attacks.

'I wanted to see the police stay on the streets,' she stated. 'I think it was a mistake to take the police of the streets that early.

Armed police were seen patrolling public transport, beaches and landmarks in the wake of the Manchester bombing, which claimed the lives of 22 people and injured more than 100.

Lauren Booth's conversion to Islam The daughter of Cherie Blairs actor father Tony Booth (the two women have different mothers), first came to public attention in the late Nineties by leveraging her connection with No 10 into a colourful career as a pundit and lifestyle journalist. Lauren Booth addresses a mass anti-war demonstration marking the 10th anniversary of the Afghanistan conflict Her public profile arguably peaked in 2006, when she bungee-jumped her way on to ITVs Im A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here! and became a national talking point. She then promptly performed an unlikely career volte face, deciding to leave the London party circuit to devote several years to earnestly campaigning against the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Having suffered the very public breakdown of her first marriage, to actor Craig Darby, in 2010 Booth announced her conversion to Islam. The ensuing years have seen her journalistic work largely limited to roles with Al Jazeera and Press TV, a little-watched network run by the government of Iran. She's appeared on This Morning several times to debate issues surrounding Islam and clashed with former Apprentice star Saira Khan last year by insisting claimed devout Muslim women should be allowed to wear veils in Britain. Advertisement

'We need more police, we need 20,000 more police,' she said. 'We need to direct all of our energies into where this sickness is arising.'

The former I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here contestant called for the police to check extremist activities taking place online before arresting and 'rounding up random innocent individuals'.

Colonel Richard Kemp, a retired British Army officer who appeared on the daytime show to debate the issue of terrorism, said that intelligence was difficult to come by because informants were so worried about getting killed for betraying the cause.

Joined by retired British Army officer Colonel Richard Kemp, Lauren said that the Muslim community had made reports to the police

And he insisted that the action taken by police wasn't about 'randomly rounding up' suspects but to gather vital information.

Asked what more could be done by the Muslim community, Lauren who lives in Stockport with her partner Sohale Ahmed, 52, insisted that reports had been made to the police already, implying they hadn't been investigated thoroughly enough.

'There were calls to police helpline. There are reports being made,' she said.

'I go to Didsbury Mosque and if you read in the papers that this is the 'hot bed of extremism'. It is one of the most reasonable mosques, with beautiful areas you can go to, with lovely areas for women and children study.

'We have been attacked by extremism the past few days with Tommy Robinson trying to get in and traumatising children there.

The former reality contestant discussed what action should be taken by authorities following the terror attacks in Manchester and London

'We have to work for the protection of all the people in this country and direct our resources where they are needed.'

Lauren previously revealed she converted to Islam due to an appreciation of Muslim culture and an 'intensely spiritual' experience in an Iranian mosque.

The London Bridge terror attack claimed the lives of seven when three men mowed down multiple people before getting out of the van they were driving and going on a stabbing rampage.

Just two weeks ago Ariana Grande concert goers were attacked when suicide bomber Salman Abedi set off an explosion at Manchester Arena, killing 22 and injuring over a hundred more.

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10.30am
Dakota Meyer is a proud father of two beautiful girls, and his proud wife Bristol Palin couldn't resist sharing a photo of the doting dad posed with their newborn daughter Atlee Bay on his lap.

Bristol, 26, took to Instagram on Sunday to post the heartwarming image, which sees the newest addition to their family wearing a dress that reads: 'Daddy's Princess has Arrived.'

Their one-month-old daughter is wide-eyed and sitting with her back resting on Dakota's chest in the snapshot, and Bristol couldn't help but gush about how cute they look together.

'Dying right now': Bristol Palin took to Instagram on Sunday to share this darling photo of her husband Dakota Meyer holding their newborn daughter Atlee Bay

Cuddle time: The proud mom shared a photo of Atlee wearing a monogrammed onesie on Thursday

'Dying right now,' she captioned the image, which sees her husband grinning from ear to ear.

In addition to her onesie, which features a gray lace skirt, Bristol accessorized Atlee Bay's adorable outfit with a knit headband featuring layers of bows on the top of her head.

Meanwhile, Bristol's eight-year-old son Tripp - her only child with her former fiance Levi Johnston - is looking forward to a visit from one of his aunts.

The mom shared a photo of Tripp's to-do list for Monday, explaining he is 'counting down' to picking up his aunt Willow, 22, when she arrives in Texas.

Excited: Bristol took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday to reveal that her sister Willow, 22, is coming to visit her in Texas, explaining her son Tripp has been counting down the days

Bristol and Dakota moved their family from Alaska to a suburb outside of Austin, Texas, before the birth of their daughter Atlee, and she has since received visits from her parents, Sarah and Todd Palin, her sister Piper, and her nine-year-old brother Trigg.

The mother-of-three has been enjoying her life in Texas, and ahead of the weekend Bristol shared a snapshot of Atlee wearing a white onesie that is monogrammed with her name.

The picture sees the newborn sucking on a pacifier while lying on a bed next to her mom.

Another image taken that day shows Bristol's one-year-old daughter Sailor Grace sneaking a snack from the pantry.

Happy family: Bristol and Dakota are pictured with their daughters, Sailor Grace and Atlee, and her son Tripp, her only child with her former fiance Levi Johnston

'Always mischief': Bristol couldn't resist snapping this photo of her one-year-old daughter Sailor sneaking food from the pantry

'Always mischief,' Bristol captioned the image, which sees her little girl reaching into plastic been that was sitting on the lowest shelf of the walk-in.

Unsurprisingly, Bristol has shared plenty of photos of her children, especially her newborn, over the past month,

Last week, Bristol captured little Atlee sharing her 'first real smile' while being held in her grandfather's arms.

'Her first real smile! At her papa of course!' she wrote alongside the image of a swaddled Atlee gazing at her grandfather, who also has a wide grin on his face.

Look of love: Bristol also captured Atlee Bay sharing her 'first real smile' with her grandfather Todd Palin

Sleeping beauty: Unsurprisingly, Bristol has shared numerous photos of the newest addition to their family

The image was taken at Bristol's new home in Texas, although it's unclear when Todd visited her from Alaska or if he was joined by his wife Sarah.

A few months after their move to Texas, Bristol explained on her Pathoes blog that she and Dakota had discussed moving to an area between their home states of Alaska and Kentucky after they had gotten married.

The couple said 'I do' in a secret ceremony last spring, and on May 27 they both took to Instagram to wish each other a happy anniversary.

Bristol posted a comical photo of Dakota shirtless, wearing a pair of American flag-inspired overalls and aviator sunglasses.

'Baby daddy': Bristol celebrated her wedding anniversary on May 27 by sharing this cheeky photo of Dakota shirtless, wearing American flag-inspired overalls

Throwback: Dakota paid tribute to his wife on their anniversary by writing this gushing Instagram post

'Thank you for choosing me to be your wife,' she wrote. Happy anniversary to my love #marriedup #bff #babydaddy #hotdayumm.'

Dakota also opted to post a throwback photo, sharing one that sees them vacationing in what looks like Hawaii.

'Happy 1 year anniversary to my best friend and the love of my life,' Dakota wrote in his gushing message.

'Thank you for choosing me @bsmp2 and giving me such an amazing family. You're my world #bestfriends #amazing wife.
The Prince of Wales was given a huge hug by an eight-year-old royal fan during a visit to farm.

Skye Skillen embraced the heir to throne, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist as he toured Jimmy's Farm in Ipswich.

Charles, grandfather to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, was being shown chickens when the youngster dispensed with traditional royal protocol to make him feel welcome.

Royal fan Skye Skillen broke royal protocol today and embraced Prince Charles during his visit to Jimmy's Farm in Ipswich

Skye's mother Tina Dranowski, from Colchester, told the Press Association: 'She gave him a cuddle and then she asked him if he wanted to stroke one of the chickens and he did. He gave her a hug and he was smiling.'

She added: 'I asked 'Why did you hug him, Skye?' and she said 'Because he's the best'. She likes the royals.

'She was a bit excited. I think she just wanted to meet him. She's quite a cuddly, friendly child - very outgoing.'

The Prince, who is patron of The Rare Breeds Survival Trust, was shown around by the Trust's new president, TV presenter Jimmy Doherty, and heard about the farm's education and rare breeds programme.

Skye gave the grandfather a hug before asking if he would like to stroke one of the chickens being held by the handlers

The Prince, who is patron of The Rare Breeds Survival Trust, was shown around by the Trust's new president, TV presenter Jimmy Doherty

Doherty and his wife Michaela took on the site in 2002 to breed rare pigs, and the early days of the venture were charted in the BBC documentary series Jimmy's Farm.

A childhood friend of chef Jamie Oliver, Doherty appears with Oliver in the Channel 4 show Jamie And Jimmy's Friday Night Feast.

Earlier today the royal could not hide his fascination today as he took a snoop around the former home of Sir Winston Churchill.

Charles, Patron of The Rare Breeds Survival Trust, could be seen admiring an exotic peacock on Monday afternoon

The royal was given a tour of the farm by the keepers and can be seen here admiring an alpaca

Charles, 68, could be seen beaming with delight as he took a tour of Chartwell House in Westerham, Kent.

The property which was home to the former PM from 1922 has just undergone restoration work and the Prince of Wales' visit celebrated its refurbishment.

Just over half of the collection at Churchill's much-loved family home is owned by the trust, which was given the property in 1946 by a consortium of his friends and colleagues.

Charles made his visit today as the President of The National Trust and was given a tour of the home by Sir Nicholas Soames.

Soames is a British conservative MP and also the grandson of Churchill meaning he had plenty of stories to share with the prince today.

Prince Charles couldn't hide his fascination today as he took a tour of Chartwell House in Westerham - the former home of Sir Winston Churchill

Charles made his visit today as the President of The National Trust and was given a tour of the home by Sir Nicholas Soames a grandson of Churchill

Charles, who looked dapper in a grey suit and pink tie was given a tour of the lush grounds before going inside to explore Churchill's studios

The house is home to Churchill's library of inscribed books, medallions, gifts and awards  including his Nobel Prize for literature  along with mementoes such as a wooden box where he stored his speeches.

Other items include a tiny silver paint box, a pair of hairbrushes made from the deck of the Second World War ship HMS Exeter and a carved armchair given to Churchill when he gained the freedom of Brighton in 1947.

Charles, who looked dapper in a grey suit and pink tie was given a tour of the lush grounds before going inside to explore Churchill's studios.

He was also given a tour of the lush grounds in which the Kent property sits where Churchill lived from 1922

The house, which is owned by the National Trust, has recently undergone a refurbishment

Chruchill, who was a keen painter especially in later life, had plenty of his works on display at his family home which Charles could be seen admiring today.

After finishing his tour Charles took a moment to sign the guest book on display in the home.

In his greeting Charles simply signed his own name along with the date as is custom for the royals.

Both Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall are said to be close friends with the Soames family.

In 2014 the royal couple joined a 1,000-strong memorial service to celebrate the life of Lady Soames, who was Winston Churchill's last surviving daughter until her death aged 91.

After finishing his tour Charles took a moment to sign the guest book on display in the home
Ivanka Trump showed off her long legs in a flirty frock as she headed to work on Monday morning, looking well-rested despite attending the Ford's Theatre Gala the night before.

The 35-year-old first daughter stepped out of her Washington, D.C. home in a sleeveless black calla lily-printed dress from Victoria Beckham's Target collaboration - a steal at just $35.

Although scattered thunderstorms were in the forecast for the area, Ivanka looked ready for summer in her breezy mini-dress, which she accessorized with a pair of lace-up stilettos and a simple black handbag, both from her own eponymous fashion label.

Flirty frock: Ivanka Trump stepped out of her Washington, D.C. home on Monday morning wearing a black sleeveless mini-dress featuring a ruffled hem

On the go: The 35-year-old accessorized her dress with a black handbag, black lace-up stilettos, and black sunglasses

Always elegant: The first daughter left her long blond hair in loose waves around her shoulders

The mother-of-three left her hair in loose waves around her shoulders, and she sported a cross-body satchel that hung from her shoulder.

When she left the front door of her home, Ivanka shielded her eyes with black frame sunglasses and looked away from the photographers standing outside her residence.

Ivanka is known to flash a smile or two for the cameras when she steps out of her house, but on Monday morning the first daughter looked solemn as she headed to work.

The first daughter may be plagued by underlying stress now that her father, President Donald Trump, has pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Accord - a move which went against her and her husband Jared Kushner's advice.

Ivanka and her husband were noticeably absent from the Rose Garden last Thursday when her father made the announcement that he would be withdrawing from the climate treaty, making the U.S. one of only three countries not to be involved in the agreement, along with Syria and Nicaragua.

Deep in thought? Ivanka looked solemn as she closed the front door of her home and headed to the SUV waiting outside for her

Floral fun: Ivanka's spring-inspired dress features two screen-printed calla lilies on the front

Ivanka was absent from the White House on Wednesday and Thursday of last week as she and her family were celebrating the Jewish festival of Shavout.

Although she missed her father's announcement, sparking rumors of fighting between the two, Ivanka was back in the White House the following day to watch Trump sign two bills boosting government support for law enforcement first responders.

Although Ivanka once again failed to raise a smile when she headed to work on Monday, Jared mustered up a small grin as he stepped out in a navy suit and maroon tie.

The two were pictured together at the White House later in the day as they awaited the president's announcement on an air traffic control initiative.

The night before, the couple attended a reception hosted by her father and her stepmother Melania before heading to the Ford's Theatre Gala.

Ivanka looked regal coming out of her home hand-in-hand with her husband Jared on Sunday as they headed to the gala for their first social gathering in the capital.

Looking chipper: Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner, 36, had a small smile on his face when he headed to work in a navy suit and maroon tie on Monday morning

Doting daughter: Jared and Ivanka were at the White House on Monday to watch President Donald Trump's announcement on an air traffic control initiative

Not in the mood? Ivanka also looked glum when she watched her father sign two bills on Friday, just one day after he announced he was pulling the U.S. out of the Paris Accord

The first daughter sported a deep red, long-sleeved gown with a lace bodice despite the soaring D.C. temperatures, which reached 87 degrees on Sunday.

Despite tensions in Washington, Ivanka looked lovely the $5,500 J Mendel gown, which featured black lace detailing on the shoulders and at the waist.

She also added a bit of sparkle to her elegant ensemble by adding a silver clutch, glittering earrings, and silver block-heeled sandals.

Jared walked alongside his wife wearing a charcoal grey tuxedo as the pair got in their car to head to the annual gala in the nation's capital.

The black-tie event raises money for Ford's Theatre, the historic venue where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

Jared seemed to be looking forward to his night as he beamed at his wife while walking her to the car on the way to the event, despite being dogged in recent days by a spate of news reports about his alleged contacts with Russian officials during the Trump transition.

All dressed up: Ivanka looked regal stepping out of her Washington, DC, home hand-in-hand with Jared on Sunday afternoon on her way to the Ford's Theatre Gala

Simply stunning: Ivanka sported a $5,500 tea-length long-sleeved red gown by J Mendel for the event

However, he was the only one who accessorized with a smile when they left their home. Ivanka walked alongside him looking much more serious, as rumors of fighting between her and the President have circulated.

Ivanka and Jared attended the warm-up reception hosted by the President and Melania ahead of the vent.

The reception was the President Trump's first big outing amid the citys social and philanthropic crowd and marks the return of a tradition dating back to the Carter administration, so he and Melania made sure to dress for the occasion.

The First Lady wore a light pink floor length dress that was sure to turn heads due to its silky and shimmery fabric. She paired the ensemble with minimal jewelry and matching rose colored pumps.

Doting husband: Jared walked alongside his wife in a charcoal grey tuxedo as the pair got in their car to head to the annual Ford's Theatre Gala in the nation's capital

Good mood: Jared seemed to be looking forward to his night as he beamed at his wife while walking her to the car on the way to the event

Meanwhile the President donned a traditional and customary black tuxedo.

Trump and Melania also looked notably solemn as they got into their car to head to the gala, despite the festive occasion.

Speaking at the event, President Trump said 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 Theatre, scene of one of the most famous acts of bloodshed in American history: the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

Duty: President Trump spoke at the gala, which raises money for Ford's Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated

First family: Trump (seen above with First Lady Melania Trump) commented on the attack that killed at least seven people in London at a fundraiser for Ford's Theater

'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 has waged 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.

'This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end,' said Trump while standing on stage with his wife.

'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 added.

Trump said he had spoken with British Prime Minister Theresa May to express America's 'unwavering support' and offer US assistance as the British government works to protect its citizens and bring the guilty to justice.
A Walgreens pharmacist is accused of denying a 13-year-old girl the medication she needed prior to getting an IUD because of his personal beliefs.

The teen girl, who has not been named, visited the drugstore in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to fill a prescription for Misoprostol, a synthetic hormone used to soften the cervix before an IUD is inserted. The girl needed the IUD to treat menstrual issues.

But the pharmacist refused to provide the treatment, according to the ACLU New Mexico, which filed two complaints last week on behalf of the mother and daughter. Misoprostol can also be used to treat ulcers and induce abortions.

Complaint: A Walgreens pharmacist is accused of denying a 13-year-old girl the medication she needed prior to getting an IUD due to his personal beliefs (file picture)

When the mother, identified as M.S. in the complaint, told the pharmacist he didn't know what the medication was for, he looked at her and said: 'Oh, I have a pretty good idea,' M.S. told the Albuquerque Journal previously.

On the day of the incident, which occurred in August last year according to the ACLU, the mother and daughter had no problem getting two other prescriptions filled. One was for an anti-anxiety drug and the other for a mild pain reliever, the organization stated.

But when time came to fill the third prescriptionthe one for Misoprostolthe pharmacist on duty said that 'despite having the medication currently in stock, he refused to fill the prescription because of his '"personal beliefs," ' the ACLU wrote.

The teen had to get the medication right away because her appointment to get the IUD inserted was scheduled on the following day, according to the complaint.

Her mother took her to another pharmacy to get the prescription filled.

'In addition to the significant inconvenience of having to travel to an alternate pharmacy in rush hour traffic to obtain the time-sensitive, prescribed medication, M.S. and her daughter experienced the emotional impact of discrimination,' the ACLU said.

'M.S. felt judged, disrespected, and embarrassed by the incident; her daughter felt extremely uncomfortable at the prospect of having to seek a pharmacist's personal approval to access her chosen and prescribed contraceptive care.'

Treatment: The girl and her mom went to the drugstore in Albuquerque to fill a prescription for Misoprostol (left), used to soften the cervix before an IUD (right, stock picture) is inserted. It can also treat ulcers and induce abortions

The mother returned to the original Walgreens and asked to speak to a manager. This is when the pharmacist said he had a 'pretty good idea' of the intended use for the Misoprostol, according to the organization.

Now, the ACLU, which filed the complaints along with the Southwest Women's Law Center, is arguing that the pharmacist's refusal to provide the treatment constitutes gender discrimination.

'Had a man shown up with a prescription for the same medication to treat stomach ulcers, we have no doubt he would have received his medication immediately,' SWLC executive director Pamelya Herndon said.

'But because our client was a woman, the Walgreens employee automatically assumed the medication was for a reproductive health purpose that he personally opposed, forcing her to travel to a different pharmacy. That's not right. Women deserve the same level of care and respect as men in a Walgreens pharmacy.'

A Walgreens representative told Yahoo Beauty the company's policy allows pharmacists and other workers to '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'.

'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,' a representative added in a statement to the website.

'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 we're providing the highest level of patient care and service.'

This is not the first time Walgreens pharmacists in Albuquerque have been accused of refusing to fill prescriptions for drugs relative to reproductive health.

In 2012, the ACLU and the SWLC reached out to the company about complaints that employees had refused to provide contraceptives on at least two instances.

Walgreens, according to the ACLU, had assured that in the future, employees' personal beliefs would be taken into consideration 'without imposing any burden on the customer.'
NAPOLEON  In the area of South Africa where Reinhardt Weygandt grew up, farming gets done by hand. Few farmers have tractors, and something like a post-hole digger would be a luxury.

At home, each hole for a post, you have to dig by hand, he says, imagining building 2 to 3 miles of fence. It takes you three, four months to get a fence built.

Thats part of the reason farmers in South Africa are interested in coming to the U.S. to work. They get to experience new equipment, techniques and technologies, and with a favorable exchange rate, they can bring home plenty of money.

Its been about eight years since Weygandt came to the U.S. on a J1 visa, or a training visa. Later trips required an H2A visa, which allows one to work in agriculture on a seasonal basis.

But in 2013, Weygandt decided to make the U.S. his home permanently. He still works for the employer that brought him here a few years back, but now, green cards in hand, he and his brother also have 26 acres, some heifers, a couple of horses and a herd of Dorper sheep.

Far from being the only foreign-born farm laborer around, Weygandt is among a growing number of people who hail from outside U.S. borders who come to this country looking for work in agriculture. Through a variety of non-immigrant visa programs and regular immigration, the number of foreign hands that keep American agriculture moving continues to grow.

Looking for help

Katie Heger and her husband have been farming near Underwood since 1998. In all ofthose years, theyve advertised locally for farm labor. But they get few responses and even fewer qualified candidates.

The Hegers raise soybeans, corn, wheat and small amounts of pinto beans or field peas. The size of their operation requires hired labor. But no one in the area wants the job.

So, the Hegers have turned to the other side of the globe to find their employees. Using the H2A visa for agricultural workers, the Hegers have found reliable, hard-working employees to fill the gaps the local labor market doesnt fill.

The H2A program continues to grow. In fiscal year 2016, 134,368 agricultural workers from other countries came to the U.S., compared to 16,011 workers in 1997.

Southwest of Jamestown, Terry Entzminger needs nearly 30 employees to operate his 850-head dairy, with corresponding grain farm. About a third of his workforce comes from his family and a third from locals. For the other third, he relies on foreign labor from a variety of sources.

The H2A program the Hegers use doesnt work well for Entzminger. H2A, he explains, is for seasonal work, and milking cows is the same on Christmas Day as it is on the Fourth of July. Hes had people on H2A visas work on the grain side of his operation, but on the dairy side, he relies on other programs.

J1 visas allow people to come to the U.S. as part of work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs, and TN visas, a part of the North American Free Trade Agreement, allow professionals in certain occupations from Canada and Mexico to come to the U.S. to work in prearranged business activities.

Entzminger has had veterinarians or veterinarians in training, among other professionals, come to work for him while on J1 or TN visas. While they may not be qualified to become a veterinarian in the U.S. due to different requirements, they are highly qualified to work on the dairy, pulling or treating calves and getting IVs started, Entzminger says. They get valuable experience, and Entzminger gets qualified and reliable labor.

They play an important role, he says. Its your night shift. Its your 2 a.m.

Hes heard that 78 percent of dairy products use foreign labor to get to market.

We count on foreign labor, he says. Changes to the nations immigration program that would make it harder for agricultural workers to come here would cripple the dairy industry.

Outside of worker visa programs, Entzminger says he has had a substantial number of foreign-born employees who come looking for jobs. His bookkeeper checks their paperwork to make sure everything is in order, and they go to work. Many such employees have stayed with him for years.

More South African workers

While Mexico supplies by far the largest number of workers to fill the U.S. needs, a growing number come from South Africa. The number of South Africans coming to the U.S. under H2A visas has gone from zero in 1997 to 2,335 in 2016.

Weygandt says farming in South Africa is a hard way to make a living, both because of the intense manual labor and the lingering problems with racism.

Theres not really an easy future for them in farming, he says.

For those who can afford the process, coming to the U.S. can be a way to make easy money. Weygandt explains that the exchange rate means money made in the U.S. is worth more than 12 times as much in South Africa.

Heger says bringing South African workers to the U.S. has nothing to do with finding cheap labor. Her farm pays at least the lowest allowable rate, $13.79 in North Dakota, but often pays far more than that if they get the same workers back year after year with invaluable knowledge and experience. Plus, the Hegers have to pay to get their workers here and back and for their living expenses.

Problems to address

While many parts of the work visa programs are working, there are problems that those in agriculture wish could be addressed.

Heger would like to see more flexibility in the H2A program, including allowing workers to stay in the U.S. longer, allowing multi-year contracts, allowing employees to work for multiple employers and allowing workers to move among states.

Weygandt wishes the process cost less. For South Africans, its often the rich farmers who can come to the U.S. while its cost prohibitive for some of the poorer farmers who need the work.

Entzminger would be in favor of a blue card proposal, in which immigrant workers who show that they are working, paying taxes and staying out of trouble would have legal status to stay in the U.S.

Entzminger says more Americans should be thanking the people who come to this country to work on farms and ranches rather than shaming them.

We should be more grateful and far less shame on you, he says.

While foreign laborers have become known for their work ethic, which is part of the reason they find work on U.S. farms, Entzminger says his employees have substantial smarts, as well.

If wed build universities instead of a wall, wed all be better off, he says.

Heger advises anyone considering hiring foreign labor to find someone who already is and get some tips on making it work.

Its not something that everybody does well, she says. There are cultural barriers and language barriers that can make such arrangements difficult.

But, she says, the people who come to work in agriculture are not looking to make a quick buck and go home. Rather, they are coming to learn, and in doing so, invest time and money in local communities.

Theyre here to contribute, she says. Not just to take away from those who live here.
Father's Day is right around the corner, and in true Gwyneth Paltrow, the lifestyle guru and her team at Goop have curated an eclectic  albeit expensive  group of gifts for the dad in your life.

The 44-year-old's lifestyle website has a reputation for recommending products and services that are far out of reach for the average Joe, though there are a number of budget-friendly gifts for those who aren't taking home an A-list salary.

But you'll be hard-pressed to find a boring tie on Goop's latest gift guide, which features everything from a $995 leather wrapped cooler from Jayson Home to Los Poblanos' $30 beard oil.

Expert opinion: Gwyneth Paltrow and her team at her lifestyle website, Goop, have curated a luxe gift guide for Father's Day

Keeping cool! Jayson Home leather wrapped cooler, $995, goop.com

Something for everyone: Left: Match Pewter pint glass, $70, goop.com Right: Los Poblanos beard old, $30, goop.com

Unforgettable! If Only one-day wilderness survival course with the host of National Demographic's 'Remote Survival', $2,250, ifonly.com

'Mothers Day may get the lions share of the glory, but dad needs love too: Luxe versions of basic creature comforts, outdoor activitiesplus, some choice booze and all the barware accoutrements  are tried-and-true ways to his heart,' the site explains.

Gwyneth once told Diane Sawyer that she is 'the daddy's girl of all time', so its unsurprising that she and her team believe dads need to be pampered and spoiled just as much as moms.

The actress' immense love for her late father Bruce Paltrow, would explain why the list features plenty of gifts fit for a king.

However, despite the fact that her dad died of complications from oral cancer after years of smoking, Gwyneth's guide recommends a $90 Regenbogen Ashtray by Fundamental Berlin  although the caption 'puff, puff, pass' suggests the Goop team is talking about smoking something other than cigarettes.

Great outdoors: Left: Big Green Egg grill and smoker, $399, biggreenegg.com Right: On the Road by Jack Kerouac, $66.95, foliosociety.com

Consciously uncoupled: Gwyneth recently struck a pose with her ex-husband Chris Martin and their children, Apple and Moses

Getaway: Sailing Collective trip to Croatia's Dalmatian Islands, starting at $2,900 for single cabin, sailingcollective.com

For years, Gwyneth used to smoke two packs a day, a habit she didn't quit until she learned she was pregnant with her daughter Apple in 2003.

In 2013, she told Harper's Bazaar that her one guilty pleasure was her 'one light American Spirit' that she smokes once a week.

Although Gwyneth is known for being incredibly health conscious, there are also plenty of other items that add an elegant touch to some beloved vices.

Drinkers will enjoy a $70 Match Pewter pint glass, which would be perfectly paired with membership to the The Rare Beers Club, which starts at $42.95.

Luxury lock: Shinola + Map of Days leather-covered bike chain, $85, shinola.com

Daddy's girl: Gwyneth is pictured with her late father Bruce Paltrow, who died of complications from oral cancer in 2002

Up in smoke: Fundemental Berlin regenbogen ashtray, $90, shop-tetra.com

One of the priciest gifts curated by Goop is also the memorable: a one-day wilderness survival course with the host of National Demographic's 'Remote Survival'.

For $2,250, the dad in your life can spend the day building shelters and sparking friction fires in Northern California with survival expert Cliff Hodges as his instructor.

If boats and the deep blue sea are more of your dad's thing, Goop suggests the Sailing Collective's one-week trip to Croatias Dalmatian Islands, which starts at $2,900 for a single cabin package.

The guide offers plenty of luxe gift ideas for guys who like to be outdoors, including the Big Green Egg grill and smoker, which starts at $399.

'Every grill-savvy guy we know is obsessed,' Goop's team says of outdoor cooking product.

Out and about: Billykirk No. 236 Schoolboy Satchel, $495, billykirk.com

R &R: Left: Goop Edition 01 - Winter candle, $72, goop.com Right: Cleverly Laundry striped cotton-terry robe, $129.50, mrporter.com

There is also Shinola + Map of Day's leather-covered bike chain for $285, and while it will set you you back a pretty penny, dad's bicycle will never look better under lock and key.

Other gifts featured in the guide include a $495 Billykirk No. 236 Schoolboy Satchel, which is described as 'the cool-dad briefcase', and a Cleverly Laundry striped cotton terry-robe, that is on sale for $129.50 at Mr Porter.

Of course, the guide wouldn't be complete without at least one of Gwyneth's lifestyle products.

The mother-of-two and her staffers suggest treating dad Goop's $72 Edition 01 - Winter candle, which is said to smell like 'log cabin in candle form'.

The best of the rest...

Boxitalia leather boxing gloves These white leather boxing gloves will be sure to pack a punch on Father's Day Shop

Ursa Major travelers skin care kit This clean skincare starter kit includes Ursa Major's Fantastic Face Wash, Essential Face Tonic, Fortifying Face Balm, and Essential Face Wipes in travel sizes Shop

Pair of Thieves Simon Ese Dad + Kid set socks This adorable set includes one pair of colorfully striped socks features one pair for dad  and another for his mini-me Shop

Gucci duffle with two color lettering DTLA custom will turn dad's luxury goods into stunning works of art Shop
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Despite having a handful of young children, one mom could not be happier with her chaotic life, and shows it with a photo series that captures the beauty of raising six kids.

Korbi Ashton, 34, of Moses Lake, Washington is mother to 11-year-old Beck, 9-year-old Paisley, 5-year-old Penelope, 3-year-old Remington, 2-year-old Violet and 3-month-old Jorgen.

Ashton, a professional photographer, recently turned the lens on her own brood and captured the intensity and beauty of their daily life. The series is meant to showcase the less-than-ideal side of motherhood, including a messy kitchen and a wailing baby, but it simultaneously captures the love inherent in these moments.

The happy family: Korbi Ashton (center) is mother to six children between the ages of 11 years and three months

A different look: Ashton, a photographer, recently turned the lens on her brood, to capture the stark realities of mothering a big family

Details: Ashton said she wanted to show that there is beauty in even the most mundane details of her everyday life

The happy family: While sometimes hectic, Ashton prefers to think of life with her family as a 'fun roller coaster ride'

Taking it in stride: The mother of six says she is unsure if her children have taught her to 'relax' or 'embrace the chaos'

In the pictures, which Ashton originally shared to Bored Panda, the six-time mom can be seen washing dishes, tackling one of the 'piles and piles of never ending laundry,' tending to a boo-boo, and more.

'The sometimes mundane, small and simple things may get brushed aside, but are really so very important in the fabric of our lives,' Ashton told HuffPost.

Though the images certainly show a hectic side of motherhood, Ashton prefers to think of life with her six kids as a 'fun roller coast ride,' even if that means cleaning up a messy kitchen or an over-stuffed backpack.

Ashton has learned to take these challenges in stride. Speaking with HuffPost, she said, 'I swear I was more overwhelmed with my first than I am with my sixth. I dont know if I have relaxed or Ive just learned to embrace the chaos.'

Going viral: Ashton's pictures, which she originally shared on Bored Panda, were quickly picked up by sites like HuffPost and Yahoo News

Never read the comments: Ashton said she was disheartened by critics who used the family's viral fame as an opportunity to attack her choice to have many children

A sad story: In a new Bored Panda post, Ashton admitted that going viral had actually been 'depressing' for her family

Standing strong: While critics may input their two cents, Ashton's love for her children is not changing any time soon

Pure happiness: The mother of six proclaimed that 'the joy that [my children] radiate to not only me, but those around them is unmatchable'

Unfortunately, not everyone felt the love in Ashton's intimate photos and many left comments that criticized the Washington mother for 'popping kids out like a Pez Dispenser.'

While Ashton is used to a certain level of scrutiny - she said her sister recently bought her a t-shirt that reads 'Yes, they are all mine,' - she was not prepared for the digital backlash to her pictures.

After the photos were re-shared on sites like Yahoo News, Ashton said she struggled to read the unkind comments directed at her. In a second Bored Panda post, the mother revealed that going viral was 'depressing,' as it has opened a door for individuals to criticize her children, her marriage, and herself.

Still, it does not seem that the negative comments of a few faceless trolls are going to come between Ashton and her brood. 'My heart is bursting at the seams with pride at my kind, sweet hearted children,' she wrote in her original post. 'The joy that they radiate to not only me, but those around them is unmatchable.'
A social media post is raising the alarm about the harmful ways in which girls and women can abuse their boyfriends.

The message, titled 'Dear teen girls', received renewed attention on Monday and has circulated on Tumblr. It lists more than 15 abusive behaviors, such as 'threatening to break up with him if he doesnt do what you want' and 'yelling at him in front of his friends', and urges female partners to stop resorting to them.

Social media users have reblogged the post and shared their own stories of abuse. One of them recounted the heartbreaking tale of a man who was being hit by his ex-girlfriend, but struggled to get help from authorities after cops laughed at him.

Awareness: A social media post is raising the alarm about the harmful ways in which girls and women can abuse their boyfriends (stock picture)

'Stop abusing your boyfriends,' the message urges, 'and yes what you are doing is abuse.'

Among the listed abusive behaviors, some refer to the physical kind of abuse, such as 'hitting or slapping him when he does or says something you dont like' and 'physically attacking him whenever you are mad'.

Another refers to sexual violence, and warns against 'forcing him to have sex despite that fact that he said he didnt want to'.

Others describe psychological abuse and humiliation, and asks female partners to refrain from 'yelling at him in front of his friends', 'telling him he doesnt have a choice when it comes to decisions that involve both of you', and 'threatening to break up with him if he doesnt do what you want'.

The post also urges girls to stop 'belittling him and pointing out all his flaws' and 'invading his privacy by going through his phone'.

Important: Among the listed abusive behaviors, some refer to the physical kind of abuse, such as 'hitting or slapping him when he does or says something you dont like'

More: Someone added their own list of abusive behaviors, such as 'sending his number to strangers to see if he's loyal or not' and being rude or mean to him in front of others'

Along with the list, the author of the original message pointed out how important it is to raise awareness about male victims of abuse. One in four men in the US have experienced physical violence, rape or stalking at the hand of their partners in their lifetime according to the CDC.

'Boys: If your girlfriend does anything on this list leave her. It is abuse and you deserve better,' the author wrote. 'Girls: if you find yourself doing anything on this list to your boyfriend you need to knock it off because you are being abusive.'

The post resonated with thousands of other social media users, who in turned shared the list.

One of them pointed out that domestic abuse isn't found only in heterosexual relationships. 'Can I just add that I've seen young queer girls do this to their girlfriends,' the person wrote. 'Girls can be abusers and you are right to leave.'

Someone added their own list of abusive behaviors, such as 'sending his number to strangers to see if he's loyal or not' and being rude or mean to him in front of others'.

Another person recounted knowing a young man who got both of his legs broken because he 'annoyed' his girlfriend.

'Another young lady started to hit her ex-boyfriend because he wouldnt take her back because of the abuse,' the poster added. 'He called the cops on her and they literally started laughing at him because she was very petite in comparison to him. Anyone can be abusive and I wish more people understood that.'
Sofia Richie doesn't seem to have a jealous bone in her body.

A mere week after the 18-year-old found herself playing a part in Scott Disick's promiscuous Cannes escapades  the 34-year-old reality star was spotted cozying up to a revolving door of nine young women, including Sofia herself  she's back in New York City hanging out with one of Scott's other conquests.

Sofia and stylist Chloe Bartoli each uploaded photos of themselves spending time together, and there's clearly no bad blood between them despite their shared romantic history.

Doing OK: Sofia Richie (right) and Chloe Bartoli (left) appear to still be close friends, despite both being linked to Scott Disick within a matter of days last week

BFF: In fact, Sofia referred to stylist Chloe as her 'best friend'

In addition to going out together on Sunday, they spend Saturday riding bikes around the city

In a snap shared by Sofia on Instagram this Saturday, the two girls are seen with another pair of friends as they ride Citi Bikes in NYC.

Chloe, meanwhile, shared her own photo in the early hours of Monday morning. In it, she and Sofia are both dressed up for a night out, making kissy faces at the camera.

Sofia shared her own version from the night, too, using the caption to call Chloe her 'best friend'.

The duo also shared lunch late last week, proving that they're more friends than romantic rivals.

That isn't what it seemed like just days before, though. In Cannes, Chloe was spotted cuddling up and making out with Scott  and just two days later, it was Sofia who was spotted with the Kardashian clan member, with the two hanging out together on a yacht.

Chill: They also enjoyed lunch together at Bar Pitti in NYC before the weekend

Friends? This comes after Sofia was seen partying with Scott on a yacht - though she denies there was anything romantic to it

Man about town: Scott got cozy with quite a few girls in Cannes, including Chloe, Bella Thorne, and several others

Sofia, however, immediately denied there was anything going on romantically, tweeting: 'Just so everyone can get their panties out of their a**es, Scott and I are just homies.'

True or not, it appears Sofia and Chloe's relationship is undamaged. The young women have actually known each other for some time, as Chloe as worked as a stylist for Sofia's older sister Nicole.

She was also quote by the LA Times last year saying: 'My friend Chloe Bartoli is a really cool stylist. Ive talked about fashion with her a lot over the years.'

Sofia also seems to have no problem with another woman whom she has a boy in common with.

Earlier in her trip to Cannes  before either she or Chloe hung out with Scott  Sofia spent part of the vacation with 23-year-old Chantel Jeffries.

Making friends? Chantel Jeffries (left) and Sofia (right) also spent time together on vacation in Cannes

Buddy buddy: The two uploaded snaps of themselves hanging in the pool together

Social media stars: They also shared Snapchat videos of themselves singing in the hot tub

Moving on: They appeared to be getting along well despite their shared romantic history

In it for the long run? It is unclear if they are spending the entire trip together or just hanging out for they day

Chantel, like Sofia, once dated Justin Bieber  which may have given them plenty to talk about when they hung by the pool together, uploading pictures and videos to Instagram and Snapchat

Sofia wore a skimpy black bikini and chain necklace, while Chantel donned her own sexy two-piece with pink cage netting on top as the duo posed in a luxe-looking pool overlooking the city and nearby beach.

Chantel also uploaded clips of Sofia walking the runway at the Philipp Plein Cruise Show, in which the teen wore a sequined bomber dress and thigh-high boots.

Chantel can be heard cheering her on from the front row  a very unorthodox thing to do at a fashion show  and telling Sofia, 'Yeah girl, work it!'

Over on Instagram, followers were quick to point out their shared romantic past, with one writing, 'Justin's two side chicks he forgot about.'

Working girl: Sofia also walked the runway at the Philipp Plein Cruise Show

First rodeo? Chantel sat front row and loudly cheered her friend on, despite that being very unusual (and generally frowned upon) behavior for a runway show

Keeping things low-key: Sofia dated Justin in 2016, though sources at the time said the relationship was casual

Way back when: Chantel was first linked to Justin in 2014 and dated him again briefly in 2016

'They have a lot of gossiping to do,' observed another, while a third said: 'Discussing your ex are we? Lol.'

Chantel, a model and DJ, was first linked to the Biebs in 2014. She was in the star's Lamborghini the night he was arrested for a DUI that same year.

Though they split, they briefly rekindled things in July of 2016, when Justin rented out an entire movie theater so the pair could have a private date night.

Meanwhile, Justin dated Sofia casually during 2016 as well, and there seems to have been some overlap in the time he dated her and when he re-upped things with Chantel.
Summer has finally arrived, and with it, barbecue season.

But while most of us can manage to grill a burger or two on the flames, it's much harder to make sure your al fresco meal is cooked to perfection.

Top chefs have now revealed how to get your meat and vegetables moist, juicy and incredibly flavoursome rather than blackened and charred to a crisp.

Chefs Hus Vedat, Dan Doherty and Claudio Cardoso have revealed how to have the perfect barbecue by marinating your meat for the right length of time and having two temperature zones

There's always a black burned sausage or two at every barbecue.

But Hus Vedat, executive chef at Yosma in Marylebone, told Good Housekeeping magazine says there's an easy trick to stop your meat from over-cooking.

He said that you should always have two temperature zones on your barbecue grill: a hot side where the searing hot coals are piled up high, and a cooler side for slow-cooking.

He said: 'With your meat, smash it on the flaming hot side first, once its seared and coloured, you then allow it to cook on a lower heat.'

There are plenty of marinades to choose from for your meat but why not use sprigs of thyme, onion, a squeeze of lemon juice as well as rubbing the meat with salt and pepper (pictured)?

But what about adding flavour to your meat?

The secret to a lip-smacking barbecue is to marinate your meat and vegetables for the right amount of time, according to the chefs, who are all appearing at the Taste of London food festival in Regent's Park next week.

And to really make sure you pack in plenty of flavour, you have to marinate your meat for at least 'a day,' according to Dan Doherty, the chef director of the Duck & Waffle Local in Piccadilly.

He said: 'This really gets the flavours to penetrate, even if its just a dry rub.'

In addition, Claudio Cardoso from central London sushi restaurant SUSHISAMBA says you should continue to add your marinade to the meat throughout the cooking process as it will keep it moist.

'Keep a little bowl of marinade and brush onto the meat as it is cooking on the barbecue,' he said.
A 58-year-old cancer patient had to endure a painful two-day long erection following surgery to remove his tumour.

The unidentified Dutch man was left with an 'hourglass-shaped' member as a result of the life-saving operation, doctors said.

Surgeons behind the procedure believe it was caused by the general anaesthetic he was given which disrupted his blood flow and damaged the muscles.

A gruesome emergency procedure designed to 'milk' the blood from his penis using a shunt was successful, allowing him to return to a flaccid state.

But because he was too embarrassed initially to tell doctors about his symptoms, he has been left impotent and unable to have sex without the help of drugs.

The unidentified Dutch man was left with an erection for two days as a result of the life-saving cancer operation, it is reported. He is now unable to get one naturally without drugs because of the permanent damage caused

Surgeons conducted the operation to treat his colon cancer last month, it is believed.

The operation was a success and he recovered 'excellently' while in a separate ward, experts wrote in BMJ Case Reports.

Despite being asked by nurses if he was experiencing any side effects from surgery, he was hesitant to talk about his penile complaints with the female staff.

He eventually gave in and revealed his painful erection problem to his doctor, who happened to be a male, the next day.

They immediately inspected him and were unable to observe any sexual arousal, indicating a much more serious issue.

Persistent erection caused permanent damage

But the team at the Tweesteden Ziekenhuis hospital in Waalwijk did notice his penis was an hourglass shape, which they said was caused by permanent damage to the muscle in his penis.

A urologist diagnosed him with priapism, defined as an erection that lasts for more than six hours, given the absence of penile injury.

His form of the condition is known as low-flow, the most common and serious type of priapism, caused by a lack of blood flow.

When he was evaluated four hours later, his penis was still erect.

Rushed in for emergency surgery

Out of fears he would suffer permanent damage, he was rushed in for emergency surgery. By this point he had suffered with an erection for 48 hours.

Surgeons behind the procedure, which caused the man's penis to become 'hourglass-shaped', believe it was caused by the general anaesthetic he was given

Surgeons inserted a shunt into the end of member and twisted it 90 degrees to allow for blood to seep out.

Medical literature states that before undergoing such a procedure, he would have been asked to exercise, given ice to put on his penis and made to ejaculate.

It immediately proved to work, seeing him return to a flaccid state without any pain.

The dangers of delayed treatment

WHAT IS PRIAPISM? Priapism is a persistent and often painful erection that lasts for several hours. The erection is not necessarily related to sexual stimulation or excitement and does not subside after ejaculation. During this time, the shaft of the penis is rigid and inflexible, but the head of the penis is usually soft. The penis is also usually painful or tender. Priapism is a medical emergency  you should seek immediate assistance if you think you have it. If it's not treated within 24 hours, your penis may be permanently damaged and you may have difficulties getting an erection in the future. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

But unfortunately, due to the delayed treatment, he was left with permanent erectile dysfunction.

The man was offered the chance to have a penile implant, a treatment offered to sufferers who are unlikely to see results from drugs. He declined.

Six months of medication, most likely in the form of Viagra, helped him to finally overcome his impotence.

Writing in the journal, the doctors added: 'This case gave rise to staff education concerning priapism, facilitating prompt identification of this rare complication.

'Patients may feel embarrassed and hesitant to report penile complaints towards opposite gender medical professionals, and they could be afraid of stigmatisation.'

How did it happen?

Several medical reports indicate abdominal surgery as a potential cause of priapism, but the doctors said it was unlikely.

Instead, they believe it to be down to the anaesthetics the man was given for the life-saving surgery.

Cases studies have previously suggested propofol - of which an overdose killed the King of Pop Michael Jackson in 2009, to be a cause of priapism.

The mechanism between anaesthetic and erections remains poorly understood.

The doctors added: 'It was most likely caused by either general or epidural anaesthesia and or by a vicious circle that was initiated by the anaesthesia.'

Dr Asif Muneer, of The Urology Foundation, told MailOnline that it is 'unlikely' the patient would have developed an hourglass shape so quickly.

He said it normally takes between three to six months for such muscle damage to occur and cause a deformity.
A toddler who was on the verge of walking on his own became paralysed without warning, his heartbroken father has revealed.

Charlie Fielding, now two, from Angmering, West Sussex, had just began getting to grips with moving around unaided in October.

His parents, Jamie, 37, and Becky, 36, were preparing themselves for him to take his first steps at any moment.

But then on October 17, he woke up in pain and unable to move. He was rushed to hospital when his body went floppy and limp.

Doctors diagnosed him with arteriovenous malformation - a misconnection of the blood vessels that causes them to swell.

This swelling had put pressure on his spinal cord, causing irreversible damage and leaving him paralysed from the waist down.

Charlie has since had surgery to try and improve his condition, but he remains in a wheelchair for the foreseeable future.

Charlie Fielding, now two, from Angmering, West Sussex, had just began getting to grips with moving around unaided in October before he was left paralysed (pictured last month)

'He was getting the hang of it'

Mr Fielding, an environmental manager, said: 'He was getting the hang of it. We were confident he would be running around soon.

'It is heartbreaking. It is hard. You don't expect to be buying a wheelchair for your two-year-old son.

'As a dad, you imagine having a kickaround in the park on a Sunday. It's difficult to talk about these sorts of things. We are still hopeful, though.

'Doctors had told us that he wouldn't regain any bladder function, but now he can wee by himself. He can sort of commando crawl at the minute. He is getting stronger every day.'

Charlie and his twin sister Poppy were both born premature at 30 weeks at Worthing Hospital in March 2015.

Although his sister was able to go home after six weeks, Charlie had to stay in hospital for two weeks longer as he struggled to feed.

On October 17, he woke up in pain and unable to move. He was rushed to hospital when his body went floppy and limp (pictured last month)

Despite being discharged with a feeding tube, his parents were glad to have him home so they could settle into family life with their older daughter Lola, now four.

For the first year of his life, Charlie struggled with respiratory problems and was in and out of hospital. But just after his first birthday, they felt he was finally improving.

He was getting the hang of it. We were confident he would be running around soon Jamie Fielding, 37

Mr Fielding said: 'He hadn't had any respiratory problems for eight months and was starting to make positive progress.

'He managed to stay out of hospital and was starting to crawl and move around.

'Through the spring and summer, we could see he was starting to develop. He wasn't quite as on par with Poppy, but he was getting there.'

In October 2016, at 18 months old, the couple were delighted when Charlie seemed to finally be getting to his feet.

His parents, Jamie, 37, and Becky, 36 (pictured out for dinner in September 2015), were getting prepared for him to take his first steps at any moment

Charlie, who is now paralysed from the waist down, has since had surgery to try and improve his condition, but he remains in a wheelchair (pictured in March)

Charlie's father, Jamie Fielding, an environmental manager, said: 'He was getting the hang of it. We were confident he would be running around soon' (pictured at Great Ormond Street Hospital in October where he received specialist treatment)

WHAT ARE AVM'S? An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a specific term used to describe a tangle of blood vessels with abnormal connections between arteries and veins. High pressure arteries containing fast flowing blood are directly connected to low pressure veins, which normally only contain slow flowing blood. This means that blood from the arteries drains directly into the veins - without stopping to supply the normal tissues in that part of the body with essential substances like oxygen and nutrition. Over time this can lead to the normal tissues becoming painful or fragile. It also means that the AVM gets progressively larger over time as the amount of blood flowing through it increases, and it can cause problems due to its size. Finally, it may also mean that the heart has to work harder to keep up with the extra blood flow. Some doctors describe an AVM as 'a ring road that bypasses the high street of a town'. Traffic (or blood) will use the bypass rather than the high street which suffers as a result. AVMs are thought to affect approximately 1.4 in every 100,000 people. Source: Great Ormond Street Hospital Advertisement

He moved from crawling across the floor to toddling around the room, while clutching his mum or dad's hands.

But on October 17, Charlie woke up in distress and his parents realised there was something seriously wrong.

Crawling difficulties

Mr Fielding added: 'We couldn't put him on the ground. Normally he would crawl around, but he was very floppy and limp on the floor.

'He wasn't willing to bear weight on his legs. It was like he couldn't do it rather than that he didn't want to.'

They took him to Worthing Hospital, but he gradually deteriorated, as doctors spent three days trying to find a cause.

By the time he was transferred to Southampton General Hospital, he was hardly able to move.

Doctors there diagnosed him with arteriovenous malformation.

Mr Fielding added: 'He was born with a misconnection of blood vessels which meant that the veins were taking high pressure blood and it was causing them to swirl around in his spine. This meant that the vessels started to swell.

'It was getting bigger and bigger and it was compressing his spinal cord. It can take a lot of pressure over time but once it deteriorates, it happens very quickly.

'We hadn't seen any outward signs that there was anything wrong until the point where there was this rapid deterioration, over these few days.'

Charlie and his twin sister Poppy were both born premature at 30 weeks at Worthing Hospital in March 2015 (pictured together in the special care unit at Worthing Hospital)

Doctors at Southampton General Hospital diagnosed him with arteriovenous malformation - a misconnection of the blood vessels, that causes them to swell (pictured at Great Ormond Street Hospital receiving treatment)

Following the diagnosis, the family were transferred for more specialised treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.

Doctors there discovered that Charlie has a very rare mutation of the Rasa1 gene that means he is susceptible to misconnections in his blood vessels.

He had surgery to help the blood flow in his body - but unfortunately, he remains paralysed.

Experts warned that if the blood vessels had kept swelling and burst, he may have had a catastrophic bleed that couldn't be stopped.

Discharged from hospital after four weeks, he continued with NHS-funded physiotherapy at a local facility, which has now finished.

Desperate for private treatment

Charlie's parents are now desperately fundraising to pay for more private physio and to help buy equipment that can help him.

Mr Fielding said: 'It wasn't expected that the physio will lead to him recovering. It is more about keeping his body in good condition and keeping his spine and hips aligned.

'If, in the future, there may be more treatment available, we don't want him to deteriorate in the meantime. He needs to have the best chance possible.

'While his twin sister makes significant leaps in her development, we don't want Charlie to get frustrated either.

'We want to get some things like a hand powered trike, to give him the same opportunities that his siblings have.'

To donate to Charlie's fund, visit here.

Mr Fielding, pictured with the couple's other child, Lola, four, added: 'It is heartbreaking. It is hard. You don't expect to be buying a wheelchair for your two-year-old son'
Airplanes need to carry more medical equipment in case someone on board has a heart attack mid-flight, experts warn.

Defibrillators and electrocardiograms should be made available on all journeys in case of such an emergency, draft guidelines state.

These devices help to improve the survival rates for any patient whose blood has stopped pumping around their body.

Cardiac arrests account for less than one per cent of all emergencies in the air, but kill more than 1,000 people each year, including Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher in December.

Despite such high death rates, no guidelines currently exist that provide specific treatment recommendations for in-flight cardiac arrests.

Defibrillators and electrocardiograms should be made available on all journeys in case a passenger has a cardiac arrest, draft guidelines state

In answer to the problem, a task force has proposed a range of steps that airlines should adopt to deal with such scenarios.

'This is the first guideline'

Professor Jochen Hinkelbein, president of the German Society for Aerospace Medicine, was the driving force behind the suggestions.

He said: '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.'

What other guidelines are there?

Passengers should be told of the location of such medical equipment in the pre-flight safety announcement, the guidelines added.

While cabin crew should immediately ask if anyone on the plane is trained in dealing with a cardiac arrest, should one occur.

The recommendations were proposed at the Euroanaesthesia meeting in Geneva over the weekend.

Airlines will be contacted directly and asked to adopt the guidelines into their emergency procedures, BBC reports.

Cardiac arrests are mainly caused by a heart attack, where theres a sudden interruption to the blood supply to part of the heart muscle, or an underlying heart condition.

WHAT ARE THE NEW GUIDELINES? Emergency equipment provided and its location should be mentioned in the pre-flight safety announcement

An ECG should be available for patients with cardiac arrest; automated external defibrillators have this function available and many planes now have one on board

Crews should request help with a cardiac arrest as soon as possible by an onboard announcement. The announcement should state the location of 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 Advertisement

Carrie Fisher died following a cardiac arrest she suffered on a plane journey to Los Angeles in December

Carrie Fisher's tragic death

It comes after Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher died following a cardiac arrest she suffered on a plane journey to Los Angeles in December.

Fisher was returning home from London when she entered cardiac arrest before her flight touched down at Los Angeles International Airport.

Prior to landing at least one person on the plane rushed to help her and administered CPR to the actress, who stopped breathing for approximately 10 minutes.

She received emergency treatment on the plane before she was rushed to a hospital, where her brother later reported she was in critical condition.

Fisher's mother, legendary Hollywood actress Debbie Reynolds, reported that she was in a stable condition.

But she never regained consciousness after being admitted to UCLA Medical Center and passed away four days later.
It has long been known smoking during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby - now evidence has emerged that the negative effects last well into a child's adolescence.

Tobacco use - previously linked to premature birth and low birth weight - can also cause behavioral problems well into teenage years, a new study shows.

Boston researchers found smoking just ten cigarettes a day was enough to cause this damage.

The findings are further damning evidence of just how dangerous smoking is for expectant mothers.

Yet despite the well-known risks, in the UK an estimated 12 percent and in the US 12 to 20 percent of pregnant women smoke, putting themselves and their babies at risk.

Dr Ruth Rose-Jacobs, from Boston Medical Center and Boston University, said: 'Given that as few as ten cigarettes can have a negative impact, it's imperative that we act on this and provide as much access and education as we can to help prevent these negative outcomes.'

The research found that smoking in pregnancy disrupts a child's 'executive functioning'

The study, published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, is the first to look at the long-term effects of prenatal tobacco exposure on teenagers in high school, say the researchers.

SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY DESTROYS A BABY'S LIVER The Boston researchers' findings come after recent research revealed smoking during pregnancy can destroy a baby's liver. Edinburgh University scientists looked at stem cells and discovered that toxic compounds in smoke were shown to damage those crafted into foetal liver tissue. But to the surprise of the Edinburgh University scientists, the effects were different for boys and girls. However, both genders can suffer lasting harm by being exposed to the 7,000 chemicals in smoke, experts say. Boys showed signs of liver scarring, which leaves them prone to cirrhosis in later life - which can cause liver failure and be deadly if left untreated. While the cells regulating metabolism in the liver were found to be targeted in girls. Any changes to the development of the organ of this kind could leave girls vulnerable to becoming overweight as they grow older, research suggests. Advertisement

How they conducted the research

The researchers asked teachers to fill in behavior assessments on 131 of their pupils.

The students involved were 51 percent male and 89 per cent African American and went to school in an 'urban community'.

The team also gathered information on a child's exposure to substances other than tobacco, the chemical element lead and violence - all of which have been linked to behavioral issues.

Key findings

The study found that smoking in pregnancy disrupts a child's 'executive functioning'.

This includes their organisational abilities, attention span and time management skills, as well as self management of their behavior.

As the researchers note, these are skills that are 'important for success both in school and in daily life'.

Of all the other factors, only tobacco was associated with the students having less optimal executive functioning in the classroom, particularly impacting their ability to regulate their behavior.

Implications

An overwhelming body of previous evidence shows that children face a higher risk of being stillborn or miscarried if their mother smoked during pregnancy.

However, it is not illegal for a pregnant woman to harm her unborn child by smoking or drinking.

Some argue a law should be brought in to make ban pregnant women from smoking, while others claim to do so would be an unacceptable intervention by the 'nanny state'.

Dr Rose-Jacobs called for more to be done to help pregnant women quit the notoriously bad habit.

She said: 'Because tobacco is one of the most common substances used during pregnancy  and it's legal for adults to use  these results indicate the tremendous importance of bolstering efforts to ensure that women of child-bearing age and pregnant women have increased access to evidence-based tobacco smoking cessation programmes.'

Smoking now kills seven million people a year - almost double the number recorded in 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned last week.
Going to bed and waking up later on the weekends can raise your chances of getting heart disease, according to new research.

Scientists have even quantified the risk - they say each hour of going to bed later than normal is associated with an 11 percent increase.

This adds weight to previous research linking heart disease and what experts call 'social jet lag', that is having different sleep patterns on the weekends than during the work week.

The new findings also confirmed a link between a change in sleeping routine and feeling more tired and moody, which is well-documented.

Furthermore, sleeping in longer was found to have no health benefit if you have gone to bed at a later time than usual, according to the University of Arizona in Tucson.

'These results indicate that sleep regularity, beyond sleep duration alone, plays a significant role in our health,' said lead author Sierra B. Forbush, a research assistant at the university's Sleep and Health Research Program.

'This suggests that a regular sleep schedule may be an effective, relatively simple, and inexpensive preventative treatment for heart disease as well as many other health problems.'

Scroll down for video

Waking up early on workdays - only to sleep in on your days off - is known as 'social jet lag' because it wreaks havoc with your body's biological clock

How they conducted the research

The team analyzed responses from 984 adults between the ages of 22 and 60 years who had completed a sleep questionnaire which asked them about their habitual bedtimes and wake times.

They calculated each individual's 'social jet lag' by subtracting the mid-point of their weekday sleep cycle from the mid-point of their weekend sleep cycle.

Overall health was self-reported using a standardized scale, and survey questions also assessed sleep duration, insomnia, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, and sleepiness.

TIPS TO STICK TO A REGULAR SLEEP PATTERN According to Mayo Clinic, adults should get seven to nine hours a night for optimal health. They say you should also be consistent to reinforce your body's sleep-wake cycle. To stick to a sleep schedule they recommend you: Set aside no more than eight hours for sleep.

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

Try to limit the difference in your sleep schedule on weeknights and weekends to no more than one hour.

If you don't fall asleep within about 20 minutes, leave your bedroom and do something relaxing. Read or listen to soothing music. Go back to bed when you're tired.

Don't go to bed hungry or stuffed.

Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime.

Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement

Why is 'social jet lag' is so harmful?

The Arizona study, published in the journal Sleep, does not explain how they came to their conclusions. However, a previous study in 2015 found similar results.

A team from the University of Pittsburgh studied a group of adults aged 30 to 54 years.

They found that people with the biggest shift in sleep routines between workdays and days off were more likely to have health problems that are risk factors for diabetes and heart disease.

The symptoms included extra girth around the midsection and higher levels of sugars and fats in the blood.

The participants with 'social jet lag' also had lower levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol  which is the 'good kind' of cholesterol that works to prevent damage to blood vessels.

The researchers acknowledge that the results didn't definitively prove that social jet lag causes diabetes or heart disease.

However, it does suggest that the connection needs to be examined further, according to lead author Dr Patricia Wong.

What the experts say

Germany scientist Till Roenneberg from Ludwig-Maximilian University, who coined the term 'social jet lag' told Reuters that he was not surprised by the Pittsburgh study results.

'We had already known from various epidemiological and experimental studies that metabolism  and especially glucose/insulin metabolism  is challenged by living against one's clock,' he said.

'The links between body mass index, metabolic syndromes, and cardiovascular pathologies are well established, so this report was a welcome support of earlier findings.'
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Children whose parents stay on speaking terms after a split are far less likely to fall ill in later life, a study has found.

But those whose parents cut off contact are three times as likely to come down with a cold decades after their parents' split.

US researchers believe children's immune systems are damaged by the stress of an unhappy broken family and that may also explain rising rates of asthma and heart disease seen in children of divorce.

Divorce itself need not make any difference, as the study found children of amicable separations had no greater risk of getting a cold than those whose parents had stayed together.

More than 100,000 people a year divorce in England and Wales, around half of whom have at least one child.

Children whose parents stay on speaking terms after a split are far less likely to fall ill in later life, a new study has found

Dr Michael Murphy, lead author of the US study, from Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, said: 'Early-life stressful experiences do something to our physiology and inflammatory processes that increase risk for poorer health and chronic illness.

'This work is a step forward in our understanding of how family stress during childhood may influence a child's susceptibility to disease 20 to 40 years later.'

How was the study carried out?

For the study, 201 healthy adults were quarantined in a hotel and given nasal drops containing rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. They were monitored for five days for the development of a respiratory illness.

The researchers, placed in quarantine, were then studied for five days to see if they developed a respiratory disease. The group comprised 118 men and 83 women.

Of the group, 109 had parents who stayed together through their childhood. Forty-one separated but stayed on speaking terms, and 51 were 'PLANS'  children whose parents lived apart and never spoke.

During the test 149 participants showed signs of infection, and of these 60 developed a full blown cold.

What did they find?

The results showed that adults whose parents lived apart and never spoke during their childhood were more than three times as likely to develop a cold compared to those from intact families.

However individuals whose parents were separated but communicated with each other showed no increase in risk compared to the intact families.

Carnegie Mellon University researchers believe children's immune systems are damaged by the stress of an unhappy broken family

The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that extreme childhood stress caused by an unhappy divorce changes the body's response to the threat of illness.

It may also cause a surge in inflammation within the body, linked to asthma, cancer and heart disease  all previously reported at higher rates in children of separation.

Why does divorce affect children?

The study suggests 'acrimony' between parents may be to blame, while cooperation between parents protects children from some of the trauma of divorce.

OTHER DANGERS OF A DIVORCE... Divorce may be triggering eating disorders in middle-aged women, said experts earlier this year. They warned that those in their forties are in danger of bulimia and anorexia from life changes including marriage breakdown and the death of a parent. A British study found that 15 per cent of middle-aged women have battled an eating disorder, and almost a quarter of these have done so in the past year. It was thought that by this age women had passed the window of risk for eating disorders, which are most frequently associated with teenagers. The higher-than-expected figures discovered by University College London researchers were blamed on emotional upheaval in later life. Advertisement

It states: 'Parents who are not on speaking terms might be more prone to recruit the child to serve as an intermediary or attempt to get the child to take sides against the other parent.

'These behaviours in turn are associated with increased distress and poorer adjustment among youth.'

Previous research had indicated that adults whose parents separated during childhood have an increased risk for poorer health.

But it was not known that the type of divorce they experienced could make a difference.

Co-author Sheldon Cohen, professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, said: 'Our results target the immune system as an important carrier of the long-term negative impact of early family conflict.

'They also suggest that all divorces are not equal, with continued communication between parents buffering deleterious effects of separation on the health trajectories of the children.'

Similar findings from studies

Previous research has shown that adults who experienced their parents' relationship splitting up were more likely to report lower feelings of psychological wellbeing, higher likelihood of mental illness and poorer adult relationships.

Children whose parents split up are more likely to get asthma, spend time in hospital for infectious illnesses, have more medical complaints and poorer perceived health.

Similarly, adults whose parents split are more likely to suffer from cancer and premature death than those who stay together.
Finding a cure for cancer is one of the Holy Grails of medicine. However, a series of recent breakthroughs raises the prospect that were finally getting to grips with the disease that half of us will develop.

Cancer survival rates in the UK have doubled over the past 40 years and already half of cancer patients live for more than ten years.

But according to Professor Karol Sikora, one of the countrys leading specialists and dean of the University of Buckingham Medical School, in ten years that figure will be closer to 70 per cent, meaning that, for many, cancer will become a disease you live with, rather than die from.

Cancer survival rates in the UK have doubled over the past 40 years

Over the past decade, there has been a huge increase in our understanding of the molecular changes that occur in the bodys cells that lead to cancer, he says. And in another ten years we will understand a lot more. We are making very good progress.

Here is a round-up of some of the latest and most promising developments.

Blood test spots cancer BEFORE it develops

In one of the more exciting breakthroughs announced just this week, scientists are developing a blood test that can diagnose any type of cancer a decade before symptoms appear.

Taking a sample of a patients blood and running it through a machine in the laboratory, they can check for any DNA shed by tumours  this starts circulating in the bloodstream long before patients feel symptoms, giving doctors an early warning that the patient will develop cancer.

This DNA can tell scientists where tumours are growing and how far the cancer has spread. U.S. researchers believe the test, known as liquid biopsy, could halve cancer death rates and would be particularly beneficial for the deadliest forms of the disease such as lung, pancreatic and ovarian, which are often diagnosed late.

Scientists are developing a blood test that can diagnose any type of cancer a decade before symptoms appear

Trials into the test, carried out on 161 patients already diagnosed with breast, lung or prostate cancer and presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago this week, found it could correctly identify the tumour in 90 per cent of cases.

The test, which has received funding from Microsoft founder Bill Gates, could be available within two years. The eventual goal is to offer it to patients alongside routine checks on their blood pressure and cholesterol at their GP surgery.

It currently costs 1,500 a time, but that figure should come down. Dr Nick Turner, from the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, said: The potential is very exciting.

3p STATIN boosts survival

Statins  drugs widely taken to lower cholesterol  also reduce the risk of dying from breast, bowel, prostate, ovarian and bone cancer. A major new study involving almost 200,000 women with breast cancer has found the 3p-a-day pills boosts survival rates by 40 per cent by halting the growth of tumours.

This could lead to the drug being routinely used to treat the disease alongside surgery and conventional drugs such as chemotherapy.

The study, by scientists from the National Cancer Centre in Beijing, found that on average, women who had taken any kind of statin were 27 per cent less likely to die from cancer within four years than those whod never taken the drug.

Statins also reduce the risk of dying from breast, bowel, prostate, ovarian and bone cancer

And patients taking the most commonly prescribed statins in the UK  such as simvastatin and atorvastatin  were 43 per cent less likely to die from the disease.

Scientists believe these types of statins stop cancer cells growing and dividing, and may also boost the immune system, enabling it to fight the disease better.

Baroness Delyth Morgan, of the charity Breast Cancer Now, said: This study adds to the emerging picture that some statins could be useful for treating breast cancer, but wed need to see clinical trials.

A separate U.S. study on 22,110 men with prostate cancer, in 2015, found that those who happened to be taking statins were 42 per cent less likely to die from the illness.

Game-changer for neck tumours

An immunotherapy drug has been hailed as a potential game-changer after being found to greatly improve survival for patients with relapsed head and neck cancer  a disease notoriously difficult to treat.

Nivolumab is the first treatment to extend survival in a phase III clinical trial (where it was compared with standard treatment) for patients with head and neck cancer in whom chemotherapy had failed  and it did so with fewer side-effects than existing options.

After a year, 36 per cent of patients treated with nivolumab were still alive compared with 17 per cent of those treated with chemotherapy, according to the study of 361 patients published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year. These patients are currently expected to live less than six months. The drug works by stimulating the immune system to fight cancer cells.

Kevin Harrington, a professor of biological cancer therapies at the Institute of Cancer Research and a consultant at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust who led the trial, said: Nivolumab could be a real game-changer for patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

These results indicate we now have a new treatment that can significantly extend life, and Im keen to see it enter the clinic as soon as possible.

Super-Precise radiotherapy

A pioneering new type of radiotherapy machine could transform the care of cancer patients.

MR Linac machines are the first to be able to generate both MRI images and deliver X-rays as well as radiotherapy at the same time, allowing radiotherapy to be adjusted in real time and delivered more accurately and effectively.

It means patients can receive radiotherapy to tumours that move during treatment, when they breathe or if their bladder fills, for instance. This will make the machines particularly useful for treating lung, cervical, prostate, bowel and bladder cancer.

Delivering radiotherapy more precisely will also make the treatment more effective and reduce side-effects to surrounding healthy tissue. The Institute of Cancer research and The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, both in London, are the first places in the UK to install the machines.

The first patients are due to be treated later this year, initially through clinical trials.

Major prostate breakthrough

A new way of treating prostate cancer could boost survival rates by almost 40 per cent, according to new research. Adding the hormone therapy abiraterone at the start of treatment means patients whose disease has spread to their pelvic area or other organs are 37 per cent more likely to be alive after three years.

Researchers from Birmingham University who carried out the study say this new approach will transform prostate cancer treatment.

Currently, patients whose cancer has spread to surrounding tissue are given only one type of hormone therapy. This blocks the action of the male sex hormone testosterone, which fuels tumour growth.

But the research involving 1,900 men presented at the ASCO conference last week, found that abiraterone actually shuts down the production of this hormone.

Professor Nicholas James, who led the Cancer Research UK-funded trial known as STAMPEDE, says: These are the most powerful results Ive seen from a prostate cancer trial  its a once-in-a-career feeling. This is one of the biggest reductions in death Ive seen in any clinical trial for adult cancers.

Advance for Angelinas cancer

Women with the same genetic form of breast cancer as Angelina Jolie could benefit from a drug that prevents tumours spreading by more than 40 per cent.

Olaparib  a drug that works by preventing cancer cells from fixing fatal faults in their DNA  is used to treat women with the advanced hereditary form of the disease caused by the faulty BRCA gene. Results of a new study show that after 14 months, those women taking the drug twice daily had a 42 per cent lower chance of the cancer spreading compared with standard chemotherapy, scientists at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York told the ASCO conference.

Women with the same genetic form of breast cancer as Angelina Jolie could benefit from a drug that prevents tumours spreading by more than 40 per cent

Kefah Mokbel, professor of breast cancer surgery at The London Breast Institute, says that Olaparib is one of a number of targeted biological therapies which one day could be used instead of chemotherapy to treat breast cancer.

These drugs are not as toxic and target tumours more precisely. The hope is to treat breast cancer in the same way as chronic conditions such as diabetes. We cant cure them, but we can keep them under control. These are exciting times.

The richest patients can save us - by paying to save themselves

By Alexander Masters

Vince Hamilton and Dido Davies were as different as you could imagine. One was an international businessman and multi-millionaire oil-baron from Arizona; the other was a brilliant biographer, editor and expert on the lost bones of St Thomas More.

She was my best friend and occasional co-author: a woman I looked up to and loved.

Vince and Dido never met, but they have two things in common. They both died of the same rare disease, and they may  just may  have changed the world of medical research for the better.

In 2007, Dido developed neuro-endocrine cancer of the pancreas, the same type that killed Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computers. Its a rare, comparatively slow-growing disease. Two years later it spread to her liver.

Surgery, chemotherapy and radioactive proteins pumped into her blood all failed. Meanwhile, I hunted the internet in an attempt to find something that might prolong her life.

Im not a research scientist; I dont know a thing about cancer. I write biographies. But by astonishing luck I stumbled across a YouTube lecture about Canadian pigs.

Veterinary scientists had discovered that these porkers were naturally infected by a previously unknown virus. It did nothing to the pigs, but what it did in the lab was barely believable: it eliminated neuroendocrine cancer.

Yet the lecturer forgot to mention who was developing the new treatment, so I freeze-framed the video and took a screenshot of a poster behind the lectern. That led me to a company called Neotropix, which had gone bust.

Its defunct website linked, via a company in San Francisco, to a PhD thesis by a Polish immunologist living in Sweden, whose footnotes gave a Skype address, which I rang.

Inspiration: Dido Davies developed neuro-endocrine cancer of the pancreas in 2007

The man who answered was Professor Magnus Essand at Uppsala University, one of the worlds experts on using viruses to treat cancer.

He had no involvement with the Canadian pigs, but he had a different drug, half forgotten, in his freezer. It also eliminated neuroendocrine cancer with remarkable success  at least in the lab.

Yet this admirable microbe was not being tested on humans because he couldnt raise the 2 million needed to begin the experiments.

If I get you the money, would you promise to put Dido on the trial? I asked. I thought the suggestion was probably illegal. It definitely sounded unethical. To my amazement, Professor Essand said yes.

I did get the money  with the help of 3,846 other people around the world. With Dominic Nutt, a publicist whod worked for refugee charities, we started a campaign group called iCancer (icancer.org.uk).

Doms been kidnapped, shot at and bombed in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, but knows no more about medicine than I do, so he brought in Liz Scarff, who runs a social media company. Liz broke internet records for the amount she raised through crowdfunding  around 700,000.

Meanwhile Dom and I concentrated on tracking down somebody very rich with the same disease as Dido, to persuade that person to pay the remaining 1.3 million.

We found our candidate quickly: Vince, the oil baron. He read about our campaign and rang Uppsala looking for another Dido-style deal.

He and Dido both died in 2013, before Professor Essands lab even had time to complete the paperwork for the trial.

But I couldnt get rid of a niggling idea that Dido and Vince had inspired. If it wasnt unethical or illegal to offer a trial place to the person whod funded it (assuming they were a suitable trial candidate), then why couldnt this tactic be used to raise money for other promising, yet neglected, medical research?

The process would have to be carefully policed to ensure fair play and good quality science, but otherwise it was a beautifully simple idea that might bring in tens of millions of pounds of new money for underfunded research, and which had, astoundingly, never been tried before. The Plutocratic Proposal, as weve called it, is a way to get the many paid for by the privileged few; it uses private capital to supplement overstretched public funds.

One problem with the current system is few major funders or venture capitalists want to get involved in rare cancers. Such trials are difficult to organise with so few patients, and treatment might benefit only one or two in 100,000. But these tiny figures soon add up: 53 per cent of all cancer deaths are caused by rare forms of the disease.

If I dont fund the trial, it wont happen at all

But are there enough sufficiently rich people in the world to make our idea succeed? Easily, Dom and I think. When I flew out to meet Vince before he died, he was amazed all plutocratic patients didnt set up similar schemes.

But most new drugs dont work, I pointed out, keen to ensure that Vince knew what he was letting himself in for. Youre going to pay the bulk of 2 million for an experimental drug that all the other participants on the trial will be getting for free, I added.

I have the money, they dont, he said. If I dont fund the trial, it wont happen at all.

Nobody knows how much possible medication is lying around in freezers; everyone agrees it is a substantial amount. Dom and I have found three other neglected treatments for neuroendocrine cancer (including the Canadian pig virus)  all possible life savers, at various stages of clinical neglect.

Drug developers call the chasm between the large number of promising drugs that begin tests in humans and the few that get past those early experiments, the Valley of Death. Sometimes a brilliant idea turns to dust because its useless or gives people massive internal organ failure. But most of the time its down to the researchers running out of money or willpower.

In the bitter world of medical funding, the Plutocratic Proposal is sweet.

At the moment, drugs are funded either by people wanting to make money or by governments and charities providing cash for free  profit or altruism.

The Plutocratic Proposal suggests a third tactic  barter: use a persons natural desire to feel well to motivate them to fund innovative research.

We know it can work, because weve done it. The trial at Uppsala began last year; the first patient was a firefighter.

Together, our unlikely group of ousiders has come up with something fresh that might advance medical research. But will scientists like it? Do you? We want to know what readers, patients and their friends and families think. So Dom and I have written an article about the subject, to be published online in the Journal of Medical Ethics this week: A Plutocratic Proposal, an ethical way for rich patients to pay for a place on a trial.

Vinces widow has paid to ensure it is not behind the journals usual paywall  so that anyone can read about what her husband, and my best friend Dido, inspired.
Two days after discovering a pressure cooker bomb factory in Patiala, Punjab police on Sunday claimed to have busted a terror module by arresting three men from two different locations in the state.

Those three men are believed to be the members of banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and were identified as Gurdial, Jagroop and Satwinder Singh.

The police alleged that the trio was trained by Pakistan based ISYF Chief Lakhbir Rode and Harmeet Singh.

Three men were arrested on Sunday and are suspected to be members of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation

'They were trained to carry out terror attacks and target religious leaders and politicians,' a Punjab Police spokesperson told India Today.

The arrest of two other alleged terrorists terrorists, Sher Singh and Man Singh, on May 21, is what's thought to have led to the arrest of the three other suspects.

The duo was arrested by BSF, allegedly with a consignment of arms and ammunition smuggled from Pakistan.

A spokesperson said: 'Gurdial hails from Road Majara area of Hoshiarpur whereas 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 seven cartridges was recovered from them.'

The suspects are said to have been trained on using a range of weaponry

The police said that Gurdial Singh, the alleged chief operative of ISYF terror module, was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, who is currently living in Lahore cantonment, by another terrorist Balvir Singh Sandhu, who is currently hiding in Germany.

Police said Gurdial paid several visits to Pakistan during last six to seven years. He used to visit Pakistan in the name of paying homage to a Sikh shrine.

His last visit to Pakistan was from November 12 to 21 ,2016 when he was accompanied by Jagroop Singh, police claimed.

'Jagroop confessed that he was blindfolded and taken to an undisclosed location to meet the ISYF chief, where he got a four-day training course by the ISI, and learnt the handling of AK-47 rifle and smaller weapons. He was also trained to sabotage railway tracks by loosening the securing/fastening mechanisms of fish-plates, nuts and bolts,' police said.

The police also said that Satwinder and Jagroop were active members of this module and were directly in touch with their mentors in Pakistan and Germany.

The Punjab Police has so far arrested five International Sikh Youth Federation terrorists who were trying to revive terrorism in Punjab.

Mann Singh and Sher Singh had told the police that they were trained by Ontario, Canada based Sikh hard-liner Gurjivan Singh and were in touch with their mentors in Pakistan.

The more shocking claim is that the three terrorists who were arrested on Sunday were in touch with J&K based militant groups.

It supports inputs received by the intelligence agencies that the ISI can unite the Jaish and Khalistan terrorists. However, it is thought that ISI is pushing Khalistani terrorists in Punjab to disturb the law and order and peace.

Khalistan terror outfits located in Europe, Pakistan and various other South-Asian countries, are under pressure from ISI to strike terror.

The arrested men allegedly said that they wanted to kill people involved in sacrilege of religious books.
At the most, they were mocked as 'moral police' for swooping on parks, forcing youths to do sit-ups or slapping dating couples in full public view.

But an India TV investigation has allegedly discovered a disturbing phenomenon in the very crop of Uttar Pradesh police on which the Yogi Adityanath administration has raised anti-Romeo squads purportedly for women's safety.

The channel claimed in its probe that it found members of the new contingents out not only to harass but implicate innocents in false cases, ready to resort to bribes.

The squads, made up of plainclothes and uniformed police officers, were introduced in March to crack down on 'Romeos'  a term loosely used for molesters  after the BJP government took power in the state.

In Meerut's Transport Nagar, sub-inspector Onkar Nath Pandey allegedly offered tips to the undercover team on how to have an innocent man rounded up for no crime.

Pandey, the local head of an anti-Romeo squad, also allegedly promised to plant weapons on him, a fictitious business rival concocted by India Today TV's investigative team.

'What I am saying is he should have a companion first (on the street); even if that's a man. Take him into confidence. Let there be a scuffle after drinks. Let that man provoke him (your rival). He'd lose his senses. Then call the police who will pick him up. He'll be prosecuted,' Pandey suggested.

The India TV investigation has allegedly found anti-Romeo squad officers agreeing to fake cases

'Will he be sent to jail?' asked the reporter, to which the cop allegedly claimed: 'Definitely, he'll go to jail. We'll frame him in a weapons' case and he'll be imprisoned.'

He demanded Rs 50,000 for the dirty job, it was claimed.

Meanwhile, sub-inspector Vineet Verma, the head of an anti-Romeo squad at a Bulandshahr police station, allegedly asked India Today TV's investigative team to send the target's photo to him on WhatsApp.

He needed no written complaint to act, the channel claimed.

In the conversation recorded on a secret camera, he allegedly said: 'Nothing in writing (is needed). We'll have him slapped, etc. We'll have it done.'

Babuddin, part of a special operations group at Ghaziabad's Loni police station, promised on-demand action, the investigation claimed

His counterpart at Agra's Nai Ki Mandi, Ved Prakash, proposed to entangle the fictitious character in an unresolved case of rioting, the probe alleged.

'Police were attacked near Haweli Garib Khan. A lot of stone-pelting also happened. A case is registered against 150 people in the rioting,' he recalled.

'We'll have warrants issued for him from a magistrate court,' Prakash allegedly said.

The alleged racket was found to be running deep in the national capital region as well. Babuddin, part of a special operations group at Ghaziabad's Loni police station, promised on-demand action, the investigation claimed.

'There will be a cost involved but there is work to be done by police. We will have to put in many hours in preparing a good case against him. Then, we will be able to pick him up from wherever we want,' he allegedly said.

Ved Prakash allegedly proposed to entangle the fictitious character in an unresolved case of rioting

The plot centred on an imaginary man in a consensual relationship with a woman.

'For six months in prison, you'll have to give Rs 3 lakh. He will be behind the bars in 36 hours,' Babuddin allegedly said.

Soon, his team allegedly all agreed to pick up the fictitious character from his dating spot, have his call details dug out and take him into custody over cooked-up charges.

After the report aired, UP police chief Sulkhan Singh asked the ADGs in Meerut and Agra to submit a preliminary probe on India Today TV's #OperationRomeo by Tuesday.

He also asked for the career records of all four cops exposed in the findings.

A detailed probe will be carried out by the Uttar Pradesh DG headquarters.

'Laws per se and their implementation must not be blamed,' said Amitabh Thakur, inspector general, UP police.

'For women from the upper echelons of society, a Romeo wandering the streets is not a problem. But for women in smaller areas, these are real issues. Your expose raises those real issues.'

State power minister Shrikant Sharma termed the findings shocking. 'It is very unfortunate that such things are happening in our administration,' he said.

'We will take action against such people. Your sting operation will make our administration more proactive. But the good work of theanti-Romeo squads cannot be ignored.'
Crash tests are immensely important to determine how safe a car is before it goes on sale to the public.

But to prove that the people conducting these tests behind the scenes have a sense of humour too, one lab in Germany has conducted a scaled-down version of the official head-on collision using a Porsche 911 RS... made of Lego.

In the video below you can watch from various angles as the 260 model car is obliterated into thousands of pieces, as it is flung into a wall at a speed of 28.5mph.

Scroll down for video

What crumple zone? Watch the video below of a Lego Porsche 911 undergoing the same frontal crash test production vehicles have to undertake

The test, highlighting how such examinations work, was conducted by ADAC - the German equivalent to the AA and RAC - which has its own test centre in Landsberg, west of Munich.

First, it had to build the complex Lego Technic model, which has an official price of 260, although we tracked the Lego Porsche 911 down for sale at Argos, Asda and Tesco for about 180.

Building it was no small achievement in itself, with 2,700 pieces of plastic in total and an 856-step instruction manual required to construct the car.

It even has fully functioning steering, a dual clutch gearbox, a motor with moving pistons and a gear shift.

But all of that was annihilated in the one-off collision captured in slow motion by cameras to the soundtrack of Strauss Blue Danube Waltz.

ADAC claims the frontal impact test is a scaled-down version of the same test it's carried out on 74 vehicles at the facility.

That means slamming it into a crash block and wall using a rolling catapult that sling-shots the vehicle into the solid construction at high speed - or 28mph, in this scenario.

ADAC undertook the project to crash test the Lego car with the help of German magazine, c't

 Slide me  Before and after: Here's what the Lego Porsche 911 looked like fully built and the aftermath of the 28.5mph collision

Johannes Heilmaier, head of the crash system at the ADAC, said: 'The challenge was now to test this small car in the normal crash system and still produce the most realistic damage possible.

'We developed a crash set-up like for any other car - just in mini format.

'The result was impressive and different than expected.'

The Lego Technic model is made up of 2,700 parts and has an 856-step construction manual

ADAC purposely built a crash wall for the Porsche to be catapulted into

As the footage shows, the chassis of the model car retains much of its structure.

However, the shattering into pieces as it clatters into the makeshift wall proves that Lego certainly won't be considered for the construction of passenger cars any time soon.

ADAC refrained from doing the side- and pole-impact tests that are also included in official measurements for full-size passenger vehicles - probably due to the time constraints and Humpty-Dumpty ordeal of rebuilding and breaking the 911.

As a comparison, here's how a good crash test should look, courtesy of Euro NCAP, with a high scoring Volvo S90.
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.
Shares in online supermarket Ocado shot up at the open after it finally announced a long-awaited deal with a European retailer to provide software and support for the company's new online delivery service.

Ocado, which has been promising to deliver such deal for over a year and half, did not say who the client is, only that it is a 'regional' retailer, and has not provided any financial details about the tie-up.

Investors reacted positively to the news nevertheless, with shares jumping 5 per cent, or 16.6p, to 332.60p, making it the biggest riser on the FTSE 250 this morning.

'Exciting step': Chief executive Tim Steiner said the group expected to sign more deals soon.

'We are pleased to announce that on 3rd June 2017 we signed an agreement with a regional European retailer to use Ocado Smart Platform. The retailer wishes to remain anonymous until it launches its online business in order to retain competitive advantage,' the company said in a statement.

Chief executive Tim Steiner said the deal was an 'exciting step' for the business and he expected to sign more deals soon.

'Our discussions with other retailers across the globe are ongoing and we continue to expect to sign multiple deals in the medium term,' he said.

Ocado, which already runs online delivery services for Waitrose and Morrisons, will provide the unnamed European retailer with its software platform and support services for online delivery.

However its automated warehouse technology is not part of the deal, meaning that the mystery client will use its employees to manually load the shopping to be delivered.

The client will pay an up-front fee to Ocado for access to its technology, together with ongoing fees that are based on the volume of products sold online. Ocado expects this to start boosting the bottom line from 2019 onwards.

Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at ETX Capital, said: 'This is good news for sure. Investors have shown a great deal of patience and while the rewards from this agreement won't be immediately forthcoming, it bodes well for the future.'

'But the devil is in the detail and while welcome it's unclear what actual value this deal in itself will bring to Ocado. Financials details about the tie-up are non-existent at present. The European retailer will not be using Ocado's automated warehouse technology.'

The City has criticised the internet grocer over its failure to strike this much-anticipated international deal, especially after Ocado failed to secure a deal by the end of 2015 as it initially had promised.

Agreements with retailers in North America and western Europe are seen by analysts as a key influence on Ocado's stock market valuation.

The news comes as rival Amazon Fresh announced today it is set to deliver food to another 42 postcodes in the south east, including new areas in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Clients: Ocado already runs online delivery services for Waitrose and Morrisons.

Wilson added: 'Investors should be relatively hopeful that this is just the first of a slew of new deals around Europe. But they may want to watch just how much the technology push eats up cash and whether these deals increase the burn. They will also need to beware a potential slowdown in the UK retail market.'

George Salmon, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown said: 'That the whirring equipment in Ocado's distribution centres is a technological wonder has never really been in dispute, but this hasn't stopped there being plenty of debate around the group's potential profitability.

'The high valuation reflects the potential for the group to licence out its intellectual property to others, which in turn opens up the possibility of raking in chunky royalties year-in-year-out.

'This news is the first significant development on this front for some time, and with efficiency surely only improving from here, investors will be hoping that this announcement is the first of many.'
Jeremy Corbyn branded UK drone strikes against terrorists 'obscene' and suggested it was illegal to kill Jihadi John.

The Labour leader also lashed out at the 'imperialist' West and urged a 'funeral' for NATO as he repeatedly opposed key planks of British security policy.

The latest details of Mr Corbyn's record, from decades addressing protest rallies and as a columnist for the left-wing Morning Star newspaper, emerged as he tried to argue that Theresa May should resign for not being tough enough on terrorism.

At one demonstration outside an RAF airbase in Lincolnshire in 2013, Mr Corbyn ranted about the economy being 'skewed in favour of military spending'.

Jeremy Corbyn branded UK drone strikes against terrorists 'obscene' at a CND rally in 2013

He decried drones - which have used to target known terrorists such as notorious ISIS killer Jihadi John - as a symbol of the 'technological military supremacy' of the West.

'We're here today to say that we don't agree with these drones. We don't agree with this obscenity that's going on before our very eyes here,' he said.

'That's why just as much as we want to get rid of landmines, small arms, nuclear weapons, we want to get rid of drones as well.'

During the election campaign, Mr Corbyn has refused to say whether there are any circumstances under which he would authorise a drone strike against a suspected terrorist, saying the question is 'hypothetical'.

But in November 2015, after Jihadi John was killed by a drone strike, Mr Corbyn made clear he did not believe the action had been legal.

'I question that. Surely if somebody is doing something wrong you act legally against them,' he said.

'If we are setting ourselves up as the West, as in accordance with the UN, with international law and of our own laws, then I think we have to act in accordance with them.

'I am awaiting an explanation of where the legal basis was for that incident that went on.'

In his Morning Star column in 2010, Mr Corbyn described how he had attended a 'No to NATO' gathering in Lisbon, where the alliance was holding a summit.

Despite Labour still being pledged to maintain the NATO target of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence, he complained at that that the bloc's rules 'commit member states to high levels of defence spending'.

Labour has pledged to renew the Trident nuclear deterrent, even though Mr Corbyn has insisted he would never use it.

In 2010, he bemoaned the fact that 'imperialist' NATO was committed to retaining nuclear weapons until countries such as Russia and North Korea agree to give them up at the same time.

In November 2015, after Jihadi John was killed by a drone strike, Mr Corbyn made clear he did not believe the action had been legal

In April 2014, the left-winger blamed '20 years of relentless NATO expansion Eastwards' for Russia's invasion of the Crimea

'In the opening lines the Nato heads of government proclaim the aim for a nuclear-free world but promptly qualify this with the line, 'but reconfirms that, as long as there are nuclear weapons in the world, Nato will remain a nuclear Alliance.'

'It also, rather bizarrely, proclaims its support for the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

'In its strategic concept it promises an 'appropriate mix of conventional and nuclear weapons.' In effect it is taking for itself a nuclear role and thus undermining all the efforts for advancement of the non-proliferation process, and the plans for a Nuclear Weapons Convention,' he wrote.

Mr Corbyn slammed the 'self-proclaimed north Atlantic moral superiority in dominating the affairs of the world'.

'After the cold war ended and the Warsaw Pact was wound up that should have been the funeral of Nato and its military alliance,' he wrote.

'A world of peace is also a world of social and economic justice. Nato, with a built-in accelerator of arms spending and threats, has no part to play in that.'

In a 2010 column, Mr Corbyn (pictured campaigning in Middlesbrough today) bemoaned the fact that 'imperialist' NATO was committed to retaining nuclear weapons until countries such as Russia and North Korea agree to give them up

Mr Corbyn today demanded that Mrs May resign for being too soft on terrorism. But the PM (pictured in central London today) has pointed out that he previously 'boasted' about opposing counter-terrorism measures

Mr Corbyn also rejected the idea of the US using British territory for a missile defence system.

In April 2014, the left-winger blamed '20 years of relentless NATO expansion Eastwards' for Russia's invasion of the Crimea.

'While no-one can endorse any country invading another, and any Russian military occupation of the Ukraine cannot be condoned, it does appear as though the government of the Ukraine and western Europe have virtually accepted Crimea's transfer to Russia,' he wrote.

'In the wider context, we have to see the current crisis as the culmination of 20 years of a relentless Nato expansion eastwards, and increasingly bellicose statements from the retiring Nato secretary general Anders Rasmussen, who seems to have no sense of irony in his condemnation of Russia's behaviour in central Europe while at the same time, he has happily presided over Nato activities in Afghanistan and its colonial adventures all over the Middle East and north Africa, particularly in supporting the bombing campaign in Libya and the French intervention in Mali.'

In words that will chill Eastern European countries who rely on NATO protection from Russian encroachment, Mr Corbyn complained that the alliance was 'trying to develop permanent bases all over eastern Europe, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland'.

BECKETT FAILS THREE TIMES TO BACK CORBYN AS THE BEST PM ON SECURITY Former Labour Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett today refused three times to endorse Jeremy Corbyn as the best candidate for Prime Minister on security. Mrs Beckett instead launched a series of attacks on Theresa May and admitted security issues were 'new' to the Labour leader. Mr Corbyn, who has a three decade record of opposing new terror laws and questionable links to extremists, has been dogged by security issues throughout the campaign. Mrs Beckett was asked repeatedly on Sky News to endorse Mr Corbyn ahead of Thursday's election. The closest the former foreign secretary came was to say: 'I think Jeremy Corbyn is coming relatively new to some of these issues. 'But I am sure he is capable of taking on board new ideas.' But she added: 'What I would like to hear the Prime Minster and her colleagues say is we should look at all of this from start to finish. 'That includes us in the Labour Party and people who fight for civil liberties. 'You would not think Theresa May had been Home Secretary for six years, would you?' Former Labour foreign secretary Margaret Beckett (pictured on Sky News today) launched a series of attacks on Theresa May when asked if Jeremy Corbyn was equipped to protect national security Mrs Beckett insisted Mrs May had to be accountable for the decisions she made. She said: 'She does not want to answer questions. 'She need to accept she needs to be accountable. One thing that is alarming about this campaign is her ''let's sweep away every Labour MP because I Theresa May have a monopoly on wisdom'' (approach). 'She does not.' Advertisement
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 has waged 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.

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 said America is sending 'our deepest sympathies to the victims of the evil slaughter' in London - his first public comments about the terror attack which killed at least seven

The President spoke during a fundraiser for Ford's Theatre which was the scene of perhaps the most famous bloodshed in American history, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Trump was accompanied by First Lady Melania on stage during his speech, while daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner watched from the auditorium

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 US assistance as the British government works to protect its citizens and bring the guilty to justice.

The gala was one of the first times that the entire Trump family took part in a social outing since the first lady took up residence at the White House.

Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter, and her husband, Jared Kushner, also were in attendance.

Kushner, who is also a senior adviser to the president, has been dogged in recent days by a spate of news reports about his alleged contacts with Russian officials during the Trump transition.

Trump avoided repeating his criticisms of London Mayor Sadiq Khan during the speech, after a tweet attacking the politician was branded 'ill-informed'

The President revealed he spoke with British Prime Minister Theresa May following the latest attack in the UK, and offered her America's 'unwavering support'

Trump also used the London attacks to renew his calls for a ban on nationals from several Muslim-majority countries from coming to the US

After more than 20 people were killed in a bomb attack last month at a concert in Manchester, England, Trump condemned the assault as the act of 'evil losers' and called on nations to band together to fight terrorism.

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.

The gala was one of the first times that the entire Trump family took part in a social outing since the first lady took up residence at the White House. Melania Trump (left) and the president (right) are seen exiting the White House on Sunday

Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter, and her husband, Jared Kushner, also were in attendance. Kushner, who is also a senior adviser to the president, has been dogged in recent days by a spate of news reports about his alleged contacts with Russian officials

'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 US courts.

The Trump administration last week formally asked the Supreme Court, the highest court in the US, 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 US national security.

Earlier Sunday, Trump had criticized London's mayor, Sadiq Khan (above), after he sought to reassure residents about a stepped-up police presence following the attack

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

Armed police stand guard in front of floral tributes on Southwark Street near the scene of Saturday night's terrorist attack in London. US lawmakers from both political parties criticized Trump for raising the travel ban and assailing Khan following the attack

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.

US lawmakers from both political parties criticized Trump for raising the travel ban and assailing Khan.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said on CBS' 'Face the Nation' that he was concerned about Trump's call for a travel ban 'even though the courts have continued to turn that down.'

Senator 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.
Iran has described the atrocity in London as a 'wake-up call' as world leaders united to condemn the 'abominable and cowardly' attack.

ISIS has claimed responsibility after three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers on Saturday night, killing seven and injuring dozens.

As leaders around the world expressed their support for Britain in the wake of the massacre, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi outlined his vision for 'uprooting terror'.

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Iran has described the atrocity in London (pictured) as a 'wake-up call' as world leaders united to condemn the 'abominable and cowardly' attack

ISIS has claimed responsibility after three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers on Saturday night, killing seven and injuring dozens

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. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is pictured above

'Repeated blind terror attacks around the world are a wake-up call for the world community,' the official Iranian news agency IRNA quoted him 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 added in a thinly-veiled reference to Saudi Arabia.

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.

Over the weekend, world leaders came forward to condemn the atrocity.

US President Donald Trump told Britons: 'Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K., we will be there'

Russian president Vladimir Putin called the attacks 'shocking in its cruelty and cynicism'

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote a tweet translating as: 'Faced with this new tragedy, France is more than ever alongside the UK. My thoughts are with the victims and their families'

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attacks, saying they caused shock and anguish.

US president Donald Trump offered Theresa May his 'unwavering support' in the wake of the London attacks, vowing 'This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end.'

Speaking at a fund-raiser for the Ford's Theatre in Washington DC - where President Abraham Lincoln was shot - he said: '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 has waged war on innocent life, and it's gone on too long.'

French President Emmanuel Macron said French citizens were among the wounded in Saturday's attack.

In a statement denouncing the 'abominable and cowardly' attack, 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.'

London has a large French population and attracts many French visitors. French people were also among those injured in the attack on Westminster Bridge in March.

Friends and family of Canadian Christine Archibald (pictured) have told well-wishers to volunteer at a homeless shelter, or to donate money in her honour

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was 'heartbroken' after learning that Canadian woman Christine Archibald, 30, had been killed in the attack

France is still under a state of emergency after a string of Islamic extremist attacks.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed solidarity with the people of London following the attack.

Merkel said in a statement that she learned with 'sadness and dismay' of the attacks in the London Bridge area Saturday night.

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.'

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attack was 'shocking in its cruelty and cynicism.'

Putin made the statement in a telegram of condolences to British Prime Minister Theresa May, according to the Kremlin website.

French President Emmanuel Macron said French citizens were among the wounded in Saturday's attack. In a statement, he denounced the 'abominable and cowardly' attack

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed solidarity with the people of London following the attack

The statement said Putin 'expressed his confidence that the response to the incident should be the escalating of joint efforts in the fight against the forces of terror around the world.'

Russia has suffered many attacks over the past two decades, most recently the April 3 suicide bombing on a St. Petersburg subway train that killed 16 people.

Spain's King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy have expressed their condolences for the victims of the attacks as it emerged a Spaniard was among the dozens wounded.

The Spanish Royal Family wrote on Twitter: 'The British people will overcome this barbarism and senselessness. We are united today in pain and in our tireless defense of freedom.'

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.'

Gentiloni was host of the Group of Seven summit in Sicily on May 26-27 during which leaders pledged new measures to combat terrorism including pressuring internet providers and social media to more swiftly remove terror propaganda from the web.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was 'heartbroken' after learning that Canadian woman Christine Archibald, 30, had been killed in the attack.

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.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attack was 'shocking in its cruelty and cynicism'

'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.'

Arab Gulf countries and Turkey also condemning the attack with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait issuing separate statements 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.'

The ministry emphasised Turkey's readiness to support the UK in its fight against extremism.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims of the attacks during a traditional Sunday blessing following Mass that marked the Pentecost holiday.

Francis invoked prayers that the Holy Spirit 'grants peace to the whole world and heal the wounds of war and of terrorism, which also last night, in London, struck innocent victims.'

The pope asked for prayers for the victims and their family members caught up in the attack in London Bridge Saturday, which left seven dead and almost 50 wounded.

Arab Gulf countries and Turkey 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.'

The ministry emphasized Turkey's readiness to support the U.K. in its fight against extremism

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attacks, saying they caused shock and anguish.

He said in a brief statement after returning from Europe that his thoughts are with the families of the deceased and offered prayers for the injured.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said that while his government did not interfere in the American elections, the US had done the same to other countries.

In an interview with NBC News' Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly, the Russian premier repeated his denial of claims by US intelligence agencies that Moscow engineered the hacking of the Democratic Party in order to tilt the recent presidential election toward Donald Trump.

'The United States, everywhere, all over the world, actively interferes with electoral campaigns of other countries,' Putin said.

'Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal electoral processes.

'Every action has an equal and opposite reaction,' Putin said.

Nonetheless, the Russian leader said he has no preference for a particular candidate in the American election.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (above) on Sunday said that while his government did not interfere in the American elections, the US had done the same to other countries

'Presidents come and go, and even the parties in power change, but the main political direction does not change,' Putin said.

'That's why, in the grand scheme of things, we don't care who's the head of the United States.

'We know more or less what is going to happen. And so in this regard, even if we wanted to, it wouldn't make sense for us to interfere.'

Putin even brought up a long-held conspiracy theory that former President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by his own spy services.

The Russian leader said that the hacking of the Democratic Party may have been a false flag operation staged by US intelligence in order to frame Russia.

In an interview with NBC News' Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly (right), the Russian premier repeated his denial of claims by US intelligence agencies that Moscow engineered the hacking of the Democratic Party in order to tilt the recent presidential election toward Donald Trump

Putin was also asked if he knew about meetings held in the US between his ambassador in Washington, Sergey Kislyak (seen right with Trump at the Oval Office on May 10), and members of Trump's transition team

Kelly, the former Fox News host, debuted her new one-hour Sunday news magazine on her new television home, NBC

'Hackers can be anywhere,' Putin said.

'They can be in Russia, in Asia... even in America, Latin America. They can even be hackers, by the way, in the United States, who very skillfully and professionally, shifted the blame, as we say, on to Russia.

'Can you imagine something like that? In the midst of a political battle. By some calculations it was convenient for them to release this information, so they released it, citing Russia.

'Could you imagine something like that? I can.'

Putin said that the US spy agencies like the CIA were capable of carrying out subversive acts against their own country - similar to what some speculate occurred with the Kennedy assassination.

'There's a theory that Kennedy's assassination was arranged by the United States intelligence services,' Putin said.

'So, if this theory is correct and that can't be ruled out, then what could be easier, in this day and age, than using all the technical means at the disposal of the intelligence services, and using those means to organize some attacks.

'And then pointing the finger at Russia.'

US intelligence agencies reported in January that Putin oversaw a campaign of computer hacking, fake news and propaganda intended to swing the election to the Republican candidate Trump over his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

Putin said that the US spy agencies like the CIA were capable of carrying out subversive acts against their own country - similar to what some speculate occurred with the Kennedy assassination. Then-President John F. Kennedy is seen above moments before he was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963

Trump has denied any collusion between Russia and his campaign and has questioned the veracity of the US intelligence finding.

Putin was also asked if he had any compromising information about Trump that would make the president vulnerable to blackmail.

'Well, this is just another load of nonsense,' the Russian president said.

'Where would we get this information from? Why, did we have some special relationship with him?

'We didn't have any relationship at all. There was a time when he used to come to Moscow.

'But you know, I never met with him. We have a lot of Americans who visit us. Right now, I think we have representatives from a hundred American companies that have come to Russia.

'Do you think we're gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something?

'Have you all lost your senses over there?'

Putin was also asked if he knew about meetings held in the US between his ambassador in Washington, Sergey Kislyak, and members of Trump's transition team.

Putin also denied knowing about an alleged offer by Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner (above), to establish a secret back-channel with the Kremlin using a secured communications conduit through one of Russia's diplomatic facilities in the US

'I have no idea,' Putin said.

'I'm being completely honest with you. I don't know.

'Do you think that from all over the world or from the United States the ambassador reports to me every day who he meets with or what they discuss there?

'That's complete nonsense! Do you even understand what you're asking or not?'

Putin also denied knowing about an alleged offer by Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, to establish a secret back-channel with the Kremlin using a secured communications conduit through one of Russia's diplomatic facilities in the US.

'I don't know about this proposal,' the president said. 'No proposal like that came to me.'

Putin said that if such a proposal ever was made, Kislyak would have kept him abreast of it at the time.

'You created a sensation out of nothing,' Putin said, alluding to the US media.

'And out of this sensation, you turned it into a weapon of war against the current president.

'Well, this is, you know, you're just, you people are so creative over there. Good job. Your lives must be boring.'

Putin was then asked about the extent of his relationship with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser who was fired from his job just 18 days after entering office because he misled officials over his contacts with Moscow.

The Russian leader said he hardly spoke at all with Flynn when they sat together at a Moscow dinner in 2015.

Flynn's ties to Moscow are under scrutiny in the United States amid allegations of possible Russian interference in the 2016 election.

An oft-published photo of him sitting next to Putin at a gala dinner seems to hint he had close relations.

Flynn has declined to testify to the US Senate Intelligence Committee about his Russian ties, invoking his constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination.

Putin was then asked about the extent of his relationship with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser. The Russian leader said he hardly spoke at all with Flynn when they sat together at a Moscow dinner in 2015 (above)

President Donald Trump fired Flynn in February for failing to disclose the content of his talks with Sergei Kislyak, Russia's ambassador to the United States, and misleading Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations

Putin said he recalled the dinner in question as a routine event.

'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",' Putin said.

'That's it. I didn't even really talk to him. That's the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn,' he added.

The December 2015 dinner was in honor of the Russian television network Russia Today (RT), a Russian government-funded global network that US officials consider a state-run propaganda outlet and purveyor of disinformation about the US.

French President Emmanuel Macron, standing next to Putin in Paris last week, publicly denounced Russia Today and the state-funded Sputnik news agency as 'agents of influence ... and of lying propaganda' that had spread 'fake news' against him during his campaign for Paris's top post in May.

In it, the Kremlin chief was asked about the nature of his relationship with the retired US Army general who is the subject of several investigations at home.

President Donald Trump fired Flynn in February for failing to disclose the content of his talks with Sergei Kislyak, Russia's ambassador to the United States, and misleading Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations.
After eight years, a Victorian father had given up hope of ever seeing his beloved cat again.

But on Thursday night, Steve Crossland was reunited with his furry friend Sylvie after losing the kitten at just six months old.

Video of the reunion shows an emotional man who cannot believe his luck. 'That's not our cat,' he says in disbelief, adding: 'You've got to be s***ting me'.

In a movie-style plot twist, Mr Crossland had been just metres from the cat many times over the past eight years. Sylvie had been living with a woman who lived just two doors down from the bowls club he frequented.

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She's all grown up! Steve Crossland (pictured) was reunited with his cat Sylvie on Thursday night, eight years after she went missing

He explained to 3AW the British shorthair had been living with an elderly lady since she went missing in 2009, and it wasn't until the woman was moved to a nursing home that anyone had notified authorities about the cat being found.

'Apparently she was at a ladies house for eight years,' he told 3AW.

'She took her in and hadn't gone to any authorities.

'[Now] she's moved into a nursing home and the family's given her to an animal authority, and they scanned him, and here we go.'

The Crossland family had been letting the cat out to explore her surroundings in 2009 when one night, she didn't return home.

They spent a year and a half searching desperately for Sylvie, and never expected to see her again.

A video of the reunion filmed by Mr Crossland's children shows his absolute shock at the return of the cat

But it's entirely possible Mr Crossland had seen his cat many times over the past eight years.

'The funny story is, the lady lived two doors down from the Yarraglen Bowls Club, which I've been a member of for years,' he said.

Mr Crossland's shock is palpable through the clip of their reunion, filmed by his children.

Wearing a beanie and a hi-vis jumper, the man crouches down before jumping up, his eyes wide.

He gets back down on the ground to reach eye-level with the cat, who is cowering on a shelf in the laundry and nuzzles in.

Purebred British shorthair's are worth more than $1,000, and Mr Crossland told 3AW he was excited to have back what he had paid for.

'My investment hasn't been that great so far,' he laughed.
The Mail knows the identity of the terrorist, but has chosen not to name him at the request of the police

One of the London Bridge attackers appeared alongside two notorious Islamist preachers in a TV documentary.

He was filmed at extremist events alongside Mohammed Shamsuddin, who has publicly hailed his support for Islamic State.

Shamsuddin, who has claimed state benefits since he was 18, has also called for Sharia law in the UK and made chilling warnings about a backlash by British Muslims.

He was also pictured with Abu Haleema, who was accused of radicalising a British schoolboy who was convicted over a plot to behead police officers during an Anzac Day parade in Australia.

Shamsuddin is a disciple of Omar Bakri Mohammed  the Tottenham Ayatollah  and his successor Anjem Choudary.

He has been at the forefront of Islamist protests over the past decade, and openly admitted preaching a message of world domination.

In a Channel 4 documentary last year, Shamsuddin was shown praying with a group of followers including one of the London Bridge attackers in Londons Regents Park under the black flag of Islam.

Shamsuddin told his followers: The Sharia is coming to the UK  this black flag you see here one day is gonna be on 10 Downing Street.

Minutes later, the pair were shown in a confrontation with police who had received a tip-off about the flag

The jihadi was filmed at extremist events alongside Mohammed Shamsuddin, pictured, who has publicly hailed his support for Islamic State. There is no suggestion he is connected to Saturdays attack

After an ugly standoff, they were detained for an hour  but the flag was not discovered.

Shamsuddin later told the filmmakers: Our message is deadly, we are calling for world domination, and for Sharia for the UK.

After criticising British foreign policies and treatment of Muslims, he added: Whats gonna happen, youre gonna face a backlash in this country... if youre gonna suppress and suppress I mean its like a tinder box, its gonna explode.

There is no suggestion Shamsuddin or Haleema are connected to Saturdays attack.
Journalist Stephen Barrett allegedly blackmailed a $164 million tax fraud syndicate

Former 60 minutes reporter Stephen Barrett 'wanted $50,000 to keep his mouth shut' over $165 million tax fraud involving ATO deputy commissioner Michael Cranston's son, police allege.

Alleged tax fraud syndicate member Daniel Rostankovski told Adam Cranston he would need to pay Mr Barrett that day for him to stay quiet.

Bank records allegedly show $250,000 was paid later that day, with another $750,000 paid two days later, into a trust account managed by former lawyer for Eddie Obeid, Sevag Chalabian.

Police allege they were the first two instalments of the blackmailed funds.

A total sum of $23million was allegedly handed over as blackmail money, police claim.

Police also said Mr Barrett told alleged tax-skimmers Adam Cranston and Daniel Rostankovski he would 'sit with Treasurer Scott Morrison or go to the opposition' if the $50,000 wasn't paid.

Barrett has not been charged.

Mr Rostankovski allegedly asked for $5million during a February meeting at the Martin Place offices of Clamenz Lawyers or Mr Barrett would go public, police alleged in documents, seen by the Sydney Morning Herald.

According to police, Mr Barrett allegedly told the men he had contacts with 'Channels Seven, Nine and the ABC', and was aware of a supposed tax fraud scheme involving Adam Cranston and wanted to look into it.

Mr Cranston's (right) 30-year-old son, Adam, (left) and 24-year-old daughter, Lauren, along with seven other people have been arrested and charged over the $165million tax fraud investigation

Police allege Mr Barrett said: 'I've been told a very serious story and if I go the full distance on it, I'll be coming back to ask personally, professionally to interview you, and to interview you, and I'll be asking to interview your father.'

Police documents reveal the group agreed to the payment on the condition Mr Rostankovski refrained from speaking to the media, the police or the ATO. An agreement was signed.

The journalist then left the meeting. Rostankovski stayed behind and allegedly demanded $5 million be paid from Plutus Payroll, the company at the centre of the alleged sting, to a trust account 'that day'.

Police arrested a number of suspects allegedly attempting to defraud the Commonwealth (pictured)

Police allege $23million was eventually paid as a result of the blackmail

'Rostankovski said the payment would be used to hush Barrett and the straw directors,' the police facts allege.

'Rostankovski stated that Barrett wanted $A50,000 to shut his mouth.'

Police allege $23 million was eventually paid as a result of the blackmail.

Mr Cranston's 30-year-old son, Adam, and 24-year-old daughter, Lauren, along with seven other people have been arrested and charged over the $165million tax fraud investigation.

Michael Cranston, 58, is due in court on June 13 charged with abusing his position to obtain a benefit for his son.

Michael Cranston, 58, is due in court on June 13 charged with abusing his position to obtain a benefit for his son

AFP officers seized 25 motor vehicles, 18 residential properties, 12 motorbikes, two aircraft, boats, firearms, jewellery, artwork, vintage wines and at least $1 million cash located in a safety deposit box (pictured Adam Cranston and his wife with a race car)

Adam Cranston was granted strict bail after his wife and family posted $300,000 surety for his release. He faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of the fraud offences he is facing.

Daniel Rostankovski, 28, has been charged with blackmail and conspiracy to defraud the Commonwealth, and Christopher Guillan, 46, charged with extortion and money laundering.

AFP officers seized 25 motor vehicles - luxury, vintage and racing - 18 residential properties, 12 motorbikes, two aircraft, boats, firearms, jewellery, artwork, vintage wines and at least $1 million cash located in a safety deposit box.

They also seized in excess of 100 bank accounts and share trading accounts reportedly worth $15 million - all suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
A Bangladeshi-born psychiatrist says the ABC plays a role in radicalising young Muslim teenagers by over emphasising how they are victims of discrimination.

Tanveer Ahmed, a cultural Muslim who moved to Australia when he was six, says the national broadcaster's obsession with perceived Islamophobia was often counterproductive.

'Often the voices they reach for reinforce that because their first instinct is to quell so-called Islamophobia,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Monday.

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Sydney psychiatrist Tanveer Ahmed says the ABC's focus on Islamophobia is unhelpful

Tanveer Ahmed (pictured right with Sydney radio broadcaster Alan Jones) is an ABC critic

Following the London terror attack, Tanveer Ahmed says there is a link with the Koran

'It keeps feeding the message that none of it is their fault, that the West is in fact against them.

'It's inaccurate and doesn't get to the source of the problem. It keeps feeding grievance, it keeps feeding this idea of Muslim grievance so in that respect it's part of the problem.

'Terrorism is, at its heart, a conflation of personal resentments with a political ideology of resentment which Islamism is.'

Dr Ahmed is a former SBS journalist who has also previously been a member of the federal government's Australian Multicultural Council.

The 42-year-old psychiatrist, who has a practice in Sydney's west and visits prisons, called on the ABC to be wary of airing so-called moderate Muslims who downplayed the link between Islam and terrorism.

'There has been too much promotion of so called moderate voices of Islam who usually turn out be apologists for terrorism, desperate to dilute any link between terrorism and Islam and promoting a message of Muslim victimhood,' he said.

Tanveer Ahmed (pictured left with former Labor leader Mark Latham) says the media needs to acknowledge the link between Islam and terrorism

'They use voice after voice of from various religious Muslims, almost all of whom have identical views, that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism, Muslims are victims of racism and the real problem is racism and white nationalists.'

In the wake of the United Kingdom's third terrorist attack in 10 weeks, Dr Ahmed said the mainstream media and politicians also needed to acknowledge terrorists were following the Koran.

'It's grounded in scripture. People who commit terrorism, they are actually more devout than many other Muslims. Their actions don't come out of thin air, they're following strict instructions,' he said.

'It's important we don't tarnish all Muslims but people are just so sick of the platitudes and calls for tolerance, for unity and that Muslims are victims when in fact there's a great deal of sympathy in a significant proportion of the Muslim community for the justification of terrorism be it blaming Western colonialism, blaming racism, discrimination.

Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi should be given air time on the ABC, Tanveer Ahmed says

Tanveer Ahmed says the ABC should air Islam critics like Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi

'While terrorism's origins have many factors, Islamic terrorists, as heinous as their acts are, they are often merely doing what the scriptures are telling them.'

He called on the ABC to air Adelaide Shia imam Mohammad Tawhidi, who calls for a reform of Islam and for Muslims to integrate into Australian society rather than self-segregate.

'He's actually very courageous in pointing the truth in Islamic scripture, they're the kind of voices we need more of,' he said.

'There needs to be a stronger focus on Islamic reformers who argue against the Koran being the literal, infallible word of God.'

With the rise of One Nation and far-right groups like Reclaim Australia, which call for a ban on Islamic migration, Dr Ahmed said it was inaccurate to blame far-right political parties for Islamophobia.

Tanveer Ahmed said the rise of One Nation and Pauline Hanson was a reaction to Islamist terror

'Phobia refers to irrational fear of Muslims. It's very difficult to suggest a fear of Muslims and terrorism is irrational in the current climate,' he said.

'The rise of white nationalists comes directly in response to Islamism, not the other way around.

'In no white nationalist text are there calls explicitly to kill their ideological enemies.

'They're channeling a legitimate and widely-held anxiety about Islam and mass immigration.'

Dr Ahmed, who is a Liberal Party member, has praised British Prime Minister Theresa May's speech outside 10 Downing Street which said it was no longer acceptable to unduly focus on unity and preventing Islamophobia to combat radicalisation.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the time for focusing on unity at the expense of national security was over

'There is no longer an appetite for mere tolerance and a facile message of tolerance and unity,' he said.

He believed Australia's Muslim population was better integrated than Britain's however he said local terrorism was still a threat, especially in areas of south-west Sydney where Muslims are concentrated.

'Where there are pockets of Muslims more prone to resentments there will always be a greater risk of terrorism,' Dr Ahmed said.

'The danger remains especially in enclaves where Muslims populations have stronger dependence on welfare, are more prone to crime and struggle to rise up the social ladder.'

His call comes after Sheik Tawhidi said unchecked multiculturalism was to blame for the London terrorist attacks that have killed seven people.

Shia imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi says unchecked multiculturalism is linked to terrorism

The Adelaide Shia imam posted his call on Twitter following the London Bridge terrorist attack, that has killed seven people.

'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.

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 - a hardline Islamic legal system 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.
A Conservative-voting businessman applied at least six times to be in the audience of BBC Question Time  and claims he was only accepted when he pretended to be a militant Left-wing train driver.

David Stoneman, 60, from Houghton, Cambridgeshire, decided to alter his application to see if the BBC would invite him on the programme if his views were different.

Mr Stoneman, a business consultant, sent an application stating he was a militant trade unionist train driver who was opposed to fracking. To his surprise he soon received an invitation to appear on the programme in Peterborough in January.

Mr Stoneman, a business consultant, sent an application to Question Time stating he was a militant trade unionist train driver who was opposed to fracking

Question Time host David Dimbleby opened the programme on Thursday by saying that the audience was equally split between voters

He said: I had the suspicion that as a middle-aged, middle-class professional who has voted Conservative all my life, I was always going to be disappointed. Every time I had applied in the past, I had told the truth and never even received a reply.

But when I applied as a train driver, saying I was anti-fracking and a militant unionist, I got a response almost immediately. I was astonished ... It just shows how Left-wing they can be. Its supposed to be the British Broadcasting Corporation who represents us all.

The father-of-one received an email and a phone call from Question Times production team to invite him on the programme.

He also received a phone call from the local BBC inviting him to Mays Cambridge shire and Peterborough mayoral Question Time debate  despite not even applying for it. The first email inviting Mr Stoneman to Question Time asked him to call a phone number to discuss his views and what questions he would like to ask the panel.

This had never been offered when he presented as a Conservative voter.

Mr Stoneman explained: I received the email, and then a follow-up phone call.

I was so shocked that I went to forward it to my wife, writing surprise surprise. This just shows how left-wing the BBC is. 

The father-of-one received an email and a phone call from Question Times production team to invite him on the programme in Peterborough in January

Free for all: The seven-way debate in Cambridge, in which Amber Rudd was faced with the 'most Left-wing audience ever'

The BBC has come under intense scrutiny during the general election campaign for how it selects audience members for political programmes.

Boris Johnson said Wednesdays BBC leaders debate was seven people speaking to probably the most Left-wing studio audience the BBC has ever brought together. Even commenters from Labour-supporting publications, such as George Eaton of the New Statesman, said the audience was the most Left-wing in any TV debate.

On Thursdays Question Time election special, presenter David Dimbleby opened the programme by saying that the audience was equally split between voters. Mr Stoneman said: It made me wonder why he went to such lengths to point it out. It was very interesting that he emphasised that fact.

The BBC insisted the audience had been scrupulously vetted. A spokesman said: The Question Time audience is always chosen to ensure broad political balance and each application goes through the same rigorous background checks.
Newlywed couples have slammed a Melbourne photography company after receiving bizarre pictures from their wedding day of paddocks and house numbers.

Dozens of brides claim Bokeh Photograph Melbourne sent them incomplete packages of low quality photos after paying more than $1,000 for its services.

Other brides have also told Daily Mail Australia photographers hired through the company did not even show up to their wedding.

Now the company has filed for bankruptcy and left couples scrambling to find a wedding photographer at the last minute.

Bizarre photos taken of a couple's wedding day included close ups of a house number

Scenery shots from the wedding included strange photos of paddocks and roads

Bokeh Photography Melbourne owner Laura Hoskin says the small business simply failed and will refund outstanding deposits

Bokeh Photography Melbourne's Facebook post confirming the business are filing for bankruptcy

Customers have shared some of the bizarre photos from the 'professional photographers', which include close ups of house numbers, scenery shots of roads and paddocks, and mementos of the backs of people's heads.

They have also claimed to have received a myriad of reasons from the owner for photographers and photographs not showing up - even receiving calls on the day of the wedding.

Brides claimed the owner told them she was unable to provide services because she had been suffering from cancer.

But Bokeh Photography Melbourne owner Laura Hoskin says the small business has simply failed and her children are 'too scared to sleep' after her address was posted online.

One wedding photos showed the backs of guests on a balcony

Many photos showed the backs of people's heads, even the groom rarely had his face shown

One curious photo appears to show the back of a chair at one wedding photographed by Bokeh Photography Melbourne

The owner says replacement photographers were arranged to any weddings they could not cover. She also acknowledged that they did have a problem with one of their photographers but says they have been working with the couples involved.

In a Facebook post, the company said 'the power of social media' had resulted in the situation and are undertaking legal action against people for defaming the owner and the business.

The company posted on their Facebook page that they were filing for bankruptcy in late May and that customers would receive everything they'd paid for, something many are disputing.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the owner and Bokeh Photography Melbourne for further comment.

Searches done by the Daily Mail show the owner's ABN is registered under Laura Hoskin, but refunds have apparently been paid under Laura Omran. A Facebook user profile in the name of Ame Noire has also posted comments in response to media reports about the failed business.

Bride and groom photographed in an awkward, low resolution shot at their wedding

A wider shot of a beach wedding failed to show any guests faces, as the bride and groom are unable to be seen

Bokeh Photograpy Melbourne deny any wrongdoing and claim they are attempting to give customers their photos and deposits

Botek Photography Melbourne said in a Facebook post they only begun operating in August of 2016 despite posts being shared of the company advertising in early July of the same year.

Tess Lewis was married in February but has received just one photo from Bokeh Photography despite signing up for a $1,200 package.

'I said 'where's my canvas my photo album?' she said 'that'll be coming next week'. Still waiting. That was over a month ago,' she told 7News.

Another woman Megan Laidlaw said she received 'random photos of a paddock and a house number' as part of her expensive wedding set from Bokeh Photography.

'I wouldn't by any means call it professional,' she said.

Jacinta Bakker, 23, is taking Bokeh Photography to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to get a refund on her deposit, saying she 'worked really hard to save for this wedding.'

'For someone to take my money and say you're not getting anything back really, really hurts.'
The father of an Australian waitress has revealed his daughter had been hiding behind a table when a terrorist saw her at the last minute and returned to cut her throat from behind.

Candice Hedge, 34, from Brisbane, is recovering in hospital after she was stabbed in London on Saturday night.

The attack came while the waitress, who moved to the UK about a year ago, was eating dinner with her boyfriend Luke after finishing a shift at Elliot's restaurant in London Bridge.

Luke had been helping patrons get to safety in the basement, and returned to find his girlfriend had been stabbed, Seven News reported.

Her father Ross Hedge revealed she had managed to hide from the assailants, but they spotted her moments before leaving the building.

'She actually got to hiding, she actually got behind a table and she said they were leaving and he saw her at the last minute and come back,' he told Nine News.

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Candice Hedge (pictured), from Brisbane, is recovering in hospital after she was stabbed

He added his daughter was 'lucky to be alive.'

'She's got a stab wound in the throat somewhere, but its all good, there's no major damage,' he told Seven News.

'She works in a restaurant near there and I'm not sure if it was in the restaurant or in the other area around it like markets  and she was hiding apparently and someone was leaving and saw her hiding and came back and stabbed her  bloody awful,' her grandfather Brian told the ABC.

Ms Hedge, who is recovering in St Thomas' Hospital, took to Facebook shortly after the attack to let her friends and family know that although she's in pain, her injuries were 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.

'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.'

Two other Australians and a New Zealander were wounded in the deadly attack, which saw at least seven people killed and dozens more wounded after terrorists rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed revellers in nearby bars.

All three were shot dead within eight minutes of the first emergency call.

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

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

ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack, the third in Britain in as many months.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Monday that an Australian woman is recovering in hospital, a man has received stitches and is returning to Australia  but did not reveal details about third case.

'We're still making enquiries in respect to the circumstances of the third Australian,' she said.

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.

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

'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.'

The New Zealand High Commission in London said it is providing assistance to Oliver Dowling.

He was stabbed in the face, neck and stomach, according to Facebook posts from his family.

Meanwhile, Darwin electrician Andrew Morrison told of how he cheated death after he was stabbed in the neck during what was his final night in the city.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said three Australians were injured in the London terror attack

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.

In a video shared online, Mr Morrison recalls his ordeal while holding a bloodied bandage to his neck.

'All of a sudden a guy comes up with a knife, I ducked it, but he got me,' he said in the footage.

'He got me, but I dodged it. I ducked and weaved.'

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

'I push him off, blood's going everywhere, I walk into a pub and I'm like: 'Someone help me, I've just been stabbed.''

He added: 'Mate, this is my last night in London and I'm supposed to fly back tomorrow.'

He then introduces himself to a paramedic and tells him his injury is 'not that bad apparently.'

At least 48 people were injured in the attacks, including French and Canadian nationals.

It came less than two weeks after a suicide bomber killed 22 children and adults at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

The attack killed seven people and injured 48 others on Saturday night, local time
On Friday, we could have a Prime Minister who has taken tea with IRA bombers, laid a wreath at the grave of a Palestinian militant involved in the Munich massacre and welcomed agents of the Hamas terror group as 'friends'.

No wonder few people have faith that Jeremy Corbyn and his colleagues John McDonnell and Diane Abbott could make Britain safe from Islamic State terrorists. As a reminder, GUY ADAMS details how the Labour leader has cosied up to bloodstained men of violence...

The IRA

Throughout the Eighties and Nineties, Corbyn and McDonnell were the IRA's most vigorous allies in Westminster, attending the annual gathering of the Wolfe Tone Society, an organisation which honours dead IRA members and imprisoned volunteers. The event's 1986 programme declared: 'Force of arms is the only method capable of bringing about a free and united socialist Ireland.'

IRA man Patrick Magee was in 1986 convicted at the Old Bailey of murdering five people in the Brighton bombing. Corbyn was arrested for staging a protest outside against the strip-searching of the killer's co-defendants.

The following year, Corbyn urged the Thatcher government to introduce better visiting conditions for imprisoned IRA murderers who had recently killed 16 people on the UK mainland.

Ken Livingstone, left, Gerry Adams (centre left), Jeremy Corbyn walk on Westminster bridge

At an Irish Republican event in 1987, Corbyn took part in a minute's silence to commemorate eight IRA men shot dead by the SAS as they travelled to attack a police station in County Armagh. 'I'm happy to commemorate all those who died fighting for an independent Ireland,' he said.

Corbyn appointed as research assistant, Ronan Bennett, a suspected IRA man who'd served 13 months in prison for fatally shooting a policeman in the chest (his conviction was overturned on appeal). Unsurprisingly, Bennett was banned from the Commons  a decision described by Corbyn as 'a disgraceful attack and character assassination of an innocent man'.

In 1996, the year of the Docklands and Manchester bombings, Corbyn invited Gerry Adams's deputy to the Commons with a group that included several suspected IRA terrorists. The Labour chief whip accused Corbyn of putting the Commons 'at considerable and unacceptable risk'.

Speaking at an Irish Republican commemoration in 2003, John McDonnell called for IRA terrorists to be 'honoured', adding: 'It was the bombs and bullets and sacrifice made by the likes of Bobby Sands that brought Britain to the negotiating table.' Last year, he said: 'I apologise for those words.'

At a Sinn Fein fundraiser in 2004, McDonnell was given a special award for 'unfailing political and personal support he has given to the republican community'. The plaque was presented by an IRA terrorist who in 1973 bombed the Old Bailey, killing one and injuring almost 200, and in 1983 led a breakout of IRA inmates from the Maze prison, during which he shot a prison officer in the head.

1966: Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams controversial meeting withLabour MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Tony Benn went ahead

During the 2015 Labour leadership election, Corbyn was repeatedly asked whether he condemned murders by the IRA but refused to answer, saying only: 'I condemn what was done by the British Army as well as the other sides.'

Last month, on a Sunday morning TV interview, Corbyn was asked five times to 'unequivocally condemn' the IRA. Five times he declined.

A FAR-LEFT LOVE-IN THAT DATES BACK DECADES

In 1981, London Labour Briefing, a far-Left monthly journal that Corbyn helped run, published a letter from Liam McCloskey, a convicted terrorist, inviting readers to 'help us along the road to a Socialist Republic free from the chains of capitalism'.

Next, the journal published a dispatch from Ulster accusing British soldiers of 'leering at women and spitting their contempt at children', of 'shooting dogs' and of forcing black 'squaddies' to 'bring up the rear of street patrols as these are the positions where a soldier is more likely to be shot'.

Diane Abbott endorsed the IRA in an interview with pro-Republican journal Labour And Ireland in 1984, saying: 'Every defeat of the British state is a victory for all of us. A defeat in Northern Ireland would be a defeat indeed.' Challenged last week, she said she no longer had the same views, 33 years on.

After the Brighton Bomb, in which the IRA murdered five people, London Labour Briefing published a reader's letter stating: 'What do you call four dead Tories? A start!' Next to a picture of Lord Tebbit, who was seriously hurt (and whose wife would be wheelchair-bound for life) it added: 'Try riding your bike now, Norman!'

Weeks after the Brighton attack, Corbyn invited two IRA terrorists to the Commons for a PR stunt where they 'protested about strip-searches in Northern Ireland's prisons'.

Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn gives a speech at the County Hotel in Carlisle yesterday

CORBYN AND FRIEND GERRY ADAMS

Less than a month after becoming an MP in 1983, Corbyn 'organised a Commons visit and meeting' for Gerry Adams.

Gerry Adams spoke in Corbyn's constituency in 1987, asking the Labour Party to formally endorse his cause. His remarks were 'given a standing ovation' by Corbyn.

A few weeks after the IRA's 1996 bombing of Manchester which caused massive devastation, Corbyn agreed to host the launch of Adams's autobiography in the Commons. The book included an account (allegedly fictional) of killing a British soldier, plus a passage in which Adams declared: 'It might, or might not, be right to kill, but sometimes it is necessary.' The event was cancelled after the then Labour leader Tony Blair threatened to kick Corbyn out of the Labour Party.

HIS OTHER TERRORIST CHUMS

In 1984, Corbyn lobbied a variety of 'Latin American cultural organisations' on behalf what he called 'comrades in the M-19 movement' in Colombia. These 'comrades', according to the Sunday Times, had car-bombed, shot, tortured and killed their way across the country in recent years.

The men accused of the Lockerbie bombing, in which 270 died, were also helped by Corbyn. In 1992, he signed a letter supporting their bid to avoid trial in either the UK or America. 'One has to ask whether they would receive a fair trial in a British or US court,' he said.

After 9/11, Corbyn wrote in the Socialist Campaign Group News, a paper for Left-wing MPs, blaming the tragedy on the West and its 'blanket support for Israel's occupation of Palestine'.

Similarly, he said America was ultimately to blame after Islamists killed 200 in Bali. 'The bomb was tragic, but it follows a history of great atrocity in Indonesia,' he wrote in 2002. 'The CIA inspired a coup in Indonesia in 1968. Hundreds of thousands of communists, socialists, trade unionists and others were executed in their homes overnight by agents of the CIA.' In fact, there was no coup in Indonesia in 1968.

In a 2009 speech, Corbyn said: 'It will be my pleasure and honour to host an event in Parliament where our friends from Hezbollah will be speaking I've also invited our friends from Hamas to come and speak.' Asked why he'd called the terror groups 'friends', he said: 'It was inclusive language which with hindsight I would rather not have used. I regret using those words.'

Finsbury Park Mosque, where Islamist rabble-rouser Abu Hamza once preached, counts local MP Corbyn as a longstanding supporter. In 2014, he joined a group there to welcome Abdallah Djaballah  a controversial imam who has called on fellow countrymen to 'wage holy Muslim war' against Britain and the U.S.

OPPOSITION TO TERROR LAWS

Months before 9/11, Diane Abbott voted against a bill to proscribe al-Qaeda as a terrorist organisation

During a 1988 ceremony to commemorate the death of the IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, Corbyn criticised the Anglo-Irish Agreement, precursor to the Peace Process, declaring: 'It strengthens rather than weakens the border and those of us who wish to see a united Ireland oppose the agreement for that reason.'

John McDonnell attempted to derail pre-Good Friday Agreement negotiations for a new power-sharing assembly in the late Nineties, telling the IRA's official newspaper, An Phoblacht: 'An assembly is not what people have laid down their lives for over 30 years.'

Corbyn has opposed at least 13 Prevention of Terrorism bills. In Socialist Campaign Group News, he has said he regularly hosts meetings by 'international solidarity groups' at which 'many express sympathy for armed insurrection'. Corbyn asked: 'Are they, or those attending, to be criminalised?'

Months before 9/11, Diane Abbott voted against a bill to proscribe al-Qaeda as a terrorist organisation. This was one of 30 occasions when she opposed anti-terror legislation. Last month, she refused to apologise, saying the bill would have wrongly banned a number of 'dissident' groups, too.

In 2009, Corbyn called for Hamas to be taken off the terror list, telling Al Jazeera: 'Contacts with Hamas by politicians are increasing day after day. All want to find a peaceful solution to the problem.'

Following the terror attacks in Paris in 2015, Corbyn said he opposed police being allowed to shoot terror suspects, saying he's 'not happy with the shoot-to-kill policy in general'.
President Ronald Wilson Reagan passed away 13 years ago today, but his legacy of advancing freedom continues to be appreciated around the world. Deep in the heart of the former Soviet bloc, in Bulgarias capital city, officials have unveiled a new monument to Reagan.

The bust of Americas 40th president has significance beyond the already weighty triumph of democracy over oppression, or capitalism over socialism. Sofias South Park was the battleground for religious liberty in 1989, just as Bulgarian communism was about to come crashing down.

Krassen Stanchev, who helped lead the protests for religious freedom in 1989, remembers the scene  and the role that the Reagan administration played in bringing liberty to Bulgaria  in a new essay for Religion & Liberty Transatlantic:

Some say that in the mid-to-late 1980s, Sofias South Park became to Bulgaria what Hyde Park was to Chicago in 1969. The cause of public discontent was the governments persecution of its Turkish minority. Although the policy continued for decades, the government intensified pressure during this time. In 1984-1985, atheistic officials began a campaign of renaming Bulgarian Turks with Slavic names at gunpoint. Public discontent reached its peak in 1989. Between May and August of that year, the regime began forcibly expelling Turks, with hundreds of thousands ultimately leaving the nation. In October, we went out to the streets  at first in small numbers  protesting against what seemed to us the most evidently anti-human nature of the secularist regime.

Stanchev reveals that the protests centered around topics one would not usually associate with the Right: environmentalist concerns and greater religious liberty for Islam. But the protesters tactics bore fruit. International outcry over police brutality at the international environmentalist conference led to South Park being declared a safe haven for protesters. And supporting the religious liberty of the nations Turkish Muslim minority helped liberate its Christian majority, including the nations long-suppressed evangelical Protestants: Underground civic groups of all sorts moved their rallies to the park. First, opposition conferences were channeled to a nearby cinema hall, and several key organization committees met in my kitchen. Human rights activists gathered bigger and bigger crowds in the park. Different oppressed religious groups crawled out from obscurity. One of them was the Bulgarian Church of God, an evangelical Protestant group that was officially banned in 1949 and operated for decades without legal protection. A week after the October 1989 breakthrough, we moved our rally downtown, to formally submit signatures on a petition dealing with the environment to the Parliament  but we used the occasion to call for democracy. After another week, on November 10, the old regime collapsed.

History reveals that the collapse of Communism had many factors. Ronald Reagan, with Margaret Thatcher and Pope John Paul II, coordinated an energetic campaign to transition a timid foreign policy establishment from detente to victory. In the West, this entailed a military buildup of an unprecedented scale. Within its own societies, Marxism had lost whatever public confidence it once enjoyed. Already teetering on economic extinction, Soviet imperialism ground to a halt and, with it, the ability to expropriate the savings of its once-productive vassal economies. But as Pope John Paul II observed, [T]he fundamental error of socialism was anthropological in nature. Communism violated human nature, forbade religious observance, and denied inherent human dignity. Less than a year after Krassen Stanchev led these rallies in Sofia, Bulgarias onetime Communist leadership would invite former Reagan administration officials and leaders of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to develop a blueprint for a free future. The story, a fascinating one, is detailed in the essay. However, Stanchev notes, Bulgarias political apparatchiks never fully implemented the ambitious plan to transition the Orthodox Christian nation away from Marxism toward a market-oriented democracy under a durable rule of law. The fact that Reagans statue was vandalized just nine days after it was unveiled shows how much more work must be done in the transatlantic sphere, even today. Nonetheless, Bulgaria is thriving thanks to the legacy of a U.S. president whose foreign policy matched his rhetorical advocacy of free markets and freedom of religion. Its per capita GDP has increased almost 600 percent since 1994. More people have the freedom to express their deepest held beliefs  in church, or in South Park. All of this  democracy, a firmer commitment to the rule of law, economic prosperity and mobility, and the growing religious freedom at the heart of every free Western society  can be traced to the courageous actions of Ronald Reagan, Stanchev writes.

You can read his full essay here.

(Photo: Gov. George Allen, center, stands next to the Bulgarian bust of Ronald Reagan, with his wife, Susan, and Robert Agostinelli representing Young Americans for Freedom. Photo credit: Young Americans for Freedom. This photo has been cropped. Used by permission.)
Theresa May, pictuerd, yesterday set out a four point plan to counter the new trend of copycat terror attacks

Theresa May yesterday set out a four point plan to counter the new trend of copycat terror attacks.

Executive Political Editor JACK DOYLE outlines the Governments policy response to the growing threat from extremists.

1. COUNTERING ISLAMIST IDEOLOGY

She said: It will only be defeated when we turn peoples 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.

What it means: Mrs May said that the recent terror attacks are bound together by the single, evil ideology of Islamist extremism that preaches hatred, sows division and promotes sectarianism.

A new government agency  a Commission for Countering Extremism  would be tasked with identifying extremists, exposing them and countering their messages and promoting British values of freedom and democracy.

The Prevent programme, which is tasked with identifying those who are at risk of radicalisation and stopping them turning to violence, is due for review and could get more cash.

2. ONLINE CRACKDOWN

Web giants such as Google (pictured), Facebook and Twitter will face new regulation

She said: 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.

What it means: Web giants such as Google, Facebook and Twitter will be forced to: create automatic blocks on extremist material appearing on their sites, so it never appears; ban users who post extremist material; pass on any material that could prevent an attack; impose tough rules about what constitutes harmful content.

If they do not comply, they could face swingeing fines. Officials are already working on ways to force WhatsApp to unlock encrypted messages.

3. SEGREGATED COMMUNITIES

In a damning official report last year, Dame Louise Casey, pictured, warned of a worrying lack of integration

She said: There is  to be frank  far too much tolerance of extremism in our country we need to become far more robust in identifying it and stamping it out  across the public sector and across society.

What it means: In a damning official report last year, Dame Louise Casey warned of a worrying lack of integration, including children outside mainstream schools being exposed to divisive practices.

Mrs Mays warning of the need for difficult and often embarrassing conversations means government agencies, teachers, council officials and other public sector workers will be more robust in challenging backward practices, and an end to the passive tolerance of un-British views in the name of multiculturalism.

4. TOUGHER SENTENCES

Convicted terrorists already face lengthy jail terms. But at the lower end of the spectrum, extremists who stop short of advocating violence can get off too lightly

She said: 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.

What it means: Convicted terrorists already face lengthy jail terms. But at the lower end of the spectrum, extremists who stop short of advocating violence can get off too lightly. So Mrs May wants longer sentences for downloading terror manuals, preaching hate or being a member of a banned group.

Other powers in the Counter-Extremism Bill, which MPs were debating before the election, will be resurrected, including banning orders for extremist groups, disruption orders against people who incite hatred, and closing mosques which host extremist meetings.

T-Pims  Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures, the replacement for control orders  could also be beefed up.
A banker was repeatedly stabbed across his face, neck and stomach as he enjoyed an evening out with his girlfriend in London Bridge.

Oliver Dowling was put into an induced coma by doctors so they could perform life-saving surgery on him at University College Hospital.

The 32-year-old, from Christchurch in New Zealand, may have survived because the terrorist missed his vital organs.

Oliver Dowling, 32, and his girlfriend Marie Bondeville were injured in the London Bridge terror attack

Mr Dowlings girlfriend Marie Bondeville was also injured and is being treated at a different hospital.

The current condition of Miss Bondeville, a French national who works in PR at the London offices of a market research firm called East and Partners, is unknown.

Mr Dowlings sister Freddy, who lives on a farm in New Zealand, yesterday described her brothers condition as now stable after a four-hour long surgery.

Writing on Instagram, she said: Doctors are very happy with how hes come out the other side. Hoping to be woken up in a few hours time.

Oliver Dowling (pictured, second from left) and his girlfriend were both injured in the rampage, his sister revealed on Facebook

A map shows how terror attack unfolded. The attackers were shot dead within eight minutes of the first emergency phone call

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

Forensic officers were seen circling blood splatter and bagging pieces of evidence as they scoured London Bridge today

He suffered multiple stab wounds to the face, neck and stomach areas, none of which hit any vital organs.

A massive thank to the hospital for their tireless efforts in helping my brother out. Marie has been in surgery at another hospital but unfortunately we havent been able to find out how she is.

She added: You never think that any of these terrorist attacks will come into your home and directly affect your family, but this time it has.

Its definitely not a great time at the moment. My parents are at the hospital with him now.
A 42-year-old woman and a young boy, aged seven, have been found dead in a home on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula.

Police were called by a 'very distressed' man on Monday morning and attended a home in Barton Road, Tiddy Widdy Beach, where the pair were found.

The man who called them to the home was the newlywed husband of the woman and step-father to the boy, the Adelaide Advertiser reported.

A mother and her child have been found dead in a home at Tiddy Widdy Beach, South Australia (pictured)

Family friend Rod Saler said he had received a phone call from the man after he discovered his family dead.

'He was very upset,' he said.

'He just said that he was going to take [the boy] to school and he found them like they were - he was devastated  he couldn't believe it.'

When officers arrived, Inspector Allison Clark told reporters the step-father was 'very distressed'.

'It's tragic for everyone involved,' she said.

Police believe the man, woman and child all lived at the home.

An investigation has been launched into the deaths, but officers are not searching for any other people in relation to the incident.

A report will be made for the coroner.

Australian readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.

Multicultural Mental Health Australia

Local Aboriginal Medical Service
People around the world are drinking less beer, fuelling a global dip in alcohol sales.

Russians are drinking less vodka as their economy declines, while the Americans have fallen out of love with cider.

One of the few drinks to see an increase in demand was gin, according to the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR).

People around the world are drinking less beer, fuelling a global dip in alcohol sales

The global market for alcoholic drinks fell 1.3 per cent last year, driven by a 1.8 per cent fall in beer sales.

After several years of rising popularity, cider sales also slammed into reverse, falling 1.5 per cent on the back of a 15.2 per cent slump in the US.

The overall fall in alcohol sales across the world is far greater than the average dip of 0.3 per cent over the past five years.

Several major economies, including China, Russia and Brazil  three of the worlds biggest beer markets  have endured a slowdown.

The overall fall in alcohol sales across the world is far greater than the average dip of 0.3 per cent over the past five years

Sales of beer fell 4.2 per cent in China, 5.3 per cent in Brazil and 7.8 per cent in Russia.

A 4.3 per cent drop in vodka sales was largely driven by a 9.3 per cent fall in Russia.

But amid the wider decline, the gin industry is booming, with global sales rising 3.7 per cent.

Britons bought the equivalent of 40 million bottles  or 1.1 billion G&Ts  last year.
British Airways is expected to be stripped of its coveted four-star quality rating after being accused of providing a worse service than Aeroflot.

In a new humiliation, the boss of research firm Skytrax said Britains flagship carrier now compares unfavourably with the state-backed Russian airline, once known for having an appalling safety record, inedible food and rude staff.

Skytrax said it is likely to cut BAs rating to three stars out of five, bringing it in line with budget airline Ryanair, Uzbekistan Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Myanmar Airways.

The move comes hard on the heels of last weeks IT shutdown which grounded flights and resulted in passengers being stranded across the world.

Britains flagship carrier British Airways, pictured, now compares unfavourably with the state-backed Russian airline Aeroflot

BA has been widely accused of becoming more like a budget airline under chief executive Alex Cruz, despite typically charging significantly higher fares.

It sparked a passenger backlash by ditching free snacks and drinks on short-haul services, planning to cut leg room on some flights and slashing perks for business class.

There have also been complaints of BA regularly running out of food on board. Edward Plaisted, chief executive of Skytrax, told The Sunday Times: In many cases they (BA) dont meet a four-star standard.

He said Aeroflot  which is 51 per cent owned by the Russian government  has better in-flight catering and better service.

He described Aeroflot as a shining example of an airline thats transformed themselves  compared with BA, which has not invested in the same way.

BA, which once used the slogan the worlds favourite airline, has had four stars since the ratings began 18 years ago.

A downgrade to three would see it fall further behind five-star rivals including Etihad and Singapore Airlines.

BA has been widely accused of becoming more like a budget airline under chief executive Alex Cruz, pictured

BA, which faces a four-day strike over pay by cabin crew from June 16, said it was close to announcing improved service and food for Club World passengers as part of a 400million investment.

Critics have claimed that Mr Cruzs ruthless cost-cutting was partly to blame for last weeks IT disaster.

Unions blamed the fiasco on a decision to cut hundreds of IT jobs and outsource roles to India, although BA insisted the shutdown was caused by a power supply problem.

Spaniard Mr Cruz, 50, has resisted calls to resign after being accused of spearheading a slow and chaotic response to the crisis.

Although Willie Walsh, boss of BAs parent group IAG, has publicly praised Mr Cruz, there are rumours he could be replaced.

Yesterday it emerged that BA is in talks with Capita over the possibility of outsourcing its call centres in Newcastle and Manchester, which employ around 1,400 staff. BA said no decision has been made.
CNN host Reza Aslan apologized for calling President Trump 'a piece of s***' Saturday night

CNN host Reza Aslan has apologized after calling President Trump 'a piece of s***' on Saturday night in response to Trump's using a deadly terror attack on London for a renewed call for US courts to approve his travel ban.

On Sunday afternoon, Aslan tweeted: 'I should not have used a profanity to describe the President when responding to his shocking reaction to the London Attacks.'

He also attached his full statement, which reads: 'When in the first few minutes of the terror attack in London, the President of the United States tweeted about his travel ban, I lost my cool and responded to him in a derogatory fashion.

'That's not like me. I should have used better language to express my shock and frustration at the president's lack of decorum and sympathy for the victims of London. I apologize for my choice of words.'

On Sunday afternoon, Aslan tweeted: 'I should not have used a profanity to describe the President when responding to his shocking reaction to the London Attacks'

He also attached his full statement, explaining that he reacted so harshly do to frustration in response to Trump's using a deadly terror attack on London for a renewed call for US courts to approve his travel ban

Just a few hours three jihadis launched an attack on London that left seven dead and 48 injured Saturday night, President Trump used the horror as a jumping-off point to bring up a series of US policy questions.

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!'

Minutes later, Aslan lashed out, writing: 'This piece of s*** is not just an embarrassment to America and a stain on the presidency. He's an embarrassment to humankind.'

Just a few hours three jihadis launched an attack on London, President Trump used the horror to ask courts to approve his travel ban

The Iranian-born host also called Trump a 'man baby' in a subsequent tweet responding to NBC's decision not to report on Trump's retweet of a Drudge Report because it contained 'unconfirmed information,' at the time

The Iranian-born host also called Trump a 'man baby' in a subsequent tweet responding to NBC's decision not to report on Trump's retweet of a Drudge Report because it contained 'unconfirmed information,' at the time.

In a later statement, CNN said it was pleased Aslan apologized, even if he is not an actual CNN employee.

The London Mayor Sadiq Khan also released a statement Sunday, condemning the terrorists and proclaiming 'This is our city.'

Trump's 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!'
A mother who claimed her sick three-year-old daughter (pictured) was dying from cancer has revealed she made the whole thing up

A mother who claimed her three-year-old daughter was dying from cancer to receive sympathy for arriving late to a flight has revealed she made the whole thing up.

The woman, from Darling Downs, Queensland, said Virgin Australia refused to let her and her cancer-stricken daughter board an interstate flight because the pair were a few minutes late and the door to the tarmac was closing.

The mother said she was taking her sick daughter to Newcastle to receive life-saving stem-cell treatment after she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in February. The survival rate for children with the rare disease is just over 50 per cent.

But in a shocking turn of events, the young girl's grandmother told the Courier Mail the child never had cancer, adding that Ms Simon was seeking mental health treatment after lying to her family and friends.

The move is also likely to have caught Virgin Australia off guard, after the airline gave the young mother a full refund for the missed flight and a $1000 travel voucher.

A Queensland mother (second from right) complained to Virgin Australia after the airline refused to let her on a flight to Newcastle because she was a few minutes late. She said she was taking her daughter to Newcastle for urgent life-saving stem-cell treatment

After the incident last month, the grandmother defended her daughter and slammed Virgin Australia for not helping out the struggling family.

It was reported that the three-year-old had already endured 16 rounds of chemotherapy at Lady Cilento Children's Hospital in Brisbane but needed to travel to Newcastle for further treatment.

'She doesn't like publicising (the young girl's) cancer but the appointment was so important she couldn't miss it,' the grandmother told the Sunshine Coast Daily at the time.

'When she asked about the next flight she was told it would be another $600, despite having insurance.'

'With money so tight at the moment, it just wasn't something she could afford,' she said, adding the family had set up a GoFundMe page to help with the financial burden.

But in a shocking turn of events, the young girl's grandmother (left) told the Courier Mail the child (right) never had cancer - adding that the mother was seeking mental health treatment after lying to her family and friends

But spokespersons for Lady Cilento Children's Hospital and John Hunter Hospital, the only location where children can receive stem-cell treatment in Newcastle, both told the Courier Mail they had no records of the young girl as a patient.

The grandmother said 'no one had any idea' the story was made up, claiming the young girl was still sick and could have immune deficiency - just not cancer.

Disturbed people who donated money to the online fundraiser, which explicitly said it was raising funds for the girl's leukemia treatment, are also believed to be angered at the suspected misdirection.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the mother and Virgin Australia for comment.
The family of an autistic boy who reportedly stabbed himself with a used syringe in a hospital toilet have an agonising 12-month wait to find out if he has contracted deadly diseases.

Amanda Devine and her husband, Troy, are 'living in limbo' after their 14-year-old son, Trysten, put his hand in a sharps disposal unit at Queensland's Gympie Hospital last week.

The parents did not know what had happened until the next day, when the autistic teenager told them he had taken a syringe home.

'All of a sudden he told us he had a syringe in the backyard. He told us he'd put it in his finger,' Mrs Devine told Daily Mail Australia.

Amanda Devine and her husband Troy are 'living in limbo' after their 14-year-old son Trysten (pictured) put his hand in a sharps disposal unit at Queensland's Gympie Hospital last week

Mrs Devine said it was this syringe disposal unit that her son reached into at Gympie Hospital

The panicked couple couldn't see any marks on Trysten's finger, but when they rushed him to hospital, the youngster pointed to a different spot on his upper arm.

'There was a mark about 5cm long - a rectangle shape about 4cm wide. He had a big raised lump there,' Mrs Devine said.

'They did an ultrasound and [found] he had absolutely injected something, but they can't confirm what.'

Having potentially contracted HIV or Hepatitis strains, Mrs Devine has no idea how her son was able to reach inside the unit.

'I'm not blaming the hospital, but surely the syringe system should have been secured better than it was,' she said.

Mrs Devine (left), or husband Troy (centre) and their seven children have an anxious wait ahead of them

Pictured, the used syringe that 14-year-old autistic boy Trysten Devine stabbed himself with

'How often is it even emptied? My two-year-old could walk over, push the bin up, stand on top of it and get inside one of those containers.'

The mother-of-seven and her family have an anxious wait ahead of them.

'This is just the start of it. We have 12 months to wait for ongoing testing,' she said.

'Some of these diseases dormant in your body. So they have to keep testing to monitor his body to see if anything grows down the track.

'I've got six other children so I have tell my son that he can't drink out of the same cup as those children. Because if he drinks out of the cup, what happens to the other children?

'Some of these diseases are saliva based, some are sexually transmitted and some are through blood. So as a large family what do we do? We live in limbo for 12 months.

Mr and Mrs Devine (pictured) have no idea how their son was able to reach inside the unit

'You can't isolate the child from his siblings. But at the same time, we have six other children we have to protect and hope that he comes out with a good outcome.'

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kevin Hegarty said the hospital's sharps containers are managed by contractors.

'These containers are industrial grade, and secure, and are managed by a commercial supplier,' Mr Hegarty told Daily Mail Australia.

'Their design is such that removal of contents can only be undertaken by the authorised equipped service person.'

Mr Hegarty said they were assessing the details of a complaint from a mother of a patient at the hospital and were liaising with the family.

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kevin Hegarty said the hospital's sharps containers are managed by contractors

Mrs Devine wasn't satisfied with the explanation: 'Shouldn't they know at all times what's going on at their hospital?'

The distraught mother said she has been criticised for not keeping a closer eye on her son as he used the bathroom.

'It was a single cubicle - like a disabled toilet. There was no need for me to stand there with the door open like some people are saying,' she said.

'He is 14 years old. He has medical conditions but he is able to (go to the toilet). He goes to a state school and I'm sure he (goes to the toilet) all day long at school.'
Schapelle Corby's mother Rosaleigh Rose has revealed the 39-year-old convicted drug smuggler has been worried about William Tyrrell for years.

Ms Corby attached a photograph of the missing three-year-old boy on her handbag as she faced the media on release from Indonesia last month.

In a candid intervier her mother, Ms Rose, has revealed the dramatic stunt was of her daughter's making.

Schapelle Corby's mother Rosaleigh Rose has spoken-out about her daughter's homecoming

Ms Rose said her daughter is passionate about lost kids and has been for a long time

She claims it was Schapelle's idea to carry the bag with the missing three-year-old featured on the front

'Schapelle has worried about William for years, so it was her idea to put his photo on her bag,' Ms Rose told New Idea.

'We're all pretty passionate about raising awareness of lost kids and I am proud of her for that.'

Ms Corby continued her campaign for William, and other lost children on Instagram - where she has 196,000 followers.

In a heartfelt post for William Ms Corby posted a photograph of the handbag she had used when she faced the media.

'Where's William Tyrrell? #DontBeDistractedByTrivia #Williamicare,' she wrote.

Her mother also revealed the social media platform is helping her daughter ease back into life in Australia 13 years after she was caught with 4.2kg of cannabis in Denpasar airport.

'It seems to be helping her to know she has so many followers,' Ms Rose said.

'In some ways she is the same old Schapelle but sometimes she is kind of scared, like a little girl.'

Schapelle has also used her Instagram to poke fun at the media - uploading footage of journalists and photographers camped outside her mother's house as she cruises past in her car.

The convicted drug smuggler had also posted about William Tyrrell

'Where's William Tyrrell? #DontBeDistractedByTrivia #Williamicare,' she wrote on one image - showing the missing three-year-old - pictured

But the 39-year-old's passion for missing children appears to be a recurring theme - she even advertised for 'Project Rescue Children' on her social media site.

The former beauty therapist also gave the charity permission to auction off her parole booklet to help raise money for the cause.

The child safety charity is run by a member of the 60 Minutes crew who ended up in a Lebanese jail.

Schapelle Corby's head of private security John McLeod told the convicted drug smuggler about Adam Whittington - who was imprisoned as part of the 60 Minutes crew that botched the rescue of two Australian children - and his charity launch.

Adam Whittington launched the the Australian branch of Project Rescue Children

Schapelle Corby is auctioning off her parole book to raise money for Project Rescue Children

Adam Whittington has begun his liaison with Project Rescue Children, a charity aimed at stopping child exploitation, launching the Australian arm on the Gold Coast on Friday night.

Ms Corby's spotlight landed on Hayley Dodd last week. Ms Dodd was just 17 when she disappeared in 1999.

The teenager was last seen hitchhiking between Moora and Badgingarra in Western Australia on July 29, 1999.

Francis John Wark was charged in December 2015 with murdering the 17-year-old - his trial is ongoing - the teenager's body has never been found.

Schapelle Corby appears to have taken up an interest in raising awareness for Australias missing children following her high-profile deportation from Indonesia - she posted about missing teenager Hayley Dodd on Tuesday

Hayley Dodd was never found after she disappeared - her parents continue to work towards finding clues which could leaf them to her

She also tried to raise awareness for Hayley Dodd who went missing from Western Australia's wheat belt in 1999 - her body never found

'There are so many missing children in Australia, more awareness needs to be raised,' Ms Corby wrote.

Ms Corby's post about Hayley Dodd attracted more than 9000 likes from her followers.

The missing girl's mother had posted about Schapelle Corby on Sunday calling for people to give her space.

'All the news now. Give the girl a break no matter what your view is. She has served her time and deserves a chance,' she wrote.

The Tyrrell family were less thankful to the drug smuggler after her publicity stunt for William.

The Tyrrells released a public statement about their anger towards Ms Corby for using Williams photograph.

'We are not happy,' they wrote on Facebook.

William's family appeared upset by the woman's use of his image and claimed they were not aware of her campaign

'Williams family and their campaign to support the NSW Police in their investigation in the search for William have absolutely no association with Schapelle Corby, her supporters or her family and had no prior knowledge of Miss Corbys intention to use Williams image in this way.'

But William's grandmother Natalie Collins claimed the rest of the family had 'no right to be angry'.

'When I first saw it I was a bit shocked and confused and upset about it  I was thinking ''why is she doing this'',' Mrs Collins told Daily Mail Australia.

But she soon 'came around to the idea' after realising how much publicity the convicted drug smuggler was receiving.

'We haven't heard much about him for a while so I think it is good for people to see the picture so they can keep looking for him.'

William went missing from his grandmother's home on the NSW Mid North Coast in September 2014. He has never been found.

Ms Corby has also made references to the Daniel Morcombe foundation - which was started after the boy went missing from a Queensland bus stop in 2003

Daniel Morcombe was abducted and murdered in December 2003 as he waited for a bus on Queensland's Sunshine Coast

Ms Corby uses references to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation in her posts tagging Daniel's law in each missing child picture.

Daniel Morcombe was abducted and murdered in December 2003 as he waited for a bus on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

His parents have since set up a foundation in his name aimed at educating children.

There have been mixed results for the posts online as well with some people slamming Ms Corby's posts and others thanking her for her efforts.

'Stop acting like a good person. Your a drug smuggler. You should of got the death penalty. SCUM,' said one person.

'It's so wonderful to have someone speaking up for these missing children xx Thankyou,' said another.

While others warned her to be careful with her choices.

'Check with the families first is the only thing I'd say.'

Others took the opportunity to poke fun at Ms Corby who hasn't been seen since she touched down in Australia.

'So she's 35? Ok will keep an eye out babe but I reckon she's gonna be as hard to find as you LOL.'
All Cadbury chocolate bars sold in the UK are to use sustainably-sourced cocoa, in a bid to secure a future for farmers and supplies of the key ingredient.

Farmers in Ghana, from where cocoa for Cadbury chocolate has come for more than a century, are being helped to boost their yields and profits as part of the companys Cocoa Life sustainability scheme.

The programme is also funding community initiatives to improve lives, ranging from giving children bicycles to get to school to helping develop other businesses such as bakeries and soap-making.

By the end of 2018, all Cadbury chocolate bars in the UK and Ireland will carry the Cocoa Life symbol, showing cocoa is sourced through the programme (stock photo)

It is part of a 400 million US dollar (310 million) investment over 10 years across six countries by Cadbury-owner Mondelez International to secure future cocoa supplies.

Ghanas cocoa sector faces major challenges, with people trapped in unprofitable subsistence farming and its future threatened by climate change.

The average age of cocoa farmers is 55, as youngsters head to cities to find jobs or even turn to illegal gold mining.

Steve Mann, from Cadbury, said: Without cocoa there is no chocolate, without the next generation of cocoa farmers and a thriving cocoa supply chain, theres no cocoa.

And as a business, cocoa being a major commodity which we use in our supply chain as a chocolate company, its very important for us to make sure right into the future we have a sustainable supply of cocoa.

The average age of cocoa farmers is 55, as youngsters head to cities to find jobs or even turn to illegal gold mining (stock photo)

By the end of 2018, all Cadbury chocolate bars in the UK and Ireland will carry the Cocoa Life symbol, showing cocoa is sourced through the programme, which works with a number of charities and partners with Fairtrade to verify farmers get a fair deal.

A key element is encouraging better agricultural practices, including weeding and pruning, planting shade trees to protect the cocoa from rising temperatures and ensuring the best number of plants per acre.

The programme is also working with a company, Tree Global, which grows more resilient, fast-yielding plants.

Adjei Emmanuel Mensah, who has planted trees from Tree Global, saw his first yields within 18 months - compared with a normal wait of three to five years.

The trees are very fast growing, they need no fertiliser, no chemicals, Im using the weeds as fertiliser, I try to clear the weeds when I see them trying to grow. This has improved the farm. Im very happy.

The programme is also working with a company, Tree Global, which grows more resilient, fast-yielding plants. Pictured is a farmer cracking open a cocoa pod

He added: The youth is always trying to run away from the villages, but now they are seeing the Tree Global farms they have more interest.

Under Cocoa Life, farmers receive a premium for their cocoa on top of the price set by the government, boosting incomes.

There is also investment in setting up savings and loans schemes for women, enterprise training, building nursery schools and providing mosquito nets to prevent malaria.

Comfort Asantwaa, a cocoa farmer with six children and six grandchildren, said: There was the distance the children have to go to school - after joining Cocoa Life, they were given bicycles to go to school, and have been able to complete school.

They teach us soap-making and then out of that we are able to take care of the children.

Yaa Peprah Amekudzi, country lead for the Cocoa Life Ghana programme, said that in the 447 communities where the scheme is operating so far, Ive seen a more than marked difference in how people are thriving.

Worries remain about whether young people will go into cocoa farming, but at a school where Cocoa Life has supported a reading club and built teacher accommodation, in one group many boys and some girls were planning to farm in the future.
Last month, the BHL Program Director Martin R. Kalfatovic and Program Manager Carolyn A. Sheffield participated in multiple events throughout different regions of Kenya to help promote BHL to existing and potentially new users, connect with our BHL Africa partners, and explore opportunities for growing partnerships in the region. We will be highlighting each event with its own blog post throughout the week, starting with the first stop in Nairobi, Kenya.

From 15-19 May 2017, the National Museums of Kenya and the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) co-hosted the XXI AETFAT (Association for the Study of Tropical Flora of Africa) Congress. Held on the beautiful campus of CUEA, the Congress brought together approximately 250 individuals from around the world to meet and discuss research on various aspects of the botany of tropical Africa. BHL participated with a symposium Botanical Contributions from the Biodiversity Heritage Library: A Focus on Africa, which focused on digital library resources related to the conference topics.





Martin R. Kalfatovic at the podium for the BHL symposium at XXI AETFAT 2017

The symposium was led by BHL Program Director, Martin R. Kalfatovic and also included presentations from BHL Program Manager, Carolyn Sheffield and Director of JSTOR Primary Sources, Deirdre Ryan.



Kalfatovic opened the session with an introduction to BHL, entitled Biodiversity Heritage Library: Empowering Discovery Through Free Access to Biodiversity Knowledge. Kalfatovic also delivered a presentation on behalf of Grace Costantino entitled The Story of Engagement: Outreach Strategies at the Biodiversity Heritage Library.

In Building the Biodiversity Heritage Library Through Standards and Content, Sheffield reported on strategies and results from BHL Workshops, highlighting involvement and new contributions from BHL Africa partners.



Ryan delivered an overview of JSTOR entitled Journals, AETFAT, African Plants, and more, covering the scope and breadth of JSTOR collections, including 2,600 journal titles which are made freely available to all non-profit and educational institutions in Africa through the African Access Initiative. Additionally, she highlighted results of the African Plants Initiative that grew into the Global Plants Initiative and has brought digitized herbarium sheets into the JSTOR collection, many of which link to BHL! She also identified the AETFAT Congress as a historically significant event for JSTOR, where some of the founding ideas first germinated. Kalfatovic then concluded the session and opened it up for questions.





Carolyn Sheffield and Ben Nakitare at the NMK booth at the XXI AETFAT 2017 exhibits

Approximately 20 people were in attendance at the session and discussions were fruitful, focusing on both BHL work to date and potential future opportunities.



In addition to the symposium, the conference provided several other opportunities for productive discussions with both BHL users and also with several BHL Africa partners. It was especially lovely to catch up with some of our colleagues from National Museums of Kenya who hosted and participated in the BHL Africa Workshop in 2015, including Dr. Geoffrey Mwachala, Dr. Asha Owano, Lawrence Monda, and Ben Nakitare. We are thrilled with their ongoing commitment to participate in BHL, and we look forward to continued collaborations with our partners at National Museums of Kenya and all of our BHL Africa partner institutions!
Throughout the election campaign, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has been accused of hypocrisy over the incompatibility of his deep Christian beliefs and his partys controversial social policies that would make most vicars blush.

Although to be admired for refusing to be bullied by critics, Im sure the double-think is a key reason why Farron is struggling.

After he became party leader, he was asked if he would seek Gods guidance before making decisions. He replied: It should be hardly surprising that someone of faith says prayers.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has been accused of hypocrisy over the incompatibility of his deep Christian beliefs

However, without wishing to be sacrilegious, I wonder how members of the Church of England Synod view the Lib Dems astonishing claim that prostitution is fun for women  plus other crass suggestions by the party such as that university students could help pay their tuition fees by working as lap-dancers and that kerb-crawling should be decriminalised.

Such clap-trap can be found in the partys policy documents. The Lib Dems claim 91 per cent of respondents to a survey said their work in the sex industry was flexible, while 66 per cent called it fun and 56 per cent said it was rewarding.

Meanwhile, party chief executive Tim Gordon is calling for people to join the party and asking new recruits if they are male, female, non-binary, gender fluid, or rather not say.

Is it any surprise that church-going Farron is in such a pickle?

Shoo-in Bercow dismays voters

A long-running convention dictates that the Commons Speaker is never challenged in his seat by rival main parties. This means John Bercow is guaranteed re-election as MP for Buckingham

Thanks to the countrys bizarre electoral system, the result in one constituency is already known.

A long-running convention dictates that the Commons Speaker is never challenged in his seat by rival main parties. This means John Bercow is guaranteed re-election as MP for Buckingham. Whats more, having said hed only serve nine years as Speaker, the much-despised Bercow now says he may stay in the post until 2022.

No wonder some of his estimated 75,000 constituents have launched a protest, complaining that they have become disenfranchised.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson discovered Oxford University has changed since he was there and a member of the appalling Bullingdon Club, whose members were renowned for debauched dinners. During a recent visit to his college, Balliol, the Old Etonian was heckled by Left-wing agitators with a banner that read: Hands off our free school meals.

Refreshingly honest, while campaigning for re-election as an MP in South London, Chuka Umunna admits his optimism about a Labour victory is tempered by the fact he wrongly predicted the results of the last general election, the EU referendum and the U.S. presidential election.

'Chuka Umunna has admitted his optimism about a Labour victory is tempered by the fact he wrongly predicted the results of the last general election, the EU referendum and the U.S. presidential election'

If Labour has a future after being sabotaged by Corbynistas, there is much hope in its young stars. Among them is Georgia Gould, 30, new leader of Camden Council in North London and daughter of Blair intimate the late Philip Gould and publishing titan Gail Rebuck.

Anyone unconvinced that Channel 4 News isnt biased should consider presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthys tweet: Trying to work out what Mrs May being a bloody difficult woman with Europe will achieve, apart from no free trade deal for Britain.

Tory praises 'sassy' Labour rival

Welcome camaraderie between two rival big-hitters campaigning in the West Midlands.

Former Tory Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell (defending Sutton Coldfield) has praised Labours no-nonsense Jess Phillips, from neighbouring Birmingham Yardley. He was talking about her book Everywoman: One Womans Truth About Speaking The Truth, which critics have hailed as a naughty, frank and a sizzling celebration of how being ordinary can change the world.

In the Birmingham Post, Mitchell compared lippie Brummie Phillips  a young sassy Labour MP for an inner-city marginal  with himself, a grey-haired crusty old Tory representing the royal borough of Sutton Coldfield.
Australian millennials locked out of property market have now turned overseas



The housing affordability crisis gripping Sydney and Melbourne is so severe some first home buyers are purchasing properties in Japan instead.

One such person is Paul Linabury, 30, from Western Australia, who has just purchased a three-bedroom house in Niseko, Japan for $90,000 with his partner and two other couples.

'I was purchasing as a bit of an investment opportunity in Niseko, Japan, along with with two other friends,' Mr Linabury told Daily Mail Australia.

West Australian man Paul Linabury, 30, recently purchased a house in Japan

'When you look at the comparative price of property in Japan, and then take into account splitting it three ways, it was an affordable option to consider.

'I don't have a property in the Australian market, which has a little to do with the fact that it seemed much better value for money in Japan.

Mr Linabury and the other purchasers plan to use the three-bedroom house in Niseko - which is in Japan's snowfields - as a holiday house as well as offering it as a short-term rental through Airbnb.

'I would potentially use the capital invested in the house as security, which the banks can lend against.

'I didn't buy with the intention of selling and using the capital gains to get into the property market in Australia, but even in the last six months the property has gone up in value, so you never know,' Mr Linabury said.

He told the Australian that he had bought the bargain in Niseko by splitting it six ways.

The three-bedroom Niseko house purchased by Mr Linabury (pictured) is drastically less expensive than alternatives in Sydney and Melbourne

A check on property portal www.realestate.com.au found a three-bedroom house in the Sydney suburb of Balmain was going for $2.6million.

Meanwhile, in Melbourne a three-bedroom in Degraves Street, Parkville was going for $2.3million to $2.5million.

International transfer company OFX on Monday unveiled data showing that Australians aged between 18 and 30 were increasingly transacting in property deals abroad.

This three-bedroom home in the Sydney suburb of Balmain is going for $2.6million

'OFX transfer data and the current strength of the Australian property market, when viewed in combination, suggest that that our millennial customers could be increasingly looking outside Australia when it comes to initial involvement in property investment,' OFX chief operations officer Adam Smith said.

'What's particularly interesting is that foreign property transactions appear to correlate with the strength of foreign currency rates, so when the Australian dollar is strong against the US dollar for example, we see an increase in property related transfers to the US.

'Faced with an affordability crisis in the domestic market, Australian-based millennials are pursuing overseas property acquisitions, particularly at times when the Australian dollar is strong against the US dollar and the British pound.'

While this three-bedroom home in Melbourne city is going for $2.3million to $2.5million

OFX data shows that numbers have increased from 25 in 2011 to 123 per year, reaching a peak last June.

The popular reason for moneys transfers with OFX were for property, house, mortgage, apartment, villa, building, renovations and deposit.

This represents an average increase of 23 percent per year, tracked over a five year period.

Interestingly, while overseas property purchasing by most age groups of Australians has been on a gradual decline since 2013, there has been a steady increase seen among Aussies aged from 18-30-year-old.

OFX data also indicates that the most popular destinations for property transactions among Australian were those found in the US, UK and Europe.








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The most expensive home in San Francisco is up for sale, but after nine years on and off the market, no one seems to want it.

The Italianate mansion is currently going for $29.5million after the price was raised since it first went on the market in 2008.

At 2820 Scott Street, its 16,000 square feet includes seven bedrooms, eight full bathrooms and three half-baths, according to Sotheby's International Real Estate.

The glamorous home also has eight marble fireplaces, a patio, a spacious roof deck and elevators to all floors.

The mansion was built in 1904 and has been completely renovated.

The most expensive home in San Francisco is up for sale again at a listing price of $29.5million. It is marked as a single family home on its listing

2820 Scott Street in San Francisco, California, was first put on the market in 2008

The glamorous mansion has seven bedrooms, but no one seems to want it

The Italian mansion was built in 1904 and has been completely renovated and is marked as a single family home on its listing

The listing also mentions that the mansion is 'close to distinguished schools and Union and Fillmore Street stores and restaurants'.

Being near San Francisco's 'Billionaire's Row', the mansion has views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz and Angel Island.

The mansion has been listed and de-listed several times over the years, including in January this year, according to Redfin.

After being de-listed in January, it was relisted several days later and the price was increased to $29.5million.

When it first went up for sale at the end of 2008, the asking price was $27.5million.

The price went down to $24.8million in 2013 and then last year went up to $28.5million.

The increase in price is probably meant to keep up with San Francisco's housing market, according to Curbed.

But even when the mansion was auctioned starting at $20million in 2016, no one wanted it, even then.

In fact, the last time anyone bought the mansion was in 2005 at $6.75million, the outlet reports.

It was the 2008 Francisco Decorator Showcase, a design showhouse event to raise money for San Francisco University High School.

In the center of San Francisco, the home has views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz and Angel Island

2820 Scott Street is near San Francisco's 'Billionaire's Row', where a lot of tech giants and people of 'old money' live

The mansion was even the 2008 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, a design showhouse event to raise money for San Francisco University High School

The mansion's 16,000 square feet also includes eight marble fire places, a patio (pictured) and a spacious roof deck

The home also has eight full bathrooms and three half-baths, according to the listing site

When the mansion first went on the market at the end of 2008, the asking price was $27.5million

The mansion was then de-listed for a while, but came back on the market in 2013 at $24.8million

Last year the mansion's asking price went up to $28.5million, most likely to keep up with the San Francisco housing market

Even just this year, the mansion was de-listed in January and several days later was put on the market again, this time at the price it is today, $29.5million

The owner even tried to auction off the house in 2016, starting at $20million, but no one was interested

The last time anyone bought the mansion was in 2005 at $6.75million, but that was before the mortgage crisis in 2008

Even though the beautiful mansion has been on and off the market since 2008, no one has bought it

Though it is unusual for un-bought houses to continue to increase on asking price, this mansion has since 2013

The mansion, with its intricate interior design, is listed with Sotheby's International Real Estate
Services are set this week for a US soldier from Tennessee who was unaccounted for after being killed by German troops during World War II.

A funeral for Private first class Reece Gass will be held Saturday at Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home in Greeneville. He'll be buried with full military honors at a cemetery in Cross Anchor.

According to the Army's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the 20-year-old Gass and at least two others inside a tank died on Jan. 14, 1945, when a German tank fired upon them.

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A funeral for Pfc Reece Gass - who died inside a tank on Jan. 14, 1945, when a German tank fired on him - will be held Saturday at Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home in Greeneville

The Army's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency helped identify the soldier

The Department of Defense says that Gass was a member of Company E, 33rd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division moving from Lomret to Cherain, Belgium, in a three-pronged advance against enemy forces.

Two tanks from Gass' company were lost along with three others from the entire regiment.

Human remains found in 1947 near Cherain, Belgium, in the remnants of a tank at Mont-le-Ban were at first unsuccessfully identified.

Human remains found in 1947 near Cherain, Belgium, in the remnants of a tank at Mont-le-Ban were at first unsuccessfully identified

'The army explained to us that at that time a lot of that happened,' said Kerry Fuller, Gass' great-niece who is holding a picture of him

'The army explained to us that at that time a lot of that happened,' said Kerry Fuller - Gass' great-niece - to the Greeneville Sun.

'They would find remains and just bury them in a grave. Of course, they had no way then of identifying them. Especially in his case. He was blown up and probably nothing left to identify him with.'

The remains were taken to the US Military Cemetery Hamm in Luxembourg, in 1952 with a headstone reading 'Here Rests in Honored Glory a Comrade in Arms Known but to God.'

Fuller told the Greenville Sun that a close friend of Gass, J.C. Watts - who also fought on the Europe front - tried to find the soldiers grave.

'They would find remains and just bury them in a grave. Of course, they had no way then of identifying them. Especially in his case. He was blown up and probably nothing left to identify him with,' she added. She holds up letters the soldier you to send

Fuller (right) holds a picture of soldiers during WWII and points to Gass in the photo

According to Fuller, the Army is paying for all the cost surrounding the arrangements which came as a surprise to her. 'I didnt know the Army would go to this great detail to see that he was brought home,' Fuller said

Watts, who died in 2005, claimed to have seen Gass' dog tags hanging on a headstone at the Belgium cemetery.

Last May the remains were sent to the accounting agency's lab and were identified as those of Gass earlier this year when scientist were able to match his DNA with that of his niece.

All of Gass' siblings have passed including Fuller's grandmother who was the soldiers sister.

'My grandmother always would talk about him,' she said.

An American tank serves as a war memorial in Bastogne, Belgium. This was not too far from where Gass was killed

'She kept a picture of him. She would always point to the picture and say, "That's my younger brother, Reece. He was killed in the war."

'She was very proud of the fact that he had served. There was never that closure for them, as far as his remains being sent back.'

Fuller never knew Gass but she has been told that he was 'quite the character'.

She said: 'He was a cut-up and liked to have fun, just like any 20-year-old. When he got the call to serve, he went.'

The DOD said Gass' name is listed on the Walls of the Missing and will now feature a rosette signalling that he has been accounted for.

Refugees leaving a Belfgian town during the war. A full public military burial will take that same Saturday, June 10, at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church Cemetery

A public service will be held by the family on June 9 at the Douty-Stevens Funeral Home. A private family service will take place the following day. A full public military burial will take that same Saturday, June 10, at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

According to Fuller, the Army is paying for all the cost surrounding the arrangements which came as a surprise to her.

'I didnt know the Army would go to this great detail to see that he was brought home,' Fuller said.

'Ive earned a lot more respect for them.'
Erin Molan's retired major general father says Australians should give up some rights in the fight against terror and wants migration from terrorist hotbeds suspended.

Speaking with Neil Mitchell on 3AW on Monday, former Major General Jim Molan said it was time Australians gave up habeas corpus, the long-standing right to trial before detention.

He said it was time Australia took a 'zero tolerance' approach to terror and turned its focus to immigration because 'terrorists are either first or second generation refugees.'

Former Major General Jim Molan (pictured with daughter Erin Molan) said it was time Australians gave up habeas corpus, the right to trial before being jailed

'It's time to give up even more rights, we can decide to do that before that bad event or after the bad event,' Mr Molan said.

'I think the first thing that we've got to give up is habeas corpus. There is an option for us to suspend that, but society won't approve of that until after the big event.'

Mr Molan said it was time Australia considered detaining people of interest before there was enough evidence to submit to a court.

'Review what the intelligence is and make a determination for the person to be arrested and incarcerated for a period of time,' he said.

Mr Molan said it was time Australia considered detaining people of interest before there was enough evidence to submit to a court

The Footy Show star Erin Molan (pictured) is the daughter of retired Major General Jim Molan

Mr Molan said the move would not only make the community safer, but rehabilitate the individual.

'It's not just we the society that doesn't get killed, it's the individual that may be finding themselves over their head and being killed or going to jail forever,' he said.

'The benefit of it is, you may break a chain of events.'

Mr Molan said it should not take a 'bad terrorist attack' on home soil to jolt Australia into action.

The retired major general also told Neil Mitchell he wanted migration from terror hotbeds suspended.

The Footy Show hosts Darryl Brohman, Erin Molan and Paul 'Fatty' Vautin at the the Logies

Retired Major General Jim Molan (pictured) also told Neil Mitchell he wanted migration from terror hotbeds suspended

'The logic of suspending migration from extremist influenced countries is undeniable,' he said.

'We should not bring to Australia a class of people who may have a tendency to become terrorists in the future.

'If you're in Australia now, you're rights are inalienable, unless we go for something like suspending habeas corpus.'

One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson ramped up her call for a Muslim immigration ban on Sunday

'Stop Islamic immigration before it is too late,' One Nation Party leader Pauline Hanson posted to Twitter on Sunday

Mr Molan said it 'all comes down to the government to protect us'.

His call for a migration suspension from extremist-influenced countries comes after One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson ramped up her call for a Muslim immigration ban.

The Queensland politician took to Twitter on Sunday morning to call for the ban as news emerged of Saturday night's London terror attacks which killed seven people.

'Stop Islamic immigration before it is too late,' she told her almost 30,000 followers.

'Stop Islamic immigration before it is too late,' she told her almost 30,000 followers

'Terrorism in the UK is growing week after week. Having extremists within our societies is not multiculturalism, it's suicide,' Adelaide Shia imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi (pictured) posted to Twitter

With Muslims making up 2.5 per cent of the Australian population, Ms Hanson said Islam immigration needed to stop before it 'hits five per cent like England'.

'Australia refuses to hide the fact that terrorism is related to the Islamic teachings in the Koran,' she said.

Adelaide Shia imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi supported Senator Hanson's call to ban Islamic migration.

'Terrorism in the UK is growing week after week. Having extremists within our societies is not multiculturalism, it's suicide,' he posted to twitter on Sunday.
Tony Abbott has slammed officials for being soft on terror  and called for police to be given the shoot-to-kill powers utilised in the London terror attack.

The former prime minister, who put a commando regiment on standby during the December 2014 Lindt cafe siege, said he wants Australia's leaders to urgently consider using the military in complex terrorist situations.

He is one of several government MPs pushing for the Defence Act to be amended.

'If there is a complex situation, I think it is fitting the military become the lead agency,' Mr Abbott told reporters in Ballarat on Monday, while acknowledging police would always be the initial responders.

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Tony Abbott has called for police to be given the shoot-to-kill powers utilised in the London terror attack

'There is a difference between a multiple or complex terrorist incident and a relatively standard siege,' he said, according to The Australian.

'In the case of a complex terrorist incident, they should be the lead agency, there is no doubt about that.'

He said the issue should be urgently talked about at the next COAG meeting, scheduled for Friday in Hobart.

His comments came after at least seven people were killed in London and dozens more wounded - including three Australians - when three terrorists went on a rampage over the weekend.

All three were shot dead by police within eight minutes of the first emergency call.

Candice Hedge (pictured left), from Brisbane, is recovering in hospital after being stabbed in the neck. Darwin man Andrew Morrison (right) is on his way home after being cut in the neck

Mr Abbott also urged leaders not to show any spirit of surrender or defeatism in the face of terrorism.

Instead, the strongest possible response was needed.

'All too often in officialdom's ranks there is this notion Islamophobia is almost as bigger problem as Islamist terrorism,' he said.

'Islamophobia hasn't killed anyone, Islamist terrorism has now killed tens of thousands of people.'

Liberal senator David Fawcett, chairman of parliament's joint foreign affairs and defence committee, would like the military to be the primary responder in a terrorist incident.

Chaos broke out for several minutes during Saturday night's attack in the heart of London

Police on duty next to floral tributes left on Southwark Street near the scene of the attack

'If a 'high-risk incident' develops into a siege or hostage event, the force best equipped to deal with the threat must be deployed in a timely manner,' he wrote in the paper.

The existing law, which requires a state or territory government to request assistance, unnecessarily delays deployment of the most effective force to deal with the threat, he said.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the idea was already under review following the Lindt cafe siege.

'The issue of defence support in national counter-terrorism arrangements is already being considered,' she told ABC radio.

Fresh concerns about response times in Australia were raised last week after Victoria Police took more than 90 minutes to board a Malaysia Airlines plane after a bomb threat was reported.
A former Australian Women's Weekly journalist says she felt 'duped' after publishing an article about Rebel Wilson containing what she says were lies told by the Hollywood star.

Caroline Overington says the Pitch Perfect actor lied to her about her real name, age and childhood during an interview in 2014.

But Logie-winning actor Hugh Sheridan, known for his role in Packed to the Rafters, came in to bat for Wilson via video link from Los Angeles, telling a story about how the pair had visited a secret Disneyland apartment.

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Rebel Wilson's defamation case against the publisher of Woman's Day magazine has entered its third week

Former Australian Women's Weekly journalist Caroline Overington said the Pitch Perfect actor lied to her about her real name, age and childhood during an interview in 2014

Australian actor Hugh Sheridan says he and close friend Rebel Wilson went to a secret Disneyland apartment. Wilson is suing Bauer Media for articles she claims painted her as a serial liar about her real name, age and childhood

Wilson, 37, is suing Bauer, the publisher of Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly, NW and OK! Magazine after a series of articles in 2015 she says damaged her career by painting her as a serial liar.

The articles claim Wilson told 'pork pies' about a number of elements in her life, including being related to Walt Disney.

Overington told the Victorian Supreme Court on Monday that a year after publishing her article on Wilson, a number of other articles made her question the veracity of her story.

She set about trying to correct the errors by publishing a follow-up article separating fact from fiction.

During cross-examination on Monday, Overington says Wilson 'gilded the lily' in their interview and she felt 'duped' by the star.

'I would have imagined when I asked her questions, I would have been told the truth,' she said.

The articles also suggested Wilson had been untruthful about being related to Walt Disney and getting exclusive access to Disneyland

Overington said Wilson had lied about being younger than her real age and lied about being named Rebel at birth, when she was actually called Melanie Bownds.

Wilson denies she has ever lied to journalists and says the articles caused her career serious damage for nearly two years, leading to her being sacked from two DreamWorks films.

Wilson's lawyer, Matthew Collins QC, argued there was a 'wealth of information' in the public domain about Wilson's real age before Overington ever wrote her article.

He said the journalist had 'misinterpreted' what Wilson had told her about her age.

Earlier, Sheridan said he and Wilson had visited a secret apartment in Disneyland, where at the touch of a button mermaids appeared in pictures, music started and visions were projected onto the walls.

He also told the court Wilson had been 'very upset' after Bauer Media published the articles.

Sheridan said Wilson felt she'd been called a liar about 'things that were actually true', such as her and her siblings' unusual names.

'She's been extremely distressed about it. She's in court now. It's awful,' he said.

Sheridan told the court Wilson had been 'very upset' after Bauer Media published the articles

He said Wilson felt she'd been called a liar about 'things that were actually true', such as her and her siblings' unusual names

Also on Monday, former Australian Women's Weekly journalist Caroline Overington returned to the witness box, telling the court she'd been 'duped' by Wilson.

She said Wilson had lied about being younger than her real age and lied about being named Rebel at birth.

Wilson's lawyer, Matthew Collins QC, argued there was a 'wealth of information' in the public domain about Wilson's real age before Ms Overington ever wrote her article on the Pitch Perfect star.

He said the journalist had 'misinterpreted' what Wilson had told her about her age.

Rebel Wilson is greeted by Dave Hughes, Kate Langbroek and fans as she arrives at the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Friday

Rebel Wilson holds a bouquet of roses as she arrived at court to find supporters waiting for her

On Friday, Wilson's agent said she was mystified by a lull in the star's Hollywood career after the the 'incredible success' internationally of Pitch Perfect 2.

Sharon Jackson said she was surprised the actress did not receive many multimillion-dollar leading lady offers after playing a main role.

The 37-year-old claimed she was sacked from two DreamWorks animations following the articles, and missed out on future movie roles during 2015 and 2016.

The articles suggested the star had told untruths about her real name, claimed she was younger than she was, and embellished facts about her childhood, such as being related to animation pioneer Walt Disney.

Wilson denies lying to journalists and says she was fired from two films and missed out on many other opportunities for a year and a half following the articles' publication.

Comedians and local radio hosts Dave Hughes and Kate Langbroek at the front of the court house show support for Rebel

Rebel Wilson was seen smiling laughing and even shedding a tear as she arrived at court on Friday

Ms Jackson appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Friday via video link from California, telling the court how cinema audiences had fallen 'in love with Rebel'.

The Beverly Hills agent said she was 'excited' and sure Wilson was on track to star in many more Hollywood roles.

However, Ms Jackson said the expected success didn't come.

'It didn't make any sense to me. It was a real mystery,' she told the court.

Publisher Bauer Media's defence lawyers argued negotiations for movies took place during the period Wilson claimed she couldn't get a job.

Next up is Wilson's Sydney hairdresser Gavin Anesbury, who could be a secret weapon against the actress in the case.

Some of the signs read 'I'm in Rebel's Court', 'Rebel is Pitch Perfect' and 'Don't Pitch Slap Rebel'

Mr Anesbury is expected to give evidence that Wilson and Australian Women's Weekly journalist Caroline Overington had a conversation while the star was getting her hair and make-up done prior to an official interview in October 2014.

The point is crucial because Wilson denies she ever gave Ms Overington a 'pre-interview' in which she lied about her age and real name.

Wilson was welcomed with a cheer squad on her way into court on Friday morning, set up by radio personalities Dave Hughes and Kate Langbroek.

Wilson's former school friend, Zarah Zaidi, will also be called on to give evidence.

The Bridesmaids star also had her mother, two sisters and a brother give evidence on her behalf so far this week.
Indigenous leader Noel Pearson has firmly denied claims he unleashed an expletive-ridden tirade aimed at a string of high-profile politicians.

Mr Pearson allegedly called Malcolm Turnbull a 'white c***', Indigenous Minister Ken Wyatt a 'black c***' and Labor Senator Pat Dodson a 'f***ing black c***', the ABC reported.

The alleged outburst is said to have come after a Referendum Council meeting late last year, which discussed constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians.

Mr Pearson told The Australian that he 'strenuously denies the allegations'.

Indigenous leader Noel Pearson is accused of unleashing an expletive-ridden tirade aimed at a string of high-profile politicians

Mr Pearson allegedly called Malcolm Turnbull a 'white c***' after a Referendum Council meeting late last year

An MP who was at the meeting said there was a 'lively discussion' between Mr Turnbull and Mr Pearson, who was said to be unhappy with the outcome of the meeting.

'I heard the Prime Minister say ''I will not insult you, I will listen to your views but I am being pragmatic that your model is highly unlikely to be supported'',' the MP said.

Liberal MP Warren Entsch wasn't at the meeting, but told the broadcaster: 'That was enough to trigger him. Noelie [had a] tantrum and called [Turnbull] a white c***.'

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Mr Pearson for comment, who reportedly denies the fresh claims.

Liberal MP Warren Entsch wasn't at the meeting, but said: 'Noelie [had a] tantrum and called [Turnbull] a white c***'

Mr Pearson is seen at the National Indigenous Constitution Convention's closing ceremony last month

In November last year, Mr Pearson denied racially abusing a Queensland Education Minister Kate Jones, who accused him of using the phrase 'f***ing white c***' in 2009.

Mr Pearson didn't deny using 'colourful language' in dealings over his Good to Great schools program.

But he told the ABC at the time: 'I completely, completely reject the suggestion that I directed any of those words at minister Kate Jones in 2009'.

Mr Pearson allegedly called Labor Senator Pat Dodson (pictured) a 'f***ing black c***'
The parents of a two-year-old girl who tragically died after suffering severe burns in a hot bath have both been charged with her murder and torture.

Maddilyn-Rose Ava Stokes, from Northgate in Brisbane's north, suffered severe burns to her back, buttocks and legs for several days before she died.

Her parents, Shane David Stokes, 30, and Nicole Betty More, 23, have previously claimed the injuries were the result of scalding hot bath water.

According to the Courier Mail, the pair were arrested on Monday morning and later charged with murder and torture, 11 days after their daughter's death.

They will face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Maddilyn-Rose Ava Stokes, aged two, died from a fatal heart attack after suffering severe burns in a hot bath in May

Parents Shane David Stokes (left) and Nicole Betty Moore (right) have both been charged with murder and torture

Detective Inspector Tim Trezise said police would allege that Maddilyn-Rose had suffered 'life-threatening burns to her back, buttocks, groin and legs'.

He said her parents did not seek help for several days and at the time they blamed her injuries on hot bath water.

'The investigation has been particularly difficult and emotionally challenging due to the nature of the victim being a two-year-old girl suffering significant injuries,' Mr Tresize said in a media conference on Monday.

'Obviously any allegations of child cruelty get treated very seriously by police ... and the perpetrators of that cruelty will be brought before the courts.'

Family members also expressed their heartache after the news broke on Monday.

'I am very sad and will hold my kids tighter tonight,' Shane's brother Gwyn Stokes told Daily Mail Australia.

'It never should have come to this.'

Emergency services were called to the housing commission complex in Northgate at 4.30pm on Thursday when the two-year-old went into cardiac arrest.

Paramedics worked on the girl for 30 minutes before rushing her to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, where she later died.

The pair (pictured in police cars) were arrested on Monday morning and later charged with murder and torture, 11 days after their daughter's death

After an 11-day investigation Maddilyn-Rose Ava Stokes's parents were charged with her murder and torture. Police allege she suffered 'life-threatening burns to her back, buttocks, groin and legs'

Police were called to the Northgate home in Brisbane when paramedics discovered the girl's injuries

Paramedics alerted the police to the girl's critical condition when they discovered her severe injuries.

The girl's death sent shockwaves through the community.

Neighbour Rhonda Jones has lived in the complex for a decade and would enjoy hearing the sandy-haired little girl 'chattering up the driveway' most days.

'She was just like any other child - she was always laughing and sounded happy,' Mrs Jones told Daily Mail Australia.

'The last time I saw her was on Wednesday she was going up to look in the letterbox.'

Mrs Jones said she was shocked when she realised the Ambulances were for the 'quiet house down the back'.

Ambulance paramedics alerted police to the girl's (pictured right) critical condition when they discovered the injuries - police launched an immediate investigation
A Pakistani refugee's body has languished for two months in a Victorian morgue as his wife continues her fight to come and bury him.

Asghar Ali, of Hazara ethnicity, came to Australia from Pakistan as a refugee and was granted protection before law changes in 2013 which would have sent him to Papua New Guinea.

Mr Ali died on April 16 but Khan Salehi, from the Hazara Shamama Association of Australia, says the refugee's wife, Masooma, has been unable to collect and bury his body as the Australian Department of Immigration will not grant her a visa.

Pakistani refugee Asghar Ali's body has been sitting in a Victorian morgue for two months as his wife battles to come to Australia to bury him

His wife, Masooma (pictured with the couple's children) has been denied a tourist visa as the Department of Immigration and Border Control does not trust she will return to Pakistan after the funeral

Her request for an Australian tourist visa was denied, with the department explaining they were concerned there was little incentive for the mother-of-three to return to Pakistan.

As a result, Mr Ali remains in the morgue of Latrobe Regional Hospital in Gippsland, in Victoria's south-east. He has no other family who can collect his body.

In a letter, the department claims Masooma had a phone interview with immigration officials where she claimed she would not return to Pakistan, but Mr Salehi, a leader in the Australian Hazara community who has been working with her, denied this.

'Masooma is very disappointed with the situation,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'She just wants to attend the funeral.'

Masooma and her children have not seen Mr Ali since he came to Australia by boat more than six years ago.

She intended to fly her youngest son, eight, to Australia with her to farewell his father - but to leave her other two children in Pakistan, something Mr Salehi says should help her case.

The father of three had been in Australia for more than six years, and was waiting for citizenship so he could sponsor the rest of his family to come to the country

Masooma (centre) was going to travel to Australia with her youngest son and leave her two older children in Pakistan, which her advocate Khan Salehi says should help her case

'She wanted to come with her youngest son, and she has two other children. If she stayed here, who would take care of her other two children?' he asked.

Due to the family's situation in Pakistan, Mr Ali's body cannot be flown back, as it will cause problems for them.

A letter from the Department seen by Daily Mail Australia which refuses her visa stated the 'concern' she would not leave the country at the end of her visa outweighed any sympathy felt for her situation.

'I am not satisfied that your personal and economic circumstances in Pakistan would provide you with incentive to return and your expressed intention only to stay temporarily in Australia is genuine,' said the letter.

Latrobe Regional Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Simon Fraser says the hospital have been in touch with the Hazara Shamama Association in Melbourne which is advocating on behalf of Mr Ali and his family

'We are hopeful the issues surrounding Mr Ali's collection and burial will be resolved for the sake of his family,' Dr Fraser said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection told Fairfax the decision to approve or deny a visa application was always 'carefully considered'.

'The likelihood of an applicant overstaying or seeking to remain in Australia is a matter that must be assessed,' they said.
 New York Times Eliminating Public Editor Position | Main | USA Today Coverage of 1967 War Blurs Important Truths 

June 02, 2017

The Post Prints Fareed Zakarias Fake News on Iran



A May 25, 2017 Washington Post Op-Ed by CNN host Fareed Zakaria misled readers about the extent of the Islamic Republic of Irans connection to terrorist groups.

Zakarias commentary (How Saudi Arabia Played Donald Trump?) focused on Saudi Arabias connection to Islamist terror groups. The host of CNNs self-described flagship foreign affairs show,? entitled GPS, correctly pointed out that for five decades, Saudi Arabia has spread its narrow, puritanical and intolerant version of Islamoriginally practiced almost nowhere elseacross the Muslim world.? That ideology, Wahhabism, has influenced Islamist terror groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al-Qaeda.

Zakaria provided Post readers with details about how the Kingdom has exported Wahhabism via Saudi-funded mosques, clerics and programs. But when discussing Irans support of terrorism the CNN host stumbled, claiming that it would be wildly inaccurate to describe? Tehran as the source of jihadist terror.?

Doubling down, Zakaria asserted:

More than 94 percent 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.?

However, this both minimizes and misleads on Irans role in supporting terrorism. As CNN itself has noted, in 2016 the U.S. State Department declared Iran to be the top state sponsor of terror (State Department report finds Iran is top state sponsor of terror,? June 2, 2016).? Tehran received this dubious distinction in numerous previous years as well.

Zakaria would have readers believe that Iran is merely a destabilizing force in the Middle East? that supports some very bad actors.?

Massive international terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollahwhich, from its Lebanese safe haven controls about as much territory as ISISreceive extensive Iranian support. Hezbollah has conducted terrorist attacks in the Western hemisphere, including the 1992 and 1994 bombings of Jewish day care and community centers in Argentina. In 2011, an Iranian plot to blow up a Washington D.C. restaurantan attempt to murder a Saudi officialwas foiled. That plot emanated from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a massive entity that trains U.S.-designated terrorists groups, such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and others as Yaacov Katz and Yoaz Hendel noted in their 2012 book Israel Vs. Iran: The Shadow War.

Indeed, Iran funds numerous Sunni terrorist groups that have murdered Americans. In addition to Palestinian terror groups like Hamas and PIJ, Iran also has ties to al-Qaeda. The bipartisan 9/11 commission report, which investigated the Sept. 11, 2001 al Qaeda terror attacks  the largest mass casualty terrorist attack in U.S. history  pointed out that there was strong evidence that Iran facilitated the transit of al Qaeda members into and out of Afghanistan before 9/11, and that some of these were future 9/11 hijackers.? After the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, many al Qaeda terrorists fled to neighboring Iran  where they received sanctuary under the guise of home detention.? The Islamic Republic refused to extradite them to their home countries for prosecution. And, as CAMERA noted in a September 8, 2016 Washington Times Op-Ed, the U.S. has sanctioned numerous top al-Qaeda officials who were residing in Iranincluding a son of Osama bin Laden, the terror groups founder.

Many in the media have frequently failed to note the Islamic Republics ties to terror groups, including al-Qaeda and its descendant and future rival, ISIS. Zakaria, with his academic credentials, regular Washington Post columns, and CNN show, has contributed to this misunderstanding.

Posted by SD at June 2, 2017 02:02 PM

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Authorities say one person was injured after a helicopter crashed during takeoff at a small airport in southeastern Wisconsin.

Kenosha police say the crash was reported around 4:30pm Sunday at the Kenosha Regional Airport, about 30 miles south of Milwaukee.

Police say there was just one man on board.

A helicopter pilot has critical injuries after his aircraft crashed around 4:30pm Sunday at the Kenosha Regional Airport, about 30 miles south of Milwaukee

Kenosha Fire Department Chief Charles Leipzig told Kenosha News that the pilot had been returning from a flight and started to hover and lose control of the aircraft around 35ft.

He added that the pilot had been trapped for about two to three minutes after the crash.

Kenosha Fire Department Chief Charles Leipzig said that the pilot was returning from a flight and started to hover and lose control of the aircraft around 35ft

Flight For Life public affairs officer Tammy Chatman says the man was airlifted to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. His identity and condition were not immediately known.

'We had just landed,' Loren Thompson, another pilot in the area, told Kenosha News.

The pilot said he saw a piece of metal fly off the R-22 two-bladed aircraft while the pilot tried to wrestle the helicopter to the ground followed by the side of the helicopter falling to the ground.

Thompson said that the metal piece could have actually been the tail rotor, required for the stability of the aircraft.Thompson compared the crash to a YouTube video.

'You look up and there it is,' he said. 'Three seconds and it was over.'

There weren't any smoke or flames present during the crash, he said.

The registered owner of the helicopter is A-Z Leasing LLC, according to FAA registry of the craft

'I'm glad he's alive. It looked bad,' Thompson said.

The registered owner of the helicopter is A-Z Leasing LLC, according to FAA registry of the craft. It was manufactured with Robinson Helicopter Co and got certified on August 24, 2015.

Police say the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating. The National Transportation Safety Board also plans to open an investigation.
Anand Jon Alexander (pictured), now 40, is writing a book in which he claims he was wrongly targeted and is now serving a 59-year sentence for rape

The disgraced fashion designer who first put Ivanka Trump on the runway is speaking out in a new book seven years after being locked up for rape and a dozen other criminal charges, including having a sexual relationship with a minor.

Anand Jon Alexander, now 40, is writing a book in which he claims he was wrongly targeted and is now serving a 59-year sentence for rape.

'What I did as absolutely immoral, but not illegal,' he told a former acquaintance, according to Page Six. 'I had a lot of sex, but it was not illegal. Everyone was over 17, except one girl who lied about her age.'

Alexander was charged with preying on aspiring young models under the pretense that he would be able to help them launch their careers. When he was convicted, he accepted a deal and plead guilty to forcing a woman to perform oral sex in exchange for a promise of modeling work.

Initially, he was charged with preying on dozens of women, but the figure eventually dropped to three. Prosecutors said some of the victims were minors, and some were drugged when he forced himself on them.

Anand Jon Alexander, who worked with Ivanka Trump (left in 1999 and right in 2010), is speaking out in a new book seven years after being locked up for rape and a dozen other criminal charges, including having a sexual relationship with a minor

However, in his new book, he claims he was a victim of police racism.

'This was about lifestyle. The police saw a brown-skinned man having sex with white girls,' he told a Page Six source.

In the book, he discusses dressing stars such as Janet Jackson and Mary J Blige, and his friendship with Ivanka Trump. Alexander and Trump met when she was just 14, and he was the first designer to have her model his clothing on the catwalk.

About the beginning of her career in fashion, Alexander said: 'Ivanka did five shows for me. She'd take the subway to fittings.'

Alexander (center) was charged with preying on aspiring young models under the pretense that he would be able to help them launch their careers. When he was convicted, he accepted a deal and plead guilty to forcing a woman to perform oral sex in exchange for a promise of modeling work

Alexander and Trump met when she was just 14, and he was the first designer to have her model his clothing

Alexander has now been in jail for over seven years, and his family hopes the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit will overturn his conviction.

Born in India, Alexander, known professionally as Anand Jon, launched a fashion line in 1999 and built it into a high-flying career

The wealthy family recently filed a motion for discovery in a Dallas federal court, which says: 'The Los Angeles Jury Trial was riddled with the red flags of due process violations, jury tampering and intimidation, racism-xenophobia and many unresolved discovery issues.'

Born in India, Alexander, known professionally as Anand Jon, launched a fashion line in 1999 and built it into a high-flying career.

He was featured on Tyra Banks popular reality contest, worked with such celebrities as Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige and was among 20 people profiled by Newsweek in 2006 as up-and-coming players in various industries.

Then sex assault allegations against Alexander began surfacing in 2007. He was convicted in Los Angeles the following year of sexually assaulting seven women and girls, some as young as 14.

Alexander's attorney said after the plea that he admitted to the crime so he could get evidence and materials from New York prosecutors needed to effectively overturn his California conviction.

Considering the initial 49 charges included allegations of rape, drugging and mafia death threats, the settlement of one conviction involving Mr. Alexander's giving oral sex to an adult female was acceptable, they said in a statement.
Melbourne police have 'arrested' two dogs for loitering at Sunbury train station on Sunday night.

In a post to the Victoria Police Facebook page, officials picked up the pooches after a rail guard reported the dogs to be without their owner in a public place.

Police used the rescue as an opportunity to pose with the smiley dogs who appeared oblivious to the authority of their new friends.

Victoria Police 'arrested' the two dogs (pictured) for loitering at a train station

Police first took an opportunity to pose with the smiley dogs who appeared oblivious tohow much 'trouble' they were in

'The males were apprehended and transported back to the Sunbury Police Station for an interview,' the law enforcement officials wrote.

The post said the two adorable dogs 'made full confessions' after being fed peanut butter sandwiches.

Alongside adorable pictures of the dogs the post stated the dogs were captured 'After a ruff night out in the Sunbury CBD.'

Police tracked down the parents of the two Golden Retrievers and notified them of the missing dogs whereabouts.

'At 2:00 AM Grandma collected Bobby and Eddy who went home with their tails between their legs,' police said.
A mid-traffic meltdown has been caught on camera, with dashcam footage showing a man stopping his car in the middle of a busy Sydney highway to get out and yell at the truck behind him.

Footage from the truck sent to 2GB shows a white sedan pull out from the shoulder of Henry Lawson Drive near Milperra early on Monday morning before almost immediately slamming on his breaks.

A middle-aged man gets out of the car and starts to point and yell at the driver, saying 'get the f*** out of the truck'.

A driver appearing to suffer extreme Monday-itis was caught on dashcam swearing at a truck driver early on Monday morning

The man can be heard banging on the drivers side door to the truck as the driver sits inside, presumably with the doors locked.

When his attempts to convince the truck driver to exit the vehicle fail, the sedan driver tries to face the object of his anger by climbing up the truck.

He stays there for about 15 seconds before getting down and heading back to his own car to pull over.

During this time, the truck driver calls 000 for assistance.

The matter was never resolved, with police attending the scene after both men had disappeared.

A spokeswoman for NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia officers had spoken with the truck driver and investigations were continuing.

Police encourage anyone with information or who may have seen the incident to contact Bankstown Local Police Station or CrimeStoppers.

Video shows the driver pull out from the shoulder of Henry Lawson Drive, near Milperra, and begin to point and yell at the driver, and hit the side of the truck before climbing up on it
Regardless of ethnic group or economic status, girls are continuing to do better than boys in language arts classes in California schools.

Three out of four African-American boys did not meet reading and writing standards in the most recent tests, the Los Angeles Daily News reports, from data it received from the California Department of Education.

The data showed how different genders across ethnic groups and economic class performed in reading, writing and listening skills on state tests.

The data showed that 75% of African-American boys failed to meet reading and writing standards on their tests and more than half of black boys scored in the lowest category on the English part of the test.

All the while, their female counterparts outperformed them, even at all ages. High school boys did do better than younger boys, girls still scored higher.

Regardless of ethnic group or economic status, girls are continuing to do better than boys in language arts classes in California schools, according to data from the California Department of Education (stock photo)

Three out of four African-American boys did not meet reading and writing standards in the most recent tests, while their female counterparts continued to do well (stock photo)

According to the newspaper, even a higher family income didn't close the gap.

And of all the ethnic groups that California collects data for, African-American girls outperformed African-American boys by the widest margin, according to the paper.

Tom Loveless, an education researcher for the Brookings Institution told the Daily News: 'If boys dont read as well as girls, and if that persists all the way through K-12, it means when you reach certain thresholds like college, it places the males at a disadvantage.

'The ability to read well has a lot to do with the ability to get into college and the ability to do well while youre in college.'

And though there is no definitive explanation for the gap in performance, there are several theories.

Chris Chatmon, the founding executive director of the African-American Male Achievement program at the Oakland Unified School District said it could be that the materials aren't as relevant to African-American boys.

'Part of this may be structural, in having texts that arent relevant to the experiences and legacy of African-American boys,' he told the Daily News.

'When a lot of the curriculum you have access to isnt familiar, or doesnt acknowledge your past or your present, you have a tendency not to be engaged with it or want to read it.'

African-American girls outperformed African-American boys, even regardless of economic status or age (stock photo)
Greens leader Richard Di Natale has accused Pauline Hanson of stirring 'division and hatred' following yet another Islamist terrorist attack in the United Kingdom.

He has accused the One Nation leader of political pointing scoring with her renewed call to ban Muslim immigration to Australia and even took a dig at her character, sparking outrage from his Facebook followers.

'Pauline Hanson's response to the indiscriminate violence we have seen in recent days in London, Egypt, Kabul, Iraq and Manchester are a calculated intervention to promote her own agenda of division and hatred,' Senator Di Natale said on Facebook on Monday.

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Greens leader Richard Di Natale accused Pauline Hanson of stirring 'division and hatred'

The Greens leader's attacks on Pauline Hanson didn't go down well with everyone on Facebook

One man wondered why Richard Di Natale attacked Pauline Hanson instead of the terrorists

'It's intended to generate controversy so I won't add to it except to say that using these violent and hateful events to further her own political cause speaks volumes about the person she is.'

While British Prime Minister Theresa May has condemned platitudes of unity following the London terrorist attack that has killed seven people, Senator Di Natale called for Australians to 'come together'.

'Muslims around the world are the victims of this violence, not simply the perpetrators, and it is our duty to work with them not just to make Australia a safer place, but also somewhere that all people who are committed to peace feel welcome,' he said.

Not everyone on Senator Di Natale's Facebook page was convinced of the left-wing politician's message.

Richard Di Natale's Facebook followers wondered why he downplayed Islam's role in terror

The former doctor turned politician took a dig at Pauline Hanson's character in his post

A university student, from the demographic that votes for the Greens, said Senator Di Natale's downplaying of the link between terrorism and Islam did nothing to help Muslims.

'Yes, of course Muslims around the world are the victims. But you're not doing them any favours lying around the factors at play within terrorism,' he wrote.

'You're making it harder to address them.'

Another man was incensed that Senator Di Natale chose to attack Senator Hanson rather than the three knife-wielding Islamist terrorists who drove a van over the London Bridge and attacked patrons at nearby pubs.

'Really, it that all you have to say about these Muslim atrocities? Attack Pauline? Pathetic. We are at war with Islam, deal with it,' he said.

Several Facebook followers asked why the Greens are focusing on Pauline Hanson and not the London terrorists

This university student said the Greens leader did nothing for Muslims for failing to note the link between terrorism and Islam

This man pointed out that Richard Di Natale was pointing scoring by attacking Pauline Hanson

One woman however praised the Greens leader for showing empathy after the terror attacks

Another man said Senator Di Natale himself was point scoring after a terrorist attack.

'Attacking Pauline is simply a pathetic attempt to point score yourself,' he said.

Senator Hanson has ramped up her call for Australia to ban Muslim immigration in the wake of the London terrorist attack that has killed seven innocent people, and injuring another 48.

Senator Hanson 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.

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.

It was a parody of the London Metropolitan Police Twitter advisory in the wake of a terrorist attack.

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 Nation's Facebook graphic was based on this London Metropolitan Police message

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.

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.
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A stunning home in the exclusive Melbourne suburb of Toorak has been snapped up for $19.1million, making it the most expensive property sold in the city this year.

The five-bedroom house featuring an infinity pool and even its own lift was sold for $5 million above its reserve.

The $19.1million Toorak home features an infinity pool (pictured), its own lift and an 18-seat cinema

The private auction run by Abercromby's agents Tim Derham and Jock Langley was attended by five buyers consisting a mix of expatriates and local families.

Out of the five, only three managed to bid on the house.



'Two (buyers) didn't even get the chance to put their hands up,' Mr Derham told News Corp.

Mr Derham told Daily Mail Australia that the auction was over within five minutes.

He said the house was on the market for three and a half weeks before it was snapped up on May 30.

The home was sold within five minutes after being on the market for three and a half weeks, agent Tim Derham told Daily Mail

Five prospective buyers at the auction didn't even get to bid on the property (pictured), which is sprawled over four storeys

James Buyer Advocates director Mal James said the auction kicked off at $12.8 million and the house hit the market soon after at $13.8million.

The property had earlier been quoted at $13-$14.3million.

Mr James said the $19.1million sale price for the home was a confidence-booster for the Melbourne property market.

'Myvore is a good street, but is it one of Melbourne's or indeed Toorak's best streets?

'Maybe it is now,' he said.

The property boasts a certified 18-seat cinema with a bar, infinity pool, its own lift and a butler pantry

The house, which has never been occupied before, features 930 sq metres of living space sprawled across four storeys.

Mr Derham said among the features for the luxurious properties are a rooftop terrace with CBD views, a gym, climate controlled wine cellar and six-car basement garage.

The house also has a lift, a THX-certified 18-seat cinema with a bar, an infinity pool, Jack Merlo-designed landscaping, a Carrara marble kitchen with a butler's pantry, Wolf appliances and an integrated Liebherr fridge and freezer, a palatial main bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, plus four further bedrooms each with en suites.

To date, Melbourne's record house price for the period was achieved by another Toorak house which was sold for $26.25 million in December.
A 28-year-old woman has been arrested over the stabbing death of a 13-month-old girl who is known to her.

Emergency services arrived in Reservoir, in the north of Melbourne, after being called by a family member just before 11am.

They entered the house to find the baby girl's body with what are believed to be stab wounds on it.

A 28-year-old woman has been arrested over the stabbing death of a baby girl known to her

Police arrived at a home in Reservoir, Melbourne just before 11am on Monday after a call from a family member

Three other children were in the house at the time, but they were all unharmed.

The 28-year-old woman has been taken into custody and is assisting police with their inquiries.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the young girl's death, but are not looking for any other person in relation to the matter.

Police are still investigating the circumstances of the baby girl's death, but are not looking for any other person in relation to the matter

Neighbours of the family told the Herald Sun police were seen at the home semi-regularly.

Some claimed they had each witnessed domestic violence incidents between a man and a woman, with one claiming he had seen a man chase a woman and threaten her life.

Travis Box, a local resident, was involved in breaking up a dispute between a man and a woman outside the house just days ago.

He told the paper he 'put the guy to the ground' with another resident and held him until police came.
Anti-terror police hauled a family of six from their beds as they raided two homes including a former brothel as they investigate the terror attack on London Bridge.

Officers are searching two addresses in Dagenham and East Ham in connection with Saturday night's massacre, which saw three jihadist terrorists kill seven people and injure dozens more.

Neighbours say around 40 armed police, some with stun grenades stormed the properties early this morning, with locals hearing guns being fired and explosions ringing out.

Armed police in body armour and helmets threw flash bang grenades and smashed down the front door of a house just 100 yards from a nursery in East Ham.

The other property being searched, in Dagenham, is said to have previously been a brothel.

A topless man is led away from the property in Caledon Road in East Ham in a military-style assault as part of what detectives called 'a fast-moving operation'

The man was led away after police raided the address on Caledon Road in East Ham

A man who covered himself in a sheet was taken away from a property in Dagenham, east London this morning after the latest set of raids following the London Bridge terror attack

Armed police stormed the properties and neighbours heard gunshots and explosions (pictured: the property in Dagenham)

Police officers stand outside a residential property close to the Ship and Shovel pub in Dagenham

Describing the raid at the property in Caledon Road in East Ham, neighbours said they heard loud bangs.

Gurpreet Chandar, 18, who lives opposite the house said: 'I heard very loud bangs and looked out of the window and police were everywhere.

'I went outside to see what was going on and put my hands up so I wouldn't be shot and saw six people altogether being taken away, three women and three men.'

Aditya Wason, 23, said: 'It's a rented three bedroom house, they are Asian.

'I heard the sirens and the flash bang grenades from the police there were police cars everywhere, about six and others undercover.

'I'm shocked. My neighbour said she heard one of them talking in the garden on the phone all the time in the middle of the night, especially in the winter at 1 or 2am.'

One neighbour said he knew the family and described the older man, aged in his early 60s, was a 'nice gentleman' and couldn't believe he had been arrested.

He said: 'My wife and I woke up at about 4.30am, they took away the dad, two sons and the wife and two other women.

'There were lots of police, some with guns.

'They moved here two or three years ago. I saw the dad yesterday at around 10am and I spoke to him about the terror attack and he just said 'forget about it'.

'I couldn't believe it, I always thought they were a nice family, none of them work though apart from the daughter who works with disabled people.

'He was dismissive.'

Police carried out a raid at a Dagenham address early this morning in connection with the London Bridge terror attacks and residents reported hearing gunshots

In Dagenham, one witness told MailOnline he heard an 'extremely loud bang at 4am followed by multiple gunshots'.

He said: 'It was as if my ear was right next to a car backfiring. It was loud enough to wake everyone up at 4am.'

A driver from a nearby bus depot said the house in Dagenham had been a brothel.

Neighbour James Bateman, who lives at the other side of the road, said: 'At about 4am, after the large bang, I looked outside the window after being woken up and I saw about a dozen armed police officers going to and from an unmarked van.

'There were car alarms going off and we were over 300 feet away. The after bangs were smaller. It is quite possible they could have been gunshots.

'I don't know because I didn't see anyone shooting, but that's not to say it wasn't gunfire.'

Police were also seen outside the house in Caledon Road, in East Ham. Scotland Yard have not confirmed how many arrested have been made

A police spokesman said: 'A number of people have been detained and are being spoken to' (pictured: police during the raid on Caledon Road)

It comes after 12 people - including seven women - were arrested in Barking yesterday

Mr Bateman said the bangs that followed were not as loud but sounded 'the equivalent' of gunshots.

Simon Tucker wrote on Twitter: 'Heard this in the Dagenham area at around 4:15 am. Started with loud explosion sound. Followed by about 20 shots, Some sounded distant.'

Taxi driver Naveed Saleemi, 44, said: 'I had done my prayers and as I went to bed I heard a loud bang.

'I thought there had been an accident but as I looked out of my window I saw the motorway was closed on both sides and nobody was there.

'One police officer was outside the house and another was flashing a light on the gate and we could see what looked like fireworks going off.

'We saw the flashes from grenades.

'I saw banging carrying on in the yellow house and they remained there for less than 10 minutes.

'Then we saw or five or six males arrested being brought out in their shorts and T-shirts and they were handcuffed by police.

'One by one they were escorted from the house and then they got a saw and cut into the garage, but I don't think they found anything.

'The people arrested didn't look hurt but there were about 35 or 40 armed police on the streets. I've never seen anything like it.

The father-of-five added: 'It was pretty frightening and it woke up my children who were going back to school after the holidays.'

Seven women were among the 12 suspects arrested in Barking yesterday afternoon

Police officers were seen standing outside a residential property close to the Ship and Shovel pub in Dagenham.

A quarter-mile stretch of the A13 is thought to have been closed off for a short period during the raid.

Yesterday, police arrested 12 people including four women during a dawn raid at a block of flats in Barking where one of the London Bridge terrorists reportedly lived.

One witness said a suspect who tried to flee was shot while others reported hearing gunfire and explosions as police swooped on the east London address at 7am on Sunday.

Several men were pictured laying face down in the road handcuffed, while others were later led from the flat alongside four women.

The arrests marked the first by police over the attack which killed seven and wounded 48, including 18 people left who are in a critical condition.

The women pictured covered their faces as they were led out of a flat block in east London

Pictured is a woman being detained by police after a raid on Barking Road, East Ham yesterday

Twelve people were arrested in a raid in a tower block in Barking, east London, yesterday in connection with the attack

A witness said one of the men attempted to flee from police and was shot before being put in an ambulance, while another said a woman taken from the flats also needed medical attention

Police have carried out raids on properties around east London since the attacks on Saturday

The hunt for the accomplices: Police arrest more than a dozen people Officers have made a series of arrests since Saturday night's London Bridge atrocity and are searching a number of properties. Early on Sunday, police carried out raids at two addresses in Barking, east London, arresting 12 people. At one property, police detained a 38-year-old woman. Four men aged 28, 52, 55 and 27 and six women aged 49, 60, 19, 27, 24 and 53 were arrested during a raid at a second address. A 55-year-old man was also detained but has since been released without charge. This morning at around 4.15am, police raided a further two addresses in East Ham and Dagenham in east London detaining a 'number of people'. Advertisement

A second raid by armed officers was then caught on film less than a mile away on Barking Road, East Ham, at 3.30pm as officers pointed their weapons to a first floor flat above a betting shop.

One of the suspects arrested in the East Ham raid made a desperate attempt at a rooftop escape by climbing out of a window.

He was only apprehended after armed officers pointed their weapons at him and threatened to shoot, Malik Rouf, 30, an eyewitness, told MailOnline.

'I don't know if he was scared or anything but he looked pretty desperate,' he said. 'He looked pretty determined to escape.'

The suspect, said to be black and in his twenties, turned around and climbed back through his window where he was arrested along with another black man.

The armed officers had jumped out of three unmarked police cars before pouncing, the witness said. The two suspects were dragged into a van and driven away.

Several men were pictured laying on the floor in handcuffs outside the block of flats yesterday in a raid which is believed to be in connection with the London Bridge attack

A ground floor flat at the address is believed to belong to one of the dead attackers, according to neighbours

Two women were among those escorted from the tower block by police during the early morning raid in Barking yesterday

A man covers his head with his hood as he is led away from the flats, where one of the terrorists is believed to have lived

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

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

Meanwhile, armed police and forensic officers were seen scouring the scene at London Bridge and Borough Market, where three terrorists left a trail of death and destruction when they went on a van and knife rampage.

The attackers, who were wearing fake suicide vests, mowed down up to 20 pedestrians as they careered across London Bridge in an 'S shape' at 50mph before abandoning the vehicle at nearby Borough Market, where they began 'randomly stabbing' revellers packed into busy bars and pubs.

Speaking outside No 10 today, Theresa May said the attack is not directly connected to the Manchester bombing last month or the Westminster atrocity in April but that all three are linked by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'.

The Prime Minister insisted 'enough is enough' as she vowed to introduce tougher punishments for those connected to extremism. The terror threat level remains at severe, meaning an attack is 'highly likely'.

A map shows how terror attack unfolded. The attackers were shot dead within eight minutes of the first emergency phone call

Police also examined the B&Q van which was used to mow down pedestrians before crashing into the front of the Barrowboy and banker pub near The Shard

Forensic officers painstakingly search for clues on London Bridge as they attempt to unravel the terror attack on Saturday

The terror started on Saturday night when three men drove a van in an 'S shape' across London Bridge shortly before 10.10pm in an attempt to deliberately target pedestrians. There are unconfirmed reports that it is a B&Q and Hertz van.

An on-duty British Transport Police officer who rushed to protect bystanders was among the first victims attacked as the attackers 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 - with 18 critically injured. One of the fatalities was at London Bridge, it has been reported.

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

Armed police were seen flooding the cordoned-off streets as they launched a hunt for the jihadists

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.

Meanwhile medics wheeled away injured victims on stretchers while crying people wrapped in foil blankets were evacuated from the 'horrific' scene.
The family of a slain Queensland toddler erupted in court - condemning his killer, judge and prosecutors - as his babysitter was told he could walk from prison in less than two years.

Matthew James Ireland wept in the dock of the Mackay Supreme Court on Monday as he was jailed for eight-and-a-half years for manslaughter.

But 18-month-old Hemi Goodwin-Burke's family, already incensed Ireland was not being tried for murder, screamed out as the 31-year-old was handed a parole eligibility date of March 2019.

But 18-month-old Hemi Goodwin-Burke's (pictured) family, already incensed Ireland was not being tried for murder, screamed out as the 31-year-old was handed a parole eligibility date of March 2019

The family of a slain Queensland toddler erupted in court - condemning his killer, judge and prosecutors - as his babysitter was told he could walk from prison in less than two years

'You're a f***ing murderer,' a man shouted from the public gallery.

Ireland has been in custody since the savage attack, meaning he will have served four years of his sentence when he is eligible for release.

The court heard Ireland drunkenly beat Hemi over a two-hour period while babysitting him in March 2015.

The infant's body was covered in 78 separate bruises from being kicked and punched repeatedly.

The court heard Ireland drunkenly beat Hemi over a two-hour period while babysitting him in March 2015 (pictured Hemi's parents Kerri-Ann Goodwin and Shane Burke)

Ireland told police Hemi hit his head on the side of the bathtub after he violently jerked the child's leg out from under him.

He originally lied to investigators that Hemi had suffered a seizure and tried to blame the injuries on the boy's three-year-old sister.

Hemi's mother Kerri-Ann Goodwin fought back tears in court as she apologised for letting her son's killer into their lives.

She had been in Brisbane receiving medical treatment for a back injury and trusted Ireland to take care of her children.

Parents Kerri-Ann Goodwin and Shane Burke outside the Mackay Supreme Court in Brisbane (pictured wearing their shirts labelled 'Justice for Hemi')

'I let this person into our home, a place that should have been a safe haven,' Ms Goodwin said.

'I trusted him, I thought he was a friend. I'm sorry Hemi.'

Hemi's family had planned to wear t-shirts bearing the toddler's face during the sentencing but were ordered by Justice Duncan McMeekin not to bring them into the court.

As Ireland was led away a handful of people in the public gallery whipped open jackets to reveal the shirts blazing 'Justice for Hemi'.

'This is my grandson right here and this is a word none of you people know how to use,' grandmother Lyn Burke yelled.

Hemi's mother Kerri-Ann Goodwin fought back tears in court as she apologised for letting her son's killer into their lives

'It's called justice and you should all ashamed of yourself.

'Imagine if this was your child or grandson, imagine, please imagine it because it's hell on earth.'

Outside court, Ms Goodwin and father Shane Burke said they would be seeking to appeal to get justice for their son.

'We as Hemi's parents have let him down,' Mr Burke said.

'The Crown has let Hemi down by allowing an early plea to a lesser charge of manslaughter,' his parents said

'We've got to live with that for the rest of our days.

'The Crown has let Hemi down by allowing an early plea to a lesser charge of manslaughter.'

Ireland was originally charged with Hemi's murder but pleaded guilty to the downgraded charge of manslaughter in March this year.

Mr Burke said the family was still fighting to get information about what really happened to his son.

'We've been left out of the loop the whole time,' he said

'If they wanted to downgrade the charge they should have shown us why.

'They've left us in the dark.'
ISIS have claimed responsibility for the London Bridge terror attack which killed seven and left 21 fighting for their lives.

A statement posted on the militant group's Amaq agency website last night stated: 'A detachment of Islamic State fighters executed yesterday's London attack.'

Previous claims of responsibility for similar low-tech attacks have been downplayed by experts, who say the group is trying to increase its notoriety from incidents with which they have no real connection.

It comes as supporters of the terror group posted warped celebrations online. One pro-ISIS social media account claimed - in French and English - that the attack was 'revenge' adding: 'No compromise... in the security of Muslims.'

The post also showed a lorry, a man brandishing a knife, pools of blood and the city's Tower Bridge engulfed with flames - though the terrorists actually targeted nearby London Bridge.

Supporters of the terror group have posted warped celebrations online showing images of a lorry, a man with a knife, a London landmark engulfed in flames and pools of blood

In an online message last night, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack on London Bridge on Saturday night, which killed seven and left at least 21 seriously injured

The three terror attackers were shot dead by police next to Borough Market after they killed seven and injured many more with knives and a hired van

Police and bystanders help a man injured in the attack, in which a van and knives were used

ISIS also claimed it was behind the Manchester suicide bombing last month, but its statement contained a number of discrepancies with the actual attack.

The terror group is said to have urged extremists to run over civilians in a poster it released over the weekend featuring a knife, handgun and lorry, which told radicals to 'gain benefit from Ramadan'.

The claim of responsibility came after ISIS supporters celebrated the horrific attack in messages on Twitter on Saturday night.

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?'

The three terrorist who took part in Saturday's attack armed themselves with knives and wore fake suicide bomb vests.

They were shot dead by eight officers outside a pub after police opened fire with an 'unprecedented' hail of 50 bullets, while a bystander was also shot.

It comes after ISIS supporters posted sickening messages online in the wake of the attack

The group had reportedly urged followers to use guns, knives or vehicles to kill in its name

One of the attackers shouted 'this is for Allah' as he knifed a man near a pub.

Police have arrested a dozen people in raids on flats in Barking, east London, where residents said they believed one of the terrorists may have lived.

One neighbour said one of the attackers had recently asked him how he could hire a van.

A friend of one of the attackers also told the BBC Asian Network he had reported him to the anti-terror hotline after he began expressing increasingly radical views and justifying terror attacks, but the man said he was never arrested.

Two suspects were also detained in East Ham.

Twelve people were arrested in a raid in a tower block in Barking, east London, yesterday in connection with the attack

Properties around the Ship and Shovel pub in Dagenham were raided this morning. Police vans are still parked around the area

Witnesses to Saturday's attack said the terrorists deliberately drove into pedestrians on London Bridge shortly after 10pm - in the same way as Westminster Bridge attacker Khalid Masood.

Attacking people after abandoning the van, they headed to Borough Market where the pubs and restaurants were packed with Saturday night crowds, many watching the Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid in Cardiff.

One woman, Elizabeth O'Neill, said her son Daniel was approached by one of the men who said, 'this is for my family, this is for Islam', before sticking a knife in him.

Police say they know the identities of the men who carried out the attack and will release the names 'as soon as operationally possible'.
Two men have been charged in relation to the murder of Chinese national Qin Wu at a makeshift Buddhist temple in Sydney's southwest.

The 37-year-old was shot in a Guildford home which was used as a religious meeting place - and, allegedly, as a meeting place for drug dealers.

Police on Monday arrested a Croydon man, 45, and an inmate at Silverwater jail, 35, over the February 1 shooting.

Both have been charged with murder and shoot with intent to murder.

Two men have been arrested over the fatal shooting of Qin Wu (pictured) at a makeshift Buddhist temple in February

One of two men who have been charged in relation to the murder of Mr Wu is led away by police on Monday

Police made the arrests on Monday morning following extensive inquiries by strike force detectives

The extravagant 'Buddhist temple' that doubled as a hotspot for drug deals has been linked to two brutal murders in the past three years.

Mr Wu was shot in the colourful building on Kennedy Street earlier this year.

And in 2014 another man, Ting Huang, is also said to have been stabbed to death at the same address, before his body was wrapped up and dumped at a cemetery.

Wu was not the intended target of the February shooting, Detective Sergeant Justin Moynihan said in a statement earlier this year.

'It is possible Qin may have been shot when he intervened in an argument between his friend and a group of men who arrived during their visit at the house,' he said.

'At the time of the incident, the house was also being used as a temple, so there were numerous visitors every day and we would like to speak to anyone who visited in the days leading up to his death.'

Forensic evidence indicated another person may have been shot, but despite searching hospitals across Sydney police did not find the injured person.

The Sydney 'temple' - and alleged drug dealing hotspot - has been linked to two brutal murders in the past three years

The two men arrested over Mr Wu's death have both been charged with murder and shoot with intent to murder

A 45-year-old Croydon man and a Silverwater inmate, 35, were arrested over the shooting

Police also believe at least two people left the house after the shooting and returned with a third person, although they were not at the house when police arrived.

'Ultimately, someone out there knows something, and they might be concealing an offence. Now is the time to come forward,' Det Sgt Moynihan said.

The Guildford house was the scene of an unrelated murder three years ago, police have confirmed.

Pictures from inside the temple show hundreds of Buddha statues, a variety of trinkets, books and colourful tapestry's adorning the walls

The bizarre exterior is a far cry from what you'd expect at the alleged scene of multiple crimes

In 2014 Zhen Fang fatally stabbed Ting Huang, 25, whose decomposing body was found wrapped in a doona in a car boot near Rookwood cemetery in Lidcombe.

Fang, 38, was sentenced in March for at least 14 years behind bars for the frenzied knife attack.

Pictures from inside the temple show hundreds of Buddha statues, a variety of trinkets, books and colourful tapestry's adorning the walls.
The 12-hour wait for information about missing teenager Asya Mustafa must have felt like an eternity for her family.

Her relatives launched a desperate search for the 17-year-old when she failed to return home on Saturday night from a friends barbecue.

They knew Asyas walk home went through the scene of the attack and they feared the worst when they could not reach her on her mobile phone.

Her aunt Kezi Alam launched a campaign on Facebook in an attempt to locate her whereabouts.

The family of another person believed to be in the area at the time, Asya Mustafa, have also circulated her picture on social media after she failed to come home

She wrote: My niece Asya Mustafa was on route home to London Bridge and we havent heard from her.

Please keep her in your prayers and if anyone has seen or spoken to her and knows she is OK let us know.

At around 2.30am, she added: There is no update. We are in touch with the police and praying she is okay.

Finally, a friend of Asyas contacted her family to say that she was safe and was on her way home  some 12 hours after the attack.

It remains unclear what the teenager was doing during the missing 12 hours.

Her uncle Tamir said yesterday: She was due home at 10.30pm last night and when she didnt come back my mother started to worry.

I was ringing her and ringing her but she wasnt picking up. Her friends said she had left the party and was on her way home.

She would have had to have walked through Borough Market. I havent spoken to her yet so I dont know if she saw it all happen. But we know shes safe.

As of this morning Asya still not been seen and her loved ones have been pleading for her safe return

Tamir, whose parents look after Asya at their home which is close to the scene of the attack, had been out watching the Champions League final when he started receiving frantic phone calls.

He believes her phone battery may have died and that she struggled to get home because of the police cordons.

He added: [My parents] tried to leave to look for her but they were told to stay inside by police. The road was full of police. My mum said she heard the shots and explosions from inside the house.

Her aunt Kezi Alam later wrote on Facebook: Just spoke to my mum...Asya was caught up in it and her phone lost whilst police making people run away from area. Shes not home yet but apparently safe.

(At) least we know shes alive...It has been so emotional and worrying. We are so glad to hear she is safe. Thank you all for your concerns. It means so much to us.

Desperate families are pleading for news on loved ones who have been missing since the London Bridge terror attack - as some of the horror stories of the injured begin to emerge.

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

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.

Another woman from down under, Australian Candice Hedge, is also in hospital after having her throat slashed in a bar.

Four French people and one Spanish resident are among the injured, the countries' foreign ministries have confirmed.

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.

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

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

Police are advising people who live within the London Bridge cordon to stay somewhere else tonight if they can

She said: 'Doctors are very happy with how hes come out the other side.

'A massive thank to the University of London Hospital for their tireless efforts in helping my brother out!!'

Miss Hedge had just finished her shift at Elliots cafe in London Bridge and was having a drink at the bar when she was attacked.

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'.

A frantic online search was also taking place for journalist Geoff Ho, who was filmed clutching his neck after seemingly being stabbed, but he has since been found.

A chilling tweet showed he was bravely trying to break up what he believed was a standard Saturday night brawl.

Mr Ho was stabbed at Southwark Tavern on Saturday night and rushed to hospital in an ambulance during the chaos.

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

A 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.'

Distressing footage also shows a sobbing woman waiting on the condition of one of her loved ones as they receive CPR.

She can be heard pleading with the victim to 'keep going' as they receive emergency treatment on the floor.

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.

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 wiht a white van at 50 mph on London Bridge and then began 'randomly stabbing' pedestrians and diners with 12-inch hunting knives

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.

One witness said a 'dark-skinned' man in a red tracksuit 'calmly' stabbed a man three times

A British Transport Police officer was stabbed on London Bridge although his wounds are not thought to be life threatening.

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.
Bob Katter has called for Australian borders to be closed to all travellers living between 'India and Greece' in the wake of the London terror attacks.

The firebrand MP said Australia should be 'looking after our own' and spoke of the 'certainty' of future attacks on home soil unless the government bans the 'ISIS mob'.

'The next time [a terror attack] occurs in Australia - and it's not if, it's just when - I will lay the blame on the Prime Minister and upon the minister that allowed these people into the country,' he said on Monday.

Firebrand MP Bob Katter has called for Australian borders to be closed to all travellers from the Middle East and North Africa

Mr Katter, who holds the Queensland seat of Kennedy, said terrorism in Europe was a direct result of flawed immigration policy - and that Australia was following suit.

'We're talking two or three thousand people that have been murdered in Europe because [German Chancellor] Angela Merkel brought in 20 million of these people,' he said.

Mr Katter clarified he wasn't calling on a ban on people from Muslim-majority countries, but on all travellers coming from the Middle East and North Africa.

'When I say Middle East - I'll be very specific; those countries between India and Greece,' he said.

'The next time [a terror attack] occurs in Australia - and it's not if, it's just when - I will lay the blame on the Prime Minister,' Mr Katter said on Monday

Mr Katter made the comments in response to this weekend's terror attacks in London

'Before the Second World War, this country refused to allow any Jews to come to Australia. We could have taken half a million and saved their lives.

'Three million of them perished because we wouldn't allow them,' Mr Katter said.

'I'll tell you what; there are a hell of a lot more of the other mob - the ISIS mob - coming to Australia than Jews.

'The predominantly Christian nation we are - we should be looking after our own... The Government has made a decision to bring in the ISIS mob, not the Jews, Christians and the Sikhs.'

Mr Katter said Australia should be 'looking after our own'. Above, he is pictured speaking during House of Representatives Question Time earlier this year

Debris and abandoned cars are pictured at the scene of the terror attack in central London

His comments were met with a mixed reaction on social media, with many suggesting his solution was flawed.

'Isolating the innocent people is not the solution,' one commented, while another said: 'Not all middle eastern are terrorists (sic).'

Others applauded Mr Katter's stance: 'Amen to that mate,' one said and another wrote: 'I can see the soft Lefties spilling their Latte over this. Go Bob.'
A Spaniard who was reported missing after the London terror attacks on Saturday used his skateboard as a weapon against a knife-wielding terrorist as he tried to save a woman from being attacked, it has been revealed.

HSBC bank worker Ignacio Echeverria was last seen on Saturday night lying on the pavement near London Bridge after confronting one of the knife-wielding terrorists as he was attacking a female victim.

The 39-year-old, who lived in Poplar, east London, and came from Las Rozas near Madrid, tried to save the unidentified woman as he returned from a park with friends where he had been skateboarding.

His sister Isabel, an account operations manager with WEX Virtual Payments who also lives in London, has launched a social media appeal for help in tracking him down after failing to find him following approaches to hospitals, the police and the Spanish consulate.

Ignacio Echeverria (pictured) was last seen on Saturday night lying on a pavement near London Bridge after confronting one of the knife-wielding terrorists as he was attacking a female victim

Echeverria tried to save an unidentified woman in the terror attack as he returned from a park with friends where he had been skating. Friends who were with him on Saturday night said they last saw him lying on the pavement

On Monday, his father, Joaquin Echeverria, admitted the news was not looking good after he revealed the family had been asked for the missing man's fingerprints.

He wrote on Facebook: 'Hello to everyone who is helping us. We've been asked for Ignacio's fingerprints. Not a good sign.'

In a Facebook post, his father said that he had heard his son tried to defend someone with his skateboard.

'They saw him lying on the floor on the sidewalk after defending someone with his skateboard,' he wrote.

Friends immediately offered their support, with one saying: 'Don't lose hope. You have a lot of people with you at all times.'

Echeverria , whose full name is Ignacio Echeverria Miralles de Imperial, was born on May 25, 1978, and is described as around 5ft 8in tall.

Emergency services in Spain, including the Red Cross in Madrid, are appealing for information on Echeverria's whereabouts

Echeverria's sister Isabel, an account operations manager with WEX Virtual Payments who also lives in London, has launched a social media appeal for help in tracking her brother down. Pictured above, emergency responders at London Bridge following the attack

He and his friends had been cycling back from the park when they came upon the terror attack, friends said.

He was wearing jeans, size 7.5 Vans black trainers and a dark top, as well as a gold chain. It is thought he may have been carrying no ID on him at the time.

Friends who were with him on Saturday night said they last saw him lying on the pavement.

The Red Cross in Madrid, which is helping to appeal for information about Echeverria's whereabouts on its Twitter site, said: 'Ignacio was in the London Bridge area with friends when the terror attacks happened.

Echeverria was wearing jeans, size 7.5 Vans black trainers and a dark top, as well as a gold chain. It is thought he may have been carrying no ID on him at the time

On Monday, another relative, Joaquin Echeverria, admitted the news was not looking good after he revealed the family had been asked for the missing man's fingerprints

Echeverria was skating with friends before the London attack on Saturday night. He's pictured above skateboarding elsewhere

'He was last seen falling to the ground by the his friends after trying to defend one of the victims.

'He was wearing a gold chain, Vans black trainers, jeans and a black or dark top. He has a large scar above an eyebrow.'

Ignacio's sister Isabel said on Facebook alongside a picture she posted of him: 'I'm looking for my brother. Help me if you've seen him. He was at London Bridge during the terrorist attacks.'

London journalist Geoff Ho was reported missing on Saturday after being stabbed during the London Bridge terror attack but was later found in hospital.

It subsequently emerged he was injured after trying to break up what he thought was a normal fight outside a pub which two knife-wielding terrorists were trying to storm.

The family of Xavier Thomas are desperately searching for him. He was with his girlfriend, Christine Delcros, when the attack happened. She is said to be seriously injured in hospital

An unnamed French citizen died in the attacks and another is still missing, the country's Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian has said.

The victim is reportedly a 27-year-old from Saint-Malo in Brittany who was working in the Boro Bistro when he was attacked. He was named in French media only as 'Alexandre'.

French newspaper Ouest France said the victim had been living in Britain for the past two and a half years.

The missing French citizen is believed to be Xavier Thomas, whose sister-in-law posted a desperate message on Facebook yesterday.

He is understood to have been with his girlfriend Christine Delcros when the attack took place. Ms Delcros is said to be seriously injured in hospital.

Her sister Nathalie Cros Brohan wrote online: 'We are on our way to London, my sister Christine Delcros and her boyfriend Xavier Thomas have been victims of #londonattack #LondonBridge.'

'My sister is seriously injured and hospitalised. I appeal to all those who have news of Xavier Thomas that is missing ... he is not one of the 4 French found. We are terribly worried.'

Sara Zelenak has been missing since becoming separated from friends on Saturday

A family friend, Diane Winter, has launched an online appeal to find out where she is

A 21-year-old Australian woman last seen on London Bridge also remains missing after being caught in Saturday night's terror attack.

Sara Zelenak, from Brisbane, became separated from her friends and has not been seen since, family friends have said

Family friend Diane Winter said more than 24 hours have passed with no news from the Australian consulate about Ms Zelenak's welfare.

Ms Zelenak calls her mother everyday from London where she works as a nanny, Ms Winter said.

But Ms Zelenak has not answered her phone or responded to texts since she was separated from her friends the moment chaos broke out in central London.

Frenchman Sebastien Belanger (pictured) has not been seen since the attack

His girlfriend, Greda, who was in Malta at the time, has returned to London and posted appeals to find him on Facebook

Pictured is Sebastien Belanger's girlfriend Gerda Bennet. The Frenchman is still missing

She wrote: 'I still have no news. Please if anyone has seen him or knows anything contact me'

She said Sebastien was 'exactly at the place where the attack happened' and has not heard from him for more than 24 hours

Frenchman Sebastien Belanger has not been seen since the attack.

His girlfriend, Gerda Bennet, who was in Malta at the time, has returned to London and posted appeals to find him on Facebook.

She wrote: 'I still have no news. Please if anyone has seen him or knows anything contact me.'

She said Sebastien was 'exactly at the place where the attack happened' and has not heard from him for more than 24 hours.

His personal Facebook page states that he has worked at Blueprint Cafe, near Tower Bridge, and Coq D'Argent, in Bank.

An appeal page, called Help Us Find Sebastien Belanger has been created.

Socaine Drz's family have also issued a desperate plea to find him after the terror attack

Socaine Drz's family have also issued a desperate plea to find him.

His auntie Hatice Bodur shared a picture of him on Facebook and wrote: 'Please if anyone has seen my nephew Socaine Drz please contact me asap his (sic) been missing since 11pm last night.'

'If you see this Socaine please return home. We are worried sick police are looking as well.'
Long-standing ABC journalist Mark Colvin, who died aged 65 after a decades long battle with a blood disease, was honoured at a memorial service on Monday.

The service which was attended by hundreds of Colvin's colleagues and family members was held at City Recital Hall in Sydney.

ABC live streamed the service via its website which began at 1.30pm but many Twitter users said they weren't able see it due to technical difficulties.

The voice of ABC's current affair program PM passed away in May after a 20-year battle with Wegener's granulomatosis. He suffered kidney failure in 1994 and had a transplant in 2013.

The voice of ABC's current affair program PM passed away in May after a 20-year battle with Wegener's granulomatosis. He suffered kidney failure in 1994 and had a transplant in 2013

The service which was attended by hundreds of Colvin's colleagues and family members was held at City Recital Hall in Sydney

The Sydney memorial shared old photos of Colvin and was simply lit with down light. The stage was prepared for journalists and colleagues to share anecdotes with the crowd.

His son's were particularly involved in the service with Will Colvin performing a song and Nic Colvin sharing some carefully chosen words to honour his late father.

Other attendees included ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie and Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek who appeared somber throughout the emotional proceedings.

His son's were particularly involved in the service with Will Colvin (left) performing a song and Nic Colvin (right) sharing some carefully chosen words to honour his late father

The Sydney memorial shared old photos of Colvin and was simply lit with down light. The stage was prepared for journalists and colleagues to share anecdotes with the crowd

Colvin joined the ABC as a cadet in 1974 before quickly climbing the ranks to become one of the first reporters on Nationwide alongside Jenny Brockie.

Insight host Jenny Brockie was among those who spoke at his memorial service on Monday.

At age 28, he became the ABC's London correspondent and in 1988 moved to Four Corners before reporting for Foreign Correspondent in 1992.

Other attendees included ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie and Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek who appeared somber throughout the emotional proceedings

Insight host Jenny Brockie (pictured) was among those who spoke at his memorial service on Monday

Journalist Peter Greste (pictured) also honoured his late friend Colvin by giving a small speech

After he contracted the auto-immune disease, Colvin returned to Sydney to become the PM radio host.

'For many Australians, Mark's steady and measured voice as host of PM brought them the essential news of the day and kept them informed about events of national and international importance,' ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie said.

'We will miss him enormously, and extend our thoughts to his family and friends'.

Journalist on the 7.30 Report Leigh Sales (pictured) attended Colvin's memorial service in Sydney
A man hunt is on to find a serial offender who tried to abduct a 18-year-old girl on the NSW Central Coast.

Police believe the same man also sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl as she walked to school last month.

The young girl was on her way to a primary school near Gosford, on the NSW Central Coast, when the man grabbed her from behind and pulled her into nearby bushes three weeks ago.

Police believe a man believed to sexually assault a 12-year-old has re-offended as she walked to school along a popular path has re-offended

Now police suspect the offender is the same man who attempted an abduction of an 18-year-old girl near Narara Railway Station over the weekend.

A creepy man wearing camouflage was spotted by locals months ago who then reported the sighting to police, News.com.au reported.

In the most recent assault the women told police a man grabbed her from behind around the neck as she was getting off a 4:30pm train but managed to escape his grip.

Between the camouflage and 'loose face covering' the description she gave police bears significant resemblance to the attacker given by the 12-year-old.

Investigators believe the incident is linked to the assault last month.

In the first attack happened the girl was tied up and sexually assaulted by a knife-wielding man who snatched her as she walked to school on May 15.

She reported the incident at school and was later taken to hospital for assessment.

In the first attack happened the girl was tied up and sexually assaulted by a knife-wielding man who snatched her as she walked to school on May 15. Pictured is a stock image

Following that attack the Education Department has urged parents and caregivers not to allow students to walk to school on their own.

Police have dispatched liaison offers to help schools aid children's safety.

Detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad and Brisbane Water Local Area Command have commenced an investigation.

A crime scene has been established at the eerie footpath the girl was snatched from and is being examined by specialist forensic officers.

Local police officers are also conducting extensive patrols throughout the area. Police confirmed they would be canvassing the neighbourhood on Tuesday as well.

The man is described as being aged in his mid-20s, about 175cm tall, with a chubby build, ginger/blond hair, and blue eyes.

Police allege the man, who was wearing camouflage clothing and carrying a hunting knife, tied the girl up and sexually assaulted her until she managed to escape.

Pictured is the footpath where the 12-year-old girl was sexually assaulted

During the offence he was wearing a grey hooded jumper, long camouflage pants and heavy black boots.

He also had a covering over his face. He was also holding a hunting knife.

A mother and daughter who are locals in the area disturbingly reported a man matching that description to police after he was acting suspiciously.

'He had army clothes on and he was just standing there on the path. I looked him straight in the eyes and said 'hello', and when we walked past he followed us for a few minutes but stopped after a group of people came in the other direction,' Donna Hegs told news.com.au.

'He was between 5'11 (180cm) and six foot (183cm) and he was wearing army camouflage pants and a black beanie and a camouflage army jacket. He was (of) solid (build) and his skin was tanned and leathery like he spent a lot of time outside but he looked Australian.'

Ms Hegs said she reported the incident to police immediately after it happened six to eight months ago.
A former Australian intelligence officer has warned the nation must be prepared for a London-style terror incident because an attack on home soil is unavoidable.

Warren Reed said Islamic State terrorists are now leaning on home-grown fanatics to take up their barbaric cause because they were losing the battle in Iraq and Syria.

'It's a case of ISIS coming to you rather than you coming to it,' Mr Reed told news.com.au.

'We have to be ready for this to happen in Australia, we can't avoid it.'

Australians have been warned by a former intelligence officer the nation must be prepared for a London-style terror attack on home soil. Pictured are crowds in Sydney

Security has already been bolstered in Sydney (pictured) to protect crowds at the popular Vivid festival in the wake of the London terror attacks

Former Australian intelligence officer Warren Reed (pictured) said Islamic State were looking to home-grown fanatics to take up their cause outside Syria and Iraq

Mr Reed was trained by London's M16 and spent a decade working for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service in Asia and the Middle East.

He urged families and friends who notice suspicious behaviour to proactively contact authorities as police cannot catch everyone.

Terrorists killed seven people and injured dozens, including Australians, in a savage van and knife rampage in London's city centre on Saturday night, local time.

Mr Reed said cars and knives were easy to access and there was nothing to stop a person from using both to carry out an attack in Australia.

Dr Patrick Walsh, a Senior Lecturer, Intelligence and Security Studies at Charles Sturt University, said Australians would have to become accustomed to having more situational awareness while out and about.

'The days of idling around the street without looking over our shoulders are long gone,' Dr Walsh said.

Another intelligence expert has also warned Australians would have to become accustomed to having more situational awareness while out and about

Terrorists killed seven people and injured dozens, including Australians, in a barbaric van and knife rampage in London's city centre on Saturday night, local time

A former Australian intelligence officer warned a London-style terror attack on Australian soil was unavoidable

He said it was up to all Australians to remain vigilant while attending major events and in crowded areas.

Security has already been bolstered by police in recent days to protect large crowds at Sydney's popular Vivid festival.

Buses, cars and firetrucks have been used as makeshift barricades to safeguard pedestrians from a similar attack as they flocked to see light displays.

Police officers have been wearing high-visibility jackets to boost their presence among the crowds, while counter-terrorism measures have been ramped up.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews also confirmed the police presence has also been boosted in Melbourne around Federation Square and Queen Victoria market.
A gunman who took a woman hostage and is suspected of killing another man called up a TV newsroom during the siege to claim: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda'.

And it has now been revealed that the man who carried out Monday's attack was out on parole, having been rated a low-risk of reoffending by counter terrorism police.

'Severe gunfire' rang out inside 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments on Bay Street, in the affluent east Melbourne suburb of Brighton, shortly after 6pm on Monday.

The hostage situation came to an end after the gunman stepped out of a hotel room and fired at officers - injuring three - before himself being killed in the exchange.

But moments before police shot the man dead, he called Channel 7's newsroom to claim he was carrying out a terrorist attack on behalf of Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

As he made the chilling phone call at around 5.41pm, a woman, believed to be the female hostage, was heard screaming desperately in the background.

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A siege in Brighton, Melbourne has ended with police killing a man in a volley of gunfire. The gunman had earlier taken a female hostage inside The Buckingham serviced apartment block. An officer can be seen at the gates, moments before the exchange of gunfire (pictured)

The gunman reportedly stepped out of an apartment and opened fire on police, wounding three officers before being shot dead himself. His female hostage escaped uninjured

At 5.40pm, some 20 minutes before he died, the gunman called up a TV newsroom to claim: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda' (pictured)

The siege lasted more than an hour-and-a-half inside 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments on the corner of the Nepean Hwy and Bay St in Brighton, in south-east Melbourne (pictured)

Monday's incident began with locals reporting an 'explosion' inside the serviced apartments. Police believe this was the sounds of the gunman shooting dead his first victim

The expert bomb disposal teams entered 'The Buckingham' before 9pm to deal with a package inside

The gunman responsible for the act was well known to terror police in Victoria, with investigations ongoing about the link of terror to the attack.

'Terrorism is one line of inquiry,' Victoria police deputy commissioner Andrew Crisp said.

'We're extremely concerned about terrorism... we're very attuned to the threat of terrorism here in Melbourne.'

Mr Crisp said when police arrived at the serviced apartments not long after 4:00pm they found a man dead on the floor of the foyer.

'A short time later a phone call was made to triple-zero by a female stating there was a hostage situation and a deceased male,' he said.

The female hostage and man found dead were both employees of 'The Buckingham', but police are not clear if there is any relationship between them and the gunman.

While the gunman's identity is yet to be released, they have confirmed the phone call to Channel Seven came from a mobile belonging to him.

'That's all part of the investigation... we will certainly be working with Channel 7 in relation to that phone call,' Mr Crisp said.

HOW AN 'ISIS-INSPIRED' GUNMAN BROUGH TERROR TO MELBOURNE: 4.30pm Reports of an explosion in a service apartment block in Brighton, in Melbourne's eastern suburbs Police enter 'The Buckingham' to find a man's dead body on the foyer floor The building is placed into lockdown and the area outside is cordoned off 5pm Specialist police units can be seen outside 'The Buckingham' The Nepean Highway and Bay Streets are closed, disrupting peak hour traffic It is revealed a gunman is holding a woman hostage inside the apartments 5.40pm The gunman calls Channel Seven newsroom and claims 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda' 6pm 'Severe gunfire' is heard ringing out from inside the apartment block Police exchange up to 40 shots with the gunman, killing him in the process He had reportedly stepped out of an apartment and began firing at police, leading to them returning fire Terrified residents in the area forced to run for their lives into a nearby Coles supermarket 8pm Police confirm they are looking into terror links to the attack Advertisement

The woman who was being held hostage made an emergency call to Triple Zero to advise them of the situation. She escaped unscathed and was taken by paramedics (pictured) to hospital

Heavily armed police swarmed the Brighton area as the hostage situation unfolded and were still present in the area as the night progressed

A bomb squad member suits up before entering the serviced apartment blocks to search for any explosives

A police spokesperson said they believe the 'bang' first reported was gunfire and not an explosion. However the bomb disposal is reportedly in attendance at the scene.

The bomb squad were called in 'to make sure the building is safe before forensics enter,' a police source said at the scene

The female hostage were both employees of 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments (pictured)

The call was reportedly fielded by Nicole Bland, Channel Seven's Chief of Staff, and left her 'chilled to the bone' by the conversation.

Paul Dowsley, a Channel Seven journalist at the scene, said Ms Bland described the man's voice as 'very firm and the woman in the background was clearly distressed'.

At 9pm a member of Victoria Police bomb squad entered the apartment blocks dressed in full protective wear and green head gear.

'He has to make sure the building is safe before forensics can enter,' a police source said at the scene.

More than an hour before the siege was brought to an end, residents reported that a 'loud explosion' had rattled the entire building at 4.30pm.

A police spokesperson said they believe the 'bang' first reported was gunfire and not an explosion.

As the exchange of gunfire rang out, residents in the area were forced to run for their lives to a nearby Coles supermarket as the volley of 30 to 40 shots rang out.

Police are not yet sure if there is any relationship between the two victims and the gunman

In the moments before police stormed the building and shot him dead, the man called Channel 7's newsroom to claim he was carrying out the attack on behalf of Islamic State and al-Qaeda

A police spokesperson said they believe the 'bang' reported was gunfire and not an explosion

Forensic police are understood to currently be inside The Buckingham service apartments

When police arrived at the scene they discovered a man's body lying on the floor of the foyer, while another man was reportedly holding a woman hostage inside

Jack Reid, who was standing down the road from the serviced apartments when the gunfire rang out, said he and his friends ran for their lives.

'I was standing on the corner across the road,' he told The Age.

'I saw police pull out their guns, I heard about three dozen gun shots.

'I got really scared and ran across the road. Police were telling everybody to get into the Coles supermarket so me and mates just ran.'

Witnesses say that shortly after the explosion at 4.30pm which 'rattled the whole building', they saw undercover police jumping out of a car and running up the road.

'Undercover police got out, put vests on and went running up the street,' a witness who gave her name as Caroline told radio station 3AW.

As the exchange of gunfire between police and the gunman broke out, Sky News journalist Ahron Young was doing a live cross to TV.

While describing the scene unfolding around him, a volley of gunfire rang out live on air around 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments.

Sky News reporter Ahron Young was forced to run for his life after police and a gunman fired on each other in a suburban street in Melbourne during a hostage crisis

Residents in the area were forced to run for their lives to a nearby Coles supermarket as the volley of 30 to 40 shots rang out (pictured)

'I'm right now hearing gunfire, oh my god, police are calling for us to get back... we're all running away from here,' he said.

'We've just been told to get back to Coles because of this scene unfolding. There were probably 30 to 40 rounds of gunfire.'

Young did not stop his broadcast at any point but sounded out of breath from running away from the scene and shaken by the events.

'We're now safely inside Coles...' he said before turning to his camera crew.

Young then returned to addressing Sky anchor Sam Maiden: 'It just came out of the blue, Sam, as I was talking to you, those rounds of gunfire, police shouting at everyone to get back.'

'There's probably 30 or 40 people who are still outside who are now being pushed across the road. We've probably run 50 metres away from where we were.'

Roads in the area were closed for a period of time after reports of the first explosion, causing chaos for peak hour traffic.
A 21-year-old Australian last seen on London Bridge remains missing after being caught in Saturday night's terror attack.

Family and friends have launched an appeal to find Brisbane woman Sara Zelenak who was separated from her friends and has not been seen since.

Family friend Diane Winter posted to Facebook on Monday saying Ms Zelenak witnessed the attacks that killed seven and injured 48 others.

Ms Winter said more than 24 hours have passed with no news from the Australian consulate about Ms Zelenak's welfare.

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Sara Zelenak (pictured), 21, last seen on London Bridge remains missing after being caught in Saturday night's terror attack

Family and friends have launched an appeal to find Brisbane woman Ms Zelenak (pictured) who was separated from her friends and has not been seen since

Family friend Diane Winter posted to Facebook on Monday saying Ms Zelenak witnessed the attacks that killed seven and injured 48 others

'Her phone has rang with no reply and now the battery must have gone,' she said in the post, according to Sydney Morning Herald.

'We were hoping the third Australian reported would be her, but it's not.'

Ms Zelenak calls her mother everyday from London where she works as a nanny, Ms Winter said.

But Ms Zelenak has not answered her phone or responded to texts since she was separated from her friends the moment chaos broke out in central London.

The desperate search comes after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull revealed there are 'very real' concerns about two more Australians potentially caught up in the terror attack.

Mr 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.

Candice Hedge (pictured) reportedly can no longer speak after being stabbed in the throat during the London terror attacks

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 officers and members of the emergency services attend to a person injured in a terror attack on London Bridge
Two lions who endured 'hell on earth' in South American circuses before being transported to a wildlife refuge in South Africa have had their heads and paws cut off in possible witchcraft-related killings.

The male lions - named Jose and Liso - were killed at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in Vaalwater, northern South Africa.

In 2016, 33 lions freed from circuses in Peru and Colombia were transported to live out their days in the wildlife refuge to alleviate their suffering in cages, where they were subjected to beatings and other mistreatment.

The incursion into the sanctuary highlighted how brazen poachers can infiltrate places like Emoya, which said it has 24-hour security and armed patrols and has taken additional measures to protect its property.

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Jose and Liso were among 33 lions rescued from South America last year and put in a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. Above, one of the lions at the Vaalwater reserve, which is in Limpopo Province

The woman who runs the sanctuary, Minunette Heuser, said the killings have broken her heart. She vowed to 'unite, stronger than ever' to 'bring justice to the perpetrators who murdered our two beloved boys. Above, one of the lions at Emoya

Excited workers at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary wait to greet the arrival of two lorries carrying the 33 lions last year. The animals were mistreated during their years in South American circuses, with some having their claws removed while being kept in small cages

Lions are often killed in South Africa to create potions for the country's witchcraft practitioners.

Minunette Heuser, who runs the sanctuary alongside her daughter Savvanah, said the killings have 'broken my heart'.

She told the Telegraph: 'We are going to unite, stronger than ever, and bring to justice the perpetrators who murdered our two beloved boys.

'They have broken Savannah's heart. But these killers will never break our spirit. We are not going to take this lying down. We are standing together.'

Jose and Liso had their heads and paws cut off in what resembles a tactic employed by poachers who want to sell to the witchcraft market. Above, some of the 33 lions at play in the sanctuary

She added: 'This is not just another poaching incident.'

Forensic experts have visited the sanctuary, which is currently closed to visitors and volunteers.

South African police and anti-poaching units are investigating, said Animal Defenders International, a group that worked on the lion transfer from South America.

The group said it is considering the offer of a reward for information leading to conviction, and that the other lions might even be evacuated pending security upgrades.

Members of Animal Defenders International's lion rescue team transported the lions from South America to South Africa to begin their new lives. The organisation's president said they had suffered 'hell on earth' in the circuses

No details about the possible motive for the lion killings were provided.

But 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.

While lion parts have long been used in some African cultures, conservationists have raised concerns that poachers are increasingly targeting lions because of demand in some Asian countries.

African lion bones are a relatively recent substitute in tonics for the bones of Asian tigers, whose numbers were depleted by poachers. Lion teeth and claws are known to have value as trinkets.

One of the former circus lions, above, who's missing an eye. Both of the slain lions were said by Animal Defenders International to have suffered brain damage from blows sustained during their time in circuses

The transfer of the lions to Emoya had no conservationist value because the animals, which were in poor condition, had been held in captivity and could not live in the wild.

Many had their teeth smashed and claws pulled out while in South America, meaning they could no longer hunt and had to be fed meat in the sanctuary.

ADI president Jan Creamer said last year: 'These lions have endured hell on earth and now they are heading home to paradise.'

Rapunzel, one of the 33 lions, died of a botulism toxin at Emoya in June 2016, a little over a month after the airlift from South America, according to the sanctuary's website.

'Animals are normally resistant to this kind of bacterial toxin but rescue lions that have suffered a lifetime of malnutrition and abuse can sadly remain vulnerable to diseases despite rehabilitation efforts,' the sanctuary said.

Animal Defenders International said one of the two elderly lions killed last week had suffered brain damage from head blows in the circus.
An off-duty police officer fought off three knifemen with his bare hands as they rampaged through Borough Market.

The Met officer was having a drink with friends after work when he saw his uniformed colleagues and members of the public being 'severely assaulted'.

Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said she was 'enormously proud' of the officer, who is in a serious condition in hospital.

She said: 'My understanding is that, without hesitation, wearing his normal clothes, he dived in and tried to assist, and he I'm afraid was himself severely injured but utterly heroic.'

Ms Dick also commended bystanders who stayed with the officer and administered first aid before he was driven to hospital.

Scotland Yard chief Cressida Dick, who worked in counter-terror earlier in her career, described the recent wave of attacks as 'unprecedented in my working life'

The rented van used by the attackers pictured at the scene, where it was abandoned shortly after 10pm on Saturday night during the terror attack

Describing the police response as 'extraordinary', she added: 'I think those of us who weren't there are in awe of what both the police officers armed, the unarmed officers we've heard about and indeed the emergency services and members of the public - just extraordinary amounts of courage shown.'

In another act of bravery, a British Transport Police officer tried to take on the London Bridge jihadis only armed with his baton before they stabbed him and he was rushed to hospital.

His Chief Constable Paul 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.

'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.'

Ms Dick commended bystanders who stayed with the officer and administered first aid before he was driven to hospital

The latest attack was the third terror attack in the last nine weeks on British soil

Three jihadi terrorists were shot dead by armed police after killing seven people and injuring at least 48 more during the horrific knife rampage in central London

How police have foiled 18 terror plots since 2013 including five since Westminster attack 10 weeks ago Britain's counter-terror agencies are adapting to a 'new reality' with the threat of attacks now at an unprecedented level. It was revealed last month that police and security services have foiled 18 plots since 2013 - including five in just nine weeks after Khalid Masood's deadly rampage at Westminster in March. The sheer volume of activity being undertaken by MI5 and its partners to contain the threat was laid bare in the wake of the Manchester bombing last month. Figures show the agency is managing around 500 active investigations involving around 3,000 individuals at any one time. But in addition there are also a larger pool of as many as 20,000 people who have been considered at some point in the past but are not included in the live probes. Scotland Yard chief Cressida Dick, who worked in counter-terror earlier in her career, described the recent wave of attacks as 'unprecedented in my working life'. Advertisement

Ms Dick has vowed that officers will 'step up a gear' in the wake of the London Bridge terror attack.

'Clearly there's a huge operation, both to make sure that we can keep people safe at that immediate scene, examine the scene and roll out proper protection across London for individuals, for events, for crowded places,' she told BBC Breakfast.

She described the recent attacks as 'unprecedented in my working life' and added: 'We in this country have faced a terrorist threat throughout my life - it changed and morphed and we will change and adapt to what appears to be a new reality for us.'

Police have foiled 18 terror plots since 2013 and arrest around one person every day in counter-terror raids, Ms Dick said.

'We have very good intelligence and we are frequently able to disrupt or indeed provide highly effective protection when we think an event or a particular place is at risk,' she added.

'But I understand people will be concerned and all I can say is we will be doing everything in our power and we will be stepping up a gear.'

She also said that the resources available to the police needed to be looked at, telling the BBC: 'We do have very extensive legislation, we do have very extensive powers - we need to look at whether we're using them to their full extent and we will be working with whoever is in the Government to see whether further powers would assist.

'As for more resourcing, every leader is going to ask for more resources of course they are, we do have a very, very, powerful counter-terrorist effort but as I've indicated the threat seems to be changing so we need to look at our strategy, we need to look at our resourcing, we need to look at the techniques we're using.

'We've always been able to sort-of step up our game and that I'm afraid is what we clearly need to do now, as do people in our communities.'

She added: 'The rhetoric that has been coming from Daesh and other organisations has been to encourage people to take action into their own hands, to use low-tech methods, and undoubtedly when people see something which appears from their perverted point of view to be successful some people will be inspired by that, so that is most certainly a possibility.'

Cressida Dick, with the London Mayor Sadiq Khan, near the scene of the terror attack

Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick praised the police response as 'extraordinary'

RUGBY FANS RAISE ALMOST 5,000 FOR BTP OFFICER Rugby fans have raised thousands of pounds for a heroic British Transport police officer who took on the three knifemen armed with just his baton. The jihadists left the BTP officer, who has not yet been named, in hospital from his wounds. He was said to be in stable condition after he was stabbed in the face, head, and neck when he was one of the first to respond to Saturday night's attack. Now, rugby website Ruck, Rugby Pass, and the Rugby Union section of popular social media site Reddit, have almost hit their goal of raising 5,000 for the officer. Today the Just Giving page had raised more than 4,500. Advertisement

Terrorists brought carnage to the streets of Britain for the second time in as many weeks, killing seven and leaving 21 fighting for their lives.

Pedestrians were mowed down by a van on London Bridge before attackers stabbed a police officer and revellers around Borough Market with 12-inch knives.

The three men, wearing fake suicide bomb vests, were shot dead by eight officers outside a pub after police opened fire with an 'unprecedented' hail of 50 bullets, while a bystander was also shot. ISIS have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Officers say they know the identities of the men who carried out the attack and will release the names 'as soon as operationally possible'.

Scotland Yard said seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 were arrested under the Terrorism Act in Barking on Sunday. A 55-year-old man was later released without charge.
Mr Javid, himself a non-practising Muslim, said he was 'not for one second saying' Muslims were responsible for terrorism

Muslims must 'go further' to challenge extremism in communities, a Cabinet minister said today.

Sajid Javid spoke out after the latest murderous attack in London Bridge that left seven dead and dozens injured.

Theresa May and police have raised fears that the terror threat is changing, with individuals increasingly becoming radicalised in this country and using 'low tech' methods to carry out atrocities with little planning.

As a result, security services are finding it more difficult to intercept plots before they come to fruition.

Mr Javid, himself a non-practising Muslim, said he was 'not for one second saying' Muslims were responsible for terrorism.

He insisted a 'tiny handful' of extremists did not represent the religion, but argued that efforts must be redoubled.

In an article for the Times, the Communities Secretary said: 'As British Muslims, we rightly condemn terror attacks. But we must go further. It is not enough to condemn. Muslims must challenge too.

'This will take courage. All communities must feel confident in calling out extremism where they see it.

'It may be uncomfortable, people may feel embarrassed about making judgments, but we can no longer shy away from those difficult conversations.

'There's no avoiding the fact that these people think they are Muslims. They identify as Muslims. And they carry out their attacks - ignorantly, offensively - in the name of Islam.'

He added: 'That's why, although we all share the responsibility for tackling terrorism, there's a special, unique burden on the Muslim community.'

Mr Javid said: 'A lasting peace will only come when young Muslims growing up in Britain decide that this is not their fight and they want no part of it. When they turn their backs on the preachers of hate.

'We need them to set off on the path to peace rather than the road to war. We need to offer not just a counternarrative, which rebuts the extremists, but a positive and self-confident narrative that promotes pluralistic, British values - and their compatibility with an Islamic life.

Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who arrived at London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning

'And that message can best come from within the Muslim community.'

In the wake of the latest deadly attacks, Mrs May said yesterday: 'While we have made significant progress in recent years, there is, to be frank, far too much tolerance of extremism in our country.

'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.'
British comedian John Oliver slammed coverage by US media that suggested London was left 'reeling' by the deadly terror attack.

Seven people were killed and more than 40 were injured when three jihadis went on the rampage in central London on Saturday night.

During his Last Week Tonight show on HBO on Sunday, Oliver did not hold back during one of his trademark tirades and tore into American news outlets, including the New York Times, for the their 'insulting' tone of coverage.

He started: 'Obviously, our thoughts go out to everyone affected but, as a British person living in America, I feel compelled to address a certain theme that emerged through American coverage of this tragedy.'

The host cited several outlets which claimed London was 'reeling' by the weekend's events, and said it simply wasn't true.

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British comedian John Oliver, pictured, launched into a witty tirade last night against the coverage in US media of the London terror attacks which suggested the city was 'reeling'

During his Last Week Tonight show on HBO on Sunday, Oliver did not hold back during one of his trademark tirades and tore into American news outlets, including the New York Times

Oliver used the example of the Twitter hashtag #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling which began trending in an effort to belittle the tone of the coverage

He continued: 'OK, here's the thing: For the record, in no way is Britain 'under siege'.

'Is it upset? Yes. Is it p***** off? Oh, you f****** bet it's p***** off. But to say it's 'under siege' and that its people are 'reeling' is to imply that it's somehow weak enough to be brought to its knees by three monumental a*******. And that, as an idea, is insulting.'

. Oliver used the example of the Twitter hashtag #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling which began trending in an effort to belittle the tone of the coverage

To say it's 'under siege' and that its people are 'reeling' is to imply that it's somehow weak enough to be brought to its knees by three monumental a*******. And that, as an idea, is insulting

Instead, Oliver cited the example of a man photographed fleeing the scene of the terror attack while holding a pint of beer which went viral.

He added: 'Honestly, it was an uplifting demonstration of quintessentially British defiance because the British people are never going to let terror change their way of life.

'And if you need proof of this, just look at this footage of people being evacuated from the scene.

'You see that one guy there? He refused to leave his pint of beer behind! That is a one-man walking "Keep Calm and Carry On' poster".'

The comedian also referred to one man at the scene returned to the restaurant he was at to pay his tab on Sunday, just hours after he was caught up in the attacks.

He told reporters at the scene of the horror: 'We're not going to let these people win, and I keep saying that if me having a gin and tonic with my friends, flirting with handsome men and hanging out with brilliant women is what offends these people so much, I'm going to do it more, not less.

'Because that's what makes London so great.'

Oliver raised a gin and tonic in salute on the show, responding: 'F*** yes it is!'

Joining Oliver, defiant Britons hit back at claims by media outlets, including the New York Times, that the nation was 'reeling' from terror attacks by revealing the things that really irk them.

The New York Times has been mocked widely on the internet with the establishment of a hashtag #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling which soon started to trend widely

Oliver praised the example of the man carrying his pint away from the terror attack describing him as a 'one-man walking 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster

Oliver praised the people posting on the satirical hashtag to counter the tone of the coverage

Responding with a series of tongue-in-cheek replies to the article, Britons referred to the things that really irritated them, such as the Freddo bar price hikes or fish and chips not being served in a newspaper.

The hashtag 'ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling' was trending on Twitter as Britons responded to Saturday night's atrocity with typical black humor.

In their coverage of the London stabbings the New York Times ran a headline: 'Terrorist attacks in the heart of London leave 6 dead in a nation still reeling.'

Honestly, it was an uplifting demonstration of quintessentially British defiance because the British people are never going to let terror change their way of life

It later changed its headline to 'Another Terrorist Attack Strikes the Heart of London'.

However that did not stop furious users hitting out on Twitter saying that, while Britain was undoubtedly mourning, it was determined to keep calm and carry on.

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.'

Fellow author Robert Harris wrote: 'This sort of hyped-up headline does the terrorists' job for them. UK isn't 'reeling'.

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.'

Author J.K. Rowling quickly hit back at the 'reeling' headline, claiming it was playing into the hands of terrorists

Journalist Jason Cowley said it was 'scandalous' to suggest Londoners were reeling

Twitter users responded to the New York Times article by detailing the things that really left them reeling

Another person joked about there being no milk left in a bottle as something that left people 'reeling'

One Twitter user joked how Britons were irritated by half-toasted slices of bread

One person said that fish and chips served in anything other than a newspaper irritated Britons

Another Twitter user said toilet paper facing the wrong way also irked many Britons

Britons then starting detailing the things that really left them 'reeling'.

Sharing a picture of a Freddo chocolate bar, one wrote: 'The price hike over this little chap #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling.'

Another person wrote: '#ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling Fish and chips served in anything other than newspaper.'

You see that one guy there? He refused to leave his pint of beer behind! That is a one-man walking 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster

One picture that was shared thousands of times was of a woman during the Second World War sitting on top of a bombed-out building drinking a cup of tea.

Terrorists brought carnage to the streets of Britain for the second time in as many weeks, killing seven and leaving 21 fighting for their lives.

Pedestrians were mowed down by a van on London Bridge before attackers stabbed a police officer and revellers around Borough Market with 12-inch knives.

The three men, wearing fake suicide bomb vests, were shot dead by eight officers outside a pub after police opened fire with an 'unprecedented' hail of 50 bullets, while a bystander was also shot. ISIS have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Officers say they know the identities of the men who carried out the attack and will release the names 'as soon as operationally possible'.

One Twitter user made light of the irritating moment people take up a seat on the Tube for their luggage
Two Brietbart writers have been blasted on Twitter and by their own colleagues over posts they made in the wake of the London terror attack.

Ryan Saavedra and Katie McHugh, both of whom write for the right-wing news site in the US, made anti-Islam comments following the van and knife attack which left at least seven people dead on Saturday.

The pair were attacked online but also by fellow Breitbart writers who branded the comments 'appalling', 'terrible' and 'dumb'.

Breitbart writer Katie McHugh was widely criticised for this tweet after the London attack, and for subsequently lashing out at actor Pej Vahdat

Saavedra said in a now-deleted tweet that 'the crusades need to come back', while McHugh said terror would not happen in London 'if Muslims didn't live there'.

Three colleagues spoke anonymously to CNN about the posts, with one saying: 'I find it appalling.'

Speaking about McHugh, another said: 'It's a terrible comment, I would never write what she said.'

McHugh was also criticized after she lashed out at actor Pej Vahdat, who called her a 'moron', by saying: 'You're an Indian.' Vahdat is in fact Iranian-American.

Ryan Saavedra was also attacked for his now-deleted message calling for a return of the crusades, which was replaced by a post calling for 'people to grow a pair of balls'

She was also accused of ignoring the long history of deadly bomb attacks in London which were carried out by largely Irish Catholic members of the IRA.

Meanwhile Saavedra was blasted after tweeting: 'People think I'm kidding when I say this but the crusades need to come back.'

He later deleted the message, replacing it with: 'This s*** won't stop until people grow a pair of balls.'

ISIS often refers to Western nations involved in conflicts in the Middle East as 'crusaders' in its propaganda.

Brietbart, which was run by Steven Bannon before he quit to become Donald Trump's chief strategist, is known for its outspoken stances - particularly when it comes to Islamic extremism.
ISIS militants have gone a sacrilegious rampage, smashing statues and setting fire to a church building in footage purportedly filmed in a besieged city in the southern Philippines.

The jihadis gleefully topple crucifixes, stamp on posters of Pope Francis and destroy effigies in the church, believed to be located in the city of Marawi, southern Philippines.

The video was first published by ISIS's Amaq News Agency.

Philippine soldiers are battling to recapture the town of Marawi from the militants, and clashes have already left at least 178 dead, including 20 civilians.

At least 120 militants and 38 soldiers and policemen are also believed to have been killed.

On Sunday a four hour ceasefire was supposed to give civilians a chance to evacuate from the city, but gunfire broke out an hour into it.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said that he will not negotiate with militants aligned with the Islamic State group, and that he has ordered troops to kill the gunmen even if they slaughter the hostages.

The jihadis topple a crucifix in a Catholic church in the Philippine city of Marawi

The ISIS-inspired thugs also destroyed effigies of Christian saints

Philippine soldiers are battling to recapture the town of Marawi from the militants

The siege of the lakeside city has dragged on for nearly two weeks. Troops have battled to regain control of most of the lakeside city, but the militants are still holding out in pockets.

They are believed to be holding many hostages, including 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.

On May 23, ISIS-inspired militants rampaged across the city, burning some buildings and occupying others as they battled troops backed by airstrikes and artillery fire.

A militant destroys a box containing a statue of the Virgin Mary

The thugs also tore down a poster of Pope Francis and stamped on it with their feet

At the end of the video the church is set on fire

US gives Philippines anti-terror weapons The United States on Monday gave the Philippines hundreds of machine guns, pistols and grenade launchers, which a local commander said would be used against Islamist militants battling troops in a southern city. The weapons, including machine guns capable of firing thousands of rounds a minute, were handed over at a ceremony in Manila that highlighted a decade-old American counter-terrorism assistance programme to the Philippines worth about $150 million. 'This equipment will enhance the (Philippine Marines') counterterrorism capabilities, and help protect (troops) actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines,' a US embassy statement said. Philippine Marines chief Major General Emmanuel Salamat said at the ceremony troops would use the weapons in the ongoing battle against Islamist militants in the southern city of Marawi. The equipment turned over on Monday was all new, according to US officers at the ceremony. It included four M134D Gatling-style machine guns, which are capable of firing thousands of rounds a minute, as well as 300 M4 assault rifles and 100 grenade launchers. Advertisement

In a speech at an air base at Lapu-Lapu, Duterte said: '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.

'My order really is to shoot you and to shoot you dead.'

However troops have also held back from troops have held back from indiscriminately bombing 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.

Marawi officials estimate that about 2,000 residents remained trapped in their houses and many have run out of food and water.

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.

Troops have regained control of most of the lakeside city, but pockets of resistance remain
President Donald Trump lashed out at his own Justice Department Monday for seeking the Supreme Court's backing for a 'watered down, politically correct version' of the travel ban he signed in March.

'People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!' he tweeted.

Trump appeared to be responding to a segment on the MSNBC 'Morning Joe' program, whose hosts needled him directly, mocking 'Tweet with Morning Joe!'

'Donald, I know you don't watch, so I'm not talking to you,' Joe Scarborough said, looking down the barrel of the TV camera.

'You do realize you just keep hurting yourself. You hurt yourself on the travel ban, and every politician you attack in Europe, you elect them.'

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President Donald Trump lashed out at his own Justice Department Monday for seeking the Supreme Court's backing for a 'watered down, politically correct version' of his travel ban

Trump insists on calling it a 'travel ban'

'Hi, Donald!' Trump seemed to be responding to a segment on 'Morning Joe,' a program he has insisted he no longer watches

Minutes after Trump began tweeting, Scarborough quipped: 'We thank you for responding to our show. '

'You want to say hi to him?' Scarborough asked co-host and fiancee Mika Brzezinski.

'No, I don't want to say hi,' she responded.

'Hi, Donald!' Scarborough said.

'We went after him in the first [broadcast] block,' he told his audience. 'By the time we came back from commercial he did something that put himself in more difficult legal jeopardy.'

'We talked about that, and then he put out another tweet that makes the work of his Justice Department and solicitor general even more difficult.

'And I don't know how detached this guy is with reality.'

'Thank you, Mr. President!' Brzezinski said later. 'Because I don't agree with the travel ban. He's helping me out.'

'This president through his travel ban is trying to do something to protect the people of this country,' Kellyanne Conway said Monday

In the series of tweets, Trump urged the Justice Department to ask for an 'expedited hearing' at the high court and seek a 'much tougher version' of the order temporarily blocking entry to the U.S. from a half-dozen majority Muslim countries. He called the courts, which have blocked two versions of the travel ban, 'slow and political.'

It's unclear whether the president has conveyed his requests to the Justice Department, which he oversees, in a forum other than Twitter.

On NBC's 'Today' show, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway defended Trump's travel ban as a reasonable precaution against the kind of terror attack that paralyzed London over the weekend.

'If you're going to "see something and say something," it has to be followed by "do something." And this president through his travel ban is trying to do something to protect the people of this country,' Conway said.

'I think people should look at the constitutional authority and the statutory authority for any president, including this one, to take a look at the poor vetting processes, the screening processes. We're talking about six countries that have been previously identified via the Obama administration where they either harbor or train, and/or export terrorists.'

'I don't know how detached this guy is with reality,' Joe Scarborough said Monday of President Donald Trump

Trump is insisting that the Supreme Court block a lower court's injunction that stopped the travel ban from going into effect

The president criticized the legal strategy in the wake of the vehicle and knife attack in London that left seven people dead and dozens injured. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last week, the Justice Department formally asked the Supreme Court to let a ban on visitors from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees from around the world to be put in place. The high court also is being asked to uphold the constitutionality of the Trump travel policy, which lower courts have blocked because it shows anti-Muslim prejudice.

The directive that would go before the Supreme Court is a narrower version of the executive order the president signed during his first week in office. The second order removed Iraq from the list of banned countries. An indefinite halt to entry from Syrian refugees was replaced by a temporary pause.

Trump's criticism came a day after he said he would do whatever is necessary to protect the United States from a 'vile enemy' that he said has waged war on innocents for too long,. 'This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end,' he vowed.

Trump was commenting Sunday evening on the vehicle and knife attack that killed at least seven people in London at the conclusion of a Sunday night 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 has waged war on innocent life, and it's gone on too long,' Trump said in an appearance at a Ford's Theater event, his first comments in public on the attack late Saturday in a busy section of London. He previously had commented via a series of Twitter posts Saturday.

'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.

After more than 20 people were killed in a bomb attack last month at a concert in Manchester, England, Trump condemned the assault as the act of 'evil losers' and called on nations to band together to fight terrorism.

Earlier Sunday, Trump had criticized London's mayor after the mayor sought to reassure residents about a stepped-up police presence following the attack, the third in the country in past three months. Trump argued in a Twitter post for leaders to 'stop being politically correct' and to focus on 'security for our people.'

The mayor's spokesman said he was too busy to respond to Trump's 'ill-informed' tweet.

President Donald Trump, joined by first lady Melania Trump, speaks during the Ford's Theatre Annual Gala at the Ford's Theatre in Washington on Sunday

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.
Donald Trump's head of social media has joined in attacks on London's mayor Sadiq Khan who claimed the city was 'safe' despite Saturday night's most recent terrorist atrocity.

Dan Scavino Jr, who is the social media director for Trump's official Twitter account supported his boss who launched an unprecedented attack on London's mayor.

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.

Donald Trump's social media manager Dan Scavino, left, has joined h is boss in attacking the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan following a terrorist attack on the city on Saturday night

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

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!'

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

Scavino used a 13-month old Tweet from London's mayor where Khan attacked Trump's proposed Muslim travel ban to tell him to 'Wake Up' following last weekend's attack

Khan had attacked Trump in May 2016 claiming such a ban would have adverse consequences

Several hours later, Scavino referenced a Tweet from 13 months ago when Khan criticized Trump's proposed Muslim travel ban.

He told the Mayor to 'WAKE UP!!!' in an inflammatory tweet.

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.'

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

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

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

In March Donald Trump Jr expressed shock that Khan had said the threat of terror was part of big city life. But he missed the context, which was Khan telling Londoners to be 'vigilant' for anything suspicious

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.'
Jeremy Corbyn humiliatingly backtracked on a demand for Theresa May to quit over the London Bridge atrocity today.

The Labour leader demanded the Prime Minister resign accusing her of leaving the country vulnerable during her tenure as Home Secretary.

But within hours he had changed his mind in the face of claims that he was engaging in 'ridiculous posturing' just three days ahead of the election. Asked in an interview this afternoon whether he thought Mrs May should resign immediately, he said: 'No.'

Mr Corbyn was also under intense pressure over his own record on terrorism, with the Tories pointing out that he previously boasted about voting against every counter-terrorism measure over the past 30 years.

He has previously branded UK drone strikes against terrorists 'obscene' and even suggested it was illegal to kill Jihadi John.

Earlier, Mrs May defended her record in the wake of the London Bridge atrocity, insisting counter-terrorism budgets had gone up since 2015 and more armed police were being recruited.

Asked in an interview this afternoon whether he thought Mrs May should resign immediately, he said: 'No.'

Mr Corbyn, pictured meeting apprentices in Consett, had earlier demanded that she should quit - despite there being only three days to go until the election

Theresa May (pictured giving a speech in central London today) warned that Jeremy Corbyn would not 'step up' to keep Britain safe from terrorism today as she dismissed criticism over police cuts

Mrs May was giving a speech at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in central London today

And she warned that Mr Corbyn's record showed he was unable to 'step up' to become the PM.

The bitter spat came after terrorists brought carnage to the streets of Britain for the second time in as many weeks, killing seven and leaving 21 fighting for their lives.

The three men, wearing fake suicide bomb vests, were shot dead by eight officers outside a pub after police opened fire with an 'unprecedented' hail of 50 bullets, while a bystander was also shot.

Despite his long record of opposing counter-terrorism measures, Mr Corbyn has sought to turn the screw on the PM - saying police numbers have fallen by 20,000 since 2010.

'In this election there is one leader who has made it his life's ambition to get rid of Trident, and one who is committed to keeping it,' she said.

'One leader who has boasted about opposing every single counter-terror law, and one who has been responsible for passing them.

'One leader who has opposed the use of shoot to kill, and given cover to the IRA when they bombed and shot our citizens  and who now, in the midst of an election campaign, wants to do all he can to hide or deny those views.

'That's not leadership. It's an abdication of leadership.

'It's a failure to meet even the minimum requirement of the job of Prime Minister  to keep our country safe.'

Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who arrived at London Bridge within two minutes of last night's attack beginning

Mrs May accused Jeremy Corbyn (pictured giving a speech in Middlesbrough today) of consistently opposing efforts to bolster protections against extremism

Mrs May, pictured on a campaign visit to Scotland this afternoon, said Mr Corbyn had 'opposed every single counter-terror law'

The Prime Minister appeared alongside Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at an event in Edinburgh this afternoon

Meanwhile, Mr Corbyn was asked on a visit to Middlesbrough whether he was calling for Mrs May to resign.

'Indeed I would, because theres been calls made by a lot of very responsible people on this who are very worried that she was at the Home Office for all this time, presided over these cuts in police numbers and is now saying that we have a problem - yes, we do have a problem, we should never have cut the police numbers,' he told ITV.

But hours later, after being derided on Twitter and seen former reviewer of terrorism Lord Carlile dismiss his jibe as 'ridiculous posturing, Mr Corbyn told Sky News he no longer wanted her to resign.

FORMER CAMERON AIDE SAYS PM SHOULD 'RESIGN' OVER ATTACK A former aide to David Cameron demanded Theresa May resigns over the London Bridge attack today. Steve Hilton, who resigned from Downing Street in 2012 and then dramatically fell out with Mr Cameron over Brexit, rubbished her record as Home Secretary. Steve Hilton made clear his views on Mrs May on Twitter today Mr Hilton, who now lives in the US and is currently promoting a new TV programme, posted on Twitter: 'Theresa May responsible for security failures of London Bridge, Manchester, Westminster Bridge. 'Should be resigning not seeking re-election.' The comments come with Mrs May facing pressure over police cuts since 2010. Labour has been trying to link the terror attacks in London Bridge, Manchester and Westminster to security failures. Advertisement

He insisted 'many people' were 'very angry' with Mrs May's performance in the Home Office.

But asked if he still thought she should quit, he said: 'No, I think we should wait until Thursday to decide who our MPs are.'

Bizarrely, Mr Corbyn insisted he was 'not backing away from anything'. 'Let's be very clear, there is an election on,' he added.

On a visit to Blythe Valley this afternoon, where Labour is defending a 9,000-plus majority, Mr Corbyn tried to shift the agenda away from security.

He urged activists to focus on Labour's domestic policies, and insisted people had been wrong to 'write us off'.

The PM's speech in central London today came she chaired a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee in the wake of the attack, and confirmed that the threat level will stay at 'severe'.

Asked earlier whether she regretted cuts to officer numbers, Mrs May said: 'The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has said that the Met is well-resourced, and they are, and they have 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 officers.

'That's despite the fact that Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party suggested that police budgets could be cut.

'But it is also the powers that we give to police. We have given increased powers to police to be able to deal with threats - powers that Jeremy Corbyn has always boasted he has opposed.'

Mrs May pointed out that a number of nationalities had been caught up in the attack. 'This was an attack on London and the UK but it was also an attack on the free world,' she said.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley admitted earlier that there had been 'reductions in police numbers across the board'.

'That was because we had to take difficult decisions in 2010 when we came into office, when as you remember there was no money,' she added.

She stressed that more armed police were being recruited.

Mr Corbyn, pictured at a CND rally in 2013, has previously branded UK drone strikes against terrorists 'obscene' and even suggested it was illegal to kill Jihadi John

Pedestrians were mowed down by a van on London Bridge before attackers stabbed a police officer and revellers around Borough Market with 12-inch knives.

One of the attackers shouted 'this is for Allah' as he knifed a man near a pub - while the Islamic State militant group claimed its fighters carried out the attack.

The group is said to have urged extremists to run over civilians in a poster released over the weekend featuring a knife, handgun and lorry urging radicals to 'gain benefit from Ramadan'.

Officers say they know the identities of the men who carried out the attack and will release the names 'as soon as operationally possible'.

MAY SAYS BRUSSELS WILL REJOICE IF CORBYN LEADS BREXIT TALKS Theresa May has insisted Brexit remains the most important issue facing the nation today. In her speech at RUSI in central London, Mrs May said the negotiations would be the most difficult Britain has ever known, with dire consequences ahead if the UK did not get a good deal. She said Brussels would think 'Christmas has come early' if Jeremy Corbyn end up in charge of the talks. 'I have negotiated for Britain in Europe and I know that the best place to start is to be clear about where you stand and what you want,' she said. 'That is why I have been clear that we do not seek to fudge this issue - to be half-in and half-out of the EU. 'The British people made their choice and it would be a scandal to do anything other than respect their decision.' Advertisement

In her speech at RUSI in central London today, Mrs May also urged voters to stay focused on the crucial issue of Brexit.

She said it promised to be the most difficult set of international negotiations Britain has ever known, with dire consequences ahead if the UK did not get a good deal.

She added: 'I have negotiated for Britain in Europe and I know that the best place to start is to be clear about where you stand and what you want.

'That is why I have been clear that we do not seek to fudge this issue - to be half-in and half-out of the EU.

'The British people made their choice and it would be a scandal to do anything other than respect their decision.'

The Prime Minister said that leadership was at the heart of the election campaign, adding she would face up to great challenges, be straight with people and 'get the job done'.

She also said the Labour leader would throw away all the Government's work on Brexit so far by scrapping a white paper outlining its approach to Brexit.

In further criticism of Mr Corbyn, Mrs May said: 'He says he wants tariff-free access to the EU, but cannot say if he wants to remain a member the single market - and with it, remain subject to the rulings of the European court and to European free movement rules.

'He cannot say if it means remaining a full member of the customs union - which would deprive us of our ability to strike new trade agreements around the world.

'These are the most basic questions that need to be answered - and yet we have heard nothing at all about them from Jeremy Corbyn.'

BECKETT FAILS THREE TIMES TO BACK CORBYN AS THE BEST PM ON SECURITY Former Labour Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett today refused three times to endorse Jeremy Corbyn as the best candidate for Prime Minister on security. Mrs Beckett instead launched a series of attacks on Theresa May and admitted security issues were 'new' to the Labour leader. Mr Corbyn, who has a three decade record of opposing new terror laws and questionable links to extremists, has been dogged by security issues throughout the campaign. Mrs Beckett was asked repeatedly on Sky News to endorse Mr Corbyn ahead of Thursday's election. The closest the former foreign secretary came was to say: 'I think Jeremy Corbyn is coming relatively new to some of these issues. 'But I am sure he is capable of taking on board new ideas.' But she added: 'What I would like to hear the Prime Minster and her colleagues say is we should look at all of this from start to finish. 'That includes us in the Labour Party and people who fight for civil liberties. 'You would not think Theresa May had been Home Secretary for six years, would you?' Former Labour foreign secretary Margaret Beckett (pictured on Sky News today) launched a series of attacks on Theresa May when asked if Jeremy Corbyn was equipped to protect national security Mrs Beckett insisted Mrs May had to be accountable for the decisions she made. She said: 'She does not want to answer questions. 'She need to accept she needs to be accountable. One thing that is alarming about this campaign is her ''let's sweep away every Labour MP because I Theresa May have a monopoly on wisdom'' (approach). 'She does not.' Advertisement

WHAT JEREMY CORBYN HAS SAID ON SECURITY IN THE PAST DOES HE BELIEVE IN THE NUCLEAR DETERRENT? Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme in September 2015 whether he would ever use nuclear weapons: 'No.' Asked same question on BBC's Andrew Marr show, April 2017: 'I have made clear there would be no first use of it. I've made clear any use of nuclear weapons would be a disaster for the whole world. 'Nuclear weapons are not the solution to the world's security issues. They are a disaster if ever used.' Pressed on what he would write in 'letters of last resort' to Trident submarine commanders for if contact had been lost: 'A strict instruction, follow orders when given.' WOULD HE EVER USE MILITARY FORCE? Asked whether there were any circumstances he would deploy military force during Labour leadership hustings in September 2015: 'Any? I am sure there are some. But I can't think of them at the moment.' During the campaign, Mr Corbyn said that he had not supported any British combat missions since the Second World War. IS HE A PACIFIST? Asked if he is a pacifist, Guardian interview, August 2015: 'It is hard to define. I am person that has a very high threshold of saying I would not wish to be involved in armed conflict. The question always comes back to the second world war.' WOULD HE ORDER DRONE STRIKES AGAINST TERRORISTS? Asked on BBC's Andrew Marr show in April 2017 whether he would authorise drone strikes on terrorists in Syria and Iraq: 'I think the leader of (ISIS) not being around would be helpful and I'm no supporter or defender in any way whatsoever of Isil, but I would also argue that the bombing campaign has killed a large number of civilians, many of whom were virtually prisoners of Isil, you have got to think about these things.' Pressed on the issue he said: 'What is the objective here? Is the objective to start more strikes that may kill many innocent people as has happened or is the objective to get a political solution in Syria? My whole point would be does this help to get a political solution in Syria?' WOULD HE EVER SUPPORT MILITARY ACTION AGAINST ISIS? November 2015 BBC interview: 'I would support security measures, policing measures... 'I think that is a hypothetical question at this stage. At the present time the issue of the bombing in Syria does not seem the right thing. Asked to say what he thought in principle, he said: 'I'm not saying I would or I wouldn't, I'm saying it's a hypothetical question... There has to be, at the end, a political situation to it.' DOES HE BELIEVE IN SHOOT-TO-KILL POLICY? November 2015 BBC interview: '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. I think you have to have security that prevents people firing off weapons where you can.' Amid criticism from Labour MPs, Mr Corbyn later clarified that he supported whatever 'proportionate and strictly necessary force is required to save life'. WOULD HE ABOLISH THE ARMY? Speech in 2012: 'Wouldn't it be wonderful if every politician around the world instead of taking pride in the size of their Armed Forces did what Costa Rica have done and abolished their Army, and took pride in the fact they don't have an Army? 'Their country is near the top of the global peace index. Surely that is the way we should be going forward.' DOES HE CONDEMN IRA BOMBINGS? BBC Radio Ulster interview, August 2015: INTERVIEWER: Do you condemn what the IRA did? JC: I condemn all bombing, it is not a good idea, and it is terrible what happened. INTERVIEWER: The question is do you condemn what the IRA did? JC: Look I condemn what was done by the British Army as well as the other sides as well. What happened in Derry in 1972 was pretty devastating as well. INTERVIEWER: Do you distinguish between State forces like the British Army and the IRA? JC: Well in a sense the treatment of IRA prisoners which made them into virtual political prisoners suggested that the British government and the State saw some kind of almost equivalency. I mean my point is that the whole violence was terrible, was appalling, and came out of a process that had been allowed to fester in Northern Ireland for a very long time and surely we can move on a bit and look towards the achievements of the peace process in moving things forward. Advertisement
An Air China plane yesterday narrowly missed flying into a mountain in Hong Kong after the pilot allegedly made a wrong turn, according to Chinese media.

It's reported that the pilot had failed to understand the instructions from an air traffic controller and veered towards the mountain minutes after the takeoff.

The Airbus A320 plane had to make a mid-air emergency turn to avoid the mountain, reports said. It landed in Chengdu two hours later with no casualties.

Scroll down for video

A map on the flightrader24 shows that CA428 had to make a sharp turn to avoid flying into a mountain on June 4 after taking off from Hong Kong International Airport

Previous data indicated that the plane normally takes the turn after reaching the Zhujiang River Estuary. Above is the flying route of the same flight on June 3

Reports suggested that the Air China pilot made a wrong turn after failing to understand the instructions from the Hong Kong air traffic controllers (file photo)

The flight in question has been reported to be Air China flight CA428, from Hong Kong to Chengdu.

Hong Kong news website Apple Daily reported that the plane made a left turn at around 3,000 feet high two minutes after departing from Hong Kong International Airport.

According to information on flight tracking website flightrader24, the turn was different from the usual flying route of CA428.

Previous data indicated that the plane normally takes the turn after reaching the Zhujiang River Estuary.

After the turn, it appeared that CA428 was flying towards the 3,066-foot-tall Lantau Peak, the second highest peak in Hong Kong. The iconic Tian Tan Big Buddha is also situated on the highland of Lantau Island.

CA428 took off from Hong Kong International Airport (pictured) at 9:07pm yesterday and landed in Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 11:21pm, according to Air China

Hong Kong media reported that the plane made a left turn at around 3,000 feet high and was flying towards the 3,066-foot-tall Lantau Peak and Tian Tan Big Buddha (pictured)

An audio clip, believed to be from an air traffic controller in Hong Kong, has also emerged online.

In the clip, a female controller is heard telling the Air China plane in English to 'turn right immediately' and 'expedite climb' to avoid the terrain.

Media reports suggested that the pilot of CA428 had not understand the previous instructions from the air traffic control. Therefore, he made the wrong turn.

Air China is the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China.

A customer representative from the company confirmed to MailOnline that on June 4, CA428 took off from Hong Kong International Airport at 9:07pm and landed in Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 11:21pm.

In response to the incident, Air China said in a statement that the flight crew of CA428 'had doubt' about the instructions from the air traffic controller during the climb.

Air China said that the flight crew of CA428 'had doubt' about the instructions from the air traffic controller and they made the turn after receiving a confirmation (file photo)

'As the radio frequency is busy, [the flight crew] made the turn in advance after receiving a confirmation, this caused [the plane] to leave the usual air route temporarily,' the statement continued.

Air China said that the flight crew 'corrected the course after being reminded by the air traffic controller'.

The incident did not trigger a terrain warning or any safety issues, according to Air China. The company added that it would further strengthen its safety education.

It remains unclear how many passengers were on the flight.

MailOnline has contacted the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department for comment, and is awaiting for a reply.
A TV reporter was forced to run for his life after police and a gunman fired on each other in a suburban street during a hostage crisis.

Sky News Melbourne bureau chief Ahron Young was reporting from the scene on Bay Street in Brighton where a woman was held hostage by armed man Yacqub Khayre.

As he was describing the scene, a volley of gunfire rang out live on air around Buckingham Serviced Apartments behind him.

Sky News reporter Ahron Young was forced to run for his life after police and a gunman fired on each other in a suburban street in Melbourne during a hostage crisis

He and dozens of onlookers were evacuated by police to a Coles supermarket about 50 metres away while he breathlessly updated the newsroom.

'I'm right now hearing gunfire, oh my God, police are calling for us to get back... we're all running away from here,' he said.

'We've just been told to get back to Coles because of this scene unfolding. There were probably 30 to 40 rounds of gunfire.'

As he was describing the scene, a volley of gunfire rang out live on air around the serviced apartment block behind him

The deadly exchange of gunfire killed the hostage-taker and injured three police officers, and another man was found dead in the foyer when police stormed in

Young did not stop his broadcast at any point but sounded out of breath from running away from the scene and shaken by the events.

'We're now safely inside Coles...' he said before turning to his camera crew.

'Guys we have to stay in here, there's been gunfire outside so just stay where you are,' he told them.

Young then returned to addressing Sky anchor Sam Maiden: 'It just came out of the blue, Sam, as I was talking to you, those rounds of gunfire, police shouting at everyone to get back.'

Gunman Yacqub Khayre was reportedly well known to counter terrorism officers in Victoria, with police now investigating if the attack was terror related

The serviced apartment block where the gunman was holding a woman hostage

'There's probably 30 or 40 people who are still outside who are now being pushed across the road. We've probably run 50 metres away from where we were.'

The deadly exchange of gunfire killed Khayre and injured three police officers, and a man who worked in the apartment block was found dead in the foyer when police stormed in.

The woman aged in her 20s taken hostage, who also worked at the apartments, was safely rescued by armed police and the siege was resolved.

Young later said the gunfire took everyone by surprise including police officers who set up a perimeter while tactical units stormed the apartment block.

Police shut down an intersection on Bay Street in Brighton, Melbourne, during the siege

Moments before police stormed the building and shot him dead, Khayre, 29, called Channel 7 to claim he was carrying out the attack on behalf of Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda,' he said.

In the background of the call a woman, believed to be the female hostage, could be heard screaming loudly.

Khayre was reportedly well known to counter terrorism officers in Victoria, with police now investigating if the attack was terror related.
The only Democrat candidate running for office in Iowa's 4th congressional district has withdrawn from the election.

Kim Weaver called a stop to her campaign against Republican incumbent Steve King on Saturday, saying death threats at her home and concerns over her health and that of her ailing mother were behind the decision.

But Weaver also claimed that local Republicans had defunded the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman, where she works, to 'punish' her for running.

Kim Weaver, the only Democrat nominated for the 2018 race in Iowa's 4th Congressional District, has withdrawn her candidacy - and accused Republicans of underhanded tactics

The office was cut by $164,000 this year, equivalent to 12 per cent of its budget, and Weaver claims her supervisor admitted that it was linked to her candidacy.

The supervisor also told her the request came from a state legislator.

Weaver told the Des Moines Register: 'I'm feeling guilty that we lost this funding because I'm running for office', adding that she was prepared to take a 'voluntary layoff' if the cut requires a staff reduction.

Weaver said she has also been receiving threatening emails and phone calls, and that a 'for sale' sign was erected outside her house - which she believes was an attempt to intimidate her into leaving town.

In a Facebook post, she wrote: 'Over the last several weeks, I have been evaluating personal circumstances along with the political climate regarding this campaign.

'After much deliberation, I have determined that the best decision for me is to withdraw my candidacy for the US House race in Iowa's 4th Congressional District.

One consideration has been raised again by recent events at my home. Beginning during my 2016 campaign, I have received very alarming acts of intimidation, including death threats.

'While some may say enduring threats are just a part of running for office, my personal safety has increasingly become a concern.

Rival Steve King said Weaver's claims of death threats were 'fabricated' but made no comment on her allegations that a healthcare ombudsman was defunded to intimidate her

King has represented Iowa in congress since 2003, and has headed the 4th district since 2013 when his old district was abolished

'Above this, my personal health is an issue. In order to sufficiently devote myself to the campaign, I would have to quit my job and shift to campaigning full-time.

'With recent legislation on health insurance, I must admit that the possibility of seeking a new job after the election exposes too much of a risk for me in not being able to secure health insurance.

'Most importantly, my mother lives in Des Moines and has been experiencing ongoing health issues. I feel that it's necessary to be more available to support her.

'Considering this, along with the time and energy it takes to succeed as a candidate, I realize that I can't fully commit to both.

'With all this in mind, I have made the difficult decision to end my campaign, and to move out of the district and back to Des Moines where I grew up.'

King responded to the message, saying he believes the death threats were 'fabricated' - though added that he wanted to face off against Weaver.

The Republican is a fixture of the Iowa political scene, having served in the state Senate from 1997 to 2003, before being elected to the House of Representatives.

He served in the fifth district from 2003 to 2013, when it was abolished, before moving to the fourth district, where he has served ever since.
It was at 4.30pm on Monday when reports came through an affluent beachside suburb of Melbourne had been rocked by an explosion and a hostage situation was unfolding.

Police raced to serviced apartments on Bay Street, Brighton, in the city's south-east, and found the dead body of a male employee lying on the foyer floor.

'The Buckingham' was immediately placed into lockdown and the area outside the building was cordoned off by officers.

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Somalian-born Yacqub Khayre, 29, (pictured) was killed by police in an exchange of 'severe gunfire' shortly before 6pm Monday, ending the hostage situation inside 'The Buckingham' apartments, in Brighton, Melbourne

Specialist police at the scene of an explosion and hostage situation at the serviced apartments in Brighton, Melbourne's south-east after reports first came through at 4.30pm

'Severe gunfire' was heard ringing out from inside the apartment block at 6pm, with police exchanging up to 40 shots with the gunman, killing him in the process

Police are pictured at the scene in Bay Street, Brighton, where a gunman who had taken a woman hostage was shot dead

Police at 8pm confirmed they are now investigating the link of terror to the attack

At 5pm, specialist police were on scene and the Nepean Highway and Bay Streets were closed to peak-hour traffic.

It was revealed a gunman, Somalian-born Yacqub Khayre, 29, had taken a woman, a employee of the apartments believed to be aged in her 20s, hostage inside the building after a phone called was made to 000.

At 5.40pm, the gunman had called up the Melbourne newsroom of Channel Seven to claim: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda'.

As he made the chilling phone call a woman, believed to be the female hostage, was heard screaming desperately in the background.

The area outside the building was cordoned off and the Nepean Highway and Bay Streets were closed to traffic

When police arrived at the scene they discovered a man's body lying on the floor of the foyer, while another man was reportedly holding a woman hostage inside

A TIMELINE OF THE MELBOURNE SIEGE: 4.30pm - Reports of an explosion in a service apartment block in Brighton, in Melbourne's eastern suburbs - Police enter 'The Buckingham' to find a man's dead body on the foyer floor - The building is placed into lockdown and the area outside is cordoned off 5pm - Specialist police units can be seen outside 'The Buckingham' - The Nepean Highway and Bay Streets are closed, disrupting peak hour traffic - It is revealed a gunman is holding a woman hostage inside the apartments 5.40pm - The gunman calls Channel Seven newsroom and claims 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda' 6pm - 'Severe gunfire' is heard ringing out from inside the apartment block - Police exchange up to 40 shots with the gunman, killing him in the process - He had reportedly stepped out of an apartment and began firing at police, leading to them returning fire - Terrified residents in the area forced to run for their lives into a nearby Coles supermarket 8pm - Police confirm they are looking into terror links to the attack Advertisement

At 6pm, 'severe gunfire' was heard ringing out from inside the apartment block, with police exchanging up to 40 shots with the gunman, killing him in the process.

The man had reportedly stepped out of an apartment and began firing at police, leading to them returning fire.

Three police officers were injured.

Terrified residents in the area were forced to run for their lives into a nearby Coles supermarket.

Sky News Melbourne bureau chief Ahron Young was reporting from the scene when he was forced to run for his life after police and a gunman fired on each other.

'I'm right now hearing gunfire, oh my god, police are calling for us to get back... we're all running away from here,' he said.

'We've just been told to get back to Coles because of this scene unfolding. There were probably 30 to 40 rounds of gunfire.'

The gunman responsible for the act was reportedly well known to counter terrorism officers in Victoria.

At 8pm, police confirmed they are now investigating the link of terror to the attack.
Michael Allen Joyner, 38, was arrested on Sunday and accused of killing wife Michelle and father Dennis with an ax two days before

A North Carolina man has been charged with murdering his wife and father and then skipping town - leaving a toddler alone with their bodies.

Michael Allen Joyner, 38, was arrested on Sunday after the bodies of 36-year-old wife Michelle and father Dennis, 63, were found at a house they shared in Wilson county.

Officers had been called to the home on Saturday after Dennis failed to show for work the day before, and found the corpses along with a toddler.

Police said the uninjured youngster had been locked in a back bedroom.

Detectives believe the murders took place on Friday morning, meaning the child could have been alone for more than 24 hours before being found.

They did not disclose the age or sex of the toddler, or who the parents are. The child has now been handed over to the Department of Social Services.

An arrest warrant was issued for Joyner on Saturday, before his car was seized at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Detectives traced Joyner to California, before he was arrested in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard said: 'This incident appears to be domestic in nature with an ax being the choice of weapon use to facilitate this crime.

'We were able to locate his vehicle as well as gather intelligence as to his whereabouts in California.'
A six-month-old baby was allegedly kidnapped and ritually murdered by a sorcerer who promised a man the gruesome sacrifice would grant him a child.

The young girl was stolen from her parents' home in Jharkhand, eastern India, as they slept with the door open to counteract the blazing heat.

Two men have now been arrested, including a man regarded as a sorcerer who lived next door to the family.

According to the Hindustan Times, the helpless baby was cut with a dagger at a burning ghat - a small fire by a holy river that is used for cremation - and then put into the flames.

The baby girl was cut with a dagger and burned in a ghat (shown in a stock image above) by the duo in a reported bid to appease a god and deliver a child to one of the men

The sorcerer - named Karmu Kalindi - had told Bhadohi Kalindi that if a newborn baby were slaughtered in a ritual fashion, it would appease a god and provide the man and his wife with a baby of their own.

Sub-divisional police officer Sandip Bhagat said the duo had penned statements explaining they buried the body of the baby on a river bed after dripping its blood into the burning ghat.

He added: 'We have solved the child-theft mystery. The accused have confessed to their crime. The dagger they had used for sacrificing the child has been recovered.'

The child originally went missing at the end of last month, increasing fears in the area that child-snatchers were prowling for newborns.

Furious mobs have already claimed the lives of nine innocent men in separate incidents after they were accused of attempting to steal children.

Such practices are said to be common in the state, where self-proclaimed healers attempt to fool illiterate and healthcare-deprived residents.

The parents of the child, Subhash Gope and Parvati Gope, said they wanted the death penalty for the killers.

They reportedly sought help from sorcerers themselves in hunting down the perpetrators.
The family of one of the London Bridge terrorists today pleaded to be left to 'grieve in peace' as 21 of his innocent victims continue to fight for their lives in hospital.

A brother-in-law of 27-year-old Muslim extremist Khuram Butt made the comment as police swooped to arrest 12 people over the atrocity in raids across east London.

Butt was one of three men who embarked on a stabbing rampage in London on Saturday night.

Seven people were killed and 48 injured, with a number of victims having their throats slit, before police marksmen brought the violence to an end.

Khuram Butt (pictured in a Channel 4 documentary), was one of three men who embarked on a stabbing rampage in London on Saturday night

Three Jihadi terrorists were shot dead by armed police after killing seven people and injuring at least 48 more during a horrific knife rampage in central London on Saturday night

The sister of one of the killers is believed to be among those held in East Ham.

Her husband told The Sun: 'I don't know anything. We haven't been told whats going on. We just want to grieve in peace.'

It has also emerged Butt held a farewell barbecue at his flat in Barking.

Neighbour Ramou Grant told Good Morning Britain: 'Last week he called for a barbecue and invited all of us. [I'm] thinking, "was this a send-off?".'

Amid a series of revelations last night, it was claimed that a friend of the suspect had reported him to the anti-terror hotline after he became radicalised by watching extremist videos onYouTube.

It was also alleged that police were warned about the 27-year-old radicalising children in a local park two years ago, giving them sweets and money.

The 27-year-old Muslim extremist involved in Saturday's London Bridge attack appeared in a TV documentary last year about British jihadis  and was involved in a filmed altercation with police after an Islamic State flag was unfurled in Regent's Park

And yesterday, a photographer captured a detective carrying secret notes which appeared to suggest a man embroiled in the investigation had been quizzed by police last year.

A friend who called the anti-terror hotline said: 'I did my bit, I know other people did their bit but the authorities did not do their bit'.

The Telegraph claims that counter-terrorism officers were watching a terror cell in Barking on the eve of the terror attack.

Gardai in Ireland have confirmed that an Irish ID card was found on the body of another of the killers, Rachid Redouane, 30, who claimed to be Moroccan-Libyan.
A nine-year-old was shot dead and an 11-year-old was seriously hurt when mourners started firing guns during a funeral in Iraq.

The youngster was killed by mistake as rounds were fired at the service in Al-Hassan village in southern Iraq's Dhi Qar province.

An 11-year-old was critically injured as crowds gathered for the funeral of an 80-year-old resident.

A nine-year-old was shot dead and an 11-year-old was seriously hurt when mourners started firing guns during a funeral in Iraq (file picture)

According to Alghad Press, the pensioner had stated in his will that he wanted people at the funeral to fire 'salutation rounds'.

But the tribute ended in tragedy with witnesses saying two children had been shot.

It is not the first time such accidental deaths have happened at large family gatherings in Iraq.

In December 2015, shocking footage emerged showing the moment a wedding guest was shot dead when a man lost control of his Kalashnikov as he was firing it into the air to celebrate.

Similar deaths have occurred in other countries.

In March, a dream wedding in Thailand turned deadly after celebratory gunfire shot by guests killed an innocent neighbour.

A year earlier video emerged of the moment the father of a groom was shot dead during a wedding in Madhya Pradesh, India.

In June 2015, a young woman was killed after being shot in the head by celebratory gunfire at a wedding in northern France.

The 19-year-old was in the street when the shots were fired from a procession of cars involved in another wedding taking place in the town.
A Thai bar worker has confessed to strangling and chopping up her former co-worker in a furious rage after the woman reported her boyfriend to police for drug dealing.

Preeyanuch Nonwangchai, 24, fled to Burma with two friends after Warisara Klinjui, 23, was murdered, sawed in half, and stuffed into two black bins in Khon Kaen Province, in northeast Thailand, two weeks ago.

When police caught up with Nonwangchai and her friends, Kawita Ratchada, 25, and Apiwant Satayabundit, 28, in Burma this weekend, Nonwangchai confessed to killing Klinjui.

She confessed to strangling Klinjui in a furious rage after her boyfriend was reported to police for drug dealing and later arrested.

Alleged killer Preeyanuch Nonwangchai, 24, fled to Burma after the murder. Police say she sent revealing pictures of herself to massage parlors in the area while job hunting and worked for two nights at a sex bar - as clips emerged of her working on a explicit cam site (pictured)

Preeyanuch Nonwangchai (front centre), 24, was arrested alongside Kawita Ratchada (front left), 25, and Apiwant Satayabundit (front right), 28, in Burma this weekend. Nonwangchai confessed to strangling Warisara Klinjui in a furious rage after her boyfriend was reported to police for drug dealing

Warissara Klinjui, 23, was found murdered and stuffed into two black bins in Khon Kaen Province, in northeast Thailand, last month

Klinjui, who worked at a karaoke bar, reported Nonwangchai's boyfriend for dealing drugs and led to his arrest last year.

Nonwangchai and her friends, who allegedly helped her cut up Klinjui's body, had been hiding out in Burma, where they worked at a sex bar and searched for other jobs.

The 24-year-old had sent revealing pictures of herself to massage parlors in the area while job hunting and worked for two nights at a sex bar - as clips emerged of her working on a explicit cam site.

Officers finally arrested the three girls on Saturday evening after they were seen on CCTV casually browsing dresses at a fashion store near border town Tachileik in Burma.

Bizarrely, the trio were pictured in custody at the immigration checkpoint eating cakes, laughing, smoking and applying make-up as Nonwangchai - whose sinister crime has captivated the Thai public and sparked a range of souvenirs on sale - posed with officers for pictures.

Nonwangchai (pictured above) and her friends, who allegedly helped her cut up Klinjui's body, had been hiding out in Burma, where they worked at a sex bar and searched for other jobs. When in Thailand, she worked at a karaoke bar alongside Klinjui

Officers finally arrested the three girls on Saturday evening after they were seen on CCTV casually browsing dresses at a fashion store near border town Tachileik in Burma

All three women were seen on CCTV at the retail shop as they tried to hide out from police following the murder

Nonwangchai reportedly told police: 'We worked at a karaoke bar for about two days. But due to pressure from authorities, we had to quit our jobs there and move to various small villages in Tachileik.'

Pol Lt Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn said three suspects, who have now been flown back to Thailand, would face jail after being handed over to Thai authorities and confessing to the murder.

Prousoontorn said: 'The suspects were flown from Chiang Rai to Bangkok and then there will be a re-enactment of the crime at the scene in Khon Kaen.'

National police commissioner Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda said the three women were charged with premeditated murder, hiding a body and receiving stolen items.

He said alleged ringleader Nonwangchai had a feud with the victim since last year after Klinjui reported her and her boyfriend to police for drugs offences and she was owed 40,000 baht.

He added: 'Preeyanuch insisted she met the victim by chance about 1am of May 25 after not having seen her for a year.

Bizarrely, the trio were pictured in custody at the immigration checkpoint (pictured above)eating cakes, laughing, smoking and applying make-up

Nonwangchai - whose sinister crime has captivated the Thai public and sparked a range of souvenirs on sale - even posed with officers for pictures while wearing what appeared to be a face mask

Pol Lt Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn said three suspects, who have now been flown back to Thailand

The women, seen boarding a plane above, would face jail after being handed over to Thai authorities and confessing to the murder

National police commissioner Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda said the three women were charged with premeditated murder, hiding a body and receiving stolen items

'So she asked her to get into the car to teach her a lesson but they had a row in the car and she strangled her.'

The murder hunt began when locals found the remains of Klinjui stuffed in two black plastic bins and buried in a shallow grave in Khon Kaen province on May 25.

Police officers initially arrested and released Klinjui's husband Sakchai Batthongdee, 35, who travelled for work and was unaware of his wife's double life in her hometown, where she told him she was living with her grandmother.

Bisexual Klinjui had actually been seeing a former female schoolfriend and other women who she met online while working as a hooker and waitress at a karaoke bar.

Klinjui's mother Sairung Klinjui, 42, said that her daughter had a history of relationships with women.

Police initially arrested the schoolfriend she was having an affair with but she was later released.

But according to police, Nonwangchai held onto a burning grudge, attacked her to 'teach her a lesson', then when Klinjui fought back, strangled her before cutting her body into two pieces.

Officers caught suspect Wasin Namphrom, 22, in neighbouring country Laos and on Wednesday staged a recreation at the spot where he and other suspects allegedly buried Klinjui

Suspect Namphrom (center) told police that former colleague Nonwangchai, who worked at the same bar as the victim, had killed and dismembered her and that he was only driving

Namphrom (center) said that he and three female friends lured Klinjui into a car in the early hours of May 23

Namphrom, 22, leads police to the spot where he is accused of burying the sawn-in-half body of murdered bar girl Warissara Klinjui, 23, last week

Along with the three women who fled to Burma, two others were allegedly involved in the murder: Wasin Namphrom, 22, was arrested in Laos along with his girlfriend Jidarat Promkhun, 21.

Namphrom told police that former colleague Nonwangchai, who worked at the same bar as the victim, had killed and dismembered her and that he was only driving.

Nonwangchai's sister told officers that the gang only planned to 'attack her in revenge for snitching to police'.

She said: 'Preeyanuch said she and her friends only planned to lure her somewhere to assault her in revenge.

'But then the woman said, 'If I survive, then you die', so she became enraged.'

Following the murder, Nonwangchai posted several pictures online of cartoon character Chucky holding a knife.

Other pictures of Nonwangchai on social media show her posing with money, having naked bubble baths and showing off expensive handbags.

All five suspects in the case are due to stage a re-enactment and appear before a court in the coming weeks.

Suspect Namphrom staged a recreation of the murder for police and media on Wednesday following his arrest

Nonwangchai's sister told officers that the gang only planned to 'attack her in revenge for snitching to police'

Lt Gen Suan Khamai from the Khao Suan Kwang district police said arrest warrants have been issued for three remaining suspects, who are believed to have fled to Burma

The alleged killers are believed to have planned to carry out a revenge plot on behalf of Nonwangchai, who believed Klinjui had snitched on her boyfriend who was then arrested on a drug-related charge

Horrified farmers discovered Klinjui's corpse in the middle of the afternoon before alerting police. Officers said they believed the killer had a 'personal grudge' with Klinju

Horrified farmers discovered the corpse in the middle of the afternoon before alerting police.

Officers said they believed the killer had a 'personal grudge' with Klinjui.

Lt Gen Suan Khamai from the Khao Suan Kwang district police, said at the time: 'Villagers were walking and approached the area where the body was found.

'There were black sheets and they began digging. When they opened the bag they found body parts. Police immediately rushed to the scene. '

Lt. Gen. Suan said that Klinjui had worked nights in a city bar complex where she was a drinks hostess entertaining customers.

They identified her by distinctive tattoos on her back and a tattoo on her left chest which read 'Poppy'.

He said at the time of her murder: 'The dead girl was killed elsewhere, cut somewhere else, then put into a bag and transported in a car to be buried in the area.

'We believe this was a personal vendetta. When the opportunity arose they killed her and sliced the body into two pieces.

'We expect it to be a person issue related to sex and relationships.'
Two Melbourne schoolgirls have revealed their harrowing accounts of a man following them home from school, with one of them claiming he made attempts to coax her into his car.

The targeted pupils at Mentone Girls' Secondary College informed the police as the college's principal Linda Brown informed parents of the separate incidents and revealed her intentions to warn students on safety.

'She managed to get away and return home where her family reported the incident to the police,' Ms Brown said in the memo addressed to parents, the Herald Sun reports.

Two Melbourne schoolgirls from Mentone Girls' Secondary College have alleged a man followed them home from school in separate incidents

Principal Linda Brown informed parents of the separate incidents and revealed her intentions to warn students on safety

'We will send a newsfeed to students asking them to travel in groups and be vigilant,' Ms Brown said in a memo addressed to parents.'

She also urged parents to take the necessary steps if a similar incident was to occur again.

'If your daughter witnesses anything she should discuss it with you and then it should be reported directly to the police.'

The man is thought to be in his 30s and was driving a red sedan.

The incident is the latest in a long line of attempted abductions across Australia recent weeks, with many occurring in Sydney.

Victoria Police were informed of the two separate incidents where a man tried to coax the schoolgirls into his red car

The attempted abductions are the latest in a long line of incidents that have targeted children of all ages across Australia (stock image)

Last Thursday, a 12-year-old boy was approached by a male driver outside a high school in Park Avenue, Swansea, which he later reported to his school.

Earlier the same day, an 11-year-old girl narrowly escaped the clutches of a knife-wielding predator who tried to grab her in Summer Hill in Sydney's west.

The hunt is still on for the man after the girl escaped and reported the incident at her school.

Police are also investigating another incident involving a three-year-old girl at Pioneers Memorial Park in Leichhardt on May 30.

On May 27, a five-year-old girl was indecently assaulted by a man of Indian appearance in Sydney's Glebe.

And on May 25, a mother was left shocked when a man attempted to abduct her 15-month-old toddler from the Macquarie Street Mall in Liverpool.

NSW police have yet to determine if there is a link between the abduction attempts.
Sinister white-blue clouds were filmed above ISIS-controlled western Mosul on Saturday which has prompted an official probe into whether banned chemical weapons were used in the attack.

The Iraqi government said that it is investigating claims that its army used white phosphorus near a hospital during attacks in Mosul on Saturday.

But the Iraqi command fighting IS in Mosul said that the alleged white phosphorus attack was actually a smoke offensive intended to deter IS snipers who were trying to shoot civilians escaping the area.

Human Rights Watch had told Al Jazeera that images of the explosion show 'artillery-delivered WP [white phosphorus] being air-burst. The video is more difficult to assess because of the angle it was shot at'.

The Iraqi military later issued a statement threatening legal action against media outlets publishing videos or pictures of the blast, Al Jazeera claim.

Yesterday, local media reported that the army had claimed that the explosions were detonated as a 'smokescreen' to disable ISIS fighters in the area and to prevent them from attacking civilians.

IraqiNews reports that the Iraqi command fighting IS in Mosul said that the alleged white phosphorus attack was actually a smoke offensive intended to deter IS snipers.

The Joint Operations Command there said through the Defense Ministry's War Media Cell that the alleged attack on Saturday near the Jamhuri Hospital in al-Shefa district was in fact a smoke bombardment aimed at blurring the vision of IS snipers who were targeting a huge number of civilians trying to escape toward security forces.

The Iraqi government said that it is investigating claims that its army used the chemical weapon white phosphorus near a hospital during attacks in Mosul on Saturday

Images of the white clouds were captured by a Kurdish TV station while it was live streaming from the city, the International Business Times reports.

But the Iraqi command said that the circulated videos presenting white pillows of smoke as the result of bombardment with the banned substance were 'inaccurate'.

It added that the smoke screen technique had already been used during operations in eastern and western Mosul.

White phosphorus bombs generally emit white clouds following an explosion. They are widely condemned by human rights groups due to their devastating impact on civilian populations.

Human Rights Watch told Al Jazeera that images of the explosion show 'artillery-delivered WP [white phosphorus] being air-burst' although the video was more difficult to assess

White phosphorus can burn deep into muscle and bone and it can reignite weeks after being deployed, according to Amnesty International which has campaigned against the use of chemical weapons.

Backed by the US-led international coalition, Iraq launched a wide-scale military offensive to recapture Mosul and the surrounding areas last October, with various Iraqi military, police and paramilitary forces taking part in the operation.

The city's eastern half was declared liberated in January, and the push for the city's western section, separated from the east by the Tigris River, began the following month.

Local media reported that the army had claimed that the explosions were detonated as a 'smokescreen' to disable ISIS fighters in the area and to prevent them from attacking civilians

Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul fell to IS in the summer of 2014 as the militants swept over much of the country's north and central areas.

Weeks later, the head of the Sunni extremist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announced the formation of a self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque.

The UN has said that at least 750,000 people have fled since operations to recapture Mosul began.

UNICEF has warned that 100,000 children are living in danger in Mosul.

They are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between government forces and IS in the Iraqi city's western half, the United Nations has warned.

White phosphorus can burn deep into muscle and bone and it can reignite weeks after being deployed, according to Amnesty International which has campaigned against its use

Iraqi forces are in their last push to drive IS militants from the remaining pockets of territory they still hold in the Old City where narrow streets and a dense civilian population are complicating the fight.

Unicef's representative in Iraq Peter Hawkins said the agency is receiving 'alarming reports' of civilians being killed, including children, with some caught in the crossfire while trying to flee.

He did not give a specific number for killed children, but he estimated 100,000 girls and boys are still in the IS-held Old City neighbourhood and other areas, living under extremely dangerous conditions.

Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul fell to IS in the summer of 2014 as the militants swept through the country's north and central areas. The city's eastern half was declared liberated in January

He called on the warring parties to 'protect the children and keep them out of harm's way at all times, in line with their obligations under humanitarian law'.

He added: 'Children's lives are on the line. Children are being killed, injured and used as human shields. Children are experiencing and witnessing terrible violence that no human being should ever witness.

'In some cases, they have been forced to participate in the fighting and violence.'
Several members of Harvard's incoming freshman class have already been kicked out of the Ivy league school, before even starting classes.

The Harvard Crimson reports that at least 10 members of the Class of 2021 had their acceptances rescinded after the administration found out about an offensive meme group the students had been posting in.

Such groups have become common at American universities. The group in question was started when about 100 students from the incoming freshman class contacted each other through the official Class of 2021 Facebook group, to set up a meme chat.

That group was called 'Harvard memes for horny bourgeois teens' - but the jokes weren't dirty enough for some members, who decided to start an offshoot group for more 'R-rated' posts.

At least 10 incoming freshman had their admission to Harvard withdrawn after administrators discovered an offensive meme group. Above the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts

In order to gain acceptance into that group, the founders demanded that students post provocative memes in the first group.

According to screenshots of some of the posts obtained by the Crimson, the memes posted in the smaller group included 'images mocking sexual assault, the Holocaust, and the deaths of children'.

'Some of the messages joked that abusing children was sexually arousing, while other had punchlines directed at specific ethnic or racial groups,' the Crimson reported. 'One called the hypothetical hanging of a Mexican child "pinata time.'

Admissions Office officials found out about the Facebook page in mid-April, and began contacting the students involved over email, demanding that they disclose every picture that they sent the group and provide a statement explaining themselves.

Some of the messages joked that abusing children was sexually arousing, while others had punchlines directed at specific ethnic or racial groups. One called the hypothetical hanging of a Mexican child 'pinata time' The Harvard Crimson

'The Admissions Committee was disappointed to learn that several students in a private group chat for the Class of 2021 were sending messages that contained offensive messages and graphics,' read a copy of the Admissions Offices email, obtained by the Crimson. 'As we understand you were among the members contributing such material to this chat, we are asking that you submit a statement by tomorrow at noon to explain your contributions and actions for discussion with the Admissions Committee.'

'It is unfortunate that I have to reach out about this situation,' the email continued.

The students were told that their admission to the Ivy League university was under review and not to attend Visitas, an annual visit weekend at the end of April for prospective students.

A week later, at least 10 students involved in the group were informed that their admission offer had been withdrawn.

Harvard spokesman Rachel Dane told the Crimson that 'we do not comment publicly on the admissions status of individual applicants'.

However, she pointed out that the school reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if a student 'engages or has engaged in behavior that brings into question their honesty, maturity or moral character.'

Opinions about the school's decision to withdraw admission for the students involved was split.

Erica Goldberg, an assistant professor at Ohio Northern Law School and 'free speech enthusiast' called on Harvard to reconsider its decision.

'Harvard should not teach its students to be afraid to joke in private, among people willing to joke back,' Goldberg wrote. 'Harvard should not teach students to turn on each other for speech.'

Cassandra Luca, a member of the class of 2021 who joined the first meme group, said that she was 'going back and forth' on the matter.

'On the one hand, I think people can post whatever they want because they have the right to do that,' Luca said. 'I dont think the school should have gone in and rescinded some offers because it wasnt Harvard-affiliated, it was people doing stupid stuff.'

However, she said that if the memes were threatening to any one, then the administrators' actions were justified.

Jessica Zhang was another incoming freshman who joined both chats, but did not have her admissions rescinded.

She said that she backs the administration's decision to withdrawn admission.

'I appreciate humor, but there are so many topics that just should not be joked about,' Zhang said. 'I respect the decision of the admissions officers to rescind the offers because those actions really spoke about the students true characters.'

Nearly 40,000 students applied to Harvard's Class of 2021, and only 2,056 - or 5.2 per cent - were accepted.
Marc Ruskin, an FBI agent who spent 23 of his 27 years at the Bureau undercover, has lifted the lid on his multiple personalities

Forgetting something as you walk out the door to work in the morning is a minor annoyance for most people, but for Marc Ruskin it was a matter of life or death.

For 27 years he worked as an FBI agent, spending 23 of those undercover, often working three or four cases at a time, using a total of 12 identities to trick his targets.

Forgetting who he was supposed to be that day, taking the wrong identity with him, or leaving a key prop behind could have exposed him - and put his life in danger.

'I hung out with made guys who kill undercovers,' he recalled to the New York Post, while promoting his new book The Pretender.

Ruskin's career started as a district attorney in Brooklyn, helping to put men behind bars from the relative safety of the courtroom.

But as time went on, he realized he wanted to be out in the field, and in 1985 at the age of 29 he transferred to the Bureau.

After 'three or four years' working as a regular agent, including tracking down assassins from the Macheteros cartel in Puerto Rico, he went undercover.

One of the first identities he developed was Alex Perez, a fugitive from Miami looking to get rich through fraud and counterfeiting.

He wore a leather jacket, gold chains, had his long gelled hair in a ponytail, and drove a late-model Chrysler Imperial.

Marc described the look to the Epoch Times as 'high-end vulgar'.

One of Perez's biggest busts came in New York in the 1990s, when the character was used to target Mahmoud, a violent Middle Easterner who dealt in drivers licenses, Social Security cards and license plates.

One of Marc's first personas was Alex Perez (pictured in character, left), a fugitive from Miami looking to get rich from counterfeit fraud. The details were revealed in his book, The Pretender

After gaining his trust, Perez brought customers - actually fellow agents - to Mahmoud's front-company, a 'travel agency' in The Bronx.

There, they paid thousands to obtain new identities for themselves, all of which implicated Mahmoud and his gang.

But during one meeting, a rookie agent forgot Perez's name, causing Mahmoud to shout instructions to his associates in Arabic, who left the room.

Marc said he expected to be shot on the spot, and his body taken out the back door to a waiting van before being carted away.

Thankfully, the associate only came back with documents for the deal.

Other identities included Sal Morelli, an insurance scammer, and H. Marc Renard, a Wall Street wannabe.

It was during his time as Renard busting White Collar criminals that Marc said he met some of the most despicable characters of his career.

'Many of the drug dealers I dealt with were more human than the subjects in [that case],' he said, calling them 'ruthless, heartless people.'

Marc was forced to retire six years ago, one year past mandatory retirement at the age of 58, finishing his career as one of the most experienced undercovers in the business.

But he still wasn't done, he said. 'Given a choice, I would continue indefinitely and go to undercover meets with a walker.'

The Pretender, My Life Undercover For The FBI, by Marc Ruskin, is available from Thomas Dunne Books from Tuesday
Theresa May today defended the Mayor of London after he was mocked by Donald Trump for his response to the London terror attack.

The PM said Sadiq Khan is doing an 'excellent job' and they are working together closely the wake of Saturday night's terror atrocity.

But she failed three times to directly criticise the US President over his tweet, in which he said: 'At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'

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Theresa May, pictured at RUSI in Whitehall today, said the Mayor of London is doing an 'excellent' job. her comments came after Donald Trump criticised Sadiq Khan

The PM, pictured delivering a speech in RUSI today, defended the London Mayor but did not directly criticise Mr Trump for his controversial tweet criticisng Mr Khan

The US President's tweet sparked a fierce backlash in Britain as critics were quick to point out that he had taken Mr Khan's comments out of context.

The mayor was urging Londoners not to be alarmed at the increased police presence which has been laid on in the wake of the slaughter.

And the President sparked a fresh wave of anger today by posting another tweet attacking Mr Khan.

He wrote: 'Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM (mainstream media) is working hard to sell it!'

Asked about the row after a speech at the Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall this morning, Mrs May said: 'I think Sadiq is doing an excellent job.'

Mr Khan has been alongside the PM at the two Cobra meetings  which includes government ministers and intelligence chiefs  held in the past two days.

But asked directly if she would welcome a 'period of silence' from Mr Trump, the PM dodged the question.

Donald Trump faced a fierce backlash after tweeting his criticism of Mr Khan. Critics were quick to point out that the American President was misquoting the London mayor - who was urging Londoners not to be alarmed at the increased police presence

Mr Trump fired off a second angry tweet criticising Mr Khan over his response to the atrocity

She said: 'I'm very clear that Sadiq is doing a good job as Mayor of London, we are working with him, working together.

'And that's important  central government and the London mayoralty and his officials working together to ensure that we are responding to the attack and looking at the work the police is going to give the public extra protection and reassurance.'

Khan takes a swipe at Trump's state visit Sadiq Khan today took a swipe at Donald Trump's state visit to Britain. The London Mayor, who is in a long-running spat with the US President, appeared to say the looming visit is unwelcome. He made the swipe after he visited London Bridge, where three knifemen killed seven people and injured 48 more in a terror attack. Mr Khan said: 'From major events, there's a big cricket match today, to state visits - some welcome, some less so. 'But the fact is we need to make sure the police have the resources and support they need, and as the mayor my job is to make our city safe and I'll do my best as the mayor to be an advocate and champion for our police to get the tools they need.' Mr Trump is due to visit Britain later this year and will stay at Buckingham Palace after Theresa May controversially extended him an invite. Advertisement

Mrs May was forced to deny claims that she will not publicly criticise Mr Trump.

She said: 'Well I've been very clear  I've been very happy to say I think President Trump is wrong to have taken America out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

'The United Kingdom stays in it and we believe it is an important international agreement. So I'm not afraid to say when I think President Trump is getting things wrong.'

Mr Khan's spokeswoman has issued a withering response to Mr Trump's ciriticism.

Responding to the latest tweet today, she said: Nothing has changed since yesterday.

'The mayor is focused on dealing with Saturdays horrific and cowardly attack and working with the police, the emergency services and the Government to keep London safe.

Yesterday she said Mr Khan has 'more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet'.

Mr Trump's attack on the Mayor of London has sparked fresh calls for his state visit later this year to be cancelled.

The US President is due to stay at Buckingham Palace as he is treated to all of the pomp and ceremony accorded to the relatively rare occasions.

But Labour former minister David Lammy, who is defending his set of Tottenham in the election, said Mr Trump has 'demeaned' his office and 'smeared' Mr Khan.

He wrote on Twitter: 'You are truly beneath contempt. You are just a troll. Show some bottle please PM. Cancel the state visit and tell Trump where to get off.'

Labour former minister David Lammy called for Mr Trump's state visit to be cancelled in the wake of the US President's attacks on Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

In another message he wrote: 'You demean your office by misquoting and smearing the Mayor of a city that has just been attacked and is also the capital of your close ally.'

'You besmirch the presidency, you taint previous Presidents with your behaviour & you bring shame on your great country and its great people.'

Seven people died and another 48 people were injured when three terrorists drove their white van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday night, before leaping out and stabbing passers-by.

Police services have been praised for killing all three of the murderers within eight minutes of receiving the first call.

But the authorities are facing serious questions over the attack after it emerged that one of the killers had been reported for trying to recruit children to extremism by bribing them with sweets and cash.

He was also caught on camera unfurling an ISIS flag in Regent's Park in London during a Channel 4 documentary.

Sadiq Khan, pictured today with Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick. They were visiting Borough Market, where three terrorists killed seven people and injured dozens more
Pauline Hanson called for wider police powers after a man known to counter-terrorism police shot three police in a siege in Melbourne.

The One Nation leader appeared frustrated Somali-born Yacqub Khayre, 29, was still able to take a woman hostage despite being on a watchlist.

'Seems the Brighton terrorist was known to police. We must empower the police & turn terror watch lists into TERROR STOP LISTS!' she wrote on Twitter.

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Pauline Hanson called for wider police powers after a man known to counter-terrorism police shot three police in a siege in Melbourne

'Seems the Brighton terrorist was known to police. We must empower the police & turn terror watch lists into TERROR STOP LISTS!' she wrote on Twitter

Somali-born Yacqub Khayre, 29, was still able to take a woman hostage despite being on a watchlist

Moments before police stormed the building and shot him dead, the hostage-taker called Channel 7 saying: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda.'

The gunman was also on parole for a criminal offence and rated as a low-risk figure of interest to counter-terror authorities, according to the Herald Sun.

The anti-immigration senator has frequently called for a harder line against suspected terrorists, but didn't elaborate on what it would involve.

Ms Hanson is also demanding a stop to Muslim immigration after Sunday's attack in London which killed seven people and wounded four Australians.

Moments before police stormed the building and shot him dead, the hostage-taker called Channel 7 saying: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda.'

Three police officers were wounded in a shootout with an 'ISIS-inspired' hostage-taker

'Stop Islamic immigration before it is too late,' she told her followers in Australia on Sunday morning.

Senator Hanson has an ally in former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who called for police to be given the shoot-to-kill powers utilised in the London terror attack.

Mr Abbott, who put a commando regiment on standby during the December 2014 Lindt cafe siege, said he wanted Australia's leaders to urgently consider using the military in complex terrorist situations.

The gunman in Melbourne wounded three police officers before he was shot dead at The Buckingham serviced apartments on Bay Street in Brighton

Ms Hanson is also demanding a stop to Muslim immigration after Sunday's attack in Manchester which killed seven people and wounded four Australians

The gunman in Melbourne wounded three police officers before he was shot dead at The Buckingham serviced apartments on Bay Street in Brighton.

A man who worked in the apartment block was found dead in the foyer when police stormed in, believed to be killed by the gunman.

The woman aged in her 20s taken hostage, who also worked at the apartments, was safely rescued by armed police and the siege was resolved.
Donald Trump will not try to limit fired FBI Director James Comey's Senate testimony on Thursday, leaving him free to disclose sensitive information about their private talks this year.

'The president's power to assert executive privilege is very well established,' White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters on Monday.

'However, in order to facilitate a swift and thorough examination of the facts sought by the Senate Intelligence Committee, President Trump will not assert executive privilege regarding James Comey's scheduled testimony.'

Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president, left the door open to an executive action this morning, however, telling a 'Today' show co-host: 'The president will make that final decision. But if Mr. Comey does testify, we'll be watching with everyone else.'

Comey is scheduled to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday. His participation was never in doubt, but Trump could have acted to keep a lid on their discussions about the FBI's Russia investigation into Gen. Michael Flynn and other associates of the president.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters on Monday that President Trump will not assert a claim of executive privilege in order to stop fired FBI Director James Comey from testifying in a Senate hearing on Thursday

'If Mr. Comey does testify, we'll be watching with everyone else,' Kellyanne Conway said. Comey is scheduled to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday.

President Donald Trump has not invoked executive privilege yet and was said over the weekend to be leaving against it

Comey will be asked publicly for the first time whether the president asked him to back off of Flynn - a claim the law enforcement official reportedly made in a memo that was leaked, in part, to the press and the Justice Department is refusing to provide to Congress.

The president's spokesman said Friday that Trump was ruminating on executive privilege and whether he would invoke it to limit Comey's testimony.

'That committee hearing was just noticed. And I think obviously its got to be reviewed,' Spicer said.

The panel said Thursday that the hearing would take place in a week to the day this Thursday after some juggling that saw Comey postpone testimony to a House panel that was supposed to take place before Memorial Day.

'Literally my understanding is the date for that hearing was just set,' Spicer said Friday when the topic came up. 'Ive not spoken to counsel yet. I dont know what that  how theyre gonna respond.'

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Friday that White House lawyers are reviewing questions of executive privilege in advance of blockbuster testimony by Comey

President Trump ignored a question about executive privilege from a reporter during a bill signing in the Oval Office.

Earlier Friday, Conway had indicated that Comey would testify, although she said it was up to the president whether he would invoke executive privilege.

'Well be watching with the rest of the world when Director Comey testifies,' Conway told ABC's 'Good Morning America.'

It will be Comey's first public appearance since Trump fired him, citing a variety of reasons, including poor judgement.

Subsequent reports revealed that Comey kept notes on his conversations with the president, including one where he claims Trump asked him to hold back off an FBI investigation of fired national security advisor Michael Flynn  a story Comey reportedly intends to maintain.

The president has the authority to block testimony by his current or former aides by invoking executive privilege.

Two administration officials said last weekend, to the Associated Press, that Trump was leaning against a declaration of the nature, however.

Conway would not reveal Trump's plans in television appearances on Friday or Monday.

Asked directly about it by GMA host George Stephanopoulos on Friday, she responded: 'The president will make that decision.'

She told Today's Savannah Guthrie the same thing on Monday.

'The president will make that final decision,' Conway stated.

In a preemptive strike on Comey, who is expected to damage the president with his testimony regardless of what he is allowed to say about their private talks, Conway rehashed the law enforcement official's behavior in the months leading up to his dismissal - characterizing him as insubordinate and bad at his job.

'I think that people should also look at the Rod Rosenstein memo again to see what the problem was in the director with FBI director James Comey,' she said, referring to a letter the deputy attorney general sent the president to help justify Comey's firing.

Continuing, Conway said, 'Rosenstein clearly points out that integrity and the morale were down, and he clearly points out that Comey had tried to usurp the power of Attorney General Loretta Lynch.'

Conway took similar shots at Comey on GMA  noting that after his last testimony, he had to release a letter correcting his statement that former Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin had forwarded thousands of emails to husband Anthony Weiner's computer.

It turned out that the numbers were far smaller, that they were forwarded through backup technology, and that only two emails were classified.

'The last time he testified, he had to scurry to correct that testimony,' Conway said of Comey.

Conway wouldn't say whether President Trump would invoke executive privilege on Friday, saying on GMA, 'The president will make that decision.' She sang the same tune on Monday

'He was off by hundreds of thousands in his count, his sworn testimony count, of the number of emails that Huma Abedin allegedly sent to her husband Anthony Weiner,' she said, bringing up the Weiner scandal just days after he plead guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor.

The FBI director serves a 10-year term. Trump has denied firing Comey for the FBI's investigation of his associates' Russia connections but also said the investigation was on his mind when he did it.

Like Trump, Conway has brought up Comey's handling of the Clinton email scandal as a reason for his firing. She wouldn't comment on whether Trump has tapes of his Comey conversations as he appeared to claim in a tweet, and whether he would release them, on Friday.

'When Director Comey goes to testify, I think that will be a very clarifying moment. I would again repeat that his most recent sworn testimony had to be corrected almost immediately,' Conway said.

'Its more important to have somebody testify under oath, frankly, than to have his friends and his former colleagues out there speaking to the media not under oath.'

Stephen Miller, White House senior advisor for policy, from left, General Michael Flynn, U.S. national security advisor, and Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser, listen during a news conference with U.S. President Donald Trump

Fired FBI Director James Comey is set to testify June 8 before the Senate Intelligence Committee

Comey is said to be eager to testify to clear his name after getting fired from his post

If Trump were to invoke privilege, there would be instant analogies to President Richard Nixon during Watergate, and the move could be challenged in court.

Any claim of protecting privilege could also undermined by Trump's tweets about his conversations. Privilege also can't be used to to block a crime such as obstruction of justice.

Comey plans to testify that Trump asked him to shut down an investigation of fired national security advisor Flynn. Other reporting is that the president asked Comey to pledge his 'loyalty' immediately after taking office.
President Donald Trump's mysterious tweeted typo covfefe is coming soon to a license plate near you.

Drivers in at least 21 states - including Nebraska, North Carolina and California - have registered for COVFEFE personalized license plates since the Republican president's now-infamous tweet at 12:06 am Wednesday.

One of the motorists who will be driving around with the viral word is Craig Cooper.

The California native told CNN he bought a license plate with the phrase because he thought it was funny.

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California native Craig Cooper is among the growing number of people claiming the notorious word 'covfefe' as a license plate

Others in 21 other states including Nebraska and Maine are scrambling to have this as their license plate

The only states where the plate is yet to be claimed are New Hampshire, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Pictured here is a tweet from Joe Blanchette, who contemplated getting the plate but later changed his mind because of what he termed, 'plate regret'

The plate will take 12 weeks to be made, but he hasn't decided whether he will attacj it.

Evan Milton, 26, is another driver who has secured the license plate in Nebraska.

While the driver has confessed to feeling 'extraordinarily vain' since his $40 purchase, he told the Lincoln Journal Star that he applied for the license plate at the crack of dawn - just four hours after the president posted his unfinished tweet - because he was eager to have a meme on his car.

Some drivers haven't been so bold. Twitter user Joe Blanchette tweeted a photo suggesting he was the lucky motorist.

But he says he balked at the last minute out of fear of 'plate regret.'

The word is still taking social media by storm, and even Trump himself has been poking fun at his own gaffe

He teased his followers that it may have a secret meaning.

After he tweeted about 'constant negative press covfefe,' Trump posted: 'Who can figure out the true meaning of 'covfefe' ??? Enjoy!'

Maine was one of the first states to confirm someone had claimed COVFEFE for a license plate.

The states where you can still order 'covfefe' license plate is New Hampshire, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin, CNN reported.

Trump tweeted just after midnight Eastern time on Wednesday: 'Despite the constant negative press covfefe.' The tweet immediately went viral and became one of the president's more popular posts before it was taken down after nearly six hours online
Farmers in Switzerland have been left baffled after a herd of cows jumped to its death off of a 50metre-high cliff last week.

The 13 Herens cows broke through their pen and through several lines of security around their pasture before running toward a cliff and either falling or throwing themselves off of the 50metre drop near Levron in Valais on Wednesday.

Twelve of the cows died in the fall, while the 13th survived. The surviving cow, which likely landed on the others at the bottom of the cliff, was injured and taken to an animal hospital in Bern.

In total, the cows were believed to be worth around 20,000 francs (16,000).

A herd of 13 Herens cows broke through their pen in a pasture before running toward a cliff and either falling or throwing themselves off of the 50metre drop near Levron in Valais on Wednesday. Pictured above, a file photo of cows in Switzerland

The cows belonged to several different owners, but were all grazing together on a pasture owned by a local couple.

The couple who own the land said the cows may have been chased by a predator before falling or leaping off the cliff.

'The cows broke through several lines around the pasture before finding themselves on the ridge. They fell into the void, as though they were forced into it,' Norbert Terrettaz, president of an farming insurance company in the region, told La Nouvelliste.

Terrettaz said that that the behavior was unusual, as cows 'have a tendency to disperse' when faced with danger instead of following one another 'like sheep'.

He said a predator on the land could have been a dog off the leash or a wolf.

The cows did, however, have to pass through a pasture occupied by four yaks before reaching the cliff.

None of the yaks had any injuries consistent with a predator.

Farming experts are now appealing to the public in hopes of finding people who may have information about what happened to the cows.

Herens cows are a traditional breed that can be found in the Swiss canton of Valais. Their ancestors date back to the Rhone Valley region as far back as 3,000BC. The are bred throughout Valais.

The cows often fight to establish a leader of the heard, a behavior that has led to cow-fighting competitions in the region.

Cows wandering at high altitude are a common sight across much of the Alps, where farmers let them loose to graze on the green plateaus above the villages.

The couple who own the land said the cows may have been chased by a predator before falling or leaping off the cliff. Pictured above, a file photo of cows in Switzerland

Often carrying large bells around their necks, most are dairy cows as the mix of vegetation and grasses at that high altitude are particularly good for milk and for making cheese.

A similar incident of cows leaping or falling off a cliff in the Swiss village of Lauterbrunnen happened in 2009.

In the space of just three days, 28 cows and bulls have mysteriously died after they plunged hundreds of metres to rocks below where they were killed instantly.

In each case, local mountain rescue services using a helicopter had to be called in to remove the bodies because of the danger to the local groundwater of pollution.

According to local reports, there had been violent thunderstorms in the area which may well have spooked the animals.

Cows do occasionally fall to their deaths in these Alpine regions although it is rare for so many to fall in one particular place.

There has been speculation that when this does happen it is because a tightly-grouped number have followed each other as they search for more grass.

Most scientists generally believe that animals are incapable of committing suicide.

Even lemmings, which by popular myth throw themselves off cliffs during mating season, do not take their own lives intentionally.

Instead, evolutionary pressures cause them to feel the urge to change habitat at which point they migrate in huge droves.

Sometimes, particularly in Scandinavia, they reach clifftops overlooking an ocean and, driven by the urge to cross a body of water, throw themselves off in order to swim to the other side.

They often die of exhaustion or drown as a result.

The myth came to the public's attention when a Disney wildlife film in the 1950s mocked up the lemming migration to make it look like the animals had committed suicide.
Medical examiners are still trying to determine the cause of death of a man found dead and tied up in a closet in the same home where his brother murdered an eight-year-old boy six years ago.

Tzvi Aron, 29, was found by police bound, wrapped in a blanket and stuffed in a basement closet of a home in Brooklyn on Friday afternoon.

A spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner's office released a statement Sunday saying the autopsy was inconclusive and the cause and manner of Tzvi's death are pending further investigation.

The 29-year-old bakery worker had last been seen on Tuesday.

Tzvi Aron, 29, was found by police bound, wrapped in a blanket and stuffed in a basement closet of a home in Brooklyn on Friday afternoon. Medical examiners were on Sunday still trying to determine the cause of his death

Tzvi is the brother of Levi Aron (left) who pleaded guilty in 2011 to kidnapping and murdering eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky (right)

A law enforcement official, who wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the investigation, said Tzvi had recently been threatened but it wasn't clear why.

Someone had called the house in December to say they were going to burn it down.

Tzvi's brother, Levi Aron, pleaded guilty in 2011 in the kidnapping and killing of eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky. He is currently serving 40 years to life in prison.

Levi abducted the boy as he walked home from day camp. It was the first time the boy had been allowed to go home alone and only had to walk seven blocks to get where his parents were waiting for him.

He asked Levi for directions when he got lost. Levi took the boy to a wedding upstate before bringing him back to his apartment. When he realized police were looking for the boy, he smothered and dismembered him.

Tzvi's body was found the same Brooklyn home (above) where his brother murdered and dismembered the eight-year-old boy six years ago. Tzvi lived in the basement, while Levi had lived on the top floor

Detectives found the boy's severed feet wrapped in plastic in a freezer at the same Brooklyn home where Tzvi was found dead last week.

A cutting board and three bloody carving knives were found in the refrigerator.

The rest of the boy's body was discovered in bags inside a suitcase in a trash bin about a mile from the home.

In the years since, the Aron family remained at the home, which is divided into apartments.

Tzvi lived in the basement apartment, while Levi had lived on the top floor. Another brother also lives there.

The family has received dozens of death threats since the boy's killing.

The Aron family has received dozens of death threats since the boy's killing. The street is pictured above on Friday while police investigated Tzvi's death
The Australian woman still missing after she was caught in the London terror attacks was meant to be working on Saturday night but changed her plans last minute.

Sara Zelenak, from Brisbane, went out with friends instead of going to her job as a nanny after a grandmother chose to babysit.

But the 21-year-old was separated from her friends on London Bridge and has not been seen since the terror attacks that killed seven and injured 48 others.

Ms Zelenak's mother, Julie Wallace, is flying to London on Tuesday in a desperate attempt to find her daughter.

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Mark Wallace (left) the stepfather of Sara Zelenak (right) said he has called every hospital in London in a desperate attempt to find the 21-year-old who has not been seen since Saturday night

Ms Zelenak (pictured), last seen on London Bridge, remains missing after being caught in Saturday night's terror attack

Mr Wallace (left with his stepdaughter) said authorities have not been able to provide any information about Ms Zelenak's whereabouts

Ms Zelenak's stepfather has also revealed he has called every hospital in the city trying to track her down.

'I feel terrible, I don't know what my name is, I can't think,' Ms Zelenak's stepfather Mark Wallace told News Corp.

'Authorities in London can't give any information, they are in a terror lock down, so there's just no ability to find out or get any information... She's been gone for 48 hours and no one has seen or heard from her.'

Mr and Mrs Wallace had been meant to catch-up with Ms Zelenak in France at the end of the month, ahead of the young women's return to Australia in August.

Meanwhile, family and friends launched a public appeal on Monday to find Ms Zelenak, who has been living in London since March.

Family friend Diane Winter posted to Facebook saying more than a day had passed with no news from the Australian consulate about Ms Zelenak's welfare.

'Her phone has rang with no reply and now the battery must have gone,' she said in the post, according to Sydney Morning Herald.

Family and friends on Monday launched a public appeal to find Ms Zelenak (pictured)

Family friend Diane Winter posted to Facebook on Monday saying Ms Zelenak witnessed the attacks that killed seven and injured 48 others

Ms Zelenak was separated from her friends and has not been seen since Saturday night's terror attacks in London

'We were hoping the third Australian reported would be her, but it's not.'

Ms Zelenak calls her mother everyday from London, Ms Winter said.

But Ms Zelenak has not answered her phone or responded to texts since she was separated from her friends the moment chaos broke out in central London.

The desperate search came after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull revealed there are 'very real' concerns about two more Australians potentially caught up in the terror attack.

Mr 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.

Candice Hedge (pictured) reportedly can no longer speak after being stabbed in the throat during the London terror attacks

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

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 travellers 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, 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

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

'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.

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.

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

'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.

He then introduces himself to a paramedic and tells him his injury is 'not that bad apparently.'
Authorities in Puerto Rico are searching for five inmates who escaped from a high-security prison in the U.S. territory's south coast.

Police said Monday that four of the inmates had been found guilty of murder and were serving life in prison sentences.

A fifth had been found guilty of kidnapping and weapons violations.

Alexander Mangual Toledo, 32, left, and Michael Lucca Libran, 25, center, were serving 174-years for murder escaped, Jaime De Leon Hernandez, 26, serving 25 years in jail also broke out

Yelin Otano Matos, 38, and Ryan Diaz Guzman, 31, were serving 99 years and are on the run

Officials said the inmates broke a concrete table and used the pieces to break through a door and a gate.

The escape took place from the the Maximum Security area Sunday afternoon at Las Cucharas Correctional Complex in the city of Ponce.

Inmates were identified as Alexander Mangual Toledo, 32, who was serving a 174-year sentence for murder; Jaime De Leon Hernandez, 26, who is serving 25 years for armed kidnapping; Yelin Otano Matos, 38-serving a sentence of 100 years for murder; Michael Lucca Libran, 25, who is served a 174-year sentence for murder and Ryan Diaz Guzman, 31, also serving a 99-year sentence for murder.

The special arrests unit, and the canine team are all looking for the inmates.
ST. MARTIN, Mississippi -- Jackson County investigators are searching for two suspects who robbed a St. Martin gift shop Saturday morning, stabbing the owner in the process of the robbery.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell said his department has been searching for 23-year-old Erin Elizabeth Diaz and 33-year-old Clinton Buchanan since the Saturday morning incident.

Ezell said Diaz, the ex-wife of the 26-year-old store owner/victim, stabbed the victim in the arm when he attempted to stop Diaz from taking money out of the cash register at Dino's Gift Shop.

After stabbing the victim, Diaz ran out of the store with an unknown amount of money and got into a maroon Dodge Magnum driven by Buchanan. The victim was taken to Ocean Springs Hospital for treatment of his wound.

Diaz and Buchanan are facing armed robbery charges, with other charges pending.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the JCSO at 228-769-3063 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.
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One of the Borough Market terror attackers was left traumatised at the age of 12 by the death of his father, MailOnline can reveal.

The killer, 27, whose name is not being released on police advice but who is known as 'Abz', had also been run over outside his house in East London when he was around eight years old.

Neighbours said his father 'brought the children up well' and that his loss had a profound effect on the youngster, paving the way for his extremism.

He later became radicalised and had an arranged marriage which produced two children.

The new details come as it emerged the killer:

'Slipped through the security service net' despite being reported to police twice for extremism,

Tried to 'twist the minds of children by bribing them with sweets and cash',

Invited neighbours to a barbecue a week before the attack that was described as 'like a send-off party'

Was caught unfurling an ISIS flag in Regent's Park as part of a Channel 4 documentary

'Berated an Imam' at a mosque before the 2015 General Election for encouraging people to vote

One of the Borough Market terrorists, pictured, was 'traumatised' by the death of his father when he was 12, it has been revealed. He is pictured on a Channel 4 documentary holding an ISIS flag

The 27-year-old, known as 'Abz', was also hit by a car four years earlier. He is pictured here in an Arsenal shirt

There were 12 arrests in East London yesterday as armed police swooped on a tower block, pictured

Three Jihadi terrorists were shot dead by armed police after killing seven people and injuring at least 48 more during a horrific knife rampage in central London on Saturday night. Photos appears to show suspects lying dead on the ground outside the Wheatsheaf pub in Borough Market with Abz seen wearing an Arsenal football shirt

The terrorist is believed to have lived in the tower block with his wife and two children. Pictured is the police raid yesterday

MailOnline is not naming the terrorist, left, who appeared in a documentary which aired last year focusing on jihadis in Britain

The revelations shed new light on the early life of one of the three Islamist terrorists who killed seven people and injured 48 in a car ramming and stabbing spree in Borough Market on Sunday.

Neighbour said his father's death took place in 2002 which left the future terrorist in shock and changed the family dynamic for the worse.

They said his father used to care for Butt and his siblings and made sure they grew up well.

One told how one morning his mother started banging on another neighbour's door and was screaming that her husband wasn't well.

The neighbour said the father was dead and Butt, then aged 12, was was crying hysterically.

The traffic accident occurred four years earlier in 1998, when he ran out between two parked cars and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. But's teeth were broken and his leg was badly damaged. The family received 2,500 in compensation.

Security forces are facing questions over how they missed the attack after 'Abz' was reported to police twice for extremism. He is pictured on the Channel 4 documentary

An Islamic flag was unfurled in Regent's Park in broad daylight during the filming of the Channel 4 documentary last year

Abz, pictured right, is also said to have invited friends to a barbecue a week before the attack which was described as 'feeling like a send-off'

Pictured are police carrying out a raid in Barking, east London, today as the investigation continues

Pictured is a forensic officer examining bins at an east London property following a raid

Pictured: Suspects arrested by police yesterday in connection with the attacks after the raid

Growing up in London, the terrorist is believed to have attended Shaftesbury Primary School and Newham Sixth Form College, both in east London.

Friends of the family said that the terrorist became radicalised around 2013 when he started visiting a conservative mosque in East London.

'You see lots of young guys going in there and within a few months they start wearing religious clothes and not talking to members of the opposite sex,' one friend said.

'Often young men come out of the mosque and rev their car engines wildly at two or three in the morning.'

Members of the public visit floral tributes near London Bridge in the aftermath of the terror attack which left seven dead

A woman lays flowers at a pedestrian crossing on the south side of London Bridge, close to Borough Market in central London

Many of those visiting the memorials today were visibly upset, with tears in their eyes, as they paid their respects

There was a heavy police presence in and around the London Bridge area of central London this morning (pictured)

Hordes of commuters were pictured walking under the iconic Shard building, although London Bridge was only open northbound this morning

Large concrete barriers, pictured, have been put in place at Westminster Bridge today to protect commuters

Metal barriers, pictured, have also been erected alongside Westminster bridge as authorities step up security measures

He was married five years ago in Chigwell in a ceremony attended by more than 400 people.

It came as a surprise that the terrorist was married, the friend said, as he had never been seen mixing with women.

'We last saw him when he was paying respects after a local community member died,' the friend said.

'He was like a completely different person, totally obsessed with religion and very critical of everyone else.'

Neighbours of the family said they all went to Pakistan about three years ago when a relative fell ill and died from an infection.

The security services face difficult questions because Abz even appeared in a Channel 4 documentary last year about British jihadists and unfurled an ISIS-style flag in Regent's Park.

ARMED POLICE PRESENCE IS STEPPED UP IN LONDON Police in London are 'stepping up a gear' in the wake of the terror attack that killed seven people over the weekend. Parts of London Bridge are still on lockdown as armed officers continue to guard the area. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has vowed that officers will 'step up a gear' with more armed officers hitting the streets to provide reassurance. Armed police also remain on the streets with more officers set to be visible in London over the coming days. Pictured are Met officers and the equipment they use in armed raids She described the police response as 'extraordinary' and praised an off-duty officer who fought three knifemen with his bare hands when they rampaged through Borough Market. Meanwhile concrete barriers have been erected along London bridges, including Westminster, to guard against any potential 'copycat' attacks. She told BBC Breakfast she is 'enormously proud' of the officer, who was in a serious condition in hospital on Monday morning. Ms Dick refused to comment on the identity of the attackers or what was found inside the van used in the atrocity. Security is being ramped up on river crossings across the capital following the London Bridge attack, after pedestrians were labelled 'sitting ducks'. Advertisement

A friend of the Arsenal shirt-wearing attacker warned police he was an extremist but they never came back to him.

He told the BBC's Asian Network that his mind was warped on YouTube watching videos made by the American hate preacher Ahmad Musa Jibril.

He said: 'We spoke about a particular attack that happened and like most radicals he had a justification for anything and everything and that day I realised I needed to contact the authorities.

'He used to listen to a lot of Musa Jibril. I have heard some of this stuff and its very radical. I am surprised this stuff is still on YouTube and is easily accessible. I phoned the antiterror hotline. I spoke to the gentleman. I told him about our conversation and why I think he was radicalised.

'I did my bit, I know a lot of other people did their bit, but the authorities did not do their bit'.

Other claimed the terrorist, left, had been trying to radicalise children by bribing them with sweets and money

Armed police forced several people to the ground during the raid at the east London tower block yesterday, pictured

The trio began their killing spree just after 10pm when they ploughed into pedestrians in a white van on London Bridge

The Arsenal-shirted jihadi was caught on camera alongside two notorious preachers who were well known to police and intelligence officials because of their extremist views. A still from the documentary is seen here

Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of Saturday night's attack beginning

During the incident the Metropolitan Police asked Londoners in the area to 'run, hide, tell'

He was also caught on camera alongside two notorious preachers who were well known to police and intelligence officials because of their extremist views.

Second London Bridge attacker was a Moroccan pastry chef carrying an Irish ID card One of the London Bridge attackers shot dead after murdering seven people was a pastry chef from north Africa carrying an Irish ID card on his bullet-riddled body, it was revealed today. The suspect, who has not been named, is believed to have been born in Morocco but moved to Dublin around five years ago after marrying a Scottish woman. Gardai in Ireland say he was living in the Rathmines area of the Irish capital with his wife but he was not on their radar as a terrorist. It is understood that the couple may have moved to London just months before the attack was launched and he is believed to have links to the 12 people arrested in a Barking tower block yesterday. Police chiefs in Dublin said they were liaising with counterparts in the UK after it was confirmed he had Irish papers on his body. 'An Garda Siochana is providing every assistance to our colleagues in the London Metropolitan Police in relation to the terror attack in London,' a spokesman said. 'We will process all requests from the UK authorities in relation to inquiries into individuals, identities or any other matter.' The man, who had been carrying the Irish-issued ID, is understood to be from Morocco and that he was married to a woman from Scotland and had lived in Dublin. Gardai are investigating whether the ID card belonged to the dead man and if the documents are legitimate. It is understood inquiries are continuing into whether the man was given an Irish ID card issued by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The plastic credit card-sized documentation is given to people from outside the EU. It has a person's certificate of registration which states they have permission to stay in Ireland. It must be carried at all times. There are also inquiries into whether the man had been given paperwork after landing in Ireland to claim asylum or if he had an ID card issued under EU treaties which allowed him to live in Ireland with his family. Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan was holding a meeting with the force's anti-terror and intelligence chiefs as they co-operate with the Met investigation. Advertisement

'Abz' also berated an Imam for encouraging worshippers to vote in the 2015 General Election and was banned from the mosque in the ensuing row.

A friend who called the anti-terror hotline said: 'I did my bit, I know other people did their bit but the authorities did not do their bit'.

Today Abz's family asked to 'grieve in peace' as it emerged the terrorist held a farewell barbecue at his flat in Barking, where guests were handed cupcakes.

Neighbour Ramou Grant told Good Morning Britain: 'Last week he called for a barbecue and invited all of us. [I'm] thinking, 'was this a send-off?'.'

Another neighbour claimed that they warned police about the suspect radicalising children in a local park two years ago.

Erica Gasparri then went to the park, where she said a 'Pakistani man' had stated: 'I'm ready to do whatever I need to do in the name of Allah. I am ready in the name of Allah to do what needs to be done, including killing my own mother.'

She said she took four photographs of him and gave them to the police. She said that she then heard nothing.

He was pictured on Saturday having been shot dead by police, lying on the ground in an Arsenal shirt.

Salaudeen Jailabdeen, 40, who lives in a neighbouring block of flats, said the suspect had once been ejected from a local mosque for interrupting an imam. He then started preaching in his flat.

A spokesman for the Jabir Bin Zayd Islamic Centre said: 'The imam was forced to ask him to leave two years ago.

'He was giving a speech on the up-and-coming general election and the imam was explaining how it was important to vote wisely.

'He got angry, complaining that it was nothing to do with him, and interrupted the imam. He was then asked to leave.'

But in a statement on its website, the mosque said: 'We feel until the police release more information it is not appropriate for us to speak about anyone that may or may not have prayed here.'

According to The Times, the Barking suspect had preached to people at his flat, worked on the transport network and worked for a few hours a week at an Islamic fitness centre where he also took part in boxing and taekwondo.

Housewife Erica Gasparri, 42, told The Times she had reported the suspect to police last year after challenging him in a park near a school.

She said: 'They were waiting for the children of the neighbourhood. They would give the children chocolate while talking to them. They would pray in the park for hours.'

But the Barking jihadi was also described as 'a nice guy' by a neighbour who saw him hold a door open for an old lady two days before slaughtering innocent members of the public in the third Islamic terror attack in just over 10 weeks in the UK.

One neighbour told MailOnline said: 'Once I helped him when his car broke down and he came round the next day with some food for me.

'Then, two days before the attack, I saw him holding the door to his flat's open for an old lady. He was a nice guy.

'He was always smiling. But he always went to his own mosque so I never prayed with him.'

Another Barking resident knew the killer in the Arsenal shirt who was shot dead in the street.

He said: 'He used to play table tennis and he was really generous with everyone's kids. People would leave their kids to play with him.

'You'd never expect anything like this from him.'

The three attackers, who were wearing fake suicide bomb vests, used a van to mow down pedestrians on London Bridge before running amok with knives in Borough Market, slitting the throats of innocent bystanders. One is reported to have yelled: 'This is for Allah.'

They left at least seven dead and 48 injured before police marksmen halted their stabbing spree.

Yesterday police arrested 12 people in connection with the atrocities  seven women and five men. The youngest was a 19-year-old woman and the eldest was a 60-year-old woman.

Officers wielding machine guns have been patrolling London ever since Saturday's attack

The attacks in Borough Market and London Bridge left seven dead and caused crowds of people to flee in terror, pictured, after the jihadis mowed down pedestrians in a van and then began a stabbing frenzy

Police, pictured at the scene on Saturday, continue to investigate the murder spree

A map shows how terror attack unfolded. The attackers were shot dead within eight minutes of the first emergency phone call

Among those detained were a number of people taken into custody at the suspect's home in Barking, east London  where he lived with his wife, two young children and elderly mother.

It is understood that MI5 has to prioritise monitoring those jihadists who have known attack plans  and that just because a person has been flagged up as an extremist and is known to the security services this does not mean they were known to be a risk.

Intelligence officers have identified 23,000 jihadist extremists living in Britain as potential terrorist attackers. Last week senior Whitehall sources pointed to the 'unprecedented' scale of the threat facing the security services.

At any one time MI5 has around 500 live investigations, of which several are plots to attack in the UK.
A man has died in a freak accident after falling out of the door of a rented party bus that was traveling down an interstate.

James J. Larsen, 27, was celebrating a friend's birthday around 3am Saturday when he slipped and fell out of the closed door of a rented party bus on the Tri-State Tollway near Deerfield, Illinois.

The bus, a 32-seat 2012 Freightliner party limo, was northbound on I-294 when Larsen tried to adjust the radio at the front of the vehicle, tumbled out, and was fatally struck by a black SUV that fled the scene and is being sought by cops.

'It was just a freak accident, is basically what it was,' Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Heather Poerio told the Chicago Tribune.

James J. Larsen is seen with his sister in a family photo. Larsen died early Saturday morning when he tumbled out the door of a moving party bus in Illinois

Larsen was on the bus to celebrate the birthday of a former co-worker at the shipping firm where he worked. Police are seeking the hit-and-run driver who struck him

'He was adjusting the radio and he fell. He fell down the stairs and out the door of the bus,' Poerio said.

As Larsen tumbled onto the interstate, another vehicle traveling the same direction in the lane to the right of the bus struck him.

Larsen was pronounced dead at the scene, and investigators recovered evidence that they hope will lead them to the driver of the black SUV, which suffered front-end damage.

The bus rental company, Select Limo Inc, was issued several citations, including for unsafe equipment, and police are investigating whether the door somehow malfunctioned.

The party bus was a a 32-seat 2012 Freightliner party limo like the one seen in this file photo. Police are investigating whether the door malfunctioned

Larsen, who lives in Libertyville, Illinois, was on the party bus to celebrate the birthday of a former co-worker from shipping firm Uline, where he worked.

'I dont know how a door on a bus opens when youre in transit, thats not right. It shouldnt happen that way,' Larsen's mother Kimberly Larsen told the Tribune, pointing out that her son had been doing the right thing to avoid drinking and driving.

'People need to be aware that these buses are not safe,' the grieving mother said.
Vincent John Conti, 26, was arrested on 26 for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl

A 26-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, after arranging to meet up with a 13-year-old girl he met online.

Fullerton, California police say they had been investigating Vincent John Conti for the past two months.

In a press release, the department said Conti started an inappropriate sexual relationship with the girl after meeting her on 'an undisclosed, but commonly used social media site'.

Once they confirmed that the relationship happened, they arranged to have Conti meet the victim at a prearranged location on Saturday.

Officers confronted him at the location and Conti initially fled on foot.

But he was taken into custody without incident a short time later in a nearby flood control channel.

Conti was arrested and booked into the Orange County jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. He is set to appear in court for the first time on Tuesday. The jail lists his occupation as web design.

Police believe that Conti may have abused more children, and are asking any more victims to come forward.

Anyone with information on Conti is being asked to contact Fullerton police Detective L. Garcia at 714-738-6358 or Sergeant J. Ema at 714-738-6580.
President Donald Trump's top advisors were caught off guard when the president failed to reaffirm NATO's principle of mutual defense during his speech to the military alliance in Brussels.

The advisors  National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson  had pushed to have the language included in Trump's speech during his first overseas trip.

Key allies were looking for reassurance that the U.S. would live up to its commitments to defend fellow signatories, after a series of statements by candidate knocking the powerful alliance as expensive and obsolete.

During his speech, Trump instead lectured fellow leaders about living up to their commitments to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defense.

President Trump lectured NATO allies for not meeting their defense commitments, but dropped language that would have reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to mutual defense

The language backing up NATO's core principle, meant to reassure allies, was included in a draft speech up until the morning it was given, Politico reported.

'There was a fully coordinated other speech everybody else had worked on,' a White House official told the publication.

They had the right speech and it was cleared through McMaster, said a source briefed by NSC officials after the meeting told the publication. As late as that same morning, it was the right one.

The top advisors  whose selection by the governing neophyte Trump helped soothe the political establishment  weren't aware of the reversal.

BLINDSIDED: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, right, and U.S. Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis were among a trio of aides who pushed to include a reassurance of the U.S. commitment to mutual defense during President Trump's NATO speech

They didnt know it had been removed, a third source said. It was only upon delivery.

The article floats different versions of who dealt the final blow to the statement: one is that the president nixed it himself, the other is that nationalist reemerging chief strategist Stephen Bannon and speechwriter Stephen Miller were involved.

National Security Advier H.R. McMaster at the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 1, 2017, followed by chief strategist Stephen Bannon (back)

The report said the language the advisors pushed for was still in the speech the morning it was delivered

U.S. President Donald Trump (C) walks past French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on his way to his spot for a family photo during the NATO summit at their new headquarters in Brussels, Belgium May 25, 2017

President Donald Trump during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Brussels

Trump's failure to deliver the line drew notice during his trip, and forced his team to explain its absence as insignificant.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer told traveling reporters after the speech that Trump is 'fully committed to the mutual defense pact. Were not playing cutesy with this. Ive seen some of the questions Ive gotten from you guys, but theres 100 percent commitment to Article 5,' he said.

During the same speech where he didn't mention Article 5, Trump went after allied nations for shirking their responsibilities. '

Were not playing cutesy with this. Ive seen some of the questions Ive gotten from you guys, but theres 100 percent commitment to Article 5,' White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters when asked about Trump's speech

'NATO members must finally contribute their fair share and meet their financial obligations,' he told the world leaders who were there. 'This is not fair to the people and taxpayers of the United States. And many of these nations owe massive amounts of money from past years and not paying in those past years.'

Trump's public approval in the Gallup daily tracking poll dropped from 42 per cent on May 26, the day after the summit, to 36 percent at the end of last week.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is being urged by his colleagues to give counter-terrorism police sweeping new powers to ban Islamists from using the internet and force them into deradicalisation programs.

Mr Turnbull is facing calls to beef-up anti-terror measures after seven were killed and in London and an Islamist-inspired gunman was shot dead in Melbourne following a dramatic siege.

Former counter-terrorism officer turned federal Liberal politician Jason Wood said the government needed to act swiftly to prevent youngsters becoming radicalised online, the Herald Sun reported.

Australian counter-terrorism officials could be given new powers to stop would-be jihadis from using the internet (stock image)

Coalition MPs want anti-terror measures beefed-up in the wake of the London terror attacks (stock image)

Mr Wood, from Melbourne, wants new laws implemented which would allow police to use community protection intervention orders on would-be jihadis, a measure the Victorian government is already reportedly considering.

'The police need a tool to stop young people from being radicalised, from potentially going on the internet every night and talking to others from overseas and reading material which may influence them,' Mr Wood said.

Mr Wood's call comes in the wake of the London terror attacks on Saturday night, which left seven dead and injured 48 others, including Australians.

And on Monday, a siege in Melbourne culminated in a prolonged exchange of gunfire that resulted in three officers being shot and receiving non-life threatening injuries, and the gunman being killed.

Prior to his death, a call was made to the Melbourne newsroom of Channel Seven and the gunman said his actions were 'for ISIS' and 'for Al Qaeda'.

Jacinta Carroll, the head of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's counter-terrorism policy centre, also said intervention orders could be a powerful weapon for police in preventing acts of terrorism in the country.

Police are pictured in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Brighton on Monday after a man was shot dead after taking a woman hostage inside a serviced apartment building

The Islamist-inspired gunman was shot dead in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton following a dramatic siege on Monday afternoon

Seven people were killed and 48 were injured, including Australians, after terrorists went on a rampage in central London on Saturday night

Mr Turnbull has said there's too much tolerance of extremist material on social media and wants tech giants Facebook, Twitter and Apple to help tackle terrorism.

His comments echo those of British Prime Minister Theresa May who declared 'enough is enough' following the deadly terrorist attack in London at the weekend - the third in the UK in as many months.

Mr Turnbull says Ms May has put her finger on an important point.

'There is too much tolerance of extremist material on social media and that, ultimately, requires co-operation from the big social media platforms - in particular, Facebook and Twitter,' he told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

'It is one of the priorities that we have... to get a more responsible approach taken to this type of material.'

He said authorities also needed help from companies like Whatsapp and Apple in providing access to encrypted messaging used by billions of people.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) has said there is too much tolerance of extremist material on social media

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (pictured) said wants social media posts that encourage radicalisation to be dealt with similar to child pornography

While Syria and Iraq might be a long way from western Sydney, electronically they were closer than ever, he said.

'There are no borders ... that is why we need much greater co-operation,' Mr Turnbull said.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said posts on social media that encourage radicalisation need to be dealt with in a similar way to child pornography.

'Everyone knows when child porn goes up on the internet it can be taken down,' She told ABC's 7.30 program on Monday night.

'When the kind of posts that incite hatred and violence and radicalisation and teaching people how to carry out these savage, positively medieval attacks, then there should be an ability to take that kind of post down immediately.

'This kind of material is dangerous. It's a risk to our communities.'
All 12 people arrested by officers investigating the London Bridge terror attack have been released without charge, Scotland Yard has announced.

The mother of terrorist Rachid Redouane's 18-month-old child was believed to be among seven women arrested by police investigating Saturday night's rampage.

Charisse O'Leary, 38, screamed 'don't shoot' as police stormed a block of flats in Barking, east London on Sunday and took away 12 people.

The mother-of-one, who also goes by the name Charisse Redouane, married the terrorist in Ireland in 2012.

Charisse O'Leary (pictured, right), the wife of terrorist Rachid Redouane (left) was among 12 people arrested in Barking yesterday

However, it is not known if she took up his faith and it is believed they split before he carried out Saturday night's atrocity.

The Times reported that she was believed to be a convert, but friends told the Mirror she was not.

In recent social media posts, she had complained that Redouane had not been visiting their daughter enough.

One of her friends responded to her frustration that he was not going to see his child by saying: 'hope he drowns' before saying she 'shouldn't have wrote that'.

Seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 were arrested under the Terrorism Act in Barking on Sunday. A 55-year-old man was later released without charge.

Police continued raids in east London this morning, raiding properties in Newham and a former brothel in Dagenham as part of their investigation.

In recent social media posts, she had complained that Redouane had not been visiting their daughter enough

Seven women were among the 12 suspects arrested in Barking yesterday afternoon

The women pictured covered their faces as they were led out of a flat block in east London

O'Leary was among those arrested at this tower block in London yesterday morning

It is unclear whether O'Leary is a practicing Muslim. The Times reported that she had converted to the faith, but friends told the Mirror she did not.

Meanwhile, explosions and gunshots were heard when police raided two more properties in east London this morning as they investigate the terror attack on London Bridge.

Officers are searching two addresses in Dagenham and Newham in connection with Saturday night's massacre, which saw three jihadist terrorists kill seven people and injure dozens more.

Neighbours say around 40 armed police, some with stun grenades stormed the properties early this morning, with locals hearing guns being fired and explosions ringing out.

One of the properties being searched is said to have previously been a brothel.

One witness told MailOnline he heard an 'extremely loud bang at 4am followed by multiple gunshots' off the A13 in Dagenham, east London.

A man who covered himself in a sheet was taken away from a property in Dagenham, east London this morning after the latest set of raids following the London Bridge terror attack

Armed police stormed the properties and neighbours heard gunshots and explosions

Police officers stand outside a residential property close to the Ship and Shovel pub in Dagenham

The witness said: 'It was as if my ear was right next to a car backfiring. It was loud enough to wake everyone up at 4am.'

A driver from a nearby bus depot said the house in Dagenham had been a brothel.

Neighbour James Bateman, who lives at the other side of the road, said: 'At about 4am, after the large bang, I looked outside the window after being woken up and I saw about a dozen armed police officers going to and from an unmarked van.

'There were car alarms going off and we were over 300 feet away. The after bangs were smaller. It is quite possible they could have been gunshots.

'I don't know because I didn't see anyone shooting, but that's not to say it wasn't gunfire.'

Police carried out a raid at a Dagenham address early this morning in connection with the London Bridge terror attacks and residents reported hearing gunshots

Police were also seen outside a house in Newham. Scotland Yard have not confirmed how many arrested have been made

A police spokesman said: 'A number of people have been detained and are being spoken to'

It comes after 12 people - including seven women - were arrested in Barking yesterday

Mr Bateman said the bangs that followed were not as loud but sounded 'the equivalent' of gunshots.

Simon Tucker wrote on Twitter: 'Heard this in the Dagenham area at around 4:15 am. Started with loud explosion sound. Followed by about 20 shots, Some sounded distant.'

Police officers were seen standing outside a residential property close to the Ship and Shovel pub in Dagenham. A quarter-mile stretch of the A13 is thought to have been closed off for a short period during the raid.

Yesterday, police arrested 12 people including four women during a dawn raid at a block of flats in Barking where one of the London Bridge terrorists reportedly lived.

One witness said a suspect who tried to flee was shot while others reported hearing gunfire and explosions as police swooped on the east London address at 7am on Sunday.

Several men were pictured laying face down in the road handcuffed, while others were later led from the flat alongside four women. The arrests marked the first by police over the attack which killed seven and wounded 48, including 21 people left in critical.

Pictured is a woman being detained by police after a raid on Barking Road, East Ham yesterday

Twelve people were arrested in a raid in a tower block in Barking, east London, yesterday in connection with the attack

A witness said one of the men attempted to flee from police and was shot before being put in an ambulance, while another said a woman taken from the flats also needed medical attention

Police have carried out raids on properties around east London since the attacks on Saturday

The hunt for the accomplices: Police arrest more than a dozen people Officers have made a series of arrests since Saturday night's London Bridge atrocity and are searching a number of properties. Early on Sunday, police carried out raids at two addresses in Barking, east London, arresting 12 people. At one property, police detained a 38-year-old woman. Four men aged 28, 52, 55 and 27 and six women aged 49, 60, 19, 27, 24 and 53 were arrested during a raid at a second address. A 55-year-old man was also detained but has since been released without charge. This morning at around 4.15am, police raided a further two addresses in Newham and Barking in east London detaining a 'number of people'. Advertisement

A second raid by armed officers was then caught on film less than a mile away on Barking Road, East Ham, at 3.30pm as officers pointed their weapons to a first floor flat above a betting shop.

One of the suspects arrested in the East Ham raid made a desperate attempt at a rooftop escape by climbing out of a window.

He was only apprehended after armed officers pointed their weapons at him and threatened to shoot, Malik Rouf, 30, an eyewitness, told MailOnline.

'I don't know if he was scared or anything but he looked pretty desperate,' he said. 'He looked pretty determined to escape.'

The suspect, said to be black and in his twenties, turned around and climbed back through his window where he was arrested along with another black man.

The armed officers had jumped out of three unmarked police cars before pouncing, the eyewitness said. The two suspects were dragged into a van and driven away.

Several men were pictured laying on the floor in handcuffs outside the block of flats yesterday in a raid which is believed to be in connection with the London Bridge attack

A ground floor flat at the address is believed to belong to one of the dead attackers, according to neighbours

Two women were among those escorted from the tower block by police during the early morning raid in Barking yesterday

A man covers his head with his hood as he is led away from the flats, where one of the terrorists is believed to have lived

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

Meanwhile, armed police and forensic officers were seen scouring the scene at London Bridge and Borough Market, where three terrorists left a trail of death and destruction when they went on a van and knife rampage.

The attackers, who were wearing fake suicide vests, mowed down up to 20 pedestrians as they careered across London Bridge in an 'S shape' at 50mph before abandoning the vehicle at nearby Borough Market, where they began 'randomly stabbing' revellers packed into busy bars and pubs.

Speaking outside No 10 today, Theresa May said the attack is not directly connected to the Manchester bombing last month or the Westminster atrocity in April but that all three are linked by the single evil ideology of Islamist extremism'.

The Prime Minister insisted 'enough is enough' as she vowed to introduce tougher punishments for those connected to extremism. The terror threat level remains at severe, meaning an attack is 'highly likely'.

A map shows how terror attack unfolded. The attackers were shot dead within eight minutes of the first emergency phone call

Police also examined the B&Q van which was used to mow down pedestrians before crashing into the front of the Barrowboy and banker pub near The Shard

Forensic officers painstakingly search for clues on London Bridge as they attempt to unravel the terror attack on Saturday

The terror started on Saturday night when three men drove a van in an 'S shape' across London Bridge shortly before 10.10pm in an attempt to deliberately target pedestrians. There are unconfirmed reports that it is a B&Q and Hertz van.

An on-duty British Transport Police officer who rushed to protect bystanders was among the first victims attacked as the attackers 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 - with 21 critically injured. One of the fatalities was at London Bridge, it has been reported.

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

Armed police were seen flooding the cordoned-off streets as they launched a hunt for the jihadists

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. Meanwhile medics wheeled away injured victims on stretchers while crying people wrapped in foil blankets were evacuated from the 'horrific' scene.
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Bill Cosby hopped on Twitter Monday afternoon, taking advantage of a recess in his sexual assault trial to rave about actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, who made a surprise appearance in Pennsylvania earlier that day as court proceedings got underway in the case.

The 79-year-old actor sent out two tweets in quick succession, starting with a photo of himself and Pulliam hanging out by a water jug in the Montgomery County Courthouse.

'Thank you to Cliff and Claire's 4 year old daughter (Rudy) and the Brilliant Spelman Alumnus #TheCosbyShow #KeshiaKnightPulliam,' wrote Cosby, or the person responsible for maintaining his social media accounts.

His second tweet was a bit more to the point, and contained just three hashtags: '#TheCosbyShow #KeishaKnightPulliam #CameToCourtToHearTheTruth.'

Pulliam, 38, caused quite a stir Monday morning when she was spotted walking arm-in-arm with Cosby into court, with the pair making it a point to pass in front of the hundreds of photographers and members of the press gathered outside.

The two did not respond to questions on their way in, choosing instead to converse with one another as police officers shielded them from the fray.

They also burst out laughing at one point after sharing a joke, despite the fact that Cosby is facing up to 10 years in prison for three counts of aggravated indecent assault.

Cosby was not joined by any members of his actual family as he walked into court on Monday, with his spokesperson Andrew Wyatt joining the criminal defendant and his former co-star.

The actor's wife of 53 years, Camille Cosby, was also not inside the courtroom on Monday.

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Tweet beat: Bill Cosby hopped on Twitter Monday afternoon, taking advantage of a recess in his sexual assault trial (first tweet above)

Pose: Cosby then posted a photo of himself and Pulliam, with the pair looking in opposite directions in front of a water jug (above)

Family first: Pulliam escorted Bill Cosby to court on Monday morning in Pennsylvania (above)

Having a ball: The pair smiled as they walked arm-in-arm into the courtroom, and even burst out laughing at one point (above)

Reminiscing: The two did not respond to questions on their way in, choosing instead to converse with one another as police officers shielded them from the fray

Talking it over: The news that Pulliam would be joining Cosby at the first day of his trial came early Monday morning (Cosby and Pulliam in discussion above)

Back in the day: Pulliam played Cosby's daughter Rudy Huxtable on 'The Cosby Show' for eight seasons (above in a 1984 cast photo)

Pulliam was dressed in a bright pink scarf and polka-dot blouse with a big smile on her face and an even bigger ring on her finger as she walked alongside the 79-year-old actor and comedian.

Cosby meanwhile appeared alert and relaxed, outfitted in a crisp suit and tie while carrying a cane, just like he has at every other court appearance.

Camille Cosby will likely make an appearance in court at a later date according to Page Six.

There is a good chance that Cosby will be joined by his four daughters as well at some point during the proceedings - Erika (52), Erinn (50) Ensa (44), and Evin (40).

The actor and his wife had a son as well, Ennis, who was fatally shot in 1997 at the age of 27 during an attempted carjacking.

Also expected to show up to the Montgomery County Courthouse at some point is Cosby's TV wife Phylicia Rashad, who has stated in the past that she believes her former co-star is the victim and that his accusers are intent on destroying his legacy.

Cosby's other daughters on the show, actresses Lisa Bonet, Tempestt Bledsoe, and Sabrina Le Beauf have never spoken publicly about the allegations, while Raven-Symone has repeatedly asked to be kept out of the matter given how young she was when she appeared on the show.

Pulliam took some time to speak with reporters on her way out of court on Monday, explaining her decision to attend the trial by stating 'ultimately it's about standing by your truth.'

She then added that her truth was to stand by Cosby's side in court.

'I want to be the person that I would like to have if the tables were turned,' said Pulliam.

'Right now it's the jury's job and the jury's decision to determine guilt or innocence. It's not mine or anyone else's.'

Pulliam was also careful not to dismiss Cosby's many accusers as well while speaking outside the courthouse.

'I don't condone sexual assault in any way, shape or form, but, at the end of the day, our court system is set up ... you're innocent until proven guilty,' said the actress.

'The job now is for the two sides to prove their cases, and I accept whatever verdict is handed down.'

Pulliam's trip up to Pennsylvania from her home in Atlanta made it clear that she was backing Cosby despite the claims of over 50 women, who have alleged that they were drugged and raped by the actor.

Making the journey even more difficult is the fact that Pulliam recently had a baby, giving birth to daughter Ella Grace in late January.

She is also in involved in a contentious divorce battle with her estranged husband Ed Hartwell, who filed for separation when Pullman was three months pregnant with their daughter.

Taking a break: Pulliam, Wyatt and Cosby head off down one of the courthouse's hallways during a recess on day one of the trial (above)

Smiling: Pulliam had a giant smile on her face as she and Cosby departed the courtroom on Monday afternoon (above)

Facing the masses: After court was adjourned, Pulliam immediately went out to speak with the reporters gathered in front of the courthouse

Keep close: Cosby's spokesperson Andrew Wyatt (above holding umbrella) did not let Pulliam out of his sight while she spoke with the press

Getting ready: Pulliam took some time to speak with reporters on her way out of court on Monday, explaining her decision to attend the trial by stating 'ultimately it's about standing by your truth'

Keeping it clean: Pulliam was also careful not to dismiss Cosby's many accusers as well while speaking outside the courthouse

Pulliam shot to fame as Cosby's TV daughter Rudy Huxtable on 'The Cosby Show,' bcoming the youngest Emmy nominee in history when she landed a Best Supporting Acterss in a Comedy nod for her work on the show back in 1986 at the age of 7.

She then headed off to college a few years after wrapping the show, earning a bachelor of arts degree in sociology in 2001 from Spelman College.

Pulliam did not comment about the accusations being made against Cosby for months, but did finally open up in January of last year while appearing on 'Today.'

'What I can say is this: I wasn't there,' said Pulliam, who made it clear how uncomfortable she felt speaking about the subject.

'You know, it's an unfortunate situation,' Pulliam went on to say.

'And it's kind of still the same for me, because that was never my experience with him. And I actually had the amazing opportunity to interview him for my podcast, "Kandidly Keshia"  [it] was the first podcast that I did  and share with people the man who I grew up with, the man who I know. 'Cause that just wasn't how I ever experienced him.'

As for her time on The Cosby Show, Pulliam said: 'It was an amazing experience. I absolutely enjoyed my time there. [The cast members were] definitely like a second family. And I was blessed to work for eight years on an amazing show with a cast and crew who were amazing to be around and I enjoyed.'

Feeling good: Both Cosby and Pulliam showed no signs of stress, and the 79-year-old actor looked alert and sharp as he walked in carrying his cane (above)

Inside jokes: Cosby's spokesperson Andrew Wyatt (second left) also shared a laugh with his boss and Pulliam on Monday morning

Fun times: 'It was an amazing experience. I absolutely enjoyed my time there. [The cast members were] definitely like a second family. And I was blessed to work for eight years on an amazing show with a cast and crew who were amazing to be around and I enjoyed,' Pulliam has said of her time on 'The Cosby Show'

Statement: '[Y]ou know, we still live in a country where you're innocent until proven guilty,' Pulliam said in April 2016 of the allegations against Cosby

Unfathomable: Pulliam said it was difficult for her to imagine any of the allegations of sexual assault against Cosby because of her own close relationship with the man

Moving forward: Pulliam and Cosby head into the courtroom surrounded by police on Monday morning (above)

She also addressed the claims in April of 2016 during an episode of her aforementioned podcast, 'Kandidly Keshia,' reiterating many of the same points she had made just a few months prior.

That came after her guest on the show that week, Amber Rose, brought up the case, at which point Pulliam began to defend Cosby.

'Okay, let me just say this real quick, cause, you know, I feel you and everyone's entitled to their opinion,' said Pulliam.

'But, you know, we still live in a country where you're innocent until proven guilty. And I understand everything that's happened, and me being a feminist and believing women. I mean, "no" means "no" and I get that.'

She then went on to say that it was difficult for her to imagine any of the allegations of sexual assault because of her own close relationship with the man.

'I did work with him for a really long time, I love him dearly still, and that isn't the man that I know,' said Pulliam.

At that point Rose cut her off and said that the two could agree to disagree before moving on to a different topic.

She has avoided discussing the allegations since then, and largely avoided the spotlight since her estranged husband filed divorce papers and the birth of her daughter.

Pulliam is now getting a chance to very publicly show her support for Cosby though, with her appearance alongside the actor likely to bring back fond memories of the beloved television dad and his precocious daughter.

It is not clear when, or even if, Rashad will appear, but it seems likely that the reunion of Dr. Cliff Huxtable and his wife Denise would happen on a key trial date such as when closing remarks are delivered or the alleged victim takes the stand.

The defense is hoping that these reunions can play a part in helping Cosby beat the charges he is facing, which stem from an incident in 2004 during which he allegedly drugged and then raped Andrea Constand, a former Temple University women's basketball coach.

Gathering the crew: Cosby and Pulliam (above with Wyatt) were not joined by any members of the actor's actual family as they headed into court

Silent all these years: Pulliam (above with Cosby and Wyatt) has never said much about the Cosby trial in the past, stating in interviews that she loves the actor and stressing that is innocent until proven guilty

Close bond : Pulliam said it was difficult for her to imagine any of the allegations of sexual assault being made against Cosby because of her own close relationship with the man

Helping hand: Pulliam said in an April 2016 interview that Cosby was her first guest when she launched her podcast 'Kandidly Keshia,' appearing as a favor to the actress

Out of focus: Pulliam has avoided discussing the allegations since then, and largely avoided the spotlight since her estranged husband filed divorce papers and the birth of her daughter

One night only: It is unclear if Pulliam will be attending the trial on just Monday or staying in Pennsylvania to support Cosby for an extended amount of time

Personal trouble: Ed Hartwell filed for divorce from Pulliam while she was three months pregnant with their child Ella (couple above in January 2016)

The defense plans to try and prove that the sexual activity between Cosby and Constand - who is openly gay and was in a relationship with a woman at the time of the alleged sexual assault - was consensual.

In her affidavit Constand told police that Cosby gave her wine and pills and then sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious.

'I got scared,' Constand told police of the alleged assault. 'I had no strength in my legs. They felt rubbery and like jelly. I felt spacey. Everything was blurry or dizzy. I had no thought to call 911.'

She later told police: 'I told him, "I can't even talk, Mr. Cosby." I started to panic.'

Constand claims she arrived at Cosby's home on the night in question and was greeted by the actor, who was wearing a sweatsuit.

The two spoke about Constand's future, and she told Cosby she was feeling 'drained' and 'emotionally occupied.'

That is when Cosby allegedly went upstairs and returned with three blue pills. telling Constand: 'These will make you feel good. The blue things will take the edge off.'

Constand claims she then asked if the pills were herbal, to which Cosby replied: 'Yes. Down them. Put 'em down. Put them in your mouth.'

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Cosby then told Constand to have some wine, and soon after she began to have trouble speaking and seeing.

Cosby then allegedly told her to lie down on the couch, and soon after, according to the affidavit of probable hearing, was 'fondling her breasts, put his hands into her pants, and penetrated her vagina with his fingers'.

He also allegedly took her hand and placed it on his erect penis.

Big trial: Cosby is facing up to 10 years in prison for three counts of aggravated indecent assault

Dream team: Defense lawyers Brian McMonagle (left) and Angela Agrusa (right) arrive for the first day of the Cosby trial on Monday

Lady in red: Attorney Gloria Allred, who has represented a number of Cosby's accusers, speaks with members of the media ahead of Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial on Monday (above)

Long haul: Files are dragged into the Montgomery County Courthouse on Monday just before the start of the trial (above)

Lights, camera, action: Photographers eagerly await the arrival of Cosby and Pulliam, who was a surprise guest on Monday

The room where it happens: Constand will be testifying during the trial while Cosby has elected not to take the stand in his defense (Montgomery County Courthouse above)

Constand claims she woke up hours later around 4am and realized her bra was undone and above her breasts and that her sweater was bunched up.

As she made her way to the door she claims Cosby was standing there in a robe and holding a muffin, which he handed to her as she left while saying: 'Alright.'

Constand, the former director of operations for Temple's women's basketball team and a one time college basketball star herself, launched a legal suit against Cosby, a man she called her 'mentor', in March 2005.

Cosby in his mugshot following his arrest in December 2015 for three counts of aggravated indecent assault

Now 44, she said she first met Cosby, a Temple alum, in November 2002 and the pair became friends and she was a frequent guest at dinner parties at his home.

The case against him emerged just days before Pennsylvania's 12-year statute of limitation deadline for pressing charges was about to run out and despite a previous DA declining to charge Cosby a decade ago.

Cosby previously said under oath that he had consensual sexual contact with Constand.

The criminal complaint alleges that on the night in question Cosby told Constand to take three blue pills that left her feeling weak and then led her to a sofa where the assault took place.

When she woke up the next morning he gave her a muffin and sent her home.

Steele said at the press conference in December that Cosby made two failed sexual advances towards Constand before the incident now in question.

The affidavit of probable cause describes both incidents, as well as the night of the alleged assault.

Constand claims that the first time Cosby made an advance at her was after the two shared a meal at his house and were sitting on his sofa having a discussion.

That is when 'without warning, Cosby reached over and touched her pants, her waist, and her inner thigh', according to the affidavit of probable cause.

She claims she then excused herself, went to the bathroom, gathered her things and left.

Plan: The defense will also work to try and prove that Constand (above in December 2015) and Cosby had consensual sex

Making an appearance: Camille Cosby (above with her husband in November 2014) did not appear in court on Monday but will join her husband for at least one day of the trial

Reunited: Cosby will also be appearing with his former TV wife Phylicia Rashad according to a report, though that has not yet been confirmed (above in a 1984 still from 'The Cosby Show')

Family matters: 'The Cosby Show' ran for eight seasons between 1984 and 1992, with millions of fans tuning in around the world (clockwise from top left: Tempestt Bledsoe, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Lisa Bonet, Phylicia Rashad, Pulliam and Cosby in a 1984 cast photo)

The next time he made an advance at her also occurred at his home in Elkins Park, and this time he 'unbuttoned her pants and began touching her,' according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Once again Constand claims she left soon after.

Then, sometime between mid-January and mid-February 2004, the alleged sexual assault occurred.

Constand later filed a civil suit against Cosby which he settled for undisclosed terms in 2006. He also agreed to give a deposition, which was released last July.

It was the release of that deposition and the admissions that Cosby made that led to Montgomery County prosecutors pressing charges.

Cosby's lawyers said in a statement shortly after the new charges were announced; 'The charge by the Montgomery County District Attorney's office came as no surprise, filed 12 years after the alleged incident and coming on the heels of a hotly contested election for this county's DA during which this case was made the focal point.

'Make no mistake, we intend to mount a vigorous defense against this unjustified charge.'

Cosby has been out on $1million bail since December 30, 2015 when he was charged in Montgomery County.

In February 2016 he sued Constand claiming she violated the terms of their civil settlement by agreeing to cooperate in the criminal probe against him.

Constand will be testifying during the trial while Cosby has elected not to take the stand in his defense.
The bodies of a man and his girlfriend have been discovered in an advanced stage of decomposition inside their home in Texas, after what law enforcement officials have described as a suspected murder-suicide.

According to the Smith County Sheriff's Office, the badly deteriorated remains were found at around 1pm on Saturday in the 10000 block of County Road 272 near Tyler.

Family members have identified the deceased couple as 64-year-old Charles Moore and his 25-year-old girlfriend, Gwen D'Arcy.

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Gruesome find: The decomposing bodies of Charles Moore, 64, and his girlfriend, Gwen D'Arcy, 25, were found inside this home in the 10000 block of County Road near Tyler, Texas

Officers were called to the scene by Moore's sister, who on Saturday came by to check on Charles after not hearing from him for two weeks

Relatives of Moore and D'Arcy had not seen or heard from either one for at least two weeks, reported East Texas Matters.

Jazzmyn Brown, a long-time neighbor of Moore's, said the man's ex-wife called his sister expressing concern because he was supposed to drive her to pay her bills but never showed up, which was unlike him.

Moore's sister then went to the couple's home in Tyler and made the gruesome discovery.

Sheriffs deputies who were summoned to the residence by the sister just after 1pm on Saturday entered the house and found the decomposing bodies of Moore and D'Arcy lying on the living room.

Two handguns that officials believe were used in the murder-suicide were found next to the bodies, along with ballistic evidence indicating that the weapons had been fired inside the home.

Evidence: Two handguns that officials believe were used in the murder-suicide were found next to the bodies

The bodies were later taken to Southeastern Forensic in Smith County for autopsies to determine the exact cause and manner of death, according to the station KLTV.

Family members said Moore and D'Arcy had been in a relationship for an extended period of time

As of Monday morning, authorities have not determined who fired the deadly shots in the murder-suicide.
A magazine writer who Rebel Wilson claims defamed her says she never intended the story to be 'mean', instead she hoped to play it up as a 'fun' story, a court has heard.

Woman's Day reporter Shari Nementzik told the court she never met or contacted the Hollywood star following information from an anonymous source because 'that wasn't how these stories usually work'.

Two-and-a-half years before the controversial story ran, the source told the reporter the actor fabricated much of her background.

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Rebel Wilson's defamation case against the publisher of Woman's Day magazine has entered its third week

A magazine writer who Rebel Wilson (pictured) claims defamed her says she never intended the story to be 'mean', instead she hoped to play it up as a 'fun' story, a court has heard

Australian actor Hugh Sheridan says he and close friend Rebel Wilson went to a secret Disneyland apartment. Wilson is suing Bauer Media for articles she claims painted her as a serial liar about her real name, age and childhood

Her article, 'Just who is the REAL Rebel' was published in May 2015 quoting the source from Wilson's high school.

The informant claimed the Pitch Perfect star had added a touch of 'fantasy' to 'make it in Hollywood'.

In the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday, Ms Nementzik admitted Woman's Day first spoke to the anonymous source in October 2012.

She held onto the source's claims until the release of Pitch Perfect 2, when there was a 'lot of hype' surrounding the Australian export.

Wilson, 37, is suing Bauer Media, the publisher of Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly, NW and OK! Magazine for a series of eight articles that she claims ruined her career by portraying her as a serial liar.

Wilson says she has never lied to journalists about her real name, age or childhood, and claims the articles caused serious damage to her career for nearly two years, a period in which she was sacked from two DreamWorks films.

Ms Nementzik told the court everyone knows tabloid magazines work on 'cheque book journalism' in order to secure stories, and that her anonymous source was negotiating for payment between $2000 and $8000.

She agreed with Wilson's lawyer, Matthew Collins QC, that she had not contacted the Bridesmaids and Fat Pizza star for comment.

The articles also suggested Wilson had been untruthful about being related to Walt Disney and getting exclusive access to Disneyland

Former Australian Women's Weekly journalist Caroline Overington said the Pitch Perfect actor lied to her about her real name, age and childhood during an interview in 2014

'That wasn't how these stories usually work,' Ms Nementzik told the court.

She said she never intended the story to be 'mean', instead hoping to play it up as a 'fun' story.

Former Australian Women's Weekly writer Caroline Overington earlier told the court she felt 'duped' after publishing an article containing what she says were lies told by the Hollywood star.

Overington said Wilson had lied about being younger than her real age and lied about being named Rebel at birth, when she was actually called Melanie Bownds.

The Bauer articles also claim Wilson made up other untruths, including being related to Walt Disney.

Overington told the Victorian Supreme Court on Monday that a year after publishing her article on Wilson, a number of other articles made her question the veracity of her story.

She set about trying to correct the errors by publishing a follow-up article separating fact from fiction.

Sheridan told the court Wilson had been 'very upset' after Bauer Media published the articles

During cross-examination on Monday, Overington says Wilson 'gilded the lily' in their interview and she felt 'duped' by the star.

'I would have imagined when I asked her questions, I would have been told the truth,' she said.

Overington said Wilson had lied about being younger than her real age and lied about being named Rebel at birth, when she was actually called Melanie Bownds.

Wilson denies she has ever lied to journalists and says the articles caused her career serious damage for nearly two years, leading to her being sacked from two DreamWorks films.

Wilson's lawyer, Matthew Collins QC, argued there was a 'wealth of information' in the public domain about Wilson's real age before Overington ever wrote her article.

He said the journalist had 'misinterpreted' what Wilson had told her about her age.

Rebel Wilson is greeted by Dave Hughes, Kate Langbroek and fans as she arrives at the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Friday

He said Wilson felt she'd been called a liar about 'things that were actually true', such as her and her siblings' unusual names

Earlier, Hugh Sheridan said he and Wilson had visited a secret apartment in Disneyland, where at the touch of a button mermaids appeared in pictures, music started and visions were projected onto the walls.

He also told the court Wilson had been 'very upset' after Bauer Media published the articles.

Sheridan said Wilson felt she'd been called a liar about 'things that were actually true', such as her and her siblings' unusual names.

'She's been extremely distressed about it. She's in court now. It's awful,' he said.

'You push a button and a train will go... above the bed is a picture of what looks like a lake or a swamp and when you push the button mermaids appeared in pictures.'

Rebel Wilson holds a bouquet of roses as she arrived at court to find supporters waiting for her

Comedians and local radio hosts Dave Hughes and Kate Langbroek at the front of the court house show support for Rebel

On Friday, Wilson's agent said she was mystified by a lull in the star's Hollywood career after the the 'incredible success' internationally of Pitch Perfect 2.

Sharon Jackson said she was surprised the actress did not receive many multimillion-dollar leading lady offers after playing a main role.

The 37-year-old claimed she was sacked from two DreamWorks animations following the articles, and missed out on future movie roles during 2015 and 2016.

The articles suggested the star had told untruths about her real name, claimed she was younger than she was, and embellished facts about her childhood, such as being related to animation pioneer Walt Disney.

Wilson denies lying to journalists and says she was fired from two films and missed out on many other opportunities for a year and a half following the articles' publication.

Rebel Wilson was seen smiling laughing and even shedding a tear as she arrived at court on Friday

Ms Jackson appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Friday via video link from California, telling the court how cinema audiences had fallen 'in love with Rebel'.

The Beverly Hills agent said she was 'excited' and sure Wilson was on track to star in many more Hollywood roles.

However, Ms Jackson said the expected success didn't come.

'It didn't make any sense to me. It was a real mystery,' she told the court.

Publisher Bauer Media's defence lawyers argued negotiations for movies took place during the period Wilson claimed she couldn't get a job.

Next up is Wilson's Sydney hairdresser Gavin Anesbury, who could be a secret weapon against the actress in the case.

Some of the signs read 'I'm in Rebel's Court', 'Rebel is Pitch Perfect' and 'Don't Pitch Slap Rebel'

Mr Anesbury is expected to give evidence that Wilson and Australian Women's Weekly journalist Caroline Overington had a conversation while the star was getting her hair and make-up done prior to an official interview in October 2014.

The point is crucial because Wilson denies she ever gave Ms Overington a 'pre-interview' in which she lied about her age and real name.

Wilson was welcomed with a cheer squad on her way into court on Friday morning, set up by radio personalities Dave Hughes and Kate Langbroek.

Wilson's former school friend, Zarah Zaidi, will also be called on to give evidence.

The Bridesmaids star also had her mother, two sisters and a brother give evidence on her behalf so far this week.
A 45-year-old Army veteran has been identified as the disgruntled ex-employee who barged into his old office and shot five of his former co-workers dead before killing himself.

John Robert Neumann Jr went on a deadly rampage at the Orlando offices of RV awning company Fiamma at around 8am.

He shot and killed 69-year-old Robert Snyder, 44-year-old Brenda Montanez-Crespo, 53-year-old Kevin Clark, 57-year-old Jeffrey Roberts and 46-year-old Kevin Lawson.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said Neumann was fired back in April, and had a strained relationship with at least one of his former colleagues.

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John Robert Neumann Jr. (pictured left and right), 45, has been identified as the man who shot dead five of his former co-workers before killing himself Monday

Police officers are pictured outside the trailer park where Neumann most recently lived

Neumann had a slew of arrests for minor crimes including drug possession and DUI. He is seen in an array of mugshots from 1995 to his most recent in 2010. Police say he lived alone and did not have family in the area

Dennings quickly ruled out any link to terror in the wakes of recent attacks.

He said Neumann lived alone and didn't have any family in the area.

According to Army records, he was honorably discharged in 1999.

Investigators are 'trying to understand as much about [Neumann] as we can,' Demings said.

One of the co-workers was a sales managers while the others were former co-workers.

Friends of one of the victims, Kevin Clark, started a GoFundMe page for his family shortly after the attack.

The organizers revealed his 14-year-old cheerleader daughter Deleaney and 18-year -old football star son Gavin are now orphans.

Kevin Clark (left) was one of the employees Neumann shot and killed during his rampage along with Kevin Lawson (right), who was the father-of-four daughters

Robert Snyder, 69, was gunned down in the Monday morning attack. He was an avid billiards player at a bar in Orlando

Two other victims, 44-year-old Brenda Montanez-Crespo (left) and 57-year-old Jeffrey Roberts (right) were also killed

The pair's mother died nine years ago.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, he had only started working at Fiamma a short time before he died

His older brother, Chris Clark, said he started as a temporary employee before taking a full-time position.

Demings said his department received a 911 call at 8:03am about an active shooter situation at the company, which is located in an industrial park.

Officers were on the scene within two minutes, and found Neumann dead - in addition to three male victims and one female victim.

Another male victim was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

Most of the victims were shot in the head and some were shot multiple times.

A disgruntled employee killed five of his former co-workers at an Orlando, Florida RV company Monday morning before committing suicide

The gunman - identified as 45-year-old Army veteran John Robert Neumann Jr. - was fired from Fiamma, an Italian-owned RV accessories company, in April

Four of the victims were male and one was female. Seven workers survived the incident. Above, a police investigator wipes away a tear at the scene

An investigator puts on paper booties as he inspects the crime scene on Monday

Witnesses said that the shooter arrived at the office armed with a handgun and a knife, but Demings said there's no evidence to indicate the shooter used the knife during the attack.

Demings said it appears that Neumann reloaded his semi-automatic pistol at least once during the shooting.

After shooting five of his co-workers, the shooter turned the gun on himself and committed suicide.

Seven other people were at Fiamma at the time and survived. There was also another witness who was a vendor.

They were taken to another location to be interviewed by police.

The shooting took place exactly one week before the one-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which also took place in Orlando. Above, officials on the scene of the shooting Monday

At a morning press conference, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said that the shooter had been involved in another workplace violence incident at Fiamma three years ago

Officials say the shooting does not appear to be tied to terrorism in any way. The shooting comes on the heels of the Manchester and London attacks

One of the witnesses, a woman who worked as a temp, said that when Neumann arrived at the office, he pointed a gun at her and told her to get out - suggesting that he was only targeting people he had worked with during his time at Fiamma.

There wasn't any security cameras running inside the business, but there was one outside by the rear entrance where Neumann is believed to have shot the first victim, Demings said.

Demings had a minor criminal history including arrests for marijuana possession, DUI and misdemeanor battery.

He said that officers were called to Fiamma three years ago, when the shooter allegedly battered a co-worker.

Police are pictured at the home of shooter John Robert Neumann Jr who went on a deadly rampage

The shooter lived alone and didn't have any family in the area. His home is pictured above

A long box is seen being carried from the killer's trailer home in Florida

However, no charges were filed at the time.

Demings also said there was nothing to indicate that the shooting was related to terrorism, and that it's likely a 'workplace violence incident'.

The shooting comes on the heels of the Manchester and London terror attacks, and exactly one week before the one-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub attack, which also happened in Orlando.

Forty-nine people were killed inside the nightclub by ISIS-inspired gunman Omar Mateen in what is now the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

A police officer talks on the phone outside the scene of the shooting Monday morning

Police blocked off the street in front of the business Monday morning, rerouting traffic around the area

Above, a look at the crime scene vehicle that were brought to Fiamma on Monday

Shelley Adams said her sister, Sheila McIntyre, called her from Fiamma's bathroom during the shooting and was very upset.

She kept repeating 'My boss is dead. My boss is dead,' Adams said.

McIntyre was not injured. Adams described the company as a small business with only around 10 employees.

The FBI joint terrorism task force has an official on the scene, aiding in the investigation.

Authorities closed the road near the scene and have urged motorists to 'use caution'.

Fiamma is an Italian-owned company that makes accessories for RVs
The toll that poachers and wildlife traders take on the natural world is staggering and nearly incalculable. Tens of thousands of elephants are slaughtered annually for their ivory. Photo by iStockphoto

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In recent days, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has signed a series of animal protection bills into law, including a measure to crack down on wildlife trafficking. Its the latest example of policy makers and animal advocates teaming up to stop the killing of wild animals for small parts of their bodies, such as fins or tusks, for trade. The poachers and the traders, to be sure, display a blend of callousness and greed. Moreover, when you aggregate their acts of killing, these traffickers collectively threaten the viability of species, ecological systems, and thriving economic enterprises. Killing by a thousand cuts, these poachers are the robber barons of nature, threatening to denude the Earth of some of its most extraordinary and valuable works.

The toll that poachers and wildlife traders take on the natural world is staggering and nearly incalculable. Tens of thousands of elephants are slaughtered annually for their ivory. More than a thousand rhinos are killed for their horns (with only 28,000 rhinos of all species surviving). Tens of millions of sharks are hacked up and left for dead just for their fins.

The global commerce in wildlife parts adds up to tens of billions of dollars, with the revenues from this activity eclipsed only by drug trafficking, the arms trade, and just a handful of other illicit industries.

Its a threat of the highest order to so many species and a cause of untold suffering to feeling creatures. But its also a threat to economic progress in the world. Many African nations generate billions from wildlife tourism, and that commerce is a bulwark of their economies. The same is true for coastal regions and nations where diving and marine-wildlife-based tourism practices are put at risk by activities that deplete sharks, rays, and other species. In the state of Florida, for example, the dive business generates more than $220 million in economic activity just related to sharks, while the sale of shark fins generates only $1 million or so.

Weve done ballot initiatives in recent years to ban the trade in wildlife parts in Oregon and Washington, and voters approved the measures in landslide votes. Thanks to the steadfast conservation leadership of the bills sponsor, Sen. Mo Denis, Nevada has become the seventh state to take a stand against wildlife trafficking crime, joining the Northwest states and also California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and New York. Nevadas SB 194 focuses on highly-trafficked wildlife products such as elephant ivory, rhino horns, shark fins, and any parts or products of lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, pangolins, sea turtles, rays, narwhals, walruses, mammoths, and hippopotamuses. This bill has some common-sense exemptions for some items, such as antiques and musical instruments, if they meet certain requirements.

A bill in Nebraska to prohibit the sale of elephant ivory and rhino horn is awaiting a hearing on the floor of that states unicameral legislature. Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Massachusetts are also considering similar elephant ivory and rhino horn bans. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee passed a bill to ban the trade in shark fins on the national level; a companion House bill awaits action.

We work at the international level to attack these problems, and we are working to combat trade in dozens of nations. It takes our work in all of these public policy theaters to be successful, because wildlife smugglers search for gaps in the law to conduct their destructive and deadly actions. Well continue to fight the poachers and traffickers on every front, with resolve and with as many resources as we can muster. Its not just the lives of innocent creatures that are at risk, but entire species and countless businesses built on our appreciation of the glorious creatures who inhabit our planet and quicken our pulse just with their natural behaviors in their God-given habitats.
An investigation has uncovered photos of a Russian military engineer posing with the Buk missile launcher believed to have been used to shoot down MH17.

The Malaysian Airlines passenger jet from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed down in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 on board in July 2014.

Last year, international prosecutors said one rocket from a surface-to-air system was fired from the rebel-held village of Pervomaysk, in eastern Ukraine, before the launcher was moved back to Russia. The Kremlin insists that no Russian missile systems crossed the Ukrainian border.

A picture, said to have been taken in early 2013 by a Russian mechanic, has since emerged purportedly showing the Buk 332 weapon.

An investigation has uncovered photos of a Russian military engineer posing with the Buk missile launcher believed to have been used to shoot down MH17

The Malaysian Airlines passenger jet from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed down in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 on board in July 2014

According to the investigative group Bellingcat, which posted the image on its website, the weapon was part of Russia's 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade.

Bellingcat says the photo of the Buk 332 can be linked to the brigade's vehicle yard because it shows a pink coloured Krug missile container seen in an August 2014 image uploaded by a cadet. This picture, the group says, was geotagged at the yard in Marshala Zhukova, near Kursk in Russia.

Separate pictures show the mechanic in 2013 in front of a special purpose vehicle and a S-300 9A85 missile launcher.

The images have emerged just months after prosecutors said the rocket that brought down MH17 over eastern Ukraine was fired from territory held by pro-Moscow rebels and was moved in from Russia.

They said one rocket from the system was fired from the rebel-held village of Pervomaysk, in eastern Ukraine, before being moved back to Russia.

Ukraine said at the time that the findings from a criminal inquiry into the disaster proved Russia's 'direct involvement'. But Russia's foreign minister called the investigation 'biased and politically motivated'.

Bellingcat says the photo of the Buk 332 can be linked to the vehicle yard of Russia's 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade because it shows a pink coloured Krug missile container seen in a later 2014 photo (above) uploaded by a cadet. This photo, the group says, was geotagged at the yard in Marshala Zhukova, near Kursk in Russia

The mechanic was also pictured inside the cabin of an S-300 9A83 missile launcher

Pro-Moscow rebels had called for deployment of the mobile surface-to-air weapon, and reported its arrival in rebel-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine, according to communication intercepts revealed by Wilbert Paulissen, from the Dutch National Police.

From that and other evidence collected by the Joint Investigation Team, Paulissen told a news conference: 'It may be concluded MH17 was shot down by a 9M38 missile launched by a Buk, brought in from the territory of the Russian Federation, and that after launch was subsequently returned to the Russian Federation.'

Moscow insists that no Russian missile systems crossed the Ukrainian border, contrary to the Dutch-led MH17 probe report.

Separate pictures show the mechanic in 2013 posing in front of a special purpose vehicle

He was also pictured sitting on front of a Buk missile launcher. Moscow insists that no Russian missile systems crossed the Ukrainian border, contrary to the Dutch-led MH17 probe report

Prosecutors said they were investigating 100 people who may be linked to the missile attack on the plane two years ago.

They also insisted there was a 'realistic chance' of a prosecution - though suspects have not been formally identified yet.

At the time of the disaster, pro-Russian separatists were fighting Ukrainian government forces in the region. The Boeing 777 broke apart in midair, flinging wreckage over several miles of fields in rebel-held territory.

A team of prosecutors from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia and Ukraine have been working on the case.
A man in Turkey as been arrested after accidentally shooting his friend dead while fooling around with a gun.

The incident was captured on CCTV security cameras in an office in Istanbul, Turkey.

The victim, named only has Yigit A, 30, had gone to visit his friend, Baris K, in his office when the the shooting occurred.

A man only identified as Baris K accidentally shot friend Yigit A in the chest with a gun he was fooling around with in his office in the Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul, Turkey

The victim, named only has Yigit A, 30, had gone to visit his friend, Baris K, in his office when the the shooting occurred

The incident happened in the Zeytinburnu district on the European side of Istanbul, just outside the walls of the ancient city.

While they were chatting, Baris K pulled a handgun from the drawer of his desk, pointed it at his friend and pulled the trigger.

But to his horror, it turned out that the gun was loaded and he shot Yigit A in the chest.

The men ran out of the office where Yigit A collapsed in Baris K's arms.

While they were chatting, Baris K pulled a handgun from the drawer of his desk, pointed it at his friend and pulled the trigger. But to his horror, it turned out that the gun was loaded and he shot Yigit A in the chest

The men ran out of the office where Yigit A collapsed in Baris K's arms. Paramedics arrived quickly on the scene but Yigit A had already died by the time emergency responders arrived

Police later arrested the distraught Baris A (centre), who has already appeared in court and been convicted of killing Yigit A

Baris K unbuttoned the shirt of his friend and asked passersby to call an ambulance.

Paramedics arrived quickly on the scene but Yigit A had already died by the time emergency responders arrived.

Police later arrested the distraught Baris A, who has already appeared in court and been convicted of killing Yigit A.

He has been remanded in custody pending a further hearing which will be held to decide his sentence.
A mother accused of killing her 13-month-old girl with a stab wound to the throat called her husband and said she had 'done something to the baby,' court has heard.

Melbourne woman Umal Sharif Abdurahman, 28, appeared in the Magistrates Court late Monday charged with one count of murder.

Detective senior constable Jennifer Booth said the accused, who appeared unrepresented, had a psychiatric illness and significant mental health issues.

A mother accused of killing her 13-month-old girl with a stab wound to the throat at her Melbourne home (pictured) called her husband and said she had 'done something to the baby,' court has heard

Police arrived at the home in Reservoir, Melbourne just before 11am on Monday

Det Sen Const Booth said Abdurahman called the baby's father about 11am Monday and said: 'I have done something to the baby'.

He left work and on the way contacted his brother-in-law to check on his wife and kids.

When the brother-in-law arrived he found Abdurahman at the front of the house with her three remaining kids aged two, three and four.

One of the children directed him inside the house, where he found the baby in a bedroom with what appeared to be a single knife wound in the throat, Det Sen Cons Booth said.

Emergency services were called and the infant was pronounced dead, while Abdurahman was declared unfit for interview by police

Emergency services were called and the infant was pronounced dead, while Abdurahman was declared unfit for interview by police.

The three surviving children were not injured.

The court heard it was Abdurahman's first time in custody.

Police told the court there have been nine reported family violence incidents between the accused and her husband since 2013.

Magistrate Robert Kumar adjourned the case until Tuesday and ordered Abdurahman be seen by a doctor.
Its residents don't mind admitting they live in the 'Bayside Bubble' - the exclusive area of Melbourne where multi-millionaires sip lattes in the upmarket cafes while enjoying the low-crime rate and peaceful streets

But tonight locals in Brighton, Melbourne, were in shock as their once safe bubble dramatically burst in a hail of fatal gunfire amid a suspected terror-related incident which left two men dead and three police officers injured.

They could hardly comprehend that in the heart of their affluent beach-side suburb a gunman had taken a woman hostage and is suspected of killing another man.

The 'ISIS-inspired' attack unfolding over more than two hours in 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments, situated at the top of Bay Street - the geographical centre of Brighton.

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Brighton (pictured), in Melbourne's south-east, was the centre of an ISIS-inspired terror attack on Monday - a far cry from the rich and famous lives normally lived by many celebrities who call the area home

With a median house price reportedly close to $2 million, it's the last place an attack by terror linked Yacqub Khayre was expected to unfold

The beachside suburb, some 15 kilometres south-east of the Melbourne CBD, was shut down by police on Monday afternoon as the gunman held a woman hostage on Bay Street (pictured)

Normally locals are used to seeing local celebrity residents including Shane Warne, Chris and Rebecca Judd and Ricky Ponting, shopping at the expensive boutiques or dining in the restaurants. They are certainly not used to the sight of dozens of police cars and sealed off roads.

As members of Victoria Police's bomb squad carefully examined the apartments late tonight for explosives, before allowing in forensic teams, locals spoke of their shock over the incident which unfolded just after 6pm.

Theone Cheong, 60, who has lived in Brighton (population 21,000) for 30 years, says she was 'horrified' by the incident. Her home is just a short walk away from the incident.

'This is supposed to be safe area, how did we get to this that this sort of things can happen here?' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'Brighton is the sort of place you feel safe to walk at 12 at night but not anymore. Now I fear for my children and grandchildren who live in the area.'

The hostage situation came to an end after the gunman stepped out of a hotel room and fired at officers - injuring three - before being killed himself in the exchange.

What has shaken locals the most is that moments before the police shot the man dead he called Channel 7's newsroom to claim he was carrying out a terrorist attack on behalf of Islamic State.

Among the a-list stars who live in the suburb are former Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne (right)

Australian rules football legend Chris Judd (left) and mummy-blogger wife Bec (right) also call the affluent suburb home

The area is known for its beaches and famed colourful beach houses, which sell for up to $200,000

The gunman was reportedly well known to counter terrorism police and was out on parole.

Local Adele Gordon told Daily Mail Australia that despite reports she is hoping it turns out to be an 'isolated incident.'

'I will say that I hope it evolves that this was an isolated crazy person and not terrorist related,' she said.

Mrs Cheong said however all her friends were 'very distressed and shocked' at the terror link.

'Yes we do live in a sort of lovely bubble here in Brighton, that's why so many people like it.

'But now the bubble has definitely burst, we can't believe it.'

The siege ended with Yacqub Khayre being shot dead in 'The Buckingham' serviced apartment block. An officer can be seen at the gates, moments before the exchange of gunfire (pictured)

At 5.40pm, some 20 minutes before he died, the gunman called up a TV newsroom to claim: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda' (pictured)

The female hostage and the man who was found dead when police arrived at the scene were both employees of 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments (pictured)

Many of Melbourne's most elite private schools area based in Brighton including Brighton Grammar, Haileybury and St Leonard's College.

And the suburb also hosts some of the most expensive real estate in the city with a median house price of $2,287,500.

Even at Brighton's Dendy Street Beach the iconic beach huts painted in bright colours are known to sell for over $200,000.

It's clear residents in the area certainly didn't expect to find themselves caught up in a suspected ISIS attack - or being involved in the geopolitics of far off lands - having only just watched the horrific London incident on their TV screens on Sunday morning
The Massachusetts woman, 20, charged with manslaughter for sending her boyfriend text messages encouraging him to kill himself has waived her right to a jury trial.

Michelle Carter, who broke down in tears in Taunton Trial Court, took the witness stand on Monday to tell Judge Lawrence Moniz she was waiving her right to a jury, meaning the judge will hear the testimony and issue the verdict.

The 20-year-old Carter is charged in the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III. Roy was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in his pickup truck in Fairhaven.

Prosecutors released transcripts of text messages the then-17-year-old Carter sent to Roy. In one, she allegedly wrote: 'The time is right and you're ready, you just need to do it!'

Michelle Carter, (in court today with her attorney)who is accused of sending texts encouraging her boyfriend, 18, to kill himself has waived the right to a jury in her manslaughter trial

Prosecutors say Carter (right) sent her boyfriend Conrad Roy (left )dozens of text messages urging him to take his own life before he was found in his pickup truck in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on July 13, 2014

The court heard that Carter and Roy exchanged more than 20,000 text messages - with more than 1,000 of those messages sent in the days leading up to Roy's death.

Prosecutors say Carter sent her boyfriend dozens of text messages urging him to take his own life.

Carter's lawyer argue that she tried repeatedly to talk him out of it and only began to support the plan when it became clear he would not change his mind.

They add that the texts are are protected under free speech and that Roy was depressed and previously tried to take his own life.

Carter was 17 when Roy took his own life via carbon monoxide poisoning and prosecutors argue she is criminally responsible because she encouraged him to kill himself in a series of text messages.

Carter, 20, was pictured arriving at Taunton Trial Court in Massachusetts, for the first day of her trial

Cater, wearing a quilted jacket, and her attorney Joseph Cataldo walk into court on Monday

In the hour before his death, prosecutors say, he was on the phone with Carter for 47 minutes, at one point telling her he was getting out of the truck because he feared it wasn't working.

'The car was filling up, and he was scared,' said prosecutor MaryClare Flynn. 'She told him to get back in the car.'

'When he actually started to carry out the act, he got scared again and exited his truck, but instead of telling him to stay out of the truck ... Carter told him to 'get back in',' the police report said.

Days before the suicide, prosecutors say Carter wrote, 'Don't be scared. You're finally to be happy in Heaven.'

'When are you going to do it? Stop ignoring the question???? You can't keep push [sic] it off,' prosecutors claimed Carter texted Roy.

'It's inconceivable,' said Claudette Roy-Viaol, Roy's great aunt to ABC News. 'I just don't understand how someone could do that, to encourage someone they claimed to love.'

The court heard that Roy III had tried to kill himself before he ever met Carter

Conrad Roy III (left and right) took his own life via carbon monoxide poisoning in 2014. Prosecutors argue Carter is criminally responsible because she encouraged him to kill himself

Roy had also attempted suicide and had been hospitalized before he met Carter.

In a text message sent two weeks before his suicide, he wrote of his desire to end his own life. 'I can't get better,' he wrote. 'I already made my decision.'

Roy's body was found in the truck in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on July 13, 2014, after his parents reported him missing, and police found the text messages after looking through his phone.

Police found a gasoline-operate water pump in the back seat of the truck after he died. A coroner later ruled he died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carter messaged one of her friends nearly a week later expressing her fears that her messages to Roy had been found, People reported.

'I just got off the phone with Conrads mom about 20 mins ago and she told me that detectives had to come and go thru his things and stuff,' she wrote.

Michelle Carter, who broke down in tears in Taunton Trial Court (pictured) took the witness stand on Monday

Michelle Carter (pictured in court in July 2016) told the court her decision to waive the right to jury on Monday

A judge will hear the testimony and issue the verdict in Carter's (pictured in court in 2014) manslaughter trial

'They read my messages with him I'm done... His family will hate me and I could go to jail.'

The case involving Carter has drawn national attention after transcripts of those text messages were made public.

Even though Carter, who met Roy while on a vacation to Florida several years earlier, reportedly called herself his 'girlfriend', his friends and family said they never knew of the relationship.

Carter had also repeatedly posted online about how much she missed him, saying at one point, 'I will never understand why this had to happen.'

In March, a controversial psychiatrist said Carter was 'involuntarily intoxicated' by prescribed antidepressants when she texted her boyfriend encouragement as he committed suicide.

Psychiatrist Dr Peter Breggin testified that Carter was not responsible because she was being treated with the antidepressant Celexa in 2014, which would have altered her brain and meant she wouldn't have understood the impact of her texts to Roy.

'Duplicitous': Three days after she allegedly encouraged him to take his life, she questioned why he had died

Carter had posted on social media on the day Roy committed suicide saying he had 'gone too soon'

Before she was arraigned last year, Carter shared this image of Conrad, adding: 'Really missing you tonight'. She is free on bail but has been ordered not to touch her social media pages or text

'She had no notion of wrongfulness on what she was doing,' Dr Breggin told the court, according to 12WPRI.

Dr Breggin, who was hired by defense attorneys, said Carter loved Roy but experienced a metamorphosis due to her medication.

'The impairment of being on the drugs while you are growing up - while you're brain is maturing, while your frontal lobes are developing - you're talking about being inundated with neurotoxic effects,' he said.

Prosecutors criticized Dr Breggin's credentials during cross-examination and sought to discredit him as an 'extremist' who was critical of antidepressants.

Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn pushed Dr Breggin to admit he only reached his conclusion about Carter based on medical records and the text exchange between her and Roy.

The judge did not rule on whether Dr Breggin can testify but the psychiatrist has been previously banned from testifying in other cases.

Carter's defense team were granted a request late last year for funds to hire an expert to examine the antidepressant she was taking at the time.

Her attorney Joseph Cataldo said at the time the drug Celexa could be the key to her defense because it can increase suicidal thoughts.

For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

'IT'S NOW OR NEVER': MICHELLE CARTER'S TEXT MESSAGES TO CONRAD ROY Prosecutors say Michelle Carter sent her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III, dozens of text messages urging him to take his own life. Carter's lawyer argue that she tried repeatedly to talk him out of it and only began to support the plan when it became clear he would not change his mind. Here are excerpts from their text exchanges, with messages cited by her lawyer first, followed by those cited by prosecutors: June 29, 2014: Carter: 'But the mental hospital would help you. I know you don't think it would but I'm telling you, if you give them a chance, they can save your life' Carter: 'Part of me wants you to try something and fail just so you can get help' Roy: 'It doesn't help. trust me' Carter: 'So what are you gonna do then? Keep being all talk and no action and everyday go thru saying how badly you wanna kill yourself? Or are you gonna try to get better?' Roy: 'I can't get better I already made my decision.' July 7, 2014: Roy: 'If you were in my position. honestly what would you do' Carter: 'I would get help. That's just me tho. When I have a serious problem like that, my first instinct is to get help because I know I can't do it on my own' Roy: 'Well it's too late I already gave up.' Between July 6, 2014 and July 12, 2014: Carter: 'Always smile, and yeah, you have to just do it. You have everything you need. There is no way you can fail. Tonight is the night. It's now or never.' Carter: '(D)on't be scared. You already made this decision and if you don't do it tonight you're gonna be thinking about it all the time and stuff all the rest of your life and be miserable. You're finally going to be happy in heaven. No more pain. No more bad thoughts and worries. You'll be free.' Carter: 'I just want to make sure you're being serious. Like I know you are, but I don't know. You always say you're gonna do it, but you never do. I just want to make sure tonight is the real thing.' Carter: 'When are you gonna do it? Stop ignoring the question' Carter: 'You can't keep living this way. You just need to do it like you did the last time and not think about it and just do it, babe. You can't keep doing this every day. Roy: 'I do want to but I'm like freaking for my family I guess. I don't know.' Carter: 'Conrad, I told you I'll take care of them. Everyone will take care of them to make sure they won't be alone and people will help them get through it. We talked about this and they will be okay and accept it. People who commit suicide don't think this much. They just could do it.' Advertisement




Donald Trump today renewed his attack on Sadiq Khan over his handling of the London terror atrocity.

Despite claims he had deliberately misquoted the London mayor's call for calm in London, Trump fired off a new tweet slamming him this afternoon.

He wrote: 'Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM [mainstream media] is working hard to sell it!'

It was not clear what 'excuse' the President was referring to.

The mayor hit back Monday night, accusing the President of 'fuelling division' and insisting he did not have 'time' to respond in full.

The bizarre row began yesterday when the President laid into Mr Khan on Twitter in the aftermath of the terror attack, which left seven dead and dozens injured.

He sent a tweet accusing Mr Khan of telling Londoners there was 'no reason to be alarmed' after the attack  misquoting the Labour mayor who was reassuring the public not to be worried about the extra police on the streets.

The new exchange came just hours after Prime Minister Theresa May stepped in to defend the Mr Khan, insisting he was doing an 'excellent job'  although she repeatedly declined to criticize Trump for sending the tweets.

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Donald Trump 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

The president doubled down Monday on his feud with Sadiq Khan, despite taking him out of context on Sunday

Khan has been alongside the Prime Minister at the two emergency Cobra meetings - which includes senior Cabinet ministers and intelligence chiefs - held in the wake of the attack.

Speaking to the BBC at a vigil for the London Bridge victims, Khan said: 'I haven't got time to respond to Donald Trump.

'Some people thrive on fuelling division. We are not going to allow anybody, whether it's Donald Trump or anybody else, to divide our communities.'

May faced a barrage of questions about the row as she relaunched her election campaign in the wake of the attacks this morning.

Asked if she would welcome a 'period of silence' from the US President, she dodged the the question.

She said: 'I'm very clear that Sadiq is doing a good job as Mayor of London, we are working with him, working together.

'And that's important  central government and the London mayoralty and his officials working together to ensure that we are responding to the attack and looking at the work the police is doing to give the public extra protection and reassurance.'

A spokeswoman for Khan gave a withering response to Trump's latest attack.

She said: 'Nothing has changed since yesterday. The mayor is focused on dealing with Saturday's horrific and cowardly attack and working with the police, the emergency services and the Government to keep London safe.'

Khan (pictured today with Met Commissioner Cressida Dick at the scene of the attack) has not yet responded personally to Trump

The London Mayor's staff has insisted he is too busy too to worry about rogue tweets from the President

Trump's attacks has sparked renewed calls for his state visit to Britain - due to take place in the autumn - to be cancelled.

Labour former minister David Lammy, who is standing for re-election in Tottenham on June 8, said Trump is demeaning the office of president.

He wrote on Twitter: 'You are truly beneath contempt. You are just a troll. Show some bottle please PM. Cancel the state visit and tell Trump where to get off.'

He added: 'You demean your office by misquoting and smearing the Mayor of a city that has just been attacked and is also the capital of your close ally.'

In another message he posted: 'You besmirch the presidency, you taint previous Presidents with your behaviour & you bring shame on your great country and its great people.'

Taking any opportunity available to undermine Trump, 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.

Theresa May, pictured today giving a campaign speech in Whitehall, today defended Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who she said is doing an 'excellent job'

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 weekend 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.'

Labour former minister David Lammy called for Trump's state visit to Britain to be cancelled following the US President's attacks on London Mayor Sadiq Khan

Taking any opportunity available to undermine the President, former presidential-rival Hillary Clinton tweeted Sunday evening in support of London's mayor

Liberal celebrities including JK Rowling, George Takei and Katie Couric joined in Clinton's critique, tweeting their outrage and condemning Trump.

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.'

Actor 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.

'We should all express our sympathy and support to the people of London and the officials there,' tweeted 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 10:10 p.m.

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

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

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 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.
Dear Ariana,

To be honest, I didnt know much about you before the Manchester terror attack.

Obviously, I knew you were a hugely popular young American pop star. But I wouldnt have been able to name a single one of your songs, nor recognise you if you came up to me in the street and slapped me in the face.

Something youd have been perfectly entitled to do after my scathing remarks about you two weeks ago, when you flew straight home to Florida within hours of the bombing.

I was very angry then.

Angry at the wicked, senseless act of terrorism that took such a devastating toll on so many lives.

I didn't know much about you, Ariana Grande, before the Manchester attack. And after it I was angry at many things - including the fact you seemed to flee the country in the wake of the terror that attacked your fans and their family

Angry, especially, at the thought of all those poor young girls whod been deliberately targeted, murdered and maimed.

Angry at the abject failure to prevent this obscene assassin from perpetrating his evil - despite myriad red flags about his radicalisation.

Angry at the same old meaningless rhetoric being spouted by our politicians that we hear after every one of these Islamist attacks.

So yes, I was angry.

Then I saw footage on TV of Her Majesty The Queen visiting the wounded in Manchester hospitals, and in my heightened state of indignant fury, I wondered where the hell you were?

Well, I knew where you were: your high security mansion in Boca Raton.

While you were in your Florida mansion, you'd seemingly left a 91-year-old pensioner to check on your wounded fans

I just didnt understand why youd left it to a 91-year-old pensioner to check if your wounded fans were OK.

God bless The Queen and her kind heart, tweeted your friend Katy Perry.

To which I replied: Agreed. Might have been nice if Ariana Grande had stayed to do the same.

People reacted with outrage to my criticism, believing it to be crass and insensitive, but I doubled down: If the Queen can visit the victims in hospital, so can the star they paid to see. I expected her to stay, visit and comfort her wounded fans and relatives of those who died.

I believed those words then and I believe them now.

I still think it was wrong of you to flee the country so fast. I still think it would have been far better if youd hung around to see your suffering fans first.

To my hard, cynical journalist mind, you had selfishly deserted them in their hour of need and run away from your responsibilities.

Youre not a kid, youre 23  old enough to make your own decisions.

Yes, I know you were shocked by what happened that night but you werent actually bombed and many of your fans were.

So I was angry with you, Ariana.

And I think the victims families felt similar disappointment.

In fact, I know they did because one of them told me so.

Peter Mann, whose 10-year-old daughter Jaden suffered two fractured legs and shrapnel injuries, tweeted me after you returned this week to say:

She just came to Manchester childrens hospital to see Jaden.

Ten-year-old daughter Jaden Mann suffered two fractured legs and shrapnel injuries, and you visited her before this weekend's concert- but Jaden's dad said the parents had supported my angry words before that

But you made me eat my cynical words. You joked with fans and did endless selfies and brought a huge amount of joy

He enclosed a wonderful photo of you and his little girl laughing together.

Great picture, I replied. Very glad Ariana is doing this.

Thanks, he replied, all the parents supported what you said last week. She came and she was lovely.

I felt self-righteously vindicated when I read this.

But it was a short-lived sentiment.

The truth is that you have made me eat my cynical words in quite spectacular fashion.

You flew back to Manchester within two weeks of what must have been the worst day of your life.

You went to the hospitals and sat with your wounded fans like Jaden.

You joked with them, did endless selfies, sang a few songs and brought huge joy to so many shattered lives.

The past two weeks were spent getting Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Chris Martin, Miley Cyrus and more to come and join you Sunday night

You had also spent the past week planning a huge fund-raising concert, persuading many of your pop superstar friends like Niall Horan, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber to join you on stage back in the very city where the attack happened.

And then, on the eve of the new show, there was another massive terror attack in Britain.

Many more people were murdered and maimed in a horrific series of attacks in London.

Im sure you were traumatised by this news. Who wouldnt have been?

You could have cancelled the event and gone home again. Nobody would have blamed you. Well, I might have done but so what?

Instead, you defiantly declared the show would go on.

I watched the concert last night and it was a staggeringly moving and inspiring event.

At the center of the massive, inspiring, moving event - taking place despite Saturday night's London attack, was you

And at the centre of it all was you, Ariana Grande.

My grandmother used to speak of the Blitz spirit whenever we spoke about her experiences during World War 2 when she was a young teenage girl.

The official dictionary definition is stoicism and determination in a difficult or dangerous situation, especially as displayed by a group of people.

You displayed that exact same spirit last night.

You may appear to be just a sweet, pint-sized, baby-faced young woman.

But by coming back to Manchester so soon, shrugging off the latest attack in London, standing on that stage and performing with such raw emotion and power, you showed more guts, resilience, strength of character and Blitz spirit than every snivelling, pathetic ISIS coward put together.

And you certainly showed a damn sight more compassion than I ever showed you.

I wrote after the attack that the right reaction to what happened is not just the usual vigils, candles, poems and hash-tags but rage; enough rage to force real change in the way the authorities tackle this new enemy.

I still feel that. I think the time for pussy-footing around with this rapidly expanding virus of Islamic terrorism is over. As the British Prime Miniser Theresa May suggested yesterday: Enough is enough.

Last night I felt a surging sense of pride watching the bigger, better show than the one two weeks ago

But last night, I felt something else too; surging sense of pride that within two weeks of a pop concert being bombed in my country, another, bigger and better, pop concert had taken place here; one that was attended in the same city by many of the same people who had been at the first concert, including some of the victims.

They sang, they sobbed, they laughed and they cheered.

It was a joyous celebration of life and a wonderful tribute to those who were attacked. As Justin Bieber put it so perfectly: We honour you, we love you.

Then I chuckled to myself at the thought of how utterly enraged those pitiful ISIS douchebags must feel to see that their efforts to destroy our way of life, and force us to cower away in hiding, have been so roundly thwarted by a young ballsy girl in pigtails.

Someone whose first reaction after that bomb exploded was to get the hell out of there.

But someone who then got home and thought to herself: No, I need to go back.

Ariana, weve never met and I very much doubt Ill be on your dinner party schedule any time soon.

But I want you to know this: I seriously misjudged you.

I had you down as just another self-obsessed millionaire pop star prepared to put her own safety before that of her fans.

I had you down as just another self-obsessed millionaire pop star prepared to put her own safety before that of her fans. I was completely wrong

I was completely wrong.

In fact, youre an exceptional young woman who last night put on an exceptional show and in doing so, sent a massive two fingers to the disgusting creeps who thought they could bomb you and your fans into submission.

That took huge personal courage, yes.

But more than that, it took spirit.

An indomitable spirit.

The Blitz spirit.

The kind that says: I dont care who you are, or how badly you want to hurt me or my way of life, or that of those I love, Im not having it.

My army brother says there are two types of people in life: those youd want in the trenches next to you, and those you wouldnt.

Ms Grande, Id have you in the trenches next to me any time.

Im sorry I questioned your courage.

Youre one helluva gutsy young lady.
Rachid Redouane is believed to have been born in Morocco but moved to Dublin

One of the three London Bridge attackers shot dead after murdering seven people was a pastry chef from north Africa carrying an Irish ID card, it was revealed today.

Rachid Redouane is believed to have been born in Morocco but moved to Dublin around five years ago after marrying a Scottish woman.

Police said the 30-year-old, claimed to be Moroccan-Libyan.

He was also carrying an Irish identity card when he was shot dead by police during Saturdays rampage.

But there are a number of unanswered questions about Radouanes background, with police admitting they are not completely sure about his true identity.

Scotland Yard said he was also known as Rachid El-khdar, and used a different date of birth which made him five years younger.

Redouanes British wife Charisse OLeary, 38, was among seven women detained by police in the aftermath of the attacks.

O'Leary screamed 'don't shoot' as police stormed a block of flats in Barking, east London yesterday and took away 12 people in connection with the attack.

The mother-of-one, who also goes by the name Charisse Redouane, married the terrorist in Ireland in 2012.

New lead: Rachid Redouane was carrying an Irish ID card and is believed to have been a Moroccan pastry chef who settled in Dublin with a Scottish wife

Redouane and his Scottish wife may have moved to London just months before the attack was launched and believed to have links to the 12 people arrested in a Barking tower block

Incognito: Gardai in Ireland say he was living in the Rathmines area of the Irish capital (pictured) with his wife but he was not on their radar as a terrorist

Gardai in Ireland say Redouane was living in the Rathmines area of the Irish capital with his wife but he was not on their radar as a terrorist.

It is understood that the couple may have moved to London just months before the attack was launched and he is believed to have links to the 12 people arrested in a Barking tower block yesterday.

Police chiefs in Dublin said they were liaising with counterparts in the UK after it was confirmed Redouane had Irish papers on his body.

'An Garda Siochana is providing every assistance to our colleagues in the London Metropolitan Police in relation to the terror attack in London,' a spokesman said.

'We will process all requests from the UK authorities in relation to inquiries into individuals, identities or any other matter.'

Gardai are investigating whether the ID card belonged to him and if the documents are legitimate.

It is understood inquiries are continuing into whether he was given an Irish ID card issued by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

The plastic credit card-sized documentation is given to people from outside the EU. It has a person's certificate of registration which states they have permission to stay in Ireland. It must be carried at all times.

There are also inquiries into whether he had been given paperwork after landing in Ireland to claim asylum or if he had an ID card issued under EU treaties which allowed him to live in Ireland with his family.

Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan was holding a meeting with the force's anti-terror and intelligence chiefs as they co-operate with the Met investigation.

Meanwhile London Bridge killer Khuram Butt slipped through the net despite being reported to the police twice for extremism including trying to twist the minds of children he bribed with sweets and cash, it was revealed today.

Three Jihadi terrorists were shot dead by armed police after killing seven people and injuring at least 48 more during a horrific knife rampage in central London on Saturday night

Police teams could be seen analysing the rental van which ploughed into pedestrians on Saturday evening

Cars, bikes and double decker buses wee abandoned on London Bridge as investigations got underway

Back to work: London Bridge reopened this morning for the first time since pedestrians were mowed down by the white van driven by jihadists

Terror attack: Since seven people were murdered on Saturday night police have made at least 12 arrests in raids on properties across east London

The security services face difficult questions because 27-year-old ringleader Butt, known to friends as 'Abz', even appeared in a Channel 4 documentary last year about British jihadists and unfurled an ISIS-style flag in Regent's Park.

He was also caught on camera alongside two notorious preachers who were well known to police and intelligence officials because of their extremist views.

A friend of Butt called the anti-terror hotline because he became obsessed with watching hate preacher videos on YouTube and police were later warned he was trying to radicalise children in a local park and giving them treats to listen to him.

Butt also berated an Imam for encouraging worshippers to vote in the 2015 General Election and was banned from the mosque in the ensuing row.

A friend who called the anti-terror hotline said: 'I did my bit, I know other people did their bit but the authorities did not do their bit'.

Today Butt's family asked to 'grieve in peace' as it emerged the terrorist held a farewell barbecue at his flat in Barking, where guests were handed cupcakes.

Neighbour Ramou Grant told Good Morning Britain: 'Last week he called for a barbecue and invited all of us. [I'm] thinking, "was this a send-off?".'
Kim Jong-un has been pictured grinning broadly during an air show in North Korea as his fighter jets rehearsed destroying enemy aircraft carriers.

The enthralled dictator could be seen laughing with his top military officials as warplanes and attack helicopters carried out drills at one of his airfields.

Combat training and war games were accompanied by low flypasts and a colourful aerial display.

His state news agency later hailed the air force for its ability to 'destroy any targets, including enemy aircraft carriers'.

The trials came just days after a pair of US carriers and Japanese naval vessels conducted a joint drill in waters off the Korean peninsula, in an apparent show of force following yet another North Korean ballistic missile test.

Kim Jong-un has attended a huge display of his air force as fighter jets rehearsed destroying aircraft carriers

Combat training contests and military exercises were accompanied by low flypasts and a colourful aerial display

Pictures have emerged showing Kim Jong-un grinning as his fighter jets rehearse destroying enemy war ships during an air show in North Korea

Pictures show large explosions on the ground and what looks like bombs released from aircraft in the sky

Kim Jong-un arrived at 9am to watch pilots take part in a contest which saw pilots of fighter jets, bombers, light transport planes and helicopters showing off their ability.

Pictures show large explosions on the ground and what looks like rockets released from aircraft in the sky.

Another of Kim's propaganda organ said the drills were carried out under the slogal 'Forward after me!'.

The tyrant is said to have told soldiers afterwards that 'flying at ultra-low altitude at around 30m along the canyon, soaring up and striking a target are aeronautics which are urgently needed.'

State-released images show both fighter jets and helicopters in action. According to experts in South Korea, they included the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot, MiG-29, MiG-23, MiG-21, and MiG-15 jet fighters.

The enthralled dictator could be seen laughing with his top military officials as warplanes and attack helicopters carry out drills at one of his airfields

A composite image released by the country's state media showed attack helicopters and planes flying in formation during the exercises

As well as military competitions, the dictator seemed to be enthralled by a colourful aerial display

Another composite image shows planes waiting for take off and carrying out low flypasts - to the delight of the Supreme Leader

Crowds of military personnel watched on as Kim Jong-un arrived at the event in North Korea

It comes after the strike groups of USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan joined Japanese destroyers Hyuga and Ashigara for military exercises in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

Pyongyang has now conducted a dozen ballistic missile tests this year, in defiance of UN sanctions warnings and amid fears that it may be preparing for another nuclear test.

The US-Japan drill on Thursday comes shortly after the Pentagon tested an interceptor system to strike down a dummy ballistic missile.

Last month, naval exercises were conducted in the same waters with the USS Carl Vinson and South Korean and Japanese aircraft taking part.

Kim Jong-un arrived at 9am to watch pilots take part in a contest which saw pilots of fighter jets, bombers, light transport planes and helicopters showing off their ability

State-released images show both fighter jets and helicopters in action. According to experts in South Korea, they included the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot, MiG-29, MiG-23, MiG-21, and MiG-15 jet fighters

Pictures showed jets dropping what looked like bombs before separate images show large explosions on the ground below

Washington described Thursday's drill as 'routine training'.

'The Ronald Reagan and Carl Vinson Strike Groups were joined by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) for routine training to improve interoperability and readiness in the Indo-Asia Pacific,' the US Seventh Fleet said on its Facebook page.

Japanese military officials declined to comment on the drill.

The tyrant is said to have told soldiers afterwards that 'flying at ultra-low altitude at around 30m along the canyon, soaring up and striking a target are aeronautics which are urgently needed.'

War games: A composite picture shows jets tailing one another (top) and unleashing weapons (bottom)

The show, which included an appearance by an aerial display team, delighted the Supreme Leader

State media hailed the air force for its ability to 'destroy any targets, including enemy aircraft carriers'

The United States has led the efforts to bring further sanctions to punish the North and is urging China, Pyongyang's main sponsor, to play a greater role in applying pressure on the unpredictable regime of Kim Jong-un.

US President Donald Trump has said Monday's missile test showed 'disrespect' for China, while Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe vowed that the 'North Korean problem is the international community's top priority'.

Along with South Korea, Japan is the most directly threatened by Pyongyang's provocations - Monday's test was the second time this year that a North Korean missile has fallen close to its shores.
New details have revealed a woman received threatening phone calls and was confronted by a man who flashed himself at her front door before she was stabbed to death in her home.

Lynette White was found dead in her Coogee home, in Sydney's east, on June 8, 1973 after she was stabbed 11 times and had her throat slit by an intruder.

The 26-year-old mother was forced to undress in front of him and fold her clothes in a neat pile as her newborn baby Shane lay in a cot nearby.

Friend Bob Wurth revealed on Australian Story on Monday night that Mrs White received obscene phone calls that became threatening before her murder.

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New details have revealed Sydney mother Lynette White (pictured) received threats and had a man expose himself to her before she was found dead in her east Sydney home in 1973

Lynette White was found dead in her Coogee home, in Sydney's east, on June 8, 1973 after she was stabbed 11 times and had her throat slit by an intruder

'It was a young bloke saying things like "I'm coming to get you, I know where you live",' he said.

'And then he referred at one stage to "I've got a white coffin for the baby". '

Mrs White's husband at the time said an unknown man knocked at the front door and exposed himself to her.

'I don't think she knew him,' Paul White told the program.

Detective Senior Constable Deon Kelly revealed police received an anonymous phone call and letter regarding a man holding a towel to his head who was seen leaving Mrs White's unit.

'To this day they remain anonymous but they've actually witnessed some very important details including the registration of the vehicle,' he said.

Mrs White's (right) husband at the time, Paul White (left) said an unknown man knocked at the front door and exposed himself to her

Mrs White's (right) body was discovered by her husband (centre) after he returned from work in June, 1973

Friend Bob Wurth revealed that Mrs White (pictured) received obscene phone calls that became threatening before her murder

He also revealed Mrs White was followed on a number of occasions after she finished performing as a hula dancer.

Mrs White was confronted at her home again by someone who said they should 'go to bed together'.

'Lyn has told the person to never come back and she hasn't really, as far as we can tell, identified to anybody who it was,' Snr Det Kelly told Australian Story.

The person was believed to be involved with a cleaning product company managed by Mr and Mrs White.

Mrs White's body was discovered by her husband after he returned from work in June, 1973.

Mrs White's (left) murder remained a cold case for 43 years until police discovered a bloodstain still soaked into the cement floor when they pulled back the carpet last year

'It's very hard to shut this out of your mind,' Mr White told the program.

'I feel a bit jealous of families whose murder has been resolved and that they know who the murderer is.'

Mrs White's murder remained a cold case for 43 years until police discovered a bloodstain still soaked into the cement floor when they pulled back the carpet last year.

It is believed to contain the DNA of Mrs White's killer who injured himself during the frenzied attack.
A prisoner today admitted breaking out of Pentonville jail in an audacious Alcatraz-style escape.

Mathew Baker, 29 was due to plead not guilty to the charge, allegedly claiming the prison wing was so dangerous he had to escape

But this morning he changed his plea to guilty.

Baker, who was in prison awaiting sentence for attempted murder, nearly had to have his leg amputated after breaking it in two places during the escape last November.

Mathew Baker, 29 (left and right) sparked a national manhunt when he escaped from Pentonville Prison, in North London.

Baker, who was awaiting sentence for attempted murder, broke out of his cell using diamond-tipped cutting equipment. He removed an iron bar and wire netting from his cells window before scaling the category B Victorian unit's 25ft using sheets - before dropping to the ground and breaking his leg

Baker escaped with James Whitlock, 32 (pictured) but both were found

But on November 7, he left a mannequin in his bed and broke out of his cell using diamond-tipped cutting equipment.

He removed an iron bar and wire netting from his cells window before scaling the category B Victorian units 25 ft walls using sheets before dropping to the ground when he broke his leg.

He escaped with his cellmate James Whitlock, 32, sparking a national manhunt.

Baker was arrested two days later at an address 12 miles from the prison.

Whitlock was arrested six days later at an address in Homerton, east London.

Baker appeared in the dock at Blackfriars Crown Court today wearing a grey tracksuit, and flanked by five dock officers.

He admitted one count of breaking out of prison shortly before his trial was due to begin.

Whitlock earlier admitted breaking out of prison, and Bakers sister Kelly Baker, 21, admitted assisting an offender.

Sentencing was adjourned until a later date so all three can be sentenced together.

After he was found, Baker was eventually sentenced last December for the attempted murder.

Baker was arrested two days later at an address 12 miles from the prison. After he was found, he was eventually sentenced last December for the attempted murder of Matthew Bennett, then 23, who Bake repeatedly stabbed with broken glass and a knife at a party

Baker, who has a string of convictions for violence, was jailed for life with a minimum of eight and a half years before he is eligible for parole.

He stabbed Matthew Bennett, then 23, repeatedly with a broken glass and a knife in an unprovoked attack during a party at a friends house in Dagenham, east London.

Bennett suffered stab wounds to the heart and lungs and brain injuries in the attack.

Matthew Baker, of no fixed address, was convicted last October for the violent attack.
A court in Bulgaria has sentenced a 21-year-old man to four years in prison for planning to commit an act of terrorism.

Sofia's Special Criminal Court on Monday found John 'Ivan' Zahariev, a dual Australian-Bulgarian citizen, guilty of training as a terrorist with the intention of carrying out a terrorist act.

Zahariev had a Christian upbringing in Australia, but later converted to Islam.

Sofia's Special Criminal Court on Monday found John 'Ivan' Zahariev, a dual Australian-Bulgarian citizen, guilty of training as a terrorist with the intention of carrying out a terrorist act

He has been in custody since September, when he was arrested for training at shooting ranges in Bulgaria with the alleged intention of going to Syria to join jihadi groups.

Zahariev denied the charges. After the verdict, he said he had been subjected to a show trial and that no evidence connected him to the Islamic State group.

Zahariev says he will discuss with his lawyer whether it is worth appealing the verdict.

He previously told Nine News that he was not a terrorist.

'What kind of terrorist am I? When they raided my apartment they found nothing, just religious material which even a previous expert said is actually normal religious material,' he said.

He had appealed for assistance from the Australian Government and hoped to serve his sentence in Australia
Khayre had previously been acquitted of planning a suicide attack on army base

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Melbourne hostage attack on Monday that was carried out by a Somalian-born refugee who had previously faced court over terror charges.

Yacqub Khayre murdered one man, wounded three police officers and took a woman hostage in a dramatic two-hour siege in a hotel on Bay Street, Brighton.

IS blamed the attack on Australia's membership in the US-led coalition against the militant group.

'The attack in Melbourne, Australia was carried out by a soldier of the Islamic State in response to the call for targeting the subjects of the coalition states,' the group's Amaq news agency said.

Khayre, 29, was killed by police in an exchange of 'severe gunfire' shortly before 6pm, ending the hostage situation inside 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments.

It has been revealed that Khayre was previously charged, and acquitted, with planning a suicide attack against Sydney's Holsworthy army barracks in 2009, the Herald Sun reports.

But despite being well known to counter terrorism police, he was deemed a low-risk of offending and released on parole - before committing the attack: 'For IS and for al-Qaeda'.

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Yacqub Khayre (pictured) has been named as the attacker behind the 'ISIS-inspired' siege in Brighton, in Melbourne's south-east, which unfolded on Monday afternoon and left a man dead

Khayre was previously charged, and acquitted, with planning a suicide attack against the Holsworthy army barracks in Sydney, in 2009. He was jailed in 2011 for a drug-affected armed robbery

IS blamed the attack on Australia's membership in the US-led coalition against the militant group (pictured is a comment on Twitter in support of the attack)

Khayre murdered one man, wounded three police officers and took a woman hostage in a two-hour siege in a hotel on Bay Street, Brighton, on Monday. An officer can be seen at the gates, moments before the exchange of gunfire (pictured)

Khayre reportedly stepped out of an apartment and opened fire on police, wounding three officers before being shot dead himself. His female hostage escaped uninjured

At 5.40pm, some 20 minutes before he died, the gunman called up a TV newsroom to claim: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda' (Specialist counter terrorism police are pictured)

The siege lasted more than an hour-and-a-half inside 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments on the corner of the Nepean Hwy and Bay St in Brighton, in south-east Melbourne (pictured)

Despite claiming to be carrying out the attack for Islamic State and al-Qaeda, Khayre has previously been linked to jihadist sect al-Shabaab.

Among five men charged with planning the terrorist attack on the Holdsworthy army barracks, he was one of only two to be cleared.

That came despite him reportedly travelling to Somalia in 2009 or 2010, where he may have attended 'weapons and military' and visited a cleric to gain approval to carry out the attack.

But after being acquitted of terror charges, he was jailed for three years for carrying out a drug-affected home invasion in Melbourne's north in 2011.

High on meth, Khayre was reportedly armed with a knife when he broke into a house and violently assaulted a young woman and her father.

He fled with Apple electronics, a watch, laptop, jewellery and money.

In 1991, at the age of just three, Khayre and his family fled war torn Somalia, arriving in Australia to live with his uncle and grandfather.

Growing up in Gladstone Park, north Melbourne, he was reportedly a good student at school until his grandfather died in Year 12 and he fell in with the 'wrong crowd'.

From there he began committing petty crime and stole his uncle's car in 2006.

But on Monday, little more than a decade on from his first foray into crime, he killed one man and held a woman against her will in a believed terror related attack.

'Severe gunfire' rang out inside 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments on Bay Street, in the affluent east Melbourne suburb of Brighton, shortly after 6pm on Monday.

The hostage situation came to an end after Khayre stepped out of a hotel room and opened fire at officers - injuring three - before himself being killed in the exchange.

But moments before police shot him dead, he called Channel 7's newsroom to claim he was carrying out a terrorist attack on behalf of Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

As Khayre made the chilling phone call at around 5.41pm, a woman, believed to be a female hostage aged in her 20s or 30s, screamed desperately in the background.

His claim: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda', is eerily similar to that shouted by the terrorists who yelled 'This is for Allah' as they killed seven in the London Bridge attack.

Monday's incident began with locals reporting an 'explosion' inside the serviced apartments. Police believe this was the sounds of Khayre shooting dead his first victim

The expert bomb disposal teams entered 'The Buckingham' before 9pm to deal with a package inside

The woman who was being held hostage made an emergency call to Triple Zero to advise them of the situation. She escaped unscathed and was taken by paramedics (pictured) to hospital

Well known to police in Victoria, he has previously been investigated for terror ongoing about the link of terror to the attack.

'Terrorism is one line of inquiry,' Victoria police deputy commissioner Andrew Crisp said.

'We're extremely concerned about terrorism... we're very attuned to the threat of terrorism here in Melbourne.'

Mr Crisp said when police arrived at the serviced apartments not long after 4:00pm they found a man dead on the floor of the foyer.

The call was reportedly fielded by Nicole Bland, Channel Seven's Chief of Staff, and left her 'chilled to the bone' by the conversation.

Paul Dowsley, a Channel Seven journalist at the scene, said Ms Bland described the man's voice as 'very firm and the woman in the background was clearly distressed'.

'A short time later a phone call was made to triple-zero by a female stating there was a hostage situation and a deceased male,' he said.

The female hostage and man found dead were both employees of 'The Buckingham', but police are not clear if there is any relationship between them and Khayre.

'That's all part of the investigation... we will certainly be working with Channel 7 in relation to that phone call,' Mr Crisp said.

HOW AN 'ISIS-INSPIRED' GUNMAN TERRORISED MELBOURNE: 4.30pm Reports of an explosion in a service apartment block in Brighton, in eastern Melbourne Police enter 'The Buckingham' to find a man's dead body on the foyer floor The building is placed into lockdown and the area outside is cordoned off 5pm Specialist police units can be seen outside 'The Buckingham' The Nepean Highway and Bay Streets are closed, disrupting peak hour traffic It is revealed Khayre is holding a woman hostage inside the apartments 5.40pm Khayre calls Channel Seven newsroom and claims 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda' 6pm 'Severe gunfire' is heard ringing out from inside the apartment block Police exchange up to 40 shots with Khayre, killing him in the process He had reportedly stepped out of an apartment and began firing at police, leading to them returning fire Terrified residents in the area forced to run for their lives into a nearby Coles supermarket 8pm Police confirm they are looking into terror links to the attack Advertisement

A bomb squad member suits up before entering the serviced apartment blocks to search for any explosives

A police spokesperson said they believe the 'bang' first reported was gunfire and not an explosion. However the bomb disposal is reportedly in attendance at the scene.

The bomb squad were called in 'to make sure the building is safe before forensics enter,' a police source said at the scene

The female hostage and dead man found at the scene were both 'The Buckingham' employees serviced apartments (pictured)

Emergency services surrounded the serviced apartments late into the evening

At 9pm a member of Victoria Police bomb squad entered the apartment blocks dressed in full protective wear and green head gear.

'He has to make sure the building is safe before forensics can enter,' a police source said at the scene.

More than an hour before the siege was brought to an end, residents reported that a 'loud explosion' had rattled the entire building at 4.30pm.

A police spokesperson said they believe the 'bang' first reported was gunfire and not an explosion.

As the exchange of gunfire rang out, residents in the area were forced to run for their lives to a nearby Coles supermarket as the volley of 30 to 40 shots rang out.

Jack Reid, who was standing down the road from the serviced apartments when the gunfire rang out, said he and his friends ran for their lives.

'I was standing on the corner across the road,' he told The Age.

Police are not yet sure if there is any relationship between the two victims and Khayre

In the moments before police stormed the building and shot him dead, Khayre called Channel 7's newsroom to claim he was carrying out the attack on behalf of Islamic State and al-Qaeda

A police spokesperson said they believe the 'bang' reported was gunfire and not an explosion

Forensic police are understood to currently be inside The Buckingham service apartments

When police arrived at the scene they discovered a man's body lying on the floor of the foyer, while another man was reportedly holding a woman hostage inside

'I saw police pull out their guns, I heard about three dozen gun shots.

'I got really scared and ran across the road. Police were telling everybody to get into the Coles supermarket so me and mates just ran.'

Witnesses say that shortly after the explosion at 4.30pm which 'rattled the whole building', they saw undercover police jumping out of a car and running up the road.

'Undercover police got out, put vests on and went running up the street,' a witness who gave her name as Caroline told radio station 3AW.

As the exchange of gunfire between police and Khayre broke out, Sky News reporter Ahron Young was doing a live cross to TV.

While describing the scene unfolding around him, a volley of gunfire rang out live on air around 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments.

Sky News reporter Ahron Young was forced to run for his life after police and Khayre fired on each other in a suburban street in Melbourne during a hostage crisis

Residents in the area were forced to run for their lives to a nearby Coles supermarket as the volley of 30 to 40 shots rang out (pictured)

'I'm right now hearing gunfire, oh my god, police are calling for us to get back... we're all running away from here,' he said.

'We've just been told to get back to Coles because of this scene unfolding. There were probably 30 to 40 rounds of gunfire.'

Young did not stop his broadcast at any point but sounded out of breath from running away from the scene and shaken by the events.

'We're now safely inside Coles...' he said before turning to his camera crew.

Young then returned to addressing Sky anchor Sam Maiden: 'It just came out of the blue, Sam, as I was talking to you, those rounds of gunfire, police shouting at everyone to get back.'

The Buckingham's self-contained units include European-designed furniture and leather sofa beds, with each one designed to be unique

The gunman's two victims worked in the apartment block - a woman aged in her 20s who was held hostage and a man who was found shot dead in the foyer

'There's probably 30 or 40 people who are still outside who are now being pushed across the road. We've probably run 50 metres away from where we were.'

The Buckingham serviced apartments where Khayre was holed up on Monday offers one and two bedroom apartments for $130 to $230 a night.

Its self-contained units include European-designed furniture and leather sofa beds, with each one designed to be unique.

Many have balconies and all are equipped with free Foxtel access on 42 centimetre flat screen TVs, air conditioning, and kitchens with stainless steel appliances.

Roads in the area were closed for a period of time after reports of the first explosion, causing chaos for peak hour traffic.
Benjamin Bates is at risk of being deported to Australia

A father is facing deportation back to his 'home country' of Australia - despite the fact he has never been there.

Benjamin Bates, who is from Fort Lauderdale in Florida, is currently living with his wife Michelle and two children in their home in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

The 57-year-old is facing the prospect of being deported on June 9 and may not be able to see his step-daughter Lily and 18-month-old son Harrison grow up.

The family have spent their savings on trying to keep Mr Bates in the UK and the situation was made more challenging following an error on his initial letter of refusal.

Mr Bates claims he was left gobsmacked when he received a letter refusing his application and telling that he was born in Australia and made no mention of his marriage or children.

The letter states under eligibility that 'it is not accepted that there would be very significant obstacles to your integration into Australia, if you were required to leave the UK because you have spent the majority of your life there.'

'There is clearly some confusion with another case,' says Mr Bates, who was a chef and carer back in the United States.

'It is a mistake and these thinks happen, but it is a big one. I called them when I read the letter and it said that I must go back to Australia. I have never even been to Australia.

Mr Bates, who is American, doesn't want to leave his wife, Michelle, their son, Harrison, and Michelle's daughter Lily

Above shows the letter where it states that 'It is not accepted that there would be very significant obstacles to your integration into Australia', despite the earlier part of the letter recognising his application as a US citizen

'All they said is I can appeal against the decision. Of course, I am going to appeal as something had clearly gone wrong. However, we have had to scrape and borrow money to fund the appeal as it is another court case.'

Mr Bates met Michelle when they started chatting online five years ago.

They fell in love and Mr Bates was determined to spend his life with her following his first visit to the UK.

He returned to the US three months into his six-month visa due to his passport being about to expire, but was back in the UK five-months later after being given back the three remaining months.

When he returned to the US, Mr Bates began seeking advice regarding a long-term visa to live in the UK.

Speaking to officials in US, Mr Bates was told he would need at least 30,000 in his bank to make the application.

But then he was told that Michelle was pregnant.

Mr Bates sold his house, car and all his possessions to raise funds and was in a desperate rush to get back to help Michelle.

He claims he was given the run-around by officials in US who told him it would be better applying while over in the UK.

However, Home Office officials told him the opposite and he would have been better off sorting the situation in the US.

Since arriving back with Michelle in the UK, he has witnessed the birth of his son, Harrison, and has been offered a number of job opportunities but he is unable to take them up due to the issues surrounding his visa status.

Mr Bates added: 'My life is here in the UK with my family. I can't imagine having to go back to the US. I won't be allowed to see Harrison or Lily for five years if I am deported. I love being here and I want to start contributing to this country.

'It is hell not knowing what will happen. I want to be here to look after my family. I have no life back in the US. I don't own a house, car anything and most of my money has gone on fighting to stay here.'

Mr Bates met Michelle when they started chatting online five years ago and the pair got married

Mr Bates claims he was left gobsmacked when he received a letter refusing his application and telling that he was born in Australia and made no mention of his marriage or children

Mr Bates has also had to help look after his wife Michelle after complications during an operation to remove her gallbladder a few months ago.

Michelle has struggled with pain following the procedure and Mr Bates has been helping to look after the children.

She said: 'It is really scary for us. Since the operation, my health has not been good. I have struggled to even pick up my son, let alone do any chores around the house. If Ben is sent back I don't know what I will do.

'It would be like getting rid of my right arm. We still don't even know if he will be deported on the same day of the trial. If he gets the chance to collect his possessions. He has nothing in the United States anymore. I worry about what will happen to him, where will he go, where will he live. I just can't imagine being without Ben.'

A spokesman from the Home Office said: 'Mr Bates' application is currently under appeal and it would be inappropriate to comment further while proceedings are ongoing.'

Mr Bates will find out the outcome of the appeal on June 9.
A three-year-old girl fell into an uncovered manhole while walking with her grandmother on a street in south-west China last week.

She had been drowned in a three-metre-deep (10 feet) sewage well when firefighters arrived to rescue her.

It's reported that a homeless person had stolen the manhole cover and left the sewer open, leading to the tragedy.

A young girl fell into a 10-foot-deep sewage well while walking with her grandmother in China

Firefighters arrived at scene and sent a rescuer down the narrow pit in a bid to save the girl

According to Guiyang Evening Post, the girl was walking with her grandmother at a residential area in Tongren city, Guizhou Province, on June 2.

The child, who was walking in front of her grandmother, did not notice an uncovered sewage pit and fell into it at around 6:40pm local time.

Tongren Fire Brigade confirmed the incident on their social media account.

They said they had sent a firefighter in a diver's suit down the sewage well in a bid to save the girl. A pump was also used to drain the water out of the well.

Two minutes later, the girl was found and brought up the well. A cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out in a bid to revive the girl.

But she was pronounced dead at scene.

Firefighter was sent down the well to search for the child who had fallen into it by accident

The rescuer brought the girl up in two minutes, but they failed to revive her

The rescuers performed CPR on the child, but the girl was pronounced dead at the scene

Firefighters told the reporters that the shape of the sewage well was an inverted cylindrical trapezoid. It is 50 centimetre (20 inches) wide at the opening and gradually becomes narrower.

The well was three metres deep (10 feet) and the sewage had filled up two-third of it.`

On-site medical practitioners explained that the girl stayed underwater for too long, so they failed to revive her.

A member of the public told Guiyang Evening Post that the sewage well had been sealed before. It's believed that a homeless person had taken away the cover.

Tongren policemen are investigating the incident further.
This is the heart-rending moment a mother hears her late son's heartbeat in a man's chest.

Anna Lewis from North Carolina, smiled, laughed and then teared up as she listened to the rhythm through a stethoscope she placed on the chest of Greg Robbins, the heart transplant recipient, who also couldn't help but shed a tear.

The pair were meeting for the first time since the transplant surgery that saved Robbins's life.

The grieving mother says she feels 'comfort' because she was able to hear her son's heartbeat.

This is the emotional moment a mother, Anna Lewis - pictured right- hears her late son's heartbeat in a man's chest

This was the first time Lewis was meeting Greg Robbins, the 48-year-old who received her son's heart. It was a bittersweet moment as the pair, smiled, laughed teared up and then finally hugged as she heard the rhythm through a stethoscope

'It was bittersweet,' Lewis told NBC's TODAY. 'It gave me a lot of comfort to know that he was alive somewhere. It was a wonderful feeling to know that I could hear him again and feel him again.'

Lewis lost her son, Greg Ricks, then 31, in a car accident in September.

She at first felt 'weird' about the thought of giving away her son's heart but she later decided that Ricks - who was a father to three sons aged 11, 10 and 6 - would have wanted to donate his heart because his father had done the same after he died of a heart attack in 2012, Today reported.

Lewis lost her son, Greg Ricks, who she called a great dad, in a car accident in September

'When I was asked, my first reaction was no, I just felt weird about it,' she said.

'Then I immediately thought I cant let my son just be dead. I couldnt live with that.

'I knew Greg had a big, beautiful heart and I wanted to see it live on.'

Meanwhile Robbins, who was living just a two-hour drive away with his wife, was having to live with severe complications after a heart attack.

Doctors told him his heart was only working at 25 percent of a normal person's after they conducted open-heart surgery to save him, Today reported.

On the morning of September 16, doctors found his match. Mere hours later, they operated and saved his life.

In March, Lewis sent Robbins a letter in which she described her son, who was a family man who enjoyed the countryside.

Both families met three months later so Lewis was able to hear her son's heartbeat. At first, they smile at each other and the emotional mum even breaks into a laugh. Not long after, her emotions take over and she breaks down crying while listening and looking at Robbins, who himself had begun to cry too.

The Lewis and Robbins families have now sparked a new relationship and have already planned their next meeting.

Ricks was survived by three sons aged 11, 10 and 6, pictured. His mother at first felt 'weird' about the thought of giving away his heart but she later decided that he would have wanted to donate it because his father had done the same
A man has died after he allegedly set himself on fire and plowed his burning car through the wall of a Melbourne childcare centre, as it set alight and was destroyed from the blaze.

In what was initially a routine police check in Tarneit, the man's car sped off from a patrol vehicle when it turned its lights and siren on as a pursuit ensued around 4am on Monday morning.

Police then noticed a flash inside the vehicle, as it veered off the road and crashed into the side of the Kool Kidz day nursery, a few hours before the centre was due to be filled with over 100 young children.

Scroll down for video

A huge fire burns through a childcare centre in Tarneit as a car plowed into the building at around 4am on Monday

Firefighters arrived in the early hours of the morning to extinguish the fire that ravaged through the Melbourne childcare centre completely destroying it

The building caught fire and was ravaged by the flames before firefighters arrived to extinguish the fire.

The driver managed to free himself from the car, yet attending police were unable to save him due to the fire.

Neighbours revealed they could hear the man screaming for help as the fire engulfed the centre.

When firefighters extinguished the fire, the man was found dead a few metres from the vehicle.

The childcare centre was due to host over 100 children a few hours after the crash. Luckily no one was inside the building at the time.

An emotional kindergarten owner Ian Johnston revealed his devastation after suggesting how important the centre was to the community

'It's devastating, its very hard, and that's the nature of policing, you just don't know whats going to happen when you sign on that night,' Assistant Commissioner Deb Robertson told Seven News.

She also said it was unknown why the man set alight to his vehicle and deviated from the road.

The centre was left destroyed following the accident and its owner was still coming to terms with the damage caused.

'We've put our heart and soul into this community, it's just very very hard,' a tearful centre owner Ian Johnston revealed.

It is has been confirmed no one was inside the building at the time of the accident.

The driver is yet to be identified.

For information and support about suicide prevention, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
George Conway, husband of Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, scolded President Trump for tweeting about the travel ban, suggesting the president's messages could derail a future Supreme Court case.

'These tweets may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly won't help OSG get 5 votes in SCOTUS, which is what actually matters. Sad,' Conway tweeted Monday, using one of Trump's favorite expressions.

Early Monday morning, Trump sent out a flurry of tweets about the travel ban, including one that Conway found to be especially troublesome for the office of the solicitor general, which would defend the controversial executive order if the Supreme Court takes up the case.

Scroll down for video

Lawyer George Conway (left), the husband of Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway (right), warned that the president may be shooting himself in the foot by tweeting about his travel ban, which is tied up in court

Kellyanne Conway's husband George found President Trump's travel ban tweets problematic because they could be used against the administration's case for the executive order if it comes before the Supreme Court

George Conway said he was still for the president and, of course, supported his wife, but was concerned Trump's tweets would derail the executive action

Once his initial tweet started getting attention, George Conway dashed off four more, explaining that he supported the president's agenda, though worried Trump was undermining it by using Twitter

'The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.,' Trump wrote, abbreviating Supreme Court.

Conway specifically pointed to this tweet when he called Trump's actions 'Sad.'

Trump also wrote, 'People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!'

'The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!' the president also recommended.

Conway, an attorney who recently took himself out of the running for a top DOJ post, pointed to a piece in the Washington Post to back up his thinking.

Right now, lawyers suing the government over the travel ban, and those defending it, are working on the arguments that they'll file with the Supreme Court next week.

During the appellate level hearings, Trump's comments  along with those of his advisers  have been pointed to by the judges who have stalled the ban.

They have determined that the president's words show that the ban is intended to discriminate against Muslims.

During the campaign, Trump had called for a 'total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,' a statement that remained on his campaign website until recently.

Justice Department lawyers have been trying to differentiate between the comments Trump made during the campaign and then as president, as Trump has signed two executive orders banning travel from seven, and then six, Muslim-majority countries.

Trump's new tweets, the Washington Post's piece pointed out, will likely be added to the arguments headed to the Supreme Court.

While George Conway was shaking a finger at Trump's Twitter behavior, his wife was on the Today show mocking the media's 'obsession' with her boss' tweets.

Monday afternoon she took to Twitter to better explain her point.

'Never said ignore tweets  said "This obsession with covering everything he says on Twitter & very little to what he does as POTUS,' she said.

'Just today at White House: major infrastructure/air traffic control reform, veterans reform, small businesswomen harmed by Obamacare,' Conway added, responding to a tweet from CNN's Chris Cillizza that equated a 'presidential tweet' with a 'presidential statement.'

Kellyanne Conway explained that what she meant on the Today show was that the media 'obsessed' over tweets, while covering 'very little' of what was actually going on at the White House

George Conway tried cleaning up his original message too, once news networks began reporting on what he said.

'Just to be clear, and in response to inquiries, I still VERY, VERY STRONGLY support POTUS, his Admin, policies, the executive order and of course, my wonderful wife,' he wrote. 'Which is why I said what I said this morning.'

'Every sensible lawyer in WHCO and every political appointee at DOJ [would] agree with me (as some have already told me),' he continued.

'The [point] cannot be stressed enough that tweets on legal matters seriously undermine Admin agenda and POTUS--and those who support him, as I do, need to reinforce that [point] and not be shy about it,' Conway added.

Pushing back on what George Conway said, Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders answered 'not at all' when asked by a reporter if the president was concerned that he may be 'tainting the waters of the legal system' with these tweets.

'The president is very focused on exactly what that order spells out, and that's protecting Americans, protecting national security, and he has every Constitutional authority to do that through that executive order, and he maintains that and that position hasn't changed in the slightest,' Huckabee Sanders said.

Later, Huckabee Sanders was asked if the president's tweets were being vetted by a lawyer.

'Not that I'm aware of,' she replied.
An Alabama man has been arrested and charged with repeatedly sodomizing a young child, producing child pornography and having sex with a female dog.

Daniel Ray Dunn, 28, was initially arrested on May 26 on three counts of child pornography, sodomy and bestiality, and on May 31 two additional charges of first-degree sodomy were filed against him.

According to court documents, Dunn allegedly engaged in 'deviate sexual intercourse' with a child under the age of 12 in April and May.

Couple arrested: Daniel Dunn, 28 (left) has been arrested and charged with repeatedly sodomizing a child, making child pornography and having sex with a dog. His fiancee, 22-year-old Kelsey Culp (right), has been charged with abetting bestiality

Dunn and Culp got engaged in March, according to social media posts, and live together in Shelby, Alabama

The man was also accused of filming a sexual encounter involving the child and committing a sexual act with a dog.

On the pornography count, the arrest warrant states that Dunn did 'knowingly film photograph, record, or otherwise produce any obscene matter that contains a visual reproduction of a person under the age of 17, to wit, engaged in any act of sado-masochistic abuse, sexual excitement, masturbation, breast nudity or genital nudity', reported Al.com.

On the bestiality count, the document alleges the man 'engaged in or submitted to any sexual contact with an animal, to wit, a female dog'.

Dunn's fiancee, 22-year-old Kelsey Culp, was also arrested and charged with bestiality on May 30 after she 'allegedly caused, aided or abetted another engaging in any sexual contact with an animal,' according to arrest warrants.

Culp was released from the Shelby County jail last Wednesday after posting $6,000 bond. If convicted, she could face up to a year in jail and a fine.

Culp (left and right) was released from the Shelby County jail last Wednesday after posting $6,000 bond. If convicted, she could face up to a year in jail and a fine

Dunn, pictured above with Culp, was initially arrested on May 26 on three charges, and on May 31 two more counts of first-degree sodomy were added

Dunn's bond was initially set at $506,000, but it was raised to $1.06million after the additional charges were brought against him on Friday. He is due in court for his initial appearance on June 29.

According to Culps Facebook page, the couple got engaged in late March. On her social media account the 22-year-old describes her occupation as a stay-at-home mom.
Suspect Sergey Yegorov allegedly launched his attack after feeling insulted by his fellow dinner party guests in Tver, west Russia

A Russian 'madman' massacred nine dinner party guests in a drunken rage after they questioned if he had served in the army and was a 'real man'.

Suspect Sergey Yegorov, 45, allegedly left the dining table to fetch a Saiga semi-automatic shotgun before opening fire on five men and four women in Tver, west Russia.

Before shooting, he said: 'Now I'll show you how I can shoot!'

The only survivor at the party, 21-year-old Marina Volk who hid under a duvet while the gunman opened fire on his victims, has given a horrific account of the massacre as well as paying tribute to her dead boyfriend Vyacheslav 'Slava' Savelyev, 34.

Miss Volk said: 'There are bodies with half their face blown off. He (Yegorov) was just a madman. He walked in and shot everyone. I saw it, I heard and saw how he was dragging the bodies.

Detained: Suspect Sergey Yegorov, 45, pictured, allegedly left a dinner party to fetch a semi-automatic shotgun before killing five men and four women in the city 180km north of Moscow

The only survivor at the party, 21-year-old Marina Volk (left) who hid under a duvet while the gunman opened fire on his victims, has given a horrific account of the massacre as well as paying tribute to her dead boyfriend Vyacheslav 'Slava' Savelyev, 34 (right)

'I saw him finishing them, heard their last gasps for air. Then he was washing hands. I heard it all.'

She added: 'I managed to hide under the duvet. I was so lucky, although he entered my room twice. He did not know that I was there, he was just searching for anybody.'

Miss Volk called the police who detained Yegorov at the scene in the Russian city, around 180km northwest of Moscow.

Yegorov is a trained electrician who worked in Moscow in temporary jobs but came to the village of Redkino village at weekends where his mother lived.

Miss Volk said: 'There are bodies with half their face blown off. (Yegorov) was just a madman. He walked in and shot everyone. I saw it, I heard and saw how he was dragging the bodies'

Drunken rage: Miss Volk called the police who detained Yegorov at the scene in the Russian city, around 180km northwest of Moscow

He reportedly told police: 'I killed all of them because they said that I had never served in the air assault forces.

'I told them that I did serve but they were laughing at me.'

Among the dead was a woman in her 90s, who was a Second World War veteran, according to reports.

Yegorov allegedly demanded his final female victim should dig her own grave.

When she refused he shot her from point blank range and loaded her body into the boot of a car.

Marina Volk heard the gunman's victims dying as she hid under a duvet in the house in Tver

Miss Volk, pictured left with Mr Savelyev, called the police who detained Yegorov at the scene in the Russian city, around 180km northwest of Moscow

Paying tribute: Miss Volk (left) wrote on social media to her boyfriend, victim Slava Savelyev (right): 'Eternal memory to you, my sweetheart. I still can't believe that you are not here'

The only survivor posted an emotional message to her boyfriend Vyacheslav 'Slava' Savelyev, 34, who was gunned to death in the Tver bloodshed.

Miss Volk wrote on social media: 'Eternal memory to you, my sweetheart.

'I still can't believe that you are not here anymore, that all of you have perished.

'Why oh why did our darlings leave us so early? Why, how can someone else decide he can take other person's life... This is so wrong...

Gone forever: The only survivor posted an emotional message to her boyfriend Vyacheslav 'Slava' Savelyev, 34, (pictured together) who was gunned to death in the Tver bloodshed

Pictured: The crime scene in Tver, western Russia. Vadim Levshin, regional spokesperson for the Russian Interior Ministry, said Yegorov had never served in the army. He said: 'He is a nobody, neither serving as a border guard, nor an airborne soldier'

Pictured: Victim Lyudmila Vysotskaya, 62. She was one of nine people to be gunned down

'I loved you so much. You so much wanted to become father, you wanted to LIVE.

'I love you and I hope that one day we will meet again.'

Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman for the Russian Investigative Committee - similar to the FBI - said: 'All personal information about the suspect is being studied.

'At the moment we know that the murder took place after a conflict in the house where 10 people were present.

'One young girl, aged 21, managed to hide from the suspect and called the police.

'The suspect is being interrogated. The survived girl needed psychological help and this was provided to her.'

Ivan Zagornyan (left), 49, from Zelenograd, was one of the nine people killed in the massacre

Shot down: Pavel Smirnova from Redkino village, who was killed alongside his wife

A statement from the committee added: 'One of the participants in the conflict brought a gun from his house and shot dead those who insulted him and the eyewitnesses.'

Vadim Levshin, regional spokesperson for the Russian Interior Ministry, disclosed that Yegorov had never served in the army.

He said: 'He is a nobody, neither serving as a border guard, nor an airborne soldier, I can tell you that, 300 per cent sure.'

Suspect Yegorov was shown on his knees and handcuffed behind his back in a police vehicle guarded by armed officers.

Levshin said: 'The suspect did not work as electrician. He lived in Moscow where he earned money by doing temporary jobs.

Alexander Redin, 50, was also killed at the dinner party that turned into a bloodbath

'He came to Tver to have weekend break. The crime was caused by a drunken conflict.'

Most men of Yegorov's age served as teenage conscripts in the Soviet army or later in Russian forces.

He allegedly gunned down his hosts and fellow guests at the dacha - country house - using a registered weapon.

The house at Redkino village belonged to Ivan Zagornyan who was killed in the shooting, according to reports.

Polina Smirnova (centre), 22, whose parents Pavel (right), 45, and Vera (left), 48, were killed, said: 'I have no other close family members. My Mum and Dad, they were so young'

Neighbour Slava Savelyev was there, and he was shot dead too, as was his 92-year-old grandmother.

Polina Smirnova, whose parents Pavel, 45, and Vera, 48, were killed, said: 'I am 22 years old, and I have no other close family members.

'I was told about what happened but I still don't know the details. My Mum and Dad, they were so young, they were not even pensioners.'

Other victims were Ivan Zagornyan, 49, Lyudmila Vysotskaya, 62, Alexander Redin, 50, Oleg Demchenko, and Svetlana Sorokina.

The final victim to be found was a woman whose body was in the boot of a parked car in the house.

A team of investigators has been sent from Moscow to probe the case.
You can find a new push for school choice in three different parts of President Donald Trumps proposed budget. But one advocate has found a federal program that she thinks is ripe for such a pushand it may not be one youve heard of.

A GI Bill for Children of Military Families: Transforming Impact Aid into Education Savings Accounts is a proposal from Lindsey Burke and Anne Ryland at the Heritage Foundation to convert the $1.3 billion Impact Aid program in the federal budget into education savings accounts for children from military families, as well as children from Native American tribal lands. The two staffers at Heritage, a conservative think tank that favors K-12 choice and a smaller U.S. Department of Education, believe its an appropriate step that not only promotes educational freedom, but helps the overall environment for the armed forces.

Impact Aid is a formula program that provides money for children at federally connected schools, which in many cases mean those two groups of students. Its essentially a payment to schools for land thats owned by the federal government thats not subject to local tax collection. Its an unusual system for the U.S. Department of Education, in that the money goes directly from Washington to local school districts. Education savings accounts differ from vouchers and other forms of school choice , in that states move per-pupil funding amounts directly into accounts that parents can then spend on pre-approved educational expenses.

We noted that Burke raised this idea at an Education Writers Association panel last week, before the report came out:

.@lindseymburke : We should turn $1.3 billion in Impact Aid into education savings accounts for children. @NAFISschools  Politics K-12 (@PoliticsK12) May 31, 2017

Much of the report focuses on how education savings accounts for 1.2 million children from military families would be particularly helpful for those living in states without a school choice program already in place. And the report notes that a Military Times survey found that 35 percent of respondents said dissatisfaction with their childs education was a significant factor in their decision to remain in or leave military service.

Transitioning Impact Aid funding into parent-controlled education savings accounts would provide children of active-duty military families with education choice, while ensuring the federal program serves military families as well as they serve the nation, Burke and Ryland wrote.

The report notes that 80 percent of students from military-connected families attend traditional public schools, often those very close to military bases, while 4 percent attend Department of Defense schools.

However, the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools is having none of this. NAFIS Executive Director Hillary Goldman said in a statement that, Changing Impact Aid into an ESA would burden local taxpayers with higher taxes and require students to go without. Turning it into a school choice program does nothing to address the issue of local taxes not collected due to federal impacts, she said.

The Trump administration budget already would create a new $1 billion public school choice program under Title I, increase grants for charter schools to $500 million, and provide $250 million to fund and research the impacts of private school vouchers. Trumps spending blueprint would cut Impact Aid spending by a relatively small amount, similar to President Barack Obamas last budget proposal.

Read the full report from Heritage below:

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
A government official at an agency in Flint, Michigan has resigned after an audio recording of him using a racial slur to describe black people was posted online.

Philip Stair was recorded calling the residents of the pollution-hit town 'ni*****s who don't pay their bills' and ruin houses before he resigned on Monday.

The white official said in an audio recording obtained by Truth Against the Machine:

'Flint has the same problems as Detroit -- f**ing ni****s don't pay their bills, believe me, I deal with them.

'They fu** the houses up and then leave, and we tear them down.'

His comments have sparked outrage and protests in the town of almost 100,000.

Philip Stair was recorded calling the residents of the pollution-hit town 'ni*****s', sparking protests and anger over his derogatory comments

The white official said: 'Flint has the same problems as Detroit -- f**ing ni***** don't pay their bills, believe me, I deal with them'

Chelsea Lyons, a journalist and environmental activist, recorded Stair, who works for Genessee County Land Bank, a company that renovates tax-foreclosed and abandoned homes.

Lyons was confronting Stair about the 12,000 homes in Flint that the county government had sold to company - which on its site claims to be an equal opportunity employer - when he used the slurs.

'I had no idea he was going to say the things that he said,' she told MLive.com . 'That was not exactly what I going for.'

For two years, the residents had been drinking lead-contaminated water after the county government began sourcing water from the Flint River instead of buying from Detroit, in order to save $ 5 million.

In 2016, the government declared a state of emergency and instructed the Michigan community - which is 53 per cent black - to use only filtered or bottled water, even for their cleaning. It wasn't until February that some of the residents could revert to drinking from the tap again.

In that time, many Flint residents have lost their homes to Stair's company because they may not have paid their income or property taxes.

During his interview, he claimed that the county government could no longer source contaminated water from Detroit because the residents hadn't paid their bills.

Journalist Chelsea Lyons - pictured - recorded Stair, who works for Genessee County Land Bank, a company that renovates tax-foreclosed and abandoned homes

In 2016, the government declared a state of emergency and instructed the Flint residents to use only filtered or bottled water. Darius Simpson, an Eastern Michigan University student from Akron, Ohio, is pictured carrying water he brought to donate for Flint residents during a rally on January 24, 2016

He then proceeded to imply that his words were not racist because he had non-white friends.

'I dont want to call them n*****s, sh*t I just went to Myrtle Beach (with) 24 guys, and I was the only white guy,' Stair said.

'I got friends  I mean, theres trash and theres people that do this sh*t.

'They just dont pay their bills. Well, Detroit, didnt collect on their bills, so they charged everybody else, but Flint, Flint had to pay their bill to Detroit.'

Genesee County Land Bank Executive Director Michele Wildman told MLive.com Monday that she has accepted Stair's resignation.

Online Genesee County District Court records show four civil default judgments totaling more than $28,000 entered against Philip Stair of Flint between 2004 and 2006.

Lyons has threatened to release more recordings from their interviews, although she hasn't said when.

'There are more audio files coming,' she said. 'We're not going to let this die.'
Pictures have emerged of the mother and two children who died inside John Lennon's former home - photographed with the man accused of killing them.

The family photos depict mother Arena Saaed alongside six-year-old Shadia Salem and four-year-old Rami Saeed.

They are pictured inside a car with Mrs Saaed's 30-year-old husband Sami Salem, who has been charged with their murders.

Officers from Merseyside Police were called at 7:30pm on May 30 following reports of a concern for welfare of the flats occupants.

Pictures have emerged of Arena Saaed (right and far right) with six-year-old Shadia Salem (back left) and four-year-old Rami Saeed (back right), who were found dead at John Lennon's former home, in Liverpool. Also featured in the photos is 30-year-old Sami Salem (far left), who is accused of killing them

Photos show little Shadia, six (left) and four-year-old Rami (right) enjoying happier times. The photos were provided by a member of Mrs Saaed's family, who lives in Yemen.

The three were found dead at John Lennon's former home, on Falkner Street, Liverpool, on May 30 before Mr Salem was arrested.

He was taken to hospital following his arrest after falling ill.

Residents who live near to the property were evacuated over fears of a fuel leak but were later allowed to return to their homes.

Other pictures supplied to the Liverpool Echo show Mrs Saaed and the children enjoying happier times at their home.

A picture released by Mrs Saaed's family show accused Salem (back) playing with the two children at the family's home

The newspaper reported that a member of Mrs Saaed's family in Yemen supplied the pictures but refused to comment on the deaths.

Another of the photos shows little Shadia and Rami wearing a pink and blue hat accordingly - alongside arrested Salem.

Salem was charged with murder when he appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on June 2.

He did not enter an application for bail and was not asked to enter a plea.

The 30-year-old was remanded in custody by Judge David Aubrey, QC until June 30.
A teenage girl who brutally attacked a classmate in her high school bathroom, triggering a fatal heart attack, will not go to jail.

Trinity Carr, 17, was sentenced to just six months at Grace Cottage  a secure residential program near Wilmington in Delaware today after she was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide over the death of Amy Inita Joyner-Francis.

Joyner-Francis, a sophomore at Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington, Delaware, was assaulted by Carr in a 'premeditated attack' planned by Carr and two other girls in April 2016, according to the Department of Justice.

Trinity Carr (pictured),has been sentenced to just six months at a secure residential program for manslaughter of Amy Inita Joyner-Francis

An autopsy concluded Joyner-Francis she died from a 'cardiac incident' stemming from a pre-existing heart condition.

Joyner-Francis mother had begged the judge to send her daughter's killer to an out-of-state juvenile prison.

'It will be a disgrace... if these two girls do not serve time for the crime they committed,' she had said in a letter read out in court.

But on Monday, Family Court Judge Robert Coonin ignored her pleas, as he sentenced Carr - who was being tried as a juvenile - to six months at the residential program.

'It is a case in which no one is looking to determine who wins and who loses because everyone has lost,' he said. 'The community has lost, the defendants and their families have lost, and most importantly, Amy's family has lost.

'Nothing that any of us say or do here can ever change that  myself included.'

He told Carr she had allowed social media to interfere with her developing an 'appropriate sense of humanity' and instead just put her own ego ahead of others.

Carr was the only girl to strike Joyner-Francis, though Zion Snow, 17, who was accused of planning the attack, after p rosecutors found messages on social media saying 'we gonna get her'.

Horror video footage showed Carr (left) beating Amy Joyner-Francis (right) in the attack

Snow, 17, was sentenced to 18 months of community supervision.

Conspiracy charges against a third girl Chakiera Wright, were dropped over insufficient evidence, Delaware Online reports.

The fight broke out around 8.15am on April 21 before classes at the vocational school.

A Snapchat video showed Joyner-Francis talking to her assailant in the bathroom, purportedly to try to defuse the situation between herself and Carr. The video was accompanied with text saying Carr was 'bouta fight her' along with laughing emojis.

Damning cell phone footage then showed Carr attacking Joyner-Francis, kicking her and punching her in the head at least 24 times while other girls looked on,Delaware Online reported.

Carr was then seen walking out of the restroom, leaving her victim on the bathroom floor where she went into cardiac arrest, according to court documents cited byFOX.

Joyner-Francis was flown to A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital in critical condition, where she was later pronounced dead.

She had also suffered cuts and bruises and had her fingernails ripped out, according to a police detective's testimony. The judge later argued Joyner-Francis had 'long artificial nails', two of which were broken when she tried to fight back, leaving the underlying nail beds partially exposed.

Joyner-Francis (left and right), 16, died after a high school bathroom fight at Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington, Delaware

An autopsy concluded that Joyner-Francis died from a 'cardiac incident' that stemmed from a pre-existing heart condition, rather than injuries sustained in the beating.

But the state Department of Justice said: 'The cardiac incident would not have occurred if she had not been assaulted.'

Coonin conceded in his ruling that high school students should know that a fight could result in serious injury or even death - even without an underlying heart condition.

'The attack ... posed a risk of potential catastrophic physical harm including death by virtue of the tile floor, walls and fixtures,' Coonin said. 'Had a death resulted from internal bleeding after striking her head on the floor, would that result in any way change the risk that the assault itself created?'

Last year, prosecutors sought to have her tried as an adult where she could have faced up to eight years in prison. The judge declined and kept the case in family court.

Then at this sentencing hearing they asked him to send Carr to jail as example to other juvenile delinquents.

But John Deckers, an attorney for Joyner-Francis' assailant, urged Coonin to impose a sentence affirming that actions have consequences but keeping with the Family Court's focus on rehabilitation, rather than punishment.

Rather than jail, Carr will spend six months at Grace Cottage  a secure residential program near Wilmington in Delaware

'We are not the worst thing we've ever done in our life. ... Children should not be judged based on the worst things they've ever done,' Deckers said.

On Monday, Coonin who found Carr delinquent - the term for guilty in juvenile cases of criminally negligent homicide and of third-degree conspiracy, and noting that Delaware has no lock-down facility for juvenile girls, concluded she should serve time in a restricted-access residential setting.

'Words alone cannot ever undo the permanent damage and the hurt that you've done,' he told her.

She will receive after-care until she's 18, after which she will serve two years' probation and 500 hours of community service. Carr has also been banned from using social media.

The victim's mother, Inita B. Joyner, said changes must be made to the criminal justice system to deter juveniles from hurting others.

'They took another human being's life,'she wrote in a letter read out in court. 'A child's life, my baby's life, and this is not acceptable in any manner.'

A student cried in front of Howard High School of Technology after a city official announced a student had died in April 2016

She went on to describe her late daughter as being a kind, mature and very positive person who had ambitions of becoming a doctor or pursuing a law career.

Family spokesperson Sherry Dorsey Walker said the family had resigned themselves to not seeing the justice they'd hoped get done after the case remained in family court.

'I don't think there will ever be anything such as closure as it pertains to this situation because Amy will never come home,' she said. 'So while one of the assailants gets to be at Grace Cottage and her parents can come visit her on a regular basis that is not something Amy's family can do.'

The councilwoman described the victim as 'a wonderful human being', adding that 'her loss is a big void, not just in the family'.

Her friends and neighbors knew her as the quiet teen who would focus on her homework.

Nik Stryminski told the News-Journal that Amy had kept him safe and out of a fight earlier this school year.

When he and another student were getting ready to fight she stepped in, backed him into a corner and calmed him down.

He said: 'She didn't believe in fighting, and the craziest thing is she died in a fight.'

Stryminski believes Joyner-Francis went into the bathroom not to fight but to 'talk things out'.

Troy Johnson, a sophomore at Howard, said Amy was a good influence to her peers with her calm personality.

'If I were to have kids I'd want them to hang around someone like her,' he told the News Journal.
A man has been spotted performing yoga, naked in the street in Colorado.

Police in the town of Pueblo near Colorado Springs received a 911 call about a 'naked man doing yoga' in public.

An officer was swiftly dispatched to the crime scene but couldn't find any sign of the individual.

A man has been spotted performing yoga, naked in the street in Colorado (file photo)

A police report notes: 'I was unable to locate anyone in the area clothed or otherwise.'

Yet, according to the Smoking Gun it appears that the call may well have been genuine as the officer did find a pile of abandoned clothing outside a nearby business.

There were a number of items including pants, shirts, socks, underwear, and a pair of sneakers.

The clothes were then picked up by the officer and 'tagged as evidence.'

A police reports indicates how an officer was dispatched to the scene but found no one
President Donald Trump blasted Democrats for blocking nominees from staffing his administration, even as data show he has failed to announce dozens of ambassadorships.

Trump made the charge after a commentator on Monday morning on Fox News ripped into the administration for failing to fill key posts at the State and Justice Departments.

Nearly simultaneously, Trump tweeted: .@foxandfriends Dems are taking forever to approve my people, including Ambassadors. They are nothing but OBSTRUCTIONISTS! Want approvals.'

Republicans control the Senate, which is charged with providing advise and consent to nominations.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has been announced as Trump's nominee to be ambassador to the United Kingdom, but formal paperwork hasn't gone forward

Thanks to a procedural move invoked by Democrats under the Obama administration, a simple majority can push through executive nominations, although the minority still has the ability to stall, and the minority party has forced Trump nominees to jump through various procedural hoops.

According to the Partnership for Public Service data, there are currently 54 ambassadorial vacancies.

54 ambassadorial vacancies for which Trump has only put forward 9 nominations  and had 4 confirmed.

In total, out of 559 key positions, Trump has nominated only 63 people.

Among those who Trump has yet to nominate: Woody Johnson, a top fundraiser and advisor he said he would nominate to be ambassador to the United Kingdom.

'The ambassador, Woody Johnson, going to Saint James,' Trump said in January before he took office, referring to the Court of St. James.

Trump has nominated Callista Gingrich, wife for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, to be ambassador to the Vatican. Here, she is pictured signing copies of the book 'Treason & Hail To The Chief'

White House deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders didn't have an answer when asked about the delay in Johnson's formal nomination.

'Im not aware of that and Ill have to check and get back to you on that,' she said.

Other nominees Trump has announced but not formally nominated include Jon Huntsman, former governor of Utah, to be ambassador to Russia.

After Trump's visit to the Vatican, the White House announced his intention to nominate Callista Gingrich, the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, to be ambassador to the Holy See, but formal paperwork hasn't gone out.

Formal paperwork for the nomination of security advisor K.T. McFarland also hasn't been put forward for her nomination, which followed the arrival of H.R. McMaster as National Security Advisor.

She has left her post as deputy national security advisor, but is staying on as a senior advisor, a White House official told DailyMail.com.

Former Trump campaign advisor David Bossie said on Fox Monday said in the wake of another terror at attack in London that Trump needs a permanent ambassador there, and that the process 'has to move at a quicker pace,' Bloomberg News reported.

It isn't clear why the administration hasn't put forward paperwork for the post.

VACANCY: The U.S. embassy in central London is pictured on November 6, 2009

BAGS PACKED: Former US Ambassador and Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. has been announced, but not formally nominated, to be U.S. ambassador to Russia

SMOOTH LANDING: K.T. McFarland, who served on White House national security staff, has been announced as the nominee to be ambassador to Singapore

Former Senator Joe Lieberman is one of several candidates to withdraw from consideration to be FBI Director. He did so amid Democratic opposition

Trump spoke after Democratic consultant Mary Anne Marsh said on Fox that many slots weren't being filled, including those at agencies that protect the public, like the Defense and State Departments.

There are 17 vacant top spots beneath the Treasury Secretary, the LA Times reported, noting that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is working with just a skeleton crew.

I will not work for this Administration (read into that what you may), William Hoagland,' a top budget expert who has advised GOP senators, told the paper, signaling just one of the obstacles Trump faces.

Problems filling posts extend to the White House. Mike Dubke recently announced his departure as White House communications director, but no replacement has been announced.

Democrats were able to slow down some of Trump's cabinet picks by getting hearings delayed. Some withdrew their names from consideration after opposition.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer hit back at Trump Monday for the obstructionist label. '

'If the President is looking for someone to blame on the slow pace of confirmations, he needs only to look in the mirror,' said Schumer in a statement.
Former Pennsylvania doctor Sohael Raschid was sentenced to 30-95 years in prison for drugging and sexually abusing women at his home

A disgraced Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, OG/GYN will spend up to 95 years in prison for drugging two women and a teenage girl at his home and sexually abusing two of them.

Sohael Raschid, 60, was sentenced Friday after First Assistant District Attorney Lauren Sulcove presented hours of evidence against the former doctor.

A jury found Raschid guilty last month of drugging three of four accusers and sexually assaulting two of the three victims, according to WITF.

The 60-year-old's accusers included a 13-year-old and a 19-year-old.

Sohael Raschid 'must be removed from our society,' said ADA Sulcove in court. The 19-year-old Raschid assaulted cried during her testimony and needed the prosecutor to read her statement.

'I hate that I will carry this burden for the rest of my life,' her statement read. 'I will never understand why you did this to me.'

The former OG/GYN reportedly delivered the 19-year-old's sister and prevented her mother from dying in the delivery room.

Another of Raschid's victims, who apparently knew and trusted him for more than two decades, told the former doctor he'll never understand what it means to 'be betrayed in such a repulsive manner'.

The 60-year-old former OG/GYN was sentenced Friday, and his accusers included a 13-year-old and a 19-year-old

The 60-year-old's youngest victim reportedly compared the traumatic experience she endured to the cases she used to watch on Dateline with her mother.

'The cruel and horrible things I saw on TV became my reality,' she said.

Sohael Raschid testified in court for the first time Friday. 'I don't feel that I've committed these crimes,' the former doctor said.

Franklin County Judge Jeremiah Zook, who passed the sentence, said Raschid's position as a medical professional 'gave him extraordinary power' and his transgressions 'caused extreme erosion of trust in the medical profession by our community.'

The judge lambasted Raschid further. 'You're not a rapist who happens to be a doctor,' Zook said. 'You were able to rape because you are a doctor.'

In addition to his sentence, Sohael Raschid will pay out thousands of dollars in fines and restitution and cannot contact any of his victims.
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Sadiq Khan has led a vigil of hundreds of Londoners in remembering those who died following Saturday night's terror attack in the capital.

The Mayor of London was joined by senior officers from the Metropolitan Police, as well as paramedics and fire crews, for an emotional service in Potters Field Park, near City Hall.

The Archbishop of Canterbury was also on hand to pay his respects to the victims of the attack, in which seven were killed and almost 50 were injured.

Speaking to a multi-cultural audience and flanked by Amber Rudd and Diane Abbott, Mr Khan said London would never be 'broken by terrorism' and that extremism would be beaten.

He said: 'We stand together tonight to honour the memories of the innocent lives lost and people injured in the barbaric attack on our city.

Scroll down for video

Crowds gather next to Tower Bridge to pay their respects during this evening's vigil to the victims of Saturday night's attack

Those in attendance shed tears as the crowd feel silent to remember those who had lost their lives or were injured in the terror attack

Armed police keep a watchful eye as hundreds of Londoners gather next to City Hall for a vigil in honour of the victim's of Saturday's terror attack

Speaking to a multi-cultural audience and flanked by Amber Rudd and Diane Abbott, Mr Khan said London would never be 'broken by terrorism' and that extremism would be beaten

Loud cheering and applause forced Mr Khan to pause his speech as he paid tribute to the emergency services and ordinary people who tried to help

Sadiq Khan (pictured) has led a vigil of hundreds of Londoners in remembering those who died following Saturday night's terror attack in the capital

Crowds begin to gather near the vigil (pictured), as Metropolitan Police named two of the three attackers during the service

'London stands in defiance against this cowardly attack and our city and our people and our values and our way of live.

'As the mayor of London I want to send a clear message to the sick and evil extremists who commit this hideous crimes; we will defeat you. You will not win.

'And as a proud and patriotic British Muslim I say this: you do not commit these disgusting acts in my name. Your perverse ideology has nothing to do with the true values of Islam and you will never succeed is dividing our city.

'We send our love to the victims families and all those injures and we thank our courageous emergency services and the brace Londoners who risked their lives. You are the best of us.

'Our city is filled with great sorrow and anger tonight but also great resolve and determination. Because our unity and love will always be stronger then the hate of the extremists.

'London will never be broken by terrorism. We will defeat the terrorists.'

The crowd included passers-by, paramedics, police officers, fire crews and community leaders. Many carried flowers and some held Union flags

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby (second from the right) and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis (right) join other faith leaders for tonight's vigil

Schoolgirls were among those to take part in the vigil at Potters Field Park, about a mile away from where the attack was launched on London Bridge

The vigil is the second of its kind to be held at Potters Field Park in the last few months, after a similar service was held in the aftermath of the terror attack on Westminster

The evening vigil (shown) came after thousands of commuters and workers stopped near the scene of the attack in London Bridge and Borough market to lay flowers and stand in solemn silence earlier in the day

Cressida Dick, the Met Police commissioner, was joined by commissioner Ian Dyson and commander Jane Gyford, from City of London Police

Commissioner Ian Dyson and Commander Jane Gyford, from City of London Police, were among those to attend the service at 6pm.

The vigil is the second of its kind to be held at Potters Field Park in the last few months, after a similar service was held in the aftermath of the terror attack on Westminster.

It came after thousands of commuters and workers stopped near the scene of the attack in London Bridge and Borough market to lay flowers and stand in solemn silence earlier in the day.

Many paid their respects during their lunch break, while other passers-by took a moment to mourn on the way to or from work.

One note left with a bunch of flowers read: 'Your city. My city. Our London.' Another said: 'I will try to cherish all beings without exception. Lest we forget. One love.'

It came as thousands of defiant Londoners returned to work in London Bridge this morning, albeit flanked by armed police at the scene where terrorists went on a knife rampage through bars and restaurants as people enjoyed a night out in the capital.

Police officers and dogs sweep the area in Potters Field Park ahead of the vigil, which was led by London Mayor Sadiq Khan

Members of the public gather for a vigil at Potters Fields Park, outside City Hall in London for those who lost their lives in the London Bridge terror attack

Members of the Muslim community arrive at the vigil with flowers ahead of a minute's silence and vigil outside City Hall

From construction workers in hard hats (pictured) to children clutching teddy bears, Londoners turned out in their hundreds today to pay tribute to the victims of Saturday's terror attack

People look at flowers left at a pedestrian crossing on the south side of London Bridge, close to Borough Market in London

A woman lays flowers at a pedestrian crossing on the south side of London Bridge, close to Borough Market in central London

Members of the public visit floral tributes near London Bridge in the aftermath of the terror attack which left seven dead

Police officers looked emotional as they patrolled the scene where seven people were killed in a knife rampage on Saturday

Members of the public visit floral tributes near London Bridge in the aftermath of an attack that left seven dead and 48 injured

A tearful police officer is pictured left while a member of the public (right) also appears to be wiping away a tear at the scene

Commuters avoided widespread disruption this morning despite parts of central London still being cordoned off following Saturday night's terror attack

Hordes of commuters were pictured walking under the iconic Shard building, although London Bridge was only open northbound this morning

Commuters are seen crossing London Bridge this morning as they returned to work following Saturday night's terror attack

There was a heavy police presence in and around the London Bridge area of central London this morning (pictured)

Members of the public flooded back into central London in their droves, striding across the now reopened London Bridge and arriving via rail and Tube trains despite warnings of severe disruption.

Delays were minimal for most passengers, although there was congestion in and around the area with several roads still closed as police continued their forensic investigations.

Meanwhile, concrete and metal barriers were set up at Westminster, Lambeth and Waterloo bridges overnight. It is understood 'physical measures' will be installed across the city's bridges to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Tube services are running as normal, while Network Rail said it would be exit only for trains travelling through London Bridge station this morning.

Earlier today Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick vowed that officers will 'step up a gear' with more armed officers hitting the streets to provide reassurance.

Hospitals have also increased security measures with more personnel brought in at Guy's Hospital in London Bridge and nearby St Thomas' Hospital.

However, Transport for London has asked passengers to avoid the station during rush hour because the only entrance/exit to the Tube station is via Tooley Street.

London Bridge is closed southbound but open northbound to both traffic and pedestrians. Members of the public were pictured crossing it this morning.

Other roads still closed include Southwark Bridge, Borough High Street, Southwark Street, Lower Thames Street, King William Street, Gracechurch Street and Canon Street.

It comes as police continue to carry out forensic investigations in the area following the attack which killed seven and critically injured 21 others.

TfL warned of possible disruption, saying: 'Because of reduced access, the station will be much busier than usual and there may be queuing systems in place  please re-plan your journey to avoid the station during the morning peak if at all possible.'

Several roads around London Bridge remain closed as police continue their forensic investigations but the rail station is open

Construction workers lay flowers at a pedestrian crossing in London Bridge following the terror attack in the area on Saturday

ARMED POLICE PRESENCE IS STEPPED UP IN LONDON Police in London are 'stepping up a gear' in the wake of the terror attack that killed seven people over the weekend. Parts of London Bridge are still on lockdown as armed officers continue to guard the area. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has vowed that officers will 'step up a gear' with more armed officers hitting the streets to provide reassurance. Armed police also remain on the streets with more officers set to be visible in London over the coming days. Pictured are Met officers and the equipment they use in armed raids She described the police response as 'extraordinary' and praised an off-duty officer who fought three knifemen with his bare hands when they rampaged through Borough Market. Meanwhile concrete barriers have been erected along London bridges, including Westminster, to guard against any potential 'copycat' attacks. She told BBC Breakfast she is 'enormously proud' of the officer, who was in a serious condition in hospital on Monday morning. Ms Dick refused to comment on the identity of the attackers or what was found inside the van used in the atrocity. Security is being ramped up on river crossings across the capital following the London Bridge attack, after pedestrians were labelled 'sitting ducks'. Advertisement

Large concrete barriers, pictured, have been put in place at Westminster Bridge today to protect commuters

Several roads around London Bridge remain closed as police continue their forensic investigations but the train station and bridge (pictured) have both now reopened

Metal barriers, pictured, have also been erected alongside Westminster bridge as authorities step up security measures

Commuters cross London Bridge this morning after it was reopened northbound to both traffic and pedestrians

Members of the public cross London Bridge with The Shard in the background as they return to work following the attack

Tube services are running as normal, while Network Rail said it would be exit only for trains travelling through the station (pictured)

However, Transport for London has asked passengers to avoid the station during rush hour because the only entrance/exit to the Tube station is via Tooley Street

Concrete blocks, pictured, have been set up near crossing points at Westminster Bridge, with pedestrians encouraged to walk behind them

Police were at the scene near London Bridge and Borough Market in London this morning following Saturday night's attack

The station is a major gateway into the capital city, used by more than 50,000 passengers from Kent, Surrey and Sussex every day.

Borough station had been closed in the aftermath of the rampage, but was finally reopened with the permission of the police on Sunday evening.

Met police assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said cordons around the area 'will have an impact on travel arrangements as we head into Monday morning'.

He urged passengers to check with train and travel operators, with many confirming they would be running reduced services due to the closures.

Southeastern said its services will be travelling through London Bridge to Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Cannon Street stations.

Services which usually terminate at London Bridge will stop at either South Bermondsey or New Cross Gate.

Commuters face travel chaos this morning as parts of Central London remain in lockdown following Saturday's terror attack

Armed officers with police dogs patrol outside London Bridge railway station, which reopened today following the attack

The station is a major gateway into the capital city, used by more than 50,000 passengers from Kent, Surrey and Sussex every day

The closures are likely to cause massive travel disruption in central London as the Metropolitan Police continue to investigate the attack, which killed seven people

Roads still closed include London Bridge (pictured), Southwark Bridge, Borough High Street and Southwark Street

Met police assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said cordons around the area 'will have an impact on travel arrangements as we head into Monday morning'

Trains from and to London Victoria and the Gatwick Express are not affected, but are subject to other scheduled changes due to engineering works.

Souther services to and from Tonbridge, Horsham and Caterham will terminate at New Cross Gate. Shuttle buses will be in operation between the stations.

Jubilee and Northern line trains are running as normal but will not stop at London Bridge station.

Buses that cross London Bridge or travel nearby are being diverted. They include the numbers 15, 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 343, 344, 381, 521 and RV1.

Those whose offices are within the police cordon were not allowed to enter their workplaces on Sunday, with similar restrictions expected in the morning.

A crowd gathers behind a police cordon on Barking Road in East Ham, east London, where there was a heavy police presence during Sunday

Mr Rowley urged passengers to check with train and travel operators, with many confirming they would be running reduced services due to the closures

Forensic teams have been at the scene all morning searching for evidence around the bars in the Borough Market and London Bridge area

Well-wishers continue to pay their respects and visit makeshift memorials around the area where flowers have been laid down

Police on horseback have also been seen at Westminster Bridge today, pictured, as more patrols continue

It is believed officials said there were no plans for bollards at London Bridge as recently as last week, but they have been introduced at Westminster Bridge following the attack

Ms Dick told BBC Breakfast she is 'enormously proud' of the officer, who was in a serious condition in hospital on Monday morning.

Officers investigating Saturday's attack are working to establish whether the militants were supported by anyone else, the head of the city's police force said on Monday.

Ms Dick told the BBC: 'A very high priority for us obviously is to try to understand whether they were working with anyone else, whether anybody else was involved in the planning of this attack and to find out the background to it.

'We've carried out searches in a variety of places in east London and we've seized a huge amount of forensic material, so we're working very quickly.'

She told BBC Breakfast she is 'enormously proud' of the officer, who was in a serious condition in hospital on Monday morning.

Souvenir stands also continue to operate undeterred at Westminster Bridge as crowds continue to walk through the area

Ms Dick said police will 'do everything in their power to prevent terrorism and will be stepping up a gear'. Pictured are forensic teams at Borough Market

Officers investigating Saturday's attack are working to establish whether the militants were supported by anyone else, the Met confirmed today

Armed officers have been guarding the scene at Borough Market, pictured, since Saturday night

Police have foiled 18 terror plots since 2013 and arrest around one person every day in counter-terror raids, according to Ms Dick, as patrols continue today. Pictured are officers among commuters at London Bridge

Parts of London Bridge continue to be locked down this morning as Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has vowed officers will 'step up a gear' following the attack

A commuter is pictured laying flowers down on London Bridge, pictured, adding to a line of tributes left to the victims

Ms Dick refused to comment on the identity of the attackers or what was found inside the van used in the atrocity.

She added: 'I think those of us who weren't there are in awe of what both the police officers armed, the unarmed officers we've heard about and indeed the emergency services and members of the public - just extraordinary amounts of courage shown.'

The Met officer was having a drink with friends after work when he saw his uniformed colleagues and members of the public being 'severely assaulted'.

'My understanding is that, without hesitation, wearing his normal clothes, he dived in and tried to assist, and he I'm afraid was himself severely injured but utterly heroic,' she said.

PROTECTING THE PUBLIC: HOW THE MET IS ARMED AND READY TO DEFEND LONDON AGAINST TERROR The Metropolitan Police were out in full force over the weekend responding to the terror attack on Saturday night, shooting the three murderers dead just eight minutes after the first emergency call. Then on Sunday they were spotted around London Bridge and Borough Market as they protected the scene and kept the public safe. Officers, who wear balaclavas, are equipped with light and comfortable Protec ballistic helmets which are made to withstand gunfire, complete with protective goggles. They are also kitted out with kevlar body armour that protects against stabbing and bullets around the chest, back and sides. Each armed officer carries a Sig Sauer MCX semi-automatic rifle, made in New Hampshire, US, and purposefully designed for 'urban combat'. The 29-inch gun takes magazines equipped with 30 rounds of 5.56mm Nato-standard bullets and has a range of around 300 yards. They also carry Glock 9mm sidearms which are one of the most popular law-enforcement handguns in the world and have a range of around 50 yards. Advertisement

Ms Dick also commended bystanders who stayed with the officer and administered first aid before he was driven to hospital.

Police believe they know the identity of the three attackers and have taken 12 people into custody in a series of raids across east London in an investigation involving thousands of officers, she added.

'Clearly there's a huge operation, both to make sure that we can keep people safe at that immediate scene, examine the scene and roll out proper protection across London for individuals, for events, for crowded places,' she said.

She described the recent attacks as 'unprecedented in my working life' and added: 'We in this country have faced a terrorist threat throughout my life - it changed and morphed and we will change and adapt to what appears to be a new reality for us.'

Huge barriers have been put in place on Westminster Bridge, pictured, to prevent vehicles mounting the pavement

A commuter is pictured shaking an officer's hand with many Londoners seen thanking police today for their efforts

British Transport Police officers have been providing reassurance at the reopened London Bridge station today, pictured

Floral tributes have been left behind a cordon at Borough High Street as the public continue to come forward and pay their respects to those killed and injured by the three terrorists

'Physical measures' such as the security barriers have been put in place after London pedestrians were labelled 'sitting ducks'

Police have foiled 18 terror plots since 2013 and arrest around one person every day in counter-terror raids, Ms Dick said.

'We have very good intelligence and we are frequently able to disrupt or indeed provide highly effective protection when we think an event or a particular place is at risk,' she added.

'But I understand people will be concerned and all I can say is we will be doing everything in our power and we will be stepping up a gear.'

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust said it also was 'stepping up' the presence of its own security.

Patients attending appointments at Guy's or St Thomas' hospitals were also reminded to bring photo identification with them to appointments.

In a statement on its website, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust said: 'We are operating with enhanced security, but services are running as normal.

'Please attend appointments as planned, but bring your appointment letter and photo ID. Allow more time to travel.'

Some people visiting memorials to the victims around London today were visibly shaken and upset

The NHS trust was one of five across the capital which treated victims of the attack.

Nine patients were taken to the emergency department of St Thomas' hospital - which is situated on the south side of Westminster Bridge where another terror attack took place in March.

Meanwhile, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust urged patients and visitors to be 'vigilant'.

In a statement on it's website, the trust said: 'Following the incidents at London Bridge and Borough Market, our own security team will be stepping up their presence on our campuses.

'Although there is no reason to suspect any specific threat to our institution or other universities, due to the nature of our openness and accessibility we would urge everyone to remain vigilant and to immediately report anything suspicious to security.'

Meanwhile London's bridges will be protected by increased 'physical measures' in a bid to protect pedestrians from future terror attacks, it has been announced.

Security is being ramped up on river crossings across the capital following the London Bridge attack, after pedestrians were labelled 'sitting ducks'.

Authorities are likely to face questions again after the London Bridge attack about whether the perpetrators were on their radar and whether any opportunities to intervene were missed.

Despite the attack and the threat of danger, huge crowds of commuters continue to go about their daily lives, pictured

A bollard near Borough Market has been turned into a makeshift memorial after flowers were laid down and posters with the slogans 'Love will win' and 'Turn to Love' were put up

Police have also closed vehicle barriers in Whitehall today, pictured, as they protect pedestrians in the area

Cyclists were also seen out as usual in the London Bridge area today, pictured, but police have still closed off several roads

The sheer volume of activity being undertaken by MI5 and its partners to contain the threat was laid bare in the wake of the Manchester bombing last month.

Figures show the agency is managing around 500 active investigations involving around 3,000 individuals at any one time.

But in addition there are also a larger pool of as many as 20,000 people who have been considered at some point in the past but are not included in the live probes.

Thirty-six people remain in hospital, including 21 in critical condition, following the attack on Saturday night.

A bystander was shot in the head after they were caught in the crossfire and the incident is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed a Canadian national is among the dead but no name has been released.

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.

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

Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her 'huge gratitude' to the emergency services who were on London Bridge within two minutes of Saturday night's attack beginning

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 on Saturday night.
When Omran Daqneesh's photograph was beamed around the world, it became a haunting image of the brutality of the Assad regime and the suffering of children in Syria.

A picture of Omar in the back of an ambulance, blood caking his face and his body covered with masonry dust following an air strike, garnered international attention last year.

But now new pictures have emerged of the five-year-old from Aleppo, showing him fit and healthy with his family.

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When Omran Daqneesh's photograph was beamed around the world, it became a haunting image of the brutality of the Assad regime and the suffering of children in Syria

In new pictures taken from interviews with his family this week, Omar can be seen sitting on his father's knee at their home

Last August, Omran sat dazed and confused when he was loaded into an ambulance after being pulled from the rubble of his home in Aleppo which was decimated in an air strike.

The chilling image of the youngster made him a symbol of the horror and tragedy in Syria.

His older brother, Ali, 10, died from injuries sustained in the blast.

But in new pictures taken from interviews with his family this week, Omar can be seen sitting on his father's knee at their home.

The five-year-old appears fit and well despite the horrific air strike which reduced his home to rubble and killed his brother last year

His family was interviewed in Aleppo by Al-Mayadeen, a Lebanese television station supportive of the Assad regime

His family was interviewed in Aleppo for Al-Mayadeen, a Lebanese television station supportive of the Assad regime.

Pro-regime journalist Kinana Allouche tweeted a picture of Omar with the caption: 'The child Omran, those who tried to shed Syrian blood mislead the news that he was hit by the Syrian Arab Army.

'Here he now lives in the Syrian state with its army, its leader and its people.'

The Daqneesh's have so far refused to speak to the media out of fear they may be targeted by supporters of President Bashar al Assad's regime.

Pro-Assad journalist Kinana Allouche tweeted a picture of Omar, adding: 'The child Omran, those who tried to shed Syrian blood mislead the news that he was hit by the Syrian Arab Army'

Kinana Allouche posted a picture of herself interviewing the Daqneesh's, who have so far refused to speak to the media out of fear

Pro-Assad journalist Kinana Allouche sparked outrage when she posted a selfie of herself with the bodies of dead rebel fighters

Kinana Allouche last year sparked outrage when she posted a selfie of herself with the bodies of dead rebel fighters.

The journalist works for Sama TV, a sister channel of Addounia TV which is seen by many as a mouthpiece for the Assad regime.
A relative says a seven-year-old girl who was shot in the head in a deadly shooting in St. Louis last week is brain dead and being kept on life support until her organs can be harvested.

The girl's great-grandmother, Venita Griffin, said Monday that relatives have been visiting Deniya Irving and saying 'goodbye.'

They've decided to donate the girl's organs so she can be 'a blessing to someone.'

St. Louis Children's Hospital spokeswoman Abby Wuellner says only that the girl is in critical condition on Monday, KSDK reported.

Deniya Irving, 7, was shot in the head in a deadly shooting in St. Louis last week and is brain dead

Deniya's parents - 24-year-old Jessica Garth (right) and her boyfriend, 27-year-old Derrick Irving (left) - as well as another man were shot dead while in their cars. Irving's five-year-old sister (right) was also in the car but was not injured

The tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon in north St. Louis, Missouri. Deniya's parents - 24-year-old Jessica Garth and her boyfriend, 27-year-old Derrick Irving - as well as another man were shot dead while in their cars.

The two men were pronounced dead on the scene while Garth died while en route to the hospital.

Irving's five-year-old sister was also in the car and was not injured.

Police officers and city authorities are calling on the community to come forward with any information about the incident which happened in an area where violent crime is prevalent.

At a press conference Friday, Mayor Lyda Krewson said: 'We do need the public's help. This happened in the middle of the afternoon.

'Surely someone saw something and we need them to come forward and help us solve this crime and others.'

Griffin says it makes her 'feel better' that 'of all the crimes, everybody seems so concerned about this one.'

Families and friends have held vigils to remember all the victims.
Brits have taken to social media to mock ISIS after it claimed responsibility for the London Bridge terror attack.

In typically British fashion people are using dark humour to ridicule the group using the trending hashtag #IslamicStateClaims.

Extremists are being blamed on a host of problems - from the rising cost of Freddos and the shrinking size of Quality Street to Bake Off leaving the BBC.

In typically British fashion people are using dark humour to ridicule the group using the trending hashtag #IslamicStateClaims

Satirical jibes sweeping social media are blaming ISIS for killing Eastenders character Lucy Beale, removing the Galaxy Truffle from Celebrations and miss-selling people PPI.

It comes after ISIS said the three assailants who went on a crazed rampage on London Bridge and in Borough Market on Saturday night, killing seven people and injuring nearly 50 more, were part of their network.

And last week ISIS attempted to claim responsibility for an assault on a casino in the Philippines but it was later confirmed to be a robbery gone wrong.

So social media users are mocking the group by blaming them on a number of other comical issues.

Satirical jibes sweeping social media are blaming ISIS for killing Eastenders character Lucy Beale, removing the Galaxy Truffle from Celebrations and miss-selling people PPI

Helen, sharing a picture of Coronation Street's Ken Barlow lying unconscious, tweeted: '#IslamicStateClaims that they pushed Ken Barlow down the stairs.'

Charity Mapletoft wrote: '#IslamicStateClaims that they were the ones who took Bake Off off the BBC', while another Twitter user wrote: '#IslamicStateClaims that your call is important to them and will be answered shortly.'

Ian tweeted: '#IslamicStateClaims responsibility for all the socks that go missing in the washing machine'.

And another shared a picture of shrinking Quality Street tins, adding: 'This was us. #IslamicStateClaims'
An effort to fund Nevadas ambitious program to give all public school students the option to take state money allocated to them and use it instead for private school tuition, or other approved education-related expenses, is dead for this session.

Its unclear what this means for the future of the program, as the Nevada legislature only meets once every two years.

Nevadas education savings account program, a relatively new policy idea popping up across the country as an alternative to traditional school vouchers, was created in 2015 by a Republican-led legislature. But the program hasnt been officially launched because of disputes over how to pay for it.

Explainer: Whats the Difference Between Vouchers and Education Savings Accounts?

The power struggle between Democrats and Republicans over diverting $60 million into the ESA program nearly derailed the entire state budget. Democrats, who now make up the majority of the state legislature, held firm in their opposition to the programthe first in the nation to offer private school choice to all students in a state regardless of income, disability, or other special status.

According to the Associated Press, lawmakers reached a budget compromise late Sunday nightand its one that doesnt include funding for the ESAs.

However, the deal does contain an extra $20 million over the next two years for a separate private school choice program that has a cap on how much a family can earn in order to be eligible for the aid. That will be paid for by taxing marijuana sales and growers (marijuana was legalized in the state through a ballot initiative last fall).

Democrats decided that allowing $60 million in state funds to be directed into private schools was a non-negotiable for them, as the Associated Press describes:

Shaking his head and looking down at one of his signature patterned bow ties, the Democratic leader of the Nevada Senate said last week there was no version of a program to spend public dollars on private schooling that he could imagine himself supporting this session.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Fords personal grappling was the epitome of a Democratic legislative majority so fundamentally opposed to giving families hundreds or thousands of taxpayer dollars apiece to move their children from public to private schools that they decided this week to effectively trade several of their policy priorities for the death of Education Savings Accounts.

Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval is expected to approve the budget.

The Long Tug-O-War Over Nevadas ESAs

Although the states educations savings account program was created in 2015 under the then-Republican controlled legislature, the program has been on hold while legal challenges were mounted and resolved.

The states supreme court ruled in October that the funding mechanism for the program was unconstitutional, but not necessarily the idea, itself.

But since then, it has been up to a newly configured legislatureone with a Democratic majorityto approve a new funding source.

Related stories:

Photo: Spectators look down on the Nevada State Assembly on the opening day of the legislative session in February in Carson City, Nev. Lance Iversen/AP-File
Craig Mazin, a successful Hollywood screenwriter who happens to have roomed with Ted Cruz in college, has detailed the awkward near run-in he had with his old roommate at their 25th Princeton reunion this weekend.

Mazin said he had such a horrible time living with Cruz that he stopped speaking to him as soon as he didn't have to live with him anymore, and Cruz kept that streak going this weekend when he refused to acknowledge Mazin.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, Mazin described his 'very strange' conversation with Heidi Cruz, while her husband stood just five feet away.

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Ted Cruz (left) avoided talking to his college roommate Craig Mazin (right), a Hollywood screenwriter, at their Princeton reunion this weekend. The former roommates pictured above at their reunion this weekend

Above, Cruz his wife and their two daughters at the Princeton reunion on Saturday in New Jersey

However, Mazin did have a brief conversation with the Republican senator's wife

Mazin says that he hasn't talked to Cruz since they stopped living together

Mazin has been outspoken about his distaste for Cruz for years, but his recollections of their year living together became famous last year when Cruz ran for president

Mazin, who has written sequels for the Scary Movie, Hangover and Snow White and the Huntsman franchises, spoke about their near run-in on Twitter on Sunday

Mazin said he was standing in the courtyard where the 25th reunion was taking place, when he saw Ted and Heidi standing across the lawn, next to three of their mutual friends.

A few minutes later, the three friends motion for Mazin to come over.

'I know what they're doing. They're being evil. After all, Ted is five feet away. In my mind, I give their evil a respectful nod. Well played. I'm in. Let's do this,' he recalls.

'So I walk over and start chatting with Dave [Panton, Cruz's best friend from college]. He says, "There's someone I want you to meet."'

That's when Panton taps Heidi Cruz on the shoulder and introduces her to Mazin.

'Now, here's where it gets sort of...strange,' he says.

'There are a number of possible reactions that I would have categorized as "reasonable to expect." You know what I didn't expect?

'I didn't expect a thorough sort of detachment. Not angry, not interested, not even actively bored. I would have been fine with bored.

'It was more like meeting...I guess...a scientist? She looked at me pleasantly, and I told her that I was no fan of her husbands.

'BUT: I was careful to add that I had nothing against her whatsoever. She said she understood. She then asked, in a scientific way, "Was is difficult being Ted's roommate?"

In a series of Tweets, Mazin described his 'very strange' conversation with Heidi Cruz

Mazin said that he was taken aback because he has been so outspoken against Cruz.

'So I said, "Yes. It was very difficult." And she asked, and this is verbatim..."What he messy?"

'At this point, I'm feeling like maybe the scientist is trying to screw with me, but it seemed more likely that she was being sincere,' Mazin recalls.

'So I said, "Yes, he was messy..." Those ellipses indicate me making a "...but that wasn't really the problem" face,' Mazin says.

'She then asked me, with the serene patience of a mother talking to a child who has reported trouble with a siblings..."Were *you* messy?"

At this point, Mazin said he turned around and saw one of his friends watching the whole thing go down with glee.

'Now, when she asked me "Were *you* messy?" I got the sense I wasn't talking WITH her, but rather engaging in some bizarre dance.

'So I mumbled something like, "Ummm, yeah probably..." and then I sort of turned toward Dave, and she sort of turned torward someone else.

'It was over. I said to David that I liked her, because honestly, Heidi wasn't unpleasant. He said "she was Ted's best decision." To which I responded, "Damned by faint praise...but still, she seems very nice,"' he said.

'I would rather have anybody else be the president of the United States. Anyone. I would rather pick somebody from the phone book,' Mazin said of Cruz in 2013. Above, Cruz in a high school photo

Mazin says he left the conversation without speaking to Cruz himself - something he's happy about.

'Why break a streak I've had going since June of 1989? But very odd chatting with his wife standing right next to him,' he said.

Mazin has made his distaste for the Republican he once shared a dorm room with well known, taking to Twitter as early as 2012 to lament the fact that Cruz was about to be elected to the U.S. Senate.

'My freshman year college roommate Ted Cruz is going to be elected Senator. In case I hadn't made it clear, he's a huge a**hole,' Mazin wrote.

But it wasn't until Cruz became a serious candidate in the Republican primaries last year that Mazin's hilarious recollections of dorm life with Cruz started making headlines.

'As a freshman, I would get into senior parties because I was Ted's roommate,' Mazin recently tweeted. 'OUT OF PITY.'

'He was that widely loathed. It's his superpower.'

Mazin has been one of Cruz's few Princeton peers willing to go on the record about their disdain for him.

'I would rather have anybody else be the president of the United States,' Mazin told the Daily Beast in 2013, predicting Cruz's future campaign.

'Anyone. I would rather pick somebody from the phone book.'

Mazin also remembered the times that a 17-year-old Cruz would don a paisley bathrobe and walk to the girl's side of the dorm to chat up the ladies.

'I would end up fielding the [girls'] complaints: "Could you please keep your roommate out of our hallway?'" Mazin told the newspaper.

Mazin, who has more than 63,000 followers and has written the screenplays for the Hangover and Scary Movie sequels, now fields questions from people curious about Cruz on Twitter.

'Other than existing, what's the worst thing Ted did to you?' one asked.

'Set his alarm for 7am and then hit the snooze button seven times in a row,' Mazin replied. 'Day after day. Until I crazy-glued it.'

But Mazin didn't have a response when one Twitter user asked what Cruz did on a 'typical Friday night in college'.

'I have no idea,' Mazin replied. 'Because the first thing I did after my last class of the week was GET THE F*** AWAY FROM TED CRUZ.'

One user couldn't believe it had been all bad, asking Mazin if at any point during in their dorm he and Cruz shared 'genuine moment', made 'sincere eye contact' or even agreed on what television show to watch.

'No, no and no,' Mazin responded.

The screenwriter did admit there was one benefit to being Cruz's roommate. Along with the party invites out of pity, he said his hatred of Cruz 'got me laid a few times in '88'.

But along with the jokes and tales from college, Mazin was vocal in his belief that Cruz would make a dangerous president.

'Ted Cruz will become the thing you need him to be so that he wins an election,' Mazin wrote. 'No principles, no moral center, no values. Just ambition.'

Mazin said that ambition came from Cruz's upbringing: 'Ted has wanted to be President ever since his father told him that's what Jesus really, really wanted to happen,' he wrote on Twitter.

As Cruz gained in the polls, Mazin said some people are wishing he had taken action earlier.

'Getting emails blaming me for not smothering Ted Cruz in his sleep in 1988,' Mazin shared.

'What kind of monster do you think I am? A really prescient one?'

As for the rumor that Ted Cruz is the Zodiac Killer, an unidentified serial killer who claimed to kill 37 people in Northern California during the 1960s and 70s, Mazin says it's impossible.

'Ted Cruz is not the Zodiac Killer,' he wrote. 'The Zodiac Killer actually got things done.'
A seven-year-old boy has been shot dead while riding in a family car full of other children and adults, in what police are calling a targeted shooting.

Kamari Da'Quan Munerlyn, seven, was fatally shot around 5pm on Sunday in Durham, North Carolina, after bullets riddled the Honda Pilot SUV he was riding in with five adults and four other children.

Police have not confirmed the boy's identity, which was released by members of his family.

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Seven-year-old Kamari Da'Quan Munerlyn (left and right) was killed in a shooting on Sunday in Durham, North Carolina. The car he was riding in was struck by multiple bullets

Kamari was killed in what police suspect was a targeted shooting, although they do not believe the boy was the intended victim. Nine other people were in the car when he was shot

The horrific shooting occurred as the SUV traveled down a suburban stretch of Hillandale Road near Peppertree Street, on the way back from visiting a nearby pool.

Kamari's mother was in the car with him, but his father was not present, according to news reports.

After bullets struck the crowded Honda, the driver sped off in an attempt to reach a hospital.

But the car's tire had been punctured in the shooting, and the vehicle was forced to pull over at a Tokyo Express a little over a mile away and wait for paramedics to arrive.

Kamari was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the Honda Pilot SUV tried to rush Kamari to a hospital, but the car got a flat tire

The car pulled over in this Tokyo Express to call an ambulance. The boy was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead

Police said that of the five adults in the vehicle with Kamari when he was shot, three fled the scene before police could arrive

Cops investigating at the scene were seen struggling to compose themselves in the wake of the violence against the young boy.

Police said that of the five adults in the vehicle with Kamari when he was shot, three fled the scene before police could arrive.

None of the car's other occupants were injured in the shooting, police said.

'The incident doesnt appear to be random and investigators are following promising leads,' Durham police spokesman Wil Glenn told the Herald-Sun.

No arrests have been reported in the case.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help pay for Kamari's funeral expenses.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call Durham CrimeStoppers anonymously at 919-683-1200.
Murder-suicide victim: Relatives say 66-year-old Jimmy Bellamy was killed by his neighbor in Hackensack, New Jersey, on Sunday

A long-standing feud between two neighbors in New Jersey on Sunday reached a bloody conclusion when authorities say one man shot dead his adversary before turning the gun on himself.

A relative identified the victim of the suspected murder-suicide in Hackensack as 66-year-old Jimmy Bellamy.

According to Bergen County District Attorney Gurbir Grewal, Bellamy was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds next to the elevator in the lobby of The Hampton apartment complex at 5 Linden Street at 9.20am on Sunday.

Hackensack police officers who responded to reports of shots fired searched the area and discovered the gunman, a 63-year-old man who has not been named as of Monday afternoon, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in the rear parking lot.

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Crime scene: Bellamy was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds next to the elevator in the lobby of The Hampton apartment complex at 5 Linden Street

The gunman, a 63-year-old man, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in the rear parking lot

Long-standing feud: Bellamy and his neighbor had been locked in a dispute since at least January and repeatedly called police on one another

A handgun that was allegedly used in the murder-suicide was recovered at the scene by police, reported NBC New York.

Grewal characterized the fatal shooting incident as 'an unfortunate culmination of a long-running dispute between two residents of the building'.

Bellamy and his wife lived in an apartment directly above the gunman, and between January and May police had been called about seven times over mutual complaints from the two quarreling neighbors.

Speaking at a press conference Sunday, Grewal said there is no cause of panic in the community.

Bellamy and his wife lived in an apartment directly above the gunman. The skating enthusiast is survived by his grown daughter (pictured together, right), and two grandchildren

Bellamy's nephew Dale Long, who identified him as the victim, told ABC Eyewitness News that his uncle was a nice and hardworking man.

A longtime friend of Bellamys revealed in a Facebook post Monday that the 66-year-old was a skating enthusiast.

Another acquaintance wrote in a comment that the victim had worked as a glazer putting window panes at skyscrapers.

According to Bellamy's own Facebook page, he had an adult daughter and two grandchildren.
Josh Duggar is trying to join his sisters' lawsuit against Arkansas police and In Touch Weekly seeking damages for the 'harm' he suffered following the tabloid's publication of a 2015 story which claimed he molested his siblings.

Court documents obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show the disgraced reality star, 29, has filed a motion to intervene in the case stating he has suffered severe emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation, and harm to both his personal and professional reputations.

Duggar, who was reported to have abused the girls when he was 14 and 15 years old, argues that his sisters have received sympathy from the public, but that his character has been damaged forever.

In March, sisters Jill, Jessa, Jinger, and Joy Duggar filed a breach-of-privacy suit against the city of Springdale, the tabloid, and police officials over the release of investigative reports relating to the incident.

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Josh Duggar made his social media return on Friday, appearing on the Duggar family Instagram account in a photo with his son Marcus and wife Annas. He seeking damages in his sisters' breach-of-privacy lawsuit against the city of Springdale, Arkansas and In Touch Weekly, claiming he has suffered severe emotional distress following the publication of reports that he molested four of his siblings

The lawsuit states the Duggar sisters spoke to investigators back in 2006 and were promised that their statements would not be made public and would only be circulated with police and child service officials.

The four sisters were all minors at the time.

But under the Freedom of Information Act, In Touch was granted the investigation records in 2015 and went on to publish at least eight stories on the report.

The Duggar sisters argued that under Arkansas law the police are prohibited from releasing information related to cases of sexual misconduct to children.

The four girls, who are now in their twenties, said the media attention further victimized them as the scandal led to the cancellation of the family's reality show on TLC, 19 Kids and Counting.

A city spokesman released a statement on the Duggars' lawsuit denying the claims.

Jill (left) 26, and Jessa, 24, along with their other two sisters, filed a breach-of-privacy suit in March against the city of Springdale Arkansas, and In Touch Weekly

Joy, 19, and Jinger, 23, and two other sisters claimed their brother Josh molested them in 2006

'The claims and allegations in this lawsuit are without merit and are false, and we are confident that the Federal Court will take the time to carefully hear the facts and arguments in this matter.

'It is unfortunate that now, at this late date, the Plaintiffs have chosen to file a misguided lawsuit against dedicated public servants and seeking damages from public tax dollars.'

Josh and Anna are expecting their fifth child

In Touch has not responded to the lawsuit.

Documents show Duggar can be granted intervention on the suit by right, or by permission of the court.

His lawyers argue that the married father of four is entitled to intervention by right since he was also a minor at the time of the investigation.

'[Duggar] was the subject of a child abuse investigation conducted by members of the Springdale Police Department and Washington County Sheriff's Office resulting in reports created, collected or compiled by or on behalf of the Arkansas Department of Human Services ('DHS') in 2006 when he was a juvenile,' court papers state.

According to Arkansas state law, 'the allegations and identities contained in the child abuse investigations records shall not be disclosed to the public,' and Duggar 'had a reasonable expectation that the confidentiality of those records would be maintained and after a certain time, expunged.'

Previously, only Jessa and Jill spoke publicly about the molestation; they were the only two sisters married at the time (pictured in 2015)

The sisters claim they were promised the investigation reports were to be kept sealed because they were minors

The family's attorney accused city officials of releasing the records negligently, intentionally and maliciously to a tabloid magazine with worldwide distribution, 'which records became the topic of scandalous reporting of international scope given the celebrity status of the alleged victims and the alleged juvenile offender.'

Josh states that while his sisters have suffered a wave of public humiliation due to the misconduct of defendants, they have also received public exposure that has elicited sympathy - not so much with him.

He claims the 'released reports have subjected him to exposure only in an intensely negative light for actions he engaged in as an indiscreet youth and that will continue to haunt him and cause him financial and emotional injury for the rest of his life.'

Duggar also recently made his social media return on Friday, appearing on the family Instagram account in a photo with his son Marcus and wife Anna. The couple are expecting their fifth child later this year.

The father was summoned to a Los Angeles court earlier this year after a DJ accused Duggar ofstealing his photo to use on dating and hookup sites.
Dozens of firefighters and their families gathered to pay their respects to a fallen fireman on Monday just hours after he died from the injuries he sustained in a training accident on Sunday.

Kelly Wong, 29, was conducting a training exercise at 348 South Main Street near Hotel Barclay on Saturday when he fell from a telescopic ladder onto the back of a fire truck just before 9:45am.

He suffered blunt force trauma injuries and was treated on the scene before being rushed to hospital, but passed away on Monday morning, KTLA 5 reported.

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Tragic: Kelly Wong (left) fell from a ladder on Saturday during a drill. On Monday he died, leaving behind his infant son (pictured left, being held by Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas) and wife

Honored: Hospital staff, colleagues and family lined up to see off Wong as he was taken from the hospital to the coroner's office a short drive up the road

As Wong's body was taken from the County-USC Medical Center to the nearby coroner's office at 10am Monday, his brothers and sisters in the LAFD gathered to see him off.

A line of uniformed firefighters saluted as his body, wrapped in a US flag, was wheeled out on a gurney and into a waiting van.

Among the civilians also gathered to say goodbye were his wife Denise and his infant son, Colton.

Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas was seen holding the tiny child after the emotional moment.

The van then drove in a column of vehicles, with bright red FDNY vans at its head and rear, beneath a pair of twin ladders with an American flag draped from them.

More saluting firefighters were present as the van pulled into the coroner's office parking lot, CBS Los Angeles reported.

Tribute: A US flag was draped across the road and firefighters salutes as the van carrying Wong's body (white, center, in column of red fire department vans) drove away

Saluted: Wong was also saluted on arrival at the coroner's office, where the flag was removed and he was taken for autopsy. It's unclear why he fell during the training exercise

'I join the men and women of the LAFD in mourning Firefighter Wong's sudden passing,' said Terrazas in a statement.

'It is always a tragedy to lose one of our own, especially an accomplished individual who was still at the beginning of what was certainly going to be a promising career.'

It wasn't clear how far Wong fell when he tumbled off the ladder.

Video from the scene shows the ladder stretching four stories up to the top of a building next to the Hotel Barclay, while police tape off the area.

Crumpled clothing, including a firefighter's jacket, can be seen piled on the ground.

Wong, a father of one, graduated at the top of his class from the LAFD's Recruit Academy on Terminal Island two years ago.

He was then placed in Station 92 in Rancho Park, but was set to transfer to Fire Station 9, which services Skid Row and downtown LA, on June 12.

He was working for Fire Station 9 when he fell from the ladder.

As well as his wife and child, Wong leaves behind his mother Ann, as well his mother-in-law and father-in-law Barbara and Michael Quinlan, and his sisters-in-law Nicole and Stephanie.
Bill Maher will continue to host his 'Real Time' show and go on tour despite using a racial slur on air last week, it has been reported.

HBO revealed the Emmy-award winning host of their longest-running late-night program going nowhere, despite three days of social media outrage and calls for the network to fire him after her used the phrase 'house n*****' on Friday.

His upcoming comedy tour will also go ahead as planned, with none of the venues making the decision to pull out, TMZ has reported.

Staff at the 'majority' of venues are reported to have told TMZ they were either not aware of the televised incident - or were looking into it.

Bill Maher will continue to host his 'Real Time' show and go on tour despite using a racial slur on air last week (above in February at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party)

Maher's upcoming comedy tour will go ahead as planned, with none of the venues making the decision to pull out, TMZ has reported

Maher will be back on set this Friday for the normally scheduled taping of 'Real Time', an HBO executive confirmed to DailyMail.com.

The outspoken 61-year-old has not yet commented on the network's decision to keep him on, having done his best to keep a low profile in the wake of the incident.

Chance the Rapper was one of the first to comment on the situation, writing on Twitter early Saturday: 'Please @HBO Do Not Air Another Episode Of Real Time With Bill Maher.'

It is not all good news though, as Maher has already lost one of his scheduled guests for the program on Friday.

The host's good friend, comedian-turned-politician Al Franken, announced on Monday that he will not be appearing on the show.

'Senator Franken believes that what Bill Maher said was inappropriate and offensive, which is why he made the decision not to appear on the next episode of 'Real Time,'' said Franken's office in a statement on Monday.

'He was glad to see Bill, who the Senator considers to be a good friend, apologize and express sincere regret for his comment.'

Pejorative: The popular host of the long-running late-night program outraged many when he used the phrase 'house n*****' on his most recent episode last Friday (above last Friday on 'Real Time' with Senator Ben Sasse)

Response: 'Please @HBO Do Not Air Another Episode Of Real Time With Bill Maher,' wrote Chance the Rapper (above)

TMZ was the first to report that Maher would be returning to work on Friday.

HBO has decided however to remove the racial slur from the episode so that it will not seen in any subsequent airings, with the phrase coming just minutes into the program.

It happened during Maher's sit-down interview that appears at the top of each episode, and last Friday that one-on-one was with Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska.

The men argued a bit and chatted as is standard custom, but then things took a turn following a rather innocuous comment.

At one point during their exchange, Senator Sasse invited Maher back to his home state by saying: 'We'd love to have you work in the fields with us.'

Maher immediately fired back: 'Work in the fields? Senator, I'm a house n*****.'

The backlash was quick, with many in disbelief that Maher would utter such a pejorative term in the middle of his show.

In the studio, there were a few laughs but mostly groans from the audience, while Senator Sasse appeared incredibly uncomfortable.

'No, it's a joke,' explained Maher, which did little to change the mood.

Twitter meanwhile erupted as many began to attack Maher and the network, just four days after social media users launched what looked to be a successful campaign to have comedian Kathy Griffin fired from CNN.

Senator Sasse was the first to apologize for the exchange once the fallout began over the weekend, releasing a statement via a Twitter thread on his personal account.

'Am walking off a redeye from LAX. 3 reflections on @billmaher 1. I'm a 1st Amendment absolutist. Comedians get latitude to cross hard lines,' began Senator Sasse.

'But free speech comes with a responsibility to speak up when folks use that word. Me just cringing last night wasn't good enough.'

Senator Sasse went on to say: '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?''

He then closed out by stating: '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.'

Coulda. woulda, shoulda: In a Twitter thread on Saturday, Senator Ben Sasse wrote: ''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?''

Leading the pack: Deray Mckesson was one of the first to comment on the situation, writing on Friday: 'But really, @BillMaher has got to go. There are no explanations that make this acceptable'

Next up was HBO, who released a more formal statement soon after Senator Sasse's tweet storm.

'Bill Maher's comment last night was completely inexcusable and tasteless,' read the statement.

'We are removing his deeply offensive comment from any subsequent airings of the show.'

The network did not initially remove that portion of the interview, with the first repeat episode of the program last Friday still containing the slur when it aired at midnight.

Last, but not least, was Maher.

'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,' said Maher.

'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.'

Activist Deray Mckesson presented his argument for why HBO should fire Maher in a series of tweets on Saturday.

'There is no circumstance in which Bill Maher, as a rich wt man, would ever be implicated in the word like he pretends to be. He knows this,' wrote Mckkesson.

He followed that tweet up by stating: 'Bill Maher would like us to believe that his use of the n-word is in joking solidarity. But w/ whom? He was talking about us, not w/ us.'

He was also one of the first to comment on the situation, writing on Friday: 'But really, @BillMaher has got to go. There are no explanations that make this acceptable.'

The odd couple: 'The word was offensive and I regret saying it and am very sorry,' said Maher in a statement apologizing on Saturday (Maher and Milo Yiannopoulos)

The decision to keep Maher is a bit less complicated than the one CNN had to make with Griffin, or Fox News had to make back in April after Bill O'Reilly's sexual harassment scandal.

Since HBO is funded by paid subscribers, there is no threat of advertisers boycotting Maher's show like they had done with O'Reilly and could have done with Griffin on the network's New Year's Eve broadcast.

Maher of course is no stranger to controversy, and frequently targets Republicans, conservatives and Catholics on his program.

He is also one of the few hosts to welcome a diverse group of political guests on each week.

One of those guests earlier this year was Milo Yiannopoulos in another episode that gained headlines.

The former Breitbart writer used his platform om the show to launch into a a five-minute rant against transgender people, saying that he did not want them in the bathroom with little girls.

He then attacked the intelligence of the panel and one of the guest's, at which point the normally docile and calm Larry Wilmore told the bejeweled Brit: 'Go f*** yourself.'

Many expressed their outrage at that time too on social media, wondering why Maher let Yiannopoulos on the show.
A man who allegedly punched and kicked his ex-girlfriend to death had previously Googled how much money he could be sent in jail, a court heard today.

Joe Storey, 27, left mother-of-two Kerri McAuley lying dead in a pool of blood after repeatedly hitting her head and neck and causing 19 different injuries, it was said.

Ms McAuley, 32, was also found with a tie wrapped around her neck following the horrific attack at her flat in Norwich, Norfolk, on January 7 this year.

Google searches were found on Storey's phone including 'sending money to jail', 'how much money can you send a prisoner' and 'what is the maximum I can sent to a prisoner'.

Killer: Joe Storey (left), 27, left mother-of-two Kerri McAuley (right) lying dead in a pool of blood after repeatedly hitting her head and neck causing 19 different injuries, it was said

Storey pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murdering his former partner at Norwich Crown Court yesterday.

He claimed he had 'gotten into a fight' when he was later found wearing a shirt which was 'covered in blood'.

Opening the murder trial, prosecutor Simon Spence said the horrific attack was 'no ordinary domestic assault in the course of an argument'.

He said: 'One only has to look at the extent of the head injuries Kerri maintained to see what he intended.

'She had 19 separate injuries to her face and head. A small bone in her neck was fractured. She had inhaled her own blood and the tip of her tongue was bruised.'

He added that both sides of Ms McAuley's jaw had been fractured in the attack, leaving her jaw loose within her face.

He said: 'This was no ordinary domestic assault in the course of an argument but a brutal and sustained attack in which the defendant intended to cause her serious harm.'

Mr Spence also said the victim was found lying on the floor covered in blood, having left trails of blood around the house which suggested she was trying to escape.

Ms McAuley, 32, above, was also found with a tie wrapped around her neck following the horrific attack at her flat in Norwich, Norfolk, on January 7 this year

He said: 'Kerri had been assaulted in the lounge, had gone into the bathroom while injured. She had also exhaled blood by the front door.

'The prosecution says that was Kerri trying to escape.'

The jury were told how the couple had been together on and off for between one and a half and two years.

Mr Spence said Storey had assaulted Ms McAuley on at least two other occasions before the incident which led to her death.

On one of these occasions in the 'history of violence towards her' she was hospitalised.

Describing the timeline of events leading up to the assault on January 7, Mr Spence said the pair went out for dinner and bowling in Norwich.

They then went for drinks in numerous pubs in the city but were spotted arguing in one before they headed back to Ms McAuley's flat.

The court heard how blooded footprints were found over the flat as well as blood splatters in the bathroom and kitchen.

Exhaled blood was also found on numerous walls.

Storey, pictured with victim Ms McAuley, pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murdering his former partner at Norwich Crown Court yesterday

Mr Spence told the jury how in the early hours of January 8 Storey is said to have called a friend and said 'I've hurt her' or 'I'm hurt'.

He also said that Kerri was drunk but that she was alright - which the prosecution says must have been 'a clear lie'.

The next morning it is said that Storey went to the same friend's house while drunk.

He was wearing a shirt which was 'covered in blood' and Prosecutor Spence explained how he claimed he had 'gotten into a fight'.

He later threw the shirt into the bin. When it was taken as evidence and analysed it was revealed that the blood it was covered in belonged solely to Ms McAuley.

Describing his actions, Mr Spence said: 'He perpetuated the story she was fine.

'At around 10am on January 8 he asked to go to Kerri's flat. He went inside and spent around five or ten minutes there.

'When he returned he seemed completely normal.

'He told his friend Kerri was there. Kerri was lying dead on the floor.'

Miss McAuley's body was eventually found when her ex-partner called her mother to say he had been unable to contact her. He had been looking after her children but was due to drop them off.

Victimised: The court heard how following a previous attack the prosecution say was by Storey in 2016, Ms McAuley shared five pictures of her bruised face online

Using a spare key the mother and brother let themselves into her flat and discovered her body - a sight Mr Spence said 'will no doubt haunt them for the rest of their lives'.

A bloodied mattress was also found in the living room of Ms McAuley's flat and her and her clothes were 'covered in blood'.

Police tracked Storey to his friend's flat and arrested him on suspicion of murder.

He was interviewed under caution and refused comment throughout, the jury were told. Storey's phone was seized and Ms McAuley's phone was later found smashed and covered in blood at her flat.

A selfie was found on on Storey's phone taken at 6.38am on the day of Ms McAuley's death with his face covered in blood.

The prosecution also detailed how 'literally thousands' of text messages between the two were sent from May 2016 to Jan 2017.

Mr Spence said: 'They showed a relationship in which Kerri was trying to keep away from the defendant.

'But through a number of methods that I would call emotional blackmail he managed to keep them meeting up. The amount of calls and texts was overwhelming.'

Google searches found on the phone included 'how much money can you send a prisoner'.

The prosecution stated this showed that 'he was clearly planning ahead rather than calling any help for Kerri'.

Mr Spence added: 'Either he didn't care for her welfare at all or he knew she was dead beyond help.'

The court heard how following a previous attack the prosecution say was by Storey in 2016, Ms McAuley shared five pictures of her bruised face.

Alongside these she said: 'My ex, who claims he loves me, beat and suffocated me until I almost passed out.

'It has left me with a broken cheek and a broken heart. It's out there and maybe now I can move on.'

The trial, which is expected to last for two weeks, continues.
Thousands of people came to pay tribute to a well-known New Jersey police officer at his funeral on Monday.

Fellow officers, friends and family - including his two young sons and pregnant widow - honored Matthew Tarentino's life at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville.

The 29-year-old officer died last Tuesday after he was hit by a driver on Interstate 78 in Bernards Township while on his way to work. Archibald McGlashan, 68, crossed the median of the highway and crashed directly into Tarentino's police car.

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Matthew Tarentino, 29, died last Tuesday after he was hit by another driver on Interstate 78 in New Jersey. His wife and two young sons (pictured left) attended his funeral on Monday

Thousands of people - including fellow officers, friends, family, and community members - came to pay tribute to him during a police procession

Officers flanked the hearse that was driven down Mountain Avenue in Somerville

Police officers, backed by other mourners, lined all 100 yards of the way from the funeral home to the church

Tarentino's sons, dressed in matching gray suits and blue shirts, held onto their mom's hands as they looked around in awe at the other officers

Both Tarentino and McGlashan were killed, while another person was injured.

'Matt was a unique officer, he was a gentleman,' Summit Mayor Nora Radest told NBC 4.

Tarentino was posthumously promoted to detective on Wednesday, the day after his death

'He always had a smile and he spent a lot of time focusing on his community.'

Tarentino was a local DARE instructor who was popular with parents and students alike. Tragically, he was set to give a speech at his fifth DARE graduation ceremony on the same day he was hit and killed.

He taught young students in kindergarten and pre-K about stranger danger and bike safety, and was the chaperone for middle school class trips to Washington, DC.

Tarentino also made sure to take on a fun role with the children in the community, reading to kindergartners for Dr Seuss day and wearing an over-sized polka dot tie over his police uniform.

Past students from some of his DARE courses attended the funeral.

'He was always so bright and happy and he wanted to answer each question,' fifth grader Pavel Yurko told NBC 4 at the police station.

Tarentino taught DARE courses and even read to kindergarten students on Dr Seuss day

'He was always so bright and happy and he wanted to answer each question,' fifth grader Pavel Yurko said

Hundreds of cops in uniform are seen saluting as Tarentino's casket is carried through the streets from the back of the hearse

Officers lined up alongside tombstones at the New Jersey graveyard to pay their respects to the fallen cop

'He was always really nice and really helpful. And he taught us a lot about making the right choice and resisting drugs.'

Police Chief Robert Weck clearly agreed with Pavel's sentiment.

'Matthew Tarentino epitomized what a law enforcement officer should be: a respected, trusted colleague with unshakeable dedication and enthusiasm for his calling,' Weck wrote in a Facebook post.

Tarentino was given a community policing award from the New Jersey attorney general just last week. Posthumously, he was promoted to detective on Wednesday, the day after his death.

The hearse pulls out next to a police horse with a hoard of police motorcyclists in the background

The New Jersey State Police Pipe Band were part of the procession, dressed in traditional attire

Four mounted police officers, three of which are pictured here, were also part of the procession
The White House pushed back firmly on Monday against the notion that President Donald Trump may have picked a fight with London mayor Sadiq Khan because he is a Muslim.

'Not at all,' Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders shot back at the suggestion from a CNN reporter.

'And I think that to suggest something like that is utterly ridiculous.'

Trump has had a rocky relationship with Muslim groups since calling in December 2015 for 'a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States' pending a review of homeland security safeguards.

The president came under fire this week for taking issue with Khan's stiff-upper-lip advice to Londoners following Saturday's deadly terror attack.

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President Donald Trump did not attack London Mayor Sadiq Khan (right) because of his Muslim faith, the White House insisted on Monday

White House deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told a CNN reporter that 'to suggest something like that is utterly ridiculous'

Khan is the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital city.

He said Sunday that there was 'no reason to be alarmed' at the sight of a massive armed police presence in the city's center  a notion that sent the president into overdrive.

'At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack,' Trump tweeted, 'and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"'

'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,' he added.

The president doubled down Monday on his feud with Sadiq Khan, despite appearing to take him out of context on Sunday (above)

Three jihadis attackers (one suspect seen lying down, with fake bomb vest) drove into people on London Bridge just after 10 p.m. Saturday, then ran through a popular nightlife area, attacking civilians with knives before police shot them dead

On Monday morning he doubled down on the attack, tweeting: 'Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM [mainstream media] is working hard to sell it!'

It was not clear what 'excuse' the president was referring to.

The mayor hit back Monday night, accusing Trump of 'fuelling division' and insisting he did not have 'time' to respond in greater detail.

Sanders said Monday that Trump is committed to putting a renewed emphasis on national security, and denied that the president had taken Khan's words out of context  when an ABC News reporter claimed he 'directly misrepresented' him.

'I don't think that's actually true. I think that the media wants to spin it that way,' she deadpanned.

An increased armed police presence in a city where regular beat cops don't carry guns can be interpreted as a sign that authorities believe an attack is imminent.

Trump, Sanders hinted, interpreted Khan's calm as a message of complacency  referring not to the uniformed troops but to the terror threat they represented.

'I think that the point is, is there is a reason to be alarmed,' she said.

'We have constant attacks going on, not only there but across the globe. And we have to start putting national security and global security at an all-time high.'

'President Trump has been very clear that's his priority, and he's not backing away from that.'
The White House insisted today that the president's travel restrictions are about national security - and that is all - as it tried to explain a series of tweets he sent Monday morning criticizing his Justice Department for the 'watered down Travel Ban' it put before the Supreme Court.

President Trump also gave his critics carte blanche permission to 'call it whatever they want,' undermining administration officials who had insisted that it was not a ban of any kind.

Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders admitted to reporters Monday afternoon that Trump ceded ground to an appeals court in order to expedite the implementation of the immigration policy that's indefinitely on hold and Trump has admitted is a travel ban.

'I don't think the president cares what you call it, whether you call it a ban, whether you call it a restriction. He cares that we call it national security,' she argued at the White House's daily briefing for press.

Huckabee Sanders echoed the president and said later that 'he isn't concerned with being politically correct' - his top priority is the safety and security of the American people.

Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders admitted to reporters Monday afternoon that Trump ceded ground to an appeals court in order to expedite the implementation of the immigration policy that's indefinitely on hold and Trump has admitted is a travel ban

Trump had lashed out at his own Justice Department earlier in the day for seeking the Supreme Court's backing for a 'watered down, politically correct version' of the travel ban he signed in March.

'People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!' he tweeted.

Trump appeared to be responding to a segment on the MSNBC 'Morning Joe' program, whose hosts needled him directly, mocking 'Tweet with Morning Joe!'

'Donald, I know you don't watch, so I'm not talking to you,' Joe Scarborough said, looking down the barrel of the TV camera.

'You do realize you just keep hurting yourself. You hurt yourself on the travel ban, and every politician you attack in Europe, you elect them.'

Minutes after Trump began tweeting, Scarborough quipped: 'We thank you for responding to our show. '

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer - who was absent on Monday from the briefing even though he was in the building - told a reporters in January that the president was mimicking the media when he called it a ban, when it's really not one.

'It's not a Muslim ban. It's not a travel ban,' Spicer said at the time. 'It's a vetting system to keep America safe.'

Trump said Monday that it was, in fact, a ban - and he doesn't care if critics of the policy call it that.

Huckabee Sanders didn't use those words when she talked about the policy Monday as she defended Trump's tweets and the executive order's intent - but she echoed the sentiment.

'I think the president isn't concerned with what you call it, he's concerned with national security and protecting people in this country,' she said. 'He's not concerned with being politically correct, he's concerned with the American people, that's the bottom line here.'

President Donald Trump lashed out at his own Justice Department Monday for seeking the Supreme Court's backing for a 'watered down, politically correct version' of his travel ban

Trump insists on calling it a 'travel ban'

'Hi, Donald!' Trump seemed to be responding to a segment on 'Morning Joe,' a program he has insisted he no longer watches

The Trump spokeswoman brushed off the debate over whether the policy is a ban or not as insignificant and irrelevant.

'It's real simple. Everybody wants to get into the labels and the semantics of it, but the bottom line is he's trying to protect the citizens of this country,' she said. 'The danger is extremely clear. The law is very clear, and the need for the executive order is very clear, and the president's priority [of] protecting the people is very clear. Full stop.'

The argument at the heart of the legal challenges to the policy is whether or not it was meant to be a Muslim ban.

A federal appeals court ruled last month that it was discriminatory and hostile to the religious group. The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to review the Fourth Circuit's decision.

Trump is already on his second try with the ban that his administration rewrote in response to a separate court, from the Ninth Circuit, ruling earlier in the year.

'The president been very clear, he wants to go as far and as strong as possible under the Constitution to protect the people in this country...that's what he felt the first executive order did. The second one was another version of that,' Huckabee Sanders said Monday.

Addressing the concerns cited by the courts and Trump's critics, Huckabee Sanders said, 'Everybody wants to make it something different than a national security issue, and that's exactly what it is.'

Trump's tweets on the directive that the administration asked the Supreme Court to review immediately on Monday, following the president's public shaming of the Department of Justice, came after a Morning Joe segment that needled him.

'You want to say hi to him?' Scarborough asked co-host and fiancee Mika Brzezinski after it became clear that the president was watching.

'No, I don't want to say hi,' she responded.

'Hi, Donald!' Scarborough said.

'This president through his travel ban is trying to do something to protect the people of this country,' Kellyanne Conway said Monday

'We went after him in the first [broadcast] block,' he told his audience. 'By the time we came back from commercial he did something that put himself in more difficult legal jeopardy.'

'We talked about that, and then he put out another tweet that makes the work of his Justice Department and solicitor general even more difficult.

'And I don't know how detached this guy is with reality.'

'Thank you, Mr. President!' Brzezinski said later. 'Because I don't agree with the travel ban. He's helping me out.'

In his tweets, Trump urged the Justice Department to ask for an 'expedited hearing' at the high court and seek a 'much tougher version' of the order temporarily blocking entry to the U.S. from a half-dozen majority Muslim countries.

He called the courts, which have blocked both versions of the travel ban, 'slow and political.'

On NBC's 'Today' show, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway defended Trump's travel ban as a reasonable precaution against the kind of terror attack that paralyzed London over the weekend.

'If you're going to "see something and say something," it has to be followed by "do something." And this president through his travel ban is trying to do something to protect the people of this country,' Conway said.

'I think people should look at the constitutional authority and the statutory authority for any president, including this one, to take a look at the poor vetting processes, the screening processes. We're talking about six countries that have been previously identified via the Obama administration where they either harbor or train, and/or export terrorists.'

'I don't know how detached this guy is with reality,' Joe Scarborough said Monday of President Donald Trump

Trump is insisting that the Supreme Court block a lower court's injunction that stopped the travel ban from going into effect

The president criticized the legal strategy in the wake of the vehicle and knife attack in London that left seven people dead and dozens injured. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last week, the Justice Department formally asked the Supreme Court to let a ban on visitors from six mostly Muslim countries and refugees from around the world to be put in place. The high court also is being asked to uphold the constitutionality of the Trump travel policy, which lower courts have blocked because it shows anti-Muslim prejudice.

The directive that would go before the Supreme Court is a narrower version of the executive order the president signed during his first week in office. The second order removed Iraq from the list of banned countries. An indefinite halt to entry from Syrian refugees was replaced by a temporary pause.

Trump's criticism came a day after he said he would do whatever is necessary to protect the United States from a 'vile enemy' that he said has waged war on innocents for too long,. 'This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end,' he vowed.

Trump was commenting Sunday evening on the vehicle and knife attack that killed at least seven people in London at the conclusion of a Sunday night 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 has waged war on innocent life, and it's gone on too long,' Trump said in an appearance at a Ford's Theater event, his first comments in public on the attack late Saturday in a busy section of London. He previously had commented via a series of Twitter posts Saturday.

'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.

After more than 20 people were killed in a bomb attack last month at a concert in Manchester, England, Trump condemned the assault as the act of 'evil losers' and called on nations to band together to fight terrorism.

Earlier Sunday, Trump had criticized London's mayor after the mayor sought to reassure residents about a stepped-up police presence following the attack, the third in the country in past three months. Trump argued in a Twitter post for leaders to 'stop being politically correct' and to focus on 'security for our people.'

The mayor's spokesman said he was too busy to respond to Trump's 'ill-informed' tweet.

On Monday the White House

President Donald Trump, joined by first lady Melania Trump, speaks during the Ford's Theatre Annual Gala at the Ford's Theatre in Washington on Sunday

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.
The ACT has agreed to provide college-admissions scores for nearly 2,800 students in Ohio and Tennessee, after first refusing to score those students exams because of a mixup in test administration.

In April, 1,300 juniors from 21 school districts in Ohio and 1,492 juniors from 10 schools in Tennessee took versions of the exam that were intended for another testing date. The ACT uses different versions of the test on its various testing days, so using the wrong version could raise questions of test security.

The ACT notified schools that the wrong test had been given, and that it would not score those tests, according to local news media reports.

The Ohio district with the most affected studentsReynoldsburg, where 500 students scores were in jeopardypushed back. Superintendent Tina Thomas-Manning reached out to the state, and the statewhich has a contract with ACT to test students statewidefiled an administrative complaint against ACT.

Thomas-Manning told a local ABC news affiliate that she checked with ACT to clarify which version of the test was to be given on the districts April 19 test date, and gave that version. But later, ACT informed the district that it had given the wrong version of the test, and that it would not score those tests.

The company offered students in Ohio and Tennessee vouchers to retake the test for free in October. But Ohio, in its complaint, said that would mean students would be late submitting scores in college applications. The state also said students shouldnt be forced to take the test on a Saturday, when their states ACT contract makes time for them to take it during the school day.

In Ohio, the ACT also can play a role in high school graduation. Students can use specified scores on the SAT or ACT, instead of the states standardized high school exam, to graduate . Ohio officials pointed to this in their complaint.

By refusing to score the assessments, [ACT] is removing a graduation pathway for these students due to [its] own non-compliance, said the complaint, as reported by the ABC affiliate WSYX.

Late last week, ACT reversed its earlier decision and agreed to provide college-reportable scores for all the students affected by the mixup in Ohio and Tennessee and said it deeply regrets the inconvenience that arose from what it called a misadministration of the test.

ACT spokesman Ed Colby said in an email to Education Week that the problem affected 1 percent of the schools that administered the ACT in Ohio, and 3 percent of such schools in Tennessee. Tennessee doesnt administer the ACT statewide; districts there choose whether to give the SAT or ACT.

ACT didnt release the number of students whose scores were affected, but district officials in Ohio reported those figures to the news media. Tennessee Department of Education spokeswoman Chandler Hopper told EdWeek that 1,492 students scores were affected by the mixup.

Typically when a misadministration occurs, scores are cancelled and students are given an opportunity to take the ACT again at no cost to themselves, the ACTs Colby said in an email to EdWeek. After a careful review of these particular situations, however, we determined that the impacted students tests would be scored and released. We will be reviewing our communications procedures and taking any necessary steps to help ensure these issues do not occur in the future.

In a statement released last week, the ACT said it had identified conditions that may have caused confusion in the test administration process, but wouldnt provide more details, citing a concern for test security .

Photo: Istockphoto
This is the moment a 4X4 is nearly consumed by a giant sinkhole in the middle of a road.

A crowd gathers around the stricken vehicle which lay front first into the ground as its alarm whirls in the background.

Around 20 seconds into the clip the car falls further into the ground and nearly tilts at a 90 degree angle, facing into the dark core of the planet.

A crowd gathered around the stricken vehicle which lay front first into the ground

Screams from the people watching the event unfold can be heard as the car teeters on the brink of abyss.

One brave man approached the hole to inspect the gap before he calmly strolls off.

The car appears to have been vacated by its driver and any passengers that may have been inside at the time of fall.

In its unclear where the footage was taken but the weather and use of Portuguese suggest it was in Brazil.

A thrash of screams can be heard as the car teeters on the brink of abyss
Grandma on the run: Police in Colton, California, are searching for 42-year-old Nicole Darrington-Clark, who is suspected of stabbing three family members, one of them fatally

Police in California are searching for a woman accused of stabbing to death her infant granddaughter, and critically injuring the baby's older sister and the girls' mother.

The wanted suspect was identified by the Colton Police Department on Monday as 42-year-old Nicole Darrington-Clark.

The bloody family drama began unfolding just after 9am when police received a frantic 911 call from Darrington-Clark's daughter telling a dispatcher she had been stabbed by her own mother, who also knifed her two young children.

Police officers who responded to the 1400 block of East Santo Antonio Drive in Colton found all three stabbing victims.

The youngest of the victims, a six-month-old baby girl, succumbed to her wounds, while her sister and mother were taken to a hospital in critical condition, according to Cpl Ray Mendez, of Colton police.

A neighbor described Darrington-Clark's daughter as covered in blood from head to toe after the attack.

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The stabbing occurred Monday morning in 1400 block of East Santo Antonio Drive in Colton where a six-month-old baby girl was found knifed to death

A neighbor described the deceased infant's injured mother - Darrington-Clark's daughter - as covered in blood from head to toe

Patty Williams told The Press-Enterprise she saw a police officer scoop up the older child in his arm and whisk her to the emergency room.

Darrington-Clark shared an apartment with her daughter and two grandchildren in the complex on East Santo Antonio Drive where the stabbing occurred Monday, reported the station KABC. There is no word yet on a possible motive.

Darrington-Clark has been describe as an African-American woman, about 5-foot-9 tall and weighing 200lbs.

Police are also looking for a black, four-door 2002 Hyundai Sonata with a California license plate No 7TQL009.
A California horse has given birth to twins in a rare occurrence.

The mother horse, Emma, defied the odds by giving birth to twin foals on Thursday.

After a difficult birth, both foals were born without complications.

Named Will and Grace, they are both said to be in good health.

A California horse gave birth to twins in a rare occurrence with odds of 10,000 to 1

Generally veterinarians will perform an abortion if they find twin mares or the horse will abort during the later stages of her pregnancy

Healthy twins are a rarity among horses, as one embryo tends to take over during pregnancy and the other is aborted, or dies early.

Usually, vets will perform an abortion if they find twin mares or the horse will even undergo an abortion during the later stages of pregnancy.

A twin horses odds of survival are very low and believed to be 1 in 10,000.

Nicola Jarvis, senior veterinary surgeon at a horse sanctuary in the UK told DailyMail.com that it was incredibly rare for twin foals to survive.

A twin horses odds of survival are very low and believed to be 1 in 10,000

'Although mares quite often conceive twins, it is rare that both embryos survive,' she said. 'If you have two foals, they are vying for space and the chances of them coming out alive and well are slim.'

In the UK, in 2009, a pair of foal twins called Leo and Corby were born in Somerset.

Their birth came as a complete surprise to their owner as there was no indication on that their mother was carrying twins.

Although mares quite often conceive twins, it is rare that both embryos survive
Sen. Bernie Sanders loves to rail against the billionaires, but he made it into the millionaire class in 2016.

His new Senate financial disclosures, first reported on by Vermont alt-weekly Seven Days, show that in 2016 Sanders brought in about $1,042,000, mostly thanks to a hefty book advance for his newest tome, 'Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In.'

Following in the footsteps of wealthy Republicans, the 2016 purchase of Sanders' third home  a lake front four-bedroom located in the Champlain Islands, that cost the senator $575,000 in August 2016  is hidden behind a family trust.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders, a former Democratic presidential candidate, is a millionaire as of 2016, according to his latest Senate financial filings

On the Senate filing he writes, 'I am a co-trustee in a family trust created when we bought a summer home.'

Beyond Sanders' newest book  which earned the democratic-socialist $795,000  he also brought in $63,750 for another book he's co-writing, 'Bernie Sanders' Guide to Political Revolution,' $6,735 in royalties for his 1997 book, 'Outside in the House,' and another $2,521 in royalties for sales of his 1987 folk and spoken-word album, 'We Shall Overcome.'

That comes to just over $868,000.

The least amount Sanders can make as a U.S. senator is $174,000, bringing his baseline total for the year to about $1,042,000.

Seven Days rounded up Sanders' earnings, by including his pension and Jane Sanders' retirement fund, which was listed under income, among other things.

Sen. Bernie Sanders third home is on North Hero Island (pictured), where he purchased the lake front home in 2016 for $575,000

The senator listed his wife's batch of retirement mutual funds as part of his Senate disclosure too, though thanks to Senate rules, only lists them in broad amounts.

That means they could be worth anywhere from $192,000 to $815,000.

The former Democratic presidential candidate also lists the basic amount of his two mortgages for his other two homes.

One is worth between $250,001 and $500,000, while another is valued between $100,001 and $250,000.

Of course, in comparison to some of Sanders' Senate peers, the Vermont independent looks 'dead broke,' as his rival Hillary Clinton once said of her post-White House financial position.

In November 2015, Roll Call put out its latest wealth index and found the richest member of the Senate to be Virginia Democrat Mark Warner, valued at $90.85 million.

That year, Sanders was ranked No. 81 in a body of 100, though this year he'll likely be higher up the chart.

President Donald Trump, worth in the billions, is currently the richest U.S. politician.
Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a mother-of-six who died following Brazilian butt lift surgery with a doctor who had been accused of malpractice.

Lattia Baumeister, of Rock Island, Illinois, flew down to Miami last week for the procedure at Seduction by Jardon's Medical Center in Doral.

The 30-year-old stopped breathing mid-procedure and was rushed to a local hospital where she later died, police records show.

Homicide detectives are investigating the death of Lattia Baumeister (left)who died following Brazilian butt lift surgery with Dr. Osakatukei 'Osak' Omulepu (right)

Baumeister, of Rock Island, Illinois, flew down to Miami last week for the procedure at Seduction by Jardon's Medical Center in Doral

Her surgeon, Dr. Osakatukei 'Osak' Omulepu, has been accused of malpractice over multiple botched plastic surgeries and even had his license was revoked in April by the state's medical board.

But an appeals panel overturned the ruling and on Thursday - the same day Omulepu performed the butt lift on Baumeister - Florida's First District Court of Appeal denied another request from the Department of Health to stop him from performing certain procedures.

The doctor has had multiple complaints filed against him, accusing him of seriously injuring patients during liposuction and Brazilian butt lift procedures, including a medical malpractice lawsuit filed in January which claims Omulepu left her in extreme pain and permanently disfigured after two cosmetic surgeries in 2015.

Baumeister (pictured) stopped breathing mid-procedure and was rushed to a local hospital where she later died, police records show

The patient was a married mother-of-six from Illinois (pictured with one of her children)

Family and friends of Baumeister paid tribute to the mother-of-six, who was married to husband Mike Baumeister, online

A GoFundMe has been set up for the six children of Baumeister with a goal of $20k. It says that the children range from five months to 15-years-old

His licence was then temporarily revoked in April after two patients complained they had to be hospitalized with life-threatening complications and injuries after he performed Brazilian butt lifts on them.

Omulepu, 44, was appealing the order by the state medical board's order to revoke his license when he carried out the surgery on Baumeister.

Steven Rosenberg, a member of the Florida Board of Medicine, told the Miami Herald he was 'frustrated' the appeals court delayed their decision to revoke Omulepu's license in April.

Rosenberg said that the board had been investigating complaints against Omulepu for a year before they made their ruling.

'We revoke a doctor's license and the judges override it,' said Rosenberg, who said that allowing doctors to continue to practice during the appeal process, putting patients at risk.

The doctor's attorney said Omulepu was 'absolutely devastated' by Baumeister's death.

Her surgeon, Dr. Osakatukei 'Osak' Omulepu, has been accused of malpractice over multiple botched plastic surgeries and even had his license was revoked in April by the state's medical board

'This is the first patient death he has had,' they said in a statement. 'Although what happened has been widely documented as a complication of the procedure the patient underwent, it is not a situation any surgeon wants to have.'

Omulepu's clinic has been shut down since the death of Baumeister on Thursday. A notice was posted on its door stating it was closed due to a violation which posed a serious danger to public health or safety.

Nyosha Fowler, one of Omulepu's former patients whose complaint led to his license revocation, said it was 'devastating' to learn he was still carrying out these procedures.

'When I see he hurts someone else, let alone a person with kids - a mother, I don't know what I can do to help, but I thought I have to put a stop to this,' Fowler said.

Last year, Crystal Heath lodged a complaint after she woke up after butt lift surgery with up with a seven-inch hole in her stomach.

Heath, who was hospitalized for 11 days for kidney failure and infection after the botched surgery, said: 'I almost lost my life trying to get a butt. And it was definitely not worth it.'

She found Dr. Omulepu online, where he posted several promotional videos, and went under the knife at Spectrum Aesthetics, where a Brazilian butt lift costs $4,100.

Heath told NBC: 'I didn't need a tummy tuck, I paid for a Brazilian butt lift.

'At the moment when everything went wrong, I felt like I was going to die. I started throwing up instantly, I start throwing up so bad it was like bursting in my stomach.'

She was admitted in the hospital for 11 days after suffering kidney failure and an infection and still has to see a nurse three times a week.

Crystal Heath, pictured left and right, slimmed down and said she 'lost her butt' in the process so decided to get a Brazilian butt lift with Omulepu last year

She found Dr. Omulepu online, where he posted several promotional videos, and went under the knife at Spectrum Aesthetics, where a Brazilian butt lift costs $4,100, compared to a tummy tuck at $3,500

Omulepu, had his license partially restricted by Florida's Department of Health after four other women came forward with similar accusations, is still practicing at a plastic surgery clinic in Hialeah near Miami.

One had undergone liposuction in four different areas on her body, and three others also opted for the butt lift procedure, which sees fat liposuctioned and transferred to the backside.

All of the four women went under the knife within a two-day period in May 2014 and the state's health department found Omulepo 'failed to meet the minimum standard of care... resulting in significant medical emergencies requiring extensive hospitalization for each patient', the NY Daily News reported.

One 35-year-old experienced respiratory failure, while two others were left bleeding profusely after the procedures.

Then-Florida Surgeon General John Armstrong signed an order in February 2016, partially restricting Omulepu's license over concerns he would cause 'significant harm to his patients' if his conduct continued.

But Omulepu, who is not certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery, denied the women's allegations and continued to work within the restrictions at Florida centers.

He also battled the Florida Department of Health which began working to revoke his license.

She was admitted in the hospital for 11 days after suffering kidney failure and an infection and still has to see a nurse three times a week

She still has a seven-inch hole in her stomach, and told NBC: 'I almost lost my life trying to get a butt. And it was definitely not worth it'

Brazilian buttock implants have grown in popularity in recent years - and Florida is one of the leading centers for the surgery.

They involve transfer of fat from one part of the body to another, but embolisms are a risk when the tube used to boost the posterior pierces blood vessels, inserting fat particles into the bloodstream.

This is at least the third death of out-of-state women who traveled to Florida for cosmetic surgery.

Ranika Hall, 25 of Kansas City, Missouri, died after a butt lift on March 25 at Eres Plastic Surgery in Hialeah. And last year, Heather Meadows, 29, of West Virginia, died after cosmetic surgery at the Hialeah medical center.

Seduction Cosmetic Center released a statement saying they are working with state officials during the investigation and insisted they provide 'the highest standards of medical care in the South Florida community and patient safety is always their foremost concern.'

Meanwhile, family and friends of Baumeister paid tribute to the mother-of-six, who was married to husband Mike Baumeister, online.

Shamika Allen said she was feeling 'truly heartbroken' over the loss of her friend and was 'praying for her husband and children first and foremost!!!'

Baumeister's cousin Mone Miller said she had woken up crying after learning of her death.

'It doesn't make any sense to me. You left six beautiful children behind.

'Everyone misses you and is hurting like ell. I know you're in a better place now. I love you so much.

Irving Martin added: 'So sorry to hear the bad news about Lattia Baumeister... I pray that the family pull threw in the midst of this tragedy..... Rest in heaven Lattia...'

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover expenses which has so far raised just $60.
An ice-addicted African refugee on parole who had links to Somalia-based terrorist group al-Shabaab was behind an ISIS-inspired attack on the streets of Melbourne.

Yacqub Khayre murdered one man, wounded three police officers and took a woman hostage in a dramatic two-hour siege in a hotel on Bay Street, Brighton, on Monday.

Police say the hostage was a sex worker Khayre had hired through an escort agency, posing as a client, and then tied up as he hid inside the building armed with a sawn-off shotgun and wearing a balaclava and gloves.

The 29-year-old refugee shot dead an innocent Chinese-born Australian clerk as part of a suspected trap to lure police into 'The Buckingham' serviced apartments.

Just before 6pm, he appeared in the foyer of the hotel, firing shots at waiting tactical command officers heavily armed and wearing bullet-proof vests.

Three officers were struck by bullet fragments, one in the neck, while Khayre was fatally wounded during an exchange of 'severe' gunfire, ending the two-hour siege.

But questions have since risen over why the man, who carried out a violent meth-fuelled home invasion just months after he was accused of planning a suicide attack against Sydney's Holsworthy army barracks, wasn't just deported back to Somalia.

It's also believed Khayre may have taken off his GPS ankle bracelet to carry out the attack covertly, inspired by instructions in a recent IS propaganda magazine.

Issue nine of Rumiya, released in May, encourages terrorists to 'lure' hostages and 'keep victims alive and restrained... (to) spread terror into the hearts of disbelievers'.

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Yacqub Khayre (pictured) has been named as the attacker behind the 'ISIS-inspired' siege in Brighton, in Melbourne's south-east, which unfolded on Monday afternoon and left a man dead

The 29-year-old refugee was shot dead by heavily armed tactical command officers (pictured) after he opened fire on waiting police with a sawn-off shotgun

At 5.40pm, some 20 minutes before he died, Khayre called up a TV newsroom to claim: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda' (specialist counter terrorism police officer is pictured just moments before violent confrontation)

Police allege Khayre hired a sex worker through an escort agency and held her hostage, tying her up as he hid inside the hotel with a sawn-off shotgun waiting for police to arrive

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said there were 'very grave questions' about why the known violent offender was out on the streets on parole.

'How was this man on parole? He had a long record of violence,' Mr Turnbull said.

'He was known to have connections - at least in the past - with violent extremism.'

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews promised to look at every part of the parole system, but said it had already worked to keep Khayre in jail longer than his minimum sentence.

'(Since his release) he's been compliant, including drug tests, attending appointments and observing a curfew,' Mr Andrew

The prime minister, who has twice spoken with Mr Andrews since the siege, highlighted comparisons to Lindt Cafe hostage-taken Man Monis and the killer of Melbourne woman Jill Meagher.

'More investigations and explanations will be given but it is plainly - it is very hard, I think - to understand why he was released on parole given the nature of his record and the nature of his offence,' he said.

'Hard covered book with Arabic writing (in cloth bag) on desk in living room': Investigators were seen holding a paper bag of evidence found inside the Melbourne apartment where the bloody siege took place

The 29-year-old is a Somalian refugee who was on parole when he committed the ISIS-inspired attack. He had done time in jail for a violent meth-fuelled home invasion in 2011

Terrified witnesses described being ordered to crawl towards police on their bellies after unwittingly walking in the middle of the hostage negotiations (hotel pictured)

Police also executed a search warrant at a home in Roxborough Park, where Khayre lived with his mother, on Tuesday morning. Forensic investigators were pictured entering the home

Investigators at Roxborough Park load bags of evidence from the terrorist's family home into a car

'We are going to be at that location for some time conducting inquiries there,' Commissioner Ashton said of Khayre's family home

Police have begun canvassing the killer's neighbourhood and are speaking to members of his family

Police start their investigations outside the scene of the bloody siege

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull questioned why the known violent offender was on parole

In 1991, at the age of just three, Khayre and his family fled war-torn Somalia, arriving in Australia to live with his uncle and grandfather.

Growing up in Gladstone Park, north Melbourne, he was reportedly a good student at school until his grandfather died in Year 12 and he fell in with the 'wrong crowd'.

From there he began committing petty crime and stole his uncle's car in 2006.

In 2007, he was charged with armed robbery after holding up passengers on a Melbourne train, leaving one man with knife wounds.

He was among five men charged with planning a terrorist attack on the Holsworthy army barracks.

The group were alleged to have planned to break into the secure base and kill as many army personnel as possible.

Khayre was one of only two to be cleared.

That came despite him reportedly travelling to Somalia in 2009 or 2010, where he may have attended 'weapons and military' and visited a cleric to gain 'holy approval' to carry out the attack.

The other three men involved in the terrorist plot, all friends from the notorious '8 Blacks' Islamic prayer centre, are serving out 18-year sentences behind bars.

Police remove a body from the apartment in Brighton after a deadly two-hour siege that left two men, an Australian national working as a clerk and an ISIS-inspired gunman, dead

Heavily armed police swarmed the Brighton area as the hostage situation unfolded on Monday

A bomb squad member suits up before entering the serviced apartment blocks to search for any explosives

After being acquitted of terror charges, Khayre was jailed for three years for carrying out a drug-affected home invasion in Melbourne's north in 2011.

High on ice, Khayre was reportedly armed with a knife when he broke into a house and violently assaulted a young woman and her father.

He fled with Apple electronics, a watch, laptop, jewellery and money.

Despite being well known to counter terrorism police, he was deemed a low-risk of offending and released on parole - before committing the attack in Melbourne.

'He is someone that was known to us as having a long criminal history. A whole range of offending going back many years,' Victoria Police Commissioner Graham Ashton admitted in a press conference on Tuesday.

'Most recently he has done some prison time in relation to reckless and intentionally causing injury, and intentionally causing injury, and whilst in prison, he was processed as well for an arson whilst in the corrections system.'

'Ultimately, he has been qualified for parole, received parole and was on parole at the time of this offence.'

'The early advice from the Department of Corrections was that he was compliant with parole and hadn't presented any issues in relation to his conduct whilst on parole leading up to yesterday.'

'Long history of violence': Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull questioned why Khayre (pictured right) was let out on parole given his past violent convictions

Three officers were struck by bullet fragments, one in the neck, while Khayre was fatally wounded during an exchange of 'severe' gunfire, ending the two-hour siege (officer seen keeping watch during the hostage situation)

Commissioner Ashton said a coronial investigation was being carried out by the Homicide Squad, with oversight from Professional Standards Command

Investigators were seen holding a paper bag of evidence found inside the Melbourne apartment where the bloody siege took place with the words: 'Hard covered book with Arabic writing (in cloth bag) on desk in living room' scrawled on it.

Police also executed a search warrant at a home in Roxborough Park, where Khayre lived with his mother, on Tuesday morning.

'We are going to be at that location for some time conducting inquiries there,' Commissioner Ashton said.

'There is a full forensic effort being done. This is now a coronial investigation, being done by the Homicide Squad, with oversight from Professional Standards Command.

'There will be extensive work required at 408 Bay Street today.

'We will have a lot of police down there today, knocking on doors, talking to people, for witness accounts and also with reassuring the community down there.'

Neighbour Ina Tuariki said she was 'devastated' to discover from news reports she lived next door to the gunman.

She told how he lived in the three bedroom bungalow, worth around $600,000 due to close proximity to the shops and station, with his two younger brothers, both teenagers, plus his mother.

'He always said hello to me and seemed normal,' she said.

'I was never concerned about him. There are young people around here on ice and going off the rails but he wasn't one of them.'

A police helicopter hovered above the house as police erected two police tents to store evidence gathered from inside the property. More follows

Police crowd the streets on Monday night during the violent siege. It has since been revealed that the gunman had a history of violent crime and drug-abuse

The bomb squad were called in 'to make sure the building is safe before forensics enter,' a police source said at the scene

Monday's incident began with locals reporting an 'explosion' inside the serviced apartments. Police believe this was the sounds of Khayre shooting dead his first victim

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the incident that left gunman Yacqub Khayre and another man dead.

'The attack in Melbourne, Australia was carried out by a soldier of the Islamic State in response to the call for targeting the subjects of the coalition states,' the group's Amaq news agency said.

IS blamed the attack on Australia's membership in the US-led coalition against the militant group.

On Monday afternoon, the Seven Network took a phone call in its Melbourne newsroom from a woman who said she was in a hostage situation before Khayre came on the line saying 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda'.

Mr Ashton earlier told Nine that the gunman had been known to police because of his background 'in relation to terrorism matters, albeit some years ago.'

He said there had been no information that he had been planning an attack.

'He is someone certainly known to us from his background but certainly as of yesterday there wasn't anything that we had that suggested that he was planning on embarking on this, that this was anything more than a spontaneous act.'

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Mr Ashton will hold a press conference at 8.30am on Tuesday to address fears of a terror link.

Victoria Police are treating Monday's deadly Brighton siege as a terrorist incident

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the incident, blaming the attack on Australia's membership in the US-led coalition against the militant group

Sources told the Herald Sun he was rated as 'a low-risk person of interest' by anti-terror police.

Police were called to the Brighton serviced apartment building at 5.41pm on Monday to reports of an explosion.

When they arrived, they found a man shot dead in the foyer.

They began efforts to negotiate with the gunman who was holding a woman hostage in one of the apartments.

Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp said on Monday night that the man spoken to by negotiators inside the building came out about 6pm and opened fire, hitting three police.

They returned fire and killed him.

Two male officers were taken to hospital for treatment while another was treated at the scene.
Diane Abbott backed out of a radio interview today after being 'taken ill' in the wake of another toe-curling TV meltdown.

The shadow home secretary was left floundering on Sky News when she was asked about a key counter-terrorism report last night. Under questioning from Dermot Murnaghan Ms Abbott desperately struggled to give answers about the content of the Harris report.

She was due to appear on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour today for a debate with Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

But less than half an hour before the programme was due to begin producers said they had been informed she was 'ill'.

The close Corbyn ally seems to have made it to within striking distance of the BBC studios, however - with a photograph posted on Twitter showing her apparently on her phone at Oxford Circus Tube station at 8.40am.

This afternoon it emerged she has also pulled out of an Evening Standard election hustings event tonight.

Despite Ms Abbott's shambolic performance, Labour supporters including singer Lily Allen claimed that criticism of her was down to 'racist sexist abuse'. Aides insisted she would not be 'talking about her health at this time'.

And when challenged is she has damaged Labour's campaign, Jeremy Corbyn said Ms Abbott has done a 'good job' - but refused to say if he will make her Home Secretary if he is elected on Thursday.

The shadow home secretary was left floundering on Sky News, pictured, when she was asked to discuss the recommendations of a major report into beefing up security in the capital

Woman's Hour tweeted less than half an hour before the start of the debate this morning to say Diane Abbott had been 'taken ill'

A photograph posted on Twitter appears to show Ms Abbott at Oxford Circus tube station, just around the corner from the BBC Radio 4 studios, this morning. Her aides have not been answering calls and Labour merely stressed that her withdrawal had been down to 'illness'

But the episode will draw comparisons with Ms Abbott's failure to make the historic Article 50 vote in February. Labour colleagues accused her of 'bottling' the vote after she claimed to have suffered a 'migraine' despite being at the Commons all day.

In a toe-curling showing last night punctuated by long pauses, Ms Abbott claimed she had read the report produced by former Metropolitan Police Authority chairman Lord Toby Harris in October last year.

But she was unable to identify a single one of the 127 recommendations when asked about it by Mr Murnaghan last night.

She said it was time to 'revisit that report'.

But asked which elements she was interested in, she paused and said: 'I just think it's about resilience.'

Asked if she knew what the report suggested, she replied: 'I know he was talking about preparedness and resilience and I do think we need to act, not necessarily on every specific recommendation'

Asked again about the specifics she said: 'I thought, because I know Toby Harris  he's a longstanding London politician  I thought it was an important review and we should act on it, obviously acting with stakeholders'

Mr Murnaghan finally put Ms Abbott out of her misery by informing her that the report's recommendations included merging London's police forces, which she then voiced caution about.

He then asked her about the report's recommendations on greater 'physical resilience'.

She appeared not to know these included erecting new barriers to protect pedestrians from vehicle attacks, saying only: 'Yes, I think physical resilience is important.'

Asked about the specifics, she replied: 'I think physical resistance is important.'

Evening Standard editor and former Chancellor George Osborne ridiculed Ms Abbott on Twitter for pulling out of the hustings

In a faltering performance punctuated by long pauses, Ms Abbott claimed she had read the report produced by Lord Harris in October last year

Labour-supporting singer Lily Allen suggested the criticism of Ms Abbott was down to 'racist sexist abuse'

Ms Abbott was reported to have been banned from doing media appearances at the weekend following a series of disastrous outings.

Until last night she had given no interviews since the London Bridge terror attacks.

But she denied that Mr Corbyn and the shadow chancellor John McDonnell had ordered her off the airwaves.

Asked if she was considered 'a bit of a liability' by Labour's high command, she replied: 'I, well I'm here. I've just come from doing aother media interview, I'm going on to do another. There's no truth in the idea I'm not in the media, particularly talking about what happened on London Bridge

Mr Murnaghan then asked if she considered herself an asset or a liability to the party, prompting the reply: 'I think I'm shadow home secretary and it would be very strange if the shadow home secretary wasn't doing interviews like this.'

Ms Abbott also ducked questions about whether she would become home secretary if Labour win the election on Thursday, saying: 'The most important thing in three or four days' time is that we win the general election and then Jeremy will choose his cabinet.'

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry filled in for her colleague on Woman's Hour this morning, but was forced to admit she did not have some figures to hand because it was 'slightly last minute me coming here'. At one point she admitted to rooting around and finding notes 'in the bottom of my handbag'.

Singer Lily Allen has been a strong backer of Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party

Meanwhile, a photograph posted on Twitter by Nick Astaire purported to show Ms Abbott at Oxford Circus tube station, just around the corner from the BBC Radio 4 studios, at 8.40am.

A spokeswoman declined to comment on the photo, saying: 'Ms Abbott will not be talking about her health at this time.

'There can be no more distractions from the real issues of this General Election.

'Ms Abbott will be joining Labour Party colleagues to get the vote out on Thursday June 8.'

And Mr Corbyn stepped in to defend his key ally today - but refused to say if she would be kept on and make the Cabinet if Labour wins on June 8.

Speaking on his campaign battlebus, he said: 'Our shadow home secretary has done a good job, she's not well today and is therefore not on the campaign today.'

Asked if her media appearances had damaged Labour's campaign, he said: 'Diane has been a great advocate for the Labour Party and a great advocate for young women trying to achieve in politics.

'And I think we should recognise she has received an awful lot of very unfair criticism and abuse in the past, she's not well at the moment and she's taking a break for the campaign.'

But he remained tight-lipped over whether she would be kept on in her brief if he is voted into No 10.

He said: 'I will be appointing a cabinet on Friday if we are elected into government and that's when you will find out who's going to be in the cabinet, I'm not appointing it on television.'

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: 'Jeremy Corbyn wants to make Diane Abbott Home Secretary in just two days but is hiding her away from voters.

'The woman who would be in charge of our police and the intelligence services cannot even be trusted by Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell to go on the airwaves to explain their shocking record on national security.

'Labour might be hiding her today but make no mistake  she will be in charge of our security and borders on Friday unless people vote for Theresa May and her Conservative team.'

Former government terror adviser Lord Carlile, who quit the Lib Dems earlier this year, said Ms Abbott's interview was 'one of the most shocking things I have ever heard in an election'.

Jeremy Corbyn, pictured in Telford today, said Diane Abbott has done a 'good job' when asked if her car crash media appearances have damaged Labour's campaign

'The first thing we should be doing is ensuring that those who purport to be in charge of national security know something about it, and that interview with Diane Abbott was one of the most shocking things I've ever heard in an election. She is not fit to be involved in home affairs policy,' he said.

Standard editor and former Chancellor George Osborne revealed that Ms Thornberry was going to take the place of Ms Abbott, who is defending her Hackney seat on Thursday, at hustings tonight.

'Diane Abbott has pulled out of @EveningStandard hustings. It's not like someone who wants to be Home Sec has much to talk about these days,' he said on Twitter.

But singer Allen waded in on Twitter to defend Ms Abbott from criticism that she was damaging Labour. 'It's hardly surprising given the amount of racist sexist abuse she receives on a daily basis from people, press and mp's,' she wrote.

Ms Abbott hit the headlines last month after struggling to explain the costings for labour's plan to recruit 10,000 new police officers.

At one point during the notorious interview with LBC radio she suggested the plan would cost 300,000  meaning the officers would be paid just 30 each. She then said it would be 80 million. The actual forecast cost is 300 million.

MPs on both sides say concern about Ms Abbott's competence have been raised frequently by voters on the doorstep, prompting the Tories to target her in the campaign.

The Tories have mocked Ms Abbott in campaign posters suggesting Labour would install a home secretary who 'can't add up'.

And Theresa May has repeatedly used media performances to warn of the dangers of installing Ms Abbott in the Home Office.

DIANE ABBOTT'S LATEST CAR CRASH INTERVIEW Diane Abbott was asked by Dermot Murnaghan on Sky News about the Harris Report, commissioned by Sadiq Khan in October 2016, which gave 127 recommendations to improve London's 'readiness' for terror. Here is a transcript of the exchange: Ms Abbott suffered another 'car crash' TV interview as she was quizzed about plans to protect London from terrorist attack Diane Abbott: 'I do think we need to revisit that report' Dermot Murnaghan: 'Which part of it?' Abbott: 'Well I just think it's about preparedness and resilience.' Murnaghan: 'But he [Harris] makes some very specific recommendations which have not been acted on. Do you know what they are?' Abbott: 'Well I know...I mean he was talking about preparedness and resilience and I do think that we need to act; not necessarily on every specific recommendation.' Murnaghan: 'The report came out in October 2016 and Lord Toby Harris had some bullet points. What did you make of those? The specifics? Abbott: 'I thought... because I know Toby Harris...I thought it was an important review and I think we should act on it but working with...' Murnaghan: 'But what should we act on? What do you think about the recommendations about various police forces?' Abbott: 'You mean the idea that they should work more closely together?' Murnaghan: 'No he suggested that they should amalgamate.' Abbott: 'I think that's an interesting idea. I think you'd find resistence in some parts of London to the amalgamation.' Murnaghan: 'Have you actually read the report?' Abbot: 'I have' Murnaghan: 'What about physical resilience?' Abbott: 'Yes, I think physical resilience is important...' Murnaghan: 'There was a specific aspect of physical resilience.' Abbott: 'I think that physical resilience is important.' Murnaghan: 'The specific aspect was he talked about putting up more barriers in the wake of the Nice attack. He mentioned that in October 2016.' Abbott: 'We're now putting up barriers on..er...bridges...and you'd think we might have done that...before, particularly after what happened on Westminster Bridge. But now in the past few days we are putting up barriers on bridges.' Murnaghan: 'What about putting up barriers around all public spaces? Round parks, round Covent Garden, round places like that?' Abbott: 'Certainly in Westminster, where I work, there's been a lot more barriers and bollards to protect us from terrorism and I think we need to consider that for other places in central London.' Murnaghan: 'Is it true that Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell's team have been trying to keep you off the airwaves?' Abbott: 'No, that's why I'm here this evening.' Murnaghan: 'It's said that you book your own appearances, that you don't run them through the leader's office?' Abbott: 'No no, we work very closely with the press office.' Murnaghan: 'But the two Js regard you as a bit of a liability after your brain fade on the police?' Abbott: 'I'm here. I've just come from doing a media interview and I'm going on to do another media interview. There's no truth in the idea that I'm not in the media, particularly about on what happened on London Bridge.' Murnaghan: 'You think you are an asset, not a liability, to the front bench?' Abbott: 'I think I'm shadow home secretary and it would be very strange if the shadow home secretary wasn't doing interviews like this.' Advertisement
The Metropolitan Police are examining what is believed to be Molotov cocktails in the van used by the London Bridge attackers.

It is understood 12 of the petrol bombs were found in the vehicle which mowed down pedestrians on the iconic bridge where seven people were killed.

Having been taken away for forensic examination, the new details suggest the killers had packed the hired van out with weapons ready to unleash even more terror on the streets of the capital.

Forensics investigators work as a white van is carried away from London Bridge, after attackers rammed a hired van into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed others nearby killing and injuring people in London

A white van used in the attack on London Bridge is seen hoist on top of a flat-bed truck as police work on London Bridge in London

One of the three killers Khuram Butt was known to both MI5 and the police and despite him being on the counter-terror watch list, there was no evidence he was planning an attack and therefore his file was not deemed a priority, according to New Scotland Yard.

But the new information suggests the murdered had been extensively plotting their rampage as detectives released all 12 people arrested in connection with Saturday night's attack without charge.

MailOnline contacted the Met Police for a comment, but a spokesman refused to comment.

Butt's involvement is doubly embarrassing for police and the security services because he appeared in a TV documentary last year about British jihadis  and was also involved in a filmed altercation with police in a pair of Rayban sunglasses after he unfurled an ISIS flag in Regent's Park.

On Channel 4's The Jihadis Next Door he was caught on camera alongside two notorious preachers who were well known to police and intelligence officials because of their extremist views.

He was reported to the anti-terror hotline after he became radicalised by watching extremist videos on YouTube and police were later warned about the suspect radicalising children in a local park two years ago - giving them sweets and money to listen to him.

A friend said he was never contacted by the police or MI5 about his concerns, adding: 'I did my bit, I know other people did their bit but the authorities did not do their bit'.

Figures show the agency is managing around 500 active investigations involving around 3,000 individuals at any one time.

But in addition there are also a larger pool of as many as 20,000 people who have been considered at some point in the past but are not included in the live probes.

The spotlight has fallen on how closely those in the second, larger group are monitored after it emerged that the Manchester attacker Salman Abedi was a former subject of interest.

A police forensics officer in a protective suit searches for clues around a rental van on London Bridge

Tonight, MailOnline could reveal married father-of-two Butt and a Moroccan-Libyan 30-year-old were the London Bridge terrorists who murdered seven people in the capital city massacre.

The killer in an Arsenal shirt was named as British extremist Khuram Butt who was filmed unfurling an ISIS flag on national TV and was reported to the police twice but still managed to launch murder on Britain's streets.

Butt, 27, a married father of two nicknamed 'Abz' who was born in Pakistan, was so extreme he called fellow Muslims without beards non-believers, would not speak to women directly and was banned from a mosque for berating worshippers for being 'un-Islamic'.

It also transpired tonight that he launched a vile torrent of abuse in the wake of the murder of Lee Rigby when he volleyed threats at a leading Muslim figure for speaking out against the brigadier's murderers Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

The soldier was butchered outside barracks in Woolwich with knives back in May 2013 much in the same way Butt's victims were killed in the same city.

He was known to both the police and MI5 who are awaiting what they described as international confirmation before naming the third terrorist.

Football fan Butt, who worked at KFC and Transport for London, wore an Arsenal shirt under his fake suicide belt as he and two friends crashed their van into crowds on London Bridge before slashing at people with large knives murdering seven people and leaving 48 injured on Saturday night.

One of the friends has been named as Rachid Redouane - believed to be a pastry chef living in Ireland having married a Scottish wife - who was not on anyone's radar as a terrorist and also used the name Rachid Elkhdar, claiming to be six years younger.
Dramatic bodycam footage has captured the moment a suspect was arrested in a raid for the murder of a Chinese man.

Two men, a 45-year-old from Croydon and a 35-year-old, have been charged over the alleged shooting of Qin Wu at a makeshift Buddhist temple in Sydney's southwest.

Heavily armed police raided a home in Croydon at about 6.30am to arrest the older man in relation to the shooting on February 1.

'Get on the ground. Get your hands behind your back,' officers are heard screaming at the half-dressed suspect repeatedly in video footage of the raid.

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Dramatic bodycam footage has captured the moment a suspect was arrested in a raid for the murder of a Chinese man

Heavily armed police raided a home in Croydon at about 6.30am to arrest the man in relation to the shooting on February 1

He is later seen handcuffed and being escorted into custody by police, dressed in a a pair of shorts and a black shirt.

The man has been refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old, an inmate at a Silverwater correctional facility, was arrested there at about midday on Monday.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Parramatta Local Court.

Both have been charged with murder and shoot with intent to murder.

Mr Wu, 37, was shot in a Guildford home which was used as a Buddhist temple - and, allegedly, as a meeting place for drug dealers.

'Get on the ground. Get your hands behind your back,' officers are heard screaming at the half-dressed suspect repeatedly in video footage of the raid

Qin Wu (pictured)was shot in a Guildford home which was used as a Buddhist temple - and, allegedly, as a meeting place for drug dealers.

The 45-year-old charged in relation to the murder of Mr Wu is led away by police on Monday

Detective Sergeant Justin Moynihan said investigations in the circumstances surrounding Mr Wu's murder are continuing.

'We are alleging that Qin was shot when he intervened during an argument between his friend and the men charged today,' Det Sgt Moynihan said.

'Our inquiries have led us to believe there were other people in the house at the time of the murder, including someone else who may have received a gunshot injury, and we are still keen to speak with them.

'If you have any knowledge of this murder, now is the time to come forward; it'll be too late when we come for you.

Police made the arrests on Monday following extensive inquiries by homicide detectives

The men arrested over Mr Wu's death have both been charged with murder and shoot with intent to murder

Forensic evidence indicated another person may have been shot, but despite searching hospitals across Sydney police did not find the injured person.

Police also believe at least two people left the house after the shooting and returned with a third person, although they were not at the house when police arrived.

'Ultimately, someone out there knows something, and they might be concealing an offence. Now is the time to come forward,' Det Sgt Moynihan said.

He added: 'Of course, we would like to hear anyone who frequented the home, which was being used as temple at the time of Qin's murder, and may have information to assist with the investigation.'

The Sydney 'temple' - and alleged drug dealing hotspot - has been linked to two brutal murders in the past three years

The Guildford house (above) was also the scene of an unrelated murder three years ago

The Guildford house was also the scene of an unrelated murder three years ago, NSW Police have confirmed.

In 2014, Zhen Fang fatally stabbed Ting Huang, 25, whose decomposing body was found wrapped in a doona in a car boot near Rookwood cemetery in Lidcombe.

Fang, 38, was sentenced in March to at least 14 years behind bars for the frenzied knife attack.

Pictures from inside the temple show hundreds of Buddha statues, a variety of trinkets, books and colourful tapestry's adorning the walls

Mr Wu was killed at a makeshift Buddhist temple in Sydney's southwest on February 1
The older brother of Manchester bomber Salman Abedi who was detained in a dramatic street swoop has been released without charge.

Ismail Abedi was filmed being handcuffed to a police van outside a Morrisons supermarket in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, south Manchester on May 23.

But Greater Manchester Police this evening confirmed in a statement that the 23-year-old has been released.

Footage shows officers leading the handcuffed 23-year-old to a police van outside a Morrisons supermarket in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, south Manchester

Separate pictures show raids at what is believed to have been Abedi's home in Fallowfield, where a controlled explosion took place, and his brother Ismail's address

He is the eight person to be released from UK custody without any further action, while another ten remain in cells.

Witnesses said the IT manager was ordered to 'get on the ground' and that he was seen smiling as a team of officers, who had arrived in a black Mercedes, made the arrest.

It came just hours after his terrorist brother Salman Abedi, 22, slaughtered 22 people and injured another 119 after an Ariana Grande concert.
UPDATED Harvard has withdrawn offers of admission to at least 10 students who traded sexually and racially charged memes in a private Facebook group.

Its become commonplace for colleges and universities to monitor prospective students activity on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and some students have not been accepted in part because of their postings. But its unusual for students whove already been admitted to have those offers withdrawn because of their social media activity.

The universitys move was reported by its student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson . It based its reporting on interviews with several members of the Facebook group set up last December by a few students whod been admitted to the class of 2021.

The name of the group, at one point, was Harvard memes for horny bourgeois teens, the Crimson said.

The memes and messages traded by students in the group included ones that made fun of sexual assault, the Holocaust, and the deaths of children, the Crimson said. One post joked that abusing children was sexually arousing; another referred to the hypothetical hanging of a Mexican child as pinata time.

Harvard administrators discovered the group and its contents, and revoked admissions offers in April to at least ten students, the Crimson said.

UPDATED Harvard would not discuss its decisions with the Crimson, saying in an email that it does not comment publicly on the admissions status of individual applicants. Harvard spokeswoman Rachael Dane said the same thing in response to Education Weeks request for comment and discussion.

Apparently the chat that got Harvards attention was an offshoot of a larger Facebook messaging group of about 100 students admitted to the class of 2021, according to the Crimson. That group was set up to share memes about popular culture, and one student told the Crimson it featured mostly lighthearted memes.

But soon some members formed an offshoot group for exchanging more R-rated memes. The founders of the offshoot group decided only to admit members who had posted provocative memes in the original, larger group, the student newspaper reported.

They were like, Oh, you have to send a meme to the original group to prove that you could get into the new one, Cassandra Luca, an admitted student whose offer was not rescinded, told the newspaper. This was a just-because-we-got-into-Harvard-doesnt-mean-we-cant-have-fun kind of thing.

Officials in Harvards admissions office sent emails to students they believed had posted offensive messages in the group, asking them to submit statements explaining their actions, the Crimson reported. Students were later told their admissions decisions were under review, and told they couldnt attend Visitas, Harvards annual late-April weekend for prospective freshmen.

A week later, at least 10 of the students got letters informing them their offers of admission had been withdrawn.

The Harvard admissions office maintains a Facebook group for its class of 2012 , and warns members on that page that their admissions offers can be rescinded if an admitted student engages in behavior that brings into question his or her honesty, maturity, or moral character, according to the Crimson.

Last year, when some incoming freshmen made offensive remarks online, but Harvard responded only with a joint statement condemning those actions, The Crimson said.

UPDATED The National Association for College Admission Counseling surveys its members regularly, and has found that many colleges rescind offers of admission.

In a recent survey, between one quarter and one third of the surveyed colleges said theyd rescinded offers of admission, said David Hawkins, NACACs executive director for educational content and policy. The most common reasons were academic dishonesty, such as cheating, or lying on an admissions application; and behavior that resulted in disciplinary action.

In a survey last summer by Kaplan Test Prep, 35 percent of college admissions officers reported checking social media sites to learn more about applicants. Of those, 47 percent said such checks had a positive impact on their impression of students.

One student said on Twitter, for instance, that she facilitated an LGBTQ panel at her school. She hadnt included that information in her application, but admissions officers reported to Kaplan that it made us more interested in her overall and encouraged us to imagine how she would help out the community.

Forty two percent of the admissions officers who reported that they check students social media sites, however, said that the process had a negative impact on applicants. One student, for instance, omitted previous misdeeds from his application.

A young man who had been involved in a felony did not disclose his past, which is part of our admissions process, one admissions officer told Kaplan. His social media page shared his whole story. If he had been forthcoming, we would not have rescinded his acceptance offer, but we had to.
MMA fighter War Machine compared himself to the late Aaron Hernandez and said he 'should have killed himself by now' before he was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting his porn star ex-girlfriend.

Jonathan Paul Koppenhaver, who changed his name legally to War Machine during his 19-fight career, received an aggregate sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 36 years.

The earliest that the 35-year-old can get out of prison will be at 71 years old.

He was convicted on March 20 on 29 of 34 charges for the horrific 2014 crimes against his ex-girlfriend Christy Mack, who he threatened to murder while attacking her.

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A Nevada judge sentenced former MMA fighter War Machine (above on Monday) to life in prison with the possibility of parole after he was convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting his porn star ex-girlfriend Christy Mack

Jonathan Paul Koppenhaver (above on Monday), who changed his name legally to War Machine, received an aggregate sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 36 years

While giving a statement during court on Monday, the 35-year-old (above on Monday) discussed his troubled past and referred to the late Aaron Hernandez, the former NFL player who committed suicide in a Massachusetts prison in April

Mack (above right on Monday after giving her victim-impact statement) fought through tears when she told District Judge Elissa Cadish that she still fears for her life if Koppenhaver were to leave prison. She said: 'I do know when he gets out, he will kill me'

The expert fighter was found not guilty on three charges, including burglary with use of a deadly weapon, sexually motivated coercion, and battery with intent to commit sexual assault.

The Las Vegas jury was deadlocked on two charges: attempted murder and attempted murder with use of a deadly weapon.

They made no decision on those charges and the defense is filing a motion for a new trial.

While giving a statement during court on Monday, the 35-year-old discussed his troubled past and referred to the late Aaron Hernandez, the former NFL player who committed suicide in a Massachusetts prison in April.

'I should have killed myself by now. There's no reason right now that I shouldn't be in the dirt right now laying next to Aaron Hernandez. That's 100 per cent true,' Koppenhaver said in a statement.

Mack, whose full name is Christine Mackinday, fought through tears when she told District Judge Elissa Cadish that she still fears for her life if Koppenhaver were to leave prison.

'I do know when he gets out, he will kill me,' she said while delivering her victim-impact statement.

But in his statement, he said he regrets everything.

'Not a day goes by that I don't seriously regret all those things that I did. I was a very, very lost, very empty person,' Koppenhaver said in his statement.

'And to top it off, something's not right with my head. Plain and simple. I've known that a long time and I've hated it. I've hated the way that I think.

War Machine posted the apology linked to a Johnny Cash lyric in March along with a link to a note where he asked Mack to let him apologize

He was convicted on March 20 on 29 counts for the horrific 2014 crimes against his ex-girlfriend Christy Mack (above in January 2015), who he threatened to murder while attacking her

After the attack, Mack was left with a broken nose, missing teeth, fractured eye socket, leg injuries and a lacerated liver. She is pictured above in the hospital

'I've hated my impulses. Half the time, I don't know why I do some the things I do. And some of the times I do things and I don't even feel like I did them until it's already done.'

The California native blamed anxiety, depression and self pity for his problems. Koppenhaver said he would stand in front of a mirror and smash his face into his fists until his face was swollen.

'Smashing my face was like a sick form of therapy. It was the only thing I could do to prevent myself from killing myself,' War Machine said.

He also claimed to be a changed person now, saying he found God after reading two books by author Lee Strobel that used history and science to prove 'Jesus is real.'

After he was convicted in March, War Machine took to Twitter to beg Mack for forgiveness and said that being found guilty of the crimes saved his life.

'CHRISTY: I am sorry for the man that I was, I am sorry for hurting you. One day, when enough time has passed, and when your wounds are fully healed, I hope that you will write to me, or, perhaps, even visit me, so that I can apologize completely, and so that I can tell you about all that I have found in regard to god... I will never cease to pray for you,' he wrote in the message.

He added that he had traded in his old 'false' life for his 'real' one behind bars.

About the convictions, he wrote: 'Well, that didn't go very well, now did it? Would you believe me, though, if I said that I have nothing but joy inside, even now as I am sure to receive some type of life sentence? It's true.'

During the trial, Mack (above) testified and began crying while looking at evidence photos

The brutal August 2014 assault began when War Machine burst into a bedroom and found Mack in bed with another man, Corey Thomas.

He immediately began attacking Thomas for roughly 10 minutes. The fighter bit and put Thomas in a choke hold

During the trial, Thomas testified: 'He bit me there on the cheek and I could feel the bite.

'And once it registered I was getting bitten, then I put my hands back up to try to break him off my face and then he hit me on the arm.

'I'm looking up at the ceiling thinking to myself "I'm going to die in Christy's bathroom. That's not how I'm going out."'

The expert fighter let Thomas leave and ordered him not to call the police.

Once he left, he turned his anger on Mack.

Mack met the fighter in spring 2013, at which point she was already a well-established name in the adult film industry. They are pictured above together when they were a couple

She was left with a broken nose, missing teeth, fractured eye socket, leg injuries and a lacerated liver.

During the incident, he had stood over Mack and told her 'This is it. I've got to kill you now'.

She has said she drifted in and out of consciousness as she was beaten, kicked and groped sexually.

Mack claimed that she escaped when she thought Koppenhaver was in the kitchen fetching a knife to finish her off. She ran naked and bleeding to neighbors' homes.

The expert fighter was arrested in the Los Angeles suburb of Simi Valley a week after the attack in Las Vegas. He originally pleaded not guilty to the 34 charges.

Mack met the fighter in spring 2013, at which point she was already a well-established name in the adult film industry.

Koppenhaver had 'dabbled' in working in pornography by the time they met.

They began dating a short time after, and in January 2014 they appeared nude together in the magazine, Hustler. The relationship lasted about a year, but Mack told ESPNW 'War Machine' became abusive about four months in.

'But by that time I was totally in love with him... So, so in love. The first time I thought, "Oh it'll never happen again,"' she told the website.
Google has refused to remove vile YouTube rants by the hate preachers who inspired the London Bridge killers.

The Mail yesterday found a series of tirades by Ahmad Musa Jibril and Abu Haleema that were easily accessible on the video sharing site.

They used the Google-owned video platform to spread the warped messages which helped turn 27-year-old Khuram Butt into a fanatic bent on mass slaughter.

In the videos found by the Mail, they told followers to make enemies out of all kuffar [non-believers], and instructed Islamists not to grieve for terror victims.

Jibril: The ranting preacher of hate condemns Muslims who feel sorry for terror victims

Haleema: In one diatribe (pictured) he declares that he will never stop calling for Sharia law

They also branded moderate Muslims as malignant tumours in the Islamic community, and denounced the London Mayor Sadiq Khan  a Muslim  as kuffar.

According to a friend of Butt, he was obsessed with Jibril, and became radicalised after watching YouTube videos of the preacher.

He was also an associate of Haleema, appearing alongside him in last years Channel 4 documentary, the Jihadis Next Door.

The hate preachers videos have been watched more than a million times, and won warped comments of approval from viewers, one of whom wrote: Kuffar must [and] will be eliminated.

But Google has refused to remove them, insisting they did not break its own rules. Last night, politicians and terror experts accused the US technology giant of colluding with hate preachers.

Yvette Cooper, the Labour candidate for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford and former shadow home secretary, said: It is sickening that extremist, terrorist material which intends to radicalise people so that they carry out heinous attacks like the one we saw on London Bridge is still easily available on YouTube.

According to a friend of Butt, he was obsessed with Jibril, and became radicalised after watching YouTube videos of the preacher

Butt was also an associate of Haleema, appearing alongside him in last years Channel 4 documentary, the Jihadis Next Door

Google are aiding and abetting terrorists by leaving this vile stuff online. This platform is being used to feed warped ideologies that support deathly attacks.

Professor Anthony Glees, director of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham, said there was no question at all that the material should be removed.

[The technology companies] bear clear moral responsibility for the harm that is done. They collude in the Islamist incitement.

GCHQ could disrupt these channels of communication. Let the US companies sue the UK Government; theres no English jury that would find for the Americans.

Last night, a YouTube spokesman said that it wanted to work with the Government.

We take our role in combatting the spread of extremist material very seriously, the spokesman said. YouTube has clear policies prohibiting terrorist recruitment and content intending to incite violence, and we act quickly to remove videos violating these. We also terminate accounts run by terrorist organisations or those that repeatedly violate our policies.

Two of the three terrorists - Khuram Butt (left) and Rachid Redouane (right) - who massacred seven people in a rampage which started on London Bridge on Saturday night

One of Gabriele Sciotto's photographs showed the face of the dying terrorist, wearing an Arsenal football shirt and combat trousers, just a few metres in front of him

However, its words will fall flat in light of the grotesque videos by Jibril and Haleema still circulating on YouTube. Jibril, a Palestinian-American cleric, denounced religious tolerance and condemned Muslims who feel sympathy for victims of terror attacks.

In one video, watched more than 41,000 times, Jibril tells his followers: [There are] malignant tumours within this umma [Muslim community] crying for the causes of others. The least worst Muslim dying anywhere in the world is more worthy of mourning and attention than the best kaffir.

Haleema said in a video posted on the day of the 2016 Brussels attack: Dont try and be like the kuffar [non-believer]. Do not grieve over them.

He also taunted non-Muslims in a video posted in January 2016, and watched more than 5,000 times. Were not going to stop calling for the domination of Islam.

Butt and his fellow murderers were shot dead inside Borough Market and wore fake suicide vests as they ran down people with a white van and then stabbed and slashed people on Saturday night

Heleema and Jibrils messages are also spreading on Facebook and Twitter. Yesterday, the Mail also found many links promoting them on the social networks. One Twitter account set up to spread Jibrils message offers followers a free DVD. He also has a Facebook page with links to his sermons.

Facebook and Twitter accounts under Haleemas name were also last night active, though it is not clear whether they are genuine. Twitter declined to comment on privacy grounds.

Most of Haleemas YouTube videos were posted before he appeared in the Channel 4 documentary in January 2016. In 2015, he was accused of radicalising a schoolboy who was convicted over a plot to behead police during an Anzac Day parade in Australia.

He was arrested on suspicion of encouraging terrorism in 2015. He does not appear to have posted to YouTube since June 2016. His whereabouts are unknown.
A Facebook memorial page for cop killer Rick Maddison has been set up to remember 'hopes people that love Rick will find comfort in visiting his page.'

The 41-year-old career criminal shot dead Senior Constable Brett Forte during a violent 24-hour siege in May before being killed by police in the Lockyer Valley region of Queensland.

His family and friends are using the memorial page as a way for people to 'celebrate the life' of Maddison.

Maddison was shot dead by specialist police after emerging from a Lockyer Valley property on Tuesday

Facebook has set up a memorial page for cop killer Rick Maddison which 'hopes people that love Rick will find comfort in visiting his page'

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said: 'The only thing this person should be remembered for is being a cold-blooded murderer who has deprived an innocent family of their beloved father, husband, brother and son.

'Brett will never again hold his family in his arms and they in turn will never know the love he had for them.'

Facebook allows people who have died to either have a memorial page or have their account deleted at the discretion of their loved ones.

According to the site it's not their decision to make a 'moral judgement' about whether a user should be allowed a memorial page.

There has been an onslaught of outrage over the page which cannot be posted on by strangers.

Senior constable Brett Forte (pictured with his wife Susan) was murdered by Maddison on Monday

The 41-year-old career criminal shot dead Senior Constable Brett Forte (pictured) during a violent 24-hour siege in May before being killed by police in the Lockyer Valley region of Queensland

One person said: 'Yes let his family and friends celebrate his life but not on Facebook. They must remember he is a cop killer. Have respect for the cop who was doing his job.'

Another added: 'How frightening that someone would want the public to celebrate the life of a a killer.'

On Friday last week the heartbroken widow of murdered police officer Brett Forte was heckled by Rick Maddison supporters.

A car full of supporters yelled out 'What about Rick?' as she laid a bouquet of flowers at a makeshift memorial for her slain husband in Toowoomba.

Susan Forte, who also serves as an officer in the Queensland force, broke down in tears as she was supported by her 16-year-old daughter Emma Morris.

According to The Chronicle Mr Forte will be buried in Toowoomba on June 7

After placing the flowers down Ms Forte began to cry as she was supported by loved ones (above)

According to The Chronicle Mr Forte will be buried in Toowoomba on June 7.

Snr Const Forte was gunned down by Rick Maddison last week trying to protect his partner from a hail of bullets near the Lockyer Valley.

Mr Maddison then went on the run using an automatic rifle to fire shots at a circling police helicopter before retreating to a nearby property.

Terrified residents listened to the echo of gunshots through the night, before Maddison was shot in the chest and died.

People lay flowers for fallen police officer Brett Forte outside the Toowoomba Police Station

Sen Const Forte's fellow officers pay tribute to the fallen policeman

The Maddison family have sent their 'heartfelt condolences' to the Forte family for their 'tragic loss', and said their son's actions cannot be excused.

'We express our support for the Queensland Police Service, and the often difficult and dangerous work its officers are required to undertake,' a family statement read.

'We particularly wish to thank the police negotiators for their attempts to resolve a very difficult situation peacefully.

The Maddison's sent their 'heartfelt condolences' to the Forte family for their 'tragic loss' and said the killer's actions cannot be excused

'Rick's actions cannot be excused nor is it likely they will be ever fully understood.

'To us he was not the one dimensional career criminal which the media are now portraying but rather a loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, friend and mate to many and as such will be sadly mourned.'

The family thanked those who had shown them support and asked the media and public to respect their privacy.
A police bomb squad detonated a 'suspicious device' in a controlled explosion after Cambridge's colleges were evacuated.

The city's King's Parade was cordoned off after the object was found on the street, according to witnesses.

One student studying at a nearby college said: 'We were all taken to a bar and told to stay there. Then we were evacuated from there.'

Cambridgeshire Constabulary confirmed that a controlled explosion had taken place.

The city's King's Parade was cordoned off after the object was found on the street, according to witnesses

A bomb disposal unit was sent to the scene but it is now reported to have left the area

One student studying at a nearby college said: 'We were all taken to a bar and told to stay there. Then we were evacuated from there'

A call regarding a 'suspicious device' was also confirmed with the surrounding site being evacuated 'as a precaution'.

Posting on Twitter, a spokesperson for the force said: 'There has been a controlled explosion at Kings Parade, Cambridge. No further explosions are anticipated.'

The bomb disposal unit is now reported to have left the scene.

In another incident in Cambridgeshire Peterborough Passport office was evacuated and a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary confirmed that a controlled explosion had taken place

There are currently no suggestions of a link between the two scares.A statement has also been posted by the University of Cambridge

This said: 'King's Parade and Market Square cordoned off as precaution after suspect package found on street. Some colleges evacuated, everyone safe.'
An Ohio girl who was charged with fatally shooting her 71-year-old father will not be tried as an adult.

The high school freshman from Hamilton, Ohio, was charged with aggravated murder in the shooting death of James Allen Ponder.

But a Butler County judge ruled on Monday that the teen's case will remain in juvenile court.

The judge said the case is serious, but she considered the girl's age and lack of a prior record.

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An Ohio girl, who was charged with fatally shooting her 71-year-old father, James Allen Ponder (left and right), will not be tried as an adult. The high school freshman was charged with aggravated murder but a judge ruled on Monday the teen's case will remain in juvenile court

Crime scene: Ponder was found mortally wounded in a bedroom in the family's home in the 1200 block of Millville Avenue in Hamilton, Ohio (pictured)

A message seeking comment was left at the prosecutor's office. Prosecutors had sought to try the teen as an adult. The girl's attorney says they are pleased with the ruling.

Police arrested the teen on February 23 on an aggravated murder charge.

At the time, the teen made a tearful 911 call to a dispatcher saying that she had shot her elderly father.

The caller urged the dispatcher to have 'somebody come and put me in handcuffs'.

When the dispatcher asked why, the caller replied: 'I just shot my Dad.' The dispatcher asked: 'You just did what to your dad?' She answered: 'I just shot him.'

The dispatcher then asked what happened, to which the girl replied, 'I don't know. I just shot him.'

She also said repeatedly that she was sorry.

The 14-year-old said she put the gun in another bedroom 'where they keep the guns.'

She said she was calling from outside the house and had only her phone in her hand and her backpack on the ground. She asked what would happen to her, and the dispatcher told her he didn't know.

Police said they found Ponder shot in the face in a bedroom in the family's home in the 1200 block of Millville Avenue in Hamilton, about 25 miles north of Cincinnati.

Ponder was taken to Fort Hamilton Hospital, then transferred by helicopter to another hospital in Cincinnati where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police allege the 14-year-old loaded a handgun and shot Ponder, (right with his older daughter), in the head with the intent to kill him

Hamilton Police Sgt Brian Robinson said Ponder was shot with a handgun. Robinson said the girl's mother and five siblings apparently weren't home at the time.

Authorities allege she loaded the gun and shot Ponder in the head with the intent to kill him.

Police later searched the house on Millville Avenue, seizing a 9mm handgun and a Cobra .380 semi-automatic pistol, along with a blood-soaked pillow, a book bag, an iPhone, four computers and one notebook.

During her initial court appearance Friday, the girl told a judge she understood the allegation against her, while authorities tried to learn what led up to the fatal shooting and her emotional call to 911.

A motive and other details remain under investigation.
Desperate families of victims of the London Bridge massacre had to wait up to three days to be told their families were dead, with some ringing their relatives' mobile phones until the batteries ran out.

It raises serious questions for the authorities over the handling of the case with emotional relatives claiming the police 'have not told them anything'.

Among them are the anguished relatives of missing Spaniard Ignacio Echeverria, who faced further heartache tonight after being told they must wait up to 48 hours to learn his fate.

The relatives of missing Spaniard Ignacio Echeverria faced further heartache tonight after being told they must wait up to 48 hours to learn his fate

Sara Zelenak's aunt Tara told today how she has been left 'in limbo' since the attacks

The HSBC bank worker has been unaccounted for since Saturday when he was seen by friends lying on a pavement after bravely confronting one of the London Bridge terrorists.

He used a skateboard to try to defend an unidentified woman being attacked by one of the knife-wielding killers.

Relatives were asked for his fingerprints on Monday after a desperate search of hospitals by his sisters failed to yield any clues to his whereabouts.

But tonight - hours after Mr Echeverria's worried parents flew to London from their home near Madrid - his sister Isabel revealed they were still in limbo like at least three other families waiting for news.

She wrote on Facebook: 'We're still got no news about Ignacio. The British authorities have asked us for 24 or 48 hours more to give us information.'

Friends reacted with fury to the news.

One, Cecilia Munoz, said: 'We don't want to wait a minute more.'

Another, Alicia Cristina, added:' The most important thing is knowing where Ignacio is but the little empathy being shown here is still outrageous.

'We think we're living in a civilised state and then things like this happen. What a lack of humanity!'

Daniel Megias said: 'Making these families suffer for so long. It's incredible.'

Melissa McMullan, the sister of James McMullan, yesterday told of the terrible wait she endured before finally being told the heartbreaking news her brother was dead

An emotional Miss McMullan broke down in front of television cameras yesterday, pictured, as she confirmed her brother's death before police had officially named him among the victims

Fernando Vergara, identified by a well-respected Spanish newspaper in Galicia where missing Ignacio is originally from as the partner of one of the bank worker's sisters, wrote on Twitter: 'The families of the victims of the London Bridge attack feel mistreated by the lack of information which is causing us unnecessary agony.

'Sixty-three hours and still no news. The police have asked for 24 to 48 hours more to confirm. Is it really necessary?' What about the family's feelings?

News of the prolonged delay came after questions were asked earlier in the day about the wait families have been put through since Saturday night's terror attack.

Other relatives of the missing said they have been 'left in limbo' over whether their family members are alive or dead with one desperate mother now flying thousands of miles from Australia to search for her daughter, a nanny not seen since Saturday night.

Meanwhile an emotional Melissa McMullan broke down in front of television cameras as she revealed her brother James, 32, of Hackney, was one of the victims before police confirmed his death.

She had previously asked why officers had not 'traced his phone' to find him after she spent days ringing him until his phone 'went dead'.

The Met Police have this afternoon confirmed they have identified all seven victims and have deployed family liaison officers to relatives of all the deceased, despite families of the missing claiming they have been told nothing by police or health authorities.

Ms Zelenak (pictured), last seen on London Bridge, remains missing after being caught in Saturday night's terror attack. Her family have told of their agony as they wait for news

She had previously asked why officers had not 'traced his phone' to find him after she spent days ringing him until his phone 'went dead'

It comes as the authorities have been criticised by the mother of one of the victims of the 7/7 bombings in 2005, who said she had to wait '11 awful days' to learn her daughter had died.

The aunt of Sara Zelenak, an Australian nanny not seen since the attacks, today wrote on Facebook saying she was experiencing the 'longest days of my life in limbo'.

Speaking from Australia, Ms Zelenak's stepfather Mark Wallace said that UK authorities had been so far unable to shed any light on where she was.

Mr Wallace told News Corp: 'I feel terrible, I can't think. I've contacted every hospital in London but they can't give out patient details or even tell us if she has been admitted.'

Mr Wallace said Sara's mother, Julie Wallace, was flying to London to try to find her daughter.

Her aunt Tara Jane today posted on Facebook: 'My absolute beautiful niece. We are so similar in many ways & feel like sisters.

'I love you & I know u know that. Wanting u home. Longest days of my life in this Sara Zelenak limbo. Giving you mums big hugs.'

She later said the family were 'bracing for the worst'.

Miss McMullan, previously told of her agony at being unable to get information before receiving the tragic news.

Speaking yesterday, before she received the tragic news, she told the Daily Telegraph: 'All the police have told us is that he's not on any identified list, not the dead or the critically injured.

'The police haven't told us anything. He phone was ringing until midnight last night but then it went dead.

Mark Wallace (left) the stepfather of Sara Zelenak (right) said he has called every hospital in London in a desperate attempt to find the 21-year-old who has not been seen since Saturday

'We understand there's a much bigger picture but at the same time, surely they can trace where his phone has been for the last two days.'

She later made an emotional statement on TV, paying tribute to her brother and issued a heartfelt plea for people to oppose the terrorists.

FOUR WAYS POLICE IDENTIFY A BODY AT A CRIME SCENE The length of time it takes to identify a body following an attack depends on the nature of the incident and the 'complexity of the operation', according to a retired inspector. John Ramsbottom said there are four ways to 'definitively' identify a body, which are through fingerprints, DNA, dental records and surgical implants such as a pacemaker or a hip replacement. He told the BBC that wallets and ID cards are 'not strong enough evidence' and that 'if we don't know, we say nothing'. Mr Ramsbottom said it is imperative the body is given back to the family 'as pure as we can possibly make it' in the case of bombings. When bodies are mutilated by disasters or explosions, police will properly bag and register parts and 'reassemble' them in mortuaries. The scene is controlled by the senior investigating officer, who focuses on extracting evidence and investigating any crime, while the senior identification manager is responsible for recovering bodies and identifying the dead. Mr Ramsbottom said when identification is an issue, police will hold off talking to the family until they are '100 per cent sure' to avoid giving them false hope. He told the BBC: 'Do the police say to somebody, 'We are 90 per cent sure we found them'? But then we leave them with 10 per cent hope. Is it worse later if we destroy that 10 per cent hope or not? 'That's not a legal or police question, it's a human-being question and I don't have the answer to it.' Advertisement

Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, was the first victim of the attack to be named while Kirsty Boden, 28, of Australia, and Alexandre Pigeard, 27, of France, were confirmed dead earlier today.

A spokeswoman for the Met Police said: 'We have deployed family liaison officers to support all seven families of those who are deceased.'

The spokeswoman said formal identification had not taken place on the remaining three victims, and described it as a 'simple yet complicated' process.

She added: 'Formal identification has to be done to a certain evidence standard and there are few types of formal evidence that are acceptable to a coroner.

'That process of identification will be happening throughout the course of this afternoon and into tomorrow.

'But that does not mean we have not identified the victims.'

The agony of families waiting for news comes after the husband of one of the victims of the Manchester attack criticised the police over his 18-hour wait before being told his wife had died two weeks ago.

Steve Howe told Channel 4 News he was 'passed from pillar to post' and was 'left in the dark' as he searched hospitals throughout the night.

He said: 'We were pretty much then sat at home, no one's rang us, no one's contacted us and we got no news.

'And then three police officers with a liaison officer called, 18 hours later.

'As they came in, I said 'is there any news?' But still no answer.'

Sarah Jenkins lost her daughter Emily aged 24 during the 7/7 bombings after she was caught in the explosion on a Piccadilly train near Russell Square station.

The mother now campaigns for families of victims of tragedies and attacks to be better informed by authorities.

Ms Jenkins said she initially suspected something was wrong after not hearing from her daughter for several hours.

Emily Jenkins, pictured, was killed in the 7/7 bombings in 2005. Her mother Sarah has since campaigned for the emergency services to provide better information to families of victims of accidents, tragedies and attacks

Emily, 24, was killed after an explosion on the Piccadilly line near Russell Square. Pictured are emergency services at the scene of the attack

She told the BBC: 'The first thing you do is ring helplines. They give you very little information because they have no information.'

Ms Jenkins, of Clapham, said she spent a whole night calling the helplines after being told to by police, and 'could have screamed' after being repeatedly told to 'contact her [Emily's] friends.'

She and son James then started searching hospitals for any sign of Emily but Ms Jenkins said 'the last thing they [staff] wanted was relatives there'.

After 11 days of desperately searching for her daughter and calling helplines, Ms Jenkins was finally told of her death by a family liaison officer.

She has since worked with the government on campaigns to set up websites to inform families of where there relatives were being treated following such events, but said the recent Manchester bombing showed 'nothing had changed'.

TERROR VICTIMS Killed: Kirsty Boden, 28, from Loxton, Australia

James McMullan, 32, from Hackney, east London

Christine Archibald, 30, from British Columbia, Canada

Alexandre Pigeard, 27, from Normandy, France Missing: Sara Zelenak, 21, from Brisbane, Australia

Xavier Thomas, from Loire-Atlantique, France

Ignacio Echeverria, 39, from Las Rozas, Spain

Sebastien Belanger, from Angers, France Advertisement

Ms Jenkins told the BBC: 'People were still visiting hospitals with no results. Mothers were still crying in the streets with photographs of their daughters, saying frantically, 'Has anyone seen this child?'

'I don't think anybody in the day and age of fast communication should be out on the street with a photograph of their daughter or son.'

Meanwhile the anguished parents of a Spaniard missing since bravely confronting one of the terrorists as he attacked a woman have flown to the UK to join the search.

HSBC bank worker Ignacio Echeverria, 39, was last seen lying on a pavement near London Bridge after using a skateboard to try to defend the unidentified woman.

His family have been appealing for information about him and were asked for his fingerprints on Monday so they could try to find out if he was among the injured in hospital or if he was dead.

His parents were due to fly to London on Thursday to join his siblings including sister Isabel, an accounts operations manager who like her brother lives in the capital.

A Spanish Ministry of Interior car picked them up from their house in Las Rozas near Madrid around 11am to take them to Madrid airport for a 1.30pm flight to the UK.

The couple were too upset to speak to reporters waiting outside their home.

But speaking on the eve of their departure for London, Mr Echeverria's engineer father Joaquin, who is originally from Asturias in northern Spain, said: 'They're totally hermetic in the hospitals and it's impossible to get any information.

'The Spanish government is giving us all the help it can and the British government as well, pressured by the Spanish authorities I suppose.

'Someone in London is helping my daughters with all the paperwork and administrative things they have to do. Yesterday the police went to Ignacio's house to take fingerprints. We're just waiting.'

Recalling what he'd been told by friends who were with his son as he returned by bike from a skate park near the scene of Saturday's terrorist attacks, he added: 'Ignacio got off his bike and went to help the woman that was being attacked.

'His friends saw him falling to the ground and when they reacted and managed to reorganise themselves in the ensuing chaos and get back to the spot where it happened, he wasn't there anymore.'

Seven people were killed and 48 wounded when three men launched the attack just after 10pm on Saturday local time

Police shot the three terrorists dead within eight minutes of the first report of the incident

Ignacio's sister Isabel wrote in an overnight Facebook post: 'I would like to thank all the people who contacted us and tried to help us to find my brother. Specially to HSBC and the Spanish consulate.

'Now we have to wait and pray. Thank you very much for all your support.'

Spain's Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis said: 'We have met with the family and we are doing all we possibly can to find out where Ignacio is.'

Ignacio, described as a keen skateboarder and baseball player, was born in Galicia in north-west Spain but moved to Madrid with his family when he was 10.

He is understood to have moved to London last year and ended up living at a flat in Poplar, east London.

His family are not expecting to receive an update before this afternoon.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman in London said police had not yet released the names of the dead or injured.

'We are trying to locate people as best we can,' the spokesman said.

The spokesman said a casualty bureau had been set up to assist people trying to find family members who may have been caught up in the attacks.

Seven people were killed and 48 wounded when three men launched the attack just after 10pm on Saturday local time.

Police shot the three terrorists dead within eight minutes of the first report of the incident.
A 12-year-old girl sought comfort from her mother after being raped only to find her dead in bed with a sheet twisted around her neck, a court has heard.

Jacob Michael Smith, 40, is accused of killing the 34-year-old woman before raping her daughter at their Brisbane home on August 26, 2014.

He pleaded not guilty on Monday in the Supreme Court in Brisbane to one count each of murder, rape, attempted rape, assault occasioning bodily harm, and two charges of stealing.

A 12-year-old girl sought comfort from her mother after being raped only to find her dead in bed with a sheet twisted around her neck, a court has heard

During his opening address, prosecutor Phil McCarthy said the girl, her younger sister and their mother had been sleeping on mattresses on the lounge room floor on the evening of the attack as they recovered from a bout of gastro.

The court heard the girl was woken by Smith about 2.30 am and taken into her mother's bedroom, where she was raped and assaulted.

Smith then allegedly swapped his own pants for a pair of the girl's tracksuit pants, stole the mother's phone and numerous other items from the home and fled.

Mr McCarthy said the scared girl then returned to the lounge room and tried to crawl into bed with her mum, only to find her face cold and blue, and a sheet twisted around her neck.

He said the girl later told police: 'I tried waking her up and yelling at her but she wasn't responding... and I woke up [my sister] and said Mummy's dead.'

While he was on the run Smith allegedly used the mother's phone and Facebook account to message and call friends, telling them he was 'in trouble'.

When an ex-girlfriend picked him up from a Brisbane fast food outlet, he told her had 'done something stupid and he'd killed someone'.

Jacob Smith, 40, who allegedly committed the crimes has pleaded not guilty in Brisbane

He then allegedly told her that the girl's mother, who had attracted the ire of his current girlfriend because of her flirty manner, 'had it coming.'

Police arrested Smith a short time later hiding in the backyard of a friend's Gold Coast home.

Mr McCarthy said an autopsy found Smith's DNA was found under the mum's left fingernail, and that his fingerprints were also found on items stolen from her home that evening.

The older daughter also had injuries consistent with being raped, and Smith's DNA was found on a scratch on her body.

Up to 48 witnesses are expected to give evidence in the trial, scheduled to run for around 10 days.


Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott's chief of staff Peta Credlin has slammed Australian counter-terrorism forces and said there should be a review into giving the military more power.

Speaking to right-wing commentator Andrew Bolt, Ms Credlin said she does not have confidence in the ability of Australian police to handle a situation similar to Saturday night's terrorist attack on London Bridge.

'The Prime Minister said today he has all confidence in the police,' she said during her segment on Sky News.

'I don't.'

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Peta Credlin claimed she does not have confidence Australian forces could deal with a London Bridge-style terrorist attack

She continued on to say she had no confidence that Australian officers could have contained Saturday's attack on London Bridge and Borough Market as efficiently as UK forces were able to do.

'I do not think the Australian police counter terrorism units in each of the states could have attended an incident and shot dead the perpetrators within eight minutes. I honestly don't Andrew,' she said.

Police were first called to reports of a vehicle hitting pedestrians on London Bridge a 10.08pm.

Three terrorists got out of the car and ran through Borough Market stabbing people.

At 10.16pm - only eight minutes later - the men had been shot dead by police.

The first call about a car swerving along London Bridge came to emergency services at 10.08pm, and three terrorists were shot dead by 10.16pm

Britain's '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 on Saturday night.

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.

Ms Credlin also used her time on air to call for stronger military powers so Australia could be more prepared for a similar attack on our own shores.

'There is a discussion about whether or not we should have a review or at least stronger call out powers for the military and the engagement of commandos and the SAS should we have a similar attack in Australia,' she told Mr Bolt.

'I think that is sensible and it should happen.'

Britain's '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 on Saturday night.

Ms Credlin also called for a review into giving the military more power in terrorist situations

On Monday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Australian counter-terrorism forces were 'absolutely the best in the world'.

He said procedures were in place to enable the SAS to be bought in during a siege situation at the request of the government.

However it may soon be easier for commandos - Mr Turnbull said current procedures and protocols were under 'active consideration' - but police already have a lot of power.

'There is a view being put around that police do not have an ability to shoot-to-kill,' he said.

'That is quite untrue. The practice of cordon and contain, which had been used for many years, is not applied by police in situations where there is an active armed offender, an active shooter or someone with a knife, such as you saw in London.

'And the Australian police, presented with a situation as you saw in London, would respond quickly to disable, to shoot in other words, the assailants, just as the police officers in London did.'
Lauren Kaye Scott, 23, also known by her porn name Dakota Skye, was arrested on domestic battery charges in Florida

A porn star is charged with hitting her lover in the face when he asked her to leave his apartment after sex.

Lauren Kaye Scott, 23, who is known in the porn industry as Dakota Skye or Kota Skye, is accused of giving her boyfriend a swollen and cut lip after he asked her to leave his place because she wouldn't get off her phone post coital, according to The Smoking Gun.

Scott faces a charge of domestic battery after police say she was in the home she shares with her boyfriend Robert Anderson of Pinellas Park, Florida and 'struck him with an open right hand' at 4.55am on Saturday.

The two have been dating for six months, according to the police report, despite Scott apparently being married to Zachary Lecompte-Goble of Los Angeles, whose Facebook page says he is 'Chief Product Officer' for scandal-plagued alt-right conservative writer Milo Yiannopoulos.

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Scott (above) is accused of hitting her boyfriend in the face, giving him a swollen and cut lip

Scott, otherwise known as Dakota Skye or Dakota Doll, was accused of hitting her boyfriend, Robert 'Bobby' Anderson (left), otherwise known as Kellin St. Cloud

Scott was released on her own recognizance and ordered to stay away from the alleged victim

Scott has starred in such porn flicks as Slut Puppies 9, Busted Babysitters 2, and Milk Maids.

She's also been the recipient of numerous porn industry awards, including Porn's Next It Girl, Best 'O' Face, and Best Boy/Girl Sex Scene.

She once told Adult Video News: 'Awards are always nice, but being able to do what I love and give back to the people who love it are reward enough.'

She also once co-starred with porn legend James Deen. On her Instagram page, she says she's now known as Dakota Doll.

Scott has been released on her own recognizance and ordered to stay away from the alleged victim.

On her boyfriend's Instagram page, he posts a picture of her holding her phone, and added the comment 'Always working.'

Anderson is a musician who also goes by the name Kellin St. Cloud. Several times on Instagram she advertises sex with her boyfriend.
The Somalian-born refugee who killed one man and led a two-hour stand-off with police at a Melbourne apartment complex hired a sex worker to hold as a hostage during the terrorist attack.

Gunman Yacqub Khayre posed as a client and planned to meet the woman, who is said to be in her 20s/30s, at the apartments on Bay Street, Brighton, in the city's south-east, Victoria Police Commissioner Graham Ashton revealed on Tuesday morning.

After booking an apartment, Khayre tied up the sex worker and shot and killed a male clerk - an Australian national born in China - to lure police to the complex, police said.

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The Somalian-born refugee (pictured) who led a two-hour stand-off with police at a Melbourne apartment complex on Monday hired a sex worker to hold as a hostage during the terrorist attack

Gunman Yacqub Khayre posed as a client and planned to meet the woman, who is said to be in her 20s/30s, at the apartments on Bay Street, Brighton (picture from the scene)

After booking an apartment (stock image of Brighton apartment complex), Khayre tied up the sex worker and shot and killed a male clerk - an Australian national born in China - to lure police to the scene

Police said Khayre then hid outside of the apartment (stock image) to wait for police officers, dressed in gloves and a balaclava and armed with a sawn-off shotgun

'At the scene, when this person's first arrived there, a man was shot, we believe, by the gunman,' Commissioner Ashton said.

'He was an employee of the serviced apartments, so he appears to have been in the wrong place at, unluckily, the wrong time.'

Police said Khayre then hid outside of the apartment for officers, dressed in gloves and a balaclava and armed with a sawn-off shotgun.

It has been reported Khayre ignored the first officers on the scene, who reported to an explosion in the area around 4.30pm.

Police said he waited until the Special Operations Group arrived at the building before charging at them while firing the shotgun.

'The first they saw was the muzzled flash,' an officer told The Age.

The area outside the building was cordoned off and the Nepean Highway and Bay Streets were closed to traffic

When police arrived at the scene they discovered a male clerk's body lying on the floor of the foyer

Specialist police at the scene of an explosion and hostage situation at the serviced apartments in Brighton, in Melbourne's south-east, after reports first came through at 4.30pm

Three officers with the SOG were shot but do not have life-threatening injuries.

Police returned gunfire and killed the 29-year-old instantly.

The sex worker was able to flee the scene uninjured but police said she is traumatized by the attack.

During the siege, Khayre called the Melbourne newsroom of Channel Seven at 5.40pm to claim: 'This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda'.

As he made the chilling phone call a woman, believed to be the female hostage, was heard screaming desperately in the background.
The hunt for good teachers took officials from North Carolinas Guilford County Schools 1,000 miles west to downtown Oklahoma City.

The North Carolina school district set up camp in the city for a two-day recruiting event, reports KWTV, the CBS affiliate in Oklahoma City . They hope five-figure salary bumps will entice Oklahoma teachers to move to the school district, which includes Greensboro, N.C., and nearby suburbs. As we reported last week , Oklahoma is expected to slip to last place in teacher pay after the legislature failed to agree on a method to fund teacher raises and voters rejected a penny sales tax. Back in November, voters struck down a ballot initiative that would have used that new tax revenue to fund $5,000 teacher pay raises.

It is unfortunate that this type of recruiting is occurring, Aurora Lora, the superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools, told KFOR, the NBC affiliate in Oklahoma City . However, until Oklahoma adequately funds education, our concern is that there may be more of these attempts to lure our great teachers to other states where teachers feel more valued.

Chelsea Battig, a prospective teacher looking to leave the state, agrees.

Just the support of the state in general, when they didnt pass the penny tax, I mean, come on, Battig told KWTV. With this opportunity, youre starting off right away with more than $10,000 than in Oklahoma.

George Boschini, a 40-year veteran educator from the North Carolina district, told KWTV that he has heard similar sentiments from fellow veteran teachers hes talked to while recruiting in Oklahoma.

With no raises in sight, some Oklahoma administrators have been pitching four-day school weeks, which have been prompted by the growing state budget crunch, as a benefit for staying in the state, reports The Washington Post .

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An au pair given the night, off, a Brit celebrating his 1million business and a bride-to-be are among those who have been lost in the carnage of Saturday night's terror attack.

Police confirmed seven people died in the attack, which saw three terrorists plough a van into innocent bystanders on London Bridge before embarking on a frenzied knife rampage along Borough Market.

However, only two - Canadian Christine Archibald and Brit James McMullan - are being treated as confirmed casualties, although even the latter has not yet been formally identified.

For other families, an agonising wait goes on as they seek confirmation on the fate of parents, siblings and children who never came home.

Sara Zelenak, 21, was told at the last minute by the grandmother of the children she was caring for that she would do her babysitting duties on Saturday night

Missing au pair given a night off to see friends

A nanny who was given the evening off to enjoy a night out with friends is feared to be a victim.

Sara Zelenak, 21, was told at the last minute by the grandmother of the children she was caring for that she would do her babysitting duties on Saturday night.

The Australian au pair was last seen on London Bridge and is understood to have witnessed the start of the attacks before becoming separated from her friends.

Her distraught family, from Brisbane, called every hospital in London in an attempt to find her.

Last night Miss Zelenaks mother Julie Wallace was planning to fly to London. Her stepfather Mark Wallace said the emergency services had been unable to say what has happened to her.

Mr Wallace said: I feel terrible, I cant think. Shes been gone for 48 hours and no one has seen or heard from her.

He said he and his wife had planned to meet up with Miss Zelenak in France at the end of June. The au pair, who moved to London last year, was planning to return to Australia in August.

Relatives and friends launched a campaign on social media in a desperate attempt to find her.

Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said that of four Australians caught up in the attack there were real concerns for two. These are thought to include Miss Zelenak.

Her distraught family, from Brisbane, called every hospital in London in an attempt to find her

Her stepfather Mark Wallace (pictured together) said the emergency services had been unable to say what has happened to her

Briton was celebrating start of 1m business

The sister of a British man feared killed in the terror attack urged the country to unite against hatred yesterday.

James McMullan, 32, was on a night out with friends to celebrate the launch of a 1million business

James McMullan, 32, was on a night out with friends to celebrate the launch of a 1million business when he was caught in the attack.

His younger sister Melissa fought back tears as she paid a moving tribute to him and issued a heartfelt plea for people to oppose the terrorists.

Miss McMullan, 30, said: While our pain will never diminish, it is important for us all to carry on with our lives in direct opposition to those who would try to destroy us and remember their hatred is the refuge of small-minded individuals and will only breed more.

This is not a course we will follow, despite our loss.

Her brother had not been formally identified as a victim, but Miss McMullan said his bank card had been found on one of the bodies. He is believed to be the only British victim to have died.

Mr McMullan, from Hackney, north-east London, was with old school friends at the Barrowboy and Banker pub when he stepped outside moments before the terrorists crashed their van and began stabbing people indiscriminately.

His sister said it had been his first night out in months as he had been working round-the-clock preparing to launch an e-learning business.

She praised her generous and caring brother, saying: Words will never be able to match his essence. There will only ever be one James. Nowhere else will you find such humour and unique personality in someone who put friends and family above all else. He was an inspiration.

She said her family wanted to thank the emergency services, adding: They did their utmost to serve and protect the population of London from these deranged and deluded individuals.

His younger sister Melissa fought back tears as she paid a moving tribute to him and issued a heartfelt plea for people to oppose the terrorists

Miss McMullan said her parents Simon and Mila, a retired couple from Staines, Surrey, were devastated.

The family had been unable to contact James after the attack and his friends had searched nearby hospitals in a desperate attempt to find him.

Mr McMullan, 61, vowed to try to launch his exceptional sons business in his memory.

He said: He was on the verge of signing his first contract, a $1.5million (1.15million) deal.

It will radically change the face of education  I am going to continue his work. My son really was an exceptional man.

Chef vanished amid carnage

Sebastien Belanger, 36, was drinking with friends in a French bistro when the terrorists crashed their van outside

A chef who had paid tribute to the victims of the 2015 French terror attacks was still missing last night.

Sebastien Belanger, 36, was drinking with friends in a French bistro when the terrorists crashed their van outside.

In the ensuing melee the chef from Angers in western France disappeared from Boro Bistro.

One of Mr Belangers friends, a waiter at the bistro, was killed, French officials said yesterday. The 27-year-old, named only as Alexandre, from Saint-Malo in Brittany, was stabbed in the neck.

Robin, 24, a friend who was with both men, saw Alexandre lying on the ground but could not help him. We had to run, he said. I had to force another friend to leave a girl who was dying. It was at this point that Mr Belanger disappeared. We started shouting Seb, Seb, but there was no trace of him, Robin said.

Mr Belanger, a chef at the Coq dArgent restaurant in the City, came to London seven years ago. He had posted tributes on Facebook to the victims of the Charlie Hebdo and the Bataclan attacks in Paris in 2015. His girlfriend Gerda Bennet, 22, has appealed for information about his whereabouts on Facebook.

Alexandre had been living in London for two and a half-years.

Boyfriend helplessly cradled bride-to-be as she died in his arms

A woman struck by the terrorists van died in her fiances arms on London Bridge, his family said yesterday.

Christine Archibald, 30, the first victim named, had been on a night out with Tyler Ferguson.

The bride-to-be, known as Chrissy, had worked at a homeless shelter in her native Canada before moving to Europe. Yesterday her family paid tribute to her kindness and generosity.

Describing Mr Fergusons anguish, his sister Cassie Ferguson Rowe told Canadian television: He is broken into a million pieces. He held her and watched her die in his arms.

Christine Archibald, 30, the first victim named, had been on a night out with Tyler Ferguson and died in his arms

She added on Facebook: My baby brother lost the love of his life on London Bridge. In a split second his entire life was ripped away from him.

The Canadian couple moved to the Netherlands last year and Mr Fergusons brother Mark said they were very madly in love.

He wrote on Facebook: These senseless acts of terror need to stop. What does it accomplish other than wreck the lives of innocent people?

Miss Archibalds family said: 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.

The Canadian couple moved to the Netherlands last year and Mr Fergusons brother Mark said they were very madly in love

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. Supporters and well-wishers began tweeting pledges to carry out charitable acts in Miss Archibalds memory, using the Twitter hash tag Chrissysentme.

Canadas prime minister Justin 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.

Londoners and people across the United Kingdom have always displayed strength and resilience in the face of adversity. We witnessed this after the attacks in Manchester and in the Westminster area of London. This time will be no different.

City worker fended off killer with his skateboard

The family of a City worker who tried to save a woman fear the worst for him and have launched a social media appeal for information.

Ignacio Echeverria, 39, went to help the woman near Borough Market, using his skateboard to try to fend off a knifeman.

The financial crime analyst from Madrid, who moved to London 15 months ago to work for HSBC and whose sister Isabel also lives in the city, was on his way home from a skate park.

Ignacio Echeverria, 39, went to help the woman near Borough Market, using his skateboard to try to fend off a knifeman

Friends said they saw him fall to the pavement after confronting the attacker.

Ignacios brother Joaquin said the family was praying he would be found alive but added: Weve been asked for his fingerprints. Not a good sign.

Victims girlfriend survived

Xavier Thomas was with Christine Delcros and friends on London Bridge

A Frenchman whose girlfriend was seriously injured is among the missing.

Xavier Thomas was with Christine Delcros and friends on London Bridge during the rampage.

He has not been seen since Saturday night, while Miss Delcros is understood to be recovering from her injuries in hospital.

Her sister Nathalie posted an emotional message on Facebook, saying friends are terribly worried for Xaviers safety.

She wrote: We are on our way to London, my sister Christine Delcros and her boyfriend Xavier Thomas have been victims of the attack. I appeal to all those who have news of Xavier. He is missing. We are terribly worried.
A Chinese man had his penis freed from a tiny wrench last week after getting it stuck for nearly a day.

The 37-year-old, unnamed, was sent to hospital in eastern China's Zhejiang Province, after his trapped penis had swollen and turned purple.

Doctors and firefighters, who failed to free the man, had to call in dentists to help remove the wrench using a dental drill.

Dentists helped the man who had got his penis trapped in a ring spanner for 17 hours in China

Firefighters (pictured) also arrived, but they failed to free the man with the tools they brought

According to Huanqiu.com, an affiliation to People's Daily China, the man is a bachelor and lives in Linhai city.

He reportedly got his genitals trapped in the metal tool and was sent to the Taizhou Hospital at 9:30pm on June 2. It remains unclear why the man's penis had been stuck.

Doctors suggested that the man should undergo a surgical operation to reduce the blood flow in his penis before they could remove the tool.

It's said that the doctors tried to contact the man's parents to gain their approval for the surgery. His parents agreed to the operation, but failed to show up in the hospital to sign the consent.

As a result, the doctors had to call the Linhai Fire Brigade for help.

The firefighters arrived and brought an angle grinder.

However, the firefighters said they couldn't use the grinder. They explained that the heat generated from the grinder could pose danger to the patient.

The dentists managed to free the man from the mechanical tool (pictured) after 30 minutes

The man's penis had swollen and turned purple when he was sent to the hospital in Linhai city

One doctor suggested that they should find a dentist to help resolve the issue. The doctor said she had studied a similar case during a seminar.

Two dentists, Zhou Gi and Shi Gengsheng, were called. They arrived at the hospital half an hour after the man was sent in.

They brought a dental drill, a high-speed engine that rotates 200,000 to 300,000 times per minute.

'The dental engine also has a high-pressure water cooler to reduce the heat caused by the drilling,' said Zhou.

The rescue team tested the dental drill on a wrench from the firefighters' tool box before carrying out on the man.

The man was freed after a 30-minute operation by the two dentists. No further injuries were reported.
A Chinese woman who arrived too late to catch her flight attacked an airport worker who stopped her from boarding her plane to Paris.

The passenger, reportedly a PhD student, was filmed slapping the check-in officer on June 1 at the Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, according to a video posted by People's Daily on Chinese social media.

She has been detained for ten days by the police following the assault, which has been deemed 'unacceptable' by the air carrier.

The PhD student (in red dress) was filmed slapping the airport worker three times after being denied boarding a flight from China to France on June 1 at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport

A surveillance video from the airport shows the woman, known as Zhang Dan, arriving at the check-in counter at 9:49am with her son and husband, the local Chutian Urban Newspaper reported.

The boarding gate for the Air France flight AF139 had already closed at the time.

The flight was travelling from Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei Province, to Paris.

The airport worker suggested the passenger should rearrange her itinerary or request a refund for her tickets. The woman, appearing enraged, protested by saying: 'I was late for just a few minutes.'

The woman is said to be 36 years old and is a PhD student from a 'prestigious university in Wuhan.'

She seemed to have lost her temper. She yelled at the female officer, telling her that she had a 'very important conference to go to'.

She reached behind the officer's desk and slapped her three times in the face. Onlookers appeared to be shocked by her behaviour.

The airport worker was scared and could not stop crying.

Zhang was detained by Hubei police at the scene. She has been given a 10-day detention.

Flight AF139 took off from Wuhan on time at 10:35am and landed in Paris at 4:38pm.

The 36-year-old woman yelled at the check-in officer, telling her that she had a 'very important conference to attend' and could not miss the flight

The woman has been detained for ten days by the police following the assault

An Air France spokesman told MailOnline that the passenger's behavior was 'totally unacceptable'.

The woman was banned from boarding the flight AF139 after the assault. The same spokesman said that 'safety of the crew is of our main priority'.

The spokesman said he couldn't confirm whether or not Zhang has been banned from boarding all Air France flights, as reported by several Chinese publications.

Investigation by the public security bureau of the Chinese airport is under way, according to Air France.
Apple kicks off its 2017 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this week, with the company expected to make several major announcements.

Rumours suggest that Apple will unveil four new iPad models, the iPhone 8, as well as a Siri-powered smart speaker to rival Amazon Echo and Google Home.

The company's keynote speech begins at 6PM GMT (1PM ET) today, in which top executives, including Apple boss Tim Cook, will take to the stage to announce an array of new software and hardware.

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Two sources last month shared photos of cases for each of a 10-in (left) and 12.9-in (right) iPad Pro, which could be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this week alongside four new devices listed in a recently leaked Russian regulatory filing

WWDC RUMOURS: WHAT TO EXPECT - An AI smart speaker powered by Apple's voice assistant Siri - Four new models of iPad Pro, including 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch versions - The iPhone 8 - A new Apple wireless keyboard - A showcase of Apple's new operating system: iOS 11 - The new version of MacOS, which powers Apple's desktops and laptop computers - A new line of Mac desktop computers and an update to the MacBook laptop - Updates to the Apple Watch including possible new health and fitness tracking features Advertisement

Rumours suggest the firm could announce a new Apple wireless keyboard, the latest version of its iOS software, a MacOS update, and a new line of Mac desktop computers.

Updates to the Apple Watch and Mac laptop range are also expected.

The event is taking place at the McEnery Convention Centre in San Jose, California, and runs until Friday June 9.

Apple will reportedly use the opening of its conference to announce an artificially intelligent smart speaker powered by voice assistant Siri.

The device would be used to control internet-enabled products around home, as well as answer queries and provide news, weather and schedule updates.

Amazon and Google's existing speakers have proved popular with consumers since the Echo launched in the UK in 2016 and Home earlier this year.

The speakers, driven by artificial intelligence and voice-enabled assistants - such as Amazon's Alexa - have become a leading trend in the tech industry and Alexa now boasts support for more than 10,000 apps.

The update could also give early clues on what to expect from the next iPhone, which is due to be announced in September, marking the device's tenth anniversary.

The company's latest smartphone could offer a dual-lens 3D camera, augmented reality to generate real-time views of surroundings, and wireless charging.

Apple may have inadvertently leaked its intentions to announce iOS 11 at today's conference by releasing an app to its store early. Video game developer Steve Troughton-Smith spotted a new placeholder app called 'Files' on the app store that says it requires iOS 11 to run

While the iPhone 8 (artist's impression pictured) is expected to be unveiled in September, one industry analyst claims it could be revealed during Apple's WWDC conference

APPLE'S SIRI-DRIVEN SMART SPEAKER The product is believed to be aimed at bringing Apple AI into the home, and will have a higher price tag than the Amazon Echo range, which begins at $49 (49) for the Echo Dot. The speaker will provide a hub for appliances via Apple's HomeKit system and establish a centre inside the home to lock people in to using other Apple services, according to the report. A speaker might help customers stay loyal to other services such as Apple Music, Apple Watch, Apple TV and AirPods. Insiders suggest that Siri's advanced acoustics technology may give it the edge over competitors. The company has considered including sensors that automatically adjust audio levels dependent on the acoustics of a room, insiders said. Advertisement

Last Friday, Rod Hall, a stock analyst at J.P. Morgan in San Francisco, claimed in a note to investors that Apple will announce the iPhone 8 at WWDC.

Mr Hall said he believes there is 'some possibility' that Apple will preview the 'iPhone 8' at the event, according to Apple Insider, a technology site that has seen the note.

He cited an 'expected large form factor change as well as new 3D scanning features' as the unexpected reason for an early preview.

However, some industry analysts have suggested that Apple is unlikely to unveil the iPhone 8 during Monday's event, saying that the company is likely to wait until later this year.

Recently leaked Eurasian regulators filings revealed that Apple will unveil four iPad Pros, identified with model numbers A1671, A1709, A1670 and A1701

A next-generation wireless keyboard - believed to be the latest version of Apples Magic Keyboard - could also be announced. This device has been unchanged since 2015 (pictured) so an upgrade could be overdue

HOW TO WATCH THE ANNOUCEMENT Apple is holding a keynote today at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, today at 10am PT (1pm ET, 6pm BST). Youll be able to watch the event as the company is streaming it live. However, you can only do so on the Apple site on these devices: - Safari on the Mac or iOS - Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 - An Apple TV gen 4 with the Apple Events app in the App Store - An Apple TV gen 2 or 3, with the Apple Events channel that arrives automatically right before the event Advertisement

A leaked Eurasian regulatory filing recently revealed that the firm will unveil four new iPad Pros at WWDC, identified with model numbers A1671, A1709, A1670 and A1701.

Pairs of 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad devices are expected to launch at the event, and will likely mirror the design of the iPhone 8.

The documents also highlighted a next-generation wireless keyboard that is believed to be the latest version of Apples Magic Keyboard.

WWDC 2017 will also see the tech firm discuss the next versions of software that power the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.

iOS 11, the software which runs on the iPhone and iPad is likely to be shown off for the first time.

Apple may have inadvertently leaked its intentions to announce its new operating system by releasing an app to its store.

Earlier today, video game developer Steve Troughton-Smith spotted that the iOS App Store currently has a placeholder listing for an Apple-developed app called Files.

Sources say Apple could be unveiling the Siri speakers at the annual developer conference on 5 to 9 June with release later in the year. The speaker would be a key rival to the Amazon Echo (pictured) and Google Home

iOS 11 APP APPEARS EARLY Apple may have inadvertently leaked its intentions to announce iOS 11 at WWDC 2017 by releasing an app to its store early. Earlier today, video game developer Steve Troughton-Smith spotted that the iOS App Store currently has a placeholder listing for an Apple-developed app called Files. While the listing gives few details on what the final app will do, it says that the software requires the as-yet unannounced iOS 11 system to run. The app's icon resembles that of a macOS-style folder and signals that Apple are about to overhaul iOSs approach to file management. Advertisement

He posted his findings, including a screen grab of the app, on Twitter.

While the listing gives few details on what the final app will do, it says that the software requires the as-yet unannounced iOS 11 system to run.

The app's icon resembles that of a macOS-style folder and signals that Apple are about to overhaul iOSs approach to file management.

In addition to a new iOS, the new version of MacOS, which powers Apple's desktops and laptop computers will likely be demonstrated.

Rumours have also suggested a new line of Mac desktop computers and an update to the MacBook laptop could be discussed.

Several thousand developers will attend the five-day event, which also features technical sessions and hands-on time with the new software for those in attendance (stock image)

Updates to the Apple Watch, including possible new health and fitness tracking features, are also likely to be among the announcements in California.

WWDC will also be the first event since the company began moving into its new multibillion-dollar headquarters, Apple Park, which first opened its doors to employees in April.

The keynote could feature more details on Apple's environmental plans for the new campus.

Several thousand developers will attend the five-day event, which also features technical sessions and hands-on time with the new software for those in attendance.
Cook pines have always been known to grow at peculiar angles and scientists have finally discovered why - it is because they always tilt towards the equator.

On average these trees - which are native to New Caledonia - tilt by 8.55 degrees, which is twice as much as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The further the trees are from the equator the more they tilt - and researchers even found one tree in South Australia which slants at 40 degrees.

Now researchers say the strange tilt is an adaptation that helps them catch more sunlight at higher latitudes.

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Researchers studied 256 Cook pines, Araucaria columnaris, in five continents and found the further the trees are from the equator the more they tilt (stock image)

WHY DO THEY SLANT? Most trees are able to correct asymmetrical growth which means they always grow upwards but the Cook pine is an exception to the rule. It could be an adaptation that allows the tree to catch more sunlight, researchers found. Scientists believe that gravity and the Earth's magnetic field play a role in this slanted growth too. Previous research suggests plants have a light-receptor called cryptochrome, which is activated by light and sensitive to magnetic fields. Scientists believe being sensitive to magnetic fields helps plants react to elements in the soil which are affected by magnetism, such as calcium. Advertisement

Scientists from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo studied 256 Cook pines, Araucaria columnaris, in five continents.

They looked at trees in 18 locations between 7 and and 35 north, and 12 and 42 south and found all trees in the northern hemisphere lean south and those in the southern hemisphere lean north.

'It's a shockingly distinct pattern,' lead researcher Matt Ritter told New Scientist.

'We got holy-smoked that there's possibly a tree that's leaning toward the equator wherever it grows', he said.

Cook pines grow up to 197 feet (60 metres) tall and are characterised by their short branches.

Most trees are able to correct asymmetrical growth which means they always grow upwards but the Cook pine is an exception to the rule.

'We could be just dealing with an artefact of its genetics that we are seeing now when we have spread it all over the world,' he said.

It could also be an adaptation that allows the tree to catch more sunlight, Dr Ritter said.

However, scientists believe that gravity and the Earth's magnetic field play a role in this slanted growth too.

On average Cook pines, which are native to New Caledonia, tilt by 8.55 degrees, (left, stock image) which is twice as much as the Leaning Tower of Pisa (right, stock image)

WHAT IS PHOTOTROPISM? Phototropism is when a plant grows in a specific direction in response to light. Generally shoots move towards light and roots move away from it. Shoots generally show positive phototropism because this helps them get more light which can be used for photosynthesis. Most trees are able to correct asymmetrical growth which means they always grow upwards but the Cook pine is an exception to the rule. Steven Warren of the US Forest Service in Utah said 'this is the first time I have heard of a tree doing this'. Advertisement

'When grown outside of its native range, this species has a pronounced lean so ubiquitous that it is often used as the identifying characteristic for the species', researchers wrote in their paper, published in Ecology.

'The mechanisms underlying directional lean of A. columnaris may be related to an adaptive tropic response to the incidence angles of annual sunlight, gravity, magnetism, or any combination of these', they wrote.

Previous research suggests plants have a light-receptor called cryptochrome, which is activated by light and sensitive to magnetic fields.

Researchers believe being sensitive to magnetic fields helps plants react to elements in the soil which are affected by magnetism, such as calcium.

Many plants are able to lean towards a source of light when it is not directly above - a characteristic known as phototropism.

Now researchers say the strange tilt of these trees - originally from New Caledonia - is an adaptation that helps them catch more sunlight at higher latitudes

However, normally trees detect gravity and so their roots and shoots realign to point towards and away from the ground.

This means that as a tree matures it grows directly upwards unless there is some environmental factor preventing this happening - such as strong winds.

Talking about the strange case of the Cook pine, Steven Warren of the US Forest Service in Utah said 'this is the first time I have heard of a tree doing this'.
As manned missions become longer and more perilous, astronauts will face a greater risk of serious health emergencies while in space.

Intensive care doctors have called for a new astronaut training programme to help them deal with the difficulties of micro-gravity and tight storage space.

New techniques include using handstands to perform CPR and wrapping legs around patients to stop them floating away.

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Intensive care doctors have called for a new astronaut training programme to help them deal with the difficulties of micro-gravity and tight storage space. New techniques include using handstands to perform CPR, and wrapping legs around patients to stop them floating away

CHALLENGES FOR LONG-DISTANCE MISSIONS The space environment presents a number of unique problems that must be overcome in order to deliver emergency medical care. In micro-gravity it is not possible to use one's body weight to perform actions such as CPR as would be done on Earth. There are also strict limits on the amount of medical equipment and consumables that can be taken on a mission. Experts have proposed a new 'hand-stand' technique to give CPR in micro-gravity. They suggest that astronauts should learn to 3D print emergency medical equipment to save storage space. Advertisement

Those on space missions should receive training on how to perform emergency medical procedures in micro-gravity, when it is difficult to use body weight in the same way, experts will tell an audience at this year's Euroanaesthesia congress in Geneva today.

Experts will recommend matching crew members for blood type to enable transfusions in an environment where blood products will not be available.

They also suggest that astronauts should learn to 3D print emergency medical equipment to save storage space.

In the event of a serious problem such as a cardiac arrest, it may be necessary for astronauts to perform CPR in microgravity, according to Professor Jochen Hinkelbein, an Executive Senior Physician at the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany.

Professor Hinkelbein said: 'Since astronauts are selected carefully, are usually young, and are intensively observed before and during their training, relevant medical problems are, fortunately, rare in space.

'However, in the context of future long-term missions, for example to Mars, with durations of several years, the risk for severe medical problems is significantly higher.

'Therefore, there is also a substantial risk for a cardiac arrest in space requiring CPR.'

The space environment presents a number of unique problems that must be overcome in order to deliver emergency medical care.

In micro-gravity it is not possible to use one's body weight to perform actions such as CPR as would be done on Earth, and there are strict limits on the amount of medical equipment that can be taken on a mission.

Professor Hinkelbein will outline the different methods of CPR that have been tested in microgravity experiments onboard aircraft and in specialised underwater space simulators.

The research conducted by his team found that using a 'hand-stand' technique was the most effective way to treat a cardiac arrest and most closely matched the guidelines used here on Earth.

Intensive care doctors called for a new astronaut training programme to help them deal with the difficulties of micro-gravity and tight storage space. Pictured is a concept image of a Mars One colony, who plan to establish a colony on the red planet by 2027

CPR IN SPACE The research conducted by the team found that using a 'hand-stand' technique was the most effective way to treat a cardiac arrest and most closely matched the guidelines used here on Earth. In situations where that method couldn't be used, such as small confined spaces, the alternative is the Evetts-Russomano method of wrapping the legs around the patient to prevent them floating away while performing compressions. Advertisement

In situations where that method couldn't be used, such as small confined spaces, the alternative is the Evetts-Russomano method of wrapping the legs around the patient to prevent them floating away while performing compressions.

'Space exploration missions to the moon and Mars are planned in the coming years,' said Dr Matthieu Komorowski, Consultant in Intensive Care and Anaesthesia, Charing Cross Hospital in London.

'During these long duration flights, the estimated risk of severe medical and surgical events, as well as the risk of loss of crew life, are significant.'

In the event of a crew member suffering from an illness or injury, they may have to be treated and cared for by personnel with little formal medical training.

Those embarking on long space missions should receive training on how to perform emergency medical procedures in micro-gravity, when it is difficult to use body weight in the same way (stock image)

They may also lack the equipment that would be available in a comparable situation on Earth.

Dr Komorowski added: 'In the worst-case scenario, non-medical personnel may have to care for an injured or ill crew member.

'Far from low earth orbit, real-time telemedicine will not be available and the crew will need to be self-reliant.'
Almost 1,000 years after it was lost, archaeologists have discovered a temple hidden in downtown Chengdu, China.

The Fugan temple was once a prestigious place of worship, but it suffered damage during wars, and all traces of it disappeared during the Song dynasty.

The researchers hope that its discovery could give clues to how Buddhism spread through China in the third century.

Almost 1,000 years after it was lost, archaeologists have discovered a temple hidden in downtown Chengdu, China

FUGAN TEMPLE The Fugan Temple was a famous place of worship that existed from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The word 'Fugan' means 'feeling the blessing', and was chosen for the temple after Daoxuan, a famous monk in the Tang Dynasty prayed for rain outside the temple after a drought, and had his prayers answered. The temple was damaged during several wars, and disappeared at the end of the Song Dynasty, around 1279. Advertisement

Researchers from the Chengdu Cultural Relic Research Institute discovered the temple's foundation, ruins of surrounding buildings, wells, roads and ditches, in downtown Chengdu.

Mr Yi Li, who led the excavation, told Xinhua: 'We have excavated only a part of the temple's area, but already have a glimpse of its past glory.'

As well as the foundations of the temple itself, the archaeologists also discovered around 80 ancient tombs that they believe date back to around 1600-256 BC.

Tools, utensils and building materials, were discovered, dating to the Song and Ming dynasties, which date back to 960-1279 and 13681644 respectively.

The Fugan temple was once a prestigious place of worship, but it suffered damage during wars, and all traces of it disappeared during the Song dynasty

The team of archaeologists unearthed over 1,000 tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, and more than 500 stone sculptures, alongside glazed tiles

The team of archaeologists also unearthed over 1,000 tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, and more than 500 stone sculptures, alongside glazed tiles.

The Fugan Temple was a famous place of worship that existed from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

The word 'Fugan' means 'feeling the blessing', and was chosen for the temple after Daoxuan, a famous monk in the Tang Dynasty prayed for rain outside the temple after a drought, and had his prayers answered.

As well as the foundations of the temple itself, the archaeologists also discovered around 80 ancient tombs that they believe date back to around 1600-256 BC

Researchers from the Chengdu Cultural Relic Research Institute discovered the temple's foundation, ruins of surrounding building, wells, roads and ditches, in downtown Chengdu

The Fugan Temple was a famous place of worship that existed from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Pictured are archaeologists working on the site

The temple was damaged during several wars, and disappeared at the end of the Song Dynasty, around 1279.

But the researchers hope that its discovery could help to uncover the story of how Buddhism spread in China during that time, according to Mr Wang Yi, director of the Chengdu Cultural Relic Research Institute.

Several ditches and wells were also discovered in the surrounding area around the Fugan temple itself

Pictured is a stone Bodhisattva head at the excavation site of the Fugan Temple, which disppeared for nearly a millennium, in Chengdu

The Fugan temple was discovered in Chengdu, China after it was lost over 1,000 years ago
A new leak has emerged about the Apple iPhone 8, just hours before Tim Cook kicks off the annual developer's conference today in San Jose.

Three employees from the Chinese manufacturing firm Foxconn, which builds Apple handsets, allegedly revealed features about the design of the much-anticipated handset.

The employees said the phone will use facial detection and a retina scanner on the front facing cameras and suggested the tenth anniversary gadget would be called 'iPhone X'.

Scroll down for video

Sources said the new phone (pictured, from previous leak) looked 'more like an iPhone 7 with glass' and will use Facial Detection and Retina Scanner on the front facing cameras

IPHONE 8 CLAIMS - Device looked 'more like an iPhone 7 with glass and without the AuthenTec's capacitive touch module.' - Sources referred to the phone as the iPhone X - 3GB RAM - Made of 'composite glass' - Like the iPhone 7, it will be also 'water resistant' - Will continue to have Lightning connector and not move to a USB-C connection - Wireless charing Advertisement

The unverified employees wrote on Reddit that the new phone looked 'more like an iPhone 7 with glass and without the AuthenTec's capacitive touch module.'

They said they saw 'test units with fingerprint scanners mounted below the glass, but performance and yield rates were not good.'

Leakers suggested there is no rear fingerprint scanner.

The employees also suggest that the tenth anniversary gadget could come with 3GB RAM and is made of 'composite glass', which will facilitate wireless charging, writes the Verge.

Like the iPhone 7, it will be also 'water resistant.'

The leak suggests it will continue with the Lightning connector and not move to a USB-C connection.

They also suggested the phone will have wireless charging.

As well as the iPhone, the sources also leaked information about Apple glasses which they suggested was called 'Project Mirrorshades'.

The materials for the devices cost around $150 (166) and Foxconninsider suggested that they would retail for around $600 (465).

However, the inside sources also said there had been serious issues with the batteries, which means there is a 65 per cent chance the project would in fact be cancelled.

Reports suggest the iPhone 8 (centre), which is due to be released in September, will measure 143.59 x 70.94 x 7.57 mm compared to the iPhone 7 (left) which is 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm and the iPhone 7 Plus (right) which measures 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm

OTHER APPLE HARDWARE As well as the iPhone, the sources also leaked information about Apple glasses which they suggested was called 'Project Mirrorshades' and attempts to bring AR to more people. The materials for the devices cost around $150 (166) and the Foxconninsider suggested that they would retail for around $600 (465). However, the inside sources also said there had been serious issues with the batteries, which means there is a 65 per cent change the project would in fact be cancelled. Foxconninsider suggested Apple would be unveiling its Siri-powered gome device at the conference today but that it would not come out until later in the year. The MacBook lineup might be refreshed this year - with suggestions there would be a more powerful 12-inch MachBook and improved 13-inch MacBook Air. They suggested the MagSafe - which was previously discontinued - will return in 12-18 months. They did not have access to the iPads but confirmed rumours there was a third iPad size to be released. Advertisement

Foxconninsider also suggested Apple would be unveiling its Siri-powered home device at the conference today, which would come out later in the year.

The MacBook lineup might be refreshed this year - with suggestions there would be a more powerful 12-inch MachBook and improved 13-inch MacBook Air.

They suggested the MagSafe - which was previously discontinued - will return in 12-18 months.

They did not have access to the iPads but confirmed rumours there was a third iPad size to be released.

The new details come shortly after a leak last week suggested the highly-anticipated iPhone 8 will be 'much heftier' than the iPhone 7 but smaller than the 7 Plus.

Reports suggest the iPhone 8, which is due to be released in September, will measure 143.59 x 70.94 x 7.57 mm compared to the iPhone 7 which is 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm.

In terms of size, the iPhone 8 sits between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus but because it does not appear to have a Home Button, the screen is larger than both.

Leaks by Benjamin Geskin for iDrop show the new iPhone 8 will be thicker than the iPhone 7 Plus which is 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm.

Obtained from 'factory workers with intimate knowledge of Apple's latest device', the leaks confirm the iPhone 8 will have an edge-to-edge screen on the front.

Mr Geskin also mocked up an image of the iPhone 8 between the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ which shows it has a similar sized screen to the S8, but with smaller body.

Mr Geskin also mocked up an image of the iPhone 8 (centre) between the Galaxy S8 (left) and Galaxy S8+ (right) which shows it has a similar sized screen with smaller body

KEY DIMENSIONS iPhone 8 143.59 x 70.94 x 7.57 mm (5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 in) iPhone 7 Plus 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm (6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 in) iPhone 7 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 in) Advertisement

Its screen appears marginally smaller than the S8+.

The images show a dual camera system on the back of the phone with one camera on top of the other and a flash between them, which confirms previous leaks.

Mr Geskin's images support claims that the front of the phone will be almost all display with only a lip at the top for a camera and sensors.

The new release looks like it will have a Touch ID fingerprint scanner embedded in the main display.

This leak follows previous ones by Mr Geskin of computer-assisted design (CAD) drawings of the phone.

The images show a dual camera system on the back of the phone (centre) with one camera on top of the other and a flash between them, which confirms previous leaks

There does not appear to be a dual selfie camera on the front, which has previously been speculated.

On the back there is a round shaped ring which looks like it could have been a fingerprint sensor.

Mr Geskin suggests this could be where the Apple logo will be.

Slashleaks also leaked images of the iPhone 8 in flip cases a few days previously.

IPHONE 8 RUMOURS Several rumours have been circulating about the iPhone 8, and suggest the next device may have: - Dual-lens 3D camera - Augmented reality to generate real-time views of surroundings - Curved glass casing - Plastic OLED screen - Wireless charging - A folding element - New 5 inch (12.7 centimetre) and 5.8 inch (14.7 centimetre) model, which will have a wraparound OLED screen - 5.8 inch will be designed with the Touch ID finger print sensor 'under the glass and in the active display area' - A new 'pure white' model - Aluminium back will be replaced with two reinforced glass panes and a metal frame in the middle - Facial recognition - Premium model will cost $1,000 Advertisement

Obtained from 'factory workers with intimate knowledge of Apple's latest device', the leaks confirm the iPhone 8 (pictured) will be larger than the iPhone 7 in every dimension

Benjamin Geskin's images support claims that the front of the phone will be almost all display with only a lip at the top for a camera and sensors. The new release looks like it will have Touch ID fingerprint scanner embedded in the main display

These leaks came after a ten second preview video claimed to show the upcoming handset in the closest detail yet and shows some of the expected features of the final iPhone 8 design.

Mr Geskin, who uploaded the video to YouTube, said that the clip shows a dummy display model of the handset created in China, based on the schematics.

It also contains a number of expected features for the iPhone 8.

The computer-assisted design (CAD) drawings show a dual camera system on the back of the phone (right) with one camera on top of the other and a flash between them. There appears to be no Home Button on the front (left) which corroborates rumours there will be Touch ID fingerprint scanner embedded in the main display

On the back there is a round shaped ring which looks like it could have been a fingerprint sensor but Benjamin Geskin suggests it is where the Apple logo will be. The much-anticipated iPhone 8 which will mark the 10th anniversary of the gadget

The images support previous claims that the front of the phone will be almost all display with only a lip at the top for a camera and sensors. The designs also show dual speakers at the bottom edge with a Lightening port in the middle

This image shows a dummy of the phone in a case posted by Slashleaks. There does not appear to be a dual selfie camera on the front, which has previously been speculated

Slashleaks also leaked images of the iPhone 8 in flip cases. The design also corroborates the images released by Benjamin Geskin

Video courtesy of iVenyaWay

The sleek black phone is extremely thin and the glass screen area appears to reach to each corner and edge of the front of the phone, in line with rumours of a bezel-less design.

The Touch ID button is notably absent from both the front and rear of the display model, following speculation that Apple has worked out a way to embed the technology into the device's screen

The rear features a silver oval area which could house the dual-lens 3D camera thought to be a new headline feature of the iPhone 8.

The tipster also Tweeted a copy of the leaked schematics (pictured). The drawings and video show a number of expected features for the iPhone 8

The tipster also Tweeted a copy of the schematics, writing a short message on Twitter in which he said: 'Alleged #iPhone8 schematics.'

As with the iPhone 7, the schematics seem to show that the iPhone 8 will also not include a headphone socket.

The eagerly anticipated 10th anniversary edition of iPhone, rumoured to be called Edition, is expected in September.

The glass screen area appears to reach to each corner and edge of the front of the phone (left), in line with rumours of a bezel-less design. The rear (right) features a silver oval area which could house the dual-lens 3D camera thought to be a new headline feature
Microsoft accidentally released dodgy software that trapped mobile users in a never-ending loop - forcing them to reset their devices and lose all their data.

The company admitted that releasing the faulty software was a mistake which had caused serious problems for their customers on both desktop and mobile.

The updates were released to Windows Insiders who get the latest features before other Windows users.

Microsoft has apologised and told customers the company would not be releasing further builds this week.

Scroll down for video

Microsoft said the faulty release was not intended to go out and was the result of 'inadvertent deployment' (stock image)

WHAT HAPPENED? The updates were accidentally released to Windows Insiders who get the latest features before other Windows users. The Windows Insider Program is an important way for Microsoft to get feedback from its users. The company warns users that being a Windows Insider member exposes them to certain risks - however this release was not intended to go out and was the result of 'inadvertent deployment'. The software trapped mobile users in a never-ending loop that forced them to reset their devices and loose data. Advertisement

The company warns users that being a Windows Insider member exposes them to certain risks - however this release was not intended to go out and was the result of 'inadvertent deployment'.

The Windows Insider Program is an important way for Microsoft to get feedback from its users.

'We apologise for this inconvenience and thank you for being a Windows Insider', Microsoft engineer Dona Sarkar said in a blog post.

'This happened because an inadvertent deployment to the engineering system that controls which builds/which rings to push out to insiders', she said.

'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.'

The release trapped mobile users in a never-ending loop that forced them to reset their devices and loose data

Users who received the update had to wipe the device using the Windows Device Recovery Tool.

'The team was quick to revert the deployment and put blocks in place to stop these builds from going out to more people', Ms Sarkar said.

Ms Sarkar said despite this, a 'small portion' of users still received the updates.

Customers who installed the build onto PC will have to wait for a newer build to be published or use the recovery option in settings.

'If you received this build (from RS_IoT) on Mobile: This build will *not* install on your device,' said Ms Sarkar.

'If you installed this build, your device will be stuck in a reboot loop and the only way to recover is to use the Windows Device Recovery Tool and re-flash.

'After re-flashing, you can join the Windows Insider Program again on your device and choose your ring and be back on the right update path', she said.

MailOnline has contacted Microsoft for comment.
SpaceX's first-ever recycled spaceship arrived Monday at the International Space Station, two days after the unmanned Dragon cargo capsule launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Live images on NASA television showed the spaceship approaching the orbiting outpost, then being grabbed with the station's robotic arm at 9:52 am (1352 GMT).

'Capture complete,' said NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who operated the robotic arm from inside the station.

Scroll down for video

SpaceX's first-ever recycled spaceship arrived Monday at the International Space Station, two days after the unmanned Dragon cargo capsule launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida

THE MISSION The mission to the Earth-orbiting laboratory will be the eleventh commercial resupply services flight for SpaceX. The payload will include important materials to support more than 250 science and research investigations taking place during Expeditions 52 and 53. When the Dragon arrives at the space station, U.S. astronauts Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer will grapple Dragon using the station's 57-foot-long robotic arm. Ground commands then will be sent from mission control for the station's arm to rotate and install the Dragon capsule to the station's Harmony module. Advertisement

The spaceship is carrying almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms) of science research, crew supplies and hardware.

It was originally flown on SpaceX's fourth resupply mission in 2014.

Its arrival makes it the first US spaceship to return to the space station since the American space shuttle program ended in 2011.

The latest mission is SpaceX's 11th cargo resupply trip to the ISS under a $1.6 billion contract with NASA.

'We also want to note the special significance of SpaceX 11, which if we followed the naming convention of the artist Prince, could be called 'The SpaceX formerly known as SpaceX 4,'' quipped NASA astronaut Jack Fischer as he spoke to mission control in Houston.

'We have a new generation of vehicles now, led by commercial partners like SpaceX, as they build the infrastructure that will carry us into the future of exploration,' he said.

'Now we'd better get back to work. We have a lot of stuff to unload.'

SpaceX is working on a version of its Dragon capsule that will carry crew to the space station, perhaps as early as next year.

The California-based company headed by Elon Musk also regularly returns the first stage of its Falcon 9 rockets to upright landings on Earth, as part of an effort to increase reusability and lower the cost of spaceflight.

The launch, which followed a two-day delay as a result of thunderstorms, marked the fifth successful landing of the company's rockets following last year's explosion at the Cape Canaveral launchpad.

SpaceX has completed 11 landings in total. Saturday's unmanned Falcon rocket was carrying a recycled Dragon capsule that contained mice and flies for research

SpaceX launched its first recycled cargo ship on Saturday from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The landing marked the fifth successful landing since a rocket explosion in September

The Dragon capsule sent to the space station on Saturday had previously made a delivery to the ISS roughly three years ago.

In September 2014, and it delivered nearly 2.5 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory.

The Dragon returned to Earth about a month later, splashing down into the ocean.

SpaceX is working on a version of its Dragon capsule that will carry crew to the space station, perhaps as early as next year

SPACEX'S DRAGON V2 SpaceX hopes to soon end production of the cargo Dragon spacecraft to focus on a next-generation version of the Dragon being developed for commercial crew missions. Those CRS-2 Dragon missions will use 'propulsive' landings, where the capsule lands on a landing pad using its SuperDraco thrusters rather than splashing down in the ocean. That will allow NASA faster access to the cargo returned by those spacecraft, and also build up experience for propulsive landings of crewed Dragon spacecraft. Advertisement

SpaceX refurbished it for the planned launch, providing a new heat shield and fresh parachutes for re-entry at mission's end.

There were so many X-rays and inspections that savings, if any, were minimal this time, said Hans Koenigsmann, vice president of flight reliability for SpaceX.

The vast majority of this Dragon has already been to space, including the hull, thrusters and tanks.

It comes just months after SpaceX sent a previously flown rocket to orbit in a major milestone for more affordable spaceflight.

'This whole notion of reuse is something that's very, very important to the entire space industry,' NASA's space station program manager Kirk Shireman said at a news conference Wednesday.
New York Opens First 'Opiate Court'

With opioid addiction reaching epidemic levels in the United States, lawmakers and law enforcers are beginning to realize the problem can't be addressed like most drug crimes. Standard fines and incarceration are no replacement for rehabilitation and treatment and cops, courts, and congresspeople are looking for better alternatives.

While many jurisdictions already have specialized drug courts in place, New York took it one step further last month, instituting the nation's first-ever opiate court designed steer offenders towards addiction treatment rather than criminal prosecution.

Care, Not Confinement

The Buffalo City Court started the opiate intervention program on May 1, screening everyone arrested in Buffalo for opiate use, and directing those who are struggling with addiction to a treatment program while their criminal cases are put on hold. Judges and prosecutors will work together to offer individuals options in terms of the type of treatment and using their participation or completion of treatment programs as a mitigating factor in their prosecution. "Jail is not the answer," District Attorney John J. Flynn told the Buffalo News. "Will people be held accountable for their crimes? Yes. But they also deserve to be cared for and loved."

The new opiate court will differ from traditional drug courts in a couple significant ways. While drug users under the past program often would not begin treatment for 30, 60, or 90 days, treatment under the opiate court can begin immediately. As local attorney Mark A. Adrian described, those kinds of delays for opiate addicts can be deadly: "I've had eight clients die while their cases were pending." There will also be no penalty for failing initial treatment efforts.

Alive, Not Dead

As reported by The Buffalo News, the opioid epidemic has hit the upstate area especially hard:

With an average of one overdose death in Erie County every day, the object is to save lives, officials said. Latest figures from the Erie County Health Department show 66 confirmed fatal overdoses in 2017, with 111 more suspected. There were 296 confirmed fatal overdoses in 2016.

But the paper also reported that the opiate court, at least in its early stages, has been a success. Forty of the first 43 people directed to intervention are currently in treatment programs.

While the Empire State may serve as a model for the country, specialized opiate or drug courts may not be available where you live. If you're experiencing issues with prescription drug addiction, you can access professional help for free. And if you've been charged with an opioid-related drug offense, you should consult with an experienced drug crime attorney as soon as possible.

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India launched a communication satellite using its most powerful rocket on Monday, improving its prospects of winning a bigger share of the more than $300 billion global space industry and its hopes of a manned mission.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III, or 'Fat Boy', lifted off from the Sriharikota space centre in southern India at 5.28 p.m. (1158 GMT) in clear blue skies.

At 3,136 kg (6,914 lb), or more than three tonnes and the height of a 13-storey building, the GSAT-19 satellite is the heaviest India has tried to put in orbit, the space agency said.

India launched a communication satellite using its most powerful rocket on Monday, improving its prospects of winning a bigger share of the more than $300 billion global space industry and its hopes of a manned mission

THE 'FAT BOY' ROCKET The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is a three-stage rocket that has a liftoff mass of 414.75 tonnes. The massive rocket stands nearly 50 meters high. On June 5, it launched a satellite weighing 3,136 kg (6,914 lb) - the heaviest India has tried to put in orbit. The vehicle is capable of carrying 2,500 kg to geostationary orbit, and 5,000 kg to low-Earth orbit. Its hoped the rocket will carry humans to space in future manned missions. Advertisement

The United States, Russia, China, Japan and European Space Agency have the capability to launch satellites weighing more than three tonnes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists behind the launch and said it took India closer to the next generation of launch capabilities.

'The nation is proud,' he tweeted.

Modi's government has been promoting a domestic space programme as a demonstration of low-cost technology and in February it launched 104 satellites in a single mission, most of them for foreign customers.

The Indian space agency has also considered a manned space mission involving sending astronauts into a low-Earth orbit, but the programme has not yet been cleared by the government.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III, or 'Fat Boy', lifted off from the Sriharikota space centre in southern India at 5.28 p.m. (1158 GMT) in clear blue skies

At 3,136 kg (6,914 lb), or more than three tonnes and the height of a 13-storey building, the GSAT-19 satellite is the heaviest India has tried to put in orbit, the space agency said

In 2014, scientists first flew the GSLV Mk III and ran checks on an unmanned crew module on board, suggesting that it would be the launch platform for a manned mission in future.

'GSLV Mk III has put GSAT 19, which is a next generation satellite, into orbit,' Indian Space Research Organisation chief A.S. Kiran Kumar said.

'It is a perfect launch. The information from the satellite is being tracked. And it is good.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists behind the launch and said it took India closer to the next generation of launch capabilities. 'The nation is proud,' he tweeted

The rocket used a cryogenic engine, developed in India after the United States leaned on Russia in the 1990s not to supply such a powerful engine in case it was used for missiles.

In May, India launched a communications satellite for its smaller neighbours to share, part of its efforts to build goodwill in the region.

A 2015 Space Foundation report pegged the global space industry at $323 billion.

Indias share of global launch services industry is about 0.6 percent, government data shows.
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The face of a 10,000 year old African caveman has been revealed for the first time, reigniting the debate over whether the first ancient people to set foot on American soil were African or Asian.

Digital imaging by Brazilian graphic designer, Cicero Moraes - who is not of African decent himself - shows the features of a 40 to 50-year-old prehistoric African man whose face resembles Australian Aborigines.

The reconstruction, nicknamed Apiuna, was based on a skull discovered deep inside a cave during an archaeological dig in Lagoa Santa, south east Brazil, some 50 years ago.

The discovery of the Africans face controversially challenges the belief that the American continents' first pioneers were Asian.

Instead, it suggests that Apiuna was part of the first wave of people in America who were Africans with Austro-Melanesian characteristics.

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Digital imaging by Brazilian graphic designer, Cicero Moraes, shows the features of a 40 to 50-year-old prehistoric man named Apiuna whose face resembles Australian Aborigines and suggests Africans were the first colonisers of the Americas

THE DISCOVERY IN BRIEF Digital imaging by Brazilian graphic designer, Cicero Moraes - who is not African himself - shows the features of a 40 to 50-year-old prehistoric man whose face resembles Australian Aborigines. The reconstruction, nicknamed Apiuna, was based on a skull discovered deep inside a cave during an archaeological dig in Lagoa Santa, south east Brazil, some 50 years ago. Apiuna bears a close likeness to Luzia, the name given to the 11,500-year-old skull of a young African whose remains are the oldest ever found on the South American continent. She was found to have similar ethnic characteristics to modern-day indigenous Sub-Saharan Africans, native Australians and Melanesians. These two skulls appear to confirm a decades old argument that Africans were the first colonisers of the Americas. Archaeologists believe there were at least two large migratory waves of distinctively different people who made the odyssey across the Bering Straits, the land bridge between Siberia and Alaska, reaching the American continent thousands of years before the first Europeans arrived. Apiuna may have been in the first nomadic wave with Luzia. The Siberian Asian groups may have trekked across in the second flow, according to controversial theory. Advertisement

The news comes just weeks after Mr Moraes also revealed the 3D facial characteristics of a 28-year-old Siberian Asian male, modelled from another prehistoric cranium.

This skull, found in the same archaeologically rich region, has similar traits to today's American Indians.

Apiuna also bears a close likeness to Luzia, the name given to the 11,500-year-old skull of a young African woman whose remains are the oldest ever found on the South American continent.

In 1998, Luzia's fossilised bones, excavated more than 20 years before from the same region as the primitive men, were found to have similar ethnic characteristics to modern-day indigenous Sub-Saharan Africans, native Australians and Melanesians.

Walter Neves, a professor of human evolutionary research at Sao Paulo University, was the anthropologist who revealed the surprising discovery of the cave woman's race.

At the time, the revelation sent shock waves through the scientific community because Luzia looked nothing like the Siberian Asians who scientists agree are the genetic forebears of today's native Americans.

Pictured is the 3D facial reconstruction of Apiuna the African Austro-Melanesian skull. The relic was discovered deep inside a cave during an archaeological dig in Lagoa Santa, south east Brazil, some 50 years ago

The two skulls facially reconstructed by Cicero Moraes - Diarum (left) and Apiuna (right). Apiuna bears a close likeness to Luzia, the name given to the 11,500-year-old skull of a young African woman whose remains are the oldest ever found on the South American continent

Dr Neves' findings were confirmed in 1999 by British anatomical artist, Richard Neave, formerly a professor at Manchester University, who used a cast of the ancient skull to sculpt a clay bust of Luzia's face.

The head of the young African, who was in her twenties when she died, is displayed in Brazil's National Museum in Rio de Janeiro.

Luzia's people was one of two groups of early settlers in the New World according to scientific studies.

Archaeologists believe there were at least two large migratory waves of distinctively different people who made the odyssey across the Bering Straits, the land bridge between Siberia and Alaska, reaching the American continent thousands of years before the first Europeans arrived.

HOW DID THE FIRST PEOPLE ARRIVE IN AMERICA? Some researchers think that ancient humans from Siberia trekked over an icy land mass known as the Bering Land Bridge and crossed over a corridor into the Americas Researchers agree that the first people to populate the Americas came through Siberia along a land bridge connecting it with Europe and Asia. However, where these people came from is still a matter of debate. Some people believe present-day Native Americans arrived in a one migration 23,000 years ago. Then Native Americans split into two branches around 13,000 years ago: one across North and South America while the other to North America. Another theory is that there was staggered migration from Siberia. In a first wave, people arrived more than 30,000 years ago. This migration was stemmed for 15,000 years because of ice blocking the route. There was then a second wave when the route was clear. And while modern Native Americans closely resemble people of Asian heritage, the oldest American skeletons do not. The small number of early American specimens discovered so far have smaller and shorter faces and longer and narrower skulls. This more closely resembles the modern people of Africa, Australia, and the South Pacific. Advertisement

This shows the stages of facial reconstruction of Diarum, the Siberian Asian man's skull. The Siberian Asian whose face was unveiled by Moraes in May this year, probably trekked across in the second flow

Pictured is the 3D facial reconstruction of Diarum - the Siberian Asian man. Mr Moraes makes clear the 3D facial reconstructions do not attempt to solve the mysteries surrounding the occupation of the New World

Apiuna may have been in the first nomadic wave with Luzia.

The Siberian Asian, called Diarum, whose face was unveiled by Moraes in May this year, probably trekked across in the second flow.

Professor Claudia Rodrigues, director of Brazil's National Museum said: 'The discovery of these new faces from the past reinforces the complexity of the settlements of the South American peoples. It's not a simply process and there's still a lot we don't know.'

The 3D skull for the facial reconstruction of Diarum the Siberian Asian man. Dr Banyai admitted: 'I cried the first time I saw the faces of both the skulls. My father found the fossilised remains of Diarum, the Siberian Asian, in1971 and I wish he was here to see what they looked like'

Mr Moraes puts the flesh to the bone on the 3D skull of Diarum, the Siberian Asian man. 'My job was to bring the past into the future through artistic creativity and to add to the discussion,' Mr Moraes said

Mr Moraes makes clear the 3D facial reconstructions do not attempt to solve the mysteries surrounding the occupation of the New World.

'My job was to bring the past into the future through artistic creativity and to add to the discussion,' he said.

It took two months to reconstruct the features of the immigrant cave dwellers.

Looking out over the Savannah where the prehistoric nomads roamed. The discovery of the Apiuna's face challenges the thinking about the American continents' first pioneers

The Lapinha Museum holds the largest collection of archaeological finds in Brazil. Photos taken by researchers at the Lapinha Museum in Lagoa Santa, where the skulls are exhibited, were emailed to the graphic designer in Sinop, central east Brazil, some 1,500 miles away

The Lagoa Santa region (pictured) was once roamed by the prehistoric newcomers who wandered the vast savannah in search of food and water, fought animals, lived in rock shelters and were buried, when they died, deep inside caves

Mr Moraes explained: 'The process involved photo-scanning both fossils using an advance computer programme. We took images from various angles and algorithms calculated key measurement points on the skulls and converted the information into the 3D results.'

Photos taken by researchers at the Lapinha Museum in Lagoa Santa, where the skulls are exhibited, were emailed to the graphic designer in Sinop, central east Brazil, some 1,500 miles away.

Mr Moraes continued: 'I sent the data to Marcus Paulo Machado, a forensic specialist in Rio de Janeiro, who did a blind identification of both skulls.

'He had no historical information about the craniums but was able to tell their ages and verified both were males. He concluded one had the physical characteristics of an Asian and the other had those of an African Austro-Melanesian.

Apiuna may have been in the first nomadic wave with Luzia (pictured). Apiuna bears a close likeness to Luzia, the name given to the 11,500-year-old skull of a young African woman whose remains are the oldest ever found on the South American continent

Dr Neves' findings were confirmed in 1999 by British anatomical artist, Richard Neave, formerly a professor at Manchester University, who used a cast of the ancient skull to sculpt a clay bust of Luzia's face (pictured)

'I used the information and data to do the anatomical reconstruction. The features that emerged confirmed the ethnic groups.

'So, I applied Asian and African colour palettes, blending skin tone and imitating hair texture, to reveal who the two men once were,' said the 3D scientist.

The imaging of both skulls was done in collaboration with historian Erika Suzanna Banyai, director of the Lapinha Museum.

Dr Banyai's Hungarian-born father Mihaly, a self-taught archaeologist, founded the museum in the 1970s. The archive holds more than 700 fossils, the largest number of archaeological finds in Brazil.

The family-run museum is situated in Lagoa Santa's environmental protection zone.

The region was once roamed by the prehistoric newcomers who wandered the vast savannah in search of food and water, fought animals, lived in rock shelters and were buried, when they died, deep inside caves.

Some of the prehistoric human remains exhibited in the Lapinha Museum in Lagoa. Dr Banyai's Hungarian-born father Mihaly, a self-taught archaeologist, founded the museum in the 1970s. The archive holds more than 700 fossils, the largest number of archaeological finds in Brazil

Amateur archaeologist Mihaly Banyai pictured in 1971 holding the skull of Diarum which he found in the cave dig. Research strongly suggests the first wave of inhabitants to the New World was Luzia's people who began arriving as early as 15,000 years ago

Dr Banyai admitted: 'I cried the first time I saw the faces of both the skulls.

'My father found the fossilised remains of Diarum, the Siberian Asian, in 1971 and I wish he was here to see what they looked like.

'I have managed this museum since my dad passed away and after years of displaying these two relics behind glass, I am thrilled to see their remains transformed into human beings with stories to tell.

'As their faces were brought back to life, I could imagine some of the emotional experiences, family responsibilities and their daily struggles as they fought to survive on the harsh and unforgiving Brazilian plains around 10,000 years ago,' she said, adding the 3D facial reconstructions are theoretical 'near-likenesses' as there is no DNA evidence to conclusively prove who they were.

Dr Neves stressed: 'We have to be very careful in terms of making big hypotheses about the occupation of the Americas based solely on facial reconstruction.

'Because facial reconstruction of prehistoric bones is done after lengthy scientific analysis, then artistic creativity follows.'

The Lapinha Museum holds the largest collection of archaeological finds in Brazil. The imaging of both skulls was done in collaboration with historian Erika Suzanna Banyai, director of the Lapinha Museum

Erika Suzanna Banyai points to the place her father found Diarum's prehistoric remains back in 1971

Even so, the anthropologist added research strongly suggests the first wave of inhabitants to the New World was Luzia's people who began arriving as early as 15,000 years ago.

'These people were Africans with Austro-Melanesian characteristics.

'They came from South East Asia migrating from there in two directions. Some went south to Australia, where today's aboriginal people appear to be their descendants.

'And others went north navigating along the coast and across the Bering Straits until they reached the Americas,' Dr Neves explained.

'Not everyone made the journey at the same time. Many remained in Siberia and this population evolved into North Asians during the harsh climatic conditions. This group entered the Americas a couple of thousand years after Luzia's people,' said Dr Neves.

Lapinha museum in Lagoa Santa has hundreds of archaeological finds. Analysis of the remains of the Botocudo Indians, a hunter-gatherer tribe that once lived in south east Brazil, shows their bones had a similar genetic history to Luzia's African Austro-Melanesian heritage

Archaeologist and anthropologist Professor Walter Neves revealed the surprising details of Luzias race in 1998. The professor of human evolutionary research at Sao Paulo University, was the anthropologist who revealed the surprising discovery of the cave woman's race

And he revealed while many experts believe the original stone-age African Americans died out, DNA evidence points to Luzia's community surviving until very recently.

Analysis of the remains of the Botocudo Indians, a hunter-gatherer tribe that once lived in south east Brazil, shows their bones had a similar genetic history to Luzia's African Austro-Melanesian heritage.

The Botocudo's died out at the end of the 19th century after living an isolated existence away from groups that gave rise to the modern native south American people.

Dr Neves continued: 'Today I believe in three different scenarios. That in some places of the Americas Siberian Asians totally replaced the Austro- Melanesians.

'While in other places the Austro-Melanesians managed to survive until very recently and lastly, in different parts of the continent the two races interbred.

'This is a very complex issue. Proof of who came first and why one race was more dominant than the other will be researched and debated for many years to come,' said Dr Neves.
Swapping your face for a friend's is about to get more sophisticated, thanks to a new app.

While the feature itself is nothing new, originally gaining popularity as a Snapchat filter, Microsoft's effort promises to create more realistic results.

The Face Swap app also allows you to place your face in different scenes and scenarios found online, a feature unique to the newly launched software.

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To get started, you just have to take a selfie or choose from an existing image from your smart device's image gallery (left). Face Swap will then make a model of your face (right), which can be applied to any scene

By combining facial recognition software with Microsoft's Bing search engine, Face Swap lets you to transpose your image into any number of online images.

The possibilities would seem to be as unlimited as the search results themselves, allowing you to appear in everything from an astronauts space suit to a taking the place of your favourite celebrity.

And the prospects for creating memes from topical images for use on social media seem endless.

The app also lets you test out different hair styles and outfits from an inbuilt library of images.

To get started, you just have to take a selfie or choose from an existing image from your smart device's image gallery.

Face Swap will then make a model of your face, which can be applied to any scene.

HOW IT WORKS The app uses advanced facial recognition technology that was developed by Microsoft Research with Bings image search. To get started, you just have to take a selfie or choose from an existing image from your smart device's image gallery. Face Swap will then make a model of your face, which can be applied to any scene. It can match skin tones, lighting and head position to create ultra realistic face swaps. As well as swapping your face with a friend's, Face Swap lets you to transpose your image into any number of online images accessed via Bing. This lets you appear as everything from an astronaut to taking the place of your favourite celebrity. The app also lets you test out different hair styles and outfits from an inbuilt library of images. Advertisement

The app also lets you test out different hair styles and outfits from an inbuilt library of images (left). The results can be shared online via social media, or saved to your gallery (right)

Its advanced technology can match skin tones, lighting and head position to create ultra realistic face swaps.

The results can be shared online via social media, or saved to your gallery.

The project is the creation of Microsoft Garage, the companies offshoot for experimental innovation.

The app uses advanced facial recognition technology that was developed by Microsoft Research with Bings image search.

The app is already available via Google Play for Android in select countries, including the US, Australia and Canada.

As well as the inbuilt library (left), the app allows your to access Bing's image search function, letting you appear in everything from an astronaut's space suit (right) to taking the place of your favourite celebrity

As well as swapping your face with a friend's (pictured), the prospects for creating memes from topical images for use on social media seem endless

An international version for the Google operating system is expected, but it is unclear when.

It is also not known whether the app will be available for Apple's iOS via the App Store.

MailOnline has contacted Microsoft for a comment.
The Chinese navy is developing submersible 'arsenal ships' that can fire missiles at the surface, or dip below the waves to attack from underwater.

According to Chinese media, naval experts have been looking into two types of partially-submerged warships, both of which would displace about 20,000 tons, Popular Science reports.

This type of design could make the massive, missile-carrying warships stealthier by masking their radar signatures as they submerge  or, it could allow for high-speed operations up at the surface.

The first type of arsenal ship would remain mostly underwater for stealth operations. But, to switch into high-speed mode  which would sacrifice stealth  it would used the flat hull bottom to hydroplane at high speeds to cut across waves, PopSci explains

THE ARSENAL SHIPS According to Eastern Arsenal, Chinese institutions are looking into two types of submersible arsenal ships. One would keep most of the hull submerged to optimize stealth. But, it could also switch into a high-speed mode by hydroplaning at the surface. The second would be more like a traditional submarine, and would mostly operate at the surface, dipping down only when in combat. Advertisement

According to the Popular Science blog Eastern Arsenal, researchers in China have been testing models of the technology since 2011, and rumours claim a full-scale proof-of-concept from the Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industrial Corporation will be ready around 2020.

Chinese media claim studies on submersible arsenal ships are underway, including a version with high-speed capabilities, and a ship with two conning towers that operates almost fully submerged.

The first type of arsenal ship would remain mostly underwater for stealth operations.

But, to switch into high-speed mode  which would sacrifice stealth  it would use the flat hull bottom to hydroplane at high speeds to cut across waves, PopSci explains.

Chinese media claim studies on submersible arsenal ships are underway at Chinese institutions, including a version with high-speed capabilities, and a ship with two conning towers that operates almost fully submerged

The second type of ship would have a more traditional design and act much like those used during WWII, with most of its operations taking place at the surface.

It would only dip below the surface in times of combat, or if attacked, according to PopSci.

Just months ago, the Chinese navy released a rare glimpse at the Type 093B Shang submarine, which can launch missiles vertically at ships and other targets overhead.

The Chinese navy is developing submersible 'arsenal ships' that can fire missiles at the surface, or dip below the waves to attack from underwater. According to Chinese media, naval experts have been looking into two types of partially-submerged warships

According to the Popular Science blog Eastern Arsenal, researchers in China have been testing models of the technology since 2011, and rumours claim a full-scale proof-of-concept from the Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industrial Corporation will be ready around 2020

Chinas new nuclear attack submarine is among the militarys most secretive platforms.

This model improves upon the capabilities of earlier nuclear attack submarines, and is expected to be quieter and faster.

According to the Popular Science blog Eastern Arsenal, this reveal marks an extremely rare event.

Just months ago, the Chinese navy released a rare glimpse at the Type 093B Shang submarine, which can launch missiles vertically at ships and other targets overhead. Chinas new nuclear attack submarine is among the militarys most secretive platforms

Its thought that there were three Type 093B SSNs launched last year.

These were preceded by two Type 093 SSNs, which were launched 15 years ago.

Though they were intended to be stealthy, the Type 093s were equipped with noisy reactors and propulsion systems, the blog explains, and this was only worsened as they climbed to higher speeds.

In the new version, the submarine uses more advanced metallurgy and reactor resigns to reduce noise to an estimate stealthiness between the USN Los Angeles Flight I and Flight III SSNs.
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Long-forgotten reminders of the California Gold Rush lay buried beneath the streets of San Francisco.

A remarkable new map has revealed the placement of dozens of 19th century ships, abandoned and even sunk intentionally before they were eventually built upon as the city began to develop.

The map shows a look at the ships beneath an area once known as Yerba Buena Cove, a shallow body of water thats since been filled in with debris, sand, and piers  and now, a streetcar even passes right through the hull of a buried ship.

Long-forgotten reminders of the California Gold Rush lay buried beneath the streets of San Francisco. A remarkable new map has revealed the placement of dozens of 19th century ships, abandoned and even sunk intentionally before they were eventually built upon as the city began to develop

THE 1851 FIRE In 1851, a massive fire ripped through San Francisco, destroying roughly a quarter of the city. The fire first broke out around 11 on May 3 at a paint and upholstery store on the south side of Portsmouth Square. Some suspect arson was to blame. The store, situated above a hotel, went ablaze  and, high winds carried it down Kearny St, and then the downtown area. Here, the wooden sidewalks acted as extra fuel, causing the fire to spread to 18 blocks of the business district, covering an area about three-quarters of a mile long. It continued to blaze for roughly 10 hours, destroying all in its path, including the whaling ship-turned hotel, Niantic. Advertisement

Archaeologists first released a map of San Franciscos buried ships back in 1963, according to National Geographic.

But, the new version created by the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park has added unprecedented detail, including the many discoveries made since.

In the years since the phenomenon was first mapped, for example, researchers found the remains of six ships destroyed in an 1851 fire that were thought to be a part of a salvaging scheme run by a man named Charles Hare.

Using at least 100 Chinese laborers, Hare stripped the old ships and sold the brass and bronze, as well as scrap wood, according to National Geographic.

Archaeologists have even found bones thought to come from Galapagos tortoises, as marked with an asterisk in the map.

The discoveries can all be traced back to the Gold Rush; with word of gold spreading in the late 1840s, people began to flock to the region.

And, for the captains coming in, there was no reason to return to their previous homes.

As the ships piled in, they created whats been described as a forest of masts in the cove, with countless vessels dominating the shallow waters, according to National Geographic.

Not all wrecks were an accident. A ship called the Rome (circled bottom right), for example, was intentionally sunk during this time. And, it was found again in the 1990s during work on an extended segment of a streetcar line  which now passes through the hull, along with two others

Archaeologists have even found bones thought to come from Galapagos tortoises, as marked with an asterisk in the map. The discoveries can all be traced back to the Gold Rush; with word of gold spreading in the late 1840s, people began to flock to the region

Some were abandoned entirely, while others were watched over by keepers. Eventually though, they began deteriorate.

But, not all wrecks were an accident.

You could sink a ship and claim the land under it, Richard Everett, the parks curator of exhibits, told National Geographic.

A ship called the Rome, for example, was intentionally sunk during this time.

And, it was found again in the 1990s during work on an extended segment of a streetcar line  which now passes through the hull, along with two others.

From 1849-1851, a whaling ship known as Niantic was used as a warehouse, saloon, and a hotel, according to National Geographic. But, it burned down in 1851 along with several others

As the ships piled in, they even created whats been described as a forest of masts in the cove, with countless vessels dominating the shallow waters, according to National Geographic

Some ships were even re-purposed.

From 1849-1851, a whaling ship known as Niantic was used as a warehouse, saloon, and a hotel, according to National Geographic.

But, it burned down in 1851 along with several others.

Over time, the cove and the ships it housed were covered up with landfill as people realized the opportunity to claim their ownership.

By having guys with carts and horses dump sand off your pier, you could create land that you could own, Everett told National Geographic.

The map is expected to go on sale next year, along with being displayed at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
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Compared to some of Saturns other moons, Mimas is by no means tiny.

But, in a breathtaking new image from the Cassini spacecraft, the 246-mile-wide moon appears just a barely-detectable speck in an endless black sky.

The stunning photo shows a look over Saturns northern hemisphere, revealing the mysterious hexagon-shaped vortex at its north pole  and Mimas can be seen lurking far in the distance.

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Compared to some of Saturns other moons, Mimas is by no means tiny. But, in a breathtaking new image from the Cassini spacecraft, the 246-mile-wide moon appears to be just a barely-detectable speck in an endless black sky. The moon can be seen at the top right side of the image

THE SCALE OF SATURN When it comes to space, it isn't always easy to understand how big objects really are. To put things into perspective, if Earth was the size of a tennis ball, the moon would be the size of a marble. Saturn would be the size of a beach ball and the sun would be the length of seven football fields away from Earth. Advertisement

Mimas is a medium-sized moon, NASA explains.

From the new view, however, it is completely dwarfed by the sheer enormity of Saturn.

It is large enough for its own gravity to have made it round, but isnt one of the really large moons in our solar system, like Titan, according to NASA.

Even enormous Titan is tiny beside the mighty gas giant Saturn.

The image was captured by Cassinis wide-angle camera on March 27, 2017, and shows a view toward the sunlit side of the rings.

While it appears to be an up-close look, the spacecraft took this image from roughly 617,000 miles (993,000 kilometers) away from Saturn.

A close-up view of Saturns Keeler Gap released last week revealed the rippling waves along the edge of the main rings, caused by the mini-moon Daphnis.

The phenomenon is the result of Daphnis gravitational pull, which disrupts the tiny particles in the A ring, according to NASA.

Though just 5 miles wide (8 kilometers), the moons influence is powerful enough to create these waves in both the horizontal and vertical plane as it moves through the Keeler Gap, creating breathtaking patterns of waves.

A stunning new close-up view of Saturns Keeler Gap reveals the rippling waves along the edge of the main rings, caused by the mini-moon Daphnis. The phenomenon is the result of Daphnis gravitational pull, which disrupts the tiny particles in the A ring, according to NASA

SATURN'S RINGS Saturn's rings consist of countless small particles, ranging in size from micrometres to metres, that orbit the planet. The ring particles are made almost entirely of water ice, with a trace component of rocky material. They also contain features known as straw and propellers, which are caused by clumping ring particles and small, embedded moonlets, respectively. Advertisement

Cassini captured the image before it began its Grand Finale orbits, according to the space agency.

The view, obtained from 18,000 miles (30,000 kilometers) from Daphnis on January 16, shows the sunlit side of the rings.

During this time, Cassini observed the outer edges of the main rings in unprecedented detail, even revealing a tiny strand of material near Daphnis, which appears to almost have been directly ripped out of the A ring.

Daphnis creates waves in the edges of the gap through its gravitational influence, NASA explains.

Some clumping of ring particles can be seen in the perturbed edge, similar to what was seen on the edges of the Encke Gap back when Cassini arrived at Saturn in 2004.

Though just 5 miles wide (8 kilometers), the moons influence is powerful enough to create these waves in both the horizontal and vertical plane as it moves through the Keeler Gap, creating breathtaking patterns of waves. During this time, Cassini even spotted a tiny strand of material near Daphnis, which appears to almost have been directly ripped out of the A ring

Earlier that month, NASA's Cassini spacecraft sent back the most detailed look yet at a sprinkling of propeller belts in Saturns A ring.

The features can be seen as bright specks surrounding the stunning wave pattern in the middle part of the ring.

The craft previously observed propellers when it arrived at Saturn in 2004, but the low resolution of the images made them difficult to interpret.

Now, for the first time, Cassini has spotted propellers of all different sizes, revealing an unprecedented look at these features, which will help to unravel the mysteries of propeller moons.

NASAs Cassini spacecraft has sent back the most detailed look yet at a sprinkling of propeller belts in Saturns A ring. The features can be seen as bright specks surrounding the stunning wave pattern in the middle part of the ring

During its seven-year Solstice Mission, Cassini watched as a huge storm erupted and encircled Saturn (pictured). Saturn's solstice, the longest day of summer in the northern hemisphere and the shortest day of winter in the southern hemisphere, arrived just a few days ago for the planet and its moons

According to NASA, propellers are bright, narrow disturbances that are produced by the gravity of unseen embedded moonlets.

The image was captured on April 19th with the spacecrafts narrow-angle camera, showing belts of propellers in stunning new detail.

With this information, the researchers will be able to derive a particle size distribution for propeller moons, or the small moons of mysterious origin thought to exist within Saturns rings.

This particular view shows a point roughly 80,000 miles (129,000 kilometers) from Saturns center.

The new observation will help to put the earlier images, taken at the time of Cassinis arrival to Saturn, into context, according to the space agency.

Cassini will dive through the 1,500-mile-wide (2,400-kilometer) gap between Saturn and its rings. NASA/ JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

WHAT TO EXPECT AS CASSINI DIVES TOWARDS SATURN Cassini has begun a series of orbits, known as 'death dives', between Saturn and its rings. After each orbit the spacecraft is expected to send images back of the planet and its system of rings. No other spacecraft has taken this journey before, and Cassini will have to dodge floating debris and rocks in order to get close to Saturn's rings. Scientists will use the orbits to take magnetic and gravitational measurements that will help them figure out the mass of Saturn and its rings. In this artist's illustration the spacecraft is shown breaking apart after entering Saturn's atmosphere. The planned end of Cassini will occur on September 15, 2017 Nasa already knows the total mass of Saturn and its rings combined, but is yet to decipher the planet's mass on its own. Getting closer to Saturn will allow Cassini to make observations about its mass without having to factor in its wings. Understanding the mass of Saturn will help Nasa figure out how the planet's rings were first formed. This information could even help us figure out how all of the solar system's planets formed from rings of material circulating the sun. Cassini's orbits will also let us capture images showing our closest ever view of Saturn's clouds. The spacecraft will keep taking measurements and snapping pictures to send back to Earth until just hours before its final plunge on September 15, 2017. Cassini will then plunge into Saturn's thick gaseous atmosphere and likely break apart as it collides with icy ring material at around 70,000 mph (113,000 km/h). Advertisement

Previously, NASA a glimpse of some of the most intensely bright clouds observed yet on Saturns moon Titan.

Two weeks into its grand finale dives, the craft has continued to monitor Titan from a distance, revealing a stunning view of wispy methane clouds streaking across the sky.

With summer on the way in Titans northern hemisphere, scientists expect cloud activity to spike  and, already the craft has spotted several outbursts.

The latest views obtained by the Cassini spacecraft were captured on May 7 during a non-targeted flyby, at a distance of 316,000 miles (508,000 kilometers) and 311,000 miles (500,000 km). Three bands of bright methane clouds can be seen clearly above the surface. These are shown in stronger and softer enhancements, above

Two weeks into its grand finale dives, the craft has continued to monitor Titan from a distance, revealing a stunning view of three bands of wispy methane clouds streaking across the sky. The animation above shows the methane clouds under soft and strong enhancement

WHAT IT SHOWS The southernmost band sits between 30 and 38 degrees north latitude  a region where, previously, not many clouds have been spotted, according to NASA. Above this, the fainter middle band sits between 44 and 50 degrees north, where clouds have been spotted more regularly. A third band can also be seen further north, between 52 and 59 degrees. Advertisement

The latest views obtained by the Cassini spacecraft were captured on May 7 during a non-targeted flyby, at a distance of 316,000 miles (508,000 kilometers) and 311,000 miles (500,000 km).

The images reveal the moons hydrocarbon lakes and seas as dark splotches at the top.

And, three bands of bright methane clouds can be seen clearly above the surface.

The brightness is thought to be the result of high-cloud tops, and this outburst is the most extensive observed on Titan since early last year.

The southernmost band sits between 30 and 38 degrees north latitude  a region where, previously, not many clouds have been spotted, according to NASA.

Above this, the fainter middle band sits between 44 and 50 degrees north, where clouds have been spotted more regularly.

The brightness is thought to be the result of high-cloud tops, and this outburst is the most extensive observed on Titan since early last year. The images also reveal the moons hydrocarbon lakes and seas as dark splotches at the top

A third band can also be seen further north, between 52 and 59 degrees.

Cassini also spotted a few isolated clouds, including some as high up as 63 degrees north, and as far down as 23 degrees north.

The images also reveal a feature called Omacatl Macula just above the equatorial dunelands.

This appears as a darker feature with a streak that points toward the northeast according to NASA, and is thought to be a region of dark dust collected into dunes.

The new views of Titan are just the latest in a series of stunning images captured by Cassini as the craft sets out on the beginning of its grand finale.

Twenty years after leaving Earth, NASA's Cassini spacecraft began its final mission: a series of 22 dives between Saturn and its rings. The first of those dives picked up surprising data - which was transformed into unsettling 'space music'

CASSINI'S 'GRAND FINALE' Cassini has circled Saturn for 13 years since reaching its orbit in 2004, spearheading remarkable discoveries about the ringed planet and its icy moons  but now, it's running low on fuel. On April 22 the spacecraft began to transition into its grand finale orbits, taking one last close flyby of Saturn's massive moon Titan. Titan's gravity bent Cassini's flight path, causing the orbit to shrink until it was on course to pass between Saturn and the inner edges of its rings. Cassini began the first of 22 dives through an unexplored gap on April 26. Cassini's mission will officially terminate on September 15, after a planned plummet through Saturn's atmosphere. And all the while it will transmit data from several instruments until the signal is finally lost. Cassini began the first of 22 'Grand Finale Orbits' through an unexplored gap on April 26 before it eventually takes its final plunge into the planet. This graphic shows these orbits alongside the Ring-Grazing orbits the craft has undergone over the past 13 years. The orbit of Titan, one of Saturn's moons, is shown in dark green and the direction of Earth is shown in white Advertisement

But, the craft made its last close flyby with Saturns massive moon on April 22, and moving forward, it will only observe Titan from a distance.

The space agency recently revealed a breathtaking glimpse at the massive hexagonal storm at Saturns North Pole seen in full sunlight by Cassini.

And, just days earlier, a stunning video showed the spacecrafts view during its first dive into Saturns rings last month.

The April 26 plunge into the gap was the first in a projected 22 dives into the area, and was intended to see just how rough the going would be.

Now they know that the dust levels are so surprisingly low, the second dive  which occurred just days later  and most of the remaining 20 dives are able to go ahead without Cassini using the saucer to protect itself.
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A new cruise ship is heading our way, built to host more passengers than ever before.

MSC Cruises announced plans for its new World Class ships - which will carry a maximum of 6,850 guests and boast 2,760 cabins - at a ceremony in France's Saint-Nazaire last week, with an artist's rendering of the ship showing that she'll be quite a sight to behold.

The 200,000ton vessels, the first of which will be delivered in 2022, will have room for 70 more passengers than the current record-holder, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, which has a capacity of 6,780.

MSC Cruises has announced plans for its new World Class ships, which will carry a maximum of 6,850 guests and boast 2,760 cabins. This CGI image reveals what the vast vessels will look like when they're delivered between 2022 and 2026

The World Class futuristic 'Y' shape structure will enable sweeping panoramic sea views, according to its manufacturers, SFX France, as well as increase the proportion of balcony cabins.

Described by MSC as being the world's 'most modern and technologically advanced cruise ships', their bows have been designed to further improve stability and hydrodynamics.

More than 1,080 feet in length, the ship's other guest-centric innovations include family-friendly 'villages', a panoramic aft deck, and a glass pool lounge.

There are plans for four ships of this size to be delivered between 2022 and 2026.

The 200,000ton vessels will have room for 70 more passengers than the current record-holder, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas (pictured), which has a capacity of 6,780

A CGI image of what the ships will look like was unveiled at an event attended by French president Emmanuel Macron and minister of the economy Bruno Le Maire.

Further details of the gargantuan ship are being kept under wraps for now.

Last week also saw President Macron wave MSC's newest ship off, the Meraviglia - Europe's biggest cruise ship.

This week President Macron waved Europe's biggest cruise ship - the MSC Meraviglia (pictured), which is also owned by MSC - off on her maiden voyage

Measuring 1,033 feet long and 213 feet tall the Meraviglia - which cost an estimated $1billion (892million) to build - has room for 5,714 passengers over its 19 decks. Pictured, a shopping alley on the ship

The MSC Meraviglia crept out of its dock in Saint-Nazaire for its first voyage with hundreds of bystanders out to watch.

Measuring 1,033 feet long and 213 feet tall the enormous boat - which cost an estimated $1billion (892million) to build - has room for 5,714 passengers over its 19 decks.

MSC Meraviglia sails its first passenger cruise this week, which includes calls to Lisbon, Barcelona, Marseille and Genoa.
She settled down to a self-confessed 'zen' life after gaining a reputation as Made In Chelsea's wild child.

Now Louise Thompson, 27, admits she has quit drinking, saying she has felt like her life was 'out of control' for the last three years.

Posing in swimsuits, the brunette this month secures ultimate fitness guru status as the latest Women's Health UK cover girl and explains how her inner 'control freak' kicked in.

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'I am a control freak. I'm done with drinking': Louise Thompson flaunted her abs in a skimpy swimsuit as she made the candid confession she had to make changes to her lifestyle

Reflecting on her life, she told the magazine: 'Im a control freak, yet my life was out of control. For about three years, I was not at full capacity.

'I was doing what everyone else wanted me to do and I couldnt handle it.'

When the Made In Chelsea beauty realised she was unhappy, she packed up and jetted off to New York for a few months where she felt 'free'.

Revealed: The Made In Chelsea beauty, 27, who has built up her image with her picture perfect Instagram life has finally found 'zen' with her boyfriend and co-star Ryan Libbey

It appears in the July 2017 issue of Womens Health, on sale Tuesday 6 June

Now she is in a happy place and living the dream as she jets off all over the world with Ryan - not forgetting to induce envy with the sunny holiday pictures.

The Edinburgh University graduate regularly shares sexy photographs of her bikini-clad body on Instagram from her sun-soaked getaways.

But to get to where she is, the swimsuit queen had to make a few healthy changes to her life, she admits.

The gym bunny discussed how she embarked on a fitness journey and a romance with her co-star Ryan Libbey.

Describing the changes she had to make, she said: Getting in shape has been a combination of being with Ryan, the timing and changing my outlook.

'Im done drinking. Before, I would go wild once a week. But I mean wild.

Dare to bare! Louise posed topless in a thong bikini for her raunchiest holiday photo to date from her break on Isla de Holbox, Mexico, on Thursday evening

Back to it: The reality star, 27, posed in a white bikini nas she uploaded another shot from her holiday earlier on Thursday

Holiday: The Edinburgh University graduate insisted 'news hadn't travelled' when she shared the image while drinking a margarita and wearing a bikini

'Then I realised that I dont actually enjoy drinking and its taken me the past few months to see how much better my life is without it.'

Louise and Ryan began dating last summer, just months after she split from long-term ex Alik Alfus in May.

While the E4 personality admitted she used to fall from one relationship to another, she has found 'zen' with Ryan.

Abs on display: Sitting in between her personal trainer partner's legs, the social media savvy star made sure to show off her figure in all its glory

Speaking honestly about her love life, she explained: 'I used to jump from one relationship to the next. And they were all quite long and quite serious. Im only 27, but Id say Ive been in love five times.

'I was dating someone who was really wrong for me. I dont know why I dated mean boys before. Mean isnt going to provide you with a happy family, is it?

'You need someone whos reliable. I did everything in the right order. Ryan Libbey is so kind and sensitive. And so Zen. And he pretty much doesnt even have an ex.

Louise later took to her Instagram page to thank her fans for their support.

Posting a snap of her Women's Health cover, she wrote: 'I couldnt be more proud to share this with you guys. Honestly, I know im cringe but im so happy that you get to see another aspect to my life that isnt me embarrassing myself on tv.

Here we go again: The couple showed no signs of stopping their usual bikini displays on Sunday as they documented even more of their Mexico break on Instagram

Blessed: Louise later took to her Instagram page to thank her fans for their support in a lengthy post alongside a copy of the Women's Health cover

'Many of you have followed my journey over the last 6 years, but the past year has been by far my most memorable, most successful and most happy and a lot of that is down to some changes I have made, particularly the way that I treat my body, and consequently my relationships and life!

'I am overwhelmed and incredibly flattered by all of the positive remarks that i get from you guys every day about my body transformation but because it has been a gradual transition I never thought I deserved much credit!

'HOWEVER, when I reflect on the last year as a whole, and I speak to those close to me I can see how far ive come and its been a real game changer.'

The reality star opened up more about her body transformatiom, explaining she used to drink too much and 'binge eat'.

Louise added: 'Ive never been REALLY out of shape but I used to treat my body pretty badly. I won't go into the details but my life between the ages of 16-25 were full of extreme behaviours.

Bikini babe: Proving her more playful side however, she then shared a further image which saw her fail to pull off one of her trademark sexy poses in the sea

'I lacked sleep, drank too much alcohol and binge ate bad food. Then I would go through a break up and try to get into what I thought was good shape so I would do a blitz diet and workout for a couple of weeks!

'I realised that method was pointless because I was never going to get the body I THOUGHT I wanted because I was born 5ft tall.

'Actually a lot of life is down to luck, and Ive been pretty lucky so far, although my life hasnt come without fair amounts of stress along the way.

'But what I have learnt is that when things seem pretty bad, unfair, or out of control the one thing you have the power to change IS your body...not to be skinny or tall but to be strong!

'By learning to say no to things (thanks ryan, my inspiration) ive prioritised whats important to me, Ive cut out any negative influences, including people. I dont eat things that dont provide some nutritional benefit and I eat when im hungry.

'Ive played to my strengths and although some people think my figure is too muscly and turning boyish I feel incredible! im not going to change for anyone, and Ill certainly never please everyone.'

The full interview appears in the July 2017 issue of Womens Health, on sale Tuesday 6 June.

Still going strong: Louise and Ryan began dating last summer, just months after the brunette split from long-term ex Alik Alfus in May




On her highly successful Instagram page she depicts a picture perfect life.

But Natasha Oakley looked somewhat downcast as she headed out with her hunky model boyfriend Gilles Souteyrand for a romantic dinner in Portofino, Italy, over the weekend.

It appeared that something was on the blonde beauty's mind as her beau cuddled up to her during the date.

Is everything OK? Bikini blogger Natasha Oakley looked a little downcast as she went on a romantic dinner date with her boyfriend Gilles Souteyrand over the weekend

Sheer daring: The blonde beauty wore a black lace dress which showed off her pert derriere

The paired stepped out for a romantic meal together at a restaurant nearby their upscale hotel.

Natasha stunned for the evening outing in a sheer black lace dress that revealed a black one-piece or swimsuit underneath.

She teamed the ensemble with a pair of red slip-on shoes that added a pop of colour.

Why so glum? Despite being in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Natasha could barely raise a smile

Hydrating: Tash's boyfriend Giles was seen gulping down a large glass of water

Showing off her deep golden tan, Natasha glowed with minimal makeup on her complexion and she wore her blonde locks out in a natural wave.

Meanwhile, he handsome boyfriend looked handsome in a pair of stone-coloured trousers and a navy blue Henley T-shirt.

Tash and Giles have only just begun their 30 day vacation in Italy, where they are soaking up the sun at the best beaches, staying at the best hotels and dining at the best restaurants.

The couple are now staying in Portofino after previously enjoying time at Lake Como.

Romantic: The paired stepped out for a romantic meal together at a restaurant nearby their upscale hotel

She's not afraid of carbs! Tash enjoyed what appeared to be some crusty Italian bread on the date

There the couple enjoyed a luxurious stay at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo Como, with rooms priced at around $2,000-per-night.

Located in the heart of Lake Como, the 100-year-old Art Nouveau hotel offers sweeping views of Bellagio and the Grigne mountains.

Natasha rose to fame as the co-creator of the A Bikini A Day blog, co-founded with best pal Devin Brugman in 2012.

The blog involved the women posting snaps of themselves in a different bikini every day.
Seven Year Switch's Kaitlyn has revealed the very unique 'support' network she's established after the show.

Most notable is Married At First sight 'villain' Andrew 'Jonesy' Jones.

'It's good that we can make friends out of this,' Kaitlyn told New Idea this week.

'Support': Seven Year Switch's Kaitlyn has revealed the very unique 'support' network she's established after the show

Her new friend has stepped in to provide a shoulder to cry on while her relationship with 'conservative' Mark remains on the brink of collapse.

'Someone that has reached out is Jonesy,' the 29-year-old revealed.

'He's being supportive, you know - "I hope you're doing well," that type of thing.

The former webcam performer insists bonding with those who've been in the same 'situation' is good for the healing process.

'On the rocks': Married At First Sight's Jonesy (R) has stepped in to provide a shoulder to cry on while her relationship with 'conservative' Mark (L) remains on the brink of collapse

Fireman Jonesy, 38, entered Married At First Sight single, failing his first relationship after allegedly 'losing his s**t' at Lauren Bran.

On attempt two, lust turned to hatred with Cheryl Maitland, who is now smitten with convicted drug dealer Dean Gibbs instead.

After moving out of Mark's apartment in Seven Year Switch's finale, Florida student Kaitlyn revealed she's still 'addicted' to him.

Mermazing! 'He's being supportive, you know - "I hope you're doing well," that type of thing, the 29-year-old former webcam performer said of Jonesy this week

'I'm telling him I'm still his girlfriend but he keeps saying he doesn't know what's going to happen... I'm hoping I can move back in and make things work.

It is unclear what kind of advice and support Jonesy has been able to offer.

Last week, the American beauty, who was revealed as a webcam girl during her time on the show, says she didn't take the show seriously.

Failed: The 38-year-old fireman had two failed relationships on Married At First sight, most notably with brunette beauty, Cheryl Maitland

Moved on: Cheryl is now smitten with convicted drug dealer Dean Gibbs (R) instead

She told TV Week she thought her relationship 'didn't have any problems' and only entered the show to grab her '15 minutes of fame.'

If Kaitlyn and Mark don't end up working out, the Mermaid-lover revealed she'll look to make like Stacey Louise and turn her 15 minutes into 30.

She told New Idea that if she's single, she'd like to go on Married At First Sight.


In 2014 Hai Karate was re-introduced. Perhaps my social life will pick back up!

While not Oriental Lime, or any of the other odd scents I seem to misremember, this classic Hai Karate is ready to let you smell like cheap cologne.



HAI KARATE AFTERSHAVE by Hai Karate via Amazon
He's the handsome TV vet whose romance with brunette beauty Kendall Bora has blossomed in recent months.

And according to insiders, Dr. Chris Brown could be set to walk down the aisle with his girlfriend.

'People are saying it's just a matter of time before he pops the question,' a friend of the 38-year-old hunk told Woman's Day.

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Wedding bells? Friends of Dr. Chris Brown claim the Bondi Vet could be proposing to his girlfriend Kendall Bora in 'just a matter of time'

And Chris' relationship is said to have earned the tick of approval from his parents, who 'get on famously' with Kendall.

The speculation comes just three months after the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! host went public with the romance.

The genetically-blessed couple posed for a sweet couple's snap while attending a friend's wedding in the Hunter Valley in March.

Blossoming romance: It comes just three months after the 38-year-old hunk made his public debut with brunette beauty Kendall

But the private couple have kept their relationship somewhat out of the spotlight, with another friend telling New Idea: 'Kendall is very shy and she doesn't want any fuss about their relationship, but they're 100 per cent happy and very serious.'

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Chris' representative for comment.

Meanwhile, Chris has previously been vocal about his desire to have a family, and admitted age isn't a worry.

Family plans: Chris previously opened up about his desire to have children, adding that he's not 'worried' about his age

Shy: Channel Nine producer Kendall is said to be 'very shy and she doesn't want any fuss about their relationship'

'When the time is right, the time is right,' the Bondi resident told The Daily Telegraph.

'I don't worry about my age. I think about the 25-year-old me and he wasn't very wordly,' he added.

Kendall is a Channel Nine producer and was reportedly flown to South Africa earlier this year to spend time with her beau, who was filming for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

The Daily Telegraph reported that the couple first got together around September last year.

Loved-up: Kendall was reportedly flown to South Africa earlier this year to spend time with her beau, who was filming for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
She is known as a tough heroine who's all business in the Resident Evil series.

But Milla Jovovich showed her softer side as she was seen loved up with her husband Paul W. S. Anderson in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The 41-year-old playfully laughed and smiled as she walked hand in hand with her director husband through LAX airport.

Giggle partners: Milla Jovovich, 41, was seen loved up with her husband Paul W. S. Anderson in Los Angeles on Sunday

The former model graced the sidewalk in a light grey tailored jacket that had black lapels and rolled up sleeves.

She had a colorful loose fitting top that plunged at the neckline to reveal her gorgeous decolletage.

The Ultra Violet star tucked her form fitting black denim into stylish black riding boots that hit at the knees.

Her brunette tresses were left long and loose as she rocked big vintage sunglasses that framed her youthful face.

Loved up: The former model graced the sidewalk in a light grey tailored jacket that had black lapels and rolled up sleeves

Strutting: She had a colorful loose fitting top that plunged at the neckline to reveal her gorgeous decolletage

Paul cut a dapper figure as he rocked a dark jacket over a simple white shirt with black denim and cool black sneakers.

The Hollywood veteran couldn't hold back her happiness as she was seen with a huge smile on her face while Paul held her hand.

The two lovebirds linked arms as they seemed to be in sync traversing the busy walkways of the airport.

Support: The Hollywood veteran couldn't hold back her happiness as she was seen with a huge smile on her face while Paul held her hand

At one point, Paul stopped to let his pretty wife have a moment as she giggled while he supported her shoulder.

Milla and Paul started dating in 2002 after meeting on the set of the horror thriller Resident Evil, which he directed and she starred in.

They share two daughters Ever, 10, and Dashiel, two.
Kaley Cuoco got in a good workout on Sunday.

The 31-year-old actress was snapped leaving a fitness facility in LA's Studio City neighborhood and using a towel to wipe off the sweat from her face after a grueling exercise session.

The Big Bang Theory beauty had her blonde hair tied up and carried a water bottle and an iPhone as she left the gym.

Busy day: The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco, 31, was snapped on Sunday leaving a Studio City, California fitness facility

Kaley wore a tank top with vertical black and white stripes.

She paired it with black Under Armour shorts and and a pair of flat sandals.

And she carried a large black leather holdall as she strolled.

Wiped! The talented actress sopped up sweat with a white towel after the exercise session

Focused: Kaley has multiple outlets to channel her energy toward, including hot yoga and horseback writing

The former 8 Simple Rules star last year spoke out about her fitness regimen, making clear it's a daily routine in her life.

'Bottom line is, you know, Im not 21 anymore. It used to be so easy, I didnt have to do as much,' she told Women's Health. 'Now, its part of my day - working out is part of my day, eating right is part of my day.'

In the chat, Kaley revealed that she came to realize her favorite way to keep fit via trial and error, as she's not big on running.

'When I found hot yoga, I fell in love with it and was like, "This is my thing,"' she said, adding, 'I like spinning, so I try to mix that in.'

In love: The comically-gifted performer is currently involved with Karl Cook, a fellow equestrian

Kaley is also a huge proponent of horseback riding, as she's chronicled her trips to the stables on her social media accounts.

Last month, she adopted Shmooshy, a dwarf mini-horse she shares with her boyfriend, 26-year-old equestrian Karl Cook.

On Saturday she was back at the stables, singing the Lady Gaga hit Poker Face as she played with a horse of the same name.
He's the Australian hunk who uses his hammer to smash bad guys as Thor.

But if new Wonder Woman Gal Gadot has her way, it's Chris Hemsworth who's about to get nailed.

The busty beauty challenged the 33-year-old to a fight on Sunday as she took to twitter to throw down the gauntlet.

Fight! Wonder Woman beauty Gal Gadot (R) challenged Chris Hemsworth to a fight on Sunday, getting nothing but radio silence from the 6 foot 2 hunk

Gal's challenge looked to have scared the Byron Bay local into hiding, who was last seen listening to a song called 'Crying Shame' on Instagram.

The idea came about in an interview with Katie Couric, where the 32-year-old Israeli beauty laid-down the gauntlet to bearded actor.

'Now they asked me who would win in a fight between Thor or Wonder Woman, and I think it's Wonder Woman - don't you Chris?' she said in a video.

The challenge! 'Now they asked me who would win in a fight between Thor or Wonder Woman, and I think it's Wonder Woman - don't you Chris?' the 32-year-old said on Sunday

Getting in some training? Nearly 24-hours later, the man with an ego clearly more destructible than his character's hammer Tweeted: 'I think she'd kick Thor's a**'

Nearly 24-hours later, Chris Tweeted: 'I think she'd kick Thor's a**.'

But the brunette beauty wasn't going to let Chris dodge the challenge.

'I always knew you were a smart guy :) But I think its worth a fight . we should collide worlds (sic),' she fired back.

Dodge! The 33-year-old Australian attempted to avoid the confrontation

Not taking no for an answer! But hot off the biggest ever opening for a female director for the film, the brunette beauty wasn't going to let Chris dodge the challenge

Chris hasn't replied as of yet, but took to Instagram in that time to share a screenshot of his current choice of music.

And while he tried insist the connection to the track was because they're 'a little soul band all the way from my home town Melbourne,' fans in the comment picked up on his rightfully shaken state.

One thought a spot of downtrodden American emo music would hit the spot: 'Panic!AtTheDisco. You would like them,' the suggested.'

Crying scared? 26-hours on, and Chris still hasn't replied, but took to Instagram in that time to share a screenshot of his current choice of very moody music

Another knew just the perfect person to show the song to: 'Just had a listen and had to share with my old man I'm sure he'll love them.'

While Chris was spending the weekend listening to songs of despair, challenger Gal was celebrating a monumental moment in cinema.

She woke up Monday to news Wonder Woman had grossed a whopping $101.4 million, making it the highest-earning film by a female director of all time.

Clear winner: While Chris was spending the weekend listening to songs of despair, challenger Gal was celebrating a monumental moment in cinema, with Wonder Woman opening the highest-earning film by a female director of all time
They tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Bali in 2013.

And Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall are still smitten as they celebrate four years of wedded bliss.

Jake, 34, took to Instagram on Sunday to share a snap from the couple's wedding night, adding the sweet tribute: 'This time four years ago, Happy anniversary babe x [sic]'

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Love birds: Jake Wall and Jennifer Hawkins celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary on Sunday, with the hunky construction manager sharing this throwback snap

In the throwback photo, the bride stunned in a custom Toni Maticevski gown as she appeared to share the first dance as husband and wife with her dapper beau.

Jen, 33, also marked the special day on her own account, sharing a photo of the pair enjoying their own brand of tequila at the beach.

'Happy Anniversary Mr! Luvvv ya [sic],' the Myer ambassador captioned the idyllic image, making sure to also tag their alcohol brand.

'Happy anniversary Mr!' The 33-year-old model echoed her husband's sentiment on her own Instagram account

Lavish wedding: The genetically-blessed couple tied the knot in June 2013 at the five-star Semara resort in Uluwatu, Bali

The genetically-blessed couple first met prior to Jen being crowned Miss Universe in 2014 and dated for eight years before saying 'I do'.

New.com.au reported at the time that the pair's nuptials took place in front of around 50 guests, who had travelled to Bali's luxury Semara resort in Uluwatu for the event.

Jake, who runs a property development company with his model wife, proposed during a romantic holiday to New Zealand in December 2010.

Teenage sweethearts: Jen and Jake met prior to her being crowned Miss Universe in 2004 and dated for eight years before marrying

'I didn't expect it. I used to say that you don't need to get married but the next day after we got engaged, I did feel different,' Jen told New Idea at the time.

And it seems Jake spared no expense on the ring, with the diamond sparkler said to be worth a whopping $200,000.

Meanwhile, the blonde beauty from Newcastle previously opened up about her desire to have children.

'I'm such a family person, so hopefully I will have children one day - but there's no time frame,' she told TV Week.
Thespians gathered Sunday to celebrate the best theater productions of the year at the Drama Desk Awards in New York.

And at the soiree at Anita's Way theater, actress Cynthia Nixon started off the red carpet in style.

The 51-year-old star of the Broadway revival of The Little Foxes looked chic as can be in an elegant green and grey frock that oozed elegance.

Green light: Cynthia Nixon was effortlessly elegant in flowing green appearing at The Drama Desk Awards in New York Sunday

The Sex And The City beauty donned a longsleeve dress in a grass green hue with color-blocked grey insets along the skirt.

Cynthia teamed the flowing frock with a pale blue belt, neutral heels and a sparkling clutch.

Adding a bit of sparkle, the Tony Award winner wore large golden hoops and a collection of bangle bracelets.

New kid on the color-block! The Sex And The City alum was stylish in a colorblocked dress adorned with blue belt

Golden girl! Laura Linney continued with the colorful red carpet trend, donning a green, gold and navy dress without sleeves

Laura Linney, 53, embraced the same color-block trend as her The Little Foxes costar Cynthia, wearing a sleeveless silk dress in green, gold and navy shades,

Her blonde tresses were in simple waves while the New York born starlet exuded a natural glow.

She topped off her look with a metal wrist cuff and black heels.

Off the cuff! She topped off her simple look with black heels and a metal wrist cuff

Creme de la creme: Kate Walsh looked angelic in an ivory dress cut above the knees

Kate Walsh, 49, was angelic in a simple ivory frock she paired with shimmering bronze heels.

Adding another degree of bombshell beauty to her look, the 13 Reasons Why actress styled her tresses with romantic curls over one shoulder.

The ever-handsome Daniel Craig also made an appearance at the event.

She shines: Bronze heels and romantic tresses topped off Kate's elegant look.

Sharp: Daniel Craig made a handsome appearance in a navy suit

The James Bond actor looked just as dapper as 007 himself, donning a sharp navy suit with matching tie and pocket square.

Putting a casual spin on his attire, Daniel skipped a shave to wear a spot of stubble across his chiseled jawline.

On the red carpet, the English gent caught up with Tony Winning director Sam Gold, who he posed with.

Fun friend! Daniel caught up with stage director Sam Gold, who won a Tony for directing the Broadway hit Fun Home

Best date! Danny Devito brought along his daughter Lucy, who practically towered over her 4'10" tall dad in her heels

Hey buddy! The pint-sized star and his date crossed paths with Tony Shaloub, who is his costar in The Price

Danny Devito brought along daughter Lucy as his date, who looked darling in a sleeveless dress with trendy striped heels that had her virtually towering over her 4'10" pops.

They crossed paths with Tony Shaloub of Monk fame, who stars in the Broadway production The Price with Danny, and shared a warm group hug on the red carpet.

The Drama Desk Awards began in 1955, recognizing achievements across New York City's Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway theater productions.

This year's 62nd annual ceremony was hosted by Ugly Betty's Michael Urie.

Group hug! The whole gang shared a friendly hug together

Stage presence! Thespians of all sorts gathered to honor New York productions from Broadway, Off-Broadway and even Off-Off Broadway at the annual award event
She's the actress, entrepreneur and blogger, known for her age-defying beauty.

And Gwyneth Paltrow looks fit and fabulous on the cover shoot of the July Edition of Australian Women's Health.

The 44-year-old reveals her incredible figure in a crop top and workout shorts.

Fit and fabulous! Gwyneth Paltrow, 44, flaunts her incredibly toned tummy in a crop top and tiny shorts on the cover of Australian Women's Health

Gwyneth also flaunts her incredibly taut torso in a white mesh crop top.

Teamed with tiny black workout shorts, the Los Angeles-born personality's long and lean legs are on display.

Meanwhile, another inside shot shows Gwyneth in a Bond girl-inspired two-piece swimsuit with zipper detail at the bust.

Accessorising with delicate gold jewellery, Gwyneth's locks are styled semi-straight and for her beauty look she wears delicate makeup,

Bond girl! Meanwhile, an inside shot shows Gwyneth in a Bond girl-inspired two-piece swimsuit with zipper detail at the bust.

The stunning photos run alongside an interview in which Gwyneth hits back at public perception of her often-controversial practices.

The Goop founder has raised eyebrows with her stance on various topics, including vaginal steaming and the viewpoint that underwire bras contribute to breast cancer.

Hitting back at critics, The Sliding Doors star tells the magazine: 'I do my best as a person. I also have nothing to hide.'

'When someone doesn't like something you do, or doesn't share your interest in something, that doesn't have anything to do with you,' Gwyneth continues.

'I have nothing to hide': The stunning photos run alongside an interview in which Gwyneth hits back at public perception of her often-controversial practices

'One of the best things someone ever said to me was that the only time criticism hurts is if you have a judgment about yourself about that very thing. It's a blessing to be liberated from the chains of other people's perceptions of you.

'I've gotten to a point where I like myself,' the personality adds.

The Iron Man 3 star has certainly been dealt with criticism in recent years.

Headlines: The Goop founder has raised eyebrows with her stance on various topics, including vaginal steaming and the viewpoint that underwire bras contribute to breast cancer

In January 2015, Gwyneth recommended her female subscribers to get a regular 'V-Steam'.

'You sit on what is essentially a mini-throne, and a combination of infrared and mugwort steam cleanses your uterus, et al. It is an energetic release - not just a steam douche - that balances female hormone levels,' she explained to readers.

However Dr Anna McNulty, Director of Sydney Sexual Health, told The Sydney Morning Herald, that it's simply best to do nothing.

'Your vagina is very good at keeping itself healthy,' she told the publication, before adding: 'Just leave it alone.'

Controversial: In January 2015, Gwyneth recommended her female subscribers to get a regular 'V-Steam': 'You sit on what is essentially a mini-throne, and a combination of infrared and mugwort steam cleanses your uterus, et al'

And in another Goop post, it was suggested that wearing underwire bras could contribute to breast cancer.

'Over 85 per cent of the lymph fluid flowing from the breast drains to the armpit lymph nodes,' Dr. Michael Schacter, MD, of the Schacter Center for Complimentary Medicine told Goop.

'Bras and other external tight clothing can impede flow,' he continued.

However shortly after, the American Cancer Society disputed the claim.

'According to this study, there was no increased risk of breast cancer due to wearing a bra, a result that, to breast cancer specialists, was about as surprising as the observation that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, water is wet, and gasoline flammable,' the organisation stated.
He is one of the biggest stars in comedy

But that did not stop Danny DeVito being dwarfed by his beautiful daughter Lucy as they attended the Drama Desk Awards in New York on Sunday.

However she had a bit of an unfair advantage as she left her old man in the shade, as she was wearing a pair of towering high heels.

They come in peace: Danny DeVito flashed a V-sign as he posed with daughtrer Lucy at the Drama Desk Awards in New York on Sunday

The 72-year-old famous father was glowing with pride as he showed off the saucy actress to the gathered crowd at the showpiece event.

Pint-sized Danny, who claims to be five foot tall, grinned with glee as he posed for photos in a sharp look of black blazer, purple T-shirt, trousers and leather shoes.

His 34-year-old pride and joy meanwhile showed off her perfect pins in a denim dress and striped high heels.

Lucy spent five years as Stephanie Krause in a recurring role in the ABC Family comedy Melissa & Joey. She has also starred as her father's daughter in The Comedian, which featured Robert De Niro.

She is one of three children Danny has with Cheers star Rhea Perlman, whom he wed in 1982 and separated in 2012 after 30 years of marriage.

Beaming with pride: The Twins favourite looked as proud as punch on the red carpet

Left in the shade: Lucy leaned over in an attempt disguise the fact she was dwarfing her father

Keeping it in the family: The acting beauty starred as her father's daughter in The Comedian

The couple reconciled one year later and split for a second time in March.

The Batman Returns star, who is worth an estimated $80 million, has been ridiculed online after intervening in Britain's General Election to tell voters to back Jeremy Corbyn on June 8.

He tweeted his support for Labour's leftie leader, telling Britons 'you've got the guy...show us how it's done.'

But the star's intervention looks like it has backfired as Britons mocked him on Twitter and told him to 'poke your nose out' of the election, while others pointed out the hypocrisy of an extremely wealthy celebrity who enjoys all the trappings of wealth telling voters to back a Marxist.

Pardon me: Tony Shaloub appeared to be asking Danny about his beautiful daughter

Fake out: But he then lunged in for a hug with the fun-sized movie hunk
The transformation on their home is set to be revealed in tonight's episode of House Rules.

But for Queensland couple, Daniella and Aaron, the incredible pressure of renovating an entire house in just one week has seen one of them almost abandon the show.

'Mentally and physically, I was done,' Daniella told TV Week magazine, adding that she was 'ready to go to the airport' to leave at one stage.

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'I was done': House Rules star Daniella has revealed she nearly quit the show due to being 'exhausted' both 'mentally and physically'

'I'm exhausted after every build,' the blonde added.

But the mother-of-two decided to stay and continue vying for the $200,000 grand prize for the sake of 'Aaron and our kids'.

Meanwhile, carpenter Aaron also admitted being on the show became taxing.

Why she stayed: The Queensland blonde admitted she decided to stay for the sake of her two young children and husband Aaron

'You don't sleep, there are cameras everywhere and you never feel like you're getting ahead,' the buff tradie said.

As well as the lack of sleep, Aaron reveals he has suffered from heat stroke several times during the series.

It comes after Daniella was rushed to hospital and treated for kidney stones.

'You don't sleep': Meanwhile, carpenter Aaron also revealed the lack of sleep during filming adds to the stress of being on the reality show

The former professional dancer told TV Week at the time that she woke up in the middle of the night 'with massive pressure' in her abdomen and facing 'horrendous' pain.

But after being rushed to hospital and passing the stones, she was eager to get back to work and 'light duties'.

'I didnt want a medical condition to stop me from what I was starting to fall in love with, and that was renovating,' she told the publication.
She has acted as eight different characters over the span of six seasons.

And on Sunday, Sarah Paulson suited up for her latest role in American Horror Story.

While on the show's West Hollywood set, the 42-year-old bundled up in a grey coat.

Working woman: On Sunday, Sarah Paulson, 42, suited up for her latest role in American Horror Story

Sarah layered a simple T-shirt under her jacket.

The American Crime star tucked in her top into a pair of black, distressed pants, rolled at the sleeves.

The actress added a pop of colour with backless, blush pink dress shoes, and accessorized with a simple pendant necklace.

Keeping warm in the heat! While on the show's West Hollywood set, the actress bundled up in a grey coat

Since American Horror Story first began airing in 2011, Sarah has been a show staple.

The Tampa, Florida native has played multiple fictional characters, including Billie Dean Howard, Audrey Tindall, Shelby Miller, Cordelia Foxx, conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tatler, Lana Winters and Sally McKenna.

The drama-thriller, currently in it's seventh season, has led Sarah to work with show creator Ryan Murphy on additional projects.

Last year, she starred as prosecutor Marcia Clark on the based-on-a-true story show, American Crime Story.

Talented: She has acted as eight different characters over the span of six seasons

Next up for the Emmy-award-winner is a starring role in the drama, Lost Girls.

The film tells of a mother who sets out to find her daughter who's gone missing, and stumbles upon four female dead bodies.

In 2018, Sarah will join an ensemble female cast - to include Katie Holmes, Sandra Bullock and Anne Hathaway to name a few - in Ocean's Eight.
An anonymously leaked Top Secret NSA report on Russian state hackers interfering with the US elections has been published by The Intercept, which had the documents independently analyzed by a who's-who of America's leading security experts.



The report attributes a string of cyberattacks to the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (the GRU), a Russian military intelligence agency. Importantly, the report does not assess what, if any, effect these attacks had on the outcome of the 2016 election.





The report claims that in late October and November 2016, GRU hackers spearphished a US voting software supplier, Florida's VR Systems. Having successfully compromised some VR Systems employees' accounts, the GRU hackers launched spearphishing attacks against 122 US voting officials, trying to trick them into downloading poisoned Microsoft Word documents whose malware payloads would let the hackers completely and covertly control the officials' computers.

The report contradicts former president Obama's assurance in December that he had warned Putin not to interfere with the US election and that "we did not see further tampering of the election process" after October, 2016. It also contradicts Putin's claim, made last week, that Russia "never engaged in [election hacking] on a state level."

The report doesn't say whether or how many US officials were compromised by the spearphishing attack, nor whether the Russian military hackers were able to make any use of any such compromises. The report speculates that the hackers' target was to manipulate voter-registration databases.

According to Alex Halderman, director of the University of Michigan Center for Computer Security and Society and an electronic voting expert, one of the main concerns in the scenario described by the NSA document is the likelihood that the officials setting up the electronic poll books are the same people doing the pre-programming of the voting machines. The actual voting machines aren't going to be networked to something like VR Systems' EViD, but they do receive manual updates and configuration from people at the local or state level who could be responsible for both. If those were the people targeted by the GRU malware, the implications are troubling. "Usually at the county level there's going to be some company that does the pre-election programming of the voting machines," Halderman told The Intercept. "I would worry about whether an attacker who could compromise the poll book vendor might be able to use software updates that the vendor distributes to also infect the election management system that programs the voting machines themselves," he added. "Once you do that, you can cause the voting machine to create fraudulent counts." According to Schneier, a major prize in breaching VR Systems would be the ability to gather enough information to effectively execute spoof attacks against election officials themselves. Coming with the imprimatur of the election board's main contractor, a fake email looks that much more authentic. Such a breach could also serve as its own base from which to launch disruptions. One U.S. intelligence official conceded that the Russian operation outlined by the NSA  targeting voter registration software  could potentially have disrupted voting in the locations where VR Systems' products were being used. And a compromised election poll book system can do more than cause chaos on Election Day, said Halderman. "You could even do that preferentially in areas for voters that are likely to vote for a certain candidate and thereby have a partisan effect."

TOP-SECRET NSA REPORT DETAILS RUSSIAN HACKING EFFORT DAYS BEFORE 2016 ELECTION

[Matthew Cole, Richard Esposito, Sam Biddle and Ryan Grim/The Intercept]
It's the reality dating series that produces plenty of awkward and cringe-worthy scenarios.

And in a sneak peek of Tuesday's premiere episode of First Dates Australia shared to Facebook, Kath, 25, and Clem, 26, were left squirming in their seats.

Upon learning that his date sits just 10 desks away from him at his workplace, Clem shared to camera: 'We're done for.'

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'We're done for': A sneak peek of First Dates Australia shared to Facebook ahead of the Tuesday premiere, saw a very awkward exchange between two WORK colleagues that sit only ten desks apart

Walking into the restaurant, advertising professional Kath looked very uncomfortable.

The blonde beauty who sported a plunging frock and delicate jewels, appeared mortified as she recognised the identity of her date.

'OK, I am on a date with a guy who actually works 10 desks away from me,' Kath shared to camera, while pulling a shocked expression.

Awkward: Blonde beauty Kath, 25, who sported a nude plunging frock and delicate jewels, appeared mortified as she recognised the identity of her date

Ironic: Kath's date was none other than her work colleague and sales associate Clem, 26

Kath's date was none other than her work colleague and sales associate Clem.

'Of all the people, it's Kath from work,' he stated to camera.

'How brilliant is this. We're done for,' Clem said to Kath in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Awkwardly starting up conversation, he continued: 'So what do you do Kath?'

'I work in advertising. How about yourself?' she responded.

Lightening the mood: 'How brilliant is this. We're done for,' Clem said to his colleague

Going through the motions: 'I work in advertising. How about yourself?' Kath responded

If the teasers are anything to go by, the upcoming season of First Dates Australia looks sure to deliver plenty of cringe-worthy moments.

A previous clip shared last Sunday saw several blind dates dining in the high-class restaurant.

The video began with one man impressing his date with his skills in the Japanese language, which was welcomed with a giggle from his female companion.

We then saw a clearly nervous guy say to his date: 'So how old are you? Are you a cougar or..?' which received an unimpressed expression from his date.

Bizarre: Meanwhile, a previous clip shared on Sunday saw an older gentleman awkwardly saying to his date: 'You can lick your hand if you want to, or I can lick it for you,' before winking

A date with an older gentleman and an attractive woman then took quite an awkward turn.

As the woman spilled food onto her hand, her date awkwardly said: 'You can lick your hand if you want to, or I can lick it for you,' before winking.

The woman pulled a horrified expression as she continued to wipe her hand with a napkin.

First Dates starts on Channel Seven at 8.40pm on Tuesday night.
She moved to the US this year to further her modelling career.

But Natalie Roser has returned to her home country this month, shooting a lingerie commercial for Bras N Things.

The 27-year-old flaunted her curves in a racy lingerie, taking to Instagram on Monday to share some revealing snaps from the photo shoot.

Racy in lace! Natalie Roser has returned to her home country of Australia this month to shoot a lingerie commercial for Bras N Things

The blonde bombshell wore a blue lace push-up bra and matching knickers.

In a behind-the-scenes snap, she playfully posed with the crew, including make-up artists, stylists and the photographer.

'Family photo,' she captioned her Instagram Story.

Getting ready! Natalie also shared a black and white photo of herself to her Instagram Story, wearing a semi-sheer lingerie set

Making her move: Natalie moved to the United States earlier this year to further her modelling career. She previously lived in Sydney

Natalie also shared a black and white photo of herself to her Instagram Story, wearing a semi-sheer lingerie set.

Accessorising with a white robe, the blonde pulled a cheeky smile in the social media snap.

Natalie's modelling job Down Under brings her much closer to her Melbourne-based boyfriend, actor Harley Bonner.

Long distance love! Natalie, who is dating Melbourne-based actor Harley Bonner (R), lamented that she felt like a 'lovesick teenager' in an Instagram post last week

Natalie and Harley confirmed their romance in January.

She was previously engaged to personal trainer Dan Adair, but it is understood they split in late 2016.

The former couple were scheduled to marry in October but plans were cancelled.
She's the Channel Nine host who balances a busy career with raising four children.

And Rebecca Judd hinted she was possibly a little preoccupied with her favourite tipple when deciding on her daughter's name.

The AFL WAG, 34, revealed on Monday's 3pm Pick-Up she may have 'subconsciously' named Billie Kate after champagne brand Billecart-Salmon.

'Maybe subconsciously I did!' Rebecca Judd hinted she was possibly a little preoccupied with her favourite champagne Billecart-Salmon when deciding on her daughter Billie Kate's name

Rebecca was discussing 'bad' and outdated names with her co-host Monty Diamond.

The Postcards host explained she liked her daughter's name, and had even given her the middle name 'Kate' after her sister Kate Twigley.

And she also happily observed that Billie Kate sounded similar to her favourite champagne, which retails at $70 a bottle.

'I didn't work out until afterwards, and someone said, "Did you do that on purpose?" And I thought maybe subconsciously I did!' she laughed.

Just kidding! Last year, Rebecca made headlines after saying she regretted not giving her daughter a more traditionally feminine name, but later clarified she was joking

Last year, Rebecca made headlines after saying she regretted not giving her daughter a more traditionally feminine name, but later clarified she was joking.

'I love her name, would never change it and don't regret it for a second. She is named after her 95-year-old great grandmother,' Rebecca explained.

During her radio program, Rebecca also revealed that she does not believe her own first name will ever be trendy again.

'Name me a person past the '80s who's been called Rebecca?' she asked.

Stylish like mum! Rebecca has four children with her husband Chris Judd - daughter Billie Kate (pictured), son Oscar Dylan and eight-month-old twins Tom and Darcy

Monty added: 'The thing is there's nothing offensive about those names. They're vanilla, like they're vanilla ice cream and plain chips.'

The co-host also compiled a list of '80s names that are unlikely to make a comeback - including Gavin, Shane, Craig, Sharon, Doreen and Cheryl.

'There's names out there, and they're not necessarily bogan names, but they're just names that you know are so indicative of a time that are never going to come back,' said Rebecca.
Made In Chelsea star Ryan Libbey has apologised after being slammed by his Instagram followers for sharing an image of himself, with clothing brands tagged, as part of his tribute to theLondon Bridge terror attack victims.

The reality star, 26, shared a photo on Instagram on Sunday, the day after seven people were killed in London Bridge, of himself posing in the sunshine.

While he included a heartfelt message alongside the image, Ryan was criticised by his followers for choosing to share a photo of himself, and including tags which are used to advertise brands in the photo.

Criticism: Made In Chelsea star Ryan Libbey has been slammed by his Instagram followers, for sharing an image of himself as part of his tribute to the London Bridge terror attack victims

Seven people were killed and nearly 50 injured on Saturday night after three men drove a van into a crowd on London Bridge and set upon people in a crazed knife rampage.

On Sunday night Ryan shared his tribute, with the personal trainer's photo showing him posing on a street, with info on where his sunglasses, shirt, trousers and shoes could be bought. The tags were later removed by the star.

Alongside his photo, Ryan wrote: 'My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the attacks on our capital last night.'

Promotional: While he included a heartfelt message alongside the image, Ryan was criticised for choosing to share a photo of himself, and including tags used to advertise brands

Not impressed: Despite his words, many followers chose to focus on his choice of image

'These acts of terror are disgusting and I can't comprehend how any human out there has the capability to cause such damage, upset and pain to a nation, a city, a person, a family, a child, to a beautiful world. We should all stand together, show strength and look after one another.'

'Hold those closest to you a little closer and stay safe.'

Despite his words, many followers chose to focus on his choice of image, with one follower ellie_smurf questioning in the comments: 'How can you write a post like this yet still advertise brands that are probs paying you to tag their products.'

Hitting back: Ryan replied, stating: 'this is not a sponsored post' but the commenter said: 'Just think these things can be done in a more tactful way'

Ryan replied, stating: 'this is not a sponsored post. I'm quite simply showing my gratitude to those brands who have been kind enough to gift. The essence and point of this post is to offer my condolences to those suffering. So rather than come at me for tagging a brand, focus on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.'

But ellie pointed out: 'I can focus on my safety and appreciate the content of the message posted without appreciating the photo and the brands tagged in it... Just think these things can be done in a more tactful way.'

Another commenter agreed, writing: 'So your reaction is to post a picture of yourself? You ok?'

Thoughtless: Another commenter agreed, writing: 'So your reaction is to post a picture of yourself? You ok?'

In his corner: Some came out in defence of the reality star with the madeinchelsea_uk account writing: 'Well said Ryan'

Ryan replied again, telling the follower to 'shut the f**k up. Another one who has missed my point entirely.'

Some came out in defence of the reality star with the madeinchelsea_uk account writing: 'Well said Ryan Sad others choose to focus on your photo rather than your words and your heartfelt message.'

bex_hughes_life_must_carry_on also defended Ryan, writing: 'All those saying they notice the photo blah blah blah . I see a picture of a man in deep thought see the facial expressions. Lovely sentiment and its especially important because this is his turf. So he is probably v.upset about whats happend himself. Not everyone is about self promotional benefits you know.!!! [sic]'

On his side: : bex_hughes_life_must_carry_on also defended Ryan, writing: 'I see a picture of a man in deep thought see the facial expressions'

'Lovely': His girlfriend Louise Thompson also showed her support, writing simply in a comment: 'lovely words bub'

Ryan thanked the fan for their words, replying: 'thankyou so much for saying that. So pleased that someone is speaking some sense and being nice, and what's more not trying to find fault in a picture I've posted during this sensitive time. I was trying to be nothing but sensitive, yet so many have misinterpreted and tainted this post now.'

His girlfriend Louise Thompson also showed her support, writing simply in a comment: 'lovely words bub.'

After receiving a stream of negative comments, the reality star uploaded a video on his Instagram page on Monday afternoon apologising for his choice of photo, and admitting he has 'to learn from this.'

'I just wanted to apologise formally and officially for what was a clumsy post on my Instagram over the weekend,' Ryan said in the video. 'I really didn't mean to cause upset or offence. It was a clumsy choice of photo from myself and I shouldn't have tagged any brand in that photo.'

'The words that I wrote, I do mean them,' he went on. 'It was supposed to be a genuine and heartfelt message. I just wanted to reach out and offer my condolences to everyone in London who's been affected by what's been a terrible event.'

'I got it wrong this time and I am sorry. I've got to learn from this, I'm still getting used to being in the public eye and it's not easy.'

Ryan's post comes just two weeks after his girlfriend and MIC co-star Louise was slammed for sharing a bikini Instagram hours after the Manchester terror attack left 22 people dead.

Apology: Ryan's post comes just two weeks after his girlfriend and MIC co-star Louise Thompson was slammed for sharing a bikini Instagram hours after the Manchester terror attack left 22 people dead

The star issued a public apology for offending her social media followers, but was back to doing what she does best - plugging swimwear brands online- as she uploaded more shots from her holiday in Isla de Holbox,Mexico, just two days later.

The Edinburgh University graduate insisted 'news hadn't travelled' when she shared the original image while drinking a margarita and wearing a bikini.

Despite Louise's apology for 'ignorance' and 'being offensive', her personal trainer boyfriend Ryan continued to post images in his swimwear - with a beachside image coming just seven minutes after his girlfriend's lament-filled post.

Apology: The ,Made In Chelsea star, 27, was forced to issue a public apology for offending her social media followers by posting a bikini snap in the wake of the Manchester terror attack

Holiday: The Edinburgh University graduate insisted 'news hadn't travelled' when she shared the image while drinking a margarita and wearing a bikini

At least 22 people, including an eight-year-old girl, were left dead and more than 119 injured after a suicide bomber targeted gig-goers at a packed Ariana Grande gig in Manchester Arena.

As families continued to hunt for lost relatives while others mourn the dead, celebrities swarmed social media to extend their sympathies to all involved, with many sharing images centered around Manchester.

In the midst of the social media tributes, Louise shared one of her now-trademark bikini images - much to the chagrin of fans, with users penning: 'Couldn't think to pay tribute given the current events?

'Vile, self-absorbed narcissistic creature. Get your head out of your own a**ehole.... Do you see beauty in anything else but yourself? Just for one day could you have not posted such a shallow post.'

Not heard? Despite the news seemingly just arriving at Louise's door, Ryan continued to share images of himself on the beach

Six hours after she posted the image, Louise shared a shot posted by many - depicting a black and white line drawing of a stick-woman holding a heart-shaped balloon with the word Manchester etched across.

She added a caption on the image reading: 'I am very sad to hear of the devastating news back home ! I'm sorry to have offended anyone with my last picture...

'I didn't mean to be so ignorant - I know it doesn't mean much but the news hadn't travelled. Anyway this isn't about me, but the bigger picture...

'Sending lots of love and prayers to the victims families as they are the ones hurting. Please may this cruelty stop, nothing is being achieved. We must put an end to terrorism.'

Despite the news seemingly just arriving at Louise's door, Ryan continued to share images of himself - this time posing topless while promoting the fitness retreat they are visiting while adding a caption: 'I fit right into this island life ~ Louise I'm staying'.

Still going strong: Louise and Ryan began dating last summer, just months after the brunette split from long-term ex Alik Alfus in May

Prior to her apology, Louise was once again sending her followers wild with envy as she holidayed with Ryan inMexico, posting an array of bikini snaps on her Instagram account.

The star can be seen holding a cocktail aloft while posing in a neon trimmed two-piece, looking a deep shade of mahogany. She posted: 'When in Mexico.... drink frozen margharitas on tap also, how sick is this swimsuit with a tan @misspap'.

Another snap saw the lovebirds cosying up on the steps of their hotel, with the brunette flashing her enviable abs in a white bikini.

She captioned the snap: 'airway to HEAVEN. aka our room at @casalastortugas this has to be one of the coolest hotels I've ever seen multicoloured buildings, beautiful tapestries, balconies, mezzanines, hammocks, shell lamps, and every room is different!'

Here we go again: The couple showed no signs of stopping their usual bikini displays on Sunday as they documented even more of their Mexico break on Instagram

Bikini babe: Proving her more playful side however, she then shared a further image which saw her fail to pull off one of her trademark sexy poses in the sea

'I also had the most beautiful bikini left on my bed to wear from the boutique shop this is a honeymooners dream.'

Louise and Ryan began dating last summer, just months after the brunette split from long-term ex Alik Alfus in May.

Speaking to OK! earlier this year, the reality star admitted she had kept her relationship with Ryan a secret at first in order to avoid judgment - with the pair staying in separate hotels while they filmed in the South of France last year.

She explained: The production team found out I had a secret boyfriend while we were over there and were pretty annoyed at me! But they said theyd forgive me if I got Ryan to join the show.

Happy: Louise then responded by paying tribute to her boyfriend in one final post - captioning a post of her smiling off camera: 'When you're with the right person it shines right through you'

Admitting she had wanted to avoid inevitable backlash for embarking on a romance so soon after Alik, she continued: 'We actually kept our relationship to ourselves for about five months.

I didnt want people judging me for moving on so quickly after Alik. Ryan didnt even come to my house for the first five months because I didnt know how my brother Sam would react.

The pair have put on a united front ever since, and are now known for their selection of holiday photos and fitness videos on their Instagram pages.

Yet, their activities online have not come without scrutiny - after Louise's brother Sam exposed their methods of capturing such idyllic snaps.

Taking to Snapchat in January, the blond MIC star shared a snap of the couple posing in the pool - flanked with professional photographers and a full lighting team to capture the winning shot.

Sam, who is currently dating co-star Tiffany Watson, has since embarked on a number of parodies of his sibling - slipping into several of her bikinis and mocking her sexy poses on his own page.
She welcomed her longed-for first child into the world last year.

And a radiant Cat Deeley appeared happier than ever as she spent quality time with son Milo, 17 months, at a farmers' market in Studio City, California, on Sunday.

The TV presenter, 40, looked lovely in an ivory gypsy blouse with intricate floral detailing, which she paired with skinny jeans to show off her endless legs.

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Mum on the run: Cat Deeley appeared happier than ever as she spent quality time with son Milo, 17 months, at a farmers' market in Studio City, California, on Sunday

The So You Think You Can Dance host beamed down at her bouncing boy as she selected some delicious fruit and vegetables.

Little Milo looked adorable in a nautical inspired striped polo shirt with navy leggings and white trainers.

The cherubic tot was the spitting image of his presenter dad Patrick Kielty, 46, with a mop of blonde curls as he relaxed in his stroller.

Proving that it's never too early to get one of your five a day, the toddler was seen munching on a fresh carrot on his day out.

Fun in the sun: The TV presenter, 40, looked lovely in an ivory gypsy blouse with intricate floral detailing, which she paired with skinny jeans to show off her endless legs

Happy families: The So You Think You Can Dance host beamed down at her bouncing boy as she selected some delicious fruit and vegetables

Sailor: Little Milo looked adorable in a nautical inspired striped polo shirt with navy leggings and white trainers

Cat looked pretty and understated with her caramel locks swept into a chic ponytail and a natural glowing palette of make-up.

Keeping the look practical for a mum on the go, Cat wore nude sandals which showed off her scarlet manicure.

The British TV personality toted a lime green bag, no doubt filled with healthy treats for her son.

Patrick and Cat struck up a friendship while the Northern Irish star was presenting Fame Academy in 2002.

When Cat relocated stateside to present hit dance show So You Think You Can Dance, Patrick flew out for her birthday and their longstanding friendship blossomed into romance.

California cool: The cherubic tot was the spitting image of his presenter dad Patrick Kielty, 46, with a mop of blonde curls as he relaxed in his stroller

Natural beauty: Cat looked pretty and understated with her caramel locks swept into a chic ponytail and a natural glowing palette of make-up

Speaking on ITV's Lorraine about the couple's path to romance, Patrick recently joked: 'I broke the rule of don't get your money where you get your honey.

'But we went there and what's good about it is whenever you're with one someone whos a mate to start with, you dont have to go through all that awkward dating. You just crack on!'

The couple were married in a dream wedding in Rome in 2012 with the couple welcoming Milo in January 2016.

Two months after giving birth, Cat told Closer magazine: 'I'm besotted with the baby and really enjoying motherhood.

'People keep asking me if I've been hitting the gym, but I haven't. Running around after a new baby and you don't need to work out.'
She's never been one to shy away from flaunting her enviable figure.

And Pascal Craymer, 30, was back to her old flesh-flashing tricks as she enjoyed an eye-popping day out to the beach in Marbella, wearing a sizzling black bikini.

The one-time TOWIE star - who first appeared on the show in 2013 - managed to contain her ample cleavage in the skimpy halterneck top as she left walked out of the crystal clear Mediterranean sea.

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Seas the day! Pascal Craymer, 30, was back to her old flesh-flashing tricks as she enjoyed an eye-popping day out to the beach in Marbella, wearing a sizzling black bikini

While her assets managed to stay in place in her racy look, she highlighted her slender hips with a pair of tie-side bikini bottoms which featured eye-catching diamante detailing.

Her choice of daring swimwear showcased her hourglass curves and toned pins to perfection as she strolled along the shore barefoot, intermittently enjoying a dip in the water to cool down.

Having a blast, the model at one point exhibited her flexibility as she cartwheeled on the sand while her glossy brunette locks fell loose in a straight style.

Eye-popping: The one-time TOWIE star - who first appeared on the show in 2013 - managed to contain her ample cleavage in the skimpy halterneck top as she left walked out of the crystal clear Mediterranean sea

Bottoms up! Her choice of daring swimwear showcased her hourglass curves and toned pins to perfection as she strolled along the shore barefoot, intermittently enjoying a dip in the water to cool down

Life's a beach! Pascal couldn't contain her joy while enjoying a dip in the sea

Shore thing! The busty star showcased her taut stomach and pert derriere in the sizzling two-piece

Looking effortlessly glamorous, Pascal accentuated her crystal encrusted two-piece by accessorising her beach attire with a pair of cat-eye inspired shades with gold detailing.

Meanwhile, Pascal appeared on the Essex reality show when she was dating Mario Falcone, but the pair have since split.

The model is also a champion gymnast who represented Great Britain when she was 14.

What naut to wear! The model splashed the sea water against her bronzed skin

Having a whale of a time! The reality star couldn't help but smile as she played in the water

Splish, splash! Pascal showcased her red manicure as she cooled down

Pascal recently revealed she used to self-harm as a teenager and battled with her body image - finding it tough going from a gymnast's figure to a normal one.

She told The Sun in October: 'When I was around 16 I used to self-harm with a razor. Ive never told anyone before but I didnt know how to cope with my body changing, and I was bullied because of it.

The reality star also admitted she has been seeing a therapist for the last two years to deal with body dysmorphia and 'hates' her boobs.

All in the detail: Looking effortlessly glamorous, Pascal accentuated her crystal encrusted two-piece by accessorising her beach attire with a pair of cat-eye inspired shades with gold detailing

Going for it: Pascal couldn't help herself performing a cartwheel in the sea

Head over heels: She exhibited her gymnastic flare along the shoreline

Playful: She managed to perfectly point her toes in the midst of her legs being over her head

'I had them done about five years ago, and now I really regret it. I look so out of proportion - I hate it. I went from a 34B to a 34DD. If I could go back to totally natural I would, but its not going to be possible.'

Speaking to The Sun, she revealed: 'When you watch the Kardashians it makes you want to have your lips and face and almost everything done!

'Kim K is famous for a certain thing but in our world and reality, and when you want to settle down and have kids thats not natural.'
TV journalist Sami Lukis has shared a shocking letter sent to the Today show in 2003, which labelled her 'flat-chested' and demanded her immediate replacement.

Sami posted the 'complaint' on her personal Facebook account recently, describing it as 'delightful' and asking her friends if they know the person who wrote it.

The letter cruelly describes the former weather presenter as 'revolting' and calls for reporter Rebecca Le Tourneau to replace her because she is a 'real woman'.

Cruel: Sami Lukis (left) has shared a shocking 'fan' letter sent to the Today show in 2003, which labelled her 'flat-chested' and demanded she be replaced by Rebecca La Torneau (right)

Sami, who hosted Today's weather segments at the time, was also criticised for not using her salary 'to pay for breast implants'.

But years later, it appears the veteran TV and radio personality is able to laugh at the random abuse she was subjected to by Channel Nine viewers.

She commented: 'Today I came across this delightful letter, which was sent to the Today Show back in 2003. If anyone happens to know (name redacted) please send my regards.'

'Please send my regards': Sami, 47, posted the email on her Facebook account recently, describing it as 'delightful' and asking her friends if they know the person who wrote it

The letter, addressed to Today's executive producer, began: 'Sami Lukis, your weather presenter, would have to be the most flat-chested woman on television.

'She looks revolting. Surely, you can find someone out of 20 million people in Australia with a normal set of breasts. Get her off TV.

'You'd think that with all the money she's making she could afford $5,000 to pay for breast implants. Why are TV executives so afraid to put real women on television.

'He (sic) wearing a large padded up push up bra just make her look silly. Why not have Rebecca La Torneau (sic) take over Sami's role. Now, Rebecca is a real woman!'

Flat chested? The letter cruelly describes the former weather presenter (left) as 'revolting' and calls for reporter Rebecca Le Tourneau (right) to replace her because she is a 'real woman'

Big things ahead! Sami (right) announced on Channel Seven's The Daily Edition last week she is in the middle of writing her first book

Sami announced on Channel Seven's The Daily Edition last week she is in the middle of writing her first book.

The 47-year-old, who is single, said the book will cover why she's still looking for love and what she has learnt about dating in the last 30 years.

Meanwhile, Rebecca was last seen on Channel Nine's 60 Minutes, but was fired last July after a drink driving charge and an incident on a Qantas flight to New York.
Hamish Blake and Andy Lee reportedly turned down offers of $10 million to keep creative control over their new show True Story.

And as fans reacted on Twitter to Monday night's season debut, it is still yet to be determined whether this gamble has paid off.

Viewers of the show, which features actors recreating extraordinary real-life stories from everyday Australians, had mixed opinions about the series.

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Mixed reactions: Hamish Blake (left) and Andy Lee's (right) new TV series True Story With Hamish & Andy, which debuted on Monday, attracted both praise and criticism from viewers

Taking to social media, several viewers were brutally honest when expressing their dislike of the comedians' latest TV offering.

A particularly tasteless tweet read: 'True Story is about as funny as cancer and as interesting as leftover porridge.'

Another Twitter user had a similarly negative view, writing: 'Hamish and Andy's new show is a low point'.

A more thoughtful viewer tweeted: 'Really not vibing True Story. These are the kind of lengthy, average stories your parents tell at dinner that only they laugh at.'

An additional comment stated, bluntly: 'Worst show ever... a huge disappointment.'

Has the gamble paid off? The radio personalities reportedly turned down $10 million in order to retain creative control over their latest TV project

'Hamish and Andy's new show is a low point': Taking to social media, several viewers were brutally honest when expressing their dislike of True Story

'Worst show ever... a huge disappointment': Some fans were left unsatisfied by True Story's season debut, which was widely publicised by Channel Nine

Meanwhile, someone else described the show as 'boring' while another called it the 'first and last thing (they'll) watch on Channel 9 this year'.

Even being a longtime fan of the radio hosts wasn't enough to convince one viewer to stayed tuned, as they described True Story as unwatchable.

'Love Hamish & Andy - but I just don't think this translates into something watchable,' they tweeted.

Meanwhile, several fans compared the format of True Story to Comedy Central's Drunk History franchise.

'Lame, slow and unfunny': The show's online critics didn't hold back - and even some devoted Hamish and Andy fans admitted True Story hadn't met their expectations

It wasn't all bad news for Hamish and Andy, however.

On the other end of the spectrum, their unique brand of comedy resonated with some viewers who found True Story to be quite entertaining.

'My husband is rolling on the floor with laughter. It's hysterical,' tweeted a rather enthusiastic fan.

Another added: 'Only halfway thru the first ep & I've already LOLd multiple times. I think I'm really gonna like this series! (sic)'

Echoing the positive sentiments was another fan, who wrote: 'Loving #TrueStory such a simple... but incredibly clever concept.'

'My husband is rolling on the floor with laughter': But it wasn't all bad news for Hamish and Andy - as there were plenty of fans who found the show 'hysterical' and 'clever'

It comes after a controversy over the idea behind True Story With Hamish & Andy.



Nova FM presenter David 'Luttsy' Lutteral alleged on his show on Monday that Andy had stolen the concept from him 'word for word' after he told him about his idea for a show called Cracking Yarns back in 2014.

However, Channel Nine denied the claims, telling Daily Mail that the allegations are demonstrably false because True Story was already in development a year before Andy and Luttsy's meeting in New York.
They're reality star sisters who shot to fame on Made In Chelsea.

But Lucy and Tiffany Watson were worlds away from the drama of SW3 as they posted smouldering swimwear snaps on social media over the weekend.

Lucy, 26 - who quit the E4 show in September 2016 - showed off the fruits of her healthy vegan lifestyle in a throwback shot from her idyllic Maldives holiday in April.

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Bikini babe: Lucy Watson, 26, showed off the fruits of her healthy vegan lifestyle in a throwback shot from her idyllic Maldives holiday over the weekend

The reality star, 26, looked phenomenal in a tiny black string bikini as she took a dip in crystal clear waters.

Lucy's chic high-cut number drew attention to her rock-hard abs, as she protected her eyes from the warm sunshine with circular shades.

The brunette was swiftly inundated with adoring comments from her 1.5 million Instagram followers, with one writing 'That water looks amazing, beautiful shot' while another showed their appreciation with a simple 'yaaaaas'.

The racy snap was taken when she was on holiday with long-term beau James Dunmore, who she has been dating for two years.

Anything you can do: Not to be outdone in the swimsuit stakes, Lucy's younger sister and fellow MIC cast member Tiffany Watson shared red-hot snaps on her own Instagram page

Getting cheeky: The MIC star, 23, showed off her peachy posterior in a black thong style swimsuit as she rolled around on the sand

Not to be outdone in the swimsuit stakes, Lucy's younger sister and fellow MIC cast member Tiffany shared a pair of red-hot snaps on her own Instagram page.

Tiffany, 23, clearly shares her sibling's penchant for plunging swimwear with her assets and glowing tan clearly on display in the ebony one-piece..

Seemingly soaking in the ecstasy of the moment, the gym buff kept her eyes closed for the snap, which she captioned: 'Incoming Croatia'.

In another jaw-dropping snap, Tiffany showed off the entirety of her peachy posterior as she laid on a picturesque beach in a black thong-style one-piece.

Sister act: Lucy joined the Made In Chelsea cast in 2012 and introduced little sister Tiffany to the drama of SW3 in 2014 (pictured together in August 2016)

She joked with her 485,000 Instagram followers with the caption: 'Really busy rn'

Tiffany and now ex-boyfriend Sam Thompson have kept viewers of the popular E4 show gripped with their up and down romance, memorably posing for a nude Christmas photoshoot.

The couple caused a further stir during last Monday's Made In Chelsea studio show when they told host Rick Edwards they were planning a scheduled split for the summer.

Sam said: 'We're kind of going on a summer break.'

When Rick asked if that meant the pair had 'scheduled in a break'. Tiffany replied: 'Yeah... we're together at the moment.'

The ex factor: Tiffany and boyfriend Sam Thompson caused a stir last week when they revealed they were planning a scheduled split for the summer (pictured April 2017)

She then revealed their unconventional split will come into play this summer, but not until after they have jetted off for one last romantic holiday overseas they had already had booked in.

While Rick branded the idea 'absolutely insane', Sam was quick to remark that it could be seen as 'almost genius'.

He and Tiffany did stress, however, that their break won't be the end of their relationship.

In fact, Sam insisted that he still sees a future with Tiffany and that she is the girl he wants to settle down with.

He confessed: 'I want to marry Tiff and I know I'm going to have kids with her. But I'm just very aware of how young I am.'
Big Brother returns for its 2017 series on Monday night.

And Channel 5 have turned up the anticipation with two big reveals, just hours before the new housemates move into the Hertfordshire compound.

The show has unveiled this year's diary room chair, which has been slammed as 'budget' by fans, while also announcing a shock launch night twist.

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Floral throne: Big Brother have revealed the new diary room chair, just hours before the 2017 housemates move into the Hertfordshire compound on Monday night

Big Brother unveiled its very chintzy diary room chair on social media on Monday morning.

The armchair is covered in an old fashioned floral print and sits against a field background.

While the new chair is in keeping with the 2017 house's chintzy theme, fans were left unimpressed on Twitter.

On a budget? While the new chair is in keeping with the 2017 house's chintzy theme, fans were left unimpressed on Twitter

One disappointed fan tweeted: 'Is it from a skip? the amount of effort that usually goes into the chair then this.'

Another agreed, writing: 'I like the background but the chairs like me Nan's couch.'

Others mocked the show for the 'budget' choice, in comparision to more elaborate chairs from past series, with one tweeter joking: 'Woah they've pushed the boat out a bit.'

New look BB: Others though pointed out the chintzy choice worked with this year's English country village theme house theme

Others though pointed out the chintzy choice worked with this year's English country village theme house theme, with one fan gushing: 'Fits the theme! I actually quite like it lol. Wouldn't want the chair in my house in a million years but it works. Love the grass! #bbuk.'

Meanwhile Channel 5 has revealed that it will be the public who has the power during Monday's launch night episode of the new series.

While most of this year's housemates have been selected by producers, and six already revealed to the public, one final slot will be decided by the public, from a selection of wannabe housemates.

The public will have the chance to vote, with the lucky candidate becoming the People's Housemate, who will go on to 'hold great power within the house, even having access to the outside world.'

Chintzy: The garden is already looking resplendent with a pagoda, neatly trimmed hedges and an ornate hot tub - complete with fake ducks - all set against a sunny country backdrop

Changes: Creators have already promised a series full of new tasks, twists and surprises

Big Brother has given fans a first glimpse at its forthcoming crop of contestants with an outspoken reality star, stripper, beauty queen, ambitious single mother and a married couple entering the Hertfordshire compound on Monday evening.

The long-running show will air from 8:30pm on Channel 5, and the first six housemates revealed include a number of familiar faces.

Leading the way is Ex On The Beach star Kayleigh Morris, who was joined by Lotan Carter - the Dreamboy nephew of Louis Spence, alongside husband and wife Imran Javeed and Sukhvinder Javeed and sister act Hannah Agboola and Deborah Agboola.

MEET THE BB 2017 HOUSEMATES KAYLEIGH MORRIS AGE: 28 OCCUPATION: Clothing concession manager BEST QUOTE: 'I dont think before I say it HANNAH AGBOOLA AGE: 23 OCCUPATION: Make-up Store Host BEST QUOTE: 'I want to inspire the youth of today's UK-born-Nigerians IMRAN JAVEED AGE: 39 OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur BEST QUOTE: 'I want to be an example to the next generation' LOTAN CARTER AGE: 28 OCCUPATION: Stripper BEST QUOTE: 'People think I'm arrogant because of my good looks but I'm cheeky and charming' DEBORA AGBOOLA AGE: 25 OCCUPATION: Digital Analyst BEST QUOTE: 'I want to show the world single mums can be successful' SUKHVINDER JAVEED AGE: 38 OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur BEST QUOTE: 'My bluntness is my best personality trait' Advertisement

As ever, producers have selected a bevy of characters of all ages and careers in a bid to make an explosive season for the next few months.

This year's show will be extremely topical as they air scenes will be inspired by the June 8 election, with the stars of the show campaigning to stay in the house.

Leading the way is Kayleigh, who soared to fame in the second season of Ex On he Beach in 2015 before making a return in last year's all star fifth season.

Coming soon: Former Ex On The Beach star Kayleigh Morris will feature on the forthcoming series of Big Brother when it airs on Channel 5 from Monday evening

Out for trouble? Leading the way is Kayleigh, who soared to fame in the second season of Ex On The Beach in 2015 before making a return in last year's all star fifth season

The 28-year-old clothing concession manager moved to London from her native Port Talbot to find work without the help and support of her loved ones.

Having become embroiled in a series of brawls during her stint in EOTB, including a well-publicised feud with Charlotte Crosby, Kayleigh admits she struggles to contain herself: 'I dont think before I say it.

The brawls in Ex On The Beach saw Jemma Lucy and Kayleigh separated by security due to the epic nature of their fights which put other housemates at risk.

Atop her on-screen rows, Kayleigh's on-screen romances have been equally prolific after enjoying a series of romps - including a bevy of steamy moments with former BB housemate Chloe Khan's ex-boyfriend Ashley Cain.

Of her decision to head into Big Brother, she revealed: 'You will be put in an environment where you will either sink or swim with lots of different personalities.'

No romps here! Kayleigh's saucy antics will no doubt be off the table as she is loved up with beau Conrad Williams

Sizzling: Having become embroiled in a series of brawls during her stint in EOTB, including a well-publicised feud with Charlotte Crosby, Kayleigh admits she struggles to contain herself: 'I dont think before I say it

Joining Kayleigh is Dreamboys dancer Lotan Carter, who hopes to 'break the stereotype' surrounding male strippers when he enters the house.

The 28-year old's uncle is popular TV personality Louie Spence, with whom he once featured on reality show Pineapple Dance Studios.

The Essex boy admits people often think he's arrogant because of his good looks but he admits he is then considered 'cheeky and charming'.

Hunk: Joining Kayleigh is Dreamboys dancer Lotan Carter, the nephew of popular TV personality Louie Spence

His reasoning behind the Big Brother appearance was: 'I want to lay it all bare and put myself through the test in this unique and intense experience.'

As a male stripper, he is naturally proud of his body yet four years ago his ex-girlfriend revealed just how precious he treats his privates, as Tanya Bailey revealed he had insured his penis for an eye-watering 12million.

She explained that he stated: 'Listen babe  one of the lads at work had an accident. A fan grabbed his tackle a bit too hard and hes had to take two weeks off work. Weve had to take out insurance on our members. Now my willys worth 12m!'

Saucy! As a male stripper, he is naturally proud of his body yet four years ago his ex-girlfriend revealed just how precious he treats his privates, as Tanya Bailey revealed he had insured his penis for an eye-watering 12million

Cheeky! The 28-year old's uncle is popular TV personality Louie Spence, with whom he once featured on reality show Pineapple Dance Studios

Sisters Hannah Agboola, 23, and Deborah Agboola, 25 come as a pair into the house, with the stunning duo headed in while hoping to influence fans on the outside.

Deborah revealed her plans to live by her mother's motto in the house: 'If you want the sweetest banana you have to climb the highest tree'. She warned viewers that her and her sister often lock horns in 'battles'.

Of her decision to enter BB, she said: 'I want to show the world single mums can be ambitious, successful and dont have to shy away and be locked up in our houses.'

Here come the girls: Sisters Hannah Agboola and Deborah Agbool (left-right) are yet another pair headed into the house as two

Heading in: Deborah, 25, revealed her plans to live by her mother's motto in the house: 'If you want the sweetest banana you have to climb the highest tree'. She warned viewers that her and her sister often lock horns in 'battles'

Hannah is bringing glamour into the house as the reigning Miss Nigeria UK, as she delivers plans to inspire the youth of today's UK-born-Nigerians to embrace their culture.

The stunner revealed she plans to use her influence to steer youths away from crime and gangs while also exhibiting her family and friendship values.

Of heading into the Big Brother house, she said: 'I want to do Big Brother because I want to do something I have never done before, its a unique experience. I want to be challenged as a person. I want to do something outside of the box.'

Posing up a storm: The stunners prepared for their entrance into the house by posing in seriously skimpy ensembles

Glowing: Hannah, 23, is bringing glamour into the house as the reigning Miss Nigeria UK, as she delivers plans to inspire the youth of today's UK-born-Nigerians to embrace their culture

Joining only a handful of people before them to enter as a couple, including Lisa Appleton and Mario Marconi and Spencer and Heidi Pratt, Imran Javeed and Sukhvinder Javeed are headed in as one.

Sukhvinder, 38, is an entrepreneur from Leeds was raised in a Sikh family before marrying Imran in a Muslim ceremony aged just 17.

No doubt bringing some flavour into the house, the contestant professed her bluntness is the best element of her personality and her impatience the worst.

Of heading into the house, she said: 'I want to meet the world and I want the world to meet me too! Life is an amazing gift and if you arent on TV then who are you?'

Happy couple: Husband and wife Imran Javeed and Sukhvinder Javeed are set for the house, as one of few couples who have entered the house as a pair

Hot on her heels is husband Imran, 39, who was raised in a strict Muslim family and met Sukhvinder at the age of eight in school.

He revealed their relationship was frowned upon and they would meet in private.

Determined to show the UK what a 'Modern Muslim' is right. He explained: 'I want to show my children how to be a good person.

'I want to be an example to the next generation as well and let them know its not all about social media.'

Big Brother: Live Launch, Monday 5th June at 8.30pm on Channel 5
I'm skeptical of the project to keep Trump "not normal"  not because he's not abnormal, but because the human psyche is a relentless normalizer, able to make everything from extermination camps to death row to slavery "normal" and trying not to adapt to stimulus is a hard target to shoot for.



But if we can't keep Trump "not normal," then at least we can periodically denormalize him periodically with clever, jarring reminders of just how terrible Trump is when juxtaposed against the symbols of normalcy.

@RealPressSecBot, a twitterbot knocked up in 40 minutes by coder/activist Russel Neiss, after seeing former Obama White House staffer Pat Cunnane's tweet proposing that all of Trump's tweets should be formatted as official presidential statements, "because he's President."





The result is a bracing shock to the system indeed.



So far, the bot has amassed over 55,000 followers, and Neiss said that it's a "pretty good haul," especially considering that (by the time of our publication) it hadn't even been active a full 24 hours. He said the bot will run until the next President is inaugurated. "When the President tweets, we should treat those words as formal," Neiss said. "This gives the proper honour to his word."



We Talked to the Coder Behind the Best Trump Twitter Bot Yet

[Lisa Cumming/Motherboard]
She's hosted The Project for eight years, but Carrie Bickmore could soon to looking at another gig.

With radio stars Hamish Blake and Andy Lee making a return to television, speculation is mounting on who will take their place.

And according to The Australian, Southern Cross Austereo has its sights set on Carrie.

Soon to be driving you home? According to The Australian, The Project's Carrie Bickmore (pictured) is the current favouite to replace Hamish and Andy in their coveted radio slot

The 36-year-old and her radio co-host Tommy Little, 32, are reportedly the current favourites to replace Hamish And Andy.

Carrie, who kicked off her media career in the radio industry, returned to her roots in February to co-host the Hit Network's Carrie & Tommy in the 3pm time slot.

The TV personality would be quite the coup for the radio network, who are rumoured to be looking for a name big enough to match the popularity of Hamish and Andy.

A turn at the comedians' national drivetime slot would likely mean a hefty pay cheque for Carrie, as Hamish and Andy's multi-million dollar salaries made them some of the highest paid stars in the industry.

Returning to television: Andy Lee (left) and Hamish Blake (right) are leaving a vacant radio slot

Familiar face: Carrie (left) recently returned to her radio roots, co-hosting Hit Network's Carrie & Tommy at 3pm with comedian Tommy Little (right)

Hamish and Andy, who debuted their new Channel Nine TV series True Story on Monday, are leaving big shoes to fill.

Their radio show currently airs on 43 stations and attracts a national weekly audience of 2.5million.

Carrie is a favourite with Australian audiences, having won the coveted Gold Logie in 2015 and being nominated for the award several times.

Before taking on her best known role as host of Network Ten's The Project, the mother-of-two cut her teeth working in radio in Perth.

Gold star: Logie-winning presenter Carrie (pictured with co-host Waleed Aly) continues to be popular with TV audiences thanks to her role on The Project

She was radio newsreader in 1999 before making the leap to the small screen.

She then rose to national prominence when she joined talk show Rove Live in 2006, presenting her own segment 'Carrie @ The News Desk'

Hamish and Andy were also regular guests on the program at the time.
She's built up quite the reputation for flashing her surgically enhanced assets at any given opportunity.

And glamour model Chloe Khan stuck to what she knows best as she flashed both her ample underboob and pert derriere during a trip to Barbados to celebrate her 26th birthday on Sunday.

The curvaceous mother-of-one looked relaxed in a multi-coloured crochet bikini top as she soaked up the Caribbean sun.

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Bombshell: Chloe Khan flashed her ample underboob in a multi-coloured crochet bikini as she emerged from the sea during her 26th birthday break to Barbados on Sunday

The raven-haired beauty teamed her top with thong bikini bottoms, which showed off the results of her recent Brazilian butt-lift.

Although the buxom star got wet and wild in the sea, she was careful to keep her heavy make-up intact, which included thick fluttery false lashes.

Last month, the former X Factor hopeful shocked her fans by jetting off to Turkey to undergo a Brazilian butt lift.

Life is peachy: The reality star teamed her top with thong bikini bottoms, which showed off the results of her recent Brazilian butt-lift

The already petite star opted to have fat taken from her waist and injected into her derriere in a bid to get the ultimate booty.

A Brazilian butt lift is designed to improve the appearance of lift and contour on the derriere.

Ahead of her journey, Chloe said in a video: 'I'm on my way to Elite after care, it is in Turkey so I'm going to jump on a quick flight, to go and get a Brazilian butt lift.

Taking a dip: The mother-of-one has been keeping fans captivated with numerous bikini snaps from her birthday trip to the Caribbean

'It's not implants, they actually take all the fat from your own body that you don't want and they put it all in your booty, to give you that fat a**e.

'So for someone who isn't that fat, or wasn't, I've been stuffing my face on Dominoes and loads of munchies all week to pack on the pounds.'

Chloe is far from a wallflower; last year the celebrity Big Brother contestant shocked viewers with her x-rated antics with Stephen Bear.
She's currently Down Under filming superhero blockbuster Aquaman in the sunny state of Queensland.

But Amber Heard had a night off on Saturday, as the 31-year-old was seen partying at the Sin City nightclub in Surfers Paradise.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported Johnny Depp's ex-wife drank red wine exclusively and did not leave the venue until 3.30am.

She knows what she likes! Amber Heard (R) exclusively drank red wine during her night off at the Sin City nightclub in Surfers Paradise on Saturday, according to VIP host Ric Gibson (L)

Sin City VIP host Ric Gibson said Amber's taste for red wine is the result of her former marriage to the Pirates Of The Caribbean star.

'Her PR person said she only does red wine because when she was with Johnny Depp that was all he drank,' he told the publication.

Ric added: 'Its not something we serve on a regular basis so it's lucky we had some in the cellar.

'That was all he drank': Amber's publicist reportedly told Ric the actress only drinks red wine because she developed a taste for it during her former marriage to Johnny Depp (right)

Work trip: The 31-year-old is currently in Australia filming superhero blockbuster Aquaman

The VIP host managed to snap a selfie with the Hollywood actress, which he later shared to his Instagram account.

Ric said he had a friendly chat with Amber, who is currently dating Tesla billionaire Elon Musk, during her night out.

'I thought she would be stuck up given the status she has but she was very down to earth, very funny and stunning as well,' he revealed.

Date night! Amber appears to be enjoying her time in Australia, and has been spotted by fans dining at several fancy restaurants with her billionaire boyfriend Elon Musk (right)

Amber appears to be enjoying her time in Australia, and has been spotted by fans while dining at several fancy restaurants.

Her previous visit Down Under with ex-husband Johnny in 2015 resulted in a highly publicised 'dog smuggling' controversy.

But it appears to be a case of 'no hard feelings' as she flaunts her new romance with Elon, 45, and takes in the local sights.
It's the much-loved ITV2 reality show that aims to bring singles together to find romance.

And while love is all around this year's hopefuls, contestants Montana Brown and Jess Shears' friendship gets off to an awkward start after they confess to dating the same guy at the same time on Monday's night series premiere of Love Island.

With the situation playing on her mind, self-confessed posh girl Montana admitted to some of her fellow islanders as they settled into the villa that it wasn't her first time seeing model Jess.

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Uh oh: Contestants Montana Brown (L) and Jess Shears' friendship gets off to an awkward start after they confess to dating the same guy at the same time on Monday's night series premiere of Love Island

Gathering some of the islanders in the bedroom, she confessed: 'I went out with this guy. Basically I think he was seeing us at the same time. But I dont know if she knows. I dont think she does know its me, thats the thing.

'I was pretty chilled about the situation, it didnt work. I Instagrammed her. When I saw her I was like "I recognise her from somewhere", and then it clicked.'

Following her admission, Montana headed to the Beach Hut for some much-needed perspective as she mulled over whether it was worth bringing up.

She explained: 'Im not sure if nows the best time for me to speak to her about it. I dont really want to bring up that me and her saw the same guy around the same time.'

Revelations: Host Caroline Flack appeared shocked by the series premiere's revelations

Shock: The hopefuls are in for a shock as they find out Montana and Jess know each other (pictured Camilla and Chloe)

While Montana pondered whether to come clean, it quickly transpired that Jessica had also clocked her history with the beauty and marvelled at the chances they ended up in the same place.

'As soon as I saw Montana I recognised her and I was like "oh my God, as if"', she said. 'Of all the people in the world, me and her are in here together.'

Attempting to clear the air, the glamorous pair took to the sun beds later in the evening to discuss their past face to face and how they found out about each other.

Montana divulged: 'I was just realising he was being really shady with pictures and I was thinking "thats weird." I called him out on it.' To which Jessica added: 'We must have both kicked off at the same time.'

Lining up! The girls line up (Pictured Olivia, Montana, Camilla, Amber and Chloe) on the grass ahead of meeting the men

Clear the air? Following her admission, Montana headed to the Beach Hut for some much-needed perspective as she mulled over whether it was worth bringing up

Montana continued : 'It was on the last night and I was like "I dont know about you but we just didnt really get along..". And then he just goes "yeah, well I have been seeing some girl anyway" and I was like "what?"'

At that point, Jess admitted: 'That would have totally been me.' While Montana conceited: 'Yeah it was.'

As the conversation progressed, Jess revealed she took to social media to stalk her love rival as she came to terms that her then beau had been seeing them both.

She explained: 'I followed you on Instagram because I was like "I need to stalk this girl"'. Despite the cyber stalking confession, Montana completely agreed with her sentiments, sharing: 'He was definitely overlapping.'

Awkward: While Montana pondered whether to come clean, it quickly transpired that Jessica had also clocked her history with the beauty and marvelled at the chances they ended up in the same place

Following the candid chat, Montana insisted that their conversation had been enlightening, conceding that she was the 'side chick' in the love triangle.

She added: 'Jess knew, and I didnt realise that she knew but she was like " didnt know if you knew" so it was kind of one of those miscommunications. I think I was the side chick. I didnt want to be the side chick but obviously I was. Hey ho.'

Although Montana feels a weight off her chest and a hope to continue on with a clean slate, it seems Jess was uncertain of her feelings towards Montana, explaining her revelations were a little more than she was expecting.

Hopeful for love: Cirque Le Soir club dancer Amber awaited her summer of love

Ready for love? Harley(L) and Sam showcased their bulging biceps as they meet their potential love interests

'Its good talking to her about it because its nice to see her point of view but at the same time its a bit of a revelation because I didnt realise they were properly dating,' she said. 'Part of me is like "I got there first with this guy that me and Montana were both sort of texting at the same time."

'I know I was there first. So part of me does think "I was there first and you sort of got in the way" so I dont know how vindictive Im feeling yet. I feel like I owe her no loyalties.'

Despite the possible brewing feud, the villa is set to welcome its first passionate smooch ahead of the series three premiere on Monday on ITV2.

As the lights went out and the couples shared beds for their first night in the villa, one pairing couldn't resist each other as the take the crown for the first kiss of the series.

Love Island is on ITV2 this evening at 9pm.
She is one of the most famous Mexican actresses of all time.

So when Salma Hayek stopped by Spanish-language chat show Despierta America in Miami on Monday, she and the hosts had plenty of ground to cover in their time together.

The 50-year-old actress couldn't contain her excitement to catch up with hosts Karla Martinez and Alan Tacher while promoting her latest film Beatriz At Dinner.

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Animated: Salma Hayek didn't hold back during an appearance on Despierta America in Miami on Monday

Wearing a loudly printed mini dress with ruffle sleeves and a pair of diamond hoop earrings from Gilan, Salma told a series of funny stories that caused her to use her very emotive skills as an actress.

She revealed that on her 50th birthday, she had to film for Beatriz At Dinner and the crew surprised her with a mariachi band.

Salma told the hosts that she then pranked a member of the production unit who she heard felt that the mariachi band was a little too stereotypical for Salma's Mexican heritage.

Sexy Salma: The show rolled out the red carpet for the star backstage where she showed off her loudly printed mini dress

She's set: The Oscar nominee struck a pose in front of the show's couch after the interview, showing off her printed dress and dazzling Gilan diamond hoop earrings

Hayek told Despierta America that she approached the producer, feigning outrage, asking if they were going to have tacos for lunch.

After the producer almost came to tears over her joke, she revealed she was just kidding and was happy that they were celebrating her birthday.

Beatriz At Dinner also co-stars Chloe Sevigny, John Lithgow and Connie Britton.

Close call: The 50-year-old actress nearly avoided a wardrobe malfunction in her short dress

Chatty: She enjoyed telling the hosts, and audience, about her new role in Beatriz At Dinner

Hayek plays the title role of Beatriz, a Mexican immigrant who practices holistic medicine on a wealthy client, played by Britton, and gets stranded at her house when her car breaks down.

Britton's character invites her to stay for a dinner party she is hosting with other wealthy friends.

Things quickly turn sour when the guests prod Beatriz with questions about her legal status in the country and discuss other hot button issues at the table.

Hot button: The movie explores the issues of classism, racism and illegal immigration

He calls the shots: The film's director Miguel Arteta joined her for the TV appearance

'She was invited, but she was not welcome,' the trailer teases for the film, out June 9.

Beatriz begins to tell a story in the clip, saying, 'When I first came to the United States a long...'

But she is interrupted by John Lithgow's character who asks, 'Did you come legally?'
Kim Zolicak sure likes to be noticed.

And one way the Don't Be Tardy star does so is by wearing very revealing bikinis and taking selfies while in them, much to the delight of her social media followers.

On Monday the 39-year-old reality star stood out more than usual in a bright orange two piece while on a holiday in the Turks and Caicos with husband Kroy Biermann and their six children.

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Bikini day: Kim Zolciak stood out more than usual in a bright orange two piece while on holiday in the Turks and Caicos with husband Kroy Biermann and their six children on Monday

Still hot: The blonde beauty's figure looked very toned with muscular arms and a tiny waistline. She also flashed plenty of cleavage

The Real Housewives Of Atlanta vet was standing in her white-and-grey bathroom as she snapped away.

The blonde beauty's figure looked very toned with muscular arms and a tiny waistline. She also flashed plenty of cleavage.

The TV icon wore her long locks down and had on large sunglasses.

The beach look: The TV icon wore her long locks down and had on large sunglasses

This comes after she wore a blue bikini the day before while standing by the ocean.

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 former dancer wrote on Instagram.

The day before: Zolciak in a blue number as she looked out at the sea

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 April.

He was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery and spent days recovering.

But the star has said that he will luckily have a full recovery as she thanked God.

On Monday the child was seen playing with a pit bull puppy at their vacation rental; it was explained the pup belonged to the people who owned the property. Kroy kept a close eye on the children as they played with the little dog.

Doggy day: Her son Kash had his eye injured after a dog attacked him in May. On Monday the child was seen playing with a pit bull puppy at their vacation rental; it was explained the pup belonged to the people who owned the property. Dad Kroy told him to be careful

The little guy: The dog was quite small; here Kroy is seen playing with him

With her crew: The star took her family to dreamy Turks and Caicos; here she is with husband and one of her six kids

The day before, the looker was seen in a blue bikini as she stood alone looking at the ocean. Kim was also arm-in-arm with her husband Kroy.

'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 shot to fame after she bravely shaved her head for the part of Eleven on Netflix's much-hyped series Stranger Things.

But Millie Bobby Brown looked worlds away from her role when she attended a SAG-AFTRA screening at the Robin Williams Center in New York City on Monday.

Displaying her keen interest in fashion, the rising star, 13, was cute as a button in a girly minidress, complete with a decorative collar.

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Cute as a button! Millie Bobby Brown looked effortlessly graceful as she made an appearance in a pink minidress as she attended the Stranger Things screening in New York City on Monday

Millie looked effortlessly elegant in the frilled frock, keeping her accessories to a minimum with a small M2MALLETIER purse for her essentials.

Embracing her youth, the Spanish beauty kept make-up minimal and simply completed her image with a strong slick of red lipstick.

She did add to her height but looked comfortable as she made her way through the event in platform sandals.

Wow: The 13-year-old, known for her role as Eleven in Stranger Things, looked cute as a button in the frilled frock

Dressed to impress! The SAG Award-winning scene stealer - toting a M2MALLETIER purse -sashayed through the event in the sky-scraper platform sandals

Star-studded: The rising star looked very graceful in the dress complete with a decorative collar

Millie has already made quite an impression in the acting world after bagging herself an acting award at the MTV Movie And TV Awards for her role as Eleven.

Despite making a name for herself on the hit series, the beauty recently discussed her disappointment at not securing a role in the star-studded Wolverine movie, Logan.

The Stranger Things star auditioned for the part but she didn't make the cut as she lost out to Dafne Keen.

Charming! The Spanish beauty spoke with confidence when she made an appearance at the screening

She's a winner! She has already won an acting award at the MTV Movie And TV Awards for her role as Eleven

Speaking to Variety magazine, she said: 'I was filming Stranger Things and I was like, "This is going to be amazing, Im gonna really prepare."

'I sat in my room reading the lines. Honestly, for me, I felt so  I felt an actor.

'In the audition room, I was hitting Hugh Jackman, and James Mangold sitting right in front of me.'

Stranger Things was originally released last July on Netflix and was renewed in August for a nine-episode second season.

The second season is already scheduled to be released on October 31, 2017 with Millie at the helm.

People pleaser! The actress put smiles on fans faces as she signed autographs outside of the screening




Her steely pout and penchant for all-black have made her a fashion icon.

But Victoria Beckham once again made a strong case for extreme colour blocking on Monday, as she showcased perhaps her boldest look yet.

Clashing orange with green, the fashion designer did anything but fly under the radar as she arrived at JFK airport for a return to work in New York City.

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Bold and beautiful: Victoria Beckham was certainly making a statement as she touched down at New York's JFK airport on Monday in spring brights

She is just back from a relaxing family holiday in Africa and wore her sleeves rolled up to prove that she was officially back in business mode.

Her trademark 'VB' etchings could be subtly seen in the corner of her citrus jumper, and she carried a camel-coloured coat under one arm to allow the spring look centre stage.

Having grown accustomed to the flash of cameras at every turn, Victoria seemed to court attention when she turned heads in a very visible rainbow outfit.

Colour me happy: Victoria wore a bold orange top with clashing green trousers

Colour pop: Diverting away from her typical, all-black wardrobe, Victoria was feeling bright

On her lower half, she paired straight cut trousers with sky scraper heels that were a muted accessory in a stone colour.

Victoria seemed to have spent no more than a weekend at home in London before resuming work on her global fashion empire, on Monday.

The family - including all four children Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper - are only just back from a fun-packed safari holiday.

Along with husband David, Victoria spent quality time with her brood during their half term holidays from school, but the children did not escape the world of education because their visit included plenty of sight-seeing and culture.

Can't be missed: Rather than fly under the radar, the fashion designer made sure she turned heads

With the exception of five-year-old Harper, each member of the family has been keeping their fanbase up to date with fascinating pictures of wildlife.

Of course, their Instagram updates have not been without a collection of precious family moments, shot largely by aspiring photographer Brooklyn.

As the eldest of the Beckham brood, the 18-year-old has focused on bonding time with dad David.

He is even becoming increasingly more look his father in the looks department, if their latest selfies are anything to go by.

The ultimate cover up: In contrast to her colour scheme, Victoria carried a camel coat

Brooding snapshots of the pair show them looking down the lens with near-identical features.

With a typically arty twist, Brooklyn's shots were mainly captured at sunset as he appeared to take off for some quality time alone with his father.

Harper also heavily features in the family album as she was showered with affection by both mum and dad.

Like father, like son: David Beckham shared some sweet snaps of himself on an exotic getaway with his children in Africa on Thursday

Edgy: Brooklyn shared some typically arty images of their holiday as night fell on the plains
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Country music stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have traveled the world to sing their chart-topping duets at sold-out concerts.

So it's only natural the mega successful couple looked for a private retreat to get away from it all, and in 2003 they found it with the 20-acre island they call Lile dAnges.

Now the couple of over 20 years have allowed the July issue of Architectural Digest to share images from their sumptuous spread that includes a mansion with views of the ocean as well as a massive backyard that includes a patio area and a large pool.

Big and beautiful: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw showed off their mansion they had built on their private island in the Bahamas

Two nice: The country singer superstars appear on the cover of the July issue of Architectural Digest

The destination is where the crooners - best known for their duet Speak To A Girl - often take their three daughters: Gracie, 20, Maggie, 18, and Audrey, 15.

The two have been together for 20 years; seen here in April

'Weve been all over the world, and we really wanted to create a special place we couldnt find anywhere else,' said Hill.

The first snapped up the island in 2003. On the land were eight pavilions connected by thatch-roofed loggias.

In 2012 they took a closer look. 'We were a little bit naive, possibly,' Hill admits.

The couple didn't really know they had to build up their own water and refuse system.

'We set out to build a house. We had no idea we had to build everything else,' she said. 'We basically had to build a little town.'

Tim added: 'Youve got to have staff houses. Youve got to have infrastructure.'

'Youve got to have water,' added Faith. 'Water. Electricity. You dont quite put all that together at first.'

They hired architectureandinterior design firm McAlpine. Architect Bobby McAlpine designed the compound with his partner Greg Tankersley.

The company had worked on their properties in Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee.

'We wanted to feel connected to the outside,' said Hill.

'When the breeze comes through the room, it's just life-changing.'

A look at their emerald island: An aerial view of the island that the couple purchased in 2003

Not much there: 'We were a little bit naive, possibly,' Hill admits. The couple didn't really know they had to build up their own water and refuse system. 'We set out to build a house. We had no idea we had to build everything else,' she said. 'We basically had to build a little town'

'And we wanted it set up so that when we brought people down, they'd get the same feeling that we got when we first came,' added Tim.

'The same reaction to the pristineness of it, to how relaxed it feels. The house is functional, but it really blends into the environment.'

'I'll tell you what,' said Tim. 'For the last nine months, when they were putting on the finishing touches, they wouldnt let us go down...' Faith interrupts him.

They made it happen: McGraw and Hill had to add a dock for the boats; in the background is what looks to be their mansion

'Was it nine months?' she asked. 'Maybe it was six months, and they wouldnt let us go down at all.'

'You better check that timeline. That seems like a long time,' she said. 'It was. It was killing us!' he said.

'And when we finally got down there, it was early evening, and the landscaping was done and the house was furnished and open and there were candles lit, and it just took our breath away. It still does.

'Every time we go there. Every time we land the plane and walk onto the beach and head up to the house, we turn to each other and say, "This is the best place in the world."'

One of their other mansions: The family owns a home in Tenneesse but they listed it for $20m in 2013

Elegant: The home is fit for music royalty with the shuttered windows and flagstone walkway

'I think the beach has always represented, to the McGraws, a simplicity that their everyday life lacks. So this house needed to offer a real clarity and cleanliness in its aesthetic,' said interior designer Ray Booth.

'It's essentially a bleached-out white [throughout]; where there is color, it's pulled directly out of those beautiful Bahamian waters. We wanted everything to feel a bit cobbled together, as if you washed up on the beach and had to figure out a way.'

Tim and Faith are now working on their first-ever album of duets. The album is projected to come out this fall.
Producers have promised to be one of the most raucous series to date.

Yet Big Brother's host Emma Willis was already battling to keep decorum 13 minutes into the launch night on Monday, as the first housemate stuck up his middle finger.

Emma apologised to the Channel 5 audience on the steps of Elstree Studios in London as Posh boy Arthur - who claims to have had a 'wild' upbringing as the son of Lord Francis Fulford - flipped the bird to the camera.

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Cheeky? Emma Willis was in a playful mood on Monday night as she struggled to keep decorum at the launch of another series of Channel 5's Big Brother in London

Arthur caused chaos for hostess Emma, who quickly said sorry to viewers at what she called a 'ridiculously early hour'.

A sign of more uproar to come, Athur was only the first of the 15 new housemates to make his entrance to the Borehamwood mansion on Monday.

Having recently been banned from driving in a DUI incident, the handsome bachelor was seen confidently telling the camera: 'I had a wild upbringing, I was pretty much allowed to do whatever I wanted.'

Trouble maker: Yet, as the first to enter, Arthur caused chaos from the start for Emma, after he made a rude gesture at the camera - forcing Emma to apologise to viewers

Not bothered: The bachelor, who is the son of Lord Francis Fulford, was seen telling the camera: 'I had a wild upbringing, I was pretty much allowed to do whatever I wanted'

However he then added that his privileges had left him with a lack of motivation, adding: 'Although this now means I'm 24 and virtually unemployed.'

In keeping with her elegant launch show ensemble, Emma handled the unexpected outburst with pure class.

She was dressed in a white midi-length dress that featured a gorgeous peplum hemline to accentuate her slimline curves.

Emma herself was in a playful mood and posed for the cameras with her fingers pointed to her nipples as she braved the cold without a jacket, in between showers.

Flirty: The host with the most wore a striking white dress with a peplum hemline

Stunning: She showed off her slimline curves with a dress that skimmed over every inch

Keeping dry: In between showers, Emma kept sheltered with an umbrella and leather jacket

The opening episode was not without a shocking twist, after revealing to fans that they will be voting for an extra 'People's Housemate' to enter - who will stir things up in the house by keeping contact with the outside world.

Inside the house, Arthur will join 'celebrities' including Ibiza Weekender star Ellie Young, 23, from Castleford and Ex On The Beach star Kayleigh Morris, who is expected to be joined by at least two more stars from the MTV reality show.

Among the 15 are also 'non-celebrities' including Lotan Carter, 28, who works as a Dreamboy performer and admits he has his penis insured for a whopping 12million as a male stripper.

Here we go: Big Brother certainly got off to a wild start on Monday night - with the son of a Lord (L) and a self-professed working girl (R) first to enter the house

Bubbly: Next into the house was Ibiza Weekender star Ellie Young, 23, from Castleford

Determined: Speaking to Emma ahead of her entrance, the blonde admitted she was keen to represent the northerners in the house, stating: 'It's early to say if I can win, but I'm flying the Yorkshire flag!'

Bold: Joining the fray was Lotan Carter, a 28-year-old Dreamboy performer from Essex who admits he his penis insured for a whopping 12million as a male stripper

In a more bizarre event however, he then began to eat sweets onstage during his entrance interview - resulting in a scolding from Emma who claimed he should never speak and chew food at the same time.

Only adding to his shocking entrance by swearing, forcing Emma to apologise to viewers once again, the competitive youngster then swaggered into the house in his leather jacket, to greet the duo.

Next to arrive were husband and wife Imran Javeed and Sukhvinder Javeed - who married at 17 without telling their parents, due to their differences in religion.

Bizarre: In a more bizarre event however, he then began to eat sweets onstage, resulting in a scolding from Emma who claimed he should never speak and chew food at the same time

Come as a pair: Next to arrive were husband and wife Imran Javeed and Sukhvinder Javeed - who married at 17 without telling their parents, due to their differences in religion

Confident: They are one of the few contestants to ever enter the house as a couple - but admitted to Emma their love would not get in the way of their journeys in the competition

Bombshells: Next to make an entrance were blonde bombshells Charlotte and Mandy, a mother-daughter duo from Retford in Nottinghamshire

Golden girls: Next to enter were sister act Hannah Agboola and Deborah Agboola, Londoners who originally hail from Nigeria

This year's show will be extremely topical as they air scenes will be inspired by the June 8 election, with the stars of the show campaigning to stay in the house.

However, the show faced some backlash ahead of its launch on Monday after it unveiled this year's diary room chair - which was slammed as 'budget' by fans.

Covered in an old fashioned floral print and sitting against a field background, the chintzy pew left fans hugely unimpressed on Twitter, with many deeming it 'old-fashioned', while others brutally questioned whether producers had found it in a skip.

Only adding to furore however, Channel 5 then revealed that it will be the public who will hold the power during the launch night episode.

While most of this year's housemates have been selected by producers, and six revealed to the public prior to the opening, one final slot is to be decided by the public, from a selection of wannabe housemates.

The public have been given the chance to vote, with the lucky candidate becoming the People's Housemate, who will go on to 'hold great power within the house, even having access to the outside world.'
Palmer Luckey, the guy who founded Oculus, sold it to Facebook, and then used the money to fund racist, far-right meme creation in the 2016 election cycle is now running a Peter-Thiel-backed startup to build surveillance technology that could be part of Donald Trump's border wall.



Peter Thiel is the Donald Trump advisor who secretly funded the litigation campaign that destroyed Gawker, secretly bought citizenship in New Zealand, and openly says that democracy is not compatible with freedom and that giving women votes made America hostile to capitalism.



As as he sees it, according to those familiar with the plan, the technology can be used for many kinds of perimeter security, including military bases and stadium events, where it could be used to detect drones. Software would help the system figure out which objects to ignore, like birds and coyotes.

Those familiar with the plan say Mr. Luckey believes his system, which can be mounted on telephone poles, can be built far more cost effectively than Mr. Trump's proposed wall on the Mexican border  and with fewer obstacles from landowners.

The company, which is based in Southern California and has a warehouse there, is being self-financed by Mr. Luckey for now. He has hired a handful of people, including Christopher Dycus, who recently left Oculus and was the company's first employee. Eventually, he wants to explore new applications of other technologies including drones, Mr. Luckey has told people.





Mr. Thiel's investment firm, Founders Fund, plans to invest in it, according to people with knowledge of its plans. They said the firm sees Mr. Luckey's venture in the mold of Palantir Technologies, a data-mining company co-founded by Mr. Thiel, which serves a wide range of clients, including intelligence agencies. A spokeswoman for Founders Fund declined to comment.
She is an outspoken ally for the LGBTQ community, posting a message earlier this week excitedly announcing 'First day of pride month!!'

So when Chloe Grace Moretz stepped out in New York City on Monday, she looked ready to celebrate in a colorful striped skirt which was reminiscent of the gay pride symbol, a rainbow flag.

The 20-year-old actress wore a white sleeveless button-up top that was tied at the bottom, showing a hint of her toned tum.

Rainbow: Chloe Grace Moretz put on a colorful display with her striped skirt while in New York City with her brother Trevor on Monday

Her flaxen locks were worn wavy with a side part as she smiled while leaving her hotel.

Chic blush pink platform sandals adorned her feet, adding a boost to her 5ft frame.

She carried a healthy juice drink as well as her cell phone and a Chanel purse as she walked with her brother Trevor in the city.

Using her platform: She wore blush pink platform sandals for her day out on the town

'Always be true to yourself, love whoever you want to love, and know that you are perfect and beautiful just as you are,' she wrote to her fans in her post celebrating Gay Pride month.

She has been vocal about growing up with two gay brothers in Atlanta, Georgia.

'I have two gay brothers and two straight brothers, and my gay brothers were treated horrifically until they grew up and understood how to deal with it,' she once told Seventeen magazine.

Ready to celebrate: 'Love whoever you want to love,' she said in a post celebrating Gay Pride month

'I will delete you, and I will block you, and you will not be a part of my life if you ever say anything bad about my brothers,' the protective little sister continued.

Chloe's message for her gay supporters comes after news that Donald Trump has not continued the tradition of calling June Gay Pride month in the United States, which was started by Bill Clinton in 1999.

Later on Monday, Chloe was seen stepping out in the rain wearing a much more casual outfit consisting of a grey t-shirt, blue jeans and checkered sneakers.

From colorful to casual: Later she was seen in a grey t-shirt and blue jeans with black and white checkered sneakers

Chloe is the youngest of five siblings and the only girl in the bunch.

Her family has formed an especially tight bond after their plastic surgeon father Dr McCoy Moretz left their mother Teri for Paris Hilton's aunt Jo-Ann when Chloe was 12.

The Neighbors 2 actress is currently single after splitting with David Beckham's son Brooklyn in 2016 after dating on-and-off since 2012.

More Moretz: Brandon, Ethan, Teri, Chloe, Colin and Trevor Moretz pose at the premiere of Neighbors 2 in May of 2016

Single lady: She dated Brooklyn Beckham on-and-off from 2012 through 2016

Chloe has four movies due out this year including The Miseducation of Cameron Post, where she plays a young girl forced into a gay conversion therapy center.

She will also star in Suspiria with Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth and Dakota Johnson as a ballerina who goes for training at a German dance studio before learning the dark secrets of the academy.

November Criminals, in which she plays a teenager investigating a crime in Washington D.C. also has a 2017 release date.

Uh oh: One of the movies the 20-year-old has coming out is Korean animated film Red Shoes & the 7 Dwarfs, which caused controversy with this seemingly fat-shaming billboard in Cannes

Not happy: Chloe, who voices Snow White, immediately added her voice to those slamming the billboard

The most controversial of her upcoming projects is Korean animated film Red Shoes & the 7 Dwarfs, which caused a stir last month when a promotional poster at the Cannes Film Festival appeared to fat-shame women.

The poster showed a skinny Snow White next to a heavier one, with the tagline: 'What if Snow White was no longer beautiful and the 7 Dwarfs not so short?'

Chloe, who voices Snow White, immediately added her voice to those slamming the ad, tweeting that she never approved and was 'appalled' by it, apologizing to those it offended.
He has been busy filming scenes for the upcoming action hero flick Avengers: Infinity War.

And Chris Hemsworth,33, has shared a hilarious behind-the-scenes peek at life on set by uploading a video of himself mocking a collection of Marvel toys.

Taking to Instagram this Tuesday, Chris shared a video of himself pretending to stumble upon a 'secret Avengers' rehearsal set up by directors Joe and Anthony Russo, which involved a table laden with various action figures.

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Chris Hemsworth,33, has shared a hilarious behind-the-scenes peek at life on set by uploading a video of himself mocking a collection of Marvel toys

Noticing that there was no Thor toy on the table, Chris decided to take a stab at the action heros who were included in the line-up.

Picking up a Hawkeye doll, Chris said: 'Who's this guy? Berlin techno rave he just rolled in from at 3am.'

'Look at me! I'm an idiot!' he added, picking up a Captain America toy figurine.

Burn! Picking up a Hawkeye doll, Chris said: 'Who's this guy? Berlin techno rave he just rolled in from at 3am'

'Interesting there's no, um, Thor toy in here. Is that on purpose? I've heard that before. Civil War', Chris said disapprovingly, referring to Thor's exclusion from the recent Marvel flick Captain America: Civil War.

While he's not poking fun at his castmates in hilarious Instagram videos, Chris has been busy setting up a production company with his wife Elsa Pataky.

Speaking to Foxtel Magazine, Chris said of his new directorial project: 'To have that creative freedom really interests me.'

Ouch! 'Look at me! I'm an idiot!' he added, picking up a Captain America toy figurine

Feeling left out? 'Interesting there's no, um, Thor toy in here. Is that on purpose? I've heard that before. Civil War', Chris said disapprovingly, referring to Thor's exclusion from the recent Marvel flick Captain America: Civil War

'I'd love to direct, it would be insanely challenging': While he's not poking fun at his cast-mates in hilarious Instagram videos, Chris has been busy setting up a production company with his wife Elsa Pataky

'I'd love to direct, it would be insanely challenging. It's just a larger creative process,' explained Chris.

He added: 'You're continually growing as an actor and exploring these characters, but to step outside of it and orchestrate the event is a new skill set I'd love to tap into.'

Other celebrities to have formed their own production company are Drew Barrymore, Nicole Kidman, Ben Stiller and Will Smith.
She recently fired back at trolls who slammed her 'bulls**t theatrics' on The Voice Australia.

And Delta Goodrem says she is unfazed by constant criticism surrounding her playful button pushing on the Channel Nine show because she believes critics are only a small minority.

'... I want my fans to know that [the haters are] a minority,' she told TheFIX on Monday.

Brushing off the haters: Delta Goodrem says she is unfazed by constant criticism surrounding her playful button pushing on the Channel Nine show because she believes critics are only a small minority

'I don't appreciate people trying to wreck my reputation -- me and my tribe, we've got a great thing going on. Ain't nobody wrecking our party.

She added: 'I know my heart is filled with love and kindness. I choose to be a role model of love.'

Last week, Delta defiantly told The Herald Sun that she will continue to find creative ways to hit the buzzer, despite critics calling her behaviour 'annoying.'

Unfazed: '... I want my fans to know that [the haters are] a minority,' she told TheFIX on Monday

'I'm going to keep hitting that buzzer and I'm going to find new ways to hit it next year,' she said.

Fellow The Voice judge Kelly Rowland recently urged Aussies to be less critical of the homegrown pop star.

In an interview with News Corp last week, the former Destiny's Child star expressed disappointment at the ongoing criticism surrounding Delta's playful demeanour on the show.

Back off: Delta has found a supporter in fellow judge on The Voice Kelly Rowland, who recently urged Aussies to be less critical of the homegrown pop star

'Why would they do that? I don't think that's cool,' said Kelly.

'Because I think she represents Australia so well, so she has to feel love from home.

She added: 'Why wouldn't you hold her up on your shoulders? That's your blood. C'mon guys, you gotta do better than that.'

Her comments come days after Delta, 32, firmly hit back at her critics, telling The Daily Telegraph last month 'that's their problem.'

'Delta just push the friggin' button with ur hand like a normal person' one viewer wrote on Twitter recently, after the TV star defiantly hit her chair-swinging buzzer with her boot.

The former Neighbours actress recently replied: '[That criticism] is all just water of a duck's back, because the reality of what I get to live with is very different.

'I have only the intention of making people's day better and if someone has an intention that's the opposite of that, then that's their problem.'

While the starlet isn't interested in what people think of her antics, the publication insists that as a result, she's passionately protective of her private life.

Her response comes after she was slammed by fans for the way she stands and dances, before she decides to press her buzzer on the show.

Anger: 'Delta just push the friggin' button with ur hand like a normal person' one viewer wrote on Twitter recently, after the 32-year-old used her foot to hit the buzzer

The reality: On Sunday, she replied: '[That criticism] is all just water of a duck's back, because the reality of what I get to live with is very different'

Taking to Twitter to vent, one frustrated fan wrote: 'Either press the button or sit the F (sic) down.'

'It's just a button Delta. Try and press it without the bulls**t theatrics.'

Another fan remarked: 'She gets up, dances and acts like she's going to hit the button and we know she most likely won't.'

Blunt: Social media users were irritated by Delta's unusual way of turning her chair

Not phased by the comments, Delta also told the publication that being in her 30's has made her less of a people-pleaser.

She insists she finds it easier than ever to stand-up for her beliefs and to say 'no' when something opposes them.

Keeping her promise of remaining guarded, she didn't comment on persistent relationship rumours with fellow The Voice Judge Seal.
Veteran comedian Jerry Lewis is recovering after being treated at a Las Vegas hospital for a urinary tract infection.

The 91-year-old actor-director-producer and writer was taken to hospital on Friday for an immediate transfusion of antibiotics to treat the condition, his publicist Candi Cazau told AP on Monday.

She added that the star is doing fine and is expected to be released shortly, telling Fox News: 'The anti-biotics are doing their job.'

Out on the town: Jerry Lewis, who celebrated his 90th birthday at The Friars Club in New York in April, 2016, is in a Las Vegas hospital recovering from a urinary tract infection, according to his publicist, Candi Cazau, on Monday

The comedian is scheduled to travel to Toronto in Canada later this week to shoot a movie.

Jerry has has been plagued by ill-health for years.

He was hospitalized in 2012 to get his blood sugar stabilized and in 2011 for being overly tired.

Standout star: The 91-year-old was in good form when he turned up in a bright red jacket at The Friars Club gala honoring director Martin Scorsese on September 21

In late 1982 he was declared clinically dead after a heart attack, then 10 years later prostate cancer was diagnosed and five years after that he found out he had diabetes.

Jerry, born Joseph Levitch in Newark, New Jersey, has also suffered from spiral meningitis and pulmonary fibrosis.

According to the Internet Movie Data Base, he has 74 credits as an actor, 23 as a director, 20 as a writer and 17 as a producer in his nearly 70-year career.

Classic role: Jerry has 74 acting credits to his name in his nearly 30-year-career, including starring in The Nutty Professor in 1963

He famously struck up a successful comedy partnership with Dean Martin in 1946 that produced the classics My Friend Irma in 1949 to their last collaboration, Hollywood Or Bust, in 1956.

They then fell out and Jerry went on to achieve success on his own, including in 1963's The Nutty Professor, which was later re-made starring Eddie Murphy.

Jerry was last seen on the big screen in 2016's The Trust as Nicolas Cage's father
In the Philippines, hundreds of civilians are trapped by fighting between the military and Islamist militants who have overrun the city of Marawi on the restive southern island of Mindanao

Top US and Australian officials warned on Monday that battle-hardened and angry foreign fighters may return to Southeast Asia from the Middle East and take up arms in their own countries.

The warning follows the weekend terror attacks in London, which were claimed by the Islamic State group, and comes amid a growing jihadist threat in the Philippines.

IS fighters will "come back with battlefield skills, they'll come back with hardened ideology, they'll come back angry, frustrated, and we need to be very aware of that," Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne said.

She was speaking at an Australia-US ministerial summit also attended by Pentagon chief Jim Mattis, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop.

Reacting to the London attacks, Mattis said: "We are united... in our resolve, even against an enemy that thinks by hurting us, they can scare us. Well, we don't scare."

US President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to "annihilate" IS to try to prevent foreign fighters from escaping and returning home as they lose ground in Iraq and Syria.

The aim is to encircle and kill as many jihadists as possible in place, rather than letting them exit a city and targeting them as they flee. This reflects an increasing urgent attempt to stop the fighters bringing their military expertise and ideology back to the West.

"Before, we were shelling them from one town to another," Mattis said.

"We now take the time... to make certain that foreign fighters do not stay to return to Paris, France, to Australia, to wherever they came from, and bring their message of hatred and their skills back to those places and attack innocent people."

The issue of countering terrorism was high on the agenda at Monday's annual talks.

Australian officials say they have prevented 12 terror attacks on home soil since 2014 with more than 60 people charged.

In the Philippines, hundreds of civilians are trapped by fighting between the military and Islamist militants who have overrun the city of Marawi on the restive southern island of Mindanao.

Separately, Tillerson said a decision on whether to send additional troops to try to stabilise the security crisis in Afghanistan was still under review.
Donald Trump poured scorn on London Mayor Sadiq Khan's attempt to reassure the public after three assailants smashed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge then attacked revelers with knives

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.

The colors of British flag are projected on Brandenburg Gate on in tribute to the victims of the London attack

"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.

London mayor Sadiq Khan spokesman issued a pointed statement saying that the mayor had "more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet"

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".

"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."

Flowers are left in a tribute to the victims of the London attack at the British embassy in Berlin

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."
Under Chinese law, anyone caught "voluntarily exposing their body in a public place" can be placed under administrative detention for up to 10 days. But practitioners say police can be flexible when it comes to nudism.

The water might be chilly but dozens of naked men happily relax in an outdoor pool in a Beijing suburb making the most of the sunshine.

"This is a paradise for Chinese nudists," says 18-year-old Zhen, displaying a tiger tattoo on his chest.

The small pond next to a high-voltage power line and shabby brick building is the only nudist bathing spot near the Chinese capital -- and one of few in the entire country.

China has a tradition of modesty -- pornography is forbidden, nudity in films is strictly limited and plunging necklines are a rare sight.

Diehard skinny-dippers attract lots of attention and prudish authorities often close down the places where they swim.

But nudists from all walks of life and regions defy social norms to gather near a residential area in the town of Fangshan.

"People have been bathing naked here for 20 years -- we don't pay attention to them anymore," says an 84-year-old resident. Locals previously lodged complaints with authorities, but it remains a popular nudist spot.

China has a tradition of modesty -- pornography is forbidden, nudity in films is strictly limited and plunging necklines are a rare sight. Skinny-dippers can attract lots of attention and prudish authorities often close down their swimming spots.

Xiao Li says he comes to the pond to "relieve pressure" from a busy job in the chemicals industry.

"We don't bother anyone but we obviously have to respect the residents," he explains as he shampoos his hair.

Behind him tanned men in their 50s smoke and play cards around an old wooden table, making a cheerful racket, while young people jump from a platform into the 16-degree Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) water.

While women are welcome to take a dip with the men, they have not dared. Taboos surrounding female nudity are still very strong, the men explain.

- 'Perverted' -

The rudimentary facilities include some plastic chairs, a rusty wire for a clothes line and two red brick shacks, with a sign reading "Bathing Forbidden" written in white chalk.

Under Chinese law, anyone caught "voluntarily exposing their body in a public place" can be placed under administrative detention for up to 10 days.

But "the police are flexible," says Zhang Zhigang, a lawyer specialising in subcultures.

He adds: "They intervene in busy public places. In isolated areas they usually ask nudists to leave."

"Nudism is a culture, the people are civilised. Will it grow? I'm not sure, the mentalities are still backward," one long-term practitioner told AFP.

Ha, 80, says he has been swimming naked for 30 years and comes to Fangshan every day.

"Nudism is a culture, the people are civilised. Will it grow? I'm not sure, the mentalities are still backward," he says.

China has many indoor spas or hot springs where same-sex nudity is allowed, but nudism is taboo.

"Most Chinese judge it to be perverted -- they consider it to be like sexual harassment or exhibitionism," says Fang Gang, a researcher and author of the 2012 book "The Nudists", the first book published in China on the subject.

Fang estimates that one out of every 10,000 Chinese practises nudism -- or 140,000 people at most. But it is "on the rise", he says.

- Naked walks -

The only nudist beach in China opened in 2000 on the tropical island of Hainan in the country's south, but was closed in 2014 after holidaymakers complained.

Women are welcome to take a dip with the men but they tend not to -- taboos surrounding female nudity are still very strong in China.

"Normal people don't bathe and sunbathe nude in public," the then head of the island province Luo Baoming said.

In 2009, authorities put a stop to an outdoor nudist bath near the eastern city of Hangzhou a day before it was due to open.

At the time an online poll by state-run newspaper Global Times showed 60 percent of internet users "accepted" nudism while 57 percent judged the opening of the Hangzhou site as being "completely normal".

"Nudism is more accepted than before," says Zheng, 49, who works in marketing and has been nude bathing in Fangshan for the past 10 years. "Even my wife understands me."

He proudly shows photos of himself sitting naked on a safety barrier next to a freeway or in his apartment, or wearing nothing more than a backpack.

"With other nudists we find on social networks we organise nude hikes around Beijing," he explains.

Researcher Fang says altering attitudes towards nudism will be difficult in the absence of a federation to represent Chinese nudists' interests.

"Without a leader, without a central theme, without claims and, more particularly, public recognition of nudism, changing mentalities in China will be difficult."
The Indian Space Research Organisation communication satellite GSAT-19, carried onboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-mark III ), is launched at Sriharikota on June 5, 2017

India Monday successfully launched its most powerful home-produced rocket, another milestone for its indigenous space programme which one day hopes to put a human into orbit.

The 43-metre (140-foot) rocket hurtled into a clear sky at 5:28 pm (1158 GMT) from the southern island of Sriharikota, one of two sites used by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch satellites.

Scientists hugged each other and cheered as the 640-tonne rocket lifted off.

"The GSLV - MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on his Twitter account.

"The nation is proud!"

The rocket boasts a powerful engine that has been developed in India over many years. Programme managers hope to reduce reliance on European engines that have propelled some of India's spacecraft in the past.

The GSLV Mk III rocket carried a satellite weighing more than three tonnes into a high orbit above Earth, a landmark achievement as India had struggled to match the heavier payloads of other space giants.

"They just launched the most powerful engine in India. It is a cryogenic engine, which took them 20 years to develop. Some engineers have spent their life working on this," Mathieu Weiss, a representative in India for France's space agency CNES, told AFP.

The launch is another feather in the cap for scientists at ISRO, who won Asia's race to Mars in 2014 when an Indian spacecraft reached the Red Planet on a shoestring budget.

That feat burnished India's reputation as a reliable low-cost option for space exploration, with its $73 million price tag drastically undercutting NASA's Maven Mars $671-million mission.

ISRO is also mulling the idea of missions to Jupiter and Venus.

- Reaching for the stars -

India is vying for a larger slice of the booming commercial satellite business as phone, internet and other companies seek expanded and more high-end communications.

In February India put a record 104 satellites in orbit from a single rocket, surpassing Russia which launched 39 satellites in one mission in June 2014.

The rocket's main cargo on that occasion was a 714-kilogram (1,574-pound) satellite for Earth observation but it was also loaded with 103 smaller "nano satellites", nearly all from other countries.

Although India has successfully launched lighter satellites in recent years, this latest rocket is capable of carrying a massive four-tonne payload into high orbit -- twice the capacity of its predecessor, ISRO says.

The space agency tested a less-developed version of the rocket in December 2014 while the cryogenic engine was still in the testing phase.

It carried an unmanned crew capsule which separated from the rocket and splashed down in the Bay of Bengal off India's east coast 20 minutes after liftoff.

The Indian-made capsule was designed to carry up to three astronauts but ISRO said it would take at least another seven years to reach the point where a crew could be put into space.

India wants to become the fourth nation -- after Russia, the United States and China -- to put astronauts into orbit but its manned spaceflight programme has experienced multiple stops and starts.
The Gulf states and Egypt say they are severing diplomatic ties and closing transport links with Qatar

Saudi Arabia and several of its allies on Monday cut relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis to have hit the region in years.

Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Maldives also severed ties with gas-rich Qatar, which Riyadh accused of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Qatar denied any support for extremists and accused its neighbours of seeking to put the country under "guardianship".

The crisis was likely to have wide-ranging consequences, for Qatar and its citizens as well as the Middle East and Western interests.

Diplomatic crisis in the Gulf

Qatar hosts the largest US airbase in the region, which is crucial in the fight against Islamic State group jihadists, and is set to host the 2022 football World Cup.

The dispute comes less than a month after US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia and called for a united Muslim front against extremism.

It also followed weeks of rising tensions between Doha and its neighbours, including Qatari accusations of a concerted media campaign against it and the alleged hacking of its official news agency.

The Gulf states and Egypt said they were severing ties and closing transport links with Qatar, which relies on imports from its neighbours.

- Qatar slams 'baseless claims' -

The Gulf states have ordered Qataris to leave within 14 days and banned their own citizens from travelling to the emirate.

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, in the Saudi capital Riyadh on May 21, 2017

Saudi Arabia also closed its borders with Qatar, effectively blocking food and other exports and prompting shoppers to flood Doha's supermarkets.

In one store queues were up to 25-people deep as shoppers piled trollies high with supplies from rice to nappies.

"It's a cycle of panic and I needed to get pasta," said Ernest, a Lebanese national pushing two trollies.

Riyadh said its measures were the result of "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar".

It accused Doha of harbouring "terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to destabilise the region including the Muslim Brotherhood, Daesh (IS) and Al-Qaeda".

Gulf states have long accused Qatar of supporting extremist groups, in particular the Muslim Brotherhood.

Qatar is the host of the 2022 football World Cup

Riyadh also accused Doha of supporting Iran-backed "terrorist activities" in its east and in Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia also shut the office of Qatar's Al-Jazeera global news channel. In the UAE, subsidiary satellite network beIn Sports went offline.

Any suggestion Qatar is backing the agenda of Shiite-dominated Iran -- Sunni Saudi Arabia's regional arch-rival -- is especially sensitive, particularly after Trump's comments last month.

"The measures are unjustified and are based on false and baseless claims," Qatar said.

"The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state," it said, insisting authorities would "take all measures necessary... to foil attempts to affect or harm Qatar's society and economy".

- Flights cancelled -

Qatari share prices closed down 7.58 percent.

UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia, as well as Saudi Airlines announced the suspension of all flights to and from Qatar as of Tuesday morning.

Egypt said it would also suspend air links with Qatar from Tuesday and gave Doha's ambassador 48 hours to leave.

Qatar hosts the largest US airbase in the region, which is crucial to the fight against Islamic State group jihadists

Saudi authorities said the country's airspace would be closed to Qatari planes.

The Saudi-led coalition battling Iran-backed rebels in Yemen said it had expelled Qatar from the group for providing "support to (terrorist) organisations" there.

Gulf countries previously recalled their ambassadors from Qatar in 2014, ostensibly over its support for the Brotherhood, but Monday's moves go much further.

- Emboldened by Trump -

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies may have felt emboldened by Trump's visit, which saw the new president clearly align US interests with Riyadh and lash out at Iran.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he did not expect the dispute to have "any significant impact... on the unified fight against terrorism."

He encouraged Qatar and its neighbours to "sit down together", while Iran also urged Qatar and its neighbours to talk.

A man buys water at a shop in Doha, on June 5, 2017

Signs of an impending crisis emerged last month.

Doha said hackers were behind the release of false remarks attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani published on the website of its national news agency.

The stories quoted him questioning US hostility towards Iran, speaking of "tensions" between Doha and Washington and speculating that Trump might not remain in power for long.

Doha denied the comments and denounced a "shameful cybercrime".

The crisis is the worst to hit Gulf Arab nations since the creation in 1981 of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) grouping Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
Rebel groups have since 1989 been fighting roughly 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the region, demanding independence or a merger with Pakistan

Indian paramilitary forces killed four suspected suicide attackers who tried to storm their camp in the disputed Kashmir region early Monday.

The gunmen lobbed grenades and fired automatic weapons outside the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Indian-administered Kashmir before dawn, a spokesman said.

"They tried to storm the camp but they were not even allowed to enter the gate," CRPF spokesman Bhuvesh Choudhary told AFP.

Choudhary described the men as "heavily armed fidayeen", a term commonly used to mean suicide attacker in Kashmir.

"All the four attackers were eliminated in a clean and wonderful operation. There were no injuries on our side," he added.

Four assault rifles, grenades and other ammunition were recovered from the bodies of the slain attackers, whose identities were not known.

No group has claimed the attack.

"They were carrying huge amounts of ammunition and did not appear to be locals," said director general of police, S. P. Vaid.

The foiled attack in the northern Sumbal area came amid renewed tension in Kashmir following the killing last month of a top rebel leader, which sparked fresh protests against Indian rule.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947, but both claim the territory in its entirety.

Rebel groups have since 1989 been fighting roughly 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the region, demanding independence or a merger with Pakistan.

The fighting has left tens of thousands dead, most of them civilians.

Dozens of local youths have joined the rebel ranks since last year when the killing of a popular rebel commander sparked widescale anti-India protests that left more than 100 civilians dead and thousands wounded.

India regularly accuses Pakistan of arming and training rebels and sending them across the heavily militarised Line of Control (LoC) that divides the territory to attack its forces.

Islamabad denies the allegations.
Government troops are locked in conflict with Islamic militants, who rampaged through the southern city of Marawi two weeks ago, triggering clashes with security forces that are still ongoing and have left at least 178 people dead

Philippine opposition lawmakers on Monday asked the Supreme Court to reject President Rodrigo Duterte's imposition of martial law in the south of the country, branding it unconstitutional.

Duterte declared military rule across the region of Mindanao, home to about 20 million people, on May 23 to quell what he said was a fast-growing threat from the Islamic State (IS) group there.

Duterte made the declaration a few hours after militants flying black IS flags rampaged through the southern city of Marawi, triggering clashes with security forces that are still ongoing and have left at least 178 people dead.

The petition filed with the Supreme Court on Monday said martial law should be struck down for "utter lack of sufficient factual basis", as it drew parallels with ex-dictator Ferdinand Marcos's military rule a generation ago.

"The grim specter of repression, atrocities, injustice and corruption again bedevils the Filipino people with the unwarranted, precipitate and unconstitutional declaration of martial law," said the petition, filed by six congressmen.

Marcos's two-decade rule ended in 1986 when millions of people took to the streets in a "People Power" revolution.

Thousands of critics, suspected insurgents and their alleged supporters were jailed, tortured or killed during the dictatorship, according to historians.

Shortly after Duterte declared martial law, he praised Marcos's version and vowed his own would be "harsh".

The 1987 constitution imposes limits on martial law to prevent a repeat of abuses under Marcos, including allowing the Supreme Court to review its factual basis.

However Duterte vowed five days after declaring martial law he would ignore the Supreme Court on the issue, and only listen to the police and military.

"The Supreme Court will say they will examine into the factual (basis). Why, I don't know. They are not soldiers. They do not know what is happening on the ground," Duterte said then.

The petition stated that Duterte's reasons for declaring martial law were "mostly inaccurate, simulated, false and/or hyperbolic".

It highlighted one of Duterte's statements to justify martial law that the militants had beheaded a local police chief.

National police chief Ronald Dela Rosa later said the officer was not beheaded.

The constitution allows martial law to be imposed only in the event of invasion or rebellion.

The petitioners said the unrest in Marawi did not amount to rebellion, as stated by Duterte.

The Supreme Court has 30 days to rule on the petition.
A displaced Syrian girl who fled the Islamic State group stronghold of Raqa pours water over her face to cool off at a temporary camp in the northern Syrian village of Ain Issa on June 3, 2017

As US-backed forces prepare a final assault on the Islamic State group's Syrian bastion Raqa, displaced civilians are dreaming of spending the end of Ramadan feast back home.

The Kurdish-Arab Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia is expected to begin its assault on the northern Syrian city as early as next week, after months of fighting to seal off Raqa.

In a camp for the displaced in the town of Ain Issa, 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Raqa, waves of people arrive every hour.

The conditions are dire, including for those observing sunrise-to-sunset fasts during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which will end in late June with the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

"I've been here for 20 days and I'm still sleeping on the ground," said Salwa Ahmed, 33, her face covered with a black scarf that revealed only her eyes.

"The camp is so hot all day long, you feel dead by the end of the day," she said.

"And only the bread is free. Those who don't have any money will die from hunger," she added.

A displaced Syrian woman who fled the Islamic State group stronghold of Raqa in a temporary camp in the northern Syrian village of Ain Issa where thousands have sought refuge

Last month a camp administrator said more than 20,000 people had sought refuge in Ain Issa, and appealed for additional assistance.

"In Raqa, the prices were controlled and we could cook 100 different types of food in Ramadan," said Ahmed.

"I hope that we can return to Raqa and spend Eid in our houses and buy things and make the children happy because happiness has died in people's hearts."

The SDF launched an operation to capture Raqa from IS last November, and has since gradually sealed off the approaches to the city from the north, east and west.

Its forces are now several kilometres (miles) from the city on the three fronts, and an SDF spokeswoman said Saturday the final assault on Raqa would "begin in a few days".

- 'God willing I'll return' -

Ibrahim Mohamed Saeed, sheltering from temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in the shade of a building, is eager to get back home.

"The conditions were very difficult in Raqa but I've been here six days sleeping on the ground and they still haven't given us mattresses," he said.

"We haven't received anything... My wife, who gave birth here in the camp is eating tomatoes and cucumbers."

He said the 14 members of his family were living "on bread and water" and were desperate to get home.

"We hope God makes things easier for us and that we return home as soon as possible," he said.

Displaced Syrians who fled the Islamic State group stronghold of Raqa dream of returning home for the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan

Ramadan al-Bako, 38, fantasises about celebrating the Eid al-Fitr back in Raqa.

"The atmosphere of Eid in Raqa is a dream for someone who is far from the city," he said.

"Whenever Raqa is liberated, whatever time it is, even in the middle of the night, God willing I'll return. Who wouldn't want to go back to their home?"

He imagines buying his son the new clothes that are traditionally given to children during Eid, and visiting friends and family.

"I wonder if God has ordained that I will live to see Eid al-Fitr... back in Raqa," he said.

"That for me would be a dream."
At least 22 people died when the bus they were travelling in caught fire after it collided with a truck. India has some of the world's deadliest roads with more than 230,000 fatalities annually, according to the World Health Organization.

At least 22 people died when they became trapped in a bus that caught fire after it collided with a truck in northern India on Monday.

Police said the doors of the government-run bus jammed in the collision, trapping the passengers insiders as it caught fire after the fuel tank burst.

Some passengers were able to escape by breaking the windows, but police found 22 charred bodies inside the bus once the blaze was finally extinguished.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident in Bareilly, a town in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

"The case is under investigation and the cause of the accident and subsequent burning of the bus will be looked into," Bareilly traffic police chief Om Prakash Yadav told AFP.

India has some of the world's deadliest roads with more than 230,000 fatalities annually, according to the World Health Organization.

Transport analysts attribute the huge number of accidents to poor roads, ill-trained drivers and reckless driving.

The national government has put forward proposals for new legislation to make roads safer by stiffening lax traffic regulations.
Competing claims to the South China Sea, which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits, have for decades made it one of Asia's potential military flashpoints

China has expressed "firm opposition" to remarks made by US Pentagon chief Jim Mattis during a regional defence summit over the weekend, after he criticised Beijing's "militarisation" of the South China Sea.

Washington has repeatedly expressed concerns that China's development of artificial islands in the region poses a threat to freedom of navigation through its waters, a major artery for international trade.

Competing claims to the sea, which is believed to sit atop vast oil and gas deposits, have for decades made it one of Asia's potential military flashpoints.

"The scope and effect of China's construction activities in the South China Sea differ from other countries in several key ways," Mattis noted, saying Beijing's "militarisation" and "disregard for international law" showed its "contempt" for other nations' interests.

In a statement late Sunday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying called Mattis's comments "irresponsible" and accused "certain countries outside the region" of making "erroneous remarks driven by ulterior motives".

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the (Spratly) Islands and their adjacent waters," Hua said, referring to reefs and islets in the South China Sea where Beijing has built installations that could be used by its military.

China's behaviour in the South China Sea, which is claimed in part by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam, has sparked broad concern in the region.

But in May, Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) took a step towards easing friction over the sea, agreeing to a framework for a "code of conduct" to prevent incidents in the disputed waters.

Tensions over the Spratlys have also quieted down in recent months as new Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has pursued friendlier relations with Beijing.

China has balked at US involvement in the dispute and last month accused a US warship of trespassing after it sailed near a reef claimed by Beijing.

Hua said China "respects and safeguards all countries' freedom of navigation and overflight" in the area "but definitely opposes certain country's show of force in the South China Sea under the pretext of navigation and overflight freedom, challenging and threatening China's sovereignty and security".

In addition to Mattis, Japanese defence secretary Tomomi Inada also took the opportunity of the summit to scold China for its "unprovoked, unilateral attempts to alter the status quo" in the East and South China Seas.

Beijing is involved in a simmering territorial row with Tokyo over the disputed Senkaku Islands, claimed by China as the Diaoyus.

"Remarks made by the Japanese side, which confuse right and wrong, are not worth refuting," Hua said in her statement.
Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways says it will suspend flights to Qatar after the United Arab Emirates was among major Gulf states to sever ties with Doha in an unprecedented regional crisis

UAE and Saudi carriers said Monday they are suspending flights to Qatar after their countries announced a cut in ties with Doha, in an unprecedented regional crisis.

Abu Dhabi's Etihad and Dubai's Emirates airlines said flights would stop on Tuesday, after the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours.

Both carriers said the measure will stay in place "until further notice".

Dubai's budget carrier flydubai also said it will suspend flights to and from Doha.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Saudi Airlines said it was suspending flights to Qatar with immediate effect.

The unprecedented measures against Doha include ordering Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days and banning citizens of the three Gulf states from travelling to Qatar.

Doha airport, along with airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become major hubs after Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways seized a significant chunk of transcontinental travel on routes linking Western countries with Asia and Australasia.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop leave at the end of a press conference in Sydney on June 5, 2017

China and other nations must strengthen efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Monday, while also calling out Beijing over its South China Sea activities.

America's top diplomat, speaking after talks in Sydney, also gave a brief response to the unfolding crisis in the Gulf, where Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have all announced they are severing ties with gas-rich Qatar.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the United States has spent recent weeks trying to reassure allies it can maintain a tough line against China's "militarisation" of the South China Sea while at the same time seeking help from Beijing.

President Donald Trump -- who frequently denounced China on the campaign trail -- has turned to Beijing to help rein in ally North Korea's weapons programme, prompting concern among Asian allies that America might go easy on the South China Sea territorial dispute.

"We desire productive relationships," Tillerson said after annual discussions with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop in Sydney.

"But we cannot allow China to use its economic power to buy its way out of other problems, whether it's militarising islands in the South China Sea or failing to put appropriate pressure on North Korea."

He said China and other regional partners should "step up" efforts to help solve the North Korea situation, because it presents a threat to the "entire world."

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea despite partial counter-claims from Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

It has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.

Tillerson reiterated US and Australian commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea to "ensure unimpeded flow of lawful commerce in a rules-based order".

But reporters asked Tillerson if America was applying a double standard in telling countries to adhere to the international order while simultaneously pulling out of a trans-Pacific trade deal and the Paris climate accords -- moves that prompted even longstanding allies to question whether America was retreating into isolationism.

"That's why we're here, that's why we travel to the region, thats why we engage with our counterparts," Tillerson said, standing alongside Pentagon chief Jim Mattis, Bishop and Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne.

We "travel to the region to meet with our counterparts and talk about all the issues that are important to them and hear from them concerns about where the (Trump) administration is positioned".

Responding to Tillerson's comments, China's foreign ministry urged "relevant countries" to support efforts by regional nations "to maintain peace and stability of the South China Sea, and play a constructive role in this regard rather than the opposite".

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying, speaking at a regular Beijing briefing, also cited China's "enormous efforts" to reach a peaceful settlement of the North Korea nuclear issue.

- 'Remain united' -

Addressing the situation in the Gulf, Tillerson called on countries there to stay united and work out their differences.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he said.

"If there's any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."

Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour Qatar to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism", the official Saudi Press Agency said.

Tillerson and Mattis both said they did not anticipate any impact on efforts by a US-led coalition to battle the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

The coalition currently conducts much of its operational planning and coordination from Al-Udeid air base in Qatar.

"I am confident there will be no implications coming out of this diplomatic situation at all, and I say that based on the commitment that each of these nations... have made to this fight," Mattis said.

The US defense secretary blasted Iran for its "various destabilising efforts" in the region, referring to Iranian support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Tehran's involvement in the Yemen war.
This photograph taken on January 19, 2017, shows a night view of the Kathmandu Valley. Demand for electricity has long outstripped supply in Nepal

Nepal has signed an agreement with a Chinese company to build the largest hydroelectric plant in the impoverished landlocked country, which suffers from a chronic energy shortage.

Nepal's energy minister Janardan Sharma on Sunday signed the agreement for the China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) to build the long-mooted 1,200 megawatt Budhi-Gandaki hydroelectric project.

Estimates put the project cost at $2.5 billion. A financing agreement will be signed later, ministry spokesman Dinesh Kumar Ghimire told AFP.

Water-rich Nepal has a mountain river system that could make it an energy-producing powerhouse, but instead it imports much of its electricity from neighbouring India.

Experts say it could be generating 83,000 megawatts, but its total installed generation capacity currently stands at less than two percent of that.

Demand for electricity has long outstripped supply in Nepal due to chronic under-investment and inefficiencies in the power network.

The result has been crippling for domestic industry and deterred foreign investment. Crucial infrastructure development has flagged in the years of political paralysis that followed the end of the Maoist insurgency in 2006 and the overthrow of the monarchy two years later.

India and China have vied for influence in the small country, with both pumping money into Nepal through large-scale infrastructure projects.

CGGC is currently building three smaller hydropower plants in Nepal and has completed another one, though critics have complained that the projects have consistently run over time and over budget.

Nepal's government is also currently building a 750 megawatt plant with China's backing.

Meanwhile, construction of two large India-backed projects -- each with a price tag of over $1 billion -- is expected to begin later this year after years of delays.
Philippine Marines (C) and their US counterpart (L and R) look at an M134D Gatling-style machine gun during a handover ceremony of weapons from the US military, at Marine headquarters in Manila on June 5, 2017

The United States on Monday gave the Philippines hundreds of machine guns, pistols and grenade launchers, which a local commander said would be used against Islamist militants battling troops in a southern city.

The weapons, including machine guns capable of firing thousands of rounds a minute, were handed over at a ceremony in Manila that highlighted a decade-old American counter-terrorism assistance programme to the Philippines worth about $150 million.

"This equipment will enhance the (Philippine Marines') counterterrorism capabilities, and help protect (troops) actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines," a US embassy statement said.

Philippine Marines chief Major General Emmanuel Salamat said at the ceremony troops would use the weapons in the ongoing battle against Islamist militants in the southern city of Marawi.

Militants flying black Islamic State (IS) group flags rampaged through Marawi nearly two weeks ago, triggering clashes with troops and police that have left at least 178 people dead.

In response to the violence, President Rodrigo Duterte quickly declared martial law in the southern region of Mindanao to quell what he said was a fast-growing threat from IS there.

The Philippines and the United States have for decades been close allies, and they are bound by a 1951 mutual defence treaty to protect each other if attacked.

The United States is the Philippines' biggest supplier of military hardware and arms.

However Duterte, who took office last year, has sought to loosen the Philippines' ties with the United States while forging closer relations with China and Russia.

Duterte has called for the withdrawal of American troops from his country while scaling down joint military exercises in response to US criticism of his deadly war on drugs.

He has looked to China and Russia as new sources of weapons, and complained about the quality of "second-hand" American military hardware.

"I will not accept any more military equipment that is second hand. The ones the Americans are giving, I do not want that anymore," Duterte said on Friday.

The equipment turned over on Monday was all new, according to US officers at the ceremony.

It included four M134D Gatling-style machine guns, which are capable of firing thousands of rounds a minute, as well as 300 M4 assault rifles and 100 grenade launchers.
Elephant skin has become one of the latest animal products to be touted by some as having medical properties

Myanmar's wild elephants are being poached in record numbers with at least 20 killed this year due to surging demand for their hide, WWF said Monday, warning the species is facing a "crisis".

Hunters are increasingly targeting mothers and calves, using poisoned arrows to inflict a slow and agonising death before stripping them of their skin, the wildlife group said.

At least 20 elephant corpses have been found stripped of their skin in two sites the wildlife NGO monitors so far in 2017 -- more than are usually killed in a whole year.

Global wildlife law enforcement specialist Rohit Singh said poaching at the Bago Yoma and the Irrawaddy Delta sites, both in the south, had reached crisis point.

"If the current trend continues then you're going to lose the wild elephant population (in these areas) in the next 1-2 years," he told AFP.

"The sex ratio was already screwed up so any more pressure on young or breeding females will have serious, serious implications."

Elephant skin has become one of the latest animal products to be touted by some as having medical properties, although there is no scientific support for those claims.

WWF estimates there are 1,400-2,000 elephants roaming wild in Myanmar, thought to be the second-largest population in Southeast Asia after Thailand.

But their numbers have dwindled as Myanmar has emerged as a key hub in the $20 billion a year global wildlife trafficking trade.

Myanmar's government said in January that elephant poaching has jumped tenfold in recent years, driven by growing demand for skin and body parts used in traditional medicine.

AFP reporters who visited a wildlife market hidden behind Myanmar's famed "Golden Rock" pilgrimage site earlier this year saw chunks of the hide on sale for a few dollars a square inch.

Vendors promised that a paste made of its ash and coconut oil would cure eczema, while ground up elephant teeth would smooth and whiten skin.

But experts say the majority of elephant products go to feed neighbouring China's inexhaustible taste for exotic animals.

Much of the trade runs through the country's lawless eastern periphery, controlled by a sophisticated criminal network who are thought to be armed and funded by powerful "kingpins" in China.

"It's organised crime, so we are dealing with organised criminal gangs," said Singh, adding that WWF was working with local communities and government to try to clamp down on poaching.
Indian news channel NDTV has been targeted by right-wing groups for its perceived pro-opposition stance on a number of issues

India's federal police were accused Monday of running a "witch-hunt" against a news broadcaster after launching raids and pursuing the network's co-founder over allegations of defrauding a bank.

Police named NDTV co-founder Prannoy Roy, his wife Radhika and a private company linked to NDTV as among those responsible for the "alleged losses of 480 million rupees ($7.45 million) to a bank", said R.K Gaur, spokesman for the federal Central Bureau of Investigation.

A criminal case has been registered against the pair while federal agents raided properties in New Delhi and Dehradun, a hill town in northern India, in relation to their investigation, Gaur added without providing further details.

The broadcaster rallied behind its embattled boss, dismissing the raids as "concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on same old, endless false accusations".

"NDTV and its promoters will fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies. We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India," the broadcaster said in a statement.

NDTV's editorial director Sonia Singh said the network, which broadcasts in English and Hindi, would "not be cowed by false charges".

Prominent news anchor turned politician Ashutosh, who goes by one name, urged the Indian media to unite in protest against the "government's oppressive measures".

"Media should support Prannoy Roy," he wrote on his Twitter account.

NDTV has been targeted by right-wing groups for its perceived pro-opposition stance on a number of issues.
News / National

by Staff reporter

PRESIDENT Mugabe arrived here yesterday to attend the High-Level United Nations Conference on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14, commonly known as the Oceans Conference.The SDGs are a set of development targets adopted by the UN to succeed the Millennium Development Goals that lapsed in 2015, and SDG 14 deals with the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources.SDG14 thus dovetails with Zimbabwe's development thrust as Government seeks the judicious exploitation of natural resources in a sustainable manner in addition to getting a fair deal on marine traffic as a landlocked country that depends on others for access to ports.The President, who is accompanied by First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and senior Government officials, was welcomed at JFK International Airport by Ambassador to the UN Frederick Shava and embassy staff.The Oceans Conference, which is being co-chaired by Fiji and Sweden, comes at a time the world is in an uproar over the US's decision to dump the Paris Climate Accord that bound countries to commit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.Greenhouse gases, principally water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone, absorb and retain heat in the atmosphere which increases global warming which in turn affects ocean and sea surface temperatures in addition to melting glaciers, among other ills.El Nino phenomena result from the warming of the ocean surface or above-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean which lead to intense drought in parts of east and southern Africa.The rise in marine temperatures also leads to the development of low pressure centres that manifest in tropical cyclones and depressions which bring heavy rainfall to the coast and inland.Zimbabwe recently experienced these weather extremes manifest in the heat wave that broke decades-old temperature records in 2015, the El Nino induced drought of the 2015/6 summer cropping season and the heavy rains and floods that recently ravaged the country and which were declared a state of disaster in the 2016/7 summer cropping season.The Oceans Conference, which runs from June 5 to 9, seeks to, among other things, reverse the decline in the state of the oceans and seas focusing on solutions-focused engagement from all stakeholders.It comprises eight plenary sessions, seven partnership dialogues, a special event to commemorate World Oceans Day on Thursday, as well as an array of side events.It is hoped that the conference will culminate in the consensual adoption of a concise, intergovernmental declaration dubbed ''Our Oceans, Our Future: Call for Action'', to support the implementation of Goal 14 which seeks to, among other things;Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution;Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems;Minimise and reduce the impacts of ocean acidification;Effectively regulate and end overfishing; and,Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and seas by implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas.Zimbabwe also seeks to tap into the technical expertise of other countries here to manage its own aquatic ecosystems like Tokwe-Mukosi Dam, Lake Kariba and other major dams.
Protesters demonstrate June 4, 2017 in Rabat in solidarity with Morocco's neglected Rif region

Moroccan authorities on Monday arrested two more leaders of a protest movement, after demonstrators rallied for more than a week against corruption and unemployment.

The northern port city of Al-Hoceima, in the neglected Rif region, has been rocked by social unrest since the death in October of a fishmonger.

Mouhcine Fikri, 31, was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season and his death has sparked fury and triggered nationwide protests.

The demonstrations have snowballed, giving way to a wider protest movement demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment.

Nasser Zefzafi, who emerged as the head of the grassroots Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or "Popular Movement", was arrested on May 29 after three days on the run.

He was detained along with others for "attacking internal security" forces, after a warrant for his arrest issued May 26 sparked turmoil in Al-Hoceima, a city of 56,000 inhabitants.

Since then protesters have taken to the streets nightly.

On Monday, the man widely referred to as Al-Hirak's number two, Najib Ahamjik, and a woman, Silya Ziani, seen as an active member of the protest movement were arrested, a lawyer and an activist said.

Ahamjik, who identifies himself as an accountant on his Facebook page, had gone into hiding after Zefzafi's arrest but posted two online videos calling for "peaceful" protests to continue.

His arrest was announced by lawyer Abdessadek El Bouchtawi on social media.

Ziani was in a taxi with three other activists on her way to Casablanca when they were arrested, said one of them, adding that the three activists were however released.

- Protests and dialogue -

On Sunday, hundreds of demonstrators took part in a ninth straight night of protests in Al-Hoceima and other towns in the Rif region, an AFP correspondent said.

Unlike other nights, the crowds appeared to be growing smaller but they chanted demands for the release of Zefzafi.

Protesters carrry portraits of Nasser Zefzafi, the arrested leader of a protest movement, during a demonstration June 4, 2017 in Rabat in solidarity with Morocco's neglected Rif region

A solidarity rally was also held in the capital Rabat.

Around 40 activists and key members of the grassroots Al-Hirak have been detained since May 26. Around 20 have been referred to the prosecution.

On Monday afternoon Zefzafi and three activists were referred to the prosecution in Casablanca, where there was a heavy police deployment, media reports said.

There was no immediate official confirmation of the reports.

The government said Sunday, the final day of a three-day general strike, that "the doors to dialogue remain open", despite clashes at the weekend between demonstrators and security forces.

Protesters in the Rif have rejected the mediation of local officials, accusing them of corruption, and branded the central authorities a "police state".

With the apparent breakdown in trust, the Maroc Hebdo magazine pointed to parallels with major protests of 2011 when uprisings ripped through the Middle East and North Africa.

The mainly ethnically Berber Rif region has long had a tense relationship with the central authorities in Rabat, and it was at the heart of the Arab Spring-inspired protests in Morocco in February 2011.

"It seems that only the king really has the means to calm the situation," said Maroc Hebdo, adding Moroccans were waiting to see "if he will intervene".

King Mohamed VI relinquished some of his near-absolute control through constitutional reforms following the 2011 protests.
Turkey's Incirlik military airbase has been at the centre of a spat between the NATO allies since Ankara blocked a visit last month by German parliamentarians

Turkey will maintain a ban on visits by German politicians to a key airbase used for raids against the Islamic State group in Syria, the foreign minister said Monday.

The Incirlik base in southern Turkey has been at the centre of a dispute between the NATO allies since Ankara blocked a visit last month by German parliamentarians.

"Right now it is possible to visit the NATO base in Konya (in central Turkey), not Incirlik," Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a news conference with his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel in Ankara.

Germany has 250 military personnel stationed at Incirlik flying Tornado surveillance missions over Syria and refuelling flights for partner nations battling IS jihadists.

At the height of the row, Germany warned it could move the personnel to another location in the region, most likely Jordan.

Gabriel said that he regretted the Turkish decision, adding that Ankara must understand "for domestic political reasons we will then need to transfer our soldiers."

But he added there was not yet any decision or a concrete plan for the relocation of the German troops from Incirlik.

Turkey justified preventing the German parliamentary group from visiting the base by accusing Berlin of having offered political asylum to Turkish nationals who took part in the July 2016 attempted coup.

- 'Conditions not ripe'-

Cavusoglu said Monday that Turkey had no problem with Germany, which is a major trade partner, adding: "If Germany takes one step forward toward us, we will always take two steps further."

But he said that some facts could not be ignored, adding that more than 400 Turkish diplomatic or official passport holders had sought asylum in Germany.

"We would not like to see members of FETO take shelter in friendly country Germany," he said, referring to a movement led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, blamed by Ankara for orchestrating the failed coup.

Cavusoglu hinted that visits to Incirlik could be possible in the future if joint steps were taken, without elaborating. "Conditions are not ripe right now to visit Incirlik," he said.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim cancelled a planned meeting with Gabriel because of scheduling reasons, an official from the Turkish premier's office said.

"The meeting could not take place time-wise," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

But Gabriel was due to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Relations between Turkey and Germany have been tense since last July's failed coup but deteriorated over a referendum campaign this year to expand Erdogan's powers.

Ties were strained further after Turkish authorities imprisoned a German-Turkish journalist with Die Welt, Deniz Yucel, on terror charges.

Cavusoglu said that the accusations against Yucel were "not about journalism but terror," and that the "independent judiciary" was leading the investigation in the Yucel case.

Amid worsening relations, Erdogan has repeatedly accused German Chancellor Angela Merkel of "hiding terrorists" in Germany and claimed that Berlin was not responding to 4,500 dossiers sent by Ankara on terror suspects.

Turkey is an important country for Berlin, in part because of the roughly three million ethnic Turks in Germany after a "guest worker" programme in the 1960s and 1970s.

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Men from sub-Saharan Africa sit in Tripoli next to a refrigerator truck, where seven migrants were found dead

Seven migrants from sub-Saharan Africa have been found dead in an abandoned refrigerator truck near the Libyan capital, a senior official in the fight against illegal immigration told AFP Monday.

"There were 35 illegal migrants on board, but seven of them had already died, and the 28 survivors have received medical treatment and are in good health," Adel Mostafa said.

He added that the dead migrants, who were found on Sunday, had almost certainly asphyxiated.

The official said he did not know what had prompted the smuggler to abandon the vehicle and the people inside it.

Many migrants from sub-Saharan Africa are driven through southern Libya in trucks to the northern coast where they later attempt the perilous Mediterranean crossing to Italy in Europe some 300 kilometres (180 miles) away.

People traffickers have exploited the chaos in Libya since the 2011 uprising deposed and killed strongman Moamer Kadhafi to boost their lucrative but deadly trade.

According to International Organization for Migration and UNHCR figures, 1,481 migrants have died and 1,720 are missing since January 1.

In 2016, 181,000 migrants reached Europe via Italy, 90 percent of them from Libya.

By mid-April this year, Italy had registered nearly 42,500 migrants coming by sea, 97 percent of them arriving from Libya.
Sri Lankan army personnel distribute food to flood victims in the district of Kalutara on May 30, 2017

Sri Lanka's military recorded its biggest peacetime deployment for search and rescue operations after monsoon rains triggered landslides and floods that killed 213 people, the government said Monday.

Nearly 10,000 troops and paramilitary forces reinforced tens of thousands of police in the relief effort following the May 26 deluge, Disaster Management minister Anura Yapa said.

"This is the biggest deployment of troops during peace time in Sri Lanka," the minister told reporters in Colombo.

"They have helped rescue over 10,000 people during the height of the disaster."

One airman fell to his death while winching a marooned woman from a flooded area in the island's south. A transport helicopter also crashed during a mercy mission carrying food for flood victims, but no one was hurt.

The minister said 213 people were now confirmed killed in the May 26 rains that triggered over a dozen landslides and flooded 15 of the island's 25 districts.

Deaths occur every year during the onset of the monsoon, but this year's flooding was the deadliest since 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed.

The government has already announced plans to prosecute a slew of companies and individuals behind illegal construction projects blamed for the latest landslides and flooding.

Decades of illegal construction have worsened the flooding by blocking drains and eliminating natural rainwater stores, including marshland.

Yapa said Japan will station an expert in Sri Lanka to draw up a strategy to deal with natural calamities.

"Japan agreed to send an expert who will be resident in Sri Lanka for a few months to prepare this plan," he said.

Japan was one of the first countries to rush aid to Sri Lanka along with Australia, China, India and the United States. Tokyo has also sent experts to help with the immediate recovery operations, the minister said.
Iraqis leave the Zanjili neighbourhood in west Mosul on June 3, 2017, during the ongoing offensive by security forces to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters

Men, women and children walk down a main road in west Mosul with arms full and carts loaded, but they are not among the people fleeing fighting in the city.

The operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group has pushed hundreds of thousands of residents to flee their homes -- leaving behind belongings they could not carry and that are vulnerable to theft.

"It was Daesh's! Shouldn't we take revenge on them?" one of two young men -- each carrying a ceiling fan on one shoulder and a bundle on the other -- said, using an Arabic acronym for IS, after being stopped by soldiers.

"My house has been looted, we have nothing!"

"You want revenge? If you're brave, take a gun, the front is right there," a soldier repled, pointing in the direction of the sound of gunfire and explosions.

"You stole it from the houses of other people," the soldier said, ordering them to "return it the place where you took it."

"It was Daesh's, I swear to God! People took chairs, tables. We just took clothes -- we don't have clothes anymore," the young man said.

"Are you not ashamed? Are you not Muslims? Go! Bring it back to where you took it," the soldier insisted.

There was no violence between people in the Al-Rifai area, which was recaptured by Iraqi forces a few days earlier.

They simply came and went peacefully, with some arriving with empty hands and leaving with full bags or carts loaded with a refrigerator or sofa.

"All these people are not from here," a man with a bicycle indignantly told a policeman.

With fighting raging a few hundred metres (yards) away, security forces controlled the comings and goings as best they can.

- Stealing from the displaced -

But it was difficult to systematically check if people owned what they were carrying.

In some cases, people had items that were obviously not high on the list of essentials for someone fleeing a war: the young men with the fans, a teenager with a couch protruding from his wagon, a boy pushing a table with wheels.

Some were turned back by security forces, but others slipped through.

Most justified their actions by saying they were taking items that belonged to members of IS, which itself confiscated property including homes and vehicles during its nearly three-year rule of Mosul.

"It's a lie. they can't access (IS) buildings," said Abbas Ali, a policeman. "They come from other neighbourhoods to steal from the houses."

Others honestly said that their houses have been looted and that they came to find items to refurnish them.

"They say they have nothing but it doesn't justify stealing the belongings of others. These are the houses of people who fled," said Ali.

"They are stopped and told to bring the belongings back where they found them. What more can we do?"

A boy passed by dragging a plastic container stuffed with a curtain that, when lifted up by police, revealed hidden metal cables.

Ali confronted the boy: "Are these not electrical cables? When the people come back, will they not want electricity?"

"I found them already cut, by God," said the boy, looking intimidated.

"Return them to their place," the policeman ordered. "It's your city that you're looting!"
Troops from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were first sent to The Gambia in January

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it has extended the mandate of its military mission in The Gambia.

The force, consisting mainly of soldiers from neighbouring Senegal, was first sent to the small country in January to compel longstanding president Yahya Jammeh to relinquish power to his elected successor Adama Barrow.

At a weekend summit in the Liberian capital Monrovia, the 15-nation body commended the "crucial role" played by the mission in keeping The Gambia secure but leaders took note of "the fragile situation" in the country and extended the mission for 12 months.

They also broadened the mandate of the force known as ECOMIG to include support for training Gambian armed forces and urged other ECOWAS members to contribute additional troops.

Jammeh, who came to power in 1996, initially conceded defeat to Barrow in the December 2016 election, but a week later the strongman changed his mind, claiming abnormalities marred the poll result.

After mediation by Guinea and Mauritania, strong regional pressure and the arrival of Senegalese troops, Jammeh went into exile in Equatorial Guinea on January 21, leaving the way clear for Barrow, but the departed ruler still enjoys a degree of support.

The ECOWAS statement issued overnight Sunday made no mention of tension between the foreign troops and Gambian protesters who have called them "an occupying force", notably in Jammeh's native region about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the capital Banjul.

After a clash on Friday when ECOMIG troops faced a violent demonstration, one protester died of gunshot wounds and several were injured, according to the interior minister and details given by a local resident.

The regional leaders urged Barrow to establish the required framework and mechanism that will promote national dialogue and reconciliation, and render justice to past injustices, and strict respect to international norms and principles.

The Gambia is a sliver of land running across Senegalese territory from east to west either side of the Gambia river with Banjul located on the broad estuary giving on to the Atlantic.

Its main exports include woven fabric, varieties of nuts and lumber, with small amounts of minerals. Tourism is vital to the economy.
Philippine troops arrive to reinforce their colleagues in Marawi on June 4, 2017

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte offered large bounties Monday for the leaders of Islamist fighters holding parts of a southern city as the military warned its recapture may take longer than expected.

Hundreds of gunmen loyal to the Islamic State (IS) group are battling air strikes, artillery and ground forces in Marawi. Up to 2,000 civilians are believed to have been trapped for two weeks in districts held by the militants, the government says.

The fighting has killed at least 178 people and caused nearly a quarter of a million others to flee, according to government officials.

Fresh rewards totalling 20 million pesos ($410,000) are on offer from Duterte for the "neutralisation" of Isnilon Hapilon, Abdullah Maute and his brother Omarkhayam Maute, a military statement said.

"We hope that this will bear significant accomplishments leading to the eventual arrest and neutralisation of Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute brothers," military chief of staff General Eduardo Ano said in the statement.

Half the amount will be for Hapilon, whom Ano described as the "amir" or top leader of the IS in the Philippines.

The US government also has a $5 million bounty on Hapilon's head for the kidnapping and killing of US citizens, as well as a standing bounty of 7.4 million pesos by the Philippine government.

Manila says it is fighting up to 250 gunmen holed up in central Marawi, the largely Catholic nation's most important Islamic city and home to 200,000 people.

The gunmen are a combination of Hapilon's Abu Sayyaf group, blamed for the country's deadliest bombings as well as kidnappings, and militants led by the Mautes and based in the Marawi region.

More than 224,000 residents of the city and nearby towns have fled the fighting, the provincial government said Monday.

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 country.

The military warned Monday that defeating the militants, who are also believed to include several foreign fighters, was proving "difficult" even though 120 of them had been killed.

The gunmen were using an extensive network of tunnels and basements built many years ago beneath the buildings they have seized, military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Jo-ar Herrera told AFP.

They had also sited powerful weapons such as machine guns inside mosques and traditional Islamic schools that are off-limits to air strikes and artillery attacks, he added.

"What they are doing is un-Islamic," he said.

The buildings are also believed to contain at least a month's worth of food stocked up by their owners for the entire Muslim fasting month of Ramadan that coincided with the fighting, Herrera added.
An armed police officer at the scene in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Brighton on June 5, 2017, after a woman was held against her will in an apartment block

Australian police Tuesday said they were treating a deadly shooting and siege in Melbourne as a terrorist incident after the Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

A man of Somali background was killed in a gun battle with police when he opened fire after taking an escort girl hostage at an apartment block in the city on Monday evening.

It is alleged Yacqub Khayre, 29, had first killed a Chinese-born Australian man in the foyer.

Police said he had made statements "around Al-Qaeda" and called a local television station making similar comments, reportedly saying: "This is for IS, this is for Al-Qaeda."

"We're treating this as a terrorism incident," Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton said, but added that investigations were still ongoing into whether it was planned or random.

"We're not seeing anything indicating that he's got some message from overseas to do this at all but, again, early days. We've got material that's seized. We'll go through that and work it out."

The Amaq news agency -- which is affiliated with the so-called Islamic State group -- carried a statement claiming responsibility.

"The executor of the Melbourne attack in Australia is a soldier of the Islamic State and he carried out the attack in response to appeals to target citizens of coalition states," it said.

Ashton said IS "always tend to jump up and claim responsibility every time something happens" and it was too early to determine whether they were involved.

Authorities had responded to reports of an explosion at the building -- which turned out to be a gunshot -- in the affluent beach suburb of Brighton and arrived to find a dead body in the foyer.

"Subsequently he (Khayre) came out of the apartment with a shotgun and commenced to fire at police at the entry-way to the apartments..." Ashton said.

"He's exchanged gunfire with police and has been fatally shot by police at the scene."

The escort escaped unharmed but three police were hurt in the firefight, although their injuries were not life-threatening.

Australian officials have grown increasingly concerned over the threat of militant attacks.

They say they have prevented 12 attacks on home soil since the threat level was raised in September 2014, with more than 60 people charged.

But four have gone ahead, including the murder of a Sydney police employee in 2015 by a 15-year-old boy.
Afghan policemen stand at a gate near the site of a series of explosions that targeted a funeral in Kabul on June 3, 2017

Kabul will host a multinational peace conference on Afghanistan Tuesday, as the capital reels from a wave of bombings and clashes last week that left more than 100 people dead and hundreds wounded.

Much of Kabul remains on lockdown ahead of the conference, labelled the "Kabul Process", with tighter than usual security including more armed checkpoints and armoured vehicles patrolling the streets.

Representatives of around two dozen countries will attend the meeting, which aims to build international support on ways to restore security in the conflict-torn country, the government said on Monday.

"The Kabul Process is meant to reach a consensus with the region and the world for peace in Afghanistan," said presidential spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi.

Kabul has been on edge since a truck bombing last Wednesday in the highly fortified diplomatic quarter killed at least 90 people and wounded hundreds, the deadliest attack in the city since 2001.

The dead included at least 31 staff and business partners of Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecom provider, with their main office in Kabul heavily damaged and nationwide operations disrupted.

Four more people were killed Friday when hundreds of protesters incensed by the bombing clashed with police, prompting officials to beat them back with live rounds in the air, tear gas and water cannon.

The protesters, holding a sit-in for a fourth day Monday near the bombing site, have demanded the resignation of Afghanistan's security chiefs, including national security advisor Hanif Atmar.

The attacks have exacerbated tensions between rival ethnic groups and raised the prospect of a political crisis.

Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, who heads the mainly Tajik Jamiat political group, also called for Atmar's dismissal on Monday. But President Ashraf Ghani, an ethnic Pashtun, firmly rejected the demand.

- 'Frontline' -

Rabbani survived an attack at the funeral of one of the protesters on Saturday where suicide bombers tore through a row of mourners. He blamed "terrorists within the system" for the blasts, suggesting it was an inside job.

The government has accused the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network of Wednesday's bombing and said the funeral was targeted by bombers trained at a religious seminary in Pakistan.

Afghans help a wounded man at the site of a car bomb attack in Kabul on May 31, 2017 that left scores dead

Previous international efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table have failed, but diplomats in Kabul hailed Tuesday's conference as a stepping stone to peace.

"The launch of the Kabul Process tomorrow is an important marker for each and every country in the region to show its true support for Afghanistan's aspirations for peace," said Dominic Jermey, the British ambassador to Kabul.

"This includes taking steps to tackle the challenges posed by terrorist networks and to prevent terrorists receiving support, whether from states or individuals."

The conference will be attended by a host of nations, including the United States, India, China and regional nemesis Pakistan, which Afghanistan has long blamed for sponsoring the resurgent Taliban.

The tense week of violence during the holy fasting month of Ramadan has left hospitals in Kabul overwhelmed, with many running beyond capacity to treat the injured.

The Italian-run Emergency hospital, seen as a medical lifeline, has voiced fears for the safety of its staff with protesters camped close to the facility.

"With the unfortunate events... in Kabul, our hospital has been put on the frontline," Emergency said in a statement.

"To continue our work we are asking only one thing: Security around our hospital and not to be targeted intentionally."
Foreign observers say Lesotho's weekend election was 'largely peaceful' despite the deployment of soldiers near polling stations

Foreign observers on Monday described Lesotho's weekend election as "largely peaceful" despite the shock deployment of armed soldiers at polling stations on voting day.

Counting was underway Monday in the restive mountain kingdom, which has been rocked by attempted coups and instability in recent years.

Regional observers said the snap polls were "largely peaceful" but called for post-election reforms to bring stability to a country hit by chronic political infighting and suffering from weak government institutions.

"Elections alone cannot address the underlying political and structural challenges facing the country," said Joaquim Chissano, the former Mozambican president who headed a team of African Union observers.

He called for parliamentary and judicial reforms as well as a change in the role of the security forces.

Lesotho's army has often been accused of interfering in politics and its unexpected deployment during the vote caused heavy criticism. The electoral commission said the presence of the military at polling stations had caused confusion.

"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 South African Development Community (SADC) regional bloc said the involvement of the army could be "misconstrued as military interference" and could "influence the conduct of the election."

The vote was the third general election since 2012 in the country known as Africa's Switzerland where years of political friction, including a failed coup, have stymied attempts to fight dire poverty.

Lesotho has a 22.7 percent HIV-AIDS rate in adults and an economy dependent on South Africa, which surrounds it completely.

The small kingdom was plunged into crisis in 2014 when soldiers attempted to oust ex-prime minister Thomas Thabane.

Thabane fled to South Africa, where he spent two years, while the regional bloc SADC stepped in to end the crisis. Early elections took place the following year, in 2015.

Thabane's All Basotho Congress (ABC) party took an early lead Monday after more than half of the votes had been tallied.

The incumbent Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili's Democratic Congress (DC) party was trailing behind.

Final results are expected later in the week.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Like a deck of cards, President Robert Mugabe's countless insult cases have over the years collapsed one after the other, with the latest being that of former Zanu PF youth leader William Mutumanje - popularly known as Acie Lumumba.Over the past years, a number of people have been hauled before the courts charged under Section 33 of the Criminal Law for insulting 93-year-old Mugabe.But there has been a striking resemblance of failure by the State to prove the cases, as the insult law has proved to be constitutionally defective and impedes on the people's right to freedom of expression.When Lumumba's case was brought before the Constitutional Court, the State stated that it was withdrawing the criminal case against the former Zanu PF youth leader on the basis that there is a set precedence in another case involving MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora.Like many, Mwonzora had attacked Mugabe, calling him a "goblin" during a rally in Nyanga. But the case was left without legs to stand on after the court asked the State to give a thorough description of a goblin and how that was linked to the nonagenarian leader.The State failed to explain what a goblin is, hence the court's further interrogation into whether the prosecutor believed Mugabe was a goblin.That was the end of the story as the answer was in the negative, with the court making it clear that these were just political statements.Mwonzora had approached the Constitutional Court, challenging the constitutionality of the charges, arguing that the State was infringing upon his right to freedom of expression.Although this set the tone for the determination of the cases that were to follow including the Lumumba case, the police have not stopped from dragging people to court for mere bar talks and jests.For Lumumba, he had been hauled before the courts following statements he made during the official launch of his political outfit Viva Zimbabwe at a local hotel in Harare on June 30 last year.During his address Lumumba, referring to Mugabe, reportedly said; "You have not been insulted, you are only insulted by protesters."Mugabe f**k you, I am drawing the red line, our kids are in trouble so, it's a red lineand my name is Lumumba, Lumumba, Lumumba."This landed him in trouble.Many like Lumumba have found themselves condemned in prisons for passing a comment that either reprimands or challenges, or if the police feel like it, insults the president.Although the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, that right falls away the moment one has Mugabe in their statements.According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), a civic rights group which represents ordinary people in legal matters, by 2016, it had represented over 150 persons since 2010, who were dragged to court charged with insulting Mugabe.Still those are the lucky ones who would have access to the lawyers, for some are just arrested by the police and then released after some time behind bars.Lawyers have previously castigated the Mugabe insult law, which they argued defied the rule of law.In October 2010, Zebediah Mpofu, a Harare resident, found himself victimised under the same section.Mpofu, a general hand at a private security firm had stated that "President Mugabe had ruined the country and that he was going to be dead by December 2010 then MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai would take over as president of Zimbabwe."The prosecutors charged that by uttering such statements Mpofu had undermined the authority or insulted Mugabe.However, Mpofu's agony ended in October 2011 after a magistrate removed him from remand and ordered the State to proceed by way of summons.In 2011, the now Chief Justice Luke Malaba ruled that the State's facts which led to the arrest of a Bulawayo girl on allegations of sending Mugabe's "indecent" picture on the social network, WhatsApp, were confused.Malaba was commenting on the case of Shantel Rusike, who was charged under the same section after sending a WhatsApp picture depicting an undressed Mugabe.Underneath the picture was written; "Robert Mugabe turning 87 years on 21 February 2011. Happy birthday (Matibili Operation)."An informant advised security agents who intercepted the picture, leading to Rusike's arrest. The girl then filed a Constitutional Court application, seeking to have the charges quashed.In 2012, a Beitbridge magistrate Auxillia Chiumburu freed a South Africa-based Zimbabwean vendor Benias Gwenhamo Madhakasi, who had been languishing in remand prison after he was arrested in April, 2012 at Beitbridge Border Post and charged with contravening Section 33.He was found in possession of skeletal undressed pictures portraying Mugabe's images in his mobile phone handset and one of the pictures had an inscription which read; "Happy 87th birthday (Operation Matibiri) Robert Mugabe turning 87 years on February 21 2011."However, the case crumbled on July 24, 2012 after Chiumburu removed Madhakasi from remand and ruled that the State's antics were equivalent to a fishing expedition.In May 2013, Bindura magistrate Tendayi Chifamba acquitted former Energy and Power Development minister Elton Mangoma who had been on trial on charges of undermining the authority of or insulting the president.In January 2014, then Attorney General Johannes Tomana conceded that facts forming criminal charges against Bulawayo-based artist Owen Maseko, who was accused of insulting Mugabe, did not constitute an offence.Maseko was accused of publishing "offensive" Gukurahundi paintings prompting the Constitutional Court to summon Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, to justify the constitutionality of the offence.Mnangagwa, through the Attorney General's office told the court that the law was justifiable in a democratic society.Mugabe's friends-turned-foes like war veterans leaders Douglas Mahiya, Victor Matemadanda, Francis Nhando, Headman Moyo and Hoyini Samuel Bhila, were once accused of undermining the president in cases that also fell by the wayside.Only last week, Pentecostal Church leader Phillip Mugadza, who is accused of "predicting" Mugabe's death had his case referred to the Constitutional Court for determination.He is however, charged with causing offence to persons of a particular race and religion in contravention of Section 42 (2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 alternatively criminal nuisance.In his application for referral, Mugadza argued that while the Constitution protects all manner of expression, these two provisions criminalise distinct forms of expression hence it is clear that Section 42 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act is a limitation on free expression.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks during a joint press conference after talks with his Russian and Syrian counterparts in Moscow on April 14, 2017

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday urged Qatar and neighbouring Gulf Arab countries that have severed diplomatic ties with it to engage in dialogue to resolve their dispute.

"Neighbours are permanent; geography can't be changed. Coercion is never the solution. Dialogue is imperative, especially during blessed Ramadan," Zarif tweeted, referring to the Muslim month of fasting.

Zarif also phoned his Qatari counterpart to discuss the latest development, and also spoke to the foreign ministers of Arab and Muslim countries, including Algeria, Turkey, Indonesia and Iraq.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said in a statement that a solution to the differences between Qatar and its three Gulf neighbours "is only possible through political and peaceful methods and dialogue between the parties".

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, plus Egypt and Yemen, on Monday announced they were cutting all ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis in the region for years.

Ghasemi said increased tension among its southern neighbours "is not to the benefit of any governments in the region and threatens the interests of all" at a time when the world was "suffering widespread terrorism and extremism".

Shiite Iran has had no diplomatic ties with most of the mainly Sunni Gulf states since 2016, when Arab nations followed Saudi Arabia in severing relations after protesters torched its missions in the Islamic republic.

"Using sanctions in today's integrated world is inefficient, to be condemned and unacceptable," Ghasemi added of Qatar's neighbours closing all land, sea and air links with it.

"Protecting the national sovereignty of independent governments, avoiding interference in their internal affairs and respecting recognised international borders are internationally recognised and fundamental rights which must be respected by all sides."

Meanwhile the head of Iran's agricultural products export union said his group was ready to fill in for expected food shortages in Qatar, which relies on imports from its neighbours.

According to Fars news agency, Reza Noorani said his union had teamed up with Iran's Valfajr Shipping Line, which is ready to transport Iranian goods to Qatar through the port cities of Bushehr, Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh.

Saudi Arabia also closed its borders with Qatar, effectively blocking food and other supplies exported by land to Qatar -- prompting panicked shoppers to flood supermarkets in Doha.
Children stand in line for food at the Hammam al-Alil camp for internally displaced people south of the battleground Iraqi city of Mosul

Up to 100,000 children are in danger as Iraqi forces battle to retake west Mosul from the Islamic State jihadist group, the United Nations children's agency UNICEF said Monday.

Nearly eight months into the massive operation to recapture Iraq's second city, security forces have retaken all but a handful of areas in west Mosul from the jihadists.

But those areas -- Mosul's Old City and others nearby -- are still home to large numbers of civilians in grave danger from the fighting as well as from a lack of food, medicine and clean water.

"An estimated 100,000 girls and boys remain in extremely dangerous conditions in the Old City and other areas of west Mosul. Many are caught in the crossfire, and hospitals and other medical facilities have reportedly come under attack," UNICEF said in a statement.

"As the fighting continues, UNICEF calls on all parties in west Mosul to protect children and keep them out of harms way at all times, in line with their obligations under humanitarian law," it said.

UNICEF said it has received reports of civilians including children being killed in west Mosul, some of them as they sought to flee.

The Mosul operation has taken a heavy toll on civilians, pushing more than 750,000 to flee their homes and leaving hundreds dead or wounded.

IS overran Mosul and swathes of other territory in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have since recaptured much of the areas they lost.
Foreign journalists interview Chinese rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong in Beijing on May 2, 2012

A prominent Chinese human rights lawyer who disappeared late last year has been officially charged with "subversion of state power", his wife said Monday, after his case attracted international attention.

Jiang Tianyong took on numerous high-profile cases, including those of Falun Gong practitioners, Tibetan protesters and victims of the 2008 contaminated milk powder scandal before being disbarred for his activism in 2009.

Jiang's father received official notification of his arrest last Thursday, according to Jiang's wife Jin Bianling, who currently lives in the US where she fled in 2013 to escape harassment from Chinese authorities.

The family has not had contact with Jiang since his sudden disappearance on November 21 en route from Beijing to Changsha, the capital of the central province of Hunan, where he had gone to enquire about a detained human rights lawyer.

In the six months since Jiang disappeared "we have not spoken, his lawyers have not been allowed to see him, and we didn't know where he was being held," Jin told AFP.

"Now at least we know where he is."

Jiang's treatment, according to Amnesty International China researcher Patrick Poon, "violates international human rights standards on protection of the rights to a legal counsel, and Jiang can no way be given a fair trial in such manner."

- 'State secrets' -

In the years leading up to his detention, Jiang had repeatedly met foreign officials and politicians, including high-ranking visitors from the US, to discuss China's human rights situation.

UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Philip Alston met Jiang on a visit to China in August and said he feared the disappearance was in part retaliation for the lawyer's assistance to UN experts

In written testimony to the US Congress last month, Jia said her husband's troubles began after he addressed the legislature during a visit to the US in October 2009.

Jiang was placed under house arrest the following month, during a visit by then-US President Barack Obama to China, she said.

In the years since then he was repeatedly detained and beaten by police, she added.

"The long-term harassment and threats consumed me. I even thought of suicide," she wrote, adding that police were also following his parents.

Jiang disappeared last November on his way to visit another rights lawyer, Xie Yang, who was detained in the "709 crackdown" of 2015.

Authorities in that crackdown detained more than 200 people, including lawyers who took on civil rights cases considered sensitive by the ruling Communist Party.

Last month Xie was found guilty of "subversion of state power" and released on bail after what critics described as a show trial.

Jiang's charge sheet was dated May 31 and issued by the procuratorate of Changsha city, the same jurisdiction where Xie went on trial, according to a copy seen by AFP.

Jiang's arrest is part of a continuing tightening of controls on civil society that began in 2012, when President Xi Jinping took power.

While the government initially targeted political activists and human rights campaigners, it has increasingly turned its attention to the lawyers who represent them, closing avenues for legal activism that had opened up in recent years.

The outcome of Jiang's case may be preordained: several state media outlets have reported that he has "confessed" to a variety of alleged crimes.

In March state broadcaster CCTV aired a video of Jiang, in which he said he had fabricated stories of human rights abuses to curry favour with Western media.

"We can't imagine how a veteran human rights lawyer would suddenly make such confessions after having been so brave working on human rights cases for years," said Poon.

"So the only sensible explanation is that he was forced to make the 'confessions'."
Gas-rich Doha has long exercised an independent streak in its foreign policy

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, emboldened by US President Donald Trump's new approach to the region, have seized the chance to isolate Qatar, analysts said Monday.

Gas-rich Doha, which has long exercised an independent streak in its foreign policy, last month denied comments which appeared on its official news agency questioning US hostility towards Iran.

Qatar blamed hackers for a string of explosive remarks attributed to its Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani after Trump visited Saudi Arabia, its giant neighbour.

The reputed remarks were a slap in the face to Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, Sunni monarchies which have embraced Trump and his harder line against Shiite-dominated Iran.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Yemen, Bahrain and Egypt all severed diplomatic ties with Doha. Some also announced a cut in transport links.

Diplomatic crisis in the Gulf

"This certainly represents an unprecedented uptick in tensions within the GCC," the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, said Adam Baron, visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

"Qatar has long had an independent streak that's led to resentment from its neighbours," notably Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, and particularly over Qatar's ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, Baron said.

The Islamist group was founded in Egypt about 90 years ago and has spread throughout the region.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE all declared it a "terrorist group" after a Brotherhood government, led by Mohamed Morsi, won democratic elections in Egypt before being overthrown by the military in 2013.

Qatar backed Morsi, in a dispute that led Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to withdraw their ambassadors from Doha for several months in 2014.

Doha nonetheless has continued to shelter many leaders of Morsi's Brotherhood.

Jane Kinninmont, a senior research fellow at London's Chatham House, said the renewed tensions were not clearly linked to "something new that Qatar has done".

But with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi boosting ties with the Trump administration, the action against Qatar seems like "an attempt to seize an opportunity", Kinninmont said.

- 'Saudi bandwagon' -

In a speech in Riyadh last month, Trump urged Muslim leaders from the Gulf and further afield to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists", as Sunni jihadists carry out attacks in many countries.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2016

But he also named Iran for allegedly fuelling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror", echoing views long articulated by Saudi Arabia.

James Dorsey, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, pointed Monday to "a Saudi and UAE-driven campaign to isolate Qatar and by extension Iran".

The campaign aims to force non-Arab states to take sides and "persuade the Trump administration to come down hard on Qatar because of its refusal to join the anti-Iranian Saudi bandwagon and its ties to Islamist and militant groups," Dorsey wrote in a briefing paper.

Qatar is also home to the former leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, who has lived in exile for several years in Doha.

In his Riyadh speech against extremism, Trump singled out Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, the Islamic State group, Al-Qaeda, and Lebanon's Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

The Gulf states and Egypt say they are severing diplomatic ties and closing transport links with Qatar

Qatar has been criticised for supporting Islamist rebels in Syria, and in 2013, the Afghan Taliban opened a Doha office.

After Trump's call for a clampdown on Islamic extremism, Riyadh's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan feel empowered "to take ever more radical steps to contain those forces", said Andreas Krieg of the Defence Studies Department at King's College London.

The Saudi prince, who is pushing economic and social reforms at home, admires his Abu Dhabi counterpart for seeing political Islam as a threat to "the Emirati vision of a liberal society emulating the United States".
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings briefs the media at the scene of a shooting in Orlando, Florida on June 5, 2017

A US Army veteran who had been fired in April from his job at a Florida company opened fire Monday at the Orlando business, killing five people before taking his own life, authorities said.

Four people were killed at the scene, while a fifth died at the hospital, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. Seven people survived the ordeal.

The business, Fiamma, makes awnings and other accessories for recreational vehicles.

Demings said the incident was being treated as a "workplace violence incident" and did not appear to have any links to terror.

The 45-year-old shooter, identified by police as Army veteran John Robert Neumann Jr, had a semiautomatic handgun and two knives in his possession. All of the dead were former co-workers.

Shelley Adams, a resident of the area, told local media her sister worked at the firm and had been in the bathroom when she heard shooting.

"She came out and saw a man on the floor," Adams said.

A law enforcement investigator stands outside the scene of a crime in Orlando, Florida on June 5, 2017

The woman then called her sister on the telephone and kept saying, "My boss is dead. My boss is dead," Adams said.

The assailant had allegedly beaten up another employee at the business in 2014, but no charges were filed, the sheriff told reporters.

"It is a sad day for us here once again in Orange County," Demings said.

A year ago, Orlando -- a hub of Florida's resort industry popular with tourists -- was the scene of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub that left 49 people dead and dozens more wounded.

The gunman in that attack, Omar Mateen, had declared allegiance to the Islamic State group shortly before going on his killing spree.

"I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence," Florida Governor Rick Scott said in a statement.

Neumann, who had no known family and was living alone at the time of the attack, was an ex-soldier who had been honorably discharged from the US Army in 1999.

The reason for his dismissal from Fiamma, where he had worked for years, was not immediately known.

Police said he had walked into the offices through a back door as his former colleagues were arriving for work at around 8:00 am (1200 GMT) on Monday and opened fire, reloading his gun at least once.
National Public Radio editorial director Michael Oreskes speaks at the Newseum in Washington DC as the names of 14 journalists who died while reporting the news in 2016 are added to the Newseum's memorial wall

Fourteen journalists killed in the line of duty in 2016 were honored Monday at a Washington museum ceremony highlighting growing dangers to freedom of information around the world.

The Newseum, which promotes freedom of the press, added the 14 names to its memorial wall, while noting these individuals were "representative" of an estimated 48 killed while reporting the news last year.

"Journalists last year faced unprecedented dangers as they strove to report the news, often in countries where press freedom is imperiled or nonexistent," said Gene Policinski, chief operating officer of the Newseum Institute.

"The journalists recognized on this memorial laid down their lives in their effort to serve the public, many of them continuing to work after being attacked or facing death threats."

Among those honored were National Public Radio photographer David Gilkey and his translator Zabihullah Tamanna, killed exactly one year ago in a roadside attack in Afghanistan.

NPR editorial director Michael Oreskes, who spoke at the ceremony, said the two were killed "while doing the most basic things journalists can do."

Oreskes said the deaths of the reporters belie the notion of what some analysts call a "post-truth era" for the media.

"We don't live in a post-truth era," he said.

"We live in an era where powerful organizations and governments know just how much the truth still matters, and they are willing to kill journalists or jail them or bully them or threaten them to keep the truth from being told."

The other journalists honored included Joao Miranda do Carmo of Brazil's SAD Sem Censura; Karun Misra of India's Jansandesh Times; Hassan al-Anbaki and Saif Talal of Iraq's Al-Sharqiya; Dutch freelance photographer Jeroen Oerlemans, killed in Libya; Marcos Hernandez Bautista of Mexico's Noticias Voz e Imagen de Oaxaca; Sagal Salad Osman of Radio Mogadishu in Somalia; Pavel Sheremet of Ukraine's Ukrainska Pravda and Radio Vesti; and four journalists killed in Syria: Mustafa Abdul Hassa of Shaam News Network, Mohammed Marwan al-Issa of Al-Nateq News Network, Samer Mohammed Aboud of Free Deir al-Zour Radio, and Sami Jawdat Rabah of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
A general view shows the newsroom at the headquarters of the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera satellite channel in Doha

Saudi Arabia on Monday shut the local office of Qatar's Al-Jazeera global news channel after the kingdom and other Arab states severed ties with the emirate.

"The Ministry of Information closed the office of the Al-Jazeera channel and withdrew the licence it was granted," the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

It accused the channel of promoting "terrorist groups" and supporting rebels in Yemen, after Riyadh and some of its allies including Egypt cut diplomatic relations earlier Monday over Qatar's alleged support for groups including the Muslim brotherhood.

Separately, beIn Sports, a subsidiary satellite network of Al-Jazeera, went offline in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, said an official in the UAE which was also among those to cut ties with Qatar.

"We are getting a lot of calls regarding this... (the channels) are currently off air in the UAE," said an official at the DU telecommunications company, without elaborating as to why.

Cairo has accused Al-Jazeera of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood which it blames for violence after Egypt's military ousted the movement from power in 2013.

Three Al-Jazeera journalists, including a Canadian and an Australian, were detained in Egypt between 2013 and 2015, triggering international protests.
The UN's mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) has 19,000 soldiers, police and military observers, its biggest peacekeeping mission

A man and a teenager went on trial in a military court in Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, accused of killing two UN experts in March, their lawyer said.

Evariste Ilunga, a 16-year-old student, and Mbayi Kabasele, 30, who sells palm oil, are being tried for war crimes, including murder and mutilation, as well as terrorism and taking part in an insurrection, their lawyer Tresor Kabangu told AFP.

They appeared before the Kananga military court for the start of the trial which was then postponed to June 12 on the prosecutor's request, Kabangu added.

In a case that has drawn international attention, American Michael Sharp and Swedish-Chilean Zaida Catalan were kidnapped March 12 while investigating mass graves in the restive Kasai region, where hundreds of people have died in months of vi9violence.

Their bodies were found only 16 days later and Catalan had been decapitated, though her head was never found.

The UN in May raised questions about the county's 10-week probe into the murders, saying it appeared to have been concluded in haste.

DR Congo's justice department said last month that 16 people were involved in the killing.

Monday's prosecution request for a delay came after the defence questioned the court's legitimacy to judge war crimes, according to Kabangu. He said their imprisonment was "illegitimate."

The trial opened 48 hours after President Joseph Kabila made his first official visit to Kasai, where violence erupted eight months ago.

Some 400 people have been killed and 1.3 million displaced in Kasai, according to the UN, since government forces in September killed Kamwina Nsapu, a tribal chief and militia leader who had rebelled against Kabila.

Last week, a group of international and local aid groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International called on the UN Human Rights Council to open an urgent inquiry into the violence.
The US Supreme Court will take up a privacy case on cell phone data

Do American authorities have the right to track a citizen via cell phone step by step, month after month?

The US Supreme Court announced Monday that it would consider the issue for the first time, pitting fundamental freedoms against the needs of police probes.

The nation's top court will take up a sensitive case on privacy rights that will determine the extent of law enforcement access to cell phone location records.

Geolocation data can aid significantly in police investigations but has come under fire as a serious violation of privacy.

"The data acquired by police provides a stark demonstration of how location data can reveal extraordinarily private details about people's lives, from where they sleep to where they pray," said the American Civil Liberties Union, a co-counsel in the case.

Critics say police should not be granted access to location data without a probable cause warrant.

The Supreme Court will hear the case of Timothy Carpenter, who was arrested in 2011 and convicted of armed robbery in the Detroit area -- in part based on cell phone location evidence.

- Police overreach? -

Investigators had traced Carpenter's movements over the course of 127 days. They amassed no less than 12,898 separate location data points, which ultimately weighed heavily in demonstrating his guilt.

On many Sundays in the early afternoon Carpenter gave or received a call near a church, suggesting he was worshipping at those times, as his cell phone records do not show him in that area other days of the week.

Records also implied that Carpenter slept at home from December 23 to December 27, 2010, but appeared to show that he spent the night of December 22 in another Detroit area, the ACLU said.

In his appeal following conviction, a circuit court ruled that no warrant was required under the Fourth Amendment, which protects Americans against "unreasonable searches and seizures."

Carpenter's lawyers, however, took the issue to the nation's top court.

"Given the increasing use of new forms of electronic surveillance, it's important now more than ever that the Supreme Court steps in to push back against police overreach and clarify the protections of the Fourth Amendment," said attorney Harold Gurewitz.

- 'Countless private details' -

Lawyers expect the Supreme Court's decision in the case -- which will be one of the top hearings of the court's second session on a date yet to be fixed -- to have a significant impact on the collection of private information in the United States.

"Because cell phone location records can reveal countless private details of our lives, police should only be able to access them by getting a warrant based on probable cause," said Nathan Freed Wessler, a lawyer at the ACLU.

"The time has come for the Supreme Court to make clear that the longstanding protections of the Fourth Amendment apply with undiminished force to these kinds of sensitive digital records."

In 2012 the top court prohibited the installation of a GPS tracking device on a vehicle without a judicial order.

Two years later the justices had ordered police to obtain a warrant to consult data contained in the smart phone of a person arrested.
US President Donald Trump announces the Air Traffic Control Reform Initiative in the East Room at the White House in Washington, DC

In the first salvo in a week-long push to overhaul America's infrastructure, President Donald Trump on Monday announced a plan to privatize the nation's air traffic control system.

In what he called an "air travel revolution," Trump promised the "really monumental reform" would deliver "cheaper, faster, and safer travel" as well as an economic boost that could be worth $25 billion to the economy.

"Our plan will get you where you need to go more quickly, more reliably, more affordable, and yes, for the first time in a long time, on time," Trump said in announcing the plan at the White House.

In fact the proposal to break off the air traffic function from the government's Federal Aviation Administration was first proposed during the Clinton administration, and was revived early last year in legislation introduced by Pennsylvania Republican Bill Shuster.

The plan would create a private non-profit corporation supported by user fees rather than taxes, a model used in many other countries, including Canada.

The FAA would retain its oversight of air travel safety, but its 30,000 air traffic controllers would move off the government's books.

DJ Gribbin, special assistant to the president for infrastructure, acknowledged that the proposal -- which National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) supported in its previous iteration -- "had been percolating in DC for decades, so it was naturally low hanging fruit from policy perspective."

For a Trump White House beset by investigation into its ties with Russia, which is also struggling to gain traction on other legislative efforts including promised tax reform -- which so far exists only as a one-page outline -- and the health care overhaul, low-hanging fruit could give them an easy win.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A fresh political storm has erupted over the awarding of the closely-scrutinised tender for the country's biometric voter registration (BVR) kits to a Chinese company by the under pressure Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec).Outraged members of the opposition told the Daily News yesterday that the "controversial" award of the BVR tender was allegedly a ploy by the ruling Zanu PF to "manipulate" the results of the eagerly-awaited 2018 national polls.This comes as opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC has also said it has gathered "overwhelming information" that Zec wants to disenfranchise voters in their urban strongholds, by increasing voter registration points in rural areas.Zec announced on Thursday last week that a Chinese company, Laxton Group, had been awarded the hotly-contested tender to supply Zimbabwe with BVR kits - prompting the MDC to react angrily to the development, claiming that this was designed to benefit Zanu PF in the watershed 2018 polls."This (the awarding of the BVR tender to Laxton) is contrary to the recommendation of the political parties that observed the BVR validation process."The reasons for the Zec behaviour are manifold. First, it was a clear directive from the so-called State Procurement Board which was appointed by the Zanu PF government."Secondly, it is simply the perpetuation of the friendship of Zanu PF and the Communist Party of China. However, the main reason for this unmeritorious award is to discourage our people from registering to vote."Zanu PF and Zec do not want Zimbabweans to register in their numbers as this will clearly signal the end of Zanu PF."Our plea therefore to Zimbabweans is to ignore this act of discouragement and register to vote en mass," MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said."We must convert this disadvantage into an advantage. The obstacles that the enemy is putting in the path of the people's victory should motivate us into working harder. We need to unite more than ever before and protect our vote."We are also working hard to ensure that the process of voter registration is not manipulated further. No amount of forgery, fraud or subterfuge can defeat an idea whose hour has come. This is the time to unite," he added.However, Zanu PF laughed off MDC's claims of rigging."Why should we rig elections, we have the people. We have the followers, people like our policies and programmes that resonate with them," said Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo.Zimbabwe's quest to acquire BVR kits earlier this year caused a huge political storm, with opposition parties viewing the government's involvement in the purchase of the equipment as problematic.This was after the government suddenly decided to sideline the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from procuring the BVR kits, with unanswered questions being raised about how and where President Robert Mugabe's stone-broke administration was able to secure funding for this, to the staggering tune of $17 million.The opposition alleged even then that the government had hijacked the process to rig next year's eagerly-anticipated national elections.Tsvangirai and other opposition parties, coalescing under the banner of the (National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera) have been pushing for much-needed electoral reforms ahead of the make-or-break polls - demanding that Zec chairperson Rita Makarau ceases to hold two crucial, but seemingly conflicting roles.Makarau chairs Zec on a part-time basis while she holds a full-time position of secretary to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) - the appointing body for judiciary officials which also assigns and sets their conditions of service.Makarau confirmed to State media at the weekend, without naming Laxton Group, that they had awarded the BVR tender to an undisclosed company."Our team is negotiating the terms of contract of supply with a team from the selected supplier. Once the terms are agreed upon we will then advise on the dates of delivery and date of commencement of the registration exercise," she said.Laxton Group was apparently awarded the tender after it proposed a $3,9 million budget to supply the BVR kits, while another bidder - Demalog Identification Systems of Germany - had charged $5,5 million.Laxton Group is also said to have a footprint in Africa, supplying BVR kits to countries that include Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Last month the MDC claimed that Zec had allocated more BVR points in rural areas than urban areas - raising fears that this was a plan to frustrate urban voters into not registering.Traditionally, the MDC has fared better in urban areas than in rural areas, while Zanu PF has relied on the rural vote which both the opposition and rights group say is secured through coercion and intimidation."Zec wants to manipulate the voters' registration by starving areas that are perceived to be opposition strongholds, such as urban centres."A voters' registration process should be transparent and inclusive, yet that is not what is happening."The Zec subcommittee involving political parties has not yet received the full report because this is all being done secretly," MDC secretary for elections, Murisi Zwizwai said then."We are aware that there is an invisible hand of Zanu PF in all this and we are going to fight to ensure that Harare province, which has the highest numbers in terms of population has the highest number of voter registration centres," Zwizwai added.The MDC said from the information it had gathered, Bulawayo would have 392 centres, Matabeleland South 623 and Midlands 1 348 registration centres in phase one of the registration exercise.In phase two, Matabeleland North would tentatively have 764 registration centres, Masvingo 1 238 and Manicaland, which would be dealt with in phase three, would have 1 003 centres.For phase three, Mashonaland East would have 1 200, while Mashonaland Central would have 822.In the final phase, Mashonaland West would have 1 303 centres, compared to a mere 700 for Harare.And yet according to the 2012 national census, Harare province - which includes Chitungwiza and Ruwa - had the highest provincial population of 2 123 132, while Mashonaland West had a population of 1 501 656 people.Tsvangirai also recently warned that Mugabe and his warring ruling Zanu PF - fearful of losing the 2018 poll - were allegedly working feverishly to steal next year's elections.His concerns emerged as the MDC president was concluding his tour of Mashonaland East, where he interacted with traditional leaders - who opened up to him on how they were allegedly being roped in by Zanu PF to become part of the apparatus to ensure victory for the ruling party in 2018.Traditional chief after traditional chief had apparently told Tsvangirai during his tour of the restive Mashonaland East province, which is traditionally a Zanu PF stronghold, that they were being forced to not only join the ruling party, but to also lead its cells and wards - and to actively work to help rig next year's polls.
Anti-corruption activists warned the ENI deal to operate a neglected oil refinery in Nigeria may not have followed due process

Anti-corruption associations on Monday threatened to take the Nigerian government to court in connection with a contract won by Italian oil major ENI to operate a neglected oil refinery.

In early May, Nigeria's junior oil minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu announced that ENI had pledged a $15 billion investment deal, which included the repair, expansion and management of a refinery in the oil hub of Port Harcourt.

The contract is part of a drive by the Nigerian government to privatise its dilapidated state assets.

But the anti-corruption activists warned the ENI deal may not have followed due process.

"This government is about to fall into the same abyss of corruption in the petroleum sector," said the campaigners in an emailed statement.

"The deal is patently illegal, morally bankrupt and economically disadvantageous to Nigeria as a country," said the statement, which was signed by 20 organisations including the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Nigerians Unite Against Corruption and Centre for Change.

"If we do not hear of an outright cancellation of this fraud within 48 hours, we shall proceed to court to stop the transaction," it added.

On May 30, Nigeria's Senate voted to stop the concession deal from going through, saying it lacked transparency. It has now set up a committee to probe the circumstances of the deal.

AFP contacted ENI for comment but there was no immediate response.

President Muhammadu Buhari rode to power in 2015 vowing to stop the plunder of state funds and clean up the notoriously corrupt oil and gas sector.
South Africa's Kevin Anderson leaves the court after retiring his match against Croatia's Marin Cilic at the French Open on June 5, 2017

Injury-plagued Kevin Anderson is hoping the hamstring strain which forced him to quit the French Open is just a "hiccup" which won't impact his Wimbledon build-up.

The 31-year-old South African was 6-3, 3-0 down to seventh seed Marin Cilic in his Roland Garros fourth round match Monday when he retired.

The hamstring injury is the latest in a worrying line of physical setbacks which have stalled his career.

Anderson was a top 10 player in 2015 before a shoulder injury and ankle surgery saw his ranking slump to 80 in the world.

"It's a little hiccup in the road right now. Hopefully I can get back at it as soon as I can," said Anderson.

The Johannesburg-born player was bidding to reach the last eight in Paris for the first time and had been encouraged by a solid clay court run-up.

He was a semi-finalist in Estoril, made the quarters in Geneva and third round in Barcelona where it took Rafael Nadal to stop him.

Now he turns his attention to the grass court season and Wimbledon next month.

That campaign is due to start in qualifying for Queen's in London in two weeks' time.

"I'm actually just in the process now of speaking with doctors, getting some scan results back just to get an assessment of what is going on," he explained.

"It's going to be a quick turnaround. So fingers crossed I'll be ready. Again, it might be a tough decision.

"Queen's is one of my favourite events of the year. So right now, I can't really think too far ahead. I certainly hope to be ready as soon as I can."

Cilic will be playing in his first French Open quarter-final.

He is the first Croatian man in the last eight since Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic in 2006.

Cilic will face third seed and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War on June 5 2017

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday pledged that he would not cede military control of the West Bank's Jordan valley in any future peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Speaking in Hebrew at a ceremony marking 50 years since the outbreak of the 1967 Six-Day War, Netanyahu's comments seemed likely to cast a pall over US President Donald Trump's attempts to breathe life into long-stalled peace efforts.

"We seek peace with our neighbours, a real peace, a peace that will last for generations," Netanyahu said at the event, held at the Israeli army's Armoured Corps Museum at Latrun, west of Jerusalem.

"That is why in any agreement -- and without an agreement -- we shall maintain security control over all the territory west of the Jordan (river)."

"We insist that the Palestinians finally recognise Israel as the national home of the Jewish people," Netanyahu said.

"That is the foundation for peace and refusal is what prevents achieving it," he added.

In the 1967 war, Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and subsequently annexed east Jerusalem, in a move never recognised by the international community.

The occupation continues, and under interim agreements with the Palestinians, Israel currently has full security and civil control of 60 percent of the West Bank, including the Jordan valley.

The remainder is under varying degrees of limited Palestinian autonomy.

In a statement - before Netanyahu's speech - marking Monday's anniversary Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas's office reiterated his call for a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital.

"The establishment of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in east Jerusalem is the real guarantee for security and stability in the region," it said.

Trump visited Israel and the Palestinian territories last month, calling on Israelis and Palestinians to make compromises for peace but offering no specifics on how to resolve the 50-year-old conflict.

He did not specifically mention the two-state solution, long the focus of international efforts and US Middle East diplomacy.
Former New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg, seen here meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, leads a group of US business and government leaders pledging continued support for the Paris climate accord

Former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg led nearly 1,000 business and government officials declaring they would honor the Paris climate accord on Monday, days after US President Donald Trump announced a US exit from the 190-plus nation pact.

Experts said the groundswell of support from the private sector, big states such as New York and California, and state and local leaders for the voluntary emissions-curbing commitments in the 2015 deal could even help the United States reach its goals earlier than planned.

"Today, on behalf of an unprecedented collection of US cities, states, businesses and other organizations, I am communicating to the United Nations and the global community that American society remains committed to achieving the emission reductions we pledged to make in Paris in 2015," Bloomberg said in a statement.

"I am confident the broad array of leaders and organizations that have signed today's declaration, and many others that will join in the days to come, will work together to reduce US carbon emissions by 26 percent by 2025, just as we had pledged in Paris."

Big names like Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Levi Strauss and Tiffany are in the group, called "We Are Still In," along with more than 100 mayors and governors and a range of colleges and universities.

A full list of the signatories is available at wearestillin.org.

- A 'grave mistake' -

The group called Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the climate accord "a grave mistake that endangers the American public and hurts America's economic security and diplomatic reputation."

"In the absence of leadership from Washington, states, cities, colleges and universities and businesses representing a sizeable percentage of the US economy will pursue ambitious climate goals," it said in a statement.

At least 211 mayors have adopted the Paris goals for their own cities since Trump's announcement on Thursday, and at least 17 governors have released individual statements saying they stand by the Paris deal, agreed in late 2015 by every country in the world except Syria and Nicaragua.

Bloomberg, a billionaire climate advocate, also met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday to tell him the American people intend to uphold the pact.

Bloomberg has also pledged to muster $15 million for the United Nations' climate body, substituting for US funding likely to be axed by Trump.

Bloomberg, 75, was mayor of New York from 2002 to 2013.

Forbes magazine estimates him to be the world's eighth-richest person.

- Massive response -

Although Bloomberg's initiative is not the only pushback against Trump's move, it is the most prominent, said Steve Cohen, executive director of The Earth Institute at Columbia University.

"You are seeing a massive response to Trump's decision," he said, noting the United States has already begun to turn away from coal in favor of natural gas and renewable forms of energy.

"I think the US will exceed the Paris agreement targets," he added.

Darren Rosenblum, law professor at Pace University in New York, says the business community is coming together to address the most direct threat posed by a US pullout -- loss of competitiveness as the rest of the world barrels toward a greener economy.

"I do think that in the end, the effect is a positive one," he said.

"It starts to put in place the mechanisms for US companies and local governments to follow international norms."
The 50 million euros for the joint African military force in the Sahel will pay for the troops to fight terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal immigration

The EU is giving 50 million euros to set up a joint African military force in the Sahel region to fight jihadists, the bloc's foreign affairs chief said Monday.

The funds will help pay for the troops to fight terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal immigration, European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said in the Mali capital Bamako.

"Stability and development of the Sahel region are crucial not only for Africa but also for Europe," said Mogherini.

Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso -- dubbed the Sahel G5 -- in March approved plans to build the force of 5,000 troops made up of soldiers, police forces and civilians.

Mali's north came under attack in 2012 from jihadist groups, linked to Al-Qaeda, who hijacked an ethnic Tuareg-led rebel uprising.

Though the Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013, jihadist groups continue to mount attacks on civilians and security forces in the arid remote north.

Since 2015, the attacks have spread to the centre and south of the country, often spilling over into neighbouring countries including Niger and Burkina Faso.

The initial decision to create the G5 Sahel force, in the semi-arid region south of the Sahara, was made in November 2015, during a summit in N'Djamena.
Displaced Syrians, who fled the countryside surrounding the Islamic State group stronghold of Raqa, arriving at a temporary camp in May 2017

A US-led coalition air strike killed 21 civilians on Monday as they tried to escape the Islamic State group's Syrian bastion of Raqa, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"The civilians were boarding small boats on the northern bank of the Euphrates River to flee southern neighbourhoods of Raqa," said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

He said women and children were among the dead but he could not immediately give a specific number.

Thousands of civilians have fled the northern city as a seven-month offensive by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an Arab-Kurdish alliance, closes in.

The SDF is now several kilometres (miles) from Raqa's east, west, and north, and has sealed off routes into the city from those three fronts.

Their assault has been backed by air strikes from the Washington-led coalition bombing IS in Iraq and Syria since 2014.

Russian aircraft have also carried out bombing raids against IS convoys fleeing the city.

According to the Britain-based Observatory, the latest coalition raid took place on Monday morning.

"The toll may continue to rise as some of the wounded are in critical condition," the monitor said.

- 'Annihilation' campaign -

The activist collective Raqa is Being Slaughtered Silently also reported the strike, saying it hit people "waiting near the river and others on boats (who) were trying to cross."

It said civilians had been escaping Raqa by crossing the Euphrates River via boat, after the two main bridges leading out of the city were destroyed.

Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011 with widespread protests against the regime, but it has since morphed into a multi-front war that has left 320,000 people dead.

The US military has said coalition air strikes in Iraq and Syria had "unintentionally" killed 484 civilians, but observers say the number is much higher.

The Observatory has given a toll of around 1,500 civilians in Syria alone since the coalition began striking there on September 23, 2014.

The monitor recorded the coalition's deadliest month for Syrian civilians between April 23 and May 23, with 225 civilians killed.

Reports of civilian casualties in the air campaign have swelled in recent weeks.

On May 20, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said US President Donald Trump had instructed the Pentagon to "annihilate" IS in Syria in a bid to prevent escaped foreign fighters from returning home.

The president has "directed a tactical shift from shoving ISIS out of safe locations in an attrition fight to surrounding the enemy in their strongholds so we can annihilate ISIS", Mattis said, using an acronym for IS.

But the Pentagon has denied that its rules of engagement have changed and insists that the coalition continues to strike only "military-appropriate targets".
US President Donald Trump's travel ban could have severe negative consequences for the American tourism industry

The US tourism industry faces the possibility of another "lost decade" of foreign visitors due to President Donald Trump's travel ban, a leading hotel executive said Monday.

Jonathan Tisch, chief executive of Loews Hotel & Co., warned that policies viewed as hostile to foreign visitors could damage the US industry, much as a visa crackdown and other policies after 9/11 led to the loss of billions of dollars in revenues from overseas travelers.

"When it comes to a business as competitive as travel, we need to remember that words matter. Perceptions matter," Tisch said at a hospitality conference hosted by New York University.

"In other words, it's important to balance security measures designed to keep out people who mean us harm...with words and actions assuring legitimate travelers that we welcome them and their business."

The remarks came as Trump doubled down on his controversial campaign to revive a ban on travelers from seven predominately Muslim countries, saying the measure was needed in the wake of the London attacks. The measure has been blocked in US courts.

Tisch's remarks have been echoed by other leading hoteliers in recent months.

Hilton chief executive Christopher Nassetta, in an interview with CNBC on Monday, called for a "balanced" approach to foreign tourism that recognizes that the vast majority of visitors to the US want to come for the right reasons.

Tisch said it was still too soon to have hard data on the exact impact of Trump's proposed ban, but one of Loews' hotels in Miami has had groups cancel because they had attendees from a travel ban country.

He also cited cases of Emirates airline cutting flights to some US cities and projections of steep cutbacks in foreign travel to New York City.

"This is mostly anecdotal evidence," he said. "We all hope the data on travel to the US remains positive. But no one can deny the tremendous uncertainty people feel about traveling to the US right now."

Tisch endorsed Trump's call for a $1 trillion infrastructure investment program, agreeing with the president's assessment that US airports lag those in other countries and should have runways, gates and terminals upgraded.
US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, wants a special investigation into murders of two UN experts in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The United States on Monday urged the United Nations to establish a special investigation into the murder of two UN experts who had been gathering evidence of mass graves in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley, in Geneva for meetings of the UN Human Rights Council, also said a separate formal commission of inquiry should be set up to report on human rights violations in Kasai province.

A 16-year-old student and a 30-year-old man went on trial Monday for the murder in Kasai of American Michael Sharp and Swedish-Chilean Zaida Catalan two months ago.

The United Nations has questioned the Kinshasa government's handling of the probe that led to the arrest of the two suspects, saying it was hastily done.

"After the tragic deaths of Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, they and their families deserve justice," Haley said in a statement.

"We owe it to their legacy to end the human rights abuses being carried out by armed groups and the DRC government against the Congolese people."

Haley called on countries to support the US push for a special investigation set up by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and a commission of inquiry "into these horrific acts."

Last week, a coalition of 262 Congolese and nine international rights groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International urged the Geneva-based rights council to set up the inquiry on the Kasai violence.

The region has seen a major spike in violence since September when government forces killed tribal chief and militia leader Kamwina Nsapu who had rebelled against President Joseph Kabila.

The unrest has claimed more than 400 lives and forced more than 1.2 million from their homes, according to UN figures. Unconfirmed local statistics put the number of dead as high as 3,000.

The UN has also reported finding 40 mass graves, which Sharp and Catalan were investigating when they were abducted and killed.

The rights council has set up similar commissions of inquiry to collect information on atrocities committed in Syria and North Korea.
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.

Armed Police officers stand guard on London Bridge 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)

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."

___

Associated Press writer Niko Price contributed to this report.

An armed Police officer gestures 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)

An armed Policeman talks to members of the public outside London Bridge Hospital as police are dealing with an incident on London Bridge in London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. Witnesses reported a vehicle hitting pedestrians and injured people on the ground. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)

People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge in London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)

People run down Borough High Street as police are dealing with a "major incident" at London Bridge in London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. London incident. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)

Police Officers walking on Borough High Street as police are dealing with an incident on London Bridge in London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. Witnesses reported a vehicle hitting pedestrians and injured people on the ground. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)

Police officers on Borough High Street as police are dealing with an incident on London Bridge in London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. Witnesses reported a vehicle hitting pedestrians and injured people on the ground. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)

People walking down Borough High Street as police are dealing with an incident on London Bridge in London, Saturday, June 3, 2017. Witnesses reported a vehicle hitting pedestrians and injured people on the ground. (Dominic Lipinski/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)

Emergency personnel 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)

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)

Women speak to the media after walking away from inside a police cordon following 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)

Emergency personnel tend to wounded 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. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)

Police officers with riot shields on Borough High Street 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)
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - Former Prime Minister John Key and former All Black rugby player Michael Jones received honorary knighthoods Monday for their services to New Zealand.

Key and Jones were among dozens of New Zealanders to receive a range of honors from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. The honors hark to the days when New Zealand was a British colony.

Key, 55, stepped down as prime minister in December after winning three consecutive elections. He was cited by the Queen for his leadership following the 2008 global financial crisis and the deadly Christchurch earthquake in 2011.

FILE - In this March 22, 2017 file photo, former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key waits to address parliament for his valedictory speech in Wellington, New Zealand. Key received honorary knighthoods for his services to New Zealand. Key was among dozens of New Zealanders honored by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, June 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)

Key was also credited with completing treaty settlements with indigenous Maori and forging a closer relationship with the United States.

As prime minister in 2009, he had announced the nation was restoring the titles "Sir" and "Dame" which come with the top honors. The previous government had dropped them in 2000 in what some saw as a move toward becoming a republic rather than remaining a constitutional monarchy with the queen as head of state.

"Incredibly humbled to receive this honour," Key tweeted. "Thank you for all the kind messages of support I've received. It was a privilege to be PM of NZ."

Jones, 52, was honored for his work with Pacific people. He founded a trust which grew from a drop-in center aimed at keeping youth out of gangs. He launched a sporting academy and championed mentoring programs aimed at encouraging Pacific students to stay in school. He also helped collect and distribute emergency supplies to people in Samoa and Tonga after a 2009 tsunami.

Jones played 55 test matches for the All Blacks between 1987 and 1998.

Others to receive top honors for their services to New Zealand included Julie Christie (broadcasting), Peggy Koopman-Boyden (seniors), Graeme Dingle (youth) and Timoti Karetu (Maori language).
News / National

by Staff reporter

The MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai is drafting a new policy document that it says will put the country on the recovery path once they form the next government.MDC-T vice president Nelson Chamisa told the Daily News yesterday that under the new policy document that is dubbed Smart - the country's opposition party details its programme of action once it is elected into government."This weekend the MDC leadership and stakeholders completed the drafting of the alternative policy blueprint in a new Zimbabwe."We met over the weekend to sculpture and fashion new smart policies and government work programme (GWP) to be rolled out once MDC forms and becomes the next government in 2018 or earlier," said Chamisa.With the country mired by economic and social crisis highlighted by serious cash shortages and poor standards of living, Chamisa who is charged with supervision of policy and research in MDC said it is now forgone that President Robert Mugabe and his government will lose the keenly awaited 2018 polls."The party seeks to come up with smart new, updated, simplified and user friendly policy proposals replacing the current Agenda for Real Transformation (ART) policy document and JUICE which are now outdated."The MDC has an exciting raft of smart policy proposals and measures designed to deal with the daily challenges and problems Zimbabweans are facing. The policy project is an unassailable and credible alternative to the current national decay and collapse."The alternative policy narratives have been developed in areas of governance, the economy, infrastructure, devolution, dealing with corruption, health, education, social interventions and citizen rights and protection including foreign policy," said Chamisa.Critics say over the years the country has produced brilliant blueprints that are, however, not being implemented.Presently, Zanu PF is working on its economic blueprint code-named ZimAsset which has, despite its high sounding objectives, proved to be a hard sell as it failed to attract investment and unlock the country's potential."The document is now being circulated internally and among stakeholders for further input and inclusive consultation by organs of the party in all the provinces and districts."The document will then finally be approved and adopted by the national council in due course. We call upon all interested citizens and stakeholders to contribute their idea, views and aspirations as we continue to enrich our policy blueprint to deal with the debilitating crisis and deadening poverty our country is currently sweating under," said Chamisa.
SYDNEY (AP) - In their first joint appearance abroad, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Monday pledged unity with longtime ally Australia in fighting Islamic extremists who seek to intimidate the West.

"We are united, as I said, in our resolve, even against an enemy that thinks by hurting us they can scare us," Mattis said. "Well, we don't scare."

Mattis and Tillerson spoke alongside their Australian counterparts at the opening of a joint meeting expected to touch on a range of subjects including defeating the Islamic State, stabilizing Afghanistan and dealing with North Korea's nuclear threats. They planned to hold a joint press conference later.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, right, and U.S. Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis participate in talks at Government House in Sydney for the 2017 Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) Monday, June 5, 2017. The annual meeting brings together the Australian ministers for foreign affairs and for defense with the U.S. secretaries of State and defense, along with senior officials from both portfolios. (Mark Metcalfe/Pool Photo via AP)

Tillerson stressed the enduring U.S.-Australian alliance and said it will prevail in "this common fight we share against the most heinous of actions we've seen most recently in London yet again." He did not elaborate on the London attack.

Police say three men drove a van over London Bridge on Saturday and struck pedestrians before crashing the vehicle outside a pub. The attackers, wielding blades and knives, ran to a well-known fruit and vegetable market and there they stabbed people in several different restaurants. Seven people were killed and at least 48 were hospitalized. Police fired 50 bullets to stop the violence, killing the three attackers and wounding one member of the public.

In her opening remarks, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said "countering terrorism" would be high on the meeting's agenda.

"The global terrorist threat is ever evolving, we've seen brutal attacks in a number of European cities, we've thwarted attacks here in Australia, and so we want to discuss with you, the links back into the Middle East, the role we're playing with you in Iraq and Syria and also Afghanistan," Bishop said. "We are united in our resolve to defeat ISIS, the Islamic State terrorist organization and its ilk."

Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne said her government is concerned by IS linkages in Asia and the Pacific.

"For Australia, from our perspective today it's important that we do discuss ISIS's links in Southeast Asia, violent extremist organizations and the risk that returning foreign fighters who may endeavor to resume positions in their own countries might pose in this region," Payne said. "They'll come back with battlefield skills, they'll come back with hardened ideology, they'll come back angry, frustrated, and we need to be very aware of that."
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump and the attacks in London (all times local):

8:50 p.m.

President Donald Trump is denouncing as "horrific" the attack on London and vowing that "this bloodshed must end."

Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, Sunday June 4, 2017, near the scene of 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. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)

Trump made the remarks during a Sunday night fundraising event at Ford's Theater in Washington.

Immediately after the deadly attacks in London, Trump turned to Twitter to comment on the attacks. His remarks at the annual fundraising event for the historic theater were his first public comments.

Earlier, Trump criticized London's mayor on Twitter after he sought to reassure residents about a stepped-up police presence on city streets.

In a series of tweets, Trump challenged London Mayor Sadiq Khan for saying there is "no reason to be alarmed."

Trump also pushed his stalled travel ban, took on gun control supporters and pledged that the United States will be there to help London.

___

4:10 p.m.

President Donald Trump is criticizing London's mayor on Twitter after he sought to reassure residents about a stepped-up police presence on city streets following a deadly attack there.

In a series of tweets late Saturday and early Sunday, Trump challenged London Mayor Sadiq Khan for saying there was "no reason to be alarmed."

Trump also pushed his stalled travel ban, took on gun control supporters and pledged that the United States will be there to help London.

The mayor's spokesman says he's too busy to respond to Trump. The spokesman says Trump's tweet "deliberately takes out of context" Khan's remarks urging Londoners not to be alarmed when they see armed officers on the streets.

The vehicle and knife attack killed seven people in a busy section of London Saturday and wounded about 50 people.

___

8:10 a.m.

President Donald Trump has sent a flurry of early morning tweets in the wake of the London attacks - criticizing the city's mayor and bemoaning what he says is political correctness when it comes to national security.

The attack killed seven people in a busy section of London and wounded about 50 people.

Trump is calling out Mayor Sadiq Khan for saying there's "no reason to be alarmed."

Khan has used those words in a television interview, but it was to reassure Londoners about a stepped up police presence they might see - "No reason to be alarmed."

Trump used his initial response late Saturday to promote his travel ban - which U.S. courts have blocked. And on Sunday he 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."

The president notes the attackers used a van to slam into pedestrians and then assaulted people with knives.

"Did you notice we are not having a gun debate right now?"

___

2:35 a.m.

President Donald Trump responded to early reports of multiple attacks in London by promoting his travel ban, then offering supports to Londoners.

London authorities were in the early phase of responding to reports of attacks on London Bridge and other areas of the city when Trump weighed in on Twitter. The president tweeted in part, "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 Supreme Court to reinstate it.

Trump followed his tweet about the travel ban with a message of support for Britons, writing in all capital letters, "WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"
DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) - Anirban Lahiri played so well Sunday that he wished he could have kept playing.

"I would have liked maybe four or five holes more, actually," Lahiri said after shooting a 7-under 65 to tie for second in the Memorial, three shots behind Jason Dufner. "Because I was playing really good. And I could have probably made a couple more birdies. But like I say, I'm really happy with the way I played. I felt really relaxed out there."

The Indian star had seven birdies in a bogey-free round. He got better as the tournament progressed, following an opening 74 with rounds of 70 and 69.

"There are holes out here you have to respect and you try to make those 10-, 15-footers and if you do you get a score together," Lahiri said. "And I think that's what I did over the weekend and just tried to stay away from the bad spots."

___

MEMORIAL WEATHER: Central Ohio weather can change so fast in the late spring that rain and storms are always likely during the Memorial. It's almost expected.

On Sunday, rain led to two 77-minute delays, with some players playing part of back nine at Muirfield Village through a steady downpour.

After three beautiful days and a dry course, the rain rolled in Sunday, delaying play in the late afternoon. Play resumed, but was stopped again with winner Jason Dufner and Rickie Fowler on the 18th fairway.

It was worse in 2016 when the tournament was stopped on both Saturday and Sunday, the first weather delays in three years. Before that, weather led to delays in seven of eight Memorials.

___

FIRST ACE: Harold Varner III had his first hole-in-one - and reporters got sandwiches.

The 26-year-old Varner aced the 164-yard eighth hole.

He tweeted: "First hole in one ever. It could not have happened at a better time."

Varner finished with 2-under 70 in a round that included a pair of birdies and a pair of bogeys. He was 4 under for the tournament and bought a pile of sub sandwiches for those working in the media room.

___

Follow Mitch Stacy at http://twitter.com/mitchstacy
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Playing amid clouds of tear gas and flurries of rubber bullets, a young violinist bedecked in the bright colors of Venezuela's flag serenades anti-government protesters and police alike with a somber rendition of the national anthem, a song that translates as "Glory to the Brave People."

It's been a familiar scene during more than two months of almost daily demonstrations in Venezuela's capital, where Wuilly Arteaga has become a symbol of peaceful protest largely overshadowed by frequent clashes between rock-throwing youths and heavily armed security forces. Protests across the country demanding socialist President Nicolas Maduro's removal have resulted in at least 65 deaths and more than 1,100 injured.

Appearances by the 23-year-old almost ended two weeks ago when he and his instrument were dragged to the ground by a national guardsman on a motorcycle. Videos of Areaga crying over his broken violin spread on social media, garnering an outpouring of sympathy. People donated cash to have the instrument repaired, others gave him old violins and Colombian pop star Shakira signed her autograph on a violin dedicated to the virtuoso.

In this May 6, 2017 photo, holding up his violin, Wuilly Arteaga shouts during an anti-government march in Caracas, Venezuela. Arteaga has become a symbol of peaceful protest largely overshadowed by frequent clashes between rock-throwing youths and heavily armed security forces. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

On Sunday, Arteaga and a group of musician friends gave a free concert in a Caracas plaza. To shouts of "Yes, we can" and "We are brothers," they thrilled the crowd of a few hundred with Venezuelan classics like the foot-stomping "Alma Llanera" and "Moliendo Cafe."

"When I play for the national guard, some of them listen to me, some of them cry. And when I play for the protesters, it gives them motivation to keep going," Arteaga told The Associated Press, showing off his repaired violin, which still bears scuff marks and scratches from its brush with destruction. "I know my music creates a climate of peace, which is why I'll continue playing on the streets of Venezuela."

Arteaga's newfound celebrity status contrast with his humble upbringing.

He first picked up the violin growing up in the city of Valencia and was a member of Venezuela's world-famous El Sistema network of youth orchestras and music schools. He dropped out after two years but continued studying on his own. About four years ago he moved to Caracas, busking for his meals by playing on the streets and outside stores.

Protesters began to take notice of him after another violinist, a teenage member of El Sistema, was killed when struck by a tear gas canister about a month into the outbreak of protests. Arteaga played at the musician's funeral and has been a fixture at protests ever since, frequently hunkering down in the dangerous middle ground between protester barricades and a line of heavily armed riot police.

"He's a hero," said Paolo Lena, a Caracas businessman who donated to Areaga a violin he had bought five years ago for his son. "He's putting forward his face for lots of people who are afraid to protest."

___

Fabiola Sanchez on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fisanchezn

In this May 18, 2017 photo, Wuilly Arteaga plays his violin during an anti-government march in Caracas, Venezuela. Arteaga has become a symbol of peaceful protest largely overshadowed by frequent clashes between rock-throwing youths and heavily armed security forces. Protests across the country demanding socialist President Nicolas Maduro's removal have resulted in at least 65 deaths and more than 1,100 injured. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

FILE - In this May 31, 2017 file photo, Wuilly Arteaga plays his violin during an anti-government march in Caracas, Venezuela. "When I play for the national guard, some of them listen to me, some of them cry. And when I play for the protesters, it gives them motivation to keep going," Arteaga said. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)

FILE - In this May 18, 2017 file photo, Wuilly Arteaga raises his violin before National Guards, as he yells not to shoot at protesters, creating a brief pause during clashes in Caracas, Venezuela. Appearances by the 23-year-old almost ended when he and his instrument were dragged to the ground by a national guardsman on a motorcycle. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)

Violinist Wuilly Arteaga, left, sings with a fellow musician as they give a free concert in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Arteaga, 23, has become a symbol of a more peaceful form of protest largely squashed out in almost daily clashes between rock-throwing youth and heavy-handed security forces that have left at least 65 dead and more than 1,100 injured. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

In this May 27, 2017 photo, Wuilly Arteaga holds up his violin on top of a cement truck anti-government protesters took over during a demonstration in Caracas, Venezuela. Arteaga's newfound celebrity status contrasts with his humble upbringing. He first picked up the violin growing up in the city of Valencia and was a member of Venezuela's world-famous El Sistema network of youth orchestras and music schools. About four years ago he moved to Caracas, busking for his meals by playing on the streets and outside stores. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

FILE - In this May 24, 2017 file photo, Wuilly Arteaga plays a violin during clashes with security forces blocking an opposition march from reaching the National Electoral Council headquarters in Caracas, Venezuela. "He's a hero," said Paolo Lena, a Caracas businessman who donated to Areaga a violin he had bought five years ago for his son. "He's putting forward his face for lots of people who are afraid to protest." (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File)

Violinist Wuilly Arteaga, center, performs with a group of musicians to give a free concert in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Protesters began to take notice of Arteaga after another violinist was killed when he was struck by a tear gas canister about a month into the protest movement. Arteaga played at the fellow musician's funeral and has been a fixture of the near-daily protests ever since, frequently hunkering down in the dangerous middle ground between protester barricades and a line of heavily-armed riot police. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

In this May 27, 2017 photo, Wuilly Arteaga plays his violin during an anti-government protest in Caracas, Venezuela. Arteaga has become a symbol of peaceful protest largely overshadowed by frequent clashes between rock-throwing youths and heavily armed security forces. Protests across the country demanding socialist President Nicolas Maduro's removal have resulted in at least 65 deaths and more than 1,100 injured. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Violinist Wuilly Arteaga, 23, holds up a donated guitar as he gives a free concert in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, June 4, 2017. Appearances by the 23-year-old at anti-government protests almost ended when he and his instrument were dragged to the ground by a national guardsman. Videos of Areaga crying over his broken violin spread on social media, garnering an outpouring of sympathy. People donated cash to have the instrument repaired, others gave him old violins and Colombian pop star Shakira signed her autograph on a violin dedicated to the virtuoso. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The trial of a Minnesota police officer who fatally shot a black motorist opened Monday with attorneys offering sharply different accounts of whether the officer saw the motorist's gun before he began firing.

Officer Jeronimo Yanez is charged with manslaughter in the July 6 death of Philando Castile, a 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker, in a St. Paul suburb. Castile's death in little more than a minute after he was pulled over for a broken taillight captured the world's attention as his girlfriend livestreamed the shooting's aftermath on Facebook.

Prosecutors played a portion of squad-car video in their opening statement in which Castile informs Yanez that he is carrying a gun.

FILE - In this May 30, 2017, file photo, St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez stands outside the Ramsey County Courthouse while waiting for a ride in St. Paul, Minn. Opening statements are expected to begin Monday, June 5, 2017, in the trial for officer Yanez, who is charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Philando Castile during a traffic stop in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights in July 2015. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP, File)

"OK, don't reach for it then," Yanez replied. Castile started saying he wasn't reaching for it, but the officer interrupted and said, "Don't pull it out."

"I'm not pulling it out," Castile replied as Yanez opened fire. Castile's last words were, "I wasn't reaching for it."

Prosecutor Rick Dusterhoft said Yanez, who is Latino, can be heard on the video in the minutes after the shooting, telling a fellow officer he didn't know where the gun was. That portion of the video wasn't played Monday.

Dusterhoft said nobody saw the gun until paramedics found it in Castile's pocket.

But defense attorney Paul Engh countered that Castile ignored his commands and reached for his gun. He said Yanez will testify that he saw Castile's hand on the grip. He said Yanez then followed his training and made an instant decision to open fire because he believed his life was in danger.

"But for Castile's continuous grip on that handgun, we would not be here," Engh said. Castile's death was a tragedy, "but a tragedy is not a crime," Engh said.

Also Monday, Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, began testifying. She discussed her life with Castile and the events of the day he died, though she has not yet talked about the shooting. Her testimony was expected to continue Tuesday.

The jury was seated earlier Monday after defense attorneys unsuccessfully tried to block one of two black jurors from the final group of 15.

Attorney Earl Gray argued that the juror, an 18-year-old woman who emigrated 10 years ago from Ethiopia, didn't understand the criminal justice system well enough to follow the proceedings. Prosecutor Jeff Paulsen said Yanez's attorneys wanted to block the woman because of her race. Judge William Leary III kept the woman on the jury.

A young black man who manages a Wendy's restaurant is also on the panel.

Black representation in the group of 15 roughly matches the black population of Ramsey County, which includes St. Paul and several suburbs. Three of the 15 jurors are alternates, but it isn't clear which ones.

The death of Castile, an elementary school cafeteria worker, was among a string of killings of blacks by police around the U.S., and it renewed concerns about how officers interact with minorities. Castile's family claimed he was profiled because of his race. Minnesota Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton also injected his viewpoint, saying police likely wouldn't have fired if Castile had been white.

Castile had a permit to carry his handgun, and Dusterhoft told the jury about it after the judge overruled the defense's objections. Defense attorneys argued in pretrial proceedings that Castile obtained his permit illegally in 2016 because he was a marijuana user at the time. Minnesota's gun permit application requires applicants to state they don't use illegal drugs.

Yanez's attorneys have argued that Castile was stoned at the time of the traffic stop and that it affected his behavior. The jury will hear evidence that Castile had THC - the component in marijuana that produces a high - in his system when he was shot.

Clarence Castile, center, the uncle of Philando Castile, waits for an elevator to the courtroom Monday, June 5, 2017, for the trial of Minnesota police officer Jeronimo Yanez, charged in the shooting death of black motorist Philando Castile in July 2016. A jury was seated Monday in the trial of Yanez. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)

Clarence Castile, center, the uncle of Philando Castile, waits for an elevator to the courtroom Monday, June 5, 2017, for the trial of Minnesota police officer Jeronimo Yanez, charged in the shooting death of black motorist Philando Castile in July 2016. A jury was seated Monday in the trial of Yanez. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The latest on the dispute between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors (all times local):

11:55 p.m.

American universities say branch campuses in Qatar are operating normally while they monitor diplomatic developments in the Gulf nation.

FILE - In this April 2012 file photo with the new high-rise buildings of downtown Doha in the background, Qatari women and a man enjoy walking by the sea in Doha, Qatar. Saudi Arabia and three Arab countries severed ties to Qatar on Monday, June 5, 2017 and moved to cut off land, sea and air routes to the energy-rich nation that is home to a major U.S. military base, accusing it of supporting regional terror groups. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)

Saudi Arabia and other Arab powers severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday and shut down land, sea and air links with the energy-rich nation.

Northwestern University, Texas A&M, Georgetown and Virginia Commonwealth University said they are keeping their Qatar faculty and students informed while summer classes continue.

Those universities, Weill Cornell Medical College and Carnegie Mellon University have programs in Qatar's "Education City" complex, which was established by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development to enable Qataris to earn U.S. degrees at home.

Saudi Arabia and its allies accuse Qatar of supporting terror groups in the region, allegations Qatar denies.

___

11:45 P.M.

Kuwait's ruler is calling on Qatar to exercise self-restraint in its dispute with Saudi Arabia and other regional nations, issuing a statement just hours after a senior Saudi royal arrived in Kuwait with a message from the Saudi king.

The visit and statement Monday evening came after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and shut down land, sea and air links. They accuse Qatar of supporting terror groups in the region. Qatar denies that.

The state-run Kuwait News Agency says Kuwaiti Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah spoke with Qatar's emir Monday evening and urged him to give a chance to efforts that could ease tensions.

Kuwait appears to be trying to play a mediating role between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Qatar's ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, visited Sheikh Sabah last week.

Saudi Prince Khaled al-Faisal, who is governor of Mecca and an adviser to King Salman, arrived in Kuwait City on Monday evening carrying a message for Kuwait's ruler.

___

11:30 p.m.

Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain until further notice.

In a statement issued on its website, the carrier said the suspension of its flights will go into effect Tuesday. It is offering customers affected by the decision a refund on unused tickets.

The decision comes after major Gulf carriers, including the Middle East's largest carrier in Dubai, Emirates Airways, suspended flights to Qatar. The route between Doha, Qatar and Dubai is popular among business travelers and both are major transit hubs for travelers between Asia and Europe.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and shut down land, sea and air links, accusing it of supporting terror groups in the region. Qatar has denied the allegations.

___

10:45 p.m.

A senior Saudi official has arrived in Kuwait amid a crisis in relations between Gulf states and Qatar, while an Omani official traveled to Qatar at the same time.

Kuwait appears to be trying to play a neutral and potentially mediating role between Qatar and the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Qatar's ruler had visited Kuwait's ruler last week.

Kuwait and Oman have not severed ties with Qatar and have not issued statements about the political standoff.

The state-run Kuwait News Agency says Prince Khaled al-Faisal, adviser to the Saudi King and governor of Mecca, arrived in Kuwait Monday evening.

An Omani Foreign Ministry official arrived in Qatar Monday night. The ministry on Twitter described the visit as planned before the crisis.

___

10:30 p.m.

The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin has spoken over the phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the crisis between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors.

It said in a statement Monday that the two presidents urged "all the countries involved to engage in dialogue to work out compromise solutions for the sake of maintaining peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region."

The Kremlin added that the two leaders underlined that "the acute crisis in the Middle East requires joint work and close coordination of the international community in the fight against terror threat."

Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorist groups.

___

10:15 p.m.

Iran's foreign minister has spoken with his Qatari counterpart after Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations severed ties and moved to isolate the tiny Gulf emirate.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had earlier Monday called for dialogue to resolve the conflict in a Twitter posting, saying "Neighbors are permanent; geography can't be changed. Coercion is never the solution."

Saudi Arabia and its allies accuse Qatar of supporting regional terrorist groups, including some backed by Iran, charges denied by Qatar.

Saudi Arabia views Iran as a regional rival and has long pressed Qatar to side with Gulf Arab nations against it.

Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency reported the call between the two foreign ministers, without providing further details.

___

10 p.m.

A Somali civil aviation official says at least 15 Qatar Airways flights have used Somalia's airspace since Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations moved to sever links with the Gulf nation.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters, said that before the Gulf diplomatic crisis erupted Monday, just one or two Qatar Airways planes flew over Somalia each day.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and have moved to isolate the country by shutting down land, sea and air links, accusing it of supporting terror groups in the region. Qatar has denied the allegations.

The Qatari capital, Doha, is a major international transport hub.

- Abdi Guled

___

9 p.m.

A Turkish official says President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is "actively involved" in efforts to resolve the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and its neighbors and has spoken by telephone with Gulf leaders.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters after a Cabinet meeting Monday that the government hopes Erdogan's initiative will help overcome tensions.

He did not provide details on Erdogan's calls but said Turkey views the crisis as a "serious" one that needed to be solved before it escalates.

Kurtulmus said "the Middle East is not at a point where it can endure a new crisis."

Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations severed ties with Qatar Monday and moved to block land, sea and air routes to the tiny Gulf nation, which they accuse of supporting terrorist groups. Qatar denies the allegations.

Both Qatar and Turkey back Islamist groups that are outlawed by other countries in the region.

___

8:50 p.m.

The U.S. military's Central Command says it has "no plans to change our posture in Qatar" amid a Gulf diplomatic crisis.

Maj. Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway told The Associated Press in a statement Monday that U.S. military aircraft continue to fly missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria despite the rift.

The major said: "We encourage all our partners in the region to reduce tensions and work towards common solutions that enable regional security."

Qatar is home to the vast Al-Udeid Air Base that holds the forward headquarters of Central Command and hosts some 10,000 American troops.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced early Monday they would sever diplomatic ties to Qatar, calling into question whether that would affect U.S. military operations.

___

8:30 p.m.

The Kremlin has voiced hope that the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors will not hurt international anti-terror efforts.

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters Monday that Russia hopes the tensions "will not affect the general determination to fight terrorism," adding that the latest terror attack in London again underlined its importance.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates on Monday severed ties with Qatar and moved to block land, sea and air routes to the tiny energy-rich Gulf nation, which they accuse of supporting terror groups, charges denied by Qatar.

Peskov declined to comment on the accusations leveled against Qatar.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meanwhile expressed "serious concern about a new wave of tensions within the Arab world" in a phone call with his Qatari counterpart.

The ministry said Lavrov "called for emerging differences to be resolved at the negotiating table, through mutually respectful dialogue in the face of unprecedented challenges, primarily the threat of terrorism."

___

8 p.m.

The head of Germany's soccer federation says that "political solutions must have priority over threats of boycotts" in the five years ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

Reinhard Grindel was asked in an interview posted on the federation's website Monday if there are questions over whether the 2022 tournament can be played in the Gulf state.

He said that, independently of the current situation, "the soccer community worldwide should agree in principle that big tournaments can't be played in countries that actively support terror."

Saudi Arabia and three other Arab countries severed ties to Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting regional terror groups. Qatar has denied the allegations.

Grindel said "we take note very attentively and with concern of the current, serious accusations."

Grindel is a member of FIFA's ruling council.

___

7:45 p.m.

Saudi Arabia has closed the offices of Qatar's Al-Jazeera news network after severing ties with the energy-rich Gulf nation, which it accuses of supporting terrorist groups.

In a statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency on Monday, the Culture and Media Ministry said it withdrew the famed network's license.

The ministry said the move came in response to Al-Jazeera's "promotion of the terrorist organizations' plots" and its alleged support for Yemen's Houthi rebels, the target of a two-year-old Saudi-led military intervention.

It also accused the network of attempting to "split the Saudi ranks," without elaborating.

___

7:15 p.m.

Egypt's aviation authorities say all flights to and from Qatar will be suspended starting Tuesday.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation decree on Monday came hours after Cairo severed relations with Qatar, accusing it of harboring terrorism.

The move led to confusion at Cairo International Airport. One Doha-bound flight was delayed for hours before it was allowed to take off.

The aviation ministry said Egyptian airspace will be closed to Qatari flights starting Tuesday at 6:00 am (0400 GMT) Cairo time.

___

5 p.m.

An Iranian official says his country can export food to Qatar by sea, as Saudi Arabia and three other nations move to isolate the gas-rich nation after severing diplomatic ties and accusing it of supporting terrorism.

The semi-official Fars news agency quoted Reza Nourani, chairman of the union of exporters of agricultural products, as saying Monday that food shipments sent from Iran can reach Qatar in 12 hours.

Qatar relies on food trucked in from Saudi Arabia across its sole land border. Al-Jazeera reported that trucks carrying food for Qatar are now lining up across the border, unable to enter the country.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are regional rivals who back opposing sides in the wars in Syria and Yemen.

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4:30 p.m.

Iran says rising tensions among its Arab Gulf neighbors threaten the interests of everyone in the region and has called for "political and peaceful methods" to resolve the crisis.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Egypt, severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing the gas-rich nation of supporting regional terrorist groups. The four nations also moved to cut off Qatar's land, sea and air routes to the outside world.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi was quoted on the ministry's website as calling for a "clear and explicit dialogue" among the feuding nations.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, discussed the recent developments in a phone conversation.

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4:15 p.m.

Maldives has announced it is severing diplomatic ties with Qatar over its alleged support for Islamist groups.

It joined Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday and began withdrawing its diplomatic staff.

The foreign ministry said in a statement that Maldives has pursued a policy of promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, and the decision was made because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism.

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Qatar began in 1984.

Maldives, a predominantly Sunni Muslim nation with 341,000 people, also grapples with extremism. It reportedly has one of the highest per capital rates of people going to fight in foreign wars.

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4:10 p.m.

Egypt's foreign ministry says it has given the Qatari ambassador in Cairo 48 hours to leave the country and ordered its own envoy in Doha to return home, also within two days.

Monday's announcement came just hours after Egypt joined three of its Gulf Arab allies - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates - in severing ties with Qatar over its relations with Iran and support for militant Islamic groups.

An earlier statement by the Egyptian ministry said Egypt was also suspending air and sea links to Qatar and, citing national security, closing its airspace to Qatari aircraft.

Egypt's relations with Qatar have been fraught with tension since the ouster in 2013 by the military of an Islamist president allied with Doha. It also accuses the tiny but energy-rich Gulf nation of supporting militant Islamic groups and meddling in its domestic affairs.

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3:50 p.m.

Following suit, one of Libya's three rival governments has announced cutting diplomatic relations with Qatar, after four Arab countries severed ties.

Mohammed al-Deri, the Libyan foreign minister of the interim Libyan government, accused Qatar of "harboring terrorism" according to a Libyan official agency LANA.

The Interim government is affiliated with the internationally recognized House of Representatives and is based in eastern Libya. Another internationally recognized Government of National Accord is seated in Tripoli and brokered by the United Nations. A third rival government is also based in Tripoli.

The eastern Libyan power players have always accused Qatar and Turkey of backing Islamists in Libya, including the Muslim Brotherhood.

Libya sank into lawlessness after the ouster and killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

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3:40 p.m.

Turkey has voiced its "sadness" over the Gulf Arab states dispute with Qatar and said it was willing to work to normalize ties.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday called on all sides of the dispute to press ahead with dialogue and overcome differences in a "peaceful way."

Turkey has developed close ties with both Qatar and Saudi Arabia in recent years.

Cavusoglu said: "We are saddened by the existing picture. We will provide every kind of support for the situation to be normalized."

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1:15 p.m.

The head of Iran's influential parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy says the differences between Saudi Arabia and Qatar are the result of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent visit to the region

The official IRNA news agency on Monday cited Alaeddin Boroujerdi as saying that because of the signing of a major arms deal between the Saudis and the U.S. during Trump's trip: "It is not unlikely that we would witness more negative incidents in the region."

Boroujerdi says Washington has always made it a policy to establish a rift among Muslim countries. He says: "Intervention of foreign countries, especially the United States, cannot be the solution to regional problems."

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2:30 p.m.

Al-Jazeera is reporting that trucks carrying food for Qatar are now lining up across the border in Saudi Arabia, unable to enter the country amid a diplomatic row between it and Arab nations.

Saudi Arabia announced Monday it would close its land border to Qatar, part of it cutting diplomatic ties to the country along with Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

That could mean significant trouble for Qatar, which relies on food trucked in from Saudi Arabia.

Doha News, a local news website in Qatar, reported some citizens and residents of the energy rich country already had begun swarming grocery stores. It said some stores had begun seeing their shelves empty over fears that the crisis could see groceries run out of products.

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2:20 p.m.

International soccer's governing body says it remains in "regular contact with Qatar" amid a growing diplomatic crisis between it and other Arab countries.

FIFA issued a short statement Monday saying it spoke with "the Qatar 2022 Local Organizing Committee and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy handling matters relating to the 2022 FIFA World Cup."

It said: "We have no further comments for the time being."

The statement comes after Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all cut diplomatic ties Monday to Qatar over its support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

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2:15 p.m.

A low-cost airline based in the United Arab Emirates says it is suspending flights to Qatar along with other Emirati airlines over a growing diplomatic crisis.

Air Arabia says it flights will be suspended from Tuesday "until further notice."

It is joining Emirates, Etihad and FlyDubai in halting flights to the Qatari capital of Doha. Saudi Arabian Airlines also stopped its flights to Qatar.

The airlines' decision comes as Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all cut diplomatic ties Monday to Qatar over its support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

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1:10 p.m.

Saudi Arabian Airlines says it is suspending flights to Qatar, joining other airlines stopping service amid a growing diplomatic rift.

The airline, also known as Saudia, posted on Twitter on Monday afternoon that it would be halting flights, without elaborating.

It is joining Emirates, Etihad and FlyDubai in halting flights to the Qatari capital of Doha.

The airlines' decision comes as Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all cut diplomatic ties Monday to Qatar over its support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

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12:05 p.m.

Dubai's budget carrier FlyDubai says it has canceled its flights to Qatar amid a diplomatic dispute between it and other Arab countries.

The carrier said Monday that all flights starting Tuesday would be suspended. It offered no other details.

FlyDubai's decision follows that of Emirates and Etihad in canceling flights to Doha.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all cut diplomatic ties earlier Monday to Qatar over its support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

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11:45 a.m.

Yemen's internationally recognized government has cut relations with Qatar and says it supports the decision by the Saudi-led coalition to end Qatar's participation in the war on the Houthis there.

Four Arab nations cut diplomatic ties to Qatar early Monday morning over its support for Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

Qatar had participated in the coalition since March 2015.

The government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi says it severed ties with Qatar in part over its support of extremist groups in Yemen "in contradiction with the goals announced by the countries supporting the legitimate government."

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11:20 a.m.

The Dubai-based airline Emirates says it is suspending flights to Qatar amid a growing diplomatic rift.

Emirates said on its website Monday flights would be suspended until further notice starting Tuesday.

The airline's decision comes as Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all cut diplomatic ties Monday to Qatar over its support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

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10:55 a.m.

Qatar says there is "no legitimate justification" for four Arab nations cutting diplomatic ties to it.

Qatar also says the decision is a "violation of its sovereignty," vowing to its citizens it won't affect them.

Qatar's Foreign Affairs Ministry made the statement Monday, hours after Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced it would be cutting ties to the peninsular nation.

The dispute between Qatar and the Gulf's Arab countries started over a purported hack of Qatar's state-run news agency. It has spiraled since.

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9:35 a.m.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad says it is suspending flights to Qatar amid a growing diplomatic rift.

Etihad said on its website Monday its last flights "until further notice" would leave early Tuesday morning.

Etihad gave no reason for the decision. It is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates.

The airline's decision comes as Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all cut diplomatic ties Monday to Qatar over its support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

Qatar has yet to comment on the growing crisis.

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7:10 a.m.

The United Arab Emirates and Egypt have cut diplomatic ties to Qatar.

The two countries have joined Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in cutting ties to Qatar amid a growing Arab diplomatic dispute with the small, gas-rich nation.

Both the UAE and Egypt made the announcement on their state-run news agencies within minutes of each other.

Qatari officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The dispute between Qatar and the Gulf's Arab countries started over a purported hack of Qatar's state-run news agency. It has spiraled since.

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7 a.m.

Saudi Arabia says it is cutting diplomatic ties to Qatar and it has pulled all Qatari troops from the ongoing war in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia made the announcement via its state-run Saudi Press Agency early Monday. It appeared to be timed in concert with an earlier announcement by Bahrain similarly cutting ties.

Qatar had no immediate comment.

The dispute between Qatar and the Gulf's Arab countries started over a purported hack of Qatar's state-run news agency. It has spiraled since.

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6:50 a.m.

Bahrain says it is cutting diplomatic ties to Qatar amid a deepening rift between Gulf Arab nations.

Bahrain's Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement early Monday saying it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from the Qatari capital of Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The ministry's statement said Qatari citizens needed to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. It wasn't immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the region's major long-haul carriers.

Bahrain blamed Qatar's "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.

Qatar had no immediate comment.

FILE- In this Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 file photo, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attends a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Doha, Qatar. Bahrain says it is cutting diplomatic ties to Qatar amid a deepening rift between Gulf Arab nations. (AP Photo/Osama Faisal, File)

FILE - In April 20, 2010 file photo, an Emirates airline passenger jet taxis on the tarmac at Dubai International airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Emirates said it is suspending flights to Qatar amid a growing diplomatic rift. The airline said on its website Monday, June 5, 2017, that flights would be suspended until further notice starting Tuesday. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)

FILE -- In this Aug. 3, 2015 file photo, Qatar Emir Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani waits for the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry ahead of their meeting, at Diwan Palace in Doha, Qatar. Four Arab nations have cut ties with Qatar over an escalating diplomatic battle over the country's backing of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran. (Brendan Smialowski/Pool Photo via AP, File)
SYDNEY (AP) - The top U.S. diplomat says he does not expect a growing rift between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors to degrade unity in the fight against Islamic extremists.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson tells a news conference in Sydney that the rift will have no implications for the effort against the Islamic State group.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all have announced they have cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, which hosts a key U.S. air base.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, right, and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop walk on the grounds of Government House in Sydney, where they are meeting for the 2017 Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) Monday, June 5, 2017. The annual meeting brings together the Australian ministers for foreign affairs and for defense with the U.S. secretaries of state and defense, along with senior officials from both portfolios. (Mark Metcalfe/Pool Photo via AP)

Saudi Arabia said Qatari troops would be pulled from its ongoing war in Yemen.

All the nations also said they planned to cut air and sea traffic to Qatar.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, right, and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop walk on the grounds of Government House in Sydney, where they are meeting for the 2017 Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) Monday, June 5, 2017. The annual meeting brings together the Australian ministers for foreign affairs and for defense with the U.S. secretaries of state and defense, along with senior officials from both portfolios. (Mark Metcalfe/Pool Photo via AP)
LUCKNOW, India (AP) - A bus slammed head-on into a truck in northern India early Monday, killing 22 people and injuring more than a dozen, police said.

The bus was carrying 37 passengers when it collided with the truck and caught fire near the city of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh state, said Santosh Yadav, a police officer.

Twenty-two bus passengers were killed and 15 others were injured in the accident, which took place at around 1:30 a.m., he said. The bus driver and conductor escaped with only minor scratches, while the driver of the truck was not injured.

The bodies of all 22 victims were charred badly and could not be immediately identified, Yadav said.

The bus was heading from Gonda, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, to New Delhi, India's capital.

Yadav said the bus's fuel tank exploded and caught fire after the collision, trapping the passengers inside.

India's roads are among the world's deadliest, with more than 110,000 people killed annually. Most accidents are blamed on reckless driving, poor road maintenance or aging vehicles.
PANAMA CITY (AP) - A fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted for alleged corruption in connection with the sale of state properties worth hundreds of millions of dollars was arrested in Panama and faces possible extradition, authorities said Monday.

Mexican federal prosecutors said Roberto Borge, who was governor of Quintana Roo from 2011 to 2016, was detained at the Panama City airport just as he was to board a flight to Paris.

Deputy prosecutor Alonso Israel Lira said Borge had traveled through Miami, the Bahamas, Cuba and Barcelona before arriving in Panama. He said Mexico would begin the process of seeking his extradition.

Roberto Borge, who was governor of Quintana Roo from 2011 to 2016, is escorted in handcuffs by police in Panama City, Monday, June 5, 2017. The fugitive ex-governor wanted for alleged corruption in connection with the sale of state properties worth hundreds of millions of dollars was arrested. Borge is the third ex-governor from the PRI detained this year on corruption allegations. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

Handcuffed and wearing a police vest, Borge was taken from the airport Monday to the headquarters of Panama's Judicial Investigation Directorate to be held while awaiting a decision.

Panamanian officials did not say how long that might take. Directorate deputy director Manuel Bonome said the matter was in the hands of Panamanian prosecutors.

The Caribbean coastal state of Quintana Roo is home to Cancun and other resort cities.

In February, Mexican prosecutors seized 25 parcels of state-owned land worth more than $250 million that were allegedly sold to private parties at a fraction of their market value. The sales took place during Borge's time in office, and Mexican media reports have linked the buyers to him.

Borge is the third ex-governor from President Enrique Pena Nieto's governing Institutional Revolutionary Party to be detained this year on corruption allegations.

In April, former Tamaulipas Gov. Tomas Yarrington was detained in Italy and former Veracruz Gov. Javier Duarte was arrested in Guatemala.

In December 2016, the PRI suspended Borge's party rights due to the investigation. A warrant for his capture was issued May 31, Lira said.

Roberto Borge, who was governor of Quintana Roo from 2011 to 2016, is escorted in handcuffs by police in Panama City, Monday, June 5, 2017. The fugitive ex-governor wanted for alleged corruption in connection with the sale of state properties worth hundreds of millions of dollars was arrested. Borge is the third ex-governor from the PRI detained this year on corruption allegations. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkey on Monday refused to budge on its refusal to let German lawmakers visit troops stationed at a Turkish air base, a stance that left NATO ally Germany on the verge of a likely decision to move those troops to Jordan.

Speaking after a meeting with his German counterpart that was widely viewed as the last chance to resolve an impasse over the visits, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called for "positive steps" on Turkey's requests for Germany to crack down on Kurdish rebels and alleged coup plotters.

Cavusoglu said Turkey would allow German legislators to visit a NATO base in the central province of Konya, but not Incirlik Air Base, where about 270 German troops are stationed with Tornado reconnaissance jets and a refueling plane.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, left, and Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu speak as they walk together before talks in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, June 5, 2017. Gabriel is meeting with his Turkish counterpart in an attempt to overcome an impasse over Turkey's refusal to allow German lawmakers visit troops stationed at a Turkish air base. Turkey blocked the visit to Incirlik Air Base, angered by German authorities' decision to grant asylum to soldiers Turkey accuses of participating in last year's failed coup.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

The German troops at Incirlik are part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group. German deployments abroad require parliamentary approval, and German leaders say it's essential that lawmakers be able to visit troops as they want.

Germany's defense minister said her country's Cabinet will decide Wednesday "where we relocate (the troops) and whether we relocate." She said that "we are well-prepared for a relocation."

"At the moment, a visit to Konya is possible but not to Incirlik," Cavusoglu said at a news conference with German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel. "In the future, if the conditions are there and there is normalization (a visit to) Incirlik may be possible."

"If Germany takes positive steps, we will always take two (positive) steps. But we cannot ignore the current situation," he said.

Turkey blocked the latest Incirlik visit request in anger over German authorities' decision to grant asylum to soldiers and other individuals that Turkey accuses of participating in last year's failed coup. Turkey also accuses Germany of harboring Kurdish militant groups, which it considers to be terrorists.

Relocating the troops from Incirlik appears politically inevitable after Monday's rebuff, though the timing isn't yet clear.

There is no appetite in Germany, which faces elections in September, for making concessions to the Turkish government. German officials have said that completing the transfer of the Tornados could take up to two months, though the refueling plane could be moved in two weeks.

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen recently visited a possible alternative base at Azraq in Jordan. She said Monday that the relocation would entail moving at least 200 containers and 10,000 tons of material.

Flights by German planes would have to be interrupted, "but we will do everything in our power to keep this interruption as short as possible," she told reporters in Germany.

In Ankara, Gabriel stressed that visits by parliamentarians are a requirement of the German constitution and parliamentary system, and it will not be possible for Berlin to retain troops in Incirlik under the circumstances.

Gabriel added that Berlin welcomed Turkey's decision to allow visits to Konya and that Germany did not want to escalate the tensions.

"Turkey and Germany are going through a troubled period," Gabriel said.

Ties have also been soured by the jailing in Turkey of two German journalists and by German local authorities banning planned campaign rallies by Turkish ministers earlier this year.

Cavusoglu reiterated Turkey's position that Die Welt journalist Deniz Yucel, who holds Turkish and German citizenship, was not detained for any journalistic activity, insisting that he was being prosecuted for allegedly aiding terror groups.

He also claimed that foreign intelligence agencies are using journalists for their activities.

"They have started a trend in Europe, the intelligence agencies are using journalists. Why? So that if they are caught, they can start a campaign and press for their release by claiming 'a journalist has been arrested, journalists are being jailed,'" Cavusoglu said.

___

Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, left, and Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu speak as they walk together before talks in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, June 5, 2017. Gabriel is meeting with his Turkish counterpart in an attempt to overcome an impasse over Turkey's refusal to allow German lawmakers visit troops stationed at a Turkish air base. Turkey blocked the visit to Incirlik Air Base, angered by German authorities' decision to grant asylum to soldiers Turkey accuses of participating in last year's failed coup.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, left, and Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu walk together before talks in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, June 5, 2017. Gabriel is meeting with his Turkish counterpart in an attempt to overcome an impasse over Turkey's refusal to allow German lawmakers visit troops stationed at a Turkish air base. Turkey blocked the visit to Incirlik Air Base, angered by German authorities' decision to grant asylum to soldiers Turkey accuses of participating in last year's failed coup. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
Opinion / Columnist

This year's Africa Day celebrations, which must ideally continue well after May 25, should recognise President Mugabe's political and economic teachings.Just like Marx, Lenin and Mao Zedong, his ideals will affect the development of many generations to come in Africa and the Third World at large. Successful revolutions have been driven by unflinching leaders and ideas. President Mugabe has such leadership accompanied by a credible ideology. His Statesmanship has been fundamentally shaped by the yearning to emancipate humanity.His teachings, just like Nkrumah's and Garvey's, are the cornerstone of a progressively reconstructive African political and economic renaissance. According to Mugabeism, no people can develop without total sovereignty. This total sovereignty entails political and economic freedom guaranteed by unquestionable ownership of the means of production (agrarian land) and all other God-given resources of their native country.China, the global economic and military giant, was born out of Chairman Mao's radical ideas and tough initiatives. But Maoism did not thrive in China just overnight. Crucial nationalisation measures, apart from facing bitter opposition from the West, also faced stubborn resistance from within his own country. Commanders like Peng Dehuai and Lin Biao with the assistance of his son, Tiger, even plotted to assassinate Chairman Mao.Given the fact that this ambitious and rigorous period caused immense sacrificial suffering among the general populace, very few Chinese who lived through the Cultural Revolution had visions of modern China. Some people in our midst cannot see beyond today's challenges. The economic concept premised around politics of "total sovereignty first" as espoused by President Mugabe has been the automotive by which developed nations have reached their modern status.These countries made a lot of sacrifices along the path to progress. Many patriotic generations suffered under the treadmill of industrialisation so that the West could boast of being mighty. The Napoleonic wars and the First and Second World Wars were fought over sovereignty. The Americans, Russians and Chinese are world powers today because they jealously guarded their sovereignty at a time when it was seriously threatened.Black American civil rights activist Coltran Chimurenga once remarked to this writer, "No weapons of mass destruction can take out Mugabe's enunciation of the African creed. In his DNA, we can see the fulfilment of Garvey's dream. Our brothers here are blessed with a great leader." The forward-looking economic indigenisation programme has been a milestone in Africa, a continent that has been economically subdued for centuries.Mugabeism is the philosophy that has evolved around the practices and teachings of the President since the early years of mass nationalism. It is not an unfounded myth on the fabric of our memories, but a real life experience of our times. Realisation of our history and traditional identity is of paramount importance before we undertake the construction of our future. Progress without realisation of the importance of our sovereignty would be make-believe, and would be lost before half a century; just as what happened to the now languishing Libyans.Our Libyan brothers can never again achieve an economically egalitarian society unless they begin to uphold and implement the ideals of the Jamahiriya. But Mugabeism is our only path. Saviour Kasukuwere, as Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Minister, once corroborated this assertion in an interview with New African magazine, saying: "There is one thing nobody can take away now: His ideas. They are going to be with us forever. Mugabe is the founder of our nation, his ideas and values are well understood by Zimbabweans, and because of that, whatever we are doing and whatever generations will do after many of us have departed this world, including the President, will not stray, off course."What makes China today is Maoism, the philosophy that Mao Zedong espoused and what he stood for. It remains the same. What President Mugabe is saying is far-reaching; it is wider than our nation. It is an African story. It is what Kwame Nkrumah stood for.''Even businessman Mr Mutumwa Mawere, who is known to be caustic about President Mugabe's Zanu-PF party and Government, cannot deny the Zimbabwean leader's place in the pantheon of great statesmen: ''He has emerged as a strong voice of the excluded in the world.''
SINGAPORE (AP) - A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves:

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a weekly look at the latest developments in the South China Sea, the location of several territorial conflicts that have raised tensions in the region.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, center, shakes hands with South Korea's Minister of Defense Han Minkoo, left, and Japan's Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada, right, ahead of a trilateral meeting at the 2017 International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-la Dialogue, an annual defense and security forum in Asia, on Saturday, June 3, 2017 in Singapore. (AP Photo/Joseph Nair)

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JOINT PATROLS IN SULU SEA TO TARGET ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS

Officials say 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.

The patrols will be conducted by forces from Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, with sea operations beginning this month 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 Sunday. It will feature joint command posts and exercises between the three countries' 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."

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.

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MATTIS SAYS U.S. STAYING THE COURSE ON POLICY TOWARD ASIA

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says the Trump administration is aiming for continuity in its policies toward Asia, sticking broadly with the approach its predecessors have taken by emphasizing diplomacy and cooperation with allies.

In a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, Mattis sought to balance hopeful comments on China with sharp criticism of what he called Beijing's 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."

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 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."

On Friday, Mattis spoke to reporters aboard his plane about "reinforcing the international order" while seeking a "peaceful, prosperous and free Asia"- echoing traditional U.S. policy goals.

President Donald Trump raised doubts in Asia when he took office following a campaign in which he sharply criticized Japan and South Korea for not pulling their weight as treaty allies. So far, however, the administration has been more supportive.

China on Sunday responded by reasserting its claim to sovereignty over the Spratly island group in the South China Sea and denouncing Mattis' comments as "irresponsible."

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in comments posted on the ministry's website that China was achieving success in reaching agreements and lowering tensions with other countries in the region.

Last month, China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to a draft framework on a code of conduct to reduce the possibility of conflicts between nations claiming territory in the South China Sea.

While China says almost the entire South China Sea belongs to it, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia also exercise claims in the area.

___

Associated Press writers Annabelle Liang and Robert Burns contributed to this report.
Advertisement

A dilapidated block of homes in Baltimore has been demolished as part of a $94million project to tear down a chunk of the 17,000 abandoned homes in the neighborhood.

More than 800 crumbling homes have already been razed and this section of Herbert Street in West Baltimore is the latest to be reduced to rubble.

The homes - many of which are riddled with asbestos and lead paint - have come to symbolize the deep social divide in Baltimore.

Roofs have caved in on the abandoned rowhomes, boards are fastened to the doors and window frames and the streets are littered with garbage.

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This dilapidated block of homes on Herbert Street in Baltimore has been demolished as part of a $94million project to tear down a chunk of the 17,000 abandoned homes in the neighborhood

The homes are riddled with asbestos and lead paint and have come to symbolize the deep social divide in Baltimore

Salim Sadiki, 71, grew up on Herbert Street and he visited his childhood neighborhood before it was recently torn down.

Sitting on a crumbling stoop, Sadiki said the block looked nothing like it did when he was a boy. His father's old home was filled with debris, trash from squatters, and peeling paint.

'I don't see the broken windows and the sagging porches, I see it the way it was,' Sadiki said.

'Once these buildings are gone, it'll be a huge erasure of my history. This whole thing, seeing it erased like this, really saddens me. But nothing lasts forever, it had to go sometime.'

He watched on as the home where he lived with his mother and the house just three doors down where his father moved when his parents split up was demolished.

Some of the homes still had bathtubs, mirrors, furniture and crosses nailed to the wall.

Roofs have caved in on the abandoned, boards are fastened to the doors and window frames and the streets are littered with garbage

More than 800 crumbling homes have already been razed and this section of Herbert Street in West Baltimore is the latest to be reduced to rubble

Salim Sadiki, 71, grew up on Herbert Street and he watched on as his childhood neighborhood was recently torn down

The area where the homes once stood will be turned into green space for now, but could later become a laundry, supermarket or community center for neighborhood children

Sadiki, who was sentimental, said he understood the power of a clean slate.

Three years ago, he was released from prison after nearly four decades behind bars. He was one of more than 100 prisoners freed because of faulty jury instructions. He had been convicted of rape at 37.

Returning to the block where he came of age was a bucket-list item he thought he'd never check off.

'I'm not sure I've grown or evolved exactly the way I would have liked,' he said. 'But the person I am now, I'm satisfied. I've outlived a whole lot of people and I did have the opportunity to retrace my footsteps back into my boyhood, and that is important.'

For now, the area where he once lived will be turned into green space. But the lot could someday be a laundry, a supermarket, a community center for neighborhood children.

The street is part of Project CORE - a $94million initiative to raze a chunk of the 17,000 vacant houses.

The rowhomes, pictured prior to demolition, had been abandoned for many years. Many of the homes had boards fastened to the doors and window frames

Herbert Street is part of Project CORE - a $94 million initiative to raze a chunk of the 17,000 vacant houses

The debris from the homes will be carted to the landfill, the earth turned and prepared for its next phase of life

Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan unveiled the project in 2016 - eight months after Freddie Gray's death in police custody thrust the city into chaos.

The young black man's death prompted protests and civil unrest over the treatment of African Americans by police here.

Swaths of West Baltimore, pocked with the vacant, crumbling homes, burned.

A US Justice Department investigation found discriminatory and abusive policing practices, and resulted in an agreement enforced by a federal judge to overhaul the department.

The unrest also shed light on systemic failures that go beyond the police: inadequate access to quality education and job training, racially segregated neighborhoods.

'Fixing what is broken in Baltimore requires that we address the sea of abandoned, dilapidated buildings infecting entire neighborhoods,' Hogan said.

Grassy spaces have already opened in West Baltimore where some of the dilapidated buildings used to be.

Construction workers demolished this abandoned row house in Baltimore back in April

Vegetation could be seen clinging to some of the homes abandoned by families several years ago

The homes that once stood on Herbert Street in West Baltimore were quickly reduced to rubble
WASHINGTON (AP) - Energy Secretary Rick Perry has emerged as a strong defender of the department's work even though he once proposed closing it.

Perry has been especially protective of the 17 national labs that conduct cutting-edge research on everything from national security to renewable energy. He's visited several labs since taking office and has praised staff for "making a difference."

Perry will have a chance to back up those words. He and other administration officials will be called on to defend a proposal that slashes funding for science, renewables and energy efficiency.

FILE - In this April 10, 2017 file photo, Energy Secretary Rick Perry speaks with a woman ahead of a G7 Energy meeting in Rome. Since becoming President Donald Trump's energy secretary, Perry has kept a low profile and rarely has been seen publicly around Washington. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

The energy chief expects the proposal to see significant changes in Congress. He says he hopes to make the argument to lawmakers that the Energy Department plays a vital role in America's security and its economic well-being.

FILE - In this April 21, 2017 file photo, Energy Rick Perry speaks to reporters at an Earth Day display at Fair Park in Dallas. Since becoming President Donald Trump's energy secretary, Perry has kept a low profile and rarely has been seen publicly around Washington. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House insists that plans for President Donald Trump's border wall are on track despite resistance from Congress. What it's not saying is how it envisions the wall these days.

Trump's promise to build a "big beautiful wall" and have Mexico pay for it was a campaign rallying cry. It conjured images of an imposing structure spanning the 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) of America's southern border, too tall and strong for foreigners to dare cross illegally.

But since Trump took office, his top aides have made clear that's not on their drawing boards. It won't be "from sea to shining sea," Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told lawmakers.

FILE - In this April 15, 2016, file photo, a Donald Trump supporter flexes his muscles with the words "Build The Wall" written on them as then-Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Candidate Donald Trump's promise to build a "big, beautiful wall" on the Mexican border conjured images of an inpenetrable structure spanning 2,000 miles. Trump still insists he'll build the wall, but his top aides have made clear it won't be "from sea to shining sea." (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)

So how long will it be? And how much of it will be a thick new wall as opposed to patching up existing fences and other measures? The answers aren't clear.

A look at what is known about the state of the wall.

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WHAT CANDIDATE TRUMP SAID ABOUT THE WALL

From the start of his campaign, Trump said building a wall at the Mexican border and having Mexico pay for it was a priority. His campaign website said his administration would "begin working on an impenetrable physical wall on the southern border on day one."

Trump never specified exactly what he wanted, but his words suggested a wall stretching from Brownsville, Texas, on the eastern end of the border, to San Diego at the western end.

At times he suggested the wall would be at least 30 feet (9 meters) high, even promising to add an extra 10 feet (3 meters) after former Mexican President Vicente Fox used an expletive to say that Mexico wouldn't pay for the program.

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WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION SAYS ABOUT THE WALL NOW

Days after taking office on Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order calling for a "physical wall along the southern border." But the order didn't include specific details or say how it would be funded or how much it might cost.

In recent months, leaders of the departments that will have the biggest roles in whatever is built have hedged their boss' campaign comments.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke acknowledged in March some of the complications a border-long wall would face. He said physical and geographic challenges would make building a wall "complex in some areas," including along parts of the Rio Grande and in a remote and mountainous national park in Texas.

Officials from the Homeland Security Department, which is overseeing bids for the wall, have said repeatedly they don't know yet the length of the wall the administration will ultimately want to build or how much it will cost.

Kelly has said the administration wants to start by building at least 74 miles (119 kilometers) of wall in Texas and near San Diego, though 14 miles (23 kilometers) of that construction would be a replacement for fencing that's been in place for years.

He has said new construction will be planned for areas where border officials say it's most needed. He told a Senate budget panel last month that some of the new construction may be a see-through fence, similar to barriers built by the Bush and Obama administrations.

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PAYING FOR THE WALL

Mexican officials have flatly rejected paying for the wall. U.S. lawmakers haven't been enthusiastic about paying for it either.

Trump's request for $2.6 billion to start the work on an unspecified stretch of border wall was swiftly denied as Congress approved a spending package to keep the government running through the end of the current budget year in September.

Instead lawmakers approved $772 million for border security, including the upkeep and planned replacement of old stretches of border fencing, some built almost two decades ago. Still, the administration promoted this as major progress toward building the wall.

Trump's first full budget request, which would fund the government for the 2018 budget year, asks for $1.6 billion to pay for roughly 60 miles (95 kilometers) of new wall along two stretches of the border in South Texas and 14 miles (23 kilometers) of wall to replace fencing near San Diego.

It's unclear whether Congress will approve that request. Democrats and some Republicans have questioned the need for new barriers as arrests of people caught sneaking across the border fall to record lows.

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CURRENT CONSTRUCTION

There is a flurry of construction going on at the Mexican border. To the naked eye, it looks like Trump's wall is underway. But it's not.

The fencing being built along brief stretches of border in Sunland Park, New Mexico, and Naco, Arizona, is part of a long-planned effort to replace old chain-link fencing that in some cases is decades old.

Later this summer, construction is expected to start on prototypes of new kinds of walls, both see-through and solid, in San Diego. The Homeland Security Department has enough money in its current budget to pay for the prototypes, but nothing more.

The government is expected to pick companies to build the prototypes next month.

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Online:

Interactive on deportations: http://interactives.ap.org/2017/immigration

___

Follow Alicia A. Caldwell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/acaldwellap

FILE - In this March 2, 2016 file photo, a family looks towards metal bars marking the U.S. border where it meets the Pacific Ocean, in Tijuana, Mexico. Candidate Donald Trump's promise to build a "big, beautiful wall" on the Mexican border conjured images of an inpenetrable structure spanning 2,000 miles. Trump still insists he'll build the wall, but his top aides have made clear it won't be "from sea to shining sea." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump said Monday that the nation's air traffic control system needed a modern makeover and urged Congress to approve a privatization plan that he said would increase safety and reduce wait times for passengers.

Dismissing the current system as an anachronism, Trump said the air traffic control operations needed to be separated from the Federal Aviation Administration, an approach that U.S. airlines have long championed. But opponents worry that the plan, which would require congressional approval, will give too much power to the airline industries.

"We live in a modern age yet our air traffic control system is stuck, painfully, in the past," Trump said, noting the FAA had been working to upgrade the system for years. "But after billions and billions of tax dollars spent and the many years of delays, we're still stuck with an ancient, broken, antiquated, horrible system that doesn't work."

President Donald Trump speaks at a Air Traffic Control Reform Initiative announcement in the East Room at the White House, Monday, June 5, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Trump added with a touch of humor, "Other than that, it's quite good."

The businessman-turned-president's push to privatize the system came as the airline industry and regulators have managed an extensive period of safety in the skies - there hasn't been a fatal crash of a domestic airliner in the U.S. in eight years.

Trump chose to make the case to privatize the system at the start of a week focused on repairing the nation's infrastructure of roads, bridges and airports. But his message was overshadowed by his earlier commentary on Twitter, in which he assailed the mayor of London after the city's terror attack and criticized his own Justice Department's handling of his proposed travel ban.

There are about 50,000 airline and other aircraft flights a day in the United States. Both sides of the privatization debate say the system is one of the most complex and safest in the world. Even under a congressional privatization plan, the FAA would continue to provide safety oversight of the system.

As he pushed for the changes, Trump was flanked by three former U.S. transportation secretaries who served under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush: Elizabeth Dole, James Burnley and Mary Peters.

The president's team invited several Republican members of Congress, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, airline industry executives, union members and others to the event in the East Room.

Creating the impression of a bill signing, Trump was surrounded by the lawmakers after his remarks as he signed a decision memo and a letter to Congress outlining his principles for the air traffic control plan.

But winning congressional approval could still be an uphill battle for Trump. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said the plan was likely to raise costs for consumers and hurt small airports. "All but our largest airports nationwide stand to be hurt by this proposal," Moran said.

Democrats have largely opposed the changes, warning that airline interests would dominate the proposed board, overseeing an estimated 300 air traffic facilities and around 30,000 employees.

Democrats have also pointed to the unprecedented safety under the current system and noted repeated computer system failures in recent years by U.S. airlines, questioning whether they are ready to handle complex technology modernizations.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California pointed to past opposition from both parties to privatization plans, saying it would "hand control of one of our nation's most important public assets to special interests and the big airlines."

Business aircraft operators, private pilots and non-hub airports have also expressed concerns they may pay more and receive less service under a private corporation.

U.S. airlines have lobbied to separate air traffic control from the FAA for two decades and Trump's budget plan released earlier this year called for the changes, placing air traffic operations under an "independent, non-governmental organization."

White House officials said the new entity would be overseen by a 13-member board that will include members from the airline industry, unions, general aviation, airports and other stakeholders.

Airlines contend the FAA's NextGen program to modernize the air traffic system is taking too long and has produced too few benefits. The changes would involve moving from the current system, based on radar and voice communications, to one based on satellite navigation and digital communications.

"The president's leadership means that we can look forward to legislation that gets government out of the way so we can modernize for the future and maintain our global leadership in aviation," said Nicholas Calio, president of Airlines for America, which represents American, United, Southwest and others.

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Associated Press writers Joan Lowy and David Koenig contributed to this report.

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On Twitter follow Ken Thomas at https://twitter.com/KThomasDC

President Donald Trump signs a decision memo and a letter to members of Congress outlining the principles of his plan to privatize the nation's air traffic control system in the East Room at the White House, Monday, June 5, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump signs a decision memo and a letter to members of Congress outlining the principles of his plan to privatize the nation's air traffic control system in the East Room at the White House, Monday, June 5, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., holds up papers slips used in air traffic control in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, June 5, 2017, during a ceremony to announce the Air Traffic Control Reform Initiative. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkish authorities say U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is blamed for last year's coup, will lose his Turkish citizenship if he fails to return to Turkey within three months.

In a decision printed in the Official Gazette on Monday, the Interior Ministry named Gulen among 130 people wanted by authorities and who risk being stripped of their citizenship unless they return.

The group also includes two legislators from Turkey's pro-Kurdish party, Faysal Sariyildiz and Tugba Hezer, who face terrorism-related charges in Turkey and are believed to be in Europe.

They face a possible loss of benefits if they are stripped of citizenship. Gulen, a U.S. resident, likely would feel little impact from losing citizenship.

Gulen has denied Turkish accusations of orchestrating the failed military coup and wants him extradited.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - A South Korean civic group which offered to provide anti-malarial supplies to North Korea said Monday the North has rejected its proposal because of the South's support of new U.N. sanctions.

The rejection could complicate efforts by South Korea's new liberal President Moon Jae-in to expand civilian exchanges with North Korea as a way to improve strained bilateral ties. All major cooperation programs between the rivals remain stalled amid an international standoff over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

In late May, Moon's government allowed the Seoul-based Korean Sharing Movement to contact North Korea. It was the South Korean government's first approval of cross-border civilian exchanges since January 2016.

FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2016 file photo, a girl uses binoculars to watch the North side at the Imjingak Pavilion near the border village of Panmunjom, which has separated the two Koreas since the Korean War, in Paju, South Korea. A South Korean civic group said Monday, June 5, 2017, that North Korea has rejected its offer to provide anti-malaria supplies to protest Seoul's support of fresh U.N. sanctions on the country. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man. File)

The civic group subsequently exchanged emails with North Korea and proposed to deliver anti-malarial items such as insecticides, diagnostic kits and mosquito repellant to North Korea this week, according to group official Hong Sang-young.

But North Korea told his organization on Monday that it won't allow the visit because of U.N. sanctions against the North adopted last week that South Korea has vowed to implement, Hong said.

Despite the lack of South Korean assistance, North Korea has in recent years reported declining cases of malaria thanks largely to anti-malarial aid programs by international organizations. According to World Health Organization records, North Korea had 21,850 malaria cases in 2012 and 7,010 in 2015.

The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously last Friday to add 15 individuals and four entities linked to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs to a U.N. sanctions blacklist. It is unclear how much the new U.N. sanctions will hurt North Korea, which is already under multiple rounds of U.N. and other international sanctions.

Since Moon's May 10 inauguration, North Korea has test-fired three ballistic missiles in an apparent show of its resolve to expand its weapons arsenal to cope with what it calls U.S. hostility. Moon's government has said it will consider expanding civilian exchanges with North Korea, while sternly dealing with its missile and other weapons tests.

North Korea is pushing hard to build a nuclear-tipped missile that can reach the continental United States.
BAGHDAD (AP) - Mosul's children are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between U.S.-backed government forces and the Islamic State group in the city's western half, the United Nations children's agency warned on Monday.

Iraqi forces are in their last push to drive IS militants from the remaining pockets of territory they still hold in the Old City where narrow streets and a dense civilian population are complicating the fight.

The UNICEF Representative in Iraq, Peter Hawkins, said the agency is receiving "alarming reports" of civilians being killed, including children, with some caught in the crossfire while trying to flee.

FILE- In this Friday, March 31, 2017 file photo, children wait as their mother collects food being distributed in a neighborhood recently retaken by Iraqi security forces during fighting against Islamic State militants on the western side of in Mosul, Iraq. Mosul's children are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between U.S.-backed government forces and the Islamic State group in the city's western half, the United Nations children's agency warned on Monday, June 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File)

Hawkins didn't give a specific number for killed children.

He estimated that 100,000 girls and boys are still in the IS-held Old City neighborhood and other areas, living under extremely dangerous conditions. He called on the warring parties to "protect the children and keep them out of harm's way at all times, in line with their obligations under humanitarian law."

"Children's lives are on the line. Children are being killed, injured and used as human shields. Children are experiencing and witnessing terrible violence that no human being should ever witness," he said in a statement. "In some cases, they have been forced to participate in the fighting and violence," he added.

Backed by the U.S.-led international coalition, Iraq last October launched a wide-scale military offensive to recapture Mosul and the surrounding areas, with various Iraqi military, police and paramilitary forces taking part in the operation. The city's eastern half was declared liberated in January, and the push for the city's western section, separated from the east by the Tigris River, began the following month.

Meanwhile, an international human rights group reported Monday that at least 26 bodies of "blindfolded and handcuffed" men were found in government-controlled areas and around Mosul since the operation started.

Human Rights Watch said local armed forces told foreign journalists that in 15 of the cases the men were extra-judicially killed by government forces who were holding them on suspicion of being affiliated with the IS.

HRW added that in the remaining cases, that were reported by local and international sources, the sites of the apparent executions all in government held territory raise concerns about government responsibility for the killings.

"The bodies of bound and blindfolded men are being found one after the other in and around Mosul and in the Tigris River, raising serious concerns about extrajudicial killings by government forces," said Lama Fakih, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "The lack of any apparent government action to investigate these deaths undermines the government's statements on protecting detainee rights."

Extrajudicial executions during an armed conflict are war crimes and if widespread or systematic, carried out as part of policy, would constitute crimes against humanity, it said.

Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul fell to IS in the summer of 2014 as the militants swept over much of the country's north and central areas. Weeks later the head of the Sunni extremist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announced the formation of a self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque.

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Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed from Beirut, Lebanon.

FILE -- In this May 18, 2017 file photo, a child sleeps on his mother's shoulder after a perilous journey on foot to flee heavy fighting in their neighborhood between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants, at a processing center in west Mosul, Iraq.The U.N. children's agency, UNICEF, warned Monday, June 5, 2017, that the children in Mosul are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between U.S.-backed government forces and IS in the city's western half. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

FILE -- in this Friday, May 5, 2017 file photo, a child cries onboard a ferry crossing the Tigris River, in Mosul, Iraq. The U.N. children's agency, UNICEF, warned Monday, June 5, 2017, that the children in Mosul are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between U.S.-backed government forces and IS in the city's western half. (AP Photo/Bram Janssen, File)

FILE -- In this May 17, 2017 file photo, a girl with a shaved head and her father cry as the family flees the al-Rifai neighborhood while Iraqi special forces battle Islamic State militants in western Mosul, Iraq. The U.N. children's agency, UNICEF, warned Monday, June 5, 2017, that the children in Mosul are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between U.S.-backed government forces and IS in the city's western half. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)
BEIJING (AP) - Eight people have been killed and five injured in an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in eastern China's Shandong province.

The official Xinhua News Agency said the accident was triggered by an explosion of a liquefied gas tanker in a loading area at the Linyi Jinyu Petrochemical Co. plant at about 1 a.m. Monday.

The blast set ablaze several fuel storage tanks at the site in the Lingang Economic Zone in the city of Linyi. Nearby areas were evacuated.

The plant's owner was later detained by police and the injured were taken to a local hospital.

The Lingang Economic Zone said in a statement posted to the internet that the fire was extinguished Monday afternoon after more than 900 firefighters responded.
Opinion / Columnist

President Robert Mugabe often presents himself as a clean politician who abhors corruption, but latest developments in his government have once again stoked accusations that the veteran ruler does not practise what he teaches when it comes to graft.Mugabe a fortnight ago defied public sentiment and moved then Mines and Mining Development permanent secretary, Francis Gudyanga to the Higher and Tertiary Education portfolio after the senior civil servant was accused of embezzling $400 000 from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ).Gudyanga is accused of presiding over numerous acts of corruption during his tenure at the Mines ministry.According to court documents in a trial involving senior MMCZ executives, Gudyanga is said to have fraudulently received $23 128 in allowances from MMCZ coffers as a sole board member, while he reportedly used money from the corporation to pay for his irrigation equipment worth $40 000, among other allegations.The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines had recommended that Gudyanga must be fired for his role in the alleged scandals.In their recent report, the committee said Gudyanga must be removed from the public service within a month of reports of corruption in which he was named.But Mugabe ignored the calls, moving Gudyanga to another portfolio instead.The move was part of a reshuffle of permanent secretaries, which also affected another top civil servant facing corruption charges, former Transport permanent secretary Munesu Munodawafa.Munodowafa is facing allegations of corruption involving over $300 000 after he was linked to abuse of funds at Air Zimbabwe.Mugabe shunted the former National Railways of Zimbabwe boss to the Mines ministry.James Maridadi, a legislator and chairperson of the Zimbabwe chapter of the African Parliamentarians Network against Corruption (Apnac) attributed continued looting of state resources and corruption in the country to a culture of impunity and lack of political will to deal with the culprits."The problem is the system of patronage which we have in the country which breeds entitlement, and entitlement in turn, breeds impunity," he said."We have a government where corrupt ministers and secretaries are recycled despite being named in graft."They continue looting and know that being in government is a haven for corruption."Maridadi said the three arms of state, the executive, judiciary and legislature, have an obligation to end corruption although each one has a different role.But, he added, the weakest link in doing so had been the executive which was protecting instead of arresting its members found to be involved in corruption."The chain is as strong as its weakest links, and in this chain it is the executive that is mostly not playing its role. The DNA of government is corruption and that is why they are failing to stop it," said Maridadi.He said Mugabe was the biggest culprit for failing to rein in his corrupt lieutenants.Speaking at a dialogue organised by Information for Development Trust (IDT) in early April this year, MDC-T MP and former deputy justice minister, Jessie Majome said the absence of constitutionalism was a key factor that was driving corruption."The Constitution has many provisions that can be used to effectively fight corruption," she said."Unfortunately, those provisions are not being matched by action as the elite is not following what the Constitution dictates."A recent Business Anti-Corruption Portal report also complained that relevant authorities were failing to use available legal instruments to fight graft."The Constitution offers a guide for appropriate conduct for public officers and the civil service, while the Prevention of Corruption Act criminalises active and passive bribery, extortion, and money laundering in the public and private sector. Zimbabwe also ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption," reads the report.Anti-corruption analysts said corruption continued to permeate Zimbabwe because of a culture of impunity among government leaders towards the plague, which has milked the country of billions of dollars.Several cases of corruption in government and the private sector have been exposed by Parliament, the auditor general, anti-corruption organisations like Transparency International Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc).Media initiatives, among them IDT which is currently investigating public sector corruption in collaboration with The Standard, have also exposed high-level graft and bad governance that cost the country billions of dollars.Corruption-ridden sectors in Zimbabwe include tax administration. According to the Afrobarometer report released in October 2015, there is a high risk of encountering corruption in tax administration where about 40% of Zimbabweans perceive the officials to be corrupt.This is in addition to the natural resources sector, especially diamond mining, where senior government officials, securocrats, political proxies and mining company representatives have siphoned billions of dollars that are yet to be accounted for.Recently, Gudyanga refused to answer questions in court relating to the MMCZ case, insisting that he must withhold information he regarded as classified and Mines minister Walter Chidhakwa defended him.There is also high-level corruption in customs administration and public procurement where the flouting of tenders is common, in addition to the police, local government officials and public health departments.Other recent cases of corruption are the $500 000 Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund scandal where Higher and Tertiary Education minister, Jonathan Moyo and his deputy, Godfrey Gandawa were implicated, the $1,2 million graft case involving two Zinara officials Moses Juma and Davison Norupiri who allegedly flouted tender procedures and the $40 million looting of the Youth Development Fund.MPs have also been fingered in serious cases of corruption, with a recent report by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government chaired by Irene Zindi exposing Chitungwiza South MP Christopher Chigumba as an alleged notorious land baron.Chigumba has not been charged and sits in the National Assembly.Harare East MP Terrence Mukupe is embroiled in a tax evasion scam where some fuel tankers he was transporting were found to be filled with water.In its 2016 annual report, Zacc complained of massive political interference."In the period under review [2016], Zacc investigated a number of corruption cases, large and complex involving high profile figures, including Cabinet ministers, as a result of public reports, information, inquiries. There were incidences of political interference, including threats by ministers against Zacc officers. This compromises investigations and puts the life of officers in real danger," reads the Zacc report.In one incident demonstrating elite political interference, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko stormed Avondale Police Station in Harare last year and ordered the release of Zinara executives, Norupiri and Juma, who had been arrested through Zacc for alleged corruption at the roads administration.The two officials have been accused of using Zinara money to fund Mphoko's and first lady, Grace Mugabe's populist donations to people in some parts of the country.Another example is the 2013 scandal where Zacc officers who wanted to search for documents at the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Corporation (Nieeb) offices were stopped by top politicians.At one time, the judiciary was also accused of frustrating Zacc investigations when the High Court stopped the search of Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation and Zinara offices.The Zacc officers were turned away by heavily armed police amid strong suspicion that ministers were also involved in the scandals.TIZ board chairperson, Loughty Dube, said there was "serious lack of political will" to combat corruption."The lack of political will is at the top that then cascades to lower structures. There is nothing being done to deal with corruption at a higher level," he said."There is also lack of capacity for Zacc to deal with corruption. Government must come up with policies to make it impossible for political bigwigs to interfere with Zacc investigations."In 2016, a TIZ report said Zimbabwe was losing at least $1 billion annually to corruption, with police and local government officials being among the worst offenders.Mugabe also shielded a number of politicians who were fingered in Zimbabwe's first major corruption scandal, Willowgate, where ministers bought cars at heavily subsidised prices for resale.The late Enos Nkala, a Zanu-PF founder member and close friend of the president, was even buried at the Heroes Acre despite being identified as one of the people that were at the centre of the scandal.Top Zanu-PF and government officials have since been linked to several scandals, including the abuse of the War Veterans Compensation Fund and looting of a housing scheme for civil servants, but no high-profile politician has served time for corruption.
MOSCOW (AP) - A Moscow court on Monday convicted the director of a Ukrainian library of inciting ethnic hatred to Russians and imposed a four-year suspended sentence.

Natalya Sharina was first detained in October 2015 in the latest twist of the stand-off between Russia and Ukraine after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and threw its weight behind separatist rebels in Ukraine's east. She spent a night in jail before she was put under house arrest.

The Library of Ukrainian Literature stocks titles in Russian and Ukrainian, and gets funding from the Moscow city budget.

Natalya Sharina, the director of a Ukrainian library, poses for the media in a court room, after the court has convicted her of inciting ethnic hatred to Russians and imposed a four-year suspended sentence, in Moscow, Russia, Monday June 5, 2017. Sharina was first detained in October 15 in the latest twist of the stand-off between Russia and Ukraine after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and threw its weight behind separatist rebels in Ukraine's east. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

The court on Monday found Sharina guilty of breaking the law on extremism because her library stocked books by nationalist activist Dmytro Korchynsky, which are banned in Russia. Sharina had pleaded not guilty and said the books had been planted in the library. The Ukrainian government dismissed the trial as a political witch-hunt.

Amnesty International said in a statement on Monday that the prosecution in Sharina's case "exploited the highly charged anti-Ukrainian atmosphere that is prevalent in Russia at the moment" and dismissed key evidence for the defense.

The official historic narratives of Russia and Ukraine clash on a number of issues including the participation of Ukrainian nationalist partisans in World War II when some of them joined the occupying Nazi forces in western Ukraine in order to fight Soviet troops in their declared fight for independence.
MTV is returning to the Jersey Shore for a reboot of a 1990s fan favorite.

It has been more than a decade since MTV Beach House, the celebrity-packed beach party show, which debuted in 1993 as an hour-long music video block hosted by Bill Bellamy, last filmed in New Jersey.

The show was a summer staple, attracting A-listers such as Will Smith, Beyonce and Kylie, until it went off air in the 2000s.

Now, the Beach House is back with a 2017 reboot described as catering to 'a new generation of fans'.

MTV is returning to the Jersey Shore for a reboot of a 1990s fan favorite. The last big show to be set at the location was Jersey Shore (pictured is the cast in 2009) which is not being renewed

MTV is returning to the Jersey Shore for a reboot of a fan favorite (pictured are Will Smith and Carson Daly at the Beach House in 2002)

The show became a summer staple in the 1990s and early 2000s, attracting A listers such as Will Smith, Beyonce and Kylie (pictured)

Now, the Beach House is back with a 2017 reboot described as catering to 'a new generation of fans' (pictured is former host Carson Daly at the New Jersey 2002 event)

It will be hosted Girl Code's Nessa, Teen Wolf's Cody Christian and Chico Bean of 'Wild 'n Out.'

Filming kicks off at a house in the Loveladies section of Long Beach Township, in New Jersey, on Thursday, with a free beach party - featuring MisterWives and Kyle - and local press report it should be wrapped up within a week.

'Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook Live didn't even exist when we last opened the MTV Beach House as the ultimate summer hangout for our audience 14 years ago,' said Matthew Newcomb, Vice President, Integrated Marketing, MTV.

Sponsors Mountain Dew Spiked Lemonade said that 'bringing back the MTV Beach House is one of those can't miss moments we love to bring to DEW Nation.'

MTV Beach House' is music-based rather than the drama associated with the 'Jersey Shore' reality show taped in Seaside Heights, which debuted in 2009 (pictured are Jersey Shore stars Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino and Nicole Snooki Polizzi, together in 2010)

Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino (left) and Nicole Snooki Polizzi were propelled to fame after starring in Jersey Shore

The show, which began in 2009 and ran til 2012, was accused by many of portraying the state in an unfair light (Jersey Shore cast members arrive at the 2010 Golden Globes Nominees and Presenters Day two in Los Angeles, California)

'MTV Beach House' is music-based rather than the drama associated with the 'Jersey Shore' reality show taped in Seaside Heights, which debuted in 2009.

The show, which began in 2009 and ran til 2012, was accused by many of portraying the state in an unfair light, while New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie went as far as to brand it an 'embarrassment.'

Borough administrator Christopher Vaz said earlier this year the town is trying to move beyond the raunchy image that 'Jersey Shore' showed.

'It's fine that Snooki and the guys aren't coming down because there's nothing for them to do here,' Loveladies homeowner Michael Dzielak, told App.com. 'There's no place for them to get drunk and cause mayhem. It sounds like a nice gig for the artists. I'm curious to see how this plays out.'

Filming kicks off at a house in the Loveladies section of Long Beach Township, in New Jersey, (pictured )

Hundreds of people attended the MTV Beach House in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, in 2002,

An MTV spokesman says no one from MTV or the production company will be living at the house.

The channel has a long history of shows filmed at Jersey Shore, from the music-based TRL to reality shows such as True Life: I Have A Summer Share, True Life: I'm a Jersey Shore Girl in 2004, and, of course, the notorious Jersey Shore.

Jersey Shore spin-off Snooki and JWoww was filmed nearby while MTV were filmed for an 'Unplugged' gig in Asbury Park in March.

MTV has also announced it is releasing a reboot of Cribs, the hugely popular series that took cameras on tour through celebrities' homes, for Snapchat.

Will Smith performed during a special taping of TRL Presents: Will Smith Back in Black at the MTV Beach House in Seaside Heights
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) - Maldives has announced it is severing diplomatic ties with Qatar over its alleged support for Islamist groups.

It joined Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday and began withdrawing its diplomatic staff.

The foreign ministry said in a statement that Maldives has pursued a policy of promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, and the decision was made because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism.

Diplomatic relations between Maldives and Qatar began in 1984.

Maldives, a predominantly Sunni Muslim nation with 341,000 people, also grapples with extremism. It reportedly has one of the highest per capital rates of people going to fight in foreign wars.
BUDVA, Montenegro (AP) - Once the Balkan stronghold of pro-Russian sentiments, tiny Montenegro is on Monday silently celebrating its entry into NATO in a historic turn toward the West that has made the Kremlin furious.

Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro formally become the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington on Monday.

To get there, Montenegro has stood up against its former ally Russia, which has sought to maintain strong historic, political and cultural influence in the Slavic country it considers a special zone of interest.

In this photo taken Wednesday, March 15, 2017, a light frigate "Kotor" is anchored in the harbour of Bar, Montenegro. Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro is formally becoming the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington on Monday. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Monday "Russia reserves the right to take counter-measures on the basis of reciprocity amid the Montenegrin authorities' hostile stance," according to the Russian state TASS news agency.

It did not elaborate, but Russia has threatened economic and political retaliation, including a campaign to undermine the Montenegrin tourism industry, which relies heavily on Russian visitors. An estimated 200,000 Russians visit Montenegro every year and 80,000 Russians own property here.

Montenegro Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said during the ceremony in Washington that the NATO accession "is a historic event for a country and a nation which endured enormous sacrifices in the 19th and 20th centuries in order to defend their right to a free life; the right to decide on our own future; the right to be recognized by the world under our own name and with our national symbols."

Bringing Montenegro into NATO further diminishes Russia's influence in southeast Europe, and blocks it from the so-called "warm seas" in Europe that could be used as staging grounds for military interventions in the Middle East.

The U.S. State Department said Montenegro's membership "will support greater integration, democratic reform, trade, security, and stability with all of its neighbors."

Russia has also banned imports of Montenegrin wine and recently deported a ranking official from a Moscow airport.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recently warned potential Russian tourists that "there is an anti-Russian hysteria in Montenegro."

"We do not rule out the possibility of provocations, arrests for suspicious reasons or extradition to third countries" of Russians, Zakharova said.

Her claim was dismissed by the president of the Russian-speaking diaspora in Montenegro, Alexander Khrgian, who runs his law office in the coastal resort of Budva.

He said that about 15,000 Russian-speaking people who permanently live in Montenegro feel safe.

"I have been living in Russia for 25 years and now I am here for more than 10 years, and we love Montenegro. It is a wonderful country with wonderful climate," he said.

"People know that Russia and Montenegro have very close cultural links. That is why we are here like at home."

Montenegro says Moscow was behind a foiled coup attempt in October that allegedly targeted former Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who was the driving force behind the country's NATO bid. Russia denies involvement.

"One of the reasons we are joining NATO is to create greater stability, not only for Montenegrin citizens, but also for foreign investors and tourists," Djukanovic said. "Therefore, our goal is to bring even more Russian tourists."

As a Serbian ally, Montenegro was bombed in 1999 by NATO, which launched airstrikes to stop a crackdown against Kosovo Albanian separatists. After deciding to split with Serbia in 2006 in a referendum, Montenegro took a strong turn toward Euro-Atlantic integration.

On the eve of the NATO accession, Montenegrins don't seem interested in their country's historic move and many of them want good relations with both Russia and the West.

"If we were neutral all the time, why shouldn't we continue with it so that we keep good relations with America, Russia and all the other countries?" said Mirko Bozovic from Podgorica.

The pro-Russian opposition Democratic Front, whose top two leaders were indicted over allegedly planning the Russia-orchestrated coup, said the day when Montenegro joins NATO is one of the saddest days in its history.

"Today, Montenegro is being annexed like never before in its history," official Strahinja Bulajic said. "Today is one of the most shameful days in Montenegrin history."

___

AP Writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia.

In this photo taken Wednesday, March 15, 2017, Montenegrin army helicopters stand on the tarmac at Golubovci airport, near Podgorica, Montenegro. Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro is formally becoming the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington on Monday. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

This photo taken Wednesday, March 15, 2017, shows the Sveti Stefan peninsula, a hotel and a tourist resort on the coast of Montenegro. Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro is formally becoming the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington on Monday. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
BRADFORD, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania police officer has been fired over charges that he shoplifted about $10 worth of meat from a local Wal-Mart.

Citations filed against 45-year-old Shayne Miller allege the Bradford patrolman stole packages of meat worth between $4.50 and $5 on April 21 and April 26. Online court records don't list an attorney for Miller who has been mailed the citations, but not yet scheduled a hearing on either.

Police Chief Chris Lucco told The Bradford Era (http://bit.ly/2rWkSij ) on Sunday that Miller is no longer employed after an internal investigation.

Mayor Tom Riel says Miller was fired effective May 26.

The mayor and chief issued a joint statement on the firing saying they normally don't comment on personnel matters but did in this instance to maintain a "level of transparency."
BROOKHAVEN, Miss. (AP) - The final three victims of the eight shot to death in a killing rampage were laid to rest Monday in Mississippi.

Friends and relatives gathered in a middle school auditorium to celebrate the lives of Barbara Mitchell, Brenda May and Toccara May, The Daily Leader reported (http://bit.ly/2qVw8ek).

Willie Cory Godbolt is accused of killing eight people, including Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy William Durr, at three separate homes May 27 and 28 in rural Lincoln County. Aside from Durr, everyone killed was a relative or acquaintance of Godbolt.

"It's not easy to do funerals of people you know, kids you know," the Rev. Eugene Edwards said in the eulogy. "I'd like to thank the families and the preachers here throughout the entire weekend. I don't wish this on anybody."

The funeral was the last in the series for the victims that began Thursday and went through the weekend.

Mourners remembered Mitchell, 55, for the special way she touched people's lives; Brenda May, 53, for her love of family and helping others; and Toccara May, 53, for her style.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court will consider whether police need warrants to review cellphone towers records that help them track the location of criminal suspects.

The justices on Monday agreed to take up a new case about digital age technology and privacy rights. They will hear an appeal from Timothy Carpenter, who was sentenced to 116 years in prison after being convicted of armed robberies in Michigan and Ohio.

Police obtained records from cellular service providers that placed Carpenter's cellphone in the vicinity of the robberies.

The question is whether police should have to demonstrate to a judge that they have good reason, or probable cause, to believe Carpenter was involved in the crime. Police obtained the records by meeting a lower standard of proof.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel had a secret plan to detonate an atomic bomb in Egypt in the event that it faced defeat during the 1967 Middle East war, a leading American think tank said Monday, citing newly released documents.

The operation was never carried out, as Israel swiftly vanquished its enemies in six days. But details about the doomsday scenario, in which Israel planned to set off a nuclear weapon atop a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula, shed new light on the fearful climate at the time. It also could undermine Israel's decades-long policy of nuclear ambiguity.

The Nuclear Proliferation International History Project of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington unveiled a website Monday devoted to "Operation Shimshon," the codename for the hastily arranged contingency plan of placing an improvised nuclear device in Sinai to be detonated upon the prime minister's orders.

The operation's name, Hebrew for Samson, invoked the biblical figure of great power and aimed to scare Arab armies into quitting their offensive should Israel face what was feared to be an existential threat.

The new information was based on interviews with Yitzhak Yaakov, a retired brigadier general who in 1967 was the chief liaison between the Israeli military and the civilian defense industries, including those overseeing the nuclear project.

In a series of interviews in 1999 with Avner Cohen, a leading scholar of Israeli nuclear history, Yaakov detailed how he came up with the plans at his superiors' urging and how a pair of helicopters was chosen for the mission along with forces from the elite Sayeret Matkal unit.

The selected landing site was a mountain in eastern Sinai, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the large Egyptian military complex in Abu Ageila. There, the semi-assembled "spider" device was to be connected with its nuclear core and linked to ignition wires.

"You've got an enemy, and he says he's going to throw you to the sea. You believe him," Yaakov said, according to a transcription of his taped interview with Cohen.

"How can you stop him?" he asked. "You scare him. If you've got something you can scare him with, you scare him."

The distance of the site from Egyptian population centers, and the relatively small size of the device, indicated that the plan was meant to send a message of deterrence, not inflict heavy damage.

In an accompanying essay, Cohen concludes that Israel's leadership did not seriously consider conducting a nuclear demonstration. But he said Yaakov's testimony was significant since it revealed that Israel had the capability to improvise a nuclear explosive device in June 1967.

Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying the existence of an arsenal. But it is widely believed to possess hundreds of nuclear bombs. Israeli officials have often hinted that the country possesses nuclear capabilities, and a former employee at Israel's nuclear reactor served 18 years in Israeli prison for leaking details and pictures of Israel's alleged nuclear weapons program to a British newspaper in 1986.

The Wilson center's project was first reported by the New York Times. Israel's Foreign Ministry had no comment.

But deputy minister Michael Oren, a former ambassador to the United States and a historian who has written extensively about the 1967 war, said he was convinced it never happened.

Oren said Cohen's paper relied on a single source, which was highly unusual among serious researchers. "It's not sound history," he said.

"I also interviewed Yitzhak Yaakov and I wasn't convinced that his story held water. Tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of classified documents from the Six-Day War have been released," he said, "and there is not even one shred that supports Avner Cohen's version. If there was something, we would have found additional evidence."

Yaakov died in 2013 at the age of 87. Cohen said he promised Yaakov he would publish his story at some point and said the 50th anniversary of the 1967 war this week seemed the appropriate time.
A one-year-old boy who ate his mother's opioid drugs has died, three days after he lost consciousness, according to police.

The boy, Tymaine Thompson Jr, was found not breathing by his nine-year-old brother in their Akron, Ohio home at around 6.30pm on Thursday.

Attempts were made to revive him with overdose-reversing drug naloxone before he was taken to Akron Children's Hospital, where he died on Sunday, Cleveland.com reported.

The one-year-old son of Destanie Carter (pictured) - named Tymaine Jr - was hospitalized Thursday after eating some of her drugs, police said. He (right) died on Sunday; his nine-year-old brother had called 911

The boy, who is not being named, was found at this Akron, Ohio home on Thursday. Cops said Carter fled when police and paramedics arrived

Destanie poses with Tymaine Jr and her other son. Tymaine had regained consciousness while in the hospital but didn't survive

The boy had regained consciousness while in hospital after being administered an additional dose of naloxone, but subsequently died.

His mom, identified as Destanie Carter, fled the home, which is located at 60 Gale Street, when police and paramedics arrived, cops said.

She had made an initial call to 911, but hung up before providing an address, cops said; her other child then made the second, successful call.

She was later arrested on an unrelated warrant from Portage County. She has not yet been charged in relation to her son's death.

Her nine-year-old child is now in the custody of Summit County Children's Services.

An autopsy is planned for the one-year-old.

At least two other children have overdosed on opioids in Akron in the past three months.

On March 6, a two-year-old overdosed on a synthetic opiate in Hudson, but was revived with naloxone.

His father told cops he'd seen the child's mother with heroin earlier that day.

And ten days later a six-year-old girl became dizzy and had an apparent seizure in the shower, and was revived in hospital with naloxone.
Opinion / Columnist

Zimbabweanslove myths. One of the proofs is the popularity of the suave, sharply-dressed salesmen promising them everything they pray for. Like Mugabe.Here we bump into one of the great myths of our age: 'Zimbabweans are the best-educated people in Africa'. If this was ever true it is surely impossible to claim this today with our run-down schools and malnourished pupils and our premier university's two-month doctorate for Grace Mugabe.This is not to say our people are stupid. Far from it. Zanu-PF is proof of this. Their well-oiled 2018 election strategy is already underway. It is felt everywhere. Mbare for instance is out of bounds to the MDC. Not that there is anything new in thestrategy, but they have the intelligence to just go on repeating what works.This is shown in the experience of our sister organisation Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe which was given the old run-around when they applied to the police for clearance for their constitutional right to stage a peaceful demonstration in Harare at the end of May. For weeks they were made to report to Harare Central to receive clearance only to be turned down at the last minute and threatened with arrest.Activist Linda Masarira, a member of ROHR, has posted a facebook article titled 'The election manual: how to rig an election in an Idiocracy'. It begins: 'Have you noticed that the ruling party is not concerned about the 2018 election? Do you often wonder why? The answer is simple, they have the election bagged!'The Vigil thinks the best hope for Zimbabwe is the ousting of Mugabe's disciple President Zuma. His blatant corruption has eroded support for the ANC which may be forced to sack him. This would clear the way for a reformist South African president who would probably have little patience for genocidal geriatrics like Mugabe, whose latest anti-White rants about South Africa can only help this process.Vigil Co-ordinator Fungayi Mabhunu agrees with Linda Masarira's conclusion that the answer to election rigging lies with the people. He said they must be empowered to overcome the fear instilled by Zanu-PF. But he has little trust in opposition politicians who he believes only want to rejoin the gravy train. 'The way forward must be a transitional authority to take over from Zanu-PF, for which the Vigil is asking for UN support,' he said.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The Latest on the multiple shooting in an industrial park in Orlando (all times local):

2:30 p.m.

A Florida sheriff has identified a man suspected of fatally shooting five former co-workers and then killing himself.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, left, answers questions at a news conference near the scene of a shooting where there were multiple fatalities in an industrial area near Orlando, Fla., Monday, June 5, 2017. The Orange County Sheriff's Office said on its official Twitter account that the situation has been contained. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings says 45-year-old John Robert Neumann Jr. was responsible for the deaths Monday morning at Fiamma, an Orlando-area RV awning business.

Demings says Neumann was armed with a handgun and a large hunting knife and killed himself just before deputies arrived.

Neumann was discharged from the U.S. Army in 1999. Demings says it appears Neumann was a disgruntled former employee acting alone. Deputies say eight witnesses survived the attack. One survivor told deputies Neumann spoke to her and told her to leave.

Authorities have found no connection to terrorism.

___

1:30 p.m.

The workplace shooting of five people by a gunman who then killed himself in Orlando on Monday happened a week before the one-year mark of the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

The massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 2016 killed 49 people and left dozens more injured. Several events commemorating the massacre at the gay club are scheduled for next Monday.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is among those noting the timing.

The Florida Democrat says the city "is still healing from the Pulse massacre" and "has seen too much violence." His statement calls for doing "more to address mental health issues in this country."

___

1:10 p.m.

Sheriff's officials are notifying the families of the victims killed in a workplace shooting at a Florida awning company.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office said in a tweet on Monday that they'll hold a briefing on the shooting at 2 p.m., delaying the news conference by an hour.

Sheriff Jerry Demings said five people were killed by a 45-year-old former employee at the Fiamma, Inc. awning maker industrial park near Orlando. The worker, whose name hasn't been released, was fired in April.

Officials say the gunman fatally shot himself after killing 4 men and 1 woman.

______

12 noon

Authorities say officers arrived at the scene of a workplace shooting just two minutes after a witness called 911 in Orlando.

By then, four people were already dead or dying. The gunman fatally shot himself, and another victim was rushed to a hospital, mortally wounded.

Special Agent in Charge Danny Banks of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said "seven others' lives were saved due to the quick actions of the officers who arrived on the scene today."

Banks and Orlando Mayor Teresa Jacobs both said the crime shows that people should speak up if they learn of anything that could lead to violence, so that authorities might have a chance to prevent it.

Banks said they "will continue to champion the cause of 'see something, say something.'"

___

11:45 a.m.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings says the five people who died after a workplace shooting at a business near Orlando were shot in several locations in the building.

The shooting happened about 8 a.m. Monday. Demings says the people who came to work at the awing manufacturing company "were going about their business" when the shooter started firing.

He says about 12 people were at the company and seven people survived. He says no survivors were shot or hurt.

The gunman, described as a 45-year-old disgruntled former worker, also shot and killed himself.

___

11:20 a.m.

The Orange County sheriff's office says it hopes to identify the gunman in a workplace shooting near Orlando at its next briefing this afternoon.

The briefing is planned for 1 p.m. Monday.

In a news conference, Sheriff Jerry Demings called the shooting that left four men and one woman dead early Monday a "tragic incident."

"It's a sad day for us once again in Orange County," he said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the victims."

Demings says the shooter, described as a 45-year-old disgruntled former worker at the awnings manufacturing plant, also shot and killed himself.

Seven people survived.

___

11:05 a.m.

Authorities say five people have been killed in a workplace shooting near Orlando.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said during a briefing Monday that the gunman was a disgruntled former employee who was fired in April. Demings says the gunman shot and killed himself. The sheriff says the shooting is not believed to have any link to terrorism.

The shooting happened inside a business that manufactures awnings.

The sheriff says the shooter, who has not yet been identified, had been involved in a previous workplace violence incident and had been accused of battering another employee inside the business. He was not charged in that case.

___

11 a.m.

A woman who was in the awnings manufacturers business that is the site of a multiple shooting ran out of the building, saying the gunman told her to leave.

Yamaris Gomez, who is the owner of a tile store across the street, said that the woman ran out of the Fiamma, Inc. facility and across the street to call law enforcement.

Gomez says the woman told her that the gunman had told her to leave the facility.

Gomez says the woman ran across the street, calling law enforcement on her phone.

___

10:45 a.m.

Gov. Rick Scott has issued a statement after a shooting with multiple victims asking "all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence."

In his statement Monday, Scott says the Orlando community has been challenged like never before. And he says he and his wife, Ann, are praying for the families who lost loved ones in the shooting reported about 8 a.m. Monday.

Scott's comments about the Orlando area's challenges were in reference to the shooting on June 12, 2016, at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. The gay nightclub was the site of the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Monday's shooting at the company that makes awnings for recreational vehicles happened in Orange County near Orlando.

___

10:30 a.m.

The focus of the police investigation into a fatal shooting with multiple victims is a business that makes awnings for recreational vehicles.

Orange County Sheriff's deputies were zeroing in Monday morning on the Fiamma Inc. business in an industrial park in Orlando, Florida.

The company says on its website that it is one of the largest manufacturers of awnings for camper vans, motor coaches and sports utility vehicles.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings is expected to give a briefing. Officials said there were multiple fatalities and that situation is contained.

___

10:15 a.m.

Witness accounts are beginning to emerge from a multiple shooting inside a business in an industrial park in the Orlando area.

The Associated Press talked with Shelley Adams, whose sister, Sheila McIntrye, works for the company and was in the bathroom when shots rang out.

McIntyre is safe with police now but she called her sister during the shooting, and she was very upset.

She kept repeating "My boss is dead. My boss is dead."

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings is expected to give a briefing. Officials said there were multiple fatalities and that situation is contained.

___

10:10 a.m.

The FBI is joining the investigation into a multiple shooting in an industrial park in the Orlando area.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings was expected to give a briefing Monday about what happened at the warehouse in an industrial area of east Orlando.

The sheriff's office says there are multiple fatalities. Officials haven't said how many, but they do say that the situation is contained.

Several roads in Orlando were closed as deputies responded to the shooting.

No further details were immediately available.

__

9:25 a.m.

Law enforcement authorities in Florida say there are "multiple fatalities" following a shooting in an industrial area near Orlando.

On its officials twitter account Monday morning, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said the "situation" has been contained. Officials say they'll provide an update as soon as the "info is accurate."

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings is expected to make a statement soon.

Several roads in Orlando were closed as deputies responded to the shooting.

No further details were immediately available.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The head of the U.N. population agency, Babatunde Osotimehin, who was a global leader in promoting public health and sexual and reproductive rights and services for women and girls, died at his home, the agency announced Monday.

Osotimehin, who was 68, had led the United Nations Population Fund, known as UNFPA, since 2011. The agency said he died Sunday evening.

Born and trained as a doctor in his native Nigeria, Osotimehin was the country's minister of health before taking the reins of UNFPA with the rank of undersecretary-general. Prior to that, he was director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and served as provost at the University of Ibadan College of Medicine.

FILE - In a Aug. 29, 2012 file photo, Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, talks during a press conference at Sedona Hotel, in Yangon, Myanmar. The United Nations Population Fund population agency announced Monday, June 5, 2017 the sudden death of Osotimehin, who had led the agency since 2011. The 68-year-old Nigerian doctor and public health expert died at his home. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win, File)

As head of UNFPA, he spearheaded efforts to advance the breakthrough action plan adopted by 179 countries at the 1994 U.N. population conference in Cairo. It recognized for the first time that women have the right to control their reproductive and sexual health and to choose whether to become pregnant.

Osotimehin also championed U.N. goals of preventing maternal deaths in childbirth, meeting all demands for family planning, and eliminating harmful practices against women and girls.

UNFPA called his death "a devastating loss" for the agency "and for the people, especially women, girls and youth, he dedicated his life to serving.

"Dr. Osotimehin was bold and never afraid of a challenge and his strong leadership helped keep the health and rights of the world's women and girls high on the global agenda," UNFPA said in a statement. "He understood that the world's 1.8 billion young people are truly its greatest hope for the future."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that "the world has lost a great champion of health and well-being for all."

"Sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights are among the most important, and often sensitive, on the international agenda," Guterres said. "Dr. Babatunde's calm yet ardent efforts helped families get the sexual and reproductive health services they need, and helped the world advance the landmark 1994 Cairo Program of Action on Population and Development."

Sarah Costa, executive director of the Women's Refugee Commission, said Osotimehin was instrumental in promoting "the sexual health and rights of refugee women" and "will be sorely missed."

The Trump administration, which has banned U.S. funding for international groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information, recently announced that it was cutting all funding to UNFPA.

The U.S. Mission to the United Nations issued a statement saying it was "saddened" to learn of the UNFPA leader's death and "grateful for Dr. Osotimehin's many years of service, dedicated to improving global health."

"His leadership made a difference in the lives of so many around the world," the mission said.

Outside the United Nations, Osotimehin was chairman of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on the Demographic Dividend and co-chairman of the Family Planning 2020 Reference Group.

He was married, had five children and several grandchildren, UNFPA said.

No funeral arrangements were announced.
GENEVA (AP) - Weeks after becoming U.S. President Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley described the U.N.'s Human Rights Council as "so corrupt." Expect some sparks to fly, then, when she addresses that body for the first time.

En route to the Middle East, Haley drops in Tuesday at the meeting in Geneva to deliver a speech and take part in a "side event" focusing on rights in Venezuela. Her one-day appearance is shaping up as perhaps the standout event of the council's three-week session because the U.S. has a reputation as a key human-rights defender and is the single largest donor to the United Nations.

Her boss, however, has shaken up that image and raised doubts about America's global commitments.

FILE - In this April 24, 2017 file photo, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley speaks to the media during the daily briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. "So corrupt": That's what Nikki Haley called the U.N.'s Human Rights Council at a think tank event weeks after becoming President Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Nations. Now, she'll address the council head-on. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

Trump is seeking deep cuts in U.S. funding for international organizations like the U.N. and the council. On Thursday, he announced the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris climate accord, denting Washington's moral capital. Last month in Riyadh, he announced hundreds of billions of dollars in arms sales over 10 years to Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military campaign in neighboring Yemen that has killed hundreds of civilians.

Despite criticism of the kingdom on issues like women's rights and quelling of political dissent, Trump insisted: "We are not here to lecture."

Haley, on the other hand, will most certainly be in Geneva to lecture.

Laying out her tack in an opinion piece Friday in The Washington Post, Haley said the council must "end its practice of wrongly singling out Israel for criticism." She said "the presence of multiple human rights-violating countries ... has damaged both the reputation of the council and the cause of human rights." She called for "competitive voting to keep the worst human rights abusers from obtaining seats."

"I will outline changes that must be made," Haley wrote. "When the world's pre-eminent human rights body is turned into a haven for dictators, the idea of international cooperation in support of human dignity is discredited."

The council now counts among its 47 members Burundi, China, Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, all of which have spotty rights records but won seats through its arcane system of regional blocs.

And like all things U.N., it is eminently political: North Korea, for example, has used it to bash racial discrimination and gun violence in the United States, and CIA secret prisons abroad, calling the U.S. "the worst-ever tundra of human rights in the world" in its typically colorful prose during the March council session.

John Fisher, Geneva director for Human Rights Watch, said many will be listening out for Haley's tone.

"If the tone seeks to set the U.S. above the rest of the world in terms of its commitment to human rights and multilateralism, I think that's a message that will fall a bit flat" he said.

"That said, if the message is one of 'Let's work together' to strengthen multilateral institutions to the benefit of everyone involved, then I think that's a message that we can all work with," he added.

Rights advocates say key stakes in this session include a possible resolution about Congo, where concerns have risen about government repression, and the release of a U.N. human rights office review about how the council's recommendations on Israel and the Palestinian territories have been applied since 2009 - a subject likely to be watched closely by the U.S. after Haley departs.

U.N. officials say the council is a reflection of the world and insist that human rights would be worse off if it didn't exist, while acknowledging its shortcomings. They say it's an important venue to name and shame rights abusers and to hold countries to their own principles, because no country is perfect or fully above reproach.

In her piece, Haley took aim at Cuba, a longtime U.S. nemesis despite a thaw under President Barack Obama, and Venezuela, where protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro have left at least 60 people dead. She noted the council has been effective at times, such as by helping monitor violations in Syria and North Korea.

But she made no mention of abuses in Egypt or Saudi Arabia, nor the Philippines, whose President Rodrigo Duterte has drawn international scorn for calling for vigilante justice against drug dealers and users. Despite that outrage, Trump has praised Duterte and invited him to the White House.

U.S. criticism of the council is nothing new: President George W. Bush's administration kept the United States out when it was created in 2006 in part because of repeated criticism of Israel. Obama brought back the U.S. in 2009, hoping to make it more effective and even appointing an ambassador exclusively devoted to the council.

Trump has not nominated anyone to fill that post, and it's far from certain whether he will.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in March said the United States will not continue participating in the council unless it undergoes "considerable reform," without elaborating. That same month, Haley told the Council on Foreign Relations : "I mean, the Human Rights Council is so corrupt ... I think that we need to look at it."

"We need to tell them what we want to see to make it effective," she said.
TAUNTON, Mass. (AP) - The Massachusetts woman charged with manslaughter for sending her boyfriend text messages encouraging him to kill himself has waived her right to a jury trial.

Michelle Carter's decision Monday means a judge will hear the testimony and issue the verdict. Opening statements are scheduled to begin Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Carter is charged in the 2014 death of 18-year-old Conrad Roy III. Roy was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in his pickup truck.

FILE-- In this July 29, 2016, file photo Michelle Carter stands with her attorneys at the Bristol County Juvenile Court in Taunton, Mass. Jury selection is set to begin Monday, June 5, 2017, in the trial of Carter who is accused of sending her boyfriend dozens of text messages encouraging him to kill himself. (George Rizer/The Globe via AP, Pool, File)

Prosecutors released transcripts of text messages the then-17-year-old Carter sent to Roy. In one, she allegedly wrote: "The time is right and you're ready, you just need to do it!"

Carter's lawyer has said the texts are protected free speech. He's also said Roy was depressed and previously tried to take his own life.
MADRID (AP) - Madrid is gearing up to host an international LGBT pride celebration by installing "inclusive" and "gender equal" traffic signals across the city.

Figures of women or girls, identified by skirts and ponytails, started going up on Monday at intersections that previously featured the familiar figure of a man in mid-stride to let pedestrians know when to cross.

Other walk/don't walk signs are designed to show couples - some same-sex and some opposite gender - holding hands.

People cross a crosswalk next to a traffic light in Madrid, Monday, June 5, 2017. Madrid is gearing to host a global gay pride celebration later this month by installing "inclusive" and "gender equal" traffic lights across the city. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Madrid City Hall says the signs are important to fostering gender and gay equality given their visual impact.

The city says it paid 22,000 euros ($ 25,000 dollars) for replacing 288 lights at 72 street crossings.

Madrid is hosting the 2017 World Pride celebrations June 23-July 2. The city says the new signs will remain after the event.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The decision by four Arab nations to cut ties with Qatar marks the culmination of years of tension among a historically tightknit alliance of energy-rich Gulf Arab states that share borders, a common heritage and a strong alliance with Washington.

The move reflects longstanding anger at Qatar's support for Islamist groups that are outlawed by other Arab nations, as well as the increasingly bitter rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

How severe the impact will be on Qatar, which hosts the region's main U.S. military base used to launch strikes on the Islamic State group, depends on what further measures will be taken.

FILE- In this Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 file photo, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attends a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Doha, Qatar. Bahrain says it is cutting diplomatic ties to Qatar amid a deepening rift between Gulf Arab nations. (AP Photo/Osama Faisal, File)

Analysts say President Donald Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia emboldened hawkish Saudi royals by positioning America squarely with Sunni Arab countries against Iran.

Here's a look at the issues:

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WHY IS THE LITTLE PENINSULA NATION OF QATAR IMPORTANT?

Qatar is home to the forward headquarters of the U.S. military's Central Command. Its al-Udeid Air Base serves as a launching pad for coalition jets bombing IS sites in Iraq and Syria. The country has only around 270,000 citizens, but is the world's biggest producer of liquefied natural gas, sharing a vast underwater field with Iran.

Qatar, home to the Al Jazeera news network, also plays a role in negotiating with groups that many governments keep distance from. It helped free members of its own royal family from captivity by Shiite militants in Iraq. It secured the release of hostages in Syria's civil war, including some held by an al-Qaida affiliate. Qatar has also hosted talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

It took a major gamble on the Muslim Brotherhood, supporting its brief stint in power in Egypt as well as the group's Islamist offshoots in the region, including Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip. Qatar also once had open ties to Israel.

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WHY IS QATAR AT ODDS WITH THE ARAB WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL COUNTRIES?

Tensions between Qatar and Saudi Arabia - a Middle East heavyweight - bubbled to the surface two weeks ago when Qatar said its state-run news agency and its Twitter account were hacked to publish a fake story claiming the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, had called Iran "a regional and Islamic power that cannot be ignored."

State-linked media in the region ignored Qatar's denial and continued to report the comments, while Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt blocked access to Al Jazeera and affiliated sites. State-linked Saudi media launched an aggressive campaign accusing Qatar of supporting terrorist groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State, destabilizing the region and stabbing its allies in the back.

Some Gulf news coverage seemed to support regime change in Qatar, and accused its emir of holding a secret meeting with Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

The UAE had long been angered by Qatar's support for Islamists in the Gulf and in Libya, and Saudi Arabia and Egypt view the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat. Saudi Arabia accuses Qatar of supporting "Iranian-backed terrorist groups" in its Qatif province and in neighboring Bahrain - and of backing the Yemeni rebels its coalition is fighting.

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WHAT ARE THE BROADER CONSEQUENCES?

There could be long-term economic consequences for Qatar, which would affect the millions of migrant workers and expatriates living there. Most of Qatar's food comes from Saudi Arabia across the peninsular nation's only land border, which the Saudis have now closed.

Political risk consultancy Eurasia Group says the "risk of a coup is significant." A change in leadership could raise questions about the future of the U.S. base and potentially deprive Hamas of its main benefactor.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on the parties to sit down and address their differences, though he does not believe the crisis will affect the war against the Islamic State.

Already, Saudi Arabia gave Qatari residents 14 days to leave and ordered its citizens not to reside, visit or transit through Qatar. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain suspended diplomatic ties with Qatar, which is pulling its troops from the Saudi-led Yemen war.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia closed their airspace and sea traffic to Qatar - a decision that targets Qatar Airways, one of the region's busiest carriers. The UAE's Etihad Airways, FlyDubai and the Middle East's largest carrier Emirates have suspended flights to Qatar.

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MIGHT QATAR GIVE IN?

Qatar denies it supports terrorist groups in Syria or elsewhere, despite aggressive efforts to back Sunni rebel groups fighting to oust the Syrian government. The issue appears to be funding that goes through the country to more mainstream groups like the Brotherhood, and in principle that could be addressed.

But for now Qatar's ruler appears unfazed. Qatari media published a cartoon mocking Saudi King Salman for spreading "fake news". Last week, the emir called Iranian President Hasan Rouhani to congratulate him on his re-election - a clear and public rebuttal of Saudi Arabia's efforts to force Qatar to fall in line.

Qatar's emir, believed to be just 37 years old, could retaliate by withdrawing from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and redraw alliances to snub Saudi Arabia's 31-year-old Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, who are believed to be the two main figures orchestrating the standoff.

Three years ago, several Gulf states withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar for nine months over the country's support for the Brotherhood. The details of the agreement that ended that standoff were never made public, but it included promises that Qatar would end its support for the Brotherhood. Demands made now of Qatar are similarly hazy, but some version of this scenario could recur - or both sides could dig their heels in further amid a wider Saud-Iran power struggle.

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Follow Aya Batrawy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ayaelb

In this photo provided by Doha News, shoppers stock up on supplies at a supermarket in Doha, Qatar on Monday, June 5, 2017 after Saudi Arabia closed its land border with Qatar, through which the tiny Gulf nation imports most of its food. Saudi Arabia and three Arab countries severed ties to Qatar on Monday and moved to cut off land, sea and air routes to the energy-rich nation that is home to a major U.S. military base, accusing it of supporting regional terror groups. (Doha News via AP)

People are seen buying essential food staples at a supermarket in Doha, Qatar, Monday, June 5, 2017. Four Arab nations have cut diplomatic ties to Qatar, further deepening a rift between Gulf Arab nations over that country's support for Islamist groups. Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all said they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, a gas-rich nation that will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. (@shalome05 via AP)

In this photo provided by Doha News, shoppers stock up on supplies at a supermarket in Doha, Qatar on Monday, June 5, 2017 after. Saudi Arabia closed its land border with Qatar, through which the tiny Gulf nation imports most of its food. Saudi Arabia and three Arab countries severed ties to Qatar on Monday and moved to cut off land, sea and air routes to the energy-rich nation that is home to a major U.S. military base, accusing it of supporting regional terror groups. (Doha News via AP)

FILE - In this April 2012 file photo with the new high-rise buildings of downtown Doha in the background, Qatari women and a man enjoy walking by the sea in Doha, Qatar. Saudi Arabia and three Arab countries severed ties to Qatar on Monday, June 5, 2017 and moved to cut off land, sea and air routes to the energy-rich nation that is home to a major U.S. military base, accusing it of supporting regional terror groups. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Latest on the trial of a Minnesota police officer in the fatal shooting of motorist Philando Castile (all times local):

5:35 p.m.

The girlfriend of a black man fatally shot during a traffic stop last July has started testifying in the trial against the officer who shot him.

FILE - In this May 30, 2017, file photo, St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez stands outside the Ramsey County Courthouse while waiting for a ride in St. Paul, Minn. Opening statements are expected to begin Monday, June 5, 2017, in the trial for officer Yanez, who is charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Philando Castile during a traffic stop in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights in July 2015. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP, File)

Diamond Reynolds began testifying Monday in the case against Officer Jeronimo Yanez.

Yanez is charged with manslaughter in the July death of 32-year-old Philando Castile. Reynolds was in the car at the time of the shooting and broadcast the aftermath live on Facebook.

Reynold's began recounting what happened the day Castile was shot. She said she saw Castile leave the apartment that morning with his gun in the holster.

She also says that she and her sister smoked marijuana that day. Castile then met them at her daughter's daycare, and the foursome went grocery shopping. She hasn't yet talked about the shooting. She's expected to continue testifying Tuesday.

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4:15 p.m.

Opening statements in the manslaughter case of a Minnesota police officer who fatally shot a black motorist included sharply different versions of whether the officer ever saw the man's gun.

Officer Jeronimo Yanez is charged with manslaughter in the July death of 32-year-old Philando Castile. Yanez had pulled Castile over for a broken taillight when Castile told him he was carrying a gun.

Moments later, Castile was mortally wounded.

Prosecutor Rick Dusterhoft told jurors squad car video will be played in which Yanez can be heard telling a fellow officer he didn't know where the gun was.

Defense attorney Paul Engh says Yanez will testify Castile ignored commands and that he saw Castile's hand on the grip of the gun before he opened fire.

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(Editors: The item above has been corrected to show that prosecutor told jurors that squad car video will be played in which officer can be heard telling another officer he didn't know where gun was. Full video has not yet been played.)

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3:05 p.m.

A jury has been seated for the trial of a Minnesota police officer charged in the shooting death of a black motorist after defense attorneys unsuccessfully tried to block one of two black jurors in the final group.

Defense attorney Earl Gray argued that an Ethiopian-American woman in the jury pool didn't understand the criminal justice system well enough to follow the proceedings.

Prosecutor Jeff Paulsen called that a pretext to block the woman because of her race. Judge William Leary rejected the defense challenge.

The only other minority on the panel is a young black man. The panel is made up of 12 jurors and three alternates.

Officer Jeronimo Yanez is charged with manslaughter in the July shooting of Philando Castile. Yanez's attorneys say the officer was reacting to the presence of a gun. Yanez is Latino.

___

11 a.m.

The jury in the manslaughter trial of a Minnesota police officer will be allowed to hear evidence that the black motorist he shot had a permit to carry a handgun.

Officer Jeronimo Yanez is charged in the death of Philando Castile last July in a St. Paul suburb. Prosecutors say Yanez shot Castile during a traffic stop after Castile said he had a gun. Yanez is Latino.

Defense attorneys said if statements about Castile's permit were allowed, they would argue it was obtained illegally in 2016 because he was allegedly a marijuana user at the time.

Opening statements are expected Monday afternoon after the jury pool of 23 is cut to 15.

___

12:03 a.m.

Opening statements are expected to begin Monday in the manslaughter trial of a Minnesota officer who fatally shot a black motorist.

St. Anthony police Officer Jeronimo Yanez is on trial in the death of 32-year-old Philando Castile. Prosecutors say Yanez shot Castile during a July traffic stop after Castile said he had a gun. Authorities later found Castile had a gun permit.

Prosecutors have said Yanez's actions weren't reasonable, while the defense has said Yanez feared for his life.

Castile's girlfriend was in the car with her daughter and streamed the shooting's aftermath live on Facebook.

Yanez's trial began last week with jury selection. That's expected to wrap up Monday morning, with opening statements and witness testimony expected Monday afternoon.

Yanez, who is Latino, plans to testify in his defense.
Chuck Berry, "CHUCK" (Dualtone)

Nearly three months after Chuck Berry left the stage, here's his entertaining encore.

"CHUCK" might even be Berry's best album. While his hit singles in the 1950s helped lay the foundation for rock 'n' roll, LPs were then an afterthought, and it has been nearly 40 years since he released one. But "CHUCK" was assembled with plenty of care - Berry began working on the material in the 1980s, and wrapped up the project shortly before he died in March at age 90.

This image released by Dualtone shows "Chuck," the final album by Chuck Berry. (Dualtone via AP)

"CHUCK" doesn't traffic in nostalgia. Yes, his patented guitar intro with the three-note pickup kicks off two tunes, following the formula of Berry classics. But he ventures far beyond that formula with slow blues ("You Go to My Head" and "She Still Loves You"), swampy story-song R&B ("Dutchman") and a country ballad that serves as his "My Way" ("Darlin''').

All of which leaves room for an occasional nod to the past. "Lady B. Goode" is prime Chuck, a sequel to his best-known hit. On "Jamaica Moon," Berry rewrites his 1956 single "Havana Moon," the setting changed because he always blamed anti-Castro sentiment for the song's so-so success. His island patois is pitch perfect, and throughout his distinctive vocals add to the set's charm. He sounds wise, not wizened.

It wouldn't be Berry without plenty of solos. "Lady B. Goode" features guitar work from three generations of the family - Chuck, Charles Jr. and Charles III. Gary Clark Jr. and Tom Morello, Berry descendants in another way, are among the guest performers.

Historian Douglas Brinkley contributes enthusiastic liner notes, but Berry gets the last word. The final cut, "Eyes of Man," is an extraordinary dust-to-dust Biblical ballad - real roots music, and a fitting farewell from the hereafter.
RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. (AP) - The jury in the case of a North Carolina minister accused of orchestrating the beating of a gay congregant deliberated for about an hour Monday before going home for the night. Deliberations are to resume Tuesday.

Brooke Covington, 58, a longtime minister at Word of Faith Fellowship in Spindale, North Carolina, is accused of leading the 2013 beating of former member Matthew Fenner to expel his "homosexual demons."

The defense called no witnesses.

During closing arguments, prosecutor Garland Byers said Fenner was held against his will and attacked.

"In the name of religion, you don't assault people. You don't get to hurt people. You don't get to confine people," he said.

"They were trying to scare him straight, and I hate using that terminology," Byers added.

Fenner, 23, said he was leaving a prayer service Jan. 27, 2013, when nearly two dozen people surrounded him in the sanctuary. He said they slapped, punched, choked and blasted him - a church practice that involves intense screaming - for two hours as they tried to expel his "homosexual demons."

Defense lawyer David Teddy countered that Fenner had been subjected to blasting before and had also participated in the form of prayer when it was used on others.

"He requested the prayer. He consented to the prayer. And I submit to you, he knew what was coming," Teddy told the jurors.

Teddy's closing arguments included a nearly hour-long computer presentation with topics like "Matthew Fenner's Pinocchio Moment" that sought to poke holes in his testimony.

Teddy also said there were inconsistencies in other witnesses' testimony.

Teddy said Fenner wanted to punish the church for condemning his homosexuality.

"That is a cause, not a crime," he said.

Covington, who pleaded not guilty, is the first of five church members to face trial in the case. Each will be tried separately.

Fenner testified last week that he had cancer as a child and had a biopsy one week before he was assaulted.

"I'm frail and in my mind, I'm thinking, 'Is my neck going to break, am I going to die?'" Fenner said. He testified that he didn't ask them to stop, fearing it would make things worse

The final witness, Rachael Bryant, testified Monday that she had seen several people being blasted while she was in the church and that trying to leave only made it worse.

"I've seen people try to do that. It does not end well. They bring in ten people to hold you down," she said.

Bryant said she was present when Fenner was attacked. She said it was obvious the group was upset with Fenner because they thought he was homosexual.

She testified that Covington said, "The way you hold your hands, the way you cross your legs, that's all homosexual devils and we are going to get it out of you."

As part of an ongoing, two-year investigation into abuse of Word of Faith Fellowship congregants by church leaders, The Associated Press interviewed four ex-church members who said they witnessed Fenner's assault.

Based on exclusive interviews with 43 former members, documents and secretly made recordings, the AP reported in February that Word of Faith Fellowship congregants were regularly punched, smacked, choked, slammed to the floor or thrown through walls in a violent form of deliverance meant to "purify" sinners by beating out devils.

Fenner said he joined the sect with his mother and brother in 2010. He said he fled after being attacked.

There have been numerous delays in the case.

At first, the five defendants were represented by the same attorneys - all members of Word of Faith Fellowship. The prosecutor filed a motion in 2015 to disqualify the law firm, citing conflicts of interest. A judge agreed, but the church appealed. A year later, though, the church attorneys withdrew the appeal, and the defendants got their own new attorneys.

One defendant, Sarah Anderson, left the church in 2015, saying her 1-year-old son was being abused.

Anderson testified Friday that she participated in the assault and Covington was the ringleader.

The AP's investigation also revealed that congregants were ordered by church leaders to lie to authorities investigating reports of abuse and that two assistant district attorneys and a veteran social worker were among those who coached congregants and their children on what to say to investigators. After the AP report, the prosecutors, including one who is a son-in-law of a church founder, left their jobs, and the social worker resigned.

During her testimony Friday, Anderson confirmed what the AP reported: that the assistant district attorneys, Frank Webster and Chris Back, were involved in meetings to discredit Fenner.

The sect was founded in 1979 by Jane Whaley, a former math teacher, and her husband, Sam, a former used car salesman. Under Jane Whaley's leadership, Word of Faith Fellowship grew from a handful of followers to its current congregation in North Carolina, and another nearly 2,000 members in churches in Brazil and Ghana. It also has affiliations in other countries. Whaley is not charged in this case.

___

Associated press writer Mitch Weiss contributed to this report. Mohr reported from Jackson, Mississippi.

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Read more of AP's investigation of the Word of Faith Fellowship here

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The AP National Investigative Team can be reached at investigate@ap.org
SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - An attorney representing an inmate charged in the murder of a guard inside a Pennsylvania prison says his client "is guilty of murder beyond all doubt."

Jessie Con-ui, 40, could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the February 2013 stabbing death of 34-year-old corrections officer Eric Williams at the Canaan federal prison in Waymart.

Con-ui, who is serving 25 years to life for a 2002 gang initiation murder in Arizona, killed Williams without excuse or justification, defense attorney David Ruhnke said Monday in his opening statement. "Jessie is guilty of murder beyond all doubt," he said.

Ruhnke said he doesn't plan to challenge the government's evidence and will call no witnesses during the trial phase, but he assured jurors that lawyers would later present evidence on whether Con-ui should face execution or life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sempa earlier went through a detailed description of the attack. Williams was stabbed more than 200 times with two homemade shanks, kicked and stomped on the face, head and neck, Sempa said.

Prosecutors allege that Con-ui stopped the attack in a prison housing unit to walk over to a shower, clean a cut on his hand and wrap it before continuing. He later paused to chew a piece of gum he took from the dying guard's pocket before returning to his cell, authorities said.

Investigators have said Con-ui was angry after the guard ordered a search of his cell the previous day. They said officers who followed a bloody trail to Con-ui's cell reported seeing him holding a clear, plastic knife and asked if he killed Williams. They said he responded, "Yes, disrespect issue."

Since the slaying, Con-ui has been at the super-maximum security prison in Florence, Colorado.
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Seven veterans of the Battle of Midway on Monday joined about 1,000 people aboard a retired U.S. Navy aircraft carrier to mark the 75th anniversary of the turning point in World War II's Pacific Ocean theater.

Two F/A-18 Hornet fighter planes, blocked by clouds, thundered above the USS Midway, a Navy carrier that was commissioned in 1945 to commemorate the battle. The carrier was decommissioned in 1992 and has been in a military museum in downtown San Diego since 2004.

Well-wishers lined up to shake hands with 102-year-old Andy Mills and other wheelchair-bound Midway veterans after a 90-minute ceremony that recounted how the landmark battle unfolded. One Midway veteran came from hospice care.

Hundreds of people attend ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, aboard a retired U.S. Navy aircraft carrier named for the epic World War II battle, in San Diego, Monday, June 5, 2017. A small group of survivors of the June, 1942 battle, all in wheelchairs, received a standing ovation Monday aboard the USS Midway, which is now a museum in San Diego Bay. (AP Photo/Elliot Spagat)

The 1942 battle occurred six months after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor after Navy code breakers broke complex Japanese code to reveal a plan to ambush U.S. forces. The Japanese planned to occupy Midway, a strategic U.S.-held atoll 1,300 miles northwest of Pearl Harbor, and destroy what was left of the Pacific fleet.

When Japanese planes began bombing Midway, American torpedo planes and bombers counter-attacked in waves, bombing and sinking four Japanese carriers on June 4. The fighting continued for another three days before the United States proved to be victorious.

Adm. John Richardson, chief of U.S. naval operations, told the audience that a string of "effective but decisive" actions led to a victory with razor-thin room for error.

"In hindsight, when you review the Battle of Midway, you can see like a series of strokes of amazing luck. And when you put those strokes together, it's like a miracle occurred at Midway. It trends towards the miraculous," he said.

Anthony J. Principi, who served as secretary of veterans affairs from 2001 to 2005, wrote in the Military Times that that Navy commanders made "coordinated, split-second, life-and-death decisions."

"We won because luck was on our side, because the Japanese made mistakes and because our officers and men acted with great courage amidst the chaos of battle," he wrote.

The Midway, which has more than 1 million visitors a year, has hosted college basketball games, parties during the Comic-Con pop culture extravaganza, and TV tapings for shows like ABC's "The Bachelor."
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court is placing new limits on the government's ability to seize assets from people who are convicted of drug crimes but receive little of the illegal proceeds.

The unanimous ruling on Monday comes as the Justice Department has moved to impose harsher punishments for drug trafficking and related crimes, reversing Obama-era policies.

The case involved a Tennessee man convicted for his role selling iodine water purification filters to methamphetamine makers. Terry Honeycutt helped sell more than 20,000 filters at his brother's hardware store and prosecutors said both brothers knew the iodine was used by local meth cooks.

Honeycutt's brother pleaded guilty and forfeited $200,000 of the $270,000 in profits. The government tried to get the remaining $70,000 from Honeycutt, but he argued that he wasn't responsible for it since he didn't personally see any profits from the scheme.

A federal appeals court ruled against Honeycutt, agreeing with prosecutors that each brother bore the full responsibility for the entire amount.

But Justice Sonia Sotomayor said in her opinion for the high court that forfeiture laws are "limited to property the defendant himself actually acquired as the result of the crime."

She cited as an example a case in which a marijuana farmer masterminds a scheme to sell pot on college campuses and recruits a college student to deliver the packages for $300 a month. In her example, the farmer might earn $3 million in a year, while the student earns $3,600. She said under the government's theory, the student could face a forfeiture judgment for the entire conspiracy amount of $3 million.

"Congress did not authorize the government to confiscate substitute property from other defendants or coconspirators," Sotomayor said. "It authorized the government to confiscate assets only from the defendant who initially acquired the property and who bears responsibility for its dissipation."

The ruling is the latest effort by the high court to limit perceived overreaching by federal prosecutors, said John Marti, a former federal prosecutor now in private practice in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"In short, federal criminal statutes and forfeiture statutes are not blank checks for prosecutors," Marti said.
NEW YORK (AP) - If the hot dogs in this New York City bodega feel a little, well, soft and squishy, don't worry, it's not a health hazard. It's art.

A British artist has recreated the contents of a city bodega entirely in felt, the soft material usually favored by the school-going set. Lucy Sparrow's "8 Till Late" opened to the public in a 1,200-square-foot space at The Standard hotel on Manhattan's west side on Monday and runs through June 30.

Sparrow handmade the 9,000 items in the installation, covering practically everything you might find in the small stores that are synonymous with New York City - there are felt jars of peanut butter and jelly as well as packages of white bread; felt pizza slices and pretzels on the felt grill along with felt hot dogs; felt boxes of detergent and a felt fridge filled with felt ice cream.

British artist Lucy Sparrow straightens items in an ice cream freezer case of her all-felt model of a New York City bodega, in New York, Monday, June 5, 2017. Her 1,200-square-foot model of a bodega, which opens to the public in Manhattan on Monday, includes plush versions of deli staples like candy bars, cigarettes, canned beans and other items. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

The artist has been working in felt for years and says the material "evokes nostalgia with people."

The New York City exhibit follows a similar one Sparrow created in London, called "The Cornershop." The point of both, she said, was to generate conversation about what is lost when small mom-and-pop stores like bodegas fade away, often with chain stores coming in as replacements.

"A sense of community is being lost when these places disappear," she said.

Sparrow said it took several months to make all the items, working for 16 hours every day toward the end of her production period. Among her favorite items in the shop are the sausages and other products in the meat case, all of which have eyes and faces.

"It's very cute but sort of gruesome at the same time," she said.

And in the interests of verisimilitude, she of course included that mainstay of the bodegas, the cat that can usually be seen lolling on a pallet of cans or strolling through the aisles.

"I had at least 20 people say to me that having a bodega cat was probably the most important thing about this installation," Sparrow said, "so I had to get that right."

A couple walks by a New York City bodega that contains items all made of felt. in New York, Monday, June 5, 2017. The British artist Lucy Sparrow has built a 1,200-square-foot model, which opens to the public in Manhattan on Monday, that includes plush versions of deli staples like candy bars, cigarettes, canned beans and other items. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

British artist Lucy Sparrow straightens candy items in her all-felt model of a New York City bodega, in New York, Monday, June 5, 2017. Her 1,200-square-foot model of a bodega, which opens to the public in Manhattan on Monday, includes plush versions of deli staples like candy bars, cigarettes, canned beans and other items. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

British artist Lucy Sparrow straightens items in her all-felt model of a New York City bodega, in New York, Monday, June 5, 2017. Her 1,200-square-foot model of a bodega, which opens to the public in Manhattan on Monday, includes plush versions of deli staples like candy bars, cigarettes, canned beans and other items. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

British artist Lucy Sparrow shows her tattoos above an ice cream freezer, in her all-felt model of a New York City bodega, in New York, Monday, June 5, 2017. Her 1,200-square-foot model of a bodega, which opens to the public in Manhattan on Monday, includes plush versions of deli staples like candy bars, cigarettes, canned beans and other items. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Meat purveyors Chris Hinke, left, and Rich DeNatale, visit the butcher's case of British artist Lucy Sparrow's all-felt model of a New York City bodega, in New York's meat packing district, Monday, June 5, 2017. Her 1,200-square-foot model of a bodega, which opens to the public in Manhattan on Monday, includes plush versions of deli staples like candy bars, cigarettes, canned beans and other items. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

British artist Lucy Sparrow straightens goods in her all-felt model of a New York City bodega, in New York, Monday, June 5, 2017. Her 1,200-square-foot model of a bodega, which opens to the public in Manhattan on Monday, includes plush versions of deli staples like candy bars, cigarettes, canned beans and other items. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Items in British artist Lucy Sparrow's all-felt model of a New York City bodega, in New York, are shown in this photo, Monday, June 5, 2017. Her 1,200-square-foot model of a bodega, which opens to the public in Manhattan on Monday, includes plush versions of deli staples like candy bars, cigarettes, canned beans and other items. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - President Michel Temer is reiterating Brazil's support for the Paris climate agreement.

Temer said during a ceremony Monday that climate change was "a real problem" that had to be tackled.

In his words, the effects of climate change "have already been felt in the world and in Brazil."

Brazil's President Michel Temer, right, smiles during a ceremony marking World Environment Day at Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, June 5, 2017. Temer signed a decree making the Paris Agreement on Climate Change part of Brazilian legislation, however, Brazil is considering measures that would roll back environmental protections that would make it difficult to meet its Paris climate accord targets. Behind is Chamber of Deputies President Rodrigo Maia. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Temer last September ratified Brazil's participation in the accord that includes drastically reducing carbon emissions over the next decades. Brazil is home to the Amazon rain forest.

Despite the public commitment, many environmental groups argue that policy changes being pushed by Temer's government will damage the environment in Latin America's largest nation. They include opening up more land to logging and mining.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week that America was pulling out of the Paris agreement.
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Florida deputy shot and killed a man accused of pointing a gun at deputies.

The Florida Times-Union (http://bit.ly/2qYDfy1) reports that fatal shooting occurred Sunday night in Nassau County.

Sheriff Bill Leeper says deputies responded to a 911 call where dispatchers heard gunshots in the background. Leeper says 27-year-old Jeremy Lindsey pointed a gun at the deputies who arrived, and they shot him.

That incident followed a Friday night shooting in Fernandina Beach that the sheriff's office says stemmed from a hit-and-run crash that led to a car chase.

Leeper says a deputy fatally shot Edward Courtenay, who was in the process of ramming another car that he'd already hit twice.

Officials say the suspects and deputies in both shootings are white. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.

___

Information from: The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com
CHICAGO (AP) - A federal appeals court again has rejected a request from former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for a rehearing on his request for another resentencing.

The Chicago Tribune reports (http://trib.in/2salSPa ) that the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday denied Blagojevich's May 19 petition for a hearing before the entire court. Blagojevich made the request a month after a three-judge panel of the appeals court rejected his case.

Those three judges in April rejected arguments that a federal judge failed to consider Blagojevich's prison rehabilitation efforts when resentencing him last summer. U.S. District Judge James Zagel gave Blagojevich the same 14-year term he'd handed down in 2011.

Blagojevich has exhausted virtually all of his legal options. One of the last options would be to ask President Donald Trump for clemency.

___

Information from: Chicago Sun-Times, http://chicago.suntimes.com/
LONDON (AP) - Australia's second Champions Trophy washout on Monday left the team's chances of progressing in the balance and saved Bangladesh from elimination.

Bangladesh, which had to avoid defeat to keep alive any hopes of qualification from Group A, was skittled for 182 but Australia's likely stroll to victory was curtailed by bad weather at 83-1.

Australian frustration at The Oval was amplified given they appeared just four more overs away from securing an all-important two points.

Australia's Steven Smith bats during the ICC Champions Trophy, Group A match between Australia and Bangladesh at The Oval in London, Monday June 5, 2017. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

Regulations state 20 overs must be completed to activate the Duckworth-Lewis method, which would almost certainly have ruled in Australia's favor, but only 16 were played meaning the points were shared.

Australia might have to beat England on Saturday to advance to the semifinals.

Australia's opening game against New Zealand was also halted by rain while Bangladesh stays in contention, just, despite their opening loss to England.

As well as the elements, Bangladesh has Tamim Iqbal to thank after he followed up his 128 against England with 95 in south London. Tamim was one of only three batsmen in his side to make double figures, and the only one to pass 30.

Tamim eventually fell to the imperious Mitchell Starc, who claimed three wickets in four balls and finished with 4-29.

With heavy rain forecasted, Australia was expected to race out of the blocks but David Warner and Aaron Finch showed restraint to reach 40 unbeaten after seven overs.

Bangladesh's sole wicket arrived when Rubel Hossain pinged one back onto Finch's pad but captain Steve Smith quickly restored order, a lifted drive through the covers taking Australia past 50.

Rain meant the match was stopped at 6:43 p.m. and finally abandoned around two and a half hours later.

Australia's Aaron Finch bats during the ICC Champions Trophy, Group A match between Australia and Bangladesh at The Oval in London, Monday June 5, 2017. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

Bangladesh's Mashrafe Mortaza, centre, stands dejected as Australia make runs during the ICC Champions Trophy, Group A match between Australia and Bangladesh at The Oval in London, Monday June 5, 2017. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - In its effort to regain control of its message, the White House has curtailed press briefings, redirected questions on the Russia investigation to an outside lawyer and planned a major infrastructure policy rollout for this week.

But as long as President Donald Trump has a smartphone, no White House strategy is safe.

The sun was still rising Monday when Trump upended best-laid plans with a blitz of provocative statements delivered via Twitter. He assailed his own Justice Department for its legal strategy to defend his travel ban, potentially creating new headaches as his administration seeks the Supreme Court's backing for the order. And he renewed his criticism of the mayor of London, a city recovering from a weekend vehicle-and-knife attack that left seven people dead.

President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Monday, June 5, 2017. Trump is making the case for privatizing the nation's air traffic control system. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

"To the extent that there is a process for making decisions and communicating them, he seems to ignore it more often than not," Alex Conant, a top adviser to Sen. Marco Rubio's presidential bid, said of the president.

Indeed, the president's free-wheeling, undisciplined style has made it nearly impossible for the White House to regroup after weeks of damaging reports about possible ties between his campaign and Russia, as well as a steady drumbeat of speculation about internal conflict and disarray. The struggle will come to a head Thursday when fired FBI Director James Comey is due to testify on Capitol Hill.

Efforts to create a "war room" stocked with former campaign officials and top-flight lawyers now appear stalled. Three people briefed on the matter said the process has been bogged down by a lack of decision-making in the West Wing over how to proceed, as well as reluctance from some of those the White House hoped to recruit about serving a president who keeps getting in his own way.

"Anybody with press chops looks at this and they're fearful there's not a path to succeed," said Sara Fagen, former White House political director for George W. Bush.

Even George Conway, the husband of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, appeared to give voice to the frustrations Monday. Mimicking a favorite Trump expression, Conway wrote on Twitter that the president's comment on the travel ban won't help the administration get votes in the Supreme Court, "which is what actually matters. Sad."

Conway confirmed to The Associated Press that the tweet was authentic. His comments came days after he announced he was withdrawing from consideration for a top Justice Department post.

His wife took a different approach. During a Monday morning appearance on the Today Show, Kellyanne Conway condemned the media's "obsession with covering everything he says on Twitter and very little of what he does as president."

Trump supporters have long touted his unfiltered tweets and other communications as an unparalleled advantage. Yet some allies are now urging caution given the legal questions shadowing the White House.

"My personal view is that there should be a review process because of the sensitivity of so many of them," said Chris Ruddy, a longtime friend of Trump and CEO of the conservative outlet Newsmax.

White House spokesman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday that she was not aware of the president's tweets being vetted by lawyers before being blasted out to the world.

White House director of legislative affairs Marc Short, meanwhile, insisted the president's efforts were "often very effective" and said Trump was elected because voters were hungry for a non-conformist candidate who would change the culture in Washington.

"And so he may not have a conventional style in doing that, but many of his efforts are extremely helpful to us in getting our legislation accomplished," Short said.

As part of the White House's efforts to recalibrate, Sanders is taking on a more visible role at daily briefings instead of press secretary Sean Spicer, who has gained national celebrity for his often combative interactions with reporters. While Spicer did appear in the briefing room last week, his appearances were brief, including a 12-minute question-and-answer session that the White House would not allow to be aired on television.

On Monday, Sanders took the podium and appeared to acknowledge for the first time that Spicer would be a less frequent on-camera presence for the White House.

"He is taking on a little bit of extra duty at this point," she said. "There are a lot of demands on his schedule, particularly given the fact that there's not a communications director."

Mike Dubke resigned as communications director last month and served his final day in the White House on Friday. He has not yet been replaced.

The White House has made a conscious decision to avoid answering questions about the Russia probes, referring inquiries to Marc Kasowitz, the president's outside counsel. Kasowitz has so far had no comment on the investigations, leaving those questions unanswered.

A trio of top White House officials - chief of staff Reince Priebus, chief strategist Steve Bannon and senior adviser Jared Kushner - had been making plans to create an in-house "war room" to respond to the flood of revelations related to the FBI and congressional investigations. Both Corey Lewandowki, Trump's former campaign manager, and David Bossie, another former Trump campaign hand, had been under consideration, but it appears increasingly unlikely either plan to formally join the administration.

The cloud of investigation - the very thing a White House war room would be set up to handle - has put even some of Trump's backers and potential defenders in an uncomfortable position. One active supporter of the president said that while he was willing to defend Trump in public against allegations from Comey or Democrats, he was less comfortable weighing in on specific claims about Kushner's interactions with Russian officials.

The supporter, as well as those briefed on the White House's Russia response efforts, insisted on anonymity in order to disclose private deliberations.

The FBI is said to be looking into Kushner's contacts with Russia's ambassador to the U.S., as well as a meeting with a Russian banker. White House officials deny there was anything inappropriate about Kushner's interactions.

An administration official disputed that there was reluctance to defend Kushner, the president's son-in-law. The official noted that several top administration officials - including Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and national security adviser H.R. McMaster - have vouched for him.

___

Associated Press writer Jill Colvin contributed to this report.

___

Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC and Catherine Lucey at http://twitter.com/catherine_lucey

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at an Air Traffic Control Reform Initiative event in the East Room at the White House, Monday, June 5, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

President Donald Trump pauses as the audience stands and applauds as he speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, June 5, 2017, to announce plans to privatize the nation's air traffic control system. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
It's been a rough spring for British sailing star Sir Ben Ainslie in the lead-up to the America's Cup on Bermuda's Great Sound.

He's struggled for speed on his 50-foot foiling catamaran and been involved in three crashes, including a spectacular one on the first day of the qualifiers that almost sank his boat.

Monday brought the biggest setback yet, when the wing sail on the British boat was seriously damaged in the opening race of the challenger semifinals, forcing him back to shore with two quick losses to Emirates Team New Zealand.

In this photo provided by America's Cup Event Authority, Great Britain's Land Rover BAR is worked on after the camber arm in the high-tech wing sail broke during the opening race against Emirates Team New Zealand during America's Cup challenger semifinals on the Great Sound in Bermuda on Monday, June 5, 2017. (Gilles Martin-Raget/ACEA via AP)

Ainslie's Land Rover BAR crew pulled up on the third of seven legs after the camber arm in the high-tech wing sail broke. He radioed to the race committee that he was withdrawing. The race was black-flagged, allowing the Kiwis to collect a point without sailing the whole course.

The Brits tried to get back to the dock to replace the wing. Because the craft couldn't sail, it had to be pushed backward and sideways by support boats, costing the team 20 to 30 minutes and making it impossible to get back out for the next race.

Team New Zealand merely had to start the second race and the race committee immediately black-flagged it, giving the Kiwis a 2-0 lead in the best-of-9 series.

"It's a tough day for the team to lose two races like that so early on in the piece, considering what's at stake here," Ainslie said. "But I've got a lot of belief in the team that this is something we can come back from. ... We'll be back out tomorrow pushing hard."

He said the boat had just rounded the downwind mark and gotten on the wind when there was a "big crunching sound coming out of the wing. In those situations it's awfully tempting to just keep plowing on and ignore it, but it was a pretty loud bang. We knew something fundamental was wrong."

Ainslie called it a "technical bit of kit so I can't talk too much about exactly what did break, but it has something to do with the wing-control system, and a breakdown there that was pretty catastrophic."

He said the team planned to fix that wing sail and use it in two scheduled races against the Kiwis on Tuesday.

"These boats are incredibly high-performance, technical racing machines and we're pushing them to the limits," Ainslie said. "This was a breakdown we haven't experienced before and we've sailed in stronger conditions than we had today."

Team New Zealand skipper Peter Burling said it's "never something you want to look across at your competitor and know they've got some pretty serious damage on board. We felt we were in for a real battle today and obviously it was a bit of a shame there wasn't much of a battle."

Earlier this spring, Ainslie hit the dock while returning from training in March; hit the back of Emirates Team New Zealand's boat in a practice race, causing serious damage that took the Kiwis three days to fix; and then slammed into SoftBank Team Japan during the start of a race in the first round robin, punching a hole in one of the hulls. The boat nearly sank as it returned to the dock after the race.

Ainslie has rallied before, both in winning Olympic gold medals and in helping Oracle Team USA win eight straight races to come back from an 8-1 deficit against Team New Zealand in the 2013 America's Cup on San Francisco Bay.

He is hoping to become the first Englishman to hoist the Auld Mug in victory. The British lost the silver trophy to the schooner America in 1851 and have failed in multiple attempts to win it back.

Ainslie is the most successful sailor in Olympic history, with four gold medals and one silver. He was knighted several months after winning his fourth straight gold medal in home waters in 2012.

In the other semifinal, SoftBank Team Japan and Sweden's Artemis Racing each took a comeback victory. Team Japan won the first race by 23 seconds and Artemis the second race by 29 seconds.

In the second race, Team Japan had a bad gybe and buried its bows in the water just as the crew was crossing the boat. Skipper Dean Barker took a tumble on the trampoline.

One challenger will emerge to face two-time defending champion Oracle Team USA in the America's Cup match starting June 17.

___

Follow Bernie Wilson on Twitter at http://twitter.com/berniewilson

In this photo provided by America's Cup Event Authority, Great Britain's Land Rover BAR is worked on after the camber arm in the high-tech wing sail broke during the opening race against Emirates Team New Zealand during America's Cup challenger semifinals on the Great Sound in Bermuda on Monday, June 5, 2017. (Gilles Martin-Raget/ACEA via AP)

In this photo provided by America's Cup Event Authority, Great Britain's Land Rover BAR is removed from the water after the camber arm in the high-tech wing sail broke during the opening race against Emirates Team New Zealand during America's Cup challenger semifinals on the Great Sound in Bermuda on Monday, June 5, 2017. (Ricardo Pinto/ACEA via AP)

In this photo provided by America's Cup Event Authority, Emirates Team New Zealand and Great Britain's Land Rover BAR compete compete during America's Cup challenger semifinals on the Great Sound in Bermuda on Monday, June 5, 2017. (Ricardo Pinto/ACEA via AP)

In this photo provided by America's Cup Event Authority, Emirates Team New Zealand and Great Britain's Land Rover BAR compete compete during America's Cup challenger semifinals on the Great Sound in Bermuda on Monday, June 5, 2017. (Ricardo Pinto/ACEA via AP)
American universities said branch campuses in Qatar were operating normally Monday while they monitored diplomatic developments in the Gulf nation.

After Saudi Arabia and other Arab powers severed diplomatic ties and shut down land, sea and air links with the energy-rich nation, Northwestern University, Texas A&M University, Georgetown University, Virginia Commonwealth University said they were keeping their Qatar faculty and students informed while summer classes continued.

"The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff are top priorities of the university," Northwestern spokesman Alan Cubbage said in a statement echoed by the others.

FILE - In this April 2012 file photo with the new high-rise buildings of downtown Doha in the background, Qatari women and a man enjoy walking by the sea in Doha, Qatar. Saudi Arabia and three Arab countries severed ties to Qatar on Monday, June 5, 2017 and moved to cut off land, sea and air routes to the energy-rich nation that is home to a major U.S. military base, accusing it of supporting regional terror groups. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)

The universities, along with Weill Cornell Medical College and Carnegie Mellon University, have programs in Qatar's "Education City" complex, which was established by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development to enable Qataris and others to earn U.S. degrees without going abroad.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates accused Qatar of supporting terror groups in the region and began withdrawing their diplomatic staff. Regional airlines announced they would suspend service to Qatar's capital, Doha, where the 25,000-acre Education City is situated.

Qatar has denied the allegations.

"It is too early to know the real impact on VCU Qatar, including travel plans of our students, faculty and staff," said Pamela DiSalvo Lepley, spokeswoman at Virginia Commonwealth University, whose Qatar campus has 28 students enrolled for the summer session. About 365 students are enrolled during the academic year.

The Qatar Foundation was established in 1995 by then-ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Members of the ruling family and influential government ministers serve as trustees and directors.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and keeping our community apprised through regular communications," Georgetown University said in a statement. Its Qatar campus has about 10 current students from the affected countries, the statement said.

Two students from the countries that severed relations are enrolled at Northwestern University-Qatar for the summer, out of 90 overall, Cubbage said. Fewer than 20 students from the Gulf countries are enrolled at that school for the fall.

Carnegie Mellon said it was conferring with the State Department and monitoring the situation. "The university will offer any necessary assistance to any members of our community who may be affected," the university said in a statement.

The university doesn't have a summer session but said there were currently a "small number of students on campus." During the academic year, about 400 students are enrolled at its Qatar campus.

Cornell University declined to comment to The Associated Press.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is accusing Senate Democrats of slow-walking his nominees, but his blame is misplaced. It's the president who is lagging behind his predecessors in naming candidates for key government posts during his first five months in the office.

Trump has so far nominated 110 people for 559 positions, fewer nominations than each of the last four presidents, according to the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. By comparison, Democrat Barack Obama had selected 252 nominees by early June 2009.

Thirty-six percent of Trump's nominees have been confirmed, compared with 59 percent Obama, the group's data show, suggesting that Trump indeed has had fewer nominees confirmed.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at an Air Traffic Control Reform Initiative event in the East Room at the White House, Monday, June 5, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

But blaming the Democrats in this case ignores the reality that Trump's fellow Republicans control the Senate, where nominations are confirmed. They run the committees and schedule, and changes in Senate rules engineered by Democrats in 2013 require only a simple majority to confirm nominees.

As part of a Monday morning tweetstorm, Trump wrote that Democrats "are taking forever" to confirm his nominees, including ambassadors. "They are nothing but OBSTRUCTIONISTS! Want approvals," he tweeted.

Democrats fired back. "If the president is looking for someone to blame on the slow pace of confirmations, he needs only to look in the mirror," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, said only five would-be ambassadors are awaiting action out of dozens of slots to be filled.

"Your lack of nominations is the problem," Cardin tweeted in response to Trump's accusation.

Trump has said, for example, that he would nominate New York Jets owner Woody Johnson as ambassador to Britain but has yet to do so.

In the case of Callista Gingrich, Trump's pick to be ambassador to the Vatican, the administration has yet to submit all the required paperwork. Without it, the Republican-led Foreign Relations Committee can't schedule a confirmation hearing. Gingrich, the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, was nominated by Trump on May 25.

The committee only has Callista Gingrich's FBI background investigation. Her file is missing a committee questionnaire to be filled out by the nominee, financial disclosure forms and certifications regarding any potential conflicts.

"The president should get off Twitter and lead his team in sending more ambassadors and other crucial nominees to the Senate," said Sean Bartlett, Cardin's spokesman. "We're ready to do our job, but he needs to do his first. That's how the process works."

There are 188 ambassadorial positions. Roughly a third of the slots are filled by political appointees and the rest by career foreign service officers. Trump has made 11 ambassador appointments and five have been confirmed by the Senate, according to the American Foreign Service Association, which tracks such appointments.

Among Trump's nominees who have been approved by the Senate are Nikki Haley, ambassador to the United Nations; Terry Branstad, ambassador to China; and David Friedman, ambassador to Israel.

By this time in Republican George W. Bush's presidency, he had submitted 202 nominees and 127 had been confirmed, according to the Partnership for Public Service. Democrat President Bill Clinton had nominated 207, with 161 confirmations. Republican President George H.W. Bush had nominated 155 and had secured 94 confirmations.

___

Find all AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd

___

Reach Richard Lardner on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rplardner
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - Federal authorities charged a Montreal man after they say he helped transport two men in Vermont after they apparently crossed into the United States from Canada illegally.

Court documents say Viatcheslav Kim, 29, a naturalized Canadian citizen originally from Russia, was apprehended by Border Patrol agents in Derby Line in the early morning hours of May 31 with two men in his car, one from Russia, the other Uzbekistan. Neither passenger had permission to be in the United States.

A grand jury indicted Kim last week, charging him with transporting people who did not have legal permission to be in the United States.

Kim, whose attorney did not return a call seeking comment, was released on bail. He's due to appear for arraignment in federal court in Burlington on June 13.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police told their U.S. counterparts May 31 that they saw individuals walking toward the border between the two countries, according to court documents.

A short time later a Border Patrol agent spotted Kim in his car talking on his phone on a back road just east of the Derby Line port of entry. Kim, who had entered the United States legally a short time before, told the agent he was looking for a gas station.

Kim was apprehended later with the two men in his car. The two are listed in court documents as material witnesses in the case against Kim.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The United States called on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday to initiate a special investigation into the gruesome March killings in Congo of two United Nations experts from the U.S. and Sweden and their interpreter.

The U.N. is conducting a board of inquiry into the deaths of American Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan of Sweden. But U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley the Trump administration wants a special investigation - which would be a criminal investigation.

Haley said in a statement that the United States will also support a resolution in the Human Rights Council in Geneva to establish a commission of inquiry into human rights violations in Congo's central Kasai region, where the killings took place. The Trump administration is considering pulling out of the council and she is scheduled to address its members Tuesday.

Haley said Sharp, Catalan and their families "deserve justice."

"We owe it to their legacy to end the human rights abuses being carried out by armed groups and (Congo's) government against the Congolese people," she said. "We hope other nations will join us in supporting a U.N.-led investigation and Human Rights Council-led inquiry into these horrific acts."

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the United Nations has repeatedly called on the Congolese government "to conduct a complete and thorough investigation into the murder of our colleagues and the fate of the four Congolese men who accompanied them." He said those responsible for the murders must be brought to justice and stressed that the government "has the duty and responsibility to carry out a criminal investigation."

But Dujarric stressed that the United Nations Secretariat "cannot substitute (for) the criminal justice system of a sovereign country."

The U.N. board of inquiry is expected to issue a report and recommendations by the end of July, he said. "We stand ready to support any investigative mechanism set up by the relevant inter-governmental bodies," he added.

The two U.N. experts and interpreter Betu Tshintela went missing while investigating human rights abuses in Congo. Their bodies were found in a shallow grave.

The Congolese government later obtained a cellphone video showing them being killed. The government blamed members of the Kamwina Nsapu militia who are active in Kasai, where at least 400 people have died since August.

Congolese authorities have launched an investigation and said late last month they have 16 suspects in connection with the murders.

Six suspects appeared in a Congo military court in Kananga, the provincial capital of Kasai Central, on Monday to answer charges. Two are accused of murder and four of facilitating the escape of suspects.

Congolese Attorney General Flory Kabange Numbi said last month that authorities have also opened an investigation into whether former government minister Clement Kanku played a role in inciting violence in the Kasai provinces. Kanku was one of the people being investigated by the U.N. team that was killed.

The announcement came after The New York Times cited an audiotape of Kanku allegedly condoning the violence, at one point saying: "It's good that we burn everything."
FLINT, Mich. (AP) - A judge has refused to dismiss portions of a sweeping lawsuit against state and local officials in the Flint water crisis.

Residents who drank lead-tainted water can continue to press ahead with their claim that their right to "bodily integrity" was spoiled by the disastrous decision to distribute water that wasn't treated to reduce corrosion.

Federal Judge Judith Levy in Ann Arbor says residents so far have sufficiently argued that the conduct of government officials "was so egregious as to shock the conscience" - a key legal standard. The judge dismissed other parts of the lawsuit Monday.

The lawsuit is one of many in the Flint water mess. For 18 months, the city used the Flint River, but the corrosive water caused lead to leach from old pipes.
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Classes are resuming at a small college in Washington state after protests on the progressive campus attracted national attention - and threats.

The Evergreen State College in Olympia announced on its website that it reopened its campus as of 3 p.m. Monday. Administrators didn't immediately provide further explanation.

The college had been closed for the third consecutive weekday Monday. Officials said police were reviewing new "external threat information" received over the weekend.

FILE - In this Wednesday, May 24, 2017 file photo, hundreds of students at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., protest against the college administration and demanded change after weeks of brewing racial tension on campus. Threats have prompted the small college in Washington state to cancel classes Monday, June 5, 2017, for the third consecutive weekday after protests on the progressive campus drew national attention. (Lisa Pemberton/The Olympian via AP, File)

Protests followed a white professor's decision to oppose an optional event in which organizers asked white students to leave campus for a talk about race. The event was a reversal of the college's longstanding annual "Day of Absence," in which minorities attend programs off campus.

Biology professor Bret Weinstein, who has taught at Evergreen for 15 years, wrote an op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal saying he was called a racist because he had "challenged coercive segregation by race."

Some students called for Weinstein to resign. Conservative media pointed to the furor as an example of intolerance on college campuses, where protests have derailed multiple appearances by contentious figures.

The University of California, Berkeley, was criticized for canceling an appearance by conservative commentator Ann Coulter in April and another by right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in February. The university canceled Coulter's speech amid threats of violence, fearing a repeat of the clashes ahead of the Yiannopoulos event.

Evergreen officials abruptly closed the college Thursday after someone called the Thurston County Communications Center claiming to be armed and on the way to campus. The call was made from an unknown telephone number to the communications center's regular business phone line and not their 911 lines, they said.

Police searched and found no one posing a threat, but Evergreen remained closed Friday.

Administrators had said they would determine when to re-open the campus as soon as possible.

"Even though we had planned to be back in class on Monday, it's important to give law enforcement an opportunity to evaluate their new information," Sandra Kaiser, vice president for college relations at Evergreen, said in a news release.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Vice President Mike Pence is welcoming Montenegro as the newest member of NATO and says the United States is committed to the alliance's "collective defense obligations."

Pence met Monday with Montenegro Prime Minister Dusko Markovic at the White House. President Donald Trump pushed past Markovic at a NATO meeting last month in an incident that spread rapidly on social networks. Markovic later called it a "harmless situation."

Montenegro became NATO's 29th member on Monday.

Vice President Mike Pence, left, shakes hands with Prime Minister of Montenegro Dusko Markovic, center, following their meeting at the White House in Washington, Monday, June 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The White House says Pence expressed "steadfast commitment to the Alliance and our collective defense obligations."

At last month's gathering in Brussels, Trump pressed NATO allies about their financial commitments and did not explicitly endorse the "one for all, all for one" defense doctrine critical to the alliance.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Democrats are pressing the businessman President Donald Trump nominated to be ambassador to Japan for answers about the vetting of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, according to congressional aides.

William F. Hagerty served as director of presidential appointments for Trump's transition team. One aide said Democrats on the Foreign Relations Committee want to know "who knew what and when" about Flynn's background. The aides were not authorized to speak publicly about the requests to the Tennessee businessman and requested anonymity.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said "questions for the record" were sent to Hagerty before Congress left for a weeklong Memorial Day break. Coons said he thought Hagerty did well during his confirmation hearing last month. But Coons said he was unaware until recently of Hagerty's role in the staffing of Trump's administration.

FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2017, photo, then - National Security Adviser Michael Flynn speaks during the daily news briefing at the White House, in Washington. Senate Democrats are pressing the businessman President Donald Trump nominated to be ambassador to Japan for answers about the vetting of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, according to congressional aides. William F. Hagerty served as director of presidential appointments for Trump's transition team(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

"I think how his nomination proceeds will in some part depend upon what those answers are," Coons said.

Flynn is a central figure in the investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia. The House and Senate Intelligence committees also are examining Russia's meddling in the election.

Flynn agreed late last month to provide documents to the Senate panel after previously invoking his Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination in declining an earlier subpoena.

Flynn was fired by Trump in February, less than a month after Flynn filled the key national security post. The move came because of revelations that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with Russia's ambassador to the United States.

Between June 2015 and Jan. 20 of this year, Flynn accepted tens of thousands of dollars from a Russian state-sponsored television network. He later worked as a foreign agent on behalf of a Turkish businessman, while also serving as a top Trump campaign adviser.

Hagerty is a founder and the managing director of Hagerty Peterson & Company, a private equity investment firm in Nashville, Tennessee, according to a brief biography on the company's web site.

He took a leave of absence last year to serve as director of presidential appointments for the Trump transition team. As director, Hagerty was "responsible for the planning and execution of the process to effect the largest leadership transition in the world - one that ultimately encompasses over 4,000 presidential appointments," the bio reads.

___

Reach Richard Lardner on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rplardner
All 12 people arrested in relation to the London Bridge terror outrage have been released without charge, as two of the attackers were named by Scotland Yard.

Police raided two addresses in east London on Sunday, in the wake of the van and knife rampage in which seven people were killed and 48 injured.

Khuram Shazad Butt, a 27-year-old British citizen born in Pakistan, and Rachid Redouane, who claimed to be Moroccan-Libyan, were named as attackers on Monday evening.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said Butt was known to the security services, but there was no evidence of attack planning by him.

The Met said that family liaison officers had been deployed to support the families of the victims killed in Saturdays attack.

One person is still believed to be missing, the force said.

Specialist officers are working with victims families and the coroner to formally identify those who were killed.

All those arrested in connection with the #LondonBridge terror attack have now been released without charge https://t.co/ZIMG5UnVoe  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 5, 2017

The two killers both lived in Barking, east London, while police are working to identify the third accomplice.

Butt, who The Guardian said was also known as Abu Zaitun, was known neighbours by the nickname Abs/z.

He was known to the police and MI5, and a member of public had reported him to an anti-terror hotline.

He is also alleged to have been an associate of radical hate preacher Anjem Choudary.

(PA graphic)

Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, said Butt called him a Murtad  traitor in Arabic  when he confronted Choudary about his support of terrorism days after the murder of Lee Rigby in 2013.

The investigation into Butt began in 2015, Mr Rowley said, adding: However, there was no intelligence to suggest that this attack was being planned and the investigation had been prioritised accordingly.

He was part of an investigation prioritised in the lower echelons of our investigative work, Mr Rowley said.

Redouane, 30, also used the name Rachid Elkhdar, claiming to be six years younger.

Floral tributes in Southwark Street

Security sources in Ireland confirmed Redouane married a British woman in Dublin in 2012 and lived in Rathmines, Dublin.

It is not clear when he came to the Republic or how long he stayed but it is believed he used Irish jurisdiction to get a European Union permit which allowed him to be in the UK.

Redouane left Ireland after the wedding and may have travelled to Morocco before settling in the UK.

He returned to Ireland again in 2015, again for an unknown length of time, but Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was not one of a small number of radicals under surveillance.

Terror plots foiled in the UK graphic

An Irish security source described the killer as having extensive immigration history related to the UK.

It is not yet known how the two men knew each other, and work is continuing to understand more about the trio, their connections and whether they were assisted or supported by anyone.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone with information about the men, particularly places they may have frequented and their movements in the days and hours before the attack.

AC Rowley: "I urge anyone with information about these men, their movements before the attack & where they frequented to come forward." https://t.co/iheY8Wogyt  Counter Terrorism Policing UK (@TerrorismPolice) June 5, 2017

Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick said authorities were confronting a new reality after three deadly assaults hit the UK in 10 weeks.

The Islamic State terror group, also known as Daesh, has claimed the London Bridge rampage, while the attack has sparked fears Britain is in the grip of a spate of copycat incidents.

In the latest outrage, three terrorists killed seven victims and injured dozens more in the London Bridge area on Saturday night.

Pedestrians were struck by a van on London Bridge before attackers stabbed a police officer and revellers around Borough Market with 12in knives.

Flowers at the vigil at Potters Fields tonight. Crowds queued to pay tribute to the victims of the London attacks. pic.twitter.com/QFCPSLJoCl  Aisling Ennis (@aislingrosennis) June 5, 2017

Hundreds sheltered in pubs and restaurants, barricading themselves inside as the terrorists stalked the street.

The attackers, wearing fake suicide vests, were shot dead by eight officers after police opened fire with a hail of 50 bullets.

Tales of heroism emerged, with one British Transport Police officer taking on the attackers armed only with his baton before being stabbed in the head, face and leg.

Three other officers were hurt in the attack.

Of the 48 people taken to hospital, 36 are being cared for in London hospitals with 18 in a critical condition.

Police raided a number of properties in Barking and Newham in the days after.

On Monday evening, a crowd of all ages and races stood quietly for an impeccably observed minutes silence at a vigil a short walk away from the scene of Saturdays bloodshed.
US president Donald Trump has described the London Bridge terror attack as horrific and vowed that this bloodshed must end.

Mr Trumps remarks, made during a Sunday night fund-raising event at Fords Theatre in Washington DC, were his first public comments on the atrocity in which seven people died.

Up to now, the president had expressed his views only on Twitter.

Earlier, Mr Trump criticised Londons mayor Sadiq Khan after he sought to reassure people about a stepped-up police presence on city streets.

In a series of tweets, President Trump challenged Mr Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed.

Mr Trump also repeated calls for his stalled travel ban, took on gun control supporters and pledged that the United States would be there to help London.

At the fund-raiser Mr Trump said he would do whatever was necessary to protect the United States from a vile enemy that had waged war on innocents for too long.

This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end, he said, with his wife Melania beside him.

Mr Trump made his comments at the conclusion of the event for Fords Theatre  the scene of one of the most famous acts of bloodshed in American history: the assassination of 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 has waged war on innocent life, and its gone on too long, Mr Trump said.

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.

Across the world in Sydney, Australia, US defence secretary Jim Mattis and secretary of state Rex Tillerson pledged unity with Americas longtime ally in fighting Islamic extremists who seek to intimidate the West.

Rex Tillerson (right) and Jim Mattis

We are united, as I said, in our resolve, even against an enemy that thinks by hurting us they can scare us, Mr Mattis said. Well, we dont scare.

In their first joint appearance abroad, Mr Mattis and Mr Tillerson spoke alongside their Australian counterparts at the opening of a joint meeting expected to touch on a range of subjects including defeating the Islamic State group, stabilising Afghanistan and dealing with North Koreas nuclear threats.

Mr Tillerson said the enduring US-Australian alliance would prevail in this common fight we share against the most heinous of actions weve seen most recently in London yet again.
A special Ariana Grande song was played at the first funeral of a Manchester terror victim, who has been brought to her home in the Outer Hebrides.

Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was among 22 people who died in the attack at the pop stars concert on May 22.

Her friend Laura MacIntyre  a fellow pupil at Castlebay Community School on the island of Barra  was seriously injured in the bombing at Manchester Arena and remains in hospital.

Eilidh MacLeod was one of the 22 who died in Manchester (Greater Manchester Police/PA)

The funeral began just before 11am on Monday at the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea in Castlebay, with about 1,000 people in attendance.

Eilidhs dad Roddy led the coffin with a rope while extended family members took it in turns to carry the coffin at waist height.

A piper played as the procession walked up to the building.

Roddy and Marion MacLeod flew back to Barra with their daughter's coffin (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Speakers were used so the mass could be heard by mourners outside the nearby Castlebay Hall.

Parish priest Father John Paul MacKinnon spoke of the gifted and beautiful teenager before saying songs which were special to Eilidh would be played before the ceremony .

Mourners stood in silence with heads bowed outside the church and in the town square as My Everything by Grande was played.

Her great-uncle Donald Manford then gave a tribute.

The hearse carrying the coffin of Eilidh MacLeod travels across Traigh Mhor beach (Andrew Milligan/PA)

He said: In contrast to the hate that took her life, Eilidhs life was and now stands as a testament forever of the world of love, innocence, goodness, kindness and faith.

We will look after each other, we will chase our dreams, we will love one another.

Fr MacKinnon added: Eilidh had such a warm gentle nature, a heart full of love. Our loss is certainly heavens gain.

The last thing in Eilidhs life was happiness  she had spent a wonderful weekend away from the island, going shopping, going to nice cafes, going to the cinema and then going to her pop idols concert  Ariana.

She was the happiest she had ever been and thats what we hold onto today  the happiness of Eilidhs life.

Order of service

Those memories of Eilidh will live on in all our hearts. Every year of her life was precious to us and we thank God for blessing us with her precious life.

Prayers were also said for Laura as she continues to be treated in hospital.

A recording of Eilidh, a talented musician, piping Both Sides the Tweed was played as mourners left the church while a choir sang over it in Gaelic.

Her father led the long procession with a white rope attached to the casket. Mother Marion and Eilidhs two sisters followed holding another rope.

Flowers at Eilidh MacLeod's funeral

Police officers saluted as the coffin was carried down to the town square, which overlooks the shore and Kisimul Castle.

Scottish Government ministers Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Humza Yousaf, minister for transport and islands, and Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan attended the funeral.

Businesses on the island were closed as a mark of respect and to allow staff to attend the funeral.
Theresa May is failing to keep Britain secure, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has claimed, as he called on the Prime Minister to publish a report thought to focus on alleged Saudi funding of extremist groups in the UK.

Mr Farron said that the Prime Minister must be ready to have difficult talks with the Gulf kingdom, to which the UK recently approved arms export licences worth 3.5 billion.

In the wake of Saturdays terror attack at London Bridge, Mr Farron accused Mrs May of making the wrong choices on security, reducing police funding while handing billions to business in corporation tax cuts.

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) June 3, 2017

And he dismissed the Prime Ministers call for tighter regulation of the internet as posturing, arguing that she should instead be working with online giants to develop methods for keeping people safe while maintaining free speech.

Mrs Mays predecessor David Cameron agreed to an inquiry into foreign funding of Islamist extremists in 2015 as part of a deal with the Lib Dems in return for their support on the extension of air strikes into Syria.

Reports last week suggested that the findings may never be published because of the sensitivity of information about Saudi Arabia, though the Home Office said a decision on its release would be made after the election.

Theresa May met King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia in Bahrain in late 2016 (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Mr Farron told the Press Association: On one of the most important tests facing us as a country  security  Theresa May has failed as both Prime Minister and home secretary. She has failed by cutting police numbers.

She has made poor choices. She has chosen to give away a corporation tax cut to the biggest and wealthiest businesses in our country, multi-nationals, instead of spending that money on keeping us safe and backing the police force and security services. Cutting police numbers is the most sure way of keeping us less safe.

The Lib Dem leader challenged the PM to release the report on funding sources for UK extremists today.

Publishing that report to expose the sources of funding for violent extremism in this country, thats a way of making sure that we keep ourselves safe and make sure that we damage those who would seek to hurt us.

Tim Farron

It bewilders me why Theresa May, both as home secretary and now as Prime Minister, is sitting on that report that clearly contains evidence that would be embarrassing  maybe to some of the countrys supposed friends  but will also help us know where the money is coming from, so we can stop it.

They are sitting on this report, you can only assume that their motives are that it would be embarrassing for the Conservative Government for it to be discovered who it is that is sending money to violent extremists in this country.

During a campaign tour of Scotland, Mr Farron accused the Government of easy, knee-jerk reactions rather than doing the things that would really make a difference, like putting more funding into counter-terrorism.
Jeremy Corbyn has called for Theresa May to resign as Prime Minister for presiding over cuts in police numbers as Home Secretary.

In the wake of three terror attacks in three months, the Labour leader attacked Mrs May over Government cuts which has left the police with 20,000 fewer officers than in 2010.

Mr Corbyn conceded that Thursdays General Election was perhaps the best opportunity to remove the PM from her post, but asked by ITV News if he backed calls for Mrs May to resign, he said: Indeed I would, because theres been calls made by a lot of very responsible people on this who are very worried that she was at the Home Office for all this time, presided over these cuts in police numbers and is now saying that we have a problem  yes, we do have a problem, we should never have cut the police numbers.

Asked a second time if he wanted the PM to quit, Mr Corbyn said: Weve got an election on Thursday and thats perhaps the best opportunity to deal with it.

Mr Corbyn was quizzed on security as election campaigning went back into full swing after a brief pause in the wake of Saturday nights London Bridge attack.

Jeremy Corbyn

It was the second time campaigning has been suspended since the snap election was called, with a longer break following the Manchester Arena attack.

The Opposition leader was asked by ITV News Rachel Younger if he held Mrs May in any way responsible and if cuts to the police contributed to the London Bridge atrocity.

If only someone had given Karen Bradley this chart, she could have answered the question on whether the number of armed police has been cut pic.twitter.com/qP6Sy4aUbs  Matt Chorley (@MattChorley) June 5, 2017

Mr Corbyn replied: The primary responsibility for this lies with those who did it, they killed people in cold blood in a disgusting and appalling way and theres no words other than total condemnation.

On the issues of policing  the Government has been warned repeatedly about police cuts, and the Police Federation and many others (have said) how 20,000 have gone down over the past seven years.

Weve said wed put 10,000 back immediately and also increase the number of security officers that are available, because clearly intelligence is a very important part of this.

Its also very important to have a message of bringing communities together and that is something I always give very strongly at all of my events.

You cannot protect communities on the cheap, as @Theresa_May has tried to do for 7 years. Labour will invest so our communities are safer. pic.twitter.com/VNqpWQHhfS  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 5, 2017

Mr Corbyn also denied he had ever opposed the police having a shoot-to-kill policy when dealing with terror attacks, pointing out that an internal BBC investigation of an interview in which he discussed the issue in 2015 had found the report to be inaccurate.

The Labour leader said: I have not changed my mind on shoot-to-kill. The criticisms that were made of me were I think wrong and unfair and indeed the BBC Trust upheld an objection on this.

As far as I am concerned the police act, as they did on Saturday, as they did in Manchester, in defence of innocent life.

That is a reasonable and proportionate response, as happened in Westminster.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the terror attack as cowardly and evil after visiting the scene with Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick.

Speaking from London Bridge he said he was angry the three knifemen were seeking to justify their actions using the faith he belonged to.

He said: The ideology they followed is perverse. I condemn this terrorist act, but also the poisonous ideology these men and others follow. Ms Dick described their visit to the crime scene as deeply, deeply chilling.

Join us at Potters Fields at 6pm today to remember the victims of Saturdays attack and stand against terrorism https://t.co/vKvk25TTLe  Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) June 5, 2017

Mr Khan said his thoughts, like the thoughts of all Londoners, were with the families and friends of the victims, which included Londoners as well as people from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Spain and other parts of the world.

He paid tribute to the amazing work of the police and emergency services, whose swift response saved lives.

It is sad that officers have been injured very seriously in the attack on Saturday night, he continued. Thats as a consequence of them running towards danger, encouraging others to flee and risking their lives in the process.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan (Isabel Infantes/PA)

He added: The acts of these three men on Saturday night was cowardly, was evil. Im angry and furious that these three men are seeking to justify their actions by using the faith that I belong to. The ideology they follow is perverse, it is poisonous, and it has no place in Islam.

Ms Dick said: I have been a police officer for 34 years and I have been to many crime scenes, as you would imagine, and it is deeply, deeply chilling and horribly sad to see what we have just seen and to think about the barbarous acts of Saturday night.

She said she was intensely proud of the police and emergency services who responded to the terror attack, and also paid tribute to brave members of the public.

Cressida Dick and Sadiq Khan visit the scene (Isabel Infantes/PA)

We saw extraordinary courage, we saw extraordinary professionalism and extraordinary compassion from our public servants, Ms Dick continued.

But we also saw exactly the same courage and compassion from amazing members of our public, no doubt many of whom are actually visitors to London. So, out of all that horror and all that sorrow and all that tragedy, there is some hope to hold on to.

Ms Dick appealed to members of the public to work with the police in the enormous investigation, while Mr Khan said there will be a vigil in nearby Potters Field park at 6pm on Monday to remember victims and their families and say thank you to the police and emergency services.

London wont be cowed by terrorism and nor will we allow these terrorists to fuel division and divide our communities, he added.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has called on the Government to cancel the planned state visit by Donald Trump after the US president continued to criticise his response to the London Bridge terror attack.

In a series of tweets over the weekend, Mr Trump mocked Mr Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the mayor said people should not be concerned by the additional police presence on the capitals streets after the attack.

On Monday the president brushed aside criticism of his original posting, tweeting: Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement.

MSM (mainstream media) is working hard to sell it!

Appearing on Channel 4 News, Mr Khan said Mr Trump was wrong about many things and that his state visit should not go ahead.

I dont think we should roll out the red carpet to the president of the USA in the circumstances where his policies go against everything we stand for, he said.

When you have a special relationship it is no different from when you have got a close mate. You stand with them in times of adversity but you call them out when they are wrong.

There are many things about which Donald Trump is wrong.

Earlier Theresa May defended the mayor, while stopping short of directly criticising Mr Trump.

I think Sadiq Khan is doing a good job and its wrong to say anything else  hes doing a good job, she told reporters at an election campaign event in London.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during a visit to the scene of the London Bridge attack ( Isabel Infantes/PA)

Were working with him, working together and thats important  central government and the London mayoralty and his officials working together to ensure we are responding to the attack.

A spokesman for Mr Khan, responding to Mr Trumps latest tweet, said: Nothing has changed since yesterday.

The mayor is focused on dealing with Saturdays horrific and cowardly attack and working with the police, the emergency services and the Government to keep London safe.
Australia were denied a crucial win in the Champions Trophy as rain washed out their second match in a row and saved Bangladesh from elimination.

Bangladesh, who had to avoid defeat to keep alive any hopes of qualification from Group A, were skittled for 182 but Australias likely stroll to victory was curtailed by bad weather at 83 for one.

Their frustration at the Oval was perhaps amplified given they appeared just four more overs away from securing an all-important two points.

Tamim Iqbal

Regulations state 20 overs must be completed to activate the Duckworth-Lewis method, which would almost certainly have ruled in Australias favour, but only 16 were played meaning the spoils were shared.

It leaves Australias chances of progress hanging in the balance after their first game against New Zealand was also halted by rain while Bangladesh stay in contention, just, despite their opening loss to England.

As well as the elements, Bangladesh have Tamim Iqbal to thank after he followed up his 128 against England with 95 here, one of only three in his side to make double figures and the only one to pass 30.

Tamim eventually fell to the imperious Mitchell Starc, who claimed three wickets in four balls and finished with four for 29.

No less impressive was David Warner later passing 4,000 one-day international runs in his 93rd innings, the fastest Australian to do so and third fastest player in history.

Bangladesh had elected to bat but their display failed to justify Mashrafe Mortazas decision as only Shakib Al Hasan (29) and Mehedi Hasan Miraz (14) joined Tamim in making any contribution of note.

Soumya Sarkar (three) was the first man out after edging Josh Hazlewood behind and Tamim was fortunate not to follow when two mistimed pulls both flew upward but landed safe.

Imrul Kayes (six) soon slapped Pat Cummins wide delivery into the hands of Aaron Finch before the potentially destructive Mushfiqur Rahim was pinned lbw by Moises Henriques on nine. Replays suggested Rahim had actually nicked the ball into his pad but mysteriously he chose not to review.

Bangladesh became bogged down and their only ray of light was Tamim, who hit a six and two fours before sealing his own half-century in the 24th over, with his side 90 for three.

But his partners continued to topple as Al Hasan fell lbw, followed by Sabbir Rahman and Mahmudullah, who were both bamboozled by leg-spinner Adam Zampa, each on eight.

Tamim finally succumbed five runs short of his 100, top-edging Starc to a scrambling Hazlewood at long-leg, and the floodgates duly opened as Starc rolled through Mortaza, Rubel Hossain and Miraz to give Australia a very achievable target.

With heavy rain forecasted, Australia were expected to race out of the blocks but Warner and Finch both showed restraint to reach 40 unbeaten after seven overs.

Bangladeshs sole wicket arrived when Rubel pinged one back onto Finchs pad but Steve Smith quickly restored order, a lifted drive through the covers taking Australia past 50.

Other than the darkening clouds, there was little to trouble the chasing side but both teams appeared only too aware of the approaching 20-over mark.

Bangladesh took their time while Smith seemed even to turn down run-scoring opportunities in a bid to speed play up.

It was to no avail, however, as rain meant the match was stopped at 18.43pm and finally abandoned around two and a half hours later.

Its a little bit frustrating not to get a result in. The groundsmen perhaps could have shown a bit more urgency with it being a big tournament, but I think they did the best job they could. The umpires said it was an 8.30pm start so you have to do what they say.

In todays match Australia was far ahead of us, but in the last match against New Zealand, Australia were in the same position [as us] so you cant do anything with the weather.
Liverpool appear to have edged ahead in the race for in-demand Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk as the player has indicated he prefers a move to Anfield.

Press Association Sport understands the centre-back has made his feelings on his future clear and has chosen Jurgen Klopps Liverpool ahead of interest from Premier League champions Chelsea and Manchester City.

However, a deal is a long way from being completed as the Reds have yet to make a bid for the player, with Saints expected to demand a world-record fee for a defender in excess of 50million. That would smash Liverpools existing record transfer, the 35million they paid for Andy Carroll.

.@LFC move ahead in race for @VirgilvDijk after defender indicates he prefers a move to Anfield over Chelsea/City. Still long way to go tho  Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) June 5, 2017

Liverpool have refused to comment on the speculation surrounding the player and their interest in him.

But it is understood Van Dijk is Klopps primary transfer target this summer and would be willing to offer a lucrative financial package, potentially making him the highest-paid player at the club, to secure the defender.

The chance to work with Klopp is believed to have been a significant factor in Van Dijks decision, despite similar opportunities being available with Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte.

Van Dijk missed the second half of last season with an ankle ligament injury but has impressed since his move to England from Celtic in September 2015 for 11.5million.

Virgil van Dijk

Klopp is understood to want the Holland international to bring some authority and presence to his back four having struggled in that area this season.

Liverpool are working hard to secure the managers top targets with talks currently at a standstill with Roma over winger Mohamed Salah.

The Egypt international, for whom the Reds lost out to Chelsea when they tried to sign him in January 2014, is wanted to add more pace to Klopps attack.

A fee, likely to be about 35million, has yet to be agreed and Liverpool are considering Lazios Keita Balde as an alternative should the deal fail to materialise.
The Prince of Wales was given a huge hug by an eight-year-old royal fan during a visit to farm.

Skye Skillen embraced the heir to throne, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist as he toured Jimmys Farm in Ipswich.

Charles, grandfather to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, was being shown chickens when the youngster dispensed with traditional royal protocol to make him feel welcome.

The Prince of Wales receives a hug from eight year old Skye Skillen (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)

Skyes mother Tina Dranowski, from Colchester, told the Press Association: She gave him a cuddle and then she asked him if he wanted to stroke one of the chickens and he did. He gave her a hug and he was smiling.

She added: I asked Why did you hug him, Skye? and she said Because hes the best. She likes the royals.

She was a bit excited. I think she just wanted to meet him. Shes quite a cuddly, friendly child  very outgoing.

The Prince of Wales meets Teddy the South American Tapir during his visit to Jimmy's Farm in Ipswich (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)

The Prince, who is patron of The Rare Breeds Survival Trust, was shown around by the Trusts new president, TV presenter Jimmy Doherty, and heard about the farms education and rare breeds programme.

Doherty and his wife Michaela took on the site in 2002 to breed rare pigs, and the early days of the venture were charted in the BBC documentary series Jimmys Farm.

A childhood friend of chef Jamie Oliver, Doherty appears with Oliver in the Channel 4 show Jamie And Jimmys Friday Night Feast.
Cheick Tiotes former Newcastle team-mates paid emotional tributes to the midfielder following his death at the age of 30.

The Ivory Coast international died after collapsing following a training session in China with his team Beijing Enterprises. He joined the second-tier side in February after six and a half years on Tyneside.

Magpies players past and present led the moving tributes to the tough-tackling midfielder, describing him as a warrior who loved life, with heartfelt messages also coming in from Premier League clubs and players.

Cheick Tiote

Deeply sad to hear the news about Cheick.. One of my favourite teammates.. My thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/FvS6TdDctP  Tim Krul (@TimKrul) June 5, 2017

Sad news. Always going to be remember our time together at #nufc RIP my friend. Noticia muy https://t.co/l79i10XI8R  Jonas Gutierrez (@elgalgojonas) June 5, 2017

Rip chieky-man... you absolute warrior   Rob Elliot (@the_dilsh) June 5, 2017

Shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of Cheick Tiote, I pass on my condolences to his friends & family, way too young #ripcheickTiote   Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) June 5, 2017

How I'll always remember him. As someone you'd want in the trenches alongside you. RIP Cheiky  https://t.co/crESQc0mpC  Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) June 5, 2017

Steve McClaren, who managed Tiote at Newcastle and his previous club FC Twente, said he was a ferocious competitor who possessed the most beautiful smile in football.

He was the toughest player I have ever seen, the former England boss said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Some days we would have to pull him out of training because he was such a ferocious competitor, such a winner. He was a warrior and could play too.

Newcastle great Peter Beardsley, still on the staff at the club, has similar memories.

Cheick was one of the best we had in terms of his attitude, he said on Radio 5 Live.

Our sincere condolences to the family, friends & team-mates of Cheick Tiote, who passed away today in China, aged just 30. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/uqOV3oocIg  FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) June 5, 2017

He had a wicked sense of humour, he was top class and he will certainly be missed in this city. He was flat out every day in training and was a brilliant example to the kids at our club. He loved a tackle. He wasnt horrible, but very aggressive. Every time he saw the ball he went for it.

He was also really funny in the dressing room. He had a brilliant smile and he lit up a room when he smiled. He was fantastic.

I can't belive it. No words. I am broken. RIP Cheick

Sin palabras, no puedo creerlo... descansa en paz amigo pic.twitter.com/aJzoBaP9YV  Ayoze Perez (@AyozePG) June 5, 2017

Such sad news about cheick tiote... he was genuinely one of the nicest/funniest guys I've ever met and will be sorely missed! Rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/nBcnFturAf  Andros Townsend (@andros_townsend) June 5, 2017

Alan Shearer said that Tiotes death was devastating news.

Devastating news of the death of Cheick Tiote. RIP.   Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) June 5, 2017

Dreadful news that Cheick Tiote has passed away. So young. So tragic.  Gary Lineker  (@GaryLineker) June 5, 2017

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany was a former team-mate of Tiotes at Belgian side Anderlecht when both players were starting their careers.

I am speechless and so incredibly sad. Cheick Tiote was one of the nicest and toughest teammates I have ever had. Rest in peace brother.  Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) June 5, 2017

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO CHEICK TIOTE AND HIS FAMILY TAKEN TOO SOON  pic.twitter.com/Jm1BeVXowb  Wilfried Bony (@wilfriedbony) June 5, 2017

Shocked to hear the news that former @NUFC midfielder Cheick Tiote has passed away.. thoughts & prayers with his family & friends!  Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 5, 2017

Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Cheick Tiote and our colleagues at #NUFC



Such sad news. https://t.co/TmNXuRGMcH  Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) June 5, 2017
Professor Stephen Hawking has said he is backing Labour in the General Election - despite having said he regards Jeremy Corbyn as a disaster.

Following a meeting with the partys candidate for Cambridge, Daniel Zeichner, Prof Hawking said he was supporting Labour because of concerns over public services, the Cambridge News reported.

Thank you Gateshead for your warm reception. We have 3 days until you can choose a government that will deliver #ForTheMany, not the few. pic.twitter.com/lwbBZb0KN7  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 5, 2017

Im voting Labour because another five years of Conservative government would be a disaster for the NHS, the police and other public services, he said.

Professor Stephen Hawking has said he is backing Labour in the General Election (Philip Toscano/PA)

Prof Hawking, a lifelong Labour supporter, had previously said he believed Mr Corbyn had been a disaster for the party.

His heart is in the right place and many of his policies are sound, but he has allowed himself to be portrayed as a left-wing extremist, he said.
Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi may have stored items used to assemble the device in a Nissan Micra, police have said.

Greater Manchester Police said significant evidence was found in the white car, which has an R registration plate and was seized from Devell House in Rusholme on Friday.

A white Nissan Micra released as part of the investigation into Salman Abedi in the days before the Manchester attack (Greater Manchester Police/PA)

The force issued photos of the car and a red and black holdall and appealed for anyone who recognised either to come forward.

A holdall released as part of the investigation into Salman Abedi in the days before the Manchester attack (Greater Manchester Police/PA)

The appeal came as an 18-year-old man  understood to be Abedis cousin  and two other men were released without charge on Tuesday after being arrested in connection with the attack.

Abedis brother Ismail, 23, was released on Monday, while his other cousins, Isaac Forjani, 24, and Abz Forjani, 21, both from Fallowfield, were among those released last week.

Seven men remain in custody for questioning in connection with the attack.

Latest update in Manchester Arena investigation pic.twitter.com/NljL5bIvQQ  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 6, 2017

Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson said police were continuing to track the movements Abedi made in the days leading up to the May 22 attack, which killed 22 people, including seven children.

He said: Our investigation has also revealed that Abedi made repeated trips to and from this car between May 18 and 22 and we believe he was taking items from the car to help assemble the device.

The car was sold by a previous keeper on April 13 2017.

Latest update. Please note, this is a two part update. Images to follow. pic.twitter.com/urGBVNSrn5  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 6, 2017

Abedi left the country on April 15 and it is vital that we understand what happened to this car during these few days between April 13 and 15.

We need to know who was in the car and where the car went. You may have seen the car and not realised at the time but it could have stopped at a newsagents or a supermarket  did you see the car and its occupants during these dates?

Mr Jackson said it was vital officers exhausted all lines of enquiry to establish how other people were involved in planning the attack.

He added: We also appeal to anyone who knew Abedi or his close associates to come forward. Did you notice anything suspicious about him or people he associated with? This information could be vital in piecing together what happened.

Latest update on Manchester Arena investigation pic.twitter.com/PRAoYPruco  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 6, 2017

The police appeal came as two men were released after being arrested in connection with the attack.

A 33-year-old man arrested in Wigan on May 24 and a 20-year-old man arrested in Cheetham Hill on May 27 were released from custody without charge.

Suicide bomber Abedis brother Ismail, 23, was released on Monday evening.

He was arrested in the street in Chorlton on Tuesday May 23, the day after the terror attack on Manchester Arena, which killed 22 people, including seven children.

Image update relating to previous post. pic.twitter.com/h5PonFBt3k  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 6, 2017

On Tuesday, a police officer outside Ismail Abedis flat in nearby Whalley Range told reporters that the property was still an active crime scene.

Salman Abedi, 22, whose family are of Libyan origin, died after detonating an improvised explosive device as people began leaving a show by US singer Ariana Grande.

His father, Ramadan Abedi, was arrested in Tripoli on May 24, along with Salmans younger brother Hashim, 20, who Libyan security forces said were aware of all the details of the attack.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the atrocity.
LONDON, June 4 (Reuters) - 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. (Reporting by Hannah McKay and William James, editing by Estelle Shirbon)
By Terray Sylvester

PORTLAND, Ore., June 4 (Reuters) - Riot police turned out in force in downtown Portland on Sunday to maintain order as supporters and opponents of President Donald Trump faced off in dueling political rallies, a week after racially charged killings that shook Oregon's largest city.

The Trump Free Speech Rally drew hundreds of demonstrators to a public square near City Hall, where a far larger throng of counter-protesters and onlookers massed on three sides of the park in a heated encounter that grew tense at times but remained mostly peaceful.

Dozens of black-clad, masked anti-Trump protesters waved an "Antifascist Action" flag at pro-Trump activists across the street at one point, yelling: "Nazis, go home," while members of the opposing rally, some carrying American flags, chanted: "USA, USA."

A phalanx of helmeted police officers took up positions to keep the two sides apart, break up scuffles and detain protesters seen crossing police lines to agitate the other side.

Police reported at least four arrests, and displayed photos on Twitter of weapons seized from demonstrators, including a hunting knife, brass knuckles, clubs, roadside flares, a slingshot and several homemade shields.

Tempers and shoving matches flared periodically, but law enforcement kept violence mostly in check. Late in the day, as the pro-Trump rally was coming to an end, police ordered counter-demonstrators to disperse from two adjacent parks, prompting some in the crowd to hurl rocks and other projectiles at officers.

Officers responded by firing volleys of "pepper ball" rounds. Police earlier reported seeing protesters removing bricks from the exterior of a public restroom.

The confrontation appeared to be winding down after police corralled a group of about 200 stragglers on a nearby street, then herded them single file through a checkpoint where each was photographed and ordered to show identification before being released. Several more arrests were made during that process.

TENSIONS HIGH

Tensions were already running high a week after a man yelling religious and racial slurs at two teenage girls on a Portland commuter train stabbed three passengers who intervened, killing two of them.

One of the girls accosted in the incident, which the FBI is investigating as a suspected hate crime, was black, and the other wore a Muslim head scarf.

Jeremy Christian, a 35-year-old with a prior felony record, was arrested and charged with murder in the May 26 attack, which Trump condemned as "unacceptable" while saluting the victims for "standing up to hate and intolerance."

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler urged federal authorities last week to rescind a permit for Sunday's pro-Trump rally, saying he worried about inflaming passions after the stabbings.

But the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages the protest site, denied Wheeler's request, saying the permit was lawfully obtained weeks earlier.

Still, left-wing activists seized on the stabbings as a rallying cry for counter-protests on Sunday.

"I'm here today to stand against the hate he was spewing out," said Sharon Maxwell, 52, of Portland. "As a woman of color, I'm not going to stand for that."

John Turano, 49, a welder from Los Angeles dressed in red, white and blue with a metal breastplate and helmet, said he was attending the pro-Trump rally as a "defender," accusing the other side of trying "to take away the rights of people here."

Stewart Rhodes, a leader of the right-wing Oath Keepers militia, told Reuters that members of his group provided security for the Trump rally at the request of a local Republican Party chairman. (Reporting in Portland, Ore. by Terray Sylvester; Additional reporting and writing by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Cooney and James Dalgleish)
By Clyde Russell

LAUNCESTON, Australia, June 5 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's dilemma is shown quite neatly by its decision to raise crude oil prices for Asian refiners even though the kingdom is steadily surrendering market share in China, its biggest customer.

Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company, lifted the official selling price (OSP) for its benchmark Arab Light grade to Asian refiners by 60 cents a barrel for July shipments, according to a statement released on Sunday.

Arab Light cargoes for July will now be sold at a discount of 25 cents a barrel to the Oman-Dubai crude price, up from a discount of 85 cents for June shipments.

The increase in the OSP had been expected by the market, although it was by a wider margin than forecast in a Reuters survey of six Asian refiners and traders, with the increase of 60 cents beating even the top estimate of 50 cents in the poll.

Saudi Aramco sets the OSP based on recommendations from customers and after calculating the change in the value of its oil over the past month, based on yields and product prices.

It also takes into account the market structure, and some narrowing of the Oman-Dubai contango at times in May from April was also a pointer to an increase in the price.

A contango market refers to prompt prices that are lower than those in future months, while a narrowing contango signals increased demand or tightening supply.

The difference between front-month Dubai crude and third-month stood at 54 cents a barrel on June 2, which is down from 62 cents on May 29 but is actually wider than the 44 cents that prevailed on the last trading day in April.

What this means is that part of the Saudi price hike for July was attributable to technical factors and was an expected response.

But it's worth noting that the change in the contango is actually very small, and certainly not enough to justify a larger-than-expected increase in the OSP for July.

A further sign that the hike for July was higher than expected is shown by the relative lack of movement in the premium of Brent crude to Dubai, known as the exchange for swaps <DUB-EFS-1M>.

Over time the Saudi OSP tends to track the premium quite closely, but in recent months the Saudis have kept the OSP in a fairly narrow range while the Brent-Dubai spread has narrowed considerably, from $2.07 a barrel in December to just 65 cents by June 2.

Normally this would result in the Saudis lowering the OSPs, and while they did do this for May and June cargoes, the increase for July reverses the earlier price cuts.

It does seem that the Saudis are using pricing to try to tighten supply to Asia, which buys about two-thirds of the kingdom's exports.

This would fit alongside with the kingdom's stated aim of boosting prices by cutting output, along with other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Countries (OPEC) and allied producers such as Russia.

The Saudis are leading the efforts to lower output by a combined 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), a move that aims to drain inventories by enough to lift prices over the longer run.

CHINA DATA SHOWS THE SAUDI DILEMMA

But while it's relatively easy for the Saudis to increase their OSP by more than their customers expected, it's less easy to fight off competitors from outside the agreement to restrict production.

China, the world's biggest crude importer, is a case in point.

Saudi Arabia supplied 3.956 million tonnes of crude to China in April, according to customs figures released on May 23, taking their year-to-date total to 18.314 million.

This gave the Saudis a share of Chinese imports of 11.5 percent in April, lower than their January-April share of 13.2 percent.

What is probably more worrying for the Saudis is that their market share in China is heading in the wrong direction, given it was 13.4 percent for the whole of 2016.

In contrast, the share of Chinese imports enjoyed by Brazil, a producer outside the OPEC and allies agreement, is rising.

Brazil's share in the first four months of the year was 5.4 percent, up from 5 percent for the whole of the 2016.

And in a further sign that the Chinese are broadening their base of crude suppliers, the United States gained a 0.9 percent share of imports in the first four months of 2017, up from a negligible 0.13 percent in 2016.

While it's true that suppliers such as Brazil and the United States are minnows compared to Saudi Arabia and Russia when it comes to meeting China's oil needs, the point is that they seem able to take up the slack of any lower shipments from producers that may be restricting output.

And it's not only volumes that make disturbing reading for the Saudis and their allies, it's pricing as well.

Chinese data shows that the average price paid per tonne of crude oil in April was $379.81, or about $52.03 a barrel.

The average price of Saudi imports was higher, at $388.52 a tonne, as was those from fellow output cutters Russia, at $390.09.

In contrast, supplies from Brazil were below the Chinese average at $363.25 a tonne, as were those from the United States at $368.20.

Of course, this is a bit of an apples and pears comparison, given the Chinese customs data doesn't break down imports by grade, with lighter crudes tending to fetch a premium over heavier types.

But there has also been movement in the relative pricing since December, the month before the output cuts agreements took effect.

In December the average price of Saudi crude was 2.4 percent below the overall average paid by China, by April it was at a premium of 2.3 percent.

Brazil's crude was at a discount of 2.3 percent to the Chinese average in December, and this had widened to 4.4 percent by April.

In other words, not only is Saudi Arabia losing market share in China, it's crude is now more expensive relative to those from some competitors outside the OPEC and allies agreement.

The Chinese numbers neatly encapsulate the Saudi dilemma of how much can they tighten supplies and raise prices before the effect on their market share becomes too pronounced? (Editing by Richard Pullin)
By Neil Jerome Morales and Tom Allard

MARAWI CITY, Philippines, June 5 (Reuters) - Islamist militants holed up in a southern Philippines town stocked weapons and food in mosques, tunnels and basements to prepare for a long siege, officials said on Monday as the battle for control of Marawi City came to the end of its second week.

Their comments underlined the level of organisation among fighters linked to the Islamic State group, whose ranks of several hundred included foreigners from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Saudi Arabia, Chechnya and Morocco.

The battle for Marawi City has raised concerns that the ultra-radical Islamic State is building a Southeast Asia base on the island of Mindanao at the southern end of the Philippines.

Parrying questions on why the fighters had been able to resist an onslaught from the Philippines army for so long, senior officers said the main problem was that 500-600 civilians were still trapped in the urban heart of the town.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday that Marawi City would be fully liberated within three days, but on Monday officials were more circumspect on the timing and gave conflicting estimates of how many combatants were holding out.

Major General Carlito Galvez, head of the military command in Western Mindanao region, said as many as 200 fighters from the Maute militant group and others were still inside the town, and had made preparations in advance for a drawn-out standoff.

"In houses we take over, we see .50 calibre, .30 calibre, and the ammunitions are huge. And the Maute, even if they fight two months they will not starve here," he told a news conference about one kilometre from the fighting.

"If you look at it, there are underground tunnels and basements that even a 500-pounder cannot destroy."

He said that days before seizing Marawi City the militants placed supplies in mosques and madrasas, the religious schools of a town whose population of over 200,000 is overwhelmingly Muslim in a country where the majority of people are Christians.

TRAPPED CIVILIANS LOW ON FOOD AND WATER

The area of the town occupied by the militants had shrunk to less than 10 percent, military spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told a news conference, adding that the army was pressing on to meet Duterte's deadline but it was not easy.

"Complications have been coming out: the continued use of civilians, potential hostages that may still be in their hands, the use of places of worship ... and other factors that complicates the battle because of its urban terrain," he said.

Military choppers made combat sorties and machinegun fire rattled and smoke billowed in a neighbourhood of the town on Monday, Reuters correspondents said.

A four-hour ceasefire to evacuate residents was marred by gunfire on Sunday, leaving hundreds of civilians who had hoped to flee the fighting stuck in their homes.

Padilla said that 1,467 civilians had been rescued so far, and the 500-600 still trapped were low on food and water.

"There are places which we use as passageways to enemy territory - when we reach those areas, sometimes we see old people who are weak, cannot move on their own, because of lack of food," he said.

A presidential spokesman said 120 militants have died in the battle, along with 38 government forces. The authorities have put the civilian death toll at between 20 and 38.

President Duterte, who launched a ruthless 'war on drugs' after he came to power a year ago, has said that the Marawi fighters were financed by druglords in Mindanao, which has been roiled by banditry and separatist insurgencies for decades.

After the Marawi siege began Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao, an island the size of South Korea with a population of 22 million. Six opposition lawmakers on Monday challenged the imposition of martial law in a petition to the Supreme Court, but his allies in Congress have supported the move.

(Additional reporting by Karen Lema in MANILA; Writing by John Chalmers; Editing by Michael Perry)
LONDON, June 5 (Reuters) - Genel Energy co-founder Nathaniel Rothschild has resigned from the Iraqi Kurdistan oil producer, the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the loss-making company.

Rothschild's departure follows the resignations of chairman and co-founder Tony Hayward, the former BP chief executive, and of chief financial officer Ben Monaghan, a former J.P. Morgan banker.

Although only a non-executive director Rothschild was influential as he still owns a stake of around 7.9 percent in the company.

Genel on Monday also announced the departure of fellow board member Simon Lockett, head of the audit and nominations and the health and safety committees.

"Today's news suggests that more substantial changes are afoot, as the ties with the past are broken," said analysts at RBC Capital Markets.

New Chairman Stephen Whyte will take the helm on Tuesday from Hayward when the company holds its annual meeting.

"The composition of the board will be a focus for the new chairman," a Genel spokesman said on Monday.

The oil producer has been grappling with a steep reserves downgrade at its flagship Kurdish oilfield and the effect of weak oil prices on its revenues.

Shares in Genel traded down 6.6 percent at 0912 GMT, underperforming the sector index which was down 0.3 percent. (Reporting by Karolin Schaps; Editing by Keith Weir)
ANKARA, June 5 (Reuters) - Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday he was saddened by a rift between Qatar and other Arab states, and called for dialogue to resolve the dispute.

"We see the stability in the Gulf region as our own unity and solidarity," Cavusoglu told a news conference.

"Countries may of course have some issues, but dialogue must continue under every circumstance for problems to be resolved peacefully. We are saddened by the current picture and will give any support for its normalisation," Cavusoglu said.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism and opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world. (Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Writing by Dominic Evans; Editing by Daren Butler)
By Neil Jerome Morales and Tom Allard

MARAWI CITY, Philippines, June 5 (Reuters) - Islamist militants who seized the Philippines town of Marawi two weeks ago have stockpiled weapons and food in mosques, tunnels and basements to prepare for a long siege, officials said on Monday.

Among the several hundred militants linked to the Islamic State group are fighters from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Saudi Arabia, Chechnya and Morocco.

The battle for Marawi City has raised concerns that the ultra-radical jihadist group is building a regional base on the island of Mindanao, at the southern end of the Philippines.

Parrying questions on why the fighters had been able to resist the Philippine army for so long, senior officers said the main problem was that 500-600 civilians were still trapped in the urban heart of the town.

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday that Marawi City would be fully liberated within three days, but on Monday officials were more circumspect and gave conflicting estimates of how many combatants were holding out.

Major General Carlito Galvez, head of the military command in Western Mindanao region, said as many as 200 fighters from the Maute militant group and others were still inside the town, and had prepared in advance for a long standoff.

"... the Maute, even if they fight two months, they will not starve here," he told a news conference about a kilometre from the fighting.

"There are underground tunnels and basements that even a 500-pounder cannot destroy."

He said that, days before seizing the city of 200,000 people, the militants had placed supplies in mosques and madrasas, or Islamic religious schools. Although the Philippines is largely Christian, Marawi City is overwhelmingly Muslim.

Fighting had erupted on May 23 after a bungled raid aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, whom Islamic State proclaimed as its "emir" of Southeast Asia last year after he pledged allegiance to the group. The U.S. State Department has offered a bounty of up to $5 million for his arrest.

The military said on Monday that Duterte had offered a bounty of 10 million pesos ($200,000) to anyone who "neutralised" Hapilon, and 5 million pesos for each of the two leaders of the Maute group.

CIVILIANS TRAPPED

Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told a news conference that the militants now held less than 10 percent of the city, but that meeting Duterte's deadline was not easy.

"Complications have been coming up: the continued use of civilians, potential hostages that may still be in their hands, the use of places of worship ... and other factors that complicate the battle because of its urban terrain," he said.

Reuters correspondents saw military helicopters flying combat sorties over Marawi City and smoke rising from parts of town amid machinegun fire.

A four-hour ceasefire to evacuate residents was marred by gunfire on Sunday, leaving hundreds of civilians stuck in their homes.

Padilla said that 1,467 civilians had been rescued so far, and that the 500-600 still trapped were low on food and water.

"There are places that we use as passageways to enemy territory - when we reach those areas, sometimes we see old people who are weak, cannot move on their own, because of lack of food," he said.

A presidential spokesman said 120 militants had died in the battle, along with 38 security personnel. The authorities have put the civilian death toll at between 20 and 38.

President Duterte, who launched a ruthless 'war on drugs' after coming to power a year ago, has said that the Marawi fighters were financed by drug lords in Mindanao, an island the size of South Korea that has suffered for decades from banditry and insurgencies.

After the Marawi siege began, Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao, with support from allies in the Congress. On Monday, six opposition lawmakers challenged the move in a petition to the Supreme Court. ($1 = 49.4050 Philippine pesos) (Additional reporting by Karen Lema in MANILA; Writing by John Chalmers; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
PRAGUE, June 5 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic will halt taking in migrants under an EU scheme to share asylum seekers who arrived in Greece and Italy, citing security concerns, the government agreed on Monday.

Under a plan agreed in 2015, the European Commission wants EU member states to each admit a quota from a total of 160,000 asylum seekers stuck in the two Mediterranean countries. Most have fled conflicts and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

But several EU members including the Czech Republic have protested the decision and some have refused to take in any people under the scheme.

By last month, the Czech Republic has only taken in a dozen out of the 2,691 migrants set by its quota, according to news agency CTK.

It will take no more before the plan expires in September, Interior Minister Milan Chovanec said.

"Due to the aggravated security situation and the dysfunctionality of the whole system, the government approved... a proposal to halt this system for the Czech Republic," Chovanec told a news conference following a cabinet meeting.

"That means the Czech Republic will not be asking for migrants to be relocated from Greece and Italy."

Poland, Hungary and Slovakia have refused to admit any asylum seekers under the scheme. Slovakia and Hungary have challenged the quotas in an EU court.

The European Commission has said it would decide in June on any legal cases against countries failing to take in their share of refugees and other migrants.

Chovanec said his ministry would coordinate the defence of any EU action against the Czech Republic related to the decision.

The Czech Republic will hold an election in October. Immigration is a sensitive topic, with most Czechs opposed to taking in people from Muslim countries.

The EU took in some 1.6 million people in 2014-2016. Greece has seen numbers drop after the bloc sealed a deal with Turkey to cut off arrivals transiting through that country, but Italy is facing increased arrivals from Libya.

The relocation scheme has fallen far short of what was planned with fewer than 18,500 people relocated so far. (Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Toby Chopra)
ANKARA, June 5 (Reuters) - Turkey's interior ministry said on Monday it would strip citizenship from 130 people suspected of militant links, including the U.S.-based cleric it says orchestrated last July's failed coup, unless they return to Turkey within three months.

In a list of what it called fugitives from justice, the ministry named Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) lawmakers Faysal Sariyildiz and Tugba Hezer, and former HDP lawmaker Ozdal Ucer.

Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, has denied involvement in the coup and condemned it.

The notice said the suspects identified in the list would be stripped of Turkish citizenship unless they returned to Turkey within the time limit and applied to the "relevant authorities".

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus said later on Monday that the cabinet would make the final decision on which of the "fugitives"' would have their citizenship removed.

Asked whether stripping the suspects of citizenship would rule out extradition, as they would not be citizens of the country requesting their return, Kurtulmus said the cabinet would consider this in its decision.

Since the July coup attempt, authorities have arrested 50,000 people and sacked or suspended 150,000, including soldiers, police, teachers and public servants, over alleged links with terrorist groups.

While Turkish officials say the steps are necessary due to the gravity of the coup attempt which killed more than 240 people, critics in Turkey and abroad say President Tayyip Erdogan is using the coup as a pretext to muzzle dissent and purge opponents.

More than a dozen HDP lawmakers have also been jailed, mostly due to suspected links with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey.

The party's co-leaders, Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, have also been jailed, handicapping its campaign against the April referendum where Turks narrowly voted for constitutional changes to grant Erdogan sweeping new powers.

The HDP denies direct ties to the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organisation by the United States, Turkey and the European Union. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Mark Trevelyan, Larry King)
DUBLIN, June 5 (Reuters) - One of three attackers shot dead during an assault that killed seven people in London on Saturday lived in Ireland for a time but did not attract the attention of law-enforcement authorities, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said on Monday.

An Irish identification card was found on the body of one of the three attackers, a Moroccan national in his late 20s who lived in Ireland with his British wife, state broadcaster RTE reported on Monday citing police sources. RTE said his wife has been arrested by British police.

Irish police declined to comment on the report.

In a television interview with RTE during a visit to Chicago, Kenny said that the man in question did not appear to have been on an Irish police watch list.

"There are a small number of people in Ireland who are being monitored and observed in respect of radicalisation and matters relevant to that. In this case -- these facts are being checked -- my understanding is that this individual was not a member of this small group," Kenny said in the interview.

Asked about reports that the attacker was given the right to live in Ireland because of a Scottish partner, Kenny said Ireland grants such working visas in accordance with Irish law but that it had not been confirmed that the man in question has secured a visa in this way.

The use of the EU's common travel area was "part and parcel of the phenomenon of terrorist incidents" not just in Britain but also in Sweden, Belgium, France Germany and other locations, Kenny was quoted as saying.

Ireland is hoping to maintain a common travel area between the United Kingdom and Ireland after Brexit.

At least seven people were killed when the three men rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and then stabbed revellers in nearby bars, British police said. (Reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
BOGOTA, June 5 (Reuters) - Colombia's Finance Ministry has been asked to provide over $1.2 million in initial funding for the Marxist FARC rebel group's new political party, the electoral commission said on Monday, as soon as the group finishes a weapons handover.

Under a peace deal signed last year by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the government, the rebels will turn over all their weapons to the United Nations and become a legal political party after more than 52 years of war.

All political parties and presidential and legislative campaigns in the Andean country receive some state funds, though amounts can vary.

"We've put forward the request for the FARC political party, a sum of 3.56 billion pesos ... once the arms handover happens," said Alexander Vega, head of the country's electoral commission.

The FARC have not yet named their political party, which will participate in elections next year, but Vega said the initial funds will go toward operational costs and a think tank.

The government and the rebels last week extended the weapon hand-in deadline by 20 days, after logistical delays slowed the arrival of some of the group's nearly 7,000 fighters to special UN demobilization zones. ($1 = 2,894.72 Colombian pesos) (Reporting by Javier Andres Rojas, writing by Julia Symmes Cobb, editing by G Crosse)
The Attorney General is being considered over the defence objection on the maintainability of the case where Minister Palitha Range Bandara was accused of obtaining Rs.5.4 million dishonestly inducing a person to deliver a vehicle registration permit, Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dilan Ratnayake told court today.

Earlier, the defence moved an objection over the maintainability of the case. However, the Attorney General is yet to make his stance on the objection, the DSG said.

Filing the indictment in the Colombo High Court, the Attorney General maintained that the State Minister had committed this offence on or around March 22, 2002 in Madiwela, after dishonestly inducing a person called Dinesh Ratnayake to deliver a vehicle registration permit for a luxury jeep (WP GK 4271). (By Shehan Chamika Silva)

Video by Courts Prasanna
NEW DELHI AFP June5, 2017- At least 22 people died when they became trapped in a bus that caught fire after it collided with a truck in northern India on Monday.



Police said the doors of the government-run bus jammed in the collision, trapping the passengers insiders as it caught fire after the fuel tank burst.



Some passengers were able to escape by breaking the windows, but police found 22 charred bodies inside the bus once the blaze was finally extinguished.



Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident in Bareilly, a town in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.



The case is under investigation and the cause of the accident and subsequent burning of the bus will be looked into, Bareilly traffic police chief Om Prakash Yadav told AFP.



India has some of the worlds deadliest roads with more than 230,000 fatalities annually, according to the World Health Organization.



Transport analysts attribute the huge number of accidents to poor roads, ill-trained drivers and reckless driving.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing the wealthy Gulf Arab state of supporting terrorism.



The coordinated move dramatically escalates a simmering dispute over Qatars support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.



The three Gulf states announced the closure of transport ties with Qatar and gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries.



Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of backing militant groups and spreading their violent ideology, in an apparent reference to its influential state-owned satellite channel al Jazeera.



(Qatar) embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (Islamic State) and al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly, state news agency SPA said.



The statement went on to accuse Qatar of supporting what it described as Iranian-backed militants in its restive and largely Shiite Muslim-populated Eastern region of Qatif and in Bahrain.

REUTERS, 05th JUNE, 2017
The staff of the Bank of Ceylon raised voluntary donations to aid victims of the national disaster that has occurred due to torrential rain and massive landslides.

Standing alongside with the rest of the Sri Lankans in this difficult time, BOCs staff shared what they could in hope of bringing some hope and relief to affected people in Bulathsinhala, Horana, Galle, Rathnapura and Matara areas assisting them to rebuild their lives once again. The staff donated from their salary in which the Banks staff, management and trade unions organized and bought goods that were much needed by affected people.

Trucks carrying dry rations and other essential commodities including bed-sheets and mats were dispatched from the Bank of Ceylon head office early on 31st May with the participation of the banks Chairman, members of the Director Board and the General Manager. Several members of the banks Board of Directors, representatives of the banks corporate and executive management and other officials headed to above mentioned areas with the donation to provide necessary manpower to distribute them following the directions received from Divisional Secretaries of the said areas and the Banks Provincial Assistant General Managers.

Speaking on behalf of the staff the Banks General Manager D.M Gunasekera said On behalf of the banks management and staff I make this statement to extend my heartfelt sympathies to families and friends who have lost their loved ones, their belongings and are displaced or have been adversely affected. I sincerely wish all our fellow citizens strength and courage to face this national disaster sturdily and to make every effort possible to rise up from this calamity and rebuild our country.
On Saturday evening the UK came under a terrorist attack once again.

Just under two weeks ago the Manchester Arena was attacked by a suicide bomber at the end of a concert featuring American singer Ariana Grande.

Twenty-three adults and children, including Abedi (the suicide bomber), were killed and 116 were injured, 23 critically.

As Londons Mayor Sadiq Khan said at the time, We dont 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, he added



We in Sri Lanka who suffered a near 30-year reign of terror at the hands of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (self-styled sole representatives of the Tamils) do fully emapthise and sympathise with the people of the UK and other European countries which have today become targets of terrorism. And all Sri Lankans irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity condemn such cowardly attacks.



It was of course a pity and a shame, the leaders and in some instances even the people in free Europe were unable to recognize the unimaginable horrors which were unleashed on Sri Lanka in the name of liberating the Tamil people and lent moral and financial support to an organization described by the US itself as the most ruthless terrorist outfit at that time.



Even today, many a democrat in the western nations do not realise that more Tamils were killed intentionally by the LTTE, than by the Sri Lankan military.



In like manner the western nations armed and backed militant Islamic groups in Asia and the Middle East to bring about regime change in countries whose policies were felt to be in conflict with those of the self-styled free west.

SYRIA

In Syria too the US and Britain helped arm and train militant organizations affiliated to both al-Quaeda and the IS in their attempt to overthrow the Syrian regime which is supported by Russia.

Today the Syrian people are subject to aerial bombardment by the Russians, the US, and subsequently the Turkish government who has got involved for reasons of its own.



The death toll in Syria according to the United Nations and Arab League Envoy to Syria is estimated at 400,000.



Human Rights Watch quoting the Syrian Center for Policy Research -an independent Syrian research organization put the death toll at February 2016 as 470,000.



Syria processed 2.5 billion barrels of crude oil as of January 2013, which makes it the largest proved reserve of crude oil in the eastern Mediterranean according to the Oil & Gas Journal estimate. Syria also has oil shale resources with estimated reserves that range as high as 50 billion tons, according to a Syrian government source in 2010.(International Business Times, Syrian Oil And Gas: Little-Known Facts on Syrias Energy Resources And Russias Help) Syrias natural resources include iron ore, crude oil, phosphate rock, manganese ore, asphalt, marble, rock salt, and gypsum. Syria also accounted for around 2% of the worlds supply of phosphate rock in 2010. It ranked ninth in the world in phosphate rock production.



The mining sector also produced cement, marble, natural crude asphalt, nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, salt, steel, gypsum, and industrial sand.(AZO Mining)

These countries from Afghanistan, to Iraq, to Libya, to Syria all continue to suffer from military interventions of imperialist powers. The death and destruction spewed on innocent civilians has created the conditions for the growth of terrorism as a means to counter the state terrorism of the invaders and the puppet regimes they have installed. The Soviet Union during its occupation of Afghanistan faced numerous terrorist attacks which took grim toll of its cities and citizens. The withdrawal of the Soviets from the Afghan conflict, has led to a dramatic drop in terrorism in todays Russia. It is time the west looks at its conscience, sees the continued destruction its presence in the countries from Afghanistan to Iraq, to Libya and Syria has caused and gets its fingers out of the affairs of these countries. Heightened aerial bombardments, troop surges use of artillery and abuse by troops involved in the battles only feeds the anger and hatred of the suffering people and breeds terrorists and terrorism. Only the complete withdrawal of the forces of imperialism from these and other countries suffering under their yoke can bring an end to the causes. A refusal to get out will only breed more terrorism and attacks like those in London, Paris, Manchester and Brussels whose combined loss of life does is still a fraction of the losses suffered in Asia and the Middle East

Afghan villagers line up in front of nine tiny bodies shrouded in cloth, girls aged between nine and 11, were killed in a bomb blast as they collected firewood

AFGHANISTAN

The US and the West financed, armed and backed the fundamentalist Islamic Taliban, al Queda and a variety of warlords in Afghanistan. Their actions helped bring the Taliban into power in Afghanistan.

al-Quaeda a terrorist group of Saudi Arabian extraction fighting against the then Soviet invader of that country, was trained and armed by the CIA to overthrow Soviet-backed government in Afghanistan. It was this self-same al-Quaeda which carried out the 9/11 attack in the US, and it was al-Quaeda which spawned the dreaded Islamic State (IS) which has been behind major terror attacks in Europe.

The US invasion of Afghanistan and the overthrow of the Taliban-led government of that country in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attack led to the ongoing war in that country. According to the UN, civilian casualties in Afghanistan in 2016 were the highest recorded by the United Nations.



A total of 3,498 civilians were killed and 7,920 were wounded in 2016, a combined increase of three percent over the previous year, according to the annual report for 2016.



Today nearly sixteen years after the US invasion and the installation of a puppet regime in that country Afghanistan is a failed state. It vast mineral resources which should have made the Afghan people among the most developed in the world has only brought tem suffering and grief.



Both then Soviet and the US invasions were not about helping the Afghan people. It was about gaining control of the countries vast mineral wealth.



A U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began inspecting the mineral resources Afghanistan held after US-led forces drove the Taliban from power in the country in 2004.



The surveys verified all the major Soviet finds. Afghanistan may hold 60 million tons of copper, 2.2 billion tons of iron ore, 1.4 million tons of rare earth elements such as lanthanum, cerium and neodymium, and lodes of aluminum, gold, silver, zinc, mercury and lithium.



The Khanneshin carbonatite deposit in Afghanistans Helmand province alone is valued at $89 billion, full as it is with rare earth elements.

(Live Science September 4, 2014).

IRAQ

The British-US invasion of Iraq based on blatant untruths of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) has led to unbelievable suffering and death among ordinary Iraqis, the destruction of cultural heritage, in addition to seeing the rise into power of the Islamic State (IS) in that country, leading to its enforcement of an evil brand of violent Islam and terror tactics -which is fact unIslamic- throughout the Middle East and has now spread its tentacles into western countries as well.

While WMD charge was the cover for the British/US-led invasion of Iraq, it was greed for its petroleum and mineral resources which led Britain and the US to invade that country.



In 2001, the Iraqi state organization for minerals reported the discovery of sulfur deposits in the western desert, near Akashat. Production figures for 2001 in tons were: phosphate, 100,000, down from 300,000 in 1999; sulfur, 98,000, down from 475,000 in 1996; and salt, 300,000.

Geological surveys have indicated usable deposits of iron ore, copper, gypsum, bitumen, dolomite, and marble; these resources have remained largely unexploited(Mineral Resources of Iraq March 6, 2013)



Iraq produced an average of 3.11 million barrels per day (Mbbl/d) of crude petroleum and was the worlds sixth-ranked crude petroleum producer. Iraq was also the worlds third-ranked crude petroleum exporter after Saudi Arabia and Russia. Iraq holds the worlds fifth largest proven crude petroleum reserves.



Iraq has also the worlds 11th largest proven natural gas reserves, which were estimated to be 3.6 trillion cubic meters, or about 2% of the worlds total.(USGS 2014 Minerals Yearbook)

The war to drive the invading forces out of Iraq has according to The Iraq Bodycount (IBC) recorded 4,162 civilian deaths from violence in 2011. The total number of deaths since the war commenced according to stats of the IBC stands at 119,915.



However new research into war-related deaths in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003, has revealed that nearly half a million people have died. A study -Death Toll Reaches 500,000 Since Start Of U.S.-Led Invasion, New Study Says- (Huffpost Jan 23, 2014)- published in the United States in 2014 by university researchers in the United States, Canada and Baghdad in co-operation with the Iraqi Ministry of Health covers not only violent deaths, but other avoidable deaths linked to the invasion, insurgencies and subsequent social breakdown. That toll is far higher than the nearly 115,000 violent civilian deaths reported by the British-based group Iraq Body Count.
CIM Sri Lanka Manager Education Services Onalie Dissanayake, CIM Sri Lanka Chairman Brian Selvanayagam, PABC Acting CEO Lalith Jayakody, PABC Head of HR Rohitha Amarapala, PABC Manager HR Operations Mahendra Rajapathy and PABC Manager L&D Dilshan Lankathilaka

The Chartered Institute of Marketing Sri Lanka (CIM Sri Lanka) Education Focus Group entered into a training partnership with Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC (PABC) to fulfil the training requirements of PABC job-oriented sales internship programme.

This will be a great opportunity for young, enthusiastic and talented youth who are keen to build a progressive career in the ever growing field of sales and marketing.

Commenting on the partnership, CIM Sri Lanka Chairman Brian Selvanayagam said, We are happy to collaborate with Pan Asia Banking Corporation for their internship programme and are grateful to their support to endorse CIM as the preferred professional marketing qualification among its employees. The training partnership will provide benefits such as training programmes on sales and marketing, digital marketing, customer relations and other fields related to sales and marketing.

CIM Sri Lanka is the first international branch of CIM UK and is proud to claim the largest membership outside the UK. CIM Sri Lanka has always campaigned for high professional standards, greater recognition for the professional and marketing excellence in Sri Lanka through education, training and development.

PABC Acting Chief Executive Officer Lalith Jayakody said, We are delighted to partner with Sri Lankas largest and most prestigious body for marketing and it will be a great opportunity to combine efforts to create value for both parties through collaboration.

PABC is a public limited company incorporated in Sri Lanka. The company currently has 80 branches across Sri Lanka. PABC provides commercial banking and related financial services in Sri Lanka. It operates through corporate banking, retail banking, treasury and investment functional segments.
This years World Environment Day  5th June  is celebrated under the theme Connecting People to Nature.

People are reliant on numerous benefits or ecosystem services offered by the nature. The ecosystem services range from provision of food for sustenance to provision of cultural services such as recreational experiences. However, a long lasting connection between people and nature requires careful and responsible behavior of humans in all activities that involve nature.

The responsibility lies with all sects of the society, ranging from the individuals, corporates, civil society and the government. There is enough evidence to show that lack of true connectivity between people and nature causes negative implications for development. A meaningful connectivity between people and nature leads to informed decisions regarding the human activities that involve nature. This avoids unsustainable activities that destroy nature, and contributes effectively towards sustainable development.



No or lack of connectivity

Nature-based tourism is one of the activities which indicate peoples desire to experience the nature. On the other hand, tourism businesses are undeniably dependent on the recreational services offered by the ecosystems. Therefore, a vital role has to be played by the visitors to minimize their impacts on the nature.

As a concerned villager who serves as a local committee member in promoting nature-based tourism in a rural area in Kurunegala pointed out,managing the local tourists is the most challengeable thing for us. They leave polythene and bottlesthat destroys the beauty of the environment.They only think about their day of enjoyment. This has been the case for nature tourism sites in many parts of the country.

An IPS study based on the Bar Reef in Kalpitiya revealed the negative implications of the ongoing tourism activities on the ecosystem. The Bar Reef has become a polluted area due to irresponsible activities of tourists. A tour operator who owns a small scale boat service noted its our people who pollute the environment most, not the foreigners. The real aesthetic value of the nature sites decreases due to pollution. Evidently, a substantial problem faced by the tourism industry in Sri Lanka is local visitors responsibility to keep the natural environment intact.

Furthermore, peoples connectivity with the environment is important in every aspect of tourism, not only in nature sites. Patrons of hotels can also contribute by being mindful of their water and energy consumption and using these resources responsibly.

A recent IPS research highlighted that certain practices to increase the efficiency of water usage will work better if users extend their cooperation by conserving water.

The recent tragedy in the Meethotamulla garbage dump is an ideal example of the devastating consequences causedby negligent behavior of people.Citizens are aware of the impacts of improper waste management but only a few households are making an effort to convert waste into environmentally-friendly compost.While there can be certain constraints that limit such attempts by individuals, households can contribute towards waste segregation and responsible management of waste.



Environmental literacy

The issues posed by peoples lack of connectivity to nature call for the promotion of environmental literacy in Sri Lanka. Knowledge about the natural environment and related issues only form a part of the concept of environmental literacy. An environmentally-literate person should be able to make decisions using this knowledge and be willing to contribute towards environmental sustainability. Thus, while environmental literacy begins with knowledge, it is completed onlywith behavioral aspects which are vital for environmental sustainability.

It is unlikely that many individuals are unaware of the environmental impact of certain activities. The problem occurs when it comes to responsible behavior. Therefore, though environmental education and awareness have always been an important element in environmental policies, the ultimate policy goals are yet to be achieved.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals also recognizes the importance of environmental awareness under Goal 12, which deals with sustainable consumption, and production, and under Goal 13 which deals with climate change. The Target 12.8 says by 2030 ensure that people everywhere have therelevant information and awareness for sustainable developmentand lifestyles in harmony with nature. The Target 13.3 says improve education, awareness raising and humanand institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. OECD (2012) which highlights directives for policy makers in developing countries, considers the shifting science, research, educational and training priorities to support the transition to a green economy as one of the six enabling conditions for green growth in developing countries.



Important to consider

Promotion of environmental literacy among the various groups, ranging from individuals to corporates, and policy makers, is a crucial requirement in achieving connectivity to nature and sustainable development. Ad hoc awareness programmes helps to get rid of certain issues in the short term.

However, in order to bridge the connectivity gap between the people and nature, a far-sighted comprehensive programme should be in place. Certain elements of environmental literacy are already embedded in the school curricula. The formal education system should not be limited to enhance awareness on environmental issues but also should effectively contribute to behavioral changes. The environmental literacy plans should be comprehensive and go in line with other sustainable development objectives to make them feasible in practical applications.

The most common cause for many environmental problems is considering negative environmental impacts as an after-thought. Improved environmentally literacy can guide the policy makers and planners to make informed decisions considering nature as an integral part of sustainable development.

The latest developments in sustainable tourism aim to encourage the visitors to contribute towards conservation, without limiting themselves to simply minimizing their impact on the natural environment. This is a critical element of ecotourism activities. Tourism itself can be used as a tool to nurture green thinking among the visitors, and make them actively contribute towards conservation and preservation of environment.

Enhancement of environmental literacy at all levels should be undertaken as a long term plan. Until environmental literacy delivers its intended benefits, it is important to have an effective law enforcement system to minimize the negative environmental impacts in the short run. Effective enforcement of regulations can also lead to change the behavior of citizens towards environmentally friendly approaches.

(Kanchana Wickramasinghe is a Research Economist at the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS).
By Emily Rauhala

The Washington Post, June 4, 2017 -

MANILA  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.
The annual Desires of the Heart Fish Fry is set for Saturday, June 17, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

It will be held at 101 Lauren Circle in Chickamauga. Call 706.375-3935 for directions.

There will be catfish and whitening sandwiches and plates as well as homemade desserts.
At least 15 Afghans were killed when three back-to-back explosions ripped through a funeral Saturday for one of the demonstrators killed during anti-government protests Friday, authorities said.



About 700 mourners at a hillside cemetery in the northern part of Kabul were in the middle of the funeral prayers for a prominent politicians son when three suicide bombers among the mourners detonated explosives, Abdullah Abdullah, the nations chief executive, who was at the service, said at a news conference.



The blasts left body parts scattered among the dead, witnesses said. Around 80 people were injured, including some high-ranking Afghan officials. A spokesman for the Interior Ministry said that the death toll was 15, but it is expected to rise.



People were standing to pray when the three blasts happened, said one of the mourners, Tahir Gardoon, a professor of political science at Khurshid University. People were screaming, running, everywhere was fear.



Continued unrest could paralyze and further weaken Ghanis government, which is facing internal divisions and struggling to contain an aggressive Taliban insurgency and regional militants linked to the Islamic State, experts say.



The Taliban has denied responsibility for both Wednesdays truck bomb blast and Saturdays attack, but the government blames Wednesdays blast on the Haqqani network, seen as the operational wing of the Taliban.

-The Washington Post
Since recently, Sri Lanka has been affected by disasters, most of which are man-made, claiming hundreds of human lives and damaging infrastructure as well. Every district in the country, regardless of their geographical location, is more vulnerable to disasters than ever, intensifying the economic impact of these calamities on the country, in addition to their environmental consequences, which usually draw the public attention.

It is known that due to the recent flood in the country, people in those areas lost their livelihoods, small businesses and other assets, while infrastructure facilities like road networks, public markets and government offices, which immensely supported small businesses and related employments, were damaged to a significant extent. Therefore, not only relief assistance but also economic empowerment strategies are urgently needed for restoring their lives.



The loss

The small and medium-scale enterprises (SME) in the Ratnapura, Kalutara, Galle and Matara Districts were heavily damaged, meaning that those people cannot resume their business activities immediately. It will take a significant period of time for them to come back to normalcy, economically as well as socially.

Commercial cultivations such as tea, animal husbandry and business outlets are also reported to have been destroyed. Accordingly, it can be observed that the entire economic system that generated an income for those people has got stuck, impoverishing them in the long run as well.

Furthermore, when businesses dont produce and sell, people cannot buy and consume. Even if consumer items are provided by outside areas, their employments created by regional businesses will be at stake. Hence, whatever said, it has to be accepted that the loss attached to any disaster is huge.

Tourism ministry officials recently expressed that the recent floods had a minimal impact on the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. We are lucky to hear that no tourist was damaged by the disaster, since it is extremely critical at a time when the government is drafting policies to attract more tourists into the country.



Insurance

It is with the unprecedented rise of disasters for past few years that the need for insurance also has gone up rapidly. However, the main challenge that the insurance industry in the country faces is that people hesitate to insure their businesses and lives. When it comes to rural areas, it goes from bad to worse because they are financially illiterate and unable to afford paying for insurance. Consequently, the final outcome may be that it takes time to reopen their shops, following a disaster.

There are plenty of self-employments which cannot afford insurance but covers at least the daily expenses of the family. The government has a great role to play in this regard, economically empowering those affected.



Steps forward

Sri Lanka is a very small market for any business. Hence, decreasing the purchasing power of the people in any district has an impact for overall economic growth. What can be done for economically empowering people through a rise of purchasing power is the way forward for economic growth. It is needless to say that if you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him to fish, you feed him for the lifetime.

By now, Sri Lanka has received a bulk of food items as relief assistance. They could be sufficient for facing the current situation but after a few weeks, people will no longer need food and water bottles.

They will want their homes to be rebuilt, their jobs to continue and their cultivations to grow, so on and so forth. Remedies must have to be found out for this by only economic empowerment.

We are able to help people raise their income and living standard through economic empowerment which can be implemented directly and indirectly. Specially, after a natural disaster, there should be coordination, participation and transparency to empower the affected people and bring things to normalcy.

It has to be properly coordinated, so that the people in dire need get things immediately. This is very important even during the post-disaster period, like during the emergency.

Empowerment programmes can never be carried out without peoples participation at the grassroots level. Community participation is a must in managing post-disaster programmes.

Furthermore, transparency is also extremely important for any work. Likewise, this can be applied to disaster management as well, in order that disaster management will not be another disaster. We, as a country, have some bitter experience in this respect, especially after tsunami.

Finally, flood-affected people no longer need water bottles and food packets.

All they need is social and economic empowerment to lead their lives as usual, more importantly, better than in the past.

(Amila Muthukutti is an economist who has widely published covering areas of economics and business management)
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain have broken off diplomatic relations and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar, in the regions most serious diplomatic crisis in years.

Saudi Arabia on Monday said the move was necessary to protect the kingdom from what it described as terrorism and extremism. The kingdom also pulled all Qatari troops from the coalition fighting the ongoing war in Yemen.

The official state news agency, citing an official source, said Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism.

Saudi Arabia cut all land air and sea contacts with Qatar and urges all brotherly countries and companies to do the same.

The decision comes after Qatar alleged in late May that hackers took over the site of its state-run news agency and published what it called fake comments from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel. Its Gulf Arab neighbors responded with anger, blocking Qatari-based media, including the Doha-based satellite news network Al-Jazeera.

Qatar is home to the sprawling al-Udeid Air Base, which is home to the US militarys Central Command and some 10,000 American troops. It wasnt clear if the decision would affect American military operations. Central Command officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Qatar long has faced criticism from its Arab neighbors over its support of Islamists. The chief worry among them is the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist political group outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE as it challenges the nations hereditary rule.

Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia fell out with Qatar over its backing of then-Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, a Brotherhood member. In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain recalled their ambassadors from Qatar over the rift.

Eight months later, they returned their ambassadors as Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country and quieted others. However, the 2014 crisis did not see a land and sea blockade as threatened now.

In the time since, Qatar repeatedly and strongly denied it funds extremist groups. However, it remains a key financial patron of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and has been the home of exiled Hamas official Khaled Mashaal since 2012.

Western officials also have accused Qatar of allowing or even encouraging funding of Sunni extremists like al-Qaidas branch in Syria, once known as the Nusra Front.

The crisis also comes after US President Donald Trumps recent visit to Saudi Arabia for a summit with Arab leaders. Since the meeting, unrest in the region has grown.

Bahrains foreign affairs ministry issued a statement early Monday saying it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from the Qatari capital of Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The ministrys statement said Qatari citizens needed to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. It wasnt immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the regions major long-haul carriers.

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.

The UAEs state news agency WAM reported the Emirates cut ties and gave diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, citing their support, funding and embrace of terrorist, extremist and sectarian organisations.

Egypt announced the closure of its airspace and seaports for all Qatari transportation to protect its national security.

Egypt cut ties with Qatar, accusing the Gulf Arab state of supporting terrorist organisations including the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypts state news agency reported.

Qatar had no immediate comment.(The Guardian)
MINISTER RANAWAKA MUST COMPLAIN TO IGP WITH FACTS AND FIGURES

This is in response to Minister Patali Champika Ranawakas interview about ISIS presence in the island and alleged Muslim involvement published in the Daily Mirror of June 1, 2017

Time and again, top police and intelligence officers and several others clearly and repeatedly denied the presence of ISIS -- a fascist entity allegedly created by the United States, trained by Israel and funded by their client state Saudi Arabia as part of their ongoing murderous global campaign against Islam and the Muslims -- in the island.

Yet, sections of the mainstream local media, joining the US-Israeli war mongers, continue to use the canard ISIS to demonise the Muslims, and deceive and cover up the crimes perpetrated on the minorities in Sri Lanka by the BBS racists. Perhaps, it was as part of this campaign that Minister Champika Ranawaka had reiterated his allegation claiming that ISIS is present here and Muslims are involved with it.

First and foremost, this is not a subject that comes under Minister Ranawaka who is in charge of Megapolis and Western Development. This subject comes under the ministries of Law and Order and Defence. But, the first thing a presidential or prime ministerial hopeful ought to have done is to urge the police to arrest those violent Sinhala extremists attacking the minorities, as he did when a building in Wellawatte collapsed.

He did not voice against these Sinhala extremists. He did not even participate in the adjournment motion in parliament where several Sinhala and Tamil members condemned the attacks on Muslims. The joint opposition also did not field a single participant. Minister Ranawaka probably had his reasons.

But without batting an eye lid and even before investigations commenced, he publicly called for the arrest of the Muslim owner of the Wellawatte building who obviously did not spend millions on that structure wishing or hoping for it to collapse on himself. In fact, that man himself narrowly escaped. But in a more horrendous man-made disaster, the Meetotamulla garbage dump, in which 32 innocent persons died, no one was dealt with, although responsible people made accusations openly. Coming as he does from the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), the policies of which are fairly well-known, Minister Ranawakas slip is showing. Aspirants to high office in this country must be clever enough at least to veil their racist dispositions to the world at large. After all, he is in the watch list of the global village.

Minister Ranawakas terrorising statement dragging the BBS, All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) and Thauhid Jamaath into this canard of ISIS involvements in Sri Lanka is extremely irresponsible and frightening. Irresponsible because Minister Ranawaka is simply trying to add fuel to fire to the ongoing tense ridden racist attacks on Muslim Mosques and businesses. Frightening because with this allegation he is indirectly trying to justify the ongoing attacks on Mosques and Muslim trading establishments during the past one month and a half and pave the way for yet another July 83 type bloodbath, this time against Muslims, in the country.



A repeat July 83 on the Muslims will not destroy altogether the two million strong Muslim community of Sri Lanka. July 83 did not destroy all the Tamils. The Tamil diaspora, the result of the 83 riots is perhaps more powerful internationally than even the LTTE. It is internationally harassing and thereby humiliating every post 83 government of Sri Lanka, to this day, in search of justice. The then President J R. Jayawardenes failure to take action for the first five days after riots broke out in July 83 until Indias call and the follow up visit the very next day of Indian External Affairs Minister Narasinha Rao led to the subsequent unceasing Indian pressure on Sri Lanka which resulted in the controversial July 87 Indo-Lanka Accord, a dubious honour to Sri Lanka mishandling its racial riots.



If the BBS wants to add the Muslims now and the Christians a little later to its terror list, the noticeably weak national government and every moderate Sri Lankan will surely pay a heavy price.

Minister Ranawaka probably does not know the countrys economic plight, sinking in internationally unacceptable levels of debt vis a vis our GDP. Today, more than 50% of Sri Lankas real foreign exchange comes from Muslim countries, from foreign employment (85%) and exports of tea (70%). Over a million Sri Lankans are voluntarily employed in Muslim countries. Let us not show the world that some fools are running this country. Muslims have already paid a heavy price at the hands of the LTTE for not supporting the division of the country or even the merger of the North and the East. Muslims will not want to face another calamity at the hands of the violent extremists from the South.

Perhaps, this may be his governments ultimate target to divert the countrys attention from its miserable failure in many fields. Add to that distressing list is the governments failure to arrest even one single person connected to the nearly 30 complaints made to the police relating to attacks on the Muslims or the nearly 20 other incidents of attacks on Christians. Nobody here or elsewhere will believe that the Sri Lanka Police is comprised of nincompoops!



In view of the seriousness of the situation, not only the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and its leaders and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), but several other leading Sinhalese intellectuals, monks, columnists and others warned the government to act quickly to bring to book the culprits and avert another disaster which would only benefit the racist forces hell-bent on destabilising the country.



The minorities, particularly the Muslims, are living in terrible tension and fear for the last two months. The severe monsoon rain storm that killed over 200 innocent Sri Lankans and devastated thousands of families came in the way of the BBS conspiracy during the Holy Month of Ramadhan. The armed forces, civil society and the media did a splendid job. They covered up the naked kings of the country. But the utter inefficiency of the political bigwigs got nevertheless exposed.

It was under such frightening circumstances Minister Champika Ranawaka in his recent interview with Daily Mirror stated:

Unfortunately, today we are not focusing on the real issues in our country. We have the best example with the bombing in Manchester, UK. It was a radicalised youth operating alone who exploded. How many such lone wolves are operating in this country? Top foreign intelligence agencies have been warning Sri Lanka on this threat. We have not paid enough attention. The BBS, Jamiyyathul Ulama, Thowheed Jamath are visible. Legal action can be taken against them when they break the law. But the threat I mentioned earlier is invisible.

It is proven by intelligence agencies that persons radicalised by the ISIS are operating in Sri Lanka originating from various countries. And, the foreign elements  especially from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Maldives are operating in Sri Lanka in hundreds. We know that. It will become a serious threat in the future to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.

Minister Champika Ranawaka should disclose the people involved and prove these allegations which have all the ingredients to inflame the growing tension. As a responsible citizen of this country, he should spell out the details of every ISIS element, including their identity in writing to the Inspector General of Police, promptly, with proof. I am certain the entire Muslim community will support the minister and the police to deal with them according to law. If there were foreign elements here, it is easily within the powers of the government to deport them if the allegations are true. I believe he will not complain because his utterances on ISIS are pure fiction.



But, we urge the minister not to fall prey to the false so-called intelligence reports emanating from countries that want to sell their weapons by creating conflicts amongst an otherwise peaceful people. The government cannot be misled by false Indian, Israeli or US media propaganda or dubious intelligence reports against Muslims. The ISIS bogey is used by the West to legitimise the use of forcible intervention in third world countries, especially Muslim countries, to create conflicts. The canard is also planted to justify the supervisory take-over of the countrys security apparatus by foreign organisations and to enable discreet non-resistable interventions in all the internal affairs.

Minister Champika and all his ministerial colleagues have forgotten that Muslims in the island remain one of the most peaceful communities despite systematic discrimination in every possible field. There is no problem between mainstream peaceful Sinhala Buddhists who follow genuine Buddhism and the peaceful Muslims in the island.



The JHU mindset is not something unknown to people. Their agenda is not far from BBS. In fact, BBS took over from where the JHU left in their hate Muslim campaign.



Minister Champika also cited the Manchester bombing, warning that such radical youths could emerge here too. Minister Champika perhaps may be not aware that the 22-year-old Manchester bomber of Libyan origin, Salman Abedi, is the direct outcome of United States-European-Israeli barbarism on Libya.

Libya was the richest African country where the people lived happily in peace and harmony. It was the US-Israel-UK-French bombing and destruction of Libya to plunder their wealth which turned Libya into a killing field, forcing people to risk their lives and flee in unsafe boats in search of safety and refuge. These young ones who had seen the unbearable misery caused to them turned into suicide bombers. In fact, it is a clear message to those racist hooligans who have all the potentials to turn this country into another living hell.
REUTERS, 05th JUNE, 2017- A prominent opposition leader jailed in Venezuela, Leopoldo Lopez, urged more street protests against the tyranny of President Nicolas Maduro, in a video message made in his cell.



Lopez, 46, however stressed several times that he backed only peaceful demonstrations.



Prosecutors in Venezuela say 65 people have died since April 1, when near-daily pro- and anti-Maduro rallies turned more violent, with protesters and security forces targeted.



The opposition and anti-Maduro protesters are demanding early elections to force out the widely unpopular president, who has ruled over the countrys sharply declining economy.
The Sri Lanka Air Force said its Mi-17 helicopter, which was forced to land in a flooded area in Baddegama on May 29 after a technical failure, during rescue and relief operations will be removed from service.

An SLAF source said the Air Force usually did not operate helicopters which had crashed or forced to land on water.

It had deployed seven Mi-17 helicopters, three Bell-212 helicopters and one Bell-412 helicopter for relief and rescue operations during the recent landslide and flood disaster.

However, no casualties were reported in the accident and all crew members on board the helicopter escaped unhurt.

The helicopter was dismantled and the parts removed to the Koggala Air Force camp for repairs.

Meanwhile, SLAF Spokesman Gihan Senaviratne said he could not comment on the matter because of an ongoing inquiry.

Mi-17 is a medium twin-turbine Russian transport helicopter designed for troop transport and supply operations and was inducted to the SLAF in 1993. (Darshana Sanjeewa)
In the assignment of subjects to the Ministers in keeping with the recent Cabinet reshuffle, President Maitripala Sirisena had decided not to Gazette any institution under their purview if it was out of their scope, sources said yesterday.

The President has taken such a decision amidst reports that some Ministers are seeking the control of institutions, which are not directly relevant to their scopes, the source said.

The President has to announce the institutions to be placed under each Ministry in a Gazette notification. According to the source, it would be issued possibly later this week or next week.

It will happen in consultation with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is currently overseas. He will return to the country on Thursday, the source said.

The Ministers and State Ministers will be able to decide on the nature of their responsibilities only after this Gazette notification is signed by the President, the source said. (Kelum Bandara)
Siyapatha Finance PLC, one of Sri Lankas leading financial organisations and the largest fully-owned subsidiary of the Sampath Bank group, celebrated the relocation of its Metro branch in Kurunegala recently.

The branch, which was located at No. 116, Colombo Road, Kurunegala, can now be found at No. 36, Negombo Road of the city.

Siyapatha Finance PLC Managing Director Saman Herath presided over the ceremonial opening of the branch.

The relocated branch is one of the two branches in the city of Kurunegala, the second being located at No. 254C, Colombo Road.

As the branch in Kurunegala is one of the key locations in our network, we believed that it was important to ensure that the branch was situated in an area that would be most convenient to our customers, stated Herath.

Our customers in Kurunegala can now enjoy all the benefits and products Siyapatha Finance has to offer. We, at Siyapatha Finance, firmly believe that the success of our organisation is rooted in our customers.

As one of the most prominent financial companies with a network of branches throughout the country, Siyapatha Finance PLC has designed its financial services to ensure that its customers are provided with the best in service delivery standards.

All of the networks branches continuously offer the best service to its customers leasing, business loans, personal loans, property mortgage loans, gold loans, factoring and fixed deposits.

Over the past 12 years, the company has contributed vastly to the development of small and medium entrepreneurial efforts and to the fulfilment of individual financial needs across the island. Its dedication towards the continuous expansion of its financial services is fuelled by the drive to help communities achieve their business objectives.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, prior to his departure to Japan, spoke to Daily Mirror about the current situation of the country in the aftermath of the Cabinet reshuffle and his plans for future politics. He shared the following:



QHow do you look at the current political climate in the context of the Cabinet reshuffle?

It was not a reshuffle as such. It was just a change of a few heads. The one, dubbed as the best Finance Minister in the world, was assigned with a different portfolio. Instead, the Finance Ministry was assigned to Mangala Samaraweera. There was a change in the Port and Shipping Ministry. That was actually to facilitate the selling off of the Ports. Arjuna Ranatunga, who held he was stripped of it because he was opposed to the concept. We cannot call it a reshuffle. If the government intended to do so, it should have been done with a purpose. It was a just a change of ministerial posts to execute the same policy line. This would not serve any purpose.



It is in speculation that some institutions such as the Development Lotteries Board, Sri Lankan Airlines and Mahapola Scholarship Fund are going to be placed under the purview of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. This is a joke.

Sirisena was a minister in my government and the General Secretary of the SLFP until he defected at the last moment. I never removed him from any of those positions he had held in my government. The differences were in his head, not mine



QYou mentioned that Minister Ranatunga was removed because he voiced against some projects. Why do you say so?

Arjuna voiced against the sale of national assets in the Cabinet. That should have been the reason. The President has control over everything. I must say that. Yet, the UNP portfolios have been shuffled among its members and the SLFP ones. Some young MPs waited in earnest to get posts. Today, they are a desperate lot.



QFrom your point of view, what would the end result be?

That is the fear we harbour. We fear that this would lead to a situation similar to Greece where the economy collapsed. Be that as it may, there is no option for this government. It has to go borrowing or find money through selling off the assets.



QAfter the reshuffle, there were reports that you talked to Foreign Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake over the phone. How true is it?

Yes, I spoke to him. Normally, I am in touch with everybody. He was dubbed the worlds best Finance Minister. It is a great insult to him that he was removed from it. He received an award but it boomeranged on him eventually.

Officially, I am not the leader of the Joint Opposition or the Sri Lanka Podujana Party. But I lead the political movement that would form the next government and I would lead the campaign on behalf of this movement at all future elections



QIndian PM Narendra Modi, during his visit to Sri Lanka in view of UN Vesak Day devoted 45 minutes out of his 24-hour schedule in the country to meet you. You were once critical of India for playing a role to unseat you. Now, this meeting has given rise to speculation that you are looking to new ties with India. Your comments...

I know PM Modi well. I attended his swearing in ceremony. Also, I met him during a SAARC summit. Again, I met him in Nepal. There is nothing wrong if a Head of State meets with a former Head of State.



QYou were critical of India, then how do you look to the future?

We had quite a good understanding with India when the Congress government was in power. There were some issues due to pressure from Tamil Nadu, but the understanding between the governments continued. The former Indian External Affairs Secretary Shivshankar Menon had spoken with appreciation in his book of the understanding that existed between our countries. He has reaffirmed this in his interview with you some time earlier.



However, after the government in India had changed, certain misunderstandings emerged between India and Sri Lanka. The new Indian Government did not have the time to get to know us better. I feel that both sides are now ready to look at things afresh. India and Sri Lanka are neighbours, and in order to maintain good relations, we have to talk. The Indian PM and I met during his visit to Sri Lanka and he has invited me to India too. Both countries should frankly discuss each others needs and concerns and arrive at a working arrangement. The two decades from 1956 to 1977 was the golden era of Indo-Lanka relations which proved that a working relationship based on mutual respect was possible. We have to look back at that era and see how the leaders of the two countries sort out bilateral issues. The key words are mutual respect.

I have been in politics since 1970, and I have faced defeat earlier as well. It was the defeat of 2015 that enabled me to identify all the betrayers and conspirators who were around me



QAfter the May Day rally at Galle Face, you have created some momentum. How do you sustain it as there would be no national elections till 2020?

The next presidential election will have to be declared at the end of 2019. The support that you see in the country for the opposition is not something that has been artificially created which needs to be maintained through various strategies. Resentment against this government is increasing by the day, and will continue to grow so long as it holds power.



The feedback that we were getting indicated that we would draw a record crowd which was why we asked for the Galle Face Green. But it was still an awe inspiring experience even to us, because nobody had ever seen a gathering like that before in this country.



QAfter the rally, we heard calls by the SLFP section in the government to unite the party. What are your suggestions for uniting the two factions?

There was no split in the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) when President Maithripala Sirisena assumed leadership. When he defected from the party and contested as the common candidate, he could not get a bulk of the party votes. In my understanding, he got only around 5% of SLFP votes. He had got other votes and won.



This split has come about due to a part of the SLFP being used to prop up the UNP government. The SLFP and UPFA contested the 2015 August parliamentary election under my leadership on an anti-UNP, anti-yahapalana platform. Yet, the present leader of the SLFP and some SLFP parliamentarians are propping up this government, while the majority of the MPs and party supporters have opted to remain in the opposition.



QHow is it possible to unite the two factions?

There is little point in talking about uniting the SLFP so long as a part of it continues to support this government. Unity is unrealistic as long as a section of the party holds responsibilities in the government. The SLFP is equally held responsible for the wrongs of the current regime. It cannot abdicate its responsibility.

Unity is unrealistic as long as a section of the party holds responsibilities in the government. The SLFP is equally held responsible for the wrongs of the current regime. It cannot abdicate its responsibility



QDo you think the SLFPers holding posts in the government would quit at one point?

Time is ripe for them now to quit. They have to think of people at large and decide. They have to give it a serious thought if they are to do electoral politics in future.



QNow, you cannot seek presidency in terms of the Constitution. Then, what sort of role would you play at future elections?

Officially, I am not the leader of the Joint Opposition or the Sri Lanka Podujana Party. But I lead the political movement that would form the next government and I would lead the campaign on behalf of this movement at all future elections. I cannot contest for presidency. Yet, I have the capability to ensure the victory of the chosen candidate. A leader, caring for his motherland, would emerge among people at the right time.



QIt is said that your brother Gotabhaya Rajapaksa would contest for presidency next time. How true is it?

The main election pledge made by the yahapalana camp was the abolition of the executive presidency. However, if they dont implement that, and another Presidential election comes around at the end of 2019, at that stage we will announce who our candidate would be. The decision would be made by the Joint Opposition. We will field the best possible candidate. It would be either A or B.



QSome SLFP ministers talk against the abolition of executive presidency...

Those voices are reflective of the opinion of the top in power. There are pluses and minuses of having the executive presidency.



QHow prepared are you to reconcile the differences with President Sirisena?

It is not a matter for me to decide upon. It is an initiative meant to be taken by him. I handed over the party leadership to him. Yet, since then, I am subjected to slander and harassment. There is no end to it.



Sirisena was a minister in my government and the General Secretary of the SLFP until he defected at the last moment. I never removed him from any of those positions he had held in my government. The differences were in his head, not mine. So he will have to think matters over on his own. There is little or nothing that I can do in that regard.



QAs things stand at the moment, SLFP is heading for a split? From your perspective how certain is it?

The SLFP is already split. Almost all the SLFP parliamentarians who have remained in the opposition have been removed from their electoral organiser positions and replaced with pro- government individuals. Once these positions have been given to other people, they cannot be taken back. So the split among the SLFP groups in the government and the opposition would widen.



QThere is a perception that you made a mistake by calling for a presidential election prematurely. Some said that you did so anticipating a serious financial crisis. What made you to take that decision?

Past Presidents including JR Jayewardene and Chandrika Kumaratunga held early elections. The Constitution allows presidential elections to be called at any time after the fourth year of the term. I too called an early election at a time I thought was opportune. There was certainly no financial crisis at the time when I held the election. On the contrary, one of the reasons why I thought I should call an election was because the economy was booming. The financial crisis that affects Sri Lanka was entirely a creation of the present government. As for me, having made a mistake in calling for an early presidential elections, I am now beginning to think that on the contrary, that was one of the best decisions I had made; a decision to my defeat. But defeat is something that all politicians are accustomed to. I have been in politics since 1970, and I have faced defeat earlier as well. It was the defeat of 2015 that enabled me to identify all the betrayers and conspirators who were around me.

Today, I lead a very strong and united opposition movement made up of nationalists, Marxists, conservatives and liberals. All of them have united under one banner with a clear political objective and they remain committed to that goal despite threats, arrests, court cases, behind bars for longer periods and every kind of harassment that one can think of. I wouldnt have had the privilege of leading a peoples movement like this if not for the defeat of January 2015.



QIn your view, what are the mistakes that you made or caused your downfall?

I ran a government that had many achievements to its credit. We won the war that nobody else could do. We built infrastructure projects that other governments could only talk about but never even initiate. The day-to-day running of the economy was very efficient. We brought down the debt to GDP ratio. We successfully carried out all the basic rehabilitation work in the north and east. The per capita income in US Dollar terms increased threefold in just nine years. Nobody could have done more. Then where did we go wrong? Firstly, I have to admit that I failed to take action against certain individuals who engaged in actions that brought disrepute upon my government. The whole country saw how these very individuals went out of their way to betray me after I lost power. The fact that several members of my family served in various positions in the government was also used in propaganda against me. At the 2005 presidential elections, I got little or no support at an official level from the SLFP which was then led by CBK, so it was a group of individuals and political parties that gathered around me personally, carried out the election campaign. Several close relatives played key roles in the campaign and some of them ended up in various government positions. Our political enemies made use of this to make various allegations against my government. Our biggest mistake by far was not responding adequately to the wild allegations that were levelled against me, my family and my government in general.



Q After the defeat at the 2015 elections, how would you change your policies and approaches in future?

We must not have any illusions about what the situation would be like, by the time the yahapalana government comes to an end. The top priority for any future government would be restoring stability to the economy and putting the day-to-day administration of the country back on track.



QThe government blames the current economic problems on the borrowings made by you. How do you respond to this?

From January 2015 up to now, this government has obtained more than USD 13.3 billion in foreign currency loans. All that has been for consumption. No previous government has taken such a large amount of money in foreign currency loans in such a short time. It was they who brought a debt crisis upon this country. My government took foreign currency loans only in a planned way so that repayments would not become a burden on the economy. Because of the short term loans that this government took, massive repayments are due in 2018/19.



QThere are corruption charges against the members of your family. There is a saying that there cannot be smoke without fire. How do you react to these charges?

There have always been corruption charges against politicians in this country. When there are mega development projects, it is easier to make allegations about kickbacks. But in 2015, the yahapalana propaganda against my government was false. They claimed that the infrastructure projects that I built could be completed with 10% of the estimated cost and that members of my family had pocketed the remaining 90%. The present finance minister went on record saying that I had amassed a fortune of USD 18 billion during my tenure in power! Some people actually believed this nonsense mainly because there were inadequate response from our side to these allegations. When I was in power, if there was any large house being built anywhere, it was alleged to be Basils. Every hotel that was built, be Namals. After my defeat, the houses and hotels all vanished and the people realized that they had been taken for a ride.



QField Marshall Sarath Fonseka even said you should be hanged. What is your view?

I dont think discussing Sarath Fonsekas ravings would serve any useful purpose!
The Chairman of Wijeya Newspapers, who successfully conducted the Lake House Aloka Pooja annually for several years quite, having decided to conduct an Aloka Pooja at another sacred city using the resources of Wijeya Newspapers, instructed a few senior officers of the company to explore such a possibility. On his instructions and on the advice of the Deputy Chairman, the Dimbulagala temple was considered as a probable location while the officers were also asked to check the feasibility of conducting an Aloka Pooja at Thanthirimale in the Anuradhapura district. The spadework began in July 2003 with the company officials first going to Dimbulagala and then with some difficulty managing to reach Thanthirimale where preliminary discussions were held with the temple authorities. On their return to Colombo and after expressing their views and sharing their experiences, the officers were told to prepare a plan of action to conduct this Pooja during Poson Poya in 2004.



Although at the time, the Poson Poya festival was the main religious event in the Anuradhapura district, special religious observances were held every year at Thanthirimale on Uduwap Poya Day in December and on Duruthu Poya Day in January. In 2004 on Duruthu Poya Day a few officers attached to Wijeya Newspapers visited Thanthirimale to take part in religious observances and make the initial arrangements to conduct an Aloka Pooja there. And because of the lack of accommodation, they made arrangements to spend the night at Anuradhapura. The 42-kilometre trip to Thanthirimale from Anuradhapura took more than two hours on the dilapidated roads at that time.

After the days religious observances were completed, the officials surveyed the temple area to check out the existing facilities available for the employees and the devotees who were expected to visit Thanthirimale during Poson. Though there was sufficient water in the several small lakes in the vicinity, for bathing and washing purposes, drinking water was scarce and the army water bowser that came to the temple each day was the only source of drinking water. Ground water and the water from the lakes, like in the whole of Anuradhapura, was acidic and not suitable for drinking. Toilet facilities were limited and it was decided to put up temporary sheds in close proximity to make up for the shortage.



Whenever there is an Aloka Pooja, the crowds tend to increase, making the provision of minimum facilities a must. A diesel generator to supply power with another generator on standby to meet any eventuality was also taken into consideration. As the employees involved in this exercise would be volunteers they were expected to rough out to some extent while temporary arrangements were made to accommodate them for a few days, in addition to obtaining the services of a cook from the village to prepare their meals. By the way, it is this same cook who prepares meals for the company employees even now, though the numbers have increased.



After months of careful preparation, the Aloka Pooja which was inaugurated on Poson Poya in 2004 -- during the height of the armed conflict -- continues to this day.



In the early days, despite the presence of a large number of army and police personnel during the festival, a fear psychosis prevailed among the devotees. Over the years the terrorist threat increased to such an extent that an outside contractor had to be hired in 2007 to install the lighting because the safety of the employees was considered a priority resulting in the management and the staff only participating in the lighting-up ceremonies and returning to Colombo soon after, cutting short their stay at Thanthirimale.



The Aloka Pooja lights up the temple and its surroundings, the Cheithiya, the precincts of the Ashtapalamahabodhiya and the main pathways with thousands of electric bulbs. It has also been the custom from the beginning for the Wijeya staff to donate material for school uniforms, books and stationery to the children of the Sangamitta Daham Pasala. With the passage of time, to add more colour to this annual pageant and to coax the children of the area to actively participate in this festival, they were invited to make Vesak lanterns with the raw materials supplied by the Company. It has become a practice today to give prizes to the children who turned out the best lanterns. Later TV stations joined in this annual event and the Rupavahini channel with its superior transmission facilities contributed much by providing live coverage of the proceedings throughout the day. Radio channels too have contributed in various ways to publicize the event.



With the Aloka Pooja now counting 14 years and spread out over several days, the pilgrims visiting the site have increased by the thousands, for whom the temple on its own and with the help of donors has provided more and better facilities such as pilgrims rests, etc. The new Avasa Ge constructed recently can accommodate several Buddhist priests while a couple of years ago, Wijeya Newspapers Chairman donated a water filtering plant to the temple for the use of the monks and the devotees.

Several dansalas make their presence during the period of the Aloka Pooja while temporary eating places also cater to the needs of the pilgrims. During the festival religious ceremonies are held throughout the day with the Kavi Bana programme sponsored by Wijeya Newspapers turning out to be very popular. There have been several expositions of sacred relics down the years and the participation of the devotees at these events was noteworthy. This year the Aloka Pooja is scheduled to be conducted for three days with large numbers of devotees expected to be present. Now that the roads have been completely done up, visitors on their way to Mannar or Jaffna are often known to visit the temple to worship at this historic shrine.



It is the wish of everyone that the Aloka Pooja will continue to attract devotees from all over country and help unite all communities by spreading the message of goodwill to all corners of our Mother Land.
Its sweet and fitting to die for ones country, the Roman poet Horace wrote in his attempts to encompass the ethos of bravery. Many centuries later, his words seem no less relevant to our island nation. Horace wrote in an age of revolution, similar to the violence braved by Sri Lankan youth through the course of a 30-year long civil war.

A commemoration event to honour the recipients of The Parama Weera Vibushanaya gallantry medal organised by the Sri Lanka - United Nations Friendship Organisation was held on May 27, at SUNFO Centre, Moratuwa. The event was graced by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya who laid the foundation stone for the erection of a monument to honour the gallantry medal recipients who made the supreme sacrifice during the conflict.



Established in 1981, the Parama Weera Vibushanaya (PWV) is the highest and most respected award for bravery, to honour selected individuals of all ranks of the Army, Navy and Air Force of Sri Lanka. It is awarded to recognise individual acts of gallantry and conspicuous bravery of the most exceptional order in the face of the enemy, performed voluntarily whilst on active service and with no regard to the risks to ones own life and security, with the objective of safeguarding the lives of ones comrades or facilitating the operational aim of ones force.



Prasad Polwatte, an accounting and banking professional, felt the need to pen tributes to those who made the supreme sacrifice for their motherland. In his book titled 29 Immortal Soldiers Polwatte preserves the memory and honour of the 29 PWV medallists of Sri Lanka. He pens, War is harsh. War is brutal. War is Painful. Even amidst the brutality of war, humanity shines through in the form of heroic soldiers who would not hesitate for a moment to give up on their own lives so that the lives of other could be saved and protected. That determination is what makes a hero.



Polwatte believes that a hero is selfless beyond belief, an attribute he notes of these 29 heroes. During the three decades of war, many heroes emerged from the battlefields of the North and the East. These are men thanks to whose bravery we can breathe freely today, Polwatte said.



Citing his inspiration to author the book Polwatte notes that it is many years of experience that resulted in the composition of this book. I was employed at Lake House some time ago. I was not a part of the editorial staff but I was familiar with the profession. With the assistance of the editorial staff I used to write articles with the knowledge of my profession in finance. This was between 2008 and 2010 during the height of the war. After the war there was a peaked interest in narratives that involved the war. I am an old boy of Ananda College and there were many old Anandians who were directly involved in the war such as the Army Commander of the time Sarath Fonseka, Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda and all the second in line such as Kamal Gunaratne. In 2009 we did a small tabloid paper about old Anandians who had served at the forefront of the war in which I was also involved. Following this experience I thought of writing on ordinary soldiers and their sacrifices.



Polwatte does not fail to note an interesting feature about the subject of his maiden book. I must note that these heroes are all very junior soldiers. Yet these junior soldiers were very courageous to make such sacrifices. Most of the people know only about several acts of heroism, such as the story of Hasalaka Gamini. But the other deserving heroes remained unknown, he said.



However his work is not only about the sacrifices of these soldiers. As Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath P. Weerasekara writes in the foreward, the authors analytical mind has suggestively thrown useful guidelines for the future planners of the peace process. Polwatte reveals that he initially had no sketch of the books content. I first drafted copy about the 29 soldiers with whatever information I had. I then wanted to begin with providing a background as to why this war began in the first place. Out of these 29 soldiers, from the inception -- that is from the 1980s only a handful of soldiers were awarded with this medal. After the fourth Eelam war a number of sacrifices were made note of, because the war was in its most brutal stage. Sacrifices such as these and acts of bravery became common and the awarding of the medal was more frequent, Polwatte revealed.



Delving into the history of the awarding of the medal, Polwatte says that initially only 2nd Lt. S.U. Aladeniya and Lance Corporal Y.G.Gamini Kularatne, better known as Hasalaka Gamini were the recipients of this medal. Later many soldiers including those who were in the front lines of the Nandikadal and Puthukuddirippu battles were bestowed with this honour.



The compilation of the book is truly a noble effort on part of Polwatte, as all royalties are donated to the Ranaviru Seva Authority. The book was launched with assistance of the Ministry of Defence to which the families of the 29 soldiers were invited, while the commanders of the tri-forces were also present.



Asked of which sacrifice serves as the most memorable one, Polwatte says it is a difficult question to answer. Everyone knows the story of Gamini Kularathne and Corporal Chandrasiri Bandara who performed similar acts of bravery. Bandara, when other soldiers were undoubtedly grappling with a fear for life, grabbed hold of a rocket launcher and fired at the enemy. His third attempt of attacking the enemy was successful in both stopping the enemy and taking his own life, Polwatte explained elaborating the gravity of each sacrifice made by these soldiers.



However Polwatte also notes that there is one account of a brave hero that can be singled out. Lieutenant Colonel A.F. Lafir, was a founding member of the Special Forces of the Army. He was the most senior and decorated officer of these 29 soldiers. He was also a pioneer in developing rapid deployment operations, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism warfare. Out of these 29, five soldiers were of the SF unit. They are trained with guerilla attacks and LRRP. (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol units)



They walk for days, weeks or even months, right into areas under the control of the LTTE and manage to identify where the leaders are nestled. These units go and

attack them.



Many of these missions were successful, of which Lafir was a successful leader in development. The Army wanted to extend continuous moral support to the units there and Lafir volunteered to go to Mullativu. When the Army Mullativu base came under attack in 1996, the first landing of the rescue operation was led by Colonel Lafir. Admist heavy firing, Lafir was heli-dropped where he managed to establish radio communication with the besieged troops. He fought against the terrorists and was killed by shrapnel. This act was something rare for an officer of that rank. This kind of a sacrifice would have given a moral impact for an ordinary soldier as well, Polwatte narrated.



Asked of the response of family members to Polwatte said the most families tend to have unresolved feelings about their loved ones. I have met all the families who came to the book launch. Because he has been accepted as a hero, Hasalaka Gaminis mother was very supportive. But the others were undecided about how they felt. Some felt that due recognition was not given to these soldiers. Some mothers were annoyed that their sons were killed in battle and their sacrifices were not recognised. My wife was involved in inviting and communicating with these families and whatever their feelings were, 27 families attended the event. I doubt they had any animosity towards me or my book.



Polwatte believes that the untold stories of these heroes have to be recognised. The literature of their bravery should be included in our history. Heroes emerge in every era and not only in the times of Dutugemunu or Walagamba. In a time when we are confronted with a majority of selfish individuals in this world, there are people who act selflessly and their heroism deserves to be recognised. These are the classic examples of such individuals, he said.



Prasad Polwattes book 29 Immortal Soldiers is not only a heartfelt tribute to these heroes but also a tribute to those who envisioned peace throughout the 30 painful years of conflict. A must read for those who wish to comprehend the gallantry of noble servicemen and a timely reminder of the price of peace that was restored on our island nation.

Pix by Kushan Pathiraja
AFP: UAE and Saudi carriers said yesterday they are suspending flights to Qatar after their countries announced a cut in ties with Doha, in an unprecedented regional crisis.

Abu Dhabis Etihad and Dubais Emirates airlines said flights would stop today, after the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours.

Both carriers said the measure will stay in place until further notice.

Dubais budget carrier flydubai also said it would suspend flights to and from Doha.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Saudi Airlines said it was suspending flights to Qatar with immediate effect.

The unprecedented measures against Doha include ordering Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days and banning citizens of the three Gulf states from travelling to Qatar.

Doha airport, along with airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become major hubs after Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways seized a significant chunk of transcontinental travel on routes linking Western countries with Asia and Australasia.
Sri Lankas economic growth could pick up to 4.7 percent in 2017 and further up to 5.0 percent in 2018 on the back of a reform programme supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but the downside risks stem from extreme weather conditions and external shocks, the World Bank (WB) said in its latest report.

Sri Lanka, last week, experienced its worst floods in 13 years, which killed 224 people with another 78 missing and over 700,000 people being affected. Although the damage is still being assessed, some quarters unofficially place the figure north of Rs.30 billion.

In the absence of a proper disaster management fund, the ad hoc provision of relief could derail the island nations fiscal consolidation programme, which the Sri Lankan government has committed to, under its three-year extended fund facility with the IMF.

Besides, crop losses, disruption to business activities in the affected regions and infrastructure rebuilding activities could take a considerable toll on the countrys finances and growth in the short term.

In Sri Lanka, a resumption of Chinese-funded investment and infrastructure projects have lifted private investment and foreign direct investment inflows and fiscal consolidation under an IMF programme has helped improve investor sentiment, the WB said in its report titled Global Economic Prospects, released this week.

The multilateral lender grouped Sri Lanka among the other South Asian countries such as India, Bhutan and Pakistan, which will see accelerated growths this year and 2018 but said the growth in the Bangladesh and Nepal economies would ease during the two years.

The WB forecasts the growth in the South Asia region to advance to 6.8 percent in 2017 and accelerate to 7.1 percent in 2018, supported by solid expansion of domestic demand and exports.

In that respect, the regions economies become more susceptible to negative external shocks such as possibility of weaker than expected demand or a rise in trade restrictions in advanced economies weighing on the exports.

The report also forecasts the global growth to rebound to 2.9 percent in 2018fastest pace in seven yearsup from 2.7 percent this year.

The global economy for the first time in many years is seeing a recovery with all three major economiesUnited States, Europe and Japanrecording higher growths. This is partly supported by the stabilized commodity prices.

However, the buildup in emerging market debt, particularly in China, the worlds second biggest economy, could weigh on the global growth.

Meanwhile, the WB said it is worried about the capital outflows from the South Asian region in response to the possibility of an abrupt market reassessment of the US monetary policy tightening.

Another vulnerability the South Asia economies face, according to the report, is the uncertain outlook for remittances, which could slow in the aftermath of tighter immigration policies in advanced economies or continued fiscal consolidation among members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Yesterday, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Yemen, Libya and Egypt severed their diplomatic ties with Qatar accusing it of supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region.

This development yesterday sent the oil prices sharply up, a not-so-good sign for countries like oil-importing countries like Sri Lanka, which have massive trade balances.

Based on how long these severed relations would prevail, Sri Lanka and other South Asian neighbours will also have to reassess its impact on their economies in terms of remittances, oil prices and tourism.
In a recent debate over Kashmir, the Twitter handle of the Republic TV, a reliable guide to the dominant state-supported narrative on any issue, belted out: Why intellectualise the problem? Tweet using #NationFirstNoCompromise and speak out.

In another debate, headlined as "Indian against Anti-Nationals", an RSS functionary noted that anti-nationals are of two types: Those who terrorise and those who provide intellectual justification."

Major Gaurav Arya, an in-house expert of the Republic TV, asserted that stone-pelters ought to be declared as terrorists, but are protected by the intellectual ideology weaved around them.

This deliberate opposition between intellectual opinion and "national interest" is not only a constant trope of the Republic TV, but also that of government spokesmen (although, lately, it has been hard to discern the difference between the two).

For almost every major problem  Kashmir, Maoism, communalism, Pakistan  the government and its enablers have devised a way to deflect all responsibility from its own failures towards a cabal of intellectual insurgents  JNU type academics, "Lutyens' journalists", human rights activists, liberal writers, pro-pakistan peaceniks and so forth.

The term intellectual  that relates to the ability to think and understand complicated things  has itself become somewhat of a slur today. The popular demons in the dominant narrative  academics, journalists, human rights activists, writers, rationalists  are all persons engaged in professions that require them to think critically and rationally about issues of society and culture.

'This unwillingness or inability to compromise almost always leads to violence, witness the unending violence and repression in Kashmir.'

Unsurprisingly, the views of these groups of people often collide with the worldview of the Sangh Parivar, an institution whose value system is diametrically opposite to the values held by them. The Sangh and their millions of followers privilege values of obedience, loyalty, hierarchy and suspect values of individualism, rationalism and critical thinking. The rise of the Sangh Parivar as the pre-eminent force in Indian culture and politics has therefore inexorably reduced intellectuals from an object of respect to an object of popular loathing.

Richard Hofstadter, historian and author of the acclaimed book, Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, defined intellectualism as the understanding of human society in terms of balance of forces and interests based upon the continuing process of compromise. Intellectualism, Hofstadter writes, is sensitive to nuances and sees things in degrees, and is essentially relativist and sceptical.

The present government represents one of our most anti-intellectual governments ever not merely because of its zealous devotion to its (right-wing) ideology, but because of its imperviousness to nuanced thinking and utter rejection of compromise as an essential tool of politics.

The discourse of the government, and the dominant media, is stepped in absolute moral terms, of right and wrong, where compromise is seen as weakness, or worse. The latest illustration is the discourse on Kashmir, where both the government and dominant TV channnels such as Times Now and Republic, have painted the separatists as evil traitors, with whom talks are an unforgivable compromise.

This unwillingness or inability to compromise almost always leads to violence, witness the unending violence and repression in Kashmir. Or look at the recurring episodes of vigilante violence all over the country, a natural consequence of taking an absolutist moral stance on beef eating, one that leaves no room for individual choice.

The violence and the hatred are but the sordid consequences of the fundamental vice  a dominant mood of anti-intellectualism. As the Financial Times famously commented in the aftermath of Brexit: When (British Conservative, pro-Brexit politician) Michael Gove said the British people are sick of experts he was right. But can anybody tell me the last time a prevailing culture if anti-intellectualism has lead to anything other than bigotry?."

We have had a right-wing government before, under whom we did not experience a widespread surge of ideologically driven violence as we are witnessing today. Thats because Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a broader-minded person than Modi, had the ability to compromise, and understood that imposing a singular-ideological vision on a diverse country would only lead to violence and instability.

His repeated attempts at talks with Pakistan despite major betrayals, and his outreach and talks with Hurriyat would surely have been characetrised as anti-national treachery in the current atmosphere.

Indeed, Arun Shourie, a prominent member of Vajpayees cabinet, has famously termed the present government as not just anti-intellectual, but anti-intellect.

When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross, Sinclair Lewis had warned. While it would be a stretch to label it fascism, the current atmosphere of overbearing authoritarianism in our country is certainly wrapped in the flag and carries a trishul. The flag is used not to only muzzle dissenting voices, but to smother the very act of critical thinking.

Unquestioning obedience is demanded, any doubts or questions raised over the dominant narrative  on Kashmir, Pakistan, Maoists, beef, academic freedom  automatically consigns one to the detestable camp of anti-nationals.

Conformity is viewed as a sign of patriotism, while critical thinking is seen as tantamount to treachery.

Demonetisation was a perfect illustration of the morality play our rulers weave. In a digital version of Freudian slip, the word is sometimes autocorrected on the phone as demonisation, which is perhaps not altogether far from what the exercise was intended to accomplish, as it did with great success.

It not only painted the entire opposition as corrupt and self-serving, but more broadly tarnished anyone questioning the rationale or effectiveness of the move as selfish and unpatriotic. The trope of evoking soldiers to make us happily stand in endless lines was telling; for at that moment we were all conscripted as soldiers for the nation, and like good soldiers we were meant to obey and sacrifice without any questions or complaints.

In this militaristic view of society order and discipline is paramount, thinking and rational inquiry are signs of weakness and liberal decadence. Hard work, the PM suggested , was superior to Harvard.

It must be noted that of all the appeals made by the PM to the citizens to gather support for demonetisation, almost every argument was aimed towards the heart, to emotions and morality; none to reason or economic logic. Inevitably, while the economics of demonetisation failed miserably, the politics of it won handsomely.

HL Mencken noted that the most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out for himself, without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. The most dangerous prevailing superstition in our country is the unthinking devotion to a narrow-minded concept of nationalism. The fact that many of us today justify things such as the beating up or killing of humans in the name of a scared animal, or tying up a citizen to a jeep and parading him around, or the demonisation of academics, journalists and minorities, or the elevation of a hate-spewing priest to lead a state, is evidence enough that many of us have, in Menckens words, stopped thinking things out for ourselves.
President Donald J Trumps decision to torpedo the Paris Climate Change Agreement is yet another manifestation of the US decision to walk away from the very world order that it constructed and benefited from in the last 70 years.

It comes on the heels of a marked shift in Americas attitude towards NATO  the key alliance the US crafted and led since World War II  believed to be a signal of the changed times.

Antagonising NATO

Since World War II, the US national security doctrine emphasised the importance of preventing the rise of any dominant regional player in either Europe or East Asia. Through NATO, and its alliances with Japan and South Korea, the US maintained its global primacy.

The US still claims to uphold NATO, but Trumps boorish performance at the NATO summit last month made it clear that things are not the same. He not only berated his fellow NATO members for not spending enough on their defence, but also pointedly refused to endorse its key Article 5 committing the alliance to a common defense where an attack on all.

As for the East, the US secretary of defence, Jim Mattis, who was in Asia to make a major policy address at the annual Shangrila Dialogue, sought to reassure Americas Asian allies about his countrys willingness to stand by them, but he has found himself having to defend his presidents isolationist policies.

Trumps criticism of NATO and his decision on the climate agreement could not but cut the ground from under Mattis feet. This had, in any case, been preceded by the American pull out from the Trans Pacific Partnership which had been designed as the linchpin of the American pivot to Asia.

Trumps boorish performance at the NATO summit last month made it clear that things are not the same.

Mattis focus was on North Korea, because developments there directly threaten the United States through its ICBMs. For the present, this will reassure Japan and South Korea, but it certainly does not answer all the issues that confront them.

True, on the eve of the Mattis visit, the US Navy conducted a patrol past a reef claimed by China. But all Mattis had to say was the Chinese activities in the South China Sea undermined regional stability. It is no secret that the US is not willing to push China beyond a point because it needs Beijing to deal with North Korea.

Assertive China

So Mattis said that not only was conflict with China not inevitable but that our countries can and do cooperate for mutual benefit. This could hardly have inspired the ASEAN which is, in any case, deeply split over China.

As for Europe, its dilemma is palpable. On one side its trans-Atlantic ties are foundering, and on the other, an increasing assertive China is seeking a closer embrace through its One Belt One Road scheme.

In the process, Beijing is systematically wooing Central and Eastern Europe, as well as seeking to enhance its investments in Europe. Already this had led to a weak European response to its activities in the South China Sea.

Where does India figure in all this?

New Delhi is going through the motions of pretending everything is normal. Even though it boycotted the OBOR summit, it is readying to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a military, political and economic grouping run out of Beijing.

Perhaps one part of India is quite comfortable with the statist and authoritarian model that the principals of the SCO  Russia and China  represent.

Indias role

But India can hardly be comfortable with the sight of the US, upon which it has come to rely on unconscionably in the past decade, behaving the way it is doing. Its embrace of Saudi Arabia and the very obvious push to destabilise Iran are bad news for New Delhi.

There is nothing in Modis recent tour to Europe to suggest that there are viable options there. Indias trade with Europe pales into insignificance as compared to China. As for investments, Chinas outward and inward investment from Europe is orders of magnitude greater than ours.

Besides, Europe is badly distracted by Brexit, dissonance with the US and the repeated terror strikes by home-grown jihadists. A lot of hope now rest on Modis meeting with the US president. Trumps critique of Indias climate change stand is not a happy augury. It would be a brave man who will argue that the visit will go well.

If time-tested allies like Germany feel that the time has come for them to think of going on without the US, there is little reassurance for India which needs some means of balancing a China which is spilling onto its neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean, and pursuing deep ties with Iran to enhance its energy security and connectivity with Central Asia and Europe.
5 Dead, At Least 2 Dozen Injured In Weekend Violence

By Jen Chung in News on Jun 5, 2017 3:00PM



(istockphoto)

Five people were killedincluding a woman in an apparent murder-suicide in Logan Squareand "at least 25 others wounded" in a weekend of violent shootings.

The Logan Square deaths occurred on Sunday: Shantae Nevith, 22, was fatally shot "in the head and back during an argument with a 23-year-old man in the 2500 block of West Lyndale" around 12:25 p.m., according to NBC Chicago. The suspect in her shooting, Charles Torrence Jr., was found dead at 7:34 p.m. in the 4300 block of West Carroll Street; the Sun-Times reports it appeared he had a "self-inflicted" gunshot wound to the head.

The other victims of fatal shootings were a 21-year-old man who was shot in the head and torso in the 6100 block of South Throop at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday; a 19-year-old man who was shot in the chest and body in the 5400 block of West Cortez in Austin at 1:06 p.m. Saturday; a 33-year-old man who was shot in the back and leg in the 200 block of North Leavitt on the Near West Side at 3 a.m. on Sunday; and a 41-year-old who was shot in the head and chest in an empty lot in the 1800 block of West Maypole on the Near West Side.

Chicago police officers also fatally shot a man who, CPD says, fired a handgun at them in Washington Park on Friday night. A police officer was shot during a struggle with a man allegedly drinking on a sidewalk in Chatham on Saturday; his partner then shot at the suspect numerous times.

"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," the Sun-Times wrote.
'Brown Girls' Creators Are Taking Their Great Web Series To HBO

By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 5, 2017 10:00PM



Sonia Denis as Patricia in 'Brown Girls'

One of Chicago's most deserved filmmaking success stories of recent years is about to hit the even-bigger time. Elle reports and HBO has confirmed that the creators of the excellent, Chicago-filmed and -set web series Brown Girls have signed on with the premium cable leader to develop a show based on their indie hit.

Chicago writer Britt Julious broke the news in Elle with an interview with the two Brown Girls principles, writer Fatimah Asghar and director Samantha Bailey. Mara Mikialian, VP of Media Relations for HBO, confirmed with Chicagoist that the as-yet-untitled project is in development but declined to offer further details.

But we can confirm that, since it's based on the original serieswhich you can stream on Chicago-based platform Open TVand the masterminds are on board, it'll be appointment viewing. Brown Girls, which premiered in February, centered around the friendship between South Asian-American writer Leila and Black-American musician Patricia. The scale is kept deliberately intimate, but deeply observed. It took off like wildfire, first in Chicago, then beyond, not least because it played like a watershed for representation of queer women of color in television, web or otherwise.

Check out episode one of the original web series below and read Elle's interview here.





Brown Girls -- Episode 1 from Open TV (beta) on Vimeo.
New Ringtone Aims To Help Chicagoland's Immigrants Know Their Rights

By Mae Rice in News on Jun 5, 2017 8:40PM



Photo: Tyler LaRiviere

Can a ringtone prevent deportations? A local union, Unite Here Local 1, hopes so. The hospitality workers' union, operating in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, has released a Spanish-language ringtone meant to ensure immigrants know their rights in case of a deportation raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

The ringtone, which sounds very fun and beachy, translates to the following practical message:



If immigration comes to arrest you, keep calm

You have the right not to sign anything and not to say anything

You have the right to remain silent

Also the right to ask for an attorney

It's available for download here.

News of the ringtone release comes hot on the heels of Illinois' new, statewide "Know Your Rights" campaign, which includes printable cards in English and Spanish on how best to interact with law enforcement.

Despite pressure from the Department of Justice, Chicago continues to remain a sanctuary city. There have been no known large-scale immigration-related sweeps in Chicago recently, but such arrests are up nationwide under the Trump administration.
Archaeologists have spent months excavating a lost temple that disappeared for nearly a millennium in downtown Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Workers at a temple site that disappeared for nearly a millennium in downtown Chengdu. [Photo: Xinhua]

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.
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Writers from China and abroad won prizes of up to 1 million yuan ($147,100) at a literary awards ceremony held in Beijing on Wednesday.

Best Chinese book  See the Spring Wind by Ge Fei [ Photo provided to China Daily]

The Jingdong Literature Prize of 1 million yuan each went to Chinese writer Ge Fei and Israeli writer Amos Oz. Their books were selected as the top Chinese and foreign works; four other Chinese writers each won 200,000 yuan in different genres.

Ge's book Wang Chun Feng, or See the Spring Wind, won the best Chinese book.

Scenes from Village Life, a short story collection by Oz, won the best translated work.

The literary prize is sponsored by e-commerce company JD, and co-organized by the company, the China Press and Publication Academy, and the reviewing website Douban.

The selection started early this year, and the result is a combination of professional jury, media and online votes, says Xu Lei of JD, who created the prize in 2016.

"We realize that though books are just one category of our merchandise, they are special for the thoughts, culture and stories carried by them," Xu says.

"Together with our partners, we hope to continue this prize in the years to come."

Mo Yan, the Chinese Nobel laureate in literature, is among the professional jury of 36 established writers and critics.

"The selection procedure is special from other literary awards in that it also takes in voices from the readers," he says. "I hope that helps select good books which will satisfy the readers."
 Flash

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.
Indian bike makers have realised that manufacturer-backed biking communities and ride experiences play a crucial role in building a brands image. In such events, like-minded people come together and develop a sense of community and brotherhood. To promote such events, Bajaj Auto has now introduced Avenger FLG Rides Cruising Season 2017-18, which focuses on pan-India touring for the Avenger cruiser motorcycle brand.

Conceived and launched last year and now in its second iteration, the Avenger Feel Like God Cruising Season is now a round-the-year initiative, comprising of 40 rides across the country to 17 destinations, covering more than 20,000 km in total. The first ride of this season will commence on 24th June, heading to the picturesque Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, and will be followed by rides to some of Indias favourite biking destinations like Leh, Jaisalmer, Goa, Yercaud and Yumthang Valley, among others. Bajaj Avenger owners who take part in these rides will get to indulge in a wide variety of outdoorsy activities, ranging from paragliding and lion safaris to forest treks and bird watching.

Commenting on the introduction of the Avenger FLG 2017-18 season, Sumeet Narang, Vice President, (Marketing), Bajaj Auto, said, Long distance group riding has gained tremendous momentum in recent years across India. Avenger brand embodies Liberation and these FLG rides symbolize that value in the best way possible. It further helps the riders to get the best experience out of their Avengers. With Avenger FLG Rides, we want to encourage our valuable customers to experience the feeling of liberation in riding to the most breathtaking destinations. Avenger FLG has been uniquely designed with resources and infrastructure that promotes group riding in a safe and professional manner.

Bajaj Auto stresses on safety and security of the riders on every Avenger FLG ride, with each one being supervised by leading adventure operators. Each ride is accompanied by a support vehicle and a certified paramedic with medical equipment. Also, to ensure rider alertness, no night riding is allowed, with a maximum cap on the number of riding hours per day.

Source: Bikedekho.com
Chinese state media are filled with stories about the stunning success of Horgos, the youngest city of Chinas new Silk Road.

Horgos, Kazakhstan: On the border of China and Kazakhstan, an international free trade zone has become a showpiece of Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road initiative to boost global trade and commerce by improving infrastructure and connectivity.

Chinese state media are filled with stories about the stunning success of Horgos, the youngest city of Chinas new Silk Road.

Last month at Chinas Belt and Road Summit promotional videos about Horgos booming economy ran on a loop at the press centre. But Chinese business owners and prospective investors who had recently visited the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, told Reuters they were disappointed by the disconnect between the hype and reality.

Rather than the vibrant 21st century trading post of Beijings grand vision, Horgos is instead developing a reputation as Chinas very own tax haven.

We were so unimpressed by what we saw that after looking around for three hours, we turned around and drove eight hours straight back to Urumqi, said a businessman from the capital of Chinas far western region of Xianjiang, who only wanted to give his surname, Ma, due to the sensitivity of the topic.

Several business owners echoed complaints about poor design and low visitor numbers made by Ma, who visited Horgos to investigate the viability of opening a high-end clubhouse.

Youve got Kazakh farmers walking around with plastic bags full of cheap Chinese t-shirts and you want me to open a club for government officials and businessmen to meet inside the zone  which, by the way, you cant drive your car into and doesnt have any five-star hotels? Ma said.

On the Chinese side of the border there are five malls selling cheap consumer goods, though traders complain there are not enough visitors. Sometimes Ill sit here for a whole day and not make a single sale, said Ma Yinggui, 56, who has a market stall selling clothes. Some Kazakhs are rich but most are poor. They come and haggle over a 20 yuan ($2.93) t-shirt.

More than five years after the 5.3 sq km trade zone opened, much of the Kazakh side remains empty. Only 25 of the 63 projects on the Kazakh side have investors, according to Ravil Budukov, ICBC press secretary on the Kazakh side. About 3-4,000 people enter from Kazakhstan each day and around 10,000 from China, he added.

The Xinjiang and Horgos governments declined to make officials available for comment. Huang Sanping, a senior Xinjiang government official, told Reuters at a news conference in Beijing that he had just returned from a visit to Horgos, a city performing extremely well. Its full of vitality and flourishing.

Beijing has bestowed numerous tax breaks and preferential policies on Horgos hoping to stimulate growth in this strategic border town in Xinjiang, a key link on the new Silk Road between China and Central Asia, where the government says it is battling to defeat Islamist extremism.

According to Horgos tax bureau, 2,411 companies registered in Horgos last year, taking advantage of five years of no company tax, and a further five years paying half rate.

At least half those companies are registered in Horgos solely for tax purposes, estimates Meng Shen, Director of Chanson & Co, a boutique investment bank in Beijing.

Chinese celebrities are opting to register production companies in Horgos and an increasing number of financial services and IT companies are also registering there, according to Guan Xuemei from Shenzhou Shunliban, a tax advisory firm that recently opened an office there.

But with no obligation to operate from Horgos or even in Xinjiang, it is unlikely this policy will create jobs or bring money to what has long been an economic backwater, say experts.
A still from Deepak Dobriyal's last film 'Hindi Medium'. Dobriyal is here seen with Irrfan Khan.

Mumbai: With his effortless acting and brilliant comic timing in films including Tanu Weds Manu franchise, recently released Hindi Medium and others, actor Deepak Dobriyal has become a household name.

The talented actor, who has a penchant for playing interesting and unconventional characters, will be seen playing something intriguing in his forthcoming movie Kuldip Patwal: I Didnt Do It!

As interesting as the movie subject is, producer Remy shares an equally exciting incident that occurred on the sets in Delhi. This was an interesting scene where Kuldip has to go late night in search of some curious little thing his expecting wife desires when evidently all shops are closed.

We wanted a real location to resemble his local access area. As Delhi is always full of people, the challenge was to shoot with no soul in sight. The essential beauty of the scene would have been lost if there were people. So we shot the particular scene with Deepak, our DOP Mr Vikram Amladi and the crew at around 2 AM in the night, he adds.

Produced and directed by Remy Kohli-, Kuldip Patwal: I didn't do it also features Raima Sen, Parvin Dabas and Gulshan Devaiyah in pivotal roles. It's about a common man, Kuldip Patwal, who has been unwittingly wronged by a local minister indirectly in all sorts of ways all his life. And now, the reports have it that he has allegedly assassinated the Chief Minister of state in broad daylight - in front of several eyewitnesses. But, he denies murdering him. In court, the defense lawyer - played by Gulshan Devaiah -will leave no stone unturned to prove his innocence. But, the State will make sure Kuldip gets the capital punishment.

The film is scheduled to release in July internationally.
Mumbai: Esha inaugurated the No tobbaco day campaign hosted by the CPA last week.

The members of CPA shared that there are more than 2,500 lives lost due to cancer everyday and more than 300 crore rupees lost in treating and fighting the cancer.

She appealed to the Prime minister to ban the sale of Tobbaco in our country. She shared that it will be for the greater good of the common man, their families and people around them at large.

She concluded by saying - If they can ban beef why not Tobbaco to save lives?
Mumbai: The trailer of Tiger Shroff and Nidhhi Agerwal's upcoming dance flick 'Munna Michael' was launched amid much fanfare on Monday.

At the trailer launch, when Tiger was quizzed about dating his debutante co-star Nidhhi Agerwal, he replied, "Must have been a PR stunt."

Whereas, earlier there were rumours of Tiger's alleged girlfriend Disha Patani gatecrashing the sets of 'Munna Michael' to keep an eye on Tiger.

At the trailer launch, Nidhhi shared her excitement of working alongside Tiger.

She said, "Tiger is very helpful. Thanks to him. It was very difficult to match steps with him."

Their film, which also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a pivotal role, is slated to release on July 21.
For the last few days, a song from the upcoming film Duvvada Jagannadham (DJ) has been in the news, with the Brahmin association objecting a few words from the films song. Now, the makers have finally decided to remove the controversial words.

Yes, we are going to remove the words Namakam and Chamakam from the song, says producer Dil Raju, adding that everyone knows that he always comes up with clean films. There are a few Sanskrit words in the song. However, the Brahmin association objected and I decided to remove them, says Dil Raju, who assures, Its a good film and has shaped up well.

Meanwhile, Dronamraju Ravi Kumar, the President of the All India Brahmins Federation is a satisfied man. I spoke to director Harish Shankar and he agreed to remove the two words from the song, he says.
Theatre isnt a good career option, said Satyabrata Routs father and so as a teenager, Satyabrata enrolled himself in a medical college. However, nothing could keep him away from his passion for the performing arts and he dropped out of MBBS in his fourth year. Now a noted theatre director and scenographer, Satyabrata has won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar 2016, to be awarded by the President of India.

It was a surprise. People say that awards are manipulated, but this proves that they are not. The award has filled me with positive energy, says Satyabrata, who teaches scenography at the University of Hyderabad.

Interestingly, Satyabratas grandfather owned a theatre company during pre-Independent India. As a kid, I saw how artistes travel from place to place, perform and wear make-up and it always fascinated me. I was interested in dance, painting and theatre. However, my father never supported me and I joined a medical college, only to drop out in the fourth year. My parents were shocked and didnt speak to me for 10-12 years! I pursued my Masters at the National School of Drama after I came in contact with a few theatre artistes, recalls Satyabrata, who went on to work with eminent theatre practitioners and scholars such as Peter Brook, John Martin, Fritz Bennewitz, Frank Hoffmann, John Barry and B.V. Karanth, among others.

Satyabrata is one of the pioneers of Visual Theatre in India, and has authored Scenography: An Indian Perspective and On the Crossroads of Theatre. He has directed a number of plays, participated in national and international theatre festivals and conducted numerous theatre workshops across the globe.

Hailing from Orissa, he had a hard time understanding Hindi. Since I was from a rural area, people looked at me differently and I developed a complex. But as I started reflecting village life in my plays, people started appreciating my efforts and it became my strength, he adds.
Theunis Wessels said she was woken by daughter who was upset that there was something like a tornado in the sky but her father wouldn't come inside. (Photo: AP)

Three Hills: A photograph of a Canadian man mowing a lawn with a tornado swirling behind him has caused a bit of a storm on social media.

Cecilia Wessels snapped the picture of her husband, Theunis, on Friday as the twister passed near their home in Alberta. She said cutting the grass was on her husband's to-do list, and as he started the task, she went for a nap.

Wessels said she was woken by daughter who was upset that there was something like a tornado in the sky, but her father wouldn't come inside.

"I did ask him if he was coming inside with that thing in the clouds when I turned to come inside and he calmly said no," Cecilia Wessels said Sunday.

Theunis Wessels said the tornado was actually much farther away than it appears in the photo and it was moving away from them. He said he was keeping an eye on it. No one was injured.
Detained Pakistani nationals had visa for Jodhpur but travelled to Barmer. (Photo: Representational/File)

Jaipur: Five Pakistani nationals were detained in Barmer district of Rajasthan for violating visa norms.

Khojo Bhil (60), Chandu Bhil (75), his wife Dhai Bai Bhil (70), and two minors -- Naresh Bhil (10) and Dharmi Bai (12) -- had a visa for Jodhpur but travelled to Barmer.

They were detained from Gadra road railway station in the district, when they were waiting for a train to Jodhpur on Sunday.

Khojo and Naresh came to Jodhpur some two years ago and the other three entered India around 20 days back, SHO Gadra road police station Karan Singh said. They were staying at their relatives house in Barmer for two days.

The place where they stayed is restricted for foreigners, the SHO said.

They are being interrogated by intelligence agencies.

Barmer is among four districts in western Rajasthan which lies along the border with Pakistan.
Amethi: Congress workers on Monday burnt an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Amethi to protest the alleged defacement of a statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was an elected representative of the constituency.

The statue was found damaged at a park in Mirzapurs Awas Vikas colony on Sunday, following which an angry Congress party had announced statewide protests on Monday.

Protesters led by Amethi Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhis representative Chandrakant Dubey and the president of District Congress Committee, Yogendra Mishra, shouted slogans and burnt the PMs effigy.

Dubey said Amethis people have an emotional affiliation with their dear Rajiv Bhaiya.

The protestors later submitted a memorandum addressed to Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik through the sub-divisional magistrate of Gauriganj alleging breakdown of law and order in the state.
TTV Dhinakaran asked to stick to his stand of keeping away from party affairs. (Photo: File)

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Finance Minister and senior AIADMK (Amma) leader D Jayakumar on Monday said that party deputy general secretary T T V Dhinakaran should stick to his stand of keeping away from party affairs.

Reacting to Dhinakarans assertion that he will continue party work, Jayakumar said that it was the partys unanimous view to hold on to its stand of having no dealings with Dhinakaran, party general secretary V K Sasikala and their associates.

He said top party functionaries and ministers started deliberations following Dhinakarans assertion on June 3 that he will continue party work.

We are firm, and we are clear, the minister told reporters here. We have no truck with him, we are not dependent on him.

He said Dhinakaran, Sasikala or their associates were not in the background.

He (Dhinakaran) should stick to his stand that he will keep away from party, he said.

After Tamil Nadu Ministers said on April 18 that they were dumping the top duo, Dhinakaran had said he was stepping aside in deference to their wish.

We are leading Ammas government without anybody being in the background there is no doubt about it, he said.

The Tamil Nadu Cabinet on April 18 had revolted against Dhinakaran and decided to keep him and his family out of the party and government.

Dhinakaran, who was recently released on bail after being in jail for a month in the Election Commission bribery case, had kicked up a fresh row on his role in the party when he said he would continue party work since he had said in April that he was keeping away from party affairs.
Sushma Swaraj on Monday assured that the Indian Government will raise the issue with China. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Two days after a suspected Chinese helicopter was sighted flying above Indian territory in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Monday assured that the Indian Government will raise the issue with China.

"This is the first such air space violation. We can understand even ground incursion as it can be a mistake. But this is unacceptable. We will take it up with Beijing," Swaraj told the media here in a press briefing.

However, China has defended the People's Liberation Army (PLA) helicopters over Chamoli district, saying India and China have a territorial dispute in the eastern section of their boundary and the Chinese military have been carrying out regular patrolling in the relevant areas.

Earlier on Saturday, a suspected Chinese helicopter was traced at around 9.15 a.m close to Sino-India border.

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.
ISRO launches its most powerful rocket GSLV Mark III carrying GSAT-19 communication satellite from Sriharikota. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its most powerful rocket GSLV Mark III carrying GSAT-19 communication satellite from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Former ISRO Scientist, Nambi Narayanan said, "We are glad on its launch. It is a three stage vehicle and has four tones of capability and post 10 tonnes in lower orbit. It's a big milestone for all of us and we also wish for more clients to come.

ISRO launches its most powerful rocket GSLV Mark III carrying GSAT-19 communication satellite from Sriharikota, AP #GSLVMK3 pic.twitter.com/3Tnme9Qlz5  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

ISRO Chief Kiran Kumar also lauded his entire team who worked on the project.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed ISRO for the historic achievement.

GSLV-Mark III was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center at 5:28 pm.

The rocket is carrying 3,136-kilogram weighed GSAT-19 communication satellite and will place it a distance of 36,000 km from earth.

The rocket was developed for 15 years at a cost of around Rs. 300 crore.

Dubbed by the scientists as the "Monster Rocket", it has the capability to launch satellites as heavy as 4 tonnes, i.e. 4000 kilograms.

Currently, India has to take the help of foreign countries if it wants to launch communication satellites beyond 2.3 tons.

With this, India will be in the elite club of launching a heavy satellite. So far, the United States, Russia, Europe, China and Japan have achieved this feat.

The rocket is powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine that uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants.

The flight's launch is expected to boost India's assertions of putting humans into space.

Reportedly, the ISRO has asked Rs. 12,500 crore from the Centre for its mission to place humans in space. If approved, the work is expected to take roughly seven years.

The premiere space agency has already developed critical technologies for a human space mission. The space suit is ready and a crew module was tested in 2014.
Srinagar: The security forces on Monday foiled an attempt made by heavily armed militants to storm a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp at Sumbal, about 25-km north of Srinagar, after killing all the four members of a fidayeen squad.

The heavily armed militants tried to enter the 45 Battalion headquarters of the CRPF at Sumbal in Bandipora district after cutting the Concentra wire fencing and shooting at the sentry, officials said. They also lobbed several hand grenades to force their entry into the camp at around 4.10 am, they added.

The sentry of the camp retaliated to the fire. In the meantime, Bandipora police reached the spot where exchange of fire was going on. In the retaliation, four foreign militants were killed. The identification of these slain militants is being ascertained, a statement issued by the J&K police here said. Four AK rifles with 12 magazines and 140 rounds of ammunition, seven UBGL grenades and 9 hand grenades were recovered from the encounter site, the police said.

Earlier Director General of J&K Police, Shesh Paul Vaid tweeted, 45 Bn @crpfindia/@JmuKmrPolice killed 4 terrorists at Sumbal #Bandipore who were attempting suicidal attack on CRPF camp.

45 Bn @crpfindia / @JmuKmrPolice killed 4 terrorists at Sumbal #Bandipore who were attempting suicidal attack on CRPF camp. #JaiHind   Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) June 5, 2017

CRPF Deputy Inspector General M Dinakaran said that the militants kept firing as they tried to enter the camp. But the attack was effectively repulsed by the CRPF sentry and the Sumbal Police, he said.

Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, said in New Delhi that militants intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage as apart from being heavily armed with automatic rifles and grenades they were also carrying incendiary material such as petrol and dry rations. It indicated that the terrorists intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage, he said in a statement. He added, The sentries responded with alacrity and returned their fire. Heavy exchange of fire took place during which the terrorists lobbed more than two dozen grenades in an attempt to escape.

The Home Minister also said that as the CRPF in cooperation with force from the adjoining Jammu and Kashmir Police camp showed exemplary courage and valour by shooting dead all the four terrorists they deserved to be cited for this alertness and unmatched bravery. The statement said, It is inspiring to see CRPF men staying awake all night and maintaining tight vigil, and to see the Jammu and Kashmir Police coming to the CRPF's assistance quickly. Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces. They need to be cited for their alertness and unmatched bravery".

Sumbal and its neighbourhood witnessed street clashes between irate mobs of youth and the security forces following the encounter whereas a spontaneous strike to mourn and protest the killing of militants closed the marketplaces and transport services. The police and the CRPF fired teargas and pepper gas canisters and exploded stun grenades to quell the stone-pelting mobs, reports said. A police officer said that a mob also attacked the local police stations. Amid tensions, mobile phone and Internet services were suspended in the area.

Meanwhile, the police on Monday detained pro-independence Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Muhammad Yasin Malik whereas another prominent separatist leader and Kashmir's Chief Muslim cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest to foil a joint meet of the separatist parties. The meet convened at the residence of Syed Ali Shah Geelani at Hyderpora here was to discuss the recent raids on the homes and offices of second-rung separatist leaders and some businesses houses in Srinagar, Delhi and Haryana by National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The NIA had during the weekend raided 14 locations in Kashmir and eight in Delhi and Haryana's Sonepat in connection with alleged terror funding. The raids were conducted after the NIA registered cases in connection with alleged hawala operations between Pak-based terror groups and Kashmiri separatists, officials had said.

The separatists strongly denied receiving any foreign funding and alleged that the government was making false claims in order to defame the Kashmiri freedom struggle. The NIA raids as a policy of witch-hunt and terrorization launched by New Delhi are to defame and weaken the peoples political struggle and simultaneously cripple the economy of the Valley," a statement issued by the alliance of key separatist leaders Geelani, the Mirwaiz and Malik had said.

Commenting on Mondays police action, the Mirwaiz said, It has become a norm for the State authorities not to allow the resistance leadership to meet as they have to keep up the farce of normalcy through repression at the bidding of their masters in New Delhi or otherwise they will be shown the door by them.

The raids conducted by the Indian agencies are meant to intimidate and harass pro-freedom leaders and activists. This in turn is Government of Indias acceptance of the fact that it has not been able to politically defeat the people's struggle for freedom in Jammu and Kashmir, he said in a statement.

The alliance has called for "peaceful protests" after Friday congregational prayers against the "witch-hunt, coercion and intimidation of resistance activists, leaders and members of the business community."

It said in a statement issued here on Monday, "People will also strongly protest the Indian electronic media's propaganda war against Kashmiris and its shameless attempt to discredit people's freedom struggle."
Chennai/Hyderabad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Modi government of turning the Kashmir issue into a "weakness" from "strength", prompting the ruling side to hit back by citing a Congress booklet which depicted the state as a territory "occupied by India".

Gandhi blamed the NDA government for the current unrest in Kashmir, saying it had completely mishandled the issue.

"They (government) are creating a problem for this country by their incompetence and by trying to utilise Kashmir as a political asset," the Congress vice president told reporters in Chennai.

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.

Gandhi 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."

Hitting back, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu referred to a booklet released by the Congress on Sunday in Lucknow which depicted the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir as "India occupied Kashmir".

He said in Hyderabad that the people of the country would never forgive the Congress party for such a "mindset".

Questioning if the final solution that the Congress had in mind was to give Kashmir to Pakistan, Naidu asked, "Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity?"

BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said in Delhi that the government has a very strong Kashmir policy.

He said the government is treating differently the common Kashmiris, terrorists and separatists and "this policy is bearing fruits".

The Congress, Hussain recalled, had even raised questions on the surgical strikes carried out by the Army across the line of control.

Gandhi, who had on Sunday attended an event to celebrate the 94th birthday of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, said the opposition would united "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.
New Delhi: In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj over the current 'geo-political situation' brewing in the Middle East, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stated that he extends his full support to the Centre on the steps they take in the matter.

"I would like to place on record the full support of our State to the considered stance that Union Government would take on the issue, given the complexities involved. We do appreciate that it is a complex situation and we are in no doubt that Union Government will come out with the most appropriate diplomatic and geo-political stance in this regard taking into consideration all aspects and put in place a robust mechanism for addressing all the concerns," the Chief Minister said.

Vijayan also made a request that the Indian Embassy in Doha may be suitably empowered to respond presciently to the concerns of the Indian population in Qatar.

The Chief Minister's concern comes after five nations severed all relations with Qatar after accusations against the nation about supporting terrorism and Islamic groups.

The said countries- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen are also reported to have cut all air and water transportation services to Qatar.

The rift between Qatar and the other Gulf countries had taken a turn after the former's state-run news agency was hacked. The matter has since spiralled out of control.

The crisis started when Qatar had alleged that cyber criminals had hacked its news agency in May and published fake comments about Iran and Israel made by Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Following the news of the hack, various comments made by Hamad Al Thani were broadcast in the nation.

The government had denied that these comments had been made by its ruler.

Some of these comments had also stated that US President Donald Trump might not last in power.

Qatar is the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

This unprecedented crisis came up in the wake of President of the United States, Donald Trump 's visit to Saudi Arabia for a summit with the leaders of the country.

Qatar plays hosts to the Al-Udeid Air Base, home to the US military's Central Command and about 10,000 American troops. It is, however, still unclear if the boycott would affect the United States' military operations in the Middle East.
New Delhi: There was no political interference in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raids on New Delhi Television (NDTV) co-founder Prannoy Roys properties, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday, while stressing that the law was taking its course.

If somebody does something wrong simply because they belong to media, you cannot expect the government to keep quiet, Naidu told reporters.

"The officials were doing their duty and there is no political interference in this," he said, adding that media was free and independent in the country.

The CBI might have received some information, that is why they have taken action, Naidu said.

The CBI on Monday searched the residence of NDTV co-founder Prannoy Roy in New Delhi and three other locations for allegedly causing losses to a private bank, a move termed by NDTV as a witch-hunt based on same old false accusations.

The agency has registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika and RRPR Holdings for allegedly causing losses of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank, CBI sources said.

They said the agency was conducting searches at four places in the national capital and in Dehradun.

This (Monday) morning, the CBI stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations, NDTV said in a statement.

It said, NDTV and its promoters would fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies.

We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India. We have one message to those who are trying to destroy the institutions of India and everything it stands for: We will fight for our country and overcome these forces, it said.
US President Donald Trump has argued that the Paris climate deal favours India and China and hurts Americas interests. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: India never intended to profit from the Paris climate deal, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday, rejecting suggestions from US President Donald Trump that some nations were exploiting the global pact on fighting climate change.

As he announced the US would withdraw from the Paris Agreement, Trump singled out India and China as two major polluters that he said would gain a financial advantage over the US under the agreement.

Swaraj denied India was acting disingenuously, saying it remained committed to the pact to tackle global warming whether the US stays in it or not.

India didnt sign the Paris climate deal under pressure or greed for money, Swaraj told reporters.

We signed it because of our beliefa 5,000-year-old belief in environment. If someone says we signed it for money or under pressure, Ill reject it. It is wrong.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to go above and beyond the Paris climate deal during a visit to France last week, reaffirming Indias commitment as the worlds third-largest polluter.

In his speech announcing the US would withdraw from the landmark treaty, Trump repeatedly faulted the Paris Agreement as failing to put America first and imposing no meaningful obligations on the worlds leading polluters.

China will be allowed to build hundreds of additional coal plants...think of it. India can double their coal production. Were supposed to get rid of ours, he said in a speech Thursday.

Unlike other signatories to the Paris climate deal, India has not agreed to cap or reduce its emissions outright but instead to greatly increase its use of green energy.

This means Indias emissions will continue to grow, but at a slower rate.

India, an energy-hungry giant of 1.25 billion people, has long insisted it needs coal to lessen crippling blackouts and electrify its many regions without access to reliable power.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the need for nurturing a better planet on the World Environment Day on Monday.

Reaching out to people through his Twitter handle, the Prime Minister also saluted those working towards protecting the environment.

The Prime Minister said this year's theme of 'connecting people to nature' was nothing but a way "getting connected with ourselves".

"World Environment Day is the right time to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our environment and nurturing a better planet," the Prime Minister tweeted.

"We salute the will and determination of all those individuals, organisations working towards protecting the environment," the Prime Minister added in another tweet.

Last week, after US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the present generation should not snatch the right of the future generations to a clean and healthy earth.
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, joined the nation in congratulating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III).

Congratulating the ISRO, President Pranab Mukherjee wrote on his Twitter handle: Heartiest congratulations to ISRO on the historic launch of GSLV-Mk III #PresidentMukherjee.

The President further said that the nation is proud of the significant achievement of the research department.

GSLV-Mk III is the heaviest rocket ever made by India and is capable of carrying the heaviest satellites made till date #PresidentMukherjee, he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his tweet, sent warm greetings to the nations space research center for the great achievement.

Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV - MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission, PM Modi tweeted.

He further said that the mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability.

The GSLV - MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud!, the PM tweeted.

Earlier, the ISRO launched its most powerful rocket GSLV Mark III carrying GSAT-19 communication satellite from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Former ISRO Scientist, Nambi Narayanan said, "We are glad on its launch. It is a three stage vehicle and has four tones of capability and post 10 tones in lower orbit. It's is a big milestone for all of us, we also wish more clients to come".

ISRO Chief Kiran Kumar also lauded his entire team who worked on the project.

GSLV-Mark III was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center at 5:28 pm on Monday.

The rocket is carrying 3,136-kilogram weighed GSAT-19 communication satellite and will place it a distance of 36,000 km from earth.

The rocket was developed for 15 years at a cost of around Rs 300 crore.

Dubbed by the scientists as the Monster Rocket, it has the capability to launch satellites as heavy as 4 tonnes (4,000 kilograms).

Currently, India has to take the help of foreign countries if it wants to launch communication satellites beyond 2.3 tonnes.

With this India will be in the elite club of launching a heavy satellite. So far, the United States, Russia, Europe, China and Japan have achieved this feat.

The rocket is powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine that uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants.

The flights launch is expected to boost Indias assertions of putting humans into space.

Reportedly, the ISRO has asked Rs 12,500 crore from the Centre for its mission to place humans in space. If approved, the work is expected to take roughly seven years.

The premiere space agency has already developed critical technologies for a human space mission. The space suit is ready and a crew module was tested in 2014.
Sachin Pilot says BJP's ignorance to security issues has resulted in rise in terror incidents. (Photo: File)

Jaipur: Hitting out at the central government, Rajasthan Congress Chief Sachin Pilot on Monday alleged that the BJP had failed to manage the internal and external security of the country in its three years.

The BJP is trying to delude people by spreading misleading information and its claims that it has control over terrorism and naxalism in the country is far from reality, he alleged in a release.

His reaction came a day after BJP Rajasthan President Ashok Parnami claimed that the Centre had taken bold steps in curbing corruption and terrorism in the last three years.

In the last three years, the BJP governments ignorance to internal and external security issues has resulted in rise in terror incidents and naxal attacks in the country, Pilot said.

Chaos has become dominant and the situation is beyond control in Jammu and Kashmir with people raising pro-Pakistan slogans, and stone pelting and terror incidents claiming lives of Army jawans, he said.

Pilot claimed that during the 10 years of UPA rule, the Congress-led government worked to maintain equality, unity and peace.

People in the Valley had faith in the governance of the then government, and more than 60 per cent voted for it. This was reduced to an abysmally of 7 per cent in Srinagar under the current BJP rule, he said.

The state Congress chief claimed that nearly 172 terror incidents had been reported in the last three years and nearly 578 jawans and 877 civilians were killed, and 1,343 ceasefire violations were reported.

The government has failed on internal and external security fronts, he said.

Pilot said, The BJP government has continuously downsized the defence budget and several posts, including those of officers, JCOs and jawans, are lying vacant.

He also accused the BJP government for not complying with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the armed forces and claimed that the recent naxal attack in Chhattisgarh was an example.
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Monday attacked the Maharashtra government over the farmers' stir, accusing it of creating fissures among them in an attempt to break their unity.

Similar tactics were used to crush the Maratha stir as well in the past, the Sena charged.

"Had the demands of farmers been accepted, they would have showered the Chief Minister with flowers. But some people in the government took (Minister of State for Agriculture) Sadabhau Khot with them and tried to break farmers unity," the Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"A divide and rule policy is being used. Leaders, who went to 'Varsha' (to hold talks with the CM at his residence), need to answer if any of their demands were met," it said.

Farmers in Maharashtra had launched their stir on June 1 pressing for their various demands, prominent being waiving loans due to crop failures and indebtedness, and guaranteed minimum support price.

"The CM says 35-40 lakh farmers will be benefited with the loan waiver. But can he answer what about those farmers in Marathwada who have a land holding of more than two hectares and are dependent on rains?" the Sena questioned.

"The state government has tried to delay its death temporarily. First farmers were called to his house (Varsha), were insulted and finally given nothing. The farmers have no trust in the government and hence are continuing their strike," the Sena said.

The Sena said the chief minister got an opportunity to temporarily save his government by creating fissures among the farmers.

"But, will farmers get a guaranteed rate for their produce? Sadabhau's ministerial position will stay but will extinguished gas stoves of farmers' light again?" it said.

Also, attempts made to break the strike points to the failure of the government, it added.

The Sena also questioned if Jayaji Suryawanshi, who was part of the delegation that met the CM and announced calling off the strike, give a guarantee that farmers will not commit suicide for the next four months.

After holding talks with leaders of farmers on late Friday night, the Chief Minister had on Saturday announced that his government would waive loans of farmers with small land-holdings.

He said 80 per cent of such farmers are in Vidarbha and Marathwada who will benefit by the move.
Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswamy on Monday propelled the 'cleansing' of the ruling AIADMK by getting his senior cabinet colleague D. Jayakumar, along with several other ministers, to declare party general secretary V.K. Sasikala and her nephew who is deputy general secretary, TTV Dhinakaran, persona non grata in the party.

We have unanimously decided to keep Dhinakaran and his family away from the AIADMK in order to ensure the health and stability of our party and the government, Minister Jayakumar told a crowded press conference shortly after emerging from a 90-minute meeting with CM Palaniswamy.

While 19 of the 29-member EPS Cabinet (not taking the CM into account) attended the meeting, the others were away at work out of station or at functions in the city. Dindigul C. Srinivasan, the lone minister who had spoken in support of TTV when he came out on bail on Friday, was also present at the CM's meeting now when the 'unanimous' decision to keep the Sasikala family out of AIADMK affairs was taken and Jayakumar was given the job of announcing that to the media outside.

Stressing that the party would have no truck with Dhinakaran and family, Jayakumar said, We are firm and we are clear. Dhinakaran had stated on April 17 that he would keep away from the party and he must stay with that decision and keep away, said the minister. He insisted that Sasikala and Dhinakaran were not in the background controlling the party. We have nothing to do with Dhinakaran, we are not dependent on him, said Jayakumar.

However, Dhinakaran has rejected Jayakumar as representing the party and its government. Insisting that the minister was just an individual who was overstepping his authority, he said, Only a few are saying these things out of fear. They will all realise their mistake and return to our fold. Jayakumar too will reform, he told reporters after meeting aunt Sasikala at the Parappana Agrahara jail in Bengaluru.

Only the party general secretary has the authority to expel me. And since she is in jail now, the entire authority to run the party rests with me now, said Dhinakaran. And then he came out with an interesting 'revelation', saying that Sasikala, during their meeting, had advised him to wait for two months before making the next move.

I had stated 40 days ago that I would keep away if that would facilitate the merger and ensure the party's well-being. Nothing has happened all these days barring the trading of charges between the two sides, Dhinakaran said, justifying the reversal of his 'self-imposed exile'.

The AIADMK rank and file, besides political observers, is quick to read in the Monday developments a significant forward movement in the consolidation of anti-Sasikala forces in the party. After this, it might become easier to resume the merger talks because dumping the Sasikala family was the prime demand of the OPS group, said a minister requesting anonymity. It may not happen in big hurry but certainly the momentum will pick up in the coming weeks. Thereafter, it will become easier for us to regain our party symbol, two-leaves. Stability for the government is also assured now, he said.

Political expulsion, certainly

While arguments over the legal validity of TTV's expulsion may go on for some time within the AIADMK, particularly from the shrinking camp of TTV, political observers say that the ruling party has finally begun the process of cleansing itself. The TTV camp, of course, insists that the revolt pronounced by minister D. Jayakumar is inspired by the BJP top brass and strongly supported by the government at the Centre. They are acting out of fear, said TTV, reacting to Jayakumar's media conference.

The question is not whether this is legal expulsion of Sasikala and Dhinakaran-that can be answered later (when the Election Commission decides on the petition questioning the legality of Sasikala's appointment as party general secretary). What is significant, important, is that this is political expulsion, said Thuglak editor S. Gurumurthy. Can Dhinakaran now go and sit in the party headquarters? I doubt it, he added.
The ACB and CID teams that are investigating the case and conducting raids are regularly updating the Chief Minister's Office on the findings of the raids. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: The ongoing raids on the sub-registrar offices ordered by Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao in the backdrop of Miyapur land scam, are likely to be extended further.

Raids that were confined to revenue and registration officials in the past one week will now be extended to employees associations, leaders in revenue and registration departments, private document writers, brokers and politicians who are suspected to have formed a network and nexus to grab government lands.

The ACB and CID teams that are investigating the case and conducting raids are regularly updating the Chief Minister's Office on the findings of the raids.

An interim report regarding this was submitted to the CM on Monday. Official sources said that the interim report indicated the involvement of private document writers, brokers, local politicians and certain employees guised as employees association representatives.

The officials have sought the governments permission to extend the scope of raids and investigation to bring the irregularities to light. The CM is learnt to have approved this instantly and have asked the ACB and CID teams to expedite the case and book the culprits.

There is no going back on raids or investigations at this stage. You will be given a free hand to probe irregularities and book the culprits. The government wants to put an end to irregularities and corruption in revenue and registration departments once and for all. The government will initiate stringent action against all those involved in these scams. This will be an eye-opener for others in the future too. the CM said to the investigating departments. He directed CID teams to coordinate with ACB and ensure that the investigation is completed in the next two weeks.
New Delhi/Beijing: India will raise with China through diplomatic channels 101 per cent the recent incursions by Chinese military helicopters into Indian airspace over Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said.

On the issue of Indias entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) amid Chinese opposition, she said countries friendly with China such as Russia should speak to Beijing to allow New Delhi entry.

The statement came even as Beijing asserted that NSG membership bids have become more complicated under the new circumstances and again ruled out backing New Delhis entry in the group.

Since Russia and China share good relations, it should talk to China. We are not asking them to put pressure on China, but use its good offices, Ms Swaraj said.

Meanwhile, Narendra Modi is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit at Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 8-9.
Hyderabad: About 3,727 school buses are yet to be examined by RTA officials for fitness before the beginning of the new academic year.

The city has nearly 10,500 school busses with several educational institutes in GHMC limits falling under Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Medchal districts.

The transport department began sending letters to the managements of schools and educational institutions for sending their vehicles to the concerned RTA offices for renewal of fitness. So far about 70 per cent of the institutes responded to the letters and have been sending their busses for fitness.

Till Monday, 3,100 buses were given fitness certificates in Ranga Reddy district of the 4,350 followed by Hyderabad (805/2,059) and Medchal (3,050/4,100).

An official source from the transport department said that with the resources and infrastructure available with RTA offices, 250 buses could get fitness per day. There are only five working days left for the certification before the new academic year starts. The transport staff may inspect at least 1,250 school buses for fitness. The remaining may get fitness after June 12. Our task force team will raid those buses which do not have fitness after June 12, the source said.

Ranga Reddy District Transport Officer Muppala Praveen Rao said that as per the new rule imposed by the Central government, the IT wing of transport department upgraded software to ensure denying fitness to buses that are over 15 years old. The software itself declares such buses deemed to be unfit for carrying students. The decision comes in view of safety of students, he said. Hyderabad Traffic DCP A.V. Ranganath said that the department was holding counselling sessions with managements of the institutes.

Checking drive starts next week

The transport department and traffic wing from the Tri-Commissionerates are getting ready for enforcement drives against violation by buses and auto-rickshaws carrying students with the start of the academic year across GHMC limits.

Hyderabad traffic DCP A.V. Ranganath said that from June 12, special teams would be formed to hold special drives against educational institute buses and auto-rickshaws. We do it every year. Before going for raids, we educate drivers and school managements, he said.

Ranga Reddy DTO M. Praveen Rao said that Motor Vehicles Inspectors at Kondapur and Ibrahimpatnam were creating awareness among school bus drivers. As per the motor vehicle rules, school bus driver should be below 60 years having at least five years of experience. We are holding counseling sessions for all the drivers who come to our offices for fitness of buses. So far, we have counselled about 3,000 drivers in Ranga Reddy district, he said.

Mr. Praveen Rao said, As per the Motor Vehicle Rule 389 (A), auto-rickshaw drivers can carry eight children (below 12 years of age) and 6 children (age between 12 and 14 years). We shall be focusing on auto-rickshaws and school busses, he said.
The bus caught fire minutes after colliding with the truck and gave no time to passengers to escape. (Photo: ANI Twitter)

Lucknow: At least 22 passengers were charred to death and several others were injured when a state roadways bus caught fire after colliding with a truck on National Highway 24 in Bareilly district in the wee hours of Monday. The bus was on its way to Gonda from New Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief at the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of those who have died in the accident and Rs 50,000 to the injured persons.

The accident occurred on an under-construction stretch of the highway between Bareilly and Shahjahanpur. The bus driver was reportedly speeding past a junction when it collided with a truck.

According to witnesses, the bus caught fire moments after colliding with truck giving no time for passengers to evacuate. Most passengers were asleep when the accident occurred. Some managed to escape through the windows.

The bus caught fire minutes after colliding with the truck and gave no time to passengers to escape. The diesel tank of the bus burst and caught fire.
While the bus driver fled the spot after the accident, the injured were admitted in nearby hospitals, Kotwali police station in-charge Markam said. (Photo: File/Representational)

Dindori (MP): At least six persons were killed and nearly 24 others injured when a bus fell into a pit near a village in Dindori early on Sunday morning, a police official said.

The bus was on its way to Dindori from Jabalpur when it fell into the pit near ghat section in Jogitikaria village at around 4 am, Kotwali police station in-charge Shivlal Markam said.

Choti Sahu (23), Sanjeev Burman (45), Surjeet Mudia (30), Awdhesh (30) Rahul (26) and one unidentified person were killed in the accident, he said.

The bus driver fled the spot after the accident. The injured were admitted in nearby hospitals, Markam said.

District Collector Amit Tomar and Superintendent of Police Simala Prasad among others visited the accident site. A probe is underway in the accident.
India has repeatedly said that China is the 'one country' which has been blocking its bid. (Photo: Representational Image/File)

New Delhi: The next plenary session of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is likely to be held in Swiss capital Bern next month, but the chances of any breakthrough on India's entry into the elite group still look slim, given China's persistent opposition to it.

India had officially applied for membership of the grouping which controls export of nuclear materials, equipment and technology in May last year.

The matter came up for discussion at the Seoul plenary session of the NSG in June last year, but yielded little result with Beijing scuttling India's bid on the ground that it was not a signatory to the non-proliferation treaty (NPT).

Ahead of the next NSG plenary session, official sources say, India has renewed its efforts to become a member of the 48-nation group by engaging with all member countries, but resistance from China still remains despite the pro-India push from other key players such as the US, the UK, France and Russia.

China has been pressing for a two-step process which includes setting up criteria - a standard for admission -- for the inclusion of countries that are not signatories to the NPT. Beijing also equates India's case with Pakistan, which, too, has applied for the NSG membership.

The issue of India's membership is expected to be discussed at the Bern meet, but the "status quo" still remains, a senior official says.

Indicating that there was no change in China's position towards India's NSG bid, Chinese Ambassador here Luo Zhaohui at an event last month had said, "On the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) issue, we do not oppose any country's membership,

believing that a standard for admission should be agreed upon first."

India has repeatedly said that China is the "one country" which has been blocking its bid.

The two sides conducted two rounds of talks between China's nuclear negotiator Wang Qun and India's then secretary for disarmament Amandeep Singh Gill on September 13 and October 31 last year.

The NSG consultative group's meeting in November last year also ended like the Seoul plenary session. It remained inconclusive on India's application as China continued to oppose the entry of non-NPT nations and called for a two-step "non-discriminatory" solution for admission of such countries into the grouping.

Over the last one year, India has tried to get more support for its NSG bid, but not all its efforts have proved to be successful. For instance, Turkey has agreed to support India's bid to the group, but it also favours Pakistan's bid.

New Zealand has also not given any concrete assurance on supporting India's bid.

"Prime Minister (John Phillip) Key stated that New Zealand would continue to contribute constructively to the process currently underway in the NSG to consider India's membership. New Zealand is committed to working with NSG members to reach a decision as soon as possible," a joint statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Kiwi counterpart John Key said after the latter's visit to New Delhi in October last year.
Kottayam: Kerala Congress (M) chairman K.M. Mani said on Monday that BJP president Amit Shahs visit to Kerala will make no change in the states political scene. Mr Shah is free to go anywhere and hold discussions with anyone but it is for the Kerala Congress to decide which front it will ally with, Mr Mani told reporters in Pala on Monday. We got no invitation from Mr Shah. Mr Manis dismissal of Mr Shahs visit as inconsequential reflects the thought process in the party which is decidedly against joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). It also points to the fact that Mr Shah's discussions with church leaders, perceived as a move to invite political parties including the Kerala Congress (M) to widen the alliance, have had little impact.

There is schism in the party on the next course: none of the KC(M) MLAs has agreed to join the NDA while three MLAs including Roshy Augustine, N Jayaraj and Mr Mani himself are willing to join the LDF while P.J. Joseph, Mons Joseph and C.F. Thomas are against it and instead think the UDF is a better place. The KC(M) is exploring whether it finds a place in the LDF, a party leader told DC. If that option does not materialise and if there is no other way out, only then will Mr Mani present NDA as an option. Though the CPM leadership is reportedly keen to include the KC(M) as a constituent of the LDF, the opposition from the CPI is hindering their chances.
Kochi: Normal life was thrown out of gear as incessant rains lashed over Kochi city and its outskirts for most part of the day on Monday. Kochi Corporations failure to carry out pre-monsoon cleaning of major canals resulted in low-lying areas getting inundated. Ernakulam Junction railway station, KSRTC bus station, MG Road, Banerjee Road, Broadway Road, Judges Avenue, Edapally Toll, Gandhi Square, Statue Jn, AD Puram and South Moolamkuzhy among others got water-logged since morning itself. Traffic movement through city roads was hit from 8am onwards, with pedestrians suffering the most clogged with drainages overflowing on to the street.

Incidents of people getting fallen into overflowing drainages were reported from places like Edapally Toll bus stop. Shops on Broadway and VP Marackkar Road (Edapally) as well as SRV Public School and residential colonies in Pullepady were inundated on Monday. The city faced the water-logging issue like never before. This is due to the laxity of Kochi Corporation authorities in conducting timely cleaning of major canals,said V P Chandran, LDF Parliamentary Party Secretary, Kochi Corporation.

Usually tender proceedings are completed by December and the cleaning works by March. This time, even the tender process are yet to be finalised, he alleged. Cleaning works of major canals like Thevara-Perandoor, Mullassery, Changadam Pokku Thode, Karanamkodam Thode, Market Thode, Kaniampuzha Thode and Kalvatti-Rameshwaram canal are pending and only that with regard to small drainages were completed this time around, sources said. Commuters who arrived at the main entrance of Ernakulam South railway station were stranded as autorickshaws and taxis refused to pick up passengers citing the flooded roads leading to the station.

We got a call from the cops asking to send some buses to pick stranded passengers from the railways station. We sent three buses including Ernakulam Muvattupuzha schedule via the railway station 9.30 am, said a KSRTC official. The KSRTC bus station itself was water-logged and commuters were seen waiting for the buses at the road leading to the bus station. Among the affected include KSRTC MD M G Rajamanickam who paid a surprise visit to the depot.

The issue was discussed and the main problem was found to be the stoppage of waste flow through the canal after it got blocked with wastes and plastic bottles. Even the Station Masters room got water-logged, the official said. Severe traffic jam was witnessed due to water-logging of areas like Mamangalam and Edapally Toll. The issue resulted in some vehicles developing technical glitches and that added to the woes. However, no untoward incident has so far been reported, said A.J. George, Traffic ACP Ernakulam East.
Chennai: The brewing storm in the ruling AIADMK threw up its first thunder as T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Saturday declared he is very much in control as party deputy general secretary and brushed aside minister D. Jayakumars assertion that he was no longer relevant.

Arriving to a tumultuous welcome by loyalists hailing him as Maaveeran for getting the bail in the case of attempt to bribe Election Commission, for which he was in remand custody at Delhis Tihar jail for 38 days, TTV said he would resume serious party work, at full throttle after meeting Chinnamma (aunt Sasikala) at the Bengaluru prison. The meeting at Parappana Agrahara jail, where she is lodged after conviction by the Supreme Court in the Disproportional Assets case, is expected on Monday, according to sources.

When a reporter asked his response to some ministers stating he was expelled from the party, he said, Only the party general secretary (Sasikala) has the authority to expel me. I am very much in the party and in the post of deputy general secretary.

Will you resume party work, start once again? asked another scribe. There is no question of resuming. I continue to hold the position. I have been away only for about 40 days as I had to be in prison, TTV retorted, adding, I am back. This is in sharp contrast to his response to the expulsion announcement (April 18) made by minister Jayakumar along with several cabinet colleagues, when he said he was voluntarily withdrawing if that helped the party.

The change of mind now, explained TTV at his interaction with the loyalists on Saturday, became inevitable as he found that the merger efforts got nowhere through all those days he was in jail in Delhi. I thought they will all come together if I step aside. Nothing happened. Now I am back and I will take control, he reportedly told his team.

There was another interesting element in his post-release mindset. When a reporter asked his comment on the opposition charge that the Edappadi Palanisami government is subservient to the Centre, TTV chose safe diplomacy rather than angry rhetoric. No one is behaving in such submissive manner; we are functioning on friendly terms. He had lambasted Delhi for his EC case arrest and the earlier cancellation of the RK Nagar by-election.

As soon as he arrived at his Adyar bungalow, TTV was closeted with his supporters in the party discussing strategy in the wake of the open rebellion against the family. Legislators Thanga Tamizhchelvan (Andipatti) and P. Vetrivel (Perambur) along with former ministers Senthil Balaji, P. Palaniappan and Thoppu Venkatachalam were prominent among the 15 MLAs who met him. Six MPs, including A.P. Nagaraj (Coimbatore) also called on him.

The party has a total of 123 MLAs and 49 MPs (including 12 Rajya Sabha members), so TTV still has a long way to go even as the party rumblings are getting louder by the day.

Forest minister Dindigul C. Srinivasan is emerging as a big help. He dismissed colleague Jayakumars statement that TTV has been isolated and insisted, He (TTV) has all the rights to carry out party work. He had only withdrawn for a while, voluntarily. None, barring the general secretary, has the authority to expel him, Srinivasan told reporters at native Dindigul. When pointed out that Jayakumar had said none would meet TTV when he comes out on bail, he shot back: Thats Jayakumars personal view. Its not the party stand.

Thats not the end of the debate. Senior minister K.A. Sengottaiyans take: Only Chief Minister will decide whether he (TTV) will continue in the party. And that would mean that the decision does not rest with Chinnamma. It may be recalled that the Election Commission is examining a petition from the rival O. Panneerselvam group challenging Sasikalas election as general secretary.
New Delhi: The National Executive (NE) of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the second-highest decision-making body of the political wing, in its meeting on Sunday decided to strengthen the organisation across the country on the lines of Delhi.

The NE has 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 and Delhi chief minister 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.
The policy aims to achieve $300 billion (over Rs 20 lakh crore) worth of textile exports by 2024-25. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: The Centre on Monday said that there was no dearth of funds for the Telangana government to set up a mega textile park in Warangal.

Pushpa Subrahmanyam, the additional secretary of the Union ministry of textiles, said that the Centre was awaiting the Telangana governments proposal in this regard.

We are waiting for a proposal from the state government. We have funds; as soon as the proposal comes, we will sanction the funds, she said.

Ms Subrahmanyam was in the city to participate in a roadshow to promote Textiles India 2017, an exhibition and convention of the Indian textile industry, which will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from June 30 to July 2.

The event is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by several Union ministers and Chief Ministers of various states.

Ms Subrahmanyam said the ministry of textiles is in the process of finalising draft guidelines for the National Textiles Policy. She said that the draft would be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval next month.

We have done stakeholder consultations on the Textiles Policy with all segments, handloom weavers, and large manufacturers. We are almost ready with the draft. Soon after Textiles India 2017 ends, we will enrich the document with inputs from the event. In July it may go to the Cabinet for approval, she said.

The policy aims to achieve $300 billion (over Rs 20 lakh crore) worth of textile exports by 2024-25. It also aims to create 35 million jobs.
Hyderabad: Telugu Desam leaders who visited the controversial Miyapur lands on Monday, demanded that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao should order a CBI probe into the scam.

In addition, to prevent encroachments of the government lands, the construction of the proposed two-bedroom housing colony for the poor should be started with earnest and immediate effect on this land.

A TD delegation led by president L. Ramana, working president A. Revanth Reddy, senior leaders E. Peddireddy and Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy visited the area and interacted with locals.

The leaders questioned Mr Raos inertia in taking stringent action against a secretary working in the CMO.

A close relative of the Miyapur land scam kingpin Gold Stone Prasad, the secretary has allegedly colluded with the perpetrators in duping the government by making fake registrations.

Why is the Chief Minister hesitant to take action against his Secretary? At the very least, why is he not being transferred from the CMO? was their refrain.

Deriding the Chief Ministers statement that said that the lands has not changed hands and is still intact with the government, TD leaders said while it was commonplace knowledge that the land will remain where it is despite the scam, it was the responsibility of the state government to protect the land by fencing the area which it has not done.

The TD leaders further commented that as the state government had been bemoaning the fact that there was scant vacant space to build houses for the poor, why wasnt it making use of this available land at Miyapur and making the dream become a reality.
Most people are baffled by the modesty of Hindutva stalwarts like Lal Krishna Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and others facing trial in Lucknow in the Babri Masjid case. Whether or not they are guilty of the charges against them, Indians expected Sangh Parivar leaders proudly to proclaim that, yes, they destroyed the mosque to cleanse Hinduisms sacred spaces of the invaders encroachment. Denial suggests an uncharacteristic reluctance to claim credit for an epochal achievement. Its also an intriguing betrayal of the BJPs 2014 electoral success, which recalled Surendranath Banerjeas analysis nearly a century ago: Scratch a Hindu and you will find him a conservative. A second reason why their stance is so puzzling takes me back to a conversation many years ago with Jack Preger, the Oxford- and Dublin-trained British doctor and social worker who was named Philanthropist of the Year at a recent stellar ceremony in London. He is the first living person, not of Asian origin, to be honoured with an award that Mother Teresa received posthumously. Dr Preger founded the Calcutta Rescue charity which has helped over half a million people in the past 38 years.

When I first met him in the early 1970s, he had just been thrown out of Bangladesh for inquiring too closely into the fate of slum hildren whom European  Dutch, I seem to remember  agencies took away ostensibly for adoption but who were never heard of again. I found him sitting on the pavement under a tree outside the Bangladesh deputy high commission in Calcutta, surrounded by handwritten posters, protests and petitions against what he was convinced was an international child trafficking racket hand in glove with key Bangladeshis. Over the years, Dr Preger had his problems with the Indian authorities too. His visa wasnt right. He needed a work permit. His impressive medical degrees alone didnt entitle him to practise in India. When I asked why he didnt complete the paperwork properly so that a satisfied bureaucracy allowed him to tend to Indias poor and ailing, his unexpected reply was he wanted to be arrested. The history of the subcontinent shows, he explained, that to do any good one must see the inside of a jail! He trotted off the names of heroes like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and the rest who had all served prison sentences. We havent been in touch for some years. I dont know if Dr Preger, who will be 87 on July 25 (he is two years younger than Mr Advani, but four years older than Mr Joshi), has managed to get himself imprisoned since our last meeting. While it would be cruel of fate to deny him that chance if thats what he really wants, his tremendous service to humanity certainly doesnt need the accolade of a prison sentence. Gandhi, Nehru and the others did.

They had to establish their patriotic credentials in British India. Gandhi had to try specially hard since the Crown had decorated him for helping its 1914-18 war effort. Nehru may have felt obliged to live down his father turning up in full English court rig  gaiters, pumps and sword included  at King George Vs Delhi Durbar. To be pro-British was to be anti-Indian, obliging potential national leaders to collect evidence of the governments disapproval. The activities of Mr Advani, Mr Joshi, Ms Bharti and others bear no comparison with Dr Pregers service to the long and ragged queues of men, women and children in Middleton Row and the banks of the Hooghly near Howrah Bridge. But, then, which politician bothers to cite public service as justification for public reward? With Prime Minister Narendra Modi preening himself on holding hands with the French President  far more visibly gratifying than having to tell sceptical audiences he calls Barack Obama Barack even if the US President never missed an opportunity to say Mr Prime Minister or Prime Minister Modi  the poor are of little account. With joblessness rising and the growth rate falling, Mr Advani, Mr Joshi, Ms Bharti and company dont have to go to a BJP jail to prove they are steeped in saffron. But one didnt expect them to relinquish credit for the single-most important achievement of saffron triumphalism  proving that while others erect, the Sangh Parivar pulls down.

They could have argued that the act of demolition promised to restore the Elysium when, defying the logic of time and reason, Dayananda Saraswati claimed that everything worth knowing, even in the most recent inventions of modern science, was alluded to in the Vedas, and that the ancients knew all about steam engines, railways and steamboats. They could also have argued that the Prime Minister has extended Vedic bliss to include genetic scientists who can bring legions of Karnas to life outside the maternal womb and plastic surgeons able deftly to chop and paste to produce armies of Ganeshas. A retiring Rajasthan judge goes farther to claim the peacock is a lifelong brahmachari whose tears the asexual peahen swallows to become pregnant. A possible explanation for their reticence could lie in the origin of Narendra Modis winning slogan. It was Manmohan Singh who told a Pravasi Bharatiya Divas gathering on January 8, 2014 that things might be looking bad but achhe din aane wale hain. Addressing the same crowd the next day, Mr Modi said: I need not say anything as the Prime Minister had said enough in his speech yesterday, but I would like to repeat one of his statements Achhe din aane waale hain. While Dr Singh must be chuckling away, Mr Advani, Mr Joshi, Ms Bharti and the others are probably reluctant to acknowledge that their handiwork precipitated the realisation of his promise.
President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement offers more opportunities than challenges to the world. Candidate Trump had said that climate change was a hoax. Now he has invoked economic reasons for his decision but has kept the door ajar, saying that his country will be willing to renegotiate a fairer deal. As his logic of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has changed, the battlefield for climate action has begun to formally move to other arenas. The US administrations decision is a major blow to the global consensus that took more than two decades. Except for Nicaragua and Syria  who wanted a greener and more stringent agreement  all countries in the world have agreed through the Paris Agreement on voluntary actions to reduce carbon emissions and stabilise global temperatures at well below two degrees centigrade. The Paris Agreement marked the dawn of the new climate economy, characterised by clean energy. As the world has started moving towards carbon neutral growth, the prices for renewable energy have plummeted to an all-time low. In developing countries, in addition to fuelling the economy, particularly in Africa and Asia renewable energy started servicing an increasing number of those who previously had little hope of energy.

At the heart of all this is the scientific conviction that faster and inclusive growth can and should not be prisoner to fossil fuel consumption. For the first time since the industrial revolution of the 1850s, the rate of increase in emissions has started slowing down, giving hope to vulnerable countries like Pakistan that global temperatures can perhaps be stabilised before it is too late. No wonder, there is a near universal condemnation of President Trumps decision. He is seen largely as operating in a fact-free zone in an attempt to protect the interests of coal and oil industries, located in states that voted him in. He has purged climate scientists and deeply cut budgets of climate science institutions like EPA and Nasa. In fact, it has became so ridiculous that French President Emmanuel Macron has openly invited American climate scientists to come and work in France. The Trump announcement has triggered official withdrawal procedures, a lengthy process that will not conclude until November 2020  the same month President Trump is up for re-election.

Yet, it will adversely affect the momentum of change. His unilateral decision will hurt the world but more importantly it will isolate America, weaken its economy and shift responsibility for action to other countries of the world. Never since the Vietnam war has an American policy issue been so divisive. The states of California, Washington and New York that together represent one-fifth of American GDP and one-fifth of American population, announced that they would continue to meet the Paris obligations. A dozen other states are reported to have expressed a similar resolve. The city of Pittsburgh, mentioned by Mr Trump as the city that he represents, (and not Paris), and 500 other cities announced that they are committed to meeting the Paris benchmarks for 2020 and 2030 to benefit from the new climate economy based on clean and renewable energy. Globally, leading world economies have moved with speed to exercise leadership, as have numerous American and other private-sector companies. China and the European Union have joined hands to uphold their commitments. They have declared that Paris is an essential accord and that climate action is not stoppable.

Germany, France and Italy have decided to not leave the door ajar by saying that the accord is non-negotiable, a position that will be taken by most forums that Mr Trump will attend in his tenure ranging from G-7 and G-20 to Nato. The state of California, Germany and China, have emerged in recent years, as global leaders on clean and renewable energy. In the aftermath of the US decision to quit the accord, these three have a pivotal role to play. Many American states emulate Californias Clean Air Act and its thrust for wind and solar energy. Many states will follow Californian standards with or without support from the federal government, and thus share the global burden of emissions reductions. Likewise, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will have to hold the EU together and further deepen commitments to reduce emissions, including from some of the reluctant EU partners, such as Poland who are finding the transition to clean energy painful.

By arrangement with Dawn
The recent terrorist strikes in London and in Kabul  the latter on the first day of fasting in the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, which was the deadliest since 2001  suggests that the world needs to be far more proactive in tackling Islamist violence. London was hit by a major terrorist attack late Saturday night, with Islamist terrorists first trying to run over pedestrians on London Bridge and then three men going around the busy Borough Market area nearby on a stabbing spree. This was the third terrorist attack in Britain in the last three months, two of them after the general election was announced. This does raise speculation whether an object of the terrorists was to influence the poll results. But no matter how that question is answered, it is undeniable, as Prime Minister Theresa May noted, that newer ways need to be found to restrict the free space, in communities and in cyberspace, in which terrorists operate. This may mean modifying the law so that freedom of speech is reconfigured in coming to terms with extremism.

It will be interesting to see how Britain goes about this. Civil society in the West has frequently been critical of India when it restricts Internet connectivity in Kashmir. But the terrorist challenge cannot be met by putting more security personnel on the streets. Having a heavy security apparatus hasnt worked in Kashmir, although Kashmirs special problem of being a border area must be recognised. US President Donald Trump used the latest London incident to gain approval for his policy of denying visas to citizens of certain Muslim countries. Its not clear how this can help even if it is conceded political correctness does not take us far. The terrorist incidents in the UK and in Europe as a whole in recent times havent been perpetrated by new arrivals but largely by those whose families have made these Western societies their home decades earlier.

The recent truck bomb attack in Kabul has led the Afghan authorities to blame Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence. This is not a knee-jerk reaction, given the politics of the past four decades. It also appears that one of the three London terrorists is of Pakistan background. It is time leading Western nations, and particularly the United States, acknowledged Islamabads role in first becoming the nursery of global jihad with Western connivance, and using terrorism as an instrument of policy in Afghanistan and India. A tough aid posture toward Islamabad, close military coordination against ISIS in the Iraq and Syria theatre, and a supportive US stance at the UN on defining terrorism will help to check Islamist terrorism globally.
In just two days the British public will vote in a general election, the second in two years. Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May called it to capitalise on the Labour Partys apparent weakness and boost her slim overall majority. Her calculation was that she needed a healthy number of MPs loyal to her to see her through the imminent and bruising negotiations to take the UK out of the European Union. The Conservative Party has characterised this election as an opportunity to choose a leader for the Brexit negotiations. If its propaganda is to be believed, it is a stark choice between the strong and stable leadership of Ms May and a coalition of chaos led by the Labour Partys Jeremy Corbyn. If your tastes lie in the other direction, however, then its a stark choice between a Labour government for the many, not the few and the weak and wobbly Ms May. Actually, both parties are right. When it comes to the Brexit negotiations, there is little to choose between them. They are both hopelessly chaotic, weak and wobbly; and it may be added cowardly and deluded. Take Ms May first. She supported Britains continued membership of the EU in the referendum last year; at least nominally. But so lukewarm and so low-key was her campaigning that she was known as Submarine May. The few public speeches she made in favour of the UKs remaining in the EU were so caveated and qualified that it was hard to tell where she stood. Following the narrow victory for the Leave side and David Camerons resignation as Prime Minister, she stood for the leadership of the Conservative Party. She won it on the basis that she was a safe pair of hands who respected the referendum result, and would manage the exit process in a sombre and professional way. In fact, Ms May has been anything but a safe pair of hands.

Her first step was to divide up responsibilities for Brexit between a new department for exiting the European Union, the foreign office and the department for international trade. Smart politics it may have been, enabling Ms May to divide and rule; but as a technique for forging a coherent policy it has been hopeless. Her next move was to declare unilaterally that the UK would serve formal notice to start the departure negotiations by the end of March 2017. This deadline was entirely unnecessary, entirely self-imposed and entirely reckless. It has meant there has been precious little time to plan in detail how to extricate the UK from a relationship of over 40 years standing and what to put in its place. All the while Ms May declared that she would not call an early general election; until she decided to do just that. The general election continues to expose the shallowness of Ms Mays resolve. Inserted in the Conservative manifesto, apparently by Ms May acting alone with her closest advisers, was a policy that elderly patients suffering from dementia should be required to pay for their care from the sale of their homes. It meant in effect that those who died quickly would be able to leave the full value of their estates to their children; those who died from lingering conditions would not. The proposal was swiftly dubbed the dementia tax by the Opposition and just as swiftly dropped by Ms May. This is the first time ever that a major political party has executed so obvious and glaring a U-turn on a manifesto commitment during a general election campaign. Ms Mays reputation for constancy and reliability has been badly dented. The appalling terrorist attacks in Manchester on May 22 and in London last weekend might have been expected to boost Ms Mays standing by allowing her to show resolution and firmness. But it doesnt appear so. Since the dementia tax debacle, the opinion polls suggest that there has been a marked decline in support for the Conservatives. Some of them even suggest that Ms May could lose her small overall majority. While this still seems unlikely, it does appear that she will fail to increase her majority by much.

But Mr Corbyn is little better. His behaviour during the referendum was disgraceful. The Labour Partys official position, adopted democratically and properly, was that the UK should stay in the EU. Far from vigorously promoting this position, Mr Corbyn took a weeks holiday during the campaign. He publicly stated that his support for the EU was equivocal. With such leadership, its no wonder that a third of Labour voters had no idea of the Labour Partys official position. Had they been given an idea, the result could well have been different. Since the referendum result Mr Corbyn has not improved. As Ms May has bent to the extreme Brexiters, promising to take the UK out of both the European single market and the European customs union, Mr Corbyn has followed her. Both Labour and Conservative are now in favour of a so-called hard Brexit: an outcome that would cripple the British economy. That would be bad enough, but they compound the idiocy of their positions with dishonesty. Ms May says that she seeks an ambitious free trade agreement with the EU and also controls on the free movement of workers from the EU. The Labour Party says it wants to obtain an agreement which will give benefits equivalent to membership of the single market, and also to have a fair immigration policy for incoming EU workers.

Neither of these arrangements is remotely achievable. The 27 remaining members of the EU have made abundantly clear, again and again, that full access to the single market requires full acceptance of the free movement of EU workers. There is absolutely no reason to think the 27 nations are bluffing. This is a condition that they impose on themselves and they see no justification for treating the UK differently. Anyway, for many citizens of the 27, the free movement of persons is a good in its own right. At some point then, something will have to give. Either the UK will crash out of the single market and customs union  in which case we can look forward to massive dislocation as firms relocate to the 27 nations and trade tariffs are imposed. Or the UK will have to accept the free movement of EU workers  in which case the major part of the political class will be shown to have grievously misled the electorate, exacerbating precisely the mood that created the mess the UK is now in. So much then for strong and stable leadership.
The tool that helps astronomers pinpoint new worlds lurking in the outer reaches of our solar system. (photo:NASA)

A brown dwarf over 100 light years away from the Sun has been discovered using a new citizen-science tool that helps astronomers pinpoint new worlds lurking in the outer reaches of our solar system.

Just six days after the launch of the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 website in February, four different users alerted the science team to the curious object, whose presence has since been confirmed via an infrared telescope.

"I was so proud of our volunteers as I saw the data on this new cold world coming in," said Jackie Faherty, a senior scientist at the American Museum of Natural Historyand one of Backyard World's researchers.

"It was a feel-good moment for science," said Faherty.

The Backyard Worlds project lets anyone with a computer and an internet connection flip through images taken by NASA's Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) spacecraft.

If an object is close enough to Earth, it will appear to "jump" when multiple images taken of the same spot in the sky a few years apart are compared.

The goal for Backyard Worlds volunteers - of which there are more than 37,000 - is to flag the moving objects they see in these digital flipbooks for further investigation by the science team. So far, volunteers have classified more than 4 million flipbooks.

Days after the Backyard Worlds website debuted on February 15, Bob Fletcher, a science teacher in Australia, identified a very faint object moving across the WISE images.

It was soon also flagged by three other citizen scientists from Russia, Serbia and the US.

After some initial investigation by the research team, which originally called the object "Bob's dwarf," Faherty was awarded time on NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility in Hawaii, where she confirmed that it was a previously unknown brown dwarf just a few hundred degrees warmer than Jupiter.

The authors of the research published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters said that sky surveys had missed this object because it is too faint.

Brown dwarfs, sometimes called "failed stars," are spread throughout the Milky Way. They lack enough mass to sustain nuclear fusion but they are hot enough to glow in the infrared range of the light spectrum.

"Brown dwarfs are strikingly similar to Jupiter so we study their atmospheres in order to look at what weather on other worlds might look like," said Jonathan Gagne, a Backyard Worlds team member from the Carnegie Institution for Science.

Although the Backyard Worlds research team hopes to find the infamous Planet 9 hiding in our own solar system, these brown dwarfs are also exciting discoveries.

"It is possible that there is a cold world closer than what we believe to be the closest star to the Sun. Given enough time, I think our volunteers are going help to complete the map of our solar neighborhood," Faherty said.

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The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Dragon spacecraft onboard, is seen at Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 3, 2017 (Photo: AFP)

SpaceX blasted off a shipment of food and supplies for the astronauts living at the International Space Station using for the first time a vessel that had flown before.

The refurbished Dragon cargo capsule soared into space aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 5:07 pm (2107 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

"Three, two, one, and liftoff," said NASA spokesman Mike Curie as the rocket blazed a steady upward path into the clouds.

The last time this particular spaceship flew to space was in 2014.

The Dragon is packed with almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms) of science research, crew supplies and hardware and should arrive at the ISS Monday.

The supplies for special experiments include live mice to study the effects of osteoporosis and fruit flies for research on microgravity's impact on the heart.

The spacecraft is also loaded with solar panels and equipment to study neutron stars.

About 10 minutes after launch, SpaceX successfully returned the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket back to a controlled landing at Cape Canaveral.

The rocket powered its engines and guided itself down to Landing Zone One, not far from the launch site.

"The first stage is back," Curie said on NASA live webcast, as video images showed the tall, narrow portion of the rocket touch down steadily in a cloud of smoke.

SpaceX said it marked the company's fifth successful landing on solid ground. Several of its Falcon 9 rockets have returned upright to platforms floating in the ocean.

The effort is part of SpaceX's push to make spaceflight cheaper by re-using costly rocket and spaceship components after each launch, rather than ditching them in the ocean.

The launch was the 100th from NASA's historic launch pad 39A, the starting point for the Apollo missions to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as a total of 82 shuttle flights.

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Sriharikota: Around 37 years after it successfully launched the SLV-3 rocket with Rohini satellite, the Indian Space Organisation is finally on the verge of getting indigenous heavier launch vehicle. From a meagre 40 kg payload in Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3), the GSLV-Mk-III has carried a payload of 3,136 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.

There is considerable excitement and tension among Isro scientists about the new achievement. The GSLV Mk-III rocket can be used for all the interplanetary missions and the manned mission in future.

But, the development did not happen overnight. The US sanctions and infamous spy case put roadblocks to the development of the indigenous cryogenic engine and building powerful rockets.

The first major success in the journey was achieved by the team scientists headed by project director APJ Abdul Kalam.

The all solid SLV-3 rockets success on July 18, 1980, put India into the elite club of space-faring nations - the US, USSR, France, Japan, China and Britain  with the capability to launch satellites on their own.

The successful culmination of the SLV-3 project showed the way to advanced launch vehicle projects such as the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

After SLV-3, Isro has started the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) project. It has facilitated the development and testing of various advanced technologies essential for large vehicles. The development of ASLV vehicles which almost took one decade was considered as a useless exercise by some quarters.

Many are not giving the ASLV rockets its due. Isro scientists have mastered the advanced technologies like navigation, guidance and control system only during the development of ASLV rockets. If PSLV rockets now tagged as world class rockets for their reliability and versatility it is mainly because of ASLVs, a senior scientist from Isro said.

After its first successful launch in October 1994, PSLV rocket has emerged as reliable and versatile workhorse launch vehicle of India with consecutively 38 successful missions. During 1994-2017 period, the vehicle has launched 46 Indian satellites and 180 satellites for customers from abroad.

It also used in landmark missions Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Mission in 2013. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-II (GSLV-Mk II) which is currently in operation is fourth generation launch vehicle and it is a three-stage vehicle, the stage is all important cryogenic stage. The first vehicle launched in 2001. After the indigenous cryogenic upper stage was failed in 2010, it took four years to successfully design the new engine for the Isro scientists. From January 2014, the vehicle has achieved four consecutive successes.

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When the host hits the 'Play' button, friends will automatically see the nearby party and can click 'Join' with which their devices auto-sync, thereby surrounding the group by the music of their choice.

AmpMe, a Montreal-based audio matching technology startup on Tuesday announced its foray into the 800 million-device Indian smartphone market.

The app-based service has seen a staggering growth in popularity across the globe. It enables smart devices to connect with one another and play the same audio content, whilst allowing them to work in unison as a high decibel speaker.

With the AmpMe app, Android and iOS users can play the same music together in perfect sync, giving a powerful surround sound effect to them. The free-to-use app works by enabling the ' Host' to sync their music with their friends' devices. The host can play music from SoundCloud, YouTube, Spotify or their own local library.

Instead of relying on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology to connect devices together, AmpMe uses a server-centric proprietary audio fingerprinting technology to create the perfect synchronisation, and works with a regular data plan, Wi-Fi network or personal hotspot.

When the host hits the 'Play' button, friends will automatically see the nearby party and can click 'Join' with which their devices auto-sync, thereby surrounding the group by the music of their choice.

The app has seen significant upgrades as AmpMe included 'Offline Mode'. Here, the host creates a personal hotspot on their phone, which establishes a unique Wi-Fi network for the party, enabling other nearby users to join. 'Offline Mode' plays any song stored on the host's device via AmpMe's 'My Library' tab, streaming their personal music library in perfect sync with friends. Partygoers wishing to join the party simply join the Wi-Fi network, open the app and automatically join the party created by the host phone. This new 'Auto-join' feature makes it easy to sync unlimited phones, seamlessly.

"Our efforts towards creating a unique and innovative product have seen positive outcomes, as we see the service extend across the globe. AmpMe is a global app by nature, by that it can be used by any person who listens to music and has a smartphone, making it the most versatile service available for music lovers. With expanding internet connectivity, the market is ripe for digital companies," said Martin-Luc Archambault, CEO and Founder, AmpMe.

AmpMe recently secured USD eight million in series A funding, bringing their total funding raised to USD ten million to date. The company plans to use the latest funding to hire the best talent, further invest in product development and in the underlying technology, developing strategic partnerships and global expansion.

AmpMe is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Android users can also use AmpMe with Bluetooth speakers that include a microphone. An Apple Watch app also allows party hosts to control AmpMe playback.

AmpMe is available for free in the iOS App Store and Google Play.

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Samsung is gearing up to double its smartphone production in India with the help of a large investment  40 billion rupees. The Korean giant plans to double the size of its factory located in Noida, UP to 240,000 square meters.

After completion, the factory will be capable of producing a total of 10 million smartphones every month. According to BusinessKorea, the ceremony will take place on June 7, however there is no word on when the factory will be completed.

The company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the factory expansion with the Uttar Pradesh state government in October 2016. Earlier, Samsung said that it plans on spending 19.7 billion rupees to expand the plant, but then decided to double the investment.

The companys market share in India in the first quarter of 2017 was three percentage points lower when compared with the same period a year ago  27 percent.

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Microsofts File History feature with Windows 8 allowed users to recover older file, in case they were deleted by accident. A new online report now suggests that the File History feature is no longer supported in Windows 10 Insider Preview. If this turns out to be true then users will lose the feature by the time the Fall Creators Update hits the PCs. Microsoft hasnt made any official comments as yet.

The option to start a new backup is nowhere to be found in Build 16212 for Windows 10, suggesting Redmond has decided to axe its built-in back up solution with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, reports Trusted Reviews.

However, this could also mean that Microsoft is working on a new in-house backup feature which the company plans on introducing in the upcoming update. The next Windows update  which will be free  is set to bring a load of new features including a cloud-based Clipboard feature that allows copying-pasting between Windows 10, iOS and Android devices.

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The English-language version of the voice-activated virtual assistant was previously reported to get delayed by a month at the time of Galaxy S8s release.

Samsung introduced its voice-assistant Bixby as the most significant feature of Galaxy S8, but unfortunately the firm failed at giving a chance to S8 customers worldwide to experience it as it struggles to learn English-language.

The English-language version of the voice-activated virtual assistant was previously reported to get delayed by a month at the time of Galaxy S8s release. And now, reports suggest it will be further delayed, at least by another month.

According to a report by Wall Street Journal, the English-language version of Bixby wont likely to debut in the US until at least late June, more than two months after the launch of Galaxy S8, with which the voice assistant supposed to arrive.

The delay is no surprise to industry analysts, as many of them doubt Bixby when it was announced. "It's not talking yet," Bob O'Donnell, an analyst and consultant with Technalysis Research told AFP. "They have room to expand and grow."

"Bixby is trying to do things a little differently but careful assessment of what Samsung demonstrated shows a service that has very little intelligence at all," Richard Windsor, an independent analyst who writes the Radio Free Mobile blog told AFP.

Its delay by another month has resulted in growing sceptical of Samsungs ability to compete against rivals which includes Apples Siri, Amazons Alexa, Googles Assistant and Microsofts Cortana, on the software front.

"Samsung has once again delayed the rollout of the voice component of its digital assistant Bixby, further reinforcing our opinion that Samsung can really only compete in hardware," said Richard Windsor, an analyst with Edison Investment Research told the register. "This, combined with the poor performance already offered by Bixby services on the Galaxy S8, leaves me unsurprised that a method to rewire the Bixby hard key to Google Assistant has already been published."

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Authorities closed the road near the scene and have urged motorists to use caution. (Photo: Twitter/@OrangeCoSheriff)

Orlando: Law enforcement authorities said 5 people were killed following a Monday morning shooting in an industrial area near Orlando.

On its official Twitter account on Monday morning, the Orange County Sheriffs Office said the situation has been contained. They said Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demmings will make a statement as soon as info is accurate.

The sheriffs office reported the situation is contained, meaning there is no longer an active shooter. The shooting was reported about 8 am on Monday.

Authorities closed the road near the scene and have urged motorists to use caution. A media staging area has been set up near the scene.

Local news outlets reported that several Orange County Fire and Rescue vehicles were seen leaving the scene. A large police presence remains.

No further details were immediately available.
Washington: The US does not need India, China and France telling it what to do on the issue of Paris Climate agreement, American Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, strongly supporting the controversial decision of President Donald Trump to withdraw from the landmark accord.

Trump last week withdrew US, the second largest polluter after China, from the Paris Agreement. He 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. "I think the rest of the world would like to tell us how to manage our own environment and I think that anybody in America can tell you that we're best to decide what America should do. We don't need India and France and China telling us what they think we should do," Indian-American Haley was quoted as saying by CBS News.

Responding to a question on global reaction to Trump's decision, Haley said countries should continue doing what's in their best interest. "They should continue doing what's in the best interest. And if the Paris agreement was something that works for them, that they can achieve, they should do that," Haley said.

Haley defended Trump's decision saying business could not be run under the kind of regulations imposed by the Paris Climate deal. "There's a reason that President Obama didn't go through the Senate to get this cleared, because he couldn't. The regulations were unattainable. I mean you could not actually have a business run under the regulations that we had," she said.

She said that the US is conscious about the environment and it will continue to do its part in protecting climate change. "We know that there are issues with the environment. We know that we have to be conscious of it. But we can't sit there and have Angela Merkel telling us to worry about Africa. She should continue doing her part. We're going to continue doing our part. We're going to continue encouraging other countries to do what they think is in the best interests of them. But American sovereignty matters," Haley said.

The top American diplomat said that Trump believes the climate is changing, and he does know that pollutants are a part of that equation. "He believes that climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of that equation. He is absolutely intent on making sure that we have clean air, clean water, that he makes sure that we're doing everything we can to keep America's moral compass in the world when it comes to the environment," she said.

"We've done that in the past. We'll do it in the future. It's what the US does. It's what we'll continue to do," she added.
The business, Fiamma, makes awnings for recreational vehicles. Mr Demings said the incident was being treated as a workplace violence incident and did not appear to have any links to terror.(Representational image)

A man who had been fired in April from his job at a Florida company opened fire on Monday at the Orlando business, killing five people before taking his own life, authorities said.

Four people were killed at the scene, while a fifth died at the hospital, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. Seven people survived the ordeal.

The business, Fiamma, makes awnings for recreational vehicles. Mr Demings said the incident was being treated as a workplace violence incident and did not appear to have any links to terror.

The 45-year-old shooter, who was not yet identified by the authorities, had both a gun and a knife in his possession. All of the dead were former co-workers.

The assailant allegedly beat up another employee at the business in 2014, but no charges were filed, the sheriff told reporters. He was fired from Fiamma in April. He had a minor police record and no association with any subversive or terrorist group, Mr Demings said.

It is a sad day for us here once again in Orange County, Mr Demings said. A year ago, Orlando  a hub of Floridas resort industry popular with tourists  was the scene of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub that left 49 people dead and dozens more wounded.

Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before, Florida Governor Rick Scott said in a statement.
Tokyo : United States Energy Secretary Rick Perry said on Monday that he hopes China will step forward to be a real leader on climate issues, while refuting criticism that the United States is backing down.

President Donald Trumps decision last week to pull the US out of the Paris climate agreement has sparked speculation that he is creating a leadership void that China could fill.

Perry, in Tokyo en-route to a meeting of energy ministers in Beijing, said, I hope China will step in and attempt to take the mantle away. It would be a good challenge for them.

But he prefaced that remark by saying the United States is not backing down from its role as a leader in cleaning up the climate.

Earlier on Monday, Energy Secretary Rick Perry told his Japanese counterpart, Hiroshige Seko, that the US commitment to the environment is unchanged, according to Kazushige Tanaka, a Japanese industry ministry official who was at their meeting.

Perry said that the United States, as it has led the effort in tackling carbon reduction and clean coal technology, will continue to be a leader in developing clean energy and its technology.

He agreed with Seko on Japan-US cooperation in clean energy and the environment, as well as nuclear energy and the cleanup of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which was damaged by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

If youre a millennial, and you care about the environment of where you live locally and of the world, then you need to be for nuclear energy, Perry said. Zero emissions.

He said that laboratories overseen by the US Energy Department are researching ways to harness nuclear power, from small modular reactors to fusion.

Perry visited the Fukushima nuclear complex on Sunday and offered US help to decommission the plant, which is expected to take decades.

We offer continued support, expertise, companies that have history of dealing with cleanups and technology available, as well as the Department of Energy, he said.
Moscow: The residents of Abu, a small coastal town on the Sea of Japan, were rushed to safety as part of evacuation drills after being warned of a ballistic missile attack amid tensions with North Korea over its missile and nuclear programs.

The drills coincided with the three-day joint military drill between Japan's naval and air forces and US aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan. A North Korean ballistic missile takes 10 minutes to reach Japanese territory.

The Japan authorities has informed the citizens that they would be notified of an imminent missile attack on Japan 10 minutes prior to the projectile hitting the country and the government has also published a guide on protection against "armed attacks and terrorism."

Some 280 people involved in the drills were alerted to a potentially devastating missile launch through loudspeakers as blaring sirens stunned school children playing outside a local elementary school.

The drills were conducted to test the means of emergency communication and to ensure that in case of a real-life attack everybody would find their way to a designated shelter.

Russia Today reported that a scenario of the imaginative strike was created in which the missile was set to fall in the rocky terrain of the Yamaguchi Prefecture where the town with some 3,400 residents in located.

The exercises were held at the behest of the Japanese government, the fire service and disaster management agency, as well as the local prefectural and town authorities.
The parents have been accused of neglecting her life-threatening injuries for several days before her death. (Photo: Representational)

Sydney: A couple in north Brisbane, Australia has been arrested and charged with the torture and murder of their two-year-old daughter, who died after suffering severe burns in a hot bath.

According to report in Daily Mail, the parents of Maddilyn-Rose Ava Stokes were arrested on Monday, 11 days after their daughters death. Shane David Stokes, 30, and Nicole Betty More, 23, have claimed the burn injuries on Maddilyns back, buttocks and legs were the result of the scalding hot water bath. They have been accused of neglecting her life-threatening injuries for several days before her death.

Detective Inspector Tim Trezise said, Any allegations of child cruelty get treated very seriously by police...and the perpetrators of that cruelty will be brought before the courts. He added that the girls medical care was a prominent part of the investigation and that it was possible that she had received none.

Emergency services were alerted on Thursday when Maddilyn had a cardiac arrest. Paramedics informed the police about her severe injuries and worked on her for 30 minutes before rushing her to the hospital, where she died.
The assailants ran people over on London Bridge before lunging seemingly at random at the crowds gathered around Borough Market, which is full of restaurants and bars. (Photo: AP)

London: ISIS claimed responsibility on Sunday for an attack by knife-wielding men who mowed down and stabbed revellers in London, killing seven people before being shot dead in a barrage of police gunfire.

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 and came only days before a general election. "A detachment of fighters from Islamic State carried out London attacks yesterday," said the Aamaq news agency, which is affiliated with ISIS.

British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed "evil" Islamist ideology and vowed to crackdown on extremist content online worldwide, as police detained 11 people following two raids in east London.

National campaigning for Thursday's vote was suspended for the day out of respect for the victims, who included 48 people treated in hospital for injuries.

Of those, 21 are still in a critical condition.

One Canadian national and one Frenchman were among the fatalities and seven French citizens were among the injured.

No details have been released about the perpetrators, who were shot dead within minutes by police.

Eight officers fired an "unprecedented" 50 rounds at the three attackers, according to Mark Rowley, head of national counter-terrorism policing, who said that a member of the public also suffered a gunshot wound.

Detectives were still investigating whether the assailants acted alone, and Rowley said their identities would be released "as soon as operationally possible".

Police launched raids in the ethnically diverse London suburb of Barking in the hours after the rampage, arresting seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 at two properties.

A 55-year-old man was later released.

May said the attack was driven by the same "evil ideology of Islamist extremism" behind last week's Manchester suicide bombing that left 22 people dead, and the Westminster attack in March, which killed five.

"The recent attacks are not connected but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face," she said after chairing an emergency ministerial meeting.

She warned that perpetrators are inspired to attack "by copying one another".

The assailants ran people over on London Bridge before lunging seemingly at random at the crowds gathered around Borough Market, which is full of restaurants and bars.

Gerard Vowls, 47, said he saw a woman repeatedly stabbed, and 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 Guardian newspaper.

Another witness called Eric told the BBC he had seen three men get out of the van and thought they were going to help tend those who had been run over.

Instead they "started kicking them, punching them and took out knives. It was a rampage really," he said, adding that he heard a shout of: "This is for Allah".

An Australian was among those hospitalised, while a Spaniard escaped with light injuries.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is due to visit Britain on Monday to speak to the injured French nationals, after President Emmanuel Macron said France was "more than ever at Britain's side".

Among those stabbed was a London Transport Police officer, who was one of the first responders on the scene and received injuries to his face.

A vigil for the victims will take place at nearby Tower Bridge on Monday evening.

Britain was already on high alert following the recent attack on a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande in Manchester, northwest England, in which seven children were among the dead.

Grande, who headlined a benefit concert in Manchester on Sunday, alongside stars including Pharrell Williams and Justin Bieber, tweeted that she was "Praying for London".

"A lot of people suffered and I had some second thoughts coming, especially with what happened last night in London," ticket holder Abdullah Mala, 34, said. "But we got to move on".

The national threat level was raised to maximum after the Manchester attack and troops were deployed at key public sites, but reduced to its second highest level last weekend.

Prime Minister May, who served as interior minister for six years before taking office after the Brexit vote last summer, said Britain's response to the terror threat must change.

"We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are," she said, adding there was "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country."

The ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour party suspended national campaign events for the day, but May insisted the election would go ahead as planned on Thursday.

Saturday's rampage is the latest in a string of attacks to hit Europe, including in Paris, Berlin and Saint Petersburg, and the French, German and Russian leaders sent messages of support.

US President Donald Trump offered his help, tweeting "WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" -- and highlighting his thwarted ban on travellers from six mainly Muslim countries.
People hailed a man pictured (right) walking away from the mayhem holding a pint of beer as a tongue-in-cheek symbol of defiance. (Photo: AP)

London: People in the UK have responded to the deadly London Bridge attack with sorrow and distinctly British humour, hailing a man pictured walking away from the mayhem holding a pint of beer as a tongue-in-cheek symbol of defiance.

Television footage of crowds running away from the attack that killed seven includes a man in a red top walking slowly with a mostly full beer in his hand.

A picture of the man was posted on Twitter by Howard Mannella, who tweeted: "People fleeing #LondonBridge but the bloke on the right isn't spilling a drop. God Bless the Brits!" The comment received tens of thousands of retweets.

People fleeing #LondonBridge but the bloke on the right isn't spilling a drop. God Bless the Brits! pic.twitter.com/ceeaH0XxeX  Howard Mannella (@hmannella) June 3, 2017

Some joked on social media about London's notoriously high prices. Twitter user Andrew Brooks said in response to the photo: "Evacuate? Well, OK. But this beer cost 6 a pint. I'm taking it with me."

Evacuate? Well, OK. But this beer cost 6 a pint. I'm taking it with me. #LondonBridge pic.twitter.com/luPkuZxin6  Andrew Brooks (@taxbod) June 4, 2017

Others mocked US newspaper headlines claiming London was "reeling" or "under siege."

Actor-comedian Chris Addison encouraged people to tweet ways in which they were reeling.

I'm a Manc living in London. Couldn't be prouder of my country today or more grateful to Ariana G. Keep #reeling Britishly, you wonders.  Chris Addison (@mrchrisaddison) June 4, 2017

Responses included "Going to IKEA for meatballs and maybe a rug," ''I've just had some cornflakes. Off to the pub in a bit" and "Currently watching 'Sing' on DVD, might mow the lawn later, going to the local Turkish restaurant for tea.
Saudi Arabia also broke diplomatic relations and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar on Monday, saying the move was necessary to protect the kingdom from what it described as terrorism and extremism. (Photo: AP)

Dubai: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

The coordinated move dramatically escalates a dispute over Qatar's support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.

Announcing the closure of transport ties with Qatar, the three Gulf states gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries. Qatar was also expelled from a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

Economic disturbances loomed immediately, as Abu Dhabi's state-owned Etihad Airways said it would suspend all flights to and from Doha from Tuesday morning until further notice.

Oil giant Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of backing militant groups and broadcasting their ideology, in an apparent reference to Qatar's influential state-owned satellite channel al Jazeera.

"(Qatar) embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (Islamic State) and al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly," the Saudi state news agency SPA said.

The statement accused Qatar of supporting what it described as Iranian-backed militants in its restive and largely Shi'ite Muslim-populated Eastern region of Qatif and in Bahrain.

The measures are more severe than during a previous eight-month rift in 2014, when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE withdrew their ambassadors from Doha, again alleging Qatari support for militant groups. At that time, travel links were maintained and Qataris were not expelled.

A split between Doha and its closest allies can have repercussions around the Middle East, where Gulf states have used their financial and political power to influence events in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The diplomatic broadside threatens the international prestige of Qatar, which hosts a large US military base and is set to host the 2022 World Cup. It has for years presented itself as a mediator and power broker for the region's many disputes.

Kristian Ulrichsen, a Gulf expert at the US-based Baker Institute, said if Qatar's land borders and air space were closed for any length of time "it would wreak havoc on the timeline and delivery" of the World Cup.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters in Sydney on Monday that the spat would not effect the fight against Islamist militants and that Washington has encouraged its Gulf allies to resolve their differences.

The announcements come 10 days after President Donald Trump visited Riyadh to call on Muslim countries to stand united against Islamists extremists, and singling out Iran as a key source of funding and support for militant groups.

"It seems that the Saudis and Emiratis feel emboldened by the alignment of their regional interests - toward Iran and Islamism - with the Trump administration," said Kristian Ulrichsen, a Gulf expert at the US-based Baker Institute.

"(They) have decided to deal with Qatar's alternative approach on the assumption that they will have the (Trump) administration's backing."

Qatar has used its media and political clout to support long-repressed Islamists during the 2011 pro-democracy "Arab Spring" uprisings in several Arab countries.

Muslim Brotherhood parties allied to Doha are now mostly on the backfoot in the region, especially after a 2013 military takeover in Egypt ousted the elected Islamist president.

The former army chief and now president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, along with the new government's allies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, blacklist the Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation.

Egypt, the Arab world's most populous nation, said on its state news agency that Qatar's policy "threatens Arab national security and sows the seeds of strife and division within Arab societies according to a deliberate plan aimed at the unity and interests of the Arab nation."

Oil prices rose after the moves against Qatar, which is the biggest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a major seller of condensate - a low-density liquid fuel and refining product derived from natural gas.
Dubai: In the wake of the ongoing diplomatic rift in the Gulf, Dubai-based Airline Emirates is suspending flights to and from Doha beginning Tuesday morning.

In a statement, Emirates said that the last flight from Dubai to Doha will leave at 2:30 am on June 6 while the last flight in the other direction is at 3:50 am.

"As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates will suspend its flights to and from Doha, starting from the morning of June 6, until further notice. Emirates' flights to and from Doha on June 5, will operate as normal," the statement read.

It further said that the travellers bound for Doha, boarding their flight from airports around the Emirates network on June 5, will be advised to make alternative arrangements.

"All customers booked on Emirates' flights to and from Doha will be provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternate Emirates destinations. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers," the statement further read.

This comes after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain ended diplomatic relations and all land sea and air contacts with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar over allegations that the latter is encouraging terrorism and extremism.

Riyadh accused Qatar of backing terrorism and extremism, while Bahrain charged Qatar with interfering in its internal affairs, according to a report published by The Guardian.

Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism," the report said.

Saudi Arabia said the move was necessary to protect the kingdom from what it described as terrorism and extremism.

Bahrain's foreign affairs ministry issued a statement that it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The ministry's statement said Qatari citizens needed to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. It wasn't immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the region's major long-haul carriers.
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. (Photo: AFP)

Damascus: 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, the Syrian President said.

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.
It was not immediately clear if Qatar Airways would also suspend flights to other countries. (Photo: AP)

Doha: Qatar Airways said on Monday it had suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia as a major diplomatic crisis escalated in the Gulf region.

The move by the Doha-based carrier came just hours after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Doha over accusations it supports extremism.

Several airlines from those countries earlier announced they would no longer fly to Qatar. "Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" until 1159 GMT the same day, a statement from the airline said.

A spokeswoman said it was unclear if the suspension would be extended. Qatar Airways flies to nine cities in Saudi Arabia.

UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia, as well as Saudi Airlines, all announced earlier on Monday they would suspend flights to Doha starting from Tuesday morning.

It was not immediately clear if Qatar Airways would also suspend flights to other countries. Regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia on Monday ordered its nationals to leave Qatar within 14 days and barred Qataris from the kingdom. Saudi Arabia has also closed its border with Qatar.
WASHINGTON  I took a few days off over the Memorial Day weekend for my wedding and tried not to worry about the grim headlines, most of them generated by one man:

President Trump, shoving a European prime minister.

Trump, picking fights with Germany and France and destabilizing the seven-decade-old NATO alliance.

Trump, tweeting late-night gibberish  covfefe  as investigators probing the Russia scandal queried more members of his inner circle.

Perhaps the most upsetting headline I saw, though, was generated not by Trump but by a 10-year veteran of the House Republican majority. In an astonishing interview Saturday on NPR, this lawmaker repeatedly demurred when asked whether Americans are entitled to the most basic human need.

NPRs Scott Simon, a genial interviewer, asked Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska, a member of the Ways and Means Committee and an influential figure on agriculture policy, about Trumps proposal to make vast cuts to food stamps. Smith posited that the program could be cut in ways that do not harm the most vulnerable.

Well, let me ask you this bluntly: Is every American entitled to eat? Simon queried.

Smith was stumped. Well, they  nutrition, obviously, we know is very important. And I would hope that we can look to  

Simon interrupted: Well, not just important, its essential for life. Is every American entitled to eat?

Smith agreed that nutrition is essential but continued to ignore the question about whether Americans are entitled to eat.

Simon tried a third time: So is every American entitled to eat, and is food stamps something that ought to be that ultimate guarantor?

Once again, the lawmaker demurred: I think that we know that, given the necessity of nutrition, there could be a number of ways that we could address that.

There was more, but it all came down to this: In the United States, in 2017, a powerful member of Congress refuses to grant that Americans should be able to count on eating food.

That exchange should put in perspective the real and present danger Trump poses. His undermining of NATO, European alliances and climate-change cooperation poses grave dangers, but those are somewhat abstract. But taking away Americans food is very tangible, and a real possibility.

Trumps budget would cut programs for low- and moderate-income Americans by $2.5 trillion over 10 years, accounting for 59 percent of the budgets overall reductions, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The group, a liberal outfit with a reputation for solid math, puts the 10-year cuts to food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) at $193.2 billion, while millionaires would be poised to receive tax cuts of more than $2 trillion.

Trumps budget is dead on arrival in Congress, but the threat to food stamps is very much alive. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has routinely proposed cuts to SNAP in his budgets. Three years ago, for example, he suggested a $137 billion cut to the program over 10 years by turning it into a block grant for states.

Until the past few years, food stamps had the support of Republicans and Democrats alike. Theyve been around since the Great Depression, but the modern program was a creation of then-Sen. Bob Dole (Republican from Kansas) and late Democratic Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota, who, appalled by hunger and malnutrition in America, worked jointly to expand food stamps in 1977.

Food stamps, which give recipients about $1.40 per meal, made serious malnutrition rare in America, and studies by the CBPP and others have found food stamps lift more than 8 million people out of poverty, nearly half of them children. The program roughly doubled after the economic collapse of 2008  serving 43.6 million and costing $74 billion in 2015  but rather than recognize that as a sign of the persistent economic struggles that propelled Trump to the presidency, House Republicans used Trumps election as cause to revive talk of slashing food stamps.

Embracing that effort, apparently, will be Congressman Smith, who, when I asked his office to elaborate on his position, released a statement saying SNAP is a necessary safety net but continued his steadfast refusal to say Americans are entitled to eat.

Perhaps Smith has a brilliant scheme to distribute vitamin supplements to all Americans in lieu of food, to convert us to photosynthesis, or to have us survive on Soylent Green plankton like in the 1970s sci-fi film.

Otherwise, he and his Republican colleagues and the Trump administration ought to be honest about what they propose: forcing millions of Americans to go hungry.
Riyadh: The Arab coalition has said it has suspended Qatar's troops participation in an ongoing war in Yemen.

The Guardian quoted the official Saudi Press Agency, as saying that Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar "proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

Qatar is home to the sprawling al-Udeid Air Base, which is home to the US military's Central Command and some 10,000 American troops.

Western officials have also accused Qatar of allowing funding of Sunni extremists like Al-Qaida's branch in Syria. The snapping of the Saudi-led Arab coalition ties with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar was due to the news that was carried by Qatar's news agency which Doha alleged to have been hacked.

Qatari-state run news agency quoted Qatar's emir statement, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani criticised US President Donald Trump and described Iran as a force for stability in the region and threatened to withdraw ambassadors from a range of Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia.

Qatar's government claimed its official websites had been hacked and categorically denied in which the country's leader expressed support for Iran.

The Washington Post reported that Online footage of Qatari state television's nightly newscast from Tuesday showed clips of Sheikh Tamim at the ceremony with the anchor not mentioning the comments, though a scrolling ticker at the bottom of the screen had the alleged fake remarks.

They included calling Hamas "the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people," as well as saying Qatar had "strong relations" with Iran and the United States.

Further said "Iran represents a regional and Islamic power that cannot be ignored and it is unwise to face up against it," the ticker read at one point. "It is a big power in the stabilization of the region."

The alleged hack happened early on May 24th and hours later, the website of the Qatar News Agency still was not accessible. The fake article quoted Sheikh Tamim as calling Iran an "Islamic power" and saying Qatar's relations with Israel were "good" during a military ceremony.

Doha denied all the comments and said it was the victim of a "shameful cybercrime." Egypt, Bahrian, UAE joined Saudi Arabia in snapping all their ties with Doha .

This situation is a repeat of 2014, when several Gulf countries recalled their Ambassadors from Doha over its support for Muslim Brotherhood.
The killing of Pakistani student, Mashal Khan, led to a national outcry after a video of the incident went viral. (Photo: AP)

Peshawar: An outspoken Pakistani student killed by a lynch mob was falsely accused of blasphemy, according to an official report that added his murder was organised by faculty members and rival students.

Mashal Khan, 23, was stripped, beaten and shot before being thrown from the second floor of his hostel at the Abdul Wali Khan University in northwest Mardan in April.

The killing led to a national outcry after a video of it went viral.

The country's top court ordered the formation of a Joint Investigation Team comprising police and intelligence agencies, which is set to submit its findings this week.

"No direct or indirect evidence supporting blasphemy allegations against Mashal Khan (or his friends) Abdullah and Zubair was received," the 308-page report, a copy of which was seen by source, said.

It added the killing was instigated by members of Khan's own secular Pakhtun Students Federation, who felt threatened by his growing prominence as a critic of rising fees and alleged corruption at the university, as well as the institution's staff.

Mashal's father, Muhammad Iqbal, said on Monday that the findings had vindicated his son.

"This proves my son was not a blasphemer," he said, calling for the suspects to be tried by a military court.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive charge in conservative Muslim Pakistan, and can carry death penalty. Even unproven allegations can cause mob lynching and violence.

Last month a 10-year old boy was killed and five others were wounded when a mob attacked a police station in an attempt to lynch a Hindu man charged with blasphemy for allegedly posting an incendiary image on social media.

At least 65 people have been murdered by vigilantes over blasphemy allegations since 1990.
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. (Photo: Facebook)

Islamabad: Pakistani police say the lynching of a university student falsely accused of blasphemy was organised a month ahead of time by other students.

A report compiled by investigators says 23-year-old Mashal Khan, who was killed in April, was targeted by students who saw him as a political rival. It said some faculty members investigating the killing pressured students to support the blasphemy allegations because of Khan's past criticism of the university.

Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and the mere accusation of insulting Islam or the Prophet Muhammad can spark deadly mob violence. Blasphemy allegations are often used to settle scores.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the police report on Sunday, which is expected to be submitted in court later this week.
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President Donald Trump has vowed to do whatever necessary to protect the US and its allies from a "vile enemy" that has "waged war" on innocent lives, his first public comments after the van and knife attack in London.



"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 has waged war on innocent life, and its gone on too long, Trump said yesterday, a day after three knife-wielding men unleashed a grisly terror rampage in London, killing seven people and injuring 48 others.



It was his first public comments on the London attacks. He previously had commented via a series of Twitter posts.



"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 yesterday.



This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end, he said, speaking at an annual fundraiser for Fords Theater, scene of Abraham Lincolns assassination.



Trump said he had spoken with British Prime Minister Theresa May and offered the US' "unwavering support" in investigating the terror attacks at the iconic London Bridge and Borough Market in the heart of the British capital.



Trump earlier 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 attacks.



"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 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.



The mayors spokesman said he was too busy to respond to Trumps "ill-informed" tweet.



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 nearby Borough market, killing seven people for which Prime Minister Theresa May blamed the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism".



British Police has arrested a dozen people in connection with the attacks.



The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the London attacks.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the need for nurturing a better planet on World Environment Day today.



He also saluted those working towards protecting the environment.



Modi said this year's theme of 'connecting people to nature' was nothing but a way "getting connected with ourselves".



"World Environment Day is the right time to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our environment and nurturing a better planet," he tweeted.



"We salute the will & determination of all those individuals & organisations working towards protecting the environment," he added in another tweet.



Last week, after President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate deal, Modi had said the present generation should not snatch the right of the future generations to a clean and healthy earth.
Authorities today prevented separatists from holding a meeting at the residence of hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani, placing several leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest.



A posse of police personnel was posted outside Geelani's residence at Hyderpora where the separatist leaders were to hold a meeting and later address a press conference, a police official said.



He said no one was allowed to enter Geelani's residence.



"Mirwaiz has once again been put under arrest since late last evening. He was to attend the joint resistance meeting at veteran leader Geelani's residence today," a Hurriyat spokesman said.



"The anti-Kashmiri state resorted to its usual tactic of curbing the leadership, once again showing that Kashmir is ruled by the forces' might," he added.



JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody and lodged at a police station here.



The meeting was convened by the separatists to discuss the NIA raids on several of their second rung leaders as part of the crackdown on funding street protests and businessmen suspected of carrying out hawala operations.
Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways said today it would suspend flights to Qatar after the United Arab Emirates was among major Gulf states to sever ties with Doha in an unprecedented regional crisis.



Etihad said flights would stop today after the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours.



Etihad, which operates four return flights to Doha daily, said the measure will be in place "until further notice".



Other carriers from the three Gulf countries, including Dubai's Emirates, are likely to announce similar measures.



The unprecedented measures against Doha include ordering Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days and banning citizens of the three Gulf states from travelling to Qatar.



Doha airport, along with airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become major hubs after Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways seized a significant chunk of transcontinental travel on routes linking Western countries with Asia and Australasia.
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.Gina Barreca is an English professor at the University of Connecticut and the author of If You Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down Your Blouse? and eight other books. She can be reached at www.ginabarreca.com.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson today called on Gulf states to stay united and work out their differences after several nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.



"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he said in Sydney.



"If there's any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."



In the region's most serious diplomatic crisis in years, Qatar's Gulf neighbours Riyadh, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Egypt all announced they were severing ties with gas-rich Qatar.



Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism", the official Saudi Press Agency said.



A Saudi-led coalition which for more than two years has been fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen separately announced Qatar was no longer welcome in the alliance, accusing it of supporting terrorist organisations.



Qatar had assigned warplanes to the coalition conducting air strikes against Yemen's Huthi rebels.



Tillerson said despite the impasse, he did not expect it to have "any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism in the region or globally".



"All of those parties you mentioned have been quite unified in the fight against terrorism and the fight against Daesh, ISIS, and have expressed that most recently in the summit in Riyadh," he added.



Less than a month ago, US President Donald Trump visited the region to cement ties with powerhouse Saudi Arabia -- the first foreign stop of his young presidency.



In a Riyadh speech to Muslim leaders from around the world, Trump urged them to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists", as Sunni jihadists carry out attacks in many countries.
Qatar today slammed the decisions of three Gulf states and Egypt to sever ties with it, saying they were "unjustified" and aimed to put Doha under political "guardianship".



"The measures are unjustified and are based on false and baseless claims," the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement, referring to the unprecedented steps taken by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.



"The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state. This by itself is a violation of its (Qatar's) sovereignty as a state," it added.
The terrorists, who tried to storm a CRPF camp in a pre-dawn suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir, intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.



Giving the details of the attack in which four militants were killed while attacking CRPF's Sumbal camp in Bandipora district, Singh said the heavily-armed "fidayeen" terrorists approached the paramilitary camp with the intent of breaching it.



"The terrorists were heavily armed with automatic rifles, grenades and incendiary material such as petrol, and were carrying dry rations. It indicated that the terrorists intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage," he said in a statement.



The home minister said the terrorists attempted entry by cutting the wire fencing and also forcing their entry by shooting at the sentry.



"The sentries responded with alacrity and returned their fire. Heavy exchange of fire took place during which the terrorists lobbed more than two dozen grenades in an attempt to escape," he said.



However, Singh said, the CRPF, in cooperation with force from the adjoining Jammu and Kashmir Police camp shot dead all the four terrorists.



The home minister said the CRPF jawans and the Jammu and Kashmir Police showed exemplary courage and valour by thwarting the terrorists' attempt and in eliminating them.



He said a massive recovery of arms and ammunition, including grenades, explosives and automatic weapons, has been made from neutralised terrorists.



"It is inspiring to see CRPF men staying awake all night and maintaining tight vigil, and to see the Jammu and Kashmir Police coming to the CRPF's assistance quickly," he said.



Singh congratulated the CRPF, particularly, its 45th battalion, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police for their "alertness and unmatched courage".



"Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces," he said.



The home minister said all the brave officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp "need to be cited for their alertness and unmatched bravery".
Shares of NDTV today slumped nearly 7 per cent after the CBI searched the residence of its founder Prannoy Roy here and three other locations for allegedly causing losses to a private bank.



The stock tanked 6.74 per cent to Rs 58.10 -- its 52-week low -- on BSE.



At NSE, shares of the company dived 6.88 per cent to hit a one-year low of Rs 58.15.



The agency has registered a case against Roy, wife Radhika and RRPR Holdings for allegedly causing losses of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank, CBI sources said.



NDTV has termed the exercise a "witch-hunt" based on false accusations.



"This morning, the CBI stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations," NDTV said in a statement.



It said NDTV and its promoters would fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies.


Dozens of gunshots rang out just after 6 PM on Bay Street with crowds of people fleeing and taking refuge in a nearby supermarket. The 'Age' website reported that the gunman reportedly called the Channel Seven newsroom during the standoff, telling them "This is for IS (Islamic State)."



Police are now investigating if the incident was terror- related. Three police officers were injured with two taken to a hospital and another treated at the scene, police said. The woman who was taken hostage is now safe.



The siege has now ended but a major police presence, including specialist tactical officers, remains at the scene. The motive behind the incident is yet not clear, the report said.



A man was shot dead today by Australian police who ended a hostage crisis at an apartment in the south eastern suburb of Melbourne where a woman was held captive and a body of another man was found. The woman escaped safely but three officers were injured as police stormed the building to end the hostage situation.According to reports, the police operation was launched at the Bay Street apartment in Brighton following reports of an explosion at 4 PM (Local time). The emergency services, including State Emergency Service (SES) crews, were called to the scene where they also located the body of a man who appeared to have been shot in the foyer of the building.A woman was held hostage by a suspect who was later shot dead by police in a volley of gunfire in the apartment block. "A man has been shot dead by police in the Bay Street apartment complex shortly before 6:00 PM (local time). Police have safely rescued a woman who was being held against her will in the apartment block," police said.


On Pakistan's contention that it will raise jurisdiction on the merit of the Jadhav case, she said India has a very strong argument and it will win the case. She also made it clear that India's case was based on Pakistan's violation of Vienna Convention under which consular access was not only "essential but compulsory".



India has made 16 requests to Pakistan to grant access to Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "involvement in espionage and sabotage activities" against the country.



Pakistan claims its security forces arrested him from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran.



However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy and approached ICJ to save his life.



India today ruled out any meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif when the two will be in Kazakhstan this week, and asserted that Pakistan cannot take Kashmir issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).Taking a tough stance on ties with Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said "talks and terror cannot go together" while articulating strategy of India which was based on three pillars in dealing with that country.She also emphasised that India was engaged with other countries on the issue of cross-border terrorism. "No meeting is scheduled either from their side or from our side," Swaraj told a press conference on completion of three years of the government.She was asked if Modi and Sharif will meet on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit at Astana, Kazakhstan on June 8-9. Asked about reported remarks of a Pakistani law officer that Islamabad will take the Kashmir issue to ICJ after India approached the global court in Kulbhushan Jadhav case, the minister said."Pakistan cannot take Kashmir issue to ICJ. The Shimla agreement and Lahore declaration are very clear on Kashmir issue that it can only be resolved bilaterally. The two countries are bound by these bilateral agreements."She also referred to some cases pending at other courts such as Hyderabad Nizam funds case in the UK court and issues pertaining to Indus Waters Treaty before the World Bank.Rejecting suggestions that the government had a "flip- flop" policy in handling Pakistan, she said India is very clear that "it wants to hold dialogue, resolve all issues bilaterally without mediation from any third country, organisation or anyone else. But at the same time terror and talks cannot go together."The minister also emphasised that the government was asking other countries not to see cross-border issue or terrorism emanating from Pakistan from the prism of India but see if the international terrorism was in anyway linked with that country. "Finally, where was Osama bin Laden found? In Pakistan," she said, adding it was time to finalise the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN and define terrorism.
Nearly 10 months after 40-plus persons were killed when a bridge on the Savitri river in Raigad district on the Mumbai-Goa highway caved in because of heavy rainfall, a new bridge was inaugurated in record time, on Monday, ahead of the south-west monsoon hitting Maharashtra.



The masonry arch bridge - located nearly 170 kms from Mumbai - connected the Mahad town with Poladpur in the Raigad district and was built during the British era.



On 2 August 2016, two buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and private vehicles including a Tavera SUV and a Honda City, washed away in the Savitri river. At a formal event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari dedicated the bridge to the people.



The ministry sanctioned the estimate on 2 September 2016 and on the same day tenders were called by NH wing of State Public Works Department. The lowest tender was accepted and an agreement was signed on 1 December 2016. Th work is awarded to M/s L & T Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd, Pune. The project has been completed within a record time of 165 days and is being opened for traffic. The total cost of the project is Rs 35.77 crore. The new bridge is 16 meters wide and 239m long. It is fitted with proper lighting arrangement, has wide footpath as well as flood alarm system. It is made of anti-corrosive steel and painted with carbonation paint.



The Savitri River is one of the 5 rivers which originate from Mahabaleshwar - and from Satara is flows to Raigad district eventually meeting the Arabian Sea at Harihareshwar. It passes through Poladpur, Mahad, Mangaon and Shrivardhan talukas.
ANAHEIM, Calif.  A video review overturned Ben Reveres stolen base and changed the call to a caught stealing for the final out, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 on Sunday behind Miguel Sanos go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Revere singled with one out in the ninth against Brandon Kintzler, and Cliff Pennington popped out. Eric Young Jr. took a called strike, Kintzler made a pair of pickoff throws to first and Revere took off for second as Young swung and missed.

Revere slid headfirst ahead of catcher Jason Castros throw to shortstop Ehire Adrianza, and second base umpire Clint Fagan called him safe. But Revere slid past the base as Adrianza tagged his left foot. After Twins manager Paul Molitor challenged the call, Revere was called out about 1 minute, 45 seconds later. Kintzler earned his 15th save in 17 chances as Minnesota took three of four from the Angels to open a 10-game trip.

Reveres RBI single in the fourth off Jose Berrios (4-1) gave the Angels a 2-1 lead. Robbie Grossman was hit by a pitch from Ricky Nolasco (2-6) leading off the sixth and, one out later, Sano hit his 14th homer, a drive into the left-field bullpen.

Berrios gave up two runs and six hits. After Reveres RBI single, Berrios loaded the bases with a walk to Pennington, then struck out Young and got Juan Graterol to ground into a 6-4-3 double play.

Nolasco lost his fourth straight start, allowing three runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings and giving up multiple home runs for the eighth time in 12 starts.

Castro homered in the third, but Andrelton Simmons grounded into a run-scoring double play in the bottom half.

Kole Calhoun had a hit and two walks and went 7 for 13 with three home runs during the series.

TRAINERS ROOM

Angels: RHP Huston Street is to throw from a mound in the coming week as he recovers from a strained latissimus dorsi muscle, according to manager Mike Scioscia said. ... RHP Damien Magnifico was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake City after walking two batters in one-third of an inning Saturday night. Brooks Pounders was recalled to fill the roster spot.

UP NEXT

Twins: RHP Hector Santiago (4-5) starts Tuesday at Seattle, his first road outing since allowing six runs in 2 2/3 innings at Cleveland on May 14.

Angels: RHP Jesse Chavez (4-6) is slated to start Tuesday at Detroit. He is 1-4 in five road starts.
A Special court today sought a response from Delhi Police on the bail application of an alleged middleman arrested in the Election Commission bribery case involving AIADMK (Amma) faction leader T T V Dhinakaran.



Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry issued a notice to Delhi Police's Crime Branch on the plea and posted the matter for arguments on June 7.



Accused Sukesh Chandrashekar sought relief on grounds of parity with Dhinakaran, who was granted bail on June 1. He said his custody period had exceeded that of the AIADMK leader.



Chandrashekar, arrested on April 16, claimed he had been made a "scapegoat" and "falsely implicated" in the case.



The plea, filed through advocate Anand Pandey, said Dhinakaran had been granted bail even though he was more "influential" than Chandrashekar.



This is Chandrashekar's second bail plea as the court had declined an earlier application fearing that he could tamper with evidence.



The court will tomorrow pronounce its order on the bail pleas of suspected hawala operator Nathu Singh and co-accused Lalit Kumar, who are in judicial custody.



Dhinakaran and his close aide Mallikarjuna were granted bail by the court which had said the poll officials who were allegedly being bribed so that Dhinakaran's faction of the AIADMK could get the 'two leaves' election symbol were yet to be identified.



Dhinakaran was arrested here on the night of April 25 after four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe Election Commission (EC) officials for the symbol.



His faction had hoped to obtain the symbol for the bypoll to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu, which was later cancelled by the EC after the alleged irregularities were reported in the media.



The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who represented the constituency.



The EC had frozen the AIADMK's symbol after two factions of the party -- one led by Dhinakaran's aunt Sasikala and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam -- staked a claim to it.



Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly facilitating a Rs 50-crore deal between Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar.



Dhinakaran has been accused of arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels.




Once the Balkan stronghold of pro- Russian sentiments, tiny Montenegro is today silently celebrating its entry into NATO in a historic turn that has made the Kremlin furious.



Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro is formally becoming the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington today.



To get there, Montenegro has stood up against its former ally Russia, which has sought to maintain strong historic, political and cultural influence in the Slavic country it considers a special zone of interest.



Bringing Montenegro into NATO further diminishes Russia's influence in southeast Europe, and blocks it from the so- called "warm seas" in Europe that could be used as staging grounds for military interventions in the Middle East.



Russia has threatened economic and political retaliation, including a campaign to undermine the Montenegrin tourism industry, which relies heavily on Russian visitors. It has also banned imports of Montenegrin wine and recently deported a ranking official from a Moscow airport.



Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recently warned potential Russian tourists that "there is an anti-Russian hysteria in Montenegro."



"We do not rule out the possibility of provocations, arrests for suspicious reasons or extradition to third countries" of Russians, Zakharova said.



Her claim was dismissed by the president of the Russian- speaking diaspora in Montenegro, Alexander Khrgian, who runs his law office in the coastal resort of Budva.



He said that about 15,000 Russian-speaking people who permanently live in Montenegro feel safe.

"I have been living in Russia for 25 years and now I am here for more than 10 years, and we love Montenegro. It is a wonderful country with wonderful climate," he said.



"People know that Russia and Montenegro have very close cultural links. That is why we are here like at home."



Montenegro says Moscow was behind a foiled coup attempt in October that allegedly targeted former Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who was the driving force behind the country's NATO bid. Russia denies involvement.



"One of the reasons we are joining NATO is to create greater stability, not only for Montenegrin citizens, but also for foreign investors and tourists," Djukanovic said. "Therefore, our goal is to bring even more Russian tourists."



On the eve of the NATO accession, Montenegrins don't seem interested in their country's historic move and many of them want good relations with both Russia and the West.



"If we were neutral all the time, why shouldn't we continue with it so that we keep good relations with America, Russia and all the other countries?" said Mirko Bozovic from Podgorica.



The pro-Russian opposition Democratic Front, whose top two leaders were indicted over allegedly planning the Russia- orchestrated coup, said the day when Montenegro joins NATO is one of the saddest days in its history.



"Today, Montenegro is being annexed like never before in its history," official Strahinja Bulajic said. "Today is one of the most shameful days in Montenegrin history."




The ruling AIADMK faction in Tamil Nadu on Monday made it clear that they are firm on the decision to sideline V K Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the party.



Finance Minister D Jayakumar, who chaired a meeting with the senior ministers at the Secretariat, said that his faction, led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, have no contacts with both Sasikala and Dinakaran.



"We are very clear. Our April 17th decision to sideline Dinakaran and his relatives still stands. We are very firm in our decision. There is no question of getting that back", Jayakumar said.



He also claimed that his party cadres including senior functionaries did not meet Dinakaran, who was granted bail by a Delhi court when he came to Chennai.



Pointing out that Dinkaran himself stated that he would restrain from the party activities, Jayakumar said: "he (Dinakaran) should stick to his words".



"We are not dependent on them (Sasikala and Dinakaran). We are independently doing our work and there no interference from anyone", he added.



The minister's statement came just a few hours after Dinakaran asserted that he would surely engage in party related works and accused his party senior leaders that there was no improvement in their initiative for merger talks between the two AIADMK groups.



He also said that he would meet his aunt Sasikala, who was lodged in Bengaluru prison and would discuss his next course of political action.



The other AIADMK group led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam still insisting that merger of both factions is possible only if Sasikala and Dinakaran should be officially removed from the party.
For the patients of the otherwise chaotic and filthy Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad town, the air-coolers on Sunday, when the mercury touched 48 degrees, were no less than a blessing.



They, however, had little idea that the blessing was going to be short-lived. The patients did not know that the air-coolers had been installed in the wards not for them but for the visit of chief minister Yogi Adityanath.



All the air-coolers, which were rented from a private tent house in the town, were removed almost immediately after Adityanath left the hospital. According to the sources, a probe has now been ordered into the matter.



Reports said that the chief minister, who was on a visit to Allahabad on Sunday, went around different wards at the hospital and also interacted with the patients there to know about the problems.



The hospital authorities had installed air-coolers in the wards apparently to impress the chief minister. The authorities, in a bid to hide the name of the rental agency, had put a sticker on the place where it was written.



The air-coolers had stickers displaying 'Junior Doctors' Association' apparently to convey the impression that they had been there courtesy the doctors.



''We thought that the coolers would be there permanently,'' said an attendant of a patient at the hospital. The district administration has ordered an inquiry into the matter, sources said.



The same hospital administration had on Saturday forcibly discharged a seven-year-old gang rape victim from the hospital so that Adityanath might not meet her family.



Earlier also the state officials had installed air-conditioner and sofas at the house of a BSF jawan, who was martyred in Jammu & Kashmir last month, in Deoria district during Adityanath's visit. The AC and other items were removed after the chief minister's visit.
Four unidentified militants were killed after paramilitary CRPF troopers repelled a fidayeen (suicide) attack on their camp in Sumbal area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district during wee hours of Monday.



Sources said the heavily armed militants, believed to be Pakistanis, tried to enter the camp of 45 Battalion CRPF at Sumbal around 4:10 am by lobbying grenades and opening fire. The alert sentries retaliated the fire, triggering a brief gunfight in which all the four fidayeen were killed 10-15 yards away from the camps fencing, they added.



The identity of the slain militants was yet to be ascertained. Confirming the incident, State police chief Shesh Pal Vaid said four terrorists were gunned down after they attempted to attack 45 Battalion CRPF at Sumbal, 25 kms from here. He also tweeted a picture of the four AK-47 rifles and other ammunition, he said were recovered from the slain militants.



A senior police officer told Deccan Herald that the fidayeen were planning an Uri-style attack and were carrying incendiary material, including petrol bombs. "Preliminary investigations reveal that the fidayeen had planned to get inside the camp and take control of a vantage point to prolong the encounter and burn up the place with an incendiary material causing wide-scale damage," he said.



However, locals alleged that four unidentified youth were killed in a 'fake encounter.' "One of the slain youths was wearing a chappal. Have you ever seen a militant wearing chappal while on a fidayeen mission? The bodies of the slain were badly mutilated by the troops," a local told DH over phone.



The killings led to intense clashes between civilians and security forces in Sumbal area in which several protesters were injured, he added. In a similar type of attack on September 18 last year, Army had suffered one of the worst causalities in peacetime operations. 18 troopers were killed and 18 others were injured as a group of fidayeen had stormed a strategic military base in north Kashmirs Uri that day.



On 5 December 2014, six fidayeen militants had carried out a similar type of attack in Mohra area of Baramulla district. While the militants were killed, eight soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, and three policemen had lost their lives along with several men from the Jammu and Kashmir police.



The latest attack comes just two days after militants ambushed an army convoy on Srinagar-Jammu national highway in south Kashmir's Kulgam district, in which two soldiers were killed and four others injured.



The camp which was attacked today is the headquarter of the 45th battalion which was headed by Chetan Kumar Cheeta who survived nine bullet injuries while fighting militants in neighbouring Hajn town on February 14.


Singh also enquired about the preparedness of the NSG commandos, popularly known as 'Black Cat', to deal with exigencies or terror situation, official sources said.



He was told that the training for the 'Black Cat' commandos was a continuous process and they were alert 24X7 to move swiftly to deal with any crisis or hostage-like situation, the sources said.



Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, senior officials of the home ministry also attended the meeting.



The NSG was set up in 1984 as a federal contingency deployment force to tackle all facets of terrorism in the country.



The primary role of the force is to combat terrorism in areas where activity of terrorists assumes serious proportions, and the state police and other central police forces cannot cope with the situation.



The NSG is a force specially-equipped and trained to deal with specific situations and is therefore, to be used only in exceptional situations.



The force is not designed to undertake the functions of the state police forces or other paramilitary forces of India.



It is modelled on the pattern of the SAS of the UK and GSG-9 of Germany. It is a task-oriented force and has two complementary elements in the form of the Special Action Group comprising Army personnel and the Special Ranger Groups, comprising personnel drawn from the central paramilitary forces/state police force.



All the personnel are on deputation. The NSG commandos also provide security to a few dignitaries, including the home minister, former deputy prime minister L K Advani, former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal besides others.



The NSG was highly appreciated for eliminating the 10 terrorists who carried out the attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.



The NSG's headquarters is in New Delhi while the training facility is located on the outskirts of the national capital.



After the 26/11 attacks, the central government had set up four regional hubs of the NSG in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata to reduce reaction time. Regional centres are being raised at Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

Private commercial planes may soon be used for anti-hijacking exercises with the Home Ministry suggesting the anti-terror elite force National Security Guard (NSG) explored the option. The suggestion for using commercial planes was made by home ministry officials during an hour-long meeting, chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.At present, the NSG is empowered for requisition of aircraft from any operator registered in India in case of emergency, while its anti-hijacking exercise could be conducted on any government or Air India aircraft. "If the anti-hijacking drill is conducted on a commercial plane, it will help both the airline as well as the NSG to understand various nuances involved in such a crisis," a home ministry official said.The ministry will soon provide a chopper to the NSG to be used in case of exigencies. Though the NSG had two choppers, one had a crash landing some time ago, while the other was non-functional. "The NSG urgently needs a helicopter. The chopper may be given from the existing fleet of the Border Security Force or from the Indian Air Force. We are working on it," the official said.During the meeting, the home minister reviewed the functioning of the NSG and took stock of various facets of the elite anti-terror force. He was given a detailed briefing on the working of the NSG by its Director General Sudhir Pratap Singh and other top officials.
Tata Motors has announced the resignation of Ravindra Pisharody as executive director of the company due to personal reasons. Pisharody is the executive director (Commercial Vehicles) since June 21, 2012, having joined Tata Motors as vice president-commercial vehicles (sales and marketing), in 2007. Before joining Tata Motors, Pisharody had worked with Castrol, a subsidiary of BP, and with Philips India, a subsidiary of the Dutch company in various roles.



"Ravindra Pisharody has vided letter dated June 5, 2017, submitted his resignation as executive director (commercial vehicles) of the company, and as a director of the company and its associated companies for personal reasons," Tata Motors intimated the exchanges.



Meanwhile, the company has announced the appointment of Satish Borwankar as chief operating officer (COO). "We wish to inform that Satish Borwankar has been appointed as COO of the company with immediate effect and his tenure of executive directorship would be extended for a period of 2 years from July 2017, subject to shareholders' approval," Tata Motors said.
In an incident quite ironical to the much popular campaigns of BJP government such as Digital India and Transforming India, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal had to climb a tree to catch signals on his mobile.



Minister of State for Finance was visiting a village in his parliamentary constituency Bikaner on Sunday as part of a media campaign when he lost the network. While hearing the grievances of the villagers at Dhoolia village in Bikaner located in the middle of sand dunes, minister dialled the concerned number of the government official and he was unable to connect due to poor signal.



As villagers kept him complaining about the poor health facilities, the minister tried to contact Medical officer several times and was unable to connect. However, a few villagers told him that it's hard to catch signal in the village but one can make it happen from a certain height and he should climb a tree. Unable to reach the network, a 62-year-old minister followed the instructions of villagers and tried to climb the tree. "Minister realised that he's unable to climb the tree so he asked for a ladder and villagers in no time provided him with one. Villagers erected the ladder with the tree trunk and minister climbed the tree", an eyewitness told DH.



Interestingly after climbing the tree, his phone started detecting the signals and minister was able to make a phone call. The video showing the minister balancing himself on the ladder and speaking to officials went viral on the social media.



However his climbing the tree became blessing in disguise for the villagers as he announced setting up of mobile towers in the villages within three months. "Villagers were hardly amused to see a minister climbing a tree becauseits a routine for them. Minister realised the hardships of the village and has promised to bring cable connection, drinking water and mobile towers and electricity cables in next few months," said Bharat lal, a teacher who was present at the spot.
Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the successful launch of India's heaviest rocket and said it takes the country closer to the next generation of satellite capability.The country's heaviest rocket GSLV MKIII-D1 carrying communication satellite GSAT-19 lifted off from Sriharikota at 5.28 pm and was soon put in orbit successfully."Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission," the prime minister tweeted soon after."The GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud," he added in another tweet.Modi spoke to the Secretary, Department of Space and congratulated him and his team on the successful launch, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III) weighs equivalent to the weight of five fully- loaded Boeing Jumbo Jets or as much as 200 fully grown elephants.




A shooting today at an industrial park in the Florida city of Orlando has resulted in "multiple fatalities," authorities said, without describing the circumstances of the incident.



The Orange County Sheriff's office said the situation had been "stabilised."



"Multiple fatalities. Situation contained. Sheriff will brief as soon as info is accurate," the sheriff's office said on Twitter.



A year ago, the city - a hub of Florida's resort industry popular with tourists - was the scene of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub that left 49 people dead and dozens more wounded.
The political temperature in wake of forthcoming Assembly elections in Gujarat appears to be rising, with a political outfit calling itself Jana Sangh painting walls across the city of Ahmedabad, appealing voters to vote out ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Opposition Congress.



In fact, most of the slogans directly appear to be taking on the saffron partys agenda of Ram temple, cow protection etc. In its slogans, Jana Sangh states that people of different communities in the state have become slaves of BJP and Congress. It is time for people to break the shackles of slavery, one of the slogans in upmarket S G Highway reads.



Interestingly, Bharatiya Jana Sangh, also known as Jan Sangh, was set up by Shyamaprasad Mukherjee in 1951 and till 1977 was considered to be the political arm of RSS, believed to be the ideological arm of ruling BJP. In 1977, it merged with other parties to oppose the rule of Congress to form Janata Party. After the split in Janata Party, it was reformed as BJP in 1980.



However, the organisation that has put up slogans on the wall appear to be from Akhil Bharatiya Jana Sangh, formed by the former general secretary of Jan Sangh Balraj Madhok in 1979. Madhok was expelled from Jan Sangh in 1973. However, if the entity that has claimed to have put wall writings is ABJS could not be verified.



The representatives of the political outfit also could not be reached over the telephone number displayed in the wall paintings. It has called for making India a Hindu nation, construction of Ram Temple, plea to divide Kashmir into three  Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, separate Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan from Pakistan. Vote out BJP and Congress, bring in Jana Sangh, says another wall writing.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) today rescued six fishermen from the deep sea off Paradip coast in Odisha, official sources said.



Coast Guard ship Rajkiran while patrolling in the deep sea sighted a partially sunken country boat off the Paradip coast. At least six fishermen were clinging onto the half-sunken boat and waving hands for rescue, an ICG official said.



The ship approached the sunken boat and carried out necessary manoeuvring and rescued all survivors without losing much time amidst rough weather conditions, the official said.



"All survivors were safely taken on board using lifebuoy and jumping ladder. Essential first aid medicines and refreshment were provided immediately and all survivors were found in good physical condition," the official said.



However, the survivors told the ICG officials that one of their colleagues identified as Rama Rao (45) was washed away by a strong wave at about 5 in the morning, he said.



Though Rajkiran carried out search in the area, it could not find any body.



After the operation, the ship entered Paradip port and handed over the rescued fishermen to the officials of the Fisheries department in presence of marine police, he said.


The tribunal had last year held that if "any aircraft, airlines and the handling services of registered aircraft" were found to be dumping human waste in the air or toilet tanks were found to have been emptied before landing, they shall be subjected to environmental compensation of Rs 50,000 per default.



It had also asked the DGCA to carry out surprise inspections of aircraft landing at the airport to ensure that their toilet tanks are not emptied while landing and waste splashed on residential areas and on any other place prior to landing.



It had sought a quarterly report on the issue. "The record so collected shall be placed in the public domain. The DGCA shall provide helpline number telephone/ mobile of its officer at the airport where the person desirous of lodging complaint regarding such mischief in future can approach the authorities for appropriate reliefs," it had said.



This information shall be put in the public domain and public at large informed of all helpline numbers and emails IDs, the bench had said.

The National Green Tribunal today took strong exception to the non-issuance of a circular by aviation regulator DGCA to the airlines and the ground handling services to stop the release of waste from aircraft tanks while landing or anywhere near the IGI Airport terminals here.A vacation bench headed by Justice Dalip Singh asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to immediately comply with the tribunal's December 20, 2016, order.The NGT had asked the aviation watchdog to issue a circular making it clear that aircraft would be subjected to surprise inspection to see that human waste tanks were not empty.During the proceedings today, the DGCA counsel said that they have already moved a plea for a review of the order.The bench, however, said that the directions passed by the tribunal were "prima-facie only on principle of the precautionary approach and they need to be complied with".The NGT was hearing a plea of Lt Gen Satwant Singh Dahiya (retd), who has sought action against the airlines and levy of hefty fines on them for endangering the health of residents, terming their act as the violation of the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'.The green body also directed Central Pollution Control Board scientist R M Bhardwaj, who inspected the house of the army officer for taking samples of excreta, to appear before it on July 4 and explain at to why his initial affidavit was withheld from the tribunal.
A group of activists, academicians and students union leaders are bracing up for launching a movement against what they call as rising cases of lynching by mobs in different parts of the country.



Rolling out a national campaign against mob lynching here on Monday, they demanded that the Centre must bring in a new law to bring the culprits of such violence to justice as the current provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were inadequate to deal with such cases.



They also constituted a committee of civil society members, which included senior Supreme Court lawyer Sanjay Hegde, social activists, artists and academicians, to formulate a draft of the anti-mob lynching legislation.



The group comprised of Gujarat Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani; Tehseen Poonawalla, a kin of Robert Vadra and Congress sympathiser; as well as Kanhaiya Kumar and Shehla Rashid, former president and vice president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) respectively.



We will hand over the draft of the legislation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister for its enactment. The need of our times is a specific law to deal with vigilantism. The government must promulgate an ordinance as soon as possible and make lynching a non-bailable offence with punishment up to life imprisonment, Poonawalla told reporters at a press conference.



Mevani, who led a Dalit agitation in Gujarat last year, threatened to launch a massive stir across the country in July if the Central government does not take any action towards enactment of the anti-mob-lynching law to be proposed by a committee of civil society members.



It will will one year of Una alit uprising on July 11. If anti-mob lynching law to be proposed by us is not enacted by July 11, we will once again launch a nationwide stir from the streets of Gujarat and make the government fulfil our demand, Mevani said.



Addressing the media, ex-JNUSU president also threatened of launching a massive stir to press their demand for enactment of anti-mob lynching law. Mob lynching has become a phenomenon in India these days, Individuals are being lynched by a mob not just in the name of the cow but for various other reasons including food habits. On every such incidents, authorities shrug off their responsibilities by saying that a mob does not have a face. There is need to identify those faces and bring them to justice, he said.



On why a special law was required to deal with the cases of mob lynching, Hegde said such incidents are aggravated offences which require special provisions for investigation and fixing the accountability of both culprits and authorities.



A mob is made to happen. It doesn't just come out from nowhere. Who fans such mob? Who participates in mob violence? We have to make each and everyone accountable. This is not possible under the provisions of the IPC. We have many communal violence in this country but we have never been able to catch the conspirators, he added.
A disgruntled man went on a shooting spree at his former workplace in the US state of Florida today, killing five of his colleagues including a woman before turning the gun on himself.



Today's shooting incident comes a week ahead of the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando. It was the deadliest mass shooting in US history in which 49 people were killed by a gunman on June 12.



Deputies responded to today's shooting at the Fiamma Inc building on Forsyth Road in Orlando around 8 am. The 45-year-old shooter, a disgruntled employee who was fired in April, also killed himself, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. He ruled out a terrorist incident.



"The shooter was carrying a gun and an knife. He was fired from this business. The individual shot former co- workers," he said.



According to the Sheriff, there were no reports of any specific threats to this business. The name of the shooter will be released after next of kin notified, he said. "We are all on heightened alert from the tragic incidents across the globe. We cannot connect this incident to any global terrorism," Demings said.



Florida Governor Rock Scott urged people of the state to pray for the families of the victims killed in "this senseless" act of violence.



"Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before. I have been briefed by our law enforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today," he said.



"I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contact with the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the day as more information is made available," Scott said.
Patients at the chaotic and run-down Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Uttar Pradeshs Allahabad town were suddenly blessed with air coolers on Sunday when the mercury touched 48 degrees Celsius.



But little did they know that the air coolers had been installed in the wards not for them, but for the visit of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. All the air coolers, which were rented from a private tent house in the town, were removed almost immediately after Adityanath left the hospital.



Reports stated that the chief minister, who was on a visit to Allahabad on Sunday, went around different wards and also interacted with the patients to know about their problems.



The hospital authorities had installed air coolers in the wards apparently to impress the chief minister. The air coolers had stickers displaying Junior Doctors Association, to convey that they had been there courtesy the doctors.



We thought that the coolers would be there permanently, said an attendant. The district administration has ordered an inquiry, a source said.



On Saturday, the hospital administration forcibly discharged a seven-year-old gang-rape victim to prevent Adityanath from interacting with the victims family.



Earlier, officials had installed an air conditioner and sofa at the house of a BSF jawan, who was martyred in Jammu & Kashmir last month, in Deoria district during Adityanaths visit. However, they were removed after the chief minister left.




The ruling AIADMK faction in Tamil Nadu on Monday made it clear that it is firm on the decision to sideline V K Sasikala and her nephew T T V Dhinakaran.



Finance Minister D Jayakumar, who chaired a meeting of senior ministers at the secretariat, said that the AIADMK (Amma) faction led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had no contacts with Sasikala and Dhinakaran.



We are very clear. Our April 17 decision to sideline Dhinakaran and his relatives stands, Jayakumar said. He claimed that the party cadres did not meet Dhinakaran when he returned after a Delhi court granted him bail in the Election Commission bribery case.



We are not dependent on them (Sasikala and Dhinakaran). We are independently doing our work and there is no interference from anyone, Jayakumar said.



The ministers statement came just a few hours after Dhinakaran asserted that he would engage in party related works.




A security official was killed and seven others injured when Maoists ambushed a convoy of the Special Operation Group (SOG) in Baliguda area of the Kandhamal district of Odisha, police said on Monday.



The Maoists fired at the SOG, an elite anti-Maoist force in the state, late on Sunday night when they were returning after conducting an anti-Maoist operation in a forest ghat road near Khamankhol, IGP (Southern Range) Amitabh Thakur said.



Singh said the security personnel were caught between an IED and firing from the Maoists at the ambush spot, but the SOG members retaliated. Combing operation has been intensified in Kandhamal and Kalahandi district border, Singh said. The security personnel fired around 300 rounds which forced the Maoists to flee.



They also used grenades, said Asit Kumar Tripathy, additional chief secretary (home).



The police said the last vehicle of the SOG convoy came under heavy attack, leading to the death of one security personnel on the spot and injuring seven others. Three injured jawans were admitted to the Kandhamal district headquarters hospital, while four others were rushed to MKCG Medical College in Berhampur. The slain jawan was identified as Laxmikant Jani of Kalahandi district.



The state police chief said a massive combing operation was launched in the area after the incident. Reinforcements have been mobilised to step up the search operation.



Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the attack. Condemn cowardly attack on security personnel in Kandhamal. DGP @odisha_police is on the spot. Sacrifice of our jawan will not go in vain (sic), he tweeted. After visiting the site, DGP K B Singh said, Our boys are on high morale and have given a befitting reply to the Maoists. The standard operating procedure was followed when the jawans returned after a combing operation.



Meanwhile, the Odisha Havildar, Constable and Sepoy Mahasangh demanded Rs 1 crore ex gratia for the family of the martyred jawan and a job for a family member within 15 days.






Goyal told reporters in Bengaluru that people of Karnataka could gain a lot more if the state government cooperates with the Centre in taking central schemes to the beneficiaries.



He pointed out that the Centres Ujala scheme of providing low-cost LED bulbs had not been implemented properly in Karnataka due to lack of interest by the state government. Only 1.58 crore LED bulbs have been sold in Karnataka, while the sales in Gujarat stand at 3.45 crore bulbs, he pointed out.



The Union minister said the state governments interest in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, of providing crop insurance scheme to farmers, was far from satisfactory. Lakhs of farmers would have benefited had the state government shown interest in implementing the scheme, given that a state like Karnataka is prone to drought, he said.



He also rubbished the state governments charge that the Centre is discriminating against non-BJP ruled states. Recently, six coal blocks in Maharashtra were allotted to Karnataka for its thermal plants. As coal minister, I could have allowed Maharashtra, my home state, to retain the blocks for the thermal plants in the state. However, the NDA government does not indulge in such biases. The government believes in serving the entire nation, Goyal said. Karnataka again lagged in implementing the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, a central government initiative to provide continuous power supply to rural India, he added.



Goyal wondered why the Karnataka government was insisting on giving the Ujjwala scheme of providing fee LPG gas connection to BPL families, its own name.



Earlier, the minister listed out the achievements of the NDA government during the past three years and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had succeeded in transforming the country into a New India.





Union Minister of State for Power and Coal Piyush Goyal on Monday blamed Karnataka for not properly coordinating with the NDA government to pass on the benefits of several central schemes to the people.
A judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh took exception to her being addressed as your ladyship by Punjab Advocate General Atul Nanda during a recent court hearing.



The advocate general unintentionally departed from the usual your lordshipaddress to judges.



What followed was a gripping discussion on how a woman judge needed to be addressed in the courtroom. The issue has also triggered a debate on social media, with Nanda now stepping in with his view point.



As Nanda addressed the judge as your ladyship, Justice Daya Chaudhary interrupted him, asserting that a judge or an advocate does not have any gender and his address tends to qualify precisely that. Nanda wasted no time in saying that his intention was certainly not to underline the gender of a judge.



Justice Daya asked Nanda how he would feel if a woman lawyer addressed him in court as this man instead of my lawyer friend. She maintained that she had no problem even if she was not addressed as your lordship in the courtroom. Nanda relented and said he would henceforth address her as lordship.



On social media, Nanda posted that he has the highest regard for the judiciary and Justice Daya.



I believe this is much of a non-issue, but there was a reason behind my actions. Titles are gender neutral, whereas forms of direct address are appropriately gender specific. Hence, the prefix title justice before a judges name is gender neutral. Just as you may have doctor, general or commissioner (for a police officer), irrespective of whether the holder of the office is a man or a woman, he said.



He said when addressing a judge, one reverts to your ladyship or your lordship, just as one would say madam or sir for other titles. ... Every judge is the master of her or his court and if Justice Daya wishes to be addressed as lordship, then we must bow down to her wishes, he wrote.
Agriculture scientists came out in the open on Monday, backing the indigenous genetically modified mustard, which they said would lead to the creation of better and high-yielding hybrids.



The National Academy of Agriculture Sciences (NAAS), with 625 members, adopted a resolution on the commercialisation of GM mustard, seeking immediate release of the crop in the field.



Last week, the academy also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, backing the indigenous GM crop.

Developed by researchers at the Delhi University, GM mustard had received a regulatory approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee  Indias highest regulator for biotechnology products  under the Union environment ministry last month.



The final decision, however, is pending with Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan.The modified variety, DMH-11, has 20-30% higher yield than the mustard hybrids approved by the government as the benchmark varieties (national and zonal checks).



Even with a moderately high-yield, DMH-11 should be released commercially because it can be used by the breeders to generate far more heterotic (productive) hybrids, said Trilochan Mohapatra, director general, Indian Council of Agriculture Research.



The scientists cited the examples of semi-dwarf wheat that came from Mexico to usher in the Green Revolution as well as Bt cotton, the only GM crop permitted for cultivation in India. The first few lines of Mexican wheat had a yield of about 3.5 tonnes per hectare, but years of plant breeding led to the current yield level of about 9 tonnes per hectare. It is the same story for Bt cotton. We spent close to Rs 70,000 crore each year on the import of edible oil, which could be saved by the GM mustard, said Mohapatra.



Naas scientists said that GM mustard would open up a new window in plant breeding.

DH News Service
The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that the Manipur government would provide round-the-clock security to the parents of a youth killed in a road rage incident involving the chief ministers son.



A single bench of Justice Deepak Gupta took note of the submission made by the Centre, through Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, that personnel of the Manipur Rifles would be deployed at the residence of petitioners Irom Chitra Devi and Irom Lokendra Singh, parents of the victim, Roger.



Following the submissions, the court refrained from passing any order.



Ajay Meetai, son of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, was awarded a five-year jail term for culpable homicide as he fired at Roger for not allowing him to overtake, on March 20, 2011.



Though the state had not filed an appeal in the high court, no lawyer was ready to represent the victims family on their plea for enhancement of the sentence, the petitioners claimed.



Chitra contended that the family was living in fear in Delhi since leaving Manipur. In an affidavit, the Manipur chief secretary stated that orders have been issued to provide security to the victims parents.



Their counsel, Utsav Bains, would also be provided security whenever he visits the state for pursuing the appeal in the high court, it stated.



Singh also submitted that the allegations against the state administration were found to be false.

DH News Service


As part of the bandh, more than one lakh people will take part in a rally from Town Hall to Freedom Park in Bengaluru, Vatal Nagaraj, the president of Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha, told journalists here on Monday. Pro-Kannada organisations will block trains and national highways besides trying to picket Goa which is a party to the Mahadayi dispute. The CPI-backed bus drivers union has extended support to the bandh, he added.



Its shameful that two years of peaceful Satyagraha for resolution of the Mahadayi issue has moved neither the Union nor the state government, he said and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi take personal interest to resolve the issue.



He also urged MPs from all the three parties in the state to raise the issue in Parliament by rising above party politics. Nagaraj also demanded a White Paper from the state government on the development work undertaken by successive regimes in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region since the unification of the state in 1956.







Pro-Kannada organisations will call for a state-wide bandh on June 12 to press for an early resolution of the Mahadayi dispute, a permanent solution to the water scarcity in the arid regions of Karnataka, waiver of farm loans and externment of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) functionaries from Belagavi.


Senior BJP leader K G Bopaiah said several officers of the Water Resources department attended the Parjanya homa at Bhagamandala, near the birth place of the river Cauvery in Kodagu district.



Many Congress and JD(S) members tried to counter Shettar saying the BJP government in the past had distributed Gangajal on the occasion of Shivaratri. Members on the Opposition and the Treasury benches indulged in mudslinging on the issue. JD(S) MLA K M Shivalinge Gowda said a BJP leader had gifted elephants to a temple in Kerala in the past. Then, BJPs C T Ravi said a senior politician had performed a month-long homa in the past.



Minister Patil was not present in the House.







Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar on Monday criticised the Siddaramaiah government over Water Resources Minister M B Patil conducting a homa to invoke the rain Gods blessings recently.He demanded that he should be dropped from the state Cabinet immediately.The governments double standards have been exposed since it is talking of enacting an anti-superstitious law but allows its own minister to perform Parjanya homa, he said. Patil hails from the land of Basavanna (12th century social reformer). But, unfortunately, he is performing such homas, he stated, raising the issue in the Assembly.If the minister believes that the homa will bring rain, then why did he not perform it in the past three years when there was severe drought? If the government believes in such homas, there is no need for it to spend crores of rupees on irrigation...The government had initially planned to spend Rs 20 lakh for the homa at the birth place of the Krishna and the Cauvery rivers. Later, it was dropped due to criticism from various quarters, he charged.Shettar described the Parjanya homa performed by the minister as heights of stupidity and accused the government of misleading people. He also sought to know why all those intellectuals who had been insisting that the government ban superstitious practices, are not raising their voice against Patil and the government.Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who claims he has a socialist background, has turned a blind eye to the homa issue, he charged.
Four militants were killed after CRPF troopers repelled a fidayeen (suicide) attack on their camp in Sumbal area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district during the early hours of Monday.



Sources said the heavily armed militants, believed to be Pakistanis, tried to enter the camp of 45 Battalion around 4.10 am by lobbying grenades and opening fire.



The alert sentries retaliated, triggering a brief gunfight in which all the four fidayeen were killed, a source said.



The identity of the slain militants was yet to be ascertained. Jammu and Kashmir police chief Shesh Pal Vaid tweeted a picture of four AK-47 rifles and other ammunition, which he said, were recovered from the slain militants.



A senior police officer told DH that the fidayeen were planning an Uri-style attack and carrying inflammable

material, including petrol bombs. Preliminary investigation revealed that the fidayeen had planned to get inside the camp and take control of a vantage point to prolong the encounter and burn down the place, the officer said.



However, locals claimed that the unidentified youth were killed in a fake encounter. One of the slain youths was wearing slippers. Have you ever seen a militant wearing slippers while on a fidayeen mission? Their bodies were mutilated by the troops, a local told DH over phone.



The killings led to intense clashes between civilians and security forces, in which several protesters were injured.

In a similar attack on September 18 last year, 18 troopers were killed and 18 injured as a group of fidayeen had stormed a strategic military base in north Kashmirs Uri. On December 5, 2014, six fidayeen militants had carried out a similar attack in Baramulla.



While the militants were killed, eight soldiers and several policemen had also lost their lives. The latest attack comes two days after militants ambushed an army convoy on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in south Kashmirs Kulgam district.



Two soldiers were killed and four others were wounded.

DH News Service






He told reporters there are 33 cases against Kanyakumari  15 in Chikkamagaluru district, 17 in Udupi and one in Shivamogga district.



The government had announced an reward of Rs 5 lakh for informers on the whereabouts of Kanyakumari. She comes under category A of the states surrender policy. She will be remanded in judicial custody.



There are no cases against Shivu. However, he was a Maoist sympathiser. He comes under category B. Chennamma has been acquitted in all the three cases against her. Shivu and Chennamma will be released after the surrender process is complete, he said.



The SP said 10 Maoists had surrendered in the past in the state.



As per the states left wing extremism surrender and rehabilitation policy, Maoists who have given up arms get Rs 5 lakh each to support their rehabilitation. They can also purchase land and undergo skill development training.



Annamalai said Maoists should come to the mainstream of the society by emulating those who have surrendered.



The district administration has given priority to providing basic facilities like electricity, water, healthcare in Maoist-infested areas.





Three Maoists in the Malnad region returned to the mainstream on Monday. They appeared before the police and the state-appointed committee to implement the policy to encourage left-wing extremists to give up arms.The surrendered ultras are Kanyakumari alias Suvarna (31) of Haluvalli in Mudigere taluk, Chennamma alias Suma (32) of Gadag and Shivu alias Jnanadev (31) from Bengaluru. Kanyakumari and Shivu are married to each other and have a six-month-old son, said Superintendent of Police K Annamalai.
In an incident quite ironical to the popular campaigns of the BJP government such as Digital India and Transforming India, Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal had to climb a tree to receive signal on his mobile.



The minister was visiting a village in his parliamentary constituency Bikaner on Sunday as part of a media campaign when he lost the network. While hearing the grievances of the villagers at Dhoolia village in Bikaner, located in the middle of sand dunes, the minister dialled the number of the government official concerned and he was unable to connect due to poor signal.



As villagers kept complaining about the poor health facilities, the minister tried to contact the medical officer several times and was unable to connect.



A few villagers told him that its hard to catch signals in the village, but one can make it happen from a certain height and he should climb a tree. The 62-year-old minister followed the instructions and tried to climb a tree.



The minister realised that he's unable to climb a tree, so he asked for a ladder and villagers in no time provided him with one. Villagers erected the ladder against the tree trunk and the minister climbed the tree, an eye witness told DH.



After climbing the tree his phone started detecting the signals and the minister was able to make a phone call. The video showing the minister balancing on the ladder and speaking to officials went viral on the social media.



The minister climbing the tree came as a blessing in disguise for the villagers as he announced setting up of mobile towers in the villages within three months.


Though the southwest monsoon arrived in south Kerala on May 30, it has remained in that region and not advanced, the India Meteorological Department explained.



It may take three or four more days for it to arrive in Karnataka, L Ramesh Babu, director in charge, IMD, Bengaluru, told DH.



Low pressure over the west coast absorbed all the moisture from the land surface, and has affected the rain pattern.



Last week, upper air cyclonic circulation towards Maharashtra took away the moisture, Babu said. The monsoon needs strong winds at a speed of 20 to 35 knots in the west coast to set in here. That is absent, he said.



In Kerala, the monsoon set in two days early, but the low pressure in the Bay of Bengal had delayed its advancement.



But that is no cause for worry. The IMD Delhi forecast of good monsoon remains, he said. Since June 1 (the expected date of the onset of monsoon) Bengaluru city, HAL and the international airport have not recorded any rainfall.



Rain in Mangaluru



Rain lashed different parts of Dakshina Kannada since Monday afternoon. Monsoon-like conditions prevailed during the day, forcing people to take out umbrellas and raincoats.



The district received light to moderate rainfall. While Monday remained sunny till afternoon, the sky was overcast later in the day.



The rain brought in pleasant weather, but also led to traffic snarls at many places, including Ambedkar Circle in Mangaluru.



Tumakuru city experienced pre-monsoon showers on Monday evening. Rain lashed Indi and Sindhgitaluks in Vijayapura district.

The monsoon will arrive in Karnataka only towards the end of the week, the weather office said on Monday.
Union Minister of State for Power and Coal Piyush Goyal on Monday said LNG supply is unlikely to be affected in India following Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severing ties with Qatar. The Gulf country is the largest exporter of LNG.



We have not cut any relations with Qatar. So, we will continue to get supplies, Goyal said in reply to a query from reporters in Bengaluru.



Four Arab nations - Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - have announced they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, the worlds top seller of liquefied natural gas. They have accused Qatar of supporting terrorism.



Goyal termed the development as an internal diplomatic issue and India had not taken any sides in the matter. We believe in good harmonious relations with all countries with which India has diplomatic ties, he said.



To a query on CBI conducting search on NDTV founder Prannoy Roys residence, Goyal said the government does not interfere in any investigation. He said investigating agencies conduct raids only on the basis of specific, precise and concrete information. Just because somebody is running a media house, or somebody is a former minister or a politician that does not give them immunity from investigation, he said.



To another query, Goyal asserted that the NDA government has been taking all necessary steps to bring back normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Four Arab nations - Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - have announced they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, the worlds top seller of liquefied natural gas




The road cuts through MM Hills and connects Hanur and Ramapura villages via Ajjipura in Kollegal taluk of the district. The PWD is widening and repairing a 4.5-km stretch of the road.



It is disheartening that the road is being widened inside MM Hills within the Hanur buffer zone and that too without a formal approval from the authorities concerned, Shankar, a wildlife conservationist from MM Hills, said.



Upgrading roads inside wildlife sanctuaries requires mandatory approvals from the Karnataka State Wildlife Board and the National Board for Wildlife. The Union government has made it clear that no work in the forest cover will start without the written approval of these boards.



But the authorities of MM Hills have permitted upgrade of the road in the sanctuary without following the rules.



The stretch from Hanur to Ajjipura has dense vegetation on both sides and is home to a significant number of wild animals including elephants, spotted deer and sambar deer.



The existing road itself acts a barrier to the movement of animals.



In separate incidents, two deer have been killed in the past five months.



If the road is widened further, there will be a greater danger to animals from the speeding vehicles. Besides, it would escalate the man-animal conflict, Shankar said.

Forest officials said in-principle clearance was given to the PWD as the existing road was pathetic.



M Malathi Priya, Deputy Conservator of Forests, MM Hills, said the department had communicated to the PWD that the NOC would be given only for repairing the road and not for widening it.



We also told the PWD that no tree should be pruned or axed and the repair should be only on the existing road, she added.



Although she said official approval would be given only after a detailed report was submitted, she admitted that work had started in some patches as it was necessary.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has started widening the state highway in Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) in Chamarajanagar district on the basis of an oral approval received from the Forest Department, angering conservationists.


JD(S) national president H D Deve Gowda on Monday held a meeting in Bengaluru to review the arrangements to be made for the convention.



Gowda told reporters that BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa had announced that one lakh people had attended the partys Raichur convention of people belonging to the scheduled tribes. The Congress too had organised such a convention. Now, my partymen have volunteered to hold a Valmiki rally. , he added.



When his attention was drawn to Congress state chief G Parameshwaras statement that JD(S) rebel MLAs would join the Congress, Gowda sarcastically said, Only if senior leaders join, it becomes news. If former leaders join, then it would have no impact on us. Many youngsters are enthusiastically joining the JD(S), he said.





The JD(S) has organised a mega convention of Valmiki community in Davangere on July 1.
Pakistan can never take its dispute with India over Kashmir to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as it is a bilateral issue, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday.



Sushma told journalists that the India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir must be resolved by the two neighbours through bilateral discussion within the framework of the Shimla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore Declaration of 1999.



She was replying to a query on the possibility of Pakistan moving the ICJ over Kashmir in retaliation to a similar move by India, after a military court in the neighbouring country recently sentenced a former Indian Navy officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav, to death.



Sushma said the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration had ruled out the involvement of a third party in resolving the Kashmir dispute.



She noted that New Delhi had moved the ICJ as Pakistan had violated the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, by turning down Indias repeated requests for consular access to Jadhav, who has been in Pakistans custody since March 2016.



Pakistan is likely to counter Indias plea by challenging the jurisdiction of the ICJ. Sushma said India would present a very strong argument to counter Pakistan.

DH News Service
No meeting has been scheduled between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart M Nawaz Sharif in Astana this week.



Though Modi and Sharif will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations summit in the capital of Kazakhstan on June 8 and 9, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday told journalists that no bilateral meeting between the two prime ministers had been scheduled so far.



She said that neither India, nor Pakistan had so far proposed a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the SCO summit.



Modi and Sharif had a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the SCO summit at Ufa in Russia in July 2015. Though Modi attended the summit of the bloc in June 2016, Sharif did not and President Mamnoon Hussain represented Pakistan.



Sushma was addressing a press conference to highlight the achievements of the Modi government in managing the foreign relations of the country in the past three years since it had taken office in May 2014.



No flip-flops

She dismissed the allegation that the Modi government had committed several flip-flops in managing Indias troubled relations with Pakistan.



Our governments policy on Pakistan rests on three pillars. Firstly, we are ready to resolve all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan through dialogue. Secondly, the talks must happen between India and Pakistan, without any role of any third party. And thirdly, talks and terror cannot go together, said the external affairs minister.



She said that Modi had signalled his governments willingness for talks to resolve all outstanding bilateral issues between India and Pakistan in May 2014 itself, when he had invited Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.



We have to take note of the changes in the situation (due to continued cross-border terror attacks, violation of ceasefire by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control and death sentence awarded to former Indian Navy officer

Kulbhsuhan Jadhav by a military court in the neighbouring country), she said, when a journalist asked her about the prospects of resumption of India-Pakistan engagements.
India on Monday termed the recent airspace violation by two Chinese military helicopters as unacceptable and said it would take up the issue with the communist nation.



This is the first such airspace violation. We can understand ground incursion...It can be a mistake. But this is unacceptable. We will take it up with Beijing, said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, while addressing a press conference.



Her comment came on a day when Beijing sought to defend the airspace violation by calling it regular patrol. A spokesperson of the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs also noted that India and China had disputes over boundaries. Two Chinese military helicopters were seen hovering over Barahoti in the Chamoli district of

Uttarakhand on Saturday.



Earlier, soldiers of the Peoples Liberation Army of China have transgressed into Indian territory at Barahoti and other areas in Uttarakhand.



New Delhi has sought to play down such transgressions. The government in the past argued that such transgressions happened due to differing perceptions over the alignment of the Line of Actual Control, which serves as the de facto boundary between India and China in the absence of a settled boundary.


The Karnataka State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights has decided to enrol the two brothers of the five-year-old girl, who was recently assaulted sexually, in a school.



The commission is also considering extending financial aid to the victims family. As of now, we have decided to give Rs 10,000, commission chairperson Kripa Alva told reporters on Monday.



Alva visited the girl who is undergoing treatment at the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital. She said the commission will enrol the two brothers, aged seven and nine years, in a school.



I was heartbroken to know that these children have not stepped into a school. I have asked my staff to speak to the Education department to make arrangements for their education as soon as possible, said Alva.



The girl is in acute pain. Doctors attending on her said the girl cries whenever she wakes up from sleep, Alva said.

She said they were waiting for the results of her forensic examination and scanning reports.



The girl was abducted and raped by a ragpicker near her makeshift shed in KG Halli on June 3.

DH News Service
The process of option entry for students to select seats in private engineering colleges part of the Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (Comed-K) was to begin on Monday. But the date has not been finalised as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and the colleges for seat-sharing has not yet been signed.



We wanted to start the option entry process today. But the government has not finalised a meeting with the participating colleges regarding the MoU. So, we decided to wait, said Dr S Kumar, the executive secretary of Comed-K.



Until the MoU is signed, Comed-K would not be able to prepare the final seat matrix, which indicates the number of seats in each college and the number of reserved seats, he added.



The MoU, by which colleges surrender 45% of their seats to the government, is expected to be signed within this week. M K Panduranga Setty, the secretary of Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association (KUPECA), said the government was not yet ready with the agreement and they (colleges) would sign it whenever the government asked them to.



In the worst scenario, we will begin the option entry process by Friday, June 9, Dr Kumar said. He said the first round of counselling would get over by the end of this month and the second round before July 15.



The results of the Under Graduate Entrance Test 2017 (UGET-2017) conducted by Comed-K were announced on May 27. Usually, the counselling process begins within a week of the rank list being declared. Deemed universities, which conduct their own entrance tests and counselling, have already started the process of seat allotment.



No fee hike

Setty said the fee structure for seats in private engineering colleges under government quota would remain the same as it was last year. We demanded a fee hike of at least 10% and we wanted to meet the chief minister about this matter. But he seems to be very busy and we have not got an appointment. The government is reluctant to increase the fee, he said.



DH News Service
It was a moment of truth for the state government on World Environment Day as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked how the forest cover has remained same, though the forest department plants crores of saplings every year.



Siddaramaiah was speaking minutes after Forest Minister Ramanath Rai announced that the department was planting six crore saplings to mark World Environment Day.



For several years now, the forest cover in Karnataka has remained at 20%. What happened to the eight crore saplings planted last year? What about the six crore being planted this year? Every year, we plant crores of plants, why are they not increasing the green cover, he asked and turned at forest officials on the dais, who smiled sheepishly. Rai remained silent.



The chief minister said one school in each revenue district will be adopted to create green consciousness among children. Our health and our future is dependent on the environment and we need to educate children regarding this, he said.



Noting that the government cant do everything to save the environment, he said besides blaming the government, people should ask whether they are doing their part. We have been asking people to segregate waste for years. But till today, most of them dont do it. We need to realise that we all are individually responsible for the conservation of the environment, he said.



Rai said the forest department will develop 50 tree parks in forest land in the city. We have plans to boost lake and forest conservation activities through corporate social responsibility initiatives, he said.



He said the parks will be named after Salumarada Thimmakka and will act as lung spaces in the urban environment.

On the occasion, three individuals and three organisations were given Karnataka Environment Award. C T Puttaswamy, M B Nayka, C D Patil each received Rs 1 lakh cash besides a citation. Anneshwara Gram Panchayat, Nagarahole Tiger Conservation Foundation and Kalaburagi City Corporation received the award in the organisations category for their contribution to the environment.

DH News Service
After ensuring IT giant Wipro took the self-created fake resignation of its employee back, Forum for IT Employees (FITE) on Monday alleged IT companies were tweaking the performance appraisal metrics and HR practices to facilitate the layoffs.



The forum, in a petition to Minister of State for Information Technology and Tourism, Priyank Kharge, said, To justify their actions, companies are pretending that layoffs are performance related. They do this by introducing new criteria and suddenly changing the existing standards.



The petition said IT companies were scared of the legal action. The forum claimed they have been receiving 350 distress calls from employees across the country describing hostile atmosphere towards employees at IT workplaces.



Urging the government to intervene in the issue, the petition said IT companies have enjoyed many sops from the government on the pretext of generating more jobs.



The forum also called for revocation of the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act 1946, which is renewed every five years. The standing orders exempt the IT companies from the Act.



Kharge, on his part, said as a minister, it is his job to bring employers and employees to the negotiating table.

The government is not going to pass any law without listening to all stakeholders, including employers and employees. We cannot have a lopsided view. The aim is to create more employment. Let me listen to FITEs perspective completely. Then, I am going to call the employers and seek their point of view, Kharge told DH, adding it is too early to take any drastic step.



IT giant Wipro had withdrawn a false flag resignation of one of its employees, after FITE representatives met the labour commissioner.

DH News Service
A lodge receipt found in an abandoned bag on the Palace Grounds premises has helped police catch a 14-member gang of sandalwood smugglers and recover 32 kilograms of the precious wood.



The suspects, all from Tamil Nadu, had reportedly chopped down sandalwood trees in Palace Grounds on the night of May 26 by assaulting security guards. In the melee, the gang members left behind a bag. When police checked it, they found the rent receipt of a lodge in KR Market. They questioned the lodge staff and tracked down the suspects. The gang members had been staying in Bengaluru for some time and were planning to smuggle more sandalwood, a police officer.



According to police, the kingpin is IIayaraj who visits Bengaluru every month to carry out sandalwood smuggling. Police identified two other suspects as Sehtu and Varadan but didnt give the names of others.

Kidnapped boy rescued

The Kolar police arrested two men from Bengaluru and rescued a two-year-old boy who was kidnapped by them from Kolar. The victim Siddiq, son of Sanaulla, was kidnapped from Khakisha Mohalla in Gulpet in Kolar town on Friday by two bike-borne men while he was playing in front of his house. His parents and relatives made a frantic search and later filed a police complaint.



The police, who suspected that the abductors and the victim had come to Bengaluru, traced the kidnappers to Goripalya in Bengaluru on Saturday night and arrested them. The police rescued the boy and handed him over to his parents.



The arrested have been identified as Syed Salman and Sadiq Pasha, residents of Goripalya. During interrogation, the duo admitted to kidnapping the boy, the police said.



Bike rider killed

A two-wheeler rider was killed on the spot when a cab hit his bike from behind in Peenya on Sunday. The victim Mani (30), a resident of Arishinakunte, was working at RMC yard.



According to the police, the accident occurred on the Tumakuru Road flyover when the victim was returning home on his bike. As the cab hit the bike, Mani fell down and sustained severe head injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Hemanth (25), the cab driver from Pavagad, fled the spot, but later he surrendered before the police.
A television actor has complained to police that some people have created fake Facebook accounts in her name and uploaded obscene content on them.



Swathi, who works in the Kannada teleserial Manedevru which is broadcast on Colors Kannada, has filed separate complaints with the city polices cybercrime police station and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). She said the culprits downloaded her profile picture from her Facebook account and created fake accounts under Shruthi Saith, Shruthi Sanvi, Shruthi Nagaraj, Ajay Kumar and Chaitra Gowda. They not only uploaded obscene content but also listed her fathers phone number and her residential address.



Swathi said a friend brought the matter to her fathers attention. I complained to Facebook and got the fake accounts deleted. But another fake account under Kavitha Nagaraj surfaced and the same posts were uploaded. I have been facing mental harassment for the past two months, she said.

DH News Service
The wish of this couple of being laid to rest together in the same pit remained just that. Sunil (23) and Manjula (25) offered themselves before a running train near the Maddur railway station on Sunday afternoon, leaving behind a death note requesting their family members to bury their mortal remains in the same pit so that they would be united in death.



Sunil (23), a resident of T Narsipur in Mysuru district, and Manjula (25), a native of Kollegal in Chamarajanagar district, had eloped from their houses a month ago. Manjula was married and had a three-year-old daughter.



The family members of neither of them knew about the affair. They were shocked when we told them the truth, Suresh, sub-inspector (SI), Mandya railway police station, told DH.



Manjulas husband Raju is a tailor by profession, while Sunil was a construction worker. They fell in love about six months ago and eloped from their houses a month ago. Fearing disrepute to the family, Raju didnt lodge a missing complaint with the police, the SI said.



Sunil borrowed his friends bike and the lovers rode on it to Maddur. The couple then went to the Madduramma temple. They returned to the tracks, jumped over them and were run over by the Shatabdi Express.



The loco pilot noticed bodies on the tracks and informed the control room around 2.30 pm. We recovered a mobile phone, an identity card and a death note in Kannada, which was signed by the two, from Sunils pocket, the SI said.



The note read, Nobody is responsible for our deaths. We wanted to live together, but it remained a dream. We wanted to be united in death. We request you to return the bike to its owner. We plead that our bodies be buried together in the same pit.



The bodies were handed over to respective families after the post mortem at Mandya government hospital. Manjula was laid to rest at Kollegal and Sunil at T Narsipur.

DH News Service
A 25-year-old man who previously worked in the cafeteria of an information technology company has been arrested for filming women employees in a restroom of the firm.



The suspect, Paramesh, worked in the cafeteria on the fourth floor of the IT company in Kundalahalli, east Bengaluru. Around 2,000 people work at this firm, police said.



On the fourth floor, apart from the cafeteria, there are restrooms for men and women. There are two toilets in the womens section with a partition in between. There is a one-foot gap between the lower side of the partition and the floor, a police officer said.



The incident occurred on June 3 when Paramesh entered a womens toilet and reportedly hid there for a long time. A woman employee who entered the other toilet saw a mobile phone lying on the ground with its video recording mode on. She became suspicious and alerted the security guard.



The guard tried to open the door of the other toilet, but it was locked from inside. Moments later, Paramesh rushed out carrying the phone and ran away, the officer added.



He sprinted to his paying guest accommodation located nearby and reportedly deleted all the videos. He was arrested on Sunday, and a court remanded him in judicial custody. We have booked him for voyeurism under IPC sections 354B and C and under section 66E of the Information Technology Act, the officer said. We have seized his phone and have sent it for forensic examination to retrieve the deleted files.



It also emerged that Parameshs employment was terminated a month ago but he kept visiting the cafeteria at weekends. We are questioning the companys management as to how he got access to the premises and whether his police verification was carried out before he was hired, the officer said.

DH News Service
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There are five candidates competing for Derbyshire Dales - a seat held by Sir Patrick McLoughlin for the Conservatives since it was formed in 2010.

But which one will receive the most votes in the 2017 General Election?

Here is a look at the candidates who will line up on your ballot paper - if you live in the wards within Derbyshire Dales District Council and the Amber Valley Borough Council wards of Alport, Crich, and the South West Parishes.- on June 8.

The candidates are:

Andy Botham - Labour

Andy Botham is a local Derbyshire person and a train driver by profession. He is also a former Derbyshire County councillor for Matlock.

He said: "The Derbyshire that I grew up in is a vibrant, diverse and prosperous county; but the policies of the Conservative-led government and our Conservative MP are putting all of this at risk. This constituency needs to elect a Labour MP who will offer radical change and stand up for the people against this government's destructive austerity agenda."

General Election history: Stood in Derbyshire Dales in 2015.

Matthew Buckler - Green Party

Matthew Buckler has lived in Matlock for 12 years and works in the Peak District after studying ecology at the University of Sheffield.

He said: "I am a passionate believer in working together to identify what we have in common and resolving issues together, whether that be through trade unionism, internationalism or working collaboratively on specific problems. The divisions that are currently being fostered in society require us to stand together, as issues like climate change, conflict, loss of nature and natural capital need big scale solutions that we can't address on our own."

General Election history: Standing for the first time in a General Election.

Robin Greenwood - Humanity

Mr Greenwood lives in Matlock. He believes that many things need to change - including who owns wealth, the NHS, employment and housing.

He told the Matlock Mercury: "The NHS is a sickness service, not a health service. We need to help people live healthy, satisfying lives. The economy must be firmly regulated so that it serves the interest of the people and not that of private profit and housing should be community led."

General Election history: First time standing in a General Election.

Andrew Hollyer - Liberal Democrats

Andrew Hollyer has lived in Derbyshire all his life - in Darley Dale and Chesterfield - and attended Sheffield University, where he obtained a degree in urban studies and planning.

He said: "I became more involved in politics after being diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and had experience of the NHS, which led me to want to fight for the hard-working staff that have found themselves with increased burden and falling real terms wages. I strongly believe that the people should be able to pass judgement on the final deal negotiated with the EU  with the option to stay.

General Election history: Standing for the first time in a General Election.

Sir Patrick McLoughlin - Conservative

Sir Patrick McLoughlin first became an MP in 1986 when he won West Derbyshire - now Derbyshire Dales - by 100 votes. He was born in Staffordshire and became a miner initially and then worked for Staffordshire County Council. He is married with two children.

He said: "The choice is clear in this election: strong leadership for negotiating Brexit by voting for me or chaos by voting for Jeremy Corbyn's candidate. People across Derbyshire Dales need Theresa May's leadership to ensure economic stability, national security and a Brexit that works for everyone."

General Election history: Stood in Wolverhampton South East in 1983 and then in West Derbyshire in 1986. He has retained the seat ever since and it became Derbyshire Dales in 2010.

Our guide to your constituency:

From the names of the General Election candidates in your constituency to the issues which matter in your area, there's lots to think about when it comes to voting.

Hopefully, we can help. Simply enter your postcode in our widget, below, and you'll get a range of crucial information  such as who is standing in your constituency and who is likely to win. You'll also get a run-down of the major issues in your area using the latest official statistics.
Sonam Kapoor's Latest Vogue Photo Shoot Will Leave You In Awe Of Her Enchanting Beauty!
Lebanon to ban Wonder Woman over Israeli lead actress
An injectable diabetes medication could lower the risk of death and cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

Scientists from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, US report that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists have a number of cardiovascular benefits for those with type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1 agonists are used to lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes, which help to stimulate the release of insulin by the pancreas after eating, before blood sugars start to rise.

In this new study the US scientists examined links between GLP-1 agonists and heart health. They reviewed 105,862 people with type 2 diabetes from the Cleveland Clinic between 2004-2015.

Eight per cent of the participants had been taking GLP-1 medication, and the researchers used electronic health records to identify which patients had known cardiovascular disease and which patients didnt.

Participants on GLP-1 drugs demonstrated a significantly lower risk for stroke and all-cause mortality. When the researchers then compared patients with and without CV disease separately, GLP-1 therapy also correlated with lower risk for poor cardiovascular outcomes.

Lead author Dr Kevin M. Pantalone said that while the findings are positive, there are some limitations with the study that need to be addressed in future research.

It is difficult to know how long the patients in our study may have had T2DM, or what medications they may have been exposed to (and for how long), prior to them entering our health system, Pantalone told Cardiology Advisor.

Conducting additional studies using an incidence cohort of patients (i.e., those with a known date of T2DM diagnosis/duration of disease) would be helpful in determining if lower-risk CV patients with T2DM may also benefit from a CV standpoint from GLP-1 RA therapy.

The study was published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Health data on the heart risks associated with several diabetes medications will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association on June 9.
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Steering clear of any reference to its ''all weather ally'' Pakistan, China's assistant foreign minister on Monday said "one country alone cannot tackle terrorism", after Afghanistan blamed its neighbour for last week's deadly bomb blast in Kabul. Days ahead of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in which India and Pakistan will become full members, Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai China highlighted that combating international terrorism was a shared global responsibility. In response to a question regarding accusations that the Haqqani network, allegedly backed by Pakistani intelligence, was behind the recent Kabul blasts that killed scores, Li said that Beijing opposed ''all forms of terrorism''. Citing the string of terror attacks that targeted Afghanistan, Britain, and the Philippines, Li stressed that a global consensus had been achieved that ''the international community had to jointly tackle terrorism''. No ''single country or party'' had the capacity to tackle the menace alone, he observed. China, he added was willing to work with all parties ''bilaterally or regionally'' to achieve regional stability. Li confirmed that India and Pakistan will become full members of the SCO during the course of the grouping's summit in the Kazakhstan's capital Astana later this week. He said that during the summit that begins on 7 June, a resolution would be passed ''according status of membership to India and Pakistan''. With the inclusion of the two countries, the ''geographic coverage (of the SCO) will be extended to South Asia, covering three-fifth of the Eurasian continent covering half the population of the world''. Consequently, the SCO would become more representative, with an enhanced potential for cooperation, he observed. Answering a question, the Chinese official said that India's bid for membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) ''is more complicated than what was imagined previously''. He added, ''China supports the NSG to have several consultations to reach a non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution to all the members of the NSG.'' Li stressed that China and India as ''important neighbours'' and ''emerging market economies'' are positioned to play global responsibilities. He said that Beijing-New Delhi cooperation was important to ''world peace and stability''. Pointing to the ''multiple. The Afghan government said early findings from an investigation showed the blast was carried out by the Taliban-linked Haqqani network with "direct coordination" by Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). Pakistan has denied the charge. Li said an SCO treaty on combating terrorism and formalising India's and Pakistan's entry into the six member security grouping were on the agenda for the summit in Astana. The group's current members are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzebekistan. Li said China welcomed India's addition to the grouping which would make it more representative with it now representing more than half the world's population. A bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit is being discussed. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is also expected to attend the Astana summit.








A new cafe which offers much more than great scones and cake opened its doors for the first time on Thursday morning.

The Alzheimer Cafe at the Silver Tassie Hotel in Letterkenny will run on the first Thursday of every month.

It is a place where people living with dementia and their carers can spend time with other people who are having similar experiences. A relaxed, secure and sociable atmosphere will be accompanied by talks by medical professionals and people who are affected by dementia.

The number of people with dementia is set to double in Ireland from 48,000 in the next 20 years.

The cafe is the second of its kind in the county, after the recent opening of one in Carrick. Both are run by the Alzheimer Society with support from Donegal County Council and the HSE.

The idea of such a meeting place for people affected by dementia developed in the Netherlands from the idea of psychologist Dr Bere Miesen. The development of such cafes in Donegal has been an aim of the Donegal branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland for some time, and it is now hoped that the concept will be rolled out to other locations across the county.

Addressing the opening, Professor Ken Mulpeter of Letterkenny University Hospital said the label of having dementia can be a disservice to the patient.

There is an increasing disconnect between the different ages in society, he said. There is not any value based on the wisdom of age. There is a sense that once you finish work and and are retired that you are not of any economic good and I think that is a great mistake.

The cafe is open from 11am to 1pm on the first Thursday of every month. Visit www.alzheimer.ie for more.
Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh of Altan said the DAA has agreed to cover the cost of repairs to her cherished, 19th-century fiddle, after the instrument was seriously damaged while Mairead was going through security at Dublin Airport.

The fiddle was a gift to Mairead from her father, Francie Mooney, who passed away in 2006, and Mairead said she had travelled thousands of times with the precious instrument, without incident, before last week.

Mairead was leaving from Dublin Airport for the Shetland Islands in Scotland, where she is recording.

After Mairead contacted DAA to inform them of the incident, she said she received an email later that evening from the head of DAA to apologise and say the authority would cover the cost of repair and of hiring a replacement in the meantime.

Speaking to Highland Radio, Mairead called the outcome a good resolution, and said she had thanked DAA profusely for accepting responsibility.

She said she was devastated when the fiddle broke.

Mairead told Highland that when she was at security, the delicate instrument was taken from its case and examined by security staff, who replaced it in the case. However, the case was left unfastened, and the fiddle fell from the case as Mairead went to pick it up.

She said normally she would be expected to take the fiddle from the case and hand it to security, but this was not done on this occasion. Instead, the fiddle was taken from her for examination.

Mairead said after the case fell she also lost a personal trinket given to her by another fiddle player that she carried in the case for luck.

She said she was fortunate to have been heading to the Shetlands, an area known for fiddle music and its violin makers. Ewen Thompson, a world-renowned violin maker, is to repair her fiddle.

Im delighted, she said.
"Our vision is that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car."

Volvo chief executive Hakan Samuelsson's pitch that no one will lose their life at the wheel of one of his cars is a huge call, one that has shaped the development of new models such as the upcoming XC60 SUV.

Drive caught up with Jan Ivarsson, senior technical adviser for safety, at the launch of the new XC60 SUV in Spain.

Drive: Is this the safest car Volvo has ever made?

Volvo: Yes, the new car represents that, although, more or less, every new car will be the safest one. As we move along with mission 2020 we deploy new functions with every launch. This time we are putting the city safety with steering support in the car as well as steer assist as well as oncoming collision mitigation with steering assist.

Drive: Oncoming mitigation looks like a really important piece of technology, (the car can steer itself away from a head-on collision) tell me what the aim of that is?

Volvo: We look into data - we know what sort of problems people have in real traffic, we've been doing this for many years. From what we have seen in the data we have two different modes that are troublesome from an energy perspective. One is a run-off-the-road type of situation where we have very complex type of situation on the side of the road.

The other one is if you have a head-on situation and you are drifting into the other lane, you could explore a crash with very high energies, and that means you have a risk of severe injuries. The cause of the incident could be that you for some reason inattentive, and not watching what you are doing.

Drive: How does that technology vary from conventional lane departure assistance?

Volvo: If you are drifting out of the lane the car will monitor with the radar, having a longer perspective than you have not watching. It will look for cars in the other lane, oncoming cars. If you have cars coming it will start image processing with the camera to really understand the problem. Now the car will start to steer itself back into your own lane.

Drive: So if the driver falls asleep and has no possibility of steering...

Volvo: ... it will steer back into its lane.

Drive: Will it sound an alarm as well?

Volvo: No, it will not send an alarm. Falling asleep is one thing that occurs earlier. Our car will have a driver alert functionality that will start or trigger much earlier before you have this type of drifting. It first offers the opportunity to have a rest, then it offers other warning. The cause of this (oncoming crash) is that you are distracted for some reason.

Drive: Where does this XC60 sit in the realm of SUVs? It has more safety gear than the XC90, does that make it the safest SUV in the world?

Volvo: That is a very sharp statement. We deliver according to our mission 2020 that no one should be seriously injured or killed in our cars by the end of 2020, and that's what we are delivering from. If you look a the competition we give our cars an extremely high value regarding protective safety and a lot of built-in functions for rear-end collisions, side impacts, rollovers and so on. Advanced restraints, the best collision avoidance technology for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, large animals and so on as well as pilot assist and adaptive cruise control.

It's a broad safety offer from a standard perspective, and it goes down to the very details.

Drive: One of your key rivals in Tesla has the ability to update safety functions over-the-air (wirelessly), is that an option for this?

Volvo: You will have the possibility of updating some of the cars already out there regarding this type of functionality. But we won't have over-the-air updates for our cars, that's for the future.

Drive: So you will be able to update features in this car through the dealer, as part of the servicing process? And over-the-air is something you're actively working on?

Volvo: Yes.

Drive: How much of a concern is cyber security?

Volvo: We need to have a high standard for security. That is of importance. We have built in levels for cyber security in our cars.

Drive: Is there are particular safety feature that you're proud of in these cars?

Volvo: Having this standard fitment of functionalities, one would be a key selling point in city safety (autonomous emergency braking), I'm very proud of that. It's both the classical protective safety and collision avoidance on a very high level. I think Volvo is really pioneering both protective safety and collision avoidance for the customers.

Drive: have you performed an NCAP crash test for the car yet?

Volvo: No, we have not done the test yet. It's in our plans.

Drive: The expectation is that it will be a very strong result?

Volvo: Of course. I see the rating as a sort of confirmation or qualifier of what we do. Our commitment goes way beyond ratings.

Drive: Is the NCAP rating system an accurate representation of a car like this or does it fall short of what a car can do?

Volvo: I think that it think it works very well for the bulk of car, I think the rating is very good. But to demonstrate safety leadership it's not really there, that's something different. We are looking into field data - that is real crashes - and trying to support NCAP to pitch a measurement protocol that is in line with what the customer will experience in real traffic. That is important to us. The effort that we put into our cars will give a performance for the customers out in real traffic.

Drive: What about the ability for NCAP to assess the active driver assistance, the crash prevention technology. I understand that is something NCAP is looking at doing soon?

Volvo: We will continue the dialogue and expand the scope of collision avoidance functions and methods because we think this is the most efficient way forward from a performance point of view.

Drive: Do you have an internal way of assessing this? How do you measure active safety?

Volvo: Based on customer data we look up new methods and requirements. What we put up is guidelines and requirements then we sign off on them in new cars. Over time it becomes more mature, we have generation one and two technologies, and you increase the performance - the scale of performance is calibrated according to the true need out in traffic.

Drive: Do you still work with police at the scene of the crash?

Volvo: Yes. We also have a tight cooperation in Sweden with one big insurance company, gathering data from that source. We also understand then how did the car react in different parts of the crash and if there are injuries we will ask the people to take part in a medical journal.

We have an expert doing encoding of the people that have been injured. That is done from the road perspective in Sweden - we also have a travelling road team, they work together with the police and the fire fighters.

Drive: The 2020 goal is very admirable. Is that achievable today? 2020 is not far away.

Volvo: It's a vision, it's a way of thinking. If you should think about the future, to think safety and no serous injuries and no fatalities that is a very sound way of thinking. Then we build functions and knowledge as we move on. It's a direction of the company; It's shared by myself, the engineers working at their desks, it's shared by our CEO Hakan Samuelsson, so that everyone knows this and has this straightforward vision and direction.

It's very ambitious. When we started saying this in 2007 a lot of people questioned whether this was really possible.

As we have moved on we've done the pioneering work with collision avoidance. We are down several generations of iterations and performance that is standard in our cars.

We've started something and I'm very confident that we will deploy new functions, new methods and new models, we'll have the rest of the industry coming, with more and more cars are putting in this type of collision avoidance technology.
In a world where social media is (almost) everything, there is no denying the benefits of an engaging online presence for your business.

More than 1 in 10 surveyed Australians have now shopped via a social media platform[1]. Successful social media strategies allow small businesses to convert customers to unofficial, yet involved, brand ambassadors who are genuinely excited about products and services, and are willing to share them with family and friends. Additionally, were seeing a rise in consumers browsing on social media before they buy, so a strong presence is increasingly important.

But, like everything, there is always a flip side.

As social media platforms increasingly become a key way for customers to interact with your business, the potential risk of malicious brand damage from online fraudsters increases. In fact according to a study by Proofpoint, close to 600 new fraudulent brand accounts were created each month between April and June 2016 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

These fraudulent brand accounts, run by cybercriminals, hijack brands by creating fake pages and accounts with the business name and credentials in an attempt to convince potential customers of its credibility. They have also been known to offer free perks and customer service actions which, in reality, do not exist.

PayPal is no stranger to this phenomenon. Weve discovered accounts purporting to be the company on Twitter and Facebook. Whether you run a small business or work in a multi-national company, protecting your brands reputation, and the experience your customers have with your business, is essential.

While the complete prevention of social media fraud is ideal, it is not realistic in every scenario. These steps can help you protect yourself through early detection of fraudulent brand accounts and allow you to act immediately:

1. Dont give others the opportunity to hijack your brand

If a small business hasnt established a social media presence, hijackers can claim the space for themselves. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for opportunities to take advantage of a business lax social media policy.

To avoid this, create an official social media presence on major channels, like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Even if your usage of these sites is infrequent, creating a presence is the first step in claiming your business stake in the social media ground.

2. Be aware of your social presence

Small businesses often assume that the information they share on social media is the only information available about their brand. Unfortunately, this is usually incorrect as the general public has a number of ways to comment on your brand, whether it be products, customer service, overall experience, etc. For example a local restaurant can easily feature on TripAdisor, Yelp, Menulog, True Local and other sites where customers regularly post self-generated reviews. A lack of monitoring can leave you not only unaware of useful feedback but can enable cybercriminals to create fake content that can not only lead customers astray but also damage your reputation.

Accounts that impersonate your business must be identified and dealt with as soon as possible to limit the damage caused to your brand. Creating and maintaining an inventory of your social media presence is key to discovering fake social media accounts if they crop up.

3. Report fraudulent sites

Reporting cybercriminals is a critical step in protecting your brand. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and others are committed to helping minimise and shut-down fraud on their channels and have avenues in their help centres to deal with these imposters. As soon as you become aware of a fraudulent brand social account, report it to the social media platform.

If you discover your brand has been hijacked, ensure your customers are made aware of the situation quickly. You should communicate to customers that only your official sites  and no other platform or channels  will be used to make announcements about new products and services.

4. Install a mechanism to take customer reports on fraud

Your customers are your allies and can help you in the fight against online fraud. Customers should be empowered to conveniently report instances of brand fraud to your business. However, most businesses do not have a centralised system to report fraud and therefore miss out on vital data that can help save them from defamation.

Make sure all employees are aware of your social media presence, current deals and promotions, as well as the potential risk of fraudsters. This will help them respond to customer questions and identify instances of fraud quickly.

Preventing social media brand fraud will continue to remain a challenge because of the generative nature of social media platforms and the proliferation of new and more creative scams. While these measures might not completely stop this kind of abuse, it will certainly raise the barrier for protection and prevention. Stay alert and protect your brand so your business can enjoy the many the benefits of the social media age.

About the author

Alastair Parry is the Head of Small and Medium Business, PayPal Australia.

[1] PayPal mCommerce Index, PayPal Australia, September 2016
Recently, Cathy Doll Philippines celebrated their first anniversary in the country with the launch of their new products.

Two of the most anticipated and my personal favorites that was released were the Cathy Doll Liquid Lip Matte and the Cathy Doll Sculpting and Highlighting Cushion. Why?

Take a look:

Cathy Doll Nude Me Liquid Lipstick Ultra Matte Finish

 Kiss proof ( proven & tested)

 Conceals lip lines

 Smudge proof

 The soft texture offers smooth lip

look

If the photos dont convince you, let me tell you more about what I like about the Cathy Doll Nude Me Liquid Lip Matte is that it doesnt dry the lips, it is waterproof, doesnt rub off easily, very pigmented, glides easily on the lips and long lasting.

Another product I love from the launch was the Cathy Doll Sculpting and Highlighting Cushion.

Cathy Doll Sculpting Highlight and Shading Cushion SPF50 PA+++

Three-Dimensional Contour Cushion!

 Highlighter to emphasize your features

 Shading to add three-dimensional appearance

 Matte finish, grease-free

 Leaves no rough patches

 Sweat-proof, water-proof and sun protection



I love how easy it is to use, all you need is to bled it well.

Let me show you a live application of the products I mentioned above in this video review I did on my YouTube channel EarthlingorgeousTV :



Aside from the two, Cathy Doll also released their Cathy Doll Nude Me Eyeshadow Color

 Enhance charm with most trending colors

 Comes with 3 tones

 Vivid, long-wearing colors without using

eye primer

 On-the-go packaging



The Cathy Doll Eyebrow Cara as also released that day.

Here are the price list:Nude Me Price List

You may watch what happenEd at the #AllDolledUp event here :

But wait theres more, Cathy Doll Philippines is launching their Beauty Blogger/Vlogger contest within the week pot prize for 1st prize is Php45,000 and 2 Runner ups. Best part is the makeup contest is not Avant Garde look like the other makeup contest haha. Will share more details soonest!

Stay gorgeous everyone!
Microsoft this weekend unleashed its wrath on the National Security Agency, alleging it was responsible for the ransomware attack that began last week and has spread to thousands of corporate, government and individual computer systems around the world.

Microsoft Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith launched a blistering attack on the NSA and governments worldwide, equating the ransomware attack with the U.S. military allowing the theft of a Tomahawk missile cache.

This is an emerging pattern in 2017, Smith wrote Sunday in an online post. We have seen vulnerabilities stored by the CIA show up on Wikileaks and now this vulnerability stolen from the NSA has affected customers around the world.

The attack illustrated a disconcerting link between the two most serious forms of cybersecurity threats in the world today  nation state action and organized criminal action, Smith said.

Governments should treat the attack  which has impacted more than 300,000 computers in 150 countries, according to Trump administration officials  as a wake-up call, Smith added, reiterating Microsofts call for a Digital Geneva Convention to govern the worldwide use of cybertools.

New Variants Popping Up

The WannaCry exploit is part of a trove of hacking tools the Shadow Brokers allegedly stole from the NSA and then leaked to the Internet. The attack mechanism is a phishing operation that encrypts files using the AES-128 cipher, and demands a ransom ranging from US$300 to $600 in bitcoins in order for the data to be released.

WannaCry has targeted computers using Windows systems, particularly legacy systems. Microsoft earlier this year issued a patch to protect computers from the malware, but in many parts of the world, users of Windows XP or Windows Vista failed to upgrade their systems or download the patch.

Microsoft issued a new patch last week, as well as a patch that would cover the legacy systems, as it stopped providing routine upgrades for them last month.

Two additional variants of the WannaCry malware were patched versions  rather than recompiled versions from the original authors  according to Ryan Kalember, senior vice president of cybersecurity at Proofpoint, which helped stop the original strain of the virus last week.

The first variant, WannaCry 2.0(a) pointed its kill switch to a different Internet domain, which promptly was registered and sinkholed, he told the E-Commerce Times. The second variant, WannaCry 2.0(b) had its kill switch functionally removed, which allows it to propagate, but prevents it from properly deploying the ransomware payload.

Proofpoint has found new variants of ransomware emerging every two to three days for the last 14 months, said Kalember, so organizations need to make sure they have the latest patches.

The WannaCry worm will not infect computers that have been in sleep mode, even with Transmission Control Protocol port 445 open on an unpatched system, noted Trend Micro in a Monday online post.

Still, administrators should patch such machines, the company warned.

Return to Normalcy

Tom Bossert, the assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism, addressed the issue at the White House daily press briefing.

Bossert spoke to his counterpart in the UK, he said, noting that no government systems were affected and less than $70,000 in ransom has been paid to release computers seized in the ransomware attack, worldwide.

The government was not aware of any payments resulting in data recovery, he added.

The Department of Homeland Security was aware of a small number of potential victims in the U.S. and was working with them to confirm and mitigate the threat, a DHS official who requested anonymity told the E-Commerce Times.

Federal Express has resumed normal operations and systems are performing as designed, said spokesperson Rae Lyn. The Ransomware attack disrupted the companys sorting operation in Memphis, Tennessee, and it waived the guarantee on deliveries due last Saturday.

The National Health Service in the UK was working to recover from the ransomware attack, which led to widespread computer disruptions, ambulance diversions, and cancellations of surgeries and office appointments.

There are encouraging signs that the situation is improving, with fewer hospitals having to divert patients from their A&E units, said Anne Rainsberry, national incident director.

Two hospitals still were diverting patients, however. The Lister Hospital  East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust was diverting patients for trauma, stroke and urgent heart attack treatment that would require diagnostic services. Also, Broomfield Hospital  Mid Essex Hospital Services was diverting trauma patients patients to Southend University Hospital.

The German Deutsche Bahn rail system largely has recovered from an attack of the initial strain of Wannacry, which caused electronic departure boards to display the hackers ransom demands, according to Lutz Miller, spokesperson for the rail service.

Train operations were not impacted, he told the E-Commerce Times, but some ticketing machines malfunctioned, and extra staff were positioned in affected rail stations.

Passengers were urged to use the DB Navigator or the DB Streckenagent apps.

The apps, the website, and customer service lines were not affected by the attack, Miller said, noting that it would take a few more days for departure boards to return to normal operation.

The city of Newark was hit by a ransomware attack last fall, but Frank Baraff, spokesperson for the city, told the E-Commerce Times that at the request of federal and state law enforcement, it would not comment further.

An FBI spokesperson would neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation.

The NSA did not respond to our requests to comment for this story.
What are the conditions that made immigration from Central America and Mexico to the United States and from Africa to Europe economically unattractive? The question has some importance if only because the receiving countries in both the United States and Europe have populations which show themselves more and more hostile to new immigration, although they do not object to immigrants who have to some extent already assimilated themselves to the majority population.

When running for President of the United States, Donald Trump promised many good things to his audiences, something every candidate did, but he also threatened the enemies of America or at least those who would deny that America comes first. One of his promises was to teach a lesson to Mexico, which in his view, was disloyally profiting from NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), but also sent millions of Mexicans to settle in America and take the jobs that should rightfully belong to Americans. He told his delighted audiences that he would build a tall cement wall along the Mexican border and get the Mexican government to pay for it. The wall will or will not be built, but in any case, Mexico will not pay for it. Experts are of the view that the wall, assuming it is eventually built, will not materially influence the immigration of Mexicans and Central Americans.

The referendum by which a majority of the British public voted for Brexit (June 2016) was in no smaller part an anti-immigrant vote. This was a curious reaction because the vote was technically to emancipate the British government from the obligation to allow EU citizens to reside and work in the United Kingdom, a right which only a small percentage of net UK immigrants have ever utilised. In the year 2016, net immigration was 248,000 people, 133,000 of whom were from EU countries. It is difficult to conceive why national sovereignty had to become of such vital importance and a decisive factor in Britain deciding to leave the EU. One might as well say that it was much ado about nothing, or at least about rather little. The bulk of UK immigration has always been from countries, like India and Africa, which the UK government has always been able to control and which had nothing to do with the immigration from EU countries which the United Kingdom was obliged to allow freely as long as the country was a member of the European Union. In other words, the United Kingdom has decided to leave the European Union in order to get the freedom to exclude the immigration of other EU residents who were not trying to enter in any case. For the UK voter who opted for Brexit, however, the vote was against all immigration, whether it was from the EU or from regions outside, even though the latter was rigorously independent from the EU and the right of European free entry. It was immigration under whatever legal title that the UK voter was against.

Under the initiative of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the European Union agreed to pay one billion euros for Turkey to receive refugees from Syria and to prevent them from continuing their way to Greece and beyond and thus to become the problem of the European Union. Hungary and Slovakia are petitioning the European Court of Justice against the decision of the European Union requiring them to receive a certain number of Syrian refugees. They consider this requirement to be contrary to their sovereignty.

There is now an agreement between the Italian navy and other European navies both to rescue refugee boats sinking on their way from the Libyan coast to Italy, but also and most importantly, to prevent such refugee boats from leaving the Libyan coast at all. This agreement, called Operation Triton, is designed to make it more difficult and expensive for people to traffic refugee customers leaving Africa and getting to Europe.

Such a dilemma could only be resolved if people in Africa and other habitual sources of immigration would no longer aspire to go and live in Europe or America, but were content voluntarily to live their lives in their own countries.

There is a growing tendency in both the European and American public and their governments to regard immigrants with little sympathy and indeed to try and refuse their admittance. Such a dilemma could only be resolved if people in Africa and other habitual sources of immigration would no longer aspire to go and live in Europe or America, but were content voluntarily to live their lives in their own countries. Such a dilemma would almost by definition exclude refugees who flee from civil strife or war, but could include so-called economic refugees, whose main motive for moving or staying put are matters of more or less accepted levels of well-being. In this paper we will only consider the conditions that would govern the choices of these economic immigrants.

In a simplified economic story, the unskilled wage rate of the migrant is below the unskilled wage rate of the immigrant. The gap between the two is the incentive for the voluntary migrant to abandon his country of origin and migrate. However, this gap would have to be greater than the cost the migrant would incur to change countries. The cost, including the risk of capture or even death, would have to be less than people have to find in order to get from Mexico to Arizona or from Central Africa to the Italian coast, for example.

Good Government: When the Future is Worth More than the Present
|

This passage leapt out at me last week as I read Everyone Loses: The Ukraine Crisis and the Ruinous Contest for Post- Soviet Eurasia (Routledge, 2017), by Samuel Charap and Timothy Colton, a slim and well-balanced recounting of events at the center of the present low state of US-Russia relations.

Unless Putin changes course, at some point in the not-too-distant future, the current nationalistic fever will break in Russia. When it does, it will give way to a sweaty and harsh realization of the economic costs. Then Russias citizens will ask: What have we really achieved? Instead of funding schools, hospitals, science and prosperity at home in Russia, we have squandered our national wealth on adventurism, interventionism and the ambitions of a leader who cares more about empire than his own citizens.

The speaker is Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary Of State for European and Eurasian Affairs in the Obama administration. She was testifying before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relation in May 2014, not long after Russia annexed the Crimea.

Many in the Russian elite took Nulands remark as a de facto declaration of political war, according to Sergei Karaganov, an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a letter to the authors. A sanctions slugfest followed the Crimean takeover, intensifying after rebel or Russian forces in eastern Ukraine brought down a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet in July. Regime change, an objective of US foreign policy in Iraq, Libya, and Syria, the Russians concluded, apparently extended to their country as well.

The Ukraine affair and its consequences seem worth remembering after a week when Putin, speaking to reporters at a meeting in St. Petersburg, allowed that private Russian hackers may well have been involved in probing US polling machinery and leaking emails during US elections last year. So might others around the world have been involved.

Hackers are free-spirited people, like artists, said Putin. If artists wake up in the morning in a good mood, they paint all day. Hackers are the same. If they wake up, read about something going on in relations between nations, and have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia. His government hadnt been doing the work, Putin asserted. He doubted that any amount of hacking could much influence the electoral outcome in another country.

Andrew Higgins, of The New York Times, wrote from Moscow,

The evolution of Russias position on possible meddling in the American election is similar to the way Mr. Putin repeatedly shifted his account of Russias role in the 2014 annexation of Crimea and in armed rebellions in eastern Ukraine. He began by denying that Russian troops had taken part before acknowledging, months later, that the Russian military was of course involved.

Thus did the attribution problem finally turn into a question of military and industrial organization in Russias rapidly growing computer establishment, broadly defined. It seems a safe bet that many, perhaps most, of the hacks detected by US intelligence services during 2016 were of Russian origin, though that doesnt mean that Putin directed them or even authorized them with any precision. Clearly the level of Russian antipathy towards Clinton was high.

Already in her first presidential campaign, in 2008, Clinton had scorned Putin. George W. Bush might have claimed he had looked into Putins eyes and gotten a sense of his soul, but she knew better. He was a KGB agent  he doesnt have a soul, she told a fund-raising crowd. As Secretary of State, she harshly reproached Russia for fraud and intimidation after the parliamentary elections of 2012  on the eve of Putins campaign for a third presidential term.

Putin was livid, wrote reporter Mark Lander, White House correspondent for The New York Times, in Alter Egos: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and the Twilight Struggle over American Power. (Random House, 2016). Clinton had sent a signal to some actors in our country, Putin claimed. Protesters took to the streets in Russias first major demonstrations since the 1990s. US cheerleaders hopefully dubbed it the Snow Revolution.

As it happened, Clintons spokesperson in those days was Nuland. Born in 1961, a 1983 graduate of Brown University, is daughter of surgeon-author Sherwin Nuland, wife of neoconservative commentator Robert Kagan. She entered government service as chief of staff to Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott during the Clinton administration. She became Vice President Dick Cheneys national security adviser on the eve of the invasion of Iraq, and afterwards served four years as ambassador to NATO. Nuland faced sharp questions about her role as Clintons press aide in the wake of the Benghazi attack, but was confirmed as an Assistant Secretary of State in September 2013  just in time for the Ukrainian crisis.

After she turned up passing out cookies to Ukrainian demonstrators in Kiev, Nuland was the victim of the very first notable Russia hack, recorded and posted on YouTube, discussing with US ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt who should serve in the Ukrainian leadership following the flight of president Viktor Yanukovychs to Moscow. Fuck the EU, she famously said, referring to the suggestion that the European Union, rather than the United Nations, should serve as a mediator in Ukraine.

Nuland, and her former mentor Talbot, were high up in the plans for a Clinton administration in 2016. Last week Albright Stonebridge Group, a strategy and commercial diplomacy firm, announced she would become a senior counsellor. The Russians, like nearly everyone else, had been preparing for President Clinton. Instead they got President Trump.

Everyone Loses is an excellent summary of the mess that ensued after massive street protests drove a pro-Russian democratically-elected president from office in February 2014. Charap, of RAND Corp, and Colton, professor of government at Harvard and author of Yeltsin: A Life (Basic, 2008), are eager to propose a set of precondition-free talks.

The West needs to cease holding out for Russia to surrender and accept its terms. Russia must stop pining for the good old days of great-power politics, be it the big three of 1945 or the Concert of Europe 1815-1914, and accept that its neighbors will have a say in any agreement that affects them. The neighbors should stop seeking national salvation from without, and recognize that it will be up to them, first and foremost, to bring about their countries security and well-being.

But then Everyone Loses was written before the US election. In order to focus narrowly on the fate of the so-called In-Betweens (Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan) and the Central Asian nations along the Russian periphery (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan), the authors left everything out of their book that didnt bear directly on the lose-lose situation that grew out of the crisis in Ukraine. That includes NATO expansion, divergences over Russias wars in Chechnya, matters of ballistic-missile defense, the US occupation of Iraq, the civil war in Syria, and US intervention in Libya.

That is, of course, no way to understand the larger situation. The Russians are no angels. But it is the US that has been on a bender since 1989. A complicated rethinking of US foreign policy is in store. The largely accidental election of Donald Trump has confused the issue. But that leaves plenty of time for the retracing of steps before the next election.
(Photo: Peter Kenny / Ecumenical News)Andrew Feinstein on Sept. 17, 2015 at the United Nations in Geneva during an event on how to stop the war in Syria during the UN Human Rights Council session.

Key notes from speech given by Andrew Feinstein executive director of Corruption Watch in the UK and author of' The Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade' at a meeting on how to stop the war in Syria and Iraq hosted by Caritas Internationalis and Dominicans for Justive and Peace at the United Nations in Geneva on Sept. 17:

"When considering the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Syria, it is important to consider, in addition to the geopolitical and ideological dynamics, the nature and functioning of the global arms trade, that feeds these conflicts, intensifies the massive abuses of human rights, and which undermines the prospects for peace.

I have been investigating and researching the arms trade for over 15 years 15 years, since I was a Member of Parliament for the African National Congress in South Africa and I was stopped from investigating a $10 billion arms deal in which $300 million dollars in bribes was paid. Because of this I resigned.

Scale of trade:

Global military expenditure is estimated to have totaled $1.75 trillion in 2015, that is $250 for every person on the planet.

The small arms trade is worth at least $8.5 billion. Around 4.5/5m firearms are sold in a year and every year about 526,000 violent deaths occur through warfare and murder.

The United States buys and sells almost as many weapons as the rest of the world combined. Other major producers of weaponry include Germany, the UK, France, Russia, Israel and China. These countries sell weapons through their large, government subsidised defence companies.

Last year the biggest buyer of weapons was Saudi Arabia. With the UAE, Turkey, Israel and India also increasing their purchases significantly.

While obviously an important dimension of national defence, a tool of foreign policy (including covert foreign policy) and a contributor (albeit overstated) to the economy, the arms trade, big and small, has additional profound impacts on the world: from the enabling, fuelling and perpetuation of conflict and repression, to the corrosion of democracy and human rights.

Arms deals stretch across a continuum of legality and ethics from the official, or formal trade, to the black market or illicit trade. Grey markets are a combination of the two.

And, in fact, in practice, the boundaries between these three markets are fuzzy. They are often intertwined and dependent on each other. With bribery and corruption commonplace, there are very few arms transactions that do not involve illegality, most often through middlemen or agents.

Many arms dealers who provide services to large defence companies and governments, continue to operate in the black and grey markets. Also arms dealers can see embargoes as a chance to leverage even greater profits.

A study conducted by Joe Roeber, then at Transparency International, calculated that the trade in weapons accounts for almost 40 per cent of all corruption in all global trade. A U.S, Dept. of Commerce study of five years of corrupt transactions involving U.S. businesses found that half were in the defense sector!

So why is the arms trade so susceptible to corruption and other malfeasance?

Roeber argues that the arms trade is hard-wired for corruption. It is built into its structure, into its very DNA. You have contracts worth a vast amount, being decided on by a very small number of people behind a national security imposed veil of secrecy. Perfect conditions for rampant corruption and other illegality

The consequences of this malfeasance and the efforts to conceal it, include the corrosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law in buying and selling countries, greater instability in fragile states, massive opportunity costs especially in relation to socio-economic development and sometimes an undermining of the very national security that the deals are supposed to bolster.

This worsens in times of conflict, where checks and balances seldom exist, time is of the essence, and few questions are asked.

Crucially, those involved in the trade wield enormous political influence through the phenomenon of the revolving door: the movement of people between positions in government, politics, the military, intelligence agencies and defense companies. The consequences of this are a distortion of policy making - not just in the ascendancy of war-making over diplomacy, but also in foreign and economic policy decisions.

A crucial dimension of these arrangements is the link between defence companies, arms dealers and political parties - the trade plays a crucial role in party political funding around the world.

This national security elite not only wields enormous power while they are enriching themselves, but also operate in something of a parallel legal universe, as they seldom face the legal consequences of their often illegal actions.

Of the 502 violations of UN arms embargoes recorded, two resulted in legal action, one in a conviction!

In addition, the trade in weapons suffers remarkable degrees of what is referred to as blowback: the unexpected consequences of any action, which are the opposite of that which the action intended. In the arms trade, blowback results in weapons sold often landing up in the wrong hands or even being turned against the very countries that sold them.

The NATO bombings of Libya, during the late period of the Gaddafi regime, were noteworthy for the reality that the targets were often weapons systems sold to Libya by the very countries undertaking the bombings. The ultimate political blowback is probably Afghanistan, where the multi-billion dollar arming of the Mujahideen was key to the creation of the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

Which brings us to Iraq and Syria:

Arms dealers, such as those I've referred to, are doing a roaring trade, selling to all sides. The world's most powerful nations' failure to clamp down on these dealers (because they use them for covert foreign policy or as intelligence assets) is coming home to roost!

But the strategies of the world's most powerful nations in the region is also at fault. As we discovered in Iraq, Intel in the region is difficult and often faulty. So the alliances between governments and the various groups on the ground are in a state of constant flux. This is fertile ground for regular and inevitable blowback.

So weapons sold or brought into the region, on whichever side in these complicated conflicts, serve, not to aid peace, but primarily to worsen the severity and fatal consequences of the fighting. If we have learned anything from history it is this!

In addition, the objectives of the world's most powerful countries are themselves in a state of constant flux. But arming a few of the key protagonists in the region (which have bought more weapons than any other countries over the past 18 months), is highly unlikely to contribute to peace.

The profound irony of the current situation is that the tidal wave of refugees are going predominantly to the countries that are the biggest suppliers of weapons to the conflicts they are fleeing.

As we stand here today, the world's largest arms fair is taking place in London where most of the protagonists in these conflicts will be re-stocking their armories.

So what can we do?

In general terms, as even the illiberal industrialist, Henry Ford, fathomed: "Show me who makes a profit from war and I'll show you how to stop the war."

We have numerous national, regional and international regulations, but most are barely applied, because of the economic and political interests that would be effected by their rigorous application. Let us demand zero tolerance enforcement, so that no weapons could be sold to any of the protagonists - both directly and indirectly involved in these two conflicts. Let us ensure that individual arms dealers active in the region are locked up if they sell into these countries, regardless of whose intelligence assets they might be.

If there is not the political will to do this, because of the political and economic interests at stake, then let us as citizens of the world say "no more" to the countries involved, starting with the voters and tax payers in each of the world's major weapons makers, whose tax dollars subsidise the arms manufacturers.

For, if we don't stop the flow of weapons into these conflicts the slaughter of 100s of thousands will continue unabated and the tragic march of millions fleeing conflict, human rights abuses and extreme instability, will become a permanent drumbeat of desperation and anguish."
(Photo:  Loyola Ranarison / WCC)Olive tree from the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed with his disciples the night before his crucifixion in Jerusalem. Photographed in 2017.

Pope Francis has spoken of the "absurd contradiction" negotiating for peace while at the same time pushing arms sales while World Council of Churches leader Olav Fykse Tveit led prayers for peace in Jerusalem on the 50th anniversary after the end of the six day war that led to the occupied territories in the Holy Land.

Both were speaking for peace in unrelated acts around the Pentecost celebrations when Christians celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Jesus a few weeks after his death and resurrection.

The Pope released a video message accompanying his monthly prayer intention for June with the intention to seek the elimination of the arms trade.

"It's an absurd contradiction to speak of peace, to negotiate peace, and at the same time promote or permit the arms trade," says Francis.

"Is this war or that war really a war to solve problems, or is it a commercial war for selling weapons in illegal trade, and so that the merchants of death get rich?" he asks, as images of explosions and gunfire interchange with frames of the leaders shaking hands dripping with blood.

"Let us put an end to this situation," he said. "Let us pray all together that national leaders may firmly commit themselves to ending the arms trade which victimizes so many innocent people."

In a comment on the website of Catholic News Agency in response to Pope Francis' message DAJM Howard wrote, "I will not. I will pray for responsible arms trade. Rocks don't work against ISIS."

In Jerusalem on June 5, World Council of Churches' Tveit made his peace plea preaching at a prayer service in Jerusalem for justice and peace in the Holy Land on 5 June at the Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem during Pentecost celebrations.

The fellowship and unity that Jesus' disciples once experienced praying together during a time of fear in Jerusalem at Pentecost "spelled a new beginning" for the mission of the Church, he said in a reminder to Christians worldwide from the Holy Land.

'A COMMUNITY IN FEAR'

"It happened to a community in fear. They lived under occupation and oppression.... The signs of the Holy Spirit described in the Pentecost story points indeed towards unity and just peace," noted WCC general secretary Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit.

The prayer, initiated by church leaders in Jerusalem, is being held worldwide 50 years after Israel began its occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights after a six-day war in 1967 by Israel and the neighbouring states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.

Jerusalem is a holy city and it has been for Christians over centuries and even millennia said Tveit, noting, "So it is also today. Followers of the three Abrahamic religions, Jews, Christians and Muslims see this as a holy city and pray here to the One Holy God."

The World Council of Churches called for Christians all over the world, while they are celebrating the feast of Pentecost, to join in a prayer for justice and peace.

"The Holy Spirit creates our lives every day, renewing the face of the Earth, as Psalm 104 reads. The Spirit of God, 'the Lord and Giver of life', breathes into our world so that there is life in each one of us," explained Tveit.

Tveit said that in praying to God people cannot ignore the consequences for how they relate to one another.

"Jerusalem carries the name of peace. Yet we know that the people of Jerusalem and in this area are not living in peace today. Pentecost this year comes at the same time as we here mark 50 years since the war that led to the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza."

Tveit said, "The occupation has not ended. It is manifest in military rule, in discrimination and violations of human rights.

"It is also manifest in the building of settlements and infrastructure that are against international law - making it more of colonization than mere occupation. This must end for the sake of just peace for all the peoples living here, for Palestine and for Israel."

"Praying to God makes us accountable to one another as God's creation, created in the image of God. The One God calls us to unity and to justice and peace with one another... The Holy Spirit creates life for unity.

"Like at the first Pentecost, our faces, our voices, and our actions can express praise to God in a way that can create fellowship and unity. God can be worshiped in Spirit and truth everywhere. That is why we pray together here  and in any place in the world."
Teacher evaluationsboth their role and the mechanics of carrying them outare a politically fraught subject, and the Every Student Succeeds Act has kicked the dust up once again as states wrestle with how to comply with teacher-quality sections of the new law.

ESSA, which goes into effect this fall, does away with the highly qualified teacher mandates under its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act. It also bans the U.S. secretary of education from dictating the ways in which states grade their teachers, a sore spot under the NCLB law.

At the same time, ESSA requires states to provide a single definition of ineffective teachers in the plans they submit to the federal government and then describe how they will ensure that poor and minority students arent being taught by a disproportionate number of them.

This shift in policy has reignited battles over who should stand in front of Americas classrooms, whether state or local leaders should make those decisions, and what information about teachers performance should be reported.

Tracking Teacher Quality The No Child Left Behind Act and its successor, the Every Student Succeeds Act, take different approaches to tallying and determining the quality of the teacher workforce. NCLB

Required highly qualified teachers, defined as those who have a bachelors degree, a state certification, and content knowledge in the subjects they taught.

To get waivers under the NCLB law, states had to design guidelines for teacher evaluations that used multiple measures of performance, including student growth based on state assessments as a significant factor. ESSA

Requires states to define ineffective, out-of-field, and inexperienced teacher. Prohibits the U.S. secretary of education from prescribing any indicators or specific measures of teacher, principal, or school leader effectiveness or quality through the approval of a state plan or through a waiver from the law.

Requires each states ESSA plan to describe how the local educational agency will identify and address  any disparities that result in low-income students and minority students being taught at higher rates than other students by ineffective, inexperienced, or out-of-field teachers.

Civil rights advocates and teacher accountability hawks have expressed deep frustration with how some states ignored this portion of the law in the 17 plans submitted so far. They are pushing the Education Department to get tough as those plans undergo peer review before the education secretary rules on them.

We are disappointed at the extent to which some states have taken the opportunity, with the absence of strong regulations, to really include a very minimal amount of information about what theyre doing to close equity gaps, said Elizabeth Ross, the managing director of state policy for the National Council on Teacher Quality, or NCTQ, a Washington-based research and advocacy group. From our read, some states failed to provide even the most minimal definitions, statutory terms, and data. No state is getting this perfect across the board. 

State education officials, meanwhile, say they struggle to collect teacher quality information from districts, many of which have different evaluation systems. Many states are navigating a myriad of privacy laws that can make collecting and analyzing teacher quality information challenging.

Further complicating things, district administrators, union officials, and state politicians often disagree over what indicators, including test scores, should be considered when deciding a teacher is ineffective. Navigating these political and technical hurdles is difficult for state departments, said Holly Boffy, the program director of teacher and leader development for the Council of Chief State School Officers.

I believe, if were successful, were going to see incredible improvement for our kids that ESSA is intended to serve, Boffy said, referring to defining and tracking ineffective teachers. Im excited about this push in the law because it influences the way we think about how we support teachers.

Early Signs

About a third of the states have submitted their ESSA plans so far, and their approaches in this area vary widely.

Oregon and the District of Columbia did not explicitly define ineffective teachers, saying they will do so at a later date.

Michael J. Kirst, the chairman of Californias state board of education, said that the state will likely punt the decision to the legislature.

Connecticut, which has a clear definition of ineffective teachers, said it does not track where those educators work since state law prohibits that information from being made available to the public.

North Dakota will calculate how much ineffective teaching occurs in schools, rather than how many ineffective teachers work at a school.

Vermont will name every teacher who has a teacher certification as effective.

In North Dakota and Vermont, the majority of schools are so tiny that merely identifying schools with ineffective teachers would place names and faces on teachers who need help, which amounts to public shaming, department officials in those states say.

We dont have the ability to look at the individual context and determine whether teachers are doing the best of their ability based on whats going on in that classroom, said Patrick Halladay, Vermonts ESSA project manager.

And during the reporting process of this story, after questions from Education Week and NCTQ, Michigan officials realized they erroneously left that part out of their submitted plan. They revised and resubmitted the plan to the department.

Clash of Views

Teacher union officials in some states say ESSA contradicts itself by both banning federal meddling in teacher evaluations and asking states to define what an ineffective teacher isessentially forcing the state to determine who does and doesnt belong in the classroom.

When I think back to a good teacher, the thing that might have made the biggest difference, I look back and say, Can you really have measured that?  said Ray Rossomando, the research and policy development specialist at the Connecticut Education Association. Therein lies the difficulty. Whats beneficial is a reliance on observations and whats grown to be rich conversations between supervisors and teachers.

Civil rights activists, however, say the data collection piece is what will make ESSA effective in closing the nations stubborn achievement gap.

They say that by knowing and tracking where ineffective teachers are clustered, state agencies and local districts can more specifically tailor federal resources to schools most in need, and the public can more closely hold their school board members accountable.

You cant plausibly say youre going to close gaps without addressing fundamental, longstanding allocation of resources and, principal among those things is great teaching, said Liz King, the senior policy analyst and director of education policy of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

Role of Data

In 2015, most states with waivers from the NCLB law held high-profile, sometimes-raucous meetings with teachers unions over how to comply with the federal requirement to include standardized test scores in teacher evaluations.

States also in recent years have begun collecting statewide data on things such as teacher experience, how long teachers stay at schools and where they attended college. These are clues states can use to help come up with a single definition for an ineffective teacher, said Brennan McMahon Parton, the associate director of state policy and advocacy for the Data Quality Campaign, an organization that works with state policymakers to improve data collection and use.

No state is starting from scratch, and thats why we were so disappointed to see that some didnt even include the minimal amount of information in their plans, Ross said.

In several submitted plans, state officials, in sometimes very plain language, say that what makes for an ineffective teacher is still an unsettled debate. (By contrast, theres wide consensus in policy circles on what qualifies as an out-of-field and inexperienced teacher.)

Among those that have yet to submit a definition, the reasons vary.

The District of Columbia, for example, says in its submitted plan that the state doesnt want to intrude on the autonomy of its many charter school operators. More than 40 percent of the citys students attend more than 118 charter schools. District officials didnt respond to several requests for an interview.

Oregon will hold a series of statewide meetings this summer to figure out how to define an ineffective teacher in a state where the evaluation models vary widely among the 213 districts, and where the state legislature has voted to remove the use of test scores in teacher evaluations.

I think, somewhere along the lines, we kind of messed it all up, said Timothy Boyd, the state departments director of the office of teaching, learning, and assessment. Weve created a bit of high-stakes scenario where [teachers] have to pass the evaluation rather than being reflective on what they need to work on and how do we give them the right tools to get better.
Politics have become a minefield in American schools. Just ask a principal in New York City, who is under investigation for communist-linked organizing in her school.

Yes, you read that right. Back in March, officials at the citys department of education informed Jill Bloomberg, the principal at the secondary school Park Slope Collegiate in Brooklyn, that she was under investigation for political organizing during school hours on behalf of the Progressive Labor Party.

Bloomberg, who denies the claims, has been an open critic of the citys public schools since 2010. She has organized protests on behalf of her studentsa majority of whom are black and Latinoover what she considers to be unequal actions by the citys department of education that promote racial segregation and inequality. She also supported her students in resisting the addition of metal detectors and helped organize school assemblies about police brutality.

Now, Bloomberg has countered the districts investigation with a lawsuit, alleging that district officials violated her right to freely criticize school district policies.

Across the country, in the time of Donald Trump, educators have been declaring their opinions about our voluble president and his policies on immigration, schools, and much else. As citizens, educators must be free to hold whatever viewpoints they wish. If school officials singled out Jill Bloomberg because of her beliefs, as she claims (and they deny), they should suspend their probe and apologize profusely to her and the school.

Nor should investigators be snooping around the school to inquire whether Bloomberg or anyone else was engaging in communist activities. That kind of fishing expedition carries eerie echoes of the 1950s McCarthy era, when hundreds of New York City teachers lost their jobs because of actual or alleged communist affiliations. Educators have the right to speak their minds about Trump and everything else, but they should do so in a way that leaves space for students to make up their own minds.

But we also need to ask whether Bloomberg was trying to impose her views on her students. When Bloomberg lent her support to students who were fighting the installation of metal detectors in her school, did she also listen to students and parents who endorsed the detectors to enhance security? When she held school assemblies about police brutality, did she include the perspectives of community law-enforcement personnel? When she led parent and student rallies against the opening of a selective public school in her building, did all parties understand that students grades and good standing did not hinge on their participation in the protest?

When a teacher or a principal wears her politics on her sleeve or her T-shirt, it makes it difficult for students to dissent from her point of view."

It wont do to suggest that Bloombergs activities were somehow above politics, as some of her advocates have argued. Some teachers and parents defended Bloombergs actions in a Support Our Principal letter to the citys schools chancellor, saying Bloomberg is an outspoken advocate against racial discrimination.

Regardless of her intentions, Bloombergs anti-racist activities have a sharp political edge. Not everyone thinks metal detectors are racist. According to Bloombergs lawyer, some teachers at her school are now afraid to wear Black Lives Matter movement shirts or teach civil rights issues out of fear that theyll be targeted by district officials. Thats very bad news, if fallout makes Park Slope Collegiate teachers reluctant to say what they believe.

But educators should be wary about imposing their beliefs on unwary teenagers. When a teacheror a principalwears her politics on her sleeve or her T-shirt, it makes it difficult for students to dissent from her point of view.

A K-12 educator must exercise the right to say what she thinks with care and discretion. Whenever she expresses an opinion, she needs to emphasize that it is an opinion and not the gospel truth. And if she comes on too strong, students might simply go along in deference to her authority.

After all, the educator is the adult in the room. The students look up to her, and they also know she is responsible for assessing them. Its easy to see why they would echo what she thinks without really thinking for themselves.

Thats not education; its indoctrination. Our teachers must be advocates, but they may never be salesmen or propagandists, the civil libertarian and education reformer Alexander Meiklejohn wrote in Harpers Magazine in 1938. The very existence of democratic schools depends on that distinction.

Did Bloomberg breach the line between education and propaganda? The balance of political action is a tough one to strike, but one that all of us as educators should be wrestling with. Educators should be free to advocate for communism, capitalism, or anything else. But they shouldnt turn students into tools for their advocacy. The very existence of democratic schools depends on that.
Vietnam shrimp exports stagnant in 1st quarter

Following a 6.7% growth recorded in 2016, Vietnam's shrimp exports in the first quarter didn't budge, slightly decreasing 0.1% compared with the same period last year. They were valued at US$618 million.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) attributed the stagnant growth to a sharp rise in raw shrimp price and anti-dumping tax levied by the US.

Nevertheless, the demand in Japan was high, as the appreciation of the Japanese yen made shrimp-exporting companies shift to this market. Recovering exports to other markets such as the EU and South Korea also offset declines in the US, China and Australia.

Exports of whiteleg shrimp retained the largest share of Vietnamese shrimp exports in the first quarter, at 63.3%, while those of black tiger shrimp had 27.3% share and of marine shrimp, 9.4%.

Whiteleg shrimp exports hit US$391.7 million, increasing 10.6%, while exports of black tiger shrimp touched $168.7 million, declining by 21% from the first quarter of 2016. Shipments of marine shrimp reached $57.9 million, up 12.3% year-on-year.

Vietnam exported shrimp to 68 markets, up from 64 markets in the same quarter in 2016.

The top 10 main importing markets were Japan (with a share of 21.9% of total exports), the EU (19.2%), the US (18.1%), China (15.1%), South Korea (10%), Canada, Australia, ASEAN, Taiwan and Switzerland, in that order. They all accounted for 95.4% of Vietnam's total shrimp exports.

Among the top importers, Japan, the EU and South Korea recorded positive growths, with shipments to South Korea showing the highest rise of 30.8%. Exports to the US and China declined. Particularly, sales to the US dropped by 26.3%.

Raw shrimp output in 2017 is projected to increase slightly to 660,000 metric tonnes (worth around $3.4 billion or up 9% year-on-year) over a farming area of 700 hectares.
American spy-master and election hacker revealed By Dr. Robert Owens

For months weve heard endless reports concerning the supposed ties between the Trump campaign and the Darth Vader of the progressives nightmares, Putins Russia. The thin gruel of this plot has swirled from the swamp in DC through the megaphone of the ABCCBSNBCPBSCNNMSNBC Cartel until one would think every day Americans out here in fly-over country were actually thinking about it. Finally after months of exhaustive research the spy-master of the most extensive surveillance campaign aimed at Americans can be revealed. The one man who used every avenue possible to invade the privacy of American citizens in History has had the mask of denial ripped away. Besides Hillary and the DNC rigging the primaries to stop Bernie who actually tried to use illegally obtained information to influence the presidential election in 2016? The Obama Administration routinely spied on Americans. According to John Solomon and Sara Carter of CIRCA: The National Security Agency under former President Barack Obama routinely violated American privacy protections while scouring through overseas intercepts and failed to disclose the extent of the problems until the final days before Donald Trump was elected president last fall, according to once top-secret documents that chronicle some of the most serious constitutional abuses to date by the U.S. intelligence community. More than 5 percent, or one out of every 20 searches seeking upstream Internet data on Americans inside the NSAs so-called Section 702 database violated the safeguards Obama and his intelligence chiefs vowed to follow in 2011, according to one classified internal report reviewed by Circa. The Obama administration self-disclosed the problems at a closed-door hearing Oct. 26 before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that set off alarm. Trump was elected less than two weeks later. The normally supportive court censured administration officials, saying the failure to disclose the extent of the violations earlier amounted to an institutional lack of candor and that the improper searches constituted a very serious Fourth Amendment issue, according to a recently unsealed court document dated April 26, 2017. The admitted violations undercut one of the primary defenses that the intelligence community and Obama officials have used in recent weeks to justify their snooping into incidental NSA intercepts about Americans. According to Paul Sperry of the New York Post the Obama Admiration used its control of Americas vast intelligence gathering apparatus in an attempt to hack the election. While the show trials in Congress continue to build a paint-by-numbers PR case about Russians acting in collusion with the Trump campaign those who really tried to subvert the electoral process are being protected by the same political hacks running the phony investigations. As Sperry reveals and relates: New revelations have surfaced that the Obama administration abused intelligence during the election by launching a massive domestic spy campaign that included snooping on Trump officials. The irony is mind-boggling: Targeting political opposition is long a technique of police states like Russia, which Team Obama has loudly condemned for allegedly using its own intelligence agencies to hack into our election. The revelations, as well as testimony this week from former Obama intel officials, show the extent to which the Obama administration politicized and weaponized intelligence against Americans. We now know the National Security Agency under President Barack Obama routinely violated privacy protections while snooping through foreign intercepts involving US citizens  and failed to disclose the breaches, prompting the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court a month before the election to rebuke.  The FISA court called it a very serious Fourth Amendment issue that NSA analysts  in violation of a 2011 rule change prohibiting officials from searching Americans information without a warrant  had been conducting such queries in violation of that prohibition, with much greater frequency than had been previously disclosed to the Court. A number of those searches were made from the White House, and included private citizens working for the Trump campaign, some of whose identities were leaked to the media. The revelations earned a stern rebuke from the ACLU and from civil liberties champion Sen. Rand Paul. We also learned this week that Obama intelligence officials really had no good reason attaching a summary of a dossier on Trump to a highly classified Russia briefing they gave to Obama just weeks before Trump took office. Under congressional questioning Tuesday, Obamas CIA chief John Brennan said the dossier did not in any way factor into the agencys assessment that Russia interfered in the election. Why not? Because as Obama intel czar James Clapper earlier testified, We could not corroborate the sourcing. But that didnt stop Brennan in January from attaching its contents to the official report for the president. He also included the unverified allegations in the briefing he gave Hill Democrats. In so doing, Brennan virtually guaranteed that it would be leaked, which it promptly was. In short, Brennan politicized raw intelligence. In fact, he politicized the entire CIA. Langley vets say Brennan was the most politicized director in the agencys history. Former CIA field operations officer Gene Coyle said Brennan was known as the greatest sycophant in the history of the CIA, and a supporter of Hillary Clinton before the election. I find it hard to put any real credence in anything that the man says. Coyle noted that Brennan broke with his predecessors who stayed out of elections. Several weeks before the vote, he made it very clear he was pulling for Hillary. His deputy Mike Morell even came out and publicly endorsed her in the New York Times, claiming Trump was an unwitting agent of Moscow. Brennan isnt just a Democrat. Hes a radical leftist who in 1980  during the height of the Cold War  voted for a Communist Party candidate for president. When Brennan rants about the dangers of strongman Vladimir Putin targeting our elections and subverting our democratic process, does he not catch at least a glimpse of his own reflection? What he and the rest of the Obama gang did has inflicted more damage on the integrity of our electoral process than anything the Russians have done. How does all this surveillance keep us safe? In Great Britain where there is more government surveillance than in any other western state it didnt help stop the recent Manchester bomber. According to press reports, he was known to the British intelligence services, he had traveled and possibly trained in bomb-making in Libya and Syria, his family members warned the authorities that he was dangerous, and he even flew terrorist flags over his house. What more did he need to do to signal that he may be a problem? Of course here in America our governments watchers are going to do it better . of course they will ;--) My question is: As they are watching us who watches them besides secret courts that report only to the perpetually re-elected guardians of the dysfunctional democratic process in a well-functioning oligarchy? Never mind the facts. Dont pay any attention to who did what. Ignore an ex-president operating a deep state government in exile while orchestrating the Resist 45 Movement. News Flash from The ABCCBSNBCPBSCNNMSNBC Cartel: THE RUSSIANS DID IT!!! THE RUSSIANS DID IT!!! THE RUSSIANS DID IT!!! Dr. Robert Owens teaches History, Political Science, and Religion. He is the Historian of the Future @ http://drrobertowens.com  2017 Contact Dr. Owens drrobertowens@hotmail.com Follow Dr. Robert Owens on Facebook or Twitter @ Drrobertowens / Edited by Dr. Rosalie Owens. Home
The head comes off By Daniel M. Ryan

Satellite and the Internet have made for a distanceless world in ways weve been slow to assimilate. Having had to endure an Internetless time-out for the past few weeks, I found myself feeling like a recluse cut off from the outside world  even though I live in a big city. On the other hand, Sirius XM satellite radio allowed me to keep up with the nuttiness even when stuck on a mud road which proved to be a formidable challenge for a 4X4 truck. It is a new world when you can be connected to the goings-on when driving along a sparse highway in Northern Ontario, while being profoundly out of the loop in a megalopolis while the gremlins have taken your Internet away. Twas this fate that gave me a drivers seat at the ringside for the two events that gave us our weekly maintenance dose of schadenfreude. Looking for an open gas station while listening to CNBC and Bloomberg transmitting satellite-conveyed pleas for President Trump to keep the U.S. in the Paris accord; being startled out of tracking the Kathy Griffin disaster by a doe moose convinced she had the right-of-way: such is the world we live in. Now Youve Done It? Theres no point in dignifying Ms. Griffins self-caused trouble by calling it a Greek tragedy, or by calling it a Christian tragedy about the perils of thinly-disguised vanity. It was nothing more than a standard publicity stunt which backfired  the same kind of stunt Alec Baldwin pulled in 1998. You know how the routine goes: a celebrity says or does something thats shocking, offensive or disgusting. The celebs amen corner gets filled with hallelujahs about said celebs daring, bravery, subversive genius or whatnot. The likes of us get angry and show it, which inevitably mixes the hallelujahs with the same old smugness. The standard routine, perfected from the heartland of Theres No Such Thing As Bad Publicity.? But not this time! In the olden days, when the Hollywood machine was better oiled, those transgressive celebs bragged about the hate mail? they got. They adduced it as evidence that they were better than you and me. In a weird but solidly-ensconced blend of stage-set leftism and the old theyre just jealous? conceit of fast-trackers, the practitioners of this slick art treated flyover-country hostility as a sign that they were anointed: that they were avatars of whatever. Lately, this routine has been modified by issuing apologies that are probably boilerplate. Unsurprisingly, it was the protected-class types who were responsible for this modification. But not this time! For the first time in a very long time, a celeb who crossed the line into plain grotesquerie was visibly shaken by the anger directed her way. Ms. Griffin didnt even get defensive until she lawyered up with the daughter of Gloria Allred. She wailed about her career coming to an end after CNN dumped her like a load of aggregate. Al Franken ditched on his invitation to her to attend his California book-signing. The reason he gave, significantly enough, was...constituency feedback. I bet there was. Its too soon to call a turn in the tide, but the flooding were used to has lost its momentum. Even if President Trump gets frustrated in some of his goals because of a bucking Congress, its very clear that the Age of Trump is making its mark. He has the almost unique knack of getting under posh-progs skins, to the point where hes playing them as a grand-scale series of publicity stunts. Its almost as if hes turned them into...reactionaries. Penthouse Prog Blues He certainly flushed out their insecurities while he strung them along before the big announcement. Look at who emerged while they were waiting with bated breath to make the decision we all knew hed make: the CEOs of Tesla, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Apple, Dow Chemical, JP Morgan, General Electric, Salesforce all urged Trump to stick with the accord. Even Lloyd Blankfein emerged from Twitter silence to decry President Trumps decision. His second tweet, the New York Post described as bizarre.? Theres a cosmic justice in seeing the same progs whove worked so assiduously to build up Big Government showing a profound anxiety when that same Big Government falls into the hands of an alpha. Weve seen lefties eat their own on the same college campuses that seemed to have turned into insane asylums, but the Paris-Accord meltdown is much bigger in scale. Its no secret that what passes for global-warming science is profoundly politicized: Bill Nye the Intersectionality Guy certainly found out. But its more than politicized: as Tucker Carlson observed, its a de facto religion. Last Thursday, we saw Elitists at the Hand of an Angry Government. The Big Government that theyve had such a consistent hand in making Big. This spectacle does show that the physical outback aint that bad. Ironic how the thoroughly urban President Trump is making the fable of his age The City Mouse and the Country Mouse. As for Ms. Griffin, all Ill suggest is grabbing a bottle of vino and cranking up a sad song. Daniel M. Ryan, as Nxtblg, is shepherding the independently-run Open Audi Initiative Prediction Market Shadowing Project. He has stubbornly assumed all the responsibility and blame for the workings and outcome of the project. Home
Irans Foreign Legion in Syria By Col. (ret.) Dr. Jacques Neriah

Since the beginning of the civil war in Syria and especially since the advent of the Islamic State (ISIS) and its franchises in the Arab Middle East and Africa, world attention has been focused on the foreign volunteers who flocked by the thousands to boost the ranks of the jihadist militias, mainly the ranks of the Islamic State and Al-Qaida. The attacks perpetrated in Europe, the United States, and throughout the world, by terrorists who were trained and inspired by the jihadist organizations, emphasizes the need to understand the phenomena to combat it better. Many analysts concentrated on the hordes of jihadi volunteers from more than 80 nations and warned about the dangers of those fighters returning home to become sleeper operatives. By contrast, while there is considerable media coverage about the foreign jihadists and while the Western coalition tries to contain the flow of new recruits to ISIS, under the radar and almost unnoticed, Iran managed to deploy in Syria its own fighters and proxy armies to fight for the Assad regimes survival in Syria. While the jihadist organizations recruited their volunteers from the Sunni Muslim world, Iran turned to the Shiite populations to supply the needed manpower for Irans Syrian front. Reluctant to get involved directly in the civil war, the Iranians chose to send a limited operational force to Syria, mainly advisers from the Revolutionary Guards and other elite units. The assessment is that there are about 1,500-3,000 Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers present in Syria and serving mainly as advisers responsible for logistics, intelligence gathering, and training. As a result, regional Shiite forces answer directly to Tehrans orders since they were created by Iran and made to serve first and foremost Iranian policy in the region. According to an Iranian Revolutionary Guard officer, the Guard has formed and trained 42 brigades and 138 battalions, all sent to defend the Assad regime! At least five national entities were to provide the manpower to serve the Iranian agenda in Syria: Hizbullah  the Lebanese, Shiite, Iranian-backed military organization

Afghan Fatimiyoun and Khadem el-Aqila Brigades

Pakistani Zainebiyoun Brigade

Yemeni Houthis Liwa Al-Saada

Iraqi Shiite militias, of which Al-Nujaba Movement has a special significance for Israel All military units receive their orders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Their salaries, equipment, and training are totally under Iranian supervision and control. They are coordinated by the Quds Division of the Revolutionary Guards, commanded by Qasem Soleimani, even though each division enjoys a relatively high degree of autonomy. Hizbullahs presence in Syria was first publicized in the battle of Al-Qusayr (Homs Directorate) in 2013 and is at the center of public debate in Lebanon. While Hizbullah has been criticized because of its participation in the battle against Sunni rebel movements, no political force in Lebanon has dared to challenge its autonomy and force. Hizbullahs militia answers to the command of the Lebanese army. Hizbullah has been parading U.S. equipment (M-113 armored personnel carriers) provided by the United States to the Lebanese Army while claiming that these were Israeli armored vehicles seized during the 2006 Second Lebanese war. The Fatimiyoun Brigade (Liwa Al-Fatimiyoun): The Brigade (3,500 fighters) was founded in 2013 by the Revolutionary Guard and was recruited from Afghani refugees residing in Iran. Hizbullah in Lebanon utilized this same source of manpower, becoming a so-to-speak Hizbullah of Afghanistan. Both Iran and Hizbullah took advantage of the economic and political plight of the Afghan refugees seeking asylum in Iran, enrolling them in the military units meant to fight alongside Assads forces in Syria. The Afghans, originating mostly from southern Afghanistan, an area adjacent to the Pakistani-Iranian borders, spent large amounts of money to finance their illegal entry to Iran. They travel from the Afghan province to Pakistani Baluchistan bordering the Pakistani frontier, their first stop before arriving in Iran. Iran represents not only a political safe haven for those Afghans fleeing the war in their country but presents an opportunity to acquire economic benefit. An average Afghan receives a monthly salary of $80 in Afghanistan, while he could be paid almost four-fold in Iran ($320). According to some sources, the Afghans repatriate almost $500 million dollars annually to their mother country from their Iranian employer. However, being an illegal Afghan resident in Iran is not without disadvantages. The Afghans are mistreated and can be jailed for no apparent reason for periods of time sometimes extending to a few months. Still 500 to 600 illegal Afghans enter Iran per month. While hundreds are confined at the end of their journey in refugee camps in Iran, the luckiest will obtain a work permit; others will get involved in drug trafficking or try to find a way to filter themselves to Europe. Hundreds of them are routinely caught at the borders and deported back to Afghanistan. When Iran looked at the dire situation of the Assad regime and tried to find ways to assist Assad without getting involved with Iranian boots on the ground, the alternative offered by the Afghans was ideal. They were Shiites, of Farsi-speaking ethnicity (the Hazara). With $350-500 for monthly pay and with a permanent residency permit granted to the Afghan refugee after his return from Syria, the Iranian regime succeeded in recruiting the necessary manpower needed to bolster the Syrian regime. Moreover, unlike an Iranian fighter, as an illegal migrant with an unknown identity, an Afghan killed in action would not be a burden to the Iranian treasury. Most importantly, Iran could easily deny its involvement and its intervention. Were it not for the scores of Afghans killed in battle and others taken prisoners by the rebels, Iran would not have had to accept any responsibility concerning the Afghani presence. When Iran finally decided to relate to the Afghans, Iran stated that they died while protecting the Shiite shrines in Syria. According to some reports, the Iranian regime began recruiting the Afghans probably already in 2011-2012 (through threats and oppressive measures) at the beginning of the civil war in Syria since the first information emerged about their presence at the end of 2012. Iran succeeded in the short term to enlist thousands of them. Most of the recruits came from the Afghan town of Harat. Iran also made use of the Shiite religious schools (Hussayniyah) and the social centers it funded at the Khatem Al-Nabeyeen (Seal of Prophethood) University in Kabul. Other recruitment centers are in Bayman (center of Afghanistan) and the town of Hirat, near the Iranian border. The Afghans were trained by the Revolutionary Guards under the direct responsibility of the Quds Division. The Afghan fighters were first integrated into the Abu Fadl Al-Abbas Brigade before creating an entity of their own named Al-Fatimiyoun Brigade. (The Fatimids were an Ismaili Shiite Caliphate that ruled Egypt, North Africa, the Red Sea, parts of the Mediterranean, Hejaz, and the Middle East 909-1171). The Brigade was first deployed in Damascus with the specific mission to protect the Sayda Zaynab shrine (a Shiite holy site where is believed Zaynab, granddaughter of the Prophet Mohammad, is buried). Later, the Brigade was deployed mostly in southern Syria (Daraa region) where it confronted Al-Qaida, ISIS, and the Free Syrian Army contingents. The Brigade has also been involved in a battle in northern Syria (Idlib), Aleppo, and Palmyra (Tadmor). It is believed that the Brigade lost hundreds of its fighters in the course of its existence. It lost both its commander Ali Rida Tawassoli and his deputy in 2015. Khadem el-Aqila Brigade: This Brigade, also composed of Afghan recruits made its first appearance in late 2015. Little is known about it. The Zaynabiyoun Brigade (Liwa Zaynabiyoun): As in the Afghani case, Iran turned towards the Shiite community in Pakistan, to recruit manpower in its effort to assist the Assad regime in Syria. However, unlike the Afghans, the Brigade is a Hizbullah franchise. A simple look at its banner shows the similarity with Hizbullahs banner with just one difference: the reference in Arabic is The Muslim Resistance in Pakistan ( Al-Muqawama Al-Islamiyya Fi Al-Bakistan), and in some cases, the banner shows the logo of Hizbullah and Hizbullahs Pakistan Army (Jaysh Hizbullah Bakistan). As in the Afghan case, the recruits come from the Hazara Farsi-speaking ethnic group living in Pakistan, Shiite Pakistanis living in Iran, and native Shiite of Parachinar and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province. They are initially trained for 45 days in Iran and then six months in Syria. The Pakistanis were part of the Afghani contingent but in the course of time, became numerous enough to enable the formation of their own Brigade as of 2015. Their main mission was to defend the Sayda Zeynab shrine in Damascus and other Shiite holy sites. However, since its first appearance in 2013, the Brigade has been active on several fronts. Unlike the Afghans, it seems that the Pakistanis are paid with a much higher salary ($1,200 per month). The Yemenite/Houthi Contribution Liwa Saada: Named after the Shiite majority populated town in northern Yemen, this contingent was formed by Yemenite Shiites (Houthis) and numbers about 750 fighters, which are deployed around Damascus. The Houthi rebels in Yemen are trained, armed, and funded by Iran. The Iraqi Shiite Contingent The Iraqi Shiite contingent is the largest force engaged to defend the Assad regime. According to Mohanad Mezghich, they could number around 40,000 fighters. Here are some of the main Iraqi Shiite formations on the battlefield in Syria: Liwa zul-Fiqar: Named after the Prophets sword, which was in Imam Alis possession. Initially part of the Abu Al-Fadl Al-Abbas Brigade, the Brigade numbered about 1,000 fighters and was established in mid-2013 after a gunfight broke out between Syrian and Iraqi fighters. The Brigade was formed, and an Iraqi was named to command it. Deployed in the area of Damascus International Airport, it took part also in the battle of Nabaq against the Jabhat Al-Nusra.

Liwa Ammar Ben Yasser: Named after one of the companions of the Prophet who was close to Ali Ben Abi Taleb, Mohammeds cousin and son-in-law. Ben Yassers tomb was destroyed in the course of 2013 by fighters of the Islamic State. This Brigade, created in mid-2013, was deployed in the Aleppo area (unlike other formations meant to defend Shiite shrines in the Damascus area). The Brigade is part of a wider formation (Al-Nujaba Movement  see below), a franchise of Hizbullah.

Liwa Abu el-Fadl el-Abbas: The Brigade (named after Imam Ali Ben Abi Talebs son) first appeared in 2012, in the area of Sayda Zaynab and Sayda Raqiyyah shrines in Damascus. This formation consisting of 10,000 fighters (7,000 Iraqis) known for its discipline, its modern equipment and armament, its organization, and its high level of training.

Liwa Al-Imam Hussein: This Brigade is close to Muslim cleric Moqtada Sadr and operates mainly in the Damascus area with its stated mission  to defend the Sayda Zaynab shrine. Unlike other formations, the Brigade has been affiliated with the Syrian armed forces notorious 4th Division.

Liwa Al-Imam Hassan Al-Mujtaba: This formation was initially part of the Abu Al-Fadl Al-Abbas Brigade and was created in the summer of 2013. Its main mission is to protect the area adjacent to Damascus International Airport.

Liwa Al-Imam Ali: There exists almost no details about this formation. It is active in the Damascus area.

Liwa Haydar el-Karrar: This formation numbers around 800 fighters and has distinguished itself with its skilled snipers. This formation has mostly been deployed around Aleppo.

Kataeb Sayyed el-Shuhadaa: This Brigade was formed in the spring of 2013. It is active in the Damascus area.

Liwa Assadullah Al-Ghaleb (Gods Victorious Lion Brigade): This is the last Shiite formation that appeared on the Syrian scene. It is reported that its members (around 500 fighters) are trained in counter-terrorism tactics. The Brigade is deployed in the Damascus area.

Asaib Ahl el-Haq: As an Iranian proxy formed in 2004 as a split from Moqtada Sadrs military force (The Mahdi Army), the formation now has a contingent in Syria in the Damascus area.

Badr Organization: This unit (around 1,500 fighters) was trained to carry out assassinations, kidnappings, and street battles. They are part of a broader formation of military forces answering to the Iraqi Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr. It was formed by Iran already during the Iraqi-Iranian war to counter the Iranian-dissident Mujahedeen military force set up by Iraq meant to fight the Iranian regime. The group seems to be active in the Damascus area and its suburbs.

Sarriya Al Taliah Al Khurasani (The Khurasani Vanguard): This formations (600 fighters) sole objective is to defend Damascus International Airport.

Faylaq al-Waad el-Sadiq (The Truthful Promise Corps): This 1,000 fighter formation comes from the northern city of Idlib and operates in the Aleppo area.

Liwa Al-Hamad: This corps is part of the Iraqi militia Al-Nujaba formation. Information about this unit is scarce and almost non-existent. Harakat al Nujaba (The Nobles Movement): The movements original name is Islamic Resistance Hizbullah  The Movement the Noble Ones (Arabic: Al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya Harakat Hizbullah Al-Nujaba). The name comes from a quotation of Zaynab, the Prophets granddaughter, who described Imam Husseins household and his supporters as the Noble Ones (Al-Nujaba), while his foes were designated as Satans party (Hizb Al-Shaytan). The organization answers directly to Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while it receives its orders from Qasem Soleimani. The movement was founded by a Shiite cleric by the name of Akram Al-Qaabi, following the split that occurred with Asaib Ahl el-Haq. Following the civil war in Syria, al-Qaabi was asked to create a fighting formation. First, he formed the Ammar Ben Yasser Brigade beginning in 2013. After the split, Al-Qaabi moved to Syria where he founded the Al-Nujaba formation, which includes three fighting brigades: Ammar Ben Yasser Brigade, Imam Al-Hassan Al-Mujtaba Brigade and the Al-Hamad Brigade. The military units of Al-Nujaba are deployed both in Iraq and Syria (mainly Damascus and Aleppo) and function with full traditional military structures (infantry, armored units, mortar, and artillery). The Nujaba has its own weapons production facilities. Recently, the units have integrated into their armory Iranian missiles such a Fateh and Fajr and UAVs. The Movement is heavily funded by Iran and relies mainly on Iraqi-Shiite recruits, but in its ranks, there are also Shiite fighters originating from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt. Al-Nujaba existed since the very first days of the civil war in Syria. They participated together with Hizbullah in defense of Al-Qusayr in northern Syria. According to a press report, there were more than 7,000 fighters of Al-Nujaba in Syria in the summer of 2016. Al-Nujaba and the Golan Issue In the course of fall 2016, Iran began contemplating ways to penetrate the Druze hinterland in the south of Syria, specifically in the area of Deraa and Suweida, bordering the Jordanian border. A delegation of Al-Nujaba visited Suweida and met with the local Druze leaders to inquire about the security situation in the area. After a recruiting office was opened by the Zeyn el-Abidine Brigade, a brigade deployed in eastern Syrian (Deir el Zor) and affiliated with Hizbullah, was closed a week later after threats were made against its personnel and rumors circulated that Iran intended to open religious schools (Husseiniyat) in the area on land it bought previously. By the end of February 2017, the leader of Al-Nujaba, Akram el-Qaabi, declared in an unprecedented announcement that his forces were to fight together with the Syrian army to liberate the Golan. El-Qaabi justified his position by stating that the terrorism of ISIS is but a part of a grand plan designed by the Zionists, supervised by the Americans with Turkish-Gulf implementation. Therefore, it was time to decapitate the head of the Zionist snake. Following this declaration, the Brigade announced in March 2017 the creation of The Liberation of the Golan Brigade (Liwa Tahrir el-Jolan). The Brigade whose members have fought in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq will have one mission: to assist the Syrian army in liberating its stolen lands. According to the spokesman of the Al-Nujaba, The creation of this Brigade was but a step towards liberating the holy places in occupied Palestine. Conclusion The Syrian civil war has created chaotic situations unparalleled in the past. The only time a coalition of Arab forces fought other Arab forces was in the course of the Gulf war and the Yemeni conflict. Arab contingents were regular military formations, and the divide between them rested on differing national interests, whereas in the Syrian conflict, militias from almost every place in the world are fighting along and against militias and regular forces based solely on the Sunni-Shiite divide. The Syrian conflict is being manipulated by foreign powers who are clashing over Syrian territory through the means of proxies, some of them locals and most of them deployed from outside (jihadist Sunni foreign fighters against imported Shiite militias and regular formations). On the one hand, are Assad and his allies led by Iran and Russia, and on the other hand are the rebels assisted by the American-led coalition and Turkey. As a result, jihadi fighters and rebel factions are coming from more than 80 countries in the world, while Iran concentrates on its human Shiite population. Irans foreign legion, described above, is only the tip of the iceberg, but it is proof of that major development. Long time kept under the radar, this deployment of foreign troops would have stayed quiet were it not for the coffins coming back home. In a way, it stresses the fact that Iran remains reluctant to engage its main forces to protect Assad, and left without this choice, Iran had no other option, but to bring into the battlefield other Shiites ready to die for its cause. To paraphrase a very old saying, Iran is ready to fight in Syria until the last non-Iranian Shiite. To Israeli eyes, the creation of a brigade dedicated to liberate the Golan by Iran is a new disturbing development in the area. This brigade would assist the long-time Iranian effort to establish proxies in the Golan facing Israel. Iran has tried to deploy elements of Hizbullah in Syria near the border with little success. It seems now that the Iranian strategy is first to consolidate it forces facing Daraa and Suweida in the southern part of Syria before moving forward toward the Israeli border. Col. (ret.) Dr. Jacques Neriah, a special analyst for the Middle East at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, was formerly Foreign Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Deputy Head for Assessment of Israeli Military Intelligence. Home
My pilgrimage, Chapter Seventeen: The New World Orders Boondoggle: Climate Change By Michael Moriarty

God bless President Donald Trump and his decision to save the United States from any further efforts by his treasonous opposition, by Europe and by the United Nations to entrap America in these tyrannical plans for a New World Order; and that New World Orders plans to destroy the American Declaration of Independence, her Constitution and her Bill of Rights, the three most defining instruments of Americas greatest, governing achievement: Individual Freedom! No other nation in Mankinds History has even come close to what has actually made Americas greatness inevitable. I will repeat that most profoundly defining achievement in the History of the United States: Individual Freedom! Only God knows how long this confidence game within a centuries-old tyranny known of as The Illuminati how long their plots will continue. Here is a far more up-to-date and much more provocative look at the Illuminati. The New World Order?! That, I am profoundly sorry to say, is, despite the recent, seeming-silence about it out of its greatest American promotional team, the Bush Family The New World Order is still a very real but, by now, disgracefully hidden fact of life in American politics.

The New World Orders Godfather This unquestionably bipartisan campaign against President Donald Trump by a majority of the American press and a frequently hidden majority within Congress?!



In short? It is: An Unrelenting Propaganda Scheme

By

The New World Order

In

Both the Democrat Party

And within

The Bush Family RINOS,

The Republicans in Name Only. Here is President Kennedys legendary warning about the illuminati and their secret societies. It is the speech, as many know, that provoked President Kennedys assassination. What has Climate Change to do with the assassination of John F. Kennedy?!



Everything. The New World Order and the successful conspiracy to achieve complete control over the White House, Congress and therefore America, is still an increasingly terrifying and, until recently, successful campaign of over forty years! With the exception of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, the American Presidency has been owned by forces that have been far more powerful than American Democracy. Climate Change is an A.K.A., a pseudonym and, as my title states, a Boondoggle for the creation of a New World Order. The Paris Climate Agreement that Donald Trump recently pulled America out of?!



God Bless Donald Trump! Climate Change is just another euphemistic device to further entrap the United States into The New World Order. For that decision alone, Donald Trump can and eventually will be deemed one of the greatest American Presidents in this countrys entire history! Since both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are both fierce opponents of The New World Order and their combined opposition to a formidable force, their relationship is, by the treasonous American forces, both in the Mainstream Press and Congress, driving The New World Order to shamelessly try and cripple the Trump Presidency and have him impeached! The impeachments and criminal trials for treason should actually be constructed to remove this rats nest of traitors from the legislative branches and the, by now, treasonously corrupted Fourth Estate. The Press! That, of course, wont happen. Why? If the Truth about The New World Order cannot be spoken of, even by the boldest and most shameless of Presidents that America has ever seen?! If President Trump has been convinced, for one reason or another, to not really define this nightmare for what it really is: A Second American Civil War fomented by the very men and women that had President Kennedy assassinated?! President Kennedy was murdered in cold blood for publicly referring to the Secret Society that most certainly killed him. Now?! After over many, post-Kennedy decades of corrupt and treasonous men and women in the White House, America is now in a bitter struggle between traditional America, led by Donald Trump, and a profoundly treasonous Second American Confederacy, one that is, with increasing desperation, treasonously intent upon overthrowing the United States and handing it over to a, by now, equally corrupt and disastrous confederacy called the United Nations. The criminally treasonous and treasonously criminal behavior of the Bush/Trump/Bush/Obama Presidencies?!



Over twenty years in the White House of treasonous plots and maneuverings for the sake of a New World Order to be run entirely by the enlightened despots of the United Nations?! President Trumps bold and courageous rejection of the New World Orders most recent Boondoggle: Climate Change?! Less than 200 days into the Trump Presidency, our POTUS has, already, assured his place in history as one of the greatest Presidents in the history of the United States. He has stopped The New World Order cold in its disgraceful tracks. As I must say now and will say many times again: God Has Clearly Blessed America

With Our President

Donald Trump!

Without him?!

God Only Knows

What Crippling Games

Would Still Be Played Against America

From Within Her Own White House,

All For The Sake Of

Enlightened Despots

And

The New World Order! Michael Moriarty is a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor who starred in the landmark television series Law and Order from 1990 to 1994. His recent film and TV credits include The Yellow Wallpaper, 12 Hours to Live, Santa Baby and Deadly Skies. Contact Michael at rainbowfamily2008@yahoo.com. He can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/@MGMoriarty. Home
Shades of quickly fading blue  the decline of the Tory tradition in Canada since the 1980s (Part One) By Mark Wegierski

As has been argued in earlier articles, the federal Progressive Conservative party of Brian Mulroney, although it won huge Parliamentary majorities in 1984 and 1988, was a very pale, thin shadow of what the Conservative Party had represented in Canada from Confederation in 1867, to 1896. Indeed, the Conservative Party had dominated Canada in the nineteenth century (1) almost as thoroughly as the Liberal Party would rule the country in the twentieth century. Brian Mulroney did not prove to be another John A. Macdonald. The federal PCs of the 1980s indeed in no way resembled the powerful conservative alliance of Upper Canada and Maritime Tories, and Catholic Quebec Bleus, who had originally been the pre-eminent elements in the creation of the Dominion of Canada. The situation was such in the nineteenth century, that Sir Etienne-Paschal Tache had said, in reference to his own people, the French-Canadians: "We are, in our habits, by our laws, and by our religion, monarchists and conservatives." It should also be remembered that, until 1963, the Liberal Party  especially under the very long-serving Prime Ministers, Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Mackenzie King -- on most issues solidly embraced the traditionalist-centrist consensus. The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), the pre-1960s precursor to the New Democratic Party (NDP) (Canadas social democratic third party) while emphatically social-democratic in economics was, to a large extent, socially conservative, mostly upholding traditional notions of nation, family, and religion. Thus, it could be argued that the absolutely critical Canadian elections  when it really mattered whether Liberals or Conservatives prevailed  occurred in 1963 to 1980. One must again return to the vital role that Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the emphatically Liberal Prime Minister from 1968 to 1984 (except for nine months in 1979-1980) played in establishing a new consensus in a society which had until the 1960s been considered to be at least somewhat tending towards traditionalism and conservatism. Indeed, even Stephen Harper, to a large extent, had not dared to break out of the Trudeau consensus reality on Canada (a construct which some have termed Trudeaupia). It is difficult to find any society in history, where there has been seen the degree of impact by one individual, as is the case with Canada and Trudeau. Indeed, the imprint of Trudeau has been so massive, that the system appears virtually incapable of being tempered or moderated. Despite his massive majority in 1984, Mulroneys mind was to a large extent enthralled by the Trudeau vision of Canada, and he could not bring himself to challenge any significant aspect of the Trudeaupia. Thus, it could be argued, there has been, even until today, no major countervailing efforts by a sitting federal government against the ever-accelerating entrenchment of the system. Lester B. Pearson, the Liberal Prime Minister from 1963 to 1968, to a large extent had paved the way for Trudeau, especially in regard to the change of the flag in 1965  which many political theorists would consider a major symbol of regime-change. The very traditional-looking Red Ensign  with a Union Jack in the upper-left corner, and the shield of the coat-of-arms of Canada on a field of royal scarlet  was replaced by the rather abstract-looking Maple Leaf in a rather plastic shade of red. At the time of its adoption, the flag was criticized by some people as being to a considerable degree, a Liberal Party banner. Nevertheless, Pearson to some extent justified various changes such as the new flag, using somewhat traditionalist language. Such policies as incipient multiculturalism were at that time seen as simply being a call for decency and politeness in ethnic relations, certainly not a challenge to more traditional notions of Canadian nationhood. It may also be remembered that multiculturalism in its original definition was perforce focussed on such groups as Ukrainian- and Italian-Canadians, as there were comparatively few visible minorities (2) in Canada at that time. And the polymorphous socio-sexual agenda of social liberalism as it has flowered in Canada today would likely have repelled Pearson. Trudeau took these various tendencies and drove them very far, indeed  speaking, for example, about how Canada was going to become a veritable laboratory of cultural mixture for the world to admire and emulate. There was also the concerted Liberal strategy to destroy Tory Toronto. The city had received that nickname decades earlier because it was considered so conservative and British-oriented. Today, it is still snidely said by some people that in the 1950s, you could fire a cannon down Torontos main street on Sunday, and not hit anyone (because they were at all at church!). The excesses of the system were, ironically, exacerbated even further by Mulroney, who raised immigration levels to about a quarter-million persons a year (from the approximately 54,000 persons to which they had fallen in Trudeaus last year in office in 1983-1984). At the same time, official multiculturalism policies became even more deeply entrenched. All the various panoply of the Trudeaupia acquired an ever-accelerating dynamic of their own -- that certainly did not brook any tempering or moderation -- driving Canada into what at least some traditionalists and conservatives would see  at least in some aspects -- as a near-dystopic, quasi-apocalyptic condition. Indeed, by the 1980s, the PC party had lost any sense of even slightly traditionalist and conservative principles and beliefs. Such principles and beliefs -- however antiquated sounding -- might have given it a better chance in 1993 (3) and later, to capture the imagination of the voters, and would have clearly delineated it from its two main ideological rivals, the Liberals and the NDP. At the same time, had the federal PCs remained  to some extent at least -- a "small-c conservative" (i.e., substantively conservative) party, there would have been no need for the arising of Preston Manning's Reform Party. In fact, however, the Progressive Conservative party of Brian Mulroney frequently and actively fought and opposed small-c conservatism. Footnotes: (1) Strictly speaking, the Conservative Party was known in the earlier part of this period as the Liberal-Conservative party. Their opponents were the so-called Clear Grits in Upper Canada (Ontario), and the Rouges in Quebec. The term suggests that a traditionalist-centrist consensus existed in the nineteenth century as well. There has clearly occurred a radical overturning of the traditional Canada in the post-Sixties period, the creation of the so-called Trudeau consensus. In an earlier article, I had called this Canada Two. (2) A term officially used by governments in Canada. However, the use of the term minority (without the adjective) in Canada today, also almost invariably suggests a person of colour. (3) It may be recalled that the Progressive Conservatives won a total of two seats in the federal election of 1993. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home
Exiting the Mad Hatters climate tea party By Paul Driessen

I can guess why a raven is like a writing-desk, Alice said. Do you mean you think you can find out the answer? said the March Hare. Exactly so, said Alice. Then you should say what you mean, the March Hare went on. I do, Alice replied. At least I mean what I say. That's the same thing, you know. Not the same thing a bit! said the Hatter. You might just as well say, I see what I eat is the same thing as I eat what I see! You might just as well say, added the Dormouse, I breathe when I sleep is the same thing as I sleep when I breathe! It IS the same thing with you, said the Hatter. Can you imagine stumbling upon the Mad Hatters tea party, watching as the discussions become increasingly absurd  and yet wanting a permanent seat at the table? Could Lewis Carroll have been having nightmares about the Paris climate treaty when he wrote Alices Adventures in Wonderland? President Trump was 100% correct (not just 97%) when he showed true leadership last week  and walked America away from the madness laid out before him and us on the Paris climate table. From suggestions that Earths climate was balmy and stable until the modern industrial era, to assertions that humans can prevent climate change and extreme weather events by controlling atmospheric carbon dioxide levels  to claims that withdrawing from Paris would imperil our planets very survival  the entire process has been driven by computer models and hysteria that have no basis in empirical science. There is no convincing real-world evidence that plant-fertilizing carbon dioxide has replaced the powerful natural forces that have driven Earths climate from time immemorial. Moreover, even if the United States totally eliminated its fossil fuels, atmospheric CO2 levels would continue to climb. China and India are building new coal-fired power plants at a feverish clip. So is Germany. And China is financing or building dozens of additional coal-burning electricity generators in Africa, Asia and elsewhere. Plus, even if alarmists are right about CO2, and every nation met its commitments under Paris, average planetary temperatures in 2100 would be just 0.2 degrees Celsius (0.3 F) lower than if we did nothing. But our closest allies wanted Trump to abide by Obamas commitment. Some did, because they want America to shackle its economy and drive energy prices into the stratosphere the same way they have. Others dearly want to follow a real leader, and walk away from the mad Paris tea party themselves. But even poor countries signed the Paris treaty. Yes, they did  because they are under no obligation to reduce their coal, oil or natural gas use or their CO2 emissions. And because they were promised $100 billion a year in cash, plus free state-of-the-art energy technologies, from developed nations that would have become FMCs (formerly rich countries) as they slashed their energy use and de-industrialized. But the Paris climate treaty was voluntary; the United States wouldnt have to do all this. Right. Just like its voluntary for you to pay your taxes. China, India and poor developing countries dont have to do anything. But the USA would have been obligated to slash its oil, gas and coal use and carbon dioxide emissions. It could impose tougher restrictions, but it could not weaken them. And make no mistake: our laws, Constitution, legal system, the Treaty on Treaties and endless lawsuits by environmentalist pressure groups before friendly judges would have ensured compliance and ever more punishing restrictions. But hundreds of companies say we should have remained in Paris. Of course they do. Follow the money. If we are to avoid a climate cataclysm, leading experts say, the world must impose a $4-trillion-per-year global carbon tax, and spend $6.5 trillion a year until 2030 to switch every nation on Earth from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Thats a lot of loot for bankers, bureaucrats and crony corporatists. But, they assure us, this transition and spending would bring unimaginable job creation and prosperity. If you believe that, youd feel right at home in Alices Wonderland and Looking Glass world. Who do you suppose would pay those princely sums? Whose jobs would be secure, and whose would be expendable: sacrificed on the altar of climate alarmism? Heres the Planet Earth reality. Right now, fossil fuels provide 80% of all the energy consumed in the USA  reliably and affordably, from relatively small land areas. Wind and solar account for 2% of overall energy needs, expensively and intermittently, from facilities across millions of acres. Biofuels provide 3%  mostly from corn grown on nearly 40 million acres. About 3% comes from hydroelectric, 3% from wood and trash, 9% from nuclear. Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and other states that generate electricity with our abundant coal and natural gas pay 8 to 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. California, Connecticut, New York and other states that impose wind, solar and anti-fossil fuel mandates pay 15 to 18 cents. Families in closely allied ultra-green Euro countries pay an average of 26 US cents per kWh, but 36 cents in Germany, 37 cents in Denmark. EU manufacturers are already warning that these prices could send companies, factories, jobs and CO2 emissions to China and other non-Euro countries. EU electricity prices have skyrocketed 55% since 2005; 40% of UK households are cutting back on food and other essentials, to pay for electricity; a tenth of all EU families now live in green energy poverty. Elderly people are dying because they cant afford heat! The Paris treaty would have done the same to the United States, and worse. The Heritage Foundation says Paris restrictions would cost average US families $30,000 in cumulative higher electricity prices over the next decade. How much of their rent, mortgage, medical, food, clothing, college and retirement budgets would they cut? Paris would eliminate 400,000 high-pay manufacturing, construction and other jobs  and shrink the US economy by $2.5 trillion by 2027. Other analysts put the costs of remaining in Paris much higher than this  again for no climate or environmental benefits. Big hospitals like Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centers Comprehensive Cancer Centerin Winston-Salem, NC and Inova Fairfax Womens and Childrens Hospital in Northern Virginia pay about $1.5 million per year at 9 cents/kWh  but $3 million annually at 18 cents  $5 million at 30 cents  and nearly $7 million at 40 cents. How many jobs and medical services would those rate hikes wipe out? Malls, factories and entire energy-intensive industries would be eliminated. Like families and small businesses, they would also face the new reality of having pricey electricity when it happens to be available, off and on all day, all week, when the wind blows or sun shines, instead of when its needed. Drilling and fracking, gasoline and diesel prices, trucking and travel, would also have been hard hit. Americans are largely prohibited from mining iron, gold, copper, rare earth and other metals in the USA. Paris treaty energy prices and disruptions would have ensured that American workers could not turn metals from anywhere into anything  not even wind turbines, solar panels or ethanol distillation plants. Most of the bountiful renewable energy utopia jobs would have been transporting, installing and maintaining wind turbines and solar panels made in China. Even growing corn and converting it to ethanol would have been made cost-prohibitive. But there would have been jobs for bureaucrats who write and enforce the anti-energy rules  and process millions of new unemployment and welfare checks. Simply put, the Paris climate treaty was a terrible deal for the United States: all pain, no gain, no jobs, no future for the vast majority of Americans  with benefits flowing only to politicians, bureaucrats and crony capitalists. President Trump refused to ignore the realities of this economic suicide pact, this attempted global government control of lives, livelihoods and living standards of people everywhere. That is why he formally declared that the United States is withdrawing from the treaty. He could now submit it for advice, consent  and rejection  by the Senate. He could also withdraw the United States from the underlying UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, or negotiate that reflects empirical science and is fair to America and its families and workers. But what is really important now is this: We are out of Paris! President Trump is leading the world back from the climate insanity precipice. Paul Driessen is senior policy analyst for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (www.CFACT.org) and author of Eco-Imperialism: Green power - Black death. Home
Micro Focus ArcSight fell from the Leaders to the Challengers section of the most recent Gartner Magic Quadrant (MQ) for SIEM, based on Gartners concerns about how Micro Focus is integrating the former HPE product with its existing products, and licensing complexity. That said, the company has a large installed base of customers using the SIEM product for large, complex SOC environments and for more basic log collection use cases. It is also used by many managed security service providers (MSSPs).

A Brief History of ArcSight

ArcSight was founded in 2000 and filed for its IPO in 2008. HP acquired it in 2012 for $1.5 billion, and in September 2017, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) spun out its software business, including ArcSight, which merged with 40-year-old Micro Focus to become a $4.4 billion software company.

ArcSights Product Description

ArcSight Enterprise Security Manager (ESM) includes ingestion and interpretation of logs, connection to threat intelligence feeds, real-time correlation and analytics, security alerting, data presentation through user interface dashboards and reporting, compliance reporting and support. ESM can also perform baselining and outlier mechanism notification. This is achieved through its integration with other analytics products, such as ArcSight User Behavior Analytics (UBA). In addition, data enrichment features include asset and network modelling, prioritization, geo-location, vulnerability modeling, and user modeling.

Recent enhancements to ESM include:

Support of Hadoop as optional backend storage for collected events and performing analysis on events

Use of machine learning to assist in the event escalation process

Full support of NetFlow, including the ability to use NetFlow in correlation rules to detect security alerts

Easy integration with third-party and external user threat risk score services such as Webroot

GDPR support

See our complete list of The Top SIEM Tools.

Arcsight ESM SIEM Features Rated

Threats blocked: Good. ArcSight blocks a wide range of threats. It includes access to the ArcSight Activate threat framework and ArcSight Marketplace content for the most current security correlation rules, dashboards, reports and use cases.

Sources ingested: Very good. ESM can analyze data from more than 500 device types and can incorporate cyber threat intelligence via STIX or CIF standard feeds. ArcSights ADP SmartConnectors support every common event format, from native Windows events, APIs, firewall logs, syslog, flat file, Netflow, XML/JSON and direct database connectivity.

Performance: Very good. Up to 100,000 events per second (EPS).

Value: Good. Some customers converting from legacy licensing models to new licenses and the ADP architecture have reported issues with license conversion complexity and costs. To address these concerns, Micro Focus has implemented changes to its licensing model that include a pricing option that is free of data restrictions.

Implementation: Very good. Users generally report easy implementation. Gartner said ArcSight can be extensively customized to support threat management and compliance-focused use cases. ArcSights API also enables extensive integrations in SOC environments.

Management: Best in class. Modular packages allow custom rules, dashboards and other content to be exported and shared across systems or customers. It includes centralized management, analysis, and reporting of all enterprise security events.

Support: Good. Users generally note solid support, but a few say it can be pricey.

Scalability: Very good. Scalable up to 100,000 EPS with distributed correlation.

Other ArcSight ESM Details

Security Qualifications

Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 compliant, including suite B authorized. Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation (CC) certified.

Intelligence

ArcSight ESM provides integration capabilities with several machine learning and intelligence platforms.

Delivery

ArcSight ESM is available via appliance, software, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.
The acquisition by UBS of a majority stake in Consenso, Brazils largest multi-family office, is a significant step in the Swiss banks growth strategy in the country.

Since 2010, UBS has been plotting its return in Brazil, following its sale of Pactual in 2009, and this transaction is the most notable since its acquisition of leading local brokerage Link  which was finalized in 2013 after UBS obtained a banking licence in 2012.

Consenso has R$20 billion in assets under management (AUM)  considerably more than UBSs R$8 billion.

In the current climate, we think Brazils reform process will be delayed but not derailed - Alejandro Velez, UBS

The new wealth management operation will merge and be run by a combination of UBS management and Consenso founding partners, including Heinz Gruber, Luiz Borges, Maria Alice Gouvea, Daniel Auerbach and Valeria Milani Pierini  who created the firm after leading Banco BBA Creditanstalt when that bank was bought by Itau in 2002.

Consenso has offices in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba and Belo Horizonte, and 60 employees.
President Bashar al-Assad spoke to WION in his first interview to an Indian TV channel

In his first interview to an Indian TV channel, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad tells WION that he is confident that the worst is over, referring to recent battlefield gains by his army in the six year long civil war. Looking relaxed, he attributed his staying power to broad popular support and dismissed speculation he was all set to flee the country saying, Syria is in the middle of the storm, I cannot say I'm going to give up and leave. This is going to be very selfish and very un-patriotic, let's say, if we can call it this way. No, in the middle of a storm, you have to do your job as president till the people tell you "go, leave, you cannot help your country." This is where you have to leave."

He said Syria was a victim of an international terrorist conspiracy hatched in the neighborhood, blaming Saudi Arabia for promoting Wahhabi ideology and exporting terrorism and extremism to the world. In blunt language, he warned:

"You cannot talk about terrorism and Saud family as two entities, I have to be very frank with you. Nearly every "madrasa" in Asia, in Europe, every mosque, has been supported financially and ideologically through books and through every other means by the Wahhabi institution."

He accused Turkey, Qatar, France and the UK of backing terrorist groups but said their real mentor was the United States. He said Western intelligence agencies working with terrorists triggered the April chemical attack on Khan Sheikhyoun in Idlib province, and used that as a pretext to carry out air strikes on the Shayrat air base. He spoke at length about the American Deep State.

"In the United States, the president cannot deliver, the whole state, the deep state only is the one who can deliver, and this is the problem. This deep state doesn't accept partners around the world; they only accept puppets, and they only accept followers, they only accept proxies, thats what they accept, and we're not any of these."

The President said his country and India are victims of terrorism. They could learn from each other and work towards building a genuine international coalition against terrorism.

The reason why we have been facing terrorism could be different, but at the end terrorism is one, and the ideology that we've been facing is the same one, and the most important thing is that the terrorism has been used in India for political reasons, for a political agenda, and Syria is the same. To support terrorist organizations for political agenda, this is something very dangerous.

He welcomed an Indian role in bringing peace to the region, saying India "has credibility and through history has always been credible". Although different parties have ruled India in different times, their policies were always based on morality and ethics. He wanted India to help rebuild his country.

"India is welcome to play an economic role in the reconstruction of Syria, something that we 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 described India's stand on the Syrian war as one based on international law, on the UN Charter and independent of those countries that sought to pressurize New Delhi to end all ties with Syria. The President said India would be among the first countries he plans to visit after the war is over.

Highlights of the interview:

 Says 'terrorism has been used in India for political reasons, for political agenda'

 Says Saudi Arabia promoting Wahhabi ideology and exporting terrorism to the rest of the world

 'Nearly every "madrasa" in Asia, in Europe, every mosque, has been supported financially and ideologically (and) every other means by the Wahhabi institution'

 'After this war, India will be one of the first countries (I will) visit'

 'India is welcome to play an economic role in the reconstruction of Syria'

 'We respect the Indian position (on the Syrian war)'

 'India has credibility (and) can play a role (in regional peace)'

 Says 'I could deal with Trump as a person' (but) Trump made a U-turn on nearly every promise'

 'Trump is a performer, not a decision maker'

 Says the US is the 'real mentor' of Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France and the UK for supporting terror groups'

 Blames the US and 'the western intelligence with the terrorists' for the 4 April chemical attack

The interview will be aired on Tuesday, June 6th 2017 at 8 pm only on WION.

Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut ties with Qatar on Monday  a news that is likely to boost crude oil prices higher. Saudi Arabia has cut all land, air, and sea contacts with Qatar.

It has also cut diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar. According to Saudi state news agency SPA, the step was taken to protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism". Crude oil prices have responded by rallying by more than 1%.

However, analysts are doubtful if this news supported rally can last long.

On the face of it, it could present a risk, but I dont think there is too much in the Qatar situation, said Daniel Hynes, an analyst in Sydney at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

Geopolitical risks havent really been that influential in recent times and I dont think that will change too much, reports Bloomberg.

OPEC oil shipments have fallen well below the first five-month average

Another news likely to cheer the oil bulls is the Thomson Reuters Eikon shipping data, which shows that the OPEC tanker supplies fell in May to 24.3 million barrels per day(bpd) from 24.8 million bpd in April. In the first five months of the year the supplies had averaged 25.1 million bpd and in the last quarter of 2016, the average was 26.4 million bpd.

This shows that the OPEC is serious in its efforts to rebalance the markets. However, on the bearish front, the US shale oil drillers continued to add rigs for the 20th straight week, taking the count to its highest level since April 2015.

Therefore, until the traders see a clear sign of the supply glut reducing, crude oil is likely to remain range bound between $45-$55 per barrel levels.
UK Market Services PMI forecast to have contracted in May

GBP facing tests from terror, elections and Brexit

Deutsche Bank believe polls are overestimating Labour support

GBP/USD news driven for now but economic data still relevant

Monday's first GBP-related economic data release saw the UK Services PMI print lower than forecasts had predicted.

The data showed the sector slowed to just 53.8 compared to previously forecast 55.1.

"Activity in Britains growth driving services sector fell back more than expected last month, following a slowdown in a pat of the economy that contributed to weak UK GDP figures at the start of the year" according to the FT today.

Previously...

UK Market Services are forecast to have contracted by 0.8 in May, down to 55.0 from 55.8.

However, economists have not had a particularly good handle on predicting the reading, as the previous two months have both seen the report rise above expectations. A good deal of stress is being placed on the UK economy as terrorist attacks, an uncertain election and Brexit negotiations present large threats to growth, in a country which was recently identified as the worse performing GDP in the G7.

The GBP has been resilient but weakness in the USD has definitely been more relevant to GBP/USD than GBP strength. After a volatile few days of choppy price action, cable now sits just below 1.29 at 1.2891. A big dip in the British Pound was seen last week as the Conservative lead in the polls was seen to be cut to just 3 points over Labour. The upcoming election is now seen as much more of a live event than was previously thought, given the vast lead that Theresa May held at the time of calling the snap election.

From a technical perspective, the trading channel seems to be narrowing around 1.29, with lower highs and higher lows squeezing the pair into a tight range. At first glance the rise in the GBP over the last few days looks like a nice pullback in the downtrend to sell into, but the UK currency is firmly news driven at the moment making it extremely volatile.

Deutsche Bank believe that the polling may be exaggerating Labour support, but see heightened risks for Theresa Mays majority,

With less than week remaining until the general election, polling has continued to tighten, with the average polling lead for the Conservatives over Labour now down to just under 9%, relative to highs of just over 20% towards the end of April. Our analysis of previous polling errors highlights that the polls have typically overestimated support for Labour into previous elections, while current polling would still just about be consistent with the Conservatives increasing their current slim majority to a level consistent with PM May overcoming her current party constraints. However, the narrowing in the polls has increased the probability of a smaller Conservative vote share, raising the likelihood of alternative election outcomes. We therefore assess the market impact on rates over the range of possible elections outcomes.

UK data may take a back seat for a while, but keeping an eye on Mondays PMI is still important, as the strength of the economy is likely to dictate the strength with which Britain can negotiate with the EU and is seen by the markets as affecting the quality of the deal it can achieve.
Hi there guysI am currently waiting on my paperwork for a staff nurse position in CCAD is there anyone out there that could tell me what its like i.e the wards and workload etc, am trying to decide if CCAD is a better option than Saudi. Any help or comments would be greatly appriecated.
I know consultants who make between 250-450k AED monthly in private practice (They are on profit share basis) but they work in specialities that generate income in private healthcare, particularly OB/GYN, general surgery & orthopedics.



When it comes to neurosurgery, and a subspeciality like pediatric neuro-surgery things get a little tight as many people prefer to travel abroad (Europe/USA) for neurosurgeries (Excluding spine surgeries).



Subsequently you won't be able to make much in private healthcare. Your best bet now is Al Jalila hospital which is a fresh pediatrics governmental hospital and I am sure they will be keen to hire a pediatric neuro surgeon. There will be no profit share/incentives of course and you will earn a fixed salary that will vary depending how much the hospital needs your services (They do make special deals with highly sought after doctors).



Other options to consider is SKMC & Cleveland, both are in Abu Dhabi.



Good luck.
These past four days have all been plain sailing for the crew of L'Hermione, with trade winds easily blowing thefrigate on past Cape Finisterre and down towards the Portuguese coast; so she's making good timing and looksrather ahead of schedule, for her arrival in Tangier.Of course the virtual L'Hermione would be really pleased with such progress, when she's got the ever present menaceof Captain Jack Aubrey ( nicknamed Lucky Jack by the crew ) never far behind in the distance.Therefore the French tactic of beating off the opposition with their Sloops, Brigs and Schooners; with Captain's whowill gladly sell their lives dearly; to see the L'Hermione reach her first objective; the port of Tangiers, for the greaterglory of France !!Today we see HMS Surprise rounding Cape Finisterre with the Spanish coast nearby, where she comes underfire from one of these two masted French Sloops, the Snow.Of course Captain Aubrey is unfazed by the interloper, saying theirs still time to finish off his Cello duet,with the ships Surgeon and still vanquish the French.Nevertheless these Sloops although small in size; are fast and nimble and packing anywhere upto a 22 gunbroadside, can pack quite a punch for the unwary naval Captain but nothing thatcan't handle.
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The trouble all started down in Dimmit County, in a corner of South Texas known best for oil and trophy deer hunting.

But it isnt limited to thorn brush country. The problem twists through 191 of the states 254 counties  every one that created a special taxing district to win a slice of $225 million in state grant money set aside to repair damaged roads in oil rich towns.

The issue was laid bare in a lawsuit seeking $1 million in overpaid taxes the legendary Briscoe family, heirs to former Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr.s ranching empire, filed against Dimmit County last year. The county is accused of manipulating data, circumventing state law and, because of special taxing zones that have since been abolished, wrongfully adopting increased tax rates that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars.

The controversy is a strange brew: the inner workings of property tax rates  a wonky topic  the shale oil boom, and the way that some counties designed and managed special taxing zones, which were authorized by the Texas Legislature four years ago but killed last Sunday, when Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill eliminating them. The once-popular program unraveled at the Legislature when lawmakers decided the tax reinvestment zones were unconstitutional.

That effectively shut off the spigot of rich fees some rural counties paid to a consultant to help secure funding.

It started in 2013 when the oil industry was in the throes of a once-in-a-generation boom, but its heavy trucks were tearing apart rural county roads, and local governments couldnt afford the repairs.

The solution was the County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zone, or CETRZ, which let counties keep more tax dollars when things such as new oil wells were drilled.

Money was thrown out and it created chaos, said La Salle County Judge Joel Rodriguez Jr. The intent was good.

Critics said the zones were illegal and that some counties used them as a money grab. The drumbeat against the zones was growing louder last year when the Briscoe family sued Dimmit County.

The family, which owns more than a half-million acres in Texas, alleges that every taxpayer in Dimmit County, not just the Briscoe Ranches, may have paid too much in property taxes between 2014 and 2016.

The Briscoe lawsuit also points out that counties have never been given the authority under the Texas Constitution to create the special taxing zones.

Renn Neilson, a partner at the law firm Baker Botts in Houston who specializes in the minutia of property tax law, summarized the county reinvestment zones like this: There seems to be a consensus among everybody that its messed up. These are pretty clearly illegal.

What does it mean for counties beyond Dimmit County that also created reinvestment zones?

Thats an unanswerable question, said John Kennedy, senior analyst at the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association. This is a brand-new foray in property taxes.

If the Briscoe lawsuit doesnt settle and gets to a jury trial, or to an appeals court after that, a decision in the familys favor could create a precedent for other counties.

Its kind of stuff that gives Judge Daryl Fowler, DeWitt Countys chief administrator, nightmares.

There are some far- and wide-reaching consequences, Fowler said. Worst case, somebody says theres a requirement to pay all of that illegally gotten tax back. I dont know where theyre going to get it because we spent $100 million on roads.

He asked his attorneys if there was some sort of safe harbor for counties that acted in good faith when they established the reinvestment zones.

Our counsel said if the courts find that its an unconstitutional taking, there is no safe harbor, Fowler said.

Its a risk. It sure is a risk.

The roads

The state grant program was approved when oil prices were high  soaring above $100 per barrel  and the states budget was flush.

The Legislature created a $225 million grant program to give money to counties that had seen increased heavy truck traffic, but it required a local match. To raise the 10 percent to 20 percent match, counties created reinvestment zones.

They would take something like a particularly busy stretch of oil field road, with its associated wells and gas plants or pipelines, and put it all into a zone that was exempt from caps on tax revenue. Increased tax revenue in the zone would get targeted back to roads.

But in Texas, if governments want to increase the amount they rake in through property taxes by more than 8 percent, they have to notify voters, who can petition for a rollback election, to roll back the tax rate so that collections fall under the cap.

What went into the County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zones wouldnt count toward the countys rollback rate. The zones created, in essence, a way to get around the revenue cap.

The lawsuit filed by the Briscoe family and its associated companies and trusts alleges that Dimmit County violated the Texas Constitution and the states tax code.

The Briscoe name looms large in Texas history  one ancestor signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Former Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. was the largest individual landowner in the state when he was alive and one of the last of the true cattle barons.

The lawsuit asks for more than $1 million in tax refunds.

Last year, the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association calculated that Dimmit County may have collected more than $5 million in taxes it shouldnt have between 2013 and 2015.

That money is gone, Kennedy said. Its left for everyone to scratch their heads. What will the courts do to craft a remedy?

A response filed by Dimmit County denies the allegations and asserts governmental immunity  the idea that it cannot be sued without its consent  and says the Briscoe family waited too long to sue anyway.

County Judge Francisco Ponce did not respond to interview requests about the suit.

Mike Uriegas, a Dimmit County commissioner, said he couldnt discuss the litigation in detail but that county officials believe their tax rate is in line with the law.

Weve gotten updates from the tax assessor-collector and shes been in touch with our attorneys. She feels like were on good standing with our position, Uriegas said. They say we didnt do the right things. What we did was not way overboard.

An empty stare

When the 2013 bill passed, no one talked about whether the zones were constitutional. It was authored by Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, and it was so popular that no one even testified against it. (Uresti has since been indicted on 13 counts of felony charges in two unrelated criminal cases, including bribery in Reeves County. He says hes innocent of all charges.)

In the mad rush at the end of session, it was an agreed bill that was worked out with industry, Kennedy said.

Somehow, no one noticed that there were three attorney general opinions saying that counties cannot create these kind of taxing zones. Abbott wrote one of them when he was Texas attorney general.

In 2015, Abbott vetoed legislation that tried to tweak the 2013 bill. The governor told lawmakers that if they wanted counties to have this authority, they needed to take it to the voters in the form of a constitutional amendment. In 2011, a measure on the statewide ballot asked voters to allow counties to develop such taxing districts  it got voted down 60 percent to 40 percent.

Ben Shepperd of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association said that in 2013, the zones seemed like a good solution.

We thought we were doing a good thing, but no good deed goes unpunished, Shepperd said.

The oil and gas lobby worked with lawmakers and county judges to pass the original taxing zone legislation. This year, though, the industry  one of the biggest payers of property taxes in the state  wanted the zones dismantled.

County judges from DeWitt, Gonzales and McMullen counties met with the Texas Oil & Gas Association in February to talk about the likely demise of the reinvestment zones.

Fowler asked them what would replace the funding for road damage if they took away the zones.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

It was just an empty stare, Fowler said. They have left us hanging high and dry.

Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, said by email the group supported legislation to repeal the CETRZ program, citing the previous opinions from the attorneys general and Abbotts 2015 veto.

The Texas oil and natural gas industry pays billions of dollars to not only fund county roads but to fund schools, local government and first responders, Staples said. We are proud of this relationship and will continue to look for ways to support our county partners.

Shepperd said the rules were too complex, requiring rural counties to hire expensive consultants to figure out how to get the state grant money.

Dimmit County paid $965,000 to Beaumont-based Creative Development Services between July 2014 and early February 2016, according to public records.

Uriegas said the firm helped it secure $6.8 million in state grant funding for roads that it otherwise wouldnt have received.

Were happy with what they did, Uriegas said.

Reeves County in West Texas, with around 14,000 residents, also hired Creative Development Services. A county auditors report shows Reeves County paid $1.83 million to Creative Development Services between April 2014 and mid-February 2016.

Neither the county judge nor the four county commissioners in Reeves County responded to interview requests about the contract with Creative Development Services and the reinvestment zones. At least one official in Reeves County, though, seemed frustrated with the contract.

County auditor Lynn Owens made a note on a July 2015 invoice  $30,315  for a study on the economic impact of value capture analysis.

What is the value of any of this to Reeves County? Owens asked.

(The bribery charges against Uresti in Reeves County involve a medical services contract for a local jail, not the road program.)

Duane Gordy of Creative Development Services said that his firm helped counties win state grant money, as well as things such as scouring public records to make sure that all the properties in the county were being taxed. This can result in a big tax revenue increase.

We found conflicts all over the state, things missed or misclassified, Gordy said. Urban areas cant even keep up.

Gordy defended his firms work but also criticized the law that created the investment zones. He said the state has a way to tax oil companies that cause road damage  the severance tax, paid when oil and gas is severed from the ground. The severance tax goes into the states so-called rainy day fund, though, basically a savings account.

The idea of using some slice of severance tax money for road repair was raised at the Legislature this year, but it died, too.

The $225 million in grant money is one part of the 2013 legislation that survives.

As of April, $185 million, or about 82 percent of the $225 million in grant money, had been allocated to counties, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The Legislature left the grant money alone  TxDOT can continue to distribute it  but it did not authorize more money.

The only thing we salvaged was an empty promise of a future Legislature to fund the Transportation Infrastructure Fund grant program in the future, Fowler said.

jhiller@express-news.net

Twitter: @Jennifer Hiller
WINTERS  Dr. Richard Thorpe took an unusual path to his post as president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the oldest and largest livestock association with more than 17,000 members in the nations leading cattle-raising state.

While he knew he always wanted to operate a ranch  he wore a cowboy hat as an elementary school kid in suburban Dallas and sketched out his future Mesa T brand while a junior in high school  he didnt come from a ranching family and started out lacking one big requirement: land.

So he became a medical doctor, opting for the emergency room so hed never be bored, and with his wife, Karen, a horse-loving gal he met at the Odessa rodeo, used his income to start building an initial 160 acres into a 6,000-acre horse breeding and cattle operation.

As if by fate or design, that brand came true in the form of the mesa (table-shaped) mountain that graces his ranch in the windswept plains of West-Central Texas.

More Information Quick facts about Thorpe What book are you reading right now: "Charles Goodnight" by J. Evetts Haley (Cowman and Plainsman, $24.95) Favorite restaurant: Pico de Gallo First job: newspaper delivery boy for the Dallas Morning News Passion or hobby outside of work: Fishing and ranching. "I like fresh water, salt water. My favorite fishing of all time is Texas bay fishing on the coast of Texas." If you had to choose an entirely different career in an entirely different industry, what would it be: cowboy rancher (although he owns a ranch) See More Collapse

He said hes learned the ranching business through the school of hard knocks along with some TSCRA seminars, and early on realized he had more in common with his TSCRA colleagues than his fellow doctors.

The recurring themes have been urban sprawl and the lack of recourse Texas private property owners have when oil and gas, utility and other companies come in and wield the power of eminent domain.

His own scars from that battle include the lattice transmission towers that loom over the family cemetery, dwarfing the high stone monument and cross he and his wife years ago brought from Guadalajara, Mexico.

The groups efforts to reform eminent domain fizzled in the 2017 Legislature.

Thorpe likening the concessions Texans for Private Property Rights were going to get from the Coalition for Critical Infrastructure to a steak dinner coming back as a couple of green beans. Rather than cede hopes for measures for recouped legal fees, non-confidential appraisals, and surface rights, Thorpes side walked away with plans for stronger tactics in 2019.

Last week, Thorpe, now 59, sat down with the San Antonio Express-News to talk about his life as a first-generation doctor and rancher taking on such battles as the head of the cattlemens group. Heres an edited transcript of the interview:

Q: How did you start your day today? What does your typical morning look like?

A: This morning I got up and I walked down to the barn and I fed some saddle horses and a couple of mares with their babies that were foaled in the barn. Then we come back up to the ranch house, and every morning we have a breakfast. And we traditionally have bacon and eggs. And people  you know it goes back to the doctoring  people come around and say, Its not good for you, its not healthy for you.

But time has gone by, were finding out that protein and fat are good for you. Carbohydrates are bad. So anyway, the doctor eats bacon and eggs every morning. And my grandfather lived to age 94, and he ate bacon and eggs every morning. So Im kind of following his footsteps.

Q: But youre also not very sedentary?

A: No, were not. You know, on good days Ill even exercise. As Ive gotten older Ill exercise and I have a routine and I cant say I do it every day but I try to do it three times a week. So Ill walk to the front gate and back. So its a 2-mile walk every day, and I do that just for my health more than anything.

And then the second part of the morning is I come in and I look through news. I look through news on the internet and I go through my emails. Thats my typical morning, thats the way it starts.

Q: You feel like youre kind if in that setting?

A: I feel like I was born 100 years too late, and you know I think I would have like to have been in my 20s in the era of the late 1800s. So that I would have missed the Civil War but then too soon to go to World War I. And I think there was a period through there in which I would have liked to have lived.

Q: Is it the same things that draws you to the ranching as in the books? Stories about human spirit and open space?

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

A: Oh, yeah. Just everything about this western lifestyle Im drawn to, and Im drawn to the bravery that it took. Im drawn to the hard work ethic. Im drawn to the strongness of the family unit to be able to do this. Its just the Western life and the early cowboys, those same values are the values we have today, I mean they really are.

Q: Describe your role as head of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and why you think its an important role?

A: I wanted to be involved in the Texas Southwestern cattle raisers because a lot of the issues they stood for I was being affected by.

I had cattle theft and I had problems with private property rights and I got eminent domained and I had oil companies come trash my land for which I had no mineral rights to and had no control. And so those issues that were so important to the cattle raisers I felt like, Well, I can sit back and do nothing; I can live in Winters, Texas, and live my life on my ranch and raise my family. OR I can try to do something about it.

And so I think me wanting to be active in those issues pushed me to the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers and pushed me to want to be in active in it. I wanted to try and make a difference. And I think when I pass out as president this next April Im probably not going to have gotten everything I wanted to get done, but I would really like to think that when Im done I did make a difference, and I feel like Ive made a difference.

Somebody asked me what do you want as your legacy as president of Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers, the oldest cattle association in the United States? I said, my only legacy is when Im done I want people in our association to look back and say Richard Thorpe was a good president. He tried really hard. And I think if I get that done, Ill be satisfied with what Ive accomplished.

lbrezosky@express-news.net
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Theres a portrait of a man in a priests collar on the front door of Taqueria La Imagen, an old glass-plate photo with faded hand-colored tones. A stoic man, with jet black hair and piercing brown eyes.

Ive seen the same face at two other San Antonio taquerias, but I didnt know who it was until a letter came from a reader recommending La Imagen. He said the man was Saint Toribio Romo Gonzalez  the patron saint of immigrants, a man especially revered in Jalisco.

And so Saint Toribio watches over La Imagen, a taqueria en estilo Jalisco. His domain is small, a single square room with brown tile floors, orange walls, a few mismatched tables and an altar to ... Saint Toribio.

Tacos: The menus small enough to fit on a double-sided page. One side for the meats: asada, pastor, suadero, tripas, barbacoa, pollo, tripas, lengua. The other side is for the quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, tortas and tacos they make with those meats.

The tacos here are strictly the double tortilla minis of Mexico, priced at five for $5, or $6 for lengua or tripas. The best value  and a good example of a tragically under-represented taco style  is albanil, a greatest-hits collection named after bricklayers, presumably the only tradespeople that build up an appetite big enough for it.

The albanil is a chopped collection of asada, tripas, chorizo, pastor and suadero. The result is a unified and satisfying culture of salt, fat, red spice and chewy protein, pulled together by the low, funky flavor of tripas.

The five-petaled taco bouquet is dressed with onions, cilantro, radishes, key limes, a grilled serrano pepper and a cup of pinto beans stewed with chorizo. Good flavors and a filling plate for $5. Saints be praised.

Tortillas: La Imagen doesnt make its own tortillas. But the 4-inch mini-corn tortillas come hot, half-crisp, doubled-up and practically melted together  a classic mini-taco formula.

Salsa: Theres no reason to oversell these tacos with elaborate salsas. Theres a chile de arbol red that starts bright and floral, then sets the roof of your mouth on fire. You might try to cool it off with creamy chile verde. Except thats not cream; its just peppers and oil, and it brings a little green hellfire of its own.

Location: 2417 Nogalitos St., 210-782-1198, no web presence

Rating: A solid neighborhood option

Follow the complete 365 Days of Tacos series at ExpressNews.com/Tacos. Get 365 Days of Tacos sent to your inbox. Sign up here.

msutter@express-news.net

Twitter: @fedmanwalking
To hear Veronica Garcia tell it, you might think it was some sort of tyrant who demanded she shake off her working-class situation, earn four degrees and became a college president.

Garcia, who took the helm of Northeast Lakeview College three months ago, is more appreciative when she refers to the counselor who pushed her as a mentor who inspired her to open up similar opportunities to others.

I realized how much knowledge can change not only a persons life, but your familys life, said Garcia, 52.

Garcias leadership has added stability to the newest school in the Alamo Colleges District. She replaced Thomas Cleary, a district vice chancellor who served as interim president at Northeast Lakeview after former president Craig Follins was ousted in late 2015, accused of repeatedly mistreating employees.

The community college is celebrating its 10th anniversary and growing at the same rapid pace as the cluster of suburban cities that surround it in the northeast corner of Bexar County. Administrators anticipate it will win independent accreditation in December.

On a quiet day after spring commencement, Garcia looked out her office window at a skyline dotted by water towers marking those cities, whose mayors and councils she is working to build relationships with. She moved to Live Oak, minutes away, in February with her husband. She is still keeping two college dogs, her term for the pets her college-going children left behind, although their original owners graduated years ago.

Garcia grew up in Tuscon, Arizona, with three older sisters and a younger brother. Her mother worked in manufacturing, making components for intravenous infusions, while her stepfather ranched in Mexico.

My high school counselor said college wasnt for me and that maybe I should focus on a skill set because college was really, really expensive, Garcia said. Universities were something that would not be attainable.

So she learned shorthand, became a fast typer and earned a decent living as an office manager. She got married shortly after her 19th birthday. In the next five years, she and her husband had three children.

Garcia ended up working office jobs in three different industries that went through rounds of layoffs. She wasnt targeted but grew alarmed at the predicament of those who were.

That was their Plan A, Garcia said. They didnt really have other skill sets. ...What I realized is I needed to learn, as much as possible, skills that would make me invaluable.

Those skills, naturally, involved computers. Garcia started taking classes at a training center down the street in Tuscon. She learned the old Word Perfect, with its infamous blue screen, and the now-discontinued Lotus spreadsheet program. After the center moved into Pima Valley Community College, she went one day to sign up to learn a database program, and a counselor, Mark McCabe, looked over her transcript.

Wow, youve taken a lot of classes, Garcia remembers McCabe saying. He asked her about them. She was confused and suspicious. McCabe then started telling Garcia about the opportunities a college degree could provide.

Thanks but no thanks, Garcia said. I really just want this class.

McCabe was persistent. He offered her a scholarship to a three-credit sociology class if she would buy the textbook. She agreed, took the class and realized that it was affordable, the workload manageable.

She was proud to finish her associates degree at Pima Valley, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college.

Of course, that counselors still there, Garcia said. McCabe urged her to transfer to the University of Arizona. She demurred, citing the cost. Two Pima Valley professors became involved and all three convinced her. Garcia earned a bachelors degree in business administration and planned a career in corporate finance.

But she was developing a passion for higher education, working part-time in the financial aid office at Pima Valley, in a low-income area where she had to explain things to parents in Spanish. Many of the students were, like Garcia, the first in their families to attend college.

And McCabe was still pushing. When Garcia earned a masters in education leadership in 2004 from Northern Arizona University, she thought he finally would be satisfied. McCabe told her to get a doctorate.

Thats what mentors do, Garcia said. They always keep raising the bar.

She became director of enrollment services at her old college districts Desert Vista campus. When Richard Duran became the president, he helped her become a fellow with the National Community College Hispanic Council, became her formal mentor and developed a 10-year plan toward eligibility for a college presidency. Duran was also on Garcias doctoral committee.

The 10-year plan took 13 or 14 years, Duran said, but Garcia followed through.

She had great support from her family and she was willing to learn the lessons and had the discipline to develop the skill set needed to become chief executive officer of a college, said Duran, now the executive director of a charter school in Pueblo, Colorado. She had this pent up enthusiasm to want to move forward, just continue to help.

Garcia spent eight years in Oregon as Portland Community Colleges dean of student affairs and enrollment management. She was back in Arizona for three years as vice president of student affairs at Paradise Valley Community College, part of the well-regarded Maricopa community college system in the Phoenix area.

There, Garcia laid the groundwork for a guided pathways model that assigns students to classes with transferability in mind, similar to an initiative Alamo Colleges is implementing. She also began work on a one-stop student welcome center like the building that recently opened at San Antonio College, said Paul Dale, the Paradise Valley president.

She was unafraid to challenge things where we could get better as a system, Dale said. I would have liked to see what would have happened had she stayed another year.

Before Garcia interviewed for the Northeast Lakeview job, she read the colleges 860-page accreditation report and walked around campus, passing herself off as a student to get a feel for the culture.

After she was hired, Cleary, the interim president, asked how much information Garcia wanted about the process going forward and she said, Everything. She made multiple trips to meet with staff and students before her March 1 start date.

Trustees and Alamo Colleges Chancellor Bruce Leslie said Garcia had a reputation as an advocate for welcoming and guiding students. Leslie also tasked Garcia with building partnerships with the community and preparing for the colleges life after accreditation.

To that end, she has applied to the U.S. Department of Education for eligibility to award federal financial aid and is working with college leaders to decide which new programs to offer when the time comes, keeping graduates career readiness in mind. Garcia wants to expand health and cybertechnology offerings, to be aided by a new building for science, technology, engineering and math approved by voters in a bond issue last month.

Northeast Lakeview College is very close to the hearts of this community and they fought very hard for this college, Garcia said. There are a lot of great things that are going on here.

amalik@express-news.net
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Upon his election in 2013, District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg moved into a fourth-floor office on the opposite side of the building from then-Councilwoman Ivy Taylor  perhaps fitting for two people who have found themselves on opposing sides of many political issues over the past four years.

That hostility has reached a boiling point, as Taylor and Nirenberg near the end of a bitter campaign fight that concludes with a runoff election Saturday.

For all their similarities as people  both were born outside of San Antonio, went to Ivy League schools and are considered hard-working and intelligent  the pair have had an acrimonious relationship that stretches back years.

Taylor is highly critical of Nirenberg and his ambitions, saying he struggles to build consensus, flip-flops on issues and has been an ineffective communicator.

To me, its always been about the policy objectives, Taylor said. I cant afford to let personality or political ambition interfere.

Nirenberg questions Taylors ethics and what he describes as a lack of vision. To Nirenberg, Taylor never has met a lobbyist or developer she doesnt like and avoids contentious issues whenever she can.

More Information Early voting The last day to vote early in the runoff election is Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday, election day, polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On the ballot are races for mayor and council Districts 1, 2, 6, 8, 9 and 10. See More Collapse

Mayor Taylor does not work through conflict, he said.

On several high-profile decisions  a contract deal with the citys police union, increasing funding for local bus service and the 2013 vote on the citys nondiscrimination ordinance to protect the LGBT community  Taylor and Nirenberg have squarely stood on the opposite side of the political aisle.

Most recently, they disagreed on whether San Antonio should file a lawsuit against the states recently passed sanctuary cities law. Nirenberg supports the litigation; Taylor does not.

Several times, Nirenberg was the lone opposing vote on an issue  as he was last month when the council awarded a river barge contract to a company city staff did not endorse  or he was joined by one other colleague.

To Nirenberg, these kinds of votes reflect his belief in doing whats right.

Im unafraid to spend political capital when it means standing on the right side of an issue, Nirenberg said. Thats what a leader does, is lead.

To Taylor, who often takes a pragmatic approach in policymaking, this reflects the councilmans inability to work with his colleagues and successfully advance an agenda.

We are representing a city of 1.4 million people. There is no way that everyone has the same impression of the right direction to go, even whats morally right, in some instances, even whats most cost-effective, Taylor said.

But there were many other consequential votes  on San Antonio Water System rate increases, a bonus for City Manager Sheryl Sculley, the decision to build the Vista Ridge water pipeline, and a move to kill plans for a downtown streetcar  where mayor and councilman voted the same way.

The beginning

Nirenberg survived a vicious runoff election to win his council seat in summer 2013. Former District 1 Councilman Diego Bernal said he quickly recognized Nirenbergs intelligence and thoughtful approach to the job.

Ron is the kid in class who does the reading, said Bernal, now a state representative and supporter of Nirenbergs mayoral bid.

Nirenbergs ambitions also were very clear from the outset, said District 9 Councilman Joe Krier, a vocal Taylor supporter.

I think everybody has known on council that he has been working toward being mayor for more than the last three years, Krier said, adding hes had a good relationship with Nirenberg and doesnt begrudge him his aspirations.

Soon after Nirenberg was elected, he asked Taylor for a tour of District 2, which she represented, so he could learn more about the East Side.

The mayor was welcoming at the time, Nirenberg said.

Taylor doesnt recall the tour. She knew nothing about Nirenberg before his election to the council but said she looked forward to working with him just like any other colleague.

But Taylor said she got a sense of his ambition in early 2014 when she ended up chairing two City Council committees, including the Audit Committee. One day, Nirenberg called her up.

 I noticed the mayor has assigned you to two committees, Taylor recalled Nirenberg saying.  I would be glad to serve on the Audit Committee and serve as the chair.

Taylor was shocked. The mayor makes committee assignments. Also, she said she didnt know Nirenberg other than to be cordial at meetings.

I would say that kind of set the tone for the kinds of interactions, that not just I have had with him, but other council members have as well, Taylor said. Nirenberg did serve on the committee for a few months.

Then, in summer 2014, Mayor Julian Castro announced he was stepping down to take a position in President Barack Obamas Cabinet.

Nirenberg, Taylor said, quickly called her and asked her to support his bid to replace Castro. She was irked by the request, because he only had been on the council one year. Shed served the previous five years.

I didnt feel that he showed a great grasp of what is required in order to be an effective leader, Taylor said.

Taylor ended up winning the appointment, partly based on her pledge not to run for the office the next year.

However, Taylor did give Nirenberg some responsibility: she appointed him to chair both the councils Intergovernmental Relations and Comprehensive Planning committees.

The latter was created to oversee development of the citys SA Tomorrow comprehensive plan, an issue important to both Taylor and the councilman.

Deteriorating relationship

The honeymoon, if there ever was one, was short.

On Dec. 10, 2014, Nirenberg presided over a Intergovernmental Relations committee meeting. It would be his last as chairman.

The following day, Nirenberg publicly called out his fellow council members, including Taylor, for last-minute changes to regulations of ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft, then just beginning their operations in the city.

He believes she took that criticism personally. By this time, many had started to suspect Taylor would run for the permanent mayoral seat, though she had not announced her intention.

The next time the Intergovernmental Relations committee met, in March 2015, Nirenberg no longer was at the helm.

Taylor said that decision had nothing to do with Nirenbergs statements on ride-hailing. Shuffling committee chairs and members is a mayors prerogative, though often those changes happen immediately after an election.

As a result of several interactions with him on the issues, I just did not have the confidence that he (Nirenberg) could effectively represent the city in Austin with the legislative session, which was happening that spring, Taylor said. She replaced him with Krier, because of the latters strong relationships in Austin and previous experience leading San Antonios chamber of commerce.

Around the same time, Nirenberg got the sense councils support for the citys voter-approved Edwards Aquifer protection and linear parks program might be waning. He said Taylor opposed putting the issue back on the ballot; several council members also indicated they might want to see the sales-tax that funds the program shifted to other uses.

Taylor said she never planned to kill the initiative but wanted to see if some of the money could be spent on water quality programs within the city limits.

Nirenberg publicly called for the initiative to continue, filing a council consideration request with the signatures of several other council members. He and the mayor eventually worked out a compromise.

It was surprisingly difficult to work through just how tone deaf she (Taylor) was to the public support behind these two critical projects, Nirenberg said.

A month later, in February 2015, Taylor announced she was running for mayor, reversing on her original pledge not to seek the permanent seat.

She said she made the decision after careful deliberation.

Nirenberg never has let her forget her decision to backtrack on her promise.

Unlike the mayor, I have not lied about the fact that I have a desire to lead this city, Nirenberg said.

Headed to the finish line

Their relationship worsened in January last year, when Nirenberg and Councilman Rey Saldana refused to vote for an ordinance that shielded Taylor from future ethics complaints related to her and her husbands acceptance of Section 8 housing vouchers issued by the San Antonio Housing Authority.

By accepting the vouchers, Taylor was creating a conflict of interest because the mayor appoints people to the SAHA board.

Taylor said she wasnt initially told about the conflict and did not intentionally violate the citys Ethics Code; she pushed for the waiver, she said, to ensure future appointments to SAHA werent affected.

Then, two weeks before the council was set to vote on the SA Tomorrow plan last summer, the citys Planning Commission stripped a number of environmental protections from the document and watered down some of the language.

Nirenberg pushed for the original language to be restored, sending a memo to council members about his proposal 24 hours before they were set to vote on the overall plan. His proposals were rejected in a split vote.

Soon after, Taylor dissolved the Comprehensive Planning committee.

Nirenberg said the mayor never directly informed him of her decision. Taylor said the committee always was expected to have a limited shelf life, coinciding with SA Tomorrows adoption.

Overall, District 6 Councilman Ray Lopez said hes seen their relationship get a little cooler in recent months but finds they still show respect for each other during council meetings. If anything, the election season has been more stressful for other council members, he said, who view both Taylor and Nirenberg as friends.

Lopez has endorsed Taylor.

Whoever is elected this weekend, Lopez is confident the city will get a leader who is prepared for the job.

I think at the end of the day, Lopez said, San Antonio will be fine.

No matter what, one of them will be moving out of City Hall following the vote.

After Taylor was appointed mayor three years ago, Nirenberg actually moved into her fourth-floor office.

Saturdays vote will determine if he can kick her out of her current one.

vdavila@express-news.net

Twitter: @viannadavila
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AUSTIN  Like Willie Nelson sang in The Partys Over, a controversial plan by state leaders to build a Texas State Music Museum in Austin had its lights turned out.

Two separate bills that would have established the new museum in the state Capitol complex, in part of a new government office building across from the Bullock State History Museum, died in the Legislature before it adjourned May 29  burying a plan endorsed by Gov. Greg Abbott and other top officials.

It also ended, at least for now, a push by Austin officials to get bragging rights for the state music museum over Houston. In fact, the death of the legislation is re-energizing supporters of a long-planned music museum in the Bayou City to push ahead with their plans.

Its also seen as a boost by others who operate or support music museums statewide. A group of nearly 40 private music museums across Texas that protested the Austin project say the dispute has spurred them to establish a statewide network to showcase the states colorful and rich music in ways that a single museum cannot.

This has not been a doomsday. It has been an epiphany for everyone on the value of the music business in Texas, said Stephen Williams, a founding member of the Museum of American Music History, a coalition of more than 50 organizations, private collectors and families who has been working for years to get the museum located in Houston.

Were now energized. Were moving ahead with our own project that will make this a statewide effort, not just something in Austin, he said

Williams and others who operate or support the dozens of private music museums in Texas said a meeting is planned in July at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage to organize those plans. Many of them felt the push for the new Austin attraction was government overreach.

For their part, officials at the State Preservation Board  the state agency that was to oversee the development of the new museum  say they are still reviewing the results of the legislative session.

Aides to Abbott, who chairs the agencys board, said there are no plans to move ahead with the project.

The bills didnt pass. Its not going to happen right now, said state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, a sponsor of the Senate bill that would have established the museum in Austin.

Several bills in previous legislative sessions that were to spur development of a state museum also died.

Texas has a rich music history, ranging from the influences of German and Czech immigrants that brought dance halls, oompah bands and polka to the state in the 1800s, to a mix of Mexican folk songs and the bluegrass and country songs brought in by immigrants from Eastern states. Then there are rhythm and blues, jazz, conjunto, Texas swing and other music styles.

That history was developed in small towns and cities in most every corner of Texas, where small museums celebrate and highlight that past. Theres Turkey, where the Bob Wills Museum is located. And San Benitos Freddy Fender Museum and the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock, along with Arlingtons Texas Blues Museum and the Light Crust Doughboys Hall of Fame and Museum in Hillsboro.

Theres even a privately funded Texas Music Museum already in Austin, located less than a mile from where the new museum was to be built.

Most are privately run, and their supporters saw the state proposal for a museum in Austin as a threat to their future.

Instead of approaching us to be a part of something, they would have undercut us, said Thomas Kreason, executive director and curator of Irvings Texas Musicians Museum that bills itself as the premiere conservatory of Texas music history. It was established in 2004.

Kreason, who opposed the state plan during at a March legislative hearing in Austin, said the current museums want to create an alliance not only to increase public awareness about Texas history but to thwart any future moves by state officials to rekindle the museum project.

By rallying support to their cause, through a social media campaign and lobbying of local officials to support them, the private museums said they were able to defeat this latest attempt to centralize Texas music history in Austin at one state museum.

When the Austin project was announced, state and local officials pitched it as something that would complement the Capital Citys self-proclaimed status as the Live Music Capital of the World.

It was to have been part of a new museum district near the Texas Capitol  with the Bullock and the Blanton Museum of Art  in a project that was to have cost taxpayers nothing. It would have been managed by a new nonprofit foundation that was to have raised its own funding through gate admissions, donations, events rentals and gift shop sales. Abbott was to have named the board of the private foundation.

In Houston, Williams sees the death of the legislation as a signal for his group to move ahead with plans for their museum, which was to receive a $10 million federal grant from the state several years ago. That money was never released because of politics in Austin, he said, but the designation of Houston as the site for a museum showcasing Texas music history still stands.

Were going to start fundraising again because our plans are shovel ready, and plan to get our project going, he said. Our plan is to be an entry point for this trail of music museums all around Texas. A lot of our music history happened within 100 miles of Houston, so its the natural place for the Texas Music Hall of Fame.

And the spring controversy in Austin over the two bills that didnt pass?

Its shown everyone how important this project is, Williams said, and why one state museum in Austin was a bad idea.
TILDEN, Texas  About 150 years ago, the Wheeler family journeyed by horse-drawn wagon from Tennessee to settle in McMullen County, where land was cheap and plentiful, if not exactly hospitable. They raised cattle through droughts, depressions and wars, working jobs off the farm  at a gas plant, in the courthouse  when it didnt pay enough.

And then the shale boom came. In the oil-rich northern part of the county, the Wheelers leased their land for drilling, bringing in a steady stream of cash that eased their financial strain when they had to sell the ranchs cattle after a recent dry spell desiccated the animals food supply.

Its been a real blessing, said Joe Wheeler, the familys patriarch, sitting down for lunch after church one Sunday at the general store that bears his family name.

Its been a real boost to the countys economic statistics, too. A handful of families like the Wheelers have made this rectangle of brushy land an hour south of San Antonio the highest-income county in the country in 2015, ahead of banker-heavy Manhattan and tech-dense Palo Alto, according to the latest federal tax data. Locals, unaccustomed to notoriety, found the news reports bemusing. We got a good chuckle out of that, Wheeler said.

The average income in this county of just 800 people tops $300,000 a year, a figure that isnt a result of wealthy people moving in, but rather money flowing to people who have lived here for decades. Its an extraordinary statement about the power of natural resources to enrich communities that have little in the way of agriculture or industry. But that income statistic tells you only a small part of the story.

Unlike many rural areas that struck it rich with the fracking revolution and went broke with the bust, McMullen County has managed to suck up that wealth and retain it, like a camel stores water in its hump. A lot of that, residents say, has to do with a culture of investing wisely, spending modestly, and giving back to support whatever needs the community might have.

And a lot of it also has to do with the difficulty that outsiders have moving in, keeping the population small and allowing a handful of families to significantly raise the average income.

Shake hands with a millionaire

When Carlos Garduno accepted a position as assistant pastor of Tilden Baptist Church in 2015, the senior pastor, Jim Furgerson, told him that the town was special.

A lot of the people here say theyve been blessed by the Eagle Ford shale economy, said Garduno, a fresh-faced new father who just took over for Furgerson as head pastor of the century-and-a-half-old church. But you wouldnt know it to look at his congregants: The newly wealthy still come to services in pressed jeans and worn boots.

My mother-in-law asked, Did I shake any millionaires hands today? Garduno recalled, after his family came to watch his first sermon. And I said, Yes, more than likely, more than once.

For Tilden Baptist, which has about 80 members, that has meant never worrying about money. The church had about twice the typical budget for a congregation its size, reaching nearly $750,000 per year in 2015, Garduno said. They spend nearly $200,000 annually on mission trips around the world.

Church leaders even had architects draw up plans for a $9 million church complex to accommodate educational and community activities, and bought the block around the 70-year-old building for about $500,000 during the height of the boom.

The church wasnt the only one that benefited from local largesse.

Tilden has the only school in the county, and kids are bused from more than an hour away to attend. During the oil boom, attendance at the elementary, middle, and high school swelled from about 160 to 280 students. To deal with the influx, voters approved bond measures in 2012 and 2014 worth about $26 million total, which superintendent Dave Underwood says was easier because county residents were doing so well.

Its always easier to pass something when things are on the up, Underwood said.

The bond paid for the renovation of the one-story building, and additions including a new library, new cafeteria, art and music classrooms and new school buses. But many community members and companies gave more: An elaborate new playground bears the names of sponsors including Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy, which had extensive operations in McMullen County, as well as ranching families such as the Quintanillas, Dilworths, and Donnells.

The senior class at McMullen High has only around 20 students, but in 2016 they brought in $648,000 in scholarships for college tuition and expenses, most of it from local foundations.

And then theres the county itself, which was able to expand its services substantially as the tax collections swelled. In 2011, the taxable value of the county was about $400 million. By 2015, it had risen to $4.2 billion.

Unlike many rural areas, McMullen has round-the-clock police patrols, road and sewer projects underway, and free garbage pickup. Its starting a health clinic with a nurse on hand five days a week  a big help when the nearest hospital is 30 miles away. On top of that, the county has built its reserves to help when times arent so good.

The oil bust has since sliced the countys tax base to about $2 billion. Thats a big cut, said County Judge James Teal, but still wonderful, when youre looking at what it was.

Barriers to entry

Of course, not everyone in town has benefited personally from the oil boom. The county still has a median household income  which only counts wages, not mineral royalties  of $46,250, substantially below the national and Texas levels.

The shale boom largely bypassed Oscar Garza, 52, who grew up in Tilden, moved to San Antonio after graduating from high school, and returned to Tilden with his wife and children about 10 years later. He works for the county doing road maintenance, and trains horses for income on the side. Its a stable living, but Garza didnt enjoy riches that befell the ranch kids he went to school with.

The only ones that really benefited from the oil rush were all the people who got land, Garza said, sitting in a rocking chair on his porch, where he can see his dads house and his sisters house.

Mary Brown, a real estate agent who deals mainly in South Texas ranches at Desert Flower Realty, said that the tracts owned by longtime ranchers rarely come up for sale. She said she couldnt remember the last time her firm sold a parcel in McMullen County. Also, with the water table 4,700 feet underground, drilling wells would make new housing prohibitively expensive, even if you could buy the land.

McMullen county added only two housing units between 2010 and 2015, according to the Census.

Waters really hard to come by in McMullen County, which is why the population is so small and will always be small, Brown said. The countys population peaked in 1940 at 1,374, and has declined ever since, according to the Census.

Housing is in such short supply that the Tilden Baptist Church and the school district both had to build or acquire housing for their own staff, who otherwise would have had a very hard time finding it.

Theres no way we couldve lived in Tilden, said Susan Magouirk, the churchs youth minister, who moved from East Texas to take the job four years ago. It just wasnt available. There was nothing. You have to be on the inside track.

The insularity is part of what has allowed the community to remain tight-knit and self-supporting, residents say. Historically, the county had a tagline: The free state, not dependent on state or federal funding, with any social needs taken care of by neighbors.

Tilden is too small to support a human services office, so the church takes care of many resident needs. Australian energy producer BHP Billiton, which has wells in McMullen, donated $25,000 to Tilden Baptist to build a food pantry.

The school district declines to take federal money for its school lunch program for lower-income kids, which frees it from restrictions on what it can serve. But poor kids still get breakfast and lunch for free. Theres no public housing, but a local charity has rebuilt or replaced 17 homes for low-income residents since 2010.

Even Garza, the road maintenance worker, said that people in McMullen County look after each other. When his wife developed cervical cancer, all his old friends in the county showed up at a benefit to help out. The community here, they go above and beyond, he said. You know that theyre willing to help, and they can.

Of course, said Teal, some people spent their oil money on flashy houses or new tractors. But more often, they paid off debts, added a garage, or paid for a son or daughter to quit their job in the city and come back to work on the ranch.

And the Wheelers? They fixed fences, laid new water pipelines for livestock and cleared brush (which can be expensive, requiring bulldozers or airplanes to do right). But spending lavishly isnt how the people of McMullen County were raised, even when the land theyd owned for centuries turned into gold under their feet.

The bottom line is, they were smart, said Warren Wheeler, Joes son, of the countys longtime residents. Especially the older people whove been through the ups and downs, Joe added, finishing his Texas Philly sandwich.
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One of the core arguments against Senate Bill 4, the sanctuary cities law, is that it will condone racial profiling and essentially turn police into immigration agents.

Under the law, which police chiefs including ours opposed, an officer will be asked to intuit whether someone might be in the country illegally.

For all the reasoning given by proponents, SB 4 is a thinly veiled attempt to discriminate against Latino citizens in both intent and effect. If a court sees through it, it will be found unconstitutional.

The city of San Antonio has sued Texas over the law. Attorneys for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund will show that Texas, its governor and attorney general are on the wrong side of history by abridging the rights  and potentially endangering the lives  of those theyre bound to protect.

To understand racial profiling and its inherent dangers, one might consult experts. Black men in America are experts.

I was trained, said Uchennaya Ogba, who runs a San Antonio public relations agency with his wife, Christian Reed-Ogba. A Nigerian immigrant, his parents drilled him about police  stay calm, be quiet, do as instructed, get out of the situation alive. Its something that is discussed. It has to be discussed.

Ogba, now 28, was 20 and a sophomore when he and his Anglo roommate were walking on Hildebrand Avenue and were stopped by police. It was chilly. The college students were wearing hoodies.

A police car passed them, doubled back, lights on. Two officers emerged, guns drawn. Confused and frightened, the students were told to get on their knees. They complied with every order, including a request for IDs. Ogba handed over what he had: a Texas ID card and a student ID.

They were handcuffed, told to sit on the ground. Eventually, they were released. Police said one of them matched the description of a burglar. It wasnt Ogbas roommate.

Now theres even more reason to be scared, he says.

Sometimes, black men are stopped several times a day while walking, driving, or fitting a description. Some get angry. Anger leads to mistakes, Ogba said. No one is safer for it.

Its something his wife worries about every day. When Ogbas green card arrived with his name misspelled, it had to be returned. It took six months to get the new card. I never thought I would have to wonder if my husband was going to get picked up and wasnt coming home, Reed-Ogba said.

U.S.-born Latinos have reason to worry, too. Some could get wrongly questioned, detained, arrested, even deported. Mistakes happen. Anger escalates situations.

History offers other scenarios. Before and after the Great Depression, government, business and labor groups wanted limits on immigration. They supported roundups of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. President Herbert Hoover called for workforce raids. In the 1930s and 40s, 2 million were deported, more than half U.S. citizens.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in New York, dedicated to improving history education, offers a San Antonio chapter. In February 1930, some 5,000 Mexicans and Mexican-Americans were gathered at a rail station to be sent to Mexico. Six months later, a special train carried another 2,000 to Central Mexico.

While Japanese-Americans were being forced into internment camps, Mexican-Americans were repatriated.

As a candidate, President Donald Trump promised to deport 11 million immigrants living here illegally along with their U.S.-born children. It would be easy to implicate him, but the reality is xenophobic, anti-Latino sentiment, as with the racism that instituted slavery and Japanese internment, is in the national DNA.

Taj Matthews, executive director of the Claude Black Foundation and grandson of its namesake pastor and civil rights leader, refers to SB 4 and similar efforts as the new Latino Jim Crow laws.

They have little to do with crime or immigration and are far more insidious.

It is based on power and seeing one group replace another as the majority, he says.

This summer, hell run another camp for East Side teens. At least one session will be about police. He tells them to be respectful. He tells them not to wear hoodies. He tells them to be calm, to say nothing, to do as instructed, to get out of the situation alive. As a teen, he had his own run-ins with police.

Also this summer, Matthews wont let his teen son walk to the Y about a half-mile away. Each time he goes, Matthews or his wife will drive him there.
Frost & Sullivan Recognizes Yamaha's Audio Conferencing Leadership

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By Paula Bernier

Executive Editor, TMC By Paula BernierExecutive Editor, TMC

The huddle room has become an important new venue for conference calls. This type of setting is smaller and typically more informal than the traditional conference room. And its meant to encourage more ad hoc conversations.

But while huddle rooms themselves are intended to support smaller groups of people, the number of huddle rooms has quickly expanded, as has the collection of suppliers that are working to provide communications equipment to these locations.

There were between 30 and 50 million huddle rooms globally as of early last year, according to Wainhouse (News - Alert) Research. And that has prompted many communications systems suppliers to introduce solutions aimed specifically at the huddle room.





But, according to Frost & Sullivan, one of the companies that is particularly noteworthy in this realm is Yamaha (News - Alert). In fact, the research and consulting firm recently presented Yamaha with its Growth Excellence Leadership Award in Global Tabletop Audio Conferencing Endpoint Market.

Over the years, Yamaha Corp. successfully expanded its portfolio of audio conferencing endpoints to become a true one-stop-shop of tabletop audio conferencing devices, said Alaa Saayed, ICT principal analyst for connected work digital transformation at Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert). With a high degree of innovation evident in its entire product portfolio, Yamaha Corp. efficiently addresses key customer pain points and helps business users to be more efficient and productive.

Yamaha, which is ranked as the second top global provider of tabletop audio conferencing solutions, in the last four years has tripled its revenue share. And the company brings to the table 48 years of experience in professional audio systems.

As the market becomes increasingly crowded, we are focused on engineering solutions that solve the unified communications and productivity challenges of remote meetings through superior audio solutions, said Hirofumi (Hogan) Osawa, executive officer, and senior general manager of the audio business division and general manager of the UC Department, at Yamaha. By enabling natural, clear conversations in any environment, we can help businesses connect and be more successful well into the future.

Yamahas CS-700 video sound collaboration system powers Revolabs (News - Alert)' newly launched product in the huddle room arena.

The Yamaha CS-700 delivers ultra-wideband audio with high-quality video in one simple, wall-mounted system. Its 120 degree ultra-wide angle camera captures all meeting participants in one field of view, eliminating the need for panning and zooming cameras to see everybody in the room.

It supports BlueJeans, Google (News - Alert) Chromebox for Meetings, GoToConference, Microsoft Skype for Business, Vidyo, and Zoom. And the Yamaha CS-700 provides a SIP interface to the corporate call manager. So theres no need for a separate conference phone in the huddle room.

The solution also enables remote monitoring and management of the units. And that allows for the configuration of units automatically and in bulk.

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Edited by Alicia Young
A bill aimed at increasing the collection of fees, fines and restitution introduced by state Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R-New Cumberland, may actually cost Cumberland County thousands every year, according to an analysis of court records conducted by The Sentinel.

House Bill 280, which cleared the state House of Representatives and is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee, would require any cash bail posted by a defendant to be used to pay court-imposed fees, fines and restitution.

Pennsylvania rules allow, but do not require, this.

Deloziers bill also would allow any cash bail posted by a third party, like a friend or relative, to be used for the defendants debt.

In general, monetary bail is meant to incentivize defendants to appear as directed by the courts. Once a case is disposed, the money is returned.

It seems to me youre going to get more fine money, but its going to cost you more because youre going to put more people in pre-trial detention, said John Kramer, emeritus professor of criminology and sociology at Penn State.  ... To me theres just an ethical problem with that.

An analysis of court records conducted by The Sentinel found the costs for incarceration could quickly exceed additional money recouped if the bill has the effect of deterring people from posting bail for defendants, because of the risk of not having that money returned at the end of the case.

That means more people are incarcerated and theres a cost to the county, Kramer said. Its not a freebie. Whether the amount brought in in fines would exceed that cost is a research question. I dont know the answer to that.

Cases

The Sentinel identified 102 cases in the Court of Common Pleas between 2012 and 2014 where defendants, or a private third party, posted bail in cash.

Only one defendant posted bail for himself. The rest were posted by a friend, family member or other third party.

For comparison, more than 7,000 cases entered the system during that time frame, according to court records.

Most monetary bail is posted through bail bonds, which are basically insurance policies issued by a professional bondsman in the amount required for release.

Deloziers bill would not affect bail bonds.

Delozier has refuted the assertion that her bill will increase county costs.

Someone charged with a crime will post bail, if they dont its because they cant, not because they may be required to pay restitution to their victims, she said in a written statement.

Between 2012 and 2014, Deloziers bill could have increased collections of fines, fees and restitution in Cumberland County by a little more than $23,000, according to The Sentinels analysis.

Only about $5,000 of that total was allocated to restitution to victims, according to the analysis.

If someone cant post bail and remains in jail, any jail time served prior to conviction will be applied at sentencing thus not increasing the cost of incarceration, Delozier wrote.

The Sentinels analysis accounted for any offsetting days to which the defendant was sentenced to reach the minimum jail sentence and still found the bill could have increased the amount of time spent in prison by these defendants by more than 1,000 days.

Defendants were sentenced to a time-served jail sentence or no jail time at all in more than 70 percent of all the cases in the analysis.

Cost

Under a conservative estimate where individuals with bail amounts of $100 or less would not be deterred from posting and cases are disposed of in no more than 30 days from when bail was posted, House Bill 280 could be a net loss of more $50,000, according to The Sentinels analysis.

Only five of the more than 100 cases between 2012 and 2014 had minimum jail sentences of more than 30 days.

These are the only cases in the analysis that would not have increased county costs by lengthening the defendants time in prison before being sentenced.

A similar number of cases were dismissed.

The analysis also took into account the amount of money defendants have paid without the bill.

Kramer said judges could lower bail amounts and release more defendants on nonmonetary bail in response to the legislation. This would likely undercut the financial benefits of the bill.

The bail system has an inherent conflict in it, in that it is financially discriminatory, Kramer said. If you dont have the money to post bail, then youre in a situation where youre going to go through pretrial detention.

The evidence is very strong that people who are detained pretrial get more severe penalties than people who are not detained, all other things equal, he added.

Along with concerns about raising county costs and increasing pre-trial incarceration, the Defenders Association of Philadelphia has posted that Deloziers bill likely violates the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Current Pennsylvania and federal law are very protective of the critical right to liberty pre-trial and also the presumption of innocence, said Mark Houldin, policy director for the Defenders Association of Philadelphia. This legislation would now say bail is not just to secure your appearance to trial, its also to satisfy debt if youre convicted.

Any kind of act such as that has a chilling effect on that fundamental right, he said.

At least 800 cases in 2016 involved a defendant who spent some time in Cumberland County Prison pre-trial because of an inability to pay bail, according to an analysis of court records conducted by The Sentinel.

Theres a really critical moment right now where stakeholders across the justice system agree with the problems that cash bail creates and how many people are sitting in jail by virtue of their poverty, rather than for anything theyve actually done, Houldin said. We should be focused right now on how to remove obstacles, so people can maintain their liberty pre-trial ... rather than creating new barriers that is going to make it harder for people obtain their release pretrial.

Delozier was presented a copy of The Sentinels analysis in February.

She noted that 17 other states have similar legislation.

My legislation brings accountability and works to finally stand up for victims and tries to make them whole, she wrote. This legislation has worked in many other states and the federal govt without increased costs.
PETA UK once again asks the question- who is the hottest vegan of them all? To answer this PETA UK and Irelands Hottest Vegan Competition 2017 is now open for submissions.

Vegan on Female First

The competition was inspired by PETA USs Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity contest  which has featured Natalie Portman, Jessica Chastain, Thandie Newton, David Haye, and many others. It seeks to put a spotlight on men and women who are living proof that compassion is the most attractive attribute of all.

There will be two winners chosen- one woman and one man and they will each receive an eight-course vegan taster menu for two at the top London restaurant Gauthier Soho.

"A trim body, a healthy heart, and a clear conscience are just some of the benefits of eating vibrant plant-based meals," says PETA Director Elisa Allen. "Everyone who enters PETA's annual contest is a testament to how sexy vegans are, inside and out."

Entrants must be at least 18 years of age. The entry round ends on 13 July. By 18 July, PETA will announce the top finalists  to be determined by a PETA panel  and voting will open to the public to help the group determine whom it should select as the winners. The winners will be chosen based on several factors, including vote count, and will be announced by 4 August.

Here are last year's winners; Stefanie Moir from Glasgow and Anthony Welsh from Newcastle.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.

by Lucy Moore for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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Fethiye Times News  our pick of whats been going on in Fethiye and around the region over the last week.

129 migrants caught trying to cross into Greece

129 foreigner were caught trying to leave Turkey illegally during an anti-smuggling operation in southern Mugla provinces Fethiye district.

A local shipmaster, attempting to illegally smuggle people out of the country, was also apprehended during the operation. Fethiye Coast Guard Boat Command reported a suspicious boat passing Oludeniz early on Sunday.

42 Somalis, 26 Syrians, 23 Pakistanis, 19 Afghanis, 13 Iranians, 5 Iraqis and 1 Eritrean, including 22 children were caught after a search on the boat, reports said. The boats shipmaster identified as M.K. was arrested.

The migrants, who were brought to Fethiye from Istanbul by bus, reportedly paid $4,000 per person to be illegally smuggled into Italy.

The Provincial Immigration Administration will be handling the 129 migrants cases.

French writer to promote Fethiye around the world

French travel writer, Christian Bex, and his daughter, Camilla Devars Bex, spent the week touring the historic and natural wonders of Fethiye as guests of the Deniz Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking to the press, Bex said he came to Turkey previously but this time he has the chance to get to know the country better. Stating that the region has unique historic and natural texture, adding that Fethiye has incredible tourism potential, Bex said, Fethiye and its surroundings have developed immensely over the years. There are new restaurants, cafes and hotels everywhere, but the coast and nature of the district have managed to preserve their state of being untouched.

Bex also stated the French mostly prefer Spanish coasts for holiday, however, he said Fethiye is more beautiful than Spain in terms of natural beauty.

The 70 year old author is expected to promote Fethiye through his travel blog.

Sea turtle becomes museum exhibit

The first Loggerhead sea turtle in the world to have a prosthetic jaw is now an exhibit in a museum.

In 2015, the Iztuzu based Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for Sea Turtles (DEKAMER), in Dalyan, carried out an operation to replace the sea turtles damaged jaw with a prosthetic. The artificial jaw, which was made for the sea turtle called AKUT-3, was produced using a 3D printer. Both the turtle and the prosthetic is now on display at the Sea Turtle Museum in Ortaca, Mugla.

The Caretta caretta, which is housed in a glass case, is proving to be popular with visitors. Prof. Dr. Yakup Kaska, from the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science of the Pamukkale University and the director of DEKAMER, explained what happened.

The operation to attach a 3D jaw prosthetic to AKUT-3 was undertaken for the first time ever by an international team, during the International Symposium on Sea Turtles in 2015. Prof. Dr. Kaska explained that when the sea turtle was brought to the centre, its lower jaw looked seemed to have been hacked off, possibly by a hatchet.

Prof. Dr. Kaska said The operation to attach the prosthetic jaw was carried out and, for about two years, AKUT-3 led a normal life. It was unfortunate that due to secondary complications and other problems the sea turtle died.

Fethiye Ramadan drummers protest

Five drummers gathered at the Beskaza Square in Fethiye to protest against the banning of drums during Ramadan.

During Ramadan in Turkey, Muslims are traditionally woken for their pre-dawn meal by drummers who take to the streets.

The drummers were reacting to the prohibiting of drum playing during Ramadan due to the fact that they are disturbing tourists in Fethiye.

Turkish Money

The British Pound bought 4.58 Turkish Lira (TL) by the close of business on Friday.

The week before it was selling for 4.69TL.

Weather Forecast

Heres your weather forecast for the week ahead.
EBRD is extending new financing to Gobi JSC, the largest vertically integrated cashmere and camel wool processor and garments manufacturer in Mongolia. The financing of US$ 16 million - US$ 12 million six-year loan and US$ 4 million working capital facility for up to three years - will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable economy in the country.Cashmere is a key export commodity for Mongolia, second only to products from the mining industry. Developing a sustainable cashmere industry and value chains is one of the EBRDs strategic priorities in Mongolia, where the bank supports diversification from the mining sector.

EBRD is extending new financing to Gobi JSC, the largest vertically integrated cashmere and camel wool processor and garments manufacturer in Mongolia. The financing of US$ 16 million - US$ 12 million six-year loan and US$ 4 million working capital facility for up to three years - will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable economy in the country.#

The EBRD financing will support the opening of a new flagship store in the Ulaanbaatar Galleria, a new shopping mall in the countrys capital. It will also finance a capacity increase and the modernisation of sewing equipment. Gobi JSC will increase purchases of raw cashmere from herders in remote areas to expand production of garments.The company, a long-standing client of the bank, will obtain a total of US$ 16 million in EBRD financing: a US$ 12 million six-year loan and a US$ 4 million working capital facility for up to three years. The working capital facility will provide Gobi JSC with more flexibility, allowing the company to access funds as necessary for seasonal purchases of raw material.Irina Kravchenko, EBRD head of Mongolia, said: We are proud to support Gobi JSCs expansion. The company shows that Mongolia can produce not only raw cashmere for foreign garments manufacturers, but that it can itself make desirable, quality clothes. We are also working with other stakeholders in the cashmere industry to improve sustainability and quality standards.Baatarsaikhan Tsagaach, CEO of Gobi JSC, added: Firstly, we would like to express our appreciation to the EBRD team for contributing to the development of the manufacturing sector in Mongolia, specifically the cashmere industry. We are pleased that Gobi JSC has been successfully cooperating with the EBRD since 2009. In this period we have become the largest cashmere producer in Mongolia and the face of Mongolian cashmere on the international arena. We believe that the long-standing relationship with the EBRD is one of the important factors that contributed to our success.Mongolia produces about 50 per cent of the global supply of raw cashmere, which is a reliable source of income for nomadic herders, bolstering a traditional lifestyle threatened by rapid urbanisation. The EBRD is planning a technical cooperation (TC) project, with additional contribution from Gobi JSC, aimed at developing a sustainable cashmere supply. With this TC the suppliers and cashmere goat herders in remote areas will get educated and trained on how to increase the quality and sustainability of the fibre. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
A Mechanicsburg man was arrested after Transportation Security Administration officials said he was caught carrying a loaded handgun at a security checkpoint.

The man, who was not identified by TSA, was found to have a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with six bullets in his carry-on bag Monday morning at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

TSA said the man told officials he forgot he was carrying a loaded gun with him.

TSA officers detected the gun as the man entered the checkpoint and placed his carry-on items on the X-ray conveyor belt. TSA contacted the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, who responded, confiscated the firearm and arrested the man on weapons charges.

TSA said Monday's incident is the 15th firearm that they have detected at BWI this calendar year. Last year, a total of 26 firearms were detected at the airport's checkpoints.

This year's number is already similar to the total number of incidents in previous years, with 16 firearms detected in all of 2015, 14 in 2014 and 13 in 2013.

TSA said in a news release that those who bring firearms to a checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges and civil penalties of up to $12,000.
Marks & Spencer has launched a new sustainability plan - Plan A 2025. The programme is an ambitious, customer focused plan that builds on the success of the first 10 years of Plan A. It will support 1,000 communities, help 10 million people live happier, healthier lives and convert M&S and its supply chains and products into a zero-waste business.The eco and ethical Plan A 2025 is designed to help inspire customers to be the best they can be and play a role in helping society tackle the wellbeing challenge. The three-pillar plan is designed to tackle the big issues facing retailers, consumer businesses and society. It spans customer and colleague wellbeing, transforming lives and communities and caring for the planet.

Marks & Spencer has launched a new sustainability plan - Plan A 2025. The programme is an ambitious, customer focused plan that builds on the success of the first 10 years of Plan A. It will support 1,000 communities, help 10 million people live happier, healthier lives and convert M&S and its supply chains and products into a zero-waste business.#

Each pillar includes pioneering new commitments, such as making all M&S packaging widely recyclable, raising 25 million for charities tackling cancer, heart disease, mental health problems, loneliness and dementia by 2025, at least half of food sales to come from healthier products by 2022, colleagues completing one million hours of work-time community volunteering, all key raw materials M&S uses coming from sustainable sources, a new 10 community pilot that will see M&S work with local councils and charity partners to support communities to deliver positive, measurable change, the results of which will be rolled out to 100 locations.By 2025, 20 per cent of all M&S clothing will have a Plan A health or wellbeing attribute and by 2019 M&S will incentivise and reward customers for making healthy choices. By the end of 2018 all single portion snacks, confectionery and ice cream will be less than 250 calories, the company says.Steve Rowe, chief executive of Marks & Spencers said: Marks & Spencer has been at the forefront of social change for 133 years and were determined to play a leading role in the years ahead. Plan A 2025 will help us build a sustainable future by helping our customers live healthier lives, supporting the communities they live in and we source from and looking after the planet we all share. We believe we can engage all of our 32 million customers, 85,000 colleagues and 200,000 shareholders in the plan that becomes a mass voice for sustainable change.Jonathon Porritt, chair of the Plan A advisory board, said: Its so important that M&S, one of the worlds most trusted and well-loved companies, keeps raising the bar on what it means to be a sustainable retailer. On all the big challenges - supply chain, climate, food waste, living wage, human rights, packaging, community investment and so on - the pressure is intensifying and expectations rising. Its great to see M&S leading the way here.Plan A 2025 aims to help play a transformative role in communities by enabling local economies to thrive, helping to build socially connected communities and improving local environments by new commitments, including by 2020, in 10 locations M&S will complete programmes that aim to secure meaningful economic, social and environmental benefits in the communities around M&S stores and beyond, and space will be available for community use in 50 per cent of clothing, home and food stores by 2025.M&S will also enter into a new collaboration with Oxfam over three years focusing on the UK and India to develop a deeper understanding of the connection between sourcing practices and human rights impacts. Oxfam will report the findings independently, whilst M&S will develop a programme of actions and report annually on progress from 2018.Plan A has helped make substantial improvements to M&S environmental footprint. Plan A 2025 will see that M&S makes its entire business model zero waste - not just its own operations but also its supply chains and products. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The exports of textiles and garments from Sri Lanka decreased by 11.3 per cent to $822.4 million in the first two months of the current year, compared to exports of $927.5 million in the corresponding period of the last year. Clothing exports alone accounted for $776.2 million in January-February 2017, showing a decrease of 11.6 per cent year-on-year.

Textiles and apparel accounted for about 61.95 per cent of all industrial exports made by the South Asian nation during the two-month period, according to the data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

In fact, the fall in export value has been higher in February compared to January. Export earnings from textiles and garments contracted by 14.5 per cent to $396 million in February 2017 reflecting a significant decline in garment exports to the EU and the US, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said in its report on External Sector Performance  February 2017.

The exports of textiles and garments from Sri Lanka decreased by 11.3 per cent to $... million in the first two months of the current year, compared to exports of $... million in the corresponding period of the last year. Clothing exports alone accounted for $... million in January-February 2017, showing a decrease of ... per cent year-on-year.#

Sri Lankas expenditure on imports of textiles and textile articles also decreased 7.6 per cent to $439.6 million in January-February 2017, as against imports valued at $475.9 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The fall in imports was higher in February. Import of textiles and textile articles, declined by 17.1 per cent in February 2017 in line with the decline in textiles and garments exports, the central bank said.

The island nation earned $4.884 billion in textiles and apparel exports in 2016, registering a growth of mere 1.3 per cent year-on-year. Of this, clothing exports alone accounted for $4.602 billion, up 1 per cent over previous years earnings of $4.555 billion. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Man-made fibre and synthetic yarn would have inverted duty structure problem as they would be levied Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 18 per cent, while man-made and synthetic fabric would attract only 5 per cent GST rate. Keeping the rates of key inputs at a higher level will affect the competitiveness of small and medium synthetic textile manufacturers.

Stating that the man-made fibre and synthetic yarn sector would have inverted duty structure problem, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) chairman J Thulasidharan said, The textile sector is suffering from various disadvantages like high energy costs and infrastructure bottlenecks. Keeping the rates of key inputs at a higher level will further affect the competitiveness of the sector.

India is already suffering a huge competitive disadvantage in the global textile market as the MMF based textile products are attracting higher rates of import duty. Keeping the GST rates at this rate will undoubtedly cripple hundreds of small and medium synthetic textile manufacturers, he said. He urged the government to reconsider the rates of MMF products and bring it at 12 per cent.

Man-made fibre and synthetic yarn would have inverted duty structure problem as they would be levied Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 18 per cent, while man-made and synthetic fabric would attract only 5 per cent GST rate. Keeping the rates of key inputs at a higher level will affect the competitiveness of small and medium synthetic textile manufacturers.#

He also pointed out that the high rates announced for MMF fabric and yarn, dyeing and printing units, embroidery items at 18 per cent can lead to an increase in input costs and can adversely affect the entire textile value chain.

While mentioning that the GST of 5 per cent on fabrics is quite favourable for the industry, Synthetic and Rayon Textile Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) chairman Narain Aggarwal said, The GST of 18 per cent on synthetic fibre is again not a bad news, because the tax rate is same as it was earlier.

Meanwhile, The Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) and CITI have appealed to the government to exempt the textile jobs from service tax as it would benefit the predominantly decentralized and MSME nature of the industry, especially the powerloom, knitting, processing and garmenting sectors. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Prominent textile and apparel industry bodies, including The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil), The Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) and the Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA) have welcomed the rates announced for the industry by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council. The single tax is to be rolled out pan India from July 1.

At its 15th meeting, the GST Council classified all natural fibres including cotton, cotton yarn, fabrics and readymade garments valued below Rs 1000 under 5 per cent GST rate. Garments valued above Rs 1000 have been classified under 12 per cent GST rate, while the synthetic or man-made fibres and synthetic yarn have been classified under 18 per cent GST rate. Fabric, irrespective of fibre, has been classified under 5 per cent GST rate.

Welcoming 5 per cent GST on cotton yarn and fabrics, Texprocil chairman Ujwal Lahoti said, The rate of 5 per cent for cotton textiles is very progressive and will lead to the growth and development of the entire value chain.

Prominent textile and apparel industry bodies, including The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil), The Southern India Mills' Association (SIMA) and the Tiruppur Exporters' Association (TEA) have welcomed the rates announced for the industry by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council. The single tax is to be rolled out pan India from July 1.#

We are happy that finance minister has accepted the Councils suggestion for keeping the rates low in order to ensure compliance and encourage the farmers to grow more cotton, Lahoti said. The low rates will not cast any additional burden on the sector and will ensure that India regains its competitiveness in the textiles sector in world markets, he added.

Expressing similar views, SIMA chairman M Senthilkumar stated that 5 per cent GST rate on cotton fibre would sustain the competitiveness of over 20 million cotton farmers as this rate across the value chain would enable the cotton textile industry to remain globally competitive, achieve substantial growth rate and increase cotton fibre consumption and thereby increase the earnings of the farmers.

Thanking finance minister Arun Jaitley for fixing GST rate at 5 per cent for garments, including cotton, cotton yarn and fabrics, TEA president Raja M Shanmugham said this would help the predominantly cotton based textile industry to grow and also increase exports. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Today, the Fijian people join citizens from all around the world to celebrate World Environment Day. We can all be proud that we come together at a time when Fiji is leading the world to defend our natural environment from two of the greatest threats it has ever faced  the degradation of our oceans and seas, and the disastrous impacts of climate change.

I am currently in New York, where Fiji is co-hosting the first-ever United Nations Conference on Oceans. And in November of this year, I will be heading to Bonn, Germany to preside over the global negotiations on climate change, known as COP23.Our oceans are home to most of the life on our planet and make up three quarters of the Earths surface. Oceans support the life of every person on earth and, for the Fijian people, our identity and well-being are tied intimately to the health of our oceans and marine resources.Over the next several days in New York, Fiji will drive the international effort to reduce pollution and over fishing in our oceans  threats that strike at the heart of the Fijian way of life. And I am fully committed to preserving the health of our oceans, for the sake of every Fijian, and every global citizen.The destructive impacts of climate change also present a serious threat to our natural environment, as low-lying coastal areas are being washed away by rising seas, and increased global temperatures threaten the survival of all life on earth. Later this year, at COP23, Fiji will rally the world to defend and implement the Paris Agreement, so we can spare our world from the worst effects of climate change and give vulnerable nations a fighting chance to adapt to the climate-related effects we are already experiencing.It is a tremendous honour and responsibility for Fiji, as the world looks to us to lead on issues of such importance to the protection of our environment. But to be true champions on these issues, we must treat out own islands with the same respect we are asking from the rest of the world.I urge every Fijian to take time today to renew our commitment to take responsibility for our surroundings. We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and we should be an example to the world on environmental stewardship. If you see someone litter, tell them to stop. And if you see anyone violating our laws that protect our environment, report them, so we can safeguard our oceans and our islands today, and leave them in better condition for future generations.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.
HON PM BAINIMARAMA OPENING ADDRESS AT THE UNITED NATIONS OCEAN CONFERENCE





Your Excellency, my Co-President, the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden,Your Excellency, the President of the General Assembly,Your Excellency, the United Nations Secretary General,Distinguished Heads of State and Government,Excellencies,Distinguished delegates,Ladies and gentlemen,We come together at a time of unprecedented challenge for the community of nations in terms of our quality of life.Climate change poses the biggest threat the world has ever known. And the quality of our oceans and seas is also deteriorating at an alarming rate.Climate change and the state of our oceans cannot be separated. They are interlinked. Because rising sea levels, as well as ocean acidity and warmer waters have a direct effect on our reefs and fish stocks and the prosperity of our coastal communities.I have the privilege as the leader of a Pacific Small Island Developing State to preside over our collective approach to meet this simultaneous challenge. I am incoming President of COP23 - the ongoing UN climate negotiations - as well as Co-Chair of our discussions this week with my distinguished colleague from Sweden.We come from opposite ends of the earth but are united in our determination to meet this challenge head on. And I want to begin by paying tribute to Sweden for the leading role it is playing in the world on both oceans and climate change.I also want to thank all those nations and organisations that have committed themselves to the agenda that we are discussing this week, along with the billions of ordinary men, women and children who are joining us in our commitment to improving the quality of our oceans and seas.I particularly want to appeal to young people across the world to do what you can to highlight this crisis and become an agent for change - whether it is collecting plastic bottles from a beach or binding together to clean up our coastal areas. Every single person in the world can make a difference. And remember: you dont have to live in a coastal area to be contributing to the problem of litter and pollution.So much of what we dispose of carelessly, finally ends up in our seas through storm water drains, creeks and rivers. Our waterways are choking. Our seas and oceans have become vast rubbish dumps. And the creatures who live in them are suffering acutely - turtles, dolphins and sharks caught in netting, whales with stomachs full of plastic bags and other rubbish. Humankind is slowly killing off one of our most precious resources - the rich bounty of our seas and oceans that generations across the millennia have relied upon for sustenance, and to earn a living.This degradation must stop. We must act in concert as a global community to role back the tide of neglect and preserve our marine resources, not only for ourselves but for the generations to come. And that effort starts now. Here in New York this week, let us send a clear message to the whole world. That time is running out to save our seas and oceans. Just as it is running out to decisively tackle the fundamental causes of climate change.In both cases, we are all vulnerable. We are all at risk. And no one country, no one government can afford to ignore the magnitude of the current threat.Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, like every Pacific Islander, I grew up with the sea all around me. I have the air of the sea in my nostrils, the Pacific Ocean running through my blood. And it pains me deeply to have witnessed the rapid deterioration during my own lifetime of this precious resource - the economic lifeblood of our people.Refuse from the countries of the Pacific Rim is making its way down to our waters at an alarming rate. Where there was once abundant fish - where I was able to throw a line overboard and quickly bring in a catch - the haul is increasingly sparse or non-existent. In too many instances, greedy nations and greedy commercial interests are robbing us of our food and our livelihoods. Because overfishing threatens both our food security and our economic base.Small island developing States like Fiji lack the means to effectively police our economic zones. And in this context, I want to use this opportunity to warmly thank our larger neighbours - New Zealand, Australia, the United States and France - for coming to our assistance with the occasional naval deployment to ward off intruders.Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, this week the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 rockets to the top of the global agenda. And I appeal to every person in this room and the governments and organisations you represent to make the World Ocean Conference a success. The registration on our online portal of more than 600 voluntary commitments to date is very encouraging - governments, civil society organisations, intergovernmental bodies, the private sector and individuals coming together in a concerted effort to address this crisis. But we must do more. Much more.We seek a commitment from all 7.5 billion people on earth to join our crusade to improve the quality of our oceans. Let us all seize this moment in history to make a difference. To place SDG 14 at the very top of the global agenda alongside decisive climate action. We can do it. We must do it. Because the alternative in both cases is catastrophe.My warm thanks goes to all of you who have worked so hard to prepare for this gathering - the permanent representatives of Portugal and Singapore and their teams, the President of the General Assembly and his team, the conference Secretary General and the UN Secretariat staff, and again, the Government of Sweden.I also want to pay particular tribute to my fellow leaders in the Pacific, who are playing a key role in placing this issue on the global agenda. We stood side by side at our preparatory meeting in Fiji back in March, and we stand side by side in New York this week.And with those words, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you all for your attendance and lets make the World Ocean Conference a resounding success.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.
HON PM BAINIMARAMA REMARKS AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE CHAMPION OF CHANGE AWARD AT WORLD OCEANS FESTIVAL





Friends,Im delighted to be making a repeat visit to New York and also to Governors Island, where I came for a training course with the US Coastguard when I was in the Fijian Navy back in 1981.36 years on, this place is full of memories for me. And I also want to say how much I value the great friendship between America and Fiji and especially the great friendship between Fijians and New Yorkers.We have a great deal in common as people who are vulnerable to the effects of climate change  not only rising sea levels but extreme weather events that have cost the lives of our loved ones, along with a great deal of economic pain.You had Hurricane Sandy in 2012. We had Cyclone Winston last year. And it has bound us together as a people - Fijians and New Yorkers - in our determination to work with the rest of the world to tackle the threat of climate change.As incoming President of COP23 and also cohost of the UN Oceans Conference this week, I especially want to thank the Mayor and people of New York for standing shoulder to shoulder with us on this issue. Because it affects every person on earth, just as the health of our oceans and seas is critical to every human being and is why we are all gathered here today.Im also delighted to present this important award to someone who shares my passion and emotional attachment to the health of our oceans.He is a scientist, a marine biologist, an explorer and author of the bestselling book: Blue Mind; The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Underwater Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected and Better at What You Do.I couldn't agree more with this distinguished campaigner or the title of his wonderful book. So I ask you all to put your hands together in warm congratulations for Dr. Wallace J. Nichols.As we say in Fiji, vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.
Actor Sidharth Malhotra has finished shooting for the Ittefaq remake and will soon head for the shoot of Aiyaary to Kashmir.

"I just finished shooting Ittefaq. I am done with it. Now I'm going to start Neeraj Pandey's Aiyaary very soon. I am going to Kashmir and shoot. So, I am prepping for that and looking forward for that shoot," Sidharth Malhotra tols IANS at a recent event.

Aiyaary is a crime drama written and directed by Neeraj Pandey. It also features Manoj Bajpayee in a pivotal role.

Asked about the difference between style and fashion, Sidharth Malhotra said, "Style is something that you have and fashion is something that you buy. So, I believe in a variety of things which changes every day. It goes by my mood, by the month."

Speaking on the most stylish man and woman in the film industry, Siddharth Malhotra said, "Best man is Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan, and also Saif Ali Khan... Among the women, of course, Sonam Kapoor and I think Priyanka Chopra."
HARRISBURG  Legislation supported by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf to overhaul benefits for future employees in Pennsylvanias two debt-saddled pension systems is on a fast track, passing the Senate in a bipartisan vote Monday on its way to the House.

The Republican-controlled Senates 40-9 vote was expected to be followed by swift House action this week to send the just-unveiled bill to Wolfs desk.

The bill, produced from months of closed-door negotiations, is the result of Senate Republicans trying for more than four years to end or reduce the traditional pension benefit for future state government and public school employees in favor of a 401(k)-style benefit. If it becomes law, it would be the second pension benefits reduction in eight years.

The bill would create a less expensive and less generous pension benefits structure in the future, while also shifting some risk of investment losses off taxpayers and onto the public employees of tomorrow.

But actuaries note that creating the new benefits plans still leaves Pennsylvanias massive pension debt intact, and will not stop the rising pension obligation payments that are squeezing the budgets of school districts.

In his floor comments, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson, called the legislation historic reform that will help ensure the stability of the commonwealth for decades to come. Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre, said if lawmakers had adopted the same changes in 2001  the year they approved a huge benefits increase  the state wouldnt be in this situation that were in today and dealing with skyrocketing increases of our contribution.

Wolfs office said he supports the bill and its goals of continuing to pay down the pension debt on the current schedule, reduce pension fund investment fees and shift investment risk away from taxpayers.

Under the bill, most new employees hired after 2019 would see a smaller traditional pension benefit combined with a new 401(k)-style benefit. They also could choose a plan based entirely on a 401(k)-style benefit. About one-third of future state government employees, including Pennsylvania state troopers and state corrections officers, are exempt from the plan changes.

The roughly $60 billion projected debt in Pennsylvanias two big public pension systems is attributed to the benefits of current and retired employees and will take more than two decades to pay down, according to estimates by the pension systems.

That debt stems from years of lawmakers and governors deferring payments into the system and approving pension benefits increases, plus disappointing investment performances in some years.

The bill does not reduce the benefits for current public employees, lawmakers or retirees, and it does not pledge a big influx of money to pay down the pension debt.

In 2015, Wolf had proposed borrowing $3 billion in bonds to refinance part of the pension debt and save a projected $8 billion, but legislators opposed it. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans had sought billions of dollars in concessions from current employees, but it hit opposition in the House.

Wolf vetoed Republican-penned legislation in 2015 that would have ended the traditional pension benefit for new hires in favor of a 401(k)-style benefit.

About one-third of U.S. states already administer a mandatory or optional 401(k)-style retirement benefit for employees, according to the National Association of State Retirement Administrators.
Kannada Film Industry is abuzz with news of the upcoming movie Kurukshetra. This movie is supposedly actor Darshan Thoogudeepa's 50th movie. Also, many top stars are rumoured to act in this movie forming an ensemble team.

The latest news about Kurukshetra will shock everyone. Actor Darshan is purported to charge a humongous amount as remuneration for this movie; an amount that has not been asked previously in the industry. Many producers are worried now, as the actor's fee has increased dramatically.

Read on to find out exactly how much Darshan's remuneration for Kurukshetra is..

The Biggest Remuneration In Kannada Film Industry

Kurukshetra is being produced by MLA Muniratna, who also happens to be a producer. Allegedly, the producer has agreed to pay a substantial amount of money to a single actor, which is touted to be the highest remuneration ever paid in Sandalwood.

So, What Is His Remuneration?

According to sources, the remuneration that is apparently offered to Darshan for Kurukshetra is 10 Crore Rupees. This has been the talk of the town ever since the news was out.

High Budget Cinema

A period drama or a mythological drama always costs the producers more. Especially in Kurukshetra, with all the costumes, sets and production, the expenditure might just shoot like rocket. The producers, having known this already, have agreed for a limitless budget. Meaning? A high-end entertainer!

Film Is All Set To Go On Floors Soon

Producer and MLA Muniratna celebrates his birthday on July 23. This year though, he wants his film to go on floors on his day. We hope the filming commences on July 23.

Darshan Is Duryodhana

By the way, Darshan Thoogudeepa will be seen portraying Duryodhana. The trial photoshoot for each role have already begun in Ramoji Film City.

Ravichandran Is Krishna

Another mega star adding to the cast will be Crazy Star V. Ravichandran. He will be portraying Lord Krishna.

The Rest Of The Cast

Meanwhile, Pranaya Raja will be seen playing Dhritarashtra and veteran actor Srinivasa Murthy will be seen donning the avatar of Dronacharya.

Final Gossip

A recent update says that a few other major actors have been offered other roles as well. Rumours are that Saikumar, Arjun Sarja and Ambareesh have been approached for main roles. Only time can tell if it's true or not.
Kirik Party released in fag end of 2016 and turned out to be blockbuster. The film completed 150 days in a couple of multiplexes. Colors Kannada channel which has bagged the satellite rights of the film organized a grand event to celebrate the success of the film.

Event was held at Innovative Film City, Mysore Road on Saturday. The complete cast and crew of Kirik Party was in attendance. Veteran director Bhagavan and Bhandari brothers of Rangitaranga fame were present as guests. Akul Balaji was the host of the event.

Cast and crew enjoyed the 150 days event where each one of them were felicitated and presented with 150 days memento by the makers and channel.

Lead pair Rakshit Shetty and Rashmika Mandanna were the main attraction of the event. There were rumours of pair getting engaged in July, but Rashmika has denied the rumours. Rakshit Shetty is yet to comment on this news.

Rakshit was seen enjoying the event with his on screen heroine Rashmika at the event, while director Rishab Shetty attended the event with his off screen heroine Pragathi Shetty to whom he got married recently.

Rakshit Shetty made a 'filmi' entry to stage wherein leading ladies Rashmika Mandanna and Samyuktha Hegde upped the ante with their dance performances. Host Akul Balaji was at his best throughout the event.

Rangitaranga fame Anup and Nirup Bhandari were present at the event to celebrate the success of their friends Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty. Along with Bhandari brothers, Rakshit's friends Meghana Gaonkar and Yagna Shetty were also present.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Facebook Inc. (FB) said it wants to make its social media platform a 'hostile environment' for terrorists as politicians intensified their criticism of tech companies for not doing enough to crack down on extremist messages online in the wake of another deadly terrorist attack in London. The U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May lashed out Sunday at internet companies, calling for international regulations to rein in terrorist planning and recruitment after Saturday's attack in London, which left at least seven dead. 'We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed,' May said. 'Yet that is precisely what the internet and the big companies that provide internet-based services provide.' In a statement, Facebook's director of policy, Simon Milner, said the company wants to 'provide a service where people feel safe. That means we do not allow groups or people that engage in terrorist activity, or posts that express support for terrorism. We want Facebook to be a hostile environment for terrorists. Simon Milner said, 'Using a combination of technology and human review, we work aggressively to remove terrorist content from our platform as soon as we become aware of it.' 'If we become aware of an emergency involving imminent harm to someone's safety, we notify law enforcement. 'Online extremism can only be tackled with strong partnerships. We have long collaborated with policymakers, civil society, and others in the tech industry, and we are committed to continuing this important work together.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 06/05/17 -- BTL GROUP LTD. (TSX VENTURE: BTL) ("BTL") is pleased to announce it is taking steps towards a go-to production phase on its Interbit platform, following the successful completion of its European energy trading pilot with BP, Eni Trading & Shipping and Wien Energie. The intense, 12 week pilot involved building out an energy trading confirmation solution on BTL's Interbit platform, which was successful in all 8 test scenarios. The pilot proved that Interbit can streamline many trading and back office processes across the energy trade lifecycle.

Along with its clients, BTL is now extending invitations to additional energy companies who will be invited to the 6 month go-to production phase, where BTL and participating companies would work to launch a live, commercial version of the energy trading solution.

By running BTL's Interbit platform in parallel with each company's existing systems, this phase would seek to take the completed pilot forward, with the aim to integrate Interbit and its energy trading solution into live environments.

The pilot has also enabled those participating companies to assess other areas of their business in which they can use BTL's Interbit platform, and BTL is now actively working with select participants to explore applications of Interbit across additional business units.

"At BTL we truly believe that, by using blockchain technology and our proprietary platform, Interbit, there is a better and more efficient way for enterprises to build applications," said Guy Halford-Thompson, BTL's Co-Founder and CEO. "Having demonstrated the reductions in risk and cost savings that are achievable we now have an opportunity to deliver the first successful blockchain based application to the energy market. We are also very excited that the pilot has enabled participating companies to better understand the benefits of Interbit and identify other areas in their organizations where they can apply it."

"We are very passionate about the innovation that our technology can achieve in the energy sector and welcome new participants to join us and other leading global energy companies in the next phase of development, via this open invitation," added Hugh Halford-Thompson, BTL's Co-Founder and CIO.

"The pilot project showed how BTL's blockchain platform, Interbit can be used to innovate in the field of energy trading," said Andrew Woosey, Partner at EY, which provided consulting support to the pilot. "Use of such technology can help by streamlining back office processes, leading to reduced risk, better protection against cyber threats and ultimately significant cost savings. Further engineering and organisational effort is needed to achieve these outcomes."

BTL's Interbit platform automates many back office processes such as confirmations, actualisations, invoice generation, settlement, audit, reporting and regulatory compliance allowing enterprises to significantly reduce risk, costs and the threat of cyber-attack, as well as increasing their trading opportunities.

BTL and pilot participants are working in the near term to finalize the terms and participants of the go-to production phase, but there is no assurance that the go-to production phase will proceed as described herein.

Companies interested in participating in the go-to production phase should contact Hugh Halford-Thompson at hugh@btl.co or +447789231917.

ABOUT BTL GROUP LTD. AND INTERBIT

Operating from both Canada and the UK, BTL is an enterprise technology platform provider that is developing Interbit, a proprietary private blockchain. Via the Interbit platform, BTL can help companies greatly reduce risks and costs by securely streamlining existing IT infrastructures. To date, BTL has successfully demonstrated how Interbit can innovate system processes for leading companies in the finance, energy and gaming sectors.

Interbit is a fast, encrypted and scalable multi-chain technology platform. Via its suite of APIs and smart contracts, Interbit allows businesses from across the world to improve efficiency in trading and operations, accelerate development of internal systems, and embrace new revenue generating opportunities, while providing the high levels of security, resilience and auditability required in regulated enterprise environments.

BTL's current focus is advancing the development of Interbit, with a Beta release scheduled for Q3 of this year.

With offices in Vancouver and Canary Wharf in London, BTL is positioning itself as a front-runner in the blockchain ecosystem, partnering with and enabling enterprises on Interbit in order to improve their existing IT systems.

Website: www.btl.co

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blockchainltd

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which include further development of BTL's business relationships and business and the development and success of BTL's technologies and products, including the ability to attract other participants to the go-to production phase of the energy pilot, that the go-to production phase will actually proceed, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, the development of competitive technologies, the marketplace acceptance of BTL's technologies and products, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in BTL's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016 available at www.sedar.com, many of which are beyond the control of BTL. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, BTL disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, BTL undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Angus Campbell

Inquiries

+44 (0) 20 7100 0850

Angus.Campbell@staturepr.com



Guy Halford-Thompson

CEO

+1 855 256 5246

guy@btl.co




HENDERSON, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 06/05/17 -- mCig, Inc., (OTCQB: MCIG), a leading distributor of innovative products, technologies, and services for the global medical cannabis industry provides shareholders with a recap of FY2017 highlights, successes and FY2018 outlook and expansion.

Key Highlights of FY2017:

Net Sales increased to $4.5 million, a 158% increase year to year comparison, and a 1,294% increase for the 4th quarter compared to same period last fiscal year

Net income of $1.5 million compared to a $1.4 million loss from the previous year, and an increase of $2.9 million net earnings

Cash and cash equivalents of $1.6 million compared to $0.1 million from the previous year (a 1,369% increase), and a 400% increase from last quarter. mCig generated $2.1 million in cash from operating activities

mCig assets increased to $6.8 million, having 6 times more assets than it does liabilities





MCIG has established 4 targets for FY2018 in which to measure its performance. Our collective strategy aims to:

Take Aggressive steps to increase revenues and profits.

Reach 1 million active combined customers across all MCIG segments.

Spin-off one subsidiary into a publicly traded company, offering a share dividend to all MCIG shareholders.

Strategically enable company to conduct business in diversified sectors, both inside and out of the cannabis industry.





GROW CONTRACTORS

Grow Contractors (GC) was MCIG's fastest and largest growing segment in FY2017. GC generated more than $1.1 million in working capital for MCIG in FY2017.

GC has successfully completed its first two contracts, Sin City and Green Leaf Farms. GC's talent and ability to consult and construct, has made our partners capable of meeting deadlines for "fast-track" recreational licenses. Both partners have received their official State Certificate of Occupancy to allow them to begin growing cannabis. GC continues to consult for both groups and is working on hiring and building added partnership opportunities in addition to construction. Solaris and Forest Grove projects are full steam ahead and expected to finish Phase I by September. GC also completed various smaller projects in Washington and Oregon in FY2017.

While GC has expanded operations outside of Nevada, Nevada continues to remain its focal point state, and will continue to be in FY2018. With recreational cannabis sales starting in Las Vegas on July 1, 2017, the entire market is abuzz with energy. GC has received more requests for grow consultations in the last 2 months than it has in the past two years. Projects continue to line up as demand remains increasingly strong. With 45 million tourists, higher discretionary spending, and being able to purchase cannabis with the simple requirement of being 21 years of age, Nevada is expected to top Colorado revenues and historical growth patterns. With the growth potential of the recreational cannabis market emerging in Nevada, GC is well positioned for construction and consulting services in the state of Nevada for many years to come.

MCIG will continue to update the market and shareholders of GC 's progress through social media (Instagram, Facebook), and our websites (growcontractors.com, mciggroup.com). We believe GC has an early adopter advantage and large growth potential in Nevada, which positions the company for facility management opportunities and owning our own profitable grow in future.

CANNABIZ SUPPLY

MCIG continues to develop and strengthen its cannabis supply venture, Cannabiz Supply. The revenue for this division (100% owned by MCIG), continues to double month over month. The business has grown in various areas -- selling state mandated and custom packaging, office, dispensary supplies, and vape products. The company has gained multiple accounts with distribution to every dispensary, major grower, and production facility in the state of Nevada.

MCIG will continue to foster and grow this division, and once established and perfected in Nevada, the company plans to expand into a national cannabis supply and distribution company. "The growth of the cannabis industry is unparalleled to anything I have seen in my 45 years in business," states Cannabis Supply, CEO, Charles Fox, "and Cannabiz Supply is poised to be a major player in the packaging and supply side every step of the way."

GIGESOFT

In April 2017 MCIG launched 420cloud.com, a mobile application available on both Android and Apple devices. A web browsable version of 420 Cloud is planned for release in the next 3 months. During the forecasted period, new areas of the application will be released and will expand on user connectivity, user experience, premium features, microtransactions, payment wallet, advertising network, additional websites connected through the app menu and expansion to user shopping through the 420 Tienda marketplace.

MCIG considers this project to be long term and ongoing, that will produce strong intellectual property and assets, while continuing to build and enhance our cannabis job listings, weedistry 420 news, cannabis social media, and more. Owning our own tech platform opens many opportunities for future growth.

The user base continues to grow with currently over 25,000 active users. The company expects exponential growth as more features are rolled out in the coming months and as the app starts to be promoted through our various marketing channels. In the very near future 420 Cloud will also become the primary source of information and updates concerning MCIG and its business. MCIG will rely extensively on Gigesoft to achieve its goal of reaching 1,000,000 customers in FY2018.

MCIG anticipates revenue in FY2018 from advertising, microtransactions, payment processing, and retail sales through the new platform.

For updates, visit us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), and our websites (420cloud.com, weedistry.com, 420jobsearch.com, and mciggroup.com).

VITACIG

Since our acquisition of the e-Cig business in June 2016, MCIG revenue has grown to $1 million annually. With more than $5 million in guaranteed contracts over the course of the next two years, MCIG will continue to see growth in the e-Cig market. During FY2017 MCIG has expanded intellectual property, trademarks, and patents (where applicable) throughout Europe, Australia, South America, and the Asian markets.

With distributors and partners across the globe, we aim to double our current $1 million revenue this year. We are proud to announce the close of another International contract for the territories of Australia and New Zealand, valued at a minimum of $1.0'million in guaranteed orders. Our Japanese partner's success has been tremendous since their launch around this same time last year. Building on this success, with over $1.0 million invested into the VitaCig brand to date, we are proud to announce that both parties agreed to expand their original contract to now include Eastern and South East Asia, adding an additional $1.5 million in guaranteed orders. Our focus on aggressive international expansion for VitaCig and VitaStik brands continues to pay off. Our next target market regarding international distribution is now focused in the Middle East, where we are currently in talks with potential partners from Israel, Iran, Lebanon, UAE, and India.

Company and Investor Updates

MCIG recently enhanced its corporate website, www.mciggroup.com, to provide investors with an update of its recent endeavors, company outlook, and market value. The new website is designed to help increase shareholder value by enabling investors to easily sign up for updates and research, sharing information and updates, and driving more engagement for potential acquisitions and sales of MCIG products and services.

"This is an exciting time for MCIG GROUP. We continue to increase value for our shareholders by focusing on acquisitions, establishing new profitable divisions and expanding our operations in diversified sectors. We expect FY2018 to be a great year for MCIG," said Paul Rosenberg, CEO of MCIG INC.

For updates, visit us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), our parent website mciggroup.com, or download our app at 420Cloud.com, planned for shareholder updates in the near future.

About MCIG Group (OTCQB: MCIG)

Headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, mCig, Inc. (OTCQB: MCIG) is a diversified company servicing the legal cannabis, hemp and CBD markets via its lifestyle brands. mCig, Inc. is committed to being the leading distributor of technology, products, and services to fit the needs of a rapidly expanding industry. mCig, Inc. has transitioned from a vaporizer manufacturer to industry leading large scale, full service cannabis cultivation construction company with its Grow Contractors division currently operating in the rapidly expanding Nevada market.

mCig, Inc. also employs a world renowned tech team and has recently entered the tech space to satisfy its evolving role in technology and in keeping it's growing following up to speed.

The company looks forward to growing its core competencies to service the ancillary legal Cannabis, Hemp and CBD markets, with broader expansion to take place once federal laws change. With over seventy five years of experience combined between the key players that make up the Cannabis Grow Contractors Division, mCig Inc. is proud to work with Cannabis Industry leaders and provide broad and rounded solutions for legal growers nationwide.

About the 420 Cloud App

The 420 Cloud app features a useful and unified cross-channel platform comprised of numerous layers of subscriber functions and behaviors, an immersive experience extremely useful for networking and learning, a technically robust 420 cannabis jobs search system (420jobsearch.com), marijuana news media platform (weedistry.com) and integrates a commerce networking platform, strengthening reach and exposure throughout it's various channels. The platforms feature a full scale, cross-channel, ad network, spread throughout an enterprise of intuitive systems, scalable for high traffic and utilize big data conversion for monetization and analytics. The app plans to create revenue through gamification, advanced functions, features and micro-transactions, along with ads and partnerships with dispensaries.

The successful app market has grown from $45 billion in 2015 to $76 billion in 2017, and the marijuana market totaled $6.7 billion in 2016 and growing according to Forbes. In addition to current endeavors with large scale marijuana grow construction (growcontractors.org), mCig, Inc.'s alignment with these growing industries can greatly benefit the company's growth and revenues.

For more information visit our websites:

mciggroup.com

growcontractors.com

420cloud.com / www.420.cloud

420jobsearch.com

weedistry.com

cbd.biz

vitacig.org

Safe Harbor Statement

Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on current expectations, but are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's ability to develop, market and sell products based on its technology; the expected benefits and efficacy of the Company's products and technology; the availability of substantial additional funding for the Company to continue its operations and to conduct research and development, and future product commercialization; and the Company's business, research, product development, regulatory approval, marketing and distribution plans and strategies.

This release contains a non-GAAP disclosure, EBIDTA, which consists of net income plus interest expense, net, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. This term, as the Company defines it, may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure used by other companies and is not a measure of performance presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses EBIDTA as a measure of operating performance. EBIDTA should not be considered as a substitute for net income.

Contact:

Paul Rosenberg

CEO

paul@mciggroup.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/05/17 -- First Cobalt Corp. (TSX VENTURE: FCC)(OTC: FTSSF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of a borehole geophysics and televiewer program at its Keeley-Frontier project near Cobalt, Ontario.

This phase of the program consisted of taking measures from within six drill holes completed in 2012 on the Beaver Lake Fault in an area known as the Keeley Extension. The Beaver Lake Fault was previously mined but only to a limited extent. The fault is located to the west of the main silver-cobalt ore zone of the Keeley-Frontier Mine (Figure 1).

The program is intended to help First Cobalt improve understanding of the controlling structures in the mineralized system. The Woods Vein was historically the largest productive vein for Keeley and is well defined. However, other north-trending structures and east-west cross faults were not well defined. By improving the understanding of the broader structural environment, the Company anticipates it will be in a better position to predict where other vein structures may lie.

Dr. Frank Santaguida, Vice President, Exploration commented,

"The completion of this phase of our exploration program at Keeley-Frontier is essential to our strategy to unlock the cobalt potential in this camp. These results placed into the context of the ongoing structural mapping program will provide the foundation for planning the drill program this summer, as it will help predict the location of previously unknown vein sets. I am very pleased with the hard work of the field team and we are looking forward to completing the interpretation of the geophysical data in the coming weeks."

Borehole geophysics have not previously been conducted at Keeley-Frontier and these measurements provide more accurate data than surface geophysics and aerial surveys. Historic records indicate that the best grades were found at the intersection of north-trending and east-west cross faults.

Four of the six holes were surveyed for resistivity, natural gamma and magnetic susceptibility. Resistivity and natural gamma are measured to determine alteration of the rocks related to mineralization. Magnetic susceptibility variations, specifically in the host mafic volcanic rocks, can be used to determine their depth extension below the Huronian sedimentary rocks providing future targets for drilling. The data from this program could allow the Company to more accurately project the depth to the volcanic unit that hosts mineralization.

Optical televiewer and acoustic televiewer surveys were completed on three holes for detailed, in-situ structural information and to measure the true orientation of the lithological contacts. In other words, the televiewer information will allow for a better appreciation of the structural context within the holes. Data will be integrated with the ongoing structural mapping program to predict extensions of known mineralization and infer new areas for drill targeting.

DGI Geoscience Inc. was engaged to conduct the borehole survey work.

The southernmost hole from the 2012 drill program (CSH12-03), intersected an 11.3 metre interval containing a composite value of 72.47 g/t silver. Cobalt mineralization was not specifically targeted by the 2012 program so some intervals were unsampled. Other short intervals of Ag-Co-Ni mineralization were intersected in other holes. The geophysical data represent signatures for this mineralization as well as establish the background response from the host rocks.

To view Figure 1. Bedrock geology of the Keeley-Frontier area showing the location of the drillholes surveyed. (Silver-cobalt ore veins were digitized from historic surface projection maps, so should only be considered as approximate.), visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/KeeleyFrontier.jpg

Keeley-Frontier Project

First Cobalt's vision for the property is to revisit the historic camp, which has not seen meaningful exploration activity in more than 75 years, and evaluate the opportunity to use modern bulk mining techniques to revive the camp.

The Keeley and Frontier Mines were originally developed and operated as separate mines and eventually integrated in 1961. From 1908 to 1965, the Keeley-Frontier Mine produced a total of over 3.3 million pounds of cobalt at a recovered grade of 0.5% and 19.1 million ounces of silver at a recovered grade of 58 ounces per tonne using these reported production numbers. Most of the production occurred between 1922 and 1931. The Company acquired a 100% option over the property in March of 2017.

The neighbouring towns of Silver Centre and Cobalt, Ontario were historically the most prolific cobalt jurisdictions in Canada and the largest silver producers worldwide. It is estimated that from 1904 to 1985 these two mining camps combined produced 50 million pounds of cobalt and 600 million ounces of silver from 70 different mines.

Qualified Person

Dr. Frank Santaguida, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for First Cobalt is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

About First Cobalt

First Cobalt is focused on building a diversified global portfolio of assets that are highly leveraged to the cobalt market. The Company's current assets include options in Canada for the former producing Keeley-Frontier mine, a high-grade mine that produced over 3.3 million pounds of cobalt and 19.1 million ounces of silver from 301,000 tonnes of ore, as well as a joint venture on a fully permitted cobalt refinery in Cobalt, Ontario. The Company also has interests in seven prospective copper-cobalt properties covering 190 square kilometres in the Democratic Republic of the Congo all with known surface mineralization.

On behalf of First Cobalt Corp.

Trent Mell, President & Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects', "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the reliability of the historical data referenced in this press release and risks set out in First Cobalt's public documents, including in each management discussion and analysis, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although First Cobalt believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, First Cobalt disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

First Cobalt Corp.

Heather Smiles

Investor Relations

+1.416.900.3891

info@firstcobalt.com

www.firstcobalt.com




TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 5, 2017 / Stans Energy Corp. (TSX-V: HRE, OTC PINK: HREEF), ("Stans" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on ongoing corporate initiatives.

PERVOMAYSKIY LITHIUM PROJECT

Stans has previously entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Pervomayskiy GOK ("PGOK") for the acquisition of the Pervomayskiy lithium mineralization stockpile and processing mill (together the "Project"). Stans Moscow counsel, Norton Rose Fulbright had identified several outstanding legal issues that needed to be addressed by PGOK with respect to land assembly of the various parcels on which critical infrastructure and mineralized material are located. PGOK has undertaken significant steps to address the outstanding items and continues moving towards satisfying all unresolved concerns.

In addition to the ongoing due diligence, Stans' partners have secured a RUB$ 400 million (US$ 8 million) grant from the State Atomic Agency Corporation (ROSATOM) and the Ministry of Education of The Russian Federation. The grant will be used to advance the Project to develop an industrial scale prototype for the production of a lithium concentrate and lithium carbonate using the mineralized material contained within the Pervomayskiy Stockpile and the milling and processing technology developed by VNIIHT.

VNIIHT had originally been retained by Stans' partners to develop laboratory scale testing on research on the feasibility of producing a lithium concentrate and carbonate from the Pervomayskiy Stockpile. This research was financed on a 50/50 basis by Stans partners and a government grant from the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.

"Although the legal due diligence is taking longer than expected, we are pleased that our partners together with other stakeholders in the project, the industry and the local region, continue to work on advancing the Pervomayskiy Project. As the project continues to evolve, Stans is committed to negotiating a favorable partnership structure that will benefit all stakeholders: Stans' shareholders, our Russian partners and the local community in Pervomayskiy" states Rodney Irwin, CEO and President of Stans.

LONDON SET ASIDE PROCEEDINGS

Stans is pleased to report that local London, England, counsel has been retained by the Company and councel is finalizing the Company's statement of defense. The Kyrgyz Republic (the "Republic") is attempting to have the UNCITRAL Tribunal (the "Tribunal") jurisdictional ruling set aside. This ruling confirmed the Tribunal's jurisdiction to hear the merits of the arbitration claim brought by Stans against the Republic. The date for the London hearings remains July 24-25, 2017.

UNCITRAL ARBITRATION

The Republic previously requested a two week delay for document submission to the Tribunal. Both Stans and Tribunal have agreed to this request, however the Tribunal decided to keep the scheduled final hearing date unchanged. The Tribunal will hold a hearing on the merits of the case on April 15-19, 2018.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Stans Energy

Stans Energy Corp. is a resource development company focused on advancing rare and specialty metals properties and processing technologies. Stans is now transitioning into a supplier of materials and technologies that will assist in satisfying the future energy supply, storage and transmission needs of the world. Previously, the Company acquired, among other things, the right to mine the past producing rare earth mine, Kutessay II, in the Kyrgyz Republic. Due to the expropriation actions taken by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Company is undertaking international arbitration litigation to protect the Company's rights and recover damages estimated at over US$210,000,000, caused by the Republic.

We seek safe harbour.

Contact Details

Rodney Irwin

Stans Energy Corp

Interim President & CEO

rodney@stansenergy.com

647-426-1865

David Vinokurov

Stan Energy Corp

VP Corporate Development

david@stansenergy.com

647-426-1865

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This document includes forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, use of proceeds from the Offering, the completion of the Offering, the continued advancement of the company's general business development, research development and the company's development of mineral exploration projects. When used in this press release, the words "will", "shall", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intent", "may", "project", "plan", "should" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Although Stans Energy Corp. believes that their expectations reflected in these forward looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include the potential that fluctuations in the marketplace for the sale of minerals, the inability to implement corporate strategies, the ability to obtain financing and other risks disclosed in our filings made with Canadian Securities Regulators.

SOURCE: Stans Energy Corp.
Zhenjiang, Jiangsu (ots) - On May 31, Intersolar Europe 2017, the world-renowned and most influential solar-energy exhibition, kicked off at Munich New International Exhibition Center, Germany. CECEP Solar Energy Technology (Zhenjiang)Co.,Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer of solar cells and modules, participated in the whole exhibition and strived to promote Chinese brands in Europe and around the globe, presenting what China has achieved in energy conservation and emission reduction to the world. CECEP exhibited its four modules, of which the PVB double-glazed module commanded rapt attention. The pioneering PVB double-glazed module, with higher loading and good impact resistance, still can ensure no mico-crack when loading 1,200 kg. The color PVB double-glazed module for trampling test remained intact with zero micro-crack after being trampled upon by many visitors. The PVB double-glazed module and the high-efficiency PERC module, both enjoying uniqueness and superb quality, drew a lot of attention for CECEP's booth. More notably, 10-plus countries, including India, Germany, Britain, Turkey, the Netherlandsand Belgium, and over 30 companies actively sought in-depth cooperation with CECEP.While the exhibition was going on, many companies were already making appointments with CECEP as to the time for post-exhibition further business negotiations. It is believed that the fruits of this exhibition would lay a solid foundation for CECEP to penetrate the global market. During the exhibition, CECEP's booth attracted many influential media and honored guests, such as PV Magazine. CECEP is a leading Chinese large central enterprise manufacturing photovoltaic cells and modules. CECEP Solar Energy Technology (Zhenjiang)Co.,Ltd., a holding subsidiary of CECEP, will continuously introduce technological innovations to win satisfaction and approval from European customers and even the world for its brand and product quality. We will continue to pool photovoltaic power and build a better home for the world! Originaltext: CECEP Solar Energy Technology (Zhenjiang)Co.,Ltd. digital press kits: http://www.presseportal.de/nr/125845 press kits via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_125845.rss2 Contact: Catie Yao mobile number: +86 13196683579

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.
The Real Estate Investors Offer Homeowners an Easy and Stress-Free Way to Sell their Homes "As Is"

ALBUQUERQUE, NM / ACCESSWIRE / June 5, 2017 / The founders of Keypoint Solutions, a group of real estate investors based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, area pleased to announce that 2017 is looking to be a banner year. So far, the group of real estate buyers has purchased nearly 100 houses throughout the state.

People who are thinking "I need to find a way to sell my house fast," along with anyone else who would like to learn more about Keypoint Solutions is welcome to visit https://newmexicohousebuyers.com/selling-your-home-fast-albuquerque-new-mexico/ at any time.

As a company spokesperson noted, Keypoint Solutions is proud to be the top house buyer in New Mexico and the surrounding area.

"They are a great option for those who are in foreclosure," the spokesperson said, adding that this is just one good reason to use a real estate investor that buys houses fast.

"Another big benefit is that because we buy houses quickly, you won't have all of monthly expenses piling up while you wait for a traditional buyer to come along with the right offer that can actually follow through with the purchase."

Selling a house quickly for a fair cash offer is easy and stress-free, thanks to Keypoint Solution's proven method. First, homeowners who are thinking "I need someone to buy my house" can call Keypoint Solutions at 505-227-8865 or fill out a contact form on the company website. Next, someone from the company will get in touch with the homeowner as soon as possible to get more details about the house and set up an appointment to see it.

After viewing the home, the friendly and experienced real estate investor from Keypoint Solutions will make the homeowner a no obligation offer.

"If you accept, we close quickly with cash and will buy the house 'as is' with no repairs needed," the spokesperson said.

About Keypoint Solutions:

Keypoint Solutions has been buying homes for over 12 years now and they typically buy over 150 properties a year. They are accredited with the Better Business Bureau and focus on creating a solution that works best for everyone they work with. Keypoint Solutions has a great team that is completely focused on helping homeowners. They have the resources, the experience and the ability to create a win-win offer for their clients. For more information, please visit https://newmexicohousebuyers.com/.

Keypoint Solutions

9808 Cody Ct.

Albuquerque, NM 87114

Contact:

Laura LaFond

laura@keypointsolutions.com

(505) 227-8865

SOURCE: Keypoint Solutions
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/05/17 -- CenterSquare Investment Management, an investment boutique of BNY Mellon Investment Management, and its joint venture partner Foundry Commercial, announced the sale of 2280 N. Greenville Ave., a 228,506 square foot ("sf") office complex in Richardson, TX on behalf of the CenterSquare Value-Added Fund III*.

CenterSquare and Foundry announced the acquisition of the property in December 2014, then consisting of a 194,210sf vacant office building and adjacent 130,000sf warehouse. Although situated in one of the highest job growth markets in the country, the property had been vacant for 3 years. CenterSquare and Foundry developed a plan to convert the former warehouse building to climate-controlled covered parking, in order to appeal to the deep pool of tenants actively seeking office space that offered 100,000sf open floor plates and six per thousand parking or greater. At the time, there were only 5 available properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro with both of these attributes. The office building also allowed for expansion of the second floor by up to 40,000sf, thereby providing additional flexibility to meet tenant demand.

"CenterSquare and Foundry identified the asset-specific flaws preventing lease up of the property and devised a solution -- redevelop the warehouse into a covered parking structure, providing the office building with a parking ratio of over seven per thousand square feet," said Jeff Reder, Senior Vice President, Private Real Estate for CenterSquare. "This would transform the property from a functionally challenged commodity asset to a differentiated property, well-positioned to capture the demand premium from high-density users."

The redevelopment successfully differentiated the property, garnering tenant interest and resulting in a fully executed twelve year lease with GEICO within seven months of the acquisition. GEICO elected to expand the building, thereby adding over 34,000sf, and the property now serves as an important regional call center support office. Given the strong performance and sooner-than-expected lease up of 100% of the property, the Fund elected to pursue a sale of the property.

"This acquisition is an excellent illustration of CenterSquare's investment strategy to creatively transform real estate for its best and highest use," said David Rabin, Managing Director and Head of Private Real Estate at CenterSquare. "We are always seeking to partner with best in class operators, identify specific local demand drivers, and creatively transform deficient assets to meet that demand."

*This Fund is closed to new investors

ABOUT CENTERSQUARE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT:

CenterSquare is a global investment manager focused on actively managed real estate and infrastructure strategies. Founded in 1987, it operates as one of the investment boutiques of BNY Mellon Investment Management. CenterSquare manages approximately $8.0 billion of real estate and infrastructure securities through CenterSquare Investment Management, Inc. and approximately $1.2 billion (gross) of debt and private equity real estate investments through CenterSquare Investment Management Holdings, Inc. (together referred to as "CenterSquare"), as of March 31, 2017. It manages investments for institutional investors and high net worth individuals throughout global markets and across public and private capital sectors.

The interests (the "Interests") in the fund referenced herein (the "Fund") have not been approved or disapproved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or by the securities regulatory authority of any state or of any other jurisdiction. The Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the securities laws of any other state or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, nor is such registration contemplated. The Fund will not be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Consequently, limited partners of the Fund are not afforded the protections of the 1940 Act.

The Interests are offered only to qualified investors who do not require immediate liquidity of the investment. An investment in the Fund does not constitute a complete investment program.

Securities are offered in the U.S. through MBSC Securities Corporation, a registered broker dealer.

Certain information contained herein may be "forward-looking" in nature. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results, or the actual performance of the funds, may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking information. As such, undue reliance should not be placed on such information.

ABOUT BNY MELLON INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

BNY Mellon Investment Management is one of the world's leading investment management organizations and one of the top U.S. wealth managers, with $1.7 trillion in assets under management, as of March 31, 2017. It encompasses BNY Mellon's affiliated investment management firms, wealth management services and global distribution companies. MBSC Securities Corporation, and CenterSquare Investment Management, Inc. are wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. More information can be found at www.bnymellon.com.

ABOUT BNY MELLON

BNY Mellon is a global investments company dedicated to helping its clients manage and service their financial assets throughout the investment lifecycle. Whether providing financial services for institutions, corporations or individual investors, BNY Mellon delivers informed investment management and investment services in 35 countries and more than 100 markets. As of March 31, 2017, BNY Mellon had $30.6 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration, and $1.7 trillion in assets under management. BNY Mellon can act as a single point of contact for clients looking to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com. Follow us on Twitter @BNYMellon or visit our newsroom at www.bnymellon.com/newsroom for the latest company news.

All information source BNY Mellon as of March 31, 2017. This press release is qualified for issuance in the US only and is for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer or solicitation of securities or investment services or an endorsement thereof in any jurisdiction or in any circumstance in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful or not authorized. This press release is issued by BNY Mellon Investment Management to members of the financial press and media and the information contained herein should not be construed as investment advice. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Media Contact:

Marcia Glass, CFA

CenterSquare Investment Management

(610) 818 4627

mglass@centersquare.com



Media Contact:

Scott Pepper

BNY Mellon Investment Management

(212) 635 1743

scott.pepper@bnymellon.com




The Family-Friendly Event at the Lynden Location will Feature Music, Food and Beverages, a Display of Antique John Deere Tractors, Fun Activities for the Kids and More

LYNDEN, WA / ACCESSWIRE / June 5, 2017 / Washington Tractor, the largest John Deere dealer in the State of Washington, is pleased to announce that they are celebrating their 100th birthday in Lynden by hosting John Deere Day on Saturday, June 3. The free event, which is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be held at their Lynden location only at 830 Evergreen St.

For more information about Washington Tractor and to check out their selection of John Deere tractors, John Deere mowers and much more, please visit http://www.washingtontractor.com.

As a spokesperson for Washington Tractor noted, customers will receive a gift bag that includes a Washington Tractor T-shirt, coffee mug, LED pen, hat and limited-edition owners coin with the purchase of one of the John Deere Compact Tractor, Gator , X500 or X700 Series Lawn Tractor. For those who are interested in checking out the selection of John Deere compact tractors for sale, John Deere Day is an ideal opportunity to do just that.

Refreshments will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and displays of antique John Deere tractors and creative wood sculptures are sure to be a hit with people of all ages. As long as the weather cooperates and it is not raining, there will be bouncy houses for the kids; other kids' activities include barrel rides, a candy scramble, kid tractor sled pull, face painting and balloons.

While attendees are enjoying the family-friendly activities and learning more about the compact tractors for sale and other John Deere equipment that Washington Tractor offers their customers, a bluegrass band will be playing live music in the background.

"Our company has gone from selling horse drawn implements to gps guided /computer driven tractors, choppers and combines as well as lawn mowers," said Jim Hale, CEO of Washington Tractor, Inc.

"We've lasted 100 years thanks to selling quality equipment backed by loyal and hardworking employees. But above all we have been blessed to be in a community with hard working and loyal family farmers."

To watch a short video about Washington Tractor and their commitment to their customers and the land, please check out this YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izmNHjQzyeg&t=13s.

About Washington Tractor:

Washington Tractor was established in November 2010 when three family owned and operated John Deere Dealers became one. Liberty Farm and Lawn, North Washington Implement and Barnett Implement merged together to become a seven store operation with locations in Quincy, Ellensburg, Lynden, Sumner, Okanogan, Olympia, Chehalis and Aberdeen. Since then the company has continued to grow with the addition of new locations, and is now the largest power equipment dealer in the State of Washington offering a wide selection of tractors, combines, hay equipment, riding mowers and more. For more information, please visit http://www.washingtontractor.com.

Washington Tractor

830 Evergreen St.

Lynden, WA 98264

Contact:

Lindsay Lagreid

media@washingtontractor.com

360-354-2186

SOURCE: Washington Tractor


BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The European markets ended the first session of the new trading week with modest losses. Investors were in a cautious mood following the latest terrorist attack in London over the weekend. Some markets also remained closed for a holiday Monday, including the DAX of Germany and the SMI of Switzerland.



An opinion poll showed that the lead of the U.K. conservative party has narrowed only slightly over the Labour party in general election on June 8. With three days to go to polls, the ICM poll for the Guardian put Conservative with 12 percentage point lead over the Labour, with a score of 45 percent - 34 percent, respectively.



The survey found that May's score was unchanged, while the Labour garnered a 1 percentage point lead from the previous poll published in the prior week.



The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index weakened by 0.15 percent. The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks decreased 0.33 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, lost 0.01 percent.



The CAC 40 of France fell 0.66 percent and the FTSE 100 of the U.K. declined 0.29 percent. The DAX of Germany and the SMI of Switzerland were both closed for holidays.



In London, Vodafone gained 0.17 percent after signing a new partnership with network operator LG Uplus to extend its reach through South Korea.



Ocado dropped 1.20 percent after the online grocer signed a technology licensing deal with an unnamed European retailer.



Royal Mail rose 0.20 percent. The provider of postal and delivery services said it is selling two of the seven plots on its Nine Elms site to a U.S. entity for 101 million pounds in cash.



Banco Popular Espanol sank 18.16 percent in Madrid, to extend last week's losses on solvency concerns.



The euro area private sector growth continued to run at the fastest pace in six years in May, final data from IHS Markit showed Monday.



The composite output index held steady at 56.8 in May, in line with flash estimate.



At the same time, the services Purchasing Managers' Index dropped marginally to 56.3 in May from 56.4 a month ago. But the score was slightly above the flash estimate of 56.2.



The UK service sector activity growth eased more-than-expected in May to the weakest level in three months, survey data from IHS Markit and Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply showed Monday. The Markit/CIPS services Purchasing Managers' Index dropped to 53.8 in May from 55.8 in April. Economists had expected the index to fall to 54.8.



China's private sector expanded at a moderate pace in May as services activity growth improved amid a contraction in the manufacturing sector, survey data from IHS Markit showed Monday.



The Caixin composite Purchasing Managers' Index rose slightly to 51.5 in May from April's 10-month low of 51.2.



A score above 50 indicates expansion. Nonetheless, the score was the second-lowest reading seen since September 2016.



The services PMI climbed to 52.8 in May from 51.5 in April. It marked the first uptick this year and was the highest reading in four months.



Revised data released by the Labor Department on Monday showed that U.S. labor productivity was unchanged in the first three months of the year. The Labor Department said productivity came in flat in the first quarter compared to the previously reported 0.6 percent decrease. The revision matched economist estimates.



The report also said unit labor costs surged up by 2.2 percent in the first quarter versus the previously reported 3.0 percent jump. Economists had expected the pace of growth to be revised to 2.5 percent.



After reporting a notable acceleration in the pace of growth in activity in the U.S. service sector in the previous month, the Institute for Supply Management released a report on Monday showing a modest slowdown in the pace of growth in the sector in the month of May.



The ISM said its non-manufacturing index edged down to 56.9 in May from 57.5 in April, although a reading above 50 indicates continued growth in the service sector. Economists had expected the index to dip to 57.0.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
GREENWICH, CT--(Marketwired - June 05, 2017) - Fieldpoint Private, the fast-growing wealth advisory and private banking firm serving ultra-high-net-worth families and institutions, today announced that Jackie Green and Michael Kirkbride have joined the firm as Managing Directors and Senior Advisors. Their practice is based in Fieldpoint Private's New York City office.

Ms. Green and Mr. Kirkbride began serving ultra-high-net-worth clients together while at Bank of America's U.S. Trust unit in 2010, eventually totaling more than $1 billion encompassing investments, loans and deposits. While there, the pair partnered to serve clients whose needs included custom investment portfolios, pre-sale planning for entrepreneurs, wealth transfer planning, trusteeship, and personal and institutional cash management.

After ten years with Bank of America, Ms. Green joined Wells Fargo in August 2016; Mr. Kirkbride joined her there in September. His U.S. Trust career spanned 12 years, with a focus on portfolio management for many of the firm's wealthiest client families, while also serving as the lead portfolio manager on U.S. Trust's Global Opportunities and International Focused Equity strategies.

According to Ms. Green and Mr. Kirkbride, their search for the "right next home" for their clients would prove arduous, noting their clients require the scope of services most people associate with only the giants of banking and wealth management. "Our clients need everything that the big global firms have to offer, but they need it all with more flexibility, nimbleness and, frankly, creativity than you see at the giant firms," Mr. Kirkbride said. Ms. Green added, "Every day, every colleague at Fieldpoint focuses 100 percent on the needs of wealthy families. It's not a department of a division of a subsidiary -- it's who they are. The closer we looked, the more obvious it became that Fieldpoint was -- and is -- the answer."

To Fieldpoint Private President and CEO Robert Matthews, the team's story parallels that of Fieldpoint Private's 31 founders, who launched the firm in 2008 at the dawn of the financial crisis, in many cases motivated by their own frustrations with the financial firms with whom they had been working. "The irony," Mr. Matthews said, "is that these were exceptionally wealthy people who had led companies like Merrill Lynch, The Home Depot and Gillette. They had every reason to expect the best our industry has to offer, and in too many cases they felt they weren't getting it."

Advisors, Mr. Matthews added, often have similar experiences. "All of us at Fieldpoint are so pleased that Michael and Jackie have found Fieldpoint. We know their clients will feel the same."

About Fieldpoint Private

Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, Fieldpoint Private (www.fieldpointprivate.com) is a boutique financial firm providing the highest degree of personalized, confidential wealth planning and private banking services. Catering to highly successful individuals, families, businesses and institutions, Fieldpoint Private offers a powerful combination of wealth management and strategy, family office, private banking and business banking services addressing every financial need for each of our clients including: wealth transfer advice, tax planning, aggregation and performance reporting, risk management, goals-based investing strategies, sophisticated investment selection, discreet and personalized banking, highly customized credit solutions, custom custody and trust solutions, highly attentive/responsive service and concierge services.

Fieldpoint Private was established in 2008 by 31 Founders with a specific vision and purpose. These extraordinary leaders of industry and community recognized the opportunity to create a financial firm totally attuned to people's individual circumstances. Our firm is built on a philosophy of exclusive membership and client-centricity. Working with a limited number of relationships gives every person the experience of belonging to an extremely selective group. The result is a new breed of institution established on the basis of personalization, responsiveness, and exclusivity, and an ensured commitment to impeccable service and consistently flawless execution. Our service approach offers a unique client experience custom crafted to each client's financial needs.

Media Contact:

Michael White

Chief Marketing Officer

Fieldpoint Private

203.413.9340

Email contact


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has unveiled a plan to privatize the air traffic control system in an effort he claimed would make travel 'cheaper, faster and safer.' In remarks from the White House, Trump argued removing air traffic control from the purview of the Federal Aviation Administration would help accelerate a shift from using land-based radar to using more precise satellite-based navigation. 'We live in a modern age, but our air traffic control system is stuck, painfully, in the past,' Trump said. 'The current system cannot keep up and hasn't been able to keep up for many years.' He added, 'At a time when every passenger has GPS technology in their pockets, our air traffic control system still runs on radar and ground-based radio systems that they don't even make anymore.' Trump claimed the plan to modernize the air traffic control system would reduce wait times, increase route efficiency and lead to fewer delays. The president argued that the Obama administration's efforts to upgrade the system 'totally failed' and were a 'total waste of money.' The proposal to privatize the air traffic control system has strong support among the nation's airlines, and several airline executives attended the White House event. Republicans have also expressed support for similar proposals in the past, although the plan is likely to face opposition from Democrats and flyer rights groups. Following Trump's speech, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., claimed the plan would hand control of one of the nation's most important public assets to special interests and the big airlines. 'Selling off our Air Traffic Control system threatens passenger safety, undermines the FAA's ongoing modernization, jeopardizes access to rural airports and adds to the deficit,' Pelosi said. The announcement from Trump kicks off what the White House has called 'infrastructure week,' with the president due to travel to Cincinnati on Wednesday to discuss improvements to inland waterways. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Voyager Search is a leading global provider of geospatial, enterprise search solutions that enable a single point of search across all of your content repositories. With Voyager, users can search, find, and deliver more than 2,000 types of content. Built on top of Solr/Lucene, the world's premier open source solution, Voyager's simple user interface, Navigo, offers Fortune 500 businesses, government entities, and multinational organizations easy-to-use search, data management, document delivery, and map visualization capabilities -- including Natural Language Processing. With no custom coding required, Voyager is a true off-the-shelf geospatial intelligence and search powerhouse that supports customers in a variety of industries, including defense, oil and gas, federal and state governments, and mining. Formed in 2008, the company is headquartered in Redlands, California, with additional staff in Washington State, Washington, DC, Vancouver Island, BC, Europe, and Uruguay. For more information, visit www.voyagersearch.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

SAN ANTONIO, TX--(Marketwired - June 05, 2017) - FROM GEOINT BOOTH #1669 -- Voyager Search', a global leader in enterprise search for more than 2,000 document types, including geospatial, announced today it has released version 1.9.9 of its award-winning search software. In this new version, many improvements and additions are geared towards making the administrator's job easier and more streamlined, with several more updates focusing on the user's experience as well. Most notably, there are four key additions to 1.9.9: a Natural Language Processing (NLP) feature; a fully cloud-enabled option; a Snapshot interface for consolidating indices; and a tool configuration interface. With these features and more, Voyager Search continues to make its software even more intuitive for users, while giving administrators the ability to configure their search solutions without requiring developers to write custom code.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 5, 2017 / Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, reminds investors in KBR, Inc. ("KBR" or the "Company") (NYSE: KBR) of the July 3, 2017 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

If you invested in KBR stock or options between February 26, 2016 and April 27, 2017 and would like to discuss your legal rights, click here : www.faruqilaw.com/KBR. There is no cost or obligation to you.

You can also contact us by calling Richard Gonnello toll free at877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an e-mail torgonnello@faruqilaw.com.

The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on behalf of all those who purchased KBR securities between February 26, 2016 and April 27, 2017 (the "Class Period"). The case, Denenberg v. KBR, Inc. et al, No.17-cv-01375 was filed on May 3, 2017.

The lawsuit focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by engaging in activities that have potentially violated applicable bribery and corruption laws in the United Kingdom.

Specifically, on April 28, 2017, the United Kingdom's Serious Fraud Office announced an investigation into KBR's "officers, employees and agents for suspected offenses of bribery and corruption."

After the announcement, KBR's share price fell from $15.84 per share on April 27, 2017 to a closing price of $14.05 on April 28, 2017-a $1.43 or a 9.2% drop.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding KBR's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

CONTACT:

FARUQI & FARUQI, LLP

685 Third Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10017

Attn: Richard Gonnello, Esq.

rgonnello@faruqilaw.com

Telephone: (877) 247-4292 or (212) 983-9330

SOURCE: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has frequently touted his use of Twitter as a way to communicate directly with the American people, but White House counselor Kellyanne Conway has argued that the media has become obsessed with the president's use of the social media platform. Conway suggested in an interview on NBC's 'Today' on Monday that the media has been more focused on Trump's frequent tweets than his actions as president. The media has 'this obsession with covering everything he says on Twitter and very little of what he does as president,' Conway said. The comment from Conway came as she was questioned about a tweet from Trump criticizing London Mayor Sadiq Khan following the recent terrorist attack in the city. 'At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!' Trump tweeted on Sunday. Trump has been accused of misleadingly quoting Khan, who urged London residents to 'not be alarmed' by an increased police presence in the wake of the attack. Denying that the tweet was a 'political attack,' Conway argued the focus should be Trump's interactions with British Prime Minister Theresa May and his expressions of support for the U.K. people. 'You want to make this about something other than what it's about,' said Conway. 'I'm not going to allow, a day and a half after terrorists did it again, whether they're ISIS inspired or ISIS directed. They're savage murders. It's an evil slaughter, as the president said last night.' 'I'm going to not let him be seen as the perpetrator here,' she added. 'For every time you said Russia, imagine if you said ISIS. Every time you say Twitter, imagine if you said terrorist. Maybe we'd have a different type of vigilance.' (Photo: Michael Vadon) Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Technology is progressing at a rapid pace, with new innovations constantly creating new opportunities and new threats. This week, Infiniti Research examines influential trends in three industries that are feeling the effects of fast-moving technological change.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170605006195/en/

Infiniti Research helps companies identify new market opportunities. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Request a brochure and see how Infiniti's insights can help you

Top 3 Trends that will Drive the Market for Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles are still a futuristic concept, with nothing currently available for mass consumption. While some people may be wary of new technology and of leaving less control in the hands of the driver, there are many reasons why this is a promising market to watch

Real-time route optimization: Autonomous vehicles can gather and exchange real-time information on the condition of the roads, as well as protection and mobility information, allowing them to find the fastest route.

Increased lane capacity: Because they can make adjustments and maneuver with more precision than humans, these vehicles can make more efficient use of lanes.

Reduced energy consumption: Autonomous vehicles are less prone to accidents and are actually lighter than the conventional automobiles. This, combined with eco-friendly driving technologies and practices, saves fuel consumption.

Read more: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/thoughts/top-3-trends-will-drive-market-autonomous-vehicles

Top 3 IoT Security Trends in the Industrial Sector

The Internet of Things is being used across industries. However, industrial implementation has been slow owing to the inevitable security challenges and the associated risks pertaining to proprietary data. Here are some measures helping to combat these issues.

Cryptography: Strong cryptography is the only means to attain the four attributes of a secure connection confidentiality, integrity, authentication and non-repudiation. It helps protect against the insecurities that come from relying on usernames and passwords.

Secured communication: Message eavesdropping and falsification are common risks associated with heterogeneous networks, so secured communication protocols are necessary to protect IoT devices.

Audits and accountability: Despite an organization's best efforts to secure their networks, attacks will happen. It is important to employ systems that create records of the event, as these can be used to determine how the attack was performed and who is accountable, as well as prevent similar damages in the future.

Read more: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/thoughts/top-3-trends-secure-internet-things-iot-industrial-sectors

Top 3 Wireless Trends in the Processing Industry

Players in the processing industry are always looking for ways to automate and improve operations, especially as industrial environments are often regarded as harsh and extreme. The demand for industrial communication devices that can withstand such conditions and function flawlessly is on the rise, and wireless technologies are set to drive growth in this industry.

Bluetooth 5 and the IoT: Bluetooth 5 will significantly improve range, speed, and broadcast messaging capacity in the IoT.

Wearable connected devices on the production floor: Wearable devices have the potential to minimize process timelines and improve operational efficiency, and include features as barcode scanning, cloud data recovery, voice commands and augmented reality (AR).

Cloud-based technologies: Cloud computing makes it easier for companies to collect, store, and analyze data, which is important when dealing with the volumes of information collected from IoT devices used on the floor.

Read more: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/thoughts/top-3-wireless-trends-in-process-industries

About Infiniti Research

Established in 2003, Infiniti Research is a leading market intelligence company providing smart solutions to address your business challenges. Infiniti Research studies markets in more than 100 countries to help analyze competitive activity, see beyond market disruptions, and develop intelligent business strategies.

With 13 years of experience and offices across three continents, Infiniti Research has been instrumental in providing a complete range of competitive intelligence, strategy, and research services for over 550 companies across the globe.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170605006195/en/

Contacts:

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UK: +44 208 123 1770

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/05/17 -- San Marco Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SMN) announces that, following its annual general meeting on Thursday, May 31st, it has granted options to directors, officers and consultants to purchase a total of 1,700,000 shares at a price of $0.19 per share for five years. The options vest, as to 25% each, on granting and on the next three, six and nine months.

About San Marco

San Marco Resources Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a portfolio of promising projects in mining-friendly Mexico, including the Chunibas, Mariana and 1068 Projects in Sonora State.

San Marco actively pursues strategic project generation program focused on high-caliber, low acquisition cost opportunities in the North-western Mexico. The Company has a committed management team with extensive experience in Mexico and a proven track record of building shareholder value. San Marco currently has 56,051,832 issued and outstanding shares.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Robert Willis, P. Eng., President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

San Marco Resources Inc.

Nancy Curry

info@sanmarcocorp.com




Leverages Internal Executive Talent to Continue to Deliver Unparalleled Value to Customers, Consumers & Shareholders

ATLANTA, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX), a global information solutions company, today announced the realignment of some of its key senior leadership roles. The repositioning of its executive bench is in line with the company's strategy of empowering its management team to take on broader responsibilities that bring new insights to its business units and centers of excellence.

Trey Loughran , currently Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), will assume the role of President of United States Information Solutions (USIS). Prior to being named the CMO, Loughran was the President of Equifax Personal Solutions, now Global Consumer Solutions (GCS), and also served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development leading the company's global merger, acquisitions, and emerging markets activities. Internal and external candidates will be considered for the CMO role.





, currently Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), will assume the role of President of United States Information Solutions (USIS). Prior to being named the CMO, Loughran was the President of Equifax Personal Solutions, now Global Consumer Solutions (GCS), and also served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development leading the company's global merger, acquisitions, and emerging markets activities. Internal and external candidates will be considered for the CMO role. Paulino Barros , currently the President of USIS, will now lead the Equifax Asia-Pacific business. Prior to his USIS role, Barros led the company's International unit with responsibility for Latin America , Europe , and Canada , and also led expansion efforts into other countries. Barros will remain an active member of the Equifax senior leadership team.





, currently the President of USIS, will now lead the Equifax Asia-Pacific business. Prior to his USIS role, Barros led the company's International unit with responsibility for , , and , and also led expansion efforts into other countries. Barros will remain an active member of the Equifax senior leadership team. Nerida Caesar , currently the Managing Director of Equifax Australia & New Zealand , will transition to an advisory role through early 2018 to facilitate the seamless realignment of the Asia-Pacific region. Caesar was instrumental in ensuring the successful integration of Veda, the largest acquisition in Equifax history.

All changes will be effective July 1.

"Our tremendous growth is the result of both accelerating business strategies to maximize the value of our position in the market, and tapping into our best talent to lead with decisiveness and strength," said Equifax Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard F. Smith. "Paulino and Trey's business acumen will bring a wealth of knowledge to their new roles so we can continue leveraging our competitive advantage on a global scale. We thank Nerida - the driving force behind Veda's creation and a key partner and contributor during the acquisition - for her continued partnership in the region."

About Equifax

Equifax is a global information solutions company that uses trusted unique data, innovative analytics, technology and industry expertise to power organizations and individuals around the world by transforming knowledge into insights that help make more informed business and personal decisions. The company organizes, assimilates and analyzes data on more than 820 million consumers and more than 91 million businesses worldwide, and its database includes employee data contributed from more than 7,100 employers.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs approximately 9,700 employees worldwide.

Some noteworthy achievements for the company include: Ranked 13 on the American Banker FinTech Forward list (2015); named a Top Technology Provider on the FinTech 100 list (2004-2015); named an InformationWeek Elite 100 Winner (2014-2015); named a Top Workplace by Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2013-2015); named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies (2011-2015); named one of Forbes' World's 100 Most Innovative Companies (2015). For more information, visit www.equifax.com.

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/476502/Equifax_Powering_the_World_Logo.jpg

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/equifax-announces-senior-leadership-changes-300468956.html
Six Arab Nations Cut Diplomatic Ties with Qatar

Published: June 5, 2017

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, Libya and UAE have suspended their diplomatic ties with Qatar. All the six countries have announced that they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar and eject Qatars diplomats from their territories. They have also planned to cut air and sea traffic.

Contents Reasons

Implications

Reasons

Saudi Arabia has accused Qatar for embracing various terrorist and sectarian groups that are aimed at destabilizing the region such as the Muslim Brotherhood, alQaida, the Islamic State group and other groups supported by Iran.

Egypt has accused Qatar for supporting terrorist groups and taking an antagonist approach towards Egypt.

Bahrain has accused Qatar of media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities and funding linked to Iranian groups for its decision.

The decision has been taken after Qatar alleged that hackers took over staterun news agencys website and published fake comments from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel. It had angered the Gulf Arab countries who responded by blocking Qataribased media including AlJazeera.

Qatar has long been accused by its Arab neighbours over its support of Islamists. Qatars support for the Sunni Islamist political group Muslim Brotherhood which has been outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE made Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in 2014 to recall their ambassadors from Qatar. Only after eight months, the ties were normalised after Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country.

On May 27, Qatars emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had called Iranian President Hasan Rouhani to congratulate him on his re-election. This has also angered the Sunni Saudi Arabia which also sees Iran as its No. 1 enemy and a threat to regional stability.

Qatar also remains as a key financial patron of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. It has allowed the stay of exiled Hamas official Khaled Mashaal in its territories since 2012.

Implications

Oil prices have seen a jump after the six countries announced suspension of diplomatic ties with Qatar as it affected some of the worlds biggest oil and gas exporters. Qatar, a gas rich nation is also the biggest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a major seller of condensate (a low-density liquid fuel) and refining product derived from natural gas.

Qatar will be host to 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Saudi Arabia has announced that it would seal its land border with Qatar cutting off the country from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula.



Qatar is home to a major US military base, a sprawling al-Udeid Air Base, which is home to the US militarys Central Command hosting 10,000 troops. How this decision would affect American military operations is yet to be seen.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2017

Topics: Bahrain  Egypt  International  Qatar  Saudi Arabia  UAE

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EMERYVILLE, CA--(Marketwired - June 05, 2017) - Global strategic advisory and expert consulting firm Berkeley Research Group announced today that Lawrence Futa has joined the firm to lead its Tokyo office as a Director in BRG's Global Investigations + Strategic Intelligence practice. Futa was previously a career Federal Bureau of Investigation agent, where he was an Asia specialist and served as the head of the FBI offices in Tokyo and Hong Kong.

"As we continue to forge a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, we are excited to have Lawrence join the firm," said BRG Chairman and Principal Executive Officer David J. Teece. "Lawrence brings a wealth of experience from his FBI career, having established an exceptional track record in conducting sensitive investigations throughout Asia. We are pleased to add his investigative expertise to our already stellar team."

"We are delighted to welcome Lawrence to our team. His broad and relevant experience in Asia will differentiate us from competitors in Japan," said Stuart Witchell, Asia-Pacific leader of BRG's Global Investigations + Strategic Intelligence practice. "Lawrence has years of experience handling the most sensitive investigations involving corruption, fraud, cybercrime, intellectual property rights and terrorism. His skillset is unparalleled."

"Japan is an important market for BRG, and we are pleased to have Lawrence lead our operations there," said Allen D. Applbaum, the global leader of BRG's Global Investigations + Strategic Intelligence practice. "His experience in conducting complex investigations across multiple jurisdictions will provide our Japanese and global clients and their advisors a valuable resource for responding to cross-border challenges throughout Asia."

Futa will be responsible for conducting corporate investigations regarding due diligence, internal malfeasance, whistleblower complaints, potential corruption, fraud and money laundering, focusing on supporting Japanese firms throughout the Asia-Pacific region and in Japan.

Futa spent over 24 years with the FBI as a Special Agent. He was appointed by the FBI director to serve as the FBI representative in Tokyo and later Hong Kong. He was responsible for FBI investigations in Japan, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and he worked closely with regional law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Futa was awarded a medal of Investigative Excellence by the FBI and a commendation from the US intelligence community for his work overseas. He was the first supervisor of the FBI's Cyber Squad in Honolulu and was recognized by the FBI and the US Attorney's Office for his leadership in protecting national cyber infrastructure, as well as targeting cyber fraud threats. He headed an Organized Crime Squad in San Francisco that utilized sophisticated human source and undercover operations to bring down Asian and Eurasian organized crime groups. Futa also served as a consultant to the FBI on asset forfeiture matters and previously worked for a global financial institution and a global accounting and consulting firm.

Futa earned a bachelor of science in accounting from the University of Wyoming and a post-graduate certificate in enterprise risk management from the University of Hong Kong, and studied Japanese at the Defense Language Institute.

About Berkeley Research Group, LLC

Berkeley Research Group, LLC (www.thinkbrg.com) is a leading global strategic advisory and expert consulting firm that provides independent advice, data analytics, authoritative studies, expert testimony, investigations, and regulatory and dispute consulting to Fortune 500 corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, major law firms and regulatory bodies around the world. BRG experts and consultants combine intellectual rigor with practical, real-world experience and an in-depth understanding of industries and markets. Their expertise spans economics and finance, data analytics and statistics, and public policy in many of the major sectors of our economy, including healthcare, banking, information technology, energy, construction and real estate. BRG is headquartered in Emeryville, California, with offices across the United States and in Asia, Australia, Canada, Latin America, the Middle East and the United Kingdom.
SAN MARCOS, CA --(Marketwired - June 05, 2017) - More than 1,200 home shoppers toured 12 model homes during the model grand opening of Rancho Tesoro in San Marcos over the weekend; a testament to the demand for new homes in San Marcos, where active inventory is at 131 homes for a city with approximately 90,000 residents. The new master-planned community by builder and developer Brookfield Residential and builder partner California West will be home to 346 detached residences and is located at Twin Oaks Valley Road and Village Drive, just south of State Route 78.

"As a long-time builder in San Diego County, we've watched North County grow and the demand for new housing increase," said Mercedes Meserve, Vice President of Marketing for Brookfield Residential Southern California. "Along with California West, we're proud to bring a variety of well-crafted home options to San Marcos, where new communities, parks and schools are flourishing."

This past weekend, the two builders revealed the following four neighborhoods at Rancho Tesoro, a community with trails that connect to Discovery Lake:

Terracina by Brookfield Residential offers 2,211 to 2,594 square-foot homes with three to five bedrooms, two-and-one-half to three-and-one-half baths and a two-car garage. The residences include Apple HomeKit and optional dual-master bedrooms and are priced from the $600,000s.

Vientos by Brookfield Residential is a neighborhood of 2,458 to 3,009 square-foot homes with four to five bedrooms, three to four-and-one-half baths and a two-car garage. Priced from the $600,000s, the homes include Apple HomeKit and the option for dual-master suites.

Westerly by California West boasts 2,801 to 3,521 square-foot homes with four to five bedrooms, three to four-and-one-half baths and a two-car garage. Priced from the mid $700,000s, Westerly includes open-concept floor plans and optional outdoor rooms with fireplaces.

Candela by Brookfield Residential beautifully showcases 2,689 to 3,565 square-foot homes with four to six bedrooms, three to four-and-one-half baths and a two-car garage. Priced from the $800,000s, the residences include Apple HomeKit and customization options like a library or home gym.

"Over the last six months we have watched the Westerly interest list grow to nearly 1,000 home shoppers which led all of us at California West to anticipate the release of our three model homes and first sales release would be met with great demand and excitement," said Robert Thorne, chief executive officer of California West. "With a wide variety of architectural styles and community amenities highlighted by parks and open space, we feel that Rancho Tesoro master plan is going to meet the market desires for bringing a special and lasting new home community to San Marcos."

This was the first time the model homes were revealed to the public. Guests were able to prequalify at the event as the beginning step in securing a home in Rancho Tesoro's phase one release. Those who were unable to attend the model grand opening are encouraged to visit liveranchotesoro.com to learn more about the community, sign up for the Rancho Tesoro interest list and start the prequalification process.

Home shoppers are invited to visit Terracina, Vientos and Candela from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and tour Westerly on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This summer, the builders will open The Cabana, a resort-like gathering place with swimming pool, playground, BBQ pavilion and grassy area for al fresco dining or lawn games. The Cabana will be joined by two additional private community parks and trails with a direct connection to Discovery Lake.

About Rancho Tesoro

Rancho Tesoro is a new master-planned community crafted by developer and homebuilder Brookfield Residential. This nature-oriented community spans more than 250 acres with dedicated open space and convenient access to nearby San Marcos Unified schools, Cal State University San Marcos, and State Route 78. Both California West and Brookfield Residential offer single-family homes across four neighborhoods, three of which are behind private gates, plus private pool and park amenities including trails with a direct connection to Discovery Lake. For more information and to join the interest list, please visit LiveRanchoTesoro.com.

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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 5, 2017 / Lundin Law PC , a shareholder rights firm, announces a class action lawsuit against TherapeuticsMD, Inc. ("TherapeuticsMD" or the "Company") (NYSE: TXMD) for possible violations of federal securities laws between July 7, 2016 and April 9, 2017 inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the firm prior to the June 19, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here.

You can also call Brian Lundin, Esq., of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or you can e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also do nothing and be an absent class member.

According to the Complaint, throughout the Class Period, TherapeuticsMD made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that the Company's New Drug Application ("NDA") submission for TX-004HR was deficient and was not supported by the complete TX-004HR clinical program, which would likely cause a delay of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's potential approval of the NDA. Upon release of this information, the Company's stock price declined materially, which harmed investors according to the Complaint.

Lundin Law PC was founded by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding shareholders' rights.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in certain jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

brian@lundinlawpc.com

http://lundinlawpc.com/

SOURCE: Lundin Law PC
Comhear, Inc., a San Diego, CA-based audio technology company, completed a $12M Series A funding.

The backers were not disclosed.

The company will use the funds to drive innovation and advance its business objectives across multiple industry segments.

Comhear also announced that:

 Gerry Chastelet, an experienced technology industry executive, will be joining the company as Chief Executive Officer.

 Andrew Arno, Vice Chairman of the Special Equities Group at Chardan Capital Markets LLC in New York, has joined the Comhear Board of Directors.

 Perry Teevens will continue as President and lead Business Development for Comhear across the multiple business, enterprise and consumer segments.

Comhear is an audio technology company dedicated to creating an audio product for home, enterprise, and professional applications. Its patented MyBeam technology reproduces natural, immersive, 360-degree surround sound without the need for headphones. Currently available for the ProAV market, the technology will be introduced to consumers this summer in a crowdfunding campaign for the YARRA 3DX three-dimensional sound projector.

It supports all current audio media, and future technologies including Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality systems.

FinSMEs

05/06/2017
InTeahouse, a Chinese-American fund and networking organization, has expanded to Europe with a new office in London (UK).

The brainchild of Xin Liu, a female entrepreneur and the founder of Hipower Energy Group, InTeahouse is inspired by the traditional Chinese teahouse, a place of networking and friendship, at the core of the most important business deals. Contrary to a typical venture capital, the organization is organized on multiple levels. The first level is the place itself, where startups and innovators are introduced in a friendly environment to international investors and their peers from other InTeahouses. The best seed-stage startups receive $70k and one-year free office space and support (InSeven program) while more advanced startups can gain access to series A+ funding.

Led by managing director Jose Estabil, formerly TT Ventures and MIT, InTeahouse manages a $120M fund which invests in fintech, robotics, and cleantech companies. The local Daibiao (Representative) for the launch in London is Stefano Tresca, one of the founding members of Level39, the fintech and future cities tech accelerator based in Canary Wharf, and a veteran of startups and Asian business.

The organization has its headquarters in Cambridge (USA), with offices in San Francisco and China. It will also open an office in Munich, Germany.

The official launch announcement will be made on June 14th at Grosvenor House, London, during the China-UK Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference. The Party Secretary of Guangdong province will be leading a large delegation of official and business representatives to discuss investment and cooperation opportunities.

Registration for the event is now open here.

FinSMEs

05/06/2017
Dubai: The price of oil gained over 1 percent while stock prices in the Gulf retreated across the board after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday.

Markets reacted to the escalation of the diplomatic row in the Gulf region and sent the price of oil 1.04 percent higher to $50.47 per barrel, Xinhua news agency reported.

In Doha, the Qatar Exchange Index plummeted 7.94 percent to hit 9,135, marking an 18-month low.

In the UAE, the Dubai financial market DFM dived 1.36 percent one hour after opening and fell below 3,300. Bank shares in particular posted heavy losses.

Media reports indicated that all UAE airlines, including budget flyer FlyDubai and Etihad from Abu Dhabi, will stop flying to Qatar from Tuesday.

In Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, the ADX General Index declined by 0.36 percent, trading around 4,467.

The Bahraini All-Share Index bucked the regional slump and gained 0.58 percent.
New Delhi: 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 governments intensified efforts against the black money menace.

Shell companies 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.

As per 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.
India's diverse climate ensures availability of all varieties of fresh fruits & vegetables. It ranks second in fruits and vegetables production in the world, after China. Yet, 99 percent of fruits & vegetables are sold loose, on pushcarts, on footpaths or in mandis (rural markets). This is where Pravesh Sharma and his start-up venture Sabziwala step in. The model links farmers to consumers. So, the products are sourced from farmers, brought in trucks to a 15,000 sq ft distribution centre in Dwarka, Delhi-Gurgaon border, then packaged (with minimum handling) and delivered to grocery stores. Currently, the tin-roofed centre that resembles an industrial warehouse receives 15 to 20 tonne of fresh produce a day from Assam, Nashik, and Uttarakhand, and farms surrounding Delhi.

We strive to eliminate stages where quality and value is lost and ensure that ultimately farmers get 20 percent of the consumer price and consumers get relief from uneven quality and wildly fluctuating prices. So, the packaged fruits and vegetables will be akin to a brand of toothpaste or cola or bread, and consumers can be sure of quality and taste and pick them up in a packaged form, says Sharma, who voluntarily retired from the IAS in January 2016 after a career spanning 34 years and served for five years as Managing Director of the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (2010-15), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, and undertook a successful national campaign to mobilise farmers into producer organisations (FPOs) to integrate smallholders in the value chain.

He is single-handedly lending an FMCG revolution in the Indian fresh produce sector through his start-up venture called Sabziwala. Why is this necessary? In 2007, the Food and Agriculture Organisations of the United Nations ranked India the lowest consumer of meat in the world (3.2 kg per person per year, about 120 kg less than the US).

With the vast on-ground experience he has, Sharma points out that e-commerce or online supermarkets arent an effective way of organising Indias fruits and vegetable (f&v) sector. None of the apps like Grofers or BigBasket buy directly from farmers. Sharmas Sabziwala doesnt take app or online based orders. Instead, it physically handles commodities. We supply 50 percent of Grofers backend and about 20 to 30 percent of BigBasket backend, so they can fulfil the retail orders they receive on their apps. Its the norm worldwide that consumers want to touch and feel fresh produce before buying. India is the worlds largest consumer of fresh produce and theres more pressure on us to create a system thats more efficient, he says. PepperTap, a grocery delivery service start-up, for instance, raised $40 million and burnt through it in a year, because the clientele is niche. The network on ground is a robust one and that, in Sharmas opening must be exploited to develop a framework for f&v. Every kirana store has a fridge. If they can sell curd and milk, then why not f&v? he asks. At currently we supply to 150 grocery stores in Delhi NCR and hope to scale up and reach other metros and set up cold storage chains for fruits like apple and mango.

Even Mother Dairys f&v brand Safal (which has robust procurement network spanning across 20 states including North East with nearly 8,000 farmers associated with it) after 30 years, has a daily business of only 300 tonnes in Delhi, a state with a daily market of 8,000-9,000 tonnes; the government cannot do large scale commercial work, he feels. The private sector, he adds, has delivered very good solutions on the staple side, big companies have done things with oil seeds, cereals, rice, pulses and edible oil and made innovations in rice and pulses but not in f&v. I have spent more than half my career in agriculture. In India, value is lost in the marketing chain and not in the production chain, because farmers are efficient but cant control market linkages beyond their farms, explains Sharma.

Sharma says that within a year of operations, he has managed to offer the peasants who supply f&v to him an increase in profits from 20 to 30 percent.

Firstpost spoke to two farmers he sources from to assess the situation in the field. Dinesh Jagdale from Nashik supplies onion to Sabziwala. If we sell on APMC portals, we are making ourselves vulnerable to excessive price fluctuations. For instance, the price goes from Rs 8 to Rs 14 for a kilo of onion. Simply guaranteeing that our products will be bought is not good enough if we are exposed to price fluctuations of 10 to 15 percent, he says that the brand has increased his profits by 10 percent. Pinky from Assam supplies a less-fibrous variety to him, she feels unlike online ventures that order small amounts only for niche urban markets, Sabziwala gives her a larger platform to showcase her produce. Farmers love to improve the quality of their produce if they find a market that values it. The north east has the purest kind of ginger and through the Sabziwala platform, we are being able to brand it well. We hope people in north India develop a taste for it, she shares.

Going forward, Sharma says that the biggest flattery will be if clones pop up. The total production of fruits and vegetables in this country is 28 million tonnes and the market is waiting with open arms for innovators. And it is possible. The milk you have in the morning might have poured by a woman in Gujarat the previous day. If 30 percent of the milk can be packaged, why cant we adopt the same model for f&v? he asks.

As per National Horticulture Database published by National Horticulture Board, during 2014-15 India produced 86.602 million metric tonnes of fruits and 169.478 million metric tonnes of vegetables. The area under cultivation of fruits stood at 6.110 million hectares while vegetables were cultivated at 9.542 million hectares. India is the largest producer of ginger and okra amongst vegetables and ranks second in production of potatoes, onions, cauliflowers, brinjal, cabbages, etc. Amongst fruits, the country ranks first in production of bananas (22.94 percent), papayas (44.03 percent) and mangoes (including mangosteen and guava) (37.57 percent). The vast production base offers India tremendous opportunities for export. During 2015-16, India exported fruits and vegetables worth Rs 8,391.41 crores. The major destinations for Indian fruits and vegetables are the UAE, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Netherland, Sri Lanka, Nepal, UK, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Qatar. However, India's share in the global market is still nearly 1 percent only. This can change if the fresh produce sector catches the attention of policy makers and entrepreneurs and organises itself efficiently.
New Delhi: The government is considering to further relax foreign direct investment norms in the defence sector with a view to attract more overseas inflows.

The issue was discussed in a meeting convened by the department of defence production.

"The meeting was attended by industry chambers including CII and FICCI. The ministry asked the stakeholders to suggest what more needs to be done in the FDI policy to attract foreign investors," sources said.

Currently FDI up to 49 percent is permitted in the sector through automatic route and beyond that up to 100 percent via government nod is permitted.

Industry experts have stated that foreign investors seek assured orders before setting up manufacturing unit in any country.

In India, government is the only procurer of defence equipment. Besides, export of defence products from India is also very regulated.

In 2016, the government relaxed FDI norms in several sectors including defence. India imports 70 percent of its military hardware from different countries.

As per the policy, foreign investment up to 49 percent has been permitted in the defence sector through automatic route, and beyond that limit through government route on case to case basis, wherever it is likely to result in access to modern and state-of-art technology.

Last month government cleared 'strategic partnership' policy to create a vibrant defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country through involvement of both the major Indian corporates as well as the MSME sector.

Under the policy, select private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities.

During April 2000 and March this year, defence sector has attracted FDI worth only US $5.12 million (Rs 25.49 crore).
New Delhi: Khadi yarn, Gandhi topi, India's national flag will not attract any tax under the goods and services tax (GST) regime, while imitation jewellery, pearls and coins will carry 3 percent levy from the next month.

Besides, the GST Council on Saturday decided to include rudraksh, wooden khadau, panchamrit, tulsi-kanthi mala, panchgavya, sacred thread and vibhuti sold by religious institutions in the definition of puja samagri and maintained that these items would be exempt under GST. Also chandan tika, unbranded honey and wick for diya have been exempt the new indirect tax regime, which is scheduled to kick off form 1 July.

However, five puja samagri  lobhan, mishri, batasha and bura  will attract 5 percent GST.

In the textiles category, blankets and travelling rugs, curtains, bed linen, toilet linen and kitchen linen, of terry towelling or similar terry fabrics costing below Rs 1,000 will attract a 5 percent tax. Also napkins, mosquito nets, sacks and bags, life jackets costing below Rs 1,000 would be taxed at 5 percent. While those costing above Rs 1,000 will attract a 12 percent levy.

Silk and jute yarns have been exempt but cotton and natural fibres and all other yarns will be levied a 5 percent GST. Man-made fibres will, however, attract 18 percent rate.

All categories of fabric, except khadi which has been exempt, will attract a 5 percent rate. Besides, Gandhi topi and India's national flag have been exempt from tax under the GST.

Man-made apparel costing below Rs 1,000 will attract 5 percent tax, lower than the existing 7 percent. Those costing above Rs 1,000 will continue to attract 12 percent. Besides, match boxes, packed organic fertiliser will face a 5 percent tax in the new regime.

The GST Council, comprising Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and his state counterparts, has already fitted almost all goods and services in the tax brackets of 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent.

The tax department has also put up on its website the list of items which would be exempt from Integrated GST (IGST) under multilateral or bilateral commitments in respect of imports by privileges persons, organisations, authorities and foreigners.

IGST is a tax which will be levied by the Centre on inter-state movement of goods and services.

It is not a new tax since the credit for IGST payment can be claimed while paying the CGST or SGST.

Foodstuffs, medicines, medical stores of perishable nature, clothing and blankets, imported by a charitable organisation as free gift to it from abroad and meant for free distribution to the poor and the needy have been exempt from the IGST.

Besides, goods imported by the Red Cross Society for purposes of relief to distressed persons, and drugs, medicines and medical equipment required for the treatment of the victims of the Bhopal Gas Leak disaster has also been exempt.

Also fuel in the tanks of the aircraft of an Indian Airline or of the Indian Air Force subject to the condition, that the quantity of the said fuel is equal to the quantity of the same type of fuel which was taken out of India in the tanks of the aircraft of the same Indian Airline or of the Indian Air Force, has been exempt from IGST.

Besides, exemptions have been given for research equipment imported by public funded research institutions or a university or an Indian Institute of Technology or Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore or Regional Engineering College, research institutions, other than a hospital, departments and laboratories of the Central Government and State Government, other than a hospital, and Regional Cancer Center (Cancer Institute).
Nepal Signs Agreement for Mega Hydroprojects with Chinese Firm

Published: June 5, 2017

Nepal has struck a major deal with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) for developing a 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project, which will be the biggest hydro project in Nepal having the potential to resolve its perennial power crisis. The MoU was signed in the presence of outgoing Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong.

Salient Highlights

As per the agreement, the hydro project would be built under engineering, procurement, construction and finance (EPCF) model. Under this model, CGGC will help arrange funds required to develop the project. funds would be made available in the form of soft loan or commercial loan from Chinese financial institutions. The EPFC model which makes the contracting firm responsible for making all the arrangements including mobilisation of financial resources is considered to be one of the most effective models for development of infrastructure projects.

CGGC has been given the overall responsibility for executing the project. it will also conduct additional studies on and investigations into the project. A time period of one year has been allotted to conduct assessment of the hydropower project and arrange necessary funds for its development.

CGGC, at present is constructing a 30 MW Chameliya Hydropower Project in the far-west and 60 MW Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in Nepal.



Month: Current Affairs - June, 2017

Topics: International  Nepal-China

Latest E-Books
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 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 US $1 trillion in the coming 5 to 7 years.
New Delhi: Successful demonetisation will help in raising revenues on sustained basis as more and more people will come under the tax net, says a World Bank report.

During 2016-17, India generated additional tax revenues as unreported cash identified both through the amnesty scheme and demonetisation were brought under the tax net.

Gross tax revenue, including states share, surpassed budgeted target (of 10.8 percent) at 11.3 percent, which was mostly due to higher-than-expected excise collections on petroleum products.

Even though, demonetisation had only a neutral effect on direct taxes, which fell within the budgeted target of 5.6 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), it said.

"Going forward revenues may increase permanently if demonetisation is successful in raising the amount of income reported to tax authorities," World Bank said in a chapter titled Indias Great Currency Exchange in its latest India Development Update.

On 8 November, Indian government had pulled out old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes from circulation with immediate effect, which accounted to almost 86 per cent of cash in circulation.

The World Bank report is of the view that demonetisation has the potential to accelerate the formalisation of the economy.

Informal economy accounted for over half of India's GDP as of 2008-09 and 82 percent of non-agricultural employment.

"Demonetisation promotes a reallocation of resources from the informal to the formal economy ... Many firms that had been reluctant to formalise now adopted digital payments, moving a step closer to formalisation, thanks to the demonetisation exercise," it said further.

Formalisation is ultimately a positive transformation that can lead to greater efficiency, World Bank said, adding Indias low aggregate productivity is in part due to the prevalence of a large number of informal unproductive firms.

Still India needs to bring in complementary measures for ease of doing business to ensure that the new equilibrium of higher formalisation prevails.

"The smooth transition of Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be another major complementary reform to promote formalisation, as firms have a strong incentive to register with GST to obtain input tax credits," it added.
On 5 June, India will be part of the 44th celebration of World Environment Day, which is designed to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the global environment. In the last four decades, environmental awareness has expanded to inform aspects of international education, policy, law, state relations, and corporate behavior. More recently, growing environmental concern has helped fuel the growth of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investingcalled Sustainable Investing. In fact, assets invested with a sustainable mandate reached $21.4 trillion in 2014, up 61 percent since 2012. In Asia, the growth was an impressive 32 percent.

This growth reflects the convergence of several factors. The relative accessibility of information around the globe means that people have a better sense of how corporate choices shape the world. Additionally, there is a growing sense that corporate profits cant come at the expense of the environment, society, or workers. Finally, emerging investor groups, particularly working millennials and women, see ESG factors as importantand asset managers, banks, and brokerage houses are working hard to deliver investment products to meet growing demand.

On a global basis, Indias performance is about averageand on par with that of the US, as per Morningstar Sustainability Ratings, an index launched by US-based investment advisory firm in early 2016. Both countries lag top performers in the Eurozone. In environmentally-conscious Europe, Iberian countries (Portugal and Spain) top the chart with fellow EU members France, Netherlands, and Germany landing in the top quintile. Korea is the highest-scoring Asian market, with Australia also exhibiting notable strength. Occupying the bottom quintile for Environmental Scores are all emerging markets across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe.

In India, information technology companies dominate the list of strong environmental players, contributing to the countrys overall environmental score, which outranks many of its immediate neighbors.

Environmental leaders:

Company name Sector Industry Environment score Wipro

Technology IT Services 100 Tata Consultancy Services Technology IT Services 93 Tech Mahindra

Technology IT Services 90 Larsen & Toubro Industrials Engineering & Construction 87 Infosys

Technology IT Services 87 Hindustan Unilever

Consumer Defensive Household & Personal Products 82 HCL Technologies

Technology IT Services 79 Ambuja Cements

Basic Materials Building Materials 77 JSW Steel Basic Materials Steel 77 ABB India Industrials Diversified Industrials 76

Note that Wipro, the top ranked company based on environment scores, boasts strong environmental management systems and green procurement policy; it is similarly strong on environmental policy and greenhouse gases reduction programs. Wipro's code of business conduct and ethics requires suppliers to conduct safe and environmentallyconscious operations. The company uses only Energy Star certified computers and its activities mostly take place in LEED certified buildings. This emphasis is part of the firms revenue strategy, too. In fact, income from Sustainability related products and services, essentially solutions for enterprisewide energy operations and efficiency management to its clients via its Wipro EcoEnergy business unit, account for more than 5 percent of its total revenues.

Among other companies, Larsen and Toubro scores well despite operating in the construction industry which is usually considered energy- and carbon-intensive. The companys use of renewable energy through solar and wind powered turbines contributes to more than 11 percent of its indirect energy mix in its own operations. The companys green portfolio contributed 18 percent of its FY 2014-15 revenues, illustrating L&Ts commitment towards product sustainability. The companys focus on green buildings is evidenced by its membership with the Indian Green Building Council, its 14 green certified buildings and one green certified factory as part of its operations. It also constructed a total of 43.7 million square feet of certified green building space for its customers.

Environmental laggards: The laggards in this list usually score poorly on preparedness (environmental policies), management and disclosure. For example, Power Finance Corporation is involved in financing the coal industry and receives poor scores on weak environmental policy, lack of disclosures on environmental management systems, and lack of disclosures on greenhouse gas reduction programs.

Company name Sector Industry Environment score Power Finance Corporation

Financial Services Credit Services 30 Adani Enterprises

Basic Materials Coal 30 LIC Housing Finance Financial Services Specialty Finance 32 Shriram Transport Finance Company Financial Services Credit Services 33 ICICI Bank Financial Services Banks - Regional - Asia 34 Indiabulls Housing Finance Financial Services Specialty Finance 35 NTPC Utilities Utilities - Independent Power Producers 39 Sun TV Network Consumer Cyclical Broadcasting - TV 40 Eicher Motors Consumer Cyclical Auto Manufacturers 40 IDBI Bank Financial Services Banks - Regional - Asia 40

As scrutiny of the environmental impact of corporate behavior grows, company performance on environmental standards will come under increased pressure. At both the portfolio level and the individual security level, the market needs transparency and clear standards. Investors are looking for a research-driven approach that is consistent and comprehensive when it comes to environmental-, social and governance-based investing.

(The writer is Manager, New Product Development  Indexes, Morningstar)
Ever since the first look of Allu Arjun as DJ - Duvvada Jagannadham was unveiled, it pulled everyone's attention to his brand new look. The 'Stylish Star' of Telugu cinema had gone in for a complete makeover to play the role of a Brahmin cook in this action-drama, directed by Harish Shankar.

The film's trailer, which was unveiled on 5 June, makes no bones about what it tries to say. There are plenty of hints that it's a revenge-drama, which banks majorly on Allu Arjun's swag and characterisation, which flip-flops between being an orthodox Brahmin, who is too shy when it comes to all things related to love, and that of a stylish young man who would go to any length to fulfill his mission.

A bulk of the trailer is dedicated to establishing Allu Arjun as Duvvada Jagannadham, a young Brahmin cook, who can dance like a dream and also seemingly 'uphold' the values that he has learnt from his family. Then, there's Pooja Hegde, who plays a fashion designer in the film, who falls in love with DJ.

The twist in the tale is the entry of Allu Arjun in a stylish avatar, which is in complete contrast to his role as a cook. Is he playing dual roles? Or is it the same person who has two different shades to his personality? While Harish Shankar successfully keeps this aspect under the wraps, it's also clear that the conflict is between Allu Arjun and Rao Ramesh, who impresses yet again with his dialogues.

The film was in news recently for the lyrics of the 'Gudilo Badilo Madilo Vodilo' song with one Brahmin organisation alleging that it hurts their sentiments. The controversy was in the limelight for sometime, but Harish Shankar quickly clarified that he wouldn't do anything to demean the Brahmin community and also promised to remove the portions in the lyrics which had turned controversial.

If the film's trailer and songs, released so far, are anything go by, DJ - Duvvada Jagannadham promises to be a paisa vasool entertainer. Post the success of S/O Satyamurthy, Race Gurram and Sarrainodu, Allu Arjun is in top form and DJ too is expected to open to huge numbers when it hits the screens on 23 June.

Watch the trailer here:
New Delhi: 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.
Avantika Shetty, an actor from the Kannada film industry, was set to star in Raju Kannada Medium, which is directed by Naresh and produced by KA Suresh. It has now emerged that Shetty is no longer a part of the film, and that she has accused KA Suresh of objectifying her, as well as not paying her dues.

In a letter penned by her, which she posted on Twitter, the actress talks about how her illusion that the film industry was perfect was shattered after she worked with producer KA Suresh. She says that she recently found an article containing what she has called fabricated content provided by KA Suresh. She says that this article makes baseless allegations against her, as well as maligning her name and presenting her in a poor light.

She says that the problems had begun on set when she was unceremoniously asked to leave the film, citing her average performance. This decision was taken when a small portion of the film was yet to be shot and Shetty had just raised questions about a bounced cheque from the makers of the film. She claims that half her dues were not cleared either.

Stating that she had no other option, she approached the honourable court of Karnataka, and now her case rests in contention. She has also written a letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber. Chamber vice-president Umesh Banakar, however, told Times of India that they have not received a formal complaint from Avantika Shetty. "We will examine the agreement signed between him and Avanthika, and hear his side of the story. If he has any grievance to be addressed, we may have to call Avanthika too. In any case, I hope the issue will be settled amicably," said Banakar, adding that the Chamber has asked KA Suresh to appear before it after taking note of media reports.

The Film Chambers office bearers said in the same TOI report that Shetty will have to approach the Kannada Film Artistes Association for the issue, as a matter of convention. Rockline Venkatesh, secretary of the Kannada Film Artistes Association, says that the actor is not registered with it, and has not approached it either.

Read the full letter here:
Ever since the screen adaptation of MT Vasudevan Nair's book Randamoozham was announced, it's been in the news for a variety of reasons.

The biggest among these is is massive budget  an unprecedented Rs 1,000 crore.

Its star cast  which is expected to bring together superstars from across Indian cinema, with Mohanlal  is another reason.

And the third, is the film's title.

The project has been widely referred to as the '1000-crore Mahabharata' or 'Mohanlal's Mahabharata' in the press, and it was this that roused the ire of some right-wing activists.

As reported earlier, the film ran into trouble with members of the Hindu Aikya Vedi, who said the title should be Randamoozham, just like the book on which it is based. Hindu Aikya Vedi president KP Sasikala said on 22 May 2017 that the group would not allow the release of the film, if it was called Mahabharata. She said they could use Mahabharata in the title only if the film was based on Ved Vyas' epic. However, if it was based on MT Vasudevan Nair's book, "shouldn't one be wary of having the epic's name for Randamoozham?" Sasikala said.

Randamoozham narrates the epic through the eyes of Bhima. Mohanlal plays Bhima in the film.

The row triggered a discussion on the Mahabharata, and whether Ved Vyas' text could be considered the only true telling of the epic.

Whether it is in response to the controversy, or out of choice, the producers of the film have now confirmed that it will in fact, be titled Randamoozham.

The Deccan Chronicle reported producer BR Shetty as saying the shoot of Randamoozham would begin in May 2018 in Dubai, and that elaborate sets would be constructed there. One of the sets is that of a lush forest, Shetty revealed.

The film is being directed by VA Sreekumar Menon, and like SS Rajamouli's Baahubali, will be made in two parts. It is expected to have a 2020 release date.
While the world has millions of eco-warriors, our Bollywood celebrities too are doing their part in making the world greener and better. Check out what these stars are up to this 5 June, as India marks World Environment Day 2017 with gusto.

Sunny Leone

Sunny Leone has joined hands with PETA India and launched a campaign to fight climate change by going vegetarian. In a surprising yet intriguing manner, Leone went all out and vowed fans with this latest shoot. Social media is loving this eco-warrior already!

Hrithik Roshan The actor, who was last seen in Kaabil, is all set to spread awareness about responsibility towards the environment, by participating in the plantation drive being held by the Bhamla Foundation in Mumbai. The campaign aims at planting 500 saplings around the city every day. According to Bollywood Hungama, Hrithik Roshan along with Arjun Rampal and Sunny Leone come together and will today be at the initiative to contribute to this wonderful cause on 5 June. Ayushmann Khurrana Ayushmann Khurrana too will join the Bhamla Foundation and contribute to preserving mother nature. The actor recently also spoke about the need to go digital with reading scripts and reducing the usage of paper, as a small contribution from the industry. The Meri Pyaari Bindu star will be at Carter Road on 5 June and has been promoting awareness campaigns and social media and we love the effort!

So on World Environment Day 2017, join these celebrities at events across the country  or even better, let's just do our best from wherever we are?
New Delhi: 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," 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.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in June, 2017, and is being updated in view of Supreme Court's verdict on women officers in Indian Army, upholding the Delhi High Court's ruling in 2010 for granting permanent commission (PC) to all women officers irrespective of their years of service.

As per the Supreme Court judgment, they will be entitled to all consequential benefits as their male counterparts, including those who have even retired. The court also ruled that women officers can get command positions in the Army on par with male officers. Dissing Centre's argument of physiological limitations, social norms for denying permanent commission to women officers, the apex court termed its view "disturbing, irrational and against equality." The verdict came in response to a plea, filed by some women officers, concerning the denial of permanent commission to women officers in the armed forces.

General Bipin Rawat, on 5 June, 2017, had said the Indian Army will soon open its doors to women in combat roles.

He said, "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." Earlier in 2017, President Pranab Mukherjee had said that women will take up combat roles in all sections of India's armed forces  Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force.

Most countries employ women in various roles in their armed forces but only a handful, including Australia, Germany, Israel and the United States, have allowed them to take on fighting, or combat, roles. India, which has one of the largest armies in the world, has resisted such a move, citing concern over women's vulnerability if captured and over their physical and mental ability to cope with the stress of front line deployments. "My government has approved the induction of women as short service commission officers and as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force. In the future, my government will induct women in all the fighter streams of our armed forces," Mukherjee had said.

India began recruiting women to non-medical positions in the armed forces in 1992, yet only 2.5 percent of its more than one million personnel are women  most of them as administrators, intelligence officers, doctors, nurses or dentists. In October, the government took the first steps towards bringing women into fighting roles and approved plans by the Indian Air Force for women pilots to fly warplanes from June 2017 on a three-year experimental basis.

Women's rights activists welcomed the president's remarks but said that bringing real gender parity into the armed forces would be a slow process.

While this is good news women in the army, especially combat roles were/are not the norm. This gender barrier has been broken only by a few countries.

Here's a list of the countries that allow women in frontline combat positions:

Scandinavia

In 1985, Norway became the first country to take in women in submarines. And along with Israel, Norway became the first country to take in women in all combat roles in the military in 1988.

In that same year, Denmark created a 'total inclusion' policy. They also had a combat trial study which concluded that men and women are the same on the field. Women are taken in all combat roles except the Special Operations Forces because of physical requirements. However, the Danish Army rolled out the policy to include women in the forces in 1962. According to a diversity report of the Danish Army, women were admitted to military academies in 1974. These changes gradually increased the positions available to women, except those where there was a risk of combat.

After a decade of study, women were permitted to fill combat positions in 1988, except piloting fighter aircraft, although this restriction was lifted in 1992. Since then, there have been no formal barriers to the inclusion of women in the DAF.

In Finland, enlisting in the army is voluntary for women and not mandatory, but if they enlist, training for combat positions is open to them as well.

In Sweden, women can serve in all parts of the military.

Canada and US

In 1989, a tribunal appointed under Canadian Human Rights Act ordered full integration of women in Canada's armed forces. Women were permitted to serve on board Canadian submarines in 2002. Now, roughly 15 percent of the Canada Army is now women and two percent of its combat troops  99 troops  are women.

In the US, while women had been serving in various ranks in the armed forces, it was not until 2013 till the ban on women serving in combat was lifted. And three women completed the US Marine Corps' Infantry Training Battalion course but they wouldn't be allowed to serve till 'further studies' prove that they are physically capable. Ash Carter approved final plans for opening combat positions for women in the US Army in 2016.

Europe

Germany opened combat units to women in 2001. By 2009, at least 800 women were serving in combat roles in the German Army.

In the United Kingdom, all exclusions on women serving in Ground Close Combat (GCC) roles were lifted in July 2016.

In France, women make up 1.7 percent of the military and they can serve in all combat positions.

Israel

According to a report, 88 percent to 92 percent roles in the Israeli Army are open to female candidates and approximately 69 percent women can be found in all the positions.

Women serve as pilots and navigators in the air force, and they stand guard at flashpoint locations as officers in the Border Police. The army had also initiated a pilot program to test the possibility of integrating certain tank units.

Australia and New Zealand

Australia army opened combat roles to women in 2011 and frontline combat positions were opened for women in January 2013. New Zealand has no restrictions on roles for women in its defence force.

With inputs from agencies
Soon Women to get Combat Role in Indian Army

Published: June 5, 2017

The Indian Army is expected to soon open up combat positions for women. This has been stated by Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat. The Indian Army has taken up this issue with the government.

Salient Highlights

Initially, women are to be recruited for positions in military police. At present, women are employed in select areas such as medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army but are not offered combat roles due to operational concerns and logistical issues.

As of now, only a few countries such as Germany, Australia, Canada, the U.S., Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden and Israel have allowed women in combat roles.

The role of military police are as follows:

Policing the cantonments and Army establishments,

To prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers,

Maintain the movement of soldiers and logistics during peace and war,

Handling prisoners of war and

Aid the civil police whenever required.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2017

Category: Defence Current Affairs

Topics: Defence  National

Latest E-Books
The CBI on Monday searched the residence of NDTV founder Prannoy Roy here and three other locations for allegedly causing losses to a private bank, a move termed by NDTV as a "witch-hunt" based on "same old" false accusations.

The agency has registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika and RRPR Holdings for allegedly causing losses of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank, CBI sources said. They said the agency was conducting searches at four places in the national capital and Dehradun.

CBI confirms raids going on at Co-Founder and Executive Co-Chairperson of NDTV, Prannoy Roy's residence in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/yZ1LBbLpEb  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

CBI confirms raids going on at Co-Founder and Executive Co-Chairperson of NDTV, Prannoy Roy's residence in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/rgioj3624m  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

CBI registered a case against Prannoy, Radhika Roy and others for causing an alleged loss to ICICI bank to the tune of 48 Crore: CBI Sources  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

According to a report in The Hindu, searches were conducted at the residence of the Roys at Greater Kailash-I in New Delhi. The report further added that four locations, including Delhi and Dehradun, are under the scanner. In one of the first reactions, BJP's Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy said, "Fear of law is necessary and it should be applied no matter who you are."

Fear of law is necessary and it should be applied no matter who you are: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy on CBI raids at Prannoy Roy's locations pic.twitter.com/gdN4FUq32O  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

NDTV issued a statement post the raids.

This morning, the CBI stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations. NDTV and its promoters will fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies. We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India. We have one message to those who are trying to destroy the institutions of India and everything it stands for: we will fight for our country and overcome these forces.

Business Standard columnist on strategic affairs Ajai Shukla, in a series of tweets, called the early morning raids at Roy's residence as "watershed moment for free media in India." Dubbing the current central government as 'goonda raj,' Shukla implied anyone critical of the government will be "crushed by the official machinery."

CBI raid on @PrannoyRoyNDTV is watershed for free media in India. Media house's reactions will go down in history, just as in the Emergency.  Ajai Shukla (@ajaishukla) June 5, 2017

Prannoy Roy of NDTV being raided by IT Dept. India officially a Goonda Raj, anyone critical of govt will be crushed by official machinery.  Ajai Shukla (@ajaishukla) June 5, 2017

NDTV anchor and journalist Nidhi Razdan also tweeted out on the independence of media in India:

A message to those in the media who are still independent and do their job by fearlessly asking questions. We won't be intimidated https://t.co/sNC7pEPnOW  Nidhi Razdan (@RazdanNidhi) June 5, 2017

Editor of Strategic Affairs at The Indian Express, Praveen Swami also tweeted out in support of Roy and likened the situation to Emergency.

Todays CBI raid on @PrannoyRoyNDTV is a defining moment: the last time this sort of thing happened was during the Emergency  Praveen Swami (@praveenswami) June 5, 2017

NDTV journalist Sreenivasan Jain reacted too calling it as a "black day":

Message is clear: any independent voices in media will be bullied and shut down. Black day. https://t.co/lKE93K29cp  Sreenivasan Jain (@SreenivasanJain) June 5, 2017

In November 2015, the Enforcement Directorate had slapped a Rs 2,030-crore notice on NDTV for allegedly violated Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) provisions for routing huge funds through the channel's foreign units. The notice was also served to promoters Roy, wife Radhika and senior executive KVL Narayan Rao stated that NDTV had violated RBI provisions on funds transfer.

NDTV says will fight against 'witch-hunt'

In a statement released after the raids, NDTV termed the move by CBI as a "witch-hunt" based on "same old" false accusations.

"This morning, the CBI stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations," the NDTV statement said.

It said that NDTV and its promoters would fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies.

"We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India. We have one message to those who are trying to destroy the institutions of India and everything it stands for: we will fight for our country and overcome these forces," it said.
The CBI on Monday carried out searches at the residence of NDTV founder Prannoy Roy in New Delhi and in Dehradun for allegedly causing loss to a private bank. The agency has registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika and RRPR Holdings for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank, CBI sources said. Here's an updated statement released by NDTV against the raids.

It is shocking that the CBI conducted searches on the NDTV offices and residence of the promoters without even conducting a preliminary enquiry. This is a blatant political attack on the freedom of the press as sources confirm that under pressure the CBI has been compelled to file an FIR based on a shoddy complaint by a disgruntled former consultant at NDTV called Sanjay Dutt, who has been making false allegations and filing cases in courts of law with these false allegations. So far, he has not obtained a single order from any of these courts.

Legal analysts are astounded that where courts have rejected giving any order in all these years, the CBI conducts raids based on what is a private complaint.

The allegation appears to be for a loan which has been repaid by Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy more than seven years ago.

Even though lakhs and crores of rupees of dues have not been paid by several industrialists and no criminal case has yet been registered against any of them by the CBI, the CBI has chosen not only to register an FIR, but also conduct a search for a loan which has been duly repaid to ICICI Bank. Moreover, ICICI is a private bank.

The allegation that no disclosure was made to SEBI and other regulatory authorities is not only incorrect and false but also does not clothe the CBI with any power to register cases and search which further amplifies the fact that the search by the CBI is only a witch-hunt against independent media.

NDTV and its promoters have never defaulted on any loan to ICICI or any other bank. We adhere to the highest levels of integrity and independence. It is clearly the independence and fearlessness of NDTV's team that the ruling party's politicians cannot stomach and the CBI raid is merely another attempt at silencing the media.

No matter how much the politicians attack us  We will not give up the fight for freedom and the independence of media in India.

(NDTV on its website attached a document saying that the loan was repaid. However, Firstpost could not not independently verify it.)
On 26 May, the Chhattisgarh government passed an amendment to a 1979 order which says that Primarily Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) can be allowed the right to sterilisation if they apply for permission and get a clearance letter from their sub-divisional magistrate.

The order, passed in 1979, in the undivided state of Madhya Pradesh did not allow members of the PVTG access to sterilisation. The reason behind state government's control over the bodies of the tribal population was related to the status ascribed to these tribes. After a formal order was circulated in 1979, successive governments have tried and kept the Baiga, Kamar, Pahari Korwa, Abhujhmaria and Birhor tribes on surveillance regarding their access to sterilisation and birth control, The Indian Express reported.

Activists are up in arms, dubbing the amendment a hogwash as the earlier order too had a provision by which only government officials could "give permission" for sterilisations. The tribals could not decide on their own to go for sterilisation.

The 26 May amendment to the order, passed by the Health and Family Welfare department, says: "The family will have to write an application, writing of a desire to get sterilised and submit it to the subdivisional magistrate. The officer will give a letter of proof, which says the application is being given on the applicants own volition, and they have been given information on the consequences of the operation. Then sterilisation can be done. For this, the help of the chief medical officer, or a civil surgeon of the health department or other officials can be taken."

Ironically, not much has changed in the order even after the recent amendment and the draconian law still allows a state government to have unimaginable control over the body of these women.

Even though the government has claimed to have amended the existing order, nothing really has changed. The supposed change to the existing rule doesn't still allow full autonomy to the tribals to decide what they want to do with their reproductive systems or with their bodies.

As per the 2001 census, Chhattisgarh is home to 1.21 lakh people from primarily vulnerable tribal groups. Sterilisation programmes conducted by the health department in Chhattisgarh grabbed headlines in 2014 when government medical officer Dr RK Gupta performed tubectomies on 83 women within a span of six hours in November in Bilaspur, of which 13 women died within days, The Indian Express reported.

Sterilisation camps had been held across Pendari, Gaurela, Pendra and Marwahi. These were poor women with three to five children who couldn't afford food for them. The doctor had spent just two-three minutes on each surgery without hygienic medical equipment.

However, in February 2017, the Chhattisgarh High Court acquitted Gupta, stating the court did not have the state government's sanction to prosecute a public servant, a previous article on Firstpost stated. The court described it as an "abuse of the process of the law".

In August 2015, the Chhattisgarh government had released a report which stated that the death of 13 women in Bilaspur was due to due to the distribution of substandard and poisonous drugs and medical negligence, according to The Times of India.
Beijing: China on Monday defended the People's Liberation Army (PLA) helicopters hovering over Barahoti region of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, saying India and China have a territorial dispute in the eastern section of their boundary and the Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas.

While the details can be obtained from the Ministry of Defence, "In principle China and India have territorial disputes in the eastern section of the China-India border, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media when asked about reports that PLA helicopters violated Indian airspace on Saturday.

"The Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas. We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to maintain tranquillity and peace in the border areas," Hua said.

Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district on Saturday, triggering concern in India's security establishment about the PLA's fourth such incursion into the Indian airspace since March 2017.

Official sources in New Delhi 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 choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incident.

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.

Barahoti is one of three border posts in the sector, comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where India-Tibetan Border Police (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 square kilometres 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 kilometres 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.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 kilometres long Line of Actual Control (LAC). While China claims Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Section as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during 1962 war.
Mumbai: A non-governmental organisation led by Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra is all set to adopt 208 farmer families, whose sole bread earners have committed suicide owing to agrarian crisis in the region.

The Foundation known as Padma Bhushan Dr Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil will be launched on 15 June and has decided to adopt distressed farmer families from Ahmednagar district, its Chief Executive Officer Sujay Vikhe Patil said.

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, a former union minister was a visionary and engaged in several social works. The veteran Congressman's son Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil is presently Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly. He has served as the agriculture minister in the previous Congress-NCP regime.

The initiative will commence on his birthday 15 June, Sujay said adding various social programs are organised every year on the occasion.

The Foundation will provide aide to the wife, parents and children of 208 farmer families in Ahmednagar district, he said.

It will take care of education, marriage and health care needs of these families. It will also try to provide a source of income by supporting the family to start a business or secure a job, he said.

These are families that are already covered under some government scheme. "However, we conducted a survey in the last two months across the district and realised that the state government's aid was insufficient. Hence we decided to chip in and fill the gap," he said.

On Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil's absence from the farmers' stir scene, Sujay said, "My father got injured during the last phase of the Sangharsh Yatra, organised by Congress and NCP across the state. Doctors have advised him to avoid any stress and movement for some time. Hence, he can not participate personally but he has extended his support to the farmers' cause."
New Delhi: On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for efforts to save the nature for the future generations as he noted that the entire world is looking towards India in this regard.

He said the climate change is a big issue and the youth of the country need to be aware about this so that the environment can be saved. "Today is the World Environment Day and our music, our art tell us to conserve environment also," Modi said while addressing the 5th International Convention of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth).

Noting that climate change is a big concern in front of the world, he said the world is looking towards India.

Three days ago, US president Donald Trump had announced withdrawal from the Paris climate deal which had been signed by 190 countries, arguing that it was favouring India.

"We have to save our environment for our future generations," the prime minister said. He said India has taken many steps in the last three years to conserve the environment and the entire world is discussing about these initiatives.

"Today, the world is looking towards India and therefore it is very important to make our youth vigilant about environment and conserving our heritage," Modi said.

He also suggested the SPIC MACAY to spread the message of environment conservation through its programmes.

Earlier in the morning, Modi tweeted, "World Environment Day is the right time to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our environment and nurturing a better planet." He said this year's theme of 'connecting people to nature' was nothing but a way "getting connected with ourselves".

"I salute the will & determination of all those individuals & organisations working towards protecting the environment," he added.
Jaipur: Five Pakistani nationals were detained in Barmer district of Rajasthan for violating visa norms.

Khojo Bhil (60), Chandu Bhil (75), his wife Dhai Bai Bhil (70), and two minors  Naresh Bhil (10) and Dharmi Bai (12)  had a visa for Jodhpur but travelled to Barmer.

They were detained from Gadra road railway station in the district when they were waiting for a train to Jodhpur on Sunday.

Khojo and Naresh came to Jodhpur two years ago and the other three entered India around 20 days back, Station House Officer (SHO) of Gadra road police station Karan Singh said.

They were staying at their relatives' house in Barmer for two days.

The place where they stayed is restricted for foreigners, the SHO said.

They are being interrogated by intelligence agencies.

Barmer is among four districts in western Rajasthan which lies along the border with Pakistan.
Sriharikota: Jubilant ISRO scientists on Monday went ga-ga over the success of India's heaviest rocket, GSLV MKIII-D1, giving it names such as "Bahubali" and "obedient boy".

The rocket came in for wholesome praise after its significant success in launching the country's heaviest satellite till date  GSAT-19 on its first developmental flight.

"Proud to say ISRO has given birth to a Bahubali," said Tapan Misra, director of Space Applications Centre (SAC) of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), as chuckles broke out at the mission control centre.

PV Venkita Krishnan, director of ISRO propulsion complex, described the launch vehicle as a "game-changer" and said it had made "quantum leaps in terms of hardware". There were more of "swadeshi components" and "minimal" hardware from outside, he said.

"It has been written that this rocket is monstrous. But it really is a giant vehicle, in terms of capacity and payload capability," he said.

Another senior scientist, involved in the development of cryogenic stage, called the launch vehicle "smart and most obedient boy". "This smart and most obedient boy of ISRO. It's a technological marvel and a masterpiece which has added almost 56 percent of incremental velocity and placed the satellite in the GTO (geosynchronous transfer orbit) by giving a total incremental velocity of 37,000 kilometres per hour," he said.

With Monday's success, India has "mastered" the complex and high performance cryogenic technology and joined an elite group of a few countries that possess this technology, he added.

K Sivan, director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, said Monday's successful launch marked the commencement of two major technologies.

"One is indigenous 100 percent desi heavylift launch vehicle which is capable of lifting twice the capability of (existing) ISRO vehicles. Second is advanced high turnout satellite which presents higher data rate. These two technologies in the days to come are going to create revolution in the application of space technology for common man in a cost effective and more efficient way," he said.
Called fat boy or monster rocket, the 640-tonne Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III blasted off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 5.28 pm on Monday, marking India's most significant milestone in space technology.

With this successful mission, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) increased its capacity to launch satellites from 2.3 to 4 tonnes: By 70 percent.

This rocket can lift into a space a 4000-kilogram satellite in a geosynchronous transfer orbit of 36,000 kilometres above earth or one weighing 10,000 kilograms in a low-earth orbit 600 kilometres high.

The rocket uses indigenous CE-20 cryogenic engines, unlike the ones made earlier which were partly based on Russian technology. And its not just the rocket that went up on Monday thats special, but even the satellite that went with it  GSAT-19 is a first for India; the first satellite that can provide internet connectivity from space.

The GSLV-Mark III flight means many things for India:

1. India becomes self-reliant almost  in launching four-tonne communication satellites. It had earlier been depending on foreign rockets.

Though GSLV-Mark III is capable of launching 4,000-kilogram satellites, it was used on Monday to put in space GSAT-19, which weighs only 3,136 kilograms, because ISRO didnt want to take chances with the rockets maiden flight. India has been so far using indigenous rockets  different variants of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Mark I and II versions of GSLV  to launch lighter satellites primarily meant for earth observation.

2. India joins a small club of heavy-lift satellite launchers. So far, only the space agencies of the US, Russia, France, China, Japan and Europe are capable of satellites weighing 4,000 kilograms and more.

3. This significantly expands Indias opportunities in the multi-billion dollar satellite launch market because Indias launch costs are significantly lower than its competitors. So far, India has been launching foreign satellites weighing much less than 4,000 kilograms.

4. By using fully-indigenous CE-20 cryogenic engines in the GSLV-Mark III, India has proved that it has achieved a significant degree of mastery over the very complex science of cryogenics. This will, no doubt, help India scale further heights in space technology, like, eventually sending a man to the moon.

5. The new capability will make it possible for India to help countries in the region launch their satellites as part of space diplomacy, which China is good at.

A difficult science

Cryogenics is a branch of physics which studies what happens at very low temperatures. A cryogenic rocket engine uses liquid hydrogen (LH2) as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidiser at very low temperatures. The technology isn't new: The US first test-fired a rocket using LH2 and LOX in 1961, and it helped the Americans send a man to the moon eight years later.

But the process is so complex that only a handful of countries are producing cryogenic engines. What further complicates matters is that hydrogen liquefies only at minus 253 degrees centigrade and oxygen at minus 184 degrees. If turning the two gases into liquids is tough, making the right kind of tanks that store them and the engines that receive them with the right alloys that can withstand such low temperatures is even tougher.

India made CE-7.5 cryogenic engines which it used successfully for the first time in the GSLV-Mark II rocket in 2014. The CE-7.5 engines, partly based on archaic Russian technology, had a thrust of 75 kN (kilo Newtons). The CE-20 cryogenic engines, used in Mondays GSLV-Mark III, are not only indigenous but also have a maximum thrust of 200 kN. GSLV-Mark I was powered by Russian-made cryogenic engines.

Long and tough journey

The journey from CE-7.5 to CE-20 has been long and tough for the Indian scientists, and made nearly impossible by US sanctions against India in 1992 and the secrecy that surrounds this technology in countries that possess it on account of its relevance to missile making.

In that context, it is truly remarkable that Indian scientists developed these engines in a relatively shorter period and at a lower cost than developed countries.

India began its work on cryogenic engines in 1982, setting up a small team for the job. But to expedite its space projects, India signed a deal with the Soviet Union in 1991 for supply of two engines and transfer of technology. We even sent a team of scientists to Moscow for training. India picked Russia over the US and France, who quoted higher prices.

But the US scuttled this deal, saying India could use the technology for military purposes and that it violated the 1987 Missile Technological Regime (MTR) norms. In 1993, Russia reneged on the deal. But under a reworked agreement, Russia later supplied seven engines without transferring technology.

Undaunted, ISRO initiated a project in 1994 to make its own engines. They finally developed CE-7.5 in 2009. But the GSLV Mark-II D3 that used these engines to launch 2,220-kilogram GSAT-4 failed in April 2010. The GLSV Mark-II D5 that launched the 2,000-kilogram GSAT-14, powered by the CE-7.5 engines was successful in January 2014. From then on, the engines had a good run. Using them, Mark-II vehicles successfully launched GSAT-6 (2,117 kilograms), INSAT-3DR (2,211 kilograms) and the South Asia satellite (2,230 kilograms) in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Work on the CE-20 engines began in 2002. However, they were ready for their first major test only in 2014 and were finally flying-fit on Monday for the maiden developmental flight.

What if satellites weigh more than 4 tonnes?



Indias GSAT-11 satellite weighs 5,700 kilograms and will soon be launched by a foreign launcher, since its beyond the capability of GSLV-Mark III.

The standard size of communications satellites is going up to six tonnes, but a good part of the additional weight is primarily meant to increase their lifespan. As things stand today, ISRO is unlikely to come up with yet another rocket to launch satellites heavier than 4,000 kilograms any time soon. Instead, it may give GSLV more thrust, by either adding more power to the cryogenic upper stage, or by turning the lower stages into partly cryogenic or by doing both as and when necessary.

For now, ISRO must be content with the fact that about half the satellites launched in the world in the last decade weigh less than four tonnes. And luckily for ISRO, an average communication satellites weight the world over may also come down for two reasons.

One, electronic components are getting smaller and smaller. Two, a switch from chemical fuel to electronic propulsion on board satellites for their in-orbit functions is already making them lighter. Depending on a satellites weight and the expected lifespan, its on-board chemical fuel may weigh hundreds of kilograms, but replacing it with electricity, even partially, will lessen the weight.

The GSLV-Mark III will serve India well. The four-tonne satellite is good enough to take care of India and other countries' communication needs for a long time.
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday sought the Centre's intervention to ensure the safety of 6.5 lakh Indians, including Keralites, residing in Qatar following recent developments in West Asia.

In letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Vijayan said he was writing in the context of the developing geo-political situation in the West Asia on Monday.

"As you are aware, millions of Indians are working in countries in the Middle East and therefore the geo-political developments in the region have raised deep concerns among the people in the state since each family has at least one family member or a relative in the region," he said.

There are about 6.5 lakh Indians in Qatar, of which nearly three lakh people hail from Kerala, Vijayan said, expressing concern about their safety and employment in Qatar.

"I would like to place on record the full support of our state to the considered stance that Union government would take on the issue, given the complexities involved," he said.

He said the state was aware that the Centre would come out with the "most appropriate diplomatic and geo-political stance" in this regard taking into consideration all aspects and put in place a "robust mechanism" for addressing all the concerns.

Vijayan also wanted the Indian embassy in Doha to be "suitably empowered" to respond presciently to the concerns of the Indian community in the country.

The letters were written in the backdrop of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, as tensions escalated in the region over accusations that Doha backed militant groups.
The heavy rain and subsequent flooding of late April to mid-May have many southeast Missouri counties seeking state and federal aid to repair damaged infrastructure. Madison County is among the counties affected by the flood and under consideration to receive federal aid to repair public infrastructure and assist private individuals with damage to their property.

In mid-May, preliminary damage assessment teams made up of local, state and federal officials began assessing damage across Missouri.

Madison County Presiding Commissioner Bob Mooney accompanied the assessment teams as they surveyed damage in Madison County. The damage was assessed by two different teams, one examining damage to public property and one assessing damage to homes and private property.

Mooney said the two types of assistance that could be made available to Missourians are Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA). He said there was much more damage to public property than to private property in Madison County.

Individual Assistance is for individuals that are affected, Mooney said. Like if water gets in somebodys house that would be the IA. We did a drive-around two weeks ago Sunday on that. And then the PA is Public Assistance, for a road or for the Health Department.

The Madison County Health Department is temporarily displaced due to water backing up the buildings flood drain. Being owned by the county, the damage falls under what could receive federal public assistance.

On Friday. President Donald Trump declared a major disaster for several counties including Madison County. Madison County is among 37 Missouri counties that would receive individual assistance, and among 45 that would receive public assistance.

Governor Eric Greitens requested President Trump approve on May 24. Missouri Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill also sent letters to the president supporting Greitens request. Until the official disaster declaration is given, counties will receive no federal dollars.

He said there was a situation in a 1999 flood which left Madison County footing the total cost for flood damage because the state of Missouri didnt reach the required damage threshold to receive a federal disaster declaration. He had been very confident this flood will receive the declaration, however, based on the amount of damage incurred around the region.

Mooney said the county will keep record of expenses incurred by the flooding so when the disaster declaration is given, it can be reimbursed for the cost. He said the county is working to get the roads in the county back into good condition.

Were trying to get the roads put back together as best we can, Mooney said.

The first priority of the county was to make sure that all roads were passable as quickly as possible.

It took a couple of days to get it to where everybody could get in and out, Mooney said. That was done fairly quickly. Its going to take a while to get everything back to the way it was.

He added that the federal reimbursement cannot be used to improve roads, but only to restore them to how they were before the flood.

So if you lose six inches of material off a road, theyll put back six inches of material, Mooney said.
New Delhi: Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen A K Bhatt on Monday told his Pakistani counterpart that any attempt by the Pakistan military to resort to unprovoked firing along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and abet infiltrators would be met with "appropriate retaliatory actions".

In their telephonic conversation, the two army commanders discussed the situation along the Line of Control which has witnessed increasing incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the last couple of months.

"DGMO Indian Army conveyed his commitment of ensuring peace and tranquility which is contingent on Pakistan Army's intentions and actions. If Pakistan Army continues to abet infiltration and cause trans-LoC firings, Indian Army will take appropriate retaliatory actions," the Army said in a statement, sharing details of the conversation between Bhatt and his Pakistani counterpart, Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza.

It said Lt Gen Bhatt highlighted cases of escalation of tension by the Pakistan Army during the conversation.

"On the issue raised by DGMO Pak Army regarding civilian killings, DGMO Indian Army conveyed that the Indian Army is a professional Army and will not harm civilians in any manner," the Indian Army said.

It said the request for the conversation was made by the Pakistan DGMO.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army, in a statement on the conversation between the two DGMOs, stated that the Pakistan DGMO urged India to provide "actionable evidence regarding alleged infiltration and also to look inwards for correct identification of the issue."

The DGMO Pakistan also expressed the resolve to maintain peace on the LoC and the Working Boundary.

"However, any Indian misadventure from across/along the LoC in any form shall be responded with full force at the time and place of our choosing with the onus of responsibility on Indian aggressive behaviour," the Pakistan Army said.
Media reports suggest that Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat is preparing to open up combat positions for women. Often, statements made by the military are misquoted due to lack of knowledge of its procedures among the civil society of India. If these reports about inducting them as jawans (the term is not yet gender neutral) are to be believed, it will not only be a path breaking venture but quite an unusual step to be taken by the Indian Army.

Yes, women have been serving in the Indian armed forces for many decades. The Armed Forces Medical Services were the first to break this glass ceiling. The Indian Navy inducted women in non-combat roles commencing early 1990s. However, induction into combat roles has very different connotations, even among the services.

For instance, while surveillance and transport aircraft are being flown by women both in the air force and the navy, combat flying is just about to commence, with the first few women pilots inducted into the air force. Similarly, some years ago, the navy experimented by placing a woman officer each in logistics support vessels, which have the luxury of segregating the living spaces as well as space needed for ablutions.

This is not the same as placing women of other ranks too in crowded mess decks and bathrooms  so far built only to accommodate males. While arrangements to accommodate a small number of women officers are possible, by tweaking the design of ships under construction, it would deplete the combat capability of warships if precious space is allocated just to segregate men and women of other ranks as well.

The glass ceiling about to be broken by the Indian Army, by inducting women combat soldiers, must have been extensively discussed within the service before the chief thought it fit to announce it to the media. The army must have also carried out a detailed study on the socio-economic factors that impinge on inducting women soldiers. A woman officer is protected to a large extent by the powers vested in her by virtue of her rank. The same protection will not be available to a woman soldier.

Not so long ago, the navy had decided to do away with the branch which employed sailors for cleaning public facilities. It was rightly felt that after Independence, such a branch had lost its relevance and utility. That the decision was not subjected to a consultative process with sailors in service became apparent when there was a mutiny in the navy  called the Topas mutiny. Orders had to be hastily withdrawn and status quo was restored to avoid turbulence.

The lesson learnt was that top-down decision making is not always successful, particularly if the ground level social prejudices that exist in the rural and semi-urban areas are not fully understood. Molestations and invading the privacy of women, male chauvinism and predominantly patriarchal societies cannot be wished away, even by the so-called advanced societies in the West.

The United States Navy, which carries women afloat, has its share of institutional sexism in closed living spaces. Unfortunately, while these issues are often discussed sotto voce, officially, it is considered politically incorrect to discuss them openly. Often, induction of women in the military has been driven by the political leadership rather than military needs, except in countries where not enough men are available for military service.

However, looking ahead and assuming that gender sensitisation programmes of our military would address most of the concerns listed above, what then needs to be done is to make entry of women in combat role a success.

Firstly, the physical standards expected of the men and women must be the same. If the men are required to carry out a march of 45 kilometres with their gear, so should the women. Combat does not distinguish men from women.

Secondly, the entire training period for permanent commissioned officers should be applicable to women as well.

Thirdly, warships and indeed combat units work on fixed manpower strengths, which cater for temporary duties and leave relief. Since women officers are likely to be away for relatively longer durations, for their legitimate physical needs, the unit strength should be compensated to a level of 1:1.3 so that at no time is a combat unit under-manned.

Finally, when comparing ourselves with the countries of the West, we need to bear in mind that the demographic dividend and employment opportunities can be suitably tailored by inducting young men into combat roles while also providing excellent opportunities for women in equally important non-combat roles. Unemployed youth of the masculine gender would be much more destructive that their female counterparts, as has been witnessed in many parts of the world.

The author is a former Commandant of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command
New Delhi: Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal, sentenced to death in a blast case, on Monday moved to court seeking a CBI probe into alleged human rights violations at the Tihar Central Jail.

The court sought a response from the jail authorities by 8 June on the convict's plea.

Bhatkal alleged physical harassment in the prison, while urging the court to direct a probe by the CBI and the Anti Corruption Branch in this regard.

In his plea, moved through his lawyer MS Khan, the convict alleged that he had been kept in isolation for the last four months, due to which he was suffering from mental and psychological problems.

He also claimed that he was denied proper medical aid, food and water and was facing problems during the ongoing Ramzan.

Bhatkal was sentenced to death by an NIA court in December last year in the 2013 Dilsukhnagar twin blasts case in Hyderabad. He is at present in judicial custody in connection with several other terror-related cases.
Mumbai: A Shiv Sena MLA, who is a prosecution witness in journalist Jyotirmoy Dey murder case (also known as J Dey murder) of 2011, was declared hostile after he denied receiving a call from one of the accused as contended by the CBI before a special Mumbai court on Monday.

"MLA Sunil Raut appeared before the court today (as a prosecution witness). However, he was declared hostile as he did not support the case of the prosecution," special public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat told PTI.

Citing the CBI, Gharat said Raut had received and attended a call from an international calling card number on his phone, but in court, he denied taking that call.

According to the CBI, the call was made by Paulson Joseph, one of the accused in the case, he said.

"This is the same number that gangster Chhota Rajan (the prime accused in the murder case) used to get in touch with journalists after the murder (of Dey)," the special public prosecutor said.

However, the exact date and time of the purported call are not known.

Raut is a sitting legislator from Vikhroli in Mumbai.

Dey, working with an English tabloid in Mumbai, was shot dead in suburban Powai on 11 June, 2011. The court on 31 August last year had framed charges against Rajan.

According to a supplementary chargesheet filed by the CBI, Rajan had the veteran crime reporter killed because he was miffed with some articles written by him, and also because a book being written by Dey portrayed him as a "chindi" (petty) criminal.

The book, "Chindi  Rags to Riches", was to be about 20 gangsters who rose from humble origins.

Rajan was arrested at Bali airport in Indonesia on 25 October, 2015, and deported to India.

The first charge sheet filed in the case in 2011 named Satish Kaliya, Abhijeet Shinde, Arun Dake, Sachin Gaikwad, Anil Waghmode, Nilesh Shendge, Mangesh Agawane, Vinod Asrani, Paulson Joseph and Deepak Sisodia (all arrested) as accused.

A charge sheet was filed against Mumbai-based journalist Jigna Vora for allegedly instigating Rajan against Dey owing to her professional rivalry with the scribe.

The 55-year old gangster, once a close aide of fugitive terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, was brought to India to face trial in over 70 cases of killing, extortion and drug smuggling in Delhi and Mumbai.

He was recently convicted in a fake passport case by a special court in Delhi.
New Delhi: The home ministry is likely to hand over the probe into Monday's attack on a CRPF camp in Jammu and Kashmir to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A senior official said since the strike in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir was a terror attack, the investigation may be given to the NIA.

Terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba were suspected to be involved in the incident as the modus operandi of the attack was similar to those adopted by the Pakistan-based terrorist group, the official said.

Four heavily armed terrorists on Monday tried to storm the CRPF camp in a pre-dawn 'suicide' attack but were killed in retaliatory fire by security forces.

NIA, which was created post the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, functions as the central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in the country.
Srinagar: Four militants were killed on Monday morning in a retaliatory fire by security forces as they attempted to attack a CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The heavily armed militants tried to enter the camp of 45 Battalion CRPF at Sumbal in Bandipora at around 4:10 am by opening fire at the sentry post, a police official said.

Terrorists tried storming camp around 3:30 am to execute a fidayeen attack.Thwarted,4 terrorists gunned down:Yogesh Kumar,Sub Inspector CRPF pic.twitter.com/asat2HeUKR  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

Terrorists attack 45 Bn CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of J&K. More details awaited  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

#UPDATE: Four terrorists killed as they attack 45 Bn CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of J&K  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

Four terrorists killed as they attack 45 Bn CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of J&K (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/YitB4weLZs  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

#WATCH Four terrorists killed as they attack 45 Bn CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of J&K (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/crnIB2BeuM  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

Weapons seized from the Four killed terrorists who were trying to carry out a suicide attack on CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora of J&K pic.twitter.com/Jytj9VqX78  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

WATCH: CRPF jawans raise 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' slogans after thwarting suicide attack attempt by fidayeen terrorists on camp in Bandipora,J&K pic.twitter.com/r0ileu4MRR  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

He said the firing was retaliated by the guards even as police reinforcement was rushed to the scene of gun battle. "Four militants were killed in the retaliatory firing and the suicide attack was foiled," the official said. "Four militants were killed in retaliatory fire by troops of 45 battalion of the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police at Sumbal in Bandipora district during a suicidal attack by the militants on CRPF camp there," a police spokesman said in Srinagar.

The gunmen lobbed grenades and fired automatic weapons outside the CRPF camp, a spokesman told AFP. "They tried to storm the camp, but they were not even allowed to enter the gate," CRPF spokesman Bhuvesh Choudhary told AFP. "All the four attackers were eliminated in a clean and wonderful operation. There were no injuries on our side."

Four assault rifles, grenades and other ammunition were recovered from the bodies of the slain attackers, whose identities were not known. "They were carrying huge amounts of ammunition and did not appear to be locals," director general of police, SP Vaid told AFP.

The spokesman added the attack was effectively repulsed. The Sumbal camp of the CRPF is the headquarter of 45th battalion which was headed by Chetan Kumar Cheeta who survived despite taking nine bullets while fighting militants in Bandipora district last year.

He said four AK rifles, one UBGL (Underbarrel Grenade Launcher) and some ammunition were recovered from the slain militants. Confirming the incident, J&K DGP Shesh Paul Vaid tweeted, "45 Bn @crpfindia/@JmuKmrPolice killed 4 terrorists at Sumbal #Bandipore who were attempting suicidal attack on CRPF camp. #JaiHind"

Earlier on 3 June, at least two army personnel were killed and four injured in attack by terrorists on Army convoy in the Qazigund district. In another incident, at least one civilian was injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Poonch sector.

The Pakistani Army had earlier initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control in the Nowshera and Krishna Ghati sectors on Thursday in which two civilians were injured.

Inputs from agencies
Srinagar: The separatists camp in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday hit out at the PDP-BJP state government for preventing them from holding a meeting by putting them under house arrest, saying it was doing this at the "bidding of its masters in New Delhi".

While hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani has been under house arrest for a long time now, the authorities on Monday put Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Ahmad Shah and several other second-rung separatist leaders under house arrest to prevent them from reaching Geelani's Hyderpora residence for the said meeting.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody and lodged at a police station in Srinagar.

Security personnel were posted outside Geelani's residence, a police official said, adding that no one was being allowed to enter the premises.

In a joint statement, the separatists said not allowing them to hold meetings had become a "norm" for the state authorities who had to "keep up the farce of normalcy through repression at the bidding of their masters in New Delhi", otherwise "they will be shown the door by them".

The meeting was to be attended by separatist leaders and members of the business community in the wake of National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids on several of their second-rung leaders as part of a crackdown on the fundings of street protests and businessmen suspected of carrying out hawala operations.

"The meeting was barred by the anti-Kashmir ruling regime through force," the statement read.

Referring to the NIA raids, the separatists claimed that these moves to "intimidate and harass" their leaders and activists was Government of India's "acceptance" that it had not been able to politically defeat the people's struggle in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The Government of India has completely failed in crushing the people's revolt, despite its largest military concentration in the world in Jammu and Kashmir, who have unleashed a reign of terror and torture upon the people for the past seven decades, inflicting untold miseries upon the masses," it alleged.

The separatists called for a peaceful protest after the Friday prayers across the Valley against the "witch-hunt, coercion and intimidation of resistance activists, leaders and members of the business community".

"The people will also strongly protest the Indian electronic media's propaganda war against Kashmiris and its shameless attempt to discredit their freedom struggle," they said.
The National Investigation Agency, probing alleged terror-funding to separatist leaders in Kashmir, is set to grill the Hurriyat leadership following multiple raids on the premises of separatists leaders and their associates in the Valley and Delhi, several media reports have said.

The raids, which continued for the second consecutive day on Sunday, followed an FIR by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The agency had accused unnamed Hurriyat leaders and associates of three terror outfits Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Dukhtaran-e-Millat of getting funds from LeT patron Hafiz Mohammed Saeed to fuel violence in the Valley that involved stone pelting on security personnel and setting ablaze government buildings, Hindustan Times reported.

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, the report quoted a senior NIA official as saying.

A report in Decan Herald said the NIA teams conducted raids at four places in Kashmir and one in Jammu on Sunday.

The report went on to quote the agency as saying, "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."

NIA also raided the residences of prominent doctors and businessmen for aiding separatists in procuring illegal foreign funding.

During the raids, NIA seized over Rs one crore in cash, letterheads of banned terrorist organisations like LeT, and incriminating documents during two dozen raids conducted across Srinagar, Delhi, and Haryana in connection with terror funding by Pakistan-based groups to stoke unrest in Kashmir Valley.

PTI reported that a few thousand Pakistani rupees and currencies belonging to the UAE and Saudi Arabia were also recovered during the raids.

The separatist leadership in a joint statement said 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 Hindustan Times report said.

The Hurriyat leaders have called for a meeting on Monday at Geelanis residence to discuss this situation and its implications on hapless Kashmiris including the business community. The leadership is expected to address a press conference after the meeting.

With inputs from agencies
Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Kashmiri separatists, calling them "destructive and obstructive" and alleging that they receive funds from Pakistan to stoke unrest in the Valley.

"Why we should have discussions with the separatist leaders? Every day they (Pakistan) are giving training to the terrorists, provoking them and sending them into our country," Naidu said, speaking at an event in New Delhi.

"They are sending money to the separatist leaders... and we have seen it," he said, referring to an NIA probe into alleged cross-border terror funding to Kashmiri separatist leaders, for organising stone pelting protests.

"I don't know what is this disease of stone pelting," Naidu said.

"We are collecting stones to construct infrastructure there but they are trying to destroy it," the Minister said.

"We are constructive, and they are destructive and obstructive," the Information and Broadcasting Minister said.

"This is the kind of mentality we are seeing in the people of the country," Naidu added.

His comments come as the government has said it is working towards a "permanent solution" to Kashmir.
Srinagar: Authorities on Monday prevented separatists from holding a meeting at residence of hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani, placing several leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under house arrest.

A posse of police personnel were posted outside Geelani's residence at Hyderpora where the separatists leaders were to hold a meeting and later address a press conference, a police official said.

He said no one was allowed to enter Geelani's residence.

"Mirwaiz has once again been put under arrest since late Sunday evening. He was to attend the joint resistance meeting at veteran leader Geelani's residence today," a Hurriyat spokesman said.

"The anti-Kashmiri state resorted to its usual tactic of curbing the leadership, once again showing that Kashmir is ruled by the forces' might," he added.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody and lodged at a police station in Srinagar. The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday disallowed a separatist meeting in Srinagar scheduled to discuss the fallout of last week's raids by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A large contingent of police and the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was deployed outside the uptown Hyderpora residence of senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani to prevent entry into the octogenarian's house.

After separatist leaders Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmad Dar and Gazi Javaid Baba confessed in an India Today TV news channel expose that they had been receiving funds from Pakistan to foment trouble in Kashmir, the NIA registered FIRs to investigate the issue.

The NIA also carried out raids in Srinagar and Jammu city on Sunday. Some raids were also carried out in Delhi last week in this connection.

With inputs from agencies
U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-8th District, expressed appreciation Friday following the news that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had announced that federal disaster assistance is being made available to the state of Missouri.

The federal assistance will supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding that occurred from April 28 through May 11.

"Communities across southern Missouri have done an incredible job of helping each other recover from this historic flooding," Smith said. "I have seen much of the devastation first hand and have been in constant communication with families, farmers, small business owners, first responders and community leaders impacted by this disaster.

"I have relayed the needs of our area and the vast impact to our governor and directly in conversations with the White House. I am pleased to see the administration expeditiously approved federal disaster declarations for numerous counties in our area so that additional resources can be provided to help the families, farmers and business owners of southern Missouri get their lives back to normal."

In recent weeks, Congressman Smith has visited storm damaged and flooded areas in the 8th District while the U.S. House of Representatives are on break. The Daily Journal covered the legislator during his May 5 visit to St Mary, a town in Ste. Geneveive County made up of about 360 residents built around the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, that had once again experienced severe flooding due to the overflowing Mississippi River.

Prior to taking a boat tour of the flooded area, Smith said, "In my four years here, this is the worst flooding for our congressional district. I know we're not cresting nearly as high as what we did in 2015-16, but we're pretty close along the Mississippi. The whole congressional district is affected by flooding. Areas that typically never even flood have been affected. So, myself and the Missouri delegation  since other portions of the state are affected, as well  St. Louis County, southwest Missouri, even along the Missouri River ... we're all hit, so we're all working to make sure that all aspects of federal help are available."

The president's action on Friday makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Douglas, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Howell, Jasper, Jefferson, Madison, Maries, McDonald, Newton, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Pemiscot, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, St. Louis, Stone, Taney, and Texas counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is available to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in Barry, Barton, Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Cedar, Christian, Cole, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Morgan, Newton, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Pike, Pulaski, Ralls, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, St. Louis, Stone, Taney, Texas, Washington, Wayne, Webster, and Wright counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Michael L. Parker has been named as the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations in the affected area. Parker said additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

According to FEMA, individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
After sweeping the Maharashtra Assembly polls three years ago and subsequently foraying into local self-governing bodies, the euphoric BJP is facing a major challenge: containing the ongoing agrarian unrest in the state. As farmers indulge in violence and arson, besides dumping milk and vegetables on roads, the tactics of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis do not seem to be working, raising a question mark over his competence in handling rural issues.

While politically devastated, former ruling parties  Congress and NCP  have grabbed the opportunity to masquerade as the saviour of farmers. BJP's ally at Centre and state, Shiv Sena, has joined the agitators against the government (without, of course, walking out of the state cabinet) apparently to ensure that it emerges as the alternative in the event of BJP eventually losing the battle in 2019 polls, thereby edging out Congress, NCP and other parties involved. The current political situation, of course, is not likely to culminate in a grand alliance of Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena and other parties to topple the Fadnavis government collectively. Shiv Sena has been playing the belligerent partner of BJP for years but is on a tight leash after BJP gave up its claim on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in the recent polls, despite winning equal seats. Besides, Shiv Senas belligerence appears to be a result of a tacit understanding with BJP to cleanse Maharashtra of Congress and NCP.

After being wiped out politically, the ranks and files of Congress and NCP are still to come to terms with their changed status as opposition parties. Besides, many senior Congress and NCP leaders are either facing charges or are in the process of being probed for misusing office when in power. While the current agrarian crisis has come as an excellent opportunity for Congress and NCP to consolidate their respective positions in the run-up to the 2019 polls, the fact remains that they too are responsible for the present situation. For instance, the Congress-NCP alliance has, for years, ignored Swaminathan panels report. It had recommended minimum support price based on production cost plus 50 percent of the production cost. It is one of the major demands of agitating farmers, besides a total loan waiver.

Apart from politics, there are some serious issues concerning farmers that have been either been ignored or messed up both by the previous government as well as the existing one. Farmers suicides and simmering discontent over government policies have continued to grow. One issue that led to polarisation of farmers before the current violence was the toor dal scarcity followed by a glut. During scarcity, the government had appealed to farmers to grow more toor dal but when a bumper harvest led to abundance leading to a crash in prices, the government could not handle it, leading to agitations. The crucial faux pas was the miscalculation of the local availability of toor dal after harvest, the timing and quantum of import.

Before the current agitation was launched on 1 June, farmers had given enough leeway to the government by announcing the date of the agitation well in advance. The government apparently resting on its electoral laurels, chose to rely on its Machiavellian tactics to defuse the crisis. On the one hand, it apparently presumed that Congress and NCP would sulk and the ire of agitating farmers could be contained through Sadabhau Khot from the farmers' organisation Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, who has been inducted in the Fadnavis government as a minister of state.

Fadnavis waited for three days till Saturday, to convene a meeting to negotiate with the representatives of agitating farmers. While agriculture minister Pandurang Phundkar was absent, the chief minister attributed the flare-up to opposition parties and expressed his inability to accede to the demand of a complete loan waiver on grounds of lack of resources. Interestingly, the same Fadnavis government has embarked on a project to create the tallest statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the cost of over Rs 3,600 crore, to pacify agitating Marathas over the past one year for quota. He, however, offered to waive loans of small farmers and to study Swaminathan committee report on the issue of minimum support price. He also declared that in the forthcoming monsoon session of the state assembly, his government would make a law making it a crime to pay less than the minimum support price.

The government underestimated the simmering discontent that was brewing for some time among rural masses and the possibility of new agitating groups mushrooming in the state. The diplomacy of Fadnavis through Khot on Saturday failed miserably. Farmers' representatives remained divided on the government's formula and one of them publicly regretted withdrawal of the stir. Besides, minister Khots party, the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, distanced itself from the government's solution to the crisis. Party chief Raju Shetti has declared that his party would not withdraw from the agitation and that Khot would be made accountable for his role. Similarly, veteran social worker Anna Hazares statement that he supported the farmers' agitation and would mediate between them and the government was scoffed at by farmers, who suspected him of acting at the behest of the government. The moot question was: why did Anna remain silent all these years when farmers were agitating on various issues, including the toor dal crisis? Meanwhile, various outfits that have come up, met at Nashik on Sunday and decided to continue with the plan of agitation that included a Maharashtra Bandh on Monday.

The Fadnavis government is now braced up to ensure supply of agricultural commodities to cities like Mumbai under police escort, which is neither a lasting solution nor an ideal one. The crisis has coincided with senior NCP leaders including Ajit Pawar coming under the scanner of Enforcement Directorate. Pawar and Sunil Tatkare had come under cloud for alleged irregularities in the irrigation scam when they were ministers in the previous government. Ever since NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal was arrested for disproportionate assets, the delay in action against Pawar had raised eyebrows in political circles, raising questions over NCP chief Sharad Pawars growing proximity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers in his cabinet who visited Pawars hometown Baramati in Pune and lauded him. The Congress on the other hand is waiting for the court verdict on former chief minister Ashok Chavan in the Adarsh scam.

The current situation is reminiscent of the almost year-long agitation by the Maratha community for demanding, among other things, reservation, review of atrocities act and farm loan waiver. On the ground level, the foot soldiers in the current agitation are faceless and most of the burning spots (like Ahmednagar, Nashik and Kolhapur districts) are traditional strongholds of Congress/NCP leaders who have been humbled in the Assembly polls. Taking advantage of the socialist policies of the Nehruvian era, these politicians had obtained government land at nominal leases and created educational institutes, social trusts and cooperatives (rural credit, dairy development, sugar mills, and agro-industries) on the pretext of addressing the huge educational and economic backlog in the country. In rural Maharashtra, these politicians had become feudal lords controlling rural masses and their votes. The Fadnavis government over the past three years has been trying to breach the power source of such politicians. For instance, the government has banned tainted persons from contesting elections in a cooperative body and moves to appoint its representatives on such cooperatives.

However, the whole crisis cannot be brushed aside simply because it has political overtones, as the agrarian crisis continues and farmers commit suicides. The politicians involved have to become statesmen and exhibit some vision for farmers, rising above political considerations.

Farmers largely continue with traditional farming that blurs their vision of the changing world. The poor have ignored education and changes in the farming business. The adverse impact of globalisation, inclement weather conditions and lack of infrastructure like irrigation and power supply has hit them severely, making farming unsustainable for small and marginal farmers. Even rich farmers, including those who export cash crops like grapes, are feeling the pinch with international norms on quality of agricultural produce and the use of pesticides being tightened in the global market. Now, with Brexit and a fresh wave among western countries of changing the norms of global business, things are in a quandary.

The real relief for the poor farmer (who is in distress because of crop failure or fluctuation in agricultural produce) would come from measures like crop planning, irrigation facilities, remunerative prices, developing skills, creating supplementary income, finding ways of utilising their land differently, experimenting with different crops/cropping patterns and releasing them from the servility of not just the traditional pattern of farming but also from the traditional mentality which has been exploited by their leaders, traders, politicians, evil social practices (like dowry) and expensive religious rituals.

The old order is crumbling but the new one is yet to take shape requiring a serious rethink on handling crucial issues differently.
Mumbai: Hardening his stand, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the government will talk only to the protesting farmers and not others.

State BJP leaders have been alleging that opposition NCP and Congress are behind the ongoing farmers' strike.

Farmers' agitation on Monday continued in some parts of the state, despite the CM announcing a loan waiver for

marginal farmers two days ago.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis said, "If someone else is trying to agitate in the name of farmers, the government will not talk to these people."

As per the government data, vehicles carrying vegetables, fruits, etc. reached 149 of the total 305 Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in the state on Monday.

Leaders of the NCP and the ruling alliance partner Shiv Sena actively participated in enforcing `bandh' in Kolhapur, Nashik, Jalgaon, Hingoli and other places.

Meanwhile, some factions of Shetkari Sanghatna, founded by the late Sharad Joshi, have decided to form a new 21-member coordination committee to decide the future course of agitation, said Girdhar Patil, agriculture expert and leader.

Speaking to reporters at Solapur, Minister for Cooperation Subhash Deshmukh alleged that the Congress and NCP-led opposition was instigating the farmers.

Meanwhile, official sources said that 1,337 tempos and trucks carrying vegetables, fruits and other items reached the

APMC at neighbouring Navi Mumbai. It included 343 trucks of fruits and 486 of vegetables.

Prices of commodities were stable, officials claimed.

The government dispatched 27 milk tankers under police security via Pune-Mumbai Expressway from Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara.
Actor-politician Paresh Rawal says he has no regrets about his tweet on Arundhati Roy, as the author has been badmouthing the Indian Army, saying it will never hit back at her.

The BJP MP had received a lot of flak on social media for saying the army should "tie" Roy to an army jeep instead of a "stone pelter", a reference to an incident in Kashmir where a protester was used as a human shield by security personnel against stone-pelting.

Many termed the tweet as "offensive" and said it "incited violence". The 67-year-old actor's tweet came after the Pakistani media reported remarks by Roy criticising the army's action in Kashmir. The report later turned out to be untrue. But Rawal said he isn't sorry even if the report on Roy is "fake news". He went on to say that even if she was "tied" to an army jeep, no stone-pelter would attack her as she supported their ideology.

"I expected this kind of reaction from liberal minded people. I just want to know when Arundhati Roy was talking about army people, why no one said anything? If she is right, then even I am right. If she regrets making the comments, then I also regret. Agreed that this is fake news, but what about the comments that she made on 2002 Godhra riots? If you have freedom of expression, then even I have it," Rawal told PTI.

He said one can openly criticise politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi but why target the army? "If you have the guts then talk about Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal chief minister). Four people will come and beat you up. You talk about those people (army) who don't hit back at you for your remarks. These people (referring to Roy) go and talk at international seminars and forums where they get funding, get awards... you get respect so you talk nonsense," he said.

The national award-winning actor said he fails to understand why Roy is playing the "woman card" following his comments of tying her to the jeep. "When we talk about it (referring to his tweet of tying her to the jeep), then you say 'I am woman'. Are you not a woman when you make such comments? I am not at all apologetic about it, as it pertains to my country, my army," he added.

The actor rather insisted his remark on Roy was a message of peace. "Even if hypothetically Arundhati was tied, no one would have pelted stones, as she is their well-wisher, she endorses the ideology. I have rather passed on a message of peace. Who will beat her up? So there is no violence," he adds.

Roy, an award-winning writer, has been a trenchant critic of the BJP and the army's action in insurgency-hit areas. Rawal alleged that critics like Roy chose to remain silent when at least 2,500 soldiers suffered severe injuries in stone pelting incidents.

"Why don't you talk about human rights then? Don't they (soldiers) have a family? The death of a soldier is tangible. You can see that but your views and expression are intangible. All you say is Hindus have committed atrocities all over the country including in Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland and have occupied everything. My son, who is studying in America, is asking me 'is it all occupied?' Imagine what implication it has for young minds. They doubt you. It demoralises the army. I am happy a debate has started and I would have regretted if violence would have started. My aim was not that. It wouldn't have happened also," he added.

After the controversy over his tweet, Rawal had said there was pressure on him to delete it or his Twitter account will be blocked. When asked what upsets him as a politician, he said it "is unaccountability and lack of humanity while dealing with a situation".
While announcing the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, president Donald Trump said India wanted 'billions and billions and billions' of dollars in foreign aid in order to stay in the accord. But that is an alternative fact.

In reality, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a voluntary $10.3 billion fund, set up primarily to assist developing nations in their efforts to curb emissions and fight climate change. Technically, this means that the Trump administration will not transfer the $2 billion of the $3 billion it owes the GCF. The first billion was paid in two installments of $500 million by Barack Obama, the second payment was made just three days before he left the White House.

But what is the Paris Agreement? For those not in the know, in 2015, 195 countries came together and signed a climate change pact. The countries voluntarily agreed to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and also to make efforts to limit the temperature increase to one and a half degrees Celsius. For this, the key was reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and cutting the greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change experts are apprehensive that the US decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement will lead to a deficit in the climate fund and lead to emission levels rising across the globe.

The Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) also criticised Trump's move, saying that without the active and ambitious contribution from the US, any action to combat climate change under the Paris Agreement would be hugely insufficient.

The US has, historically, been the world's largest polluter. It accounts for 17 percent of global emissions. Today, China occupies the top spot and the US has slipped to the second position. The European Union takes up the third position, followed by India, which accounts for around four percent of global emissions. After ratifying the Paris accord on 2 October, 2016, India decided that it would reduce its carbon footprint from 2005 levels by 33 to 35 percent by 2030.

With Trump pulling out of the Paris Agreement, the US is set to join Nicaragua and Syria as the only nations who are not party to the accord. For a country which has been occupying the position of global leader, both in terms of politics and business, the decision to withdraw from the Paris pact will create a major leadership void. German chancellor Angela Merkel, along with French president Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, issued a joint statement insisting the agreement could not be renegotiated and that they would continue to combat climate change.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that if the world gets warmer by more than two degrees Celsius over the remainder of the century, there will be a rise in the number of extreme climate events on the planet, including acidification of the oceans, and changes in weather patterns, which could result in a major drop in agricultural production.

Professor Vikram Soni, a physicist working on the environment at Jawaharlal Nehru University, points out, "Increase in temperature is going to see the earth hotting up. Already, changes in humidity and temperature have led to India facing increasing extreme climate events in Uttarakhand and Kedarnath. Pakistan is also bearing witness to this phenomenon  in a surprising way  they now receive a new monsoon from the Arabian Sea, which has resulted in the Karakoram glacier getting bigger and bigger. Increasingly erratic weather patterns will adversely effect our agriculture. This is something we will have to combat on a war footing.

Chandra Bhushan, co-director general, CSE, referring to the Paris Agreement, emphasised that US emissions are already three times that of India. "We will face a great deal of difficulty in controlling rising temperatures, so meeting the two degree target becomes all the more difficult."

Since carbon emissions are the biggest cause of climate change, the Paris accord states that countries should strive to reach peak emissions as soon as possible. Currently, experts predict this peak will be reached around 2030, after which there should be enough renewable resources to bring the levels down. However, the accord does not indicate what measures should be taken to reach peak emission levels sooner.

This means India must focus on greater investment in renewable energy sources, so that the economy can be weaned off fossil fuels. To do this, India will need to produce 175 gigawatts of power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2025 and also increase both its forest cover and the quality of its forest cover by a whopping five million hectares during the same period.

The problem is that India needs millions of dollars to invest in renewable energy. The question remains: Where will this money come from? CSE has been following the renewable energy field very carefully.

Bhushan cites one example: "India received loans at subsidised rates to buy solar panels from the US, but there were a number of caveats attached to these loans. The US was not assisting India with climate finance. These loans were being given at two percent less interest so that the companies who received them bought solar panels only from US companies. This was strictly a business investment."

"As for the GCF, India has received a few million dollars for the climate adaptation but most of this money has been given to NABARD for agricultural development," Bhushan adds.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) executive director Erik Solheim, responding to Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, issued this statement: The US decision to leave Paris in no way brings an end to this unstoppable effort. China, India, the European Union and others are already showing strong leadership. 190 nations are showing strong determination to work with them to protect this and future generations."

Climate action is not a burden, but an unprecedented opportunity. Decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels will build more inclusive and robust economies. It will save millions of lives and slash the huge healthcare cost of pollution. The reversal of damage to the ozone layer proves that such a global effort can succeed. Ultimately, this is an investment in our own survival that no-one can afford to abandon, he added.

But the biggest threat of the US pullout lies elsewhere: According to UNEP, failure to cut emissions may increase the cost of mitigation to $300 billion by 2030 and up to $500 billion by 2050.

Dr Thomas Stocker, former co-chair of climate science for the IPCC and a climate environmental physicist at the University of Bern also issued a statement critical of how Trump chose to ignore scientific facts of climate disruption and the impact of climate change. He added that the Trump administration had chosen to reject the enormous benefits that the next industrial revolution  decarbonisation  had to offer.

When asked whether all countries would be able to bring down global temperature by two degrees, Dr Stocker, speaking with Firstpost, said that this was an extremely ambitious target, especially since since there have been record breaking emissions world wide, which made it difficult to reach this goal.

"We now have a limited carbon budget. We have already exhausted two-thirds of our budget in the last 250 years. We have one-third of the budget left, which is expected to be consumed in the next 25 years. Aggressive reduction of emission rates is the only way we can achieve this two degree Celsius target," Stocker said.

But the key question on who will take the lead on climate leadership remains unanswered. Especially now, when every nation has to follow its own INDCs [Intended Nationally Determined Contributions].

India is following its INDCs with a laser focus. By 2022, India hopes to install one lakh MW of solar, 60,000 MW of wind, 10,000 MW of hydropower and 5,000 MW of biomass-based electricity capacity. The government has also released data to show that 238 million LEDs have been distributed in villages, to the urban poor and the LPG Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme has seen over 176 million households use cleaner cooking fuels.

The US and China have signed an agreement to limit carbon emissions. The G7 nations have given a long-term declaration (to stop fossil use) and the French have passed a new legislation to cut use of fossil fuel and nuclear energy.

During his recent Russia visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India was committed to honouring the Paris accord irrespective of the course chosen by other countries. He even quoted the Vedas, saying that harming nature was the ultimate crime.

Former environment minister Jairam Ramesh attempted to make India the world leader in the fight against climate change. India has been a leader of the G77 block of developing nations, while China has provided political support and financial assistance to the G77.

Modi is aware of this fact: Which is why during his talks with French president Macron, he stressed that India was committed to 'go above and beyond' the Paris accord. Indians are also keen for our government to show a greater commitment to fighting climate change. Especially in the face of the hottest summer in the past 100 years.
New Delhi: The terrorists who tried to storm a CRPF camp in a pre-dawn suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir, intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday.

Giving the details of the attack in which four militants were killed while attacking CRPF's Sumbal camp in Bandipora district, Singh said the heavily-armed "fidayeen" terrorists approached the paramilitary camp with the intent of breaching it.

"The terrorists were heavily armed with automatic rifles, grenades and incendiary material such as petrol, and were carrying dry rations. It indicated that the terrorists intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage," he said in a statement.

Heavy exchange of fire took place, during which the terrorists lobbed more than two dozen grenades, in an attempt to escape.  HMO India (@HMOIndia) June 5, 2017

The home minister said the terrorists attempted entry by cutting the wire fencing and also forcing their entry by shooting at the sentry. "The sentries responded with alacrity and returned their fire. Heavy exchange of fire took place during which the terrorists lobbed more than two dozen grenades in an attempt to escape," he said.

The home minister said the CRPF jawans and the Jammu and Kashmir Police showed exemplary courage and valour by thwarting the terrorists' attempt and in eliminating them.

He said a massive recovery of arms and ammunition, including grenades, explosives and automatic weapons, has been made from neutralised terrorists.

CRPF jawans and J&K police showed exemplary courage and valour by thwarting the terrorists' attempt to enter the camp & in eliminating them  HMO India (@HMOIndia) June 5, 2017

"It is inspiring to see CRPF men staying awake all night and maintaining tight vigil, and to see the Jammu and Kashmir Police coming to the CRPF's assistance quickly," he said. Singh congratulated the CRPF, particularly, its 45th battalion, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police for their "alertness and unmatched courage".

I congratulate the 45th battalion of CRPF in particular; and entire force of CRPF & J&K police for their alertness and unmatched courage: HM  HMO India (@HMOIndia) June 5, 2017

"Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces," he said.

The home minister said all the brave officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp "need to be cited for their alertness and unmatched bravery".
Imphal: Soldiers on Monday shot dead a self-styled "Major" of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) in Manipur, police said.

The incident took place early in the day at Khoupum in Imphal East district. An M-16 rifle and 11 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the slain militant, identified as G Thanmei.

Police said the area was cordoned off soon after Sunday midnight on receipt of intelligence inputs about the presence of armed persons. As the Gorkha Rifles moved in, a gun battle began with a group of militants.

While Thanmei was killed, his accomplices escaped. Police believe some of the escaping militants had sustained injuries. None of the security personnel was injured.

The NSCN(K) entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in 2000. It abrogated the truce on 27 March, 2015.

On June 4, 2015, the NSCN(K) was blamed for killing 18 soldiers in Chandel district in Manipur.
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Monday said that India signed the Paris Climate Agreement because of commitment and not for monetary benefits or under pressure.

Swaraj rejected US President Donald Trump's concern over India getting "billions of dollars" for meeting its commitment under the 2015 Paris Climate Accord (PCA). "What Trump said is not the reality. India has not signed PCA under duress or any other reason, but solely for the environment," she said.

Supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's take on protection of the environment, Swaraj said "This commitment is 5,000 years old. We worship rivers, trees and mountains. This is India's ethos, it is our cultural heritage. If someone says we signed the pact due to lure of money and pressure from someone, it is wrong. I reject both these allegations. Whether the US stays in the agreement or not, India will stay," she said.

Responding to a question on the current relationship of India and US, Swaraj said, "The relationship between India and US is progressing under Trump as it did during Obama's presidency. Modi has spoken to Trump on three occasions. There has also been talks between both the country's NSAs. I want to say that we are looking at it as relationship of mutual benefit."

The foreign affairs minister was addressing a press conference on the completion of three years of the NDA government.

Speaking on the Kashmir issue, Swaraj said that the Pakistan can never take Kashmir to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and that there can be no third party involvement in finding a solution to it.

"Kashmir issue can never be taken to ICJ because both the countries are bound by the Shimla Agreement and Lahore Declaration to solve it bilaterally. We will solve our issues bilaterally," she said, adding that India wanted to settled all issues involving Pakistan through dialogue.

Swaraj confirmed that no meeting has been fixed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Astana in late June.

"Three things people should keep in mind when we talk of Pakistan. There are three pillars. We want to sort out all issues with Pakistan through talks bilaterally and not through mediation of any group, country or associations. Talks and terror cannot go together. No flip-flip or one step forward-two steps backward," she said.

The foreign affairs minister also said the atmosphere was not conducive for talks with Pakistan as it has been vitiated by Islamabad. Sharif was invited to Modi's swearing in and later the Prime Minister also went to Lahore in December 2015 to meet the Pakistan Prime Minister.

Swaraj also spoke on Saturday's airspace violation by People's Liberation's Army's helicopters in Uttarakhand's Chamoli, and ensured that India would raise the issue with China, NDTV reported.

Providing clarification on the H1B visa, she said "In Modi's meeting with Trump scheduled later this month, this will be a topic for discussion. There has been no change, but we are alert that nothing affects India."

The Union minister took the opportunity to list the achievements of the government in the three years of its governance. "The security of NRIs is our responsibility. In the past three years, 80,000 Indians who were stranded abroad, have been brought back to India safely," Swaraj said.

Swaraj also thanked the prime minister for maintaining friendly relations with the Gulf states.

Asserting that the government has been making citizen-centric decisions, Swaraj said, "Under passport-making procedures, improvement and expansion has been made. The biggest achievement of our government is the simplification of passport rules. When we compared the post-change quarter to the previous quarter, we found a 50 percent increase in passport applications."

"Our government believes in effective diplomacy, efficient delivery. We have proven it," she added.

Swaraj claimed that the government had developed friendly relations with the West Asia, unlike what the western countries predicted. "When Modi went to Saudi Arabia, he was awarded the highest civil order by the country. Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mohammed was out guest of honour on 26 January ceremony. Both the nations are friendly with Pakistan," Swaraj said.

Citing other examples of India's relations with the West Asian countries, she said, "Modi is the first prime minister to visit both Palestine and Israel. President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas came to India, and now our prime minister is going there. Both the nations know we will not disappoint them." Swaraj also said that Abbas wants India to stay friends with Israel and help them work towards a solution.

With inputs from PTI
The Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) will announce the results for the Madhyamik Class X board examination 2017 on Tuesday after 9 am. The results can be checked on the official websites: tbse.in or tripuraresults.nic.in.

The notification regarding the date of declaration of results came on Friday on board's official website, tbse.in.

Once the results are declared, the candidates can also opt to get their result via text message by sending TBSE10 <space> Roll number to 54242.

If the students are unable to visit the website due to increased web traffic, they can visit alternate result portals like examresults.net and indiaresults.com.

This year, around 23,000 candidates appeared for the TBSE Madhyamik Class X exam, News18 reported. The results for TBSE HS Class XII (Science) 2017 were declared on 20 May.

Steps to obtain results:

Log on to the official websites: tbse.in or tripuraresults.nic.in.

Click on the link for 'Madhyamik results 2017'.

Enter your roll number and click 'submit' to check your detailed grades.

Download the result and take a printout for future reference.

As has been observed over the course of the past few weeks, the dates and times of result announcements have been frequently changed. The information above has not been independently verified. However, this article will continue to be updated to reflect official updates as and when they come in.
New Delhi: The government will form a panel of secretaries of the ministries water resources, environment and rural development to tackle groundwater depletion in the Ganga river basin.

Union minister Uma Bharti made an announcement in this regard on the occasion of World Environment Day on Monday in Uttar Pradesh's Narora where she addressed a public meeting as part of her Ganga inspection campaign.

The total replenishable groundwater in the Ganga basin is 170.99 billion cubic metres (BCM, nearly 40 percent of the country's total replenishable groundwater resource of 433 BCM.)

"The committee would be formed soon to tackle the issue of groundwater depletion (in the Ganga basin)," an official statement quoted Bharti as saying.

The union minister for water resources urged people to plant more trees, particularly ones like Tulsi, Pipal, Neem, Palash and Ashoka for they contribute in recharging groundwater.

She also asked people to refrain from using plastic bags.

"The use of plastic material is a major cause of pollution to river Ganga and should be stopped," she added.

Bharti told the gathering she wants to start a public campaign to spread message of conserving water, adopting rain water harvesting system and keeping the ghats along the river clean.

She urged retired senior citizens, students, youngsters and housewives to voluntarily participate in the campaign.

The annual groundwater draft (a reasonable release of discharge) is 245 BCM (as on 31 March 2017).

Out of the total 6,607 assessed units (blocks, mandals, districts) across the country, 1,071 are 'over-exploited', 217 are 'critical', 697 units are 'semi-critical' and 4530 are 'safe'.

Apart from these, there are 92 assessment units which were found to be completely saline.
New Delhi: Civil services exam topper Nandini KR got 55.3 percent marks, reflecting the tough standard adopted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in conduct of the prestigious test to select the country's bureaucrats.

The marks of the successful candidates of the civil services examination 2016 have been disclosed by the UPSC.

The examination is conducted annually in three stages  preliminary, main and interview  to select candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.

Nandini, an officer of Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), has topped the examination, the result of which was declared on 31 May.

She got 1,120 marks (927 in main and 193 in interview) out of the total of 2,025  55.3 percent.

Second rank achiever Anmol Sher Singh Bedi got 1,105 marks (54.56 percent) and third rank holder Gopalakrishna Ronanki secured 1,101 marks (54.37 per cent), the UPSC said.

The topper of civil services examination 2015, Tina Dabi, had got 1,063 marks (52.49 percent).

A total of 1,099 candidates (846 men and 253 women), including 500 in General category, 347 belonging to Other Backward Class, 163 from Scheduled Caste and 89 from Scheduled Tribe, have been recommended for appointment to various central government services on the basis of the 2016 civil services exam results.

Among the successful ones, the one with the lowest marks is Abhishek Srivastava, who has got 1,099 rank. He has secured a total of 817 marks, or 40.34 percent.

All of these candidates will get central government services.

"The marks of the successful candidates show the tough standard followed by the commission in selecting the country's bureaucrats," said a senior official in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), nodal authority for the UPSC.
With blue skies, warm temps and a cool breeze this years weather provided a near-perfect weekend for Farmingtons Country Days.

It was beautiful all weekend, and the evenings were fantastic. As a result we had great crowds, said Laura Raymer, director of operations and member engagement for the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce. It was a little questionable at the beginning of the week, but what we have learned is you wait and see because the weather changes every 15 minutes.

Kicking off the summer festival was Farmingtons first term mayor Larry Forythe on Friday morning. He thanked the crowd gathered in the park for Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.

We welcome you to three days of fun and excitement, he said. We appreciate you all coming down.

Forsythe introduced Jeff and Sheila Krekeler, who were serving as Mr. and Mrs. Country Days this year.

Following the prayer breakfast, Merchant Days brought visitors to the downtown area to enjoy some free hospitality such as cotton candy, ice cream, a cold juice or other treats.

Businesses offered guest a chance to play some old fashion, family friendly games like hop scotch and jump rope, or enjoy chalk drawing.

Friday night ended with country musics rising star Walker Hayes, with special guest Restless Roads bringing the audience to their feet while performing at the Country Days Mainstage in Long Park.

Closing Friday night activities was the Little Caesars Moonlight Bike Ride. Riders of all ages and skill levels participated in the annual community ride.

Fair-goers were met with sunny skies early Saturday morning. The fun included the annual Diaper Derby and Decorated Diaper Contest.

According to Jeneen McEntire, of First State Community Bank, this year around 19 babies participate in either event, some in both events.

With the city sidewalks filled with onlookers, the much-anticipated Servpro Country Days Parade hit the streets with the Farmington Elks leading the way and the Farmington High School Black Knight Marching Band following close behind.

Following the parade, the crowd spent the rest of day taking in rides, games and other attractions in the downtown area.

Some took time to appreciate classic cars at the Country Days Classic Car Cruise-in sponsored by Scism Ford Lincoln and hosted by the St. Francois County Rotary Club.

The Mineral Area Antique Tractor Show had some wonderful examples of the antique workhorses of the American farmer.

Saturday also saw the final competition of the STARTEK/J98 Country Days Talent Show.

The top three finishers in the Youth Division were Raelynn Winick finishing first, Katie Orr in second place, and Jordyn Rayfield in third place.

The top three finishers in the Adult Division were Stephanie Cabrera in first place, Alexandria Adams in second place, and Katelyn King in third place.

El Gibson, daughter of Nick and Amy Gibson, and Jaxson Thompson, son of Justin and Kelsey Thompson, were named "Little Miss and Master". The annual competition was sponsored by the Farmington Women of Today.

Local bands The Shut-ins and Route 67 got the audience in a toe-tapping mood before headliner Michael Tyler, with special guest The Steel Woods, entertained into the night.

With the sun shining and a cool breeze, Sunday started on a spiritual note as several people met in Long Park for the Farmington Ministerial Alliance's Church in the Park.

The service began with spiritual music from members of The 3 Cross Cowboy Church, along with Pastor Shannon Skinner and Brad Wade from the First Church of God.

The morning sermon was delivered by Pastor Paul Bembower.

Following the morning service, attendees were treated to the Faith and Family concerts held at the Coldwell Hulsey Realty Gazebo featuring performances from the Roose Family, the Redemptions, the Berry Brothers and the Punches.

Finishing the day before Mother Nature sent a last minute shower just an hour before the festival ended, was the Farmington Ministerial Alliance Faith Games ... which offered games from simpler times, such as a pie eating contest.

Although the weekend fair closed on a rainy note, Raymer felt Country Days was a huge success this year.

It was a beautiful weekend, Raymer said. There were a lot of people  steady and consistent  throughout the weekend. We just couldnt have asked for a better turnout.
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 in 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.

Moreover, Naidu 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 added that 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 demoralised and hence indulging in disinformation. We (NDA) are united, they are divided, we are confident, they are diffident," Naidu said.
After having announced earlier that revaluation results of its 7th and 8th semester exams will be out on 2 June, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka has finally declared the results on its official website on Sunday (4 June) night.

Students can check their grades at results.vtu.ac.in which will be accessible by entering a students university seat number. Although the odd-semester examinations were conducted in December, the declaration of results was delayed leading to uncertainty among students who could not make career plans for the future as a result, The Times of India reported.

When the results were finally announced in May, students had complained that the marks did not reflect their performance in the exams.

According to a statement by VTU vice-chancellor Karisiddappa, revaluation results of lower semester applications will be declared by 12 June, according to a report. The report adds that the decision comes comes at a time when the varsity has been facing a lot of backlash over the delay in results this year.

With inputs from agencies
The village of Sailani in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra is deceivingly normal on the surface  few eateries, couple of medical shops and clinics, cassette shops, bus and auto services and so on. The village and most of these shops are named Sailani after a Muslim Saint  Sailani Baba.

At the centre of the village, is a dargah dedicated to the Baba, it is reputed for its healing powers, particularly for those suffering from mental illnesses. The belief in Babas powers is so strong that his followers seldom seek medical help. And for residents, the sight of chained people or the mentally ill roaming about the village, is commonplace.

There are a few other such dargahs in India, like the Dargah of Hazrat Munawwar Ali Shah Baba in Allahabad and the Dargah of Hazrat Sultan Syed Ibrahim Shaheed in Erwadi in Tamil Nadu, where the mentally ill  a condition apparently caused by the influence of evil spirits  are brought, chained and beaten.

In Sailani, this practice has been normalized over decades. The village sarpanch, Shankar Tarmade noted that people from all religions visit the dargah from across the country, and the locals extolled the virtues of the shrine.

The revenue from the dargah is not used for the welfare of the followers, or for the development of the village. Those who cannot afford hotel rooms, are forced to live in temporary tents near the dargah or in the open. In the absence of toilet facilities most of the visitors defecate in the open. A Pune based businessman has arranged facilities for food for the believers. He also runs a medical clinic which treats the patients for free. However the doctor at the clinic remarked that most of them do not visit the clinic but hope for the Baba to cure them.

Though the government is fighting a legal battle with the Trust over the revenue of the dargah, there has been no intervention from either to improve the living conditions of the visitors, or any measures taken to provide medical care for them.

Lawyer and expert in the field of human rights Deya Bhattacharya said, "For starters, it violates Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity) of the Indian Constitution. Since India has no laws pertaining to torture, torture is also covered under this article. Additionally, there is a contravention of the Right to Free and Compulsory Elementary Education for all children in the six to 14 years age group (Article 21 A), the Right to be protected from any hazardous employment till the age of 14 years (Article 24), the Right to be protected from being abused and forced by economic necessity to enter occupations unsuited to their age or strength (Article 39e), the Right to Equal Opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and guaranteed protection of childhood and youth against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment (Article 39f), the Right to Early Childhood Care and education to all children until they complete the age of six years (Article 45)."

But that's not all. According to Bhattacharya, this sort of treatment also violates the Right to Equality (Article 14), the Right against Discrimination (Article 15), the Right to Personal Liberty and Due Process of Law (Article 21), the Right to being protected from being trafficked and forced into bonded labour (Article 23), the Right of minorities for protection of their interests (Article 29), the Right of weaker sections of the people to be protected from social injustice and all forms of exploitation (Article 46) and the Right to Nutrition and standard of living and improved public health (Article 47). Further, she added, "This is also a violation of Section 322 of the Indian Penal Code that refers to voluntarily causing grievous hurt."

Lawyer and constitutional law expert Ajay Kumar pointed out, "Merely because a person is mentally ill does not mean they can be deprived of their civil rights. It is unlawful to restrain them by chaining them and it is also unlawful to assault them by beating them. Persons doing so can be prosecuted under various provisions of the IPC. Further, since they are running an ostensible 'mental health establishment' without due registration, they also fall foul of the new Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and can be punished for contravening it."

As per the human rights commissions (NHRC) directives of 2001, States and Union Territories have to certify that no mentally ill patients are chained or kept in captivity. The NHRC report also points that there are nearly 8 million mentally ill patients in Maharashtra and only 8,170 hospital beds available for them. This, however, is the highest number of beds available in any state in India.

The skewed development of the healthcare sector, doesnt factor in the rural population or the poor. With little to no medical help, lack of awareness about mental health and, socio-economic conditions, the mentally ill are left to grieve on the streets and in the shadows of religious beliefs.
We have, time and again, exploited the resources of Mother Nature without thinking twice about the consequences. As a result, our world is now facing ecological problems like global warming, unnatural climate changes, the decline of wildlife and deforestation.

India, however, bears examples of amazing determination and grit directed towards saving our precious environment. On this World Environment Day, we look at a few Indian individuals and families who have done their part in making this world a better place.

Anil Malhotra and Pamela Gale Malhotra, Karnataka



Husband and wife duo Anil and Pamela Malhotra founded the Sai Sanctuary at Kodagu, Karnataka in 1991. The district suffered from extreme deforestation before the couples efforts but over the 26 years since its inception, the 300 acre sanctuary is now home more than 200 endangered species, including Bengal tigers and Asian elephants.



"A lot of deforestation had taken place, Pamela told the Great Big Story, and that took a lot of care and energy and time and years to bring it back. The couple are still ensuring the expansion and protection of the sanctuary for the future.



(Video: Great Big Story)

Dr. Prakash Amte and Dr. Mandakini Amte, Maharashtra



Another husband wife duo, Dr. Prakash Amte and his wife Dr. Mandakini Amte set up an animal shelter, called The Animal Ark, at Gadhchiroli, Maharashtra in 1973. Dr. Amte made a deal with the local hunting tribe in the area to shelter orphaned or injured animals to their shelter in exchange for food and clothes.



More than 40 years later, The Animal Ark takes care of more than 90 animals including jackals, sloth bears, langurs and even crocodiles. The couples efforts were rewarded with the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2008 for their contribution towards the environment.

Saalumarada Thimmakka, Karnataka



An environmentalist with no basic education, Saalumarada Thimmakka planted 384 trees along with her late husband Chikkaiah, which adorn a five kilometre stretch between the villages of Hulikal and Kudoor.

Thimmakka decided to plant the trees and dedicated her life to caring for them and growing them instead of having any children. Despite facing a lot of backlash for her decision and efforts, she relentlessly worked with her husband till his death in 1991, then individually thereafter.



She was awarded the National Citizens Award in 1995 and the Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award in 2006 and even though she lives in poverty after so much recognition, she is still focused on making lives better by realising the dream of starting her own hospital.



(Video: TV9 Kannada)

Jadav Payeng, Assam



Jadav Payeng, or Molai as he is fondly called, is a resident of Jorhat, Assam and his work to conserve the forest and wildlife of his district of Kokilamukh is nothing short of a miracle. Payeng worked on increasing the green cover of the area almost three decades earlier after he saw the depletion of wildlife because of deforestation.

He built a bamboo platform on the top of each sapling and placed earthen pots with small holes in them. The water would gradually drip on the plants below and water them through the week

until the pots were drained of water.

Now the eponymous Molai forest home to several species of animals and birds and he was also named by the JNU vice chancellor as the Forest Man of India.



(Video: WELTFILME.org)

The Chavara family, Kerala



Mohan Chavara achieved the impossible when he convinced 14 other families to give up their big city lives and help him realise the dream of an organic lifestyle in the woods. Thus started the development of the 2 and a half acre land in Palakkad, Kerala.

The village comprises of simple mud or wooden houses on the land that is jointly owned by all the 15 resident families. The Chavara family was the first to shift there in 2015 and since then, have helped developed the village not just environmentally, but also to improve education standards and harbouring a community lifestyle.

These families and individuals show utter love and affection for their planet and their environment, and it is not too late to contribute in this movement of conservation. Do your bit to save the environment and celebrate a clean and green World Environment Day.
New Delhi: The National Executive (NE) of the AAP, the second-highest decision-making body of the party, in its meeting on Sunday 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 10 June 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," Sanjay 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.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK faction on Monday reiterated that they are firm on the decision to sideline jailed General Secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the party.

After presiding over a meeting of ministers at the Secretariat, finance minister D Jayakumar said that his faction, led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy, are keeping away from both of them.

"We are very clear. Our 17 April decision to sideline Dinakaran and his relatives still stands. We are very firm in our decision. There is no question of going back..," he said, adding that cadres including senior functionaries did not meet Dinakaran, who was granted bail by a Delhi court, when he came here.

Pointing out that Dinkaran himself stated that he would stay away from party activities, Jayakumar urged him to "stick to his words".

"We are not dependent on them (Sasikala and Dinakaran). We are independently doing our work and there no interference from anyone," he added.

The minister's statement came just few hours after Dinakaran asserted that he would surely engage in party work and accused senior leaders of not advancing the initiative for merger between the two rival AIADMK groups.

He also said that he would meet his aunt Sasikala, who was lodged in Bengaluru prison, and would discuss about his next course of action.

The other AIADMK group, led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam, still insist that a merger is possible only if Sasikala and Dinakaran are officially removed from the party.
Bengaluru: AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran, out on bail in a case of alleged bribery, met his party chief and aunt VK Sasikala at the Parappana Agrahara prison on Monday.

"Dinakaran met Sasikala at our prison on Monday. However, I do not have any information about what transpired between the two leaders," a Parapanna Agrahara prison official said.

A close associate of Dinakaran, however, said the leader discussed the current developments within the party with Sasikala.

After Tamil Nadu ministers said on 18 April that they were dumping the top duo, Dinakaran had said he was stepping aside in deference to their wish.

But he recently asserted that he will continue party work, contrary to his earlier stand.

Tamil Nadu finance minister and senior AIADMK (Amma) leader D Jayakumar said in Chennai on Monday that Dinakaran should stick to his stand of keeping away from party affairs.

Earlier on Monday, Dinakaran had told reporters at Hosur, en route to Bengaluru to meet Sasikala, that a section of state ministers had revolted against him due to "some fears", but declined to say what they were.

Dinakaran said he will plan his future course of action after meeting Sasikala and will base his actions on her guidance.

Senior Tamil Nadu cabinet ministers had revolted against Dinakaran and said he and his "family"  an obvious reference to Sasikala  will be kept out of the party and the government.

The leader was recently released on bail by a Delhi court last week in a case of allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official to wrest the AIADMK's two leaves symbol.

Dinakaran had kicked up a fresh row on his role in the party when he said he would "continue party work" since he had said in April that he was keeping away from party affairs.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah wound up his hectic three-day visit to southern Kerala on Sunday, leaving a task cut out for his men: Win not one but more than half of its 20 Parliamentary seats in 2019.

BJP sources said he reminded them that the party had just 15 percent of the popular votes in Gujarat and Maharashtra in the nineties, which they have already achieved in Kerala, and that the target is very much in their reach.

But many believe it's almost impossible a task given the state's demographic peculiarities, where the minority Muslims and Christians make up 45 percent of its 33.3 million population.

The BJPs strategy is to win over Christians, who constitute 18.38 percent, and Dalits who are 9.8 percent of the population, to reach beyond its traditional footprint among the upper caste Nairs and, of late, the lower caste Ezhavas.

Pollsters say BJP made slight inroads into the Christian voters in the Assembly elections last year, but the Muslims remained as elusive as ever. It needs to go miles ahead before crossing the resistance level.

"The BJP and its allies had gained three to four percent of Christian votes last time, but the Muslim votes they garnered were almost nil," says Dr KM Sajad Ibrahim, assistant professor of political science at the University of Kerala, who led a post-poll survey for Lokniti, a leading research agency.

"The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) got little over seven percent of the votes but has 18 seats in the Assembly. But BJP had to contend with just one, despite having polled more than double those votes because they were scattered. They should find some suitable allies to break this barrier," he told Firstpost.

Christians and Muslims traditionally back the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) while the Dalits and Ezhavas are mostly a vote bank of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

To win their confidence, Shah met heads of all major Christian denominations, and analysts attach much importance to this meeting with the prelates, as never before they had given such a warm welcome to any BJP leader, not even Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

During his seven-day holiday in the backwater tourist town of Kumarakom, where Prime Minister Vajpayee celebrated the New Year in 2001 and wrote his famous Kumarakom musings, no bishop of significance was interested in meeting him.

"Only heads of insignificant churches met the prime minister then, on the BJP invite, while the majority of the clergy kept away. But now, all major bishops were there, and they invited Shah to their place," said political commentator Sunnykutty Abraham.

"This is very significant as far as the politics in the Christian heartland is concerned. Remember, he's not the prime minister but only a party president. But, I cannot predict its impact on elections or a possible political realignment," he told Firstpost.

Shah told his party leaders that they should directly reach out to them instead of through Christian-dominated parties like Kerala Congress, a faction of which is already part of its National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

"The meeting should not be read as political support to the BJP. It could be out of fear as many believe the Hindutva party would return to power and they need them to safeguard their interests, particularly when a Papal visit is on the cards," Abraham added.

Former Union minister and leader of the Kerala Congress faction, PC Thomas, had won from the Moovattupuzha Parliamentary constituency in 2004 as an NDA candidate. That was the first and last Parliamentary election that the NDA had won in Kerala.

The Kerala leaders are now actively wooing Kerala Congress (M) senior leader KM Mani, who had won six seats in the Assembly elections last year; and his son is a Lok Sabha MP, as a Congress party ally.

But Muslim leaders, including Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliar, who is known for his soft approach towards BJP, was absent at Shah's meetings.

The restrictions on the cattle trade and slaughter have made a deep dent in its popularity in the region, where an estimated 97 percent of the people are meat eaters.

In the recent Malappuram byelection, the BJP candidate had even promised to open more slaughterhouses and make "good beef" available in the Muslim-dominated constituency, if given a chance.

But he could not gain much electorally compared to his previous score, and he ended up a distant third with just 65,675 votes as against 515,330 of IUML leader PK Kunhalikutty, who won by a large margin of 171,023 votes.

Many leaders of the saffron party in Kerala are, interestingly, 'proclaimed' beef eaters.

Allies like Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) of Ezhava leader Thushar Vellappally and Janadhipathya Rashtriya Sabha (JRS) led by firebrand tribal leader CK Janu, besides Thomas, who attended the NDA meeting Shah convened, have voiced their dissent against the regulations.

Shah, on a mission to expand his party's area of influence beyond the upper caste Hindus, also tried hard to reach out to Dalits. He addressed a booth-level meeting in one of their settlements in the state capital.

He held a series of meetings with people from different walks of life, including leaders of social and community groups, writers and intellectuals. He also interacted with leaders of his party at the grassroots level.

But BJP sources said he went back after giving a stern warning to the state leaders, mostly driven from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to reach beyond their traditional areas of influence and deliver, adding that he would come again after three months to review the progress.

The BJP could make a dent in the CPM vote bank of Ezhavas, who constitute an estimated 24 percent of the population, second only to Muslims with 26.56 percent.

"The situation is very fluid now. The CPM is also playing the communal card to attract Muslims who back the Congress and its allies. It succeeded in the last Assembly elections when the LDF had a landslide victory, despite BJP eating into its vote bank. The beef controversy comes handy for them," said author and social critic Hameed Chennamangaloor.

He was an active member of the cultural wing of the CPM, which he left a few years back protesting what he describes as its truck with extremists like Jamaat-e-Islami and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of jailed cleric Abdul Nasar Madani.

"Theres a steady flow of the CPM cadre into the BJP, though slowly, and many of them find it difficult to digest its leaders diluting secular ideology for electoral prospects. It helps the party win votes temporarily, but at the cost of its ideological base," he told Firstpost.

With just four Christians and two Muslims in the 24 cabinet positions, the majority community has more than its due in the government and BJP cannot accuse the ruling front of minority appeasement.

The BJPs attempts to justify the new guidelines, saying they aim at restricting indiscriminate cattle slaughter and protecting animal rights, lack conviction as the meat is becoming dearer in the state by the day.

Reports say that far-right groups have been stopping trucks carrying cattle heading for slaughterhouses in Kerala on Tamil Nadu borders.

Grabbing the opportunity, both the LDF and the UDF are waging a high-voltage campaign against the BJP government's "beef ban".

BJP leaders say the main agenda of Shah's visit is reviewing the progress they made ever since its national conference held in September  bringing the top brass, including Modi, Advani and Joshi, to the northern Kozhikode city.

The party is now on a drive to form 20,000 booth-level committees and has launched a massive Rs 100-crore fundraiser, not sparing homes of even its archrivals to deliver its message. It has also recruited some 65 "full-time volunteers" to work at the grassroots.

The RSS has a strong organisational in Kerala with some 5,000 shakhas as against Gujarats 1,000. No another party in Kerala is planning so meticulously for the General Elections, which are still two years away.

BJP missed the chance in 2014 when O Rajagopal lost Thiruvananthapuram to Shashi Tharoor by 15,470 votes. It had a 50 percent increase in its vote share in the state elections that followed.

The NDAs vote share had shot up from 6.06 percent in 2011 to 14.8 percent when it opened its account in the Assembly elections last year.

Shah reportedly told the NDA meeting that he was not interested in the increase in the vote share but how it translates into seats.

As he wound up his visit, the political rivals were quick to warn the minorities that Shah's reference to Gujarat of the nineties was a call for communal violence in the state.
New Delhi: As part of his nationwide tour to review and boost the BJP's organisational capacity, party president Amit Shah will be in the Andaman and Nicobar islands for two days starting Tuesday.

A party statement said Shah will meet party office-bearers, elected representatives drawn from various regions of the union territory besides notable personalities during his two-day stay.

He has drawn up a programme to visit all states and union territories (UTs) in 110 days, an exercise aimed at reviewing the party's organisational work and strengthen and improve it before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The Andaman and Nicobar islands send only one member to the Lok Sabha and Shah's effort underlines his commitment to tone up the BJP's set-up everywhere, party sources said. Andaman and Nicobar's current member of Parliament Bishnu Pada is from the BJP.

The party has full-time services of over four lakh workers, who will work on its expansion for a period of 15 days, six months and a year, in different parts of the country during the ongoing centenary birth anniversary of its ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay, the statement said.
Srinagar: A proposed meeting of the Kashmiri separatist leaders to discuss the NIA raids was thwarted on Monday by the authorities who detained all the participants.

The meeting was to take place at the residence of hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani. However, the government deployed a posse of police personnel outside the house since the morning to prevent anyone from entering it, a police official said.

Moderate Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was put under house arrest since late last evening to prevent him from attending the meeting, a Hurriyat spokesman said.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was also taken into preventive custody and lodged at a police station.

Another separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah was also placed under house arrest.

The meeting was convened by the separatists to discuss the NIA raids on several of their second rung leaders as part of crackdown on funding street protests and businessmen suspected of carrying out hawala operations.

Later, in a joint statement, the separatists said not allowing them to hold meetings had become a "norm" for the state authorities who had to "keep up the farce of normalcy through repression at the bidding of their masters in New Delhi".

Referring to the NIA raids, the separatists claimed that these moves are to "intimidate and harass" their leaders and activists.

The separatists called for a peaceful protest after the Friday prayers across the Valley against the "witch-hunt, coercion and intimidation of resistance activists, leaders and members of the business community".

They said, "The people will also strongly protest the Indian electronic media's propaganda war against Kashmiris and its shameless attempt to discredit their freedom struggle."
A local mother and daughter narrowly avoided being in the path of Saturdays terrorist attacks in London, England.

Marilyn Berry and her daughter Abbi were in London and were on the London Bridge just fifteen minutes before terrorists attacked. A van driven by a terrorist collided with a crowd of pedestrians.

The Berrys are from Farmington, although Abbi now attends the University of Missouri in Columbia. She said she and her mother were staying just a few blocks from London Bridge and had been there around 9:55 p.m. London time, less than fifteen minutes before the attack occurred.

[Saturday] night was our last night in London. We had a flight out [Sunday] morning, she said. Our place where we were staying was right at Tower Bridge, which is a few blocks from London Bridge.

"So every night when we were done in London, we would (go) back to London Bridge Station, which was the closest one to where we were staying.

Abbi said after she and her mother had been out to dinner in Londons West End Saturday night, they arrived at the London Bridge station, then went to the top of a nearby skyscraper known as The Shard to get a good view of the skyline.

And we had just been up there, looking over the whole city, she said. We came down and walked back to our place, and when we got there we started organizing how we were going to get to the airport the next morning.

"Then our host came in and said, Theres been a terror attack at London Bridge. And we were like, Thats crazy, we were just there! And then we heard sirens going by. For hours after, there were sirens and people yelling in the streets.

Alan Berry, Marilyns husband and Abbis father, said he first heard about the attacks from his wife who contacted him to say she and Abbi were safe.

I heard about it when my wife messaged me on Facebook and said, Were safe, Alan said. And I didnt know what she was talking about. And so then she sent a link to a headline that said there was an attack at London Bridge.

Friends and family in the U.S. started contacting Marilyn and Abbi, making sure they were safe. Abbi said they were safe in their rented apartment the whole time, but nearby restaurants were being evacuated.

Marilyn and Abbi left their apartment three-and-a-half hours before their flight out of London on Sunday morning, despite being only thirty minutes from the airport, to avoid running into traffic. Sunday morning London Bridge and a large section of the metro was shut down and many streets were barricaded.

Abbi said they took an Uber (taxi) to the airport, the driver managing to navigate a route on backroads to avoid the barricaded streets patrolled by heavily armed police.

As of Sunday evening, Marilyn and Abbi had made it back to the United States and were on their way home from what was surely one of the more memorable trips theyll likely every experience.
The clash of competing loyalties and contending identities is emerging as a side effect of the BJP's territorialisation mission in West Bengal. It has pushed the Trinamool Congress to construct its own politics around the idea of what is Bengali.

As a definition, Bengali is elusive, because it describes the people, the culture, the cuisine and above all the language. Whereas the BJPs 'rashtra' or nation is chauvinistic and all about defending, doing and making India great again, albeit in a Hindi-Hindu-Hindutva image, reflecting in many ways the persona of its leader Narendra Modi, the idea of Bengali is and has always been imagined as mother tongue-motherland. To fortify the motherland and cast BJP as an alien force, Mamata Banerjee has not only deployed loyalty to the language or mother tongue, but she has also made learning it compulsory in all schools in West Bengal from Class I to X. The tongue, therefore, is being taught to speak in the sweetest language of the world, a claim that the Trinamool Congress has made, reinforced by social media using an unconfirmed reference to a UNESCO index.

Perceiving the BJP as a political threat, Banerjee has decided to counter Hindi imperialism and invocation of unfamiliar Hindu gods by recalling Bengalis 'uniquely important' heritage. She has done this in different ways. Each of these measures separately challenges the BJPs encroachments into West Bengals political space and in their different ways are expected to build a bulwark constructed out of primordial attachments.

In the rest of West Bengal and among the diaspora, Bengali nationalism or as some would say parochialism, has ardent supporters. And Banerjee is clearly counting on it. She either overlooked or miscalculated the possibility that in one very sensitive part of the state  Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Kurseong  there would be opposition to the idea of Bengali.

In the Darjeeling hills, where Gorkha nationalism has powered the movement that finally succeeded in establishing the Gorkhas as a separate people, with a language, culture and identity that was not only distinctively different but deserving of an altogether different status, making Bengali a compulsory subject in schools has predictably provoked a backlash. The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) has described the decision as language imperialism. The eruption of organised protest by the GJM took a while to consolidate itself into direct action  of schools being shut, protest rallies and now, a 'no lights' night to convey the political as well as popular opposition to the decision of every child learning Bengali. Intriguingly, the idea of a black out or 'arandhan' that is unlit cooking fires is a throwback to 1905 and the Swadeshi movement in Bengal.

The time lapse in GJMs reaction is intriguing, because Darjeeling should have been the first place to vehemently oppose the introduction of compulsory Bengali in schools. The turbulent history of the Gorkhaland movement and the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council and its later avatar the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration began with the demand for Nepali being accepted as the official language of the hills. Added to the history of the politics of identity is the incontrovertible fact that GJM has been instrumental in making a space for the BJP in West Bengal by organising the partys win from Darjeeling in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Darjeeling is, therefore, the most obvious battleground for the BJP to challenge Banerjee and indeed West Bengals entrenched political establishment. It can do so because the hegemony of successive formations  Gorkha National Liberation Front, Gorkha Janamukti Morcha  is rooted in the identity of the Gorkha and the aspiration for a separate homeland. Gorkha nationalism is not at loggerheads with Hindutva nationalism, because a political relationship has affirmed that the two can co-exist in a partnership, as the 2014 Lok Sabha elections proved. To break this stranglehold and create a political space which the Trinamool Congress could occupy, Banerjee first curated the revival other identities that had been subsumed within the overarching Gorkha one. And then she created separate boards for the Lepchas, the Tamangs, the Sherpas and finally the Bhutias. The avowed purpose was the development of these minority and marginalised communities.

Therefore, in Darjeeling, there are all the elements necessary for a big fight  Gorkha sub-nationalism versus Bengali nationalism or parochialism versus Hindi-Hindu-Hindutva chauvinism or as the BJP claims true nationalism since all these sentiments exist in uncomfortable and unstable proximity. While the Gorkha identity is constructed on markers that make it an ideal fit for the BJP-RSS purposes  religion, language and chauvinism, for the rest of West Bengals political establishment, conceding the justness of the Gorkha claim has not meant entirely withdrawing from the politics of the hill districts. However uneasy the parallel existence may be, no 'plains' political party has ever given up its right to work in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administrations domain.

Darjeeling is therefore a proxy war between Bengali nationalism or parochialism and Gorkha sub-nationalism, which is by extension also the BJPs fight. It has all the ingredients necessary to make it a crucial test for the Trinamool Congress. Loyalties will be questioned as much identity and Darjeeling could be one of the frontlines of the battle between the idea of a multicultural, plural, secular Bengal-India and the homogenising invention of a majority Hindu, Hindi speaking nation.

More so because Banerjee has belatedly stepped up to the BJPs challenge  of capturing West Bengal and demolishing her, in every possible way. Quite apart from deploying language as a weapon that will both attack and defend her turf and politics of ma-mati-manush, which roughly translated is a set of ideas symbolised as mother-land-people, the creative chief minister has gone back to making herself popular again. The rumour is that Banerjee is in the final throes of composing a state anthem that captures the secular heritage of Bengal and its unique culture.

These are indications that Banerjee has stopped panicking and is working on a game plan to first contain the BJPs encroachments on West Bengal turf and then reduce its influence. Chronologically, the first measure that the Trinamool Congress took to stalling the advance of the BJP-RSS brand of politics was a panic reaction to the coordinated mobilisation of communities through non-political associates like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Hindu Jagaran Manch in Kolkata, Howrah, East and West Midnapore, Nadia, North Dinajpur, Birbhum, Burdwan around Ram Navami; it organised Hanuman celebrations. More to the point Banerjee declared that she was a born Hindu and did not indulge in Hindutvas identity politics.

Using language as a part of the fight back against BJP-RSSs construction of a homogeneous nation of majority Hindi speakers, Banerjee is hoping that Bengali pride will be stirred sufficiently to give it a momentum that would make it an autonomous project of self-assertion.

Bengali as the mother tongue has strong sentimental value and the symbolism of the mother connects the move to reintroduce Bengali as a compulsory subject in schools an iteration of Banerjee's particular brand of politics. The only hitch is that ever since the CPM-led Left Front made Bengali the language of primary education in West Bengal, every Opposition party has accumulated a mountain of baggage critical of the move. Clearly the chief minister is hoping that public memory will be short and will allow her to use language to counter the BJPs thrust into West Bengal.

Because along with the teaching of language, what most children will learn is a selective interpretation of the history and heritage of the people who speak the language. Therefore, Bengali nationalism and its history of leadership in the freedom movement, from the early social reformers to the formation of the Congress in a hall located on College Street, Kolkata, the terrorists and revolutionaries and the Swadeshi movement will be retold to capture the imagination and create a counterpoint to the RSS-BJPs reinventions of nationalist narratives, which begin somewhere around the time of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and the formation of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

The revival of primordial attachments via language and history is a long-term project to insulate West Bengal from the BJP-RSSs territorialising imperative. A state anthem that can be used to counter the BJPs appropriation of the National Anthem will be a more immediate touch point for gathering wandering Bengali attention. It could serve to divert attention away from the politics of cow slaughter and beef consumption to reconsidering the imaginary institution of being Bengali.
Chennai/Hyderabad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Narendra Modi government of turning the Kashmir issue into a "weakness" from "strength", prompting the ruling side to hit back by citing a Congress booklet which depicted the state as a territory "occupied by India".

Rahul blamed the NDA government for the current unrest in Kashmir, saying it had completedly mishandled the issue. "They (government) are creating a problem for this country by their incompetence and by trying to utilise Kashmir as a political asset," the Congress vice-president told reporters in Chennai.

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. Rahul 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."

Hitting back, Union minister for information and broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu referred to a booklet released by the Congress on Sunday in Lucknow which depicted the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir as "India occupied Kashmir". He said in Hyderabad that the people of the country would never forgive the Congress party for such a "mindset".

Questioning if the final solution that the Congress had in mind was to give Kashmir to Pakistan, Naidu asked, "Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity?" BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said in Delhi that the government has a very strong Kashmir policy.

He said the government is treating differently the common Kashmiris, terrorists and separatists and "this policy is bearing fruits". The Congress, Hussain recalled, had even raised questions on the surgical strikes carried out by the Army across the line of control.

Rahul, who had on Saturday attended an event to celebrate the 94th birthday of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, 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.
After the recent fracas on live television between NDTV anchor Nidhi Razdan and BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, heres a word or two about presstitutes.

Its the catchy moniker that merges press and prostitute to describe an unwholesome composite, the journalist-for-sale. Indeed, sometimes entire media organisations for sale.

Some of it can be a buy-in without thought of monetary benefit. This is buying into an ideology  political, religious, socio-economic, right-wing, left-wing, centrist  a practice that is as old as journalism. But in modern-day journalistic practice this does not always automatically translate to hagiography for a king or blind belief in a party or power centre.

Even if a journalist or media organisation were to support a party or politician on an ideological basis, it ought to be on the basis of a questioning species of journalism. (And, certainly, unquestioning support should not apply for a business).

In an ideal media world this is still the press, like it or not. Benefit typically arrives with various degrees of access to prevailing power centres, a combination of natural process and a power trip, both quite heady. If at all it is a bonus, not a buyout.

The presstitute arrives, of course, with capitulation: For benefits in cash or kind, directly to a journalist, or accruing to an organisation say, with increased government or corporate advertising. The presstitute arrives when a journalist or organisation buys in, literally and otherwise, without question, sometimes even with a violence in words to any opposition to the ordained view. The presstitute arrives when, for presentation of news  or suppression of news  of government, a politician, an institution, a member of that institution, a business, a member of that business  a journalist or media organisation sells out, figuratively and literally.

Thats a presstitute, no contest.

Unfortunately, the presstitute is today on song, flying on robust wings alongside the still formidable, kosher journalism that is practiced daily in the holdouts in print, television, and digital platforms where individual journalists are encouraged by their organisations to practice informative, questioning, investigative journalism irrespective of the regime in place, irrespective of a plum source of advertising revenue. This is the press, an institution.

The presstitute is ethics-agnostic. There is no morality play here, only the principle of hard power and cold cash.

While centrist or left-leaning liberals bash the current BJP regime on this count, the truth is that powers-that-are have merely hardened the definition of presstitute and further energised their corralling to the BJPs cause. The dawn of the presstitute took place when the Congress was on song.

For reasons of space I cannot go into much detail about the Indira Years and the Emergency, which saw unbridled media capitulation (barring a few notable, laudable organisations) and birth of the proto-presstitute. The Rajiv years further ingrained a glad sycophancy. The early liberalisation years after 1991, and the hunger for revenue spawned a new breed of post-License Raj presstitute, happy to go along for the ride, cashing in on the share market on insider tips, praising businesses without pause; riding the right-wing boom after Babri.

The first BJP-led National Democratic Alliance run from 1998 onward coalesced the millennial presstitute. The ten-year run of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance from 2004 made them flower to new blooms. Government adopted an arrogant and demonstrably corrupt profile, especially into its second term in office that ended ignominiously in 2014. The presstitute was routinely rewarded with access, positions of privilege and pecuniary advantage. Some questioning journalists became presstitutes after being co-opted by government, practicing arrogance, obfuscation and denial with the best worst?  Congress spokespersons.

The presstitute thrived. Scams were buried. News was planted and watered. I have, for instance, seen such propaganda being hand-delivered from a senior ministers office on its way to its destination, a top television anchor of the day. So many instances, right there in the National Capital Region. And, when taken nationwide, innumerable, steadily proliferating rogue cells of quid pro quo and capitulation. You dont have to be a journalist  from reporter to chief editor  to have seen this or, alas, participated in this unlovely vocation; just being Indian, being in India, and doing business in India is enough qualification.

Business and the business of news boomed alongside politics and the business of politics. Just how much it all came together in joyous medley was revealed in part by the so-called Radia Tapes  a confluence of power and press, which every journalism student should read, and hear, as a lesson in how-not-to-be-a-journalist-and-presstitute; as much as they should appreciate those individuals and media organisations which resolutely publicised the tapes, as a lesson in how-to-be-a-journalist. The Radia Tapes remain at once the medias badge of great dishonour and partial honour.

The imminence of Narendra Modi and BJP in 2014 merely upped the ante. The right-wing presstitutes, the children of the late-1980s and early 1990s, came into their own. I have a tiny anecdote here.

The prime minister was then a chief minister. I was then a senior editor with a leading news magazine. One day, soon after the conflagration from Godhra spread as the conflagration of Gujarat, a meeting of senior editors revolved around an effort to make the man look good. I said something about all of it resembling Partition politics and that I couldnt believe it was taking place at a news organisation that prided itself on providing independent, punchy and quite fearless analyses and presentation of news: The reason I had joined up in the first place. The ensuing silence and sidelong glances among some colleagues also made it quite clear my time with the publication, at least under the editorial dispensation at the time, was done.

Anyway, to cut to the chase. The chief minister is now the prime minister. Some among my former colleagues who steadfastly stood by that man and his machine are today rewarded: One is a member of parliament; another is a policy wonk as a voice of the regime, travelling the world as one of his masters voices. Another isnt quite rewarded, not by the current administration, but remains an editor with a newspaper house. And so on. They continue to write, put down the Opposition  any opposition  and praise the dispensation to distraction.

Presstitute? I think so.

This is in some ways a level above and beyond those inflicted by the BJPs pied pipers: Much as so many were led by the Congresss pied pipers, and so many across Indias numerous states who are, for all practical purposes, led by national or regional political parties, (and several international, national and regional businesses, of course).

But that is perhaps not the point. Even if vast numbers did not vote for BJP or Narendra Modi in 2014, the fact is that vast enough numbers voted for BJP and its charismatic, fast-talking prime ministerial face. So be it. That is democracy.

Many in media, not just individual journalists but entire media organisations willfully went along the towpath of this remarkable propaganda and performance machinery and the man at its apex, believing the dissolute, disarrayed and quite disastrous Congresss time was done; it was now the turn of the fresh old-new face and a freshly oiled machine to drag India out of a policy and performance morass. Fair enough.

But the presstitute is different from such believers: Some of whom are now seeing through the miasma of propaganda, but that is quite another story. The presstitute specialises in selling out: Mind, body and soul. They really are medias bottom-feeders even as they exult in the delusion of being out to lunch with top-feeders. They are what today  much like yesterday  comprise the very worst media has to offer: The pliant or purchased who pretend to be part of a freethinking press.

This is what domineering government and political constructs love. This is what at-any-cost businesses love. They are feted by such presstitutes, coddled by them in television shows, in column inches, and the convenient binary of the digital world. The process has even turned journalists into trolls, following the seductive path of their trollmeisters.

Which brings me back to Patra and Razdan.

Patra belongs to an increasingly belligerent but fairly elected BJP (fait accompli lies not solely with BJPs uber-effective publicity machinery, but with a number of factors that contributed to putting BJP in power).

Razdan belongs to a television network that has had its own moments of ignominy and dark and as yet unresolved questions of quid pro quo, even as several of its journalists continue to steadfastly deliver what the media  proper media, not presstitute  would term news and views. The way they ought to be delivered. Without fear and favour.

For all his indignant bluster about the BJP not receiving fair play, Patra behaved like an arrogant, insistent buyer on a show Razdan hosts. But he will have to look elsewhere. As far as I can tell, Razdan has not sold out.

Sudeep Chakravarti is an award-winning author of several books, a columnist, and consultant to think-tanks and media. He tweets @chakraview
New Delhi: Various political parties on Monday expressed shock at the CBI's searches at the residence of NDTV founder Prannoy Roy and condemned the action saying it was an attack on the freedom of the press.

The Congress condemned the raids and criticised the NDA government for its "pick and choose" policy while taking on the media houses.

The party also criticised the Centre over the CBI raids, saying it was "blatant abuse of power taking place in the country".

The TMC, JD-U and AAP also criticised the central government for the raids.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the CBI searches on Roy's residences and said the trend of conducting such search operations was "disturbing".

Banerjee tweeted:

Shocked at the raids on Dr @PrannoyRoyNDTV's house. He is highly respected and reputed. Disturbing trend  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 5, 2017

Senior Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken said the Congress strongly condemns the action and warns the central government that it should not try to hound the media as the act is seen as "an attempt to create an atmosphere of terror and muzzle the voice" of the fourth estate.

"It is a strong attack on the freedom of the press and the Congress party strongly condemns it. We warn the central government that it should not try to hound and threaten the media," he said.

"We are standing with the media. If the need arises, we will use democratic means to oppose this action," Maken said, adding that the prime minister had used derogatory words like "bazaaru" and a Union minister had branded the media as "presstitutes".

Another senior party leader Anand Sharma said, "Centralisation of decision-making is happening at the Centre. The media and the other voices of dissent are being muzzled. A warning is being sent to the media outlets to fall in line or face a similar fate."

Sharma, who is also the deputy leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha said, "The government machinery is being misused and an environment of fear is being created through the (investigation) agencies."

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the searches saying it was an attempt to "silence independent and anti-establishment voices".

"We strongly condemn raids on Roy and NDTV group. It is an attempt to silence independent and anti-establishment voices," he tweeted.

The JD(U) termed the raids on NDTV founders as the "beginning of black days", saying the government's action is reminiscent of the raids carried out on the Indian Express group premises by the Indira Gandhi government during the Emergency.

"NDTV is known for its objectivity and the raids are aimed at stifling the voices of independent media and freedom of expression. It is beginning of black days," its spokesperson KC Tyagi said.

He said journalists should rally against the government's action.

The CBI on Monday carried out searches at the residence of NDTV founder Roy for allegedly concealing a share transaction from the SEBI and causing a loss to a private bank, a move termed by the channel as a "witch-hunt" based on "same old" false accusations.

The CBI has registered a case against RRPR Holding Pvt Limited, Roy, his wife Radhika, and unidentified officials of ICICI Bank for criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption.

RRPR Holdings had allegedly taken a loan of Rs 500 crore from India Bulls Private Limited to purchase 20 per cent shares of NDTV from the public.
New Delhi: The Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the party, will meet in New Delhi on Tuesday where it is likely to discuss the current political situation in the country and the issue of forging a larger opposition unity.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi will chair the meeting which will be held at her residence. She had skipped the last meeting which was chaired by Rahul Gandhi.

Meeting after a gap of seven months, senior members of the CWC are likely to discuss the raging issue of cow vigilantism and also the declining economic condition, party sources said.

They said the CWC is expected to ratify the schedule for organisational polls. According to the schedule, the next Congress president has to be elected by 15 October.

The CWC is meeting at a time when the Congress is seeking to unite opposition parties ahead of the presidential election.

It wants a broad coalition of opposition parties in place ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to take on the BJP. The BJP and its allies have gained in strength since the Narendra Modi government was formed in May 2014.

The CWC members had in November unanimously expressed "strong sentiment" for Rahul's elevation for the first time and may take it further. At the 7 November meeting, all members, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and senior leader AK Antony, had made a strong pitch for Rahul to take over the reins of the party.

The Congress president has created a record by being at the helm of the 130-year-old organisation for nearly two decades since late Sitaram Kesri's ouster by the CWC in early 1998.

Rahul was appointed party vice president in January 2013 at Congress's brainstorming session in Jaipur.
Guntur: Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said a Congress-led UPA would grant the Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh if it comes to power in 2019 even as he attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not doing so.

He said that in run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Modi had promised in front of the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati that once in power, he would grant the SCS to the state for 10 years.

"But, after becoming the prime minister, he has denied it. Now tell me what kind of Hindu is he, who lies in front of a temple," Rahul asked, addressing the 'Pratyeka Hoda Bharosa Sabha' organised by the Congress in Guntur.

"The SCS is not a gift. This is your right. This right was given to you by a prime minister (Manmohan Singh). Nobody can deny that right. Once we come to power in 2019, our first action will be to grant the SCS to AP," Rahul promised.

The Congress vice-president also lashed out at the "two parties of AP" for giving up the SCS demand "out of fear". Several parties in the countries are supporting the demand for SCS to AP but two parties of the state are not, he said.

"Narendra Modi must have exerted some pressure on these two parties. (There is) some fear in their hearts," Rahul said, in an obvious reference to the ruling Telugu Desam and the lone opposition YSR Congress.

"If (Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister) Chandrababu (Naidu) and (YSR Congress chief) Jaganmohan Reddy don't fight for SCS, we will stand together and fight. We will fight in Parliament," Rahul added.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leaders Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, D Raja, DMK leader Elangovan, RJD leader Jayaprakash Narayan Yadav, Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh and others were in attendance.
What's on Rahul Gandhi's plate these days? Or on his mind? To be a better Hindu. This, it would seem, the Congress vice-president has figured out is the only way  or perhaps the best way  to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi, described by his admirers as Hindu Hriday Samrat, in 2019.

So, while BJP president Amit Shah tours different states, focussing on setting up booth committees to enlarge the BJP's footprint, Rahul Gandhi is reading the Bhagwad Gita and the Upanishads.

"Nowadays, I study the Upanishads and the Gita since I am fighting the RSS and the BJP,'' Rahul disclosed to party leaders and workers of the Tamil Nadu unit in Chennai on Sunday. And to prove it wasn't mere cursory reading, Rahul delved into details.

"I ask them (Sangh activists), my friend you are doing this, you are oppressing people but it is written in the Upanishads that all people are the same. How come you are contradicting what your own religion says?" he said.

Rahul did not stop there. Moving to Guntur in Andhra Pradesh where he addressed a public meeting, he criticised the BJP government at the Centre for not keeping its word about granting special category status to the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation. The promise to accord special category status for five years was made by former prime minister Manmohan Singh in Parliament and BJP leaders Venkaiah Naidu and Arun Jaitley in the run-up to the 2014 elections, promised to increase it to ten years if they came to power.

But Rahul's direct target was Modi, who he slammed for making the promise at the temple town of Tirupati during the 2014 election campaign, only to go back on his word. But the tone and tenor of the political attack significantly was wrapped in the cloak of Hinduism.

"Modi ji talks of Hindu dharma. He says, 'I am the protector of Hindu dharma'. I want to ask what kind of Hindu he is to break promises made in Tirupati and say lies to people," said Rahul.

Last week, activists of the Youth Congress in Kannur in north Kerala slaughtered a cow in public, sparking an outrage both from the right wing and animal rights activists. Rahul Gandhi was quick to respond, realising that this had the potential to deeply hurt Hindu sentiment across India. The activists were suspended within hours as the Congress distanced itself from the grotesque incident in which their men had attempted to protest the gazette notification on cattle slaughter.

To dismiss the two comments and Kannur as stray episodes would be to miss the point. The Congress maybe realises that the BJP has cleverly pushed the grand old party and its allies, like the Samajwadi Party, to a Muslim corner, labelling them only as the party of the minorities. This has enabled the BJP to corner a significant part of the Hindu vote, cutting across caste lines, at least in the cow belt. The high decibel support from the right-wingers on social media has further isolated the Congress in the public eye, its garb of secularism dismissed as a pseudo secular position, intended only to treat the minorities as a votebank.

Rahul is attempting to change the narrative. By taking on the BJP on the Gita and Upanishads, Rahul is challenging the 'BJP for all Hindus' positioning. He is trying to communicate that the right-wing with its extreme views is a distortion of what the Hindu holy books have said. That hate is not inbuilt into the Hindu religion and that Hinduism is a more tolerant religion that what it has been made out to be. The problem with the desire to master the Upanishads is that it assumes the BJP draws all its oxygen from them.

The Congress is positioning itself as a counterpoint to the right wing that wears hardcore Hindutva on its sleeve. What is being served is soft Hindutva, in the hope that the Indian electorate not comfortable with the rabble rouser, gau rakshak image of the BJP will embrace a more inclusive version of Hindutva. And in Rahul, the Congress is presenting a Gita and Upanishad scholar so that Krishna gaatha will be served as an answer to BJP's Ram Rajya.

The scriptures aren't the only curriculum on Rahul's academic radar. He has reportedly also decided to start watching Tamil movies and read about the culture of the people of Tamil Nadu. However, he did not elaborate if he would prefer movies from the MGR-Sivaji Ganesan era or the Rajini-Kamal movies or the more recent fare of Mani Ratnam.

The barbs on social media came in quick time. A tweeple responded by saying the "RSS is watching Doremon to take on Rahul Gandhi'. Political commentator Srinivas Prasad tweeted : "Reading is good. How about starting with 'How Not To Put Both Feet In The Mouth' and 'Learn Politics in 3000 days'?

The Congress should be worried about Rahul embracing the Gita motto of "Do your work, do not bother about the results''. This rather Olympian motto may not work against the go-for-the-kill template of an aggressive BJP.

And with just two years to go to take on the BJP at the hustings, the Congress can hardly afford to be in classroom mode. Rahul Gandhi would do well to remember that his job is to win the election, not to win the Student of the Year award.
By Kate Holton and William James

| LONDON

LONDON Britain's election campaign resumed in earnest on Monday with Prime Minister Theresa May's opinion poll lead narrowing and the focus firmly on her security record after an attack by marauding jihadis killed seven people in the heart of London.In Britain's third Islamist attack in as many months, three men rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday night before running into the bustling Borough Market area, where they slit throats and stabbed people indiscriminately.All three attackers were shot dead by police, who made at least a dozen arrests in east London on Sunday and carried out further raids on Monday morning. The attackers' identities are known but have not been disclosed, with British media refraining from publishing names at the request of police. "This was an attack on London and the United Kingdom, but it was also an attack on the free world," May said. A Canadian and a French national were among those who died, while the 48 injured included people of many nationalities.The national health authority said 18 people remained in a critical condition.A parliamentary election takes place on Thursday and May's spokeswoman said the government was working closely with police on security for the vote.With the London attack dominating attention, a reduction in the number of police officers in England and Wales by almost 20,000 during May's six years as interior minister from 2010 to 2016 shot to the top of the election agenda.London Mayor Sadiq Khan, of the opposition Labour Party, was among those who raised the issue."It's just a fact that, over the last seven years, we as a city have lost 600 million pounds from our budgets. We have had to close police stations, sell police buildings, and we've lost thousands of police staff," he said.May did not answer repeated questions on the cutbacks but said counter-terrorism budgets had been protected and police had the powers they needed.

Her main opponent, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, backed calls for her resignation over the police cuts.He said many people were "very worried that she was at the Home Office for all this time, presided over these cuts in police numbers, and now is saying that we have a problem".May's Conservative Party's lead over Labour has narrowed markedly from 20 points or more when she called the election in April to a range between one and 12 points now, although the Conservatives are still widely expected to win a majority.The pound rose on currency markets, which favour May over Corbyn, after the latest ICM poll, taken between June 2 and June 4 and published on Monday, suggested the Conservatives were ahead by 11 points."TELL THEM CHRISSY SENT YOU"

After chairing a meeting of the government's crisis response committee on Monday morning, May said the official threat level remained at "severe", meaning an attack was highly likely, and additional security measures were in place.

Christine Archibald, a 30-year-old Canadian who had moved to Europe to be with her fiance, was the first of those who died to be named. In a statement, her family said she had worked in a shelter for the homeless."Please honour her by making your community a better place. Volunteer your time and labour or donate to a homeless shelter," they said. "Tell them Chrissy sent you."A vigil to honour the victims was due to take place at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT) at Potters Fields Park near London City Hall, which stands by the River Thames, a short walk from London Bridge.The rampage came less than two weeks after a suicide bomber killed 22 children and adults at a pop concert in Manchester. In March, five people died after a man drove a van into pedestrians on London's Westminster Bridge and stabbed a policeman.The Islamic State militant group, which is losing territory in Syria and Iraq to an offensive backed by a U.S.-led coalition, claimed responsibility for the London Bridge attack, though it is unclear whether the attackers had links to the group.London police chief Cressida Dick said that, while some of the recent attacks in Britain had international dimensions, they had a largely domestic "centre of gravity". Both the Westminster and Manchester attackers were British-born.

Khan, the first Muslim to be elected mayor of a major Western European city, was among those who denounced the ideology behind the recent attacks."I am angry and furious that these three men are seeking to justify their actions by using the faith that I belong to," Khan said. "I condemn this terrorist act but also the poisonous ideology these men and others follow."POLICE NUMBERS

With the issue of security now dominating the election agenda, May responded to the latest violence by saying Britain should be tougher in stamping out Islamist extremism.The police response to the rampage, which saw officers shoot dead the attackers within eight minutes of police receiving the first call, has been widely praised.But that did not stop the questions to May about police numbers during her time as interior minister. According to official data, officer numbers decreased every year that she was in the post, from 2010 to 2016. The number of authorised firearms officers in England and Wales fell to just under 5,700 in 2016 from nearly 7,000 in 2010.Asked whether she regretted presiding over the cuts, May did not answer the question, saying London's Metropolitan Police was well resourced and had 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.May tried to deflect the pressure onto Corbyn, a pacifist who has opposed some security legislation in parliament and expressed reservations in the past about police responding to armed attackers with "shoot-to-kill" tactics.He sought to end that earlier controversy on Sunday 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 (at Borough Market), as they did in Westminster in March. (Additional reporting by William Schomberg, Kylie MacLellan, David Milliken, Paul Sandle and Elisabet O'Leary; Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Amina Ismail

| CAIRO

CAIRO Anxious Egyptians began flooding their community leaders in Qatar with calls at dawn on Monday after learning that Cairo had cut ties with the wealthy Gulf state where they have made their home. Egyptians seeking to escape economic crisis at home have poured into the Gulf and many of them in Qatar were panicked by the latest diplomatic rift, in which Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have accused Doha of backing terrorism."My phone has not stopped ringing since 4 a.m.," Mohammed al-Iraqi, the head of the Egyptian community in Qatar, told Reuters by telephone from Doha."Egyptians are scared. They have jobs and a stable life here with their families. There is a state of panic," he said, speaking shortly after the diplomatic break was announced in the small hours of Monday morning.Foreign workers make up around 1.6 million of Qatar's 2.5 million population, and according to al-Iraqi about 350,000 of them are Egyptians, making them one of the biggest foreign contingents in the Gulf country.Egyptians in Qatar are apprehensive and say that so far the main issue is food. At least 40 percent of Qatar's food products are imported from Saudi Arabia and photos of grocery stores in Doha shared with Reuters by residents showed empty shelves.Private sector workers were not worried about deportations, saying they did not think it was in the interest of their companies to take such actions. Those in the public sector were more concerned."We are at the mercy of the (Qatari) government. So far there are no indications that we will be kicked out but it could happen at any moment," said one public sector worker who did not wish to be identified."And then even if we are deported, how would we leave? We are hearing all sorts of news about flight suspensions."

Aside from the fate of Egyptians in Qatar, the move could have severe economic consequences. The four countries involved have announced the closure of transport links with Qatar, a small peninsula whose only land border is with Saudi Arabia.Egypt said a ban on flights to and from Qatar would begin on Tuesday at 6 a.m. local time (0400 GMT).BANKERS

Bankers in Cairo began halting dealings with Qatari banks on the instructions of their managers, although the Egyptian Central Bank said it had not ordered banks to suspend transactions in Qatari riyals.

One of Egypt's most prominent business leaders, billionaire Naguib Sawiris, called on Egyptian businessmen to withdraw their investments from Qatar and halt dealings with the Gulf state, his spokesperson told Reuters.At the same time, Egypt gave the Qatari ambassador in Cairo 48 hours to leave the country and recalled its senior diplomatic representative in Doha.The move proved popular on the streets of Cairo. One resident, Mohamed Hasehm, told Reuters: "Cutting relations is a must because Qatar, Turkey and Iran support the terrorism that we face. It is a given. Relations must be ended."A woman who gave her name as Nermine added: "This step should have come sooner."Some Egyptian media poked fun at Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Al Youm Al Sabaa, a pro-government newspaper, published a full page comic strip entitled "The beast prince in the island of hell".

Egypt has for years been keen that action should be taken against the Muslim Brotherhood, whose support by Qatar was given as a reason for the diplomatic action."Egypt has been waiting to take this decision for a long time," said Egyptian political analyst Ashraf al-Ashry. Cairo had been seeking backing from Gulf States for action against Qatar, Ashry said. "It wanted Arab and regional support."Egypt has taken a hard line against the Muslim Brotherhood since general-turned-president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ousted President Mohamed Mursi, the Brotherhood's candidate, in 2013. Although it faces a severe economic crisis, Egypt has been prepared to forgo the billions of dollars in economic support it used to receive from the Qataris under Mursi.For Sisi, the diplomatic break is an opportunity to punish Qatar, something Egypt has spent years lobbying for. The issue is important because of his pledge to keep Egypt safe from militant violence and the fact that this violence continues, with Islamic State and groups the government links to the Brotherhood continuing to stage attacks. Egypt has declared the Brotherhood to be a terrorist organisation. The group denies any connection with terrorism and says it seeks political change by peaceful means only. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein; writing by Giles Elgood; editing by Mark Heinrich)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Men, women and children walk down the main road in west Mosul with arms full and carts loaded, but they are not among the people fleeing fighting in the city.

The operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group has pushed hundreds of thousands of residents to flee their homes, leaving behind belongings they could not carry and that are vulnerable to theft.

"It was Daesh's! Shouldn't we take revenge on them?" one of two young men  each carrying a ceiling fan on one shoulder and a bundle on the other  said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State, after being stopped by soldiers.

"My house has been looted, we have nothing!"

"You want revenge? If you're brave, take a gun, the front is right there," a soldier replied, pointing in the direction of the sound of gunfire and explosions.

"You stole it from the houses of other people," the soldier said, ordering them to "return it the place where you took it."

"It was Daesh's, I swear to God! People took chairs, tables. We just took clothes, we don't have clothes anymore," the young man said.

"Are you not ashamed? Are you not Muslims? Go! Bring it back to where you took it," the soldier insisted.

There was no violence between people in the Al-Rifai area, which was recaptured by Iraqi forces a few days earlier.

They simply came and went peacefully, with some arriving with empty hands and leaving with full bags or carts loaded with a refrigerator or sofa.

"All these people are not from here," a man with a bicycle indignantly told a policeman.

With fighting raging a few hundred metres (yards) away, security forces controlled the comings and goings as best they can.

But it was difficult to systematically check if people owned what they were carrying.

In some cases, people had items that were obviously not high on the list of essentials for someone fleeing a war: the young men with the fans, a teenager with a couch protruding from his wagon, a boy pushing a table with wheels.

Some were turned back by security forces, but others slipped through.

Most justified their actions by saying they were taking items that belonged to members of Islamic State, which itself confiscated property including homes and vehicles during its nearly three-year rule of Mosul.

"It's a lie. They can't access (Islamic State) buildings," said Abbas Ali, a policeman. "They come from other neighbourhoods to steal from the houses."

Others honestly said that their houses have been looted and that they came to find items to refurbish them.

"They say they have nothing but it doesn't justify stealing the belongings of others. These are the houses of people who fled," said Ali.

"They are stopped and told to bring the belongings back where they found them. What more can we do?"

A boy passed by dragging a plastic container stuffed with a curtain that, when lifted up by police, revealed hidden metal cables.

Ali confronted the boy: "Are these not electrical cables? When the people come back, will they not want electricity?"

"I found them already cut, by God," said the boy, looking intimidated.

"Return them to their place," the policeman ordered. "It's your city that you're looting!"
Country

Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Canada Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cuba, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Jamaica Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Mexico, United Mexican States Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
By Andrius Sytas

| RAMONISKIAI BORDER CROSSING POINT, Lithuania

RAMONISKIAI BORDER CROSSING POINT, Lithuania Lithuania has began constructing a two-meter high wire fence along its border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad ahead of military exercises Moscow is planning to hold there in September.While the 45-km-long (30 mile) fence will provide little defence against a full-scale attack, it aims to prevent provocations and incidents, Lithuanian Interior Minister Eimutis Misiunas said on Monday."In order to avoid such situations, we decided we need the fence", Misiunas said at the groundbreaking ceremony.

For Lithuania and other Baltic republics, which won their independence from Moscow in 1991 but remain home to ethnic Russian minorities, any massing of Russian troops near their borders spreads concern, especially since the 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula by Moscow.Although Russia has not disclosed the size of the Zapad (West) exercises that it holds every four years on its western borders, analysts have said that this year's drill may be the largest in quarter of a century, with a movement of about 100,000 Russian troops expected.

The recent deployment of 1,000 NATO troops to Poland and each of the Baltic states has unnerved Moscow, which had warned in January that it was a bad idea. The United States will have doubled its troops in the region for the duration of the military exercises, an official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In July, the U.S. Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) missile battery will be deployed in Lithuania for two weeks in July, for the first time in the region where Russia has air superiority. The fence, which is to cost 3.6 million euros, is to define clearly the geographical border between Kaliningrad and Lithuania. Surveillance equipment installed alongside will give an early warning of any violation, the minister said. (Writing by Andrius Sytas; Editing in Warsaw by Lidia Kelly)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Australian police on Monday shot dead a man who took a woman hostage in a Melbourne apartment after the body of another man was found in the building's lobby. The woman escaped safely but three officers were injured as police stormed the building, an AFP report said.

"Police have resolved a hostage situation at an apartment block in Brighton (Melbourne suburb)," Victoria state police said in a statement. "A man has been shot dead by police in the Bay Street apartment complex shortly before 6 pm. Police have safely rescued a woman who was being held against her will in the apartment block," the statement said.

Police were responding to reports of an explosion at the apartment earlier in the day when they found the body of a man in the foyer.

"Another man was earlier found dead with a gunshot wound in the lobby of the serviced apartment building just after 4 pm," the police said.

According to reports, the emergency services, including SES crews, were called to the scene just after the explosion.

Police said it appeared the man in the foyer was shot dead and specialist police attempted to negotiate with a man in one of the apartments. "Police were attempting to negotiate with a man in one of the apartments," the spokeswoman told IANS.

According to India Today TV channel, 40 rounds of gunfire and a loud explosion were heard on Bay Street.

"Victoria Police specialist units are currently on the scene. Roads are closed in the vicinity and we urge the community to avoid the area," the spokesperson added.

Woman taken hostage and a man believed to be shot dead after an explosion in a Melbourne apartment: Australian Media  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

A report by ABC online said police are investigating whether the incident is terrorism related.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump will not stop fired FBI Director James Comey from testifying before Congress, White House confirmed Monday afternoon.

"The President's power to assert executive privilege is well-established. However, in order to facilitate a swift and thorough examination of the facts sought by the Senate intelligence committee, President Trump will not assert executive privilege regarding James Comey's scheduled testimony," a White House statement said, clearing the decks for fireworks on Thursday.

Its the James Comey week in America as the countrys news networks sharpen tools for their biggest show since election night in 2016.

Such is the pressure for entry into the press gallery that Senate media minders have scheduled a meeting Monday with the Intelligence panel to figure out how many reporters will be allowed - usually about 120, not including photographers, find space in the press section of the hearing room.

The 6 ft 8 James Comey will be the most talked about, most watched, most-Googled, most trending man on Planet Trump during the climax on Thursday morning 10 am when he testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee on whether Donald Trump obstructed justice by interfering in the investigation into Russias possible meddling in the US Election 2016.

Signs are clear that the siege within the Trump White House will only escalate followed likely by strong condemnation of whatever Comey says unless the former FBI chief gives Trump an all-clear.

If Comey delivers a lethal cocktail of evidence to suggest that Donald Trump did block justice, the US Presidents political challenges will mount dramatically.

Link: A sample of Comey in his element from a recent May 2017 hearing

Trumps Twitter rants have taken on a nervous edge as a tense week begins for the President.

Link: The Comey weeks all star-cast

Twenty four hours before Comey takes the stage, others will get bit roles in the high stakes showdown.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein who wrote the memo which the White House used to fire Comey will testify. Rosenstein later saved face by appointing a special counsel - Robert Mueller - to take over the Russia investigation which is fast turning into a hall of mirrors with few equals since the Watergate scandal in the 1970s.

Already, there is word that special counsel Mueller's investigation is growing and could even include Rosensteins role in the decision to fire Comey, who was investigating the Trump campaign.

During the testimony, senators on both sides will grill Comey on the following:

- Was Comey under pressure to shut down the Russia investigation

- Did Trump demand his loyalty?

When Comey learnt about his sacking, he thought it was a joke.

Whether he thinks Donald Trump is a joke or is just plain malicious, the whole world will know on Thursday.

So, how does this thing end? In its simplest terms, either the FBI will write charges or prove nobody did any wrong.

Right now, Russias meddling in the Donald Trump campaign and the 2016 election has neither been proven nor set aside.

Donald Trump is the only US President since Nixon to sack the official who was leading a formal investigation into his dealings.
By Ayesha Rascoe and Yeganeh Torbati

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON 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)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Washington: US president Donald Trump on Monday called for a "much tougher version" of his travel ban and an "expedited" hearing for the measure before the Supreme Court.

In a series of early morning tweets, the president also said the United States was already "extreme vetting" travellers coming into the country for safety reasons.

"The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to SC," Trump wrote.

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

Additionally, he also tweeted,"The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!"

"In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the US in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!" the US president wrote.

The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

In a rare move on Friday the Supreme Court expedited consideration of the case, ordering the American Civil Liberties Union  which represents the plaintiffs  to respond by 12 June to the Trump administration's petition for court consideration.

Once it receives the response the high court could quickly rule on whether to take up the case.

The court's order came just one day after the Trump administration asked the court to reinstate its temporary ban on travellers from six Muslim majority nations, requesting it stay two nationwide blocks of the measure that had been issued by appellate courts.

Trump issued his initial travel ban by executive order in January, but that measure  which banned entry to nationals from seven countries for 90 days and suspended the nation's refugee program for 120 days  was quickly halted by the courts.

The administration said the travel ban was needed so it could evaluate existing screening protocols and set new ones.

A revised executive order in March aimed to address concerns raised by the federal judges. It deleted Iraq from the list and removed an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees.

The order however was widely criticised by human rights activists and US states led by Democrats.

In his tweets, Trump insisted on calling the measure a "travel ban."

"People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!" he said.
Sydney: US president Donald Trump wants to stay engaged on climate change and has not abandoned the issue, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Monday, days after Trump announced he was quitting the Paris accord.

Trump's decision, which has been roundly denounced by the international community, was based on his belief that it "did not serve the American people", Tillerson said in Sydney.

"It did not serve their future economic interest either," he added.

"But I think the president indicating his desire to re-examine, enter into discussions with others  perhaps a new construct of an agreement  indicates his recognition that the issue is still important and that he wants to stay engaged on the issue."

Tillerson, who reports have suggested was among those who counselled Trump not to scrap the deal, said last week the United States would pursue unilateral efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions despite plans to pull out of the Paris accord.

He insisted in Sydney that his boss was "not walking away" from the issue altogether.

Expressions of shock and regret have poured in from around the world, including from Pacific islands at risk of being swallowed by rising seas which accused Washington of abandoning them.

As well as a world outcry, Trump's decision prompted a domestic backlash, with state governors, city mayors and powerful companies already drawing up plans to meet the Paris pact's greenhouse gas emission targets.

With the United States virtually isolated on the world stage, a string of administration officials have sought to justify the decision to abandon the 195-nation Paris deal curbing global emissions.

The agreement commits signatories to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep the worldwide rise in temperatures below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial times.
Washington: US president Donald Trump on Monday returned to his offensive criticism of London's Pakistani-origin mayor Sadiq Khan, calling his assuring statements to Londoners a "pathetic excuse", and renewed the demand for a tougher travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority nations.

Trump on Sunday had slammed Khan after the attack on London Bridge that killed seven people and injured 49. He referred to an interview Khan gave to BBC in which he told Londoners that they "will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. No reason to be alarmed".

Today, the US president doubled down on his criticism of Khan, whose spokesman has said he would not respond personally to Trump.

"Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his 'no reason to be alarmed' statement. mainstream media (MSM) is working hard to sell it!" Trump said in a tweet.

Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

He forcefully referred to his controversial executive order on immigration  that seeks to block people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the US  as a "travel ban".

"People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a travel ban!" he said, and in another tweet added, "The Justice Department should have stayed with the original travel ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to the Supreme Court (of the US)."

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

The Justice Department last week asked the US Supreme Court to reinstate Trump's executive order banning travel to the US from the six Muslim-majority nations while it appeals a lower-court ruling that upheld a nationwide block on the ban.

"The Justice Department should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered-down travel ban before the Supreme Court  and seek much tougher version!" Trump tweeted.

Trump has used the London attacks  in which three men ploughed a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge and went on a stabbing spree in a nearby market  to promote and call for support for his travel ban.

Today, he also accused the American courts of being "slow" and "political".

"In any event, we are extreme vetting people coming into the US in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!" Trump said.

He followed that by calling the Democrats "obstructionist".

"Democrats are taking forever to approve my people, including ambassadors. They are nothing but obstructionists! Want approvals," he said.
Orlando: A man who had been fired in April from his job at a Florida company opened fire on Monday at the Orlando business, killing five people before taking his own life, authorities said.

Four people were killed at the scene, while a fifth died at the hospital, Orange County sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. Seven people survived the ordeal.

The business, Fiamma, makes awnings for recreational vehicles.

Demings said the incident was being treated as a "workplace violence incident" and did not appear to have any links to terror.

The 45-year-old shooter, who was not yet identified by the authorities, had both a gun and a knife in his possession. All of the dead were former co-workers.

The assailant allegedly beat up another employee at the business in 2014, but no charges were filed, the sheriff told reporters.

"It is a sad day for us here once again in Orange County," Demings said.

A year ago, Orlando  a hub of Florida's resort industry popular with tourists  was the scene of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub that left 49 people dead and dozens more wounded.
The German army is set to transfer its troops from a key base in Turkey to Jordan, Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said Monday, after talks broke down with Ankara on the subject.

The Incirlik base in southern Turkey has been at the centre of a dispute between the NATO allies since Ankara blocked a visit by German parliamentarians last month.

"It is unacceptable that our deputies cannot visit the troops," the German minister said.

Her announcement came after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a joint news conference with his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel in Ankara that German MPs could still not visit Incirlik.

The German cabinet will meet on Wednesday to decide on an eventual move for the 280 military personnel concerned, plus 10,000 tonnes of materiel, Von der Leyen said.

"We are ready for a transfer," she said, adding that a "comparable alternative" had been identified at the Azraq air base in Jordan and that King Abdullah supported the move.

Van der Leyen said the transfer would "naturally mean an interruption in our air intervention" of around two or three weeks as part of the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

The German military stationed at Incirlik flies Tornado surveillance missions over areas of Syria controlled by the jihadists and refuelling flights for partner nations.

A move could entail a gap in the Tornado flights of up to three months, the defence minister said.

Turkey justified preventing the German parliamentary group from visiting Incirlik by accusing Berlin of having offered political asylum to Turkish nationals who took part in a July 2016 attempted coup.
Tehran: Iran's foreign ministry on Monday urged Qatar and neighbouring Gulf Arab countries that have severed diplomatic ties with the gas-rich peninsula to engage in dialogue.

"The solution to differences between states in the region, including the current problem between Qatar and its three neighbours, is only possible through political and peaceful methods and dialogue between the parties," spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said in a statement published on the ministry's website.

Gulf states Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, plus Egypt and Yemen announced on Monday they were cutting all ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis in the region for years.

Ghasemi said increased tension among its southern neighbours "is not to the benefit of any governments in the region and threatens the interests of all" at a time when the world was "suffering widespread terrorism and extremism".

Shiite Iran has had no diplomatic ties with most of the mainly Sunni Gulf states since 2016, when Arab nations followed Saudi Arabia in severing relations after protesters torched its missions in the Islamic republic.

"Using sanctions in today's integrated world is inefficient, to be condemned and unacceptable," Ghasemi added of Qatar's neighbours closing all land, sea and air links with it.

"Protecting the national sovereignty of independent governments, avoiding interference in their internal affairs and respecting recognised international borders are internationally recognised and fundamental rights which must be respected by all sides."
Jerusalem: Israeli defence minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Monday that Arab states' decision to cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of backing extremism, could herald a broad anti-terror alliance including Israel.

Israel has long faced resistance to its efforts to improve ties with Arab nations in the region because of its 50-year occupation of Palestinian territory.

It has, however, recently seen increased behind-the-scenes cooperation with some Arab countries, particularly in their opposition to Iran and in the fight against jihadists in the region.

"There is no doubt that this opens very many possibilities of cooperation in the struggle against terror," Lieberman told the Israeli parliament in a televised question-and-answer session.

"We saw the United States president visit Saudi Arabia and he spoke first and foremost about a coalition against terror," he said in a reference to Donald Trump's trip last month.

"The state of Israel is really open to cooperation. The ball at the moment is with the other side," he added.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Yemen, Bahrain and the Maldives all severed diplomatic ties with Doha. Some also cut transport links.

Riyadh accused Qatar of supporting groups, including some backed by Israel's arch-foe Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

"It is clear to everybody that this morning's occurrence is just another illustration that even in the Arab states they understand that the real danger to the whole region is not Israel, not the Jews, not Zionism but terrorism," Lieberman said.

Saudi Arabia said in a statement its measures were the result of "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar", accusing Doha of harbouring "terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to destabilise the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic State and Al-Qaeda".
Qatar on Monday asked its citizens to leave the United Arab Emirates within 14 days to comply with a decision by Abu Dhabi to sever ties with Doha, the Qatari embassy in Abu Dhabi said on social media.

"Qatari citizens must leave the UAE within 14 days, in accordance with the statement issued by the concerned Emirati parties," the embassy tweeted.

Those who cannot travel directly to Doha should go through Kuwait or Oman, it said.

The Arab world's strongest powers cut ties with Qatar on Monday over alleged support for Islamists and Iran, re-opening a festering wound two weeks after United States president Donald Trump's demand for Muslim states to fight terrorism.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut relations with Qatar in a coordinated move. Yemen, Libya's eastern-based government and the Maldives joined in later.

Qatar denounced the move as based on lies about it supporting militants. It has often been accused of being a funding source for Islamists, as has Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates are leading the boycott of Qatar ostensibly over its support of terrorist elements. And they are not alone. Joining these nations in what is the sharpest rift in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are Yemen, the Maldives and Egypt. There could be more.

The sudden move is not indicative of a misunderstanding but a collective and concerted effort to send an unequivocal message to Qatar to stop playing games and either be in the West Asia partnership or risk being isolated. The move to break diplomatic ties and then back it with a freeze on flights causes a serious split in the relationship and has been done with considerable thought and intent.

For this reason, alone, the rest of the world must be prepared to feel the ripple effect. From aviation to tourism, shipping to intermodal usage for commerce, things have changed overnight. The UAE has given Qataris two weeks to leave the country; Emirates and Etihad are closing down their flights. Diplomatic mission staff are being recalled. These are not halfway measures and have come after several warnings and a great deal of endurance by these countries.

The inside story could possibly be a caution, asking Qatar not to get too cosy with Iran; something that was ignored and treated with derision. A couple of weeks ago, a Qatar News Agency report was hostile to Saudi Arabia and others in the region for their attitude towards Iran and their status as "client states" of the United States.

The state heads meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss terrorism and other issues with United States president Donald Trump were mocked. Things went from bad to worse after the Trump trip, when Doha neither read the writing on the wall nor appreciated the ire of its neighbours. Even though Qatar said the website was hacked and denied the statement, the damage was done. It ripped a relationship that had turned fragile in the last few months with Qatar almost overtly helping radical Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.

However, there is a school of thought which believes that Doha wished to scuttle what it saw as an effort by the Saudi-United States alliance to encourage a Sunni initiative in creating a nexus with Iran. It has not taken long to blame Washington for this boycott.

The United States immediately responded to the boycott with Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, calling for damage containment and urging the involved nations to clear the air but that will not be enough. If anything, Washington finds this impasse a matter of grave concern.

Another nation that would be watching this closely is China, because, now it has to plan how to tiptoe through this minefield. Qatar has also been asked to leave the Saudi-led 41-nation coalition that is currently combatting terrorists. For a region already facing schisms and refugee problem in Syria, Yemen and Iraq, the GCC has always stood as a bastion of unity.

While Qatar may not have thought that its fellow members and neighbours would ever come together and take such a consolidated action, now it has to take a decision on whether to back off from needling these countries by aligning itself with Iran or rework its diplomatic strategy to extend a solid and fathomable reassurance that it is back in the flock and will not be playing backdoor games or engaging in intrigue.

That said, it is not going to be easy. In the Arab world, friendships are based on trust and once that trust is bruised, it is very difficult to return to status quo. In the early hours of this crisis, one still has not been able to wrap their head around the developments which have been breathlessly swift. The world may at this moment fail to appreciate the gravity of this split but unless it is addressed frontally and Qatar is placed on the mat, more nations could join in its isolation. This is not something that will be resolved with a thump on the back and an apology.
Saudi Arabia on Monday shut the local office of Qatar's Al Jazeera global news channel after the kingdom and other Arab states severed ties with the emirate.

"The ministry of information closed the office of Al Jazeera channel and withdrew the licence it was granted," the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

It accused the channel of promoting "terrorist groups" and supporting rebels in Yemen after Riyadh and some of its allies including Egypt cut diplomatic relations earlier on Monday over Qatar's alleged support for groups including the Muslim Brotherhood.

Separately, beInSports, a subsidiary satellite network of Al Jazeera, went offline in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, said an official in the UAE which was also among those to cut ties with Qatar.

"We are getting a lot of calls regarding this... (the channels) are currently off air in the UAE," said an official at the DU telecommunications company, without elaborating the reasons.

Cairo has accused Al Jazeera of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood which it blames for violence after Egypt's military ousted the movement from power in 2013.

Three Al Jazeera journalists, including a Canadian and an Australian, were detained in Egypt between 2013 and 2015, triggering international protests.
Turkey on Monday called for dialogue and said it was ready to help defuse the row between Qatar and Arab nations including Saudi Arabia and Egypt that accuse Doha of supporting extremism.

"It's a development that really saddened all of us," Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters.

"There could be problems between the countries but dialogue must prevail in all circumstances," he said adding that Ankara was ready to do its best to help resolve the dispute.

Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen joined Saudi Arabia and Egypt in severing relations with gas-rich Qatar, with Riyadh accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Cavusoglu said problems could only be resolved through dialogue.

"We will give any kind of support for the situation to be normalised," he said.

Turkey enjoys friendly relations with Qatar including in the energy sector but also maintains good ties with other Gulf countries.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced on Monday they were severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, as they accused the Gulf state of supporting terrorism.

Soon after the announcement, Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways on Monday said it would suspend flights to Qatar after the United Arab Emirates was among major Gulf states to sever ties with Doha in an unprecedented regional diplomatic crisis.

Etihad said flights will stop on Tuesday, after the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours.

#BREAKING UAE's Etihad announces suspending flights to Qatar  AFP news agency (@AFP) June 5, 2017

Saudi news agency SPA said Riyadh cut diplomatic ties and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

A Saudi official cited by SPA said the country decided to "sever diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar, and to close all land, sea and aviation ports".

The "decisive" measure was due to the "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years", the Saudi statement said, as the UAE made an announcement cutting ties.

Egypt's foreign ministry also accused Doha of supporting "terrorism" in a statement as it announced the severing of ties.

The statement said all Egyptian ports and airports would be closed to Qatari vessels.

Bahrain news agency said the tiny kingdom was cutting ties with Doha over its insistence on "shaking the security and stability of Bahrain and meddling in its affairs".

The Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen's two-year war also said it had expelled Qatar.
OTTAWA Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a clear jab at U.S. President Donald Trump's move to quit a major climate change pact, said on Monday the world needed "the courage to confront hard truths" on global warming.Trudeau's remarks were the first he has made in public since Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would withdraw from the Paris accord. Trudeau issued a statement at the time saying he was deeply disappointed.

"The future is still bright for those who have the courage to confront hard truths, and the confidence to stay the course," he said in public remarks after briefly paddling along the Niagara River to mark World Environment Day.

"Canada will not back down from its commitment to fight climate change - and we are not alone. Around the world, nearly every country is on our side. ... Inaction is not an option," he added. "We can't walk away from the reality of climate change."

News of the planned U.S. withdrawal ramped up tension ahead of talks on renegotiating the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Canada is already at odds with Washington over dairy subsidies, as well as exports of lumber and airliners. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Beijing: India could accelerate its rail upgrading process and shorten the investment time if it cooperated with China, which has the world's most extensive rail network and advanced technology, a Chinese daily said on Monday.

India's railway network, often called the lifeline of the country, plays a critical role in its economic development, carrying more than 23 million passengers and three million tonnes of freight on 19,000 trains a day, the state-run Global Times reported.

Given China's advanced technology and experience in infrastructure construction, cooperation with China would offer a shortcut for countries like India that tend to copy the China model, the article said.

In January, at least 36 people were killed in a train derailment in southern India, just two months after 150 people died in another train derailment in northern India.

Dilapidated infrastructure and poor management are the main reasons for the accidents, which is why the government has pledged to invest $137 billion over five years to upgrade the rail network.

India has said that it needs to put major investment into the rail sector in the coming 30 years to catch up with China, adding that rising debt should not be a concern, as it is an inevitable part of revamping infrastructure.

Over the past decade, China has developed a new high-speed rail network, surpassing the western countries in terms of technology and standards, the report said.

As the only country that has pursued large-scale railway construction in recent years, China now has the world's most extensive rail network, it said.

This "unparallelled" advantage makes China a "perfect partner" for any country seeking to develop transportation infrastructure to propel economic growth, it said.

It also makes perfect sense for India to take a shortcut to cooperate with China in order to revitalise its rail system and management levels, the report added.
Islamabad: Pakistan's Senate on Monday decided to debate the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order which stayed the execution of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav after a senator of a hardline party tabled a motion saying the verdict hinted that Islamabad was not fully prepared to fight the case.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani admitted the adjournment motion by Jamaat-I-Islami Senator Sirajul Haq for regular debate, and issued notices to the foreign ministry and the attorney general to brief the upper house of the parliament.

Haq made a forceful plea in the Senate about his motion, saying the judgment by the ICJ at The Hague, Netherlands to stay Jadhav's death sentence hinted that Pakistan was not well-prepared to fight the case brought by India.

"These and similar statements have been passed around, which are creating confusion," Haq said.

On 18 May, the ICJ in a setback to Pakistan restrained it from executing Jadhav, 46, who was convicted of espionage and sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court after a secret trial.

India took the matter to the ICJ, citing that it had been repeatedly denied consular access to Jadhav in violation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention. New Delhi belives that Jadhav was abducted from Iran and brought to Pakistan.

The senator said Pakistan did not act as per expectations and steps taken by it in the case has only caused embarrassment to the nation.

Though Jadhav's arrest was a major success, Haq said, Pakistan wasted an opportunity to bring forth the facts about the Indian national and and India's subversive activities inside the country on the international stage.

He also said India has adopted aggressive attitude after Jadhav's sentencing. "India is constantly issuing threats to Pakistan regarding Jadhav's case."
In view of the latest terrorist attack on British soil, third in the last three months and the second in two weeks, Theresa May issued an interesting statement that indicates that Britain might be rethinking its strategy on countering Islamist terrorism. The restraint that marked the British prime minister's speech post 22 May Manchester Arena blast was gone. An aggressive and hawkish May linked the latest spate of terror attacks to radical Islam and said, "Enough is enough". She also stressed that there is "far too much tolerance for extremism in our country".

In her statement, the British prime minister also said that though the attacks that took place in close succession 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".

She added, "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."

May said that this ideology can be defeated only if the "safe spaces" where it breeds are removed and pointed her fingers at both the Internet and some ghettos within Muslim communities, claiming that "there is  to be frank  far too much tolerance of extremism in our country. 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".

May's statement had come only hours after Saturday's London attack that killed seven and injured at least 48, some of them critically.

It is not clear how much of the toughness that May put in her words was necessitated by the upcoming Parliamentary elections to placate some very angry voters, but elsewhere, unmistakable signs are emerging that Britain is fast reaching a saturation point when it comes to indulging in blatant denial or being politically correct about the root causes of Islamist terrorism.

As this author has argued repeatedly in the past, Islamist terrorism isnt a rootless, context-free action.

It is the manifestation of violence rooted in a warped ideology. Once stripped to the bone, Islamist terrorism is just an idea. And no idea can be defeated by raising fences, imposing stricter laws or firing bullets. How, then, do we tackle this poisonous idea? First and foremost, we must be honest in accepting that this idea (however twisted) is a derivative of Islam and draws strength and legitimacy from it. Only then would be we able to limit its venom. So far, this acceptance has been hard to come by, arising out of a legitimate fear that if we link Islamist terrorism to Islam, then we risk antagonising the entire Muslim community. Our fear of pressing this point has led us to this precipice.

As James Forsyth writes in his piece "How to tackle the terrorist threat: four steps we must now consider" for British newspaper The Spectator: "Ideologically we need to accept that these terrorists believe that they find justifications for their action in their faith, and saying that the attacks have nothing to do with Islam is actually counter-productive. As the historian Tom Holland has pointed out, only once we appreciate this link and the fact there is schism within Islam can we start to really deal with this threat."

The Barack Obama administration went at great lengths to deny the link between Islam and terrorism, coining disingenuous terms such as "violent extremism" to effectively ensure liberal democracy's defeat in the war on terror.

In his piece on Islamic State (IS) operative Jihadi John, Arizona State University professor and CNN's national security analyst Peter Bergen wrote: "while IS and like-minded groups are not representative of the vast majority of the world's Muslims, their ideology is rooted in Salafist ultra-fundamentalist interpretations of Islam, and indeed they can point to verses in the Quran that can be interpreted to support their worldview A well-known verse commands Muslims to 'fight and slay the nonbelievers wherever you find them, seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war).' When (Osama) bin Laden made a formal declaration of war against the 'Jews and the Crusaders' in 1998, he cited this Quranic verse."

To win the war on Islamist terrorism, therefore, the first step must be to acknowledge that the poisonous ideology is moored in Islam, and then work towards empowering voices from within the community and have frank, unhindered and political-correctness-free conversations to stop the spreading of the idea. Denial is not an option.

When we say those who attacked the civilians are "not Muslims", we might be speaking out of concern for the followers of the faith who have nothing to do with the violence but we are also simultaneously empowering these dark forces.

Eyewitness accounts of Saturday night's terror attack recall the madness and the horror, and also its undeniable link with the perverted ideology. Gerard, a witness, told the BBC: "They were running up shouting, 'This is for Allah.' They stabbed this girl maybe 10 times, 15 times. She was going, 'Help me, help me.'"

Elizabeth O'Neill, mother of a 23-year-old who was stabbed in the London Bridge terror attack, told ITV News that her son Daniel was approached by a man who said "this is for Islam" before stabbing a knife in him. She added: "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," according to the report.

It is time to acknowledge that jihadists are using the freedom provided by western liberal democracies to further their agenda and using the West's unflinching commitment towards human rights and civil liberty to their advantage. How does this work?

For instance, Britain has in place a programme called 'Prevent', that seeks to prevent Muslim youths from getting radicalised through identification, counselling and empowerment. But this programme, into which Britain has poured in billions so far, has remained stillborn because some within the Muslim community have raised objections against it, calling it a British government conspiracy to 'spy' on Muslims.

Despite such a programme being in place, therefore, it failed to identify the likes of Manchester bomber Salman Abedi who reportedly showed enough signs of radicaliastion that should have raised the hackles of the 'Prevent' teams. The underlying fear behind the failure was that acting on intelligence may further "alienate the community". This is how the terrorists are winning the battle. Tools of liberalism are being used to spread hateful agenda, and then those very tools are used to block counter-terrorism efforts as 'Islamophobic'.

The mood, though, appears to be changing. The western liberal edifice, which is fierce about protecting civil liberties and individual rights, seem more amenable to the possibility that a concerted effort is needed to increase engagement and surveillance, because candlelight vigils are not working anymore.

We find true blue liberal institutions like Henry Jackson Society, a British think tank, stating in the aftermath of Saturday's attacks: "We can only defeat Islamist terrorism if we combat the ideology driving it. That means being honest about recognising that Islamist extremism stems from ideological origins within Islam itself. It also means the public sector and British civil society will need to proactively embrace the national counter-radicalisation strategy Prevent, rather than allowing others to undermine it."

The think tank statement also addressed a favourite ploy of Islamists, who seek to stifle all discussions around Islamist terrorism with a blanket term: "Islamophobia".

"It is not Islamophobic to speak out against Islamism," said HJS, adding that it is a "false charge peddled by groups within the Muslim community to close the discussion down about Islamism rather than see it raised in its proper context."

The British prime minister's statement also carried similar notes. "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," added the Downing Street media handout.

Islamist terrorism is a multi-faceted problem and no one approach will be enough to address it. It is a welcome sign, however, that our conversations around it are becoming more and more honest.
London: A Pakistani-origin man was among three knife-wielding militants responsible for carrying out the brutal London terror attack that killed seven people and injured 49, according to a media report.

The man, identified as 'Abz' is believed to have been the ringleader of the trio that carried out the horror attack at two London landmarks, The Mirror reported.

Abz, 27, said to be from Barking in east London, was pictured lying on the ground after police swooped on the attackers on Saturday night and shot them dead in a flurry of 50 bullets.

Seven people were killed and 49 injured when the trio rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers in bars in the nearby Borough Market.

Abz, a father of two children, appeared to pray to an Islamic State flag in a London park in a TV documentary about the behaviour and motivations of British extremists.

Police are searching four houses in Barking and have made 12 arrests as part of their investigation into the atrocity.

His neighbours said the Arsenal fan had been wearing the club's replica away shirt the day before the attack, matching the one worn by one of the suspects pictured lying on the ground with what appear to be canisters taped around his body.

The terrorist was a home-grown jihadi who came from Pakistan as a child but was brought up in the UK, the report said.

He was twice reported to anti-terror authorities, the report quoted sources as saying.

A neighbour said he immediately noticed the Arsenal away shirt Abz was wearing after being shot dead by police outside the Wheatsheaf pub on Saturday night.

He said: "I looked on Twitter and saw one of the terrorists who had been shot by police and he looked 90 percent like my neighbour - he was even wearing the same Arsenal shirt that I had seen him in at 5 pm that evening."

Abz is the only one of the attackers identified so far.

He lived in a block of flats with his wife and two young children which was raided by police early on Sunday.

Ken Chigbo, 26, who lives in the same building, described him as "really sociable" and said Abz had invited him to a barbecue the previous week.

The latest terror attack, just four days before the general election on 8 June, comes less than two weeks after a suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, targeted a Manchester concert on 22 May, killing 22 people.

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 the Parliament, where he was shot dead by police.
London: A racist graffiti reading "Terrorise your own country" and "Go away" was spray-painted by vandals on an Islamic Centre in south London after the van and knife attack in the heart of British capital claimed seven lives.

The graffiti on the building in Sutton in South London was spray-painted from the site of the attack, which is more than 19 kilometres away.

The Islamic Centre has no connection to the attackers who carried out the terror attack on Saturday night, the metro.co.uk reported.

But the building's very presence has provoked the ire of racists and Islamophobes in the area, it said.

In the wake of the attack, Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain has condemned the terrorists.

"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," he said.

"Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons," Khan added.

"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. My prayers are with the victims and all those affected. I commend the work of our emergency services working hard to keep us safe and cope with the ensuing carnage, he said.

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 nearby Borough market.

At least 48 people have been injured in the attack, the third to hit Britain in less than three months and just days before the general election on 8 June.

The attack comes as British prime minister Theresa May blamed the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism".

"We are concerned about some elements of Theresa May's statement earlier on Monday. May acknowledged, as Jeremy Corbyn did, nine days ago in response to the Manchester attacks, that such attacks are a perversion of Islam not representative of Islam," Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism co-convenor, said.
London: 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 on Monday.

Although the attackers were also dead, authorities raced to determine whether they had accomplices, and prime minister Theresa May on Sunday 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 on Thursday because "violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process."

The assault unfolded over a few terrifying minutes late on 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 on Monday from its Aamaq news agency claimed the group's "fighters" were responsible, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. Islamic State has urged supporters to weaponise vehicles in attacks against the West.

It was the third attack in Britain in 2017 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 Bastille Day rampage in the French city of Nice in 2016.

The three attackers on 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 on 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.

Counter-terrorism officers raided several addresses in Barking, an east London suburb, and arrested 12 people there on 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.

"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 22 May, 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 on 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 on 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," he said.

"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."
Washington: President Donald Trump said on 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 waged 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 US assistance as the British government works to protect its citizens and bring the guilty to justice.

After more than 20 people were killed in a bomb attack last month at a concert in Manchester, England, Trump condemned the assault as the act of "evil losers" and called on nations to band together to fight terrorism.

Earlier Sunday, Trump had criticised 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 the 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 responding 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 US courts.

The Trump administration last week formally asked the Supreme Court, the highest court in the US, 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 US 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.

US lawmakers from both political parties criticised Trump for raising the travel ban and assailing Khan.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said on CBS' "Face the Nation" that he was concerned about Trump's call for a travel ban "even though the courts have continued to turn that down."

Senator 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.
British prime minister Theresa May said on Monday that the three terrorists responsible for the London attack have been identified and their names would be revealed soon, even as police conducted fresh raids in two more places.

In all, seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 were arrested under the Terrorist Act in Barking on Sunday. A 55-year-old man was later released without charge.

"All the three terrorists responsible for Saturday night's terror attack at London Bridge have been identified and their names will be released by police as soon as operationally possible," May said, answering questions after her address at the Royal United Services Institute.

According to the Scotland Yard, one of the terrorists carried an Irish identity card.

Seven people died and 48 others injured, 21 of them seriously, in the terror attack, the police said.

"A number of people have been detained," police said in a statement after two early morning raids in east London.

London police chief Cressida Dick told BBC TV that they have seized "a huge amount of forensic material" after going through the van used in the attack "very very carefully".

"A very high priority for us is to try to understand whether they were working with anybody else," she said.

The first victim of the attack has been named as Canadian national Christine Archibald, who worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.

May referred to the three terror attacks in the United Kingdom during the last three months, saying "we cannot deny that the threat from Islamist extremism is one of the gravest we face."

She said, "I believe it is right that the UK is engaged in taking on and defeating groups like Islamic State and their like around the world. It is in our own national interest to do so, and it is in the interests of the wider world,"

"But as our efforts to defeat them overseas are ever more successful, they are increasingly seeking to spread their poisonous ideology and to prey on the weak and vulnerable in our own countries, inspiring them to commit acts of terror here at home. They exploit the safe spaces of the internet and social media and they exploit them in the real world too."

She said the United Kingdom has led the world in developing a strategy for preventing violent extremism, and it has been highly successful.

But she admitted "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... We must deny it the safe spaces it needs to take root and grow."

Asserting that Britain will continue to support military action to destroy Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, she said, "working with other democratic governments we will agree on ways to regulate cyberspace and prevent the spread of extremism and terrorist planning online."

She said that her government would do more to deny this ideology the physical space to breed in the UK. "It means refusing to tolerate extremism of any kind in our country."

"This is what we must do if we are to come together as a country and tackle this extremism in our midst  not just violent extremism, but the whole spectrum of extremism, starting with the bigotry and hatred that can so often turn to violence too," the prime minister said.

With the Brexit negotiations beginning just 11 days after the 8 June polls, May said, "we have no time to waste. So I offer myself as Prime Minister once more, with a resolute determination to get on with the job of delivering Brexit, confidence that I can get a deal that works for all, and belief that I have the vision, the plan, the will and the experience to fulfil the promise of Brexit and build a better Britain."

Answering questions, she said the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was doing an "excellent job" and United States president Donald Trump was wrong in withdrawing from the Paris Climate Deal.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on 5 June after the Borough High Street attack. It is being updated and republished in light of Thursday night's terror attack in Barcelona that saw a van mow down pedestrians in a tourist area, killing 13 and injuring 100.

On Thursday afternoon, a van drove down a promenade in the busy central Barcelona area of Las Ramblas, moving from side-to-side running over scores of pedestrians. While 13 people were killed, the attack left several victims in its wake and induced widespread panic. Josep Lluis Trapero, a senior police official for Spain's Catalonia region confirmed the horrible reality of the attack to reporters that this was no road accident or case of a driver losing control of his vehicle. "It was clearly a terror attack, intended to kill as many people as possible," he said late on Thursday.

But before that, it was on 22 May that a series of events set into motion a trend of vicious, brutal, up-close-and-personal manifestations of violent extremism in Western Europe.

That's 22 May, 2013, in case you were wondering, and not 22 May this year  which is when the bombing at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena took place  to which a reference is being drawn. On that day four years ago, the British Army's fusilier Lee Rigby was run over by a vehicle and then hacked to death by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

In a video shot immediately after the heinous act of butchery, Adebolajo  with bloodied hands still wielding the cleaver and knife  was recorded on video by a bystander as saying, "You people will never be safe... You think (then prime minister) David Cameron is gonna get caught in the street when we start busting our guns? Do you think politicians are going to die? No, it's going to be the average guy, like you and your children."

The video did the rounds of television channels across the world and attained the sort of 'virality' most clips of this nature tend to these days.

And in the four years since Rigby's gruesome murder, three tools have emerged as the new weapons of terrorism: blades, vehicles and cameras.

New weapons of terrorism: Part one

Let's examine the blades and vehicles part first, since these are the most visible weapons being deployed.

26 February, 2016 - Hannover: A German-Moroccan teenager stabbed a policeman in the neck, injuring him, at the city's busy train station. Investigations found that the 16-year-old girl had been influenced by Islamic State propaganda.

14 July, 2016 - Nice: Forty-one-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel used a truck to mow down revellers watching a seaside fireworks display to mark Bastille Day. Eighty-four were killed, while hundreds of others were injured.

18 July, 2016 - Berlin: A 17-year-old Afghan refugee attacked passengers on a German train with an axe, injuring at least four people.

26 July, 2016 - Normandy: Two armed men stormed a church in Saint Etienne du Rouvray, slit the throat of an elderly priest and wounded several others.

19 December, 2016 - Berlin: Twenty-three-year-old Anis Amri drove a truck into a crowded Christmas market, killing 12 and wounding over 50 people. While there was nothing concrete to suggest it was an act of terror, local authorities concluded it was 'probably' a terror attack.

3 February, 2017 - Paris: A machete-wielding man was shot dead while trying to attack a group of soldiers guarding the Louvre. While this attack was foiled, it's frightening to consider what could have happened if he had been able to run amok amidst the sort of crowds that flock to the Louvre.

22 March, 2017 - London: Fifty-two-year-old Khalid Masood mowed down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge  killing four and wounding many others  in his car, before driving into the steel fence around the Parliament building and stabbing a policeman to death.

7 April, 2017 - Stockholm: Rakhmat Akilov, an Uzbek seeking aslyum in Sweden, killed four and injured around 15 people when he drove a truck into pedestrians along a busy shopping street.

And this brings us to Saturday night's attack at London Bridge and Borough Market that saw seven people lose their lives, with a further 48 left injured. The modus operandi appears to be similar to that of the 22 March Westminster Bridge-Parliament attack, in which the attacker indiscriminately mowed down pedestrians, before crashing the vehicle and taking to the street on foot, wielding blades.

The choice of weapon here is closely linked to the concept of the 'lone wolf', highlighted by this article. The author rightly argues that "(a) lone terrorist is far less likely to trigger an alarm or come under the police scanner". And even if the actions of these perpetrators are brought to the attention of the police, it's likely they are set aside because law enforcement authorities tend to focus on more tangible and immediate threats. Case in point: One of the terrorists involved in Saturday night's attack had twice been reported to the police in connection with his radicalisation. Similarly, Masood, who carried out the Westminster Bridge attack, had been "investigated in relation to concerns about violent extremism", according to Prime Minister Theresa May, but was a 'peripheral figure' in the present day's intelligence picture.

And in order to keep a low profile, knives and motor vehicles play an important role.

Unlike the US, firearms are very hard to come by for civilians in Western Europe, particularly in the UK. Knives, on the other hand, are freely available in all departmental stores and can be purchased without raising so much as an eyebrow. Unlike IEDs, self-destructing vests or even firearms, no training is required for how to cause pandemonium with knives. As for motor vehicles, training is provided by governments of all countries and ability is certified in the form of a driver's licence.

The common elements here are that both these tools create nearly as much fear and paranoia as an explosion in the vicinity, and the fact that neither knives nor vehicles require the sort of training that can only be provided in terror camps, which means that potential perpetrators can stay under the radar until they actually carry out the act. There's no travel history, no suspicious cash transactions and nothing linking them to terrorist entities. And this is aside from the fact that these tools are cost-effective for the terrorist and the organisation in whose name the act is being carried out.

New weapons of terrorism: Part two

Obviously, there is a very minuscule number of people who will get into motor vehicles and intentionally plough through a crowd of innocent civilians before setting upon them with machetes, in the absence of some sort of external stimulus. And that is where the third of these new weapons of terrorism  cameras  come in. The word 'camera' refers not only to the actual device, but to the entire process of documentation and propaganda-creation. Propaganda is by no means a new concept; it has existed for as long as human beings have been familiar with the written and spoken word. However, it's the speed with which today's propaganda is created, received, absorbed and executed that is the unique part.

Considering the availability of mobile phones with high-quality cameras, rapidly increasing internet speeds and the variety of social media websites on which videos can be published, the growing instances of self-radicalisation show that potential terrorists need not even leave their homes  never mind traipsing all the way to Muridke  to become beholden to a cause, no matter how misguided. And most extremist videos that go online tend to go viral in hours, demonstrating that there's a ready audience for this sort of content. All within a matter of hours.

This 'instant propaganda' then works in two ways.

First, it motivates, inspires and brainwashes some into carrying out violent acts for a cause they deem to be noble.

Second, it frightens others to view the world through this prism. In other words, wittingly or unwittingly, what this surfeit of knife and vehicle attacks has ensured is that every case of a 'hit-and-run' or a stabbing (perhaps even as part of a simple mugging) will be viewed as a potential terror strike. A case in point was the 25 July, 2016 incident in Reutlingen near Stuttgart, wherein a machete-wielding 21-year-old killed a pregnant woman in broad daylight. The local police eventually ruled out terrorism, but for the first few hours, it was believed that another terror attack was underway. And striking fear into the hearts and minds of the public at large is half the battle won for most terrorist groups like the Islamic State, much like Adebolajo said in his chilling words to the camera.

So what's the solution?

Should knives be sold after background checks? Should there be similar checks carried out for everyone who passes a driving test? Should the internet be subject to complete government surveillance?

None of these are the answer. Treating the symptom, in this case the low-intensity manner in which terror attacks are being carried out, has never been the solution. Unfortunately, when it comes to treating the disease, we're still a long way from discovering a cure. It's back to the drawing boards.
By Neil Jerome Morales and Tom Allard

| MARAWI CITY, Philippines

MARAWI CITY, Philippines Islamist militants who seized the Philippines town of Marawi two weeks ago have stockpiled weapons and food in mosques, tunnels and basements to prepare for a long siege, officials said on Monday.Among the several hundred militants linked to the Islamic State group are fighters from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Saudi Arabia, Chechnya and Morocco.The battle for Marawi City has raised concerns that the ultra-radical jihadist group is building a regional base on the island of Mindanao, at the southern end of the Philippines.Parrying questions on why the fighters had been able to resist the Philippine army for so long, senior officers said the main problem was that 500-600 civilians were still trapped in the urban heart of the town.President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday that Marawi City would be fully liberated within three days, but on Monday officials were more circumspect and gave conflicting estimates of how many combatants were holding out. Major General Carlito Galvez, head of the military command in Western Mindanao region, said as many as 200 fighters from the Maute militant group and others were still inside the town, and had prepared in advance for a long standoff."... the Maute, even if they fight two months, they will not starve here," he told a news conference about a kilometre from the fighting.

"There are underground tunnels and basements that even a 500-pounder cannot destroy."He said that, days before seizing the city of 200,000 people, the militants had placed supplies in mosques and madrasas, or Islamic religious schools. Although the Philippines is largely Christian, Marawi City is overwhelmingly Muslim. Fighting had erupted on May 23 after a bungled raid aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, whom Islamic State proclaimed as its "emir" of Southeast Asia last year after he pledged allegiance to the group. The U.S. State Department has offered a bounty of up to $5 million for his arrest.The military said on Monday that Duterte had offered a bounty of 10 million pesos ($200,000) to anyone who "neutralised" Hapilon, and 5 million pesos for each of the two leaders of the Maute group.

CIVILIANS TRAPPED

Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told a news conference that the militants now held less than 10 percent of the city, but that meeting Duterte's deadline was not easy. "Complications have been coming up: the continued use of civilians, potential hostages that may still be in their hands, the use of places of worship ... and other factors that complicate the battle because of its urban terrain," he said.Reuters correspondents saw military helicopters flying combat sorties over Marawi City and smoke rising from parts of town amid machinegun fire.

A four-hour ceasefire to evacuate residents was marred by gunfire on Sunday, leaving hundreds of civilians stuck in their homes. Padilla said that 1,467 civilians had been rescued so far, and that the 500-600 still trapped were low on food and water."There are places that we use as passageways to enemy territory - when we reach those areas, sometimes we see old people who are weak, cannot move on their own, because of lack of food," he said.A presidential spokesman said 120 militants had died in the battle, along with 38 security personnel. The authorities have put the civilian death toll at between 20 and 38.President Duterte, who launched a ruthless 'war on drugs' after coming to power a year ago, has said that the Marawi fighters were financed by drug lords in Mindanao, an island the size of South Korea that has suffered for decades from banditry and insurgencies.After the Marawi siege began, Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao, with support from allies in the Congress. On Monday, six opposition lawmakers challenged the move in a petition to the Supreme Court. ($1 = 49.4050 Philippine pesos) (Additional reporting by Karen Lema in MANILA; Writing by John Chalmers; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
India and Russia marked 70 years of diplomatic relations with a successful summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian president Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their "trust-based" special relationship and signed the St Petersburg Declaration. The St Petersburg Declaration lays out the road map for further deepening relations, with a greater focus on strengthening economic and energy ties.

Through the past seven decades, the bilateral relationship has grown into a special and privileged partnership. The two leaders had agreed, at their last meeting in Goa in October 2016, that 70 years of their diplomatic ties would be celebrated with a series of events in 2017.

Professor Arun Kumar Mohanty of Jawaharlal Nehru University recalls the events that led to India and Russia establishing diplomatic relations. "The British government was opposed to any closer links between India and the Soviet Union. Though Russia had opened a consulate in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1900, as a result of an agreement that allowed Britain to open a consulate in Tbilisi, the British leadership was not ready for formal ties with India," Mohanty said.

Britain and Russia had been the protagonists in the 'Great Game' of the 19th century, when both powers sought to thwart the other's ingress into Afghanistan and Central Asia.

In 1946, after coming out of jail, Jawaharlal Nehru had made a public statement that India would consider establishing diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union as it would be important for a neutral foreign policy. Though the British authorities were opposed to it, Nehru and the Congress Party were not willing to give up their plans. Nehru sought a way to contact the Russian leadership.

"Secret contact was established with Russian leaders in Paris," Mohanty said. Paris was the venue for the Paris Peace Conference, where the Allied powers were negotiating with the smaller Axis countries such as Italy and Bulgaria on peace treaties.

A Russian delegation was present in Paris for the conference. Nehru sent VK Krishna Menon to Paris with a letter. "Menon handed over the letter to the then Russian foreign minister Vyacheslav Molotov, who was quite enthusiastic about the proposal to establish diplomatic relations."

There had been some preliminary contact between the two sides in San Francisco, during the historic conference for the founding of the United Nations. India and the Soviet Union were represented by high-powered delegations. The Paris trip was planned in secret but British intelligence got to know that Menon had met Molotov.

Nehru had planned to go to Moscow in February 1947 but the British authorities scuttled the move. The question arose of how to complete the formalities of establishing diplomatic relations. About this time, Nehru learnt that Canada and the Soviet Union had established formal diplomatic relations through the exchange of protocols. Discussions were initiated with the Russian leadership through London and Nanjing (where the Chinese Nationalists government was located); the talks were coordinated by Menon in London.

Eventually, a two sentence protocol for establishing diplomatic relations was delivered by Indias Ambassador to China, KPS Menon, to the Soviet embassy in Nanjing. News of the exchange of protocols was published in Pravda on 13 April, 1947.

The British government was taken by surprise; it had not expected the process to move so fast. After establishing diplomatic ties, Indias interim government moved ahead, and one week before Independence, India opened its first diplomatic mission with the arrival of Vijaylakshmi Pandit as India's envoy in Moscow on 9 August, 1947. The Soviet leaders responded by welcoming the new envoy and arranging a good-sized building to house the Indian chancery in war-ravaged Moscow.

Relations between New Delhi and Moscow began on a cordial note but there were also some differences of opinion. Moscow appreciated the Indian stance on the Korean crisis and relations improved. Over the years, the bilateral ties strengthened till the two sides signed the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation in 1971 and by 2017, revitalised their ties to a special and privileged strategic partnership.
Islamabad: Pakistan government has decided to take the issue of joining the Saudi-led 41 nation military alliance to parliament, amid concerns among the policymakers that the alliance would create further sectarian divisions in the country.

In principle, Pakistan agreed to be part of the Islamic Military Alliance against Terrorism (IMAT) as it granted permission to its former army chief general (retd) Raheel Sharif to head the grouping. However, the extent of Pakistan's participation in the alliance has yet to be decided.

Saudi leadership used a recent Arab-US summit in Riyadh to target Iran, which has forced Pakistan authorities to tread a careful path.

There has been a realisation within the policymakers that the alliance would create further sectarian divisions, said officials familiar with the development.

Last week, prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz conceded before the senate that Riyadh conference had widened the sectarian divide in the Muslim world.

Pakistan was stuck between the "devil and the deep blue sea" meaning that neither it could say completely "No" to Saudi Arabia nor could afford antagonising neighbouring Iran, an official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

"So, we are trying to find a middle ground. We want to ensure a balance in our ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran," the official explained.

In order to achieve that difficult task, the official said, the government would present the terms of reference of the military alliance before parliament for approval.

The thinking behind this move is to use the leverage provided by parliament to set certain limits as far as Pakistans participation in the activities of Saudi-led military alliance is concerned.

The government has already made it clear that member countries are free to decide the activities they would want to become part of it in the alliance.

This, according to officials, has provided a room to the government to set clear guidelines.

Given the tricky situation facing Pakistan, the government has drawn certain red lines that seek to ensure that it does not become part of any initiative aimed at any other Muslim country.

"We cannot side with any party to create rift within the Muslim ummah (community). We don't want to align ourselves with any alliance which is against other countries because thats part of our policy," commented ruling party senator lieutenant general (retd) Abdul Qayum.

In 2015, the government took the Saudi request seeking Pakistani troops for its campaign in Yemen to parliament.

The national assembly and senate passed a unanimous resolution urging the government to stay away from the conflict involving other Muslim countries while at the same time reiterating full support to Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The move, however, caused an unusual strain in Pakistans ties with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.

Opposition parties  Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan People's Party  have insisted that the 10 April, 2015 joint resolution of parliament should serve as a guideline for the government.

The adviser assured that the government would seek rectification of parliament before taking a final decision on the Saudi-led military alliance.
Islamabad: 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 50 kilometre 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.
Washington: Days before a highly anticipated hearing, President Donald Trump appears unlikely to try and block fired FBI Director James Comey from testifying, as a Senate panel pledged aggressive questioning into whether the president sought to obstruct a probe into his campaign's relationship with Russia.

Comey, ousted last month amid the FBI investigation into possible Trump campaign ties to Russia, is set to testify Thursday, 8 June, before the Senate intelligence committee.

The public hearing is expected to shed light on his private conversations with Trump in the weeks before his dismissal, including one discussion in which Trump allegedly asked Comey to drop an investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn and his Russian contacts.

There's been no final decision as to whether Trump would invoke executive privilege, and the matter remains under discussion, according to two administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations.

Trump's known to change his mind on major issues.

Lawmakers from both parties urged Trump not to stand in the way of Comey's testimony. "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," said Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee.

He said invoking executive privilege would be on "shaky legal ground" and stressed that Comey deserved to have his "day in court" after repeated attacks by Trump and reports of undue pressure.

While acknowledging no "smoking gun at this point," Warner said he wants "to know what kind of pressure, appropriate, inappropriate, how many conversations he had with the president about this topic."

The Senate intelligence committee also has invited top spy and law enforcement officials to testify Wednesday at a hearing about the federal law governing foreign intelligence collection.

Warner said he intended to use that time to ask Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Admiral Mike Rogers about reports that Trump had urged them to say publicly there was no collusion between the Russians and the Trump campaign.
Gulf states on Monday cut diplomatic ties with neighbouring Qatar and kicked it out of a military coalition, less than a month after US president Donald Trump visited the region to cement ties with powerhouse Saudi Arabia.

In the region's most serious diplomatic crisis in years, Qatar's Gulf neighbours Riyadh, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Egypt all announced they were severing ties with gas-rich Qatar.

Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism," the official Saudi Press Agency said.

A Saudi official cited by SPA said Riyadh decided to "sever diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar, and to close all land, sea and aviation ports."

The "decisive" measure was due to the "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years," the Saudi statement said.

Many expatriate and Saudi travellers use Qatar as their gateway into the kingdom.

A Saudi-led coalition which for more than two years has been fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen separately announced Qatar was no longer welcome in the alliance.

In a statement, the coalition accused Qatar of "support to (terrorist) organisations in Yemen".

Qatar had assigned warplanes to the coalition conducting air strikes against Yemen's Huthi rebels.

Egypt's foreign ministry also accused Doha of supporting "terrorism" and announced the closure of its ports and airports to Qatari carriers.

'Shameful cybercrime'

Doha launched a probe into an alleged "hack" of state media after it said false and explosive remarks attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani were published on the Qatar News Agency website in May, 2017.

The stories quoted him questioning US hostility towards Iran, speaking of "tensions" between Doha and Washington, commenting on Hamas and speculating that Trump might not remain in power for long.

The alleged comments were made after Trump's visit to the region.

However, Doha has denied all the comments and said it had been the victim of a "shameful cybercrime".

Trump's visit to Riyadh  the first foreign stop of his young presidency  saw the two sides sign a "strategic vision" agreement to intensify ties in defence, economics and other areas.

Riyadh has embraced Trump's harder line against its rival Iran, with which it severed diplomatic relations in January last year.

In a Riyadh speech to Muslim leaders from around the world, Trump urged them to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists", as Sunni jihadists carry out attacks in many countries.

But he also singled out Shiite Iran for allegedly fuelling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror".

Qatar said it had also been the victim of a hostile media campaign, particularly in the US over the issue of its supposed support for Islamist groups.

Qatar has so far given no indication of where the alleged 24 May cyber attack originated.

But regional powers including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates used the comments to demonstrate that Qatar is out of line with Gulf foreign policy, especially regarding Iran.

Media organisations in several countries in the region reported the emir's comments as fact, despite an official denial by Qatar.

They also blocked Qatari broadcasters and websites following the alleged comments.

In a sign that the rift in Qatar's relations with its near neighbours was deepening, one Saudi newspaper reported that members of a prominent Saudi family had demanded that Qatar's state mosque, the Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque, be renamed.

The demand came amid questions over the Qatari royal family's link to Abdul Wahhab, co-founder of the Saudi state.

Some experts had feared the current situation could trigger a repeat of the crisis in 2014, when several Gulf countries recalled their ambassadors from Doha, ostensibly over its support for the Muslim Brotherhood.

Last week the Qatari emir travelled to Kuwait to meet Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in what was widely seen as an attempt at mediation by the Kuwaitis.

Qatar responds

Qatar slammed the decisions of three Gulf states to sever ties with it, saying they were "unjustified" and aimed to put Doha under political "guardianship".

"The measures are unjustified and are based on false and baseless claims," the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement, referring to the unprecedented steps taken by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

"The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state. This by itself is a violation of its (Qatar's) sovereignty as a state," it added.

The host of the football World Cup 2022 said it has been subjected to an "incitement campaign based on fabrications, which reflects an intention to harm Qatar".

Doha insisted the sanctions, which include the Gulf states severing air, land and sea links with Qatar, "will not affect the daily life of citizens and residents".

"The Qatari government will take all measures necessary... to foil attempts to affect or harm Qatar's society and economy," the statement said.

US reacts

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson on Monday called on Gulf states to stay united and work out their differences after several nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he said in Sydney.

"If there's any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said a news conference in Sydney that the rift will have no implications for the effort against the Islamic State group.

Flights suspended

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways said Monday it would suspend flights to Qatar after the United Arab Emirates was among major Gulf states to sever ties with Doha in an unprecedented regional diplomatic crisis.

Etihad said flights will stop on Tuesday, after the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours.

AFP has reported that Qatar Airways suspends all flights to Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from agencies
London: Marred by two terror attacks during the campaign, Britain's snap general election is set to go ahead on Thursday and will decide who shapes the United Kingdom's future as it leaves the European Union.

Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May, who came to power without a national vote last year after David Cameron's resignation, called the election three years early after just one year in charge.

Why is the election important?

The vote will determine who gets to negotiate Britain's departure from the EU over the next two years, and the strength of mandate that the government will have in parliament for five years.

Britain's new leader will also have to deal with the aftermath of a terror rampage in a night-life hub in London on Saturday night, the third Islamist attack in the country in less than three months.

Britain takes a leading role in global anti-terror efforts and is a key member of the US-led coalition bombing Islamist State group positions in Iraq and Syria.

It holds veto power at the United Nations, where it is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council along with China, France, Russia and the United States.

It is a NATO member with a nuclear weapons deterrent, the world's fifth-biggest economy by gross domestic product and a member of the G7 group of leading industrial powers and the wider G20.

How does the election work?

There are 650 constituencies across the UK, meaning 326 MPs are needed for an absolute majority in parliament's lower House of Commons.

May had a slim working majority of 17 at the dissolution of the last parliament and called the election in a bid to strengthen her position going into the Brexit talks.

Each constituency is won on a first-past-the-post basis, meaning the candidate with the most votes in that seat becomes its MP.

Despite the focus on the party leaders, voters are not directly choosing their prime minister, only their local MP.

A parliament is elected for a maximum of five years, meaning the next general election must be held by June 2022 at the latest.

Voting

The polls are open from 7 am (0600 GMT) until 10 pm (2100 GMT) on June 8.

British, Irish and Commonwealth residents aged 18 and over can vote, plus British citizens and Irish citizens from Northern Ireland living abroad who have been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years.

Citizens must register to vote and voting is not compulsory.

The options

The main parties across the whole of Britain are the Conservatives (centre-right), led by May, and Labour (left), led by Jeremy Corbyn, followed by the Liberal Democrats (centre-left), the UK Independence Party (populist) and the Greens (left).

The Scottish Nationalists (left), Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru (left) and four parties from Northern Ireland also won seats at the last general election in 2015.

Polls suggest the Conservatives are on course for victory. However, Labour might be able to form a government with backing from smaller left-wing parties.

The main issues are Brexit, terrorism, the state-run National Health Service, immigration and the economy, according to polls.

Some 3,303 candidates are standing. A 500 deposit is required to stand, which is refunded if candidates get five percent of the votes cast.

What happens afterwards?

The vote-counting begins immediately after the polls close and by dawn on 9 June the picture of who has won should be clear.

As soon as possible, the head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, asks the person most likely to command the confidence of the Commons to become prime minister and form and administration.

This will typically be the leader of the largest party and would happen only once the likely nature of the government is clear.

Parliament meets on June 13 to elect a new speaker and swear in MPs.

The state opening of parliament by Queen Elizabeth takes place on 19 June, when she will read out her government's programme for the coming parliamentary year.

The Brexit negotiations are also due to start in the week beginning 19 June.
Sydney: Top US and Australian officials on Sunday warned battle-hardened and angry foreign fighters may return to Southeast Asia from the Middle East and take up arms in their own countries. The warning follows this weekend's terror attacks in London, which were claimed by the Islamic State group, and amid a growing jihadist threat in the Philippines.

Islamic State fighters will "come back with battlefield skills, they'll come back with hardened ideology, they'll come back angry, frustrated, and we need to be very aware of that," Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne said.

She was speaking at the start of an Australia-US ministerial summit also attended by Pentagon chief Jim Mattis, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop.

Reacting to the London attacks, Mattis said: "We are united ... in our resolve, even against an enemy that thinks by hurting us, they can scare us. Well, we don't scare." US President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to "annihilate" Islamic State in a bid to prevent escaped foreign fighters from returning home as they lose ground in Iraq and Syria.

The move to encircle then kill as many jihadists in place as possible  rather than letting them exit a city and targeting them as they flee  reflects an increased urgency to stop them bringing their military expertise and ideology back to Western capitals and other areas.

Bishop told the Americans that the issue of countering terrorism would be high on the agenda at today's annual talks.

"The global terrorist threat is ever evolving, we've seen brutal attacks in a number of European cities, we've thwarted attacks here in Australia, and so we want to discuss with you the links back into the Middle East," she said.

Australian officials say they have prevented 12 terror attacks on home soil since 2014 with more than 60 people charged. In the Philippines, hundreds of civilians are trapped by fighting between the military and Islamist militants who have overrun the city of Marawi on the restive southern island of Mindanao. The US and Australian officials were scheduled to hold a press conference later on Monday.
Manila: The United States on Monday gave the Philippines hundreds of machine guns, pistols and grenade launchers, which a local commander said would be used against Islamist militants battling troops in a southern city.

The weapons, including machine guns capable of firing thousands of rounds a minute, were handed over at a ceremony in Manila that highlighted a decade-old American counter-terrorism assistance programme to the Philippines worth about $150 million.

"This equipment will enhance the (Philippine Marines') counter-terrorism capabilities, and help protect (troops) actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations in the southern Philippines," a US embassy statement said.

Philippine Marines chief Major General Emmanuel Salamat said at the ceremony troops would use the weapons in the ongoing battle against Islamist militants in the southern city of Marawi.

Militants flying black Islamic State group flags rampaged through Marawi nearly two weeks ago, triggering clashes with troops and police that have left at least 178 people dead.

In response to the violence, President Rodrigo Duterte quickly declared martial law in the southern region of Mindanao to quell what he said was a fast-growing threat from Islamic State there.

The Philippines and the United States have for decades been close allies, and they are bound by a 1951 mutual defence treaty to protect each other if attacked.

The United States is the Philippines' biggest supplier of military hardware and arms.

However Duterte, who took office in 2016, has sought to loosen the Philippines' ties with the United States while forging closer relations with China and Russia.

Duterte has called for the withdrawal of American troops from his country while scaling down joint military exercises in response to US criticism of his deadly war on drugs.

He has looked to China and Russia as new sources of weapons, and complained about the quality of "second-hand" American military hardware.

"I will not accept any more military equipment that is second hand. The ones the Americans are giving, I do not want that anymore," Duterte said on Friday.

The equipment turned over on Monday was all new, according to US officers at the ceremony.

It included four M134D Gatling-style machine guns, which are capable of firing thousands of rounds a minute, as well as 300 M4 assault rifles and 100 grenade launchers.
China and other nations must strengthen efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Monday, while also calling out Beijing over its South China Sea activities.

America's top diplomat, speaking after talks in Sydney, also gave a brief response to the unfolding crisis in the Gulf, where Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have all announced they are severing ties with gas-rich Qatar.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the United States has spent recent weeks trying to reassure allies it can maintain a tough line against China's "militarisation" of the South China Sea while at the same time seeking help from Beijing.

President Donald Trump  who frequently denounced China on the campaign trail  has turned to Beijing to help rein in ally North Korea's weapons programme, prompting concern among Asian allies that America might go easy on the South China Sea territorial dispute.

"We desire productive relationships," Tillerson said after annual discussions with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop in Sydney.

"But we cannot allow China to use its economic power to buy its way out of other problems, whether it's militarising islands in the South China Sea or failing to put appropriate pressure on North Korea."

He said China and other regional partners should "step up" efforts to help solve the North Korea situation, because it presents a threat to the "entire world."

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea despite partial counter-claims from Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

It has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.

Tillerson reiterated US and Australian commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea to "ensure unimpeded flow of lawful commerce in a rules-based order".

But reporters asked Tillerson if America was applying a double standard in telling countries to adhere to the international order while simultaneously pulling out of a trans-Pacific trade deal and the Paris climate accords  moves that prompted even longstanding allies to question whether America was retreating into isolationism.

"That's why we're here, that's why we travel to the region, thats why we engage with our counterparts," Tillerson said, standing alongside Pentagon chief Jim Mattis, Bishop and Australian defence minister Marise Payne.

We "travel to the region to meet with our counterparts and talk about all the issues that are important to them and hear from them concerns about where the (Trump) administration is positioned".

Responding to Tillerson's comments, China's foreign ministry urged "relevant countries" to support efforts by regional nations "to maintain peace and stability of the South China Sea, and play a constructive role in this regard rather than the opposite".

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying, speaking at a regular Beijing briefing, also cited China's "enormous efforts" to reach a peaceful settlement of the North Korea nuclear issue.

'Remain united'

Addressing the situation in the Gulf, Tillerson called on countries there to stay united and work out their differences.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he said.

"If there's any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."

Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour Qatar to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism", the official Saudi Press Agency said.

Tillerson and Mattis both said they did not anticipate any impact on efforts by a US-led coalition to battle the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

The coalition currently conducts much of its operational planning and coordination from Al-Udeid air base in Qatar.

"I am confident there will be no implications coming out of this diplomatic situation at all, and I say that based on the commitment that each of these nations... have made to this fight," Mattis said.

The US defense secretary blasted Iran for its "various destabilising efforts" in the region, referring to Iranian support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Tehran's involvement in the Yemen war.
Qatar: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Monday called on Gulf states to stay united and work out their differences after several nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he said in Sydney.

"If there's any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."

In the region's most serious diplomatic crisis in years, Qatar's Gulf neighbours Riyadh, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Egypt all announced they were severing ties with gas-rich Qatar.

Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism", the official Saudi Press Agency said. Earlier on Monday, UAE's Etihad announced that it would be suspending flights to Qatar.

A Saudi-led coalition which for more than two years has been fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen separately announced Qatar was no longer welcome in the alliance, accusing it of supporting terrorist organisations.

Qatar had assigned warplanes to the coalition conducting air strikes against Yemen's Huthi rebels.

Tillerson said despite the impasse, he did not expect it to have "any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism in the region or globally".

"All of those parties you mentioned have been quite unified in the fight against terrorism and the fight against Islamic State, and have expressed that most recently in the summit in Riyadh," he added.

Less than a month ago, US president Donald Trump visited the region to cement ties with powerhouse Saudi Arabia  the first foreign stop of his young presidency.

In a Riyadh speech to Muslim leaders from around the world, Trump urged them to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists", as Sunni jihadists carry out attacks in many countries.
Washington: Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has no knowledge of a reported pre-inauguration proposal by President Donald Trump's son in law and top aide Jared Kushner to set up a secret, bug-proof communications channel with the Kremlin.

In an interview aired Sunday on NBC, Putin again flatly denied US intelligence agencies' assessment that Russia meddled via hacking and other means in the US election to help Trump win. He said there may have been non-Russian hackers from anywhere that simply blamed Russia.

This charge  and even more damning suggestions that the Trump administration actually colluded in such an effort  are at the core of a high stakes probe by a US special counsel and congressional committees. Trump's most ardent critics are already talking of impeachment.

Putin also said he had no idea if the Russian ambassador to Washington had held contacts with the Trump campaign before the November election.

"I'm being honest. Do you think that from all over the world and the United States, the ambassador reports to me every day who he eats with or meets with," said Putin.

And Putin denied that Russia had any information on Trump to influence him.

"Well, this is just another load of nonsense. Where would we get this information from? Did we have a special relationship with him? We didn't have any relationship at all... Have you all lost your senses over there?" Putin asked.

The Washington Post has reported that in a New York meeting in December with the Russian ambassador to Washington, Sergei Kislyak, the 36 year old Kushner suggested setting up a back channel of communications with Moscow.

Putin, in the interview with journalist Megyn Kelly in St Petersburg, said: "I don't know about this proposal. No proposal like that came to me."

Putin said that, had there been a proposal and it were appealing to the Russians, his foreign minister would have told him.

"There wasn't anything to talk about," Putin said through an interpreter.

"For me, this is just amazing. You create a sensation out of nothing and out of this sensation, you turn it into a weapon of war against the current president. Well, this is, you know, you're just, you people are so creative over there. Good job. Your lives must be boring," said Putin.

Putin also said 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.

Putin minimized his contact with Flynn, who was fired by Trump in February after offering misleading descriptions of conversations he had had before the inauguration with ambassador Kislyak.

A routine meeting

Putin told 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 afterward 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. "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.

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. He quotes Trump as saying, "I hope you can let this go."
Russian president Vladimir Putin claims of having had 'limited interactions' with former United States National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, that were limited to a 2015 Moscow dinner, the media reported.

A widely circulated December 2015 photo shows the Putin and Flynn sitting next to each other at the dinner, celebrating Russian TV network RT.

"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 in an NBC News interview on Sunday night.

"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 Flynn."

Flynn was paid $45,000 to speak at the Moscow event, and was placed in the "seat of honour" next to Putin, according to sources.

The retired Lt General served as an adviser to Donald Trump's presidential campaign, and then served as his 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, reports NBC News.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now conducting an investigation into Russian attempts to interfere in the 2016 Presidential election, including whether there could have been any connection to associates of the Trump campaign.

In the interview, Putin claimed that "a child" could have hacked the United States election and alleged that Russia may have been framed.

Senior United States intelligence officials have also told NBC News that they believe Putin was personally involved in the alleged meddling and that he personally directed how hacked material was used to try to damage the Democrats.
If youve visited Google on Monday, chances are that you have stumbled upon the Google doodle.

A tree grows from the l in Google in an alteration of Googles symbol. If you click on the all-green Google symbol, you are taken to a page that says 'environment'. Renewable energy, air pollution sensors, tracking illegal fishing, ways to save energy are only some terms among thousands that are found on the page.

Todays Google doodle is dedicated to the environment; it celebrates World Environment Day, an important event cum fest that encourages people to move out and experience their environment with all their senses.

As per the World Environment Day website, the day can be remembered as peoples day for doing something to take care of the Earth or become an agent of change. It is a crucial day in the United Nations calendar in order to encourage worldwide awareness and action for environmental protection. Since it's inception in 1974, World Environment Day has grown and turned into a global platform for public outreach. Over 100 countries celebrate Environment Day. Individuals are free to contribute in their own way  small or big, in a group or individually.

A pressing environmental concern is generally chosen as the theme for the day. The theme for 2017 is 'connecting people to nature'. This year, the event will be hosted by Canada. The official website says that "the focus on the host country helps highlight the environmental challenges it faces, and supports the effort to address them."

Individuals can register their activities on the site so that others can participate in these activities. Registrations have been closed currently.

So how will you contribute to World Environment Day?

If you are from Mumbai, you might lament over the deplorable conditions of the beaches there. One simply could not walk without holding ones nose on these beaches. However, in recent years, several citizen groups have come together to clean up several beaches in Mumbai, including Chimbai, Juhu, and Versova among many others.

Citizens groups have organised clean-up drives and on World Environment Day they upped the ante by cleaning 160 tonnes of garbage from Versova beach. A report by The Times of India mentions that approximately 2,000 volunteers, including school children, turned up to remove filth from the beach.

Other than celebrating World Environment Day, World Ocean Day was also celebrated when India head of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Vijay Samnotra, and others contributed '100 coconut trees for a plantation drive along the beach.' A total of 1,000 bank employees volunteered to clean the beach, and they were joined by Class IX students of Mount Mary High School, Goregaon.

#WorldEnvironmentDay is the hashtag people are using to share a photo or video that matters most to them. #WithNature is also being used.

Happy World Environment Day!

An opportunity for all to connect with nature at a crucial time for people and planet. #WorldEnvironmentDay pic.twitter.com/r95o1PrgZW  Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) June 5, 2017

Happy #WorldEnvironmentDay to the first parts of the  celebrating! Get outside & share a  of your time #WithNature https://t.co/g8mJ0sNmxX pic.twitter.com/UenqBNkrLq  UN Environment (@UNEP) June 5, 2017

In Australia, an entire festival was organised on Sunday to commemorate World Environment Day. Known as the WED Festival, the one-day event is celebrating 38 years. The WED Festival involves band performances, food stalls, bars, events, speakers, and art installations.

Reminding citizens of the need for a greener environment, Bangkok City Hall was lighted in green, as per a tweet:

#Bangkok City Hall lighted green to remind citizens the need to protect our threatened environment #worldenvironmentday #withnature pic.twitter.com/4T6lURg4Im  UNEPAsiaPacific (@UNEPAsiaPacific) June 4, 2017

Kerala will witness plantation of saplings, when according to NDTV, the Students Federation of India (SFI) will plant five-lakh saplings across educational institutions to commemorate World Environment Day. Additionally, seminars and debates related to Environment Day will be conducted. Passing on a staunch message on climate change, UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres urged everyone that acting consciously is the smartest thing to do:

Climate action is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. pic.twitter.com/rYXa47LFra  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 1, 2017

DNA reported that Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Harsh Vardhan said that the true sentiment behind World Environment Day should not be limited only to a single day, but it should last till the next Environment Day and beyond.

He particularly emphasised the need to awaken Indians and to create positive energy. Furthermore, Vardhan urged people to 'use public transport more, use cycle, reduce the use of air-conditioners and work towards realising the vision of Swacchh Bharat.'

The depleting health of oceans will be discussed when the UN will be holding a conference on oceans from 5 to 9 June:

Besides conferences, clean-up drives, festivals, and many other events, World Environment Day is meant to do good for the planet in any way possible. With the planet's health diminishing, future generations might not be able to witness the fast-disappearing environment  marine or natural. Contributing to World Environment Day is simple  one simply 'answers the call of the wild.'
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On World Environment Day, which is observed on 5 June every year, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres urged everyone to ''cherish the planet that protect us''. In a video message, uploaded on YouTube, Guterres said, "Without a healthy environment we can't end poverty or build prosperity. We all have a role to play in protecting our only home."

In the 38-second video clip, Guterres appealed people to use less plastic, drive less and waste less food and asked to reconnect with nature. Watch the full video here:

Since its inception in 1972, World Environment Day has grown to become a global platform for positive environmental action and is celebrated in more than 100 counties across the world.

World Environment Day is organised around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern. The theme for 2017 is 'Connecting people to nature'. World Environment Day has a different global host country and this year's host is Canada, where the official celebration will take place.

"We can enjoy nature year-round, but World Environment Day is when the whole world comes together to celebrate our beautiful planet," said Erik Solheim, the head of UN Environment. "It reminds us of what a treasure nature is, and encourages us all to protect and appreciate our environment."
Cargill Asia Pacific

More than simply a food ingredients supplier, Cargill deeply understands our customers' strategies, consumers, distribution channels and competition. We deliver solutions that help the food industry and beverage manufacturers drive growth through new product innovation and reformulation. Cargill helps reduce costs through supply chain and manufacturing process efficiency and managing commodity price risk. Cargill helps our food industry and beverage manufacturing customers create unique products that fill product pipelines and reduce time-to-market by connecting our diverse food ingredients supplier capabilities  marketers, research scientist, application experts, risk managers and manufacturing process engineers  and seamlessly delivering these resources to customers. As a service and solution-oriented food ingredients supplier, our broad portfolio helps our customers address their food product development needs across the spectrum of applications and categories. Cargill helps our customers safely manufacture products every day around the world by reliably originating and distributing grain, oilseeds and other food ingredient commodities and by processing a diverse food ingredients supplier portfolio that spans core and specialty ingredients, ingredient systems and finished food systems.
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
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For Baby Boomer women, a late-life (or gray divorce) can take a significant financial toll on their retirement plans.

According to an Allianz Life study, more than six in 10 (64%) of divorced respondents said their split created a financial crisis for them, and nearly an equal amount (59%) noted that losing their spouse/significant other due to divorce was a real wake-up call for them from a financial standpoint.

Its clear that no matter how confident women feel about their current financial situation and ability to manage money, divorce can create turmoil that has lasting effects, said Allianz Life Senior Director of Consumer Insights Deb Repya. Its important that women play an active role in every aspect of their familys financial planning, so they are better prepared for whatever challenges the future may bring.

Mary Gurganus, founder and managing partner at Triangle Divorce Lawyers, discussed with Fox Business what you need to know to about the economics of divorce.

Boomer: What advice would you give women on how to prepare financially for a divorce?

Gurganus: Women over the age of 50 are the most influential, healthiest, wealthiest and most educated generation in history. There are three things a woman needs when facing a life changing event such as divorce.

First, establish a team of professionals to provide insight and opinions. An attorney explains her legal rights and responsibilities and identifies necessary documents and other information. An attorney designs a case plan to address safety concerns, child custody options, spousal and child support estimates, and property estimates. A counselor or therapist provides a healthy outlet to identify strategies to co-parent or to cope with emotions. A variety of other professionals such as a financial planner, accountant, realtor, insurance agent and mortgage broker move the client along in separating assets and establishing new accounts. A woman can utilize this team to work for her interests during and after a divorce.

Second, if there are children still at home, negotiating a child custody agreement before moving out may stop a contentious and expensive custody battle.

Finally, documents! Identifying the property of both spouses, including retirement, stock options and bank accounts, is essential to divide the assets and debts fairly. In order to prepare financially for a divorce, locating all valuable assets, titled property and debts is paramount. Once all property is identified and valued, the most beneficial division of property can be ascertained and used in negotiations and settlement, or subsequently in Court if necessary.

It is equally important to identify the monthly financial needs to determine alimony needs. Both spouses financial needs are taken into account and thus the other spouses expenses are also examined for accuracy. The historical expenditures also helps a woman determine whether she wants to remain in a family home or buy or rent a new place.

Boomer: How much does a divorce typically cost for Baby Boomer women?

Gurganus: For baby boomer women, the cost of the divorce varies greatly from a few thousand dollars to a six figure legal bill. In my experience, the more contentious the parties are about resolving their issues, the greater the legal fees. Typically, it is more expensive to pursue litigation than negotiate a separation agreement. However, it takes two reasonable people to sign a separation agreement and that may not be an option if emotions are high or assets are not disclosed. To minimize legal fees, the parties should, after understanding their legal rights, try to settle as many issues as they can together.

Boomer: What are some of the reasons given by women seeking a divorce after many years of being married?

Gurganus: Women who seek a divorce after a long marriage tell me several reasons they choose to divorce. A woman may have stayed in a marriage until the children graduated high school. Other times, it is a safety concern due to the other spouse drinking excessively or refusing treatment for a mental illness.

Sometimes there are safety issues that persisted through the marriage or started later, such as verbal or physical abuse. In some cases, one of the spouses has an affair and refuses to end that relationship.

Boomer: What are some of the biggest mistakes you have seen women make regarding divorce? What is your advice on ways to avoid them?

Gurganus: It is vital to obtain legal advice, even if representing herself. An experienced divorce lawyer will explain the process and make valuable suggestions to guide an unrepresented party, and is the lifeline if representing their client. Have an attorney review any documents before signing them. Also, it is essential to get financial documents as soon as a divorce becomes a possibility. Closely review the documents to identify and value all of the assets she may be entitled to. In addition, know her monthly financial needs and have access to enough money to survive until she can be heard in court.
The former head of the London Metals Exchange has launched an electronic trading platform for non-ferrous, or largely industrial, metals to compete with the 140-year-old exchange. The platform, called NFEx Markets, will run on a system designed by London-based startup Autilla and will begin trading in the first quarter of 2018. News of the development group's desire to create a competitor first hit in March. NFEx will be headed by a five-member team that includes Martin Abbott, who left the LME in 2013 after it was sold to Hong Kong Exchanges. "We anticipate NFEx Markets will increase cost-efficiency in the global base metals markets," said Mark Bradley, who will run the new platform, in a release. "This new trading platform will not replace or disturb current trading models but will be complementary to them," he said. The broad decline in LME trading volumes--it also includes electronic trading--have been widely reported. LME, the world's oldest exchange, also competes in certain metals-trading markets with New York-based COMEX, owned by CME Group .

Copyright  2017 MarketWatch, Inc.
The Trump administration is seeking permission to use seismic air guns to find oil and gas formations deep underneath the Atlantic Ocean floor, a reversal from the Obama administration that is outraging environmental groups and some East Coast lawmakers.

The National Marine Fisheries Service said Monday it is seeking permits under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for five companies to use air guns for seismic surveys in the mid-Atlantic, from Delaware to central Florida.

The air guns are so loud they can disturb or injure endangered whales and other marine mammals and increase the risk of calves being separated from their mothers. Environmental groups and many East Coast lawmakers oppose the surveys, complaining that air-gun noise can injure marine life and harm commercial fishing and tourism.

The oil and gas industry has pushed for the surveys, which would map potential drilling sites from Delaware to central Florida. No surveys have been conducted in the region for at least 30 years.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in April aimed at expanding drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, part of his promise to unleash the nation's energy reserves in an effort to reduce imports of foreign oil.

Under Trump's order, the Interior Department is reviewing applications by five energy companies that were rejected by the Obama administration.

In addition to providing data on potential sites for offshore oil and natural gas production, seismic surveys are also used to locate sites for offshore wind structures, pinpoint potential seafloor hazards and locate sand and gravel resources for beach restoration.

Data from seismic surveys also assists officials in determining fair market value of offshore resources.

More than 100 East Coast cities and towns, a range of commercial and recreational fishing groups and an alliance representing nearly 40,000 businesses have publicly opposed air-gun blasting.

"Seismic air guns create one of the loudest man-made sounds in the ocean," said Ingrid Biedron, a marine scientist at the environmental group Oceana. The air guns fire intense blasts of compressed air every 10 to 12 seconds, 24 hours a day, for weeks to months on end, she said.

The noise from these blasts is so loud that it can be heard up to 2,500 miles away  about the same distance as a flight from New York City to Los Angeles, Biedron said.

Industry groups counter that seismic surveys have been conducted in the U.S. and around the world for decades, with little adverse impacts.

"There has been no documented scientific evidence of noise from these surveys adversely affecting marine animal populations or coastal communities," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association.

Rick Baumann, owner of Murrells Inlet Seafood in South Carolina, called seismic blasting and offshore drilling "a real threat to our way of life and our ability to provide fresh seafood to the public."

The U.S. seafood industry "is struggling to survive," Baumann said on a conference call arranged by an environmental group. "We don't need our fishing stocks injured, damaged or killed."

The fisheries service said at a news conference that air-gun operations would include measures to monitor and mitigate any harm to marine mammals, including a requirement that observers board all vessels to alert operators if a protected species comes within a certain distance; acoustic monitoring to detect marine mammals beneath the ocean surface; and required shutdowns when sensitive species or animal groups are observed.

The agency will accept public comments on the proposed surveys through July 7.

___

Follow Matthew Daly: http://twitter.com/MatthewDalyWDC
U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said on Monday the United States would remain committed to the environment despite its decision to pull out of a 2015 global agreement to fight climate change, according to a Japanese trade ministry official.

Perry said the United States would continue its commitment to deal with climate change as the world leader in the development of next generation technology, during a meeting with Japanese Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko in Tokyo, the Japanese trade ministry official said.

Seko said he was sorry the United States had decided to pull out of the landmark Paris climate accord, but added that he was reassured after hearing Perry's comments on the environment, according to the trade official.

Perry and Seko also agreed that the two nations would continue working together in decommissioning the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which Perry visited on Sunday, the official said.

The two countries as well agreed to share information on Toshiba Corp and confirmed that issues involving the bankruptcy of Toshiba's U.S. unit Westinghouse Electric Co should not affect their cooperation in the nuclear sector.

The two officials also agreed to continue discussions on further cooperation in other energy areas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewables, the official said.

(Reporting by Osamu Tsukimori; Editing by Tom Hogue)
Tempers flared Sunday as opponents and supporters of President Trump faced off at dueling political rallies in Portland, Oregon.

The leader of Bikers for Trump, a band of pro-Trump motorcycle enthusiasts, said he witnessed anti-Trump demonstrators with knives and other weapons.

They [law enforcement] seized bricks that were broken in half that people were throwing into the crowd, bottles, they had fireworks, sling shots, pepper spray and big knives and machetes, Bikers for Trump founder Chris Cox told FOX Business Stuart Varney.

The motorcycle groups leader said the group's members were in Oregon's largest city as a defense force against the anti-Trump protesters who he said heavily outnumbered Trump supporters.

We are on the defensive. We are not on the offensive and we want to see that these Trump supporters are there and that they can assemble peacefully and they can express their feelings for Donald Trump, Cox said.

Cox explained that while his group was outnumbered by almost 15-to-1, Bikers for Trump were ready to stand their ground against protesters who infiltrated different groups and made their way into the crowds.

When they take a look at the guys that weve got standing there, on guard, ready to act and spring into action, they certainly werent going to stand up to our guys. They never do, he said.
In a first on FOX Business interview, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discussed why he supports President Trumps plan to privatize the nations air traffic control system.

This issue on substance should be a no-brainer. Number one, its about jobs and when it comes to aerospace and airlines in Texas, there are over a 130,000 jobs in Texas that depend on the airline industry and aerospace, he told FOX Business Neil Cavuto.

Cruz explained the benefits of modernizing the air traffic control system in the U.S.

By modernizing air traffic control, you know there are about 60 countries across the globe that have done this, what you see is cost going down, you see waiting times going down, you see increased safety, he said.

The former presidential candidate believes that Trumps air traffic control plan is a win-win for both Republicans and Democrats.

Not only do those of us who value jobs and lowering costs and increasing wages, not only is this idea supported by pro free market people, but also by folks who are on the left. Folks are very unhappy about the president pulling out of the Paris climate deal, they should be thrilled about the Presidents leadership today on air traffic modernization, he said.
In the wake of the fatal London terror attack Saturday night where police have detained nearly a dozen people connected to van and knife assaults that left 7 people dead and many more injured, President Donald Trump has renewed focus on his travel ban via Twitterand that could hurt his case in the courts, according to one of the lawyers challenging the executive order.

On Monday morning, Supreme Court litigator Neal Katyal reposted a series of Trumps tweets related to the ban and questioned whether it would be better to cede our 30 [minutes] at lectern to the [defendant] to make case for us.

@OmarJadwat &I are pretty gd attys.But query whether btr to cede our 30min at lectern to the deft to make case for us pic.twitter.com/Tc6PMzmYOs  Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) June 5, 2017

Earlier in the day Trump sent off a barrage of tweets related to the Justice Departments handling of the ban, which temporarily restricts immigration into the United States from a handful of predominantly Muslim countries identified by the Obama administration as places where proper vetting cannot occur. He not only expressed his displeasure with the watered down version of the executive order sent to the Supreme Court by the Justice Department, but also maintained that even without legal approval of the ban, extreme vetting is taking place within the country to keep Americans safe.

The president said he would continue to call it a travel ban despite efforts to rebrand it as a temporary pause or an executive order in light of the challenges the order has faced in both the public sphere and the legal system.

President Trumps sharp response to the terror attacks overseas did not stop with the travel ban Monday. He renewed criticism over the Mayor of Londons seemingly non-alarmist response to the attacks, calling it pathetic, while chastising the mainstream media for trying to defend it.

Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

The attacks pushed British Prime Minister Theresa May to vow to take firmer action to combat extremism on Sunday, saying, there is, to be frank, far too much tolerance of extremism in our country.

Seven people were killed during the attack Saturday evening in London, and at least 48 people were injured. Eleven suspects have been detained so far in connection with the events.
The United States has asked Canada to eliminate a new "underhanded" dairy-pricing class that has undercut sales by U.S. dairies to Canadian processors, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said on Monday.

Perdue was speaking to reporters after he met with Canadian Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay in Toronto.

Canada's dairy farmers last year struck a new pricing deal, known as Class 7, with processors including Saputo Inc and Parmalat Canada. Foreign industry groups said the deal priced domestic milk ingredients used to make cheese and yogurt below cost.

"I made it very clear that the Class 7 designation we felt was unfair, undercutting this (U.S.) industry that grew up south of the border," Perdue said. .".. The quick win would be to do away with Class 7 milk, which we think is a very unfair, underhanded circumvention of WTO (World Trade Organization)."

Perdue's comments come as the United States has signaled it wants to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico. They illustrate possible obstacles to a new deal, even as the United States and Mexico went into overtime on Monday on sugar trade talks.

In a statement, MacAulay said he and Perdue discussed "shared priorities."

Perdue said that Class 7, which took effect in February, enabled Canadian farmers to overproduce milk, contributing to depressed world prices. Canada protects its dairy sector from foreign competition with high tariffs on imports above a quota and controls domestic production to support prices.

Canada's dairy system drew criticism in April from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he would "stand up for our dairy farmers" against Canada's "unfair" practices. He did not give details about his concerns.

Perdue said he also raised concerns about how U.S. wheat is priced in Canada, and about how U.S. wines are displayed for sale in some provinces.

Under Canadian legislation, U.S. wheat automatically receives the lowest quality designation and price in Canada under the country's grading system. Perdue said the wheat-grading issue seems to be less of a concern to Canada and its farmers and could be resolved quickly.

Bilateral trade in agriculture and food was worth C$62 billion ($46 billion) in 2016, according to the Canadian government. ($1 = 1.3472 Canadian dollars)

(By Rod Nickel; Editing by James Dalgleish)
Former UK Parliament member John Browne said politicians are "largely to blame" for the recent terror attacks in the UK. Browne accused MPs of a "sort of Communist political correctness that has allowed mass immigration, he said during an appearance on the FOX Business Networks Mornings with Maria.

Even though terrorists have not yet used weapons of mass destruction, they have effectively used the UKs open door policy, Browne argued, as a weapon of mass immigration. Muslims, he said, are favored by the law.

You see statements by Britain on placards and demonstrations that if they were done by English people, the person would be in jail and punished very severely for hate crimes, he said.

He said Theresa May will win the next election and impose stricter and tighter policies.
Three stolen puppies are back home in Georgia after authorities chased two men fleeing with them down the interstate.

The Telegraph of Macon reports the Georgia Department of Public Safety says the men from South Carolina traveled Tuesday to Lamar County after a Yorkshire Terrier breeder posted an online advertisement for puppies. The department says in a Facebook post the men "forcefully stole" three puppies and headed toward South Carolina on Interstate 20.

A Morgan County sheriff's deputy spotted and started chasing the suspects' Mercedes near Madison, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) from the breeder's home, and was joined by a Georgia State Patrol trooper, who rammed the car and forced it to stop.

Both men were arrested, but no further details have been released.

IOWA POLICE CATCH SPEEDER GOING 144 MPH
Could that ice cold can of Budweiser beer be a fake?

A small Chinese factory in the Southeastern city of Dongguan was busted earlier this month for making counterfeit cans of Budweiser beer, The Daily Meal reports.

The underground operation, which has since been shut down by authorities, was caught on video. The footage shows factory workers dunking used Budweiser cans into a tub of what appears to be beer. The cans are then sent down a conveyor belt where they appear to be resealed. At the end of the video, crates of the beer are packaged and prepared to be shipped.

BUDWEISER BRINGS BACK 'AMERICA' BOTTLES TO SUPPORT US ARMED FORCES

The factory was producing up to 600,000 cans of counterfeit beer a month, which were distributed to bars and nightclubs, according to Shanghaiist.

The Daily Meal reached out to Anheuser-Busch, which owns Budweiser. A representative for the beer maker released the following statement:

Every drop of Budweiser consumed in America is brewed in America at one of our 12 U.S. breweries. The video that has been circulating on some social networks is from a small-scale counterfeit operator in China. We have been working with local authorities to shut it down immediately.

Anheuser-Busch also offered advice to consumers on how to spot a counterfeit product.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Budweiser takes great care in every detail of its product and packaging. Cheap counterfeits have telltale signs that they are fakes such as imperfect seals, improper date coding, product name and text that have errors, and poor quality packaging and graphics.

Anheuser-Busch currently operates 14 breweries in China.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is one of the greatest drivers to sit behind the wheel of a stock car. But when it comes to making palatable sandwiches, hes laps behind everyone else  at least according to "Hell's Kitchen" star and award-winning restaurateur Gordon Ramsay.

Ramsay turned up at Delawares Dover International Speedway on Sunday to film scenes for an upcoming episode of his new Fox series The F Word, and later to serve as the grand marshal of the annual AAA 440 Drive for Autism.

But while he was there, Ramsay  who is also well-known for roasting his Twitter followers for their poor culinary skills  was asked to give his thoughts on Dale Earnhardt Jrs favorite sandwich of all time: banana and mayonnaise on white bread.

GORDON RAMSAY BLASTS PEOPLE ON TWITTER FOR THEIR ATROCIOUS COOKING

Needless to say, he was not impressed.

Wow. That would give me (a not-too-pleasant gastrointestinal situation) for three weeks, Ramsay told NASCAR.com about the dish, which has since become known as the Dalewich after Earnhardt posted a picture of one on his Twitter feed in April 2016.

Throw it away and start again, added Ramsay. I would not be eating (expletive) banana and mayonnaise, no. Whatever Muppet put those two together needs to clean their core.

Dale Jr. needs to call me.

In recent months, the Masterchef judge has made something of a habit of trashing strangers attempts at cooking, sometimes likening their dishes to vomit, or just plain chastising them for making an idiot sandwich.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

In fairness, though, Ramsay did offer a few suggestions for revving up Dale Earnhardt Jr.s Dalewich by subbing out the mayo for creme fraiche.

Mashed banana, creme fraiche, little touch of vanilla. Id take that thing to the Premier League, he told NASCAR.com.

During his visit to the Monster Mile, Ramsay also chatted with Danica Patrick about their shared distaste for English breakfasts, and he whipped up a crab omelet for the crew of the Stewart-Haas Racing team, the Associated Press reports.

Ramsays segments from the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. are scheduled to air during this Wednesdays episode of The F Word at 9/8c on FOX.
Ohio police officers are taking added precautions while on patrol as they try to save others overdosing on opioids.

East Liverpool Officer Chris Green almost died on the job last month after accidentally overdosing on fentanyl because of exposure on the job. Green told Fox News he noticed drugs in a suspects vehicle during a routine traffic stop then took the necessary precautions when directly dealing with the substance.

A colleague back at the police station later pointed out powdery particles on Greens shirt. Green wiped it off, then he collapsed.

He was briefly hospitalized and treated before being released.

1-YEAR-OLD REVIVED WITH NARCAN AFTER OPIOID OVERDOSE, POLICE SAY

Green is not the only one. Many police officers are interacting with opioids like fentanyl more today than they did years ago, and despite precautions taken, their exposure while on the job can result in accidental overdoses.

Ohio led the nation in opioid overdose deaths in 2015, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Soon after Greens overdose, a Maryland sheriffs office corporal overdosed after searching a drawer at an overdose call and another Ohio officer said he felt light-headed after touching what police believe was fentanyl.

It is possible to overdose on opioids like fentanyl by simply touching the drug, or by accidentally taking in particles that are nearly impossible to see, Michael Lynch, medicial director of Pittsburgh Poison Center, told Fox News.

"Any situation where the drug would...come into contact with your mouth, nose or eye mucosa would be a situation where you might be concerned about exposure, Lynch said, adding that it is not common.

DAD OVERDOSES ON HEROIN TO TEACH HIS ADDICT SON A LESSON

Green believes his overdose may have come from infiltration of the drug into his skin, noting that he had just removed his gloves and his hands were sweaty. Lynch told Fox News that its possible.

Officers or first responders potentially could be in situations where theyre sweating where...it is possible to absorb more of the fentanyl as it is sort of dissolved in the sweat and exposed to skin that becomes more permeable, Lynch said.

Green said he felt alert after receiving four doses of Narcan.

Lynch thinks it may be harder to revive officers from an overdose in the future as drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil become stronger.

"Were hearing anecdotal reports of larger and larger amounts of Narcan being needed to reverse it. Lynch told Fox News.

And while there is no clear indication of a future solution for this opioid overdose epidemic, Green said he fears for his colleagues.

I pray every day that Im the last one, he said. Theres no way that Im the last one.
Along with being an actress and massage therapist, I've been a professional cuddler for about two and a half years. Last May, I joined Cuddlist.com, a professional cuddling service.

Doing this work has been such a heart-opening experience for me. I'm amazed at how quickly and easily human beings can bond. Usually, the only cuddling you get as an adult comes after you enter into an intimate relationship. Most of us only experience cuddling outside of a relationship when we're childrenthat's if you have affectionate parents. Sure, you might bond with your hairdresser and your massage therapist, but the bond with your cuddler is just another level of raw, human interaction.

By cuddling, we're admitting we're human and we have this basic, genetic need for touch. It's a characteristic of our DNAwe live in groups; we need each other. Cuddling makes us feel very safe and close. It's fascinating that this sense of safety and closeness can happen so quickly. My sessions usually last 90 minutes to two hours, but within minutes part of your brain steps out and you're nurturing each other and being quiet and close. It's really neat.

I first got into this business after I went to a group cuddle party with Cuddlist founder, Adam Lippin. When I started thinking about joining, I told my husband that if he didn't want me to become a professional cuddler, I wouldn't. He was a little wary, and I wanted him to come to a cuddle party so he could see that it wasn't sexual. He laughed and said that wouldn't be necessary. Luckily, I'm in a relationship with someone who loves to cuddle, because "I'm part barnacle, part golden retriever," to quote Eat Pray Love. So that works out for us.

MORE: 7 Things You Can Do Right Before Sex To Boost Your Bond

Initially, I was worried about the potential for danger, so I thought I would stick to strictly female clients. That made sense to me, because I wouldn't have to worry about men thinking I was a prostitute. But Cuddlist co-founder and director of training, Madelon Guinazzo, is very firm that their cuddlers are not allowed to discriminate on grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. So that gave me pause, but I have a background in counseling, so I make sure to talk to each new client on the phone for about a half hour. I can weed out anyone who might be inappropriate.

Here's what a typical week is like for me:

Monday

Since I spend the weekends in Connecticut with my husband, I generally arrive back at my Upper West Side apartment late morning/early afternoon and start work soon after.

On a typical day I might see two massage clients and one cuddle client, but since this is an abbreviated day, I only see my cuddle client. Today it's a standing appointment with an elderly Hasidic Jewish man, who had originally just come to me for massage. Before he arrives, I shower, change into my "work" pajamas, and put on a clean pair of socks. I put a pillow with a clean pillowcase on the couch. (Make your bedroom as cozy as a cuddle party with these simple tricks.)

Since he's an established client, I know what he prefers. We start with the spoon position, with me taking the outer position. There isn't much talking with him, but sometimes he weeps. I feel for himhe's so deprived of touch. He started off nervous that someone would see him come into my apartment or that I would blackmail him, since people in his community aren't allowed to even shake hands with someone of the opposite sex (unless you're married to that person). He's since become a regular client, and I even talked him into coming to a cuddle party once!

MORE: The 6 Biggest Problems Sex Therapists HearSolved

Tuesday

Most of my clients are regularssome come twice a week, but most come once a week or once every other week, and the breakdown is about 80% male, 20% female. Today I have a new client that I've screened over the phone but have never met. I'm certified as a school psychologist and I've been a massage therapist for 17 years, so within five minutes or less, I can tell if I'm dealing with someone who I have to keep my antennae up with. If my gut tells me no, I listen. (Be careful! Sometimes your intuition can be wrong.)

This morning I have an 8:30 AM client. I greet him at the door and he goes into the bathroom to change into his cuddle outfit. I don't allow street clothes for sessions and everyone puts on clean socks. I normally greet clients with a long hug, but since I've never met this gentleman, I don't. We go over the rules and our pet peeves. For example, I don't like anyone's hands on my face, nor do I care for a spidery touch. They tell me how they prefer to be touched and let me know about any injuries or issues.

I generally let the client lead the session. Some people know exactly what position they want, while others are uncertain. So we talk for a while and I ask him to close his eyes, think of the word "cuddle," and tell me about the images that come to mind. He lays down on the sofa and I put my head on his shoulder as he requested. One thing I insist on is that we make a promise of self-care. So if either of us has, say, a limb going numb, we tell the other person so we can shift positions.

Wednesday

Today I have back-to-back massage clients, followed by an acting gig. (An hour on the massage table reveals a lot more about your health than you may think.)

Thursday

My first client today is a young woman who had been horribly abused. Her therapist told her she needed to start experimenting with safe touch, and cuddling with another woman seemed like a non-threatening way to do it. But even before we start, I sense it's just too soon for her. She doesn't want to be touched anywhere between her neck and her thighs, which is basically her entire body. She also needs to be able to see a window at all times. (Four out of every 10 people have been emotionally abused by a partner at some point.)

She reminds me of some of my combat veteran clients who suffer with PTSD. I give them a $20 discount (I normally charge $80 an hour) and hope to find more of these brave soldiers, because I've seen how much healing touch can help them.

After the young woman leaves, I get an extra pillow for my next client, who has Asperger's syndrome. He likes us to each have our own pillow. This particular person likes to start sitting up on the couch with me facing him and hugging him. Then we lay on the couch with him on the outside and me on the inside. Then we sit up and sit across from each other, cross-legged and look at each other. Because rules make him comfortable, we have to do it the same time every time.

He's also one of the few clients who always books several sessions in advance, because he gets agitated if he doesn't know when we're going to meet next.

Friday

After a massage session, one of my married clients comes to see me. He's perfectly happy in his marriage, but he loves to cuddle and doesn't know how to talk about it with his wife. (Here's how you can tell if your marriage is just sexless or if it's loveless.) I wouldn't make the same choices, but I don't interfere because that's his relationship. Once he leaves, I check the train schedule and run out the door to spend the weekend with my husband.

First published on Prevention.com
Editors Note: Sunday marked the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, which took place June 4-7, 1942.

It was one of those military encounters that could easily have gone either way. The turning point played out over a few minutes in the North Pacific near a tiny coral atoll named Midway. This decisive naval battle 75 years ago not only changed the course of World War II, but also established the aircraft carrier as the principal strategic weapon of the United States Navy.

Midway wasnt much of a place. Two tiny islands crisscrossed by airstrips totaled barely 1,500 acres on the edge of a lagoon circled by a jagged reef. But in 1942, Midway may have been the most heavily defended acreage in the Pacific.

Six months after Pearl Harbor, intelligence garnered by Allied code breakers discerned three possible Japanese offensives in the Pacific: an invasion of Alaskas Aleutian Islands to cover Japans northern flank; a thrust into the Southwest Pacific to sever West Coast-to-Australia supply lines; and a strike toward Hawaii to extend Japans defensive perimeter by seizing Midway and in the process destroying what remained of the American fleet. Based on canny analysis, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, commander in chief of the US Pacific Fleet, judged the latter the most likely.

Midway wasnt much of a place. Two tiny islands crisscrossed by airstrips totaled barely 1,500 acres on the edge of a lagoon circled by a jagged reef. But in 1942, Midway may have been the most heavily defended acreage in the Pacific. After Admiral Nimitz flew 1,100 miles from Pearl Harbor to inspect its defenses, he left with a sense that the island could be heldif he could find the approaching Japanese fleet. Nimitz chose to marshal his three remaining aircraft carriers, one badly mauled just weeks before, together into one powerful offensive forcesomething that had not been done beforeand wait for an opportunity to pounce.

Intercepting Admiral Isoroku Yamamotos armada in an expanse of ocean would not be easy, particularly given changing weather conditions and the limitations of aerial reconnaissance. Yamamoto deployed 162 ships in support of the Midway operation: a strike force of the aircraft carriers, Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, and Hiryu; an occupation force in twelve transports; and Yamamotos main battleships and cruisers. Finally, there was a northern force of two carriers, cruisers, and transports, sailing toward Alaska.

Under Nimitzs orders, Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance departed Pearl Harbor on May 28 with the carriers Enterprise and Hornet. Two days later, after a frenzied three-day effort to repair battle damage from Coral Sea, Yorktown followed, flying Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletchers flag. Fletcher would assume overall command when the two forces joined up northeast of Midway at a point Nimitz optimistically called Point Luck.

Yamamoto planned to attack the Aleutians and Midway simultaneously on June 3 in a double-fisted punch designed to lure the American fleet into one pitched battle whether it steamed north to rescue the Aleutians or west to support Midway. But as Enterprise, Hornet, and Yorktown lurked near Point Luck, Nimitz refused to take the Aleutians bait even after the Japanese attack on Midway fell a day behind. On the morning of June 4, his patience was rewarded.

Search planes found the four Japanese carriers. Fletcher ordered strikes from Enterprise and Hornet, but the American fliers scored no hits. Japanese fighter defenses were formidable. One squadron of aging Douglas TBD Devastator torpedo bombers launched from Hornet lost all fifteen of its planes and their crews except for one pilot who ditched and was rescued.

Four Japanese carriers that had made the attack on Pearl Harbor and 257 of their planes, along with thousands of men, were sunk or sinking. Stunned at the loss of his air superiority, Admiral Yamamoto turned his battle force around.

Long minutes later, the moment of luck occurred for the Americans. Squadrons from Enterprise and Yorktown found the Japanese carriers at the very moment their planes were on deck refueling and re-arming after strikes against Midway. In seconds, three of the carriers were in flames. Dive-bombers from the surviving Hiryu took off and pummeled Yorktown, but by late afternoon a squadron from the Enterprise and surviving planes from Yorktown sank the Hiryu.

When the sun set in the North Pacific on June 4, 1942, Yorktown was crippled for good, but four Japanese carriers that had made the attack on Pearl Harbor and 257 of their planes, along with thousands of men, were sunk or sinking. Stunned at the loss of his air superiority, Admiral Yamamoto turned his battle force around. Midway would remain in American hands, but there was much more.

The Battle of Midway, Nimitzs boss, Admiral Ernest J. King, proclaimed, put an end to the long period of Japanese offensive action and restored the balance of naval power in the Pacific. Midway was, as historian Walter Lord characterized it, an incredible victory for the United States. Nimitz reiterated the goal of defeating Japan, but couldnt resist injecting a pun into his battle report. Perhaps, he wrote, we will be forgiven if we claim that we are about midway to that objective.
If sunlight is the best disinfectant, then CNN and MSNBC are being hit by a supernova. In just a few short weeks, the networks have suffered several high-profile embarrassments as their on-air talent battle over who can hate President Trump in the most idiotic way possible. In the midst of combat, HBOs Bill Maher tried to put them both to shame.

So far, CNN is still winning, but thats hardly a distinction. More CNN staffers have done more certifiably insane things than those at MSNBC recently. Theyve got it all -- threats of violence, obscene attacks on the president and even a poop comment. Whats amazing is the ever-reliable Don Lemon didnt even do any of it. (Even the left knows Lemon is a tool.)

The highest-profile incident came when annual employee Kathy Griffins career became as radioactive as Chernobyl. The former D List actress pretended to decapitate the president and did her best ISIS impersonation holding a bloody Trump head in her hand. It took the CNN brain trust a day to fire her. Then she made it all worse with a demented press conference where she blamed Trump. Of course.

CNNs quasi-resident cannibal (No, Im really not joking.) Reza Aslan apparently is still in a failed quest for brains. (He did a six-part show on the network and his bio still calls him a host.) He went nuts so bad after Trump comments on the latest UK terror attack that he called Trump a piece of sh*t. Then he apparently wished death on a congressman, writing: Any chance God could take care of Tim Walberg first? according to Red State.

CNN counterterrorism analyst Philip Mudd continued in that theme, wishing violence on a member of Congress -- of course, a Republican. He whined that South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy "ought to have his ass kicked" for asking about evidence of collusion with Russia.

And host Anderson Cooper made a presidential poop comment that he ended up apologizing for. Cooper was angry with Trump supporter Jeffrey Lord's defenses of Trump, even though thats why hes on CNN. Cooper was unhappy his constant interruptions werent fazing Lord and added, "if he took a dump on his desk, you would defend it."

Things were better at MSNBC, but thats not saying much. Anchor Thomas Roberts actually asked a guest if Trump is trying to provoke a domestic terrorist attack. Because he was being not PC about this. Moronic? Yes. PC? No.

Katy Tur said Trumps infamous covfefe typo made her fear someone would hack the presidents Twitter account and cause nuclear war. This kept me up last night! I was up until 2 in the morning wondering when this tweet was going to go away, she whimpered.

Then theres Joe Scarborough  the former Republican congressman who owes his millions to the folks who hate the right. Both he and his cohost/fiancee went back to the pooping maturity of Anderson Cooper. Scarborough claimed Trumps covfefe is like somebody pooping their pants and then people looking at it and saying that's modern art.

Even though HBO isnt a news network, Real Time host Bill Maher finally went too far for liberals. It was if Maher looked at all of the stupidity on CNN and MSNBC and decided to live a popular meme, saying, I got this. Maher interviewed Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse, and Sasse said Halloween isnt big in the Cornhusker State. That pleased Maher. I've got to get to Nebraska more," he responded.

Sasse answered like any politician from a farming state, replying, We'd love to have you work in the fields with us." To which Maher responded, seeking the punchline: Work in the fields?" He shook his head and then raised his hands, as if to say, Stop! adding, Senator, I'm a house [N-word].

Unsurprisingly, this has gotten Maher in trouble, especially since its not the first time, or even the most ridiculous thing hes done. Hes even dropped the N word back in 2010, along with calling Tea Party people teabaggers, which is sexual and offensive. Then theres calling Sarah Palin a c**t and her son Trig a retard. But those were OK because he was attacking conservatives.

This is only a few months into the Trump administration. At this rate, CNN and MSNBC will destroy their careers worse than in the rumble from Anchorman by the time Trump enters his second year. Only that wont be a comedy, it will just be a tragedy.

Dan Gainor is the vice president for Business and Culture at the Media Research Center. He can be followed @dangainor on Twitter.
CNN host Reza Aslan called President Trump a piece of s**t this weekend on Twitter, after Trump tweeted this about the London Bridge 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!

Just days before, Kathy Griffin stepped in it. Really stepped in it. CNN dropped her contract, Route 66 Casino Hotel in New Mexico canceled next months appearance, and Squatty Potty flushed her, though she wasnt even their spokesperson! Her photographer shielded the photo as art. Others defended her, indirectly, by insinuating that she doesnt speak for everyone on the left.

No, of course not everyone. But certainly some. Very. Angry. People.

Last month comedian Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show on CBS graphically accused Trump of a vulgar sexual relationship with Putin, as part of his opening comedy routine.

Bill Maher just used the n-word during a live interview on HBO, ironically in a discussion about the failure by todays adults to grow up. (He later apologized.)

Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross established the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Denial is well represented by the myriad #resist Trump efforts.

Now we are witnessing the second stage, anger. The Left are like drunks at a funeral, stumbling around, mumbling incoherently, then suddenly baring their true, nasty selves. Lock up the cutlery.

Insincere apology aside, Kathy Griffin posed as the newest ISIS recruit, holding our presidents severed head, pretending it was funny. (Im a comic.)

It wasnt, and she knows it, as she told photographer Tyler Shields, We have to move to Mexico today cause were gonna go to prison, federal prison. The other TV stars issued equally vapid apologies, like little children saying (but not meaning) sorry, for throwing sand in a younger childs face.

The impotent, infantile leftists are angry that Donald Trump is president.

In an interview with Hillary Clinton, Christian Amanpour said, . . . your supporters are sad, theyre devastated, theyre disappointed and some are angry.

Ya think?

An entire team of people participated in the Griffin photo, willingly. They considered it statement-making. An entire team worked on Colberts monolog. When children get angry, they throw tantrums. The California Democratic Party chanted, F*** Trump at their recent convention.

To the juvenile Left, operating more on feelings than on fact, lashing out in anger is understandable and even laudable. Griffin tearfully asserted she would never want to hurt anyone, after calling Trump a fool and a bully and depicting his severed head.

Isnt that hypocritical?

Answer: not to the Left. Trump is so hated by the angry Left that neither he nor his supporters qualify as anyone. My impression is theyve mobilized their army or their bots or whatever they do, said Griffin.

Clinton also blames her election loss on a thousand Russian agents [and] connected to the bots, which are just out of control." (Authors own italics.)

Bot is the new vernacular for non-leftist, or any opposition. A bot is distinctly non-human. Thats why the IRS targeting of Tea Party groups was never seriously considered a real thing, and Obama airily commented on an on-going investigation, Not even a smidgen of corruption.

Non-human bots lack rights. Lisa Bloom, Kathy Griffins lawyer, insists that the offensive photo simply represents Kathys freedom of speech, while suing the president and his family for tweeting about it. Again, no hypocrisy here.

Unrepentant, photographer Terry Shields remarked, nobodys killed me for this image so its not that bad.

Wow.

Getting killed is not a yardstick for decent people. There exists a vast chasm between traditional principles and the values of the Left.

America cherishes freedom and respects all human life because of our Judeo-Christian heritage. These God-given moral laws are an inherited legacy  a gift  that many other nations and political ideologies do not all share, one which we are squandering.

Without objective morality, ISIS beheadings are simply survival of the fittest in superb triumph, and using racial epithets and calling the president vulgar things is perfectly reasonable.

Expect the rationalization and justification for misbehavior to follow. Madonna can suggest blowing up the White House, because, well, theyre not real people!

If Aslan, who ate part of a human brain on his CNN show, crossed a line, its only because the juvenile Left does not recognize one. Griffin figured it was like Obamas red line in Syria (and her photo was a gas.)

Hillary Clinton seems stuck in Kuebler-Ross style denial, saying last weekend, I take full responsibility for every decision I made, but thats not why I lost, but her comments enraged the DNC, according to The New York Post. Andrew Therriault, their director of data science, tweeted fking bullst in response to Clintons comments.

Democrats incensed anger leads them to speak in vulgarity. They may retract statements, or apologize for misbehavior, but fundamentally, they deny the very humanity of their opposition.

Another night of long knives may not be far off.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote that a judge should extinguish all politics in public comments when elevated to the Bench.

Because Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg failed to heed those words, she should disqualify herself from the U.S. Supreme Courts review of President Trumps revised travel ban.

In a series of interviews last July, she leveled disparaging comments about then-candidate Trump that were stunning and unprecedented for a sitting high court justice.

In interviews with the Associated Press and the New York Times she remarked, I cant imagine what the country would be with Donald Trump as our president. For the country, it could be four years. For the court, it could be I dont even want to contemplate that. Then she added that her husband would have declared, Now its time for us to move to New Zealand.

Days later, in a CNN interview, she said of candidate Trump, He is a faker. He has no consistency about him. He says whatever comes into his head at the moment. He really has an ego. How has he gotten away with not turning over his tax returns?

Those words reflect a clear bias, if not personal animus, toward the man who would go on to become president. Her public comments were not only injudicious, but reckless  especially given that Trump was about to win the Republican nomination days later and stood a chance of becoming the next president.

Every justice knows that legal disputes involving the president and his decisions or orders will inevitably make their way to the Supreme Court.

The Federal Statute

The rules demanding disqualification are set forth very clearly by federal statute, 28 USC 455:

Any justiceshall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned. He shall also disqualify himselfwhere he has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party.

The laws application to the case at hand is straight forward. Is there any doubt that Ginsburgs comments demonstrate a personal bias or prejudice against President Trump? Indeed, they show an outright hostility.

How can she possibly be fair or, equally important, be perceived by the public as fair? She cannot. The appearance of partiality is just as damning to the fair administration of justice as any genuine personal bias.

Moreover, the language of the statute is mandatory: Any Justice shall disqualify him or herself. Ginsburg has no choice but to step aside from the case. Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz has taken it further to say she should recuse herself from all court cases involving President Trump.

Would Recusal Impact The Case?

Without Ginsburg, the Supreme Court would be left with three so-called liberal justices versus four conservatives. But the more moderate Anthony Kennedy is sometimes the swing justice, so there is no telling how he might cast his vote. If he were to side with the liberal faction, the result would be a 4-4 tie. That would leave in place the lower courts decision striking down the ban, although the issues are still being litigated in the appellate courts.

However, there is ample reason to uphold the ban. The Supreme Court has never relied on campaign rhetoric in deciding a case, as the lower courts did. Why? Because it is beyond the authority of judges. Their duty is to examine what is in the executive order itself and determine whether it violates the Constitution.

Campaign rhetoric is subject to change depending on how the political winds blow. Candidates routinely alter their positions or even reverse their policies during the course of an election. Such rhetoric is no more reliable than the weather.

The order itself states valid reasons for the ban. The six identified countries do nothing to assist the U.S. to screen or verify the background of applicants, and those nations pose serious terror threats that jeopardize U.S. national security.

It is hard to argue that President Trumps true purpose is to discriminate against Muslims. Of the top ten countries with the largest Muslim populations, only one country, Iran, is on the banned list.

If Americans are to have confidence that their nations highest justices adhere to the highest standards, then ethics cannot be something of mere convenience. Judicial integrity must have meaning and certitude. Decisions must be free of doubt that cases are heard fairly and impartially. Antipathy toward a party is an unconscionable breach.

The noble traditions of the Supreme Court will be compromised should Ruth Bader Ginsburg decide she is above the law and beyond the scruples it demands.
Remember Brexit?

Everyone thought it would be the key issue in this weeks general election in the United Kingdom. But after last weekends London Bridge attacks, Britons will head to the polls with terrorism and security top of mind.

And the choice voters will make between the ruling Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party could not be more stark.

Enough is enough, Prime Minister Theresa May said firmly. There is, to be frank, far too much tolerance of extremism in our country.

Contrast that attitude with the Labour Manifesto. It was issued before the attacks, but remains unaltered. We will always provide our security agencies with the resources and the powers they need to protect our country and keep us all safe. We will also ensure that such powers do not weaken our individual rights or civil liberties.

Right now, wed guess British voters are more interested in their own personal security than individual rights, or the civil liberties of the Islamic terrorists living among them.

May is no Margaret Thatcher, Britains Iron Lady who teamed up with Ronald Reagan in the 1980s to counter the Soviet Union, which in those days posed the greatest threat to our Western way of life. Today, that distinction belongs to rabid groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS, which claimed responsibility for Saturdays vehicular and knife attacks that killed seven and injured dozens more.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn used the massacre as a pretext to call on May to resign. His point: as Home Secretary between 2010 and 2016, before she became Prime Minister, May reduced the number of British police officers by 20,000, as part of the Conservative governments cost-cutting.

Thats a bit like blaming Donald Trump for climate change because he used to build skyscrapers. Oh, wait  the left does blame Trump for climate change. Never mind.

Corbyns far-left philosophy is out of touch with todays Britain, especially in an era when the country is withdrawing from the European Union and preparing to go it alone. His nanny-state notion  let the government tell you what to do. Youre too stupid to make your own decisions  might appeal to some Britons, but its not the kind of leadership needed to combat global terrorism.

Labours election platform calls for reviewing national crime prevention and its potential to alienate minority communities. The thousands of radical Islamists living in Britain are beyond alienation. They hate England, the west and any philosophy that does not comport with their own dark version of Islam. They cannot be converted, only constrained.

Now go vote.
American UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has decided to wade into the shark-infested waters of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

On June 6, 2017, she will join a decades-long list of American diplomats who have given speeches about the unacceptable discrimination against Israel by the UNs top human rights body, and the credibility problem from welcoming human rights violators as members. The response is equally predictable: eye-rolls, yawns and a few disingenuous murmurs about UN reform.

Its about time we changed the script.

Haley will share the Council podium with a strange bedfellow: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jordanian Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein. Accusations of foreign meddling in U.S. elections have oddly neglected to zero in on the United Nations, and leading players like Zeid.

On October 12, 2016 the UN High Commissioner decided to gather the UNs built-in media entourage in Geneva and weigh in on the American election. It was not a regularly scheduled press briefing. He summoned the worlds press specifically to alert the globe and American voters about the enemy, Donald Trump.

In the words of Zeid: If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already, and unless that changes, I think its without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view.

On cue, the High Commissioners manufactured press briefing made headlines: Donald Trump Is Dangerous for Global Stability, U.N. Rights Chief Says (the New York Times); U.N. human rights chief: Trump would be dangerous if elected (Los Angeles Times).

The High Commissioners direct effort to influence the U.S. election was questioned at a State Department briefing shortly thereafter. Far from being offended, Obamas State Department spokesperson John Kirby responded: the high commissioner should speak to the appropriateness that he believes merit that. Im not going to weigh in one way or the other on that[AB4] .

It was not the first time Zeid had fashioned a role for himself in the American election. On September 5, 2016[AB5] in The Hague he announced I am the global voice on human rights, and then declared Mr. Trump to be akin to ISIS. According to Zeid, Trump shares with Daesh the modus operandi of the arch propagandist. Even speaking on U.S. soil, before a group in Cleveland on April 15, 2016[AB6] , he focused on the crucial election for leadership of this country and proceeded to describe a front-running candidate to be President of this country and multiple candidates  by which he meant Trump and other members of the GOP  as engaged in calls to hatred.

Connections between senior Democrats, including Ambassador Samantha Power, and this Jordanian prince are not hard to find, along with a range of connections between the Jordanian royal family and the Clinton Foundation.

Zeid clearly expected a Clinton win and a big pay day for his UN office. He published an annual appeal for 2017[AB7] increasing his anticipated budget by a whopping 50% ($234,600,000 in 2016 to $360,509,200 for 2017). As the regular UN budget is essentially fixed, the increase was to come from so-called voluntary contributions, and the U.S. is the single largest contributor of voluntary funds to the High Commissioners office. Mysteries remain: what exactly was he promised and by whom?

Haleys decision to go to Geneva, therefore, plants two key questions firmly in the minds of every listener. America is the UN human rights machinerys largest single donor, both by virtue of regularly assessed and voluntary contributions. So will Haley put her money where her mouth is, or is this a photo-op? And will the U.S. continue to belong and hence, to legitimize, a human rights body with an entrenched anti-Jewish and anti-Israel agenda?

The UN reform shell game may be a standing-joke in UN circles, but it matters for Haley who has staked her reputation on being serious about the UNs diabolical treatment of the Jewish state. The Councils permanent agenda, governing three sessions a year, has one item dedicated to Israel-bashing and one item to consider the other 192 UN members  should the Council feel like it. The Council was created in 2006 as the allegedly reformed UN Human Rights Commission, except the Councils Israel item is a replica of its predecessor.

When the new and improved Council was rolled out, the Bush administration called the reform bluff and refused to join. President Obama leapt on board, and by engineering another three-year term that started on January 1, 2017, left President Trump holding the bag. Rather than tossing the pernicious concoction, however, the new administration sat down beside fellow Council human rights authorities China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Venezuela[AB8] .

In advance of her trip, Haley outlined in the Washington Post on June 2, 2017[AB9] membership changes that must be made and insisted the council must also end its practice of wrongly singling out Israel for criticism. But must is a weasel word, without a bona fide or else. Her audience awaits.

[AB1]https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/13/world/europe/donald-trump-un-human-rights.html

[AB2]https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/13/world/europe/donald-trump-un-human-rights.html

[AB3]http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-updates-u-n-human-rights-chief-trump-1476272597-htmlstory.html

[AB4]https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2016/10/263030.htm

[AB5]http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/ZeidwarnsagainstdemagoguesinEuropeandUS.aspx#sthash.D0ocqscp.wsTBjCqM.dpuf

[AB6]http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/TheRoadtoViolence.aspx#sthash.ye7tL9Hb.9NF7Q76Y.dpuf

[AB7]http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/AboutUs/UNHumanRightsAppeal2017.pdf

[AB8]http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/CurrentMembers.aspx

[AB9]https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-un-human-rights-council-whitewashes-brutality/2017/06/02/c3757c2a-46e6-11e7-a196-a1bb629f64cb_story.html?utm_term=.a8ceebb041bf
During his high profile trip to the Middle East and Europe, President Trump met with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Riyadh. This meeting may have been overshadowed by the pomp and circumstance of the presidents first foreign trip, but the timing of the meeting between these leaders was critical, as a decision on U.S. forces in Afghanistan looms on the Presidents agenda.

Then on Wednesday, only days after the meeting, at least 90 people were killed in a rush hour blast in Kabul  and Afghanistan is accusing the Pakistanis of assisting the Haqqani terror network in the attack.

This and the myriad of other national security challenges in the region  including the Talibans heightened insurgency in Afghanistan  all point to a need for the new administration to focus on its nascent relationship with Pakistan, a country that is fickle and filled with political landmines. Establishing a relationship and setting boundaries with Sharif may be one of President Trumps greatest foreign policy challenges. Navigating all of this requires nothing short of the "Art of the Deal."

For Pakistan, a welcome opening move would be to release Dr. Afridi, the Pakistani doctor who played such an important role in the operation to target Usama Bin Laden.

Breaking our relationship with Pakistan is not an option. Given the years of vacillation between Pakistan and the U.S., many in Washington have argued a heavy hand is needed with Sharif, or have advocated cutting off the relationship entirely. However, it is vital that the U.S. continue its engagement with Pakistan, but it must do so based first on common ground. For Pakistan, a welcome opening move would be to release Dr. Shakil Afridi, the Pakistani doctor who played such an important role in the operation to target Usama Bin Laden. Bin Laden enjoyed refuge in Pakistan for many years, and Pakistan should consider the benefit of closing this chapter by freeing Dr. Afridi.

At the end of the Obama administration, Pakistan didnt believe that the U.S. was committed to seeing a stabilized Afghanistan. Pakistan would argue that their double dealing regarding support for terrorist groups is a strategic reserve in case Afghanistan should collapse, or move too close to India. (Not an acceptable excuse, by any means, but nevertheless what they believe.)

The Pakistanis want to be on equal footing with other players in the region, and we cannot oversell the paranoia they have regarding Indian influence in the region. Many sophisticated foreign policy hands struggle with the immense contradictions in the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, and President Trumps fresh perspective may do well in this complicated dance.

Given the many places in which we diverge, the U.S. and Pakistan should work on areas in which we find commonality, like targeting Al Qaeda and its affiliates and working to stabilize Afghanistan. Pakistani military and intelligence, and their U.S. counterparts, have been highly effective partners against AQ targets. In Afghanistan, the President is currently weighing options and by all indications it appears that he is looking to increase the scope of American involvement.

Since our reduction in forces in 2014, we have seen a resurgence of the Taliban and the development of ISIS. There will never be any chance of resolving the Afghan insurgency and defeating ISIS and the AQ affiliates without Pakistan's cooperation.

A glaring area where our interests diverge is on the Haqqani network (HQN), where Pakistans military continues to support this prominent and incredibly lethal group. This is where the Trump Administration should push the Pakistanis. HQN has mounted high profile attacks against the government of Afghanistan and its coalition, which includes U.S. partners. Taking advantage of the safe haven in Pakistan has enabled HQNs attacks in Afghanistan, where the U.S. has spilled much blood and treasure. The Pakistanis must know that their support to the HQN will never be acceptable.

The Trump Administration would do well to open and deepen the lines of communication with senior Pakistani leaders, which will later enable a smoother pivot to resolving the challenging issues on which we diverge. From an intelligence and operational perspective, America simply is unable to take on these intricate counterterrorism operations in Southeast Asia on our own.

In the spirit of this realpolitik partnership, it would also benefit both sides if the U.S. were to note Pakistan's sacrifices, including the exceedingly high number of terrorist attacks in the country, as well as its own economic challenges and counterinsurgency operations.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice used to say the U.S. - Pakistan relationship was like a "critically ill patient" which needed to be kept alive for the next day. With a new administration brings the opportunity to find areas of mutual agreement for both countries. The national security of both Pakistan and the U.S. will most certainly hinge upon it.
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.
President Donald Trump spoke out on the latest London terror attacks on Sunday night, vowing to do whatever was needed to protect his country from a "vile enemy."

Giving his first public comments on the attacks, Trump said, "This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end." He was appearing with First Lady Melania Trump at a fundraiser for Ford's Theater in Washington, the site of 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 has waged war on innocent life, and it's gone on too long," Trump added. "As president I will do what is necessary to prevent this threat from spreading to our shores and work every day to protect the safety and security to our country, our communities and our people."

The president said he had spoken with British Prime Minister Theresa May to express America's "unwavering support" and offer aid. He tweeted a string of comments in the hours after the attack, offering help for the U.K. and criticizing political correctness, among other things.

The attacks at London Bridge and nearby Borough Market killed at least seven people and wounded nearly 50 others Saturday night. Police said they shot and killed the three attackers.

After more than 20 people were killed in the suicide bombing last month at a concert in Manchester, England, Trump condemned the assault as the act of "evil losers" and called on nations to band together to fight terrorism.

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 would be there to help London and the United Kingdom.

Fox News' Jennifer Bowman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The U.S. ambassador the United Kingdom praised the mayor of London Sunday for his response to the weekend terror attacks after President Trump slammed him over political correctness.

Lewis Lukens praised the extraordinary response from law enforcement and emergency services after a trio of assailants killed seven people and injured nearly 50 others in twin attacks Saturday night. He added praise for Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Trump challenged Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attacks. 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."

Lukens took over for previous ambassador Matthew Barzun three days before Trumps inauguration. Trump nominated Robert Wood Johnson to succeed Lukens, but he has yet to be confirmed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The medias disgust at President Trump for pulling out of the Paris climate deal was not subtle. In many quarters, it was on full display.

It was CNNs Fareed Zakaria intoning: This will be the day that the United States resigned as the leader of the free world.

Gillian Turner, a White House national security aide in the past two administrations--who opposes the presidents decision--nonetheless said on my show yesterday that the coverage has been crushingly negative.

And it seems like its about far more than the details of the Paris agreement, which after all is a non-binding deal, or the economic impact or lack thereof on America. Its about the journalistic conviction that Trump is pulling back from the world and plunging America into an isolationist foreign policy.

While there are some stories focused on the substance of Trumps arguments and those of his critics, this feels way more personal.

The sheer volume of anti-Trump stories is something to behold. In addition to the main news story in the New York Times, whose lead said the president was weakening efforts to combat global warming and embracing isolationist voices in his White House, the paper ran these pieces:

Making His Case, Trump Cited Dubious Data.

Handing Chinese a Gift: The Chance for Global Leadership.

Same thing at the Washington Post:

Trumps Climate Deal Decisions Alarms Leaders Worldwide.

Trumps Paris Speech Needs a Serious Fact Check.

And thats before we get to the opinion pages.

From the left, the Times has Paul Krugman: Trump Gratuitously Rejects the Paris Climate Accord.

From the right, the Times has David Brooks: Our Disgraceful Exit from the Paris Accord.

And for good measure, environmentalist Bill McKibben: Trumps Stupid and Reckless Climate Decision.

The Post has opinion pieces from Gene Robinson (Trump Is Abdicating All the Countrys Moral Power) and Obama climate envoy Todd Stern (Trump Just Betrayed the World. Now the World Will Fight Back).

And for good measure, Politico described Trumps decision as a diplomatic and political slap: it was about extending a middle finger to the world.

So what are we to make of this?

Its a perfect storm that brings together the medias concern about the environment, preference for international cooperation and deep skepticism about Donald Trump.

Its certainly fair game to challenge why the U.S. is now one of three countries, along with Syria and Nicaragua, not to be part of the global agreement, just as we can question whether the 2014 deal itself was more symbolic than substantive.

But the coverage fit a pattern that is continuing with the reporting and commentary on Trumps tweets after the terror attack at London Bridge. These are about important global issues, and about Trumps actions, but ultimately about the presidents persona.
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The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal from a former Marine who was court-martialed in part for expressing her Christian faith in the workplace.

Lower courts had concluded orders from her military superiors did not constitute a "substantial burden" on her First Amendment rights. The justices on Monday upheld her court-martial without comment.

At issue was the extent a federal law on religious freedom protects members of the armed forces like Monifa Sterling, who continued posting biblical verses at her desk, despite orders from a superior that she remove them.

The intersection of free speech on government property, especially within a military context, made this appeal closely watched by a number of advocates on both sides of the debate.

The First Liberty Institute, which represented Sterling, lamented the Supreme Courts call on Monday.

Because the Supreme Court did not decide to review the case, the travesty below by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces will now stand, Kelly Shackelford, CEO and chief counsel for First Liberty, said in a statement. The military courts outrageous decision means federal judges and military officials can strip our service members of their constitutional rights just because they dont think someones religious beliefs are important enough to be protected. Our service members deserve better.

Sterling, who was a lance corporal stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., originally was court-martialed for various offenses relating to separate incidents  including disrespecting a superior officer, disobeying lawful orders, and failing to report to an assigned duty.

But the part of the case that fueled her court challenge involved orders to remove a personalized version of the biblical phrase from Isiah 54:17: "No weapon formed against thee shall prosper."

Sterling taped the verses in three spots on her workspace. Court testimony said Sterling's superior repeatedly ordered her to remove the signs -- and when she refused, trashed them.

In its original 4-1 opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces turned away Sterlings case.

"We reject the argument that every interference with a religiously motivated act constitutes a substantial burden on the exercise of religion," the court said.

Sterling was ultimately reduced in rank and given a bad-conduct discharge -- and later left the service. Her legal team acknowledged Sterling did not ask for permission to post or repost the verses but called the earlier ruling against her shameful and wrong.

Fox News Bill Mears contributed to this report.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged the Gulf nations to work out their differences after five countries severed ties with Qatar Monday for allegedly embracing several terrorist groups and its ties with Iran.

Tillerson, speaking alongside Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Sydney, said he did not believe the diplomatic crisis would affect the war against the Islamic State.

"I think what we're witnessing is a growing list of disbelief in the countries for some time, and they've bubbled up to take action in order to have those differences addressed," Tillerson said. "We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences."

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen all announced they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, which is home to a major U.S. military base used for the air campaign against ISIS. Saudi Arabia also said Qatari troops would be pulled from the ongoing civil war in Yemen.

All the nations also said they planned to cut air and sea traffic. Saudi Arabia said it also would shut its land border with Qatar, effectively cutting off the country from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula.

Yemen's internationally recognized government said it would follow Saudi Arabia and supported the kingdom's decision to remove Qatari troops from the Gulf coaltion fighting the war.

Qatar had appeared unperturbed by the growing tensions. On May 27, Qatar's ruling emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, called Iranian President Hasan Rouhani to congratulate him on his re-election.

The call was a clear, public rebuttal of Saudi Arabia's efforts to force Qatar to fall in line against the Shiite-ruled nation, which the Sunni kingdom sees as its No. 1 enemy and a threat to regional stability. Qatar shares a massive offshore gas field with the Islamic Republic.

Saudi Arabia said it took the decision to cut diplomatic ties due to Qatar's "embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilizing the region" including the Muslim Brotherhood, al-Qaida, the Islamic State group and groups supported by Iran in the kingdom's restive eastern province of Qatif. Egypt's Foreign Ministry accused Qatar of taking an "antagonist approach" toward Egypt and said "all attempts to stop it from supporting terrorist groups failed."

The tiny island nation of Bahrain blamed Qatar's "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.

Qatar said later Monday there was "no legitimate justification" for the Arab nations to cut ties.

The crisis comes after U.S. President Donald Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia for a summit with Arab leaders. Since the meeting, unrest in the region has grown.

At that Saudi conference, Trump met with Qatar's ruling emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

"We are friends, we've been friends now for a long time, haven't we?" Trump asked at the meeting. "Our relationship is extremely good."

Fox News Nicholas Kalman, Lucas Tomlinson and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trump announced his plan Monday to privatize America's air traffic control system and separate it from the FAA -- arguing the federal agency is too antiquated to innovate and casting the overhaul as an initial step toward improving the countrys infrastructure.

Trump wants to turn the air traffic control system into a modernized non-profit organization that operates on fees paid by airlines and others that use U.S. airspace, instead of taxes.

We are prepared to enter a great new era in American aviation, Trump said, in announcing the plan at the White House. Its time to join the future and make flights quicker, safer, more reliable.

Trump argues the changes are necessary because the existing system has been unable to keep pace with the fast-changing aviation industry that now includes commercial space flights and unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones.

The changes also would save fuel, improve safety and lower operations costs, according to the administration.

There are about 50,000 airline and other aircraft flights a day in the United States. Trump said Monday that the existing system was created when the country had about 100,000 annual airline passengers, compared to nearly 1 billion today.

Both sides of the privatization debate say the system is one of the most complex and safest in the world. And winning congressional approval would still be an uphill battle for Trump.

Democrats have largely opposed the changes, warning that the proposed board overseeing the estimated 300 air traffic facilities and around 30,000 employees would be dominated by airline interests.

By privatizing our nations air traffic control system, Trump is once again putting the interests and the pocketbooks of airline executives before the safety and well being of American workers and passengers," the Democratic National Commitee said after the announcement, part of a renewed White House focus on infrastructure.

Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com

On the campaign trail, Trump touted plans to improve the countrys aging roads, bridges and airports. He was expected to announce a plan shortly after taking office, considering it had bipartisan support. However, fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill were wary about a plan that would add billions to the deficit or increase taxes.

In addition, the presidents overall legislative agenda has been slowed by efforts to overhaul ObamaCare and investigations into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia in the 2016 White House race.

"Since the first days in office, the president has been working tirelessly to fulfill the campaign promises he made to America," Vice President Mike Pence said in introducing Trump at the East Room event. "Starting today, the president will take historic steps to rebuild America."

In his privatization push, Trump has at least preliminary support of major aviation groups including the Southwest Airlines Pilot Association.

We've supported privatization, said Jon Weaks, a pilot and president of the Southwest pilots association, who attended the event Monday.

We just want a stabilized stream of funding for air traffic control, said Weaks, echoing what airlines and the controllers union have said for years.

Weaks also said major airlines already have the next generation technology that Trump says the FAA has yet to bring into service.

And he agrees with the president in that fees will be more efficient than the patchwork of taxes that now support the aviation system.

However, Weaks said his group must see the final legislation before giving its full support.

Mark Baker, CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, said in a separate statement that his group has some concerns with the plan. He said his organization is "open to proposals aimed at making the air traffic control system more efficient and delivering technology in a timely and cost effective manner" but will not back policies that impose user fees on general aviation.

"We applaud President Trumps calls to invest and improve our nations infrastructure including our airports. However, the U.S. has a very safe air traffic system today and we dont hear complaints from our nearly 350,000 members about it," he said.

The changes, if approved by Congress, would take about three years to fully implement and bring the United States in line with the recommended practices of other major countries, according to the White House.

The plan is similar to a bill proposed last year by New York GOP Rep. Bill Shuster, chairman of the House Infrastructure and Transportation Committee, which also calls for a non-government, non-profit agency.

U.S. airlines have been campaigning for decades to separate air traffic control operations from the FAA and have also argued that FAA efforts to modernize the air traffic system is taking too long and has produced too few benefits.

Such efforts gained momentum when the union that represents air traffic controllers agreed to support Shusters plan, in exchange for guarantees that controllers would retain their benefits, salaries and union representation.

The proposed technology changes include moving from the current system based on radar and voice communications to one based on satellite navigation and digital communications.

"After billions and billions in taxpayer dollars spent and way too many years of delay, we're still stuck with an ancient, broken, antiquated system," Trump said Monday.

Union officials have also complained that the FAA has been unable to resolve chronic controller understaffing at some of the nation's busiest facilities and pointed to the modernization effort's slow progress.

But FAA Administrator Michael Huerta has said the agency has made progress during the past decade in updating its computers and other equipment in order to move from a radar-based to a satellite-based control system.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A depression huge and deep on Mars has left astronomers baffled.

It was discovered by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (NRO), which has been studying the Martian surface for 11 years. The vast pit, estimated to be hundreds of feet across and surrounded by frozen carbon dioxide, is located on the south pole of Mars sticking out among the Swiss cheese terrain of Earths closest neighbor.

According to NASA, the depressions are thought to be caused by sublimation, which is when a material goes directly from a solid to a gas phase.

According to Science Alert, there are many ways such holes are formed on Mars, which is colder than Earth meteorites leave craters; lava tubes collapse and produce deep pits; floods from long ago hollow out grand canyons; and volcanos melts ice fashioning funnels.

The depression was discovered by the MRO's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment, or HiRISE camera, which allows NASA to see Martian objects larger than 3 feet from about 125 to 250 miles above.

The camera takes repeated images throughout Mars seasons to monitor the terrains changes.
Delta Air Lines has confirmed that a passenger flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was bitten by an emotional support dog just before his flight to San Diego was scheduled to depart Saturday.

According to Fox 5, the passengers injuries were so severe that he was taken off the plane to receive immediate medical attention.

WHEN PIGS FLY: WILL AIRLINES EVER CRACK DOWN ON EMOTIONAL SUPPORT PETS?

The gentlemans face was completely bloody, blood in his eyes, cheeks, nose, his mouth, his shirt was covered in blood, witness and fellow passenger Bridget Maddox-Peoples told Fox 5, adding that the man appeared noticeably shaken up.

The victim, who has not been named, was reportedly seated by the window while the dogs owner was sitting in the middle seat with the emotional support animal, which according to Maddox-Peoples appeared to be a lab mix weighing approximately 50 pounds.

A different passenger told Fox 5 that Delta flight crew were heard saying that the dog's owner was a "combat veteran, and after the biting incident, he was allegedly cradling the dog in his arms in the gate area and crying. Cabin crew allegedly said the dog's owner was also heard repeatedly saying, I know they're going to put him down."

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Delta issued the following statement to Fox 5:

"Prior to pushback of flight 1430, ATL-SAN, a passenger sustained a bite from another passenger's emotional support dog. The customer who was bitten was removed from the flight to receive medical attention. Local law enforcement cleared the dog, and the dog and its owner were re-accomodated on a later flight; the dog will fly in a kennel."

A representative for Delta Air Lines was not immediately available for comment.

More from FOX 5.
Some 2.3 million people who are not Icelandic will trek through Iceland this year, armed with selfie sticks in search of the island's breathtaking fjords, waterfalls, volcanoes and, of course, "Game of Thrones" backdrops.

That's nearly five times the foot traffic Iceland saw seven years ago-- and it's worth $3.4 billion and one out of every three jobs.

But that boon for Iceland's economy comes with a serious drawback, notes Wired, as tourists trample over aforementioned natural beauty, infrastructures groan, and yes, sewers overflow.

"Uncontrolled tourism does have negative impacts on the environment," one tourism professor says. "So if tourism is not planned and managed properly we will see some of the natural attractions be damaged."

"Nice experience," reads a typical Trip Advisor review, "but there should be less people." It's a problem that Iceland has worked hard for: The Iceland Monitor points out that there's now a guidebook in English that instructs tourists on how to act (hint: don't stick your hand in a geyser to see if it's scalding), while NBC News notes that Visit Iceland put together the "Iceland Academy," which gives visitors tips on gems like "How to Avoid Hot Tub Awkwardness."

Add in cheap airfares and the fact that, as a Frommer's rep puts it, "most travelers are jazzed by the idea of getting to see an additional destination on their way to Europe," and you've got yourself a hot spot.

Mallonee cites one French photog who sought to document the tourist clog. The problem, she writes, "is that even as (his work) offers a commentary on all those damned tourists, his photos often look like tourism bureau ads." (Whatever you do, don't sneak your cat into Iceland.)

This article originally appeared on Newser: Iceland's Tourism Is Booming. Tourists Are Ruining Iceland
United Airlines says it will start flying between Los Angeles and Singapore, a distance of about 8,700 miles, making it the longest route to or from the United States.

Westbound flights will be a derriere-numbing 17 hours and 55 minutes. They will leave Los Angeles each evening and arrive two days later local time in Singapore.

The eastbound leg will take 15 hours and 15 minutes with the prevailing tail wind.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

The airline said Thursday that assuming it gets government approval, flights will start Oct. 27 using Boeing 787 planes.

The longest current U.S. flight is Qantas' 8,578-mile trip between Dallas-Fort Worth and Sydney, Australia.

Among flights that don't touch the U.S., Qatar Airways flies a 9,032-mile route between its hub in Doha and Auckland, New Zealand.
Seven veterans of the Battle of Midway on Monday joined about 1,000 people aboard a retired U.S. Navy aircraft carrier to mark the 75th anniversary of the turning point in World War II's Pacific Ocean theater.

Two F/A-18 Hornet fighter planes, blocked by clouds, thundered above the USS Midway, a Navy carrier that was commissioned in 1945 to commemorate the battle. The carrier was decommissioned in 1992 and has been in a military museum in downtown San Diego since 2004.

Well-wishers lined up to shake hands with 102-year-old Andy Mills and other wheelchair-bound Midway veterans after a 90-minute ceremony that recounted how the landmark battle unfolded. One Midway veteran came from hospice care.

The 1942 battle occurred six months after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor after Navy code breakers broke complex Japanese code to reveal a plan to ambush U.S. forces. The Japanese planned to occupy Midway, a strategic U.S.-held atoll 1,300 miles northwest of Pearl Harbor, and destroy what was left of the Pacific fleet.

When Japanese planes began bombing Midway, American torpedo planes and bombers counter-attacked in waves, bombing and sinking four Japanese carriers on June 4. The fighting continued for another three days before the United States proved to be victorious.

Adm. John Richardson, chief of U.S. naval operations, told the audience that a string of "effective but decisive" actions led to a victory with razor-thin room for error.

"In hindsight, when you review the Battle of Midway, you can see like a series of strokes of amazing luck. And when you put those strokes together, it's like a miracle occurred at Midway. It trends towards the miraculous," he said.

Anthony J. Principi, who served as secretary of veterans affairs from 2001 to 2005, wrote in the Military Times that that Navy commanders made "coordinated, split-second, life-and-death decisions."

"We won because luck was on our side, because the Japanese made mistakes and because our officers and men acted with great courage amidst the chaos of battle," he wrote.

The Midway, which has more than 1 million visitors a year, has hosted college basketball games, parties during the Comic-Con pop culture extravaganza, and TV tapings for shows like ABC's "The Bachelor."
Officials at Capital University in Ohio said the "immediate threat" to students was over Monday after an "active shooter" was reported near the main campus.

The university said two men, one wearing a red cap backwards, were involved in the shooting on Ferndale Place, about a 15-minute walk away.

"Avoid the area. Seek safety. Officer searching area," Capital University initially announced. The school later tweeted: "Suspect(s) reportedly left area."

Capital University is located on the east side of Columbus.
An Arizona couple was renovating a Florida home when they found a more than 50-year-old wedding album belonging to a New York pair and are searching for the rightful owners in hopes of returning it.

Megan Kapsidis, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., discovered the album while she and her husband, Bobby, were removing a part of the kitchens ceiling, according to PIX 11. The couple owns the home, located in Holiday, Florida, but Bobby's mother resides there.

ORLANDO SHOOTING: 5 PEOPLE DEAD AFTER DISGRUNTED EX-EMPLOYEE OPENS FIRE, POLICE SAY

Kapsidis believes that a portion of the homes kitchen was at one point attached to a crawl space that held belongings.

The off-white album, titled: Our Childrens Wedding, was dedicated to Joseph and Marguerite Garguilos Sept. 14, 1963, wedding.

ELDERLY MAN ATTACKED BY MAN WITH CANE IN NEW YORK

The wedding apparently took place at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Woodhaven, NY, according to an invitation found in the book.

Kapsidis posted pictures of the books photos on her Facebook page in the hope of locating the couple so she can return the album to them.
An apartment complex built entirely of recycled shipping containers in California is providing shelter for homeless veterans.

Potter's Lane, located in Midway City, Calif., was built by the American Family Housing, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and assistance to those in need, according to its website.

Potter's Lane is the first multi-family structure to be built entirely from recovered shipping containers  but it will not be the last. In November, Los Angeles residents voted and approved a $1.2 billion bond to construct shelters for the homeless, according to the Los Angeles Times. There are plans to build more sustainable complexes.

PROBE ONGOING AFTER HEDGEHOGS DUMPED IN CALIFORNIA TRASH CAN

The $1,200 per month rent is largely subsidized, Steven Forry, American Family Housings chief development officer, told CBS News.

Sixteen studio apartments were built from 48 recycled shipping containers. The complex, which took six months to complete, was purposely made small so the residents can connect with one another.

When youre dealing with people who have been homeless and you warehouse them in 300 units, you are not creating a safety net for people, you are not creating a human connection with people, Forry said. The concept here is called housing first. Find a home for them like we found here and then you surround them with social services.

WAZE EXPANDING CARPOOL SERVICE TO ALL OF CALIFORNIA

Marine veteran Dale Dollar has been living on the street for 14 years. He now lives at Potter's Lane along with 15 others, most of whom served their country, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Its quite a place. You know you come in when youve been sleeping in a tent on the dirt and rocks for years and have to fight to keep your stuff and you end up in a place as beautiful as this? Dollar said. Oh, Ive been blessed more than I should have been. Its wonderful.
A Minnesota judge is expected to finalize the list of 12 jurors selected to decide the fate of Police Officer Jeronimo Yanezthe policeman who shot and killed Philando Castile in a traffic stop last July.

Castiles girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, was in the car and broadcasted the aftermath of the shooting on Facebook live. The video went viral with tens of millions of views and sparked heated protests, resulting in arrests.

Behind closed doors on Monday, two important issues were decided before opening statements in trial: the state will be allowed to mention Castile had a permit to carry a gun and the defense will be allowed to bring up marijuana.

HOW CASTILE TOLD OFFICER ABOUT GUN KEY PART OF FINAL MOMENTS

The license to carry is a crucial element of the trial because Castile had a gun on him at the time he was pulled over in a Minneapolis suburb on July 6, 2016. Reynolds said he told the officer he had a gun in the car, to which Yanez responded telling him not to touch the gun.

A gray area is exactly where the gun was and if Castile reached for it after Yanez told him not to touch it. Yanezs attorneys say Castile did not comply with the officers order to freeze.

The issue of marijuana is important because toxicology tests show Castile had marijuana in his system at the time he was killed, according to police. There was also marijuana in the car. Castiles use of marijuana could have rendered his license to carry invalid.

JURY TO BE PICKED IN MANSLAUGHTER TRIAL OF MINNESOTA OFFICER

Officer Yanez is expected to testify in his defense. Its yet to be seen if the woman in the car, Reynolds, will take the stand. She was billed as a hero after remaining calm in the video and made appearances on morning talk shows.

According to police, Yanez pulled Castiles car over because of a broken tail light and because Castile fit the description of an armed robber. Castile was later cleared of that status. The traffic stop went bad when Yanez fired into the car, killing Castile.
A California high school senior is weeks away from an unprecedented feat in her city: she has never, ever, missed school  not even in kindergarten.

Mareiya Gonzales, 17, is making headlines with his unbeatable 2,336th consecutive day of school, coupled with 4.07 grade-point average at Pittsburg High School, northeast of Oakland.

But she says it is no big deal.

Youre supposed to go to school, she told the San Francisco Chronicle. Its nothing special.

Not surprisingly, Gonzales immaculate record has roots in two hardworking parents that want to see her thrive. Maggie Gonzales, the mom, works as a security officer at the school.

If you miss a day of school, Mareiya said, its gone forever. Every one of them is important. Theres something new every day.

According to the Chronicle, perfect attendance is something of a tradition in the Gonzales family. Mareiyas younger sister Magdalena has managed to make it through the sixth grade without missing any school days. Alexa, the middle sister, was stricken by a strong virus a few years ago and was bedridden for four days.

Mareiya said that the handful of times she hasnt felt 100 percent for a full day school, she just sweated it out.

Mareiyas got follow-through, Principal Todd Whitmire said. Shes got what it takes to carry forward in life.
Kansas City police officers delivered the surprise of a lifetime to a 3-year-old girl whose dream is to be a cop.

Dozens of police officers dropped by Hannah Pasley's lemonade stand last Friday and Saturday, which was set up to raise money for her own uniform, the Kansas City Star reported. After buying it Saturday morning with her aunt, Ashly Rooks, Hannah continued her lemonade stand in the afternoon wearing her new uniform.

When no one was stopping by the stand, Rooks and her friend Sierra Moore posted to Facebook to encourage an officer to visit.

The posts went viral and an hour and a half later, patrol cars were seen driving down the block toward Hannah's lemonade stand.

Moore wrote on Facebook that at least 50 police officers showed up, including k-9 units and a helicopter fly over.

"I love police," Hannah told the Kansas City Star Sunday. "I'm going to be a police officer when I get big."

Hannah was given a Kansas City Police Department patch and a Clay County Junior Deputy badge.

Rooks posted over 20 photos of the lemonade stand surprise on her Facebook saying "you can see the pure joy all the officers brought to her face."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read more from the Kansas City Star.
A man wanted for the deaths of three people in southern Indiana was found dead inside a pickup truck Monday, police said.

Police had been searching for Richard Lee Burton Jr., 47, after they discovered three bodies in a home in Washington County about 4:30 p.m Sunday, police said. Officers were conducting a welfare check at the time.

Officials named Burton a person of interest shortly after the gruesome discovery. Sunday night's investigation led police to believe he was "responsible for the deaths." Burton was also living at the home at the time.

AUTHORITIES TRACK NC MAN ACCUSED IN AX DEATHS TO LOS ANGELES

A tipster called the station shortly after 8 a.m. Monday about Burton's pickup truck  a blue 1997 Dodge Ram  parked at the Blackwell Horse Camp. Officers found the body believed to be of Burton inside the truck.

The identities of the three people found dead in the home have not been released pending autopsy results.

Police initially said Burton was considered "armed and dangerous."
The gunman who opened fire at an Orlando factory had planned to kill five of his former coworkers by singling them out and shooting them before turning the gun on himself, investigators confirmed on Tuesday.

John Robert Neumann Jr., 45, had at least one "negative relationship" with one of his former co-workers at Fiamma Inc., whom he singled out and gunned down Monday, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said. Neumann, who later killed himself as responding officers were heading to the business, was an army veteran who was discharged in 1999. He was fired from the RV awning manufacturing company back in April.

Police had confronted Neumann once before at the factory, when he was accused of battering a co-worker in June 2014. The co-worker said Neumann punched him in the back of the head knocking him to the ground, according to the incident report. But the co-worker later said Neumann chased him and then hit him on the back of the head.

The co-worker, who had no visible injuries, stated "he had problems in the past with John but thought they were resolved," the sheriff's office incident report said.

No charges were filed in the 2014 incident after both men were interviewed. The co-worker was not among Monday's victims, Demings said. Aside from the 2014 incident, Neumann also had a criminal history "minor in nature," with arrests for possession of marijuana and DUI.

Neumann walked into Fiamma Inc. off Forsyth Road in Orange County about 8 a.m. Monday and opened fire, Demings said. Deputies arrived two minutes later after a woman called 911 from the tile business store across the street.

"All she kept saying was he was holding a gun and told her to get out," said. Yamaris Gomez, the tile store's owner.

Shelley Adams told The Associated Press her sister, Sheila McIntyre, called her from the building's bathroom during the shooting and was very upset. She kept repeating "My boss is dead. My boss is dead," Adams said.

Officials found three men and a woman dead at the scene. A fifth person, a man, was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Seven people survived the shooting.

The five victims were later identified as Robert Snyder, 69, Kevin Clark, 53, Brenda Montanez-Crespo, 44, Kevin Lawson, 46, and Jeffrey Roberts, 57.

Fiamma Inc. released a statement on Tuesday saying she was "heartbroken" by the deadly and tragic attack.

"The company is heartbroken following the unspeakable attack upon our loved ones and employees. In these dark hours we ask for thoughts and prayers for all the victims of this tragedy and their families.," the statement read.

INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES IN GHOST SHIP WAREHOUSE FIRE

Officials believe Neumann was the only gunman and there was no indication he was going to carry out the attack, according to Demings. Neumann paused at least once to reload his gun and most of the victims were shot in the head and some of them suffered multiple gunshot wounds, Demings said.

"This violence is frustrating. The only way we have a fighting chance is to ask the public to report any suspicious activity," Demings said.

The FBI was on the scene assisting local police on the investigation, a spokesperson from the bureau told Fox News. But Demings said authorities could not "connect the incident to any global terrorism."

SUSPECT IN KILLINGS OF 3 AT INDIANA HOME IS DEAD

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement that he has been briefed on the situation.

"Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before," Scott said.

"Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today. I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contact with the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the day as more information is made available," the statement read.

The shooting comes a week before the one-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre, also in Orlando, where 49 people were fatally shot by Omar Mateen, an Islamic extremist.

Fox News' Kathleen Reuschle, Catherine Herridge and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An Oklahoma man who was trying to drown his twin 3-month-old children was shot and killed by a neighbor Friday, police said.

City of Ada spokeswoman Lisa Bratcher told reporters that Leland Foster, 27, of Poteau, died from gunshot wounds after a 12-year-old girl ran from the home and alerted a neighbor for help.

Bratcher said the neighbor, identified as Cash Freeman, told police he went to the home armed with a handgun and shot Foster twice after seeing him holding the infants under water in a bathtub while threatening the childrens mother with a knife.

According to KFOR-TV, Freeman shot Foster twice in the back.

Bratcher said the children were taken to the hospital in stable condition and the neighbor was questioned and released by police.

Freeman told KFOR-TV he felt he did the right thing, but was worried he may be in trouble. The district attorneys office will decide whether the killing was justified and if Freeman will face charges.

Foster had been charged in 2011 with domestic abuse by strangulation and arson, KFOR-TV reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Last year, one Rust Belt county in southwestern Ohio saw 349 accidental deaths from opioid overdose  and things are getting worse.

Bodies are arriving at a dizzying, unyielding pace to the coroners office, showing the scale of the scourge that has hit Ohio harder than any other state in the nation.

No one in Montgomery County needs to rely on federal data to measure the viciousness of the opioid epidemic. As of June 1, the county had tallied 360 drug overdose deaths.

At this pace, we expect about 800 overdose deaths by the end of 2017, Ken Betz, director of the Montgomery County Coroners Office, said.

The county has been hit with so many overdose deaths that it even had to build an extension to its morgue last year to accommodate the soaring number of bodies.

The opioid epidemic has claimed lives across the entire socioeconomic spectrum in Ohio, which last year had more fatal drug overdoses than any other state, according to a county-by-county analysis by the Columbus Dispatch.

On Tuesday, the coroners office confirmed that an overdose of the synthetic opioid carfentanil  which is 10,000 more powerful than morphine -- and cocaine had caused the March deaths of a Spirit Airlines pilot, Brian Hayle, 36, and his wife, Courtney, 34. The couple was found in their home by their four children.

Statewide, more than 4,000 people died from drug overdoses last year. And in 2015, Ohio had the highest number of prescription opioid overdose deaths -- 1,800 -- of any state in the nation, according to the latest figures in an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Ohio state officials filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the pharmaceutical industry over the opioid epidemic, accusing several drug companies of making a concerted effort to mislead doctors and patients about the dangers of addiction to painkillers and possible overdose.

If Montgomery Countys opioid death march continues unabated, the area will surpass Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, and have the highest rate of overdose deaths in Ohio.

The problem is getting worse every day, said Montgomery Sheriff Phil Plummer, who has been so overwhelmed by the toll the epidemic has taken on his county that he personally has launched a multi-pronged fight against it. We dont have enough police resources to combat it. We work very hard, its changed our jobs.

The world of opioids has gotten more encompassing and brazen, with Mexican cartels in Ohio not even bothering to mask their role or dodge authorities as they recruit local youth into their illicit trade, enticing them with money, among other things.

The epidemic, indeed, has produced home-grown gangs, ensnaring local youths and young adults and using them to supply neighborhoods with increasingly deadly drugs, Plummer said.

The sheriff and his officers have become social workers of a sort, Plummer said, while also bringing the full force of the law down on criminals who sustain and constantly seek to broaden the addiction to opioids and other drugs.

The sheriff and his officers are now driving people who have addictions to treatments centers. They are visiting their homes to try to rally family members to help address a relatives addiction, and they are even hitting neighborhoods every Friday to go after dealers and to spread the word about the lethal consequences of opioids.

The problem is getting worse every day. We dont have enough police resources to combat it. We work very hard, its changed our jobs.  Montgomery County (Ohio) Sheriff Phil Plummer

On Thursday, they started what will be weekly visits to churches to raise awareness about opioids and the dangerous substances that are being mixed into them.

Were trying to be proactive, Plummer said. People say to us: We didnt know, we dont understand the scope of the crisis.

I dont know, with everything thats out there, how some people still dont know about the epidemic.

The grip of the addiction is so intense that addicts are more and more brazen in where and when they smuggle and use the narcotics.

"They're overdosing in the jails and in courtrooms," Plummer said, adding that the demand for treatment is in such excess to the openings at facilities, that his jails have also become detox facilities.

Meanwhile, drug dealers and cartels always look for ways to get ahead of efforts by Plummer -- and others like him across the country  and often switch to other substances and methods for getting new buyers and getting them addicted, the sheriff said.

Consider this: People working for the cartels are now going to places such as gas stations and boldly approaching people to give them samples or testers, Plummer said, which are gel caps containing fentanyl or heroin (or both).

They provide these sample bags with, remarkably, business cards so that people can contact them if they want more.

"They're even doing car-to-car" drug deals, Plummer said, so that if they suspect police are approaching, they can just "take off in their car."

We've done so much, but the numbers are going the other way. I don't see the improvement.  William Denihan, Cuyahoga County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board

William Denihan, the outgoing chief executive officer of the Cuyahoga County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, called the opioid epidemic a "tsunami."

"We've done so much, but the numbers are going the other way," Denihan said. "I don't see the improvement."

In Montgomery County, Plummer can relate.

"The frustration part," he said, given all that he and his officers are doing to address the issue from myriad angles, "is that things are just getting worse."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A senior South Korean defense official was suspended Monday for deliberately failing to report to new liberal President Moon Jae-in the arrival of several more launchers for a contentious U.S. missile defense system, Moon's office said.

Moon's conservative predecessor, Park Geun-hye, had allowed the United States to deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system to deal with North Korean nuclear threats. A THAAD battery is normally operated with six launchers, and two of them were publicly installed in a southeastern South Korean town in late April, days before Moon took office on May 10.

Last week, Moon's office said it found that four more launchers have since arrived in South Korea, but that defense officials didn't mention them in policy briefings they gave in late May. Moon demanded a probe, calling the incident "very shocking," according to his aides.

Moon's investigation order has prompted media speculation about its motives. During the election campaign, he said he would review a system that has enraged not only North Korea but also China, South Korea's largest trading partner.

Moon's office said Monday that an investigation found Deputy Minister for Defense Policy Wee Seung Ho ordered ministry officials not to write clearly about the four launchers in policy reports.

Wee told investigators he did so because the South Korean and U.S. militaries decided not to publicize the four launchers' arrivals, presidential official Yoon Young-chan told a televised news conference.

Yoon said Wee instead initially planned to verbally report about the four launchers but didn't do so. "It's something that we cannot tolerate," Yoon said.

Wee didn't immediately make any public comments, according to the Defense Ministry.

A THAAD battery consists of six truck-mounted launchers that can fire up to 48 interceptor missiles, fire control and communication equipment, and a powerful X-band radar officially known as AN/TPY-2.

It's unclear if Moon will go ahead with his campaign pledge to re-examine the THAAD deployment because a request for the withdrawal of the system's components could severely undermine ties with Washington, Seoul's most important ally, analysts say. The United States stations about 28,500 troops in South Korea as deterrence against potential aggression from North Korea.
A Florida deputy shot and killed a man accused of pointing a gun at deputies.

The Florida Times-Union reports that fatal shooting occurred Sunday night in Nassau County.

Sheriff Bill Leeper says deputies responded to a 911 call where dispatchers heard gunshots in the background. Leeper says 27-year-old Jeremy Lindsey pointed a gun at the deputies who arrived, and they shot him.

That incident followed a Friday night shooting in Fernandina Beach that the sheriff's office says stemmed from a hit-and-run crash that led to a car chase.

Leeper says a deputy fatally shot Edward Courtenay, who was in the process of ramming another car that he'd already hit twice.

Officials say the suspects and deputies in both shootings are white. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.

___

Information from: The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com
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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the idea that Moscow had damning information he could use to blackmail President Trump was "a load of nonsense," in an interview that aired Sunday night.

"I never met with him. We have a lot of Americans who visit us," Putin said on NBC's "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly." He added: "Do you think we're gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something? Are you all -- have you all lost your senses over there?"

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded Russia meddled in the presidential election to hurt candidate Hillary Clinton's chances. Lawmakers and opponents of the president have asked Trump repeatedly about any business dealings with Russia -- he says he has none -- as well as reports of a Russian dossier of damaging personal information.

"Well, this is just another load of nonsense," Putin said. "Where would we get this information from? Why, did we have some special relationship with him? We didn't have any relationship at all."

KRAUTHAMMER: PUTIN A 'VERY GOOD LIAR'

Putin again denied any Russian involvement in the U.S. presidential election and any knowledge of Russian contacts with the Trump campaign. As for any hacking, Putin said the perpetrators could be outside Russia, possibly in the United States. "Hackers can be anywhere."

Putin on Friday accused U.S. spies of "crude and systematic" widespread interference in Russian affairs.

A special counsel appointed by the Justice Department and congressional committees are investigating Russia's impact on the election. Former FBI Director James Comey, whom Trump fired after allegedly asking him to drop an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn and his Russian contacts, is scheduled to testify Thursday before the Senate's intelligence committee.

Kelly asked Putin about reports of Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner's attempt to set up a secret communications channel with Russia. Putin said he knew nothing about it and that he had not discussed with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak any meeting with Kushner.

SEN. GRAHAM SAYS HE WAS TARGET OF 'UNMASKING'

"Had there been anything significant he would have reported it to the minister. The minister would have reported it to me," Putin said. "There weren't even any reports. There's nothing to even talk about. There wasn't even any kind of specific discussion about sanctions or anything else. For me, this is just amazing. You created a sensation out of nothing."

As far as the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies, Putin said, "They have been misled." He said he had yet to see any evidence of Russian meddling and drew a connection between the allegations against Russia and the theory that U.S. intelligence agencies arranged the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

"If this theory is correct and that can't be ruled out, then what could be easier, in this day and age, than using all the technical means at the disposal of the intelligence services, and using those means to organize some attacks and then pointing the finger at Russia," he said.

As the Senate prepared for Comey's appearance, Trump appeared unlikely to try to block him for testifying. The public hearing is expected to shed light on his private conversations with Trump in the weeks before his dismissal, including any discussion about the Flynn investigation.

There's been no final decision as to whether Trump would invoke executive privilege, and the matter remains under discussion, according to two administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations. Trump's known to change his mind on major issues.

For Thursday's hearing, 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 Trump likely undermined those arguments because he publicly discussed the conversations in tweets and interviews. Trump's argument in favor of privilege also may be overcome because the investigation is focused on corruption and possible obstruction of justice.

Fox News' Jacqueline Pham and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A court in Bulgaria has sentenced a 21-year-old man to four years in prison for planning to commit an act of terrorism.

Sofia's Special Criminal Court on Monday found John "Ivan" Zahariev, a dual Australian-Bulgarian citizen, guilty of training as a terrorist with the intention of carrying out a terrorist act.

Zahariev had a Christian upbringing in Australia, but later converted to Islam. He has been in custody since September, when he was arrested for training at shooting ranges in Bulgaria with the alleged intention of going to Syria to join jihadi groups.

Zahariev denied the charges. After the verdict, he said he had been subjected to a show trial and that no evidence connected him to the Islamic State group.

Zahariev says he will discuss with his lawyer whether it is worth appealing the verdict.
Once the Balkan stronghold of pro-Russian sentiments, tiny Montenegro is on Monday silently celebrating its entry into NATO in a historic turn toward the West that has made the Kremlin furious.

Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro formally become the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington on Monday.

To get there, Montenegro has stood up against its former ally Russia, which has sought to maintain strong historic, political and cultural influence in the Slavic country it considers a special zone of interest.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Monday "Russia reserves the right to take counter-measures on the basis of reciprocity amid the Montenegrin authorities' hostile stance," according to the Russian state TASS news agency.

It did not elaborate, but Russia has threatened economic and political retaliation, including a campaign to undermine the Montenegrin tourism industry, which relies heavily on Russian visitors. An estimated 200,000 Russians visit Montenegro every year and 80,000 Russians own property here.

Montenegro Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said during the ceremony in Washington that the NATO accession "is a historic event for a country and a nation which endured enormous sacrifices in the 19th and 20th centuries in order to defend their right to a free life; the right to decide on our own future; the right to be recognized by the world under our own name and with our national symbols."

Bringing Montenegro into NATO further diminishes Russia's influence in southeast Europe, and blocks it from the so-called "warm seas" in Europe that could be used as staging grounds for military interventions in the Middle East.

The U.S. State Department said Montenegro's membership "will support greater integration, democratic reform, trade, security, and stability with all of its neighbors."

Russia has also banned imports of Montenegrin wine and recently deported a ranking official from a Moscow airport.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recently warned potential Russian tourists that "there is an anti-Russian hysteria in Montenegro."

"We do not rule out the possibility of provocations, arrests for suspicious reasons or extradition to third countries" of Russians, Zakharova said.

Her claim was dismissed by the president of the Russian-speaking diaspora in Montenegro, Alexander Khrgian, who runs his law office in the coastal resort of Budva.

He said that about 15,000 Russian-speaking people who permanently live in Montenegro feel safe.

"I have been living in Russia for 25 years and now I am here for more than 10 years, and we love Montenegro. It is a wonderful country with wonderful climate," he said.

"People know that Russia and Montenegro have very close cultural links. That is why we are here like at home."

Montenegro says Moscow was behind a foiled coup attempt in October that allegedly targeted former Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who was the driving force behind the country's NATO bid. Russia denies involvement.

"One of the reasons we are joining NATO is to create greater stability, not only for Montenegrin citizens, but also for foreign investors and tourists," Djukanovic said. "Therefore, our goal is to bring even more Russian tourists."

As a Serbian ally, Montenegro was bombed in 1999 by NATO, which launched airstrikes to stop a crackdown against Kosovo Albanian separatists. After deciding to split with Serbia in 2006 in a referendum, Montenegro took a strong turn toward Euro-Atlantic integration.

On the eve of the NATO accession, Montenegrins don't seem interested in their country's historic move and many of them want good relations with both Russia and the West.

"If we were neutral all the time, why shouldn't we continue with it so that we keep good relations with America, Russia and all the other countries?" said Mirko Bozovic from Podgorica.

The pro-Russian opposition Democratic Front, whose top two leaders were indicted over allegedly planning the Russia-orchestrated coup, said the day when Montenegro joins NATO is one of the saddest days in its history.

"Today, Montenegro is being annexed like never before in its history," official Strahinja Bulajic said. "Today is one of the most shameful days in Montenegrin history."

___

AP Writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia.
The current occupant of a secluded home on one of Spains Canary Islands is determined to find out whether it was once used by the Nazis as a secret U-boat base.

Pedro Fumero, who moved into the so-called Villa Winter in 2012 after finding his two uncles and an aunt living there in squalor, believes that the homes impressive views of Jandia National Park and interesting architecture were all part of a secret Nazi plan to monitor the waters off North Africa during World War II.

While Fumero, whose grandfather helped build Villa Winter, has no evidence to back up the claim, there are numerous architectural and historical quirks that have led the 48-year-old retired taxi driver to believe it was a Nazi hideaway.

First and foremost: The original owner of the house was Gustav Winter.

Born in the Black Forest region of Germany in 1893, Winter moved to the Canary Islands in 1925. The engineer was one of 104 German residents living in Spain who were accused of being Nazi agents. At the end of the war, Allied forces requested they be repatriated.

In 1947, the Madrid bureau chief of the United States Office of Strategic Services  the forbearer to the CIA  described Winter as a German agent in the Canary Island in charge of observation posts equipped with [wireless telegraphy] and responsible for supply German U-boats.

The Spanish government, then under the control of fascist leader Francisco Franco, did not hand over Winter to the Allies and he died in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1971.

"I am sure Gustav Winter was provisioning German submarines," Fumero told the BBC.

Besides the shadowy background of the homes former owner, Fumero notes a number of architectural oddities that seem strange for a beach house in the Canary Islands, such as the turret-like tower that looms over the entire structure and the bunker design of the mansion.

Then there is the basement, which has walls that are more than six-feet thick, and the multiple windowless rooms in the house, including a tunnel-like space that runs the length of the house with just a small window at one end.

A letter from a German official to Luftwaffe chief Hermann Goering, a leader of the Nazi party, does complain that it was rumored in the Canaries that one Gustav Winter was supplying fuel to German submarines, and that this was attracting the attention of enemy spies.

Winter also built an airstrip between his home and the nearby beach, but historians believe it served a less nefarious reason than as a landing spot for Nazi warplanes.

"I was told by one of his sons that it was because Winter's wife had a difficult birth experience, so he decided that planes should get access," said Juan Jose Diaz Benitez, a history lecturer at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

While local documents say the home was built in 1946, Fumero asserts that the bunker was built when Winter acquired the entire Jandia peninsula shortly after Franco took power at the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939. During World War II, Spain officially remained neutral, but owed the Nazis a debt for the weaponry and financial support Franco received from them during the civil war. It is well known that Spanish ports were major refueling and provisioning sites for German U-boats between 1940 and 1942.

Fumero may be convinced that Villa Winter was a Nazi base, but others say there is a need for more hard evidence before a final decision is made.

What is known for certain is that Winter did have a connection with the Nazis and used that relationship to secure the construction of the harbor at Morro Jable.

"The only thing proven by German documents, Diaz Benitez said, is the subsidies he got for economic plans for island of Fuerteventura."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called for Prime Minister Theresa May's resignation on Monday over her record on police cuts in England after recent attacks in England left dozens of people dead.

"There has been a cause made by very responsible people who are very worried that she was at the Home Office for all this time and presided over these cuts in police numbers, and she is now saying we have a problem," Corbyn said on Monday.

"Yes, we have a problem. We should never have cut the police numbers," he said, adding that the upcoming election on Thursday is the best "opportunity" to resolve the situation.

INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE ON LONDON STREETS AFTER TERROR ATTACK

Corbyn referred to May's cuts while she was UK's Home secretary  the department that presides over the country's immigration and security. May dropped 20,000 police officers in the six years she was in office, according to Sky News.

However, May said budgets for counter-terrorism policing budgets have remained consistent. She insisted that Metropolitan police were "well resourced" and has "very powerful counter-terrorism capabilities," Sky News reported. The terror threat level in the UK remain at "severe."

Corbyn and May temporarily suspended their campaign over the weekend after a vehicle and knife attack at the London Bridge and Borough Hall left seven people dead and nearly 50 others injured. It was the second time the candidates suspended campaigning since the Manchester Arena bombing which killed 22 people. May received overwhelming support in April for Thursday's snap general election.

LONDON TERROR ATTACK: MAY CALLS ASSAULT ATTACK ON FREE WORLD, THREAT LEVEL REMAINS SEVERE

May has hit back at Corbyn by insisting her opponent is unfit to helm Britain's Brexit negotiations when they begin in earnest later this month.

"He doesn't believe in Britain," she said in a blistering attack. "He doesn't have a plan. He doesn't have what it takes."

May has faced some criticism for declining to directly debate Corbyn or any of the smaller party leaders.

Corbyn used a rally in Basildon, in southeastern England, to say that May and the Conservatives are putting Britain's economy at risk by taking an unnecessarily hard line toward the EU over Brexit terms, which may lead to a breakdown in talks.

BRITISH PM MAY CALLS FOR ALLIES TO UNITE AGAINST EXTREMISM

He said leaving the EU without a replacement trade deal in place would be the worst possible outcome that could lead to a loss of high-paying British jobs.

"That would mean slapping tariffs on the goods we export -- an extra 10 percent on cars -- with the risk that key manufacturers would leave for the European mainland, taking skilled jobs with them," Corbyn said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Canadian woman killed during the London terror attacks was struck by the van driven by terrorists on London Bridge and died in her fiance's arms, her fiance's siblings said Monday.

Christine Archibald, a 30-year-old social worker 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 Rowe told the AP her brother was walking few steps ahead of his fiancee on the bridge when the attacks began, and then held her as she died.

"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," Ferguson Rowe said in a Facebook post.

Originally from Castlegar, British Columbia, Archibald had later lived in Calgary, where she worked at a homeless shelter before moving to Europe to be with Ferguson.

Her family in Castlegar said in a statement that Archibald "would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death."

"She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected," the family statement said.

Kathy Christiansen, executive director of Alpha House in Calgary, told the AP that Archibald had worked at the shelter for homeless people addicted to drugs and alcohol until recently.

In a statement posted Sunday on Facebook, the shelter said its employees were devastated by the news.

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, the statement said.

Peter Choate, an assistant professor in social work at Mount Royal University, told CTV News he knew Archibald from her time there as a student, and that he couldn't image what her family is experiencing right now.

You see a bright light and then that lights gone, Choate told CTV News. Thats a tough, tough story. As tough as it is for us, its immeasurably tough for her fiance. I cant imagine what thats like to have your fiance die in your hands.

The Archibald family asked that people honor her memory by making the community a better place.

"Volunteer your time and labor or donate to a homeless shelter," the family said in a statement. "Tell them Chrissy sent you."

The hashtag #Chrissysentme was being used on Twitter to express sadness for the family's loss. Inspired by the call for meaningful action, some people pledged to make donations to shelters, soup kitchens and other community groups.

Ferguson Rowe told the AP she hoped the use of the hashtag would "urge people to not let her death be in vain, to do good in their community."

"It's what she would have wanted," Ferguson Rowe said.

Read more from CTV News.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday that the countrys terror threat level will remain at severe after weekend attacks in London left seven dead and nearly 50 others injured.

May described the assault as an attack on the free world.

"It is now clear that, sadly, victims came from a number of nationalities. This was an attack on London and the United Kingdom, but it was also an attack on the free world, she said in an interview with BBC.

May said police have identified all the London Bridge attackers and that 11 people remain in custody for possible connections to the attack. Police said attackers would be identified when it is operationally possible.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack through its propaganda wing Amaq News Agency, the SITE intelligence group said 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. However, ISIS gave no evidence to back up its claim.

At least 21 people remained in critical condition after the attacks.

London police said that one British Transport police officer and three Metropolitan police officers were injured during the weekend attacks.

The two Metropolitan police officers were on duty during the attack. One a plain clothes officer who received stitches to a head injury and a uniformed officer received an injury to his arm.

One off-duty officer remains in the hospital and in serious condition.

Fox News Patrick Manning and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Melbourne gunman called a local television station early Monday in the midst of a deadly siege, pledging allegiance to ISIS and Al Qaeda before cops shot him dead to end the rampage.

The unnamed gunman killed one man and wounded three Victoria police officers during the incident, which police are investigating as a potential terror attack, SkyNews.Com.AU reported. A woman who was taken hostage was found unharmed, according to the BBC.

The Herald Sun reported the gunman was known to counterterror investigators.

During the episode, the man, later confirmed by police to be the assailant, called Channel 7 and said this is for IS, using a form of the ISIS terror groups name, and this is for Al Qaeda. Channel 7 said a woman was heard screaming in the background.

Police were not sure of the relationship between the gunman and the woman taken hostage. She initially alerted police to the incident when she called an emergency line and reported being held hostage.

The siege in a Brighton apartment building last about two hours before the gunman opened fire as he tried to flee, Sky News reported. Cops at the scene shot the man dead.
Another former Mexican governor is behind bars on corruption allegations.

Roberto Borge, who was governor of Quintana Roo from 2011 to 2016, was arrested in Panama in connection with the sale of state properties worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

FUGITIVE MEXICAN EX-GOVERNOR DETAINED IN GUATEMALA



Borge is the third ex-governor from President Enrique Pena Nieto's governing Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, detained this year on corruption allegations.

Tamaulipas ex-Gov. Tomas Yarrington and Veracruz ex-Gov. Javier Duarte were arrested in April in Italy and Guatemala, respectively.

The federal Attorney General's Office said in a statement that Borge was detained at the Panama City airport just as he was to board a flight to Paris.

MEXICAN EX-GOVERNOR EVADED JUSTICE WITH HELP OF ACCOMPLICES

In February, Mexican prosecutors seized 25 parcels of state-owned land worth more than $250 million that were allegedly sold to private parties at a fraction of their market value.

The sales took place during Borge's time in office, and Mexican media reports have linked the buyers to him.

The Caribbean coastal state of Quintana Roo is home to Cancun and other resort cities.

The AP contributed to this report.
The New York City attack is the latest in a series of recent terror strikes aimed at the West.

Here is a timeline of recent terror attacks in Europe and the United States:

Oct. 31, 2017: Truck rams into cyclists, pedestrians in New York City

Sayfullo Saipov, 29, from Uzbekistan, allegedly drove a rented truck into a crowd of pedestrians and cyclists on a bike path near the World Trade Center in Manhattan.

The attack killed 8 people and injured at least 12 others.

New York City officials later confirmed the attack was carried out in the name of ISIS.

Sept. 15, 2017: Terror on the tube

At least 22 people were injured when an apparent bucket bomb exploded on a London subway, causing mass panic and flash burns.

Aug. 17, 2017: Van ramming in Barcelona

A van attack killed 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 left one dead. The attacks were claimed by ISIS.

June 3, 2017: Van ramming and stabbing in London

Seven people were killed and dozens were injured by three assailants who plowed through pedestrians on the London Bridge and stabbed revelers in Borough Market.

May 22, 2017: Outside Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England

Twenty-two people were killed and dozens more injured by a suicide bomber with apparent connections to an organized terror network.

April 20, 2017: Champs Elysees attack in Paris

An attacker got out of a car and fired an automatic weapon at a parked police van, killing the officer inside, before shooting at others standing on the nearby sidewalk, injuring two before he was shot and killed by police.

The French president said the attack was terrorist in nature and promised utmost vigilance.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.

April 7, 2017: Stockholm truck attack

Five people were killed when a truck driven by a man drove into a pedestrian shopping street and department store in Swedens capital city, wounding over a dozen others.

The 39-year-old man allegedly admitted to being a member of ISIS and told police that he had achieved what he set out to do.

April 3, 2017: Saint Petersburg bombing

A suicide bombing on the subway in Russias second largest city killed more than a dozen passengers and injured dozens more.

March 22, 2017: Westminster Bridge attack

Five people, including a London police officer who was stabbed and the perpetrator, were killed in a terror attack. More than 40 people were injured outside the Parliament building.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said the act was sick and depraved.

ISIS later claimed responsibility.

Feb. 3, 2017: Louvre knife attack

A machete-wielding man yelling Allahu Akbar attacked soldiers in a shopping mall near the Louvre in Paris. He was shot and wounded by soldiers.

Dec. 19, 2016: Germany Christmas market

A large truck plowed through a Christmas market in central Berlin, which killed 12 and injured 48 others.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack and said the attacker was a soldier of the Islamic State through Amaq news agency.

Nov. 28, 2016: Ohio State

Abdul Razak Ali Artan, an Ohio State University student, ran his car into a group of students and slashed people with a butcher knife.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack and called Artan a soldier.

Oct. 16, 2016: Hamburg, Germany

There was a lone wolf knife attack in Hamburg, Germany, which claimed the life of one teenager.

July 26, 2016: Normandy, France

Two men took five people hostage during a Mass at a church in Normandy and murdered an elderly priest by stabbing him in the chest and slitting his throat. The hostages were freed later, and the two men were arrested.

Then-President Francois Hollande said that the men carried out the attack in the name of ISIS.

July 14, 2016: Nice, France

Seventy-seven people were killed in Nice, France, when a truck drove through a crowd on Bastille Day.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.

June 12, 2016: Orlando nightclub shooting

Omar Mateen attacked an Orlando gay nightclub, killing 50 people. Mateen pledged allegiance to ISIS on a 911 call, in one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history, and the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.

ISIS later claimed responsibility for the attack

March 22, 2016: Belgium attack

There were two suicide bombings on March 22, 2016one at Brussels Airport and the other in the citys subway system. Combined, the attacks killed 32 people.

The ISIS cell that claimed responsibility for the Brussels attack was also linked to those involved in the Nov. 13, 2015 terror attacks in Paris.

Jan. 11, 2016: Marseille, France

A teenager attacked a Jewish teacher in Marseille with a machete. He told police that he carried out the attack in the name of ISIS.

Jan. 7, 2016: Philadelphia, Penn.

A man shot and wounded a Philadelphia police officer. The man claimed the attack was in the name of Islam and ISIS.

Dec. 2, 2015: San Bernardino shooting

A married couple shot and killed 14 people in San Bernardino, Calif. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism inspired by ISIS.

Nov. 13, 2015: Paris attacks

A series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris killed 130 people and injured hundreds more. The attacks consisted of mass shootings and suicide bombings.

ISIS claimed responsibility.

Aug. 21, 2015: Paris

Three Americans were at the center of an attempted mass shooting. They helped to overpower a gunman who was armed with a Kalashnikov, and opened fire on a train from Amsterdam to Paris.

The gunman was on the radar of European counterterrorism agencies and appeared to be sympathetic to ISIS.

Feb. 15, 2015: Denmark

A Denmark national who was inspired by ISIS went on a rampage through the nations capital, killing two and wounding five police officers.

Jan. 7-9, 2015: Charlie Hebdo

There was an attack on the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, and four attacks around Paris followed, killing 17 people.

ISIS claimed responsibility.

May 24, 2014: Jewish Museum shooting

Four people were killed at the Jewish Museum in Brussels by an intruder with a Kalashnikov. The accused was a former French fighter linked to ISIS in Syria.

May 22, 2013: Lee Rigby attack

Two Al Qaeda-inspired extremists ran down British soldier Lee Rigby in a London street, then stabbed and hacked him to death.

March 2012: France gunman

A gunman claiming links to Al Qaeda killed three Jewish schoolchildren, a rabbi and three paratroopers in Toulouse, southern France.

July 22, 2011: Teenager massacre

Right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik planted a bomb in Oslo then launched a shooting massacre on a youth camp on Norways Utoya island, killing 77 people, many of them teenagers.

Nov. 2, 2011: Charlie Hebdo firebombing

The offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris were firebombed after the satirical magazine ran a cover featuring a caricature of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. No one was injured.

March 2, 2011: Germany shooting

Islamic extremist Arid Uka shot dead two U.S. airmen and injured two others at Frankfurt airport after apparently being inspired by a fake internet video purporting to show American atrocities in Afghanistan.

July 7, 2005: London subway and bus bombings

Four Al Qaeda-inspired suicide bombers blew themselves up on three subway trains and a bus, killing 52 commuters.

March 11, 2004: Madrid train bombing

Bombs on four Madrid commuter trains in the morning rush hour killed 191 people.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Captain Ds Accelerates Louisiana Expansion with Opening of New Zachary Restaurant

Fast Casual Seafood Franchise Opens First Location in the Baton Rouge Area

June 02, 2017 // Franchising.com // NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Captain Ds, the leading fast casual seafood restaurant, announced its newest location in Zachary, Louisiana is officially open. Located at 5353 Main Street, the restaurant is 2,800 square feet, with drive-thru, and showcases the brands most recent beach design. The new restaurant has created 20-25 jobs in the Zachary community.

Marking the brands first location in the Baton Rouge area, the Zachary restaurant is corporately owned and kicks off Captain Ds aggressive development plans for the region. The company currently has two locations under construction in Baton Rouge and Denham Springs, as well as an additional location in Hammond that is slated to open in the fall.

At Captain Ds, we invest our company capital in new company stores, precisely like our franchisees invest their capital in new locations. Fueled by the strength of our business model, our expansion in Louisiana is a direct reflection of our brands compounding success and unlimited potential, said Michael Arrowsmith, chief development officer for Captain Ds. Over the course of this year, well be opening new restaurants throughout the region as we continue growing Captain Ds presence in Louisiana.

The opening of the new restaurant in Zachary comes on the heels of the outstanding success Captain Ds experienced in 2016, achieving its sixth consecutive year of same store sales increases and fourth successive year of record high system-wide AUV. In addition to its corporate growth in Louisiana, this ongoing success has propelled Captain Ds franchise expansion, with agreements signed to open an additional 25 new restaurants this year in states across the country including Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas and Virginia.

Coupled with its ongoing menu innovation, Captain Ds credits its new restaurant beach design with contributing to the brands compounding success. To date, nearly 60 percent of all restaurants have been reimaged to the brands new vibrant, coastal design, with another 50 locations to be remodeled by the end of this year. With these efforts, Captain Ds has remained true to what it does best  serving high-quality seafood with warm hospitality at an affordable price in a welcoming atmosphere.

With 516 restaurants in 21 states, Captain Ds is the fast-casual seafood leader and number one seafood franchise in America ranked by average unit volume. The company is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join in the brands rapid expansion. For more information about franchise opportunities, visit http://www.captaindsfranchising.com or call 800-550-4877.

About Captain Ds

Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Captain Ds has 516 restaurants in 21 states. Captain Ds is the nations leading fast casual seafood restaurant and was named the #1 seafood chain in the QSR 50, ranked by AUV. Founded in 1969, Captain Ds has been offering its customers high-quality seafood at reasonable prices in a welcoming atmosphere for more than 47 years. Captain Ds serves a wide variety of seafood that includes freshly prepared entrees and the company's signature hand-battered fish, which is cooked to order. The restaurants also offer premium-quality, grilled items such as shrimp, and surf and turf, as well as hushpuppies, desserts and freshly brewed, Southern-style sweet tea, a Captain D's favorite. For more information, please visit www.captainds.com.

Media Contact:

Caitlin Willard

Account Executive

Fish Consulting, LLC

O: (954) 893-9150

C: (813) 340-1753

cwillard@fish-consulting.com

SOURCE Captain Ds

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Juice It Up! Opens Newest Southern California Location In Rialto

Leading Raw Juice and Smoothie Chain Expands Footprint with 90th Location

June 05, 2017 // Franchising.com // IRVINE, California - Juice It Up!, one of the nations leading raw juice bar and hand-crafted smoothie chains, is excited to announce the opening of its new Rialto location, which is the first raw juice bar to open within city limits. Juice It Up! is bringing its blended-to-order real fruit and veggie smoothies, fresh-squeezed functional raw juices, and nutrient-rich Smoothie Bowls to the community and is operated by local husband and wife team, John Davis and Sylvia Quirino.

With over 15 years of experience as multi-unit franchisees, were excited to announce our very first Juice It Up! is now open for business in the city of Rialto, said Juice It Up! Rialto owner and operator, John Davis. Were confident in our decision to partner with Juice It Up!, a veteran brand, as the companys mission aligns perfectly with our values and our passion for healthy living. Were excited to expand our investment portfolio and grow the brands presence in our hometown, and with the companys proven track record for success, were confident that this new location will do well for years to come.

Juice It Up!s menu, with LTOs rolled out seasonally, includes fresh-squeezed raw juices, blended-to-order real fruit and veggie smoothies, nutrient-rich bowls, and Cold Pressed Bottled Juices. With the brands delicious Smoothie Bowls, guests can transform their favorite Smoothie into a nourishing meal replacement, customized with the choice of premium ingredients like fresh seasonal fruit, chia seeds, goji berries, cacao nibs, organic granola and honey. Guest can also supercharge any bowl or smoothie with the Make it Green option, which blends in raw kale and spinach to add an extra dose of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

With our new Rialto storefront joining our growing list of locations open and operating in four states, we find it imperative to remind interested franchise candidates of our more than 20 years experience in the raw juice and smoothie segment, said Carol DeNembo, vice president of business development for Juice It Up! John and Sylivas passion for health and wellness is reflective in their choice to join a veteran brand which continues to grow in units and in sales. Weve seen our franchise partners do well in new and existing areas, and its clear that guests are choosing to frequent brands like Juice It Up! that share their passion and integrity for healthy, active lifestyles.

With an operations-focused culture, Juice It Up! is growing with new franchise partners, while existing franchisees continue to invest in the brand. Juice It up! is currently awarding a variety of franchise opportunities including area development, single unit, and non-traditional store fronts such as college campuses, airports and gyms across all U.S. regions. The brand also offers franchise incentives for veterans of the U.S. military. Ideal franchisees possess an entrepreneurial spirit and a creative local store marketing mindset, and are passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.

To learn more about the benefits of owning a Juice It Up! straight from current franchisees, watch https://youtu.be/qkn3vxafNOI and visit http://www.juiceitupfranchise.com for additional franchising details.

About Juice It Up!

Juice It Up!, a leading raw juice bar and hand-crafted smoothie franchise, specializes in delicious and functional fresh-squeezed juices, blended-to-order real fruit smoothies and nutrient-rich options such as Acai and Pitaya Bowls. Founded in 1995, the Irvine, California-based lifestyle brand is focused on providing its guests with a variety of great-tasting, better-for-you food and drink choices designed with personal wellness in mind. With over 100 locations open or under development across California, New Mexico, Oregon, and Texas, the privately-owned company is showcasing a new restaurant design, a heavier focus on the growing demand for raw juice options and a menu refresh that reflects the brands active personality and motto to Live Life Juiced! An established lifestyle brand with unparalleled experience in the raw juice bar industry, Juice It Up! has been included in Fast Casuals 2017 Top 100 Movers & Shakers List, Franchise Times Next 300 Franchise Chains list three years in a row, named a 2017 Best for Vets Franchise by Military Times and ranked #270 on Entrepreneur Magazines 2017 Annual Franchise 500 List. For more information about becoming a Juice It Up! franchise partner, visit www.juiceitupfranchise.com.



Juice It Up! Social Media Pages

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/juiceitup/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/juiceitup/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/juiceituphq/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/juiceitup/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/juiceitupcorp/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/juice-it-up/

Media Contact:

Chelsea McKinney

Powerhouse Communications

(949) 261-2216

Chelsea@powerhousecomm.com

SOURCE Juice It Up!

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Just Cuts Raises $13,500 For The Royal Flying Doctor Service Of Australia At Annual Cut-A-Rama Event

June 05, 2017 // Franchising.com // The Just Cuts team, Outback Car Trekkers and the local Griffith community rally to raise money for a life-saving cause.

On Saturday night, the Just Cuts team was joined by members of the Griffith community, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia representatives and participants of the Outback Car Trek at the annual Cut-A-Rama event. Crowds packed the local Victoria Hotel for the event, which raised $13,500 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.

Cut-A-Rama is the kick-off event to the Outback Car Trek, held the night before the official trek commences. Eight Just Cuts Stylists from all over Australia helped Outback Car Trek drivers create wild hair styles and colours to sport during their week-long trek.

Thousands of dollars were donated by trekkers to see their friends heads shaved, clipped, cut and coloured for the cause.

This was the 19th Cut-A-Rama event that weve put on. Were so proud to be able to support a charity that impacts the lives of so many people across Australia who wouldnt ordinarily have that kind of medical and emergency support, says Denis McFadden, CEO and founder of Just Cuts and dedicated Outback Car Trek trekker.

Bill Patrick, Chief Organiser of The Outback Car Trek always looks forward to the event. Trekkers from all over the world have met in Griffith to take part in the traditional Cut-A-Rama night - the opening event of the annual Outback Car Trek. Cut-A-Rama is a wonderful way to start the week, and a great fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It simply wouldnt be a Trek without the involvement of the wonderful people from Just Cuts, who go out of their way to help raise funds for the RFDS. he said.

Cut-A-Rama is just one small part of Just Cuts ongoing commitment to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Every Just Cuts salon in Australia receives a donation box for the charity, which is displayed on reception counters all year round, with Clients, Team Members and Owners alike donating their loose change to the cause.

And since first partnering with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in 1998, Just Cuts has raised over $400,000 for the charity through the annual Cut-A-Rama event, our salon donation boxes and a number of other fundraising initiatives.

For further information about Cut-A-Rama and to organise a photo or interview with Denis McFadden, CEO and founder of Just Cuts, please contact:

Kelly Gaunt

Just Cuts Brand

Communications Manager

+61(2) 9527 5444

kelly@justcuts.com

Meet the Just Cuts Cutting Crew

Just Cuts Stylists from all over Australia apply for Cut-A-Rama each year, with eight lucky entrants chosen to take part as the Cutting Crew on the night, including:

Brooke Edmonds, Franchise Owner - Just Cuts Rockdale, NSW

Christine Mitrousis, Stylist - Just Cuts Majura Park, ACT

Stacey Bedrick, Stylist - Just Cuts Mt Gravatt, QLD

Natalie Bayliss, Stylist - Just Cuts Randwick, NSW

Cassandra Bull, Stylist - Just Cuts Chermside, QLD

Maree McNaughton, Stylist - Just Cuts Ocean Keys, WA

Nabil Rochdi, Stylist - Just Cuts Waurn Ponds, VIC

Toni Boss, Stylist - Just Cuts Hervey Bay QLD

More about the Royal Flying Doctor Service

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations in the world, providing extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to people over an area of 7.3 million square kilometres.

Delivered by a dedicated team of professionals, using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, and support by a vast number of volunteers and supporters, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia is vital for those who live, work and travel in rural and remote Australia.

Find out more here: https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au.

More about the 2017 Outback Car Trek

This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Outback Car Trek, an annual long distance trek that raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Since it first began, the Trek has raised in excess of $25 million dollars for the charity.

The 28th Flying Doctor Outback Car Trek will be conducted over 7 days and the 2017 Trek will leave from Griffith in south-western NSW on Sunday morning June 4th, and will travel to Port Macquarie on the north coast of NSW, arriving on Saturday afternoon June 10th 2017.

Find out more here: http://www.outbackcartrek.com.au.

SOURC Just Cuts

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Restoration 1 Expands into Wisconsin and Michigan

Award-winning franchise network now spans 28 states across the U.S.

June 05, 2017 // Franchising.com // WACO, Texas - Restoration 1, one of the fastest-growing and most-trusted restoration franchises in North America, announced that it is expanding into two more states with the addition of two territories in Wisconsin and two territories in Michigan. These new states grow the Restoration 1 franchise network to 28 states across the U.S.

Our record-setting growth now represents a coast to coast organization, said Gary Findley, CEO of Restoration 1. Recently named one of the Fastest-Growing Franchises of 2017 by Entrepreneur Magazine, he added, We are attracting the best of the best to our system among prospects who want to be their own boss, follow a proven business in a recession-resistant industry, and be part of an all-star network.

Joining the Restoration 1 network, new franchise owner Jeff Stevenson will operate in Michigan, specifically the East Oakland County and Macomb territories. And new franchise owner David Michalski will operate in the Milwaukee and Greater Milwaukee area of Wisconsin. Both completed their training in May.

Stevenson and Michalski have been trained to properly and thoroughly restore both residential and commercial properties that have been damaged due to water, smoke, fire, mold, storms and more. Alongside the training they received at Restoration 1 corporate headquarters in Waco, Texas, they will hold certifications in water damage restoration, mold, fire and smoke, odor control, safety and more.

About Restoration 1

Founded in 2008, Restoration 1 is an award-winning franchise that specializes in a wide array of emergency mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction services. An industry innovator, the Texas-based company uses advanced technologies and tools to perform restoration for both residential and commercial properties that have been damaged due to water, smoke, fire, mold, storms and more. There are more than 120 locations throughout the U.S. with plans to expand to more than 500 locations nationwide in the next four years. For more information about Restoration 1, visit www.restoration1.com.

Media Contact:

Morgan Butler

BizCom Associates

903-285-8662

morgan@bizcompr.com

SOURCE Restoration 1

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A 53-year-old Mineral woman was killed Sunday after a motorcycle on which she was a passenger collided with a car in Spotsylvania County, police said.

Vickie S. Patton was ejected from the motorcycle during the collision, Sheriffs Lt. C.A. Carey said. She was pronounced dead later in the day at a local hospital.

According to Carey, the incident took place about 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Hickory Ridge Road. The motorcycle and a silver sedan with two occupants in it somehow collided.

Carey said police had not fully determined Monday what caused the accident. A crash reconstruction team has taken measurements and examined evidence from the accident, and police will consult with the Commonwealths Attorneys office soon to determine what, if any, charges will be filed.

The man who was driving the motorcycle was also hospitalized, Carey said, but the extent of his injuries were not clear Monday. A passenger in the sedan suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Pattons death was one of three fatal accidents in the Fredericksburg area Sunday. Earlier that day, another motorcyclist was killed on Interstate 95 when he ran off the roadway and struck a tractortrailer that was stopped on the right shoulder.

Jonathan Thomas Powell, 28, of Aylett died at the scene. State police spokesman Les Tyler said the crash occurred at 3:55 a.m. just north of State Route 3 in Fredericksburg.

After Powell was ejected from his bike, the motorcycle spun into the southbound lanes of the interstate and was struck by several vehicles. No other injuries occurred as a result.

The driver of the tractortrailer, a Pennsylvania resident, was charged with being improperly stopped on the highway.

Another fatal accident took place on State Route 3 just west of State Route 642 in Westmoreland County shortly after 6 p.m. Sunday, state police said. A three-vehicle collision began when an eastbound Hyundai Elantra crossed the double yellow lines and struck a westbound UHaul truck, police said. The truck was then struck by a Ford pick-up.

One of the two occupants of the UHaul died as the result of the crash. The other occupants and the lone occupants of the other two vehicles were seriously injured.

Information about the victims and possible charges was not available Monday evening.
A motorcyclist was killed after crashing into a tractor-trailer on Interstate 95 southbound in Fredericksburg early Sunday morning.

The incident occurred around 3:55 a.m. near mile marker 131. The rider ran off the roadway and struck the rear of a 2015 Freightliner tractor-trailer that was stopped on the right shoulder, according to Virginia State Police.

VSP said the motorcyclist was ejected onto the right shoulder and the motorcycle spun into the southbound lanes and was struck by several vehicles. The motorcyclist died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Police are waiting to reveal the identity of the motorcyclist until they notify next of kin.

The tractor-trailer operator, Tamir Wright, 35, of Chester, Pa., was not injured and was charged with being improperly stopped on the highway.

No other fatalities or injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Here they come! a man shouted.

Seconds later, the sound of police sirens broke the silence and a sea of motorcycles appeared in the distance. Spectators who gathered along Route 3 waved flags and cheered as hundreds of motorcycles roared by them.

Some onlookers, including Patty Griffin of Spotsylvania, inched closer to the road to catch a better glimpse of the riders participating in the 11th annual FrazierMason Some Gave All Memorial Motorcycle Ride, which started at Spotsylvania High School and ended at King George High School.

The ride began in 2007 to honor two local fallen heroesArmy Sgt. Nicholas Conan Mason of King George and Marine Sgt. Joshua James Frazier of Spotsylvaniawho were killed while serving in Iraq.

Griffin said this years ride appeared to be the largest yet. Although she normally rides her motorcycle alongside her husband, Murphy, she had to sit this year out due to illness. But that didnt prevent her from showing her support on the sidelines.

There are more bikes here than I have ever seen at this event before, she said.

Griffin became involved in the ride after hearing the tragic news that Frazier was killed in Iraq. She had worked with Fraziers mother for over 18 years, and had known him since he was just a baby.

It broke my heart when I heard the news, she said. I have many memories of him.

Vic Mason, father of Nicholas Mason, and Rick Frazier, the father of Joshua Frazier, started the ride as a way to honor their sons and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. In the process, they also created the Some Gave All Foundation to raise money to support veterans in need in the community.

Mason said the outpouring of support from the community is what makes the eventand the foundationso successful. He estimates that over 1,000 motorcycles participated in the 2017 memorial ride.

We give the community a venue, and they all come out to support our veterans, he said. It is very touching.

After the ride, motorcyclists and spectators grabbed a bite to eat from the food trucks lined up outside the school while enjoying live music by Unchained. The event also featured an array of vendors, childrens activities and motorcycle stunts by the 540 Boyz.

The unfurling of a giant American flag by dozens of volunteers from the crowd marked the beginning of the memorial ceremony. Many grasped the flag with one hand while holding the other over their hearts as they listened to the national anthem.

Congressman Rob Wittman, R1st District, helped kick off the ceremony. He reminded all those in attendance that one of the best ways to honor the fallen and preserve their memory is to take care of veterans.

Today is a reminder that the way to honor the brave men and women who have given all is by supporting the active-duty military who protect our nation, Wittman said.

Christine Mason, the mother of Nicholas Mason, told the crowd that the foundation has raised over $305,000 in aid to support local wounded and disabled veterans. During the ceremony, she presented a $5,000 check to the McGuire Wheelchair Team to assist with their transportation costs to the Wheelchair Olympics.

We want to support the veterans we have here with us, she said.

Vic Mason emphasized that the event would not be possible without the cadre of volunteers who offered their time and talents in support of veterans.

We have a great group of volunteers, Mason said. It shows how much the community is behind this, and that is makes this so special.

Tim Walters, commander of American Legion Post 320, said the American Legion Riders have been volunteering by handling parking at Spotsylvania High School since the very beginning. He has enjoyed watching the ride grow from year to year.

The ride started as a way to ease the grief of the families and pay tribute to the boys, he said. But, today, the ride raises a lot of money for local veteran organizations and families in need of assistance.

Keith McAuley, a U.S. Air Force veteran with American Legion Post 82 of Saluda, has attended the event with the American Legion Riders for 11 years. McAuley never got the chance to meet Joshua Frazier, but he did ride his motorcycle at his funeral.

Although the event is held rain or shine, he was happy for the sunny skies and warm temperatures.

Mother Nature was shining on us todayits a beautiful day to ride, he said.
Hoping to study an agriculture-related subject at college or university this autumn or already settled in to college life?

There are so many things that go through your mind before you arrive: What can you expect? What will the people be like? The course? Are the rumours true?

Heres what they dont tell you in the prospectuses.

1. Best foot forward

Youll be judged on your choice in wellies. Everyone knows Le Chameau are for the shooting fraternity and Dunlops are for the dairy folk. If youre looking for a safe middle ground, maybe opt for Aigle.

2. Horsepower

Its compulsory to have a favourite tractor make. If youre not a machinery buff, just choose a colour, stick to it and try to make intelligent-sounding comments about engine size when talking to the arable lot.

3. Smells of success

Campus can have a rich odour of livestock muck at least once a week. If youre lucky, its the cows; if youre not, its the chickens.

4. The great divide

The North and South are two very different places. Pick a side. Is it dinner or tea? Should chips be eaten with gravy? What is a bread roll actually called? A bap? A cob? A teacake?

5. A matter of time

Its like the normal rules of the universe dont apply. Days, weeks, months fly by. Its Freshers Week, then suddenly the first year is over and, before you know it, youre leaving. Its well worth remembering the old saying: Youre there for a good time, not a long time.

6. Game on

There will be dead game birds hung up in your accommodation at some point. Then the question of who knows how to do the messy bits arises.

See also: 25 pieces of advice for 25-year-olds

7. Good show

Events such as Cereals, Lamma and Dairy Expo take priority over lectures. You might even find your lecturers are more keen to attend than you.

8. In our day

Final-year students will, without exception, tell you that everything was better when they were freshers. Just agree  after all, youll be doing the same one day soon.

9. Getting fleeced

You will probably own about six Schoffels by the time you leave. Dont worry  purchasing luxury fleece clothing is exactly what your student loan was intended for!

10. Rivalry

Yes, between courses. The ag lot look down on the environmental lot. The business guys think theyre a breed apart  as do the equine crowd and the wannabe vets. And thats even before we get to the inter-college rivalry.

11. Easter tasks

Lecturers might talk about the work you need to do over Easter, but everyone knows thats lambing time.

12. The stalwart lecturer

They have lectured since, in their words, God was a boy. They will be a world authority  and utterly obsessed  with their subject, which will be incredibly specialised. What they dont know about fluctuations in the pH of the third stomach of Jersey cows fed ad-lib silage on the southern side of the Isle of Wight in the winter of 1974 simply isnt worth knowing.

13. The halls of residence warden

Theyre a post-grad, possibly in their mid- or late 20s and likely to become a perpetual student. Theyll be the first on the scene if anyone has an accident or the fire alarm goes off.

14. Student Union antics

What goes on tour, stays on tour. Thats all were saying.

15. The favourite tutor

Possibly a course manager or your personal tutor, theyll write you a reference  and itll be a glowing one  when you are job hunting.

16. Grand designs

OK, so the prospectus might show nice buildings, but some of the old ag colleges have architecture to rival any National Trust property.

17. Congratulations

Choosing to study an ag-related subject at uni or going to an ag college will absolutely be the best decision you ever make. Now go forth and party (and work hard!)

Do you have any additions to this list? Wed love to hear them. Email fwfarmlife@rbi.co.uk
A farmer from Cornwall whose animals were subjected to prolonged ill treatment by neglect has failed in his bid to overturn a seven-year ban on keeping sheep.

David Ford, 48, of Higher Rillaton Farm, Rillaton, Callington, had been prosecuted by Cornwall Council in connection with a variety of farm animal welfare breaches.

Following a trial, Mr Ford had been convicted of failing to appropriately or adequately treat a severely injured sheep and failing to investigate the reasons for the poor body condition of 47 sheep.

See also: Cornish farmer banned from keeping sheep

In addition, he had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to provide clean water to pigs, failing to provide care to two sick cattle, failing to care for piglets and failing to provide a clean feeding area to pigs.

At Plymouth Crown Court, His Honour Judge Paul Darlow upheld the ban against Mr Ford, and also sentenced him to 20 weeks custody, suspended for two years.

Judge Darlow explained that Mr Ford had caused his sheep prolonged ill treatment by neglect and that he had shown no remorse or willingness to learn from the advice provided by visiting officers.

Serious welfare breaches

Speaking after the hearing, Andrew Burnside, senior trading standards officer at Cornwall Council, said the investigation involved some of the most serious welfare matters.

He added: A lamb with severely injured hind legs was not treated by a vet, pigs had only mud to drink, sick cattle had no bedding, and pigs were being fed in their own faeces.

Mr Ford had previously been given advice on how to rectify the welfare issues found, but failed to provide for the most basic needs of his animals.

New sentencing guidelines state that any person keeping animals for commercial gain, who is prosecuted for prolonged ill treatment of animals, can expect a prison sentence.
Somerset farmer Derek Mead was killed in an accident on his farm

Somerset dairy farmer and entrepreneur Derek Mead has died following a farm accident.

It is understood that Mr Mead, from Weston-super-Mare, died after an accident involving a loader on his own farm on Sunday afternoon (4 June).

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: Mr Mead died following an incident in Hewish. It was a sudden death.

A coroner is due to be open and adjourn an inquest into Mr Meads death on Tuesday (6 June).

See also: Shock rise in farm deaths recorded in February

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: We are aware of Mr Meads death and we are making initial enquiries. The police are leading the investigation.

In a statement, the Mead family said: It is with heavy hearts that we have to let you know that our father and grandfather, Derek Mead was killed in a tragic accident on his farm in North Somerset on the afternoon of Sunday 4 June.

He was doing what he loved and had been doing since he was a young boy.

The family thank you all for your kind messages during this hard time and would greatly appreciate it if you could allow us the time to come to terms with this terrible loss.

An outspoken critic of the NFU, 72-year-old Mr Mead owned an organic dairy farm in Hewish and was a member of a family whose business interests included ownership of Yeo Valley yoghurt.

In February 2010, he challenged Peter Kendall for the NFU presidency but Mr Kendall claimed 95% of the vote and secured a third term.

Mr Mead later resigned from the NFU in protest saying the union was failing to support dairy farmers.

NFU Somerset county chairman James Small paid tribute to Mr Mead, who he described as an incredible person, who had achieved so much with his life.

Mr Small, who is also a livestock farmer based on the Mendip Hills in Somerset, said: Derek was an incredible advocate of British farming.

In terms of the NFU, we did not always agree on the way to do things but the end goal was always the same.

We wanted the best that we could for British farmers, their families and the industry.

Derek Mead a great loss to us. A liberal farmer business manwill be really missed  Raymond Gibbs (@RaymondGibbs19) June 5, 2017

Mr Small said Mr Mead was very well-known and well-respected locally.

He was managing director of Mead Realisations and over the years had developed a unique group of companies employing more than 300 people.

In 2006, Mr Mead launched Junction 24, a conference centre with a capacity to host 1,500 people, which is also the home of Sedgemoor Auction Centre, one of the largest livestock markets in the South West and in the country. His daughter Catherine is the managing director of Junction 24.

Robert Venner, managing partner of Sedgemoor Auction Centre, said: Derek was a driven man who was totally committed and passionate about British agriculture.

He always had the best interests of West Country and British farmers at heart. Through his vision and determination, he has facilitated Sedgemoor Auction Centre and the Muller Wiseman milk factory.

His whole motivation was to improve the facilities for West Country producers. He will be sorely missed.

Mr Meads other business interests included Puxton Park, an educational centre which opened in 2007 to promote a better understanding of farming, the countryside and the importance of developing a sustainable environment. His son Alistair Mead, is also managing director of Puxton.

However, it was within farming circles that Mr Mead was best known. Only last week, he took part in the Bath & West Show at Shepton Mallet.

He has left a fantastic legacy  not just for the West Country, but for the whole of British agriculture Richard Haddock

Devon farmer Richard Haddock, a close friend, said: Derek was one of those people the farming industry never honoured.

He wanted livestock markets to be strong and built up Sedgemoor Auction Centre to one of the biggest markets in the South West and arguably the country.

Everything he did was from the heart, but the industry never looked after him. He stood up and put his money where his mouth was.

He was way ahead of his time with the things he did. Its a big shock. He will be sorely missed.

He has left a fantastic legacy  not just for the West Country, but for the whole of British agriculture.

Passion for politics

In recent years, Mr Mead had also become more involved in local politics.

In 2013, he was elected as an independent district councillor for North Worle and town councillor for Worle East.

In 2015, Mr Mead and a group of West Country farmers who have been affected by bovine TB formed the Badger Welfare Association (BWA).

BWA focuses on likely pockets of TB infection and supports targeted badger removal of the most likely diseased or highly infectious badgers.

Mr Mead leaves behind two sons and a daughter.
Jones said plan is to play Friday since also chance of rain Thursday

The Indians playoff motto is a familiar and simple one: Survive to play another game. The Indians did just that with a 60-23 win over Rock Hill this past Friday...
A Pinch of Salt: The election is over, I think, so what now?
Nov. 3, 1932  May 31, 2017

Doris Marie Gouldsmith, age 84, died peacefully at her home in Lebanon on May 31.

She was born in a country farmhouse near the small town of Buckholts, Texas, to Willie Adolph Larza and Ina Marie Rackley Larza. At age five, following her mothers death from tuberculosis, Doris went to be raised by her grandparents, Henry and Nettie Rackley, taking their last name as her own.

She attended school in the small town of McFarland, California, graduating from high school in 1951.

That summer on a trip to Oregon and Washington, Doris met Leroy Edward Gouldsmith in a cherry orchard in The Dalles and they began their courtship by mail. They were married December 3, 1951 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and enjoyed almost 53 years of happy life together.

They settled in Redding, CA, in 1960. In Redding, Doris was a member of the Assembly of God Church, active in womens ministries. As a leader in the Golden Acres 4-H Club, she taught cooking, canning and sewing classes. She was also a precinct worker for the Shasta County Elections Dept.

In 1975, Roy, Doris and son, Ed, moved to Lebanon. They owned and operated Brownsville Feed and Seed until 1983. From 1984-1990, Doris worked part-time for Pacific Coast Producers in Oroville, California. Other employers include Izzys Food Prep Kitchen in Albany and Pennington Seed Co. in Lebanon.

She and Roy also enjoyed several winters in Arizona.

Roy preceded her in death in 2004 and the following year, Doris began actively attending Lebanon Mennonite Church, where she enjoyed fellowship, Bible studies and serving on the kitchen crew. The friendships made there were counted as a wonderful blessing in her life.

Doris was truly a Proverbs 31 woman. The work ethic that began as a child picking cotton enabled her to become successful as a wife, mother and business woman. The combination of her independent spirit and courage allowed her to meet and prevail over many challenges in her life.

She not only exhibited amazing courage during the five years of cancer from which she is now free, but was a tremendous encouragement to others.

She was the keeper of a beautiful home, where she enjoyed extending hospitality to both family and friends. Her legacy of cooking expertise will live on in the lives of her children and grandchildren as they continue the pie-making, bread-baking, potato salad-perfecting and canning skills she taught them.

Having a family was a top priority for Doris. Spending time with them, especially at the Oregon coast, was a priceless gift. Doris was dearly beloved and will be missed tremendously by her children Sharla Neitz of Sun Valley, Nevada, Carol and Jeff Knott of Redding, and Ed and Michelle Gouldsmith of Albany; grandchildren Wally Neitz and Missy Tarpey of Sun Valley, Rebecka and Roy Bruffett of Anchorage, Alaska, Rachel Knott of Redding and Hannah Knott of Ellensburg, Washington; and great-grandson Ryan Odsather of Anchorage. She is also survived by numerous extended family members.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and son-in-law, Walter Neitz.

Graveside services, officiated by Pastor Brent Kauffman, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the I. O. O. F. Cemetery in Lebanon. Arrangements are under the direction of Huston Jost Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, c/o Huston Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, 97355.
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.
Where, in China?



If you take a drive through the old rust belt cities like Buffalo, Akron, Pittsburgh, Detroit...I'd include Baltimore and a few others with steel mills and other heavy industry...all these plants are closed, and some have been torn down.



I was waiting for you to post a source for your claim, but I suspect it's about finishing products...like some of the auto industry operations the Japanese manufacturers started to get around trade restrictions...usually known as "screwdriver manufacturers" because the auto "assembly" is end of the line assembling foreign parts to make the finished product.



My point is the carbon footprint has to be examined and added for each stage of an industrial operation:from mining, smelting, transportation, production and assembly, to arrive at the total carbon footprint of making a product...any product! And starting back in the 70's, North American manufacturers started outsourcing heavy industry even prior to the arrival of zero tariff free trade schemes, because the demands for pollution controls made outsourcing cheaper than any pollution-mitigation strategies. but, like I said before: it all goes into one atmosphere! So, when the carborundum plant I worked for years ago shut down and moved their operations to Argentina, the CO2, SO2 and all the other crap that gets emitted from making silicon carbide for sandpaper, grinding wheels etc.. as still been pumped into the atmosphere. And this is one of the reasons why I don't care too much for the nationalistic approach to the GHG issue!



The corporations which make most of the crap we have today are international, and thanks to "free trade" agreements, are not really under the control of national governments! They are international pirates...on the move...seeking higher and higher profits by any means necessary,and the last thing on their minds is any worries about sending the planet into an extinction cycle that will doom future generations of humans as well!
How The Fortune Of An Entire Family Tied, Padlocked & Buried In Benin Was Exhumed (Photos)

bohlah at 5-06-2017 08:22 PM (5 years ago) (m)

Heres a video that reveals how the fortune of an entire family tied, padlocked and buried in Benin, Edo State, was exhumed.

Heres a video that reveals how the fortune of an entire family tied, padlocked and buried in Benin, Edo State, was exhumed.

Heres what CIAO Naija wrote about the incident;



IN EDO STATE Somebody GATHERED The wealth and happiness of a full Family and tied them up.. then buried on the ground 







Heres what CIAO Naija wrote about the incident;IN EDO STATE Somebody GATHERED The wealth and happiness of a full Family and tied them up.. then buried on the ground 

Post Reply I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist Posted: at 5-06-2017 08:22 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero

blowout at 5-06-2017 08:57 PM (5 years ago)

(m) so this kind thing dey really happen. I think say na only for naija films Posted: at 5-06-2017 08:57 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac so this kind thing dey really happen. I think say na only for naija films Reply

chukkychukky at 5-06-2017 09:05 PM (5 years ago)

(m) nothin edo no get, sometimes i feel say der na d operational base of lucifer himself Joramentity aka chukkychukky Posted: at 5-06-2017 09:05 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac nothin edo no get, sometimes i feel say der na d operational base of lucifer himself Reply

pricklong at 5-06-2017 09:08 PM (5 years ago)

(m) no video Posted: at 5-06-2017 09:08 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac no video Reply

dynasty4all at 5-06-2017 09:29 PM (5 years ago)

(m) THAT LAND I NEVER SEE, JUST ONLY 1 STATE Posted: at 5-06-2017 09:29 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac THAT LAND I NEVER SEE, JUST ONLY 1 STATE Reply

Dramaking at 5-06-2017 09:30 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Smh... Edo people i hail una ooo, una dey make yoruba and calabar people dey jealous.. Lol #Shame. Posted: at 5-06-2017 09:30 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Smh... Edo people i hail una ooo, una dey make yoruba and calabar people dey jealous.. Lol #Shame. Reply

schmit at 5-06-2017 09:31 PM (5 years ago)

(f) Hmmmm Posted: at 5-06-2017 09:31 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Hmmmm Reply

christianity at 5-06-2017 09:46 PM (5 years ago)

(m) This state is in all types of evil,prostitution,benin airways, anini,Monday osumbo,puree boys etc.ovi Edo I hail una Posted: at 5-06-2017 09:46 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac This state is in all types of evil,prostitution,benin airways, anini,Monday osumbo,puree boys etc.ovi Edo I hail una Reply

Jeonleon at 5-06-2017 10:29 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Where's the wealth nah? I can't find it in the pic.... Can someone point it out for me, please? Thanks. Oh! Plus the happiness, wherever it is in there too! Posted: at 5-06-2017 10:29 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming Where's the wealth nah? I can't find it in the pic.... Can someone point it out for me, please? Thanks. Oh! Plus the happiness, wherever it is in there too! Reply

Mykie010 at 5-06-2017 10:34 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Tufiakwa for una Posted: at 5-06-2017 10:34 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Tufiakwa for una Reply

morgan1 at 5-06-2017 11:14 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Ooooooops~!!~! Posted: at 5-06-2017 11:14 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Ooooooops~!!~! Reply

Markeve at 5-06-2017 11:21 PM (5 years ago)

(f) nawaoo pple are wicked. Posted: at 5-06-2017 11:21 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac nawaoo pple are wicked. Reply

BournIdentity at 6-06-2017 03:48 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Posted: at 6-06-2017 03:48 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Reply

Larry28 at 6-06-2017 08:30 AM (5 years ago)

(f) Nah wa oo.. And what will the person who did that get in return? Posted: at 6-06-2017 08:30 AM (5 years ago) | Hero Nah wa oo.. And what will the person who did that get in return? Reply

favourita at 6-06-2017 09:01 AM (5 years ago)

(f) Quote from: christianity on 5-06-2017 09:46 PM This state is in all types of evil,prostitution,benin airways, anini,Monday osumbo,puree boys etc.ovi Edo I hail una



SEE DIS MUMU O WHAT ABOUT UNA GAY AND BLOOD SUCKING DEMONS PEOPLE IDIOT FELLOWS Posted: at 6-06-2017 09:01 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac SEE DIS MUMU OWHAT ABOUT UNAGAY AND BLOOD SUCKING DEMONS PEOPLEIDIOT FELLOWS Reply

osayan1 at 29-06-2017 04:38 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Posted: at 29-06-2017 04:38 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Reply
Amazon is coming up with new smartphone codenamed as Ice News oi -Chandrika The smartphone will cost about Rs. 6,000 in India.

As per a report by Gadgets 360, Amazon is working on a new smartphone codenamed as "Ice", which is the successor to the Fire Phone. As some of you may remember, Amazon launched the Fire Phone back in 2014, which failed horribly in an attempt to nail the smartphone market.

The report reveals that the upcoming Ice Phone comes pre-installed with select Google applications like Gmail and Google Play. Notably, the Fire Phone owners had to go through extra steps to install the Google software that they commonly use. So apparently Amazon has learned from its mistakes. Quite surprisingly, despite it being an Amazon device, the handset doesn't feature the voice-assistant Alexa as yet.

LG X500 with 4500mAh battery launched: Price and other key features

However, the phone may have support for Alexa in future since it is still in the developing stage. It is quite evident from its specifications and features that the Ice Phone will fall under the mid-range category. Amazon is said to target the emerging markets like India to sell the upcoming smartphone.

It is likely to sport either a 5.2-inch or a 5.5-inch display. The device is expected to come equipped with an Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor running at 1.4GHz and paired with Adreno 505 GPU. The memory aspect will be taken care of by 2GB of RAM and 16GB of native storage.

In terms of optics, Amazon's Ice Phone will feature a 13MP rear-facing camera, while the details about the front camera are known yet. Software-wise, the smartphone arrives with Android 7.1.1 Nougat OS right out of the box.

As for the pricing part, the Ice Phone will be sold at around Rs. 6,000 and it will be made available for purchase later this year. It is unclear if the company plans to launch the smartphone in the US or other parts of the world or not.

Best Mobiles in India
LG X500 with 4500mAh battery launched: Price and other key features News oi -Samden Sherpa LG releases LG X500 with longer-running battery.

On June 4, LG confirmed that it will be launching a new smartphone with a large battery this week and the company further stated that the new phone would trump all mobile phones in Korea in terms of power capacity.

After making such bold statement and fulfilling its promise, the company has launched a new smartphone with 4,500mAh battery. Dubbed as LG X500, the company says that the battery which is the key highlight of this phone will allow users to play videos for 20 hours without charging. Moreover, the company says that it takes about an hour to recharge the battery to 50 percent.

LG to launch G6 Pro and G6 Plus in June

However, this new smartphone bears great similarity to LG XPower 2 in many aspects. The XPower 2 was launched earlier this year in the month of February.

That being said, let's have a look at some of the key features of the new smartphone.

Display, RAM and Storage LG X5OO comes with a 5.5-inch LCD HD display with 720 x 1280 pixels resolution. The smartphone is powered by 1.5GHz octa-core processor which is paired with 2GB RAM. The smartphone offers 32GB of inbuilt storage capacity which is expandable up to 2TB via microSD card. Camera, Battery and Software Talking about the cameras, LG X500 features a 13-megapixel rear camera with LED Flash and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera with soft LED flash and a wide-angle lens. The smartphone as mentioned earlier is backed by a 4500mAh battery and the company claims that it will deliver up to approximately 18 hours of continuous call time, and standby time of almost 810 hours. As for the software, the handset runs on the Android 7.0 Nougat OS out-of-the-box. SEE ALSO: How to unlock the bootloader for LG G6 Other Features The dual SIM smartphone comes with connectivity options like 4G LTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, USB OTG and NFC. The handset measures 154.7 x 78.1 x 8.4mm and weighs 164 grams. It will also be available in Navy Blue and Gold colors. SEE ALSO: LG and Samsung coming with new variants to combat the iPhone 8 Pricing and Availability The LG X500 is priced at 319,000 Korean won (approx Rs. 18,361) and will be available starting from June 9 in Korea. Interesting the smartphone will come with different model numbers like SK Telecom variant of the LG X500 will be LGM-X320S, the KT carrier variant will have the model number LGM-X320K and the LG Uplus variant will have the model number LGM-X320L.

Source

Best Mobiles in India
Moto Z2 Play pre-booking starts on June 8 in India: Includes exciting offers News oi -Samden Sherpa Looks like Motorola is all set to launch the Moto Z2 Play in India soon.

Lenovo's sub-brand Motorola will be launching its new smartphone the Moto Z2 Play in India soon. And while the launch is yet to happen in the country, the company is already putting up the smartphone for pre-booking.

The company has announced this news via its official Twitter account and has stated that the smartphone will be available for pre-order starting 8 June. And to be precise, Motorola's tweet reads, "Bid Goodbye to a bulky phone & Say Hello to re-defined sleekness on the #MotoZ2Play!"

Moto E4 Plus pricing revealed; To cost under Rs. 15,000

Interestingly, the company is also offering pre-booking offers for the consumers. The first one is a 'Hello Finance' offer through which buyers can pre-book the device for Rs 2,000 and can pay EMIs up to 10 months without any interest. The offer is only valid through Bajaj Finserv or Homecredit. Alternatively, buyers can also swipe their card and convert the payment into 3/6/9/12 months EMI without any interest at select stores.

Motorola will also be offering some interesting offers on Select Moto Mods. Finally, the company will also provide Moto Armor Pack that comes packed 'with protective accessories to keep users worry-free'.

So if you're a Moto fan then you can pre-book the device by clicking here.

Bid Goodbye to a bulky phone & Say Hello to re-defined sleekness on the #MotoZ2Play!



For pre-booking offers, visit: https://t.co/Jzch7gqsKv pic.twitter.com/EfDwV2nLTu  Moto India (@Moto_IND) June 4, 2017

Just to recall, Moto Z2 Play was recently launched in the U.S. at a price of $499 (approx Rs. 32,000). The smartphone comes in Lunar Grey and Fine Gold color variants. As for the specifications of the smartphone, it comes with a 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display gets a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 layering on top for protection. The handset is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 processor clocked at 2.2GHz.

Moto Z2 Play will have two variant in terms of RAM and storage. So one variant will feature 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, while the other one will sport 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. The storage is expandable up to 2TB via micro SD card.

Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus can now be purchased through retail stores across India

Talking about the cameras, the device is equipped with a 12-megapixel rear camera with 1.4-micron pixels, f/1.7 aperture, dual LED flash as well as laser and dual autofocus lens. At the front, there is a 5-megapixel shooter with f/2.2 aperture, wide-angle lens, and a front flash. The device runs on the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat and is backed by a 3000mAh battery along with TurboPower charger.

On the connectivity front, the handset offers options like 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/g/b/n, Bluetooth 4.2, USB Type-C, headphone jack, NFC, FM radio, and GPS/ A-GPS.

Best Mobiles in India

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Samsung Galaxy S8+ 6GB RAM variant is now available for pre-booking on Flipkart News oi -Samden Sherpa Samsung Galaxy S8+ 6GB RAM variant is priced at Rs 74,900 and will be available in Midnight Black color only.

Samsung recently launched the 6GB RAM variant of the Galaxy S8+ in India. And now the same variant of the smartphone is available for pre-booking on Flipkart and Samsung India's official website.

That being said, Samsung is also providing pre-booking offers on Flipkart and it will be up until June 9. Basically, the offer includes a free wireless charger. To avail the free wireless charger, interested buyers will need to sign into the My Galaxy app with the same number and email used for pre-booking the device.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy A4 (2017) with Android 7.1.1 Nougat receives Wi-Fi certification

After three days of signing into the My Galaxy app and activating the device, users will need to open the Samsung My Galaxy App and click on promotion panel to join the promotion from where users will be directed to the promotion introduction page. On the said page, users will need to Agree to the Terms and Conditions. After the card/Paytm/UPI registration, users will receive the Free Wireless Charger coupon code which they can redeem it at Samsung e-store.

However, users must complete the redemption process on or before 31st July 2017, failing which the Offer benefit will stand forfeited and users will not be eligible anymore for the same. No claims shall be entertained in this regard. The wireless charger will be shipped within 30 days of the order.

Galaxy J5 (2017) with Android 7.0 Nougat expected to launch today

Apart from the free wireless charger offer, Flipkart also has a no-cost EMI option for the Galaxy S8+ starting at Rs 6,242 per month. As for the Samsung India e-store, there's a cashback offer of Rs 2,500 for ICICI credit card holders, and EMIs start at Rs 3,560 per month.

Besides, Samsung will be shipping the 6GB and 128GB storage variant of the Galaxy S8+ starting June 10. As for the pricing, the smartphone comes with a price tag of Rs 74,900 and it will be available in Midnight Black color only.

Best Mobiles in India

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The Lenovo Moto brand might get discontinued hints Motorola CMO News oi -Chandrika It could be due to the company's bad financial performance.

A few days back, Lenovo's Group Chief Executive Officer and ChairmanYang Yuanqing assured us that it will continue making handsets with its own branding. With the production of both Lenovo and Moto branded smartphones, the Chinese manufacturer follows a dual brand strategy.

However, the company's bad financial results had given birth to the rumors that it is planning to scrap the Lenovo phones. Well, it does make sense since the Moto branded phones are much popular than the Lenovo ones. Even though Lenovo has earlier dismissed these rumors, a recent statement by the company's Chief Marketing Officer Jan Huckfeldt is suggesting that the Lenovo Moto brand could get discontinued.

Moto E4 Plus pricing revealed; To cost under Rs. 15,000

During the Moto Z2 Play launch event in Brazil, Huckfeldt talked about the ways to build a strong brand and stressed the importance of getting the "fundamentals" right. He further added, "We are all in and fully focused on - Motorola."

Well, he may not have directly said that they are going to stop making phones with Lenovo branding, but we won't be too surprised if the Lenovo Moto brand gets replaced by Motorola branding in future.

Huckfeldt has also talked about changing the brand strategy in order to drive more sales and earn more revenues.

Apart from the Moto Z2 Play, almost half a dozen Motorola phones are down the pipe. The company has planned to launch more number of smartphones to improve its performance in today's extremely competitive market. Hopefully, the Chinese tech giant will make a solid comeback this year in terms of sale.

Source Via

Best Mobiles in India
Aircel now offers 10GB data at Rs 98 News oi -Priyanka Under the new offer, the company has unveiled two new plans of Rs. 65 and Rs. 98.

Telecom company Aircel today has come up with a new scheme called 'Data on Demand' for the users in Kolkata, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and North East & Assam.

The new offer will allow Aircel customers to consume data as per their convenience of time and offers significant control over to the users for their data consumption and it will provide free data for an hour every day.

Customers will also have the option of getting an additional 1GB of data for an hour at a super discounted rate of Rs.9 only. This pack is aimed at customers that use over 1GB of data daily and will help enhance user experience and innovate consumption of data services in the country.

Under the new offer, the company has unveiled two new plans of Rs. 65 and Rs. 98.

On a recharge of Rs. 65, customers will get 1GB of 3G data with a validity of 4 days. Over and above this offering, customers will get On-Demand 1GB of 3G data for an hour a day for 4 days, effectively offering 5GB of 3G data. Customers need to dial the USSD string *121*62# to activate the data per day offer.

Airtel Business now offers integrated solutions to SMEs

With the recharge of Rs. 98, customers will get 2GB of 3G data with a validity of 8 days. Additionally, customers need to dial in the USSD *121*62# to get On-Demand 1GB of 3G data for an hour a day for 8 days, effectively offering 10GB of 3G data.

Both the packs will offer customers the option of getting the additional 1GB of 3G data for an hour at a super discounted rate of Rs. 9 only. The customers can take an unlimited number of discounted packs within the validity of the main pack by dialing in USSD *121*69#.

Commenting on the launch of special data packs, Anil Gupta, Regional Manager - East, Aircel, said, "At Aircel, we always strive to bring innovative products and services for our customers which decipher their needs and understand the finer nuances of their mobile experience. Data usage has increased exponentially across all customer segments, especially with students and working professionals spending more hours on their smartphones for video streaming, download movies, music & games, chatting and social networking. Since they are consuming great volumes of data they need plans which give them the flexibility to use, stream or download content as per their convenience. 'Data on Demand' packs have been designed with the thought of giving the freedom of choice to our customers to decide the time they need to consume data at the most affordable and economical cost."

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Beyond mines in Kazakhstan that are among the most lucrative in the world, the sale gave the Russians control of one-fifth of all uranium production capacity in the United States. Since uranium is considered a strategic asset, with implications for national security, the deal had to be approved by a committee composed of representatives from a number of United States government agencies. Among the agencies that eventually signed off was the State Department, then headed by Mr. Clintons wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton.



As the Russians gradually assumed control of Uranium One in three separate transactions from 2009 to 2013, Canadian records show, a flow of cash made its way to the Clinton Foundation. Uranium Ones chairman used his family foundation to make four donations totaling $2.35 million. Those contributions were not publicly disclosed by the Clintons, despite an agreement Mrs. Clinton had struck with the Obama White House to publicly identify all donors. Other people with ties to the company made donations as well.



And shortly after the Russians announced their intention to acquire a majority stake in Uranium One, Mr. Clinton received $500,000 for a Moscow speech from a Russian investment bank with links to the Kremlin that was promoting Uranium One stock.



The New York Timess examination of the Uranium One deal is based on dozens of interviews, as well as a review of public records and securities filings in Canada, Russia and the United States. Some of the connections between Uranium One and the Clinton Foundation were unearthed by Peter Schweizer, a former fellow at the right-leaning Hoover Institution and author of the forthcoming book Clinton Cash. Mr. Schweizer provided a preview of material in the book to The Times, which scrutinized his information and built upon it with its own reporting.



Whether the donations played any role in the approval of the uranium deal is unknown. But the episode underscores the special ethical challenges presented by the Clinton Foundation, headed by a former president who relied heavily on foreign cash to accumulate $250 million in assets even as his wife helped steer American foreign policy as secretary of state, presiding over decisions with the potential to benefit the foundations donors.



In a statement, Brian Fallon, a spokesman for Mrs. Clintons presidential campaign, said no one has ever produced a shred of evidence supporting the theory that Hillary Clinton ever took action as secretary of state to support the interests of donors to the Clinton Foundation. He emphasized that multiple United States agencies, as well as the Canadian government, had signed off on the deal and that, in general, such matters were handled at a level below the secretary. To suggest the State Department, under then-Secretary Clinton, exerted undue influence in the U.S. governments review of the sale of Uranium One is utterly baseless, he added.



American political campaigns are barred from accepting foreign donations. But foreigners may give to foundations in the United States. In the days since Mrs. Clinton announced her candidacy for president, the Clinton Foundation has announced changes meant to quell longstanding concerns about potential conflicts of interest in such donations; it has limited donations from foreign governments, with many, like Russias, barred from giving to all but its health care initiatives. That policy stops short of a more stringent agreement between Mrs. Clinton and the Obama administration that was in effect while she was secretary of state.



Either way, the Uranium One deal highlights the limits of such prohibitions. The foundation will continue to accept contributions from foreign sources whose interests, like Uranium Ones, may overlap with those of foreign governments, some of which may be at odds with the United States.





Let's imagine every corporate and professional left/liberals fantasy came true in November, and America got it's first female president...thereby solving all womens and gender-related problems in the same way that a two term black presidency fixed everything for Black America!Anyone here recall the public investigation and trial of Bill&Hill for using their foundation to earn money from a sale that increased Russian control of this strategic asset - uranium? Me neither...because it never happened! And the fact that money flows from corporations and foreign corporations and sovereign wealth funds in Arab and Gulf States sitting on huge reserves of oil, should tell any of us that regardless of how corrupt Donald Trump may be, he's not likely any more corrupt than any other major politician or international capitalists who seek to influence foreign governments for financial and strategic interests!In other words, the laser-like focus on Russia by CIA, NSA, and FBI leaked sources tells me that a large body of unelected, corrupt insiders who have profited from the international drug trade for more than 40 years, have moved their criminal syndicates into military spending and wars of regime change...which kill thousands and destroy the lives of millions forced into exile...not to mention destroy billions of dollars worth of property, are still ventures providing enormous profit potential for the top players....just ask Dick Cheney and Halliburton about the steep rise of their company after gaining billions in Iraq reconstruction contracts.So, the continual drip, drip, drip of leaks and inuendos about Russia fixing US elections and controlling the President, tells me that the US Deep State is all in agreement on one point: Capitalist Russia and Capitalist China are not part of the club! And needless to say, their allies like Iran also have to be dispatched!Anyone who would like to live another 10 or 20 years or see their children have a chance to grow into adulthood, should start focusing on the most dangerous issue of the day: The Deep State has effective control of the majority of US media, and gives the orders to elected officials/not the other way around. And the continual push for direct confrontations with two other nations armed with nuclear warheads means that the people running the asylum today have no appreciation of risk! That seems to be obvious after past regime change operations, but they are still pushing forward to their ultimate objective which will likely end with WWIII...because of the stupid assumption that Russia and China will just acquiesce in the face of destruction!
Telcos may meet IMG from June 12 to 17: Report News oi -Priyanka The IMG has constituted to suggest reforms in the telecom sector.

Telecom Players is likely to meet inter - ministerial group (IMG) from June 12 to 17 to seek sops in taxes.

According to a report published in ET, the panel will meet representatives from all top three telcos i.e Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular on June 15 and from new entrant Reliance Jio.

The meeting with both public sector utilities like MTNL and BSNL will held on June 17.

But, the panel will first meet companies such as Reliance Communications, MTS, Aircel and Tata Teleservices.

The IMG has constituted to suggest reforms in the telecom sector.

TRAI Data: Reliance Jio beats incumbents telcos

The sector is in under pressure due to increasing pressure after the entry Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio and a debt of about Rs. 4.6 lakh crore.

Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha has recently said that Government will intervene "at the right time in a right manner".

He said, "the Government is aware and concerned about the sector, we will intervene at the right time in a right manner, we have also set up an inter-ministerial committee to look into the financial woes of the telecom sector." Added that the industry has faced the same situation earlier in 2003.

Sinha further added that the market is very big and which is transforming into data-centric from voice-centric

The Minister has also advised the telecom players to talk to the banks about their borrowings, and if any restructuring could be done As banks have recently raised an alert after the loan to the sector crossed Rs 8 lakh crore.

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TRAI launches 3 apps to provide quality of services News oi -Priyanka The three new apps are the MyCall app, My Speed app and ' Do not Disturb( DND 2.0).

With an aim to provide quality of services, speed, and performance, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India today launched three apps.

The three new apps are the MyCall app, My Speed app and ' Do not Disturb( DND 2.0).

"The application will help mobile phone users rate their experience about voice call quality in real-time and help Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) gather customer experience data along with network data," TRAI said in a statement.

The MyCall is an Android application for voice call quality monitoring. The application will help mobile phone users rate their experience about the call quality in real time and will help the telecom regulator to gather customer experience data along wth network data.

Through this app Callers can also provide additional details such as noise or audio delay or mark a call-drop if they believe that is how the call got terminated, TRAI said.

SEE ALSO:TRAI Data: Idea Cellular achieves highest 4G upload speed

Similarly, the regulator has also launched the new version of MySpeed app that will enable TRAI to obtain test-data from users in all service areas, without any action by the users. The crowdsourced data so collected can be viewed in aggregated form on the interactive map-based portal.

The third one is DND service app will enable smartphone users to register their mobile number under DND to avoid unsolicited commercial communication/telemarketing calls/SMS, the sector regulator said.

Meanwhile, TRAI also updated its website with additional features such as free on-line subscription of TRAI releases, online submission of comments on TRAI consultation papers, the blog with facility for registered users to comment and online registration for participating in 'Open House Discussion'.

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Dean Howes, one of the founders of Vagabond Brewing in Salem, had noticed Albanys evolving and expanding beer scene, as well as the areas growing population.

So when a storefront near Heritage Mall opened up, right in the epicenter of town, where people go to the movies or shopping for groceries and more, he and his business partners didnt hesitate.

The Vagabond Brewing Outpost in Albany opened up about two months ago, and the business has 30 taps for beer and cider, as well as four taps for kombucha.

We go pretty heavy with our stuff, Howes said, adding that Vagabond, like many Oregon microbreweries, is known for its India pale ales.

But there also are taps featuring beers from Salem, Corvallis, whatever else friends of ours are doing or is good, Howes said. Growler fills are $15 for nearly all brews.

Vagabond has special glass and beer releases and events that it will bring to Albany, Howes said, and customers can become mug club members and get deals on beer and other discounts.

Vagabonds headquarters is in Salem, where the beer is brewed, and the business also has the Victory Club in Oregons capital city.

The business was started in February 2014 by three longtime friends and Marine veterans  Howes, Alvin Klausen and James Cardwell.

Howes said that Albanys strong support for veterans also made the city attractive for expansion.

The trio served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before traveling around the world and searching for their calling. Everywhere they travelled, they found beer culture, and that proved to be their inspiration.

Craft beer is a pretty cool industry, but making beer is a lot harder than most people think, Howes said, noting that people tend to romanticize microbreweries.

Then again, Howe makes his work sound appealing.

We get to make the beer we love to drink.  Basically, everything we want to see in a brewery is our day-to-day job, he added.

Howes said there are improvements in the works for Vagabonds Albany location, including better signage, and improving the outdoor seating area with a fire pit and patio lights.

The business also doesnt have food but that will be added, as well. For now, customers can bring their own food into the business.

Howes said that all Portland Timbers and Trail Blazers games will be shown inside the establishment, and he and his partners also are looking to show UFC fights.

The Vagabond Brewing Outpost, 2195 14th Ave. Suite 103, is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call 503-770-0421, or go to the Vagabond Outpost Facebook page.
US Navy Officer Sentenced For Sharing Classified Info, Discipline Violations

Sputnik News

02:58 04.06.2017(updated 09:39 04.06.2017)

A US Navy Officer has been sentenced to six years in prison for handing over secrets, improper handling of classified information and multiple violations of the Navy rules. He used the classified information to impress foreign women whom he failed to properly report to the command.

Edward C. Lin, 40, a US Navy Lieutenant Commander of Taiwanese descent, has made quite a colorful example of what a naval officer should not be, and will be sentenced for six years in prison for multiple reckless misdoings that include deliberate disclosure and two cases of improper handling of classified information, as well as multiple failures to report his foreign contacts and travel plans.

The court dropped additional charges of adultery and prostitution.

One of the cases became known during a court martial trial that happened earlier in May. According to the trial materials, Lin illegally transported a flight manifest and search and rescue codes in checked luggage during an international flight. The classified information was not secure and was discovered by a Homeland security officer.

Instead of contacting his command and finding out how he should deal with the situation, Lin made a brilliant decision: he simply handed the documents over to the HS officer and asked him to destroy them.

During the May hearing, Lin also admitted he kept a notebook of secret national defense information in his home while he lived in Honolulu; Lin wrote down secret information from memory, and the notebook was not kept in a security approved container.

Lin also admitted to lying in his leave request paperwork. According to WKRT, Lin told his supervisor he was planning to return to his home in Alexandria during his vacation. Instead, Lin traveled to Taiwan where he proceeded to meet with the "US equivalent of the Chief of Naval Operations."

Actually, Lin seems to have found it quite easy to hide information from his command. He failed to report his ties to two Taiwanese naval officers, a US woman who worked in Washington as a lobbyist for a Taiwanese political party, and relationships with Chinese women. Lin was about to board a plane to go to one of the Chinese women when he was arrested.

In fact, Lin used classified information as a means to impress at least two women, one of them being the abovementioned Taiwanese lobbyist. Unfortunately, the wannabe lady killer ran into really bad luck when he tried to use the second trick on a girl he knew as "Katherine Wu," whom Lin believed to be a Taiwanese immigrant, but in reality turned out to be an undercover FBI agent.

Testifying before the court, Lin resorted to a very long and emotional statement telling the court almost the entire story of his life. For example, he told the court that his father, a Taiwanese, refused to talk to his son for three years when Lin joined the US Navy, as it is an occupation that is looked down upon on the island, according to Stars and Stripes.

He also said he was going through a divorce and believed "Katherine Wu" was a teacher also weathering a rocky marriage. According to Lin, she said her mother had died of cancer; Lin's mother, a teacher, met a similar demise, according to Stars and Stripes.

"His intention is to help someone like him, someone like his mother," said Larry Youngner, Lin's civilian attorney, who blamed Lin's actions on an emotional attachment.

The prosecutor, Capt. Michael Luken, demanded Lin be sentenced for 12 years in prison. According to Luken, Lin violated his trust multiple times and was "supposed to be setting an example."

He said Lin is still in possession of classified information that may harm the United States and has a demonstrated "inclination to talk."

"He's a walking risk to national security," Luken said.

However, military judge Cmdr. Robert Monahan sentenced Lin to six years, with three additional years pending if Lin violates the terms of plea deal. Lin will also receive credit for more than 600 days in detention he spent before trial.

 Sputnik

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U.S. Asia-Pacific Presence 'Healthy, Robust, Valuable,' Dunford Says

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

SYDNEY, June 4, 2017  The U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region is "healthy, robust and valuable," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today after attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford told reporters traveling here with him for a U.S.-Australian ministerial conference that Asian nations' fears of a U.S. retreat from the region are unfounded.

Today, 60 percent of all U.S. Navy ships, 55 percent of U.S. Army forces and about two-thirds of Fleet Marine Forces are assigned to the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations. Soon, 60 percent of U.S. tactical aviation assets will be based in the Asia-Pacific region.

What's more, the United States is sending its newest and most capable platforms to the region. F-22 Raptors  a fifth generation aircraft  are based in Alaska and Hawaii and have deployed to Japan. F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters are due to deploy to the area. The E-8 Poseidon aircraft is based in Singapore. Littoral combat ships operate in Pacific waters, and the list goes on.

Exercise Program

The exercise program in the region is robust as well. Pacom's most recent Rim of the Pacific exercise had forces from 24 nations participating. A total of 29 nations participated in the most recent Cobra Gold exercises.

The United States has vigorous bilateral training routines with South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and more. The program with India is growing.

The perception of some Asia-Pacific officials that the United States is retreating from the region is simply not borne out by facts, Dunford said.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis made these same points during his talk at the Shangri-La Dialogue titled "The United States and Asia-Pacific Security," Asian defense leaders were reassured by the secretary's presentation, Defense Department officials said, noting that Mattis reiterated the U.S. strategy in the many bilateral talks he had with partners and allies on the sidelines of the conference.

North Korea

One aspect that is not reassuring is North Korea's push for nuclear weapons and the means to launch them. President Donald J. Trump has said the time for strategic patience with North Korea is past.

"[The North Koreans] have been on this path for some time, and we are at the point now where sooner than later they will have the capability to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile, and we're concerned with them matching that with a nuclear weapon," Dunford said.

North Korea signed a framework agreement in 1994 to halt all work on a nuclear program and obviously has reneged. The U.S. policy remains denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. Dunford said that across Asia and the globe, there is a shared understanding and a shared sense of urgency about the North Korean program.

"North Korea's provocative behavior has caught China's attention as well," Dunford said. "If you look at some of the timing of [Kim's] activities, it's been insulting to the Chinese."

The United States deployed a terminal high-altitude area defense battery to protect South Korea and conducted a successful test of a ground-based midcourse defense system May 30.

More moves in regard to North Korea are possible in the future. "This is a dynamic situation, so our posture has to reflect changes in the facts on the ground," Dunford said. "As time goes on, I am sure [Navy Adm. Harry Harris Jr., the Pacom commander] will make recommendations for changes, and we will bring those to the secretary and make sure we have the right posture in respect to the conditions."

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

No. NR-205-17 June 04, 2017

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis in Sydney, Australia for Ministerial

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis arrived in Sydney, Australia today to attend the 27th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultation alongside Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

During the visit, Secretary Mattis is scheduled to meet with Australian Minister of Defense Marise Payne to discuss our shared commitment to global peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1201981/

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

No. NR-206-17 June 04, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Singaporean Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen

Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Cmdr. Gary Ross provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 3 with Singaporean Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss security challenges and opportunities.

The secretary and the minister of defense affirmed the long-standing bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore. The two leaders exchanged views on the regional security environment in Southeast Asia and discussed a range mutual security interests, including countering violent extremism from terrorist organizations such as ISIS. The secretary expressed appreciation for Singapore hosting U.S. forces and emphasized the importance of its contributions to the defeat-ISIS campaign.

They also discussed shared interests in regional stability and the rule of law, and the strengthening of the U.S.-ASEAN relationship. With regard to the South China Sea, the two reaffirmed the importance of the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1201996/

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

No. NR-208-17 June 04, 2017

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein

Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Cmdr. Gary Ross provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis had an introductory meeting today with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to discuss security challenges and our strong bilateral defense cooperation.

They exchanged views on regional security challenges and emphasized the need for continued ASEAN unity to address shared security challenges facing Southeast Asia. They discussed the need to increase counterterrorism cooperation in order to stem the threat posed by groups like ISIS both in the region and globally. They also highlighted the need for regional maritime security cooperation.

Secretary Mattis relayed his appreciation for the broad range of U.S.-Malaysia security cooperation and encouraged Malaysia's valued contributions to regional security. They emphasized continued cooperation and exercises to address common security challenges.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1202000/

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Insider attack kills six police in southern Afghanistan

Iran Press TV

Sun Jun 4, 2017 4:22PM

At least six police officers have been killed when their two rogue colleagues opened fire and shot them dead in southern Afghanistan.

Local Afghan authorities said that the deadly shooting took place in Kandahar province on Sunday

Some provincial officials confirmed that the assault also wounded the Kandahar City district police chief.

Qari Yusouf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, in a statement claimed responsibility for the fatal assault, saying that both attackers were their men who joined the police rank just to carry out such an attack and both devoted their lives for their aim.

The so-called insider attacks, when Afghan soldiers and police turn their guns on their colleagues or on US-led troops, have created mistrust between local forces and their US-led partners during more than 16 years of war.

In late April, the Taliban militant group announced the start of their "spring offensive", saying they would target foreign forces in the country, heralding a fresh round of fighting in the drawn-out conflict

The Taliban warned of further "complex attacks and inside attacks" by soldiers or police turning against their peers.

Militants have currently launched a series of deadly attacks across the war-ravaged country.

Afghanistan has been gripped by insecurity since the United States and its allies invaded the country as part of Washington's so-called war on terror in 2001. Many parts of the country remain plagued by militancy despite the presence of foreign troops.

During the past 16 years, the Taliban militants have been conducting terrorist attacks across the country, killing and displacing civilians.

In addition, the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, which is mainly active in Syria and Iraq, has recently managed to take recruits from Afghan Taliban defectors.

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Afghan Intelligence Arrests 'Would-Be Suicide Bomber' As Kabul Protest Continues

RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan June 04, 2017

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 country's 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.

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

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-arrests-would-be- suicide-bomber-kabul-protest/28527812.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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Malta's Muscat Wins Snap General Election

June 04, 2017

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has won a second, five-year term in office in early general elections.

Muscat's Labour Party won 55 percent of votes in the June 3 election, handing it an absolute majority in the 65-seat parliament.

Nationalist Party leader Simon Busuttil called Muscat and conceded defeat on June 4.

"You have confirmed your confidence in the movement despite one of the most negative electoral campaigns in the country's history," Muscat told voters.

He is to be sworn in as premier on June 5.

The snap election was called against a backdrop of corruption allegations that have tarnished Muscat's government.

Malta, which currently holds the rotating European Union presidency, also warned that it had become the target of cyberattacks that experts say come from Russia.

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 have 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.

Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, dpa, and The Guardian

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/malta- muscat-election-win/28527636.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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Worsening Afghan Security, Political Tensions Worry World Community

By Ayaz Gul June 04, 2017

Afghanistan's Taliban has stormed a key northern district as the turmoil-hit nation reeled from last week's 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 Ghani's 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 Abdullah's 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 Afghanistan's 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 people's anger and sadness to create division and sow instability," a U.S. embassy statement quoted Special Charge d'Affaires 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.

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Diana Gonzalez started kindergarten in Mexico City.

But midway through that year, her mother, Romualda Bessies, decided to move with Diana and her two sisters to Corvallis, in hopes of giving her daughters a better education and a better life.

And Monday will mark the fulfillment of that dream as Gonzalez, the youngest of the three daughters, joins her sisters as graduates of Corvallis High School and follows her sisters into college.

Gonzalez said repaying her mother for working 12-plus hour days in the fields for years to support the family alone was a powerful motivator for her to do well in school.

I want to repay her by working hard to study and eventually support her, said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said after moving to Corvallis she was enrolled in the dual immersion program at Garfield Elementary School.

Elementary school was hard because I was learning a new language, she said.

She qualified to move out of English development classes in fifth grade, but has continued to take dual immersion electives through middle and high school and will graduate with a bilingual diploma seal.

Gonzalez said she struggled a bit early in high school, failing a math class.

Freshman year was hard because I didnt put that much effort into my math class, she said.

But Gonzalez was in the CHS AVID college preparation program and was able to gain the study skills to improve in math.

And Gonzalez said she has grown in other ways through high school.

The biggest challenge for me was my shyness, she said, saying she didnt want to speak English because she was afraid of other students making fun of her. However, she and a friend decided to do the Mr. and Ms. Spartan charity fundraising competition this year, which gave her a lot of confidence.

It really helped me a lot, especially to lose my shyness, she said.

Amanda Filloy Sharp, who has taught Gonzalez in dual immersion classes at CHS, said Gonzalez has gained confidence throughout high school, but especially this year.

"She has found her voice, and has begun to use it for advocacy, speaking openly about challenges that many students face, but that few are willing to address," Filloy Sharp said. "Diana has always been well-liked by everyone, but this year I have seen her approach friendships and community in a new way, embracing her own role in both academic and social leadership. It has been inspiring to witness her bravery and her personal development."

Gonzalez now plans to enroll at Linn-Benton Community College in the fall, and later transfer to Western Oregon University to become a dual immersion teacher herself to be able to help dual language learners like she was.

I would tell them to try hard and dont feel less than other students, she said of advice shed give students like herself. If you try hard and set your goal, you will eventually get there.

Filloy Sharp said the dual immersion field desperately needs teachers with Gonzalez's background.

"She would be an outstanding liaison for her students and her community, and she would offer invaluable and irreplaceable perspective to any faculty."
Mattis Offers Assurances of US 'Enduring Commitment' to Asia

By William Ide June 04, 2017

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 Washington's 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 administration's 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 Washington's 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 Trump's 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 Trump's "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 secretary's 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 don't have an answer yet on trade, we don't 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 won't 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 you're 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."

Thornberry's legislation is for one year. In the Senate, John McCain has introduced multi-year funding stream for the Asia Pacific region.

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Cambodian Opposition Makes Gains in Local Elections

By VOA News June 04, 2017

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% of the communes - 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 about 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.

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S. Africa's Anti-Graft Watchdog to Probe Dlamini-Zuma's Protection Detail

June 04, 2017

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.

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Lesotho - Politics

The countrys democracy remains fragile and is in need for consolidation. The country is still haunted by its history of military and civil society actors and the opposition in Parliament generally lack the muscle to hold politicians and civil servants accountable or do not have access to the means to expose government shortcomings. Worse still is the fact that social consciousness about government use of its power is very low and the Basotho society lacks a formidable civic culture, which is important in any democracy.

Media in Lesotho is said to be free from direct government interference. It can play an important role of a watchdog on the contribution of various stakeholders and in the dissemination of information in most countries. With the transition to democratic rule in 1993, many private and independent electronic and print media have emerged in Lesotho, which are fairly independent from the state, although they are highly concentrated in the Maseru and the National Radio station is the only one that has national coverage. This has helped to extend the freedom of expression in the country. Further, media coverage and reporting has helped to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance process. Nevertheless, continued capacity building to the media is required in order to ensure responsible coverage and reporting of developments in the country.

Lesothos democracy has had its share of political instability since independence. Nevertheless, the successful general elections of May 2002 resulted in a return to democratic rule. This has enabled opposition parties to take seats in Parliament with a total of ten political parties now represented in the National Assembly essentially due to the MMP model on the basis which the elections were conducted. It can, therefore, be observed that political tolerance is growing in Lesotho and this is supported by the provisions of the Constitution which recognise peoples democratic rights of assembly as well as freedom of choice and expression.

The emergence of Coalition politics based on the 2012 electoral outcomes resulted in Hang-Parliament that severely challenged the political architecture of Lesotho. This meant that the election results could not be accommodated by the constitution and state institutions.

Political tensions ran high in the landlocked country since June 2014 when Thabane suspended the country's parliament to avoid a no-confidence vote amid feuding in the two-year-old coalition government. Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing had vowed to form a new coalition that would oust Thabane.

As a result of the political and security crisis in late 2014, Lesothos political parties agreed to hold early elections in February 2015. Although Lesothos 2012 parliamentary elections were generally orderly and peaceful, instances of unrest related to the election were possible, including political rallies, demonstrations, polling stations, and crowds of any kind.

The United Nations in Lesotho and the Heads of Mission strongly encouraged all political leaders to seize the opportunity and, mindful of the national interest, collaborate towards enhancing political stability in the country. They said this in a joint statement released on 18 February 2017 following the return of the opposition leaders in the country. Leaders of opposition who were returned from a two-year exile in South Africa are Dr Motsoahae Thabane of the All Basotho Convention (ABC), Chief Thesele 'Maseribane of the Basotho National Party (BNP) and Mrs. Keketso Rants'o of the Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL).

The Head of State, His Majesty King Letsie III declared June 03, 2017 as date for the holding of the snap elections. The dissolution of the ninth parliament came as result of the advice by the Prime Minister Dr Pakalitha Mosisili following the passing of motion of no-confidence against him by the opposition members in the National Assembly early this month. For the past five years, Mosisili had been locked in a power struggle with Tom Thabane, his bitter rival.

Thabane, who fled to South Africa in 2014, said soldiers planned to assassinate him as part of a coup attempt. Over 1.25 million registered voters were due to elect 120 parliamentarians from 1,365 candidates belonging to 27 political parties. Critics accuse the national army of favoring Mosisili. Concerns about the role of the army in Lesotho's elections lingered, despite earlier assurances from Southern African Development Community (SADC) that the army would be confined to the barracks.

This was the third elections in five years. The snap elections follow the February 2015 also snap elections that resulted to the formation of the seven political parties coalition government led by Prime Minister Mosisili. Lesotho voted barely two years after a motion of no confidence passed by the National Assembly against Mosisili. Media freedom in Lesotho had been under intimidation with radio stations taken off-air in what has been construed as a move by government move to stifle growing dissent. Media suppression, a crackdown on radio stations and incessant threats to journalists have in recent times become prominent.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) set a target of 85 percent in terms voter turnout, BUT only 46 percent of voters cast their votes. If there is apathy from the citizens, the government is not held to account, it becomes corrupt, and it becomes irresponsible. The competition was high between the All Basotho Convention (ABC), the Democratic Congress (DC),the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LDC), and the Alliance of Democrats (AD). These parties won with huge margins in the constituencies of their leaders. This means the focus is on the leaders.

In the Maseru constituency more than 19 parties contested. But the majority of them garnered zero percent while the winning party got a large part of the votes. Those other parties are basically non-existent. They can't even be voted for by their own political agents. It means they are bogus parties. There are a lot of bogus political parties in this country.

As he lost popularity, Mosisili  who leads the Democratic Congress (DC)  teamed up with the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) of outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing and the Popular Front for Democracy (PFD). The opposition Thabane-led pact included the Basotho National Party (BNP), the Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL) and the Alliance of Democrats (AD).

The snap elections on 03 June 2017 saw Prime Minister Mosisili lose executive power to All Basotho Convention (ABC) leader and former premier Thomas Thabane. The Mosisili-led election pact picked up 44 parliamentary seats, while its adversaries declared they would form a new coalition government after they won 63 parliamentary seats. This ushered Lesotho into a new political era, but the outgoing Pakalitha Mosisili government insisted on setting terms for the new administration after losing the election on the heels of its earlier loss of a vote of no confidence on 01 March 2017. Metsing publicly called for the protection of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF)  the army and air force of Lesotho  against the incoming Thabane regime.

Thabane, 79, was Lesotho's prime minister from June 2012 to February 2015, and held the same office since June 2017. In October 2006, he became the founder and leader of the All Basotho Convention (ABC) party after leaving the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) party. During his political career, Thabane had served as the prime minister's advisor, minister of foreign affairs, minister of home affairs and public safety, and minister of communications, science and technology, among others. Thabane holds a bachelor's degree in literature from the University of South Africa.

Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's estranged wife Lipolelo was shot dead near her home in Lesotho's capital, Maseru, on June 14, 2017. Thomas Thabane took office two days after the killing, then married Maesaiah two months later. Lipolelo had reportedly refused to grant her husband divorce after he started a relationship with Maesaiah.

The murder trial of the wife of Lesotho's prime minister, accused of murdering his previous wife, is set to start 17 March 2020, a court official said on 18 February 2020. Maesaiah Thabane was arrested and charged earlier this month for the murder of Lipolelo. Lesotho police claim Maesaiah Thabane hired assassins to kill Lipolelo and was not actually present at the shooting herself. Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane has gone to South Africa to see a doctor, his son told Reuters 21 February 2020, after Thabane missed a court appearance over his former wifes death. Hes not fled the country, he has gone to South Africa to see a doctor, Potlako Thabane said by telephone.

The constitutional court on 18 April 2020 overturned Thabanes decision in March to suspend parliament for three months. The move came shortly after the national assembly passed a bill barring Thabane from calling fresh elections if he had lost a no-confidence vote that has been hanging over his head. In a surprise show of force, Thabane deployed soldiers backed by armoured vehicles to restore order while accusing unnamed rogue law enforcement agencies of undermining democracy, before withdrawing them two days later. The next day, political players in Lesotho pledged a dignified and secure exit deal for Prime Minister Thomas Thabane. South African mediators said in a statement that the Lesotho coalition government commits to effecting the implementation process or modalities for the dignified, graceful and secure retirement of the prime minister. No departure date was given. But parliament was expected to meet as soon as is possible to work out and finalise the departure process. The prime minister, in power since 2017, had promised to retire by the end of July because of his age, but some members of his All Basotho Convention party and the opposition demand his immediate departure.







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Cambodia - Politics

Rights groups have accused Hun Sen  the longest serving leader of any Southeast Asian country  of suppressing dissent and intimidating political opponents. Hun Sen, who has held power for three decades since being installed by the Vietnamese in January 1985, has not had a real political rival. Cabinet members talk steadily about presumed democratic reforms, while ignoring a quasi-coup in 1993 and a real one in 1997. They readily admit to corruption in ministries and courts during discussions with donors, but never admit personal involvement, and dwell on petty abuses, never on grand scale corruption or on vast personal fortunes that are being built.

Prime minister Hun Sen, a former army commander who defected from the Khmer Rouge, held power alongside a small but powerful group of political allies who have become enormously wealthy. Hun Sen's family amassed a multimillion-dollar business empire spanning the country's most lucrative sectors during his rule.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, his family, and close associates control vast amounts of the countrys wealth. The London-based nongovernmental agency Global Witness in its 2016 report Hostile Takeover detailed how Hun Sens family dominates the most important businesses in Cambodia where they can operate outside the law thanks to the protection of Asias longest-serving premier, his relatives, and associates who hold top military and government posts.

Opposition leaders and outside observers, including the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, have criticized the Cambodian judicial systems lack of independence. Rarely do politicians of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) face charges, but the list of opposition lawmakers dragged before the courts was long and includes Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) leaders Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha, as well as other opposition lawmakers like Um Sam An and Meach Sovannara, the CNRP's media director.

Politicians skillful at resisting and diverting the international development community are just as capable of controlling a largely rural population through demagoguery, false promises and intimidation. The raw power of the state, complemented by fear and the distribution of small gifts and favors at critical junctures, continue to provide a veneer of political legitimacy.

The Royal Cambodian Government [RGC] has participated in preparing innumerable plans which reflect state-of-the-art thinking in the international donor community, and are rich in rhetoric on such themes as good governance, transparency, accountability and participation. In most cases, reform plans are little more than a studied attempt to tell international donors what they want to hear. Even cursory examination of the reality behind the rhetoric reveals neither substance nor political will. The RGC continues to use a broad array of tactics to divert reform-minded donors. Despite the fact that donors account for half of the annual budget of the RGC, most reform efforts have had limited impact on a persistent, less-than-scrupulous opponent. The RGC readily agrees to accept donor projects, particularly when they include such benefits as study trips and perhaps funds that can be diverted. But some projects stretch out over a remarkably long time without observable results.

As of 2012 the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party had 90 seats in parliament. The Sam Rainsy Party had slowly grown its influence and by 2012 held 26 of 123 National Assembly seats. The Human Rights Party has three seats. Sam Rainsy, the main opposition leader, was in exile and faced more than 10 years of imprisonment over charges related to the destruction of markers near the Vietnamese border in Svay Rieng province. It was said that Sam Rainsy had incited people against the Vietnamese the cheap way and would not be able to compete with the ruling party and Hun Sen without more struggle.

On October 23, 1991, the Paris Conference reconvened to sign a comprehensive settlement giving the UN full authority to supervise a cease-fire, repatriate the displaced Khmer along the border with Thailand, disarm and demobilize the factional armies, and prepare the country for free and fair elections. Prince Sihanouk, President of the Supreme National Council of Cambodia (SNC), and other members of the SNC returned to Phnom Penh in November 1991, to begin the resettlement process in Cambodia. The UN Advance Mission for Cambodia (UNAMIC) was deployed at the same time to maintain liaison among the factions and begin demining operations to expedite the repatriation of approximately 370,000 Cambodians from Thailand.

On March 16, 1992, the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) arrived in Cambodia to begin implementation of the UN Settlement Plan. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees began full scale repatriation in March 1992. UNTAC grew into a 22,000-strong civilian and military peacekeeping force to conduct free and fair elections for a constituent assembly.

Historically, voter participation in Cambodia has been falling in the national election, when 90 percent of the 4.7 million registered voters turned out in 1998. By 2013, the last national election, 68 percent of the about 9.7 million registered voters turned out. The NEC cleaned up voter rolls between the two elections to eliminate duplicate registrations and other errors.







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Malta - Politics

Two parties (or movements as they prefer to call themselves) dominate Maltas polarized and evenly divided politics -- the Nationalist Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, and the Malta Labor Party. The Nationalist Party Government applied in 1990 to join the EU and received a positive European Commission Opinion in 1993. The Labour Government of 1996-1998 froze, but did not withdraw, the membership application. The Nationalist Party reactivated it on their return to office in 1998. EU accession negotiations were completed in December 2002. A referendum in March 2003 was won by those in favor of EU membership.

Although the referendum in 2003 on EU membership gave the Nationalist Party (PN) government a mandate to proceed with ratifying the treaty for accession to the EU in May 2004, the opposition continued to insist that it would take Malta out of the Union if it won the election in 2004, and so the government called an early election.

On 12 April 2003 the Nationalist Party retained power for 5 years with over 51% of the vote, which decisively closed the EU debate. This decisive election victory enabled Fenech Adami to sign the Accession Treaty in Athens in April 2003. Following the election, the Malta Labour Party, which had won 30 seats, decided to end its opposition to EU membership, thus ending a long and intense period when political activity was focused on one issue.

In March 2004, soon after Edward Fenech-Adamis 70th birthday, he retired as Prime Minister and was replaced by Lawrence Gonzi. In March 2004 Fenech Adami was elected President of Malta by Parliament and assumed office on 4 April 2004. He replaced Professor Guido de Marco for a 5-year term.

In 2008 the Malta Labor Party renamed itself simply the Labor Party (Partit Laburista (PL)) and chose a new leader, former European Parliament member Joseph Muscat. Elections invariably generate a widespread voter turnout; in March 2008 the turnout was 93%. The margin between the two parties is so narrow that a 52% share of the votes is considered a "landslide" for the winning party. In the March 2008 elections, the Nationalist Party won reelection with 49.3% of the vote, earning it 35 seats, while the Labor Party received 48.8% of the vote (and 34 seats). While the two main parties dominate, two other parties were on the ballot in 2008, Alternative Demokratika (Green Party) and Azzjoni Nazzjonali (National Action--which since then has altered its role from a political party to an organization); neither managed to secure a seat in parliament.

In April 2009, at the end of President Fenech-Adamis five-year term, Dr George Abela was unanimously elected President by parliament. The second round of European Parliament elections, held in June 2009, resulted in the election of the two incumbent Nationalist Party members of parliament (MPs) and three candidates for the Labor Party, including two incumbent MPs, as well as the possibility of a fourth candidate, once Malta gets the sixth seat in the European Parliament.

On 10 December 2012 the government lost its one-vote majority and was unable to enact its 2013 budget. Parliament was dissolved in January 2013 and an election called. In March 2013 the government won the general election with an "overwhelming" majority. PL secured 39 seats, with 54.8 per cent of votes cast, and PN 30 seats with 43.3 per cent. Turnout was again 93 percent.

During the election campaign, the PN, which had otherwise governed without interruption since 1987, ran on the government's record, stating that it had managed to avert the economic turmoil affecting other euro zone countries in the Mediterranean. The government generated a dynamic economy, reduced taxes, got rid of cancer-causing energy sources, improved social benefits and students stipends, given long-overdue rights, broken all employment records in employment and foreign investment among other notable achievements while retaining a healthy majority. The MLP promised to reduce electricity prices by 25% and to tackle corruption.

In April 2014, at the end of President Abelas five-year term, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca was unanimously elected President by parliament.

Contempt of the president remains punishable by one to three months imprisonment or a fine. It is also a criminal offense to offend public morality, propriety, or decency. The law also criminalizes speech that promotes hatred on grounds of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, language, ethnic origin, religion or belief, or political or other opinion. There are daily and weekly newspapers in English, including The Malta Independent, The Malta Independent on Sunday, The Times, The Sunday Times, The Malta Business Weekly and Malta Today, and daily and weekly papers in Maltese. The principal newspapers in Maltese have political affiliations, for example In-Nazzjon (daily) and Il-Mument (weekly) with the Nationalist Party, and L-Orizzont (daily) and It-Torca (weekly) with the General Workers Union.

Television Malta is a public channel, which began broadcasting in 1962, and Radio Malta has provided public radio since the mid- 1930s. Other TV channels and radio stations are owned by the political parties, the Roman Catholic Church or commercial broadcasters. Net TV is owned by the Nationalist Party and Super One TV by the Partit Laburista (Labour Party). Cable TV was introduced in 1992 and many households have satellite receivers. Virtually all households have at least one TV set. Digital radio broadcasting was launched in 2008. It is also possible to receive the broadcasts of Italian radio and TV in Malta.

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Qatar - GCC Relations

Qatar's close relations with Turkey and Iran have undermined regional security. Egypt and the UAE view Qatar and Turkey's support of the Muslim Brotherhood as a security threat and have deemed the group a terrorist organization. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are primarily concerned with Qatar's close ties with regional foe Iran.

Saudi Arabia and its three Arab allies agreed to restore full ties with Doha at a summit in the kingdom on 05 January 2020. Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud told a news conference after the gathering of Gulf Arab states, also attended by Egypt, that there was political will and good faith to guarantee implementation of the agreement to restore diplomatic and other ties, including resumption of flights.

Qatars ruling emir arrived in Saudi Arabia for a Gulf summit and was greeted with an embrace by the kingdom's crown prince on Tuesday, following an announcement that the kingdom would end its yearslong embargo on the tiny Gulf Arab state. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was met in the historic city of Al-Ula by de facto Saudi ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two men, wearing face masks, embraced on the tarmac. The Qatari emir's arrival at Al-Ula was broadcast live on Saudi state TV while the media in Qatar hailed the "warm" embrace ahead of a "landmark" Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit.

The diplomatic breakthrough came after a final push by the outgoing Trump administration and fellow Gulf state Kuwait to mediate an end to the crisis. It came just ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration as Riyadh braced for a new administration that is expected to take a firmer stance toward the kingdom.

Qatar's only land border has been mostly closed since June mid-2017, when Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain launched a blockade against the small, but influential Persian Gulf country. The Saudi border, which Qatar relied on for the import of dairy products, construction materials and other goods, opened briefly during the past three years to allow Qataris into Saudi Arabia to perform the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage.

It was unclear what concessions Qatar had made regarding a shift in its policies. While the Saudi decision to end its embargo marks a key milestone toward resolving the Gulf spat, the path toward full reconciliation is far from guaranteed. The rift between Abu Dhabi and Doha has been deepest, with the UAE and Qatar at sharp ideological odds.

The Qatari crisis played into the hands of the Russian and Syrian governments as many armed Syrian rebel groups received aid from Qatar and now would face certain difficulties. By 10 June 2017 anti-Damascus groups sponsored by Saudi Arabia and Qatar had suspended their actions against the Syrian Army.

On 23 June 2017 Kuwait handed over a list of demands to Qatar from neigboring countries Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt. The list of demands included shutting down Al Jazeera, cutting diplomatic ties with Iran and immediately halting the establishing of a Turkish military base in Qatar and ending any military cooperation with the NATO member. The demands also include ending Dohas support for terrorists and abandoning internationally and regionally listed figures. More broadly, the list demands that Qatar align itself politically, economically and otherwise with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Iran provisions in the document say Qatar must shut down diplomatic posts in Iran, kick out from Qatar any members of Irans Revolutionary Guard, and only conduct trade and commerce with Iran that complies with US sanctions. The countries gave Doha 10 days to comply.

Food items from Turkey lined the shelves in stores across Qatar after several of its neighbours imposed an economic blockade on the tiny Gulf nation during the holy month of Ramadan. Turkish products met the high demand for food items in stores across Qatar, which was facing an economic blockade from fellow Arab countries. After vowing its full support for the tiny Gulf nation, Ankara moved to send stockpiles of food and water supplies aboard cargo planes. Qatari chain supermarkets announced on social media that daily food products from Turkey such as milk, yoghurt, and chicken were now being sold in stores.

Iran sent five planes of vegetables to Qatar which has been hit by a land, air and sea blockade brought about by the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain. So far five planes carrying vegetables have been sent to Qatar, each carrying around 90 tonnes of cargo, while another plane will be sent today, Iran Air spokesman Shahrokh Noushabadi said on 11 June 2017. We will continue deliveries as long as there is demand from Qatar, Noushabadi added, without mentioning if these deliveries were exports or aid.

Qatar said 11 June 2017 citizens of states that have cut ties with the emirate will be allowed to stay in the country despite measures against its own nationals. A statement carried on state media said Doha would "not take any measures against residents of Qatar who hold the nationalities of countries that severed diplomatic ties or lowered diplomatic representations with the state of Qatar, on the back of hostile and tendentious campaigns against the country". It said Qatar was acting in "accordance with its firm beliefs and principles". The decision will affect more than 11,000 people from the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain alone, according to official figures.

Qatar on 09 June 2017 said that despite a move by fellow Arab states to isolate it in a row over alleged ties to terrorism it is not ready to change its foreign policy to settle the dispute and would never compromise or surrender to the pressure. Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani spoke as would-be mediators ranging from US President Donald Trump to Kuwaits ruling emir struggled to ease a crisis that Qataris say has led to a blockade of their nation. We are not ready to surrender, and will never be ready to surrender, the independence of our foreign policy, Sheikh Mohammed told reporters in Doha. We have been isolated because we are successful and progressive. We are a platform for peace not terrorism... This dispute is threatening the stability of the entire region.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt issued a list of individuals and entities they said had "terrorist" links to Qatar, in their first joint statement since ties were cut. The group said the list shows Qatar "announces fighting terrorism on one hand and finances and supports and hosts different terrorist organisations on the other hand." But the document contains at least two names already designated internationally as terrorist financiers, and against whom Qatar took action, according to a previous US Department of State report.

On 29 May 2017 retired general Mahmoud Mansour, Qatari intelligence founder, told Al Arabiya that Doha has lost its mind as a diplomatic spat between the country and its Gulf neighbors widened in recent days. Iran needed to penetrate some Arab countries needed an Arab force to introduce them more and more within the Arab fabric, so it addressed her intentions through the friend who lost their mind, Qatar, Mansour told Al Arabiya.

On 05 June 2017 Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and several other countries cut ties with Qatar accusing it of supporting terrorism and opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world. The countries cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, and halted all land, sea and air contact with the Gulf state, accusing it of supporting "terrorism and extremism." Yemen's internationally recognised government and Libya's eastern-based government, both in countries with disputed leaderships, followed suit, and also cut ties.

The GCC rift followed Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met leaders of the Arab world. The night before Trump's visit, the former US defence secretary, Robert Gates, offered a scathing assault on Qatar, criticised its support for "Islamists". The speech was delivered at a high-profile Washington conference, where Gates said, "Tell Qatar to choose sides or we will change the nature of the relationship, to include downscaling the base".

The coordinated move dramatically escalated a dispute over Qatar's support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamist movement and armed groups like Hamas, and added accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.

The new policy is also designed to create fissures in the Qatari ruling family and grounds for a coup. Members of the ruling family could push Emir Tamim to the side to resolve the crisis or elements of the military could rise against the leadership, Eurasia Groups Ayham Kamel said in a note to clients. The Qatari air force has been on high alert since the morning and the Gulf leaders would prefer a swift end to the crisis through a bloodless transfer of power. While a change in the Qatari leadership is possible, it is not yet our baseline scenario.

Failure to force Qatar to its knees could force Saudi Arabia and the UAE to look at other ways of forcing Qatar to comply, including regime change, either by invading the tiny Gulf state or engineering an internal coup. Saudi and UAE media reports nonetheless suggest that the Gulf states may be seeking a coup.

The Saudi Al-Riyadh newspaper in a report titled 5 Coups in 46 Years The 6th Coup Is Not Unlikely, discussed the issue of Qatar and threatened to oust the Qatari emir. The daily claimed that members of the Al Thani family (Qatars main rulers and cousins of Tamim, the current ruler of Qatar) have, in a letter to the Saudi king, disavowed the orders by their thoughtless emir. the Al-Riyadh newspaper wrote that the letter by the Al Thani family shows the depth of rifts within Qatari rulers as family members themselves have announced that they are fed up with Tamim bin Hameds policies and it is likely that a new coup will take place within the Qatari government, and during the coup the main ruling family will take helm of the affairs. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt began closing land, air and sea passage to all vessels and vehicles coming from or going to Qatar. The UAE and Saudi Arabia gave Qatari citizens who were residents in or visiting the UAE two weeks to depart. They also ordered their citizens in Qatar to return. The measures were more severe than during a previous eight-month rift in 2014, when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE withdrew their ambassadors from Doha, again alleging Qatari support for armed groups. At that time, travel links were maintained and Qataris were not expelled. The Maldives, Mauritius, Mauritania and the eastern-based government in divided Libya also announced a break in relations with Doha, while Jordan and Djibouti said they would lower the level of diplomatic contacts with Qatar. Senegal and Chad recalled their ambassadors from Doha.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged the Gulf Cooperation Council nations to sort out their differences. Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that they did not expect the decision by the Gulf countries to affect the fight against terrorism.

President Donald Trump on 09 June 2017 doubled down on his criticism of Qatar, the tiny Gulf country involved in a spiraling diplomatic crisis with its Arab neighbors. "The nation of Qatar, unfortunately, has historically been a funder of terrorism at a very high level," Trump said at a Rose Garden news conference. Trump's comments came minutes after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for calm and an ease to the blockade imposed against Qatar by its neighbors. Tillerson said the blockade was causing "unintended" humanitarian and business consequences and was "hindering U.S. military actions in the region and the campaign against ISIS," or the Islamic State terrorist group.

Yakov Kedmi, a retired high-ranking Israeli intelligence official, told Sputnik 08 June 2017 that the overthrow of Qatars royal family and, possibly, even the elimination of Qatar's statehood through its annexation to Saudi Arabia could be the endgame for Saudi Arabia in the recent diplomatic conflict. "Even though the United States declared its neutrality, it is hard to believe that the developments of the recent days were not approved by Washington. I am not 100 percent sure what the main goal is. However, I think that it may be aimed, at a minimum, at changing Qatar's policy or overthrowing the royal family. As an extreme option, it could be aimed at the elimination of Qatar as an independent state and its annexation to Saudi Arabia," Kedmi said.

The row looked like a well-planned operation designed to end Qatar's independent foreign policy, maintained by Doha for decades with the support of the United States, after US President Donald Trump chose to support Saudi Arabia instead, according to Kedmi. "Under President Clinton, Bush and Obama, Qatar received a broad political support and was one of the main allies of the Americans in the region. Qatar is the largest investor into the US economy and in the political infrastructure of the United States and its politicians. When Trump recently has visited the Middle East and met with the Arab leaders, he demanded from the Arab states to end their support of all terrorist organizations including IS, Al-Qaeda and Hamas. These talks served as a basis for this diplomatic rift," he explained.

Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Middle East Studies director Vitaly Naumkin, said 12 June 2017 ""Qatar's Arab neighbors are demanding not so much the termination of the financing of recognized terrorist groups (which are being supported by other Arab states as well), so much as a refusal by Doha to engage in rapprochement with Iran, the expulsion of the Muslim Brotherhood and the leaders of the Hamas movement, the closure of media resources such as Al-Jazeera, Alquds Alarabi, the Arabic version of the Huffington Post, and the London-based Middle East Eye and Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed newspapers."

Naumkin revealed that the ultimate aim of Qatar's opponents was the resignation of the emir. In this situation, the expert said that even if Doha compromises and concedes every point in the ultimatum, new demands might be presented.

Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah said on Friday 04 December 2020 that a final agreement had been reached on the Gulf crisis, between Qatar on one side and Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain on the other side. "The Gulf dispute is long, and a final agreement was reached under the auspices of Kuwaiti and American people," Al-Jarallah explained, in statements to Al-Sharq News Network. Al-Jarallah indicated that "steps after the agreement to end the Gulf dispute will be well studied and calculated." He explained that "the efforts of US President Donald Trump's advisor, Jared Kushner, contributed to resolving the dispute, and that the solution agreement will be followed by steps to build confidence." The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that "there are great and continuous efforts by all parties to the Gulf dispute to resolve the crisis."

Background

Qatar desired to counter Saudi influence wherever possible. The relationship with Riyadh had been strained following perceptions in the Kingdom that Al Jazeera's coverage of the Saudi royal family was unflattering, leading the Saudis to pull their ambassador. However, a Saudi ambassador returned to Doha in 2008, and relations are generally improving after Qatar toned down criticism of the Saudi royal family on Al Jazeera.

Divisions deepened in March 2014 when the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) failed to implement an agreement between Gulf monarchies not to interfere in each others internal affairs. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain decided 15 November 2014 to return their ambassadors to Qatar after an emergency meeting in Riyadh.

Problems between UAE and other Arab states accumulated in the weeks before the latest Arab-Islamic-American Summit.

The website of the Qatar-backed Al Jazeera news channel was blocked in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on 24 May 2017. This was a political decision and a direct attack on the Emir of Qatar. The media war began after statements attributed to Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani were released on Qatar's state news agency website a day earlier. The statements drew the ire of Saudi and Emirati governments on the back of the Trump administration's visit to Saudi Arabia.

On 27 May 2017, Qatar's ruling emir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani called Iranian President Hasan Rouhani to congratulate him on his re-election. The call was a clear, public rebuttal of Saudi Arabia's efforts to force Qatar to fall in line against the Shia-ruled nation, which the Sunni kingdom sees as enemy number one and a threat to regional stability.

The Qatari government claimed that the formal reason for the conflict was fake news story planted by hacker on the website of Qatars news agency on May 23. The state agency Qatar News Agency site published quotes from the Emir, which said, There is no wisdom in harbouring hostility towards Iran in response to the US president's first foreign trip to Riyadh at the Arab-Islamic-American summit. More controversially, the quotes concluded that relations with Israel are "good" and that Hamas was the official representative of Palestinians. Qatar's foreign ministry claimed that its state agency had been hacked and the statements were forged. The story attributed false remarks to the national leaders, in which he questioned how long United States President Donald Trump would remain in office. Doha quickly responded, saying that the website was hacked, which was later confirmed by FBI specialists.

Saudi Arabia's state news agency said 05 June 2017 the kingdom had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar "proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism."

Abu Dhabi's state-owned Etihad Airways will suspend all flights to and from Doha until further notice. Dubai-based budget carrier FlyDubai said it would also suspend flights to and from Doha. The Dubai-based airline Emirates also suspended flights to Qatar.

A senior Iranian official said the decision by some Gulf Arab states and Egypt to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar would not help end the crisis in the Middle East. "The era of cutting diplomatic ties and closing borders ... is not a way to resolve crisis ... As I said before, aggression and occupation will have no result but instability," Hamid Aboutalebi, the deputy chief of staff of Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, said.

Saudi Arabia claimed that Qatar is supporting "Iranian-backed terrorist groups" in the Saudi province of Qatif and in Bahrain, accusations that Doha called a "campaign of lies that have reached the point of complete fabrication". Riyadh also said "authorities in Doha" have supported the Iran-backed Houthi armed group in Yemen. This despite Qatar's deployment of an estimated 1,000 troops to support the two-year Saudi-led campaign there.

Qatars $1-billion ransom deal to release royal family members kidnapped in Iraq was allegedly one of the reasons the Gulf monarchies decided to severe diplomatic ties with Doha, the Financial Times (FT) reported 06 June 2017. In particular, the newspapers report refers to commanders of militant groups and government officials with knowledge of the hostage deal. According to them, Doha spent around $1 billion to secure the release of 26 members of a Qatari hunting party in southern Iraq and about 50 militants captured by Islamists in Syria.

In April 2017, 26 royals, many of them cousins of the Qatari emir, were handed over to the Iraqi government by the local Shia Kataib Hezbollah group, believed to be behind the kidnapping, which happened during a December 2015 falconry trip in Iraq. Two Middle East diplomats told the Financial Times they believed the kidnapping of the royals was done to give Hezbollah and predominantly Shia Iran leverage to negotiate the release of Shia fighters abducted by Tahrir al-Sham, which is an Al-Qaeda offshoot in Syria. According to FT sources, Qatar ended up paying ransom to both Iranian security officials and Islamists, causing uproar in Gulf capitals.

Unlike previous disputes, when Qatar took immediate conciliatory actions to Saudi and the UAE, Doha is taking a more "defiant" stand this time. Iran offered food shipments to Qatar. Reza Nourani, chairman of Iran's union of agricultural exporters, said such transfers can reach Doha in 12 hours.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that isolating Qatar, including through the use of sanctions, would not resolve the rift. "It will not contribute to solving any problem to try and isolate Qatar, which we know for sure has fought very effectively against terrorist groups," he said on 06 June 2017. Erdogan said Ankara will do everything in its power to help end the crisis. Turkish exporters expressed their willingness to meet Qatars food and water supplies to stave off possible shortages after its biggest suppliers, including Saudi Arabia.

Trump tweeted 06 June 2017 that the split with Qatar could be the beginning of the end to the horror of terrorism, and appeared to claim credit for the pressure being placed on the country, saying his recent visit to Saudi Arabia was already paying off.

According to an 06 June 2017 report by CNN, the FBI sent a team of investigators to the theater to help Qatari officials look into the reports that a cyberattack resulted in the erroneous statements appearing on the Qatar News Agency. The FBI linked the attack to Russian hackers  though they couldnt say whether the hack was carried out by a criminal group or was government-backed. CBS echoed CNNs findings, saying that the investigation is specifically focusing on Russian interference.

Gevorg Mirzayan, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Sciences of Finance University under the Russian Government, suggested that "Russias political role in the Middle East has recently increased. The Kremlin can be regarded as a guarantor of security and political partner. In turn, increased political presence in the Gulf would serve Moscows interests. There a lot of differences between Moscow and Doha, but the current political situation requires cooperation".

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UN chief strongly condemns terrorist attacks in London

4 June 2017  United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned last night's terrorist attacks in London and expressed solidarity with the people and Government of the United Kingdom in the combat against terrorism and violent extremism.

"The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people and the Government of the United Kingdom as they fight terrorism and violent extremism," said a statement issued by a UN spokesperson, which denounced the deadly incidents as "unjustifiable violence" and also expressed Mr. Guterres' condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the injured a swift recovery.

According to media reports, seven people were killed and dozens more injured when a van sped across London Bridge last night, ramming numerous pedestrians. After the van came to a halt, the attackers reportedly stabbed several people in the capital's Borough Market, a crowded weekend gathering spot. The three assailants were reportedly shot by the police.

This is the third deadly incident in the UK that authorities have attributed to terrorists in as many months, following a deadly attack near the Houses of Parliament in March, and nearly two weeks after a suicide bombing outside an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

"This is a struggle in many parts of the globe that compels the international community to join up efforts to bring to justice those who use such inhuman tactics while also protecting and promoting the fundamental values, rights and principles that terrorists so fervently seek to undermine," the statement concluded.

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Trump: World Needs to Stop Being 'Politically Correct' in Fighting Terrorism

By Ken Bredemeier June 04, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump says the world needs to stop being "politically correct" in fighting terrorism and used the deadly London attack to renew his call for courts to authorize his ban on travel to the U.S. from six majority-Muslim countries.

In a string of Twitter comments, the U.S. leader vowed support for Britain, criticized London's mayor and took a tough stance on fighting terrorism.

"We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people," Trump said Sunday. "If we don't get smart it will only get worse."

He also mocked London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was elected last year and is the first Muslim to lead a major Western capital.

Trump tweeted, "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'"

As news of the Saturday night carnage spread throughout his city and the world, Khan condemned the attack, describing it as "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners," later saying that Britons should not be alarmed to see a greater police presence on the streets of London.

Khan's spokesman said the London mayor was too busy to respond to Trump.

"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: Attack shows travel ban needed

Within an hour after three attackers drove a van into a crowd of people on London Bridge and then stabbed people in a nearby commercial area, Trump 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!"

Several U.S. courts have blocked Trump's ban aimed at travel from Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Somalia. In part, the courts have ruled that his repeated attacks on Islamic terrorism and one-time call for a total ban on Muslims entering the country showed that his more limited block on travel to the U.S. amounts to religious discrimination. He has appealed the lower court rulings to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump said the U.S. will do whatever it can to help London and Britain combat terrorism. "WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" he said.

In the United States, most mass attacks involve gun violence, which typically then starts a new debate on gun ownership rights that are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

After the London attack, Trump noted, "Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"

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Spotlight: First China-designed experiment flies to space station

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:12, June 04, 2017

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.

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The Cheadle Lake Trail in Lebanon will be closed to the public on Thursday as the city of Albany will be conducting maintenance of the adjacent Albany-Santiam Canal.

The maintenance will require the use of the trail to access the canal. The city of Lebanon is closing the popular trail to public access for safety reasons.

Such trail closures for routine maintenance are relatively routine.

The city of Albany has asked the city of Lebanon to close the trail a few times in the last few years as heavy machinery is needed for maintenance such as trimming branches or removing dead trees from along the waterway.

Cheadle Lake is a 100-acre body of water. It was a natural lake and then was converted to a mill pond in the early 1940s. Freres Lumber Company owned the lake from 1985 to 2005, then donated it to the Lebanon Community Foundation.

The lake and its trail have been open to public use since 2009, and the area is a favorite locale for anglers and kayakers, as well as walkers, joggers and bicyclists.

For more information about the closure, contact Rob Emmons, city of Lebanon engineering services supervisor, at 541-258-4274.
Chinese, Russian officials laud bilateral military ties

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:36, June 04, 2017

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.

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North Korea 'fully rejects' UNSC sanctions, vows to continue with nuclear, missile programs

Iran Press TV

Sun Jun 4, 2017 1:51PM

North Korea says it "fully rejects" the fresh wave of sanctions imposed on some of its companies and individuals by the United Nations Security Council, vowing to continue with its nuclear and missile programs without a delay.

"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," said a spokesman for the country's Foreign Ministry in a statement, which was carried by its official KCNA news agency on Sunday.

The North's reaction comes two days after the UN Security Council, in response to a number of missile tests carried out by Pyongyang this year, applied a fresh array of sanctions on the Asian country, which included imposition of asset freeze and a global travel ban 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 imposition of sanctions "is a crafty hostile act with the purpose of putting a curb on the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea]'s buildup of nuclear forces, disarming it and causing economic suffocation to it," the statement further said.

Pyongyang has so far rejected all the UNSC resolutions against its nuclear and missile programs since 2006, when it carried out its first nuclear test, saying such provocative measures directly infringe its sovereign right to self-defense.

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.

In mid-May, the council had warned Pyongyang not to conduct any further missile tests, but all to no avail. In an act of defiance, the nuclear-armed North conducted several other missile tests with various ranges, including a ballistic one, in the second half of the last month.

The country has been making efforts to upgrade its weapon systems amid threats of military action against it by Washington. It has recently developed a long-range missile capable of striking the United States' mainland and has in recent weeks tested its intermediate-range ballistic missile.

"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 statement further said.

Meanwhile, Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin called North Korea's nuclear ambitions a "direct threat" against his respective country.

"It is not only (a) ballistic missile defense system  it has 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," said Fomin.

The Russian official, who was speaking 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, added that sanctions should be aimed at invoking Pyongyang to resolve the conflict and dispute in a peaceful way.

Both China and Russia, being neighbors of the North, are generally advocating a peaceful diplomatic solution to the decade-long conflict thorough restarting talks with Pyongyang so as to prevent the tensions from exacerbating in the Korean Peninsula.

Washington and its allies, on the other hand, are seeking even tougher sanctions on the North so as to curb its nuclear and missile development.

The North, however, has repeatedly said that 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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North Korea Rejects New UNSC Sanctions, Intends to Continue Nuclear Buildup

Sputnik News

16:57 04.06.2017

Pyongyang gave a strong condemnation and rejection to the latest UN Security Council resolution to expand sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and missile activities, according to the statement of the North Korean Foreign Ministry.

TOKYO (Sputnik)  North Korea has fully rejected the latest UN Security Council resolution to expand sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile activities, and Pyongyang intends to continue its nuclear development without any delay, the North Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

On Friday, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution drafted by the United States to expand the scope of sanctions, travel bans and asset freezes against North Korea. The sanctions came in response to ongoing ballistic missile tests by Pyongyang.

"The DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives a strong condemnation and rejection to the UNSC's another campaign of sanctions as it 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 ministry's statement, published on Sunday by South Korean Yonhap news agency, said.

The resolution is the result of five weeks of negotiations between the United States and China. The measure added new individuals and entities connected to Pyongyang's ballistic missile and nuclear programs to the existing UN blacklist.

"It is a fatal miscalculation if the countries, which have had a hand in the frame-up of the 'sanctions resolution,' would even think that they can delay or hold in check the eye-opening development of the DPRK's nuclear forces even for a moment," the ministry said.

North Korea conducted its most recent ballistic missile launch on Monday. During the test, the projectile reportedly flew some 280 miles before falling into Japan's exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan.

 Sputnik

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Iraqi volunteer forces seize 5 villages on western Mosul outskirts

Iran Press TV

Sun Jun 4, 2017 4:4PM

Iraqi pro-government fighters from Popular Mobilization Units have managed to reclaim complete control over five villages in the troubled northern province of Nineveh as they battle to drive Takfiri Daesh terrorist out of their last urban bastion in the country.

The media bureau of the volunteer forces, commonly known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha'abi, announced in a statement on Sunday that the fighters had liberated the villages of Tal al-Noufeli and Tal al-Masraj al-Faraj northeast of the mainly Shia-populated town of al-Ba'aj in addition to Karaan village.

Hashd Sha'abi forces later liberated the villages of Um Hajarah and Farkhouh.

Commander of Federal Police Forces Lieutenant General Raed Shaker Jawdat also stated that security forces had gained control over 60 percent of al-Zanjili neighborhood in western Mosul, killing 23 Daesh terrorists during a recent military operation there.

Dozens of civilians found in huge Daesh underground prison

Meanwhile, a local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Arabic-language al-Sumaria television network that Iraqi troops have found a huge underground prison run by Daesh extremists in the western sector of Mosul.

The source added that dozens of people from Fallujah, Ramadi, Saqlawiyah and Karma cities were being held in the detention center.

Iraqi army soldiers and volunteer fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units have made sweeping gains against the Takfiri elements since launching the Mosul operation on October 17, 2016.

The Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January after 100 days of fighting, and launched the battle in the west on February 19.

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Iraq's Hashd retakes important area on Syria border

Iran Press TV

Sun Jun 4, 2017 4:32AM

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), commonly known as Hashd al-Shaabi, has liberated al-Ba'aj District in Nineveh Province from the grip of the Daesh terrorist group.

The important area is located near the Syrian border. Al-Sumaria TV said the full liberation of Ba'aj and several nearby villages on Sunday came following fierce clashes with Daesh elements.

The fresh gain shrinks the area under the Daesh control in the border region between Iraq and Syria, where Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is believed to be hiding, according to Iraqi and US sources.

Bodies litter streets of Mosul

A multi-ethnic humanitarian group says the Daesh terrorist group has killed dozens of civilians in the past two days while they were fleeing the embattled city of Mosul.

Dave Eubank, from the Free Burma Rangers (FBR), told Reuters on Saturday that the bodies of the victims who were escaping from west Mosul's Zanjili neighborhood lay on the ground near the frontline with Iraqi forces.

"Over the past two days ISIS (Daesh) has been shooting people escaping this area," he said, adding, "I saw over 50 dead bodies yesterday  and we rescued one little girl and one man. But there are still more."

Meanwhile, a young man said he was among a group of civilians wounded in an airstrike that targeted a Daesh element hiding in the crowd.

"We were a group of 200-250 civilians, a Daesh came in among us and the aviator hit us but he (the militant) escaped," he said.

In a relevant development early on Saturday, Iraqi federal police forces seized a huge cache of deadly weapons, including hundreds of explosive shells, which were left by Daesh terrorists in recently-liberated parts of Zanjili.

The explosives were transported to a large crater before detonation.

Separately, Staff Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi, a high-ranking commander of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), told the al-Sumaria TV network early on Sunday that Daesh militants holed up in Mosul should either surrender or will be killed badly.

Iraqi forces "stand on the outer fence of the Old City [of Mosul], our accounts will be settled with these bastards," Assadi said.

"If Mosul was free of civilians, the liberation of the right and left coasts would have been completed by less than a month, but we have sought to preserve the citizens, which delayed the process," he added.

Earlier this week, Iraqi forces managed to wrest control over west Mosul's al-Saha al-Oula district.

About 700,000 people have already fled Mosul, but up to 200,000 civilians are still trapped in harrowing conditions in the city's Daesh-controlled areas, most of them in the Old City.

Mosul fell to Daesh in 2014, when the terror outfit began a campaign of death and destruction in Iraq.

Since October 2016, the Iraqi army soldiers and allied volunteer fighters have been leading a major operation to recapture the city.

They took control of eastern Mosul in January and launched the battle in the west in February.

The full liberation of the city would likely spell the end for the Iraqi half of Daesh's so-called caliphate.

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Dozens Of Civilians Killed Fleeing IS-Held Mosul District: Report

RFE/RL June 04, 2017

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 Iraq's 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 group's 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

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/mosul-iraq-islamic- state-old-city-attack/28527171.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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Pakistan security sources: dozen Daesh terrorists killed in Balochistan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, June 4, IRNA -- Pakistan security forces on Sunday said they had killed around a dozen Daesh militants in a three-day raid.

The operation took place in Mastung district of Balochistan and targeted the hideout cave of a group of Daesh key elements, a senior security official said.

"Some 12-13 Daesh commanders have been killed after intense gun-battles and the area was cleared late Saturday," said the un-named source.

Meanwhile, according to another security source, security forces also seized some suicide jackets and a cache of ammunition, weapons, explosives and detonators.

He added that the cave was a base used by Daesh to plan attacks across Pakistan.

Security sources said that elimination of Daesh top leadership would serve a major blow to the terrorist group in Pakistan.

The government of Pakistan officially denies organized presence of Daesh terrorist group in the country.

1723**1394

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Pakistani Troops Raid Suspected IS Base in Baluchistan

By Ayaz Gul June 04, 2017

Officials in Pakistan say counterterrorism forces have destroyed a major suspected Islamic State stronghold in the country's 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 group's 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.

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Meet Russia's New Ka-52-Equipped Lavina-Class Amphibious Assault Ship

Sputnik News

21:55 04.06.2017(updated 22:32 04.06.2017)

The Russian Navy expects to receive two brand new Lavina ('Avalanche')-class amphibious assault ships under the next state armaments procurement program. According to the Ministry of Defense, the ships will take the place of the Mistrals, the two French vessels which Moscow ordered but never received.

The new ships, expected to be delivered before 2025, are distinct from the Project 11711 Ivan Gren class of landing ships that are currently being built for the Russian Navy. According to Zvezda, the official television network of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Lavina design "looks more like the Mistral, in that it features a bare carrier deck used to base Ka-52K attack and Ka-32 ASW helicopters."

Lavina-class ships will be fitted with a powerful anti-aircraft system onboard, in the form of the naval version of the Pantsir-S. Furthermore, the amphibious assault ships will feature the AK-176MA 76.2 mm naval gun, a weapons system that's controlled and fired using a digital guidance system.

The ship will be able to land a contingent of up to 60 light armored vehicles, at least 20-30 main battle tanks, or more than 500 marines. Absent a direct approach to a coastal area, the ship will deliver the troops and armor using four Project 11770M or two Project 12061M landing craft.

The projected 165 meter-long Lavina will displace 14,000 metric tons. Its contingent of attack and ASW helicopters can include up to a dozen choppers in total.

The Lavina was first revealed at the Army 2015 military exhibition. Zvezda recalled that while the Project 23000E Shtorm ('Storm') carrier design ended up stealing the show, it was the Lavina which Navy command saw as the main prospect for inclusion into the next state weapons procurement program.

Speaking to the television network, Valery Polovinkin, an advisor to the general director of the St. Petersburg-based Krylov State Research Center, explained that the design bureau has conducted extensive studies on the creation of a next-generation universal amphibious assault ship design.

Polovinkin emphasized that Russia gained a great deal of useful experience in the construction of the never-delivered Mistrals, particularly in the construction of the ships' stern components. "We are ready to offer the buyer a more versatile ship," he said.

The Ka-52K Katran, the naval version of the Ka-52 Alligator attack and scout helicopter, is the "perfect weapon" for the new class of ships, Zvezda said. The network recalled that "this is the first helicopter in the world capable of using the Kh-31 and Kh-35 anti-ship cruise missiles." Previously, only the Mig-29K/KUB deck-based fighters could boast having the capability to launch these stealthy, radar-avoiding supersonic missiles.

In other words, the network noted that "the Kamov chopper, recognized as a flying tank on land, becomes a real ship-killer at sea."

In the future, it is also expected that the R-77 air-to-air missile system may be mounted aboard the Ka-52K, thus further improving the chopper's capabilities for all types of operations at sea and in coastal zone areas. Under the present state armaments program, the Russian military expects to receive 120 Ka-52Ks by the year 2020.

 Sputnik

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Syrian army troops liberate Aleppo town from Daesh clutches

Iran Press TV

Sun Jun 4, 2017 1:10PM

Syrian army soldiers have managed to liberate a key town in the northern province of Aleppo from Daesh Takfiri terrorists as they continue to score more territorial gains in battles against extremists across the war-ravaged Arab country.

A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Syria's official news agency, SANA, that Syrian troops had regained control of Maskanah town, which lies on the western bank of Lake Assad and is located 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of the provincial capital city of Aleppo, on Sunday.

"Military units continue to advance in the east of Aleppo province and track down groups of Daesh terrorists. Security and stability has been restored to the strategic town of Maskanah and a number of areas," the source added.

The recapture of Maskanah marks a great victory for Syrian government forces as the town is the last important civilian population center on the eastern border of Aleppo with the militant-held neighboring province of Raqqah.

"Whoever controls Maskanah controls the axes running between Aleppo and Raqqah. Daesh presence in the eastern flank of Aleppo Province is now at its end," an unnamed Syrian military official commented.

Rami Abdel Rahman, the director of the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Daesh Takfiris are now in control of some villages scattered in the desert eastern and southeastern parts of Aleppo Province; and the terrains can easily be recaptured.

Syrian Kurdish militias seize major dam in Raqqah

Meanwhile, the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have established full control over a strategic dam on the Euphrates River in Raqqah Province following intense clashes with members of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.

The US-backed SDF militias, made up of an alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters, announced in a statement on Sunday that the forces had captured the Baath Dam in the morning, and renamed it Freedom Dam.

The Baath dam on the Euphrates is located 22 kilometers (14 miles) upstream from the city of Raqqah. Its water turbines reportedly can generate 81 megawatts of electricity, and its storage capacity is 0.09 cubic kilometers.

The US administration is set to use the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), a major component of the SDF, in a planned US-led offensive to retake Raqqah, which has served as the main stronghold of Daesh in Syria since 2014.

Ankara views the YPG as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group, which has been fighting for an autonomous region inside Turkey since 1984.

Speaking to reporters while on a visit to Montenegro on May 10, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated that Washington knows Ankara's position on the YPG very well and should not take wrong steps in Syria.

The top Turkish diplomat added that the United States needed to distinguish between the YPG and their Arab allies in the SDF, and that the Arabs should be the ones to enter Raqqah.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also made it clear that he expects a turnaround from Washington on such a move.

Syria has been fighting different foreign-sponsored militant groups since March 2011. UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimated last August that more than 400,000 people had been killed in the crisis until then.

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U.S.-Backed Coalition Forces Say Final Assault On Raqqa To Start 'Very Soon'

RFE/RL June 04, 2017

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 they cling to their last bits of territory in their 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 YPG  a key element of the SDF coaltion  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 timeframe 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 YPG's 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

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syria-raqqa-sdf-islamic-state-forces/28527194.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 Informs Turkey About Start of Raqqa Campaign in Cooperation With Kurds - PM

Sputnik News

14:40 04.06.2017(updated 14:42 04.06.2017)

The United States has informed the Turkish authorities about the start of an operation to liberate Syria's Raqqa from Daesh, in cooperation with Syrian Kurdish forces, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Sunday.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  According to Yildirim, the US-backed operation in coordination with Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the military branch of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), started on June 2 and Turkey had been informed about the operation before it started.

"They [the United States] told us that it was not an option but an obligation [to cooperate with PYD and YPG in the Raqqa operation] and that the tactical cooperation with them would not be maintained for long after the [Raqqa] operation," Yildirim told reporters in Ankara, as quoted by the Anadolu news agency.

According to the prime minister, Turkey disapproves the US way of going about the operation, but Washington reassured Ankara that US weapons used by the Kurds would not threaten Turkey's security.

On Friday, he YPG said Kurdish forces would start advancing on Raqqa within days.

On May 9, the US Defense Department announced that President Donald Trump had approved a plan to arm Kurdish YPG in order to better fight against terrorism in Syria despite objections from Turkey.

Ankara considers the YPG to be affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is listed as a terror group in Turkey, the United States and the European Union. However, the PYD and the YPG, as well as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been receiving support from the United States in fighting Islamic State terrorists in Syria.

In May, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Washington and held talks with Trump, during which the two sides discussed the Kurdish issue among other topics.

 Sputnik

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Syrian Forces Destroy Major Daesh Stronghold in Aleppo Province - Army Source

Sputnik News

12:40 04.06.2017(updated 16:45 04.06.2017)

Syrian Forces have destroyed a major Daesh stronghold in the town of Maskanah located in the Eastern part of Aleppo province, a Syrian Army source told Sputnik on Sunday.

The Syrian army managed to regain control over Maskanah, the source said.

"Government troops and allied forces regained full control over Maskanah, having destroyed a major stronghold of Daesh terrorists," the source elaborated.

According to the source, engineer combat groups are currently working in the town, searching for explosive devices and bombs in order to neutralize them.

Earlier reports indicated that the Syrian army destroyed 1,200 Daesh terrorists and liberated over 20 settlements in the eastern part of the Aleppo province since May 29.

In recent months, the Syrian army supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces succeeded in liberating a number of territories in the Aleppo province controlled by militants, including Daesh terrorist group.

 Sputnik

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Security forces kill eight PKK militants in eastern Turkey

Iran Press TV

Sun Jun 4, 2017 12:48PM

At least eight members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been killed after Turkish security forces launched an operation against the militants in the country's eastern province of Kars.

Rahmi Dogan, the governor of Kars, said on Sunday that security forces were searching for another militant who was believed to be on the run after the operation, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

"Eight terrorists were killed and the security forces are searching for another terrorist who is on the run," Anadolu quoted Dogan as saying.

Ankara has been engaged in a large-scale military campaign against the PKK in its southern border region over past months.

A shaky ceasefire between the PKK, which has been calling for an autonomous Kurdish region since 1984, and the Turkish government collapsed in July 2015. Attacks on Turkish security forces have soared ever since.

Over the past few months, Turkish ground and air forces have been carrying out operations against the PKK positions in the country's troubled southeastern border region as well as northern Iraq and Syria.

Turkey has declared the PKK a terrorist organization. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict over the past few decades.

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To the editor:

Its outrageous that the political climate has gotten to this state of affairs when a reporter asked the Republican candidate Greg Gianforte for Congress in Montana about his thoughts about the CBO score of Trumpcare, and he was body slammed and his glasses were broken. Gianforte then lied and said that the liberal reporter attacked him. A Fox News reporter saw the whole thing and said Gianforte attacked the reporter.

I dont ever remember anything like this happening in the all the years that I have followed politics.

Gianforte actually raised more money after his attack. Im sure Trump would applaud what he did and think he was in the right. Hate has taken over our politics and our democracy. To make matters worse, some members of Congress supported Gianforte and blamed the press. Really. If it wasnt for the press, we wouldnt know the truth that Im sure Trump would much rather us not know because of the negativity that he portrays and the pure lies that he tells.

Nixon hated the press, too. I think we all know why he did, dont we? Looks like history has repeated itself.

You know the political climate has changed when a candidate makes fun of a disabled reporter, tells his base to beat up a demonstrator, disrespects women, keeps the press out of the Oval Office but allows the Russian press in instead, calls the press fake and helps the Russians interfere with an election, and this candidate actually became the President of the United States. No other person in history would have made it to the White House with a normal political climate acting this way and never has.

It started with nothing but hate for President Obama, even from Congress. Democrats and Republicans actually worked together years ago and did things to help all Americans. Not now. The key to Trumps success is his base that will follow him to hell and back and see no wrong in anything he does.

Thats what this country has become: a country of hate when you can lie to the very people that elected you, beat up a reporter and still win.

Whats Gianforte going to do in Washington? Not much, I hope. To me, he cant be trusted but Trumps base likes a man like this  a pure bully like Trump.

Famous news reporter Edward R Murrow said when the politicians complain that TV or the press turns their proceedings into a circus, it should be made plain that the circus was already there and TV or the press merely demonstrated that not all the performers are well trained.

ROBERT HAYDEN

Blairs
Assays confirm high grade mineralization at new, western-most zone of the Athabasca Basin's largest lateral trend

KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jun 5, 2017) - Fission Uranium Corp. (TSX:FCU)(OTCQX:FCUUF)(FRANKFURT:2FU) ("Fission" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the final assays of the winter program, including results that confirm high-grade mineralization at the new R1515W zone at its PLS property, host to the Triple R deposit, in Canada's Athabasca Basin region. Six of eight holes at R1515W zone were mineralized, with four returning multiple high-grade intervals, including hole PLS17-557 (line 1530W), which returned 3.12% U 3 O 8 over 8.5m in 1.24% U 3 O 8 over 27.5m and 5.15% U 3 O 8 over 2.0m in 1.71% U 3 O 8 over 9.0m. R1515W, which was discovered during the winter program, is the western-most zone on the 3.17km mineralized trend and is one of three high-grade zones at PLS that may be added to the updated resource estimate planned within the next 12 months.

Additional Mineralization 120m West of R1515W: Exploration drilling, which targeted the Patterson Lake Corridor a further 120m west of the R1515W zone, was also very encouraging - returning 0.74% U 3 O 8 over a 0.5m interval in PLS17-514 (line 1665W). Importantly, this signals that the corridor continues to be very prospective for hosting high-grade uranium further along trend to the west towards the high-grade boulder field.

Ross McElroy, President, COO, and Chief Geologist for Fission, commented

"These final assays confirm robust, high-grade mineralization at the new R1515W zone we discovered this winter, as well as continued growth on the R840W and the R780E to R1620E gap area. We are also excited by the mineralization we encountered another 120m west of the new R1515W zone and it is expected that part of our summer drilling program will continue pushing west toward the high-grade boulder field, which lies 3km west of the R1515W zone."

Assay Highlights Include:

PLS17-557 (line 1530W): key intervals

27.50m @ 1.24% U 3 O 8 (189.0m to 216.5m), including: 8.50m @ 3.12% U 3 O 8 (192.5m to 201.0m)

O (189.0m to 216.5m), including: 9.0m @ 1.71% U 3 O 8 (219.0m to 228.0m), including: 2.0m @ 5.15% U 3 O 8 (225.5m to 227.5m)

O (219.0m to 228.0m), including:

PLS17-553 (line 1515W) key interval:

12.0m @ 3.16% U 3 O 8 (184.5m to 196.5m), including: 2.50m @ 6.03% U 3 O 8 (185.5m to 188.0m) 3.0m @ 7.01% U 3 O 8 (190.5m to 193.5m)

O (184.5m to 196.5m), including: 14.50m @ 0.82% U 3 O 8 (199.0m to 213.5m), including: 4.5m @ 2.25% U 3 O 8 (206.5m to 211.0m)

O (199.0m to 213.5m), including:

PLS17-560 (line 1545W) key interval:

14.0m @ 0.66% U 3 O 8 (196.5m to 210.5m), including: 2.5m @ 2.05% U 3 O 8 (202.5m to 205.0m)

O (196.5m to 210.5m), including:

Table 1: R1515W Zone - Composited Mineralized Intervals from Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Grid

Line Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

(wt%) R1515W PLS17-530 1485W 103 -86.7 142.10 143.50 1.40 0.13 154.50 157.00 2.50 0.12 203.00 203.50 0.50 0.07 PLS17-533 1485W 321 -80.20 140.00 156.50 16.50 0.39 PLS17-537 1485W 335 -79.9 No Significant Mineralization PLS17-539 1515W 336 -80.4 134.50 135.00 0.50 0.08 165.50 166.00 0.50 0.06 191.50 206.00 14.50 0.40 192.00 194.50 2.50 1.18 220.50 221.50 1.00 0.18 PLS17-547 1515W 346 -78.1 No Significant Mineralization PLS17-553 1515W 343 -81.2 140.50 146.50 6.00 0.29 145.00 145.50 0.50 1.04 169.00 170.00 1.00 0.08 173.50 175.50 2.00 0.05 179.50 181.50 2.00 0.35 180.50 181.00 0.50 1.17 184.50 196.50 12.00 3.16 185.50 188.00 2.50 6.03 190.50 193.50 3.00 7.01 199.00 213.50 14.50 0.82 206.50 211.00 4.50 2.25 PLS17-557 1530W 333 -82.6 105.50 106.00 0.50 0.05 107.00 107.50 0.50 0.07 158.00 158.50 0.50 0.13 168.00 171.50 3.50 0.08 189.00 216.50 27.50 1.24 192.50 201.00 8.50 3.12 219.00 228.00 9.00 1.71 225.50 227.50 2.00 5.15 230.50 232.00 1.50 0.28 PLS17-560 1545W 340 -79.8 137.00 140.00 3.00 0.08 175.00 175.50 0.50 0.08 181.50 185.00 3.50 0.64 188.50 192.50 4.00 0.07 196.50 210.50 14.00 0.66 202.50 205.00 2.50 2.05 214.00 224.00 10.00 0.33 226.50 242.50 16.00 0.37

Composite Parameters

Minimum Thickness: 0.50m Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Table 2: R840W Zone - Composited Mineralized Intervals from Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Grid

Line Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

(wt%) R840W PLS17-541 735W 314 -82.0 123.50 124.00 0.50 0.11 126.50 130.00 3.50 0.09 132.50 138.00 5.50 0.27 148.00 151.00 3.00 0.05 160.00 161.00 1.00 0.10 167.50 169.00 1.50 0.11 174.50 179.00 4.50 0.14 PLS17-545 765W 333 -80.3 101.50 125.00 23.50 0.32 128.50 146.00 17.50 0.06 149.50 152.50 3.00 0.07 155.50 158.00 2.50 0.12 PLS17-548 765W 345 -81.50 208.00 209.00 1.00 0.07 PLS17-551 795W 342 -79.50 160.00 160.50 0.50 0.16

Composite Parameters

Minimum Thickness: 0.50m Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Table 3: R780E Zone - Composited Mineralized Intervals from Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Grid

Line Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

(wt%) R780E PLS17-536 1245W 150 -81.6 172.00 174.50 2.50 0.21 193.00 193.50 0.50 0.07 250.00 255.00 5.00 0.16 257.50 275.00 17.50 0.26 279.50 282.00 2.50 0.13 297.00 297.50 0.50 0.06 PLS17-542 1245E 152 -81.8 No Significant Mineralization PLS17-546 1170E 330 -68.9 No Significant Mineralization

Composite Parameters

Minimum Thickness: 0.50m Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Table 4: 1665W Area - Composited Mineralized Intervals from Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Grid

Line Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

(wt%) 1665W PLS17-514 1665W 315 -80.4 118.00 118.50 0.50 0.7410 PLS17-519 1665W 156 -84.4 No Significant Mineralization PLS17-523 1665W 363 -81.6 No Significant Mineralization

Composite Parameters

Minimum Thickness: 0.50m Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Composited % U 3 O 8 mineralized intervals are summarized in Tables 1 to 4. Samples from the drill core are split in half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK for analysis which includes U 3 O 8 (wt %) and fire assay for gold, while the other half remains on site for reference. All analysis includes a 63 element ICP-OES, uranium by fluorimetry and boron. Individual zone wireframe models constructed from assay data and used in the resource estimate indicate that both the R780E and R00E zones have a complex geometry controlled by and parallel to steeply south-dipping lithological boundaries as well as a preferential sub-horizontal orientation. Similar geometrical relationships appear to be the case with the R840W and R1620E zones as well. All depth measurements reported, including sample and interval widths are down-hole, core interval measurements and true thickness are yet to be determined.

PLS Mineralized Trend & Triple R Deposit Summary

Uranium mineralization at PLS occurs within the Patterson Lake Conductive Corridor and has been traced by core drilling approximately 3.17km of east-west strike length in five separated mineralized "zones". From west to east, these zones are: R1515W, R840W, R00E, R780E and R1620E. Thus far only the R00E and R780E have been included in the Triple R deposit resource estimate, where-as the R840W and R1620E zones and the recent addition of the R1515W zone, fall outside of the current resource estimate window.

The discovery hole of what is now referred to as the Triple R uranium deposit was announced on November 05, 2012 with drill hole PLS12-022, from what is considered part of the R00E zone. Through successful exploration programs completed to date, it has evolved into a large, near surface, basement hosted, structurally controlled high-grade uranium deposit.

The Triple R deposit consists of the R00E zone on the western side and the much larger R780E zone further on strike to the east. Within the deposit, the R00E and R780E zones have an overall combined strike length validated by a resource estimate of approximately 1.05km with the R00E measuring approximately 105m in strike length and the R780E zones measuring approximately 945m in strike length. A 225m gap separates the R00E zone to the west and the R780E zones to the east, though sporadic narrow, weakly mineralized intervals from drill holes within this gap suggest the potential for further significant mineralization in this area. The R780E zone is located beneath Patterson Lake which is approximately six metres deep in the area of the deposit. The entire Triple R deposit is covered by approximately 50m to 60m of overburden.

Mineralization remains open along strike in both the western and eastern directions. Basement rocks within the mineralized trend are identified primarily as mafic volcanic rocks with varying degrees of alteration. Mineralization is both located within and associated with mafic volcanic intrusives with varying degrees of silicification, metasomatic mineral assemblages and hydrothermal graphite. The graphitic sequences are, associated with the PL-3B basement Electro-Magnetic (EM) Conductor. The R840W zone, located 495m west along strike of the Triple R deposit, now has a defined strike length of 465m and is still open. Drill results within the R840W zone have significantly upgraded the prospectivity of these areas for further growth of the PLS resource on land to the west of the Triple R deposit. The recent discovery of high-grade mineralization further to the west on line 1515W (R1515W zone), located 510m to the west along strike of the R840W zone, has significantly upgraded the prospectivity for further growth to the west along the Patterson Lake Corridor. The recently discovered high-grade mineralization in the R1620E zone, located 210m to the east along strike has significantly upgraded the prospectivity for further growth of the PLS resource to the east of the Triple R deposit.

Updated maps and files can be found on the Company's website at http://fissionuranium.com/project/pls/.

Patterson Lake South Property

The 31,039 hectare PLS project is 100% owned and operated by Fission Uranium Corp. PLS is accessible by road with primary access from all-weather Highway 955, which runs north to the former Cluff Lake mine and passes through the nearby UEX-Areva Shea Creek discoveries located 50km to the north, currently under active exploration and development.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., President and COO for Fission Uranium Corp., a qualified person.

About Fission Uranium Corp.

Fission Uranium Corp. is a Canadian based resource company specializing in the strategic exploration and development of the Patterson Lake South uranium property - host to the class-leading Triple R uranium deposit - and is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia. Fission's common shares are listed on the TSX Exchange under the symbol "FCU" and trade on the OTCQX marketplace in the U.S. under the symbol "FCUUF."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Ross McElroy, President and COO

Cautionary Statement:

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Fission and Fission Uranium which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company and Fission Uranium disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.
White Rock, BC (FSCwire) - Orsu Metals Corp. (TSX-V: OSU) (Orsu or the Company) is pleased to announce encouraging results from Phase 1 exploration program at its 30% owned Sergeevskoe Gold Project in Russia.

Highlights:

Three prospects  Klyuchi West, Kozie and Zone 23  were trenched at the Sergeevskoe Gold Project with a total of 1314 metres in 9 widely-spaced trenches completed to test historical results.

At Klyuchi West, trench results include (at 0.5 g/t (Au) gold cut-off grade): 48.56 g/t Au over 8.0 metres (m) (uncapped), including 335 g/t Au over 1 m in trench 17-1042 4.01 g/t Au over 13.50 m in trench 17-1025

At Kozie, results from trench 17-752 include: 0.86 g/t Au over 7.3 m; 1.88 g/t Au over 8.0 m; 2.3 g/t Au over 16.80 m; 0.75 g/t Au over 10.8 m; and 1.25 g/t Au over 2.2 m.

At Zone 23, results from trench 17-684 include: 5.77 g/t Au over 8.5 m; 0.56 g/t Au over 4.9 m; 1.31 g/t Au over 1.0 m; 1.30 g/t Au over 14.1 m; 1.05 g/t Au over 6.0 m; 1.05 g/t Au over 5.8 m; and 2.16 g/t Au over 19.3 m.



Dr. Sergey V. Kurzin, the Executive Chairman of Orsu commented: We are very excited by these first results from a very limited amount of work performed so far. Although the widely-spaced nature of initial trenching at the Sergeevskoe Gold Project does not allow yet to definitely correlate the mineralized intercepts between the trenches, our new results validated both the historical results and, most importantly, provide modern insights. Our new intercepts in trenches indicate presence of well-mineralized high-grade gold pods.

We intend to accelerate further exploration work at Sergeevskoe with additional trenching that would allow us to test our concepts, to understand the deposit structurally and to expand the mineralized foot-print. During the summer season we are planning to commence an initial drilling program of 1500 m to test the depth extension of the best targets identified to date.

Orsu has been conducting exploration at the Sergeevskoe Gold Project since November 2016. In addition to an environmental baseline study and a ground magnetic survey, the Phase 1 works included a 1314 m trenching program in 9 trenches (Figure 1). The program consisted of two short trenches (17-1042 and 17-1025) at Klyuchi West near the eastern boundary of the Sergeevskoe license, two long trenches and one short trench across Kozie (17-752, 17-679, 17-576), and four long trenches across Zone 23 (17-684, 17-941, 17-679 and 17-996). These three targets were selected for initial trench testing on the basis of historical results.

To view the graphic in its original size, please click here

Figure 1. Historical map and position of completed trenches at the Sergeevskoe Gold Project. Yellow colour in the middle of the map depicts a porphyrytic to brecciated granodiorite intrusion emplaced into pre-existing granite shown in white. Pale-red colours correspond to quartz-tourmaline stockwork according to historical data.

The mineralization consists of quartz-tourmaline-sulfide veinlets, forming stockwork zones emplaced into porphyrytic to brecciated granodiorite intrusion at Kozie, along the contact between the granodiorite porphyry stock and pre-existing host granite at Klyuchi West, and mainly into the hosting granite at Zone 23 (Figure 1). The stockwork zones are variable in strike, with trenches intercepting it in perpendicular to oblique directions. The style of mineralization can be best classified as intrusion-related gold. Kozie, Klyuchi West and Zone 23 are multiple gold-mineralized centres within the Sergeevskoe license area, with adjacent Klyuchevskoe (Klyuchi) gold deposit representing the currently largest +6 Moz gold resource in the area (see Orsu press-release dated September 21, 2016).

Klyuchi West

At Klyuchi West, two almost perpendicular trenches have been driven near the contact between granite and porphyritic granodiorite intrusion, some 70 m from the eastern boundary of the Sergeevskoe license area. They intercepted exceptionally high-grade gold mineralization (Figure 2). Selection of mineralized intervals is based on a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off for compositing. Composited intervals are presented uncapped.

To view the graphic in its original size, please click here

Figure 2. Results of Phase 1 trenching from the Sergeevskoe Gold Project.

Trench 17-1042 was driven from the southwest to the north-northeast over 9.7 m. At its eastern end, this trench joined trench 17-1025. It aimed to test the historical intercept of 14 g/t Au over 10 m, including 97.4 g/t Au over 1 m. It intercepted a linear oxidized stockwork in almost perpendicular direction to the stockwork. The newly intercepted mineralized interval returned 48.56 g/t Au over 8 m (above the 0.5 g/t Au cut-off grade, uncapped). It includes 94.55 g/t Au over 4 m (above 5 g/t Au) and also 335 g/t Au over 1 m (uncapped).

Trench 17-1025 was driven from the south to the north over 27.5 m. It obliquely intercepted one interval in the same stockwork, which was intercepted in Trench 17-1042. Historical results showed 3 g/t Au over 13 m. The new results from trench 17-1025 revealed a mineralized interval of 4.01 g/t Au over 13.5 m (above the 0.5 g/t Au cut-off grade), including two subintervals of 9.93 g/t Au over 2.3 m and 5.94 g/t Au over 3.8 m.

The mineralization remains open in eastern and southwestern direction. It is controlled by the contact between the two granitoid intrusions. The extent of mineralization along the contact zone requires further investigation.

Kozie

At Kozie, three trenches have been driven across the poorly-oxidized quartz-tourmaline-sulfide stockwork, occurring in the hydrothermally brecciated granodiorite porphyry intrusion.

Trench 17-752 was driven from the south to the north (Figure 2) for a total length of 182.3 m, starting from interval 17.7 m of historical trench. It intercepted a linear stockwork, chiefly trending 290 WNW. Several mineralized intervals, with best intercept of 2.3 g/t Au over 16.8 m, were revealed starting from the beginning of the trench (Table 1). The mineralization remains open to the south, west and east.

Trench 17-756 was driven from the southwest to the northeast over 21.5 m, some 130 m east from trench 17-752. It intercepted one interval with 3.9 g/t Au over a length of 1.7 m in perpendicular direction to the linear stockwork, indicating its strike to west-northwest.

Trench 17-679 at Kozie was driven from the south to the north over 214 m, starting from interval 630 m of historical trench, some 190 m east from trench 17-752 (Figure 2). It intercepted several short stockwork intervals trending in the 290WNW direction.

Orientation of the stockwork and recognized mineralized zones suggests their extension from trench 17-752 to the southeast rather than straight to the west towards short mineralized intervals in trench 17-679 (Figure 2). This area in the southeast, occurring half distance between Kozie and Zone 23, was not historically trenched or drilled and therefore requires immediate attention during the summer season.

Table 1 summarizes all intercepts in the three trenches at Kozie. Selection of mineralized intervals is based on a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off for compositing. Composited intervals are presented uncapped. No minimum thicknesses considered, but maximum 2 m intervals grading <0.5 g/t Au were included into some of the mineralized intervals shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Mineralized intercepts at Kozie (above 0.5 g/t Au cut-off).

Trench Number From (m) To (m) Interval (m) True Width (m) Gold (g/t) 17-752 (starts from historical interval 17.7 m) 17.7 20.50 2.8 2.6 1.55 31.00 32.00 1.0 0.9 0.59 41.00 42.00 1.00 0.9 0.50 54.0 61.3 7.3 6.9 0.86 72.0 80.0 8 7.5 1.88 84.2 101.0 16.8 Inc. 1.6 15.9 2.3 9.4 104.4 105.0 0.6 0.55 2.97 108.0 109.3 1.3 1.15 0.54 111.3 122.0 10.7 10.0 0.75 163.8 166 2.2 1.9 1.25 17-756 11.50 13.20 1.7 1.7 3.9 17-679 (starts from historical interval 630 m) 697.0 698.0 1.0 0.9 0.78 700.0 703.0 3.0 2.70 0.87 710.0 712.2 2.2 2.0 2.45 741.5 747.0 5.5 5.0 1.06 754.8 759.0 4.2 3.8 1.05 808.0 810.0 1.0 0.9 0.75 831.0 834.0 3.0 2.7 0.88

Zone 23

At Zone 23, four long trenches have been driven in north-south direction aiming to re-excavate historical trenches in the hydrothermally altered granite intrusion, hosting several medium to well-oxidized quartz-tourmaline stockwork zones.

Trench 17-684 was driven from the south to the north for a total length of 179.5 m, exceeding the historical trench by 10 m. It intercepted a linear stockwork, of variable orientation, ranging in strike from 20NNE to 290NNW (Figure 2). Several mineralized intervals were intercepted from the beginning of the trench, with best intercepts of 5.77 g/t Au over 8.5 m, 1.30 g/t Au over 14.1 m, 1.05 g/t Au over 6.0 m, 1.05 g/t Au over 5.8 m and 2.16 g/t Au over 19.3 m among others (Table 2). The mineralization remains open to the north, west and east.

Trench 17-941 was driven from the south to the north over a length of 86.5 m, starting from interval 30 m of historical trench. This trench was designed to test the northern continuation of mineralized zones, intercepted in trench 17-684. It crosscut several mineralized intervals with linear stockwork, changing in strike from 20NNE to 290NNW. Overall results were poorer than in trench 17-684 (Table 2). However, at its southern end, the trench remained in mineralization with 2.15 g/t Au over 4 m and requires further testing in the future.

Trench 17-679 at Zone 23 forms the southern continuation of the same trench that was driven at Kozie. It was excavated from the south to the north over a length of 367.8 m, starting from interval 81.5 m of historical trench, some 200 m west from trenches 17-941 and 17-684. It intercepted several mineralized intervals (Table 2) in oblique direction to the variably oxidized linear stockwork, trending 290WNW and 20-30 NNE.

Trench 17-996 was excavated from the south to the north over a length of 192 m, starting from interval 241 m of historical trench, some 300 m west from trench 17-679. It intercepted several relatively short mineralized intervals in oblique direction to the 290WNW strike direction of the stockwork (Table 2).

Table 2 summarizes all intercepts in the four trenches at Zone 23. Orsu confirmed the extent of mineralization at Zone 23 for at least 500 m from the west to the east. The northern part of Zone 23 is trans-sected by the west-east trending fault, extending here from the Klyuchi pit, where it truncates the gold mineralization. The fault is interpreted to display a dextral strike-slip kinematics, suggesting that Zone 23 could be offset from the Klyuchi orebodies for approximately 1.3 km. The mineralization remains open to the west and east, with best intercepts in the east of this zone. The carefully documented change in strike direction of the documented stockwork indicates a possibility of Z-shaped (Figure 2), rather than linear, mineralized zones at Zone 23, with general north-northwest strike of individual stockwork zones. There is a strong possibility that areas between the newly excavated trenches will be also mineralized. This concept will be tested during the summer program.

Table 2. Mineralized intercepts at Zone 23 (above 0.5 g/t Au cut-off).

Trench Number From (m) To (m) Interval (m) True Width (m) Gold (g/t) 17-684 2.0 3.0 1.0 0.8 0.73 24.0 32.5 8.5 Inc. 2.0 6.5 1.5 5.77 18.35 35.5 38.0 2.5 1.7 0.61 59.6 64.5 4.9 2.7 0.56 81.2 82.2 1.0 1.0 1.01 104.5 105.5 1.0 0.8 1.31 117.9 132.0 14.1 9.0 1.30 135.0 141.0 6.0 4.8 1.05 143.0 148.8 5.8 5.2 1.05 160.2 179.5 19.3 12.0 2.16 17-941 30.0 34.0 4.0 3.0 2.15 39.0 44.0 5.0 3.2 0.91 51.5 53.5 2.0 1.2 0.71 65.0 66.0 1.0 0.6 6.32 76.0 77.0 1.0 0.8 0.53 83.0 85.0 2.0 1.6 0.59 107.0 108.0 1.0 0.8 0.84 17-679 (starts from historical 81.5 m) 83.5 84.5 1.0 0.9 1.64 119.3 120.0 0.7 0.6 1.58 122.5 136.1 13.6 Inc. 0.7 11.4 1.09 5.95 148.9 165.0 16.1 12.2 1.27 169.0 171.0 2.0 1.7 0.94 178.5 179.8 1.3 1.0 1.33 189.5 190.5 1.0 0.7 1.72 198.5 199.5 1.0 0.7 1.39 223.5 226.5 3.0 2.6 0.64 232.4 241.5 9.1 7.7 0.68 249.5 254.5 5.0 4.0 0.53 256.9 258.4 1.5 1.3 0.55 261.8 263.9 2.1 1.7 0.63 267.0 269.2 2.2 1.8 0.75 288.0 290.0 2.0 1.7 1.51 300.9 310.5 9.6 8.2 0.8 317.5 326.0 8.5 6.8 1.32 335.0 339.0 4.0 3.0 0.71 355.5 358.5 3.0 2.4 0.59 375.3 377.5 2.2 1.8 1.26 383.4 385.8 2.4 1.9 0.87 389.0 390.3 1.3 1.0 2.18 403.5 406.5 3.0 2.5 0.71 17-996 (starts from historical 241.0 m) 280.1 290.0 0.9 0.75 1.12 330.7 332.5 1.8 1.5 2.06 335.5 337.5 2.0 1.8 1.24 359.3 366.0 6.7 5.6 2.21 368.0 372.0 4.0 4.0 0.67 377.0 379.0 2.0 2.0 0.55 383.0 388.0 5.0 4.8 1.52

Quality Assurance - Quality Control (QA/QC)

Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the project including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in all trenches. Duplicate samples were inserted after every 20 samples. All standard samples were inserted once per 20 samples. Blanks were also inserted once per 20 samples and consisted of the previously assayed barren granitoid rocks.

Channel samples were submitted directly to the SGS Vostok Limited laboratories in Chita, Russia, which are independent from Orsu, for sample preparation and analysis. Analysis for Au is performed using fire assay method with atomic absorption (AA) finish and with a gravimetric finish for samples exceeding 10 g/t Au. Results published are from the gravimetric finish if above 10 g/t Au and from the AA finish if lower than 10 g/t Au.

Qualified Person

This release and the technical data reported has been reviewed and approved by Alexander Yakubchuk, Director of Exploration of the Company, also a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement:

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Doris Meyer, Corporate Secretary, Orsu Metals Corp.

Tel: +1-604-536-2711 ext 6

www.orsumetals.com

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/OrsuJune52017.pdfSource: Orsu Metals Corp. (TSX:OSU)

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Copyright  2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
Toronto, Ontario (FSCwire) - Stans Energy Corp. (TSX-V: HRE, OTC: HREEF), ("Stans" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on ongoing corporate initiatives.

PERVOMAYSKIY LITHIUM PROJECT

Stans has previously entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pervomayskiy GOK (PGOK) for the acquisition of the Pervomayskiy lithium mineralization stockpile and processing mill (together the Project). Stans Moscow counsel, Norton Rose Fulbright had identified several outstanding legal issues that needed to be addressed by PGOK with respect to land assembly of the various parcels on which critical infrastructure and mineralized material are located. PGOK has undertaken significant steps to address the outstanding items and continues moving towards satisfying all unresolved concerns.

In addition to the ongoing due diligence, Stans partners have secured a RUB$ 400 million (US$ 8 million) grant from the State Atomic Agency Corporation (ROSATOM) and the Ministry of Education of The Russian Federation. The grant will be used to advance the Project to develop an industrial scale prototype for the production of a lithium concentrate and lithium carbonate using the mineralized material contained within the Pervomayskiy Stockpile and the milling and processing technology developed by VNIIHT.

VNIIHT had originally been retained by Stans partners to develop laboratory scale testing on research on the feasibility of producing a lithium concentrate and carbonate from the Pervomayskiy Stockpile. This research was financed on a 50/50 basis by Stans partners and a government grant from the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.

Although the legal due diligence is taking longer than expected, we are pleased that our partners together with other stakeholders in the project, the industry and the local region, continue to work on advancing the Pervomayskiy Project. As the project continues to evolve, Stans is committed to negotiating a favorable partnership structure that will benefit all stakeholders: Stans shareholders, our Russian partners and the local community in Pervomayskiy states Rodney Irwin, CEO and President of Stans.

LONDON SET ASIDE PROCEEDINGS

Stans is pleased to report that local London, England, counsel has been retained by the Company and councel is finalizing the Companys statement of defense. The Kyrgyz Republic (the Republic) is attempting to have the UNCITRAL Tribunal (the Tribunal) jurisdictional ruling set aside. This ruling confirmed the Tribunals jurisdiction to hear the merits of the arbitration claim brought by Stans against the Republic. The date for the London hearings remains July 24-25, 2017.

UNCITRAL ARBITRATION

The Republic previously requested a two week delay for document submission to the Tribunal. Both Stans and Tribunal have agreed to this request, however the Tribunal decided to keep the scheduled final hearing date unchanged. The Tribunal will hold a hearing on the merits of the case on April 15-19, 2018.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Stans Energy

Stans Energy Corp. is a resource development company focused on advancing rare and specialty metals properties and processing technologies. Stans is now transitioning into a supplier of materials and technologies that will assist in satisfying the future energy supply, storage and transmission needs of the world. Previously, the Company acquired, among other things, the right to mine the past producing rare earth mine, Kutessay II, in the Kyrgyz Republic. Due to the expropriation actions taken by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Company is undertaking international arbitration litigation to protect the Companys rights and recover damages estimated at over US$210,000,000, caused by the Republic.

We seek safe harbour.

Contact Details

Rodney Irwin David Vinokurov

Stans Energy Corp. Stan Energy Corp

Interim President & CEO VP Corporate Development

rodney@stansenergy.com david@stansenergy.com

647-426-1865 647-426-1865

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This document includes forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, use of proceeds from the Offering, the completion of the Offering, the continued advancement of the company's general business development, research development and the company's development of mineral exploration projects. When used in this press release, the words will, shall, "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intent", "may", "project", "plan", "should" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Although Stans Energy Corp. believes that their expectations reflected in these forward looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statement. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include the potential that fluctuations in the marketplace for the sale of minerals, the inability to implement corporate strategies, the ability to obtain financing and other risks disclosed in our filings made with Canadian Securities Regulators.

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/StansJune52017.pdfSource: Stans Energy Corp. (TSX Venture:HRE, OTCQB:HREEF)

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Copyright  2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
Low bioavailability when administered orally  on average only 6% of orally ingested cannabinoids (THC & CBD) reach systemic circulation, resulting in poor therapeutic value.

Smoking and vaporization have no reliable dosages as medicine.

Inefficient delivery and binding of cannabinoids to CB1 and CB2 receptors in cell membranes, resulting in poor therapeutic value.

Significant delays in the onset of effects from ingesting edibles - 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Rapid onset and decline of activity from smoking and vaping cannabis.

Lack of standardized dosing ability in smoking, vaping or ingesting cannabis.

Accidental over-administration of edibles (stacking).

Irritation and potential damage to respiratory system from smoking and vaping.

Safety and efficacy issues.

VANCOUVER, June 05, 2017 - Corazon Gold Corp. (TSX-V:CGW) (Corazon or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has completed its due diligence on NanoSphere Health Sciences LLC (NanoSphere) and has signed a binding Merger Agreement dated May 18th, 2017, to acquire 100% of the issued shares of NanoSphere through the merger of NanoSphere and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corazon (see also Corazons press release dated January 52017, available under the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or the Companys website at www.corazonau.com).Pursuant to the acquisition, Corazon will issue 40,000,000 common shares upon closing and an additional 19,000,000 shares upon initial commercialization of NanoSpheres products. All common shares issued to the NanoSphere shareholders will be subject to a 3-year pooling. Corazon also intends to complete a financing of $7,000,000 CAD, for which the terms will be announced in short order.Corazon also commissioned an independent comprehensive valuation report on the fair market value of NanoSphere, which was largely based on the existing cannabis division and did not take into account the prospects of NanoSpheres technology in three other potential future product lines: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), nutraceuticals and animal health products. Based on the weighting of three methodologies, the valuation report concluded a fair market value for NanoSphere (basically, the cannabis division alone, at an early commercialization stage) of up to $24 million CAD, and that the valuation is reasonable given that NanoSphere has developed a proprietary technology/product in a market that is currently highly commoditized.Corazon is also pleased to announce that it is in the process of submitting a listing statement to the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE). This move provides greater flexibility to the company while we are developing our revenue streams and will greatly reduce initial listing and on going public company costs. This move also presents opportunities for rapid expansion nationally and internationally.With strong support from the scientific community, a seasoned executive team and a treasury of over $1,000,000 CAD, Corazon is well positioned to take advantage of this truly revolutionary delivery system.Corazon also announces that it has appointed Bennett Liu as chief financial officer, effective immediately, following the resignation of Bao Huo. The company thanks Mr. Huo for his service to the company in the past.Bennett Liu has acquired experience in the areas of financial reporting, regulatory compliance, treasury, and audit in Canada and is an officer of other Canadian public companies. Mr. Liu holds a Diploma in Accounting from British Columbia Institute of Technology.Within NanoSpheres cannabis division, the NanoSphere Delivery System pioneers standardized precision-metered dosages by intra-oral, intra-nasal and transdermal administration within the medical and recreational markets. The NanoSphere Delivery System addresses many issues in the traditional delivery of cannabis products by inhalation and ingestion, such as:Recent pharmacokinetic testing (clinical blood studies) confirmed the quick entrance of THC into the bloodstream, within ten minutes, compared to an hour or more with standard ingested THC. The testing also demonstrated significantly higher blood concentrations, greater bioavailability and longer circulation half-life within the human body compared to ingested THC and oral mucosal sprays. NanoSpheres technology creates an entirely new product category and user-friendly delivery system within the cannabis industry with the potential to greatly expand the patient and adult use markets.On behalf of Corazon Gold Corp.Victor GoncalvesPresident & CEOCompletion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to Exchange acceptance and if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Corazon Gold Corp. should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.This news release includes forward looking statements that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward looking statements, including without limitation any statements concerning the Company's intentions, plans, estimates, expectations or beliefs regarding the future. Although the Company believes that any forward looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are based on assumptions none of which can be assured, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Any forward looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in the forward looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.Victor GoncalvesPresident & CEO1-204-997-5517vgoncalves@corazonau.com
Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - Great Atlantic Resources Corp. (TSXV.GR) (the Company or Great Atlantic) is pleased to announce that it is implementing an online marketing and awareness program through AGORACOM. The Company will receive significant exposure through millions of content brand insertions on the AGORACOM network and extensive search engine marketing over the next 12 months. In addition, exclusive sponsorships of invaluable digital properties such as AGORACOM TV, the AGORACOM home page and the AGORACOM Twitter account will serve to significantly raise the brand awareness of the Company among small cap investors.

Lorne Mann, Director stated, " Great Atlantic has initiated its Market awareness program to bring light to its recently announced exploration activities at the Golden Promise project, which is in the emerging new Gold district in central Newfoundland. AGORACOM has proven to be a leader in the online marketing space and we are delighted to have retained their services to expand our online presence for this purpose "

Golden Promise

To view the graphic in its original size, please click here

About AGORACOM

AGORACOM is the pioneer of online investor relations, online conferences and online branding services to North American small and mid-cap public companies, with more than 250 companies served. More than just lip service, AGORACOM achieved two very big milestones on January 22, 2017, surpassing 50 Million Visits from 7 Million investors on AGORACOM. The company also expect to surpass 500 Million page views later this year.

AGORACOM traffic ranks within the top 0.5% of all websites around the world. These traffic results are independently tracked and verified by Google analytics. AGORACOM traffic can be attributed to its strategy of maintaining the cleanest, moderated small-cap discussion as a result of implementing the first ever Investor Controlled Stock Discussion Forums.

AGORACOM Founder, George Tsiolis, publishes the leading blog on small to mid cap investor relations. His 50 Small-Cap CEO Lessons are a must read for CEO's looking to increase their education and knowledge about online investor relations.

Shares for Services Program

The Company intends to issue shares for services to AGORACOM in exchange for the online advertising, marketing and branding services (Advertising Services). Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the company will be issuing;



TERM: June 5, 2017  June 4, 2018

FEES: $CDN 40,000 + GST to be paid via Shares for Services over the term

Collateral Marketing Materials;

Custom HUB;

Advertising Modules (Banner, Skyscraper, Big Box)

Marketing Plan

The number of shares to be issued at the end of each period will be determined by using the closing price of the Shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange on the first trading day following each period for which the Advertising Services were provided by AGORACOM.

The agreement/arrangement is subject to TSX-V approval.

The term of the Agreement is for 12 months effective June 5, 2017. The Company will issue a press release after the issuance of shares under the terms of the agreement.

On Behalf of the board of directors

Lorne Mann

About Great Atlantic Resources Corp.: Great Atlantic Resources is a Canadian exploration company focused on the discovery and development of mineral assets in Atlantic Canada. Great Atlantic is currently building the company, with a focus on antimony, tungsten and gold.

This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future exploration drilling, exploration activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are

based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of financing, and general economic, market or business conditions.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Great Atlantic Resource Corp

888 Dunsmuir Street - Suite 888, Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3K4

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/GreatAtlanticJune52017.pdfSource: Great Atlantic Resources Corp. (TSX Venture:GR)

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Copyright  2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
ELOWNA, June 5, 2017 - Diamcor Mining Inc. (TSX-V.DMI / OTCQX-DMIFF), (the "Company") announces it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") of up to 3,529,412 units (the "Units") at a price of CDN$0.85 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to CDN$3,000,000 (the "Proceeds"). Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Share") of the Company, and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Share at an exercise price of CDN$1.20 for a period of 36 months following the date of issuance. The Company has received initial subscription commitments for a majority of the Offering from existing institutional shareholders. Proceeds from the Offering will be used to strengthen the Company's balance sheet through the reduction of its remaining debt facilities, with other portions used to advance additional bulk sampling efforts, and for general and administrative purposes.

The Offering is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange along with completion of all definitive documentation and filings as required. Securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus one day following the date of issuance.

The securities sold in the Offering have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under such Act or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

About Diamcor Mining Inc.

Diamcor Mining Inc. is a fully reporting publically traded junior diamond mining company which is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol V.DMI, and on the OTC QX International under the symbol DMIFF. The Company has a well-established operational and production history in South Africa and extensive prior experience supplying rough diamonds to the world market.

About the Tiffany & Co. Alliance

The Company has established a long-term strategic alliance and first right of refusal with Tiffany & Co. Canada, a subsidiary of world famous New York based Tiffany & Co., to purchase up to 100% of the future production of rough diamonds from the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project at then current prices to be determined by the parties on an ongoing basis. In conjunction with this first right of refusal, Tiffany & Co. Canada also provided the Company with financing to advance the Project. Tiffany & Co. is a publically traded company which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TIF. For additional information on Tiffany & Co., please visit their website at www.tiffany.com.

About Krone-Endora at Venetia

In February 2011, Diamcor acquired the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project from De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited, consisting of the prospecting rights over the farms Krone 104 and Endora 66, which represent a combined surface area of approximately 5,888 hectares directly adjacent to De Beers' flagship Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa. On September 11, 2014, the Company announced that the South African Department of Mineral Resources had granted a Mining Right for the Krone-Endora at Venetia Project encompassing 657.71 hectares of the Project's total area of 5,888 hectares. The Company has also submitted an application for a mining right over the remaining areas of the Project. The deposits which occur on the properties of Krone and Endora have been identified as a higher-grade "Alluvial" basal deposit which is covered by a lower-grade upper "Eluvial" deposit. The deposits are proposed to be the result of the direct-shift (in respect to the "Eluvial" deposit) and erosion (in respect to the "Alluvial" deposit) of material from the higher grounds of the adjacent Venetia Kimberlite areas. The deposits on Krone-Endora occur in two layers with an average total depth of less than 15.0 metres from surface to bedrock, allowing for a very low-cost mining operation to be employed with the potential for near-term diamond production from a known high-quality source. Krone-Endora also benefits from the significant development of infrastructure and services already in place due to its location directly adjacent to the Venetia Mine.

Qualified Person Statement:

Mr. James P. Hawkins (B.Sc., P.Geo.), is Manager of Exploration & Special Projects for Diamcor Mining Inc., and the Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 responsible for overseeing the execution of Diamcor's exploration programmes and a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta ("APEGA"). Mr. Hawkins has reviewed this press release and approved of its contents.





On behalf of the Board of Directors



Mr. Dean H. Taylor

President & CEO







Diamcor Mining Inc.

DTaylor@diamcormining.com

www.diamcormining.com







This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our best current judgement, they are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Further, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.





WE SEEK SAFE HARBOUR



Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.



/THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES./



Shares Issued and Outstanding: 49,702,714







Contact



Mr. Dean H. Taylor, President & CEO, Diamcor Mining Inc., DTaylor@diamcormining.com, www.diamcormining.com


If you still watch cable television or saw the Super Bowl this year, you may have seen one of the latest ads from the anti-smoking nonprofit the Truth Initiative.They bring to light the fact that tobacco companies racially profile as a form of marketing. According to one of the ads, a study in thefound that tobacco advertising in big cities is 10 times more likely to appear in black neighborhoods.Big Tobacco isn't the only industry that sells unhealthy products and engages in racial profiling to do it. The soda industry is guilty, too.In California, MapLight, a nonprofit that researches campaign spending, found that soda lobbyists targeted the state legislatures Latino Caucus in the 2015 election cycle. The soda industry gave, on average, twice as much money to members of the caucus than other legislators.At least one city is fed up.Philadelphia, which already angered the beverage industry last year when it became the nation's first big city with a soda tax , is now taking on the tobacco industry. It has started a public awareness campaign that -- similar to the Truth ads -- warns minority youth they're being profiled by tobacco companies.The campaign, called "Break the Cycle," is part of SmokeFree Philly, a broader campaign to end tobacco use in the city. Ads like the one below will run on radio stations and billboards.In Philadelphia, 75 percent of tobacco retailers are in low-income neighborhoods. A 2013 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that the poorer a neighborhood was, the more tobacco retailers it had; and stores that accepted food stamps were significantly more likely to have ads for tobacco and soda products.This is nothing short of a chemical assault," said Philadelphia NAACP President Rodney Muhammad at an event unveiling the city's campaign. We have to go to war with these companies. They fight for profits. Were fighting for lives.Philadelphias campaign mostly targets tobaccos racial profiling, but Health Commissioner Tom Farley also wants to bring special attention to candy-flavored cigarillos that he says are clearly targeted to kids" and are changing their smoking habits.Cigarillos are larger than cigarettes and wrapped in tobacco like a cigar. However, they're much cheaper than either: A pack of four costs around $1. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that cigarillos were the most commonly used tobacco product among African-American high schoolers.You can get any flavor -- from French vanilla to fruit punch," he says. "Weve seen a change in the past couple of years. Kids are smoking more cigars than cigarettes. We think its because of these marketing tactics."Profiling also appears to have paid off for the soda industry.In California, three members of the Latino Caucus abstained from voting on a 2015 soda tax bill, ultimately killing the legislation. Alec Saslow, communications manager for MapLight, says its difficult to assign causation because its outside of the scope of what the organization researches, but what we see in the data, the contributions point to a pattern.The health commissioner in Philadelphia says he isnt surprised to hear about soda interests courting Latino lawmakers in California. Its just part of the bigger pattern, he says, of unhealthy product makers trying to assert dominance in minority communities.They can make it look like theres community resistance to regulation, says Farley.
Following a banner year during which New Jersey invested $10 million to bolster cyberdefenses and reduce the risk to information technology, the state will begin centralizing executive branch IT, Gov. Chris Christie announced Thursday, June 1, upon signing a new Executive Order (EO) empowering state Chief Technology Officer Dave Weinstein to lead the effort. EO No. 225 directs Weinstein , who was appointed in June of 2016, to begin work on decentralizing unique software among the executive branchs more than 70 departments and agencies  pushing out to the state offices that use them applications not shared across the enterprise or by more than one agency.Simultaneously, officials will inventory computer, storage, network and data center assets to identify opportunities for centralizing common IT functions and operations, the order states. The hardware inventory and a roster of all staff tasked with IT infrastructure functions and operations duties are due to Weinstein within 30 days.New Jersey is also targeting legacy systems in its executive branch. The EO gave heads of these agencies 60 days to submit a list of legacy applications that need modernizing, and 180 days to create proposals for how to update or decommission them.Weinstein, in turn, has 180 days to provide Christie with his plan for consolidating IT infrastructure assets and functions  a process he tolddates back to at least May 2015 when Christie signed another EO establishing the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell.It gave officials really good insight into threats facing state IT, said Weinstein (pictured at left), but also a pretty rigorous idea of IT infrastructure.Their conclusion: Centralization of infrastructure, Weinstein told, was imperative to maintain a certain level of security, optimize efficiency and enhance reliability in the executive branch.On a more abstract level, I think the EO gets us closer to establishing a unified identity around IT and cybersecurity within the executive branch and state government, he added. Gov. Christies words and actions get us leaps and bounds closer to a world in which we are operating like a true enterprise IT organization.Christie, whose term ends on Jan. 16, 2018, said a key goal is to leave New Jerseys digital domain better than we found it.He called the centralization of authority and personnel under the Office of Information Technology (OIT) a sea change in the way government is managed, when he announced the executive order at the OIT in Trenton. The states 8.9 million customers, its residents, increasingly demand tech-centered services, the governor said.We have to acknowledge that in this respect, as a customer service business, Christie said, characterizing the changes on the way as a common-sense approach to taking us to a new level in terms of our information technology and one that puts the power in the hands of the people.Agency officials in other states have said they intend to continue migrating away from data centers to the cloud. Weinstein said New Jersey, too, will leverage the public cloud for IT infrastructure services  but shift data responsibilities to enterprise-level in an effort to save agencies money.Were going to take a hybrid approach. We want to leverage a central agency, my organization, the Office of Information Technology, for data center purposes, the CTO said. Every decision weve made over the past year assumes that the future will involve a hybrid strategy as it relates to hosting services, so we feel confident were well postured to operate in that world moving forward."Its unclear how many legacy systems currently exist in the executive branch, and how many can be modernized versus decommissioned.The cost of implementing the EO is also uncertain, but Weinstein said the state expects to achieve operational and fiscal efficiencies in the near and long term as a result of this strategy.
Joining the ranks of comedians, radio hosts and millennials with microphones, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has started a podcast.It's called the "Chicago Stories" podcast, with City Hall billing the mayor as meeting with everyday Chicagoans and special guests in his office" and hearing "their stories of the Windy City."The first episode features Haymarket Brewing, which has a restaurant and pub at Halsted and Randolph streets and recently opened a tap room and production brewery in southwest Michigan.Haymarket operations director Mike Gemma and brewer Trevor Hagen talked to Emanuel about the city's craft brewing culture, and the conversation let the mayor lay claim to some craft beer bona fides."I can't think of a conventional beer I've, you know, a commercial beer that I've ordered in the last five years," Emanuel said.
Democrat Stacey Abrams entered the campaign for Georgia governor on Saturday with a pledge to expand pre-kindergarten programs and make technical college education free, promising shed bring a bold and ambitious approach to state government that will invigorate the economy.Abrams, who heads her partys caucus in the Georgia House, said that as governor shell embrace the same knack for compromise with Republicans who have controlled the statehouse for more than a decade when she sees common ground. But she said she would stick to a fiercely progressive agenda on some of the biggest partisan divides, including efforts to restrict abortion or pass religious liberty legislation she views as discriminatory.To emphasize that point, her announcement coincided with formal endorsements from Emilys List, the influential left-leaning group, and Democracy for America, a progressive PAC with about 1 million supporters across the nation.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.
Convening a second year in Augusta, the state Republican party on Saturday elected John Watson, a lobbyist who helped turn Georgia red, as new chairman of the state party."Our party is in debt and Democrats are once again gunning for us," Watson said in a campaign speech to 1,578 voting delegates and alternates attending the state convention. "If we take a single vote, a single day or a single dollar for granted, we could all feel the pain of liberalism inflicted on this great state."Born in Virginia, Watson was a consultant and later chief of staff to former Gov. Sonny Perdue, now Secretary of Agriculture, when Perdue switched parties to become Georgia's first Republican governor since Reconstruction. Watson's registration with the state ethics commission lists him as a lobbyist for 21 groups and industries, including casino gambling.Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul called Watson "one of the most qualified people I know" and Perdue recently endorsed him for the post. Perdue's cousin, U.S. Sen. David Perdue, rallied the crowd Saturday with a speech praising President Donald Trump.Trump is accomplishing the "largest overhaul of onerous regulations in U.S. history," the senator said, and "had the guts to pull us out of the Paris accords."The four-way chairman's contest required three votes before a candidate won more than 50 percent of votes. A first vote removed Evans businessman Mike Welsh, who placed fourth with 134 votes. Welsh said he and family members had worked hard for the Republican party."Together the Welsh family has made over 100,000 phone calls on behalf of Republican candidates since 2012. That is enthusiasm you cannot buy," Welsh said.A second vote cut from the contest Michael McNeely, who would have become the first black GOP leader in a southern state. The state party was founded during Reconstruction in Augusta by free blacks at Springfield Baptist Church, and delegates were advised to visit the church, two blocks from Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, keynote speaker at the convention breakfast, said only McNeely had spoken with him prior to the election, just as Trump was the only presidential candidate to do so."Yes, Michael McNeely, I called his name," Cain said.Cain also blasted the prospect of casino gambling in Georgia as having an impact "socially" as a "net-net loss" in communities that haven't become destinations, such as Las Vegas.Watson said the party must "shake off our internal sniping" and engage African-American, Hispanic and Asian voters, as well as millennials, "on a daily basis."The millennial candidate, Alex Johnson, lost in the third round to Watson, 741-679.Johnson spoke against "cronyist gambling legislation" as compromising Georgia's "moral fabric" and said Republicans must not be complacent or place money above our core principles."A Johnson supporter and delegate from Cobb County, Amy Barnes said the DeKalb County attorney was "an outstanding civil rights advocate" with a proper focus on constitutional rights that is sometimes overlooked in Republican circles.Trump's tweets, global warming, the media and the upcoming Sixth Congressional District runoff were mentioned by most convention speakers, which included Karen Handel, the Republican in the Sixth District runoff. U.S. Rep. Rick Allen of Augusta said his God "can turn the temperature up and down any time he wants to."The 11-hour convention day wore on several delegates not thrilled with the outcome."I like the way they drained the swamp by electing a lobbyist," said John Wical, a delegate from Gwinnett County.Wical said he'd supported "Johnson, McNeely, anybody but the lobbyist."Polk County delegate Lois Luzier said her fourth state convention wasn't as enjoyable as others she attended."I thought Athens was better," Luzier said, calling the Athens environment "warmer."Most in attendance praised the host city and Augusta Marriott Convention Center."It makes my job easier" to have Republicans visit from all over the state, said Rep. Mark Newton, R-Augusta."It puts Augusta in a really good light," Newton said.
The fatal stabbing of two good Samaritans who intervened when a man on a commuter train shouted slurs at two women  both African-American, one in Muslim dress  has reawakened bitter memories of this states past and revived a debate over what people here call the two Oregons, where islands of tolerance abut places awash in frustration and rage.Oregon hasnt resolved its history, said Dani Ledezma, the interim executive director of the Coalition of Communities of Color, a group based in Portland. And the harsh language and tone of national politics, she said, are now exacerbating old wounds. The xenophobia, the racism, the caustic narrative that has been fomented at the national level are also having an impact here and adding to that legacy here in Oregon, she said.The Pacific Northwests historical attic is full of artifacts that residents would just as soon forget, like the lash law. The legislation was passed in 1844, when the Oregon Country, as it was called then, was bigger than Texas  encompassing what is now part of five Western states. The law said that any black person, free or slave, would be whipped twice a year until he or she shall quit the territory. Later, leaders prohibited black people from coming to the territory.Until the early 2000s, Oregons constitution still contained language excluding blacks from residency, though its legal clout had been eliminated decades earlier. The template from the early days helped foster a volatile political climate in which extremists of all kinds could find a home, and pick a fight. Along with racists, utopian communities were drawn to the region, advocating everything from socialism to free love, and they found converts and hiding places in remote coastal coves and mountain reaches. In the 1920s, Oregons Legislature, dominated by members of the Ku Klux Klan, barred Japanese immigrants from owning or leasing land.
On Friday, in the evening, at Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC attended a reception to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Italy.
On Saturday, in the morning, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted a morning tea for Government House Alumni.

In the afternoon, at Government House, His Excellency and Mrs de Jersey welcomed members of the public to Open Day.

Following, His Excellency ceased duty as Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and resumed duty as Governor of Queensland, and the Honourable Chief Justice Catherine Holmes ceased duty as Acting Governor of Queensland.
Description

GIS 05 June 2017: The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, and Minister of Finance and Economic Development , Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, effected a State Visit to India on 26 and 27 May 2017 with a view to discuss bilateral issues and matters of international importance with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

During his visit, Prime Minister Jugnauth had a working session with Prime Minister Modi whereby they reviewed the implementation of projects financed from grants from India namely, the Metro Express Project; the construction of New Supreme Court Tower; the New ENT Hospital; the Headquarters of the National Coast Guard; and the implementation of Social Housing Projects.

Other issues discussed pertained to the Chagos Archipelago; the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement; measures to combat International Terrorism and Related Matters; and the Double Taxation Agreement Convention. Moreover, Mauritius and India also signed several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding on projects in Agalega, the construction of the Civil Service College, and Cooperation on Ocean Research and Technology. The opportunity was also taken to sign the International Solar Alliance Agreement.

In the context of the visit, Prime Minister Jugnauth paid courtesy calls on the President and Vice-President of India. He also met several Indian Ministers namely, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of External Affairs, the Minister of Finance and Defence, the Minister of Railways and the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas with whom he discussed on the status of various projects financed by the Indian authorities.

Prime Minister Jugnauth also participated in a meeting with the business community leaders of India on the theme "Mauritius: Your Preferred Regional Investment and Business Platform" organised at the initiative of the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.

At the invitation of India Foundation, Mr. Jugnauth addressed an audience comprising intellectuals and decision makers, on international challenges and opportunities for business and innovation at global level in the presence of the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Ministers and Members of Parliament.
Description

 GIS  05 June, 2017: As a Small Island Developing State with a fragile ecosystem and limited resources, we have no choice but to put environmental protection high on our agenda. Government is hugely concerned about the consequences resulting from the degradation of the environment and its impact on the quality of life and the health of our citizens, as well as on our economy.

This statement was made by the Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Environment and Sustainable Development, Mr. E. Sinatambou, during the opening ceremony of the World Environment Day (WED) 2017 this morning at Le Petrin. The Vice-President of the Republic, Mr. P. Vyapoory, members of Parliament and other eminent personalities were also present during the ceremony.

Le Petrin, highlighted the Minister, has been selected to mark the WED due to its rich biodiversity, panoramic landscape and multiple viewpoints and waterfalls. The guided tours at Le Petrin Nature Trail from 5 to 11 June 2017 will help sensitise the public about the need to preserve the natural resources and assets, he added.

The Minister underscored that education, information and sensitisation play a key role in the achievement of environmental sustainability. Education and information help to develop widespread understanding of the importance and fragility of the ecosystem and the need for preservation of the environment. In this respect, a toolkit on good environmental practices was launched, aiming at sensitising the school community on major environmental issues.

Minister Sinatambou underlined that scientific advances in the field of environment have provided insights of the numerous ways where natural systems support our prosperity and well-being. For example, medicines are produced from genetic materials drawn from the millions of species that make up the earths outstanding biological diversity, he stated.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the impacts of climate change are already being felt in Mauritius. Accelerated sea level rise, accentuated beach erosion, increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods and cyclones, and water scarcity are indicators of climate change in the island. The Ministry, stressed Mr Sinatambou, is leaving no stone unturned to prepare the country to adapt to climate change. Major works are being undertaken to reduce beach erosion and consultation plans are being implemented for fourteen coastal sites.

Government, he added, is also focusing on the green economy, whereby processes are characterised by low inputs, low waste, higher efficiency in resource use, and better product designs. This will improve human well-being, lessen inequalities and reduce environmental and ecological risks.
Description

GIS  05 June 2017

: Some 16% of students aged 13 to 15 years in Mauritius and in Rodrigues are current users of tobacco products; among students who consume cigarettes, 6.5% smoke six or more sticks per day while among those who have ever smoked a cigarette, 30.3% started smoking before their 12th birthday.

These figures are found in the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) Report 2016 which was presented today at G.M.D Atchia State College in Port Louis at the launching of activities in the context of World No Tobacco Day 2017. The Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Dr Anwar Husnoo; the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Mauritius, Dr Laurent Musango; and other personalities attended the event.

The GYTS is a global standard for systematically monitoring youth tobacco use (smoking and smokeless) and tracking key tobacco control indicators in youth aged 13 to 15 years. The GYTS 2016 is the third report conducted by the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States of America and the WHOs office in Mauritius, following those of 2003 and 2008.

In their speeches, both the Minister of Health and Quality of Life and the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research underlined the negative significant impact that tobacco use has on health, environment and socio-economic development, and appealed to young people to say No to tobacco. They highlighted that there are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.

The Minister of Health and Quality of Life recalled that though there has been a decrease in the prevalence of tobacco smoking as reported by the Non-Communicable diseases survey 2015 to reach 19% as compared to 21% in 2009, some 1,000 deaths occur annually due to tobacco use. Dr Husnoo expressed concern regarding the findings of the GYTS, and particularly to the exposure to second-hand smoke. Approximately 3 out of 10 students were exposed to cigarettes smoke at home and more than half of the students were exposed to tobacco smoke at outdoor public places.

The Minister highlighted the specific threats that the use of tobacco products pose for women. Speaking to the female students in the audience, he pointed out that women who smoke are more likely to develop breast and cervical cancers as well as infertility, suffer from painful menstruation, undergo premature labour and delivery putting their babies at risk, get menopause earlier, and are more prone to have bone fracture later in life. Dr Husnoo recalled that the Ministry remains committed to reduce tobacco use and increase awareness on the ill effects of tobacco.

For her part, the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research highlighted that everyone should work towards a world free of tobacco. She called on the youth of Mauritius to come up with principles with a view to love themselves, take care of their health and avoid dangers that cross their paths whether through peer pressure or advertisements. Young people are capable of discerning what is right and what is wrong, of making the right decision, and achieving their aspirations, said Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun.

Raising awareness among young people

In the context of World No Tobacco Day 2017 observed on 31 May, the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life organised a competition for secondary school students on short film/video with the aim of raising awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco smoking.

The winners of the competition were announced at the ceremony for the launching of activities. The Rabindranath Tagore Institute, with the clip The Silent Killer, bagged the first prize of Rs 50,000. The Rajkumar Gujadhur SSS and Keats College were the first and second runner-up respectively.
(TNS) -- CLEMSON  Unconventional  even overhead  approaches could figure into future solutions to Clemsons traffic congestion issues.Clemson city officials expect traffic and parking issues to get worse in coming years. More frequent CAT bus service is a feasible response, judging from recommendations recently made to Mayor J.C. Cook and the city council. Clemson University planners have said satellite parking and traffic changes on campus are likely, too.Consultant Dan Boyle recently finished a comprehensive look at Clemson Area Transits present and its probable future. His firms work drew on local focus groups that indicated strong support for more and better public transit.CATs Red Route  which serves much of the outlying student housing popping up around Central and Clemson  figured largely in his recommendations. He told city officials that having buses service stops every 15 minutes, rather than every 30, and refiguring routes could eventually grow CAT ridership more than 60 percent  stemming some of that traffic flow on city streets between student apartments and campus.Quicker service would almost certainly please CATs current users, who sound otherwise satisfied with the fare-free service.I think they stick to the times pretty good, but they could maybe make the (smartphone) app more interactive  and maybe add more hours on the weekends in the summer, said Roshan Venkatakrishnan, an Computer Science graduate student.I have a car, but parking on campus is very bad; you waste too much time looking for a spot, said Muskendol Novoa, a graduate Chemistry student. The bus system is pretty nice, but I would rather have it come more frequently.There are a couple of other possibilities that may sound far-fetched, but they are working elsewhere and could work here.West Virginia University has tied its multiple Morgantown campuses together for four decades with a Personal Rapid Transit, or PRT, system. The system was financed and developed largely as a demonstration project through the federal Department of Transportation in the mid-1970s.Electric cars  or pods as theyre called  run on closed routes. They are activated as needed, rather running than on fixed schedules, and move 15,000 people per day around Morgantown during the academic year.You just show up and decide where you want to go, said Clement Solomon, Director of Transportation and Parking at WVU.Users go to one of a half-dozen stations, pick their destinations and activate the driverless pods. Users may wait a few minutes, as the computer system determines how many riders are headed to the same destination from that station, but they are typically on their way within 5-7 minutes.Solomon said the PRT system can move over 1,000 people per hour during peak periods, without the traffic headaches and schedule restrictions confronting bus systems like CAT.Clemson's mayor is very interested in PRT. Cook noted that even with CAT's strong service record, there's no way it could reasonably handle that kind of volume without adding buses that would add to traffic problems.Cook said a Clemson city PRT feasibility study to gauge ridership, local business support and potential routes is possible in the near future."The cost wouldn't be excessive and the state of South Carolina is looking for a pilot project," Cook explained. "And we've got ridership numbers to include (from CAT) that a lot of other cities don't have."Boyle didnt delve extensively into PRT in his work for the city, but he told the Independent Mail it could make sense for Clemson, especially if the universitys graduate and undergraduate enrollment grow to more than 25,000 in the next several years.PRT could fit as part of a transit village for High Pointe and the Pier, student housing across Lake Hartwell from campus that is served by already crowded roads, Boyle speculated.The idea would be to encourage and isolate more development around that spot, or other such spots, which could in turn be served with a dedicated PRT system.You need around 3,000 riders per day for a PRT corridor, said Boyle. FTA (the Federal Transit Administration) would look at funding something with that kind of demand.The consultant also referred to the overhead option in his findings for the city. Gondolas akin to those cable cars used at ski resorts have been deployed in Great Britain and South America and have gotten serious consideration in Austin, Texas, and other North American cities.The appeal of such systems comes from their lower costs  few or no land purchases are necessary and no tracks need to be built  and their success thus far in places like Bolivia and Columbia.Gondolas would make sense for High Pointe, especially if it grows into the kind of transit village mentioned above, Boyle told city officials.Its an option that I really think would work here, Boyle said.Clemson officials are smart to talk about traffic issues now, Boyle said, rather than later when solutions are bound to be more expensive and less effective.It came up pretty consistently throughout the study that people there are looking for new traffic options, said Boyle. When youve been in Clemson for a while, you know how bad the traffic has become.
(TNS) - A weather radar that can measure wind speed and direction at different levels in the atmosphere was under construction last week on a knoll on the Campbell Tract in East Anchorage, but it's mainly designed to forecast the paths of volcanic ash plumes that could cause problems for airplanes.The radar, owned and operated by the National Weather Service, points directly skyward on a 6-foot-tall rectangular platform. It was being built on a clearing in forested land owned by the Bureau of Land Management, not far from the Campbell Airstrip.Three similar radars have operated in Alaska since 1999, in Talkeetna, Glennallen and the Yukon village of Central. But those devices are aging and becoming more difficult to maintain, said Christina Horvat, engineering branch chief at the National Weather Service's Radar Operations Center in Norman, Oklahoma.Through an $8.4 million replacement project, the Talkeetna radar is staying put. The other two new radars are being built in Anchorage and Homer. The Homer radar is near completion, Horvat said.It's a breath of new life into a mostly defunct federal "wind-profiling" network that was largely concentrated in the Midwest in the 1990s. While the technology is largely considered obsolete in the United States, it has still been useful in Alaska for its ability to forecast movement of volcanic ash, said Horvat, who is coordinating the project from Oklahoma."Budgetary restrictions, at present, afforded only the opportunity to refresh in Alaska," Horvat said.Weather and climate scientists have used the radars, known as wind profilers, to study the ionosphere in the Earth's upper atmosphere. The radar array uses electromagnetic signals to remotely sense wind speed and direction, according to the National Weather Service. The antennas emit pulses that bounce off the upper atmosphere and indicate the turbulence of wind patterns when they reflect back to Earth.Up to 35 of the devices operated in the United States for more than two decades, mostly in the middle of the country. Officials have credited the radars for saving numerous lives in 1999 when a tornado outbreak hit Oklahoma City.The technology has since shifted to wind balloons and sensors on airplanes. But in Alaska, the wind profilers are still used to forecast the direction of volcanic plumes, which affect flight patterns and can have serious consequences. A KLM passenger jet flew through an ash plume from Redoubt Volcano in 1989 and lost all four engines. In a cockpit and cabin darkened with ash, the pilots were able to restart the engines in time for an emergency landing in Anchorage, but the engines were destroyed, the hydraulics were ruined and the plane was stripped of its paint.Data from the wind radar is generated every six minutes, with the sensors measuring the atmosphere to about 10 miles above the radar, which lies horizontally and directly faces the sky.Construction workers were at the site last week, and the installation didn't go unnoticed by passers-by. Jim Cocallas biked past the construction site on his bike a few weeks ago.Cocallas has been trying to find out more about it since. He said he lives in a nearby neighborhood and was concerned he hadn't received public notice of the project.Maureen Clark, a spokeswoman for the BLM, said her agency released a public notice in December 2015. A three-day comment period was held in July 2016, Clark said. She said the agency received no comments.Acknowledging possible neighborhood concerns, Horvat, of the Radar Operations Center, described the radar as "very low-powered" and quiet. She referenced a 2009 electromagnetic energy assessment that found the energy emitted by the wind profilers to be within health limits set by the Federal Communications Commission.An environmental analysis conducted by the Bureau of Land Management described the purpose and need for the radar this way: "To support forecasting and warning operations information for the protection of life and property in Alaska as it continues to be on the leading edge of climate change."But Horvat, who works for NOAA, said the radar has nothing to do with climate change investigations. She said she wasn't sure why the BLM decided to include that sentence in its 2015 analysis."My particular facility, at this time, is not looking at that," Horvat said. "We're looking at responsibility for operations and maintenance."The new Talkeetna wind profiler has already been completed. Horvat said she expects the Homer and Anchorage radars to be completed by the middle of August. Each costs about $333,000 annually to maintain, according to Horvat.The old profilers in Central and Glennallen will keep operating for about a month to compare data before being removed, Horvat said.2017 the Alaska Dispatch News (Anchorage, Alaska)Visit the Alaska Dispatch News (Anchorage, Alaska) at www.adn.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS) - With an above average hurricane season predicted, the lack of leadership at two agencies responsible for protecting the United States' coast lines should be a sobering thought, said a widely admired general who led the militarys response to Hurricane Katrina.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which runs the National Hurricane Center, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are both without leaders. Those positions must be appointed by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, CNN reported.That should scare the hell out of everybody, retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore told CNN. These positions help save lives.Honore, who served as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina and coordinated military relief efforts, told CNN that the disaster proved how important leadership was.If someone is slow in making decisions it can be costly  imaging having no one at all, Honore told CNN, referring to the much-criticized role of former FEMA director Mike Brown in the aftermath of Katrina.The National Hurricane Center has predicted an above average 2017 season with up to 17 named Atlantic storms through November. Of those, five to nine could strengthen into hurricanes and two to four could become "major" storms of Category 3 or higher.Trump appointed former Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brock Long to lead FEMA in late April, but the Senate has not yet confirmed the selection, CNN reported. Trump has not appointed anyone to the NOAA position.2017 The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.Visit The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. at www.theadvocate.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS) - More than 2,200 volunteers from across the country and around the world will get a taste of Acadian culture this week as they aid Lafayette Parish residents still recovering from the August 2016 floods.Members and volunteers for Eight Days of Hope, a Christian nondenominational organization based in Tupelo, Mississippi, pitched their tents, parked their RVs and rolled out their sleeping bags around the Cajun Heartland State Fair grounds. They'll be working with the community through June 11.In their first day of service, volunteers served some 70-80 households, said EDOH Executive Director Steve Tybor III.Volunteers began their first day with dancing led by Tybor, in addition to prayer and readings from the Bible. The Cajundome lobby walls were lined with fliers detailing projects the volunteers could participate on that day. Service options ranged from plumbing to painting from Demanade Drive in Lafayette to Market Road in Opelousas.We have never seen this much support from a community, he said.Job management workers such as Bethany Robinson, a Gonzales resident, managed the paper flow from board to record book. Robinsons participation in Lafayettes EDOH marks her third year of service with the organization, which she said enchants her with its humble approach to positive change.Ive seen them do it in humility and just with excellence, she said. The way that they show their love of Christ to the people that they help is absolutely incredible, and I love being part of it.Eight Days of Hope began as a one-time initiative to aid residents in Waveland, Mississippi, affected by Hurricane Katrina. Its first trip outside its home state brought volunteers to Lake Charles, where 1,277 volunteers aided victims of Hurricane Rita. Other stops in previous years have been Nashville, Tennessee; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Pamlico County, North Carolina. The organization also holds rapid response events for areas struck by natural disasters such as tornadoes.Tybor said this years turnout  as well as support from Lafayette City-Parish President Joel Robideaux and organizations sponsoring the event  will be a record-breaker, assisted by more than 400 volunteers who live within 20 miles of Lafayette registering for the organizations eighth annual disaster recovery trip.A 12-year-old records going to be broken because Louisiana  namely Lafayette Parish residents whose houses didnt flood  want to give back, he said. Im excited that so many people from Lafayette get a chance to be a part of something way bigger than just themselves.In addition to helping hands, the local and state community also provided financial assistance to the nonprofits project. Eight Days of Hopes trip was made possible by over $500,000 raised by community efforts, including $200,000 from the United Way of Acadiana and the American Red Cross, $250,000 from Lafayettes Roman Catholic Diocese and $50,000 from other donors.The group also partnered with Love Acadiana, an organization that connects businesses to faith-based communities, as well as the Acadiana Long Term Recovery Committee, a coalition of service groups, religious organizations and government services. The ALTRC gathered a list of homes affected by flooding. Love Acadiana, the local United Way and the local Red Cross are all members of the group.Niki Chiles, a New Albany, Mississippi, resident and longtime volunteer, said the support from Lafayette organizations has been almost unmatched by previous years collaborative efforts.I dont know that weve had an organization like them be such a strong partner and so welcoming and just really feel like a partner  not because of title, but actually by action, she said.Chiles, in her seventh year of service, said volunteers drive to make God known benefits the team members as well as the affected residents.Honestly, we help each other in our own journey in life, even when were volunteering, she said.2017 The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.Visit The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. at www.theadvocate.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS) -- McGREGOR, MINN.  Casey Jelinski was sure it would be easy to run a graphic design company from her new home when she moved with her family to Aitkin County from the Twin Cities area a decade ago.But internet speeds were shockingly slow. Sometimes it took hours to upload files to clients in China and Europe. Shed occasionally drive more than 60 miles to Duluth and check in at a hotel to work.It never dawned on me that it would be such a detriment to my business, Jelinski said of inadequate broadband access. Theres no reason for it.A recent switch to a DSL connection helped, but Jelinski worried about her business future. The family moved to De Pere, Wis., last week -- after Jelinski confirmed that it has great broadband access.In Aitkin County -- which at 27 percent has the least broadband coverage in Minnesota -- and across the U.S., reliable, speedy internet is increasingly essential for work, health care, education and social connections. But as President Donald Trumps administration looks to clamp down on federal spending, theres deepening uncertainty about the flow of federal dollars necessary to bring faster internet to lower-population areas.The outlook [for rural broadband improvements] is not positive under Trump, said Milda Hedblom, a lawyer, broadband advocate and digital studies professor at Augsburg College in Minneapolis.Hedblom said shes worried that the president, a former businessman, will naturally favor big private companies over municipalities and local collaborations. That could mean hell steer federal broadband funds to big providers that are averse to expensive rural projects, she said, since the return on investment isnt as quick or as large.About 22 percent of households in rural Minnesota -- 202,000 homes -- lack access to fixed, nonmobile broadband service at download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of 3 mbps, according to the state Department of Employment and Economic Development. Minnesota is ahead of the national average: 39 percent of rural residents have no access to those speeds, according to the Federal Communications Commission.Trumps budget, released May 23, proposes $1 billion in cuts from U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development spending -- including some funding for broadband infrastructure. Instead, he wants $160 million in new rural economic infrastructure grants that would include broadband money -- along with many other projects. Half the money would be set aside for Appalachia; broadbands share was not specified.Trump also plans a $1 trillion infrastructure package-- which he is expected to detail on Monday -- and his budget lists broadband among priorities that include surface transportation, airports, waterways, ports, drinking and waste water. It added that federal funding for infrastructure is not the solution, however, and promised to fix underlying incentives, procedures and policies. Exactly what that means is unclear.Some rural broadband advocates say the infrastructure initiative could be the best bet for future federal grants.Our message to communities is get ready. Those with civic infrastructure [in place] to respond to opportunities  are going to be in the best position to benefit, said Bernadine Joselyn, public policy and engagement director for the Grand Rapids, Minn.-based Blandin Foundation.Joselyn, who serves on Gov. Mark Daytons Task Force on Broadband, said that Blandin has worked with more than 70 communities on broadband expansion and has issued more than $8.6 million in grants.Dayton requested $60 million in funds for the states Border-to-Border matching grant fund for the next two years. The Legislature pared that back to $20 million.Danna MacKenzie, director of the state Office of Broadband Development, said that the benefits of rural broadband are indisputable. All sides have recognized the importance  to economic development across the state, she said, and places like Aitkin County are at a significant disadvantage that must be reversed.MacKenzie is keeping an eye on Washington. I cant say I have confidence in what the Trump administration will do, she said. I can just say that we are monitoring it.Uncertainty about government funds has prompted new approaches to leveraging grants and raising awareness: Member-owned rural electric cooperatives are installing broadband to fill voids left by mainstream providers.About 100 of the nations 900 co-ops are involved in some way, said Martha Duggan, who handles regulatory issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Were very local  and very focused on economic development. She hopes funding will be included in Trumps infrastructure plan and the 2018 farm bill. The Minnesota Farmers Union called broadband an essential utility in an April report to state officials. Gary Wertish, the groups president, said its time for a broad national initiative. The state cant do it on its own, he said.Were trying to compete in a global economy and if we dont have access to broadband, were left behind again, Wertish said. Communities are pooling resources and clout. Six southwestern Minnesota counties (Chippewa, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Pipestone and Yellow Medicine) are working with the Southwest Regional Development Commission and in May received a $123,800 Blandin Foundation grant to study ways to fill broadband gaps.Change is also coming -- slowly -- to Aitkin County.The Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative and Consolidated Telephone Company in 2016 received a $1.75 million state grant to extend service in the county. A matching amount will come from users. Two other providers recently got FCC funding. The Blandin Foundation also is helping to improve technology access in the county.Its going to improve our existing businesses and enhance our ability to bring in residents and businesses, said Ross Wagner, Aitkin Countys economic development director. The county has come up with $450,000 from its budget over the next three years to support broadband projects.Nicole Eld, executive director of the McGregor Area Chamber of Commerce, said that local resorts provide Wi-Fi services for their guests, but other businesses need broadband to succeed.If you cant get on the internet, you cant do your job, she said. Employers have trouble recruiting workers and real estate companies have a hard time selling properties that dont have broadband, she said. School buses were recently outfitted with Wi-Fi so students can do online homework during the ride home.Eld is planning a high-tech meeting facility at her office on Maddy Street. But she cant get online at home.A dozen miles away in tiny Lawler, Mary Pepera offers Wi-Fi at Jacksons Hole, the busy bar she owns. But when the phone is in use, the ATM stops working, and dart league standings are unavailable. At all hours, cars that dont belong to customers park outside, tapping into the bars Wi-Fi.Broadband access would let Pepera update a dormant Facebook page to promote her business. She hasnt dared think of other possibilities in the online world, she said: We dont really know whats out there.Bob Marcum does have a sense of what hes missing, and it annoys him. He lives in Lawler and chairs the Salo Township Board. Hes been trying to get broadband for years and once -- as a joke -- made a motion declaring a provider a public nuisance.Hes tried almost everything to stay connected: He has a landline, a cellphone and a satellite phone. If youre going to be part of the modern world, Marcum said, youve got to have broadband.Wagner said there are finally signs of progress: Trenches are being dug in parts of Aitkin County and small flags hint at future work. But after years of waiting, hes wary and a little skeptical.Well believe it, he said, when it gets here.
(TNS) -- In an apparent attempt to delegitimize Obama-era net neutrality rules, AT&T claims the Federal Communications Commissions open internet regulations dont bar internet service providers from blocking and throttling web traffic in all cases, citing a recent federal court ruling that upheld the rules.A three-judge panel on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the rules in court last year , rebuffing a lawsuit brought by internet service providers (ISPs). Broadband providers appealed their case to the full circuit of judges, who again upheld the rules and explained their reasoning in a lengthy 100-plus page ruling AT&T Vice President of Federal Regulatory Hank Hultquist pointed out in a blog post this week a section of the ruling that appears to outline a circumstance in which ISPs could block, slow, or speed up internet traffic  activities expressly forbidden in the FCCs 2015 Open Internet Order.According to the concurrence, which was written by Judges Sri Srinivasan and David S. Tatel, the net neutrality rule applies only to those broadband providers who hold themselves out as neutral, indiscriminate conduits to any content of a subscribers own choosing, Hultquist wrote. The concurrence goes on to say, the rule does not apply to an ISP holding itself out as providing something other than a neutral, indiscriminate pathway  i.e., an ISP making sufficiently clear that it provides a filtered service involving the ISPs exercise of editorial discretion.'Hultquist said he was surprised by the argument, since it appears to concede that [i]n the understanding of the D.C. Circuit panel majority, it seems that the Title II order does not touch such practices as long as an ISP clearly discloses its blocking plans to customers.[I]n the past, supporters of Title II often alleged that without reclassification, ISPs would be free to block unpopular opinions or viewpoints that they disagreed with, he added.AT&T supports the Trump administrations plan to reverse the reclassification of ISPs as common carriers , a public utility designation codified under Title II of the Communications Act that subjects common carriers to a stricter tier of regulations. But Title II itself has nothing to do with blocking or throttling  those rules were created separately by the FCC. The agency only used Title II, created by Congress, to bring ISPs under their umbrella of jurisdiction to justify the enforcement of net neutrality rules (former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler also forbore from applying many of Title IIs provisions considered unnecessary to the enforcement of the open internet).Sections of the May court decision parsed by Hultquist go back to an argument Alamo Broadband presented to the court when it argued against the rules in 2015, essentially saying the First Amendment guarantee of free speech grants ISPs the ability to exercise editorial intervention with regard to the content it transmits, much the same way a news outlet selects what to cover.The court rejected that argument, saying no Supreme Court decision supports the counterintuitive notion that the First Amendment entitles an ISP to engage in the kind of conduct barred by the net neutrality rulei.e., to hold itself out to potential customers as offering them an unfiltered pathway to any web content of their own choosing, but then, once they have subscribed, to turn around and limit their access to certain web content based on the ISPs own commercial preferences.Judges Srinivasan and Tatel write the rule does not apply to an ISP holding itself out as providing something other than a neutral, indiscriminate pathwayi.e., an ISP making sufficiently clear to potential customers that it provides a filtered service involving the ISPs exercise of editorial intervention.'However they go on to add no ISP has suggested an interest in doing so in this court, and that any ISP considering such a service might have serious concerns about its ability to attract subscribers. They further added that a providers editing disclosure couldnt be buried in a service agreement because the threats of consumer deception and confusion are simply too great.An ISP would need to make adequately clear its intention to provide edited services of that kind, so as to avoid giving consumers a mistaken impression that they would enjoy indiscriminate access to all content available on the internet, without the editorial intervention of their broadband provider, the ruling reads.Rather than outlining a real-life scenario in which blocking and throttling were allowable, the judges were deconstructing the argument that the First Amendment grants ISPs the right to block and throttle web traffic.Hultquist says the decision shows that only market forces and not FCC rules prevent ISPs from doing virtually everything that proponents of the Title II order feared, but the judges take exception to that as well, upholding the FCCs reasoning that a subscriber might well have no awareness of her ISPs practices of that kind in the first place: she may have no reason to suppose that her inability to access a particular application, or that the markedly slow speeds she confronts when attempting to use it, derives from her ISPs choices rather than from some deficiency in the application.After all, if a subscriber encounters frustratingly slow buffering of videos when attempting to use Netflix, why would she naturally suspect the fault lies with her ISP rather than with Netflix itself? the judges posit.Even if a consumer becomes aware of their ISP secretly manipulating traffic, she faces high switching costs constraining her ability to shift away from her ISP if it reneges on its representation by blocking her access to select content.Hultquist said the courts interpretation could be used to justify zero-rating services like T-Mobiles Binge On or MetroPCSs plan to offer a low-cost tier blocking most video streaming (except for YouTube). Such offers received scrutiny under the 2015 Open Internet Orders general conduct standard, which sought to apply net neutrality protections in less-clear instances of traffic manipulation. FCC Chairman Ajit Pais plan to scale back the rules would do away with the standard along with Title II.
(TNS) -- Lawmakers are considering a bill proposing to impose limitations on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles , or drones, by police and other governmental authorities in the State Gouse in Boston.Proposed by Weymouth Republican Patrick O'Connor, Bill S. 1349 seeks to bar governmental use of drones to "track, collect or maintain information about the political, religious or social views, associations or activities of any individual, group, association, organization, corporation."Drones equipped with weapons would be outlawed under the legislation while use of facial recognition and other biometric matching technology by drones would be limited to criminal cases with a warrant in play.The proposed regulations have been received the support of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts.Monday's hearing is being held by the Judiciary Committee and is open to the public.
CARSON CITY  Gov. Brian Sandoval signed dozens of pieces of legislation into law in the final days of the 79th Legislative Session, including the following:

Assembly Bill 327 was sponsored by Assemblyman William McCurdy and authorizes a person who is dishonorably discharged from probation to apply to the court for record sealing and reduces the amount of time a person must wait before petitioning for record sealing.

Assembly Bill 141 was sponsored by Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson and expands the functions of the Office of Minority Health housed within the Department of Health and Human Services. The measure also changes the definition of minority group to include more communities.

Senate Bill 360, sponsored by Senator Nicole Cannizzaro establishes the Wards Bill of Rights and increases penalties for crimes against elderly and vulnerable individuals.

Senate Bill 369, brought forward by Senator Aaron Ford, requires the Clark County School District to establish professional development programs to train teachers and principals to better engage collaboratively with families. This will help ensure schools are focused on positive outcomes for students.

Senate Bill 415 proposes a question to the voters regarding whether feminine hygiene products should be exempt from sales and use tax, also known as the pink tax. This measure will be on the ballot in the 2018 general election.

Senate Bill 398 was sponsored by Senator Ben Kieckhefer and recognizes blockchain technology as a type of electronic record. Blockchain is an innovative technology that provides transparent, unchangeable, record-keeping that can be assigned to individuals.

Senate Bill 65 was a recommendation from the Governors New Energy Industry Task Force. This measure opens the tri-annual Integrated Resource Plan meeting between certain utilities and the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to the public. This bill also requires the PUCN give preference to resources that have greatest economic benefit, environmental benefit and opportunity for job creation.

Senate Bill 162, sponsored by Senator Heidi Gansert, provides for registration and certification of mental health professional assistants, including psychological assistants, psychological interns, and psychological trainees. This will increase access to behavioral and mental health services and expand the pipeline of providers.

Assembly Bill 181 was sponsored by Speaker Jason Frierson and eliminates an often arbitrary designation that prevents a felon who has completed their sentence from becoming eligible to vote.

Assembly Bill 77 was sponsored by the Department of Education and makes changes to the teacher licensing process and waives associated fees for veterans, active duty military and their spouses. It also conforms processes for non-licensed charter school teachers and administrators to existing requirements for licensed teachers like notifying and tracking criminal cases.

Assembly Bill 106 was sponsored by Assemblywoman Ellen Spiegel and requires the States Purchasing Division to establish a voluntary certification for vendors who pay equal pay for equal work.

Assembly Bill 447 makes slight alternations to Nevadas Victory Schools program. The bill requires the Nevada Department of Education to consult with the board of trustees of a school district in which the prospective Victory School is located. Victory Schools will now have the option for the majority use of funds to be spent on integrated student supports, wrap-around services, and evidence-based programs. Finally, Victory High Schools are now able to provide programs to educators and students at schools who would feed into their school.

Senate Bill 409 prohibits a person from allowing a cat or dog to remain unattended in a motor vehicle under certain circumstances. The bill also provides that certain public employees and volunteers who work with animals or in public safety may use any reasonable means necessary to protect a dog or cat and remove it from a vehicle.

Senate Bill 352, sponsored by Senator Ben Kieckhefer allows owners of a residence harmed by a flood, fire, earthquake or other event for which the Governor has proclaimed a state of emergency or declaration of disaster to apply to the county assessor for an exemption of a portion of the assessed value of the single-family residence. This measure also revises provisions governing the calculation of the property taxes imposed on these residences.

Senate Bill 287, sponsored by Senator Heidi Gansert expands mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect to all school personnel and volunteers. This will reduce the gap which contributes to the national problem of passing the trash which is when school personnel are allowed to resign instead of face charges for physical, sexual, or other abuse.

Senate Bill 274 will expand opportunities for foster youth to connect with their siblings while in foster care. This bill passed unanimously.

Senate Bill 171 requires pharmacies to post or provide to information on how patients can safely dispose of controlled substances. This measures was sponsored by Senator Heidi Gansert and passed both houses unanimously.
Fernando Alonso has admitted he may not have a more powerful Honda engine to use in Montreal this weekend.

Some media reports claim that while the struggling Japanese marque had planned to make a clear step in Canada, that specification will in fact not be ready.

Alonso, who is returning to McLaren-Honda after a one-race F1 absence, is quoted by Diario Sport newspaper: "I don't know if we'll have something new for the engine in Canada, but I hope so.

"I did read that today, but I often read something in one place and something else in another.

"Until we arrive in Canada we will not know. But every time we do put a new engine in we will start last, because we have already exceeded our limits.

"So I think we have to choose the races in which we do change very carefully," Alonso added.

After being competitive at the Indy 500, the Spaniard said he is returning to F1 with a positive and yet realistic attitude.

"I return with the impression of improving soon but I know it will not be immediate. But we will improve and everyone is impatient for that," Alonso said.

He also admitted that he would like to do the fabled Le Mans 24 hours in the future, but isn't sure when.

"It is for the future -- I do not have an exact date," Spanish media reports quote the 35-year-old as saying.

"Since I was a kart driver as a child I was dreaming about F1, Le Mans and Indy," he said.

(GMM)
Force India is angry with F1's governing body in the wake of a dispute about race numbers.

Before Barcelona, teams were told to include bigger and more prominent numbers on their cars' bodywork, and Force India was penalised for falling afoul of the directive.

The small Silverstone based team fixed its livery for Monaco, but a Force India source told Auto Motor und Sport that "the sponsors were not happy".

Technical boss Andy Green confirmed: "Our car was deemed legal at all times in Barcelona, but suddenly after the race it was said we didn't comply with the rules."

Sporting boss Otmar Szafnauer added: "This is a serious precedent.

"It means every other team can do the same thing also in the technical area. According to this, something that was legal on Thursday is no longer legal on Sunday."

Correspondent Michael Schmidt said the order to penalise Force India came from FIA president Jean Todt.

But Szafnauer would not comment on that, saying only: "We're focusing on ourselves."

(GMM)
Continental has started a joint research and development collaboration to realize 5G vehicle communications with the Japanese telecommunications company NTT DOCOMO, Inc. to enhance connected infotainment functions and build the foundation for cellular based vehicle-to-everything (V2X) wireless communications systems.

The two companies demonstrated a prototype application of the emerging 5G mobile communications technology at the recent concurrent Automotive Engineering Exposition 2017 in Yokohama and the Wireless Japan Expo. The oncoming high-performance wireless communication technology is currently being specified and is in its early stages. It is designed to enable a step-change in the speed of wireless data transmission, transmission quality and speed of response (latency time).

A key potential of 5G cellular lies in its low latency times. This speed of response can be used for V2X communication. Once latency times are significantly reduced, wireless communication between cars, with the infrastructure and with other road users can improve the data basis for driver assistance and automated driving.

Greater driving safety is not only based upon sensor networks in the car and networked sensor signal interpretation but also on additional information from outside the car. Improving the efficiency of driving will increasingly require predictive driving strategies which factor in data from a backend via the cloud and from other vehicles.

Automated driving as an important step towards accident-free driving (vision zero) is hardly conceivable without the electronic horizon (eHorizon) which integrates digital map data with sensor data for up-to-date maps and real-time traffic information.

The latest available data is the fuel of connected vehicles. As vehicles gain an equal footing in the Internet of Everything, data traffic will expand dramatically. Current cellular standards are not prepared for this. 5G, however, is. Robert Gee, Head of Product Management, Software & Connected Solutions and Telematics Systems Engineering Manager, Japan at Continental

The 5G technology targets to provide up to a million connections per square kilometer, allowing for many more devices than 4G.

With a targeted 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) for downlink speeds and drastically reduced latency times which may be as low as 1 millisecond (1 msec) in a wireless link, 5G also enables new use cases and services. Among these are high density platooning, HD (high definition) live map updates, and sensor sharing.
Powervault is placing 50 trial units, powered by second-life batteries provided by Renault, in the homes of customers who already have solar panels installed. The trial will explore the technical performance of second-life batteries as well as customer reaction to home energy storage to help develop a roll-out strategy for the mass-market. The trial will be run with eligible customers of M&S Energy, plus social housing tenants and schools in the South East.

In the UK, Renault and Powervault are partnering to re-use electric vehicle (EV) batteries in home energy storage units. This partnership will reduce the cost of a Powervault smart battery unit by 30%, helping Powervault to bring home energy storage to the tipping point of mass-market roll-out in the UK.

Powervault is an innovative home battery system, which enables homeowners to increase their ability to store and use the solar energy freely-generated from their own solar panels. Powervault units can also automatically charge using low-cost, off-peak energy from the grid. As well as reducing the cost of production of a Powervault, the use of second-life batteries will also optimize the life-cycle of the Renault batteries before they are recycled.

Thanks to this home energy storage partnership with Powervault, Renault is adding a new element into its global strategy for second life batteries, which already covers a large number of usages from industrial to residential building and districts. The second life use not only gives additional life to electric vehicle batteries before they are recycled, but also allow consumers to save money. Nicolas Schottey, Program Director, EV batteries and infrastructures at Renault

As the leader in electric vehicles in Europe, Renault contributes to the energy transition through the re-use of its EV batteries for stationary energy storage. The batteries used in electric vehicles usually have a lifetime of 8 to 10 years, Renault says. However, there is still plenty of useful life in these batteries for stationary applicationsgiving the batteries an additional life before they are recycled.

Within a Powervault home battery system, Renault batteries are estimated to have up to 10 years of additional useful life. Second-life battery packs are removed from the electric vehicles, unpacked and graded before Powervault make them into smaller battery packs for their application.

The Powervault second life trial will start in July 2017 and last 12 months. The 50 units in the trial will be divided between the homes of M&S Energy customers, plus Hyde residents, as well as social housing tenants and schools in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, via Solarcentury. M&S Energy will be contacting eligible customers to discuss their interest in participating in the trial.

This week, Powervault is launching a crowd-funding campaign on CrowdCube, inviting investors to acquire a stake in this rapidly growing business. Powervault is aiming to raise equity to accelerate the mainstream roll-out of Powervaults across the UK. A ready-made market of over 800,000 homes1 is already in place for home energy storage products, based on the high adoption rates of solar PV in the UK.

The roll-out of smart meters and associated smart energy tariffs will enable a Powervault to make any of the 26 million homes in the UK smarter, regardless of the presence of solar panels, by storing electricity when it is cheap and using it at times when it is more expensive. Second-life batteries are one part of Powervaults strategy to dominate the UK home energy storage market by offering the best return on investment for customers. Powervaults business plan sees it selling 30,000 units by 2020, which equates to 15,000 EV car batteries.

In the period January-May 2017, the UK registered 6,228 battery-electric vehicles, according to SMMT.
More than two days after the London terror attack in which seven people died and at least 48 people were injured, the fate of 39-year-old Spaniard Ignacio Echeverria, a Madrid native living in London, remains unknown.

Ignacio Echevarria.

The family of Echeverria says he was returning from a park where he had been skating with friends, when the group witnessed a man stabbing a woman in the area of Borough Market, near London Bridge.

Echeverrias friends said he was the only one among them who stopped to help the woman under attack, and that he faced up to the assailant.

At that point he jumped off his bike and hit the assailant with a skateboard, said a member of his family. The last time his friends saw him, he was lying on the ground after defending the woman with his skateboard. He was brave, getting involved to save the woman.

Since then, neither friends nor family have managed to get in touch with him, nor have they located him at any hospital despite having relayed the information to the Spanish consulate, to the police, to area hospitals and to HSBC, the company where Echeverria works.

More information Spanish man missing after London terror attack confirmed dead by family

Fearing the worst, the Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis on Monday night spoke to his British counterpart Boris Johnson, asking for the process of identifying the bodies of people killed in the attack to be accelerated so as not to increase the anguish and pain of the families. Johnson apologized for the delay, saying it is necessary to follow protocols that ensure no false identifications will occur, according to diplomatic sources. As per these protocols, British authorities have requested fingerprints and DNA samples for Echeverria but have not allowed his sister, also a London resident, to see the bodies.

On Monday, Dastis also spoke with Echeverrias sister to offer the support of the Spanish government, the Diplomatic Information Office said. Workers at the Spanish embassy and consulate are in permanent contact with the family and with British authorities in order to locate the missing man but have no news at this stage.

We dont have any updates at this time, but after the identifications [of the injured] that have been carried out, I am very pessimistic, Echeverrias father said.

It is logical that he would have been identified by now and it seems that none of the people injured can be him, he added.

A Red Cross Tweet calling for help in the search for Ignacio Echeverria

Echeverrias family said that he was probably without ID at the time of the attack, since he was returning from doing sport. He is around 1.75 meters tall, weighs 85 kilograms, and was wearing jeans, black Vans shoes with white soles and a dark sweater. He has a scar above one of his eyebrows, near his hairline, and wears a gold chain with a medallion around his neck.

Meanwhile, the Spanish government has confirmed that a Spanish man known to have been injured in the attack is Alejandro Martinez, a graduate student who suffered chest, wrist and hand wounds, but whose injuries are not life-threatening.

English version by Susana Urra and George Mills.
I liked the debut of NBC's "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly," even though her sit-down with Vladimir Putin was a bust.

Kelly gets credit for landing the interview and for asking tough questions. It's not her fault that nothing Putin said was believable.

Sure, Putin didn't even know who that guy was sitting next to him at a Moscow dinner (Michael Flynn). He has no idea what his U.S. ambassador talks to Donald Trump associates about. Russian hacking? Never! But the Americans meddle in everybody else's elections.

Good grief!

Finally, Putin scolded Kelly for daring to ask about pesky Russian journalists who end up dead and political dissidents who find themselves in prison. What rude questions!

I could imagine Trump watching with envy.

The most illuminating take-away from the interview wasn't how easily Putin lies, since that's exactly what generations of Americans came to expect from the old Soviet bosses, but how remarkable it is that so many Americans today are willing to believe that Kremlin crap. But much of the Republican Party has aligned itself with Russian denials against U.S. intelligence agency conclusions that the Putin government tried to influence our presidential election.

The next segment was a hard-hitting investigative report about a drug company that's peddled a highly addictive and dangerous painkiller, with the complicity of prescribing physicians.

I was particularly interested in a piece about an effort in Kenya, led by an American woman, to battle elephant poaching. It's encouraging, although the report understated the complexities of saving elephants from the deadly assaults that are reducing their numbers so rapidly. Still, I applaud NBC and Kelly for directing attention to this terrible problem.

Kelly ended her first NBC program with a segment featuring kids talking about how to have polite conversation as she slipped in clips of adults engaging in childish arguments on political talk shows. It was funny.

And she promoted next week's program, in which the headline interview will be Kelly's face-to-face with Erin Andrews.

This is a good addition to NBC's lineup.
After investing 10.6 billion on the European fighter plane, it turns out that Spains future military aircraft will in all likelihood be American-made. The Spanish Air Force and Navy have their sights set on the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, made by Lockheed Martin, to replace the F-18s and vertical take-off Harriers that will be decommissioned halfway through the next decade.

The F-35A Lightning II by Lockheed Martin. Ben Margot (AP)

An estimated 45 to 50 aircraft will be required for the Spanish Air Force and another 12 to 15 for the Navy. The program could represent spending of over 6 billion, and more than double that considering the logistical support required to keep the aircraft operational.

There is no alternative for the Navy, if it wants to maintain its naval aviation capacity  the ability to launch air power from a ship. The Navy will have to gradually decommission its remaining AV-8B Harrier II Plus aircraft, and the only planes available on the market capable of Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing (V/STOL) are the F-35s. Without them, the Navys flagship Juan Carlos I would be reduced to the category of helicopter carrier.

Of the 86 aircraft currently in service, the ones in the Canary Islands are in most urgent need of replacement

Navy officials are aware that the F-35 is too expensive (between 90 and 130 million a unit, not counting the engine) and that their order of 12 to 15 planes would be too small for any meaningful negotiating margin. But things would be different if the Air Force decided to order the same model, said high-ranking Navy officials.

The future fighter aircraft is one of the priorities of the new Armed Forces Capacity Objective slated for approval before the end of this year, said General Fernando Alejandre, the new chief of the defense staff. The goal is to replace the F-18 fighters, which, together with the Eurofighter and the EF2000, are at the forefront of the Spanish Air Forces aircraft program.

The F-18 allowed the Air Force to make a quantum leap forward in the 1980s in terms of technological capacity, but the fleet is now 30 years old and most aircraft have more than 5,000 hours of flying under their wings, with the limit set at around 7,000. Of the 86 aircraft currently in service, the ones in the Canary Islands are in most urgent need of replacement, as they have around three years of service left. All the F-18s will need to be phased out starting in 2025.

General Fernando Alejandre, the new Defense Chief of Staff. Alvaro Garcia

Although that may sound like a long time, military sources said that the process to acquire a new fighter plane is very long, meaning that a decision should be reached by 2018 at the latest. The more we wait, the worse negotiating conditions we will have, said a source.

Air Force sources said that, even with improvements, the Eurofighter cannot compare with the F-35, a fifth-generation fighter that has integrated sensors on the pilots helmet, granting 360-degree vision. They also allege that relying on a single model could make the Air Force vulnerable in the event of a structural problem with the Eurofighters.

The EF2000 is a European program that Spain participates in with a 14% stake, and which creates around 3,000 direct jobs in the country. The F-35 is an American aircraft in whose production process Spain would play an insignificant role. The country was asked to join the F-35 consortium back in the day (along with Britain, The Netherlands, Italy, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Turkey) but the Defense Ministry declined the invitation.

The financial contribution was very high, and the industrial return small, said a source who held a position of responsibility over the matter at the time. We could not afford to pay for the EF2000 and the F-35 at the same time.

Given its political, industrial and military implications, the purchase of the armed forces future aircraft is one of the most important decisions that Defense Minister Maria Dolores de Cospedal will have to make. That is, of course, as long as the defense budget increases and there is enough money to pay for it.

English version by Susana Urra.
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GREENWICH  Its that time of year again when Audubon Greenwich sends out its volunteers and staff to record and count every bird and species within a 15 mile radius.

The center sends groups off to different parts of town at different times of day for its annual Summer Bird Count, and within 24 hours  between 12 a.m. on June 10 and 12 a.m. on June 11 this weekend bird watchers will be on the lookout.

Its a situation where we are trying to get a sense of the changes in species and changes in population, said Ted Gilman, the Audubons education specialist and senior naturalist this week, because each team is keeping track of not only what species (they find), but how many, and also trying to get a sense of where they are  so if there are any notable differences from year to year we can try to be alert to the changes.

Its a way to try to take the pulse of the loal bird population, he said, its diversity, its numbers.

After the counting is over, the groups will meet at the Audubon Center at 2 p.m. on Sunday to share data and assessments. Because the Audubon has been counting birds biannually for several decades, it can see patterns over the years and through seasons regarding the species in the area.

Gilman said that the information is also submitted to the Connecticut Ornithological Association for satewide and regional data.

More Information Audubon Greenwich Annual Summer Bird Count: 12 a.m. June 10 to 12 a.m. June 11 at various locations, with meet-up to share data and results at 2 p.m. on June 11 at the Audubon Center. For more information or to sign up, Ted Gilman can be reached by email: TGILMAN@audubon.org, or by phone: 203-930-1353. See More Collapse

We can see the total disappearance of some species, ruffed grouse for example, Gilman said, and the arrival of some species like the red-bellied woodpecker from the south. Its a striking bird, and when I first got here in the 70s it was not around at all or just starting to show up, and now its pretty much filled in all across the state beyond.

Anyone interested in volunteering is recommended to reach out to the center at least a few days prior to the bird count so they can be placed with a group, as the teams will be scattered throughout Greenwich, Stamford, and parts of Westchester County, N.Y.

Participants must be at least 10 years old and all levels of birding experience are welcomed. Volunteering for the bird count is free.

For more information or to sign up, Ted Gilman can be reached by email: TGILMAN@audubon.org, or by phone: 203-930-1353.

E: jturiano@greenwichtime.com; T: @jturianoGT; IG: @greenwichgreen
HARTFORD  Members of the legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus symbolically walked out of the House chamber Monday afternoon after a police-accountability bill, partially inspired by the shooting last month of a 15-year-old in Bridgeport, failed to gather enough support.

After a 40-minute debate in which minority lawmakers from throughout the state voiced their disappointment with police-related violence and a culture in the law enforcement community of disproportionately stopping people of color, the legislation was pulled from debate.

During an impromptu news conference outside the House chamber, attended by Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz and House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, the primarily urban lawmakers said they hope to revive the bill before the session ends at midnight Wednesday, but if not, they expect to pursue the bill again next year.

Were going to still continue to talk about this issue as a caucus, Aresimowicz said.

The bill would have prohibited the use of deadly force in occasions where police could reasonably expect to avoid using their firearms by backing away from a motor vehicle. The bill also would have required cities of more than 75,000 people to purchase body cameras.

House Republicans had attached some controversial amendments that would have resulted in hours of debate. But weakness in the small 79-72 Democratic House majority apparently doomed the bill.

Jayson Negron of Bridgeport was shot and killed by police last month during an incident involving an alleged stolen car. State Rep. Chris Rosario, D-Bridgeport, chairman of the caucus, admitted he was torn by the incident. Negron was a nephew of his wifes.

Its a tragedy all the way around, Rosario said. The Negron family, theyre never going to get him back and the police officer, who had to make that split-second decision, he has to live with that for the rest of his life. The people that send us up here, they trust us to do the best job for them and this is an issue thats impacting the city of Bridgeport and many other communities across our state.

Rep. Bruce V. Morris, D-Norwalk, said that police have a tough job, but very few police departments took advantage of last years legislation offering body cameras to departments willing to use them. When you have transparency people can have some confidence that your police department will hold those accountable, Morris said.

All people regardless of race, gender or social standing should be treated with dignity, respect and appreciation, said Rep. Charlie Stallworth, D-Bridgeport, a minister. I look at some of my colleagues, maybe you believe this is not an issue in your neighborhood, in your community, and in your district, but it will be.

House Minority Leader Themis Klarides said there was clearly not enough Democratic support for the bill, so Aresimowicz and Ritter allowed the urban lawmakers some time to express their hopes to eventually approve the bill, which has been languishing on the House calendar for over two months.

Their members had just as much of an issue with it, Klarides told reporters, stressing that Aresimowicz had told her she hould could speak on the bill before it was passed temporarily and removed from debate. But ultimately, the bill was yanked before she could talk.

kdixon@ctpost.com; Twitter: @KenDixonCT

upon
AP Photo /Elise Amendola / AP

HARTFORD  Proponents of highway tolls are just one vote away from getting a bill through the House of Representatives.

But the legislation has drastically evolved over the last week and it would now become a study of the issue, with another vote in the General Assembly next year on implementation, according to Democratic majority leaders in the House.
A new undersea data cable being laid out by Microsoft, Facebook and Telefonica to improve connections between users in the US and Europe will reach the Spanish coast on June 12. The ship that is deploying the cable along the bottom of the Atlantic left the coast of Virginia on May 24, and is scheduled to stop in the French city of Calais on June 9 before reaching the Basque town of Sopelana, near Bilbao, three days later.

A ship property of TE Connectivity, which is laying out the MAREA cable.

The partnership that is in charge of the so-called MAREA project has had to secure licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US, and from the Environment Ministry in Spain. The operating license is for 25 years, said consortium sources.

The concession that was awarded to Telxius, a unit of Telefonica that will operate and manage the cable, concerns 27,861 square meters of public domain spread over land and sea. The telecoms infrastructure firm will pay the Spanish state a fee for occupying that space, at a rate of 1,239 per square meter and year, for a total of around 1million throughout the concession period.

The Basque municipality of Sopelana was designated as the best landing point for the cable on the European side

According to Microsoft, MAREA will be the highest-capacity subsea cable to ever cross the Atlantic  featuring eight fiber pairs and an initial estimated design capacity of 160Tbps [TeraBits Per Second]. That is 16 million times faster than a standard home internet connection.

The route runs south of other existing transatlantic cables, which typically land in the New York and New Jersey area, according to a blog post by Frank Rey, head of Global Network Acquisition at Microsoft Cloud Infrastructure and Operations. It will also be the first to connect the United States to southern Europe: from Virginia Beach, Virginia to Bilbao, Spain and then beyond to network hubs in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Following months of research and exploration, the Basque municipality of Sopelana, and more specifically Arritera beach, was designated as the best landing point for the MAREA cable on the European side.

The new cable will help cover growing customer demand for high-speed online and cloud computing. As the world continues to move toward a future based on cloud computing, Microsoft is committed to building out the unprecedented level of global infrastructure required to support ever faster and even more resilient connections to our cloud services, writes Rey. This marks an important new step in building the next generation infrastructure of the internet.

English version by Susana Urra.
Seemingly against all odds, LaCroix has become a flavored-water phenomenon. And late last week, it made the jump from Whole Foods to YouTube with LaCroix Boi, a new song and video from Los Angeles artist Big Dipper. (If you havent yet seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it now.) Grub enjoys unsweetened, flavored carbonated water as much as anyone, so we hopped on the phone with Big Dipper himself to get the lowdown on the song, the video, and that jacket made of cans.

All right, so why LaCroix? Where did the idea come from?

Well, the actual story is, do you know the artist Big Baby D.R.A.M.?

Yeah.

Okay. So on his album, he has this amazing song with Erykah Badu called WiFi. When I first heard it, I asked myself, Why is this song so amazing? Musically, its beautiful; I love both of those artists. Then I was like, This is fucking funny because the lyrics are something like, I hope you paid your bills, can I get your password, I want to show you something on my phone. Which is so mundane and stupid, but something we actually do. I was talking about that with my music producer, and I was saying we should make an interlude like that on my album where I sing. As you can tell from the amount of Auto-Tune of the track, I cannot sing, but I thought it would be great to do this funny interlude, and I was drinking a LaCroix at the time, so I was like, We should do that.

When did you decide to make the video?

After writing the song, I was like, Lets see what else is out there about LaCroix. There are people making pins on Etsy; here are sketches; there are tons of Instagram accounts; theres a clothing line in New York called LaCroixs Over Boys. Its such a cultural thing. I was like, Well, the song is hilarious. It came out of this really organic idea, and lets fucking do a whole video to add to this swirling of LaCroix ideas.

What has the reaction been like so far?

A lot of comments on YouTube are like, Wow, sponsorship! And Im like, Oh, me? Im in credit-card debt. I funded it all myself. And everyone worked for free. We got stuff donated. But part of me feels like its a compliment, because if you think it looks good enough to be produced by a company, then great! But the flip side of that is, no, girl, Im just out here acting stupid on an idea that I went balls to the wall for.

So is this really about making fun of seltzer obsession?

I mean, yes. But also, find a day when I dont have some in my fridge. I drink the stuff like  its water. Thats a funny joke. I truly love it, but also yes: Its been around forever, so why is it hip now? Why do you pay more money for this water? Its all so silly, but Im also obsessed.

Youre part of it now.

Oh, yeah. Completely. I just want to refer you to the moment when Im riding a hoverboard, covered in a jacket that is made out of LaCroix cans. Who could do that seriously?

You also point to the fact that it was this uncool, 90s thing, and talk about your mom drinking it.

Its weird because its millennial, but then also my mom, who is in her early 60s, used to drink pure, clear, unflavored bubbly LaCroix when I was growing up. I didnt understand it. I was like, Theres no sugar; theres no flavor; this is so stupid. But those Midwesterners drink LaCroix like its just regular water, you know.

Whats your go-to flavor?

It is literally rotating constantly. Mango is amazing. I really like passion fruit, too. Peach-pear is a supergood one. I also like cerise, but I also like lime. Im not a fan of coconut.

Thats it?

Ill just be bold: Orange is sort of weak.

Why?

Coconut, I just dont like coconut flavor. And orange is not unique enough. Peach-pear is such a specific flavor, and specific to their brand; it makes sense. And I dont think I like apricot either, but I think its just because I dont like that flavor.

I made the choice to be the pamplemousse flavor in the video because of the way I wrote the song. But I wouldve chosen a different flavor if it were purely based on what I drink.

So youre not the biggest pamplemousse fan?

I like it. I have a fridge full of it right now. Its the kind of thing where you want to root for the underdog. Well, everybody fucking loves pamplemousse, and, yeah, its good, but  its also the only one in French.

Yeah, thats part of whats funny about their branding.

Yeah, and that it comes from the St. Croix River in Wisconsin, but then they put a La in front of it so everyone thinks its French. Theres, like, people  I play people the song. I was playing it for my family when I saw them in December, and its some of the only music of mine my parents will listen to. None of my other music is clean; its really raunchy.

So I was playing it for them in December, and I was drinking it, like whatever, and people were like, Yeah, cool, um, you made a whole song, but youre saying the name wrong. Its [in fake French accent] LaCroix. Im like, No, its nooot. But apparently theres a school of thought around both, and the brand enjoys the controversy. Were like surrounding my phone, listening to me sing this crazy song full of Auto-Tune, and theyre like, But youre saying it wrong!

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
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The Android-powered Nokia 3, 5 and 6 smartphones will arrive in the company's home country of Finland tomorrow (June 6), according to a new report. Pricing information, however, is currently not known.

The report notes that some other markets will also be getting these handsets this week, including the Philippines (June 8) and Vietnam (June 10). Nokia has already sent out invites for a June 13 event in India, where it is expected to make the phones official.

All three devices run Android Nougat out of the box, and the company has recently confirmed that they will get the Android O update.

Via
In yet another blow for Venezuela and its embattled President Nicolas Maduro, two major US firms have decided in recent days to cease operating in the country. Both General Motors (GM) and United Airlines have announced they will be pulling out of Venezuela, and while the two companies cite different reasons for doing so, their decision to end operations in the South American country is linked to both its ongoing political and economic crisis and to government policies unfavorable to foreign investors.

An anti-government protest in Caracas, Venezuela. MIGUEL GUTIERREZ (EFE)

More information General Motors y United Airlines abandonan Venezuela

GM announced on Friday it would be leaving Venezuela after 69 years in the country while United Airlines on Saturday pulled the plug on daily flights to the country.

The drastic and definitive decision by GM comes after Venezuelas Supreme Court in April embargoed assets at its assembly plant in the country in response to a lawsuit lodged by the car maker in 2000. A total of 2,678 workers will lose their jobs with 79 branches around the country shutting their doors.

GM says it has remained willing to talk with Venezuelan authorities without receiving a positive response. For its part, the Venezuelan government has said on numerous occasions that it does not intend to seize GM assets, with Labor Minister Francisco Torrealba denying any link between its embargoing of the firms assets and the legal dispute between the two parties.

In 2006 GM produced 68,147 cars in Venezuela; last year it produced none

Figures from the Venezuelan car-makers association (Cavenez) reveal the dramatic decline in GM production in the country in the last decade. In 2006, the auto giant, then the market leader, produced 68,147 cars. In 2016, however, it did not produce a single vehicle. It is a trend that can be seen across the whole industry: 10 years ago 171,715 cars were made in Venezuela. Last year that figure was 2,849.

The steep decline of the auto industry can be explained in part by the collapse of foreign-currency controls originally put in place in Venezuela in early 2003. The countrys car makers called on the government to provide them with the currency needed to import the parts they needed. But faced with falling oil prices and needing to make urgent debt repayments, the government of Maduro decided to deprive private enterprises of the foreign currency they needed while also putting off the payment of debts to those multinational companies hoping to transfer their profits from the local bolivar currency to US dollars.

In the case of United Airlines, the carrier, like most of its foreign competitors operating in Venezuela, has stopped selling seats in the local currency. Now, however, United has gone a step further, announcing that as of July 1 it will stop its flights from Houston and Caracas. Companies including Alitalia, Lufthansa, and Latam, among others, have already made a similar move while Iberia and Air Europa have reduced the number of their flights to Venezuela.

The International Air Transport Association says the Venezuelan government owes its members $3.78 billion

In an email, United spokesperson Charles Hobart said the service, popular with oil industry executives, was being cut because financial expectations for the route were not being met.

The International Air Transport Association says the Venezuelan government owes its members $3.78 billion with carriers saying Maduros administration has failed to reimburse them in foreign currency for tickets sales carried out in bolivars.

English version by George Mills.




Haiti - Social : Condolences of the Minister of Culture





Limond Toussaint, the Minister of Culture bowed to the immense career of the emblematic figure of the Haitian folk dance, Viviane Gauthier who died Thursday June 1, near the celebration of her 100 years.



A pioneer of traditional dance in Haiti, Viviane Gauthier will leave her mark for a long time in the landscape of this discipline thanks notably to the many talents and pupils that she could carry in her passion "The whole cultural sector crossed the fingers and wished to see Viviane Centenary next year. We are all shocked. But her well-filled 99 years have provided this cultural expression that is folk dance, enough renewable energies for centenarians to come."



Minister Toussaint expressed deep sadness and great respect for the career and passion whsoe the deceased showed in regard to an art that was revealed a little to the middle of her life. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21111-haiti-flash-vivianne-gauthier-icon-of-the-dance-passed-away-at-99.html



In addition to her many distinctions, Viviane Gauthier was honored in 2015 by the Ministry of Culture for her contribution to the development of art in Haiti.



"The role played by Mrs. Gauthier in the development of traditional dance in Haiti will remain unforgettable. It is the whole country that pays homage today to the genius of an artist, to the remarkable qualities of a woman of Culture who, from her lifetime, had received the sacrament of history.



To her family, friends, alumni and all those who knew herthe Minister of Culture presents his most sincere condolences."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21111-haiti-flash-vivianne-gauthier-icon-of-the-dance-passed-away-at-99.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Security : PNH Galil assault rifle found in Jamaica





Inspector Dhalia Garrick of the Jamaican Police Communications Unit said that on Sunday night, around 2:00 am on the Peter's Road in Rockfort, following a shoot-out between the police and armed individuals, police recovered on site a Galil assault rifle Israeli-made caliber 5.56 mm, very similar to the M16 rifle.



After verification, it was found that this weapon was registered with the National Police of Haiti (PNH), which reinforced the concerns of the police officers of East Kingston regarding the trade of firearms between Haiti and the Jamaica.



SL/ HaitiLibre


















Spain continues to be in the cross-hairs of the jihadist threat, a form of global and multifaceted terrorism that, in Europe, has found a territory in which it can strike . But in Spain, a silent army of more than 3,000 officers from the security forces, spies, prosecutors, judges and analysts are working in the shadows in order to avoid another attack: the 2004 Atocha train bombings remain the deadliest of the 21st century so far in Europe .

Lahcen Ikasrrien, who was found guilty of sending combatants to Syria, is arrested in 2014. Alvaro Garcia

More information Search on for Spaniard missing after London terror attack

Currently, more than a thousand people are on the radar of the Spanish police, while 259 people are being investigated by the courts and 500 telephones are being tapped as part of dozens of investigations. Thats according to confidential information to which EL PAIS has had access. The mission is so complicated that in their reports to the government the anti-terrorist services all arrive to the same, worrying conclusion: a new attack is inevitable.

What is Spain doing to combat this threat? How can you fight an enemy that has no structure or organization? The train attacks on March 11, 2004 changed everything. Before that massacre  in which 192 people died when an Al Qaeda-inspired cell planted explosive devices on a series of commuter trains  no one believed that there was a credible jihadist threat, and just 140 officers  from the Civil Guard, National Police and National Intelligence Center (CNI)  were investigating cells from the so-called Armed Islamic Group (GIA) or the Salafist groups who were preaching and recruiting mujahideen to their ranks.

Anti-terrorist services all arrive to the same, worrying conclusion: a new attack is inevitable

Imad Eddin Barakat, known as Abu Dahdah, and one of the founders of Al Qaeda in Spain, would see off fighters from Madrids Barajas airport, sending them to join the jihad in Bosnia, Chechnya or Afghanistan. And he would welcome back the wounded, and send them off to be treated in state-funded hospitals in Spain. The Syrian-Spaniard was shepherding his flock with total immunity. No one foresaw that those bearded fighters who came back from combat zones had been trained in weapons and explosives, and could be a danger to our safety.

The lack of foresight of this threat ended the day that the bodies of 192 people were collected from the blown-out shells of the Atocha trains. Ever since then Spain has been at the forefront of this fight in Europe: more than 700 arrests, dozens of convictions and 120 prisoners puts the country at the top of all of the statistics. In the last 13 years there have been no attacks, and many have been foiled  the majority during the planning stage, rather than execution.

Understanding the enemy is the main task faced by the CNI. Hundreds of agents spend their time combing the social networks, investigating the smaller mosques, recruiting informers and analyzing so-called Islamic State (ISIS), Al Qaeda and their acolytes. The secret service will not give figures on the resources it counts on, but Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria has just announced that 600 new officers will be recruited up to 2020 to combat jihadism alone. The Counter-Terrorism Division is the fastest growing of its kind, and its allocation from the special reserved funds budget is also the biggest.

More than 700 arrests, dozens of convictions and 120 prisoners put Spain at the top of all of the statistics

The recent attacks in other countries reveal just how hard the challenge is. The British secret services, MI5 and MI6, had been warned five times about Salman Abedi, who blew himself up at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena two weeks ago. We receive such a large amount of warnings that its impossible to attend to all of them, a police chief admitted. In the Spanish exclave city of Melilla, for example, in North Africa, there are hundreds of targets. Between people from Morocco and Melilla, including targets and associates, we have 400 people on the radar, although thats not to say that they are all potential terrorists, explains one Civil Guard officer. We invest a lot on intelligence.

One of the blown out trains at the Atocha bombing in 2004. Peter Dejong (AP)

In the 12 square kilometers covered by the city there are five different services working: the CNI, the National Police, the Civil Guard, the Moroccan General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DST) and Israels Mossad.

In Spains other exclave city, Ceuta, there are 600 people of interest, many of whom come and go at the border at Tarajal. It was from this city that the first of Spains suicide bombers traveled to Iraq and Syria, youngsters such as Rachid Wahbi, 33, who created a breeding ground that attracted others. They take a lot of security measures and when they cross the border we lose track of them, confesses one officer.

Madrid, Barcelona, Ceuta and Melilla are considered to be the most dangerous cities in Spain

Madrid, Barcelona, Ceuta and Melilla are considered to be the most dangerous cities in Spain, given that a total of 150 combatants who have traveled to Syria live there. But one police chief plays down the risk of an attack in the North African exclaves. They are small cities, well controlled, and Muslims could die, he explains. Intelligence reports warn, however, of possible targets in busy areas in Madrid and Barcelona. Summer concerts are of particular concern.

So why has Spain not seen any attacks in the last 13 years? Preventive arrests have a lot to do with it, explains one police chief. The Muslim community and the level of radicalization are not the same, xenophobia has not taken hold, and the risk is proportionate to the number of combatants who have traveled to Syria or Iraq. In our case there are very few.

Its a combination of factors, says an analyst from the anti-terrorist fight. Here we dont have ghettos as they do in France. The integration of the Muslim population is greater, and there is an incipient second generation. The radicalization is not so great. If there were 100% integration, the phenomenon would not exist.

All the sources consulted agree that collaboration with Morocco is one of the keys to avoiding a terrorist atrocity. Its a comfortable and noble companion on this journey, says one police official who works side by side with the DST. They have given us everything. Sources from the Civil Guard in Ceuta and Melilla are not so positive, however. Whenever the DST communicates something you have to wonder why it is doing so at this time, and what is going on in Morocco, or what they are interested in. Its hard to know what the interests of the DST are.

All the sources consulted agree that collaboration with Morocco is one of the keys to avoiding a terrorist atrocity

Dolores Delgado, the public prosecutors coordinator of terrorism cases at Spains High Court, admits that Spain is at risk of a new attack, but argues that the country is one of the best at working with information, as well as having established the best methodologies. We dont leave a single fact without investigation, she says. We could miss something, of course, but were always very clear what we are looking for. I believe we are at the forefront. We have overtaken the European directives and we maintain a balance between freedom and security.

Spains Muslim community, meanwhile, praises the actions of the police, but is calling for more measures. The police are doing things well, with recruitment slowing down, says Laarbi Mateis, the secretary of the Islamic Commission in Ceuta. But all of the efforts are related to security and not to education. We need social measures.

The 11-M attacks showed Spains weakness, and the country continues to be a target  not least due to the constant stream of arrests. The defeat of ISIS in Syria and Iraq is making the monster even more dangerous. The terrorists need to show that they are there and Europe is the scenario they have chosen in which to do so.

English version by Simon Hunter.
Foreign Minister of Armenia to participate in the Fifth Paris Peace Forum

Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights

Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh

Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom

Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

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There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
An anaesthetist who was dismissed for being intoxicated on the job has been cleared to return to work.



Dr Michal Petr left the operating theatre when his patient was still unconscious and without transferring the job to another co-worker at Wollongong Hospital in May 2016.



The 49-year-old was later discovered intoxicated in a locked hospital room after he consumed six to eight drinks.



Dr Petrs position as a visiting medical officer at Wollongong Hospital was terminated, but he lodged a protest under a legal provision that gives practitioners the right of appeal to the minister.



The committee of review found Dr Petr should be re-employed as an anaesthetist - with the condition of a daily breath test  and that he is unlikely to relapse, according to Fairfax Media.



Dr Petr's appeal to return to work was supported by many of his anaesthesia co-workers and his personal psychiatrist who argued that he had changed his ways.



He has now been able to find a job at Shellharbour Private Hospital in the pre-admissions clinic.



Five years prior to this incident, Dr Petr was caught driving to work with a blood alcohol level more than three times over the legal limit.



Conditions imposed at the time to return to work included that he not consume alcohol at all, and that he undergo urine testing for alcohol twice a week.



However, he started drinking again in January 2016 leading to the May 20 incident which prompted the medical council to impose more stringent conditions on his licence.



NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said he did not share the committee's conclusion Dr Petr had changed.



"As the Minister for Health, my primary concern is about ensuring that patients are kept safe," Hazzard said.



"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."



The only way to overturn the committee's decision is through the Supreme Court, however this is not under consideration.



A statement issued by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District chief executive Margot Mains said: Before he resumes any duties as a VMO, the district would need to be satisfied that Dr Petr will meet the conditions required of him to practice, and any other additional conditions the district may apply following a full clinical risk assessment.



Related stories:



Employer bans workers from drinking during the day



Employees on drugs stood down without pay



Is it time to review your drug & alcohol policy?
Long Play revealed late last week that the more than a hundred screenshots it has obtained of the discussions indicate that police officers are widely slandering people of different ethnic, national and religious backgrounds.

A number of police officers have made racist comments in a secret discussion group on Facebook, reports Long Play, an independent publisher of long-form journalism.

Examples of such racism include ridiculing the asylum seeker who attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself from a tree at Helsinki Railway Square in March.

The discussion group is also used to share articles and other contents about immigration produced by organisations known for disseminating spurious reports and outright propaganda, such as MV-Lehti, Suomen Sisu and Britain First. The Facebook group has more than 2,800 members, according to Long Play.

Finland does not tolerate racism by police officers under any circumstances, Paula Risikko (NCP), the Minister of the Interior, emphasised to STT on Friday.

She also promised that an inquest into the allegations will be launched.

The National Police Board, in turn, issued a press release indicating that it is aware of the discussion group where the racist comments have allegedly been made. Everyone writing to the page is personally responsible for what they publish. Regardless of its name, the group may also include members who are not police officers, a police spokesperson reminds in the press release.

The National Police Board says it has also urged the chiefs of various police divisions to address any possible wrongdoings on social media.

The police have a zero tolerance in regards to racism and the reported wrongdoings will be addressed. Also police officers have the right to freedom of speech, but it is limited under the legislation. The Police Act obliges police officers to conduct themselves in a way that does not jeopardise public trust in the police also in their free time, the press release reads.

Appropriate conduct is one of the cornerstones of policing. All members of the police organisation are for their part responsible for ensuring they do not act or encourage others to act in a discriminatory or disparaging way.

CORRECTION: Corrected the name of Helsinki Railway Square.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Roni Rekomaa  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
A WATCH manufacturer is hoping to expand after moving to Lower Shiplake.

The Marloe Watch Company was set up almost 18 months ago by former marketing consultant Oliver Goffe, of Greys Road, Henley, and watch designer Gordon Fraser.

The pair, who met via an online watch forum, launched the business with the help of Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform.

It was based at Mr Goffes then home in Bourne End before moving to a business park in High Wycombe.

Now, after rapid growth in sales, it has moved to new premises in Bolney Road on the Culden Faw Estate, which belongs to Swiss billionaire financier Urs Schwarzenbach.

Mr Goffe, 36, said he became interested in watches as a teenager when his father Shaun owned several hand-wound mechanical Smiths Astral pieces.

The business idea came years later after he bought a $200 quartz watch in America while visiting his brother.

Mr Goffe said: A couple of years later the battery died so I thought Id replace it myself. I took the back off the watch and it was just a hollow piece of metal with a horrible little plastic movement inside.

I was a little bit naive to think there was more in there, like cogs. I thought I could do something more honest  something of a similar price but with which you were getting so much more for your money.

If you hold one of our watches up to your ear you hear the whirring of the mechanical parts.

It was while living in Sweden between 2013 and 2016 that he started looking into the possibility of making a watch.

Slowly but surely I built up my knowledge, said Mr Goffe.

I pitched my ideas to Gordon, saying that I wanted to start a very traditional watch brand with hand-wound watches and our relationship grew from there. On my return to the UK we didnt have the money to fund the project ourselves so we used our own money to make a prototype and do the promotion. I think we sold 1,000 watches on Kickstarter and that allowed us to expand.

The company made a small profit in its first year which was reinvested in the business.

Mr Fraser, 31, is the companys product designer and works remotely from his home in Fife.

The company makes three different watches with watch heads made in the Far East and straps in Germany which are assembled in Shiplake and put through quality control.

The Marloe watches cost between 250 and 450 each and the business sells up to 50 a month. Mr Goffe said: We have tended to describe them as a contemporary take on a traditional, classic watch. The companys new base has offices, storage space and a small assembly line that will allow it to expand.

Mr Goffe said: There were several reasons for the move to Shiplake. The biggest and my wife Melissa and I moved to Henley so we wanted an office close to home.

We also wanted a place that would reflect the brand so we didnt want to be on a big industrial estate. We wanted somewhere rural and quiet where clients could come and look at our watches.

We want to look like a professional business and you cant do that from a small room in High Wycombe.

What the move has allowed us to do is to grow the business. Its going really well for us and were now looking at making a Swiss watch.

In a year or two from now we have plans to start assembling almost the entire watch head in the UK.

Were a local company that is trying to grow and hopefully, as we do, we will employ local people.

Mr Goffe wears Marloes Derwent model as he believes it suits his wrist best.

His wife wears a special watch she designed herself and is based on a sundial she saw in the Lake District. She made a sketch of it from which Mr Fraser made the watch.
REPRESENTATIVES from Borama in Somalia visited Henley ahead of a planned celebration of the link between the two places.

The event to mark Henleys friendship link with Borama will be held in Mill Meadows on Saturday, July 15 from 1pm. There will be singing and dancing near the bandstand.

Scores of people from across the UK are expected to attend, many of them in traditional costumes.

On Monday last week, a delegation of representatives of Borama, who now live in the UK, met Mayor Kellie Hinton at the town hall.

Also attending was town councillor Jane Smewing and Brigadier Malcolm Page, of Ancastle Green, Henley, who founded the Henley Borama Friendship Association in 1983.

They discussed the twinning of the two places and plans for the celebration day.

Brig Page founded the link after visiting Borama in 1982 and early efforts included fund-raising to renovate a power plant in the city.

The two places lost contact during the outset of the Somali Civil War in the Eighties but resumed the relationship in 1992.

For the last three years Henley has held an event to celebrate the twinning. More than 100 residents of Borama attended last years event.

Cllr Hinton said: This year we want to make a real song and dance about it and get lots of people from Henley and the surrounding areas to come.

We are the only town in the UK to be linked with an African city, its usually places in France and Germany, which we have too! Fathi Mikador, a member of the friendship association, said: Its a privilege to be linked with Henley, it is well publicised in the media and on national TV in Somalia.

It raises awareness and helps with cultural exchange and tourism.
THE managing director of Higgs Group, publisher of the Henley Standard, has stepped down after 22 years.

Neil Ratcliffe will remain with the company as deputy chairman and chief executive.

He is succeeded by commercial director Nigel White.

Mr Ratcliffe, who lives in Shiplake, joined Higgs in 1995 and helped expand the companys printing operation as well as overseeing the purchase of similar businesses in Wallingford and West London.

He said: I count myself very lucky to have joined Higgs. This is a great company employing mainly local people, many of whom have worked with us for decades.

In that time we have had our ups and downs but I am pleased that throughout the company has enjoyed continued success.

The printing industry has seen many changes and it is our continual investment in the latest technology which enables us to thrive while others have not fared so well.

I am very proud to have been at the helm of the Henley Standard, which I believe is a great local newspaper.

Over the years I have been approached on several occasions by business leaders in neighbouring towns and asked if we could produce a version of the Henley Standard for them, which is quite an accolade.

I am also proud that henleystandard.co.uk is the most successful news website in the area.

Mr White joined Higgs in 2013 and moved with his family from Widnes to Sonning Common.

Mr Ratcliffe said: I am looking forward to handing over day-to-day responsibility to Nigel.

I know that he will look after the company and its customers with the same caring ethos and that under his guidance the successful culture will continue.

This will enable me to seek out further acquisition opportunities and therefore support Nigel in the pursuit of continued long-term growth of the company.

Joint chairmen Stephen Luker and Julie Smith said: The board of directors and shareholders would like to congratulate Nigel on his appointment as managing director and wish him every success for the future.

The board would also like to express their gratitude to Neil for managing the company consistently successfully for so many years and wish him well in his new role.
Catholicos of All Armenians Sends Condolences to UK Prime Minister

On June 5, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; sent a letter of condolence to Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom for the recent terrorist attack in London, which killed innocent people and injured dozens of civilians. On behalf of the Armenian Church and her faithful, His Holiness conveyed sympathy and support to the Prime Minister and citizens of the United Kingdom. Terrorism is against Gods will. There is no religion, doctrine, or system of values which justifies hatred, hostility or violence towards others, or encourages the cessation of a human life. We strongly condemn the incident and are hopeful that the civilized world, in the face of this horrible event, will join efforts to restore peace and a secure life, the letter stated in part. The Catholicos of All Armenians offered his prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to the families of the victims and people of Great Britain. His Holiness prayed for Gods support and protection of the authorities of the UK, to overcome the tragedy and provide a creative and peaceful life for her faithful citizens. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for terror attack on London. U.S. President Donald Trump posted in Twitter, United States is ready to show any support to London. Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and President of France Emmanuel Macron have also expressed support in the issue of fight against terrorism.
Floral tributes at the scene of the attacks. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

A 31-year-old Australian waitress was slashed across the throat as she enjoyed a drink after a long day at work.

Candice Hedge is one of 48 people recovering in hospitals across London after her throat was cut as she relaxed in one of Borough Market's many bars.

Another victim, 32-year-old New Zealander Oliver Dowling, is in a coma after being stabbed in the face.

His girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, was also injured. Her condition was unknown last night.

Resilience

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that one of the people killed in Saturday night's terror attack was a Canadian.

Expand Close Waitress Candice Hedge from Australia / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Waitress Candice Hedge from Australia

"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.

"Londoners and people across the UK 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."

Four French people and one Spanish resident are among the injured, the countries' foreign ministries said.

Miss Hedge, who has lived in London for a year, had just finished her shift at Elliot's cafe in Borough Market and was having a drink at a nearby bar when she was attacked.

She was sitting with her back to her attacker when he grabbed her head and slashed her throat, inflicting superficial wounds.

She posted to 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."

The mother of stab victim Daniel O'Neill (23) told reporters outside King's 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'."

He then stabbed Mr O'Neill in the side.

"The man ran away and Daniel headed back into the pub," said his mother. "There was shots fired, everybody was told to lie down.

"At this stage Daniel's friend put a tourniquet on him and was holding pressure there and he was brought downstairs. Then the police were there and took him 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.

Filmed

"They are callous, they are barbaric and they are absolute cowards."

Mr Dowling's family revealed on Facebook that he is expected to recover from stab wounds to his, face, neck and stomach.

"Doctors are happy with how he's come out the other side," they wrote.

"A massive thank you to the University of London Hospital for their tireless efforts in helping my brother."

Scotland Yard has confirmed that an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was among those injured, while a British Transport Police officer was stabbed in the face.

Another person stabbed was journalist Geoff Ho, who was filmed clutching his neck where there appeared to be a knife wound.

A chilling tweet showed he was trying to break up what he thought was no more than a Saturday night punch-up.

The bloody aftermath of the 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.

A police officer shouts at dozens of others hiding under tables to get upstairs and away from the carnage.

The footage was captured only metres from where the three terrorist attackers were shot dead by police.
The victim suffered a fractured eye socket and had to have a brain scan

An American student needed three metal plates inserted into his face after being subjected to a vicious attack in Dublin city centre.

The assault happened in the early hours outside the Net Print cafe near the Ambassador Theatre as the man was returning to his apartment with his female roommate.

He confronted a man who was urinating on the front door of his property before he was attacked.

Broken

The assault took place at about 3.10am on Sunday, May 28, and resulted in the victim suffering a broken eye socket and severe bruising.

The student, who asked not to be named, told the Herald that three males were involved in the assault.

"I was returning from a night out with my roommate to our apartment," he said.

"When I got to the apartment, I saw a man urinating on my door.

"I went ahead and reacted by saying to the guy, 'This is my apartment, what are you doing?'

"He then punched me, and two people who were with him came up and attacked me as well. They began kicking me while I was on the floor - my face took most of the damage.

"Then they ran off. I had to have a brain scan and get surgery to insert metal plates.

"The gardai investigating the attack will hopefully the catch those responsible."
Leo Varadkar wants to set up a high-powered "Cobra-style" Cabinet committee to prepare for the risk of a terror attack in Ireland, within 50 days of his taking office as Taoiseach.

Mr Varadkar, who is set to become the leader of the country in the next week-and-a-half, joined other Irish politicians in condemning Saturday night's van and knife atrocity in London.

"Once again innocent people have been targeted in the most craven and horrific manner," he said.

Mr Varadkar indicated that he intends to set up a new government committee that would be modelled on Britain's Cobra group.

It was convened by prime minister Theresa May yesterday in the wake of the horror in London.

Its name comes from Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (Cobra) in the British government buildings in Whitehall.

It meets to deal with major crises, such as terrorism.

"Although Ireland is not at high risk of a terrorist attack, it is important to be prepared for every eventuality," a spokesman for Mr Varadkar said.

Threats

He added that the new committee will "allow greater ministerial involvement in preparing for and managing major security threats" as well as "more extensive cross-departmental co-operation".

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said there is no direct evidence of a threat to Ireland, but told RTE that "we're by no means immune".

"Our threat level is currently moderate," he said, adding that an attack here is considered "unlikely".

President Michael D Higgins offered the "sympathy and support" of the Irish people to the London victims and their families.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny branded the attack as "cowardly" and "sheer madness".

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said: "This was a callous attack on people who were simply enjoying life."

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said the current terrorist threat level for Britain is classified as "severe", meaning the chances of a future attack remain highly likely.
Giving birth to a child in Kapan is dangerous (video)

The man, who is fishing in Vachagan river of Kapan, wont do the same in Voghji river of the city, The river is full of concentrates. It causes radiation. Nothing is known about examination of consequences of Copper and molybdenum combine in Zangezur on the residents of Syunik region during the recent years. The experiment failed. Yet, the complaints of the people- no. Combine continues operating without clarifying the consequences on peoples health. Hrayr Khachatryan, representative of Law for the rule of law NGO, has no doubts that there is a need for examination. Ararat Harutyunyan, child doctor of Kapan medical center, has no information about child diseases caused by the pollution of environment, The issue of mine industry has become a topic for manipulations. There have always been mines in Kapan, Kajaran and Meghri. The number of children's oncological diseases has increased around the world. The child doctor will not link it to mines. But he cannot say as well that mines have good influence on the environment, You can see many talented children in Kapan, Kajaran and Meghri and we will not say that it is thanks to some radioactive effect, wont we? Environmentalist Davit Hakobyan doesnt consider the doctors irony appropriate. The mines will continue to be exploited and the consequences will be evident. The statistics speak for themselves, Recently I have looked through statistics that Armenia is on the second place with the cancer rates. Maybe that is the worst consequence of mine industry. Kapan is surrounded by tailing dams and the nature around them is fed by heavy metals and other harmful substances. Future mother Elya Arzumanyan says that it is very dangerous to give a birth to a child in Kapan; the environment is polluted, Both water, air and food. But there is no other option. Either the residents of Kapan should be transferred to another place, where the environment is clean, or the mine industry must be stopped, which is impossible. The future mother also doesnt share the doctors irony. But she is forgiving, all the people make mistakes. And it can be proved by the Jehovahs witnesses, whom you can meet in different streets of Kapan and who think that the topic of consequences of the mine industry isnt an appropriate topic for them.
BRISTOL, Tenn.  A group calling itself Volunteers with Shears is working to provide items for deployed military service members.

Comprised of people from the State of Franklin chapter of the National Daughters of the American Revolution, the Johnson City chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, South Holston Ruritan and Cold Spring Church in Bristol Tennessee, members are participating in a national project called Tree skirts for troops.

The National Daughters of the American Revolution gather Christmas tree skirts from all of its chapters across the nation and sends them to the Trees from Home Organization. That group sends packages with miniature Christmas trees to troops overseas so that service members can enjoy the spirit of the holiday while away from home. The tree skirts are included in the package to add an extra festive touch.

The volunteers use pinking shears to cut the tree skirts out of a variety of materials, donated by group members or others in the community.

We had a wonderful response, said Carol Redmond, who has headed up the effort. Redmond is a member of the State of Franklin chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution as well as South Holston Ruritan and Cold Spring Church.

Currently I have almost 700 tree skirts cut out and then there are several hundred with other groups and the chapter members, Redmond continued. It was a wonderful group effort.

Any fabric that features Christmas colors or holiday-type designs is used. Redmond estimates about 35 tree skirts can be produced from a yard of fabric. The group makes the tree skirt donations annually, and Redmond points out that the project is ongoing.

And they are still accepting fabric donations and assistance.

Clara Thomas, who attends Cold Spring Church, made about 40 tree skirts herself.

Theyre not hard to make at all, she said. Its a very easy project besides being worthwhile. Its one of the ways that we at home can serve.

Thomas, whose family has lived at their farm in Cold Spring for nine generations, explains that projects for the troops really hit home for her, as she has family members who either have served or are serving in each of the four branches of the U.S. military.

The tree skirt project is one of many in which this unified group of organizations participates. The combined group is also putting together packages for 23 female nurses in an undisclosed secure location.

Were really excited about doing this, Redmond said. There is nothing for them to leave the base to do. Some of them have been there for years; even when theyre off shift, there they are. This tugs at my heart strings because some of them are really young.

Redmond explains that many packages for troops overseas contain very generic items, but oftentimes not ones specific to women, so these collections will cater specifically to them. The packages will include magazines, nail polish, good-quality lotions, sunscreen, and even freezer pops and M&Ms  Redmond says M&Ms are the only kind of chocolate that can be shipped overseas.

The nurse project is ongoing and has no specific deadline so Redmond encourages anyone interested in donated to contact her about how they can help.

A third project the group is teaming up on is sending clothing items overseas to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, where active duty military troops in Europe and Africa are sent when they are severely injured.

When they get to Landstuhl, they come with only the clothes on their back, noted Redmond. Often their trunk never makes it.

Therefore, the DAR Project Patriot Committee organizes with the Landstuhl Chaplains Closet to send donations of clothing items for the service members. Last year there was a dire need for donated womens clothing, Redmond said.

Its not in the public psyche yet that there are women being brought off the battlefield, and they would come in and there would be no clothes, no underwear or anything, she explained.

Last years efforts helped fill that need, so now the organizations request unisex-sized sweat pants and tops to meet the needs of all the service members arriving at the center.

Linda King, who is a member of South Holston Ruritan and Cold Spring Church and has volunteered in these programs, has also had family members in all branches of the military and admits that the cause touches her on a personal level.

Watching the Memorial Day tribute they did in Washington D.C., it made me think more of the families, the wives and the children at home while their loved ones are serving, she conceded. Its gratifying to know that we can do something to help these people. They are away from home, and they have given their time.

For more information about how to participate in or donate to any of these projects, contact Carol Redmond at 423-646-2424.
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.
Judge issues ruling in dispute between Monroe County, Huffs

Lake Monroe property owners Joe and Nicole Huff violated the terms of an agreement they had reached with county officials, a judge has ruled.
This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/
Aditi Rao Hydari made a mark in Bollywood with films such as Yeh Saali Zindagi (2009), Guddu Rangeela (2015) and Wazir (2016). Reflecting upon the changing position of female actors in Bollywood, Aditi feels that the stature of women in the film industry is yet to undergo a change. However, female actors such as Richa Chadha, Taapsee Pannu, who dont hail from an industry background, are on the top of their game with successful films to their credit.

I would like to believe that it is changing, and it should be changing. I think the first change that has happened is the fact that there are so many girls from outside of the industry, who are joining films. So many of them are coming from different backgrounds and brining in their own strength, uniqueness, ideas about world, art and cinema, says Aditi, who will be seen in the film Bhoomi.

The 30-year-old actor feels that it is a great change to see women in the film industry becoming more vocal about what they want to be portrayed as on-screen and filmmakers are listening too.

It is because of us women in the [film] industry, that we want to bring about a change. We have that self respect and we want people to be with us together and not just objectify us. We want to be at the core of storytelling, at the core of an artistic vision. And because we believe in it and we want that, it will happen. That is what true empowerment is, for us to take decisions and have the courage to stand by them, feels Aditi.

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Bollywood star 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.

After reaching there, he posted a picture of the sunrise from Malta and wrote, There is far too much peace and quiet .. make some noise .. a dance beat thumbs it up across the creek at the other facility .. the thump quite familiar. I move in it rhythmically and rest.

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, he 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.

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Real-life brothers Salman Khan and Sohail play onscreen siblings in their upcoming film, Tubelight, and the two bhais believe their off-screen chemistry helped them add charm to their onscreen portrayal.

Salman and Sohail from the sets of Tubelight.

In a video shared by the makers of Kabir Khans Tubelight recently, Salman and Sohail talk about their experience during shooting of the film. Titled Bhai ka Bhai, the video shows Salman saying, There was no better choice than Sohail for this film because he is my brother. We understand each other. If there was an emotional scene, it was natural for us to display emotions. We were also very comfortable doing comic scenes.

Sohail reveals in the video that it was Salman who offered Tubelight to him. Salman Bhai mentioned Tubelight to me. They wanted someone who wouldnt just play the character of his brother but also felt the character. He is my younger brother in the film but he is also someone who adores his elder brother and protects him for certain reasons. There is no inhibition, no awkwardness between us. He doesnt need to say anything, I can understand things from his body language, he says.

Director Kabir adds, The moment you see them on screen, you dont have to spend time in establishing sibling bonding. You know, one shot and the audience is already convinced that these two are brothers. They are very close to each other. I would explain the context of the scene to them and the way they would act is very natural. Their body language around each other is very easy. When you see Salman and Sohail together, you feel that they love each other. Once you will see the film, you will get to know how good they look together.

Directed by Kabir Khan, Tubelight will also feature Chinese actor Zhu Zhu and late actor Om Puri. Tubelight is slated to release on June 23.

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The Delhi Police on Sunday tracked down a 900-year-old idol of Tibetan saint Pema Lingpa to the capitals Majnu Ka Tilla area and arrested a couple suspected of stealing the statue from Arunachal Pradesh less than a week ago.

The idol was found in the possession of a Tibetan couple -- Ngawang Tsundue and Lobsang Gakey Sherpa. The duo was planning to sell it for not less than Rs 1.4 crore in Majnu Ka Tilla, which has a large population of Tibetans, said Madhur Verma, DCP (Crime).

Tsundue is the former son-in-law of the Head Cheepa (Head Lama) of Sangyeling Gompa, a monastery in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Police said Tsundue planned the theft to defame the Cheepa against whom he held a grudge following his divorce.

The ancient idol, which holds high religious value among Tibetans is usually kept at the sprawling residence of the Cheepa and is taken to the monastery only on auspicious occasions.

Since Tsundue had spent considerable time at the Cheepas home in the past, he was aware of this fact. After his divorce from the Cheepas daughter a few months ago, Tsundue realised that stealing the idol would not only defame its custodian, but could also fetch him a lot of money, said Verma.

Tsundue and his live-in partner Sherpa planned to break into the house and steal the idol. They were aware that the Cheepa and his family would be visiting Kullu in the last week of May for a festival, leaving only an elderly woman at the house, said the officer.

The couple allegedly broke into the house on the night of May 31 and made away with two glass cases - one holding the idol and its attire - leaving Tawang facing a religious unrest. They brought the stolen idol to Delhi and were looking for prospective customers in Majnu Ka Tilla.

One of their prospective customers turned out to be a staunch devotee of the saint and he tipped off the police, leading to the arrests and the seizure.
RAMGARH (NAINITAL): Ashok Dhaila, 40, a resident of Dak Bangla village here, points to the lock at the front door of a house.

Once it used to hum with activity. This house now lies abandoned. My cousin, its owner, migrated years ago after selling his apple orchard, Dhaila says. Apple trees had stopped bearing fruit as winters turned warm. Wild animals would destroy other fruits, he sighs.

Dhaila says, just like his cousins family most other families grappling with livelihood crisis owing to the chronic failure of the fruit crops have migrated from his village.

Dak Bangla though is no exception.

Hundreds of hamlets dotting Uttarakhands scenic fruit belts of Ramgarh and Mukteshwar have emptied out. There is not a single village in the twin fruit belts where there are no abandoned houses, or, where residents dont have poignant tales of peasants committing suicide to tell.

They end their lives in desperation, rues Nain Singh Dangwal, 42, a social activist who also owns an orchard at the picturesque Sunkiya village just four kms drive from Mukteshwar. They are forced to take the extreme step after exhausting whatever money they had got after selling their orchards, he adds.

Cottages and resorts mushrooming in the twin fruit belts is another reason behind peasants selling their orchards. Also, this ugly concrete jungle has badly affected the micro climate leaving natural springs---the only lifeline of the locals -- drying up.

Hemant Singh Sanga, 39, an orchardist at Jamrani village in Ramgarh recalls that bad times for fruit growers began in the 1990s when apples ceased to grow as the warm winters replaced the chill required for their fruiting. Other varieties of fruit trees like peach, apricot, plum, cherry etc do bear fruits but they fetch hardly any income as armies of wild animals--monkeys, wild boars, bear , langurs, and deer destroy them, he says. Farmers tried to grow vegetables but they too were destroyed by wild animals.

As a result, like elsewhere, most of the families have also migrated from Jamrani. There are families where only elders are left. There is nobody to look after them. When one of them dies, hardly anyone is available to take their bodies for cremation, regrets Sanga.

Yet, people continue to migrate or are forced to eke out a living as daily wagers as horticulture that once used to fetch them really good returns is no longer lucrative. Had age been on our side, says Rakesh Dhaila, 47, a resident of Dak Bangla village, we too would have migrated with our families as we cant pay even our childrens school fee.

Shorn of green cover, Dak Bangla resembles the surroundings of Jhuthia, a nearby mountain village, which appears blotched and barren. Some 20 cottages owned by retired bureaucrats, politicians and other influential people from Delhi, Mumbai and elsewhere have come up here in the past several years, says Kailash Singh Mehra, 60, a local resident.

The period saw some 50 families leaving this place for good after selling their orchards.

Like Ramgarh, the once leafy Mukteshwar fruit belt, too, has now been replaced with resorts, hotels and cottages. The remaining orchards in the entire hill top areas here have also been sold. I think it is a matter of time before these orchards too would be replaced with a concrete jungle, says Dangwal.

Hargovind Singh Nayal, an orchardist at Letibunga, a village near Mukteshwar, says except for a few, hardly any of the locals benefited by the sale of orchards. They are the ones who earned huge commission by facilitating the sale of orchards to wealthy outsiders. Today, they lead a luxurious life while the life of the majority of those who sold their orchards is completely ruined, he adds.

Bhagwati Nayal, 25, a housewife from Letibunga says most men in her village have wasted the entire money the sale of orchards fetched, in drinking. They are now left without work and loiter around drunk. Many men from our village have died due to drunken brawls, she says. Driven to desperation, women in Letibunga recently launched a campaign against the liquor shops that have mushroomed in Mukteshwar.

Jagat Singh Harnwal, 66, a horticulturist at Bohrakot village in Ramgarh says the wealthy outsiders purchased orchard after orchard in the Ramgarh and Mukteshwar valleys drawn by their scenic charm that matched that of Kashmir. They were mostly high profile politicians, retired bureaucrats, journalists and other professionals from Delhi and elsewhere, he recalls. Besides, big business houses like the Tatas, Birlas, the Singhanias and the Scindias also colonised the swathes of terraced lands once covered with leafy orchards.

Later, most of them had their cottages and resorts built in those orchards, says Harnwal.

According to Dangwal, most resorts dotting the fruit belts were originally built by their owners for residential purpose. Later, they started minting money using these cottages as resorts either illegally or in connivance with officials and politicians taking advantage of the weak land laws, he says, referring to the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition & Land Reforms Act (UPZALRA), which stands enforced in Uttarakhand after it was carved out of UP in 2000.

Shamsher Singh Bisht, a veteran social activist, says the politician-bureaucrat-builder mafia kept those laws deliberately weak to pave the way for the indiscriminate sale of land from which they all benefited. He points out that barring Uttarakhand, in all other Himalayan states including neighbouring Himachal, land laws are tough and, therefore, the farmland owned by the poor remains well protected.

Vandana Singh, joint magistrate, Nainital, insists that the land laws (UPZALRA) strictly prohibit conversion of land purchased by outsiders for residential purpose, for any other use. She, however, agrees that the law is being misused, thanks to the negligence on the part of officials. The official also agrees that the issue is serious and merits a thorough probe as one official cant undo the wrong committed by others over the years. Official records suggest that some 71,000 hectares of agricultural land in the state has been converted for nonfarm purposes since its formation 17 years ago. The real figures would be even higher, which is worrisome as farmland in this mountain state is not even 12%, which continues to decrease, thanks to the hills witnessing the fast paced urbanisation, says Bisht.

The massive sale of orchards did bring in cash for the farmers but it also spelt an acute socio, economic and environmental crisis. Only a few poor farmers could make use of the sudden inflow of cash by investing it somewhere or in setting up business. The majority (60%) of them splurged it on boozing, or, in providing expensive dowries like motor cycles or swank cars to their daughters in marriage, says Dangwal.

According to him, many who turned broke committed suicide. There were about 35 cases of untimely deaths reported from the Ramgarh area alone in the four years since 2010, he says. Except for four or five, the rest were obvious cases of suicide.

Dr Subrat Sharma, Head, Climate Change at Pt G B Pant Himalayan Environment and Development Institute, Almora, agrees that warming of winters resulted in a sharp drop in the apple crop. Warming of winters together with heat radiated by cottages and resorts also badly affected the hills micro climate resulting in natural springs drying up, he opines, he says.

Yet, whatever little water is left in natural springs is supplied to cottages and resorts by Jal Sansthan as those owning them are influential people, regrets Devendra Lal Shah of Jhuthia.

Adds Rama Nayal, a housewife at Letibunga: During the day, the womenfolk work on fields. In the night we stand around the public tap, which mostly remains dry as the entire water is supplied to nearby 50 cottages owned by the wealthy outsiders.

S K Pandey, General Manager, Jal Sansthan, Kumaon region, denies that farmers are discriminated against in distribution of water. He admits that those who are resourceful do extract water from natural springs. We cant stop them unless water rights are clearly defined, says Pandey. In that connection, a water policy is currently being formulated.

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Two days after a suspected Chinese helicopter violated Indian airspace in Uttarakhands Chamoli, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat discussed the sensitive issue at length with senior army and airforce officers here on Monday.

He said it was not clear whether the helicopter that violated Indian airspace over Barahoti was a Chinese copter. We have no authentic information about that. However, (airspace violation) being an issue concerning the International Boundary, it is beyond our purview and the Centre alone will consider it, he told Hindustan Times.

Rawat downplayed his meeting with top army and airforce officials, saying it had got nothing to do with air space violation. It was called to discuss ways and means to step up development to check forced migration from the border districts, he said about the closed-door meeting which was also attended by chief secretary S Ramaswamy, two additional chief secretaries and the commissioners of Garhwal and Kumaon.

Beijing has defended PLA helicopters hovering over Barahoti region, saying India and China have a territorial dispute in the eastern section of their boundary and the Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas. We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to maintain tranquillity and peace in the border areas, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media.

In New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India would raise the airspace violation with China.

Sources in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) said vigilance and security has been stepped up on the Sino-Indian border. According to police authorities, the Chinese helicopter violated Indian airspace at 9:14am on Saturday. We cant say for sure that it was a Chinese helicopter but it flew into Indian airspace from the side of Tibet, Chamoli superintendent of police Tripti Bhatt told Hindustan Times. She said the helicopter hovered over Barahoti for about four minutes before it flew back.

Sources in ITBP said all top army and airforce authorities were immediately informed after the Chinese helicopter was noticed over Chamoli. Besides informing our superiors, we immediately stepped up vigilance and security on this side of the Sino-India border, an ITBP official said.

Incidentally, ITBP sought to downplay the episode. Such airspace violations are not a matter of concern as they happen as a normal course, especially in summer, when they (the Chinese) deploy their troops on their side of the international border, said a senior ITBP official. In fact, such violations also happen from our side in winters when we fly helicopters along the international border to keep a vigil on our border outposts.

The ITBP official said the Sino-Indian border touching Uttarakhand is known as a white zone. That means its a border area free of skirmishes between the troops from both sides. The official downplayed former chief minister Vijay Bahugunas statement that the Chinese troops intruded into Barahoti area 35 times during his almost two-year tenure. Such intrusions mostly happened in 2013 because China became suspicious about air sorties carried out to supply succour for people hit by the cataclysmic floods.

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It started with a curious discovery of several Allen keys in a passengers hand bag and ended with the seizure of $60,000 hidden in power banks, mobile chargers and biscuit packets at the Delhi airport on Saturday.

Allen keys are simple tools used to open bolts and screws, but what got the attention of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the Delhi airport was that scores of these keys were hidden inside the handbag of a passenger. It led them to the passengers associate who was carrying $60,000 and had reached the boarding gate. Officials later revealed that the keys, hidden in power banks and baggage handle, were meant to open the cases in which the smuggled currency had been concealed.

The passenger, who was travelling to Bangkok, was detained on Saturday evening. He had concealed a few Allen keys that were sewn to his hand baggage. Further checking lead to recovery of some more Allen keys concealed in the zip of trousers, said a CISF official.

Since passenger did not reveal much during questioning, the officials checked the CCTV footage to track his movement at the airport. In the footage, he was seen interacting with another passenger travelling in the same flight. The security agencies swung into action and the second passenger, who had sneaked in unnoticed, was brought back from the boarding gate and questioned.

Both the passengers confessed that they were carrying foreign currency in US dollars, which was concealed in hand and registered baggage of the second passenger. The Allen keys were to be used for opening of the concealment later. They were handed over to the Customs, said the CISF official.

Cash seizures at the Delhi airport have jumped over the last two months. Over Rs 4 crore has been seized at the airport in this period. There had been a lull in cash seizures since the demonetisation drive in November last year. Customs officials suspect that the seized cash is hawala money and have stepped up security and screening at the airport.

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Over the last two months foreign currency worth Rs 4 crore has been seized at the Delhi airport. The cash seizures had remained at zero for many months after the demonetisation on November 8. Custom officials said they have increased security again at the departure terminal seeing the spike in currency smuggling.

A senior customs officer said that till April there had been no cases of cash smuggling following demonetization. Last cash seizure, of Rs 2.77 crores, was made on October 23, 2016.

There have been at least four cases of cash seizures since April. Customs officers said they suspect that the seized money was part of hawala transactions.

The interrogation of arrested passengers has revealed that the seized money is part of hawala channels. It is converted from Indian to foreign currency here. The agents are using carriers to smuggle money to the Gulf and Thailand. We have now increased vigil at the departure hall, the official added.

Airport officials said that they have started collecting data of passengers departing from Delhi airport. We feed the passenger data into the software and based on various parameters, including frequency of travel and days spent, it gives us a list of suspicious travellers. We used to do this for the arriving passengers to check smuggling. The data will be now analysed for the departing passengers also, a customs official said.

Customs also has a dog squad to help the staff nab those carrying large amounts of cash.

On June 3, two passengers were caught with $60,000 hidden in power banks, mobile chargers and biscuit packets.

A few days before that, Customs made the biggest catch of recent time by seizing Rs 2.52 crore worth foreign currency from an Afghan national. According to Customs, the passenger, who was going to Mumbai, was intercepted at the departure hall.

He was carrying $2,15,000 and 7,00,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to Rs 2.52 crore. The currency was concealed in a piece of corrugated box, wrapped in a newspaper and kept inside his handbag. Some of the currency was also concealed in the false cavity at the bottom of the bag, a Customs official said.

Investigation revealed that the passenger had to handover the bag to another passenger, who was going to Dubai by Air India flight AI995.

On May 23, a passenger was caught with Euro and Dirham worth Rs 40 lakh concealed in his rectum.

On April 28, Customs and CISF had intercepted one international passenger who was travelling to Bangkok. Euro 18,545 and Pound Sterling 24,550 worth Rs 32 lakh were recovered from him.

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The Delhi Police have unearthed a website which was issuing fake Indian visa.

So far, five foreigners have been deported from Delhi airport within a month who were issued visa from the website. In almost all cases, the victim had paid around 200 US dollars on the website for Indian visa.

The first case was reported on April 21, when three US citizens arrived from the UAE. They had e-visas. The scrutiny of their travel papers by immigration officials showed that the visa issued to them was actually issued to in the name of some other passengers.

The ministry of home affairs runs Indianvisaonline.gov.in to provide online visa to the foreigners. The operators of the website chose a similar name, Indiavisa.org.in, to dupe those seeking e-visa for India.

In the second case, on May 7, a Mexican citizen was deported from Delhi airport, when the immigration official noticed that the visa issued to him was fabricated. Investigation revealed that he had applied for e-visa on a fake portal.

On May 7, the Mexican national arrived at Delhi airport by Air France flight AF 226. He approached the e-visa counter for immigration clearance but when officials checked his visa details in their records, the visa was found to be issued to another Mexican passenger, said a senior police officer.

The third incident took place on May 23, when a US woman citizen, who had paid 213 dollars for the e-visa, was deported for having the same fake visa clearance.

In all the cases, it was established the duped passengers had applied for visa on Indiavisa.org.in and received an email that they can arrive in India, said a senior police officer.

As per the rule, for e-visa, foreigners have to apply at Indianvisaonline.gov.in and after verification, an Electronic Travel Approval (ETA) is sent to the applicant. After arriving at the airport, the immigration official verifies the ETA and issues visa to the applicant.

Technical details have been sought to identify the user ID and user details of the alleged portal and also the bank details of the beneficiary account. Also, interlinks are being developed in the three cases, DCP (airport) Sanjay Bhatia said.

Sources said the police will approach the ministry of external affairs and the ministry of home affairs to get the website blocked and obtain the IP address to initiate action.

Investigators said that most likely, the website is being operated from outside India.

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The security agencies of New Delhi went into a tizzy on Friday night after a Delhi Police constable allegedly called the police control room and threatened to kill chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

When questioned by a joint team of intelligence bureau (IB), special cell and local police, the constable claimed that he made the bogus call after getting drunk.

The constable, identified as Vikas Kumar, is deployed with the Delhi Polices seventh battalion in Malviya Nagar and is a native of Bamdoli village in Haryanas Bahadurgarh.

On Friday night, he made a call to the Rohini districts police control room and said he was going to murder Kejriwal. He also revealed his name and designation, said an investigator.

When the control room staff called back on the number, the phone was found to be switched off. The security agencies were immediately alerted, and a local police team nabbed Vikas and brought him in for questioning.

Later, realising the situation he had landed in, Vikas first claimed that the call was made by an unknown man whom he had offered a lift on his motorcycle and given his phone to make an emergency call.

But he broke down under sustained interrogation and revealed that it was he who had made the call, said Rishi Pal, DCP (Rohini).

Vikas allegedly claimed that he was heavily drunk after having a domestic quarrel. The quarrel had affected him mentally. He decided to get rid of some of his frustration by sending the police on a wild goose chase, said an investigator, adding that no evidence of any planning to harm the chief minister has been found.
As a national institution, the Indian Army, one of the largest in the world, is looked up to for the values that it represents: probity, work ethic and discipline. So the proposal to allow women soldiers to carry out combat duties from Army chief General Bipin Rawat will send out the right signals in a patriarchal and unequal society. But there will be many obstacles in the way of women actually becoming equals in the armys actual combat operations.

In the past, sceptics have questioned recruiting women in close-combat roles saying mixed-sex units may not be able to deliver in a war situation. Other concerns revolved around women being taken as prisoners of war. Those opposed to deploying women in front-line ground combat argued that even the United States army, one of the most egalitarian in the world, doesnt follow this policy. Neither does the British army. If General Rawat has his way, India will join a select club of nations including Germany, Australia, Canada, the US, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France , Norway, Sweden and Israel that put women in combat roles.

Although India began inducting women for non-medical positions in the armed forces almost 15 years ago, women were restricted to select corps such as education, signals and engineering. Combat roles were strictly off limits, owing to legacy, perception and logistic concerns. The armed forces recruit about 3,300 women officers annually at present. To begin with, the recruitment for combat roles will happen for the post of jawans in the military police.

General Bipin Rawat is the first army chief to discuss this possibility. A few months ago, in February, during his address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, President Pranab Mukherjee, the supreme commander of the armed forces, had announced that the army was considering inducting women in every fighting stream of the armed forces.

In October last year, in what was described as a watershed in the 83-year-old history of the Indian Air Force, the government had green-lighted a plan to make women eligible to fly warplanes. Three women have been undergoing training at Hakimpet near Hyderabad to become Indias first female combat pilots.

This is a big departure from sexist attitudes that hitherto prevented women from being assigned combat duties such as the reluctance among some officers to be led by women and the Army not giving permanent commissions to women officers. One hopes the Army chief ensures that adequate mechanisms and safeguards are in place to prevent discrimination on the ground.
Patna: The Patna region of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) secured sixth position nationwide in the class 10 examination, the results of which were declared on Saturday.

The overall pass percentage of the region dipped to 95.5 from 97.88 in 2016 and 98.10 in 2015. Last year, the rank of Patna region was fourth  preceded by Trivandrum, Chennai and Guwahati with a pass percentage of 99.87, 99.69 and 98.04, respectively. This year too, Trivandrum secured the top position with 99.85% and Chennai second with 99.62%, Allahabad zone bagged the third rank with an overall pass percentage of 98.23 while Dehradun was ranked fourth with 97.27%.

Out of the total 1,73,623 candidates who had registered in Patna zone covering schools of Bihar and Jharkhand, 1,72,296 wrote the exam and 1,64,547 candidates were successful.

Among the examinees, 1,14,771 students had registered for board-based examination, out of which 1,13,751 wrote the exam and 1,06,980 were successful. The number of candidates who took the school-based examination was 58,008, of which 57,497 cleared the exam, taking the pass percentage to 99.12. A total of 537 private candidates also took the examination out of which only 70 were able to clear the same, with the pass percentage being only 13.04 in this case.

This year, differently abled students put up a good performance. Of the 4,254 students who took the examination nationwide, 3,803 were successful with an overall pass percentage of 89.4.

Patna schools also performed well with many students securing 10 CGPA (cumulative grade point average). They included 82 out of 317 students of Gyan Niketan, 10 our of 81 students of International School, 18 out of 249 in Baldwin Academy, Patna, 56 out of 243 in Notre Dame, 28 out of 205 in Ishan International School, 51 out of 265 in DAV Danapur, 10 out of 97 in Gyan Deep School and 4 out of 143 in Patna Doon Public School.

CBSE from the next year will remove the CGPA system and will again introduce the percentage mode for Class 10 results.

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Lucknow: Reyan Siddiqui, 17, is not just a movie buff, he loves filmmaking as well and dreams of making it big in Bollywood someday. Hes fascinated by cameras as well.

A student of Study Hall School, Lucknow, Siddiqui took the first step towards fulfilling his dream when his short documentary of 4.25 minutes, The Wind Walkers, bagged two awards at the prestigious international short film festival, Cinemi Cinema, in Arezzo, Italy.

Siddiqui is a keen learner, who simply loves watching films. As far as film production is concerned, he is self- taught although his father also runs a film production house in Lucknow. He spent around 15 days on the project, roughly eight hours a day

Cinemi Cinema, the festival, was introduced to Siddiqui by his class teacher. He got a web link of the festival and uploaded his film on its website and also communicated with the film fest organisers through emails.

Siddiquis documentary, which bagged the award for best film and best direction, highlights how Lucknows air is getting polluted by an ever-increasing number of four-wheelers driven by the affluent. On the other hand, a cyclist who might not be very rich contributes a great deal to keeping the air clean, despite risking his life driving his environment-friendly bicycle on roads made dangerous with high-speed cars.

The movie has voice-over in Hindi with subtitles in English.

Shot in old parts of Lucknow and new areas, the movie highlights the importance of bicycles in this modern age of luxury cars. The concluding message of the documentary is: Fuel might not last but bicycles will always remain.

Much impressed by the movie, the organisers of the Italian film festival have also asked Siddiqui to send his movie to the Edinburgh Short Film Festival in Scotland.

The movies selection at the prestigious short film festival was a pleasant surprise for the young schoolboy. He got an email from the organisers of the film fest, informing him about the movie bagging the best film and best director award and a gift voucher for 300 euros.

It was a pleasant surprise for me. I knew the movie was good but I was not expecting the award, that too in two segments, Siddiqui said. He broke the news about the award to his class teacher Suparna Chatterjee and school principal Shalini Sinha shared it with the entire school in the morning assembly. That was a big moment for me, he said.

Sharing future plans, Siddiqui said, I want to pursue a degree course from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. If everything goes as planned, then I will go for a specialised course in filmmaking from an international institute after passing out from NID.

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Laxmanpur Bathe is a name associated with a horrific bloodbath. This village in Arwal district, 110 kms south of Patna, on the banks of river Sone, is infamous for the massacre of 62 Dalits on the night of December 1, 1997, allegedly by the Ranvir Sena, a private army of landlords.

Two decades after the incident, Gaurav Kumar has brought a ray of hope to his village. He has cracked the countrys premier civil services examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Examination.

Kumar, who bagged rank 789, is the second candidate in the last four years from Arwal district to qualify the civil services.

Born in a family of farmers in 1994, Kumar may not remember the bloody agrarian conflicts in Bihar in the 1990s, but he has heard about the gory tales of massacre from his father, Sanjeev Kumar.

Asked about the history of his village, Kumar said, The tales of my village, narrated by my father, are horrendous. Dalits and people of other communities were killed in bitter rivalries. But now things have changed.

Kumar moved to Patna after his primary education at Bathe. After completing his matriculation from Devi Dayal High School with 70% marks in 2008, Kumar did his intermediate from TPS College and scored 78% marks in science. This was enough to get him admission to the geology department in Patnas premier Science College. He scored 63% marks at the graduation level.

In Patna, I developed a fascination for civil services and cracked the exams in my second attempt, said Kumar. Six hours of hard work every day helped him achieve this objective.

Given his rank  789 out of 1,099 successful candidates  in the general category, Kumar knows he will not get absorbed in the Indian Administration Service (IAS). However, his achievement cannot be undermined considering the fact that Arwal, a small district, created in August 2001, has just four degree colleges and two affiliated colleges.

I may get Group B services and might make one more attempt at the exams to improve my rankings, as I want to serve the people (as a bureaucrat), he said.

As him about his advice to students preparing for the civil services, and he says, Make goals daily and achieve them. If you cannot achieve your daily goals, you cannot plan a future.

Kumars achievement has certainly eclipsed horrific memories of death and devastation at Laxmanpur Bathe. At least for now.

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The management of Delhi Public School Ghaziabad (DPSG), Palam Vihar, has been told to refund increased school fee paid by parents. The Fee and Fund Regulatory Committee (FFRC) gave the direction to the school management on Monday.

FFRC chairman D Suresh, who is also the divisional commissioner, said during a meeting with the school management and parents that the 70% fee hike effected by the school is illegal. This comes after numerous protests by parents against the fee increased by the school.

The school cannot demand from the parents any fee it feels like. There has to be a systematic method regarding it. They have to first apply for recognition from the government and then they should also submit Form 6, said Suresh. Form 6 is a form to be filed by a school with the education department within a stipulated time, which also contains details of the fee it charges.

Suresh added that the school management is supposed to return the excessive fee is has already charged from the parents.

The management was also told not to shut down the school without informing the education department and the parents.

The parents present at the meeting said they have been running from pillar to post for the last two and half months and are waiting for justice.

We are hopeful that we will get a refund of the hiked fee because of the strong directive by the FFRC chairman, said Dev Kumar, a parent.

Another parent, Jashwinder Singh, said, The school has proposed a fee hike of more than 200%. We have got an assurance that this ordeal will end soon.

The parents had also protested in March regarding the issue, urging the government to take action against the school.

Members of the school management who were present in the meeting said they had already applied for recognition from the education department.

Read I Gurgaon: No relief for parents on fee hike despite protests and meetings with officials

We had applied for a no objection certificate (NoC) from the education department regarding our fee structure. When we get recognition, we will soon submit Form 6 too, said a spokesperson of the school.

However, the education department denied giving a nod to the existing fee structure.

Deputy education officer Mukesh Kumar said, No NoC was given regarding the fee structure. Only a provisional permission was given to run the school. They have to apply to the department for recognition.

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Gurgaon has a history which goes back to the days of the Mahabharata. This village, as the legend goes, was given to Dronacharya by the Pandavas and this is the reason it was recently rechristened Gurugram. The city also finds mention in accounts of the Mauryan period and the Kushana rule.

During the Mughal and the British period, Gurgaon emerged as an important grain market but the real expansion of gaon to Gurgaon began with the countrys Partition. While this land of Drona witnessed mass migration of Muslims to Pakistan, there was also a huge influx of Hindu refugees from Pakistan.

Large camps were set up in small towns at Bhim Nagar, Arjun Nagar, Madanpuri and other parts of the city close to Sadar Bazar and since then, Punjabis have been a big part of the citys growth story.

They came after losing everything during Partition and set up base here. However, the locals were equal to the task and accepted them warmly. This is the reason why the Punjabi community and people from different communities, who made Gurgaon their home over the years, enriched the city both culturally and economically.

Here, there is little debate or divergence of opinion on faith or cultural identities. The only issue that matters to the residents and drives public discourse in the city is its prosperity and growth.

I think Gurgaon is blessed because in spite of decades of indifference, we have grown as one of the wealthiest cities of the country. More than half of the revenue earned by Haryana is generated by Gurgaon.

Though Gurgaon saw slow growth initially, it got a booster shot in 1966 when the state of Haryana was formed and Gurgaon became a district. The real spurt came in the 1980s when Maruti and its ancillary units set up shop in the city.

While Maruti spun thousands of jobs, hundreds of smaller companies that also set up base in the city became its vendors. Professionals from across the country came to Gurgaon and thousands of labourers also found work. The influx of aspiring professionals and migrant workforce made for quite a transformation.

Haryanvis from Bhiwani, Hissar, Jhajjar came in large numbers and set up trucking, hardware, sanitaryware and related businesses. They flourished as the city witnessed industrial growth. People from other states came and found jobs in various phases of Udyog Vihar. This phase also saw the initial strides made by real estate giants who were to rewrite the future of housing in the entire country.

People from across the country and abroad have made Gurgaon their home but there are very few instances of tension or conflict between the local population and migrants. There are no debates centering around locals or outsiders. Everyone who comes to the city becomes a part of the community. There have been no clashes or conflicts in the name of religion. Despite being so close to Delhi, which remains the countrys political hotspot, Gurgaon has been an oasis of peace.

During the dark days of terrorism in Punjab, a large number of business families migrated to Gurgaon and set up business. These families have since prospered because the city offers a safe business environment and gives confidence to investors. The much-documented economic liberalisation in the nineties also served as a major shot in the arm for Gurgaons economy. IT and IT-enabled services redefined Gurgaon and announced its arrival on the global stage.

By the turn of the century, there was a noticeable surge in jobs in the BPO (business process outsourcing), KPO (Knowledge process outsourcing) and LPO (Legal process outsourcing) sectors. People employed in these sectors pulled day and night shifts and they inadvertently opened up avenues for cab operators, security guards, malls and restaurant owners to make a living around them.

Given the proximity of the city to Delhi, a large number of IT companies set up base here. The city is now considered the second-largest IT hub after Bengaluru.

A surge in the citys population also fuelled the real estate boom that led to creation of a new Gurgaon.

The residents were witness to the creation of a composite culture as new customs, traditions and cuisines were introduced to the city.

Who would have thought that the city will, someday, celebrate Lohri, Durga Puja, Bihu, Ganesh Puja, Pongal, Chatth, Onam, Eid and Christmas with equal fervour. People subscribing to different faiths have turned the city into a melting pot over time.

The citys population since the 1980s has grown by 50% and that of the villages by 35% in the decade  both are among the highest in the country. This wouldnt have been possible without the contribution of migrants, who worked hand-in-hand with locals in shaping the citys future. People here are free to do what they want and engage in business of their choice. This is the beauty of Gurgaon.

(Sharad Goyal rose from being a petrol pump attendant to owning three petrol pumps in the city. He is also a social activist.)
The crime branch of Mewat police claimed on Monday to have busted an inter-state fake currency racket that printed and circulated counterfeit 2,000 notes. The police arrested one of the accused on Sunday and another one on Monday.

The accused, according to the police, used to sell fake 2,000 notes at 350 and 400, depending on the buyers. These fake notes have been in circulation in Haryana, UP and Rajasthan for many months, the police claimed.

The racket, according to the police, had been operating in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The police recovered five fake 2,000 notes (10,000 in total), a forged registration certificate of a car and a fake driving licence.

Mewat had been on radar of the investigative agencies over fake currency circulation. According to the police sources, fake currency smugglers get three times more returns, as such cases of smuggling counterfeit notes are rising in the region.

Police arrested Zakir, one of the accused, on Sunday. He was presented in court on Monday and remanded to five days police custody. On Monday, the police arrested another member of the racket, Arif. He identified some places where he allegedly sold fake notes. He was remanded to police custody for three days. The crime cell of Firozpur Jhirka, Mewat, 82 km from Gurgaon, had laid a trap to arrest the racketeers involved in the printing and circulation of fake 2,000 notes.

While Zakir was arrested on Sunday, his brother and the alleged mastermind, Mubarik alias Mubba,is absconding. He took the dye used for printing fake notes with him.

Crime cell in-charge,inspector Ratan Lal, told HT that Zakir and his brother Mubarik already have several cases of theft and forgery against them in Punhana, Mewat and adjoining areas.

The crime branch received information that the arrested accused and others were involved in printing fake 2,000 in Haryana and circulating them via agents across Haryana, UP and Rajasthan.

We formed a team and laid a trap. We asked one of our informers to contact Mubarik aka Mubba and pretended to be a buyer. The deal was fixed and Mubarik was asked to bring Rs 10,000 on Sunday at a fixed spot near the petrol pump in Firozepur Jhirka, Ratan Lal said.

Mubarik, however, turned out to be too clever and sent his brother Zakir with five fake 2000 notes.

We nabbed Zakir at the petrol pump. He told us that he and his brother, along with four others, have been operating this fake currency racket for months and until now,tens of thousands of fake currency have been in circulation in the three states, the CIA in-charge informed.

While this gang of six has been printing fake notes in Haryana, there are several other agents across the states who take a cut from them and circulate fake currency, they informed the police.

The police have registered a case against six persons  Mubarik aka Mubba, his brother Zakir, Arif, Jimmi aka Jamshed, Mubin and Ilias.

In September 2014, the special cell of Delhi police had arrested a Mewat resident and a resident of West Bengal and seized fake currency worth 7 lakh. The accused were however acquitted in 2016 by a Delhi court.
On the occasion of the World Environment Day, residents and civic agencies at the city pledged to save the environment.

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) organised an event at Civil Lines area of the city in which the police commissioner of Gurgaon, Sandeep Khirwar appealed people to keep environment clean. They also informed the audience about compost pits they have installed for processing solid waste.

Khirwar said, The aim of the celebration is to influence the audience and to keep our surroundings clean and to plant saplings in the interest of our future generations.

The resident of Aralias and Magnolias in DFL Phase-5 organised a slew of activities on the day. Over 100 residents including children attended the event. The major attraction of the event was a wall graffiti on environment which was drawn by children.

Residents also planted saplings of Jacaranda Mimosifolia, Bauhinia species and Pterospermum acerifolium (popularly known as Kanak Champa) at the locality. Residents and members of E Block RWA in DLF Phase-1 distributed tulsi plants.

Residents were educated about the Go Green Gurgaon Drive which will take place in a few weeks from now said Savita Choudhary, president, EBRWA.

Pure Hearts, an NGO, put together a Nukkad Natak by children at the DLF Cyber Hub highlighting how a sustained effort can help save the world from the effects of pollution. The Save Aravalli group, an NGO that works to protect the Aravallis, launched an event titled Waste Yard to City Forest in Faridabad.

Read I World Environment Day: A plantation drive in Gurgaon

Ragini Kumar, associate fellow at The Energy and Resources Institute said, The environment should be seen as a whole, and it is time we emphasise on the inter disciplinary approach to solve diverse environmental problems.

Attending a plantation drive in Faridabad on Monday, Haryana forests minister Rao Narbir Singh, said, We are criticised when trees are cut.

There were media reports of over 9,000 trees cut in Gurgaon. The minister said, We cannot ignore the fact that for development projects, trees have to be cut. But our emphasis is to balance by planting more trees at other places, he added.

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Mere suspicion of a petty theft attracted medieval punishment for two young men at a village in western Bihar, on Saturday.

The two youths,were tied with ropes ,hung upside down and given a sound thrashing by a group of muscle-wielding men, on a mere suspicion that they had stolen five plastic chairs hired for a wedding ceremony at the village.

The victims, Raj Kumar Bind and Birbal Bind, both in their early 20s, were released hours later and only after their poor families paid Rs 3,000 as compensation to wedding ceremony host Mahangu Bind, for the chairs that had gone missing.

The incident took place at Sonbarsa village under Nuaon police station area of Kaimur district in western Bihar, about 200 km west of state capital, Patna and about 57 km north of the Kaimur district headquarters town of Bhabua.

However, an FIR in connection with the barbaric incident was registered at the Nuaon police station only on Sunday, after the word about the brutal beating spread in the area and the scared boys were persuaded to make a complaint.

One person has since been arrested in connection with the incident while several others were on the run.

Confirming the developments, assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Jagannath Reddy who is also holding charge of Kaimur SP, said he came to know about the incident on Sunday and had directed the station house officer (SHO), Nuaon, to lodge an FIR and arrest the assailants.

Detailing the incident, sources said a wedding party had arrived last week from Balia (Uttar Pradesh) at Mahangu Binds house at Sonbarsa. After the baraat returned, five plastic chairs hired from a tent house, were found missing.

Suspecting co-villagers Raj Kumar and Birbal to be behind the theft, Mahangu called them to his house on Saturday, hung them upside down and assaulted them in full public view. The suspects were released only after their families paid Rs 3000, to cover for the price of the chairs.

Nuaon SHO Birendra Paswan said the victims were not ready to lodge a case against Mahangu and his associates out of fear. Only after I brought them to the police station and assured them of security that they revealed the names of assailants and a named FIR was lodged against Shribhagwan Bind, Mahangu Bind, Sahangu Bind and Dipak Bind, he said.

Paswan said Shribhagwan had been arrested while others were absconding. They, too, will be arrested soon, he added.
Within 24 hours of the announcement made by a farmer leaders faction and BJP leaders about the withdrawal of agitation, farmers clashed with police in Neemuch on Monday. The clashes resulted in injuries to at least two police personnel and many farmers.

Police caned protesters and lobbed tear gas shells to control the crowd. A number of two-wheelers were also damaged.

In a hurriedly called press conference on Monday, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan blamed a few people for giving a wrong direction to the farmers protest. If this does not stop, such people will face consequences, said Chouhan.

He said a Rs 1,000 crore price stabilisation fund would be created. Onions would be purchased at Rs 8 per kg at 48 places in 22 districts.

Police said the trouble started in Neemuch when farmers staged a chakka jam at Bharbhadia Square and police intervened to clear the traffic. When the farmers didnt budge and allegedly pelted stones, they were caned. However, farmers alleged that police indulged in violence and unnecessarily beat up farmers. The police beat up even those who were not taking part in the agitation, said Tarun Baheti, a farmer.

Bikes damaged in a clash between farmers and police in Neemuch on Monday. (HT Photo)

The constables injured in stone-pelting are Vishal Narwale and Kailash Kumare. Superintendent of police, Neemuch, Manoj Kumar Singh, led the team as the situation worsened.

Abhishek Deewan, city SP, said a report had been lodged against nearly 200 persons, including 30-40 named. Eight of the accused had been arrested and 40 bikes seized from the spot.

On Sunday, RSS affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh announced that the agitation had been called off after a meeting with Chouhan. However, the Bharatiya Kisan Union leading the agitation refused to do so.

Policeman airlifted for treatment

Pawan Yadav, an assistant sub-inspector, who received serious injuries in an eye in Ratlam during stone pelting by agitating farmers on Sunday, was airlifted to Chennai for treatment on Monday. Chouhan announced the state government will bear all the expenses of his treatment.

Amit Singh, SP, Ratlam, told HT that he had video footage of how a Congress worker allegedly tried to incite people to attack police and torch their vehicles.

Singh said, Cases have been filed against 51 people and over 100 unidentified people in connection with the violent incident on Sunday evening.

(With inputs from Chotu Shastri in Dhar and Mustafa Hussain in Neemuch)

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PATNA In the face of growing protests from students across the state over intermediate results, chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday gave a clean chit to the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), reiterating the boards stand that there was nothing wrong with conduct of exam and evaluation of copies.

Defending the boards action, he said it was the BSEB, which revealed that the intermediate arts topper (Ganesh Kumar, now in jail) was overage. There is an internal mechanism in place since the tenure of Madan Mohan Jha, former education secretary, to reevaluate answersheets of 10 toppers. There is no discrepancy in evaluation. However, action will be taken against those who are responsible for the mess, said Kumar while talking to mediapersons after the weekly Jan Samvad event here.

About the poor show of students in the examination that saw about 65% students unable to get through, the CM said the government had taken it as a challenge to conduct future examinations in a fair manner in view of the toppers scam for the second consecutive year.

There is no ideal situation anywhere and there is a lot left to be desired here, he said, referring to how a candidate from Haryana topped the Tamil language examination for recruitment of postmen of Tamil Nadu postal circle. A CBI inquiry has been ordered into the postal departments examination.

We dont believe in hiding our shortcomings. Rather, we go deep into it to find the solution. We learnt from the last years embarrassment and managed fair conduct of the examination and genuine evaluation of copies, said Kumar, while blaming the people of Bihar for tarnishing the states image.

Attributing the dip in results to tight examination and genuine evaluation of copies to avoid the last years embarrassment, Kumar said the pass percentage had dropped to 15 in 1996 when the examination was conducted under direction of the Patna High Court to check cheating.

The CM said the department was taking a holistic view of the issues coming to the fore after this years examination and the officials were preparing an action plan to improve the quality of teaching. However, the officials and teachers who failed to perform their duty will be taken to task, he added.

It may be noted that students protests have erupted across the state, including the capital city, ever since the results were declared by the board on May 30.

BLURB

The CM said the government had taken it as a challenge to conduct future examinations in a fair manner in view of the toppers scam for the second consecutive year

QUOTE

We dont believe in hiding our shortcomings. Rather, we go deep into it to find the solution. We learnt from the last years embarrassment and managed fair conduct of the examination and genuine evaluation of copies.

NITISH KUMAR, chief minister

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Troops of BSF and Pakistan Rangers on Monday held a flag meeting along the International Border (IB) in Jammu sector and committed to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region.

On the request of Pakistan Rangers, a commandant-wing commander level flag meeting was held between Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers on International Boundary in Suchetgarh area at border post 938 from 1130 hours to 1210 hours on Monday, a top BSF official said.

Pak Rangers was led by Lt Col Mohd Irfan and BSF was led by Happy Verma, officer commandant (Second in Command).

Both sides commanders on meeting exchanged pleasantries and conveyed good wishes to each other for holy month Ramdan, he said.

During the meeting, the commanders of the two border guarding forces discussed various issues including the recent unprovoked firing of two rounds in Arnia Sector and other routine issues related to border management, the official said.

Celebration of forth coming Chamliyal Mela in Ramgarh sector of Samba district on June 22 was also discussed.

It was decided to hold instant communication between field commanders, whenever required, to resolve the petty matters, he said.

The BSF officer said that the meeting was held in a cordial, positive and constructive atmosphere and both sides agreed for expeditious implementation of the decisions taken in the earlier meeting and committed to each other to maintain peace and tranquillity at International Border.
Rumours, opposition to cattle trade, land dispute and conspiracy were some of the reasons that could have led to lynching of seven people who were falsely accused of child lifting in two separate incidents in Jharkhands Kolhan region in a single day last month, a probe panel has said.

A total of nine people were killed across Jharkhand in May in mob violence fuelled by rumours of gangs of child lifters targeting tribal children.

The issue rocked the state when seven people were lynched on May 19 in two separate incidents. In the morning, a mob lynched four Muslim youths branding them as child lifters at Sobhapur village in Saraikela-Kharsawan district and in the evening, three others were killed at Nagadih village in East Singhbhum district on same charges.

Following the incidents, the government had constituted a two-member probe panel comprising Kolhan commissioner Pradeep Kumar and deputy inspector general (DIG) Prabhat Kumar.

In a brief interaction with media in Jamshedpur on Monday ahead of submitting the report to the government, the two members of the probe panel also said that some antisocial elements had hatched a conspiracy which vitiated the peaceful atmosphere in Sobhapur village where four Muslim cattle traders were lynched. Some people, who have been identified, fanned the trouble in the background.

But neither of the two officers faulted the police for failing to control the violent mobs although the families of the Muslim men say policemen present at the scene of the crime did not stop the lynching.

Read more: Hands folded, blood-soaked body: Pictures of man begging for life capture brutality of Jharkhand lynching

Police had taken adequate steps to quell the mob and bring the situation under control. Additional forces, however, reached late in the village as it is far away from the district headquarters, the panel members said.

As for the killings in Nagadih in East Singhbhum district, the panel revealed that the incident was closely linked to sale and purchase of tribal land to non-tribal people.

Land brokers are active in the region and their involvement in the killings cant be ruled out. The matter requires thorough investigation by the police, commissioner Pradeep Kumar said.

They pointed out that false alarms on WhatsApp groups too had created rumors about prevalence of gangs of child lifters in villages and these added fuel the frenzy for the killings.

We cant blame WhatsApp group members, nearly 400 in numbers, for spreading rumors knowingly or unknowingly, Prabhat Kumar said. He added that the police have identified three people in this connection and two had been arrested.

The police have arrested 20 people so far for their alleged involvement in the lynching incidents.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) searched on Monday the offices and homes of NDTV founder Prannoy Roy over allegations of defrauding a bank, a move the news broadcaster denounced as a witch-hunt to muzzle free speech.

Federal agents named Roy, his wife Radhika and a private company linked to NDTV  RRPR Holding Private Ltd  among others in a criminal case for allegedly causing losses to ICICI Bank.

In 2008, ICICI Bank gave the private holding company a loan of Rs 366 crore on personal guarantees of the Roys who pledged their NDTV shares that were valued more than the prevailing price at the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Within a year, ICICI settled for foreclosure of the loan, agreeing to a part-waiver of interest that allegedly resulted in a loss of Rs 48 crores for the bank, the CBIs formal investigations launched last week said. The Roys moved out an equivalent amount from RRPRs bank account, it alleged.

NDTV and ICICI entered into a criminal conspiracy to transfer ownership of a news company (NDTV) to a shell company, against banking rules, SEBI Act, the CBI said in its first information report (FIR).

ICICI Bank refused to comment.

The raids come at a time when the opposition has accused the government of selectively targeting charities and media groups as part of a campaign to control free speech and dissent.

This year, India slipped three places to 136th in the World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, which highlighted concerns that Hindu nationalists were trying to purge all manifestations of anti-national thought.

Neither of the Roy couple was available for comment but NDTV called the raids concerted harassment based on the same old endless false accusations.

We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India, the news broadcaster said in a statement.

The Editors Guild of India expressed deep concern over the raids.

Entry of police and other agencies into the media offices is a serious matter, the Guild said in a statement. While the Editors Guild maintains that no individual or institution is above the law, the Guild condemns any attempt to muzzle the media and calls upon the CBI to follow the due process of law and ensure there is no interference in the free functioning of news operations.

Other leading journalists were more blunt in their criticism.

N Ram, chairman and publisher of The Hindu group of newspapers, described the raids as anti-democratic action.

The CBI raid, based on a false private complaint by a discredited individual on a matter going back nearly a decade, is a crude attempt to suppress Indian news televisions most independent and trusted voice, NDTV. It certainly looks like an attempt to send a nasty message to the rest of the news media that the BJP regime will not tolerate criticism.

NDTV has done very well by standing up spiritedly to these tactics and putting out evidence that the loan on which it supposedly defaulted was fully paid and that this was acknowledged by the private bank in a letter. Freedom of expression, which has come under pressure and numerous attacks in recent months, must be safeguarded at all costs. Newspapers, television organisations, and the rest of the media must come out strongly in solidarity with the co-founders, Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy, in the face of this anti-democratic action, he told HT in London.

The Opposition too rallied behind NDTV and condemned the raids.

Dissent can never be silenced through intimidation. Power to ask questions & demand answers is the greatest gift of Democracy #RightToDissent, the Congress party tweeted. The Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party also spoke out in support of NDTV.

The CBI registered its FIR on the basis of a letter from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last year that pointed out alleged irregularities in the loan transaction by the private sector ICICI Bank, sources said. CBI sources cited a 2016 Supreme Court judgment in an unrelated case that said private bank officers were also public servants as they handled public money.

The ED and income tax (I-T) authorities had been investigating NDTV since 2014 in a separate case involving the receiving of funds from a foreign institution and settling of that account at 80% less than the original amount received.

The CBI and ED have also been investigating RRPR for funds it received from foreign entities related to a telecom deal between Aircel and Maxis, as well as a case involving buying planes for the national carrier Air India, two senior officials independently told HT.

The majority shareholdings of the NDTV are with the RRPR, the CBI said in the FIR, adding NDTV came to the notice of Income Tax department earlier when it found the media company floated and operated 33 shell companies with no real business, no employees and no business premises in UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Mauritius and between 2006 and 2012 to raise a fund of Rs 1100 crores.

As per I-T department, around Rs 400 crores of Rs 1100 crores was transferred to NDTV in India through a Mauritius-based shell company and Rs 700 crore was retained in the UK and the Netherlands out of which Rs 400 crores was returned to unidentified investors. The balance of Rs 300 crores remains unaccounted as on date, the FIR said.

The premises of NDTV were not raided on Monday. Searches were carried out at four places in Delhi and Dehradun in Uttarakhand, CBI sources said.

(With inputs from HTC in London)

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China on Monday defended its military helicopters hovering over Chamoli district of Uttarkhand, saying it has a territorial dispute in the eastern section of the frontier with India even as welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks that not a single bullet has been fired in four decades despite the border row.

Responding to reports that the Chinese helicopters had violated Indian airspace, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said: In principle China and India have territorial disputes in the eastern section of the China-India border.

She indicated the helicopters were on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Chinese military carry out regular patrols in the relevant areas. We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to maintain tranquillity and peace of the border area, she said.

China also welcomed Modis comments at the St Petersburg International Forum that not a bullet has been fired at the Sino-India frontier in recent decades despite the border dispute. It said both countries are committed to an early settlement of the boundary question.

Modi made the comments on Friday while sharing the stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Austria and Moldova. It is true that we have a border dispute with China. But in the last 40 years, not a single bullet has been fired because of border dispute, Modi said.

Two helicopters of the Peoples Liberation Army hovered over Barahoti in Chamoli district on Saturday, triggering concern in Indias security establishment about the fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March.

Official sources in New Delhi said the Zhiba attack helicopters, which returned to the Chinese side after about five minutes, could have carried out aerial photography of Indian troops during a possible reconnaissance mission. The Indian Air Force is probing the incident.

On previous occasions, Chinese helicopters entered 4.5 km into Indian territory, an area that China claims as its own and recognises as Wu-Je.

Barahoti is one of three border posts in the sector, comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where ITBP troops are not allowed to carry weapons and are in civilian clothes under a unilateral decision made 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 troops. During the 1962 India-China war, PLA did not enter the 545-km middle sector, focussing on the western (Ladakh) and eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors.

During the meeting in St Petersburg, Modi said the world had become inter-connected and inter-dependent, a transformation that makes it necessary for India and China to cooperate in trade and investments despite the border dispute.

The festering dispute across the 3,488-km LAC has loomed large over uneasy bilateral ties, spawning related rows that have marred bilateral ties despite the potential for strong economic cooperation.

Reacting to Modis remark at a regular news briefing, spokesperson Hua Chunying said China and India are maintaining a steady relationship.

We have noted positive remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We welcome that. We have been stressing that as two major countries, China and India maintaining sound, steady and in-depth growth of the bilateral relationship is of great significance, she said.

Hua said leaders of both countries were focussed on resolving the boundary problem. Actually, leaders of the two countries pay great attention to the boundary question. Each time they meet they exchange views on this issue. Both sides have agreed that an early question of boundary question serves the interests of the both sides. It is also a strategic goal both sides are striving to achieve, she said.

The two countries have had 19 rounds of talks under the Special Representatives mechanism but a resolution has eluded successive governments.

The two sides will stick to the overall relationship of the bilateral relationship and deepen cooperation in relevant field so as to realise common development and bring more benefits of the people of both sides, Hua added.

Modis remarks in St Petersburg and Chinas reaction seem to be geared towards bringing back normalcy to ties, marred in the past year by Chinas repeated blocking of Indias efforts to list Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar at the UN and Beijing blocking New Delhis bid to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a 48-country bloc that controls trade and commerce in nuclear technology.
China on Monday said Indias bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) had become more complicated, effectively ruling out any immediate backing for New Delhis application to enter the bloc that controls trade in nuclear technology and know-how.

Beijings refusal to back New Delhis NSG application has been one of the key reasons for recent strains in bilateral ties. The new description of Indias application by Chinas assistant foreign minister Li Huilai came within weeks of New Delhi boycotting the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing.

Li commented about the NSG issue at a media briefing on Monday morning, days ahead of a possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana during June 8-9.

About the NSG, it is a new issue under the new circumstances and it is more complicated than we previously imagined. China supports the NSG to have thorough consultations for a non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution to all the countries, he said.

Li, who was interacting with the media on Xis participation in the SCO Summit, did not give details of the new circumstances and complications but repeated Chinas stand on allowing new members into the NSG.

China supports the NSG to have consultation for reaching non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution, applicable to all members of the NSG, he said.

Li echoed what foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said last month, indicating China will not support Indias entry to the NSG at the groups plenary meeting in June till the bloc evolves a universal formula to accept applications from all countries that havent signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The inclusion of non-NPT countries  such as India and Pakistan  in the NSG should follow a two-step approach  evolving a universal formula for such nations and then taking up each countrys applications, China had said repeatedly.

Hua said in May that Chinas position on non-NPT applicants has not changed. The NSG should build consensus on the two-step approach, she added.

Li didnt confirm a Modi-Xi meeting in the Kazakhstan capital but said both leaders have had multiple meetings and have agreed on deepening China-India cooperation, and making joint efforts to build an even closer development partnership.

China and India are each others important neighbours and both are developing rapidly. They are both emerging new market economies and are important forces for upholding world peace and stability. In recent years, relations between both the countries have developed at a quick pace, Li added.

China, he said, is willing to work with India side to deepen political trust, expand win-win cooperation, and contribute to regional stability, world peace and development.

The highlight of the SCO Summit will be the admission of India and Pakistan as new members.

Modi is scheduled to take part in the SCO summit where his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif is also expected to be present.

Li said the six-member grouping will be strengthened by the entry of India and Pakistan and it will extend the groups reach from Central Asia to South Asia. He said the entry of the two countries will cover three-fifths of Euro Asian continent and will account for half the worlds population.

He also said Iran, which is an observer, had expressed interest to join the SCO and its application will come up for discussion at the Astana summit.

The SCO, comprising China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, acts as a Beijing-dominated security group focussing on Central Asia.

India and Pakistan had observer status along with Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia.

Asked about Afghanistan blaming Pakistans intelligence agency for recent massive bomb attacks in Kabul, Li said China condemned recent terror attacks in Afghanistan, Britain and Philippines. China strongly condemns these violent terrorist incidents and in fact we oppose all forms of terrorism, he said.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is also considering a treaty on terrorism.

(With inputs from agencies)
The Coast Guard saved 32 people in three different operations at New Mangalore, Goa and 590 nautical miles off the Mumbai coast.

While 27 crew members on board a grounded barge were rescued from south of old Mangalore port on June 3 and 4, a critically-ill lighthouse staff member was rescued from Vengurla Rock Light House on June 4.

The Coast Guard, which is the nodal agency for search and rescue in Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR), rescued four crew members of a sailing boat, which had got drifted due to engine failure, off Mumbai coast on June 3.

In the first operation, Coast Guard Karnataka headquarters received a message from New Mangalore Port Control regarding flooding onboard barge Ibis, grounded south of old Mangalore port.

The barge with 27 crew on board was engaged in the construction of breakwater for old port and got grounded due to rough sea conditions and started flooding, a defence spokesperson said.

On receipt of the distress alert, the Coast Guard immediately swung into action and diverted CG ship Amartya, which was patrolling off Karnataka coast to provide necessary assistance, the spokesperson said.

The ship reached near the grounding site at about 6.40pm on June 3 and rescued four crew members braving very high waves and inclement weather.

The rescue operation recommenced on June 4, at 6am.

The valiant efforts of ICGS Amartya and CSP resulted in rescuing all 27 crew by 8.25am, he said.

In the second incident, Coast Guard at Goa evacuated a lighthouse employee who was suffering from chest pain from Vengurla Rock Light House.

At about 5.40pm on June 3, the light house authorities approached the Coast Guard to evacuate a staff member manning the lighthouse, who had reported chest pain, he said.

The operation was undertaken with first light on June 4 as night operation was not possible from the lighthouse.

A Coast Guard helicopter took off from Goa and the lighthouse staff was safely evacuated to mainland at about 8am.

In the third operation, the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai received a distress alert on May 31 from a sailing boat Lady Thuraya registered at British Virgin Islands, which was sailing from Male to Salalah, Oman.

The position was over 590 miles from Mumbai. Reacting swiftly to the situation, the Coast Guard raised an International Safety Net, wherein ships in the vicinity were requested to look for the distress boat.

One of the merchant ships, MV Seacor Diamond sailing to UAE was able to contact the sailing boat on VHF on June 3 and was continuously guided by Coast Guard MRCC, the spokesperson said.

The sailing boat in distress was located at about 1.15pm on June 3, at about 390 miles from Mumbai. MV Seacor Diamond intimated that all four crew of the sailing boat were safe and healthy, but the boat had drifted because of engine failure and no power on board since three days, he said in a statement.

Immediate assistance was provided to the crew and the ship along with the sailing boat which is expected to reach Mumbai by June 7, he said.
Every country in the world will participate in the International Yoga Day event, scheduled to be held on June 21, Union minister of state for AYUSH Shripad Naik said on Monday.

Naik said there was no compulsion on schools and other institutions to hold Yoga Day events and that no holiday had been declared as the event was an early morning activity.

The situation is that 100% of countries in the world this year will do Yoga (on this day), Naik said.

The programme was held in 199 countries last year. This year, more countries will be added to the list and programmes will be held through our embassies and missions, the North Goa Lok Sabha member said.

The minister also said the main International Yoga Day event would be held in Lucknow and attended by over 51,000 yoga enthusiasts, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

Over 51,000 people will be participating. As there is paucity of space, screens will be put up in eight to nine parks nearby and simultaneously Yoga will be conducted, Naik said.

We have requested to the state governments to organise a big programme. NGOs, schools and colleges also have been asked to hold their own events, he said, adding that central ministers would be attending the major Yoga-related programmes in every state.

There is no compulsion (to hold Yoga Day in schools). We are encouraging yoga for the betterment of one and all, he said.
Five Pakistani nationals were detained in Barmer district of Rajasthan for violating visa norms.

Khojo Bhil (60), Chandu Bhil (75), his wife Dhai Bai Bhil (70), and two minors - Naresh Bhil (10) and Dharmi Bai (12) - had a visa for Jodhpur but travelled to Barmer.

They were detained from Gadra road railway station in the district when they were waiting for a train to Jodhpur on Sunday.

Khojo and Naresh came to Jodhpur two years ago and the other three entered India around 20 days back, Gadra road police station official Karan Singh said. They were staying at their relatives house in Barmer for two days.

The place where they stayed was restricted for foreigners, the police official said. They are being interrogated by intelligence agencies.

Barmer is among four districts in western Rajasthan which lies along the border with Pakistan.
A 22-year-old woman on Monday allegedly committed suicide by setting herself on fire at her house in Yacharam near here, police said.

M Shyamala, who was alone in the house, poured kerosene and set herself ablaze, said police.

Her parents have alleged that she took the extreme step due to the harassment by a police constable who was pestering her with his love proposal.

On hearing her cries, the neighbours tried to rescue her and immediately shifted her to a nearby private hospital where she was declared brought dead by the doctors, they said.

Her parents and family members in a complaint lodged with Yacharam Police station alleged that she resorted to the extreme step unable to bear harassment from a police constable identified as S Narsimha, inspector J Madan Mohan Reddy said.

The constable has been accused of mentally harassing her to accept his love proposal, as per the complaint. Today he called her on her cell phone and threatened her, the inspector said based on the complaint.

A case was registered and further probe is on.
A radical militant leader, who severed ties with the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) to wage a war for an Islamic Kashmir, urged Indias Muslims on Monday to launch a jihad against cow protection vigilantes.

Zakir Musas call for a holy war on those who claim to be gau rakshasks  or cow protectors  was released in a 4-minute audio clip and is the first public statement by a Kashmiri militant on the self-styled vigilante groups.

HT could not verify the authenticity of the message but appeared similar to earlier messages which were confirmed to be by Musa, a Kashmiri militant who was once seen as the successor of HMs slain commander Burhan Wani.

Musa, 23, is known as a hardline militant who last month threatened to behead separatist Hurriyat leaders for calling Kashmir a political issue. HM refused to back Musas idea of an Islamic Kashmir and he quit the outfit in protest.

Several Muslim men have been killed across India in the past three years on suspicion of consuming beef or transporting cattle for slaughter.

See how much blood is being spilt in the name of gau raksha, a man believed to be Musa is heard saying in the clip, which was widely circulated on social media and messaging apps.

We will take revenge for every atrocity. Muslims of India, there is still time to emerge. Form groups and do jihad against these kafirs (infidels). Show these gau rakshaks what it means being a Muslim. Learn from your history, added Musa, a former engineering student.

A few weeks ago, a family of nomadic herders were allegedly assaulted by gau rakshaks in Jammu, the Hindu-dominated region of the state.

Musa also exhorted Muslims to help establish Shariah, the code on which Islamic laws are based.

This war is not of Kashmir only. This war is between Islam and infidelity...We will establish Shariah not only in India but in the whole world, Musa said.

He also censured Indian Muslims for their alleged timidity and referred to the alleged rape of a Muslim sister on a train by a government railway police (GRP) personnel last month in Uttar Pradesh.

I am ashamed that I could not do anything for you. The Muslims of India should be ashamed. Our sisters and daughters are being raped and they are chanting Islam is peace, he said.

Indian Muslim is the most shameless community I have witnessed. They dont raise voices against injustices.

Musa also indicated he was not familiar with a group of masked men who released a few video clips recently, claiming responsibility for the death of HM commander Sabzar Bhat, who was killed by security forces in Tral late last month.

The group  which identified itself as Mujahideen Taliban-e-Kashmir  said they provided information on Bhat to security forces and swore allegiance to Musa in his quest to turn Kashmir into an Islamic state.

I dont have to give clarifications to anybody but I want to tell these people that if you claim to be from my group then why not meet. Allow me to serve you. Come with your weapons.

We will serve you well, he said in what appeared to be mocking in tone.
Six years after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) closed the probe into Bhanwari Devi murder case filing three chargesheets, the arrest of Indra Bishnoi by anti-terrorist squad of Rajasthan police on June 2 brought the case back into limelight.

The kidnap and murder of 37-year-old auxiliary nurse midwife Bhanwari Devi of Jodhpur jeopardised careers of two political heavyweight families of the Jodhpur region  the Madernas and the Bishnois.

The pretty government nurse, posted at a health sub-centre, was close to both families.

She had illicit relations with Malkhan Singh Bishnoi, who inherited his father Ram Singh Bishnois political legacy in Luni and was elected as an MLA in 2008. It later revealed during investigation into the murder case that Malkhan Singh is the biological father of her youngest daughter. (Bhanwari Devi had three children.)

When Mahipal Maderna, who stepped into the political shoes of his father, Paras Ram Maderna, got elected as an MLA from Osian and became water resources minister in the Ashok Gehlot government, the nurse developed illicit relations with him, too.

According to the CBI charge sheets, Bhanwari Devi made sex tape of her with Maderna with the help of Bishnois sister, Indra. She (Indra) had a political plan  she wanted to defame Maderna with the sleaze tape and see him removed from the ministry. She thought Madernas removal will create space for her brother, Bishnoi, in the cabinet.

CBI said Madernas motive for killing Bhanwari Devi was this tape.

For Bishnoi, the motive was the nurses threat to announce during a community gathering on September 7, 2011, that he was her daughters father. The nurse wanted Bishnoi to promise that he would marry off their daughter with the same pomp and show he had organised the marriage of his daughter. She wanted the Luni legislator to give at least 20 kg of gold and spend at least Rs 50 lakh on their daughters wedding.

The daughter was only seven in 2011 but Bhanwari Devi wanted money for her wedding.

Three Bishnoi siblings  Malkhan, Paras Ram and Indra  and several other members of their extended family are facing charges of kidnap and murder in the murder case.

Indra was missing for six years and was arrested on June 2 from Madhya Pradesh. The other Bishnois are behind bars since their arrest in 2011.

Read: Bhanwari Devi case: Did Rajasthan ATS upset the apple cart for CBI?

The CBI named 17 people as accused in the case, most of them Bishnois. Maderna is the only one from his family facing charges of involvement in the murder.

In 2013 Assembly elections, Malkhans mother and Ram Singhs widow, 78-year-old Amridevi contested on Congress ticket from Luni, and lost. In Madernas political backyard, Osian, the party did not give ticket to any member of his family.

The nurse who misused the political clouts of the two families in her life destroyed them in her death.
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said India-US ties are progressing under the Trump administration as they were during the Obama presidency and the pace had not slowed down.

Addressing a press conference on key initiatives of her ministry in three years of the Modi government, Swaraj also described the proposed changes in H1B visas as a matter of concern.

She said the government was engaged with the Donald Trump administration as well as US Congressmen on the issue and was alert to any possible negative impact.

The matter will also figure during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US, she said, but did not give the date of his travel. Modi is expected to visit the country by the month-end.

Some of the other major points made by Swaraj during the press interaction are --

 India to raise airspace violation issue with China after Chinese choppers flew over Chamoli district.

 India opposed Chinas One Belt One Road (OBOR) project as it violated Indias sovereignty which was not acceptable. China will be forced to rethink as other countries while participating in the OBOR meet, conveyed their view on territorial integrity and sovereignty.

 India is also involved in various connectivity projects, including the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative, the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Forum for Regional Cooperation (BCIM) and Chahbahar port in Iran, but goes by principles on maintenance of territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries.

India wants countries which back its bid for NSG membership and are friends with China, to talk to Beijing on the issue.

Indias NSG membership to be credential-based and not criteria-based.

 India wants to resolve all issues with Pakistan bilaterally, but talks and terror cannot go together. No flip-flop in Indias policy on Pakistan.

 Pakistan cant take Kashmir issue to International Court of Justice (ICJ). Kashmir can only be resolved bilaterally.

 Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, cutting ties with Qatar is an internal matter of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). India is only ascertaining if any of its nationals are getting adversely impacted by it.

All issues pertaining to Chahbahar port have been resolved. All the projects are reviewed by me every three months and by the prime minister, every six months. So, the pace of these projects are picking up.

 Fishermen issue is of primary importance to the government, which has taken several steps to address it jointly with the Sri Lankan government.

There cannot be any timeline in finalising Teesta waters agreement with Bangladesh as there has to be consensus among the Centre, the West Bengal government and the Bangladesh government.

The government is looking into concerns expressed by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on the sharing of Teesta waters.

Totally baseless Pakistani allegations that Afghanistan was afraid of India and that was the reason for Kabul to blame Islamabad for terror attacks there.

The ministry will not hesitate in utilising budgetary allocation to bring back Indians stuck abroad.

 There is no decision on Modi visiting the Maldives. The prime minister and the external affairs minister have covered all the SAARC countries.

 Indias relations with West Asia have become one of the best.

 80,000 people stranded abroad brought back to India in the last three years.

 There is a 37.5 per cent increase in FDI since NDA government took over three years ago.
India will not be impacted by some Gulf countries cutting off diplomatic ties with Qatar, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday even as Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan sought the Centres intervention to ensure safety of 6.5 lakh Indians, including Keralites, residing in the Arab kingdom.

Swaraj said India was trying to find out if any of its nationals is adversely impacted due to the development.

There is no challenge arising out of this for us. This is an internal matter of GCC (Gulf Coordination Council). Our only concern is about Indians there. We are trying to find out if any Indians are stuck there, she told reporters.

She expressed hope that things will get normal within the GCC as such things have happened in the past as well.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Yemen and Egypt accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

Gulf Arab states and Egypt have already long resented Qatars support for Islamists, especially the Muslim Brotherhood which they regard as a dangerous political enemy.

Ensure safety of Indians in Qatar

In letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Vijayan said he was writing the letter in the context of the developing geo-political situation in the Middle East.

As you are aware millions of Indians are working in countries in the Middle East and therefore the geo-political developments in the region have raised deep concerns among the people in the state since each family has at least one family member or a relative in the region, he said.

There are about 6.5 lakh Indians in Qatar, of which nearly three lakh people hail from Kerala, Vijayan said, expressing concern on their safety and employment in Qatar.

I would like to place on record the full support of our state to the considered stance that Union government would take on the issue, given the complexities involved, he said.

Vijayan also wanted the Indian Embassy in Doha to be suitably empowered to respond presciently to the concerns of the Indian community in the country.
The Indian Army will soon allow women in combat, breaking yet another gender barrier. Army chief Bipin Rawat said on Sunday the process to offer combat roles to women was moving fast.

When it comes through, India will be one of the few countries allowing women to take up the risky job. Here is a list of countries that allow women on the front line:

Canada:Since 1989 all military occupations have been open to women. The submarine service was a little late in opening up, but it did in 2000.

Representation of women in the Canadian armed forces has grown from 11.4% in 2001 to 15.1% as of February 2017 .

The US: Women in the US military are playing a more active role in direct combat women since 2002, as a result of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Guardian reported that in January 2013 the US military officially lifted a ban on female soldiers serving in combat roles and said anyone qualified should get a chance to fight on the front lines of war regardless of their sex.

Australia: From January 1, 2013, the country opened all employment categories in Australian defence force to women who were serving in the ADF.

The Australian department of defence said women serving members of the ADF were entitled to apply for a career in a combat role, provided they met the requirements.

The UK: In July 2016, Prime Minister David Cameron lifted a ban on women serving in close combat units in the British military, the BBC reported.

In May that year, the ministry of defence published a paper on the role of women in ground close combat, saying opening GCC roles to women will maximise the talent available to defence and deliver equality of opportunity for all service personnel.

Apart from these countries, several European nations allow women in the combat roles. A 2010 survey by the British Ministry of Defence listed the following countries:

Denmark: The Danes adopted a policy of total inclusion in 1988 following trials in 1985 and 1987 exploring the capabilities of women in combat, according to a 2010 survey by the British ministry of defence. The survey listed several European countries and also talked about Israel and New Zealand, as mentioned below.

Finland: Finland allows women in close combat roles. All services and units of the Finnish defence forces and the Finnish border guard accept females.

France: Women can serve in the French military except on submarines and in the riot-control gendarmerie. In 2006, 1.7% of combat infantry comprised women and 19% of French military personnel were female, the British survey found.

Germany: Women first joined German combat units in 2001 following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, which said preventing women from combat roles was against the principles of gender equality.

Israel: It was in 1995 that the Israeli defence force began incorporating women in combat positions.

The Netherlands: The Dutch allow women in close combat roles.

New Zealand: The country has no restrictions on roles for women in its defence force, says the UK survey. They can serve in the infantry, armour and artillery divisions as a consequence of legislation that came into effect in 2001.

Norway: In 1985, equal opportunities legislation was applied to the Norwegian armed forces and Norway became the first Nato country to allow women in all combat functions, including submarines.

Poland: Poland employs women in close combat roles. The country allows women to volunteer and serve in all services of the army.

Romania: There is no distinction between Romanian men and women with regard to combat roles.

Spain: The armed forces personnel law in May 1999 eliminated gender discrimination and women were allowed to join all positions in any service.

Sweden: Since 1989, there have been no gender restrictions to any positions in the Swedish military. According to the British survey, women are allowed in all services and roles including combat.

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India on Monday warned Pakistan of appropriate retaliatory actions if the neighbouring countrys army continued to abet infiltration and violate ceasefire.

Indian Armys director general of military operations (DGMO) lieutenant general AK Bhatt conveyed the strong message to his Pakistani counterpart over the phone on Monday morning.

DGMO Indian Army conveyed his commitment of ensuring peace and tranquillity which is contingent on Pak armys intentions and actions, the army said in a statement.

If Pak army continues to abet infiltrations and cause trans-LoC firings, the Indian Army will take appropriate retaliatory actions.

The two DGMOs usually speak on Tuesdays but this unscheduled conversation took place on the request of the Pakistani side.

Indias aggressive stance along the line of control (LoC) as part of a reworked approach towards counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir appears to have rattled the Pakistani army, sources in defence ministry said.

Not just the LoC, security forces have stepped up the offensive in Kashmir Valley as well, bringing back search operations after almost 15 years.

General Bhatt also highlighted needless escalations by the Pakistan army along the LoC, the de facto border between the two countries.

The Pakistani DGMO raised the issue of civilian killings. DGMO Indian Army conveyed that the Indian Army is a professional army and will not harm civilians in any manner, the statement said.

The army has carried out punitive fire assaults against Pakistani posts providing cover fire to militants trying to sneak into J&K.

What makes these fire assaults different is that the army on May 23 released a rare video of the military action, showing heavy artillery blasting temporary bunkers and shelters on a tree-covered mountain.

The army went public with its action a few days after a rogue Pakistani border team crossed the LoC, attacked a patrol and beheaded two Indian soldiers.

The Pakistan army on Sunday released a video purportedly showing damage it has caused to the Indian military posts across the LoC.

The 27-second video was released a day after it claimed to have killed five Indian soldiers in retaliation to Indias unprovoked ceasefire violation in Tatta Pani sector in Poonch district. Indian Army sources said the video was fake and there were no casualties.

The two sides have exchanged heavy fire in recent weeks. Ceasefire violations along the LoC go up in the summer as snows melts and mountain passes open through which militants sneak into India. Pakistani troops give cover fire to infiltrators.
India successfully launched its heaviest-ever rocket GSLV-Mk III on Monday which it hopes will eventually be able to carry astronauts into space, a feat that only Russia, the United States and China have achieved, space agency ISRO said. (Highlights)

The Indian Space Research Organization said the 43-metre (140-foot) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III rocket lifted off at 5:28 pm from the space launch centre in Sriharikota, an island off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, and placed a communication satellite into orbit.

Scientists hugged each other and cheered as the 640-tonne rocket lifted off.

The space agencys director, AS Kiran Kumar, said it is the heaviest rocket and satellite to be launched from India. The rocket is powered by an indigenous engine that uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as fuel, he said.

In the past, India has used French rockets to launch its heavier communication satellites.

Indian space scientists worked relentlessly for decades and for this project since 2002 to successfully put the satellite into orbit, Kumar said. This is a historic day for ISRO.

Read | ISRO launches GSLV-MK III: Scientists call Indias heaviest rocket Bahubali

India hopes the launch of the satellite, which weighs 3,136 kilograms (6,914 pounds), will expand its commercial launch business.

The rocket boasts a powerful engine that has been developed in India over many years. Programme managers hope to reduce reliance on European engines that have propelled some of Indias spacecraft in the past.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists on Twitter.

The GSLV - MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud!, Modi tweeted.

Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017

Heartiest congratulations to ISRO on the historic launch of GSLV-Mk III #PresidentMukherjee  President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) June 5, 2017

The nation is proud of this significant achievement #PresidentMukherjee  President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) June 5, 2017

The launch is the latest in a string of successes for the Indian space agency. In February, it launched a record-breaking 104 nano satellites into orbit, all onboard a single rocket. In November 2013, India launched a space probe that has been orbiting Mars since September 2014.

The GSLV Mk III rocket carried a satellite weighing more than three tonnes into a high orbit above Earth, a landmark achievement as India had struggled to match the heavier payloads of other space giants.

This is an important moment in Indias space technology, to launch an indigenous heavy rocket, Ajay Lele from the Delhi-based Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses said.

Communication satellites are quite heavy and we were (only) able to send up to two tonnes previously. This is a double quantum jump for India.

The GSAT-19, says ISRO, is a multi-beam satellite that carries Ka and Ku band forward and return link transponders and geostationary radiation spectrometer (GRASP) to monitor and study the nature of charged particles and the influence of space radiation on satellites and their electronic components.

The satellite, which has a life span of 10 years, also features certain advanced spacecraft technologies including miniaturised heat pipe, a fibre optic gyro, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer, Ku-band TTC transponder, as well an indigenous lithium-ion battery.

The GSLV-Mk III is a three stage/engine rocket. The core of first stage is fired with solid fuel and its two motors by liquid fuel. The second is liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine.

Reaching for the stars

India is vying for a larger slice of the booming commercial satellite business as phone, internet and other companies seek expanded and more high-end communications.

Although India has successfully launched lighter satellites in recent years, this latest rocket is capable of carrying a massive four-tonne payload into high orbit -- twice the capacity of its predecessor, ISRO says.

The space agency tested a less-developed version of the rocket in December 2014 while the cryogenic engine was still in the testing phase.

It carried an unmanned crew capsule which separated from the rocket and splashed down in the Bay of Bengal off Indias east coast 20 minutes after lift off.

The Indian-made capsule was designed to carry up to three astronauts but ISRO said it would take at least another seven years to reach the point where a crew could be put into space.

India wants to become the fourth nation -- after Russia, the United States and China -- to put astronauts into orbit but its manned spaceflight programme has experienced multiple stops and starts.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the countrys heaviest rocket  Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III)  along with a communications satellite GSAT-19 on Monday evening. (LIVE UPDATES)

A successful launch of this rocket is yet another major step towards being self-reliant in the countrys space programme.

Here is all you want to know about the rocket described as a game-changer in the first of its kind space mission.

#WATCH ISRO launches GSLV Mark III carrying GSAT-19 communication satellite from Sriharikota, AP https://t.co/qD3Z2almEr  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

 The rocket, weighing 640 tonnes and standing 43.43 metres tall, blasted off from the second launch pad at Indias rocket port at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 5:28pm. It carried a 3,136-kg GSAT-19 communications satellite  the heaviest to be lifted by an Indian rocket till date  to an altitude of around 179km above the Earth after just over 16 minutes into the flight.

 The rockets main and bigger cryogenic engine has been developed by space scientists indigenously. It will help India get a greater share of the multi-billion dollar global space market and reduce dependency on international launching vehicles.

 It will also enable ISRO to launch from India heavier communications spacecraft to geostationary orbits of 36,000 km. Because of the absence of a powerful launcher, ISRO currently launches satellites above 2 tonnes on European rockets for a big fee.

 The GSAT-19, with a lifespan of 10 years, is a multi-beam satellite that will carry Ka and Ku-band payload along with a Geostationary Radiation Spectrometer (GRASP) payload to monitor and study the nature of the charged particles and influence of space radiation on spacecraft and electronic components.

 It would also employ advanced spacecraft technologies including bus subsystem experiments in the electrical propulsion system, indigenous Li-ion battery and indigenous bus bars for power distribution, among others.

 ISRO had flown a similar rocket without the cryogenic engine but with 3.7-tonne payload in 2014 mainly to test its structural stability while in flight and the aerodynamics. S Somanath, director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, told IANS that the inputs of the 2014 mission enabled the ISRO to reduce the rocket load by around 20%.

 GSLV-Mk III, at around 43 metres, is slightly shorter than Mk-II version that is around 49 metres tall. The new rocket may be slightly short but has more punch power, an ISRO official told IANS.

 India presently has two rockets -- the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and GSLV-Mk II -- with a lift-off mass of 415 tonnes and a carrying capacity of 2.5 tonnes.

 Earlier in May, India successfully launched the South Asia Satellite, intended to serve economic and developmental priorities of South Asian nations, using its heavy rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09).

 India has two rockets  the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and GSLV-Mk II  with a lift-off mass of 415 tonnes and a carrying capacity of 2.5 tonnes.
Security forces killed four militants as they foiled a pre-dawn fidayeen attack on a CRPF camp in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

A police spokesperson said the militants were killed while attempting a suicide attack at the 45Bn headquarters of the CRPF at Sumbal in Bandipora district around 4.10am.

#WATCH Four terrorists killed as they attack 45 Bn CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of J&K (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/crnIB2BeuM  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

The four tried to storm the camp hurling grenades and resorting to heavy firing, he said. But their attempt was foiled by alert sentries, who immediately retaliated resulting in a gun battle which lasted over an hour.

The Sumbal police also joined in the encounter.

Attackers were neutralised 10 to 15 yards from the fence of the camp, inspector general of the CRPF Ravideep Sahi told HT.

Sahi said initial investigations suggest all the slain militants were foreigners. Sources say they probably infiltrated in the state recently.

The police spokesperson said four AK rifles, one UBGL (Underbarrel Grenade Launcher) and some ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

The J&K director general of police Shesh Paul Vaid also tweeted about the incident.

AKs and huge quantity of grenades recovered. I compliment the alertness of CRPF & J&K Policemen. pic.twitter.com/Uz6Zi6PpS4  Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) June 5, 2017

(With inputs from HTC, New Delhi)
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained two Kashmiri separatists ahead of a Monday meeting called to discuss the NIA raids on the homes of Hurriyat leaders.

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody on Monday, a night after Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads the moderate faction of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, was put under house arrest.

The two were to attend a meeting at the home of hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani in downtown Srinagar.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday and Sunday searched the homes and offices of separatists as part of an investigation into charges of funds from Pakistan being used to stoke violent street protests in the Valley.

The NIA raided places across Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana. It allegedly recovered letterheads of the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), laptops, mobile phones, gold jewellery and more than Rs 2.5 crore in cash in the first such crackdown on financing of separatists.

The anti-Kashmiri state resorted to its usual tactic of curbing the leadership through force, once again showing that Kashmir is ruled by the forces might, a Hurriyat spokesman said on Monday.

The NIA searched the homes of hardline Hurriyat spokesperson Ayaz Akbar, Geelanis son-in-law Altaf Fatoosh and Mirwaiz factions spokesperson Shahidul Islam. Some businessmen are also on the anti-terror agencys radar.

The separatist have described the raids as a witch hunt. In a joint statement on Sunday evening, Hurriyat leaders accused the government of targeting the business community to cripple Kashmirs economy.

The raids began after the NIA turned a preliminary enquiry into the sources of funding of separatist leaders such as Geelani, Naeem Khan and Farooq Ahmed Dar into a first information report or a formal investigation.

The NIA FIR alleges that money received from Pakistan was being used to fund violence in Kashmir, including stone pelting on security forces and arson that largely targeted 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, an NIA official had told HT.

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External affairs minister Sushma Swarajs personal engagement with people on Twitter addressing their concerns is among the primary reasons for her popularity on the social media platform, an analysis of tweets by 10 randomly selected ministers of the three-year-old Narendra Modi government has shown.

CPC-Analytics, which operates out of Berlin, Strasbourg and Pune, undertook a study of the tweets by these central ministers and ministries to assess the impact of e-governance communication strategies over the last three years.

Twitter activity by the ministers and ministries of external affairs, finance, railways, environment, urban development, health and family welfare, communication, agriculture, tourism and power were examined under the study titled Citizen Engagement With Indian Ministries Through Twitter.

We are not aware of a similar study. We feel that the PMO might be doing similar work for their internal assessment, Sahil Deo, the Pune-based co-founder of the firm, told Hindustan Times on Monday.

Deo said the study was representative of the three years of the Modi government.

Follow the leader

Swaraj, who tweets from the handle @SushmaSwaraj, has a far higher following at a whopping 8.1 million than that of finance and defence minister Arun Jaitley, who is followed by 7.1 million people on Twitter, the analysis by the research agency has shown.

Railways minister Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) is the other minister in the Modi cabinet who has a strong following of 2.9 million because of this personal engagement.

Union environment minister Anil Dave, who died last month, power minister Piyush Goyal and tourism minister Mahesh Sharma had the least following among the 10 ministers.

Government push

The Modi governments emphasis on integrating Twitter into the governments communication strategies was the context for the study. While Prime Minister Modi (@narendramodi) increased his own Twitter following to 30.3 million accounts over the past three years, almost every other ministry at the Centre took to Twitter with mixed results.

The application of Internet Communication Technologies (ICT), social media and e-governance platforms for civic engagement by the government, dialogue with citizens and engagement with voters and constituencies was the other reason to undertake the study.

Researchers Jonathan Rummel and Deo explained that the underlying theory of Social Media Logic presented the initial framework for the study. Citing previous research, they explained social media represented a dramatic shift in the manner in which information was being conveyed in societies.

Unlike in the past when governments and media organisations existed as proprietary sources of information, social media now allowed for a complex system in which individuals could not only impact but dictate information, they said.

Two-way communication

Tweets by the ministers were categorised in the managerial and consultative models ranging from one way communication from the government to the public (single loop) to crowdsourcing public opinion and finally the participatory model or two-way communication (double loop), where information originated from multiple sources and was used by multiple sources to enact government change.

The study noted Swaraj took office in May 2014 and her following soared to 7.71 million (at the time of research) and the ministry of external affairs (@MEAIndia), which joined Twitter in December 2011, had only 1.4 million followers, despite the longer presence and substantially higher tweets. As against 5000 tweets by Swaraj, the MEA had tweeted 14,200 times during the same period.

Participatory model

Swarajs following was far higher than the MEAs because of her response tweets and participatory model. Tweets asking for assistance with MEA services such as repatriation of family remains, lost passport support and expatriate community aid are asked of the Minister herself, requiring new internal communication strategies and prompt policy action, the study noted.

While the MEA Twitter handle seemed to focus on service delivery and policy updates through its managerial model, @SushmaSwaraj manages public services in a larger volume via its participatory model, it added.

Tweets from the minister reflect her engagement with people in distress. For example, to a tweet from a Pakistani, @saeedayub: I sold half of my assets 4 my fathers liver transplant from india and now no medical visa for us. why common man suffers, @SushmaSwaraj replied: My sympathies are with you. We will give you the visa. Sartaj Aziz Sahib should recommend your case.

Another of her most popular tweets was in response to a Twitter appeal to her from the husband of a woman from Jalandhar, who was sold and tortured in Saudi Arabia. On May 30, Swaraj tweeted: Thanks for bringing this to my notice. Sukhwant Kaur is returning home on 31 May 2017 at 0415 hrs by Flt G9406.

Railway response

At the ministry of railways, the railways ministers official Twitter handle, @RailMinIndia, and his personal handle @sureshpprabhu complemented one another while operating in distinct styles. Both maintained followings of over 2.5 million accounts although Prabhu had substantially fewer tweets (33.8 thousand) as against the 302 thousand of the minister handle.

Frequently hailed internally and externally as one of the most responsive ministries on social media, the Railway Ministry has culminated a dynamic online community, the study said.

While @RailMinIndia was high on direct citizen engagement via responseand feedback tweets, @sureshpprabhu prioritised announcements and information to fill in the void left by his official Twitter handle.

Jaitley had a substantially higher following at the time of the study (7.32 million) than his official handle (@FinnMinIndia), which was followed by just 6,70,000 despite more than thrice the number of tweets from Jaitleys personal handle. This was because of the different audience of the two Twitter handles - the official one focusing on ministry matters and Jaitleys personal handle publishing notices relating to the finance and defence ministries.

The poor engagement of farmers on Twitter and the low citizen engagement by the power ministry were among the reasons for their low Twitter following.

CPC-Analytics is a three-year-old firm founded in Germany by economist Christian Franz.

The Twitter study on the Modi government was undertaken in association with MediaNext, a Pune-based firm engaged in media-related activities and presented before select journalists in Pune by the firms chairperson Anand Agashe on the occasion of the companys eighth anniversary.
The Opposition parties came together on Monday to condemn the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) raids at the office and homes of NDTV news channel founder Prannoy Roy and his wife Radhika in connection with an alleged bank fraud.

The governments claim that the raids did not stem from any political interference did not cut ice with the Opposition, which dubbed the search operations as an infringement on the freedom of press.

Union information and broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu tried to defend the action by pointing out that the law was taking its course. If somebody does something wrong, then you cannot expect the government to keep quiet simply because they belong to media, Naidu said.

The Opposition, however, remained unimpressed with the governments attempted justification. Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Bannerjee was among the first to protest the CBI action. Shocked at the raids on Dr @PrannoyRoyNDTVs house. He is highly respected and reputed. Disturbing trend, she tweeted.

Mr. Prime Minister, 'Dissent' will never die, 'Opinion' will remain sacrosanct, 'Autocracy' won't defeat democracy & 'Truth' shall prevail. https://t.co/imZN5zBxO2  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) June 5, 2017

The CBI searched the Roys residence in Delhi and three other locations for allegedly causing losses to a private bank.

Coming to the channels defence, AAP chief and Delhi chief minister Arvind Keijriwal said the move was an attempt to silence anti-establishment voices.

The Congress too condemned the action, and warned the government to stop this vindictiveness and refrain from suppressing the voice of the media.

We strongly condemn raids on Dr Roy n NDTV group. Its an attempt to silence independent and anti-establishment voices  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 5, 2017

The timing is very important. The raids came two days after NDTV had a discussion on beef ban notification, in which BJP spokesperson tried to misbehave with the anchor, party spokesperson Ajay Maken said. If this is not vindictiveness, what is it then? he asked.

Maken insisted that during the UPA rule, NDTV had spoken out against the Congress and its leaders, but their government never resorted to any vindictive tactics. However, he claimed that there was no action against the channel till the time it played into the governments hands. Former finance minister P Chidambarams interview was dropped despite being advertised, BJP was showing forming the government in Bihar till 11 am and Congress was predicted to lose in Punjab.
Pakistans Senate on Monday decided to debate the ICJ order staying the execution of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav after a senator of a hardline party tabled a motion saying the verdict hinted that Islamabad was not fully prepared to fight the case.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani admitted the adjournment motion by Jamaat-I-Islami Senator Sirajul Haq for regular debate, and issued notices to the foreign ministry and the attorney general to brief the upper house of the parliament.

Haq made a forceful plea in the Senate about his motion, saying the judgment by the International Court of Justice at The Hague to stay Jadhavs death sentence hinted that Pakistan was not well-prepared to fight the case brought by India.

These and similar statements have been passed around, which are creating confusion, Haq said.

On May 18, the ICJ in a setback to Pakistan restrained it from executing Jadhav, 46, who was convicted of espionage and sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court after a secret trial.

India took the matter to the ICJ, citing that it had been repeatedly denied consular access to Jadhav in violation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention. New Delhi belives that Jadhav was abducted from Iran and brought to Pakistan.

The senator said Pakistan did not act as per expectations and steps taken by it in the case has only caused embarrassment to the nation.

Though Jadhavs arrest was a major success, Haq said, Pakistan wasted an opportunity to bring forth the facts about the Indian national and and Indias subversive activities inside the country on the international stage.

He also said India has adopted aggressive attitude after Jadhavs sentencing. India is constantly issuing threats to Pakistan regarding Jadhavs case.
Hoshiarpur Pakistani nationals Babar Ali, 16, and his younger brother Ali Raza were handed over to Pakistani officials on Monday after languishing at separate juvenile homes in Hoshiarpur and Faridkot for almost a year.

The two brothers had strayed into Indian territory inadvertently in July last year. They had completed their sentence of 45 days, as awarded by the Juvenile Justice Board, Amritsar in August but due to diplomatic hitches, they could not be repatriated. In May this year, Hoshiarpur MLA Sunder Sham Arora wrote to Union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj seeking her intervention in the case.

On Monday, Hoshiarpur DC Vipul Ujjwal received repatriation orders from the ministry following which Babar was immediately released and escorted to Attari border .

As soon as we got the orders, we made arrangements for the boys return, said Ujjwal. The MEA was under impression that both the brothers were lodged in Hoshiarpur but when clarified, it got in touch with Faridkot administration and facilitated Razas release also, he informed. As per the information, the boys had been duly handed over to the Pakistan Rangers, he said.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated ISRO on the successful launch of the countrys heaviest rocket GSLV-Mk III.

My heartiest congratulations to you and the entire team at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on the historic launch of the indigenous Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV-Mk III) carrying GSAT-19 satellite to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), Mukherjee said in a message to ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar.

The nation is proud of this significant achievement #PresidentMukherjee  President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) June 5, 2017

PM Modi tweeted to congratulate the ISRO scientists saying the mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability.

Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017

The GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud!  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also lauded ISRO for the successful launch and said it was another significant achievement which made the nation proud.

ISRO had kept up the tradition of excellence in space sciences. This team has made the nation proud once again today, Gandhi said in a message.

BJP chief Amit Shah said the successful launch of the mission will put India at forefront of space technology.

Successful launch of GSLV-MKIII D1/GSAT-19 will put India at forefront of space technology, says #BJP chief @AmitShah, hailing @ISRO's feat.  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 5, 2017

Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao also congratulated the ISRO officials for the successful launch of the indigenously-developed GSLV-Mk III rocket.

The country feels proud with the ISROs successful launch, Rao said in an official release.

The chief minister further said that the successful launch was yet another milestone in the ISROs achievements.

India launched a communication satellite using its most powerful GSLV-Mk III rocket on Monday, improving its prospects of winning a bigger share of the more than $300 billion global space industry and its hopes of a manned mission.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday ridiculed the BJP and saffron outfits for going over board in the name of cow protection and asked them to instead give shelter to cattle which are seen loitering on roads in Uttar Pradesh.

They should first display sensitivity towards cattle by creating special shelter houses for cows and buffaloes seen loitering on roads - a common feature in Uttar Pradesh where deserted cattle can be seen even on a four lane expressway, he told reporters here.

UP has the highest number of cows dying after eating plastic items, he said lampooning the growing cow-vigilantism in the BJP-ruled state.

Kumar described the Centres notification to prohibit cattle trade for slaughter and the controversy shrouding banning of illegal slaughter houses as bakwas (ridiculous).

The BJP and its associate saffron organisations overdrive in the name of cow protection is an attempt to vitiate the environment with an intent to cast a veil on failed promises made during poll, the chief minister claimed.

Talking about banning illegal slaughter houses, Kumar mocked the BJP saying Bihar enacted a law against illegal slaughter houses way back in 1950 when BJP was no where in the picture.

Bihar, he said, would soon see its first special cow shelter in Patna where deserted cattle would be housed and taken proper care of.

I have instructed the Patna district magistrate for this (special cow shelter) and it will be opened soon, he said.

On the completion of three years of the Modi government, Kumar said none of the promises made before the polls like creation of jobs for youths or enhanced MSP to farmers by adding 50% to input cost have not been fulfilled anywhere.

On the Modi Fest proposed to be inaugurated in Bihar by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on June 15, he said, As BJP does not have faith in the calibre of its party leaders in Bihar, it is hiring names from outside.

Replying to a about question the unrest in Kashmir, Kumar demanded that the Centre invite leaders of all the parties to formulate a more effective plan to restore peace in the state and also draw up a strategy to reclaim Indian land in Pakistans control.

About his June 3 visit to Tamil Nadu on the 94th birth anniversary of DMK chief M Karunanidhi and the progress of non-BJP parties deciding to field a candidate for Presidential post, the JD(U) chief said he had gone to Chennai to pay his respects Karunanidhi.

The onus of choosing a consensus candidate for presidential poll for it lies with the ruling party. In case they fail to do so, opposition will field a candidate with the largest unity possible.

Kumar, who had last month met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and also held talks with many Left leaders for the Presidential poll, however, refused to take any name for the post.

Talking about Sushil Modi making corruption allegations on Lalu Prasads family and writing a letter to him in this regard, he said the senior BJP leader has been sidelined by youngsters within his party and I do not take notice of his statements. PTI SNS KK ASV
The government changed a 50-year rule and set a deadline of six months to complete probe in corruption cases against its employees.

The decision has been taken to speed up the investigation in such cases, most of them pending for quiet a long time.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has amended Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, and decided a timeline for critical stages of investigation and enquiry proceedings.

The inquiring authority should conclude the inquiry and submit its report within a period of six months, according to the amended rules.

However, an extension for a period not exceeding six months at a time may be allowed for any good and sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing by the disciplinary authority, it said.

Earlier, there was no timeframe to complete an inquiry.

The disciplinary authority shall deliver to a government servant, accused of irregularity and corruption, a copy of the articles of charge, the statement of the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour and a list of documents and witnesses by which each article or charges is proposed to be sustained, the new rules said.

On receipt of such articles of charge, the government servant shall be required to submit his written statement of defence, if he so desires, and also state whether he desires to be heard in person, within a period of 15 days, it said.

The time limit can, however, be extended for a period not exceeding fifteen days. But under no circumstances, the extension of time for filing written statement of defence shall exceed forty-five days from the date of receipt of articles of charge, the rules said.

At present, there is no time limit for submission of the employees statement of defence.

The new rules are applicable to all category of employees excluding those in all-India services -- Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) -- and a few other categories of officers.

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), in a directive, had last year expressed serious concern over delay in finalising corruption cases and asked all departments to complete these inquiries within a maximum period of six months to keep away nothing will change notion associated with governance.

The directive comes after the commission noted that administrative authorities are not adhering to the time- schedule prescribed for completion of disciplinary proceedings.

In a recent study conducted by the commission, it has been noticed that while the average time taken by the administrative authorities in finalisation of disciplinary proceedings is more than two years, the maximum time taken in a particular case was eight years and at least in 22% cases the inquiry took more than two years, the CVC had said.

As per the anti-corruption watchdog, the time-limit for completion of departmental inquiries is six months from the date of appointment of inquiry officer.
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj addressed an annual press conference of her ministry in New Delhi on Monday, and spoke on a range of issues.

Here are the highlights:

On Pakistan and Kashmir

We dont spend so much time, energy on Pakistan. For us, Pakistan is any other country. Remember three issues: we want to resolve all issues through dialogue, dialogue will be bilateral and terror and talks cant go simultaneously.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took an out-of-the-box initiative to fly down to Lahore.

We are not going one step forward, two step backward on Pakistan.

There are no meeting scheduled between PM Modi and Nawaz Shariff in Asthana, during the forthcoming summit of the Sanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Pakistan can no way take the Kashmir issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), it can only be resolved bilaterally.

We are very clear, no third-party mediation in talks with Pakistan.

As long as the case filed in ICJ is not resolved, Kulbhushan Jadhav cant be given capital punishment.

On China

CPEC is about sovereignty. Kashmir is integral part of India, no question of compromise.

Our policies are not to counter any country but we agree connectivity in principle. Has it been made through consultations? Did it compromise territorial integrity? We cant accept a road through Kashmir which we consider as an integral part of India.

India will raise airspace violation in Uttarakhands Chamoli district issue with China.

On global issues

India had signed the Paris agreement neither under any pressure nor for the lure of funds.

We did it due to our commitment. Whether the US stays or not, we will remain committed to the Paris climate deal.

The diplomatic rift in the Gulf will have no effect on our relation and agreement with Qatar.

This is an internal matter of Gulf Coordination Council. Our only concern is about Indians there. We are trying to find out if any Indians are stuck there.

Yes, concern is there (on US curbs on H1B1 visas) but there are amendments that cant be made through executive order.

On her ministrys achievements

80,000 people stranded abroad brought back to India in the last three years.
21-year-old Tenzin Paldon was crowned Miss Tibet-2017 in a ceremony at Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), McLeodganj, on Sunday evening. Hailing from Kollegal, Karnataka, Paldon works as cabin crew with Spice Jet Airlines, apart from modelling.

A record of nine contestants from India, United States and Europe took part in the 15th edition of the beauty contest.

Tenzin Khechoe, 22, from Bangluru was named first runner-up and Tenzin Nordron, 20, from Chauntra in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh was adjudged second runner-up.

The winner got a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh while the first and runners-up were given Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively.

Miss Tibet Pageant was introduced in 2002 by Lobsang Wangyal Production.

The three-day event had seven rounds, mainly of swim suit, talent and talk and traditional costume.

An elated Paldon, who also won Miss Photogenic title, expressed gratitude to the organisers and audience for her victory.

I was expecting Tenzin Khechoe to win, but right now we are both winners, said Paldon after being crowned.

I will use Miss Tibet to inspire the younger generations in every way possible. The title will also be immensely helpful in my modelling career. The modelling agency has already come forward with more offers, she added.

Tenzin Khechoe, 22, the first runner-up, who lost the crown by a thin margin, expressed delight.

I am satisfied and happy that I at least got the first runner-up tag and also the experience I have got through this pageant. All of them will be helpful in my future endeavors, Khechoe said.

Director takes a bow

Organising Miss Tibet Pageant for the last 15 years, Lobsang Wangyal, who loves to call himself a Tibetan social entrepreneur, announced his intention to withdraw and sell the pageant.

The show will go on but under a different production house. I have been doing this for 15 years. With such huge gathering and nine beautiful contestants, I think it is the best way to leave at a high, said Wangyal in his address before the crowning ceremony.

Stating that it is time for someone else to carry forward the legacy, Wangyal called on the interested party who wants to manage the contest, but made clear that it would not be free of cost and the buyers must also accept the responsibility of upholding the original aims and objectives of the pageant.

He said the price of the franchise would be decided when any interested party comes in with an offer.

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India has produced the worlds best plans to tackle issues concerning the public but has been the worst in implementing them, former environment minister Jairam Ramesh said on Monday.

He also said public sector companies were the biggest rule violators but get away with it because of a complex system of governance.

The former Union minister, however, did not elaborate on what those violations were.

He made the remarks during a panel discussion at the first National Consultation on Environmental Health, organised here by Public Health Foundation of India and Tata Institute of Social Sciences on World Environment Day.

We are the worlds best planners. Let me tell you, there is no country in the world that has produced the plans that we have produced. Having been guilty of that, I can tell you authoritatively, we are (also) the worst implementors, he said, in response to a query on the governments policy implementation.

We are unable to implement them because of the structure of incentives and disincentives that we are not able to enforce for a variety of reasons, he said.

It (plan implementation) is really a complex issue and I dont think we can really resolve it, he said, adding, But the ability of the government to implement their plans is highly overestimated by the public.

Look at the way we implement public hearings, he said, adding there was no proper system of getting feedback from the public on any project.

By the way, the biggest violators are public sector companies, government companies who somehow doctor the public hearing process and as a minister I turn a blind-eye saying humara hi company hai why should we penalise it... its a very complex issue, he said.

Talking about environmental issues, Ramesh said policy implementation gets obstructed for a variety of reasons including fragmented jurisdiction -- from the Centre, to state up to areas under control of local bodies.

The other issue is, are there any disincentives for non-implementation? No, we dont have any disincentives for non-implementation, neither do we have incentives for implementation, he said.

The Congress leader noted that policy implementation was easier for closed systems, as he hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the best example of an indigenous agency executing plans.

If you are a closed innovation system, you implement. For instance, ISRO is the best example. A first grade example of great planning, great implementation. Because its a closed system, it gets the money, it gets the human resources, no questions are asked and they go ahead and implement.

Atomic energy, space... they are all examples. But when you have open social systems, where you have multiple stakeholders, implementation becomes far more complex, he said.
Detailed and explicit WhatsApp conversations between a rape victim and three law students of a private university in Haryana proved crucial evidence for their conviction by a trial court, show documents made available on Monday.

It was a rare instance of electronic data used as evidence to nail the accused in India, which has seen a sharp rise in video clips of sexual assaults circulated through social media and messaging apps.

The three former students of OP Jindal Global University in Sonepat were sentenced on May 24 main accused Hardik Sikri and his friend Karan Chhabra for 20 years each for gangraping and blackmailing a junior management student for about two years. The third, Vikas Garg, was handed a seven-year jail term.

The WhatsApp chats running into pages is so abusive and vulgar that the extracts of the same cannot be explained and put into the judgment and what only can be concluded through the WhatsApp chat is that the prosecutrix (victim) was totally under control and dominance of the accused, Hardik, additional sessions judge (ASJ) Sunita Grover said in her judgment.

The convicts, all from Delhi, are in jail since April 2015 when the girl accused the three final-year law students of raping her from the time she joined the university in August 2013.

Hardik had circulated her nude pictures among his friends through the free messaging service. He had stored the pictures in an web storage platform  Apples I-cloud -- and threatened to make them public on the universitys website. The judge also found him guilty of circulating obscene material.

The judge said the messages proved the victim was under stress and duress to keep sharing more nude pictures with Sikri. He also forced her to purchase and use a sex toy so that he could watch her via Skype, an online service for sharing text messages and live videos.

Sikri had forced her to travel with him to Chandigarh for having sex and this was proved by the electronic data, which the court treated as documentary evidence supporting the girls statement to police and the judge.

The judge rejected the defence argument that the girl was a consensual partner as she had admitted to have consumed drugs and had volunteered to purchase beer on their Chandigarh trip.

The judge referred to the conversations and said the accused were in a dominating position because they were her seniors and the victim was in a vulnerable state.

Advocate Prashant Mendiratta, the girls legal advisor, said the verdict is probably the first of its kind dealing extensively with electronic data.

The court accepted the evidence because it was original and taken from the girls cellphone directly, he told HT.

The judge also disagreed with the defence advocates attempt to tarnish the girls reputation, saying a rape victim cannot be viewed as an accomplice.

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External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday termed it an intra-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) affair and said New Delhi is not impacted by it after Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

But India would hope that differences between Qatar and Gulf countries, which are home to 8 million Indians and vital to Indias energy supply, are amicably sorted out as soon as possible. This is an intra-GCC issue. We have good ties with both Saudi and Qatar (the same way we have good ties with both Saudi and Iran). And we will help any Indian who could possibly get affected by it, Swaraj said

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing the wealthy Gulf Arab state of supporting Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

The coordinated move dramatically escalates a simmering dispute over Qatars support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.

The three Gulf states announced the closure of transport ties with Qatar and gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries.

Indians are the largest expatriate community in Qatar, the same way they are in Saudi Arabia and the UAE  the two key countries who are in the opposite camp. And, the immediate worry is the trouble Indians would face as measures to isolate Qatar would hit them there in terms of their travel.

The best case scenario for India is the issue being sorted soon, considering a large number of Indians work there, strategic affairs expert MK Bhadrakumar said.

India also has robust defence and energy ties with Qatar. India is the third largest export destination for Qatar (behind Japan and South Korea) and ranks at 10th position for Qatars imports.

The Gulf Arab state is the largest supplier of LNG to India, accounting for over 65% of Indias global import and 15% of Qatars export of LNG with an annual import of 7.5 million metric tons (MMT) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) under a long-term contract between Petronet LNG of India and RasGas Co Ltd of Qatar, and some spot purchases by Indian companies from time to time.

On December 31, 2015, Petronet, Indias largest natural gas importer, and RasGas signed an agreement for an additional supply of 1.0 mn tonnes of LNG annually from the Qatari company through the remainder of the 25-year contract, ending in 2028.

India also imports ethylene, propylene, ammonia, urea and polyethene from Qatar. Therefore, the balance of trade continues to be heavily in Qatars favour.

However, in the last two years, there has been a substantial growth of Indias exports, amounting to nearly $1 billion out of the two-way trade of nearly $17 billion in 2013-14, registering an export growth of 45% over the export figure ($687 million) in 2012-13.

In 2014-15, Indias exports exceeded $1 billion ($1056 million), though bilateral trade came down to $15.7 billion due to decline in Qatars exports to India from $15.7 billion in 2013-14 to $14.6 billion in 2014-15.

Major items of Indian exports are machinery and equipment, transport equipment, articles of iron or steel, plastic and articles thereof, construction material, electrical and electronic items, textiles and garments, chemicals, precious stones, rubber, spices and cereals.

A number of reputed Indian companies, particularly in construction and infrastructure and IT, including Larsen & Toubro Limited, Punj Lloyd, Shapoorji Pallonji Group; Voltas Ltd, Simplex Infrastructures Ltd, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, Wipro; MahindraTech, HCL Technologies Ltd, etc, have operations in Qatar.

State Bank of India, ICICI, and other Indian banks also have limited operations under Qatar Financial Centre or private exchange houses in Qatar.

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Everything is the will of god.

This remained the constant answer to all the queries that Rajasthan Anti-terrorist Squad (ATS) members put to Indra Bishnoi on her role in the infamous Bhanwari Devi murder case.

Indra is the prime accused in the murder case of the auxiliary nursing mid-wife that rocked Rajasthan in 2011. The ATS arrested her Friday from Nemawar area of Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh.

Before we handed Indra Bishnoi over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), we questioned her. During the investigation, she remained very calm and composed, said superintendent of police (ATS) Vikas Kumar.

The police said that even as the ATS team picked indra from her safe house, she didnt show any trace of surprise.

She was extremely cool and composed and even addressed our officers as hukum, which is the highest form of respect in Rajasthan. But in answer to most of our questions, she would say that everything is the will of god, said a senior ATS official on the condition of anonymity.

Officials said that a report was being prepared by the ATS, which contains all the details about the operation that led to Indras arrest. It would be sent to the CBI.

In the report, we have also provided details of the people who had sheltered her. It is up to the CBI to take any necessary action on it, said another ATS official.

Bishnoi carried a reward of 5 lakh and was absconding since 2011.

Former Congress legislators Malkhan Singh Bishnoi, who is the brother of Indra Bishnoi, along with former minister Mahipal Maderna have been named as accused in the case and are currently in jail.

The CBI charged the duo of colluding to get Bhanwari Devi kidnapped and murdered as she was blackmailing them over illicit relations with both of them.
Chef Gary Mehigans love for Indian food cant go unnoticed. This is his sixth visit to the country. Last year, the MasterChef Australia judge was in Mumbai for a one-day dinner, and cooked for some of the top CEOs of the country. In 2015, the celebrity chef studied the workings of Mumbais dabbawalas for his food and travel show, Far Flung. Currently on his sixth visit to the country, Mehigan attended the World On A Plate 2 food festival in the city. The chef says what keeps bringing him back to India is the food. The variety draws me back to India. It is difficult to pick one dish, but I love everything, from the curries in the North to those in the South. Its all so exciting and mouth-watering, he says.

Delhi is next on his map, and the chef is determined to take back some flavouring with him. I wont leave India without some authentic and aromatic spices, he says. Before he sets out on the spice trail, HT Cafe talks to him about his most memorable meal,his relationship with the other judges of MasterChef Australia, and more.

Mehigan feels restaurants deserve a second chance when it comes to reviews.

Who do you think makes for a better food critic: someone who understands food academically or a foodie?

I believe a foodie [is a better critic], because their understanding of food is more genuine.

Internationally, most restaurants are reviewed only once. Do you think this practice should change?

This is not entirely true. Many good restaurants have been visited more than once. The main issue with food guides and blogs are that they all end up covering the same restaurants. A reviewer visits a place and 20 people follow. When I travel, I use food reviews as a reference. I try not to only depend on that. If there is an empty restaurant across the street from a packed restaurant, a reviewer will visit the crowded one. So, are we following the crowd or is it genuinely a good restaurant? I sometimes wonder if these trends are going to change. Restaurants deserve more than one chance. I like that an established guide like the Michelin is regimented and follows strict criteria for selection and ratings.

In an interview, you said that Indian chefs can change the worlds perspective on Indian cuisine. How is Indian food perceived around the world?

I dont think Indian food enjoys the profile it should. I think that is because India is going through a transition. More and more people are still becoming fascinated with food. Eventually, the country will start exporting a new wave of culinary talents. And the whole world will know about them  chefs like Manish Mehrotra and Gaggan Anand, who make something different and people go, Wow!

Gary says the three MasterChef judges enjoy a good marriage. They give each other space and respect each others opinions. (Instagram)

You have been part of Masterchef Australia for almost nine years. What kind of relationship do you share with the other judges, Matt Preston and George Calombris?

Matt and George are like my brothers. Our views clash at times and we disagree on 10 out of 12 things. However, our disagreements are mainly on principles, a sauce or the style of putting something together. When a dish is put in front of us, we know who will like it and who wont. We are like a good marriage. We give each other space and respect each others opinions. Although it has been nine years, we love being with each other.

What has been your most memorable meal?

My most memorable meal was in Mugaritz in San Sebastian (Spain). Andoni Luis Aduriz is the chef there. It was memorable for several reasons. We [my family and I] were stressed and were trying to find some place to rest. So, we visited this place and sat under the glorious oak trees. We had tiny bites of something that looked like stones, but were potatoes baked in clay and dipped in some aromatic aioli. Every dish matched our first impression. It engraved its memory in our minds. However, I dont know if I would go back. If I went back and it wasnt as good, it would spoil my memory.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more

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Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the new bridge on Mumbai-Goa highway on Monday, 10 months after the old one was swept away by the Savitri river during the monsoon.

The Mumbai-Goa highway plays a vital role in the transport and economic sectors of both states. People from Mumbai travel to different parts of the state only via this route. That is why we prioritised the construction of the new bridge, and finished it in 10 months, said Gadkari.

The old British-era bridge collapsed owing to strong currents on August 2. Authorities said two state transport buses and one Tavera, collectively ferrying 41 people, had been crossing the bridge at the time of the incident.

Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Navy officials started operations a few hours after the collapse. They recovered 26 bodies, but feared that crocodiles and rock pythons had devoured the others. Operations went on for 11 days.

The accident severely impacted Mahad residents. People stopped visiting the spot. They also stopped buying fish caught from that river as they felt that the corpses had contaminated the water. This affected the livelihoods of fishermen as well as the local economy, said Shiddhesh Patil, 34, a Mahad resident.

Around two decades ago, the state had constructed a second bridge parallel to the old one. Vehicles heading to and from Goa started using it after the collapse.

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The citys development has come at the cost of the environment, a recent study confirmed. The study, led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, states 94% of the city has been paved and concretised in the past four decades, and in the process lost 60% of its vegetation and 65% of its water bodies.

Mumbai, with one of the highest amount of sprawl, is heading towards a complete urban disaster. Basic amenities such as water and vegetation for pure air will be almost non-existent if planners do not take note and stop unplanned urbanisation and outgrowth in the urban periphery, professor Bharath H Aithal, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, co-author of the study, told HT.

Studying patterns of urbanisation in four metros  Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai  with a 10-km buffer zone, the four-member team found that urban growth was the highest in Mumbai (majority in north east and south east regions) followed by Kolkata (89%), Chennai (88%) and Delhi (87%).

The citys tree cover, which was more than 35% in the 1970s, is less than 13% today. Scientists from IISc said a region should have at least 33% green cover to ensure adequate oxygen to its citizens.

Researchers said unplanned urbanisation in cities such as Mumbai has an impact on the environment and eventually on health. In fact, a study by Environment Policy and Research India (EPRI) has listed solid waste management, noise pollution (traffic and construction noise), cutting trees for infrastructure projects, water pollution, air pollution and urban heat islands as the major environmental issues plaguing Mumbai.

Mumbai is facing several environmental problems that are rising by the day, said Avick Sil, regional director, EPRI. The city needs a comprehensive environmental plan for the next five years, which is similar to a development plan for the city. The government and private stake holders need to put it in place an environment plan keeping in mind the health impacts, safety of citizens and the preservation of the environment simultaneously.

Lack of co-ordinated action or good governance is the main cause of unplanned urbanisation, said professor TV Ramachandra, head, Energy and Wetland Research Group, IISc, who also co-authored the study. Too many state government agencies and lack of co-ordination has led to fragmentation in governance. The nexus of consultants, contractors, engineers and politicians has spelled doom, he said.

With Mumbais urban population growing at 5% annually as compared to national average of 3.68%, researchers said any unplanned growth in the future in terms of residential and commercial buildings, and infrastructure development would mean citizens would be starved of pure air and lung spaces, and taps would go completely dry.

The teams projection for Mumbai shows that urbanisation by 2020 is set to increase by 201%, which is almost double the area of present day urban growth in the city and 10km buffer. A 2014 analysis on land use in Mumbai co-authored by Aithal found an increase in urban extent by 155% during the last three decades.

Sprawl is disastrous for a city like Mumbai. It means small settlements are seen in urban periphery that do not have access to basic amenities, not even recorded in government records, which would derail the planning and vision of Mumbai, said Aithal.
Two-and-a-half years after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis asked the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) to probe the multi-crore irrigation scam and what roles senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) politicians Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare played in it, there are reports that the Enforcement Directorate is on Pawars trail.

While the ACB has filed two FIRs and one charge sheet in the scam, no politician has been indicted.

The scam broke in 2012, after it was revealed that even after spending Rs42,500 crore over a decade, Maharashtra had brought only 0.1% of the targeted land under irrigation. A nexus of contractors, officials and politicians had milked thousands of crores meant for irrigation projects, revealed sources. NCP leaders who had controlled the department came under the scanner.

Sources said the ED was looking into irrigation contracts that had been given to a Pune-based firm, Raj Group, during Pawars tenure as water resources minister. This is the only case in which Pawar can be accused of having directly benefited through his connection to the firm, which bagged irrigation contracts worth Rs803 to Rs1,000 crore.

HT had broken the story of Pawars links to this firm through personal and business connections in July 2015.

Here are five reasons why former deputy chief minister and Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawars nephew could land in trouble if ED pursues this case :

1. Jagdish Kadam and Ram Nimbalkar are directors of the Pune-based Raj group. Kadam is Ajits cousin, while Nimbalkar is one of his close associates. The firm bagged irrigation contracts for at least 11 projects, collectively worth Rs1,000 crore. Two of these projects are in Vidarbha, one in Marathwada and ten in western Maharashtra. These contracts were allotted when Pawar was water resources minister.

2. Kadam and Nimbalkar were also directors in a few of the 60 companies associated with Pawar that had interests in infrastructure, realty, wind and hydro power, sugar factories, distilleries and automobiles.The two were the joint directors of 15 such companies. Pawar was the director of five such companies until 2009. His wife, Sunetra, was the director of 20 of these companies until 2014. She and Kadam were joint directors in seven such firms. Nimbalkar and she were joint directors in one firm.

3. Raj group bagged projects by floating different entities, including Raj Infrastructure Development Corporation, Raj Promoters and Civil Engineers Private Limited, Raj Construction. The firm violated the norm that a single company cannot win more than three contracts in any region. In the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (MKVDC), the group got five projects under different names, including one joint venture.

4. The costs of a majority of projects bagged by the group rose by 4.83% to 41%. All the cost escalations were cleared by Pawar as the then minister. These controversial projects include Kuntephal, Dhom Balkawadi canals, Umraodi and Karanjao project

5. The Kuntephal lift irrigation project worth Rs209 crore, part of the larger Krishna-Marathwada project was seriously flawed. A special investigation team that probed the project had sought action against the officials who cleared it. Documents show that the work order for the project was given without getting an administrative order, violating the governors directives. Project officials did not seek the mandated green nod from the Union environment ministry either.

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1. Farmers in Maharashtra are distressed over the falling prices of their produce. They have been facing drought and acute water shortage over the past few years and so want the state to waive their loans. They also want the government to ensure that they do not suffer losses owing to the falling prices of agricultural products.

2. The agitation started on June 1, but a few of the farmers outfits called it off after talks with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday. However, a number of farmers organisations decided to continue their agitation. They called for a statewide bandh on Monday. Opposition parties, as well as the BJPs ally  the Shiv Sena  support them. The Swabhimani Paksh, headed by farmers leader Raju Shetti, has also lent its support to the protests.

3. Fadnavis has promised to waive the loans of about 31 lakh small and marginal farmers, a plan that other farmers have criticised. These farm loan waivers will be finalised by October 31 and are expected to cost the state exchequer Rs30,000 crore. There are about 1.34 crore farmers in the state. If the state were to waive all their loans, it would cost the exchequer Rs1.34 lakh crore.

4. Fadnavis said the government can provide help to only farmers who are not included in the institutional credit system and are not getting fresh loans owing to their unpaid ones. He also promised incentives for farmers who repay their installments regularly.

5. The BJP-led state government has blamed Opposition parties for instigating farmers to gain political mileage. Fadnavis said the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party have lost the confidence of the people and are using this agitation to settle political scores. He added that these parties dont want farmers issues to be resolved, but are looking forward to the situation deteriorating.

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A man died after he was hit by car on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Panvel on Monday. The police believe he was around 40 years old but are yet to ascertain his identity.

After hitting him, the car struck the divider and caught fire. Its occupants  four of a family, including two children  were unhurt and rescued by passersby.

According to the police, Yuvraj Ningole, 35, a resident of Digha in Navi Mumbai, his 32-year-old wife and two children were returning home from Beed district. As they were crossing the bridge near Kon village, a man tried to cross the road.

The man randomly walked on to the highway. On seeing him, Ningole braked but ended up hitting him. Because he slammed the brakes hard, the cars engine caught fire, said an officer at Panvel Taluka police station.

The police arrested Ningole, who was produced in court and released on bail.

The officer added, The man who was hit suffered severe injuries to his head and other parts of his body. People took him to a nearby hospital but he died there during treatment. We have not been able to identify him so far, he said.

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Students in many city schools received their scores two days after results were declared. On Saturday, CBSE released only the grade-point average for students of the majority of the citys schools .

The delay was because of problems in uploading the data. Without the marks, schools could not calculate the individual percentages and students only knew their cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The CGPA is a score between one and 10; a score of one is equivalent to 0-10% and 10 is equivalent to 90-100%.

The Birla School, Kalyan, said that they received the scores around 11pm. We sent an email to the board on Saturday, complaining that we could not download our students scores from the website. We waited in the office till 7pm, but there was no response from them, said Ranjna Jangra, principal.

After receiving the scores, the school calculated individual percentages, identified toppers, and assessed subject-wise performance.

Nearly 52% of students scored above 90%, said Jangra. On Saturday, we only knew the CGPA, but we didnt know their exact percentages.

The school topper, Rhea Bannerjee, scored 99.4%.

At Ryan International School, Kandivli, Ankit Mishra topped with 99%; 101 of 351 students secured distinction (81% to 90%) and 83 scored above 91%.

It was a frustrating weekend as we were waiting for our marks, but now we can celebrate, said Anjali Bowen, principal of the school.

Students of Rajhans Vidyalaya were able to view the results late on Monday night, after the school had written to the CBSE repeatedly since Saturday. Its a big relief to finally get the results. We were one of the few schools that hadnt received the results till Monday evening, said Deepshikha Srivastava, principal. Forty-two of its 123 students scored above 90%, eight above 95%. The topper scored 99%. We are informing students about the scores, said Srivastava.

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A 57-year-old founder-trustee of a prominent Andheri school and a nursery teacher have been booked for allegedly raping a three-year-old student studying on the premises. The director is of foreign origin and is currently out of the country, the police said.

According to the police, the incident took place late last year. The teacher took the girl to the trustees room, where he sexually assaulted her, the police said. This amounts to rape under the section 376 (2) of the IPC.

The school principal refused to comment on the case, but said that they are cooperating with the police. The complaint was lodged by the parent. We are giving the cops whatever they want, the principal said.

According to allegations in the FIR, earlier this year, the girls mother noticed a change in her daughters behaviour and began questioning her.

The girl then told the mother about the assault, the police said.

On May 18, the mother filed a rape case under section 376 (2) and relevant sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act against the trustee and the teacher.

The FIR also mentions the accused sexually assaulted another three-year-old boy. The boys parents have been contacted by the police to verify the allegation.

The police have also spoken to the trustees wife, who expressed shock over the allegation, but has supported her husband.

She said he will soon return to India.

The girl has undergone a medical test, the police said.

On Monday, around 3pm, the founder-trustee sent an email to parents, after the news of the police complaint was telecast. As (the school) grows and expands sharing light on education, the darkness of the material world also clings to us, read the statement.

The statement further said, In the same way that I prepare (the school) students for the unexpected, I am preparing myself to face the unexpected so that truth will ultimately prevailI am confident that in due course it would be revealed and clarified that the accusation is unfounded.

Parents of the school are doubtful about the veracity of the allegations. It might be a case of misunderstanding, said the parent of a Class 8 student. The parent said there have never been any previous complaints against the founder. He has been with the school for 20 years and has never before been accused of untoward behaviour, said the parent.

It is impossible for such an incident to have taken place. I have interacted with the trustee several times, I have seen him around children, said another parent, whose six-year-old daughter studies at the school. There is certainly something amiss in the complaint. It could be a result of over anxiety or reading too much into an incident.

 I am relatively new to the school and my interactions with the founder have been limited. His or any teachers behaviour has never seemed alarming to me, but I also believe that a parent will not make such accusations lightly, without any evidence, said another parent.
Thinking of travelling to Bangalore, Gujarat or Agra soon? Drive carefully. As many as 515 people died in 337 crashes at 50 blackspots  accident-prone areas  on Maharashtras highways over the past four years, said state highway traffic police.

What are the most accident-prone spots? NH 3  known as the old Mumbai-Agra highway  NH 4, which connects Maharashtra to Bangalore, and NH 48, which connects Maharastra and Gujarat, said police.

Between 2013 and 2016, the most accidents took place on NH 48, said highway traffic police. As many as 25 people were killed in 17 crashes at 12 blackspots on NH 48 last year, fewer than 2015s toll of 60 people, who died in 43 accidents. Most of these crashes took place along a 100-km stretch between Achad and Sativli Khind in Palghar.

In 2016, the most accidents took place along NH 4, which has eight blackspots. As many as 17 people were killed in 28 crashes last year.

Police identified nine blackspots on NH 3, where 24 people were killed in 23 crashes last year. Here, four people were killed in four crashes at Velholi in Thane. Three people were killed in three accidents, which took place at Pundhephata Cherpoli Ghat.

Pedestrians were involved in the accidents at Velholi and Kativli Vashind-Pali. It is difficult for pedestrians to manoeuvre traffic and cross the highway. They are often run over by speeding cars and trucks. We installed speed-breakers, but the situation has not improved much, said inspector Rajesh Jadhav at Vashind police station.

The highway also witnessed five crashes at Gurunanak Dhaba-Atgaon last year  the highest in the past four years. The spot where these crashes took place is sharply curved. Most motorists fail to take this into account. We had written to the National Highways Authority of India and the highway traffic police, asking them to install proper signs at regular intervals. Most of the speeding vehicles end up crashing against the highway wall owing to the curve, said Sanjay Dhumal, inspector, Shahapur police station.

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For more than a week, the farmers agitation in Maharashtra has grabbed the national headlines. Farmers are rarely a topic of discussion in a city like Mumbai, except when the media reports their suicides. However, the agitation affected the supply of vegetables, fruits and milk to the cities. Prices of these essential commodities spiralled at several places, which made the agitation a prominent subject of discussion.

For the past few months, the issue of farm loan waiver is being put forth by the farmers outfits, Opposition parties and even Shiv Sena, which is part of the Central and the state governments.

The agitation was started by a few groups of farmers from Ahmednagar district, who called for a strike from June 1, to seek attention of the government to their demands. The government managed to take the fizz out of this agitation, as it invited their representatives for talks and promised certain decisions  including [Rs30,000 crore] farm loan waiver for small and marginal farmers. Some of the representatives called off the agitation, while others chose to continue. The split in the farmers outfits meant the agitation lost its momentum.

However, it is far from over.

On one hand, the Opposition and the Shiv Sena have supported the agitation, on the other, two prominent farmers outfits, Shetkari Sanghatana (founded by renowned farmers leader late Sharad Joshi) and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, led by MP Raju Shetti, have now joined hands. The two organisations have significant following, which means their agitations will have a deeper impact.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis insisted the farmers were happy with the promise made by him and remarked the government will talk to real farmers and not those who are using farmers for political gains. His target is the Congress-NCP combine.

But it is not just the Opposition, Fadnavis may have to blame all political parties for the same. The issue of farm loan waiver has been raised by all political parties at one point or the other. Todays ruling party was also not an exception.

Fadnavis is right when he says one farm loan waiver cant solve the problem of the farmers and a permanent solution is needed.

The farmers want water to grow multiple crops, low interest loans, minimum assured income through protection against price fluctuations and crop insurance so they get adequate compensation in case of a crop failure owing to natural calamity.

The traders who sell seeds and fertilisers and those who buy their produce exploit them. Often, these traders are hand in glove with politicians and local officials. Public sector banks have thousands of crores defaulted by industrialists, but they are not keen to give loans to farmers. Cooperative bank network is a better option for farmers in several parts, but it is flawed.

Unfortunately, the political parties never reach a consensus to address these issues either because of short term political gains or vested interests.

As the farmers outfits organised Maharashtra bandh on Monday, there was a significant development. Influential farmers leaders are now coming together. The outfits have reconstituted their state-level core committee by including prominent farmers leaders such as Shetti, Raghunanthdada Patil, Vijay Jawandhia, Girdhar Patil and independent legislator Bachchu Kadu. These leaders will now meet and chalk out a strategy to stage a sustained agitation to force the government to accept their demands.

This is not exactly a desirable development from the governments viewpoint. Still, this could be a turning point. These leaders understand the exact problems of the farmers and CAN give valuable inputs for a long-term solution.

Lets hope both the sides work out something which becomes an effective solution on farmers problems.

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Mumbaiites, dont let the bandh call worry you, supply is plentiful and prices in the wholesale market have returned to normal. Vehicles bringing in vegetables from outside Maharashtra have come to Mumbais rescue, ensuring that there is no shortage in the citys markets.

The supply of milk and vegetables to Mumbais markets was not heavily impacted by the bandh announced by farmers. Many markets in and around the city said around 455 vehicles (tempos and trucks) arrived with supplies. Usually, about 550 commodity-bearing vehicles reach the citys markets from various parts of the state.

Around 550 trucks reached the APMC wholesale market in Navi Mumbai on Monday, twice the number of vehicles that had arrived on Sunday, when the market stayed open on what is usually its weekly holiday.

Vendors at the Byculla market said they received fewer supplies than usual. (Bhushan Koyande)

We received adequate supplies today. As many as 550 of the 650 vehicles that come here daily have arrived. Of these, 30% arrived from various parts of Maharashtra and the rest arrived from places outside the state, said Kailash Tanaje, president of vegetable wholesalers association.

Owing to the plentiful supply, prices that had doubled in the wholesale market last week have returned to normal, he added.

The loan waiver announced by Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday did not quell farmers protests entirely. Instead, it led to a split among the agitating groups. While one faction called off the strike on Saturday, factions from Pune and western parts of the state called for a statewide bandh on Monday. These include the Raju Shetti-led Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana and Kisan Kranti Morcha, the umbrella body of farmers.

The agitation has now shifted from the previous epicentre of Puntambe in Ahmednagar district to the states vegetable belt  Nashik. Opposition parties, as well as the Bharatiya Janta Partys ally  the Shiv Sena  have supported the bandh.

Although the bandh will skip Mumbai, residents had suspected that the supply of fruits and vegetables would be affected. According to figures by the Nashik agricultural produce market committee (APMC), around 750 tonnes of vegetables are transported to Mumbai from Nashik, where the agitation is currently ongoing.

So far, the bandh has impacted several parts of western Maharashtra and a few districts in central Maharashtra (Marathwada) and Vidarbha. Agricultural markets were shut in Buldhana, Parbhani, Ahmednagar, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur, Pune, Hingoli and Aurangabad.

Stray incidents of farmers spilling milk were reported in Sangamner in Ahmednagar, Pune and Hingoli. Protesting farmers damaged a milk tanker at Rahuri in Ahmednagar. Farmers burnt effigies of the chief minister and social activist Anna Hazare at Pimpri in Pune.

Farmers staged rasta rokos across the state and disrupted traffic at several places. At Yavatmal in Vidarbha, protesters blocked roads, leading to traffic snarls. At Manmad in Nashik district, farmers threw vegetables on the streets.

Fadnavis, speaking to the media on Saturday, insisted that the continued agitations were a result of a concentrated effort by political opponents to destabilise his government.
Last year, a team of scientists identified a species of fan-throated lizard (sarada superba) in Chalkewadi near Satara in Maharashtra. They confirmed that this species, which is blue, orange and black across its throat, is found only in Chalkewadi.

Pratik Chorge, photojournalist with Hindustan Times, visited the area last month and spotted the lizard at four locations. They were mostly seen in rocky areas, where they would wait patiently atop stones while I clicked photographs, he said. At one spot, I saw two male lizards engaged in a territorial dispute. When the species gets aggressive, a distinctive blue colour develops along its back.

Two male fan-throated lizards adopt an aggressive stance before they fight to establish territorial dominance. (Pratik Chorge/HT )

The species is named after its dramatic displays and large dewlap skin hanging from the neck. Superbus in Latin means magnificent.

Researchers from the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), Indian Institute of Science (IISC) and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, identified one new genera and five new species of fan-throated lizards in India last year. Of these, sarada superba was among the most unique species. The group, led by Dr V Deepak of IISC, published a paper in the journal Contributions to Zoology last year.

HTs photographer said the lizards did not move a muscle while he was clicking photos of them. (Pratik Chorge/HT )

The first species of fan-throated lizard sitana ponticeriana was spotted in Pondicherry and described by the French naturalist and father of Paleontology, Georges Cuvier.

Earlier, the assumption was that this was the only species of fan-throated lizard. However, last years discoveries revealed other species such as sitana laticeps, sitana spinaecephalus, sitana visiri, sarada darwini. A new genus, Sarada, a distinct sister group to Sitana, was spotted across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Sarada superba is a species found only at high elevation plateaus in Chalkewadi. The dry arid landscape has perfect ecological conditions that ensure the species survival, said Dr Varad Giri, curator, herpetology, NCBS, who was part of the study. The species has an almost ocean-blue, turquoise colour all the way down from its mouth to the end of its throat, followed by a small black portion. Its stomach is orange, he said.

The males of this species open their fans to attract females, said researchers. (Pratik Chorge/HT)

He added that during their mating period, which is between May and June, the male develops colours on its throat, called gular, to attract females. The males are territorial and wait hours for the female to find them. During this time, the gular can be distinctly seen. Females are attracted by the orange colour of the lizard, said Dr Giri. We do not know where the lizard goes for the rest of the year. We believe it feeds on insects.

Chorge said he spotted five lizards on which gular had developed. They were trying to attract the females of their species. They did not move a muscle. However, as soon as they sense a threat, they can run as fast as rabbits, he said.

A pregnant fan-throated lizard spotted in Satara. (Pratik Chorge/HT )

These species have a maximum length of eight inches. The have a three-inch-long body and a five-inch-long tail. Chalkewadi is densely populated by fan-throated lizards. However, we do not know exactly how many there are. There is need for more detailed studies about this rare species, said Dr Giri.

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PhD aspirants at the University of Mumbai will find it harder to pursue their degrees , after the University Grants Commission (UGC) proposed new draft rules on Saturday.

One of the suggested amendments is that candidates opting for a PhD through a category III Institution will be eligible only if they have cleared the state-level or national-level teacher eligibility tests. The draft, uploaded on the UGC website, is open for public feedback till June 15, 2017.

Mumbai University is a category III institution and this means that its candidates will have to clear the eligibility tests, which are notoriously difficult. The pass percentage in these exams, until now taken only by teachers, has been between 0.5 and 4% in the past few years.

A Category I Institution is one that has a score of 3.5 or above from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) or ranked within the top 50 universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for two consecutive years. A Category II Institution is one that a score between 3.01 and 3.49 from NAAC and ranked between 51 and 100 in NIRF for two consecutive years. The rest are in Category III.

For a category III institution, candidates who qualify the National Eligibility Test (NET), State Level Legibility Test (SLET) or State Eligibility Test (SET) will be eligible to pursue a PhD, reads the latest circular uploaded to the UGC website.

The problem is that the University of Mumbai (MU) has not been within the top 100 NIRF ranks in the past two years. Their UGC accreditation lapsed in 2016. Candidates who wish to to pursue a PhD in MU will be in trouble because it is not easy to clear the TESTS, said the principal of a south Mumbai college.

If the amendment comes into effect, there will be no option for PhD aspirants to fund their own research.

Principals are hoping that more teachers will point out this loophole s that the amendment can be dropped from the final draft of the UGC regulations.

Why should candidates bear the brunt of such regulations for no mistake of theirs? We hope the UGC understands teachers point of view and does not introduce this in their final draft, said Madhu Nair, principal of Nirmala Foundation College, Kandivli.

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Two-and-a-half years after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry against two senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare in the irrigation scam, the Enforcement Directorate has begun to investigate the money laundering aspect of it.

This is likely to bring former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawars role under the scanner.

Sources said that the central investigation agency has sought details and files of the scam from the anti-corruption bureau (ACB).

While ACB has filed one charge sheet and two FIRs in two of the irrigation projects under scanner, the NCP leaders accused in the scam have not been indicted in these cases so far.

The ED has also sought information on complaints and documents of the Pune-based firm Raj Group which benefitted from irrigation contracts in Pawars tenure. It is also the only irrigation firm, with the accused politicians have personal and business associations, claimed sources.

NCP termed the development as mischievous and a bid to divert attention from the ongoing

farmers agitation by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The ED has not sent any notice to Pawar. The BJP-government should stop using investigative agencies to spread such reports and divert attention from real issues such as the farmers agitation, said NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik.

HT had in 2015 reported on Pawars link with Raj Groups directors Jagdish Kadam and his maternal cousin, and an associate Ram Nimbalkar.

Both the directors were linked to a web of nearly 60 companies associated with Pawar that had interests in realty, construction, infrastructure, wind and hydro power, sugar factories and distilleries.

It is possible to register a case even if the investigative agency has not accused the suspects in the case, said a senior ED officer.

It depends on the outcome of the investigation and we have sought details from the ACB on irrigation scam,he said.
A 44-year-old man held for drink driving fought with a traffic constable in Andheri (East). The accused slammed his head against the windshield of a police vehicle, shattering it.

Police said the accused and his friends were drunk. A traffic constable from Sahar stopped them during a routine check between 1 am and 2 am. The accused fought with police, but was overpowered and taken to a nearby police station, where he continued to misbehave, said police. He was produced before a magistrate court and remanded in police custody.

In another case of policemen being assaulted, a police sub-inspector from Santacruz suffered damage to his eardrum when he tried to nab a man accused of chain snatching in Vile Parle (West). The incident occurred around 5.45am, when the Santacruz police were conducting a nakabandi outside the Vile Parle railway station.

The accused, Shriniwas Gaikwad, 32, and his accomplice were sitting on bike a few metres away. An officer spotted the accused when they brushed against a commuter. Police suspected them of being chain snatchers. Sub-inspector Wasim Shaikh confronted them, which led to a scuffle, said senior inspector Shantanu Pawar of the Santacruz police station.

Gaikwad assaulted the officer, who suffered injuries to his eardrum and other parts of the body. Shaikh screamed for help, but no one came to his aid, said a police officer. Shaikh alerted other policemen who were nearby. They arrested Gaikwad. However, his accomplice fled, he added. Shaikh was taken to a hospital.

Police registered a case against the accused under section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 333 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 393 (attempt to commit robbery) and criminal intimidation of the Indian Penal Code. They are trying to determine whether Gaikwads associates have criminal records.
A motorcyclist was run over by a dump truck after he tried to avoid a stationary car with a flat type on the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) on Sunday afternoon.

Chetan Gautam Rajput, 37, a central government employee and resident of CGS colony in Bhandup (East), was riding on northbound stretch of the flyover at Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli (East), when the accident took place at 12.10pm.

A Hyundai i-10 with a flat tyre was parked on the flyover and its driver was signaling to other motorists to prevent an accident. Seeing him, Rajput changed lanes but got too close to a speeding truck, was knocked off his bike and run over. A police vehicle was nearby and Rajput was rushed to a nearby hospital, said Santosh Patil, a police sub inspector at Vikhroli police station.

Rajput sustained grievous injuries and was declared dead at the hospital. The truck driver, Arafat Siddique, 25, was arrested and booked for rash driving and causing death by negligence under the Indian Penal Code. He was produced in a local court, which granted him bail.

Rajput was on his way back home after visiting his uncle in Matunga. He is survived by a wife, daughter and mother.

The EEH has seen a spate of accidents recently. Motorists riding or driving on the wide highway suddenly find themselves on a narrow flyover. Crisscrossing and lane-changing causes many accidents, said a police officer.

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A citizens group in Navi Mumbai will soon approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against illegal quarrying in the forested hills of Navi Mumbai.

Shree Ekvira Aai Pratishthan (SEAP) told HT that they will file an application at the tribunals western bench next month against quarrying at Parsik Hill and Mahape which causes air pollution.

On the occasion of World Environment Day on Monday, environmentalists appealed to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to ban illegal quarrying of hills. HT had reported in January that quarrying had destroyed more than 100 hectares of forests in the hills. Hill cutting has been going on for more than a decade at the base of the hill and this is leading to the felling of hundreds of trees and loss of flora and fauna of the site. Also, dust pollution created by quarrying poses a health hazard for the citizens of Navi Mumbai, said Nandkumar Pawar, director, SEAP.

A study by the Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board has said stone crushing units in the state emit particulate matter almost 100 times the safe limit.

Officials from state pollution control board said that closure notices had been issued to the quarry. The quarry is not functioning as we issued closure notices in February. But we will check if any illegal activity has surfaced there, said Anil Mohekar, regional officer, MPCB.

Forest department officials said they are investigating the issue. We have received recent complaints of tree felling at the site. Our officers will draft a report after surveying the area, said Sunil Limaye, chief conservator of forest, Thane range.

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Is the air you breathe polluted? What is the level of pollutants or toxic gases in your locality? The answers to these questions are now available at the click of a button. To commemorate world environment day, the Thane Municipal Corporation on Monday launched a mobile application to test air quality.

The application, TMC-Pollution Control Cell can be downloaded from the Google play store on android phones.

Thane has witnessed massive urbanisation over the past decade. The increasing number of construction sites and number of vehicles has increased the level of particulate pollutants in the air.

There is a need to create awareness among residents so pollution can be reduced. The app measures the air quality at Teen Hath Naka, Naupada, Kopri and Vartak Nagar. It then uploads the average pollution at each spot. Residents can log in and find out how polluted their city is. The application will also give residents information on the temperature, humidity and rainfall, said a civic official, who did not wish to be identified.

The application will also give residents advice, such as the importance of turning off the engine at signals and subjecting vehicles to regular fitness tests.

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The Shiv Sena, an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Maharashtra government, has joined the farmers organisations and opposition parties in bitterly criticising the government for going back on its pre-election promises to farmers.

In an editorial in the partys mouthpiece, Saamana, the Shiv Sena said, The chief minister has been successful in creating doubts and suspicions about the farmers agitation. But attempting to break the protests is not a victory. It is a failure.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis last week attempted to quell the agitation by promising a loan waiver for small and marginal farmers in phases. The decision will be firmed up by October 31, he said, prompting a few farmers groups to call the agitation off.

The Sena taunted the government, saying it will have to take responsibility if even a single farmer commits suicide until then owing to financial burden.

The Shiv Sena and farmers leader Raju Shetti, another BJP ally, extending their support to farmers on strike could become a headache for the Fadnavis government that succeeded in engineering a split among the farmers who are staging agitations.

Meanwhile, officials from the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee at Vashi said the supply of onions, potatoes and other vegetables to Mumbai is likely to be adequate though prices have risen by 10-15 per cent. We are getting a supply of 60 trucks of potatoes from Pune and Ahmednagar districts. Although there hasnt been any supply from Nashik, there will be strong supply coming from outside the state. In terms of vegetables too, about 400 trucks are coming in, so Mumbai is likely to be unaffected.

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Residents of older buildings and tenements constructed by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) do not get enough sunlight and ventilation, says a study that highlights their poor design.

The study, conducted by the Environmental Policy Research Institute, said the design of the flats in these buildings did not meet the National Building Code (NBC) standards.

While NBC norms require homes to have a minimum of 150 lux (light is measured in luminous flux or lux), SRA homes get only 112-120 lux. Though the NBC has prescribed a minimum wind speed of 0.25 metres per second inside homes, the wind in these homes was negligible.While the city strives for sustainable development on one end, on the other, citizens are not aware about the requirement of basic natural resources, said Avick Sil, regional director, EPRI.

The SRA scheme, introduced in 1995, had builders constructing multi-storeyed structures for the poor. They financed the projects by selling of larger flats built alongside. Approximately 1.80 lakh families from slums have shifted to SRA buildings.

Lack of natural light and ventilation can cause various health problems, said researchers from EPRI. Even if there is shortage of space in the city, faulty designs cannot be an excuse for causing health problems. The need for light and wind is leading to more electricity consumption and increase in carbon emissions, added Sil. There should be windows on either side of the house for cross-ventilation and the houses should ideally be oriented east to west.

A resident of Ganpat Patil Nagar slum in Worli, which was redeveloped into the Mahalaxmi Nagar Cooperative Housing Society in 2012, said senior citizens were suffering because of inadequate ventilation. People between the age group of 70 to 80 years need to step out of the house at least three to four times a day as there is only one window in our houses, said Suryakant Khawale, a resident.

A senior state official said, The SRA development control regulations are not following any NBC norms .

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Introducing a computerised system to judge people applying for a driving licence, suspending drivers licences if they commit certain offences, counselling offenders, conducting fitness tests for transport vehicles, examining blackspots across the state and educating school and college students  this is how the police plan to reduce road accidents over the next five years.

We will ensure that the driving licenses are not allotted easily and that people work hard for them. Today, it is difficult for someone to get a driving license in his first attempt. We have started using a computerised system to judge motorists. This rules out human errors and reduces subjectivity. This system has been introduced in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune and Baramati. In another 18 months, it will be installed in 50 more regional transport offices, Praveen Gedam, Maharashtras transport commissioner told HT.

However, motorists mindset needs to change, said Gedam. These people follow the rules and drive properly during the examination as they know they wont get a licence otherwise. But, they forget their traffic sense once they get a licence. Motorists need to be disciplined and take driving seriously, he added.

The Supreme Court formed a committee to monitor road accidents across the country. We will implement their recommendations and also take steps on our own to reduce accidents, said Satish Sahasrabudhe, joint commissioner, state transport.

The committee recommends that drivers who do not wear seat belts, use cell phones and drive drunk have their licences suspended for three months. Before the licenses are renewed, the offender must be counselled on importance of road safety.

It has been made mandatory for transport vehicles to undergo a yearly fitness test at Nashik. The test will be video-recorded  a first in the country, said the official. Officials plan to set up several such centres across the state.

A senior official, who did not wish to be identified, said measures to spread awareness among motorists are being planned.Officials are in talks with the education department to inform schoolchildren and college students about road safety measures.

Curbing road accidents is a herculean task. Not just drivers, but even pedestrians must behave responsibly. Road safety is as simple as having civic sense. If the mindset of people changes, then accidents can be avoided, said Sahasrabudhe.
All is not well in Mumbai. The city continues to reel from a cocktail of environmental problems with issues coming up every day.

On World Environment Day, Environmental Policy Research Institute (EPRI), a think tank and advisory body to the government, identified the top six environmental issues that the city faces this year  solid waste management, noise pollution, destruction of trees, poor water quality, air pollution and urban heat islands.

Also, HT identifies other issues such as mangrove, wetland and salt pan destruction cases, marine mammal deaths and sand mining, which has been plaguing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over the past two years.

There are environmental issues in every household that most people are not aware of, such as the indoor air quality and the amount of light entering homes. Then there are the major environmental issues that Mumbai faces. It is necessary to take steps at the macro and the micro levels. Policies should be implemented as these problems will only increase, said Avick Sil, regional director, EPRI, adding that similar to a development plan, Mumbai needs a five-year environment plan.

EPRI found that the average waste generated by each person in the city is 0.6 kg, which is much more than the state pollution board guideline of 0.48kg. Noise levels range between 72-80 decibels (dB), coming from traffic and construction noise, one of the highest in India. If these levels continue, it could lead to hearing loss, according to a World Health Organisation estimate. Development has taken the drivers seat  trees are felled without consideration; destruction of mangroves, wetlands and saltpans continue unabated.

Moreover, the increasing population and vehicles is taking water and air pollution to levels much above safety standards. Insufficient treatment facilities for sewage and inadequate action plans for cleaning the citys air adds to the problem. All these problems are summing up to increase the temperature of the concrete jungle, which is significantly warmer than its surrounding areas.

Environmental watchdogs said that on an environment quality index, Mumbai fares very poorly on all fronts. Mumbai today sits in a position where it faces multiple challenges in environmental safety. Despite this alarming situation, the government still has not woken up, nor has the desire to address these issues, said Stalin D, director, NGO Vanshakti.

The impact of these problems can be clearly seen with the rise in temperatures with every summer and it has started affecting the monsoon pattern as well, said Godfrey Pimenta, trustee, NGO Watchdog Foundation. A grim future stares at us, with negligible trees and a city lost in rubble if these concerns are not addressed soon.

Some citizens have taken things into their own hands and changed their circumstances. City-based lawyer Afroz Shah has rid Versova Beach of 5.5 million kg trash in over 87 weeks. On Sunday, the eve of World Environment Day, Shah and another 2,000 Mumbaiites (school, college children, bank officials, civic body officials, private industries, celebrities and many others) got together to remove 1.6 lakh kg of garbage from the beach and planted 500 trees there. The laws are all in place for each environmental problem but lacks enforcement. The solution lies only with citizens to take it upon themselves to change the city, said Shah.

Experts said action plans were needed for every kind of environmental problem in each sector. The city needs to develop sustainability goals and action plans for each sector and achieve them in time. There are too many problems and they cannot be ignored. Also, there has to be a stringent monitoring and oversight system to check them, said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, in-charge of sustainable cities programme, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), India, told HT that a metropolis like Mumbai is the only city where there is a healthy engagement between the government and the citizen. The major issue that the city faces is the lack of enforcement of existing laws. However, the government and citizens are working in tandem to find solutions. We have examples like the Versova beach. The spirit should not die down, said Vijay Samnotra, UNEP India head.

State officials said that beyond all basic issues, the city needs to preserve its trees. There are action plans for every issue, right from solid waste management, air, water and noise pollution. But if the green cover of the city is lost, it dents the overall environment condition, said P Anbalagan, member secretary, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. Trees are lungs of the city and we need to create more of them. The municipal corporation has been told of quality plantation and it will be an overall solution for major environmental issues in Mumbai.

Found dead, along the states coast

In the first five months this year, 16 marine animal carcasses washed ashore along Mumbais beaches.

Over the past two years, the carcasses of close to 60 dolphins, six whales and a few finless porpoises have been spotted along the Mumbai and Maharashtra coast due to unknown reasons.

Mangroves are threatened

Mumbai has witnessed 80 cases of mangrove destruction  74 on private land (under the revenue department) and six on government land (under the forest department) between January and April. No arrests or convictions have been made. Environmentalists alleged that almost half of the citys wetlands, right from Malad, Marwe, Gorai, Borivli, Kandivli, Kalwa, Kasheli, all the way up to Uran is under developmental threat.

With global warming and imminent rise in sea level, removal of mangroves will only enhance vulnerability of the region to the vagaries of climate. Mangroves act as shields and aptly known as walking plants and they move towards ocean increasing land area.

But, removal of mangroves would lead to the ocean taking over land surface, said professor TV Ramachandra, head, Energy and Wetland Research Group, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.

Sand mining: 1 year, 72 cases

Sand mining is a major environmental concern which may threaten the existence of over 70% of the worlds beaches, according to the United Nations. Mumbai has recorded 72 cases of sand mining between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017. Rs 3.4 crore has been collected as fine in criminal cases and royalty submitted for illegal sand mining.

It contributes to land erosion, compromise in water security, affecting climate and many more such fatal calamities.

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A retired IAS officer allegedly buried his wifes body in a vacant plot in Indirapuram, leading to objections by local residents. Police officials said he told them he was fulfilling his wifes last wish as she wanted to be buried there.

Residents of Shakti Khand 2 in Indirapuram found about the alleged burial on Sunday evening and gathered at the plot owned by retired IAS officer Tulsi Gaur. Police said Gaur buried his wife, Sheela Gaur, at a vacant area in the plot, purportedly in accordance with her last wish. Police and administrative officials also reached the site, but remained puzzled.

Residents objected to the (alleged) burial activity and have given us their objections in writing. We have assured that a status quo will be maintained and an inquiry will be set up over the objections. We asked Gaur and he said it was done as per the last wish of his wife who died of an ailment at a hospital in Delhi. We will also check with the hospital in the inquiry, said Priti Jaiswal, additional district magistrate (city).

So far, we have ordered a police contingent to remain at the plot where the alleged burial took place. Gaur told us there are two plots, one of which is in his wifes name. He maintains that he is legally right in fulfilling his wifes last wish, but it being a residential area, locals have objected to it and raised apprehensions, Jaiswal added.

Officials were also in a fix about the situation and have decided to seek legal opinion on the issue.

They said Gaur was ready to speak to the residents and maintained that he was legally right in approach and if the residents have an objection they should approach the civil court.

Around 300-400 residents gathered at the spot when they came to know about the burial. This should not be done in residential area. When the police arrived, they asked us about any law that prohibits such activities, said Kishan Chaudhary, a local resident.

By Sunday night, officials had returned from the spot, but had deputed police force at the site to avoid any untoward incident. Residents repeatedly told officials to remove the body, but officials said it cannot be done without a court order.

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One of the victims of the May 25 Jewar gang rape and murder case tried killing herself on Sunday, but was saved by the timely intervention of her family members.

The woman  one among four to be allegedly gang raped by a group of six men during a botched robbery attempt near Bulandshahr  tried to immolate herself inside her Jewar residence.

Locals said the woman poured kerosene on herself around 9:30am on Sunday when her family members were not at home. Residents added that the 32-year-old womans husband was the man driving the car on May 25 that was waylaid by the alleged highway robbers around 1:30am.

Family members said that the woman was depressed as one of the other gang rape victims from her neighbourhood had received compensation, while she was neglected.

She too is a victim and her husband was also robbed during the incident. She thinks that the woman who received compensation was getting special attention. So, she tried to take this extreme step. She doused herself in kerosene. But her husband intervened and stopped her before she could light a matchstick, said the womans brother.

The womans husband is a driver and since the robbery-murder incident, he is in a shock and has not gone out to work, said the family member.

Station house officer of Jewar, Rajpal Tomar, however, claimed that there was no suicide attempt.

We went to the spot, but we did not see any signs of a suicide attempt. No case has been registered in this regard at the police station.

As news of the incident spread in the area, a number of locals visited the womans house to enquire about her well being. She was also counselled by some elders of the locality, who assured her of justice soon.

The woman tried to immolate herself a day after district administration officials handed over one cheque of Rs 5 lakh to one of the other victims. She simply assumed that the government had overlooked her after the incident, said a family member.

BN Singh, district magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar said, One cheque of Rs 5 lakh was given to one of the victims because her husband, who was the sole breadwinner in the family, was murdered during the incident.

He added that the district administration was sympathetic towards the needs of the families. Steps are being taken to ensure that the children get proper education and elders in the family get pensions, Singh said.

We are also waiting for the results of forensic reports Further action of rehabilitating the women would be taken accordingly, Singh said.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had on June 1 announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family members of a 38-year-old man, who was shot dead in Jewar, off Yamuna Expressway, on May 2.

In the incident that sent shock waves across the country last week, a car was waylaid on the Jewar-Bulandshahr Road and four women travelling in it were dragged to the nearby fields and gang-raped. The family was also held hostage and allegedly robbed.

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Armed robbers allegedly barged into the house of a 48-year-old man and murdered him before escaping with gold jewellery and cash kept in the house for the impending marriage of his son.

The incident took place at Krishna Kunj in Modi Nagar where Shyam Sundar Sharma stayed with his two sons. One of them, Vishal, is to get married on June 18. According to family members, several armed robbers barged in around 11pm on Sunday and overpowered Sharma, who was alone in the house at the time.

Two of us had gone to Meerut and decided to stay there at our sisters house. We had gone to shop for the wedding. On Monday morning, our neighbours informed us about the incident and we rushed back home. My father was murdered when he resisted the armed robbers. There were three major injury marks on his head that seem to have been inflicted by a blunt object, said Vishal.

Family members mourn at the house of Shyam Sundar Sharma in Modi Nagar, Ghaziabad, on Monday. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

The victim dealt in property and also operated a shop at his house. His wife passed away around five years ago and his daughter got married last year at Meerut.

Following the incident, police officials reached the spot and collected evidence from the scene of crime.

On Monday, Vishal forwarded a police complaint stating that the motive for the attack was robbery and that cash and gold kept for his wedding were taken. The family estimated the value of the jewellery at Rs4 lakh and an equal amount of cash. The police said they will ascertain the value of the cash and valuables taken.

We have registered an FIR against unidentified persons as per the complaint forwarded by the family. The case is being investigated, said Dhruv Bhushan Dubey, station house officer, Modi Nagar.

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A day after one of the victims of the Jewar rape and robbery incident attempted suicide, subdivisional magistrate Shubhi Kakan on Monday met the victims and assured them of all possible help from the government. The families shared their woes with Kakan who in turn assured them a fair investigation in the case.

The police are investigating the matter and I cant comment on it. I have come here to meet the victims and to hear them out, Kakan said.

Kakan also said the polices claim that the women were not raped is based on an interim report. An inquiry on the interim report is on and we are awaiting the final medical report from forensics lab in Lucknow before coming to a conclusion, she said.

One of the victims said, We met the SDM who has assured justice and asked us not to lose hope. She assured us that the culprits will be arrested soon. Many people have come to meet us since the incident but no arrest has been made so far.

The daughter of one of the women said, We are embarrassed to the core after the police claimed that my mother was not raped. There are people who have started questioning our dignity. Whats the point in meeting us if justice is not given? she said.

The area SDM also claimed that Jewar is safe for women and such incidents are rare. I am a woman and I feel safe here. This (Jewar) is a safe area and its unfortunate that such an incident took place here. We will take all possible measures to ensure safety of women, Kakan said.

The SDM also met family members of the man who was shot dead by the robbers on May 25 in a field off the Yamuna Expressway and assured them all assistance under government schemes.

We are trying to help the family of the man shot dead by offering free education to his children in both private and public schools as well as ensuring that the wife gets the widow pension, Kakan said.

Last week, the Jewar victims had met chief minister Yogi Adityanath to share their woes with him.

Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh has also asked the police department to solve the case at the earliest and arrest the culprits.

I have asked the police to ensure that a proper investigation is done in the Jewar incident. Culprits should be arrested soon. If any officer is found taking the case lightly, then strict action will be taken against them, the MLA said.
A delegation of residents of Shakti Khand in Indirapuram on Monday met vice-chairperson of Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) and handed over a letter, seeking her intervention in the issue in which a retired IAS officer allegedly buried the body of his wife at his residential plot in the area on Sunday.

The residents said such an activity should not be permitted in a densely populated residential area. They had raised objections before the police and administrative officials on Sunday evening as well.

It was on Sunday that the body was brought to the house. We neighbours thought that it will be a while before the body is taken for last rites. But, after half an hour, we were surprised to know that the body was buried at the residential plot itself. A day before, some daily wage earners were cleaning up the plot but we thought that it was just routine cleaning, said ML Duggal, a resident.

We have given a representation to the vice-chairperson and have asked her to intervene. She said she will look into the issue, he said.

Meanwhile, police personnel remained deployed at the site where the burial was undertaken by retired IAS officer Tulsi Gaur. His wife, Sheela Gaur, died a couple of days ago due to an ailment and the alleged burial, according to officials, was taken up as per her last wish.

After the neighbours raised objections, we deployed police in the area and they will remain stationed at the site to prevent any escalation in law and order. An inquiry is being conducted by additional district magistrate (city). The inquiry will check whether any rules and regulations have been violated or not. The official (ADM) will also check the norms in this regard with the Ghaziabad Development Authority, said Akash Tomar, superintendent of police (city).

The officials said they had spoken to Gaur about the incident and he had told them that it was the last wish of his wife to be buried there.

So far, we have not received any complaint at Indirapuram police station in this regard. We are awaiting the inquiry report, Tomar said.

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The change in the US administrations policy commitment to the Paris climate agreement of December 2015, announced by US President Donald Trump on June 1, was also a reflection of the continuity in the more than century-old struggle in the US between enlightened internationalism and narrow nationalism. It also showed up the fault lines between the core individualism defining the US ethos and the more social democratic orientations in Europe. It highlighted the challenge for Indian policy makers seeking convergence in interests with US, but faced at times with shifting priorities and focus.

After its late entry in World War I, US retreated from the League of Nations in the 1920s, and from significant international involvement in the inter war period. However, after the Second World War, US saw itself in the lead on behalf of Western interests. It worked to rebuild Europe and gain supporters among the newly independent and decolonised countries.

In a speech at Harvard University on 5 June 1947, then US Secretary of State George C. Marshall spoke, inter alia, of people of US being distant from the troubled areas of the earth and it is hard for them to comprehend the plight and consequent reactions of the long- suffering peoples; dislocation of entire fabric of societies and economies caused by conflict needing attention along with the physical loss of life and visible destruction of infrastructure; remedy lying in breaking the vicious circle caused by disruption and restoring confidence of people in the future of their own countries; program of recovery should be drawn up and owned by the countries concerned themselves; without return of normal economic health in the world there can be no political stability and no assured peace.

On 20 January 1949, President Truman, in his since famous Four Points spoke of US support for the UN, the Marshall Plan, NATO, and need to embark on a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas, envisaging a program of development based on concepts of democratic fair dealing, since commerce with other countries expands as they progress industrially and economically. Truman also spoke of democracy alone being able to supply the vitalising force to stir the peoples of the world into triumphant action, not only against their human oppressor, but also against their ancient enemies- hunger, misery and despair.

On May 4, 1959, then Senator John F Kennedy said US ought to return to the generous spirit in which the original Point Four program was conceived we cannot be an island unto ourselves. He also added that we must be willing to join with other Western nations in a serious long term program of loans, backed up by technical assistance. To enable India to overtake the challenge of Communist China.

Enlightened internationalism, however, has not commanded universal or consistent support in US. Following the Bretton Woods conference, the World Bank and IMF could be set up to support international liquidity and post war recovery, but agreement could not be reached then on an International Trade Organisation, which was sought to be mandated to also provide technical assistance to developing countries to set up industries, and tariff preferences for developing country manufactures. Agreement could only be reached to set up GATT, to initiate tariff reduction negotiations among participants, and as an element in post War reconstruction of Europe. WTO was eventually established in 1995, but its Development Round has faced difficulties. Trumans Point Four programme cleared the US Senate in May 1950 by one vote.

The new framework for the India- US relationship was launched after our nuclear tests in 1998. Several rounds of the Strobe Talbott- Jaswant Singh dialogue in the Clinton- Vajpayee era served to create a basis for future understanding and cooperation, even though they did not lead to any specific results themselves. The Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement worked out in the Bush- Manmohan Singh era, broke the shackles on high technology cooperation, and intensified cooperation in other areas such as defence, even though no nuclear power plants have been initiated so far with US involvement. The Obama administration saw some convergence with India in the context of Afghanistan, its rebalance to Asia and in fostering a universalised international agreement to tackle climate change issues.

The possible convergences in the Trump era remain to be defined, despite the broad bipartisan support in US for the India relationship, and Trumps own positive comments about India during the campaign. His negative references to India on June 1 about future enhanced plans for coal usage, or international funding assistance were neither factual nor warranted. His comments on US role in the world went against the grain of what Marshall, Truman and Kennedy had said earlier, and President Obama more recently.

Despite any particular short term discordance, India will need to remain focused on the longer term convergence and advantages, and work with array of stakeholders. India will also need to consolidate its multi-polar relationships to retain options. The prime ministers visit to Germany, Spain, Russia and France from May 29 to June 3 remains relevant in this context.

Germany is Indias largest trading partner in Europe, and increasingly in the lead on European and global issues. With France we have a strategic partnership since 1998, and significant cooperation in defence, space and civil nuclear areas. Russia has been a long established source of political support and defence cooperation.

Arun K Singh is a former Indian ambassador to the United States of America

The views expressed are personal
The Persian Gulfs odd man out is suddenly on warning. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have cut diplomatic ties and transport links with Qatar in order, they say, to protect themselves from the dangers of terrorism and extremism.

Qatar is a tiny peninsula floating on natural gas. It is a hugely rich country with a quarter-million citizens, the influential television station Al Jazeera, and a penchant for foreign policy adventurism. Over 90% of Indias natural gas imports come from Qatar.

The roughly 650,000 Indians who work in Qatar will be marginally inconvenienced in not being able to travel to the neighbouring Gulf countries, but New Delhis greater interest will be the geopolitical signals that the Saudi-led move is sending. Among other things, it indicates the Saudis and Iranians are preparing for another round of regional jousting with potentially dangerous consequences.

Though both are Wahhabi kingdoms, Qatar has a testy relationship thanks to early attempts by Saudi Arabia to overthrow the ruling Al Thani family. Qatars response has been to use its wealth to, in the words of Princeton Universitys Bernard Haykel, create an image of itself as an indispensable player on the scene and therefore a regime worth preserving and protecting.

It allows a United States airbase on its soil but, Iraqi officials say, allows its citizens to privately fund the Islamic State (ISIS). It flirts with Israel but is a big supporter of Hamas. It is Sunni and Arab, but retains strong ties with Shia Iran. It is a monarchy but was the prime backer of the republican Muslim Brotherhood.

The past several years of West Asian turmoil have given Qatar room to play geopolitical games as far afield as Libya. It joined Turkey in supporting the Muslim Brotherhoods takeover of Egypt and revolt against the Syrian government. Supporting the Brotherhood led to an earlier, abortive Saudi Arabia in 2014 which had limited impact. By then anyway, Qatar was being accused of switching its money towards the ISIS and Sunni extremists in Libya and Syria.

While Qatar came to be seen as a major source of regional instability, it nonetheless was able to punch well above its weight in regional politics. At one point, US-Taliban negotiations were taking place in Doha, and Qatar was an intermediary between the Hamas and Israel.

But Qatars policy of influence by nuisance may now be running out of road. The ISIS is on its last legs. The Brotherhood is back in the political wilderness as are the Syrian and Libyan rebel factions backed by Qatar. The UAE is close to brokering a deal which could defang the Shia rebellion in Yemen, another country Qatar has helped keep on the boil.

Saudi Arabia has now stitched together an anti-Iranian coalition of Sunni Arab states now seen as credible after it received the blessing of US President Donald Trump during his recent trip to the desert kingdom.

Qatar, in the meantime, had started to sidle up to Iran seeing it as the Next Big Thing in the Persian Gulf. Doha denounced Trumps statements and hailed Iran as an Islamic power.

Those statements were subsequently disavowed indicating the Al Thanis had second thoughts. Tiny Qatar runs the risk of being a proxy for anti-Iranian policies but without any clarity as to whether Tehran or even Irans new found ally Moscow will necessarily provide it any protection.

Qatar may have been unnerved by news of combined Israeli-Saudi moves to try and shutdown the US airbase in Qatar  a key insurance policy for the Al Thanis. Some US congressmen plan to table a bill to sanction Qatar. US secretary of state Rex W Tillersons recent commits about removing irritants from the Gulf region almost certainly refers to Qatar. Dohas sudden expulsion of Hamas activists based in Doha, writes James Dorsey, West Asian expert at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, is reminiscent of previous Qatari attempts to placate Saudi and UAE criticism.

This time, however, Saudi Arabia may no longer be willing to be fobbed up with such gestures. Riyadh sees a great chance to silence and isolate its pesky Wahhabi neighbour once and for all. The present sanctions were preceded with an abusive media and internet campaign against Doha. Qatar is hardly down and out, but its non-Saudi Arabia options are narrowing. If Washington begins to act on its rhetorical talk on whittling down Irans geopolitical successes, Qatar may have to give up its foreign policy of serial monogamy.

pchaudhuri@hindustantimes.com
The history of CPI(M) is marred with blunders, bigger blunders and historic blunders. If the party doesnt field general secretary Sitaram Yechury in the upcoming biennial poll for an unprecedented third term, it may commit one more such mistake.

For those who are not following the Rajya Sabha polls closely: six seats from West Bengal, including that of Yechury, will face election in July. As things stand today, Trinamool Congress is sure to win five seats and the CPI(M) can retain its slot, provided the Congress supports the communists.

The Congress has indicated it can support Yechury. CPI(M)s state unit wants him for another term. But theres an archaic rule in the capitals Kremlin that no comrade can contest in Rajya Sabha after two terms.

The CPI(M) politburo, which will meet on June 6-7, will take the call on the nomination. But its time, the politburo throw that rule in the trash bin. If Yechury is stopped from contesting, the first fallout would be that the Congress may not support CPI(M) and the seat will go to arch rival Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress. When the CPI(M) is fighting for its survival against the Trinamool onslaught, can it hand over the seat on a platter to Didi?

Some purists of the CPI(M) may object to the party joining hands with the Congress, a class enemy, for an electoral fight. Well, the Bengal unit had committed all such sins just last year in the assembly elections and some local polls. Time and again, many exasperated CPI(M) leaders have dubbed Banerjees Trinamool as communal. So, shouldnt the CPI(M) try to do everything possible to contain the Trinamool in Parliament?

The two-term rule can apply in Kerala, Tripura or other states but certainly not in West Bengal in the current political situation. Yechury is not just any other Left leader. He is the general secretary of the party. A party chief representing the biggest battlefield for the party has immense significance. He can not only talk on national issues, but can be the best voice to raise issues of the state. It adds to the value of the Bengal CPI(M) in the national arena.

And finally, Sitaram Yechury is not just a Left leader in the Rajya Sabha. Over the years, he has emerged as a key Opposition strategist, and the leader of the entire Left bloc in Parliament. Yechury has been playing important roles in Opposition coordination, floor strategy and onslaught against the Narendra Modi government. As the general secretary of the party, he commands a special respect as well. It will be difficult for any other comrade to replace Yechury.

Many Opposition leaders see merit in a third term for Yechury. But will the CPI(M) see the writing on the wall?

@SaubhadraC

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Robbers hold 2 girls captive, loot cash and jewellery worth 30 lakh in Jagraon

Three armed robbers looted cash, jewellery and other valuables worth Rs 30 lakh from a house of a grocery store owner after holding his two minor daughters captive in Jagraon on Monday. Read more

Bluestar anniversary: Security forces on toes amid tension among SGPC, radicals

The parallel jathedars announced by the radical outfits are also expected to reach the Akal Takht on Tuesday morning to participate in the anniversary of the anti-terror military operation that claimed several lives and left the shrine damaged in 1984. Read more

Click for pics | World Environment Day: Concrete jungle spreading across tricity

SYL canal row: Militancy may return if verdict against Punjab, warns CM

Amarinder may remain or not, but SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal) will become a national problem if the final judgement goes against Punjab, chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh warned. Read more

Punjabs pvt colleges refuse to enrol SC students on scholarship

Reason: The state government has failed to release its share of Rs 1,250 crore for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic sessions. Read more

Sand mining scam: Punjab govt admits it allowed auction of 18 mines on single bids

Admitting that it allowed auction of 18 mines on single bids, as only one bidder deposited earnest money (EMD) for these mines, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday said it was done after due deliberation as these mines entailed a total quantity was 79.78 lakh tonnes. Read more

For more stories, visit www.punjab.ht and follow us on Twitter and Facebook
The city of Amritsar has been turned into a fortress with the deployment of 4,500 cops, including paramilitary troops, to ensure that the 33rd anniversary of Operation Bluestar passes off peacefully on Tuesday.

The parallel jathedars  heads of temporal seats  announced by the radical outfits are also expected to reach the Akal Takht on Tuesday morning to participate in the anniversary of the anti-terror military operation that claimed several lives and left the shrine damaged in 1984.

Police walk ahead as activists of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) holding banners and placards carry out a march amidst high security on the eve of the 33rd anniversary of Operation Bluestar in Amritsar on Monday. (PTI Photo)

Rapid Action Force personnel stand guard on the eve of Operation Bluestar anniversary in Amritsar on Monday. (PTI Photo)

SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar has already spoken to various outfits and even the parallel jathedars to ensure peace on the occasion; but there is apprehension that something may go wrong if any objection is raised over the address to the gathering by Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.

As there have been clashes inside the shrine the past on June 6, every road leading to the Golden Temple has strong presence of paramilitary. Inside the shrine too, there will substantial presence of police besides the task force of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The Special Weapons Tactics unit of the Punjab Police has also been called in and will be present throughout the day on Tuesday.

Since the Dal Khalsa has given a call for Amritsar bandh on Tuesday, the police want to ensure no one is forced to down shutters.

Dal Khalsa activists taking out a protest march in memory of those killed by the military in Operation Bluestar on the eve of its 33rd anniversary in Amritsar on Monday. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

Police are also using technology to keep a close eye on the situation, and many CCTV cameras have been deployed. Police commissioner S Srivastava said, I appeal to the people to beware of rumours and misleading videos on social media.

Right to address

A bone of contention between radical outfits and the SGPC at the Bluestar anniversary is the sandesh (message or address) by Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh.

The SGPC has maintained that no one, not even the parallel jathedars announced during a Sarbat Khalsa congregation by the radicals, other than Giani Gurbachan will be allowed to give out a sandesh.

Asked specifically if the acting Akal Takht jathedar appointed at the radical Sarbat Khalsa, Dhian Singh Mand, may address the gathering, Badungar said that wont be allowed. Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwarpal Bittu has said that trouble can take place if Giani Gurbachan Singh addresses the gathering as he has lost peoples faith.

Badungar, who is upset over the kind of statements that are coming even after he sought peace with the parallel jathedars whom he met on Sunday, said, I tried a lot. I sat with almost every organisation to ensure that the anniversary passes off peacefully. The anniversary is not a personal function or even of the SGPC alone; but it is for the entire Khalsa Panth that was left in pain by Operation Bluestar.

SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar, flanked by other members, addressing the media in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar on Monday. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

I appeal to everyone that they all can do politics for 364 and 20 hours of the year but must, please, spare these four hours and allow everything to be peaceful and within the maryada (ethics), he further said. The SGPC is already unhappy with the Amritsar bandh call given by Dal Khalsa; and even SAD (Amritsar) has not given support to it.

Badungar also said that the over-hype of security and paramilitary troops are just creating panic among people; the government should have refrained from it. He underlined, If anything goes wrong, the government will be responsible for it.

Khalistan slogans

On the eve of the Bluestar anniversary, Dal Khalsa took out a Remembrance March from Ranjit Avenue to the Akal Takht. On the way, the activists raised slogans in favour of Khalistan. SAD (Amritsar) also took out a march amid tight security arrangements.
Unaided private colleges in Punjab have decided not to enrol Scheduled Caste (SC) students under the centrally-sponsored post-matric scholarship scheme from the coming session. Reason: The state government has failed to release its share of Rs 1,250 crore for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic sessions.

The decision will affect over three lakh SC students admitted to around 1,000 private colleges across the state.

Under the scheme, which was launched in 2007, SC students studying in post-matric classes are awarded scholarship ranging from Rs 230 to Rs 1,200 per month. The students are also reimbursed compulsory non-refundable fees. The annual income of the parents should not be more than Rs 2.5 lakh to avail the benefit. In the centrally-sponsored scheme, the states contribution is just 10% to 15% depending upon the course. The funds have been delayed as the state government has failed to submit utilisation certificate to the Centre.

A joint action committee of 13 associations representing unaided private colleges has asked the state government to release funds for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic sessions. Action committee spokesperson Anshu Kataria said: Around 3.15 lakh SC students were enrolled in 2015-16 and over 3 lakh in 2016-17 under the scheme. Private colleges are not in a position to admit students under the scheme till the government releases funds. If the funds are delayed, the colleges will have to charge fee from the beneficiaries, said Kataria.

A delegation of private colleges had also met Union minister Vijay Sampla a fortnight ago for the release of funds. Sources say Centre will release Rs 115 crore and state government Rs 45 crore as a committed liability under the scheme. The amount (Rs 160 crore) is not enough as it only makes 15%-20% of total outstanding payments, said Kataria.

Punjab minister for welfare of SCs and BCs Sadhu Singh Dharamsot told HT that the Centre has agreed to release funds after receiving utilisation certificates of the past two academic sessions. The previous Akali-BJP government is to blame for the mess. We are trying to streamline the scheme, he said.

On the Centres apprehension that colleges were claiming more scholarships, the minister said a probe was already on.

PENDING WELFARE FUNDS

Post-matric scholarship: Rs 1,250 crore

For vocational training in ITIs: Rs 27 crore

Pre-matric scholarship: Rs 15 crore

Shagun scheme: Rs 58 crore

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Three armed robbers looted cash, jewellery and other valuables worth Rs 30 lakh from a house of a grocery store owner after holding his two minor daughters captive in Jagraon on Monday.

Police have registered a case. The house is located on Malak road.

Jagraon superintendent of police (SP) Mandeep Singh said the accused parked their motorbike near the house and then scaled the boundary wall. They later smashed a windowpane to enter the house.

Police scanned the footage of the CCTVs installed in the area and said the accused have been captured on camera.

Police officers talking to the victims about the incident after a robbery in Jagraon, Ludhiana, on Monday June 5. (HT Photo)

Jatinder Berry, the grocery store owner, said at the time of the incident his two daughters Mehak, 13, and Himani, 10, were only present inside the house.

I had gone to Mullapur Dakha for some work while my wife was at the shop, he said.

The girls, who were in state of shock, told police that the robbers, who had their faces covered with a piece of cloth, tied their hands with a rope and ransacked they house. They said they would kill us if we raised alarm, said the girls.

The miscreants decamped with the valuables within 10 minutes. The girls managed to free themselves and called up their mother.

SP Mandeep Singh said the robbers could be the acquaintances of the family as they were aware that there was no adult inside the house at that time. We are looking into all angles and trying to ascertain the identity of robbers through the CCTV footage, he added.
He was all of 10 when he began distributing and planting trees, purchasing saplings from his pocket money. Forty years hence, he continues with the habit and has in the process planted around 35 lakh trees from Kathmandu to Kanyakumari.

Meet Kaushal Kishore Jaiswal, 60, resident of Jharkhands Daltonganj town for whom environment is the religion he follows and trees are his family members. His advancing age notwithstanding, he relentlessly continues in his mission with a regimented passion and teenagers excitement.

The man with a mission is celebrating the golden jubilee of his save environment campaign he had launched in the arid Palamu division of Jharkhand, earlier Bihar. As usual, he has set a target of distributing and planting around two lakh saplings this year and he is confident of achieving the target easily.

Fifty years is too long a period to chase your passion, but I still feel a beginner in my mission, says the green crusader, who feels that water sold in pet bottles is a shame and curse to a civilized society. Its free gift of nature and hence it should be available free to all of us. However, since we have been recklessly cutting trees for our commercial needs, we have created an artificial crisis of water. I wonder the third world war could be for water, he argued.

Blessed with two efficient sons, one is a businessman and the other a mukhiya (panchayat head), who have been taking care of the familys needs well, Jaiswal has never felt hard pressed for time or resources in continuing with the mission. There cannot be a better bank balance than trees for your kids in the days to come. Hence, invest in planting trees. While it will pay rich dividends to you when you are in absolute crisis for funds, the same trees will also protect environment as long as it stands tall.

Jaiswal and his team of green crusaders irrespective of caste, gender, race or religion are spread over at least 18 states of the country. They are converting the wastelands green.

Jaiswal had in 1976 initiated a practice of tying raksha bandhan (a sacred thread that a sister ties on her brothers wrist seeking protection from her) that he later christened Ban Rakhi movement. Tying a Ban Rakhi was a way to get people to consciously guard trees against felling. The idea worked as nobody would allow their brother to die. It affected 95 % survival of the planting saplings in Palamu, he said.

Jaiswal has won praise from several reputed environmentalists like Chipko Movement leader Sunder Lal Bahuguna and Dr George A James from USA. He has organised plantation camps in several parts of India and even crossed international boundaries for planting trees in Nepal and Bhutan.

You are doing a wonderful job of spreading environmental awareness in a backward, tribal-dominated state like Jharkhand. Your efforts should fetch you more awards and recognitions, says a letter from Bahuguna, which adorns the wall of Jaiswals drawing room in Daltonganj.
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will be seen in the big screen adaptation of Mahabharatham. The film, an adaptation of MT Vasudevans book Randamoozham, is reportedly to be made on a budget of a whopping Rs. 1000 crore.

With the project set to take off later this year, it has already faced its first big blow in the form of protests from pro-Hindu groups over the films title. Apparently, members of Kerala Hindu Aikya Vedi had opposed the release of the film unless its title is changed. However, the unexpected support from PM Narendra Modi has come as a blessing for the movie.

According to industry sources, the films makers have received a letter from Modi in which he said he awaits the release of the film which will be a matter of pride for the entire nation.

The team of Mahabharatham, acknowledging Modis support, has sought permission to meet him and they have been granted. It will be interesting to see what will president KP Sasikala of the pro-Hindu group has to say now. Recently, she had said, Although we are happy that a big budget film is coming from Kerala named Mahabharatham, we strongly feel a film which is close to the story of real Mahabharatham written by Vyasan should only carry its name. No other movie can be named Mahabharatham. If the movie is based on Randamoozham, let the name of the film also be named same. Veda Vyasan also has his rights.

She went on to say that Dan Browns Da Vinci Code is another version of Bible, but the book or its film adaptation was not titled Bible.

The film will be helmed by ad-filmmaker Shrikumar Menon, and it will be made as a two-part project. It will go on the floors next year and release in 2020.

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Superstar Rajinikanth and megastar Mammootty were last seen together on screen in Mani Ratnams 1991 cult classic Thalapathi. If the industry sources are anything to go by, the duo is likely to reunite after two decades for Pa. Ranjiths Kaala, in which Rajinikanth plays a slum-lord-turned-gangster.

While social media is abuzz with reports that Mammootty might play a BR Ambedkar-like character in the film which is currently on the floors in Mumbai, where the team will shoot another month and then head to Chennai for the next schedule.

Whats interesting is that the film features a character called Beemji (short for Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar), named after the Twitter handle of its director Ranjith, a self-confessed fan of Ambedkar. Mammootty is rumoured to be playing this character and it has to be seen whether he is indeed part of the project.

The film also stars Nana Patekar, and it is yet not sure what role he will be essaying in the film, despite rumours that he might play the antagonist. Actor Pankaj Tripathi, known for his work in films such as Gangs of Wasseypur and Nil Battey Sannata, plays a cop with grey shades in the movie which also features Anjali Patil, Huma Qureshi and a host of supporting artists.

Dhanush is bankrolling the project and there are rumours that he might play the younger version of his father-in-law in the film which will shine the spotlight on the lives of oppressed Tamils in Mumbai. With the films shooting going at brisk pace, the makers are finding it extremely difficult to avoid leaks, especially pictures from the sets. The title track of Kaala, which has music by Santhosh Narayanan, has also mysteriously surfaced online.

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US President Donald Trump urged his administration to seek a tougher version of his controversial travel ban proposal on Monday following a weekend attack in London, and pressed for an expedited judicial review by the nations top court.

Trumps comments, made in early tweets on Monday, could weigh on his administrations emergency request last week asking the US Supreme Court to reinstate his travel ban on people entering the United States from six predominantly Muslim countries.

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original travel ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to SC, tweeted Trump, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down travel ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version! Trump, who as president oversees the department, said in another tweet.

Late Thursday, Trumps legal team asked the court to allow his controversial March 6 executive order for the travel ban to take effect immediately, despite being blocked by lower courts. The Supreme Court rarely grants emergency requests.

The Republican president has said his proposed ban, a centerpiece of his 2016 presidential campaign, is necessary to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. Critics have assailed the ban as discriminatory and his reasoning for it as flawed.

The Presidents tweets may help encourage his base, but they cant help him in court, said Jonathan Adler, a professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

At issue before the top court is whether the travel curbs violate the U.S. Constitutions ban on religious discrimination by targeting Muslims. Justice Department lawyers have argued that their revised executive order is substantially different from the first one issued in January.

TRAVEL BAN

Jonathan Turley, a law professor at The George Washington University who has said the administrations immigration order is legal, said Trumps references to it as a travel ban in his tweets undermine the justice departments defense of it.

Ironically, it makes more difficult the very thing that Trump was demanding: the reinstatement of his immigration order, Turley said.

US Senator Ben Cardin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who opposes the ban, said on Monday Trumps tweets on the issue clearly shows his intent and his disdain for the judicial branch.

The courts have ruled, and the courts said this abused the executive powers. His lawyers tried to justify it by saying it wasnt a travel ban, that it was just extreme vetting, Cardin told CNN. The presidents made that very clear: it is a travel ban.

Legal challenges to the ban, including by the ACLU and Hawaii, reject the administrations claim that urgent action is needed to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. They also note the government had not ask the Supreme Court to intervene earlier, when lower courts denied emergency applications seeking to lift the injunctions against the travel curbs.

On Friday, the Supreme Court asked the challengers of the travel ban to file responses to the emergency request by June 12. Trumps administration would then likely to file its own response before the courts nine justices make their decision.

Its kinda odd to have the defendant in Hawaii v Trump acting as our co-counsel. We dont need the help but will take it! Neal Katyal, Hawaiis lawyer in its case against the ban, said in a tweeted response to Trumps posts on Monday.

Trump needs five votes from the top court in his favor to put the ban into effect. With the confirmation of Trumps Supreme Court pick earlier this year, the court retains a 5-4 conservative majority, while the lower courts that have ruled thus far have been more liberal-leaning.

If the Supreme Court backs Trump, the 90-day ban on people entering the United States from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen will be immediately revived.

The court could also put a 120-day ban on all refugees into effect and allow the administration to consider new vetting procedures.

Even as legal wrangling over the ban continues, Trump also tweeted on Monday that his administration was implementing tougher vetting of would-be visitors to the United States, adding: The courts are slow and political!

Last week, his administration rolled out new policies for those seeking a US visa, asking for the social media handles they have used over the last five years and biographical information going back 15 years.
In the aftermath of the London terror attack, Donald Trump on Monday returned the offensive over security and his attempted travel ban against people from six Muslim-majority countries.

People, the president tweeted , the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

Trumps executive order restricting entry to the US from Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Libya and Syria  a first version included Iraq  has been blocked by federal courts in Maryland and Hawaii. The White House has appealed to the Supreme Court .

In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

Rulings against the order have concerned Trump and associates references to the order as a ban, and references to Muslims being its target. A ban on entry to the US based on religion  as a ban on the countries concerned would be on a de facto basis  would be unconstitutional on grounds of religious discrimination.

On the campaign trail last year, Trump called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the US.

In January, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters: Its not a Muslim ban. Its not a travel ban. Its a vetting system to keep America safe.

Trump tweeted about his travel ban on Saturday night, as events in London were unfolding. Seven people died and 48 were injured , 18 critically, when three attackers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and then attacked people with knives in Borough Market. All three attackers were shot dead by police.

Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

We need to be smart, vigilant and tough, Trump wrote then , in the first of a number of widely criticised tweeted responses to the London attack which also included widely reviled criticism of London mayor Sadiq Khan . We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the travel ban as an extra level of safety!

In response to that, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) pointed to Trumps potential legal misstep when it tweeted : Glad we both agree the ban is a ban.

On Monday, Trump carried on regardless , writing: The Justice Dept should have stayed with the original travel ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to [supreme court].

The Justice Dept should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down travel ban before the supreme court  and seek much tougher version!

In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the US in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!

White House social media director Dan Scavino has denied reports that as the Trump White House struggles with its legislative agenda and FBI and congressional investigations into ties between Trump aides and Russia, lawyers are now monitoring the presidents tweets.
A racist graffiti reading Terrorise your own country and Go away was spray-painted by vandals on an Islamic Centre in south London after the van and knife attack in the heart of British capital claimed seven lives.

The graffiti on the building in Sutton in South London was spray-painted from the site of the attack, which is more than 19km away.

The Islamic Centre has no connection to the attackers who carried out the terror attack on Saturday night, the metro.co.uk reported.

But the buildings presence has provoked the ire of racists and Islamophobes in the area, it said.

Harun Khan, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain has condemned the terrorists.

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, he said.

Muslims everywhere are outraged and disgusted at these cowards who once again have destroyed the lives of our fellow Britons, Khan added.

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. My prayers are with the victims and all those affected. I commend the work of our emergency services working hard to keep us safe and cope with the ensuing carnage, he said.

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 nearby Borough market.

At least 48 people have been injured in the attack, the third to hit Britain in less than three months and just days before the general election on June 8.

The attack comes as British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed the evil ideology of Islamist extremism.

We are concerned about some elements of Theresa Mays statement earlier today. May acknowledged as Jeremy Corbyn did nine days ago in response to the Manchester attacks, that such attacks are a perversion of Islam not representative of Islam, Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor, said.
Several airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Saudia, and Air Arabia, said on Monday they have suspended all flights to Qatar, as Arab countries cut diplomatic ties to Doha over its support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

State-run Qatar Airways also said that it has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia with immediate effect.

Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia until 1159 GMT the same day, a statement from the Doha-based carrier said. A spokesperson added it was unclear if the suspension would be extended.

Saudia, the national carrier airline of Saudi Arabia that is also known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, suspended all flights to Qatar. It announced its decision on its official Twitter account on Monday, without providing further details.

Dubai-based carrier Emirates said it will suspend all flights to and from Doha from Tuesday morning until further notice amid the diplomatic spat. Emirates said the last flight from Dubai to Doha will depart at 2:30am on Tuesday, while the last flight from Doha to Dubai will depart at 3:50am.

All customers booked on Emirates flights to and from Doha will be provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternate Emirates destinations, the airline said in an email.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad said on its website that its last flights until further notice would leave early Tuesday morning. The flag carrier of the UAE gave no reason for the decision.

Dubais budget carrier FlyDubai also said it has cancelled its flights to Qatar and that all flights starting Tuesday would be suspended. It offered no other details.

The cancellations are likely to cause disruption for travellers as Qatar is a common stop-over for long-haul flights from many countries.

The tension has open the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.
The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the London attacks, which left seven people dead, an online news agency affiliated with the terrorist group said on Monday.

A detachment of fighters from Islamic state carried out London attacks yesterday the Aamaq news agency said, referring to Saturdays assault which saw three men in a van plough into pedestrians on London Bridge before going on a stabbing spree.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday blamed evil Islamist ideology for the attack, as police said they had arrested 12 suspects.

Saturday nights 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 and came only days before snap elections.

Police shot and killed the three attackers minutes after receiving the first emergency call.
Israel had a secret plan to detonate an atomic bomb in Egypt in the event that it faced defeat during the 1967 Middle East war, a leading American think tank said Monday, citing newly released documents.

The operation was never carried out, as Israel swiftly vanquished its enemies in six days. But details about the doomsday scenario, in which Israel planned to set off a nuclear weapon atop a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula, shed new light on the fearful climate at the time. It also could undermine Israels decades-long policy of nuclear ambiguity.

The Nuclear Proliferation International History Project of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington unveiled a website Monday devoted to Operation Shimshon, the codename for the hastily arranged contingency plan of placing an improvised nuclear device in Sinai to be detonated upon the prime ministers orders.

The operations name, Hebrew for Samson, invoked the biblical figure of great power and aimed to scare Arab armies into quitting their offensive should Israel face what was feared to be an existential threat.

The new information was based on interviews with Yitzhak Yaakov, a retired brigadier general who in 1967 was the chief liaison between the Israeli military and the civilian defense industries, including those overseeing the nuclear project.

In a series of interviews in 1999 with Avner Cohen, a leading scholar of Israeli nuclear history, Yaakov detailed how he came up with the plans at his superiors urging and how a pair of helicopters was chosen for the mission along with forces from the elite Sayeret Matkal unit.

The selected landing site was a mountain in eastern Sinai, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the large Egyptian military complex in Abu Ageila. There, the semi-assembled spider device was to be connected with its nuclear core and linked to ignition wires.

Youve got an enemy, and he says hes going to throw you to the sea. You believe him, Yaakov said, according to a transcription of his taped interview with Cohen.

How can you stop him? he asked. You scare him. If youve got something you can scare him with, you scare him.

The distance of the site from Egyptian population centers, and the relatively small size of the device, indicated that the plan was meant to send a message of deterrence, not inflict heavy damage.

In an accompanying essay, Cohen concludes that Israels leadership did not seriously consider conducting a nuclear demonstration. But he said Yaakovs testimony was significant since it revealed that Israel had the capability to improvise a nuclear explosive device in June 1967.

Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying the existence of an arsenal. But it is widely believed to possess hundreds of nuclear bombs. Israeli officials have often hinted that the country possesses nuclear capabilities, and a former employee at Israels nuclear reactor served 18 years in Israeli prison for leaking details and pictures of Israels alleged nuclear weapons program to a British newspaper in 1986.

The Wilson centers project was first reported by the New York Times. Israels Foreign Ministry had no comment.

But deputy minister Michael Oren, a former ambassador to the United States and a historian who has written extensively about the 1967 war, said he was convinced it never happened.

Oren said Cohens paper relied on a single source, which was highly unusual among serious researchers. Its not sound history, he said.

I also interviewed Yitzhak Yaakov and I wasnt convinced that his story held water. Tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of classified documents from the Six-Day War have been released, he said, and there is not even one shred that supports Avner Cohens version. If there was something, we would have found additional evidence.

Yaakov died in 2013 at the age of 87. Cohen said he promised Yaakov he would publish his story at some point and said the 50th anniversary of the 1967 war this week seemed the appropriate time.
Prasun Sonwalkar

Saturdays terror attack in London was top of the agenda as political parties resumed campaigning on Monday for the June 8 mid-term election, with Labour holding deep cuts in police funding under Conservative rule since 2010 responsible for the assault.

Prime Minister Theresa May defended the cuts and set out plans to increase funding and powers to the police if her party won the election, as London mayor Sadiq Khan announced a vigil on Monday evening in memory of the seven people killed in the attack.

Reports said the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, though experts raised doubts about the authenticity of the claim. Life was back to normal in London Bridge and Borough Market as transport links closed after the attack were reopened.

However, there was an increased presence of armed police in public places. Raids and arrests were continuing as police said the identity of the three assailants was known.

Scotland Yard named two of the attackers as Khuram Shazad Butt, of Pakistani origin, and Moroccan-origin Rachid Redouane, both from Barking in east London. Metropolitan police assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said Butt was known to security services but there was no evidence of attack planning.

Following the criticism from Corbyn, who said forces lost 20,000 policemen due to Conservative cuts in funding, May said: 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.

Corbyn said: As Labour set out in our manifesto, we will recruit another 10,000 new police officers including more armed police who need to be properly rewarded as well as 1,000 more security services staff to support our communities and help keep us safe.

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrats leader, said: Theresa May must level with the British people and accept that on her watch armed officer numbers were cut. She asks us to trust her on security but the truth is as home secretary she cut armed officers and cut community police numbers.

Health officials said 21 people remained in a critical condition in hospitals, including three police officers. The police thanked the media for not speculating about the identity of the three attackers.

After a suicide bomber killed 22 people in Manchester on May 22, British police and politicians were furious when US media, citing intelligence sources, named the perpetrator and published photos of evidence from the scene.

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A Pakistani-origin man was among three knife-wielding militants responsible for carrying out the brutal London terror attack that killed seven people and injured 49, according to a media report.

The man, identified as Abz, is believed to have been the ring-leader of the trio that carried out the horror attack at two London landmarks, The Mirror reported.

Abz, 27, is said to be from Barking in east London, was pictured lying on the ground after police shot dead the attackers with 50 bullets.

Seven people were killed and 49 injured when the trio rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers in bars in the nearby Borough Market.

Abz, a father of two children, appeared to pray to an Islamic State flag in a London park in a TV documentary about the behaviour and motivations of British extremists.

Police are searching four houses in Barking and have made 12 arrests as part of their investigation into the atrocity.

His neighbours said the Arsenal fan had been wearing the clubs replica away shirt the day before the attack, matching the one worn by one of the suspects pictured lying on the ground with what appear to be canisters taped around his body.

The terrorist was a home-grown jihadi who came from Pakistan as a child but was brought up in the UK, the report said.

He was twice reported to anti-terror authorities, the report quoted sources as saying.

A neighbour said he immediately noticed the Arsenal-away shirt Abz was wearing after being shot dead by police outside the Wheatsheaf pub on Saturday night.

He said: I looked on Twitter and saw one of the terrorists who had been shot by police and he looked 90% like my neighbour - he was even wearing the same Arsenal shirt that I had seen him in at 5 pm that evening.

Abz is the only one of the attackers identified so far.

A forensic officer walks from at a house in east London, after police conducted raids following Saturday's deadly terror attack in the capital. (AP Photo)

He lived in a block of flats with his wife and two young children which was raided by police early on Sunday.

Ken Chigbo, 26, who lives in the same building, described him as really sociable and said Abz had invited him to a barbecue just last week.

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.

On March 22, six people died, including the attacker, and at least 50 people were injured in an attack near the Houses of Parliament.

Floral tributes line the pavement in an area in the London Bridge area of London. (AP Photo)

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.
An outspoken Pakistani student killed by a lynch mob was falsely accused of blasphemy, according to an official report that added his murder was organised by faculty members and rival students.

Mashal Khan, 23, was stripped, beaten and shot before being thrown from the second floor of his hostel at the Abdul Wali Khan university in northwest Mardan in April.

The killing led to a national outcry after a video of it went viral.

The countrys top court ordered the formation of a joint investigation team comprising police and intelligence agencies, which is set to submit its findings this week.

No direct or indirect evidence supporting blasphemy allegations against Mashal Khan (or his friends) Abdullah and Zubair was received, the 308-page report, a copy of which was seen by AFP, said.

It added the killing was instigated by members of Khans own secular Pakhtun Students Federation, who felt threatened by his growing prominence as a critic of rising fees and alleged corruption at the university, as well as the institutions staff.

Mashals father, Muhammad Iqbal, told reporters on Monday that the findings had vindicated his son.

This proves my son was not a blasphemer, he said, calling for the suspects to be tried by a military court.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive charge in conservative Muslim Pakistan, and can carry the death penalty. Even unproven allegations can cause mob lynchings and violence.

Last month a 10-year-old boy was killed and five others were wounded when a mob attacked a police station in an attempt to lynch a Hindu man charged with blasphemy for allegedly posting an incendiary image on social media.

Weeks earlier a mob attacked a mentally-ill man claiming to be a prophet at his local mosque. He was later saved by police.

At least 65 people have been murdered by vigilantes over blasphemy allegations since 1990.
Half-a-dozen pro-Khalistan hardline groups will gather at Parliament Hill, the seat of Canadas federal legislature, on Friday to mark the 33rd anniversary of Operation Bluestar in a revival of such an event after several years.

In what is being billed as 84 Remembrance Day for Sovereignty, these groups will collect on the front lawn of the iconic Ottawa landmark, which in itself is symbolic since it houses the Canadian House of Commons and the Senate.

The event is being held under the banner of the United Front of Sikhs (Canada). While a similar gathering used to take place there in the mid-1980s, it was discontinued several years ago.

One of the principal organisers of the event, Sukhminder Singh Hansra, among the main proponents of Khalistan in Canada, said, We believe that doing it nationally would have an impact on the whole thing. We would have one universal message as a Sikh nation of Canada.

Other groups listed as participants include Sikhs for Justice, Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council and the British Columbia Sikh Council. This commemoration event is being hosted by the Ottawa Sikh Society.

In a statement announcing the event, the organisers said it will mark the 33rd anniversary of Indian Army assault on Sri Darbar Sahib also know as the Golden Temple, where thousands of pilgrims were mercilessly killed by army.

That, of course, refers to Operation Bluestar, the operation mounted by the Indian Army on June 3, 1984 to flush out Sikh extremists holed up within the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

While similar events are held each year at gurdwaras and within local communities, taking it to the Canadian capital is one more instance of the pro-Khalistan movement gaining some momentum again in the country. We came up the idea of the venue of Ottawa. The venue is perfect for a national gathering. We think that message will resonate, Hansra said.

Just last week, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal Party, Raj Grewal, made a statement in the House of Commons and described the 1984 operation as a targeted attack on Sikhism's holiest shrine which left a scar in the hearts of Sikhs everywhere.

Hansra said those who gather will focus on the remembrance of those who laid down their lives in 1984. We will be remembering those who sacrificed in 1984 and also the victims of 1984. Subsequently we believe sovereignty is what will resolve the situation. No point in asking for justice since the (Indian) government has miserably failed (in this respect).

While the gathering will take place within the boundaries of the Parliament Hill complex, it will not be located within the buildings that comprise it. Hansra said the organisers had sent out invitations to all members of Parliament to attend the gathering but havent got any confirmations yet.

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Qatar said on Monday it was facing a campaign of lies and fabrications aimed at putting the Gulf Arab state under guardianship, after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with it.

The campaign of incitement is based on lies that had reached the level of complete fabrications, the Qatari foreign ministry said.

It added that, as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, it was committed to its charter, respected the sovereignty of other states and did not interfere in their affairs.

The coordinated move by the four countries dramatically escalates a simmering dispute over Qatars support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.

In another development, Yemens internationally recognised government also cut ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of working with its enemies in the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, state news agency Saba reported.

Qatars practices of dealing with the (Houthi) coup militas and supporting extremist groups became clear, the government said in a statement.

It added that Yemen supported a decision by a Saudi-led coalition fighting for more than two years to oust the Houthis from the capital Sanaa to remove Qatar from its ranks announced earlier on Monday.

Reactions

A senior Iranian official said on Monday the decision by some Gulf Arab states and Egypt to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar would not help end the crisis in the Middle East.

The era of cutting diplomatic ties and closing borders ... is not a way to resolve crisis ... As I said before, aggression and occupation will have no result but instability, Hamid Aboutalebi, deputy chief of staff of Irans President Hassan Rouhani, tweeted on Monday.

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and defense secretary Jim Mattis said that they did not expect a decision by some Gulf countries to sever ties with Qatar to affect the fight against terrorism but urged them to address their differences.

I do not expect that this will have any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified - the unified - fight against terrorism in the region or globally, Tillerson told reporters in Sydney after meetings between Australian and US foreign and defence ministers.

The region plays an important role for the US military in the fight against Islamic State. Bahrain houses the US Navys Fifth fleet, which patrols the seas of the Middle East and Central Asia, while Qatar is home to the Al Udeid Airbase, from where the United States carries out airstrikes against militants in the region.

Tillerson urged the Gulf Cooperation Council nations to sort out their differences and said that the United States was willing to play a role in helping the countries address their differences.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has no immediate plans to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, a spokesman for the South Asian nations foreign ministry said on Monday.

The country has no such plans, the spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, said, following Mondays surprise severing of ties with Qatar by Islamabads key ally, Saudi Arabia, and three other Middle East nations.

At the moment there is nothing on Qatar issue, (we) will issue a statement if some development takes place, Zakaria said.

Pakistan, which has a significant Shiite Muslim population, has in recent years been caught between the feud between its Sunni ally, Saudi Arabia, and Shiite-majority neighbour Iran.
SINGAPORE: Saudi Arabia and key allies on Monday cut ties with Qatar, the worlds top seller of liquefied natural gas (LNG), accusing it of supporting extremism and sending shockwaves through the energy industry.

Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain said they would sever all ties including transport links with Qatar, which also sells oil products like condensate but is not a big crude oil exporter.

(Qatar) embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (Islamic State) and al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly, Saudi state news agency SPA said.

The rift did not immediately affect tanker shipments, but benchmark Brent crude futures prices rose around 1 per cent to over $50 per barrel on concerns about a widening rift in the Arab world.

The move comes as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar are members, recently agreed to extend crude oil production cuts in order to tighten the market and pop up prices.

It was not immediately clear how the political crisis would affect policy-making at OPEC, of which Saudi Arabia as the worlds biggest crude exporter is seen as the de-facto leader.

A Saudi oil industry source said the action was unlikely to have a large impact on OPEC decision making, noting that other political disputes within the group, including between Saudi Arabia and Iran, had not prevented OPEC from agreeing on oil policy.

LNG IMPACT UNCLEAR

Traders said it was too early to say if the dispute would have any impact on LNG shipment within the region, with both Egypt and the UAE taking regular cargoes from Qatar.

India is the second-biggest buyer of Qatari LNG, according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, after Japan.

With an annual import of 7.5 million metric tons (MMT) of LNG under a long term contract between Petronet of India and RasGas of Qatar, and some spot purchases by Indian companies from time to time, Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India, accounting for over 65% of Indias global import and 15% of Qatars export of LNG.

Qatar meets almost a third of global LNG demand and Egypt, which struggles to meet its electricity needs, has imported an average 857,000 cubic metres per month of LNG from Qatar since January 2016, according to shipping data in Thomson Reuters Eikon.

The fuel is used largely for power generation.

Egypt last year awarded a large tender for 2017 supplies, much of it sourced from Qatar, although traders said rising domestic output and alternative sources including Norway, Nigeria and the United States could fill a potential gap.

The UAE has imported on average 190,000 cubic metres of LNG per months from Qatar since January 2016.

Traders pointed out, however, that other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) like Kuwait, which often fall in line with decisions made by Saudi Arabia, have not, at least for now, taken action against Qatar.

Kuwait has imported on average 283,000 cubic metres of LNG per month from Qatar since 2016, the data shows.

Shipments to the worlds biggest LNG buyers in Asia are unlikely to be affected, barring a major escalation, importers said.

I dont think there will be any impact on it. We get gas directly from Qatar by sea, R.K. Garg, head of finance at Indian LNG importer Petronet, told Reuters when asked to comment on the coordinated move to cut relations.

Qatar is also a major exporter of condensate, an ultra-light form of crude oil, as well as liquefied patroleum gas (LPG), with most supplies of the two fuels going to Japan and South Korea under long-term supply contracts.
Scotland Yards counter-terrorism command on Monday evening released the names and photographs of two of the three men shot dead by police following the terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market.

It named the two as Khuram Shazad Butt, a 27-year-old born in Pakistan, and 30-year-old Rachid Redouane of Moroccan and Libyan descent. Both of them are from Barking, east London. Redouane also used the name Rachid Elkhdar.

Inquiries are ongoing to confirm the identity of the third attacker, the police said. All three were shot dead by armed officers within eight minutes of the first call on Saturday night.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who has any information about these men that may assist them with the investigation. They are particularly keen to hear about places they may have frequented and their movements in the days and hours before the attack, the police said in a statement.

So far 12 people -- seven women and five men -- have been arrested and six properties searched in connection with the attack claimed by the Islamic State group. One of the arrested men and one of the women were subsequently released.

Recalling details of the terror attack, the statement said at 10.08pm on Saturday, a hired white Renault van travelled north to south on London Bridge and mounted the pavement. The van collided with pedestrians before the attackers abandoned the vehicle.

The three attackers, armed with knives, continued into the Borough Market area, stabbing numerous people. The attackers were then confronted by firearms officers. Eight officers discharged their weapons and killed the attackers.

The next of kin of the seven victims were being informed, the police said, adding that it was taking time because some of them were foreign nationals. Of the 48 people taken to hospital, 36 were being cared for in London hospitals with 18 remaining in a critical condition.

People attend a vigil for victims of Saturday's attack on London Bridge, at Potter's Field Park with Tower Bridge in the background in London. (AP Photo)

Scotland Yard added there were 500 current terrorism investigations, involving 3,000 individuals of interest. Khuram Shazad Butt was known to the police and MI5, but Rachid Redouane was not known.

Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said: The security and intelligence services and police have stopped 18 plots since 2013, including five since the Westminster attack two months ago.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has no knowledge of a reported pre-inauguration proposal by President Donald Trumps son in law and top aide Jared Kushner to set up a secret, bug-proof communications channel with the Kremlin.

In an interview aired Sunday on NBC, Putin again flatly denied US intelligence agencies assessment that Russia meddled via hacking and other means in the US election to help Trump win. He said there may have been non-Russian hackers from anywhere that simply blamed Russia.

This charge -- and even more damning suggestions that the Trump administration actually colluded in such an effort -- are at the core of a high stakes probe by a US special counsel and congressional committees. Trumps most ardent critics are already talking of impeachment.

Putin also said he had no idea if the Russian ambassador to Washington had held contacts with the Trump campaign before the November election.

Im being honest. Do you think that from all over the world and the United States, the ambassador reports to me every day who he eats with or meets with, said Putin.

And Putin denied that Russia had any information on Trump to influence him.

Well, this is just another load of nonsense. Where would we get this information from? Did we have a special relationship with him? We didnt have any relationship at all. ... Have you all lost your senses over there? Putin asked.

The Washington Post has reported that in a New York meeting in December with the Russian ambassador to Washington, Sergei Kislyak, the 36 year old Kushner suggested setting up a back channel of communications with Moscow.

Putin, in the interview with journalist Megyn Kelly in St. Petersburg, said: I dont know about this proposal. No proposal like that came to me.

Putin said that, had there been a proposal and it were appealing to the Russians, his foreign minister would have told him.

There wasnt anything to talk about, Putin said through an interpreter.

For me, this is just amazing. You create a sensation out of nothing and out of this sensation, you turn it into a weapon of war against the current president. Well, this is, you know, youre just, you people are so creative over there. Good job. Your lives must be boring, said Putin.

Putin also said 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.

Putin minimized his contact with Flynn, who was fired by Trump in February after offering misleading descriptions of conversations he had had before the inauguration with ambassador Kislyak.

A routine meeting

Putin told 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 afterward 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, Putin said. I didnt even really talk to him. Thats 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.

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. He quotes Trump as saying, I hope you can let this go.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing the wealthy Gulf Arab state of supporting terrorism.

The coordinated move dramatically escalates a simmering dispute over Qatars support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.

The three Gulf states announced the closure of transport ties with Qatar and gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries.

Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of backing militant groups and spreading their violent ideology, in an apparent reference to its influential state-owned satellite channel Al Jazeera.

(Qatar) embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (Islamic State) and al Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly, state news agency SPA said.

The statement went on to accuse Qatar of supporting what it described as Iranian-backed militants in its restive and largely Shiite Muslim-populated Eastern region of Qatif and in Bahrain. There was no immediate Qatari reaction to the announcements, but it has denied supporting terrorism or Iran in the past.

On its state news agency, Egypt, the Arab worlds most populous nation, said Qatars policy threatens Arab national security and sows the seeds of strife and division within Arab societies according to a deliberate plan aimed at the unity and interests of the Arab nation.

Also on Monday, the Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad suspended its flights to Qatar.

Etihad said on its website its last flights until further notice would leave early Tuesday morning. Etihad gave no reason for the decision. It is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabian womens rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul has been detained by authorities at an airport in Dammam, rights group Amnesty International said on Monday.

This is the second time authorities have detained Hathloul, who was arrested on Sunday, Amnesty said.

In 2014, she was held for breaking an absolute ban in the Gulf kingdom on women driving -- the only country in the world where women are not allowed to do so.

It appears she is being targeted once again because of her peaceful work as a human rights defender speaking out for womens rights, which are consistently trammelled in the kingdom, said Amnestys Samah Hadid.

If so she must be immediately and unconditionally released, said Hadid, who described Mondays news as absurd and unjustifiable.

In November 2014, Hathloul tried to drive into Saudi Arabia from the neighbouring United Arab Emirates in defiance of the ban, and was held for more than two months.

At the time, campaigners for Hathlouls release did not provide full details of the allegations against her but said investigations appeared to focus on social media use rather than driving.

Saudi citizens are highly active on social media including on Twitter, where many post anonymously under fabricated user names.

However, Hathlouls account, which has 284,000 followers, is run under her real identity.

Hathloul tried to stand for public office in November 2015, in the kingdoms first election in which women were allowed to vote and stand for office.

The activist said she was disqualified by the authorities.

Amnesty has said Hathloul was later recognised as a candidate, but her name was never added to the ballot.
President Donald Trump ignored advice from his top national security officials when, in a recent speech in Brussels, he refused to reaffirm US commitment to a key clause of the military alliance that commits member nations to treat an attack on any one of them as an attack on all of them.

Defence secretary James Mattis, secretary of state Rex Tillerson and National Security Adviser HR McMaster had all strongly pushed for the speech to include a line on US commitment to the clause, Article 5, and had believed they had been heard, but were shocked at its omission when Trump finally spoke.

That was the not the speech they had worked on and they were not even informed of the change, that they came to know of only on its delivery. This could have major consequences for an alliance already unsettled by Trumps skepticism and insistence on members meeting their payment obligations.

Reported by Politico news site on Monday, the revelation, which had gone uncontested by the White House for most part of the day, sent shock waves through the US foreign policy establishment and is bound to worry governments around the world about who to deal with in this White House.

Indian officials, for one, have had multiple exchanges with these officials, and others in the Trump administration, and may wonder if meetings that they believed were fruitful and productive, standard bureaucratese for such interactions, were indeed so. No Indian official has met Trump yet.

Trumps failure to include Article 5 in his speech disappointed NATO allies, specially its members from eastern Europe worried by an aggressive Russia, and deepened concerns about fissures in the 70-year-old military alliance caused mostly by questions he has raised about its relevance, and not so much the bills.

The three national security officials  Mattis, Tillerson and McMaster  had believed till the day before that the speech would include that line. McMaster had cleared a draft of the speech. As late as that same morning (May 25), it was the right one, an unidentified official told Politico.

Trump took it out himself, according to one account of the drafting process reported by Politico. Chief strategist Steve Bannon, whose America first nationalism defines many of Trumps more controversial decisions including the Paris Accord pullout, was held responsible in a rival account.

The failure to say something has had a very dangerous and damaging effect on the most successful military alliance in history, Strobe Talbott, who as President Bill Clintons deputy secretary of state is said to shaped the modern-day NATO, told Politico. He now heads Brookings.

Trumps decision to not mention Article 5 was found specially egregious as the only time it was ever invoked in the alliance history of 70 years was in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, 2001.
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 Fords 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 its 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 Americas unwavering support and offer US assistance as the British government works to protect its citizens and bring the guilty to justice.

After more than 20 people were killed in a bomb attack last month at a concert in Manchester, England, Trump condemned the assault as the act of evil losers and called on nations to band together to fight terrorism.

Earlier Sunday, Trump had criticized Londons 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 mayors spokesman said he was too busy to respond to Trumps 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 wasnt 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 dont 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? Thats because they used knives and a truck!

Khans 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 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.

Trumps 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.

US 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 on CBS Face the Nation that he was concerned about Trumps call for a travel ban even though the courts have continued to turn that down.

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.
A series of statements on Monday by leaders of Britains Muslim community and London mayor Sadiq Khan came down heavily on the three attackers who reportedly claimed to have carried Saturday's attacks in the UK capital in the name of Islam.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said it agreed with Prime Minister Theresa May saying after the attack that enough is enough, and pledged to work in partnership with the government and premier to keep our country safe.

Khan said the ideology represented by the three attackers who killed seven people was a perversion of Islam, while Mak Chishty, a senior officer at Scotland Yard, read out a statement surrounded by community leaders, noting that Muslims faced attacks every time a terror strike occurred.

Chishty said: We have had three attacks across the UK in three months which requires a step change  a different direction and a different movement to counter the scourge of terrorism, extremism and hatred that we have in our communities at present.

The community statement appealed to all sections within their own communities to root out the scourge of terrorism which hides amongst their own people and masquerades as IslamThe Muslim community is alarmed and concerned that this attack by three people, which would have required planning ... was not reported.

It added, It is the Islamic duty of every Muslim to be loyal to the country in which they live. We are now asking questions to understand how extremism and hatred has taken hold within some elements of our own communities.

Muslims must do more to stop such attacks from happening again and we want to know how we can play a greater role in the future.

The statement also said: We are standing together as one community supporting each other and trying to keep hate crime, and especially Islamophobic crime, down by showing the strength of unity and bond between all communities.

Harun Khan, secretary general of the MCB, said it was in everyones interest to stop the perpetrators of such attacks: We are all grappling with this hateful ideology. This is an ideology that makes killing and hating cool, and uses the words of Islam as a cloak to justify it. As one expert has said, this not a radicalisation of Islam, but Islamisation of radicalism.

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Four Arab nations , Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, cut diplomatic ties with Qatar Monday morning, further deepening a rift among Gulf Arab nations over Dohas alleged support for Islamist groups and its relations with Iran. A look at the history of the conflict:

THE TRIGGER

Qatar alleged in late May that hackers took over the site of its state-run news agency and published what it called fake comments from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel. Its Gulf Arab neighbours responded with anger, blocking Qatari-based media, including the Doha-based satellite news network Al-Jazeera.

On May 27, Qatars ruling emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, called Iranian President Hasan Rouhani to congratulate him on his re-election.

The call was a clear, public rebuttal of Saudi Arabias efforts to force Qatar to fall in line against the Shiite-ruled nation, which the Sunni kingdom sees as its No. 1 enemy and a threat to regional stability. Qatar shares a massive offshore gas field with the Islamic Republic.

THE HISTORY

Qatar long has faced criticism from its Arab neighbours over its support of Islamists. The chief worry among them is the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist political group outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE as it challenges the nations hereditary rule.

Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia fell out with Qatar over its backing of then-Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, a Brotherhood member. In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain recalled their ambassadors from Qatar over the rift.

Eight months later, they returned their ambassadors as Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country and quieted others. However, the 2014 crisis did not see a land and sea blockade as threatened now.

FINANCIAL PATRON OF HAMAS

In the time since, Qatar repeatedly and strongly denied it funds extremist groups. However, it remains a key financial patron of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and has been the home of exiled Hamas official Khaled Mashaal since 2012. Western officials also have accused Qatar of allowing or even encouraging funding of Sunni extremists like al-Qaidas branch in Syria, once known as the Nusra Front.

Qatar also maintains ties with Iran as it shares a massive offshore gas field with the Islamic Republic.

THE FALLOUT

The decision can have repercussions around the Middle East where Gulf states have used their financial and political power to influence events in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Saudi Arabia said Qatari troops would be pulled out from the ongoing war in Yemen.

WHAT NATIONS SAID

Saudi Arabia said it took the decision due to Qatars embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilizing the region including the Muslim Brotherhood, al-Qaida, the Islamic State group and groups supported by Iran in the kingdoms restive eastern province of Qatif.

Egypts Foreign Ministry accused Qatar of taking an antagonist approach toward Egypt and said all attempts to stop it from supporting terrorist groups failed.

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.
Police shot dead a man to rescue a woman he held hostage in a south eastern suburb in Melbourne on Monday.

A major rescue operation was launched at the Bay Street apartment in Brighton following reports of an explosion.

The woman was held hostage in an apartment leading to emergency services, including SES crews, being called to the scene where they also located the body of a man who appeared to have been shot in the foyer of the building.

Police are attempting to negotiate with a man in one of the apartments, the spokeswoman said during the operation. Its believed he has a woman inside with him who he wont allow to leave.

Victoria Police, which kept posting updates on its Twitter profile, confirmed that the situation was resolved.
President Donald Trump's administration is trying all means to convince the Supreme Court to approve the proposed travel ban. However, it remains to be seen whether, the administration gets the required votes to approve the proposal and that too before the court goes on a summer recess by the end of June.

The United States' Supreme Court will be considering the travel ban proposal put forth by President Donald Trump. The travel ban proposal includes six countries, which has a predominant Muslim population. And, President Trump's administration is pushing hard to convince the Supreme Court to grant the emergency request and allow putting into force the travel ban, Reuters reported.

Notably the legal team of President Trump asked nine justices to approve the orders, on Thursday, so that the travel ban is imposed with immediate effect. The travel ban was announced by President Trump on March 6 and since then, it has been a controversial issue. Moreover, the lower courts have also blocked the proposal and stayed the imposition of the travel ban.

The lower courts termed the travel ban to be "animus," a legal term meaning illegitimate prejudice, Bloomberg has learned. Remarkably, the term has been the basis of several cases that Justice Anthony Kennedy handled. And, since he is also a part of the Supreme Court's bench of judges, who will be deciding on the travel ban proposal, his vote might play a pivotal role.

According to the reports, if it so happens that the Supreme Court decides to approve the proposed travel ban, another issue that will need to be resolved is the 90-days period that Trump's ban has sought. Whether the 90 days period will start from the day that the Supreme Court issues an approval or whether it will include the time throughout the litigation, remains to be seen. Moreover, if the second option is decided on, the travel ban is set to expire sometime in mid-June.

It must be mentioned that President Donald Trump has stated that his proposed travel ban aims to prevent terror attacks in the US and thus protect the Americans. However, it has been largely criticized due to its discriminatory nature and flawed reasoning.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
600Breezy, who caught attention after appearing on Drakes More Life playlist, has been hit with some unfortunate news. The Lose You rapper was sentenced to ten years in prison for probation violation, which came from a 2012 arrest for possession of crack-cocaine. The violation occurred over travelling without permission.

XXL reports that Breezy shared a Facebook post en route to a courtroom in Iowa, Waterloo, ranting about his current predicament:

This long ass drive the Waterloo Im about to walk in court on straight asshole mode  cause if I been violating for travelingthat mean Im violating coming to court.. and the crazy part my supervising p.o in Chicago didnt violate me . Iowa did.. After 5 years now Iowa wanna all of a sudden step in.



Breezys mother reportedly took to Instagram to confirm the sentence, stating: Iowa just locked up Antonio Valentino King for 10 yrs. This is the worst birthday of my life.

However, XXL reports that Drake has reportedly expressed interest in helping the rapper during his legal struggles, stating I wont let him sit. We will do everything we can. Check out some pictures detailing the aforementioned social media below.

600Breezy
Tee Grizzley got to the Windy City just in time for controversy to blow his way.

In a video circulating on social media, the Michigan native was seen hanging out with Lil Reese and other members of his crew in a tough part of Chicago, commonly referred to as the O Block. That area, once home to a young Michelle Obama, has been described as the most dangerous block in the city.

The rapper seems to love it in Chi-town though. A scheduled show of his was reportedly cancelled, but despite this, Grizz still tweeted that the love and respect between him and the real Chicago n****s is mutual, further solidifying this stance.

However, its not all rosy quotes from Tee Grizzley right now. Hes getting flack after an alternative version of his track No Effort was released, supposedly to cover up a lyric in the original that is being perceived as a diss against late Chicago rapper Lil Jojo, who was gunned down in 2012. King Yella is just one of the members of the hip-hop community that have told him to cool out.

Hopefully that situation rectifies itself soon.

tg
A few months back, A$AP Rocky debuted the Vlone x Nike Air Force 1 High, giving an on-foot look in the streets of New York City and sparking rumors that the kicks would be releasing sometime this year.

Not long after Rocky showed off his Vlone AF1 High, A$AP Bari shared another photo on instagram of his black and orange high tops, and today word is out that the kicks will be releasing this year.

According to an article by WWD, Bari has collaborated with Nike on a Vlone x Nike Air Force One  he couldnt say when the high silhouette is coming out  and hes also partnered with brands including Fragments and Off-White.

Baris VLone line will be showing on June 23rd during Paris mens fashion week although hes keeping a tight lip regarding what will be unveiled.

I might do a denim program. I might do some leather pieces. Im not sure, he said. I wanted to show in Paris to see if I could complete the mission Im going for, said Bari. Im trying to show kids that you can do anything. Im not a kid that went to fashion school. Im not a kid that went to college and studied fashion. Im a kid that grew up in fashion and learned it from a life experience.

Whenever the Vlone x Nike Air Force 1 High drops you can expect them to be extremely limited, just like the low-top pair which retailed for $250 and later hit the secondary market for upwards of $1500.

Check out images of the Vlone AF1 Highs in the gallery above and stay tuned for more details.

Vlone Af1
During his flying visit to Dublin this Bank Holiday weekend as part of the Dalkey Book Festival, the former US presidential candidate confessed that he's still bewildered by how Donald Trump became US President.

Speaking last night at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, the Senator joked to the audience at the sold-out event: "I know you will be shocked to learn I am not a great fan of Donald Trump."

The 75-year-old pointed out that Trump was "lying through his teeth" during the presidential election and admitted that he was still shocked by how the former reality TV star is now in charge of the Oval Office. "How did someone like Donald Trump end up as President of the United States?" He said, and added that the US President "lies all the time"!

He explained that the American public are "finding it very strange that we have a President who seems to be more comfortable with autocrats and authoritarians than with leaders of democratic nations".

He also said that Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate deal was "incredibly stupid". He observed, "How in God's name do you make public policy in defiance of science?"

Asked if he would consider running again for the presidency in 2020, Sanders responded: "Honestly, I dont know." He added that his only focus at the moment was to help the Democrats. "The decision I have made right now is to open up the Democratic party and bring millions more into it.

During the flying visit, Senator Sanders, along with his wife Jane O'Meara Sanders, visited President Michael D. Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain

The couple also took genealogy tests to trace their Irish roots. Senator Sanders told the audience last night that his wife's result came back as 96% Irish, which he pointed out is "more than the average Irish person in Ireland.

As the event wrapped up, the Senator urged the Irish public to "have confidence that, at the end of the day, the American people are going to do the right thing.
Forbidden Fruit made its seventh return to the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham this year, with much fanfare made over their Bulmers Live Stage and its Irish-only lineup. Its appropriate then that young Irish acts set the tone and dominated the opening day.

If youre feeling Glory on the keys, raise your hands, Solbas of Super Silly told us as they opened proceedings on the aforementioned stage - and there was a fair number of hands in the air throughout. Their early set time out the window as the commanding Solbas provided top-notch rhythm whether with his vocals or bass in a set that ranged from BBNG-esque jazzy R&B to jump-around hip-hop.

The afternoon sun had everyone queueing for 99s as it was, but Hot Press yearbook cover star Jafaris was intent on raising the temperature even further. Who here's on the pull?, he asked, to wild cheers from the young, enthusiastic audience. They couldnt keep their eyes off his moves - hes an expert at the robot - and his band are tight too, with tunes like Keep Your Head High demonstrating why he deserved a slot in the big Outcider tent.
Palmer Freeman Luckey was the kind of wunderkind Silicon Valley venerates. When he was just 21, he made an overnight fortune selling his startup, a company called Oculus VR that made virtual-reality gear, to Facebook for $2 billion in 2014.

But the success story took a sideways turn this year when Luckey, now 24, was pressured to leave Facebook months after news spread that he had secretly donated to an organization dedicated to spreading anti-Hillary Clinton internet memes.

While Luckey slammed inaccuracies in the articles, the reports proved toxic in the tech industry, where hostility to President Donald Trump is pervasive.

The spokesman for a new medium - virtual reality - briefly became an exile.

Now Luckey is back. Unburdened by a big company's culture, he's more freely sharing his politics on social media. He also contributed $100,000 to Trump's inauguration, through one of his companies, according to records.

And he has a new startup in the works, a company that is developing surveillance technology that could be deployed on borders between countries and around military bases, according to three people familiar with the plan who asked for anonymity because it's confidential. They said the investment fund run by Peter Thiel, a technology adviser to Trump, planned to support the effort.

New kind of defense

In an emailed statement, Luckey confirmed that he was working on a defense-related startup.

"We are spending more than ever on defense technology, yet the pace of innovation has been slowing for decades," he wrote. "We need a new kind of defense company, one that will save taxpayer dollars while creating superior technology to keep our troops and citizens safer."

The new business is the latest note in the charmed and very unconventional life of Luckey. He stood to receive hundreds of millions of dollars from the sale of Oculus to Facebook, he said in court in January during a trial involving a dispute between Oculus and a games publisher. The precise amount he left the company with is unclear.

A person who knows him described Luckey as a casual "prepper," someone who prepares for societal collapse, though another person said he was simply a military buff.

Among his assets is about 85 acres of property in upstate New York, including a luxury home built atop a decommissioned Atlas missile silo. He owns a second property in Chico, Calif., with decommissioned Titan 1 missile silos.

Luckey also owns several military vehicles and, through various companies, three helicopters, and he received a student pilot's license last year, according to FAA records.

Pushed out

He was gone from Oculus by March. An Oculus spokeswoman said Luckey's departure had not been connected to his political views. But the person who knows Luckey said he had been pushed out and was rarely seen in the Oculus offices after the news about his political activities broke.

Soon after, he was working on his next startup idea: The company plans to use a technology found in self-driving cars called lidar - shorthand for light detection and ranging - as well as infrared sensors and cameras to monitor borders for illegal crossings, according to the three people familiar with the plan.

As as he sees it, the technology can be used for many kinds of perimeter security, including military bases and stadium events, where it could be used to detect drones. Software would help the system figure out which objects to ignore, like birds and coyotes.

Those familiar with the plan say Luckey believes his system, which can be mounted on telephone poles, can be built far more cost effectively than Trump's proposed wall on the Mexican border - and with fewer obstacles from landowners.

The company is being self-financed by Luckey for now. Eventually, he wants to explore new applications of other technologies including drones, Luckey has told people.
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.

Meanwhile, the cost of goods and services in the Bay Area rose 27 percent over the past 10 years, and the median price of a home last year hit $880,000 - which fewer than 40 percent of first-time homebuyers can afford, according to the 2017 Silicon Valley Index published by Joint Venture Silicon Valley. The price of renting a home has also skyrocketed in recent years.

(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.

Y 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.

Y 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."
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WASHINGTON - The State Department called Monday for the immediate release of three labor activists who investigated a Chinese company that produced Ivanka Trump shoes in China. The Associated Press reported that the men were arrested or went missing last week.

The activists were working with China Labor Watch, a New York-based nonprofit, and investigating Huajian Group factories in the southern Chinese cities of Ganzhou and Dongguan.
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TEHRAN, Iran - Mostafa Meisami has given up on the farming life, trading his old job raising cattle for a better-paying gig ferrying commuters through the notoriously traffic-clogged streets of the Iranian capital Tehran.

The 38-year-old father-to-be plies his trade in a brand-new, locally assembled Chinese hatchback, scrolling for fares using an app on his Samsung smartphone.

Yes, even in Iran, there's an app for that - and quite a few other things too.

The Islamic Republic remains in many ways cut off economically from the rest of the world. Big-name Western brands shun the market for fear of violating sanctions that remain in place even after the country's landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

That means no KFC - just local upstarts like "Iran Fried Chicken" - or credit and ATM cards connected to global banking networks. Visitors to the country must carry in thick wads of dollars. Many popular social-networking sites like Facebook are blocked by government censors.

Order from Amazon or call an Uber? Forget about it. In their place, a surprisingly active tech startup scene has sprung up. It's driven by a growing number of Iranian millennials who see their country of 80 million people not as an isolated outcast but as a market ripe with opportunity.

Among the fastest-growing companies in the digital transformation is Snapp, the ride-hailing app Meisami uses.

He estimates he makes more than $900 working in a good month, pulling in a much larger cut per fare than he would driving for a traditional taxi-style car service. His hours are long - 12 hours a day most days a week - but he likes being able to pick when and where he works.

"This opened a door to people like me who had financial problems," he said.

Snapp is owned by the Iran Internet Group, which has emerged as one of the leaders in the country's startup scene. It is backed by telecom Irancell, which state-linked investors have stakes in, as well as South African telecom MTN.

Its other businesses include an online shopping site Bamilo, a food-ordering app called Zoodfood and a hotel booking site known as Pintapin - a useful service in a country that most booking portals don't touch.

Nader Habibi, an Iranian expert at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, said the rollout of 4G mobile connections and high-speed landline internet service over the past few years has fueled Iran's tech boom.

So too have supportive government policies like loans for innovative startups and deferrals on military conscription for promising young inventors and tech professionals. And the same international sanctions that have kept Iran isolated have been a boon for the tech sector by limiting competition.
Heather Axtman was a senior in college in 2006 when she landed an internship at Thomson Reuters. By the time she graduated from the University of Minnesota, the company had offered her a full-time job. She's since been promoted several times. Now 33, she manages a team in the marketing department.

"I've worked my butt off to prove myself, but my timing was pure luck," she said.

Things were different for Kendall Bird, who graduated from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul in 2010.

"I was naive about how hard it was going to be coming out of the gate," said Bird, now 29. "The landscape was so crowded and competitive."

Despite sending out countless resumes, combing job boards and networking to build contacts, she ended up taking an internship instead of a job, being a nanny (for minimum wage) and moving home. It took her more than two years to get a job in her field.

While they're only a few years apart, the experiences of these two millennials couldn't be more different. What changed between Axtman's graduation and Bird's? The Great Recession.

Although the economy has largely recovered, the younger cohort of millennials may not have. New research indicates that the recession has acted as a great divide for this group of 72 million, born between 1980 and 1995.

Bridgeworks, a Wayzata, Minn., consulting company that advises businesses on generational dynamics, commissioned a study of millennials and found distinct differences between younger and older millennials.

"Millennials are a complex generation, and we're seeing that their experiences are very different from oldest to youngest," said Hannah Ubl, research director at Bridgeworks.

The early millennials, born from 1980 to 1987, remember dial-up internet, using AOL screen names for instant messaging, watching movies on VHS tapes and attending Y2K parties.

"They were raised to be optimistic and were told they could be whatever they wanted to be," Ubl said. "They graduated into a strong economy and got a good foothold into adulthood."

But almost overnight, that upbeat outlook turned gloomy for their younger brothers and sisters, whom some call the recessionists.

Born between 1988 and 1995, they used technology at an earlier age, with Wi-Fi-enabled devices and the iPhone arriving in their adolescence. They downloaded music, watched movies on DVDs that arrived in the mail from Netflix and rode to school on their Razor scooters.

Those younger millennials, however, were in the unenviable position of trying to launch careers after the housing market crash, when unemployment jumped and hiring stalled.

In the worst economic downturn in 80 years, the recessionists had to compete with laid-off adults for service jobs. They worried that the college loans they'd taken as a bet on a post-graduation middle-class life would prove to be poor investments.

"I say that finding a job during the recession was like working out with training weights," said Jeff Lane, 29, who graduated from college in 2009 and worked in a coffee shop instead of starting a business career.

"When I couldn't even get an interview, it docked my confidence," he said.

Like the early millennials, the recessionists had been raised to follow their dreams, but the advice they had been given all their lives began to ring hollow.

"All of a sudden, the message changed. It was, 'Expect rejection, expect to struggle, even the best among you,'" Ubl said. "They were back in their parents' basements and back on their parents' health insurance. They felt lied to."

Today, an economic recovery is on track and, in Minnesota, a low employment rate has many businesses and nonprofits struggling to find enough qualified workers to fill their jobs.

But employers and hiring managers who want to recruit - and retain - a millennial workforce should appreciate the different attitudes and expectations of the two groups.

"Early millennials care more about autonomy. They're more likely to want freedom in choosing where and how they work, who they work with and what their schedule is," Ubl said.

Meanwhile, the recessionists tend to be motivated by money.

"Paychecks are always important, but for the later millennials, workplace satisfaction is much more tied to their ability to earn a salary and pay their bills, so they will have enough to live where they want to live," Ubl said. "The early millennials believe everything will work out. The recessionists are less trusting about that."

And those younger millennials may have good reason to be mindful about their paychecks.

History would suggest that the fallout of the economic downturn will continue to haunt the recessionists, who began working when entry-level salaries were suppressed.

"We've seen that those who happened to be unlucky enough to have entered the labor market in a recession may never really recover from it," said Wendy Rahn, a political science professor at the University of Minnesota.

Economists at the Federal Reserve have found that lifetime earnings tend to hinge on an individual's first decade in the workforce, with those who earn less as they begin their careers never catching up.

The Economic Policy Institute tracked lifetime pay for employees who started work in previous recessions and found that as a group, they experienced lower wages and fewer opportunities.

And real estate company Zillow's research concludes that graduating into the recession has an "immediate and lasting effect on young adults' homeownership rate."

Stalled attempts to fire up their careers may also create ongoing financial worry in the younger cohort. Ubl suggested that their early difficulties could turn them into modern-day versions of their grandparents, the generation that survived the Great Depression and took thriftiness to extremes, always pinching pennies and saving plastic bags.

"Their brains were still developing during this time. I think this will color and shape their impressions for a lifetime," Ubl said.

"It marked them in a profound way, and it will always be part of them."
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Summer for many of us means reconnecting with water - lakeside hikes, paddles in the sea, luxuriant floats in some relaxing pool.

And that connection isn't confined just to the outdoors, either. Watery hues and motifs are all over home decor.

"Water imagery adds a beautiful dimension to a room," says designer Ohara Gaetano-Davies of Laguna Beach, Calif.

Her projects include beachfront homes in Southern California and Cape Cod. In a seaside home in Laguna Beach's Emerald Bay area, she painted the interior of some open cabinetry a serene pale blue, evoking beach glass. A collection of white coral sits on the shelves. A large, contemporary painting of a woman diving fills one crisply painted white wall.

For a small powder room, Gaetano-Davies went with Phillip Jeffries' Fade Sea Spray wallcovering, a textural rendition of gently rolling waves in soft blues. (phillipjeffries.com)

"The gradation of color and tone adds beautiful dimension and movement to a relatively small space," she says. "Your eye focuses on the movement of the pattern and not the scale of the room. "

For Trove's new wallpaper collection, designers Randall Buck and Jee Levin used Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's "Water" poem as inspiration. Their watercolor paintings evoke both the serenity and explosive nature of water. In the three-pattern "Ode to Eau" collection, the Drift pattern is a cool horizon of gently lapping waves; Mazu carries us into a tumble of frothy waves; Estuary brings us right to the edge of a thundering waterfall, full of kinetic energy. (troveline.com)

Sometimes, a stylized pattern successfully brings the theme home in a subtle way. Momeni's simple geometric repeat of a wave motif works beautifully on an indoor/outdoor rug at Target. (target.com)

An aqua-hued wavy scallop makes a chic and modern tray at Homegoods. (homegoods.com)

And then there are less subtle renditions of the water theme.

For Deny Designs, Las Vegas artist Lisa Argyropoulos' vivid photographs of sun-sparked oceans, bubbly wave curls and crystalline droplets make dynamic throw pillows. (denydesigns.com)

Australian photographer Beata Czyzowska Young's macro shots of rain and of dewdrops on plant stems, are the stuff of fairy fantasy. (fineartamerica.com)

Contemporary artists explore the aquatic in the abstract at Crate & Barrel; check out prints like Kelly Ventura's "Pool," Lauren Adams' "Deep Water Ripple" and Deb Haugen's "Tide Pools."(crateandbarrel.com)

Gray Malin's aerial shots of beaches, filled with sun lovers, and reef-dotted azure waters, are now available on acrylic trays. The transparent frames give the illusion that the ocean vistas are being held in place by the material. (graymalin.com)

If you're ready to make a bigger commitment to the watery trend, consider Luca Osburn's Tides ceramic tiles, part of Cle's Watermark collection. Osburn is a passionate surfer, and his designs are inspired by the changing waves on the northern California coastline. (cletile.com)

Zazzle's Water Abstract Sea Tile is a close-up, digital image of a clear water pool, printed on ceramic. A dozen or so might make a pretty border in a bathroom. Can't quite dive right into the idea? The image is also available on a mug, pillow, wrapping paper, even a nightlight. (Zazzle.com)
A cohort of nationwide university presidents pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was notable for what it lacked: any representation from Texas universities.

The letter supporting the Paris climate agreement drew nearly 150 signatures from public and private university leaders in the wake of President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw the U.S. from the international accords last week.

Presidents and chancellors from Bar Harbor, Maine to San Diego, Calif., said they would remain actively engaged with the international community to keep global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius and move to a clean energy economy. Most responses were clustered on the U.S. coasts.

Though two Texas community colleges are signatories, not one Texas university president signed the open letter, dubbed We Are Still In. Second Nature, a Massachusetts nonprofit, reached out to higher education institutions.

The letter also drew about 900 responses from businesses and 134 from city, state and county government leaders  including Mayor Sylvester Turner in Houston.

In the absence of leadership from Washington, states, cities, colleges and universities and businesses representing a sizeable percentage of the U.S. economy will pursue ambitious climate goals, working together to take forceful action and to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in reducing emissions, the letter reads. It is imperative that the world know that in the U.S., the actors that will provide the leadership necessary to meet our Paris commitment are found in city halls, state capitals, colleges and universities, investors and businesses.

The organization reached out directly to hundreds of universities nationwide, urging them to sign, said Timothy Carter, president of Second Nature. It also opened an online portal for individual institutions to submit commitments without that outreach.

University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven said last week that he was absolutely in favor of the Paris agreement. A UT spokeswoman said he was not aware of the letter before Monday.

Make no mistake about that, he said at an event sponsored by the Texas Tribune. If we back out of the Paris climate accord, along with Nicaragua and Syria, thats where were going to be. It gets back to a broader issue about leadership. Is this the way we want the nation to lead?

Mike Rosen, a spokesman for the University of Houston, said UH is not in the business of taking positions on every single political issue.

Were in the business of education, he said. Were more likely to take positions on things that affect what we do directly.

This letter is the first known multi-sector statement on climate change, Carter said.

Its not just a sector coming out, or an individual institution, which you often see, he said. There are complementary roles that each of those sectors play in the global system that were a part of.

Universities commitments in support of the climate agreement, he said, are critical because these institutions have large-scale operations, conduct climate research and teach future leaders.
It pulled in to the Galveston pier on Saturday following about a month at sea after launching from Mobile, Ala.

The Navy's newest littoral combat ship, at 421 feet long, is designed to take on coastal threats like submarines and mines and dominate those waters. Fast.

The USS Gabrielle Giffords will be officially commissioned on Saturday at Galveston's Pier 21, honoring the former congresswoman who survived a 2011 assassination attempt.

The city will allow visitors and residents on board the ship this week in advance of the ceremony. Public tours of the vessel start Tuesday afternoon and will continue through Friday.

Giffords was serving her third term as an Arizona congresswoman when a gunman opened fire on a crowd assembled for a constituents meeting. Six people died and 13 people were injured, including Giffords, who was shot in the head. She spent several months at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston.

Giffords resigned her seat in 2012 to focus on rehabilitation, and shortly after she learned that the Navy ship would be named in her honor. The $475 million vessel will be the 16th naval ship to be named after a woman and the 13th to have been named since 1850 after a living person, according to the Navy.

'So excited'

The former congresswoman posted to Twitter that she was "so excited" to be with the ship's crew in Galveston for the commissioning. After the ceremony, the ship will set off for San Diego, its home port.

"That our Navy chose to give my name to this ship is an incredibly humbling honor - one I would never have imagined, one I will never forget, and one for which I always remain grateful," Giffords told the New York Times. "When we celebrate the commissioning this weekend, I will be thinking of the thousands of hardworking Americans who built this ship and the brave men and women who will serve aboard her."

'I Am Ready'

Giffords' husband, astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, was stationed in Galveston County during his NASA service for more than 15 years.

"Her service on the armed services committee for the two and half terms she served on Congress was very, very important to her," Kelly said at an event in March. "So to have the (ship) named after her, I gotta say, I think it's, to date, one of the highlights of her life."

The ship's motto is "Je Suis Prest," or "I Am Ready," a phrase emblazoned on Giffords' family coat of arms.

Adm. William Moran, vice chief of naval operations, will speak at Saturday's ceremony. Jill Biden, who christened the ship in June 2015, will serve as the ship's sponsor.

Saturday's ceremony will take place at noon.

Alex Meyer contributed to this report.
GALVESTON - An online petition by a U.S. citizen living in Argentina has helped spur international interest in reducing nighttime building lights on Galveston Island after the deaths of nearly 400 birds that flew into a lighted high-rise last month.

Andrew Milton, 37, said he began the petition on the Care2 site after reading news reports about the deaths of 395 birds that collided with the 23-story American National Building on May 3 after apparently being confused by its lights.

The petition asks Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough to help pass an ordinance that would require buildings to turn off their lights at night during the migration season, roughly March through May.

"I read it and realized what had happened and it seemed so unnecessary," Milton said in a phone interview from Buenos Aires. "It seemed something that could easily be done by the mayor."

As of Friday, the petition had more than 25,000 signatures, many from Texas, but most from other states and countries from every part of the globe, including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and Germany.

"We need to take care of this problem," wrote petition signer Jessica Z. from Texas. "Hundreds of birds should not have died."

Yarbrough, who is aware of the petition, said the city is researching ways to protect birds.

"We are going to call some other cities that have done it," Yarbrough said. "We're going to look at it and come up with something that works."

The bird deaths that prompted Milton to launch a petition drive and Houston Audubon to create a warning system were an unusual event, said Christine Sheppard, director of the American Bird Conservancy's glass collisions program.

Up to a billion birds die each year from collisions with glass windows, according to the conservancy, but the deaths in Galveston were unlikely to have been caused by birds trying to fly through a clear or mirrored window, Sheppard said.

The 395 birds that died likely were among thousands that would have begun their flight from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico across the Gulf of Mexico, because birds of all species tend to make the crossing at the same time if the weather is right, Sheppard said.

A storm struck before the birds reached Galveston Island, forcing them to search for better weather. It's still unclear whether birds are attracted to light or confused by it, but studies have shown that light interferes with the birds' ability to find their way by sensing the Earth's magnetic pull. Once they were near the spotlights on the American National Building, they would have been mesmerized and unable to move away, she said. The high wind likely slammed them into the building and killed them.

Not just tall buildings

Lights on communication towers are the biggest threat to night-migrating birds, killing about 7 million each year, according to the American Bird Conservancy.

Although the deaths of so many birds in Galveston drew attention to the problem, Sheppard said it's likely that just as many birds are being killed in Galveston on a given day, but individually when they become disoriented by light or fly into windows.

"The problem is definitely not limited to tall buildings," Sheppard said. "Galveston itself is like a bright light."

If Galveston enacts an ordinance, it will have to make the city go dark to be effective, she said.

"If there is an ordinance that does this citywide, that's what is going to have an impact," Sheppard said.

Minnesota requires all state-owned or -leased buildings to be dark during migration season, and about 20 cities have programs to reduce bird collisions, including Toronto, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Winston-Salem, N.C.

Houston Audubon enlisted Sheppard's expertise and began working with Galveston after the bird deaths at the American National Building.

Richard Gibbons, Houston Audubon's conservation director, said the organization is beginning a cooperative effort with Galveston businesses. They can sign up on the Houston Audubon website to receive warnings during migration season, when weather conditions would make it necessary for them to shut off their lights.

'You get to save money'

Gibbons recently learned about the petition and said he's not sure if the proposed regulation is a best first step.

"But it would be nice to get a resolution from the mayor to acknowledge this is the thing to do," he said.

A few days after the 395 birds died, the American National Building consulted with Houston Audubon and agreed to shut off its lights during the migration season, said Bruce LePard, vice president of human resources at the company.

"We did some research online and discovered this is a pretty big problem, and a lot of cities are doing the same thing," he said.

LePard said the insurance company is willing to cooperate, even though there have been no similar mass bird deaths since the building went up in 1972. He said turning off the outside lights causes no hardship.

"The reality is you get to save money," he said. "Actually, the building looks better when it's not lit."

American National has volunteered use of its building for a meeting of Galveston officials and businessmen in August, LePard said.

"If it's something as simple as turning off lights," he said, "let's do it and save the birds."
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EL CENIZO, Texas -- 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 state's 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. "It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for this cause. I know I will be on the right side of history."

The mayor's 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 Donald Trump's 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.

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, Texas, 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 won't be tolerated in Texas."

Reyes, El Cenizo's 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.

"He's 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 mayor's defiance will irritate the U.S. Border Patrol and inspire them to make more arrests.

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 GOP's 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 arm's length. The anti-sanctuary city law is in some ways a backlash to their success.

They contend that the federal government's 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.

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 mayor's 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. "It's taunting the immigration agents. Most of us are illegal. Thank God I fixed my papers."

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 they're going through, but at the end of the day, it's the law," Acosta said as he patrolled Thursday night. "All we're doing is enforcing the law."

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 doesn't 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."

---

Somashekhar reported from Washington, D.C.
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 one's 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 numerous scientists 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. "It's actually unheard of. It's also unclear who's 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 Braun's 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 Braun's lab.

Violations in Braun's lab were "like a low-grade fever," said Nan Bernstein Ratner, a professor in the University of Maryland's 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 doesn't impact the interpretation of the data. It doesn't impact the veracity of the data."

Braun, 71, studied language and communication disorders. He and other researchers used imaging technology in an attempt to determine the brain's 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. Griffith's alleged interference with the oversight process is one of Braun's 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, Braun's 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 Griffith's 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, NIDCD's clinical director; and Michael Gottesman, NIH's deputy director of intramural research, could not comment on the various complaints. They would not address Braun's 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.

"They're not going to allow anyone to publish anything," Meltzer said.

Braun and Noben-Trauth also declined to comment.

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 lostdata that would have been used in about 15 papers, according to people familiar with his work. The scientist declined to discuss his situation.

"They've 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. That's 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.

"It's 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.

Braun's 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 Braun's 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 Braun's resources were slashed, according to Poeppel, one of the experts who conducted the review.

"We're 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, it's incompatible with saying 'and your research program should be cut.' It's just not logical. Honestly, don't waste my time."

In March 2015, a new volunteer in Braun's 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 monthand 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 Braun's record-keepingand 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 can't do that."
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Hip bartenders are always trying to dream up something new. But in their hearts, they admire classics and the challenges they represent: making a perfect martini, a soulful Manhattan, an old-school Old Fashioned. And, if they are truly cool, a passionate Negroni.

Made with equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, the Negroni is a true sip of la dolce vita Born in Florence, the cocktail is thoroughly Italian thanks to Campari's deliciously dry nature. It's also sweet without being sugary; gin-punched without tasting boozy.
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"City Records Hard to Get in Pasadena" - Houston Post, Nov. 4, 1963.

"Pasadena curbs access to data: Tax contract with mayor's friend is the latest episode in a city that flouts open government rules" - Houston Chronicle, May 31, 2017.

In a long career as an itinerant newspaper reporter, Gene Goltz spent only about three years in Texas, covering southeastern suburbs for the Houston Post.

Yet the assignment clearly made an impression on him: Many years later, when he sat down to write a memoir, he titled it "The Pasadena Story."

Goltz moved his family to Pasadena to begin his new job in the fall of 1962. In his book, he recalled his first sight of the place:

"Pasadena was a city of 70,000, a grubby, dismal, ugly place ringed with oil refineries and reeking of the sweet, rotten, heavy stink of oil.  The Goltzes drove up a dingy street filled with Chevies and Fords with their hoods up and grimy, greasy, bare-chested surly men with oil-greased hands tearing apart the engines, while young wives in sloppy slacks and blouses screamed at dirty little urchins running wild in the yards and streets."

Things didn't improve much for Goltz when he started asking about the use of $6 million in city bond funds. A whispered tip from a contractor, along with the city's reluctance to cough up information, aroused the young reporter's instincts.

His investigation would lead to the indictments of then-Mayor James L. Brammer, his wife and four other people on charges involving the theft of more than $100,000 - about $800,000 in today's dollars - from the city treasury.

Goltz's reporting drew praise from the grand jury, the Texas Legislature and the district attorney. It also won him journalism's highest honor, the Pulitzer Prize, in 1965.

Until my colleague Lisa Falkenberg won the prize for commentary in 2015, Goltz had the distinction of being the only Houston journalist to have won a Pulitzer. He would share in a second Pulitzer Prize for his role in covering the Detroit riots of 1967 for the Detroit Free Press.

It was in Pasadena, though, where Goltz developed the dog-with-a-bone tenacity that any good investigative reporter needs. And in reviewing his Pasadena work half a century later, I'm struck by the similarities between Goltz's stories and recent reporting about Pasadena in the Chronicle.

"At Pasadena: Not All Bond Money Used as Proposed" - Houston Post, Nov. 29, 1963.

"Pasadena spending fails to add up; Agency trumpets more funding for the north side, but records show otherwise" - Houston Chronicle May 15, 2017.

Goltz, working in an era before the state's open-records law, encountered closed doors, endless referrals, outright denials and threats. This year the Chronicle's Mark Collette and Susan Carroll, with the aid of the newspaper's attorneys, had to seek help from the state attorney general when Pasadena officials mishandled or ignored their public information requests.

These obstacles didn't prevent the Chronicle from reporting on problems including the use of a neighborhood grant program for political purposes, business ties between the head of a city economic development agency and an agency contractor, and a redistricting plan that a federal judge said disenfranchised Latino voters.

John Goltz, who was an infant when his father Gene was exposing corruption in Pasadena city government, retyped and self-published his father's manuscript for "The Pasadena Story" years after the reporter's death in 2001. I asked John Goltz what his father would have thought of the fact that reporters were still struggling to get information from Pasadena officials.

"He'd shake his head and say, 'Everything old is new again,' " said Goltz, who works for the AFL-CIO in the Washington, D.C., area. "He might laugh about it, but he'd laugh with gallows humor."

Of course, there are some differences between Goltz's reporting in the 1960s and the Chronicle's work of the past few months. The recent stories have not led to any criminal charges. And while our reports have prompted some complaints, our journalists have endured nothing like what Gene Goltz and his family went through.

Goltz's wife picked up the phone one day and heard an anonymous man say he'd been hired to "get" her. At City Hall, a supporter of the mayor warned Goltz that he would "take care" of any reporter who wrote about him. And a city commissioner (the equivalent of a councilman today) punched Goltz in the nose when the reporter questioned him outside the grand jury room.

My colleagues and I have not been threatened, and our olfactory organs are intact. But it's as true today as it was in 1963: Withholding information from reporters is a good way to ensure you'll see a lot more of them.

When Gene Goltz moved to Pasadena, Johnny Isbell was in his early 20s, attending night classes at the University of Houston. Isbell was first elected to the Pasadena City Council in 1969, four years after Goltz won his Pulitzer. Now Isbell, at 78, is preparing to exit the stage after almost half a century as a dominant, controversial force in the city.

Goltz's stories and the resulting indictments led to a new city charter and a clean sweep of Pasadena's elected leadership. But today, the city government Isbell leaves behind seems to have forgotten the lessons from that long-ago scandal. The new mayor, to be chosen in a runoff June 10, will have a chance to reconsider them.
A United Airlines spokesperson has confirmed the company is reviewing an incident where a Houston employee allegedly attempted to "wrestle" a violin from a passenger.

Classical musician Yennifer Correia's attorney said her client was boarding a flight from Houston to St. Louis when a United Airlines supervisor told Correia she could not carry a violin with her.

Attorney Philip Macnaughton said her client was told there were "no options" to board with the violin. When Correia asked for the employee's name, Macnaughton said it "triggered the United Airlines supervisor to get angry" and say "well if you want my name, I'm gonna have your name."

FENDER BENDER: United airplane hits American aircraft at Austin airport

According to Macnaughton, the United Airlines employee attempted to grab and tear the information tags attached to Correia's luggage. It turned into what the Texas attorney described as a "tug of war"  which he says his client won.

After the supervisor failed to rip the tags off the luggage, Macnaughton said she "basically disappeared" and ran away.

A United Airlines spokesperson said they reached out to Correia to offer assistance and said they were disappointed that a customer had a poor experience.

HOMEWARD-BOUND: Soldier says United made him pay $200 fee for overweight military duffel bag

Correia's lawyer said that "this isn't about the money" and is instead about carrying a message to airlines about treating musicians and the "lifeblood" of their livelihood with respect.

Click through to see some of the worst airline PR nightmares in recent years.
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Eighteen months ago, the Texas Tribune and ProPublica asked the federal government for some documents.

At the time, we were investigating what will happen the next time a massive hurricane hits Houston, and because the city is home to a massive oil refining complex, we knew a big oil spill was one likely consequence.

It's happened before: During Hurricane Katrina, rushing water caused one refinery's oil tank to rupture, sending oil into more than 1,700 homes a mile away. And the Houston area has many schools and neighborhoods that are less than a mile from large refineries and oil storage terminals.

For months, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica tried in vain to get specific information about what could happen if any of the thousands of massive oil tanks along the Houston Ship Channel sprung a leak during a hurricane; whether companies that owned the tanks were prepared; and whether nearby communities understood the risk. Our last hope, we were told, were documents called "Facility Response Plans" that big facilities must submit to the Environmental Protection Agency.

So we asked for the plans submitted by more than a dozen oil refineries and storage terminals that sit along a 50-mile waterway known as the Houston Ship Channel.

That was in January 2016. The documents finally arrived late last month, but they shed little new light on our original questions.

Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it's becoming increasingly difficult to get any information about the risks of an accident happening along the Houston Ship Channel. That was apparent as we fought to get these documents.

A month after our initial open records request, we got a call from EPA lawyers. They said the documents were "voluminous" and, before releasing them to us, the agency would have to consult with the Department of Homeland Security because of potential sensitive information in the plans.

That agency is basically the place where public information requests go to die.

There was a way to potentially avoid this, or at least speed it up, the EPA said: Narrow the scope of your request. Ask only for a portion of the plan known as "vulnerability analysis."

That seemed reasonable. According to federal law, those documents "address the potential effects (i.e. to human health, property, or the environment) of an oil discharge" on nearby "water intakes, schools, residential areas, businesses," and other places. So we agreed to tweak our request.

"Thank you, we will continue to process your request," the EPA wrote in an email in February 2016.

A month later, the agency called again with more news: They were ready to provide us with one facility's vulnerability analysis, for Shell Oil's refinery in Deer Park. All the other documents would have to go through the agency where public information requests go to die.

Still, getting Shell's document was great news: The refinery is one of the largest in the country, with a crude oil capacity of 14 million gallons. Then the document arrived. It was two pages long and 13 years old  from 2003.

The main detail in those two pages: Oil that spills from the refinery could travel as much as 15 miles away in the event of a spill, depending on weather conditions and the time of day.

When we asked the company for more details, a spokesman told us they updated their Facility Response Plan in 2012. We still don't know why the EPA only produced the 2003 version.

The company also sent us some other portions of the plan  even though the EPA had insisted that any other portion could have sensitive information that could impact national security.

The additional documents noted that Shell had installed new firewalls around its tanks to protect them from damage. They added that an oil spill might affect the "heavy concentration of industrial companies" near the refinery, as well as "adjoining bayous, waterways, bays and wetlands that are environmentally sensitive areas."

More than a year would pass before the EPA gave us any more vulnerability analyses. When they finally arrived on May 23, they were equally underwhelming.

The Stolthaven Houston Terminal stores chemicals, petroleum products and vegetable oils in 188 tanks right by the ship channel. Its analysis is one page long, and is simply a list of "features" near the terminal that might be affected by an oil spill, including "water intakes, schools, medical facilities, residential areas," and "businesses."

The document continues: "Identified vulnerabilities are listed in SECTION 6." A giant black box follows, where information had been redacted.

The Texas Tribune and ProPublica called a number listed on the company's web site as "media relations" for its U.S. branch. A reporter was connected to someone from the human resources department, and after asking for more information related to the vulnerability analysis, was told, "the answer's probably no."

At first glance, the documents for a transfer facility operated by Chevron looked more promising: four pages long. However, each page looked like this:

This is a page from a document that Chevron submitted to the federal government. It's supposed to detail how an oil spill at Chevron's facility in Galena Park might impact the surrounding area. Environmental Protection Agency

A Chevron spokesman said that the company submitted a "complete" report. "The EPA may have redacted the report for security reasons, but any questions about this should be directed to the EPA," he said.

The documents from a Petrobras Refinery in Pasadena contained a few more details, but nothing that could not have been gleaned from searching for the facility on Google Maps. It notes that two elementary schools and one high school are less than a mile from the facility, and that residential populations "begin within a quarter mile ... and continue outward."

The document continues, "any evacuation efforts for these areas will be coordinated with the local emergency assistance agencies." Those same words and phrases appear in many other vulnerability analyses that the EPA provided.

The EPA didn't respond to requests for an interview, either. But officials there have made presentations about how to prepare these documents correctly, and some of the PowerPoints are online.

According to those presentations, using "generic verbiage" in these documents could be violating the law. So could leaving out the "analysis of potential effects" on schools and residential areas. Both of those issues appear in many of the documents The Texas Tribune and ProPublica received.

In short, as hurricane season begins  and nearly two years after we first started trying to truly understand the risks of what could happen in Houston  we haven't found out much.

All we know is that, as we reported previously, thousands of cylindrical storage tanks carrying the world's largest concentration of oil, gases and chemicals line the Houston Ship Channel. If a hurricane were to hit at the right angle, more than 25 feet of water could be sent up the channel. If even one of those tanks ruptured because of the rushing floodwaters, areas that are home to hundreds of thousands of people could be affected.

Any other details  what companies are prepared for, what the government is doing to monitor them, and specific things that residents can do to protect themselves and their property nearby  probably won't be publicly available until it's too late.

Read related Tribune coverage:

Here's our full investigation into what will happen when Houston's perfect storm hits, and how little has been done to prepare.

Several months after our investigation was published, former President Barack Obama signed a bill that may help expedite the long process of constructing a hurricane barrier on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Dozens of Texas politicians and business leaders recently asked the federal government for $15 billion to build a hurricane protection barrier.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/05/eighteen-months-later-documents-hurricane-vulnerability-are-thin/.

The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Terry Scott Bertling / San Antonio Express-News

A mom in Central Texas is warning other parents of the potential danger at a swimming hole after her son almost drowned in front of her.

Elizabeth Crowe said she took her kids to Georgetown's Blue Hole on May 31. The trip went from fun to panic and fear when one of her sons was sucked into a drainage hole while swimming.
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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
Foreign aid

Regarding "Exhibiting strength; America needs to continue to show the world our heart in the form of humanitarian aid" (Page A16, May 26), as a current medical student who has reaped the rewards of 21 years of education and still counting, I am alarmed by the fact that millions of children worldwide do not receive even one year of education and are faced with early employment and illness.

As the White House looks to slash foreign aid, an appalling 263 million children have never made it to school this year. Education is every child's basic human right. It enables children to pursue bright and healthy futures for themselves and their future children. Each year of schooling can increase a person's lifetime earnings by 10 percent and decrease a girl's chance of contracting HIV, of being targeted for violence, and of early marriage.

The Global Partnership for Education (GPE), a partnership dedicated to educating the world's lowest-income countries, is now fundraising for a plan to give 25 million more children quality education. This plan will enable 19 million more children completing primary school, 6.6 million more students completing secondary school, 1.7 million more teachers receive training, and 23,800 new classrooms built.

The United States has invested in GPE in previous years, and this year, the urgency is greater than ever. Now is the time to charge forward, not back down.

Katharine Yang, Houston

The Woodlands

Regarding "Mexicans once flocked to the Woodlands. Now, they're leaving" (Page A1, Sunday), nearly 100 residents are active in the International Friends of the Woodlands, where we delight in diversity. We share our cultural backgrounds, traditions and languages from North, South and Central America, Asia, Africa, Middle East and Europe.

As we meet children or grandchildren at Woodlands schools, avail ourselves of the education available at Lone Star and Houston community colleges and universities and seek greater Houston's food treats, we see the warm and welcome reception of new neighbors from both local and remote locations.

Almost all of us have endured situations where we have had to turn away from an insult, a rude remark, a grimace, but we carry on and find deep friendships, charitable neighbors, wonderful colleagues and loving families.

Adele Yung, The Woodlands

Europe's debt

Regarding "Europe can't rely on U.S., Merkel says" (Page A8, May 29), finally Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany is facing the real possibility that her country and other European countries that can't live up to the agreement to spend 2 percent of GDP on defense won't have the U.S. to pay for their security.

It may make a big difference in many of the European countries' economic abilities. Merkel may discover that security will cost in excess of the amount they agreed to for NATO to secure their nation.

It has been a long time coming but the European countries may have to defend themselves. The British and Americans saved them from dictatorship in World Wars I and II. They have leaned on the two English-speaking nations to care for them; doing that prevents them from becoming self-reliant.

Merkel could very well have a point that the European nations will need to work with Russia.

Chris Fiedler, Houston
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 like 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 Corporation 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 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.

Cooper is commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking and chairman of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting Saturday night near Dunn.

Officers arrived to find a 41-year-old man who had died from a gunshot wound.

One person is in custody, and additional information is expected to be released Monday.

The Texas County Sheriffs Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol are investigating.
The following are excerpts from reports generated by the Texas County Sheriffs Department:

A 67-year-old Licking man reported June 1 that two Stihl 660 chainsaws with a total value of $2,050 had been stolen from a shop building next to his Baxter Road residence. There are no suspects.

A deputy responded to a womans request to check the well-being of a friend at her Clary Road residence at Mountain Grove, stating that the friend had let a man with an extensive criminal history stay with her and was supposed to have told him to leave the previous day. The officer went there and made contact with the woman and she said she was fine and her friend was overreacting.

A woman called June 1 to report pigs on her Boiling Springs Road property at Success, and that she didnt know where they had come from. When an investigating officer arrived, the woman told him the pigs owner had already picked them up.

A deputy was dispatched at about 10 p.m. May 30 regarding a report of a break-in at a Sylvia Lane residence at Houston.

A 22-year-old woman who lives there told the officer a man wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt came into her home, entered the bathroom where she was showering, grabbed her hand and then ran away. The woman said she thought the suspect had been bitten by her pit bull.

The deputy searched the area but didnt locate the suspect.

A deputy was dispatched at about 7 p.m. May 30 regarding a report of a domestic dispute at a Boiling Springs Road residence at Licking.

The officer made contact with a 44-year-old woman who lives there and two witnesses who all said a 46-year-old man had been trying to run over the woman with a van. After an investigation, the man was arrested and taken to jail pending formal charges.

The woman was also reportedly arrested and taken to jail because she had two active warrants.

A deputy on May 6 responded to an anonymous call indicating a large amount of methamphetamine was inside a home on Forrest Drive in Houston.

The officer made contact with a 41-year-old woman who is a tenant at the residence and she told the officer there were no drugs in the house and the officer was welcome to search. During a search, the officer located 14 plastic bags of meth inside a picture frame sitting on a nightstand next to a bed.

The tenant said it wasnt hers and named a man who must have planted it there, and said the man was likely sent there by another man who had been arrested a few days earlier. The meth was seized as evidence.

Texas County Jail admissions

May 26

Miles L. Wolf Jr.  48-hour commitment

Charles L. Heil  Wright County hold

May 27

Alexandria N. Bennett  Stone County hold

Dustin A. Bennett  Stone County hold

Missie J. Collins  48-hour commitment

Cody L. Worley  48-hour commitment

Kolton C. Morgan  bond or 10-day hold

May 28

Christopher B. Colgan  DWI

Wesley E. Sarter III  probation warrant

May 29

Erik Z. Dailing  assault

Tyler R. Barnett  driving while revoked

May 30

James P. Mitchell  writ (to appear before judge)

Levi A. Bittle  writ

Sharon L. Barton  failure to appear (unlawful use of weapon)

June 1

Jasper D. Robbins  misuse of 911

Eva C. Kinnaird  assault

Brianna M. Guevara  Wright County hold
A shooting this weekend in southwest Texas County that left one man dead has been ruled self-defense.

Sheriff James Sigman of the Texas County Sheriffs Department said Matthew O. McDermott, 42, was found deceased in his driveway on Dunn Road when authorities responded at 10:38 p.m. Saturday. A 38-year-old male was taken into custody for questioning but not charged.

It appears this shooting was an act of self defense, Sigman said via a news release.

Authorities initially received a call that a male subject had shot another male and that the victim was unresponsive. The incident was investigated by the sheriffs department and the Division of Drug and Crime Control of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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Former Laval mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, who was sent to jail after pleading guilty to fraud charges and surrendering $9 million in cash, retirement pensions and real estate to authorities as part of a plea bargain, has not handed over all assets his family amassed during his years of crime.

HuffPost Quebec has learned that Vaillancourt and his wife Francine Dupuis have quietly hung on to a luxury oceanfront Miami condominium, property records show, with an assessed market value of almost $900,000  and its likely worth even more in the areas hot real estate market.

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The couple obtained the condo  which is registered in Francine Vaillancourts name  under unusual circumstances. It involved a transfer by an offshore company registered in the Bahamas while Vaillancourt was still mayor of Laval, according to Florida real estate documents.

Dupuis bought the two-bedroom residence in the 54-unit Tropicana condo project in 2006 for US$160,000 in cash from Florim S.A., a Bahamian shell company.

The total price paid was about US$258,000 or 60 per cent below its market value at the time. The owners of the offshore company and their links to the Vaillancourts remain a mystery .

The purchase price was also considerably below what others paid for residences in the nine-storey, 54-unit building in 2005 and 2006.

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Nadine Touma, Vaillancourts criminal lawyer, turned down interview requests for this story.

She also declined to answer written questions about the Vaillancourt Florida condo, the circumstances of how it was acquired, or the plea bargain between Vaillancourt and the City of Laval.

In an email to HuffPost Quebec, Touma said: I have no comment to share.

Asked in 2013 about the incredible discount she got on the condo purchase price, Ms. Dupuis Vaillancourt refused to discuss the circumstances surrounding the purchase, adding, "It's none of your business."

Jean Pascal Boucher, a spokesman for Quebecs Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, said his office merely approved a deal reached between lawyers for the City of Laval and for Vaillancourt. It was also approved by a Quebec judge, Boucher added.

"The total value of the amounts recovered is $9 million. I am satisfied that we have obtained all that we could from Mr. Vaillancourt.  Laval Mayor Marc Demers

Under his plea bargain with a Quebec Crown prosecutor, the 75-year-old Vaillancourt pleaded guilty to a string of fraud, conspiracy and breach of trust charges. He was sentenced to six years in jail, but will likely be released on probation in one year or less.

In exchange, the Crown agreed to drop more serious charges of gangsterism against Vaillancourt on condition that the ex-mayor:

Reimburse the City of Laval about $7.5 million worth of cash kickbacks and payoffs he collected and stashed in Swiss bank accounts

Surrender title to a $1-million condominium on Ile Paton in Laval, north of Montreal, to the city government which he oversaw for 23 years

Forfeit his City of Laval pension as mayor, worth about $30,000 a year or $500,000 if he lives another 16 years

Not included or even mentioned in that deal, details of which were outlined on the citys web site, was the oceanfront condo in Florida, both Boucher and Lavals director of legal affairs confirmed in separate interviews.

In announcing the plea deal with Vaillancourt in December, Laval Mayor Marc Demers  who is a former police investigator  said the city secured as much as it could squeeze from Vaillancourt, who resigned in 2012.

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"The total value of the amounts recovered is $9 million. I am satisfied that I have obtained all that we could from Mr. Vaillancourt, said a news release from Demers in French. The damages he caused citizens are likely higher still, but we had to take into account his assets and I am certain we have obtained the maximum.

The City of Laval omitted important details of its agreement with Vaillancourt from that news release.

The agreement with Vaillancourt provided that the couple would get to keep all assets registered in Vaillancourt's wife's name.

Demers did briefly mention that aspect of the deal at a short press conference, but did not specify what these assets were, where they were located, or how much they were worth.

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Market evaluation of almost $900,000

Today, the Vaillancourt couples 1,283 sq.-ft. oceanfront Tropicana condo in Sunny Isles Beach  one of Miamis most sought-after and expensive areas  has a municipal market evaluation from the Miami-Dade Assessors office of US$650,000 (almost C$900,000).

Five other units in the building are listed for well above that, ranging from US$949,000 to $1.5 million for similar two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments. The latest sale in 2016 was for US$900,000 U.S.

Those prices would make the Vaillancourt condo a valuable asset for police investigators and prosecutors seeking to freeze and recover the proceeds of Vaillancourts offences, especially if it was bought with the proceeds of crime.

In Quebec municipal corruption cases, several politician and bureaucrat suspects have placed homes in their wives names to hide or shield them from official seizures.

No attempts to seize condo

Yet Simon Tremblay, Lavals director of legal affairs, said that authorities knew of the condo and never tried to seize it.

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It isn't included. This condo has been owned by his wife since 2006," Tremblay told HuffPost Quebec.

Asked why the City of Laval did not go after the asset as part of the deal and given how it was acquired from an offshore company at a substantial discount, Tremblay suggested the condo was only valued at the sales price of $160,000.

Overall, we did our due diligence," he said in an interview. Tremblay declined to explain what was checked as part of this due diligence.

When told about the condos current assessed value of close to $900,000 Canadian and that it would likely fetch more on the current market, Tremblay replied: It's easy to take a couple of facts and put them together to try and discredit what we were able to do."

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He continued, We're very satisfied with the results and the agreement we obtained. We consider that under the circumstances, that's all we could obtain."

The City of Laval sued Vaillancourt and others for $12.8 million in 2015 but later dropped the civil lawsuit. The Quebec prosecutor estimated in court that the corrupt ex-mayors fraud and corruption had netted him tens of millions of dollars between 1996 and 2010.

I sincerely regret the errors I made and the grief I have caused my family, my friends and especially the citizens of Laval, Vaillancourt told Quebec Superior Court Justice James Brunton when he was sentenced in December.

I did great things in Laval but the errors I made are not acceptable. I understand that. I hope to serve my sentence as quickly as possible and try to become an asset to society once again.
OTTAWA  NDP leadership candidate Guy Caron says implementing electoral reform will be his top condition to support a minority government led by either the Liberals or the Tories  or his first act as prime minister if the New Democrats form government in 2019.

The Quebec MP and former NDP finance critic plans to make the announcement on Tuesday. In an interview with HuffPost Canada, Caron said its important to underscore the partys commitment to electoral reform and to remind Canadians that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau broke his word.

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During the 2015 election, the Liberals promised to change the first-past-the-post system to make every vote count.

It was actually one of the reasons why many people voted for the Liberals and unfortunately those people, mainly progressives, have been abandoned by the Trudeau government, Caron said.

The Liberal government announced earlier this year it was abandoning its campaign pledge. It argued the recommendations from an opposition-dominated committee, which called for a referendum and a proportional representation system, were unworkable and undesirable.

If hes elected PM, Caron said his first piece of legislation would be to introduce mixed-member proportional (MMP) representation with regional lists.

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Long championed by the NDP, the hybrid system elects one member of Palriament per riding  like now  but also adds regional MPs, taken from lists compiled and ranked by political parties, to offset the imbalances of the first-past-the-post system.

If a party obtains 39 per cent of the vote, it would receive 39 per cent of the seats  and not the 184 seats, or 54.5 per cent of the House Commons, that the Liberals secured after winning 39.5 per cent of the popular vote.

Caron said hed make the party lists open to the public so voters know who might be elected. He would also ensure electoral reform is implemented in the first mandate with a referendum held after two elections are completed under the new system so voters can decide which system they prefer: first-past-the-post or the new MMP.

The 49-year-old says implementing electoral reform in the first term would be his primary demand in order to support any political party in the Commons. Caron is ready to withdraw support and plunge the country into an election if the promise isnt kept, he added.

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"Electoral reform will not take place if we are lukewarm about it.

If we have the commitment, we will support the party. And if we have the commitment and it is broken, we will remove that support and move to the possibility of giving the support to another party who would do it, or we would be in an election again.

Caron said this demand sends a signal that electoral reform is a priority for the NDP: Electoral reform will not take place if we are lukewarm about it.

He noted that if former NDP leader Jack Layton had demanded electoral reform from previous prime ministers Paul Martin or Stephen Harper, Canada would have a proportional system by now.

It would have been a great move if he had asked for it, but at the time the priority was to establish ourselves as a credible progressive voice [and] obtaining gains from government, Caron said.

5 candidates in race now

We need to ensure that it is on the table, and if it was not done 10 years ago, I think it has to be done now.

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Caron is one of five candidates  along with MPs Charlie Angus, Niki Ashton, Peter Julian and Ontario MPP Jagmeet Singh  competing for the NDPs top job. Over the weekend, former veterans ombudsman Pat Stogran dropped out of the contest.

Stograns campaign manager hung up on HuffPost when asked why he pulled out. The retired Canadian Forces colonel had complained to party officials he had an unfair disadvantage compared to the other candidates who have deeper roots in the party.

In dropping out, Stogran forfeits his $30,000 entrance fee.

Also on HuffPost
Things are heating up and not just outdoors.

June marks the start of summer and the peak of hook-up season. According to data from online dating site OkCupid, most users are just looking for a one-night stand in June.

Between 2013 and 2016, 18 million users were asked a series of questions regarding their relationship status and goals. OkCupid blogger Kelly Cooper reports, between April and June the number of users who state they want their next relationship to last one night, goes up 17 per cent. In June alone, that number goes up 33 per cent.

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OkCupid Data Scientist Dale Markowitz says the increased desire for a one-night stand in June is actually linked to the "transitory nature of summer."

More students, vacationers, interns and other travellers join OkCupid during this time, she explained. Since these members are not necessarily tied to the place where theyre dating, maybe they are less likely to look for a serious commitment.

And there's certainly statistics to back that up. According to a 2014 survey conducted by HostelBookers.com, 52 per cent of men and 41 per cent of women have had one-night stands while on vacation.

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Of those surveyed, nearly 70 per cent had sex with locals and almost 44 per cent had sex with more than one person while travelling.

Unfortunately, only one in three women are actually pleased with their casual sex experiences.

Women regretted having a one-night stand the most, but they werent sorry about [turning one down] at all," revealed professor Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair from the Norwegian University of Science and Technologys (NTNU) department of psychology.

According to Kennair, women tend to worry a lot more about casual sex encounters for multiple reasons, including becoming pregnant, STIs and getting a bad reputation.

Whatever your reasoning behind your decision, we have one piece of advice: use protection, because an STI (or a pregnancy) will last a lot longer than your one-night stand!

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Also on HuffPost
It's all about knowing your history.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the first guest on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" Monday morning as TV hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest started a stint in Niagara Falls, Ont., and they were quick to inform their audience that he was the son of a former Canadian prime minister.

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The interview started with some questions on Trudeau's Instagram snaps  something Canadian audiences are already more than familiar with (he likes to take off his shirt on vacation, he wears interesting socks, you get the picture.) The conversation later delved into his dual life as a dad and politician.

"Do you secretly want one of [your kids] to become the next prime minister?" asked Ryan Seacrest.

"Definitely not," replied Trudeau. "My father would have given the same answer."

Ripa pushed him on the topic again a little later in the interview, asking him which one of his three kids he'd predict would lead the country.

"I will say I have one daughter, and there is something very special about imagining a woman prime minister."

"I will say I have one daughter, and there is something very special about imagining a woman prime minister," Trudeau said. "I think it's long overdue, I just don't think we have to wait that long. I think it should be sooner than that."

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A great answer ... except this woman might have something to say about that.

Yes, Canada has already had a female prime minister and her name is Kim Campbell.

She ran the country from June 25 to Nov. 4 in 1993. And while she didn't win on a national level  she was elected as the leader of the PC Party after Brian Mulroney retired earlier that year, and was appointed prime minister from there  she is still very much identified as having been Canada's only woman prime minister.

We're being nitpicky, we get it. But hear us out.

Trudeau went on "Live" to promote Canada and its upcoming 150th birthday. He's talking to American viewers, many of whom don't have a lot of familiarity with Canadian politics. Don't you think it's worthwhile to be accurate about which prime ministers have graced the hallowed halls of Parliament Hill when you're on that mission?

Trudeau has been very vocal about his position as a feminist, and his gender-balanced cabinet was a step in the right direction for more women in positions of power.

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But forgetting the people who have already achieved leadership roles doesn't help anyone.

It's not something you need to imagine, Canada. It's just something you need to help make happen again.

UPDATE: Cameron Ahmad, Prime Minister Trudeau's press secretary, tells HuffPost, "Of course the prime minister did not forget that Kim Campbell was prime minister. Now, that was almost 25 years ago, and I think we can all agree we're overdue after 25 years."

CORRECTION: This article originally referenced Kim Campbell as not being "an elected prime minister." Since it's political parties and not people elected in Canada, that was inaccurate. Campbell's role in the PC Party has been clarified.
The federal Liberals say wireless prices in Canada are too high, and have ordered the countrys telecom watchdog to carry out a review that could lead to less expensive mobile phone services.

Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains announced Monday he is ordering the CRTC to review a decision from earlier this year. That decision effectively prevented discount wireless companies from offering services based mostly on wi-fi connections and by roaming on other companies networks.

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The prosperity of Canadians depends on their access to affordable Internet and wireless services. These services are no longer luxuries, Bains said in a statement. They are basic tools for all Canadians regardless of where they live.

Speaking at the Canadian Telecom Summit on Monday, Bains highlighted that many rural areas in Canada still lack Internet and wireless services.

Access isnt the only challenge, the bigger barrier is price, Bains said, as quoted at Bloomberg. The digital divide is unacceptable.

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Wireless companies known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) have been operating in the U.S and elsewhere for some time. They use a combination of wi-fi access and roaming on competitors' networks to offer wireless services. The CRTC ruled in March that big telecom companies dont have to sell wholesale roaming access to these types of wireless companies.

The Liberals announcement is certain to put the government at odds with Bell, Rogers and Telus, which between them control some 90 per cent of Canadas wireless market.

It also means the Liberals are taking up a cause championed by the previous Conservative government, which moved aggressively to increase competition in Canadas telecom markets, but met with little success.

The three most prominent startup wireless companies  Mobilicity, Public Mobile and Wind Mobile  were all bought out by larger telcos in recent years. Those three were not MVNO's, though they did rely on the big telecoms' networks. Wind Mobile, now the property of Shaw Communications, recently rebranded to Freedom Mobile.

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The government is clearly sending a signal to incumbents that it wants more affordable wireless plans in the market, which could be a popular policy in the context of upcoming elections in the not-too-distant future, Desjardins telecom analyst Maher Yaghi wrote in a client note.

Yaghi said that although Canada could see MVNOs come into the market, its likelier that Big Telecom will head off the threat and lower their prices.

The Most Important Stories Sent To You 'The Daily Brief' connects you with our best stories sent right to your inbox

They could pre-empt any drastic policy decision by offering lower-end wireless plans, similar to those that Rogers and Telus offer in Internet, Yaghi wrote.

Consumer activist group OpenMedia lauded the Liberals move, saying it could lead to lower prices and greater choice for Canadian consumers and small businesses.

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Also on HuffPost
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's father once famously compared living next to the U.S. to sleeping with an elephant -- a twitch or a grunt south of the border can have big consequences for Canada.

Well, President Trump's proposed tax plan is considerably more than a twitch. Trump is proposing significant cuts to both business and personal tax rates, which would reduce Canada's competiveness in attracting investment, skilled workers and entrepreneurs -- all of which contribute to a dynamic and growing economy.

The Trudeau government should take action. But with an expected $28.5 billion budget deficit and red ink as far as the eye can see, what can be done in a fiscally responsible manner?

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The answer lies in the Liberal Party of Canada's own past, specifically the Chretien era of the mid-1990s and early 2000s.

When Jean Chretien became prime minister in the early '90s, Canada was in a much worse competitive position than today. It had been more than two decades since the last balanced federal budget. The resulting debt accumulation created a great deal of uncertainty, hobbling investment. Nominal federal debt increased from $20.3 billion in 1970/71 to $527.9 billion in 1993/94.

At the same time, relatively high personal tax rates encouraged many of Canada's best and brightest to move elsewhere -- a phenomenon often referred to as Canada's brain drain. In response, the Chretien Liberals implemented a series of critical spending and tax reforms.

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First, starting in 1995 they reduced federal program spending by nearly 10 per cent over two years. This, along with crucial program reforms, helped the federal government eliminate the deficit for the first time in a generation.

A virtuous cycle ensued including a string of budget surpluses that allowed Ottawa to chip away at its mountain of debt, with debt falling by $30.5 billion over Chretien's tenure. Paying down debt meant lower interest payments on the debt, freeing up resources for major reductions to personal and business tax rates.

In short, the Chretien Liberals pursued historic reforms that made Canada more attractive for investment. The underlying focus was more prudent spending, balanced budgets, debt reduction and competitive tax rates, which, along with similar reforms at the provincial level, paved the way for a decade of prosperity, with Canada outperforming other industrial countries on economic growth, job-creation and business investment.

Simply put, the lessons from the Chretien Liberals can be applied today, particularly in response to Trump's tax plan. Prudent spending, debt reduction and tax rate cuts would make Canada a more competitive location for investment and skilled labour, and help foster the prosperity Canadians enjoyed following the Chretien reforms.

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This, however, would mean a dramatic change in course for today's Trudeau Liberals. In contrast to the Chretien era, this government has moved away from proven policies and instead embraced significant deficit spending and debt accumulation. Indeed, the Department of Finance's own projections suggest decades of persistent deficits and debt accumulation are imminent.

Prime Minister Trudeau has also acted contrary to his Liberal predecessor by raising tax rates on skilled workers and entrepreneurs. Combined with provincial tax rates, Canada's top personal income tax rate is now 53.5 per cent for someone living in Ontario, while the federal-state top tax rate in the U.S. is 46.3 per cent. This raises the spectre of a new brain drain to the U.S., particularly given Trump's plan to reduce the U.S. top tax rate by 4.6 percentage points.

Finally, Trump's plan (if implemented) will also make Canada less competitive on business taxes. His proposal reduces the average federal-state corporate income tax rate from 39 per cent to 21 per cent, lower than the 26.5 per cent federal-provincial combined rate in Ontario.

While it may run against the grain for the Trudeau Liberals, the Chretien reforms provide a road map on how to make Canada's economy more competitive in a Trump era.

This piece was co-written by Hugh MacIntyre, Fraser Institute analyst.

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In the dead of winter, 1957, 90 years into confederation, my mother immigrated to Canada from Belgium.

She had left school at 12 years of age to take care of her invalid mother. By 14 she was working outside the home full-time in a shoe factory. At 21 she was married, on a ship on her way to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

She didn't know one word of English, but she didn't consider that a hardship. She worked hard to learn to read and write. I recall her telling me how diligently she studied for her Canadian Citizenship hearing. In 1964 she obtained her citizenship card.

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I asked her why she didn't teach me her native tongue.

"I didn't want to confuse you."

It saddened me to think no one told her, first, bilingualism is a plus, not a negative; and second, that cherishing her heritage, teaching her children its tenets would enhance, not hinder, our development and tender souls.

I shared that story with one of my best friends, Ro'nikonkatste, who is Mohawk. He responded thoughtfully: "In the heart of every culture lies the language of the people who express themselves as human beings. To deny them their language or at least validate it, is to deny them their humanity."

Indeed. Poor mother. She had humanity in spades, but felt she had to give up something to obtain "the prize."

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I had to educate myself so that I could honour my mother's humanity.

Indigenous wisdom states, "We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

I decided to learn my mother's native tongue in my teens, went back to her homeland more than once. I didn't want to, I HAD to. I had to educate myself so that I could honour my mother's humanity.

I informed my mother of every episode along my path of discovery. Her eyes lit up with my stories of cultural awareness. I educated her in many ways. Her humanity became my raison d'etre.

As we approach Canada's 150th, and I reflect on all my mother did to earn her citizenship and my journey to appreciate my dual citizenship, you can appreciate how I am taken aback by some of my fellow Canadians' lack of respect for indigenous language.

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I've even heard someone state that the "indigenous population is less than five per cent of Canada's population and their languages have no real, worthwhile place in Canada or the world."

Really? I just love it when an ancestor of an immigrant (anyone who wasn't here first) feels the need to proselytize about, and worse, to our indigenous neighbours. The presumption here is that 95 per cent of Canada's population have the right to nullify any language, period.

Of course, I'm not surprised.

It's Canada 150. Canada's birthday. One hundred and fifty years of one Dominion under the white lady's crown.

Sadly my mother didn't live to see our sesquicentennial. But in her honour, as I'm celebrating and singing "O, Canada," I will sing "our home on native land."

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Her legacy lives on in my choices. Instead of "moque" or "No, non, nein, nee" to indigenous language, I will always vote Yes, oui, ja, "e'e" to honouring, celebrating and encouraging more enlightenment on indigenous languages, not less.

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Naftogaz Ukrainy CEO Andriy Kobolev predicts that the calculation of the compensation that is due to the Ukrainian company under a separate ruling by the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce in the dispute with the Russian gas monopolist Gazprom will take two to three months.

"We have managed to revise the price starting from 2014, which means that Gazprom will have to compensate us a certain amount for all the gas that Naftogaz bought from the Russian Gazprom starting from that date. The final calculations of the compensation by both parties will take about two to three months, according to my estimates," he said on the air of the "1+1" Channel.

At the same time, Kobolev added that the first ruling dealt with supplies of natural gas, and now they are awaiting a decision in the gas transit dispute, which should appear by the end of June. However, the Naftogaz CEO said the ruling may be passed later.

He also noted that if Gazprom refuses to comply with the decision of the Stockholm Arbitration, this will be unprecedented.

In addition, Kobolev said Gazprom has property abroad, which could be arrested through courts.

The Naftogaz head also stressed that the ruling issued on May 31 by the Stockholm Arbitration Court is separate, not an intermediate decision, as Gazprom presents it.

"They (Gazprom) do not use the correct term, this ruling is not an interlocutory decision, this ruling is separate and it clearly says that we will not pay for the gas which Ukraine did not take, but for which Russia insists we should pay under the "take-or-pay" principle," he explained.

As reported, on May 31 the ruling of the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce in the dispute between Naftogaz Ukrainy and Gazprom gave Naftogaz a right to demand a reduction in the gas price under a contract with the Russian monopolist based on market conditions, and also canceled the requirements of Gazprom to NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy based on the principle "take or pay" and completely canceled the ban on Ukraine's re-export of gas.
One of the earliest recognized handmaids was Hagar. Sarah asked her husband Abraham to "lie with" Hagar so that she might have children by her. Before assisted reproductive technology (ART), people who could not conceive naturally might have children through traditional adoption or traditional surrogacy. Hagar was, by today's definitions, a traditional surrogate. A traditional surrogate is a woman who provides both her egg and her uterus for a potential pregnancy.

I first read The Handmaid's Tale soon after it was published in 1985. The story centres around a Republic of Gilead that demotes women and experiences frustrated reproduction secondary to pollution and sexually transmitted diseases. As a solution to the latter, handmaids became a primary assistant to the lady of the house. The handmaid's purpose was to perform household duties as well as to "lie with" the man of the house in a "ceremony" to produce children for the couple whose female partner is presumed to be infertile.

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In 1985, I did not know that I would one day become a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility doctor who would specialize in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Indeed, I likely did not know what IVF was:

1.The first IVF (test-tube) baby was born in 1978: Louise Brown. She has children of her own.

2.The first successful donor egg pregnancy followed in 1983.

3.The first gestational surrogate (GS) pregnancy occurred in 1986.

Each event made the subsequent success possible.

Today, traditional surrogacy is not often performed because the surrogate may refuse to give the child to the intended parents. Since the egg and the uterus belong the traditional surrogate, in many jurisdictions she may be able to keep the child. A GS differs because the egg and sperm are from two other people and the GS hosts the pregnancy for the intended parents. The GS does not have a genetic link to the child, making it more difficult for her to make a claim.

Laws around gestational surrogacy vary among countries, provinces and states. In British Columbia, for example, the Family Law Act (2013) allows for three parental names on the birth certificate and the intended parents are not required to "adopt" their child from the birth mother. In other jurisdictions, intended/ genetic parents are required to adopt the child from the birth mother (surrogate).

Who needs a gestational surrogate?

1.Women who do not have a uterus:

a.) This can occur congenitally as a condition called Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome. These women do have ovaries and typically ovulate regularly and can provide the egg for a pregnancy.

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b.)This can also be the result of surgery for uterine fibroids, uterine or cervical cancer, or from a complicated delivery.

2.Women who cannot carry a pregnancy due to

a.) medical contraindications: Some examples include large uterine arteriovenous malformations, congenital or acquired heart disease,

b.) an incompetent cervix or uterus (due to pelvic radiation or severe scarring known as Asherman's Syndrome).

3.Women who have suffered high numbers of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

4.Single male parents or same-sex male couples

Nevertheless, it can be very difficult to find a GS. In the United States it is legal, though expensive, to pay / compensate a gestational surrogate in some states. In Canada, it is not legal to pay/ compensate a GS. Ideally, a GS should have a pristine medical and obstetrical history and should have completed her childbearing in case a complication of pregnancy prevents her from future pregnancies.

Gestational surrogacy is complicated. In Canada, prohibited compensation protects against "uterine trafficking " and financial coercion of potential gestational surrogates. However, it also limits the availability of gestational surrogates for medically indicated cases. Limiting gestational surrogacy to uncompensated carriers also usually limits available carriers to close friends or family members who are willing and want to help. Most patients do not have family or friends who can do this for them. Also, such arrangements do not prevent psychological coercion and potentially complicated relationships.

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Gestational surrogacy relationships are managed through legal contracts. However, autonomy over one's body supersedes contractual obligations. If there is a complication of pregnancy and the intended parents and the surrogate differ in their opinions of what should be done, there is little doubt that the intended parents cannot "force" the surrogate into a procedure/treatment course to which she does not consent.

While The Handmaid's Tale foreshadows some of today's struggles with fertility, the Republic of Gilead demotes women and makes many incorrect fundamental assumptions. Firstly, 40 per cent of fertility is due to male factor and not female factor. Secondly, while environmental factors may play a role in current fertility patterns, the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases has decreased. Many people delay starting a family. This has increased the need for and utilization of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, donor egg and gestational surrogacy.

Also today's "modern family" is unconventional and includes single parents, same-sex parents and transgender parents. Any of these parents may require complimentary gametes (sperm or egg) and in some cases they may need to "borrow" a uterus to have a child. Adoption remains a wonderful way to have a family but availability, timelines, costs often in excess of fertility treatments and uncertainty remain barriers for patients who are open to adoption.

Today's assisted reproductive technologies also include fertility preservation through egg/embryo freezing. Preimplantantion genetic diagnosis prevents the transmission of lethal or morbid single gene defects such as Huntington's disease. Preimplantation genetic screening increases reproductive efficiency by preventing the transfer of chromosomally abnormal embryos that are more likely to result in failed implantation, miscarriage or pregnancies with significant health concerns.

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Modern reproduction has advanced to build today's modern families. Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale was based in fantasy and fiction. Nevertheless, the story held some interesting insights and is perhaps more relevant than ever even if not with regards to traditional surrogacy.

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Growing up in government care in Manitoba was difficult. The deep politicization of child welfare didn't help matters. Polarized public opinion and a controversy-avoidant government shaped the legislation and policies that affected my day-to-day life.

Everyone, it seemed, was seeking to provide me with the best care -- but it often missed the mark. Unfortunately, my experiences in the care system are not isolated but illustrate systemic government failures across the country to provide safe, quality care for youth.

We can -- and should -- do better. Supporting youth in care with comprehensive supports to age 25 would be an important first step.

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Living in care likely ensured me a better outcome than I would have seen if I had remained with my birth mother. Her challenges extend from typical channels: an indigenous woman born to a Manitoba prisoner and adopted out in the 60s -- not a formula known for good outcomes.

So when I asked to be put into care as a young teenager, I was confident I was making the right decision. I craved the support and structure that a home could provide. I felt empowered as I took ownership over my care.

The first home did have structure, but it was also riddled with emotional and spiritual abuse. I continued to move through many more placements and social workers.

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Many of us kids in care live in dozens of placements.

The tragic death of British Columbia teen, Alex Gervais, who died by suicide in a motel just months before aging out of the care system, lived in 17 placements over his life time. Such multiple transitions illustrate government care as a complicated and tumultuous time in the lives of trauma-inflicted youth.

The impact of transitory care experiences leave lasting effects on vulnerable youth.

In Winnipeg, 49 per cent of homeless individuals stated that they had spent time in a group-home or other Child and Family Services (CFS) placement as a child. This number is consistent in Ontario, with 43 per cent of street-involved youth describing Children's Aid Society (CAS) involvement.

Graduation rates are also dismal, with 33 per cent of youth in care graduating in Manitoba, for example, compared to an 89 per cent graduation rate for their peers not in care.

My five years as a minor in care left me with serious mental health challenges and experiences with homelessness. The CFS shelters were full of other youth in care experiencing the same sort of crises I was facing.

But somehow, I made it. I didn't slip through the cracks and I found myself navigating a university degree and multiple jobs. I was always aware of my privilege and luck, but I'm an exception.

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Outcomes for kids who age out of care are typically bleak.

In Canada, 60 per cent of young people aged 20-24 live at home with their supporting parents. Yet we hold youth with the complex traumas associated with growing up in care to a different standard and expect them to stand alone.

My colleagues almost universally have some sort of support from their parents. But my safety net is small. I have very few people to call upon for support in homelessness, in financial emergencies and if I was really struggling with mental health or addiction.

Still, many provinces drop services for youth in care at age 18 or 21, despite our desperate pleas for help.

Outcomes for kids who age out of care are typically bleak. I felt proud and excited to graduate, but I was one of few youth from care on the convocation stage. Many of us are caught up with other systems; 41 per cent of my B.C. peers have criminal justice system involvement.

These results aren't surprising. Historically, little support has been given to youth transitioning out of care so they often do not have the skills they need to survive.

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My experience was typical -- unstable and frustrating. But I still made it. However, I have a benchmark to compare myself to. My twin sister, who entered care at the same point I did, has struggled with many of the challenges I can quantitatively illustrate. Her experiences with homelessness, late graduation and unsafe relationships characterize the experience of so many other youth from care.

When governments apprehend children and put them in care, they are claiming a responsibility for ensuring the success of vulnerable children. As a society, we aren't living up to the promise or the responsibility.

Governments in Canada need to step up and guarantee youth in care comprehensive supports and services to age 25. It's an essential first step to level the playing field.

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champja via Getty Images Health Care: Woman has stomach ache

Over the last few years, the human body's microbial population has been the subject of numerous discussions and controversies. But few topics have sparked as much interest as the concept of fecal microbiota transplantation, or FMT. This rather easy procedure has become a lightning rod for debates ranging from its effectiveness to ethical issues regarding donations.

The ultimate goal of FMT is to change the microbial population of the gut of an individual. We now know the key to good microbial health is a diverse population consisting of hundreds of different species of bacteria. If that diversity drops, commonly known as dysbiosis, problem can arise.

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One of the more studied consequences of dysbiosis particularly in Canada is Clostridium difficile infection. This species usually is harmless in a nice diverse microbial population. However, if it can grow in the colon to a sufficient density, troubles can arise. The most common symptom is chronic diarrhea but other complications may occur requiring hospitalization. It may also be fatal in those with weakened immune systems such as the elderly.

What makes C. difficile even more worrisome is its ability to resist antibiotic treatment. While options are available, few are completely effective. Patients may end up having recurring infections leading to a vicious and possibly never ending cycle of infection.

Enter fecal transplantation. The practice was tested against C. difficile infection some twenty years ago and the results were impressive. People recovered and many did not suffer again. While researchers looked for the reason behind this dramatic turn of fate for patients, the same answer kept coming to the forefront. Diversity was re-established and the pathogen was no longer able to compete.

At first glance, this explanation may seem to be reasonable but there is one question left unanswered. How exactly did the C. difficile numbers drop? Most people naturally assumed other bacterial species waged war against the enemy. Yet, this never could be proven.

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Now thanks to a group of Chinese researchers, we may have the answer. Instead of bacterial diversity, the team has shown in a clinical trial the reason for FMT success may be viral not bacterial in nature. The results suggest a shift in thinking is required when it comes to microbial therapy in which we may need to focus more on the entity known as the virome.

Back in 2011, an examination of the viruses living inside our gastrointestinal systems revealed an incredible diversity of species. Most of them were parasites of bacteria, known as bacteriophages, suggesting they may play a role in health and disease. Several researchers started down a new path of investigation into the vast variety of viruses - known as the virome - in the hopes of finding answers.

In 2012, the first of many discoveries linking the virome and illness was revealed. Based on an analysis of C. difficile patients, the disease appeared to be associated with a lack of bacteriophage diversity. At the time, the researchers couldn't tell if viral variability played a role in the disease. There simply wasn't enough knowledge of the virome at the time. But since then, researchers have worked hard to understand the impact of viruses on our health.

This is where the Chinese team's work comes to light. The group performed FMT on nine of twenty recruited individuals. Fecal samples were taken from both donors and recipients before the procedures as controls. Then the feces of recipients were sampled at two, four, ten and sixteen weeks after treatment. The viral populations were examined and categorized to determine the level of diversity. With any luck, the team would be able to see differences in the viral composition in the recipients.

When the results came back, the team was pleased to see an increase in diversity of viruses in recipients. This eventually led to a decrease in C. difficile and resolution of infection. As to how this occurred, the team found a decades-old ecological theory known as "kill the winner" appeared to be occurring. The introduction of a wide array of viral species led to a fierce competition in which the viruses present became the minority and eventually lost out to the majority. As this happened, the C. difficile ended up losing ground and eventually disappeared, presumably falling victim to some of the viruses in the mix.

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The results of this experiment provide a glimpse into how viruses may offer a new direction for C. difficile treatment. We also may be able to use viral diversity as a marker of a good donor. This could help ensure FMT is effective every time.

While this future benchmark for FMT is still years away from the average clinic, it may be useful in cases where FMT is desperately needed to resolve severe infections. By having the right diversity in place, these treatments may assist in resolving the condition before it is too late. Considering the impact of C. difficile on patients, this may be welcome news to doctors and other health professionals.
On May 29, a large group of Chinese Canadians, descended upon Queens Park in the number of thousands, (according to organizers, 1500 + registered participants) to show solidarity and support for Bill 79, An Act to proclaim the Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day.

Bill 79 is first tabled by Ontario Liberal MPP Soo Wong in December. Since its inception, MPP Soo Wong has called for a massive petition campaign to support the bill. However, little result has been seen in the past two months due to a lack of organization and awareness. It was not until Peter Lin, the newly-elected president of the Confederation of Toronto Chinese Canadian Organizations (CTCCO) stepped in, opened up all his supermarket chain stores, the petitions have poured in. In just two short months, they have received almost 100,000 petitions urging the Ontario Liberal government to pass Bill 79.

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More than 1000 people rally in solidarity in support for Bill 79 : Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day Act in front of Queens Park, Toronto City, on May 29 2017. (Photo: Karen Lin)

CTCCO was the chief organizer for the May 29 rally at Queens Park. In contrast to past events the Chinese community has organized, event organizers have become more attuned to Canadian values and Canadian customs. I served on the organizing committee along with Peter Lin for the May 29 rally. I have heard some oppositions from the Japanese Canadians Cultural Center that Bill 79 will create racial tensions and hostility between Japanese Canadians and other Asian Canadians. To address this concern, I had suggested to the committee that they invite a Japanese Canadian to MC the rally.

At first, I really wasn't sure how this would be perceived. After all, the age old wound between China and Japan runs deep in the psyche of many first generation Chinese Canadians. To my surprise, the committee signed on to the idea with no hesitation. Japanese Canadian actress, Lisa Jai was invited to co-host the rally. She was awarded The Unsung Hero Award by the City of Toronto 2012 for her advocacy work in diversity in the mainstream media. And her track record is consistent with the theme of the rally "Truth, Reconciliation and Peace."

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NDP House Leader Giles Bisson Speaks in favor of Bill 79 while PC and Liberal caucus members show their support for the bill. (Photo: Karen Lin)

In the past, any political rally organized by mainland Chinese Canadians usually had ties to China in one form or another. In the 2008, an "Anti-Tibet Independence and Anti CNN Smear Campaign rally" in Ottawa had thousands of people mobilized from the GTA. Many Chinese national flags were flown. That had made some people uneasy. Consequently, the then Harper government has become very wary of some Chinese Canadian groups. It was rumored that immigration quota on China was reduced by the Conservative government in fear of a "communist China infiltration."

This time around, organizers strictly forbade participants carrying any Chinese flags. The only flags allowed at the rally were Canadian flags. They also understood the importance of building a wide range of support and alliance from different ethnic groups and other organizations. They reached out to other visible minority groups such as the Muslim and Sikh communities and received support. Labour unions such as the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Peel Region Labour Council also gave Bill 79 their endorsement.

The Peel Region Labour Council has endorsed Bill 79 (Photo: Karen Lin)

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Staff at Punjabi Community Health Service posing for a photo after signing the petitions to support Bill 79 (Photo: Karen Lin)

The Mississauga Pakistani community signed petitions to support Bill 79 with members from the National Education Society (Photo: Karen Lin)

Bill 79 is a private member bill. Therefore, pushing for it to pass is always difficult. At the end of the day, the passage of any private member bill depends on a highly complicated political maneuver: horse trading. The government house leader Yasir Navqi will have to want to put Bill 79 forward. In addition, no opposition party can object Bill 79. Having understood that, the president of CTCCO Peter Lin has hired Solstice Public Affairs to lobby all three political parties in order to garner support. A comprehensive strategy was developed.

Representatives from CTCCO have met with the house leaders and caucus members from all three parties. In the end, all three parties have come on board and expressed a unanimous support for Bill 79.

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Peter Lin, President of the Confederation of Toronto Chinese Canadian Organizations, with Stewart Kiff and Craig Brockwell from Solstice Public Affairs (Photo: Karen Lin)

In many ways, the May 29 rally is just the tip of the iceberg. A renewed enthusiasm in the Chinese community has propelled many Chinese Canadian organizations to become more civically engaged and realign their strategies with mainstream Canadian values. This no doubt will have a positive impact on the social fabrics of our multicultural country.
"Child care should be for sale."

"... Children aren't for profit."

"Money should not be made off the backs of ECEs (Early Childhood Educators) and families."

These were some of the posts in a very lively discussion I had in a Facebook group for Canadian child-care providers on the topic of commercial child care. As you can see, commercial or for-profit child care has its good share of detractors. Think how the Toronto Maple Leafs fans feel about Montreal Canadiens supporters.

But why the negativity? Basing it on what was said the discussions, detractors adhere to the notion that commercial child care is a threat -- and not just any threat, but a threat that must be stopped at all costs.

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This is what I gathered: There is genuine fear that commercial child care will eat up the child-care industry in Canada; a fear that any child care that is not non-profit or public agency will suck up millions of dollars; a fear that that unscrupulous businesses will trample on what is entitled to child professionals.

If I believed all of these notions, I would conclude that "for-profit" is synonymous to the "Boogey Man" in child care.

But is it really a threat?

Federal and provincial governments just earmarked millions of dollars for child care to create spaces. Who do you think will get lion's share of that? It will be non-profits and public agencies. A recent bill filed by NDP MPP Catherine Fife proposed to stop any spending on commercial child-care providers. The bill was eventually struck down, but it shows what efforts are there to stymie child-care businesses.

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What's even more head scratching is that there is a child-care crisis for parents across the country. Parents are on edge trying to find quality child-care spots. It takes months to secure a place because of the inefficient management of wait lists. If they do find an available spot, they get sticker shock. The median Toronto infant child-care spot in a licensed centre cost $1,649 per month in December 2016.

And some people want to limit support only to non-profit and public agency child care?!?

We should be all hands on deck here, people!

That means ensuring that parents have a good set of choices for child-care options -- from home-based independent child-care providers, to licensed centres that are run as businesses, to care provided by non-profits and public sector entities.

If you ask me, there should be a lot more support to spur enterprising child-care professionals to start their own businesses.

A recent survey from top Canadian company Shopify revealed that 68 per cent of respondents dreamed of being their own boss. Who's to say that child care is spared from this wave of desire to be entrepreneurs? I absolutely believe that this is good for the child-care industry and should be supported, not suppressed.

It's time we start thinking more beyond licensed non-profit/public child care.

What does it mean if we can get more Canadian child care professionals to start their own business?

"It would open up varied opportunities for Early Childhood Educators that go beyond the childcare centre environment, potentially enriching that provider's experience," shared Christine van der Gulik of the Coalition of Independent Childcare Providers of Ontario (CICPO).

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"It provides income possibilities for stay at home mothers and single parents who could not otherwise afford child care. It will allow them to build a viable career, support their families and contribute to Ontario's tax revenue rather than further burdening our social assistance structure," she added.

Andrea Hannen of the Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario (ADCO) says that licensing and standards should be high in the minds of entrepreneurs who want to start their own child-care business.

"While having access to a wider range of child care choices is beneficial for most families, licensing and regulation are vital to ensuring that certain basic standards for safety and quality are maintained. Encouraging entrepreneurs who are willing to adhere to these standards to start their own licensed child care programs could help reduce some of the many pressures young families face, including the cost of child care," she said.

That ability to practice and maintain the quality child-care service is what Carolyn Dupont of Little Lighthouse Home Daycare liked about starting her business in Ottawa, albeit in a home child-care setting. "By starting my own child-care service I'm able to care for my toddler while using my professional skill set to offer quality child care based on the needs of my community," she said.

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"I think there's great potential for Registered Early Childhood Educators to become entrepreneurs in the child-care arena, which will be impactful as it will create quality home childcare spaces run by individuals who have a vested interest in following government regulations for childcare," she added.

It's time we start thinking more beyond licensed non-profit/public child care. Enterprising child-care professionals need to be encouraged to start their businesses and supported to sustain them. The good news is that are now steps, like what Ontario is doing with home child-care providers, to make it easier for them to be seen as true peers of non-profit/public child-care providers.

Baby steps, but it is progress.

This blog post by Regnard Raquedan originally appeared in his blog RegnardRaquedan.com.

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Ontario has decided to increase its minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2019. It will become the second province after Alberta to move towards a minimum wage of $15 an hour. The implementation of a higher minimum wage is expected to affect workers and businesses differently.

The demand for higher minimum wage has gained increasing momentum. Cities like Seattle and San Francisco have implemented $15 minimum wage for some workers. In Alberta, the $15 minimum wage will be implemented in October 2018, while New York and California will implement it in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

The new minimum wage will offer the same pay to part-time, temporary, casual or seasonal workers as full-time employees. Also, all employees will be entitled to a minimum of two days emergency leave per year, and employees working for a company for five years or more will receive three weeks of vacation.

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According to the Changing Workplaces, approximately one-third of Ontario's 6.6 million workers are vulnerable to new technology, a shrinking manufacturing sector and fewer union jobs, over other factors. This indicates that workers are in a tight spot and a higher minimum wage will significantly benefit them.

A $15-an-hour minimum wage will provide minimum wage workers a decent living and improve their quality of life. Currently, 1.5 million workers in Ontario make less than $15 an hour. This means that the implementation of a higher minimum wage will benefit many workers and their dependents in Ontario. A substantial portion of the population in Ontario will benefit from the implementation of a $15-per-hour minimum wage and enjoy higher standard of living. They will be able to pay rent and afford groceries, and live comfortably relative to their current situation.

Also, higher pay will allow these workers to spend more which will be beneficial for Ontario's economy. There will be a multiplier effect of their expenditure on Ontario's economy which will lead to local businesses growing and creating more employment in Ontario. Therefore, the higher minimum wage will not only help workers working at minimum wage but also their dependents, and have a beneficial impact on Ontario's economy and employment.

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However, there are some possible adverse effects of a higher minimum wage. There are small businesses that employ minimum wage workers and make low profit margins. A higher minimum wage may force these businesses to hire fewer workers as their cost of operations will increase and the businesses may not be able to expand their operations. Also, they may be forced to lay off workers to compensate for the increased cost of operations entailing from a higher minimum wage. Again, the higher minimum wage may make some small businesses unprofitable and they may be forced to shut down their operations. All these possible effects may adversely affect small businesses and the employment situation of minimum wage workers.

Small businesses are crucial to Ontario's economy and as employment generators; therefore, due emphasis has to be put on the possible effects of a higher minimum wage on their operations and employment generation. However, large businesses that hire workers at minimum wage or close to minimum wage may not have their businesses adversely affected due to a higher minimum wage.

Another possible adverse effect of a higher minimum wage is that businesses may replace their workers with automation. Higher minimum wage increases the cost of labour which may make hiring workers less financially lucrative relative to automation. There are businesses where machines are serious contenders for human workers, especially with declining prices for computers. The fast food industry is vulnerable to automation with the introduction of self-serving kiosks.

It could also be true for some clerical and administrative positions. Therefore, if a higher minimum wage prompts businesses to replace human workers with automation, it may adversely affect the very group that is being targeted to benefit from the introduction of a higher minimum wage. Wendy's and McDonald's are introducing self-service kiosks in their outlets. With the introduction of automation, businesses may hire fewer workers so that the unemployment rate among minimum wage workers may actually increase. This will be very harmful for their plight and this possibility needs to be considered in analyzing the possible effects of the introduction of a $15-per-hour minimum wage.

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Overall, the $15 per hour minimum wage will improve the lives of low-income earners in Ontario and their dependents. They can afford to have an improved standard of living and higher purchasing power that will have a positive impact on Ontario's economy and employment. Also, recent research has shown that higher minimum wage leads to job creation. Also, when the higher minimum wage is combined with working income tax benefit (WITB), which is a refundable tax credit for eligible working low-income individuals, it will allow low-income earners to experience an improved quality of life. However, the possible adverse effects of a higher minimum wage like small businesses suffering, reduction or less creation of minimum wage jobs, and workers being replaced by machines have to be considered as well.

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The U.K. has recently been subjected to a string of senseless terror attacks, culminating in the attack in London this past weekend that left seven dead, including a Canadian. As a Canadian living in London, I am deeply saddened to see this happen to the city that I now call home, and my thoughts are with those directly affected. However, despite the recent spate of violence and terror, I still feel safe in my adopted city.

In the wake of the most recent attack, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan stated that there would be an increased police presence; however, he provided reassurance by saying that London was still one of the safest global cities in the world. I commend Khan for his statement, as he is addressing the problem at hand while simultaneously refusing to incite fear.

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United States President Donald Trump criticized Khan for his comments, which he took vastly out of context. Aside from slamming London's mayor, Trump also tweeted "we must stop being politically correct," and argued that the U.S. travel ban needs to be reinstated in the wake of the London attack.

As a Londoner, I am appalled by the suggestion that the recent attack be used to justify a travel ban in the U.S. It is extremely tasteless, to say the least, that Trump would use a disaster abroad in order to further his own political goals.

Firstly, closing borders out of fear is not what London stands for. For example, many Londoners have rallied around the motto #LondonIsOpen following the recent terrorist attacks. #LondonIsOpen was a campaign launched by Mayor Khan in the wake of the Brexit referendum, however the sentiment is an equally appropriate response to these acts of terror. London is a diverse, tolerant and global city. While there are those who cruelly wish to incite terror and fear, they win if we let our actions be guided by that fear.

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Even while living abroad, I carry with me the Canadian values of openness and tolerance.

While we should not be naive to the threat at hand, we must not meet hate with hate. Rather than responding out of fear, many Londoners have instead banded together after the attack, showing great strength, calm and community. Trump should take a page from their book rather than subverting London's tragedy in order to fuel further hatred.

Responding from a place of hatred will not make anyone safer -- rather, it only serves to breed further extremism. I feel far safer living in a London that is open to the world than any place under a travel ban, such as the one Trump wishes to impose.

While there is no denying that terrorism poses a global threat, the threat posed by terrorism does not necessitate bigotry or discrimination. While London mourns the casualties of terrorism, in no instance can Trump's intolerance be condoned.

I stand with Mayor Khan when he says that "We will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism." Even while living abroad, I carry with me the Canadian values of openness and tolerance. While the city has suffered an attack, I refuse to feel afraid so long as London continues to reject prejudice.

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Since learning Karla Homolka has been volunteering at an elementary school in Montreal, I've found myself shellshocked by the number of people I've encountered willing to defend her technical, legal right to privacy. If only for propriety's sake. If only to protect her children from the horrible legacy she created by raping and murdering three girls, including her 15-year-old sister.

That's downright Canadian of you, everyone, but could we maybe stop letting pretty white women in North America literally and figuratively get away with murder?

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As a reward for turning on her husband, who police (wrongly) believed to be a worse offender, Homolka was given a 12-year sentence and released in 2005. She served her time. I do not care.

It's those kids I'm worried about. Your kids.

Born in Scarborough, I was eight years old when my grandmother used a TTC bus map to track the places "Scarborough Rapist" Paul Bernardo had struck -- long before newspapers did. Three decades later, I live in Niagara Falls, part of a community that hasn't forgotten Tammy Homolka or Kristen French, who would have turned 41 last month, perhaps supervising school trips for her own children.

Canada at large has not forgotten. In fact, if the "Ken & Barbie Killers'" appearance in the second episode of California-based podcast and True Crime phenomenon -- My Favourite Murder -- is a barometer, Bernardo and Homolka's notoriety as two of the most horrific, if not prolific, serial killers in North American history is alive and well.

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I feel genuine empathy for Homolka's kids who are innocent and didn't ask for any of what is sure to come their way as a result of their maternal parentage. Still, make no mistake: Homolka and Homolka alone is responsible for her kids' trauma -- kids whose very existence has already provided their mother ready access to other children, children who were essentially being taught to trust Karla. Let that settle in.

It's those kids I'm worried about. Your kids.

Related  Friend Of Karla Homolka Victim Pens Angry Letter To Convicted Murderer

The story broke the way it did because she is not on a sex offender registry, forcing terrified parents to take their kids' safety into their own hands. This shouldn't be discouraged. If the law doesn't allow the police to tell us where she is at any given time, we should tell each other -- immediately and without guilt or hesitation.

Giving Homolka privacy for the sake of her children is the same well-intentioned politeness that too often results in the violence against, and deaths of, women and children. It's a welcome mat for monsters like her who so frequently reoffend as serial killers are wont to do.

Society-indoctrinated trust of women in general, and pretty blondes in particular, bears a large responsibility for the tragic deaths of Kristen French, Leslie Mahaffy and Tammy Homolka -- because no one told them women who look like Karla can be dangerous. The police she convinced of her begrudging participation in the murders apparently didn't see her coming, either.

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If the tables were turned and Paul Bernardo had scored a sweetheart deal, people would immediately and righteously riot.

If the tables were turned and Paul Bernardo had scored a sweetheart deal, and 12 years later volunteered himself as a chaperone on a field trip to the Royal Winter Fair, people would immediately and righteously riot. There's a reason he is kept in solitary confinement because -- aside from the fact he deserves total isolation -- even the worst of society want him dead. Because he is a monster.

And Karla is a monster, too.

Tara K. Reed is the Toronto-born author of interactive novels Love Him Not and Bewitched, Bothered and Beheaded. She uses her experience battling multiple debilitating illnesses to advocate for disability rights. www.Doorflower.com

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Editors note: This piece has been updated since its initial publication in 2017.

In 1933 FDR said, no business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers has any right to continue in this country.

He continued, By business I mean the whole of commerce as well as the whole of industry; by workers I mean all workers, the white collar class as well as the men in overalls; and by living wages I mean more than a bare subsistence level  I mean the wages of decent living.

And yet here we are, yet again, watching people lose their minds over the idea of raising the minimum wage.

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In Ontario, the Liberals proposed raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2019, a proposal that was later halted by Conservative premier Doug Ford. But at the time, the discussion brought out the same tired arguments yet again from the usual suspects.

This will increase prices! people scream, usually ignoring the fact that prices have consistently gone up over the years, even as wages have stagnated.

This will cause massive unemployment! is heard, despite the fact that history and recent studies show otherwise.

This will kill small businesses! gets repeated ad nauseam, even though most small businesses already pay more than the minimum wage anyway, and most low-wage employees work for large companies.

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The truth is that the argument opposing raising the minimum wage has little to do with any of these arguments. People oppose raising the minimum wage mostly out of a lack of empathy for the working class and, specifically, those in the service industry.

People often look down on those who cook and serve their food, clean up after them, and bag their groceries. They pretend their lives are better not by chance or the lottery of their birth, but because of being smarter or having a better work ethic. One can see this whenever the subject of raising wages is brought up.

People talk about pulling themselves up by their bootstraps and how no one deserves nice wages for jobs they see as beneath them. It is as if working a full-time job at full-time hours is somehow the mark of laziness simply because the job in question doesnt involve working at an office all day.

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The fast food worker is often used as a prime example of a minimum wage earner that people can easily dismiss as undeserving of a raise. A popular meme posted online reads "$15 per hour? Meet your replacement" slapped across the photo of an automated checkout kiosk in a McDonald's.

Memes such as these are a common gripe of the fast food customer, always good enough to eat burgers and fries for a couple of bucks but seething with contempt for the employees at the same establishment. Such ignorance tends to ignore the fact that self-checkouts have been around for decades and yet retail and restaurant jobs are still necessary.

Our grandparents believed a person wasnt their job.

Also, when it comes to automated checkouts, most customers dont even like them. Never mind that a touch screen cannot cook the food, deliver the food, clean the washrooms, mop the floors, wipe down counters, take out the garbage...or fix itself when some genius customer breaks it.

We never hold the same contempt for the struggling coal miners and manufacturing workers who are already losing their jobs to automation? These, too, are jobs worked by people without higher education, yet never scoffed at like the retail worker or the fry cook. This despite the fact that more people work for just one fast food chain than there are in the entire mining industry today.

Truthfully, todays Burger King employee isnt that different from yesterdays assembly line worker. Neither job requires higher education or skills that cant be taught on the job. But only one is mocked and dismissed as beneath the average citizen.

When our grandparents came back from WWII, they wanted jobs that would afford them a house, a car, and a living wage with which they could afford a decent life. Those jobs included low-skill manufacturing gigs, assembly line work, and  yes  retail and service industry jobs. A middle-aged employee of a department store wasnt looked upon as unworthy of a family and a home and respectable salary.

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Our grandparents believed a person wasnt their job. They didnt live to work. They wanted a work day that ended on time and a job they didnt take home with them. They wanted weekends that werent plagued by thoughts of the job or obsessing with getting ahead of the other guy. They didnt necessarily want to be CEO and that wasnt seen as a weakness.

No one rolled their eyes merely because they worked behind a counter and not in a corner office. And the minimum wage was something people could live on back then, not something to offer up teenagers on weekends.

Now we thumb our noses at the people we depend upon every day, as if they somehow are beneath us because of the jobs we need them to do. We talk about how these are jobs for teenagers, despite the fact that -- much like older people did these jobs 50 years ago -- the average age of a fast food worker is 29. We now act as if not having the highest ambition is somehow deserving of poverty.

The same jobs done by our grandparents' generation now pay slave wages as the people in charge in those corner offices make off with the most money. While we clutch our pearls at paying fifteen bucks to the worker in the kitchen, the CEO makes enough to money to feed and clothe all of the families of the workers employed at three restaurants.

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We've decided they "work harder" for some reason. Now, CEO pay has risen while employee wages have stagnated, and profits continue to go through the roof.

We are already paying the wages we argue the companies shouldn't have to fork over.

And, make no mistake: Business is booming. Fast food is a multi-billion dollar industry with no signs of slowing down, no matter how popular people tell you that they love kale. North Americans adore fast food. They just hate fast food employees.

For all the talk of struggling restaurants and rising prices, CEO pay is nearly a thousand percent higher than it was just thirty years ago, and yet there has been nary a mention of fifty dollar Bic Macs or the crumbling of our economy. Meanwhile more than half of all fast food employees are so underpaid, they are on some form of government assistance. We are already paying the wages we argue the companies shouldn't have to fork over.

It is often noted that Henry Ford raised wages for his employees because he wanted them to be able to afford the cars he sold. "One's own employees ought to be one's own best customers," he wrote. How far we have come that workers for Ford were able to afford the cars they built, and today's service industry can only afford the burgers they cook.
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When the snap election was announced in April it was all about Brexit and who would represent Britain throughout the negotiations. For a while it stayed that way, and the winner seemed inevitable. Theresa May was going to remain Prime Minister with the support of an even larger majority than she already had. But then something happened that tipped the balance: Labour launched their manifesto.

Over the past two weeks support for Jeremy Corbyn has been rising, closing the 20-plus-point lead to single digits. Now polls suggest there could be a hung parliament. It's clear that Theresa May thought Brexit would provide an adequate smokescreen to gain more seats in parliament and solidify the position of the Tory government for a further five years -- note that the next election was scheduled to take place around the time Britain would be formally leaving the European Union. But in hindsight, it seems like a foolish move...

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In recent weeks the Conservatives have been diverting attention away from themselves, choosing to launch a foray of attacks against Jeremy Corbyn and try to refocus the argument towards Brexit. Meanwhile, Labour have taken a different route, choosing to primarily focus on equality and issues that are closer to home.

But among the Dementia Tax fiasco, Labour money tree, and chaotic debating, there has been one major issue jumping in and out of the forefront: national security.

Security Hasn't Been Taken Seriously Enough

Even before the dreadful atrocities in Manchester and London Bridge, Jeremy Corbyn was under increasing pressure to condemn the IRA and justify why he held meetings with Sinn Fein throughout the 80s and 90s. The tragic events of 22nd May have only shone more light on the problem; and rightly so. People are scared, and they deserve to know exactly where the next prime minister stands on issues of national security.

Meanwhile, Theresa May has been bombarded with anger at reducing the numbers of police officers on the streets -- since the Conservatives came into power 20,000 police officers have been cut -- even after being warned of potential terrorist threats in 2015 at the Police Federation's annual conference by inspector Damian O'Reilly. At the time May discredited the dangers stating, "This crying wolf has to stop... This scaremongering does nobody any good."

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Since Saturday's terrible attacks, May has also come under more public scrutiny for conducting arms deals with Saudi Arabia -- a funding source for Islamist jihadis -- and failing to complete/publish a Home Office inquiry into the issue, with which the contents have been labelled "very sensitive." Tim Farron has since stated, "If the Conservatives are serious about stopping terrorism on our shores, they must stop stalling and reopen the investigation into foreign funding of violent extremism in the UK."

Even now, with the country's terrorist threat level at "severe" -- meaning an attack is highly likely -- politicians on the campaign trail haven't been taking their own personal security seriously enough. For example, 'close protection' has been virtually non-existent (see the following YouTube video). As Corbyn opens the window of an armoured vehicle 'breaking the seal', the armed guards in the BMW X5, simply don't react. Westminster Security, a close protection company in London, commented, "Corbyn shouldn't have lowered the window, he doesn't know the cyclist's intentions. Luckily he was a supporter. Eventually they creeped through the red traffic lights and made a discreet exit from a potentially embarrassing situation." But that's not to say politicians should run scared; far from it. However, it does highlight a somewhat lax attitude towards the issue.

We Must Also Consider Future Digital/EU Security Measures

It's not just the threat of physical terror attacks that we should all be questioning and, subsequently factoring into our decision on June 8th, but also the threat of hacking. The NHS cyber-attack which occurred just a few weeks before the Manchester bombing, showed us just how vulnerable we are. And that's not to mention speculation of the Russians meddling in the US election. With the Internet of Things finding its way into society, hacking and digital terror attacks are only going to become more prevalent in the future. Again, this is another issue that's getting the odd mention, but not serious consideration.

And lest not forget, Britain works closely with other European Union member states in order to combat potential terrorist threats, yet this subject has been overshadowed by what each party considers a "good" trade deal. Like the status of EU migrants living on British soil (and vice versa), surely this is an issue that should have been resolved already?

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have expressed their support for the government's draft law on reforming the pension system of Ukraine, the press service of the Social Policy Ministry of Ukraine reported.

"The negotiations process was concluded by the prime minister of Ukraine, who participated in the talks with IMF Mission Head Ron Van Rooden. The negotiations resulted in the adoption of a balanced, comprehensive document based on the best world practice and providing responses to those challenges and problems that the Ukrainian state and society are currently facing," the ministry said in a statement released on Sunday morning.

The Social Policy Ministry also thanked experts from the IMF and the World Bank for their help in drafting this bill and published the originals of the letters of both international institutions.

On June 2, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said he expect the government bill on the pension reform to be considered at a meeting of the National Reform Council next week.
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Last week in Britain we celebrated ten years of the charity Ammalife. Established to tackle the death of young mothers in some of the poorest countries in the world, Ammalife has made an extraordinary impact. But still today, as every day, nearly 1000 women will die in childbirth - on what should be one of the happiest days in any woman's life. Here, in Britain, tragically, eight in 100,000 mothers will die in childbirth this year. In Somalia the comparable figure is 100 times greater. A quarter of the world's children remain malnourished, and the ghastly spectre of famine is stalking South Sudan, Yemen and northern Nigeria.

The truth we learn from Ammalife's experience is that across the poorest and most wretched parts of the world, conflict and fighting represent development in reverse. It is conflict - not cash - which is the primary roadblock to progress. In many ways tackling conflict today has many of the hallmarks of medicine 500 years ago: there is a lot of trial and error; if one treatment doesn't work, we try another.

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We need to act more effectively to stop conflict starting, and to reconcile communities once the fighting stops. The example of Rwanda, which has lifted over a million of its citizens out of poverty during the last decade, shows what can be achieved once brutality is ended and order restored.

Syria demonstrates this so well: the former UN Secretary General came tantalisingly close to negotiating a deal in 2012, which was then vetoed by President Obama. Today as we witness the catastrophe that has engulfed the Middle East, the Western World would give a lot to resurrect that deal and accept what Kofi Annan had negotiated and achieved.

Somalia shows why tackling conflict is the first and foremost International Development intervention. All else flows from it. In 2012 and again in the last few weeks international summits, convened in London, addressed Somalia: countering the terrorists in the Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab, bolstering accountability and showing that public services can deliver for ordinary people. These Somalian security achievements not only help those living in some of the most wretched conditions on the planet; they make us safer in Britain on the streets of London and Birmingham - just 5 years ago there were more UK passport holders training in terrorist camps in Somalia than in either Afghanistan or Pakistan.

So if it is self evident that conflict, turmoil, corruption and state failure are holding back development, so too is the evidence of the massive problems these ills are stoking up for us in the UK:- Somalis are joining Sudanese, Eritrean, Malian and Libyans from across North Africa as they make their way towards the Mediterranean. Thereafter they place themselves in the hands of the modern day equivalent of the slave trader and make the dangerous journey in a leaky boat across the Mediterranean in the hope of tipping up on a safer and more prosperous European shore. Nearly 11 million Syrians are also on the move, with more than one million settling in Europe. All these people deserve a more humane and better-funded approach to refugees, and it is of particular note that Britain's contribution to helping refugees in and around Syria has been greater than the whole of the rest of the EU combined.

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While controlled migration can bring benefits to Britain, this kind of large scale forced movement of people comes with dangers for us in the UK: terrorism; the near-certainty in our generation of an international pandemic; trade protectionism - all exacerbated by the migration and poverty-inducing effects of climate change destroying livelihoods as land becomes uncultivable in the poorest parts of the world. British development policy has long been designed to combat all of this and we must do more to tackle the underlying causes: conflict, turmoil and state failure.

So it is in this area that Global Britain can now play an increasingly effective role as we leave the EU.

Britain has recognised that wiring together International Development with our defence capacity and with the diplomatic muscle of the Foreign Office through the British National Security Council (set up in 2010) secures much greater success in delivering the International Development results which are so clearly in our national interest and of which the UK is an acknowledged leader.

The EU will be diminished when we leave but will remain a crucial partner and political ally in pursuing common international objectives. On leaving we will get back from the EU the 7 billion pounds of British development money provided by our taxpayers over the next 5 years. Taking back control of this British aid funding enables us to focus our efforts on tackling these issues which threaten our - and future - generations in the UK and build the partnerships and alliances that align most closely with British objectives.

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By working with NATO and creating a new relationship with our European allies Global Britain can multiply our impact and develop a completely fresh approach to tackling these evils: a new alliance to combat the conflict and state turmoil that drives poverty and forced displacement in North Africa and the Middle East. Set up by Global Britain joining with our partners in Europe who are similarly affected by these threats. Together with our European allies we will have a mutual interest in helping stem uncontrolled migration into Europe by stimulating markets on Europe's borders through investing in trade, training skills, and state structures.

We contribute ideas, institutions and practical resources alongside the progressive vision set out by Theresa May to end child trafficking and modern day slavery. Above all it is through being economically active and having a job that poor people lift themselves out of poverty. Working with our European allies to face a common foe will be a clear demonstration that we may be leaving the EU but not Europe - where we have close alliances, common interests and the security skills and resources which are hugely important in battling the causes of conflict.

This approach is made yet more comprehensive by bringing to the table the skills and abilities of CDC - the British Government's development finance institution - and the engagement of our intelligence agencies. The European Union as our partner brings the benefit of the European Development Fund and the European Investment Bank.

Britain is respected around the world for effective leadership on International Development. We now need to demonstrate that after Brexit we will play our part as Global Britain: working effectively with our European allies and others in a new post-EU relationship that delivers and inspires, which embodies our outward-looking international values and emphasises our determination to play our part in making the world a better place.

We can demonstrate that Global Britain is not just good for Britain, but good for the world.
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Our NHS is truly in a crisis. Despite the best efforts of our amazing healthcare professionals, patients are now bearing the brunt of hospital closures, longer waiting times and bed shortages. The marketisation of healthcare by successive Governments has left us with a fragmented NHS, and consistent underfunding from the Tories has left services under immense pressure. Add to that the deep demoralisation of NHS staff whose wages have been capped and contracts forcibly changed - and a clear picture of desperation emerges. Something clearly has to shift.

The NHS doesn't just need saving, it needs refitting for the 21st Century. At the core of such a plan must be ridding the health service of the web of private companies that are sucking resources away from patient care. It simply cannot be right that firms like Virgin Healthcare are skimming profit from our NHS while patient care suffers.

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A 21st Century health service must also be fully resourced. For a start that must mean closing the NHS funding gap - and spending a higher proportion of our GDP on healthcare. But we should also look to end the glaring injustice of charging people for prescriptions in England. Though prescriptions were free when the NHS was founded, charges came in very quickly afterwards. Prescriptions are free for all in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but England is lagging behind. Put simply: The Government is fining people who need medication.

These charges aren't just unfair - they also cost the NHS money as people don't take the medicines they need and can become sicker as a result. An Ipsos Mori survey found that 800,000 people failed to collect a prescription because of the cost. And an Asthma UK survey found 34% of people who have to pay for asthma medication sometimes choose not to get all their prescriptions for financial reasons.

The Green Party would scrap these fees for everyone - and pay for such a move by ending the costly internal market in the health service. We would also boost the role of community pharmacies, who face deep cuts from the Government.

An innovative clinically focussed community pharmacy service is essential and can play key role in reducing pressures on GPs and rest of health service. Research conducted by the National Pharmacy Association showed that two in three people use a pharmacy at least once per month and that 36% of the adult population has received advice from a pharmacist in the past six months. Cuts to these services will cost us dearly in the long term.

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An NHS that is truly free at the point of use must include cost-free provision of medicine for everyone, and a network of local pharmacies so everyone has access to advice from trained pharmacists.

But healthcare isn't just about treating the sick, it's also about stopping people getting ill in the first place. That's why we must also be looking closely at the causes of ill-health, and promoting policies to ensure fewer people require medical attention. Take air pollution as an example. 40,000 people's lives are cut short by the filthy air crisis - costing the economy 20billion. Any Government serious about helping people live healthier lives would be tackling this problem at source by phasing out diesel vehicles, and ploughing resources into cleaner forms of transport.

There is no quick fix for the health crisis hitting our country, but solutions are out there for those wishing to find them. Five more years of the Tories could crush the NHS - whilst Green MPs in Parliament will push for a health service fit for the challenges of the future - and to bring back the principle of a public NHS that's genuinely free at the point of use. Britain is the world's fifth biggest economy and we can afford a top class health service - but on 8 June we need to elect MPs willing to fight for it.
Dear Prime Minister,

Once again, we have seen the third terrorist attack in less than three months on the streets of the UK and once again you have praised our magnificent emergency services including the police, for their bravery.

I sometimes wonder if you realise the sheer contempt in which you are held by almost all within the police community and how hollow your words sound given your record as Home Secretary since 2010.

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You severely damaged police pay and conditions for many officers by virtue of the 'impartial' report of Tom Winsor whom you rewarded by making him Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary then rubbed salt in police wounds by giving him a knighthood. Even Sir Tom, your loyal ally, Prime Minister, is warning you that policing is in a perilous state.

Denigration

It's not just the cuts Prime Minister; it's the vitriol you have heaped upon the police service in your various speeches and statements especially those when speaking at the Police Federation conference. In 2014 you listed every police transgression going back to the 80s even though the number of 'guilty' officers would be a tiny fraction of all the tens of thousands that have served during that period.

Then in 2015, it was the speech that accused police of 'scaremongering' and 'crying wolf.' What price 'crying wolf' and 'scaremongering' now, Prime Minister, as the people of the UK are faced with dead and injured citizens on our streets due not only to terrorism but to gun and knife crime, which is rising dramatically.

Perhaps the most insulting action by yourself is when you thank police for 'making police reform work.' Despite rising crime and the mass of serious unreported crime, you are still, at election time, spouting the ridiculous mantra that 'crime is down, police reform is working.'

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Gun crime, knife crime, stop and search - oh yes and moped crime

How unfortunate Prime Minister, that just days before you were praising police for their bravery in Manchester, you had effectively accused them of being racist in your election manifesto by threatening to clamp down on stop and search by means of legislation. Truly breath-taking, given the fact that the knife and gun crime genies are out of their respective bottles, causing carnage on the streets of London and other major cities. Oh, and let's not forget moped crime, up 600% in London over two years.

There are many in the police family who say you have blood on your hands because of your attitude to stop and search. You may comfort yourself by virtue of the nonsense spouted by your deeply unpopular College of Policing but the fact is that you instituted the clampdown on stop and search and the result has been an explosion of violent crime. Shame that the van which transported the terrorists on Saturday wasn't stop and searched before its occupants went on the rampage, eh Prime Minister?

Sitting on hands

How was it that on your watch, despite terrorist incidents across Europe and the world including the Nairobi Westgate Shopping Centre massacre and the Lee Rigby murder, all of which sent shudders through our police service, armed officer numbers declined. Even in 2015 with the Paris Charlie Hebdo atrocity and the massacre of mainly English nationals at Souse, you still sat on your hands as numbers of British armed police reduced still further.

On your watch, despite the increasing danger from terrorism, armed police numbers fell by 1,300 to less than 5,000. Only with the second Paris attacks, which included the Bataclan massacre, did you and your then-boss realise you were heading towards political suicide. Armed police numbers are increasing but when the 'uplift' is completed, the numbers won't be far in excess from those in 2010.

Then we have the reduction in police numbers, Prime Minister. How you hoped this wouldn't appear on the police agenda but it has, like an ugly boil on the back of tragedy.

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Let me ask you one question Prime Minister: given the current high threat level wouldn't those missing 21,000 officers and 26,000 PCSOs and police staff be pretty useful in the current dire situation? Across the country police stations have been closed, even those in substantial towns. It's not about visits to front counters, it's about communication, presence and reassurance and we hear a lot about reassurance now, don't we?

Police patrols have, in many places, vanished from the streets and community policing is suffering. There is a strong belief that your denigration of police together with that of the press has encouraged the criminal elements in our society to abuse and attack police officers to an unprecedented extent. After all, if the holder of one of the greatest offices in the land can vilify police, why shouldn't the thug on the street take that one step further?

Yes Prime Minister, you have not only made our streets less safe for the public, you've made life more dangerous for our depleted police force which is spread far too thinly across the UK. Your policies have resulted in cuts to crucial helicopter coverage - a few nights ago just two were covering the entire UK. In addition, dog units, so valued by front line officers, have been decimated and amazingly this includes explosive detection dogs.

Officers, many of whom are now single crewed, now find that their back-up is dangerously further away than ever while the location of custody suites means many officers have to leave their patrol areas to travel long distances if they have a prisoner. Little wonder that drunken yobs escape arrest on Friday and Saturday nights because officers are reluctant to leave their town centres unprotected. In any event, across the country frustrated officers report that 999 calls from desperate members of the public go unanswered simply because there are not enough police units to deal.

Community policing hitting the rocks

But what of community policing, Prime Minister? Your successor Amber Rudd squirmed when asked about community policing during an election debate and tried to claim that most intelligence came from Prevent. Perhaps it does now given the destruction that your policies have wrought on community policing, yet it is this traditional form of policing that you are systematically wrecking which provides crucial intelligence and, to use that word again, reassurance.

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What price too the benefits of positive relationships and trust with all communities across Britain thus making life far more difficult for the terrorist and other criminals who blight our society. This includes the gangs who, let's face it, hold sway in many inner-city areas across the country and whose members can so easily 'move across' to even darker world of terrorism.

So, what assurances would you give Prime Minister to those living in country towns or those in busy resorts now packed with holidaymakers? These may well have no unarmed police presence never mind an armed one and are located where an attack could mean a twenty or thirty-minute wait before any armed unit arrives? Even the arrival of armed officers who are prepared to risk their lives (and an investigation by the IPCC) may not be adequate if the attack is similar to that experienced by Nice.

What was that, Prime Minister? Ah, you'd hold a Cobra meeting afterwards. Well we can all relax then.

Regards,
xavierarnau via Getty Images

We've all seen the recent headlines about some schools now moving towards gender-neutral school uniforms, as the education system seeks to adapt to children questioning their gender identity.

While gender neutral uniforms are currently still the exception rather than the norm, recently there has been more awareness from schools who are considering their policy.

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However, the important thing to remember is that schools have a policy to ensure that everyone wears uniform in a way that contributes to the school's identity and a sense of belonging.

We know that good quality uniform contributes to improved learning, better behaviour and greater child safety, so it's crucial for schools to avoid undermining those benefits when deciding on an appropriate response to individual cases and broader issues around gender.

As with most things, there are real benefits if you are willing to pay a little extra for a quality product and service. Schoolwear specialists throughout the UK industry are crucial in ensuring that option remains available to schools when they are specifying their uniform.

The growing use of competitive tenders means schools can ensure best practice and value by appointing specialist schoolwear suppliers who will guarantee consistent uniform colours and quality all year round, for all sizes and styles. Specialist suppliers can make it easy and convenient for parents to buy quality uniform in good time for the new school year.

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School uniform from specialist suppliers has been shown to be less likely to shrink, tear or stretch compared with cheaper generic schoolwear. Frequently the garments are made from heavier fabrics and are therefore more durable and can stand up to the rigours of the playground whilst offering easy care for frequent laundering.

While no one suggests that school uniform isn't a significant expense for many parents, the cost is sometimes hyped up to make a story or a political argument. As our research highlighted, school uniform costs on average just 45p per school day. The real drain on many family budgets is the clothing children wear when they are not in school.

Many of us have been held "hostage" to our children's desire for branded clothing, and our research shows that one individual garment to be worn out of school could cost an average of 46.58, that's 13.10 more than the cost of a complete primary school uniform, excluding PE kit.

A significant issue within schools is behaviour, when this is good learning improves, and research shows a proper uniform is part of the solution with 83 per cent of teachers preferring their class to wear it. A uniform that is specific to a school creates a sense of belonging and helps make the child feel ready to work, in turn supporting a better learning experience.

Specialists throughout the schoolwear industry are in the business of producing and supplying uniform that meets high quality standards and provides children with something durable and lasting to wear. A uniform that is made well lasts longer, does the job better and offers genuine value for money. It will always provide better long term value over a cheaper and less robust garment.

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Amit Dave / Reuters

As the planet struggles on, trying to heal itself of the damage being inflicted by industrial and post-industrial nations, it is refreshing to see certain transitions within contemporary society that are acting to help provide a future that is eco-friendly and sustainable for all inhabitants. Whilst we have so often seen politicians promise and fail on delivering real, plausible alternative energy solutions; one field that has started to excel in the area of sustainability in recent decades is that of design and architecture

Sustainability has never been such a poignantly discussed and debated topic. As more and more studies are being undertaken around the world, the dawning realisation of our own global footprint becomes increasingly apparent each day. Simply put, a sustainable future is a necessary future, and such a future is rooted in solving three crucial and interconnected factors: the relentless depletion of finite fossil fuels, climate change as a direct effect of increased CO2 emissions, and lastly the ever-rising costs of providing energy and water.

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Since the 1970's sustainable design has developed from a movement into a conscious philosophy. The current debate on sustainability embraces a wide-array of expertise from multiple fields. In the past architecture and design have been on both sides of the argument, receiving condemnation as well as praise for their efforts which on one hand destroy the environment but on the other offer solutions for preserving it.

The overarching principle here is the central idea of how to progress the current debate on sustainability for the better. It is a concern that should be shared by all, and treated with due caution, as it is our own future, the future of humanity, which we have the power to shape.

I found a possible solution in the design by BLDA Architects of an offshore power plant, called SUN TOWERS, at a remarkable site: the stretch of sea directly in front of the Santa Monica Pier in California. In order to achieve this BLDA Architects had to think outside the box and they collaborated with light artist Steven Scott and XCO2, environmental expert and energy engineers.

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What convinced me that this particular project is an inspiration to find a solution to our dilemma are in the words of Matteo Melioli the BLDA designer behind this outstanding project:

"At BLDA we believe architecture plays a fundamental role in advancing our understanding of human living as well as our impact on the environment. Buildings have the potential to destroy or regenerate the ecosystems they exist in, the latter casting a larger responsibility on the art of design."

The project location being between land and water plays a strategic and vital role as the potential life-support for the entire bay of Santa Monica. Experience tells us how energy and water are intertwined and as California faces severe water shortages in the coming years, the amount of energy required for water production and transmission is guaranteed to increase.

In designing an off-shore structure, well visible from the city, BLDA first intention was to move away from the old centralized power plant of territorial proportions. Instead opting for smaller, multiple and standardised, self-sufficient power units, or 'power cells'. Each cell is a highly efficient micro plant, shaped as a slender mast emerging from the sea. The offshore plant is designed to be entirely solar-powered, in which each of the photovoltaic cells were grouped upon each elegant masts. Whilst visual impact on the horizon is also considered, with the internationally renowned light artist Steven Scott designing the cells so that waves during the night, waves of light and colour would 'sweep across the installation, rising and falling with tide and swell'.

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It is progressive designs such as these that are so fundamental to all of our futures. To be able to provide clean water and energy, in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, to a mass number of people, is an incredible achievement; but it is imperative that we see this happening across the entire planet. It is a shift that will take time and investment, two things that so often hinder progression. However, in order to reverse the damages we have and still are inflicting on our planet, it is absolutely fundamental that we start to think in this way on an international level.

In order to succeed with projects of this nature we must be self-aware and critical of the longevity of the design. If we examine the history of architecture, I find one instance particularly relevant to our current situation: In the early 1930's in Germany the Existenzminimum Architects faced a similar question, whether the design of a single residential unit could affect the living condition of the whole working class or not? The Modern movement proves the answer to be yes, provided that the unit is flexible enough to fit any working class family.

I believe a similar principle can apply to sustainable design today. If we find a structure that allows us to turn local resources into energy and water, a structure that is made by standard prefabricated units, that is flexible enough to be placed in every climate and in every place. If we comply with these simple but un-negotiable conditions, we can secure a sustainable and continuous growth for human kind in the decades to come.

BLDA applied this very principle to the Santa Monica brief by designing these so called 'power cells', a modular structure that, using state of art technology, turn light, wind and tide into clean energy and water. The answer to creating long-term sustainability with a lasting impact lies in more innovative design such as this, occurring on a global scale. We need increased funding and more efforts being put into the future of the world we design and build for ourselves. It is time to move on from the industrial past, and embrace the renewable and sustainable future; it is time for real change.

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BLDA efforts are now focused on sites such as the Thames Estuary and the Venice Lagoon, where they found a good mix of renewable energies in densely populated environments. BLDA believes that the ongoing research will demonstrate how large-scale energy fields can integrate well with precious ecosystems and at the same time provide clean, low cost energy to support human life in such environments.

PROJECT AND IMAGES CREDITS

John Perry

Partner in Charge at BLDA Architects London

jpx@blda.co.uk

Matteo Melioli

Lead Designer at BLDA Architects London

Ramone Dixon

Designer at BLDA Architects London

Terie Harrison

Designer at BLDA Architects London

Kris-na Butkute

Designer at BLDA Architects London

Steven Scott

Visual Ar0st and Light Ar0st at Studio Steven Scott

steven@studiostevenscott.com

Tom Kordel

Senior Energy Consultant at XCO2Energy, London

tomk@xco2energy.com

Sherleen Pang

Senior Sustainability Consultant at XCO2Energy, London

Kostas Mastronikolaou
Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

On Sunday 4 June 2017, in response to the latest London terrorist outrage, Theresa May came up with a new approach to the problem. However, upon examination, it is neither new nor practical but muddled and self-defeating.

"Turn Minds Away"

The first task, says Theresa, is to defeat "the evil ideology of Islamist extremism". This ideology, asserts Theresa, "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".

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UN Warning

How exactly can this be achieved? The aim of the government's "Prevent" counter-radicalisation programme, as revamped in 2011, is to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. This is simply naive. Why would educated UK-born young Muslims be prepared to sacrifice their own lives in the name of an "extremist" ideology? This could only happen as a result of serious disaffection coupled with desperation. The UN's rapporteur. Maina Kiai, has warned that "Prevent could end up promoting extremism , rather than countering it."

"Stamping out Extremism"

"There is", says Theresa May, "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country. So we need to become far more robust in identifying it and stamping it out across the public sector and across society." She failed to indicate how that could be done without encroaching on freedom of expression and freedom of thought. And, for that matter, what is the definition of "extremism"? The government's proposed legislation promised in the Queen's speech in May 2016 failed to materialize because of a lack of a commonly agreed definition.

Censoring the Internet

"We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed," declares Theresa, adding: "Yet that is precisely what the internet and the big companies that provide internet-based services provide." So, is she proposing to censor the internet and force Google, Facebook and Twitter to do the same? This is unrealistic and it again flies in the face of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom of belief.

Shot Itself in the Head
Yuri Arcurs via Getty Images

If there is no "magic money tree", as Theresa May told the nation on Question Time, where does money actually come from? The Prime Minister's desire to deliver her prepared line was so overwhelming that her foil had to be a poor nurse. It is clear she calculates that implying we can't just create money will help shore up her vote. Yet it has opened up a national debate which exposes the politicians' Achilles heel - most of them don't know what they are talking about.

On first glance the attack line seems to make tactical sense, no matter how insensitively delivered. Both lived experience and recent opinion polls tell us the over-60s pride themselves in being more sensible than optimistic. After all, as we age, life becomes more about looking after what we have, and less about what new things could emerge tomorrow. Yet the "money tree" attack line may be based on having no clue about how money is actually issued. With Theresa May, Amber Rudd and other Conservative politicians repeating the line with conviction, it suggest they may be less able to help the over 60s look after what they've got.

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As I teach this stuff for a living, please allow me to explain. Let's start with a simple question. Ask yourself "where does money come from?"

A typical reaction is to think of how we earn it. But let us consider how it was issued originally, before we earned it. Many people think of how physical notes and coins are created. Yet notes and coins are used to settle only a tiny volume of monetary transactions, now less than 3% in the UK. Most of what we use to settle transactions is not cash but the promises of cash recorded in bank accounts, in other words, credit. And when a bank issues a loan to provide electronic deposits in a client's account, that newly created credit-money is considered as good as money itself. Thanks to electronic payments and widespread cash machines, we experience this credit-money interchangeably from the government-issued notes and coins. Furthermore, banks' promises to pay us cash are accepted in payment of taxes, practically reducing the distinction.

So you thought you had money in your bank account? Not quite. You have a promise of money from the bank which functions even better than a physical representation of that money, like a 10 pound note. The banks do not need an equivalent amount of physical money on deposit in order to issue loans. Instead, the agreement of the borrower to pay back the bank becomes an asset to the bank, and their deposit in the borrower's account is the bank's liability, governed by contract, which includes how much they are prepared to provide in cash each day.

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So let's make this really clear for any journalist about to parrot the line "there is no magic money tree". Banks like HSBC and Barclays are creating the vast majority of the money both we and our government use. They create it when they issue loans. And they charge us for it. So, there is an electric money tree. But it is not magic, unless you are a shareholder in a bank.

Many of my students ask: "how is that regulated?"

Badly, if you have politicians who don't understand where money comes from. Though it's not really their fault, as the process is poorly understood by economists. Many have assumed a mistaken view that the amount of reserves of cash that a bank has then restrict the amount of credit they create. According to the Bank of England "rather than banks lending out deposits that are placed with them, the act of lending creates deposits - the reverse of the sequence typically described in textbooks." The amount of money created depends instead on capital adequacy requirements and the ability to settle interbank payments.

Given this monetary system, if banks decide to lend less, then as existing loans are paid back, there is less money to go around, so less work is done within an economy. We call that process a recession. During such contractions in money supply, we witness more foreclosures, bankruptcies and unemployment. A response by many governments, including the past 7 years of Conservative government, has been to cut spending on public services. Yet what that means is a further contraction in the money supply.

Mainstream monetary systems also affect the wider economy in non-recessionary periods. It means that the availability of a national currency in any area is dependent on how connected that area is those people and businesses that receive new money via bank loans. Given the majority of new credit is issued as mortgages for housing, this monetary system means the regional imbalances in an economy become intensified.

The economic dampening effect of this monetary system, and the way it holds back whole regions in the UK, means that tax revenues, private savings and investments are all lower than they could be. It is why this monetary system is contrary to the interests of the over 60s in looking after what they already have. It's one of many reasons why the campaign group Positive Money calls for monetary reform.

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It is time for an honest conversation about Wahhabism, specifically the part this Saudi-sponsored ideology plays in radicalizing young Muslims both across the Arab and Muslim world and throughout the West, where people are now dealing with yet another terrorist attack in which innocent civilians were butchered and injured, this time in London.

The US, British and French governments can no longer credibly claim to be serious about fighting terrorism or religious extremism while cosying up to what is a medieval kleptocracy in Riyadh.

Just days prior to this terrorist attack in London it was reported that a UK government inquiry into the role of Saudi money in funding terrorism is likely to be shelved, due to the sensitive nature of its findings. The report was originally commissioned at the behest of the Liberal Democrats, while in coalition government with the Tories back in 2015. It was sanctioned by then Prime Minister David Cameron in return for Lib Dem parliamentary support for British airstrikes in Syria. Given that the British government just signed 3.5billion worth of arms export licences to Saudi Arabia, the suppression of the report's findings is nothing short of a scandal.

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The Saudis have long enjoyed diplomatic and political support from successive British governments, based on its largesse as the biggest customer of UK arms sales, which according to the UK-based organization, Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), has been worth 4.1billion since 2015. Some of the weapons sold to the Saudis are being used in its on-going war in Yemen, where its forces have been engaged in war crimes and crimes against humanity.

There are also the billions in Saudi investment into London, especially in the city's lucrative property market. Money, as everyone knows, buys influence, including political influence, which is where we discern the pristine and unalloyed hypocrisy involved in demonising Russia, Syria, and Iran, the countries that are in the front line against this medieval poison, while courting Saudi, Qatari, and other Gulf State business and money, where state-sanctioned preachers spew out hate speech against 'apostates' and 'infidels' on a regular basis.

The most concerning development in recent years, however, vis-a-vis Saudi influence in the West, is the extent to which Riyadh has been funding the building of mosques as a way of promoting its ultra-conservative and puritanical interpretation of Islam, one completely incompatible with the 21st century.

In 2015 Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel came out in public and accused the Saudis of funding mosques in which extremism is regularly promoted. In an interview with the German magazine Bild am Sonntag, Mr Gabriel said, "We have to make clear to the Saudis that the time of looking away is over. Wahhabi mosques all over the world are financed by Saudi Arabia. Many Islamists who are a threat to public safety come from these communities in Germany."

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Religious sectarianism and rigid adherence to an anti-human 7th century doctrine underpins what passes for justice in the kingdom itself. We are talking a country in which people are regularly and ritually beheaded, flogged, and even crucified for daring to deviate from the law. In 2016 alone the state carried out 154 executions, many of those for non-violent crimes. Yet, regardless, for those who claim the mantle of democracy and human rights, slavishly defending Saudi Arabia and its vile and barbaric practices has long been a received truth. Let us be clear: Britain's longstanding alliance with the kingdom benefits nobody apart from UK arms companies and their shareholders. It is undeniably an alliance inimical to the country's security, bringing its entire political establishment into disrepute as a consequence.

Three terrorist attacks in the space of three months carried out in the UK, in which civilians have been slaughtered, is an unacceptable price to pay for a foreign policy which at best is informed by cognitive dissonance and at worst by sheer unadulterated mendacity.

Western governments cannot have it both ways; they cannot expect to defeat terrorism and protect their citizens while continuing to refuse to grasp the issue by its roots. The world is dealing with a malignant ideology, one that whether associated with Daesh, Nusra, or Saudi Arabia is the same. That this ideology has grown in traction in recent years is now self-evident, thus begging the question: what are we going to do about it?

People have the right to go out and enjoy themselves without being slaughtered. It is a fundamental right that unites people in London, Moscow, Paris, and Damascus. Those who would seek to deny them this right are the enemy of humanity and must be regarded and treated accordingly.

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2017 to date has also been an incredibly important year for apprenticeships. By the end of May, all large employers in the UK - those with a pay bill of over 3 million each year - made their first payment into the new apprenticeship levy. The monies raised from this levy are designed to help fund the development and delivery of apprenticeships, aiming to improve the quality and quantity of those available.

The levy is seen as a key means to help deliver the Government target of three million apprenticeship starts by 2020, along with solving years of chronic underinvestment in skills.

Companies of all sizes can benefit from apprenticeship opportunities, and apprenticeships are mutually beneficial for employer and apprentice. For example, for apprentices that smaller companies may wish to bring in who are aged 19+, the Government will provide a 90 per cent funding contribution towards their training and the business will only be asked to contribute the remaining 10 per cent. The Government's contribution rises to 100 per cent of funding for 16-18 year olds. This means there is a huge incentive here for small businesses wishing to bring in apprentices at the start of their career, as there is no cost regarding activity directly related to their apprenticeship scheme - businesses will only need to pay their salary. The funds must only be used to pay for training and assessment.

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Taking advantage of apprenticeship opportunities

One business that has successfully realised the effectiveness of bringing in an apprentice is Tiger Cardiff Ltd. They managed to fill a void in their finance team through the appointment of an apprentice, Olivia Evans, who was able to take opportunities to grow her knowledge and experience while learning her role on the job.

Director Kate Methuen-Ley told us: "Olivia is a huge asset to our business, and shows maturity beyond her years both professionally and personally. She's taken control of her role, growing and shaping it and undertaking a huge responsibility with both confidence and humility.

"One real benefit we have found is that apprentices are very receptive, motivated, and willing to learn new things about their chosen profession. For our business, having a dedicated finance team is critical towards ensuring we operate smoothly and efficiently, and Olivia has made a great contribution towards this."

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Upskilling to increase staff loyalty

Apprenticeships are by no means just for new staff; instead they can be used to upskill existing employees, developing career improvement opportunities and greater retention. For example, if there is a need to develop an employee's financial skills and knowledge, there are apprenticeship schemes and qualifications available that can help with this.

When considering bringing in an apprentice, companies will first want to talk to other staff members to determine how best an apprentice can benefit the business. This will help provide a benchmark to help determine the success of the scheme, as well as making it easier to take on the right person.

Next, the right training provider will be needed to run the programme on behalf of the company. Companies should research registered providers in your sector, what they specialise in, and their credentials.

A strong apprenticeship scheme will potentially bring in the next generation of employees for a business. Ensure therefore that the recruitment of apprentices isn't done lightly or in haste, but instead identify those candidates who can become valuable assets.
From a strategic point of view terrorism has a dismal predictability. Whatever its context or motivation its central objectives are usually the same: a) to provoke a militarily more powerful opponent into an overreaction that will strain its opponent's resources and draw it into a debilitating confrontation from which the terrorist hopes to gain in the long run b) to re-engineer society so that there are no spaces for moderation or neutrality - only two sides locked into all-out war c) to undermine the political authority of the state by demonstrating that it cannot protect its own people.

Around these central aims other factors may also come into play: simple vengeance for a real or imagined grievance; the desire to demonstrate the power and reach of the terrorist organisation or cause; rage at the real or imagined indifference of the targeted society towards acts of violence and repression for which its government may be responsible.

These components have been replayed again and again in different ways in one terrorist emergency after another, so on one level the horrors that are now unfolding globally are not entirely unprecedented. What is new is the sustained and deliberate barbarity of the attacks that are now unfolding. In country after country we are witnessing what are essentially crimes against humanity carried out by a variety of 'jihadist' groups who have clearly abandoned even paying lip service to rules and customs of war established over thousands of years.

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These groups are not constrained by any moral or ethical limits. Children, women, the elderly, teenage girls at a concert, pregnant women, gays, lesbians, nightclubbers, booksellers, shoppers in markets - no targets are off-limits.

They call themselves soldiers and walk around in military fatigues but they are more like little einsatzgruppen - petty exterminators drifting out of a druggy haze into the fervor of overnight 'conversions' that only seem to have one aim: to give them permission to perpetrate more horrors that disgrace the name of humanity. They call themselves Muslims, but the only thing that seems to interest them about Islam is its usefulness as a license for violence and killing.

Historically there is nothing uniquely Islamic about such barbarity. A cursory look back at the conquistadores; the French Wars of Religion; the Thirty Years War; World War II or more recently the wars of the former Yugoslavia should quickly dispel such illusions. Anders Breivik; the killing of Jo Cox; last month's murders in Portland - let no one imagine that violence of this kind is due to the special proclivity of any particular race, faith or culture towards cruelty.

But in recent years there has been - and we should not dodge this issue - a proliferation of utterly reactionary, tyrannical and misogynistic groups acting in the name of Islam that are trying to implement the historic strategies of revolutionary terrorism at a global level with exceptional ferocity. Their essential philosophy was once defined in an epigram in the so-called 'al-Qaeda training manual' used by the Afghan mujahideen as they prepared to wage war on the secular tyrannies of the Middle East, which declared:

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The confrontation that Islam calls for with these godless and apostate regimes does not know Socratic dialogues, Platonic ideals, nor Aristotelean diplomacy. But it knows the dialogue of bullets, the ideals of assassination, bombing and destruction, and the diplomacy of the cannon and machine-gun.

This is morally-speaking, the language of cavemen, coupled with the exaltation of violence that you might once have found in Italian futurism or fascism. In the last two weeks British society has been subjected to two utterly horrendous attacks by groups and individuals that subscribe to this philosophy.

There are many reasons why this has happened: the corruption, violence and tyranny of post-colonial regimes in the Middle East (sometimes with Western support and sometimes not); the wars in which successive British governments have recklessly involved themselves for more than fifteen years; the dirty games that elements of the British state have played with some of the same jihadists who are now carrying out attacks here; problems of identity, integration and alienation amongst second and third generation Muslim immigrants that have led some young Muslims to seek some kind of meaning and purpose in wars that have clearly brutalised them and annihilated any capacity for mercy, decency or empathy they may once have had.

Whatever the individual motivations of their perpetrators, the atrocities and crimes that they have carried out have a clear strategic purpose. They are a form of social engineering, designed to be as disgusting and cruel as possible, in the hope of paving the way for a future of endless violence and heroic war.

The individuals and groups that carry out such attacks want no spectators or bystanders, particularly amongst Muslims. They want all Muslims to join in the great confrontation that 'Islam' calls for - their version of it anyway - and they are prepared to bring down hell on entire communities in order to ensure this result. Contrary to the endless rhetoric that they simply hate us because of our 'values' or are continuing some ancestral war against the 'West', they are also prepared to kill Muslims, and have in fact done so in huge numbers.

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Despite the anathema that our government pronounces on such groups, Western governments including our own have sometimes used them for their own ends, for example in Afghanistan and Libya, and sometimes they have been used by them. No government will ever admit to this of course, and so tragically, the public is rarely aware of the 'blowback' that can sometimes occur as a result of such linkages.

Instead governments prefer to use ill-defined and nebulous notions of 'extremism' and 'radicalisation' that end up targeting people who may not have done anything wrong or have any intention of carrying a violent act, and which too easily cast suspicion across entire communities. Or else they invent new legal categories that justify 'extraordinary rendition' and indefinite detention that merely bring new recruits driven by bitterness, rancour and revenge.

So we are facing an incredibly dangerous, and in fact critical threat to our 'way of life', in terms of its potential longterm political and social consequences. Not only are these groups a real threat to the 'soft targets' who they are using to pursue their objectives, but they have a very real possibility of getting precisely the outcome they are seeking.

However Saturday night's unholy trio drifted into the moral wasteland in which they found themselves, their actions were ultimately strategic: they were designed to reach into the fascist underbelly of British society, and promote division, rage and hatred. These attacks may have been planned long before an election was decided, but it is difficult to believe that two high-profile atrocities were carried out during an election campaign by mere coincidence.

These men know what kind of government they're dealing with. They know that UK society is coursing with fear and hatred towards immigrants in general and Muslims in particular. They want more of it, because hatred and repression to them is the 'true face' of the British state and of British society that they want to reveal to their would-be constituency.

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And there is no shortage of hatred about. Before the blood had even dried on Saturday, social media fora were gushing with hate towards Muslims, Islam, 'Liberals', migrants, Jeremy Corbyn, Sadiq Khan, 'political correctness' or whatever else was supposed to have been responsible for the attacks at London Bridge. The murderers are dead now, as they no doubt intended to be, but were they alive they would surely have been satisfied to hear the talk of deportations, internment and above all - war, because if there is any one point in which the terrorists and the far-right coincide, it's in the belief that 'war' is some kind of solution or morally-bracing antidote to the flaccid mundanity of peace.

All of which means that we are required once again, to show real resilience in the face of this latest savage provocation. We should resist talk of internment - a measure which has always acted like pouring oil onto a fire in any previous terrorist emergency - and would certainly have the same effect if it was implemented for this one. We should not cancel the election.

We should concentrate instead on patient carefully-targeted counterterrorism and law enforcement - a difficult challenge to be sure. We should expect more attacks, and do what we can to stop them, while knowing that some of them will get through. We should not allow ourselves to be railroaded or panicked into emergency measures that contradict our best ideals. We should, as Jeremy Corbyn courageously suggested, look at what there is in our foreign policy that has created the context in which these monstrosities continue to replicate themselves and seek legitimacy, however spurious.

We should mourn together and find ways of working together, with men and women of all faiths and of no faith at all, to face down and marginalise these threats.

Contrary to what some - you know who - have said, that is not weakness, cowardice, surrender or moral decadence, it is simply the only way to avoid giving last night's murderers what they want, and prevent these dark times from becoming even more catastrophic.

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Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy has launched an initiative to formalize at the legislative level the provisions that Ukraine's membership in NATO is a priority of the country's foreign policy.

This opinion was expressed by Parubiy after he attended a meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Tbilisi and as well as the result of his extremely fruitful communication with allies and partners from the North Atlantic alliance, the website of the Verkhovna Rada reported.

The speaker also said the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine registered bill No. 6470, which proposes amending the law of Ukraine on the fundamentals of domestic and foreign policy and the law on the fundamentals of national security of Ukraine

He recalled that this year Ukraine celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership with NATO. Parubiy said he called on the parliamentary factions to adopt bill soon.

In turn, First Deputy Chair of Verkhovna Rada Iryna Gerashchenko said she believes Ukraine and Georgia should become 30th and 31rd members of NATO respectively. "This is what I see as my goal as a politician and that's why I've been engaged in politics for ten years only in the pro-NATO and pro-European camp," she wrote on her Facebook page.
Xavier Arnau via Getty Images

In the past few months, London has witnessed two shocking terrorist attacks centred on two major river crossings in the city. Considering the symbolic importance of bridges as metaphors in society, it can be no coincidence that these landmarks have been chosen. The Islamic fundamentalists who carried out these attacks, mowing down innocent civilians and stabbing further victims, seek to destroy the ties that bind society together - to destroy the bridges that make Britain Great. These bridges join communities, allowing different groups of people to connect. These bridges break down the divisiveness of separation and ghettoization. These bridges help break down prejudices, and allow people to navigate great chasms of misunderstanding.

On Wednesday 22nd March 2017, an 82-second attack at Westminster resulted in 4 fatalities and more than 50 people injured. On Saturday 3rd June 2017, an 8-minute attack at London Bridge and Borough Market saw at least 7 people killed, and dozens more injured. Since these terrible events that have changed the lives of hundreds of people, social media has been flooded with messages of solidarity, demonstrating the strength of the metaphorical bridges that bring London and Great Britain together.

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After the Westminster terrorist attack, hashtags such as #WeAreNotAfraid, #WeStandTogether, #LondonIsOpen and #UnitedTogether trended on Twitter. One popular image showed individuals of different religions and ethnicities standing together under the caption 'What divides human beings is small and mean. What unites human beings is huge and wonderful'. It is still early days after the London Bridge attack, but one hashtag that has already trended, that demonstrates the solidarity and kindness of strangers, is #SofaForLondon, where accommodation was offered to those stranded after the attack. Thousands of people are choosing love over hate, and demonstrating this in any way they can.

It is imperative that all Britons, regardless of religion or ethnicity, unite against the common enemy, by any legal means necessary. In the face of the upcoming election, political leaders have endorsed the message that terrorists should not be allowed to derail the democratic process. Muslim groups have been quick to condemn the attacks, but there have already been reports of hate crimes in the capital, including racist graffiti on the Islamic community centre in Sutton. Certainly, the way some images have been used shows the automatic assumptions made in these situations, and how they can be used as a form of propaganda. One Muslim woman, for example, clearly traumatised by what she witnessed, was vilified on social media as being heartless and ignoring casualties on London Bridge, in order to push the anti-Muslim agenda.

At such times of national crisis, the emphasis has to be on what bridges the gap and brings people together. Remarkably, after the Westminster attack, the anticipated spike in anti-Muslim hate crime did not happen, although there was a noticeable increase in hate comments online. It will be some time before we can tell the true level of hate crimes after these attacks, but if the initial responses are anything to go by, there is hope that people are learning the difference between extremists and others.

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This would not be the first time such differentiations have been made after initial violence against a minority group. When Italy joined the Axis powers during the Second World War, for example, there were anti-Italian riots and assaults on Italians across Britain. All Italians were labelled as Fascists, until this was later proved to be false. Similarly, there was much confusion over whether all Germans were pro-Nazi or genuine refugees at this time. Although all German males were interned in the spring of 1940, many of them were soon released because they were recognised to be friendly to Britain. Ultimately, the many Germans who were anti-Nazi were recognised for their positive contributions to this country both during and after the war.
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I stopped watching the news during my first pregnancy. Footage of war-ravaged far-away nations and desperate faces clung to my nightmares. I imagined myself as the mother of every ill-fated child, crossing choppy seas on flimsy boats, shipwrecked on swollen shores. The tragedy of every lost soul shook the walls of my womb. I wept into my pillow with all the sadness of the world, cradling my unborn child, promising hope and safety. I gave money to relief funds and futile tears to the moon, but feeling too pregnant to volunteer my sweat or blood, I ultimately felt useless.

Instead, I focused on my changing body and realised that I had to give all my strength to our tiny baby. It was clear to me that I had to believe that our world was pure and good for this little child who'd one day walk its streets. By 10pm, the TV was off and my brain was immersed in positive thoughts. As my body stretched to accommodate his growing limbs and powerful kicks, my mind shrunk away from the reality beyond the safe walls of our cosy loving home.

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I kept my head in the sand throughout his babyhood, determined to believe that all is well. I breastfed and changed nappies, sang and dandled, played and babbled. All the while, innocent lives were lost to terror everyday, all over the world: Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Somalia, Egypt, Libya, Ukraine, Tunisia, US, France, Germany, Sweden, Belgium. Names became endless soulless headlines, too many deaths to compute, the loss too epic to evoke true empathy. I tried to Google "volunteering with your baby", but all I could do was package up food and shelter for the dispossessed. Send money. Warm clothing. Baby clothing. I tried not to pause to reflect or cry, but fought to keep our cosy home full of sweetness and joy.

During the labour of our second child, ballot boxes were being prepared for the EU Referendum and news stations covered the horrific Orlando nightclub attack. We chose not to frame the daily newspapers as a memento of the day. As my children grew in strength and smiles, I dug our nest deeper into the sand, submerged by nursing, nappies and Netflix. By refusing to listen to or to read the daily news, I could pretend that there's no Big Bad Wolf lurking in the shadows nearby.

Since March 2017, the wolf's breath can be heard at the door. Close friends and family mark themselves as safe on social media. Familiar places and favourite haunts are cordoned off and illuminated in blue flashing lights. London, the city where I've called home for over a decade, has suffered two brutal attacks. Manchester- where my brother lived, celebrated his wedding, saw Bjork perform and enjoyed Blur's gig at the Arena - still licks its wounds. Perhaps we should have built another wall, or added extra locks.
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Dear Katie Hopkins,

How are you, love? I imagine it must be a difficult day for you considering there are no terrorist attacks for you to exploit in order to push your agenda. I understand. I get cranky on Wednesdays when EastEnders isn't on for me to tweet about. Life is tough when our favourite self-promotional tools aren't available.

Still, you've managed to milk the London Bridge attack for all its worth. I saw you on Fox News talking a load of rubbish about British Muslims. You went and slagged off London Mayor Sadiq Khan (or Sadiq "Kahnt," as you so proudly and smugly called him) saying "London Bridge fell down on his watch" - apparently missing the fact that the bridge is, in fact, still standing and that the woman you kind of praised - Prime Minister Theresa May - was also standing watch when the attack occurred. But facts have never mattered much to you. Just ask Jack Monroe.

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Anyway, I digress. You also said you wanted to round up 3,000 people on the watch list and to deport some British Muslims. Then you called for internment camps. Never mind the fact that none of these people have been convicted of a crime and that conviction without trial hasn't been in vogue since 1215. But that won't stop you, Katie Hopkins, from calling for a solution - a final one, even - to Britain's pesky Muslim problem.

I suppose it's harder for you to say this stuff in Britain now that LBC has sacked you and nobody of any importance reads the Daily Mail. So, I have an offer to make you. You seem to hate Britain, a country I desperately love. I don't really like Trump's America, which you seem more infatuated with than David Walliams is with Simon Cowell. Of course, I think the David/Simon flirtation is all for show. I used to think that about your gobby shenanigans, but as time and your career prospects slip away, I'm not so sure.

So - here's the deal: let's swap passports.

Before you say no, hear me out. You would fit in perfectly in Trump's America. You even promised to move here if he was elected, so you and I both know this is what you want.

Just think - here, with America's First Amendment, you could say what you want without fear of a pesky libel lawsuit (that is, until Trump changes those laws to better enable him to sue his critics). Fox News is clearly keen on you, and since Bill O'Reilly has been sacked I think you'll fit perfectly there amongst the bigots and peddlers of fake news. (I mean, after your hair grows back, of course. Fox News doesn't hire any woman who doesn't have at least twelve inches of blonde trusses and a penchant for white supremacy. I'm confident you can tick both those boxes though.)

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By leaving Britain, you can avoid the no-go places, which considering how reviled you've become I imagine is most of the country. You could live in a country that has actually had internment camps and rounded up Muslims in a detention centre - one that isn't even on American soil! "Katie Hopkins reports live from Guantanamo" would break Fox News records. You could even waterboard a Muslim kid, probably. Alabama would eat that shit up.

From there, you can team up with Milo for a "Dangerous Fag and his Horrible Hag" tour, going around to American colleges and reminding the whinging snowflakes that no, they can't have a reasonable expectation of not hearing racial slurs in public discourse. Who do they think they are, anyway? White people?

In exchange for granting you American residency, I will be allowed to move to Britain. Now I know what you're thinking - the last thing the UK needs is another wussy metropolitan liberal who won't stand up to the Muslim scourge. But because you and your family are safely ensconced in Trumpland, it's really of no concern to you.

In the meantime, I will get to work writing about British politics, which is my passion, whilst living in my beloved Walthamstow and volunteering with youth to improve their lot in life. See, I believe that gangs and terrorists are often born the same way - through marginalisation and a lack of prospects and hope. You call me naive; I call me optimistic. I'll hang out with my Muslim friends (and other friends, too!) at night and live-tweet X Factor and grab a kebab after a night down the pub.

I'll live in a country that embraces multiculturalism and realises that the sins of a few don't indict the many, that we only ever seem to paint with such a broad brush when it comes to Black and brown people, and that no one ever asked you why you didn't do anything to prevent Jo Cox's murder. Or the bombing at the Admiral Duncan. Or Dunblane. If they did, you would probably say it has nothing to do with you, anyway.

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Funny how that works, innit?

Anyway, I'll become a productive member of a society that values inclusion, solidarity, and just getting on with it. One that wasn't cowed by the IRA, by Oswald Mosley, or by the Luftwaffe. One that doesn't react with histrionics, paranoia, and vitriol every time tragedy strikes. One that understands that yes, something must be done to stop this, but encroaching upon its most cherished values - democracy, habeas corpus, due process, liberty - isn't it. I'll learn to love tea, even, if I must.

And you can live in a country politically dominated by a minority of white voters who hate immigrants, Muslims, science, and secularism. You can live in a country that allows you to spout your venom without fear of repercussion and that will, in fact, pay you handsomely to do it. You can live in a country where actual Nazi-sympathisers work in the White House. You'll love it.

So you put in a word with the Home Office and I'll put in a word with the State Department. We'll get the paperwork sorted, and we'll make the swap. I propose we meet somewhere neutral, like Antarctica. It's a completely white landscape, so I know you'll enjoy the visit. I'll board a ship to London, you can jump on a boat to New York, and we'll go our separate ways.

America will love you. Britain will thank you.

Have a think. You'll find it's the best for both of us.

Regards,
Last month I attended the first ever board meeting of a new 1million company that's been launched to develop new treatments for Parkinson's.

It's a company that has no staff, no fixed premises and no expensive laboratory equipment, but this company marks the exciting start of a new way to fight Parkinson's - by working virtually.

The new company, Keapstone Therapeutics, combines world-leading research from the University's Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) with funding and expertise from Parkinson's UK in a partnership that is the first of its kind.

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This virtual company will continue SITraN's work to develop novel molecules that have the potential create drugs that can slow, stop or even reverse the condition.

It will do this by using its funding to commission independent drug development teams - with existing laboratories of their own - to take the University's promising research forward, while using the charity's network of clinical experts to give guidance and critical feedback.

This innovative approach has never been attempted by a charity before, and marks a step change in the way that Parkinson's UK is using research and plugging the gap in funding caused by the loss of investment from big pharma.

This step change - and the creation of Keapstone Therapeutics - is part of the charity's new Parkinson's Virtual Biotech venture, which has been formed to rapidly develop and test treatments with the potential to transform life for people with Parkinson's.

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This major new programme of work will allow the charity to act in a similar way to a small biotech company. However, unlike a commercial company, the primary goal will be to create new treatments to improve the lives of people with Parkinson's, regardless of financial benefit.

With management of carefully chosen research strands that show the most promise, and guidance from a team of industry and scientific experts who are volunteering their time, the Parkinson's UK Virtual Biotech will produce a portfolio of drug development projects - all at different stages of the drug discovery and early clinical development pipeline.

This new way of working will accelerate drug development for Parkinson's and attract funding partners who can carry the projects forward further on their own or in partnership with continued charity funding.

200 years since Parkinson's was first recognised as a condition, science has unlocked key discoveries that could transform lives. Now, this innovative new way of working will enable the charity to help harness these research discoveries and help find a cure in years - rather than decades.

The science is ready and, with enough funding, we will find a cure.
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Theresa May cannot keep us safe.

Happy to police the internet; loathe to police our streets.

As Home Secretary, May cut 20,000 police and inflicted a 25% cut on the policing budget.

She was repeatedly warned, by the Police Federation and others, that cuts of 4% per year would jeopardise public safety. She continued.

In 2015, she ordered the fire service to act with "a relentless focus on efficiency," seeing "the need for many of the same reforms that [she] started in policing."

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What happened?

Merseyside Fire and Rescue was plunged into an 11 million black-hole.

Thousands of firemen cut, including 14% of full-time servicemen.

Dozens of firestations closed.

27% reduction in fire and safety checks by fire personnel.

This is just a small example of the devastation forced on some of our most important public services.

The "heroes" Theresa May praised in the wake of recent terror attacks are the same heroes she's hacked her way through as Home Secretary, slashing pay and cutting staff.

Nurses and doctors - the heroes treating the dead and wounded in London Bridge, Westminster and Manchester - have all suffered pay-freezes and real-terms pay cuts since 2010.

When confronted by a nurse in the BBC Question Time Leaders Special - explaining the pay-freeze she suffered - the Prime Minister responded, "there isn't a magic money tree."

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Is this how we treat our heroes?

Video courtesy of the BBC, reproduced via The Independent, here.

Theresa May wasn't just reckless with our public services: she was actively deconstructing the apparatus required to keep our country safe.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister declared, "enough is enough," proposing further alienation of the Muslim community ("difficult and embarrassing conversations"), giving the police "all the powers they need" and controlling the internet.

Theresa May bragged that her government had stopped five terrorist attacks in the last three months; yet three of them occurred in the same period of time, on her watch. That's a 38% failure-rate.

So why has the Conservative Manifesto pledged to continue public sector cuts, to continue the devastation of our public services and an austerity program designed to gut our critical infrastructure and emergency services?

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The alternative

Jeremy Corbyn is - without doubt - a controversial figure.

His positions and long-held principles on peace, public services and security have chained him to the Commons back-benches for thirty years.

Holding talks with Sinn Fein, his outspoken opposition to the Iraq War and refusal to support the militarisation of Libya has resulted in high-level criticism: but he has also been proven right.

For all the talk of Corbyn being "weak" on security, the Labour manifesto is one with security at its heart. A manifesto which promises to deliver 10,000 extra police on our streets, 500 additional border guards, more prison officers and fire fighters (3,000 each), a commitment to 2% GDP on defence, 10 billion for cyber security, financial support for veterans, a ban on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and - yes - a commitment to renewing Trident.

These measures will help reverse the chaos inflicted on our security services by the last several years of Conservative (and coalition) government.

In the words of former Police Head of Counter Terrorism in Belfast and Deputy Director General of the National Crime Squad:

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Action as ever speaks louder than words and whoever wins the election on the 8 June needs to get their priorities right: investing in education, social care, health and policing is literally critical.

Another five years of Consevative government - led by Theresa May - will not provide the critical investment we need in our security services; and it will not reward the heroes to whom Theresa May has given lip-service over the last several years.

Cosying-up to an increasingly-isolated Trump Presidency is not a solution to our problems, post-Brexit or otherwise. We have to forge truly global alliances, putting environmental protection and job creation first; delivering a responsible program for global and national security.

A Labour government - led by Jeremy Corbyn - would provide security not just for our borders and our police, but in our retirement, our jobs, welfare, education and wages.

Labour will invest an additional 6 billion a year in our NHS, reduce class sizes to thirty, provide free childcare, school lunches, a universal winter fuel allowance and triple-lock pension, in addition to free university tuition and public railways; a real and radical program to create the resilient economy and society we need.

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Security on our streets.

Security in work.

Security in retirement.

And security in our health and education.

These are the principles Jeremy stands for; and they are the principles Theresa May and the Conservative Party are trying to destroy.

We cannot cut our way into security. We have to invest.

Only one Party has the credible alternative this country needs.
Malta's central position in the Mediterranean makes it a highly strategic dynamic hub in Europe. With the United Kingdom now with one foot out the EU door due to their imminent Brexit procedures, the time is just right for Malta to gain more traction and rank as a possible relocation destination for those UK start-ups and companies searching for stability and a securely opportune point of entry into the European market.

Information gathered by the European Commission in a recent report relays the high economic growth Malta is benefiting from, above all other EU countries. There is no shortage of reasons that shed light on this striking ongoing achievement, such as the sunny climate, the secure and business friendly environment and the nationwide English speaking community, to name a few.

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Start-ups in Malta are notably quite carefully guided, aided by a number of business incentives that were created with the intention to offer them assistance. These business incentives include Takeoff business incubator, Malta Enterprise, and the Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, among others. It has only taken a handful of years for Malta to successfully develop the efficient digital start-up ecosystem there is in place today.

Digital Malta

Malta has not been idle in the global race to reel in promising start-ups, having immediately and sensibly worked on developing numerous solid competitive advantages. In addition to the necessity of constant improvement across the entire system, I also maintain that Malta should turn its focus towards sparking a higher level of awareness regarding the "Digital Malta" brand within the start-up domain.

Furthermore, I firmly believe that Malta should make efficient use of the help it gets from its successful business partners in order to promote Malta overseas and draw in new companies on a global scale. Local start-ups have the opportunity to be resourceful ambassadors in the task to promote the local ecosystem at the relevant fairs and exhibitions. One such instance where they have shown such efficiency is with their enormous presence and number as a Maltese community at ICE, the biggest iGaming conference in Europe. Nonetheless, there has been a stark absence of visual displays and integration to highlight any form of pride within the Maltese industry, which, in turn, indicates the absence of unity. Malta based start-ups would certainly benefit from the development of a solid common interest in creating an efficient local system.

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Silicon Valletta

In a discussion with other local entrepreneurs earlier last year, we came to acknowledge the significant shortcomings of our ecosystem, the most important one being a common voice. That is how the idea to develop an organisation to unite us was conceived.

Silicon Valletta was officially created in December of 2016, presenting itself as a non-profit organization looking to generate a well organised local network and spread a more well-rounded awareness towards the Maltese digital sector.

With the support of the Malta Communications Authority, Silicon Valletta hopes to divulge knowledge, draw in budding talent, potential investors and promising start-ups on a global scale, and ultimately link the current local start-up scene with the government and the institutions offering business incentives.

Among Silicon Valletta's main aims is the goal to extend help and counsel to other start-ups and help them grow more successfully. A good majority of the present members have already been through their fair share of hardships along the way of starting up their own company, so it is indeed a pleasure to share these experiences with the any newcomers. This group of experienced members, credited with being in charge of rather promising start-ups and already established companies include, among others, Stephen Chetcuti Bonavita (Altaro), Chris Knights (BRND WGN), Russell Mifsud (KPMG), Lewis Holland (DiscountIF), Chris Kaye (Sherpa), Benjamin Carlotti (OulalaGames), and Simon Azzopardi (the current president of Silicon Valletta). We hold monthly discussions to brainstorm, share our thoughts and go over the industry's present challenges.

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Our goal for 2017 is developing a foundation, furthering the concept that what we change and how we bring about change are equally important in making a difference. Furthermore, we intend to work hand in hand with the government in proposing legislations across areas involving talent and tax to promote an efficient approach. Finally, our plans involve working with partners to elevate and expand the Malta brand. We have wasted no time aligning ourselves in supporting the Zest conference (below you can watch the panel discussion on the benefits for start-ups being based in Malta from Zest 2016), Start-up Weekend and a number of other events outside of Malta.

Malta is the future
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A woman too drunk to buy alcohol at a shop has been cleared of racially abusing the manager because she was misheard asking for her favourite Karpackie lager.

Gemma Gibbon, 33, who described herself as an alcoholic, had already drunk "six or seven" cans of the 9 per cent strong Polish beer when she staggered into Sainsbury's in Spring Bank, west Hull, at about 5.30pm on March 28.

The manager declined to serve her, because she "looked intoxicated" and "couldn't stand on her feet", Hull Magistrates' Court heard.

Gibbon refused to leave, and was accused of subjecting him to an expletive-laden tirade of racial and sexual abuse.

Gibbon, of Tyne Street, west Hull, stood trial after denying a racially aggravated public order offence.

Opening the case against her, prosecutor Michael Masson said: "She was aggressive, shouting and swearing, and was asked to leave by the store manager.

"She asked him if he slept with children, asked if he was a P***, and when she continued to be aggressive was again asked to leave. She made declarations that he was a foreigner that slept with children.

"When Miss Gibbon was picked up and interviewed, she indicated there had been a miscommunication  she'd been asking for a particular brand of lager called Karpackie, and was asking to be served. That is not accepted by the Crown."

Giving evidence, the manager said: "She went towards the till. I kept trying to point her towards the exit. Then she said something like, 'You're a P***', or something.

"And when I was on the phone, the woman on the phone [police call handler] heard it as well.

"After that conversation, she said something like, 'What about last week when you s*****d me', and even the police woman was laughing.

"She said straight afterwards, 'I didn't call you a P***'."

The manager said the abuse continued.

"Afterwards she said something like, 'You're a foreigner and you touch kids, you go to brothels'."

Asked how it made him feel, the manager said: "It upset me, obviously. When there's customers in the shop you can't really have someone saying 'touching kids' and things like that.

"It's degrading, to be honest."

Ian Phillip, defending, said the man was on the phone and there was background noise.

He said: "I'm suggesting this is a confusion. She's asking for wine originally, and then this strong lager  you could have been confused."

"No, I'm definitely not confused," the manager said.

Gibbon told the court she normally drank between six and eight cans of Karpackie a day and was "very drunk" when she went in the store.

Criminals jailed in Hull in May

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"Why do you think they wouldn't serve you?" Mr Phillip asked.

Gibbon said: "I was being a bit of a pain, I was a bit loud. I just remember asking for more beer, and because I drink them Karpackies I'd asked for Karpackies, 'cos I drink them every day."

Asked about what she was alleged to have said, Gibbon said: "I'm not a racist or anything like that. I wouldn't say something like that in a shop. There's a line you don't cross."

The three magistrates found Gibbon not guilty.

They were then told she had earlier admitted assault by beating after throwing a red notebook at the manager, which hit him on the head.

She was discharged conditionally for 12 months for the assault, and was ordered to pay 85 costs and a 20 surcharge.
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A Hull woman who was the the One Love Manchester benefit concert has described it as epic, emotional and full of love.

Gracie Harvey, 23, was at the Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena which was targeted by a suicide bomber on May 22.

A total of 22 people were killed and more than 100 were injured.

Almost two weeks on, she returned to Manchester with her sister, Kitty-Mae Shuttleworth, who she had gone to the original concert with.

Huge stars, including Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Little Mix, Take That and Coldplay, performed at Sunday night's benefit concert to a crowd of 50,000 people.

The charity concert, organised in less than a week, was filled with powerful moments including a surprise appearance from Liam Gallagher.

Gracie Harvey, of Hull, said people who were present on that tragic evening were left in tears at the heart-warming concert.

She said: It was absolutely incredible. I've never experienced anything like that before.

We were in the front pit which consisted of everyone who was at the concert on the 22nd and so just to be together and experience that together was amazing.

We really felt like we were there for each other - there was tears and people would look around and check that you were OK, it was so heart-warming and something epic to be a part of.

The scale of love that we all felt was just, wow. We were all in awe I think.

The concert is reported to have raised more than 2m for the victims of the terror attack. All the performers played the event for free and organiser Live Nation has underwritten the cost of the event.
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A Royal Navy veteran of two wars racially abused a father in a parking row outside a primary school.

Michael Puplett, 59, had gone to collect his grandchildren from St Andrews school in Sutton Park, and left his car in the car park of the Jar in Hand pub.

When he returned to the vehicle he saw a man struggling to open the passenger door of the car parked next to him.

Michael Masson, prosecuting, told Hull Magistrates Court that Puplett became aggressive, and said: Move that s**t for gear.

The other man was surprised by the aggression, and Puplett told him: Get lost to your own country with your car and park it there somewhere.

Mr Masson said when the man accused him of being racist, Puplett said: Yes, Im a racist. This is a free country. I have freedom of speech to say what I want.

His victim admitted using some choice language in return, and as other parents tried to intervene, his children began to cry in their car.

But the incident was not over, as the victim tried to take pictures of Puplett on his mobile phone.

Puplett then called police saying a man was taking pictures and accusing him of being a paedophile.

A log of the 999 call was read to the court, which Puplett said he was having a dispute with an Asian male, and he didnt trust Asian males.

There were children present at all points of this altercation, Mr Masson said.

In police interview, Puplett accused the victim of being racist to him by calling him an English c***.

In a victim statement, the man said it had an impact on his children, and said: I dont want to bump into him again.

Im really upset by these comments, and feel comments like this make me feel unwanted in this country.

I lay awake at night thinking about this incident. I feel these comments were racist and Im offended by these words.

Puplett, of Aldenham Park, Kingswood, admitted racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.

Steve Smith, mitigating, said Puplett had devoted his life to public service.

He was an aircraft controller  a highly responsible job  in a 20-year Navy career, and had served in the Falklands War, the First Gulf War, and on global humanitarian missions.

Puplett left the Navy with many medals, Mr Smith said, including for long service and good conduct.

Mr Smith said of the Falklands campaign: Over 80 Royal Navy personnel were killed in that conflict, and some of them who died were friends of Mr Puplett, and thats bound to have an effect on him.

He then had a 21-year career at HM Coastguard, where he was a higher executive officer supervising rescue operations.

In that role, in recent years, responding to a distress beacon, Puplett had sent a helicopter to the wrong location.

When it arrived in the right place the three crew members on the vessel had died.

An investigation found there was no culpability on Pupletts part.

But Mr Smith said: Mr Puplett felt responsible for those mens deaths, though there was no blame placed at his feet.

This had left him with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Puplett had done the decent thing and resigned from HM Coastguard because of the school incident.

Mr Smith said he was a year away from retirement, had lost a 70,000 gratuity payment, and was likely to lose his pension.

He was very, very sorry and apologised to the victim.

Puplett was fined 120 and ordered to pay 100 costs and a 30 surcharge.
The British investigative journalists group Bellingcat has found a photo of the Buk 323 missile launcher of the Russian 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade taken before the launcher was used to down the MH17 passenger flight in Donetsk region in 2014.

Following a tip from a Twitter user, Bellingcat was able to find the photograph that shows white transport markings on Buk 332 from before the June 2014 convoy, the journalist team said in a report published on their website.

"A photograph taken by a Russian mechanic, likely in the spring of 2013, shows Buk 332 with the same white transport markings that were on the Buk while in Ukraine shortly before and after the downing of MH17. This photograph is the last discovered image of Buk 332, showing its non-obscured unit designation and transport markings, before the June 2014 convoy, when the middle digit of its unit designation was painted over," the report reads.

The mechanic's initially discovered photo album was uploaded in February 2015, but doesn't give the mechanic's name or information about when or where the photographs were taken, Bellingcat said.

"Bellingcat managed to identify the mechanic and located several of his social media profiles. One of these social media profiles shows the Buk 332 photograph, and another social media profile shows two photographs that also are visible in his 2015 album," the report reads.

The investigators concluded the photograph was almost certainly taken in 2013, but there is a remote possibility that it was taken in spring 2014.

According to the Bellingcat report, the ground-to-air Buk missile that downed the Boeing was delivered to Ukraine from Russia. The place of the missile launch was Pervomaiske village, located in an area of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russian hybrid forces. Some 100 individuals have been implicated of involvement in the launching of the missile.

As earlier reported, the Boeing 777 belonging to Malaysia Airlines flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) was shot out of the sky killing all 298 passengers on board.

The international joint investigatory group (Joint Investigation Team, JIT), which is comprised of prosecutors and law-enforcement officials from Ukraine, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and Malaysia, as well as EU legal officials, on September 28, 2016 presented its findings in the criminal investigation of the tragedy.

"The JIT concluded that MH17 was downed by a rocket, Series 9M38, launched from a self-propelled ground-to-missile launcher BUK-TELAR, in a farming area in the region of Pervomaiske village. The area is currently held by pro-Russian militant groups. Investigators said missile complex was delivered to Ukraine from the Russian Federation and returned there after the downing," the findings said.

In mid-November 2016, Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said that investigators had established the names of a hundred individuals suspected of involvement in the crime and that they will be named in 2017.
This dynamic helped Gov. Laura Kelly win reelection in Kansas

Gov. Laura Kelly won a second term in a historic win in the Kansas governor's race. Her performance in Johnson County helped deliver a narrow victory.
Senate President Stanley Rosenberg met with local officials on Friday.

Senate President Gets Feel For Berkshires' Economic Future



Christopher Kapiloff of Laminate Technologies showed off a piece of bulletproof glass his company is selling in large numbers, but said it will be made elsewhere if the state can't lower the cost of doing business. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Unemployment, wages, and innovation are high points for the state's economy, all of which the commonwealth is doing the best in the nation.

But the state has stalled on education, transportation, and revenue. If those don't change, then Senate President Stanley Rosenberg believes the state will lose growth.

"Overall, in general, the commonwealth as a whole, we are a high-quality state for life, work, building businesses, and quality of life. But we are being compromised in terms of the next generation of this because we don't have transportation infrastructure and we don't have the education infrastructure. We are in a stall of education funding for 15 years now and we're stalled in closing the achievement gap," Rosenberg said.

Rosenberg sat in on a number of meetings in the Berkshire on Friday to discuss the county's economic future. The Amherst Democrat knows a lot of the issues already from prior meetings here and representing rural Franklin County to the east.

"Franklin and Berkshire desperately need education and transportation," Rosenberg said.

The issues about aging demographics, the loss of young people, and the particulars like rolling out high-speed internet to help business development aren't really new to him. What he hoped to find out on Friday was what plans do local representatives have for the future of the economy.

"There's a lot of strategic thinking going on and trying to figure out what is the mechanism by which this whole county, which is really today thought of as three subunits within the same area, how are you proceeding to try to knit together major strategic initiatives?" Rosenberg asked.

1Berkshire Chairman Donald Dubendorf cited the Berkshire Blueprint project, which the state Senate has allocated funding. The effort brings leaders from throughout Berkshire County to revisit the plans crafted a decade ago. That will grapple with the Berkshires' identify and set a plan for future growth.

"I think the biggest problem, and what makes our parochialism even more exaggerated, is our comfort with silos. We've got to find ways to break those down and make sure the right people are talking to each other about the right issues," Dubendorf said.

Patrick Larkin, director of Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Innovation Institute, encouraged a room full of local business leaders to "concentrate on your own indigenous strengths." A region can't simply say 'we want a bio-sector here,' Larkin said. But instead, a region should strengthen what it current has and then reach out to grow and expand that reach.

"The community has to be laser focused on what it is good and isn't good at and exploit that," Larkin said.

One example he used is that the Berkshires have a legacy of advanced manufacturing and state and federal funds have been used to boost similar efforts in the Albany, N.Y. area in at UMass Amherst. The Berkshires can find a niche to tie in with that by building on the region's current "nodes of innovation" and then expanding its networking reach.

Focusing on the local assets is exactly what Lever, in North Adams, Board of Trustee Jeffrey Thomas says his organization is trying to do. They opened a co-working space with the intent to help entrepreneurs. But, the problems he is running into is operations capital, deal flow, and investment capital.

Thomas says there is a lot of "raw talent" but operation capital poses a challenge. Deal flow is a term he used to describe what essentially amounts to a shortage of companies to invest in. He said there needs to be more companies for investors to put money into in order to build a portfolio. Investment capital is probably the easier hurdle, he said, because if there is a strong entrepreneur with a business that makes sense, there are people willing to invest.

Once off the ground, Berkshire Community College President Ellen Kennedy said she is focused on educating students with the right skills to fit those needs. She is a member of the workforce skills cabinet, which is a group of local business leaders who are aimed at ensuring there are people with the right skills to support job growth.

Heather Boulger of the Berkshire Regional Employment Board elaborated on that saying, "at any given time there are 1,700 job openings and at any given time we have 2,000 people looking for work." Current employers struggle to find qualified workers to grow companies, so education and job training is a priority moving forward.

At the K-12 level, Mayor Richard Alcombright said the biggest challenge is that there are too many school districts. He said the schools need to work closer together to provide the best service. Meanwhile, he said, local school funding has been "incredibly underfunded" making it difficult for cities and towns to provide the best education.

"We can maintain programming but we can't do anything progressive. We can't afford to think out of the box," Alcombright said.

Steve Roy from the Berkshire Board of Realtor cited home values for Western Massachusetts as severely lagging. He threw his support behind rail transportation to New York City, opening up the ability for more people to live here.

Laminate Technologies principal Chris Kapiloff said the overall costs of doing business is a problem with growing the economy. His company has a contract in the works that would require a $3 million expansion. He showed off a piece of bulletproof glass the company makes here. But that contract will be taken away from him in the future by companies in other parts of the state with lower overhead.

He said he's been offered free spaces to move the company to Cleveland or Maryland, where he'd be paying less in labor and less in electricity. He'd like to keep the company local but that will all depend on if the state and city can make the numbers work for him.

From Rosenberg's position, he said there are five items need to worked on statewide for business growth: revenue, education, transportation, energy, health care.

He is calling for a revamp of the tax code to support more middle-class job growth and provide more revenue for the state to make investments in other areas.

"If we don't figure out how to adapt to the extremely high incomes at one end of the employment scale and extremely low wages at another and barely growing wages in the middle, then we are not going to have the capacity to keep growing the economy and jobs. If we don't have a transportation system that gets people and good where they need to go, we are stuck," Rosenberg said.

He, too, supports rail, saying traffic on highways are getting so backed up that it slows commerce and only getting worse. He's hoping to get more people off the road and into commuting in other ways.

The president believes the state can do it. When the state focused on building pharmaceutical testing and renewable energy business sectors, it was successful. Now he is hoping for the same type of energies for the other high priority areas.

"When we set our mind on solving a large problem and creating a big change, we have the ability to do that. It takes focus, it takes energy, and it takes political will, and it takes building a coalition and partnership," Rosenberg said. "I know we can tackle these four or five problems."
A joint statement of the seventh meeting of the Ukrainian-Polish Partnership Forum, which took place in Kyiv on June 3, stresses Poland's unwavering support for Ukraine amidst the Russian aggression and the desire of the parties to act in a spirit of partnership and unity.

"We note that our substantive discussion took place in a constructive, frank and benevolent spirit that reflects a firm intention to mobilize all the necessary forces to strengthen the vitally important partnership between Ukraine and Poland," co-chairs of the Partnership Forum, Head of the Centre for East European Studies of the University of Warsaw Jan Malicki and Ukrainian journalist Vitaliy Portnykov said in a statement published on Portnykov's Facebook page.

"We emphasize that Poland unwaveringly supports the defense and security of Ukraine, which continues to experience aggression from Russia. The war launched against the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine is an offensive against the whole of the united Europe, including against the freedom of Poland," the joint statement reads.

The parties noted that the dialogue focused on specific cooperation projects, the main goal of which is to establish mutual support, knowledge and real solidarity between the Ukrainian and Polish peoples. The forum participants discussed the events in the social, scientific, educational, economic and other areas, as well as in the affairs of youth exchanges.

They agreed on the Forum's patronage over important bilateral initiatives, in particular intellectual readings, exchanges, educational and scientific projects.
Monument Mountain graduates are greeted by family and friends on the lawn at Tanglewood following the ceremony. The administration recognizes outgoing Principal Marianne Young, and presented her with a diploma. The school's first valedictorian Jamie Carr is on hand for the 50th anniversary. PreviousNext

Monument Mountain Grads Advised To 'Join Them'



Sophia Cohen tells the story of her first trip to summer camp, where she spent too much time worrying about going home and missed a chance to embrace the experience. More photos can be found here. LENOX, Mass.  Join them.

That's what Monument Mountain valedictorian Sophia Cohen advised her fellow classmates on Sunday when the school held its 50th commencement. Cohen told a story about when she was 10 years old and went to a two-week summer camp.

But, she spent the whole first week trying to find an excuse to leave. During that week, she remember a group of girls going to the pool and she wanted to go. But, she was too focused on trying to go home, too worried about her parents at him.

She returned home and told her mother about the pool and her mother responded that she could have gone to pool, and that it was only her telling herself not to.

"The next year I went back to camp. When I was leaving my mom gave me a rock she had found outside. On the rock she wrote 'join them.' I brought the rock to camp and I put in on my dresser and everyday when I woke up I looked at the rock and said to myself 'today is another day to join them,'" Cohen said. "I've spent a lot of time reflecting on what I learned my first summer at camp. Over the years, I've tried to implement, in every aspect of my life, what my mom taught me when she handed me that rock."

When Cohen was 10, she didn't understand that life continues to move, the good times and the bad times will all pass.

"The bad times in our lives will pass. And the good times in our lives will pass. The world keeps moving despite what may be happening in our individual lives. So we must fully embrace what is happening now," Cohen said. "When I was 10 I didn't fully realize that life passes us by and I did not let myself enjoy the moments I was living."

The class of 138 students have seen high school years pass. Cohen says although everybody knows where they are going next, they don't know what the experience will be like. But she wants her classmates to embrace change.

"We can't be afraid of moving forward. This is the path of life. It is time to move forward and onto a different stage. When I was 10, I did not realize that home would still be here, mostly the same, when I would return after camp had ended," Cohen said.

Salutatorian Camille Beckwith told the class that when they do move into the future, not to keep a one-track mind and to take detours. And no matter way, "just have fun."

"Tell your friends you love them and hug a dog. I know I am going to," Beckwith said. "The world needs more joy and what is more joyful than you friends and puppies?"

She told her classmates to stop stressing about small things, thing that won't matter much in the future anyway, and focus on the important things. She said if the students can do that and live lives filled with honesty, joy, and integrity, the students will make their mark on the world and in turn, that would be a repaying Monument Mountain for everything it did for them.

The graduation ceremony was special not just for the students, but for the school, and for Principal Marianne Young. The school's milestone of 50 years was recognized and the district's very first valedictorian, Jamie Carr, was seated on the stage to honor the occasion.

"The world is a much different place than when [the high school] was formed in the 1960s but what has not changed is the quality of the education." School Committee Chairman Stephen Bannon said.

Sunday was also Young's last graduation ceremony. She is retiring after 16 years with the district. After all of the students received their diplomas, Bannon still had one left to give to Young, making her an alumni.

"She has always been an advocate for each and every story," he said.

The ceremony also featured the Spartones singing "In My Life" by the Beatles and the graduates bouncing inflatable beach balls in the Koussevitzky Music Shed. After turning their tassels and being pronounced as graduates, the they proceeded out to the lawn, where a slight drizzle had started, to take photos and celebrate with family and friends.
Olivia Bullock's illustrated her valedictory address on the spot during St. Joseph Central School's final graduation ceremony. The graduates toss their caps. Salutatorian Theresa Kirsimagi had described the class as a rocky beach transformed into beautiful polished pebbles. Bishop Mitchell Rozanskigives the homily. PreviousNext

St. Joe's Final High School Class 'Crusaders Forever'



Valedictorian Olivia Bullock had the right side covered as she created the Mother Teresa's image. See more photos here.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Sunday's graduation ceremonies for St. Joseph Central High School were both celebratory and sad.



The class of 2017 would be the 115th class to graduate from the Berkshire County's only Catholic high school; it would also be the last.



"We have had enormous challenges this year to remain strong and faithful knowing that our school is closing," Principal Amy Gelinas said during the ceremony in the adjacent St. Joseph's Church. "It is a testament to the community at St. Joseph's High School that we remained together ... during this emotionally challenging year ...



"The excitement of graduating and moving on is tempered with the sadness that other students will not have the same opportunity."



The Diocese of Springfield last October made the decision to close the 120-year-old high school, the last remnant of what had been a thriving parochial school system in Pittsfield. The reasons cited were changing demographics and limited financial resources.



This year, there were only 68 students total in four grades; the class of 2017 numbered just 19, down two-thirds from just four years ago.



On Sunday, the gathering sought to focus on the joy rather than the sadness, although Olivia Bullock in her valedictory address said both are part of the life's experience.



High school speakers in the Berkshires have occassionally strayed from the traditional address, most often using song, or music or poetry to make their point.



Bullock used what appeared to be a blank canvas, using both her hands and brushes to swiftly create an image on one half of the canvas that at first seemed to defy understanding.



"Each splotch of paint represents an experience and each experience is necessary to product the final picture," she said. "Splashes of color begin to appear; some colors are bright and happy, reflecting the wonderful blessings we are given ... other colors are darker and more ominous as we encounter hardships along the path."



Some colors are disheartening, and can appear jumbled and smeared and messy, forcing attempts to correct them.



"There's a little voice in the back of our minds that encourage you to keep trying even though no one else understands the picture you're trying to make," Bullock said.


The Greylock Glen will host an afternoon convention on all things Harry Potter and wizardry in June.

'Harry Potter' Themed MAGICon to Enchant Greylock Glen

ADAMS, Mass.  First fairies, now wizards.

The first-ever MAGICon is hoping to cast a successful spell on the Greylock Glen, in the shadow of the invisible Ilvermorny school of wizardry, on Sunday, June 18.

The organizer of the one-day "Mischievous Appreciation of Greylock & Ilvermorny Convention," Amanda Zepka, said the event was created to celebrate all things Harry Potter and magical.

"It is very family friendly and the nice thing about it is that you can really be into Harry Potter but just the venue itself is super cool," she said. "There will be live music and it will be fun just to hang out and have a bite to eat."

Zepka said a small group formed after J.K. Rowling, author of the popular "Harry Potter" book series, announced on her website that Ilvermorny, the North American School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was hidden on Mount Greylock.

She said the group, which eventually was absorbed by ProAdams, was charged with organizing "Harry Potter" themed events in Adams, the home of the fictional magic school.

"We were debating whether or not we wanted to do a series of small events or a few big ones," she said. "We tossed around a few ideas, and they were all really good and exciting, but we felt this was the way to go this year."

The event will feature live music, including the band Harry and The Potters, the internationally known wizard rock band.

Zepka said she once heard the band play in Boston and thought she would reach out.

"When we came up with this idea, I thought I have nothing to lose and I should shoot for the stars and see what happens," she said. "I contacted them and they were really excited about it."

She said the band is celebrating its 15th anniversary and is only making two appearances this year: in Dublin at LeakyCon, the most well know "Harry Potter" convention and MAGICon.

Zepka added that local Celtic band Rakish Paddy will also play.

Along with music, the Boston University Quidditch team will host a game as well as an interactive demonstration of the wizarding sport made popular by the books.

She said attendees are also encouraged to dress up in their finest witch or wizard attire and there will be a costume contest.

There will also be food vendors and an array of other activities.

Zepka said because of limited parking at the glen, attendees can park at the Adams Visitors Center. A shuttle will bring people up to the glen every 15 minutes starting at 12:30 p.m.

The event runs from 1 to 6 p.m. and is rain or shine.

Tickets can be purchased here or at the door. Children age 12 and under can attend for free thanks to the event's sponsor, Greylock Federal Credit Union.

The convention will coincide with the second annual Berkshire Mountains Faerie Festival that will take place Saturday, June 17, at Bowe Field. Those who attend the Faerie Festival can receive a coupon to get $5 off their MAGICon ticket.

"The great thing about Harry Potter is that it transcends all ages, genders and races and whatever the case may be the overall message if Harry Potter is very positive," Zepka said. "It's escapism for some people and I think it is a nice thing to do on a Sunday afternoon  celebrate the message of Harry Potter."
Berkshire Bank will close all locations at noon on Wednesday, June 7, for its company-wide Xtraordinary Day, The Power of Giving Back

Biz Briefs: Berkshire Bank Closing at Noon on June 7 for Day of Volunteering

Giving back: Berkshire Bank will close all locations at noon on Wednesday, June 7, for its company-wide Xtraordinary Day, The Power of Giving Back. Xtraordinary Day provides all Berkshire Bank employees the opportunity to volunteer in communities the Bank and its affiliates serve.



This second annual Xtraordinary Day is set to focus on more than 60 community projects with approximately 90 percent of employee participation across the country. The previous year's Xtraordinary Day marked the first year the bank as a whole closed its doors to dedicate an entire afternoon to give back to the communities in which it serves. Last year, employees were able to help 54 different nonprofit organizations and directly impacted more than 100,000 individuals across the Banks footprint.



With the continued growth of the bank, this year's Xtraordinary Day will now benefit nonprofit organizations and communities across the United States. Some of this years community projects include assembly of literacy kits in partnership with Berkshire United Way, downtown guide assembly at Downtown Pittsfield, cleanup of Housatonic River Walk, Burbank Park and Girls Inc., painting at Lee Youth Association and Dalton CRA, meal assembly for Rise Against Hunger and financial education at Farmington River Elementary School.







Survey says: Berkshire businesses were eager to share their thoughts in the inaugural Berkshire Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey that was sent to nearly 5,000 local businesses and organizations last month. The Berkshire BCI, which is sponsored by Berkshire Money Management, is a monthly survey that measures the confidence of area businesses as they navigate the months ahead. Each month the surveys are tallied and interpreted by BMM in a free monthly newsletter.



The inaugural survey results reveal that Berkshire businesses see a modest improvement in overall business conditions in the next six months. They also see the advantages to living in a small-town community where customer service is fairly easy to achieve.



One of the greatest challenges that many respondents cited is the lack of skilled labor in the area. There is a strong demand among businesses and organizations to add to their workforces, but finding qualified employees is difficult across all of the industries. To meet this and other challenges facing area businesses, Berkshire Money Management CEO and Chief Investment Officer Allen Harris suggests that decision makers continue to communicate with one another, and become active participants in the BCI.



The next Berkshire BCI survey was mailed out on June 1. Everyone is encouraged to share their concerns, suggestions, and ideas. To see the complete BCI survey results newsletter, click here.
Ukraine will begin cooperation in the field of scientific research in the Antarctic region with China and Malaysia, and will expand cooperation with Turkey.

Such an agreement was reached during the 40th consultative meeting on the Antarctic Treaty, which ended in Beijing, China, on June 1, the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine reported.

"During bilateral meetings with the delegations of China and Malaysia, we agreed to hold talks on cooperation and, based on their results, to sign memorandums on scientific and technical cooperation in the field of Antarctic research. With Turkey, however, such a memorandum has already been signed, therefore we discussed with its representatives the areas for further cooperation," the head of the Ukrainian delegation, the director of the scientific and technical development department of the Education Ministry, Dmytro Cheberkus, said.

In his words, it is important for Ukraine to carry out joint research with China, exchange scientists at stations and cooperate in the field of logistics. "With regard to Malaysia and Turkey, which do not have their own stations in Antarctica, they want to participate in research at the Ukrainian station 'Academician Vernadsky'. Our task is to create proper conditions for this," Cheberkus said.

According to him, last year Turkish scientists already participated in short-term research projects using the Ukrainian infrastructure - they studied the marine biology and the process of glaciers melting.

The Ukrainian delegation also agreed to hold joint events with their counterparts from France, in particular, cultural ones, on the basis of the French Institute.

In addition, Ukraine intends to participate in an inter-session contact group to discuss future challenges of the Antarctic research. The relevant agency was proposed by Australia, which will lead the group.

"The location of the Ukrainian station 'Academician Vernadsky' makes it possible to conduct unique observations, since there is a rapid melting of the ice cover in this region of Antarctica. We have excellent prospects for expanding international scientific cooperation in at least two areas: marine biology and monitoring of melting of the continental ice," Cheberkus said.
The current situation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone remains tense, with militants shelling the Ukrainian Armed Forces positions 60 times on Sunday, as a result of which two Ukrainian servicemen were injured, the ATO headquarters' press center reported.

Militants shelled the Prymorsky sector 28 times, including strongholds points near Vodiane using armored vehicles, anti-tank missile systems, grenade launchers and small arms; Talakivka and Maryinka, Hnutove and Lebedynsky using infantry weapons, Krasnohorivka using 82mm-caliber mortars and tank guns, Shyrokyno using 82mm-caliber mortars.

In the Donetsk sector, the ATO forces positions were shelled 12 times, mainly the suburbs of Avdiyivka, where the enemy used grenade launchers and small arms. Verkhniotoretske, Opytne, Troyitskoe were shelled from mortars of the 82mm caliber. The militants fired on Zaitseve using infantry fighting vehicles and large-caliber machine guns from their positions in the temporarily occupied Horlivka.

On the Luhansk sector, militants carried out 20 shelling, mostly in the evening. Krymske, Katerynovka, Novoaleksandrivske and Bohuslavske were shelled mortars of 120mm and 82mm caliber, small arms and grenade launchers. Stanytsia Luganska and Novozvanivka was shelled from infantry armament.
Imperial Valley News Center

28th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

Washington, DC - This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Chinese governments violent suppression of a peaceful protest that took place in and around Tiananmen Square.

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.
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Last of the Summer Wine actor Peter Sallis, who was also famous as the voice of Wallace in Wallace and Gromit, has died aged 96.

He passed away peacefully with his family by his side, his agents announced.

Jonathan Altaras Associates said in a statement: It is with sadness that we announce that our client Peter Sallis died peacefully, with his family by his side, at Denville Hall on Friday 2 June.

Sallis was best known for playing Norman Clegg in the comedy Last Of The Summer Wine, Britains longest-running sitcom.

But his role as loveable inventor Wallace in Nick Parks animated films made his voice known around the world and led him to become a Hollywood star.

The Wallace and Gromit films scooped two Oscars, a success Sallis said he was delighted to have so late in life.

It is pleasing knowing millions are going to see your work and enjoy it. To still be involved in a project like this at my age is heart-warming, he said.

To have a legacy like this is very comforting. I am very lucky to have been involved.

Park, whose Wallace and Gromit films The Wrong Trousers (1993) and A Close Shave (1995) were both Oscar winners, paid tribute to Sallis, who died in Denville Hall in Northwood, north-west London  the same retirement home for actors where Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs died last year.

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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 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA

He said: Im so sad, but feel so grateful and privileged to have known and worked with Peter over so many years. He was always my first and only choice for Wallace.

He added: He brought his unique gift and humour to all that he did, and encapsulated the very British art of the droll and understated.

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Working with Peter was always a delight and I will miss his wry, unpredictable humour and silliness  that started the moment he greeted you at the door, and didnt stop when the mic was switched off.

Allo Allo! actress Vicki Michelle tweeted: Sad to hear about Peter Sallis. Fabulous actor loved by the nation... Somehow ageless, a lovely man.

Before Wallace, Sallis was synonymous with Last Of The Summer Wine, which started life as a Comedy Playhouse pilot in 1972 and became a series in 1973.

Sallis was part of the original cast, playing mild-mannered Cleggy along with Bill Owen as Compo and Brian Wilde as Foggy Dewhurst.

The Yorkshire-based sitcom turned the trio  and Kathy Staff, who played Nora Batty  into household names, but Sallis was the only actor to appear in all 295 episodes.

Press Association
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Following a secret performance at Barcelonas Primavera Sound festival, Arcade Fire has announced their new album, Everything Now.

The band also released the titular track, accompanied by music video, marking their first release under the global media and e-commerce platform Everything Now.

The single was produced by Arcade Fire, as well as Daft Punks Thomas Bangalter and Pulps Steve Mackey. Fans have already pointed to similarities between the single and ABBAs Dancing Queen, mainly thanks to the disco drums and piano chords.

The album touches down 28 July and will be available in multiple physical formats; CD, cassette, and heavyweight black vinyl LP.

Notably, there will be 20 different artwork variants, each bearing the album title in one of 20 different languages, along with a limited exclusive Night packaging.

Spontaneous combustion: The return of Arcade Fire Show all 2 1 /2 Spontaneous combustion: The return of Arcade Fire Spontaneous combustion: The return of Arcade Fire 418861.bin Spontaneous combustion: The return of Arcade Fire 418482.bin AFP/Getty Images

Arcade Fire has also announced six UK dates, including shows in London, Manchester, and Scunthorpe. See below.

7th June SCUNTHORPE, Baths Hall

8th June EDINBURGH, Corn Exchange

10th June ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL

4th July LONDON, York Hall

5th July LONDON, York Hall

6th July MANCHESTER, Castlefield Bowl
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Thom Yorke has responded to criticism over Radiohead's scheduled performance in Israel for the first time.

The band have been urged to cancel the forthcoming gig at Park Jayarkon in Tel Aviv on 19 July as part of a widespread music boycott.

High profile artists from around the world, including director Ken Loach, actors Maxine Peake and Juliet Stephenson, and Roger Waters, signed an open letter calling on the band to reconsider the show.

Addressing the criticism in an interview with Rolling Stone, Yorke said the controversy had been "extremely upsetting" and said he was just one of several prolific figures who did not agree with the cultural ban, alongside J.K Rowling, Noam Chomsky and others.

"It's deeply disrespectful to assume that we're either being misinformed or that we're so retarded we can't make these decisions ourselves," he said.

"I thought it was patronising in the extreme. It's offensive and I just can't understand why going to play a rock show or going to lecture at a university [is a problem to them]."

Recommended 7 of the best music festivals in Europe

Yorke also asked critics to consider how upsetting the controversy was for guitarist Jonny Greenwood, who "has both Palestinian and Israeli friends and a wife who's an Arab Jew".

"All these people to stand there at a distance throwing stuff at us, waving flags, saying: 'You don't know anything about it!' Imagine how offensive that is for Jonny," Yorke continued.

"Just to throw the word 'apartheid' around and think that's enough. It's f***ing weird. It's such an extraordinary waste of energy. Energy that could be used in a more positive way."

The original letter claimed that by playing Israel Radiohead would be "playing in a state where, UN rapporteurs say, 'a system of apartheid has been opposed on the Palestinian people'.
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Palmer Luckey, who recently parted ways with Facebook after funding a controversial Donald Trump-supporting meme group, is now developing advanced border surveillance technology, it has been reported.

His system would be cheaper to build than Mr Trumps proposed Mexico border wall, according to people familiar with the plans.

PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, an adviser to Mr Trump, reportedly plans to invest in Mr Luckeys new company.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

The system will use cameras, infrared sensors and lidar, a technology found in self-driving cars, to monitor borders for illegal crossings, reports the New York Times.

The plan is still confidential, but three people familiar with it say the system is designed to be significantly more cost-effective than the Presidents infamous proposals for a big, beautiful Mexico border wall, and it could be built with with fewer obstacles from landowners too.

Mr Trump famously promised that the wall would be financed by Mexico, which rejected the notion, and the President is now struggling to find funding for the barrier.

We are spending more than ever on defense technology, yet the pace of innovation has been slowing for decades, Mr Luckey told the New York Times.

We need a new kind of defense company, one that will save taxpayer dollars while creating superior technology to keep our troops and citizens safer.

The system could also be used to secure military bases and events, and would be able to detect object like drones but ignore things like birds, they say.

The company has recruited a handful of staff, including Oculus first employee, Christopher Dycus.

Recommended Sean Spicer rows with reporters over definition of a wall

Though Mr Luckey is said to be financing the company right now, Mr Thiel reportedly plans to invest in it through his Founders Fund venture capital firm.

Mr Luckey left Facebook and virtual reality company Oculus in March, months after he was found to have been funding a secret meme factory called Nimble America, to support Mr Trumps presidential bid.

He reportedly also contributed $100,000 to Mr Trumps inauguration through a shell company.
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Theresa May has refused to rule out censoring the internet like China.

The prime minister has looked to introduce sweeping and deep changes to the way the internet works, in what she claims is a necessary move to prevent terror. Those have included restricting the kinds of things people can post online and forcing internet companies to weaken security so that intelligence agencies can read their messages.

Many of those plans have been criticised by internet companies, who argue that such undertakings would require them to put their customers safety in danger and undermine their businesses. It might not even be possible to comply with such rules, they have argued, since laws in other countries explicitly prohibit such measures.

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

Now Ms May says that she won't rule out simply "taking down" the "rogue internet companies" like China has.

"I think what we need to do is see how we can regulate," she told the Evening Standard, in response to a question on restrictions on the internet.

The prime minister was then asked if she would rule out "Chinese-style cyber-blocking action".

She only said that she would "work with the companies" and gave no explicit commitment that she wouldn't introduce censorship and restriction regimes like the ones that operate in China.

The Conservative manifesto says that the UK should be the the "global leader in the regulation of the use of personal data and the internet".
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Microsoft has apologised for accidentally releasing a pair of Windows builds that caused serious problems for customers.

The company has admitted it didnt intend to release the dodgy software, which affected both desktop and mobile users.

The desktop build exposed people to a high number of usability issues, while the mobile build trapped users in a never-ending loop, forcing them to reset their phones and lose their data.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

This happened because an inadvertent deployment to the engineering system that controls which builds/which rings to push out to insiders, explained Microsoft software engineer Dona Sarkar in a blog post.

The builds were accidentally pushed to Windows Insiders, who can access the latest Windows builds and features before everyone else.

The Windows Insider Program is hugely important for Microsoft, which collects feedback from members and uses it to shape its operating system.

Though the company warns anyone who signs up to the programme that doing so comes with risks, as their gadgets will run pre-release software that might not work as its supposed to, the most recent build releases are different because they shouldnt have gone out at all.

If you received this build (from RS_EDGE_CASE) on your PC: 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, said Ms Sarkar.

People who downloaded it can either wait for Microsofts next build to be released or roll-back to the previous build by navigating to Settings > Update & security > Recovery.

However, this option is only available for a limited amount of time, and wont work for people who used Disk Cleanup to remove that previous build.

If you received this build (from RS_IoT) on Mobile: This build will *not* install on your device, continued Ms Sarkar.

If you installed this build, your device will be stuck in a reboot loop and the only way to recover is to use the Windows Device Recovery Tool and re-flash. After re-flashing, you can join the Windows Insider Program again on your device and choose your ring and be back on the right update path.

Unfortunately, as Microsofts Windows Device Recovery Tool page explains, this will install the latest version of Windows approved for your phone and remove everything else, including your apps, games, texts, call history, music, and photos.
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Exercising should, in theory, be free. If you can move your body, you can exercise. Whether thats running, dancing or squatting, getting fit neednt cost an impeccably toned arm and a leg.

And yet the gym industry in the UK is huge.

Last years UK State of the Fitness Industry Report found that the total market value is now estimated to be 4.4 billion and the number of gyms in the UK is increasing.

Gym memberships arent cheap, but many Brits are signing up and then wasting their money: the average gym-member spent 550 on membership in 2015 but only went 13.5 times in that time - a cost of 40 per visit.

That may seem pricey, but thats the average - there are a select number of luxury gyms in the UK (predominantly in London) where the cost of monthly membership could pay for a months rent in the capital.

I'm not a natural gym bunny. Im also a millennial working in the media who has to pay rent in London. And for these reasons, Im not a gym member. If I was to join one though, Id probably go to one of the cheap chains which cost about 20 a month.

Sometimes, all you want is a few gym machines. Boom, workout, job done. But if youre wealthy enough - well, why wouldnt you spend your money on something fancier?

The question is, just what on earth can you possible do to a gym to justify the exorbitant sums people spend on memberships at the most expensive gyms? I decided to find out.

One of the most luxurious gyms in London is KX Life, in Chelsea, and boy, is it fancy.

KX Life

Whilst the main focus is on the gym, KX (pronounced kicks) is also a spa, restaurant and private members club.

It was founded 25 years ago but is extremely modern inside - in the restaurant and bar area, large lights hang down from a high ceiling over a long marble table, adorned with big vases of flowers.

Recommended Why exercising may not help you lose weight

There are sofas with the plumpest of perfectly positioned cushions in the bar area as well as the lounge - assistant general manager Lucy Clarke tells me that some of their members use the space to hold sales, be they owners of a jewellery or candle brand.

The average age of a KX member is 41 - considering their 575 monthly membership fee, its not surprising that there arent more younger members. However many of the gyms loyal users have started buying memberships as presents for their children when they turn 18.

Theres an even split of male and female members, and on the morning I visit I see mainly muscular men, and toned, botoxed women (as well as one minor celebrity).

Its also clear that everyone knows everyone at KX - the women chat to each other in the changing room and as Clarke shows me round, she says hi to every person we pass.

Despite the fact that most people exercise because they know they should not because they enjoy it, everyone at KX seems remarkably upbeat given its 7.30am on a Wednesday.

But then again, given how lovely KX is, I dont blame them - much like a five-star hotel, there's a bowl of apples on the reception counter. And everyone knows that's a sign of a fancy place.

Standing behind the front desk is the concierge, who caters for members every desire.

In the gym, you can forget water fountains - members help themselves to free bottles of mineral water, with a choice of chilled or room temperature.

In the changing rooms (well, the womens at least), towels of various sizes, dressing gowns, slippers, combs, makeup remover, moisturiser, deodorant, dry shampoo, hairspray, perfume, razors, hair straighteners, curlers and bobbles are all provided. The majority of the toiletries are Kiehls too. (It wasn't going to be Superdrug own-brand, was it?)

Changing area

Theres also a housekeeper permanently in each changing room to keep them spotless, as well as a cleaner who comes round and wipes down gym machines after they've been used.

Naturally, all the gym equipment is completely state-of-the-art and most people seem to be having personal training sessions - you can do yours in the main gym or in a private room if you prefer.

And after all that hard work, youre going to want to relax a bit - fortunately, there are steam rooms, saunas and plunge pools at KX too. Theyre gender-segregated which is particularly popular with foreign members, Clarke tells me.

If that wasnt enough by the way of relaxation, theres a spa - which is open to non-members - offering treatments including biostimulatory facial threads and pressotherapy lymphatic drainage. I havent a clue either.

Oh, and theres a nail lounge dedicated to manicures and pedicures too.

As elaborate as it all seemed, it was also incredibly beautiful. And the restaurant was no exception.

Rather than just grab-and-go snacks and smoothies, the restaurant at KX was developed by their executive chef - with main courses ranging from 16 to 38, youd hope the food tastes as good as any swanky London standalone restaurant.

You can also get all your meals from the restaurant delivered, and Clarke tells me some people do. The amount of money you must have to have to be able to afford that is, for most people, mind-boggling. But if you have it, perhaps why wouldnt you?

KX is, without a doubt, one of the fanciest places Ive ever been (and Ive been to some fancy places in my time), but its by no means the only one.

One level down on the luxury scale is Equinox, the US gym chain hoping to conquer the UK. Their first British branch is in Kensington, but theyre planning on expanding in London soon.

Equinox

At 205 a month, membership at Equinox is a veritable bargain.

As seems to be the way with luxury gyms, they like to think of themselves as just as much a members club as a fitness club. Once again, they have a lounge and spa, but the feeling is less intimate than at KX, even though members do seem to know each other too.

Equinox is huge and the main gym is open-plan, meaning its great for people-watching (and in Kensington, there really are some colourful characters to watch while you're working out).

Yoga at Equinox

It is, undoubtedly, a lovely place to exercise or just chill out, and when I visit I start to realise why people pay so much money for gym memberships - when the place is nice, you actually want to go there.

Perhaps fanciest of all, however, is The Clock in Marylebone. Like all the most luxurious of members clubs, theres no name at the door - from the outside, it looks like any posh London townhouse.

And to be fair, it looks a lot like a posh London townhouse inside too.

The Clock

After you cross the marble floor of the entrance hall, you go up a wide, elegant staircase to the first floor.

The club space is unbelievably plush, complete with chandelier, fireplace, globe and beautiful high ceiling. The Clock founder, Zana Morris, tells me that members hold business meetings here.

Workout classes are held in the music room, which features a grand piano for extra elegance. Its not a huge space but there can only be ever be six people in a class at once.

The lounge at The Clock

And the main gym room at The Clock (which is the sister gym of The Library) is equally intimate - it contains two ginormous pieces of equipment, and I cant work out whether they look more like instruments of torture or BDSM.

Only four people will ever be working out at once whilst being instructed by a personal trainer, and every workout is just 12 minutes long. It may sound too good to be true, but its hard: the workouts are incredibly intense but are designed to produce rapid and impressive results.

This guy knows what he's doing

After your workout, you can treat yourself to one of the tiny bottles of Seedlip (an expensive non-alcoholic spirit so beloved of the healthy and wealthy) dotted around the building, or perhaps brunch in the gorgeous family-style kitchen.

When can I move in?

Its almost enough to make a girl consider embarking on a career in the City.

Are these luxurious gyms outrageously expensive? Yes. But would I join one if I was ludicrously - and I mean ludicrously - wealthy? Without a doubt. Id give loads to charity too of course, but if I still had money leftover, surely its better to spend your pennies on staying healthy than buying handbags?

Whilst I'll probably never be able to afford membership at any of these gyms, I've realised that it actually is worth paying a bit more for a nice gym, because if you like it there, you'll actually want to go and working out won't be a chore.

And really, who's going to judge if you only use it for the sauna and lounge?
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Typically, babies can enter the world in one of two ways: vaginal birth or surgical delivery. But now, doctors are hailing the benefits of a 'natural' variation of the caesarian section.

Known as a gentle caesarean, childbirth experts are increasingly advocating a technique, which mimics normal childbirth by allowing the baby to emerge at their own pace, rather than being pulled out by a doctor.

Recommended Mother gives birth to baby weighing 16 pounds

Instead, the new mother is encouraged to watch their baby being born through a small surgical incision as the child wriggles itself through the gap.

Now, doctors are saying that this approach can help women bond better with their children because they can hold them without them having to be whisked away and cleaned, the Daily Mail reports.

Dr Felicity Plaat, a consultant anaesthetist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London, says that the technique is also associated with increased breastfeeding rates and that its completely safe.

While a normal c-section can take as little as two-minutes with the cord cut immediately, a natural option means the baby is given time to wriggle free as the mother watches.

When the baby is born, its placed straight on the mothers chest, with the cord still attached.

In the UK at least, with the emphasis on normal birth, many women requiring C-sections have a feeling of inadequacy or even failure, Dr Plaat said.

The natural caesarean section appears to mitigate this, by increasing bonding opportunities between mother and baby.

The positive birth movement Show all 5 1 /5 The positive birth movement The positive birth movement Nahomie Hann from Canada had a "traumatic" first birth Epanouie Within by Nahomie Hann Photography The positive birth movement Hann advises parents-to-be: "Reach out. Talk. Listen. Educate yourself." Epanouie Within by Nahomie Hann Photography The positive birth movement Epanouie Within by Nahomie Hann Photography The positive birth movement "I remember a lot of people feeling the need to tell me about stitches, tearing and episiotomies. This was my biggest fear both times while pregnant and it made me so anxious," says Megan Porter who lives in Falkirk. The positive birth movement Megan has two children a three-year-old and a two-week-old.

I believe natural caesarean makes the experience of birth much more satisfying for the increasing number of women who require a C-section.

Denying women this in order to discourage them from considering this mode of delivery is in my personal opinion, completely unethical.

Dr Plaat, who is backed by the Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, added that in 2010 elements of the technique were available in at least 55 per cent of units but now, a lot more units are offering it.

In April this year, a doctor in Venezuela shared an emotional video of the technique which saw a babys head slowly protruding through a small incision in the mothers abdomen before finally pushing its way out.
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Sovereign wealth funds and central banks may look to cut their UK assets in 2017 after sentiment toward the country slumped since Britain voted to leave the European Union, according to an Invesco report.

About 41 per cent of institutions, who together oversee about $12 trillion in assets, said they expect to introduce new underweight positions in the UK this year, a survey published on Monday showed. Britain was also deemed to be the least attractive developed market, scoring 5.5 out of 10 in 2017, the report said. Thats down from 7.5 in 2016.

Its a very sharp movement for what was one of the most attractively rated markets, Alex Millar, Invescos head of sovereigns in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said by phone. When you wake up one morning and your investment is worth 20 per cent less than the previous day, thats going to have an impact, he said, referring to the pounds depreciation as a result of the Brexit vote.

Recommended This was supposed to be the Brexit election

The survey, which interviewed 97 institutions from January through March, found that investors were starting to question the future of Britain as an investment hub in Europe. This comes after Prime Minister Theresa May pledged that she would seek a good deal for Londons financial services industry when she negotiates the countrys withdrawal from the EU. She first has to win this months general election.

Uncertainty around what sort of trading deal the UK will manage to hash out with Brussels is forcing many investors to take a wait and see approach, according to Mr Millar. Some 54 per cent said they arent making any changes to their allocations until they can assess the longer-term impact of Brexit, the survey shows.

Elsewhere, the US was considered by investors to be the most attractive market to invest in, scoring 8 out of 10. Germany ranked first in Europe with a score of 7.8 and Italy and France were rated 6.1. Japan scored 6.6 and India was 6.1.

Bloomberg
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A wave of Chinese trademark applications filed by Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka has raised fresh concerns over whether the Trump familys business interests may unduly influence foreign relations.

At least 14 applications were filed by Ms Trumps business, which bears her name, on 28 March, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal last week.

Ms Trumps business, which specialises in high-end clothing, shoes and accessories, said that the applications were filed to prevent others from profiting from her name rather than any intention to boost sales in China.

But Larry Noble, general counsel for US watchdog group Campaign Legal Center, told CNN on Monday that the revelations highlight how the Trump administration may still be allowing its business interests to influence US relations with other countries.

China knows that to deny these applications would get a negative reaction from the President, and to expedite their approval would get a positive reaction from the President, Mr Noble said, adding that Ms Trump's company could stand to lose a lot if these applications are denied.

The Chinese government has insisted that its trademark review practices are carried out in accordance with the law.

Attorneys for Ms Trump did not respond to a request for comment from CNN on Mr Nobles remarks.

The latest trademark requests follow the 36 applications that the company filed in China last year around the time when Ms Trump joined her fathers administration as a White House adviser.

Although Ms Trump no longer has a management role at her company, she reportedly retains an ownership stake and therefore still could benefit from the companys profits despite her attorney insisting that her assets had been moved into a trust.

Ms Trumps company has said that the applications constitute normal course of business and were made in response to a surge in unrelated third parties attempting to adopt the Ivanka Trump name for themselves, according to CNN.

But Mr Noble said that Ms Trump should either have sold her entire stake or removed her company from foreign markets in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

When you go into government, you make sacrifices, he said. When you're a public servant you're supposed to give 100 per cent of your attention to your work. You're supposed to have the American public as your sole interest.

In April, China provisionally approved three new trademarks for Ms Trumps company on the same day she met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago.

Ms Trumps business currently has 18 registered trademarks in China and five provisionally approved, according to CNN.
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A blood test that accurately detects several different types of cancer years before symptoms appear could revolutionise treatment for the disease, scientists have said.

Researchers hope the straightforward procedure could form part of routine health checkups, replacing the often invasive and painful biopsies commonly used to diagnose cancer.

Thousands of deaths per year could potentially be saved if the tests catch tumours at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to be effective.

Recommended The race to develop a blood test that can diagnose cancer

Experts attending the world's largest cancer conference in Chicago unveiled the latest developments in the technology, with one professor claiming successful screening could reduce cancer deaths to a tenth of the current number.

Some cancers such as pancreatic, ovarian and lung are difficult to pick up in the early stages because symptoms are vague, said Dr Nicholas Turner, from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London and the Royal Marsden hospital in London.

Even if a test could just pick up half of these cases, that would be a substantial advance on where we are currently, he said. The cancer community is extremely excited about the potential [of blood tests] but whether that potential can be achieved is not clear enough yet.

Dr Bert Vogelstein, a professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, told The Guardian: Its fair to say that if you could detect all cancers while they are still localized, you could diminish cancer deaths by 90 per cent.

All cells in the body release information into the bloodstream through secretion or as they die. Cancer tumours also shed this information, known as circulating tumour DNA.

Experts are already able to tailor treatments for people with late stages of cancer by analysing this DNA, as larger amounts of it in the blood signify a more advanced disease.

But, in a new step, they are now working to harness this knowledge to create a test specifically for early-stage disease in people who appear healthy.

Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests  but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty

Among the academic and commercial efforts underway to develop reliable blood screening for cancer is that of US firm Grail, which is backed by 77.5m of funding from Bill Gates and Amazon chief Jeff Bezos and has set a goal of introducing such a test by 2019.

The hope is that people could have the test in their GP surgery as part of an annual health check, alongside monitoring of their blood pressure or cholesterol. Those that are found to have cancer could then have surgery or other treatment, potentially preventing thousands of deaths.

One issue to overcome was that of the test returning some false positives, where people are thought to have cancer when they do not, said Dr Turner.

For example, as people get older, their cells naturally shed genetic mutation information into the blood but not all these people will develop cancer.

Working out how you can develop assays that accurately predict who's got cancer and who will go on to get cancer is a real challenge, he said.

It's clearly going to be many years until the assays come through but a large number of biotech firms are devoting a substantial amount of money so I think we should be very optimistic that they will come through and the challenge of false positives will be overcome.

One new study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago was on 124 patients with advanced breast, lung, and prostate cancers.

In 89 per cent of patients, at least one genetic change detected in the tumour was also detected in circulating tumour DNA in the blood.

 Eight-year-old Blue free of cancer after 'miracle' treatment

The test scanned a very broad area of the human genome, or complete DNA set  comprising 508 genes and more than two million base pairs, or letters, of the genome  with high accuracy.

Lead study author Pedram Razavi, who received funding from Grail and is from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSK) in New York, said the test was the most advanced to date and the results of the study were very promising.

He added: This study is also an important step in the process of developing blood tests for early detection of cancer.

In a second study presented at ASCO on 199 patients with pancreatic cancer, detectable circulating tumour DNA was found in 56 per cent of them. This included 43 per cent of those with the earliest stage of disease.

Peter Gibbs, associate professor of medical oncology at the Royal Melbourne and Western Hospitals in Australia, who worked on the study, said he thought an early cancer blood test was three to five years away.

You'd have your cholesterol check, your blood sugar check and DNA check at the same time. That's what I would envisage happening, he added.

Additional reporting from Press Association
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Desperate accounts from frantic relatives on social media suggest that five people are still missing following the terror attack on London Bridge, which left seven people dead and more than 50 injured.

A 21-year-old Australian woman, said to call her mother every day, is among the missing.

Sara Zelanak has been working as a nanny in London but her step-father Mark Wallace said the family has not heard from her since the attack.

Australia's foreign minister, Julie Bishop, confirmed on Tuesday that two Australians had died.

She did not reveal their names but Australian nurse Kirsty Boden, 26, has already been named as among the seven killed.

Posts, shared hundreds of times, say Ms Zelanak was last seen on London Bridge and had witnessed some of the attacks before becoming separated from friends.

Mr Wallace said: I feel terrible, I cant think. Authorities in London cant give any information, they are in a terror lock down, so theres just no ability to find out or get any information... Shes been gone for 48 hours and no one has seen or heard from her.

Mr Wallace said Ms Zelanak's mother, Julie Wallace, was leaving Australia to try and find her daughter in London.

A Facebook post written by a family friend titled Missing from London Terror Attack has been widely shared on the social media platform.

It reads: My friends daughter, Sara Zelenak, was last seen on London Bridge and was witness to the terror 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.

She is Australian aged 21 with long blonde hair. She calls her mum daily. Its been over 24 hours with no news from the consulate. We were hoping the 3rd Australian reported would be her, but its not.

She is based in London. Please share with as many people as possible especially if you have friends down south. Thank you for your help.

Ignacio Echevarria (Facebook)

A Spanish man who is said to have defended a woman being attacked with his skateboard has also not been since since the attack.

Friends and family are becoming increasingly concerned about Ignacio Echeverria, 39, who works for HSBC. Private detectives have reportedly been hired to try and find him.

His brother wrote on Facebook: He was seen fallen down after defending a woman with his skate[board].

Xavier Thomas pictured with his girlfriend Christine Delcros (Facebook)

Frenchman Xavier Thomas, has also been reported as missing after his girlfriend was reportedly seriously injured in the attack.

The sister of his girlfriend, Christine Delcros, urged Facebook users to share her post. She said that Xavier is not one of the four French people to have been found after the attack.

We're en route to London, my sister Christine Delcros and her boyfriend Xavier Thomas have been victims of the #attack #London #londonattack on the #londonbridge," she wrote.

"My sister is seriously injured and hospitalised... We're terribly worried.

Sebastian Belanger (Facebook)

A second Frenchman, Sebastian Belanger, 36, is also among the missing.

His desperate girlfriend, who was away in Malta at the time of the attack, has shared appeals to find him on Facebook.

Gerda Bennet wrote: I still have no news. Please if anyone has seen him or knows anything contact me.

She said Sebastian, who lives in Leytonstone, was exactly at the place where the attack happened and has not heard from him for more than 24 hours.

In a separate interview with Southwark News, she said she has called his phone repeatedly but received no answer.

I think he lost his phone because now its off so we think its run out of battery, she said. We called everywhere and theres no information. All his friends went to the hospitals but there was no information about him.

Socaine Drz (Facebook)

He was reportedly last seen by his friends shortly after the white van driven by the terrorists crashed near a pub in Borough High Street and the three men began their indiscriminate stabbing spree.

A young male, Socaine Drz, whose age and nationality are unknown, is believed among those still unaccounted for after his aunt pleaded for information on Facebook.

Hatice Bodur wrote: Please if anyone has seen my nephew Socaine Drz please contact me asap  been missing since 11pm last night.. if you see this Socain please return home. We are worried sick, police are looking as well.
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Donald Trump is repeating his criticism of Sadiq Khan, after London underwent a terror attack.

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack, the president wrote on his Twitter account soon after the attack, and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!

He then repeated that criticism in even stronger terms.

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

"Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement," he wrote. "MSM is working hard to sell it!"

But Mr Trump's criticism is based on a quotation entirely removed from its context. He appears to be confused about what happened in part because Fox News repeated the same short quote but without the full remarks from the mayor of London.

Recommended Donald Trump hits out at Sadiq Khan over London Bridge attack

What Mr Khan actually said was that there is no reason to be alarmed about the increased police presence on the streets after the attack.

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. We are the safest global city in the world. You saw last night as a consequence of our planning, our preparation, the rehearsals that take place, the swift response from the emergency services tackling the terrorists and also helping the injured.

Mr Khan has shrugged off the intense and repeated criticism from Mr Trump. A spokesperson said the mayor has "more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks".

Theresa May has refused to criticise Mr Trump's comments in particular, though said that Mr Khan had her full backing.
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Stephen Hawking, regularly referred to as the world's smartest man, has backed Jeremy Corbyn.

The Conservatives would be a "disaster" for public services, the world-renowned astrophysicist said.

Im voting Labour because another five years of Conservative government would be a disaster for the NHS, the police and other public services," he said, after a meeting with Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner.

 General Election polls and projections: June 5

The official endorsement, given to his local Cambridge News, comes soon after Professor Hawking used the same word about Jeremy Corbyn, though for very different reasons.

Recommended Stephen Hawking says we must colonise other planets

"I regard Corbyn as a disaster," he said. "His heart is in the right place and many of his policies are sound, but he has allowed himself to be portrayed as a left wing extremist.

The cosmologist has supported Labour for much of his life and backed Mr Zeichner, his local Labour candidate, at the 2015 election. This time around he is competing with Lib Dem Julian Huppert, who won the seat from him in 2010 but went on to lose it again in 2015.

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I was delighted to meet Professor Hawking again and receive his support for my re-election and a Labour government," Mr Zeichner said.
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Faith leaders must take responsibility for countering the religious justification for atrocities committed in their name, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has said.

The Most Reverend Welby said throughout history religious scriptures have "been twisted and misused" by people to justify hates of violence and "We have got to say that if something happens within our own faith tradition we need to take responsibility for countering that".

He said politicians should not just say "this is nothing to do with Islam" and focus on the security of political aspects of it as it is also an ideological problem.

"I don't think it is getting us anywhere, just like saying Srebrenica had nothing to do with Christianity", he said.

Over 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys were massacred in the town of Srebrenica, now in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in July 1995 by a Bosnian Serb army during the Bosnian Civil War following the break up of Yugoslavia.

Rev Welby told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "From an outside perspective, one of the issues about dealing with Islam is that there is not much of a structure. There isnt a pope or a bishop that you can go to and say these are the leaders.

"There will always be particular groups which take views that are different from the mainstream but what is clear over the weekend is the extraordinary level of condemnation by every significant Muslim leader we know and every significant Muslim body we know."

At least seven people were killed and nearly 50 people were injured when a van carrying three terrorists rammed into pedestrians on London Bridge before they jumped out and began stabbing people at random on the street.

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

He said there was a type of theology behind the attacks, which can been seen in attacks by different faith groups all over the world, and "we need to counter that within our own tradition and teach people why that is unacceptable".

One of the big problems for the secular authorities trying to combat this is that they do not seem to understand "the basic tenets of the faith they are dealing with", he said.

He explained: "They are often people who are unable to put themselves in the shoes of religious believers and understand a way of looking at the world that says that this defines your whole life, every single aspect of who you are and what you are".

Recommended In the age of Islamic literalism remember the man who fought back

Rev Welby said Christianity had a similar "dark side" which it is also important to face up to.

It echoes comments he made last year during a lecture at the Catholic Institute of Paris while accepting an honourary doctorate.

He called on Europe to look to the "Judeo-Christian roots" of their culture to find solutions to the mass disenchantment which he says has led to the rise of extremism and hate groups.

In order to understand, religious people in Europe must regain the ability to share our religious vocabulary with the rest of the continent, he explained. If we treat religiously motivated violence solely as a security issue, or a political issue, then it will be incredibly difficult  probably impossible  to overcome it".
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Politicians are returning to the campaign trail following Saturday night's deadly events on the streets of London which caused the deaths of seven people and critically injured dozens.

Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats will be back just two days after the terror attacks in the final leg of the general election race.

Speaking outside Downing Street after the events at London Bridge and Borough Market, Prime Minister Theresa May said: 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 mark of respect to those killed in the attack on Saturday evening, all major political parties with the exception of Ukip briefly paused campaigning.

In the aftermath of the Manchester Arena attack, the parties suspended national campaigning for three days.

Theresa May will be visiting London, Yorkshire and Scotland, while her Labour opponent Jeremy Corbyn will be in the North East.

Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained Show all 9 1 /9 Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained Brexit Labour is committed to leaving the European Union but would have different negotiating priorities to the Conservatives. It has said it would have a strong emphasis on staying in the single market and the customs union. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and leading figures in Brussels have been unambiguous that membership of the single market is impossible without free movement. PA Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained Immigration The party would drop bogus immigration targets but move to a managed system of migration favoured by many leave voters. It has said this may include employer sponsorship, work permits, visa regulations or a tailored mix of all these. Getty Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained The Economy Labours manifesto commits to balance government spending with the amount raised by taxation, which can mean little more than significant tax increases. The greatest burden will fall on higher earners but they cannot meet demand on their own. It has also promised to bring rail companies back in to public ownership and cap fares. The party would also renationalise Royal Mail. It also promises a transition to publicly owned energy. Peter Byrne/PA Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained Tax No one earning under 80,000 would pay any more in national insurance or income tax. It would raise corporation tax, from the current low of 19p to 26p. This higher rate would still be a competitive internationally, but the government is currently fighting hard to attract business in the wake of Brexit and they say a low corporation tax rate is crucial. Labour would also lower the top, 45p income tax threshold to 80,000. In theory, this could raise 7bn, but only if higher earnings did not decide to move abroad. Reuters Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained NHS Labour has promised more money for GP services, free hospital parking for patients, staff and visitors, and to take a million people off NHS waiting lists by guaranteeing treatment within eighteen weeks. These promises will be expensive to keep, and there is no certainty that the party s commitment to raising taxes on higher earners, increasing capital gains tax and reversing cuts to corporation tax will be enough to meet the need. PA Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained Education The party has pledged to abolish university tuition fees and reintroduce maintenance grants and give free school meals to all schoolchildren. PA Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained Housing Labours manifesto commits to building 1m new homes, and would introduce controls on rent rises for private renters. It would also scrap the so-called bedroom tax. Getty Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained Environment Labour would ban fracking, but, crucially, also supports new nuclear projects. It would also introduce a new Clean Air Act to deal with illegal air quality Getty Should I vote Labour? Corbyn's biggest policies explained Defence Its manifesto says it is committed to the NATO target of 2 per cent spending on defence. It is also committed to the renewal of Trident, even though Jeremy Corbyn has spent a lifetime campaigning against it. AFP/Getty Images

Paul Nuttall, Ukip leader, will head to Essex, and Tim Farron will be taking on Scotland ahead of the Question Time leaders' debate, where Nicola Sturgeon will also be grilled.
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Police have named two of the men they say were shot dead by police after the London Bridge terror attack.

The Metropolitan Police said they were Khuram Shazad Butt and Rachid Redouane, both from Barking in east London.

Butt, 27, was a Pakistan-born British citizen while Redouane, 30, had claimed to be Moroccan and Libyan and also used the name Rachid Elkhdar.

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The Met said: Khuram Shazad Butt was known to the police and MI5. However, there was no intelligence to suggest that this attack was being planned and the investigation had been prioritised accordingly. The other named man, Rachid Redouane, was not known.

Work is ongoing to understand more about them, their connections and whether they were assisted or supported by anyone else. We cannot say more about them at this stage.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who has any information about these men that may assist them with the investigation. They are particularly keen to hear about places they may have frequented and their movements in the days and hours before the attack.

The investigation into this horrific attack is fast-moving and complex as we piece together a fuller picture of what occurred.

So far officers have arrested 12 people  seven women and five men  and searched six properties, four on Sunday and a further two properties today. One of the arrested men and one of the women were subsequently released.

The UK is facing a severe and high tempo terrorist threat, the force said.

The three attackers hired the white Renault van used to ram pedestrians on London Bridge, according to police.

Their assault, which began shortly after 10pm on Saturday night, left seven dead and dozens injured. Some 21 people are still fighting for their lives.

Michael Mimbo was a neighbour of attacker Khuram Butt, who he knew as Abz (Lizzie Dearden ) (Lizzie Dearden)

Butt was known to his friends as Abz, and neighbours described him as a doting father-of-two and an Arsenal fan. They said he was friendly and polite, saying the he was known for attending barbecues, playing with local children and giving out sweets in the nearby park.

But in recent months some parents had raised concerns about brainwashing after their children came home saying they wanted to become Muslims.

Abz had appeared in a 2016 Channel 4 documentary about British jihadis, in which he was seen among a group of extremist praying with a black Islamist flag in Regent's Park in central London.

A former friend told the BBCs Asian Network he had contacted the authorities after becoming concerned about Butt's extremist views.

Butt had been radicalised watching extremist videos online, he said, adding: We spoke about a particular attack that happened and like most radicals he had a justification for anything and everything, and that day I realised I needed to contact the authorities.

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

Michael Mimbo, who lives across the road from the man he knew as Abz, told The Independent his neighbour never spoke to him about religion and politics, mainly sticking to their shared passion for Arsenal or passing the time of day at a nearby gym.

But he recalled him appearing increasingly devout in recent months, growing his beard longer and starting to regularly wear traditional Islamic dress.

Football was his thing  when I saw that picture of him [shot on the ground] I recognised his shirt, said Mr Mimbo. I thought maybe he was just devoting himself a bit more and becoming more religious.

But I never, ever would have expected this  we didn't have a clue that he was capable of this.

A woman who gave her name as Ramona Huczko remembered Abz doting on his young son and new baby.

He was a good father, she told The Independent. You'd always see him feeding his son. We're shocked that he could do this  he is the devil.

After further arrests were made in Caledon Road, East Ham, one 22-year-old neighbour who did not want to be named told The Independent: "It sounded like an explosion".

They addded: "Then we heard bang, bang, bang, bang - it was frightening."

Ben Tamaklo, who lives on the residential street, said he looked out to see armed police swarming the street.

"We were shocked because we thought nothing was wrong in this area," he added.

Another neighbour, who has lived on the street since the 1970s, said he saw four members of a family being taken away - two brothers, their sister and their mother.

"I thought they were a good family," he told The Independent. "I talk to the dad a lot because he's from Lahore in Pakistan and I'm originally from India. I used to see him going to Friday prayers, he seemed nice."

The man believed the "religious" family had been living at the house for six to eight months, saying the mother wore full Islamic dress including a black niqab covering her face, while the brothers both had beards and all dressed traditionally to go to the mosque.

Plain clothed detectives were seen leaving the house carrying evidence bags as part of the residential road remained cordoned off, with the windows of the raided house boarded up.

It lies a short distance from a row of shops where armed police threatened to shoot a man attempting to escape out of a flat window on Sunday. He was later detained.

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Employees at a chicken shop below the raided flats described those detained as three Romanians - two men and a woman - and four black men.

Searches continued at the Barking home of Khuram Butt, who gave his name locally as Abz.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police described the investigation as "fast moving and complex" as 10 arrested people are questioned.

Seven women and five men were arrested at six properties searched in East London so far. One of the arrested men and one of the women were subsequently released.
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People should "brace themselves" for further terror attacks during Islam's holy month of Ramadan, a security expert has warned in the wake of the London Bridge attack.

Dr Sajjan Gohel said the latest atrocity was strikingly similar to the modus operandi used in March's attack in Westminster.

The international security director at the Asia-Pacific think tank added that the quick succession of attacks was "designed to wear us down".

Citizens should "brace ourselves" for more attacks to come, he told London's Evening Standard newspaper.

The sad thing is that this attack is not surprising. Weve seen this tactic, called the just terror. We saw it in Westminster and now were seeing it again," he said.

Its designed to wear us down. Its psychological - its visual, graphic, and its relentless."

Follow latest live updates after deadly London attack

It comes as security services reportedly expressed "deep concern" over extremists emulating previous acts of terror.

Authorities face increasing difficulties uncovering plots by small groups who may not have links with established jihadi networks and thus may have escaped scrutiny.

The attackers used knives and a hired van in the London attack, echoing Westminster attacker Khalid Masood who killed five people using knives and a hired car.

Anas Amri also killed 12 people in Berlin using a hired truck, while Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel who killed 86 in Nice using another rented lorry.

Recommended Everything we know about the London Bridge terrorists so far

Police have reportedly identified all three attackers who perpetrated the violence on London Bridge and nearby Borough Market, but their names have not yet been made public. All three were shot dead at the scene by armed police.

It came less than two weeks after the Manchester bombing and months after March's Westminster attack.

Isis has claimed responsibility for all three atrocities, saying the London Bridge attack was launched by a "unit of Islamic State fighters", following calls for attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
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A student nurse said she owes her life to a taxi driver who swerved to warn her about an approaching assailant during the London Bridge terror attack.

Rhiannon Owen, 19, said she was standing on Borough High Street when a passing cab driver yelled at her to run now.

Turning, she saw one of the three attackers wielding a huge blade and was able to flee the killer, who along with two accomplices murdered seven people on London Bridge and nearby Borough Market.

Recommended London attack live updates

I was standing by a cash machine, over by there and everyone was just running," she said. "And I was on the phone to my boyfriend and I said, 'Why is everyone running?'

And this taxi driver pulled up, swerved towards me and screamed, 'Please run, you've got to run now! Get back, get back!'

I turned around and I just saw this man with this huge blade and I just ran as fast as I could.

There was sirens everywhere, people screaming, the glass was smashed in one shop. There was a guy, he was injured. I just ran.

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 said that. I just want to say thank you, whoever you are, thank you so much.

Even as one of the attackers followed behind her, she called out to others to run away. She slipped into a pub where she hid upstairs with 40 others.

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

Describing the scene outside Applebee's, where 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.

Asked 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.
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Two addresses in east London are being searched by police in connection with Saturday's deadly terror attack in the capital.

The Metropolitan Police said officers entered properties in Newham and Barking at 4.15am on Monday and a number of people have been detained.

Searches were continuing at both addresses, police added.

Residents reported hearing loud flash bangs and gunshots in the early hours of Monday morning.

Twitter user BatemanLDN said: It woke me up along with the whole street. Extremely loud bangs followed by gunshot bangs.

All ok - very shaken residents nearby though. All quietened down now.

Simon Tucker wrote: Heard this in the Dagenham area at around 4:15 am. Started with loud explosion sound. Followed by about 20 shots, Some sounded distant.

Terrorists brought carnage to the streets of Britain for the second time in as many weeks, killing seven and leaving 21 fighting for their lives.

Pedestrians were mowed down by a van on London Bridge before attackers stabbed a police officer and revellers around Borough Market with 12-inch knives.

One of the attackers shouted this is for Allah as he knifed a man near a pub - while Isis claimed its fighters carried out the attack.

Recommended Isis claims responsibility for London terror attack

The three men, wearing fake suicide bomb vests, were shot dead by eight officers outside a pub after police opened fire with an unprecedented hail of 50 bullets, while a bystander was also shot.

Officers say they know the identities of the men who carried out the attack and will release the names as soon as operationally possible.

Scotland Yard said seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 were arrested under the Terrorism Act in Barking on Sunday. A 55-year-old man was later released without charge.

A vigil will be held on Monday evening near London Bridge in honour of the victims of the attack, which took place at around 10pm, while a minute's silence will take place at 11am on Tuesday.

The first victim of the attack has been named as Canadian national Christine Archibald, who worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.

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.

She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.

Network Rail said London Bridge rail and London Underground stations reopened at 5am but the rail station will be exit only.

People from around the world were caught up as hundreds cowered in pubs and restaurants, barricading themselves inside as the attackers stalked the streets.

Tales of heroism emerged in the aftermath, with one British Transport Police officer taking on the trio armed only with his baton before being stabbed in the head, face and leg.

An off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was also injured after he tackled the men.

Forty-eight people were left in hospital, 21 critically injured.

As counter-terrorism police units and security services launched a huge investigation for the third time in a matter of weeks, officers arrested a dozen people in raids on flats in Barking, east London, where residents said they believed one of the terrorists may have lived.

One neighbour said one of the attackers had recently asked him how he could hire a van.

A friend of one of the attackers also told the BBC Asian Network he had reported him to the anti-terror hotline after he began expressing increasingly radical views and justifying terror attacks, but the man said he was never arrested.

Two suspects were also detained in East Ham.

Witnesses to Saturday's attack said the terrorists deliberately drove into pedestrians on London Bridge shortly after 10pm - in the same way as Westminster Bridge attacker Khalid Masood.

Attacking people after abandoning the van, they headed to Borough Market where the pubs and restaurants were packed with Saturday night crowds, many watching the Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid in Cardiff.

One woman, Elizabeth O'Neill, said her son Daniel was approached by one of the men who said, 'this is for my family, this is for Islam', before sticking a knife in him.

The 23-year-old was left with a seven-inch wound from his stomach to his back and was saved by a friend who applied a tourniquet and took him downstairs in a pub.

With her son being treated in King's College Hospital, Mrs O'Neill condemned the terrorists as callous and barbaric, saying: These people say they are doing it in the name of God, which is an absolute joke.

Giving an update on the investigation outside New Scotland Yard, the Met's assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said significant progress had been made in identifying the attackers.

He said that as well as more armed police across the capital in coming days, the public will also see increased physical measures in order to keep public safe on London's bridges.

The Government's emergency Cobra committee gathered on Sunday afternoon, for the second time that day, to discuss the attack.

Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a stark assessment of the threat facing the UK, saying that although there was no direct link between the three incidents, terrorism breeds terrorism.

She warned Britain is in the grip of a spate of copycat terror plots and stated her determination to stamp out safe spaces that exist in the real world, saying: There is - to be frank - far too much tolerance of extremism in our country.

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.

But Labour complained she was getting involved in political debate on a day when the parties had agreed to halt election campaigning until the evening - before leader Jeremy Corbyn denounced her record on dealing with the terror threat, accusing her of denying resources to the police and security services.

After Mrs May delivered her bleak appraisal of the risk facing the UK, US president Donald Trump, in a series of early morning tweets, lashed out at London mayor Sadiq Khan for his response to the attack, saying it is time to stop being politically correct about terrorism.

However, the President's criticism of Mr Khan for suggesting Londoners should not be alarmed was based on a clear misinterpretation of some of the mayor's comments.

In a withering riposte, a spokesman for the mayor said: He has more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet.

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

And Lew Lukens, the acting US ambassador to the UK, said: I commend the strong leadership of the MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack.

Meanwhile, Ariana Grande returned to Manchester less than a fortnight after bomber Salma Abedi detonated a bomb in the foyer of the Manchester Arena, killing 22.

Take That, Niall Horan and Miley Cyrus kicked off the One Love Manchester benefit concert at Old Trafford to remember the those killed and the survivors of the suicide bomb attack at before Grande herself took to the stage to the delight of her thousands of fans in the audience.

Press Association
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A group of 130 imams and religious leaders have refused to perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer for the London Bridge attackers.

The leaders said they would not carry out the ritual that is normally performed for every Muslim, regardless of their actions.

In a statement on social media, the group said: Consequently, and in light of other such ethical principles which are quintessential to Islam, we will not perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer over the perpetrators and we also urge fellow imams and religious authorities to withdraw such a privilege.

The statement added: This is because such indefensible actions are completely at odds with the lofty teachings of Islam.

Religious leaders of all backgrounds have condemned the attack which killed seven and injured 47 on Saturday evening when three men rammed a rental van into pedestrians then randomly stabbed revellers in bars and restaurants near Borough Market.

A panel of speakers at the East London Mosque said they would work to combat extremists twisted narrative and their perversion of religion.

Once again we come together, to stand united against those who try to divide us, said the chairman of East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre, Muhammad Habibur-Rahman.

The cold-blooded murder of innocent people in London on Saturday evening will not succeed in driving us apart.

I have a clear message to those who perpetrate terrorism: you are against the very core teaching of Islam and of our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

 London terror attack suspect named

Your misguidance will lead you to destruction, and God willing you will utterly fail in your evil aims.

"We stand apart from you and your corruption of the religion of Islam. Terrorism has no faith.

Worshippers at a mosque attended by one of the attackers condemned the evil atrocity as investigations continue into their background and links.

Leaders of the Jabir Bin Zayd Islamic Centre in Barking, a few minutes walk from Khuram Butt's family home, said their thoughts and prayers were with the victims and their families.

As a community, we denounce this abhorrent criminal act, for which there can never be any justification, said a statement.

We understand that in the current climate there is much fear, confusion and anger in the country and people are looking for answers.

"That is why we will continue to assist the police and the relevant authorities with any investigation to ensure that justice is achieved.

Khuram Shazad Butt, left, and Rachid Redouane, who were shot dead by police after the London Bridge terror attack (Metropolitan Police)

Butt, who gave his name locally as Abz, was reportedly thrown out of the mosque after ranting about elections and claiming voting was un-Islamic.

He is said to have returned for Friday prayers the day before the London Bridge attack and one worshipper said he believed the mosque's imam knew the attacker's identity.

But officials would not confirm Butt had attended and asked The Independent to leave.

A man coming out of prayers on Monday said he hoped the local Muslim community would not be demonised.

"He had nothing to do with these people [at the mosque]" he added.

"They [attackers] are deranged, mentally disturbed."

Another worshipper leaving the mosque said the terrorists were not Muslims.

"I don't believe they are Muslims who are doing this," said Mukhles Chowdhury.

"Islam doesn't allow for this. This isn't religion - it is terrorism and we must come together to stamp it out.

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 have to find these people and hand them in.

The sentiment was echoed by Theresa May on Sunday morning, who said the terrorists were perverting the truth of Islam.

She declared that enough was enough and pledged to reform legislation around internet activity. The Prime Minister also said there should be embarrassing conversations about Muslim communities in the UK that have failed to integrate, but did not specify further detail, despite of many Muslim leaders condemning the attacks.

Police have named two of the attackers as Butt and Rachid Redouane.

The former was known to MI5 and police but authorities said there was no evidence he had planned an attack.

Redouane was not known to police. The third attacker has not yet been named.

A total of 12 people were arrested during a police raid in Barking, London in the hours after the attack.
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Christine Archibald  the first person killed in the London terror attacks to be identified  died in her fiance's arms, according to a report.

Ms Archibald, from Castlegar in British Columbia, was engaged to be married to Tyler Ferguson, his sister Cassie Ferguson told Canada's CBC News.

Ms Ferguson said her brother was "broken in a million pieces".

"He held her and watched her die in his arms," she added.

In a statement, her family said they were grieving the loss of their "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," they said.

"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."

Ms Archibald is the first person killed in the attack to be identified.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "heartbroken" that a Canadian was among those killed.

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In a statement on Sunday, Mr Trudeau said: "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."

Seven people were killed and dozens 48 injured on Saturday night after a van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge before three men got out and began stabbing passersby.
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Isis supporters have claimed the London Bridge attack was carried out in revenge for RAF air strikes on the extremist group in Iraq and Syria.

Online posts celebrating the deadly van and knife attack in pro-Isis channels reportedly included the boasts alongside an image of a bomb with the words Love from Manchester written on it.

The photograph of the message on a laser-guided Paveway missile was confirmed genuine by the Royal Air Force in the days after the suicide bombing at Manchester Arena on 22 May that killed 22 people.

Recommended London attack live updates

The bomb is said to have been loaded onto a plane at an RAF air base in Cyprus that has been used for air strikes against Isis. It is not clear exactly who wrote the words on the munition.

Rita Katz, head of Site, a US organisation that tracks the online activity of jihadist and white supremacist groups, said she had spotted a reference to the bombs message on pro-Isis social media channels after Saturday nights van and knife attack in central London.

Pro-Isis channels continue to celebrate London attack as the black days weve promised; the wolves have awakened responding to Isis calls, she wrote on Twitter alongside screenshots from the online groups.

One of the images shared by Ms Katz appeared to show the picture of the bomb with the words written on it with the caption: This is your merchandise and tonight we responded.

Isis has claimed responsibility for the terror attack, in which seven people were killed and 49 injured when three men rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers in bars in the nearby Borough Market.

A statement on the group's propaganda outlet Amaq said a detachment of its fighters had carried out the atrocity.

One of the 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 Islamist 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.

Ms Katz said instant messaging app Telegram, where messages are heavily encrypted to ensure privacy to users, must do more to combat the proliferation of pro-Islamist channels on the platform.

The amount of Isis and pro-Isis channels / chat groups on Telegram is simply overwhelming, she wrote, adding that some provide military manuals step-by-step.

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The Isis groups are essentially research libraries for lone wolves, with back-ups, to keep their content available if channel is deleted, she said.

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.
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Security barriers have been installed between the road and pavement on three London bridges following the London Bridge terror attack.

New concrete and metal fences were put in place overnight on Waterloo, Westminster and Lambeth bridges, confirmed Transport for London (TfL).

The precautionary measure has been taken after seven people were killed and 49 injured in the deadly van and knife attack on Saturday night.

A pedestrian walks past barriers on Westminster Bridge (Reuters)

Three attackers rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers in bars in the nearby Borough Market.

The atrocity, claimed by Isis, is the third terror attack to hit Britain in less than three months after a similar assault on Westminster Bridge and the Manchester Arena suicide bombing.

On 22 March, attacker Khalid Masood drove a hired car into crowds on Westminster Bridge, killing three members of the public.

Two other people  a policeman he stabbed and a tourist knocked into the Thames  also died in the incident, and Masood himself who was shot by police.

Vehicles have also been used to commit terror attacks in other European cities including Nice, where a truck killed 86 people when drove into a crowd on 14 July last year, and Berlin, where 12 died after a truck drove into a Christmas market on 19 December.

The Metropolitan Police said the white Renault van that mounted the pavement and hit pedestrians during the London Bridge incident had recently been hired by one of the attackers.

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.

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.

 Van hits pedestrians in London Bridge

A taxi driver, speaking the BBC, described the moment when it became clear that terrorists were attacking the city.

A van came from London Bridge itself, went between the traffic light system and rammed it towards the steps, he said.

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.

Recommended London attack live updates

There is a heavier police presence on the capital's streets and London Bridge was closed on Sunday but reopened on Monday morning as people made their way to work.

The leader of Westminster council said the barriers should remain in place permanently.

People in Westminster need this kind of protective measure  it is sensible and proportionate, Nickie Aiken told the Evening Standard. The kind of security barrier now in place on Westminster Bridge needs to be part of a permanent solution.

The City of London Corporation (COLC), the capital's municipal governing body, reportedly ruled out installing bollards or security railings in the London Bridge area less than 24 hours before the attack.

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.

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.

Security barriers were installed outside Buckingham Palace following the Westminster attack.

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."
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Theresa May has warned in the aftermath of the London atrocity of how terrorism breeds terrorism with violent extremists carrying out copycat attacks often using the crudest means to maim and murder.

The rise of such attacks, with Islamists emulating previous acts of terror, is a matter of deep concern, say security sources, with difficulties in uncovering plots by small groups who may not have links with established jihadi networks, and thus may have escaped scrutiny.

The weapons used in the London attack, killing seven people and injuring 48 others  21 critically  were knives and a hired van, echoing the Westminster attacker Khalid Masood who killed five people using knives and a hired car; Anas Amri who killed 12 people in Berlin using a hired truck; and Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel who killed 86 in Nice using a hired truck.

Meanwhile, on a day of dramatic developments:

Isis claimed responsibility for the attacks

First two of seven fatalities identified as one Canadian citizen, Christine Archibald, and one French citizen

Theresa May calls for crackdown on safe spaces for extremists online

Jeremy Corbyn tells Theresa May 'you cannot protect public on the cheap'

Police say member of the public shot in crossfire as officers fired 50 bullets

The three London attackers wore fake suicide vests. It remains unclear why this was done; one theory is that they may have believed that police, wary of the devices being detonated, would keep their distance. In the event eight armed officers shot them dead using 50 rounds.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, of Scotland Yard, said Im not surprised, with what they must have feared were three suicide bombers, that the firearms officers fired an unprecedented number of rounds to be completely confident they had neutralised the threat that those men posed. A member of the public was also shot accidentally, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Counter-terrorist officials were confident in the aftermath that the killers shot dead by armed police would be identified and their addresses and associates would be quickly tracked down. That is what appears to have happened with the raids carried out in Barking, east London, in which 12 people were arrested, followed by further searches and five arrests in nearby East Ham in the afternoon.

It is not known at this stage if the terrorists were known to the police or security and intelligence agencies. The downgrading of the threat level  raised to the highest classification after the Manchester suicide bombing  indicates that there was no knowledge that an attack was being planned. And the decision by JTAC (Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre) not to upgrade the threat back to critical points to there being no information that people linked to last nights killers are planning another attack.

Early information suggested that the London attack may not have been long in planning. A resident of the Elizabeth Fry flats in Barking, where the arrests took place today, said one of the suspects had approached him on Saturday and asked where I had hired a van recently. He said he needed one as he was going to move house. He was acting strangely, he was being nicer than normal.

The suspect was described as being of Pakistani background. He was always chatty and very friendly. He was always a very sociable person, it is such a shock. I knew he lectured people on the Quaran and there were always people dressed in robes coming in and out of his apartment, said the neighbour.

Another resident, Ken Chigbo, was also asked about a van by the man with a similar show of friendliness. I am moving house at the moment, so I had a big van outside. He came up to me and said oh Ken, youre moving. Hes usually a very friendly guy, but this time it was on a different level of nice recalled Mr Chigbo.

And he started asking about the van. Where did you get the van Ken ? How much is it? Is it possible to get it in automatic? All these specific questions about the van, which obviously now makes sense in my head.

Farqan Navi recognised one of his neighbours from photographs as one of the killers who had been shot dead in Borough Market. He lived there with his wife and two children, he had been there for three years, he added. Another resident agreed that one of the dead attackers lived in the block of flats. I realised it was him, she said. It is shocking. Everybody here has children and jobs. We never thought anyone here would have the type of mentality to do something like that.

"I used to see them every night, He had a wife and child and would drop them off home and would look for a parking spot. He never used to communicate with the women here. The police were photographing the mans car this morning, it was a red Peugeot.

Salahudee Jayabdeen, 40, said that one of the suspects had been thrown out of a local mosque, Jabir Bin Zyadm after getting involved in an argument with the imam. He could not, however, recall what the disagreement was about.

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

Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick 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 you would expect. A security official stated We are getting useful information which will take the investigation forward. We start from the attack last night and we are putting together the picture of what happened, how it was organised and who these people may have been associating with.

However, as many as 23,000 people have appeared on the radar of counter-terror agencies with 500 investigations taking place into 3,000 individuals who are considered to be potentially capable of carrying out terrorist acts.

Under the circumstances there is broad consensus that it would be impossible to track Islamist extremists unless the Muslim community is prepared to provide information to the police and security agencies. Taking a notably harder stance than after the Manchester attack, the Prime Minister decried on Sunday what she held was far too much tolerance of extremism in our country. As well as a review of counter-terrorism policies, she said that combating indoctrination will require some difficult, and often embarrassing, conversations.

The effectiveness of the Governments Prevent strategy, set up to counter radicalisation, has been called into question. But last week one of the UKs most prominent Muslim lawyers accused an industry of Muslim groups of spreading deliberate misinformation about the strategy. Nazir Afzal, a former chief crown prosecutor, condemned self-appointed community leaders whose sole agenda was to present Muslims as victims and not as those who are potentially becoming radicals.

There will be increasing focus on this highly charged and contentious issue in the coming days as the investigation continues into the latest terrorist atrocity to hit this country.
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One of the London Bridge terrorists was carrying an identity card issued in Ireland when he was shot dead, security sources in Dublin said.

The revelation comes after reports one of the three men had also appeared in a Channel 4 documentary about jihadis in the UK.

The 27-year-old, said to be from Barking in east London, was pictured lying on the ground after police arrived on Saturday night and shot the attackers dead.

Recommended London attack live updates

Seven people were killed and 49 injured when the trio drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people in bars in nearby Borough Market.

Irish broadcaster RTE reported authorities found an Irish identity card on the body of one of the suspects, indicating he had previously lived in Ireland.

Police chiefs in Dublin said they were working with counterparts in the UK.

An Garda Siochana is providing every assistance to our colleagues in the London Metropolitan Police in relation to the terror attack in London, a spokesman said.

We will process all requests from the UK authorities in relation to inquiries into individuals, identities or any other matter.

There are unconfirmed reports the man who had been carrying the Irish-issued ID may have claimed to be from Morocco, and that he was married to a woman from Scotland and had lived in Dublin.

Gardai are investigating whether the ID card belonged to the dead man and if the documents are legitimate.

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

It is understood inquiries are continuing into whether the man was given an Irish ID card issued by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

The plastic credit card-sized documentation is given to people from outside the EU. It has a person's certificate of registration which states they have permission to stay in Ireland and must be carried at all times.

There are also inquiries into whether the man had been given paperwork after landing in Ireland to claim asylum or if he had an ID card issued under EU treaties which allowed him to live in Ireland with his family.

Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan was holding a meeting with the force's anti-terror and intelligence chiefs as they co-operate with the Met investigation.

Additional reporting by agencies
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They came in their hundreds, to Potters Fields, a patch of green squeezed between City Hall and Tower Bridge, the next river crossing along from where terrorists began a rampage that killed seven and injured at least 48.

For some attending the vigil for the dead and wounded, it was a case of it could have been us.

On week days advertising executives Ana Brenikov, 25, and Lydia Hamer, 24, use Borough Market as their post-work drinking hole.

Its where we go every Thursday, every Friday, said Ms Brenikov, clutching a bouquet of yellow roses. On another day.

Others, like Maxwell Madzikanga, 47, came still shocked at what had befallen the area where they took their lunch breaks. He wore a black tie for mourning, but a red love heart lapel for what he hoped would follow tragedy.

I left on Friday night, said the NHS population health improvement analyst. Everything seemed so quiet, so serene

I went back on Sunday . You could touch the pain.

In our office, people were very quiet today. The jokes werent there.

Something else was, though.

The courage to go on, Mr Madzikanga. We cant be intimidated  if we do that, the monsters will be able to claim a false victory.

For some, that courage will be harder to find than most.

These were the quiet ones, keeping themselves to themselves, hugging silently, tears flowing, emotions too raw for words.

One of the few who felt up to talking to outsiders was Jonathan Coimbra, 32, a bar tender at Wright Brothers in Borough Market.

We locked the doors, he said, the shock still there in his voice. We saw knives full of blood  They tried to get in, but couldnt  When we heard the gunshots we didnt know if it was the good guys or the bad guys firing.

I will never understand what happens in the heads of these people 

Those who worked in Borough Market, he said, were like a family.

A shocked, grieving family, but one that Neil McGuinness hoped might heal.

Living opposite the market, he knew all the bar workers. Only a trip away had stopped him being there on Saturday night, although he heard the police gunshots as a taxi dropped him off at his front door.

(EPA)

We have to recognise the pain and the trauma, he said. Before we can move on, and being here tonight is part of that.

He knew it was a cliche, but the 46-year-old, originally from Dublin, insisted it was true nonetheless  terrorism, and hate would never win:

Love is stronger than fear. If we can do it in Ireland, we can do it anywhere.

And, he added pointedly, When the IRA planted bombs, we never described them as Catholics. They were just terrorists. These people are just terrorists. Let us not associate them with the beautiful name that is Islam.

Mr McGuinness had seemed calmer than his 20-something bar worker friends. But when he glanced at those friends, the tears came, as if from nowhere.

These are people I know and love. It [Borough Market] is where I do life. Its not somewhere I just go, its where I do life

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

He wiped the tears away, determined not to crumple.

We owe it to the people who died to heal. We have to do it in our own time, and with compassion.

Be gentle with each other, London needs kindness.

If Mr McGuinness had summoned up the eloquence to speak for his friends, it fell to London Mayor Sadiq Khan to address the feelings of the whole crowd, the capital and the country beyond.

He spoke flanked by Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, surrounded by leaders of all faiths, against a backdrop of grey skies, and flags at half-mast on Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

He spoke of the cowardice of the attack, spat out the word barbarity as if giving vent to the full force of the contempt he felt, as a proud and patriotic British Muslim.

Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Show all 8 1 /8 Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack John Loughrey lays down flowers in Potters Fields Park, central London in honour of the London Bridge terror attack victims PA Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack People queue to lay flowers after a vigil for victims of Saturday's attack in London Bridge, at Potter's Field Park in London AP Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (centre) British Home Office Secretary, Amber Rudd (right) and British Shadow Labour Home Secretary (left) Diane Abbott arrive with flowers EPA Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack PA Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Floral tributes left for victims of Saturdays London Bridge attack AP Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack People pay their respects, leaving floral tributes after a vigil for victims of Saturdays attack in London Bridge AP Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack People queue to honour those killed on Saturday. Police have arrested several people and are widening their investigation after the attack AP Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Tributes lie outside City Hall in London EPA

He delivered a clear message to the sick and vile extremists who did these hideous crimes:

We. Will. Defeat you.

You. Will. NOT Win.

The cheers were, if anything, even louder when he praised the emergency services and the brave Londoners who risked their lives to care for others.

You, he said, Are the best of us.

He acknowledged the sorrow, the anger, but, he told the crowd: Our unity and love for one another will always be stronger than hate.

This our city, this is our way of life. London will never be broken.

After the prolonged applause, they observed the minutes silence, Ruby Symes, two and a half, holding a Love London placard adorned with a Peppa Pig sticker, next to a group of girls from a Muslim faith school.

Everybody here is a Londoner, said one of the 14-year-olds.

I want Ruby to know we stand together, said Rubys mum Jillian, 37, a tax adviser. Because shes a Londoner.

As they left, they placed their flowers outside City Hall.

After the still of the ceremony, it took time for the chatter and hubbub of the city to return to this green space, but return it did.
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A Romanian baker has been described as one of the heroes of the London Bridge attack after he hit one of the terrorists over the head with a crate before giving shelter to 20 people.

Footage shows Romanian Florin Morariu helping a police officer armed with a baton lead a stabbing victim through the carnage to safety.

Mr Morariu repeatedly asks for people to bring him weapons so he can fend off further attempted attacks from the terrorists.

At one point he asks for an iron club and then demands a crate, which he hurls at the terrorists as they indiscriminately stab passers-by with foot-long knives.

He then allowed shell-shocked witnesses into the bakery where he works until the danger had passed after armed police shot dead the three killers.

He told the BBC: I felt pity for the victims, I didn't know how to handle things or react, I thought to myself 'I'm also in danger'.

"I just threw the crate at [one of the attackers]. I threw the first crate and I knew he was going to dodge it. While he was dodging it, I walked towards him and hit him in the head with the other crate.

The baker said he saw a woman being stabbed in the throat during the rampage which left seven dead and 48 people injured, 18 of them critically.

Dan Stoenescu, Romania's ambassador to Tunisia, praised Mr Morariu on social media.

He said: Florin Morariu was a true hero during London terrorist attack! Proud of our Romanians abroad.

As details of the victims begin to emerge, several stories of heroism have also come to light.

A Spanish man tried to defend a woman who was being stabbed with a skateboard  but concern is growing for Ignacio Echeverria, 39, who has not been seen since.

An off-duty police officer was stabbed after tackling one of the terrorists and remains in a critical condition.

A British Transport Police officer, who faced the attackers armed only with his baton while armed police rushed to the scene, was seriously injured but is now in a stable condition.

Chief Constable Paul Crowther from the BTP said the bravery he showed was outstanding.
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A father-of-one has been hailed a hero for his efforts attempting to fight off terrorists during the London attack in Borough Market.

Roy Larner was stabbed multiple times while he reportedly threw stools and glasses at the three attackers on Saturday night.

His friends said he suffered knife wounds all over his body, including his head, neck, back and fingers, trying to protect others around him.

Recommended Security barriers built on three London bridges after terror attack

Mr Larner was taken to an intensive care ward at St Thomas Hospital, and his condition has since been described as stable.

A fundraising campaign set up to support the south London resident in his recovery has raised more than 6,000 in just a matter of hours.

Calls have also been made for Mr Larner to be awarded the George Cross in recognition of his bravery.

Archie Webber-Brown, who set up the change.org petition, said: Roy Larner charged at the terrorists on London Bridge in order to try and stop them and help others escape.

He ended up getting himself stabbed multiple times showing great courage and preparing his body for the ultimate self-sacrifice to help others.

He should be acknowledged and rewarded for his actions.

The petition has so far reached more than 1,000 signatures, as well as dozens of well-wishing messages from supporters.

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

Kevin Collins, from Sydney, Australia, wrote: An absolute hero. If he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect others then he needs to be recognised for this.

Get well Roy, praying you make a full and speedy recovery.

Kelly-Marie Higgins said: Not many pedestrians stopped and tried to fight back, this man took it upon himself to rescue someone who was in a deathly situation.

He didnt consider the consequences and harm that may face his own life but did what he could to save someones life now only to be fighting for his own.

Campaigners said they aim to deliver the petition to Mr Larners former local MP - Liberal Democrat candidate for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, Simon Hughes - in the hope he will nominate him for the prestigious award.

Three men drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday night, before heading into Borough Market, where they attacked people with 12-inch knives.

At least seven people were killed and dozens more were injured in the terror attack.

The men, who wore fake suicide vests, were shot and killed by armed police within minutes.
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Theresa May will try to push the final few days of the election campaign back onto Brexit, setting out measures to boost international trade.

The Prime Minister will put forward plans to set up a board of trade, whose members would lead delegations of business people from all regions of the UK across the world to hunt out new opportunities.

She will also highlight a promise for a new network of Trade Commissioners, whose job it will be to live and work in areas where the opportunities for new trade are greatest, promoting British products.

Recommended Brexit will mean more deals with Saudi Arabia

The election campaign has been dominated by security issues since the weekends terror attack in London, but with 48 hours to go till polling opens, Ms Mays pledges will seek to re-focus on her what she believes is her strongest suit.

She said: The opportunities for our economy from Brexit are great, and I am determined the benefits of new jobs and prosperity will be spread equally across the United Kingdom  helping to build a stronger and more united country.

Members of the trade board, first announced in the partys manifesto, will be taken from leading figures from the world of politics and business.

They will be given a specific remit for boosting trade for firms in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as England.

UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images

The new HM Trade Commissioners will travel the world to promote British exports, seek inward investment and drive UK trade policy overseas.

The Conservatives are also pledging to a shared prosperity fund, to tackle disparities between regions of the UK, using money saved from cash currently given to the EU structural fund.

Ms May faced calls to resign from Mr Corbyn and former David Cameron aide Steve Hilton on Monday, for presiding over swinging police cuts since 2010, amid the fallout of the London Bridge terror attack.

Mr Corbyn said the Government had been warned repeatedly that cuts could damage the police's ability to tackle extremism.
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Prime Minister Theresa May is set to fall 21 seats short of a majority in the House of Commons, according to a projection by polling company YouGov.

The study showed that the Conservatives would win 305 seats, fewer than won by David Cameron and shy of the 326 needed to pass laws with a majority.

It follows a string of concerning polls for the Prime Minister, the most recent of which from ICM showed her party's lead further narrowing by one point.

 General Election polls and projections: June 5

When Ms May called the election, her party was on course for a landslide win and had poll leads of around 20 points.

On Saturday, YouGov said its model suggested the Conservatives were on course to win 308 seats but the number had fallen by Monday.

The opposition Labour Party is likely to win 268 seats, YouGov's model showed on Monday, up from 261 on Saturday.

Another model, produced by Lord Ashcroft Polls, last week predicted the Conservatives were on course for a majority.

Last week ICM published a poll showing that the Conservatives had a lead of 12 points, but this morning it had narrowed.

The most recent survey showed support for the Conservatives at 45 per cent, unchanged from last week, but Labour was up one point to 34 per cent.

The Conservatives' lead as measured by ICM is wider than in several opinion polls conducted by other firms.
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Jeremy Corbyn has said the difficult conversations Theresa May wants to have about Islamist extremism should start with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states [which] have funded extremist ideology.

In a speech in Carlisle following the terror attack in London Bridge which killed at seven people, Mr Corbyn was responding to Ms Mays comments on rooting out extremism.

He criticised her alleged suppression of a report into foreign funding of UK-based extremism which was originally due to be published in 2016 but was held back over due to its "sensitive" contents.

He said: 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.

Earlier that day Ms May gave a speech outside Number 10, saying rooting out terrorism would involve some difficult and embarrassing conversations.

UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images

While we have made significant progress in recent years 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.

The Conservative government has been criticised for increased arms sales to Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia is one of the top destinations for UK arms export licences with recent sales exceeding 3.5bn.

Recommended This is what Theresa May refuses to tell you about terror

The arms are widely believed to be being used in the brutal conflict in neighbouring Yemen where the Saudis intervened in 2015 to prop up exiled Sunni Yemen President Abdrabbuh Mansir Hadi against Houthi forces who are backed by their arch-enemy Iran.

The conflict has so far claimed over 10,000 lives and two thirds of the population are at risk of famine.

Members of Ms Mays government have even expressed disquiet at Riyadhs actions with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson speaking of his profound concern about Yemen in December last year.

He said stability in the country could not be brought about by force alone.
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Jeremy Corbyn has called on Theresa May to resign as Prime Minister over her record on cuts to police numbers as the political row over recent terror events intensified.

Speaking just three days before the general election, the Labour leader said he backed similar calls by very responsible people who are very worried about Ms Mays record.

On Sunday, at a speech in Carlisle, Mr Corbyn highlighted that 20,000 police officers had been cut while Ms May was Home Secretary between 2010 and 2016.

It follows the third terror attack to hit Britain in just over three months. On Saturday seven people were killed and 49 injured at London Bridge when attackers rammed a van into pedestrians before stabbing revellers in bars in the nearby Borough market.

While Mr Corbyn said the election on Thursday was perhaps the best opportunity to remove Ms May from her post, he also backed calls for her to resign, telling ITV: Indeed I would, because theres been calls made by a lot of very responsible people on this who are very worried that she was at the Home Office for all this time, presided over these cuts in police numbers and is now saying that we have a problem  yes, we do have a problem, we should never have cut the police numbers.

Mr Corbyn was pressed on the Prime Ministers position after David Camerons former policy guru demanded she resigned for security failures that led to the terror attacks in Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge.

 Culture Secretary repeatedly dodges question on police cuts

Steve Hilton, who left Downing Street in 2012, posted reports relating to an alleged suspect of Saturdays attack, before adding: Theresa May responsible for security failures of London Bridge, Manchester, Westminster Bridge.

Should be resigning not seeking re-election.

Commenting on newspaper reports that appeared to attribute some responsibility to the security services, he went on: Theresa May blame shifting again. Her spin doctors attack MI5, but she was in charge of them for years.

Mr Corbyn was also asked by ITV News if he held Ms May in any way responsible and if cuts to the police contributed to the London Bridge atrocity.

UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images

He replied: The primary responsibility for this lies with those who did it, they killed people in cold blood in a disgusting and appalling way and theres no words other than total condemnation.

On the issues of policing  the Government has been warned repeatedly about police cuts, and the Police Federation and many others [have said] how 20,000 have gone down over the past seven years.

Weve said wed put 10,000 back immediately and also increase the number of security officers that are available, because clearly intelligence is a very important part of this.

Its also very important to have a message of bringing communities together and that is something I always give very strongly at all of my events.

At an election campaign event in London, Ms May, however, defended her record, adding: Cressida Dick has said that the Metropolitan Police are well resourced  and they are, she has said they have very powerful counter-terrorism capabilities  and they do.

We have protected counter-terrorism policing budgets, we have funded an uplift in the number of armed police officers.
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The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused Theresa May and the Conservatives of presiding over major cuts to the police force since 2010 and agreed with suggestions that the Prime Minister should resign in the wake of the London Bridge terror attack.

This follows an allegation from a former Metropolitan Police chief, Peter Kirkham, that the capital's police are "in crisis" because of Government cuts.

Mr Kirkham also accused ministers of "lying" by claiming that there are extra police officers on the street.

And in January the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, warned that fresh government funding cuts to the Metropolitan Police would make it "increasingly difficult" to keep Londoners safe from terror - a warning he repeated on Monday.

The Prime Minister and other ministers have responded to all these claims by saying they are providing "record funding for counter terror policing".

So is it true that the Conservatives cut police numbers? And did this really damage our security in the face of terror attacks and plots?
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When Theresa May moved to the Home Office in 2010, she was its sixth occupant in six years. It was a political graveyard for others, but she lasted six years, making her the longest-serving Home Secretary in modern times, before becoming Prime Minister 11 months ago.

Most media reviews then about her record as Home Secretary were positive. But now it has been cast in an unflattering light after moving to the centre of the election agenda following the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London.

Labour has attacked Ms May for cutting police numbers by 20,000 since 2010 and promised to recruit an extra 10,000. She had some bruising encounters with the Police Federation, representing rank-and-file officers, notably when she told their 2015 conference to stop crying wolf over cuts.

But she had political cover for two reasons: the public broadly accepted that the Coalition government needed to bring down the deficit, and crime fell by 30 per cent on her watch.

The drop was in line with international trends, and partly explained by changes such as more CCTV cameras and more secure vehicles. But it suited Ms Mays mantra: the public sector could do more with less, and what was needed was not money, but reform. A recent rise in knife and gun crime has also raised questions over whether she was right to cut police numbers.

According to latest Home Office figures, the number of police in England and Wales fell by 18,991, or 13 per cent, between September 2010 and September 2016, when it stood at 122,859.

Within that, the number of authorised firearms officers dropped from 6,976 in March 2010 to 5,639 in March 2016. There are fears that big cities outside London are not adequately protected against the rising terrorist threat. An extra 1,500 were promised in 2015 but have not all been recruited.

Some police chiefs believe that having fewer officers who know local communities well has undermined their ability to spot potentially dangerous extremists who might turn to terrorism.

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 police budget rose by 30 per cent in the 10 years to 2010 but then fell by 18 per cent over the following five years. Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary warned that some forces were struggling to respond to shrinking resources.

Ms May often cites the Governments decision in 2015 to protect police spending, claiming that Labour would have cut it by 10 per cent (although the Tories were considering even deeper cuts than that until a last-minute retreat).

However, not all police forces have reaped the benefit. Some of the 900m extra funding to 2020 is earmarked for specific areas such as child sexual exploitation or cyber crime. The UK Statistics Authority said the police faced a 160m real terms cut in government funding in 2015-16 and 2016-17. But ministers insist it could be topped up by the local precepts levied by police and crime commissioners.

The Prime Minister points to rising spending on counter-terrorism. In 2015, the Government promised an extra 3.4bn extra over five years, a rise of 30 per cent. This will fund an extra 1,900 officers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ. The number of counter-terrorism police officers is not made public.

Ms May has blamed her 2011 decision to water down control orders  which restricted the freedom of people believed to be a danger to the public  on the courts decisions to strike them down. They were also dropped because of pressure inside the Coalition from the Liberal Democrats.

The orders were brought in by Labour in the 2005 Prevention of Terrorism Act. Ms May replaced them with Tpims (Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures), which she said at the time would be more focused and flexible. But Tpims have been used sparingly, with only a handful of cases in their first three years and only six active last autumn.

In the current climate, there is speculation about a return to a tougher regime. Lord Carlile of Berriew, the former independent reviewer of terror laws, suggested that the review promised by Ms May could bring back control orders  possibly under a new name. Insisting that they had saved dozens of lives, he said: Their application to people such as the Manchester and Borough Market perpetrators is self-evident. They were removed for mistaken political reasons.

However, Lord Carlile said: The assertion that cuts to beat police officers have diminished the ability to fight terrorism is untrue I have watched closely the resourcing of MI5, counter-terrorism policing units and others in the years since 9/11 and I believe Labour, Coalition and Tory governments have provided the resources needed.

Temporary exclusion orders, introduced by Ms May in 2014 to prevent jihadis returning to Britain, have been used only once, it emerged last week.

UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images

Ms Mays record on tackling extremism has also returned to haunt her in the election. In 2014, she had a spectacular row over extremism in schools with Michael Gove, the then Education Secretary. He believed the government should drain the swamp of Islamic extremists and criticised what he saw as Ms Mays more conciliatory approach as waiting for the crocodiles to reach the boat.

Some Tories saw her statement on Sunday that there had been too much tolerance of extremism as a vindication of Mr Goves stance. The Prime Minister insists she has always been tough on extremism and has addressed the issue many times over the years.

The Prevent deradicalisation strategy, reformed by Ms May in 2011, has come in for criticism for alienating some Muslims, who feel spied on. If the Tories win the election, it is expected to be revamped and given more money.
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. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BRUSSELS, June 3 (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.
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Knee-jerk legislation introduced in response to terror atrocities could be exploited by a future Trump-style political leader in the UK, the co-leader of the Green Party has warned.

Jonathan Bartley welcomed the review of counter-terrorism powers announced by Theresa May in the wake of the London Bridge terror attack, but warned that any changes should not be allowed to chip away at civil liberties.

And he said that the Prime Minister's review should include a rethink of the xenophobic Prevent counter-radicalisation programme.

Answering questions from voters on BBC1's Election Questions, Mr Bartley was challenged over measures he would take in response to the recent rash of terror attacks.

He said: There are some liberties and freedoms in this country which I am passionate about protecting and that is what the terrorists want to do away with, it's what they want to attack.

Recommended Police raid two more homes following London Bridge attack

So when it comes to having knee-jerk reactions to suddenly clamp down on civil liberties... We have just seen Trump elected in America, it's not out of the question that we could have someone of that calibre elected in this country.

What would they do with powers that could be used to abuse and clamp down on civil liberties?

Mr Bartley said he was concerned that British Muslims were reluctant to report concerns about friends and loved ones who may be vulnerable to radicalisation because they feel they are being targeted as a community by the toxic Prevent programme.

It is xenophobic because it is alienating communities, said Mr Bartley.

It is alienating the very communities that we need to be building bridges with.

While stressing the need to await the conclusions of a counter-terror review, Mr Bartley said his instinct was not to arm all police.

And he said the PM should look at the issue of policing numbers, after 20,000 officers were cut in England and Wales while she was Home Secretary and Prime Minister in the seven years since 2010.

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

Looking at the possibility of a hung Parliament, Mr Bartley said Green MPs would not enter a coalition with Labour, but would work with a minority Labour government on a case by case basis where there is common ground.

While the party has no hope of winning power, Green MPs would hold Labour's feet to the fire on issues like scrapping the Trident nuclear weapons system and introducing a universal basic minimum income, he said.

Press Association
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Theresa May is facing calls to scrap Donald Trumps visit to Britain after the US Presidents latest attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Mr Trump reignited his feud with Mr Khan, just hours after wrongly claiming the mayor had said there was no reason to be alarmed about the risk of terror attacks in London.

Claiming he had backtracked, he tweeted: Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement. MSM [mainstream media] is working hard to sell it!

Mr Khan himself refused to get involved in the row. A spokeswoman said: The Mayor is focused on dealing with Saturdays horrific and cowardly attack.

But Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader condemned Theresa Mays supine relationship with the President, saying: Trump is an embarrassment to America.

In the wake of three recent terrorist attacks, two of which killed people on the streets of London, Donald Trump decides to use his time in the Oval Office to attack the Mayor of London over Twitter.

"Sadiq Khan has shown dignity and leadership. Theresa May absolutely must withdraw the state visit. This is a man insulting our national values at a time of introspection and mourning.

And David Lammy, the senior Labour MP, tweeted: You are truly beneath contempt. You are just a troll. Show some bottle please PM. Cancel the state visit and tell Trump where to get off.

Earlier, the Prime Minister  three times  refused to directly criticise Mr Trumps comments about the Mayor of London, when questioned by journalists on the campaign trail.

Ms May ducked those questions twice, before eventually saying: I think Sadiq Khan is doing a good job and its wrong to say anything else.

Mr Trump is believed to have had Mr Khan in his sights ever since the mayor, last year, condemned his ignorant proposal to ban Muslims from entering the US, warning it would make both our countries less safe.

On Saturday, within hours of the London Bridge murders, the President tweeted: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!

In fact, Mr Khan 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.

Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has hinted he could delay Mr Trumps contentious state visit to Britain later this year if he is elected Prime Minister this week.

In an interview with The Independent last week, Mr Corbyn said he was very concerned about the speed in which Mr Trump received the honour by Ms May  just seven days after he took office.

The Presidents predecessor, Barack Obama, was extended the invitation by the former Prime Minister David Cameron over 800 days into his administration.
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Karen Bradley, the Culture Secretary, has admitted that police numbers have been cut over the past seven years as a result of the Conservatives austerity drive.

It comes after Jeremy Corbyn  speaking less than 24 hours after the latest terror attack in Britain  highlighted that 20,000 police officers were cut while the Prime Minister was at the helm of the Home Office.

But Ms Bradley refused initially to be drawn on whether the numbers had come down in an awkward interview on Good Morning Britain. Asked about the cuts, she replied: What Im interested in is making sure we have the right resources, the right powers and the right training and capabilities.

I am assured by the police that they have that to deal with the counterterrorism threat but we need to look [and] learn lessons and make sure that we act where appropriate, and we need a leader who is prepared to take those decisions, and that is Theresa May.

Asked again by presenter Piers Morgan whether there was any reason Ms Bradley could not answer the question, she continued: Piers, we are here to talk about how the attack on Saturday, how we react to that attack and how we make sure on Thursday that we have the right person elected to Downing Street.

Recommended Jeremy Corbyn attacks Theresa May over police cuts

Pressed again, she added: Piers we are here because on Thursday there is a general election.

But she later conceded on BBC Radio 4s Today programme that weve seen reductions in police numbers across board, adding: We had to take difficult decisions in 2010 when we came into office. When as you remember there was no money.

Its not just about numbers, its about powers. Its about making sure police have the powers they need.

On BBC Radio 4, Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, also refused to be drawn on Mr Corbyns policy to increase the police presence in the UK. She said: You wouldnt expect me to comment on that sort of thing right now as were in purdah and were about to have the election.

But, she continued: We would always want more resources and to use those resources more effectively. Ms Dick also confirmed the police had foiled 18 attacks since 2013 and currently have 500 active investigations.

Seven people were killed and 48 injured on Saturday night when attackers rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people in bars in nearby Borough Market.

Isis claimed responsibility for the attack, the third major militant assault to hit Britain in less than three months.
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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has accused Donald Trump of seeking to divide communities in Britain after the US president used social media to criticise his leadership following the attack on the nation's capital.

Having ignored the US presidents provocations since Saturdays attack, with his office saying he was too busy responding to the terror attack to bother with Mr Trumps tweets, the mayor said Mr Trump was not helping a difficult situation. Seven people were killed in the incident, launched by three armed assailants, and more than 50 were injured.

Some people thrive on feud and division. We are not going to let Donald Trump divide our communities, Mr Khan told the BBC.

Talking to Sky News, he added: I just haven't got time to respond to tweets from Donald Trump. Honestly I've got better and more important things to focus on.

Mr Trump had launched a series of comments about Mr Khan, whom he has criticised before, in which he said he was being politically correct.

Even though Mr Khan has roundly condemned the attack and said there was no reason for people to be alarmed by the sight of armed police officers, Mr Trump had said: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!

On Monday morning, Mr Trump published a new tweet, that said: Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement. MSM is working hard to sell it.

Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Show all 8 1 /8 Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack John Loughrey lays down flowers in Potters Fields Park, central London in honour of the London Bridge terror attack victims PA Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack People queue to lay flowers after a vigil for victims of Saturday's attack in London Bridge, at Potter's Field Park in London AP Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (centre) British Home Office Secretary, Amber Rudd (right) and British Shadow Labour Home Secretary (left) Diane Abbott arrive with flowers EPA Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack PA Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Floral tributes left for victims of Saturdays London Bridge attack AP Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack People pay their respects, leaving floral tributes after a vigil for victims of Saturdays attack in London Bridge AP Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack People queue to honour those killed on Saturday. Police have arrested several people and are widening their investigation after the attack AP Crowds gather for vigil honouring victims of London Bridge attack Tributes lie outside City Hall in London EPA

Appearing on Channel 4 News, Mr Khan said Mr Trump was wrong about many things and that his state visit to the UK should not go ahead.

I dont think we should roll out the red carpet to the president of the USA in the circumstances where his policies go against everything we stand for, he said.

When you have a special relationship it is no different from when you have got a close mate. You stand with them in times of adversity but you call them out when they are wrong.

Mr Khan received support from many, including Prime Minister Theresa May.

I think Sadiq Khan is doing a good job and its wrong to say anything else  hes doing a good job, she said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, the United States Conference of Mayors, which represents 1,400 communities of more than 30,000 people, issued a statement of solidarity.

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, said the group.

We send praise and absolute respect for the police officers who responded with eight minutes to kill all three of the London Bridge terrorist murderers.
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The leaders of the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats have urged Prime Minister Theresa May to allow the publication of a sensitive government report into terror funding in the UK which allegedly focuses on the role of Saudi Arabia.

Calls for the release of the Home Office inquiry into the sources of jihadi propaganda materials and funding are growing more vocal after Saturdays terror attack in London Bridge, in which seven people were killed.

Isis, which espouses an extremist version of the puritanical Sunni Wahabism practised in Saudi Arabia, claimed responsibility for the incident, the third terror attack on British soil in less than three months.

 London terror attack: Everything we know so far

Speaking in Carlisle on Sunday evening, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn echoed Ms May's comments that the UK needs to have some difficult conversations" - adding that they need to start 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.

Writing in The Guardian on Monday, the Liberal Democrat leader also called for the reports release.

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

Theresa May now has a choice. Does she publish that report or keep it hidden? Mr Farron said.

May talks of the need to have some difficult and sometimes embarrassing conversations. That should include exposing and rooting out the source funding of terror, even it means difficult and embarrassing conversations with those like Saudi Arabia that the Government claims are our allies.

The Conservative Government has been repeatedly criticised for increased arms sales to Riyadh, the top destination for UK-made weapons: recent British arms export licences sold to the Gulf state exceed 3.5bn. Critics say those weapons are fuelling conflict and extremism across the Middle East, including in Yemen.

The inquiry was commissioned by David Cameron at the insistence of the Liberal Democrats in exchange for their support of extending UK air strikes against Isis into Syria in December 2015.

It was supposed to be published by spring 2016  but it is still incomplete and may never see the light of day due to its sensitive content, a Home Office source told The Guardian last month.

Talking about the delayed report on Radio 4s Today programme on Monday, Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said that to suggest [the Government] is not taking terrorist financing seriously is ridiculous.

When asked whether the British people have a right to know whether the report points the finger at Riyadh, Ms Bradley responded that the UK must work with our partners and our allies and that we save far more lives by working together.

Earlier in the programme, Hannah Stewart, co-head of the security and extremism unit at think tank Policy Exchange, also called on the authorities to release the overdue inquiry.

 "I owe you my life", London Bridge bystander tells hero cab driver

Over the years literature considered intolerant at least and in some cases extremist had been found in British mosques which could be directly traced back to Saudi publishers, she said.

The Saudi regime has one of the most appalling human rights records in the world. If it has played any role in funding or fuelling terrorism or violent groups then we must know. The report must be published, no matter who it is embarrassing for, Andrew Smith of the Campaign Against Arms Trade told The Independent.

Regardless of who is elected on Thursday, if the UK is to play a positive role in the Middle East, then it must finally stop arming and supporting brutal dictatorships like Saudi Arabia.

The Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats suspended election campaigning on Sunday in the wake of the latest terror attack.

On Monday morning Ms May said it had been right to pause out of respect for the victims. Full campaigning is expected to resume later on Monday, with the general election just three days away.

Already a major election topic, the authorities ability to deal with terror threats has become one of the driving issues of the 2017 campaign after the recent deaths of 34 civilians in incidents in Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge.
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Kenyas most flamboyant anti-corruption activist, Boniface Mwangi spent years enraging politicians with headline-grabbing stunts, once herding blood-drenched pigs to parliament to highlight legislators sky-high salaries.

Now hes running for office.

Mr Mwangi, the fiery 33-year-old son of a street hawker, promises to force change from within if he wins a parliamentary seat in the 8 August elections, when Kenyans choose a president, parliamentarians and local representatives.

Winning the seat he seeks in a Nairobi district could be tricky. Kenyans are used to politicians showing up in convoys of luxury cars around elections, handing out small banknotes while asking for votes, a practice that is illegal but ubiquitous. Instead of cash, Mr Mwangi offers flyers and handshakes.

Will you sell yourself for 500 shillings (3.70) for five years? he asked one group of men.

Mwangi, centre, is escorted by supporters through downtown Nairobi during his political campaign (Reuters)

One of them, Joseph Outo, held up a flyer and shouted back to laughter from the crowd: What can I do with this? Wheres the T-shirts? Wheres the money?

But win or lose, his candidacy is attracting an unusual degree of national attention, contributing to public anger over scandals rocking President Uhuru Kenyattas government.

In Kenya, we have vampire leaders, they suck our blood every day, Mr Mwangi told Reuters news agency. Im tired of not being listened to, Im tired of our thieving politicians ... Im running to become the voice of the people inside parliament.

The activist, who formed his own small Ukweli party, is not supporting any presidential candidate: neither Mr Kenyatta, seeking a second five-year term, nor his chief rival, veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, who ran in the last two elections.

Mr Mwangi says his views were forged during post-election violence a decade ago, when more than 1,200 people were killed following a disputed vote.

Mwangi being detained during a 2013 demonstration against MPs high salaries (Reuters)

A young news photographer then, he took pictures of lynchings, severed limbs and a church full of families burned alive. When the violence stopped, Mr Mwangi and others launched a travelling photo exhibition to remind citizens of the suffering politics can cause.

The violence is brutal because the stakes are so high, Mr Mwangi said. Kenyan politicians have some of the worlds highest salaries  parliamentarians earn more than $10,000 (7,750) per month with perks  and they often steal more. The average monthly salary in Kenya is $108 (83).

Violence comes from politicians, not the people, the father-of-three told Reuters as he campaigned outside Nairobis sprawling Marakiti market, where women breastfed babies above overflowing gutters and a hawker demonstrated glue traps using live rats.

Since the riots, Mr Mwangi helped organise a graffiti campaign depicting politicians as vultures, marched into clouds of teargas alongside primary school children protesting against illegal construction on their playground, and burned coffins outside parliament to protest against retired politicians getting taxpayer-funded funerals.

Mr Mwangi has publicly declared his assets and his taxes and challenged his rivals to do the same. If elected hell take a 50 per cent pay cut and refuse the car loan, bodyguard and medical allowance that come with the job, he says.

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The President acknowledges his government has been slow to tackle graft, telling journalists in October: Corruption is frustrating me ... but my hands are tied. As Kenyas economy and government have grown, so have the opportunities to steal.

The countrys budget has nearly tripled over the last five years, and the level of corruption has been rising alongside the same, said Halakhe Waqo, the head of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, which investigates corrupt officials and recommends prosecutions.

The number of prosecutions has shot up from 138 five years ago to around 1,000 now, he said. The conviction rate is also slowly increasing, although Kenyans want to see more senior officials in the dock.

Edward Ouko, the auditor-general tasked with looking after public accounts, told Reuters at least 18 of the 45 government ministries have accountability problems which point to literally corruption. He estimates around a third of government payments are misappropriated.

In one notable recent scam, at least $15m (11.6m) was paid out of government accounts after someone created fake companies and submitted invoices to the National Youth Service, Mr Ouko said.

A woman who was caught after collecting the cash from a bank in sacks said she was the hairdresser of the then-cabinet secretary, Anne Waiguru. Ms Waiguru denies any involvement and called the allegations a smear campaign. She is now running to be a county governor.

In another scandal, millions of dollars are alleged to have gone missing from the health ministry; USAID stopped giving to the ministry last month over corruption concerns.

Mr Ouko, the auditor, is himself being investigated by Mr Waqos anti-corruption commission for buying computer software without going through the correct tendering process. He says only one company made the software he needed and he believes the case is politically motivated.

Many cases get bogged down in the court system. Wealthy defendants will always go to court and procure a court order to stop us from investigating, Mr Waqo said.

Mr Mwangi, who has been arrested around a dozen times during protests, puts it more simply.

In Kenya, you are guilty until proven rich, he said with a wry smile. Why would you hire a lawyer? You buy the judge.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. 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Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Voters, used to grand promises, dont all trust him yet.

I will vote for him. We see him (in newspapers) fighting for our rights, declared spinach seller Mary Njau.

But what will stop him from changing after he is elected? asked her customer Irene Njoki.

Reuters
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As officers in riot gear and bearing heavy arms strove to keep one side from advancing into the other, protestors from each flank of Americas bitter political divide took over adjacent parks in downtown Portland, Oregon, in a simmering and dangerous show of mutual disdain and anger.

Tensions in a city known for progressive pride spiked as leaders of the alt-right movement began their promised rally as a few hundred followers waved flags and banners variously expressing faith in Donald Trump and defying the contrary message of anti-Trump protestors ranked outside the park - much larger in number - that they stood for racism and intolerance.

After claiming provocation, officers moved to disperse a main body of protestors away from alt-right gathering using flash grenades and pepper bullets and swinging batons. Police said they took the action after some of their officers had been struck by projectiles including balloons filled with foul-smelling liquid, as well as bricks, bottles and mortars. Twelve arrests were made and police said the had confiscated weapons including bricks and knives.

The so-called Trump Free Speech Rally, organized by Joey Gibson, an activist with the pro-Trump group Patriot Prayer, was billed in advance as an attempt by the West Coast alt-right to demonstrate their right publicly to voice their conservative views, even in a town where so many residents might find them repugnant.

The anti-Trump protestors, who numbered perhaps six thousand, saw it as a provocation coming nine days after the brutal murder of two passengers on a Portland light-rail train after they attempted to intervene when the man accused of killing them began shouting religious and racial slurs at two teenage girls. One was black the other was wearing a head scarf.

The double-murders stunned the city. Jeremy Christian, 35, was arrested and charged for the murder, which Trump responded to via Twitter only several days later calling it unacceptable.

It's OK to be a conservative in Portland, Mr Gibson declared in the small plaza, his lengthy, hoarse-voiced speech occasionally drowned out by chants coming from the several thousands counter-protestors outside. We are in one of the most liberal cities in America yet here we stand united together in a place we are not supposed to be.

The counter-protesters, some there under the umbrella of immigrant rights and religious groups as well as labour unions, drummed and played music and held angry signs, including, Our city is greater than hate and Black lives matter. Some chanted love, not hate and Go home, fascists.

Many of their signs denounced the alt-right supporters as Nazis. Sometimes people on either side of the police lines resorted simply to shouting Nazis to each other, and showing their mutual disdain with crude hand signals. A used tampon at one point was hurled across a street and just into the park occupied by the alt-right supporters, garnering disgusted outrage.

No hate, no fear, Nazis get the f out of here, was one of the common chants yelled by the anti-Trump contingents, some members of a group called Antifa, as in anti-fascist. As tempers frayed the police lines keeping the two sides apart thickened. A sign inside the pro-speech event retorted, It isnt hate speech just because YOU dont like it.

John Turano and his daughter Bianca had travelled from California to attend the alt-right rally (David Usborne)

Portlands Mayor, Ted Wheeler had unsuccessfully pleaded with the federal authorities to cancel a permit that had already been issued for the alt-right rally, which he said would unnecessarily exacerbate tensions. His action caused many on the conservative right to demand his removal from office.

We travelled here because we had to, explained John Turano, 40, who had come with his daughter, Bianca, from Los Angeles to show support for Mr Gibson and indeed for President Trump. He arrived in the park dressed in the amour of a Spartan warrior and a breastplate bearing small American flags depicting the Christian cross and declaring him a Soldier for Jesus. He said he freely identified himself as a member of alt-right saying he felt compelled to stand up for the rights of himself and his fellow activists to voice their anti-liberal feelings.

Among the long list of alt-right celebrities featured at the microphone beneath a yellow flag declaring Dont Tread on Me was a figure who styles himself as Baked Alaska. An internet agitator for ultra-conservatives who was disinvited from an alt-right ball celebrating Trumps victory last December for his public use of the Nazi salute and for using anti-Semitic slurs, he denounced his critics. I never thought Id live in a a country where I would say that I am white, Christian male and they would say that I am a racist, he told the crowd in Portland.
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An Oklahoma man saved 3-month-old twins when he shot and killed their father, who was trying to drown them, a local NBC News station reported.

Police in Ada, Oklahoma have said the babies are doing well after being released from hospital after the incident.

Leland Foster, who lives approximately 130 miles away from Ada, went to the home where his estranged wife Michelle Forrells was staying with the twins.

Mr Foster held Ms Forrells at knifepoint in the bathroom while he attempted to drown the infants.

A 12-year-old girl only identified as the granddaughter of the permanent residents, ran to a neighbour, Cash Freeman, for help.

Mr Freeman ran into Ms Forrells house with his gun and shot Mr Foster twice in the back when he saw the scene. He immediately removed the infants from the bathtub.



It is unclear at this time if Ms Forrells was physically hurt, but she was the person to call emergency services after Mr Foster was shot.

Another neighbour, Summer Pierce, told the local NBC station that she thinks Mr Freeman did the right thing, because who knows what would happen?...[the infants] might not have made it".

Mr Freeman was interviewed and released from the scene after police arrived.

However, Ada Police said prosecutors are investigating whether Mr Freeman should face charges for killing Mr Foster.

According to court records, Mr Foster had prior criminal charges for domestic abuse of his ex-girlfriend and arson for setting her clothes on fire. He pleaded no contest in that case.

Several people have taken to social media to call Mr Freeman a hero.
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Five people are dead after a workplace shooting in Orlando, police have said.

The shooter, who police say was a 45-year-old disgruntled former employee, also killed himself to bring the total of dead to six. Seven people survived the attack.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office had earlier reported 'multiple fatalities, but added that the situation had been stabilised.

Recommended Shocking new bodycam footage released of Orlando shooting

The shooting occurred in an industrial area with multiple warehouses on Forsyth Road and Hanging Moss Road, the sheriff's office said, at Fiamma, a business that makes awnings for recreational vehicles.

The gunman, who has not yet been identified, had previously been accused of attacking another employee inside the business. He was not charged in that case.

The 45-year-old suspect had a history of misdemeanour criminal offences but was not linked to any terror organisations, Sheriff Jerry Demings said at a press briefing.

He was a disgruntled employee that came back to this business this morning, Mr Demings said.

The unidentified assailant arrived at the company that makes accessories for recreational vehicles and campers at about 8am local time (1pm BST) armed with a handgun and a knife, Mr Demings said.

He did not use the knife but shot five innocent people and then turned the gun on himself and killed himself, the sheriff said.

Mr Demings added: This is a sad day once again for us in Orange County. Our hearts go out to the victims.

Four of the victims died at the scene - three men and one woman. Another man died of his wounds at a local hospital.

Shelley Adams's sister Sheila McIntrye works for the company and was in the toilet when shots rang out.

Ms McIntyre is safe but she called her sister during the shooting.

She kept repeating My boss is dead, my boss is dead, Ms Adams said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

WESH TV in Orlando reported that the FBI joint terrorism task force have sent an official to the scene of the shooting.

Emergency vehicles with flashing lights were lined up on the closed roadway in the Winter Park suburb of Orlando. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs was on the scene, according to local television images.

It comes a week before the first anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in the city - the deadliest mass shooting in US history - in which 49 people died.
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While Donald Trump relaunched his attack on Sadiq Khan, every mayor in America sent a message of support and solidarity.

Mr Khan has frequently been a foil for criticism from the US President, and Mr Trump began tweeting about him just hours after the attack in London that left seven dead. Even though Mr Khan has roundly condemned the attack and said there was no reason for people to be alarmed by the sight of armed police officers, Mr Trump had said: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!

On Monday morning, Mr Trump published a new tweet, that said: Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement. MSM is working hard to sell it.

As Mr Trump was engaging in his attack on Mr Khan, the US Conference of Mayors, which represents 1,400 communities with populations of 30,000 or more, sent a message of support to the London mayor and to Londoners.

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, said the group.

 Sadiq Khan criticised cuts to London's policing budget

We send praise and absolute respect for the police officers who responded with eight minutes to kill all three of the London Bridge terrorist murderers.

The Mayors of the USA who havent had a terrorist attack know full well that in todays age of terrorist actions, domestic and international, an attack could happen in their city.

One Love Manchester Show all 12 1 /12 One Love Manchester One Love Manchester Concert goers queue outside Old Trafford Cricket Ground ahead of the One Love Manchester tribute concert in Manchester. AFP/Getty Images One Love Manchester Music fans embrace outside the Old Trafford Cricket Ground ahead of the One Love Manchester tribute concert in Manchester. AFP/Getty Images One Love Manchester A woman sunbathes as police officers patrol around Old Trafford Cricket Ground ahead of the One Love Manchester tribute concert in Manchester. AFP/Getty Images One Love Manchester Manchester residents cheer as survivors walk to Old Trafford cricket grounds for the concert @AlexScapensMEN/Twitter One Love Manchester Women wearing I Love MCR T-shirts arrive at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground ahead of the One Love Manchester tribute concert in Manchester. AFP/Getty Images One Love Manchester Armed police look-on as fans begin to arrive at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground ahead of the One Love Manchester tribute concert. AFP/Getty Images One Love Manchester One Love Manchester Benefit Concert fans. One Love Manchester One Love Manchester Benefit Concert. One Love Manchester The crowd at the 'One Love Manchester' benefit concert. One Love Manchester AP One Love Manchester Gary Barlow has tweeted a picture of Take That backstage with Ariana Grande. Grande said she wanted to return to the "incredibly brave city" to spend time with her fans and to "honour and raise money for the victims and their families". One Love Manchester Take That with Robbie Williams - Music fans have said they had to attend the Manchester benefit concert to show they were determined to "stay strong and carry on", despite recent attacks.

Nan Whaley, the mayor of Dayton, Ohio, for four years, said that at a time like this, it was important for community leaders to show support. She told The Independent it was increasingly clear that incidents such as the one that played out in London, could occur anywhere.

It happens everywhere, so having communities work together and share their support is something that is very important to the Conference of Mayors, said Ms Whaley, a Democrat, who heads the groups international liaison committee.

Karen Freeman-Wilson, the mayor of Gary, Indiana, said the organisation felt it was important to send a message of solidarity from people who understood what it was like to be on the ground working with citizens. She said it was too easy for people to act an armchair quarterback.

Without naming Mr Trump, she added: We did not want there to be fear or alarm because of statements made by people who have never held that position.

The statement from the group, added: 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 todayThank you, Mayor Khan, for your leadership during this crisis.
Spokesperson Hua Chunying (file photo)

BEIJING, June 4 -- 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.
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It is on. The White House has said it will not try to use its powers to stop former FBI Director James Comey from testifying against Donald Trump.

There had been speculation Mr Trump would seek to invoke executive privilege to prevent Mr Comey testifying before congressional investigators looking into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russias alleged effort to interfere with the election.

Last week, White House Sean Spicer said Mr Comeys appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee had to be reviewed by the White House counsels office before a decision was made.

I have not spoken to counsel yet. I dont know how theyre going to respond, he said.

But White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters in Washington on Monday, that a decision had now been taken not to try and interfere with Mr Comey, or what he had to say

 Trump denies that he urged Comey to close Flynn investigation

In order to facilitate a swift and thorough examination of the facts sought by the Senate Intelligence Committee, President Trump will not assert executive privilege regarding James Comey's scheduled testimony, she said.

Mr Comey was fired by Mr Trump as he was overseeing the FBI probe into possible links between the New York tycoons campaign with Russia. After he was fired, it was reported that Mr Trump had sought a pledge of loyalty from Mr Comey and then asked him to drop an investigation into his former national security advisor, Michael Flynn.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Mr Trump was forced to fire the former general after it emerged he had lied about his contacts with Russian officials.

Reports suggest Mr Comey has spoken privately with Robert Mueller III, the appointed by the US Justice Department to take charge of the investigation, to ensure he does not discuss evidence that it crucial to his case.

However, CNN has said Mr Comey is likely to discuss his various conversations with Mr Trump, when he appears on Thursday. It is known that Mr Comey is someone who keeps extensive notes of his official meetings and interactions.
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The husband of a senior aide to Donald Trump has criticised his wife's boss - making his remarks in his first tweet for almost two years.

George Conway, the husband of Kellyanne Conway, said Mr Trumps tweets regarding his Muslim travel ban and the way a revised version was taken to the Supreme Court, may make some people feel better.

However, he said they would not help the Office of the Solicitor General get get five votes on the Supreme Court.

These tweets may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly wont help OSG get 5 votes in SCOTUS, which is what actually matters, he said, before copying Mr Trumps catchphrase. Sad.

Until last week, Mr Conway had been in contention to head to the Department of Justices civil division. He then announced he was placing himself out of the running.

 Family of Manchester attack victim pay tribute in London

I have reluctantly concluded, however, that, for me and my family, this is not the right time for me to leave the private sector and take on a new role in the federal government, he said in a statement.

Kellyanne and I continue to support the President and his administration, and I look forward to doing so in whatever way I can from outside the government.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Mr Conway is a partner at the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. He was previously under consideration to serve as the Trump administrations solicitor general, a role that went to Noel Francisco.

His comments came just hours after his wife attacked the medias obsession with covering what Mr Trump said on Twitter.

As Mr Conway was speaking, Mr Trump has published a flurry of tweets, asserting that he did indeed consider his stalled executive order a travel ban, and criticising his own officials for trying to have revised version of the order approved by the Supreme Court.

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN, Mr Trump wrote in one of four tweets, which he started posting at 6am.

He added: In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the US in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!
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Donald Trump has doubled down on his criticism of Sadiq Khans response to the terror attacks in London over the weekend, attacking him for a statement telling people that there is no reason to be alarmed.

Contrary to the US Presidents portrayal of the statement, the London Mayor had actually said that people in the capital shouldnt be alarmed by the visibly increased police presence in the city. Mr Khan did not tell people that they should not be alarmed by the attacks.

Mr Khan said that Mr Trump had deliberately taken his comments out of context, which the US President tweeted was a pathetic excuse. The media covering the London attack were working hard to sell Mr Khans excuse, Mr Trump wrote.

Recommended Hero baker fought off terrorist knifemen armed with just a crate

The President sent out a series of tweets following the attack in which he called for the implementation of his travel ban, even though it was not immediately clear how, if at all, a ban would be able to stop a similar attack in the US. Those tweets berating Mr Khan have been widely condemned, and are in contrast to a statement from the US embassy in London.

I commend the strong leadership of @MayorofLondon as he leads the city forward after this heinous attack, a tweet attributed to Lewis Lukens, the US ambassador to the UK, read.

Mr Trumps tirade on Twitter attacked the US courts that have so far blocked both of his travel bans, criticised his own Justice Department for not sticking with his original travel ban, and said that his administration was practising extreme vetting of, presumably, refugees seeking entry into the US.

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

At least seven people were killed and nearly 50 people were wounded over the weekend when a terrorists drove a van through pedestrians on London Bridge, and went on a rampage through Borough Market with knives.

Police have since detained a number of people related to the attacks, which Isis claimed responsibility for.

As London sought to absorb the shock and sadness of the attacks, stories of heroism in the face of terror began to emerge. Some of the injured people reportedly tried to intervene when the terrorists started attacking people with knives. Those attackers appeared to be wearing suicide vests with explosives  which was later debunked  but the people trying to stop the terrorists would not have known that the vests were fake at the time.

I heard truly remarkable stories of extraordinary, brave actions by officers  on and off duty  who were first on the scene, Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said. 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, Ms Dick said.

One of those brave responders was a British Transport Police officer who tried to take down the terrorists with just a baton in hand. He reportedly tackled the attackers, and suffered injuries to his head, face, and leg. He is being treated for serious injuries.

Civilians responded bravely as well. A baker reportedly smashed a crate over the head of an attacker before helping to give shelter to about 20 people. A restaurant owner helped about 120 of his patrons to safety after having previously trained his staff on what to do in the case of an attack amid heightened tensions in London.

Three men were shot dead by eight police officers responding to the attack with an unprecedented hail of 50 bullets. One bystander was also shot during the response. Scotland Yard said that seven women and five men between the ages of 19 and 60 have been arrested in relation to the terror attack. One man, a 55-year-old, was released from custody without being charged.

The names of the victims have been coming out slowly, and one has been named as Canadian Christine Archibald. Ms Archibald worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.
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The White House has defended President Donald Trumps controversial string of tweets following the recent terrorist attack in London.

The president issued several early-morning missives about the attack, in which he lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan and referred to his own proposed travel restrictions as a travel ban. Many accused Mr Trump of politicising the tragedy and using it to further his own aims.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, however, defended the presidents tweets, saying they allow him to speak directly to the people without the bias of the media filtering those communications.

Hours before, Mr Trump had used the social media platform to criticise Mr Khans calls for calm.

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed! Mr Trump tweeted. The mayor had been referring to the increased police presence in the city.

Later, Mr Trump tweeted about Mr Khans pathetic excuse for his statement, claiming the mainstream media was working hard to sell it.

Ms Sanders echoed these statements, saying the president was not picking a fight with Mr Khan, but that the media wants to spin it that way.

She also denied the accusation that the president had singled out Mr Khan because of his Muslim faith.

In the same press conference, however, Ms Sanders defended Mr Trumps proposed restrictions on entry for residents of six Muslim-majority countries. She adopted Mr Trump's own language from that morning, in which he referred to the restrictions as a "travel ban".

"One of the reasons we have the travel ban here, through this executive order, is a focus on national security," she said.

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

Much of the debate about Mr Trump's restrictions  which have been blocked by multiple federal judges  centres on whether they amount to a "Muslim ban". A ban on any religion by the US government would be unconstitutional.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer has previously insisted that the executive order is "not a Muslim ban" and "not a travel ban".

But Ms Sanders co-opted the president's own language on Monday, referring to the order as a travel ban and denying the term was problematic.

The president isnt concerned with what you call it, hes concerned with national security and protecting people in this country, Ms Sanders said.

Mr Trump has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider the various restraining orders on his ban.
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The United States is expected to signal that it might withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council unless reforms are ushered in including the removal of what it sees as an anti-Israel bias, diplomats and activists said.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, who holds cabinet rank in President Donald Trump's administration, said last week Washington would decide on whether to withdraw from the Council after its three-week session in Geneva ends this month.

Under Trump, Washington has broken with decades of US foreign policy by turning away from multi-lateralism. His decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement last week drew criticism from governments around the world.

The Council's critical stance of Israel has been a major sticking point for its ally the United States. Washington boycotted the body for three years under President George W. Bush before rejoining under Barack Obama in 2009.

Haley, writing in the Washington Post at the weekend, called for the Council to end its practice of wrongly singling out Israel for criticism.

Recommended Haley says she would never have used Russian embassy to call Kremlin

The possibility of a US withdrawal has raised alarm bells among Western allies and activists.

Eight groups, including Freedom House and the Jacob Blaustein Institute, wrote to Haley in May saying a withdrawal would be counterproductive since it could lead to the Council unfairly targeting Israel to an even greater degree.

In the letter, seen by Reuters, the groups also said that during the period of the US boycott, the Council's performance suffered both with respect to addressing the world's worst violators and with respect to its anti-Israel bias.

The Council has no powers other than to rebuke governments it deems as violating human rights and to order investigations but plays an important role in international diplomacy.

Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory are a fixed item on the agenda of the 47-member body set up in 2006. Washington, Israel's main ally, often casts the only vote against the Arab-led resolutions.

When the council passes more than 70 resolutions against Israel, a country with a strong human rights record, and just seven resolutions against Iran, a country with an abysmal human rights record, you know something is seriously wrong, wrote Haley.

John Fisher, Geneva director of the US-based Human Rights Watch, did not appear to fear an immediate withdrawal.

Our understanding is that it is going to be a message of engagement and reform, Fisher told reporters.

However, Fisher said Israel's human rights record did warrant Council scrutiny, but the special focus was a reasonable concern.

It is an anomaly that there is a dedicated agenda item in a way that there isn't for North Korea or Syria or anything else, he said.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

Haley also challenged the membership of Communist Cuba and Venezuela citing rights violations, proposing competitive voting to keep the worst human rights abusers from obtaining seats. She made no mention of Egypt or Saudi Arabia, two US allies elected despite quashing dissent.

The US envoy will host a panel on Human Rights and Democracy in Venezuela and address the Graduate Institute in Geneva before heading to Israel.

Reuters
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Police have shot and killed a gunman who took a hostage in Melbourne, after an apparent siege.

The situation has been resolved after a man was shot and the woman who was being held against her will was rescued, according to Victoria Police. The man may have killed someone else in the foyer of the same apartment building, according to local reports.

Local media stations said they had received a call that appeared to have come from within the building, where a woman could be heard screaming in the background. This is for IS, this is for al-Qaeda, he is reported to have said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Neither group has claimed responsibility for any incident in Melbourne. Isis and al-Qaeda are fiercely opposed to each other.

Information on the attackers identity and his motivation would be revealed when appropriate, the police service said.

Earlier, Victoria Police had said that it was attempting to negotiate with the man inside the apartment, and confirmed that he was holding a woman and not allowing her to leave.

(Reuters (Reuters)

Locals reported hearing huge bangs before the situation was brought to an end.

Three police officers were injured during the siege.
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Emmanuel Macron is poised for another massive victory in the French parliamentary elections next week, ensuring the country would adopt his centre-right agenda.

France's youngest leader since Napoleon entered the nations highest office with no previous experience as an elected candidate, yet has enjoyed a smooth few weeks as President.

The latest polls show his party, En Marche!, will gain big in the 11 and 18 June elections with more than half of the countrys 577 parliamentary seats.

Recommended Macron and Modi pledge cooperation on climate change

His biggest struggle, an issue he hinted at during his victory speech last month, will be to maintain unity among a divided voter base and even a divided party, given it contains defectors from the socialist and the right-leaning camps.

Im aware of the divisions in our nation which have led some people to extreme votes, he said on 8 May. I respect them.

But in a country that has swung from Francois Hollandes socialist, high-tax government to the precipice of electing Le Front Nationals Marine Le Pen as president, Mr Macron badly needs the parliamentary majority to pursue his own centre-right agenda. This includes lowering corporate tax, adopting pro-business laws and investing 50bn (43bn) into job training and renewable energy over the next five years.

French Presidential Election Show all 20 1 /20 French Presidential Election French Presidential Election Voters line up to cast their ballots REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election Police patrol polling stations in France REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte Trogneux REUTERS French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron casts his ballot REUTERS French Presidential Election SAA/ French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election Front National leader Marine Le Pen casts her ballot REUTERS French Presidential Election Early ballots are read as results continue to come in Reuters French Presidential Election Macron supporters react as results come in early in the evening AP French Presidential Election Supporters of Front National leader Marine Le Pen cheer as early results come in Reuters French Presidential Election Alamy French Presidential Election Front National leader Marine Le Pen takes to the stage to address her supporters as fans cheer Reuters French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron greets supporters on Sunday night AP French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte Trogneux celebrate the incoming results EPA

If we don't have a majority we'll be stuck in an in-between place, said 28-year-old Pierre Person, an adviser to Mr Macron and a parliamentary candidate.

Many French people felt forced into voting for Mr Macron, the former economic adviser to Mr Hollande, last month to ensure Ms Le Pen did not win the second round.

Now, Ms Le Pens party faces an even more humiliating defeat as parties are adopting anti-FN alliances to back them out of parliament. The dire prospect for the FN comes despite strong voter support  between 25 and 33 per cent  backing the far-right partys policies.

 Macron grimaces as Donald Trump attacks Nato during 9/11 memorial speech

The OpinionWay survey puts En Marche! at 335-355 seats out of 577, followed by 145-165 for the Republicans  leader Francois Fillion was knocked out in the first round due to a corruption scandal  a paltry 20-35 seats for the outgoing Socialist party, and between 21 and 34 seats for Jean-Luc Melenchons far-left France Unbowed party. Mr Melenchon insisted he did not want to weaken the Socialists party, but replace it.

A total of 7,882 candidates are fighting it out to gain a seat in parliament. Many of the En Marche! candidates are virtually unknown to voters and have no electoral experience, including a former bullfighter, a mathematician and business owners. Mr Macron was a former banker and founded his party one year ago.

The future victory is by no means certain, however.

Voter turnout is expected to be low, and the run-off system on 18 June  any candidate who does not win outright but wins more than 12.5 per cent will qualify  could throw up surprising results. Two of Mr Macrons ministers, Richard Ferrand and Marielle de Sarnez, are facing allegations of financial misconduct, while the predicted largest opposition party, the Republicans, claims members who would support Mr Macron and those who have refused to co-operate.

Agencies contributed to this report
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Yemen and its people are engulfed by utter devastation. In the two-plus years of the conflict between the Houthi movement and its allies, including former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and an interim government supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, more than 10,000 people have died  and not just because of violence.

Two thirds of Yemens 26 million people live with the reality of famine, with about 7 million already suffering from acute malnutrition. Of this number, more than 3 million face acute malnourishment. In these conditions, a child under five dies every 10 minutes. Whats more, the World Health Organisation is sounding the alarm over a new cholera outbreak in the country, which has killed hundreds of people and put some 150,000 at risk.

While its true that both sides of the conflict have inflicted innumerable harms on Yemeni civilians, the overwhelming force of the Saudi coalition, backed and supplied by the US and the UK, has received the bulk of the attention, at least in the Western media.

This is partly because of reports that the Saudis have used US- and UK-manufactured and internationally banned cluster bombs against civilians, which have drawn the ire of human and civil rights campaigners and concerned legislators on both sides of the Atlantic.

The problem is that focusing on Saudi excesses, as most Western coverage does, seriously simplifies the situation.

An even bleaker future

For starters, the ongoing famine is mostly the result of the Saudi coalitions ongoing naval blockade, which targets not just weapons but also the food imports on which Yemen is almost entirely dependent.

The fixation on Western involvement also overlooks the actions of the Houthis, who have contributed to the crises underway today  not least via their protracted ground operations and siege of the city of Taiz. Meanwhile, Yemens economy has all but collapsed, and its financial institutions are seriously mismanaged. This means that even where food is available, people cannot afford to buy it.

On top of food supplies, water is scarce in Sanaa (EPA)

The situation could deteriorate further yet. The Saudis and their allies have long been preparing an attack on the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida, so far a crucial supply route and lifeline for Yemenis, and have requested direct US military aid. In response to that request, a bipartisan group of members of Congress wrote to Donald Trump and his defence secretary, James Mattis, demanding that they end the USs support for the Saudi campaign. The same members have threatened to take legislative action to insist on congressional oversight of the USs role in the conflict.

Meanwhile, the UNs Special Envoy in Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, is now trying to bring about an agreement between parties to the conflict which would prevent military clashes in Hodeida and ensure aid can still get in. But the conflict has become so intractable that his chances of success probably are not high.

At the same time, Trumps multi-billion dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia, his rollback of Obama-era civilian protections against drone strikes, and the botched raid against al-Qaeda in the village of al-Ghayil on 29 January, coupled with the British Conservative Governments unchanged stance on the conflict, do not bode well for Yemenis.

Instead, the Yemeni people are being treated as little more than disposable pawns on the chessboard of Gulf geopolitics. This attitude is replicated in the Gulf among the Saudis and their allies, as well as their enemies the Iranians  and for that matter, by Yemeni politicians too.

Moral outrage versus politics

On returning from a visit to Yemen, Jan Egeland, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, stated in exasperation: Men with guns and power inside Yemen as well as in regional and international capitals are undermining every effort to avert an entirely preventable famine, as well as the collapse of health and education services for millions of children.

His statement perfectly grasps the root of Yemens misery. Politics, Machiavelli taught us, often overrides moral concerns; indeed, it has a logic of its own. Shared moral principles, including the principles that absolutely prohibit the wilful production of famine, often are not enough to shape the actions of powerful actors as they pursue their interests. This is especially true in a conflict that receives relatively little attention from the outside world.

The fixation on Western involvement overlooks how the Houthis have contributed to the crises underway (EPA)

What can change this? The answer, in part, is not spasmodic expressions of moral outrage, but politics. People need to put consistent pressure on their elected representatives in the UK and US to amend, stop or examine their governments behaviour and to pressure their regional allies into resolving the conflict. The complication, of course, is that Yemens tragedy is taking place in a country relatively inaccessible to the press and unfamiliar to Western audiences. What is more, global powers may have little to no influence on their regional allies, especially in the context of a rapidly changing global distribution of power.

Still, activists are persisting, and governments are not completely Awol. They might yet be able to offer Yemenis some sort of lifeline, whether via effective investment in the emergency food programme or through actively supporting Cheikh Ahmeds attempts to prevent a catastrophe at Hodeida.

These may look like small victories, but for millions of Yemenis, they are a matter of life and death. They are testament to a simple truth: justified moral outrage is all very well, but without political action, it does not save lives.

Sophia Dingli is a lecturer in international relations at the University of Glasgow. This article was originally published on The Conversation (www.conversation.com)
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An Isis-linked media agency has called on would-be extremists to carry out even more Ramadan attacks on members of the public in low tech knife, gun and vehicle assaults.

Nashir News Service, which is affiliated with Isis official media wing Amaq and operates on messaging app Telegram, implored wannabe jihadis to kill the civilians of the crusaders  gain benefit from Ramadhan [sic].

The message from Nashir was posted Sunday, just before an official claim of responsibility was made by Isis for the London Bridge attack on Saturday night which killed seven people and injured 48.

 London terror attack: Everything we know so far

The sentiment was echoed by dozens of sympathisers on the apps private messaging forums as pro-Isis accounts celebrated the latest atrocity as the black days weve promised and the awakening of wolves.

In the land of the warrior crusader their [sic] is nothing known as innocent and civilian and no guarding of their blood, a statement from killed Isis spokesperson Abu Muhammad al-Adnani that was reshared on the platform read.

Adnani, killed in a US air strike in Syria in July 2016, first put out a call for terror attacks marking the holy month in June 2015. According to the Quran, good deeds are given manifold reward during Ramadan  a sentiment twisted by Isis to include jihadi attacks.

One of the recent calls for more attacks during Ramadan circulated by pro-Isis channels on messaging app Telegram

Since then, Ramadan has become increasingly bloody. The month of fasting and increased prayer began this year on 22 May; just eight days into the month, nearly 200 civilians have lost their lives in five extremist attacks around the world.

London Bridge and the bombings of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester and an ice cream shop in Baghdad, as well as the storming of a casino in Manila, have all been claimed by Isis.

A further suicide truck bombing in Kabul last week killed at least 90 people, although no claim of responsibility has been made. The Afghan intelligence services believe a wing of the Taliban is to blame.

This is very atypical in the history of Islam, Dr Andreas Kreig, an assistant professor at Kings College Londons Department of Defence Studies, told The Independent.

Ramadan is a month of peace. This new ideology espoused by Isis in the last three years has made it even clearer how removed their beliefs are from most Muslims and most Islam, he said.

The vast majority of Muslims find the deliberate attacking of civilians during Ramadan particularly abhorrent, Dr Krieg added  which in Isis eyes makes them kuffar (unbelievers), and therefore also legitimate targets of violence.

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

As the organisation continues to lose control of territory in its so-called caliphate across Syria and Iraq, experts believe Isis will increasingly turn towards insurgency tactics and increased terror attacks around the world to prove its enduring legitimacy.

Al-Qaeda usually uses Ramadan to try and win hearts and minds. Isis doesnt care. They attract people who are looking for a cause or have death wishes already.

If what you achieve in martyrdom during Ramadan is greater reward then I fear there will be further bloodshed this month, Dr Krieg added.
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Qatar is unexpectedly under siege from its neighbours. Led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, supported by Egypt, Bahrain and Yemen, the five Arab states have cut diplomatic relations with Qatar, severed land, air and sea travel and are expelling Qatari citizens who have 48 hours to depart.

The Saudis and their allies are demanding, in effect, that Qatar end its independent foreign policy and tame or close down its television station, Al Jazeera. They claim that Qatar is complicit with Iran in supporting terrorism, though Qatar is one of the loose coalition of Sunni states supporting forces hostile to Iran in Syria and Yemen.

Recommended Iran blames Donald Trump for escalating Qatar diplomatic crisis

One pro-Saudi lobbyist in the US even threatens regime change in Qatar, tweeting to its Emir: I would like to remind you that [elected Egyptian President] Mohammed Morsi did exactly the same [as you] and was then toppled and imprisoned.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have long been rivals and, despite Qatars small size, its great wealth and vast gas reserves have given it great influence. It backed the Arab Spring with its wealth and media outlets, supporting the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Hamas in Gaza.

 Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Qatar over terror links

Three years ago in 2014 there was a similar but less serious confrontation between Qatar and its neighbours, who accused it of interference in their internal affairs. Since then Qatar has been much more compliant in not confronting or pursuing radically different policies from those of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

What has changed in the Gulf to precipitate a crisis now? The answer is that the Trump wrecking ball passed through the region last month and the US Presidents unreserved backing for Saudi Arabia, and in particularly for deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has disturbed the regional balance of forces. It has already emboldened the Sunni monarchy in Bahrain to crush the last Shia resistance to its dominance, killing five protesters in one village and closing down the only remaining independent newspaper.

Much more seriously, Mr Trumps unqualified support for the Sunni monarchies and autocrats during his two-day visit to Riyadh emboldened the kingdom to start a second and, it hopes, final round in its confrontation with Qatar. Mr Trump may not have intended to touch off this latest crisis when he aggressively and inaccurately demonised Iran and by implication the Shia as the source of all terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa. But his words were interpreted by the Saudis as enabling them to move against Qatar though it is home to a major US base.

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

It will be difficult for Qatar to withstand what amounts to a form of siege. Under Mr Trump, the degree of protection it can expect from the US is uncertain and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, eager to secure his own path to the Saudi throne, cannot afford a failure. He may even want to go the limit and eliminate Qatar as an independent state, the first time this has happened in the Gulf since Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990.
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.
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Iran has accused the US of setting the scene for the escalating Gulf diplomatic crisis during President Donald Trumps recent trip to the Saudi Arabia.

What is happening is the preliminary result of the sword dance, Hamid Aboutalebi, deputy chief of staff of Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, tweeted, in a reference to a traditional ceremonial dance that took place during Mr Trump's visit to the Saudi capital of Riyadh last month.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, as well as the Western-recognised governments of Yemen and Libya, severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

The Middle Eastern countries were later joined by the Indian Ocean island nation of The Maldives.

 Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Qatar over terror links

"[Qatar] embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, Isis and al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly," Saudi state news agency SPA said.

SPA accused Qatar of supporting what it described as Iranian-backed militants in its restive and largely Shi'ite Muslim-populated Eastern region of Qatif, as well as in Bahrain.

Iran, which Mr Trump singled out as a key source of funding and support for extremist groups during his inaugural foreign trip, is the secondary target of Mondays decision by Saudi Arabia and its allies.

The decision of the tiny energy rich country's neighbours to cut off its land, sea and air routes to the outside world is a violation of its sovereignty, a statement from Qatars foreign ministry said.

10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty

The Qatari Government will take all necessary measures to ensure this and to thwart attempts to influence and harm the Qatari society and economy, a foreign ministry said.

Doha has denied supporting militant groups. It described the crisis as being fuelled by absolute fabrications stemming from last month's hacking of Qatars state-run news agency.

Also on Monday, a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry urged all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and political and peaceful means.

The unprecedented rift could create economic fallout across the Middle East, as well as consequences for the region's many conflicts.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have used their oil and gas revenues to influence events in other Middle Eastern countries, and fallings-out between them can alter the political environment in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

In Sydney, visiting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he didn't believe the diplomatic crisis would affect the ongoing war against Isis in Iraq and Syria.

"I think what we're witnessing is a growing list of disbelief in the countries for some time, and they've bubbled up to take action in order to have those differences addressed," Mr Tillerson said.

We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences.

Qatari nationals have been given 14 days to leave the three Gulf countries, and the country has been suspended from the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. Foreign dignitaries from the three states and Egypt have been recalled.

Al Jazeera, the Qatari broadcaster, has reported that food trucks are queuing up at the Saudi border, unable to enter the country. Photos and video circulated on social media showed empty supermarket shelves as panicked citizens bought up supplies.

The effective closure of Qatars airspace for any significant amount of time will wreak havoc with the countrys economy. Qatar's stock market index has already sunk 7.5 per cent with some of the market's top blue-chips hardest hit.

The economic fallout could also affect timelines ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup, which is being hosted by Doha.

The escalating row is the worst falling out between the neighbours since the 2014 rift over Dohas backing of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, a pan-Arab movement considered dangerous by many in the Gulf.

Agencies contributed to this report
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Qatar has hit out at the decision of five Arab nations to cut military and diplomatic ties with the country, saying there is "no legitimate justification" for the move.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Qatar said it had been the victim of a "campaign of lies" designed to destabilise the region, hours after Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE declared they would be severing all ties.

Qatar said the decision was a "violation of its sovereignty", and promised its own citizens that the row will not be allowed to affect them.

Recommended Qatar news agency says fake story praising Israel work of hackers

But the move effectively cuts off Qatar from the outside world, with the peninsular nation lying off the Saudi mainland, and analysts said such a move could have lasting economic damage.

Emirates, the major international airline based in Dubai, announced it would suspend Qatar flights starting from Tuesday. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said it too would suspend flights to Qatar "until further notice."

It wasn't immediately clear how the announcement would affect Qatar Airways, one of the region's major long-haul airlines, which routinely flies through Saudi airspace.

Yemen's internationally recognised government also cut ties with Qatar later on Monday, accusing it of working with its enemies in the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, state news agency Saba reported.

It welcomed the fact that the Saudi-led coalition had removed Qatar from its ranks as part of the severing of ties earlier on Monday. Qatar has been providing military aircraft in the fight against the Houthis for more than two years.

"Qatar's practices of dealing with the (Houthi) coup militias and supporting extremist groups became clear," the Yemeni government said in a statement.

The dispute between Qatar and the Gulf's Arab countries started over a purported hack of Qatar's state-run news agency.

A report was published online with comments supposedly from the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, praising Israel and Iran and criticising the country's Sunni Arab neighbours.

A statement from Doha issued on Wednesday said that the Qatar News Agency website was hacked by an unknown entity and that a false statement attributed to His Highness has been published.

The five Arab neighbours said their decision to cut ties with Qatar went beyond last week's "fake news" row. They accused the country of supporting terrorist groups, including Isis - a claim Qatar has denied.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. 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Saudi Arabia said it took the decision to cut diplomatic ties due to Qatar's "embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilising the region" including the Muslim Brotherhood.

Bahrain blamed Qatar's "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.

Qatar may deny the quotes attributed to its Emir Thani, but it does not deny reports that Mr Thani called Iranian President Hasan Rouhani on 27 May to congratulate him on his re-election.

It has been interpreted as an overt challenge to Saudi Arabia's efforts to corral all its Sunni Arab neighbours against Shia Iran, which it sees as its greatest threat in the region.
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Gabon today showed its commitment to wildlife extends beyond the governments determination to protect the forest elephant with the announcement that it will now be creating one of Africas largest ever marine protected areas.

The new network, consisting of nine new national marine parks and 11 new aquatic reserves, means that combined with the countrys three existing marine zones some 53,000 square kilometres of ocean will be protected.

The announcement comes at a time when marine biodiversity is seriously threatened. More than 70 percent of the worlds fish stocks are either overexploited or have collapsed and the majority of coral reefs have been damaged. Yet, only around four percent of oceans globally are currently formally protected by marine protected areas.

The announcement was made in a keynote speech at the United Nations Oceans Conference in New York by Gabons president, Ali Bongo, who said that 27 per cent of Gabons territorial waters would now be protected and the whales, sea turtles, and other marine species inhabiting them now safeguarded.

Marine biologists estimate that between 20 and 30 per cent of a countrys ocean area needs to be protected to maintain biodiversity and restore depleted areas outside the marine parks.

The President told reporters: Our marine ecosystems are as rich and as precious as our better known rainforests. We had to do for the oceans what my father, the Late President Omar Bongo Ondimba, did for the forests when he created 13 national parks in 2002.

The new areas will also help curtail unregulated and unsustainable fishing from the international fleets that exploit much of Africas coastal waters and help secure local livelihoods by ensuring fisheries are sustained for future generations.

Recommended Gabon launches elephant fences in pioneering conservation move

Gabon has long been at the forefront of conservation in Africa and works closely with the Giants Club, the conservation initiative created by Space for Giants that is supported by The Independent, to help protect the countries forest elephants.

The new marine parks were conceived after a research team from the National Geographics Pristine Seas Program, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Gabonese National Parks Agency presented their findings to the President which showed the threats posed to the ecosystem by illegal fisheries.

He instructed the director of Gabon National Parks, Professor Lee White to launch a program that was christened 'Gabon Blue' to design a strategy to protect and restore Gabon marine ecosystems and fish stocks and to develop a plan for sustainable fisheries management.

The new marine parks will protect more than 20 species of whales and dolphins, including humpback whales and Atlantic humpback dolphins, and four species of marine turtles, among them the worlds largest breeding leatherback turtle population and the Atlantic Oceans largest breeding olive ridley turtle population.

More than 20 species of sharks and rays also occur in Gabons waters, many of which are threatened, including great hammerhead sharks, manta rays, whale sharks and tiger sharks.
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As after the Manchester bombing, so after London Bridge, the solid political consensus is that the general election must go ahead. And that consensus is right. To postpone the vote would be to give in to terrorism; it would be to signal that, as a country, the UK bends under pressure and that our democracy can be subverted by lethal criminal  yes, criminal  force.

Any postponement would also be difficult in legal terms, as the Brexit Secretary David Davis pointed out. Tony Blair delayed the 2001 election by a month because of the foot and mouth outbreak, but for an election to be postponed, once it has been legislated for, requires MPs to give that authority and Parliament has been dissolved. So, short of the Prime Minister declaring a full-blown emergency  a move that would presumably require the Queens consent  there is no alternative to proceeding with the election on Thursday.

The compromise, accepted by all the parties except Ukip, is to suspend national campaigning for a day, and resume on Monday. Accepting that the election will be held on schedule, with one day lost to the national campaign, however, does not mean that it goes ahead in completely normal conditions or that the attacks so close to the vote will make no difference.

In practical terms, it could be argued that getting the message, and the vote, out is of more relative importance to the challengers than the incumbents. So the lost day  as the lost days of campaigning after the Manchester bombing  could be a slight alteration of the advantage. But this is minor compared with the effect on the focus and tone of the campaign.

 Police shot member of public when 50 rounds fired at three suspects during London attack

The Manchester suicide bombing introduced a security element into the campaign that had not been there, or certainly not to that extent, before. And that new focus came at a time when the Conservatives in general, and the Prime Minister in particular, had dug themselves into a hole over the contentious issue of payment for social care.

Something similar could be said about the confusion over the Conservatives position on income tax that dominated the airwaves on Saturday, in the hours before the London Bridge attack. Would those mistakes  and they were mistakes  have had a more enduring effect on the campaign, had there been no murderous interventions? We will never know.

Recommended The London attack is no reason to stop the election campaigns

Neither will we ever know what effect, if any, the inevitable new focus on security will have on the vote. In the immediate aftermath of the Manchester bombing, social media contributors took a generally dim view of commentators who rushed to judgement about the potential effects on the campaign. But it was surely a valid question to ask, and it is again.

It may be distasteful to say so, but the atrocity in Manchester, and now London Bridge, could present the Conservatives with several advantages, beyond diverting attention from their poor campaign at two critical points. One is the advantage of incumbency. The Prime Minister and Government of the day receive a great deal of free  and mostly positive  airtime, simply by saying the sort of thing that is expected of political leaders at such times.

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

For Theresa May the advantage is twofold. Not only is she Prime Minister, but security is one of her stronger suits, given that she was Home Secretary and knows the security portfolio inside out. A further advantage for the Conservatives is that they are regarded  rightly or wrongly  as taking a stronger line on national security than Labour, especially Labour under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.

As became clear after Manchester, however, the advantage does not flow all one way. A terrorist attack, and what now looks like a spate of attacks, so close to an election cannot but challenge the Governments line that it has successfully defended the country against terrorism.

After Manchester, too, the Labour leader offered a rather different view of root causes. While Corbyn denied blaming the Government for the Manchester attack in any way  and indeed did not do so  he did ask about the possible impact on domestic security of the UKs involvement in foreign wars. Nor  surprisingly perhaps, given the context  did he attract much public opprobrium for doing so.

So the advantage to the Conservatives of a national security election  as opposed to a Brexit or migration or austerity election  may not be as decisive as initially thought. But it will not be the same election as it would have been, even if going ahead with the vote as normal shows the necessary determination not to be cowed.
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Was that really the best Theresa May could do? It was the same old tosh about values and democracy and evil ideology, without the slightest reference to the nation to whom she fawns  Saudi Arabia, whose Wahhabist ideology has seeped into the bloodstream of Isis, al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Tony Blair used the same garbage language when he claimed  untruthfully, of course  that the 7/7 London bombings had nothing to do with Iraq. He, too, like George Bush, claimed that they were perpetrated because the bombers hated our values and our democracy, even though Isis would have no idea what these values were if they woke up in bed next to them.

And then there was the patronising monomorphic language that our wretched Prime Minister used, as if everything she says is false. Which it is.

Enough is enough. What on earth does that mean? Terrorism breeds terrorism. What nonsense. Its the same baby language as Brexit means Brexit, the double emphasis mere proof that May has lost the ability to convince us of anything she says.

 Theresa May: The internet provides a safe space for extremist ideologies to breed

Jeremy Corbyn  not, I have to admit, one of my heroes  got it right. May needs to talk to us about the difficult conversations she must have with the Saudis and their Gulf allies, not to Muslim British citizens. But she is too gutless, too cowardly, to deal with the Gulf Arab autocrats to whom she sells weapons, whose principal Arabian dictator, the head-chopper-in-chief, is so worthy of our mourning that Mays predecessor lowered the British flag to half-mast on his death.

Yes, to confront this Salafist-Wahhabi state and Gulf citizens financial contributions to Isis would be a difficult conversation indeed for Theresa May. Instead, shes going to have her embarrassing conversations with Britains Muslims who have no power to switch off the evil ideology which Wahhabism represents.

She does have that power. But she wont use it.

It was laughable to hear the Prime Minister utter the awful cliches that she has obviously picked up from the world of business  she spoke of safe spaces, for example, three times. Those of us who have been attacked with abuse and hatred on the internet for more than two decades could have told her there was a problem here a long time ago. But shes only just grasped it. Hence her disturbingly Orwellian intention to regulate the internet.

Had she used it in 1998, for example  May was already an MP back then  she would have noticed a sermon by a prominent Wahhabi Muslim clergyman who called upon God to seize the Jews and Christians in the grip of your punishment  send down upon them a torment most grievous  they have filled the entire world with tyranny, oppression and sins  We seek thy protection against their evil. This was preached at the Great Mosque in Medina in Saudi Arabia. But this evil ideology can still be found on the internet  and nor, I suspect, has Theresa May any intention of regulating it now.

Recommended The election results could be drastically altered by the London attack

A Muslim friend, listening to Mays schoolyard sermon outside Downing Street, wondered if British politicians had not lost their sense of ability to speak with dignity. How dare she talk down to her own people with such childish lessons? And how could one not wince at her reference to British military action in the Middle East  the very foreign policy which, along with America, led us into war with the Arabs so many times. One thinks of British military action in Palestine and Suez. And now in Iraq and Syria. Yet we continue grovelling to the Gulf monarchies as we assist them in their criminal campaign in Yemen.

And still May will not say what she knows to be true: that Britain can no longer expect to go on foreign adventures and be safe at home.

When Britain fought in the Korean War, no North Korean or Chinese person came to bomb London buses and tube trains. When America waged its bloody campaign in Vietnam, no Vietcong or North Vietnamese person arrived to attack New York or Washington. But those days are over. This is a terrifying lesson because the politicians who support our disastrous wars in the Middle East are safe from its effects. It is the truly innocent  the children, the young, the vulnerable: the very people defined by that incomparable word civilians  who pay the price at the hands of Isiss insufferable, cruel murderers. It is these innocents who must endure torment most grievous.

It is, of course, well past time to change our foreign policy in the Middle East.

Recommended Theresa May should not be criticised for politicising her speech

Heaven spare us, we shall soon see British politicians, on the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, congratulating Israel even as it continues to steal land from Arabs for Jewish colonies on the occupied West Bank. What Britain so sorely lacks is a thorough reappraisal of its entire relationship with the Middle East, especially with the Arab dictators and torturers whom we arm. We may frolic with these men for their money but our dalliance is a disgrace to Britain. Things need to change, as May lectured us. But this would need a change of prime minister.

Because such a policy needs real courage. Its easier to threaten UK Muslims with embarrassing conversations than to threaten our moderate, autocratic allies. For that would indeed need courage.

Courage needs courage, as our Prime Minister might say. But that, Theresa May does not have.
When we approach people with our townhouse concepts, a number of them are just sitting on the land. Private equity and private owners, says David Ehrlich

The chief executive of Ireland's biggest private landlord, Ires Reit, has said his company's efforts to secure land for development in Dublin and its suburbs is being frustrated by private equity and private owners who are hoarding land in the expectation that it will increase in value.

Speaking to the Sunday Independent following Ires Reit's AGM last Tuesday, David Ehrlich said in a number of cases the land Ires Reit had looked to acquire in the capital and in and around the M50 motorway was "just being locked up".

Asked who was holding on to the land, the Ires chief said: "I just know that when we approach people with our townhouse concepts, a number of them are just sitting on it. Private equity and private owners. It's tough. People believe that in three, five or 10 years, that given the demand, there's going to be an increase in the price in housing."

While that comment supports the statement made by Nama chief executive Brendan McDonagh last Thursday, in which he said there was evidence that speculators were holding on to sites without building on them, Ehrlich's reference to 'private equity' suggests that at least some of the parties now involved in hoarding land acquired it from Nama. Quite apart from the issue of owners "sitting on land", the Ires Reit boss said many of the sites his company had looked at in Dublin's suburbs particularly remained unserviced, which made it unviable for development currently.

Referring to this, he said: "The Government announced a structured plan but it is not going to service a tremendous amount of land.

"I think a lot of those owners who've owned that property for a long time are figuring in five years' time the price of it is going to go up."

Notwithstanding the difficulty in securing more residential development land in Dublin and greater Dublin area, Ehrlich said Ires was still actively searching for sites with a view to building townhouses.

Asked to identify the locations his company is interested in, he said: "The closer to the city, the better, but there's not that much land that's serviced and ready to go.

"We look at 'does the area have its own employment, is it close to the airport or some other major employer? Does it have the schools to accommodate a major development?

"Is it close to a rail line of some sort so you could be in the city in under an hour?' Those are the sort of criteria we're looking at. You're likely outside the M50, but hopefully not by too much. This is one of the results of not having the right densities. You get this kind of sprawl."

Ehrlich confirmed that Ires Reit has extended its search beyond Dublin.

On this, he said: "We have looked at Cork. If we could get 400 or so apartments there, we would look at that, provided that the spread over the book in terms of the return we could get in Dublin weren't going to Cork because we don't see it as a stable and long-term market like Dublin."

Notwithstanding that reservation, he added: "They're going through a lot of growth right now and we're looking at it carefully, so if we could get the right spread to recognise that, we'll continue to look at Cork."

Ires Reit is currently appealing the decision of planners at Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to reject its application for the development of 467 apartments at Rockbrook in Sandyford to An Bord Pleanala.

Giving his reaction to the council's refusal of the plan, Ehrlich said: "I think there's sometimes, with some county councils, a particular disconnect between what central government and the country wants and needs, and their own local kinds of issues. It would be good to see when the [Housing] Minister or the Government makes an announcement on heights or densities, that there's a way of getting the local councils to adapt to that."

Asked if he was frustrated by the planning process here in Ireland, Ehrlich compared it to the model followed in Toronto, the home of Ires Reit's principal backer, Capreit.

He said: "In Toronto, the planning process can be difficult and time-consuming but along the way, there's lots of opportunity to go back and forth and to have give and take, whereas here you have your pre-planning consultations, but that's before you've really put anything forward. Once you put something forward, they can request further information but it's not like you can sit down and work something out. I think that's the biggest frustration for us.

"The [Irish] process would be better I think if you had that interaction so people could work together cooperatively towards the same end."

Commenting on the position occupied by Ires Reit in the Irish residential rental market, Ehrlich rejected the suggestion that it is stretching tenants in terms of the rents it charges, or that it is part of the wider problem of spiralling rental costs.

"The reality is we don't set the market. We're a very small fraction of the market. The reality is if you're going to attract the capital, they expect a certain kind of return on that for taking the development risk and the leasing risk and so forth. We've turned our attention towards more supply and that's what we're about."

He added: "I understand the political pressures but I think if you have a willing tenant and a willing landlord, they would come to terms that would be sufficient.

"Rents are high and there was a lot of political pressure, but the 4pc regime that's been brought in, most of our investors think its reasonable."

With CBRE estimating that some 27bn in capital is now targeting the build-to-rent sector in the UK, Ehrlich said it was his understanding that "a number of institutions" were now looking to forward fund development here.

"Definitely, the world has opened up to the excellent opportunity that exists in Dublin," he said.
Adam Henson, a presenter on the BBC programme, said farmers should instead celebrate their lives to encourage younger people to get into the profession.

Farmers need to stop "whingeing" about being underpaid because they are putting off younger generations from following in their steps, a Countryfile presenter has said.

Adam Henson, a presenter on the BBC programme, said farmers should instead celebrate their lives saying they had an "incredible environment to work in" which should be promoted.

"Farmers are really bad at getting the message across," he said.

"Weve got better over the years, weve become more professional I thinkbut were very good at being the over-worked, under paid whingeing farmer when actually we should be celebrating our lives because when I wake up in the morning I genuinely want to go to work.

"Its not all easy but we have an incredible environment to work in and if we celebrate success and are proud of what we do then we will attract the next generation into farming.

"The average age of farmers is now I believe 59, weve got to have that next generation who are really sharp into farming".

Speaking at the Hay Festival, Mr Henson added that the range of opportunities available in the industry had broadened in the past few decades.

"If you took any child and asked them what they were interested in you could drop them into that food supply somewhere, whether its nano engineering or marketing or agricultural banking, milking cows, whatever it may be, theres something for everybody in there," he said.

He added: "As farmers we can not only produce food, we're incentivised to look after the environment and 55 per cent of farmers have got a second job now.

"But with agriculture you need to be business-minded and it is hard work, but you also need to be innovative and quite technological.

"If youre not all of those things you can surround yourself with people who are and thats quite key for the sustainability of farming."

Mr Henson himself runs the conservationist Cotswold Farm Park, which was set up by his father Joe in 1971 to protect rare breeds of farm animal.

He also called on the audience to "pay the right price for food", saying "the only way we can do that is trying to support British farming by buying British farming wherever we can".
Norwegian has said that its launch of transatlantic routes between Ireland and the United States will not be affected by the delayed delivery by Boeing of the new Max aircraft.

The upgraded single-aisle plane will now arrive at the end of June.

The delay is the second in about a month for Norwegian, which initially planned to receive its first 737 Max at the end of May before being forced to reschedule for June 13.

Norwegian Air International (NAI), a subsidiary of Scandinavian carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle, plans to launch flights from Ireland to the US in July.

A spokeswoman for Norwegian said the launch will not be affected.

"Boeing has informed us that the delivery of our first 737 MAX is postponed until the end of June. This will not affect our operation or our passengers, as the upcoming launch of transatlantic routes between Ireland and the US east coast will be operated by another aircraft type. Questions about why the delivery is postponed need to be directed to the aircraft manufacturer Boeing."

A spokesperson for Boeing said delays can happen.

"On occasion delivery processes run into minor issues - whether for maintenance or other reasons. In this case, we and our customer decided to reschedule this delivery in order to resolve a minor technical issue. We fully expect to deliver later this month and look forward to the Max entering revenue service with Norwegian."

Boeing delivered the first of the upgraded 737 to Lion Mentari Airlines PT's Malaysian unit Malindo Airways on May 17, followed by a second shortly after. Lion is the largest 737 Max customer, with 201 orders, one more than Southwest Airlines.
China has lodged an official complaint to Zambia over the arrest of 31 Chinese nationals, said Lin Songtian, director-general of the Department of African Affairs of Foreign Ministry, while meeting with Zambia's temporary ambassador to China.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not elaborate on the circumstances under which the Chinese nationals were arrested. However, Lin added that Zambian authorities had not followed correct law enforcement procedures in detaining those arrested.

Lin added that China has urged Zambia to release the detainees as soon as possible in order to maintain the friendly bilateral relationship and cooperation between the two countries.

Zambia's temporary ambassador to China said that China's position and concerns are understandable, adding that the situation will be reported to the country's government immediately.

The representative added that Zambia treasures the bilateral relationship between the two countries, and is willing to work with China closely to deal with the case properly.
RYANAIR won't be offering wifi on flights any time soon, according to company chief executive Michael O'Leary.

He has ruled out introducing the technology because it would not turn a profit.

Mr OLeary is reportedly reluctant to install the required satellites on board as they will create a 4pc fuel drag, increasing the fuel bill. He said he could see no revenue upside from the move.

On average flight distance is still only an hour and 15 minutes and the vast majority of people now are getting on board our aircraft, they have already downloaded Netflix and whatever else it is. They dont need wifi and theyre unlikely to pay the cost of it, he told The Sunday Business Post.

If it isnt revenue generating, frankly, we wouldnt be introducing it.

Ryanair shares hit a high of 18.68 last week, while Mr OLeary owns 51 million shares in the firm, according to the paper.

It was widely reported that Ryanair were considering the introduction of wireless internet in November last year, when company Head of Development David OCallaghan said wifi could be expected over the next year or two.

This has since been shot down by Robin Kiely, the airlines communications chief, and most recently Mr OLeary.

Currently only eight airlines worldwide offer free wifi; Emirates, JetBlue, Norwegian, Turkish Airlines, Air China, Philippine Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines and Nok Air.

Ryanair has increased its capacity by 30 million seats over the past two years, translating to a 33pc expansion. Short-haul ticket prices in Europe have dropped due to the rise in Ryanairs popularity, with the company continuing to undercut rival airlines and turning a profit.

The airline reported a 6pc increase in net profit to 1.32 billion profit last year, due to a 13pc increase in traffic. It currently stands as Europes largest airline, boasting 120 million passengers last year.

In 2014 the airline began a four-year plan to improve customer service, easing up on baggage allowances and improving online services. As part of the changes, customers will be able to book connecting flights on the airline for the first time this year.
Will Prime Minister Theresa May manage to rally enough voters to secure that commanding overall majority she hopes for? Photo: PA

Voters in the UK go to the polls this week. Will Prime Minister Theresa May manage to rally enough voters to secure that commanding overall majority she hopes for, or will the polls prove correct and will we see Jeremy Corbyn manage to close the gap, and potentially even lead to a hung parliament?

All will be revealed after the election on Thursday.

Mrs May called the election in an attempt to gain an increased parliamentary majority to back her Brexit negotiating stance.

Voting ends at 10pm with an expected exit poll to give the lay of the land.

Results are expected to filter in through the night, with an impact expected on the pound either way.

Elsewhere, the European Central Bank is unlikely to change rates at its meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, on Thursday, although improving economic prospects could lead to a discussion about exiting monetary stimulus.

Also on Thursday in the US, fired FBI director James Comey will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee about his dismissal by President Donald Trump and investigations into the Trump administration's contacts with Russia.
Justin Bieber honoured the 22 people who died in the Manchester Arena attack with his One Love performance on Sunday night.

He performed Love Yourself and Cold Water and the chanted 'love, love, love" with the audience, many of whom were reduced to tears.

He said: What an amazing thing we are doing tonight, would you not agree? Would you agree that love always wins? What a better way to fight evil with evil than fight evil with good.

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Would you guys agree with that? he added, to cheers from the crowd.

Its an honour for me to be here and maybe I should just play some music, right.

In between the two songs, he said: Im not going to let go of hope, Im not going to let go of love, Im not going to let go of god.

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Justin then urged everyone to raise their hands in honour of those killed in the terror attack at Ariana Grandes gig less than two weeks ago.

He said: I just want to take this moment to honour the people that are lost, that were taken.

We love you so much, to the families we love you so much. Put both hands up to honour those people right now, everybody say we honour you, and we love you.

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A woman has died after she was attacked by a number of dogs this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Knockarasser near Moycullen, Co Galway at approximately 3pm.

Independent.ie has learned that the woman, aged in her 60s, was attacked by a number of dogs at a home.

Neighbours came to her aid and shot the animals.

It is believed that the woman was visiting a relative when she was attacked by two dogs, which are believed to be bullmastiffs.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and her remains were moved to University Hosptial Galway this evening.

Gardai are at the scene and a full investigation is underway.

A post-mortem is due to take place over the coming days.

A spokeswoman confirmed: "Gardai are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Galway this afternoon."

One local said: "The woman was very well known and respected. This is a terrible tragedy for the area."

Fr Martin Moran, parish priest of the neighbouring parish of Killannin, said the tragic incident caused deep shock.

Fr Moran is assisting in the parish of Moycullen during the weekend absence of its parish priest Canon Michael McLoughlin.

"It's a terrible tragedy," said Fr Moran.

"It is indeed a terrible shock for the community," he said.
The High Court has threatened to jail a former school teacher if she does not leave her family home so it can be sold as part of a judicial separation.

The court found evidence of a continual and wilful refusal by the woman to comply with court orders. She is refusing to leave the house until 2025, claiming it makes no economic sense to do so.

In a ruling, Ms Justice Bronagh O'Hanlon found the woman should be jailed until she purges her contempt. A stay was put on the order until June 15 so the woman can "consider seriously the position she is in". The case arose out of the separation of the couple, with two adult daughters. A Circuit Court judge directed in 2014 that the family home be sold.

But the wife, a qualified school teacher who stopped working 10 years ago, appealed this to the High Court. She was unsuccessful and in April last year, it directed that she leave the property within six weeks to facilitate its sale. It also ordered that the husband be allowed to use the property while it was on the market as he planned to have works done to it.

However, when the matter came back before the court in July 2016, the woman insisted she could not afford to leave. The court directed the husband to pay her 4,000 to cover the costs of moving, and the sum was to be recouped from the proceeds of the sale. The husband later told the court that a cheque was repeatedly sent to his wife, only to be returned.

He described how the situation had not helped with his employment and led to him suffering from chronic stress, lack of sleep and anxiety.

The man said he was still helping his two adult daughters, one of whom lives in a one-bed apartment and the other who spends some time living with him and some time with her mother. He said his wife was not willing to accept a job at present for which she was not trained, but he felt she could retrain.

Under cross-examination, he said he believed the threat of incarceration might bring her to her senses.

The wife told the court she had not complied with an order to vacate because she had broken her wrist. She insisted she had not been in a position to have surgery because of "trauma" she felt at the time.

The woman said she had not accepted the 4,000 as she described it as "contaminated" money. She also said it would not make economic sense to leave the home, as she would have to pay 1,400 in rent.
In a reflection of shifting attitudes, the UKs prestigious Oxford University announced last week that it was making it compulsory for history students to sit one paper on non-British, non-European topics. (Stock picture)

The teaching of history and other subjects in Ireland must develop to reflect the cultures and experiences of new immigrant communities, an education expert has warned.

Dr Victoria Showunmi of Maynooth University (MU) said the curricula in schools and third-level colleges had to keep pace with the changing face of Ireland, and include perspectives that are not white Irish.

She warned of a risk of migrants feeling alienated if they were unable to see how what is being taught has any bearing on their experience or personal background.

With immigration a relatively new phenomenon in Ireland, Dr Showunmi said education policymakers must learn lessons from the experience of the UK, over decades, to do more to help integration.

She spoke about the subtle difference between assimilation - adopting the ways of another culture - and integration, which is defined as incorporating individuals from different groups into society as equals.

"The onus is typically placed on the person coming into the country to assimilate, but many migrants feel that they lose part of their identity through this process," she said.

"Those in charge of education policy should look to meet migrant students half-way by placing an emphasis on integration. The first step we can take in this case is to look at the content of the curriculum.

"An increasing proportion of young people are unable to see how what is being taught in schools and universities had any bearing on their experience or personal background.

"Integrating different viewpoints into the classroom is an important step to prevent this alienating experience that sours many young people on education."

Dr Showunmi pointed to how challenges posed by curricula for those from migrant backgrounds prompted the student-led "Why is My Curriculum White" campaign in the UK.

The campaign advocates more diversity on reading lists and course content.

In a reflection of shifting attitudes, the UK's prestigious Oxford University announced last week that it was making it compulsory for history students to sit one paper on non-British, non-European topics.

Dr Showunmi, who is a senior lecturer in MU's Department of Education, was speaking to the Irish Independent ahead of the university's annual education conference, next week, which will discuss the experience of ethnic minorities in education.

She said many immigrants in Ireland were white European and others were people of colour, and one group could be assimilated, or become less noticeable, than the other.

"If you look at migration in terms of people of colour, what is quite different is they change the face of Ireland; Ireland is looking very different," she said.

They may not have language needs because many, such as Nigerians, already had English as their first language. But she said: "We need to be able to ensure that their history is included in our history."

Dr Showunmi said that in history classes, students needed to be allowed to see that there are various role models, and that it was "not just people who look at it in a certain way".

Dr Showunmi said the same could apply to other subjects, such as English.

She said reading lists were a very powerful tool in education "and we are asking educators to think, are they just a particular type of book".
US Senator Bernie Sanders lambasted the record of US President Donald Trump when he told an Irish audience that the US president "lies all the time".

The hugely popular Vermont politician said Mr Trump's budget proposals were "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 in Dublin.

His speech and one-to-one interview with economist David McWilliams last night was the opening event of the Dalkey Book Festival, which begins in earnest on June 15.

Expand Close Senator Bernie Sanders meeting President Michael D Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain. Picture: Maxwells / Facebook

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Whatsapp Senator Bernie Sanders meeting President Michael D Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain. Picture: Maxwells

Before Mr Sanders (75) was welcomed on stage by Mr McWilliams, the economist said "the magic of Bernie" resulted in tickets selling out in under five minutes.

Mr Sanders said Mr Trump's decision to withdraw 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".

He said that Mr Trump's assertions that climate change was 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?" he asked.

He also said Mr Trump was "lying through his teeth" when he said during his election campaign that he was on the side of the working class. He said that 28 million Americans do not have health insurance and Mr Trump's measures would result in a further 23 million losing their health cover.

He said he was very concerned by Mr Trump's constant attacks on the US media as he continually branded TV networks and news outlets "fake news".

"We have a president of the United States who lies all the time," he said.

The senator also defended his decision to back Hillary Clinton's campaign once he conceded to her after attacking her policies for months.

He said he worked very hard because he believed Mr Trump's election would be a "disaster" for America.

Asked by Mr McWilliams whether he would run again for the Democratic nomination for president, he replied: "I don't know."

Earlier yesterday, Mr Sanders and his wife Jane O'Meara Sanders paid a visit to Aras an Uachtarain where he was welcomed by President Michael D Higgins and his daughter Senator Mary Alice Higgins.
(File photo)

Withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement is a major step back for the environment. The departure from the Paris agreement is not good for the U.S. and the whole world. The US PresidentDonald Trumps recent announcement of pulling out from the climate deal has drawn collective criticism from the western countries.

After the news came out, China's attitude towards the agreement was most concerned by the international media. To put it in one sentence, it should be that China is committed to tackling the issue, both via the Paris Agreement and by setting national targets. This is a statement jointly released by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and German chancellor Angela Merkel in a press conference.

As early as in 2009, during the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, China pledged that on the basis of 2005, the country was to reduce its carbon emissions per million GDP by 40% to 45% by 2020. Nowadays, more and more Chinese people begin to realize that no matter how other countries change, it is the constant development direction for China to take the road of emission reduction to green development.

The reason for this is simple: We, as those who have experienced the pain of various pollution, have long understood that the protection of the environment is to protect ourselves. "We have no plan, because we don't have planet B."
A man has died after a crash near the M1 toll plaza early this morning.

It is understood that the man was driving a lorry and appears to have lost control, struck a garda observational point and then jack-knifed.

The incident occurred shortly after 8.30am this morning.

Gardai, fire service and ambulance services attended the scene just south of the toll plaza at Gormanston.

The road is currently closed south-bound at Junction 9 Drogheda.

Diversions are in place and motorists are advised that they will be diverted onto the R132 and can rejoin the motorway at Junction 7 Julianstown.

The man is the fifth person to die on Irish roads since Friday.

A pedestrian (aged in his 40s) was killed when he was struck by a car at around 2.20am this morning in Co Wicklow.

The man was walking along the Coolgreany Road in Arklow when the incident occurred.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has been removed to St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.

The driver of the car was uninjured in the incident.

The road at the scene of the crash is closed pending an examination of the area by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Today's tragic deaths comes as Sean Halloran, a young man in his 20s, was killed in a 4am crash on Sunday in Co Mayo. Mr Halloran, from Clonbur in Co Galway had been attending GAA event, Comortas Peile Na Gaeltachta in Tourmakeady. Two other occupants were also rushed to hospital.

Mr Halloran's close friend, named locally as Orla O'Malley, was last night fighting for her life in Mayo University Hospital.

The driver of the car, in his 20s, was also injured.

Meanwhile, on Saturday a man in his 40s was killed in a single car crash on the M6. A female passenger was also hospitalised.

On Friday Cavan GAA backroom team member, Dominic Earley, was killed in a road crash in Co Fermanagh.

Meanwhile six people were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries following a head on collision on the N2, the main Dublin to Derry road, this morning.

The collision happened at Dalys Cross, north of Collon, which is used as a link road between the M1 motorway and the N2.
Police officers at the scene of a fatal stabbing at the Little Victoria Street car park on Bruce Street in Belfast (Photo - Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

POLICE in Northern Ireland have arrested a teenager following the murder of a man in Belfast city centre.

The incident happened at the Little Victoria Street car park near Bruce Street.

The PSNI have confirmed that officers "have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man following an incident in Downshire Place".

They believe the man was stabbed to death.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Dickson said: Police investigating this murder have arrested an 18-year-old male. He is currently in police custody at Musgrave PSNI station.

There are no further details at this stage.

More to follow
Commuters travel past City of London police officers standing on London Bridge after is was reopened following an attack which left 7 people dead and dozens of injured in central London, Britain. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

THE London terror suspect who lived in Dublin last year has been named by British police.

Scotland Yard named two of the suspects as as Khuram Shazad Butt and Rachid Redouane.

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Metropolitan Police undated handout photo of Rachid Redouane who has been named as one of the men shot dead by police following the terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market. Forensics investigators work on London Bridge, after an attack left 7 people dead and dozens injured, in London, Britain June 4, 2017. REUTERS/Neil Hall A woman looks at flowers left at the south end of London Bridge, near Borough market following an attack which left 7 people dead and dozens of injured in central London, Britain. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls / Facebook

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Whatsapp Metropolitan Police undated handout photo of Rachid Redouane who has been named as one of the men shot dead by police following the terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market.

Independent.ie understands Rachid Redouane lived in Rathmines in south Dublin as recently as the end of 2016.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said Butt was known to the security services, but there was no evidence of "attack planning".

Expand Close Metropolitan Police undated handout photo of Khuram Shazad Butt who has been named as one of the men shot dead by police following the terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Metropolitan Police undated handout photo of Khuram Shazad Butt who has been named as one of the men shot dead by police following the terrorist attack on London Bridge and Borough Market.

It is believed Redouane was working as a pastry chef while here.

Speaking at an event in Chicago, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Redouane was not being monitored by gardai while here.

"There are a small number of people in Ireland who are being monitored and observed in respect of radicalisation and matters relevent to that," he told reporters after a talk at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. "In this case, these facts are being checked but my understanding is this individual was not a member of that small group."

Kenny added that in terms of the Common Travel Area, the agreement will continue.

Expand Close Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, near the scene of Saturday's terrorist incident at Borough Market. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, near the scene of Saturday's terrorist incident at Borough Market. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

"On the foot of the EU Treaties, people from outside the EU who have an established relationship with an EU citizen are entitled to visas under that legislation and in this particular case this is a matter that is being checked to establish the veracity or otherwise of this particular situation," he said.

"But the Common Travel Area is one that we expect to be able to hold on to for so many different reasons on a bi-lateral basis with the UK. But clearly all of these things are part and parcel of the phenomenon of terrorist incidents not just in Britain no tragically but in Sweden, in Belgium, and in France and Germany and other locations.

Expand Close 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 / Facebook

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Whatsapp 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

RTE reports that a high level meeting between Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan and security and intelligence officers took place in Garda HQ this morning to discuss the development.

On Saturday night three attackers ploughed a rented van into pedestrians on London Bridge before abandoning the van and stabbing a number of people in the area.

Police shot all three  who were wearing fake suicide vests  within eight minutes, expending an 'unprecedented' 50 rounds.

The focus of this morning's meeting in Garda HQ will be to collate all of the information have on the man carrying the Irish ID, and his time spent in Dublin.

It is believed he was of Moroccan origin and was married to a woman from Scotland.

Authorities are liaising with UK police who are leading the terror probe.

Gardai are investigating whether the ID card belonged to the dead man and if the documents are legitimate.

A Garda spokesman this morning said: "An Garda Siochana is providing every assistance to our colleagues in the London Metropolitan Police in relation to the terror attack in London.

"We will process all requests from the UK authorities in relation to enquiries into individuals, identities or any other matter," he added.

The type of identity card found on the man is not yet clear.

It is understood inquiries are continuing into whether he was given an Irish ID card issued by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

The plastic credit card-sized documentation is given to people from outside the EU. It has a person's certificate of registration which states they have permission to stay in Ireland. It must be carried at all times.

There are also inquiries into whether the man had been given paperwork after landing in Ireland to claim asylum or if he had an ID card issued under EU treaties which allowed him to live in Ireland with his family.

It is believed that the man lived in Dublin - possibly in Rathmines - and may have been here as recently as last year. It is understood he had not come to the notice of gardai when he was here.

A Department of Justice spokesman said they do not comment on individual cases.

He added: "The expert threat assessment is that while an attack here is possible it is unlikely and that there is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism.

"That said, the level of threat from this source is kept under constant and active review by An Garda Siochana."

The spokesman said that Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan makes an assessment based on a range of factors including "current available intelligence, knowledge of capabilities, events outside the State and the current international climate."

She consults with Defence Forces chief of staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellet in making the assessment.

The spokesman said: "Clearly, attacks like the one in London and others that have taken place elsewhere focus attention on any other measures that might be taken to prevent such atrocities.

"The authorities here are taking and will take all necessary and appropriate measures to counteract the threat.

"The Gardai have in place appropriate operational measures in terms of intelligence, a well-trained and equipped special intervention capability and other national support resources.

"They are supported in this, as needed, by the considerable skills and resources of the Defence Forces."

The spokesman continued: "The Garda Authorities also work very closely with their international counterparts, particularly in Britain and Northern Ireland, in counteracting this threat both in terms of providing support in ongoing investigations and in ongoing mutual co-operation with other international partners."

Seven people died in the London attack and 48 were injured. Of those wounded, 21 are critically injured in hospitals across the English capital.

Here is what we know so far:

* 10.07pm Saturday - Ambulance services are called to reports of a white van ploughing through pedestrians on London Bridge, arriving within six minutes.

* 10.08pm - Police are also called to the scene.

* The white van crashes outside The Barrowboy & Banker pub in Borough High Street, where three men leave the vehicle and apparently run down steps and along Green Dragon Court, heading towards Borough Market where they begin stabbing people in pubs and restaurants.

* Witnesses say three men run into the Black And Blue restaurant in Stoney Street and begin stabbing people indiscriminately, including one person in the face and neck.

* A knifeman also storms the El Pastor restaurant in Stoney Street, forcing diners and staff to take shelter.

* Another man, journalist Geoff Ho, is stabbed at the Southwark Tavern. Witnesses see injured people in the Mudlark pub, while others at the Katzenjammers Bierhall in Southwark Street help a person who has been stabbed.

* Police searching for the knifemen go through bars and restaurants as staff and drinkers hide.

* 10.16pm - Eight minutes after police are called three male suspects are shot dead by marksmen near the Wheatsheaf pub in Stoney Street. Eight officers fire 50 bullets, an "unprecedented number of rounds", the Met's assistant commissioner Mark Rowley says.

* A member of the public is also accidentally shot, and is in hospital with injuries described as "not critical".

* The men are wearing what looked like explosive vests but these are later found to be hoaxes.

* At least 48 patients are taken to five hospitals, London Ambulance Service says, with more than 80 medics having been sent to the scene.

* A British Transport Police officer who took on the three attackers armed with just his baton is stabbed in the head, face and leg as he tries to help members of the public.

* 12.25am on Sunday - Both incidents are declared by the Metropolitan Police as terror attacks.

* Shortly before 4am, police confirm six people are killed in the rampage.

* A third incident at Vauxhall is a stabbing and unrelated, Scotland Yard says.

* Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick says the number of victims from the London attack has risen to seven. The High Commission of Canada later confirms one of its citizens is among the dead.

* After chairing a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency committee, at 10.35am British Prime Minister Theresa May says the UK is experiencing a "new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism" as she condemns the terror attacks.

* On Sunday morning police carry out raids in Barking, east London, where it is thought one of the attackers lived. Officers make 12 arrests in the area and a neighbour who knew one of the attackers says he had asked him how to hire a van.

* 2pm - Armed police descend on a flat in East Ham, where witnesses say they apprehend two suspects. Residents see one man jump out of a first floor window and run along the top of a rank of shops before being dragged through a window by officers.

* 4.30pm - Mr Rowley confirms that 36 people remain in hospital with 21 in a critical condition. He warns of more armed police in the capital in coming days, and says "increased physical measures" will be brought in to keep people safe on London's bridges.

* 7.50pm - French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirms a French citizen was killed in the attack and seven were taken to hospital, of which four are in a serious condition.

* 10pm - Scotland Yard says seven women aged between 19 and 60 are among those arrested at an address in Barking under the Terrorism Act, while five men aged 27 to 55 are also detained. One 55-year-old man is released without charge.

* 10:30pm - The first victim of the attack is named as Canadian national Christine Archibald, who worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance. 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.

"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."

* 10.45pm - The head of the SITE intelligence group says the Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the London attacks.

* 12.18am on Monday - Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop says three Australian citizens were injured in the attacks.

* 5am - Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says the number of Australian victims has increased to four, adding the Government had "very real concerns" about two of its citizens.

* Monday 4.15am - Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command enter two addresses in Newham and Barking and a "number of people" are detained.
As a trained doctor, it can be assumed Leo Varadkar did very well indeed in the Leaving Cert. He may or may not have studied geography, but either way, he is about to get a crash course in the subject as he considers his future Cabinet and the ranks of junior ministers.

Limited in the number of vacancies at his disposal, he will also be shackled by the need to ensure a decent regional spread of the big jobs.

And it is set to become Mr Varadkar's biggest headache given the sheer number of TDs in all corners of the country that backed him over his rival Simon Coveney.

The departure of Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Finance Minister Michael Noonan from Cabinet leaves a big gaping hole of senior ministers along the entire Western seaboard.

There is a widespread view that either junior ministers Michael Ring or Sean Kyne will be promoted to fill that gap.

In that sense, the situation west of the Shannon may be relatively easy for Mr Varadkar to box off when compared to the south-east, a region that is packed with his supporters.

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There are the two TDs in Carlow/Kilkenny - early Varadkar backers John Paul Phelan and Pat Deering.

Next door in Wexford are current 'super junior' Defence Minister Paul Kehoe and Michael D'Arcy, also important supporters.

And don't forget John Deasy in Waterford, long overlooked for promotion to the ministerial ranks.

Geographic considerations mean it will be difficult to accommodate all of them in the new line-up, and the region also already has another junior minister in Independent Alliance TD John Halligan.

Mr Varadkar has confirmed he was happy for the Independents to stay in their current roles.

The current situation in Meath - where all three of the party's TDs, Regina Doherty, Helen McEntee and Damien English, were appointed as ministers by Mr Kenny - was given by one source as an example of the geography challenge facing Mr Varadkar.

"Nothing against any of them, but there was a lot of eyebrows raised when there were three put there," the source said. The TD also said there would be limited scope for Mr Varadkar to make appointments in Dublin, given the presence of so many ministers, both Fine Gael and Independent, based in the capital and commuter belt.

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Junior Finance Minister and Dublin Bay South TD Eoghan Murphy is expected to be among those first in line for promotion to Cabinet due to his role as Mr Varadkar's campaign manager.

Paschal Donohoe is also expected to stay in Cabinet, as is Frances Fitzgerald. Cork-based Housing Minister Mr Coveney is guaranteed a prominent role.

Ironically, in some cases, it may be easier for Mr Varadkar to appoint backers of Mr Coveney like Simon Harris, as it would be a magnanimous move.

Former Fine Gael strategist Frank Flannery summarised the dilemma during an appearance on RTE's the 'Week in Politics'. He said he was sure Mr Varadkar would "go for the best government of talent he can get", but he added: "No leader can totally ignore things like geography."

Speaking after his election, Mr Varadkar conceded "it's never possible to keep everyone happy", but pledged to "put together as good a team as I possibly can".

Whatever decisions he makes in the coming days, there will be some TDs in the party that will give him an 'A+' for his ministerial choices. Those who lose out in the job stakes due to geographic considerations are likely to offer a big fat 'F'.
New Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar has outlined five key immediate priorities he wishes to tackle. Picture: Tom Burke

Spending on road and rail, as well as income tax cuts, are set to form key planks of Leo Varadkar's response to Brexit.

Mr Varadkar has outlined five key immediate priorities as Taoiseach to the Irish Independent.

He confirmed his plans for capital investment and tax cuts formed part of his strategy for dealing with the fallout from the United Kingdom leaving the EU.

If, as expected, Mr Varadkar is elected Taoiseach in the Dail next week, he will have less than 10 days to prepare for a crunch European Council meeting.

It will be the first meeting of EU leaders following the UK general election on Thursday, and the remaining 27 member states are due to discuss Brexit negotiations. Mr Varadkar last night identified his five immediate policy priorities.

He listed them as Brexit, the restoration of the Executive in the North, a new pay deal with the public sector, what he described as an "ambitious new capital investment plan", and the preparations for Budget 2018.

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Mr Varadkar said his focus this week would be on meetings with Independent TDs and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin.

He also confirmed his proposals for capital spending and taxes would form part of his plan to respond to Brexit.

The Irish Independent previously revealed his plans to improve the country's transport infrastructure will cost around 5bn.

During the Fine Gael election contest, Mr Varadkar released a policy paper detailing a 10-year capital plan.

He said that Irish infrastructure lagged behind other European countries and there was a need to invest in roads and railways, as well as housing, healthcare and education.

Specific projects mentioned include the Dublin Metro, M20 road between Cork and Limerick and motorway access to the West and North-West.

During the campaign, he told an audience in Donegal of the need to "invest in new infrastructure to combat Brexit", adding that this would allow Ireland to connect directly with mainland Europe.

Read More

He cited potential investment in Rosslare Port and in an A5 road to connect Donegal to the rest of the country. In relation to taxes, he wants to reduce the marginal rate on workers earning over 70,000 from 52pc, down to 50pc.

Mr Varadkar believes this will improve Ireland's competitiveness.

He plans to fund the increased capital spending by amending Ireland's debt target to 55pc of GDP, from the current level of 45pc.

He has argued that the EU only requires the Government to bring our debt down to 60pc of GDP.

Mr Varadkar was elected Fine Gael leader on Friday evening, and spoke about Brexit and his plans for capital spending.

He said that he wanted to see "special arrangements" for Northern Ireland, while accepting that the region would leave the EU with the rest of the UK.

Mr Varadkar said he wanted to see "an invisible or non-existent economic Border" and the North remaining in as many EU programmes as possible.

He also noted: "We don't want Britain to be punished."

Also among his priorities, he said: "There will be a new capital programme and that capital programme will be informed by some of the policies and ideas that I've put forward.

"I'd anticipate that to be a very ambitious programme of capital development."

He said that after the UK election, he wanted to see the parties in the North get together in a renewed effort to form a power-sharing executive.

"Our Government as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement will play its part in making sure that happens," he said.

Mr Varadkar said progress was being made on a public pay deal, and he hoped the talks could conclude by the Dail's summer recess.

He is set to meet Independent ministers in the coming days and he will also sit down with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin. Mr Varadkar has already said the 'Confidence and Supply' deal, whereby Fianna Fail facilitates the minority Fine Gael Government, would be honoured.

Mr Varadkar's new Cabinet is not expected to be publicly named until after he is elected Taoiseach, which could happen as early as Tuesday, June 13.

He met his vanquished rival Simon Coveney on Saturday to discuss the Housing Minister's future role.

Mr Coveney, who won a considerable majority among Fine Gael's rank and file membership, has been widely tipped to be appointed as Tanaiste.

Their meeting was described over the weekend by Mr Varadkar's spokesman as "positive and constructive", but Cabinet formation was said to be still "under consideration".

Meanwhile, Enda Kenny is today beginning what are set to be his last foreign engagements as Taoiseach.

He is leading a two-day trade mission to Chicago, where he will meet business leaders as well as mayor Rahm Emanuel. On Wednesday, Mr Kenny will travel to Belgium for a World War I commemoration ceremony.
(File photo)

What is the most beautiful Chinese poem you have ever read? An American netizen shares a story about an older Dutch lady living near where he grew up: During the last few weeks of her life, she gave us an anthology of Li Pos poetry. I suppose as a way of thanking my father for his medical help and counselling. She left a note in the front with this poem of his: Drinking Alone Under The Moon.

In fact, many netizens in the U.S. who are learning Chinese like to discuss and share their favourite Chinese poems on the forum. These foreigners are very familiar with the poems of Li Po, Du Fu, Wang Wei, Su Shi and other Chinese great poets.

In addition to poetry, other Chinese cultural products are also gradually gaining more and more oversea fans. The Three-Body Problem of the Hugo Award winner Liu Cixin has popularized a trend of Chinese science-fiction. The Chinese TV series such as Nirvana in Fire and Ode to Joy have also been heating up in all sorts of ways.

Data shows that Chinese online literature has already successfully gained popularity among Western readers. On the novel translation platforms Wuxiaworld and Gravity Tales, millions of oversea netizens are checking the update of Chinese novels such as The Story of Choosing the Heaven and I Shall Seal the Heavens every day. It seems that Chinese pop culture is bringing some different air to more and more people overseas.
Lisa McDermott fondly remembers the shoes she was wearing the night she met her husband Stephen 11 years ago at the Fort Bar in Tyrone. The Grecian-style strappy sandals were embellished with Swarovski crystals, and she had saved hard for them along with her new outfit. She was enjoying being the belle of the ball - well, until she encountered Stephen.

"This big galoot came rambling along and stood on my foot," she says. "I roared at him and said 'You've ruined my new shoes, they cost a week's wages and I'm raging. Come over and say sorry to me'. He came over and was very polite and mannerly, but he couldn't stop laughing because I was behaving like a lunatic. I sat on a high stool, put my foot out and told him to kiss it and he did it. That was the start of a wonderful love story, although I still cry about those shoes to this day."

Stephen compounded his error that night by then trying to kiss an unreceptive Lisa. She had just broken up with someone, and two weeks later, she spotted Stephen standing next to her ex in a nightclub. Fuelled by some Dutch courage and a dare from her friend, she walked across the dance floor to Stephen and "snogged the face off him''. I tried to walk away, but he grabbed my hand and said, 'You're going nowhere missus'," she recalls.

After a few similar meet-ups, Lisa and Stephen eventually exchanged numbers and that was it. Although Stephen is quiet, Lisa says he is very funny, personable and kind, and she loves his smile. She knew he would fit in really well with her family, which was very important to her as she's very close to them. What did Stephen find attractive about Lisa? "She is so fiery and I could see the ambition in her straight away, which I wasn't used to," Stephen says. "She wears very little makeup and is a natural and radiant beauty."

Stephen is from Tyrone and comes in the middle of Margaret and Pat McDermott's six children. He started his career as a painter and decorator, and has just started a new job as production supervisor for J&B Engineering. Although she has a completely Tyrone accent, Lisa (36) is originally from Cork city, and is the eldest of Martina and Mick McKeown's three children. She studied both drama and hospitality here and in Scotland, and then returned to live in Tyrone, where the rest of her family lives.

After a varied career, that included managing restaurants and singing in a band in Greece, she enrolled at her local college to study beauty therapy. She worked as counter manager for Estee Lauder, as business development manager for Menarys department store chain with 18 stores, and managed three outlets for cosmetics brand, Molton Brown, in Belfast.

When they met, Stephen quickly realised that if he didn't get approval from the whole family, he was gone. Lisa was living with her maternal grandparents, Anne and Patsy, and it was Patsy that Stephen spoke to when he wanted to propose. They ended up drinking too much in celebration, which meant that Stephen wasn't feeling too good the next day when he was due to propose. He popped the question while he and Lisa were enjoying their Saturday tradition of fish and chips in the local cafe with her gran. Well the girls were enjoying it, but our hero was feeling a bit green around the gills. He blurted the proposal across the table, and Lisa accepted. "Nan was chuffed because she could get her house decorated forever with him in the family,'' laughs Lisa.

They were married in February 2008 in Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown, and their kind family came together to organise and pay for it. "My nana picked and paid for my wedding dress so I didn't even choose it," says Lisa. "Nana knew what she wanted me to look like and it was beautiful. I didn't know who was on my guest list, and I didn't send invitations, as my aunt Mary did all of that. Doing it that way made everyone feel so included."

Lisa and Stephen now have a son Lorcan (8) and a daughter, Aoibheann (7). Two years ago, Lisa and her friend Linda Stinson decided to go into the beauty business together and launched Bellamianta tan. "We saw a gap in the market for 'clean' products," Lisa explains. "Linda and I knew what we wanted in our formula and we also wanted it to be vegan-friendly. It was important to us that it was made in Ireland, and we found this lovely factory in Mayo where everyone is amazing. We have been very hands-on in the process. Our first order was for 5,000 bottles, which was a lot of money for us as we've self-financed all the way up. Our husbands, Stephen and Jason, have been amazing too." The women were terrified that the products wouldn't sell, but within six weeks, they had sold out. The tan doesn't smell, dries in 60 seconds and gives a gorgeous colour. They now have a full range of nine products including a brilliant mitt and body shimmer oil, and there are six more in development. The brand has become so popular it is now stocked in 3,500 locations, and they are steadily making their way into the UK. "Independent pharmacies and salons made us," says Lisa. "They were so willing to take a chance on a new brand."

Stephen is delighted for Lisa that the brand is doing so well. She's still the fiery, passionate girl he met in 2006, and he says that she deserves success as she puts everybody before herself. "I'm not driven by financial reasons," Lisa says. "I measure success by family, happiness and doing something you love."

www.bellamianta.com
When Paul McLoone (62) spearheaded an initiative to get a new oncology unit going at a regional hospital, he had no idea that one day it would become pivotal to his own health. But that's how it is with the vagaries of life.

His career is also no exception to the rule that anything and everything is possible. Following a happy childhood in Co Donegal, Paul moved to Dublin to take up a clerical position with the Eastern Health Board. "They recruited about 200 of us at the same time," he recalls. "We were all between the ages of 18 and 20. So we ended up having a great time. That's where I met my future wife, Marie Howe, who was also a clerical officer."

Having married in romantic Kilkea Castle near Marie's family home in Co Laois, the McLoones chose to go north, where Paul landed a job at Sligo General Hospital. The following year - 1986 - their son Ciaran was born; he was soon followed by Aisling, and then Shane.

Meanwhile, Paul was steadily moving up through the ranks, until 1995, when he was appointed general manager of the hospital. "I loved working there," he says. "Because I felt I was doing something worthwhile for our own community. One of my main challenges was to accommodate a new oncology unit. We did it on a small budget and recruited a new team."

Another exceptional challenge came Paul's way some years later, when he was appointed CEO of North West Ireland Tourism. "That, to me, was a dream job," he says, "because I was promoting a region I truly love." Naturally, Paul was expected to travel to meetings in his catchment area. In 2006, while on a visit to Monaghan, he was involved in a minor motor accident, which resulted in a painful arm. Once he got home, he went to see the family doctor. But it turned out that doctor was away, so Paul was seen by a locum.

"Having prescribed anti-inflammatories, the locum then suggested I have a full check-up, given that I was over 50," explains Paul. "We started with a colonoscopy, as I had mentioned a touch of rectal bleeding, which I'd put down to stress or haemorrhoids. Up until then, I'd been reluctant to mention it to anyone. I'm now embarrassed that I was embarrassed about that," he admits. A week later, Paul learned that some "suspicious" polyps had been discovered during the colonoscopy. Soon after, a formal diagnosis of bowel cancer was made, so he was admitted to Sligo Regional Hospital.

"The surgeon removed about four feet of intestine and then successfully reconnected the two ends," he explains. "I was able to go back to work eight weeks later. After that, I went for regular check-ups at the oncology unit I'd helped to set up." However, his sense that all was well again was soon shattered, when just a few months later, around Christmas time, he got a call asking him to return to the oncology department. During routine tests, they had discovered that the cancer had spread to Paul's liver.

Paul was referred to St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, where they specialise in this form of cancer. In the meantime, he and Marie were so rattled, they invested some of their savings in getting second and third opinions. In the end, they became convinced that the team at St Vincent's offered the best care possible. Early in 2008, a resection was performed, which involved the removal of the part of the liver that was affected by cancerous cells.

Once he had recovered sufficiently, Paul returned to Sligo General for six months of out-patient chemotherapy. This, he says, was an incredibly daunting prospect. So he decided to return to work. "It was a distraction, but after three months I had to stop," he says. "My mind was all over the place and I was exhausted from all the side effects of the chemo."

Paul says another difficult aspect of this journey was dealing with the loss of fellow cancer patients; those who didn't make it, in spite of valiant efforts by their medical teams. "It was heartbreaking; like going to war and losing some of your buddies," says Paul.

An additional blow was the loss of Peter Mulligan, his friend and walking companion for over 20 years. "Peter died very suddenly of heart failure in 2008," says Paul. "He always insisted that, no matter what my health problems, I kept walking. His death was a terrible blow."

The following year, Paul faced yet more uphill battles when cancer cells were again found in his liver. So, it was back to St Vincent's for more surgery. This time, Paul felt absolutely and utterly defeated.

"After that surgery, my spirit was totally broken. I was at my very lowest point," he recalls. "But three days later my surgeon told me the biopsies were clear of any cancer cells." Paul was so elated, he discharged himself from hospital and went home to Donegal that very night, a decision that proved somewhat foolhardy, as he got an infection that took three months to resolve.

Four years ago, Paul had yet another skirmish with cancer when his prostate developed abnormal cells. This time, he had brachytherapy, which involved implanting 90 radioactive seeds, which slowly released radiation into his prostate gland, destroying the cancerous cells.

Nowadays, Paul is the picture of robust good health. He and Marie have become inveterate travellers and have visited, among other places, Australia, New Zealand, China, Africa, the US and South America. Throughout his many ordeals, Paul did his best to remain positive. He also prayed to his late parents and to his brother Philip, who died from cancer when he was just 26 years old.

A large part of what kept Paul going was the love and support he got from his wife, their children and extended families and friends. "Marie and the kids were like rocks to me throughout all that time. They were amazing," he says. He will also be eternally grateful for the support he got from the Irish Cancer Society (ICS). "The nurse there gave me wonderful advice and useful techniques to deal with the various issues - especially the emotional ones," says Paul. "Everyone deserves first-class treatment and the ICS tirelessly fights for that."

For further information on bowel cancer and to take the online Bowel Health Checker see cancer.ie/reduce-your-risk/bowel-cancer-awareness/online-bowel-health-checker
When the current owners of Carn Lodge first viewed the property in 2006, they had no intention of buying the place. "To be honest," they say, "we went to steal some (or a whole lot of) design ideas. We had passed the house while it was being built and really loved the design."

It was one of a number of local houses built by a small-scale German developer Jurgen Siewer, and designed by the local firm of MacGabhann Architects, and it looks for all the world like a period property. It is also built to a very high-spec - the roof is tiled in original blue Bangor slates, says the owner, the hardwood double-glazed windows were made by an artisan in Gweedore, the stairs were bespoke and made in NI, the cornicing was custom-made in Dublin.

"I can remember the day," he says of that first viewing, "as we approached Carn Lodge through the tree-lined drive. My wife's breathing changed and when we knocked on the front door, she was literally having palpitations. As the estate agent came up the hall to open the door, she whispered, 'This is it - I could definitely live here'."

The couple had been looking for a site with sea views and shore access to build their own home. Their two eldest sons had already flown the nest, and their third was 'in the departure lounge'. "We were beginning to think about safe, magical and fun places for grandkids to visit and explore." But they were also looking for a space that would encourage creativity. "My wife is a published poet, writer, mentor and workshop facilitator, and she always dreamt of having her own workshop and performance space - a writer's retreat."

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Carn Lodge ticked all the boxes. It had all the appeal and character of a period property, but none of the maintenance headaches. No draughts, leaks or damp. "My wife wouldn't go back for a second viewing. She said, 'I'm not going back to be disappointed if we don't get it'." In fact, she didn't return until the contract was signed.

And for the 10 years since, as well as being a family home, Carn Lodge has hosted writers and poets looking for peace, quiet and encouragement to write.

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The property comes with 3.54 acres of woodland and lawns that run down to the shores of Lough Swilly and comes with paths that run along a boundary stream. Those in search of a restoration project can busy themselves with rebuilding the two old flax mills, known as the Mill Race, that were once powered by the stream.

Carn Lodge sits just outside the pretty Heritage Town of Ramelton in Co Donegal, and is on the Wild Atlantic Way, making it a good base from which to explore the coastline, or hike in nearby Glenveagh National Park or Ards Forest Park.

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From the exterior, the house has the air of a prosperous Victorian property, but it also has New England touches, such as the wraparound verandah and a double conservatory.

Inside, the proportions are generous, with a fine entrance hall, complete with cornicework, ceiling rose and mahogany bannister. It also includes a guest WC. There are three reception rooms that boast 3m-high ceilings set off with cornicework, and with wooden floors throughout. The drawing room and living room have open fireplaces. A study doubles as the dining room, although the kitchen, at 4.84m x 4.80m, is large enough to accommodate stools at the granite-topped island counter. There are double doors leading on through to the conservatory where, the vendors say, they have sited their breakfast room as it catches the morning sun.

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On the first floor, there are three bedrooms, including the dual-aspect master with en suite and a second bedroom with en-suite shower room. The second-floor bedrooms have pitched ceilings- the floor houses three more bedrooms, the family bathroom and a large games room. A double garage with loft is ideal for conversion to provide extra accommodation, either as space for staff or as a granny flat, subject to planning permission. The property currently extends to 396sqm, but also comes with planning for an additional 140sqm, which is valid until 2020.

There are plenty of attractions in the area - including the beach at Rathmullen, 11km away, and an idyllic stretch of beach at Portsalon, 20 minutes' drive away. Derry Airport is 50 minutes' drive, Dublin Airport is 258km, and Letterkenny, with its shopping, restaurants and amenities, is 15 minutes' drive away. The property would suit a commuter working in Letterkenny, although, with its access to the coastline and parks of Donegal, it might also appeal to the foreign market.

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The vendors are staying local, and intend to downsize and build their own home. "We have had the workshops, the seminars, the storytelling and recitals, the weddings, the births, the graduations and the grandchildren," they say. "Retirement beckons. And new beginnings."

Back in 2006, Carn Lodge was priced at 2.2m and, at its current asking price of 850,000, represents significant value for money.

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Rainey (074) 912 2211

Viewing: By appointment
Here's a heresy for you: taxes in Ireland are too low. My guess is that most readers didn't agree with that sentence. But, while it may jar with our sense of reality, it is undeniably true. Take income tax. The 2017 "Taxing Wages" report by the OECD compares the average tax paid by the same kinds of households in different countries.

Take a family, with one earner on the average wage and two children. In Ireland, once tax credits and cash benefits are accounted for, such a family pays just 8.3pc of its income in tax (and USC). In the boom times, we actually had the crazy situation where such a family was a net recipient from the tax system. Things have improved since then, although only a bit.

As you can imagine, this is not how other countries operate. Across the OECD group of high-income countries, 27pc of income is paid in tax by the average-earning family. Ireland's low figure is nothing to do with a Boston v Berlin view of the world. There is a gap between these models, but it is at a much higher level. In the US, the average-earning family pays 21pc of its income in tax, while in the UK it pays 26pc. In Germany, it's 34pc and in France it's 40pc.

How can that be, you might ask - particularly if you regularly read that Ireland has some of the highest marginal rates of taxation in the EU. Well, the key is the difference between average and marginal. Ireland's very high marginal rates of taxation - you pay roughly half of your last euro over in tax if you earn 35,000 or more a year - are needed to compensate for very generous tax credits.

What's this got to do with property? There are three types of tax: income tax, consumption tax (like VAT) and wealth tax. Income tax, when done well, is very progressive - everyone pays something but richer households pay a bigger fraction.

Consumption taxes such as VAT are extremely regressive: they hit poorer households hardest. And Ireland's VAT rate is one of the highest in the world.

When it comes to the last category - wealth tax - Ireland once again sticks out. By far the single biggest chunk of wealth in the economy, at least 400bn and probably closer to 500bn, is residential property. And, until recently, Ireland didn't tax this at all!

Since 2013, though, Ireland has had an annual Local Property Tax (LPT). This is set at a rate of 0.18pc of the value of the property, although local authorities have some discretion and can vary it from 0.15pc to 0.21pc. Many authorities have already taken the chance to lower the rate as much as possible.

Last week, Fine Gael leadership winner - and thus, very likely Ireland's next Taoiseach - Leo Varadkar proposed allowing local authorities to cut property tax further. To be fair, he couched it in terms of giving them greater freedom to set the rate.

However, the implication was clear: greater freedom for local authorities means greater freedom to lower property taxes. Unfortunately, this is precisely the wrong thing to do, if we want "strong and stable" local authorities, to borrow a phrase from across the water.

Compared to pretty much every other high-income country - including far smaller ones, like Cyprus and Malta - Ireland has the weakest local authorities. They lack financial autonomy and are thus hugely dependent on handouts from central government, who then dictate the terms.

In order to enable them to stand on their own two feet financially, Irish local authorities need to build up a far longer track record of a number of revenue sources, with property tax chief among them. As it stands, the temptation will be far too great for local authorities to cut and wait for national government to fund a service instead.

In most other countries, property tax is at least four or five times the rate it is in Ireland. Having a property tax of 1pc of the value of a home not only provides funds for local authorities, it also places a cap on property values - an in-built stabiliser on house prices.

It is obvious that Leo has one eye on 2019, when property tax bills are set to change as properties are revalued. They are currently frozen at 2013 values, almost exactly the bottom of the market, and market values have risen by 50pc or more in and near Dublin, Cork and Galway cities.

This shows the obvious drawback to freezing tax bills - it creates an incentive to keep them frozen. The other drawback is that property tax can't act as the brake on prices as it does in other countries. Dangling the carrot of lowering property tax runs the risk of 1970s auction politics, where various bits of government revenues are sold off.

We need to broaden and deepen the tax base, in particular when it comes to residential property, which makes up so much of all private wealth.

I am under no illusions that a "Tax Is Too Damn Low" Party will take off any time soon. But we as a country need to understand where our tax system is deficient and, as a result, both why our local authorities don't have the funds they need and why our housing market will continue to swing more than most.
Dr Adriaan Waiboer was born and raised in Holland and came to live in Ireland in 2004. He is head of collections and research at the National Gallery of Ireland. He joined the gallery in 2004 as curator of northern European art and organised a number of exhibitions, among them Northern Nocturnes: Nightscapes in the Age of Rembrandt (2005) and Vermeer, Fabritius & De Hooch: Three Masterpieces from Delft (2009). In 2010-11, he curated the exhibition on Gabriel Metsu, which was followed in 2012 by the publication of his monograph with catalogue raisonne. More recently, Waiboer has curated and coordinated the exhibition Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Paintings: Inspiration and Rivalry, which is due to open in the National Gallery of Ireland on June 17. He currently lives in Monkstown with his wife Tanya.

Artwork: Woman with a Balance

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Asking an art historian about their favourite works of art is a difficult one, because I would give you a different answer every single minute. But, having worked on the exhibition Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting, which will soon open at the National Gallery of Ireland, for nearly seven years, I think I am going to answer Johannes Vermeer's Woman Holding a Balance (above). This is, ultimately, one of the finest works ever painted on this planet. If anyone agrees, they are in luck, because the painting will be on view at the National Gallery of Ireland from mid-June.

Book: The Name of the Rose

It has to be The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. I have a weakness for whodunnits, and Eco's murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian convent is the grandest in this category. It combines suspense, history, church history, biblical analysis, literary theory, and of course love, hate, jealousy and murder. What else do you need? It is amazing to think that this was Eco's debut novel.

Film: Papillon

The film that has stuck with me more than any other is Papillon by Franklin Schaffner. The film features two fantastic actors, Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman - both very charismatic in their own way. The film has it all: tragedy, despair, courage, persistence, hope and happiness and the film shows how all of these are so closely related to each other. The final few minutes of the film, when one of them is counting the waves in order to escape the island, and the other one wants to stay, are among the best that ever came out of Hollywood.

Photographer: Anton Corbijn

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It has to be Anton Corbijn (above). I have been following him since my youth. The fact that he is Dutch, like me, may play a role in my early admiration of his work - but these days the whole world adores him. His portraits of people like Miles Davis, Clint Eastwood, Henry Rollins and Pavarotti just rock. There is, of course, also a nice connection between Corbijn and Ireland, as he did the photography for the Joshua Tree album in the late 1980s. That collaboration was very fruitful for both Corbijn, as well as U2.

TV: Trapped

Trapped, an Icelandic mystery series.The build-up of the narrative, the melancholic atmosphere and the visuals were just superb and different from anything else on TV.

nationalgallery.ie
The whitewashed walls and buildings of Ostuni look resplendent in the sunshine and can be seen for miles away.

Puglia sits in the heel of Italy, with the Adriatic Sea on its east coast and the Ionian on its south. It is steeped in an extraordinarily rich ancient history, with especially strong cultural ties to nearby Greece.

It has a largely unspoilt coastline that is full of inviting long, white-sand beaches, and, even in Italy, its cuisine is renowned for its exceptional quality.

Despite all of this, Puglia has been somewhat neglected, and overlooked in favour of Rome, Florence and other more famous neighbours to the north. However, there are now regular flights into Bari directly from Dublin with Ryanair. I was welcomed at the airport by local tour organiser, Daniele Napoleoni, who was keen to share his considerable knowledge and enthusiasm for his home region.

The Residence Barbara is located right on the coast. My room was simple but comfortable and airy, and its balcony looked right out on to a dazzlingly blue Adriatic Sea. It was the perfect staging post to further explore the region. The stunning medieval citadel of Ostuni was only a short drive away. Driving past scores of olive groves, it is all too easy to see why it is known as the white town; its whitewashed walls and buildings look resplendent in the sunshine and can be seen for miles away. It is perched on top of a hill with commanding views of the coast and surrounding countryside. Its large defensive walls, ramparts and fortifications hint at the region's turbulent and unstable past. Throughout its history, Puglia has been invaded by the Romans, the Greeks, the Carthaginians, the Normans, the Spanish and the Turks.

The Old Town of Ostuni is a fascinating blend of these diverse cultural influences, with late high-Gothic, Baroque and Rococo mixing easily with Turkish and Spanish styles. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and adjoining Bishop's Palace are truly spectacular. The cathedral is Gothic, but it has beautiful undulating curves, and its facade is adorned with a magnificently elaborate rose window. This is composed of three concentric circles, with 24 delicately carved beams and a dozen arches all highly embellished with the 12 apostles and floral motifs. At the very centre, surrounded by seven cherubs, is the resplendent figure of the Cristo Sole, the Master of the Universe.

It all too easy to lose a sense of direction when wandering through the picturesque maze of winding alleys. This is where whitewashed simplicity sits alongside Baroque and Rococo extravagance. Strolling through these streets is also hungry work. Seafood is at the heart of Puglia's cuisine, and I headed to Vicolo 43 Bistrot, a charming and inviting restaurant found near the Old Town. After a starter of zucchini stuffed with anchovies, I had paccheri - a wonderfully light dish of local shrimps with tomato and chopped pistachio.

The next morning, after an invigorating swim, I headed south to the port of Taranto. This was originally founded in 706 BC as a Spartan colony, and there are still several Greek temple ruins, including two imposing Doric columns - all that remains of a temple dedicated to Poseidon, the sea-god. During the last century, the region was industrialised on a massive scale with the opening of numerous steel and iron foundries, oil refineries, chemical works, shipyards and food-processing factories. It is still a major centre for Italy's military fleet.

The colossal Palazzo del Governo was inaugurated in 1934 by the fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini. It is a stark example of the corrupt ideology, and derivative aesthetics that Mussolini promoted. Its architect Armando Brasini pillaged Roman imagery, and the entrance is flanked by two huge imperial triumphs. Above them are two eagles with their wings outstretched. The building is constructed on the gigantic scale that all dictators seem to favour - perhaps, because the massive size seems to reduce the individual to insignificance. Martina Franca is one of the most photogenic towns I have ever visited. You enter the old town centre through a huge ornate yellow sandstone gateway. Just inside there is the Palazzo Ducale, one of its grandest civic buildings. Its architect, Andrea Carducci, is said to have had input from his friend the great sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Its narrow streets are full of cafes, restaurants, bars and there is a great variety of Rococo and Baroque buildings, both grand and intimate.

The Garibaldi Bistrot is situated right in the heart of the old town in the Piazza Plebiscito. It was early evening when I arrived, and the magnificent Baroque Basilica di San Martino was dramatically illuminated. This revealed the intricate and fluid statue of San Martino on horseback. The Bistrot is beautifully presented, extremely clean and fresh, and they serve up some marvellous local food. The antipasto-tasting menu, which came in what seemed like a never-ending selection of courses included a great range of assorted cured meats, local cheeses and vegetables. Although I was full, I still managed to sample a local delicacy of orecchiette pasta, served with tomato sauce with grated cacio ricotta cheese. It may have been simple, but it was full of flavour.

Otranto's Romanesque cathedral is unique. With most cathedrals, one's eye is instinctively drawn upwards towards the roof and heaven. Although the blue-and-white wooden coffered ceiling of this cathedral is very beautiful, it is the floor that is unique and quite remarkable. It is entirely covered with a vast 12th-century mosaic of the Tree of Life, which is delicately balanced on the back of two giant elephants.

It is one of the world's largest surviving medieval mosaics, and it is extremely well preserved. It was created by the fevered imagination of a young monk called Pantaleone in 1165. The mosaic contains a bewildering assortment of different themes that range from Adam and Eve to visions of heaven and hell. Hercules, King Arthur, Alexander the Great, and a menagerie of monkeys, demons, lions, snakes and sea monsters are also featured. The beauty of the floor contrasts sharply with the ghoulish Cappella Mortiri - or Chapel of the Dead. This is where the bones and skulls of some 813 Otranto martyrs, beheaded by the invading Turks for refusing to convert to Islam, are placed. The stone, upon which the grisly deed was allegedly carried out, is preserved behind the altar, and hundreds of skulls peer out at you from seven tall glass cases. It is a grim reminder that Otranto's strategic significance not only brought great wealth, but also frequent and bloody conflict for its possession.

Driving through the modern suburbs of Matera, it seems at first just like any other Italian town, but appearances, as they say, can be deceptive. Nothing can quite prepare you for the Old Town.

It rests on a great limestone gorge, and is one of the oldest towns in the world. It has been continuously occupied for almost 7,000 years: from the Neolithic to the present day. It has a Roman amphitheatre just a stone's throw away from a honey-coloured Baroque church of Santa Maria de Idris. Less than 50 years ago, this was one of the poorest towns in Italy, with over 20,000 people crammed into the tiny traditional cave dwellings called sassi. However, in the 1960s, the Italian government cleared most of the dwellings, and relocated their inhabitants to the new town. In recent years, there has been extensive investment in its regeneration.

It is now a UNESCO world heritage site, and some 2,000 people have returned. Its dizzying warren of streets, sleepy squares and medieval houses are once again alive and buzzing with activity.

Looking down onto the city, it seems to be almost timeless. Indeed, it was used by Mel Gibson as a setting for his film The Passion of the Christ. In 2019, it will become European City of Culture. With its sweeping vistas over a strangely empty but compelling landscape, I think it well deserves that title.

Puglia may have been overlooked before but it is well worth visiting and I can't wait to go back.

TAKE TWO: Top attractions

Trulli

These curious little beehive-like stone dwellings are scattered throughout the region. The town of Alberobello boasts 1,400 of them in a maze of narrow streets.

Treasure

The archaeological museum at Taranto contains an extraordinary collection of artefacts from the classical period, including some astonishingly well-preserved and intricate Roman jewellery.

Getting there

Flights

Ryanair: www.ryanair.com

Tour guide

Daniele Napoleoni, www.puglia.ie

Daniele arranges accommodation and tours in the region. He advises about best restaurants, wine and olive oil tasting and organises weddings.

Places to stay

Residence Barbara: www.puglia.ie/residence-barbara-apartments.html

Restaurants

Gli Archi a Villanova di Ostuni

Vicolo 43 Bistrot, Ostuni

Garibaldi Bistrot, Martina Franca

Places to visit

Archaeological Museum of Taranto: museotaranto.org
Arriving in India feels like passing through the birth canal all over again. First there is the expectant 24 hours leading up to the arrival and then: bam!

We are torn from our amniotic fluid lives and into the raw reality that awaits us. I'm hardly ready to open my eyes as we pass through the torn hems of broken suburbs and towns south of Delhi. Our taxi driver is taking us through the back door of the capital on our search for Krishna.

Vrindavan and Mathura are rural towns that lie along the Yamuna River - the birthplace and stomping ground of Lord Krishna and the epicentre for Holi. The Yamuna is the spiritual spinal cord which links Delhi, Vrindavan and Agra. Immediately we get stuck in 'playing Holi', as the Indians call it. It's a feast of colour and prayer and offerings at the hundreds of temples in the area; we get swept along with the joy and fun of colour-bombing each other.

Inside the walls of the Bankey Bihari Temple, Donal captures his first shimmering glimpse of Krishna. Among the frenzy of raised arms and clouds of powders that hang in the half-light, the sheer energy and distorted kaleidoscope of colours is enough to make many weep openly and honestly. Yet despite all the festivities, I am unable to find Krishna in the temples or on the streets with the throngs of followers and their free-roaming cows, goats, pigs, dogs and monkeys.

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I am beginning to feel like a spiritual tourist, a gatecrasher at the feast of Holi. But they say miracles can be found in the most unexpected places. For me, it was on the banks of the Yamuna River. It's early evening and we take a tip from another visiting photographer to go and see Kesi Ghat, crumbling steps leading down to the holy river which have been left abandoned by all except the hordes of monkeys and Sadhus, India's wandering holy men.

The energy here feels very different, as little groups of worshippers have gathered far from the madding crowd. Outside on the steps, the devotees perform their own peaceful, melancholic rituals at the water's edge. Looking out across the river, I am suddenly moved. This is the after-party, where Krishna chooses to reveal himself to me.

Here we are, two in a billion among this mayhem yet the people we meet make us feel so special "Ma'am, I come from a very small town. We never see people like you. I am just so nervous talking to you that I am shaking right now," I am told.

Others, slowly and quietly, sit in the splendour of the setting sun. Orange and gold. Saffron and turmeric. The colours of India. The colours of Krishna. Hare Krishna.

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The first two days in Vrindavan are like nursery school - weaning us in for Mathura, the Senior School of the Holi experience. Fast, crowded, harsh. It's a free-for-all and survival of the fittest. A railway track runs straight through a busy junction, and along the route we meet hordes of children who live and play here. Survival-savvy youngsters who will gently try to hustle a few rupees from tourists like ourselves.

One overzealous young lad of about 10 catches the attention of the local guard who unashamedly hits him one almighty wallop with a large wooden stick. So hard that the young lad limps down the road. And it is this scene that affects us more than anything we have seen in the previous few days. More than the cripples and the beggars who line up outside the temples. More than our view of the daily toil and hardships that we watch from a moving car. This is a child being punished for doing what he has to do to survive. An adult and figure of authority beating down on one of their own.

Lesson one: We do not choose where and when we are born. It chooses us. This is India and it moves to its own beat. Even if we don't agree with the way things are, we owe it to them to remain courteous and respectful. We are visitors. We are not here to change it.

Before you set off on a journey, your destination is just somewhere on a map. A name you probably can't pronounce, that your search engine explains by way of its proximity to some familiar landmarks. Leaving Vrindavan and Mathura behind after four days, felt like we had been in the trenches. A total immersion in an augmented Indian reality. The colours of Holi are still ingrained in the creases of our skin and stained in our hair as we arrive at our modern, upmarket hotel in Agra. We look like new-age travellers. Even our luggage has a fine dusting of pink and purple and blue. I'm hoping that we haven't swapped a full-fat, extra-sugar, overflowing cup of India for a watered-down version: India Light.

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First thing I do is get to the gym and run. This is not something that is practical to do outdoors in this part of India for a variety of reasons, so it's great to get the opportunity. I start to think about microbes; those billions of microscopic organisms that can kill or cure us. How, for example, do I remain symptom-free for the whole trip, while my travel companion does the Indian shuffle from the bedroom to the bathroom for two days? Microbes, the gift of Mother Nature, which on this occasion give me the advantage. Similar microbes protect the local population who quite obviously live in poor hygiene and safety conditions. Open sewers, discarded waste and faeces of all kinds flank the roadsides. But, as Sebastian Barry writes in On Canaan's Side: "Its filthiness has only been a humorous coat to hide it gemlike brilliance." This is the Indian experience in all is charm, chaos and colour.

As I run, I'm also trying to find the union between the sanitised version of yoga that I practise back home with the origins of its birthplace. My cherry-picked postures and philosophies stretched out on a deluxe yoga mat that could not be any further from the realities of India. I practice my designer yoga, hoping that by showing up once a week, I'm cooling down my karma and getting closer to enlightenment. So it's a hybrid, I reason. A practice that has mutated as it gets handed down from one teacher to the next. And I'm happy to align myself to this new DNA, and it's OK that it's not perfect.

It's OK to go with the flow and anything that values our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth is worth pursuing. What we need to do is remove the need for specific outcomes and for perfection.

Donal is, once again, eager to get stuck into photographic action, so it's off to the train station in Agra. The brightly coloured dust of Holi is replaced by the dust of marble and industry and urban urgency. It's bedlam and a great spot for people-watching.

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Many look as if they are camped here in the hope that their train will soon come in.

Schedules are not always the most reliable. It's humbling to see the reaction of people when Donal stops to take photos of them. Suddenly they have become the centre of attention. Perhaps they are seeing themselves through the eyes of a stranger for the first time and wondering: what is so special about me?

Their reserved nature and feigned obscurity is refreshing compared to the overexposed world that we inhabit, in which visibility and profile is everything. Yet those big brown eyes, when they look at us, they really look at us. They look inside us, they connect with us on a level that we as westerners have difficulty reciprocating. It takes practice.

Lesson two: Variety is the spice of life and a little bit of dirt and disorder is healthy.

Lesson three: Our bodies and our minds are the gateways to our temple. Visit often, stay open.

It takes a village to raise a child but a woman to build a city. We meet women in Agra carrying bricks five high on their head on building sites, mixing mortar and crouched by the side of the road in tented encampments making the daily bread.

This is India. And of course no trip to Agra would be complete without visiting the Taj Mahal, the pearl in India's crown. But somehow this ancient wonder is of little consequence to the litters of pigs that jostle for space around the laneways that lead to its grand entrance. Pearls before swine.

Delhi is our final stop and thankfully the Metro allows us to travel in and out without too much trauma. This is the second biggest city in the world and feels every bit of it. Traffic is chaotic and it can be frustrating to get around. Tuk-tuks fly about erratically and it's hard to feel a connection to anywhere or anything. Not a good option if you are looking for a leisurely stroll through the sprawling markets. Once again, the whole dynamic has changed. The people are more cosmopolitan and less traditional in their dress and behaviours. But as our mission has already been accomplished in our search for Krishna, we are only passing through. We bid farewell to a country that has welcomed us with open arms, albeit briefly, and leave with a knowledge and gratitude that can only be gained by experiencing it. This is India and we vow to return.

Photography by Donal Moloney
(File photo)

BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China's logistics activity remained stable in May as the economy continued to stabilize, official data showed.

The logistics performance index for May came in at 57.7 percent, retreating 0.5 percentage points from a month earlier, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

A reading above 50 percent indicates expansion from the previous month, while a reading below indicates contraction.

In breakdown, the index for new orders stood at 57.4 percent, down 2.7 percentage points from that in April, which showed a slight fall in logistics demand during the period.

On the outlook, although the index measuring business expectation pulled back, it stayed at a high level of 62.3 percent.

He Hui, deputy head of China Logistics Information Center, expects logistics industry would gradually cool but maintain relatively fast expansion in coming months.

Earlier official data showed China's manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) expanded for the 10th straight month in May, while the non-manufacturing PMI increased at a faster pace, suggesting a stabilizing Chinese economy.

The manufacturing PMI came in at 51.2 in May, flat compared to April and staying above the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Theresa May has told the terrorist "enough is enough" - it's about time. My advice to the Irish Government, and the British, is to take a good look at the background of all the imams and see who they are linked to, who is funding their mosques, which countries do they come from and visit, who are the sheikhs they are linked to within their countries like Pakistan, and what are their views. And if they find that they are linked with extremist organisations, throw them out of Ireland or the UK.

Of course, not all imams are extremists and they don't hold radical views, but they need to clearly tell their worshippers: "If you hold such views, you are not welcome in this mosque."

We need to educate the youth on what real Islam teaches, as the Ahmadiyya Muslim community does. Our worldwide Islamic leader, his holiness Hadhrat Khalifah tul Maish Vaba Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has been doing this for the last 15 years and our members don't hold such views and our youths are loyal to the country they live in, because we educate them against extremist views. Our imams are teaching true Islamic principles of justice and morals and ethical principles.

It is the duty of every imam in Ireland and UK to protect the citizens of Ireland and the UK.

Imam Ibrahim Noonan

Imam of Galway Mosque and National Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim of Ireland

Suicide bombings at rock concerts and other gatherings and in places of worship; innocent people deliberately mowed down by drivers, or stabbed to death.

Isn't it time that all the major religions made it clear that anyone perpetrating or condoning such evil is no longer eligible for "salvation" or reward, whether here on Earth or in a life beyond this one?

Preachers and clerics of all shades must lay it on the line that if you act as those depraved killers did in London on Saturday night, you are permanently ostracised and excluded from whatever religious belief system you belong to. No ifs or buts or obtuse theological qualifications.

What happened in London, Manchester, and in so many other locations targeted by murderers, is as far removed from the concept of an all-knowing, compassionate God as one can possibly get.

Surely all decent, reasonable human beings can agree on that?

John Fitzgerald

Callan, Co Kilkenny

It's past time to arm our gardai

Think about this for a moment. How is an unarmed Garda force going to protect Irish citizens and themselves from terrorist attacks like we have seen across Europe? How ridiculous is it to maintain an unarmed police force in today's world? How lacking in care of duty are the Government and Garda representative bodies to their members and to the public in general in refusing to arm our police?

We continuously hear from our leaders of the minimal threat to Ireland. How many politicians, AGSI and GRA executives will queue up to express their "deep shock and abhorrence" about the loss of their members' lives and those of the public if and when an attack takes place? We don't need hypocritical platitudes after the event.

It's time to get real now and forget the "policing by consent waffle". It sounds great but is totally outdated.

Garda lives and the lives of Irish citizens are in danger and it's the Government's job to protect those lives.

Joe Dixon

Ratoath, Co Meath

Atlantic sea lane key for Ireland

David McWilliams usually reads every situation with the alacrity of a graphic equaliser - and gets it right. In his latest article on what the US abandonment of Europe would mean for Ireland ('US role as global leader looks over - and we will miss it more than most', Irish Independent, June 3), he is right in his conclusions, but I question the premise of his argument: that pulling out of the Paris Accord will lead to the US's diminished power projection in Europe.

Of course, one might wonder why Angela Merkel is such a hypocrite (considering that for the last two years German emissions have gone up, and considering that she is opposing all key elements of the EU environmental proposal to overhaul how car engine emissions are tested for pollution). But here is why Mr McWilliams' premise is wrong: in the Rimland theory of Nicholas Spykman, the key element in power projection of every maritime country (such as the US, UK or Ireland) is securing sea lanes of communication - without which they cannot project their soft power.

China, Russia and Germany - with Germany as the new policeman of Europe - are trying to replace the old Atlantic route with a united Eurasia (without the UK) from Lisbon to Vladivostok. The only way for the US and the UK to stop the Eurasian project is to secure an alternative route: from the Atlantic, through the North Sea, and to the Baltic Sea. Ireland can use the importance of the Atlantic route to keep the US investment, and become an important geopolitical player - like it was for the US Navy from 1917-1919.

Grzegorz Kolodziej

Bray, Co Wicklow

FF must look to the future too

Ivan Yates's article ('FF must set clear course or be left trailing in Leo's wake', Irish Independent, June 3) raises some interesting points, including the future of Micheal Martin as leader of Fianna Fail, a man who is perceived as one of the old guard, a man who sat at the Cabinet table prior to the economic collapse, a man whose negativity is irritating.

In order not to be left behind by new-look Sinn Fein and Fine Gael, is it time for FF to look towards new faces among their leadership ranks, eg. Michael McGrath (youth, ability and wisdom), John McGuinness (steady hands and maturity), Jim O'Callaghan (youth, intellect and clarity)?

Sheila Ward

Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan

Leo should take on Trump

Leo Varadkar's priority on taking office as Taoiseach should be impressing upon the US government the importance of persuading Donald Trump to immediately reverse his staggering decision on the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

As a 17-year-old student, I find it unbelievable that the world's most powerful individual holds such narrow and unfathomable views on the future viability of our planet.

Mr Varadkar can draw for inspiration, if required, on a memorable speech, made by a predecessor of Mr Trump, John F Kennedy, in Dublin shortly before his death, when he called on "small nations" to act as the "conscience" of the world.

Ruairi Moore

Blackrock, Co Dublin

Congratulations to Leo Varadkar. In the scheme of the Irish Republican saga, perhaps Roger Casement can now rest a little more peacefully as a result of this welcome progress.

John Skaro

Rathfarnham, Dublin 16
I think that I am in love with my best friend who is also a girl. I do not know if the term is really in love at all, because up until now I've never ever had a romantic relationship. My status is NBSB - no boyfriend since birth. I just really believe that true love waits, so am not in a rush. I'm a 24-year-old professional whose career is going strong, I have a wonderful family, I serve the Lord every Sunday and I only have very selected friends.

My friend and I went to the same university and took the same degree course. During our college years, I developed this likeness of her being around me because I was attracted to her simplicity and humour. She was a very good friend to me during college.

After we graduated my interest and our friendship got deeper. I used to visit her most of the time since we live in the same village. I slept over at her house many times, I did favours for her and I honestly admit that I care for her a lot. I also think that she's trying her best to return any favour that I've asked for. We feel at home with each other's presence.

Of course, my mind is battling against my feelings. My intellect says the reason why I am like this is because she's the only person I can cling to after my family. But my feelings tell me differently.

We have a lot in common. We share the same NBSB status, we are both religious, conservative, and also share other life ideologies.

I did not have this sort of confusion before but I am now wondering if I have a lesbian orientation. I even introduced her as my "girlfriend" which she just laughed at, and I understand. If I were a boy I would marry her. If I will be with one person for the rest of my life, I want it to be a male version of her.

So am I in love with my best friend considering these things? Or is it that just because she is available to me that I am into her?

Or could it be that I can't find a man who is up to my own standards and so I settle for her companionship? Do I have to consider myself as a lesbian?

As of now, my plan is to distance myself from her because the more time that I am with her the more I want to be with her. I don't hate those who are lesbian but I do not like this orientation either.

Sorry to say, but I even thought of having a "boyfriend" just to alleviate my attention from her and to see if it feels good to have one.

Video of the Day

I grew up in a God-fearing environment so I know what is supposed to be done. Yes, the Church never condemns the LGBT community but I do not want to be one in any case.

Mary replies: I really don't think that you have had enough life experience to honestly be able to answer yourself as to what your sexual orientation is.

You haven't ever had a boyfriend, you have a small selection of friends who share your values, and one girl in particular means an awful lot to you.

Women have best friends all through their lives. They may not see each other regularly, or they may meet up a couple of times a week, but they are always there for each other and can be counted on through the best and worst of times.

So far this is what you have with this girl, and as a result you have become very comfortable when you are with her. The big question is would you like to wake up next to her every morning?

We love lots of people in our lives. Our family, our friends, our hairdresser, our doctor, and each one is a different sort of love, but love nonetheless.

But with a partner there is a sexual component as well, and although I realise that you have zero sexual experience, would you like to be sexual with her? Only you can answer that question. What matters is that you stop worrying and get things sorted out in your head.

Your idea of having a boyfriend is a very good one, because until you try it you don't know if it is for you.

Naturally you will adhere to whatever teachings your Church lays down, and I'm not advocating that you do anything that is forbidden, but dating, kissing and all the fun stuff that is part of the dating process should be experienced by you with a guy before you can in any way definitively say that you are lesbian.

You can contact Mary OConor anonymously by visiting www.dearmary.ie or email her at dearmary@independent.ie or write c/o 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1. All correspondence will be treated in confidence. Mary OConor regrets that she is unable to answer any questions privately.
Yunus is a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Maiduguri in Borno State in Nigeria. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Yunus wasn't always a vigilante - he used to be a bricklayer and made a decent wage.

But two years ago, Boko Haram's fighters arrived with their SUVs and AK47s and murdered his father. Two days later, they came to his house in the town of Gwoza in north-east Nigeria, but Yunus (30) escaped. His two sisters were not so lucky.

Like so many other young women in the region, including the Chibok schoolgirls, his siblings were kidnapped by the Islamist extremists, and Yunus believes they were forced to marry the brutal insurgents.

Yunus fled north to the city of Maiduguri, where he resettled in the impoverished urban district of Kaleri.

Maiduguri, in Borno State, was ground zero for Boko Haram and was home to some of the worst atrocities of the seven-year conflict. However, its people were also the first to fight back against the murderous Islamists and today, it remains a safe zone for over a million internally displaced people.

Angry and embittered, Yunus wanted to fight back, so he joined the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) - a community vigilante group based in the city.

Expand Close A young girl carries water in the village of Kaleri in the district of Maiduguri in Nigeria. Photo: Steve Humphreys / Facebook

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"The reason why I joined this vigilante group was as a result of the death of my father and the abduction of my sisters," he says. "I was determined to prevent future events, not only to myself, but also the community. My younger sisters are still under captivity of Boko Haram."

Dressed in bright red top and blue jeans, Yunus doesn't look like a fighter. He is tall, thin and softly spoken.

But Yunus is also angry and, like 23,000 other men who joined the CJTF, he wants to win back his country and way of life.

The CJTF has been an important tool in the fight against Boko Haram. Armed with knives, sticks and torches, units, like the one Yunus commands live in the communities where they root out insurgents and hand the suspects over to the military.

He explains: "When I joined the CJTF initially, there were people in possession of ammunition, members of Boko Haram living there. The community was afraid to identify them.

"Now that the situation has become calm, when we see these people, we identify them and hand them over to the military forces. We have caught more than 10 people who are Boko Haram members."

Asked how they find suspects, he explains: "We target them in the middle of the night. We go to their house. We catch them and we take possession of their ammunition to start making use of it in the community."

In their communities, the CJTF have been praised for their work. Yunus and the 15 men in his unit are paid a small allowance by local elders and get some training, but are generally poorly funded.

The CJTF was a useful tool in the fight against Boko Haram and politicians have also commended the bravery of the men. However, it has become a monster that the government and military is struggling to control.

Video evidence, uncovered by some NGOs, shows members of the CJTF and the military torturing and murdering Boko Haram suspects without trial. One member even boasted in an interview that he had found a "foolproof" way to kill up to 50 insurgents. He described putting the Islamists in a pit, pouring in kerosene and then setting it on fire.

Borno state governor Kashim Shettima described the CJTF as "more dangerous than Boko Haram". He said they risked becoming "Nigeria's Frankenstein".

Wearing a balaclava to hide his identity, Yunus hit back: "The government has used our work and then they withdrew their support. The government has not been there for the families of our members who were killed."

The Nigerian government has recently declared victory over Boko Haram. In December, the military captured the last rebel stronghold in the Sambisa Forest. Last month, it negotiated the return of 82 of the kidnapped Chibok girls - though around 113 remain in captivity.

Yunus concedes that the day where the CJTF is no longer needed may be close, but he has no plans to go back to laying bricks. "I would like to be a soldier," he says.

His chances of getting into the military are slim, however. There are an estimated 23,000 members of the CJTF, with many hoping to transition into the military or police. However, in the last round of army recruitment, just 300 were selected.

The fallout from the conflict has been devastating. Some towns have seen their working male population either wiped out or coerced into joining Boko Haram. It has meant that farming and food production activities have stalled, resulting in malnutrition and, in places, famine. Some small villages report having no children under the age of five.

Girls, kidnapped and turned into "wives", are escaping and returning to their families. But many are treated like pariahs. Some fathers believe their daughters, many of whom have borne children as a result of rape, bring shame on the family.

Paul O'Brien, CEO of the charity Plan International Ireland, said that because there were so many crises going on in the world, including those in Syria and East Africa, this area "feels forgotten". But he said: "It is one of the worst I have come across, not in terms of the sights you see, but more in terms of the stories you hear."

Mr O'Brien said he was particularly affected by the abduction of young people."Boys to be soldiers for Boko Haram, the girls, essentially, to be married off as child brides.

"I don't think we have ever come across a crisis where that deliberately happened."
People have responded to the terror attack on London Bridge on Saturday evening with a flurry of touching pieces of art.

Clever and defiant drawings are being shared far and wide on social media as symbols of solidarity after the attack that left seven dead and dozens injured.

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Pencil Bandit, the UK artist behind the Stand Together drawing, said: Living out of the centre of London, I wasnt necessarily close enough to help directly, but as an artist, the least I could do was post something that I thought summed up the communal resilience of a place like London in the wake of these tragedies.

Hopefully art at times like these can help create a sense solidarity online. At the very least I hope people spread the word that we as a community wont give into fear-mongering, and can instead outstretch a hand to those in need.

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Sam Wilson, from Texas, came up with the superhero Captain Britain in an effort to show her support to those affected.

What started out as a normal night for people turned into a nightmare, she said.

I feel like when attacks like this happen its important for us to come together and support each other whether youre in the same country or anywhere in the world.

Making this illustration I feel helps me show my support, it also helps me in a way to express myself and get my feelings out.

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American Chris Chan, who incorporated two Union Jack ribbons into Tower Bridge, said he finds artwork the best way for him to try to make sense of everything going on in the world.

The artist, from California, said: Ive read all the names and stories related to the Manchester victims and will do the same with London. Its a heart wrenching process but I think its important to feel the hurt and sadness associated with these tragedies.

Theres a risk to becoming desensitised to these events, as they seem to be occurring more frequently.

My only hope is that they can bring some comfort to others online who are trying to make sense of these events as well.
Heres what happened on the campaign trail today.

Whos had a good day?

Londons Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan won the backing of an unlikely friend in Theresa May today, who stated I think Sadiq is doing an excellent job in response to the London Bridge terror attack on Saturday night.

May said she had been working closely with the Mayor, who had attended COBRA meetings alongside security officials and members of the Cabinet in the wake of recent attacks.

Khan has also gathered widespread support for his strong condemnation of the attackers and his pledge to ensure London continues to operate as usual in the aftermath of the atrocity.

Whos had a bad day?

Theresa May had a tough start to the day, as David Camerons former strategy adviser Steve Hilton tweeted to say the Prime Minister should be resigning not seeking re-election over security failures in light of the Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge terrorist attacks.

When ITV News then raised the comments with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a few hours later, Corbyn said he backed the remarks due to police cuts during Mays tenure as home secretary.

The row was exacerbated further when Culture Secretary Karen Bradley refused to answer a question by Good Morning Britains Piers Morgan over the number of armed police since 2010.

Quote of the day

Jeremy Corbyn seems to think that any deal, no matter what the price, no matter what the terms, is better than no deal.

Thats not leadership  thats an abdication of leadership.  Theresa May on Jeremy Corbyns approach to Brexit.

Picture of the day

Jeremy Corbyn tries his hand at a spot of brick laying in Consett, County Durham.

Tweet of the day

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Steve Hiltons tweet calling for Mrs May to resign over alleged failures in her security record gathered widespread support, including from the likes of Jeremy Corbyn, and was shared over 5,000 times throughout the day.

What do the polls say?

The Conservatives remain in the lead at 44% according to the latest polls, but Labour have closed the gap considerably in the past week.

Labour are now at 37%, compared with 30% seven days ago.
Four Arab nations have cut diplomatic ties to Qatar  heres what you need to know.

Whos involved?

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced on Monday they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, further deepening a rift between the Gulf Arab nations over the countrys support for Islamist groups.

How does Qatar support Islamist groups?

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 to cut ties.

The countries are most worried about Qatars support for the Muslim Brotherhood  a Sunni Islamist political group outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE as it challenges those nations hereditary rule.

Qatar has strongly denied funding extremist groups but remains a key financial patron of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and has been the home of exiled Hamas official Khaled Mashaal since 2012. Western officials have also accused Qatar of allowing or even encouraging funding of Sunni extremists like al-Qaidas branch in Syria, once known as the Nusra Front.

It comes after Qatar claimed in late May that hackers took over the site of its state-run news agency and published what it called fake comments from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel.

Its Gulf Arab neighbours responded with anger, blocking Qatari-based media, including the Doha-based satellite news network Al-Jazeera.

Al-Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan had this to say.

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What impact will this have?

Saudi Arabia said Qatari troops would be pulled from its continuing war in Yemen.

The four nations also said they planned to cut air and sea traffic to the peninsular country.

It was not 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.

Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad said it was suspending flights to Qatar amid the growing rift.

The UAE flag carrier said on its website its last flights until further notice would leave early on Tuesday, but gave no reason for the decision.

Hasnt Saudi Arabia been accused of something similar?

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David Cameron agreed to an inquiry into foreign funding of Islamist extremists in 2015, as part of a deal with the Liberal Democrats in return for their support on the extension of air strikes into Syria.

Reports last week suggested that the report may never be published because of the sensitivity of its findings regarding Saudi Arabia, though the Home Office said a decision on its release would be made after the election.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn have urged Theresa May to publish the report.

Farron wrote in the Guardian: Theresa May talks of the need to have some difficult and sometimes embarrassing conversations. That should include exposing and rooting out the source funding of terror, even if it means difficult and embarrassing conversations with those like Saudi Arabia that the Government claims are our allies.

Does Qatar have any ties to Britain?

Qatar has invested 40 billion in the UK.

It owns Harrods and has a 95% stake in the Shard, Londons tallest building, as well as having a stake in Canary Wharf and the Olympic Stadium.

The state announced a further 5 billion of investment in the UK earlier this year.
Theresa May, in her speech on Downing Street following Saturdays terror attack on London Bridge, criticised internet firms for providing the safe space for terrorist ideology to breed.

However, she came under fire for her intellectually lazy response by cyber security experts.

Here are the key questions:

Who is Theresa May targeting and what is she proposing?

The Prime Minister targeted internet companies who she blamed for providing safe spaces for extremists to communicate. Echoing the Tory manifesto, she called for cyberspace regulation to reduce the risks of extremism online.

Her manifesto is proposing a framework which includes allowing regulators to order the removal of illegal content online and fine companies which fail in their legal duties.

Why is Mays approach being criticised?

Cyber security experts and tech companies criticised her approach as intellectually lazy and disappointing, for focusing on social media sites that are already cracking down on extremist accounts.

Professor Peter Neumann, director of the International Centre For The Study Of Radicalisation at Kings College London, said the removal of terror-related social media accounts has pushed jihadists onto encrypted messenger sites, which makes their observation more difficult, and pointed out that few people are radicalised exclusively online.

Responding on Twitter to the Prime Ministers proposals, the academic said: Mays statement may have sounded strong but contains very little that is actionable, different, or new.

How does encryption work on instant messenger sites?

Instant messenger firms such as WhatsApp and Telegram secure private messages using end-to-end encryption, meaning messages can only be seen by the sender and the recipient.

Encrypted messages, secured with a unique encryption lock and key, cannot be accessed by the companies.

Are encrypted messages accessible to the authorities?

No. Home Secretary Amber Rudd raised the issue of governments being unable to read encrypted messages following Khalid Masoods rampage on Westminster in March, after it emerged he made contact with WhatsApp shortly before launching his attack. She said there should be no place for terrorists to hide.

WhatsApp says privacy is in (its) DNA and insists that end-to-end encryption prevents messages and other digital content shared through the app from falling into the wrong hands.

Should encryption be banned?

Speaking to Andrew Marr in March, Rudd controversially called for an encryption ban, a move which was criticised as infringing on rights of privacy, free speech and wider internet security such as online banking.

Encryption-based messaging service Telegram is strict about the protection of information and personal conversations from snooping third parties and have said politically motivated censorship goes against their principles. However, they say they block terrorist bots and channels, but wont block those who peacefully express alternative opinions.

How difficult are encrypted messaging sites to regulate?

Messages exchanged on these sites are highly secured, however concerns have been raised regarding the security of WhatsApp encryption, with rumours of a back door being available for governments to access messages.

The firm has denied these claims as false, saying it would fight any government request to create a back door and that all calls and messages made through the app by its one billion users are end-to-end encrypted by default.

Companies which use end-to-end encryption do not have access to the data, meaning they are unable to pass protected messages to the authorities in the first place.
The Brandenburg Gate was lit up in the colours of the Union Jack on Sunday in Berlin to show support following the attacks in London.

Seven people were killed and 48 injured in a terror attack at London Bridge, prompting a change in colour for one of Germanys most famous landmarks.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement that she learned with sadness and dismay of the attack.

She added: Today, we are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination.

In the fight against every form of terrorism, we stand firmly and with determination at Britains side.

Frances most famous landmark turned its lights out to pay tribute to the victims of the London attack.

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French President Emmanuel Macron said: 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 vigil will be held in London a 6pm on Monday, and will include a minutes silence at 6.20pm, to honour the seven victims who lost their lives.
Counter-terrorism police and security services have made significant progress since launching the third major investigation in weeks, after seven were killed and 48 injured in a terror attack at London Bridge.

Three men, wearing fake suicide bomb vests, were shot dead by eight officers in the capital after they ploughed into pedestrians and launched a knife attack on bystanders on Saturday night.

Heres what we know about the incident on Sunday night.

Have any of the victims been named?

The first victim has been named as Canadian national Christine Archibald, who worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.

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.

She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.

French officials also said a French person had died, another was missing and four are seriously injured in hospital.

A British Transport Police officer and an off-duty Metropolitan Police are among the injured in hospital. Sunday Express business editor Geoff Ho was also left in intensive care after being stabbed in the throat when he tried to help a wounded bouncer.

Of the 48 being treated in central London hospitals, 21 are said to be critically injured.

What do we know about the attackers?

The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the attacks on Sunday night.

The identities of the three attackers have not yet been revealed but its thought one of them was living in Barking, east London, and had recently hired the van used in the attack.

A friend told the BBC Asian Network he had reported him to the anti-terror hotline after he began expressing increasingly radical views and justifying terror attacks, but the friend said he was never arrested.

Residents at the Barking flat said they recognised the attacker from a photograph and said he was of middle-eastern or Pakistani origin, had children, and had lived in the area for a number of years.

There have been 12 arrests  of both men and women  made.

Police have arrested 12 people  five men and seven women ranging in age from 19 to 60  after raids on two flats in Barking and East Ham.

Officers also searched two homes in Newham, although no arrests were made.

Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said significant progress had been made in identifying the attackers.

He said: The investigation is progressing at pace, and officers from the Mets Counter Terrorism Command, the National Counter Terrorism Policing network are working relentlessly with UK intelligence partners to piece together exactly what occurred.

The attacks have been heavily condemned by Muslims.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has condemned the attacks and backed comments made by Theresa May saying enough is enough.

It said it will be stepping up efforts to curb Islamic extremism  which it referred to as a death cult with a new campaign that will urge mosques and worshippers to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

The Ramadhan Foundation echoed the MCBs sentiments and said it was no longer good enough for us to offer condemnation and solidarity.

It said in a statement: 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.

A vigil will be held in the capital on Monday.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan invited Londoners and visitors to join him at Potters Fields Park at 6pm on Monday to honour the seven victims who lost their lives.

Khan will be joined by senior representatives of the Metropolitan Police, the British Transport Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and civic, faith and community leaders.

The vigil will include a minutes silence at 6.20pm, following a minutes silence held across the country at 11am on Monday.

A crowdfunding page has been set up to support the victims.

The British Red Cross launched a UK Solidarity Fund to help the victims of terrorism across the country  not just in recent London Bridge attack.

The fund will support those who have been injured, bereaved or traumatised in attacks to help reduce immediate suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties.
Labour will need a strong turnout from the youth vote to pull off a surprise General Election victory if polls are to be believed.

But that might not be a good sign for Jeremy Corbyn and co, with turnout among young people generally much lower than the general population.

But why has such voting lethargy traditionally been seen among the young, and will this weeks election actually be any different? Here are all the key questions addressed.

What are the statistics?

In 2015, only 43% of people aged 18-24 voted, according to a survey carried out by Ipsos-MORI after the General Election. That compares with 78% of people over 65, and 66% overall.

Those numbers broadly mirror the figures from the 2010 Ipsos-MORI survey as well.

So why arent young people voting?

Because young people have not yet formed the habit of voting, theyre more likely to need strong reasons to make the effort to go to the polling station.

Stephen Fisher, professor of political sociology at the University of Oxford, said: If they see little policy difference between the main parties and if they think the election outcome is a foregone conclusion then they are particularly unlikely to bother voting.

For many, voting is a hassle  both the process of registering and turning up to the polling booth itself. Voting cannot be done electronically, which is particularly relevant for young people who live much of their lives online.

Why is there such a difference between age groups?

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Fisher thinks its partly down to practicalities. Younger people typically have busy more complicated lives and are more likely to find themselves in a situation where they are living in temporary accommodation and not registered to vote, he says.

People are more likely to vote the longer they have been living in the same place.

Many young people are part of the so-called generation rent meaning that it is increasingly unlikely that they will settle down in one place until later in life.

What about the UKs electoral system?

Fisher believes the countrys first past the post system is also a barrier. He says: Young people seem increasingly to be put off voting if they think their vote doesnt matter.

While older people are more likely to vote for the same party in every election, young people more often want to vote for fringe parties. So Fisher says that the votes of these youths are more likely to affect outcomes in proportional representation systems.

Does this tally with what young people say?

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Sarah Wilson, a 19-year-old student at Sunderland University, said: I didnt vote in the last election as I dont believe politicians appeal enough to the younger generation.

I dont think there is enough education around politics for young people to fully understand it.

However, Sarah does plan to vote on Thursday. Only because Ive had more of an insight into the groups and their policies, she says.

21-year-old Daniel Taylor, a fellow Sunderland University student who skipped the polls in 2015, said: I think my main reason for not voting was because I wasnt particularly interested in politics.

There wasnt anyone that I honestly related or that I felt was genuine, and that certainly didnt help with my engagement in the subject.

Like Sarah, Daniel plans to vote this time around, saying: I think this year is really pivotal in British politics  particularly when we consider not only Brexit but the fact we have a real left-wing leader at the head of the Labour party.

Will things be different for the upcoming election?

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Much media attention has been paid to young people becoming increasingly politically engaged thanks to factors including Brexit and Corbyns leadership of the Labour party.

Many of Labours policies seem to be geared towards young people. Fisher cites the abolition of tuition fees as particularly appealing to students. Many of Labours policies seem to be geared towards young people. Fisher cites the abolition of tuition fees as particularly appealing to students. The YouGov survey results for the beginning of June show that 71% of 18 to 24-year-olds intend to vote Labour, compared with 15% who plan to vote Conservative. Compare this to 46% of 25 to 49-year-olds who plan to vote Labour, 33% of 50 to 64-year-olds and 19% of those aged 65 and over.

Even though turnout in the Brexit referendum was slightly less polarised by age than in the 2015 election, still turnout among those aged 18-34 was some 10 points lower than average.

How can the trend be reversed?

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Fisher cites two key tools to help re-engage young people: greater education and an overhaul of the electoral system.

Research shows that more civics education in schools can increase political knowledge and engagement and so encourage future turnout, Fisher says.

But a key administrative change which would help a lot would be automatic voter registration systems of the kind they have in many other European countries.
Police chief Oscar Albayalde holds up a picture of gunman Jessie Javier Carlos as the killers devastated parents Fernando and Teodora sit beside him. Photo: Romeo Ranoco

The lone suspect behind a deadly attack on a casino in Manila was a heavily indebted Filipino gambling addict, police said, bolstering their claim that the assault was not terrorism.

The man's family confirmed his identity as Jessie Carlos - a married father of three and former finance department employee who owed more than $80,000 (70,000).

Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde said: "This incident is confined to the act of one man alone as we have always said."

Isil had 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 that 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.

Expand Close Gunman Jessie Carlos sets a gambling table on fire in the casino before walking away. Photo: AP / Facebook

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Carlos' father said yesterday his son had no connections to terrorism. Carlos' 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-coloured towel, down on a desk as she sat beside the police.

Police said 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 from entering 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.
General view of Tower Bridge as people gather during an event for the victims of Saturday nights attacks, London

All 12 people arrested in relation to the London Bridge terror outrage have been released without charge, as two of the attackers were named by Scotland Yard.

Police raided two addresses in east London on Sunday, in the wake of the van and knife rampage in which seven people were killed and 48 injured.

Khuram Shazad Butt, a 27-year-old British citizen born in Pakistan, and Rachid Redouane, who claimed to be Moroccan-Libyan, were named as attackers on Monday evening.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said Butt was known to the security services, but there was no evidence of "attack planning" by him.
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.
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

Some of the scenes in the wake of the terror attack in London

HERE is what we know following the terror attack at London Bridge and Borough Market, which has left seven dead and 48 in hospital:

* 10.07pm Saturday - Ambulance services are called to reports of a white van ploughing through pedestrians on London Bridge, arriving within six minutes.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Police entering a bar in London, Britain, June 3, 2017, telling people to get down in this screen grab from video. Photo: Twitter/Yatesy17 via REUTERS TV Armed police on St Thomas Street, London, near the scene of Saturday's terrorist incident at Borough Market. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire / Facebook

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* 10.08pm - Police are also called to the scene.

* The white van crashes outside The Barrowboy & Banker pub in Borough High Street, where three men leave the vehicle and apparently run down steps and along Green Dragon Court, heading towards Borough Market where they begin stabbing people in pubs and restaurants.

Expand Close A woman and a child are led to safety away from London Bridge. Photo: Getty / Facebook

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* Witnesses say three men run into the Black And Blue restaurant in Stoney Street and begin stabbing people indiscriminately, including one person in the face and neck.

* A knifeman also storms the El Pastor restaurant in Stoney Street, forcing diners and staff to take shelter.

* Another man, journalist Geoff Ho, is stabbed at the Southwark Tavern. Witnesses see injured people in the Mudlark pub, while others at the Katzenjammers Bierhall in Southwark Street help a person who has been stabbed.

* Police searching for the knifemen go through bars and restaurants as staff and drinkers hide.

* 10.16pm - Eight minutes after police are called three male suspects are shot dead by marksmen near the Wheatsheaf pub in Stoney Street. Eight officers fire 50 bullets, an "unprecedented number of rounds", the Met's assistant commissioner Mark Rowley says.

* A member of the public is also accidentally shot, and is in hospital with injuries described as "not critical".

* The men are wearing what looked like explosive vests but these are later found to be hoaxes.

* At least 48 patients are taken to five hospitals, London Ambulance Service says, with more than 80 medics having been sent to the scene.

* A British Transport Police officer who took on the three attackers armed with just his baton is stabbed in the head, face and leg as he tries to help members of the public.

* 12.25am on Sunday - Both incidents are declared by the Metropolitan Police as terror attacks.

* Shortly before 4am, police confirm six people are killed in the rampage.

* A third incident at Vauxhall is a stabbing and unrelated, Scotland Yard says.

* Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick says the number of victims from the London attack has risen to seven. The High Commission of Canada later confirms one of its citizens is among the dead.

* After chairing a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency committee, at 10.35am British Prime Minister Theresa May says the UK is experiencing a "new trend in the threat we face as terrorism breeds terrorism" as she condemns the terror attacks.

* On Sunday morning police carry out raids in Barking, east London, where it is thought one of the attackers lived. Officers make 12 arrests in the area and a neighbour who knew one of the attackers says he had asked him how to hire a van.

* 2pm - Armed police descend on a flat in East Ham, where witnesses say they apprehend two suspects. Residents see one man jump out of a first floor window and run along the top of a rank of shops before being dragged through a window by officers.

* 4.30pm - Mr Rowley confirms that 36 people remain in hospital with 21 in a critical condition. He warns of more armed police in the capital in coming days, and says "increased physical measures" will be brought in to keep people safe on London's bridges.

* 7.50pm - French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirms a French citizen was killed in the attack and seven were taken to hospital, of which four are in a serious condition.

* 10pm - Scotland Yard says seven women aged between 19 and 60 are among those arrested at an address in Barking under the Terrorism Act, while five men aged 27 to 55 are also detained. One 55-year-old man is released without charge.

* 10:30pm - The first victim of the attack is named as Canadian national Christine Archibald, who worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance. 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.

"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."

* 10.45pm - The head of the SITE intelligence group says the Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the London attacks.

* 12.18am on Monday - Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop says three Australian citizens were injured in the attacks.

* 5am - Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says the number of Australian victims has increased to four, adding the Government had "very real concerns" about two of its citizens.

* Monday 4.15am - Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command enter two addresses in Newham and Barking and a "number of people" are detained.

More to follow
Andrew Reade has been jailed for four years and four months

A man who hid the body of his dead girlfriend in the airing cupboard of their flat for more than a year has been jailed for four years and four months.

Andrew Reade, 43, wrapped the body of Vicky Cherry, 44, in a duvet and plastic sheeting after her death in October 2015 and then concealed it at their address in Bolton, Greater Manchester, by placing other items on top.

The corpse remained secret until police made the grim discovery when they searched the first-floor flat in Toronto Street in January this year after her family filed a missing person report three months earlier.

Miss Cherry's cause of death could not be ascertained because of the heavy decomposition but a pathologist concluded she may have died as a result of strangulation as injuries to her neck were detected.

When arrested on suspicion of murder, Reade claimed he panicked after he woke to find his girlfriend dead after they had previously taken a cocktail of illicit drugs.

Sentencing him at Bolton Crown Court, Judge Timothy Clayson said the defendant could not be held responsible for the death but his behaviour that followed was "inexcusable".

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Reade went on "a mission of deceit" as he told lie after lie to Miss Cherry's family and also to police officers who twice visited the flat in November 2016.

He told them that Miss Cherry had left him to live in Blackburn with another man, the court heard.

Reade gave different accounts to others in the weeks after Miss Cherry's death when he told a mutual friend she was in hospital and falsely claimed to a pharmacist that she had moved in with her mother and even secured a job at a care home.

The defendant also cashed in employment benefits, totalling up to 1,000, sent to Miss Cherry in the three months after her death.

Judge Clayson told him that his conduct had prolonged her family's ordeal.

He said: "Your behaviour towards the body of Vicky Cherry and her family was callous, calculated and above all selfish."

Reade pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to preventing a lawful and decent burial and also doing acts intended to pervert the course of justice.

Michael Maher, prosecuting, said the pair had been in a relationship since 2014 and it was "palpably clear" that the mother-of-three, originally from Fulwood, Lancashire, had "wrestled demons" with a history of drug abuse, depression and epilepsy.

She had been estranged from her family until the end of 2014 when contact was re-established and she kept in regular touch with her daughter Robyn, 25, until it came to an abrupt end in October 2015.

Reade later texted Miss Cherry's daughter that she had moved out to Blackburn, which left her with "deep-seated anger" as it appeared she had acted without telling her, the court was told.

She said she was "livid" with her mother but eventually became suspicious as time went on.

In a victim personal statement to the court, Miss Cherry's daughter said she and her mother had moved on from the past and she was looking forward to introducing her to her grandchildren.

She went on: "How can someone put you through 15 months of not knowing where she was? Lying to us and hiding her body from everyone.

"We may never know how she died. The way she was found we will never fully recover from the images and thoughts of how she was found.

"Reade has held her body in a cupboard with things on top of her like she was a piece of rubbish.

"I will never forgive Reade. Reade himself is the only person who truly knows what happened to my mother. We will be forever tormented by this."

Nick Ross, defending, said his client, a long-standing user of Class A drugs, had exercised "very poor judgment" after grief and panic had set in following Miss Cherry's death.

He said: "He can only think that matters spiralled out of control as to how he should manage with the passing of Miss Cherry. He found himself on a treadmill he could not get off.

"He says his number one apology is the wish to apologise to the family. He very much wishes that he reported the death properly and in a timely fashion, and he wishes he could turn the clock back."

Judge Clayson rejected Reade's claims in prison that he had tried to commit suicide as "an attempt by you to attract sympathy" and he also did not accept his feelings of remorse or that he would "deeply miss" Miss Cherry were genuine.

Following sentencing, Miss Cherry's family said: "We as a family are heartbroken. No matter what sentence Reade would have been given it will never bring Vicky back.

"He stopped us for 18 months being able to have her funeral from the day she died.

"No one was able to say goodbye to her properly as we couldn't view her body and had to say goodbye to a coffin because she decomposed so much.

"They couldn't even give us a lock of hair."

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Crompton of Greater Manchester Police said: "Reade's deliberately deceptive and misleading actions seriously obstructed the investigation into how Victoria died and cost us valuable opportunities to investigate.

"The strength and courage her family has shown throughout the investigation and the time in court is truly commendable."
Forensics investigators work on London Bridge, after an attack left 7 people dead and dozens injured, in London, Britain June 4, 2017. REUTERS/Neil Hall

Forensics investigators work on London Bridge, after an attack left 7 people dead and dozens injured, in London, Britain June 4, 2017. REUTERS/Neil Hall

Forensics investigators work on London Bridge, after an attack left 7 people dead and dozens injured, in London, Britain June 4, 2017. REUTERS/Neil Hall

British police said on Sunday they would release the names of the three men who killed seven people in London "as soon as operationally possible", adding that searches were continuing in four properties.

The men rammed a van into pedestrians and stabbed revellers on Saturday night before being shot by police. Twelve people were arrested in east London on Sunday in connection with the attack.

Police said that one man had been released without charge, but four men and seven women were still being detained under terrorism legislation.

"The public can expect to see additional police  both armed and unarmed officers - across the capital as you would expect in these circumstances," Mark Rowley, Britain's top counter-terrorism policeman, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, the militant group's agency Amaq said on Sunday.

"A detachment of Islamic State fighters executed yesterday's London attack," a statement posted on Amaq's media page said.
People make their way past barriers on Westminster Bridge in London which have been placed there overnight following Saturday's terrorist attack (PA)

Britain has been hit by an "unprecedented" wave of terror attacks and one atrocity may be triggering the next, the country's top police officer has warned.

Scotland Yard chief Cressida Dick said authorities were confronting a "new reality" after three deadly assaults hit the UK in just 10 weeks.

In the latest outrage, three terrorists killed seven victims and injured dozens more in the London Bridge area on Saturday night.

The attackers, who were wearing fake suicide bomb vests, were shot dead by eight officers after police opened fire with a hail of 50 bullets.

Expand Close Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speak to the media as they visit the scene near London Bridge following Saturday's terrorist attack (PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speak to the media as they visit the scene near London Bridge following Saturday's terrorist attack (PA)

The incident followed murderous strikes in Westminster and Manchester in March and May, and Ms Dick, whose policing career spans more than 30 years, said the flurry of attacks was "unprecedented in my working life".

The Islamic State terror group - also known as Daesh - has claimed responsibility for the London Bridge rampage, while the attack has sparked fears Britain is in the grip of a spate of copycat incidents.

Ms Dick told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that it was "certainly a possibility" that the attacks were triggering the next one.

"The rhetoric that has been coming from Daesh and other organisations has been to encourage people to take action into their own hands, to use low-tech methods, and undoubtedly when people see something which appears from their perverted point of view to be successful, some people will be inspired by that, so that is most certainly a possibility," the Metropolitan Police commissioner said.

As counter-terrorism police units and security services launched a huge investigation for the third time in a matter of weeks:

* Eleven people arrested on Sunday remained in custody.

* Two further addresses in east London were searched on Monday morning, with a number of people detained.

*Ms Dick confirmed police knew the identity of all three killers and Scotland Yard said it will release their names "as soon as operationally possible".

* A friend of one of the perpetrators told the BBC Asian Network he had reported him to the anti-terror hotline after he began expressing increasingly radical views and justifying terror attacks, but the man said he was never arrested.

* Security sources in Dublin said one of the terrorists was carrying an identity card issued in Ireland when he was shot dead.

Expand Close Forensics investigators work at a property which was raided by police in East Ham, east London, Britain, June 5, 2017. REUTERS/Neil Hall / Facebook

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* The first victim of the attack has been named as Canadian national Christine Archibald, who worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.

* Theresa May defended cuts to police numbers, insisting the Metropolitan Police is "well resourced" and has "very powerful counter-terrorism capabilities".

* There are no reports of any Irish injured or killed in the attack.

Hundreds cowered in pubs and restaurants, barricading themselves inside as the attackers stalked the streets as terror hit Britain less than a fortnight after the Manchester bombing.

Pedestrians were struck by a van on London Bridge before attackers stabbed a police officer and revellers around Borough Market with 12in knives.

One of the attackers shouted "this is for Allah" as he knifed a man near a pub, before the trio were shot dead by armed officers within eight minutes of police receiving the first emergency call.

Tales of heroism emerged, with one British Transport Police officer taking on the attackers armed only with his baton before being stabbed in the head, face and leg.

Three other officers were hurt in the attack. In total, 48 people were injured, with 21 in a critical condition.

Mrs May said victims of the attacks came from "number of nationalities", adding: "This was an attack on London and the United Kingdom, but it was also an attack on the free world."

A large-scale probe has been launched, with detectives amassing an enormous amount of forensic material during a string of searches around east London.

Seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 were arrested under the Terrorism Act in Barking on Sunday. A 55-year-old man was later released without charge.

Residents reported hearing loud bangs on Monday morning as two further properties were searched.

Scotland Yard said officers entered two addresses - one in Newham and another in Barking.

The force said: "A number of people have been detained and are at present being spoken to. Searches are ongoing at both addresses."

Police vans were parked outside a property on the A13 in Dagenham.

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James Bateman, who lives at the other side of the road, said: "At about 4am, after the large bang, I looked outside the window after being woken up and I saw about a dozen armed police officers going to and from an unmarked van."

He said they were wearing "full gear", adding: "The first bang was nothing like I'd heard before."

Police are also at an address on Caledon Road in Newham, east London.

A police van is parked in the middle of the road and the street of terraced houses is cordoned off at both ends.

A woman called Sonia said police raided the house next to the one she lives in at 4am. She said she was woken up by the noise and could hear shouts of "On the floor, on the floor, on the floor" coming from next door.

"And after, people screaming scared, and boom boom boom," she said, adding that she could hear an explosion and four or five gunshots. The noise was so loud and she and her housemates thought it was taking place in their house.

"We were very scared," she said, adding that glass was smashed at the front of her house.

She said she believes the people who live in the house are Muslim, adding that it is a family which includes two sons.

Soruban Balachandran, who also lives on the street in Newham, said he heard noises that sounded like gunshots, adding: "I thought it was some gunfight."

Thuraisingam Thusyanthan, who lives opposite the house, said he was woken up up by a noise like a "bomb blast" at about 4.30am.

He said police told him to stay in his house, adding: "I looked out the window. I saw armed police. They went inside the house."

About 15 minutes later, three men and three women were brought out of the house, he said.

"They looked like normal people," he said, adding that he thinks they are from Bangladesh or Pakistan.

Alisha, a neighbour of the family whose house was raided in Newham, said a man that lived in the house had told her father they were Pakistani from Greece.

"They kept to themselves," she said.
Former FBI director James Comey will be grilled this week on whether US President Donald Trump tried to get him to back off an investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Mr Comey, who was leading the FBI probe into alleged Russian meddling in last year's US presidential election, was fired by Mr Trump last month, four years into his 10-year term.

The move sparked accusations that Mr Trump dismissed Mr 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, said in a TV interview yesterday.

The former FBI chief is due to testify on Thursday before the intelligence committee as part of its own Russia-related investigation.

After Mr Comey's dismissal, news reports emerged that Mr Trump asked Mr Comey to end the probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn during a February meeting in the Oval Office, the day after Mr Flynn was fired for misrepresenting his contacts with the Russian ambassador.

Expand Close Denial: Putin says he didnt really talk to Michael Flynn. Photo: REUTERS / Facebook

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The account was based on a memo Mr Comey wrote after the meeting. The Comey memo caused alarm on Capitol Hill and raised questions about whether Mr Trump tried to interfere with a federal investigation.

"It would be unthinkable if the president actually did what was reported, asked FBI director Comey to, in effect, back off of at least the investigation into General Flynn," Senator Warner said.

US intelligence agencies concluded in January that Moscow tried to sway the November vote in Mr Trump's favour. Russia has denied involvement, and Mr Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday in an interview that he did not have any relationship with Mr Flynn and spoke only briefly with him when he sat next to him at a 2015 dinner for Russian TV network RT.

"I made my speech. Then we talked about some other stuff. And I got up and left," Mr Putin told NBC News. "That's it. I didn't even really talk to him. That's the extent of my acquaintance with Mr Flynn."

Republican Senator Susan Collins, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said she was eager to question Mr Comey to find out more about Mr Trump's allegation that Mr 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," Senator Collins said. "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."

Mr 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.
US President Donald Trump will not assert executive privilege to try to block testimony by sacked FBI director James Comey, the White House has confirmed.

Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the president's power to invoke privilege is "well-established".

But she said Mr Trump will not take that step in order to ensure a "swift and thorough examination of the facts" related to Mr Comey's sacking and the multiple investigations into Russia's election meddling.

Mr Comey is scheduled to testify on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

Mr Comey's appearance before the Senate intelligence committee will mark his first public comments since he was abruptly sacked by the president last month.

White House officials had weighed trying to block Mr Comey by arguing that his discussions with the president pertained to national security and that there was an expectation of privacy.

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However, officials ultimately concluded that the optics of taking that step would be worse than the risk of letting the former FBI director testify freely.

Legal experts have also said that the president is likely to have undermined his ability to assert executive privilege by publicly discussing his dealings with Mr Comey in tweets and interviews.

Legislators in both parties have urged Mr Trump to allow Mr Comey to testify publicly. On Sunday, Senator Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican and a member of the intelligence committee, said the president would be "better served by getting all this information out".

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"Sooner rather than later, let's find out what happened and bring this to a conclusion," Mr Blunt told Fox News.

''You don't do that I think by invoking executive privilege on a conversation you had apparently with nobody else in the room."

Mr Comey's associates have alleged that Mr Trump asked the FBI director if he could drop an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn and his Russian contacts. The White House has denied the president made that request.
President Donald Trump speaks during the Ford's Theatre Annual Gala at the Ford's Theatre in Washington, Sunday, June 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to call for an expedited hearing on his proposed travel ban.

The President has said officials should have stayed with the "original" travel ban and not the "watered down, politically correct version" that was submitted to the Supreme Court.

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The ban looks to temporarily restrict the ability of people from six Muslim majority nations to travel to the US.

Trump has been vocal on his social media about the travel ban over the weekend in the wake of the latest London terror attack.

Now he has said: "People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!"

A March directive narrowed the scope of the original order, which was hastily unveiled during Mr Trump's first week in office.

Both orders have been blocked by the lower courts.

Trump has repeatedly stated that the ban is necessary to "protect the US from terrorists".

Critics of the order have dismissed it as inflammatory and discriminatory.

His legal team has requested the Supreme Court re-instate the controversial order.
New opposition emerges as Trump pushes for travel ban

As President Donald Trump renewed his push Sunday for a travel ban in the wake of another terrorist attack in England, new opposition emerged from Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

Several lawmakers suggested in TV interviews Sunday that Trump's proposed ban, which blocked immigrants from six majority-Muslim countries but was halted by federal courts, is no longer necessary since the administration has had the time it claimed it needed to develop beefed-up vetting procedures to screen people coming to the United States.

"It's been four months since I said they needed four months to put that in place," Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., a member of the Intelligence Committee, said on Fox News Sunday. "I think you can do that without a travel ban and hopefully we are."

Sen. Mark Warner, Va., the top Democrat on the panel, said Trump's administration has had plenty of time at this point to examine how immigrants are let into the United States and make any improvements that are needed. "If the president wanted 90 days to re-examine how individuals from certain countries would enter the United States, he's had more than 90 days," Warner said on CBS' Face the Nation.

Trump argued repeatedly on the campaign trail and after his victory that a better system for screening immigrants is imperative to national security. He signed an executive order in mid-March to temporarily suspend the U.S. refugee program and block visas for citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. He promised to develop more-comprehensive screening that would render the temporary ban unnecessary once in place.

Trump renewed his call for the ban on Sunday in response to the Saturday attacks near London Bridge, which left seven dead and dozens injured. The 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!"

The travel ban was to last only 90 days, purportedly to buy agencies time to explore new procedures. Federal judges in Maryland and Hawaii have since suspended the ban.

However, the Justice Department interpreted the Hawaii court's decision to also mean that federal agencies couldn't work on new vetting procedures.

"We have put our pens down," acting U.S. Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall told the Virginia-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit last month, when questioned about work on new procedures during a separate hearing about the travel ban. Wall said the administration has "done nothing to review the vetting procedures for these countries."

To get the travel ban reinstated, the Justice Department filed two emergency applications with the Supreme Court last week. If the court allows the development of new vetting procedures to go forward, that could start the clock on another 90 days for the administration to review vetting procedures. But that could also render a Supreme Court decision on the travel ban moot, since the court is not likely to hear that case before October.

That time frame has left some legal experts puzzled about the Trump administration's intent.

"The enhanced procedures would be in place by the beginning of October," said Mark Tushnet, a law professor at Harvard University. "By that time, the travel ban would not be in effect."

As more time goes by with no appearance of effort toward stronger vetting, it could undermine the administration's legal justification for a temporary travel ban.

"I think the travel ban is too broad, and that is why it's been rejected by the courts," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Sunday on Face the Nation. "The president is right, however, that we need to do a better job of vetting individuals who are coming from war-torn countries into our nation . . . but I do believe that the very broad ban that he has proposed is not the right way to go."

travelban

Washington Post News Service (DC)

6/4/2017 6:45:20 PM Central Daylight Time
Post-Bloomberg morning briefing

Good morning, editors. Here are the top morning and overnight offerings in news, analysis and commentary from The Washington Post News Service with Bloomberg News. All stories have moved unless otherwise noted. For questions about stories, photos or graphics, please call 202-334-7666.

Foreign

BRITAIN - LONDON - The police investigation into London's latest terror attack intensifies ahead of an unpredictable election. 1,295 words, by Griff Witte and Karla Adam (Post). With BRITAIN-POLICE (Morale, Ainger, Bloomberg), one photo; BRITAIN-MAYOR (Schmidt, Post), one photo; and BRITAIN-ELECT-ASSESS (Datoo, Bloomberg).

BRITAIN-TRUMP-ANALYSIS - President Trump was terrorized by the London attack, while Britain stood firm. 1,165 words, by Ishaan Tharoor (Post). With BRITAIN-CONCERT (Andrews, Post) and FRANCE-TRUMP-BG (Viscusi, Talev (Bloomberg).

QATAR - DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Four Arab nations sever diplomatic relations with the Gulf kingdom of Qatar. 515 words, by Kareem Fahim (Post). With QATAR-BG (Carey, Sabah, Bloomberg).

AUSTRALIA-POLICY - SYDNEY - Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Pentagon chief Jim Mattis seek to reaffirm the U.S. alliance with Canberra. 680 words, by Dan Lamothe (Post).

National

TRUMP-TWEETS - WASHINGTON - President Trump unleashes barrage of criticism against courts blocking the administration's travel ban, calling for fast-track Supreme Court hearing and urging the Justice Department to seek even tougher measures on who enters U.S. 830 words, by Paige Winfield Cunningham and Brian Murphy (Post). With TRUMP-TWEETS-BG (Pettypiece, Bloomberg).

KUSHNER-REALESTATE-ASSESS - Kushners hunting hard for a loan to pay back Chinese investors. 480 words, by Sarah Mulholland and Caleb Melby (Bloomberg).

CONTROLLERS - WASHINGTON - White House will formally endorse a plan to spin off more than 30,000 federal workers into a private nonprofit corporation, separating air traffic controllers and those who work on $36 billion modernization program from the FAA. 915 words, by Ashley Halsey III and John Wagner (Post).

COSBY-FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the Bill Cosby trial. 1,745 words, by Manuel Roig-Franzia (Post).

CORPORATE-CRIME - A new database of rarely tracked corporate crime prosecutions launches. 680 words, by Tom Jackman (Post).

Financial

ORGANIC - Millions of cartons of "organic" milk contain an oil brewed in industrial vats of algae. 1,485 words, by Peter Whoriskey (Post). One photo.

Also: editorials from The Post, Bloomberg View and The Japan News.

- - -

Editors: A features budget will move at 12:30 p.m. ET. The daily budget for tomorrow's editions will move at 2:00 p.m. ET.

morning-briefing

Washington Post News Service (DC)

6/5/2017 8:00:19 AM Central Daylight Time
In early 2013, a nationwide campaign to eliminate food waste swept across China. The movement, called "empty plate," quickly began to change the way people thought about leftovers in a nation where ordering more than you can eat is considered a status symbol.

Posters in support of a more frugal lifestyle sprang up in streets, restaurants and cafeterias across the country. Hundreds of thousands of restaurants answered the call by offering smaller dishes, abolishing minimum fees and encouraging customers to take their leftovers home. Posting pictures of finished dishes even became a social media trend, and the term empty plate appeared on a list of the top 10 buzzwords from 2013.

As the far-reaching campaign against corruption was also in full swing, the movement had special implications for government officials, who were asked to steer clear of lavish banquets, one of the biggest sources of food waste.

Observers have acknowledged a growing appreciation and reverence for food in the past few years, thanks to the campaign. However, many think the campaign has lost steam in the four years since its launch, and that food waste is still a rampant issue in China.

The current amount of garbage coming from urban kitchens is a clear sign that food waste is staging an unwelcome comeback. According to a Tianjin waste management company, kitchen garbage dropped significantly in the first year of the campaign. Afterward, however, the trend gradually reverted.

In 2013, 15 restaurants in central China's city of Wuhan reached a high-profile agreement to downsize their portions, but none of the businesses stuck to that promise in the long run, resulting in an astonishing amount of unfinished food going directly into the trash, according to a recent report by Xinhua.

The China Consumers' Association asked restaurants to abolish minimum fees in early 2013. The move was lauded by consumers, who complained that in the past they were often forced to order more food than they could eat, or else risk getting stuck with an extra service fee. Unfortunately, most of Chinas high-end restaurants still uphold that policy today.

The annual waste of grain in China is estimated to be around 18 million tons, enough to feed up to 50 million people for one year. A commentary published by the Peoples Daily on May 27 called on the public to renew the campaign, arguing that concrete action is key and everyone must do his or her part to cut down on food waste.
Cannon Hospital in Linville has been chosen as one of three rural North Carolina hospitals to convert existing beds to dedicated adult behavioral health care services.

The conversion of 27 beds for psychiatric and substance use treatment is part of an N.C. Department of Health and Human Services grant initiative.

Cannon will receive $6.5 million toward its project. The hospital currently has 25 acute-care and 10 psychiatric beds as a critical-access facility, according to its website.

The closed Franklin Regional Medical Center in Henderson was chosen as the site for the central part of the state. The facility, now operated by Duke Life Point Maria Parham Medical Center LLC, will receive $10 million to convert 33 beds.

DHHS is taking applications for an eastern N.C. hospital. Overall, there are plans to create or convert 150 beds to behavioral health usage statewide. The hospitals will establish the behavioral health beds by transferring unused acute medical beds and by new construction.

The General Assembly appropriated $18 million from the Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Fund for the increased capacity. The state sold the property to Raleigh in July 2015.

These hospitals will provide critical access to individuals needing inpatient mental health care in these regions of our state, said Jason Vogler, interim senior director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.

The goal is reducing travel distances to inpatient beds and decreasing wait times for individuals in emergency departments.

At least half of the beds will serve people who are unable to pay for care, or are covered by Medicaid, Medicare or Tricare.

Cannon said it has experienced a drastic increase since 2012 in demand for behavioral health inpatient beds from across Northwest N.C.

For example, the hospital said that in 2016 it received more than 5,000 psychiatric referrals, but was able to admit only 560 psychiatric patients.

I want to be clear that Cannon Hospital will continue to meet the medical needs of the community by operating as a critical access hospital, said Chuck Mantooth, president and chief executive of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, which operates Cannon Hospital.

These additional behavioral health beds afford us the opportunity to grow the medical campus at Cannon Hospital and to develop the rural hospital of the future model, which can be replicated across the country.

The system will host a public information session about the grant and the hospitals future at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Chapman Center in Linville.

In November, a joint legislative oversight committee was told that hospital emergency rooms are being deluged with patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The number of individuals seeking mental health and substance abuse care in emergency departments is up fourfold in the past decade, the N.C. Hospital Association said.

Also up fourfold is the average wait time  four days  for an adult in crisis to be transferred to a state psychiatric hospital. The wait was 2 days for a bed in a community hospital. The wait for children in need is longer.

Legislators were told that between 30 percent and 80 percent of emergency department beds are occupied by patients waiting for mental health care.

Hospitals in urban counties on average are caring for about 40 patients a day brought to their facilities under involuntary commitment status.

Putting legislators on the spot, the hospital association pointed out North Carolina was one of just three states to decrease its spending on behavioral health from 2012 to 2015  all under a Republican-controlled General Assembly.

North Carolina ranks 44th in the country in the number of psychiatric care beds. Only 35 percent of N.C. hospitals have a psychiatric unit.
FIPB formally abolished by federal government

On May 24, the Union Cabinet finalized the end of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). Introduced as a foreign direct investment (FDI) reform in the Union Budget for 2017-18, scrapping the FIPB will ease greater foreign investments inflows by reducing bureaucratic transactions.

The FIPB was an inter-ministerial body under the Department of Economic Affairs in the finance ministry. It was responsible for processing and recommending FDI proposals if the investment amount exceeded US$466.27 million (Rs 3,000 crore).

RELATED: Tax Compliance Advisory

Going forward, FDI proposals can be approved by individual departments in the government in consultation with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). The DIPP will issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) to facilitate the processing of FDI applications. Only proposals for FDI in sensitive sectors will require a separate security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

No Integrated GST on imports under export promotion schemes in India

The Indian government remains keen to promote exports, which is why imports under various export promotion schemes, including those to special economic zones, will be exempt outright from the goods and services tax (GST).

This relaxation is also extended to the re-import of goods exported under any claim of export promotion schemes, such as drawback, re-import of cut and polished precious stones sent abroad for treatment, as well as for those imported items that are subject to international commitments.

Similarly, no GST will be charged on imports by the staff of diplomatic missions. Goods imported for Bhutan and Nepal will also be exempt from GST. A complete and updated list has been notified by the Central Board of Excise and Customs.

RELATED: Indias GST Rates for Goods and Services Released ahead of July 1 Implementation

Pending rules and GST rates finalized by GST Council

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has cleared the pending transition rules for the rollout of the GST from July 1 and fixed the GST rates for the remaining goods segments.

The Council raised the limit on input tax credit (ITC) claimed against excise duty payment to 60 percent from 40 percent of GST liability on items with a tax rate above 18 percent. This should bring some respite to businesses on their sale of inventories stocked up before July 1.

Finally, GST tax rates were fixed at three percent for gold and five percent for trademarked packaged foods, agri-machinery, and for apparel priced below US$15.54 (Rs 1,000). Footwear priced below US$7.77 (Rs 500) will attract five percent GST, otherwise the segment will be subject to 18 percent GST. Lastly, readymade garments will be subject to 12 percent GST, natural yarn and fabric cotton to 5 percent, and man-made yarn 18 percent. Jute, however, will not be taxed.

RELATED: Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India: What it Means for Businesses

New guidelines for government agencies handling personal data

In response to the outcry over data protection under the Aadhaar Act, the ministry of electronics and information technology (MEIT) released fresh guidelines for government agencies handling personal information on May 22. These guidelines expand on the rules laid down in the Information Technology Act of 2000 and Aadhaar Act of 2016.

Government agencies working with personal data will need to ensure that end-users are made aware of this data collection and usage; their consent must be taken either in writing or electronically.

Sensitive personal information, such as passwords, financial information (bank account, credit card, debit card, and other payment instrument details), medical records and history, sexual orientation, physical and mental health, and biometric information cannot be stored by agencies without encryption.
Dubai, Jun 5 (IBNS): The United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have severed all diplomatic ties with Qatar while accusing the latter nation of sponsoring terrorism, reports said.

Saudi Arabian state run news agency has said that Riyadh, the country's capital, has closed its borders, severing all contacts over land sea and air with Qatar.

The agency quoted officials as saying that the country wants to protect its people from terrorism.

Egypt too has followed a similar trend and has closed its gates for all Qatari transportation, its foreign ministry said.

Meanwhile, the UAE has given 48-hours for all Qatari diplomats to leave the country.

Slamming the country for funding terrorists, including the Muslim Brotherhood, the UAE has accused Doha of "supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organisations," its state news agency WAM reported.

Bahrain has cut off all ties with Qatar accusing it of meddling in the former's business and destabilising its security.

The Qatari government is yet to comment on the recent development.



image: Internet Wallpapers
New York, June 4 (Just Earth News): Denouncing on Sunday's deadly attack on a peaceful funeral procession in Kabul as amorally reprehensible and bereft of humanity,a the top United Nations official in Afghanistan said that after a week of violence across the long-troubled country, anow is the time to seek unity and solidarity.a

I urge everyone not to respond to violence with more violence, said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, expressing heartfelt condolences to family and friends of the victims, all civilians, who once again suffered indescribable loss on Sunday.

He noted that on Sunday's attack, which reportedly killed at least seven people and wounded dozens of others attending a funeral in the Afghan capital, was conducted by those opportunistically seeking to use these very fragile moments to destabilize Afghanistan.

Yamamoto underscored that the incident follows so much violence this week across the country, in Khost, in Kabul and in other provinces, referring to a truck explosion on Wednesday that reportedly killed nearly 100 people and wounded hundreds of others near the presidential palace and foreign embassies. Just yesterday, he urged restraint amid ongoing protests that broke out in the capital in the wake of that attack.

In the context of so much suffering, now is the time to seek unity and solidarity, underscored Yamamoto, who is also the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). He added that he has spoken with a broad spectrum of the country's political leaders, highlighting the importance of unity. They agreed that working together is essential to stop the cycle of violence, he said.

Calm is now called for. Ensuring security in Kabul is an urgent priority, as this city continues to experience the highest number of civilian casualties, he continued, reiterating that the ultimate objective in Afghanistan must be a negotiated peace.

Meaningful steps must take place now to obtain an immediate, nationwide halt to violence. I encourage all parties to enter discussions toward that end. The United Nations stands ready to help, said the envoy.

He also urged all members of the international community to help put an end the cycle of violence and support the foundations of a lasting peace. The upcoming Kabul meeting on regional peace and security provides an immediate opportunity in that regard.

I am in constant contact with members of the diplomatic community to work together to ensure coherent support, Yamamoto concluded.

Photo: UNAMA/Jawad Jalali (file)

Source: www.justearthnews.com
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 | 10-11-2022 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 | 10-11-2022 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 | 10-11-2022 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 | 10-11-2022 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 | 10-11-2022 11:39 am
(Photo/CGTN)

Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a four-day trip to Kazakhstan on Wednesday, a senior official from Foreign Ministry announced at a press briefing on Monday.

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Huilai briefed the media on President Xi's state visit and attendance at the 17th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of State Council and the opening ceremony of the Astana EXPO 2017.

Xi's third visit to Kazakhstan will help strengthen bilateral ties, Li said. "China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and is willing to better connect the Belt and Road Initiative with Kazakhstans Bright Road program," he said.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kazakhstan. The two presidents met in Beijing in May on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
(Update: News publication Al-Alam claimed that a source revealed that Khan was paid $400,000 (approx Rs 2 crore) to appear on the show. Ramez's selfie with SRK on Twitter too fueled that maybe the whole act was staged. An HT report also quotes his manager Pooja Dadlani, who confirmed that Yes, it was staged and Shah Rukh Khan was aware and was acting as if he was angry. )

With superstardom and fame comes a little arrogance and flamboyance and if you're Shah Rukh Khan, you'd know what we are talking about. SRK's witty and in your face nature has time and again proved that you just can't mess with King Khan.

Pinterest

Recently, a clip of SRK fuming over a reality show host went crazy viral on the internet. The video has SRK getting all angry at the Egyptian comedian and host of Ramez Underground, Ramez Galal. Ramez pranked SRK on his show but it looks like the prank didn't go down too well with him.

Shah Rukh was in Dubai for an interview and was traveling for a shoot in the desert with TV presenter Nishan. The video suggests that Nishan too was a part of the prank. The video then has the driver losing his way and the vehicle landing in a quicksand.

Screenshot of the prank.

What happened afterward is what you need to see in the video.

Shah Rukh obviously was furious over the prank and he told Ramez, This is nonsense you got me all the way from India to do this sh*t?, Even when Ramez kept on apologizing, Shah Rukh told him not to speak to him and asked for his team to be called. To light up the whole atmosphere, Ramez started singing 'Marjaani Marjaani'.

Umm.. you can't mess with King Khan, right?

We saw SRK's selfie with Ramez on Twitter but if it's after or before the prank, we doubt.
Mohanlal's upcoming epic film Mahabharata, based on M T Vasudevan Nair's novel Randamoozham was threatened by a pro Hindu group for a title change recently. But the film has received the highest power of support and that too from none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

bccl

The PM had sent a letter to the film's producer, BR Shetty recently declaring his complete support for the 1000 crore project. In the letter he mentioned that he is awaiting the release of the film, which will be a matter of pride for the entire nation. As per the reports we hear that the Mahabharata team has been granted permission to visit him on July 7.

ap

The film touted to be the most expensive film to be made with a whooping budget will be narrated from the perspective of Bheema, to be played by Mohanlal. However Shetty had announced in a press conference recently that the film will go with the title Randamoozham in Malayalam and in all other languages it will be titled as Mahabharata itself.
With major Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severing ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting ISIS and Al Qaeda, Doha stares at the abyss.

Apart from supporting terrorism, Doha has been isolated by Gulf countries in wake of its support to Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamist movement and countries like Saudi Arabia also see Qatar as a support to arch-rival Iran.

AFP

The split between Doha and other members of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is likely to have repercussion, more economic than political. While Doha and other states which have severed ties with it likely to get affected with it, India, no matter, how far we are geographically are also likely to get affected with the move.

Indians travelling to Qatar

AFP

Indians make up to the largest expatriate group in Qatar and this move is likely to impact their up and down from India as flights from India take Persian Gulf route to Doha. The air limits placed by Saudi Arabia led grouping wont have any impact on the Persian Gulf as the said air space doesnt fall in the air limits of countries that have banned Qatar.

But Indians living in these countries wont get flights to Qatar

There are thousands of Indians living in Gulf countries, both Qatar as well as other countries and people frequently travel to Qatar from these countries. The Indian population in the country currently stands at around 650,000.

Especially UAE, a country where Indians are in abundance and they travel to Qatar frequently, now UAE has joined Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain in denying airspace to Doha, Indians in Qatar and those who are willing to go to Qatar from these countries may have to re-route their travel to these countries with multiple stops.

Trade and Defence ties

AFP

The trade between India and Qatar has crossed $15.67 billion in 2014-15 which includes the export of $1.05 billion. Indian companies are also working in Qatar. For example, Larsen & Turbo (L&T) in March 2014 had won a QR 2.1 billion road project in Qatar.

Its supposed to work on $740 million order from Qatar Railways for the design and construction of rail line for Doha Metro project. It also secured a $740 million order from Qatar Railways Co for the design and construction of the rail line for the Doha Metro project in Qatar.

India has major military relations with Qatar, where it has a maritime defence agreement to suppress threats from extremist elements. But since the conflict is confined within the members of GCC, its unlikely to have any serious repercussion on Indias trade with Qatar.

No big effect on gas supplies either, but fuel prices may go up

India imports majority of the fuel from Gulf countries which includes gas from Qatar. R.K. Garg, head of finance at Petronet, told Reuters, I dont think there will be any impact on it. We get gas directly from Qatar by sea.

Reuters

Petronet LNG, Indias biggest gas importer, buys 8.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) a year from Qatar. While gas supplies wouldnt face any crunch, the prices of fuel such as petrol and diesel might go up as it has already seen the rise in oil prices in Gulf as soon as the decision was announced.
Isro is looking to revolutionise the communication system by with is upcoming endeavours - the GSAT-19 and the GSAT-11 satellites. The new satellites are considered to be game changers that can empower a digital India and provide internet services and streaming like never before.

According to reports, Isro is undertaking a mega-experiment at India's rocket port at Sriharikota: a spanking new monster rocket is all set to launch an altogether new class of communications satellite.

AFP

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".

If it succeeds, the single GSAT-19 satellite will be equivalent to having a constellation of 6-7 of the older variety of communication satellites in space.

Today, out of a constellation of 41 in-orbit Indian satellites, 13 are communication satellites.

ALSO READ: ISRO To Launch 'Fat Boy' On June 5. Here's All About GSLV MK-III Which Will Enable ISRO To Launch Manned Missions

At over 3 tons, the GSAT-19 satellite will be the heaviest satellite made and to be launched from India and is a voluminous animal.

Misra says "by volume, it is the enormous satellite made by India".

The satellite is indeed a test bed for many new technologies.

ALSO READ: 25 Years After US 'Grounded' India's GSLV, NASA-ISRO Team Will Launch The Most Expensive Earth-Imaging Satellite

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.

AFP

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".

An important experiment to understand how to make space-based components more radiation resistant.

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.

ALSO READ: ISRO To Launch Three Satellites In Next 18 Months To Boost India's Internet Speed

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.

BCCL

Don't get confused by the numbering, in Isro's space-time warp sometimes the younger brother can get married before the older brother, hence GSAT-19 is lifting off before GSAT-11.

The GSAT-11 is a mega satellite whose panels are the biggest India has ever made at over 4 metre in height, in addition, this giant bird will have effectively 32 beams streaming data like never before.

"It is not a single satellite but like a constellation of many satellites all working from a single platform and in unison from the sky," Misra says.

Once this satellite hits the orbit, satellite-based Internet streaming will become a total reality for India, he says.

In the ever-changing cyber security environment, India urgently needs an all new Internet backbone since New Delhi just can't rely on optical fibres, copper based telephony and mobile cellular services as an alternative.

Today satellite-based internet services are a robust and secure form of communication.

Isro chairman A S Kiran Kumar says it is a huge experiment with an all new vehicle and an all new satellite.
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 III to send Indian astronauts in space.

1. The team is planning to launch the vehicle at their headquarters in Andhra Pradesh, Sriharikota, around 5 PM on June 5, 2017.

2. If everything goes as per the plan, ISRO will seek a whopping Rs 12,500 crore funding from the centre.

ISRO



3. Will nearly 15 years to complete, GSLV Mk III costs over Rs 300 crores and will put 3136 kg satellite in the orbit on its maiden launch.

4. The size of the building may cross your average 13-storey building, with a capacity to launch satellites weighing 4 tonnes.

5. This indigenous rocket will solely be ISRO's project.

ISRO is already up and going with the space suit and a crew module was tested in 2014. However, even if it gets approval right now, it will take ISRO 7 years to take Indian astronauts to space. Also, the first person to fly could be a woman.

ISRO

Prior to this, Russia, USA and China have attempted to send their astronauts into space.

Another one of ISRO's latest project, the launch of GSAT-19 and GSAT-11 satellites have turned out to be one of the most promising projects so far. In a world where everyone's dreaming of going to a different planet, ISRO is trying to turn it into a reality.
Just about every human tragedy in the last half a decade has had a common silver lining - Sikh community opening their doors, their hearts and Gurudwaras when the world has needed them the most.

They did the same in London after two coordinated attacks - a knife and car attack left 6 dead.

Folks in London,

Go to any Sikh Gurudwara nearby for protection and safety. You are always welcomed.  Overwhelmed (@jagdesh) June 4, 2017





Sikhs Gurdwaras across London were available to those who were affected by the attack. This ensured that Londoners stranded had someplace to go and have food to eat.

Hundreds of victims were expected to congregate during this moment of crisis.

But this wasn't an isolated incident, just yesterday there was news that Sikhs in Peshawar had taken it upon themselves to serve iftar to poor Muslims for Ramzan.

Sikh brethren continues feeding muslims at iftar in #Pakistan Such a great bond between Muslims and Sikhs A historic one .. so #loveislove pic.twitter.com/QtC3pyRbrt  Usman Shafqat Chatha (@UsmanOnBoard) June 3, 2017

They served Rooh Afza milk to fasting Muslims.

1.

Respect for the #Sikh Community. Providing Iftar meals in Peshawar. https://t.co/4cAFWg0xqN  Kashaf Noor (@KashafNoor3) June 4, 2017

2.

With love from #Peshawar ..

Members of the #Sikh community are arranging Iftar for #Muslims in different streets almost daily pic.twitter.com/Yy9g5XaFOw  Javed Aziz Khan (@JavedAzizKhan) June 4, 2017

3.

4.

5.

Sikh community arranged iftar for poors, workers and passengers in Peshawar. 

Long live brotherhood.  pic.twitter.com/K1Zpy0Gww1  Sarcastic Beast (@SarcasmPG18) June 3, 2017

The Sikh community made sure that refugees in Syria had their daily bread, Khalsa Aid, an International Humanitarian Relief Organisation helped Syrian refugees while their counterparts in Chennai helped citizens who were left homeless because of the turbulent flood.

The spirit of helping isn't limited to the diaspora.

Be it the Sikh man who delivered free food to the needy in Australia, or this group of people who helped distraught people standing in long queues outside the bank during demonetisation, the Sikhs have been there for anyone and everyone.
A special last class at Changchun Experimental School

A special last class was given to commemorate the final day of high school for students at Changchun Experimental School. This time of year marks an important milestone at all high schools across China, as the national college entrance examination is set to take place on June 7 and 8.

Class is over, said a tearful Chu Haifeng, head teacher of a class at Changchun Experimental School on the morning of June 4. However, no students left the classroom after Chu's announcement, choosing instead to remain, exchanging hugs and best wishes for the coming college entrance examination.

The countdown on the wall says three days left. The students commemorated the occasion by gathering to share their accomplishments and sorrows from the past three years. They also took the opportunity to bid farewell to their high school life, express their gratitude to teachers and wish their peers successful careers.

Students signing names on uniforms

Chu was invited to write a few words on a graduation photo album for his departing students. Students then observed the tradition of signing their names on each others uniforms. Many students said they would wear the uniforms when sitting for the exam three days later, reveling in the support and blessings of their peers.
Australian police today shot dead a gunman in the city of Melbourne who had been holding a woman hostage. The police added that they were investigating if the incident was linked to militant activity.

Australia, a staunch ally of the United States and its escalating action against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, has been on high alert for attacks by home-grown militants returning from fighting in the Middle East or their supporters.

screen grab/twitter

Three police officers were hurt in a stand-off lasting more than an hour at an apartment building in the upmarket beachside suburb of Brighton, police said in a statement, adding that a second man had earlier been found dead from a gunshot wound.

Police were trying to negotiate with a man inside one of the apartments, who is believed to be holding a woman hostage.

twitter

An hour later, Police said the situation has been resolved and the woman rescued.

"Police are investigating whether the incident is terrorism related," the statement added.

All streets in the vicinity of the Bay Street apartment building in the suburban Brighton area have been closed to traffic.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut all ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing the wealthy Gulf Arab state of supporting terrorism.

reuters/representational image

Saudi news agency SPA said Riyadh cut diplomatic ties and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

Saudi Arabia accused Qatar of blackmailing groups and spreading their violent ideology, in an apparent reference to its influential state-owned satellite channel Al Jazeera.

The UAE followed suit in cutting ties and Egypt's foreign ministry also accused Doha of supporting "terrorism" as it announced the severing of diplomatic relations.

The statement said that all Egyptian ports and airports would be closed to Qatari vessels and planes.

Bahrains news agency said that the country is cutting ties with Doha over its insistence on "shaking the security and stability of Bahrain and meddling in its affairs".

Will India be affected?

reuters/representational image

The main cause of worry for India is the immense gas supplies it receives from Qatar. However, India's Petronet LNG said today it did not expect any impact on gas supplies from Qatar after four countries have cut ties with the nation.

"I don't think there will be any impact on it. We get gas directly from Qatar by sea," RK Garg, head of finance at Petronet, told Reuters when asked to comment on the coordinated move to cut relations. Petronet LNG, India's biggest gas importer, buys 8.5 million tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar under a long-term contract. It also buys additional volumes from Qatar under spot deals.

The natural gas in Qatar covers a large part of the world supply. According to Oil & Gas Journal, as of January 1, 2011, reserves of natural gas in Qatar were measured at approximately 896 trillion cubic feet (25.4 trillion cubic metres); this measurement means that the state contains 14% of all known natural-gas reserves.

Doha has long been accused of sponsoring terrorism.

youtube/representational image

It has been criticised in some quarters for its support of rebel groups fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and Qatari individuals have also been sanctioned by the US Treasury for terror-funding activities.

In recent weeks, Qatar has been accused outright of terror funding in articles which have appeared in the American media.

The Afghan Taliban opened an office in Doha in 2013.
Male lions, Jose and Liso, were two South American circus lions that were rescued last year and released into a sanctuary in South Africa. They were found dead with their heads and paws cut off. Authorities believe that this wasn't a poaching incident rather a witchcraft-related killing.

getty images

Last year, the lions were among 33 big cats that were rehabilitated at the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in Vaalwater, South Africa.

The big cats were among hundreds of animals that were rescued from circuses in Colombia and Peru last year in May, including bears, monkeys, and birds.

getty images

The animals were held captive in deplorable conditions such as dirty cages and were also manhandled as they were found with their teeth broken and claws pulled out by their circus owners in South America, reports The Telegraph.

Authorities are investigating the crime with armed guards stationed at the sanctuary. Everyone at the reserve is devastated by the killings.
A new malware from China is running rampant across the globe, mere weeks after we experienced the wrath of WannaCrypt. Dubbed Fireball, the malware has infected more than 250 million computers worldwide.

Fireball is a browser-focused adware, capable of hijacking web browsers and automatically displaying or downloading advertising material such as banners or pop-ups when a user is online, according to cyber security firm Check Point. It can execute any code on an infected machine, letting it perform a wide range of actions ranging from stealing account credentials to even deploying additional malicious software.

What Fireball does is spread via a technique called bundling, which means that its secretly installed alongside another program a users chooses to set up. Fireball currently installs browser plug-ins and tools to boost its advertisements, and manipulates users' web traffic to generate ad revenue. However, researchers are worried about the fact that it could very easily be modified to deliver a more potent payload, including spreading other malware.

Among the list of worst-affected countries, India currently tops the list with 10.1 percent of infected users across the world, or 25.3 million in total. Brazil follows a close second with 9.6 percent of infections (24.1 million) and 6.4 percent in Mexico (16.1 million). Indonesia and the US round out the top five list with 5.2 percent and 2.2 percent of infections respectively.

Image courtesy: Check Point

According to Check Point, a Beijing-based company named Rafotech is responsible for the adware, though it denies the claims. However, a recent global surge in popularity of the companys fake search engines provides evidence linking them to the malware.

Unfortunately, distributing adware is not technically a crime, like with other malware. A lot of corporations provide free software, or offer a user ads or harvest their data in return for delivering a particular service or program. So once a user agrees to install these extra features its nigh impossible to claim the company responsible had malicious intent.

Thankfully, Fireball can be fairly easily removed. All you have to do is find the software listing in the Add or Remove Programs list in your Control Panel and uninstall it. Once thats done, just make sure to clear your browser of unwanted plug-ins and extensions and youre good to go.
Germanys transport minister Alexander Dobrindt is accusing luxury automobile manufacturer Audi of cheating on its diesel emission tests, just as its parent company Volkswagen did.

Dobrindt says Audi used a software that was capable of recognizing when the vehicles were being tested and automatically switch on an emissions cleaning system.

Prosecutors in Munich launched an investigation against the company in March earlier this year, raiding its offices while executives were holding an annual conference. According to the minister, around 24,000 vehicles built between 2009 and 2013 will have to be recalled.

Since its own emissions cheating scandal came to light, Volkswagen has been forced to pay out billions of dollars in fines and lawsuits. It was proven that the companys diesel vehicles were equipped with software specifically designed to bypass US regulations on Nitrous Oxide emissions, a harmful pollutant.
Leaders and people can deny climate change all they want, but they will be acting in delusion because science cannot be denied. In order to counter the looming effects of climate disaster, everyone has to get involved - it has to become a grassroots movement. Here are 10 people and organisations, who are bettering the world for all:

1. 350.org

conservation media news

This organisation, founded by a group of university friends in 2008, is building a global grassroots climate movement that can hold leaders accountable to science and justice. It was built with the goal of uniting climate activists around the world into a movement, and since its inception, activists in 189 countries have joined. For example, in India activists have mobilised people to speak up against the countrys dependence on coal.

2. Afroz Shah

indiatimes

In 2015, the worlds largest beach clean-up took place. This call for action in Mumbais Versova Beach was organised by Afroz Shah, a lawyer. Initially he was the only one cleaning up the plastic island, but six months later, his movement was 150 volunteers big. Not only is Versova Beach now spectacularly clean, but Shah also won the UNs Champions of the Earth award.

3. Garden City Farmers

facebook

This NGO in Bengaluru is teaching people how to farm at home because rising pollution levels in the city has made the produce toxic. Although the NGO was founded by entomologist, Dr Vishwanath, in 2011, he introduced the southern city to the concept in 2011. Their aim is to encourage people to create a bubble of fresh oxygen inside, on top and around their homes by planting fruits and vegetables, which will also give them organic food.

Also read: An Urban Farming Group In Bengaluru Is Teaching People Home Agriculture To Fight Pollution

4. D Suresh

the hindu

Based in Chennai, Solar Suresh, as he is known locally, transformed his home and made it completely electricity self-reliant. His home garners its entire supply of electricity from solar energy. He also composts his food waste, which he uses to energise is bio-gas-plant and uses that to cook his meals. Now thats what we call green power!

5. Khonoma village, Nagaland

northeast tourism

Located about 20 kms from the state capital of Kohima, this is Indias first green village. Its a self-sustaining village, which has a system of nourishing the environment with nitrogen dioxide, rather than carbon dioxide. People here do not cut trees, but instead plant Alder trees alongside their crops to prevent soil erosion.

6. Graviky labs

cnn

This Bengaluru start-up captures soot from vehicle emissions and distils it into a dense black ink. One of the stages include removing heavy metals and carcinogens from the soot, which is produced due to the incomplete burning of fossil fuels.

7. The Swechha Foundation

ht

This organisation has been promoting plantation drives across Delhi along with promoting more environmental practices in heavily polluted areas like the Yamuna. Every year during the monsoon season, it holds a Monsoon Wooding programme with the goal of planting 2,000 trees.

8. Jodie Underhill

waste warriors

Also called Garbage Girl, she is the co-founder of Waste Warriors, an organisation dedication to cleaning up the streets and waste management. Their vision is to clean India and create a system that ensures every citizen disposes their waste off properly. It would also like to instil a sense of civic responsibility and national pride regarding cleanliness.

Also read: Meet Jodie Underhill, A 40-Year-Old Who Has Been Fighting A Losing Battle Against Garbage In India!

9. Hand in Hand

hand in hand

This NGO based in Tamil Nadu has conducted many clean-ups over the years. In its most recent one, a mass one-week long clean-up was organised in UPs Varanasi. The city might be holy but it is also one of the dirtiest in the country. In three weeks, they managed to clear 540 tonnes of waste and they also held awareness campaigns on the important of keeping the holy city clean.

10. Amitabha Sadangi

He is the founder of International Development Enterprises-India, an organisation which makes and sells low-cost irrigation tools to marginalised farmers. Sadangi grew up in a village in Odisha and he has helped about one million farmers till now.

11. Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

AFP

Leo is one of the biggest celebrity faces for climate change and environment preservation. The mission of his foundation is to protect the worlds last wild places, implement solutions to restore balance to eco-systems under threat and also ensure the long-term health and well-being of all Earths inhabitants.

It is often said that climate change can be countered from a spiritual awareness, because we're all inherently connected to the planet.
A South African city may be going whole hog down the Minority Report route, using technology to predict and prevent crimes before they happen.

In the 'Minority Report' a 'Pre-Crime' unit of the police department tackles crimes that have been predicted to happen before they occur.

Tech company Solution House Software, based in Cape Town, is testing out an artificial intelligence program named Incident Desk that aims to map out potential crimes before they happen, and even plans to release the product commercially soon.

The AI takes into account a variety of factors when making predictions, particularly monitoring what kind of crimes often occur in a particular area, as well as the time of day they usually take place. The program even accounts for things like weather patterns to postulate future crime hotspots.

Of course, Inciden Desk doesnt go as far as in the Steven Spielberg movie; criminals arent arrested before a crime takes place. While its capable of predicting when and where a type of crime will happen, the Ai cant guarantee it, and it also cant identify a perpetrator beforehand. Thats probably for the best anyway, as its likely any court could come up with an argument validating criminal punishment before a crime is even committed, setting bad precedent for the future.

Janse Van Rensburg, director of SHS, says, Crime is notoriously difficult to predict, but given that Incident Desk can access so many different types of data  including weather patterns and forecasts and historical data  the results are based on fairly accurate and proven trending algorithms.

Were planning to launch to all our current customers for free on a trial basis, after which well phase in a subscription model for long-term use, she adds. Indeed, the platform will eventually be released as a smartphone app, open for the public to download.
About 14.5 percent of Chinese children suffer from hypertension, according to a national survey on Chinese students physical health in 2010. Hypertension afflicted 16.9 percent of the boys surveyed and 12.9 percent of the girls.

Another survey on national health and nutrition suggested that the prevalence of hypertension among children ages 6 to 17 in seven Chinese provinces increased to 13.8 percent in 2009, from 7.1 percent in 1991.

After a four-year investigation on the salt intake of Chinese children and adolescents, which started in 2012, researchers found out that the daily salt intake of Chinese youth between 6 and 17 is 2.4 times the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is 5 grams per day. Salt intake is a crucial factor leading to hypertension.

Statistics showed that a predisposition for hypertension can be inherited. If both parents have hypertension, children may face a 46 percent chance of suffering from the disorder themselves. The figure drops to 28 percent if only one parent suffers from hypertension. The occurrence is only 3 percent for those with no family history.

Obesity is another cause of the disorder. The automation prevalent in modern society has reduced peoples physical activity, leading to widespread obesity. Obesity and excess weight can result in metabolic disorders and angiosclerosis, contributing to an increase in blood pressure. In addition, habits such as smoking, drinking, poor sleep patterns and stress also increase the occurrence of hypertension among young people.

Huang Hui, director of the cardiology department of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, suggested that hypertension patients control their calories, fat and protein intake, along with increasing their consumption of foods containing potassium and calcium. Potatoes, eggplant, milk, sesame and green vegetables all fall into the latter category.

In addition, Huang said that reducing salt intake also helps to lower blood pressure, and one's daily intake of salt should be below 5 grams.
Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com.

A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets.

Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials.

If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details.
Chinese ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming

The Belt and Road Initiative offers huge opportunities to Britain's financial sector, said Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the United Kingdom.

"The China opportunities are knocking," Liu said during a City Week 2017 speech in London on Friday.

His speech detailed the four areas where most of the opportunities will come.

The firstfinancial integrationis the highlight of China-United Kingdom cooperation, and one of the five key elements of the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

Liu said the UK has rich experience in international finance and boasts mature management expertise and close financial ties with many countries in the area covered by the Belt and Road Initiative. He said the initiative requires cooperation in investment and financing and will need many services.

"As Belt and Road partners accelerate innovative financial cooperation with others, China and Britain can tap into the potential of financial cooperation with these countries."

The ambassador said the second area in which opportunities will arise is in the continued opening-up of the Chinese markets, particularly the financial services market, the lowering of the threshold for foreign investment, improved facilitation, and ensuring a quality business environment for fair and open competition.

"Based on such cooperation, we can work together to play a leading role in advancing development of green finance, FinTech, financial inclusion and so on," he said.

The third area is within the "golden era" of bilateral ties. The fourth area in which Britain's financial companies should look for opportunities is in the internationalization of the RMB. Liu said the International Monetary Fund's approval of its inclusion in the Special Drawing Right basket marks a deeper integration of the Chinese economy into the global economic and financial system.

He suggested the two countries speed up the building of the RMB of shore market in London, create more financial products, and expand financial trading, as well as strengthen links between financial markets and expand cooperation on RMB internationalization.
According to reports from the Sun Newspaper, a woman identified as Onwuasoanya was said to have been involved in the business of child trafficking after selling her first baby. She was impregnated by her boyfriend in Lagos and returned to Anambra state to have the baby; She was however too ashamed to go back home to her parents. According to reports from the Sun Newspaper, a woman identified as Onwuasoanya was said to have been involved in the business of child trafficking after selling her first baby. She was impregnated by her boyfriend in Lagos and returned to Anambra state to have the baby; She was however too ashamed to go back home to her parents.

After giving birth, a friend was said to have introduced her to 45-year-old Goodness, who runs an orphanage, which the police allege, was a cover for a baby-trafficking operation. Onwuasoanya allegedly sold her baby to Goodness for N150,000. And that was the beginning of it all.

Recounting her journey into child-trafficking, Onwuasoanya told Sunday Sun: I got into child trafficking two years ago. I have sold 20 male and female children to Madam Goodness who operates the orphanage. She paid me between N150,000 and N200,000 for each baby I sold to her. I got to know her when I became pregnant and gave birth to a girl on October 4, 2013.

After I delivered the baby, a friend introduced me to Madam Goodness. I took my daughter to her and she gave me N150,000.00, to take care of myself. After that time, I decided to go into child trafficking by kidnapping children coming back from school or getting them in the street. Then I would take them to Madam Goodness. And she would sell them between N150,000 and N200,000. But I was arrested on May 1, 2017, when I stole a set of twins at an estate in Onitsha and took them to my house. Suddenly the father of the twins traced me to my house and came with policemen and I was arrested. Onwuasoanya went on to confess about how she and her gang killed two policemen, Inspector Shuaibu Usman and Sergeant Julius Matthew, of Police Mobile Force 29 in February, 2017 at Nkpor fly-over, Onitsha. She explained how they took their AK-47 rifles, which were later used to commit robberies in Nkpor, Obosi, Ogidi, Nkpor Old Road, Awka, Oye-agu.

According to her, after every robbery operation, she gets between N50,000 and N80,000 depending on how much was gotten. She also assisted the SARS operatives to arrest three members of the gang while the other six members escaped and are still at large.

I have regretted what I did. My parents are alive. It was my friend who introduced to child trafficking and which led me to armed robbery today, Onwuasoanya said, the reality of what lies ahead weigh heavily on her mind. Meanwhile, the Commander of SARS, Supol Sunday Okpe confirmed that Onwuasoanyas confession led to the arrest of three people alleged to be members of the gang. The suspects are: Ifeanyi Onwukwe a.k.a Nger, 22; Chidubem Osita a.k.a Kabaka, 23, and Chijioke Obi a.k.a Abababa, who is 23 years old.

Source: ( Gossip.naij.com)
The National Agency for Food And Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), says European Union (EU) rejected 24 exported food products from Nigeria in 2016 for failing to meet standards.

The NAFDAC spokesperson, Abubakar Jimoh, made the disclosure while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

According to Mr. Jimoh, the five major products are groundnut, palm oil, sesame seed and beans that were illegally exported to the EU.

He noted that from the information made available to NAFDAC, groundnut was rejected because it contained aflatoxin, which made the quality substandard.

The exported palm oil did not scale through the EUs test because it also contained a colouring agent that was carcinogenic.

Beans was banned by EU sometime ago but it was illegally exported to European countries.

Beans was initially banned for one year, when EU was not satisfied with our exported beans in terms of quality assurance, it extended the ban by another two years, which expires next year.

NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies of the government are working round the clock to ensure that when the ban is lifted, we can then begin to export more agricultural products to EU, Jimoh, who is also the NAFDAC Director Special Duties, said.

He said most of the products that were smuggled out were not certified by the agency and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services at the ports.

Source: (NAN)
The Acting President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo has debunked claims by a Northern leader,Dr Farouk Ismaila, that he only employed Yorubas and Christians in his government, this was denied by the senior special assistant to the Vice President on legal matters, Bilkisu Saidu.

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 and by individuals who are from the north, Premium Times reports.

Saidu said: 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. If you look at the remaining senior positions in that office, most of them are in the hands of Muslims from the north.

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.

Saidu concluded that when non-progressive minded people fail to win public support on their personal agenda they often resort to the use of religion given its sensitivity among Nigerians.
A Kano Magistrates Court on Monday remanded a 40-year-old civil servant, Abdullahi Abdulhamid, for sexually assaulting a three-year-old boy.

Abdulhamid, who lives at Dorayi Karama Quarters, Kano, is facing a one-count of act of gross indecency.

The prosecutor, ASP Rufai Inusa, told the court that one Ali Kabo of the same address reported the matter at the Dorayi Babba Police Station, Kano, on May 18.

Inusa said that on May 17 at about 11 a.m., the accused lured the complainants three-year-old son into his house where he sexually assaulted the child.

The accused assaulted the boy indecently by rubbing his manhood, he said.

Inusa said that the victim was later rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, for treatment.

The prosecutor alleged that the offence contravened Section 285 of the penal code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Muhammad Jibril ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till June 26, for mention.

Source: (NAN)
The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, has condemned the London terror attack which occured on Sunday as a sickening atrocity.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Acting President also described those behind the attack as misguided and cowardly group of terrorists.

He expressed solidarity with the United Kingdom on the attack which he said further reinforced the need for global action against terrorism.

The statement partly read, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, 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.

Prof. Osinbajo states 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.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
40th and reigning Miss Nigeria beauty queen, Chioma Obiadi, out of her compassion for humanity has written an Open letter to United States president, Donald Trump on why and how puling out of the Paris Climate Agreement will affect the Niger  Delta region in Nigeria.

According to her, whilst climate change is still far in the consciousness of the Nigerian people, it is a step in the right direction which social actors like hers keep promoting. She also disclosed it is her dream that Nigeria becomes more green conscious, and that citizens work hard to preserve our beautiful country.

It saddened my heart when I listened to the news few days ago to hear that the United States (US) will withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Although, we all know that China has recently surpassed the United States in annual greenhouse gas emissions, the US on its own has produced 27 per cent of the total carbon dioxide emissions of the world as at 2011.

The worry thing about carbon dioxide is that it stays up in the atmosphere for a very long time. Enough time to cause the damage we all try to avoid for ourselves, our families and our countries. Hence, the US is a very important country when it comes to reducing CO2 emission, protecting the environment and as a hegemony, take the lead in the movement of saving the world from itself in this discourse. Indeed, for many years, the US has continually reaffirm its leadership in promoting peace in the world and specifically promoting the need to safeguard our environment against global warming. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is a mistake and I urge you to reverse your decision.

Apart from the Kyoto Protocol, a pivotal moment was reached in Paris in 2015 when 196 member states reached a consensus to adopt the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement is an agreement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aimed at getting countries of the world to work together to mitigate global warming. Particularly, focused on enhancing implementation, Article 2 of the UNFCCC aims to (a) Hold 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, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change; (b) To Increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production; and (c) To Make finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.. According to Ban Ki-moon, For the first time, every country in the world pledged to curb their emissions, strengthen resilience and join in common cause for the common good,

Even Nigeria through our President, Muhammadu Buhari and the former Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, signed the Paris Agreement in 2016. Whilst climate change is still far in the consciousness of the Nigerian people, it is a step in the right direction which social actors like myself keep promoting. It is my dream that Nigeria becomes more green conscious and that citizens work hard to preserve our beautiful country. The social movement in the US has been a shinning example and I really plead on your leadership to uphold the positive identity of the US as the world sees it A super power and a role model. Through the Green-Girl Project, I have tried and still trying to bring the issues of the environment to the consciousness of the Nigerian People especially seeing the degradation we experience.

The Niger Delta being a crucial area in Nigeria that requires significant attention is one of my main focus. I am indeed happy about projects like the Ogoni Clean-up and related restoration projects. However, I fear that President Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement will affect the involvement of American companies like Exxon Mobil who should be crucial to promoting the clean-up and other climate change issues in Nigeria. Exxon Mobil is at the heart of Nigerias economy as a major manufacturer and marketer of commodity and specialty petrochemicals in Nigeria. I want to see Exxon mobil increase its commitment to safeguarding the environment in Nigeria through its social investment project.

According to NASA, earths temperatures in 2015 were the hottest ever recorded. Rising temperatures and changing patterns of rain and sunshine are changing where plants grow, and in the case of our oceans, encouraging the proliferation of species that impact native ocean habitat. As ocean waters warm, they expand, causing sea-levels to rise. We are at increased risk of storms, droughts, and floods with communities at risk of their life and livelihood. This is all over the news everyday and it is by no chance fake news.

For this reason, I continue to urge people especially in Nigeria to do their bit to promote and safeguard the environment through little actions they can practice in their living space. At the same time, I urge you Mr President to take a bolder step than your predecessors to show your commitment to protecting the environment in the US and the world. I look forward to better action from your government, moving forward.

Climate change is already beginning to transform life on earth. We cannot change global warming in terms of where it is today but we can stop it before from gets worse.I agree with Former President Barack Obama when he said, This is national security issue, it is not just an enviromental issue. Hence, reaffirming your commitment to the Paris Agreement and other related commitment is not about the environment, it is about putting American first and it is about saving the world. Be the super power you claim to be and walk your talk lead by example. 
The Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, has shared over 500 food packs to Muslims in the community since the beginning of the Ramadan.

The Churchs General Overseer, Pastor Yohanna Buru, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Monday that the food packages and drinks were shared out to destitute persons and the poor.

He said the Church was in the forefront of promoting religious tolerance in Kaduna State, adding that the gesture was to deepen peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians.

We must support our brothers and sisters with what to eat in these 30 days, in view of the high cost of food items in local markets.

This gesture will strengthen good relationship with Muslims and promote religious tolerance and better understanding among different faiths.

Buru said this was not the first time the church would be distributing foodstuffs to needy Muslims during the Ramadan.

He recalled that the Church had distributed over 1,000 packaged food and drinks to Internally Displaced Persons, destitute and prison inmates in 2016.

The cleric stressed that Islam and Christianity had many things in common as contained in the Bible and Quran, adding, we are all brothers and sisters and must support each other to live in peace and harmony.
China State-owned enterprises to be divided into three categories

Peng Huagang, deputy secretary general of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (file photo/Xinhua)

The deputy secretary general of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission has confirmed China's centrally administered State-owned enterprises will be divided into three types: entity industrial groups, investment companies and operating companies, China Business News reported.

Peng Huagang made these remarks at a news briefing held by the SASAC on Friday, and said the function of State assets investment and operating companies will be clarified gradually.

State asset investment companies focus on promoting industrial integration, as well as the transformation and upgrade of the sector in some key regions, and the optimization of the State assets layout structure, while operating companies focus on improving efficiency and rational flow of State assets.

"The country also plans to promote the restructure of coal power, heavy equipment manufacturing and steel sectors and to explore overseas asset integration," Peng said.

Currently, China has 102 centrally administered SOEs, which manage the bulk of the country's State assets.

This year, the government pledged to deepen the State-owned enterprises (SOE) reform and promised measures, including the introduction of a mixed ownership system and the incorporation of more efforts to make SOEs leaner, healthier and better in performance.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Chinese SOEs administered by different levels of government  including central SOEs  have made a combined profit of 825 billion yuan during the first four months of 2017, up 24.8 percent year-on-year.

The rate outpaced the combined business revenue growth by all SOEs, standing at 17.5 percent year-on-year, which has made 15.6 trillion yuan during the same period, the ministry said.
The United Nations has expressed their shock over the sudden death of Babatunde Osotimehin, the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in a statement, described Mr. Osotimehin as a colleague and a friend.

Mr. Guterres expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, the staff of UNFPA and the Nigerian Government.

I am profoundly saddened by the sudden passing of my good colleague and friend, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin.

I offer sincere condolences to his family, to the staff of UNFPA, to the Government and people of Nigeria, and to all those around the world touched by this loss.

The world has lost a great champion of health and well-being for all.

Dr Babatunde was admired globally for his leadership of the UN Population Fund and for his forceful advocacy for the worlds women and girls in particular, Mr. Guterres said.

The UN chief said sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights were among the most important, and often sensitive, on the international agenda.

Dr Babatundes calm yet ardent efforts helped families get the sexual and reproductive health services they need, and helped the world advance the landmark 1994 Cairo Programme of Action on Population and Development.

His voice was invaluable over the years, including his time as Nigerias Minister of Health, in pressing for family planning, womens education, childrens health and action on HIV/AIDS as vital ingredients in human progress.

At this moment of sorrow, let us give thanks for Babatundes life of service, Mr. Guterres said.

He was appointed on Nov. 19, 2010, as the Executive Director of UNFPA for a four-year term and assumed the position on Jan. 1, 2011.

He was reappointed to the position on Aug. 21, 2014, to became the organisations fourth executive director.

He held the rank of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Mr. Osotimehin served previously as Nigerias minister of health between Dec. 17, 2008, and March 10, 2010.

Source: (NAN)
A University student has been given the embarrassment of a lifetime after he refused to pay for s*x services.

Photos have emerged on the internet showing the moment a University student was embarrassed by s*x workers.

The man, a student of Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) in Zimbabwe, was humiliated by the s*x workers after allegedly failing to pay for five rounds of s*x in Chipadze suburb on Sunday.

The s*x workers dragged him about in broad daylight and demanded that he pay for the service he had received.

Many residents trooped out to watch the drama as it unfolded. The man was later released after he paid up some money but not before his clothes were torn off him.

See some more photos below:
A South Carolina school bus driver, Teresa Stroble helped get 56 students off the vehicle before it burst into flames, Tuesday morning in Duncan, USA.

According to WSPA, the bus en route to Duncan Elementary, Beech Springs Intermediate and Byrnes High School when two students at the back of the bus noticed smoke.

The students informed the driver and she got each of the 56 students off the bus and asked the transportation office to call 911.

The bus then caught fire and firefighters arrived on scene to extinguish the blaze.

Superintendent Scott Turner told WSPA that she was able to evacuate everyone in under a minute as he is very proud of her actions.

He said:

She did exactly what she was trained to do. She was calm. She kept the students calm. She made sure they were safe. They were her first priority. Shes our hero today.

The school district took to their Facebook page to notify parents about the incident.

They wrote:

District Five Schools of Spartanburg County has many reasons to be grateful today! This morning, just after 7:00 a.m., one of our buses carrying students on their way to Duncan Elementary, Beech Springs Intermediate and Byrnes Freshman Academy, caught fire. Two 9th grade students immediately noticed the smoke, and alerted their driver. Teresa Stroble, a 7 year veteran driver and teacher assistant for our district, did exactly as she was trained and quickly and calmly evacuated all 56 students from the bus, and got them to a safe location. She is a true hero!!! We are so thankful for the quick action of the Duncan Fire Department in putting the fire out, and all district administrators who responded and helped with what could have been a very tragic situation. As all of our school buses are owned by the state of South Carolina, the investigation into what caused the fire is ongoing, and will be completed by staff at the state level. We are so blessed that all of our students, and Ms. Stroble are safe!

See More Photos:

Source: Yabaleftonline
Many persons and celebrities are responding to the arrest of Nigerian Artist Dammy Krane who was arrested in the US for offence related to fraud. Among the reactions is the most recent from Ray Hushpuppi, who throws shades at Dammy Krane in new post.

Unlike Dammy Krane who was using stolen credit cards, I make payments in cash, says Hushpuppi in one of his posts

According to Hushpuppi on Instagram, he wrote;

The Integrity of a man is to be measured by his conduct not his profession cc;

Here is the reply he got below;
A Nigerian teen Jude Chiedu Akachukwu, who walked into a professors office without being invited, closed the door, blocked the doorway, threatening that the professor wont leave the office until she agreed to allow him to make up an exam, was arrested on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the 19-year-old college student imprisoned the Santa Fe College professor against her will, and also grabbed her arm as she tried to walk away.

The professor said she would call the police, and Akachukwu threw himself on the floor crying. The professor left her office and went to a nearby classroom to teach.

Akachukwu followed and began to disrupt the class. Akachukwu was charged with false imprisonment, battery and disturbing the peace. He was being held Wednesday in Alachua County jail.

Source: Naijaloaded
Angered by the rising spate of kidnapping in the country, General Overseer (Worldwide) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God has declared a holy war against murderers, kidnappers and their allies.

Speaking while addressing a mammoth crowd of worshippers at the churchs monthly Holy Ghost service, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Friday night, declared holy war against kidnappers and their collaborators in the nations armed forces.

The influential cleric who was obviously piqued by the activities of kidnappers who had lately resorted to abducting school children for ransom, urged the army of faithful to join him in prayer against kidnapping.

According to Vanguard, the revered cleric who spoke at the new auditorium in Asese area of Ogun State, said; A few days ago, there was the report that kidnappers abducted six Senior Secondary School students of Lagos Model College, Igbonla, Epe. I want you all to join me in praying that God should send fire to the camp of all those who are kidnapping for ransom.

He also led the congregation to pray to God to expose all their collaborators in the nations security forces and disgrace them, just as he prayed for the release of the six students before yesterday.

Further angered by growing violent crimes across the nation, Pastor Adeboye also urged the crowd to pray for the cessation of all violent crimes in the country including the shedding of innocent blood by either the remnants of defeated Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Harm or Fulani herdsmen.

And for minutes the crowd responded in prayers against these groups of criminals, saying the international community looked on with increasing concern and interest as the security situation in parts of Nigeria looks increasingly volatile.
The name of a Nigerian governor has suddenly disappeared from INEC voters list after allegedly registering twice.

A report by The Nation has shown that Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bellos name has disappeared from the voters register after being accused of double registration.

Mr Bellos name has been delisted, but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a photograph showing how he was registered at the Government House, Lokoja.

The commission has raised an investigative committee to unravel the mystery surrounding the alleged double registration by the governor. Heads may roll in the Kogi State office of INEC for the alleged untoward activities of some of our staff.

INEC alleged that the governor first registered in Abuja in January 2011 and reregistered on May 23, 2017 at the Government House, Lokoja.

But the governor on Friday said his ghost might have been registered by INEC because he was away in Dubai when he was said to have registered again.

As INEC tried to ascertain the true position of the governors registration status, a fresh problem has cropped up.

According to The Nation, it was learnt that INEC established that some of its staff were deployed in the Government House for Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) of the governor. The state has denied that it took place.

It was gathered that although the commission had the photograph of the governors registration, it could not trace any Yahaya Bello on its CVR list for May 23, 2017.

There was suspicion last night that the list of voters registered on May 23 might have been tampered with by some INEC employees.

A source, who spoke in confidence said: The INEC management has raised an investigative team to look at the controversy over the allegation of double registration by the governor.

It is however curious that the investigation has assumed a new dimension. The commission has the photograph of the registration of the governor but his name is not on the list of the CVR for that day in question. The name has disappeared.

INEC is probing the following issues:

Was there any CVR on May 23 at the Government House, Lokoja?

Who was registered?

How did the INEC team come about the photograph of the registration showing the governor?

How was the name of the registrant (Yahaya Bello) de-listed from the INEC register? and

Who were those behind the de-listing?

Certainly, it is now our words against the governor. This is a mystery we need to unravel. The governor said our team might have registered his ghost. The onus is on us to present the evidence, including our register, the source said, adding:

But we got information before we issued an official statement on the governors double registration.

INEC is suspecting foul play by some of its staff. We hope they are not dragging the commission into the dirty politics of Kogi State again.

If we are able to establish any shady deals, those concerned will be sanctioned. They may be dismissed from service.

INEC, speaking through its National Commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Prince Solomon Soyebi, first raised the alarm over the governors alleged double registration.

He said: It has come to the attention of INEC that Governor Bello of Kogi State registered as a voter for the second time on Tuesday May 23, 2017 in Government House, Lokoja, the state capital.

His first registration was on January 30, 2011 in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

The governors double registration and doing so outside lNECs designated centres are both illegal.

We wish to make it clear that no INEC staff was authorised by the commission to re-register him or any citizen or to do so outside our designated CVR centres.

Speaking after praying at the Presidential Villa mosque on Friday , Bello said: I travelled on 19th to Dubai for a brief break and I saw the press release and I was taken aback, that I did double registration on 23rd.

Probably it is my ghost that has done the double registration.
The Long Run Stock Market (and Sentiment Results) HedgeFundTips.com - 38 minutes ago We are only mid-way through a secular bull market driven by Millenials housing and family formation.

Cotton Firms up for Midday Barchart - 54 minutes ago Front month cotton futures are off their early session lows and working near UNCH for midday. December contracts are 11 points in the black, with 9 to 13 point losses in the spring delivery months. USDAs... CTZ22 : 86.41 (-0.10%) CTH23 : 84.48 (-0.30%) CTK23 : 83.71 (-0.10%)

Hogs Fading through Thursdays Midday Barchart - 54 minutes ago Lean hog prices are down by 35 to 75 cents across the front months. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price was $3.54 weaker on Thursday morning to $84.21. The CME Lean Hog Index was down by another 60... HEZ22 : 84.625 (-0.76%) HEJ23 : 94.125 (-0.53%) KMZ22 : 95.225 (-0.24%)

Thursday Gains in Cattle Market Barchart - 54 minutes ago Feeder cattle futures are on the rally with 55 cents to $1.40 gains through midday. Fat cattle futures are trading 7 to 75 cents in the black as well on the weaker grain market. USDA confirmed some moderate... LEZ22 : 152.950 (+0.91%) LEG23 : 154.900 (+0.49%) LEJ23 : 158.425 (+0.41%) GFX22 : 178.425 (+0.39%) GFF23 : 181.600 (+1.09%)

Double Digit Soybean Losses through Midday Barchart - 54 minutes ago So far the Thursday soy market is down 1.6% to 1.9% with 24 to 28 1/2 cent losses. Meal prices are 2.5% to 3% weaker at midday. BO prices are gaining 15 to 84 points through midday. FAS Export Sales data... ZSX22 : 1434-0 (-1.76%) ZSPAUS.CM : 13.9358 (-1.96%) ZSF23 : 1423-4 (-1.96%) ZSH23 : 1428-6 (-1.96%)

Wheat Prices Weaker through Midday Barchart - 54 minutes ago Midday wheat futures are down another 3 to 11 cents across the complex. SRW futures in Chicago are giving back 0.4% to 0.7% so far. KC HRW futures are down by 0.7% to 0.8% at midday. Spring wheat futures... ZWZ22 : 801-2 (-0.65%) ZWH23 : 823-2 (-0.54%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.3394 (-0.71%) KEZ22 : 924-2 (-0.62%) KEPAWS.CM : 8.8252 (-0.63%) MWZ22 : 932-6 (-0.59%)

Corn Red at Midday Barchart - 54 minutes ago Nearby corn futures are trading 6 1/4 to 8 3/4 cents in the red. For December that is near the low for the day, and the lowest prints since mid/late August. USDA announced a private export sale of 209,931... ZCZ22 : 654-4 (-1.50%) ZCPAUS.CM : 6.5271 (-1.50%) ZCH23 : 660-6 (-1.45%) ZCK23 : 660-4 (-1.49%)

Coffee Jumps as the Dollar Plunges Barchart - 57 minutes ago December arabica coffee (KCZ22 ) this morning is up +5.80 (+3.51%), and Jan ICE Robusta coffee (RMF23 ) is up +2 (+0.11%). Coffee prices Thursday recovered from early losses, with arabica coffee sharply... KCH23 : 167.70s (+3.30%) RMF23 : 1,827s (+0.44%)
German powerhouse Siemens on June 5 opened a digitalization experience center in Beijing, the first one of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. The new center serves to demonstrate the companys leading digital concept in today's new industrial era.

It also marks the first time the German giant has presented its Internet of Things operating system MindSphere to the Chinese market, as the company looks to increase its collaboration with Chinese enterprises.

With the Digitalization Experience Center, we present the best practices of digital enterprises for Made in China 2025. Siemens is the trusted partner for Chinas digital transformation, said Lothar Herrmann, CEO of Siemens Greater China, at the opening ceremony in Beijing.

We have turned the digitalization vision of our customers into reality by achieving concrete progress. We will continue to strive for value co-creation with our partners, the CEO said.

Siemens expects to become a leader in Industry 4.0, making contributions to Chinas industrial upgrades and transformation. This will help to turn Made in China into Innovate in China, according to Wang Haibin, executive vice president of Siemens Ltd., China and general manager of the digital factory division.

The center will support companies of all types and sizes through the process of digital transformation. It will exhibit a number of practically implemented reference cases, which cover the entire product life cycle - from product design to execution and customer service. A number of individual sections comprise the center, namely Digital Enterprise, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Totally Integrated Automation (TIA), Sustainable Energy and the Cyber Security Lab.

Visitors at the center could experience Siemenss two major digital enterprises highlights Digital Twin and MindSphere in real-time operation, so as to see from zero distance the improved productivity and efficiency on offer.

More Chinese cities will soon host digital experience centers, as Siemens has set its sights on constructing an experience and education platform for digitalization technology and digital enterprise in the Asia-Pacific region.

As the only supplier capable of offering Digital Twin across the entire value chain of products, R&D, production and plant management, Siemens helps enterprises realize end-to-end digitalization, and makes efficient customization possible, Wang said.

Digital Twin describes a digital copy that is created and developed simultaneously with the real machine. It is produced based on simulated operations and product flow. Through a cloud connection, it enables manufacturers to evaluate KPI data such as failure rates and energy usage.

Today also witnesses the debut of MindSphere in China, featuring unmatched openness, strong data analytics and deep vertical expertise. We are building an extensive ecosystem with our partners to jointly explore values from data, said Wang.

Siemens unveiled MindSphere at Hannover Messe 2016. The exclusive and ingenious operating system immediately drew a great deal of attention. It is an open operating system that allows users to collect massive amounts of data, significantly improving the performance and availability of production with minimal investment.

The companys vast installed base and profound expertise in many industries bring great advantages for MindSphere when it comes to data collection and value creation. Siemens also welcomes third-party providers to develop and run apps within the eco system, which could further enhance the openness and availability.
TROIS-RIVIERES, QC  It is with great enthusiasm that Louis-Philippe Dumoulin will take part in the 250-lap event this Saturday, June 3rd on the semi-inclined Delaware Speedway track (Delaware, Ontario).

The driver of the #47 WeatherTech Canada / Groupe Bellemare car has, among other things, competed on this circuit in 2012, as part of his first full season in the Canadian series with WeatherTech Canada as a major partner. Considering the experience he has acquired on this type of track over the years, Louis-Philippe Dumoulin is aiming for nothing less than a podium.

Its interesting to return to the Delaware Speedway track, as I quite liked that one. Were eager to see how the car behaves on oval tracks this year, with lots of work done on the cars since 2016. Furthermore, the Delaware Speedway is a circuit my crew chief, Billy Burns, knows particularly well. Located in his hometown, he has evolved in several series, shares Louis-Philippe Dumoulin.

A return to the Delaware Speedway for the NASCAR Pintys series is proof of the innumerable amount of positive comments from the audience. The Canadian series had last visited the half-mile asphalted track of Delaware Speedway on June 15th, 2013. It is a rendezvous this Saturday June 3rd at 7:00 pm for the green flag.

THE RACE AGAINST CANCER

? Sign the car of your choice and come romp with us!

Following up on the success of the 2016 fundraiser, Dumoulin Competition renews its vow to support an important cause: the Grand defoulement of the Quebec Cancer Foundation. The winning formula seen last year will continue to be supported by the Dumoulin brothers, who once again invite fans to come to any race of the NASCAR Pintys season to sign their car for the cause.

 The weekend schedule can be found below and at http://hometracks.nascar.com/racedayschedule/nps-delaware-6317-schedule

 Follow the race at http://hometracks.nascar.com/nps/race-central-live-2017-delaware

 The race will be broadcast on TSN on Saturday, June 10 at 3:30 PM as well as on RDS on Sunday, June 25 at 6 PM.

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Groupe Bellemare: Competitive and dynamic, Thomas Bellemares innovative and growing family team is ready to take on any challenge. With support from senior members and a qualified team of managers, the third-generation Bellemares are reaching new heights. Built upon a solid past, the company moves forward with an exceptional team of experts and seeks a select group of clients. Our clients continue to benefit from our wide variety of services that target a large number of sectors. As a result, our visibility is constantly on the rise. Working with the Bellemare team has become a measure of success. Start off right by choosing a winning team! groupebellemare.com
FRASERVILLE, Ont. (June 2, 2017)  Glenn Watson took the lead from Derrick Tiemersma on lap three of the OSCAAR Super Late Model main event and then dominated the remaining 37 laps on his way to Victory Lane at Kawartha Speedway on Friday night.

Watson, a Barrie, Ont. native, started fourth for the 40-lap showdown that was the nightcap on OSCAAR Racings return to Kawartha for the first time in four seasons. Kelly Balson and Tiemersma brought the field to the green flag, but Watson quickly darted to the second spot behind Tiemersmas No.7 as the outside lane was quick early.



I was just trying to get out as quick as I could with fresh tires on so we didnt use those up (getting to the lead), said Watson. I was trying to hit my marks, drive a smooth lap and it really worked out for us.



Watson didnt waste any time as he followed Tiemersma for less than two laps before taking the lead on the third lap. From there, Watson cruised the rest of the way and earned the win by a full straightaway over Smithville, Ont. driver John Cadman Jr. who took second on lap 13.



Its pretty nice, Watson said of the win. Its been a long time that weve struggled. We have this McColl car working pretty well here now and were really happy. Its great to be back here in the Victory Circle again.



Cadmans second-place finish was as good as most of the field could hope to finish on this night. Watson was simply too strong and without any yellow flags to regroup the field, the No.22 cruised to the win. Although, a yellow flag may not have mattered.



I dont even think that would have helped, Cadman said. We could have had five yellows and it wouldnt have made any difference. Glenn was on a different planet. Hes really good. He got his stuff working really well this evening.



Behind Tiemersma were Balson and Charlie Gallant to completee the top-five.

Cory Horner Earns First Career Modified Win

Cory Horner did things the hard way, but ultimately got the job done and parked in Victory Lane for the first time in OSCAAR Modified career. The Oshawa, Ont. driver inherited the lead on lap 20 when leader John Harper of Cambridge, Ont. blew a motor. Horner had to be quick behind the wheel to evade contact with Harpers slowing No.79 car.

I had no choice but to throttle it for the corner because when I locked up the brakes I was in his oil and I thought I was going straight for him, Horner said. I just gassed it and hoped I made it through.

Horner made it through without damage to take the lead, but lost it on the ensuing restart when Max Beyore of Bowmanville, Ont. took over the top spot via the outside lane. Beyore led the next six laps before Horner found a hole in the bottom lane and weaseled to the inside groove to retake the lead with two laps to go. He drove away from Beyore over the final two circuits to his first career OSCAAR Modified win.

This feels pretty good. Its my first career win at Kawartha too, Horner said. It seems like more of a long distance car. I knew if I let him go for a few laps Id be able to get back by him in a couple of laps.

Chris Milwain was third behind Horner and Beyore while Luke Gignac of Port McNicholl, Ont. and AJ Emms of Orillia, Ont. rounded out the top-five finishers.

Tyler Hawn Wins Inaugural OSCAAR Hot Rod Event

Fans at Kawartha Speedway witnessed a piece of Ontario racing history when Tyler Hawn won the inaugural race for the OSCAAR Hot Rod Series on Friday night. The upstart series features pre-1974 bodied cars designed to look like stock cars of the 1980s and 1990s.



Adam Misener of North Bay, Ont. led early on in his 1964 Chevrolet Impala, but Darryl Fice of Peterborough, Ont. quickly surpassed him for the lead aboard his 1967 Camaro. Hawn, however, was on the move forward and vaulted to the second spot on lap six before taking the lead from Fice on lap 11 with a move to the outside in turn one.



Hawn then drove away to a half straightaway lead while Misener wrestled the second spot back from Fice over the final five laps.



Tonight I had a lot of fun in that car, Hawn said. That was pretty cool. This car has gone through a huge makeover. We had to do a ton of work to it. We didnt even know how it was going to handle off the trailer.



On the racetrack, Hawns 1967 Pontiac Beaumont was clearly the class of the field as he raced in both the inside and outside lanes in order to take the lead.



This car in the high line would just get going. I was wide open on the throttle before the center of the corner. It seemed like you would go into the corner and mash the throttle and it would actually help turn the car and Ive never and that before.



Derek Henderson of Toronto, Ont. and Jerry Luckhardt of Maryhill, Ont. completed the top-five running order.
China's famous JL-9 "Shanying" fighter-trainer jet saw its first model for foreign trade roll off the assembly line in Guizhou province on June 5.

Now coded as FTC-2000, the jet has a maximum weapon load of 2 tons. It features five attaching points, which can be used for either missile loads or auxiliary tanks. It uses a hands-on throttle-and-stick operating system.

The original model, JL-9, is a two-seat fighter-trainer jet developed by Guizhou Aviation Aircraft Co. Ltd. (GAC) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). It took its maiden flight in 2003, and has been serving in its original and advanced formats since then. It is capable of advanced fighter-jet training and can also conduct air-to-ground combat at a lower level.

The foreign trade version boasts some third-generation design features and has been adapted for mainly air-to-ground attack missions, with some capability in air-to-air combat.

In January, GAC signed the first export deal for the FTC-2000, Beijing Youth Daily reported.
Peterborough, ON (June 3, 2017)- The 50th Anniversary celebration was all about the fans, as the 2017 season continued Saturday, June 3 at Canadas Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval. Home track divisions including the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun, Jiffy Lube Mini Stocks, Trent Lakes Complete Plumbing Renegade Trucks and the Organics & Glass Late Models were joined by the Trailers Plus Eastern Ontario Legends as Pepsi presented the years first Summer Toonie Night, with $2.00 Spectator Grandstand Admission and a Fan Appreciation autograph session.

Feature event action took the green flag with the Trent Lakes Complete Plumbing Renegade Trucks, as Jordan Dallin and Jack Dallin brought the field to the green flag. From the moment he crossed the line, the former track champions #07 ride was the class of the field, jumping out to a lead of almost a straightaway over his closest competition. Jack Dallin took the win, over his bother Jordan. Tim Burke, Stacy Switzer and Stephen Bierworth rounded-out the top five.

Rob Crick and Tyler Begbie paced the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun pack to the stripe for their 20-lap main event. Former track champion and last weeks feature winner Jeremy Kelly squeezed through the middle with a pass on the front stretch to move into third place and that was a sign of things to come. A lap after a lap 11 caution, hed wheel into the lead and survive a late race charge from Sean Kennedy for his second straight checkered flag. Keith Parkes, Baden Powell and Pops MacDonald chased the lead duo across the stripe.

With Todd Delisle and Bryan Mercer showing the way, the Organics & Glass Late Model pack came to the Great Canadian RV green flag for a 50-lap feature tilt. Rebounding from a hard crash during the opening week of action, Dan McHattie took the lead with eight laps on the board and began lapping cars just three circuits later. A string of yellow flags, including one with just a handful of laps remaining slowed the pace, but couldnt keep McHattie from his first win of the young season. Chris Mitchell, Mercer, James Horner and Amanda Balson completed the top five.

With Kris Khan and Willow Barberstock bringing the pack from the staging area, the Jiffy Lube Mini Stocks hit Canadas Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval for their 20-lap feature. Khan  who took the win on opening night  grabbed an early lead and caught the rear of the field with only three laps down. A yellow flag for a front stretch incident brought everyone back together and gave Neil Hannah the opportunity to take the lead with just a couple of laps to go. After hitting the outside retaining wall in the first turn a week ago, Hannahs #23 would hit Dart Heating & Air Conditioning victory lane. Another strong run by Kent Missons resulted in a second-place finish, while Kevin Strutt, Khan and Donovan Price were next across the line.

Cole Ledson and Dave Riopelle brought the Trailers Plus.net Eastern Ontario Legends Series to the track for their 25-lap feature event. The yellow flag waved before the first lap could be scored, meaning there would be a complete restart. Riopelle and former Legends champion Adam Cuthbertson were strong early, but all eyes were on the #88 of Matt Haufe, whod be chasing his fourth win in as many EOLS starts. After following Cole McFadden for about half a dozen laps, the tight, tricky bullring on Mount Pleasant Road, west of the Liftlock City proved no match for the most dominant driver on the Eastern Ontario Legends tour, as Haufe kept his win streak alive. McFadden, Ledson, Riopelle and Jamie Riberdy followed Haufe across the stripe.

Tim Burke and Jordan Dallin shared the qualifying in the Trent Lakes Complete Plumbing Renegade Trucks. Sean Kennedy, Malcolm Pops MacDonald, Jeremy Kelly, Baden Powell, Tyler Begbie and Griffin Powell claimed the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun heats. Preliminary rounds for the Organics & Glass Late Models went to Tyler Betts, Amanda Balson, Dan McHattie and Chris Mitchell. Donovan Price, Kent Missons, former 4Fun division track champion Willow Barberstock and Noel Snow each claimed a Jiffy Lube Mini Stock heat race. Trailers Plus.net Eastern Ontario Legends heats went to Dave Riopelle, Terry McClelland, Matt Haufe and Cole Ledson.

Bullring bullet points: Calvin Jessup Jr. of Oshawa, Ontario pocketed the nights 50/50 prize of $1181.00Tyler Betts saw a strong finish come to an end in the closing stages of the Late Model feature, when his #86 ride blew a right front tire and bounced off the wallAmanda Balson finished fifth in the Late Model A main, but her race wasnt without its share of excitement, as the hood on her car flipped-up in front of the windshield while pack was running at speedWillow Barberstock took advantage of a night off with the Ontario Modifieds schedule to return to familiar territory in a Mini Stock ride.

Peterborough Speedways 50th Anniversary Season continues Saturday, June 10 with the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun, Thunder Car, Organics & Glass Late Model divisions, plus a 50-lap main event for the Jiffy Lube Mini Stock field. The Ontario Modifieds Racing Series will also make its second start of the year. Pit gates open at 3:00, with the general admission grandstands unlocked at 5:00 and the nights first green flag at 6:00.

Full schedule details and the latest news can always be found by logging onto www.peterboroughspeedway.com, liking the Peterborough Speedway page on Facebook or following the track on Twitter. Fans can also download the free app on your Smartphone.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/clarkemotorsports

613.968.6410
LANCASTER, NY (June 4, 2017)- Ten Canadian Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets travelled to Lancaster Speedway in New York State this weekend where they were met by ten of their American counterparts. Banding together, two nations united to create one great show as Mack DeMan, Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget defending champion earned his first win of 2017. With three races under the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget series belt, DeMan already has acquired two, second place feature finishes, two heat wins and a second place heat finish. DeMan, said his car was really good as he worked the track to put pressure on Stahle. DeMan thanked family and sponsors but took the time to let the fans know how much he appreciated them coming out and supporting them and short track racing.

The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget feature saw a fury of excitement in the feature as the #48 of Darren McLennan brought out the caution on the drop of the green for a spin in turn 2. McLennan proved to have had a difficult night as he spun out in the same turn during his heat race toppling onto his lid crushing the wing. With determination, perseverance and no obvious mechanical damage McLennan decided to stay out and complete his heat finishing seventh,and was able to repair the damages before the feature.

Caution on the restart flew again for a spin in turn 4, this time it was the red hot #26 of rookie Lucas Munsie. Munsie was able to quickly regain the field for the restart.

Pole sitter Steven Murdoch lead the field, single file, for the restart but gave up the lead to Adrian Stahle on lap 2 coming out of turn 4 as DeMan, who started in the sixth position, eased his way past Barry Dunn to claim second. With Dunn in the third spot, Ryan Fraser found himself up one position in fourth while Steven Murdoch fell back to fifth.

The third caution of the night flew on lap 4 when the #26 of Lucas Munsie collected the # 49 of Dominique Smith in turn 1. As the two drivers tangled the #11 of Greg Richardson had nowhere to go and was collected in the carnage. All three cars were heavily damaged and were out for the night.

Lap 6 saw our final caution of the night when the # 2X of Vinnie Christiano Jr spun on the back stretch.

With the final restart set, Stahle was set to lead the pack, DeMan was second, Barry Dunn was third, Ryan Fraser was fourth and Andy Jankowich topped the fifth position.

Stahle, who proved strong, lead for 12 laps all the while defending his lead from the relentless pursue of DeMan, as DeMan was on the rear of Stahle entering and exiting every corner trying to find his way around.

DeMans pressure and patience finally paid off on lap 15 when Stahle made an error taking turn 3 low, catching the dirt, and getting loose. Heading into turn 4 DeMan found an opening going to the inside of Stahle capitalizing on his error and taking the lead.

Once out in front it wasnt long before DeMan pulled away from Stahle with sights on lapping the rear of the field. As the laps wound down to this wild Lucas Oil Can-Am Midget feature, the #01 of AJ Hessler battled hard to keep DeMan from putting him a lap down at the drop of the checkers, while Stahle had a firm hold on the second position, Andy Nye was able to make it past Andy Jankowick for third and Adam Racine was solid in fifth.

Heat races were won by Mack DeMan and Darren Dryden.

The Canadian Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets would like to extend a hearty Thank you to all the American drivers who came out and joined us in putting on a great race. We are happy to have any one of you join us on the track any time.

The Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets will be off next weekend but return to Flamboro Speedway June 17, 2017.

Final finishes for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets on June 3, 2017 are 1. MACK DEMAN, 2. Adrian Stahle, 3. Andy Nye, 4. Andy Jankowick, 5. Adam Racine, 6. Barry Dunn, 7. Ryan Fraser, 8. Brandon Zavarella, 9. Darren Dryden, 10. Mark Schultz, 11. Darren McLennan, 12. Steven Murdoch, 13. Arik McGruder, 14. AJ Hessler, 15. Vinnie Christiano Jr, 16. Patrick Smith, 17. Vinnie Christiano III, 18, Dominique Smith (R), 19. Greg Richardson, 20. Lucas Munsie (R).

Top 10 in Driver Points for the Lucas Oil Can-Am Midgets on June 3, 2017 are 1. MACK DEMAN-517, 2. Adam Racine-508, 3. Ryan Fraser-493, 4. Adrian Stahle-472, 5. Darren Dryden-415, 6. Barry Dunn-413, 7. Steven Murdoch-371, 8. Darren McLennan-371, 9. Dominique Smith-307, 10. Lucas Munsie-289
With their white siding, black shutters, and pillared porches, the colonial homes of Greenwich, Connecticut, evoke genteel New England and all the Yankee respectability that implies. But the towns proximity to Manhattan, less than an hour away by commuter rail or town car, has made it an extension of Gotham, where fortunes are made  and sometimes lost.

As such, Greenwich has long been a town of arrivistes; almost half of its current home buyers hail from elsewhere. Every few decades wealthy newcomers refashion this tony suburb on Long Island Sound in the image of the latest moneyed class, their status clinched by a Greenwich address, be they the robber barons of the Gilded Age, the corporate CEOs of the 1960s, or, more recently, hedge fund moguls like Paul Tudor Jones II, Steve Cohen, and Ray Dalio.

No doubt Knighthead Capital Management co-founder Ara Cohen thought he, too, had arrived when, just a few short years after starting his hedge fund in 2008, he bought what has become the fifth-most-expensive house on the market in Greenwich today. The 16,863-square-foot, four-floor Georgian mansion, hidden on five manicured acres behind an iron gate on Clapboard Ridge Road, conjures the European aristocracy (or, as Sothebys International Realty puts it, architectural details and tasteful refinements suggest pre-war substance and quality). Yet Cohens imposing stone mansion isnt old: Finished in 2011 with the requisite hedge fund accoutrements, it houses a home theater and a wine cellar, two swimming pools  one of them indoor, next to a sauna  a billiards room, and an elevator. A life-size chess set adorns the grounds.

But Ara Cohens gilded life apparently was short-lived. Almost as soon as Cohen moved in, his high-flying, New Yorkbased hedge fund hit a bout of turbulence, ending 2011 with a 3 percent loss. Less than four years after completing his dream house, Cohen put the mansion on the market, listing it at $35 million in September 2015, the same year Knighthead ended up losing 10 percent. Last August, Cohen reduced the asking price to $29.5 million, for a house assessed at $10.9 million in 2014. Although Cohens distressed fund has begun to stanch the bleeding  it was up 9.5 percent in 2016 and continues to post gains as of March  his house is still for sale. (Cohen did not return a call for comment.)

This is an excerpt. To read the entire piece,click here.
This content is from: Portfolio

The online used car dealer has hit a new low, making it the most profitable short of the year.
Its that passion thats led Fogarty to co-found Evari, a new insurtech start-up.

Evari is a direct to small business online insurance operation, Fogarty says.

Were thinking right the way across the value chain to re-think how small businesses buy and manage their insurances. With the technology weve got, we do have some amazing freedom and flexibility to do that well.

Our point of difference is we will be delivering to customers in a way that makes most sense to them.

Fogarty says this opportunity brings together several skills hes developed over his insurance career.

Ive been fortunate to have some great experiences in the insurance industry, both in intermediated and direct insurance [and] in personal and commercial. I was also fortunate to go to business school in Silicon Valley and while I was there, this entrepreneurial bug caught me. Ive seen how challenging it is to get change in a big company. Being in a small company, you can be more adaptable and flexible to the customers needs.

Fogartys Evari co-founders, Robert Jeffery and Brack Norris, are from backgrou2nds outside insurance.

They come from strong technology backgrounds, he says.

Im a great believer in diversity, and diversity of thought is critical in achieving new ways of doing business.

Having those different backgrounds has been critical for us. We have a range of ages as well, and my two business partners have experience in the start-up world, whereas mine is big-company experience, so theyve been helping and guiding me on the entrepreneurial journey.

Fogarty discusses the benefits of having such diversity in the Evari team.

My two business partners thought about this business firstly from a technology aspect, and now that were in business, weve got more people in our business with technology and customer experience backgrounds than we have with insurance backgrounds. They are challenging the insurers in the team on our thinking.

Fogarty talks about the opportunities the growing insurtech space in Australia affords the industry.

Ive read that insurtech is maybe a Kodak moment for the insurance industry, whereas the way I like to think about it is, really, were at a Wi-Fi moment for the Australian insurance industry, he says.

Our industry is really well developed by international standards; we have very smart people who really understand insurance; we have the access to technology; we now have increasing access to capital  and we have a marketplace where customers want to try new things.

Fogarty believes the Australian industry has all the attributes necessary to build an insurtech space thats the envy of the rest of the world. He mentions the great technology available for the industrys use today.

Weve been using Amazon Web Services as the basis of a lot of things were doing. The technology thats available through AWS is amazing, and we can build enterprise systems at a much lower cost than we could in the past.

Fogarty says that while the Evari team has looked around for software, its attempting to build as much as it can on its own.

That gives us the flexibility to be able to meet the customers needs in the most appropriate way, he explains.

One of the challenges that the insurers have at the moment [is] they have big clunky back-end systems that they have to navigate around to then drive the customer experience. Were starting at the other end. Were saying, What is a great customer experience? How do we give the customer what they need so they can understand and buy and service their insurance in the way they want to? and then deploy that back into the insurance process.

He says the Evari team is working hard in preparation for a mid-year launch. So, whats ahead over the next 12 months?

It really depends on what the next six to nine months look like, he says.

Wed like this to be a great success and weve got the flexibility and technology. But were going to start small, make sure we can meet customers needs well, make sure we have got the insurance angle absolutely covered here, and then expand out our business from there.

Fogarty hopes his efforts, and those of his Evari colleagues, will encourage others to enter the insurtech space.

Hopefully, other people see me and others having a go at this and say, Lets see what we can change, and together well develop our industry into a much better space over the years to come.

FAST FACTS

Specialty: Fully flexible end-to-end insurance platform (rate/quote/bind policy admin)

Website: www.evari.tech

Locations: Australia and UK

Co-founders: Pictured from left to right: Robert Jeffery, Brack Norris and Daniel Fogarty

Daniel Fogartys career in insurance:

Currently serves as a director of the Board of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF)

Served as Zurichs CEO of general insurance, Australia and New Zealand from mid 2012 to late 2015

Joined Zurich in 2009, becoming its chief operating officer in 2010 and then executive general manager, corporate in 2011

Held a number of executive general manager positions in general insurance over 5 years at Suncorp/Vero

Qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in accounting, finance and systems) from the University of NSW and a Masters from Stanford Graduate School of Business, California

Addendum

Since this article was written, Evari sold their direct to small business online insurance business to Envest in mid-2021.
When heavy rains hit the continent last May and June, there was widespread damage and a number of deaths as the floodwaters rose, swamping both the countryside and towns.In France, the river Seine burst its banks, towns were evacuated and four people were killed in the flooding. A number of areas recorded their most severe flooding for a century  the Louvre closed, drivers had to be rescued by the military and in the department Loiret, six weeks worth of rain was recorded in just three days.The ensuing damage resulted in 182,000 claims for insurers at a cost of more than 1.4 billion euros, according to a report published at the end of last week.Severe flooding occurred in 19 departements across the Paris region, and central and eastern France, particularly in the Seine-et-Marne, Essonne and Loiret regions. These floods have been the most costly for the French insurance industry since 1982.At the end of May, a year after the extreme weather hit the continent, nearly 96% of reported losses had been settled, according to the French Insurance Federation (FFA). The 4% of claims that still havent been settled are more complex cases, such as claims for business interruption or where policyholders are contesting appraisal values. Ninety six per cent (96%) of home related claims have been settled, 97% of automobile, 90% for business and almost 95% of agricultural claims, says the FFA.Over the past 25 years, the total cost of climate hazards has risen to nearly 50 billion euros and could swell by 2040 to more than 90 billion, according to an earlier study by the FFA, which is calling for improvements in the way the authorities work on measures to prevent similar disasters.
Sun Life Financial has announced that a member of its Board of Directors is stepping down.Greig Woodring has resigned from the companys board, effective May 30, 2017. He has resigned due to personal reasons, a release said, and his resignation has been accepted by the rest of the board of directors.As a member of Sun Lifes board of directors, Woodring served on the Risk Review Committee and Management Resources Committee.Woodring was previously appointed to the board last December. He has four decades of US and international insurance industry experience. He is also the CEO of Reinsurance Group of America (RGA).He started his insurance career at Chicago-based United Insurance Company and then later joined General American Life Insurance Company (currently GenAmerica Financial) in 1979 as executive vice-president of the latters reinsurance business. It was Woodrings reinsurance division that led to the creation of RGA, with him leading its initial public offering in 1993 and serving as the companys first CEO.
And what does that means for the anticipated 'digital revolution?'
The Andrew Agency, a Richmond, Va.-headquartered insurance broker, has acquired Wood Insurance, effective June 1, 2017. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Also based in Richmond, Va., Wood Insurance specializes in commercial and personal lines property and casualty insurance.

With this acquisition, The Andrew Agency will expand its property and casualty division in Virginia. Employees of Wood Insurance will join The Andrew Agency team and will operate under The Andrew Agency name.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking specialized agencies throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, said Ryan Andrew, president of The Andrew Agency, in a company press release. Wood Insurance will further strengthen our commercial division and increase our personal lines client base.

Source: The Andrew Agency

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Virginia
DUBAI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Following the decision by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen and Libya to cut diplomatic relations with Qatar on Monday, UAE airliners Emirates, Etihad and FlyDubai have decided to suspend flights to Doha until further notice.

Emirates, the Dubai government-controlled international carrier of the UAE, said in an e-mailed statement that "As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates will suspend its flights to and from Doha, starting from the morning of June 6, 2017, until further notice."

The Emirates' last flight from Dubai to Doha will depart as EK847 at 02:30 local time on June 6, it added.

All customers booked on Emirates' flights to and from Doha will be provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternate Emirates destinations, said the carrier.

Dubai-based budget carrier FlyDubai and Etihad Airways, owned by the government in Abu Dhabi (the UAE capital) also said they would stop flying to Doha until further notice.
Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy sharply criticized the Connecticut Senate for unanimously passing legislation early Friday that creates a new mandate for health insurers, arguing the bill shows a lack of awareness and blatant disdain for the industrys expertise.

The bill, which now awaits action in the House of Representatives, comes as health insurer Aetna Inc. is looking to relocate its long-standing headquarters from Hartford to another state.

Yet again, the state Senate turned a deaf ear on the insurance industry and completely disregarded informed input on this topic, the Democrat said in a written statement, adding it would be very difficult for him to ultimately sign the legislation into law.

Malloy said he supports the underlying premise of the bill, which attempts to protect health benefits for women, children and adolescents if the federal Affordable Care Act is ultimately revamped by the Republican-controlled Congress. However, he said it was inexcusable for lawmakers to amend the legislation with a new requirement that would, among other things, require health insurers to sell policies to eligible pregnant women no more than 30 days after the beginning of their pregnancy.

Malloy said imposing such a change on insurers could make it impossible for them to set a reasonable rate on plans.

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano of North Haven called Malloys criticism of the bipartisan measure amazing.

This protectsbabies and pregnant women, he said. Thats all it does.

Sen. Kevin Kelly, a Stratford Republican and a co-chairman of the General Assemblys Insurance Committee, said lawmakers made sure the legislation was narrowly tailored to minimize costs.

Democratic Senate President Martin Looney of New Haven took Malloys criticism in stride.

There is a great deal about the legislative process that is fluid and situational, he said. An opponent on one issue might be a critical ally on another, as long as the personal relationship is not undermined.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Market Connecticut Politics
Connecticut officials are again re-examining how they can dissuade companies like General Electric and now possibly insurance giant Aetna from relocating to places considered more innovative.

A string of state budget deficits, state and local tax policies, as well as hefty state debt obligations are all being blamed for why Aetna and others may be looking to places like Boston, Mass., to move their headquarters and attract talent. But many also are looking at the condition of Connecticuts cities and how they measure up against the competition in other states.

Our inactivity, our unwillingness to come up with an overall goal for our urban centers in the state of Connecticut is yet again costing us dearly, said Democratic Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz on Thursday, the day after Aetnas chief executive announced his company is in negotiations with several states to move its headquarters out of Hartford, where it has been based for nearly two centuries. He said major employers want to know what our plan is for Connecticuts cities, adding how lawmakers may pass legislation this session that could lead to more state aid and stronger oversight of city spending.

Aetnas possible move comes despite Connecticut Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy offering the company financial incentives to stay in Connecticut. Aetna has not responded to the offer.

Mark Bertolini, Aetnas chief executive officer, said the insurer remains committed to its roughly 6,000 Connecticut-based employees and its Hartford campus. However, he said the company wants to broaden its access to innovation and the talent that will fill knowledge economy-type positions. His comments come about a year-and-a-half after GE announced it would move its corporate headquarters from suburban Fairfield to technology-rich Boston, which chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said fit the companys ambitions as an innovation leader.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said losing Aetnas flag would be a blow to the state and greater Hartford. The Democrat said the state must now act boldly.

I think the decision that Aetna seems poised to make, reinforces the argument that weve been making for the better part of a year, which is that if Connecticut wants to remain economically competitive, we have to be a place that has strong and vibrant cities  strong and vibrant metropolitan areas, where companies can attract talent and retain talent, said Bronin, who has pushed for greater regional cooperation to bolster Hartford.

Oz Griebel, president and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance, a regional business group, acknowledged Aetna is one of the states most valued employers and the image of the company moving its corporate headquarters elsewhere has a psychological impact on the state. But he stressed that major investments have been made in Hartford and other Connecticut cities. Steps are being taken to address the states fiscal obligations, such as employee retirement costs.

While the states cities are not as large as Boston or New York, he said Connecticut continues to have an educated and innovative workforce.

The asset base here is very strong, Griebel said. Our job is to promote that asset base.

Susan Winkler, executive director of the Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services Cluster, an association of 32 insurance and financial services industry leaders, said even if Aetna moves its headquarters, Connecticut will remain the insurance capital of the world.

Connecticut has a rich history of insurance practice, she said. Our workforce is really second to none. We have the most insurance jobs, the most actuaries. We write the most premiums. We are the insurance capital and thats not going away.

The state also has a healthy pipeline of labor into the insurance and financial services industries from colleges and other sources, Winkler said. At 2.7 percent, Connecticut ranks first nationally in insurance carrier employment as a percentage of total employment. The average wage for nearly 59,000 insurance carrier jobs is more than $83,936, according to 2016 state industry report.

Associated Press Writers Dave Collins and Pat Eaton-Robb contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Talent Training Development Connecticut
Penn State is making changes to its Greek system, including taking control of the previously self-governing fraternities and sororities, following the February death of a pledge.

The universitys board of trustees approved a set of changes during a meeting Friday. Earlier this week, the parents of 19-year-old Timothy Piazza released a scathing letter to the school. The parents of the college sophomore from Lebanon, N.J., accused officials of turning a blind eye to hazing and excessive drinking in the Greek system, saying it led to the Feb. 4 death of their son.

Our son died on your watch because of ignorance and denial by Penn State, said the letter dated May 31 and signed by Jim and Evelyn Piazza.

Eighteen members of the now-shuttered Beta Theta Pi fraternity face charges in connection with Piazzas death.

Police say he drank a life-threatening amount of alcohol during a hazing ritual.

A grand jury report said security camera footage captured events inside the house that night, including pledges being ordered to guzzle alcohol. Piazza appeared to become inebriated and fell face-first down a flight of basement steps.

Fraternity brothers made half-hearted and even counterproductive efforts to help him, and when one member strongly advocated for summoning help he was shoved into a wall and told to leave, the report said.

Piazza apparently fell down the steps again early the next morning but was not discovered until about 10 a.m. Someone called 911 about 40 minutes later. Piazza later died as a result of severe head injuries.

President Eric Barron said Penn State will lobby for tougher laws on hazing, something sought by Piazzas parents, and will host a national conference on Greek Life to work with other universities on finding answers.

Across this nation, Greek life has operated through self-governance, Barron said. Today we believe the self-governance model is broken.

The university will now control the organizational misconduct and adjudication process for fraternities and sororities. Another change approved Friday is hazing that involves alcohol, physical abuse or any behavior that puts a student at risk will result in permanent revocation of that chapters recognition.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Wu Xiaohui, the chairman of Anbang Insurance Group Co. Ltd., is free to travel, a spokesman for the Chinese insurer said on Friday, denying a report that Wu had been prevented from leaving China.

The Financial Times reported that Wu had been stopped from leaving the country, citing four sources who have had business dealings with him.

Anbang has emerged as one of Chinas most aggressive buyers of overseas assets in the past two years, spending more than $30 billion acquiring luxury hotels, insurers and other property assets.

But Anbang has faced increasing pushback in its offshore deal-making, amid a broader decline in Chinese outbound acquisitions, as Beijing strengthens curbs over capital outflows to prevent potential shocks to its financial system.

The Chinese insurer ditched its attempt last year to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. for $14 billion, walking away from its most high-profile deal.

In April this year, U.S. annuities and life insurer Fidelity & Guaranty Life (FGL) terminated its $1.6 billion agreement to be acquired by the Chinese insurer after Anbang failed to secure all the necessary regulatory approvals.

A month earlier, Anbang and the Kushner Companies, the real estate firm until recently headed by U.S. President Donald Trumps son-in-law, said they had ended talks to redevelop a New York office tower.

(Reporting by Matthew Miller; writing by Ryan Woo; editing by Alexander Smith)

Related:

Topics China
AlphaCat Managers Ltd., the Bermuda-based subsidiary of Validus Holdings Ltd., announced the appointment of Bernard Van der Stichele to the position of portfolio manager for AlphaCat.

In this new role, Van der Stichele will report to Lixin Zeng, chief executive officer of AlphaCat.

Van der Stichele brings over 15 year of institutional investment management experience to AlphaCat. Previously, he served as vice president at AQR Capital Management. Prior to that, he was a senior investment analyst at Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, where he developed its first direct ILS investment strategy.

Bernards appointment is subject to Bermuda immigration approval.

In a separate appointment, Chris Silvester, Validus Services executive vice president and head of U.S. property underwriting, will assume primary responsibility for AlphaCats reinsurance business origination, in addition to his role as head of Validus Services U.S. property team. Silvester will continue to report to Validus Services executive vice president and chief underwriting officer Jeff Clements.

AlphaCat Managers Ltd. is an investment adviser that manages capital for third parties and the group in insurance linked securities and other property catastrophe reinsurance investments.

Source: AlphaCat Managers Ltd.

Topics Auto
Chicago-based Rosebud Restaurants has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit accusing it of discriminating against some black job applicants.

The Chicago Tribune reports that under the settlement Rosebud Restaurants must pay $1.9 million and establish a program to hire African-Americans. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the lawsuit in 2013, alleging Rosebud refused to hire African-Americans at a number of its locations and managers used racial slurs.

The settlement money will go to African-Americans who applied for jobs and were denied. The goal of the hiring program is that 11 percent of Rosebuds workforce be African-American.

Rosebud said in an emailed statement that it understands we all can do more to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits
Farm groups and some members of Congress from farm states are decrying proposed cuts to crop insurance and other safety net programs for farmers included in President Donald Trumps budget.

The proposed cuts come even as farmers are facing their fourth straight year of falling income, and could particularly affect farm states such as Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska that helped Trump win the November election.

Clearly, this budget fails agriculture and rural America, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a statement.

The proposed budget would cap the amount of money the U.S. government provides to help farmers pay insurance premiums and eliminate insurance coverage for lost revenue when crop prices and per-acre yields fall. That would reduce the federal insurance programs budget by $28 billion over 10 years.

Trump has also proposed reducing subsidies to farmers, cutting those programs by $9 billion by decreasing the maximum income level from $900,000 to $500,000 for a farmer to be eligible. The budget would also cut 5,263 jobs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a 5.5 percent reduction in staff.

Farmers, economists and agriculture experts say it is important to support the agriculture sector, which makes up about 11 percent of U.S. employment, or about 21 million jobs, and contributes nearly $1 trillion to the nations domestic productivity.

The strength of the agricultural economy has implications for rural America, but also for the larger U.S. economy, Robert Johansson, the USDAs chief economist, told senators last month.

Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, the leading Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, warned that the proposed cuts would have a disproportionate impact on small towns across our country and leave those communities in crisis.

But some people say theres no need for farmers to worry just yet.

What Ive been telling farmers is lets just relax a bit before we panic. Its going to be hard for Trump to get anything done. Thats become really obvious, said Brent Gloy, a former Purdue University agriculture economist who now works full-time on his familys corn, soybean and wheat farm in southwest Nebraska, where Trump had strong support.

Indeed, Republican U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, who owns a farm in Iowa and is a member of the agriculture and budget committees, doesnt expect the crop insurance cuts to make it through Congress. Grassley considers Trumps budget a non-starter, much like the budget proposals of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who also suggested farm program cuts that never materialized.

Most budgets are dead on arrival, Grassley said during a recent conference call with reporters. I dont say that to be negative about any of the three presidents Ive said it about.

Farmer Harold Wolle, who lives in a Minnesota county where 55 percent of voters chose Trump, makes the same point and says its too early in the process for Trump supporters to be disappointed.

Were fortunate that Congress writes the budget, not the executive branch, said Wolle, who is president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

Subsidies for crops and crop insurance have sustained grain farmers in recent years as prices plummeted for wheat, corn and soybeans thanks to favorable weather that boosted harvests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported in February net farm income is expected to fall 8.7 percent this year to $62.3 billion, half of the $123.7 billion income posted in 2013.

The Trump administration says the proposed cuts help fulfill a campaign promise to balance the federal budget.

I believe the people knew what they were doing when they elected President Trump president, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in conference call with Iowa reporters. I see it as an opportunity to demonstrate to the American people we can do more with less and we will do more with less. Were going to be winning in the end.

Iowa farmer Chris Petersen, who voted for Hillary Clinton in November after supporting Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination, actually supports some cuts to farm subsidies, saying they promote the overproduction of certain crops.

I believe in protecting agriculture and farms of all sizes up to a certain size. Its a national food security issue, said Petersen, who raises hogs, cattle and vegetables, which he sells to local residents and restaurants. But it comes to a certain point where its just on steroids basically and there needs to be more management.

At the same time, he says Trump supporters from depressed rural areas who thought they were electing someone who would help them should have known better.

You get what you voted for, he said. People better be thinking about rural economies, the rural people, jobs, stability and changing things around so it works better for rural. A lot of people didnt think this out too good.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics USA Agribusiness Iowa
An Illinois appeals court has upheld a $1.5 million judgment against Six Flags Great America for a hand injury a woman suffered on a waterslide.

In her lawsuit in Lake County Circuit Court, Shatoya Meeks claimed that while riding the Wahoo Racer at the Gurnee parks Hurricane Harbor water park in 2011 she sustained cuts and torn ligaments to her wrist and hands.

Meeks attorneys claim park workers operated the slide negligently, failed to warn customers adequately and failed to inspect the ride properly before its operation.

Six Flags attorneys countered Meeks negligence contributed to the accident and should have been more attentive.

The Chicago Tribune reports at issue in the appeal was Six Flags initial failure to make available for questioning the dispatcher, attendant and inspector of the waterslide. Park officials initially indicated they could not be identified until four days before trial last year.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Illinois
Its generally acknowledged that talking on a cell phone impedes driving ability. But new research from the University of Iowa is showing how even a simple conversation can affect the brains ability to focus on the roadway.

UI researchers used computerized experiments that tracked eye movements while asking subjects to answer true or false questions. Respondents who answered the questions took about twice as long to direct their eyes to a new object on the screen than those not required to respond or who were asked no questions at all.

The experiments mimic a scenario in which a driver is using a cell phone or having a conversation with a passenger, says Shaun Vecera, professor in the UI Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and corresponding author on the paper, published online June 5 in the journal Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, which covers experimental psychology..

Its the first study known to examine attentional disengagement as the possible cause of poor driving while using a cell phone.

What this study suggests is the reason you should be cautious (when talking on the phone while driving) is it slows your attention down, and were just not aware of it because it happens so fast, Vecera says.

The delay is about 40 milliseconds, or four-hundredths of a second, which may not seem like a long time. But that delay compounds: Every time the brain is distracted, the time to disengage from one action and initiate another action gets longer.

Its a snowball effect, Vecera says, and thats what contributes to the problem, because eventually youre oblivious to a lot thats around you.

Theres little dispute cell phone usewhether texting or talkingis hazardous for drivers. The U.S. National Highway Safety Administration reported that in 2015, 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving drivers engaged in cell phone conversations, texting, and other distractions.

Thats why a growing number of statesIowa includedhave either limited or banned some uses of a cell phone while driving.

Research has demonstrated cell phone use reduces a drivers field of vision, creating a cone-like field of view akin to tunnel vision. Other studies have suggested using a cell phone while driving places a mental burden, or cognitive load, on drivers, making them less likely to detect and react to the appearance of a new object.

Vecera and his team wanted to explore why the brain was burdened with something as simple as having a conversation. After all, why would talking on the phone affect ones ability to pay attention to the road?

Engaging in conversation, whether on the phone or with someone in the vehicle, seems effortless, Vecera says. But its far more complex than one would think. The brain is absorbing information, overlaying what a person knows (and doesnt know), and then preparing to construct a thoughtful reply.

Thats all very effortful, Vecera says. We do it extremely rapidlyso rapidly we dont grasp how difficult it really is.

In a study published in 2011 in the Journals of Gerontology, Series B, Vecera and colleagues documented that older adults with poorer mental and visual abilities took longer to switch their attention from one object to another than older adults with diminished vision only. In his current study, he hypothesized that younger, healthy individuals asked to answer questions while training their eyes on objects would mimic the older adults with cognitive decline.

The experiment was simple enough. The participants answered a series of true or false questions, termed active listening, while researchers used high-speed cameras to track how rapidly their eyes located and fixed on a new object that appeared on a computer screen. Other groups either were asked a question but were not required to answer (passive listening) or were not asked a question.

Among the simple questions was: C-3P0 is the name of a tall golden robot, and he was in the popular film Star Wars.

Among the more difficult questions was: The Magna Carta was written as a legal proclamation, subjecting the king to the law.

It took nearly 100 milliseconds, on average, for participants answering questions to disengage their vision from one object and locate and fixate their vision on a new object that appeared on the screen.

Active listening delays the disengagement of attention, which must occur before attention can be moved to a new object or event, Vecera says.

In addition, the eye movements of participants asked to answer both simple and difficult questions also lagged. Researchers believe thats because the brain needs to be engaged when actively listening, no matter how elementary the topic of conversation.

The solution? Dont talk on the phone while driving, Vecera says.

Theres no evidence that I know of that says you can eliminate the mental distraction of cell phone use with practice or conditioning, he says. But that is an open question that should be studied.

Benjamin Lester, a UI graduate who majored in psychology and former post-doctoral research scholar at the UI, is the papers first author. The U.S. National Science Foundation and the Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center funded the research.

Source: University of Iowa

Topics Personal Auto Iowa
Nineteen lawmakers are testing their luck at the Supreme Court, asking the justices to take up a case on whether military reservists unfair dismissal claims can be forced into arbitration by their civilian bosses.

Because the case involves veterans rights, the legislators say they are hopeful the Supreme Court of John Roberts will temper its usual affinity for agreements waiving employees right to sue.

The tragic irony could not be more dramatic, said Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal, the senator spearheading a friend-of-the-court brief filed in mid-May by six senators and a 13 House members, including three Republicans. Theyre serving and sacrificing so we have these rights, and then they come home and they are denied those very rights that they are fighting to uphold.

Both returning service members civilian workplace rights and the right of companies to require arbitration have repeatedly been upheld by the high court. This case pits one right against the other.

The filing asks the court to overturn an October appeals court ruling against Kevin Ziober, a Navy reservist who was terminated in 2012 by BLB Resources, a real estate company and contractor for the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ziober alleges that on his last day of work at BLB before deploying for a year to Afghanistan the company told him he was out of a job.

A Shock

It was a shock, Ziober said in an interview. I just didnt have any expectation of that being the consequence of going to serve your country. Ziober says he was told that the reason was that the federal contract he was working on might run out by the time he returned. The contract was still in place when he returned.

The company denied wrongdoing, saying that because of subpar results from Ziober, management had decided not to include him in a bid for a new government contract. BLB Resources has great respect for those serving our country, and the conclusion of Mr. Ziobers employment was in no way connected to his membership in the uniform services or his deployment, BLB said in a statement provided by its lawyer.

Upon returning to the U.S. after his tour of duty, Ziober brought a lawsuit against BLB under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, a 1994 law banning companies from discriminating against employees for taking time away from work to serve in the reserves. In response, BLB motioned for Ziobers case to be handled in private arbitration, citing an agreement Ziober had signed while employed. A district court granted BLBs motion, and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed.

The 9th Circuit judge Mary Murguia said in the decision that the Supreme Court had made clear that the act of bringing a claim in arbitration allows a plaintiff to vindicate his or her substantive statutory rights to the same extent as filing a lawsuit in federal court.

Paper Tiger

Thats not how Ziober sees it. Arbitration seems to be a way to slip things under the rug, he said. Zoiber said BLB required him to sign the arbitration agreement in order to keep his job. In a March petition to the Supreme Court, his attorneys wrote that under the Ninth Circuits decision protections for civilian soldiers were turned into a paper tiger.

The Democrats brief highlights that the law allows that service members can file suit free of charge in the district court for any district in which the private employer has a place of business, and specifies that it supersedes any law, agreement, or contract that reduces, limits, or eliminates in any matter any right or benefit provided by the statute.

Even if the issue were ambiguous, they say, Supreme Court precedents dictate that, when in doubt, pro-veteran statutes should be construed liberally for the benefit of service members like Ziober. Congress wanted to ensure that veterans could vindicate their rights in the forum of their choice, the brief says.

It will harm veterans if the court fails to take the case and overturn it, Blumenthal said.

Critics of arbitration arent the only ones eager for the Court to consider Ziobers case.

Marshall Babson, an Seyfarth Shaw attorney representing employers and former member of the National Labor Relations Board, said he hopes the justices will grant Ziobers petition and then rule against him, establishing a fresh precedent in favor of arbitration.

Its more efficient, more effective, and has a better result, said Babson. I dont think you need a judge in robes to decide whether Johnny was terminated because he was late 15 times to work or because hes from Bulgaria.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Legislation Commercial Lines Business Insurance
BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Vice President Li Yuanchao Monday called for efforts to foster young Marxists with firm beliefs in the Communist Party of China (CPC) in colleges around the country.

Li made the remarks during a conference jointly held by the Central Committee of China's Communist Youth League (CYL) and the Ministry of Education.

Li called for deepened reform on youth leagues in colleges and improved ideological and political work on campus, stressing that the CPC's leadership over these organizations should be upheld.

The CYL should promote education on socialist core values among college students, Li said, noting that efforts should be made to build an online platform for youth leagues.

Since its founding in 1922, the CYL has been regarded as a bridge linking the nation's youth with the Party. It also plays a fundamental role as an assistant and talent reserve for the CPC.
The Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia upheld a lower courts dismissal last year of more than 300 product liability suits against drug maker Pfizer over its antidepressant Zoloft.

The lawsuits alleged that Zoloft was responsible for birth defects in children whose mothers took the drug during pregnancy. But the plaintiffs failed to produce convincing scientific evidence of the link between the drug and the defects, according to the courts.

The appeals court on June 2 ruled that the district court acted within its discretion when in December 2015 proceedings it excluded testimony from a key witness for the plaintiffs, Dr. Nicholas Jewell, who claimed his research showed a link between the drug and the birth defects. However, U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe found that Dr. Jewell failed to consistently apply the scientific methods he articulates, has deviated from or downplayed certain well established principles of his field, and has inconsistently applied methods and standards to the data so as to support his a priori opinion.

Judge Rufe decided to ban Dr. Jewells testimony and then in April 2016 she granted summary judgment for Pfizer and dismissed most of the Zoloft claims against the drug maker without a trial.

Plaintiffs appealed the exclusion of the testimony of Dr. Jewell and the summary judgment for Pfizer. The plaintiffs argued on appeal that the district court erroneously established a legal standard by holding that an expert opinion on general causation must be supported by replicated observational studies reporting a statistically significant association between the drug and the adverse effect, and that it was an abuse of discretion to exclude Dr. Jewells testimony.

But the appeals court, in an opinion written by Judge Jane R. Roth, found that the district court did not establish such a legal standard and did not abuse its discretion in excluding Dr. Jewells testimony, thus affirming the district courts orders.

This case involves complicated facts, statistical methodology, and competing claims of appropriate standards for assessing causality from observational epidemiological studies, Judge Roth wrote. Ultimately, however, the issue is quite clear. As a gatekeeper, courts are supposed to ensure that the testimony given to the jury is reliable and will be more informative than confusing. Dr. Jewells application of his purported methods does not satisfy this standard.

Pfizer has maintained that Zoloft is safe and backed by accepted science.

Topics Lawsuits USA Drugs
Everything is big in Texas, including hailstorms. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that insurance claims for hail damage in Texaslast year exceeded the previous two years combined.

Hail damage fluctuates year-to-year, but 2016 was a particularly devastating year across the country. An analysis of insurance claims from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) ClaimSearch database showed that after decreasing by 21 percent from 2014 to 2015, the number of hail claims nationwide jumped 48 percent to more than 965,000 in 2016.

Hail Loss Claims Nationwide

2016 965,153 2015 654,121 2014 831,469

Hail Loss Claims  Top 10 States 2014-2016

State 2014 2015 2016 Total % of U.S. claims Texas 135,927 161,099 378,652 675,678 28% Colorado 100,127 56,773 90,002 246,902 10% Nebraska 80,733 23,791 58,142 162,666 7% Missouri 45,478 37,823 56,736 140,037 6% Illinois 63,853 40,246 26,502 130,601 5% Kansas 39,415 39,000 49,864 128,279 5% Minnesota 16,786 34,324 20,759 71,869 3% Pennsylvania 49,402 10,233 4,836 64,471 3% Indiana 22,102 14,291 21,750 58,143 2% Oklahoma 11,889 28,788 15,925 56,602 2%

Texas totaled more than four times as many hail claims as the second leading state, Colorado, and had 39 percent of all the claims filed last year.

San Antonios devastating hailstorms in 2016 resulted in 68,778 claims with Colorado Springs reporting 33,595.

Across the nation, most hail claims, 55 percent, were for home damage with personal auto damage representing 32 percent of all hail claims.

Source: NICB

Topics Texas Claims Leadership Colorado
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 boats 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.

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.

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 theyre thankful to be alive.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics North Carolina
The parents of a 3-year-old boy killed by a falling tree limb while playing at a South Carolina park are getting $3.6 million to settle a lawsuit.

Jacoby Latta was playing during a church picnic at Irmo Community Park in 2014 when a large limb fell and hit him in the head.

The State newspaper reports the family of the boy is getting $400,000 from Irmo. The rest of the money will come from a half-dozen companies involved in the designing and building of the park which had been open less than a month.

The familys lawyer says they agreed not to talk publicly about the settlement as part of the deal.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics South Carolina
JLT Re North America Inc. has named Tony Manzitto executive vice president in Los Angeles, Calif.

Manzitto will focus on the expansion of JLT Res structured products team.

Manzitto most recently held the positions of chief underwriting officer and chief operating officer at Topa Insurance Group. He was with Swiss Re for more 20 years prior to that.

JLT Re is part of the Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc.

Topics California
Provisional Measure 783, which established the special tax regularisation programme (Programa Especial de Regularizacao Tributaria, or PERT) was published in the Extraordinary Edition of the Official Gazette on May 31 2017.

The new programme covers tax and non-tax debts, due up to April 30 2017, even those included in previous programmes for payment of debts in instalments (terminated or active), undergoing administrative or judicial discussion, or from assessments made after the publication of the measure, provided that the accession to the programme occurs by August 31 2017.

In the context of the PERT, the debts with the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (RFB) or with the Attorney General of the National Treasury (PGFN) may be settled by payment in cash or in five to 175 instalments. Unlike the previous programme, the new one provides for reductions in interest and fines on the debts, depending on the payment method chosen by the taxpayer.

Such reductions can range from 50% to 90% of interest on arrears and from 25% to 50% of fines for late payment, fines on assessment of the debts, and independent penalties.

It should be noted that, as the previous tax regularisation programme, this new programme allows for the use of credits of tax losses and of the social contribution on net profit (CSLL) tax losses of ones own, of the entity responsible or co-responsible for the debt, and of parent companies and subsidiaries, for payment by instalment of the debts included in the programme.

The Provisional Measure entered into force on the date of its publication, and is incumbent on the RFB and PGFN to enact, within 30 days, the acts required for the performance of the procedures defined by the Provisional Measure.

This article was prepared by Mauri Bornia and Juliana Mari Tanaka, members of Machado Associados indirect tax team.

Mauri Bornia E: mbornia@machadoassociados.com.br
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Breaking AI Stock News: GBT's (OTCPK: GTCH) Facial and Body Recognition Patent Application Received a Notice of Allowance

San Diego, CA - November 9, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) with GBT Tokenize Corp. ("GBT/Tokenize") received a notice of allowance for its facial and body recognition non-provisional patent application.

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Breaking EV Stock News: Mullen (NASDAQ: MULN) Enters into Agreement with Newgate Motor Group, one of Ireland's most Recognized Auto Groups, to Distribute the Mullen I-GOTM in Ireland and United Kingdom

BREA, Calif. - November 9, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, announces today that it has entered into an agreement to appoint Newgate Motor Group, one of Ireland's most recognized dealership groups, as marketing, sales, distribution and servicing agent for the Mullen I-GO in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

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Breaking AI Stock News: GBT's (OTCPK: GTCH) AI Driven Financial Technology Patent Application Received a Notice of Publication

San Diego, CA - November 3, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) received a notice of publication for its financial software patent application.

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Breaking AI Stock News: Intellagents, a FatBrain AI (OTCQB: LZGI) Company, Announces Hiring of Insurtech Industry Veteran as Chief Revenue Officer

NEW YORK, NY - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, announces the hiring of Euan King, an experienced and respected Insurtech industry leader as Chief Revenue Officer for insurance technology-focused subsidiary Intellagents.

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Toshio Motoya

Tokyo-based hotel and real estate developer APA Group has once again come under fire over a historically inaccurate book by the groups CEO, Toshio Motoya. At the launch of the new book on June 2, Motoya said he would not remove copies of the book from his hotels during the Tokyo Olympics.

In the book, titled The Real History of Japan: Japan Pride, Motoya says the so-called Nanjing Massacre story is fabricated, and blames looting and killings in the city on soldiers with the Chinese army, the Japan Times reported on June 3. A copy of the book is placed in every room at the company's APA Hotels.

Books denying Japan's history of aggression including the 1937 Nanking Massacre and the forced recruitment of "comfort women" before and during World War II are on display in a hotel room of an APA hotel. [Photo: Xinhua]

"The Japanese army merely exposed and put to death plainclothes soldiers who abandoned their uniforms, stole the garments of regular citizens, and were hiding in the refugee zone with weapons and ammunition, Motoya writes in the book, which has been printed in both English and Japanese.

In the book, Motoya says Japan must grow strong without staining its reputation, which is why he denies the occurrence of the Nanjing Massacre and the forced recruitment of "comfort women." He also expresses strong concern about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea, emphasizing that only a Japan-U.S. alliance can confront China.
ZTE Corporation, an international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, has announced the signing of Strategic Partnership Agreement on 5G and IoT with Telenet, deepening the two companies' collaboration on next-generation technologies.

In a ceremony at the Castle Val-Duchesse in Brussels, officiated by Prime Minister Charles Michel of Brussels and Premier Li Keqiang of China, Micha Berger, CTO, Telenet, and Xiao Ming, SVP, ZTE, signed the new agreement that expands the partnership between the two companies to cover future network innovations.

We already engaged for a couple of months with ZTE now and are very happy about it, Berger said. We are convinced this partnership will allow us to offer a top quality mobile network for existing and future needs all over Belgium.

Telenet is the largest cable broadband service provider in Belgium, listed on the Euronext stock exchange under the ticker TNET, providing a range of digital television, fixed and mobile services to residential and business customers across Belgium and Luxembourg.

In August 2016, Telenet selected ZTE to upgrade its national mobile network, deploying ZTE's Uni-RAN technology. ZTE helped Telenet replace 2G base stations and optimize 3G, 4G coverage, delivering increased network capacity for enhanced user experience for subscribers, and supporting evolution to future network technologies. Telenet completed field test and set a new European network speed record, achieving download speeds of 1.3 Gigabits per second, four times faster than existing 4G services. Now, together with ZTE, Telenet is exploring technology solutions for IoT services and high capacity solutions using LTE Massive MIMO and LTE Broadcast solutions.

ZTE is excited by our strategic agreement with Telenet, said Xiao. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Telenet and ZTE to expand and strengthen the long-term partnership on the way to a new 5G era.

Edited by Alicia Young
In a recent announcement, the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission has said it will team up with Connected Nation to assess the current broadband environment across the Northwest Pennsylvania region and determine what can be done to improve connectivity for local residents, businesses, and other organizations. On June 5, the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Broadband Committee kicked off its first Connected Community Engagement program in the state of Pennsylvania.

Comprehensive Broadband connectivity is as vital to our regions economic success as roads and infrastructure were fifty years ago, said Jill Foys, Executive Director of the Northwest Commission. This study will provide the Northwest Pennsylvania region with an understanding of our communications assets as well as its gaps. As an area with an abundance of natural resources and activities that attract young people and families, we need the technological infrastructure to allow them to work where they play.

Residents, businesses, and other organizations in the Northwest Pennsylvania Region (including counties of Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren) are invited to take ten minutes to fill out a broadband survey here in order to help the Committee understand the status of broadband Internet access, adoption, and use across the region. After a structured assessment of the survey results, the Committee and Connected Nation will then develop a Technology Action Plan that will include specific actions and projects to effectively improve Northwest Pennsylvanias broadband environment.

We believe that everyone belongs in a Connected Nation, said Dan Manning, Community Technology Advisor for this project, Connected Nation. To leave a family or business out of the digital world means leaving them out of opportunities for better education, healthcare, job prospects, and being able to participate in the global economy.

To take the survey, visit http://connectmycommunity.org/northwest-pennsylvania.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
At the moment when the Modi-led government completes its third year in office, it meets one of its major foreign policy challenges in the form of Chinas most ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Aimed at reviving the ancient Silk Route in the form of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Twenty-First Century Maritime Silk Road, the initiative comes with multibillion-dollar connectivity and infrastructural projects in and around Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. China has left no stone unturned to reach out to countries coming under the planned routes, especially those in South Asia.





The grand strategy that China deploys through the BRI is exceptional. From the time the idea for connectivity and development, described at the time as One Belt One Road, was announced by President Xi in 2013, Chinese media has been the second strongest force in promoting the initiative after Chinas diplomatic channels. While the recent BRI Forum saw the presence of more than thirty heads of state including the Russian President and Pakistani Prime Minister, India decided not to participate, citing the violation of its territorial integrity by one of the BRIs key projects  the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which passes through the disputed territory of Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement added that India refuses to be part of a project (BRI) that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty, and territorial integrity.





As the major economies agree to back China up financially in ensuring the success of the project, the presence of the chiefs of IMF, World Bank, and WTO have provided China much larger visibility of its efforts in the international system. While India has opted out of the initiative, debates have emerged arguing India might be left isolated. However, on the ground, China remains one of the biggest trading partners of India, with their bilateral trade reaching USD 70.08 billion in 2016. The shifting dynamic concerning the BRI should not affect the existing relationship between the two countries. India and China are also working together in international forums like the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, indicating that China is not willing to hammer its partnership with India.





President Xi in his speech at the opening ceremony of the BRI Forum made reference to India as he explained the importance of the ancient Silk Route that crossed through it. Clearly, this showcased the Chinese priority to bring India on board to guarantee the uninterrupted reachability across Asia for a grand global alliance. As India runs clear of the BRI, its South Asian neighbors, except for Bhutan, participated in the BRI Forum in Beijing. Meanwhile, China is already engaged in a number of projects in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh under the BRI umbrella, with Nepal being the latest to agree to join.





In a surprising move on May 12, 2017, just a day before the opening of the BRI Forum in Beijing, Nepal signed the framework agreement in Kathmandu. Nepal cited its association with the BRI as a big leap forward in promoting cooperation on promoting connectivity of facilities, trade connectivity, financial integration and connectivity of people, including cooperation in connectivity sectors including transit transport, logistic systems, transport network and related infrastructures development such as railway, road, civil aviation, power grid, information and communication. Indeed, this signifies an important act by a sovereign country, but this has raised strategic apprehensions in India.





China has pushed itself into sectors where India has traditionally maintained an upper hand. India, on the other hand, carries the baggage of socio-cultural and political ties.





Why was Nepals entry in BRI critical and surprising to India? An analysis through the prism of the geographical understanding of the Himalayan state can answer this. Nepal is a landlocked country, and traditionally it shares close cultural, political, and historical proximity with India. Termed as a yam between two boulders, Nepal has strategically served as a safety wall for India since the India-China war of 1962. Furthermore, India and Nepal share an open border, enabling free movement of people and trade between the two countries which is not the case between Nepal and China.









The subtleties of the existing special relationship between the India and Nepal changed with the advent of democracy in Nepal in 2008. Despite India having successfully facilitated talks between the King, guerrilla Maoist fighters, and the political parties in 2006, which had led to the peace process which finally established democracy in Nepal, the different forces joined in to take on India after it did not welcome the promulgation of the new Democratic-Republican Constitution in 2015. India had instead just noted with sympathetic concerns the demands of the Madhesi people from the Southern Belt of Nepal. (The Madhesis had protested against the provisions in the new Constitution that left them as second-class citizens.) India finally sent a special envoy to persuade the Prime Minister of Nepal to delay the promulgation of the new constitution so that the demands of the Madhesis could be addressed, and this led to a diplomatic disaster which shattered all goodwill that Prime Minister Modi had earned during his visit to Nepal in August 2014.





Timely efforts by India, including high-level exchanges, since then seem to have eased tensions with Nepal. The maiden visit of the current Prime Minister of Nepal Prachanda to New Delhi in 2016 and Indian President Mukherjees visit to Nepal have managed to control the waters, but reading the outcomes of these visits along the lines of the BRI certainly changes these assumptions. Nepals formal association with the Chinese initiative is a shift from major reliance on India to balanced cooperation with China, especially in the trade, infrastructure, and defence sectors. This comes at a time when India has been pushing hard to balance its relationship with its neighbors in the face of its tensions with Pakistan.





Noteworthily, the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in 2016 in Islamabad was cancelled due to alleged attacks by Pakistani militants on India. The regular intervals in the SAARC summits due to tensions between India and Pakistan have left a narrow space for its success in forging cooperation in this most fragile and complex region. Even though India is giving an extra push to continue dialogue through parallel groupings  BIMSTEC, BRICS, and BBIN  they do not guarantee a satisfactory conclusion.





Based on the experiences of the 1988 and 2015 economic blockades allegedly imposed by India, Nepal seems to be working to find alternative solutions through the strengthening of its relationship with China. Other than building roads, providing fellowships, and appreciating the political process in Nepal, China has pushed itself into sectors where India has traditionally maintained an upper hand. India, on the other hand, carries the baggage of socio-cultural and political ties which in many cases has diverted India from its main foreign policy objectives in Nepal.





Hence, while it is wise for India to challenge any loss of ground in Nepal, India should not ignore Chinas diplomatic success in Nepal. Despite Indias objections, China had managed to secure observer status in the SAARC after Nepal and Pakistan had batted in its favor in 2005. Nepal also managed to survive the 2015 economic blockade with the help of China. The high-altitude Himalayan terrain has often affected supplies from China but technological advancements made in recent years might improve this. Therefore, Delhi must now pay heed to the growing presence of China in the region and take the case of Nepal in the regional context. It should also come up with a framework on lines of development and economic cooperation with Nepal.




International rules ought to be recognized by all countries, as they represent all nations' interests, said He Lei, head of the Chinese delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue, which was held in Singapore on June 3. He added that China is a follower and guardian of international and regional rules.

He, also the vice president of the PLA Academy of Military Science, made the remarks at a press conference after four defense ministers from the U.S., Japan, Australia and France delivered their respective speeches, all touching on international rules.

China and the Chinese government protect and follow international and regional rules because the charter of the United Nations is the largest one among all international rules-based orders, he explained.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said at the first plenary session on June 3 that the U.S. "cannot accept Chinese actions that impinge on the interests of the international community, undermining the rules-based order that has benefited all countries represented here today, including and especially China. Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said in her speech that China and North Korea should abide by international rules so as to protect regional peace and stability.

Australias Minister for Defense, Marise Payne, along with the countrys prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, both mentioned rules in their speeches as well. Payne cited China as the greatest example of a country that has benefited from an international rules-based order, and recommended that China continue abiding by the rules with regards to the current situation in the South China Sea.

Turnbull praised the U.S.-anchored rules-based order as a remarkable system wherein nations big and small play by the rules and respect each others sovereignty.

He noted that the United Nations charter is a "mother law," and China was the first country to initiate and sign the charter.

China has so far signed more than 23,000 bilateral and 400 multilateral agreements, and participated in all UN commissions, He noted, adding that China abides by, supports and protects the international and regional rules-based order.

In addition, the head of the Chinese delegation discussed the free navigation component of the rules-based order, saying that close reconnaissance, such as military operations by fleets and aircraft in waters and airspace adjacent to Chinese islands, does not constitute free navigation. The Chinese government and people resolutely oppose such actions, he added.
A probe is underway into the background of London Bridge attacker Rachid Redouane and his connection with Ireland after the discovery of documentation which suggested he spent time here in Ireland.

Redouane was named by British police earlier this evening but it emerged earlier in the day that a records check in the UK had established links with south Dublin.

Sky News are reporting that he stayed in the Rathmines area.

British police and media are reporting Redouane as being of Moroccan and Libyan descent and revealed that Redouane was in possession of an identity card which linked him to Ireland and which was found on his body after he was shot dead.

It is understood inquiries are continuing into whether Redouane was given an Irish ID card by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

The plastic credit card-sized documentation is given to people from outside the EU. It has a person's certificate of registration which states they have permission to stay in Ireland. It must be carried at all times.

There are also inquiries into whether the man had been given paperwork after landing in Ireland to claim asylum or if he had an ID card issued under EU treaties which allowed him to live in Ireland with his family.

RTE are reporting tonight that the 28-year-old married a British woman in Ireland in 2011 before moving back to the UK.

The national broadcaster is also reporting that the couple returned to Ireland for a short period last year before separating.

Irish detectives suspect he was married to a woman who was detained this week in the UK as part of follow up investigations.

Earlier today the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that a small number of people in Ireland are "being monitored and observed in respect of radicalisation", but that it was his understanding that this man "was not a member of this small group".

Mr Kenny's comments follow a security meeting on the issue at Garda Headquarters today.

Gardai have said they are working closely with the British agencies and a garda liaison officer based in the UK is in direct contact with British security agencies.

The Taoiseach said there was daily and sometimes hourly contact between the Irish authorities and their counterparts in Britain and Europe.

Meanwhile the Department of Justice issued a statement on the terror threat assessment in Ireland.

"The expert threat assessment is that while an attack here is possible it is unlikely and that there is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism."
Update 10pm: A Londoner, a Canadian woman and a French national were among those who were killed in Saturday night's attack in the capital.

Seven people died and 48 others were injured when three knifemen ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed people in Borough Market.

These are the victims who have been confirmed as dead:

* James McMullan, 32, from Hackney, was last seen outside the Barrowboy And Banker pub and his sister said police have told her his bank card was found on a body at the scene of the attack.

Melissa McMullan told Sky News "While our pain will never diminish, it is important for us all to carry on with our lives in direct opposition to those who wish to destroy us and remember that hatred is the refuge of small-minded individuals and will only breed more.

"Words will never be able to match his essence, there will only ever be one James.

"Nowhere else will you find such humour and a unique personality, someone who puts friends and family above all others.

"He was an inspiration."

She added police told her they were unable to formally identify him until the coroner's releases a report on Tuesday.

* Christine Archibald, 30, was the first to be named.

She died in her fiance's arms after being struck by the speeding van on London Bridge.

Her family said she would have had "no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death".

* A French citizen was also killed, foreign affairs minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

The victim has not yet been named but French newspapers reported that he was from St Malo, Brittany, and worked in a bar in the London Bridge area.

Five people were reported MISSING and have not been seen since the attack:

Sebastien Belanger has not been seen since the attack, his girlfriend Gerda Bennet said on Facebook.

"I have emergency over here guys! My boyfriend is missing for 24h after London Bridge terror attack," she posted, adding on Monday: "I still have no news."

His friends have set up a page on the social networking site in an attempt to find him.

Xavier Thomas and his girlfriend, Christine Delcros, are said to have both been victims.

Nathalie Cros Brohan said on Facebook her sister Ms Delcros was injured and hospitalised, while Mr Thomas is yet to be found.

"I call on all those who have news of #Xavier #Thomas who is missing," she posted. "We're terribly worried."

Australian Sara Zelenak's friends have appealed for help to find her on social media.

Pri Goncalves said on Facebook she was the last person to see her on Saturday night.

She wrote: "I called her a lot of times but she never picked up the phone. She hasn't been seen since the attack and we are all scared, worried but hoping she will be all right."

Family members have appealed on social media to trace Spaniard Ignacio Echeverria, 39.

Joaquin Echeverria wrote on Facebook he had been seen "defending someone with his skateboard", adding: "We keep looking for Ignacio, disappeared in the London attacks. We pray for the better. We would really appreciate any news."

According to his sister, James McMullan has not been seen since he became separated from his friends while smoking outside a bar.

Melissa McMullan posted on Instagram: "His friends haven't seen him since. He is not answering any calls or messages and he is not at home."

Updated 5.20pmJames McMullan, 32, is the second person to be confirmed as among the London bridge victims after his bank card was found on a body at the scene, his sister Melissa McMullan has told reporters.

James McMullan, from Hackney, was last seen outside the Barrowboy and Banker pub on Saturday night, before the attackers brought carnage to London Bridge.

His sister Melissa McMullan told Sky News: "This morning we received news from the police that my brother's bank card was found on one of the bodies from Saturday night's brutal attack.

"They are unable to formally identify him until the coroner's report begins tomorrow."

She added: "We would like to send our condolences to the relatives and loved ones of all the people who lost their lives. Our thoughts are with them also at the time.

"We would like to thank the members of the services who did their utmost to serve and protect the population of London from these deranged and deluded individuals.

"While our pain will never diminish, it is important for us all to carry on with our lives in direct opposition to those who wish to destroy us and remember that hatred is the refuge of small-minded individuals and will only breed more."

Ms McMullan said her brother's friends who were with him on the night want everyone to know what a generous and caring person he was.

She added: "Words will never be able to match his essence, there will only ever be one James. Nowhere else will you find such humour and a unique personality, someone who puts friends and family above all others.

"He was an inspiration."

UPDATED 4.37pm:Friends of a French chef missing since the London Bridge terror attack have told of the stress and frustration they have endured searching for him.

Sebastien Belanger was last seen drinking at the Boro Bistro near Borough Market when the area came under attack by a gang of knifemen on Saturday.

Two of his companions that night escaped uninjured, but the fate of the 36-year-old remains unknown.

His loved ones - who have since printed leaflets in a plea for information - believe he is still alive.

Fellow Frenchman Damien Lecomte, 34, who has known Mr Belanger since their arrival in the UK seven years ago, has been handing out flyers at King's College Hospital, south-east London.

Clutching a picture of his friend, he told the Press Association: "It has been now more than 36 hours since Sebastien has been missing, so basically we are trying to get attention or details from anyone who can help us, anyone who can give us useful information, anybody who saw him, who heard about him, they can let us know and work as well with the police.

"As soon as I heard about the attacks I tried to call Sebastien and no answer all night, so it is a very stressful and frustrating situation.

"We have to stay positive, we still believe we will find him and get some good times."

Originally from Angers, western France, Mr Belanger has lived in London for several years, including with Mr Lecomte for a time.

The pair had been watching the Champions League final at the Barrowboy and Banker pub on Saturday, near where the attackers later crashed the van used to mow down pedestrians on London Bridge.

Mr Lecomte continued: "Basically the last time I met Sebastien was at London Bridge on Saturday afternoon, I left him around 7pm, he was planning to go to watch the game with a couple of friends, have a couple of drinks after that.

"At the moment, as we don't have information we have tried to go to all hospitals, we have been to the embassy, we have called the consulate, the Met, everybody that can give us information.

"We have been told they can only collect information, not give any, so we are clueless."

UPDATED 3.55pm:A Canadian woman, the first victim to be named, died in her fiances arms after being struck by a speeding van as terrorists again brought havoc to the British capital, it has emerged.

Christine Archibald, 30, would have had "no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death", her family said as they paid tribute to her.

She is the first named victim of the atrocity in London Bridge and Borough Market on Saturday night, which killed seven people and critically injured 21 others.

Cassie Ferguson Rowe said her brother, Tyler Ferguson, held Ms Archibald, from British Columbia, and she died in his arms.

Canadian victim of London bridge attack was 30 year old Christine Archibald of BC; died in fiance's arms after struck by van pic.twitter.com/atUxLTDIXA  INDIE88NEWS (@indie88news) June 5, 2017

Writing on Facebook, she said: "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 hes 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, hes going to need us all."

RIP Christine Archibald.

First victim named in #LondonAttacks pic.twitter.com/K5BHtpcmU1  Kay Burley (@KayBurley) June 5, 2017

Ms Archibalds 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.

"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."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "heartbroken" to learn of Ms Archibalds 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.

Tunisie : Jean-Yves Le Drian reaffirme la solidarite de la France face au terrorisme https://t.co/HXoj8ad55R pic.twitter.com/5JWSO9JwO5  azactu (@azactu_info) June 5, 2017

A French citizen has also been killed, foreign affairs minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

The victim has not yet been named but French newspapers reported that he was from St Malo, Brittany, and worked in a bar in the London Bridge area.

Five people were reported MISSING and have not been seen since the attack:

Sebastien Belanger has not been seen since the attack, his girlfriend Gerda Bennet said on Facebook.

"I have emergency over here guys! My boyfriend is missing for 24h after London Bridge terror attack," she posted, adding on Monday: "I still have no news."

His friends have set up a page on the social networking site in an attempt to find him.

Xavier Thomas and his girlfriend, Christine Delcros, are said to have both been victims.

Nathalie Cros Brohan said on Facebook her sister Ms Delcros was injured and hospitalised, while Mr Thomas is yet to be found.

"I call on all those who have news of #Xavier #Thomas who is missing," she posted. "We're terribly worried."

Australian Sara Zelenak's friends have appealed for help to find her on social media.

Pri Goncalves said on Facebook she was the last person to see her on Saturday night.

She wrote: "I called her a lot of times but she never picked up the phone. She hasn't been seen since the attack and we are all scared, worried but hoping she will be all right."

Family members have appealed on social media to trace Spaniard Ignacio Echeverria, 39.

Joaquin Echeverria wrote on Facebook he had been seen "defending someone with his skateboard", adding: "We keep looking for Ignacio, disappeared in the London attacks. We pray for the better. We would really appreciate any news."

According to his sister, James McMullan has not been seen since he became separated from his friends while smoking outside a bar.

Melissa McMullan posted on Instagram: "His friends haven't seen him since. He is not answering any calls or messages and he is not at home."
The legal profession is evolving at a rapid rate, ensconced in the breakneck technological advances that have changed how business is conducted beyond recognition in the past decade  and Cork-founded law firm Ronan Daly Jermyn (RDJ) has made sure it is at the coalface of those changes.

From its beginnings in Cork, RDJ now has 230 staff on its books, with offices in Cork, Dublin, Galway and London. Working mainly with corporate and company clients, RDJ has alliances with law firms in the North, the UK and the US, meaning its legal footprint is to be found across Europe, the US and Asia.

The firm has outgrown its offices in Dublin and is to move into the Exchange building at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) later this year.

Managing partner Richard Martin said: Although we are Cork-headquartered, we have been looking at Dublin for a long time. We opened in November 2014 with eight people and we have 40 there now. Such that we have agreed to take up new office space at the brand new exchange building in the IFSC in mid-October.

Increased relocation by the worlds top law firms into Ireland post-Brexit means RDJ has to respond accordingly, said Mr Martin. The same applies for any business  if world class industry locates to Ireland post-Brexit, then Irish business will be compelled to respond, which means greater demand for premium office space.

It is no secret two major international law firms, one of which is in fact the biggest in the world, DLA Piper, and Pinsent Masons are both coming to Dublin. While there has been, over the years, some UK law firms coming to Dublin, the UK law firms that have come so far have all been boutique insurance law firms. What is happening now is the major international law firms are looking at Dublin. These will be competitors so we have to be at the races 100%, he said.

Moving from personal services towards corporate representation has meant RDJs reliance on technology has grown exponentially, he said.

In excess of 95% of our revenue comes from companies and corporations of whatever size, whether they are SMEs or multinationals, which now means so much of how our business is transacted now is underpinned by technology. Gone are the days where necessarily you need to be sitting across the table for every single conversation or meeting that you have. We have clients right across the world. Youre using technology to talk, youre using it to deliver those services and also to compete. The market is highly competitive. Technology can give you an edge, he added.

While IT doesnt seem at first glance to an outsider to necessarily be an integral part of legal services, a closer look reveals it to be vital.

Mr Martin said: I believe law firms, and all professional services, will in 10 years be unrecognisable to what they are now. We have just introduced a software system where you can directly access our systems from your mobile phone. I dont have to send faxes or emails, you can come straight into our system and look at data rooms. You can access certain parts of your file through an app. Weve taken out a substantial part of the human element. Its incredibly secure and there are a series of security hurdles to get through  it is more secure than if I sent you information by email or whatever.

Reliance on technology brings its own challenges for corporations and small business alike  all will have to prepare for the incoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that comes into force in May next year. The regulation is designed to harmonise data privacy laws across Europe and to protect citizens data privacy. It not only applies to organisations within the EU but also to firms that do business inside member states. If companies fail to comply with the regulation, they can be fined up to 4% of annual global turnover, or 20m.

Mr Martin said: We have a team of nine lawyers now involved in data protection and in the overall GDPR coming in next year. I would say that the level of active awareness in Ireland at the moment is still pretty low in terms of how this will affect each and every business. Because it will, without a shadow of a doubt.

We are seeing a lot more enquiries coming to us but those enquiries tend to be more from the bigger organisations. I suppose they have a higher level of awareness and they have teams that look after that section. For some SMEs, the level of awareness is not what it should be. One of the things  and it will be key  if you have a data breach, the reporting of it is not a mandatory obligation as it is in other jurisdictions. Post GDPR, it will be, he said.

There is always going to be a need for lawyers. The demand now is higher than it has been for years. There are people suited to debating and there are people who are technically savvy. For sure, there is certainly room for both. For the people we see opposite the table being interviewed, when you see the fire in the belly to do the job, they will always succeed, he said.
However, despite this boost for Irish produce, many of the 139,600 family farms in Ireland still face many challenges. The good news for farmers is that Irish start-ups in this sector are harnessing technology to create innovative apps to provide solutions with time management, animal welfare, overheads, and safety.

Dr John Garvey of FarmHedge believes his platform can make the highly-localised market more efficient and help farmers to stabilise their incomes.

The university lecturer, who is a part-time farmer, came up with the idea for FarmHedge while working on a project at the University of Limerick.

With 1,500 farmers signed up to the platform so far, Dr Garvey says the initial offering  a free weather app which creates alerts around activities based on forecasts and historical data for the farms location  is a hook to get farmers on board. The other side of the platform helps farmers get discounts on farm supplies such as fertiliser and animal feed.

Currently, farmers looking for a volume-based discount from suppliers can form a purchasing group to negotiate prices.

However, Dr Garvey says the groups can be difficult to manage; there can be administration costs, a narrow range of choice of products and farmers are reluctant to let other farmers know the details of their business.

With FarmHedge suppliers can identify a number of farmers located in a certain area and make an offer, rather than trying to sell to each individual farmer. FarmHedge earns a small fee, ranging from 1 to 5, which farmers pay to commit to an order onscreen.

The benefits over the purchasing group model are the low cost, convenience, and privacy.

There are benefits to the suppliers, too, in terms of reducing their administration costs. The concept is new, and Dr Garvey hopes to bring the FarmHedge model to the UK and the US over the next two years.

Another app helps dairy farmers manage their herds more efficiently. Dr Edmond Hartys MooMonitor is a collar worn around a cows neck, which uses nanotechnology to monitor the animals behaviour and activity patterns. By measuring the muscle movements in its neck it can determine how much a cow feeds, rests and ruminates, a key indicator of health.

A huge benefit of the monitor is its ability to detect heat and measure fertility cycles.

Looking after the production of each individual cow is the most efficient way to farm, Dr Harty, who is CEO of Kerry-based farming equipment company Dairymaster, says. Theres a gain of about 18,000 to be had on the average dairy farm in Ireland by optimising fertility.

The device works on a cloud-based system, with a 1km range and information available in real-time through the app.

Dr Harty says the technology used in the MooMonitor is more advanced than that used in wearables for humans. With thousands of customers around the world, the latest version can be updated remotely, meaning the latest features are wirelessly added to the monitors while they are around the cows necks.

Farmers wife Alma Jordan came up with the idea for farm safety platform AgriKids in 2014 when she heard about the deaths of two children in farming accidents within days of each other.

At the time I was a mother to a tractor-obsessed toddler. I didnt know it then, but we were actually about to have our worst year ever for farm accidents in 2014; 30 people were killed that year, which was nearly double the year before. And when children are brought into the mix as well it did have a big impact on me.

Having previously worked with Repaks Green Schools programme, Ms Jordan saw how effective the strategy of children taking the recycling message home and encouraging their parents to recycle, was.

Starting with a series of childrens books on farm safety, Ms Jordan then started doing events and workshops, before developing the Safe Fun gaming app.

The free app has three games; one is Dodge the Dangers, which helps children and parents to spot what the dangers are in a typical farmyard.

By teaching farmers children about safety, Ms Jordan hopes to educate the adults. Kids love to share their learning outcomes, and thats what Im trying to harness when it comes to addressing the culture.
The claim has been made weeks after the prosecution accused Thomas Martens and his daughter, Molly, of using pre-trial submissions to make public claims that may not be accepted as evidence when they stand trial for the murder of Mr Corbett, Mollys husband.

Mr Corbett, 39, was found dead in the early hours of August 2, 2015, in the home he shared with Ms Martens, 33, in Panther Creek, Wallburg, North Carolina.

Mr Corbetts children from his first marriage also lived in the home, and they are now in the custody of Mr Corbetts family, in Limerick. Both Ms Martens and her father have been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter.

The trial is due to be held this summer, and the pair is expected to argue that Mr Corbetts killing was self-defence.

Documents released by a North Carolina Court, last week, show that Mr Martens, 67, will claim that the late Michael Fitzpatrick  Mr Corbetts father-in-law from his first marriage  had told him that he believed Mr Corbett caused the death of his first wife, Margaret.

A Notice of Intent to Introduce Statements, lodged with the Superior Court of Davidson County, states that Mr Martens intends to introduce at trial statements made to the defendant by the late Michael Fitzpatrick, the father of Margaret Corbett, Jason Corbetts deceased first wife.

The content of the statements were that Mr Fitzpatrick believed that Mr Corbett had caused the death of Mr Fitzpatricks daughter, Margaret Corbett, the document states.

Mr Fitzpatricks prior statements are offered in support of the defendants asserted defence of self-defense and defense-of-others, in that they are relevant to the defendants state of mind during the alleged altercation with Jason Corbett, it read.

Pre-trial motions will be held next week, for the court to determine what evidence from both sides will go before the jury. However, the North Carolina court has released the pre-trial submissions to the media, both in the US and Ireland, including the search warrant applications of the detectives investigating the case.

These reveal that the police do not believe the scene of Mr Corbetts death was consistent with the struggle the Martens claim led to his killing.

Last month, defence attorneys for the Martens attempted to have the trial moved to another county, claiming initial, inaccurate and misleading allegations released by the court had prejudiced the trial.

The State of North Carolina rejected this, and claimed the Martens had used pre-trial submissions to make public claims that may not be accepted as trial evidence.
Mr Kenny made the comments as political parties united in grief after Britain suffered its third terrorist attack in less than three months, and the second in the space of two weeks.

In a statement as he began a two-day US trade mission to Chicago, Mr Kenny said the attack in London would be condemned by any right-minded person.

He insisted those behind the attacks do not represent the Muslim community and are part of a warped world view.

We utterly condemn the cowardly attack in London 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. I have been in contact with the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald and will speak to Prime Minister Theresa May when appropriate. The Irish people stand with our close neighbours once again, he said.

His replacement, incoming taoiseach Leo Varadkar, was equally clear in his condemnation in the strongest possible terms, saying the loss of life is horrific.

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, he said.

President Michael D Higgins expressed the heartfelt sympathy and support of the Irish people to the victims of the attack, saying what happened on Saturday night will be rightly condemned by all, a view repeated by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said the callous attack on a city that is home to millions of diverse people must be condemned.

Citing Londons history of withstanding attacks in the past, he said it will bring Londoners of all creeds, races and ethnicities even more together in direct opposition to terrorism.

London is home is millions, many of whom who are Irish or of Irish descent. We know from our own past that the best response to terror is to be open, tolerant and to stand united.

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 nights attack, shown the world what true courage and bravery is, he said.

Similarly, Labour leader Brendan Howlin, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and a number of other opposition TDs were similarly united in their revulsion of what happened, saying innocent people of regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity and upbringing must be protected from extremism in all its forms.

The attack on people enjoying a Saturday night out was mindlessly cruel. But the response it triggered from emergency services and the people of London showed the futility of this action, said Mr Howlin.

London has long stood as a beacon of inclusion and possibility. It will continue to be that, long after this cowardly attack is forgotten, he said.

Cabinet is expected to re-examine Irelands security measures in light of the latest attack in Britain, although no changes are expected.
Norwegian Air moved last night to reassure passengers that the launch of its new routes from Cork, Dublin, and Shannon to New Yorks Stewart Airport and to Boston/Providence on July 1 will go ahead as planned after Boeing announced another delay in the delivery of its new 737 Max aircraft.

Norwegian is the European launch customer for the 737 Max aircraft, with 108 on order. The airline had planned to collect the first aircraft from Boeings plant in Seattle on June 13 and fly it back to Oslo.
TIANJIN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China will lift restrictions on the participation in research programs, announced a senior science official here on Monday.

"We hope private firms will join key research plans [and support] research and transform [results into] achievements," Huang Wei, vice minister of science and technology, told attendees of the opening ceremony for the 11th China International Private Equity Forum, which began in the northern port city of Tianjin Monday.

The government, companies and individuals should all play a part in ensuring diverse funding channels for innovation, he said.

In this respect, in March, the ministries of finance, science and technology released a funding guideline for research projects. It said that government departments would cease to manage key projects and allow professional agencies to manage the funding.
UNTIL the Brexit referendum, Gary Hill had never voted.

Now the 58-year-old roofer plans to back UK prime minister Theresa Mays Conservatives in Thursdays election because he wants Britain out of the European Union.

The EU divorce has broken the mould of British politics, luring new voters like Hill to the ballot box and deeply eroding old party loyalties. That makes turnout  and the election result  all the harder to call.

May, who last year campaigned quietly to stay in the European Union, is now leading the march for the exit. If she can poach Brexit-supporting voters from the opposition Labour Party and the United Kingdom Independence Party, her big gamble on a snap election could pay off.

In contrast, if opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn  who voted against EU membership in 1975  can entice enough younger pro-EU supporters out to vote Labour in the hope of a softer Brexit, he could be in with a chance.

As long as they get us out of Europe Im not bothered about other issues, Hill, perched on a wall below Wakefields imposing cathedral, told Reuters.

Ive never agreed with Europe. Theyve got too much power over us now  we need to get it back.

Nearly three million more people voted in the referendum than at the 2015 national election, with the biggest increases in leave-supporting areas, like Wakefield in northern England.

The city, held by the Labour Party since 1932, voted 66% in favour of leaving the EU. Turnout was more than 10 percentage points higher in the referendum than in the 2015 election.

Whether people like Hill will turn out again, and how far socialist leader Corbyn will succeed in attracting his own cohort of new voters, is driving uncertainty about the election result.

Since May called the election in April, her partys poll lead has narrowed. But different polling methods have produced a dramatically wide range of forecasts - from May losing her majority in parliament to winning a landslide victory.

(Turnout) is the big unknown, it is one of the reasons why there is a difference between all the polls at the moment, said Anthony Wells, director of political and social research at pollsters YouGov.

Wakefields Brexit-supporting Conservative candidate Antony Calvert, hoping to overturn a 2,613-vote Labour majority, is aware he needs to get people like Hill to vote again on June 8.

These are not habitual voters, these are one-off voters. What we are seeing is people still talking about Brexit all the time, and we need to just ensure that is motivating people to the ballot box next Thursday, he said.

Wakefield is among the seats anti-EU UKIP is not contesting. It won 7,862 votes there in 2015.

May has made much of Brexit in the election campaign, pitching herself as the only leader capable of delivering a successful divorce.

Corbyn has said the issue of Brexit is settled but many in his party oppose leaving the EU.

Gillian Cruise, a lifelong Labour voter in Wakefield until she switched to the Conservatives in 2015 because of their promise to hold the referendum, has now volunteered to campaign for Mays party. The 49-year-old is angry at the citys incumbent Labour lawmaker, who voted in parliament against starting the formal Brexit process.

We told her that we wanted to leave and she threw it back, said Cruise. Some are following her to the Conservatives, but others cannot bring themselves to abandon their roots.

There are still a lot that voted to leave the EU that just cant bring themselves to vote Conservative because it is so ingrained in them to vote Labour, she said. Those are the people that I want to talk to.

Pro-EU group Open Britain is campaigning for candidates who will fight what it describes as Mays hard, destructive Brexit.

Gina Miller, whose legal action forced the government to give parliament a vote on triggering Brexit, is running a campaign to support pro-EU candidates.

In 41 seats, parties have stood aside to try to help a fellow progressive alliance candidate win.

But Wells said such attempts to encourage tactical voting would have little impact because of the collapse in support for smaller parties such as the Liberal Democrats, with most seats a straight race between Conservatives and Labour.
The Six-Day War followed and Israel prevailed, but the legacy of that short, sharp act of self-preservation festers to this day. Sadly, a resolution to one of the greatest tragedies of our time seems as remote as it ever was, maybe even more so. There is hardly an issue that so polarises opinion. Even discussing it in public, as UCC discovered, brings difficulties. Israels propaganda machine constantly challenges the equally questionable culture of shared victimhood that underpins international support for the Palestinian cause, a culture that saw the Palestinian flag flown over Irish public buildings in recent weeks.

This is an intractably complicated story and, just as in our history, there are conflicting versions of a shared past. That past, just like ours, is pockmarked with imperialism dressed as an assertion of one religions primacy over another. After all, the Plantation of Ulster differs little enough from Israeli settlements, other than that 16th-century colonisation has been sanitised by time. Just as todays political impasse in the North is a consequence of victories for the most extreme expressions of conflicting cultures, neither Israelis nor Palestinians have been blessed with leadership capable of the compromise needed to end their ongoing tragedy.
For me its at a set of traffic lights when Im on a bicycle. The lights go green. I huff and puff and grimace as I lean on the pedal to get going. Theres probably some courier-type whos been balancing, as if touching the ground would cause the curse to come true and hell be 900 years old, just like Oisin. He gets away quicker but even he is eclipsed by the roar of an engine, as even the puniest car pulls comfortably away from us. You just cant compete with the pent up energy in those molecules. All I have is porridge and evolution. Engines have at their disposal, millions of years of compression as dinosaur bones and old fern are crushed into 1.30-something per litre or less if you go for the carwash.

Donald Trump doesnt need a bicycle to affirm his love for fossil fuels. To mangle a phrase, a Trump needs a bicycle like a fish needs a bicycle. But pulling out of the Paris Agreement just feels wrong, even if you didnt give a hoot about the environment.

It feels like Trump is turning his back on the Wheel Agreement to placate his supporters in the Drag Stuff Along The Ground On Rudimentary Rollers lobby.

A lot of clean energy could be harvested from the sun and the wind which are additions to the rather zero-sum planet we live on. So why wouldnt it be a good idea to try and have more of it? Why would anyone  even Trump  say lets focus on digging out things and burning them rather than getting free stuff from space and the weather?

But free or cheaper things are a problem for people who own lots of things. This isnt about a few thousand coal jobs. Its about trillions of dollars  some of which are yours  thats all tied up in the assumption: That burning stuff from the ground for the next 100 years is a good idea.

You probably didnt sign up to Tar Sands or oil fields protected by stealth bombers when you were buying your pension plan.

There was a brochure of a photo of a man with salt-and-pepper hair leaning over a laptop with his wife who looked like Murphy Brown. You were just thinking about walking along a marina dressed in Littlewoods or taking up a pottery class in your retirement.

But theres a lot of present money based on future drilling. And if theres even a sniff that future drilling wont happen, then a lot of present money isnt going to be worth what it was in the soon-to-be-arriving past.

And that makes things tense for a certain cohort that cant admit fossil fuels will eventually have their day.

Its like why the Catholic Church cant change their minds about compulsory priestly celibacy.

Its not actually about whether married priests are a good thing or not.

Its about the fact having spent hundreds of years saying they cant, means theres too much riding on it. (Which funnily enough was the reason priests were ordered to remain celibate in the first place.)

As it turns out some pension funds  $5trn worth  are getting out of fossil fuels. The writing is on the wall. So Trump or not, eventually none of these 10-gallon rootin-tootin Texans and sheikhs will be quite so influential in a few decades time.

Anyway dont mind spending any more time reading this, go and enjoy whatever Bank Holiday weather is out there. Its free after all.
As Trump tweets made-up words in the middle of the night, and the real leader of the free world, German chancellor Angela Merkel, says America is now about as useful as wet candyfloss, Britain is going to the polls.

This time, instead of two identical parties trotting out the same old rot, there seems to be a choice.

Depending on your politics, its either strong and stable versus coalition of chaos, or re-electing corporate-owned sociopaths versus electing a glimmer of hope for ordinary people and their public services. And by their, I mean our  Im one of the millions of Irish who live in Britain, pay tax here, have kids here. Like most ordinary people, I care about day-to-day stuff such as schools and hospitals more than buying more nuclear weapons or paying for wars with people Ive never met.

Also, given how the catastrophic fall out from the Brexit idiocy will extend a tidal wave of chaos all the way to my native shores, I care about how the UK general election will impact on Ireland as well as on the Irish in Britain. I wish I didnt give a rats ass about any of it, but I do. Youd have to be in a permanent vegetative state  or a Ukip voter  not to.

Truly, I am nauseated by it all. Nauseated like a pregnant woman in a fish shop. Sick to the gills of liars, cheats, robots, and charlatans. But what can you do, as an ordinary citizen? Ingesting mainstream media is ulcerating; it brings you out in hives. Following social media is entertaining, but incoherent and unreliable. Hiding under the sofa until we are all nuked either by Washington or Pyongyang is looking more appealing by the day, as is locking yourself in the bathroom with a thallium smoothie.

Bubbling with impotent rage can be a powerful catalyst to turn off the news and get out of the house. But to do what? Smashing windows is childish. Setting yourself on fire would hurt. Joining your political party of choice is a definite step towards easing that corrosive feeling of powerlessness, psychologically at least. But what can you do that might actually be practical? Knocking on doors, leafleting, campaigning, donating  all of it helps. A bit.

As does handing out voter registration forms to street homeless people. Ive spent the past few weeks cycling around with a pile of downloaded photocopied forms, harassing homeless voters to register to vote. Im not from any political party, is the message Ive been delivering to people living in shop doorways and tents and cardboard boxes under bridges, but please vote. Most people have nodded and smiled, and taken the forms  maybe just to make the madwoman on the bicycle go away and leave them in peace. Whatever. It worked for me.

Who knows what will happen this Thursday: Polls predict a turkeys-voting-for-Christmas outcome. Lets hope the turkeys wake the fuck up, before its too late.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Baku hosted an international conference titled Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Trilateral Relations: Vision for the Future on June 5.

The conference was organized by the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan (SAM).

Assistant to the Azerbaijani president for Foreign Policy Issues Novruz Mammadov, MPs, political scientists, heads of the Center for Strategic Research under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, professors from several universities and other guests attended the conference.

During the conference, panel discussions, titled Security Challenges for the Trilateral Relations, Economic and Energy Aspects of Trilateral Relations, were held.

Addressing the conference, SAM Director Farhad Mammadov brought to the attention of the conference participants that the trilateral cooperation of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey has great experience and history.

He emphasized that the recent projects  the transport agreement, construction of ports, signing of the agreement with China, securing Turkeys access to the Central Asian region, Azerbaijans role in development of the West-East corridor  create new opportunities for cooperation.

Mammadov said that the cooperation of the three states in ensuring peace and stability in the region is of great importance.

History shows that this cooperation has strengthened our independence. Ensuring our security is not directed against other states. However, some circles abroad say that this format is directed against someone. In this matter, they pursue their goals. We must protect this format, he added.
Microsoft's Edge last month posted its first ever double-digit browser share, while Google's Chrome slid for the third month straight.

Mozilla's Firefox once again held steady, keeping its head above water.

According to data published Sunday by California-based metrics company Net Applications, Edge's October share climbed by 1.4 percentage points, ending the month at 10.2%, the first time Microsoft's browser broke through that psychologically important barrier. The gain was the largest ever for Edge in a single month, almost double that of the previous record set in December 2019.

The increase was so large that it immediately raised suspicions that it was a miscount by Net Applications rather than a reflection of reality. Bolstering that was an even greater boost to the share of Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE), the obsolete browser the Redmond, Wash. company has started to strip of some of its support. IE's share for October  5.6%  was 1.7 points higher than the month prior, a jump so out of character as to be unbelievable.

Edge's gain was understandable, at least. Microsoft relaunched that 2015 browser earlier this year when it recast Edge with the Google-dominated Chromium technology, the same that powers Chrome. Not only did Microsoft make Edge a Chrome copy, but it also expanded support to versions of Windows other than 10, as well as macOS and, more recently, Linux.

Since January, Edge has slowly been adding share; 3.2 points since the Chromium-based Edge went final in the Stable channel. In the past 12 months, Edge has gained 4.1 percentage points, for an average of a third of a point per month.

At that pace, Edge should sit at almost 11% by year's end and at 15% by December 2021. Of course, that assumes Edge can maintain growth, which in turn requires one or more rivals continues to give up share.

The most likely loser? Chrome, mostly because of its titanic share but also because Edge is, well, Chrome wearing a different outfit.

Microsoft's launch of Windows 10 20H2  the H2 signifying the year's second feature upgrade  last month may assist Edge as it continues to climb: 20H2 includes Chromium Edge. That should accelerate the replacement of original Edge, the version introduced in mid-2015 that ran only on Windows 10, with the sounder Chromium browser.

Chrome down for third consecutive month

Chrome dumped seven-tenths of a percentage point in October, falling back to 69.3%. The decline was the third in as many months, an unusual run that's occurred only four times in the browser's 15 years. (The last time it happened before this was in September-December 2019.)

Whenever Chrome suffers losses in two or more straight months, it's tempting to wonder whether the browser has peaked. Computerworld has tentatively pegged more than a couple such milestones before but been proven wrong each time. The browser could easily bounce back as it has before.

Computerworld's latest forecast  as always, based on Chrome's 12-month average  stayed with growth, albeit pared significantly from 30 days ago. Chrome should return to 70% by March 2021 and reach 71% by September 2022. (The latter was three months later than last month's forecast, showing how present declines quickly impact future gains.)

Edge remains Chrome's most dangerous competitor, primarily  and this is Google's own doing to some degree  because the former is the latter, what with both relying on Chromium. But Microsoft has cards to play here that Google cannot match; Microsoft will leverage its enterprise management reputation and expertise in an attempt to wean commercial customers from Google's browser.

Microsoft's strategy, then, would be the opposite of Google's. The latter pushed Chrome to consumers until its share reached tipping point, and employees demanded the right to run the same browser they'd become familiar with at home. Microsoft would instead hope to win over business users in the expectation that they might want to run the same browser on home PCs, tablets or even phones.

Firefox: Not dead yet!

Firefox didn't move its share needle last month; it stayed at the same 7.2% mark it earned in September. That meant Firefox didn't gain any ground. It also meant it didn't lose any, probably its most important goal for now and the foreseeable future.

Mozilla's browser also stuck to the bad news forecast of last month, although Computerworld's current prediction puts it under 6% in August 2021, two months later than last month's estimate. At its 12-month rate of decline, Firefox will dip below 5% in May 2022.

Elsewhere in Net Applications' numbers, Apple's Safari slumped by two-tenths of a percentage point in October, sliding to 3.4%. Opera Software's Opera fell by a slightly-larger three-tenths of a point to end the month at an all-time low of seven-tenths of a point.

Net Applications calculates share by detecting the agent strings of the browsers used to reach the websites of Net Applications' clients. The company counts visitor sessions to measure browser activity.

Or it used to.

At the same time it published October's share numbers, Net Applications announced that it's pulling the plug on the data source. "October 2020 is the last month of data," the firm said. "Why? An upcoming change in browsers will break our device detection technology and will cause inaccuracies for a long period of time."

The change Net Applications cited would remove much of the agent string information used not only to compile analytics such as browser and operating system share, but also by advertisers and/or scammers to "fingerprint" individuals so that they can be more thoroughly tracked as they conduct their online lives.

Computerworld has not yet decided whether to continue the "Top web browsers" series, and if so, which alternate data source might be used.

Stay tuned.
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has congratulated King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf on the occasion of Swedens national holiday.

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, it is my pleasure to extend my most sincere congratulations to you and through you to all the people of your country on the occasion of the national holiday of the Kingdom of Sweden, said President Aliyev in his congratulatory letter.

On this remarkable day, I wish you robust health and happiness, and the friendly people of Sweden lasting peace and prosperity, added the president.
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A SHOP in Ventnor has been burgled for the second time in just four weeks.

Police are investigating a burglary at the Central convenience store, Victoria Street, after the shop was raided between 3am and 4.30am this morning (Monday).
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

Trend:

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on June 5 to appoint members of Supervisory Board of the State Fund for the Support of Mass Media Development under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Members of the Supervisory Board are:

From state bodies:

Jamaladdin Guliyev  Head of the Sector for Work with Information and Press Agencies of the Department for Public and Political Affairs at the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan

Rasim Hasanov  Head of the Group on Print Media of the Department for Human Rights and Public Relations at the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan

Intigam Humbatov  Head of the Sector for Work with Media and Public Relations of the Department for Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan

From media outlets:

Hasan Hasanov  Editor-in-Chief of Xalq Qezeti newspaper

Ilgar Huseynov  Director General of Trend Agency

Bahruz Guliyev - Editor-in-Chief of Ses newspaper

From journalist organizations:

Ramiz Askarov  Director General of Journalists Union of Azerbaijan

Ayaz Mirzayev  Chairman of the Azerbaijan Journalists Network Public Union

Avaz Rustamov  Chairman of Ruh Public Union for Protection of Journalists

The presidents new decree annuls the first part of the June 3, 2013 decree On Appointment of the Members of the Supervisory Board of the State Fund for the Support of Mass Media Development under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Sharg Ulduzu LLC, an Azerbaijani wine producing company, says it will start exporting its products to Belarus.

The annual production capacity of our company is one million bottles. We will supply a part of this volume to Belarus, Askar Alirzayev, head of the company, told Trend June 5.

Although we have been exporting our products before  we supply our wines to the US, Japan, South Korea, China and Russia  for us it will be the first experience of working with Belarusian companies.

Now everything depends on the interests of local [Belarusian] companies, through which our products will be sold, and the demand from consumers, he noted. It is necessary to make prospective customers aware that high-quality wine is produced in our country, and it is necessary to acquaint them with the Made in Azerbaijan brand.

We will be only happy if businessmen from Belarus are interested in investing in our company, Alirzayev added.

Sharg Ulduzu LLC was established in 2002. Currently, the company produces more than 20 kinds of wine.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Belarusian Polotsk Dairy Plant OJSC is interested in exporting its products to Azerbaijan, the companys Deputy Director Natalya Zhogaleva told Trend.

We want to introduce our dairy products to Azerbaijani consumers, she said. As far as I know, four stores of Belarusian goods already operate in Azerbaijan, and we want to sell our products through these stores.

Polotsk Dairy Plant OJSC already supplies its goods to Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Syria, Kazakhstan, Iran, Mongolia and other countries, she noted. The company has no experience of working in Azerbaijan yet, however, the company is very interested in exporting its dairy products to this Caspian state.

At the same time, Zhogaleva added, Azerbaijan manufactures high-quality products, but unfortunately Belarusian consumers are not familiar with them.

We hope that this situation will improve in the near future, especially given that the first Azerbaijani Trade House has recently opened in Minsk city, and high-quality products are presented there, she said.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 2

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Turkish low cost carrier Pegasus Airlines plans to launch direct flight between Baku and Ankara, Sales Director of the company Emre Pekesen told Trend.

Pekesen said that from June Pegasus Airlines will be operating a second hub in Turkey, Ankara and the company is currently working on obtaining permissions to launch a direct flight between Ankara and Baku.

According to the companys spokesperson, the permissions from the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority to launch this direct flight have been already obtained and Pegasus is now awaiting the corresponding permissions from the Azerbaijani Civil Aviation Authority.

"If this permission is granted in time, our plan would be to launch Ankara-Baku flights this summer and additionally connect Baku via Ankara to more than 20 other connections within Turkey and further beyond in Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa," Pekesen said.

He stressed that Azerbaijan has always been an important market and one which the company values greatly.

He went on to add that Pegasus Airlines has been awaiting permission for almost five years to open direct flights between its base airport Sabiha Gokcen in Istanbul and Baku but due to the bilateral agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey which only permit one carrier from each country on the route, the company has so far not been able to launch those flights despite its great wish and readiness to do so.

"We are monitoring this closely in the belief that we need a more liberal Air Services Agreement which would allow to provide more flights and more airlines to operate as a result which would serve to realize the full potential of our trade and tourism relations," Pekesen said.

He also noted that previously Pegasus Airlines launched direct flight between Istanbul and Azerbaijani Gabala. However, due to preference for guests to fly to Baku, it was not profitable enough and the company unfortunately had to close this route.

Pegasus is a Turkish low-cost airline with a fleet of 77 modern aircrafts. In 2016 the company transported over 24 million of passengers.

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Teymur Nadiroglu has been appointed Azerbaijans trade representative in China, the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry told Trend June 5.

According to the ministry, he is the countrys second trade representative abroad, while the first representative was appointed to Russia.

The appointment of a trade representative to China is of great importance in terms of expanding the non-oil exports, promoting the Made in Azerbaijan brand and attracting investments to the country, said the ministry.

According to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, trade turnover with China amounted to about $1 billion in 2016. Over the year, export of Azerbaijani goods to China rose by 5.1 times to $272 million, while imports increased by 38 percent to $704 million. China ranks fifth among Azerbaijans big trade partners.

In January-April 2017, trade turnover between the two countries totaled $395.6 million, 2.3 times more than in the same period of 2016.
[JURIST] Israel has occupied the West Bank through human rights abuses for the past fifty-years, stated [report] Human Rights Watch (HRW)(advocacy website) Sunday. According to HRW, Israel has violated international humanitarian law during the occupation through unlawful killings; forced displacement; abusive detention; the closure of the Gaza Strip and other unjustified restrictions on movement; and the development of settlements, along with the accompanying discriminatory policies that disadvantage Palestinians. Israel claims that the human rights abuses were committed to ensure Israeli security as a response to Palestinian armed groups carrying out lethal attacks against civilians. Sarah Leah Whitson [official bio], Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said

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 occupationIsrael today maintains an entrenched system of institutionalized discrimination against Palestinians in the occupied territory-repression that extends far beyond any security rationale.

According to Whitson, Israeli troops have killed over 2,000 Palestinian civilians in the course of the last three Gaza conflicts while armed Palestinian groups have killed [BTselem] at least 1,079 Israeli civilians between December 1987 and February 2017. HRW called on the international community to take measure to hold the Israeli and Palestinian authorities responsible for their human rights abuses and for the International Criminal Court [official website] to open a formal investigation into the international crimes being committed on both sides.

While Israel and Palestine have a troubled past, the issue of settlements in the West Bank has escalated tensions in the last decade. In April the UN said [JURIST report] it was disappointed with the Israel settlement decision. In November Israels Ministerial Committee for Legislation unanimously approved [JURIST report] the Formalization Bill to legalize the West Bank outposts. In March 2016 the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said [JURIST report] that the office is concerned about the apparent extra-judicial execution of a Palestinian man in the West Bank. In January of that same year Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged [JURIST report] businesses to cease operations in Israel settlements. In August 2015 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged [JURIST report] both sides of the conflict to reconcile and move towards peace after an attack occurred in the West Bank village of Duma, where Jewish extremists allegedly set fire to a Palestinian home while a family slept inside.
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 US Supreme Court [official website] on Monday granted certiorari [order list, PDF] in Carpenter v. United States [docket; cert. petition, PDF] to determine, [w]hether the warrantless seizure and search of historical cell phone records revealing the location and movements of a cell phone user over the course of 127 days is permitted by the Fourth Amendment. The Stored Communications Act (SCA) [text] allows the government to obtain records without a showing of probable cause whenever it offers specific and articulable facts showing that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the records sought are relevant and material to an ongoing criminal investigation. The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit held [opinion, PDF] that there is no expectation of privacy in these types of records.

New technology has created a number of Fourth Amendment issues that have come before the court. The court declined to rule in a similar case [JURIST report] in 2015. In 2014 the Supreme Court ruled that police officers must obtain a warrant [JURIST report] before searching a persons cell phone data, even at the time of arrest. In 2012 the Supreme Court ruled that the governments attachment of a global positioning system (GPS) device to a vehicle, and its use of that device to monitor the vehicles movements, constitutes a search [JURIST report] under the Fourth Amendment.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 5

By Demir Azizov Trend:

Uzbekistans Uzbekneftegaz national holding company and Russias Gazprom PJSC signed an agreement on strategic cooperation, a representative of the Uzbek company told Trend.

The document was signed in Russias St. Petersburg by Uzbek deputy prime minister, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Uzbekneftegaz company Gulomzhon Ibragimov and Chairman of the Management Committee of Gazprom PJSC Alexey Miller within the framework of the 21st St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2017, the representative added.

The document provides for cooperation between the parties during the implementation of new projects in Uzbekistan.

The sides will cooperate, in particular, in the field of reconstruction, construction and operation of gas infrastructure facilities, geological exploration, production, processing and storage of hydrocarbons, the use of compressed and liquefied natural gas for autonomous gas supply within the framework of the agreement.

Gazprom PJSC has been cooperating with Uzbekistan since 2002.
Track product launches by FMCG companies to get an understanding of the product-level strategies including geographic concentrations, innovation types, product claim, category focus and more

Monitoring the advertising strategies of various brands and gain insights into channel focus, regional focus, and more

Perform company-level analysis to understand business model, size, and geographic focus

Unilever product advertising is mainly through mainstream TV channels. Out of the products advertised so far at least 50% (over 850) of ads have been run on TV, while print media comes second with 496 ads. Unilever also utilizes social media platforms for advertisement. Unilever products are categorized by innovation ratings and tags in our product launch database. The North American region consists of almost 74 products with innovations related to the formulation of the product. Europe and other regions also have more products categorized under formulation-related innovation, followed by the packaging and positioning of the products. Most Unilever products are tagged with High Vitamins, Recyclable, and Natural tags to understand what the product differentiator is from other products available in the market. The majority of products belong to the personal care industry with a total of 5,788 products to date. This report, through the Unilever Example, illustrates how GlobalData Explorer enables you to:Dont miss out on key market insights that can help optimize your next investment  read the report now.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

World oil prices are rising on June 5 after four countries decided to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.

The price for August futures of Brent crude oil has increased by 0.98 percent to $50.44 per barrel as of 06:30 (GMT +4).

Meanwhile, the price for July futures of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has grown by 1.01 percent and stood at $48.14 per barrel.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a break of diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting terrorist organizations and destabilizing the internal situation in these Arab states.

Another factor affecting the oil prices is the statistics released by the US Baker Hughes company. The number of drilling rigs in the US has increased by 0.88 percent to 916 over the working week ending June 2, according to the date of Baker Hughes.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Philadelphia, PA, USA, 06/05/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

The Law Offices of Joel J. Kofsky, Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer, is sponsoring a 2018 college scholarship. To apply, qualified students must write an essay on improving awareness of the dangers of texting and driving

The firm will award one $1,500 scholarship to one student who is pursuing post-secondary education in the fall of 2018.

To apply, students must submit an essay between 500 and 1,000 words addressing the dangers of texting and driving and how the student plans to educate the public about the issue. Essays must also contain a paragraph at the end describing the post-secondary program the student plans to attend. This paragraph does not count toward the essays total word count.

Applicants must email their essay to [email protected] The body of the email must include the students name, address, and phone number. Essays can be attached as a Word or PDF document.

All applications and essays must be received by May 18, 2018.

The firm will select three finalists, whose names will be posted on the firms website and social channels. The firm will select a winner in June 2018.

The scholarship competition is open to all post-secondary students pursuing all degrees or majors.

According to the National Safety Council, cell phone use behind the wheel contributes to 1.6 million car accidents every year. At any given time, there are about 660,000 motorists on their phones while driving.

Teens and young people are especially vulnerable to the dangers of texting and driving. The National Safety Council also reports that 11 teenage motorists die each day due to texting behind the wheel. A poll conducted by AAA reveals that 94 percent of teen motorists understand the perils of texting and driving, however, 35 percent say they engage in texting and driving despite knowing the risks.

Any questions about the scholarship competition can be directed toward The Law Offices of Joel J. Kofsky at 215-735-4800. Applicants can also visit the firms scholarship page at here.

source: https://www.phillyaccidentlawyer.com/blog/2017/06/2018-college-scholarship/

Social Media Tags:Philadelphia Injury Lawyer, 2018 college scholarship, Philadelphia Injury Lawyer Joel J. Kofsky, Scholarship Competition

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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

SOCAR Methanol LLC, the methanol plant of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, said in a message June 5 that it produced 70,250 tons of methanol since early 2017.

The company was able to optimize production site at the plant in a short time to ensure an uninterrupted production process, according to the message.

Given that the demand for methanol is constantly growing, it is planned to increase the plants production capacity in the future, said the message.

The methanol plant was built by AzMeCo company and is one of the largest investments in the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan. The plant, which is the only one in the South Caucasus and Central Asia region, started selling products in January 2014.

The annual capacity of the methanol plant is 720,000 tons.

AzMeCo for the debts was handed over to Aqrarkredit CJSC non-bank credit institution in accordance with a decision of Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers. (Aqrarkredit CJSC manages the distressed assets of the International Bank of Azerbaijan).

SOCAR acquired the plant from Aqrarkredit CJSC.

The need to transfer AzMeCo to SOCAR arose due to AzMeCos debts to the International Bank of Azerbaijan.

The cost of the plant was estimated at $520 million.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

The spat with Qatar isnt likely to make much difference to oil prices, Tom Pugh, the economist at British economic research and consulting company Capital Economics, told Trend June 5.

The country is a small producer and shipments dont seem to have been impacted, said the expert. It could lead to less unity among OPEC, but the group has been good at keeping oil policy separate from other disputes, so this is unlikely.

Earlier, oil prices rose amid the diplomatic tension with Qatar. The price for August futures of Brent crude oil has increased by 0.98 percent to $50.44 per barrel as of 06:30 (GMT +4). Meanwhile, the price for July futures of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has grown by 1.01 percent and stood at $48.14 per barrel.

Prices are already down by about 0.5 percent now. But I think these tensions shouldnt have a lasting impact on oil prices, he added.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of fueling extremism and terrorism.

All four countries also suspended travel to and from Qatar.

Qatar says move is "unjustified" and says it carries out its duties in the fight against terrorism.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

The ongoing growing crisis with Qatar will break up OPECs efforts to balance the oil market for the short term, Cyril Widdershoven, a Middle East geopolitical specialist and energy analyst, a partner at Dutch risk consultancy VEROCY and SVP MEA-Risk, told Trend June 5.

He pointed out that THE increased instability within OPEC is not going to be taken lightly at current market circumstances.

The spat began after Qatars state-run news agency, QNA, released remarks attributed to ruling Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in which he criticized other Gulf leaders and called for an easing of tensions with Iran. QNA has denied that the comments were made by the Emir, claiming that they were the result of a cyber attack. But this hasnt washed with Saudi Arabia and its allies. They argue that the comments highlight Dohas close ties with Iran and reinforce their long-held concerns over Qatars support for terrorism.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of fueling extremism and terrorism.

All four countries also suspended travel to and from Qatar.

Qatar says move is "unjustified" and says it carries out its duties in the fight against terrorism.

A full confrontation, even with possible military escalation could lead to a situation in which a possible link with Iran is easily to be made. Qatar's opening towards Tehran is not seen as very positive, noted the expert.

Whole situation could blow up, if some are not keeping their cool, he said, adding that a military action could lead to more instability or even closure of part of oil exports from the Gulf.

Current prices will be going up higher, even if the discussion will cool down, said Widdershoven,

On May 25, OPEC member countries and non-OPEC parties, Azerbaijan, Kingdom of Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Sultanate of Oman, the Russian Federation, Republic of Sudan, and the Republic of South Sudan agreed to extend the production adjustments for a further period of nine months, with effect from July 1, 2017.

The reductions will be on the same terms as those agreed in November.

---

Follow the author on Twitter:@Lyaman_Zeyn
Richard Willmsen: I wanted to talk about Europe, because I think its interesting that as soon as it became possible to do so (in the early 1990s) you were among the first to seize the opportunities that freedom of movement offered.

Nick Currie: Yes, I always felt like a European. Theres something about the grass is greener on the other side, and also my mother had always been very Francophile and brought me up to feel like Paris was the centre of the world rather than New York, or London, or somewhere else.

Did you already speak French reasonably well at that point?

Yes, because Id been sent for extracurricular French lessons at the French Institute in Edinburgh and Id learnt it at school, and because we lived in Quebec as well. But it was mainly listening to French pop records in the 80s that drove my French, Gainsbourg and Brel, so it did feel quite natural to end up in Paris. And then even more so in Berlin, because I think each European country represents a repressed aspect of your own personality.

Each European country represents a repressed aspect of your own personality.

I dont know if it applies to everyone, but I certainly feel like I have a German personality that comes out in Berlin and a French personality that comes out in Paris. In Rome, I just remember being struck, when I used to come here in the 80s, by the sexuality and a kind of hostility as well. Men really stare at you here. Theres a kind of toxic masculinity that would probably be even stronger in somewhere like Cairo. But it begins in Southern Europe, so to Northern Europeans thats already the culture shock, coming down here. I guess I was repelled and attracted. I have reservations about each of those cities and every place in Europe Ive been, just as I do to some extent about Japan as well. I think to some extent Ive come through my European phase and now put my faith in Asia [laughs].

Over the last few weeks youve been travelling around Europe and something you said a couple of days ago on your video blog struck me as very interesting. You were talking about European freedom of movement, and it struck me that theres a certain overlap: while the demand for that freedom partly comes from a neoliberal perspective, at a certain point it coincides with the call for No Borders, which obviously derives from the grassroots, from campaigning for migrants rights. Capitalists want to move blocks of people around, and the No Borders people want individuals to have the freedom to move around. Now, recently with Macron, a neoliberal politician who genuinely supports fundamental liberal values, theres a sense that someone like that is on our side. How does that relate to politicians like Melenchon, who support immigrants and refugees but are trying to appeal to people who are deeply conservative and want to strengthen borders?

Well it really brought it home to me when I heard Theresa Mays speech at the Conservative Party Conference, in which she used the phrase citizens of nowhere. I realised that I was being bracketed against my will with the bankers, those wankers whove ruined London and made everything so expensive, and with those Russian oligarchs who come to spend their ill-gotten gains.

I felt that Theresa Mays phrase citizens of nowhere brackets me against my will with bankers and Russian oligarchs.

The people Id be more willingly bracketed with are the immigrants. I was married to a Bangladeshi, a second-generation immigrant, and a lot of my closest friends have been people like that. Theres a chequered element to that, because its obviously the result of a colonial process, and economic migration and all the rest of it, which are not unalloyed benefits in themselves. Everything is complicated and endlessly relative.

Now, as we see the collapse (to some extent) of neoliberalism we realise that it had some good points, which was that it talked the talk, it had a liberal side. I call it the Mayor Bloomberg syndrome, where he obviously is on the side of cheap labour and all the rest of it, but then talking the talk of multiculturalism, rich diversity and so on. I did a blog thing about how we should celebrate but never measure diversity. The Left has been very contradictory on a lot of these issues, I think its had a very confused stance.

Pluralism and diversity are obviously good things but the colonialism system that gave rise to it was not a good thing. Politics is like that, its a botch job, its a series of compromises, of revisions of revisions and I think Im happy in a revisionist way. Im quite positive about the legacy of neoliberalism although obviously I would prefer a socialist system or some sort of basic income system, a no-borders-at-all system, to go back to before people even used passports, which is not all that long ago.

It always amazes me that place and race have become so central to peoples sense of their affinities. I have this alternative thing, which I call elective affinities, a phrase I took from Goethe, where you decide based on your own ethical, aesthetic and even sexual values what interests you out there, and you make friends with people who seem to embody those values, and marry them, or whatever, rather than everything being based on blood and soil.

I dont really understand why borders have become the political topic of the day, and why youre only supposed to have affinities with people from the same space as you and the same race as you. Thats what it seems to be going back to, and it is the Nazi blood and soil philosophy.

Is it partly related to mobility? The Guardian journalist John Harris did a really interesting talk after the Brexit vote which was a good corrective to a lot of nonsense that was being said along the lines that everyone who voted for it was just a xenohobic idiot. Of course there is a substantial truth to that idea

Im quite sympathetic to it!

In the immediate period after the referendum I too was extremely angry! But when you get people whose mobility is almost totally limited, by their economic circumstances, for example He talks about people in the South Wales valleys, where even in terms of moving somewhere else

But thats not true at all! The poorest people in the world, the Bangladeshis, they upped and came to London, or they went all over the world. They were much poorer than those Welsh miners. I think jet travel and mobility have become the preserve of the very poor as well as the very rich.

As you say, politics is a very contradictory and complex area. But lets say, now, in the General Election, youve got a Labour party thats trying to relate to those people. Clearly it cant just say, well, just move

Get on your bike!

Exactly! The Norman Tebbit thing. Which takes us back to the conversation about neoliberalism. Just move! is not a very good strategy if youre trying to get people to vote for you. Is there any way that a party with a progressive political agenda can relate to people who are left with very little in the way of economic opportunity?

Its hard for me, I was trying to break down my politics recently in one of these vlog things I do, and thinking Ive got socialist elements in it, and Frankfurt School Marxist elements, and a cosmopolitanism, which is obviously the product of bourgeois privilege, and I do realise that its not just because of a lack of economic means but a lack of a desire to travel.

I was talking about this to Teju Cole, the Nigerian-born writer and photographer, recently and he said that back in his village in Nigeria only 10% of people even thought about leaving. Unless theres a huge disruption, like in Syria or in Bangladesh when the war happened, it tends to be a small minority of people who even think about tearing up their roots and going somewhere else, but its those people who are more dynamic and are forcibly educated by travelling.

If I think about the Bangladeshis in London, when they go back home theyre kind of aristocracy because they know two worlds and they have more economic leverage, so people who seem like proletariat on the streets of Brick Lane, theyre very wealthy when they go back to Bangladesh, part of a global class.

There are all these [intercultural] possibilities out there, and people are often just a bit too timid to go and investigate. I would hate to think were heading into a world in which a anxiety about a tiny fringe of terrorism stops people from doing that.

Its fascinating, and its not just about finding new personalities within yourself. You might be more sexually attractive in another country, or your accent is considered sexy by Americans if youre British. There are all these possibilities out there, and people are often just a bit too timid to go and investigate. You can really change your life circumstances, its an amazing thing, and I would hate to think were heading into a world in which a anxiety about a tiny fringe of terrorism stops people from doing that.

I also wanted to ask you about accelerationism, which you talked about recently, in relation to Asia. The accelerationist guru Nick Land lived in China for a number of years and was very excited about Chinese capitalism. Now if you take that notion that we should just push capitalism to the limit, and contrast it with the opposite, which is the idea of degrowth and sustainability, do you think that Japan, given its relative economic stasis over the last few decades, offers an instructive comparison?

I think cultural factors play a huge role here, and I dont think you can really prescribe for the whole world a specific degrowth form, because capitalism has such different characteristics in different countries.

Japan has this thing called home bias, where they basically keep out foreign investors. Theres no Rupert Murdoch in Japan. You cant go in there and own a newspaper and influence Japanese society if youre a foreigner.

Japan has the least toxic capitalism that Ive experienced.

The civil service is still very powerful there. You did have neoliberal politicians like Koizumi, who tried to sell off the post office, which is a very emotive issue. The post office is also a major bank in Japan, where theres also huge public spending deficits, but it doesnt really alarm anybody, they just like to invest in public services and they think theyre rich enough to do so.

So yes, there is this long, slow decline, but for me its important that Japan has a culture where everyone is not pitted against everyone else. The really toxic side of neoliberalism is this thing of each against all: the competition, the zero hours contracts, the sense of precarity that neoliberalism fosters. Of course there are people in such insecure situations in Japan, but somehow the harmony and cohesion that is so important to Japanese society keeps things together and stops them from becoming overly competitive.

For me its the least toxic capitalism that Ive experienced. There are lots of small businesses and things are very commercialised, even things that arent in the West  you could probably have a maid in a frilly uniform scratch your hand for a certain amount of money  and I dont find that objectionable at all, whats objectionable is being bullied by big companies.

Is the way that global corporations operate really a market? I was thinking about the efficiency of that metaphor in terms of places like Spitalfields in London, which was a vibrant local market before global forces took control and ruined it, before it fell victim to the catastrophe that has devastated that part of London. Isnt there something similar in the way in which Al Qaeda will destroy local markets in, say, Baghdad, and the way that global capitalism does? Markets are the lifeblood of society in a way, arent they?

I love them. My favourite place in Rome is the market by Termini station, a heavily immigrant-dominated area, with Indians selling Indian fabrics, and Bangladeshis selling Halal meat That to me is a city, thats what a city should feel like. What I dont like is the historical centre, which feels like a museum, really dead, full of tourists in mesh caps. Then there are all the brands you see in such places, like Emporio Armani and Louis Vuitton. They have delusions of grandeur and they make a lot of money. But people love that, especially poor people seem to buy into it.

Do you think such elite brands represent a certain kind of fascism?

Absolutely!
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijan submitted the daily oil production data for May 2017 to the OPEC Joint Technical Committee (JTC) as part of implementation of the Vienna agreement to cut oil output, Azerbaijans Energy Ministry told Trend June 5.

In May, the daily oil production in Azerbaijan amounted to 785,300 barrels, 55,000 barrels of which accounted for condensate.

The Energy Ministry also said 596,500 barrels of oil, 55,000 barrels of condensate and 12,200 barrels of petroleum products were exported daily in May.

Azerbaijan completely fulfils its obligations to reduce oil production by 35,000 barrels per day, the ministry said, adding the country was producing 793,900 barrels of oil per day in January, 776,400 barrels per day in February, 733,300 barrels per day in March and 781,100 barrels per day in April.

The Joint Technical Committee was created January 22 under the OPEC Monitoring Committee, designed to monitor the implementation of countries obligations to cut oil production.

In December 2016 in Vienna, 11 non-OPEC countries, including Azerbaijan, agreed to curtail oil output jointly by 558,000 barrels per day. The agreement was signed for the first half of 2017 and on May 25, 2017, it was extended by late 1Q18.
KEARNEY  The Kearney Housing Agency, through a grant from Northwestern Energy and Black Hills Energy, will install carbon monoxide detectors in the homes of families participating in the KHA Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance program.

NEBHE will present the funding at 10 a.m. Thursday at the KHA office at 2715 Avenue I.

KHA believes the program will help provide safe, decent, and affordable housing, and prevent illness or injury to residents.

Effective Jan. 1, the Nebraska Legislature required all Nebraska homes to be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. The National Institutes of Health ranked Nebraska as having one of the highest carbon monoxide poisoning rates in the country.

For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning, visit cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm.
KEARNEY  Protesters holding signs gathered Saturday afternoon at the Kearney office of U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer for a moment of truth.

Ralph Hanson, who described himself as a resident of Kearney, joined the group of 15 people in an attempt to get the attention of his elected representatives.

Im hoping to get Senator Sasse and Senator Fischers attention to call for an investigation of both the Russia issues and to look at Trumps tax returns, he said. I think these are nonpartisan things that Republicans in Nebraska should be just as concerned about as Democrats in Nebraska.

The protest in Kearney was part of a nationwide event called March for Truth. Organizers used the occasion to highlight complaints about the administration of President Donald Trump.

This lets people know that even in deep Red states there are people who will turn out to make their views known, Hanson said. Its oftentimes easy to forget that there are people who are good, loyal Americans who take somewhat different points of view.

Linda Van Ingen of Kearney stressed the nonpartisan nature of the event.

We wanted to emphasize that holding our politicians accountable also means not giving away American leadership, on a silver platter, to other parts of the world; for example our leadership on human rights and the environment, she said. These are issues that have been ongoing problem areas with our leadership for the last four months. We wanted to get to the bottom of the truth of what our leadership is actually aiming for.
President Trump has one response to the cascade of news stories connecting his aides and advisers to Russian interests. Instead of rebutting the reports, he attacks the journalists who produce them.

Many of the leaks coming out of the White House are fabricated lies made up by the #FakeNews media, he tweeted. Whenever you see the words sources say in the fake news media, and they dont mention names, it is very possible that those sources dont exist but are made up by fake news writers. #FakeNews is the enemy!

Candidate Trump frequently branded the media as the enemy. But this is different. This is the president of the United States accusing journalists of fundamental dishonesty, of using sources that dont exist to peddle fabricated lies.

He offers no evidence to support his incendiary charges because there is none. The chief source of fabricated lies is not the news media. It is the president himself. Trumps assaults on the press fit a much larger and deeply dangerous pattern. This president tries to undermine any independent bastion of authority and information  federal judges, FBI investigators, intelligence agencies  that contradict his distorted and deluded view of the world.

And those sources are fighting back, providing the leaks that Trump finds so maddening. These are not people who pull us aside because they want to screw Donald Trump, New York Times editor Dean Baquet told CNN. These are people who are worried about the direction of government.

In an administration that has expressed so much distaste for the press and so much distaste for our role, are you surprised that some of the people who want to criticize the administration want to do it without their names attached? Baquet continued. Im not.

The Times is one of many news organizations taking a particularly aggressive stance toward the Trump administration. One major motivation is the changing nature of the information environment. The president has almost 30 million followers on Twitter. In effect, he controls his own broadcast network that can disseminate his views directly to his supporters without questions or scrutiny from independent journalists.

Another reason: Trump has a well-documented history of using social media platforms to advance his fabricated lies. As a result, the press is completely justified in pursuing a policy of relentless skepticism toward the White House.

But with that policy comes real risk. The press must be scrupulously fair as well as skeptical. Steve teaches media ethics at George Washington University, and as he tells his students, one serious ethical pitfall for any journalist comes from wanting a story to be true.

Case in point: During the early days of the Trump presidency, a reporter for Time tweeted that a bust of Martin Luther King Jr., prominently displayed in the Oval Office during the Obama years, had disappeared. The reporter was wrong the bust had been moved, but not removed  but instead of making sure of his facts, he reached for an explosive exclusive. That kind of self-inflicted wound only validates Trumps attacks on the medias credibility.

Another major risk for journalism is the one highlighted by Trumps tweets: the use of anonymous sources. As the Society of Professional Journalists states: Anonymous sources are sometimes the only key to unlocking that big story, throwing back the curtain on corruption, fulfilling the journalistic missions of watchdog on the government and informant to the citizens. But sometimes, anonymous sources are the road to the ethical swamp.

Trump is wildly hypocritical, since he often invokes anonymous sources to support his own shaky allegations, but still, the ethical swamp is a real threat. Thats why anonymous sources should be used rarely: only when the story is vital to the public interest and the information cannot be obtained in any other way.

Moreover, all good journalists make sure their sources know what theyre talking about. And they try to describe those informants and say why they should be trusted.

The Washington Post, for example, in a recent account of the feud between Trump and former FBI Director James Comey, explained their story was based on the private accounts of more than 30 officials at the White House, the Justice department, the FBI and Capitol Hill, as well as Trump confidants and other senior Republicans.

Thats good journalism. Thats what the public needs to know. Thats why Trumps accusations are so unfounded. Anonymous sources, used carefully and explained transparently, are vital to the medias job of holding the president accountable. A healthy democracy depends on them.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 5

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistan and the European Investment Bank (EIB) plan to sign a framework agreement in July 2017, said the press service of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.

The agreement is expected to determine the conditions of the banks activity in Uzbekistan, reads a press release issued after the visit of an EIB delegation to Uzbekistan.

The delegation led by EIB Vice-President Vazil Hudak visited Uzbekistan in late May.

During the talks, the EIB and the Central Bank officials discussed the prospects and investment potential of the EIB-Uzbekistan cooperation.

The Central Bank said Uzbekistan is interested in attracting funds of EIB to implement projects on modernization of the fuel and energy complex, develop alternative and renewable energy sources, as well as improve energy efficiency of production.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 3

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

The issue of unauthorized financial and credit institutions which have spelled serious trouble for the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), offers a wide range of possibilities for mergers in the countrys banking system.

The CBI Governor Valiollah Seif believes that the merger of banks would help the financial statements of Iranian banks comply with international standards.

The supporters of the idea back Seifs remarks describing the lack of the suitable capital adequacy ratio in the banks as a main reason behind the international leading banks reluctant behavior to expand cooperation with Iranian counterparts. They suggest merger could contribute to the improvement of the capital adequacy ratio.

On the other hand, opponents argue that the banks before taking any steps regarding the issue of merger must increase the quality of financial reporting standards.

Shadow banks

Unauthorized credit institutions began to grow in Iran over the past several years as a result of international embargo on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear deal. The efforts made by the CBI to deal with the unauthorized institutions have apparently led to nowhere, so far.

This has caused instability and crisis in the countrys monetary system with shadow banks engulfing the informal money market.

The CBI, however, says it is decisive in tackling such institutions adding that it will put an end to the issue of illegal credit institutions by the end of the current Iranian year in March 2018.

In a bid to reimburse the depositors, Iran has already launched the process of merger with the Caspian credit institution which was formed as a result of a consolidation of eight illegal institutions that went bankrupt.

Merger procedure

According to the law, the shareholders of private banks should decide on the merger, which eventually needs to be approved by the CBI.

Coming to the public-sector banks, the government will have the final say regarding possible mergers since the government oversees the general assembly of public banks in the country.

Ups and downs

The consolidation or merger would possibly lead to the reduction of the number of existing banks but the fact is that Irans banking system could perform better with fewer but healthier entities.

Many see the idea as a chance to scale up operations quicker and an opportunity to plump up the capital cushions of banks. However, the merger of unhealthy banks and financial institutions would run the risk of bankruptcy of the new entities.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Dalga Khatinoglu  Trend:

Iran has set a target for 14 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d) of gas deliveries to Iraqs capital during the current fiscal year, started on March 21, according to Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh.

Iran has two agreements with Iraq to export 50 mcm/d of gas to Baghdad and Basra.

According to a report, released by Oil Ministrys official website, Iran also plans to complete the seventh cross-country pipeline (Igat-7), aimed to deliver gas to south eastern regions and Pakistan.

Iran should stretch Igat-7 further 180 km to reach Pakistani borders. The sides have a 22-mcm/d deal gas contract, which should have been implemented in January 2015, but neither Iran completed its pipeline, nor Pakistan started construction of the pipeline on its territory.

Iran also plans to increase gas output from South Pars to 620 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d) during the current fiscal year by commencing phases 13, 14, 22-24 of South Pars.

Currently the output capacity of this field is about 520-530 mcm/d. Irans total gross gas production capacity is also about 780 mcm/d and would reach about 780-790 mcm/d by March 2018.

Iran plans to increase gross gas output to 1.2 bcm/d by March 2022.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 2



By Dalga Khatinoglu  Trend:



Iran has "perfectly managed" the unexpected gas export cut by Turkmenistan since January 1, 2017, Ali Shakarami the head of operation Dispatching Control Centre of NIGC told Trend.



According to him, Iran's housing sector was supplied properly with gas in peak demand period (winter), though the country had to use more liquid fuels in power plants.



Turkmenistan stopped gas deliveries to Iran in January 1, 2017 due to long-delayed $2 billion debt. Iran disagrees, saying the sides should re-calculate the value of gas import.



Iran imported 9 billion cubic meters of gas from Turkmenistan in 2015, but according to an official document, prepared by Iran's oil ministry and seen by Trend, the volume plunged to 5.86 bcm in 2016.



Shakarami said that Iran has doubled gas output from South Pars to above 500 mcm/d and in coming years the figure would reach 700 mcm, while the domestic demand growth wouldnt increase significantly.



Iran has increased gross gas output by 25 bcm during last fiscal year to 285bn m3 (97 percent was methane), including flaring and re-injection.



National Iranian Gas Companys total produced refined gas stood at 230 bcm, while the countrys gross associated gas output also was about 21 bcm, of which about 33 percent was flared.



In total, Iran consumed about 210 bcm of sweet gas during the last fiscal year (started on March 21). It also exported more than 9 bcm of gas. Iran exports gas to Turkey and barters gas with power from Armenia.



Shakarami said that despite cutting Turkmen gas export, Iran takes this countrys gas and delivers the same amount to Azerbaijan.



According to him, the gas swap amount can increase in case the sides find common ground.



Turkmenistan delivers gas to Irans Qadr Company and Azerbaijan receives the same amount of gas on border with Iran, paying cash fee to the Islamic Republic. During 2016 Azerbaijan received more than 290 million cubic meters of gas from swap operations.



Iran says that if Turkmenistan decreases its gas price for the Islamic Republic, Iran would resume gas import from this country, or else Tehran would sue Ashgabat for cutting gas deliveries in January 2017.



Previously, Araghi said that Iran would sue Turkmenistan for three disputes: gas price, damage from sudden gas export cut, as well as gas quality.



Araghi said that the documents would be submitted to The International Criminal Court (ICC) and Turkmenistan has already been informed about the issue.
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Mr. O was my new patient but had been known to our practice for several years. He was 74 years old. He had been complaining of dizziness for some time. He came in for his visit accompanied by his home health aide. He was born in the Dominican Republic, and he spoke Spanish with limited English proficiency. I scanned his former notes and saw that his aide typically provided translation. I would learn that his aide spoke English as well as I spoke Spanish, which Im sad to report is almost as good as a 3 -year-old child.

Since it was our first visit, I asked to see him alone in my office and indicated that I would obtain formal medical interpretation via the phone line. I wanted to ensure confidentiality as well provide my patient the opportunity to tell his story in his own words. I could also learn how much, if any, of his medical information he felt comfortable sharing with his aide or anyone else in his family.

When I got the formal medical interpreter on the line, the first thing my patient said was, I want to talk about my dizziness. I dont understand why I have it, and nothing helps.

His medical problems included type 2 diabetes which he indicated was always controlled and obstructive sleep apnea for which he used CPAP. A review of his meds included meclizine, but he stated that it didnt help his dizziness. He had been referred to neurology in the past  his dizziness had been labeled vertigo, and he had had a fairly substantial workup including an MRI of his brain which was normal.

As internists come to know, dizziness is a common complaint and working it up is satisfying once you understand the framework for approaching. The etiology of dizziness typically falls neatly into four categories: cardiovascular or lightheadedness, vertigo, disequilibrium, or functional or psychiatric. Its important to get patients to explain in their own words what their dizziness is like. My patient described his dizziness as unsteadiness and reported that he felt he couldnt keep his balance. He walked with a cane because he felt he would fall. He noted pain in his feet and legs and reported pins and needles in his feet as well. He denied a spinning sensation in his head or lightheadedness. A thorough review of the hospital record where he had former studies revealed an MRI of his lumbosacral spine that showed severe spinal stenosis, and a monofilament exam revealed that he had decreased sensation in both of his feet as well as decreased sensation in the L5 dermatome. While my new patient had been diagnosed with vertigo, and had been treated as such for years, in fact, he very likely was suffering from disequilibrium given his age, spinal stenosis, and peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis was easily made once I was able to get his story, in his own words, in his preferred language.

Though theres not much data about physicians in private practice using formal language interpretation, I suspect the data that an internal medicine resident and I gleaned from a QI project in another institution can be generalized to many primary care physicians and specialists in private practice. We learned that most physicians do not utilize formal medical interpretation, preferring to use family members and aides, or available medical staff. We learned that the front staff frequently told patients to bring someone to translate. Physicians pointed to lack of time and lack of access to formal interpretation as reasons.

If we want to ensure accurate medical information, we need to get the history from the patient. Otherwise, we risk inaccurate, incomplete histories that will lead to wrong diagnoses, and just as importantly, endanger the relationships we have with our patients. Moreover, the time needed to ensure interpretation should be factored into the patient visit when there is language discordance between the patient and health care professional. Obtaining formal interpretation is one of the essential cornerstones to providing patient-centered care for our patients with limited English proficiency.

Maria Maldonado is an internal medicine physician and director, Education for Cross Cultural and Patient Centered Communication, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:



Iran says Poland has expressed interest in importing trout fish (weighting 1.1 kilograms each) from Iran's sector of the Caspian Sea.



Ahmad Qanaatparast, a provincial official with the fishery organization of the northern province of Gilan, has said that the European nation has expressed interest in importing all of Irans available trout fish, Mehr news agency reported.



Poland in the meantime eyes importing common carp (each weighting at least 1.5 kilograms), he added.



Qanaatparast further touched upon the provinces statistics on fish exports and said that 50 ships on a daily basis dock in the provinces Kianshahr port to carry Irans fish to Russia.



Saying that the province produced 30,000 tons of fish over the last fiscal year (starting March 20), he added that the province is expected to produce 130,000 tons of fish by 2021.



Irans fishery exports over the last year stood at $412 million with an output of 460,000 tons.
Donald Trump rode into the White House on a wave of campaign promises, including a complete reform of the U.S. tax code. It has been three decades since the tax code has been through any major reform, enough time for it to reclaim its status as one of the most complex and voluminous tax systems in the world.

There is fairly broad consensus that it is time again for significant tax reform, and Trump has introduced his much-anticipated proposal. Although it is very short on details, and it is certain to go through several iterations before it is voted on, we can at least see the direction he is taking and the potential impact it could have on our pocketbooks.

Fewer Tax Brackets

The first place to look is the tax brackets, which have been reduced from seven to three  10%, 25% and 35%. While this is certain to simplify tax filing, it is unclear how it translates into tax savings. We wont know until more details emerge on the income ranges within the brackets.

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Doubling the Standard Deduction

The larger impact would come from the doubling of the standard deduction. For joint filers it would double from $12,700 to $25,400. That means a married couple would owe $0 in taxes on their first $25,400 in income. For itemizers, many of whom would have a hard time coming up with enough deductions for the $25,400 threshold, it greatly simplifies the process.

Eliminating Deductions

The plan would further simplify matters by eliminating all deductions except mortgage interest and charitable donations. The deductions for state income and sales taxes are also eliminated, which could hurt high earners in states like California and New York. However, for most people, the higher standard deduction would offset the loss. The plan would keep the favorable tax treatment of 401(k) and IRA contributions.

Eliminating AMT

The proposed plan would do away with a major tax headache  the Alternative Minimum Tax  which has been the scourge of an increasing number of taxpayers. It was designed to make sure the wealthy paid their fair share, but over the years it has spread down the income ladder to earners now considered middle income. For higher earners, eliminating the AMT would reduce taxes on certain items; for everyone it will simplify their taxes.

Eliminating Estate Taxes

Throughout his campaign, Trump specifically targeted the death tax for elimination. Currently it is a 40% tax on estates valued at more than $11 million for married filers. While this would affect only 0.2% of taxpayers (opens in new tab), it would be a huge relief to the farmers and business owners who would otherwise face liquidation in order to pay the tax.

Cut the Corporate Tax Rate

Trumps rant on high corporate taxes was a centerpiece of his campaign. Now, the reduction of the corporate tax from 35% to 15% is the centerpiece of his proposed plan. This should be good for business growth and the economy.

For Small Businesses, Too

While retirement investors may see a boost in dividends from businesses growing due to lower corporate taxes, the impact on individual taxpayers is probably negligible. However, for individual business owners who operate as a pass-through entity, such as a sole-proprietor or partnership, the corporate tax reduction to 15% also applies. Many business owners could see their tax rates cut by more than half, which would be a huge boon for entrepreneurs and small business owners, and it could spur the economy.

Im not an economist, Im a financial adviser, so I wont address the impact of the presidents plan on the deficit or the national debt. The details are still very sketchy. But from what I can see, there is a lot of simplification and elimination, which is almost always a good thing for clients and investors.

I wouldnt rush out to change your W-4 withholding. How this plays out on Capitol Hill is far from certain. But there is expected to be tax relief across the income spectrum, and that would be a good thing in my book.
Today precious metals prices have remained firm in a narrowly defined range, trading modestly higher. Market participants await the unfolding of three distinct events that will undoubtedly influence future pricing. Until then, traders and investors will be in a holding pattern, characterized by a wait and see attitude as events develop. It is likely that we will see narrowly defined ranges up until Thursday, when key events will begin to take place.

Starting in Europe on Thursday, the European Central Bank has a scheduled monetary policy meeting, which will conclude with a press conference from ECB President Mario Draghi. Concurrently the United Kingdom will hold a general election, with results unfolding by Friday of this week.

This will be followed by the testimony of James Comey to the Senate Intelligence Committee. The former head of the FBI will speak on his knowledge of the current Russian investigation linked to the US election, as well as his recent firing.

Since any one of these events could move the needle in regards to global equities and safe haven assets, the combination of all three could magnify the overall effect of these events.

According to FXStreet, As far as the ECB is concerned, the focus will be on President Mario Draghi and in particular on any potential hints about tapering of QE earlier than planned. Thanks to improvement in economic data in the Eurozone, calls for tighter monetary conditions especially from several German officials have increased.

As far as the election being held in the United Kingdom, the outcome could have a tremendous influence on the British pound. If the current Prime Minister, Theresa May, manages to hold her current lead it should give rise to a positive influence on the British pound.

However, the biggest wildcard is most certainly the testimony of James Comey, the former director of the FBI. Depending on the tone and content of his testimony, his words could have the greatest influence on global equities, as well as safe haven assets. If James Comey presents evidence that President Trump did, in fact, attempt to pressure him in regards to the investigation, we could see a major political crisis begin to develop in the United States.

At a minimum, such accusations would certainly dampen the ability of the current administration to move forward on its current agenda. If James Comeys allegations are backed with evidence, market participants could witness political turmoil the likes of which have not been seen since the Nixon era. Although it is highly unlikely that the latter outcome would occur, the reality is, as remote as it is, it is a possibility, and as such traders and investors need to be extremely cautious of the week ahead.

For those who would like more information, simply use this link to go to our website, or to sign up for a free trial.

Wishing you as always, good trading,
By Susan Mathew

June 5 (Reuters) - Australian shares declined on Monday, with financial stocks leading the losses despite advances on Wall Street as investors studied disappointing U.S. jobs data.

The data out on Friday suggested the labour market of the world's largest economy was losing momentum despite the unemployment rate falling to a 16-year low of 4.3 percent. By 0242 GMT, the S&P/ASX 200 index fell 42.914 points, or 0.7 percent to 5,745. The index rose the past four days, including a 0.9 percent gain on Friday.

The 'Big Four' banks were the biggest drags on the index, followed by mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP .

"We've got some top-down selling," says Michael McCarthy, an analyst at CMC Markets. "I suspect that one of the reason we're seeing that top-down selling today is that investors .. are less positive about the (job) numbers we got on Friday."

The financial index was down 1.7 pct as the four biggest banks lost between 1.3 percent and 2.2 percent.

Westpac Banking Corp hit lowest in nearly seven months, down 2.1 percent, while ANZ Banking lost as much as 2.7 percent, its biggest intraday fall in nearly four weeks.

The materials and mining index was 0.8 percent lower, tracking overnight losses in iron ore and copper. Rio Tinto was down over 1 percent, while BHP declined up to 2.2 percent. BHP Chief Executive Andrew Mackenzie said on Monday he has not met with activist investor Elliott Management since they had talks in Barcelona. BHP had rejected Elliot's proposal to overhaul its corporate structure and spin off its U.S. oil division in April. Monday's falls in the index were contained by higher gold prices keeping the gold stocks buoyant. Resolute Mining and Evolution Mining were among the top gainers on the index, rising more than 2 percent each.

Energy stocks contributed to the benchmark's decline as oil remained subdued with an increase in U.S. output leading to continued oversupply concerns. Woodside Petroleum and Oil Search were down 1.1 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively.

On the other hand, gains in AGL Energy of up to 1.9 percent and Origin Energy of 0.5 percent, pushed up the utility sector, while a 1.8 percent gain for Transurban Group lent support to the industrial sector.

The New Zealand stock market was closed for a holiday. The benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index added 0.7 percent on Friday.

For more individual stocks activity click on (Reporting by Susan Mathew; additional reporting by Ambar Warrick in Bengaluru)
HONG KONG, June 5 (Reuters) - Guangzhou Rural Commercial Bank Co Ltd (GRCB) launched a Hong Kong initial public offering worth up to $1.1 billion on Monday, IFR reported, citing a term sheet of the transaction sent to investors.

The IPO, which will raise funds to expand its lending and investment business, consists of 1.58 billion shares offered in an indicative range of HK$4.99-HK$5.27 each, added IFR, a Thomson Reuters publication. That would value the offering at as much as HK$8.34 billion ($1.1 billion).

GRCB did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment on the IPO launch.

($1 = 7.7900 Hong Kong dollars)

(Reporting by Fiona Lau of IFR; Writing by Elzio Barreto; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

- The City's top fund managers are attempting to torpedo Saudi Arabia's attempts to list its $2 trillion state oil company Saudi Aramco on the London Stock Exchange . In a letter to the Financial Conduct Authority, Chris Cummings, chief executive of the Investment Association (IA), said they would not tolerate any listing that did not adhere to the market's rules and standards. - Philip Green has called in management consultants as he tries to turn around his struggling Arcadia Group. McKinsey & Co is said to be helping Green grapple with the shift to online shopping, which has particularly hit sales at Topshop, the most successful part of his empire. The Guardian

- Philip Green's fashion empire suffered a 16 percent fall in profits last year as the billionaire's Topshop-to-Miss Selfridge group struggled with difficult trading on the high street. - HSBC is offering its employees cash bonuses of up to 2,500 pounds ($3,216.75) if they can convince a colleague to move from London to the bank's new British headquarters in Birmingham. The bank has created a special bonus scheme to encourage staff to "help us find the right people for Birmingham". The Telegraph

- The airline BMI Regional is looking to replace up to a quarter of its fleet with larger aircraft as it seeks to double down on its most popular routes. - The World Bank has upgraded its forecasts for UK growth over the next three years against a stronger global backdrop that will boost the British economy despite its weak start to the year. Economists at the Bank expect the UK economy to grow by 1.7pc this year. Sky News

- A meeting between Ross McEwan, RBS's chief executive, and directors of the RBoS Shareholder Action Group took place on Friday. The talks concluded without an agreement after McEwan declined to increase a financial offer to the remaining claimants. - Stensrud family, which owns the Norwegian asset manager Skagen, has agreed to invest millions of pounds in British provider of auto-enrolment pensions, Smart Pension. The Independent

- Uber has been criticised for being too slow to turn off its "surge pricing" feature after Saturday night's deadly terror attacks in London. App users took to social media to complain saying that Uber should have reduced prices immediately as people tried to make their way home in the aftermath of the attack. ($1 = 0.7772 pounds)

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom; Editing by Richard Chang)
Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly denied he had any compromising material about U.S. President Donald Trump in a televised interview broadcast on Sunday.

"Well, this is just another load of nonsense," Putin said on NBC News' "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly," when asked whether he had any damaging information on the Republican president.

The remarks were the latest in a series of denials from Moscow that have had little impact so far on a political crisis in the United States over potential links between Russia and Trump's inner circle.

Putin also told NBC he had no relationship with Trump, despite Trump's previous travel to Russia as a businessman. Putin noted that executives from perhaps 100 American companies were currently in Russia.

"Do you think we're gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something?" Putin asked, before saying: "Have you all lost your senses?"

Trump has called an FBI investigation into alleged ties between his campaign and Russia a "witch hunt" designed to undermine the legitimacy of his 2016 election win.

U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Moscow interfered in last year's U.S. presidential election campaign to try to tilt the vote in Trump's favor.

"They have been misled," Putin told NBC. "And they aren't analyzing the information in its entirety. I haven't seen, even once, any direct proof of Russian interference in the (U.S.) presidential election."

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Peter Cooney)
LONDON, June 5 (Reuters) - British factory output is on track for its fastest growth since 2014 this year as a stronger world economy offsets uncertainty about future exports to the European Union, but the outlook for 2018 is darker, an industry trade body said on Monday.

The EEF, which represents British manufacturers, revised up its forecast for factory output this year to 1.3 percent from 1.0 percent three months ago after its members reported buoyant orders in its latest quarterly survey.

The prospects for next year are less bright, with factory output growth forecast to slow to 0.5 percent in 2018 - though this is less of a decline than the EEF had previously predicted.

"While growth and confidence haven't been knocked off track by the snap election, it is not plain sailing from here," EEF economist Lee Hopley said, highlighting rising raw material costs, skills shortages and insufficient investment.

Britons head to the polls on Thursday in a national election called by Prime Minister Theresa May to boost her parliamentary majority before she starts two years of talks to leave the European Union.

One of May's main priorities is to regain the power to curb migration from the EU and more than halve the annual net inflow of immigrants to Britain to less than 100,000 a year

Businesses have greeted this with little enthusiasm, and the EU has said any migration curbs will limit Britain's ability to export to the EU after the country leaves in 2019.

"It is vital that we remain open for business and negotiate new trade agreements with the EU and other key markets so that international markets remain open and accessible as soon as Brexit is completed," said Tom Lawton, a partner at accountancy firm BDO, which sponsors the EEF quarterly survey.

Last quarter the EEF's members reported robust growth and Monday's survey showed that they expected it to continue during the current quarter, despite official data which showed a much softer performance in the first three months of this year.

Separate figures from the Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index last week showed that manufacturing activity grew at its fastest rate in three years in April and May.

Unlike the PMI, the EEF data suggested this was led by exports, not just domestic demand.

While sterling's weakness since last year's Brexit vote played a role, a bigger factor was stronger growth in Asia, North America, and continental Europe, the EEF said.

(Reporting by David Milliken; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
June 5 (Reuters) - Asanko Gold Inc said it could bolster its liquidity position to over $100 million by the second quarter of 2018, days after short seller Muddy Waters said the Canadian gold miner would run out of cash by next year.

Asanko outlined a plan on Monday for the expansion of its gold mine in Ghana, which includes the large Esaase deposit. Muddy Waters released a 43-page document last week, saying that production at Asanko's Nkran mine in Ghana and other deposits would not meet the company's expectations because the estimates were based on flawed geology reports. The Muddy Waters report predicted that production shortfalls would cause Asanko to run out of cash next year as it struggles to repay $165 million in debt.

(Reporting by Yashaswini Swamynathan in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
CAIRO, June 5 (Reuters) - Egypt's central bank has not ordered banks to halt transactions in Qatari riyals, an Egyptian official told Reuters on Monday. Some Egyptian banks earlier halted dealings with Qatari banks, responding to Cairo's announcement that it had cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. (Reporting by Ehab Farouk)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei strongly criticized the US president rudeness for sword dancing with murderers of the Yemeni people and showing no respect for the Iranian nation who newly attended a free election, IRNA reported.

The Leader made the remarks in a ceremony held to commemorate 28th anniversary of the departure of Father of the Islamic Revolution the late Imam Khomeini at his mausoluem in southern Tehran.

Referring to the latest visit to Saudi Arabia of the US President Donald Trump, Ayatollah Khamenei censured accusations he leveled against Iran and the issue of human rights.

It is blatant rudeness that the US president, in a backward, tribal and declining system, stays alongside the heads of the tribe to sword dance but on the other had, [US president] complains about 40 million of the Iranian nations votes cast in a newly-ended free election,' said the Leader.

Referring to the late Imams attractions for the young generation, the Leader said, while the late Imam had said over 30 years ago that the US is not trustworthy, today, the European leaders too are saying that US is not truthful.
(Kitco News) - Operations at First Majestic Silver Corp.s (NYSE: AG; TSX: FR) La Encantada Silver Mine in Mexico will be restarted on a phased-in basis during the coming weeks, the company said.

Just ahead of the weekend, First Majestic Silver Corp. announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with the National Union of Miners, Metallurgists, Steelworkers and Similar Workers of Mexico for the restart. The company said workers had halted activities through a blockade on May 20 after some did not agree with the bonus that the company and the union had previously agreed to offer the miners in lieu of profit sharing.

Since then, First Majestic and the union worked together to resolve the dispute, the company said.

First Majestics website says the mine is expected to produce between 2.6 million and 2.9 million ounces of silver in 2017. The companys first-quarter earnings report said output from January through March was 707,479 silver ounces.

I am very pleased by the responsiveness and cooperation we have received from the National Union in working with us towards finding a solution that satisfies all parties, said Keith Neumeyer, president and chief executive officer of First Majestic. La Encantada is one of the largest employers in the area and is crucial to the overall health of the local economy.

The company said it is planning to implement a reinduction and retraining process for the union miners as soon as this week. Mine production is now expected to restart by mid-June before ramping up to full production by the end of June.
BERLIN, June 5 (Reuters) - International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde has offered Greece's European creditors a way out of their impasse over Athens' debts that would allow the euro zone to release a tranche of aid later this month.

The IMF believes Greece needs a debt haircut, which Germany rejects. Lagarde suggested agreeing a deal whereby the IMF would stay on board in the bailout, as Berlin wants, but not pay out further aid until debt relief measures are clarified.

"There can therefore be a programme in which the disbursement only takes place when the debt measures have been clearly outlined by the creditors," she told Handelsblatt in pre-released comments to run in its Tuesday edition.

The compromise could allow euro zone finance ministers to give the go-ahead for their next payment of their tranche of aid at their meeting on June 15, Handelsblatt said.

"It is a possibility for an agreement," Lagarde said.

(Writing by Paul Carrel, editing by Larry King)
By Celine Aswad

DUBAI, June 5 (Reuters) - Stock markets in Qatar and the rest of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council look set to drop on Monday after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed ties with Doha, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Saudi Arabia said it had severed all land, sea and air contacts with Qatar. Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways said it would suspend flights from Tuesday. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their borders.

With an estimated $335 billion of assets in its sovereign wealth fund, a trade surplus of $2.7 billion in April alone and extensive port facilities, Qatar appears likely to be able to ride out the impact without any economic crisis.

The GCC states do little merchandise trade with each other, instead relying on imports from outside the region, and Qatar's liquefied natural gas shipments by sea are expected to continue normally. GCC investments in Qatar's stock market are believed to be minor.

Nevertheless, the diplomatic rift - the worst in years - is expected to have a considerable impact on investor sentiment, outside Qatar as well as within the country.

"All GCC markets will fall today - this is unprecedented and we are entering unknown territory. This is not good news for the markets," said a Dubai-based portfolio manager.

"The markets have been quiet in search of a catalyst, and this is it...There will be a lot of exiting today."

After Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar in March 2014, the Qatari stock market immediately tumbled 2.3 percent and remained weak for about three weeks, before rebounding strongly as Qatar entered MSCI's emerging market index.

Some fund managers said Qatari banks could be hardest hit.

"Qatari banks that are exposed to those countries that have severed ties with it will be very vulnerable, and vice versa - companies that have borrowed from Qatari banks may have to figure out how to negotiate loans and deals," said a Doha-based asset manager.

Also, some Qatari banks have been borrowing from overseas to offset tight liquidity in the domestic money market; they may now find it more expensive to borrow.

(Editing by Andrew Torchia)
(Kitco News) - Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (TSX, NYSE: OR) has agreed to acquire a precious-metals portfolio, consisting of 74 royalties, streams and precious metal offtakes, from Orion Mine Finance Group for C$1.125 billion, the company reported Monday.

After the deal, Osisko would hold 131 royalties and streams, including 16 revenue-generating assets, the company said. The companys cornerstone assets remain the 5% net-smelter-return royalty on the Canadian Malartic mine, described as Canadas largest producing gold mine, and its 2% to 3.5% NSR royalty on the Eleonore gold mine.

With the transaction, Osisko gains a 9.6% diamond stream on the Renard diamond mine and a 4% gold and silver stream on the Brucejack gold and silver mine, both in Canada, in addition to a 100% silver stream on the Mantos Blancos copper mine in Chile.

The purchase will consist of C$675 million in cash plus C$450 million in Osisko common shares, Osisko said.

As part of the transaction, the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec and the Fonds de solidarite FTQ will be subscribing for C$200 and C$75 million in common shares of Osisko, respectively, as part of a concurrent private placement to fund a portion of the cash for the deal. Also, Osisko said it will draw C$150 million under its revolving credit facility with the National Bank of Canada and Bank of Montreal, and C$250 million will be funded from Osiskos current cash reserves.

Osisko said the transaction, which increases shares outstanding by less than 50%, doubles its near-term cash flow and more than triples Osiskos cash-flowing assets from five to 16. This also provides Osisko with a growth pipeline that has expected production of over 100,000 gold-equivalent ounces in 2018, rising to over 140,000 by 2023, and pro forma cash flow growth of 10% per annum from 2017 to 2023, Osisko said.

Ninety percent of the cash flow would be from precious-metals assets, with 80% from North America.

Issuance of the Orion shares and the private-placement shares is subject to approval by a simple majority of Osiskos shareholders. The company said a special meeting of shareholders will be held in July, with closing of the transaction expected around July 31, subject to customary closing conditions. However, the transactions economic effective date will be June 1 of this year, Osisko said.

Since our creation three years ago, we have been working towards a transformational transaction for Osisko, said Sean Roosen, chair and chief executive officer, commenting that the deal with Orion adds wide diversity to our portfolio.
* Tender requires supply from GCC country

* Tender yet to be cancelled or re-issued

* Jet fuel exports likely to remain steady - traders

By Jessica Jaganathan

SINGAPORE, June 5 (Reuters) - Qatar Petroleum is still seeking gasoil from countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) even as some members of the group have severed ties with the country, said two trading sources on Monday.

The state-run company was looking for up to two gasoil cargoes a month for delivery over July to September in a tender that closes on Monday. Qatar Petroleum has not amended the bid, the sources said.

One of the requirements of the tender was that the cargoes originate from the GCC, whose member countries include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait and Yemen.

"They have not amended the tender from what I can see so far, but perhaps it's still early hours," said one of the sources, a Gulf-based trader said.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain cut their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world. The coordinated move dramatically escalates a dispute over Qatar's support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.

Qatar Petroleum is not typically a buyer of gasoil but has been importing the fuel due to some supply issues in its domestic market, the traders said.

While the traders expect the tender to likely be re-issued or cancelled given the latest development, they do not expect a major impact on flows of the fuel.

"Qatar is a regular exporter of gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel from the Pearl GTL (plant) which (Royal Dutch Shell) partners, so Shell can easily source the gasoil from elsewhere if needed," said the second source, a Singapore-based trader.

Qatar Petroleum's exports of jet fuel are unlikely to be disrupted as the aviation fuel is usually shipped to international markets, said the first source.

"I think the biggest impact will be on LNG, which stays in the region," the source added.

Qatar meets almost one-third of global LNG demand and Egypt, which struggles to meet its electricity needs, has imported an average 857,000 cubic metres per month of LNG from Qatar since January 2016, according to shipping data in Thomson Reuters Eikon. The fuel is used largely for power generation.

(Reporting by Jessica Jaganathan; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
By Katya Golubkova

ST PETERSBURG, Russia, June 5 (Reuters) - Russian bank VTB will propose changing the shareholding structure of indebted Croatian food producer and retailer Agrokor under a debt restructuring plan being prepared by creditors, a VTB executive told Reuters.

VTB is one of the biggest creditors of Agrokor, which was put under state management in April after it built up debts of at least 40.4 billion kuna ($6.2 bln).

Owned by Croatian businessman Ivica Todoric, the company is the biggest employer in the Balkans with 60,000 employees.

"Lenders are currently working on a plan which would be put to banks, a wider number of lenders, Eurobond holders. The debt should be restructured, commissions for servicing it lowered and the company should start full operation," Yuri Soloviev, VTB first deputy chief executive, told Reuters in an interview conducted on Friday.

Soloviev did not say when the plan would be put to other lenders or how the shareholder structure may change under the restructuring proposal. Creditors have until Friday to submit claims and proposals, after which the restructuring plan will be worked out.

Agrokor owes VTB around 300 million euros ($338 million) and owes Sberbank , Russia's biggest lender, more than 1 billion euros. Soloviev said that Agrokor's total debt to EBITDA was at around 5-5.5 when VTB decided to lend to the group.

The most recent official data shows Agrokor's total debt at the end of last September was 45 billion kuna, six times the company's equity. Last month, Agrokor's crisis manager Ante Ramljak said that the company's debt was higher than previously disclosed.

"When we were deciding on the lending, the company's financial metrics were much better, with the debt significantly smaller. We discovered certain inaccuracies in (Agrokor) accounts later, which, after my public comments (in March), led to an internal investigation in Agrokor," Soloviev said.

Asked whether VTB would consider swapping its debt for Agrokor equity, Soloviev said: "This is an open question. Right now, no. The shareholders are the same and this, of course, should be changed during the restructuring," Soloviev said.

Asked if the change in structure was something he would propose, he said: "Yes."

Croatian Economy Minister Martina Dalic, on a visit to Russia last week, declined to comment on Agrokor.

($1 = 0.8876 euros, $1 = 6.5741 kuna)

(Additional reporting by Igor Ilic in Zagreb; Editing by Susan Fenton)
MOSCOW, June 5 (Reuters) - Russia is considering placing a sovereign Eurobond issue a week after a key rate decision scheduled for June 16, a government source familiar with the plans told Reuters on Monday. Moscow aimed to issue $3 billion in new debt and swap another $4 billion in outstanding Eurobonds for new ones, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said last week. (Reporting by Elena Fabrichnaya; writing by Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by Katya Golubkova)

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.
HANOI, June 5 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0414 GMT.

June 5 USD/VND mid-point 22,403 USD/VND interbank 22,680/22,740 USD/VND unofficial 22,700/22,710 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.33/36.55

Interbank offered rates Overnight 2.1-2.6

1 week 2.4-2.8

1 month 3.3-3.7

3 months 3.9-4.5

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
By Mike Stone | WASHINGTON

The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of more than $1.4 billion worth of military training and equipment for Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said on Monday, part of a $110 billion arms deal U.S. President Donald Trump sealed with the kingdom in May.

The proposed sales include a radar system made by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) as well as a training program for the Royal Saudi Air Force and other Saudi forces inside and outside of Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said in two separate notices on its website.

Lockheed is the prime contractor for 26 AN/TPQ-53(V) Radar Systems that were approved for potential sale.

The Pentagon said Saudi Arabia intended to use the radars to support its border security by locating the source of incoming artillery, rockets and mortars and defending against them.

The radars were a part of a $662 million State Department approval which included ammunition, trucks and technical support.

A separate $750 million "blanket order training program" contract, included flight training, professional military education, and English language training, the agency said. The contractor was not disclosed by the Pentagon in the notice.

The Pentagon said the training would include how to avoid civilian casualties, legal instruction related to armed conflict, and training about human rights.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which implements foreign arms sales, said it had delivered notification to Congress of both sales.

U.S. lawmakers have 30 days to block the sales, but that rarely happens.

Trump sealed the arms deals with Saudi Arabia on May 20, during a nine-day journey through the Middle East and Europe.

The United States has been the main supplier for most Saudi military needs in recent years, from F-15 fighter jets to command and control systems worth tens of billions of dollars.

Washington and Riyadh are eager to improve relations strained during President Barack Obama's administration in part because of his championing of a nuclear deal with Saudi foe Iran.

(Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Richard Chang and James Dalgleish)
(Recasts, adds detail)

By Wendell Roelf

CAPE TOWN, June 5 (Reuters) - South Sudan will drill 30 new wells this year and significantly boost oil output as it chases a peak 350,000 barrels a day target by mid-2018, the petroleum minister said on Monday.

East Africa's only mature oil producer, South Sudan has been courting new investment to revitalise an oil sector where output has been curbed to 130,000 bpd amid security challenges.

"We are estimating by the end of the year we will reach 200,000 barrels per day. We will make sure it reaches what it used to be," Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, the petroleum minister, told journalists on the sidelines of an African oil conference in Cape Town.

The nation, which seceded from Sudan in 2011 but plunged into civil war just over two years later, aimed to double output in the financial year starting in July, the finance minister said in January. Gatkuoth said the country would also resume stalled negotiations with Tullow Oil and Total over Block B1 and B2 after it halted direct talks in April due to "irreconcilable differences". "But now they have written to me to say they are interested to resume the negotiation so that we can reach a deal," he said.

Disagreements with the companies included recovery costs, capital gains tax as well as the period of exploration, Gatkuoth said.

Blocks B1 and B2 were once part of a 120,000 square kilometre area known as Block B, which was divided into three licenses in 2012 and is thought to be rich in hydrocarbons although very little drilling has been done there.

The main operators in South Sudan, which has proven reserves of around 3.5 billion barrels of oil, are China National Petroleum Company, Malaysia's state-owned Petronas and India's ONGC Videsh.

Gatkuoth told delegates earlier that the country intended increasing its refinery capacity to supply fuel to neighbouring countries, the petroleum minister said on Monday.

"We are focusing on four or five refineries so we can finally be able to sell to Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya and Uganda," he said.

Gatkuoth said the country's first refinery, a 10,000 bpd Russian-built plant in the Upper Nile region, was expected to start operating in August.

Other refineries under consideration include a 60,000 bpd plant close to the Ethiopian border as well as a 50,000 bpd in the oil-producing region of Paluch.

(Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Editing by Joe Brock and Susan Thomas)
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5



By Fatih Karimov  Trend:



Iran says that move by Arab States to cut ties with Qatar is not a way to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, Deputy Chief of Staff of Irans President for Political Affairs Hamid Aboutalebi said.



The era of implementing sanctions is over and cutting diplomatic ties, closing borders and blockade is not a way to resolve crisis, Aboutalebi tweeted June 5.



Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt have cut diplomatic ties and all land sea and air contacts with Qatar, accusing the Persian Gulf country of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs.



Meanwhile Aboutalebi tweeted that these countries have no other option but to start regional dialogue.



"What is happening is the preliminary result of the sword dance," Aboutalebi said referring to US President Donald Trump's last month visit to Saudi Arabia, where he participated in ceremonial sword dance.



During the visit Trump attacked Iran and accused the Islamic Republic of being the source of so much instability in the region.



He said, "For decades Iran has fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror.



The US and Saudi Arabia sealed a $110 billion deal during the Trump trip in which Riyadh will purchase US arms to help it counter Iran.



Relations between Tehran and Riyadh have been strained over the past years after their conflicting views on regional developments, particularly on Yemen and Syria, became more noticeable.



Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic relations with Iran after protesters stormed the kingdoms embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad on January 2, 2016 in response to Riyadh's execution of a prominent Saudi Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

Qatar, which has been known as a mediator for many regional disputes, is now drawn into serious disputes amid growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran over mutual accusations of sponsoring terrorism.

Saudi Arabia and its regional allies severed ties with Qatar on Monday over Dohas support for the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist movement, and also its ties with Saudis arch-rival Iran, sparking off simmering dispute in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The tiny island nation of Bahrain cited [Qatars] media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities, and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain" as a justification to join the move initiated by Saudi Arabia.

Qatar, however, describes the decision by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt as unjustified, terming the allegations baseless.

Hamid Aboutalebi, a senior Iranian official with presidential office, was the first to echo Tehrans concerns over the move, saying the era of imposing sanctions is over and measures such as cutting diplomatic ties, closing borders, and blockades are incapable of resolving the crises.

The Saudi allies, in the meantime, have announced their plan to close air and sea transport links to Qatar with the UAEs Etihad Airways suspending all flights to and from Doha, leaving Iran as the sole transportation route to the blockaded Arab nation.

The decision to severe ties with Qatar makes it inevitable for Doha to foster Iran ties, Sadegh Zibakalam, a renowned political analyst and professor at Tehran University, told Trend.

Ties between Saudi Arabia, the bastion of Sunni Islam as well as a loyal ally of the White House, and Iran, the Shia power close to the Kremlin, have been broken since they support each others enemies in proxy wars in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. However, Tehran-Riyadh disputes go back in history with deep roots in religion.

Forecasting that the strained ties between the Arab states will continue to worsen in future, Zibakalam concluded that Tehran is very likely to back Qatar in the Saudi row as ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia have already broken off.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5



By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:



Iranian foreign ministry has called on the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf to keep calm and resolve the recent crisis through dialogue.



Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi has expressed Tehrans concerns over the recent decision by Saudi allies to cut their ties with Qatar, IRNA news agency reported.



He warned that the escalation of ties between the regional countries is not in the national interest of those countries as extremism threat is growing in the region.



He criticized the decision by the four Arab states about imposing sanctions on Qatar and described it as unacceptable.



Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE severed ties with Qatar on Monday over Dohas support for the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist movement, and also its ties with Saudis arch-rival Iran, sparking off simmering dispute in the Gulf Cooperation Council.



The Saudi allies, in the meantime, have announced their plan to close air and sea transport links to Qatar.
By Yoon Ja-young



The government has drawn up an 11.2 trillion won ($9.99 billion) supplementary budget to create jobs, a key pledge of President Moon Jae-in.



The Cabinet signed off on the plan Monday, and it has been submitted for approval at a plenary session of the National Assembly scheduled for Wednesday.



The extra budget is to be used to create over 110,000 jobs and help pull up economic growth by bolstering people's income with the introduction of better working conditions.



"The youth unemployment rate rose to 11.2 percent in April and the number of de-facto jobless young adults is nearly 1.2 million. We won't see any improvement unless we take special measures," Deputy Finance Minister for budget affairs Park Chun-sup said in a press briefing.



Park said this is the first time a government has set up a supplementary budget for job creation. The law on national finance states that a supplementary budget can be set up in cases of war, natural disasters or major changes in economic conditions such as a recession, concern over massive unemployment, and changes in relations with North Korea.



Economists point out that the creation of new jobs may take more time to have an impact on the economy.



Lee Geun-tae, an economist at LG Economic Research Institute said the extra budget aims at boosting domestic economy by increasing income through more job creation, allowing people to spend more.



"The direct impact of stronger consumer income on economic growth may be weak," Lee said.



Even so, he said that it could be more effective in the long run since the increasing number of jobs will continue.



Creating jobs is the key to President Moon's "income-led" growth model, which is similar to inclusive growth. It aims at creating a virtuous cycle where more disposable income in households leads to more consumption and corporate investment, which in turn brings more jobs and economic growth.



Within the 11.2 trillion won supplementary budget, the government has allocated 4.2 trillion won to create jobs while 1.2 trillion won will be spent to improve working conditions.



It includes hiring an additional 12,000 government employees this year, most of whom will be involved with public safety such as police officers and firefighters, and also teachers.



Another 59,000 jobs will be created in the public sector - social services such as childcare, public health and social welfare - and will include supplementary or substitute teachers at nurseries and healthcare aides for dementia patients. The government also plans to expand jobs for senior citizens.



The supplementary budget is expected to help create 39,000 jobs in the private sector. If a small- or medium-sized company hires three young people as regular workers, the government will subsidize the salary of the third employee. It also allocated a fund for youth startups and businesses related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution to help create more jobs in the private sector.



Raising the allowance for parents taking childcare leave and opening up more state-run daycare centers are also included in the budget to help women continue their careers after having children. The employment rate of females was 56.2 percent as of last year, the seventh lowest among OECD member countries. The ratio of low-waged workers among women, meanwhile, is the highest among OECD countries, since most Korean women fail to continue their careers after they have children.



The government stressed it would not issue state bonds for the supplementary budget, since excess tax revenue is estimated to be 8.8 trillion won for this year and a 1.1 trillion won surplus was carried over from last year. The remainder of the budget will come from a government-controlled fund.



However, economists say that this could add to the fiscal burden.



"The increase in jobs should immediately lead to economic growth to provide the government with more tax income not to weigh on government finances. However, it remains to be seen whether the income-led growth model is sustainable," Lee said.



Jeong Yeon-ang, professor at Chung-Ang University, said that creating jobs in the public sector may worsen conditions for the next administration when considering the snowballing government debt.



"Once you hire someone in the public sector, it is extremely difficult to fire them. We should consider everything from a long-term perspective," he said.



It is also to be seen whether the supplementary budget will be approved at the National Assembly. The opposition parties say it doesn't meet legal conditions.




Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

Several Iranian news outlets and social media users have noted the increasing number of Qatar flights over Iran following the worsening of ties between Doha and four Arab states.

Some social media users say Iran has turned into Qatars sole breathing space as the surrounding states have decided to close air and sea transport links to Qatar.

Iranian and Qatari aviation organizations were not available for comment, but FlightAwares map of Qatar Airways flights shows a large number of Qatar flights over Iran.

Dohas Arab neighbors of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain are likely to fully shut down their airspace to Qatar since Tuesday morning local time.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE severed ties with Qatar on Monday over Dohas support for the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist movement, and also its ties with Saudis arch-rival Iran, sparking off simmering dispute in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Iran has called on the sides to resolve the issue through talks with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeting coercion is never the solution.

Iran in the meantime has expressed its readiness to export food to Qatar through sea.
KAI KUH-1 Surion / Courtesy of KAI



By Park Hyong-ki



The state-run Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) has increased its stake in Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) from 7.74 percent to 26.41 percent, according to a KAI regulatory filing Monday.



This comes after the Korea Development Bank (KDB) handed over its KAI shares to Eximbank to help boost the export policy bank's capital base, the defense manufacturer noted.



KDB was the biggest shareholder in KAI with a 19 percent stake.



With the handover, Eximbank has become KAI's largest shareholder. Other key KAI shareholders include the National Pension Service and Hanwha Techwin, according to the filing.



Eximbank's increased ownership in KAI will help improve the policy bank's capital.



Facing a low capital adequacy ratio due to its exposure to the bad debts of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and debt-ridden shipping companies, Eximbank urgently needed capital to improve its balance sheet and help restructure DSME and other shipbuilders hit by an industry downturn.



Some positive reports suggest the shipbuilding industry could rebound beginning this year but it remains to be seen whether the projections are correct, watchers pointed out.



Eximbank's BIS ratio stands at around 12 percent, below the recommended 15 percent. Last year, it was at 10 percent, according to the Financial Supervisory Service.



KDB offered to give its KAI shares to Eximbank as part of emergency financial relief for debt-troubled shipbuilders last year.



Eximbank had previously received a capital injection of 1 trillion won through the government's stake in the state-run Korea Land & Housing Corp.



The financial authority had debated ways to recapitalize the policy banks amid an increase in bad corporate debts.



The Bank of Korea had provided capital to a bank recapitalization fund on condition of fully retrieving all of its capital without any losses.



The KAI share is expected to increase Eximbank's BIS ratio only by 1 percentage point, which still falls short of the standard limit.



KDB was looking to offload its KAI shares during former administrations, which urged the policy lender to liquidate its ownership in nonfinancial units as part of privatization.



However, the Moon Jae-in government has pledged a long-term investment in defense, standing against the privatization of key strategic industries.


By Park Hyong-ki





Everywhere people go, artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be the keyword.



On the news, television talk shows, in books and over dinner tables, AI is a hot topic.



Even at U.S. college graduation ceremonies over the past few weeks, AI has been the main theme.



Kai-Fu Lee, a Taiwanese venture capitalist, urged Columbia University graduates "not to miss out, but embrace the age of AI."



He told them to align their career goals with the inevitability of the growth of AI.



Microsoft founder Bill Gates advised college students to pursue careers related to AI because that field would offer "phenomenal and exciting" opportunities.



Whether people like it or not, AI is about to come on really fast and reshape the global economy.



It will take over jobs from doctors, accountants, journalists, construction workers, social workers, corporate middle managers and even executives. If robots get wiser, they will make cost-efficient decisions by crunching massive amounts of data in seconds.



Through books and current affairs talk shows, scholars, economists and scientists challenge readers and audiences to envision a future where robots can do most of the work people now do not only at lower costs but also with perfect precision and timing.



The world is already seeing robots building bridges, performing medical procedures, inspecting disaster zones and even writing news articles and screenplays.



As AI becomes more intelligent, will this world ruled by Homo sapiens come to an end? Yuval Noah Harari's books "Sapiens" and "Homo Deus" certainly provoke readers to think of this possibility.



After all, humans were able to conquer, pollute and enrich this planet as soon as they learned the skills to talk, write, calculate, document and trade as they expanded their turf. Robots, even at their nascent stage of development, have already begun to take those steps.



Sun Dae-in, a local economist, forecast in his book "The Future of Jobs" that the labor market looks dim amid an aging population, low birthrate and AI, urging the next generation to take up new skills that cannot be matched by robots.



So the question is what is Korea doing to prepare for this new world? Is the education system aligned with this future? Is the private sector aware what's coming?



From various books, interviews, news and data, Koreans, in general, seem "nonchalant."



There is definitely a gap in the urgency and importance of AI between the Western world and this country, even between it and China and Southeast Asian economies where innovation is rapid.



Korea lags far behind in AI development. It has the lowest number of AI startups, scholars and engineers. Also, it has the lowest amount of investment being made in the field compared to the United States, Europe, China and Japan, according to the National Information Society Agency.



When AI becomes the mainstream, it will be nothing like smartphones. And Korea will not be able to hold it off like it did with Apple's iPhone in 2007 to give some leeway for local players to catch up.



AI does not have any boundaries to extending its reach. The more one resists AI, the more it will be disruptive and chaotic.



Korea needs to embrace AI and be seriously prepared for this new age of intelligence and automation.



Lee said AI can help people grow and find "treasure." Otherwise, be prepared to be wiped out.
By Ko Dong-hwan



North Jeolla province has launched a campaign to attract foreign tourists  by recommending choice restaurants.



The regional government is accepting applications from those who want their eateries included.



The restaurants must offer good food, kind service, tables with chairs, clean kitchens, halls, and lavatories.



The establishments also must be able to serve 80 or more visitors at the same time, have parking lots and no records of business suspension for the past two years. Menus do not matter.



The government is accepting applications until this Friday.



Selected restaurants will be given special signs and will be promoted on government websites and in booklets.



The move is expected to reduce the nation's chronic habit of overcharging foreign tourists and improve visitors' impressions of Korean restaurants.




A South Korean civic group said Monday that it will delay shipments of aid supplies to North Korea and its plan to visit North Korea as Pyongyang took issue with U.N. sanctions against the North.



The Korean Sharing Movement is preparing to send pesticide and medical supplies to fight Malaria to North Korea as the government has decided to flexibly resume inter-Korean exchanges.



Kang Young-sik, the secretary-general of the group, said that Pyongyang took issue with the South Korean government's attitude toward the latest adoption of U.N. sanctions against the North.



"We've decided to put off our plans to deliver the supplies' shipments and to visit North Korea for cooperation," Kang said.



Last Friday, the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to sanction more North Korean officials and entities, including a military unit handling ballistic missiles, after the North carried out a series of defiant missile tests. (Yonhap)








A U.S. school for children with disabilities said Sunday it will dedicate a statue next week in memory of a South Korean boy murdered by his American adoptive father.



The Linwood Center, located in Howard County, the U.S. state of Maryland, said on its website that it will hold a ceremony marking the dedication of the sculpture called "Hyunsu's Butterfly" on the school's premises on June 12.



Hyunsu O'Callaghan, born in South Korea in 2010, was killed by his adoptive father Brian O'Callaghan, in 2014, just four months after he was adopted.



The statue depicting a boy holding a butterfly is a replica of the same sculpture installed in April this year at the Daniel School, a school and orphanage for children with disabilities, in southern Seoul. Thomas Park Clement, a sculptor and a Korean-American adoptee, and his wife Kim Won-sook made the matching sculptures.



On the website, the U.S. school said the two schools "share a meaningful connection through their work of providing special education programming for children with disabilities. To mark this new partnership, both schools received a donation of matching sculptures" from the couple.



As a result of plea-bargaining over a trial process that had stretched for more than two years, O'Callaghan pled guilty to first-degree murder and child abuse for the death of his own son in exchange for having his first-degree murder dismissed. He is now serving a jail term of 12 years. (Yonhap)




ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary General Kim Young-sun, seventh from right, poses at at the ASEAN Culinary Festival at COEX in southern Seoul on June 2. / Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre





By Rachel Lee

Renowned ASEAN region chefs were in Korea to offer their mouth-watering delights at the ASEAN Culinary Festival at COEX in southern Seoul on June 1-4.

The ASEAN-Korea Centre-organized event was part of the Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA), the nation's largest international travel event.

"Food is a universal language that brings people and cultures together," ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary General Kim Young-sun said at an opening ceremony on June 2.

"Held for the first time last year, the ASEAN Culinary Festival connected the hearts and minds of the people of ASEAN and Korea by introducing 30 ASEAN dishes to about 3,500 visitors during the four-day event."

This year's event featured the region's finest coffee and tea and dishes ASEAN country embassies and tourism organizations in Korea recommended, the organization said.

"Furthermore, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the Visit ASEAN Year, ASEAN developed special travel packages entitled Southeast Asia's 50 Golden Trails' that will be launched at the ASEAN Tourism Pavilion," Kim said.

The event featured over 50 culinary experiences and the celebrity chefs prepared 20 distinct dishes _ two from each member state. The dishes included nasi goreng from Indonesia, bun cha from Vietnam and rendang and pulut kuning from Malaysia,

The organization also held promotions such as the ASEAN Map event, the Photo Wall for social networking service uploads and the ASEAN Travel Mobile Application download event.

The ASEAN-Korea Centre, an intergovernmental organization established in 2009 to promote exchanges between Korea and the 10 ASEAN member states, has been participating in the KOTFA since 2013.

It designated May and June as "ASEAN Month" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the ASEAN-ROK Cultural Exchange Year.



During the two months, several events will be held  including the ASEAN Lecture Series, the ASEAN-Korea Investment Promotion Seminar on ICT, the ASEAN Quiz, and the ASEAN School Tour Program.

Last month, the organization hosted a photography contest to celebrate the anniversary. There were 1,034 entries from the 10 ASEAN member states and 1,055 from Korea for the contest from March 7 to April 23.

The judging committee comprised four photography experts and representatives from embassies and tourism organizations of seven ASEAN countries that offer Special Country Awards. There was one winner of the first prize, two runners-up and eight winners of the Special Country Awards. Prizes included 12 round-trip flight tickets, four iPad Minis and 44 gift cards, the organization said.



The organization also introduced the food and culinary culture of the region at COEX in Seoul last year, at the "ASEAN Fair: Touch & Taste ASEAN." It featured 100 companies, 70 delegations and performers from 10 ASEAN member states. A wide range of products  including packaged and processed foods and beverages  was promoted, followed by business-matching meetings between exhibitors and Korean buyers.



For more information about ASEAN Month, visit www.aseankorea.org/eng/Activities/ASEANmonth.asp.
Chilean Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attache Captain Juan Francisco Rojas, sixth from right in front row, poses at a reception organized by the Embassy of Chile to mark the country's Navy Day at the Army Club at the Ministry of National Defense on May 25. / Courtesy of Embassy of Chile





By Rachel Lee

The Embassy of Chile marked the country's Navy Day with a reception on May 25 at the Army Club at the Ministry of National Defense.

Chilean Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attache Captain Juan Francisco Rojas said Chile, between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is a maritime country because the Pacific Ocean does not represent a boundary or barrier.

"For nearly 200 years, the Chilean Navy has contributed directly to the sustained development of the country, safeguarding a common interest of Chilean people and building strong ties of friendship with the majority of countries that have something special in common," Rojas said.

"Our main hero, Commander Arturo Prat, sacrificed himself for his values on May 21, 1879, during the naval battle of Iquique, leaving an unforgettable example of principles and sacrifice to all Chilean people."

Rojas also mentioned Korean Admiral Yi Sun-sin among world naval heroes, including Peruvian Admiral Miguel Grau and Admiral Horatio Nelson of the British Navy.

"The Chilean Navy, illuminated by the heritage of our main hero Commander Arturo Prat, represents in the world an active part of the challenges that the future offers to all those countries that are, in one way or another, linked to the sea," Rojas said. "Chile, symbolized by its friendly people and rich land, invites you to imitate the examples of your own heroes so that we will build a better world of peace and welfare for our people."
By Rachel Lee

The European Union (EU) is hosting an event in Seoul on Monday to promote sustainability.

The "Eurovillage: A Green Bridge to Europe," which coincides with World Environment Day on June 5, is part of the EU's efforts to combat climate change.

The event will feature performances on Seoullo7017's Rose stage and activities including quizzes, the EU said. It will also provide information about the EU and 28 member states.

For more information, visit eeas.europa.eu/delegations/south-korea.
By You Soo-sun



A Seoul court fined a man 5 million won ($4,469) for possession and distribution of child pornography.



The man, reportedly in his 20s, was charged on two grounds: possessing 415 images and videos portraying sexually explicit conduct of minors and distributing them through an online file-sharing program on his computer.



His case was taken up by a judge at the Seoul Western District Court who ruled: "it is unlawful to distribute or provide child pornography and to possess it while acknowledging it holds such content."



Included in the titles of many of these files, downloaded between June 2015 and December 2016, were indications that elementary school students were involved, implying the offender had been aware of the problematic content.



The incident has led some to question whether Korean law is too soft on crimes related to child pornography. In the United States, for example, a first-time offender of the same crime would be sentenced to prison for at least five years. Even the mere possession of such material is subject to the same punishment if the offender had been aware of the materials.



The punishment in Korea is much less severe. The Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse states both "a person who sells, rents, distributes, or provides sexually explicit materials involving minors with the intention of making profit may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison," and "one who knowingly possesses such materials may receive a less than one-year sentence in prison or fined up to 20 million won."








/ Graphic by Cho Sang-won



Daughter may give up US citizenship for FM-nominated mother  but why?



By Jung Min-ho



Many nominees for top government posts in Korea have faced trouble during the National Assembly confirmation hearings for having children with U.S. citizenship.

While some made it through after making public apologies, others could not.

Kang Kyung-wha, the nominee for foreign minister, is the latest one waiting in the line for the test.

Most people outside Korea remain puzzled over the news that Kang is trying to convince her 34-year-old daughter, who was born and raised in the United States as a dual citizen, to ditch her U.S. citizenship and revert to her Korean one, which she previously renounced.

"I don't see why the daughter would be asked to give up her U.S. citizenship other than dual citizenship," said Timothy Rich, an assistant professor of East Asia politics at Western Kentucky University. "Does this suggest Kang is less committed to Korea full-time? That sounds like a stretch to me, especially since the daughter is an adult."

Lakhvinder Singh, director of the peace program at the Asia Institute in Seoul, was also shocked by the news. The Indian said he reckons such a practice comes from a "narrow view of patriotism."

"If you are not with us then you must be with them. I think that's basically what it is about," he said. "Are narrow tribal loyalties still that strong and can Koreans see things only in black and white?"

"Asking an adult to give up her citizenship so her mother can be appointed is unjust and inappropriate  The daughter has her rights which must be respected."

There is no law that requires the children of government officials to have Korean citizenship. Yet there is strong public sentiment against such children having foreign citizenship.

Thus, Kang, who knows the sentiment well, apparently didn't want to see opposition lawmakers exploit it to attack her and the Moon Jae-in administration during her confirmation hearing, which is scheduled for Wednesday.



Reason for narrow-mindedness




Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Elena Kosolapova Trend:

The extension of the oil output cut deal will have positive effect on oil prices in the near term, but in the long term it will face challenges, Alan Gelder, Vice President Refining, Chemicals & Oil Markets, EMEARC (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia and Caspian) Research at Wood Mackenzie told Trend.

We expect the extension of the cuts to ensure a global stock draw for the second half of the year and a modest stock build in Q1 (as this is the quarter at which oil demand is at its lowest). We consider this to be supportive for prices in the second half of this year and to reduce the downward pressure on prices for 1Q2018, Gelder told Trend by email.

However the long term perspective is that OPEC faces a dilemma, as the extension of the cuts provides further support to US tight oil growth, so reducing the flexibility for OPEC to return to full volumes without incurring a significant downward price impact, according to the analyst.

A key aspect for the longer term is our outlook of annual oil demand growth slows, due to improving vehicle fuel efficiency, so oil price outlook is more driven by supply developments, so the balance between US tight oil production, non-OPEC supply growth and OPEC behavior, Gelder said.

He noted that Wood Mackenzie expects high compliance with the proposed cuts during the extension as there is a high level technical committee focused on compliance monitoring. However, he went on to add that the challenges are around stronger US tight oil growth and supply returning from Nigeria and Libya, who are outside the agreement.

OPEC has agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, with top exporter Saudi Arabia cutting as much as 486,000 barrels per day. Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce the output by 558,000 barrels per day. The agreement was for six months period, extendable for another six months.

In late May, all the participants of last year's agreement agreed to extend it to another nine months.

Gelder noted that from the pricing developments since the oil output cut deal was extended (oil prices fell slightly), it appears that the broader oil market was looking for the OPEC meeting to deepen cuts to counter the growth in US tight oil and the return of volumes from Libya and Nigeria and so secure an implied global stock draw.

The challenges with extending the cuts rather than deepening them is the risks of unforeseen events derailing the expected inventory drawdown, the analyst said.

The price for August futures of Brent crude oil hit $50 per barrel on June 5.
By Kim Rahn



The approval rating for President Moon Jae-in has fallen for the first time since his inauguration, a survey showed Monday.



The decline is attributable to the alleged past wrongdoings of some of his minister nominees and the controversy over the investigation into a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) deployment here, the poll agency said.



According to Realmeter, Moon's approval rating stood at 78.1 percent last week, down 6 percentage points from the previous week. It was also the first time that the rate has gone below 80 percent _ it was 81.6 percent two weeks ago and 84.1 percent one week ago.



Negative evaluation of Moon also rose by 4.2 percentage points to 14.2 percent from a week ago.



"Opposition parties have intensified their offense to Cabinet member nominees as the confirmation hearings began, and the parties are criticizing the President's order for the THAAD investigation. Such issues have made some supporters turn away from Moon," the poll agency said.



In the confirmation hearings, some nominees were grilled over their alleged ethical lapses and some others are facing similar situations _ Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, Foreign Minister nominee Kang Kyung-wha and Fair Trade Commission Chairman nominee Kim Sang-jo were involved in false residence registrations; Kang faces other allegations of her daughter's tax evasion; Kim allegedly falsely reported the value of his house; and Constitutional Court President-designate Kim Yi-su allegedly made rulings favorable to the government's bloody suppression of the pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju in 1980.



Regarding THAAD, Cheong Wa Dae said last week that the Ministry of National Defense deliberately did not share important information about the anti-missile system's deployment with the new administration. Moon ordered an investigation into the deployment process and the alleged omission of the information in the ministry's policy briefing to the President.



More than 77 percent of the survey respondents expected Moon would do well in managing state affairs for the remaining five years of his term, down 5.2 percentage points from the previous week. Some 14 percent predicted he would not do so, up 4.2 percentage points.



The support rate for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea also declined slightly by 1.1 percentage point to 55.6 percent. That of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party, which strongly criticized the ministers' nomination and THAAD probe, edged up by 1 percentage point to 13 percent, its first upward turn in three weeks.



The survey was conducted with 2,527 adults from May 29 to June 2. It had a confidence rate of 95 percent with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.




President Moon Jae-in walks off the stage after a speech for former President Roh Moo-hyun, his longtime friend, during Roh's memorial service in Bongha Village, South Gyeongsang Province, May 23. A cardboard figure of Roh stands behind Moon. / Yonhap



Some staunch supporters of President cross the line



By Choi Ha-young



President Moon Jae-in's fan  the so-called "Moonppa," a portmanteau of "Moon" and "ppa," slang for "diehard fan"  have made headlines daily for their aggressive activities to support the liberal head of state.

Their most controversial action so far is the use of "text bombs," in which they deluge a Moon opponent with abusive or threatening text messages. The attack targeted the opposition bloc during the National Assembly confirmation hearing for Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon.

After receiving a flood of abusive text messages, the conservative Liberty Korea Party decided to take legal action against these Moon supporters, and the People's Party eventually organized a task force to solve the issue. "The damage caused by text bombs is beyond the boundaries of freedom of expression, thus requiring the reaction of the party," spokeswoman Kim Yoo-jung said Wednesday.

Rep. Lee Un-ju, who defected from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) to the People's Party, was the main target of the attacks for her "betrayal." After receiving countless assault threats and sexual insults via text messages, Lee eventually changed her phone number.

But this is not the only group actions. It has also criticized the nation's liberal and progressive newspapers  Hankyoreh, Kyunghyang Shinmun and OhmyNews  for what they perceive as unfavorable coverage of Moon, and many supporters have unsubscribed from such media outlets.

And even though media critics say the outlets are not so hostile to Moon, his supporters nevertheless cherry-pick stories that appear unfavorable and distribute them via online communities.

Some pro-Moon citizens' deep mistrust of progressive media outlets originates from their own experience. In 2009, when the prosecution was investigating former President Roh Moo-hyun for bribery allegations allegedly raised by then conservative President Lee Myung-bak, Moon served as Roh's lawyer. On May 23 that year, Roh jumped to his death.

Roh's supporters believed that liberal and progressive newspapers were collaborators in the circumstances that led to Roh's suicide, one of the most tragic moments in the nation's history. Though criticism of Roh by the conservative media was harsher, allegedly in connection with the politically biased prosecution and intelligence agency, criticism from the liberal media was more damaging and is considered by Roh's supporters as a betrayal.

However, it is still difficult to understand Roh supporters' strong antipathy toward liberal outlets considering journalism's role of ensuring checks and balances.





This is the poster for "Our President," a documentary film on former President Roh Moo-hyun's life. As of June 5, 1.17 million people have watched the movie since the May 25 opening, a record high for a documentary film here. / Yonhap



Our President

To understand the unique sentiment of Roh's supporters, it is essential to look at his bumpy political path from the son of a poor farmer to president. Roh, who did not have a college diploma, had always been marginalized in the world of politics.

However, with great speaking skills and strong Busan dialect, the former human rights lawyer was always confident, in fact bold enough to throw his nameplate in a protest against military dictator Chun Doo-hwan in 1989. The politician was nicknamed "fool" and called a "roly poly" who never gave up his long-cherished dream: break the rigid wall of regionalism between the nation's eastern Gyeongsang Provinces and the western Jeolla Provinces.

His spectacular life is well documented in the movie "Our President" that premiered May 25. His fan club, "Rohsamo"  which literally means "people who love Roh"  was always behind him. Amid a lack of funds, they continued to campaign for Roh's presidential bid, subsisting on instant noodles and lunchboxes.

In 2002, nobody expected Roh, who had no political faction, would be nominated by the Millennium Democratic Party, the predecessor of the DPK. "It was the most glorious moment as a Rohsamo member," a campaigner says in the movie.

Ruminating over their intense memories of their "idol," everyone in the movie  from a former spy in charge of monitoring his movements, to a driver and a staffer at his law firm  ends up crying.

While Roh's fandom lost momentum following his political missteps, more than a million people flocked to his hometown of Bongha Village from May 23 to 29 in 2009 to pay their respects, and people with yellow ribbons took to the streets May 29 to bid him farewell. For them, Roh's death was more than that of a politician but a failure to achieve his goals for the country.





Citizens burst into tears as Roh's funeral cortege passes by in central Seoul, May 29, 2009. / Korea Times file



"He was an adorable person, highly talented in attracting people," said author Rhyu Si-min, health minister during the Roh administration. In addition to pity, a sense of guilt haunts his supporters that they failed to "protect" him.

Given that Moon was Roh's longtime friend and political heir, many Roh supporters did not hesitate to commit their absolute unconditional support to Moon.

In Bongha Village, after Moon's landslide victory, some supporters vowed to protect him to avert another tragic end. They fear the media and political opponents may harm him, as they did Roh.

For some, Moon is an "avatar" of Roh. "Moon is the one who stands in line with the spirit of Roh," a woman surnamed Jung, 54, told The Korea Times. "He truly knows what's right and what's wrong. I trust him unconditionally." Jung flew from Washington, D.C., to the village to take part in the latest commemorative event for Roh.

This level of support is in line with Rhyu's remark May 5, just before Moon was elected: "I will be a government-patronized scholar." On May 9, after Moon's victory was palpable, An Hee-jung, a former presidential hopeful of the DPK and Roh's associate, passed on a request to a joyful group of Moon's supporters: "Please be behind Moon for five years, even if he seems to take the wrong road."





Harmful effect of social media?

Interestingly, a core Rohsamo member in 2002, Yoon Seok-gyu, pointed out the difference between Rohsamo and loyal Moon supporters.

"The composition of Moonppa is different from that of Rohsamo," Yoon told The Korea Times. Some Moon loyalists are in their 20s and 30s, which means they do not have clear memories of the "Roh frenzy" in 2002 and suggests that some became favorable to Moon after Roh's death or later by watching past video clips.

The largest difference between Rohsamo and Moonppa is "blind loyalty," Yoon said. "When Roh made mistakes, we, in the initial stage, used to keep our distance from him or leave him. However, I can't find reflective thinking among those who are loyal to Moon. Celebrities like Rhyu are serving as ideologues for them."

The core reason for the differences between the two groups of supporters originates from the emergence of social media, Yoon said. "Rohsamo was based on a sole website, since we didn't have smartphones or social networking sites. Now, Moon fans are scattered over many channels, making it difficult to control their passion."

The new online trend among Moon supporters is facilitating such deviations. As shown in the movie, Rohsamo's No. 1 slogan was "destruction of regionalism." The members' shared ambition was reaffirmed on their official website. However, it's hard to find a common ideology in pro-Moon online communities.

Some even resemble far-right groups when they insulted homosexual activists and defined "labor unions" as an "old evil to be removed." As the conservative Chosun Ilbo newspaper pointed out in an editorial: "Anybody who criticizes Moon is categorized as an old evil."

Fortunately, Moon seems aware that these supporters' fervor based on Roh's legacy is not so helpful. In a determined speech at the eighth commemorative event last month to mark Roh's death, Moon said he will "keep his longing for Roh in his heart," and not visit Bongha Village again as President.

Not all of Moon's supporters are members or approve of his aggressive fan club. "I think the text messages have some positive influence as a direct expression of democracy," Han Jang-heon, 45, a backer of both Roh and Moon, told The Korea Times.

"However, I hope and believe that such controversial actions will calm down in the end, as citizens themselves controlled violent behavior during the anti-president street rallies last year," said Han, who also visited Bongha Village this year to attend the commemorative event.

Now, it is time for the fans to determine how to back Moon's reformative initiatives and achieve Roh's unfinished dream.
By Choi Ha-young



The National Assembly will try to hold a reunion of families separated following the Korean War (1950-53) on Liberation Day, Aug. 15, officials from a majority of parties said Monday.



If held, the reunion will be the first since October 2015 when the event was stopped following continuous North Korean provocations.



Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun and party floor leaders said after their weekly meeting they would push to resume the meetings.



"We've agreed to issue a resolution to push for a family reunion on Aug. 15," Kang Hoon-sik, spokesman of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), told reporters. The day is an important anniversary in both Koreas to mark liberation from the 1910-45 Japanese occupation.



However, the three parties  the DPK, the People's Party and the Bareun Party  need to persuade the largest opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP), as its floor leader Chung Woo-taik refused to attend the meeting in protest of the DPK's "unilateral" endorsement of Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon last week.



"We have to talk with Chung," Kang added.



There have been 20 family reunions since the first one in 2000 under the Kim Dae-jung administration. But what was supposed to be a regular event became irregular, depending on inter-Korean relations under the conservative administrations of Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye. Since October 2015, the two Koreas have failed to reach a consensus.



As a presidential candidate, President Moon Jae-in, whose parents' hometown is in the North, pledged to continue reunions for all surviving family members. Moon and his mother attended a reunion together in 2004 where he met a long-lost aunt.



Human rights groups have urged the government to see the reunions from a humanitarian point of view, as the people who still have family in the North are getting older, while many of them have passed away. Among 60,995 people registered as having family members in the North, 19.2 percent are in their 90s, while 43 percent of them are in their 80s. In April alone, 327 passed away.



Separate from the family reunions, the government has endorsed four more requests from South Korean civic groups for contact with their North Korean counterparts, Monday.



The groups are the NGO Green One Korea, to discuss joint moves to conserve forests; the Council of South and North Korean Historians, to take care of cultural assets; the World Taekwondo Federation, to hold a conference with the North; and the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation also to hold a conference.



However, the future of the initiatives is not so rosy as Pyongyang refused to allow one group into the country to protest the United Nations' sanctions against its missile and nuclear tests.



So far, 15 civic and religious organizations have gained approval, according to the unification ministry. The ministry said it would approve nongovernmental exchanges while also keeping international sanctions against Pyongyang's missile and nuclear threats. Moon's Foreign Minister nominee Kang Kyung-wha said humanitarian aid to the North should come with no strings attached.




Opposition parties oppose supplementary budget for job creation



By Kim Hyo-jin



The Moon Jae-in government's extra budget plan  the first of its kind aimed solely at creating jobs  faces a bumpy road to get National Assembly approval.



The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is set to push for the bill during a June parliamentary session, saying swift implementation is the key to maximizing its effectiveness. However, opposition parties oppose it, saying the aim of job creation is not a valid reason to draft an extra budget.



The Ministry of Strategy and Finance plans to submit the 11.2 trillion won ($10 billion) supplementary budget proposal to the Assembly on Wednesday.



Stressing the need for the extra budget, Moon is considering giving an address at the Assembly to explain the budget plan and seek the opposition parties' consent, which will be his first parliamentary presence for a speech since his inauguration in early May.



The ruling party said it would hold a vote for the budget bill on June 27 during the last plenary session of the month.

It emphasized there is no threat of harming fiscal sustainability as the budget will be financed by accumulated tax revenue without issuing national bonds, the grounds on which the ruling party believes the legislature should back its smooth passage.



"The extra budget this time only focused on job creation. There is no pork barreling for regional interests, social overhead capital, or deficit-causing issuance of national bonds," Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon, DPK chief policymaker, said during a press briefing Monday, reflecting his expectations the opposition bloc would cooperate.



But for now, the six-seat Justice Party is its only supporter. The passage of the bill requires a majority vote in the 299-seat Assembly. The ruling party only holds 120 seats.



The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) viewed the extra budget plan negatively, claiming the case is not supported by any legal requirements stated in the National Finance Act.



It states a supplementary budget can be drafted in the case of natural disaster, economic depression, mass unemployment, changes in inter-Korean relations, major changes to domestic and foreign political and economic conditions and an increase in national spending caused by the enactment of laws.



"We cannot agree on an extra budget if it is mainly aimed at creating jobs in the public sector," LKP floor leader Rep. Chung Woo-taik said.



The minor opposition People's Party agreed, saying various economic indexes are now showing signs of economic recovery.



The opposition parties expressed concerns the extra budget plan is intended to increase public jobs.



When drafting the extra budget, the government laid out its aim to create over 110,000 jobs including 71,000 in the public sector.



"We are opposed to the job policy driven by the government," said Rep. Jeong Yong-ki, LKP spokesman. "It would cost the taxpayers while having a trivial impact on economic recovery, and in the long term, an increase in public jobs will only lead to a severe financial burden for the government."



People's Party floor leader Kim Dong-cheol echoed his view, saying, "The people would not agree on the government's plan to seek job creation in the form of an extra budget, rather than the main budget."




By Jun Ji-hye



An incumbent prosecutor has been appointed to lead the spy agency's department in charge of inspecting internal organizations and staff, and taking disciplinary action if necessary, sources said Monday.



Cho Nam-kwan, 52, from the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, has been dispatched to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to serve in that position, according to sources.



The position, which is also involved in personnel management, is among the top five most important posts in the NIS, sources added.



Naming an outside figure to such a core position shows the Moon Jae-in government's strong determination to thoroughly reform the spy agency, which has long been suspected of meddling in domestic politics and elections to support the ruling elite.



Reforming the agency was one of the key campaign pledges of President Moon.



In line with Moon's pledge, Suh Hoon, who was appointed Thursday to head the NIS, ordered the "immediate and complete" abolition of the agency's domestic intelligence operations on his inaugural day.



Under such operations, the NIS officers used to gather information on government ministries, organizations and agencies as well as media companies, and were suspected of having used such information to intervene in domestic politics.



As Suh stressed that a zero tolerance principle will be applied to those who violate relevant rules and orders, Cho is also expected to keenly monitor any violations committed by NIS officers.



Cho became a prosecutor in 1995 and was a member of a presidential commission, in 2000, which was in charge of unearthing the truth behind suspicious deaths that took place during the nation's military dictatorship in the 1970s.



The prosecutor also headed the narcotics and organized crime department at the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office and later worked as a human rights investigator at the justice ministry.



Cho worked at Cheong Wa Dae as a junior official under President Roh Moo-hyun from 2006 to 2008. Moon was Roh's chief of staff.








By Deauwand Myers





Now that Korea's presidential election is over, Korea's relationship with the North will be analyzed anew.

In evaluating the North, some perspective on how it came to be, and its deep animosity towards the West, and the United States in particular, should be explored.

Most Americans, indeed, most Westerners, know precious little about the aptly titled "Forgotten War." What little they do know are the broadest of strokes: over 3 million dead; a bifurcation of North and South Korea; decades of hostility; and an uneasy armistice between the two Koreas.

The Korean War is far more complex than that. After War World II, the Soviet Union and the US split Korea into spheres of influence, as was done with East and West Germany. The opposing ideologies of the US and the USSR, culminating into the Cold War, lead to there ever being a North and South Korea.

Korea's first president, American-backed President Syngman Rhee, was a rightist politician who brutally suppressed leftists and advocates of rapprochement with North Korea. This spurred the puppet regime of Kim Il-sung to unilaterally attack the South.

The onslaught thereafter is well documented, at least the outlines. But as with World War II, America fails to fully account for the brutality by which it attacked the North. About 20 percent of North Koreans, mostly citizens, were incinerated by constant and indiscriminate bombings led by America and its allies. More bombs were detonated over North Korea by America than in all of Japan and Germany during World War II.

This level of civilian death would be considered a war crime had the US lost. But America is the so-called indispensible nation, so, just as American war atrocities during WWII are glossed over, or even hidden, from public record (and scrutiny), the same can be said about the Korean War.

Unlike America, North Koreans are keenly aware of the brutality and carnage wrought upon them by America and its allies during the Korean War. This, along with the normal and constant brainwashing, indoctrination, and deification of the Kim family and the North Korean state by the DPRK's propaganda apparatus, makes for a toxic mix wherein the North and America know little about each other.

All of this is critical to understand, because without this knowledge, Korea, the North, and America are doomed to perpetual distrust and eventual military conflict.

The aforementioned brutality of the Korean War, and the decades of hostilities and famine and abject poverty do not, in any way, exculpate the evil of the Kim Regime.

Make no mistake, Kim Jong-Un and his father and grandfather, are and were brutal, amoral, cruel, and venal dictators of the highest order. While Mr. Kim gets fatter by the day, most of his population, as in earlier times, suffers in poverty so stark that malnutrition and starvation is still a common form of death in the DPRK.

Further, as I've written before, North Korea sees nuclear armament as its only card to play. The very survival of its government depends on possible nuclear conflict erupting if Korea and America ever militarily engage.

Dialogue is a tactic, not a means to an end. The DPRK will never give up nuclear weapons. As such, morally, geopolitically, can the West, and the international community at large, live with allowing North Korea to exist in perpetuity, with its bleak human rights record, gulags, summary executions, torture, and abject poverty, coupled with its nuclear proliferation to anyone willing to risk secret associations with it (take Syria, for example)?

It should be noted that North Korea began its nuclear weapons program in earnest in the 1980s. U.S. President Reagan, supposedly the great communicator and defeater of communism, allowed a rogue regime to acquire, in short order, rudimentary nuclear weapons technology.

The proceeding American presidential administrations, of both major political parties, have more or less watched as the DPRK becomes ever more sophisticated in its development of said arsenal. Eventually, the North will be able to deliver nuclear-tipped missiles to Korea, Japan, and yes, America.

The question, then, is: how crazy is Mr. Kim and crew? Like Iran, surely, it understands any actual use of a nuclear weapon against America or its allies will mean its complete and immutable destruction.

Should we base foreign policy on whether or not dictators are sane, or just sick?

Most probably, a war of some consequence, and then the removal of the Kim Regime, may be the only way to end the DPRK. We've waited for an orderly collapse of said regime for at least a generation; no such luck. All the while, North Korean nuclear scientists have been feverishly working on a credible and reliable nuclear deterrent.

Unfortunately, for all of us, President Trump is in office.

My advice: invest in lead suits.

Deauwand Myers holds a master's degree in English literature and literary theory, and is an English professor outside Seoul. He can be reached at deauwand@hotmail.com.
By Kim Joo-young





Since the last presidential debate, Korea has been undergoing a rough time because of the demand for the THAAD bill. Who is behind this? Donald Trump. The universe is turbulent due to an unconscionable decision from the U.S to pull out of the Paris climate change accord. Who is behind this? Again, Donald Trump.

There is an old saying that if you know your enemy, you can win a hundred battles. I had wished for him not to be our enemy. He, however, has gone too far against my country, and the rest of the world, with security and environmental issues in the middle of the Anthropocene, throwing away the U.S global leadership that his predecessors had worked so hard to accumulate.

So who on earth is he? One thing is crystal clear: he is neither a star who fell suddenly from the sky nor a ridiculous cheetos puff as framed by the media and SNS. Surprisingly, he was educated at a military academy and the prestigious Warton School. In a NBC interview, he was featured as a promising and passionate real estate investor at the age of 33; the same age I am. As the more mature Trump, he was seen as a charismatic and experienced businessman, appeared on the Apprentices shouting "you're fired," and is now the 45th president of the USA.

In 2015, Trump had "very kindly" described the way he wants to run the states and how he would act towards every important issue that the U.S. faces, in his book "Crippled America." Besides the military billing and Climate change, one policy that shows his character distinctively might be the wall on the US-Mexico border. We have to admit our intentional ignorance given the fact that it sounded so unreal in 21st century.

Trump, however, believes "America First" can be fulfilled with increasing jobs, while preventing illegal immigration, regardless of the widespread protests against building the wall. He might bully Mexico into coughing up their own money through several methods, as described in the book, such as maximizing the immigration fee, visa cost, and seizing illegal remittance. He assured his followers on Twitter that he would not change his position on the wall. What we can learn from this is 1) scarily enough, he is a man of his word and 2) he may also prioritize economic benefits for the U.S. above anything like the Korea-U.S. alliance or the universal agreement.

Korea is facing a tough time through the THAAD issue. The naturally-born businessman, who wrote another book "the Art of the Deal," is the same person who is trying to build a wall on the Mexican border, as well as getting out of Paris accord. There is no doubt that he will pour his best efforts into the upcoming re-election with any tangible results for his voters.

E. H. Carr, a prominent historian, claimed that the international states are deeply committed to pursuing power politics. A country, who depending on the justice and conscience of an international political community, can become a victim of the power struggles.

Korea, as well as the rest of the world, could have been prepared for this ongoing power struggle and could have been prepared if we had taken the time to get to know Trump. If we want to survive whatever's in store for us, we have to take the time to learn more about his tactics and personality style. Let's be prepared for Trump before it is too late.

Kim Joo-young is a student at the Graduate School of Environmental studies, Seoul National University. Write to joonimitime@snu.ac.kr.
Foreign assistance faces unilateral abolition



In the space of a few decades, Korea has turned from a recipient of foreign aid to a donor nation. Unfortunately, the rags-to-riches transformation comes with one side effect _ a short memory. As if it has forgotten its days of paucity, Korea is pushing to abolish aid without consulting the recipients.



The foreign ministry and its arm for providing foreign aid, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), recently reported a major overhaul of its official development assistance (ODA) to President Moon Jae-in's transition committee.



The aim is to abolish or change all ODA programs under the name "Saemaul Undong" or New Village Movement, a movement to improve the livelihoods of rural villages. Park Chung-hee, the dictator and father of disgraced former President Park Geun-hye, led the movement.



True, the program is tainted with a hint of corruption, with the previous KOICA head stepping down after he enlisted the influence of Choi Soon-sil, Park's alleged partner in corruption, to get the job.



But with the ministry pushing to abolish the ODA programs, it is hard not to conclude the ministry is blindly currying favor with the new administration.



More importantly, the ministry did not even give recipient countries any hint of changes in the offing. KOICA refused to reveal the size of the programs and how many countries are receiving Saemaul-branded ODA, but the ministry said the recipients were in Africa and Asia, with 62 billion won ($55.4 million) earmarked for 2017.



"We are carrying out a major shakeup of all Saemaul programs with some to be abolished and others revamped," a ministry official said. He admitted recipients had received no warning.



One African ambassador told The Korea Times, "It comes out of the blue. We (African ambassadors) were not informed individually or in group." He said thankfully his country was not a major recipient of Korean ODA programs but added that the big recipients would be upset when the programs were "unilaterally changed or obviated."



Saemaul ODA programs are part of an experience and knowledge sharing initiative that is quite popular in Africa. Last year, President Park went on an African tour to participate in the opening of a Saemaul training center in a ceremony attended by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. There have been many visiting programs, such as one involving agricultural leaders from 43 countries, hosted by Gumi, Park Ching-hee's hometown and the birthplace of the movement.



New governments are obligated to realign the previous ones' order of business. But overseas programs should be dealt with subtly to prevent any harm to the partner countries. If this is not done, Korea's reputation will suffer.




By Andrew Salmon





President Moon Jae-in has pledged to look at ways to reopen the Gaesong Industrial Complex, or GIC, the stalled flagship project of inter-Korean commerce and cooperation. To do this, he will be forced to navigate a minefield of political and diplomatic issues.

And even leaving aside those issues, the thorny, practical question behind restarting Gaesong is: Which companies are going to (re)populate the complex?

After opening in 2004, the GIC was closed for five months by Pyongyang in 2013, and in February 2016, was closed by Seoul. Today, a complex which hosted 124 small South Korean companies and employed over 54,000 North Koreans stands silent.

Given these risks, which company would set up there? How many of the South Korean companies which formerly operated there will return? These companies are in business; they have clients. Plenty of destinations regionwide  Bangladesh, Vietnam, China  offer cheap labor, without the political risk of Gaesong.

If Moon wants to repopulate the GIC, he needs creative thinking. What kind of business could operate sustainably and viably in the zone?

Enter Doojin Hwang  a man with a brilliantly creative, highly feasible and very promising concept for the GIC.

Hwang is one of Korea's new-generation architects. He is also one of those behind the "neo-hanok wave" which has seen the architecture of Korean traditional cottages revived across South Korea.

Hwang's idea leverages the fact that the city of Gaesong, as the site of truce talks, was not bombed during the Korean War, so is today Korea's (and the world's) largest surviving cluster of authentic hanok.

Hwang's idea is this: Turn the GIC into a hub for the manufacture of prefabricated hanok, designed and made by North Koreans, for South Koreans. It would be  literally  "a cottage industry." The idea has sound grounds.

South Koreans despise traditional, historic, authentic hanok  virtually all of which have been bulldozed nationwide  but love neo-traditional, contemporary faux hanok. These modern versions of pre-modern Korean homes are sprouting up in erstwhile traditional hanok districts in cities, as bars, cafes, restaurants, guest houses, photo studios and art galleries. In the countryside, they are appearing as weekend homes, niche pensions and boutique hotels.

However, they are not cheap. The craftsmen who make them are in demand. Prices are high. Hence, Hwang suggests, North Korean workers could create economical, prefabricated hanok.

North Korean architects  who, Hwang assures me, are despite sanctions, fully familiar with the latest architectural software  would draft the plans. These professionals would not need to be in the GIC itself. They could work from, say, Pyongyang and could communicate via the North Korean Intranet.

With design work done, the manufacturing of various prefabricated hanok designs (home, bar, hotel, others) would be carried out in the GIC. This would involve the creation of the houses' wooden frames, beams, decorative windows, wooden floors, underfloor heating systems, roof tiles, and other fixtures.

The resulting kits would be packaged and exported to the South as "hanok in a box." All the buyer would have to do is to slot the pieces together on the land of his/her choice and - voila! An economical, attractive structure with Korean characteristics. If the idea really took off, Kaesong could help repopulate South Korean landscapes and cityscapes with attractive architecture. (Something this apartment-cursed land desperately needs.)

Moreover, enterprising South Korean entrepreneurs could buy the prefab kits in lots from the GIC, and market and export them overseas as a new element of hallyu.

And Hwang is thinking beyond manufacturing. As an adjunct to business, he suggests creating a culturally neutral educational/consulting space in the GIC, wherein North and South Korean architects and heritage experts could meet - perhaps leading to joint projects, North and/or South.

Granted, Hwang's idea would not employ tens of thousands. But it would be a brilliantly Kaesong-specific use of at least part of the GIC.

It is viable and sustainable. It is non-political, and requires no strategic, "dual-use" technologies. Above all, it is a uniquely Korean concept around which to package and restart cross-DMZ commerce, communication, cooperation and reconciliation.

President Moon: Get to it.

Andrew Salmon is a Seoul-based reporter and author. Reach him at andrewcsalmon@yahoo.co.uk.
By Oh Young-jin





"Thanks for having brought me up this well. But, mom, I can't help you."

This is what the 34-year-old daughter of Foreign Minister nominee Kang Kyung-wha should tell her mother, if she has not already done so regarding Kang's request for her to give up her American citizenship.

Why?

Above all, it is about her life.

Sure, Kang is a respected competent diplomat. She must have provided the best for her daughter while she grew up.

But now, she is 34 years old who opted to become an American, forsaking her Korean citizenship in 2006.

She was born in the U.S. while Kang was studying, obviously having spent no great amount of time in Korea.

If she accepts her mother's request and switches her citizenship, it would only make a mockery of herself as well as her mother, and of their motherland.

It would mean that she is a switch-hitter who can go from Korean to American, and vice versa, depending on which version of her will best serve her interests. We call such a person an opportunist who can sell her soul to the highest bidder.

That kind of person can't be the daughter of Kang who worked so hard and well for the President Kim Dae-jung, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for inter-Korean reconciliation, and has now risen to top human rights advocate in the United Nations. Or can she?

It would spoil Kang's credentials, turning her into a woman with the heart of Lady Macbeth or the evilness of Mephistopheles, who will not stop at anything to fulfill her ambitions.

Could the nation trust the foreign minister who is blinded by her ego and driven by her selfish goals?












Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Qatar, a small country with huge ambitions, has been acting as a mediator in resolving a number of conflicts in the Arab world for many years.

Qatar acted as a mediator in the settlement of conflicts in Western Sahara and Yemen, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Sudan and Lebanon.

Doha has also become one of the main mediators in the inter-Palestinian conflict between the Palestinian FATAH and HAMAS factions. This political and diplomatic activity of Qatar was strengthened through huge funds.

None of the Arab countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, pursued a mediation policy in the region.

Qatar is also a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf which includes the above-mentioned countries except Egypt.

The UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen and Libya have recently broken off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of fueling terrorism, as well as backing Iran, which supports the Houthi Ansarullah movement.

Qatar is also part of the Arab coalition against Ansarullah movement.

A new conflict between Qatar and its neighbors in the region occurred a week after the summit of the Persian Gulf countries and the US in Riyadh.

The conflict occurred after the Qatari ruling emirs appeal for establishing the relations with Iran was published on the website of the countrys state-run news agency.

Later the Qatari foreign ministry said that hackers allegedly broke into the website of the countrys state-run news agency and published a fake story quoting the ruling emir making controversial comments. However, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain found this refutation unconvincing.

Here a reasonable question arises. Why should Qatar support Ansarullah movement, which poses a threat to the national interests of the country?

Qatars foreign ministry has already issued a statement that the decisions of the Arab Quartet cause Dohas regret.

"The decision of breaking off diplomatic relations with Qatar is unfounded and unfair," Qatars foreign ministry said in a message.

The UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia already broke diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2014.

It seems that a number of Arab countries have been looking for reasons for severing relations with Qatar for a long time.

In fact, the ruling emirs appeal concerning Iran was not the reason for severing relations with Qatar. There is another point. It is Dohas loyal attitude to Muslim Brotherhood organization, having a new "underground period" in the Six Arab countries, especially in Egypt.

Egypt urged Qatar to extradite Islamic theologian Yusuf al-Qaradawi in 2014, who is considered as one of the ideological mentors of Muslim Brotherhood organization. But Qatar rejected Egypts appeal.

Saudi Arabia also considers the Muslim Brotherhood politically developed organization as a dangerous competitor. As there is no domestic political alternative in Saudi Arabia, Muslim Brotherhoods activity can lead to serious political unrest in this country.

As for Bahrain, it has no choice in this issue because Saudi Arabia has great impact on Bahrains foreign policy after the battle for Bahrain in Iranian-Saudi Arabian rivalry.

As for the UAE, this country included Muslim Brotherhood in the list of terrorist organizations in 2014.

A trial was held in the UAE in 2013 over the Muslim Brotherhood members. The verdicts of guilty were announced for 69 people. All of them were accused of trying to destroy the constitutional order.

As for Yemen and Libya, these two countries lost their political authority amid internal military clashes.

Thus, there is no doubt that the Six Arab nations severed relations with Qatar in connection with Muslim Brotherhood organization.

---
By Kang Seung-woo



The government plans to use drones to keep a close watch on prisoners, the Ministry of Justice said Monday.



In July, the government will begin a six-month test operation of unmanned aerial vehicles at three penitentiaries: at Anyang in Gyeonggi Province, Wonju in Gangwon Province and Cheongsong in North Gyeongsang Province.



The drones for the mission will feature a camera capable of sending real-time videos and movement-tracking autonomous flight capability. It will also be capable of flying at night.



The ministry will use drones to patrol inside and outside prisons, monitor inmates' movements and trace fugitives.



In addition to the guard mission, they will scramble when an emergency happens at nighttime or a fire occurs and responders are unable to gain access in a timely manner.



"Use of drones will help raise the efficiency of watching prisoners and save costs in personnel," a justice ministry official said.



Along with surveillance, the ministry looks to take advantage of the test operation in preparation for drone-based crimes.



In other countries, criminals have started using drones to smuggle drugs, weapons and other contraband to inmates.



Security cameras caught a drone delivering drugs and mobile phones to prisoners at a London prison in April 2016. A month earlier, U.S. authorities found an inmate who conspired with two outsiders to use a drone to deliver drugs and pornography into a prison.



"Although Korea has yet to face similar reports, as drones become more accessible to the public, we need to take measures in advance," the ministry official said.



This March, the ministry came up with a new revised law pertaining to inmates that includes drones on the list of prohibited items for prisoners.



In 2011, the government considered using robotic prison guards, but it scrapped the plan due to concerns of human rights abuses and some technical limitations.



Separately, the land ministry recently started using drones for safety inspections of high pylons, cliffs and other hard-to-reach facilities and locations.



The ministry purchased four unmanned aerial vehicles for 60 million won ($53,600) and Korail will use them.



The drones will inspect more than 40 locations, including bridges, tunnels and power transmission towers as well as cliffs for potential mudslides.




Models promote Samsung Electronics' 75-inch QLED TV at one of the firm's sales outlets in Seoul. Samsung introduced two big-screen QLED TVs last month to meet the rising demand for such products. It also plans to market an 82-inch model this month and an 88-inch product in August. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics



By Kang Seung-woo

Samsung Electronics has set its sights on the big-screen TV market as it plans to release models with larger-than-80-inch displays.

According to the tech giant, Monday, it will come out with an 88-inch QLED TV as early as August and an 82-inch premium ultra high definition (UHD) model this month. Samsung has yet to disclose their prices.

"As consumers are more accessible to big-screen TVs, we plan to produce 80-plus-inch TVs in line with the trend," a Samsung official said.

At January's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Samsung unveiled its new premium TV lineup from a 49-inch model to an 88-inch one.

It will be the first time for Samsung to launch a TV whose screen is size is wider than 80 inches, or 203.2 centimeters. Late last month, the Seoul-based company released a 75-inch edition of the QLED TV.

"In the past, such a large TV failed to attract customers. They were just for demonstration. But nowadays there is demand for them and we are getting ready to release them," the official said.

According to market researcher WitsView in March, TVs larger than 60 inches are projected to account for 5.2 percent of all TV panel shipments in 2017, up from 3.6 percent last year. Plus, the average size of TV displays will grow by 2 inches to 45.5 inches.

In Korea, sales of TVs with screens 50 inches or wider represented 68 percent of the total sales in the first quarter of this year. In particular, the proportion of TVs wider than 65 inches doubled to 11 percent this year.

So far, such jumbo TVs have been unpopular due to their prohibitively high prices, but Samsung is likely to lower the bar.

"As we will come up with products for sales, they will be available at reasonable prices," the Samsung official said.

The 75-inch model is sold for 11.9 million won for a curved screen and 10.4 million won for a flat display.

"OLED TV still has difficulties reducing the cost of production, but the new Samsung TV will gain price competiveness," the official said.
The National Institute of Meteorological Sciences conducts a cloud-seeding test for artificial snow over Daegwallyeong mountain pass in Gangwon Province in February 2009. / Courtesy of National Institute of Meteorological Sciences



By Ko Dong-hwan

Korea is looking to cloud-seeding to help combat the dangerous fine dusts originating inside and outside the country.

The initiative comes late on the world stage, with about 40 countries, most rigorously the U.S. and China, having already employed the method of controlling the weather.

Gyeonggi provincial government announced this month it will hold a pilot test as part of its long-term plan to reduce the increasing volumes of harmful micro particles drifting in from deserts and industrial plants in China.

The National Institute of Meteorological Sciences (NIMR), Korea's leading climate modification research organization, based in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, joined in the test.

Researchers plan to conduct cloud-seeding tests over the west coast, which faces China across the West Sea. The Gyeonggi government will receive the test data, analyze the feasibility of cloud-seeding in the maritime region, and determine whether to use it officially.

"There are countries that have already accumulated substantial cloud-seeding data," Bae Hyun-sub from the Gyeonggi government Climate and Air Quality Management Division told The Korea Times.

"One American weather modification company is so qualified that it receives orders from other countries to conduct tests over their skies.

"Meanwhile, Korea has just started the tests at a governmental level. We will find if there is a correlation between cloud seeding and fine dust reduction.

"If we do find this, we will use the evidence to persuade the central government to support cloud seeding."





The National Institute of Meteorological Sciences rented this Cessna 206 from a Korean company for cloud-seeding tests, which have been conducted since 2008.



First tested in upstate New York in 1946, cloud seeding is a weather modification technology, in which chemical substances are seeded inside clouds by aircraft, rockets or on-ground incinerators to create artificial rain and/or snow or to clear away fog.

The Gyeonggi government will carry out tests until July next year with a 2 billion won ($178,000) budget.

With the NIMR scheduled to start tests using the fund as early as September, the government has recruited four climate and atmospheric experts from the Gyeonggi Research Institute to analyze the data.












BTS has recently achieved another big milestone in their career as they have won the Top Social Artist Award at the recently held Billboard Music Awards night. After the event, the K-pop boy group went through a press conference located at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul.

This was also the place where they had celebrated their triumph together with their fans. In the press conference, the media took the opportunity to ask the group a lot of questions, mostly concerning their future plans in their career. And with it, the group gracefully answered in a modest and optimistic way.

According to Korea Portal, BTS was asked by the media if ever they would want to enter the U.S. market. The group then hastily answered saying that as of now, they don't have any plans to go to the U.S.

According to Gulf news, Rap Monster, a member of the boy group, says that the reason behind this is that they are Koreans. This means that they would still be more appealing to the South Korean or Asian market, compared to the American market.

The group then went on to say that they can show their best when they sing in their language, which is Korean. Rap Monster went on to further state that it was a very big privilege for them to win the Award, as it comes from a very prestigious award coming from Billboard.

To conclude their statement, BTS says that instead of entering the U.S. market, what they would do instead is to do the best of what they can to let their group grow and establish a better and good image of their group as well as of themselves.

Hopefully, BTS continues to reach more of their dreams in the future. Let's wish them the best of luck.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey should reconsider the presence of several states air forces at the Incirlik Air Base, Naciye Selin Senocak, chair holder at UNESCO Cultural Diplomacy Governance and Education, Center for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies (CEDS), told Trend June 5.

According to the expert, Turkey should do so because such countries as the United States, and, particularly, Germany, are arming the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD), which are considered as terrorist organizations by Ankara.

If NATOs aim is the fight against terrorist organizations, then by doing so the US and Germany support the terrorists of PKK, PYD/YPG, as well as the supporters of Fethullah Gulen, she noted.

Senocak says it is not a secret why the Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) terrorist groups were created, and if NATO equips other militants to destroy terrorists of the mentioned groups, then this is a clear evidence of the North Atlantic Alliances weakness. The expert doesnt exclude that the US and Germany are playing an active role in implementation of the so-called New Middle East project.

Despite the fact that Germany is looking for an alternative to the Incirlik Air Base in Jordan, Kuwait and Cyprus, the territory of Turkey is still important for Germany, she added.

The Incirlik Air Base is still important for Germany, because it is possible to reliably control the neighboring regions only via this base, said Senocak.

Meanwhile, the expert doesnt exclude that during the June 5 visit of German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel to Turkey, the German Air Forces presence in Incirlik will be discussed.

It is difficult to expect that during the talks the parties will be able to resolve serious diplomatic contradictions, since Germany has turned from Turkeys ally into a country that plays an important role in destabilizing the situation in Turkey, claimed Senocak.

According to her, a diplomatic crisis has been observed between Berlin and Ankara after the last years attempted military coup in Turkey.

Germany has not concealed its stance regarding such terrorist groups as the PKK and PYD/YPG and has provided them with both political and military support for years, said Senocak, adding that this has not been concealed by the German media either.

Meanwhile, Germany hides a number of accomplices of the movement of Fethullah Gulen, who are complicit in the attempted military coup in Turkey, added the expert.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) told Trend that the OIC called upon the State of Qatar to honor its previous commitments and agreements signed within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), particularly with regard to ceasing support for terrorist groups and their activities and ending media incitement.

The General Secretariat underscored the need for all member states, including Qatar, to adhere to the principles of the OIC Charter, which calls for adhering to the policy of good neighborliness, respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of member states, and non-interference in their domestic affairs, said the OIC.

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen announced about severing their diplomatic relations with Qatar on the background of contradictions between the countries.

Bahrain gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave its territory. Meanwhile, Manama suspended air and sea communication with Doha and banned citizens of Qatar from visiting Bahrain, and also prohibited its citizens to visit Qatar.

Qatar is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which, with the exception of Egypt, Yemen and Libya, includes the above-mentioned Arab countries.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

Trend:

Montenegro became NATOs newest member on Monday (5 June 2017), upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the US State Department in Washington DC, NATO website reports.

At a ceremony marking the occasion, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined that Montenegros accession to the Alliance contributes to international peace and security, and sends a strong signal that NATOs door remains open. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Montenegro Dusko Markovic and was hosted by the United States Undersecretary for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon, said the report.

"Today, Montenegro joins NATO with a seat at the table as an equal, with an equal voice in shaping our Alliance, and its independence guaranteed," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.

He noted that NATO will benefit from Montenegros insight into the Western Balkans and the professionalism, bravery and dedication of its men and women in uniform.

Stoltenberg stressed that NATOs collective pledge, Article 5, has kept Allies safe for almost seven decades.

Allied Foreign Ministers signed Montenegro's Accession Protocol in May 2016, after which all 28 national parliaments voted to ratify Montenegro's membership. A flag-raising ceremony for Montenegro will take place at NATO Headquarters on 7 June 2017.

Today marks NATO's first enlargement since 1 April 2009, when Albania and Croatia joined the Alliance.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for Saturday night's attack in London which killed seven people and wounded dozens, the militant group's agency Amaq said on Sunday.

"A detachment of Islamic State fighters executed yesterday's London attack," a statement posted on Amaq's media page said, Reuters reported.
If you're working in corporate America, chances are you've experienced your fair share of stress. Whether it's meeting deadlines, managing projects, or dealing with difficult co-workers, the workplace can be a breeding ground for stress. reducing stress from completing a project Once you've identified your triggers, it's important to take a step back and assess the situation objectively. LewiLink.com provides an in-depth article on reducing the stress from meeting deadlines at work. Bong a la noi ma ta co the hoa nhip ban than vao, noi ma nhung cam xuc uoc dang trao, that tuyet voi khi xem bong a cung ban be va xem tai nhung kenh truc tiep tuyet voi nhat cakhiatv Chung toi noi khong voi quang cao, luon ua trai nghiem cua nguoi dung len hang au, truc tiep nhung tran bong kich tinh nhat e phuc vu cho tat ca fan bong a .
PRESS RELEASE

Ryabkov: U.S. and Russia Moving To Resume Strategic Dialogue

June 4, 2017 (EIRNS)Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik yesterday that the agenda, framework, and timing of the meeting on strategic stability dialogue with the United States will be agreed on soon.

"A fundamental agreement on resumption of Moscow-Washington dialogue on strategic stability was achieved in the course of contacts between [Foreign] Minister [Sergey Lavrov] and the Secretary of State [Rex Tillerson], and then confirmed at the meeting of deputy foreign minister and then-Under Secretary of State Thomas Shannon on May 8 in New York,"

Ryabkov told Sputnik. He added that it was high time for Russia and the United States to assess the issue of strategic stability in a comprehensive way and set a road map to reach progress in dialogue.

On June 2, President Trumps special counter-proliferation assistant, Christopher Ford, said "We would like to resume, but actually put in order the process of dialogue on strategic stability."

Ryabkov said,

"Russia and the United States, as the two major nuclear powers, bear a special responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, strategic stability. And we will be holding this dialogue, based on understanding of our responsibility."

If such a comprehensive strategic stability dialogue were to resume, he said, Moscow then would be ready to discuss ballistic missile defense (BMD).

Ford said that discussions between Russia and the U.S.A. on BMD would be different if threats posed by North Korea and Iran, were brought under control. Ryabkov noted that this position, like that of the Obama Administration, is a misrepresentation, saying that it was really targeting Russia:

"But the dynamics of the development of this system, the technological know-how, tests, scales of financing, discussions that the quantity and quality of their system will develop, all this does not leave any doubt for us that it is intended not for ensuring the security of the United States and their allies namely in terms of countering the mentioned threats. It is projected directly on the Russian, and not only Russian, nuclear deterrent capacity."

Russia, said Ryabkov, is
Ben and Jacks Review - One of New Yorks Great Steakhouses

It would be difficult not to feel at home at Ben and Jacks Steakhouse on Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan. Almost before you pass through the front door, you are greeted warmly and ushered into comfortable surroundings. The walls are a warm ochre color, the paintings look familiar, the wine wall is inviting and the conversations you may hear come from diners appreciating the experience. You cannot help being reminded of steakhouses you may have enjoyed elsewhere.

Owners Ben and Jack Sinanaj are veterans of the New York steakhouse scene, most notably Peter Lugers. Many of the staff, including additional family members, navigated the same upward trajectory as their leaders, rising through the ranks from busboy or back of the house crew.

The original Manhattan restaurant arrived a dozen years ago, but is now closed. A remodeled, updated version of the original restaurant should be completed before the new year. The Fifth Avenue steakhouse, where we dined ,opened in 2009 in a former bank, with seating for 320, and five private dining rooms on upper floors. Four of those rooms were occupied on a recent Tuesday night, was usually a slow evening for restaurants. The main dining room is spacious, with tables well separated and it is pleasant to be able to converse without raising your voice.

Steak in many forms receives royal treatment here and it is hard to choose from porterhouse, filet mignon, New York sirloin, rib eye and prime rib. For those who have other preferences, there are also veal chops, lamb chops, sole, salmon, shrimp, and lobster. But youd need a ravenous appetite, or a hungry partner to put away the four-pounder Ben and Jacks features. Its the kind of menu you might find at a Ruths Chris or a Mortons, but offers more choices among the appetizers, salads, soups, and pasta.

My wife started with a green salad. The dressing, made in house as are all sauces here, was a delicious and pleasing embellishment greatly improving greens that appeared a bit tired. One other quibble. I had looked forward to a grand seafood plateau. Only part of what I expected arrived. While I enjoyed a generous portion of cold lobster and shrimp, and a couple of oysters, I was dismayed that there were no clams or calamari which are usually found on sea food platters.

But then the steaks arrived and all was well. I had a rib eye, grilled to that combination of perfectly charred exterior, bright red interior. I thoroughly enjoyed that juicy, tender steak. We had excellent steak knives but I could have cut through that ribeye with a butter knife. You could have said the same for Rollies New York strip, but it arrived pre-sliced in the Peter Luger style and somehow the meat was still warm and appetizing when she was put away the final slice.

Our server recommended German potatoes. They came as a stupendous plate of russets that had been steamed not boiled, which kept them from getting soggy. They were thickly sliced and sauteed in a mix of olive oil and butter, well caramelized onions. and served hot on a cast iron skillet. Our second side was spinach, made fresh each day, steamed with a chicken-based roux, and hardly starchy as so often happens with creamed spinach in less caring restaurants.

Admir Alibasic, executive chef and all-around major domo for the restaurant, guided us through our meal, dismayed as he may have been because we failed to sample everything on his menu. Admir once had ambitions for a career in medicine, but was seduced into food preparation and service by his part-time work in restaurants and the satisfaction it brought him. He went on to study food science and that study fueled his innovation in different forms of preparing and serving food. Admir believes in product over frilly presentation, simplicity over unnecessary geometrics, and assiduous monitoring of quality.

Photos: Courtesy of Ben & Jack's Restaurant

For more information about this wonderful restaurant, go to the Ben & Jack's Restaurant website
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has no knowledge of a reported pre-inauguration proposal by President Donald Trump's son in law and top aide Jared Kushner to set up a secret, bug-proof communications channel with the Kremlin, AFP reported.

In an interview aired Sunday on NBC, Putin again flatly denied US intelligence agencies' assessment that Russia meddled via hacking and other means in the US election to help Trump win. He said there may have been non-Russian hackers from anywhere that simply blamed Russia.

This charge -- and even more damning suggestions that the Trump administration actually colluded in such an effort -- are at the core of a high stakes probe by a US special counsel and congressional committees. Trump's most ardent critics are already talking of impeachment.

Putin also said he had no idea if the Russian ambassador to Washington had held contacts with the Trump campaign before the November election.

"I'm being honest. Do you think that from all over the world and the United States, the ambassador reports to me every day who he eats with or meets with," said Putin.

And Putin denied that Russia had any information on Trump to influence him.

"Well, this is just another load of nonsense. Where would we get this information from? Did we have a special relationship with him? We didn't have any relationship at all. ... Have you all lost your senses over there?" Putin asked.

The Washington Post has reported that in a New York meeting in December with the Russian ambassador to Washington, Sergei Kislyak, the 36 year old Kushner suggested setting up a back channel of communications with Moscow.

Putin, in the interview with journalist Megyn Kelly in St. Petersburg, said: "I don't know about this proposal. No proposal like that came to me."

Putin said that, had there been a proposal and it were appealing to the Russians, his foreign minister would have told him.

"There wasn't anything to talk about," Putin said through an interpreter.

"For me, this is just amazing. You create a sensation out of nothing and out of this sensation, you turn it into a weapon of war against the current president. Well, this is, you know, you're just, you people are so creative over there. Good job. Your lives must be boring," said Putin.

Putin also said 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.

Putin minimized his contact with Flynn, who was fired by Trump in February after offering misleading descriptions of conversations he had had before the inauguration with ambassador Kislyak.
In New York, apparently, they know how to play hardball.

The states governor, Andrew Cuomo, laid down the law Monday to health insurers thinking about abandoning the states Affordable Care Act exchanges.

Any that take that step, he announced, will be banned from participating in other state health programs, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. Those all are programs that commercial insurers manage, generally at a profit. In fact, insurers clamor to service those programs even as they grouse about losses on the Obamacare exchanges.

No matter what happens in Congress, the people of New York will not have to worry about losing access to the quality medical care they need and deserve.  New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo

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Cuomo is using their desire to keep reaping profits from those programs to make sure they dont cherry-pick their way out of the Obamacare market.

New York is home to one of the most robust health marketplaces in the country, Cuomo said in his announcement, and insurers who do not comply will lose access to such profitable programs.

One of the enduring mysteries surrounding the withdrawal of insurers from individual exchanges across the nation is why more states havent taken similar steps.

We advocated just such an approach last year, when it became clear that the very same insurers that were fleeing the ACA exchanges with complaints about financial losses were also making a mint from the ACAs Medicaid expansion, not to mention other government programs that they helped administer  such as Medicaid Managed Care and Medicare Advantage. Charles Gaba of ACASignups and Andrew Sprung pulled on the same thread.

Other than New York, however, only one state appears to have tied participation in public programs to participation in the exchanges. That state is Nevada. As Louise Norris documented at healthinsurance.org, until this year, Nevada required insurers participating in its Medicaid Managed Care program to offer at least one silver and one gold plan on its ACA exchange. That mandate may well have kept Anthem and UnitedHealth in the Nevada exchange.

Starting this year, Nevada somewhat loosened the rule. It expanded the number of insurers it would offer Medicaid contracts to four from two, and removed the flat ban on those without ACA plans. But it substituted a scoring system for applicants for Medicaid contracts in which those offering exchange plans would get extra points. The state said last month that it expected all four Medicaid contractors this year  Anthem, United, Silver Summit and Aetna  to file rate applications for 2018 ACA plans, even though some are planning to withdraw from other states.

New Yorks public programs have the same features that appeal to insurance companies. Child Health Plus is New Yorks version of the state-federal Child Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, which covers children in low-income families. The Essential Plan is a federally funded program that provides coverage, in some cases premium-free, for low-income families who earn too much for straight Medicaid.

Because theyre free or almost free to users, they tend to enroll a good balance of healthy and no-so-healthy members. Their reimbursement rates to doctors and hospitals are set by the government, generally at levels below Medicare, which also restrains insurers costs.

New York is taking other steps to defend its residents against the indifference or malice of the Trump White House and the Republican majorities in Congress. Its implementing regulations requiring that insurers in the state continue to cover contraceptive services to members without co-pays or deductibles, Cuomo said, no matter federal action. Thats an allusion to the Trump administrations apparent intention to roll back the ACAs contraception guarantee.

The state will also require all insurers to continue to cover all 10 essential health benefits established under the ACA. Those include hospitalization, outpatient services, maternity benefits and mental health treatment. They could be threatened in other states by the House Republicans Obamacare repeal measure, which would grant states the right to waive those benefits.

These aggressive actions, Cuomo said, will make certain that no matter what happens in Congress, the people of New York will not have to worry about losing access to the quality medical care they need and deserve.

But its still possible that New Yorks efforts  and those of other states determined to hold the line against a GOP rollback in Washington, such as California  could be confounded by Congress.

New Yorks public programs are heavily dependent on federal funding that lies in Republican crosshairs in both the House and Senate. If Congress follows through on a House proposal to cut more than $800 billion out of Medicaid over 10 years, New York could face an annual bill of $2.3 billion. Its Essential Plan, which has 635,000 enrollees, consumes an estimated $3 billion in annual subsidies covered, for now, by the federal government.

The House GOP repeal measure also would prohibit federal ACA subsidies from being applied to insurance plans that cover abortion. That could be an issue for New York and California, which both require all health plans to provide that coverage.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
President Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric and comments about a travel ban is sometimes taken as just talk, with no follow-through. But its having a detectable effect on an important sector of the U.S. economytourism.

The United States has lost measurable market share as a travel destination from late 2016 through early this year. Thats according to the travel analysis firm Foursquare, which tracks foot traffic globally through apps on millions of smartphones and websites people use to navigate and check in at hotels, department stores, malls, theme parks and other leisure destinations, and convention centers and other business venues.

According to a recent blog post by its CEO Jeff Glueck, U.S. tourism share fell by 6% year-over-year starting in October, and continued to decrease through March, when it dropped all the way to 16%.

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Some of the...policies have been focused on countries within the Middle East and Latin America. Were seeing a greater impact in travel from those nations.  Jeff Glueck, Foursquare

The average decline over that period is 11%, with no sign of recovery in the data, Glueck wrote. The biggest beneficiary seems to be Asia, which has picked up leisure business at the expense of the U.S.

Particularly hard hit, the firm says, are California destinations such as San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. San Diego saw a decline in leisure foot traffic share of 9.9% from the last quarter of 2016 through the first quarter of 2017, compared to a year earlier; the overall decline in the three big destination cities was 3.6%. Foursquare says thats notable because those cities had seen surges in foot traffic in the first nine months of last year.

Foursquare doesnt collect information that might explain why these shifts are taking place, but the patterns are suggestive. Sarah Spagnolo, the firms editor-at-large, says that San Diego is an especially popular destination for Mexican tourists. They may well be discouraged by Trumps oft-expressed hostility to immigration from that country.

The firm also noticed that residents of the Middle East, and Central and South America are traveling less to the U.S. more than residents of Asia, Europe and elsewhere. Some of the current administrations most controversial policies have been focused on countries within the Middle East and Latin America, Glueck observed. Were seeing a greater impact in travel from these nations.

Business travel to the U.S. is still showing positive growth of about 3% compared to a year ago, Spagnolo says. But its lagging the rest of the world, where business foot traffic has been up 10%.

Trump issued his original travel ban by executive order on Jan. 27, one week after taking office. The order barred entry for 90 days for any visitors from seven countries: Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

After several federal judges and appeals courts suspended parts or all of the order, a new one was issued that made modest changes and removed Iraq from the list. The administration has appealed the federal judges rulings to the Supreme Court.

Foursquares findings parallel those of other tourism analysts. Travel data firm ForwardKeys found that in the immediate aftermath of the inauguration and the initial travel ban, overall flight bookings to the U.S. were down 6.5% from a year earlier.

The largest decline was in travel from the Middle East, down 37.5%. Bookings from Saudi Arabia were down 60%, though ForwardKeys said that at least part of the decline may have been due to a school break, which fell at a different time a year ago. Travel from Western Europe was off by 13.6%.

ForwardKeys also found that a decline in flight reservations for three months ahead got steeper in the weeks after the inauguration, with the sharpest drops occurring in bookings from the Middle East, especially the seven countries named in Trumps initial ban (Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen).

The tourism decline could have a measurable impact on the economy. At $1.7 trillion in direct and indirect spending as of the end of 2016, travel and tourism accounts for roughly 10% of gross domestic product, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics places the leisure and hospitality workforce at about 16 million. Thats 10% of the civilian labor force.

Travel companies such as airlines have been cautious about the effect of Trumps words and policies, typically stating that they havent seen much evidence of a change in bookings. But reports of travelers concerns about hassles they face traveling to the U.S. or entering the country upon arrival are common.

And travel analysts generally have been expressing concerns about the confusion produced by administration decisions, including heightened scrutiny of visa applicants and seemingly arbitrary refusals of entry,

A Toronto school district, for instance, said earlier this year that it was canceling annual field trips to the U.S. out of fears that some of the students might be refused entry. Trumps rhetoric has damaged the U.S. brand as a destination, Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, told CNN. That could have effects that linger far longer than the administration does.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.

MORE FROM MICHAEL HILTZIK

Trumps rollback of birth control rights will run into a legal buzzsaw

Desperate to keep its Obamacare exchange open, New York plays hardball with health insurers

A billionaires think tank complains that Trumps budget doesnt cut Social Security and Medicare enough
Saying the current air traffic control system is broken, President Trump called for a plan to put the system into the hands of a private, nonprofit organization that can modernize and improve air travel.

We live in a modern age, yet our air traffic control system is stuck painfully in the past, he said at a news conference Monday attended by airline executives and administration officials.

Under the concept outlined by supporters, the Federal Aviation Administration would turn control of the system over to a panel that would include representatives from airlines, pilot and flight attendants unions and local leaders. Fees from airlines and passengers would fund staffing, maintenance and upgrades.

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If we adopt these changes, Americans can look forward to cheaper, faster and safer travel  a future where 20% of a ticket price doesnt go to the government, and where you dont have to sit on a tarmac or circle for hours and hours over an airport  which is very dangerous also  before you land, Trump said.

Opponents were quick to shoot down the idea, which would require congressional approval, saying it would put too much control in the hands of the airlines.

Handing air traffic control over to a private entity partly governed by the airlines is both a risk and liability we cant afford to take, said Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee.

A group that represents small airports and leaders in rural communities also spoke out against the proposal, saying it fears that smaller airports would be neglected or ignored under a privatized system and that fees would rise.

Not only is the presidents proposal a huge power grab for the commercial airlines, but the notion that the airlines can run anything better, let alone air traffic control, is laughable, said Selena Shilad, executive director of Alliance for Aviation Across America.

Privatizing the air traffic control system is an idea that has been floated before. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the House Transportation Committee, sponsored a bill last year to remove air traffic operations from the FAA and place them under the control of a private, nonprofit corporation.

Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand have already turned over day-to-day management of their systems to private businesses or independent agencies with at least partial government ownership.

Trump first proposed the privatization idea in his budget outline in March.

Supporters of the plan have said that removing the air traffic control system out from under direct control of the FAA would free it from routine budget cuts and funding feuds. The move also would speed up a modernization program that has been in the works since 2003, proponents say.

The FAA would still dictate safety regulations under the plan.

The fact is this is a proven, good-government reform that has been successfully done around the world in over 60 other countries, and will improve our aviation system for all of its users and all of our communities  large and small, Shuster said Monday.

Overhauling the U.S. air traffic control system would be a massive undertaking because U.S. airspace is the worlds largest and busiest  several times bigger than that of any other country with privatized air traffic control operations.

More than 2 million travelers fly every day through U.S. airspace, and the system that directs the nearly 24,000 daily commercial flights is run from 479 control towers. The system employs more than 30,000 people, including 14,000 air traffic controllers and 6,000 technicians.

A 2016 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office said that settling questions about liability, creating a fee structure and deciding how to transfer government assets to a new agency could take five to seven years to resolve.

Under Trumps plan, the federal government would turn over its airport facilities and other assets to the proposed nonprofit group at no charge. He also calls for the transfer to take place within a three-year period.

Opponents say that a series of recent embarrassing incidents in the airline industry  a passenger forcibly dragged from his seat and mass flight cancellations in England  show that private companies do not have a great track record for running big operations.

The industry responsible for massive IT meltdowns, sky-high airline fees and shrinking seats should not be in control of managing the most complex airspace in the world, said Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Nelson previously has said that one of the reasons for his opposition to the privatization idea is that it would undermine the close relationship that the FAA has with the military on national defense issues.

Even supporters of Trumps proposal say turning over the air traffic control system to a nonprofit private body will not guarantee that the current modernization efforts would be accelerated.

What we know is that we are now just toiling in the muddy fields with our wheels spinning, said Dennis Tajer, a spokesman for the Allied Pilots Assn., a group that represents 15,000 pilots of American Airlines and supports Trumps proposal.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey faced backlash for contributing thousands of dollars to an organization that hoped to elect then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.

For his next act, Luckey is working on technology that could serve one of Trumps signature issues: border walls.

Luckey, who earlier this year left the Facebook-owned Oculus, is now working on a new start-up focused on surveillance technology that could be used along national borders, the New York Times reported Sunday.

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The company, which is based in Southern California, reportedly plans to use a combination of infrared sensors, cameras and lidar technology  a key element in autonomous vehicle development  to monitor borders for illegal crossings.

In a statement emailed to the New York Times, Luckey confirmed that he was working on a defense-related start-up, saying, We need a new kind of defense company, one that will save taxpayer dollars while creating superior technology to keep our troops and citizens safer.

Luckey did not respond to a request for comment from the Los Angeles Times.

Luckey founded Oculus VR in 2012, which helped kickstart the consumer virtual reality market. The start-up was acquired by Facebook for $2 billion just two years later, as the social media giant predicted virtual reality would be the next tech frontier.

In March, Luckey left Facebook. Although Facebook declined to disclose the reason for his departure, the announcement came months after his efforts to fund political activism led to blowback for Oculus.

In September, Luckey apologized on Facebook for donating $10,000 to Nimble America, an organization that sought to elect Trump and discredit his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

In his Facebook post, Luckey said he was a libertarian and planned to vote for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson, but thought Nimble America had fresh ideas on how to engage with young voters.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

Times staff writer Paresh Dave contributed to this report.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

Twitter: @smasunaga
The most important orchestra in America just ended its season. The last four words of that sentence are mine. The others are the latest opinion of the New York Times, which the marketing department of the Los Angeles Philharmonic has no intention of letting us forget (check the website). Why would it? This most important orchestra was entirely in character over the weekend at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Yuja Wang brilliantly completed her first cycle of the three Bartok piano concertos  the Second on Thursday and Friday; the Third on Saturday and Sunday  the latest step for the 30-year-old virtuoso on the path to possibly becoming one of the worlds most important pianists. Gustavo Dudamel surrounded the concertos with alluringly eerie accounts of Stravinskys Symphonies of Wind Instruments and spectacular ones of Janaceks brassy Sinfonietta.

The orchestras season officially ends June 13 with a Green Umbrella Concert by its New Music Group in collaboration with the Industry staging Lou Harrisons neglected opera Young Caesar (more confirmation of importance), but the main orchestra goes on break before returning to the Hollywood Bowl next month. Dudamel heads home to his beloved Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Wang heads off to turn heads wherever she goes and also to take on new challenges, such as trying her hand at conducting. There was joy in the Disney air from musicians who, by all appearances, have got the world on a string.

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Well, maybe not all appearances. On Thursday night, demonstrators in front of Disney somberly held placards reminding Dudamel that he would be returning to a country of such unrest, deprivation and violence that it is on the verge of civil war. Wangs Bartok cycle, her main project of the year, was all but derailed when Hungarian pianist and conductor Zoltan Kocsis died in November, ending her project of touring and recording the concertos with him. The L.A. cycle is now her first and, for the time being, her only.

Then there is the orchestra itself. The players leave with the uncertainty of new management; the L.A. Phils president and chief executive, Deborah Borda, who has gotten much of the credit for the orchestras lofty reputation, left last week to see if she can now restore some importance to the New York Philharmonic.

But inside Disney, the mood was excitable, especially in the rapturous response Wang got from full houses that demanded encore after encore from her.

The 1931 Second Concerto contains what might technically be Bartoks most impossible piano music and long thought best left to men. Hungarian pianist Edith Farnadis 1956 recording is, for instance, the only one I can find by a woman.

Coming onstage Thursday in a sparkly gown cut to her navel and designed especially for the concerto, as her regular atelier, Rosemarie Umetsu, notably does (Wangs dress was as much of her persona that evening as Bjorks had been two nights earlier), the soloist obviously looked as feminine as she possibly could. She then attacked the concerto with a surfeit of unflappable virtuosic moxie and wattage few if any other pianists of any sex could match.

She treated the bravura of this busily intricate contrapuntal score with its volatile Hungarian rhythms as something she eats for breakfast. Her tempos were breakneck. My guess is she got all the notes, as if anyone cared.

With Dudamels full support, she displayed the kind of rhythmic propulsion and exuberance, gauging ebb and flow, that the best way to listen was to hop on for the thrill of the ride. The middle movements exotic night music duet between piano and percussion was less the exercise in mystery and menace that mortal pianists may seek and more the enchanting glitter of the starry sky.

Bartoks Third Concerto, which I heard Saturday, is a world away. Written in 1945 as the Hungarian composer lay dying in New York, the score is a serene farewell intended for his pianist wife, Ditta Pasztory, to play. The slow movement contains Bartoks most tender music and might be too heartbreaking to bear were it not for the chirping of birdsong.

To intolerant Bartokians, the Third Concerto is the weak one, verging on sentimentality. Wang would have nothing of that. She can be a flirtatious pianist when flippantly tossing off the most punishing passages, but sentimentality is seldom her problem. She strove, instead, for utter clarity as a device for warding off any trace of morbidity.

Bartoks handwriting had gotten so weak that parts of his manuscript for this concerto are almost unreadable. Wangs reading was that of an attempt to illuminate every one of a great composers last utterances, and was all the more moving for her cool elegance.

Dudamel and an exceptionally flexible L.A. Phil made much of what Wang wanted possible but not easy. That is to say that Dudamel never hesitated to cover the piano when the orchestral parts were particularly arresting. But at other times, interactions between piano and orchestral instruments, and particularly the percussion in the slow movements, were as touchingly intimate as chamber music.

Dudamel set the scene for Wang at all the performances by bringing a rare majesty to Stravinskys piquant Symphonies for Wind Instruments, a 1920 memorial for Debussy. Meanwhile, rather than relying on Janaceks striking, razor-sharp tonal colors in Sinfonietta, Dudamel sought a thickly luscious ensemble sound, where the strings and brass blended into something larger than the sum of the scores parts.

Thus, the celebratory Sinfonietta, which required 13 extra brass standing behind the orchestra on the chorus benches, was Dudamels bracingly optimistic way to end an important season by thinking mainly of lifting the mood of the players and audience at hand as being what is most important.

mark.swed@latimes.com
Celebrating #HarryPotter20: How Harry Potter and his blockbuster films came of age on screen

The Boy Who Lived has cast his spell on the box office since Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, the first film in Warner Bros. blockbuster franchise, hit theaters in 2001.

The bestselling, seven-book series was adapted into eight record-breaking films -- and a two-part play -- as the boy wizard ventured through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the wizarding world with his pals Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, taking on the enigmatic Lord Voldemort and his magical henchmen each school year.

As J.K. Rowlings debut novel Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone -- the first of the books from which the decade-spanning films were adapted -- marks its 20th anniversary, heres a reminder of how Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan reviewed the Harry Potter films. (Spoiler alert: He didnt always like them.)

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone film is imaginative and faithful but shuns any risk-taking (2001)

As his 11th birthday approaches, orphan Harry Potter learns that hes a wizard and enrolls at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where his reputation as the Boy Who Lived precedes him during his magical training.

The result is a remarkably faithful copy of the book that treats the text like holy writ (hence its 2-hour-and-33-minute length), wrote The Times film critic Kenneth Turan. From the gold in Gringotts, the safe-as-houses goblin-run bank, to the centaur lurking in the forbidden forest that adjoins Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, so much is presented just as written that Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone starts to resemble one of those fiendishly exact replicas of great works of art that Sunday painters can be seen working on in galleries of museums.

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets doesnt capture the well-balanced tone of the book (2002)

In their second year at Hogwarts, Harry and his pals Ron and Hermione contend with a celebrity author professor and a well-meaning house elf named Dobby who thwart the trio in unexpected ways.

The darkness that invades Chamber of Secrets underlines how well the books managed to exactly balance good and evil, dark and light, so that within their pages you seemed to be experiencing both at the same time. Not so here, Turan wrote. Because Chamber of Secrets cant seem to get the balance right, it ends up broadly overdoing things on both ends of the spectrum. The films scary moments are too monstrous and its happy times have too much idiotic beaming, making the film feel like the illegitimate offspring of Alien and The Absent-Minded Professor.

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban film comes close to capturing the essence of the books (2004)

The wizarding world gets markedly darker as convicted murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), who is believed to have killed Harrys parents, escapes from the Azkaban prison and the soul-sucking Dementors are loosed to chase him down. Director Alfonso Cuaron takes the helm from Chris Columbus, who directed the two previous films.

"[T]he final hour of the two-hour-and-21-minute Azkaban is the closest any of the films has gotten to capturing the enormously pleasing essence of the Potter books, wrote Turan, adding, Those three leads (Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, Emma Watson as Hermione, Rupert Grint as Ron) play characters who are now 13, an age when anger and frustration are more publicly expressed. One of the benefits of Cuarons direction, his expertise with younger actors, means that the constant determination and occasional fury exhibited by the characters, especially Harry and Hermione, are completely convincing.

4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire finally gets Harry Potter right (2005)

Harrys surprising inclusion in the prestigious Triwizard Tournament, as a fourth-year student, raises concerns and brings danger to the Hogwarts castle.

Its taken them long enough, but the movies have finally gotten Harry Potter right, wrote Turan. It has fallen to the veteran [director] Mike Newell, eager, in his own words, to break out of this goody-two-shoes feel, to make the first Harry Potter film to be wire-to-wire satisfying.

Though memorable acting is neither called for nor delivered on the part of Goblets collection of juveniles, Radcliffes Harry does get one thing exactly right. Watching him face myriad challenges, were convinced that Harrys heart will lead him to do the right thing. He does good in the most natural way and, like so much of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, thats just how it should be.

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix cant shake an episodic feeling (2007)

With the Ministry of Magic refusing to acknowledge Lord Voldemorts (Ralph Fiennes) return, fifth-year Harry is brooding at school as he contends with spooky visions and Ministry transplant Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton). His knowledge of the dark magic-fighting organization, the Order of the Phoenix, and a prophecy further complicate matters.

"[Director David] Yates and his team handle the films visuals well, including the impressive sets for the atrium of the Ministry of Magic and its Hall of Prophecy, as well as fine flying sequences involving either broomsticks or equine creatures called Thestrals, Turan wrote. The director also works well with the films juvenile leads, which is important, because these are the raging hormone years at Hogwarts School, and that is especially true where Harry is concerned. Looking so disgruntled in his gray hoodie that you fear he might start rapping, Harry comes off as more Grumpy Potter than the bright light of the wizarding world.

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is well-crafted but sometimes hard to endure (2009)

As dark magic spills into the Muggle world, Harrys mentor, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), tasks him with bringing down Lord Voldemort. But Harrys discovery of an old textbook teaches him more than he expected about his past.

Now in its sixth episode shot over an eight-year span, with two more features still to come, this one-of-a-kind film cycle has become as comfortable and reliable as an old shoe, providing a degree of dependability thats becoming increasingly rare, Turan wrote. As directed by David Yates, who did the previous film and is on tap for the final two, Half-Blood Prince demonstrates the ways that the Potter pictures have become the modern exemplars of establishment moviemaking. We dont turn to these films for thrilling or original cinema, we look for a level of craft, consistency and, most of all, fidelity to the originals -- all of which we get.

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1" (2010)

The penultimate film sees Harry, Hermione and Ron venturing out into the real world to locate and destroy Lord Voldemorts soul-encapsulating Horcruxes as Hogwarts and the wizarding world fall to He Who Must Not Be Named.

Much of the plot of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows involves the attempt to find and destroy a series of Horcruxes, and if you havent a clue about what they are or why theyre important, you might as well stay home, Turan wrote. There is something different, however, about this Potter movie, and that is the words Part 1' that end the title. Understandably distraught about Hallows being the last of the phenomenally popular J.K. Rowling novels, Warner Bros. has split the final effort into two films and is likely kicking itself for not having thought of that with the earlier books.

(It should be noted that the studio reboots the wizarding world with the forthcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series. The first film hit theaters in 2016.)

8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2" (2011)

Harry goes wand-to-wand with Lord Voldemort, concluding Harrys final year at the wizarding school with the epic Battle of Hogwarts.

In a classic storybook finish, however, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2' turns out to be more than the last of its kind. Almost magically, it ends up being one of the best of the series as well, Turan wrote. The Harry Potter films, like the boy wizard himself, have had their creative ups and downs, so its especially satisfying that this final film, ungainly title and all, has been worth the wait. Though no expense has been spared in its production, it succeeds because it brings us back to the combination of magic, adventure and emotion that created the books popularity in the first place.

For more of The Times Harry Potter anniversary coverage, go here.
Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly was many things for many people. For the former Fox personality, it was her major coming-out party on NBC. For Russian President Vladimir Putin, it was a game.

And for viewers, it was a chance to see if months and months of heavy buildup surrounding the networks new star anchor would pay off.

The hour-long news show promised to be a tough conversation between Kelly and the Russian leader. But for Putin, it was childs play as he displayed an elusive and ultimately dismissive demeanor toward Kelly.

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The interview, which was teased for weeks on NBC as a must-see exclusive, lasted less than 10 minutes. But that was just about enough time to confirm that shes still not a great interviewer, and hes still one of the most deceptive interview subjects around.

Short of asking How many people have you killed with your bare hands, Mr. Putin?, Kelly did everything she could to get something out of him other than smirks, huffs and nyets.

Who on President Donald Trumps team did U.S. Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak meet with, she asked.

There were no meetings, Putin said through an interpreter.

No meetings between Ambassador Kislyak and anybody from the Trump campaign? Kelly pressed.

He didnt know.

But wouldnt he know if such meetings were taking place, she asked.

Thats completely nonsense! Do you even understand what youre asking, or not?

Well, youre his boss, she said.

And thats about as far as that exchange went.

It was the most high-profile interview Kelly had conducted since sitting down with Trump at Fox back in May 2016. It was an anticipated event following her debate performance with Trump, in which he felt Kelly had treated him unfairly.

After the debate, Trump had attacked her repeatedly in the press and on social media. Their Fox sit-down was a chance to press him on his behavior and other issues. But she failed to seize the moment and was later criticized for it.

On Sunday Night, Kelly came out of the gate in a much more forceful manner than she had with Trump, and asked much harder questions. But it was a poorly planned match in which to make an impressive launch for her series. She has to win over a wider audience than she had at Fox, and Putin ranks as one of the worlds toughest interview subjects, a proven master of deception.

The interview took place in St. Petersburg over the weekend, after Kelly had moderated the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putins signature event.

Clips were played from the event that showed Kelly asking Putin in front of 4,000 guests about Russias role in the hacking of the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Did Russia hack the U.S. election, she asked, pointing out that U.S. intelligence agencies had found ample evidence, fingerprints, that it had meddled.

What fingerprints, hoof prints, horn prints?, he answered dismissively. What are you talking about?  It could come from your home IP address, as if your daughter carried out the attack.

The setup was a recipe for failure, especially for Kelly, who was hired for $15 million to $20 million by NBC last year after leaving Fox News, the conservative news outlet that had launched and propelled her career.

To make matters worse, Oliver Stones The Putin Interviews, where the filmmaker spent significantly more time with the Russian leader for a Showtime special, will air over four consecutive nights next week. They even watched Dr. Strangelove together. Poor Megyn Kelly.

Where Stone got more access, Kelly seemed to have little. She tried to deliver something substantive in under 10 minutes, and it wound up making her coming-out party more of a fizzle than a bang.

The segment was fleshed out slightly with small packages on Putins background and a primer on the Russian/Trump investigation, but not much could be done with the thin interview that was left.

When Putin denied Russia had anything compromising on Trump, Kelly then segued into the next bit of their conversation the best she could, given that Putin was steering it the way of a bad spy novel: Then the former KGB agent floated a Cold War conspiracy theory about U.S. dirty tricks, she said.

There is a theory that Kennedys assassination was arranged by the U.S. intelligence services, he said, so if this theory is correct and cant be ruled out, then what could be easier in this day and age than using all the technical means at the disposal of intelligence services  [to point] the finger at Russia?

Soon after that, Kelly threw the rest of the show to segments by other reporters on shady pharmaceutical companies and imperiled elephants.

Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly

Where: NBC

When: 7 p.m. Sunday

lorraine.ali@latimes.com

@lorraineali

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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

Trend:

Police in the US state of Florida say there have been "multiple fatalities" in a shooting in Orlando, BBC reports.

The shooting happened early on Monday morning in the east of the city, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper reports.

It comes a week before the first anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in the city - the deadliest mass shooting in US history  in which 49 people died.

The Orange County sheriff is expected to give a briefing soon.

Police said the scene of the shooting had been stabilized, indicating the shooting was not ongoing. Reports in Florida said the deaths occurred at a business.
Her body was discovered in a vacant lot, remote wooded area, dumpster or car trunk. She was nude or partially clothed. There were signs of sexual assault.

As any armchair detective or avid Investigation Discovery channel viewer can tell you, such grim scenarios are standard fare for true crime television, fodder for an endless stream of whodunits now flooding the market.

Yet, despite the reality that nearly 80% of the nations homicide victims are men, according to recent FBI stats, on crime TV its predominantly women who end up on the wrong side of a gun, knife or blunt instrument.

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The demise of single moms, teenage daughters and beloved grandmothers drive the majority of shows on the 24/7 crime ID channel. Likewise, high-profile killings of females provided the groundwork for ESPNs OJ: Made in America and a slew of JonBenet Ramsey specials.

I dont think viewers have ever experienced such an exciting explosion focused on a single genre like we are currently seeing with the success of true-crime stories and mysteries on every possible media platform, said ID President Henry Schleiff in a recent statement about the success of the cable network.

Its a television boon built atop the bodies of women and girls, their memories often obscured by national arguments over their convicted killers actual innocence or guilt, the missteps of detectives working their cases or the gruesome details of the crimes that took them.

Theyre victimized again, and the second time around, its their memory thats abandoned.

Do you know the names Susan Berman and Teresa Halbach? Probably not, but its likely youve heard of the hit shows chronicling the circumstances of their murders: HBOs The Jinx and Netflixs Making a Murderer.

But the status quo of such nonfiction crime series was upended a few weeks ago with Netflixs The Keepers.

The series explores the unsolved, 1969 slaying of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a beloved 26-year-old nun and high school teacher in Maryland.

The love and devotion she inspired among her students, women now in their 60s, drives the story as they lead the charge to solve her decades-old homicide.

And rather than settle for true crimes usual shorthand description of the female victim as young, attractive and all-American (i.e. Caucasian), Sister Cathy is brought to life through the accounts of the women she once sought to protect from predatory priests at the all-girl Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore.They now want to know if her attempt to shield them cost Sister Cathy her life.

Is there intrigue, horror and suspense? Absolutely.

But its also moving, and early in the seven-part series, one cant help but remember Sister Cathys name, her image, even some of her poetry.

Simply put, she had a life before she was killed, and we become part of that.

Its a notable departure from the usual detachment true crime television has from its female (and even male) victims.

Since its release The Keepers has inspired a national conversation about the Catholic Church and the power it wields with law enforcement and the community.

It follows in the footsteps of Making a Murderer, another true crime story that prompted a heated debate regarding the innocence of convicted murderer-rapist Steven Avery. Thousands signed a petition to have Avery exonerated that was sent to President Obama. His victim, however  Teresa Halbach  was too often an afterthought in conversations about the series.

[J]ust why true crime TV gravitates toward cases involving female rather than male murder victims is a mystery any of these shows have yet to solve.

In The Keepers, its the victim, not the men suspected of murder, who gets the last word.

But just why true crime TV gravitates toward cases involving female rather than male murder victims is a mystery any of these shows have yet to solve. Theres a number of theories among experts, mental health practitioners and womens advocacy groups: crimes against women spark more outrage, and therefore, a heightened degree of attention (and that equals higher ratings); women are considered more dispensable than men; sex crimes sell.

And rape is more often than not a motive in TVs unscripted crime fare, from nearly every installment of IDs See No Evil to episodes of A&Es The Killing Season to ABCs long-running 20/20.

It makes it seem as if women are not only the No. 1 targets of murder in the nation, but that most of those killings are sexual in nature.

It makes it seem as if women are not only the No. 1 targets of murder in the nation, but that most of those killings are sexual in nature.

Its another distortion given that the vast majority of homicides in the U.S. involving a female victim in 2015 were not associated with sexual assault (though historically rape and sexual assault of murder victims has either been overlooked or difficult to determine).

Another danger is that in low-budget true crime productions, rape scenes often come off as fetishized and exploitative. And its often programming that is  wait for it  predominantly watched by women.

Yes, women are the No. 1 consumers of shows about murdered women: ID is the No. 1 ad-supported cable network for females 25 to 54.

Now Oxygen, a network that once featured reruns of The Tyra Banks Show and the yoga meditation program Inhale, is rebranding itself along similar lines. Itll soon morph into a full-time crime network driven by nonfiction whodunits and unscripted procedurals.

Its ironic given that Oxygen was one of the early outlets to discover that true crime pays. Its most successful series, Snapped, is now in its 14th year. It, however, chronicles murders committed by women  usually against men.

The Keepers

Where: Netflix

When: Anytime

Rating: TV-MA (may be unsuitable for children under 17)

lorraine.ali@latimes.com

@lorraineali

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A recent trip to Los Angeles stimulated the creativity of Donatella Versace, who, for resort, celebrated the unique vibe of some of the districts contributing to the multifaceted cultural scene of the City of Angels.

For example, the rock n roll roots of Melrose Avenue with its multitude of vintage shops echoed in the metallic embellishments punctuating sartorial pieces, such as a coat worn over a pinstriped slipdress trimmed with lace. Studs also decorated a range of cool leather minidresses, including one featuring a graphic patchwork of napa, suede and vinyl, while a chain stitching recreated a sort of pinstriped motif on a tailored elongated vest.

The colors of the California sky at sunset were combined on a Versace signature Baroque print splashed on a silk twill shirt with a coordinated plisse skirt, both decorated with lace trimming for a hint of sexy femininity.

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The tones and the signature wallpaper of The Beverly Hills Hotel served as inspiration for the most lively, fresh and summery part of the collection. This spanned from elegant dresses, coming in sorbet tones and embellished with sweetheart necklines, as well as lingerie details, to street-savvy pieces. They included all-over printed reversible bombers and anoraks in flamboyant patterns with a tropical feel, as well as a range of embroidered denim pieces and cotton utilitarian outerwear styles.

Versaces playful tour in the heart of L.A. ended in Venice Beach, where the girls crochet bikinis and tops inspired the lineups oversized sweaters and knitted dresses showing geometric patterns.

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Free speech has once again become a highly charged issue on college campuses, where protests frequently have interrupted, and in some cases halted, appearances by polarizing speakers.

At a lively panel last week during the Education Writers Assn.s annual conference in the nations capital, free speech advocates and a UC Berkeley student leader debated who was at fault and what could be done.

Alt-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos tour of colleges across the country drew protesters off and on campus, and sparked violent clashes, including one in which a man was shot in Seattle. At Berkeley  birthplace of the Free Speech Movement 50 years ago  university officials canceled his scheduled appearance in February and later pulled the plug on a scheduled April visit by conservative commentator Ann Coulter, citing safety concerns.

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In March, a protest at Middlebury College left both the speaker, controversial social scientist Charles Murray, and a professor who wasnt his supporter injured.

The way the altercations on campus were characterized by the media and in a growing national public debate frustrated many students.

This whole issue of free speech is a lot more nuanced than what it appears to be in a single headline or what it appears to be on the surface, Pranav Jandhyala, who co-founded the nonpartisan campus group BridgeUSA at Berkeley, said during Thursdays panel discussion. Its not just about the people who invited the speaker and the people who are trying to silence her.

BridgeUSA, Jandhyala explained, was formed earlier this year after university leaders at the last minute canceled Yiannopoulos talk  an appearance the university had been defending, citing its commitment to tolerance. The decision was made after protests  escalated by what appeared to be a group of outside protesters who were not students  on the day Yiannopoulos was scheduled to appear caused about $100,000 in damage.

Violence replaced conversation that day, Jandhyala said, and his student group set out to create more events where students could debate and challenge different views without fear of violence. They asked liberal student groups to pick a speaker to come to campus and debate with students from all sides. They did the same for the Republican students, who picked Ann Coulter.

We wanted to invite her because if you viewed her as hateful and you viewed her as inflammatory and nothing of value, then why dont you go ahead and actually challenge her? he said. We were creating this larger Q&A with her that would essentially be liberal Berkeley students challenging Ann Coulter on the issue of illegal immigration.

Jandhyala and fellow panelists, moderated by Scott Jaschik, editor of Inside Higher Ed, discussed a recent Gallup survey that found that when they were asked if they believed in free speech, a majority of students across all political, racial and ethnic groups said yes. But when asked if they favored college policies that banned hate speech, an overwhelming majority of students also said yes, without seeing a contradiction in the two answers.

Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), which promotes free speech and due process rights at universities, said the narrative so often gets oversimplified to the cliche PC run amok. Lukianoff said not all free speech issues are political.

Last year, the case I was the most upset about was the case at Northern Michigan University, where students who took advantage of the counseling services there were then sent scary letters saying, Listen, if you talk to any of your friends about thoughts of self harm, you will be punished, he said. This is telling people who are either depressed or anxious that theyre a burden on their friends and that they should isolate themselves. But somehow, that does not get the same coverage.

Judith Shapiro, the former president of Barnard College who now heads the Teagle Foundation, which works to strengthen liberal arts education, said the heart of the debate really may be less an absence of freedom of speech and more an absence of quality of speech.

The institution has the right to say: OK, is it worth it?... Who should we be listening to and engaging with? Who, even if you disagree, could you actually learn something from? she said, which led to a lighthearted discussion about the relative cultural value of a campus hosting Snooki from the reality show Jersey Shore or Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison.

As soon as you actually start trying to evaluate people on the basis of the quality of the discourse that theyre bringing to campus, thats when a lot of peoples biases really present themselves, Lukianoff said.

This national fight over where to draw the line, however complicated, needs to focus more on emphasizing the power of engagement than on protecting free speech for free speechs sake, Jandhyala said.

Its about creating an environment where youre willing to listen to all different perspectives, form your own from listening ... and also be willing to challenge and debate with others and engage in discussion with the people that you disagree with, he said. That is the driving purpose of free speech.

rosanna.xia@latimes.com

Follow @RosannaXia for more education news
The Ghost Ship disaster in Oakland last year was the deadliest fire in modern California history, killing 36 people.

Alameda County prosecutors on Monday accused two men of recklessly creating a fire trap at the illegally converted warehouse, justifying charges of involuntary manslaughter.

Heres a breakdown of what we know:

Firefighters battle a warehouse fire in Oakland that claimed the lives of 36 people during a concert. (David Butow / Redux) (David Butow / Redux)

Creating a deadly labyrinth

Derick Ion Almena, 47, the property manager who converted the warehouse into an artists residence and underground concert venue known as the Ghost Ship, and Max Harris, who served as the venues creative director and ran the concert that took place on the night of the blaze, were arrested Monday and charged with 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter, according to Alameda County Dist. Atty. Nancy E. OMalley.

Almena and Harris allowed as many as 25 people to illegally reside in the warehouse, failed to provide any fire suppression equipment and filled the building with flammable materials from floor-to-ceiling, creating a deadly labyrinth from which the victims had little chance to escape, according to a probable cause statement filed Monday.

On the night of the fire, Harris rented the upstairs portion of the warehouse to a promoter and was on the premises to oversee the event. During preparation for the electronic dance show, Harris allegedly blocked off a second stairwell that had served as an exit, leaving guests only one way out when flames began to devour the building.

Concert promoter Derick Ion Almena, right, was arrested Monday morning, according to Alameda County district attorneys office. (Associated Press) (Associated Press)

Controversial captain of the Ghost Ship

Almena ran the warehouse as a physical extension of himself and was the master tenant.

Many who knew him described him as a narcissist and an opportunist. They said he deftly manipulated those around him, including his longtime partner Micah Allison, 41, who lived with him and their three children on the warehouses second floor.

He is able to charm people, but when they dont go along with what he wants he will threaten people, said Allisons father, Michael Allison.

Almena has a prior conviction for receiving stolen property  an Airstream trailer from his landlord in January 2015, court records show. He spent two days in jail before pleading no contest to a misdemeanor, and is currently on probation until 2019.

Others describe him as eccentric, a crazy uncle, who leased the warehouse and sublet it to musicians and artists who couldnt afford, or didnt want, a more conventional living space.

He has kind of childlike characteristics, said Libby Physh, who lived in the warehouse for about five months in 2014, paying $500 a month for one of the half-dozen trailers parked on the Ghost Ships ground floor.

Almena had informed the building owner that electricity to the arts collective and adjoining businesses within the block of buildings were in dire need of a total and immediate upgrade.

In the wake of the deadly blaze, Almena repeatedly expressed sorrow for the 36 lives lost in the fire.

Im only here to say one thing: Im incredibly sorry and that everything that I did was to make this a stronger and more beautiful community and to bring people together, he told NBC in the aftermath. People didnt walk through those doors because it was a horrible place. People didnt seek us out to perform and express themselves because it was a horrible place.

When asked if he was accountable, he said: No, Im not going to answer these questions on this level. Id rather get on the floor and be trampled by the parents. Id rather let them tear at my flesh...

Almenas legal battles with some tenants and partygoers who visited the Ghost Ship are well documented, but little is known about his life before he popped up in Oaklands underground art scene.

Michael Allison said his daughter and Almena both grew up in Southern California and have lived together as wanderers, organizing their lives around Burning Man and other festivals. They had an apartment for a time near MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, where Almena pursued photography and Allison belly danced.

In the early 2000s, when Allison became pregnant with the couples first child, they decamped for Mendocino County, where they stayed with one of Almenas relatives.

Michael Allison said Almena worked as a marijuana grower, and that he mainly farmed out tasks to other people and didnt always pay them.

By 2013, Almena and Allison had decided to make the warehouse their home. On her Facebook page, Allison called herself the Mother Superior of their artist colony, the Satya Yuga Collective.

The couple advertised the building on Craigslist as a hybrid museum, sunken pirate ship, shingled funhouse, and guerrilla gallery.

Mariah Benavides, who babysat for the couples kids occasionally starting in 2012, said she recalled instances in which Almena and Allison left her alone with the children for days at a time while they hosted parties at different venues, including a warehouse called Cloud 9.

In 2015, Alameda County Child Protective Services temporarily took away Almena and Allisons children. On her Facebook page, Allison chronicled the steps she and Almena took to convince officials of their parental fitness. They were taking parenting, anger management and domestic violence classes.

Twice a week their urine was tested for drugs, Allison wrote, adding, We have never tested dirty whatsoever. Earlier this year, the couple regained custody of their children, an outcome that left some of their relatives flummoxed, Michael Allison said.

I didnt do anything ever in my life that would lead me up to this moment, he said.

His lawyers have long argued that charging him is a way to avoid Oaklands neglect of building oversight.

It is our fear that improper charges could be brought against Derick and others by Alameda County in order to divert attention away from their own irresponsible agencies, the lawyers said. It is our intention, if the need arises, to defend vigorously by showing that the real culprits are the above agencies who didnt do their jobs.

Almena is being represented attorneys J. Tony Serra, Jeffrey Krasnoff and Kyndra Miller. Serra, a firebrand attorney legendary for his defense of the Black Panthers, former Symbionese Liberation Army member Sara Jane Olson and Hells Angels leader George Christie, said government agencies fear massive payouts as a result of civil litigation.

Max Harris (Facebook) (Facebook)

Ran the Ghost Ship the night of deadly fire

Max Harris, who also goes by Max Ohr, is a tattoo artist and the creative director of the artist collective. Nicknamed Warlord Harris, he was the manager and doorman on the night of the deadly event.

He lived in the Ghost Ship and was the person in charge at the time of the blaze because Almena had gone to a hotel with his family for the night.

Harris told the East Bay Times that he reported electrical problems to the buildings owners and about power outages and the need for upgrades.

Four weeks after the fire, soliciting donations as a victim of the fire, Harris turned to Facebook for help:

In no way do I mean to take away from the tragedy and loss by seeking to get back on my feet and heal, he wrote Dec. 28, asking for aid and support, including possibly creating another artist residence.

I am still currently homeless, mostly couch-surfing, continuing to explore my potential directions, and awaiting resources while trying to acquire the art-tools necessary for sustainability and advancement. I am now leaning towards rebuilding a smaller community-split-studio or perhaps just an individual realm

I will be beginning to tattoo again shortly, and hope to utilize this as a partial vehicle as I scout out a new place to make nest

richard.winton@latimes.com

paige.stjohn@latimes.com
Homeland Security investigators in New Orleans were listening to phone calls made by a suspected Los Angeles drug dealer last year when they heard a disturbing snippet of a conversation, according to court documents.

Their target, who they believed to be a methamphetamine trafficker, told the person on the other end of the line that someone had asked if he could carry out a hit, court records show.

The phone call sparked an investigation that spanned from New Orleans to Los Angeles to San Diego in search of the person trying to organize the killing. At one point, federal agents even staged a bloody murder scene with the help of the would-be victim.

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In April, David Phillips, the CEO of a Los Angeles-based medical marketing firm, was arrested on charges of plotting the death of a former business associate, according to a federal criminal complaint filed in Louisiana.

Phillips, 36, of Culver City, told the accused drug dealer he would be willing to forgive a $30,000 debt if the drug dealer agreed to set up the hit, court records show. Federal authorities have not revealed the name of the alleged drug dealer, who is now a cooperating defendant, or the purported victim of the alleged murder-for-hire plot.

Phillips was arrested at the Sepulveda Boulevard offices of his firm, NKP Medical Marketing, on April 25 after the suspected drug dealer presented him with a staged photo depicting the would-be victim battered and bloodied, court records show.

Phillips has since been transferred to New Orleans, where he is awaiting trial, said Anna Christman, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorneys office in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Glen Jonas, Phillips Los Angeles-based attorney, said his client has done nothing wrong. He did not know the identity of the cooperating defendant, he said.

Jonas also said he may seek to have the case tried in Los Angeles, rather than New Orleans, because the alleged conspiracy took place here.

The case is being tried in Louisiana because the alleged murder-for-hire plot was first overheard by New Orleans agents investigating drug trafficking, according to Christman and the complaint.

Phillips pleaded not guilty in New Orleans on Thursday, according to court records. His next court appearance is scheduled for early July.

The initial investigation centered on the alleged meth trafficker, according to the complaint. After hearing the comment about the hit, an undercover federal investigator contacted the accused drug trafficker in Los Angeles in February, according to the complaint.

During that first meeting, the undercover agent posed as a drug dealer who might be able to connect the suspect to a contract killer. It was understood, according to the complaint, that the drug dealer would sell meth to the undercover agent at a discount in exchange for arranging the hit.

They met again in April in San Diego, where the alleged drug dealer provided the undercover investigator with a photo of the potential victim and a document listing work and home addresses where the target could be located, the complaint said.

The accused dealer was arrested in Los Angeles a few days later, and would soon provide investigators with information about Phillips. The suspect told investigators that Phillips had given him $30,000 to launch a failed marijuana venture in early 2016, but when the dealer couldnt pay it back, Phillips offered to wipe the debt clean in exchange for carrying out the hit.

The would-be victim once helped Phillips run NKP Medical Marketing, according to the complaint. He left the business after they began clashing in either late 2014 or early 2015.

According to the potential victims statements to law enforcement, Phillips often made rash claims about having someone taken out and once claimed to have friends with AK-47s. The pair had several verbal altercations in recent years, according to the complaint, but have not interacted since September 2016, roughly the same time investigators in New Orleans say the suspected drug dealer made the comment about being asked to carry out a hit.

On the day Phillips was arrested, he met the suspected dealer at the marketing firms Los Angeles offices. Agents provided the dealer with a staged photograph of the execution, which showed the would-be victim with bruises and a gunshot to the forehead. Blood splatter could be seen on a wall behind the victims head, according to the complaint.

Phillips appeared nervous while looking at the picture and his hands were shaking, according to the complaint.

He was arrested a short time later. A search of his office turned up a document detailing the work and home addresses of the supposed victim, the complaint said. The document was similar to the one the suspected trafficker gave to the undercover agent at their earlier meeting, the complaint said.

Three other defendants  David Suiaunoa, Lucky Fua Iosua and Nadine Samalaulu Paala  were indicted for conspiring to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine. Suiaunoa, Iosua and Phillips were indicted in the murder-for-hire plot. Christman would not comment on what, if any, relationship Phillips had to the other defendants.

Suiaunoa, Iosua are also in custody in Louisiana, she said. Paala remains at large.

Jonas dismissed the would-be victims characterization of Phillips behavior and said his client would not stand to gain anything from having the man killed.

The purported victim is a disgruntled former employee. Thats it, and frankly, his importance to my client, was minimal, Jonas said.

Jonas also scoffed at prosecutors description of the would-be victim as a business rival, calling it ridiculous.

Itd be saying that the local T-shirt shop is a business rival of Walmart, he said.

NKP Medical Marketing was incorporated in 2006, according to documents filed with the California Secretary of State. The company is a leader in online marketing for cosmetic surgery practices and general surgery practices, and works with surgeons, dermatologists and cosmetic dentists in five continents, its website said.

The defendants brother, Paul, was recently installed as CEO, according to the website, which does not mention a reason for the change. Several phone calls and an email to Paul Phillips seeking comment were not returned.

David Phillips bio boasted that his employees had previously worked at major tech companies including Google, Yahoo, Myspace, Facebook and Amazon.

The companys headquarters is split into two small offices inside a building populated by several businesses on Sepulveda Boulevard. NKP does not appear on the list of businesses in the buildings lobby, and the company name is not posted on the entrance to either of its offices. One of the offices was sparsely furnished, and several men inside were wearing T-shirts and shorts.

An employee, who did not to provide his name, stopped a Times reporter from entering the second office, which other employees said housed management.

The man said he believed Phillips was being framed and that the federal charges had been drummed up, but did not offer an explanation.

Hes a great guy. Saved my life several times by employing me, said the man, adding that he feared he could have wound up homeless without the job.

I dont think he did anything wrong, he said.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

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Northern California native Alex Honnold became the first person ever to free solo Yosemite National Park s 3,000-foot tall El Capitan on Saturday  a death-defying achievement in which the climber foresook protective ropes and harnesses.

Using only his hands and feet, the 31-year-old reached the top of the granite monolith in under four hours. It was a journey he spent two years preparing for, according to the Associated Press.

Conquering El Capitan

The peak of the granite wall is higher than the tallest building in the world  the Burj Khalifa , in the United Arab Emirates  and requires climbers to navigate a maze of fissures, crevices and cracks.

Honnold climbed the Freerider route, which snakes up the west side of the face. National Geographic documented the climb for an upcoming film.

The route has 30 pitches, or sections. It becomes especially challenging at 2,300 feet, where the holds Honnold used to ascend are so small they can only be gripped with a thumb, the Associated Press reported.

Honnold used protective ropes and equipment to climb Freerider several times before he attempted Saturdays ascent. Those trial runs allowed him to plot every toe- and finger-hold, map every step and practice every precarious position hed have to put himself in.

Alex Honnold stands atop El Capitan after his solo free climb  the first ever  of the Yosemite icon on Saturday. (Jimmy Chin / National Geographic) (Jimmy Chin / AP)

Just days before Saturdays climb, Honnold rappelled down Freerider to make sure chalk marks hed left on the monolith hadnt been washed away by recent rains, National Geographic reported.

Working to overcome fear

Honnolds training was fastidious. National Geographic reported that he spent hours every other day hanging by his finger tips and doing one- and two-armed pull ups in his van ahead of the climb.

He rehearsed climbing motions and logged his workouts and ascents to find ways to improve. Though hes been climbing for 20 years  and even dropped out of UC Berkeley so he could tackle the worlds summits  free-soloing El Capitan was a monumental hurdle, he told the AP.

"Each year I would show up and it would seem just much too daunting," he said. "To walk up to the base of the climb without rope and harness, it just feels a little outrageous. Getting over that side of it was the hardest part."

Scientists have studied his brain to see how it copes with fear and if it is different than the average humans, National Geographic reported.

With free-soloing, obviously I know that Im in danger, but feeling fearful while Im up there is not helping me in any way, he said. Its only hindering my performance, so I just set it aside and leave it be.

In his first interview after the climb, Honnold told the magazine that the mountain didnt look that scary ahead of the climb.

I didnt have much of a backpack, and the climbing just felt amazing, he said. Not dragging 60 meters of rope behind you for the whole mountain, I felt so much more energetic and fresh.

When climbers use ropes and harnesses only to arrest a fall, its called free climbing. In 2015, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson became the first pair to ever free climb El Capitans Dawn Wall in 19 days.

Congratulations pouring in

In disbelief right now. Dude Alex Honnold youre a total hero and also a major freak. Thanks for being both, tweeted Emily Harrington, a national climbing champion.

She piled on more praise in a second tweet minutes later.

Jorgeson, half of the duo that scaled the Dawn Wall two years ago, had a more blunt reaction.

Holy.. he tweeted in response to National Geographics announcement of the climb.

Caldwell gave Honnolds achievement perspective.

I have tried many times to mentally transport myself into the head of '[Honnold,] he wrote on Facebook. Looking for comfort in what I knew was inevitably coming. Last week, high on Freerider, I still could not fathom being up there without a rope. This was a generation defining climb.  Good job, dude.

Actor and musician Jared Leto even sent Honnold a congratulatory video from his concert in Nashville.

Honnold responded to all the praise Monday morning on Facebook.

Ive been overwhelmed by the well wishes Ive received post El Cap, he wrote. I'm moved by all the messages from friends and the greater climbing community. It's been incredible...I really appreciate all the positive thoughts - thanks, everyone!! Such an honor.

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The last time Bernard Melvin heard from his daughter Carrie, she was calling him to wish him a happy birthday.

It was the summer of 2015, and she was living in Hollywood and starting her own social media business. She told him she was the happiest she had ever been and loved her life.



For the record: An earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed the quote, Youve convicted an innocent man, to Nkechi Howell. It was another woman who made the comment.

Weeks later, her father received unimaginable news.

Carrie had been killed by a man who fired a shotgun blast at her face as she walked with her boyfriend to a Thai restaurant in Hollywood.

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On Monday, Bernard Melvin stood in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom moments before the man convicted of his daughters murder was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Telling his wife and relatives that his 30-year-old daughter was dead was the hardest thing he has ever done, Melvin said.

I feel as though I have lost a limb, he said, his voice cracking. Since then, he said, he has held his wife as she cries herself to sleep, and shed tears with Carries boyfriend.

I have tried to answer my familys questions, but how do you explain a completely senseless act? We cry every day, Melvin said.

The victims older brother, Ryan, said Ezeoma Chigozie Obiohas insistence that he is innocent compounded the familys grief. He said he experiences recurring nightmares about his sisters murder.

Every day it hurts when I wake up and realize she is gone, he said.

Obioha, who was convicted last year of first-degree murder, sat showing no emotion.

At one point during the hearing, Obiohas sister, Nkechi Howell, told the court, Judge, youre sending an innocent man to prison.

She rushed out of the courtroom, followed by court bailiffs. After the hearing, Superior Court Judge Robert J. Perry scolded Howell, calling her behavior inappropriate.

Prosecutors alleged that Obioha acted after Melvin spurned his romantic interest in her and then filed a complaint with state officials alleging that he owed her more than $1,000 for work she had done marketing his clothing line on social media.

The morning after the killing, a boy playing on the beach in Malibu found Obiohas Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun under a rock. Lying nearby was an unusual shotgun shell, identical to an expended shell found at the crime scene: a white Rio Royal Grand 12-gauge, 00 buck shell with the head stamp globalshot.com, prosecutors said.

Jurors deliberated about a day before convicting Obioha and finding true the special-circumstance allegation that he committed murder for financial gain. Defense attorneys plan to file an appeal.

Obiohas defense attorneys had argued that the shotgun shells, as well as the gun, were planted. A blast from a Rio Royal shell would have caused more wounds to the victims face, they argued.

Every day it hurts when I wake up and realize she is gone.  Ryan Melvin, the victims brother

And they attacked a six-man photographic lineup that two witnesses  Melvins boyfriend and a security guard who saw the attack  used to identify Obioha as the gunman.

After the guard described the shooter as abnormally dark, he pointed out two possible suspects from the lineup. One was Obioha, whose photo was the darkest in the lineup.

That is manipulated, attorney Dana Cole told jurors during the trial, referring to the photo. That is totally manipulated, and its just not right.

Obiohas mother also told jurors that her son was at home the night of the slaying. Deputy Dist. Atty. Michelle Hanisee suggested that Obiohas family had lied and fabricated evidence to protect him.

Defense attorneys downplayed the idea of a financial motive for Obioha by showing jurors a receipt indicating that he paid Melvin $1,740 in cash on the same day he wrote the $1,620 check that didnt clear.

But Hanisee called the receipt book fishy.

Obiohas sister found it after her brothers arrest, and the May 2, 2015, entry in Obiohas receipt book was out of chronological order. The obvious conclusion, Hanisee said, was that the receipt was fabricated.

Every scrap of evidence that points to anyone points to him, Hanisee told the jury.

And the prosecutor noted that it wasnt until November 2016 that Pauline Obioha said for the first time that her son was with her on the night of the killing.

I think at some point, her mom instincts overtook her, Hanisee told jurors.

In phone calls from jail, she added, Obioha gave his family different explanations about what happened to his gun.

First, he said that it had been stolen. Then, that Melvins boyfriend had taken it to set him up. Lastly, he said it had been planted by an ocean photographer who wanted his Instagram and Facebook accounts featured on the news, the prosecutor said.

In court, the victims father said that after sitting through the trial and hearing the evidence, hes convinced that Obioha was the person who killed his daughter. He urged Obioha to accept the sentence.

I had to hear and see things in the trial that no parent should have to see, he said.

nicole.santacruz@latimes.com

For more news on crime in Southern California, follow me on Twitter: @NicoleSantaCruz.

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UPDATES:

5:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from the victims father.

2:20 p.m.: This article was updated with more details from Mondays court hearing.

This article was originally published at 11:15 a.m.
An Australian tourist in San Francisco who was beaten to death has been identified, and a man from Southern California has been arrested on suspicion of murder, police said Monday.

Australian citizen Mathew Bate, 33, got into an argument with two men in the 2500 block of Van Ness Avenue about 2:15 a.m. Friday that ended with Bate on the ground unconscious with severe head trauma, police said.

Paramedics rushed Bate to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, while police entered a nearby hotel to investigate.

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Officers detained two men they found inside and ultimately arrested one of them: David Murillo, 34, of Hesperia, police said in a statement Monday.

Jail records show Murillo was booked on suspicion of murder Friday morning and is being held without bail. His initial court date has not been scheduled.

Bates family released a statement to the media, the Guardian reported:

He had such a warm and kind soul and was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend, the statement said.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.
The California Supreme Court on Monday upheld the death penalty for Gerald Parker, known as the Bedroom Basher for terrorizing Orange County in the late 1970s in a string of home-invasion rapes and murders.

Parker was a staff sergeant based in Orange County for the U.S. Marine Corps in 1978 and 1979. During that time, five women in Anaheim, Costa Mesa and Tustin were raped and beaten to death in their apartments.

A sixth victim, D. Green, survived with brain damage, but her 9-month-old fetus, identified by the court as Chantal Green, was delivered stillborn.

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Greens husband, Kevin Lee Green, was wrongly convicted of the attack. He was imprisoned from 1980 to 1996, when DNA tests linked the victims to one another and to Parker.

Parker admitted during a police interrogation to burglarizing all six homes, but claimed he was intoxicated at the time and did not intend to kill the victims, identified by the court as: Sandra Fry, Kimberly Rawlins, Marolyn Carleton, Chantal Green, Debora Kennedy and Debra Senior.

An Orange County judge sentenced Parker to death in 1999.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolan
A man was sentenced to life in prison without parole Monday for abducting and killing Sierra LaMar, a Northern California teenager who disappeared five years ago and whose remains have never been found.

The sentencing of Antolin Garcia-Torres followed weeks of testimony in the penalty phase of his murder trial. Shortly after the sentence was announced, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen told reporters the jurys verdict made it so that he will die in prison and will never take a breath as a free man.

Garcia-Torres, 26, was found guilty May 9 following the 13-week trial. He was also convicted of trying to kidnap and carjack three south San Francisco Bay area women in 2009 in grocery store parking lots.

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Human justice can hold the guilty accountable but it cannot resurrect the dead, Rosen said outside the San Jose courthouse. There is no joy in this verdict, only mourning, in the death of a child who was murdered  a void that will forever ache and that can never be filled. May Sierras memory be a blessing for her family and our community.

Sierra vanished on March 16, 2012, in Morgan Hill, about 30 miles south of San Jose, while on her way to school.

After the cheerleaders disappearance, authorities scoured the city looking for clues.

Investigators found her cellphone and her purse, with her underwear and San Jose Sharks jersey folded inside.

For years, even though she was presumed to be dead, hundreds of volunteers searched for any signs of the missing 15-year-old.

While she was your daughter, she has become our daughter, Rosen told Sierras parents as they stood beside him outside the courthouse.

Sierras father, Steve LaMar, said he was disappointed with the verdict.

Hell be able to live. Sierra wont, Steve LaMar said. Hell be able to breathe. Sierra doesnt. Hell be able to eat every day, see his family. We dont have that. His family doesnt grieve. We grieve for the rest of our lives.

At the news conference, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith implored Garcia-Torres to tell authorities where Sierras body is hidden.

If Garcia-Torres has one ounce of humanity or a shred of humanity in that cold-hearted murderers heart, I call on him today to tell us where Sierra is so we can bring her home, she said.

Garcia-Torres was arrested in May 2012 based on DNA evidence found on clothing in Sierras purse and his car, authorities said. Garcia-Torres DNA was already on file from a previous assault.

Investigators told jurors Sierras hair was found on a rope in his car, the Associated Press reported.

At the time, investigators said they thought Garcia-Torres had randomly picked Sierra to be his victim.

In 2014, Garcia-Torres was indicted by a Santa Clara County grand jury in Sierras case.

During the trial, defense attorney Alfonso Lopez argued that Garcia-Torres, who lived seven miles from Sierra, was not responsible for her disappearance, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Garcia-Torres attorneys contended that Sierra may have run away.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

UPDATES:

3 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the district attorney, sheriff and Sierras father.

This article was originally published at 12:05 p.m.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

After the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, the Turkish parliament has decided to postpone signing this deal, Turkish media outlets reported June 5.

The exact date of signing the Paris agreement is currently unknown.

It was earlier reported that Turkeys Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning had opposed the signing of this deal.

In April 2016, the Paris climate agreement was signed by more than 190 countries. Under the agreement, all sides should take steps to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
Xavier Garcia sat at a welcome dinner the evening of move-in day at USC, shoulders straight, shirt tucked, hands folded over a notebook filled with questions to ask and people to meet.

With Ds in high school and no family with college degrees, he once had dismissed the possibility of attending a private school. But at Sacramento City College, he had buckled down. Now here he was, a transfer student at the so-called University of Spoiled Children.

Transferring into an elite private college is not easy. Princeton hasnt taken a transfer in more than two decades, according to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics. In the fall of 2015, Stanford enrolled 15 transfer students; Yale, 24. Cornell and Georgetown University, known for accepting transfers, took in 497 and 186, respectively.

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USC, by contrast, accepted 1,505 transfers from 350 colleges. They made up almost one-third of its new undergraduates. About 800, like Garcia, transferred from a community college. Many were the first in their families to attend college. Most were on financial aid.

When my mom told me she depended on me to give her a better life for our family, I was like, OK, I will do something with my life, Garcia said. Im ready to prove myself.

Beside him at the dinner, Garcias mother silently took in USCs cardinal and gold tablecloths, the ballroom filled with eager students  her sons new world. She squeezed his hand and burst into tears.

The number of transfers at USC is huge, especially when put in a national context, said Terry Hartle, senior vice president of the American Council on Education.

In any given year, about 1.6 million students in the country will enroll for the first time as a community college student, he said. About 10% of those will transfer to another institution  so about 160,000. About 2% of those will go to a private university. So if USC alone enrolls 800, thats 800 out of 3,200.  Thats really dramatic.

Xavier Garcia, 21, a transfer student studying health and the human sciences, takes an organic chemistry class at USC. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

Recruiting and accepting a significant number of transfers has helped change the demographics of USC. The campus is no longer majority white; about 23% of undergraduates are eligible for Pell Grants, federal financial aid for low-income students.

Students in Garcias shoes often turn to the University of California or California State University  public schools with structured transfer programs, many relatable classmates and sticker prices much lower than USCs, where the total cost per undergraduate is estimated to be $72,273 for the next academic year.

To make USC possible for many of these students, the university points to its financial aid and student support: Last year, the school spent more than $42 million providing grants to community-college transfers. It organizes question-and-answer sessions and TransferMation workshops including crash courses in library research, networking skills and making the most of your summer.

Its not necessarily easy, and its certainly not cheap, but nor is it rocket science, Hartle said. Its one thing to get more students in. Its another thing to get them in, get them through with an education and get them out the door with a degree in hand. So the schools that are going to be successful at it will be the schools that are willing to identify and recruit and admit transfer students  and provide an array of services to help them succeed.

Garcia worked hard to find his way at USC. He got two scholarships. He asked a professor to lunch to figure out his major. He made one of the many student centers on campus a regular hangout.

When an advisor at the center noticed that he hadnt come by in days, she emailed to make sure he was OK.

People actually notice when youre not here, he said.

USC student Xavier Garcia, right, chats with friend Walter Solorzano, left, during a late-night study group session. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

USC has been accepting transfers for decades but began recruiting heavily from community colleges about 10 years ago. University President C.L. Max Nikias often cites a 2006 study that found that fewer than 1 in 1,000 students at the nations most selective private universities was a community college transfer.

While some schools hesitate to accept transfers out of fear that graduation rates will suffer, USC transfer students graduate at about the same rate as the rest of the student body. Out of the 8,800 transfer applications received last year, USC accepted 27%  compared with the 16.6% freshman admissions rate. Still, the average admitted transfer students GPA was 3.7, or A-minus honors.

We had to make sure that the transfer students that we brought in were able to compete with these very good freshmen students, said Bruce Grier, a 34-year USC employee who oversees transfer admissions and transferred to USC himself from Pasadena City College after serving in the Navy. Our goal was always to make sure that the professor couldnt tell who the transfer student was.

That often requires more than academics. Many transfer students experience culture shock and arrive short on skills that those from more privileged backgrounds take for granted  such as how to write a resume for a summer job or get to know professors during office hours.

My first semester, I was thrown into career fairs, people were talking about internships, and I was just trying to find my way to class, said Jimmy Ko, who transferred as a junior from Santiago Canyon College into USCs undergraduate business school.

Ko co-founded the newly formed USC transfers club and has hosted workshops full of advice as basic as check your email, join clubs and use classes not just to learn but also to network. Hes pointed his peers to the many campus resources offering help with writing and research.

But at first he was so busy just getting his bearings, knowing he already had less time on campus than most classmates.

He didnt find his groove enough to form the club until the end of his junior year, which made graduating feel bittersweet since there was so much more he wanted to do to create a community for the many transfers still navigating their USC years alone.

A transfers shorter stay on campus can seem shorter still given how long it can take to acclimate.

It took me a year to feel like I belonged, and it was not easy, said Adrian Trinidad, who transferred from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College in 2013.

In one of his first classes, on immigration in America, he said, he was one of a handful of Latino students in a class of 150. The professor asked how many students had nannies growing up, and a lot of hands went up.

Right from the get-go, on the first day, I realized, Wow, this is a different community than L.A. Trade-Tech, Trinidad said.

Still, he appreciated the opportunity hed been given. He was near home, close enough to continue living there to help his father, who was disabled, and his mom, who works in a factory putting tags on shirts. Hed saved money going to community college first, then attending USC for two years on a full scholarship.

Now hes working toward a doctorate in education at USC, studying how to make the transfer process more accessible for those with different backgrounds. He often visits Trade-Tech to answer students questions.

USC, he said, is so perfectly positioned to be a transfer hub, right in the middle of the Los Angeles Community College District. It also has a bigger role to play these days as overcrowded public universities are turning away qualified students.

Natasha Marano, left, counselor at Cerritos College, talks with Susan Park, director of admissions for the USC School of Cinematic Arts, at an information fair for community college advisors at USC. (Stuart Palley / For the Times)

Hector Aguilar, who for 30 years has been a counselor at Los Angeles City College, said hes seen USC in recent years become much more responsive to the students in its surrounding community.

One morning last fall, Aguilar joined dozens of other community college counselors at an annual conference held by USCs admissions office.

Timothy Brunold, dean of admissions, had stigmas to address. He told them people often ask why USC didnt just accept more freshmen straight from high school and whether the high transfer numbers were about making the university look more selective by letting fewer freshmen in.

The reason that we dont accept more freshmen is if we did so, we wouldnt have room for the numbers of transfer students that we accept, he said. We cant imagine building an institution, a cohort of students at this university, without having transfer students as part of that mix.

Walking around campus later, Aguilar said the outreach is paying off.

Students didnt used to even ask me about actually coming here, he said. And now they are.

Hundreds of name tags for community college counselors who attended an information fair and tour in November at USC. (Stuart Palley / For the Times)

As for Garcia, who came from Sacramento, hes now got a year under his belt along with new friends and new study habits.

One night before finals, he lugged coffee and stacks of pizza boxes into a classroom for a study night hed organized with a friend whod recruited him to be the second member of a Latino fraternity. He proudly wore his new La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda sweatshirt as he greeted classmates from other multicultural student groups.

In a year, hes switched majors three times. Hes now focused on health disparities in low-income communities. Hes tackled organic chemistry, become a board member of a new pre-med club for minorities and helped high school and community college students back home prepare for four-year college. With the help of a scholarship, hes going on a research trip to Guatemala this summer.

He often studies at the library until 3 a.m. The reality of it all would hit him, he said, as he walked back to his dorm by the light of the campus street lamps.

Once in a while, Im just like, Man, I go here, he said. I see the trees and the buildings and how fancy they are, and yeah, I actually go here.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

rosanna.xia@latimes.com

Follow @RosannaXia for more education news

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Skirmishes broke out Sunday in downtown Portland as hundreds of President Trumps supporters who were rallying for free speech faced off against a series of counter-demonstrations far bigger in size.

Police in riot gear made 14 arrests and used pepper spray and flash-bang grenades to break up the crowds. But the violence was far less than city officials had anticipated after a white supremacist was accused of stabbing to death two men who tried to defend a pair of teenagers from his anti-Muslim insults and racist taunts on a city train. A third man was injured during the confrontation May 26.

Trump supporters held signs aloft saying, Dont tread on me, God, guns and Trump and Make America great again, as they engaged in heated arguments with black-clad protesters holding signs saying, Black lives matter, You have blood on your hands and Portland stands against hate.

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Even before the train killings, Portland was embroiled in conflicts over hate and racism 

The pro-Trump March for Free Speech drew the ire of many Portlanders after images went viral showing the 35-year-old suspect in the killings attending a similar protest in April led by local video blogger Joey Gibson, who also organized Sundays demonstration. As Jeremy Joseph Christian was arraigned Tuesday on charges of murder and attempted murder, he shouted a stream of threats: Free speech or die, Portland. You got no safe place. This is America. Get out if you dont like free speech.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler tried and failed to get a federal permit for Gibsons rally revoked, saying its participants peddle a message of hatred and bigotry. In a message to residents last week, Wheeler urged everyone participating to reject violence.

Our city has seen enough, he said.

President Trump supporters in Portland, Ore. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)

Gibson, who has denounced the killings, asked for a moment of silence Sunday for the two patriots who gave it all and said he would kick any white supremacists out of the rally. But he acknowledged in an interview with The Times that he couldnt control everyone.

Participants cheered as Gibson addressed a boisterous crowd that was largely white. There were right-wing figures who had traveled from as far as California and Montana for the event.

I am here for freedom, and I am here for God, said Gibson, who lives across the state line in Washington. He said his goal was to show conservatives that there was hope to take back these states.

To accept the West Coast is blue is to accept defeat, he said.

Some of those who assembled in and around a federal plaza for the rally wore clothing or carried posters with racist and militia-related insignia. They included a pair of men holding signs saying, Diversity is a code word for white genocide. Rally organizers tried to persuade them to leave.

Among those who attended were figures from the alt-right, a loose-knit movement founded by white nationalists. Members of the Oath Keepers, a militia group that civil rights groups describe as anti-government extremists, patrolled the perimeter of the plaza, saying they came to protect the freedoms of both sides.

Also spotted among the crowd was Kyle Chapman, a San Francisco Bay Area resident who has developed an online following using the moniker Based Stickman. Images of Chapman, who carries a stick and shield during protests and wears a motorcycle helmet, went viral after he clashed with protesters in Berkeley this year.

Before the rally, he turned to Facebook and Twitter to urge his followers to smash on sight in an open season on antifa, shorthand for anti-fascists.

Members of a left-wing group called Rose City Antifa assembled Sunday in a park across the street from the pro-Trump protesters, saying they were there to stand against neo-Nazis, hateful preachers and violent bigots. They were joined by members of other groups, some of whom wore bandannas to conceal their faces.

Both sides said they were ready to use violence in self-defense.

The left-wing protesters expressed frustration at police for declaring their demonstration an unlawful assembly by early afternoon while the pro-Trump rally, which was permitted until 5 p.m., carried on.

Police officers said they did so after protesters threw bricks at them, some of which may have been taken from a building in the park where they had gathered.

Most of the counter-protesters had dispersed by early afternoon, although a couple hundred were later blocked by police from marching on a downtown street.

Pat Washington, who has developed a following for dressing in costumes at rallies and going by the name Based Spartan, attended the pro-Trump rally. (Natalie Behring / Getty Images)

Keith Campbell, a member of the Oath Keepers, said he drove to Portland from El Cerrito, in the Bay Area, to attend the pro-Trump rally and livestream it because he was tired of being labeled a violent extremist.

Not everyone who is on the Trump side is in the extreme right or neo-Nazis, said Campbell, 53. There are probably a few people like that, [but] there are a lot of people who are normal, good conservative people.

He added: We dont get to be heard. Or if we get to be heard, people are told that we are spewing hate speech, and basically hate speech is anything one side doesnt agree with.

A third rally, organized under the banner Portland Stands United Against Hate, took place outside City Hall, within sight of the other demonstrations.

That rally was endorsed by more than 70 groups, including religious congregations and civil rights organizations. Labor unions also staged a demonstration nearby against the Trump supporters.

Margaret Jacobsen, who organized Portlands Womens March in January, came to protest what they saw as a rising tide of racism and hate crimes in the country.

Lives can end if you cross the wrong person, said Jacobsen, who set up a table with food, water and medical supplies for demonstrators. I dont think this is just because of who is in office, but it is what it means to be black or brown in America.

Seemab Hussaini, a member of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said he was there to make sure theres a peaceful event, a peaceful message.

Police, city officials and participants across the rallies said the violence between the groups was less than they had expected.

The mayor would like to thank those who peacefully protested today in Portland, said Michael Cox, a spokesman for Wheeler. He is grateful that there were no reports of major injuries, and that arrests were minimal.

jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com

Jaweed Kaleem is The Times national race and justice correspondent. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

More national headlines

UPDATES:

9:40 p.m.: The story was updated with skirmishes breaking out and police halting the protests.

The story was originally published at 4:20 p.m.
In May 1967, six months after I had graduated from the Israeli air force academy, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser closed the Straits of Tiran, shutting down Israels southern maritime lifelines. In fiery speeches, Nasser echoed threats made by Arab leaders in 1948 to throw Israelis into the Mediterranean Sea. When he moved his army into Sinai and removed U.N. peacekeeping forces from our border with Gaza, we knew war was only a matter of time.

In the officers club at the Tel Nof Airbase south of Tel Aviv, morale was high. With telephone lines closed for security reasons, we were happily secluded from the grim aura that had settled over the civilian public. We were part of a magnificent air force with a well-prepared operational plan. We were confident. And, yes, we were very young.

The Six-Day War began on June 5, with formations of combat aircraft taking off from our base. When news began to roll in later, an outburst of joy erupted in the squadron: In only a few hours, most of the Egyptian Air Force had been destroyed. Israeli troops then broke into the Sinai and the Gaza Strip. There was another moment of exaltation when we heard that the Old City of Jerusalem had been liberated from Jordan. These six days concluded with Israel seizing the Golan Heights from Syria.

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There are moments in history when nations need to make grave decisions and sacrifices. Israel is facing precisely this kind of challenge today.

After it was all over, we traveled to comfort the families of our fallen comrades, and then to take in the wars effects. First we went to the West Bank. In the Old City, we saw signs of the savage battle in smashed cars and in the eyes of shocked locals. On the way to the Dead Sea, smoke was still rising from charred Jordanian tanks that had been hit by our fighter pilots. In Jericho, we drank orange juice at a cafe that had probably witnessed the coming of the Turks, then the British, then the Jordanians, and now us. There was hope that we had reached a turning point  that after suffering such a decisive defeat, the Arabs would come to their senses, make peace with Israel and perhaps get their territories in return.

According to the former Israeli foreign minister Abba Eban, the Israeli government decided on June 19 that it was willing to give the territories gained in the war back to the Arabs if they signed a peace treaty with Israel. When Eban delivered this message to the Americans, he later wrote in his memoirs that they could hardly believe what I was saying. But Hebrew University professor Eli Podeh has since argued that the offer was probably communicated only to the Americans, and not really made to the Arabs.

In any case, at the following summit of the Arab League in September 1967, the Arabs gave not one, but three resounding responses: No recognition of Israel, no negotiations with Israel, no peace with Israel.

It took two more wars for the Egyptians to accept the formula of territories for peace. The Jordanians signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, following the Oslo Accords. Were we also close to a peace deal with the Syrians in the late 1990s? Depends on whom you ask: Israelis, Syrians and Americans walked away with conflicting memories.

Israel tried trading territories for peace with the Palestinians too, of course. In 2005, Israel pulled out of Gaza, which fell into the hands of Hamas, and the West Bank became the only bargaining chip. But the West Bank is now a far cry from the all-Arab area we toured in June 1967: Its dotted with settlements that house more than 400,000 Jews. Giving it back, even for peace, has become very difficult, perhaps impossible.

The blame game is pointless. Between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, there are 10.5 million people: 6.5 million Jews and 4 million Arabs. If we add Gaza, the populations are equal. The bleak consequence for Israel is that, if all this land is not partitioned, it will become one state, and Israel will either lose its Jewish character or if it refuses to enfranchise the Arab population  its democracy.

There are moments in history when nations need to make grave decisions and sacrifices. Israel is facing precisely this kind of challenge today. Whether the Palestinians are partners or not, Israel should pull out of most of the West Bank; we shouldnt rule the Palestinians living there. When a credible Palestinian leadership comes forward, Israel should negotiate land swaps, acquiring the big settlements, which should remain always under Israeli sovereignty. This should be the last act of territories for peace.

On June 5, 1967, Israel took a great chance. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War, Israel must take bold risks again.

Uri Dromi is a retired colonel in the Israeli Air Force and the director general of the Jerusalem Press Club. He served as a spokesman for the Rabin and Peres governments from 1992 to 1996.

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The saddest part about the recent terrorist attacks in the U.K.  aside from the actual horror for the victims and their families, of course  was that there was so little new to say about it.

But that didnt stop anyone. Everyone backed into their usual rhetorical corners, filling in the blanks on the familiar post-terror conversation like it was a game of Mad-Libs, only none of the answers were particularly funny.

I for one could easily recycle one of umpteen columns on how the lefts response is wrong and why we have to shed our dysfunctional aversion to speaking plainly about the nature of the threat and what is required to fight it. Or I could note that Presidents Trumps response to the attack was less than helpful. But to what end? Who hasnt heard the arguments a thousand times already?

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Watching cable news and surveying the algae blooms of hot takes on Twitter, its hard to imagine anything will dramatically change. We are growing numb to the problem as it becomes part of the background noise of daily life.

We are growing numb to the problem as it becomes part of the background noise of daily life.

Contrast the reactions to the London attacks and to Trumps withdrawal from the Paris accord. A writer for the Nation spoke for many when he assured readers that this is murder and a crime against humanity. No sane liberal condoned the terrorist attacks, but the condemnations seemed rote while passion was reserved for admonishing those who made too big a deal of them or flirted with Islamophobia.

In 2014, Jeremy Corbyn, who has a remote but possible chance of being the next British prime minister, argued that supporting Islamic State is just another political point of view and that the government shouldnt put up legal obstacles to Islamic State fighters trying to return to England. This perspective hasnt cost him much with his admirers on the left, but I have to wonder what the reaction would be if he described climate change denial as just another political point of view.

But there I go, falling into the familiar trap of scoring ideological points rather than dealing with the larger truth. And what truth is that? Simply that we are in a rut when it comes to terrorism.

The Ariana Grande concert attack in Manchester did generate more than the usual passion because lots of pundits and policymakers, never mind television viewers, have teenage daughters they could imagine attending an event like that.

But did you hear about the bombing of a popular ice cream parlor in Baghdad last week? Families taking their kids there for a post-fast treat were blown to bits by Islamic State.

A few days later, Islamic State blew up a tanker truck in the diplomatic quarter of Kabul. That got some attention because of the brazenness of the attack, the death toll among Westerners and because the explosion was really big.

But even these attacks will be forgotten, absorbed into the gray maw of the way things are. Dont believe me? Do you remember the Paris terrorist attack that took place a month before the Manchester bombing? How about the Stockholm truck attack two weeks before that? The St. Petersburg bombing four days prior? The Westminster Bridge attack in London two weeks earlier? The machete attack at the Louvre the previous month? What about the horrible Christmas Market attack in Berlin? The assaults at Ohio State University; Hamburg, Germany; and Normandy, France? I think people still remember the truck attack that killed nearly 80 people in Nice last year.

Next week will be the first anniversary of the Orlando nightclub shooting. Many people will say, Wow, has it been a year already?

I suspect well stay in this rut reading from stale scripts for a good while. The hopeful scenario, I suppose, is that Islamic terrorism will eventually be ground down, after years or decades of attrition. Those who kept reminding us that more Americans die in bathtubs than from terrorism will consider this result a sort of vindication.

The alternative is that a dedicated group of attention-seeking murderers will react to the blase omphaloskepsis of the West by doing something so horrible that we will be shocked out of our torpor.

jgoldberg@latimescolumnists.com

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Im a neoliberal and Im proud

Another terror attack, another thoughtless Trump tweetstorm

Trump didnt birth American intolerance. Hes the manifestation of our long-disturbed national dialogue
Sacramento and the University of California should learn to get along.

Gov. Jerry Brown is withholding $50 million from UC in his budget proposal. State Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-Azusa) wants to amend the California Constitution so the Legislature controls funding for the UC Office of the President and can reshuffle the Board of Regents. And another state senator, Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) suggests that any time UC pays a certain number of administrators more than the governor earns, it should face restrictions, including on its ability to raise tuition.

All of this stems from a state audit  the eighth related to UC in four years  released in late April. It accused UC President Janet Napolitanos office of maintaining a secret fund of $175 million, when everyone knows UC has been crying poor. The audit also excoriated UC for paying administrators more than other public-sector employees in similar jobs, and accused Napolitano of interfering with surveys that campuses filled out as part of the audit.

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These are serious accusations. They should be examined carefully  much more carefully than legislators did during their slug fest in early May, where they made it sound as though Napolitano had absconded with students tuition payments and used the dough to stash Bentleys in the garage at the UC presidents mansion.

When it comes to UCs hoarding a nest egg instead of spreading the wealth to individual campuses, its the audit, not Napolitano, that should be questioned.

If Napolitano intentionally interfered with the audit  a question the Board of Regents is examining  she deserves appropriate discipline. She previously had agreed, well before this audit was conducted, that the salaries of many UC administrators were too high, and she already has put forward a plan for correcting that.

But when it comes to UCs hoarding a secret nest egg instead of spreading the wealth to individual campuses, its the audit, not Napolitano, that should be questioned.

The audit referred to programs that the auditor, Elaine Howle, appeared to find sketchy, or at least not of direct benefit to students. But those programs include UCs center in Washington, where students from all campuses who are interested in public service can live and take courses. They also include specific efforts to help UC students who are in the country illegally during a fearful time for them. Napolitano says all the secret stash is earmarked for approved university programs, except for less than $40 million set aside as a prudent reserve.

Howles complaint in return is fair enough: At the time of the audit, Napolitanos office couldnt come up with appropriate proof to show precisely how the $175 million was being spent. Howle also said, however, that she had found no signs of anything nefarious. And Napolitano quickly produced a plan to fix the bookkeeping problems.

Although that should be enough for the governor and the Legislature, Brown and our representatives are grandstanding, talking about punishing UC by withholding funds that might be needed for actual education and exerting more control over UC through the presidents office.

These are the same state officials spending tens of billions of dollars on the Local Control Funding Formula that was supposed to bring extra funding straight to public school students in kindergarten through 12th grade who need it most  poor kids, foster kids and those who dont speak English. Loose rules for its use have meant that the money often goes to everyday basic instructional expenses instead of extra help for the students intended.

Meanwhile, UCs campuses have repeatedly been ranked among the best for their excellence and value, as well as their success in graduating low-income students.

Napolitano, who has experience running a state (Arizona, as governor) as well as the Department of Homeland Security, hasnt been a get-along gal with Brown and the Legislature. Good thing, too. If she had, UC would have been so badly underfunded over the past few years that it would be seriously deteriorated by now.

In 2014, Napolitano played hardball, threatening to raise tuition if more state money wasnt forthcoming. She got her deal, but Sacramento doesnt appear to have forgiven her. (And after six years of no tuition increases, it will go up $336 in the fall.) Unlike her predecessor, Mark Yudof, Napolitano is not the most diplomatic UC leader. She often waits too long to respond to legitimate criticisms. But shes been a strong president, and thats what UC needs when the governor seems intent on tarnishing its luster and the Legislature wants more control (a truly bad idea  running a university isnt a job for politicians).

If theres a big problem at UC, both sides should agree on an independent, outside organization  not an auditing agency that works for the governor  to examine the situation, and where Californias great research university system should go from here. The rancor between UC and state leaders over the past few years isnt good for the university, California or the states high-achieving students who rely on it for an affordable, first-rate higher education.

Karin Klein writes about education for The Times editorial board.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

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Not content with politicizing a terrorist attack against one of Americas closest allies, the tweeter-in-chief is now making life difficult for the lawyers who may have to defend his revised executive order on immigration before the Supreme Court.

At 6:29 a.m. Monday, President Trump tweeted: The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.. Eight minutes later, he added: The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!

These evidently unlawyered ejaculations followed a tweet over the weekend in which Trump linked the need for the Travel Ban  terminology his press secretary has foresworn  to Saturdays terrorist attack in London.

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We need to be smart, vigilant and tough, the president tweeted as reports of the violence were coming in. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!

As Garrett Epps noted in the Atlantic, Trump had undermined the arguments of his own acting solicitor general, including the assertion that the revised order represents the presidents own considered judgment about the needs of national security and is not a Muslim ban or a ban of any kind. Epps added: It is more dangerous to be Donald Trumps friend than his enemy.

More doubtful is the suggestion that by trying to pressure the federal courts, Trump has jeopardized their independence. The Brennan Center for Justice, a liberal legal think tank, sounded this alarm Monday, warning that Trumps troubling pattern of attacking judges and the courts for rulings he disagrees with . . . threatens our entire system of government.

If anything, I suspect that Trumps tweets have stiffened the spine of the judiciary, including members of the Supreme Court.

On Friday, Justice Neil Gorsuch, Trumps own appointee, addressed an audience at Harvard and celebrated the fact that the government can lose in its own courts and accept the judgment of those courts. In the terminology of Trumps favorite medium, Gorsuch may have been subtweeting the president.

That doesnt necessarily mean Gorsuch will rule against Trump if the court takes up the issue of the executive order. But if he did, it wouldnt be the first time a justice disappointed the president to whom he or she owed his position on the bench. Justice Elena Kagan, who was not only appointed by President Obama but served as his solicitor general, ruled against his administration on several occasions. (One of the silliest arguments of Democratic senators who opposed Gorsuchs nomination was that he might not be independent of Trump.)

The fact that judges are inured to Trumps tweets doesnt exonerate him for attacking so-called judges or claiming, as he did in a tweet on Monday, that the courts are slow and political.

Presidential contempt for the courts can undermine public confidence in them. But Trumps tweets about the courts arguably have brought more contempt on himself.

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To the editor: President Trump cited nationalism as his primary reason for withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord. (The clearest evidence yet that Trump is turning the U.S. into a force for bad in the world, editorial, June 1)

Nationalists are proud of their country and have a positive view of their future, although at some times badly skewed. I dont see any pride or positive energy coming from the Trump camp.

Instead, I would describe his action as one of nihilism, based on the historical definition of it is as the doctrine of an extreme Russian revolutionary party which found nothing to approve of in the established social order. The current attitude of Trump supporters is nothing more than tribal solipsism tinged with incoherence and unabashed greed.

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Trump cant start to move the United States out of the Paris deal until 2019. A lot can happen between now and then, and given the pace of events since Trump was elected, it probably will.

Barbara Snider, Huntington Beach

..

To the editor: Thirty years ago, the international community understood the grave danger of ozone depletion and came together to sign the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Through this multinational effort, nations showed the benefit of working together for the common good  and for the well-being of each nation in a globalized world.

As a result of this cooperation, the ozone layer over Antarctica has started to recover.

This spirit of cooperation was lost the moment Trump set our nation and the world on a backward course. Who would have imagined that 1987 would have been a more enlightened time than 2017?

Linda Shahinian, Culver City

..

To the editor: Europe and China are taking the lead on climate change. Since when did either of those two deserve to be a standard of moral authority?

I love Europe and have been there at least 30 times. But over the last 100-plus years, that continent has given us two world wars and the toxic trilogy of fascism, communism, and socialism, causing governments around the world to kill millions of their own people and impoverish even more. China has a similar moral history.

To be fair, Africa and the Middle East have also produced horrific states, but I really dont care if Uganda supports the Paris Accord.

David Goodwin, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: In the early 1970s, when I was in college, a friend and I spent a summer traveling throughout Europe and Israel. Because the United States was viewed poorly in light of the Vietnam War, we were advised to downplay the fact that we were Americans and pretend that we were actually Canadian.

Now, because of Trumps behavior (specifically his abysmal decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord), it is once again being suggested that while traveling abroad we would save ourselves a significant amount of ridicule if we laid low as Americans.

While most of us are unable to leave our current lives and become Canadians, it might be appropriate to, at least while abroad, pretend we are.

David Esquith, Northridge

..

To the editor: A note to our friends and allies worldwide:

Please realize that the majority of Americans do not support abandoning the Paris agreement, reducing our support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, buddying up to Russia, verbally bullying our closest friends, canceling international trade agreements, building a border wall or banning people from certain Muslim-majority countries.

Only Trump and the most conservative people in his party are for this. Unfortunately, they are currently in control of our government.

We are as aghast as you are. In a few short years, Trump and his co-conspirators will be gone and this nightmare will be over. Please bear with us until we are able to return to normalcy and rejoin the international community in a spirit of universal cooperation.

Steven Levine, Mill Valley, Calif.

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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
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey and Germany discussed the presence of Germanys Air Force at the Incirlik Air Base, said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

He made the remarks at a press conference with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who arrived in Ankara on June 5 to discuss the presence of German Air Force contingent at the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.

Cavusoglu noted that the two sides discussed a number of important problems, among which there is the presence of members of the Fethullah Gulen movement and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group in Germany.

It was previously reported that Turkey blocked a group of German lawmakers from visiting the servicemen at the Incirlik Air Base prompting German Chancellor Angela Merkel to suggest that Berlin may consider moving 250 troops stationed at the Air Base to one of the neighboring countries.

In turn, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said a possible withdrawal of the German Air Force contingent from the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey poses no problem for Ankara.

Turkey remains a key country  member of NATO in the Middle East. The Incirlik Air Base is one of the main bases of the US and NATO in the region.

Planes of the US-led coalition members, which participate in air operations against the so-called Islamic State (IS aka ISIS/ISIL) terrorist group, are stationed at this air base.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether police need to provide evidence of a crime before they may obtain data from cellphone towers that show where a suspect has traveled.

Although it revolves around the right to privacy, the case does not involve intercepting private conversations over a cellphone or seizing the personal data that are stored in the phone.

Three years ago, in Riley vs. California, the court said police need a search warrant and evidence of probable cause before they may download the contents of a phone.

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But most courts have said people do not have the same right to privacy for data kept by others, including the logs of calls that are maintained by telephone companies.

Federal law, however, limits how and when the police may obtain records of cellphone calls. They must obtain a court order and show there are reasonable grounds to believe the records are relevant and material to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union say the court should set a higher standard and require police to show proof of probable cause a crime has been committed before they may obtain records from cellphone towers. They said phone company records are obtained tens of thousands of times each year.

In Carpenter vs. United States, the ACLU appealed on behalf of a Michigan man who was convicted of a series of armed robberies in the Detroit area. Prosecutors relied on testimony from his accomplices, but they also obtained and used records of his cellphone use over 127 days. The records confirmed Timothy Carpenter made calls from towers that were within a mile or two from four of the robbery sites.

A federal judge and the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 ruling, rejected Carpenters claims that the use of the cellphone data violated his rights under the 4th Amendment. But the justices voted to hear the issue in the fall.

Several of them, including Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Samuel A. Alito Jr., have said they are concerned that computerized data gathering, if unchecked, could allow the government to improperly track individuals.

Separately on Monday, the court handed down the following decisions:

-- In a one-line order, it upheld a lower courts ruling that the election districts for North Carolinas General Assembly, like its congressional districts, were drawn along racial lines and are unconstitutional. But it set aside a separate ruling that required the state to redraw this electoral map this year, rather than by 2018 when the next regular elections are scheduled. In an unsigned opinion, the justices questioned the need for immediate special elections.

-- The court put a five-year time limit on when the Securities and Exchange Commission can seek to recover ill-gotten gains from people who are convicted of stock fraud. The law sets a five-year statute of limitations for any civil fine, penalty or forfeiture for violating the securities law, but the agency had said an order to disgorge ill-gotten gains was not a penalty. By a 9-0 vote, the court disagreed in Kokesh vs. SEC.

--The court limited the governments authority to obtain money from a co-conspirator in a crime who did not receive any of the tainted funds. Terry Honeycutt worked as a store clerk in a Tennessee hardware store owned by his brother, Tony. They were indicted as drug conspirators for selling 20,000 bottles of Polar Pure, a water purification product that can be used to make methamphetamine. Tony pleaded guilty and agreed to forfeit $200,000. Terry was convicted and given a five-year prison term, even though he did not stand to benefit personally from the drug scheme. Prosecutors insisted he must forfeit nearly $70,000, and the 6th Circuit agreed that all the co-conspirators are liable. In Honeycutt vs. United States, the justices disagreed unanimously. A forfeiture is limited to property the defendant himself actually acquired as the result of the crime, Sotomayor said. Because Honeycutt never obtained tainted property, [the law] does not require any forfeiture.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

david.savage@latimes.com

On Twitter: DavidGSavage
President Trumps lawyers found themselves undercut by their client Monday when the chief executive tweeted that he wanted a much tougher version of a travel ban and not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to the Supreme Court last week.

In four tweets posted between 6:25 a.m. and 6:44 a.m. EDT, the president slammed his Justice Department for abandoning the original Travel Ban, which was blocked by judges in February after it caused chaos at airports across the nation.

In any event, we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political! Trump wrote.

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In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

That claim about vetting may come as news to the justices. In their appeals, Justice Department lawyers have urged the high court to act on an emergency basis to revive the travel order.

Speedy action was needed precisely to allow the government to develop new vetting procedures for people seeking to enter the U.S., the lawyers said. The process of coming up with new vetting procedures was put on hold when lower-court judges blocked Trumps order from taking effect, they told the high court.

Legal experts said Trumps latest comments not only undercut the governments legal strategy, but cast doubt on the need for the Supreme Court to intervene.

They said this was a matter of urgency. But if they are already doing the extreme vetting, why do you need an order from the court? asked Josh Blackman, a Texas law professor and legal blogger.

I dont envy the solicitor general, he added, referring to the government lawyer who represents the administration in the Supreme Court.

The lawyers on the other side, fighting the Trump team in court, were quick to say they were pleased by the presidents comments.

Its kinda odd to have the defendant in Hawaii v. Trump acting as our co-counsel, Neal Katyal, the attorney for Hawaii who has challenged the travel order, said in a tweet of his own. We dont need the help but will take it!

Omar Jadwat, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, said Trump had undercut the picture the government has been trying to paint.

Lawyers for the government have made a diligent effort to demonstrate that the travel order was not about religious animus, he said, nor was it an effort to fulfill Trumps campaign pledge to enact a Muslim ban. But Trumps tweets belie those claims, he added.

It shows that the ban is a ban, and thats the goal. It is not about developing new vetting procedures, he said.

Next week, the ACLU lawyers will file a formal response in the Supreme Court, and Jadwat said he had not yet decided on how to handle the latest tweets. They certainly seem relevant, he said.

Even a notable administration supporter joined the criticism of Trumps tweeting. George Conway, a prominent New York lawyer who was considered for two top Justice Department posts and is the husband of White House advisor Kellyanne Conway, took to Twitter to say that Trumps words wont help the solicitor general win five votes at the high court.

These tweets may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly won't help OSG get 5 votes in SCOTUS, which is what actually matters. Sad. https://t.co/zVhcyfm8Hr  George Conway (@gtconway3d) June 5, 2017

Conway followed up with several tweets later in the day in which he said that he still very, very strongly supports Trump and his administration.

But, he added, The point cannot be stressed enough that tweets on legal matters seriously undermine Admin agenda and POTUS--and those who support him, as I do, need to reinforce that pt and not be shy about it.

Another senior Republican legal figure issued a more scathing assessment of Trumps statements.

The impulsive, uncontrolled, ill-informed President infects the legal soundness of everything his administration does, Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard law professor who served as a top Justice Department official under George W. Bush, wrote on Twitter.

Everything else Executive would normally win  will be much, much harder, he added.

The president seemed undeterred. On Monday evening, he returned to Twitter.

Thats right, we need a TRAVEL BAN for certain DANGEROUS countries, not some politically correct term that wont help us protect our people! he wrote.

Last week, Justice Department lawyers filed a lengthy appeal at the high court that sought to minimize the impact of Trumps travel order. They said the revised version of the order called for a limited and temporary pause for certain travelers from six countries, not a travel ban.

But in his tweets on Monday, Trump said he did not agree with his Justice Department or with how it characterized what he planned to do.

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN! Trump proclaimed.

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

The Justice Department should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the scaled-down version that is now before the high court, he added.

The travel order saga began on Dec. 7, 2015, when then-candidate Trump issued a news release calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our countrys representatives can figure out what is going on.

When he issued the first version of his travel order, on Jan. 27, one week after taking office, opponents called it a thinly disguised effort to enact that religious-based ban on travel. As such, it violated the Constitutions guarantee of freedom of religion, they said.

Federal judges quickly blocked the first travel order from taking effect.

After weeks of vowing to take the case to the Supreme Court, Trump backed away in March, issuing a revised version of the travel order that retreated from many of the controversial parts of the first version.

The individuals and groups who challenged the revised order, however, say that it remains motivated by Trumps desire to discriminate against Muslims.

Last month, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the revised order. The ruling leaned heavily on Trumps statements as a candidate, saying that they provided evidence about the presidents true motivation.

The Supreme Court is expected to decide in a few weeks whether to hear the governments appeal of that 4th Circuit ruling, perhaps in the fall, and also whether to allow Trumps order to take effect in the meantime.

How much attention the justices will pay to Trumps latest remarks remains unknown, but at least some legal experts wondered if Trump was already anticipating a defeat.

His tweets are so counterproductive that one has to wonder if he wants to lose the case and gain an issue, Walter Dellinger, who served as acting solicitor general in the Clinton administration, wrote in an email.

If he won a 90-day ban to do a review of visa procedures, that study might not come up with anything useful. Then what does he do? But if he loses the case, he can always blame the judges for anything bad that happens, Dellinger said.

david.savage@latimes.com

On Twitter: DavidGSavage

ALSO

Trump administration posts help wanted signs for government service

One of these two Democrats will be L.A.'s next member of Congress. Heres what you need to know for the election

A California-led alliance of cities and states vows to keep the Paris climate accord intact

UPDATES:

7:15 p.m.: The story was updated with an additional tweet by Trump.

1 p.m.: The story was updated with additional detail and reaction.

9:48 a.m.: The story was updated with a tweet from George Conway.

The story was originally published at 8:05 a.m.
A weekend terrorist attack in London prompted President Trump to renew the call for his travel ban to be reinstated and left Britain grieving but defiant ahead of closely watched elections that could dramatically reshape the country.

Im Christina Bellantoni, and this is the Monday edition of Essential Politics.

The grim news shifted some attention away from the biggest story of the week  Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord.

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But the battle over the environment is still top of mind for many, and will continue this week as California Gov. Jerry Brown acts as Americas unofficial climate ambassador during a trip to China.

BROWN ON A MISSION

Brown has been viewed as a political and policy counterweight on environmental issues since Trumps victory, and hes relishing the role as the president rolls back regulations and faces blowback from the business community for pulling out of the treaty.

Chris Megerian, John Myers and Jessica Meyers in China write that during his visit, the governor will try to demonstrate to the Chinese  and by extension, other world leaders  that some parts of the country are still moving forward.

The first two stops on Browns tour are places that envision themselves as California sees itself  progressive and green, Meyers writes. 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.

And on the lighter side, Brown observed that pandas sure seem to sit around a lot.

Evan Halper took a look at how California has been joined by dozens of states and cities across the country who are vowing to fulfill the U.S. commitment to the Paris accord without Washington  a goal that is not out of reach.

Cathy Decker examined the politics of Trumps climate change decision, finding that while his base may cheer the move he likely further alienated younger, suburban and more educated voters among whom his support was weakest  a matter of increasingly open concern for many Republicans. Looking to 2020, Trumps challenge is maintaining his voters  and adding to them.

TOWN HALLS, MARCHES AND PROTESTS

Rep. Darrell Issa, among the most embattled California Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, was grilled about the Russia investigation and his vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with the American Health Care Act. A sometimes rowdy crowd in San Juan Capistrano kept Issa answering questions for nearly two hours. See the video.

Skirmishes broke out when demonstrators gathered in downtown Portland for a pro-Trump free-speech rally and a pair of counter-demonstrations on Sunday, after a white supremacist killed two men in stabbings on a city train more than a week ago.

And back in California, a group of Trump supporters marched peacefully Saturday in Fountain Valley.

SPECIAL ELECTION IS TOMORROW

On Tuesday, voters in the 34th Congressional District will choose their next congressman. The Los Angeles-based district, which for decades has been a proving ground for major Latino political gains, could now set a new historical milestone: sending the first Korean American Democrat to Congress.

Christine Mai-Duc reports Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez and attorney Robert Lee Ahn dont have vast differences on issues like immigration or healthcare, but they have made different pitches to the majority-Democrat district. Gomez has said he has good experience and a progressive record to back it up. Ahn says Gomez is too entrenched in the political establishment and is beholden to the special interests from whom hes raised money.

Over the weekend Mai-Duc reported that hundreds of newly registered voters have not received the mail ballots they requested.

Heres what you need to know to catch up on the race.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and well cover it live on our Essential Politics news feed. And make sure to follow @cmaiduc for in the moment updates.

THE MEANING OF RECUSAL

House Democrats are complaining that Select Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes is still playing too large of a role in the Russia investigation after saying in April that he would step aside.

Sarah Wire took a look at whether Nunes actually recused himself and what his continued involvement means for the investigation.

Get the latest about whats happening in the nations capital on Essential Washington.

CALIFORNIAS NEXT GOVERNOR

The race to replace Brown may be a year away, but prominent Democrats are already raising money and courting voters in what Seema Mehta reports could be the most exciting gubernatorial contest in nearly a decade.

One of the candidates, state Treasurer John Chiang, plans to poke at rival former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Tuesday by announcing a key Latino backer in Villaraigosas backyard, Mehta reports. Chiang will announce the endorsement of City Councilman Jose Huizar  the man Villaraigosa recruited to replace him in his East L.A. council seat when he was elected mayor in 2005  in Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights, where the former mayor was born and raised.

Chiang also acknowledged to a group of Los Angeles business people and government officials that he was not the flashiest politician in the race. But he said he believes voters will respond to his record.

Meanwhile, Villaraigosa took a dig at rival Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom when he said he supports universal healthcare but warned that advocates for a state-sponsored single-payer system may be creating false expectations given the enormous costs involved.

SACRAMENTO DEADLINE SCRAMBLE

The Legislature raced last week to meet whats known as the house of origin deadline to complete work on bills in the chamber where they originated. Theres still a long way to go before some of these things land on Browns desk. Heres a quick look at some of the most interesting action.

-- A proposal to adopt a single-payer healthcare system for California took an initial step forward when the state Senate approved a bare-bones bill that lacks a method for paying the $400-billion cost of the plan. Confused on how the proposal would work? Melanie Mason breaks down on what we know, and dont know, about the sweeping plan.

-- California moved a step closer to becoming a sanctuary state in which local and state police would not assist federal enforcement of marijuana laws. The state Assembly approved a bill Thursday barring state and local law enforcement officers, absent a court order, from helping federal drug agents in arresting people who are complying with state laws allowing the use and sale of marijuana.

-- The senate passed a package of bills aimed at stemming the housing crisis  though two high-profile measures stalled.

-- By 2045, California will generate all its energy from renewable sources if a bill that passed the Senate becomes law.

-- Californias bid to expand its landmark program to combat climate change hit a snag this week with a vote on a final deal delayed and the failure of multiple bills to clear the assembly. Business-aligned Democrats also unveiled their own plan for how to continue to cap and trade.

-- An ambitious plan to overhaul the bail system in California hit a hurdle in the state Assembly. But lawmakers vow the battle isnt over.

-- The state Senate approved a bill that would expand and reshape the agency that oversees mass transit in Los Angeles County. Opponents of the measure include Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the city and county of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

-- The state Senate said knowingly exposing others to HIV should no longer be a felony.

-- Students whose parents have not kept their school lunch bills current would no longer go through shaming that includes marking their hand so they cannot be served. The measure would require school districts to ensure that any student whose parent has unpaid school meal fees is not treated differently, or delayed or denied a nutritiously adequate meal.

-- Lawmakers are taking another shot at establishing statewide regulations for the use of drones. Similar efforts sunk last legislative session amid industry opposition.

-- For the second straight year, an effort to abolish Daylight Saving Time in California passed its first legislative hurdle. The proposal seeks a way  any way  to keep the states clocks steady all year. A similar proposal, however, failed at final passage last time.

SKELTON: WILL SINGLE-PAYER SURVIVE? DONT BET ON IT

State senators passed the single-payer healthcare bill, even though it needs a lot more work, George Skelton writes in his Monday column. The Senate has kicked the can to the Assembly, where its not clear if it has much support, and if it does survive it must somehow make it past Brown, who seems likely to veto it, Skelton says.

POLITICAL ROAD MAP: WHEN DOES A PROPOSITION BECOME LAW?

An effort is underway in Sacramento to fix something most voters would never know was broken: the legal definition of when a ballot measure becomes law.

In his Sunday column, Myers takes a look at long forgotten language in the California Constitution that allows a proposal to become law long before all the ballots have been counted.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

-- On this weeks California Politics Podcast, Myers leads a discussion of the governors political opportunity on climate change, and a review of some of the biggest bills that faced legislative deadlines last week.

-- Noah Bierman reports that more than four months after taking office, the president who built his brand telling people Youre fired! is having a hard time staffing up.

-- Hillary Clinton, speaking at a tech conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, said she had no plans to run for office again but would remain active in civic life. Clinton also revisited her 2016 presidential loss, saying there was plenty of blame to go around.

-- Kimberly Ellis, the candidate who narrowly lost the race to be the next leader of the California Democratic Party, on Friday said the state party has rejected her request for an independent audit of the election. The partys executive director responded over the weekend, dismissing the allegations.

-- EMILYs List endorsed UC Irvine law professor Katie Porters bid to unseat Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine) in Californias 45th District.

-- Emilio Huerta is back to challenge Rep. David Valadao.

-- Orange County congressman Rep. Lou Correas immigration town hall turned chaotic and led to three arrests

-- The California Assembly opted to not to retain former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder as outside counsel. The Senate, meanwhile, says it will keep Holder and his firm, Covington & Burling, to craft legal strategy against the Trump administration.

-- Despite swirling speculation, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California said shes not giving any consideration to running for president in 2020.

-- Generations collide in Comptons mayoral race.

-- Mark Z. Barabak talks to a central figure in Watergate about Trump.

-- Kathy Griffin had a long press conference.

-- The Supreme Court has been asked to reinstate Trumps temporary ban on travel from six mostly Muslim countries in the Mideast and North Africa.

LOGISTICS

Essential Politics is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

You can keep up with breaking news on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics?

Miss Fridays newsletter? Here you go.

Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox.
Kudos to veteran U.S. Navy officer and businesswoman Andrea Marr for her outstanding commentary lamenting President Trumps withdrawal of America from the Paris Agreement (Donald Trump let the U.S. down by withdrawing from Paris Agreement, June 2). With near unanimity, U.S. and international climate scientists are putting humanity on notice that collapse of the Earths life support system is a real possibility.

The majority of all American voters, including those for Trump, want government action to combat global warming, according to Yale public opinion researchers. But for the billionaire Koch brothers, whose fortunes are anchored in oil and gas, and their shills in Congress and the Trump regime, the United States would remain the world leader in de-carbonizing energy. Alas, Americas leadership will now likely pass to Europe and China.

Until voters can wrest the House of Representatives from control by the oil-igarchy, we should lobby our city governments to adopt climate action plans to reduce carbon emissions. And while doing that urge our respective city councils to pass resolutions (to be sent to congressional representatives) calling for a revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend approach to combat climate change. The fee would be ever-increasing for effectiveness while the dividend going to American households would similarly increase, and emissions would substantially decline. A win-win market approach with strong bipartisan support.

Marr has given us abundant reasons to act now before the current White House and its most avid congressional supporters in Orange County further accelerate the planetary warming that augurs catastrophe for us and our children and grandchildren. With the 2018 mid-term elections approaching, make combating climate change your highest voting priority and communicate that to all candidates. This will put us, along with Ms. Marr, on the right side of history.

Tom Osborne

Laguna Beach

America first puts the planet last

What President Trump gained by exiting the Paris Agreement is small and petty. He has ticked off a campaign pledge and thumbed his nose at his perceived adversaries.

Its what we have lost by his action that worries me. This treaty is easy to criticize for being weak, but how else besides compromise could the agreement of 195 disparate nations be gained? The intent was to get everyone on board, not to set ultimate targets, but to establish common ground from which nations could measure global progress toward reversing carbon emissions.

It took years of American leadership and diplomacy to reach this point. Climate change is a global problem. Rising seas, droughts and floods affect all nations. America first policies cannot work. Also lost is respect for science. Without any credible authority behind him, this president, who has called climate change a hoax, endangers the world with his ignorance.

Robert Taylor

Newport Beach

How to get published: Email us at dailypilot@latimes.com. All correspondence must include full name, hometown and phone number (for verification purposes). The Pilot reserves the right to edit all submissions for clarity and length.
Ten Years Ago

Steve Martin, a 22-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, was setting up his new office at Station 82 in La Canada, his headquarters as the new battalion chief for the area stretching from Altadena to Little Tujunga.

Twenty Years Ago

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied a petition submitted by the grassroots Sagebrush Committee/Unite LCF to be allowed to leave Glendale Unified School District in order to join La Canada Unified.

Thirty Years Ago

The La Canada Flintridge City Council voted to allocate $350,000 to spruce up Foothill Boulevard between Ocean View Boulevard and La Canada Plaza Road. Then-Mayor Ed Krause said he was of the opinion it was the right thing to do because businesses and residents of that westernmost section of the city were often treated like stepchildren.

Forty Years Ago

Several La Canada business owners showed up at a meeting of the Planning Commission to express their concerns that adequate parking was not available in the city. It was a long-standing problem, they said, that forced small businesses to leave La Canada after a short period of time to move their operations to communities where more parking spaces were offered.

Fifty Years Ago

The La Canada High School Class of 1967, the schools third graduating class, was the first to complete all four years at the campus, which had first opened its doors in the fall of 1963.

Sixty Years Ago

Tommy Cole, then a ninth-grader at La Canada Junior High who lived with his parents on El Camino Corto, was enjoying his employment as one of Walt Disneys Mousketeers on TVs Mickey Mouse Club. He was discovered while playing the accordion with a Western band.

Compiled from the Valley Sun archives by Carol Cormaci.
Besalu may be the most interesting Spanish village youve never heard of. It has a cast of medieval characters youve probably never heard of either.

There was Wilfred the Hairy, who was the count of Besalu (among other titles) in the 9th century. Many consider him one of the founders of a unified Catalonia. He still has fans in the regions independence movement.

Another hometown hero is medieval troubadour Raimon Vidal (no nickname), who demanded that audiences stay silent while a performer was on stage, a radical concept in its day.

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But I digress. My husband and I traveled to Barcelona in July, before taking the train to meet a childhood friend from Los Angeles whom I hadnt seen in decades. Dvora, an ex-pat, lives in Figueres, 90 minutes northeast of Barcelona.

Figueres is best known as Salvador Dalis hometown and for its Dali Museum, in his former residence.

On the last day of a three-day visit, Dvora announced she had a treat for us: We were going to Besalu for the day.

Besalu? I had never heard of it.

Falling into a storybook

She picked us up at our hotel in her aged Nissan and we hit the road to Besalu, a 30-minute drive, winding our way through a Spanish countryside burned brown by a seemingly never-ending heat wave.

The enchanting historic village, so far off the beaten track that youd probably miss it if you werent looking for it, is well worth the trouble.

Crossing the fortified 11th century bridge to enter the medieval hamlet was like falling into a storybook. The bridge offers sweeping views of the town and the Fluvia river below. It was easy to picture handsome knights escorting fair maidens into town, a la Disney.

Besalus narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings and Romanesque churches are charming. The churches of Sant Vicene and Sant Pere are notable; Sant Pere is all that remains of the towns Benedictine monastery.

Also worth a peek are the Royal Curia and the hospital of Sant Julia, which was built for the poor in the 12th century.

Among the historical sites is a Jewish bathhouse, or mikvah, that dates to the 1200s. It is thought to be one of only three left in Europe and anchors the remnants of the old Jewish quarter.

The Jewish population thrived until 1415, when the authorities sealed the Jewish quarter, according to a plaque at the site.

Within 20 years, no Jews remained in Besalu. By the end of the century, the Spanish Inquisition was going strong, and Jews and other nonbelievers were forcibly driven out of Catholic Spain.

The mikvah was rediscovered in the 1960s during construction. It was originally annexed to the synagogue, its steps leading from a public square once known as the Placa dels Jueus (Square of the Jews in Catalan) to the river, which supplied fresh water for the ritual bath.

Most of the synagogue is gone, but the mikvah is surprisingly well preserved, probably because of the river sand that had built up inside of it over time. There are limited visiting hours.

Photo ops at every turn

For such a small town  population about 2,400  Besalu has a lot to offer, including the Museu de Miniatures (Museum of Miniatures), a small, quirky museum filled with everything from minuscule renditions of shops and hair salons to works of art so small they must be viewed through a microscope.

Bring your walking shoes; youll get a workout from the bumpy cobblestone streets and steep stone staircases.

Besalu also is very photogenic; you can scamper up or down taking photos at every turn and from every angle.

Dvora and I took a break for window shopping at an enticing string of stores clustered around a lovely square.

We tried on pretty peasant blouses and dresses. (No medieval tunics for us, thank you.) She could not resist buying us matching wallets, as if we were still schoolgirls.

Lunch was at Restaurant Pont Vell, a lovely four-story eatery in an 18th century building with a great view of the river and bridge.

The three of us had glasses of Cava and dined on cannoli with pureed cod in bechamel sauce, ravioli and the restaurants signature dish, sweet-and-sour rabbit, while watching the Visigoth invaders (tourists) pose for selfies on the bridge. Note: Youll be hiking on steep steps inside the restaurant (see: walking shoes).

The only thing missing was a medieval troubadour playing softly in the background. Raimon Vidal, phone home. We miss you.

If you go

THE BEST WAY TO BESALU, SPAIN

From LAX, Norwegian offers nonstop service to Barcelona, and United, Air Canada, Delta, American, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Air Berlin, Iberia, British, Aer Lingus and Alitalia offer connecting service (change of planes). Restricted round-trip fares from $1,163, including taxes and fees.

Besalu is an 80-mile drive from Barcelona, the nearest major city. We took the train to Figueres, home of the Dali Museum, which is about 15 miles from Besalu, and drove from there.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (international dialing code), 34 (country code for Spain) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

Els Jardins de la Martana, 2 Carrer del Pont Vell; 972-59-00-09. Small, older hotel steps from the bridge and the center of town. Doubles from about $120, including breakfast.

WHERE TO EAT

Restaurant Pont Vell, 24 Carrer del Pont Vell; 972-59-10-27. Great views from this restaurant housed in an 18th century building; choose the terrace if the weather is nice. Entrees from $16.

WHAT TO DO

Wander around and soak up the feel of being in medieval Catalonia. Check out the architecture, particularly the churches, which incorporate Romanesque and Gothic elements; the bridge that spans the Fluvia river; and the ancient bathhouse in the vanished Jewish quarter. Theres shopping, and the Museu de Miniatures (Museum of Miniatures) is a hoot.

TO LEARN MORE

Instituto de Turismo de Espana

travel@latimes.com
Finally, some good news about your ability to go through airport security with identification thats nothing more complicated than your California drivers license, the Department of Motor Vehicles recently told me.

Like many other states, California has drivers licenses that do not meet federal standards for identification deemed trustworthy enough to grant you access to a commercial airplane.

For this you can thank the Real ID Act, the 2005 congressional legislation that asked states to comply with tougher post-9/11 requirements for issuing drivers licenses.

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This isnt a federal mandate, exactly, but heres the problem: If your license doesnt meet these federal standards, youre going to have to use something else (a passport or a Global Entry card, for instance) at airport screenings and to access federal facilities such as military bases.

There has been no particular hurry to get this done. And by particular hurry, I refer you to the date the legislation made it through Congress. By the time you must have a compliant ID, this will have been 15 years in the making.

Some states already comply. You know those annoying kids who always showed up at school with homework done, reports in cool plastic binders and science projects worthy of blue ribbons? Think of, say, Arizona and Kansas, among others, as the kids who did all the right things.

The goody-two-shoes states are in green on the Department of Homeland Security Real ID website (www.dhs.gov/real-id#1)

Youll notice a whole lot of yellow states on the map. Those are states that havent quite made the grade.

California is one of those, but heres where it gets confusing (a phrase Ive written about six times as I continue to try to explain bureaucracy at its finest): If you have a drivers license from an out-of-compliance state, you still can use that document for airline security ID purposes until at least Jan. 22 of next year.

If your state still isnt compliant, it might get an extension until Oct, 1, 2020.

If your state is still outside the circle of federal government love on that date, youll need another form of ID to get on a plane.

When I last checked in with the state DMV in March, it was playing its cards pretty close to its vest about whether Californians were going to be the good kids or the rotten (see the red states on the map) kids.

But things are looking up for us.

Beginning in January 2018, driver license and ID card applications will have the option to apply for a federal-compliant driver license or ID card, Artemio Armenta of the California Department of Motor Vehicles said in an email.

We have been moving toward compliance for some time, and this is the final step in the process.

To apply, youll need to show birth date (passport or birth certificate), proof of California residency (two documents) and have [your] Social Security card, Armenta said.

(DMVs current rules require an acceptable identity document(s) to establish who you are. An acceptable document is one produced by an issuing authority, i.e., county, state, federal, or foreign agency. These are original or certified documents establishing birth date, true full name, identity and/or legal presence, its website says.)

For the new license, youll have to bring in additional documentation mentioned above when you apply. Yes, I really did just say bring in, because heres the bad news: You have to show up at the DMV to do this. The doors will open Jan. 2.

But, Armenta said, You dont have to come in on Day 1 to apply for a compliant card. You can still use your California drivers license or ID card to board an airplane until October 2020.

Its unknown whether the cost of a California license, compliant or not, will increase. Right now it stands at $33 for everyone.

What is known, Associated Press reported, is that it will take about $220 million and about 700 additional workers for California to make this happen.

The compliant license will look slightly different, Armenta said: DMV will also redesign the overall card features for security purposes in addition to the card markings.

The Department of Homeland Security must approve both the federal-compliant and noncompliant card markings before the DMV can put the card into production, he said.

The DMV also will be more explicit about what documents will help you establish your California residency, Armenta said.

To continue the student analogy, California is now the kind of kid who can, with effort, improve his grade from a low C- or D+ to an A.

Whew.

Have a travel dilemma or question? Write to travel@latimes.com. We regret we cannot answer every inquiry.

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel

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Universal Studios Hollywood will transform its existing Shrek 4-D theater into a showcase for a series of short films based on DreamWorks animated movie franchises, starting with Kung Fu Panda in 2018.

The new DreamWorks Theatre will host a variety of attractions from the animation studio, whose hits include Madagascar, Penguins of Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon and Trolls. NBCUniversal acquired DreamWorks for $3.8 billion in 2016.

The Shrek 4-D theater, which opened in 2003, features motion seats that tilt and vibrate with special effects that include air blasts, water misters and leg ticklers. Shrek 4-D attractions also operate at Universal Studios theme parks in Florida, Japan and Singapore.

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Universal Studios Hollywood will transform the Shrek 4-D exterior from a stone castle into a Golden Age of Hollywood theater. A movie marquee on the front of the theater will highlight the latest attraction. Inside, the dungeon pre-show area will be converted into a theater lobby with coming-soon movie posters. Projection mapping will extend the action in the films beyond the proscenium onto the theater walls, surrounding the audience with imagery.

The new DreamWorks Theatre allows the theme park to potentially introduce a new attraction every summer that ties in with the latest theatrical release. Its easy to imagine a 4-D theme park film opening around the same time as the latest DreamWorks sequel debuts in movie theaters. DreamWorks plans to release How to Train Your Dragon 3 in 2019, Trolls 2 in 2020 and Puss in Boots 2 in 2021 with new installments of Madagascar and Shrek reportedly in the works, according to the Internet Movie Database.

Once the park has a large enough catalog, the 4-D movies could change throughout the day with a flip of the switch. Seasonal films like Shrek the Halls and Merry Madagascar could be adapted to the 4-D format for the holidays. The theater could play host to 4-D versions of Monsters vs. Aliens and Scared Shrekless during Halloween Horror Nights.

Across from the theater, the under-used Universal Plaza will be transformed into a DreamWorks character meet-and-greet area. Photo stations will be set up around the plaza with Po and Tigress from Kung Fu Panda, Alex the Lion from Madagascar, Skipper, Rico, Kowalski and Private from Penguins, Poppy and Branch from Trolls and Shrek, Fiona and Puss n Boots from Shrek. A stage in the plaza will host daily dance shows featuring DreamWorks characters.

Still need more theme park news? Check out the Los Angeles Times Funland theme park blog on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram.

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Luxury yachts slide past swimmers cooling off in the blue waters of the Adriatic. Mountains in pastel greens and grays tower in the background. Tourists sip on Aperol Spritz and espressos, enjoying platters of shrimp, octopus and calamari.

It is an idyllic scene. Yet there is tension amid the splendor of Montenegros scenic Adriatic coast.

On Monday, the tiny Balkan nation is set to formalize its accession into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, becoming the military alliances 29th member. It is the first such NATO expansion in almost a decade, since Albania and Croatia joined in 2009, and it being met with strong domestic opposition and unbridled fury from Moscow, which has long enjoyed close ties with this nation of 620,000.

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This is bad for Montenegro, said the manager of a luxury hotel in the resort town of Tivat, who declined to be named given the sensitivity of the issue, and was worried that Russian visitors would plummet. Everywhere NATO goes, trouble follows.

Moscow has already banned Montenegrin wine imports and has called on its citizens to stay away from the country, popular with Russian tourists and business people, who account for some 30% of direct foreign investment.

Though NATO has little to lose, Montenegro may prove a complicated ally  plagued as it is by rampant corruption, potent organized crime gangs, human rights abuses and the barest of democratic standards.

Here is some background on the alliances newest member:

A history of occupation

Montenegro is a mountainous nation in the western Balkans, bordering Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and the breakaway territory of Kosovo.

Overwhelmingly populated by Slavs, it has at various times been occupied by the Ottomans, Napoleon Bonapartes French Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Italian fascists occupied Montenegro during World War II, before Yugoslav partisans, led by Marshal Josip Broz Tito, drove the Axis forces from the area in 1944.

After the collapse of Yugoslavia, as the Balkans were plunged into a series of chaotic wars in the 1990s, it formed a rump entity with neighboring Serbia, but then declared independence in 2006, part of its shift toward greater European integration.

Its economy is based largely on the service industry, construction and ambitions to cater to high-end tourism. Its mix of stunning landscapes, medieval castles and resort towns replete with trendy bars marks it as a billionaires playground.

Given its numerous maritime ports and proximity to Italy, just across the Adriatic, its economy has long been bolstered by smuggling, especially of cocaine and cigarettes.

So whats in it for NATO?

Montenegros tiny armed forces, around 2,000-strong and armed with largely outdated former-Yugoslav weapons, is unlikely to contribute much to the military alliance in terms of firepower.

NATO has said the accession is aimed at encouraging democratic reform, bolstering trade and security and ultimately preparing the country for European Union membership.

But the real goal may be to bar Russian warships from Adriatic ports. Montenegro is the last country along this coastal expanse to join NATO.

That means the alliance  formed in the aftermath of World War II to counter the Soviet Union and encourage European integration  now controls a massive stretch of the northern Mediterranean coast, running east from Portugal to Turkeys southern border with Syria.

Montenegro is split over joining  and Trumps shove didnt help

A recent incident in which President Trump shoved aside Montenegros prime minister, Dusko Markovic, while meeting NATO leaders in Brussels did little to assure people here of the alliances commitment to the country.

But the accession process was already controversial, and has divided Montenegro roughly down the middle. Surveys show that 40% of the country is opposed to joining the alliance and 40% supports the move. Roughly a third of Montenegrins describe NATO as a threat.

Many people remain angry about NATOs 1999 bombing of Serbia. Montenegro was a part of Serbia at the time and sustained some bombing, including on non-military targets. Protesters have staged sit-ins and large-scale street protests, at times setting NATOs flag ablaze.

We have fresh memories of NATO bombing our cities, killing our children and destroying our lives, said Gojko Raicevic, an opposition activist and advocacy journalist.

NATOs principles are fake, illusory, and Montenegro becoming part of the alliance proves it. I say that because NATOs declared standards are the rule of law and a high degree of democracy  yet Montenegro doesnt have either of those, he added.

Corruption is a problem

Raicevic may have a point. Montenegros former leader, Milo Djukanovic, was widely accused of using his position for personal gain.

Djukanovic led Montenegro as either prime minister or president since the collapse of Yugoslavia nearly three decades ago until last year. Italian prosecutors have linked him to a massive cigarette-smuggling operation worth billions of dollars  an allegation that Djukanovic did not deny, instead saying that it was necessary to save the country during a period of stinging sanctions.

Regardless, visceral smear campaigns  including grotesque allegations of engaging in bestiality  have been launched against his critics, and journalists are routinely sued for reporting on claims that he has links to organized crime.

These lawsuits appear to be an effort to punish critical media outlets financially, Human Rights Watch said, and keep journalists in court rather than out doing their jobs.

A Russian-backed coup was foiled  or was it fake?

On the eve of last years hotly contested parliamentary elections, prosecutors announced that they had foiled a Russian-backed attempt to assassinate Djukanovic, who was prime minister at the time.

The prosecutors contended that two Russian operatives had recruited hard-line Serbian nationalists to disguise themselves as police, storm the parliament and kill Djukanovic. Their aim was to derail the countrys NATO accession, the prosecutors alleged.

But Montenegro remains deeply divided over whether the plot was real or a staged event aimed at garnering more votes for Djukanovics party. If he had lost the election, it was likely that the country would have abandoned its NATO bid.

Two opposition politicians from a pro-Russia party are on trial for their part in the alleged plot. The evidence against them is based largely on regular trips to Russia and the testimony of a convicted murderer with a history of mental illness, reports indicate.

It seems that the regime wants to ban us from visiting Russia, creating the atmosphere of the Iron Curtain for those who think differently. I do not consent to that and I do not intend to give up on promoting the best possible relations between Russia and Montenegro, said Milan Knezevic, one of the politicians on trial.

Western leaders have largely embraced the governments version of events.

Johnson is a special correspondent.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Qatar crisis can by no means have a direct impact on Turkey, Yusuf Cinar, head of the Turkish analytical center, Strategic Outlook, told Trend June 5.

The UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen announced about breaking their diplomatic relations with Qatar over Dohas support for the Muslim Brotherhood, the worlds oldest Islamist movement, and also its ties with Saudis arch-rival Iran, sparking off simmering dispute in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

However, the Qatar crisis can have an indirect impact on Turkey both negatively and positively, the expert said.

He added that the crisis between Qatar and the six Arab countries is connected to the rapprochement between Doha and Tehran.

It is obvious that the US authorities will not give an opportunity to Iran to do a political maneuver during President Donald Trumps term, as it was during Obamas presidency, Cinar added.

The Arab states of the Persian Gulf took the initiative in their own hands during Trumps term in office, Cinar said, adding this testifies to Irans failed efforts to dominate in the region as before.

The expert said that Tehran will have to be closer to Turkey to strengthen relations with the Western countries, which is positive for Ankara.

The negative side of this crisis for Turkey is that Ankara will fail to act independently in the region, as it was during President Obamas term in office, he added. In other words, Turkey will have to adhere to the NATO policy in the region.

Bahrain has given Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. Manama also suspended air and sea traffic with Doha and banned Qatari citizens from visiting Bahrain and prohibited its citizens from living and visiting Qatar.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is dismissing as a load of nonsense the idea that Russia has damaging information on President Trump and denies having any relationship with him.

I never met with him. We have a lot of Americans who visit us, Putin said in an interview with NBCs Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly. Do you think were gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something? Are you all  have you all lost your senses over there?

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia meddled in the presidential election to hurt Democrat Hillary Clintons campaign. Trump himself has been dogged by questions about any business dealings with Russia  he says he has none  as well as reports of a Russian dossier of damaging personal information.

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Well, this is just another load of nonsense, Putin said. Where would we get this information from? Why, did we have some special relationship with him? We didnt have any relationship at all.

Putin again denied any Russian involvement in the U.S. presidential election and any knowledge of Russian contacts with the Trump campaign. A special counsel appointed by the Justice Department and congressional committees are investigating.

Former FBI Director James B. Comey, whom Trump fired after allegedly asking him to drop an investigation into former national security advisor Michael Flynn and his Russian contacts, is scheduled to testify Thursday before the Senates intelligence committee.

In the NBC interview, Putin was asked about reports of Trump advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushners attempt to set up a secret communications channel with Russia. Putin said he knew nothing about it and that he had not discussed with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak any meeting with Kushner.

Had there been anything significant he would have reported it to the minister. The minister would have reported it to me, Putin said. There werent even any reports. Theres nothing to even talk about. There wasnt even any kind of specific discussion about sanctions or anything else. For me, this is just amazing. You created a sensation out of nothing.

Putin suggested that skilled hackers anywhere, including the U.S., could shift the blame for hacking onto Russia. He also alleged that the U.S. actively interferes with electoral campaigns of other countries.

Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal electoral processes, he said.

As far as the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies, Putin said, They have been misled. He said he had yet to see any evidence of Russian meddling and drew a connection between the allegations against Russia and the theory that U.S. intelligence agencies arranged the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

If this theory is correct and that cant be ruled out, then what could be easier, in this day and age, than using all the technical means at the disposal of the intelligence services, and using those means to organize some attacks and then pointing the finger at Russia, he said.

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Mexicos long-dominant ruling party appears to have narrowly held on to power in closely watched elections in the countrys most populous state, according to preliminary results released Monday.

With almost 98% of the votes counted in Sundays Mexico state elections, the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, known as the PRI, led by almost 3% over the candidate of the left-wing National Regeneration Movement, or Morena.

The heavily contested election in a state where the PRI has never lost was seen as a key test for the party in advance of next years crucial presidential balloting.

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Still, analysts said Morenas strong showing demonstrated considerable vigor for an upstart movement that has never held a governors seat. The PRI reportedly spent tens of millions of dollars to support its candidate in a bid to stave off what would have been a humiliating defeat.

Its almost a Pyrrhic victory for the PRI, columnist Georgina Morett wrote Monday in Mexicos El Financiero newspaper. What was the cost per vote of a victory of only 2 points?

In the northern state of Coahuila, the PRI hopeful was also slightly ahead in a contentious gubernatorial contest, preliminary results showed.

But officials cautioned that the race in Coahuila  where the two principal candidates were separated by less than 2% of the vote  was too tight to indicate a victory for either.

Like the state of Mexico, Coahuila has long been a PRI stronghold.

The ruling party appeared headed for a loss in the governors race in the small coastal state of Nayarit. Antonio Echevarria Garcia, representing an opposition coalition headed by the conservative National Action Party, held a commanding lead of more than 11% of the vote over the PRI hopeful.

The partys image there took a hit in March when U.S. authorities arrested the states attorney general  a longtime PRI stalwart  on drug trafficking charges.

The preliminary numbers released early Monday are official results based on a raw count of votes. Final, certified results are expected Wednesday, after all parties have a chance to challenge the counts from thousands of individual polling stations.

Electoral authorities reported receiving complaints of hundreds of voting irregularities on Sunday, including alleged intimidation of voters and efforts by ineligible voters to cast ballots. It was not clear Monday if the complaints would affect the final vote tally.

The most significant contest was in the state of Mexico, which hugs the capital on three sides and is home to more than 11 million voters, the most in the country. The sprawling state is a historical bastion of the PRI, which has ruled the vast area since the party was founded in 1929 in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution.

Many analysts predicted that a PRI defeat there would spell doom for the ruling party in next years presidential elections.

President Enrique Pena Nieto, the PRI standard-bearer and himself a former governor of the state, is suffering from low approval ratings amid widespread concerns about rising crime, corruption and a sluggish economy.

The results released Monday from Mexico state showed the PRI gubernatorial candidate, Alfredo Del Mazo Maza, having garnered 33.7% of the vote compared with 30.8% for Delfina Gomez of Morena.

Del Mazo, 41, scion of a PRI dynasty  and a distant cousin of Pena Nieto  declared victory late Sunday in a lively rally at his campaign headquarters.

Morena and its founder, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, disputed the preliminary results and vowed to challenge the count, but it was unclear whether the protest would gain any traction. Lopez Obrador has alleged that he was cheated out of two presidential victories, in 2006 and 2012, a charge dismissed by his rivals.

The preliminary results in the gubernatorial race demonstrated that a fracturing of the left vote was key to the success of the centrist PRI.

Running a strong third in the gubernatorial race, with almost 18% of the vote, was Juan Zepeda of the left-leaning Democratic Revolution Party, the former party of Lopez Obrador, who rejected joining forces to present a unified left ticket against the ruling party.

An upset victory Sunday for Morena in Mexico state would have been a massive boost for Lopez Obradors presidential ambitions. He is regarded as an early presidential front-runner  though major parties have yet to name their candidates in national balloting scheduled for July 2018.

The president of the PRI, Enrique Ochoa Reza, hailed the partys apparent victory in Mexico state as a blow to populist authoritarianism, a clear allusion to Lopez Obrador, a fiery left-wing populist.

We will do the same in 2018, the PRI leader vowed, referring to next years presidential balloting. Mexico does not deserve to be Venezuela.

Lopez Obrador has rejected as lies and calumnies the PRIs frequent likening of his policies with those of the embattled leftist leadership in Venezuela, which is gripped by economic, social and political chaos.

Cecilia Sanchez of The Times Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.

patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com

twitter: @mcdneville
Mexicos ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party won a narrow victory in Sundays hotly contested governors race in Mexico state, according to a preliminary count released by the state electoral institute.

The conclusion  based on partial results from Sundays voting  was immediately disputed by the opposition National Regeneration Movement, known as Morena, whose candidate was the chief rival of the ruling-party hopeful.

The disagreement seems sure to drag on as the vote count continues in a state where Sundays balloting was widely seen as a preview of next years presidential election.

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The so-called quick count showed Alfredo Del Mazo Maza of the ruling party, known as the PRI, winning a projected total of 32.75% to 33.59%. That compared with a projected vote of 30.73 to 31.53% for Delfina Gomez of Morena.

The preliminary count came at the end of a day in which allegations of election fraud swirled as voters in four Mexican states went to the polls, and the countrys long-dominant political party endeavored to avert a devastating loss before the presidential election.

Officials and the media reported hundreds of irregularities, including bloody pigs heads found outside opposition offices, telephone threats to discourage voters, alleged vote-buying and the organized busing of unregistered voters to the polls.

Authorities vowed to investigate the charges, but it was unclear whether the allegations of improprieties would trigger appeals.

Turnout was said to be moderate under sunny skies in the most critical balloting venue, sprawling Mexico state, home to more than 11 million voters, the most in the country.

The PRI has never lost the governors seat in Mexico state, a jumble of 125 cities and towns outside the national capital.

But President Enrique Pena Nieto, the PRI standard-bearer and a former governor of Mexico state, is saddled with low approval ratings amid rampant crime, rife corruption and a sluggish economy.

Polls showed a tight race in Mexico state between Del Mazo, 41, the son and grandson of former state governors and a distant cousin of the president; and Gomez, 54, a former schoolteacher.

The PRI held the presidency for most of the 20th century before suffering successive losses in 2000 and 2006. Pena Nieto regained the top office for the PRI in 2012, but his lack of popularity could cost the party next year.

Seeking to head off a humiliating defeat in Mexico state, the PRI mobilized its daunting electoral machine to boost turnout in its stronghold. As polls closed Sunday, both the PRI and Morena publicly declared that exit surveys had showed their candidates headed toward victory.

The national head of Morena, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, was looking for a Morena victory in Mexico state to jump-start his third run for the presidency. Lopez Obrador, who said he was twice cheated out of presidential triumphs, has accused other parties of engaging in a dirty war there.

The PRI was also trying to maintain its gubernatorial seats in the northern border state of Coahuila, along the Rio Grande with Texas, and in the Pacific coast state of Nayarit.

In addition, voters in the Gulf of Mexico state of Veracruz were electing mayors in 212 municipalities. The PRI lost the governors posts last year in Veracruz and neighboring Tamaulipas state, both of which had long been ruling-party bastions.

patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com

twitter: @mcdneville

Cecilia Sanchez of the Times Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.

UPDATES:

9:45 p.m.: This article was updated with preliminary results from Mexico state.

This article was originally published at 6:45 p.m.
All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
Fake U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement fliers were scattered all around Washington D.C. stating that it will penalize anyone supporting "illegal immigration."

Mayor Muriel Bowser posted on Twitter that she is working with law enforcement and other city departments to remove the fliers, which have an official-looking U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo next to the words "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement" in large black letters.

"Sanctuary City Neighborhood Public Notice," begins to state the phony bologna letter that says there will be possible penalties for supporting illegal immigration.

Purported I.C.E. Sanctuary City Neighborhood Public Notice Posted: If you would like to report illegal alienshttps://t.co/1Fc4DGv9XH pic.twitter.com/Ffd65tOXvi  PoPville (@PoPville) June 1, 2017

Balkans Bohemia, who first saw the fliers a bit after 9 a.m. Thursday on his way to the train, shared an image of the fake flier on social media and was soon retweeted by the Mayor.

"I saw about six posters within a block and a half," Bohemia told ABC News. "Some were put up with tape and others with glue. Some of the ones hung with glue are still up because they are proving difficult to get off the pole."

"Just like false reports of immigration checkpoints or random sweeps, notices like these are dangerous and irresponsible," ICE spokesperson Carissa Cutrell told ABC News. "Any person who actively incites panic or fear of law enforcement is doing a disservice to the community, endangering public safety and the very people they claim to support and represent."

The nation's capital police department tweeted that it has a longstanding policy of not allowing officers of asking individuals about their citizenship or residency status. "Our immigrant community is a vital part of the fabric of our city," the tweet said.

Mayor Bowser and other agencies continue the effort to reassure the immigration community, their friends and family members that there are no threats of being penalized as an undocumented immigrant or a supporter of an undocumented immigrant.

And a reminder that we respect all DC residents no matter their immigration status. Washington, DC remains a sanctuary city. #DCvalues [3/3]  Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 1, 2017
Police services and investigators are still piecing together information about the series of violent attacks that have left seven people dead and over 40 injured in London on Saturday night. The incident was ruled a terrorist attack shortly after midnight, with the group calling themselves the Islamic State claiming responsibility.

The attacks began around 10 p.m. London time when there were reports of a white work van driving into several pedestrians on London Bridge and crashing into a nearby pub. According to witnesses at the scene, the attackers then exited the vehicle wearing what appeared to be explosive devices on their persons. The attackers then shifted their focus to outside of a busy night market in order to chase and maximize casualties via stabbing.

At 0025hrs 4/6/17 the incidents at #LondonBridge & #BoroughMarket were declared as terrorist incidents.  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017

Among those injured in the attack are a British Transport Police officer and an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer. Both remain in the hospital for treatment of serious injuries but neither are believed to be in a critical condition.

Raids by the London Metropolitan Police in the Barking neighborhood have brought in over a dozen suspects tied to the attackers, as Prime Minister Theresa May asks for stronger laws against terrorism and redoubled investigation efforts as Britain has suffered its third terror attack in as many months.

In March, a similar vehicular attack near the Houses of Parliament in Westminster claimed the lives of seven. This attack also comes off the heels of the devastating May 22 Manchester Arena attacks outside an Ariana Grande concert.

"Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time, but it cannot be defeated by military intervention alone," Prime Minister May said in a speech Monday. "It will not be defeated by the maintenance of a permanent defensive counter-terrorism operation, however skillful its leaders and practitioners."
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 5

Trend:

Germany has no choice but to begin the process of pulling its forces out of Incirlik air force base in Turkey, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Monday after his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu announced the Turkish government will not allow German lawmakers to visit troops there, TRT World reports.

Turkey has prevented German lawmakers from visiting the roughly 250 troops stationed at Incirlik as part of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State terrorist group (aka IS or Daesh), saying that Berlin needs to improve its attitude first.

Turkey will maintain a ban on visits by German politicians to the key air base in its south which is used for raids against IS in Syria, Cavusoglu said on Monday at a joint press conference after a meeting with Gabriel in Ankara.

At the moment a visit to the NATO base in Konya is possible, rather than Incirlik, Cavusoglu said.
Ankara wants a peaceful solution to the diplomatic rift between five Arab states and Qatar, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavushoglu said Monday, Anadolu reported.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Egypt announced Monday that they were cutting off all diplomatic relations with Qatar, citing national security concerns.

Speaking at a joint news conference in Ankara with his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel, Cavushoglu said that Turkey was ready to help however it can to bring the disputes to a manageable level.

"Dialogue should be continued under all circumstances so the existing problems can be solved in a peaceful way," he said.

He expressed Turkey's "sadness" at the decisions to cut off ties, citing the importance of regional unity and solidarity.

"Turkey sees the unity and solitary among Gulf states as its own unity," he said.

Unity among the countries of the region is important for fighting Daesh, radicalism, Islamophobia, and sectarianism, he added.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, calling for regional solidarity.

"Turkey, as the responsible actor in the region and the current head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, is ready to make any effort possible to resolve the issue among friend and brotherly countries in a very short period of time," the statement read.

The ministry said the Gulf Cooperation Council had been playing a significant role for the security and stability in the region and called on its member states to resolve the issue through dialogue.

It should not be forgotten that regional threats, including fight against terrorism, can only carry out through unity and solidarity," it said.

Speaking at a news conference following a Cabinet meeting later on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said Turkey was ready to fulfill its responsibilities to solve the problem.

"It seems to be a major crisis and it needs to be solved without getting worse. There is no room for any more tension in the region, in the Middle East," he said.

"Turkey will fulfill all its responsibilities to solve this problem. Keeping the channels of diplomacy open is the main issue. In this regard, we are making efforts to keep the diplomatic channels open while remaining in contact with Qatar."

Kurtulmus added that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had made some phone calls to solve the diplomatic row between Qatar and several other countries.

"Our President, as the current head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, got actively involved in this [Qatar row] by having phone calls with both some Islamic countries and some Western countries, to resolve the issue," he said.
Jun 5, 2017, 5:49am ET

Official: Porsche 911 GT2 RS coming with over 640hp

The range-topping 911 gets a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six.

The rumors were true: Porsche is working on a successor to the 911 GT2 RS. The Stuttgart-based company has released the first official details about its upcoming high-performance flagship.

The GT2 RS benefits from an evolution of the Turbo S model's turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine. Applying lessons learned on the track, Porsche's GT division added two bigger turbos tweaked to provide more boost, a model-specific exhaust that's much lighter, and stronger internal components.

British magazine Evo has learned the GT2 RS will receive a water-injection system that reduces intake temperature. Similar to what's offered on the BMW M4 GTS, the water-injection system bumps the flat-six's power output while improving efficiency and reducing wear on key components.

The GT2 RS is still at the prototype stage so final specifications aren't available yet. However, we know the six will send over 641 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Porsche promises a zero-to-62-mph time of under three seconds.

"It's not just a chipped Turbo S, definitely not. It's a completely re-engineered car, said Porsche GT project director Andreas Preuninger in an interview with Evo. "[It's] a lot easier to drive than a 997 GT2 RS, which was a brute, to the point where you couldn't handle it sometimes, he added.

To save weight, Porsche has removed some of the sound-deadening material and replaced the glass with thinner Gorilla Glass. Buyers who want an even lighter car will be able to order the optional Weissach Package, which bundles magnesium wheels, a titanium roll cage, and a carbon fiber roof, among other go-fast goodies.

Porsche will begin pre-production of the 911 GT2 RS in the coming weeks, meaning the series-produced car is likely at least a few months away from hitting showrooms. We could see it this fall at the Frankfurt Auto Show, or at next year's Geneva Auto Show. Either way, it will land as a limited-edition model priced at over $200,000.

Photo credit: Evo.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed in a phone call on Monday efforts aimed at the full restoration of bilateral trade and economic ties, Sputnik reported citing Kremlin press service.

"Separate issues of the bilateral cooperation have been discussed. The presidents particularly pointed out the successful work on full restoration of the Russian-Turkish trade and economic ties as well as the implementation of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project," the statement said.

Russia and Turkey signed an intergovernmental agreement in October 2016 stipulating the construction of two underwater legs of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline in the Black Sea. The annual capacity of each leg is estimated to reach 15.75 billion cubic meters of natural gas. In May, Russian energy giant Gazprom announced the start of the construction of the pipeline's offshore section.

The Russian-Turkish trade has been facing significant difficulties since 2016 when Russia introduced a food embargo against Turkey in response to the 2015 downing of a Russian aircraft over Syria. In March, Russias National Association of Exporters of Agricultural Products (NAEAP) said that the Turkish authorities had suspended issuance of import licenses for Russian grain cultures and vegetable oil on March 15.

In May, Putin met with Erdogan in Sochi, with the two leaders agreeing to further ease mutual restrictive measures. Russia, however, insisted on keeping restrictions on Turkish tomato imports as well as postponing the reintroduction of a visa-free regime for Turkish nationals. Also in May, Turkish exporters decided to limit the share of Russian agricultural import in the whole import to 2025 percent but a week later the restriction was lifted.
Jun 5, 2017, 3:40am ET

Vauxhall bids farewell to four-door hot rod

The VXR8 is based on the same platform as the Chevrolet SS, so it\'s a casualty of Holden\'s

Peugeot-owned Vauxhall is about to release the most powerful car in its 114-year history. Named VXR8 GTS-R, the four-door hot rod will make its public debut at the end of the month during the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The VXR8 is essentially a British-spec version of the Chevrolet SS, meaning it's a casualty of General Motors' decision to stop manufacturing Holden-branded cars in Australia. For its final, most extreme evolution, it receives a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine tuned to produce 586 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. The eight-cylinder spins the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential, but transmission options remain unconfirmed.

A torque vectoring system and an upgraded braking system with six-piston front calipers help motorists make the most of the V8's power. Vauxhall points out the VXR8 is specific to the U.K. market, but it's undeniably very close inside and out to the HSV GTSR sold in Australia.

In addition to the mechanical upgrades, the VXR8 GTS-R receives an updated front end with a splitter and air vents made out of carbon fiber. Out back, it boasts a new spoiler, diamond-shaped exhaust tips, and a model-specific air diffuser. The body kit is similar to the one that equips the GTSR.

The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R promises to make high-end supercars look common. Production is limited to just 15 examples, and each one is priced at 74,500 pounds, a sum that converts to about $96,000.
UPDATE: Driver accused of causing fatal Easton accident is identified

Audrey Rafferty had only moved into her Hanover Township neighborhood in April of last year, but she quickly became a familiar face.

The 64-year-old Rafferty, a widow since 2011, lived alone with her dog Lady in a well-kept red brick ranch home in the 1500 block of Kenwood Drive. She was known for greeting neighbors and stopping for quick chit-chats.

"She had a bubbly personality; always upbeat," recalled Karen Walbert, who lives across the street. "She was just a sweetheart."

Walbert invited Rafferty for iced tea on her patio last Thursday. The women chatted about Rafferty on her way to finishing her last year at Moravian Theological Seminary. Rafferty, already holding a degree as a registered nurse from Moravian College and at Easton Hospital, now was studying to become a "spiritual nurse," Walbert said.

She was looking forward to the change in her life that a new degree would afford, Walbert said.

The next day, she heard the terrible news that her friend and neighbor was gone.

Hit-and-run investigation

Rafferty was killed in a head-on car crash Friday on Lehigh Drive in Easton -- one that police say happened as a driver fled a prior accident less than a mile away.

The woman who police say caused the crash was driving a gray sedan with a male passenger just before 11:30 a.m. when she was involved an separate accident in the 300 block of Larry Holmes Drive. She sped off westbound on Lehigh Drive, police said.

One eastbound motorist managed to avoid a head-on crash, saying the sedan fishtailed as it sped around a narrow curve where the speed limit is 35 mph. But in his rear-view mirror, he said, he saw the gray car smash into an SUV that flipped, then go airborne and collide with Rafferty's vehicle, which also was eastbound.

Audrey Rafferty is seen in a 2001 file photo while working with the Visiting Nurse Association at a health fair in Bethlehem. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

The man and woman in the fleeing car, which ended up on its roof, were hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries. Police have yet to release their names as an investigation continues.

Rafferty was taken to Easton Hospital, where she was pronounced dead just after noon. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek said Raffery died from blunt force trauma and ruled the manner of death accidental.

Rafferty was predeceased by her husband, Bernard J. Rafferty Sr. Surviving are three children: Andrea E. Carney and her husband, Sean M., of Yardley, Bucks County; Sara M. of Delray Beach, Fla.; and Bernard J. Rafferty Jr. and his wife, Krista L. of Spring Grove, York County.

Also surviving, according to her obituary, are six grandchildren, a sister, a brother and a nephew. Funeral services and a Mass of Christian burial are set for Wednesday. Arrangements are by Heintzelman Funeral Home in Hellertown.

Helping others

Former Hanover Township supervisor Glenn Walbert, Karen's husband, said Rafferty wanted to help others.

"She was kind; always helping," he recalled.

She worked as a nurse for the Pennsylvania Department of Health in Easton, according to her obituary. She previously worked for 10 years as a surveyor in Lehigh, Northampton and Montgomery counties, as well as Philadelphia, for the state Department of Health and for the Visiting Nurse Association at St. Luke's Hospital.

Neighbor Francys Lugo said Rafferty surprised Lugo's three children with toys at Christmas and baskets at Easter. She enjoyed stopping as she walked her dog and always asked how things were going, Lugo said.

"She was just living life," Lugo said. "She was always happy. She was just one of those people -- living life with her friends and kids."

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The Bethlehem Area School District high school seniors honored in Monday's signing ceremony didn't have the highest batting averages or points scored.

The 20 Freedom and Liberty high school students gathered in the district's education center boasted the 10 highest grade point averages in each of their senior classes.

District officials, teachers and the students' families lauded the top academic achievers as they signed certificates committing them to their respective colleges and universities.

Superintendent Joseph Roy said such ceremonies are typically reserved for student athletes, but he thought students deserved recognition for their academic achievement. The district first organized a similar celebration for students with the top grades four years ago.

To be the top-ranked students in high schools the size of Liberty and Freedom is truly an achievement, Roy said.

"We are proud of each and every one of you," he said.

Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez, a former high school teacher himself, said they were there to celebrate the tremendous potential contained in the room.

"Your community is proud of you," Donchez said.

The 20 students have taken advantage of all that the district offers from Advance Placement courses to extracurricular activities, like band and theater, to sports, Roy said. Those extra experiences help many students decide what to do with their lives, he said.

The top achievers honored Monday have shown perseverance and curiosity, Roy said.

"You have brains, you have talent, you have a work ethic," the superintendent told them.

He urged them to not be afraid to ask for help once they reach college and to use their talents to serve others.

Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Jack Silva lauded the students, but also took a moment to recognize their parents, who made those late-night runs to CVS for new poster board and carted their kids to countless activities and practices.

"Parents are the first and most important teachers," he said.

The students

Liberty High School Class of 2017 academic scholars

Madeline G. Atwood, Bucknell University

Nina H. Beltrami, Lafayette College

Leah S. Bogert, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Jessica Juliarose Boyer, University of Maryland

Elizabeth Grace Escott, West Virginia University

Samuel Asher Kaufmann, University of Pennsylvania

Joyce A. Kim, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

JaiMei Li, Lehigh University

Valentine E. Perevalov, Lehigh University

Seinn S. Wai, Villanova University

Freedom High School Class of 2017 academic scholars

Christina Elizabeth Concilio, Temple University

Sarah Beth Dunn, Ohio State University

Michael O. Harding, Boston University

Sarrah Hussain, Lehigh University

Kathryn Lee, taking a gap year and then attending William & Mary

Carol W. Lin, University of California Los Angeles

Sahitya Mandalapu, University of Pennsylvania

Abigail Elizabeth Rowan, University of Delaware

Aliceann C. Trostle, University of Maryland

Ally M. Young, Temple University

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Demetrius Davis' victim told jurors she was beaten, kicked, stabbed, sexually violated and nearly killed last year.

While she lay bleeding on the floor, the Bethlehem man took her credit cards and bought himself a pair of sneakers, according to Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Erika Farkas.

When police caught him leaving the shoe store, the first words he had for police were, "Is that b---h still alive?"

"It was a night of terror," Farkas told the jurors Monday on the first day of Davis' attempted homicide trial. "A night in which she endured an attack that threatened her life. When she didn't believe it could get any worse, it did."

Defense attorney Joseph Yannuzzi said the attack didn't rise to the level of the charges Davis faces, which include attempted homicide and aggravated assault. He also questioned whether Davis was responsible for all of the injuries.

The victim testified that Davis lured her into his bedroom on July 6, 2016, at his home in the 900 block of Argus Street in Bethlehem where he punched her.

"He hit me twice in the face and asked me how I liked it," the victim said. "The beatings just got worse. He was punching me and beating me and kicking me."

Jurors saw graphic photos of her face with huge purple and red bruises on her forehead, eyes, tongue and behind an ear.

She said at one point his knees were on her arms so she couldn't move them and his hands were around her neck until she passed out and later wet herself.

"Things would start to get fuzzy and black," she said. "I remember waking up kind of euphoric, like it was part of a dream until I realized he was over me, watching me."

She said he told her to get up and got angry when she didn't move fast enough.

"He kicked me in the face," she said. "I watched my teeth come out and go under my bed."

Jurors saw a photo of the missing teeth and bite marks the victim said Davis inflicted on her fingers and arms. At one point he forced her to perform oral sex on him and urinated on her, she said.

"I was just horrified," she said.

She said she ran to a neighbor's for help when he dragged her back. Then he stabbed her in the thigh. She said she was stabbed under her eye but doesn't remember how it happened.

She said she has cut herself many times as a way of "controlling feelings" but said she did not stab herself that day.

She said her then-9-year-old son eventually helped get her to a neighbor, who dialed 911. She said she underwent emergency surgery for a wound to her intestine. Jurors saw a photos of a foot-long gash across her stomach that was stapled together.

She said she was flown to Philadelphia, where she stayed a week due to the injury to her eye. Multiple bones were broken around the eye. She said her eye is permanently set back in her head and she has double vision when she looks left.

She said she stayed with her grandmother for two months before she had the strength to lift her children. She said her children are ages 10, 4 and 2.

She and Davis know each other. Each of them did heroin that day, the victim said. She said she used it so she wouldn't suffer withdrawal symptoms.

She admitted she has been convicted of theft multiple times and has multiple pending theft charges. She is charged in Northampton County with theft and endangering the welfare of a child.

Davis is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, theft, access device fraud, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and indecent assault. The victim said Davis drained about $1,200 from her accounts.

The trial is scheduled to run through Thursday. The trial will resume Tuesday with Yannuzzi's cross-examination of the victim.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
The wild motorcycle riding that police say ended Thursday with a biker being fatally injured began long before the Easton crash, a witness says.

"I first saw them as I was getting on 22 East from Airport Road," said Jacinda Deremer Reuter, of Forks Township.

That interchange is in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, and more than 10 miles west of the crash scene.

"There were maybe 5-7 of them," Reuter said of the bikers. "They were definitely weaving in and out of traffic (which was of course extremely heavy that time of day) and the one in the front of the 'pack' was doing wheelies for long stretches at a time."

About 4:30 p.m., as she was getting off the highway in Downtown Easton, she saw them again -- this time going west on Route 22 near the Fourth Street interchange, Reuter said.

"My guess is that they must have then at one of the close-by Easton exits, turned around again, making them go 22 East again ending up by Cemetery Curve," she speculated. "Because when I was traveling through the Cemetery Curve area, there was no crash yet."

The first 911 call on the crash came in at 4:37 p.m., records show.

Robert Parvin, 18, of the 500 block of East Frankford Street in Bethlehem, was riding a red Yamaha bike east on the highway and wrecked in the left lane, striking the concrete median, police said. He was taken to St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill, but was dead within two hours from crash-related injuries, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office said.

Reuter said she hopes the incident "is a wake-up call for his buddies."

"The whole time I saw them during my commute home on Thursday, I kept thinking to myself, these guys are either going to cause an accident or be in one themselves!" she wrote in a Facebook interview. "I also kept hoping that there was going to be a police patrol car waiting at one of the exits to bust these guys."

Police are looking for information on the other riders, and on Friday confirmed witness accounts of reckless riding, including racing through traffic and wheelies.

Services for Parvin are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St. in Bethlehem. Calling hours are scheduled 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday as well as 9 a.m. Tuesday until the service.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
While much of the focus in recent days in Pennsylvania has been about what sort of ID will allow a person to get on an airplane, the real headache often starts after check-in.

The Transportation Security Administration's process of checking passengers and their carry-on luggage can be an hours-long ordeal in slow-moving lines.

So the TSA came up with its preapproval program to allow passengers to get far faster to their gates -- in addition to keeping their belts and shoes on and their electronics in their backpacks.

But, until recently, that required a trip to Fort Washington in Montgomery County, Pa., to go through the brief interview process.

Lehigh Valley International Airport in the past year began setting up limited times where future passengers can get their TSA preapproval. More than 2,500 people have signed up during two previous sessions, the airport authority said.

In December, airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, began using preapproval lines to allow "low-risk travelers to enjoy a more efficient screening experience."

The next signup period is scheduled 8 to 5 p.m. July 10 to 14, and July 17 to July 21, the airport authority announced Monday. There are no weekend appointments.

Travelers can begin scheduling the July interviews as of Monday by visiting this website or going to tsa.gov, the airport said. The fee is $85 and the preapproval is good for five years.

The interviews will take place in the Aviator Room, level two of the main terminal.

The preapproval is just for domestic flights; Global Entry is not offered at the airport, an LVIA spokesman said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Philadelphia couple is accused of leaving their three young children strapped into car-seats in a parked minivan while they worked the graveyard shift.

Luciene DaSilva Brito Santos, right, and Itamar Rodrigues Dos Santos, left. (Courtesy photos)

Charged are Luciene DaSilva Brito Santos, 37, and Itamar Rodrigues Dos Santos, 42, both of the 1300 block of Well Street.

A Colonial Regional officer at 12:34 a.m. April 20 was on routine patrol when he found the three young children allegedly sleeping unattended in a 1999 Chrysler Town and Country. The minivan was parked in the lot of Regal Cinemas, 3740 Easton-Nazareth Highway in Lower Nazareth Township.

The children were ages 7, 5 and 3 and were in car-seats with blankets on them, court records indicate. Police said the car wasn't running, no adults were in sight and the exterior doors to the movie theater were locked.

After multiple attempts to locate someone inside Regal Cinemas, a cleaning person came to the front door and identified herself as Brito Santos. Officers contacted Dos Santos, who also was cleaning inside the theater.

Both allegedly admitted to police the three kids were their children. The couple told investigators they left the children for about 30 minutes while they cleaned at the theater and had more work to do, police said.

The pair were identified by Brazilian passports and were staying in the United States on visas, according to court records.

Dos Santos and Brito Santos both are charged with child endangerment and leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle. The pair were each arraigned Monday before District Judge John Capobianco, who set bail at $1,000 each.

In lieu of bail, both were taken to Northampton County Prison.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman on Monday called for dialogue and negotiation among the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) after some of its members severed diplomatic relations with Qatar for national security concerns, Anadolu reported.

Earlier on Monday, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen cut links with Qatar, in the worst rift in years among some of the major states in the Arab world.

Ibrahim Kalin said in a written statement that "the members of the GCC, with whom Turkey is in a strategic business alliance, should solve their problems through negotiation, dialogue, and communication".

Noting that Erdogan had launched diplomatic efforts to solve the rift, Kalin reiterated Turkey's sadness over the incident, and said it was ready to fulfill its responsibilities in the upcoming period.
The community of Portlaoise came together this morning (Monday, June 5) to bid a sad farewell to the late Daryl Dargan, who died suddenly in Portugal on May 22.

At the requiem mass in Saint Peter and Pauls Church, Fr Paddy Byrne said that the last 14 days have been one long dark time for the family.

It was a long two weeks as the family began to feel the shock of their loss, he said, but also they had to wait for his body to be brought back to Ireland.

Some 18,000 was generously donated to Daryl's family over a small number of days after he died so that his remains could be laid to rest in his native Portlaoise.

Daryls uncle Ollie, who gave a moving tribute to his nephew at the service, thanked everyone who had contributed funds.

He said that Daryl was the apple of his mum Eileens eye, and described him as a dependable young man who had a great circle of friends.

Daryl of Lakeglen, Portlaoise died on May 22. Loving son to Benny and Eileen and dear brother to Lee, Stuart, and Jade, he is deeply regretted by his loving family, heartbroken partner Linda, grandparents Kate and Tom Dargan and Alo McEvoy, uncles, aunts, cousins and a large circle of relatives and friends.
In what a local county councillor has dubbed "a regular occurrence", the Bank of Ireland ATM in Mohill town is once again out of service for the busy Bank Holiday weekend.

Cllr Seadhna Logan told www.leitrimobserver.ie he believes the ATM went down on Saturday afternoon and today it is still out of service.

"Every Bank Holiday weekend it is the same story and it's just not good enough," he said.

"Banks never miss demands for a payment when they are owed money but they leave a town without a (on-street) ATM on one of the busiest weekends of the year."

Cllr Logan said that the situation was unacceptable and somebody should be monitoring the service and ensuring that if there is a problem, it is immediately fixed.

"There were events all over the county this weekend, but there were also a number of local fundraising events and it is ridiculous that the local ATM isn't accessible," he said.
Inland Fisheries Ireland has launched a Fish & Film competition to encourage young people to spread the word about fishing. Junior fishing clubs, youth clubs, projects and centres in Leitrim are invited to apply to the competition by taking film footage of their fishing adventures and promoting it online.

The Fish & Film competition will see Leitrim entrants film a fishing trip and include fun interviews on what angling means to them. The films will be youth led in content and production with all junior anglers up to and including the age of 18 eligible to apply. All films submitted to Inland Fisheries Ireland will be uploaded onto the organisations YouTube channel and the publics views on each film will count as votes!

The top three groups with the most views on their film entry will go forward to a junior fishing competition which includes a free days fishing for all. The overall winner of the Fish & Film Competition will receive a 1,000 fishing tackle voucher for their club with the two runners up winning a 250 voucher.

The Fish & Film competition supports the objectives of Inland Fisheries Irelands National Strategy for Angling Development which aims to make angling accessible and attractive to all while establishing it as a key leisure pursuit. There are currently 273,000 domestic anglers in Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland aims to grow participation rates by 0.5% annually.

The closing date for applications to Fish & Film is Friday, July 14. For more information on the competition and to download the competition guidelines and application form, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/fishandfilm
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We start the week with an interview with Zeniths new CEO Julien Tornare, who plans to give new impetus to the storied brand under the guidance of Jean-Claude Biver.



Before flying off to Bermuda to follow the action at the Americas Cup and see the numerous watch brands involved, Brice Lechevalier shared his thoughts with us on the new Alpina Seastrong Horological Smartwatch. Read his conclusions on Wednesday.



On Thursday you can read my report on the Cartier in Motion exhibition at the Design Museum. Star architect Sir Norman Foster has succeeded in putting the history of Cartier and the evolution of its wristwatches into the context of turn-of-the-century Paris. The exhibition, at the new location of the Design Museum in Kensington, which is an architectural marvel in itself, is well worth a visit. But if you cannot make it, there is a detailed photo gallery in my report showing the most significant exhibits.



We conclude the week with Nazanin Lankaranis impressions of this years Rallye des Princesses, sponsored by Richard Mille, which took place around the same time that Richard Mille unveiled its stunning new RM 27-03 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal. Proof that the brand is about more than just toys for boys.



In our June competition you can win a limited-edition Nautilo Sailing model from Anonimo worth 1,990 Swiss francs. This model is part of a colourful collection that is perfect for the summer. I was fortunate enough to see all four watches on the very racing yacht of the SFS team to which this limited edition is dedicated. Find out more later this week.
On Saturday, the European liberal family gathered in the Slovene capital, Ljubljana, to compare notes and to start the process of preparation for the 2019 European Parliamentary elections. It offers your correspondent an opportunity for reflection and, if youll excuse me, more than a hint of regret.

But first, what will be happening? The ALDE Party Bureau have appointed Taavi Roivas, the former Prime Minister of Estonia, to chair a ten member Manifesto Committee, whose task it will be to gather evidence and ideas from across Europe and beyond the narrow confines of political parties, and then, in collaboration with the member parties, draw up a document which can form the core messages for the 2019 campaign. Alongside that, the outline procedure for selecting the SpitzenKandidat, the lead candidate for the Commission elections that follow the Parliamentary elections, was announced.

From a British perspective, there is a sense of loss. According to the rules of the ALDE Party, only member parties from EU member states may vote on the manifesto, and whilst we havent formally left yet, there is a sense that it would be inappropriate to vote on the content of a document that probably wont directly impact upon us. That said, the expressed view of ALDE Party President, Hans van Baalen, was that we were still members whilst the Article 50 talks continued, and that we were still a part of the liberal family.

In all likelihood, future Party delegations will engage positively with the manifesto process, but arent expected to vote on the final document when it comes to the Congress scheduled to take place late next year or early in 2019.

With regard to the Spitzenkandidat, there were discussions about the threshold for nomination, and I offered some thoughts regarding some basic rules for the contest relating to expenditure, access to the electorate and the importance of establishing process up front, which I think were well received.

Urgency resolutions on Venezuela, Hungary, geopolitics in the age of Trump, reproductive rights and Bulgaria were steered elegantly through a working group and then Council by ALDE Party Vice-President Ros Scott, who also chaired a seminar on women in agriculture.

Naturally, on the fringes of the meeting, there was much talk of the Liberal Democrat prospects for Thursday, and whilst there is much surprise that our message hasnt resonated more widely amongst the electorate, there is a great deal of good feeling towards us from our sister parties.

Finally, a word of thanks to our hosts, SMC, who are the ruling party in Slovenia. Their warm welcome, combined with some gorgeous weather, lifted the spirits.

The ALDE Party will convene again in Amsterdam in early December, and look out for more information as applications for places on our delegation are opened up.

* Mark Valladares is an elected member of the Partys Federal International Relations Committee.
Well done to Will Hutton, in the Observer, for marshalling the words to brilliantly sum up what I have been thinking since June 24th 2016.

I am not one of those who feel despair about our country. But I am old enough to have experienced what economic hardship and chaos feels, to an extent. This isnt going to be pretty. Numbed by the valium of insane and misplaced national pride we are sleep-walking to the most awful economic disaster.

Heres a sample of what Will Hutton says today:

Every day in Britain, 14,000 trucks come from and head to the European Union. If there is no Brexit deal with the EU, is every one of those trucks going to be inspected as they bring vital food and goods into the UK to see that the right tariff is being charged and correct regulation observed? If some trucks get delayed or traffic volumes plummet, who will organise food rationing in our supermarkets? Five days before a general election called to give the government a negotiating mandate for leaving the EU, is anyone aware of the risks? Equally, a quarter of British exports with the EU pass through one single port, Calais  3bn a month  with zero border controls or inspection. Who in Calais is going to inspect these goods to see if they correspond to EU rules if we crash out with no deal? Has France any interest in investing quickly in the customs structure to keep British exports flowing? The M20 and M2 will become gigantic truck parks as drivers wait to be inspected. You might think that, just as a precautionary measure, as the prospect of the exit talks collapsing is less than two years away, the UK government would be investing in customs inspection depots in our great ports and along the land border with Ireland and also offering to build similar structures in France to ease the inevitable congestion on UK roads. Surely someone, somewhere might have asked these questions? Nothing is being done at all. Mrs May and her breezy lead negotiator, David Davis, offer platitudes about Britain embracing the globe and no deal being better than a bad deal, but even the most innocent negotiator in the EU team can see this is vainglorious posturing. They are betting on a deal being struck  negotiators with few cards, nor making sure they hold better ones. As matters stand, the consequence of no deal would be calamitous.

You can read the full article here.

* Paul Walter is a Liberal Democrat activist and member of the Liberal Democrat Voice team. He blogs at Liberal Burblings.
Under the heading Theresa May cant be trusted to get it right on counter-terrorism policy Tim Farron writes in the Guardian today:

Theresa May set out her position on Sunday, stating, Enough is enough. It was a highly political speech that set out the choices she intends to make that will affect all of us: our security, our freedoms and the way we live our lives. These are important choices with important consequences. But the real choice is between what works and what doesnt.  Theresa May accused the police of crying wolf over the impact of cuts to their numbers, and their concerns that the public were being put in danger. However, the blunt reality is that the one decision she could take that would have the single biggest impact is to reverse those cuts.

Whilst acknowledging the challenges that the Internet brings he criticises her for wanting to control it:

If we turn the internet into a tool for censorship and surveillance, the terrorists will have won. We wont make ourselves safer by making ourselves less free.

And what about funding extremism?

When we lent our support to the government for extending air strikes against so-called Islamic State in Syria, one of the Liberal Democrats key demands was a report into foreign funding of extremism here in Britain. The then-prime minister, David Cameron, agreed to that demand. Theresa May now has a choice. Does she publish that report, or keep it hidden?

He links to Tom Brakes demands to publish the report.

Tim concludes:

I trust our police and security services. Their lightning-quick response to Saturdays atrocity shows they stand ready and prepared to protect us. They have some of the most extensive powers in any democracy anywhere in the world. However, politicians do them the greatest disservice when they offer tough rhetoric while hollowing out the very mechanisms they need to protect us. In the choices we make, we should provide the resources necessary for those who keep us safe to do their jobs with the powers they have been given. We should also jealously guard the hard-won liberties that define us as a country. If we make the wrong choices, those who seek to change our way of life have won.

You can read the whole article here.
I have now reached the USA on my round the world trip.

On Saturday, we joined our host, a nonagenarian veteran of the Democratic Party on a march for for truth. This march was one of over 150 in towns and cities all over the USA demanding that politicians and especially Trump start putting the people first instead of sectional interests, stop telling lies and that Congress start a serious investigation into the various allegations about Trump including how much tax he has (nt) paid, his links with the Russians, the facts about health care and much more. Speaker after speaker demanded that congress and the president put the country before their own narrow interests. It was really fun to be amongst such enthusiastic people, who really want politics to serve the wider electorate. Most of them are Democratic Party supporters, but they recognise that if the DP is to serve the interests of the majority it too must change.

It seems to me that we could could do with a movement for truth in the UK. So many lies have been sold to the British public as facts and facts have been denigrated as the campaign of fear. Looked at from afar the current election, Lib Dems mostly excepted, has been a massive deceit of the British electorate, because the programmes of the Tories and Labour bear more relationship to fiction than fact. In addition the excuses, evasions, half truths and downright lies that pass for political argument are a disgrace to democracy.

When it comes to Brexit, the whole edifice is built on fantasy and both the Labour and Tory parties wilfully ignore the facts and pretend that Brexit is easy and the the EU will give us whatever we demand.

In the midst of a general election, people probably have little time to consider the implications for the UK of a campaign for truth and against the ever spreading lies sold as facts in the media and on line.

After June 9th, perhaps we should come together and start along the road to truth.

* Dr Michael Taylor has been a party member since 1964. He is currently active in the Calderdale Party.
Eighteen years ago today, at around 5:30 in the morning, I was being wheeled back to the ward with my new baby. Try as I might, I couldnt sleep because I was too besotted to take my eyes off the gorgeous bundle in the little hospital cot.

At that time this morning, I was hitting the M8 to drive into Edinburgh. What could I possibly be doing at a cafe in Corstorphine at 6 am with Edinburgh Western MP Alex Cole-Hamilton and Edinburgh West Lib Dem candidate Christine Jardine?

What could I be doing in an Edinburgh cafe with @Cajardine & @agcolehamilton at 6 am? pic.twitter.com/3kQnImikxq  Caron Lindsay (@caronmlindsay) June 5, 2017

The answer duly emerged  after a slight detour for this vehicle. There are, apparently, two establishments called Cafe Vigo in Edinburgh and, you guessed it, they went to the wrong one.

Tim was kicking off a tour of key seats in Edinburgh West, one of the best prospects for a gain on Thursday. He later went to another  East Dunbartonshire.

They disappeared into the kitchen surrounded by a gaggle of hungry journalists.

Its truly election season  Tim Farron has been up for 6am making bacon sandwiches. #GE2017 live: https://t.co/1NSweZw9yb pic.twitter.com/n0b5khxliT  Mirror Politics (@MirrorPolitics) June 5, 2017

Tim made fried egg rolls, Christine made bacon rolls. And they were good, too. I had a fried egg one. Normally, I like them with a softer yolk, but it was just as well this one a tad over-cooked to avoid mess.

Its 6.30am and @timfarron is cooking bacon & egg rolls for the lobby in an Edinburgh cafe. pic.twitter.com/QaMFNlEM9Z  Jessica Elgot (@jessicaelgot) June 5, 2017

Farron is wisely not eating his bacon sandwich on camera pic.twitter.com/8RffdXlsao  Jessica Elgot (@jessicaelgot) June 5, 2017

And just as well, because I had a bit of an Ed Miliband moment with mine. And, of course, as hes a vegetarian, it wouldnt have been a bacon sarnie anyway.

By the way, I know that I have two rolls in front of me  but one of them belonged to Alex Cole-Hamilton.

And soon, he was talking live about counter-terrorism measures and the Prime Ministers flawed thinking on these issues on live tv.

After his brief stint as breakfast chef, it is back to the day job for @timfarron  doing a tv interview. pic.twitter.com/Av3etmxECO  Caron Lindsay (@caronmlindsay) June 5, 2017

It was great to see him and to have the chance to wish him well for his Question Time appearance at 9pm tonight. Bear in mind that thats 15 hours after he cooked the bacon rolls. You need a huge amount of stamina to be a party leader at election time.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
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A SENIOR architect with Limerick City and County Council has called for the controversial footbridge in the city to be re-examined due to its potential to have an adverse effect on navigation along the Shannon.

On May 24, councillors received a 12-page report from architect Rosie Webb, in which she detailed the councils public consultation over the potential use of Limericks riverways.

In the correspondence, she recommends the option for a long span bridge from Arthurs Quay/Sarsfield House to Merchants Quay be re-examined due to its potential to have an adverse effect on the navigation of the River by boats.

She said that the next step should be an enabling design review, which will deliver a framework for the development of the appropriate infrastructure for the riverside. It is hoped that a final report with recommendations will be made by this July.

It is understood that the estimated 14m cost of the project will come from Government support and a philanthropic contribution.

In April, the council held a number of talks with the public in relation to the river and a proposed riverway crossing.

One of the key findings, published in the report, showed that boat users believe that the current long span bridge proposals have the potential to prevent/block navigation through Limerick city.

Other feedback and findings included the desire to swim in the river; more co-ordination around the opening of waterside gates; calls for greater permeability and movement from Arthurs Quay and King Johns Castle; and increased activity along the river.

The report also states that Waterways Ireland, ESB, the Office of Public Works, the harbourmaster, and Failte Ireland need be pulled together and explore key issues in relation to the river.

Following Ms Webbs presentation, Mayor Kieran OHanlon welcomed the publics input and thanked her for the report.

Cllr John Gilligan claimed that all the boat clubs in Limerick are totally against the project, and warned that if the idea progresses, there will be huge opposition.

Supporting the architects recommendation, a spokesperson for An Taisce said:

Notwithstanding the difficulties it would create for boating navigation, this location is a particularly important one for Limerick city, and any interventions should be sensitive to its very rich heritage.

The spokesperson added that it is committed to working with the council to help bring about positive and progressive development in the city.

Conor Sheehan, Curraghgour Boatclub, also welcomed the reports recommendations.

Colman Byrne, Limerick Open Navigation Group, told the Leader that, already, navigation in Limerick is totally blocked, and that there is poor activity as a large number of boaters have the perception that the journey is just too risky.

Cormac Smith, Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Powerboat Club, said that it is not possible to travel to Foynes or through the estuaries, as gate locks are only open for two hours on a Friday.

He said that for his association to arrange the trip, from the Midlands, it took five weeks of work just to get here.

You couldnt make a decision, saying that you would like to go to Limerick, because you cant do that. Because you have to organise everything around getting through Ardnacrusha. And we were hoping to get down further, as far as Foynes, but because we cant get through the lock, were here in Limerick. And its great for Limerick, but we would like to travel further, and bring new waterways to people. So, we have to plan, plan, plan, well in advance.

Most people in Limerick would prefer if the lock wasnt there, or if the weir wasnt there. Because we managed the river for the last hundred years without them, Mr Byrne said.

He added that Limerick has lost its rich river culture. Navigators must also be cognisant of Ardnacrusha hydroelectric station, which issues two days notice to the public when it will start to generate.
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Police are appealing for help to find a 14-year-old who has been missing for more than 24 hours.

Bethany Shorter, aka Karmel Shorter, went missing from Branston on June 4 at around 12pm.

She is approximately 5ft 7 and has very long brown plaited hair.

She was wearing black jeans, a peach coloured zip-up hoody and grey trainers.

If you have seen Bethany or have information of her whereabouts please call 101.
Yemen and Libya's eastern government have joined Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE in severing ties with Qatar on Monday morning, citing its support for Islamist groups and attempts at destabilization within the region

Six Arab governments, including Egypt, cut diplomatic ties with Qatar early on Monday morning, with Yemen and Libya's eastern-based government among the latest to join the joint effort to isolate Doha.

The nations have cited Qatar's support for Islamist groups and alleged meddling in the affairs of other states.

The Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE were among those cutting relations with Qatar, further deepening a rift among members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Qatar is a member.

The move began on Monday morning with Bahrain announcing that it was cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar and closing all transport links, according to Bahrain's state news agency. Bahrain cited alleged meddling in its internal affairs by Qatar.

Bahrain's action was followed by GCC ally Saudi Arabia, which said it was cutting ties on the grounds of "protection of national security", as announced by the Saudi state news agency.

The the SPA news agency said that Qatar embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS and Al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly.

The UAE, Yemen and Egypt then followed suit, with the eastern-based government of war-torn Libya finally joining the diplomatic action to isolate Qatar.

Egypt announced the closure of its airspace and seaports for all Qatari transportation to protect its national security, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Qatar's policy threatens Arab national security and sows the seeds of strife and division within Arab societies according to a deliberate plan aimed at the unity and interests of the Arab nation," the statement read.

Egypt accused the Gulf Arab state of supporting "terrorist" organisations, including the Muslim Brotherhood.

Yemen also cut ties with Qatar, saying it supported the decision by the Saudi-led coalition to end Qatar's participation in the war there. The government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi said it severed ties with Qatar in part over is support of extremist groups in Yemen "in contradiction with the goals announced by the countries supporting the legitimate government."

Saudi Arabia also said Qatari troops would be pulled from the ongoing war in Yemen.

The move to isolate Qatar was joined by Libya's eastern government later on Monday morning, according to its foreign minister, Mohamed Dayri. The eastern-based government is aligned with military commander Halifa Haftar, with whom Egypt has joined in recent military operations against Daesh terrorist camps in Libyan territory.

Daesh is among the terrorist groups that Qatar is accused of supporting across the region.

Bahrain and the UAE announced that their diplomatic staff had 48 hours to return from Qatar, meanwhile ordering Qatari diplomatic missions on their territory to cease operations.

Qatar hosts the sprawling Al-Udeid Air Base, which is home to the US military's Central Command and some 10,000 American troops, although no announcements have been made on the future of the US military presence there.

Travel disruption

The move to isoloate Qatar has sparked fears of widespread travel disruption, with flights among the most seriously affected.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE announced that their citizens would be given 14 days to make arrangements before a ban would be imposed on travel to and from Qatar.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad says it has suspended flights to Qatar. Etihad said on its website Monday that "until further notice" its last flights would leave early Tuesday morning.

Qatar Airways said on its official website on Monday that it had suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia.

Qatar responded angrily to the joint action to isolate it, describing the move as "unjustified" and aimed at putting Doha under political "guardianship"..

While many Arab media outlets are reporting the developments as a response to Qatar's support for terroism, the Al-Jazeera news organization, which is owned by Qatar, has explained the dispute as stemming from a purported hack of Qatar's state-run news agency.

On 23 May, news emerged that the website and social media accounts of the Qatar News Agency had been hacked, allegedly carrying "fake news" reports relating to Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

This was followed by efforts by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to block all Qatar-based news agencies, including Al-Jazeera. Bahrain then complained that the Twitter account of its foreign minister had been hacked, with Qatar among the chief suspects.

Muslim Brotherhood

Qatar has long faced criticism from its Arab neighbors over its support of Islamists. The chief worry among them is the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist political group outlawed by Egypta, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia fell out with Qatar over its backing of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a Brotherhood member.

In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain recalled their ambassadors from Qatar over the rift.

Eight months later, they returned their ambassadors as Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country and quieted others. However, the 2014 crisis did not see a land and sea blockade as threatened now.

In the time since, Qatar repeatedly and strongly denied it funds extremist groups.

However, it remains a key financial patron of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and has been the home of exiled Hamas official Khaled Mashaal since 2012.

Western officials also have accused Qatar of allowing or even encouraging funding of Sunni extremists like al-Qaida's branch in Syria, once known as the Nusra Front.

The crisis also comes after US President Donald Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia for a summit with Arab leaders.

At that Saudi conference, Trump met with Qatar's ruling emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

"We are friends, we've been friends now for a long time, haven't we?" Trump asked at the meeting. "Our relationship is extremely good."

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A trusted care worker stole more than 40,000 in just eight months from two elderly vulnerable clients.

Alexandra Rust was trusted to look after MS sufferers Caron Oyston and Gail Carvalho but instead stole from them.

In just eight months she took 40,000, mostly from Miss Oyston's Barclaycard account, but also withdrew money from cash machines and from a joint account held by the two women.

At one point she transferred 6,000 from Ms Carvalho's account into Miss Oyston's account in an attempt to cover-up the fraud.

Caroline Bradley, prosecuting, said: "Caron Oyston and Gail Carvalho are both women who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis.

"They both have limited movement and limited communication.

"In order to assist them they have a number of carers. One of those was Alexandra Rust. She was employed to care for Caron Oyston and on an ad hoc basis she would care for Gail Carvalho.

"She was a trusted carer. Miss Oyston says she has to trust her carers. There is no alternative."

Miss Bradley said that Miss Oyston had previously been the victim of a fraud but during the investigation into that matter police discovered that Rust had also been taking money.

Miss Bradley said "Effectively she was draining Miss Oyston dry. The overall loss is 41,250.

"The victims have expressed complete sadness that their trusting nature was disrespected in such a serious way.

"They are particularly vulnerable victims. They had no choice but to rely on their carers and this defendant knew that Miss Oyston had been the victim of fraud before."

The court was told that Rust was dismissed from her job for breach of confidentiality and it was only afterwards that the fraud offences came to light.

Rust ,40, of Shaw Road, Boston, admitted three offences of fraud. She was jailed for two years.

Judge Simon Hirst, passing sentence, told Rust: "You targeted particularly vulnerable people.

"You took a total of 41,250 over a period of eight months. This was a gross breach of trust."

Richard Veni, in mitigation, said that Rust had no previous convictions and admitted the offences at the first court hearing.

He told the court: "She comes from a good family. She has not always been a bad person."
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A Lincolnshire firm who have a stall on Borough Market in London have confirmed they are safe after the terror attack in which seven were killed and many more injured.

On Saturday night a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before three men started attacking members of the public around the nearby Borough Market area.

Of the 48 people reported injured, 21 are in a critical condition

Family firm Boston Sausage, a traditional butchers who produce Lincolnshire sausages, have an outlet on the market  and some of their staff were on site when the attack happened.

The firm have put out a message on their Facebook page to confirm they are safe.

It says: Thanks for all the messages of concern in regards to the terrible incident at Borough Market. All our staff are safe. Our thoughts are with everyone involved in the attacks.

A couple of the lads were still at the market having a few beers but luckily the police managed to get them away safely.

General Election campaigning was temporarily postponed yesterday in the wake of the attack but is set to resume today, with a likely focus on security.

Police say they know the identity of the three attackers, who were shot dead within eight minutes of the attack being first reported, and will be releasing their names as "as soon as operationally possible".

Twelve people have been arrested since the attack, with one man being released without charge.

The so-called Islamic State group has now claimed responsibility for the attack on May 3, but this has not been confirmed by police.
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A senior member of Lincoln's Muslim community who has been sworn at and had his mosque vandalised says that now is the time to stand united.

Professor Tanweer Ahmed has spoken out in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London and urges people of all faiths to work together.

A man threw a stone at a window of the mosque in Orchard Street at about 11pm on Sunday, June 4, which cracked a pane.

Police say it is not being treated as a hate crime but Prof Ahmed believes the mosque was specifically targeted after three knifemen killed seven people in London and injured dozens more on Saturday night.

He has condemned the atrocities and said they have nothing whatsoever to do with Islam or any other religion.

He says he was also on the receiving end of verbal abuse from people in a passing car on May 30 as he stood at the site of the new mosque being built in Dixon Street.

Prof Ahmed, chairman of the Islamic Association of Lincoln, said: "We strongly condemn the appalling attacks that took place at London Bridge and Borough market in our capital city.

"Muslims in Lincoln and everywhere else were busy in offering prayers in this holy month of Ramadan at the time of attack. We are shocked and angry.





"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and all those affected.

"I am also shocked and angry that on Sunday night there was attack on Lincoln mosque again, but I am pleased that no one was hurt. The incident was reported to the Lincolnshire Police.

"It looks like a hate crime to me. Last Tuesday I was at the site of the new mosque in Dixon Street and someone swore at me from a passing car.

"I think these incidents are in response to the events in Manchester and London.

"Islam does not in any way support violence against innocent people.

"I urge everyone to assist the authorities, so that all such criminals in Lincoln, London and elsewhere can be arrested and brought to justice.

"The association has been working with other faith organisations to promote unity, integration understanding and community cohesion."

A police spokesman said: "The incident at the Orchard Street mosque relates to an incident of criminal damage at the location, where one window was cracked (not smashed) by a small stone.

"A review of CCTV suggests this was an offence by a drunken individual and we do not believe there is any hate crime element to this.

"We have recorded an offence of criminal damage and enquiries are ongoing."
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Police were called after a man was spotted walking along a beach - naked from the waist down.

The alleged indecent exposure happened at Chapel St Leonards at about 3pm on May 28.

A 53 year-old man from Scotland was arrested on suspicion of exposure and subsequently released under investigation.

Police are keen to hear from any further witnesses who were on the beach that day.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Chris Phillips on 101, quoting incident number 238 of May 28 May.

Three days later, on May 31, naked people were spotted on the beach at Theddlethorpe.

The policing team took to Facebook to remind people the beach, which is a designated National Nature Reserve, is not a naturist site.

The post said: "Your Neighbourhood Team attended at Theddlethorpe beach following a report of persons walking around an area in the sand dunes naked.

"Theddlethorpe is NOT a naturist beach!"

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the law states: "In the absence of any sexual context and in relation to nudity where the person has no intention to cause alarm or distress it will normally be appropriate to take no action unless members of the public were actually caused harassment, alarm or distress (as opposed to considering the likelihood of this)."

However, it does become an offence if it can be proved the person had intent to upset and shock.
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Lincolnshire Police say that there will be no change to policing in the county after the London terror attack that saw seven people killed and 48 injured.

Armed police patrolled the streets of the county for four days after the Manchester Bombing as part of Operation Temperer.

The officers were deployed in the county to support Lincolnshire Police's existing armed response units, part of the East Midlands Operational Support Service (EMOpSS).



But the force say that there will be no change to policing in the county "at this time".

A Lincolnshire Police statement says: "The Metropolitan Police Service is dealing with a terrorist attack in South London on Saturday evening that has left 7 people dead and many injured.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these terrible events, including a colleague from British Transport Police, who was hurt while helping others.

"We are monitoring the situation nationally but there is no change to policing in Lincolnshire at this time.

"However, we continue to ask people to be alert and to report suspicious activity to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or 999 in an emergency."

Three suspects were shot dead by armed police within eight minutes of the London Bridge and Borough Market attack on June 3.

A series of raids has since taken place with at least 12 people being detained in connection with the attack.
Volumes 3A and 3B of the 2018 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: what to expect

Jun 4, 2017, 3 PM

Vols. 3A (G countries) and 3B (countries H-I) of the 2018 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue are now available. Highlights include more than 8,800 value changes and numerous editorial enhancements.

Editors Insights  Donna Houseman

The 2018 edition of the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue is now available in two volumes, A and B. Vol. 3A covers the G countries of the world. Vol. 3B includes countries from H through I. The new volumes offer thousands of value changes and many new editorial changes and listings.

2018 SCOTT STANDARD CATALOG VOL. 3A

More than 150 value changes in Cambodia reflect increases over decreases. The changes are mostly among key issues. The souvenir sheets of one from the 1951-52 issue (Scott 15a, 16a, and 17a) each increase from $50 unused to $55.

A review of Great Britain resulted in value increases for scarcer modern stamps, especially for booklets that were issued in smaller quantities.

Among the value changes for Isle of Man stamps, the booklet stamps honoring the 1999 Royal National Lifeboat Institutions 174th anniversary soar in value. The 43-penny stamp (Scott 821) jumps from $1.60 mint and used to $5 both ways. The 56p stamp (822) moves upward, from $2.25 mint and used to $7 both ways. Likewise, the booklet pane (822a) more than doubles in value, going from $7.25 mint to $16.

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Renewed interest in the classic stamps of Gambia, particularly in rare items, results in upward movement of values for several early issues. Gambia Scott. 1, the 1869 Queen Victoria 4-penny pale brown from the first-issue Cameo series, jumps from $550 unused in Vol. 1 of the 2017 Scott Standard catalog to $575 in the 2018 edition. Similarly, the 6p blue (4) of this issue rises in value, from $625 unused to $675.

Almost 2,700 values changes were made to the listings of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). An overall softening of the market is reflected throughout, although better items are holding their own.

German Offices Abroad received a thorough vetting this year. The market reflects an expanded interest in German Offices in China. Among the Tientsin handstamped issues, the 1900 3-pfennig brown (Scott 17) jumps from $575 unused to $600, and from $750 used to $800. The 50pf purple and black on salmon paper (22) soars from $15,000 unused to $16,000.

Among the more than 50 value changes for Gilbert and Ellis Islands, the 1911 2-penny gray of the first-issue overprints (Scott 3) moves upward from $20 unused to $22.50.

A sprinkling of value increases can be found among the Gold Coast listings. The 1-penny King Edward VII stamp of 1908 (Scott 68) leaps from $8 unused to $9.50.

Almost 400 value changes occur in Greece, with a mix of increases and decreases. The 1960 4.50-drachma with double impression of the black (Scott 684a) moves upward, from $350 mint to $365, and from $200 used to $450.

VOL. 3A EDITORIAL ENHANCEMENTS

New minor listings for double impression varieties have been added to the Greece semipostal stamps of 1944.

Values for 30 imperforate sets have been added as footnotes among the Ghana listings.

2018 SCOTT STANDARD CATALOG VOL. 3B

The Central American country of Honduras received a thorough review this year, which resulted in 71 value changes. Many increases can be found among the airmail issues. The 1972 set of four overprinted airmail stamps honoring the 50th anniversary of the Masonic Grand Lodge in Honduras (Scott C501-C504) moves upward in value, from $11.70 mint to $20, and from $9.15 used to $11.50.

Market activity in Iceland results in almost 2,300 value changes. Value changes reflect the weak euro.

Although the market for Hong Kong stamps is not as robust as it once was, the values for Hong Kong stamps continue to reflect a strong, active market. More than 700 value changes were made among the listings for this autonomous territory in East Asia.

Activity in Italian States stamps is reflected in more than 650 value changes combined for the various states.

Most of the value changes for stamps of Iran occur among the modern issues, from 2014 to present.

Used values for select Official stamps were made among the listings for Iraq. The 1932 1-dinar claret (Scott O71) moves upward, from $100 used to $125.

VOL. 3B EDITORIAL ENHANCEMENTS

Numerous illustrations of Trieste Zone A stamps of Italy overprinted A.M.G./F.T.T. for use by the Allied Military Government of the United States and Great Britain have been added to the listings.

Minor listings have been added for chalky paper varieties among the 1904-11 King Edward VII series of Hong Kong (Scott 86-108).

A double impression of the 1904 Indo-China 5-centime France stamp has been added as Scott 27a, valued at $450 unused and used in italics. New major number listings have been added to the postage due listings of Indonesia.

Values of numerous footnoted items in Honduras have been updated.

To purchase the 2018 Scott catalogs, contact your favorite dealer, or call Amos Media at 1-800-488-5349. Also visit Amos Advantage. For Scott eCatalogues, visit Scott Online.
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Earlier on Monday, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Libya and Yemen announced they are cutting ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism

Egypt's Emigration and Expatriates Affairs Minister Nabila Makram checked on Monday on the conditions of Egyptian nationals living in Qatar, hours after Egypt cut diplomatic ties with the Gulf country, a ministry statement read.

The head of the Egyptian community in Qatar, Mohamed El-Iraqy, told Makram that Qatari authorities have so far not taken any measures against Egyptian nationals.

The minister said she is personally monitoring the situation and called on Egyptians in Qatar to call the ministry directly if they have any complains or requests.

Makram also checked to make sure that there are flights from Doha to Cairo by airlines from countries that have not cut ties with Qatar.

Earlier on Monday, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Libya's eastern-based government, and Yemen's internationally recognised government announced cutting ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Qatar has slammed the decision as "unjustified," saying that the move aimed to put Doha under political "guardianship."

The Gulf country also stressed that "these measures taken against the state of Qatar will not affect the normal course of life of the citizens and residents of the state."

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Egypt's foreign ministry said on Monday that Qatar has been spreading the ideologies of Al-Qaeda and Daesh and supported terrorist attacks in Sinai

Egypt announced on Monday that it was severing diplomatic relations with Qatar due to its ongoing support for terrorist ideologies and meddling in the internal affairs of Egypt.

The move was taken "in light of the continued insistence of the Qatari government on taking a stance against Egypt," the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The ministry said the move followed "the failure of all efforts to persuade Qatar against supporting terrorist organizations, chiefly the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood organization, and harboring its leaders who have been convicted of terrorist attacks that targeted the safety and security of Egypt."

The Egyptian government also accused Qatar of interfering in the domestic affairs of Egypt and other countries in the region in a manner that "jeopardizes Arab national security."

The ministry said that Egypt would close its airspace and seaports to all Qatari transportation with a view to protecting its national security.

Egypt's announcement followed a similar anouncement from Bahrain early on Monday morning, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE quickly following suit, finally joined by Yemen and the eastern-based government of Libya.

Qatar has long faced criticism from its Arab neighborrs over its support of Islamists and alleged attempts to destabilize other states.

Historically, other Arab states have been concerned by Qatar's support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist political group outlawed by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia fell out with Qatar over its backing of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a Brotherhood member.

In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain recalled their ambassadors from Qatar over the rift.

Eight months later, they returned their ambassadors as Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country and quieted others. However, the 2014 crisis did not lead to a cutting of transportation routes.

Qatar has also been linked to Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist groups and Daesh, which has been operating as an insurgent force in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen and the north of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

Daesh-linked groups have conducted numerous terrorist outrages, including several recent attacks in Egypt that targetted Coptic Christians.

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Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday over what they say is Doha's support of terrorist groups, widening the rift between some of the most powerful Arab countries.

The four Arab countries accuse Doha of backing organisations including the Muslim Brotherhood, Daesh and Al-Qaeda, as well as Iran-backed militants.

The Arab countries say the Gulf nation adopts policies that aim to "destabilise the region" and are "threatening Arab national security," in violation of international obligations and agreements under the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Shortly after the announcement, Libya's eastern-based government and Yemen's internationally recognised government followed regional allies in cutting diplomatic ties with Doha.

Arab nationals in Qatar and Qataris abroad

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have given Qatari tourists and residents two weeks to leave their territories, saying they will ban Qatari nationals from entering or passing through their states.

Riyadh said "Saudi citizens are not allowed to travel to, reside in, or pass through Qatar," giving its nationals 14 days to depart.

Bahrain and the UAE have given Qatari diplomatic missions 48 hours to leave.

Egypt has given the Qatari Ambassador 48 hours to leave the country, though it has made no statement regarding its nationals in Qatar or Qatari nationals in Egypt.

Qatar, meanwhile, says its government will take all necessary steps to ensure that the new measures by the Arab states will not affect the "normal life" of citizens and residents.

However, the Qatari embassy in Abu Dhabi has asked citizens to leave the United Arab Emirates within 14 days to comply with Abu Dhabi's decision to sever ties with Doha.

Travel to and from Qatar

Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they are closing their airspace and sea ports to Qatar over "national security concerns."

Both the UAE and Bahrain said the closure of transportation ties will take effect within 24 hours.

Abu Dhabi's state-owned Etihad Airways, the UAE's flagship airline, and the Dubai-based airline Emirates said they would suspend all flights to and from Doha starting Tuesday morning until further notice.

The Saudi civil aviation authority said it is banning all Qatari airlines and flights from entering its airspace as off Tuesday, and has banned all Qatari planes from landing at the kingdom's airports.

The authority also said that the kingdom's commercial and private airlines are not allowed to serve Qatar.

However, the Saudi government said it will not disallow Qatari pilgrims from visiting Mecca.

Qatar's troops in the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen

The Saudi-led Arab coalition fighting rebels for more than two years in Yemen said it is expelling Qatar from the coalition over the country's support of terrorist groups including Daesh and Al-Qaeda.

Qatar's response

Qatar says there is "no legitimate justification" for the cutting of diplomatic ties by the four Arab nations, and that the decision is a "violation of its sovereignty."

Dramatic escalation

This is not the first row between Qatar and other Arab Gulf countries in recent years, though tensions have now reached their highest levels in years.

In 2014, during an eight-month dispute, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE withdrew their ambassadors from Doha over accusations that Qatar supports militant groups.

However, Qatari nationals were not expelled and travel ties remained unaffected.

Economic disturbance

Some Egyptian banks say they have halted dealings with the Qatari currency, though Egypt's central bank governor Tarek Amer was quoted in local media as saying that the bank has not issued any decisions in this regard.

Qatar's main stock index fell more than 7 percent after the severing of diplomatic ties.

Qatar is the world's biggest producer of liquefied natural gas.

Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, rose more than 1 percent at one point before paring gains on Monday after the diplomatic rift. It stood at $50.29 a barrel earlier on Monday.

The severing of transportation ties with Doha by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain is also expected to cause the Gulf Arab state major economic losses.

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On Monday, Egypt said it was cutting diplomatic relations with Qatar "in light of the continued insistence of the Qatari government to take a stance against Egypt"

Egypt announced on Monday that Qatar's ambassador to Cairo had 48 hours to leave the country following a decision earlier in the day to sever ties with the Gulf state, state news agency MENA reported.

Egypt said it was cutting ties with Qatar due to its insistence on "supporting terrorist organizations" and meddling in Egypt's internal affairs.

Meanwhile, Egypt informed its charge d'affaires in Doha that he should return to Cairo within the next 48 hours.

The decision to cut ties with Qatar followed a move on the part of Bahrain to sever diplomatic and transport links with the Gulf state. This in turn prompted similar actions on the part of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Yemen and the eastern-based government of Libya.

All of the governments said that their decision was based on Qatar's ongoing support for terrorist organisations such as Daesh and Al-Qaeda, as well as interference in the internal affairs of nations in the region.

Egypt said it took the decision "in light of the continued insistence of the Qatari government to take a stance against Egypt."

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Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Yemen and the government of eastern Libya announced severing diplomatic relations with Qatar

Informed government sources in Cairo told Ahram Online on Monday that the decision by Egypt to sever diplomatic relations with Qatar might be the start of further measures that will be taken against Doha in coordination with other Arab countries.

Qatar has gone too far with its regional games, and the time has come to send a clear message to Doha that it cannot go on with its regional policies without having to face the consequences, said one source who asked not to be identified.

A senior Egyptian government source says that all options are open; we are currently thinking it through, and further meetings and consultations among Arab countries are underway to decide the next move.

Early on Monday, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Yemen and the government of eastern Libya announced severing diplomatic relations with Qatar.

The move came over a week after Cairo, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi announced a decision to block several satellite channels, websites and newspapers funded by or based in Qatar.

The three countries said that these channels, websites and newspapers are involved in promoting terror and inciting political instability.

One day earlier, the Qatari national news agency and state-run Qatari TV reported statements attributed to the Emir of Qatar suggesting the involvement of Saudi and Emirati leaders in illicit regional deals with the United States.

However, Doha said the statements were fabricated and published by the national news agency when its website was temporarily hacked.

An intensive anti-Qatari media campaign has since been adopted on Al-Arabiya, a mega satellite channel run by Saudi Arabia, and the UAE's Sky News Arabia satellite channel.

Qatar has also faced criticism on Egyptian and Bahraini TV channels, both state-run and private, for its attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of other Arab countries  mostly on behalf of other forces, especially Iran.

Egypt has long criticised Qatar for hosting Muslim Brotherhood leaers and giving them access to media outlets.

Informed regional diplomatic sources told Ahram Online that it was this Qatari interference in the internal affairs of other Arab countries that has prompted the moves against Qatari, starting with the blocking of channels, newspapers and websites and culminating in the severing of diplomatic relations.

According to one informed official source, Egypt provided both Saudi Arabia and the UAE upon the convocation of the US-Arab Islamic Summit in Riyadh last month, with solid information to support the point it has long been arguing that Qatar has a destructive role in playing political games to destabilise Arab states.

Arab diplomatic sources said that a mediation attempt by Kuwait failed to resolve the matter, as Qatar declined to fully comply with specific demands put forward by Saudi Arabia, including the handing over of wanted activists and the freezing of relevant bank accounts.

Official sources in Cairo say that the move against Doha is overdue, and that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi made it clear in his speech at the Riyadh summit that the time has come for the countries involved in supporting terror to be named and shamed.

Cairo has announced that it informed the ambassador of Qatar that he needs to leave Egypt within 48 hours.

Egypt has not had an ambassador in Doha for three years, since it recalled its ambassador in protest of Qatari allegations against Egypt.

According to political scientist Mostafa Kamel El-Sayed, todays development falls within the context the US administration's intolerance of all Islamist movements, including Hamas and Hezbollah, that have the support of Qatar.

El-Sayed adds that the move also comes due to Saudi Arabia's unwillingness to allow any regional support for its political arch-enemy Iran.

El-Sayed argues that Qatar must have seen the move coming since the Riyadh summit, where there was a clear agreement between the Trump administration and leading regional powers that this is not the time to have a good rapport with Iran, or to allow the support of Islamist movements, particularly those that Israel is at odds with.

It is also clear, El-Sayed added, that Riyadh, now with the support of Washington, is not willing to accept further military loss, either in Yemen or Syria, to militant groups that Qatar and Iran supposedly support.

El-Sayed argued that the time has come for Qatar to reconsider playing the take-it-to-the-edge diplomacy.

I am not sure how Doha would handle the absolute boycott that Riyadh and Abu Dhabi imposed. I think it will have to backtrack on some things to accommodate its influential Gulf neighbours, he said.

El-Sayed added that Qatar would also have to take into consideration the position of the US administration given the Qatari keenness to keep the US military base in Al-Attid.

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A Study in Color

The Deep purple in the lower right spreads out into a few channel before fading into a miltitude of colors. These channels are remnant of an ancient drainage network in Kenya. The beauty of the colors actually hides a start reality for hundreds of thousands of people. the dark spots at the top center of the image are refugee camps. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

In this image, acquired on July 15, 2014 by the Landsat 8 satellite, the deep purple in the lower right spreads out into a few channels before fading into a multitude of colors. These channels are remnants of an ancient drainage network in Kenya. The beauty of the colors actually hides a stark reality for hundreds of thousands of people: The dark spots at the top center of the image are refugee camps.

Earth Selfie

The tendency to recognize human faces in things that are not human is common. Can you see the eye, nose, and mouth in this satellite image of Morocco? The face captured in this 'Earth Selfie' appears to be quietly watching over the waters just off its coast. The city of Agadir is underneath the chin, and the irrigated farms of the Souss Valley appear in red. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

Can you see the eye, hooked nose and mouth in this satellite image of Morocco? Seeing faces (or other images) in random things is called pareidolia. This Earth selfie was captured on Jan. 26, 2015 by Landsat 8. The face is looking over the waters just off Morocco's coast, with the city of Agadir underneath the chin. The irrigated farms of the Souss Valley are colored red.

Eerie Cloud Shadows

These cloud patterns cast eerie shadows on the landscape of southern Egypt. The clouds appear red and the desert below hazy blue in this infrared rendition. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

These cloud patterns cast eerie shadows on the landscape of southern Egypt in the Landsat-8 satellite image captured on March 22, 2014. In this infrared image, the clouds appear red and the desert a hazy blue.

Geometric Desert

Geometric shapes lie across the emptiness of the Sahara Desert in southern Egypt. Each point is a center pivot irrigation field a little less than 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) across. With no surface water in this region, wells pump underground water to rotating sprinklers from the huge Nubian Sandstone aquifer, which lies underneath the desert. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

Irrigation becomes art in this Landsat-8 satellite image of the Sahara Desert in southern Egypt, shown on May 22, 2013. There is no surface water in this region; instead, wells pump underground water from the Nubian Sandstone aquifer to rotating sprinklers on the surface. Each point represents a center pivot irrigation field just under 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) across, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Land of Terror

No water. No vegetation. No oases. Known as the 'Land of Terror,' the Tanezrouft Basin in Algeria is one of the most desolate parts of the Sahara Desert. Sand dunes, which appear in yellow, streak down the left side of the image, and sandstone formations carved by relentless wind erosion make concentric loops, much like the grain seen in a piece of wood. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

Known as the Land of Terror, the Tanezrouft Basin in Algeria is one of the most desolate parts of the Sahara Desert, according to the USGS. The yellow streaks down the left side of the image are sand dunes, while the concentric loops are sandstone formations carved into the ground by the hand of erosion. This image was captured on Oct. 14, 2014 by the Landsat-8 satellite.

Lava Field

The Haruj Volcanic Field in central Libya was created from basaltic lava flows that erupted over time from multiple volcanoes. The volcanic craters and lava flows are evidence of a previous active eruption period. Many of the bright spots within the darker colored basalt flows are depressions covered with silt and fine sand. The lava field measures about 185 kilometers (115 miles) across. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

Several volcanic eruptions that spewed out basaltic lava created the Haruj Volcanic Field in central Libya, seen here in a mosaic of 2015 images from Landsat 8. The lava field is about 115 miles (185 kilometers) across, according to the USGS. "Many of the bright spots within the darker colored basalt flows are depressions covered with silt and fine sand," the USGS said.

Life along the Nile

It is easy to see from this image why people have been drawn to the Nile River in Egypt for thousands of years. Green farmland marks a distinct boundary between the Nile floodplain and the surrounding harsh desert. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

In this image, captured by Landsat 8 on Aug. 15, 2014, green farmland forms a distinct boundary between the Nile River floodplain and the surrounding desert.

Mulanje Massif

In southern Malawi, the erosion-resistant rock of Mulanje Massif, a large mountain mass, rises dramatically above the landscape near Lake Chilwa, a shallow, saline lake. The upper slopes of the massif are protected forest. The deep green color south of the massif is tea and macadamia farms. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

"In southern Malawi, the erosion-resistant rock of Mulanje Massif, a large mountain mass, rises dramatically above the landscape near Lake Chilwa, a shallow, saline lake. The upper slopes of the massif are protected forest. The deep green color south of the massif is tea and macadamia farms," the USGS said. This image was captured on Oct. 10, 2014 from Landsat 8.

The Lorian Swamp

Water flowing out of this inland delta rarely reaches the ocean; instead, it seeps into the semiarid plains of northeastern Kenya. The dark feature in the upper left, which looks like a black eye, is hard basaltic rock from an ancient lava flow. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

Water flowing out of this inland delta seeps into the semiarid plains of northeastern Kenya. The dark feature in the upper left of this image, from May 3, 2014, is basaltic rock from an ancient lava flow.

Koettlitz Glacier

Landsat 8 helps reveal the hidden complexities of the Antarctic landscape. In this image, ice takes on different levels of blue with exposed rock and dirt appearing in yellow tones. The dynamic Koettlitz Glacier flows between Brown Peninsula and the rugged mainland. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

In this Landsat-8 satellite image, taken on Nov. 18, 2013, the ice of Antarctica takes on different shades of blue with exposed rock and dirt appearing in yellow tones. The Koettlitz Glacier flows between Brown Peninsula and the rugged mainland.

Slessor Glacier

Slessor Glacier in Antarctica flows between the angular promontory Parry Point on the top left of the image and the Shackleton Range on the lower right. The purple highlights are exposed ice. Strong winds blow away the snow cover and expose lines that indicate the glacier flow direction. Rock outcrops next to the glacier also exhibit some of this bare ice. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey)

Slessor Glacier in Antarctica, shown here on Nov. 14, 2014, flows between Parry Point on the top left and the Shackleton Range on the lower right. "Strong winds blow away the snow cover and expose lines that indicate the glacier flow direction. Rock outcrops next to the glacier also exhibit some of this bare ice," the USGS said.
Egypt will begin its ban on flights to and from Qatar on Tuesday at 6 Cairo local time (0400 GMT), the Egyptian Civil Aviation Ministry declared on Monday following the decision of the Egyptian government to cut relations with the Gulf State.

The Civil aviation ministry announced that it was going to close off Egyptian airspace to Qatari aircrafts that seek to land or pass through.

The Egyptian airspace will be closed off also to all flights from Qatar, the statement added.

On the other hand, Egypts National air carrier EgyptAir announced it would suspend its flights from Cairo to Doha and Doha to Cairo started Tuesday till further notice.

EgyptAir announced that flight No. MS935 headed to Doha from Cairo Monday afternoon and it was expected its return Mondays evening.

It also added in a short statement that another flight No. MS1937 would head to Doha at 6 PM Cairo Local time CLT and would return at 1 AM CLT.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain have closed as well their airspace to Qatari flights as well suspended the flights from and to their neighbor Gulf state following their decision

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Given the helical, horn-like tusks protruding from the front of narwhals' heads, it's no wonder why the whales are dubbed the "unicorns of the sea." And these Arctic-loving animals are just as mysterious as their mythical counterparts, especially when it comes to their mating behaviors.

Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are medium-sized whales that are closely related to the beluga whale, which is part of the same taxonomic family. The whales spend their lives in the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway and Russia.

"Narwhals are highly migratory and this migration is closely linked to the formation of the sea ice," says narwhal researcher Kristin Laidre of the Polar Science Center at the University of Washington. "Their summering grounds become frozen over in autumn, so they make a long migration to offshore areas where they spend the winter." [Drone Footage Solves Mystery Purpose of Narwhals Unicorn Tusk | Video]

The cetaceans mate at these wintering grounds some 200 miles (322 km) offshore. But the finer details of what goes on during this mating season are largely unknown due to the difficulties of observing the animals in their natural habitat, which is covered in dense ice that has just a few percent of open water, Laidre told Live Science.

Female narwhals reach sexual maturity around 8 or 9 years old while males begin mating anywhere between 12 and 17 years old. It's unclear how exactly the whales attract mates or what's involved in sexual selection or courtship.

Unlike large baleen whales, narwhals don't produce songs. They do use echolocation  which recent research shows the whales can focus into a highly precise beam, Laidre said  and make a range of whistles, clicks, grunts and squeaks, which vary between seasons. But researchers have yet to identify any noises specific to mating or courtship, she added.

Comparatively, males' conspicuous tusks appear to be involved in breeding. These tusks, which protrude 6.7 to 9.8 feet (2 to 3 meters) out of the upper jaw, are very rarely found on females, and some males grow two tusks. In 2014, scientists discovered that males with longer tusks have more massive testes, suggesting the appendages help males attract mates. "The tusk is an indicator of fitness as a mate," Laidre said, adding that scientists haven't been able to genetically show that males with longer tusks are more reproductively successful because it's difficult to biopsy (take a tissue sample) from a free-ranging narwhal.

During the summer months, researchers have observed male narwhals touching and crossing tusks (though not necessarily in an aggressive manner) while making somber-sounding whistles, often times with a female between them. This behavior suggests the tusks may also be involved in establishing dominance hierarchies.

Recently, drone footage has shown males using their tusks to stun prey.

Virtually nothing is known about how copulation occurs or how long it lasts because it's never been observed, Laidre said. But scientists know that female narwhals have a 14-month gestation period and give birth to a single calf about every 3 years.

The oldest-known narwhal is over 100 years old and female narwhals are likely reproductively active for most of that time  researchers estimate the whales stop breeding at around 70 years old.

Follow Joseph Castroon Twitter. Follow us @livescience, Facebook& Google+.
The number of men married to each other who have children is rising following legal rulings about marriage equality.

This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

Kentucky family court judge W. Mitchell Nance says he refuses to hold hearings on same-sex couples' adoptions (opens in new tab) "as a matter of conscience."

He's not the only authority defying the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that made marriage equality the law of the land. So-called "religious freedom" bills in Texas, South Dakota and Alabama could let private adoption agencies discriminate against same-sex couples. When pressed on the question, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos recently refused to tell lawmakers whether she believes the federal government should deny government funds to schools that discriminate against the children of LGBT parents  or LGBT students.

Maybe these officials, judges and lawmakers should check out the research on how gay parents differ from straight parents. So far, most of this scholarship has focused on the social, emotional and cognitive outcomes of children they raise. (Spoiler alert: These kids turn out fine.)

As a former teacher who now researches gay dads and their families while pursuing a doctorate in education, I am studying how the growing number of men married to other men are raising their children. So far, I'm finding few differences between them and their straight peers of similar socioeconomic status  especially regarding their children's schooling.

A growing population

Since the Census Bureau estimates but does not count the number of households headed by two fathers, it's hard to track them.

Plans were taking shape for the Census Bureau to begin counting same-sex-parented households in 2020. They seem unlikely to move forward due to recent budget cuts, the census director's recent resignation and the political climate.

Nevertheless, The American Community Survey, the Census Bureau's ongoing demographic survey of approximately three million households, already follows same-sex parenting. It estimates that in 2015, almost 40,000 two-dad households were raising children, compared to about 30,000 in 2010.

Parenting roles

How do parents in these families settle into specific roles? In short, just like heterosexual parents do.

Research suggests that affluent, white, two-father households adhere to traditional parenting roles. One is the primary breadwinner, while the other earns either less income or none at all and handles most of the caregiving and chores.

However, two-dad households can challenge the 1940s Norman Rockwell image of gendered parenting  just like heterosexual couples can.

Households with two fathers working full-time rely on daycare facilities, babysitters, housekeepers and nearby relatives for support. Some of these men even take on responsibilities based on skills and strengths, rather than who fits the socially and culturally constructed mold of being more "motherly" or "fatherly."

Community and school engagement

And that's where the parenting of gay dads may differ from a traditional heterosexual household, as my research and the work of other scholars suggests.

While interviewing and spending time with 20 two-dad families living in the Northeast for my current study, I have learned that they're apt to step up. Many become involved as classroom parents, voluntarily assisting teachers, reading books or leading singalongs. Some take leadership roles by becoming active PTA members or organizing events that go beyond their children's classes. In some cases, gay fathers become PTA presidents or serve on school boards.

Like all civically engaged parents, gay fathers support their local museums and libraries and enroll their kids in camps and extracurricular activities. They sometimes do additional volunteer work for social justice groups.

The largest-scale survey to date was conducted in 2008 by the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, an organization focused on the safety of LGBT students in schools. That study, which included 588 LGBT parents, suggested that gay fathers could be more likely to be involved in school-based activities than heterosexual dads.

Aside from the simple fact that they love their children just like all parents do, Abbie Goldberg, a Clark University researcher, and her colleagues have shown that increased presence may be due, in part, to fathers' initiatives to counter bias and assert more same-sex visibility and inclusion in schools. My current study, indicates the same. Many of the men taking part have told me that being actively involved helps them preemptively counteract potential negative encounters with school personnel and other families.

Gay dads prefer schools and communities that are safe and inclusive. Beyond that, they want judges like Nance and lawmakers bent on barring them from fatherhood to see that two-dad families are for the most part just like any other family.

Andrew Leland, Ph.D. Candidate, Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
From the ancient cities of Petra and Jericho to historic religious temples, thousands of archaeological sites in the Middle East and North Africa are severely at risk, according to a new online public database.

In hopes of preserving these important landmarks, researchers have launched a public database  Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa (EAMENA)  detailing the nearly 20,000 archaeological sites that are threatened. The database, launched by the University of Oxford, University of Leicester and Durham University, is designed to educate the public about archaeological issues in the Middle East and North Africa.

Armed conflict, construction projects, looting and other destructive threats in the region have put these cultural heritage sites at risk, according to the researchers. [10 Historical Treasures That the World Lost in the Past 100 Years]

"Not all damage and threats to the archaeology can be prevented, but they can be mitigated through the sharing of information and specialist skills," Robert Bewley, an archeologist at Oxford and director of the EAMENA project, said in a statement.

Using satellite imagery, the database records information about the archaeological sites under threat. Along with the current risk level, EAMENA provides historical information on each site, and how they relate to one another. An interactive map displays the geography of the sites under threat, and users can see sites categorized by a specific location or type of archaeological feature.

Saint Catherine Monastery in Egypt, for example, is described in the EAMENA database as "the oldest working monastery in the world." Founded in the sixth century A.D., the monastery has been in continuous use since but it is threatened by construction, tourism and overuse. Though the overall condition of this site is listed as "good," there are thousands of sites listed as "poor."

"The archaeology of the Middle East and North Africa is exceptionally rich and diverse, giving insight into some of the earliest and most significant cultures in human history," Bewley said. "Those seeking to deliberately damage archaeological sites are attacking the cultural heritage of all of us."

Original article on Live Science.
For more than a millennium, scholars have noticed a curious correlation: Atheists tend to be more intelligent than religious people.

It's unclear why this trend persists, but researchers of a new study have an idea: Religion is an instinct, they say, and people who can rise above instincts are more intelligent than those who rely on them.

"Intelligence  in rationally solving problems  can be understood as involving overcoming instinct and being intellectually curious and thus open to non-instinctive possibilities," study lead author Edward Dutton, a research fellow at the Ulster Institute for Social Research in the United Kingdom, said in a statement (opens in new tab). [Saint or Spiritual Slacker? Test Your Religious Knowledge]

Smart cookie

In classical Greece and Rome, it was widely remarked that "fools" tended to be religious, while the "wise" were often skeptics, Dutton and his co-author, Dimitri Van der Linden, an assistant professor of psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, wrote in the study.

The ancients weren't the only ones to notice this association. Scientists ran a meta-analysis of 63 studies and found that religious people tend to be less intelligent than nonreligious people. The association was stronger among college students and the general public than for those younger than college age, they found. The association was also stronger for religious beliefs, rather than religious behavior, according to the meta-analysis, published in 2013 in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Review.

But why does this association exist? Dutton set out to find answer, thinking that perhaps it was because nonreligious people were more rational than their religious brethren, and thus better able to reason that there was no God, he wrote.

But "more recently, I started to wonder if I'd got it wrong, actually," Dutton told Live Science. "I found evidence that intelligence is positively associated with certain kinds of bias."

For instance, a 2012 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology showed that college students often get logical answers wrong but don't realize it. This so-called "bias blind spot" happens when people cannot detect bias, or flaws, within their own thinking. "If anything, a larger bias blind spot was associated with higher cognitive ability," the researchers of the 2012 study wrote in the abstract.

One question, for example, asked the students: "A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?" The problem isn't intuitive (the answer is not 10 cents), but rather requires students to suppress or evaluate the first solution that springs into their mind, the researchers wrote in the study. If they do this, they might find the right answer: The ball costs 5 cents, and the bat costs $1.05.

If intelligent people are less likely to perceive their own bias, that means they're less rational in some respects, Dutton said. So why is intelligence associated with atheism? The answer, he and his colleague suggest, is that religion is an instinct, and it takes intelligence to overcome an instinct, Dutton said. [8 Ways Religion Impacts Your Life]

Basic instinct

The religion-is-an-instinct theory is a modified version of an idea developed by Satoshi Kanazawa, an evolutionary psychologist at the London School of Economics, who was not involved in the new study.

Called the Savanna-IQ Interaction Hypothesis, Kanazawa's theory attempts to explain the differences in the behavior and attitudes between intelligent and less intelligent people, said Nathan Cofnas, who is pursuing a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom this fall. Cofnas, who specializes in the philosophy of science, was not involved with the new study.

The hypothesis is based on two assumptions, Cofnas told Live Science in an email.

"First, that we are psychologically adapted to solve recurrent problems faced by our hunter-gatherer ancestors in the African savanna," Cofnas said. "Second, that 'general intelligence' (what is measured by IQ tests) evolved to help us deal with nonrecurrent problems for which we had no evolved psychological adaptations."

The assumptions imply that "intelligent people should be better than unintelligent people at dealing with 'evolutionary novelty'  situations and entities that did not exist in the ancestral environment," Cofnas said.

Dutton and Van der Linden modified this theory, suggesting that evolutionary novelty is something that opposes evolved instincts.

Philosophical take

The approach is an interesting one, but might have firmer standing if the researchers explained exactly what they mean by "religious instinct," Cofnas said.

"Dutton and Van der Linden propose that, if religion has an instinctual basis, intelligent people will be better able to overcome it and adopt atheism," Cofnas said. "But without knowing the precise nature of the 'religious instinct,' we can't rule out the possibility that atheism, or at least some forms of atheism, harness the same instinct(s)."

For instance, author Christopher Hitchens thought that communism was a religion; secular movements, such as veganism, appeal to many of the same impulses  and possibly 'instincts'  that traditional religions do, Cofnas said. Religious and nonreligious movements both rely on faith, identifying with a community of believers and zealotry, he said.

"I think it's misleading to use the term 'religion' as a slur for whatever you don't like," Cofnas said.

Religion and stress

The researchers also examined the link between instinct and stress, emphasizing that people tend to operate on instinct during stressful times, for instance, turning to religion during a near-death experience.

The researchers argue that intelligence helps people rise above these instincts during times of stress. [11 Tips to Lower Stress]

"If religion is indeed an evolved domain  an instinct  then it will become heightened at times of stress, when people are inclined to act instinctively, and there is clear evidence for this," Dutton said. "It also means that intelligence allows us to be able to pause and reason through the situation and the possible consequences of our actions."

People who are able to rise above their instincts are likely better problem-solvers, Dutton noted.

"Let's say someone had a go at you. Your instinct would be to punch them in the face," Dutton told Live Science. "A more intelligent person will be able to stop themselves from doing that, reason it through and better solve the problem, according to what they want."

The study was published May 16 in the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science (opens in new tab).

Original article on Live Science.
Invasive lionfish in the Caribbean Sea are scarfing down fish species that scientists haven't even discovered yet.

New research published May 25 in the journal PLOS ONE reveals video of a lionfish hunting a new species of yellow-and-orange goby off the coast of Curacao. The gobies, dubbed Palatogobius incendius, or ember gobies, are a mere 0.8 inches (22 millimeters) long and hover just above the seafloor in deep reef areas. In the video, captured by the submersible Curasub in February 2015, a lionfish glides over a school of gobies, herding them against a rock wall and striking twice.

"Once we discovered invasive lionfish  sometimes in huge numbers  inhabiting barely explored deep reefs, our concern was that these voracious predators might be gobbling up biodiversity before scientists even know it exists," study co-author Carole Baldwin, the curator of fishes at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., said in a statement. "This study suggests that they are doing just that." [Gallery: The Invasive Lionfish and its New Prey]

Introduced fish

Lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) originally hail from the Indo-Pacific, but arrived in the western Atlantic in the 1980s or 1990s. No one knows exactly how the fish invaded Atlantic waters, but home aquarists who dump unwanted lionfish into the ocean may have been the cause, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

On Feb. 9, 2015, the submersible Curasub launched from Substation Curacao and captured video of a school of about 50 orange-striped gobies hanging out near a rock wall 384 feet (117 m) down. In the video, a lionfish slowly cruises over the school with its fins spread wide, striking at the school with a sudden surge. The gobies fled to join a second, nearby school of the same species, but it was no use. About a minute after the first strike, the lionfish cornered the larger school against the rock wall and struck again, seeming to swallow some fish.

Predator impacts

P. incendius has now been collected or at least observed in deep reefs near Curacao, Cominica and Honduras, the researchers reported. It does not seem to be in immediate danger of extinction, despite the lurking threat of the lionfish. But just the fact that lionfish are apparently hunting small fish in deep reefs has scientists alarmed.

A school of ember gobies near Curacao. These fish grown less than an inch (22 millimeters) long, so they're ripe prey for lionfish both as juveniles and as adults. (Image credit: Carole Baldwin, Smithsonian Institution)

"The other species still undescribed on these reefs are very rare and occur in lower abundances than our new species. If they are getting eaten by lionfish, they may be in more trouble than the ember goby," study co-author Luke Tornabene, the curator of fishes at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle, said in a statement.

The researchers hope to investigate even deeper into the reef ecosystem. This summer, they will take a different submersible up to 2,700 feet (800 m) down near Honduras. Unfortunately, lionfish are difficult to capture using submersibles, because they don't respond to the anesthetic that the researchers use to temporarily stun fish so they can scoop them from the water. Divers with spears are the most reliable way to catch lionfish, the researchers wrote, but they can swim down to only about 490 feet (150 m). The team is now experimenting with lionfish traps to try to capture the invasive fish and investigate their gut contents from deep reefs.

Original article on Live Science.
The Egyptian government established on Monday an emergency committee consisting of five ministries to follow up on the developments of Egypt's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar, Ahram Arabic news website reported.

The committee, which includes representatives from the defence, foreign, interior, labour force and immigration ministries, will follow up on any measures related to Egyptians working in the Qatari public or private sector.

The Egyptian community in Qatar is in a state of instability, Mohamed El-Iraqi, president of the Union of Egyptians in Qatar, told Ahram Arabic website, adding that there are an estimated 300,000 Egyptians with official residence in Qatar.

El-Iraqi said that he has received calls from Minister of Manpower Mohamed Saffan and Minister of Immigration Nabila Makram to check on Egyptians in Qatar.

El-Iraqi said that the major concern for Egyptians in Qatar now is whether they will be laid off from their jobs, adding that "the statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry caused a lack of understanding of the situation of Egyptians [in Qatar]."

El-Iraqi added that Egyptian embassy in Qatar is preparing to shut its doors, and that a steering committee will see to the affairs of Egyptians in Qatar.

Meanwhile, sources from the Qatar labour ministry said that the ministry has not issued any decision regarding Egyptians in the gulf country.

Al-Ahram cited sources as saying that an agreement signed in 1974 and two memorandums of understanding signed in 2004 and 2007 between the Egyptian and the Qatari labour ministries are so far still in effect.

Egypt has announced that it will ban flights to and from Qatar starting Tuesday at 6am Cairo local time (4am GMT), and that it will close off Egyptian airspace to Qatari aircraft.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Yemen and the eastern-based government of Libya have all cut diplomatic ties over what they say is Doha's support of terrorist organisations such as Daesh and Al-Qaeda, as well as interference in the internal affairs of nations in the region.

Egypt says it took the decision "in light of the continued insistence of the Qatari government to take a stance against Egypt."

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Former career counselor Marshall Uhlig walked into Startup Weekend San Antonio on Friday with an idea and walked out about 50 hours later on Sunday with a new test app, a team, entrepreneurial advice, free office space and legal help to launch a new company.

Uhligs team took first place for their business concept dubbed CareerMatch The app, pitched as the Tinder for business, allows users to swipe yes or no through a list of questions and then matches them with potential careers based on their responses.

Imagine Tinder and LinkedIn had a love child, Uhlig said, citing the popular dating app Tinder and the career web site LinkedIn.

Techstarss Startup Weekend brings wannabe entrepreneurs together to test out ideas over a weekend-long sprint. The co-working space Geekdom hosted the event in San Antonio to help nurture startups in the city.

We used to do these maybe once a year, and this last year we made a commitment to do four, said Dax Moreno, director of programs and ecosystem development at Geekdom. Geekdom executives decided after a conversation last year to do more Startup Weekends because of watching the successful launch of several companies following the event.

Those companies also became members of Geekdom, Moreno said.

The weekend is working, he said. And so thats what we got really excited about, lets double down and lets start really putting more effort and thought into how we run the weekend, put some resources into it, promote it a little bit more, make it a focus. Because were seeing that its creating startups, its creating networking opportunities.

Now the event is held once a quarter in San Antonio.

A concept to deliver local culture-centric curated boxes called PuroBoxes won second place in the competition. Alcohol vaping idea Vapohol and audio essay platform Brainwave Audio Streaming tied for third.

San Antonio-based Amanda Miller said Friday PuroBoxes is providing a platform for local artists, artisans and everybody to kind of get the word out and increase their revenues and share the history.

Miller said she is also launching a tour company that would be focused on local people providing local experiences.

I would like for this model to apply to other cities to help those local artists come together and get exposed, she said on Friday of her PuroBoxes idea. Because everybody wants to support local, they just dont know how.

Uhligs app takes a user through a series of questions they can swipe to agree or disagree with to help them identify their top skills. The more a user swipes, the more precise the results, Uhlig explained Sunday evening during his pitch to the four judges.

If you have a very specific problem and no solution, this weekend is going to be amazing because youre going to go out and youre going to find a solution, facilitator Zack Pennington told the audience Friday. Whereas if you come in here with an obsessed solution and you spend the whole weekend looking for a problem youre going to be miserable, right? Like oh man who needs the drones to tie the shoes? And you go around and nobody needs them.

After a weekend of development and talking to potential customers, one of those groups that found a solution just might be the CareerMatch team.

Whether its CareerMatch or whatever it becomes, whether its a different name or the app, I am never going to stop pursuing the passion of helping people figure out what theyre passionate about, Uhlig said in an interview after he won.

Uhlig worked at the University of Texas at San Antonio in several roles, including 3 years as a career counselor. He says he left in October 2016 to pursue his vision full time.

But at first, his dream was not based on an app.

I had been pursuing this for the past couple of months as far as me being the product, as far as me speaking, one-on-one engagements, Uhlig said.

On Friday, the entrepreneurs were asked to pitch ideas for a new business in 60 seconds or less. They had to convince others to vote for their idea and join a team for the weekend  and they had to present a completely new idea, not something they had already developed. Nine teams eventually pitched to the judges on Sunday.

At the end of the weekend, Uhlig said he thought his idea had potential as an app. Others on his team helped develop the app and web site and brainstormed on the marketing.

To have this team back me up and say: we like this, and to create it, make it real, I mean that was  this weekend was one of the best of my life, Uhlig said.

Uhligs crew won a three-month membership to Geekdom; a pre-incorporation founders agreement, three hours of consultation, a company agreement and a Texas LLC formation plus certificate of incorporation from Innocenti Jones PLLC; and other items to help them grow their business.

To win this, it affirms, whatever happens next, that this is something worth legitimately fighting for and pursuing, Uhlig said after winning.

sehlinger@express-news.net

Twitter: @samehlinger
A Saudi-led Arab coalition fighting Yemeni rebels announced Monday it was ending Qatar's membership as most Gulf countries severed ties with Doha amid heightened tension between the neighbouring states.



The coalition said the measure was due to Qatar's "practices that strengthen terrorism, and its support to (terrorist) organisations in Yemen, including Al-Qaeda and Daesh, as well as dealing with the rebel militias," according to a statement carried by SPA Saudi official news agency.

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In the original Star Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi said, In my experience, there is no such thing as luck. Steve Sansweet thinks differently.

Sansweet, the owner of the largest privately owned collection of Star Wars memorabilia in the world, said Monday that he feels lucky he found out about the theft of $200,000 worth of prized vintage action figures from his California nonprofit museum before it was too late.

About 120 pieces were stolen between 2015 and 2016 by a friend who stayed at the compound four times during that period, Sansweet said.

The sprawling collections are set up on shelves and are not behind glass or under lock and key.

About 100 of the stolen items have been recovered, he said.

Police arrested Carl Edward Cunningham, 45, of Marietta, Ga., and in March, the Sonoma County district attorneys office charged him with felony grand theft.

Cunningham is free on $25,000 bail and is scheduled to be in court June 27 for a preliminary hearing.

Neither Cunningham nor his lawyer, Amy Chapman, returned calls for comment.

It was very lucky we found out when we did  but not so lucky that he had a year to steal things, Sansweet said.

Sansweet, the founder of Rancho Obi-Wan in Petaluma, owns roughly 400,000 pieces of Star Wars memorabilia that are on display and shown to visitors.

That includes everything from the original banner Lucasfilm used to promote Star Wars at fan conventions in 1976, to a Darth Vader costume and all of the more than 2,500 small action figures issued over the past 40 years.

The thefts surfaced after a collector learned he had inadvertently purchased a Boba Fett action figure stolen from a Texas warehouse, Sansweet said.

Star Wars actors Mark Hamill and Peter Mayhew tweeted about Sansweets news Monday.

Maybe publish a list of stolen items to protect potential victims from purchasing hot merchandise. #TheFraudIsStrongInThisOne #SithHappens, tweeted Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker.

This is despicable. Keep an eye out. Get the word out, tweeted Mayhew, who appeared as Chewbacca.

Kristin J. Bender is an Associated Press writer.
Al Franken: Giant of the Senate

By Al Franken

Twelve. 404 pp. $28

---

This may be the only memoir by a sitting U.S. senator in which the author warns a colleague standing in front of him at a presidential inauguration that he might "very well vomit the moment [the new president says] 'So help me God.'" It may also be the funniest memoir by a sitting - standing, recumbent, squatting - U.S. senator. Scratch that "may." It surely is.

"Al Franken: Giant of the Senate" is an only-in-America story of how a grandson of Belarussian immigrants grew up in the Midwest, went to Harvard and then on to a brilliant career in comedy, and then decided what the heck, and ran for the Senate and won. Just typing that mini-CV made me tired.

Whatever you make of his politics, Franken tells a great story. He can (for the most part) make the nitty-gritty of politics and legislating good reading. His partisanship is fierce and occasionally strident, but he doesn't indulge in the smugness and condescension that are often characteristic of the muscular, progressive liberal. Republicans ought to read this book, if only on the principle of Know Thy Enemy. And make no mistake, Republicans: Franken is your enemy. But a mensch.

Sen. Franken of Minnesota first came to fame in 1975 as a writer on the first season of "Saturday Night Live," and he has been faming ever since. He has a particular genius for his book titles, among them "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot: And Other Observations" and "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right."

In the course of promoting "Lies," he found himself being congratulated by people for, as it were, telling it like it is. "This was new," he writes. "I'd always thought there was nothing better than hearing people laugh. But hearing people tell me they were not only entertained, but also energized to go out and take these guys on themselves, was thrilling."

His political hero was the late senator Paul Wellstone, a Minnesota Democrat who died in a plane crash in 2002. Franken's road-to-Damascus moment came in 2003 while reading a profile of Republican Sen. Norm Coleman in Roll Call. Coleman, who had been elected to the seat held by Wellstone, was quoted in the piece as saying, "To be very blunt, and God watch over Paul's soul, I am a 99 percent improvement over Paul Wellstone."

"I'm sorry," Franken writes, still fuming more than a decade later, "but you don't say that about (BEGIN ITAL)anyone(END ITAL) who died within the last six months. And, my God, you don't say it about a guy who (BEGIN ITAL)everyone(END ITAL) agreed was a compassionate, tireless champion of the little guy, a loving husband and father, and a colleague whom every senator recognized for his passion and decency."

Coleman later tried to tone down his remark, saying he meant that he was an improvement over Wellstone as far as the George W. Bush White House was concerned. But Franken wasn't buying it, and five years later, he served Coleman a cold plate of revenge by claiming his seat - after a six-month recount, winning by 313 votes out of 2.9 million cast. Six years later, after taking the approach of a "workhorse, not a showhorse," no recount was necessary. He killed. (Showbiz parlance alert.)

Now to the funny part; or rather, the unfunny part:

He tells us in the foreword that his book is "the story of how, after spending a lifetime learning how to be funny, I learned how not to be funny." It wasn't easy, but he managed. More or less. Usually less.

Fortunately for the reader, he fails as a writer at being not-funny. Bigly. This is a genuinely funny book, often hilarious, though I'm suspicious when he tells us that he and Sen. Mitch McConnell, with whom he got off to a rocky start, are now "the best of friends." Sometimes they go out to dinner, Franken writes, "and Mitch will laugh so hard that milk shoots out his nose." I'm having a hard time imagining milk shooting out McConnell's nose, but I applaud it in principle.

During his first campaign, Franken was a target-rich environment for Coleman's oppo research squad. Imagine their delight when they came across a satirical piece he'd done for Playboy (wait for it), in which "I wrote about my visit to a citadel of higher learning, the Minnesota Institute of Titology." He titled it " 'Porn-O-Rama', proving that, as of late 1999, I hadn't been planning a run for political office."

He and his staff have devised something called "The DeHumorizer." The staff deploys it when, for instance, Franken wants to write a constituent on her 110th birthday: "Dear Ruth, You have a bright future." No, Senator. No, his aide advises. Or when he pens a birthday greeting to his friend Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, a World War II hero who lost his arm to a grenade: "Dear Danny, I hope when I'm your age, I'm just like you - healthy, with two good arms. Oh, wait!" No, Senator!

But this is (also) a serious book, by a serious (self-described) policy wonk. That makes for occasional slow-going, but as a comedy pro, Franken has a built-in zzzz-detector. The moment the reader's head nods, he injects the nitrous, often in the form of a footnote. It was said of Edward Gibbon that he lived out his sex life in his footnotes. Franken's are a comic crawl across the bottom of the page: "Sorry for making you dart your eyes to the bottom of the page." There are even meta-footnotes: "This is the kind of footnote you're just not going to get in Condoleezza Rice's memoir."

He gets a seat on the choice Senate Judiciary Committee, but not on merit, he tells us: Then-Majority Leader Harry Reid had an empty seat that needed filling quickly. He also sits on the Indian Affairs Committee: "In the Senate, anyone who wants to be on Indian Affairs gets on Indian Affairs." I found myself cheering him on when he drills (sorry) into the nerve of the president of the American Dental Association, who's come to aver that Indians already get plenty good-enough dental care. Franken leaves him moaning for 10 cc's of lidocaine, stat.

"American Indians receive less than half per capita what we spend on health care for the average American. And that's a disgrace, one that even the most satisfying takedown can't eliminate. But at least that day I got my Indian name from a Minnesota Ojibwe friend of mine: Yells at Dentist."

Franken has made a number of Republican friends in the Senate, but he pretty much loathes all things Republican. I stipulate that it can be a challenge these days, trying to locate the inner Lincoln or Reagan in today's GOP, but is it really true that the politics of personal destruction began with Newt Gingrich? Franken could have titled his book "Republican Scumbags: And the Scummy Scumbag Lobbies Who Pay Them to Destroy America."

But he's a red-blooded American patriot who's done seven USO trips in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. He works his tail off for wounded vets, disadvantaged kids and Indians, and argues well on behalf of his causes, such as single-payer health care. Another possible title: "Al Franken Is a Gosh-Darned Pinko and Other Sober Conclusions." But the Senate, and the country, would be the poorer without him. He's an American original.

Franken managed not to barf all over his Republican colleague on Inauguration Day, saving some upchuck for the book's concluding pages:

"When Trump demanded an investigation into those three to five million fraudulent votes [allegedly cast for Hillary Clinton by illegal immigrants], it reminded me of O.J. Simpson, who, after being acquitted of murdering his ex-wife and Ron Goldman, vowed to spend the rest of his life 'finding the killer or killers.'"

He tells us that he remains an optimist, but let's face it, "This is going to suck for a while." I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the sequel to this memoir turns out to be: "President Franken: It Could Happen Here, You Know. Really."

---

Buckley was a speechwriter for Vice President George H.W. Bush. His latest book is "The Relic Master."
Churchill & Orwell: The Fight for Freedom

By Thomas E. Ricks

Penguin Press. 339 pp. $28

---

One way to measure the lasting influence of a prominent writer or other major figure is to see whether an adjective has been created from his or her last name. "Dickensian" and "Machiavellian" come to mind. So do "Churchillian" and "Orwellian," derived from the subjects of Thomas E. Ricks' new book.

As Ricks points out, Winston Churchill is a far more consequential historical figure than George Orwell, a fellow Briton who labored in obscurity as a political journalist and author for most of his life. Yet the word "Churchillian," which calls to mind the former prime minister's larger-than-life personality and rhetorical skills, has a slightly musty quality about it now, evoking as it does World War II and its immediate aftermath, an era when the values of Western democracy triumphed over totalitarianism.

By contrast, in today's unsettled, contentious times, "Orwellian" is a word that pops up everywhere, especially since Donald Trump's ascension to the presidency. To many, the grim, dystopian world of Orwell's masterpiece "1984," in which the all-controlling state Party orders its citizens "to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears," is chillingly similar to the mind-set of the authoritarian-minded Trump and his supporters, who define falsehoods as "alternative facts" and repeatedly insist that reality is whatever they say it is.

In "Churchill and Orwell," Ricks, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, has made the intriguing decision to write a dual biography of these two very different men - one a towering figure on the world stage, the other a quiet observer - who never met and apparently had little influence on each other. For Ricks, the thread connecting them is their resistance to the spreading threat of totalitarianism in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. They were "kindred spirits," Ricks writes, who "steered by the core principles of liberal democracy: freedom of thought, speech, and association."

Churchill's resistance took the form of political action and powerful rhetoric - first as the most outspoken foe of the British government's appeasement policy toward Hitler before the war, then as the prime minister who rallied his compatriots in 1940 to stand alone against Nazi Germany.

Orwell, whose sole weapon was his pen, stood up against tyranny on a broader scale: His main focus was Soviet repression, but he also lashed out against the abuse of authority and denial of truth by governments and institutions everywhere. "His mission," Ricks points out, "was to write the facts as he saw them, no matter where that took him, and to be skeptical of everything he read, especially when it came from or comforted those wielding power."

As it happened, Churchill and his government were among those who felt the sting of Orwell's pen, a fact to which Ricks pays little attention. Early in the book, he notes a comment by military historian Williamson Murray that Britain, under Churchill, had survived the war "with her virtues largely intact." The key word here is "largely": Freedom of speech in Britain, for one, took some hard knocks during the war, with Orwell as one of the victims.

To defeat Hitler, Churchill had cozied up to another totalitarian leader, Russia's Joseph Stalin, who reluctantly joined the Allies after the 1941 German invasion of his country. In doing so, the British government joined Franklin Roosevelt's administration in a campaign to replace the image of Stalin as an unbridled tyrant with that of a benign leader who was fast becoming more moderate and democratic.

Determined to maintain Stalin's goodwill so he would keep his troops fighting on the eastern front, Churchill and Roosevelt covered up news of the Soviet leader's order early in the war to execute thousands of army officers from Poland, a country that played an important role in the Allied war effort. They also secretly acceded to Stalin's demands for postwar control of Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe, even as they declared publicly that the Soviets had abandoned all thought of territorial expansion.

Technically, Britain's wartime censorship was supposed to cover only security matters; censorship officials had no authority to tamper with expressions of opinion. But as the war progressed, Churchill put pressure on the British press to keep quiet about controversial issues, particularly those involving the Soviets; on occasion, his government penalized publications for running stories and opinions of which it did not approve.

Even though he was a die-hard leftist, Orwell was appalled not only by what he called "this nation-wide conspiracy to flatter our ally," but also by the eagerness of left-wing intellectuals, the press and publishers to accept what he saw as a "fog of lies and misinformation."

When he submitted "Animal Farm," his biting satire about Soviet totalitarianism, to British publishers in 1943, it was rejected by every editor who read it. One publisher, who initially accepted it, had second thoughts after receiving a warning from the British government that the book would damage Britain's relationship with Russia.

A furious Orwell would later write, "Any serious criticism of the Soviet regime, any disclosure of facts which the Soviet government would prefer to keep hidden, is next door to unprintable." He added: "If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."

"Animal Farm" was finally published in August 1945, three days after the end of the war. It was an instant best-seller, as was "1984," which has sold more than 25 million copies since its publication in June 1949, six months before Orwell's death.

More than half of "Churchill and Orwell" is devoted to a detailed recounting of Churchill's life, much of which is familiar material and has little or no relevance to Ricks' main topic. The book would have benefited from a deeper exploration of the wartime conflict between Orwell and Churchill's government over the complexities of truth and its suppression - an issue that has obvious significance today.

Nonetheless, for all of Churchill's shortcomings in this particular regard, there's no question that, overall, both he and Orwell demonstrated moral courage and a fierce dedication to the importance of democracy and individual freedom - increasingly rare qualities today that Ricks rightly celebrates.

---

Olson's latest book is "Last Hope Island: Britain, Occupied Europe, and the Brotherhood that Helped Turn the Tide of War."
Richard Donner's "Superman" spoiled us. When the Man of Steel first soared toward the heavens with Lois Lane on an exhilarating flyover date, the 1978 movie heightened our expectation for most superhero films to follow: Future costumed crimefighters with love interests would surely deliver not only the thrilling action, but also magnetic romantic chemistry.

How sadly seldom that's been the case.

Christopher Reeve imbued Superman/Clark Kent with a special blend of assured physical presence and throwback screwball-comedy charm - like some corn-fed Cary Grant who could carry off a cape. And Margot Kidder's winning Lois adroitly pivoted, again and again, from needling Clark's vulnerabilities to swooning over Supes.

Who knew that such a dynamically sizzling duo might not be found again in superhero cinema till this year? Yes, there have been some highly memorable couplings over the decades: Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst in "Spider-Man"; Andrew Garfield and Emma Watson (mimicking real life) in the Spidey reboot; Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell in the Captain America films; and the R-rated heat between Ryan Reynolds and Morena Baccarin in "Deadpool."

Yet none of those had quite the crackling banter and engaging range, from coyly comic to heroically tragic, as Gal Gadot and Chris Pine's characters in Patty Jenkins' "Wonder Woman."

When Yankee spy-pilot Steve Trevor (Pine) crash-lands off the Amazons's isolated isle of Themyscira, and then revives on the shore looking into the doe eyes of his rescuer, Princess Diana (Gadot), the film begins to launch into a different elevation.

For the next two hours, in fact, every great scene in the film includes both Gadot and Pine as the actors find a rare shared spark for a DC Comics film. The matchhead has been struck on the paradise isle's beachhead, and every scene between them after that - as they follow their intertwined wartime missions - is like watching the entrancing dance of a flame.

Jenkins and the DC team, including comics writer-turned-film executive Geoff Johns, should be given much credit for crafting scenes between Gadot and Pine that summon echoes of not only "Superman," but also "Casablanca," "Roman Holiday" and the Indiana Jones films.

"Steve Trevor should be important to the Diana legacy ... and you hit the nail on the head when you said Indiana Jones," Jenkins tells The Washington Post, of the warm intelligence and air of derring-do she wanted for her film's male lead.

The dialogue really begins to sparkle, too, when they tease and spar, thrust and parry - whether Diana is catching Steve out of uniform, wearing not even a watch; or they set sail by speaking all around their attraction, with Diana's knowledge anchored entirely in the academic; or they debate gender roles upon docking in London. These scenes are expertly filled with the filigreed inflections of growing affection, so that even when Diana rejoices in a simple introduction to ice cream, it registers like a heroine willing to explore her fresh appetites. (The moment is right out of 2011's "Justice League: Origin" by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, but also harks backs to Audrey Hepburn's own princess-out-of-water tale in "Roman Holiday.")

And at the core of this dynamic duo, of course, is two talented actors who were able to mold performances from the clay of the sharp script, then heat their craft in the kiln of mutual art.

"They both got along so well and have so much on-screen chemistry," Matthew Jensen, the film's director of photography, tells The Washington Post. "They're both so funny - both are such skilled comic visual performers - and they really complemented one another.

"I think they both just really responded to the characters and the difference in the world views that each character had," he continues. "I think that provided them with a lot of great material to work with."

Then Jensen, with a visual stylist's expert eye, nods to the obvious.

"They're both so photogenic," he says, "I would have to work hard to make either of them look bad."
Jim Jefferies has been racking up stamps on his passport.

To film segments for his new weekly Comedy Central series, which debuts Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET, the Australian comic's itinerary has included the Netherlands, Slovenia, the Great Barrier Reef and China.

"We can get hung up on America, how health care's coming or Comey being fired or people not liking the president," he said in a recent interview. "Everywhere's f--. Everywhere's got its foibles."

For instance, he visited liberal Holland - to check out its annual Christmas tradition of wearing blackface.

These field pieces will be one component of "The Jim Jefferies Show," which adds to the growing television landscape of news-driven comedy shows. Jefferies hopes to bring a bit more of an international perspective - as well as his signature caustic style.

Television audiences seem to have an insatiable appetite for politically charged humor since Donald Trump became president. Late-night comedy shows that have doubled-down on political material, like "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" and "Saturday Night Live," are drawing record numbers of viewers. New programs - a satirical Trump talk show, a limited run of prime-time "Weekend Update" episodes - are cropping up across channels.

Jefferies doesn't see an oversaturated field. "There's a lot of action movies - why would we make another action movie when you've got hundreds of them?" he said. "It's just whether people want to hear what you have to say."

On the weekly show, Jefferies presents a casual manner, at times leaning back and swiveling in his chair, and delivering lines with his thick Australian accent.

"I don't know if it adds more authority. I think the British accent does. I don't think anyone's ever gotten news from an Australian and thought, 'Wow, that Australian accent really cushioned the blow.'"

If you don't know Jefferies - one of Australia's most successful stand-ups - from numerous comedy specials (his jokes on drugs, women and religion will definitely offend some) or his short-lived scripted FX series "Legit," you probably know him from that 2015 viral gun control routine. He delivers a roughly 15-minute,joke-laden exploration of the Second Amendment and Americans' attitudes toward gun control.

After that bit, his theater-sized audiences changed from mostly white men around his age "and people wanting to hear me tell sex jokes and swear" to a more diverse crowd interested in a brutally sharp takedown of governmental policies. Add in a more recent buzzed-about pre-election joke cautioning audience members about Trump ("Don't be the a-hole, America"), and Jefferies said he's been "accused a lot of America-bashing."

"The thing is ... you only do it to their faces. I would never go over to Australia and start performing material on how s----y America is," he explained. "If I got a problem with you, I'll say it to your face. So I don't think that's anti-anything. I think it's just anti-everything."

The interest in news-driven humor doesn't surprise Jefferies, who points to one of his heroes, George Carlin, who rose to prominence during the Nixon and Vietnam War years.

"Comedy comes out of everyone's worst day. No one writes a sitcom episode about everyone having a good day. It's always about someone being locked out of their house, or someone being dumped or whatever," Jefferies said. "At the moment, whether people like it or not, there's a lot of conflict in our society."

He also often receives messages from people complaining they "used to like comedy when it wasn't all political."

"It's not at all new. Charlie Chaplin was dressed as Hitler and doing 'The Great Dictator,'" Jefferies said. "We've been doing political comedy before the talkies came."

Still, Jefferies echoes a number of other pros who think Trump is bad for comedy. "The difference between comedians and the general public is that we are meant to be funnier. And when you've got politicians giving material so easy that the general public is doing it, what is the necessity of us anymore?"

That dynamic has forced plenty of liberal satirists and comedians to get creative with their approaches. The Onion dumped 700 pages of jokes in a trove of fake Trump administration memos and classified documents. McSweeney's published Trump's actual Black History Month remarks as a piece of humor.

The amount and speed of recent breaking news has left comedic TV hosts scrambling to use the latest headlines as joke fodder or missing the biggest stories due to taping schedules. Samantha Bee is on Wednesdays, John Oliver is on Sundays, Anthony Atamanuik's satirical Trump talk show airs Thursdays, Trevor Noah is on daily and will soon be followed by Jordan Klepper.

"We're all on different days so we're all going to beat each other to the punch," Jefferies said.

"The Jim Jefferies Show" won't be just mock, joke-laden news casts. The show's first block tackles more time-sensitive newsy nuggets, but the last block - "a fluff piece," he calls it - gives Jefferies a little more time to presentthe kind of shocking joke premises that punctuate his stand-up act. There will also be some guest interviews.

Head writer Jason Reich, an alum of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee," said Jefferies's storytelling skills fit well with the late-night TV format.

"Part of the brilliance of Jim's stand-up is that no matter the subject, he knows how to get the crowd on his side and bring them along for the ride," Reich said via email. "Our goal is to capture what makes Jim such a commanding performer on stage, and bring that same energy behind the desk."

Jefferies prefers joking about social issues "which are always sort of there no matter what politician's in place," and said he isn't out to be known as the late-night host who consistently eviscerates Trump. "In fact, I'm hoping to do as little Trump as possible."

"I feel like it's such an easy target," Jefferies added. "If he does something right, I might want to do a comedy piece on that. ... I've never seen one of these shows go, 'Look, I wouldn't vote for him, I don't agree with him, but look at what a great job he did with whatever!'"

Whether it's straight news or comedy news, "everyone's already tuning into the things they already agree with," Jefferies said. "I don't believe for a second that I'm going to change people's views - I don't believe that you're going to hear me do a joke and all the sudden minds are going to change, but if I could start a conversation, that would be good."

In between tapings and press for his new show, Jefferies still has stand-up gigs lined up and plans to record a new special after the first season of his show wraps up.

When will he stop touring? "When I die," he said.

Jefferies has attracted controversy over his act before. He's been punched on stage, and has been criticized for jokes about rape and not respecting women.

But he said his material has shifted in recent years. "I used to do a lot of misogynistic jokes and I've sorta stopped doing those because I thought everyone was in on it - that was a character I was playing - and it was a joke. It wasn't real," he said.

Jefferies said he won't tone down his act for the small screen, but he's mindful of the difference in format.

"I'm still going to try to be extreme but I don't think I can do what you do on stage, where sometimes what you're doing on stage, it's almost a boldfaced lie - it's like, what's the funniest line I can say here?" he said. "But doing a show like this I can't just say, 'What's the funniest line?' I have to go, 'What do I believe to be correct?'"
Tony's restaurant has a new chef de cuisine replacing its first female chef to head the kitchen of one of the city's most iconic restaurants.

Last week the restaurant announced the promotion of its sous chef, Austin Waiter, to chef de cuisine. "After two and half years in our kitchen," Tony Vallone stated, "Austin is more than capable and has earned this great opportunity. His creativity, eye for detail, and knack for balance made him a perfect fit for this coveted position."
Russia sees no cause for alarm from the energy point of view after the decision by a number of Arab nations to sever diplomatic relations with Qatar, a Russian source familiar with the situation told Reuters on Monday.

In the past, OPEC countries cooperated despite diplomatic rows, the source added, requesting anonymity.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

Russia plans to discuss the situation around Qatar during a meeting of the monitoring committee of OPEC and non-OPEC nations, the source said.

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On a Monday afternoon stroll through Mall del Norte, during a late lunch, a small number of people meander from store to store. Theres several older couples holding hands, mothers and daughters walking and talking, young couples pushing strollers.

Over the course of 30 minutes, Laredo Morning Times counted 15 couples showing some sort of a public display of affection. Although varying widely in ages, all 15 were heterosexual couples.

The reason for this, though, might be that school hadnt gotten out yet.

In speaking with members of Laredos lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and counselors at PILLAR, a local behavioral health center, it seems that the LGBT population here is supported more at school than anywhere else in the city.

Chema Villarreal, the president of the Campus Ally Network at TAMIU, said Laredos younger generation is more open than their parents.

READ MORE: Laredo ranks as one of the least LGBT friendly cities in Texas

We want to be out. We want to be free, he said.

Laredo has evolved as this generation gets older. Manny Sanchez, co-founder of PILLAR, said he remembers 20 years ago when even discussions about homosexuality were taboo here.

Those discussions are more open now. Weve seen them at the national level, and its gradually spilled over into the local level, he said.

Sanchez said he visits local high school campuses with some regularity for work. He has noticed an increase in the number of same-sex couples showing affection than he would have seen if he walked onto that same campus 10 years ago.

Natalie Scott, a junior at Alexander High School, runs the Facebook page LGBT Pride Laredo, Tx. She is out to her friends and classmates as bisexual, but is hesitant to tell her mother about her non-heterosexuality.

My sister is lesbian. Shes older, shes 25. So when my sister came out, my mom kind of threw a big tantrum, and this one time I tried to hint it at her, and she kind of got mad. She was like you better not end up like your sister, Scott said.

Scott came out to her friends in the 7th grade, she said, and felt comfortable doing so. She knows about five other LGBT students at Alexander.

Ive moved schools multiple times and I think Alexander has been the most accepting school there is, Scott said.

She transferred to Alexander from Nixon because she was being bullied there.

They didnt even know I was bisexual over there. I was bullied because I was a girl and I was a skater. (Now) Im doing so much better. Im not scared to be myself at Alexander, Scott said.

RELATED: Reader-submitted photos of Laredo-area high school grads

Generally, Scott feels Laredo is a semi-safe place to be out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. She said her generation is more accepting, but people her parents age are more religious and traditional.

One way to ameliorate this situation would be to start a support group, Scott said, if anything just to show a strength in numbers.

Theres a support group for everything but LGBT here in Laredo, she said.

I think a lot of people dont come out because theres no one there for them  (they think) theres no one else like them here in Laredo. But there is. There is plenty of people.

If young Laredoans dont feel comfortable coming out in high school, PILLAR Senior Counselor Myrthala Alejo said they are more likely to come out at LCC or TAMIU. Here many LGBT students feel included and a part of a community, Alejo said.

Psychologically, adolescents 12-18 years old feel an overwhelming desire to belong, according to Alejo, so it can be harder for someone to come out if they do not already feel supported.

So even though most LCC and TAMIU students still live at home, the culture on these campuses fosters acceptance and encourages LGBT people to be themselves, she said.

Still, Alejo thinks there is still a large portion of young people in Laredo that dont want to come out.

For the Laredoans unwilling to accept lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals, it usually comes down to tradition, Alejo said.

The first and fundamental question parents of LGBT youth ask Alejo is how they will have grandchildren.

That is the biggest concern, hands-down, she said. Procreation.

But Laredos traditional tendencies extend further than this.

Here its this whole system. Here you have to fight that traditional belief that you should not be talking about your problems, that you should take into account what your parents think, what your neighbors think, how everyone else is going to perceive you, Alejo said.

Manny Sanchez continued this line of thought as it relates to a city like Laredo, where 95 percent of the population is Hispanic.

As youll find with most border communities, there is a significant impact from the Mexican side, so you try to contend with the things like machismo that speaks to gender roles, especially in males. A man is supposed to conduct himself in a certain way and behave in a certain way, so anything that goes against the grain is going to be met with resistance, he said.

Not to mention, here in Laredo its a Catholic community, so now you have to factor in religion and the beliefs that come with that, that we all know dont necessarily subscribe to same-sex behaviors.

A 2013 report by the Human Rights Campaign grappled with the problems that arise at the intersection of LGBT and Latino cultures.

The study found that LGBT youth who identify as Latino face greater rejection from their communities and schools than their non-LGBT Latino counterparts.

MORE FROM LMT: Factions of Zetas drug cartel feuding for territory near Laredo

The most difficult problems facing LGBT Latino youth are related to negative responses to their LGBT identity, the Human Rights Campaign reported. Concern about family acceptance is the top problem identified, and having their families accept and support them is a key change they wish for in their lives.

A little more than half of LGBT youth are out to their immediate family, according to the study.

A 2015 poll conducted by Gallup found that San Francisco, Portland, Oregon and Austin have the highest percentage of LGBT people in the country, respectively.

Gallup explained that the metro areas with the smaller percentage of LGBT people, usually in the South or Midwest, are where the social stigma toward the non-heterosexual tends to be higher.

This would of course apply to Laredo too.

Austins metropolitan area has the third-highest percentage of LGBT people in the country at 5.3 percent, according to another Gallup survey.

But across the country, only about 3.8 percent of Americans identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Of the estimated 255,473 who live in Laredo, that would mean about 9,708 would identify as LGBT.

Alejo said that number sounded low.

I want to believe that our community is coming around. I dont see us being made up of bad people, I just think that everyone evolves at a different pace, Alejo said.

Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com
Around 60 people from around the state took part in the first statewide Disaster Response Bootcamp training on Sunday at Lawson's Lake in Feura Bush.
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At least nine people, including seven children, were injured late Sunday after a car crash in southeast Houston, possibly caused by a intoxicated driver.

The driver - 25-year-old Elmer Jose Sandoval - has six pending charges of intoxication assault, said Victor Senties, spokesman for the Houston Police Department.

The collision happened about 11:50 p.m when Sandoval is believed to have been driving a silver Lexus southbound in the 8300 block of Galveston Road crossed into the northbound lanes into oncoming traffic, Senties said.

The Lexus - which was carrying at least four children and one adult - slammed into a red Ford Expedition, mangling both cars and injuring the children inside of the Lexus and the two adults and three children inside the Ford, Senties said.

WEATHER HAZARDS: Lightning strike hits SW Airlines employee in Texas

After the crash, an older model white Cadillac arrived, witnesses told police. Everyone in the Lexus got out of the car and got into the Cadillac. The Cadillac then left, Senties said.

The driver of the Ford was taken to Memorial Hermann Southeast with broken bones. The children in the Ford were taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in downtown Houston with the other adult in the car. One of the children, a 12-year-old, had a broken nose. Another, a 5-year-old, had a broken arm. The third had minor scratches.

It was not immediately clear what injuries the second adult in the Ford had sustained.

ROAD SHUTDOWN: SH288 closed after hazmat spill

Early Monday morning, Sandoval and four children who appeared to have been injured in a car crash turned up at Memorial Hermann Hospital Southeast.

The children - a 6-year-old girl, a 5-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy and a 3-year-old boy - had major injuries, Senties said.

Sandoval showed signs of intoxication, Senties said.

Police did not release Monday morning the names of the drivers or passengers.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that a German parliamentary delegation could visit a NATO base in Konya but suggested it was not yet possible for them to go to the Incirlik base in southern Turkey.

"At the moment a visit to the NATO base in Konya is possible, rather than Incirlik," Cavusoglu told a news conference after talks in Ankara with his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel.

Ties between the NATO allies deteriorated sharply in the run-up to Turkey's April 16 referendum that handed President Tayyip Erdogan stronger presidential powers.

Turkey has prevented German lawmakers from visiting the roughly 250 troops stationed at Incirlik as part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, saying that Berlin needs to improve its attitude first.

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Ann Coulter is one of President Donald Trump's biggest boosters, so you might expect her to leap to the defense of his senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who has become a target of media scrutiny in recent weeks. That is not what's happening, however.

In a recent column published by Breitbart News and other conservative outlets, Coulter wrote that "the American media are so obsessed with their own Russian collusion story that they can't see the possibility of actual corruption right in front of their noses."

Clearly, Coulter has not lost her disdain for the media, but this is a nuanced critique. Though she thinks there is nothing to the idea that Trump's campaign might have colluded with Russia to meddle in the presidential election, she also thinks Kushner's meetings with Russians after the election look a bit sketchy - and that the press ought to focus on that, instead.

Here's more from her piece:

---

It is a known fact that the FBI is looking at Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. It is a known fact that the Kushner family has used its connections to President Trump to drum up Chinese investors for the family's real estate portfolio. It is a known fact that Jared is looking for investors in his 666 Fifth Avenue building, which is underwater. It is a known fact that Jared met with the Russian ambassador - as well as a representative of a state-owned Russian bank - during the transition. It is a known fact that he neglected to mention those meetings on his security clearance forms.

All of this is probably perfectly aboveboard. But if you weren't insane, the blindingly obvious question would be: Why did Kushner meet with the head of a state-controlled Russian bank?

That's not what our media want to know! Reporters see all those facts, put 2 and 2 together and ask: How does this advance the narrative that Russia colluded with the Trump campaign to steal the election from Hillary?

---

I can't get onboard with the notion that reporters are operating in bad faith to promote a predetermined narrative about collusion with Russia. But Coulter is right in this sense: If Kushner abused his power after Trump's election, that would be bad. It would not, however, indicate that Trump's team worked with Russia during the race.

In other words, there is a scenario in which the Russia investigation could reach a damning conclusion without implicating Trump directly or tainting his victory. The scenario features Kushner as the fall guy.

A potential problem for Kushner is that the conservative media might be willing to make him a scapegoat, if such a move would help protect Trump.

"Jared Kushner's not a Republican," Rush Limbaugh reminded his listeners in April. "He's not even a conservative. Jared Kushner comes from a family of huge Democrats, huge Democrat donors and so forth."

Limbaugh has stood up for Kushner since The Washington Post reported that he is a person of interest in a federal law enforcement probe. So has Sean Hannity. But it is reasonable to wonder how strong their loyalty is. They only support him because they support Trump.

For Alex Jones, support for Trump is not enough. The Infowars founder views Kushner as a "globalist" - a dirty word in Jones's world - and has been open about his belief that Kushner is a bad influence on Trump. Infowars has fully embraced The Post's reporting on Kushner, accused him of leaking information to MSNBC and promoted the hashtag #FireKushner.

Kushner is not a natural object of admiration for conservative media types, especially those who want Trump to push a nationalist agenda. They would probably be willing to throw him under the bus.

---

Video: What you need to know about Jared Kushner's ties to Russia. (Thomas Johnson/The Washington Post)

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A 25-year-old government contractor has been charged with mishandling classified information, after authorities say she gave a top-secret National Security Agency document to a news organization.

Reality Leigh Winner was accused of gathering, transmitting, or losing defense information - the first criminal charge filed in a leak investigation during the Trump administration.

Winner was arrested Saturday and the case was revealed Monday, shortly after the website the Intercept posted a redacted version of a U.S. intelligence document describing Russian government efforts to use hacking techniques against employees of a company that provides technical support to states' voting agencies.

Court documents filed in federal court against Winner in Georgia did not identify the news outlet, nor the document in question, although both the Intercept and the court papers say the document in question was dated May 5. A person familiar with the case said the charges stem from the document given to the Intercept.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said investigators' fast work "allowed us quickly to identify and arrest the defendant. Releasing classified material without authorization threatens our nation's security and undermines public faith in government. People who are trusted with classified information and pledge to protect it must be held accountable when they violate that obligation."

Winner's lawyer, Titus Nichols, said he had not yet seen any of the evidence in the case, so he could not discuss the specific accusations. He said his client has served in the Air Force for six years, including a recent assignment at Fort Meade, home of the NSA.

According to court documents, Winner had a top-security clearance as an active-duty member of the Air Force from January 2013 until February of this year, when she began working for Pluribus International Corporation, a government contractor, at a facility in Georgia.

Winner remains in jail pending a detention hearing later this week, said the lawyer, adding that he expects the government will seek to keep her behind bars pending trial. Nichols said his client should be released.

"She has no criminal history; it's not as if she's a threat to anyone,'' he said.

An affidavit filed by an FBI agent said the investigation moved quickly after authorities learned less than a week ago that the document had been obtained by a news organization, because the organization had asked for a comment on the classified material.

The government learned of the leak after a reporter contacted an individual working at another government contractor seeking an opinion about the document. That person then contacted authorities, sparking the investigation.

Inside the government, officials scrambled to determine who had recently printed out that document. A search identified six employees who printed it out, including Winner. Authorities zeroed in on Winner because she was the only one who had been in email contact with the news organization, according to the affidavit.

On June 3, Winner was questioned by the FBI at her home in Augusta, Georgia, in which she allegedly admitted "intentionally identifying and printing the classified intelligence reporting at issue,'' according to the affidavit, which said she also allegedly admitted "removing the classified intelligence reporting from her office space, retaining it, and mailing it from Augusta, Georgia, to the news outlet, which she knew was not authorized to receive or possess the documents.''

In that conversation, according to the affidavit, Winner acknowledged that "she knew the contents of the reporting could be used to the injury of the United States and to the advantage of a foreign nation.''
Albany

In this week's New York state government news, control of New York City schools tops the list of issues facing lawmakers as they return to Albany to wrap up their annual session.

After a week off, the Assembly and Senate will reconvene in Albany on Monday to begin the last three weeks of their legislative work for the year.

Meanwhile, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the return of a $100 million downtown revitalization contest.

A look ahead in Albany:

Mayoral control

The state law giving Mayor Bill de Blasio control over New York City public schools will expire this year unless lawmakers vote  again  to renew it.

An extension is expected, but not without what has become an annual back-and-forth between the Democratic mayor and his Republican adversaries in the state Senate.

Democrats in the Assembly support a multi-year extension but the Republicans in the state Senate have blocked similar proposals in the past. Instead, lawmakers have voted to continue mayoral control of schools for only a single year in each of the last two years.

Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan wrote to de Blasio last week seeking greater details about school spending and operations before another extension can be authorized. Last year, as part of the renewal, Senate Republicans passed greater financial reporting requirements for the city.

"As there are three weeks remaining in the legislative session to consider extending the statute, I am no longer requesting, but am demanding, that you comply ... " Flanagan wrote the mayor. "This is your opportunity to prove that the billions of dollars are not being misspent and mismanaged."

Mayoral control was implemented at the behest of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who argued it made sense to give City Hall control over public education in the nation's largest city.

Cuomo's downtown contest

Cities and towns around the state are expected to compete for $100 million in downtown revitalization funding announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

It's the second year the Democrat has sponsored the contest, which awards $10 million each to 10 cities or towns who create the best plans to improve their urban cores.

The money is intended to spur efforts to attract more residents, businesses and visitors downtown through investments in transportation, housing, economic development, arts and recreation and other services.

Applications are due June 14.
MANILA - 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, Duterte told him to go ahead.

A year after Duterte swept to power on a promise to kill all the country's suspected drug users, with an estimated 9,000 people dead and many missing, a growing number of experts say he will be investigated by the ICC.

In October, when the death toll stood at several thousand, the court's 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, Duterte's 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 that 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 ICC's Office of the Prosecutor. "I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner."

In a letter written from her jail cell, Sen. Leila de Lima, a longtime critic of Duterte's human rights record who faces dubious drug charges, told The Washington Post that 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 nation's 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. But it can assert that jurisdiction only if it is clear that local authorities have failed to investigate and prosecute crimes.

In April, a Philippine lawyer, Jude Josue Sabio, hand-delivered a complaint to the ICC that accuses the president and 11 associates of mass murder and crimes against humanity. The move made headlines but is unlikely to sway the court either way, several lawyers said.

So far, Duterte's 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 the pact and then withdrew last year, much to Duterte's pleasure. South Africa, Gambia and Burundi have, at various times, threatened to withdraw.

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, Duterte's 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 seen as one of the last remaining ways to get Duterte's attention - to persuade him to change course.

Although 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 he's afraid of," a senior Western diplomat in Manila said.

Although the effort to charge or extradite Duterte would take years, if it happens at all, it could have an immediate effect 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 country's standing.

"Opening a preliminary examination would send an important signal that the court's 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 Duterte's 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 Donald Trump may not have flinched at praising Duterte's 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.
Germany and Austria are frustrating their eastern neighbors by dividing Europe's biggest electricity market in a way that fails to prevent unplanned power surges through Poland and the Czech Republic.

The 15-year-old German-Austrian market has long vexed the Czechs and the Poles because wind power from northern Germany on the way south often gets rerouted through their territories, overwhelming their grids and risking blackouts. While they welcome the idea of the split, they complain they weren't consulted on the decision.

The so-called loop flows occur when Germany and Austria book more trades than the cables on their border are capable of handling. The countries agreed last month on a minimum flow of 4.9 gigawatts for long-term trading, or the capacity of about five nuclear reactors, from October next year. The Czechs and Poles argue that level is too close to pre-split levels.

"It's a completely artificial number that doesn't correspond with the actual physical flows occurring between the two countries,'' Zbynek Boldis, a board member of Czech grid operator CEPS AS, said in an interview in Prague. "It's hypocritical. It won't have the desired effect of reducing loop flows at all." The actual limit at the border is about 4 gigawatts, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates. Flows above that level caused about 1.2 gigawatts of electricity to spill into other networks in 2011-2012, according to Polish grid operator PSE.

The Czech and the Polish regulators will submit their concerns to Europe's Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, or ACER.

Austria will provide and pay for as much as 1.5 gigawatts of power plants to stay on standby to produce the electricity that can't physically cross the border, easing the strain on its neighbors.

"We regard the agreed minimum capacity of 4.9 gigawatts as a practicable way to enable a balance between the technical grid situation and the goal of the internal energy market," Wolfgang Urbantschitsch, executive director at E-Control, Austria's energy regulator, said by email.

The border limit should be possible without electricity looping through neighboring grids, German network regulator Bundesnetzagentur said. The agreement is only an "important" interim step before border flows are coordinated between western and central European countries, it said.

ACER last year called for a trading limit at the German-Austrian border as part of an EU-wide coordination of power flows that would include central and eastern European grids. E-Control filed a lawsuit at the EU's General Court on May 29 against the decision. ACER wouldn't immediately comment on the lawsuit when contacted by phone.

Agreements between member states can only provide "clarity for the interim period" until a European legal framework is finalized, Nicole Bockstaller, a spokeswoman at the European Commission, said by email. Until then, there is no clear rule on who makes the final, binding decision on the border flows, she said.

Under their agreement, Germany and Austria will also offer capacity for short-term trading based on an algorithm that calculates the allocation of electricity flows across Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany. Grid companies from the Czech Republic to Hungary complained in a May 24 statement that the plan doesn't consider their networks.

"There is a lack of coordination in this process,'' said Justyna Pawlinska, a spokeswoman for Poland's energy regulator. "There is no information how it was calculated and whether the critical branches of neighboring systems were taken into consideration.''
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday he was saddened by a rift between Qatar and other Arab states, and called for dialogue to resolve the dispute.

"We see the stability in the Gulf region as our own unity and solidarity," Cavusoglu told a news conference.

"Countries may of course have some issues, but dialogue must continue under every circumstance for problems to be resolved peacefully. We are saddened by the current picture and will give any support for its normalisation," Cavusoglu said.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism and opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

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The Hale County grand jury on May 31, at the conclusion of its May session, indicted 43 individuals on 39 felony charges. The report was released by District Attorney Wally Hatchs office.

Following are the individuals indicted, charges, level of offense and bond as set by the presiding district judge:
SYDNEY - Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met here Monday with senior Australian officials, stressing that despite the Trump administration's withdrawal from key environmental and trade agreements, the relationship between their countries will remain strong.

Tillerson, asked what he will do to address "pockets of doubt" about American isolationism under President Donald Trump, said "that's why we're here." Despite Trump withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and then the Paris climate agreement last week, the two countries will remain closely aligned on many issues, Tillerson said.

"In terms of addressing those concerns, this is how we address them: To travel to the region to meet with our counterparts and to talk about all the issues that are important to them, and to hear concerns they have about the administration and its position, relative to whether it be security issues, or economic and trade issues," he said.

Mattis, citing Australia's early assistance to the United States in the war in Afghanistan, said that Australia always is "punching above its weight" in protecting values, and indicated that Australia is not shy about expressing its point of view.

"This is an alliance that tells us what we need to hear, not just what we want to hear," he said.

Mattis and Tillerson appeared together at a news conference for the first time, standing with Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop and Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne amid the Gothic architecture of Sydney's Government House, an iconic building down under. They were to meet afterward for dinner with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull before Mattis returned to Washington and Tillerson moved on to visit officials in New Zealand.

Tillerson, addressing Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris agreement, put distance between himself and the president on the issue. But he also stressed that Trump is still willing to discuss new deals on trade and the climate that he believes are more beneficial to the American public.

"I think the president's decision to leave the climate accord was his judgment that the agreement did not serve the American people well, and that it did not serve their future economic interests, either," he said.

Bishop said that she "should point out" that Australia has its own views on its priorities and interests, and "as it happens, they align so often with those of the United States."

"We have shared values, shared interests," she said. "But Australia always takes our own interests into account."

Trump got off to a rocky start with Australia, with the president abruptly ending a testy phone call with Turnbull within days of taking office, U.S. officials said. The president was frustrated about a deal that former president Barack Obama made with Australia to take about 1,200 refugees after security vetting.

But Turnbull and Trump met in New York in May, reaffirming their relationship and the refugee agreement while saying that reports about the phone call were exaggerated.

On Friday, Turnbull appeared at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a defense conference in Singapore, and said that while Trump's decision to withdraw from the TPP trade deal and the Paris agreement were "disappointing," other Pacific nations should "take care not to rush to interpret an intent to engage on different terms as one not to engage at all."

Mattis, meanwhile, sought to reassure allies in the Pacific about Trump's decisions in Singapore. Asked about Trump's withdrawal from TPP and the Paris agreement and his brusque stance toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Mattis said that "fresh approaches will be taken" following the U.S. election, but that the United States will continue to be a world leader.

Mattis cited American lessons learned following isolationism before World War II and cited a quote often attributed to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

"To quote a British observer of us from some years ago: Bear with us. Once we have exhausted all possible alternatives, the Americans will do the right thing," Mattis said. "So, we will still be there. And we will be with you."
He called himself "Mr. Social Security" - a disability lawyer whose parking-lot replica of the Statue of Liberty and sophomoric ads helped make his rural practice one of the best known in Kentucky.

The government, on the other hand, simply calls him by his name: Eric Conn. It appears again and again in court documents surrounding Conn's guilty plea earlier this year to bribing a judge and helping to defraud the government out of $600 million in disability claims.

Conn's name also appears on an arrest warrant issued recently, after he disappeared before he could be sentenced and forced to repay tens of millions of dollars.

"It was totally predictable," Ned Pillersdorf, a lawyer who helped Conn's former clients win a class-action lawsuit for which he will also owe damages, told the Associated Press. "There has been a betting pool going on in Prestonsburg on not if he would flee, but when."

Indeed, an FBI agent and other witnesses had urged a judge not to grant Conn bond after his arrest last year, according to the Courier-Journal. The lawyer had spoken of plans to flee the country, they warned, and may have stashed away cash.

In the preceding decades, he'd made plenty of it.

In business since the 1990s, Conn "worked out of an office complex made of five connected mobile homes in Floyd County," the Lexington Herald Leader reported.

Those modest facilities hardly suggested the 56-year-old lawyer's reputation, which had spread across much of eastern Kentucky even before his legal troubles began.

He was, the website Kentucky for Kentucky once wrote, "the most ridiculous lawyer in a land of ridiculous lawyers."

For example: the scale model Statue of Liberty outside his mobile-home office compound - along with a 19-foot version of the Lincoln Memorial, which was once sung about in a promotional rap song.

Conn once hired a Miss Kentucky USA to be his public relations director for $70,000 a year, the Herald Leader reported. He had a crew of "Conn Hotties"- women in tight T-shirts printed with the firm's 1-800 number, whom he sent to public events, according to the Associated Press.

Conn claimed to have created "the first lawyer 3-D commercial," and once recorded a country music video in which he bumped buttocks with a woman while a man played a banjo behind them.

The lawyer explained to the Courier Journal that he hoped the video would persuade President Barack Obama to appoint him to the Social Security Advisory Board, despite his flamboyant public image.

"I'm a traditional, boring lawyer," he said, "who conforms, of course, to all the rules and regulations of the bar."

This was not true.

Between 2005 and 2015, the Herald Leader reported, the Social Security Administration had paid Conn's firm $23 million.

In 2011, the Wall Street Journal reported that a local judge appeared to be rubber stamping hundreds of disability claims for Conn's clients.

A years-long federal investigation ensued - until Conn, the judge and a psychologist were brought up on federal charges last year.

Federal investigators accused Conn of bribing the judge and the doctor to approve his clients' claims based on fake evidence, according to the Associated Press. They allegedly bilked the government out of nearly $600 million.

The charges brought his law empire crashing down, and at least two of Conn's clients committed suicide after the government threatened to cut off benefits to all of them, according to the Herald Leader.

After his arrest, government witnesses warned that Conn was a flight risk.

According to the Courier-Journal, they testified that he had spoken of leaving for Ecuador or Cuba, and may have had at least a quarter-million dollars in cash in a safe-deposit box.

But the judge called the testimony hearsay, had Conn's passport confiscated and ordered his release - secured by his $1.5 million mansion in Pikeville, an electronic monitor, and a defense lawyer's assurances that his teenage daughter and elderly mother would dissuade him from fleeing.

"Your trust is not misplaced," Conn told the judge, according to the Herald Leader.

And for a while, it seemed not to be.

In March, the Associated Press reported, Conn pleaded guilty to stealing from the government and bribing a judge. He agreed to pay more than $50 million in reimbursements, damages and penalties to the government and Social Security employees who helped expose him.

The next month, he was supposed to return to court for sentencing - facing the prospect of repaying millions while serving up to 12 years in prison.

But on Saturday, the FBI told the Associated Press that Conn had removed his monitoring device and disappeared.

"Certainly, we are praying that Eric does the right thing and turns himself in because it's not too late," Scott White, Conn's attorney, told the Herald Leader.

With his law practice shuttered and his whereabouts unknown, Conn's commercials are about all that's left of his public image.

In one ad, posted to YouTube shortly after his legal crisis began, the embattled lawyer parks his Rolls-Royce in front of his Abraham Lincoln statue and walks past a woman in an open-chested coat.

She calls out to him: "Eric, we need you back."

Conn turns and assures her in a gravelly voice: "I never left."
Since London Mayor Sadiq Khan rose to become one of the most prominent Muslim politicians in Western Europe, he hasn't been shy about his disdain for President Trump's rhetoric, particularly his remarks about Islam.

Yet on Sunday, as Trump criticized the mayor's attempts to evoke order in a city shaken by a terrorist attack that killed seven people and injured dozens more, the fast-talking mayor was uncharacteristically restrained toward the president.

In an interview with the BBC, the mayor had told Londoners not to be "alarmed" by an increased police presence in the city.

"There can be no justification for the acts of these terrorists and I am quite clear that we will never let them win nor will we allow them to cower our city or Londoners," the mayor said in the interview. "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. No reason to be alarmed."

But Sunday morning, Trump posted a tweet presenting the mayor's words in a tone and context that were entirely different: "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'"

The tweet revived the president's long-running row with the mayor, who has time and time again spoken out about the president's anti-Muslim policies and remarks. But in this instance, the mayor decided to take a quieter route. And that, for some, created for an even sharper response.

The mayor "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," a Khan representative said in a statement.

Offensive jabs and inflammatory taunts are anything but new to Khan, a member of the Labour Party who was elected last year as London's first Muslim mayor and the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital.

Khan was born and raised in cramped government housing in London as the son of a Pakistani bus driver and seamstress, immigrants who moved to London in the 1960s. He trained as a human rights lawyer before becoming a Labour Party member of Parliament for Tooting, a south London constituency. As the Minister of Transport, he became the first Muslim and first Asian to attend Cabinet.

And Khan - the fifth of eight children - slept in a bunk bed at his parents' home until he was 24.

Khan's rise to power came just more than a decade after Pakistanis in Britain faced huge public backlash after coordinated terrorist bombings in London's transit system killed 52 people and wounded more than 700. The official start of campaigning in the race also began the day before Islamic State-linked bombers attacked Brussels and killed 32 people.

And his remarkable win in May of last year - six weeks before Britain voted to exit the European Union - followed a bitterly contested and frequently ugly mayoral race which centered firmly on Khan's religion and family background rather than his politics. Khan's then-rival Zac Goldsmith wrotean article in the Daily Mail that said Khan had "repeatedly legitimized those with extremist views."

Khan, who told The Washington Post he met with "unsavory characters" during his job as a human rights lawyer, was forced to deny claims that he supported Islamic extremists.

Theresa May, then-home secretary, described the former transport minister as "unsafe" to run London at a time when we face "a significant threat of terrorism," because of his history of defending extremists when he was a human rights lawyer.

Boris Johnson, who repeatedly joined Goldsmith on the campaign trail, had said: "In Islam and the Labour party there is a struggle going on, and in both cases Khan - whatever his real views - is pandering to the extremists."

In the buildup to his election, Khan warned against nativist populism, which he described in an interview with The Washington Post's Karla Adam as the "Donald Trump approach to politics." Khan said "it seeks to divide communities rather than unite them."

Shortly after he was elected, ending eight years of conservative leadership, Khan sharply criticized Trump's proposed ban on Muslims from entering the U.S., which the candidate proposed after the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015 killed 130 people. Khan called Trump's comments "divisive" and "offensive," saying in an interview with the BBC, "I hope Trump loses - badly."

"I want to educate him," Khan said. "I want him to realize the follies of his ways," adding he hoped to teach Trump how to be a "good citizen, a world citizen."

In a May 2016 interview with Piers Morgan on ITV, Trump responded to Khan's comments with ire, calling the new London mayor "ignorant."

When asked how his proposal to bar Muslims from entering the U.S. would affect people like Khan, Trump told the New York Times that "there will always be exceptions."

In a lengthy interview with Time magazine, Khan said the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency would potentially force him to meet and "engage with" U.S. mayors - such as New York's Bill de Blasio and Chicago's Rahm Emmanuel - before the inauguration, while he knew he still could.

"If Donald Trump becomes the President, I'll be stopped from going there by virtue of my faith, which means I can't engage with American mayors and swap ideas," Khan said. Conservative tacticians thought those sorts of tactics would win London and they were wrong. I'm confident that Donald Trump's approach to politics won't win in America."

"What I think the election showed was that actually there is no clash of civilization between Islam and the West," he added in the Time interview. In reference to Islamic extremists, he said, "What better antidote to the hatred they spew than someone like me being in this position?"

When Trump took steps to follow through on his promised travel ban on people from seven majority-Muslim countries - which was later revised to six - Khan denounced the measure, calling it "shameful and cruel" and saying it would affect many British citizens with dual nationality, including London residents born in countries affected by the ban.

"While every country has the right to set its own immigration policies, this new policy flies in the face of the values of freedom and tolerance that the USA was built upon," Khan said. Last week, Khan also criticized Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the landmark Paris climate agreement.

The president's tweet on Sunday was also not the first time a member of the Trump family took the mayor's words out of context to criticize him.

In March, hours after an attack at Westminster Bridge in which five people died, Trump's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr, tweeted: "You have to be kidding me?!: Terror attacks are part of living in big city, says London Mayor Sadiq Khan."

Khan's actually spoke those words six months before the Westminster attack, calling terror attacks "part and parcel of living in a big city" while also discussing the need to provide strong security for its residents.

"I want to be reassured that every single agency and individual involved in protecting our city has the resources and expertise they need to respond in the event that London is attacked," Khan had said.
Kabul will host a multinational peace conference on Afghanistan Tuesday, as the capital reels from a wave of bombings and clashes last week that left more than 100 people dead and hundreds wounded.

Much of Kabul remains on lockdown ahead of the conference, labelled the "Kabul Process", with tighter than usual security including more armed checkpoints and armoured vehicles patrolling the streets.

Representatives of around two dozen countries will attend the meeting, which aims to build international support on ways to restore security in the conflict-torn country, the government said on Monday.

"The Kabul Process is meant to reach a consensus with the region and the world for peace in Afghanistan," said presidential spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi.

Kabul has been on edge since a truck bombing last Wednesday in the highly fortified diplomatic quarter killed at least 90 people and wounded hundreds, the deadliest attack in the city since 2001.

The dead included at least 31 staff and business partners of Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecom provider, with their main office in Kabul heavily damaged and nationwide operations disrupted.

Four more people were killed Friday when hundreds of protesters incensed by the bombing clashed with police, prompting officials to beat them back with live rounds in the air, tear gas and water cannon.

The protesters, holding a sit-in for a fourth day Monday near the bombing site, have demanded the resignation of Afghanistan's security chiefs, including national security advisor Hanif Atmar.

The attacks have exacerbated tensions between rival ethnic groups and raised the prospect of a political crisis.

Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, who heads the mainly Tajik Jamiat political group, also called for Atmar's dismissal on Monday. But President Ashraf Ghani, an ethnic Pashtun, firmly rejected the demand.

- 'Frontline' -

Rabbani survived an attack at the funeral of one of the protesters on Saturday where suicide bombers tore through a row of mourners. He blamed "terrorists within the system" for the blasts, suggesting it was an inside job.

The government has accused the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network of Wednesday's bombing and said the funeral was targeted by bombers trained at a religious seminary in Pakistan.

Previous international efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table have failed, but diplomats in Kabul hailed Tuesday's conference as a stepping stone to peace.

"The launch of the Kabul Process tomorrow is an important marker for each and every country in the region to show its true support for Afghanistan's aspirations for peace," said Dominic Jermey, the British ambassador to Kabul.

"This includes taking steps to tackle the challenges posed by terrorist networks and to prevent terrorists receiving support, whether from states or individuals."

The conference will be attended by a host of nations, including the United States, India, China and regional nemesis Pakistan, which Afghanistan has long blamed for sponsoring the resurgent Taliban.

The tense week of violence during the holy fasting month of Ramadan has left hospitals in Kabul overwhelmed, with many running beyond capacity to treat the injured.

The Italian-run Emergency hospital, seen as a medical lifeline, has voiced fears for the safety of its staff with protesters camped close to the facility.

"With the unfortunate events... in Kabul, our hospital has been put on the frontline," Emergency said in a statement.

"To continue our work we are asking only one thing: Security around our hospital and not to be targeted intentionally."

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WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will decide next term whether law enforcement authorities need a warrant to track suspects through their cellphone records, the justices announced Monday.

The decision to accept the case involving cellphone tower records comes after lower courts have said that decades-old privacy rulings by the Supreme Court may need to be updated to account for society's reliance on rapidly changing technology.

The case involves a convicted robber named Timothy Carpenter, who was found guilty partly on the basis of months of cellphone location records turned over without a warrant.

"Because cellphone location records can reveal countless private details of our lives, police should only be able to access them by getting a warrant based on probable cause," said Nathan Freed Wessler, an American Civil Liberties Union lawyer representing Carpenter. "The time has come for the Supreme Court to make clear that the long-standing protections of the Fourth Amendment apply with undiminished force to these kinds of sensitive digital records."

Investigating a string of armed robberies in the Midwest in 2010 and 2011, a prosecutor sought access to more than five months of cellphone location records for Carpenter, his lawyers said.

Law enforcement officials did not seek warrants based on probable cause but asked for the records under the Stored Communications Act, which has a lower standard. According to Carpenter's lawyers, such a request may be granted when the government has "reasonable grounds to believe that" the records sought "are relevant and material to an ongoing criminal investigation."

Carpenter was convicted of six robberies after cellphone tower records showed him in the vicinity at the time of the crimes. The information did not reveal the content of his conversations.

On appeal, a divided three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit said that no warrants were needed for the records because Carpenter "had no reasonable expectation of privacy in cellphone location records held by his service provider."

The Supreme Court in the 1970s ruled that a robbery suspect could not shield the numbers he dialed from his phone because he had turned the information over to a third-party, namely the phone company.

But the Supreme Court in recent years has expressed more concern about how technology affects privacy. The court ruled in favor of a convicted drug dealer whose movements were tracked via GPS, and said in a separate case that police need a warrant to search the cellphone of someone arrested.

Modern cellphones "hold for many Americans the privacies of life," Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for a united court. "The fact that technology now allows an individual to carry such information in his hand does not make the information any less worthy of the protection for which the Founders fought."

The Justice Department had asked the court not to accept the case, saying Carpenter had not shown that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated.

The case is Carpenter v. U.S. and will be heard in the term that starts in October.

---

The Supreme Court on Monday once again affirmed that North Carolina's redistricting efforts were unduly and improperly influenced by race.

Without comment or noted dissent, the justices upheld a lower-court ruling that struck down 28 state House and Senate districts. But in a separate order, the court rejected the lower court's ruling that new elections had to be held in 2017 and sent the case back to reconsider the remedy.

It was the third time this term that the court has weighed in on the fierce political fighting in North Carolina. The court earlier decided not to revive a rewrite of the state's election laws that a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit said aimed to dilute the impact of African American voters.

And the court has ruled that two of the state's congressional districts were improperly drawn to pack black voters into them and make surrounding districts more white.

The same claim was made about legislative districts. Republicans controlled the process in 2011, and challengers claim their efforts have resulted in the current lopsided majorities for the GOP in both houses.

A panel of three federal judges in North Carolina struck down the legislative districts as the product of illegal racial gerrymandering and later ordered the drawing of new districts in time for special elections this year.

The court acknowledged the action was unusual - voters had just been to the polls in November - but said that although "special elections have costs, those costs pale in comparison to the injury caused by allowing citizens to continue to be represented by legislators elected pursuant to a racial gerrymander."

But the Supreme Court blocked the order to draw new districts and, in the unsigned order Monday, agreed with the state that the lower court "failed to meaningfully weigh any equitable considerations."

Both sides in North Carolina claimed victory.

"Whether the election is November 2018 or earlier, redrawing the districts is good for our democracy by leveling the playing field for free and fair elections," said Roy Cooper, the state's new Democratic governor.

The state's Republican legislative leaders said they were pleased that the justices "unanimously rejected the lower court's politically motivated attempt to force a special legislative election in 2017."

Redrawing the districts could be critical to whether the Republicans hold on to their veto-proof majorities in both legislative houses.

The decisions came in two separate cases called North Carolina v. Covington.
Christine Archibald's death made international headlines: She was killed Saturday by attackers who zigzagged a van through a crowd on London Bridge, then got out and stabbed people with large knives.

Now, as the 30-year-old Calgary woman's family mourns her, it also has a message for the world: Celebrate the circumstances of her life.

"We grieve the loss of our beautiful, loving daughter and sister," the family's statement said. "She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected."

She "lived her belief," the statement said, by working for a homeless shelter before getting engaged and moving to Europe. Archibald "would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death."

It ended with advice on how best to honor her: "Volunteer your time and labor or donate to a homeless shelter. Tell them Chrissy sent you."

The Internet responded with donations and volunteer hours and a pair of hashtags: #ChrissySentYou and #ChrissySentMe.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he "strongly condemns" the Saturday attack, telling the Independent that he was "heartbroken" that a Canadian was among the seven people killed.

Archibald spent more than two years at Alpha House, a nonprofit homeless shelter that provides housing and services to some of the most vulnerable people in Calgary, Canada.

Many homeless shelters won't let people in if they're drunk or high. Alpha House takes in everybody, according to Peter Choate, an associate professor at Mount Royal University and one of Archibald's teachers.

Alpha House offers food, shelter and social services to people even if they're not ready to get off drugs, a strategy known as "harm reduction." Just keeping people off the street can help address other medical or physical needs. Sometimes, the best thing Alpha House can offer a person is a safe place to spend the night.

"The individuals who are their clients are marginally housed or homeless, and often engaged in multiple systems," Choate said. "They have complex needs, and it takes an individual with special skills to work in that environment."

He recalled Archibald as a quiet woman who grew in confidence as she completed her degree in social work.

Choate said he could see that she had the compassion to work with the most vulnerable and the intelligence to implement pragmatic solutions.

"This was a place that spoke to her compassion and her desire to do something different," he said. "She clearly wanted to do what was best for them, but she was respectful of their self-determination . . . She met them where they were."

Kathy Christiansen, executive director of Calgary Alpha House Society, said Archibald was good at earning clients' trust, then using her conversations with them to come up with a plan for improving their lives.

"That is the journey that we walk with our clients," Christiansen said. "We do meet them where they're at. We support their self-determination. Chrissy was talented at doing that."

Christiansen said Archibald was not only talented at her work, but also grateful to be doing it.

"She felt blessed to be a part of that," Christiansen said. "Here is someone who felt that it was a privilege to do this work."

So it was bittersweet when Archibald told her colleagues that she was moving to Europe with the man she intended to marry. He had gotten a job in the Netherlands.

The couple had been there since February. Last weekend, they took a brief trip to London.

They were out for an evening stroll, crossing London Bridge, when a white van with bright headlights began slamming into people.

Afterward, her fiance tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate her. "He held her and watched her die in his arms," Tyler Ferguson's sister, Cassie Ferguson, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

Later, she went on Facebook and posted about his anguish.

"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."
Heading into a crucial week for his presidency, Donald Trump seized on the deadly London terrorist attacks to settle scores and promote his own agenda, pushing his original travel ban and not what he called the "politically correct" version submitted for review to the Supreme Court.

"People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!" Trump said in a series of messages starting at 6:25 a.m. New York time Monday. "The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C."

Trump's push for a travel ban renews a tactic that helped him get elected but has shown no benefit so far in helping him govern. The ban targeting residents of mostly Muslim nations was to last only 90 days, but it's been suspended by federal judges in Maryland and Hawaii and the Justice Department filed emergency applications last week with the Supreme Court.

Trump's Twitter messages -- plus those over the weekend criticizing the London mayor's reaction to Saturday night's attacks; calling on the courts to restore his travel ban; and linking the incident to the U.S. debate over gun control -- came days before former FBI Director James Comey is set to testify about his investigation into the Trump campaign's ties to Russia.

Trump's comments drew harsh criticism from U.K. leaders, adding to fissures opened by his recent trip to Europe and withdrawal from the Paris climate accord. If the tweets were an attempt to cause a distraction ahead of Comey's appearance, which could be a turning point for the Trump administration, they served only to draw attention from a White House-choreographed roll-out of the president's own infrastructure plan this week.

Some in the Trump administration are worried that his presidency will forever carry an asterisk, even if no one in his campaign is ever found to have colluded with Russians to meddle in the 2016 election, one official said. The Russian government's interference in the election, and its connections to Trump figures including his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, have cast a shadow on his White House.

Trump took on his own Justice Department -- and the courts -- in his Twitter tirade Monday.

"The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!" Trump said. "In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!"

Trump began his statements on the London attack -- issued from his personal @realDonaldTrump Twitter account -- at 7:17 p.m. New York time on Saturday, shortly after U.S. reports of the London attack. All were sent using the Twitter for iPhone app.

"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 tweeted.

His next tweet, seven minutes later, was sympathetic. "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 said.

The account was silent for nearly 12 hours. Then, at 7:19 a.m., he said, "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 7:31 a.m., he attacked the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan: "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!"'

The tweet took Khan's remark out of context. He had assured his citizens not to be alarmed about an increased police presence on London's streets after the attack. Trump's social-media director, Dan Scavino, later tweeted at Khan himself, telling him, "WAKE UP!!!"

Finally, at 7:43 a.m., Trump said, "Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"

British laws regulating private gun ownership are much more strict than in the U.S.

In the U.K. and the U.S., the blowback began.

"Cheap nasty & unbecoming of a national leader," David Lindon Lammy, a member of the British Parliament and the Labour Party, said on Twitter. "Sort of thing that makes me want to quit politics on a day like this."

He added in a separate message, "Put your phone down."

"President Trump's tweets were inappropriate and do not reflect the views of most Americans," Rep. Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, said in a statement on Sunday. "These attackers did not strike London because of 'political correctness.' They did not sow violence and hatred because Britons, Americans, and many others insist on acknowledging the equal dignity of every person among us."

It has been a frustrating presidency so far for Trump. He looks to be dogged for the forseeable future by the Russia investigation, which has been taken over by a special counsel. He meanwhile has no legislative victories of note. Time is running short to score any in the near term, with health-care legislation stalled in the Senate and no agreement, much less movement, on a tax overhaul.

Congress will leave town in August for its annual summer recess, and soon after that lawmakers will begin worrying in earnest about the 2018 election. With every controversial tweet, alienating allies and further driving off any Democrats that might have been inclined to cross the aisle, Trump makes his job more difficult.

---

Bloomberg's Jordan Robertson and Jennifer Jacobs contributed.
Moscow is interested in maintaining good relations with all countries in the Middle Eastern region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday amid the Qatar diplomatic row.

"We are convinced that any divisions can take place. We were never happy over the difficulties that arose in relations of other countries. We are interested in maintaining friendly relations with everyone, especially in the region where concentration of all efforts of fighting a joint threat, the threat of international terrorism, is a priority," Lavrov told a press conference.

He called the incident "their business, this is the bilateral ties of other states," adding that Moscow was not interfering in these relations.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates severed diplomatic relations with Qatar. The states accused Qatar of supporting terrorist groups, as well as of interfering in other countries' domestic affairs. Libya made a similar decision. Yemen cut diplomatic relations citing Doha's links with Houthis. The Maldives took the same step.

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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.
Once the Balkan stronghold of pro-Russian sentiments, tiny Montenegro is on Monday silently celebrating its entry into NATO in a historic turn that has made the Kremlin furious.

Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro is formally becoming the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington on Monday.

To get there, Montenegro has stood up against its former ally Russia, which has sought to maintain strong historic, political and cultural influence in the Slavic country it considers a special zone of interest.

Bringing Montenegro into NATO further diminishes Russia's influence in southeast Europe, and blocks it from the so-called "warm seas" in Europe that could be used as staging grounds for military interventions in the Middle East.

The U.S. State Department said Montenegro's membership "will support greater integration, democratic reform, trade, security, and stability with all of its neighbors."

Russia has threatened economic and political retaliation, including a campaign to undermine the Montenegrin tourism industry, which relies heavily on Russian visitors. An estimated 200,000 Russians visit Montenegro a year and 80,000 Russians own property here.

Russia has also banned imports of Montenegrin wine and recently deported a ranking official from a Moscow airport.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recently warned potential Russian tourists that "there is an anti-Russian hysteria in Montenegro."

"We do not rule out the possibility of provocations, arrests for suspicious reasons or extradition to third countries" of Russians, Zakharova said.

Her claim was dismissed by the president of the Russian-speaking diaspora in Montenegro, Alexander Khrgian, who runs his law office in the coastal resort of Budva.

He said that about 15,000 Russian-speaking people who permanently live in Montenegro feel safe.

"I have been living in Russia for 25 years and now I am here for more than 10 years, and we love Montenegro. It is a wonderful country with wonderful climate," he said.

"People know that Russia and Montenegro have very close cultural links. That is why we are here like at home."

Montenegro says Moscow was behind a foiled coup attempt in October that allegedly targeted former Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who was the driving force behind the country's NATO bid. Russia denies involvement.

"One of the reasons we are joining NATO is to create greater stability, not only for Montenegrin citizens, but also for foreign investors and tourists," Djukanovic said. "Therefore, our goal is to bring even more Russian tourists."

As a Serbian ally, Montenegro was bombed in 1999 by NATO, which launched airstrikes to stop a crackdown against Kosovo Albanian separatists. After deciding to split with Serbia in 2006 in a referendum, Montenegro took a strong turn toward Euro-Atlantic integration.

On the eve of the NATO accession, Montenegrins don't seem interested in their country's historic move and many of them want good relations with both Russia and the West.

"If we were neutral all the time, why shouldn't we continue with it so that we keep good relations with America, Russia and all the other countries?" said Mirko Bozovic from Podgorica.

The pro-Russian opposition Democratic Front, whose top two leaders were indicted over allegedly planning the Russia-orchestrated coup, said the day when Montenegro joins NATO is one of the saddest days in its history.

"Today, Montenegro is being annexed like never before in its history," official Strahinja Bulajic said. "Today is one of the most shameful days in Montenegrin history."

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Prosecutors on Monday told a jury hearing the case of a San Antonio man accused of killing his grandson that the toddler already was dead when the man set fire to his pickup to hide that the boy had ingested methamphetamine.

Joel Soto was 51 when he was arrested Nov. 16, 2013, in the death of his grandson, Jeremy Soto, 2.

He went to the truck, took a gas can, sprinkled it over Jeremy, who was already dead, lit it, and it exploded, prosecutor Stephanie Boyd told the jury in her opening statement.

She also added that the child had methamphetamine in his system.

They (prosecutors) have to prove he (Soto) possessed methamphetamine, Sotos attorney Justin Fischer told the jury in his opening statement. The state cannot show Joel possessed meth.

Soto, now 54, told authorities that he had pulled over around 10:25 a.m. in the 5300 block of Rogers Road on the far West Side to check his 1988 Chevy pickup, which he said was smoking from underneath the hood.

When fire engulfed Sotos pickup, witnesses said they then heard the man scream, Help! My grandson!

When the fire was extinguished, authorities found the childs body.

Soto was taken to University Hospital and was treated for burns. Investigators who interviewed him at the hospital said his injuries were not consistent with his explanation of events, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

In addition to murder, Soto also is charged with arson and injury to a child by omission.

The trial is being heard in the 379th state District Court, presided by Judge Ron Rangel. Soto faces up to life in prison if convicted.

ezavala@express-news.net
U.S. President Donald Trump urged his administration to seek a tougher version of his controversial travel ban proposal on Monday following a weekend attack in London, and pressed for an expedited judicial review by the nation's top court.

Trump's comments, made in early tweets on Monday, could weigh on his administration's emergency request last week asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate his travel ban on people entering the United States from six predominantly Muslim countries.

"The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original travel ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.," tweeted Trump, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down travel ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!" Trump, who as president oversees the department, said in another tweet.

Late Thursday, Trump's legal team asked the court to allow his controversial March 6 executive order for the travel ban to take effect immediately, despite being blocked by lower courts. The Supreme Court rarely grants emergency requests.

The Republican president has said his proposed ban, a centerpiece of his 2016 presidential campaign, is necessary to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. Critics have assailed the ban as discriminatory and his reasoning for it as flawed.

The President's tweets may help encourage his base, but they can't help him in court, said Jonathan Adler, a professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

At issue before the top court is whether the travel curbs violate the U.S. Constitution's ban on religious discrimination by targeting Muslims. Justice Department lawyers have argued that their revised executive order is substantially different from the first one issued in January.

"TRAVEL BAN"

Jonathan Turley, a law professor at The George Washington University who has said the administration's immigration order is legal, said Trumps references to it as a travel ban in his tweets undermine the justice departments defense of it.

Ironically, it makes more difficult the very thing that Trump was demanding: the reinstatement of his immigration order, Turley said.

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who opposes the ban, said on Monday Trump's tweets on the issue "clearly shows his intent" and his disdain for the judicial branch.

"The courts have ruled, and the courts said this abused the executive powers. His lawyers tried to justify it by saying it wasn't a travel ban, that it was just extreme vetting," Cardin told CNN. "The president's made that very clear: it is a travel ban."

Legal challenges to the ban, including by the ACLU and Hawaii, reject the administration's claim that urgent action is needed to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. They also note the government had not ask the Supreme Court to intervene earlier, when lower courts denied emergency applications seeking to lift the injunctions against the travel curbs.

On Friday, the Supreme Court asked the challengers of the travel ban to file responses to the emergency request by June 12. Trump's administration would then likely to file its own response before the court's nine justices make their decision.

"It's kinda odd to have the defendant in Hawaii v Trump acting as our co-counsel. We don't need the help but will take it!" Neal Katyal, Hawaii's lawyer in its case against the ban, said in a tweeted response to Trump's posts on Monday.

Trump needs five votes from the top court in his favor to put the ban into effect. With the confirmation of Trump's Supreme Court pick earlier this year, the court retains a 5-4 conservative majority, while the lower courts that have ruled thus far have been more liberal-leaning.

If the Supreme Court backs Trump, the 90-day ban on people entering the United States from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen will be immediately revived.

The court could also put a 120-day ban on all refugees into effect and allow the administration to consider new vetting procedures.

Even as legal wrangling over the ban continues, Trump also tweeted on Monday that his administration was implementing tougher vetting of would-be visitors to the United States, adding: "The courts are slow and political!"

Last week, his administration rolled out new policies for those seeking a U.S. visa, asking for the social media handles they have used over the last five years and biographical information going back 15 years.

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Our daughter and sister Cordelia Munoz Cantu, 39, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2017 in Laredo, Texas, surrounded by her family and friends.

Known to most as Cordy, she was born November 20, 1977. She graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1996 and received a Bachelors and a Masters from UTSA. Currently she was the Regional Program Specialist at Texas Workforce Commission.

Cordy was a loving, kindhearted mother, wife, daughter, sister & friend. Her caring personality and high spirit always lifted everyones mood. As a true cheerleader in her youth, Cordy always supported and stood by cheering on her family and friends. She had a great sense of humor with an extremely contagious laugh.

Cordy had an extraordinary work ethic and took great pride in what she did as a counselor. Her love for helping people was evident in her work. When Cordy was not working, she mostly enjoyed spending precious time with her immediate family and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Mario and Maria Teresa Iturralde; and paternal grandparents, Faraon and Maria de Los Angeles Marica Munoz.

She is survived by her husband, Marcus A. Cantu; children, Patricio Andres Cantu, Camila Cantu, and Marcelo Anthony Cantu; parents, Faraon and Tere Munoz; sisters, Karla Munoz (Juventino) Fernandez, and Vanessa Munoz (Juan Jose) Garcia; and parents-in-law, Cesar and Cynthia Cantu. Mrs. Munoz Cantu is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

A rosary will be recited at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 5, 2017 in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Procession will depart at 2:00 p.m. to St. Patrick Catholic Church. A mass will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. Services will conclude at the Church.

The Munoz and Cantu families want to express their profound appreciation for our family and friends during this difficult time.

If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.
3

Daniel Mere, el gaitero "mas famoso del mundo" por su version del "Quedate" de Quevedo y BZRP
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Drumlish brothers Mick and Johnny Cronin and their band, Cronin, return for their biggest run of Irish shows for new single release and vinyl release of debut album this month.

'Little London' was released on May 19 last and has enjoyed success so far.

"It's a dark, brooding tale of a young man trying to stop his love leaving him for the bright lights of London - kind of our Bond theme," said Mick Cronin, reflecting on the Scott Walker-tinged track.

To coincide with the release of the single, and the vinyl release of 'The First Kiss of Love' album, Cronin are doing their first Irish shows since their two-night run in The Olympia supporting Ocean Colour Scene in December.

Cronin is based around the two Longford brothers, Johnny and Mick, who have lived between Drumlish and Leeds in the past and are joined by Brian Murphy and Fiachra Milner.

The band has had a few eventful months while finishing off their debut album, with Pete Doherty giving them shout outs in arenas; Noel Gallagher hiding behind their CD cover to escape the London paparazzi; and Niall Horan turning up to their gigs.

The album has been a labour of love over three years for the band, who recorded it in their own Transmission Rooms studio with long term collaborators Ger McDonnell (U2, Manics, Dexys), Karl Odlum (The Frames, Fionn Regan) and string arranger Terry Edwards (PJ Harvey, Tindersticks).

Never a band to pass up an opportunity, Cronin have included quite a few names from the Irish industry on the album, from fiddling Waterboy Steve Wickham, JJ72's Mark Greaney, BP Fallon reading John Donne, Mod Godfather Jack Lyons reflecting on past love and The Pogue's Shane MacGowan giving one of his trademark screams, amongst others.

"It is quite a retro album and we hold our hands up to that. The influence of our heroes is all over it for everyone to hear. We sort of had to get these fantasies out of our system before we can move on as songwriters, said Mick Cronin.

Sadly, there is no Longford gig among the many Irish tour dates, so far, but more dates are yet to be announced.

The nearest gig at the moment will be in The Stables @Smiddy's in Mullingar on Sunday June 4.

The album can be downloaded from Cronin's Bandcamp and Soundcloud profiles.

Follow @CroninMusic on Facebook and Twitter for more.
A global airline association called for borders to be reopened after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain severed ties with Qatar, disrupting air travel across the region.

"Our industry depends on open borders. We would like borders to be reopened, the sooner the better," Alexandre de Juniac, head of the International Air Transport Association said on Monday, declining to comment further on the row.

Saudi Arabia on Monday banned Qatari airlines from its airspace, while Abu Dhabi's state-owned Etihad Airways and Dubai's Emirates Airline said they would suspend all flights to and from Doha from Tuesday morning until further notice.

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By Long Island News & PR Published: June 05 2017

Speaks in front of Russian diplomatic compound in Upper Brookville.

New York, NY - June 5, 2017 - Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D  Long Island, Queens) announced that he will soon be introducing bipartisan legislation that will target Russian corruption and their illicit financial activities, which they use as a strategic tool to promote their interests while harming democracies here and in Europe. You can watch Congressman Suozzis press conference in full Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D  Long Island, Queens) announced that he will soon be introducing bipartisan legislation that will target Russian corruption and their illicit financial activities, which they use as a strategic tool to promote their interests while harming democracies here and in Europe. You can watch Congressman Suozzis press conference in full here

This is not about President Trump and this is not about the Democrats versus the Republicans. I want to try and focus on a very serious threat that is happening to western democracies throughout the world right now. The Russian oligarchs surrounding Putin are using corruption to discredit our open societies and strengthen their sphere of influence. By using investments in strategic sectors, Russia seeks to gain influence over other countries economies and their ability to make their own policy decisions. Weve seen this before with their interference with free and fair elections, buying off elected and appointed officials, spreading propaganda through media outlets across Europe and Eastern Europe and money laundering, among other nefarious activities.

My bill will monitor Russian corruption in Europe and Eastern Europe to make sure we identify these threats. Theres something very dangerous going on in the world right now with the influence of billions of dollars by the Russian government and oligarchs exporting propaganda and exporting their efforts to try and corrupt democracies throughout the western world, said Congressman Suozzi.

Congressman Suozzi held the press conference in front of a former Russian diplomatic compound in Upper Brookville, which is in his congressional district. President Obama closed the compound in December 2016, launched sanctions and expelled diplomats in response to intelligence reports that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election. President Trump is currently considering allowing the Russians to reopen the compound.

The bill would establish within the State Department the Office of Anti-Corruption Relating to Illicit Russian Financial Activities in Europe, which would analyze Russias financial networks in Europe, relating to investments in strategic sectors, including real estate, energy, media and infrastructure, among others. Theyll work with the Treasury Department to train U.S. diplomats in working with foreign partners in uncovering and prosecuting illegal Russian financial activity, among other things. The office will also work with our NATO allies in elevating anti-corruption as part of NATOs Readiness Action Plan.
Local News, Health & Wellness, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 05 2017

First-in-the-Nation Regulations Mandate Health Insurance Providers Do Not Discriminate Against New Yorkers With Pre-Existing Conditions or Based on Age or Gender.

Albany, NY - June 5, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed the New York State Department of Financial Services to promulgate new emergency regulations mandating health insurance providers do not discriminate against New Yorkers with preexisting conditions or based on age or gender, in addition to safeguarding the 10 categories of protections guaranteed by the Affordable Care Act. The new first-in-the-nation measures will ensure that essential health services are protected and covered for all New Yorkers regardless of efforts at the federal level to strip millions of Americans of their healthcare.

At the Governor's direction, the Department of Health will ban all insurers who withdraw from offering Qualified Health Plans on the State Health Marketplace from future participation in any program that interacts with the marketplace, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. New York is home to one of the most robust health marketplaces in the country, and insurers who do not comply will lose access to such profitable programs. The Governor will also direct state agencies and authorities to ban insurers who withdraw from the State Health Marketplace from contracting with the state and to consider all available actions to protect New Yorkers access to quality healthcare.

Furthermore, the administration finalized regulations that will ensure that contraceptive drugs and devices are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles no matter federal action. The regulations also ensure all medically necessary abortion services are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.

"We will not stand idly by as ultra-conservatives in Washington try to roll back the progress we have made to expand access quality, affordable health care, putting our most vulnerable New Yorkers at risk," Governor Cuomo said. "As long as I am Governor, New Yorkers will not be subject to price discrimination based on age, gender, or pre-existing conditions, and essential health benefits will continue to be the rule, not the exception. These aggressive actions will make certain that no matter what happens in Congress, the people of New York will not have to worry about losing access to the quality medical care they need and deserve."

Under the new regulations, DFS will require that individual and small group accident and health insurance policies, which provide hospital, surgical, or medical expense coverage, as well as student accident and health insurance policies cover the same categories of essential health benefits and be subject to the same benchmark plan rules that currently apply through the Affordable Care Act. Insurers must comply with the new regulations as a requirement of their license in New York.

Ambulatory patient services, such as office visits, ambulatory surgical services, dialysis, radiology services, chemotherapy, infertility treatment, abortion services, hospice care, and diabetic equipment, supplies and self-management education; Emergency services, such as emergency room, urgent care services, and ambulance services; Hospitalization, such as preadmission testing, inpatient physician and surgical services, hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care; Maternity and newborn care, such as delivery, prenatal and postnatal care, and breastfeeding education and equipment; Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment, such as inpatient and outpatient services for the diagnosis and treatment of mental, nervous and emotional disorders, screening, diagnosis and treatment for autism spectrum disorder, and inpatient and outpatient services for the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder; Prescription drugs, such as coverage for generic, brand name and specialty drugs, enteral formulas, contraceptive drugs and devices, abortifacient drugs, and orally administered anti-cancer medication; Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, such as durable medical equipment, medical supplies, prosthetic devices, hearing aids, chiropractic care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health care; Laboratory services, such as diagnostic testing; Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, such as well child visits, immunizations, mammography, gynecological exams including cervical cytology screening, bone density measurements or testing, and prostate cancer screening; and Pediatric services, including oral and vision care, such as preventive and routine vision and dental care, and prescription lenses and frames.

The Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services may issue model contract language identifying the coverage requirements for all individual and small group accident and health insurance policies that provide hospital, surgical, or medical expense coverage and all student accident and health insurance policies delivered or issued for delivery in New York State.

DFS will also mandate under existing New York law that health insurers:
Tech & Science, Local News, Business & Finance, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 05 2017

A.G. Schneiderman: "The federal government has a basic responsibility to protect American consumers."

New York, NY - June 5, 2017 - Urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to crack down on the national onslaught of robocall messages, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, and Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear opposed a petition requesting that so-called ringless robocalls be exempt from consumer protections under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

In the joint comment letter , the Attorneys General urged the FCC to not add to the existing plague of unwanted robocalls. The petition  filed by All About the Message  seeks an exemption for ringless robocalls that deliver voicemails to consumers without causing their phones to ring, arguing that they should not be considered calls. The attorneys general argue that this exemption further opens the floodgates to more harassing messages.

New Yorkers are already the victims of countless unwanted phone solicitations, said New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The federal government has a basic responsibility to protect American consumers. That certainly doesnt mean making it even easier for companies to spam them with costly, unsolicited, ringless robocalls.

Massachusetts residents already face a constant barrage of harassing, intrusive and unwanted robocalls, said Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. Granting companies a free pass to push ringless voice messages to consumers phones just adds more robocalls and causes significant financial harm to those who are charged for checking their messages.

Protecting Kentuckians from the constant barrage of unwanted scam and robocalls is an ongoing priority of my office, said Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear. We must strengthen the protections to our citizens, not clear the way for costly, unwanted calls.

The purpose of the TCPA, enacted by Congress in 1991, is to protect consumers from unwanted and intrusive calls. The FCCs Robocall Strike Force reports that robocalls are the number one source of complaints it receives, with consumers receiving an estimated 2.4 billion robocalls per month in 2016.
The Islamic States Amaq News Agency has issued a short statement claiming responsibility for the attacks in London yesterday. The message doesnt identify the terrorists, but cites a security source as saying that a unit of Islamic State fighters carried out the assault.

It is the third attack the so-called caliphate has claimed in the UK since March, when a man drove his vehicle into pedestrians outside of the British Parliament and then assaulted people with a blade. The three terrorists who attacked London Bridge and the nearby Borough Market last night employed the same crude methods. The Islamic State has repeatedly called on followers to use both vehicles and knives.

The entire incident lasted just eight minutes from when the first distress call was placed to police to its conclusion. But the three males, who were shot and killed by armed police, managed to terrorize a large number of people during that time.

The Associated Press has cited an eye witness who claims to have seen some of the stabbings. The three guys, yes, they were just stabbing this woman constantly, non-stop the three of them, Gerard Vowls told the AP. Just stabbing her from every direction, the three of them around her. Lunging at her, Vowls said. I heard them say one thing: This is for Allah.'

UK officials have not yet publicly identified the three terrorists responsible, as theyve decided to withhold the information during the early hours of the investigation. A report by BBC News and The Telegraph cites a person claiming to know one of the three suspects. This same suspect reportedly listened to sermons by Ahmad Musa Jibril, an extremist preacher whose online lectures have been popular with jihadis. According to these same reports, authorities were previously alerted to this individuals extremism.

Unlike after the Manchester bombing on May 22, there have not been a number of leaks in the US press.

We would like to thank the media for their continued support, restraint and understanding in not speculating as to who the suspects are in this fast moving investigation, Mark Rowley, Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service, said in a statement earlier today.

I would like to assure them [the media] and the public that this is directly assisting the progression of the investigation and confirm we will release the identities of the three men directly responsible for the attacks yesterday, Saturday, 3 June, as soon as operationally possible, Rowley added.

Authorities have arrested twelve people in Barking, east London, in connection with the investigation. One man was subsequently released without charge. It remains to be seen if any of the others are charged. Seven of the twelve people taken into custody are women, ranging in age from 19 to 60 years old. The five men range in age from 27 to 55.

For more on the attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market, see FDDs Long War Journal report: Terrorists use van, blades to target civilians in London.

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Six Pakistani employees of a Polish oil and gas company who were kidnapped last year by the Taliban have been freed, a senior government official said Monday.

The workers from Geofizyka Krakow were kidnapped by the Pakistani Taliban in November 2016 from the city of Dera Ismail Khan in the country's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

"They have been freed unconditionally and handed over to us late Sunday," Zafrul Islam Khattak, the top government official in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal district bordering Afghanistan, told AFP.

Khattak said the release took place with the help of tribal elders who negotiated with the kidnappers based in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province.

"The kidnappers first handed over the six workers to tribal elders at the border with Afghanistan," Khattak said, adding that the tribal elders later handed them over to Pakistani authorities.

Pictures of the workers seen by AFP show them sitting in a government office with the official in Wana, South Waziristan's main town.

The overall security situation in Pakistan has improved and kidnappings have decreased in recent years, but its northwest and southwest regions bordering Afghanistan remain volatile.

A Polish engineer was seized by suspected Taliban militants in Pakistan's northwest in September 2008 and was later killed.

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Culture

Jun 05, 2017 | By LUXUO

This is the first comprehensive engagement with the medium of photography at Basel, Switzerlands Fondation Beyeler, which added a group of works by Wolfgang Tillmans to its collection. The summer exhibition is devoted to the artist Wolfgang Tillmans, spanning some 200 photographic works dating from 1989 to 2017. In addition to traditional genres such as portrait, still life, and landscape, the exhibition presents abstract works. The exhibition will be on show from May 28 to October 1, together with a new audiovisual installation. The showcase highlights how Tillmans work is concerned with the creation of images in general, rather than with photography specifically. For example Tillmans created his images without a camera at times, simply using a photocopier.

Born in the industrial German town of Remscheid, Tillmans moved to Hamburg in 1987 at the age of 19. The allure of British youth culture brought him to the UK, and he went to Bournemouth to study art in 1990. In 2000, he was the first photographerand first non-British artistto receive the Turner Prize. Tillmans is currently based between Berlin and London.

Tillmans first made a name for himself in the early 1990s with a casual, observational style; his photographs captured a generational portrait through pop culture, the music scene, and alternative fashion. (As The Telegraph put it: In the early Nineties, in a certain corner of the world that was very much alivea joyous, liberated, pan-European, techno-soundtracked place where people were actually curious about each otherTillmans was the eye of his era.) Tillmans himself explained in an interview with the Guardian: I wanted to somehow represent what was not being represented elsewhere. Even though my early photographs are re-enactments, they are showing people at rest and at ease with themselves. They are not doing silly poses or wrapped up in fashion. In that way, they are images of a kind of freedom that was not being expressed honestly elsewhere. Moreover, Tillmans engaged directly with sexuality, though as he also told The Guardian: I never wanted to be a so-called gay artist, for instance, even though homosexuality is there in my work, but as an everyday thing.

The exhibition is ricocheting off the artists exhibition at the Tate (it runs until June 11), which included photographs, in addition to video, digital slide projections, publications, curatorial projects and recorded music. The Tate summed him up this way: German-born, international in outlook and exhibited around the world.

At auction, prices for his large prints have been rising steeply. During a Sothebys auction, images which cost $50,000 less than two years ago doubled estimates to sell for $120,000. The Telegraph reported Tuesday that an eight-foot wide abstract image from his Freischwimmer seriesmade cameralessly in the dark roomsold for $660,000.
A US member of Congress has called for deadly force against extremists following the weekend terror attack in London, saying any "radicalized Islamic suspect" should be hunted down and killed.

"Not a single radicalized Islamic suspect should be granted any measure of quarter," Clay Higgins, a first-term Republican congressman and former police officer, wrote in a Facebook post Sunday that included a photograph of one of the apparent London attackers lying on the ground.

"Hunt them, identity them, and kill them. Kill them all," he added. "For the sake of all that is good and righteous. Kill them all."

The statement was posted a day after Saturday's attacks, in which seven people were killed when a van smashed into pedestrians on London Bridge and three assailants went on a stabbing spree.

Higgins, like US President Donald Trump, is a political novice. He won in the southern state of Louisiana, in a district that voted overwhelmingly for Trump over Hillary Clinton.

A human rights group condemned the lawmaker's statement, which appeared to back dispensing justice without trial.

"Rep. Higgins's sentiments fundamentally clash with the core principles upon which this country was founded," The American Civil Liberties Union's Louisiana chapter said Monday on Twitter.

The congressman also wrote that the free world -- "all of Christendom," in his words -- "is at war with Islamic horror."

The comment appears to align with a theme of certain strains of the US conservative far-right, which has portrayed the battle against jihadists as part of a broader clash between Christian society and Islam.

Higgins gained notoriety as a police officer in Louisiana, where he was nicknamed "the Cajun John Wayne" for several tough-talking "Crime Stoppers" videos for a local news station.

In one clip that went viral, Higgins, holding a military-style rifle, called gang members "heathens" and "animals" and said they would be "hunted" down by him and other officers.

Higgins resigned from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office in early 2016 under pressure about the videos.

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One of the three attackers shot dead in London on Saturday night was carrying an Irish residency card and had lived in Dublin, according to a report Monday by Ireland's national broadcaster RTE.

Citing security sources, RTE said this was 30-year-old Rachid Redouane, one of the two men identified by British police earlier Monday.

London's Metropolitan Police Service said Redouane also used the name Rachid Elkhdar, sometimes gave a different date of birth putting his age at 25 and "claimed to be Moroccan and Libyan".

RTE quoted police saying he was "of Moroccan and Libyan descent" and had married a British woman in Ireland in 2011 before moving to Britain.

"Irish detectives suspect he may have been married to a 38-year-old woman currently in custody in the UK," the report said.

The Guardian reported that he was a pastry chef.

The Irish police force is "providing every assistance to our colleagues in the London Metropolitan Police in relation to the terror attack in London," it told AFP in a statement.

"We will process all requests from the UK authorities in relation to enquiries into individuals, identities or any other matter," the statement added.

RTE said officers at the Garda (police) National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) were checking records to establish the residency of the man and his marital status while he was living in the country.

The nature of the card has not been divulged but sources said it was most likely to have been either a GNIB identity card or an Irish EU Fam Card, a type of residency card for non-EU citizens linked to an EU resident in Ireland.

Non-EU citizens who move to Ireland must register with immigration authorities on arrival, and if they stay for more than three months they must apply for a GNIB identity card and carry it with them at all times.

Alternatively, the man may have been granted an EU Fam Card on the basis of his relationship with an EU citizen in Ireland.

The Irish police are responsible for national security in the country, which does not have a separate intelligence service.

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MARTINSVILLE-There's just over a week left before Virginia's primaries and for those who want to vote absentee, the clock is ticking.

Voters in Martinsville, Henry County and across the commonwealth have until tomorrow at 5 p.m. to request an absentee ballot be mailed to them for the primary. You can do that either by calling up our local voter registration offices or go online to the Department of Elections Citizen Portal at vote.virginia.gov.

We encourage eligible voters who want to request an absentee ballot be mailed to them to make that request as soon as possible to ensure they can get the ballot returned by the June 13 deadline, said Department of Elections Commissioner Edgardo Cortes. Whether you vote absentee by mail or in-person, it is important that you have a plan to exercise your right to vote.

The reason for the deadline is because that absentee ballot has to be received by the local registrar no later than 7 p.m. on June 13, the Primary Election Day. It typically takes two to five days for First Class delivery through the U.S. Postal Service, so voters need to keep that in mind when casting their absentee ballot by mail.

If you want to cast an absentee ballot in person, you can do that through this coming Saturday in Martinsville and Henry County. Cindy Barbour, Martinsville's Director of Elections, said that people can vote absentee in Martinsville Municipal Building Room 122 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. You can also give her office a call with any questions at (276)-403-5122.

The only change that voters need to be aware of is for people who cast a ballot at Albert Harris School. For this election, the polling place will be in the school gym.

There are 19 acceptable reasons for voting absentee, including military service, illness, being away from home, pregnancy and a long commute that would keep you from getting to the polls. The full list of qualifying reasons to vote absentee can be found at the Department of Elections Citizen Portal at vote.virginia.gov. Additionally, voters can find office hours and contact information for their local voter registration office, see who is on their ballot, apply for an absentee ballot by mail, and check their absentee ballot status at vote.virginia.gov.

The primary election will be held June 13 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dont forget to bring one form of valid photo ID.
President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Accord has unwittingly "galvanized support" for American action to limit global warming, Canada's environment minister said Monday.

In an interview with AFP, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna pointed to strong US state, local and corporate rebukes of Trump's move and vows to press ahead without him to slash carbon emissions.

"All these discussions about whether the administration would stay or leave the Paris Accord," she said, "galvanized support for the agreement."

The minister said Canada's government, which under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau championed the Paris accord, was obviously "extremely disappointed" with the US decision to withdraw.

But, she added, "We were encouraged by the reactions in the United States of all sorts of people."

"State governors have risen, mayors have risen. And you have seen the companies. For the first time, (investment bank) Goldman Sachs' president wrote a tweet expressing his disappointment at the US policy and saying that it believes in the Paris agreement," she highlighted.

"There is a real opportunity for Canada to work with all these other actors... to step up action on climate," she said.

McKenna also dismissed Trump's view that exiting the Paris accord would breathe new life into traditional sectors like auto manufacturing, steel and coal mining.

On the latter, she commented: "The United States will not return to coal because natural gas costs so much less and it would make no sense."

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In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used.

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Egyptian banks are dealing normally with Qatari banks, following Egypt's decision to cut ties with the Gulf state earlier on Monday, the central bank of Egypt (CBE) said.

In statements to state news agency MENA, CBE Governor Tarek Amer also confirmed that all banks in Egypt are still accepting Qatari currency.

News reports said earlier today that some Egyptian banks had halted dealings with Qatari banks, while some had stopped accepting Qatari currency and others had halted certain treasury transactions.

Amer highlighted that Qatar National Bank - Al Ahli (QNB) is an Egyptian bank that is subject to Egyptian law and operates under the supervision of the Central Bank.

He also affirmed that the deposits of all customers at QNB in Egypt are safe, as are all banks, which are subject to the supervision of the CBE.

In the early hours of Monday, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Yemen and the eastern-based government of Libya announced their decision to sever all diplomatic ties over what they say is Doha's support for terrorist organisations such as Daesh and Al-Qaeda, as well as interference in the internal affairs of nations in the region.

Egypt says it took the decision "in light of the continued insistence of the Qatari government to take a stance against Egypt."

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Startup Edmonton welcomes every entrepreneur from tech to tattoos and provides the needed community to help them take risks necessary to scale.

By Kelly Hoey

Full Story: https://www.inc.com/kelly-hoey/creating-a-welcoming-space-for-every-type-of-entrepreneur-to-take-risks.html
All those amazing fly fishing scenes in "A River Runs Through It?"

The truth is, the actors who landed trout in the film didnt really "catch" the fish, and they couldnt cast very well.

The film was almost made by a couple of Montana-based writers, who would have filmed it on the Blackfoot River, before Robert Redford decided he wanted to make it.

Karl Puckett , [email protected]

Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2017/06/04/great-montana-film-featured-poor-casting/363658001/
Le Conseil des Ministres du 19 aout 2022 a donne le feu vert de promulger le Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (Republic of Angola) Regulations 2022.

Cabinet has taken note that the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (Republic of Angola) Regulations 2022 would be promulgated. A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) has been signed between the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Angola. The DTAA with the Republic of Angola would:

(a) provide tax certainty to investors of the two countries in their dealings with Mauritius or Angola, as the case may be;

(b) provide mechanisms to:

(i) combat tax evasion and other malpractices through collaboration between the two authorities in terms of exchange of information and lending assistance to each other for the collection of tax due to the concerned tax authority; and

(ii) resolve tax disputes that may arise, through a mutual agreement procedure; and

(c) create a conducive environment for greater investment flows from the Mauritian global business sector to Angola, by providing tax incentives.
The mayor of Marion is joining with the mayors of other cities, both large and small, in voicing their objections to President Trumps decision to pull the United States out of the Paris climate change accord.

On Saturday, Mayor Steve Little issued a statement about this decision and what it could mean for the United States and the world as a whole.

In late 2015, a total of 195 nations took part in a climate change conference near Paris. In April 2016, 174 nations signed a voluntary agreement (referred to as the Paris Accord) to do their part to help.

The main goal of the Paris Accord is to limit the increase in overall global temperature to no more than 2 degrees in this century, reads Littles statement. Some of the ways to help achieve that goal are to reduce exhaust emissions and develop new technologies to provide safer and cleaner energy. Each participating nation chooses what it will do within its borders to work on that goal.

On Saturday, Little said, as the mayor of Marion, he was joining with the other mayors of cities like Seattle, San Diego and Pittsburgh in voicing his objections and disappointment that the United States was removed from the Paris Accord.

That voluntary agreement of 174 nations worldwide will help protect the safety of all people living now and those who will follow us for generations to come, reads Littles statement. Some have said this voluntary agreement is bad for the U.S. because people in Paris are telling us what to do. That is 100 percent false. That sounds good on television and it gets people stirred up, but it simply is not true.

Every part of the Paris Accord is totally voluntary. Each of the 174 countries sets its own goals and chooses what it can and will do to help. No person and no country is making the U.S. or any other country do anything. The unmistakable general warming of the Earth is probably due to a combination of a periodic cycle of nature (which we humans cannot change) plus huge amounts of unsafe exhaust emissions (which we humans can change). A reasonable reduction by 174 countries around the world of their exhaust emissions would be a small step by a lot of countries. The combined effect of these 174 small steps will no doubt help everyone all over the globe in a major way.

In his statement, Little says the United States had begun developing new technologies long before our nation agreed to take part in this voluntary effort to help both ourselves and people in other countries.

Our country has developed more advanced, successful technologies than any other country ... not because of the Paris Accord, but because it made good business sense to do so, he stated. That process created large numbers of jobs, and that helped replace some of the jobs that have been lost over the years for other reasons. The benefit to every human on our planet from having 174 nations sign the Paris Accord was to show that the vast majority of the world cares out the present and future condition of the earth. Since it was a totally voluntary agreement, it is symbolic. Does it need to be renegotiated to be good for the U.S.? No. Thats silly. No one needs to renegotiate a voluntary agreement that has no enforcement mechanism.

Pulling out of the Paris Accord was also just a symbolic act, but not a good one. The world watches the U.S., as we have been the leader in so many areas. For generations, our country has set the example by deciding and acting on what is important for us and for the world. By pulling out, we have abandoned the other 173 nations who want to work together to improve the overall condition of our planet. One day we may need their help in other areas, such as fighting terrorism. Does it really help our country in the long run when we insult other world leaders and countries?

There are some ridiculous, excessive environmental rules in our country. Some have gone overboard and have made it much more expensive for some businesses to operate. Any rule that is ridiculous shouldnt exist. However, some rules that have run up business costs for some companies have produced very good results. The helpful, sensible environmental rules are important to all of us, and they should stay. The ridiculous ones should not.

For example, the U.S. President has the authority to issue executive orders to promote the coal industry, but the coal miners jobs are not being lost because of anything in the Paris Accord. Those jobs started to dry up years ago because natural gas was becoming a much cheaper and cleaner form of energy than coal. (Try burning coal in your open fireplace instead of wood and youll see soot in the air and a layer of soot on all your furniture and floor. Dont try that if someone in your house has asthma or breathing problems because it will make it much harder for them to breathe.)

Every person is different and every country is different, and thats a good thing. We do things differently and have different opinions. But there is huge benefit when we can find some issues about which we can all agree. Protecting our planet, our air and water are examples. Conservatives and liberals, religious people and atheists, those who want to learn and those who dont ... we all need to breathe clean air, drink clean water and not smother from the heat. All that is just as important in small countries as it is in large countries, and in small cities as much as in large cities.

Just recently, eight North Carolina mayors stated they will continue to work toward achieving the climate goals of that non-binding accord. Despite President Trumps withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, 86 U.S. mayors  all members of joining the Mayors National Climate Agenda  have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency and standing for environmental justice, according to NC Policy Watch.

These mayors are:

* Esther Manheimer, Asheville

* Allen Joines, Winston-Salem

* Jennifer Roberts, Charlotte

* Bill Bell, Durham

* Tom Stevens, Hillsborough

* Nancy Vaughan, Greensboro

* Lydia Lavelle, Carrboro

* Pam Hemminger, Chapel Hill

Little said hes adding his voice to those who are concerned about climate change.

If the people in Marion, NC can help with the goal of a small voluntary improvement in our local environment, thats a good thing not only for our 8,223 residents but also for everyone else all over our beautiful planet, he stated. As mayor of Marion, I am committed to promoting a healthy and safe environment for all our residents, for all those who come to visit, all those who pass through or even nearby, as well as all those who have never heard of Marion, NC and will never have the pleasure of coming here.

Just as it is with all the countries who signed on to the Paris Accord last year, our efforts in Marion will be voluntary. We  Marion and the world  can accomplish a lot when we all do our part in good faith to work together. What we say may be largely symbolic, but what we choose to do can help. Thats really important for our mountains, our streams and air, and most of all for our people.
A key function of BBC propaganda is to present the perspective of the West on the wars and conflicts of the world. Thus, in a recent online report, BBC News once again gave prominence to the Pentagon propaganda version of yet more US killings in Yemen. The headline stated:

US forces kill seven al-Qaeda militants in Yemen, says Pentagon

Seven militants killed is the stark message. A veneer of impartiality is provided by the weasel words, says Pentagon. BBC News then notes blandly, and without quotation marks:

The primary objective of the operation was to gather intelligence.

Nowhere in the short article was there any attempt to provide an alternative view of who had been killed and why. Were they really all militants? How is a militant distinguished from a civilian, or from a soldier defending his country against foreign invaders? There was not even a cautious statement to the effect that the Pentagons claims could not be verified, as one might expect of responsible journalism.

Instead, we have to turn to Reprieve, an international human rights organisation founded in 1999 by the British lawyer Clive Stafford Smith. The group reports that five of the militants were civilians, including a partially blind 70-year-old man who was shot when he tried to greet the US Navy Seals, mistaking them for guests arriving in his village.

But their civilians are mere collateral damage in war. Since January 2017, the US has launched 90 or more drone strikes in Yemen, killing around 100 people, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. This death toll includes 25 civilians, among whom were 10 children, killed in the village of al Ghayil in the Yemeni highlands during a US raid that was described by President Trump as highly successful.

Mentions of such atrocities were notable by their absence in mainstream media coverage of Trumps recent trip to Saudi Arabia where he signed trade deals worth around $350 billion. This included an arms deal of $110 billion which the White House described as the single biggest in US history. It would not do for the corporate media, including BBC News, to dwell on the implications for Yemen where at least 10,000 people have been killed since the start of the Saudi-led bombing campaign in 2015. 14 million Yemenis, more than half the population, are facing hunger with the Saudis deliberately targeting food production.

The World Health Organisation recently warned of the rising numbers of deaths in Yemen due to cholera, saying that it was unprecedented. Save the Children says that at the current rate, more than 65,000 cases of cholera are expected by the end of June. The cholera outbreak could well become a full blown-epidemic. Moreover:

The upsurge comes as the health system, sanitation facilities and civil infrastructure have reached breaking point because of the ongoing war.

As US investigative journalist Gareth Porter observes via Twitter:

World leaders are silent as #Yemen faces horrible cholera epidemic linked to #Saudi War & famine. Politics as usual.

Iona Craig, formerly a Yemen-based correspondent for The Times, notes that more than 58 hospitals now have been bombed by the coalition airstrikes, and people just do not have access to medical care in a way that they did before the war. As if the bombing was not already brutal, Saudi Arabia has imposed a cruel blockade on Yemen that is delaying, or even preventing, vital commodities from getting into the country. Grant Pritchard, interim country director for Save the Children in Yemen, says:

These delays are killing children. Our teams are dealing with outbreaks of cholera, and children suffering from diarrhoea, measles, malaria and malnutrition. With the right medicines these are all completely treatable  but the Saudi-led coalition is stopping them getting in. They are turning aid and commercial supplies into weapons of war.

As one doctor at the Republic teaching hospital in Sanaa commented:

We are unable to get medical supplies. Anaesthetics. Medicines for kidneys. There are babies dying in incubators because we cant get supplies to treat them.

The doctor estimated that 25 people were dying every day at the hospital because of the blockade. He continued:

They call it natural death. But its not. If we had the medicines they wouldnt be dead. I consider them killed as if they were killed by an air strike, because if we had the medicines they would still be alive.

None of this grim reality was deemed relevant to Trumps signing of the massive new arms deal with Saudi Arabia. BBC News focused instead on inanities such as Trump to soften his rhetoric, joins Saudi sword dance and no scarf for Melania. But then, it is standard practice for the BBC to absolve the West of any blame for the Yemen war and humanitarian disaster.

British historian Mark Curtis poses a vital question that journalists fear to raise, not least those at the BBC: is there, in effect, collusion between the BBC and UK arms manufacturer BAE Systems not to report on UK support for the Saudi bombing of Yemen, and not to make it an election issue? He rightly points out that the BAE Systems Chairman, Sir Roger Carr, was also Vice-Chair of the BBC Trust until April 2017 (when the Trust was wound up at the end of its 10-year tenure). The BBC Trusts role was to ensure the BBC lived up to its statutory obligations to the public, including news balance and impartiality. How could Sir Rogers dual role not suggest a major potential conflict of interest?

On the wider issue of mainstream media coverage of foreign policy, the political journalist Peter Oborne notes that:

Needless to say, the British media (and in particular the BBC, which has a constitutional duty to ensure fair play during general elections) has practically ignored Corbyns foreign policy manifesto.

Oborne writes that the manifesto:

is radical and morally courageous.

He explains that, pre-Corbyn:

Foreign policy on both sides was literally identical. The leadership of both Labour and the Conservatives backed the wars in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan, the alliance with Saudi Arabia and the Sunni states in the Gulf. London did what it was told by Washington. [] This cross-party consensus has been smashed, thanks to Jeremy Corbyn, the current Labour leader. Whatever one thinks of Corbyns political views (and I disagree with many of them), British democracy owes him a colossal debt of gratitude for restoring genuine political debate to Britain. And of course his extremely brave and radical decision to break with the foreign policy analysis of Blair and his successors explains why he is viewed with such hatred and contempt across so much of the media and within the Westminster political establishment.

But, as Oborne notes, this important change has not been fairly represented in media coverage. In particular, on Yemen and Saudi Arabia:

it is deeply upsetting that the BBC has betrayed its own rules of impartiality and ignored Corbyns brave stand on this issue.

We challenged Andrew Roy, the BBC News Foreign Editor, to respond to Obornes observations. He ignored us (here and here). Roys silence is especially noteworthy given that he had once promised:

If there is a considered detailed complaint to something weve done, I will always respond to it personally.

Perhaps Obornes challenge to the BBC was not deemed sufficiently considered or detailed by the senior BBC News editor. Likewise, our own challenges over many years in numerous media alerts addressing BBC foreign coverage have been ignored or, at best, brushed away.

It was noteworthy that Corbyns considered response to the most recent terrorist attack in London was selectively reported, arguably censored, by BBC News. Corbyn said:

We 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 terrorist groups. We have to get serious about cutting off the funding to these terror networks, including Isis here and in the Middle East.

Sky News broadcast Corbyns comments, but they do not appear to have been covered by BBC News. Certainly, as far as we can see, there is no mention of them in their Live blog on the London attack or in Laura Kuenssbergs analysis, Election 2017: Impact of London terror attack on campaign. And nothing about the Saudi link with terrorism appears in the BBCs online report on Corbyns speech, focusing instead on the issue of Mays cuts to police numbers while Home Secretary. Even this issue alone, if properly and fully addressed by the media, should be a resigning matter for May as Prime Minister. Responding to the London attacks, Peter Kirkham, a former Senior Investigating Officer with the Metropolitan police, accused the government of lying over police numbers on UK streets. And a serving firearms officer says that:

the Government is wrong to claim police cuts have nothing to do with recent attacks. Despite her denials, Theresa Mays cuts to police numbers have made attacks like London and Manchester much more likely.

Kuenssbergs piece included passing mention of the Tories record on squeezing money for the police. But she gave no figures showing a reduction in the number of armed police; crucial statistics which she could have easily found from the Home Office.

Mark Curtis gives a damning assessment of BBC reporting on foreign affairs, particularly during the general election campaign. Noting first that:

One aspect of a free and fair election is nonpartisan coverage by state media.

He continues:

Yet BBC reporting on Britains foreign policy is simply amplifying state priorities and burying its complicity in human rights abuses. The BBC is unable to report even that Britain is at war  in Yemen, where the UK is arming the Saudis to conduct mass bombing, having supplied them with aircraft and 1 billion worth of bombs, while training their pilots.

Curtis then provides some telling statistics:

From 4 April to 15 May, the BBC website carried only 10 articles on Yemen but 97 on Syria: focusing on the crimes of an official enemy rather than our own. Almost no BBC articles on Yemen mention British arms exports. Theresa Mays government is complicit in mass civilian deaths in Yemen and pushing millions of people to the brink of starvation; that this is not an election issue is a stupendous propaganda achievement.

Indeed, our newspaper database searches reveal that, since the election was called on April 18, there has been no significant journalistic scrutiny of Mays support of Saudi Arabias bombing campaign in Yemen. The subject was even deemed radioactive during a public meeting in Rye, Sussex, when Amber Rudd, standing for re-election, appeared to shut down discussion of arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Electoral candidate Nicholas Wilson explains what happened:

At a hustings in Rye on 3 June, where I am standing as an independent anti-corruption parliamentary candidate, a question was asked about law & order. Home Secretary Amber Rudd, in answering it referred to the Manchester terrorist attack. I took up the theme and referred to UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia & HSBC business there. She spoke to and handed a note to the chairman who removed the mic from me.

The footage of this shameful censorship deserves to be widely seen. If a similar event had happened in Russia or North Korea, it would have received intensive media scrutiny here. Once again, we note the arms connection with the BBC through BAE Systems Chairman, Sir Roger Carr. Wilson has also pointed out a potential conflict of interest between HSBC and the BBC through Rona Fairhead who was a non-executive director of HSBC while serving as Chair of the BBC Trust.

These links, and Theresa Mays support for the Saudi regime, have gone essentially unexamined by the BBC. And yet, when BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg responded to Corbyns manifesto launch, her subtle use of insidious language betrayed an inherent bias against Corbyn and his policies on foreign affairs. She wrote: rather than scramble to cover up his past views for fear they would be unpopular, he would double downproudly. Kuenssbergs use of pejorative language  scramble, cover up, unpopular  delivered a powerful negative spin against Corbyn policies that, in fact, as Oborne argues, are hugely to his credit.

When has Kuenssberg ever pressed May over her appalling voting record on Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen? In fact, there is no need for May to scramble to cover up her past views. Why not? Because the mainstream media rarely, if ever, seriously challenge her about being consistently and disastrously wrong in her foreign policy choices; not least, on decisions to go to war.

DC & DE

Correction (June 6, 2017)

We have removed these two lines as the BBC, in fact, has written a handful of articles mentioning this issue, mostly in passing:

Curtis also notes that the BBC has not published any online article about UK arms being sold to the Saudis for use in Yemen since as far back as January. This, he says, is misinforming the public, a disgrace.
Using a computer to analyze CT images of patients organs, researchers were able to predict their 5-year mortality with almost 70 percent accuracy. This is according to a new study recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Share on Pinterest Researchers believe that computer analysis of medical images could advance precision medicine.

Lead study author Dr. Luke Oakden-Rayner, of the School of Public Health at the University of Adelaide in Australia, and colleagues believe that their findings could advance the field of precision medicine.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) define precision medicine as an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person.

As the study authors note, precision medicine relies on the discovery of biomarkers that are accurate indicators of disease risk, response to treatment, or disease prognosis. They believe that radiology has an important role to play in this field.

[] we propose that images derived from routine radiological testing have been largely ignored in the context of precision medicine, and motivate the use of powerful new machine-learning techniques applied to radiological images as the basis for novel and useful biomarker discovery.

Recent advances in the field of medical image analysis have shown that machine-detectable image features can approximate the descriptive power of biopsy, microscopy, and even DNA analysis for a number of pathologies, they add.
Kiwifruit, which people sometimes call Chinese gooseberry, is a nutrient-rich fruit that is native to China. People with a kiwifruit, or kiwi, allergy may experience skin rashes or a prickly feeling in the mouth after contact with this fruit. Kiwi allergies are a common cause of oral allergy syndrome. The symptoms of a kiwi allergy can vary from person to person. When a person has a kiwi allergy, their immune system reacts negatively to certain substances in the fruit. They often also experience allergic reactions to other foods and materials, which is known as a cross-sensitivity. People with this allergy should be aware of hidden sources of the fruit, such as some sorbets and smoothies. In this article, we look at the symptoms and causes of kiwi allergies in adults and children. We also explain how to avoid triggers and when to see a doctor.

Symptoms Share on Pinterest A person with a kiwi allergy may experience allergic reactions around the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. Kiwifruit is a common cause of oral allergy syndrome, which is a reaction that involves local allergic reactions around the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. The first signs of a kiwi allergy are usually mild and may include a prickly, itchy, or tingling feeling in and around the mouth. People may also develop a rash in areas where the skin made contact with the fruit. Some people have a severe reaction the first time that they eat a kiwi, and they often continue to have severe symptoms. Similarly, if the first reaction is mild, future reactions also tend to be mild. However, a person can sometimes have very little or no reaction to eating the fruit for the first time but find that a second exposure causes far more severe symptoms. In most cases, kiwi reactions are not serious and produce mild local symptoms. However, severe reactions do occur, and they can cause a life threatening response called anaphylaxis. Signs of severe reactions to kiwi include: tingling in the mouth and throat that leads to swelling

numbness in the tongue, lips, or throat

difficulty breathing

severe abdominal pain or cramps

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

a sudden drop in blood pressure

a fast heart rate

dizziness or loss of consciousness

How to avoid triggers The most common kiwi is the green kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), also known as the Hayward kiwi. However, green kiwis, gold kiwis, and kiwi berry may all cause allergic reactions. People should avoid all varieties of the fruit until they speak with an allergy specialist about which foods to eat and avoid. Kiwi is a common ingredient in the following foods and drinks: smoothies

fruit salads, especially tropical varieties

prepackaged frozen fruits

fruit-based sorbet, gelato, and ice cream Kiwi may also act as an ingredient in unexpected places  for instance, some manufacturers use kiwi to glaze pate or tenderize meat. To avoid allergic reactions, people should read ingredient labels before trying new foods or drinks. At restaurants, people with a severe allergy should make the staff aware. The kitchen staff will need to prepare the persons food away from kiwis and ensure that they use different cooking implements for kiwi and other foods. Telling family and friends can also help prevent exposure to the fruit.

Causes of kiwi allergy An allergy to kiwi develops when the immune system mistakes certain proteins in the fruit for harmful substances, similar to viruses or bacteria. The immune system then sends out white blood cells and other compounds, including IgE antibodies, to attack these substances. This immune system response causes many of the symptoms of a kiwi allergy. Research has linked a range of proteins in kiwi fruit to allergic reactions, including actinidin, thaumatin-like protein, and kiwellin. Evidence also suggests that a compound called 30 kDa thiol-protease actinidin may be a major kiwi allergen. People with a kiwi allergy often have a hypersensitivity to other allergens. Kiwi allergies also have links with allergies to the following foods and substances: latex, known as latex-fruit syndrome

pollen, known as pollen-fruit syndrome

avocado

chestnut

banana

apple

peach

papaya

pineapple

olive

carrot

potato

wheat

sesame and poppy seeds

hazelnuts

Japanese cedar

meadow fescue

Kiwi allergy in children The risk of a kiwi allergy may be higher in children than in adults. Parents and caregivers are often careful to avoid common allergens when they start weaning a baby. People often consider kiwis a good food for infants, but it is important to remember that there is a chance that a baby or child may have a kiwi allergy. The body may not show symptoms the first time the child consumes a food to which they are allergic. The symptoms may only arise the second time the child eats the food. In infants and small children, the symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild to severe and may include: redness or swelling around the lips and mouth

scaly or red patches on the skin

hives

excessive crying

irritability

difficulty breathing Parents and caregivers may also notice that the child has an upset stomach. They may vomit, have a bloated abdomen, or have diarrhea after eating. A parent or caregiver should take the child to see a doctor for any of these symptoms or a suspected food allergy.

When to see a doctor It is best to see a doctor or allergy specialist at the first sign of a food allergy. Anyone who notices a tingling or prickly sensation in the mouth and throat after eating kiwi should see a doctor, as this may be the first sign of a strong reaction to the fruit. A healthcare professional can perform a series of tests to diagnose the allergy. They will also be able to determine how severe it is and whether the person also has other related allergies. If a person has a severe allergy, their doctor may recommend that they carry antihistamine medication or an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) at all times to use in the case of a severe allergic reaction. If a person seems to have difficulty breathing, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Adults who smoke marijuana often cut back after becoming parents - but they don't necessarily quit.

The influence of a significant other and positive attitudes toward the drug overall, in addition to the onset of parenthood, also are factors in whether someone uses marijuana.

It's a changing landscape for marijuana use, as laws ease and cultural acceptance grows - in Washington state and elsewhere around the country. Against that backdrop, the study by the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group (SDRG) aims to present information about marijuana use among parents and nonparents alike.

"When it comes to adults, we don't know long-term consequences of moderate marijuana use in the legal context, so that we cannot say that we absolutely must intervene," explained Marina Epstein, a UW research scientist and lead author of the study. "However, when it comes to parents, their use is strongly related to their children's marijuana use, and that is a significant problem, since adolescent marijuana use can be harmful. Our study wanted to prepare us to build effective interventions for all adults if it becomes an issue."

The study, published online in Prevention Science, surveyed 808 adults (parents and nonparents), a group the SDRG first identified as fifth-graders at Seattle elementary schools in the 1980s as part of a long-term research project. For the marijuana study, participants were interviewed at specific intervals over a 12-year period, ending when most participants were 39 years old. That survey concluded in 2014 - two years after marijuana was legalized in Washington. A parent-only subset of 383 people was surveyed at separate times, ending in 2011, just before the statewide vote that gave rise to pot shops.

Women and people of color made up approximately half the big study pool; of the parent subsample, about 60 percent were women, and an equivalent percentage were people of color.

The increasing availability of marijuana, along with shifting societal opinions about it, lends a timeliness to the findings and provides potential for further study, Epstein said. What factors affect behavior, especially among parents? Past studies have linked parenthood with decreased marijuana use; what makes this one different is the examination of other influences, too, and how those might inform intervention strategies.

More than half of Americans now support legalizing marijuana, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center report, and data from 2014 indicate a majority of Americans view alcohol as more damaging to a person's health than pot.

Meanwhile, concerns about the health effects of marijuana tend to focus on children and teens - years when the brain is still developing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute on Drug Abuse stress the potential for long-term cognitive impairment, problems with attention and coordination and other risk-taking behaviors due to heavy marijuana use. For those reasons, medical professionals recommend that parents avoid using marijuana - or drinking heavily - around kids to prevent modeling the behavior.

The UW research found that, in general, a greater percentage of nonparents reported using marijuana in the past year than parents. At age 27, for example, 40 percent of nonparents said they had smoked pot, compared to about 25 percent of parents. By participants' early 30s, their marijuana use had declined, but a gap between the two groups remained: Slightly more than 16 percent of parents said they smoked pot in the past year, while 31 percent of nonparents reported the same.

But the study also showed that participants who started using marijuana as young adults were much more likely to continue to use into their mid- to late 30s, even after they became parents. Having a partner who used marijuana also increased the likelihood of participants' continued use. Those trends were true of both parents and nonparents, demonstrating the impact of attitudes and the behavior of others, Epstein said.

"This shows that we need to treat substance use as a family unit. It isn't enough that one person quits; intervention means working with both partners," she said. "We also need to tackle people's positive attitudes toward marijuana if we want to reduce use."

And while the health risks to adults are being debated, the focus on children can be a driver for prevention campaigns, Epstein said.

Article: Predictors of Adult Marijuana Use Among Parents and Nonparents, Marina Epstein, Jennifer A. Bailey, Christine M. Steeger, Karl G. Hill, Martie L. Skinner, Prevention Science, doi:10.1007/s11121-017-0801-5, published online 19 May 2017.
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.

The results from the Cancer Research UK-funded STAMPEDE1 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.2 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.3

The drug is usually given to men with advanced prostate cancer that has spread and has stopped responding to standard 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 trial - it'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."

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).

Article: Abiraterone for Prostate Cancer Not Previously Treated with Hormone Therapy, Nicholas D. James, Ph.D., et al., New England Journal of Medicine, doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1702900, published 3 June 2017.
If you are a fan of electronic music and you are tired of attending music festivals in India and also need to fulfill the need to travel, Ultra Music Festival Singapore is the one you should likely consider attending. Even though Ultra is coming to India, you cant think about missing a festival that will attract people from around the world. Ultra is coming to Singapore (again) and the line-up has some of the best DJs performing that you may not get a chance to see in the Indian version of Ultra. Here are some reasons why we think you should spend your summer vacation in Singapore.

The Lineup

 Ultra

Ultra Singapore proved with their lineup that they have something for everybody. If you love your EDM, theyve got Tiesto, KSHMR, Dash Berlin, Hardwell and many others performing. Theyve managed to put all the EDM superstars under one roof and theres a high chance that this lineup wont be the same for the Indian edition.

If you love a more mature style of music and are more interested in the underground space, Sasha Vs John Digweed is one of those performances you cant afford to miss. These two legends carved their niche way back in the 90s and the fact that they are working together again is a dream come true for any audiophile.

Location: Singapore

 Ultra

If you are planning your summer vacation and want to get the complete music experience in Singapore. Sure, you may be saving a lot of money to go to Ibiza; however, Im not a fan of paying $150 dollars for a drink. Apart from the music festival, Singapore offers world-class shopping and nightlife that may just give New York a run for their money.

Production

 Facebook

Ultra is notoriously known to put a lot of hard work and effort into their production. In fact, most of our Indian festivals have taken an inspiration or two from the festival. Ultras stages have the complete deal from pyros to dancers to visual effects to fireworks. Apart from experiencing the music, the ULTRA experience is like none other.

Safe And Exclusive Venue

 Ultra

Ultra Singapore is being hosted at the exclusive location right next to the Marina Bay. The venue has been named Ultra Park and the venue is a mixture of lush green pastures and of course the marina. The open air festival is all set to take place near the Marina Bay Sands Hotel which might just be the perfect abode for you.

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world and we simply cannot ignore that one of the biggest worries attending festivals in India is our safety. Last year Ultra in Singapore was revered for their organisational skills where attendees did not feel too cramped.
After the gruesome terror attack that shook London from its core, people have been under constant fear of who will be the next target of these attacks and where will it happen. In the attacks on the London Bridge and near the Borough Market and Vaux Hall, over 7 people have died and as many as 50 have been left injured. On one hand where the whole world stood in solidarity with London, the Brits had their own way of recuperating and proved that come what may, there will always stand strong  even if that courage comes wrapped in the garb of humour.

After one of the American newspapers reported the incident stating that The London attacks hit a nation still reeling from the shock of the bombing in Manchester almost 2 weeks ago, the Brits came up with their own interpretations of the term reeling.

The London attacks hit a nation still reeling from the shock of the bombing in Manchester almost 2 weeks ago https://t.co/aapuMBQTmf  The New York Times (@nytimes) 4 June 2017

According to this guy this is what reeling means in British English.

This is what "reeling" means in British English @nytimes pic.twitter.com/F9QJ9kaR7X  Andy L (@A_V_M_L) 4 June 2017

Or this

No @nytimes, this is what "reeling" looks like.

We'll start panicking when we've no milk for our tea. #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling pic.twitter.com/9U7KqtaC4l  Daniel (@DannyDutch) 4 June 2017

Earlier, we saw pictures of a guy who was seen running with a pint of beer in hand, while others were trying to save their lives. The tweets have definitely left us in splits. However, it will be wrong to assume from the tweets that the Brits arent feeling the pain or trauma, post these attacks. But, the defiance, solidarity and humour with which they are facing these attacks are truly commendable. Here are some of the golden tweets where they have explained the things which they felt would really strike fear in their hearts.

This just hit us right in the feels.

#ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling Not being thanked when you let another car through.  beth innes (@bethinnes) 4 June 2017

Happens most of the time.

Biting into a chocolate bar to discover it's Hershey's and not Cadburys. #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling  Karen Moseley (@SFExpat) 5 June 2017

When you call for aubergine with onions and tomatoes cooked in Indian spices and it turns out to be baingan ka bharta.

Choosing the wrong items for a meal deal and having to pay 10 for a bottle of water, a Sandwich and a twix #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling pic.twitter.com/kFHmjnyEq6  Louise Annette Smith (@LouiseAsmith) 4 June 2017

Life in a Delhi metrough, Tube in Britain.

#ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling finding one passenger occupying more than one seat on the tube. pic.twitter.com/iZpnTkArSE  Rob (@GenericZA) 4 June 2017

This happens all the time.

"Unexpected item in the bagging area"

#ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling  Dave Cooper (@dcoops1989) 4 June 2017

Their is a point.

#ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling people not using there, their and they're correctly  just me..Nic x (@1970nsj) 4 June 2017

Can we call them cookies though?

#ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling calling this a biscuit..... It's a scone for God's sake and is never ever dipped in gravy pic.twitter.com/q84fjoJcas  Paul Chapman (@injumneer74) 4 June 2017

Wait, pleasewait!

Someone holding a door open for you when you're an awkward distance away so you have to jog a few steps #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling  Sam Wilson (@MrSamWilson) 4 June 2017

When I do that stupid little jog over a zebra crossing because a car has stopped for me... #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling pic.twitter.com/vrikiaEIMa  Kate Mann (@kate1978) 4 June 2017

Hi, her name isugh, Darling!

Not catching someone's name and having to spend the next three decades avoiding introducing them to anyone #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling  Sarah Crook (@SarahRoseCrook) 4 June 2017

London is reeling

If London is reeling it means there must be an Irish dance festival in Trafalgar square again ;) ?  Mary Branscombe (@marypcbuk) 4 June 2017
PIGEON  Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker fifth graders didn't only read books this school year  they also penned their very own.

Each student wrote and illustrated their own book and book cover, and their teacher, Lauren Jurgess, had the books printed with hard covers. The books were wrapped up and students gave them to their mothers, or another family member, for Mother's Day.

Jurgess stresses the importance of reading in her classroom every day, but she also wants students to gain skills in expressing their own creativity.

"I decided to have my students do this project because I wanted them to be excited about writing," she said. "So often, kids dread writing and I thought this would get them motivated and interested in it."

Jurgess said she wanted her students to see how far their writing progresses from the beginning of the year to the end and to have a portfolio/keepsake of fifth-grade writing.

"Normally, students write and their papers never make it home for parents to read and cherish," she said. "By publishing a hardcover book, I knew their writing would make it home."

For each book, students wrote multiple stories. Most of the stories were required to be written in a specific style they learned about during the school year  such as a biography.

"At the end of their book, they were allowed to (do) a free write about any topic of their choice," Jurgess said.

Students had to write multiple drafts of their stories, and the last one required them to trace their writing with a sharpie pen so it would be dark enough for publishing.

Fifth-grader Jack Turner said he wrote stories about Benjamin Franklin, lemurs from Madagascar, and about what he would do if he could spend a day with his favorite book character, among other stories.

"I liked doing the story about the lemurs and making up my own stories," he said. "The most challenging part was figuring out what to write."

Rebekah Helmuth wrote about George Washington, fifth-grade activities and book characters, and she also wrote about herself. She said she enjoyed putting it all together, but having to write the story multiple times was a bit tiring.

Brayden Putman wrote about his favorite activities from fifth grade, such as the field trips the class went on. He said he enjoying learning more about the writing process, and the most difficult part was putting everything together.

"I enjoyed drawing the pictures and thinking up creative ideas," said Jackie Payne, who wrote about the fifth-grade trip to clean the Caseville beach, Sacagawea (a Native American woman who helped Lewis and Clark on their expedition) a dog and a family and other topics. "The hardest part was writing it and then tracing it over with a Sharpie pen, because it hurts your hand."

Sarah Lane wrote about fifth-grade activities and about Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an early leader in the women's rights movement.

"I drew a picture of her, and it looked exactly like (her)," said Sarah, who noted she enjoyed learning how to format her writing for the book.

As for Jurgess, her favorite part of the project was reading their work from the beginning of the year and comparing it to their work at the end and seeing how far they have come as published authors.

"Plus, the pictures they illustrated with each writing sample are always entertaining," she said with a grin.

Jurgess said the biggest challenge for her was working against the publishing company's deadline.

"The publishing deadline put real pressure on me and my students, but in the long run, they worked harder knowing they had to have their writing done or it wouldn't be turned into a book on time," she said.

The fifth graders did a marvelous job on their books, Jurgess said.

"I am beyond proud of my students' writing skills and the work ethic they showed with this project," she said. "It wasn't easy or quick. Some of the writing samples took weeks to complete due to the various drafts they worked on."

Jurgess said the Laker Elementary PTOC funded the project.

"I would like to thank our PTOC," she said. "Without their help, I don't know that it would have been successful. I look forward to doing this project and having my students publish their very own book each year."
BAD AXE  The Huron County Sheriffs Office will be offering a Boater Safety Course from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 19-20.

The class will be held at the sheriffs offices basement. Students must attend both classes.
SANILAC TOWNSHIP  Three people recently were taken to the hospital for treatment of hypothermia following an incident in the waters north of Port Sanilac Harbor recently.

According to the Sanilac County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called to both the harbor and the beach access point to assist and render aid to five subjects that had been in the water for around 45 minutes to an hour. After first aid treatment from Sanilac EMS and Port Sanilac Fire Rescue, three of the subjects were transported to McKenzie Hospital for further treatment.
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 dispute roiling Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the Middle East over Qatar's alleged ties to terrorism has not affected the Air Force's air operations against the Islamic State, the service's top civilian said Monday.

"It's largely a diplomatic issue, and [U.S. State] Secretary [Rex] Tillerson has made some comments  that it hasn't changed our operations" in the air campaign, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson told audiences at an Air Force Association breakfast in Washington, D.C.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Yemen and Libya suspended diplomatic relations with Qatar early Monday over what they say is Qatar's backing of extremist groups such as the radical Islamist movement of the Muslim Brotherhood, among other issues.

The countries cut off land, air and sea travel to and from the country in an effort to protect their own endeavors in fighting terrorism and extremism.

Outside of Doha, Qatar's capital, the Pentagon has roughly 10,000 military personnel at Al Udeid Air Base, many of whom support Air Forces Central Command in Operation Inherent Resolve, the Defense Department's effort to stamp out ISIS.

The Doha area has been in use by the U.S. since the 1990s. In 2003, groundwork began for the first permanent facilities at Al Udeid.

RELATED: F-15Es, A-10s Leading Air War Against ISIS

U.S. B-52 Stratofortresses landed at the base in April 2016 to begin a bombing rotation against ISIS, replacing B-1B Lancer bombers that returned home for maintenance. The base acts as a major hub for air operations in the Gulf.

During a meeting in Sydney, Australia, Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis on Monday encouraged the nations to cooperate in order to effectively execute their own anti-ISIS agendas.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," Tillerson said, according to The New York Times.

The Air Force found itself in a similar predicament last year when relations with Turkey became strained after an internal coup against President Tayyip Erdogan. Personnel at Incirlik Air Base -- a joint base operated by the U.S. Air Force and the Turkish air force -- found themselves hunkered down for a few days without power and water.

"They, obviously, are our ally. We stand with them. They're an effective air force, and Incirlik is an important location for our joint fight," then-Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James told reporters in August. Incirlik, about 100 miles from the border with Syria, plays a strategic role in the fight against ISIS.

The U.S. has manned and unmanned aircraft, including KC-135 Stratotankers, A-10 Thunderbolts and MQ-1 Predators at Incirlik.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
Joseph V. Micallef is a best-selling military history and world affairs author, and keynote speaker. Follow him on Twitter@JosephVMicallef.

If North Korea didn't exist, it would be hard to imagine it except as some futuristic dystopia in a sci-fi thriller.

Marijuana is legal in North Korea. Indeed, its distribution is a government monopoly, while possession of pornography will get you shot or, worse yet, sentenced to a prison labor camp.

Haircuts are tightly controlled. All North Koreans must adhere to one of 28 approved haircuts. Failure to do so may result in having police give you an on-the-spot haircut -- or much worse. Women have a choice of 14 hair styles, while men can choose from between 10. Best strategy: sport whatever haircut the Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has and you should be OK.

Judges, on the other hand, have free rein to decide how to execute prisoners, including using 50-caliber machine guns or having a pack of ravenous dogs tear apart and consume a victim. Moreover, criminals (a concept that has a rather expansive definition in North Korea) are subject to the "Three Generations of Punishment" rule. Commit a crime and not only will you go to prison, but so will grandma and your kids.

Pyongyang boasts the world's largest stadium, capable of seating 150,000 people and, at 105 stories, one of the world's tallest buildings. Little sport is played in the stadium, however, and the futuristic-looking skyscraper is unfinished inside and sits empty.

North Korea has also built a Potemkin-style, uninhabited village, Kijong-dong (Peace Village), along its border with South Korea to tempt defectors from the south with North Korea's idyllic lifestyle.

That idyllic lifestyle means that the average North Korean is two inches shorter than his southern counterpart. Much of the population suffers from a lack of food, and one-third of children are malnourished. Neither of which prevented Kim Jong-il from spending three quarters of a million dollars on imported French Hennessy Cognac every year, about 800 times the average per capita income of a North Korean.

North Korea claims 100 percent literacy, one of the few nations in the world to make that claim, although schoolchildren spend hundreds of hours learning the biographical history of the glorious Kim family. The country has its own calendar, year 1 being the birth of Kim Il-Sung in 1912, and its own time zone. We are currently in Juche (year) 105.

On a more serious note, North Korea boasts the world's fourth largest army. At 1.2 million soldiers, it is only slightly smaller than the 1.4 million personnel in the U.S. armed forces. The military reports directly to Kim Jong-un, who at 34 is the youngest leader of a state, and who also has no military training or experience.

Pyongyang has tested five nuclear devices between 2006 and 2016, and is rumored to be readying a sixth test. In addition, it has developed a range of short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles that it claims can carry a nuclear warhead, and boasts that it will soon have intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

To be considered a credible nuclear power in the 21st century, you need three things: a nuclear device capable of being fitted onto a missile, sufficient range on that missile to carry it for some distance, and a guidance system that will allow you to deliver the warhead to its intended target.

Where does Pyongyang stand on each of these prerequisites?

Developing Nuclear Devices

North Korea exploded its first nuclear device on October 9, 2006. The test occurred underground in a tunnel complex at the Punggye-ri test site in North Hamgyong Province. It is tricky to assess the yield of the device since the depth at which it was detonated and the geology of the surrounding rock strata is not known. It's believed that the yield on the device was under one kiloton (kt). If so, it was what nuclear weapons designers call a fizzle -- a nuclear device that substantially fails to meet its expected yield.

Additional tests followed on May 25, 2009; Feb. 12, 2013; Jan. 6, 2016; and Sept. 9, 2016. The yields were measured at 5.4 kt, 14 kt, 12 kt to 16 kt, 10 kt and 20 kt to 25 kt. The tests show a steady increase in the yield of the nuclear devices tested.

Pyongyang announced that the January 2016 test was a hydrogen bomb. That's highly unlikely as there is no evidence that the North Koreans have mastered that technology. What is more likely is that the North Koreans have used Lithium 6 to enhance the yield of their nuclear devices.

Lithium 6 is used in the production of single-stage thermonuclear weapons and so-called boosted-fission weapons. Inside an atomic bomb, Lithium 6, a soft silvery-white metal, reacts with a neutron cascade to produce tritium, a key ingredient in thermonuclear weapons. When tritium fuses with deuterium, it produces additional explosive energy, as well as enhancing the neutron cascade to create more efficient fissioning of the weapons-grade uranium or plutonium in the weapon's core.

North Korea is believed to have recently brought online a Lithium 6 production facility at the Hungnam Chemical Complex outside of Hamhung.

Pyongyang also announced that the September 2016 test was that of a missile-ready warhead. North Korea subsequently released a picture of what it claimed was "a miniaturized spherical nuclear bomb" that could be mounted on its intermediate range missiles. It is unclear whether the picture simply depicts the outer casing that would surround a miniaturized nuclear warhead or an actual functioning prototype.

Several intelligence agencies, however, have indicated that it is highly likely that North Korea will have mastered the ability to fit a warhead onto a missile within the next two to five years.

Even if Pyongyang has succeeded in miniaturizing a nuclear warhead, there is a big difference between detonating a warhead under test conditions and designing a warhead robust enough to withstand a missile flight and atmospheric re-entry. It's unlikely that North Korea has achieved this additional milestone, but it will likely do so in the next few years.

A yield of 20 kt to 25 kt is roughly comparable to the 21-kt atom bomb the U.S. dropped on Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945. Such a device would completely level everything within a one-third-mile radius from the epicenter and destroy most buildings in a one-mile radius from the explosion. There would be significant damage to buildings for an additional two miles from the one-mile radius zone. By comparison, a thermonuclear, 20 megaton bomb would have a damage zone roughly 10 times greater.

The initial test was from a plutonium-based weapon. The nuclear reactor facility at Yongbyon can produce enough plutonium to fuel roughly one atomic bomb a year. At Yongbyon, the North Koreans also operate a uranium enrichment facility. North Korea has large deposits of uranium ore, giving it the raw material from which to construct an enriched uranium bomb.

Naturally occurring uranium consists of the isotopes of uranium 238 (99.28%) and uranium 235 (.71%). A uranium bomb requires about 50 kg of at least 80 percent to 90 percent enriched U-235. Depending on the grade, you need between 5,000 and 10,000 tons of uranium ore to extract enough U-235 to make a bomb.

The separation of U-235 from U-238 is difficult, and there are several ways of doing it. The most common is to treat the uranium metal that is extracted from the ore with fluorine gas. The resulting uranium hexafluoride gas is then processed through a series of high-speed centrifuges to isolate the U-235 isotope. That's how Iran was creating the fuel to power its atomic bombs. North Korea is doing the same.

The extent of North Korea's uranium enrichment activity is unclear. Western intelligence agencies believe that North Korea operates between 2,000 and 3,000 centrifuges. This seems low, so it's possible there may be other uranium enrichment facilities elsewhere. It appears that it is adding to its nuclear arsenal at the rate of three to five bombs a year. Since it can produce about one plutonium bomb in that period, the balance must be of the enriched uranium type. In total, it is estimated that North Korea has between 20 and 25 nuclear bombs. Their reliability, however, is unknown.

It was widely expected that North Korea would conduct a sixth nuclear test in May to coincide with the 105th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il-sung. To date, however, no test has occurred.

Missile Delivery System

The second critical requirement to be a bona fide nuclear power is a missile delivery system capable of reaching its intended target.

North Korea's missile development program is part of the Strategic Missile Forces (SMF), a division of the Korean's People Army tasked with overseeing and developing conventional and nuclear, tactical and strategic, missile forces.

Pyongyang's missile development program began, most likely, in the mid-1960s based on the transfer of Russian and Chinese surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship coastal defense missiles and their accompanying technology.

The program did not show significant progress until North Korea obtained Soviet Scud-B ballistic missiles (R-17 Elbrus). It appears that the Koreans reverse-engineered the Scud B, possibly from design plans obtained from Egypt, made small improvements to it and began mass producing it as the Hwasong-5.

The Hwasong-5 has a range of around 200 miles and can carry a 1000 kg payload. It's believed that North Korea developed a variety of payloads for the Hwasong-5, including high explosive, cluster munitions, chemical and possible biological warheads.

In 1985, Iran purchased about 100 Hwasong-5 missiles for $500 million. As part of the transaction, Pyongyang agreed to transfer missile technology and establish a production facility in Iran. The Iranian version of the Hwasong-5 was deployed as the Shahab-1. This marked the acceleration of Iran's missile development program and the start of a long-term cooperation with North Korea on sharing missile technology.

The Hwasong-5 went into mass production in 1987, and is still widely deployed throughout North Korea. Pyongyang tried to sell the missile system and its accompanying technology, but it's believed that only Iran ever purchased it.

Starting in the late 1980s, Pyongyang's development of medium- and intermediate-range missiles began to accelerate. The Hwasong-5 was followed by the Hwasong-6. This missile was comparable to the Soviet Era Scud-C/D. It carried a comparable payload and had a range of 300+ miles. It's not clear whether the North Koreans reverse-engineered a Scud C or independently developed a similar design. It's also possible that they obtained design plans from China. It's estimated that there are currently between 300 and 900 Hwasong-5 and Hwasong-6 missiles deployed.

The Hwasong-7 was a single-stage, mobile liquid propellant, medium-range ballistic missile. It was a scaled-up version of the original Hwasong design. It carried a similar payload, but with a vastly improved range of 600 to 900 miles. This range was sufficient to put Japan's principal cities at risk. The missile was deployed as the Rodong-1. The Koreans have also referred to it as the Nodong-1.

Under Pyongyang's missile technology sharing agreement with Tehran, it was introduced in Iran as the Shahab-3. It was also sold to Pakistan (Hatf 5 Ghauri), as well as to Egypt and Libya. It's unclear how many of Hwasong-7s have been deployed. Estimates range from less than 50 to more than 200.

Over the 1990s, North Korea introduced the Taepodong-1, also known as the Paektusan-1, an intermediate-range ballistic missile. The Taepodong was a three-stage, liquid fuel-propelled rocket. It was used as a space launch vehicle on Aug. 31, 1998. It's believed that the third stage malfunctioned and the satellite it was carrying failed to achieve a stable orbit. North Korea has since then successfully put up two satellites, KMS-3 and KMS-4. These satellites orbit over the U.S. on trajectories that, according to James Woolsey, a former director of the CIA, are "consistent with (a) surprise EMP attack."

It was followed by the Taepodong-2. The missile was also ostensibly designed to function as a space launch vehicle but was interpreted by intelligence analysts as a prototype for a longer- range ballistic missile. It's unclear if that was in fact its intended use.

The Taepodong-2 likely has a potential range of 2,500 to 3,000 miles but can carry a payload of only around 500 kg, insufficient, Western intelligence analysts maintain, for any current North Korean nuclear device.

In June 2016, North Korea successfully tested the Hwasong-10, also known as the BM-25 and Musudan. This is a mobile, liquid fueled, intermediate-range ballistic missile. It has a range of between 1,500 and 2,500 miles and carries a payload of between 1,000 kg and 1,250 kg.

The missile must be fueled at the launch site, limiting its effectiveness in a second-strike capability. Subsequent tests, including the most recent on Feb. 11, 2017, have proven to be either failures or inconclusive.

On May 14, 2017, Pyongyang successfully tested a Hwasong-12. The missile is a borderline intercontinental range ballistic missile with a range of about 3,600 miles. That range is sufficient to reach Guam and the westernmost fringe of the Alaska coast. Technically, this missile can reach the North American mainland, even if it is just a tiny sliver of Alaska. The missile can carry a warhead of between 500 kg and 650 kg.

In the meantime, North Korea has been developing the KN-08 (Hwasong-13) and KN-14. These are true ICBMs with a potential range of 6,000 to 7,000 miles, enough distance to reach Chicago and Toronto and, depending on the payload weight, as far as the East Coast of the United States.

It's believed by some intelligence agencies that Pyongyang conducted tests of the KN-08 on Oct. 15 and 20, 2016. Neither test appeared to be successful.

It is unclear whether the missiles rely on liquid fuel or a solid-fuel propulsion. The KN-14 has never been tested. At its maximum range, the KN missile could deliver a payload of between 500-700 kg.

North Korea has also developed a submarine-launched version of the Pukkuksong-1 missile (KN-11/Nodong-B), which it successfully tested on Aug. 24, 2016. A second, apparently successful test, was conducted on May 28, 2017. This is a solid-fuel rocket. The operational range is unknown and has been estimated at anywhere from 300 miles to 1,500 miles. Its payload is also unknown.

On Feb. 12, North Korea also successfully tested the Pukkuksong-2, a solid-fuel rocket mounted on a tracked transporter erector launcher (TEL). The missile is believed to be nuclear capable and can be launched in minutes. When fully deployed, sometime after 2020, it will effectively give North Korea, assuming it has the requisite nuclear warhead, a second-strike capability. A second test occurred on May 21, 2017.

Under Kim Jong-un, North Korea's missile development program has sharply accelerated. During his almost six-year tenure, Pyongyang has conducted a total of 78 missile tests, of which 61 appeared to have succeeded -- a failure rate of just 22 percent. By comparison, during his father's, Kim Jong-il's 17-year reign, North Korea tested only 16 missiles.

Guidance Systems

The final element to having a credible nuclear posture is to possess a guidance system that is sufficiently accurate to deliver a warhead to its intended target. Accuracy is far more important if the target is a small military objective, especially if it is reinforced to withstand blast damage. If a nuclear weapon is intended as a weapon of mass destruction launched against a city, accuracy is less important, though still relevant.

Not a lot is publicly disclosed about the guidance systems employed by North Korean missiles. What is known is highly classified.

We do know that their missiles rely primarily on inertial guidance systems. Such systems use measurement devices to adjust a missile's course based on the acceleration it undergoes after it is launched.

Modern aircraft use solid-state ring laser gyros that, over ranges of 6,000 miles, are accurate to 300 feet. Too inaccurate for a missile launched against most military targets, but adequate if you are targeting a large population center. The advantage of such systems is that they are self-contained and are not dependent on additional inputs that can be jammed or disrupted.

It's possible that North Korea has access or is hacking into China's Beidou satellite navigation system. If so, then it could significantly improve the accuracy of its missiles. That also means, however, that the missiles can be jammed or hacked in what is euphemistically called "left of launch" cyber-attacks on the missile's guidance system. It has been suggested that recent failures of North Korea's missile tests are attributable to cyber-attacks on the missile's guidance system by the U.S.

A second explanation for the malfunctions is that the international supply chain (an illegal operation that is flouting U.N.-mandated sanctions against aiding Pyongyang's nuclear development program) that North Korea is dependent on for the complex electronics of its missile guidance systems has been deliberately infected with malware that is causing the missiles to fail.

Re-Entry Vehicles

There is one additional consideration that must be weighed. North Korea has yet to demonstrate that it can build a vehicle capable of surviving re-entry into the atmosphere at ICBM speeds. Moreover, it's not clear that it is anywhere close to having a maneuverable re-entry vehicle. Both factors are essential if Pyongyang wants a credible strategic nuclear missile capability.

The Trump administration has already indicated that the potential use of military force "is on the table" and is under consideration. There have been consistent reports of the U.S. Air Force doing drills over South Korea and readiness preparations at U.S. military bases on Guam and elsewhere in East Asia. In late May, the U.S. government briefed civilian officials on Guam on civil defense procedures, terrorist threats and North Korea.

Currently, the U.S. has two carriers, the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Ronald Reagan, and their battle groups in the Sea of Japan. A third carrier, the Nimitz, is scheduled to leave its homeport of Bremerton on June 1 and will be on station in a week. Such steps would precede any military strike and may be an indication that such an action is forthcoming. It may also be a false signal designed to intimidate Pyongyang into backing down or spur Beijing into putting more pressure on North Korea.

Based on the available evidence, admittedly incomplete, it does not appear that North Korea poses an immediate threat to the United States. It does pose a peril to Japan and South Korea, but that danger is no more acute today than it was a year ago. In the intermediate term however -- the next two to five years -- there is little doubt that the threat posed by North Korea to the U.S. and its east Asian allies will become far graver.

Pyongyang's progress in developing intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles, despite many failures, is impressive.

While its progress falls far short of having a strategic nuclear capability, it has made steady progress in improving the range and reliability of its missile forces. It has successfully demonstrated that it can make the transition to solid-fuel propellants, a development that, by the early 2020s, will give it a credible second strike capability. It has also demonstrated a clear ability to improve the explosive power of its atomic weapons, even if those weapons are relatively puny compared to the mega-tonnage arsenal of the world's nuclear powers.

It is simply not clear whether North Korea has succeeded in miniaturizing an atomic weapon so that it can be carried in the nose cone of a missile. Intelligence agencies estimate that the latest atomic devices tested by Pyongyang weighed about 1,000 kgs. To fit on North Korea's missile arsenal, those atomic devices must be shrunk down to about 500 kg or less. That's not an easy thing to do but, given sufficient time, it's likely that the Koreans will get there.

North Korea still must demonstrate that it can reliably hit a target thousands of miles away, that it has a vehicle that can withstand the stresses of re-entry, and that it can field a missile force with an acceptable failure rate. A high failure rate means that it is far more likely that the U.S. would be able to intercept those few missiles that launched successfully.

Given the progress to date, it is hard to see how Pyongyang would have a credible, albeit still small, strategic nuclear capability against the U.S. before 2025 at the earliest. There is a lot we don't know, however, about North Korea's nuclear missile program. There is always the possibility that we will be surprised by an unexpected development. Moreover, it is also likely that North Korea will have a nuclear attack capability against South Korea and Japan much earlier, perhaps as soon as 2020-2022.

There is also a second consideration. Advances in Pyongyang's nuclear and missile technology will invariably get transferred to the Iranian and possibly the Pakistani nuclear programs. These three countries' nuclear programs are the most dangerous and regionally destabilizing of the world's incipient nuclear powers and, as they began to approach realization -- or in the case of Pakistan, undergo further expansion -- will have broad and far-reaching implications for the international politics of each of their surrounding regions.

Moreover, one of the inadvertent consequences of the Obama administration's nuclear deal with Iran is that Tehran got access to $100-$150 billion in frozen assets. It's likely that some of those funds will end up indirectly financing North Korea's nuclear weapons development program. Just because Iran is technically stymied for pursuing further development of its nuclear arsenal doesn't mean it can't finance a portion of the North Korean program in return for access to that technology later.

For the last half-century, we have taught Pyongyang that every time it bluffs, the West will back down. Not surprisingly, North Korea continues to pursue a strategy that has been shown to be a winning one. The risk is that one of these days the West will call Pyongyang's bluff and, when that happens, the likelihood of an all-out war on the Korean peninsula is very high.

It's very possible that the Trump administration is preparing to call Kim Jong-un's bluff. If so, we are heading for a showdown between two men whose political survival precludes either from backing down. Such dynamics invariably lead to a conflict that nobody wants but which neither side will back down to prevent.

A war would likely result in the end of the North Korean state, but it would also result in tens, if not hundreds, of billions of dollars of damage to South Korea and the deaths, potentially, of hundreds of thousands and conceivably millions of people.

Moreover, depending on North Korea's capabilities when such a conflict broke out, the violence could spill over into Japan as well, raising the cost, both in lives and property, commensurately higher.

North Korea cannot continue its present course of developing nuclear armed missiles. No American president will allow Pyongyang to develop a credible nuclear strategic capability to strike the continental United States. Barring North Korea's agreement to shut down its nuclear and missile program, a day of reckoning is coming. Perhaps not today or tomorrow, but it is coming.

If the signals from the Trump administration are to be believed, it may come a lot sooner than we want.
Health records at the Department of Veterans Affairs will eventually move to the same system used by the Pentagon, the VA's top official announced Monday.

The move marks a shift from the VA's previous plan to develop its own system to digitize records. It will bring the agencies closer to sharing veterans' health information in an effort to solve a problem that has plagued the two departments for decades.

"The bottom line is we still don't have the ability to trade information seamlessly for our veteran patients and seamlessly execute a share plan of care with smooth handoffs," VA Secretary David Shulkin said in a statement announcing the plan.

"Without improved and consistently implemented national interoperability standards, VA and DoD will continue to face significant challenges if the departments remain on two different systems," he added.

Rather than go it alone, the VA plans to adopt the Pentagon's electronic records system, known as MHS Genesis, which the Defense Department acquired in 2015 as part of a contract worth as much as $9 billion over 18 years, officials said at the time.

The first military hospital to use it came online early this year at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, with more hospitals slated to start this summer.

VA officials didn't say how much the cost of adopting the technology would be -- nor announce when it was expected to be fully functional. The initial Pentagon rollout took nearly 18 months from the time the contract was announced, and the system will not be available at all Defense Department facilities until 2022, officials said early this year.

For the Pentagon, MHS Genesis provides integrated medical and dental health care records for all system patients and military health care providers, officials have said. Records stored in it can be shared with civilian providers who subscribe to the eHealth Exchange network. And patients can access lab results, messages from their doctors and any health records doctors choose to share through Tricare Online, officials have said.

However, the VA's version of the system will not completely mirror the Pentagon's, Shulkin said, because the former has "unique needs," such as partnership with a variety of community-based providers on different systems.

"Therefore we are embarking on creating something that has not been done before -- that is an integrated product that, while utilizing the DoD platform, will require a meaningful integration with other vendors to create a system that serves veterans in the best possible way," he said.

Although Shulkin did not lay out a timeline for the VA's 168 medical centers to adopt the system, he did announce a plan to circumvent a government open competition requirement for the contract -- a process that took the Pentagon some 26 months. That is time the VA does not have, he said.

"We simply can't afford to wait that long when it comes to the health of our veterans," he said. "Because of the urgency and the critical nature of this decision, I have decided that there is a public interest exception to the requirement for full and open competition in this technology acquisition."

The secretary said the agency will work directly with Cerner Corp., which owns the system.

President Donald Trump praised the announcement, calling it "one of the biggest wins for our veterans in decades."

"For decades, the federal government has struggled to accomplish something that should be very, very simple -- seamlessly transferring a veteran's medical records from the Defense Department to the veterans groups and to the VA," he said. "I'm very proud to say that we are finally taking steps to solve this situation once and for all."

The plan to modernize the records system does not come as a surprise. During remarks at a White House press conference last week, Shulkin said he would be making a decision on the fate of the VA's system "in the very near future."

-- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com.
"This operation is not being planned with any alternatives. This operation is planned as a victory, and that's the way it's going to be. We're going down there, and we're throwing everything we have into it, and we're going to make it a success." -- Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

"We were the ones, who gave France their freedom. Seeing this -- being honored and knowing that those who gave their lives have not been forgotten -- that is what's important." -- Charles Wilson, U.S. Army 4th Division, Battery C tank driver

June 6, 1944: It was perhaps the most pivotal day in World War II. More than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily fortified French coastline, to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France, with the support of 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft. The Normandy beaches were chosen for D-Day because they lay within range of air cover, and were less heavily defended than the obvious objective of the Pas de Calais, the shortest distance between Great Britain and the continent.

Airborne drops at both ends of the beachheads were intended to protect the flanks, as well as open up roadways to the interior. Six divisions were to land on the first day; three U.S., two British and one Canadian. Two more British divisions and one U.S. division were to follow up after the assault had cleared the way through the beach defenses.

Disorganization, confusion, incomplete or faulty implementation of plans characterized the initial phases of the landings. This was especially true of the airborne landings that were badly scattered, as well as the first wave units landing on the assault beaches. To their great credit, most of the troops adapted to the disorganization. In the end, the Allies achieved their objective.

The cost in lives on D-Day was high. More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe, to defeat Adolf Hitler's crack troops. As Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower said in a broadcast to the citizens of occupied Europe following D-Day, "Although the initial assault may not have been in your own country, the hour of your liberation is approaching."

Military.com salutes the people who made the Allied invasion of Normandy a success with these featured articles. Read soldiers' firsthand accounts of their D-Day experiences, and learn more about the key leaders and how events unfolded on that fateful day.
ANN ARBOR, MI - More than 70 companies are set to welcome curious visitors during Ann Arbor SPARK's Tech Trek, with this year's event debuting TED Talk-style speakers.

The free event known as Tech Trek runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 16. More than 70 companies are hosting open houses and showcasing their technology and products during the event, which drew around 2,000 people in 2016.

Anyone interested in Ann Arbor's tech industry is encouraged to register online, from job seekers to graduate students to children and their parents. Some companies are hiring and will be discussing employment opportunities during the event.

Ann Arbor SPARK officials are learning what the public likes most about the event and applying it this year, said Bill Mayer, vice president of entrepreneurial services for the economic development group.

"We're building on the success of the last two Tech Treks - the elements participants liked the most - by offering more stops, an interactive mobile app and great prizes for those who engage in our social media contest," Mayer said in a statement.

"It's exciting to watch the level of engagement from both the companies and the community, and to see people of all ages inspired by the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem here."

Mayer said around 2,000 people are already registered for Tech Trek, with 30 physical locations hosting around 80 companies. Those registered are visiting from not only around Michigan, but at least 24 other states.

At least 20 percent of those registered self-identified as a job-seeker, he added.

Another tool to navigate Tech Trek is being unveiled in the Apple App store in the next couple days: a mobile app that tracks locations visited and wait times. It also lists companies that are seeking new employees, Mayer said.

Tech Trek registration includes a shirt and a map of the Tech trek locations. Some stops will include refreshments and giveaways, like T-shirts and prizes.

Check-in locations include:

SPARK Central Innovation Center, 330 E. Liberty St.

Barracuda Networks, 317 Maynard St.

Bank of Ann Arbor, 125 S. 5th Ave.

This year's Tech Trek is proceeded by the first annual Tech Talk, a TED-styled event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty. Hear from leading innovators about the newest products and the future of technology during 7-minute presentations that include a question-and-answer session.

Tech Talk was inspired by a need for activities to occupy early visitors who were eager to start the Ann Arbor event, Mayer said.

"What we designed the Tech Talk to do is to mimic the TED talk format, but think of it as an introduction to some of the companies you would consider visiting on the Trek," Mayer said. "It creates a full circle for the Tech Trek experience."

Tech Talk speakers include:

Greg Gage, cofounder and chief executive officer of Backyard Brains

Gage is a neuroscientist and senior fellow at TED. He helped found Backyard Brains, a company created by University of Michigan graduate students aimed at developing educational tools for children.

James Goebel, founding partner of Menlo Innovations

A custom software building company based in Ann Arbor, Menlo Innovations uses a program called the Business Value of Joy to create and promote a rewarding work life for its employees. Goebel has more than two decades worth of experience as a software product developer.

Lon Lowen, senior director of engineering operations at Arbor Networks

Responsible for divisions of Arbor Networks like beta programs, security assessments and sustainment engineering, Lowen will discuss his work in data networking and internet technologies.

Daniel Moore, technical service engineer at Universal Robots

Universal Robots, headquartered in Denmark, manufactures flexible industrial-style robot arms, and Moore is one of the engineers helping the company in areas of pre-sales and application troubleshooting. Moore has a degree in electrical engineering with a focus on automation.

Jon Oberheide, co-founder and chief technical officer of Duo Security

Duo Security is an Ann Arbor-based software-as-a-service companies, providing cloud-base security to users across the world. Oberheide works with customers like Facebook, Etsy and Kayak to protect information online and leads the product vision for Duo Security.

Andrew Sardone, vice president of engineering at Nutshell

A software engineer and designer, Sardone lives in Ann Arbor and spends a lot of time building new products aimed at customer relationship management for Nutshell. The company was founded in 2009.

Chris Schneider, senior vice president of engineering at LLamasoft

LLamasoft's suite of products looks at every aspect of the supply chain on a global scale, with Schneider in charge of continuing development. He is a University of Michigan graduate and spent some of his career in Silicon Valley before returning to Ann Arbor.

Alon Yaffe, vice president of product management and data protection at Barracuda Networks

Companies across the world are seeing a rise in cyber security threats, and Barracuda Networks is responding with software and data protection products to help clients with their needs. Yaffe has more than 20 years of experience in software development.

Christina York, founder and chief executive officer of SpellBound

Augmented reality company Spellbound works with hospitals and teachers to create therapy-like experiences for children. It is a mobile app and publishing platform that brings stories to life as part of distraction therapy for pediatric patients.

See a list of companies- including Ford Labs, Girl Develop It, and Nokia- participating in the 2017 Tech Trek.
YPSILANTI, MI - A foreign investment company is proposing a huge residential and retail development in the city of Ypsilanti designed to attract immigrants, primarily from Asia.

The project would use an old industrial site in the city for a $150 to $300 million mixed-use residential and retail property with an Eastern-inspired structure and philosophy.

Up to 3,000 people could live at the site called International Village.

People living at International Village would include international students, extended-stay and permanent residents. Residential options would range from one to five-bedroom units in four- to five-story apartment buildings.

"Other areas would be targeted but not limited to newly immigrated foreign nationals," said Beth Ernat, director of economic development for the City of Ypsilanti. "It would serve primarily as a landing pad as people move in the United States, as a comfort area where they are part of the community but still have some familiarity with the culture."

Ernat said city officials are cautiously optimistic about the project.

"We're excited to learn more, but we're also leery of putting all our eggs in one basket," Ernat said. "We'll do thorough research and vetting before that decision is made."

The Ypsilanti City Council accepted a Letter of Intent from International Village on May 24, prompting a 120-day "due diligence" period for the investment company to perform geotechnical and remediation studies of the Water Street property it wants to use.

Water Street is a 36-acre property located in the heart of Ypsilanti that the city has had trouble redeveloping due to contamination on the property. Part of the property is now occupied by a Family Dollar, the sole development approved for the property.

Wayne Hoffman with Spence Brothers is serving as the developer's representative during pre-construction consulting. He said the son of Amy Xue Foster, principal of International Village LLC, attended Eastern Michigan University and the family is familiar with the area.

Company officials say the project would create at least a thousand jobs and bring hundreds of permanent residents to the region.

Documents state the development would be built with a focus on Eastern culture, cuisine, customs and living practices.

Key financing would come from Eastern investors.

"The creation of the development will be really reliant on international investment, primarily Chinese but also other Eastern countries," Ernat said.

The documents also said foreign direct investment would come through general equity/financing and a program called EB-5.

The EB-5 program is administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allowing entrepreneurs and their families to become eligible for green cards if they make a certain amount of investment in a commercial enterprise or plan to create at least 10 full-time permanent jobs in the country.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services website, the minimum qualifying capital amount for general investment is $1 million, or $500,000 for targeted areas with high unemployment or rural locations.

International Village is a project of the

The 120-day due diligence period includes determining "detailed financial feasibility" and solidifying commitments from international investors.

Mean temperatures in both the summer and winter of Ypsilanti compared to Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu.

Population demographics showing a rise in the Asian population across the region, from 13,810 people in 2016 within a 15-minute drive of the Water Street area compared to a projected 16,295 in 2021. There are no sources cited for the data.

The first phase of development for International Village would range from $150 to $200 million, with a total of up to $300 million in total development costs. The construction would result in the creation of 1,500 to 2,000 jobs both during and after the development period.

It would bring in 1,500 people during the first phase as residents, with a target of 3,000 people at peak development, the presentation said.

Described as a smart development in the presentation, the mixed-use property would include retail spaces like a grocery store along with a "culturally-branded gateway" and residential/commercial areas.

International Village has until Sept. 21, to deliver an answer on whether it will develop the property or not. The investment company can decline the property or start financial negotiations before the end of the period, Ernat said.

If a purchase agreement is reached, a new 180-day period would begin to secure investment approvals and city permits. The presentation said International Village officials anticipate a two-year construction schedule, starting fall 2018.

The targeted completion date is September 2020.

Foster, principal of International Village LLC, said Ypsilanti is perfectly located for the development concept.

"The city's diversity and location near the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, and other college and universities, the Center for American Mobility and MCity; and the site's beautiful setting along the Huron River make Ypsilanti the perfect place to attract and retain foreign investment," Foster said in a statement.

The investment company is referring questions about work being done on the site to Spence Brothers, she said. Spence Brothers has an office in Ann Arbor and is included in the proposal as the construction manager and general contractor for International Village.

Hoffman told the Ann Arbor News the geotechnical consultant company would be on site at Water Street in about two weeks.

The city purchased Water Street parcels in the 90s and early 2000s, and has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars since on soil remediation efforts and clearing out existing buildings. By 2004, the city had more than $30 million of debt tied to the property.

Voters in August 2016 voted down a millage that would have addressed the debt related to Water Street and the nearly million-dollar annual payments the city is making to repay bonds sold to acquire the parcel.

The new development proposal could reduce the financial burden of the Water Street property and improve employment and housing opportunities for Ypsilanti residents, said Mayor Amanda M. Edmonds.

"We look forward to learning more about what International Village can offer us as their due diligence proceeds," Edmonds said in a statement.
John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

By JOHN D. GONZALEZ | gonzo@mlive.com

The clear spirits are the first ones most new distillers take on, but it's the brown ones -- mainly whiskey -- that everyone is most excited about,

That's what Amy Sherman and I discovered when we traveled to 24 Michigan Craft Distilleries over a couple weeks in late May. There is big passion, and excitement, that Michigan will be a big player in years to come.

Why "years"? That's because whiskey takes time to produce. There are a lot of rules when it comes to whiskey and Bourbon. Bourbon has to be aged at least two years in new, charred oak barrels to be considered Bourbon.

The newcomers have to figure out a way to offer whiskey because of consumer demands or just tell everyone to wait. That's what American Fifth in Lansing and Ellison Brewery + Spirits in East Lansing are doing.

Others such as New Holland Artisan Spirits in Holland and Valentine Distilling Co. in Ferndale have been in the business for at least 10 years. "We started doing this before there was a craft industry," said Rifino Valentine. "The youngest whiskey we sell is 4 years and the oldest is 10 years. It's a progression of sorts. You start with the whites and then you go to the aged spirits."

It's an exciting time in the industry, especially in Michigan, because we're industry leaders, according to the Michigan Craft Distillers Association. Michigan is one of the country's Top 5 producers.

Over the next few days, Amy and I will share our adventures with a series of stories.

Today we will look at Whiskeys and Bourbons.

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Whiskey vs. Bourbon

One of the questions we received from readers is to explain the difference between Bourbon and whiskey.

We learned that "all Bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon," according to Brandon Voorhees of Gray Skies in Grand Rapids.

Basically, straight Bourbon needs to be produced in America and made from at least 51 percent corn, and needs to be aged for at least two years in new, charred-oak barrels.

"Every whiskey has it own rules and regulations you have to abide by," he said. "If you do a wheat or rye whiskey, basically 51 percent of our mash build has to be wheat or rye, respectively."

Also, in order to be called bourbon, the spirit needs to be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125 proof. Other whiskies should be distilled to no more than 190 proof.

What follows below are some of our favorites on this trip:

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Emily Rose Bennett/ MLive

Valentine Distilling Co.

Cocktail Lounge

Address: 161 Vester Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220

Phone: (248) 629-9951

Photo taken at the production facility.

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Emily Rose Bennett/ MLive

Everyone knows about the World's Best Vodka, right?

But Valentine Distilling is also known for its aged Bourbons.

We were impressed with the Mayor Pingree brand of Bourbon whiskeys. (Named after Hazen S. Pingree, mayor of Detroit from 1890-1897, and "considered one of the greatest mayors in U.S. history," according to Rifino Valentine.) Whether Red, Blue or Black, each one had its own distinct characteristics. The Red (90 proof) is the youngest, aged only 4 years, but the Blue (108.2 proof) and Black (113.8 proof) are each aged 10 years. Serious Bourbon drinkers will be impressed.

RELATED: Yes, Michigan makes awesome Vodka! Here are 7 you must try

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Grand Traverse Distillery

Address: 215 E Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684

Phone: (231) 946-1259

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Made from 100 percent rye grain, our mixologist Katie Wagner raved about the whiskey: "I always say that George is the man!" She was right. It's smooth with hints of vanilla and caramel, but spicy with pepper. No bite whatsoever. It is bottled at 93 proof.

Also, try the single malt Islay Rye Whiskey, a limited edition product made with 80% rye and 20% peated malted barley, and aged for 4 years. It's fantastic.

JUNE 10:

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Iron Fish Distillery

Address: 14234 Dzuibanek Rd, Thompsonville, MI 49683

Phone: (231) 378-3474

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Located on a 120-acre farm in Thompsonville, this "soil to spirit" distillery will be fully operational in a couple of years. We loved the High Rye whiskey, which was finished on site because the distillery has not been open long enough to age it for 2 years. Their version is "sleeping" in their barrels right now and available next spring, but this gives you an idea of the quality it will produce.

They also have a Bourbon Whiskey aged in Maple Syrup Barrels that will be released on Friday with a Maple Bourbon Release Party!

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Red Cedar Spirits

Address: 2000 Merritt Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823

Phone: (517) 908-9950

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Another long-term player in the industry, Red Cedar Spirits has been aging whiskey for years. We were impressed with the size of the operation when owner Diane Holman gave us a behind-the-scenes tour.

Along with many of their spirits, we especially loved the "Melting Pot," which doesn't fit into the "whiskey" or Bourbon" category by definition because it a blend of three straight whiskeys - Bourbon, rye and malt whiskies, and aged twice.

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Journeyman Distillery

Address: 109 Generation Dr, Three Oaks, MI 49128

Phone: (269) 820-2050

Pictured: Frank Quinn (left), owner Bill Welter, who started Journeyman Distillery in 2011, his daughter Islay and wife Johanna.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Located in a building that once housed a Buggy Whip and Corset business, Journeyman is an impressive operation that houses a restaurant, tasting bar and event space for weddings and meetings, as well as a massive distilling arm. Everything we sampled on the spirits side is worthy of a road trip. We especially loved the whiskeys: Last Feather Rye, Buggy Whip Wheat, Silver Cross and Not a King, which is is a nod back to George Washington's original rye whiskey recipe.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

New Holland Brewery & Distillery

New Holland Brewery has two locations, as well as a production facility; the majority of gin production takes place in Grand Rapids. Whiskey barrels are in Holland.

Pub on 8th

Address: 66 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423

Phone: (616) 355-6422

The Knickerbocker

Address: 417 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Phone: (616) 345-5642

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

One of the oldest spirits distillers in the state, New Holland Brewing co-founder, Brett VanderKamp was inspired to get into craft distilling on a trip to Puerto Rico in early 2002. He discovered world class rum and set his sights on creating an industry in Michigan. Today New Holland is known for its award-winning spirits, including its Knickerbocker Gin and Zeppelin Bend straight malt whiskey. We sampled both, of course, but we were most impressed with the Beer Barrel Bourbon, Zeppelin Bend and Zeppelin Bend Reserve. You'll love the toffee and chocolate notes of the BBB and classic American oak finish of the Zep Blend. The Reserve is aged for 4 years in new American Oak, and then another 9 months in sherry casks from Bodega Alvear. Yum.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Coppercraft Distillery

Address: 184 120th Ave, Holland, MI 49424

Phone: (616) 796-8274

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

A newcomer on the scene, Coopercraft is booming with potential, much like Gray Skies in Grand Rapids and Iron Fish in Thompsonville. They offer corn, rye and wheat whiskeys. We loved the High Rye Bourbon made with 25% rye, 5% malted barley and 75% corn. It has been aged for 3 years.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Mammoth Distilling

Address: 2407 Main St, Central Lake, MI 49622

Phone: (231) 544-1515

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

This newcomer is up front about their whiskey... it was distilled and aged for five years in Kentucky, and finished at its Central Lake facility in once-used Grand Cru Merlot barrels from Bonobo Winery in Traverse City. We also loved the small batches: Woolly Bourbon and Woolly Rye.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Bier Distillery

Address: 5295 West River Dr NE #100, Comstock Park, MI 49321

Phone: (616) 888-9746

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

This newcomer in Comstock Park (near Grand Rapids) is making a whiskey from a beer base of barley, rye, wheat and oats. It's pretty fantastic, and a trend we saw around the state. The Redeemed Whiskey is at 92 proof. We also loved the bold Sole Cry Rye Whiskey, which was just released and made from 100% rye.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Long Road Distillers

Address: 537 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Facebook

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

The beer trend is found at Long Road Distillers, which worked with The Mitten Brewing Company, Perrin Brewing, Harmony Brewing and Greyline Brewing for a collaboration. Amy Sherman and I loved the first one -- Mitten's popular Country Strong as a whiskey. In case you didn't know, beer and whiskey share the same base ingredient, malted barley, so it was easy for Long Road to get mash from each brewery. It was then distilled into malt whiskey.

RELATED: Long Road Distillery partners with Grand Rapids breweries for "Beer City Whisky" release

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Gray Skies Distillery

Address: 700 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Phone: (616) 893-3305

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

The goal at Gray Skies is to make world-class whiskeys in Michigan. They're on the right track as we sampled in this single malt whiskey. This is the first distilled product to feature the proprietary Peanut Butter Toast Malt from Pilot Malt House.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Motor City Gas Whiskey Distillery

Address: 325 E 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Phone: (248) 599-1427

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Crazy Cooter is a white whiskey distilled with an IPA from Axle Brewing Co. We loved it. 90 proof, unfiltered and bottle aged for 10 months. Seriously you can't go wrong with anything from this distillery specializing in whiskeys. Oh, and make sure to have a Bloody Mary -- with whiskey. It is one of Michigan's Best.

RELATED: Michigan's Best Bloody Mary: Our Top 10 Revealed

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Two James Spirits

Address: 2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Phone: (313) 964-4800

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Located in Corktown, Two James Spirits is a busy place that welcomes all for a tasting or some amazing cocktails. We loved the sweet and warm aroma of Johnny Smoking Gun (87 proof), which is a blend of 70% 7-year corn and 30% young rye. You will love the slight smoke character. We also enjoyed J. Riddle Peated Bourbon (91 proof), which features 79% Michigan corn and 21% Scottish barley.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Green Door Distilling Co.

Address: 429 E North St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: (269) 929-7341

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

We had a great time hanging out with co-owner Josh Cook, who took us through the distilling process and even showed us specs for a new still arriving in a matter of weeks. We loved First Ascent Whiskey, which is made of wheat, corn and rye, and ends with a creamy finish. The star is the High Point Honey Whiskey, one of my favorites on the trip. Made of 100% wheat, it has a sweet and soft taste and the golden color is beautiful.

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Grand River Brewing & Distillery

Address: 117 W Louis Glick Hwy, Jackson, MI 49201

Phone: (517) 962-2427

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Another one of our favorites on the trip, the Grand River Whiskey triple distilled bourbon is finished in New Tennessee White Oak Barrels. It comes in at 80 proof, which makes it a perfect sipper or great for making cocktails.

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Other Links

Guess how many pennies cover the bar at this Michigan distillery

Yes, Michigan makes awesome Vodka! Here are 7 you must try

11 more cocktails you must try now featuring Michigan craft spirits

The fastest bartender in Manistee County may be at Iron Fish Distillery

14 Michigan craft cocktails to try right now

Here's your guide to the craft distilleries of Michigan

Long Road Distillery partners with Grand Rapids breweries for "Beer City Whisky" release

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

More Michigan's Best

Best SUB SHOP in Michigan reacts to winning honor, 'can't stop smiling'

Michigan's BEST PIZZA: our 12 top choices revealed

Michigan's Best BOWLING ALLEY: The top 10 list revealed

Detroit's BEST BURGER: Our Top 10 list revealed

13 U.P. PASTIES you must try on your next visit

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Learn how a Still works

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ANN ARBOR, MI - More than 100 people showed up to honor those lost to gun violence on Saturday, June 3, kicking off a series of events organized by the Washtenaw County chapter of Moms Demand Action.

Members of the group and community members showed up decked in orange to hear speakers including state representatives Donna Lasinski, D-Ann Arbor, and Ronnie Peterson, D-Ypsilanti, speak out against gun violence at a rally near Braun Court to mark the third annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day, which took place on June 2.

Washtenaw County Moms Demand Action Communications lead Maria Bailey said the message is important at a time when legislation on the topic being considered at the state level.

"With three Michigan House and Senate bills currently being considered, the Wear Orange message of honoring and demanding change is particularly poignant to Michigan residents," Bailey said.

Moms Demand Action have additional events planned in the coming weeks including Be SMART training for parents on how to keep their children safe from guns in their own home and friends' homes at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the Ann Arbor District Library's downtown branch, 343 S. Fifth St.

The group also is hosting a live theatrical event called "Right to Carry, Right to Live," at 7 p.m. on June 14 at Zingerman's Greyline, 100 N. Ashley St. You can RSVP for both events on the Washtenaw County Wear Orange website.
A popular Detroit-based bakery chain is celebrating its 20th anniversary by giving away free cookies.

Avalon International Breads has been in business since 1997, and will mark the milestone by giving away 1,997 sea salt chocolate chip cookies on Monday, according to a news release.

More than 1 million of the cookies have been sold as one of the bakery's most popular items.

Avalon opened new locations in Ann Arbor and at Detroit Metro Airport in late 2016, and in Downtown Detroit earlier this year.

Free cookies are limited to one per customer and no purchase is necessary.

The offer is available at the following locations:

422 W. Willis St., Detroit

4731 Bellevue, Detroit

McNamara Terminal, Concourse C, at Harvest and Grounds

120 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor

1049 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Avalon opened its Downtown Detroit shop in April on the corner of State Street and Woodward Avenue, next to the Campus Martius QLine streetcar station.

In 1997, Owner Jackie Victor brought the bakery to Detroit's Cass Corridor in Midtown. During that time, Avalon challenged a narrative about Detroit being "closed for business" with its "eat well, do good" mission, according to a news release.

Avalon aimed to revitalize the Midtown neighborhood through grassroots efforts and getting involved with community members.
021710_CELL PHONE DRIVING BAN 2-2 LON

The majority of parents surveyed in a new U-M study admitted to at least one distracted driving behavior--like texting--while their child was in the car.

(File photo | The Ann Arbor News)

A Fourth Amendment case out of the Detroit area, related to whether police must obtain warrants before acquiring cell phone location data from providers, is headed to the Supreme Court.

The case involves convicted serial robber Timothy I. Carpenter, 32, who is serving a 100-year-plus sentence after being convicted of 11 crimes related to robberies that occurred between 2010 and 2015.

During his trial, Carpenter's attorneys argued that cell phone location data shouldn't have been allowed at trial because they were obtained from cell phone providers without a warrant.

The appeal was denied by the Sixth Circuit Court and the Supreme Court announced it would hear the case on Monday, June 5.

Police currently need warrants to review data, such as emails, text messages, photos and videos, that is contained on the phone of someone placed under arrest.

Chief Justice John Roberts said in an opinion three years ago phones are "based on technology nearly inconceivable just a few decades ago" and "are now such a pervasive and insistent part of daily life that the proverbial visitor from Mars might conclude they were an important feature of human anatomy,'" According to the Supreme Court blog. Justices said information on a phone isn't excluded from search, but "a warrant is generally required before such a search."

Carpenter's attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union argue cell phone location data reveals a lot about a person.

"A person who knows all of another's travels can deduce whether he is a weekly church goer, a heavy drinker, a regular at the gym, an unfaithful husband, an outpatient receiving medical treatment, an associate of particular individuals or political groups -- and not just one such fact about a person, but all such facts," the appeal says.

the FBI allegedly obtained more than four months of location data for Carpenter's phone, which linked him to multiple robberies. Carpenter's attorneys reference another precedent, U.S. v. Jones, in which it was determined police use of a GPS tracking device placed on suspects car constituted a "search" and there fore required a search warrant.

"If tracking a vehicle for 28 days in Jones was a search, then surely tracking a cell phone for four times as long is likewise a search, particularly because people keep their phones with them as they enter private spaces traditionally protected by the Fourth Amendment," the appeal says.

Carpenter has previous 2010 convictions for drug possession and dealing, will be 148 when his minimum sentence is served.

Read the full appeal:

USA v. Timothy Carpenter (Amicus Brief) by The Brennan Center for Justice on Scribd
FLINT, MI -- The sales manager of the Genesee County Land Bank has resigned his position after water activists recorded him saying Flint's problems were caused by "ni***** (who) don't pay their bills."

Michele M. Wildman, executive director of the Land Bank, said Monday, June 5, that she has accepted the resignation of Phil Stair, a longtime employee of the agency.

Stair, who's white, was recorded making the comment by Chelsea Lyons, an environmental activist and independent journalist who has been active recently in the Flint water crisis.

"Flint has the same problems as Detroit -- f**ing ni***** don't pay their bills, believe me, I deal with them," Stair is heard to say on the recording posted online by Truth Against The Machine.

Lyons said she's concerned by the Land Bank's role as Flint's largest property owner. The agency takes over tax-foreclosed properties, carrying out demolitions, rehabilitations and sales.

"The Land Bank is taking up all of the properties in Flint... They are pushing people out of neighborhood," Lyons said this morning.

The recording of Stair took place over two days and started after Lyons and another woman met him after having received a tip that he was at a local bar, Lyons said.

Wildman addressed the county Board of Commissioners Monday morning, saying she accepted Stair's resignation and apologized for his remarks.

"I am deeply troubled by (the statements)," she said. "The citizens of Flint deserve to have trust in their public officials."
-e658fbfb7ce42c83.JPG

Dr. Robert Davidson asks Congressman Bill Huizenga about healthcare during a town hall meeting at Baldwin Senior High School in Baldwin on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mike Clark | MLive.com)

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga will have at least one challenger in his 2018 congressional race - a somewhat familiar face and one of his loudest critics.

Robert Davidson, an emergency room doctor with two decades experience in medical practice, has announced his intention to run against Huizenga for Michigan's 2nd congressional seat, according to a Federal Elections Commission filing.

Davidson, who will run as a Democrat, has been an outspoken faultfinder of Huizenga and his support of President Donald Trump during town hall events and other healthcare-themed rallies throughout West Michigan.

"As a doctor, I serve patients from all walks of life in West Michigan and I hear again and again that they're tired of career politicians in Washington putting wealthy corporations, insurance company profits and Wall Street bankers ahead of ordinary families," Davidson said. "I'll be an independent voice for West Michigan families and stand up to powerful lobbyists and wealthy special interests because the people of West Michigan who work hard and play by the rules deserve nothing less."

In a recent Facebook post, Davidson slammed Huizenga directly saying the congressman "voted to drive up health care costs and take away protections that will harm tens of thousands of people in West Michigan."

Thus, Davidson was inspired to make his first attempt at public office.

"(Huizenga) has pocketed nearly half-a-million dollars from his biggest corporate donors: insurance companies," Davidson posted. "With his vote, Huizenga is showing us whose side he's on. And he must be held accountable for choosing insurance industry profits over the health and security of people."

Healthcare remains a hot-button issue for Huizenga and his constituents.

Before the Republican healthcare bill was passed, the Zeeland congressman told a raucous crowd in Baldwin the Affordable Care Act was "not workable."

"Bill was reelected by a two to one margin just 8 months ago," said Jim Barry, the congressman's Campaign Manager. "While it's no surprise a liberal candidate has announced, Bill has a job to do to and is focused on making West Michigan an even better place to live, work, and raise a family."

Michigan's 2nd congressional district covers Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, Lake and Newaygo counties, about half of Mason County and small slivers of northern Allegan and western Kent counties. The district stretches from Holland in the south through Grand Haven and Muskegon all the way to Ludington in the north, and is home to more than 700,000 people.
The 2017 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As President Gerald R. Ford fought to retain the position he inherited after Richard Nixon's resignation, one man stood in his way.

A Georgia peanut farmer named Jimmy Carter was destined to defeat Ford in 1976, placing a Democrat in the White House after eight years of Republican leadership.

Forty-one years later, the friendship and mutual respect that grew between the former opponents was on display as Carter was presented with a medal bearing the visage of his onetime political rival. Carter was announced Monday, June 5, as the 2017 recipient of the Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

The honor, presented to the 39th president by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, was announced during a ceremony at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington D.C., though Carter was not able to travel to Washington for the ceremony. In a pre-recorded video at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, the former president recalled the bond that grew between himself and his former political opponent.

"As I reflect back on more than 25 different projects that Jerry and I collaborated and shared leadership, I can't help but be grateful for the mutual respect and the intense personal friendship that developed during that time together," Carter said.

Steven Ford, son of the 38th president, recalled how the foundations of a friendship were laid during a cross-Atlantic flight for the funeral of former Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat in 1981.

Red Cavaney, chairman of the foundation's board of trustees, pointed to the relationship that resulted as an important example for others in the current political climate.

"This unique relationship between two very special couples began late in your respective lives," Cavaney said. "Yet, it sets a model for so many others to emulate, especially in the trying times we are in today."

Steven Ford echoed that sentiment before presenting Carter with the medal.

"Looking at the current toxic times and reflecting back to President Carter's and dad's times in office, through their examples we can learn how politics should be conducted," Ford said. "They illustrated to the nation that politics can be handled with dignity, class and respect."

If his father was still here today, he said, he would certainly be "leading the charge" to honor Carter with this award.

"Mr. President, your lifelong work illustrates what this award is about," Ford said.

A former naval officer and peanut farmer, Carter served two terms in the Georgia State Senate and later as the Peach State's 76th governor. Despite being relatively unknown outside his home state, Carter won the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination and went on to defeat incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the general election.

Sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, Carter went on to achieve a series of significant foreign policy goals including the Panama Canal treaties, the Camp David accords, the SALT-II treaty with the Soviet Union and the establishment of diplomatic relations with China. In domestic policy, his presidential legacy includes the establishment of a national energy policy and creation of both the Departments of Education and Energy.

Known as an advocate for civil and human rights before, during and after his presidency, Carter declared "the time of racial segregation is over" during his inaugural speech as Georgia's governor.

"No poor, rural, weak, or black person should ever have to bear the additional burden of being deprived of the opportunity for an education, a job or simple justice," Carter said.

Created in 2002, the Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service seeks to recognize qualities many admired in Ford. Those qualities, according to Ford Foundation Trustee Carla Hills, include "strength of character, integrity, trustworthiness, sound judgement, fidelity to principle and personal discipline."

Those qualities, Hills said, are exemplified in the life and work of Jimmy Carter.

The former president has been honored many times for his work facilitating peace negotiations, observing democratic elections and advancing disease prevention and eradication efforts in developing nations. Carter has also been a key volunteer and champion for nonprofit Habitat for Humanity.

Carter is a recipient of the United Nations Human Rights Award (1998), the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1999) and the Nobel Peace Prize (2002). Though three sitting presidents -- Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Barack Obama -- have also received the Nobel Peace Prize, Carter has the distinction of being the only U.S. president to receive the award for his actions after leaving office.

Before presenting the award to Carter, Steven Ford reiterated his family's strong feelings for their father's former opponent.

"My family and I are grateful for President Carter's public service and how he has conducted himself throughout his life," Ford said. "We are proud to call the Carter family friends."

In accepting the honor, Carter chose to praise his predecessor and friend, Gerald R. Ford, whose eulogy he delivered during the former president's January 2007 funeral service in East Grand Rapids.

"The words I spoke about my dear friend both at my inauguration and his funeral still ring true today," Carter said. "For myself and for our nation I thank my predecessor for all he did to heal our land. I am thrilled to receive the Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service and I'm prouder still of the lasting friendship we still have with the Ford family."

President Jimmy Carter is the recipient of the 2017 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service. The award was announced during the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundations (GRPF) annual reception and dinner June 5, 2017, at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington D.C. Carter was unable to attend the event and was presented with the award at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in May. Pictured, from left, are Carla Hills, GRPF trustee and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Red Cavaney, GRPF chair; Carter; Steven Ford, son of President Ford; and Joe Calvaruso, GRPF executive director.

Previous recipients of the Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service include:

President George H.W. Bush (2016)

John D. Dingell and Carl Levin (2015)

John O. Marsh Jr. (2014)

General Brent Scowcroft (2013)

Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neil (2012)

William T. Coleman (2011)

Henry Kissinger (2010)

John Paul Stevens (2009)

Carla A. Hills (2008)

James Baker and Lee Hamilton (2007)

Men and Women of the United States Armed Forces (2006)

Betty Ford (2005)

Richard Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld (2004)

Alan Greenspan (2003)

Also honored Monday were the winners of the foundation's 2016 Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting:

Gregory Korte (USA Today)

David Martin and Mary Walsh (CBS News)

David Cloud (Los Angeles Times)

Korte was awarded the foundation's Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency for a series of reports about the use of the president's pardon power, the increased utilization of lower-risk sentence commutation and its unintended consequences. He also generated unique reports examining diverse White House practices, ranging from signing ceremonies to flag-lowering procedures for government buildings.

Martin and Walsh received the foundation's Prize for Distinguished Reporting on National Defense for their report "The New Cold War." The story explained why the nation's nuclear missions remain critical by tying it to changes in Russia's aggressiveness on land and an increase in the size and frequency of Russia's nuclear strategy, which includes changes to Russian military doctrine approving the use of smaller tactical weapons.

Cloud received an honorable mention national defense reporting for his investigative series highlighting the California National Guard and how demand for troops to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted in significant military bonuses for soldiers who were eventually deemed ineligible.
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 Washington's 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 administration's 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 Washington's 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.
[June 05, 2017] Citcon Partners with China Luxury Advisors and The Momentum Group to Bring WeChat Pay and Alipay to Brands in North America

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Citcon the integrated cross-border payment and marketing platform, China Luxury Advisors (CLA) a strategic consultancy dedicated to connecting the world's leading brands, institutions and destinations to the global Chinese consumers, and The Momentum Group (TMG) a WeChat Marketing Agency, today announced a strategic partnership to enable brands in North America to accept WeChat Pay and Alipay. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most popular and convenient payment options for Chinese consumers to purchase goods and services in Chinese Yuan, and merchants to be settled in US Dollars directly by Citcon. Adding these payment options allows brands to now tap into an even larger revenue stream from Chinese consumers who are the largest spenders, and the fastest growing traveler segment to the North America. The Citcon solution enables brands to optimize revenue growth without the costs and hassles of establishing a business entity in China. WeChat Pay is a fully integrated payment solution within WeChat, the world's most popular mobile social communications service with 936 million active users and Alipay is a super lifestyle app run by Ant Financial Services Group with more than 450 million active users. Together these platforms jointly account for 90% of China's mobile payment market share. Both super apps allow users to book a trip, hail a taxi, order food, book hotels, purchase tickets, manage investments, perform transactions on e-commerce websites and more to create a cashless society. "Chinese arrivals into the United States are expected to grow by 121 percent by 2020 to reach more than 5 million travelers, making it the third largest international market and the largest overseas market for the United States. Chinese travelers are already the highest spending international tourists in the United States  having spent more than $27 billion in the United States in 2015, and this number is expected to continue to grow rapidly. This tremendous growth brings new possibilities for American retailers and destinations to continue to grow their share of visitation and spending from Chinese tourists. Ensuring that your destination is China-Ready and China-Smart will accelerate this development and expand your opportunity. Payment assurances and acceptance of locally trusted and preferred Chinese providers are one of the top ways for retailers and destinations alike to capture this growing market," said Renee Hartmann, Co-Founder of CLA, "The Citcon platform is seamless to the merchant and provides endless opportunities for revenue growth. We are excited to now be able to offer this service to our clients." "TMG is committed to helping our clients continue to engage the outbound Chinese tourists in meaningful ways and convert them into customers. The best way to do this is to enable WeChat Pay for our clients," says Jeff Fish, Head of Client Strategy at TMG. "TMG and Citcon have already successfully launched the first WeChat Mini Program in the United States together, enabling mobile commerce for DFS and plan on strategically engaging all current and future clients together as an end-to-end solution." As the authorized payment partner of both WeChat Pay and Alipay, in addition to major credit cards such as UnionPay, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express, Citcon is a onestop shop for merchants to connect with Chinese consumers and accept payments anywhere. Citcon's stand-alone mobile point-of-sale (mPOS), easy-to-integrate API and software products empower merchants to optimize growth both online and offline, with an easy and affordable rate compared to credit card processing. In addition to the convenient payment solutions, merchants will also be able to gain in-depth consumer behavior insights, manage business performance, run marketing campaigns, guides users to merchants stores while saving their shopping preferences for future visits and manage lifetime customer loyalty programs. "Our partnership with CLA and TMG makes targeting and growing business with Chinese consumers easier than ever for brands in North America," said Chuck Huang, Founder and CEO of Citcon. "China is changing rapidly. Mobile payment is the new frontier of commerce and China is leading this trend. By providing an integrated and easy-to-use payment solution, Citcon is creating a future that takes payment and marketing to the next level, empowering global merchants to drive business growth with millions of Chinese consumers." About Citcon With headquarters in Silicon Valley, Citcon is an integrated cross-border payment and marketing platform that connects global merchants with Chinese consumers. As the first authorized payment partner of WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay in North America, in addition to major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, Citcon brings mobile payment to the next level. With our extensive experience and deep expertise in Chinese outbound tourism market, mobile payment, cross-border ecommerce and cross-border marketing, Citcon is the one-stop solution for global businesses to reach millions of Chinese tourists and domestic consumers. Citcon's founding team comes from Visa, PayPal, eBay, Uber, Groupon and Yelp. Citcon is backed by leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms and received strategic investments from leading technology and financial service companies in China. For more information, please go to www.citcon-inc.com About China Luxury Advisors (CLA) China Luxury Advisors (CLA) is strategic consultancy dedicated to connecting the world's leading brands and destinations to the global Chinese consumer. CLA specializes in designing unique marketing programs for luxury brands, institutions, tourism associations and destinations that attract and connect the global Chinese demographic to deliver stakeholder value. CLA offers a full suite of services for clients including brand strategy, market entry, research and insights, media planning, digital and technology platforms, travel trade outreach, merchandising and loyalty programs. CLA has advised organizations such as Brand USA, Visit California, The Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, Bergdorf Goodman, El Corte Ingles, Taubman Centers, Briggs & Riley, Cedars-Sinai, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Warner Bros Studios and many others on strategies to attract, convert and retain global Chinese consumers. CLA has operations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Beijing and Paris. Visit www.chinaluxuryadvisors.com for more information. About The Momentum Group: The Momentum Group is a WeChat Marketing Agency that is redefining how global brands connect with customers on WeChat. WeChatify is the WeChat marketing platform created by TMG and is used by some of the top brands in retail, hospitality and tourism like Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, The Met, Saks 5th Ave, Tanger Outlets and many more.







Evelyn Yang Renee Hartman Jeff Fish Citcon China Luxury Advisors The Momentum Group +1 408 656 2536 +1 415 827 7187 +1 646 503 1171 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/citcon-partners-with-china-luxury-advisors-and-the-momentum-group-to--bring-wechat-pay-and-alipay-to-brands-in-north-america-300468378.html SOURCE Citcon

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Avian influenza shows signs of spreading, with fresh cases reported in southern parts of the country including Busan, Gunsan, North Jeolla Province and Jeju Island.

To contain the outbreak, the government has banned trading in live poultry at markets starting Monday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on Sunday.

A suspected case reported on Jeju Island last week was confirmed as the H5N8 virus, the strain that swept across Korea last winter, according to the ministry.


The Board of Adani Power will meet on Tuesday to consider hiving off its flagship Mundra power station to a new subsidiary in which the Gujarat government entity may take a majority stake.

"A meeting of the board of directors of the company is scheduled to be held on June 6, 2017 to consider and evaluate, among others, the Slump Sale of its Mundra power generating business undertaking to its subsidiary company, name Adani Power (Mundra) Ltd," the company said in a regulatory filing.

Industry sources said Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) the Gujarat government entity, which buys a bulk of the 4,260 MW electricity generated at Mundra, may take 51 percent stake in the new subsidiary.

While emails sent to the company for comments remained unanswered, GUVNL officials could not be immediately reached for the same.

Last month, Adani Power had discontinued 1,250 MW power supply to GUVNL in a phased manner, mainly due to the unviability of running its power plant at Mundra on imported coal.

Of 2,000 MW power provided by Adani Power to GUVNL under the different power purchase agreement's (PPAs), 1,250 MW supply was discontinued.

Sources said the company had told the state government that operating Mundra power plant at the tariff specified in the PPA using imported coal (from Indonesia) was unviable after the Supreme Court disallowed raising power tariffs to compensate for rising in price of coal from Indonesia.

Adani Power had entered into a long-term PPA with GUVNL in 2007 for the supply of 1,000 MW of electricity at a levelised tariff of Rs 2.35 per unit for a period of 25 years. More supplies were contracted under PPAs signed at different times.

It also contracted to sell 1,424 MW of power to Haryana.

Mundra plant has a capacity of 4,620 MW, comprising of four units of 330 MW each and 5 units of 660 MW each. The 330 MW units are based on subcritical technology and the 660 MW units are based on supercritical technology.

Power from the plant is evacuated by two transmission lines one 433 km, 400 KV transmission line to transmit 1,000 MW from Mundra to Dehegam in Gujarat and another 989 km, 500 KV high Voltage Direct current (HVDC) bipole line with the capacity to transmit 2,500 MW from Mundra to Mohindergarh in Haryana.
LG Uplus has signed a partnership with the U.K's Vodafone, Europe's largest telecom company.

They will cooperate in all business sectors, while sharing business strategies and conducting joint projects. LG Uplus expects Vodafone's global network to help it find new opportunities in Europe.

Vodafone provides telecommunications services in about 26 countries, with over 515.7 million mobile subscribers.


Bull's Eye, CNBC-TV18's popular game show, where market experts come together to dish out trading strategies for you to make your week more exciting and compete with each other to see whose portfolio is the strongest.

Remember these are midcap ideas not just for the day, but stocks that look attractive in the medium-term as well.

This week, Ashish Kyal, Gaurav Ratnaparkhi and Ruchit Jain battle it out for top honours.

Below their top stock picks and analysis

Ashish Kyal of wavesstrategy.com

Buy Kaveri Seed Company with a stop loss at Rs 614 and target of Rs 675

Buy Nilkamal with a stop loss at Rs 2030 and target of Rs 2200

Sell Power Finance Corporation futures with stop loss at Rs 133 and target of Rs 120

Sell NMDC futures with a stop loss at Rs 117 and target of Rs 107

Gaurav Ratnaparkhi of Sharekhan

Buy Future Consumer with a stop loss at Rs 31 and target of Rs 33.30

Sell Can Fin Homes futues with a stop loss at Rs 2780 and target of Rs 2622

Sell Dewan Housing Finance futures with a stop loss of Rs 425 and target at Rs 400.20

Sell Fortis Healthcare futures with a stop loss at Rs 198.20 and target of Rs 186.20

Ruchit Jain of Angel Broking

Buy Muthoot Finance with a stop loss at Rs 414, target of Rs 446

Buy Karur Vysya Bank with a stop loss at Rs 118, target of Rs 129

Buy Tata Chemicals with a stop loss at Rs 622, target of Rs 665

Buy Godrej Properties with a stop loss at Rs 489, target of Rs 565
business Disappointed with GST tax rate; not in hurry to hike prices: Coca-Cola India Cola major Coca Cola is disappointed with the rates fixed under the goods and services tax (GST) regime.
business There won't be loss of revenue to us or dealers due to GST: Hitachi Homes In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Gurmeet Singh, ED-Sales, Marketing & Business Planning at Hitachi Homes discussed the fundamentals of the business.
salman khan

Bollywood is doing its bit for the environment  and it's not movies. To mark World Environment Day, actor Salman Khan today will be launching two battery-powered bicycles under the Being Human brand.

Both the variants of the Being Human E-Cycle - BH27 and BH12 - are available in four colours -- white, yellow, red and black. Additional variants will be available for sale in a few months.

Addressing the media, Salman Khan said, "People often drop the idea of using cycles when they have to travel long distances because of the effort involved. With the pedal assist and rechargeable motor support Being Human E-Cycles make it easy and practical to cycle across both urban and not-so-urban areas".

These ARAI-certified bicycles have a maximum speed of 25 km/hr.

These e-bicycles will not need any driving licence or vehicle registration and can be ridden like any normal bicycle.

A charged battery pack will take over propulsion system of the bicycle with the switch of a button. This mode can ease the manual exertion that riders go through while climbing steep inclines.

Khan is venturing into the e-bicycle segment at a time when the government is looking to give greater impetus to electric mobility. There are a few players in this segment with only a handful of them having a national reach. Their prices range from Rs 25,000-45,000 depending on the power of the battery.

Khan and his team have been reportedly working on the new venture since the past few months. It however got a major boost only recently with the appointment of key personnel at the senior level for venture.

Atul Gupta, the former executive vice president of Suzuki Motorcycle India, has been roped in to lead the venture as the managing director and chief executive officer of Being Human E-Cycle.

Guptas association with Khan goes a long way to the time when the actor was the brand ambassador of the Japanese bikes in India. Salman also owns a few premium performance Suzuki bikes some of which were affectionately gifted to the superstar by the Japanese super bike maker.

Besides undertaking charitable work Being Human also is into the retail business with its own clothing line under its namesake brand. The charitable foundation has partnered with Madhana Industries who holds a global license for Being Human clothing.

The launch of e-cycles comes a little over two weeks prior to Salman's first release of the year Tubelight (due to hit screens on June 23) directed by Kabir Khan.
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Even as the government scurries to tackle the problem of bad loans, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley stressed that reviving banking sector and investment in private sector top his priority list. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and banks are working on a list of defaulters and will put out the list soon, he said.

My next big target is banks and private sector investment that is the bulls eye, Jaitley told CNBC-TV18 in an exclusive interview. The list of companies to be selected in the first instance for invoking insolvency code is almost ready, he added. RBI should put out the details soon.

Last month, the RBI had said it would reconstitute and expand the oversight committee to deal with the menace of non-performing assets (NPAs). The central bank also outlined a plan of action for implementing banking ordinances to deal with the issue. Subsequently, President Pranab Mukherjee signed an ordinance amending the Banking Regulation Act to empower the RBI to direct banks to initiate proceedings for resolving and winding up pleas against defaulting companies under the Bankruptcy code.

State-owned banks are saddled with NPAs worth Rs 6 lakh crore. Adding other restructured assets, the total stressed assets in the banking system is pegged at Rs 8-9 lakh crore.

The Finance Minister also said that the government may look to consolidate some public sector banks. Jaitley said the ministrys initial line of thought was to hold on consolidation till the sectors health improves. The government is now seriously reviewing it, he said.

"As far as consolidation in some areas is concerned, it is in fairly advanced stages," Jaitley said. The government has relooked at the banking system. There are some within the system which can be consolidated, he added.

Consolidation in some areas in financial services sector is in a "fairly advanced stage," he further said.

The start of the fiscal year saw a big-ticket consolidation in the banking sector with State Bank of India merging its five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank. The mega-merger catapulted the states largest lender in to the league of top 50 banks globally.

Telecom Concerns

Jaitley expressed concerns about the countrys telecom industry, but said he is sure that both the telecom ministry and regulator will act .

Intense tariff war and high taxes are expected to squeeze Indian telecom operators.

I hope telecom is not the new steel, Jaitley said, adding that the telecom regulator should ensure fair competition in the telecom sector. Don't want telecom balance sheets to turn into red, Jaitley said.

Currently, banks lending to the telecom sector stands at around Rs 82,200 crore.

According to an India Ratings and Research report in February, The industry has been going through a tumultuous period with the launch of services by Reliance Jio Infocomm. The industry has lost approximately 20 percent revenues due to free services by (Reliance Industries-owned)RJio Credit profile is likely to weaken in FY18 with a fall in profits and a rise in debt, due to spectrum and network-related capex. Free cash flows will be negative due to the double whammy of weaker earnings and capex.

Stabilisation of the pricing would be the key driver to revise the sector outlook back to stable. Return of pricing power and/or substantially higher data volumes are critical to generate the desired return on large investments made into the sector. Clarity on the market share will also be a driver to reassess business profile of telcos, it added.
IG Petrochemicals Ltd.

India has started probe into a chemical used in plastic industry from Taiwan and Korea following a complaint of dumping by domestic players.

The Directorate General of Anti-Dumping & Allied Duties (DGAD), the commerce ministry's investigation arm, has found "sufficient evidence" of dumping of "Dioctyl Phthalate" from Chinese Taipei (or Taiwan) and Korea.

If established that dumping has caused material injury to domestic players, the DGAD would recommend imposition of duty on import of this chemical from these two countries to guard domestic industry against below-cost imports.

The authority has initiated "an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry", DGAD has said in a notification.

KLJ Plasticizers Ltd has filed the application for the dumping probe.

The output of the petitioner accounts for over 50 per cent of the Indian production, it said, adding that DGAD has fixed the period of investigation as April 2016 to March 2017 (12 months).

Anti-dumping duties are levied to provide a level playing field to local industry by guarding against below-cost imports.

DGAD is also probing dumping of several other products such as certain chemicals from different countries.

India is one of the most attractive markets for global producers due to its large middle class population.

Imposition of anti-dumping duty is permissible under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime.

The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practices and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers vis-a- vis foreign producers and exporters.
Noting that India is recovering from the temporary adverse effects of demonetisation, the World Bank has projected a strong 7.2 per cent growth rate for India this year against 6.8 per cent growth in 2016.

Even as the World Bank has revised India's growth figures by 0.4 percentage points as compared to its January forecast, India remains the fastest growing major economy in the world, the World Bank officials said.

The growth projections for China remains unchanged at 6.5 per cent for 2017 and then 6.3 per cent for the next two years 2018 and 2019.

The World Bank in its latest Global Economic Prospects, projects Indias growth to 7.5 per cent in 2018 and 7.7 per cent in 2019.

In both the years, the forecast has been downgraded by 0.3 per cent and 0.1 percentage points as compared to the January 2017 forecast.

"A downgrade to India's fast pace of expansion," the World Bank said, is "mainly reflecting a softer-than-expected recovery in private investment.

In 2016, in India, activity was underpinned by favourable monsoon rains that supported agriculture and rural consumption, an increase in infrastructure spending, and robust government consumption, the report said.

"In India, recent data indicate a rebound this year, with the easing of cash shortages and rising exports. An increase in government spending in India, including on capital formation, has partially offset soft private investment, it said.

"While manufacturing Purchasing Managers Indexes have generally picked up, industrial production has been mixed, the Bank said in its latest report.

Observing that India's growth is forecast to increase to 7.2 per cent in FY2017 and accelerate to 7.7 per cent by 2019, is slightly below previous projections, the Bank said this outlook mainly reflects a more protracted recovery in private investment than previously envisaged.

"Nonetheless, domestic demand is expected to remain strong, supported by ongoing policy reforms, especially the introduction of the nationwide Goods and Services Tax (GST), it said.

"Significant gains by the ruling party in state elections should support the governments economic reform agenda, which aims at unlocking supply constraints, and creating a business environment that is more conducive to private investment," the Bank said.

M Ayhan Kose, Director of the World Bank Groups Development Prospects Group, in response to a question, underscored the need of reforms in the banking sector.

"The government has especially taken steps to address the banking sector weakness, but that remains on the to-do list," Kose told PTI.

"Second (to do list) of course (is the initiative by the government to remove some of the public investments, exactly the right thing to do to stimulate - to try to reinvigorate - private investment, which has been weak, the Bank official said in response to a question.
IPO

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Dalal Street is likely to see a line-up of IPOs this month with at least four companies Tejas Networks, Central Depositary Services, Eris Lifesciences, and Au Small Finance Bank  reportedly looking to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore in all through initial issues.

Bengaluru-based Tejas Networks, a telecom equipment manufacturer with investments from private equity players Goldman Sachs, and Intel Capital, among others, is said to be planning to raise Rs 800 crore in the week starting June 12, sources told the Mint today.

Sanjay Nayak, Chief Executive Officer of Tejas Networks, is expected to offload some of his holding in the company through the issue along with a few other existing shareholders like Cascade Capital Management Mauritius, Intel Capital, and Frontline.

Au Small Finance Bank is expected to raise Rs 2,000 crore via IPO. The bank, which figured as one of the 10 entities to be granted the small finance bank licence in 2015, plans to launch the IPO toward the month-end. It will be a pure offer for sale through which existing investors International Finance Corp., Warburg Pincus and Chryscapital will partially exit.

Another Rs 2,000-crore IPO in June is being planned by Ahmedabad-based pharma company Eris Lifesciences.

CDSL, which plans Rs 400-crore IPO, will see an offer for sale from investors BSE, which holds 50 percent stake, and others like State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and The Calcutta Stock Exchange which together hold 65.65 percent stake in CDSL.

So far this year, eight companies raised nearly Rs 6,336 crore via initial public offerings. This compares to Rs 26,494 crore raised by 26 companies last year.
People worship Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth on this day. (Image: Reuters)

Investors have made money following ideas and vision of stalwarts of D-Street  Ramesh Damani and Ramdeo Agrawal, but little do they know that they are an ardent fan of none other than Warren Buffett to create wealth for shareholders.

For some he might be a mentor while for some he is a god when it comes to picking value bets, He is none other than, the Oracle of Omaha, a nickname given to Warren Buffett because of his following by the investment community.

Warren Buffett has made his money by using simple yet powerful investment strategy which involves buying stocks when they are trading below their intrinsic value and holding them for the long term.

Raamdeo Agrawal, Co-Founder & Joint MD, Motilal Oswal Financial Services who follows the principle of QGLP  quality, growth, longevity, and price said that investors need to be disciple about long term investing.

Ramdeo said that investors should always remember this Buffetts rule while investing  Rule No.1: Never lose money. Rule No.2: Never forget rule No.1.

We have to keep on following the process which Buffett highlighted, so even if we dont make money, we are not losing either. There will always be some companies which will make more than what we thought, he said.

He further highlighted that for investors to benefit from long-term investments, investors need to be disciplined and stick with their chosen path and not deviate from it regardless of market volatility. One needs to have vision, courage and patience in markets, he said.

Ramesh Damani, Member BSE on the sidelines of the SOHN conference in Mumbai said that he is slightly cautious on Indian market after sharp rally seen so far in the year 2017 which has pushed valuations of many small and midcap stocks higher.

To beat volatility, the best strategy for investors is to stay with high-quality stocks in the portfolio. Looking ahead, Damani said the market should do well in the next 12-18 months and there is no reason for it correct by more than 10 percent.

There are many themes which stand out and one theme is consumption which can be played in the form of quick service restaurants (QSR). He gives reference to Warren Buffett style investing while answering a question.

This is one question I am often asked and going by the investment philosophy of Warren Buffett style investing, on what stock to choose if you leaving for a world tour and you would not be able to change the stock  what stock would you invest in?

My sense is QSR offers this kind of answers. We know that business is going to grow, there is no technological threat to that business and apart from that opportunity is huge. As long as management executes and delivers, these businesses will compound over time and in turn reward shareholders, highlights Damani.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday took strong exception to the non-issuance of a circular by Aviation Regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to the airlines and the ground handling services to stop the release of waste from aircraft tanks while landing or anywhere near the IGI Airport terminals here.

A vacation bench headed by Justice Dalip Singh asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to immediately comply with the tribunal's December 20, 2016, order.

The NGT had asked the aviation watchdog to issue a circular making it clear that aircraft would be subjected to surprise inspection to see that human waste tanks were not empty.

During the proceedings today, the DGCA counsel said that they have already moved a plea for a review of the order.

The bench, however, said that the directions passed by the tribunal were "prima-facie only on principle of the precautionary approach and they need to be complied with".

The NGT was hearing a plea of Lt Gen Satwant Singh Dahiya (retd), who has sought action against the airlines and levy of hefty fines on them for endangering the health of residents, terming their act as a violation of the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'.

The green body also directed Central Pollution Control Board scientist R M Bhardwaj, who inspected the house of the army officer for taking samples of excreta, to appear before it on July 4 and explain at to why his initial affidavit was withheld from the tribunal.

The tribunal had last year held that if "any aircraft, airlines and the handling services of registered aircraft" were found to be dumping human waste in the air or toilet tanks were found to have been emptied before landing, they shall be subjected to environmental compensation of Rs 50,000 per default.

It had also asked the DGCA to carry out a surprise inspection of aircraft landing at the airport to ensure that their toilet tanks are not emptied while landing and waste splashed on residential areas and on any other place prior to landing.

It had sought a quarterly report on the issue.

"The record so collected shall be placed in the public domain. The DGCA shall provide helpline number telephone/ mobile of its officer at the airport where the person desirous of lodging complaint regarding such mischief in future can approach the authorities for appropriate reliefs," it had said.

This information shall be put in the public domain and public at large informed of all helpline numbers and emails IDs, the bench had said.
Samsung will spend W700 billion to expand its plant in India to deal with growing demand for its products in the country and neighboring Southwest Asian markets.

The Korean electronics giant said Sunday that it is starting to build new production facilities for mobile phones and home appliances in its plant in Uttar Pradesh in northern India.

When construction is completed by the end of this year, the 120,000 sq.m plant will double in size, while its monthly output capacity will rise from 5 million to 10 million mobile phones and from 100,000 to 200,000 refrigerators.

In October last year, Samsung signed a memorandum of understanding on the factory expansion with the state government. The original investment was earmarked at W340 billion, but has more than doubled since.
Nestle products (Image: Reuters)

Bangalore-based startup ShopX is an unusual competitor to the ecommerce unicorns of India.

ShopX, which digitally connects mom-and-pop shop owners with FMCG brands, has created an e-commerce model that can potentially compete with the large e-commerce chains of India in reaching the last mile.

Started in 2015, ShopX has brought over 50,000 such kirana stores onboard its digital platform that allows the shop owners to directly order products from the brands.

For scaling up, the startup is targeting over 12 million of those mom-and-pop stores spread across the country, instead of banking on the online adeptness and purchasing power of India's urban users.

"All the digital startups and e-commerce companies we see today chase the same 40-50 million users who are used to online shopping. The bigger market, however, is beyond that. Over 400 million residing in the tier 2 and 3 towns, as well as villages, rely on neighbourhood shops for every need, Amit Sharma, co-founder and CEO of ShopX said during an exclusive chat with Moneycontrol News.

Other firms that operate in the B2B commerce space include StoreKing, and Snapbizz.

ShopX connects the small neighbourhood shops, kirana stores, pan kiosks, etc to major brands. These shopkeepers can browse through a digital catalogue of major brands such as Unilever, Loreal, Patanjali, Micromax, and order any product directly from the sellers.

A structured progress

ShopX claims that it has seen the demand for premium brands increasing in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns.

One such example is the launch of iPhones on the technology platform in January, this year.

The company claims it sold more than 300 units of iPhones, out of which 70 percent of the shipments were for iPhone 5s.

The logistics is taken care of by ShopX that leverages the unorganized surface transport companies to take the goods to remote areas.

The advantages of this are in cost savings.

ShopX claims that its transportation costs are one-tenth of an Amazon that uses air shipping for its deliveries. For warehousing, ShopX has tied up with Fedex and BlueDart.

For last mile delivery, ShopX works with local distribution partners who manage and monitor shop owners in their stipulated area.

That cuts down the need of recruiting delivery boys or of owning vehicles.

ShopXs role in this long process is to provide the necessary technology for seamless operation.

The retailers in turn subscribe for it at Rs 1,000 per annum.

Using a proprietary technology platform, ShopX brings retailers onto a nationwide distribution network that allows them to benefit from technology, and offer an array of products and services.

Retailers earn anywhere between 30-40 percent as margin on the products, much more than the traditional retail model that offers about 20-30 percent depending on the kind of product.

For brands, it means they can expand their product offerings while various aspirational brands are able to strengthen market outreach.

The benefits for the retailer are low investment, zero stocking, and increase in income opportunities.

Layers of service

The ShopX platform also has a consumer facing app that user of a particular shop can download, browse through the multiple brands available, and order directly.

The product will be delivered to that shop, where the user can pay and collect the product.

In a developed market like the US, almost 85 percent of the retail supply is taken care of through large warehouses.

In India, while e-commerce is catching up rapidly, it contributes only 1.5 percent to the 650 billion dollar economy.

According to Ken Research, majority of online sales in FY16 came from a clutch of eight metro cities.

Mostly it is the last-mile logistics that keeps the major sellers away from smaller towns. Even if they rely on air shipments, costs are higher, which they cant pass on to the users, Sharma explains.

But in recent times, various international aspirational brands have aggressively focused on strengthening their reach beyond metro markets.

The digital offline model of ShopX has offered a win-win situation for both brands and the retailers.

The company has raised about USD 9.8 million from ex-Infosys CEO

Nandan Nilekini, who owns a strategic stake in the company.

ShopX plans to break even by 2018 on the back of its frugal cost structure. The company has also roped in Jagdish Kini, former CEO of Airtel (South Region) and former Aadhaar chief architect Pramod Varma, as mentors.

By end of next year, the startup wants to reach about 1 million shopkeepers.

The startup has also added a formal credit option in its platform that allows shopkeepers to avail loans from a clutch of partner banks and NBFCs such as FlexiLoans and CapitalFloat.

It claims to have disbursed about Rs 20 crore of loans in three months since its launch. In the pilot stage, ShopX claims that it has seen a 100% repayment track for such loans.

durba.ghosh@nw18.com
The advances in robotics and artificial intelligence in different sectors has added to the chorus about rising automation threatening people's jobs.

Automation of activities enables businesses to improve performance, quality and productivity while reducing the cost, which continues to attract more employers to shift to automation. As a result, humans have to compete with machines that outperform humans in almost all aspects.

Here's what experts say on this:

- According to World Economic Forum (WEF) 2016 report titled Future of Jobs, automation and technological advancements could impact more than 5.1 million jobs due to disruptive labor market changes between 201520, with a total loss of 7.1 million jobs in the office and administrative sector and a total gain of 2 million jobs in several smaller sectors.

- Another report by McKinsey Global institute stated that almost half of work activities globally have the potential to be automated using current technology. It estimated that automation could raise productivity growth globally by 0.8 to 1.4 percent annually.

Source: McKinsey Global Institute

In a future global economy that could potentially be devoid of work for humans, how can humankind tackle the threat of a jobless future?

So far, two approaches have been proposed to deal with the increasing automation. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft suggested an approach to tax robots as they take away people's jobs.

"If a human worker does $50,000 of work in a factory, that income is taxed," Gates said in an interview with Quartz. "If a robot comes in to do the same thing, you'd think we'd tax the robot at a similar level."

Gates contention is, effect, levying a tax on the capital employed by businesses in using them.

Even though the implementation of such a radical idea would require support from stakeholders such as politicians, employers and policymakers, the idea of levying taxes as compensation for loss of jobs seems like a possibility.

However, the European Commissioner in charge of the bloc's push for a Digital Single Market (DSM), Andrus Ansip, opposed Gate's idea of taxing robots as they accelerate the country's progress.

In a CNBC-hosted panel on Thursday at the Pioneers tech conference in Vienna, Ansip said, "The aim of taxation is not just (to) collect revenues  But to increase salaries of teachers and police. Taxes are also to have some influence over some processes. I fully agree that we have to tax bad habits, for example pollution, or smoking, or drinking alcoholic drinks, this I can understand."



Taxing progress is not a good idea! Instead, I want more freedom 4 #innovation, this brings more jobs, more #startups & #scaleup #Pioneers17 pic.twitter.com/TYfDrVqgSg

 Andrus Ansip (@Ansip_EU) June 1, 2017

He tweeted:

Another possible way to deal with the impact on jobs and society from automation and AI (artificial intelligence) technology is the idea of universal basic income (UBI).

UBI is a policy in which every citizen in a certain country receives a regular, but equal amount of money regardless of whether they are employed or not.

In a panel at Pioneers tech conference, major Silicon Valley names such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg backed the idea of a universal basic income (UBI).

On the other hand, Ansip believes that like the new technology had created more work, and automation would do the same, according to a CNBC report.

According to WEF report on future of jobs, current pace of technological advancement would change the demand of required skill set, creating jobs in areas unrelated to technology.

The table suggests there would be a decline in demand for technical skills but a rise in demand for cognitive abilities.
Nagpur: Congress Party Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressing at a public meeting to mark culmination of 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, at Kasturchand Park in Nagpur on Monday. PTI Photo (PTI4_11_2016_000433B)

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.
The separatists camp in Jammu and Kashmir today hit out at the People's Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party (PDP-BJP) state government for preventing them from holding a meeting by putting them under house arrest, saying it was doing this at the "bidding of its masters in New Delhi".

While hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani has been under house arrest for a long time now, the authorities today put Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Ahmad Shah and several other second-rung separatist leaders under house arrest to prevent them from reaching Geelani's Hyderpora residence for the said meeting.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody and lodged at a police station here.

Security personnel were posted outside Geelani's residence, a police official said, adding that no one was being allowed to enter the premises.

In a joint statement, the separatists said not allowing them to hold meetings had become a "norm" for the state authorities who had to "keep up the farce of normalcy through repression at the bidding of their masters in New Delhi", otherwise "they will be shown the door by them".

The meeting was to be attended by separatist leaders and members of the business community in the wake of National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids on several of their second- rung leaders as part of a crackdown on the fundings of street protests and businessmen suspected of carrying out hawala operations.

"The meeting was barred by the anti-Kashmir ruling regime through force," the statement read.

Referring to the NIA raids, the separatists claimed that these moves to "intimidate and harass" their leaders and activists was Government of India's "acceptance" that it had not been able to politically defeat the people's struggle in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The Government of India has completely failed in crushing the people's revolt, despite its largest military concentration in the world in Jammu and Kashmir, who have unleashed a reign of terror and torture upon the people for the past seven decades, inflicting untold miseries upon the masses," it alleged.

The separatists called for a peaceful protest after the Friday prayers across the Valley against the "witch-hunt, coercion and intimidation of resistance activists, leaders and members of the business community".

"The people will also strongly protest the Indian electronic media's propaganda war against Kashmiris and its shameless attempt to discredit their freedom struggle," they said.
The US does not need India, China and France telling it what to do on the issue of Paris Climate agreement, American Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, strongly supporting the controversial decision of President Donald Trump to withdraw from the landmark accord.

Trump last week withdrew the US, the second largest polluter after China, from the Paris Agreement.

He 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.

"I think the rest of the world would like to tell us how to manage our own environment and I think that anybody in America can tell you that we're best to decide what America should do. We don't need India and France and China telling us what they think we should do," Indian-American Haley was quoted as saying by CBS News.

Responding to a question on global reaction to Trump's decision, Haley said countries should continue doing what's in their best interest.

"They should continue doing what's in the best interest. And if the Paris agreement was something that works for them, that they can achieve, they should do that," Haley said.

Haley defended Trump's decision saying business could not be run under the kind of regulations imposed by the Paris Climate deal.

"There's a reason that President Obama didn't go through the Senate to get this cleared, because he couldn't. The regulations were unattainable. I mean you could not actually have a business run under the regulations that we had," she said.

She said that the US is conscious about the environment and it will continue to do its part in protecting climate change.

"We know that there are issues with the environment. We know that we have to be conscious of it. But we can't sit there and have Angela Merkel telling us to worry about Africa. She should continue doing her part. We're going to continue doing our part. We're going to continue encouraging other countries to do what they think is in the best interests of them. But American sovereignty matters," Haley said.

The top American diplomat said that Trump believes the climate is changing, and he does know that pollutants are a part of that equation.

"He believes that climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of that equation. He is absolutely intent on making sure that we have clean air, clean water, that he makes sure that we're doing everything we can to keep America's moral compass in the world when it comes to the environment," she said.

"We've done that in the past. We'll do it in the future. It's what the US does. It's what we'll continue to do," she added.
British police arrested a dozen people in a widening terrorism investigation after attackers in a van with large knives killed seven people in Borough Market, London. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the three major attacks.

Although the attackers were also dead, authorities raced to determine whether they had accomplices. Prime Minister Theresa May 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, when a rented van veered off the road and barreled into pedestrians on London Bridge.

Three men got out of the vehicle with large knives, attacking 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 counter-terrorism.

Islamic State's statement today from its Aamaq news 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.

The three attackers on 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.

48 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.

Counter-terrorism 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 news 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.

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."

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.

It was the third attack in Britain this year that Islamic State has claimed. The other attacks being attack on Westminister Bridge in March, 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.
Maldives and Libya's governments joined the five Arab nation in cutting their diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Five Arab nations had cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terror, which led to a diplomatic crisis affecting transport, oil and geopolitical instability.

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain have suspended all land, air and sea traffic with Qatar and ejected its diplomats from their territories. Saudi also expelled Qatar troops from Saudi-led fighting in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia said it did so Qatars embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilising the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, al-Qaida, Islamic State and groups supported by Iran in the kingdoms restive eastern province of Qatif, according to Guardian.

Egypts foreign ministry claimed that all attempts to stop Qatar from supporting terrorist groups failed. It also accused Qatar of taking an antagonist approach toward Egypt.

Bahrain listed Qatars media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahrain as reasons for its decision to cut diplomatic ties.

Saudi and the UAE were worried about Qatars support for the Muslim Brotherhood  a Sunni Islamist political group, which was outlawed by both as it challenges those nations hereditary rule.

Yemen joined the others by stating, "Qatar's practices of dealing with the (Houthi) coup militias and supporting extremist groups became clear," the government said in a statement.

Maldives and Libya joined the Arab nations but have not given immediate explanation of their move.

Qatars foreign affairs ministry said there was no legitimate justification given by all the countries for their decision, according to Aljazeera report.

Qatar explained that the decision was in "violation of its sovereignty". "The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact," the statement released by Qatar government read.

The statement said that the decisions would "not affect the normal lives of citizens and residents".

However, the blocking of air, land and sea routes have affected the citizens. Qatar Airways, one the major carriers, has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia.



Bunch of unmarked planes taking off from central #Qatar... pic.twitter.com/MTNpfV2j01

 Andrew Leber (@AndrewMLeber) June 5, 2017

Bunch of unmarked planes were mapped over Qatar, after the flights were suspended.

Similarly, major carriers outside Qatar have announced to suspend all their flights to Qatar and its capital, Doha.

Etihad, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, said it would suspend flights to Qatar until further notice; Emirates, the Dubai-based carrier, announced it would suspend Qatar flights starting on Tuesday; and Dubai-based budget carrier flydubai said it would suspend flights to and from Doha from Tuesday.

Citizens in Qatar were also seen stocking food from the supermarkets suspecting the impact of countries decision on supply of goods as transport routes are being affected.



Qatar residents rush to stock up on food after border closed https://t.co/pJq1roiUum  Ahmed Al Omran (@ahmed) June 5, 2017



Qatar's stock market also started to tumble after the gulf countries cut their ties. The Brent crude oil went up 1.7 percent today to USD 50.7/b.

Many stocks - particularly energy companies - have slumped by 10%, which is the maximum daily move allowed by regulators.

Even the best-performing stock on the QSI index is down 6%, as investors are spooked by the sudden freeze in relations with other Gulf states.

Earlier, the five gulf countries had blocked Qatar's state-run news agency, including Doha-based satellite news network Al-Jazeera, that allegedly published fake comments from its ruling emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani about Iran and Israel.

The emir was quoted as saying: Iran represents a regional and Islamic power that cannot be ignored and it is unwise to face up against it, the ticker at Qatari state televisions nightly newscast read at one point.

However, Qatar later alleged that state's site was hacked. Qatars communications office rushed out an explanation saying the stories were completely untrue and had no basis whatsoever.

Qatar has always been criticized by its Arab neighbours over its support to Islamists. In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain recalled their ambassadors from Qatar when it had a rift with gulf countries over its backing of then-Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, a Brotherhood member.

Eight months later, they returned their ambassadors as Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country and quieted others.

Since then Qatar repeatedly and strongly denied it funds extremist groups. However, it remains a key financial patron of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and has been the home of exiled Hamas official Khaled Mashaal since 2012.



Qatar has expelled a group of senior Hamas officials from the country. They'll go to Lebanon, Turkey, Malaysia. https://t.co/8hL72f3zLO

 Gregg Carlstrom (@glcarlstrom) June 5, 2017

Current situation might seem quite similar to that in 2014 as a few reports claim Qatar has expelled a group of senior Hamas officials.

However, whether the six countries will reconsider their diplomatic ties with Qatar after this move is still doubtful as the 2014 crisis did not see a land and sea blockade.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced today they were cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar, as they accused the Gulf state of supporting terrorism.

Saudi news agency Saudi Press Ageny (SPA) aid Riyadh cut diplomatic ties and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

A Saudi official cited by SPA said the country decided to "sever diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar, and to close all land, sea and aviation ports".

The "decisive" measure was due to the "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years", the Saudi statement said, as the UAE made an announcement cutting ties.

Egypt's foreign ministry also accused Doha of supporting "terrorism" in a statement as it announced the severing of ties.

The statement said all Egyptian ports and airports would be closed to Qatari vessels.

Bahrain news agency said the tiny kingdom was cutting ties with Doha over its insistence on "shaking the security and stability of Bahrain and meddling in its affairs".

The Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen's two-year war also said it had expelled Qatar.
The latest in the series of terrorist attacks in England left seven people dead and 48 injured London Bridge and Borough Market. According to media reports, a van drove into pedestrians on the bridge and the three men stabbed people in both sites.

This attack comes just two weeks after the suicide bomb attack which had rocked the bustling city of Manchester on May 22, killing 23 people, and 119 were injured.

According to a YouGov poll conducted post Paris attacks in November 2016, 68 percent British citizens had expected that such terrorist attacks could happen in Great Britain in 2017.

More than 1,150 persons out of 1693 were of opinion that a major terrorist attack is very likely in 2017. In France, 81 percent of the citizens thought another attack was more than likely.

The response of British people post any terrorist attack, whether in the country or outside, is usually calm. Most of them think that the possibility of their relatives or friends being killed is fairly low.

A survey conducted by YouGov revealed that, even when the attack is on British soil, peoples reaction did not change much. Following the 7/7 bombings in London, one of the deadliest terror attacks on British soil in modern history, fears of family and friends being killed were at just 16 percent.

A popular conception about terrorist suspects is that they are young and therefore easily mislead. However, one of the striking features of the Westminster attack (London) in March 2017 was the age of the man who carried out the attack. Khalid Masood, who had driven a car into pedestrians and stabbed a policeman, was 52 years old.

The data obtained from British Home Office suggests that older terrorists are not so rare. Since 9/11 and till September 2016, 48 percent of the arrested or convicted terrorist were 30 years or older.

Most of the attacks happening in Europe, including Westminster and Manchester, have either an ISIS link or is claimed by the terrorist group. However, an analysis by RAND Corporation shows that their territory and power is shrinking.

At the height of its power back in late 2014, ISIS controlled over 100,000 square km of territory and as a result of the U.S.-led campaign against it, that fell to 45,377 square km by early 2017, a 57 percent decline. People living under its control also fell by 73 percent, from 11 million in 2014 to 2.5 million in 2017.

If we try to look at a large scale, the data provided by US State Department is nothing short of horrific. Worldwide, 28,328 people died of terrorist attacks in the year 2015; three people dying every hour. The number of total attacks was 11,774; 32 attacks per day.

The most number of death was reported from Syria, followed by Iraq and Afghanistan. Whereas, most numbers of terrorist attacks happened in Iraq, followed by Afghanistan and Pakistan. India sustained 791 terrorist attacks in 2015, according to the data.
Premier Li Keqiang has responded to European Commission President Jean-Claude Junckers words at the 12th China-EU Business Summit, on June 2, stating while international uncertainties are increasing, China-EU relations are stabilizing.

My visit to Europe is aimed at building consensus, increasing mutual trust and enhancing cooperation between China and Europe to counter international uncertainties with a stable China-EU relationship, he said.

I hope the summit will send out a stable market expectation for entrepreneurs.

The trend of world peace and cooperation is irreversible, and mankind has the wisdom to maintain long-term peace for a safe business environment.

Premier Lis positive position won a warm applause at the gathering.

China and Europe work together for economic globalization

The Premier said, in a speech at the summit, China and Europe shared a stance on key international concepts, stating both sides should safeguard the main trend of globalization, as well as work for universal, inclusive and fair growth.

We cannot deny globalization may have a negative impact on certain industries and groups of people in some countries, he said.

The solution lies in improved global governance, which can bring inclusive benefits to all countries and people.

Free and fair trade equally important

Premier Li has stated the EU should defend the rules of being free and having fair trade. His comments were in response to President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Junckers words on the matter.

The Premier said, while it was difficult to achieve an absolute bilateral trade balance for every country, it was necessary for countries to work for sustainable and balanced trades on an international scale.

It is urgent for us to adhere to the principles of free and fair trade with multilateralism, inclusiveness and nondiscrimination, which will revitalize trade and investment, he said.

Jointly safeguard rule-based multilateral economic and trade order

Premier Li confirmed China has continuously advocated multilateral rules, including those of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

All parties should comply with the WTO rules and act accordingly, he said.

I hope the European Union can fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of the Protocol on Chinas accession to the WTO, in order to send a positive signal on safeguarding the multilateral system and rules.

Cooperation benefits both sides

China and EU countries have reaped significant benefits from globalization and free trade.

In 2016, EU investments in China grew by 35.1 percent year-on-year, and in the first four months of 2017, the China-EU trade reached $180.7 billion. The figure was the result of a 9.1 percent increase year-on-year.

As the China-EU cooperation has reached a high level, the steady progress of our all-around cooperation will benefit both people, Premier Li said.

He added China was ready to accelerate negotiations with the EU in regards to high-level investment agreements, and said the countries would start joint research on free trade zones.

The Premier said these efforts would promote trade liberalization and facilitation, and push forward a balanced growth of bilateral trade, in order to form an open, equal and win-win situation.
The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana.
Education

Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu.

Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events:

International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu.

EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu.

Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale  an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s  will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets  June Homecoming: Participant  $18 per person; Sustainer  $25 per person; Benefactor  $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler  Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events:

SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available  for information call 610-275-1960

Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above)

SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m.  computers are available during those hours.

Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863.

Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376.

Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com.

The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes:

Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at

other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020.

CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313.

The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events:

Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30.

Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301.

For Kids & Families

The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443.

Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950.

Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required.

The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950.

Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus.

Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage.

Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun.

Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train.

Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world!

Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class.

Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org.

Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583.

Community Events at the Ambler Y:

-YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register.

Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org.

Health

Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot.

The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information.

Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245.

Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net.

Spring Aquatic Programs  UDHS Pool:

-Summer is just around the corner  Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required.

 Shallow Water Aerobics  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR.

 Adult Swim Instructions  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR

-Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21.

-Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday  Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m.

-Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons.

-Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates.

Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com.

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org.

Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs:

FITNESS CLASSES

Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month.

Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30  9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000.

Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30  7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047.

New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.  12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30  4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325.

Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes.

Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.

Librarytalk

Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744

www.upperdublinlibrary.org

APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS:

Storytimes: Please register in the library.

o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m.

o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.

o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6.

APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS:

North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee

APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS:

NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org.

One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register  contact info above.

Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744.

o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register.

Meetings:

Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m.

Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m.

Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org.

For children and teens at Blue Bell:

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m.

* May 14  Despicable Me

* June 11  Alpha and Omega

* Special Events

* April  watch for date of spring/Easter events

* April 14 at 4:30 p.m.  Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children.

* April 14 at 7 p.m.  Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided.

* April 16 at 1 p.m.  Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

* April 16 at 1:30 p.m.  Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes?

* April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button.

* April 30 through May 3  Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults.

* May  sign up for Science in the Summer

* June  sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children

* June  sign up for Summer Reading, all ages

For adults at Blue Bell:

* Daytime Book Discussion Group  fourth Tuesday, Jan  April at 1:30 p.m.

* April 26  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Night-time Book Discussion Group  third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

o April 19  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges

o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked?

*Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs

* Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class.

* Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class.

* Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m.

* Giant Book Sale, April 29  May 3

o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults!

o Held during library hours.

o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m.

o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join.

* Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series

o May 11 at 1 p.m.  Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society

* Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room.

* Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read.

* Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome.

* Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome.

*Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older.

* Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours

* Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours

* Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday!

Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library.

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* For adults:

* Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn.

* Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net

* Special Events:

* April 14 at 1:30 p.m.  Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian.

* April 19 at 7 p.m.  Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m.

* April 21 at 7 p.m.  Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades.

*May 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

*May 10  Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*May 12 at 1:30p.m.  Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

*May 17  Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*June 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

Meetings and Lectures

The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833.

The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200.

The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/.

LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings.

Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org.

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org)

-Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them.

The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter.

For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps.

Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin.

Special Events

The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County.

The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065.

Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members.

Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex.

The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com.

The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348.

The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163.

The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu.

The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com.

The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net.

Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages.

13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries.

Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family.

The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler.

JPRN  Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them  Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike.

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately.

Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways.

Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table.

Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp  Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall:

-Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store.

Music and Theater

The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220.

Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html.

Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free.

The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org

Religious News

The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276.

Reunions

St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net.

Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572.

Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779.

Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net

Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net

The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411.

Support

New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149.

PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931.

The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296.

Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656.

Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group  every other Wednesday, 7  8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support  second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner  Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers  Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information.

CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7  8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich,
NO. 1

On May 31, Germanys federal government website reported Premier Li Keqiangs visit to Germany and his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The report briefly reviewed bilateral relations between China and Germany, emphasized the one-China policy, eyed joint efforts to promote innovation, and also highlighted frequent two-way, high-ranking diplomatic visits.

NO. 2

A June 1 story in Deutsche Welle appreciated the deals between China and Germany on electric-car manufacturing during Premier Lis visit, saying that German carmakers win big.

Germanys top two automakers, Daimler and Volkswagen, both left the table with deals to build electric cars in China, the worlds biggest market for electric mobility, it said.

NO. 3

DW said the EU has been turning to China to bolster leadership on climate change when reporting the meeting between Premier Li and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on June 1.

It said that Germany is reaching out to Asia after unsatisfying G7 talks last week.

In terms of trade, DW mentioned that the EU is looking to China for support on free trade. It cited words from the head of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business, Hubert Lienhard, which called on China to make good on its commitments to open markets.

NO. 4

The report on Germanys federal government reviewed talks between Premier Li and Merkel during the Premiers visit to the country.

The two said China and Germany will develop the partnership in a wide range of different fields, firmly support free trade, and promote innovative cooperation in electric mobility, according to the report.

NO. 5

Germanys federal government website said on June 1 that Germany and China are willing to deepen cooperation in research and innovation, with new priorities given to research and the development of Industry 4.0 and electro-mobility.

Many measures will be in place to promote such cooperation, such as allocating funds for the countrys China Strategy 2015-2020, setting up joint research funds for reliable cooperation and providing fair market access, it said.

NO. 6

The European Commission issued a news release on June 2 saying the 19th China-EU leaders meeting has brought a number of important results that would benefit bilateral relationship.

It listed almost all cooperative results in fields, including climate action, business, regional security, investment, energy cooperation and connectivity that had been achieved at the meeting.

NO. 7

Handelsblatt Global said on May 31 that China and the EU will work closer to implement the Paris Agreement and prevent it from unraveling, as the US threatens to pull out of the deal.

Handelsblatt cited German government sources, saying the German government is confident that the Paris deal can still be effective even without US participation.

NO. 8

POLITICO cited a draft leaders statement for the 19th China-EU leaders meeting on May 31 that China and the EU were set to pledge deeper cooperation on the Paris climate agreement as US retreat.

Stepping up efforts to cut emissions and implement the deal will provide both sides with significant opportunities, according to the statement.

NO. 9

Reuters cited these words from President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, China and the European Union agree on the need for international solutions for clean energy and climate change .

China and the European Union are aligned on the need for international solutions. Nowhere is that more important than in leading the global clean energy transition and the implementation, the full implementation without nuances, of the Paris Climate Agreement, Juncker said at a meeting of EU and China business leaders in Brussels on June 2.

NO. 10

Telesur, a television network based in Latin America, cited these words from Premier Li that China is willing to strengthen free-trade ties with Europe on June 3.

China has rapidly expanded its role in shaping the world economy, most recently through the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, it said.
June 05, 2017

"The GCC States Led By Saudi Arabia Will Collapse Into Oblivion"

Emboldened by U.S. backing Saudi Arabia launched a campaign to finally subjugate Qatar into client state status. The plan has now reached a high point. A few hours ago Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia severed all ties with Qatar.

All sea- and airspace have been closed for Qatari traffic and the land-routes severed. All Qataris will have to leave those countries within 14 days. Qatari diplomats were given just 48 hours.

The immediate consequences are huge. Some 37 million passengers cross through Doha each year. But Qatar Airways now has to fly through Iranian, Iraqi and Turkish airspace to reach Europe. (If the situation persists the UAE owned Emirates Airways will likely order a huge bunch of new planes.) Half of the food in Qatar comes via Saudi Arabia through Qatar's only land border. 600-800 trucks per day can no longer pass. The 19 flights per day between Doha and Dubai are called off. Oil prices rose some 1.6% and the Qatari stock exchange tanked.

The reasons for the immediate spat are manifold. It has only little to do with Iran.

The Saudis accuse Qatar of supporting terrorists. That is like Britain accusing the U.S. of imperialism, or the mafia cutting ties with the mob over gangsterism. As Joe Biden remarked (vid) when still Vice President, both Wahhabi countries, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have been funding and fueling terrorism in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere. But the Saudi view is that the more "liberal" Qatar is simply supporting the "wrong" kind of terrorists.

The Qatari government and its mouthpiece Al-Jazeera installed and supported the Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt. The Saudis put that government down by financing a military coup against it. Qatar is supporting the Muslim Brotherhood government of Turkey. It is supporting the Palestinian Hamas, also a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate. Qatar is financing various al-Qaeda aligned groups in Libya, Syria and Afghanistan. The Taliban have their only diplomatic mission in Doha. Until recently the Saudis have been financing ISIS. They are now mainly back at financing various other Jihadi groups in Syria under CIA control. The UAE is sponsoring the Libyan general Hiftar who is fighting Qatari supported al-Qaeda aligned groups. The Saudis are making nice with Israel and have no interest in the Palestinian cause which Qatar supports.

There are diverting interests in hydrocarbons. Qatar is the world's biggest exporter of natural gas - a serious competition to Saudi oil exports. It has recently intensified its relations with other producers and customers in the Gulf region and beyond.

More local and personal dimensions of the spat include many intermarriages and competitions between Saudi and Qatari tribes and families. There are rumors that significant tribal groups in the Saudi's Najd desert, especially the al-Tamim, have recently renewed their ties to Qatar under its current emir Prince Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani. This was an "in your face" for the al-Sauds.

Oman and Kuwait have taken no position in the fight and try to mediate. Turkey is allied with Qatar but has stayed suspiciously quiet. There is a new defense agreement between Qatar and Turkey promising Turkish support if Qatar is attacked. The Turkish military has a base in Qatar with some 600 soldiers. A huge share of foreign investment in Turkey has come from Qatar. The Turkish and Qatari government coordinate tightly in their common support for al-Qaeda and other Takfiris in the war on Syria.

The current standoff between Qatar and other Arab countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council were enabled by the Trump administration:

Whereas the Obama administration sought to enhance U.S. engagement with the GCC as a bloc, Trump focused instead on Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the twin pillars of its regional approach. Strong bonds reportedly have formed between Trumps adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner and Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia as well as Yusuf al-Otaiba, the influential UAE ambassador in Washington. Key principals within the Trump administration, such as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, hold views on Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood that are virtually indistinguishable from those in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

Trump fell into a Saudi-Israeli trap. The Pentagon hawks have dreamed of an "Arab NATO" to fight Iran. The envisioned "Arab NATO" may soon have its first war but it will be against one of its members. The (not-satanic) "Orb" show and the unlimited U.S. support for Saudi Arabia have exacerbated the fissures within the GCC and will hinder any common operations.

The U.S. military has huge interests in Qatar and other Gulf countries. Al-Udeid in Qatar is the biggest U.S. airbase in the Middle East. It is also the forward headquarter of the U.S. Central Command with some 10,000 U.S. soldiers and leads the fight against ISIS. The U.S. Navy fifth fleet is hosted in nearby Bahrain which has now declared a cold war with Qatar. Any spat or difficulty between the Gulf countries hinders U.S. military operations.

In Washington an intense Saudi and UAE lobbying campaign against Qatar has been ongoing for months. A Saudi lobbyist threatened the Qatari ruler with the "same fate as Egypt's Morsi". In a reprisal hacked emails between the UAE ambassador Yusuf al-Otaiba and Israeli lobbying organizations in Washington were recently published. The documents show that the Zionist lobby organization "Foundation for the Defense of Democracy" is advising the dictatorship of the UAE on how to fight the dictatorship of Qatar.

At the end of the "orb" show the Saudis and the U.S. pushed a document declaring various organizations and Iran "terrorist supporters." Qatar refused to sign it. Saudi clerics then declared that the Qatari al-Thani rulers are no longer considered to be "part of the Abdel Wahhab clan". That takes away the Wahhabi rulers religious legitimacy.

Qatar had tried to calm the situation down. It announced that six of its soldiers had been wounded while fighting for the Saudis near Yemen. It expelled a few Hamas leaders from the country. A mediator was sent to Kuwait - so far to no avail.

The extreme bullying of Qatar by the Saudis and the UAE, with total closure of all its borders, is designed to create an immediate capitulation. So far Qatar holds onto its course but in the end it is likely to fold. It will have to stop its support for "terrorism" i.e. the Muslim Brotherhood. Another scenario is a putsch in Doha with some Saudi puppet prepared to take over the realm. If that is unsuccessful a military move could follow. Qatar has little capabilities to withstand a potential Saudi invasion.

For Iran this is a chance to further blow up the GCC by intensifying its relations with Qatar. It could increase its food exports to the country and host Qatar airline flights. This in exchange for a Qatari retreat from Syria. The U.S./Saudi plan of confronting Iran through the GCC would then be in complete jeopardy.



The Imam says: "More popcorn please."

No matter how the spat with Qatar ends, the GCC unity has (again) been exposed as a sham. It can not be repaired. Saudi "leadership" is shown to be just brutal bullying and will be resisted. U.S. plans for a united GCC under Saudi leadership and U.S. control are in shambles.

The linch pin of all this is the Saudi war on Yemen. The Saudis support the Hadi puppet government of Yemen and two years ago aligned the other Gulf states, including Qatar, to fight against the Houthi in north Yemen. They accuse the Houthi of receiving Iranian support. There is zero evidence for that claim. The war and the coalition have failed. Houthi resistance continues unabated. With Yemen sinking into a famine thanks to a Saudi border blockade and a Cholera epidemic rapidly extending, the war must come to a close. Kuwait, Oman and Qatar are talking with the Houthi in Sanaa. Last week troops from the UAE used helicopters to again fight Saudi supported militia around the southern airport in Aden. The U.S. and Britain urge for the war to end and, behind closed doors, threaten to withdraw their support for it. The Saudi under their new leadership overestimate their capabilities. So did Trump when he raised their role. The Saudi "apes with Macbooks" do not have the capabilities needed for a serious political actor in this world. Their money can paper over that for only so long.

The above all reminds of a prediction made nearly two years ago by a Yemeni lawyer in Sanaa :

@Bafana3

At the end of this war on #Yemen, the GCC states led by Saudi Arabia will collapse into oblivion. I do not know what will replace them.

9:29am  15 Aug 2015

Posted by b on June 5, 2017 at 10:50 UTC | Permalink

Comments

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Reinforce international pressure on North Korea from multiple angles

The following editorial appeared in Sunday's Yomiuri Shimbun:

It is essential that the international community unites and strengthens its multifaceted pressure on North Korea, which has been defiantly carrying out nuclear development and ballistic missile launches.

Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and South Korean Defense Minister Han Min Koo held a trilateral meeting in Singapore and concurred that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs represent "an immediate threat to regional and global security."

The three countries also confirmed a policy of reinforcing trilateral defense capabilities through joint drills, including missile warning exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises and other activities. What is most important is for the three countries to cooperate and not fall out of step, no matter what sort of provocative actions North Korea may take.

In an address prior to the trilateral meeting, Mattis said the United States will continue to "increase diplomatic and economic pressure until Pyongyang finally and permanently abandons its nuclear and missile programs." Joint exercises are one element of strengthening pressure.

A total of 12 warships and other vessels of the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy, including two U.S. aircraft carriers, held large-scale joint exercises in the Sea of Japan for three days. With fighter jets of the Air Self-Defense Force also taking part, the demonstration to North Korea of the solid deterrence of the Japan-U.S. alliance had a significant effect.

It is common sense to believe that each missile launch represents an improvement in North Korea's ballistic missile technology. Every country must enhance its interception capabilities.

The U.S. Defense Department in a test late last month successfully intercepted an intercontinental ballistic missile target. The test was likely aimed at displaying its defense capabilities to incapacitate an ICBM, while North Korea is hurrying to develop an ICBM capable of striking the U.S. mainland.

Japan is scheduled to complete the development of the advanced ballistic missile interceptor SM-3 Block IIA this fiscal year. This will make it possible to shoot down a missile target at an altitude of up to over 1,000 kilometers. The country will also decide shortly on the introduction of a land-based Aegis system.

Countries including South Korea must steadily boost their preparedness for missile defense.

It should be recognized that the U.N. Security Council has adopted a sanctions resolution on North Korea to impose travel bans and asset freezes on 14 individuals and four organizations.

This marks the seventh sanctions resolution on the country since last November. In light of Pyongyang's third consecutive week of missile launches, even China and Russia, which had been cautious about imposing a resolution, at long last came around to approving one.

Needless to say, the sanctions cover only those who are in charge of the country's external intelligence activities and the like, and thus also contain uncertain aspects in their effectiveness.

The latest sanctions resolution should be considered as only one step in a series of measures taken to strengthen pressure on North Korea.

Countries such as Japan and the United States should tenaciously hold talks one after another with China and Russia to consider more powerful sanctions, including restrictions on crude oil supply to North Korea.

It is also important to strictly implement the already adopted sanctions resolution. China, which accounts for the bulk of North Korea's foreign trade and financial dealings, should assume an extremely large role.

yomiuri-editorial-nkorea

Washington Post News Service (DC)

6/4/2017 11:10:19 AM Central Daylight Time
I sing what I want to sing, be how I wanna be, and reach as big of an audience as I can.

14 hours ago
As warmer weather approaches, Burke County citizens are reminded that parking is not allowed along the stretch of North Powerhouse Road. Many people violate these no parking zones weekly if not daily to partake in summer heat relief in Lake James.

The stretch of North Powerhouse runs approximately 2 miles from Benfields Landing Road to Laurel Ridge Court and is clearly marked with multiple No Parking Anytime fixed signs on both sides of the roadway. Vehicles have been found by patrol officers to be impeding the flow of traffic and , in fact , in the roadway in these blind dangerous curves. These violations can lead to traffic accidents and possible injuries.

Duke Energy is proprietor and land owner to this stretch of roadway along North Powerhouse Road. In cooperation with their request along with compliance of North Carolina General Statue these no parking zones will be enforced. If the owner or operator of the vehicle is not located for removal of the vehicle in a timely manner, it will be towed at the registered owners expense.

Many people travel to the lake during the majority of our summer vacations in order to seek refuge from the hot temperatures , however, there are designated areas including the Lake James State Park that meet these needs. U se designated areas for swimming while in or around Lake James.
A 92-year-old Army veteran from Valdese is getting ready to embark on another journey to the country where he fought during World War II and, this time, he will receive a once-in-a-lifetime honor.

Ret. PFC James Hamby, who landed on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944 , along with thousands of other soldiers on the Invasion of the Normandy, is packing his bags for a trip back to France where he has been asked by national parade organizers to be the grand marshal and guest of honor in the National D- Day Commemorative Parade in Cherbourg, France.

When he received the news of being grand marshal all he thought was that he wanted to go.

I am looking (forward) to going back and to enjoy the celebration and to see something on our own, Hamby said.

In 2014, Hamby traveled with the East Burke High School marching band to Normandy when the band played and marched in the parade in 70th anniversary commemoration of D-Day.

After the trip was over, Hamby says he had enough hugs and kisses to last me a lifetime.

It was a wonderful trip and I really enjoyed it, he said.

Now he will be returning again with Jonathan Berry, band director at EBHS, who will be acting as his caretaker.

One of the reasons Hamby wants to return is to speak with French civilians because he was not able to on his last visit as much as he would have liked.

My main thought was I did not get to speak to many people who were in France, England, Germany or Belgium, he said. I didnt even learn to say ' thank you ' in any other language.

He said that one question has been on his mind to ask them which is how they have enjoyed their freedom since they were liberated from Germanys control.

I was wondering how they felt all these years, Hamby said.

He is not only looking forward to talking with people, but being able to move around and see different sights.

I dont know what they have planned for me over there, but whatever it is Ill do it, Hamby said. We will probably rent us a vehicle and have a GPS on it and go where we want to and see what we want to.

The celebration that the French have for the anniversary for D- Day compares to how the U.S. celebrates Christmas, except their celebration lasts for a week, Berry said.

Literally, everything stops and the focus is on the D-Day activities, he said.

When he was at Normandy the last time, a photographer captured a photo of him on Utah Beach during a ceremony with a very solemn look, which was then turned into pencil sketch and placed on millions of T-shirts, Berry said.

It is his face that is on everything and on billboards, Berry said.

Berry said Hamby will have to shine his cheeks because he received so many kisses during their last visit.

I have never seen a man get kissed so much, Berry said. They were very appreciative.

When he joined the United States Army at the age of 18, he said that he was told to do two things: listen to commands and keep the guns clean.

He was stationed in the 29th Field Artillery Battalion 4th Infantry Division in the U.S. Army and served for exactly two years three months and 11 days, he said.

He worked in the observation post and with radio maintenance and was a jeep driver, Hamby said.

Even though some memories of landing on the beach in Normandy to liberate France from Nazi powers have faded, there are still some etched in his memory.

He landed around 2 p.m. and said the first installment of soldiers arrived earlier that morning around 6 a.m.

This is history as far as I know  on Omaha Beach the first troops that landed and hit the beach, 90 percent of them were killed, Hamby said.

When I got there I had to climb off the ship down the rope ladder and get in the landing craft because our ship was out quite a ways, he said. We had to wad e the water about waist deep to get to land  and you had to keep your gun out of the water.

When he got to the beach , there was a small dozer pulling vehicles out of the water.

He was then transferred to the headquarters battery were he dug fox holes, which were holes that soldiers could fight from while having cover at the same time.

(Fox holes) are wide enough for you to lie down in and deep enough that if shrapnel shell would hit it would not get you, Hamby said.

All Burke County Public School marching bands will be returning to Normandy in June of 2019 for the 75th anniversary parade. They will be marching and playing in the parade. Berry also has been asked by parade officials to help them in knowing how to prepare for a marching band and what they will need when it comes to parade.

Hamby wanted to thank Les Fleurs, Glennie Sims and Jim Jacumin as significant patrons in his efforts.

Staff Writer Jonelle Bobak can be reached at jbobak@morganton.com or 828-432-8907.
Residents and industry players across Quebec have been invited to participate in an ongoing public consultation for the future of the provinces architecture policy.Scheduled until June 6, the Quebec leg of the consultation tour initiated by the Ordre des architectes du Quebec (OAQ) has already conducted conversations with residents in Montreal, Quebec City, Rouyn-Noranda, Saguenay, Rimouski, Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Drummondville, Saint-Jerome, Laval, Joliette and Trois-Rivieres. It is slated to wrap up in Gatineau tomorrow.This marked the first occasion on which Quebecers have been so extensively consulted about architecture, OAQ officials said. Based on the premise that architecture shapes the quality of life of all citizens, the policy would frame government orientations with regard to the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and renovation of buildings, infrastructures and public spaces. It would serve to harmonize legislation and regulations pertaining to architecture and institute measures to foster architectural qualitythat is, to ensure a built environment that emphasizes functionality, aesthetics and sustainability."So far, the consultations we have held all over Quebec have yielded a number of meaningful conclusions. There is a sense that people want their cities to build public spaces on a more human scale, OAQ president Nathalie Dion said. Citizens are also concerned about the decline of city centres, and about urban sprawl. Enhancing built heritage and doing away with the lowest-bidder rule have also been mentioned several times.Interested parties who are unable to attend in person can join the conversation in the official forum
There are two white lines in today's chart. Each represents the pace of the two most recent rallies in rates (with the latter being the current rally) by connecting the trend of "lower highs." The yellow lines denote "the gap" from 2.15-2.17, which has been an important inflection point since the US presidential election (i.e. after breaking above in Nov 2016, we have yet to break below, despite 2 attempts). This week is all about that 2nd attempt.

The biggest problem with breaking lower this week is that we get an on-cycle Fed Announcement next week (one of the 4 Fed announcements per year that includes economic projections and a press-conference--thought to be the Fed's preference when it comes to making bigger changes or hiking rates).

Bonds may not be keen to breaking convincingly below such an important pivot point until getting clarity on the Fed policy path. Even if we do see a break, the looming Fed Announcement will probably serve to stifle the momentum that would otherwise be suggested (which is quite a lot, from a technical perspective).

Economic data is limited, with key releases being today's ISM Non-Manufacturing index at 10am and--well--not much else. Apart from economic data, there are three key events on Thursday. If you turn your attention to the chart above one more time and recall the mid-April bounce, one of the events in play at the time was British Prime Minister May's call for an early election. That happens on Thursday, but it's probably the least potent of the three market movers (because there's strong consensus on the results).

The second event this Thursday is the European Central Bank Announcement. There hasn't been much buzz about any major changes being discussed, although markets will continue to be on guard for any sign of tapering (they're still expanding the balance sheet over there!).

Finally, there's the much-anticipated Comey testimony regarding the events surrounding his firing (Trump, Flynn, Russia, etc.). This could be a watershed moment in global politics, or a frustratingly anticlimactic collection of cryptic comments that markets could take either way.

Considering the possibility that bonds have been trading as well as they have in order to position for such a potential Comey bombshell, it's a good idea to stay on guard for the absence of such bombshells. That absence would almost certainly coincide with a definitive break above the recent rally trend and/or a definitive bounce up from the 2.15-2.17 gap.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Tropical storm conditions possible. Windy with showers and thunderstorms likely. High 74F. Winds ESE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Thunderstorms likely. Low 71F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Texas Department of Transportation

The Texas Department of Transportation turned 100 this year. To celebrate, the agency is traveling around the state with a 1918 Liberty truck, a refurbished World War I surplus truck used in its earliest years.

The truck, along with other historical items, will visit the TxDOT Odessa District this week to give residents a chance to learn more about the storied transportation agency. The following is the schedule:
After 28 years working at KCRS radio, news director Jesse Grimes is hanging up his microphone.

It was just time, Grimes said. Im getting older, dont have as much umph anymore.

Grimes said a lot of people hes worked with before have already retired and he doesnt have the energy he used to when covering the news. In retirement hes looking forward to relaxing and possibly doing some volunteer work.

Its been a pleasure, Grimes said of working with the company for so long. Of course I worked with several owners, theres a lot of pressures you have to work with, but its been fun to work with various people.

Grimes said hes enjoyed getting to interview people in different professions and vocations.

Its been very interesting to talk to people whove had different interests and different causes. Its just been a pleasure to talk to a variety of people over the years, he said.

Grimes has worked at KCRS since 1988. He started his career in radio in the Houston area back in 1972 before working in Livingston for some time and then moved to the Permian Basin. Grimes worked at a radio station in the area before dabbling in the TV industry, working at KOSA and KWES for several years, before settling into his radio career again. Grimes worked for KRIL several years before ultimately moving over to KCRS where he stayed for the remainder of his career.

This article first appeared in the Odessa American.
We are collating signatures to petition ...
The meet will take place on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Indonesia.
In less than 48 hours, more than 70 vehicles were broken into in areas of Altamonte Springs and Maitland this weekend.

Friday: 35 car break-ins in Altamonte Springs

Saturday: 37 car break-ins in Maitland

Police working to see if they are connected

Thirty-five vehicles were burglarized in Altamonte Springs Friday, and then 37 other cars were broken into on Saturday morning.

A woman who lives at one of the places hit in Altamonte Springs said she feels she wasn't alerted quick enough to the break-ins.

Its very frightening to come out and see all these cars broken, I mean there is glass everywhere. You just see all these cars now with trash bags on their car windows and its frightening," said Amy Lapsley.

Altamonte Springs police said the 35 vehicle burglaries happened in the area of Wymore Road and Douglas Avenue, and were mostly smash and grabs.

Then just 24 hours later, nearby Maitland Police was called to more than 30 car break-ins at the Park Lake Townhomes and The Courtney at Lake Shadow Apartments.

In some instances, no property was taken, but the damage left behind is still unnerving for neighbors.

It makes me angry and scared, but more than anything Im angry that it's happening in this neighborhood," said Amy. "Like I said, this is a good neighborhood, these are good hardworking people that are just trying to make a living. We cant afford to be replacing windows on these cars."

Maitland Police said they will be working with Altamonte Springs Police to determine if these burglaries are all connected.

Both police departments say there is no surveillance video of the burglars at this time, but a witness in Maitland told officers they saw four people smash a car window and then leave in a small red Ford SUV.
Vigil: Jewish communities nationwide hold candlelight vigils 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.

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.
Two proprietors of the Ghost Ship warehouse in Oakland, where 36 people died in a fire in December, were arrested Monday and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter related to the inferno.

Master tenant Derick Almena and the art spaces creative director, Max Harris, knowingly created a fire trap ... then filled that area with human beings and now face the consequences of their actions, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley said Monday in announcing the arrests and charges.

Paying guests were faced with a nearly impossible labyrinth to get out of the building, OMalley said, calling Almena and Harris reckless.

Each defendant faces 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter and up to 39 years in prison, prosecutors said. Almena, 47, was arrested in Lake County, and Harris, 27, who uses the name Max Ohr, was arrested in Los Angeles County.

Almena appeared in Lake County Superior Court Monday, and his bail was set at $1,080,000. He was later booked into Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, according to the Alameda County Sheriffs Office. Harris was booked into Los Angeles County jail with bail also set at $1,080,000.

Authorities on Monday also revealed that the exact cause of the fire will remain unknown because of severe fire damage to the two-story building at 1301 31st Ave. in the Fruitvale district.

The arrests mark the end of a six-month investigation that began the night of Dec. 2, when a fire erupted at the artist collective during an unpermitted electronic music event that was open to the public. Most of the victims were trapped on the second floor as a wall of smoke and flames engulfed the buildings maze-like escape routes. All of the victims died from smoke inhalation.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf commended OMalley for filing criminal charges.

I applaud the charges filed today ... because they send a clear message: You wont get away with making a profit by cramming people into dangerous spaces or failing to maintain safe living conditions, Schaaf said.

Attorneys for Almena said they would vigorously defend their client.

We believe that these charges represent no less than a miscarriage of justice, said Jeffrey Krasnoff, Kyndra Miller and Tony Serra, in a statement. We are confident that this attempt to make a scapegoat of our client will fail.

Efforts to reach an attorney for Harris were unsuccessful.

Almena  the eccentric patriarch of the underground artist collective  lived in the warehouse with his wife and children. None of them was home on the night of the fire.

According to the charging documents filed by OMalleys office, Almena promoted the upstairs space as a venue for music and social events, with up to 100 people allowed to attend inside this unsafe and unpermitted warehouse.

The documents say Harris acknowledged he had allowed the Dec. 2 party to take place and prepared the second floor for the music event, blocking off access to one of the two stairwells, which left only one escape route.

In addition, the documents say that Almena and Harris allowed up to 25 people to live in the building for two years but lied to law enforcement officers investigating the fire, telling them that no one lived in the warehouse.

As the leaseholder, Almena was responsible under the California Fire Code for installing fire-suppression systems, smoke alarms, exit signs and sprinklers when he allowed people to live in the building, prosecutors said. However, he failed to take these safety steps, they said.

He also failed to seek a zoning variance from light industrial to live-work, violating city and state codes, the documents allege.

Prosecutors said Almena also encouraged his tenants  who paid $350 to $1,400 in rent  to use unconventional materials to create their living spaces. Those included tapestries, pianos, RV trailers, wooden sculptures and other ramshackle and highly flammable materials, also a violation of city and state codes, documents say.

A friend, Aaron Marin, who has known Almena for years and escaped from the Ghost Ship fire by jumping out of a second-floor window, had mixed feelings about the arrest.

I know for a fact he didnt intentionally want his place and all his stuff to burn and those people to die, Marin said. But its a matter of being accountable for the lives.

Those who know Almena had conflicting views of him, with some describing him as a loving artist and father and others calling him a slumlord.

During the investigation, authorities conducted dozens of witness interviews, pored through 6,000 pages from relevant documents, issued 12 search warrants and examined 300 pieces of evidence.

Investigators and attorneys conducted an intensive legal analysis to determine who could be charged in the case, said Teresa Drenick, a spokeswoman for OMalley.

During Mondays news conference, Drenick limited questions to technical issues related to the charges and declined to say whether additional arrests will be made.

Manslaughter charges stemming from fatal non-arson fires are rare.

In 2003, 100 people were killed at the Station nightclub in Rhode Island, when pyrotechnics set off a massive blaze during a show by 80s metal band Great White. A grand jury indicted two brothers who owned the nightclub, along with the band manager who started the fireworks, on involuntary manslaughter charges.

Great Whites manager, Daniel Biechele, pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to four years in prison. Defendants Michael Derderian and Jeffrey Derderian were sentenced to four years in prison and three years of probation respectively.

News of the criminal charges in the Ghost Ship case brought some relief to friends and families of the victims.

I was appalled at how many people knew how unsafe this was, and for many years, said Wendy Dixon-Magree, 61, of Aurora, Ohio. Her nephew, Billy Dixon, was killed in the fire. You never want to see anybody get sued or charged with a crime, but, yes, maybe it needed to be done. It was a horrible accident, and they knew how dangerous it was.

In Oakland, David Bernbaum, 37, whose brother Jonathan and several friends died in the fire, said, I talked to my parents; we all feel pretty similarly. We all have a lot of anger at Derick for all of this.

That said, we know that this isnt something that is going to bring anybody back.

One victim injured in the Ghost Ship blaze remains hospitalized with a serious respiratory condition, OMalley said.

Several families have filed civil lawsuits against Almena, Harris and the buildings owner, Chor Ng, and other promoters and performers at the event. They have also sued Pacific Gas and Electric Co., saying the utility supplied power to the doomed artist space with blatant disregard for the safety of the people in the building.

While there is no official cause of the blaze, investigators had narrowed the origin of the fire to a shared kitchen in the back of the buildings first floor. Agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had looked into the buildings electrical system, a tangle of extension cords weaving around the warehouses rickety rooms.

All of the buildings power came from a single source: a transformer box inside a neighboring auto body shop, attorneys for the victims families said in court papers.

The families have also filed separate legal claims  precursors to lawsuits against government entities  against the city of Oakland, Alameda County and the state of California.

In the two years before the Ghost Ship fire, police were repeatedly called to parties at the warehouse. But despite the calls and numerous complaints from neighbors, then-fire chief Teresa Deloach Reed raised brows when she said in the days after the fire that her department had no idea there were people living or having parties at the Ghost Ship.

She retired on May 5 amid criticism over her management of the department and inspection procedures.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Jill Tucker contributed to this report.

Evan Sernoffsky, Kimberly Veklerov and Peter Fimrite are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com, kveklerov@sfchronicle.com, pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky, @KVeklerov, @pfimrite

Previous coverage of Ghost Ship blaze

Online: To see all of The Chronicles coverage of Decembers deadly inferno in Oakland, go to www.sfchronicle.com/oakland-fire/
Northern Californias biggest pot party of the summer drew an estimated 10,000 marijuana fans, friends and family to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday for the High Times Cannabis Cup Nor-Cal featuring performances by 311 and Bob Marleys backing band, the Wailers.

Sunny skies and huge crowds greeted the regional cannabis competition and expo  which featured more than 450 entries in 14 categories such as best marijuana buds, hash, edibles and more. The winners were to be announced Sunday afternoon. This year, the Cups medication area expanded to envelop about half the event space, where hundreds of Californias leading pot shops and brands handed out free samples and did what could be millions of dollars in business over two long days.
Oakland police officers tend to speak less respectfully to black people than to white people during traffic stops, using language in these everyday interactions that can erode community faith in the police, according to a first-of-its-kind study of body-camera footage released Monday by Stanford researchers.

An analysis of 981 traffic stops made by 245 Oakland officers in April 2014 found that officers were more apt to use terms of respect such as sir, maam, please and thank you when dealing with white motorists when compared to black ones. They apologized to white people more frequently for having to stop them, and expressed concern, telling them to drive safe.

After stopping black people, officers more often used terms deemed to be disrespectful, calling them by their first names, bro or my man, and instructing them to keep their hands on the wheel, the study found.

We found that the officers on average spoke fairly respectfully to people  it was just that they spoke even more respectfully to white community members than they did to black community members, said Jennifer Eberhardt, a Stanford professor who co-authored the study. No matter how we looked at the data, there was a race gap there.

ALSO Jury reaches decision in death penalty phase of Sierra LaMar case

The study found that officers spoke more respectfully and more formally to older people. But the racial disparities persisted even after researchers took into consideration the severity of the infraction and the location and outcome of the stop. The race of the officer making the stop did not contribute a significant effect, the study said.

Oakland police officials did not respond to requests for comment on the findings, but indicated they may discuss the report in detail in the near future. The city cooperated in the study, which was part of an ongoing collaboration between the Police Department and Eberhardt, an expert on racial profiling.

The rise of police wearing body cameras has been embraced by both officers and police watchdogs as a way to collect evidence about confrontations that may come into dispute. But in the past, the footage has generally shed light on critical incidents like shootings, instead of offering a window into everyday interactions.

The Stanford researchers said their work showed that the videos could be tapped as a rich source of data and, in turn, become a training tool.

The reason we chose to look at respect in particular is because we know from other research on procedural justice that respect is important to people, Eberhardt said. You build trust with the community one interaction at a time. We were interested in looking at these more common everyday interactions that everybody was having, rather than these high-profile cases where youre trying to adjudicate who was right or wrong.

The researchers used a two-step process to dig into 183 hours of footage.

First, they had human participants look at transcripts of a sampling of officer utterances, as well as what drivers said immediately beforehand, and rate the police communication in terms of respect. They then analyzed what about each utterance was judged to be respectful, and developed a computer program that applied the model to the rest of the footage.

For example, an utterance such as, Sorry to stop you. My name is Officer (Redacted) with the Police Department ranked higher in respect than, All right, my man. Do me a favor. Just keep your hands on the steering wheel real quick.

The study found that white people were 57 percent more likely to hear an officer say something judged to be highly respectful, while black people were 61 percent more likely to hear an officer say something judged to be extremely disrespectful.

George Holland Sr., president of the Oakland chapter of the NAACP, said the study validated much of what he has heard from community members.

People in certain communities tell each other that you better be wearing a white shirt and a tie so youll get better treatment, he said. Most of us learn at a very early age that the police are our enemy. It shouldnt ever be that way.

Eberhardt cautioned that the findings do not prove bias or wrongdoing in individual cases or on the part of individual officers.

Our main point is that there are language disparities here that can be driven by a number of different factors and they can emerge even when officers dont hold any racial animus against blacks or any awareness that there are these differences in language use, she said.

A previous study led by Eberhardt, published last year, found that Oakland officers were four times as likely to search African American men as white men during a traffic or pedestrian stop.

There have been previous indications, though, that Oaklands adoption of body cameras starting in late 2010 has improved policing in the city, including a big drop in the number of use-of-force complaints made against officers.

While an officers treatment of a person during a traffic stop may seem small in the scheme of things, Alicia Garza, an Oakland activist who co-founded Black Lives Matter, said its important to see the interactions as examples of larger patterns that have real tangible outcomes for peoples lives.

In a traffic stop, if an officer is kind, courteous and discreet, that traffic stop is less likely to result in a loss of life, she said. Oftentimes when we talk about race and racism, we talk about individualized actions between people. But what Dr. Eberhardts study is really pointing to is the ways peoples individualized actions point to a systemic set of practices that has impacts on peoples lives.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
Matt Brown/STF

Exxon Mobil has inked a contract to look for oil in a deep-water field off the coast of Equatorial Guinea, the company said Monday.

As part of its pact with the West African country's government, the Texas oil company will operate and get an 80 percent working interest in a deep-water block that spans 307,000 acres about 36 miles west of Malabo, the country's capital.
TOM REEL /San Antonio Express-News

The San Antonio Economic Development Foundation will move its offices to the downtown Weston Centre in August from its longtime location at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce building, the foundation announced Monday.

The 15 members of the foundation staff will move into 4,869 square feet of space on the 26th floor of the Weston Centre, 112 E. Pecan St.
WINTERS  Dr. Richard Thorpe took an unusual path to his post as president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the oldest and largest livestock association with more than 17,000 members in the nations leading cattle raising state.

While he knew he always wanted to operate a ranch  he wore a cowboy hat as an elementary school kid in suburban Dallas and sketched out his future Mesa T brand while a junior in high school  he didnt come from a ranching family and started out lacking one big requirement: land.
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Artist Nivia Gonzalez, whose work graced the covers of books by authors such as Sandra Cisneros and Alice Walker, has died. She was 70.

Gonzalez, who was known for her images of serene-looking, brown-skinned women painted in lush, velvety colors, died Sunday in hospice care.

A San Antonio native, she had her first solo exhibition at the Witte Museum when she was 17. After graduating from Alamo Heights High School, she earned a bachelors degree in studio art from Trinity University, followed by a masters degree in art eduction from the University of Texas at Austin. She also studied at Cooper Union in New York.

She really had a genius quality to her thinking, said Gonzalezs cousin Carlos Rodriguez, who lives in Washington, D.C. She had always been very bright, since (she was) a kid.

At the height of her career, Gonzalezs work was sold in galleries around the country. A prolific artist, she produced dozens of paintings a year while raising twin daughters as a single mother, Rodriguez said.

For a time, Gonzalez had an apartment on Broadway, and Rodriguez remembers her sitting on the floor in a yoga position to paint.

Shed sit there with a cigarette dangling from her mouth and a paintbrush in her hand, he said.

More Information Nivia Gonzalez Born: Sept. 16, 1946, San Antonio Died: June 4, 2017, San Antonio Predeceased by: Parents, Socorro and Omar Gonzalez Survived by: Daughters Regina Antelo and Selena Watson; sisters Sandra Albertsen and Marisa Castaneda; cousin Carlos Rodriguez; and five grandchildren. Memorial celebration: 2 p.m. Sunday, Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, 922 San Pedro. See More Collapse

When Gonzalez was director of the Bexar County Jail Arts Program, she guided inmates in the creation of a mural that served as a backdrop for Pope John Paul II during his 1987 visit to San Antonio. The piece, which featured images of the Virgen de Guadalupe and six West Side churches, reportedly moved the pontiff to tears.

Gonzalezs career came to an abrupt halt in 1997 when she was involved in a car accident that left her in a coma. The artist was out visiting friends on Mothers Day when a flat tire caused her to lose control of her vehicle and slam into a guardrail. Disoriented, Gonzalez got out of the vehicle and was struck by a pickup on Loop 410. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, then a stroke that paralyzed the left side of her body, including her painting hand.

Gonzalez eventually regained mobility and speech, though she continued to struggle with both short-term and long-term memory loss. After about eight years, she also started painting again.

Youve heard of all the people like Jesse Trevino who learned to paint with their other hand. Not me. I just waited and waited until I got the feeling back in my left hand, Gonzalez said in a 2007 interview with the Express-News. Sometimes I have to hold my left hand  put my right hand under my left arm  so I can reach the canvas, but I just wanted to paint the way God made me to paint with my left hand.

Before the accident, Gonzalez had depicted the women in her paintings with their eyes seemingly closed or averted. When she began painting again, however, she painted her subjects with their eyes open, gazing out of the canvas.

In earlier works their eyes were downcast because they were thinking about stuff, she said. But now theyre so happy to be able to see  well, Im so happy to be able to see, to be alive, that Im looking at everything and anything.

After the accident, Gonzalez moved to Austin. There, longtime friends Cynthia and Lidia Perez, former owners of Las Manitas Avenue Cafe and founders of La Pena gallery, helped the artist straighten out her finances and get a home through Habitat for Humanity.

The thing was that Nivia was tenacious about trying, to the point that she got on everybodys nerves, Cynthia Perez said. She was a tough negotiator. I thought that that would have made a great movie for people to be inspired.

In 2015, Gonzalez was hospitalized after a fall. Subsequently, she returned to San Antonio to be close to her daughters, Regina Antelo and Selena Watson, and entered an assisted living facility.

Antelo described her mother as a strong, strong lady and a fighter who defied the expectations of her doctors until the end.

Its just so hard to sum her up, Antelo said. She was just so many things to so many people and she did that up until her last breath.

lsilva@express-news.net
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On the heels of the departure of anchorwoman Elisa Amigo, another high profile newswoman at WOAI and KABB has announced she's leaving.

San Antonio native Erin Nichols, a reporter and fill-in anchor at both Sinclair-owned local stations since 2013, said her farewells late last week on Facebook and Twitter.

Her exit was confirmed by Blaise Labbe, regional news director for Sinclair stations in Texas.

"She said she wanted to try some new challenges," Labbe said in a phone chat today. He said that in their talks, Nichols also mentioned that she "might get into working for some political candidates. That's something that interests her."

RELATED: San Antonio TV anchor reacts to lampooning by Kimmel

Nichols' last day at WOAI/KABB was Wednesday.

She was lauded by the boss at KABB. "Erin did a really good job for our stations and she will be missed," Dean Radla, the Fox station's general manager, wrote in an email.

Nichols also was the face of the "Make it Stop" campaign -- local stories to raise the awareness of cyber bullying that suggested how people can help stop this dangerous and inhumane practice.

Hundreds on Facebook expressed dismay over the loss of such a strong local voice after Nichols posted this "goodbye":

"This decision was not an easy one to make... After four years with Fox and News 4 San Antonio, I have decided to leave in order to pursue new opportunities. It's truly been an honor to bring you the news every night and to tell so many stories. I'm a San Antonio girl and will always love my city! I'll miss my team and I'll miss bringing you the news, but I'm proud of the work I've done over the years."

RELATED: S.A.-born Scott Pelley out as CBS News anchor

Nichols couldn't be reached for comment.

She's the second local news staple to announce her exit on social media in recent weeks. Late last month, Elisa Amigo said she's leaving her job as chief anchorwoman on KABB's signature 9 p.m. news to be with her husband, who has "career opportunities in Cleveland."

As for who will succeed Amigo as 9 p.m. co-anchor next to Ryan Wolf, "we're still looking," Labbe said.

He did confirm that KABB morning co-anchor Jessica Headley, who has been filling in frequently on the station's nightly newscast and is a favorite of news viewers, "is in consideration" for the promotion, as well as other candidates.

jjakle@express-news.net
The past three months have been kind to San Antonio. The city is now home to four more Louisiana-inspired spots featuring gumbo, crawfish and other Cajun and Creole favorites.

Half of the newcomers are locally owned and operated, the other two new entries hailing from well-established brands.
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Looking to sample the latest in local cocktails while enjoying a steaming bowl of fresh ramen soup in your own handmade bowl? Yes you are, and theres a pop-up for that.

From 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, R Public Relations at 1014 Townsend in Alamo Heights will host its first-ever R-amen and Ridiculously Good Drinks pop-up event outside their office. It blends those wonderful worlds together with a little live music for the cost of a reasonable donation to the San Antonio Food Bank.

Kimura, a trendy downtown Japanese restaurant at 152 East Pecan St., wanted to get the word out that its ramen operation was ready to go mobile. Thursdays event will be the first of its kind, and will provide a test run of sorts for noodles on the go from chef and co-owner Michael Sohocki.

Instead of announcing that Kimura is now available for pop-up ramen parties, we figured lets go ahead and do one, said Emily Reynolds, founder of RPR.

Kimura will serve its house miso ramen, with a soft-boiled egg, chashu pork, green onion and shiitake mushrooms.

Attendees can purchase handmade ceramic soup bowls from Austin-based artist Samantha Heligman of Settle Ceramics for $20 (they regularly sell for $32) in which to enjoy the ramen. Shes packing up 50 of the 24-ounce bowls, available in three color patterns, to bring with her.

This is my first time in any sort of pop-up in San Antonio, and its exciting, Heligman said. Its a good opportunity to get my name out and for people to see my work.

Local restaurants Bite (1012 S. Presa St.) and Sukeban (1401 S. Alamo St.) will be pouring the drinks for the 21 and over crowd (wristbands required), and both have a few new tricks up their sleeves. April Cook, a New York transplant, is Bites newest bartender, and she plans to create a big batch of her signature lychee martini for the event.

Its a sake and vodka cocktail that pairs perfectly with ramen, Cook said. Its one of our top sellers, and its so light, its like you arent even drinking any alcohol.

Sukeban founder Gerry Shirley will be on site to unveil his latest surprise cocktail, that will tie into his newest business venture, The Modernist. All I can say is that its gin based, Shirley said. Its nothing extravagant or over the top.

Shirley and Olaf Harmel are in the process of building The Modernist at 516 E. Grayson St. in a former house built in the 1920s that they say will have retro 1960s vibe. They are expecting to open in late summer.

Reynolds is expecting a crowd of 50 to 100 for the event, and a significant portion of the proceeds will be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank. For every $1 donated, Reynolds said the bank can provide up to seven meals for people in need.

We wont turn anybody away  the more the merrier, Reynolds said. We may end up running out of the ramen, but its going to be a good old-fashioned block party.

For more information, check out the events Facebook page.

cblount@express-news.net

Twitter: @chuck_blount
MILWAUKEE - Nine months ago, Travis and Lindy Shaw must have foreseen the Giants' downfall and conceived a child knowing he could take paternity leave for the first three games of the Brewers' series against the 23-35 Giants.

Shaw is one of the National League's best hitters and power threats this year, whom the Red Sox traded to Milwaukee to clear third base for Pablo Sandoval again.

Shaw is hitting .292 with 10 homers and a .530 slugging percentage. The Giants will not see him until the series finale Thursday. What happens between now and then could be rough.

On one hand, the Giants will have Hunter Pence in right field Monday night to give manager Bruce Bochy his full lineup, more or less. And to be fair to the offense, it did score 20 runs in three games against the Phillies pitching staff, such as it is.

This lineup is better than what it has shown.

On the other hand, the Brewers have a pretty good pitching staff and lead the National League Central, such as it is, with a 30-27 record. Monday's pitcher, Junior Guerra, was their Opening Day starter. He strained his calf running the bases and is only three starts back from the disabled list, but the first two were good ones: one run in 5 2/3 innings against the Diamondbacks and six shutout innings against the Mets.

He faces Jeff Samardzija, who is better than his 1-7 record. His 2.75 average run support ranks third-lowest in the majors.

Also missing from the Brewers is Ryan Braun, who is on the disabled list with a calf injury. Keon Broxton, their dynamic center fielder and leadoff hitter, is sitting out as well because the Brewers wanted a left-handed center fielder to face Samardzija. That would be Brett Phillips in his big-league debut.

Local angle: The Giants will get their first look at first baseman/outfielder Eric Thames since his return from Korea.

Thames was THE big story in April, when he hit .345 with 11 homers. In May? He batted .221 with three homers. He has one this month, too, his only hit in 11 at-bats. Thames was dealing with leg injuries in May and feels better now.

Thames grew up in Santa Clara and attended Bellarmine Prep in San Jose, better known as the school that Pat Burrell and Kevin Frandsen attended.

I had hoped to speak with Thames in advance of this series for a story, but the Brewers politely told me that he was "interviewed out" and the club was trying to give him a break.

I did talk to Aaron Hill, who was playing in Toronto when Thames arrived as a rookie in 2011. Thames hit 36 homers in four big-league seasons with the Blue Jays and Mariners before he went to Korea and hit 124 homers in three years and earned a three-year deal with the Brewers.

Hill called Thames a great guy and said that in Toronto, "He never really got anything going. He didn't get all those consistent at-bats to get something going. To see him do what he's done and get a chance to come back, I love it. I think it's awesome. It's fun to see him have some success."

Urging Pence on: Pence showed his legs were fine when he scored from first to home on a double in his final rehab game for Class A San Jose.

He actually had a chance to do that in a previous game but stopped at third, being extra cautious. He needed a pep talk from a 23-year-old Giants first-base prospect, Dylan Dobson to let it loose.

"Dobber told me I needed to pick it up," Pence said.

Pence also had nice things to say about outfielder Bryan Reynolds, the Giants' top draft pick last year.

"Reynolds was definitely impressive," Pence said. "He had a great approach at the plate. He also has a really solid mind-set. He has a good idea what he's doing and he's a pretty good."

The 22-year-old from Vanderbilt is hitting .296 with two homers, mostly playing center field.

Whos in left? Bochy admitted it was a "tough question." How will he decide who starts in left field with Pence back in right. On Monday night it was Orlando Calixte, which left Austin Slater on the bench for the second straight game after the Giants promoted him to see what they have.

Slater has looked jumpy and struggled with breaking pitches in his nine plate appearances over two games, which yielded a walk, a flyball, two strikeouts and five groundballs, one of which got through for an RBI single, another for a double play.

The Giants have not given Slater much of a chance. At the same time the Giants need some spark, and Calixte is faster and has more experienced.

"I'll go with the hot guy, not that anybody's hot right now," Bochy said, adding Brandon Belt and Gorkys Hernandez might see time in left field too.

"You hate to sit someone who's come up for a couple of days, especially a guy with so little experience," Bochy said of Slater. "I'll mix him in as much as I can so he can keep his timing."

The lineups:

GIANTS (vs. RHP Junior Guerra)

Span CF

Nunez 3B

Belt 1B

Posey C

Crawford SS

Pence RF

Panik 2B

Calixte LF

Samardzija P

BREWERS (vs. RHP Jeff Samardzija)

Sogard SS

Santana RF

Thames 1B

Perez 3B

Pina C

Franklin LF

Villar 2B

Phillips CF

Guerra P

Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: hschulman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hankschulman
Dear Mr. Premack: My mother is in rehab after a fall. I need to be able to pay her bills and handle some of her financial transactions for a few weeks. Ive been told that I should get a Durable Power of Attorney, but mom never signed one before. She is clear-headed most of the time, but when she gets tired she gets confused. Is it too late for me to take get her to sign legal documents?  C. R.

It may not be too late. However, it is certainly very bad timing for her to be signing a Durable Power of Attorney because she must have legal capacity. She must have the same capacity a person needs when entering into contracts. For that reason, legal documents like this should be in place before a crisis strikes, but preparation means thinking beyond tomorrow, a task which many people place at a low priority. Readers: dont let this happen to you! Make binding legal plans while you are healthy and fully capable.

Just being older does not inherently cause mental incapacity. Just being ill or injured does not inherently cause mental incapacity. Still, both age and infirmity are conditions that raise legal uncertainties. Actually, Texas law does not allow us to presume incapacity only because of age. Still, anyone under stress or with an infirmity should be very careful to show that they understand the transaction into which they are entering.

In the Fletcher case (heard before the Supreme Court of Texas) a stockbroker assisted an elderly lady (Cairns) in transferring several hundred thousand dollars of stock to her nephew. The broker had never met Cairns before, and went to her house so Cairns could sign the transfers. A year later, Cairns niece initiated a Guardianship, and was successful in showing Cairns was incapacitated during the hearing. Now her aunts Guardian, the niece sued the stockbroker.

The jury thought that the brokers actions were negligent and/or a breach of fiduciary duty, and that the broker had used fraudulent, manipulative and/or deceptive actions. However, the jury did not find that Cairns was incapacitated at the time she worked with the broker.

On appeal, the broker claimed his only duty to Cairns was to faithfully carry out her instructions. The Guardian claimed the stockbroker should know, because of Cairns age alone, that she would not understand the transaction.

The Appeals Court acknowledged that there is a real risk an elderly person may not understand a complex financial transaction. It chose, however, to balance that risk against the need to provide services to everyone in the same manner, regardless of age. As such, the Appeals Court decided there is no responsibility on the part of service providers to determine the competence of their clients. The Court stated that, service providers cannot be expected to have any expertise in assessing mental capacity A service provider should not be put to choosing between refusing to assist an elderly person with legitimate transactions and incurring liability for providing such assistance when the provider lacks any qualification for determining competence.

So, is a lawyer a provider (who) lacks any qualification for determining competence? That has never been decided by a court, but lawyers who prepare estate plans and Durable Powers of Attorney could be held to a higher standard: that of a trained professional who has the qualifications to make judgements about a clients capacity. As such, a prudent attorney will be very cautious in preparing legal documents without a personal assessment of the clients capacity, which is influenced by age and infirmity.

Paul Premack is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with offices in San Antonio and Seattle, handling Wills and Trusts, Probate, and Business Entity issues. View past legal columns or submit free questions on legal issues via www.TexasEstateandProbate.com or www.Premack.com.
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Fifty years ago, a Texas family bought a resort that would become the iconic Schlitterbahn.

The story of Schlitterbahn's creation started with the Henry family when founders Bob and Billye Henry bought Landa Resort in New Braunfels in 1966. For the next 10 years, the family realized their resort guests were most attracted to the water slides they installed.

FUN FACTS: 35 facts about Schlitterbahn you likely didn't know about before

In response to the water slide demand guests expressed, the owners continued to develop new rides and slides for guests to enjoy. Then by 1979, the Henry's opened Schlitterbahn - which is the combination of the German words for slippery (schlitter) and road (bahn).

At the beginning, the resort the Henrys bought was 15 acres and 32 cabins, which grew to 40 acres and over 100 units in the first 10 years. The constant improvement of the park's attractions has been a staple in the Henry family and continues today.

"We lived at the camp so we literally lived the business," said Gary Henry, the eldest son of Bob and Billye Henry. "My mother would answer the reservation line at night and if there was any problem, we would go and fix it. It was a way of life. It was what we did."

The 2017 Schlitterbahn New Braunfels guests enjoy is over 70 acres containing 51 attractions.

Click through the gallery above to see the vintage photos of the Landa Resort and Schlitterbahn in their early years and continue clicking to see photos and facts of what we know as Schlitterbahn now.

SUMMER IN WINTER: Schlitterbahn is loving this warm weather in the winter

Last season the Schlitterbahn family was devastated after a 10-year-old boy suffered a fatal neck injury in August 2016 while riding the Verruckt slide, the world's former highest slide in the world reaching a staggering 168 feet high.

"It was a devastating event and devastating to the staff that ran that ride and the park in general,' Gary Henry said. "Our focus is on safety  every day  the way we open the park and check to see everything is operating properly. We don't only rely on our safety, but we also rely on others coming in to double check after us."

Henry says the Schlitterbahn brand is going to continue testing, revisiting and improving all of their attractions to continuously ensure the safety of their customers and employees.

"Whether it's the parking lots or the restrooms or the rides, every aspect has to be looked at to ensure it is as safe as possible," Henry said.

Ed Hubbard has been going to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels for the past 25 years with his entire family each Memorial Day weekend. He says thanks to Schlitterbahn, there is something for every family member to do and no one is bored. He credits Schlitterbahn as the reason why his kids know their extended family.

"There's one particular time that repeats itself every Memorial Day. During the day, everyone goes their own way, but every night around 6:30 and 7 we all meet up for dinner and a prayer circle," Hubbard said. "So it is really the only time of the year when our whole family is together in such an important moment.

"There's no place like Schlitterbahn. No other place would compare."
Dear Carolyn:

I was pretty badly bullied in high school since I was overweight, had bad skin, and had skipped a couple of grades, making me two years younger than my peers. In college, I started to "blossom"; I lost weight, I got into lifting weights, my skin cleared up, and I really enjoyed college. But those scars are always there, you know?

Earlier this year I started a new job and discovered that one of the bullies from high school was employed as one of the administrative assistants for our group. I know she recognized me because she made a joke about how much I had changed and that she barely recognized me. I decided to be polite because you need your group's admin to make travel arrangements, handle your calendar, take calls etc.

I guess she mistook politeness for forgiveness because she had the temerity to hit on me at a happy hour last week.

I'm not proud to say I lost it and was openly cruel and mocking of her. She ended up in tears.

Now I'm sick to my stomach. Revenge didn't feel good at all (who knew?) and I am avoiding her as much as possible. I'm afraid my boss is going to ask me why I'm wasting time on things the admin should be doing. Still, I don't feel like apologizing to the bully admin because what kind of idiot hits on someone they used to help bully?

How do I get out of this mess short of quitting my job?

-- Revenge Not So Sweet After All

You have to apologize, because what kind of idiot bullies a bully in righteous protest of bullying?

I actually don't think you're an idiot, at all. I co-opted your phrasing to make a point: You can't give yourself special exemptions. You don't have an exclusive claim to human frailty, and you don't have a lifelong accountability waiver because of what you've been through.

Just as you were cruel to this former classmate in a burst of residual pain, she might have been cruel to you all those years ago in an expression of some pain of her own. You don't know her story.

Not that any story could justify what she and other classmates did. You were tortured, no question; you were vulnerable, you didn't deserve it because no human deserves it, and you're understandably scarred. But if you're going to treat your history as a mitigating circumstance in judging your own guilt for your recent cruelty, ridicule and "los[ing] it," then you have to consider that she might have mitigating circumstances of her own and adjust your treatment of her accordingly.

Not because she deserves it -- that's a philosophical rabbit hole -- but because integrity demands it.

You also need to admit fault for harming someone, without exception, again because it's the right response to your own actions. That's true even when the someone you harmed lacks the emotional intelligence (or just decency) to apologize for wrongs of her own.

The theme here is sometimes wrenching in practice, but very simple in its theory: The way out of a mess is through taking responsibility for your own actions, period. Without looking for loopholes in what other people have done.

As for that aforementioned wrenching execution: "I handled that badly," you can say to your thoughtless former classmate. "The high school anger is fresher than I expected."

Note, that is only an admission of fault. You can add an apology to it if indeed you are sorry for what you did. Think carefully -- were you right to be cruel? Would you do it again? That calculation is again about you, your values, and your choices, not about anyone else.

Hi, Carolyn:

I like to say thank you as a sign of appreciation when my husband walks the dog, changes poopy diapers, etc. He says it's unnecessary because these are expected behaviors. What do you think?

-- No Thank You?

Is art necessary? Are music and poetry? Herbs and spices? Is it necessary for windows to frame a nice view, or is the neighbor's brick wall enough?

You feel gratitude, which is an emotion that makes your life richer. You are expressing that gratitude, which is an effort to make your husband's life richer. You are modeling gratitude, which will make your child's life richer.

There is an honorable foundation to your husband's position, since he apparently doesn't see contributing to the family as a series of individual, day-to-day choices, but instead as a choice he already made upfront in committing to you. Good stuff. He's all in.

But there's a big difference between expecting things of ourselves, which your husband is right to do, and expecting things of others, which you're right not to do. Assure him that you count on your marriage, yes, but hope never to take him for granted.
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Given a dismal diagnosis and only "weeks" to live, a single father moved to Texas and started a woodworking business to support his two children while receiving cancer treatments.

Years later, it's his daughter who's using the power of social media to help support him.

Dave Olson, 52, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Aug. 2, 2012. He and his two children, Jade and Blake, moved from Southern California to Pflugerville in 2015 to be closer to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he's been participating in medical trials, his daughter told mySA.com.

Dave Olson has outlasted his prognosis, but his illness and time spent in the hospital makes finding work difficult.

RELATED: Alamo Heights teen wins 'National Student of the Year,' raises $330K for cancer

"I still want to do my best at providing for my family without relying on handouts," the father said online. "I want to earn a living for my family while creating decor items for you and your family."

Jade Olson, 17, said her dad started his business about two years ago to alleviate their financial troubles. On June 1, she inadvertently became her dad's public relations manager when she sent out a tweet to her followers, asking them to promote her dad's business, "Rustic Decor 4 Cancer."

"So those of you who don't know my dad has terminal cancer & is unemployed so he's raising money by doing woodwork. help spread the word," her tweet read.

A combined 300,000 retweets and favorites later, the Olsons are seeing an overnight increase in sales.

"I'm still blown away," Jade Olson said. "It's hard to respond to all the messages we've been getting [...] we have orders all over the states and even some out of the country  Ireland, the U.K., all of that."

RELATED: S.A. man turns Facebook joke into nationwide pool campaign

Rustic Decor 4 Cancer now has an Etsy shop, GoFundMe and Facebook page  all of which are garnering support from people who have been touched by the family's story. The father keeps his inventory, which spans from coffee mug holders to dining room tables made out of reclaimed wood, stocked in between treatments.

He thanked his daughter on Facebook in a heartfelt post on June 3, saying the outpouring of support caused him to "break down" and cry "like a baby."

"Jade knew nothing of my 4 a.m. pleas to God for help, she just noticed how stressed I was and knew it was because of finances. She took it upon herself to tweet a little note asking for people in her circle of friends and maybe their parents to help by buying some of my woodworking projects," David Olson said in the post. "Since that time I have been on the verge of tears of gratitude!"

He went on to call it "one of the most amazing miracles" of his life.

Meet the Olsons and shop some examples of their custom-made inventory in the gallery above.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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Laredo welcomed back Sunday two of the three officers wounded in a shootout that left a homicide suspect dead.

Mario Casares, 49, and Arturo Vela, 50, were received by law enforcement at Laredo Police Department headquarters. Casares, Vela and LPD officer Agapito Perez, 33, were each shot Friday after confronting Antonio Rodriguez, 55, in the parking lot of the Stripes convenience store at Hillside and McPherson roads.

A sense of community and camaraderie was on display early Sunday evening as fellow officers showed their support and gratitude for Casares and Vela. Casares, who was shot in the torso but did not require surgery, was discharged from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio around 3 p.m. He then traveled to University Hospital to visit Vela and Perez. Updated information on Perez's condition was not immediately available.

Police say that after Casares arrived, Vela, who had been shot in the leg, was released from the hospital. Both men received a police escort back to Laredo.

READ MORE: Officers wounded in Friday's shootout in central Laredo identified

When Fridays shootout erupted, LPD Officer Laura Montemayor said her heart dropped to her stomach the moment she heard Velas voice on the radio. Montemayor met Vela 16 years ago when she joined LPD.

He was my first partner, Montemayor said. So knowing him and his family - that was something very impactful. Knowing that it was him, I thought thats my partner and I got to get over there now.

As a police officer were here to do our job and like everybody else we want to go home to our families. We want to do our job and go home, and thats whats important to us. But just like we have our families at home, we have our blue family here. Thats my brother or thats my sister at a call and Im going to back them up. Ive got their back, theyve got mine. No one fights alone in this family.

She added, Knowing that at the end of the day that we were all going to go home to our families and that they were going to be OK and they were going to come back home to their families as well ... theres no words to describe that.

RELATED: Suspect killed, 3 officers wounded in shootout in central Laredo

Officers had located Rodriguez at the Stripes store at about 5 p.m. after the fatal shooting of his girlfriend. Rodriguez started shooting when police approached and officers returned fire.

The body of his girlfriend, Reyna Gonzalez Zamora, 50, was found earlier in the day in her apartment in the 400 block of East Travis Street. She had been shot once in the upper torso, police said.

LPD said Rodriguez had been convicted of murder in a Houston case and served prison time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Four suspects were arrested on various charges June 1 when the Galveston County Sheriff's Office seized more than $50,000 worth of drugs, wrapping up a lengthy investigation into a home at 13107 Bethel Court in Santa Fe.

A narcotics search warrant was executed at the home on Thursday evening, the sheriff's office said in a release.
After 40 years of law enforcement, San Jacinto County Chief Deputy Joe Schultea retired on June 2, having given the last three years of his time to the local sheriff's office.

Schultea became San Jacinto County's chief deputy after Sheriff Greg Capers was elected to his position in Nov. 2014. He previously worked as a consultant for the Splendora ISD Police Department. Prior to that, he served 22 years at the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

"I have worked diligently and hard for the sheriff," said Schultea.

Within this time the sheriff's office has accomplished a number of achievements with many of them revolving around communication.

"When I first came in, they were lost on their communication efforts," said Schultea.

Communication improvements include acquiring the north radio tower located in Oakhurst, upgrading the equipment at the Coldspring tower with a master repeater, and providing the sheriff's office with the ability to communicate over a 700 MHz system, which allows the county to communicate with other law enforcement agencies that don't operate off of VHF like San Jacinto County.

The sheriff's office also has encrypted channels and car computer systems.

"These are projects that I was specifically assigned to put together," said Schultea.

Patrol vehicles also now have the ability to set up their equipment in the field for certain situations.

Schultea also put in a 12 hour per day work program for officers that allows them to work seven days a week while receiving time off the following week.

"It gives them family time," said Schultea.

While Schultea's projects are impressive, he stresses that the work done at the San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office is a team effort and therefore there are accomplishments that he may take part in but only alongside his fellow law enforcement officers.

The sheriff's office also established a Patrol Tactical Unit (PTU) to address issues in the county involving illegal gambling, organized crime and even terrorist organizations.

According to Schultea, the PTU has already handled two terrorist networks funneling money back to the Middle East.

"We are doing new and better efforts training with our patrol personnel," he said.

The sheriff's office also has an updated patrol fleet with six new cars to replace outdated models.

"The sheriff selected people to come onboard and make the transition and carry us on to where we are today," said Schultea. "Obviously I'm extremely loyal to Sheriff Capers and I support his program."

Schultea still hopes the sheriff's office can improve for the future and emphasizes the need for more personnel and a better salary.

"We won't go backwards but I don't want to see the agency become stagnant," he said. "All we can do is make it real uncomfortable for a criminal to act in this county. This is not where you need to be coming to do your bad stuff."
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Some award-winning thespians at Bay Area high schools, along with their friends, fans and family, will get to view their appearances at the 15th annual Tommy Tune Awards when a taped broadcast of the 2017 ceremony is broadcast from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 11 on ABC Channel 13.

For example, the cast of Friendswood High School's 49th annual musical, a production of the school edition of "Les Miserables," performed "One More Day" in the rousing Act I finale of the Tony Awards-style ceremony, which was held April 18 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston.

Next, Clear Springs High School opened Act II with a spirited song-and-dance number, with Noah Carlin as Edward Bloom teaching his young son how to catch fish by performing a dance called "the Alabama Stomp."

"Their performance that evening was great," recalled director Mark Stonebarger, Clear Springs theater director. "The cast earned a tremendous audience response due to the amount of enthusiasm and energy displayed by the entire ensemble."

Moments later, on the broadcast, viewers will see Friendswood High School win best ensemble/chorus and Clear Springs' "Big Fish" announced as winner of the coveted best crew & technical execution award.

"We are extremely proud of our technical execution award," Stonebarger said. "It really was a testament to how disciplined the technicians and actors were as they moved from scene to scene. Even though we did not walk away with more awards, the kids understand you cannot do theater just for the awards - you do it for the love of the art and the impact it can have on your audience, the ultimate goal being a story well-told."

Clear Springs was nominated for the most Tommy Tune awards of any school, tied with Friendswood, with 14.

Friendswood won four.

Among those rushing to the podium to accept the awards for Friendswood were junior Meredith Fraga and seniors Logan Newsom, Max Rittenhouse, Kylee Hill, Ally Eckart, Kyle Dickens and Elaina Roher.

In addition, five Friendswood High seniors won college scholarships from Theatre Under the Stars, which sponsors the Tommy Tunes as a contest among 45 Houston-area high schools whose musicals are critiqued by three-judge panels of local theater enthusiasts, resulting in nominations and prizes in 15 categories.

The Friendswood High scholarship winners included Yarden Borshevsky-Barr, Maxwell Morgan, Madeline Pertuis, Alex Rudd and Kathleen Sharp.

Morgan and Rudd also performed in the medley of best leading actor nominees, with Rudd, as Jean Valjean, reprising part of "Bring Him Home" and Morgan, as Marius, singing an excerpt from "ABC Cafe/Red and Black."

In the medley of best leading actor finalists, Carlin performed a song with another nominee who played Edward Bloom in his school's production of "Big Fish." Fellow CSHS finalist Will Byrne, who portrayed Will Bloom, drew applause with his song, "Stranger."

Emily Mesa, who played Eponine in "Les Miserables" at Friendswood High, opened the medley of best leading actress nominees with a crowd-pleasing taste of her character's show-stopping ballad, "On My Own."

Two Clear Springs students won TUTS scholarships, including Emma Carnell and Kaley Vetter.

Vetter and Andrew Johnson also performed in the show's grand finale, singing "Shine On," with music and lyrics by the ceremony's musical director and conductor, Michael Moricz.

They were joined by Friendswood seniors Dante Mercuccio and Lauren Podlewski and two students from each school entered in the Tommy Tunes, including Pearland High (with eight nominations, for "Pippin"), South Houston (five nods, for "Once Upon a Mattress") and Clear Lake, which was nominated for "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying."

Don Maines is a freelance writer who can be reached at donmaines@att.net
Contributed Photo / Contributed Photo

NORWALK  Former Westport Police Chief Alfred Fiore applied to a diversionary program at his arraignment Monday when appearing for a drunken-driving charge over Memorial Day weekend.

Westport Police arrested Fiore, a longtime town resident and 33-year veteran of the department, on May 26 after a minor accident. The 61-year-old, who retired as chief in 2011, allegedly showed signs of intoxication and failed field sobriety tests at the scene of a Compo Road South crash, leading to his arrest.
DUBAI - Four Arab nations led a diplomatic break with Qatar on Monday, moving swiftly to isolate the small but influential country in a feud that stunned the Middle East and divided a coalition of monarchies that the United States had hoped to rally to fight the Islamic State as well as counter Iran.

The countries, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, released coordinated statements accusing Qatar of supporting terrorist groups and said that as a result they were cutting links to the country by land, sea and air. Other countries, including Yemen, later joined the four-nation bloc in severing ties with Qatar, which hosts a forward base for the U.S. military's Central Command and is home to the widely watched Al Jazeera network.

The feud - the most serious in decades among the Persian Gulf monarchies - has been simmering for years as Qatar sought to project its influence across the region, including backing the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamist fighters in Libya and Syria. But the flaring tensions raised fears of another destabilizing conflict in a region already grappling with three civil wars and jihadist insurgencies on several fronts.

The diplomatic break also complicated U.S. efforts to rally Arab and Muslim leaders to form a united front against Sunni extremists and Iranian influence. That had been the principal reason for President Trump's visit to Riyadh, the Saudi capital, last month, a trip that the president and his allies had hailed as a success.

But observers in the Middle East warned that the trip had also amounted to a tacit endorsement of Saudi Arabia's frequently domineering and sharply contested leadership in the Middle East, and would likely aggravate local rivalries and disputes. Saudi Arabia is often accused of indirectly fueling militant views through its rigid Wahhabi brand of Islam.

"I do think it's fair to say that it emboldened Saudi Arabia and the UAE to reshape the region and the immediate neighborhood in ways that they had wanted to do for a long time," said Karen Young, senior scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, which receives funding from the UAE. "I think it's because they saw an opening in American policy - that Trump would support them in efforts that could be perceived as counterterrorism."

Qatar's Foreign Ministry called the measures "unjustified" in a statement and said the decision to sever ties was a violation of the country's sovereignty, and "based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact."

The Indian Ocean nation of the Maldives also joined the break with Qatar. But two other Persian Gulf states, Kuwait and Oman, which have frequently played mediating roles in Arab disputes, did not announce any measures against Qatar.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, traveling in Australia on Monday, said the feud would not affect the U.S.-led coalition fighting Sunni extremist groups in the Middle East. The United States uses bases in several of the countries to launch air operations against the Islamic State extremist group. The U.S. headquarters for the air war is located at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

"What we're witnessing is a growing list of irritants in the region that have been there for some time, and obviously they have now bubbled up to a level that countries decided they needed to take action in an effort to have those differences addressed," Tillerson said.

Other nations with strategic ties in the region, including Turkey and Russia, quickly urged for efforts to keep the diplomatic spat from widening.

While the other Gulf states have expressed anger over Qatar's ties to Iran, with which it shares a massive oil field, others in the region also maintain strong economic relations with Tehran. The UAE is Iran's biggest non-oil trading partner, and Oman conducts an open dialogue with the government there.

Far deeper is the dispute over Qatari support for political Islam, in particular the Muslim Brotherhood. In its early days, the Trump administration had prepared an executive order designating the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, only to pull back after a number of Arab leaders, including Jordan's King Abdullah, advised against it. Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia have long pushed for Qatar to expel Brotherhood figures, as well as members of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, who live there.

Qatar has also drawn the ire of Arab neighbors for its sponsorship of the Al Jazeera television channel, which hosts frank discussions of politics in the region while also amplifying Qatar's pro-Islamist views. And Qatar is among several gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, accused in recent years of looking the other way as its citizens privately sent money to Islamist militants abroad, including in Syria.

The statements by the Arab countries Monday, however, went beyond far beyond the usual criticism of Qatar for supporting Sunni extremists, accusing it of interference in conflicts from Yemen to the Sinai Peninsula.

A battery of charges included some that appeared implausible. Saudi Arabia, for instance, accused Qatar of supporting Yemen's Houthi rebels - even though Qatar has participated in a Saudi-led coalition fighting against the Houthis, who have ties with Iran. Bahrain, a stalwart ally of Saudi Arabia, accused Qatar of financing "groups associated with Iran to subvert and spread chaos in Bahrain."

The first signs of the intensifying feud emerged soon after Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia. In the days that followed, the Saudi government and its allies attacked Qatar for statements allegedly made by Qatar's emir that were sympathetic to Iran and militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Qatar later said the statements, which were posted on the state news agency, were fake and that the agency's website had been hacked. That explanation, however, did not stop the attacks on Qatar from media outlets loyal to the Saudi or Emirati governments.

It remained unclear what exactly led the Arab states to move so suddenly and forcefully to isolate Qatar. Young and others suggested that the timing of the Saudi move might be related to the upcoming release of an FBI report on the alleged Qatari hacking. The Qatari government had invited the Bureau to assist in an investigation of the incident.

And last month, a Washington-based think tank, the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy, which has been supportive of the Emirates and at the forefront of efforts to cancel the Iran nuclear deal, held a day-long meeting in which a series of speakers were sharply critical of Qatar. The keynote speaker was former U.S. defense secretary Robert M. Gates, who described Qatar as a strategic U.S. ally but expressed concern over its apparent support for groups the United States considers terrorists.

But at the heart of the dispute was Qatar's refusal to fall in line behind Saudi Arabia and its partners, said Mishaal Al Gergawi, the managing director of the Delma Institute, a political consultancy in the UAE. "Now that you have a post-Arab Spring reconstitution of some kind alliance," he said, "there is really little room for dissent on this side of the gulf."

For Qatar, a peninsula nation that shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia, the effects of partial blockade were potentially catastrophic, as airlines in the four Arab countries announced they were halting flights, and as residents flocked to supermarkets to hoard supplies.

There was also growing uncertainty among the large community of Egyptian expatriates who had fled Egypt's dismal economy and found work in Qatar. Estimates of the number of Egyptian workers in Qatar range from 180,000 to 300,000.

Rania Dorrah, a 38-year-old Egyptian interior designer, said that she and her husband were concerned they would not be able to renew their work visas because of the crisis. Her husband, an accountant, tried to renew his visa on Monday but was told to come back later, "because everything has been halted for now," she said.

"What I fear the most now is to return to Egypt without notice, and this means returning back to nothing," she said. "Absolutely nothing."

---

The Washington Post's Dan Lamothe in Sydney, Heba Farouk Mahfouz in Cairo and Brian Murphy and Anne Gearan in Washington contributed to this report.

---

VIDEO:

Four Arab nations lead diplomatic break with Qatar (The Washington Post)

-- http://wapo.st/2qYR1k2

--<iframe width='480' height='290' scrolling='no' src='https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/c/embed/1cbd4154-4a21-11e7-987c-42ab5745db2e' frameborder='0' webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
Germany's foreign minister was set to return from a visit to Turkey on Monday with nothing but increased ill will, after talks failed to resolve disputes that have damaged relations between the NATO allies.

Turkey will continue to block German officials from visiting their country's troops at Incirlik, Turkey's main NATO base near the Syrian border, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a press conference in Ankara following his meeting with visiting counterpart Sigmar Gabriel. Cavusoglu also accused Germany of harboring Turkey's enemies, and said a German reporter was arrested for his involvement in terrorism, not his journalism.

Immediately after the press conference, Turkey's Haberturk newspaper reported that a meeting between Gabriel and Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim had been called off. Gabriel met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for an hour later in the day, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported, without giving details on the content of their discussion.

The spat is testing Turkey's relations with its most important trading partner and also deepening cracks in the NATO military alliance. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called Turkey's approach on Incirlik "deplorable," and said last month that Germany would abandon the base if Turkey continues to block German lawmakers from visiting.

Cavusoglu said German officials could visit troops in Konya, a smaller base in the west of the country, instead.

"The conditions aren't right to visit Incirlik right now," he said. "We need to start with Konya."

Cavusoglu complained about the presence of Kurdish militants and followers of Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen in Germany. Turkey considers armed Kurdish groups and Gulen's movement to be terrorist organizations. Asked about Deniz Yucel, the German-born reporter for the Die Welt newspaper who's been jailed by Turkey since February, Cavusoglu accused European nations of using journalists for their secret services.

The tactic had become a "fashion in Europe lately," Cavusoglu said, "because when they're caught, they want to say 'a journalist was arrested' and start a campaign."

One of the more recent campaigns is for the release of Mathias Depardon, a French photographer working for National Geographic, who's been held without charge since May 8, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, which called for his release in a May 25 statement that cited "Turkey's extreme abuse of the press." Turkey now holds more reporters in jail than any other country in the world ever has at one time since CPJ started keeping records, it said.

Germany is Turkey's top trading partner, accounting for about $14.8 billion in exports and $21.5 billion in imports last year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Germany will begin the process of withdrawing from Incirlik, according to a tweet by the foreign ministry. Parliament will need to vote on the withdrawal, a move that Thomas Oppermann, caucus leader of the SPD, Merkel's junior coalition partner, said on Monday that he'd support.

"Turkey sees no possibility for broad visiting rights for Incirlik. Therefore we will need to withdraw soldiers," Germany's Federal Foreign Office tweeted, citing Gabriel. "We have a mutual interest in achieving an improvement in the relationship, but it will be a difficult path."
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 couldn't 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, California, the recommendations couldn't 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 Valentine's Day. The pregnancy wasn't exactly easy: Martinez's 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 they're 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, Martinez's obstetrician at UCLA. Pregnancy increases a woman's blood volume by 50 percent, and her heart must work 30 to 50 percent harder to pump enough oxygenated blood throughout the body. The mother's 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 don't have the cardiac reserve that's 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 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.

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 can't 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 doesn't mean all women with a complex congenital heart defect should conceive. A woman's 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, it's 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 don't 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 pregnancy's 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 heart's 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 you're clinically stable at the time of conception," Canobbio said. "What we don't know is if the burden of pregnancy is going to shorten the mother's life span."

But "that's the risk you take," said Erica Thomas, a 37-year-old from Costa Mesa, California, 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 didn't 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. "We're just grateful to have had that opportunity."

Before getting pregnant, "we asked Mary [Canobbio] a lot of questions because I wasn't sure I wanted to be a guinea pig when I'm 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, Thomas's 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 women's children are. That's 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 Mother's Day as a mother. "She was so tiny, and it just melts your heart."
People shouldn't focus on whether President Donald Trump believes climate change is real, according to one of his own Cabinet members.

"Those of you that focus on that are chasing a rabbit down a hole," U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said to reporters in Tokyo on Monday. "Is the climate changing? Yes. Is man having an impact? Yes," Perry said ahead of attending Clean Energy and Mission Innovation ministerial meetings in Beijing on Tuesday.

While Trump said last week the U.S. was pulling out of the Paris climate accord, the president never stated his personal view about whether climate change is man-made. Speculation on his beliefs about climate change is a deflection by opponents who ignore ongoing U.S. leadership and innovation to lower emissions, Perry said.

Trump said last week he would withdraw the U.S. from the Paris agreement because it favored other nations, a move seen as an opening for China to burnish its image as a global leader on the environment. Business leaders have warned pulling the U.S. from the deal could put the country at a disadvantage in the race to develop and deploy clean-energy technology.

Perry challenged China to compete with U.S. energy technology, insisting that America isn't backing away from its position as a leader in cleaning up the environment.

"I hope China will step in and attempt to take the mantle away" from the U.S., Perry told reporters Monday in Tokyo. "It would be a good challenge for them."

Perry also visited the wrecked Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant north of Tokyo on Sunday and pledged American support for cleaning up the reactors, which melted down in 2011. He's scheduled to be in Beijing Tuesday, where he'll meet with the world's biggest polluter and other nations and discuss the benefits of nuclear power, liquefied natural gas and renewables.

"Those that would say, 'well you created this void where China is going to take over' -- no, we're not stepping back and we haven't created a void," Perry said. "The United States is not backing down from its role as a leader in cleaning up the planet."
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster praised President Donald Trump's recent trip to the Middle East and Europe and spoke hopefully of a growing alliance between Israel and the United States' Arab allies in a speech Sunday to the American Jewish Committee's Global Forum in Washington, D.C.

McMaster, who serves as Trump's national security adviser, addressed the annual conference just days after the president announced that he was delaying a campaign promise to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. McMaster did not address the hot-button issue, which was a disappointment to hard-liners on Israel and to some within his administration.

Instead, McMaster described Trump's desire to seize the initiative in a Middle East that has been ravaged by sectarian tensions, terrorism and civil war.

"Today we are witnessing a reassessment of regional relationships, most notably between Israel and a number of our Arab partners - all friends of America, but too often adversaries of each other," McMaster said. "Today their interests are converging. This is an opportunity."

McMaster lavished praise on Trump's well-received address in Saudi Arabia, calling it an "extraordinary speech" in which the president "outlined a path of unity and peace to people of all faiths." And he cited the condemnation by leaders throughout the Muslim world of "those who are hijacking Islam to justify violence against innocents."

The Army general acknowledged that many of the leaders praising Trump's speech and promising to do more to combat extremism had come up short in the past. Many of the United States' Arab allies have been sources of terrorist funding and propagated an "extremist Islamist ideology" around the world, McMaster said.

"None of us, the president least of, will be impressed by mere words," he added. He promised that the administration was developing "clear metrics" to gauge the performance of countries that had promised to cut off the flow of money to extremist groups and slow the spread of extremist rhetoric that encourages violence.

McMaster made only brief mention of the recent terrorist attacks in England, expressing sympathy for the victims and promising American support. But he went out of his way to praise Trump's recent trip to NATO's headquarters in which the president scolded European allies for not spending more on defense. Trump was criticized in the United States and Europe for failing to explicitly endorse NATO's Article 5, the collective security provision that has been invoked only once - after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

McMaster insisted that Trump reaffirmed "America's unbreakable commitment" to its NATO allies and had, in fact, endorsed Article 5. "There may be some skepticism here, too, given some of the headlines, but you heard the president convey a direct a necessary message," McMaster told the Jewish organization.

To make his point, McMaster quoted from Trump's speech in Brussels in which the president described the NATO alliance as rooted in "the courage of our people, the strength of our resolve and the commitments that bind us together as one."

He acknowledged that Trump's remarks had upset some European leaders. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was especially critical, saying that the days when Europe could rely on others was "over to a certain extent. This is what I have experienced in the last few days."

McMaster had a different take, insisting that many European leaders appreciated Trump's remarks - especially on defense spending. "They know it sometimes takes plain speaking to spur action," he said.
A freshman congressman from Louisiana took to Facebook on Sunday to call for "every conceivable measure" to be used against "radicalized Islamic" terrorism.

"Hunt them, identify them, and kill them," Rep. Clay Higgins, R, said. "Kill them all. For the sake of all that is good and righteous. Kill them all."
When police arrived at London bridge Saturday night, they didn't have much time.

Knife-wielding terrorists had rammed a truck into a busy pedestrian sidewalk. They were attacking onlookers, seemingly at random. At least seven people were killed and scores more injured.

So officers did the best they could -- they identified the suspects (wearing fake suicide vests), then shot them. Sources say they fired more than 50 rounds at the three attackers, an "unprecedented" number, police said.

And their goal wasn't simply to incapacitate. Their aim was to kill.

The decision to "shoot to kill" has been praised by British leaders, including Prime Minister Theresa May. In a Monday speech, May said the tactic enabled police to stop the assault just eight minutes after the first emergency calls were received. "Shoot to kill," she said, likely "saved countless lives."

"I absolutely support 'shoot to kill,' and I think what we saw on our streets on Saturday was how important that was," she said, to applause from the audience.

Jeremy Corbyn, May's main opponent in Thursday's election, has been critical of "shoot to kill" in the past, saying in 2015 that the policy would lead to "war in the streets . . . not a good thing." On Sunday, though, he reversed course, saying that he supports the use of "whatever proportionate and strictly necessary force" was needed to save lives.

It's worth noting, however, that "shoot to kill" is not official police policy, at least not in most circumstances. Discharging a weapon is legal only if officers can show they were acting to protect themselves or others and if they can prove that their actions were proportionate to the threat. Official policy says officers should shoot only to incapacitate, though they're trained to target the chest of a suspect who needs to be neutralized quickly.

Police leaders have endorsed this philosophy even in the case of an active-shooter situation. In 2013, police shot and injured Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale after they stabbed a soldier to death on a London street. The attackers survived, and police administered CPR until EMT's arrived.

After the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, Metropolitan police commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe emphasized that there was no "shoot to kill" policy but said officers can use their discretion in emergencies. "The law says that the police can use reasonable force, firstly to stop a crime, and secondly, to arrest someone who is putting someone else in danger," he told a local radio station. "If someone's life is at risk, a police officer can intervene. If they are armed or otherwise so dangerous, we can stop them."

At the time, The Guardian offered more insight into the department's thinking:

"A senior police source said the unit would aim to arrest the attackers, but would be prepared to contain and 'neutralize' them. 'We're police officers, not soldiers. We're not at war. Our job is to arrest people,' the source said.

"Even if faced with a gunman or gunmen on the rampage, the unit would not have orders to shoot to kill, but would be told to use minimum force. They would not be 'firing the maximum number of bullets' and their actions would be subject to the criminal law."

And if this weekend's attacks highlight why police sometimes need to "shoot to kill," they also highlight the risks of such a measure.

A bystander was shot in the head by police on Saturday night. According to NBC, he is an American and is expected to survive. A witness told reporters that he saw a man standing near the window of a pub get shot in the head. The victim was with two friends.

"He was bleeding through his eye," Fabio Lamas told NBC. "I went to get the first-aid kit and I started speaking to his friends and to try and calm them down."
ORLANDO, Fla. -- John Robert Neumann Jr., was fired in April from his job at a factory here that manufactures awnings and accessories for recreational vehicles. He returned to the isolated industrial area on Monday morning, authorities said, armed with a semiautomatic handgun and a hunting knife.

Neumann crept in through a rear door at Fiamma, authorities said, apparently looking for specific company employees. He at one point encountered a woman, pointed a gun at her and told her to get out of the building, and the woman told investigators that she was allowed to leave unharmed. Then he allegedly singled out other employees, shooting and killing five former colleagues. He stopped at least once to reload.

"Most of the victims were shot in the head," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said during an afternoon news conference. "Some were shot multiple times."

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found four people dead - three men and a woman. A fifth was rushed to a hospital, where he also died, Demings said. Four of the victims were identified by police as Kevin Clark, 53; Jeffrey Roberts, 57; Robert Snyder, 69; and Brenda Montanez-Crespo, 44. The Associated Press listed the fifth victim as Kevin Lawson, 46.

Neumann, the sheriff said, appeared to have committed suicide before police arrived.

Demings said that about eight other people inside the building were not injured in the attack. Authorities said they believe the rampage was the result of Neumann's history with the company - Demings called Neumann a "disgruntled employee" who had a "negative relationship" with at least one of the victims.

"We have no indication that this subject is a participant in any type of terror organization," Demings told reporters Monday morning. "What this is at this point is likely a workplace violence incident."

The sheriff did not say why the company fired Neumann, but he noted that about three years ago, deputies responded to an incident at the business in which Neumann was accused of battering another employee. Deputies did not file charges in the incident, Demings said.

Neumann, a U.S. Army veteran who was honorably discharged in 1999, had a criminal history that included a DUI and minor drug possession, Demings said. The sheriff said Neumann did not have a concealed-weapons permit.

The shooting occurred in an industrial area about seven miles northeast of downtown Orlando, on the opposite side of the city from Disney's Magic Kingdom. The area around Fiamma includes textile companies, body shops, kitchen equipment suppliers and other small businesses.

Following the shooting, Shelley Adams told reporters that her sister, who works at Fiamma, was in the restroom Monday when she heard a bang. When she came out, she saw someone on the floor.

Adams said her sister called and kept repeating: "My boss is dead. My boss is dead."

Luiz Gonzalez, 61, who owns Esperanza Shoe Repair in a business strip across the street from Fiamma, said about 8 a.m. Monday that he heard someone screaming outside his shop. He said he ran to the front door and found a woman pleading with a passer-by to use a phone.

"I was surprised," Gonzalez said. Moments later, he said, the police were everywhere. "People came running out. Police got them across the street on this side."

The FBI dispatched members of the bureau's Orlando office to the scene, where they are assisting in the investigation and working to determine the motivation, officials said.

Authorities did not immediately comment on a specific motive for the shooting, which occurred just a week before the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre in downtown Orlando. That mass shooting left 49 people dead and injured dozens of others. The attacker at Pulse, who was killed by police after an hours-long standoff inside the club, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, R, asked residents across the state to pray for the families affected "by this senseless act of violence."

"Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before," Scott said in a statement. "I have been briefed by our law enforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and I are praying for the families who lost loved ones today."

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, R, said, "Unfortunately, we've seen this scenario play itself out in our community and in other communities across the nation, and it is incumbent upon all of us not to become complacent or become callous to these horrific situations, but for each of our citizens to be vigilant . . . if they see something that seems abnormal, they need to say something."

---

The Post's Bever and Berman reported from Washington.
Five months after Baptist Hospital in Orange halted emergency services, Orange County is no closer to finding a replacement, the county's top official said on Friday.

Judge Stephen Brint Carlton said progress has been slow on securing emergency care for the county's 83,000 residents.

After Baptist announced it would close its Orange ER in January, county officials started pursuing the idea of creating a hospital district.

Officials hosted a public forum at the end of January that attracted several hundred residents. At that meeting, officials said the proposed district would either be county-run or contracted out to a private company.

Because the district would be funded through property taxes, a voter-initiated petition is required for the county to put the hospital proposal on a ballot, Carlton said.

He said residents have twice gathered the required 100 signatures on petitions, but both petitions were rejected by the Secretary of State's office.

The petitions were missing details like the birth dates of signers, he said.

"I can understand their frustration," he said.

Carlton said he's unaware if another petition is currently making the rounds.

According to Carlton, the county is trying to get a

"Critical Access Hospital" distinction from the federal government because he said it would help attract a private company to build a hospital.

The federal distinction is for hospitals in less urban areas and helps when seeking financial assistance.

Carlton said the county's first request was denied because the government said the location was too close to Christus St. Elizabeth hospital in Beaumont.

County and city officials, as well as business leaders, sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Brian Babin on Friday requesting again that the area be considered for the designation, he said.

He said this time they're pointing out potential geographical barriers, such as the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge over the Neches River, that could slow down or prevent Orange County residents from reaching hospitals with emergency rooms in Jefferson County.

"We're trying to use every angle and resource we have to solve this problem," Carlton said.

Kevin Parsley, executive director of business development and strategic partnerships for Christus of Southeast Texas, said in a statement that Christus is "having conversations" with the City of Orange about a new facility.

"We are assessing the needs in that area to see where we might fit in or if we might fit in," Parsley said.

Christus opened an outpatient facility with emergency services in Mid-County in April.

Since January, the only emergency medical centers in the county have been two private, for-profit freestanding emergency rooms located in Orange.

Under federal law, these facilities are unable to accept Medicare and Medicaid.

The ER's closure presents a problem for Orange residents, who have to travel up to 31 miles to reach Christus St. Elizabeth, the nearest hospital with an emergency room.

Baptist Hospital in Orange had been slowly scaling back services in Orange for years, ending its in-patient services in 2015.

Hospital officials cited rising costs as the reason for terminating emergency services.

Factors included the reduction in reimbursement rates, the state's refusal to expand Medicaid and the facility's inability to qualify as a Critical Access Hospital, according to the statement from the hospital last December.

NKrebs@BeaumontEnterprise.comtwitter.com/natalie_krebs
The Plainview Elks Lodge will host its annual Flag Day Retirement and Flag Day Ceremony beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10.

The Flag Retirement will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot outside the Plainview Elks Lodge at 908 I-27.

Plainview High School Navy Jr. ROTC, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts will participate in this ceremony as well as representatives of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Pamphlets given out on flag protocol, provided by Mary McCoy Baines Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Elks Flag Day Ceremony will be held immediately following the flag retirement, at approximately 3 p.m. It will be in the Lodge Room inside the Elks Lodge. This informative ceremony honors the American flag in a very special tribute.

Worn, tattered and soiled flags in need of retirement may be dropped off at Gebos, Plainview Elks Lodge or Plainview Herald between now and June 10, or bring them to ceremony. The Elks and participating groups will be retiring both American and Texas flags on Saturday.
London

Declaring "enough is enough," Prime Minister Theresa May vowed Sunday a sweeping review of Britain's counterterrorism strategy after three knife-wielding assailants unleashed an assault late Saturday, the third major terrorist attack in the country in three months.

At least seven people were killed and dozens more wounded, including 21 who remained in critical condition, as the men sped across London Bridge in a white van, ramming numerous pedestrians before emerging with large hunting knives for a rampage in the capital's Borough Market, a crowded nightspot.

In a matter of minutes, the three assailants were chased down by eight armed officers who fired about 50 rounds, killing the men, who wore what appeared to be suicide vests but subsequently proved to be fake. One member of the public also suffered nonfatal gunshot wounds, police said.

The assault came days before national elections this week and after the British government had downgraded the threat level to "severe" from "critical," meaning that an attack was highly likely, but not imminent.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out by "a detachment of Islamic State fighters."

Analysts said the Islamic State 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, there's no indication that ISIS orchestrated or directed these attacks."

On Sunday morning, May's 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 said it would continue with its scheduled campaign events.

But May said the election would go ahead Thursday as planned.

The prime minister led an emergency meeting of her security Cabinet on Sunday morning. 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.

"Everybody needs to go about their lives as they normally would," she said. "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."

May said the government may extend the time of custodial sentences for terrorism suspects, but more needed to be done in binding communities together to combat what she called "a perversion of Islam," adding, "There is, to be frank, far too much tolerance of extremism in our country."

May, who was home secretary for six years before becoming prime minister, 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.

Legally, she has been stymied by the difficulty of finding a definition of "extremism" that would hold up in court when challenged on the grounds of free speech.

A good example of the difficulty is the case of Anjem Choudary, who spent nearly two decades preaching jihad and radicalizing youth. While some of his organizations were banned, Choudary, a lawyer, managed to avoid breaking the law while being credited for helping to recruit hundreds of British Muslims to fight for al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

Choudary was convicted in 2016 of inviting support for a terrorist organization  the Islamic State  when film emerged of him pledging allegiance to the ISIS caliphate. He was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.

May also called for a global effort to "regulate cyberspace," something that is likely to prove difficult, and said the London attack was not connected to a suicide bombing at a pop concert in Manchester, England, last month that killed 22 people.

The 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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin testily rejected the idea that his government had interfered in the 2016 U.S. election - or that he is holding compromising evidence against President Donald Trump - in an interview broadcast Sunday night with NBC's Megyn Kelly.

"They have been misled," Putin responded when Kelly said that American intelligence agencies had concluded that Russia interfered in the campaign with the goal of electing Trump. "They aren't analyzing the information in its entirety. I haven't seen, even once, any direct proof of Russian interference in the presidential election."

The interview with Putin - conducted last week during an economic forum in St. Petersburg - was the opening segment in the debut episode of "Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly." Kelly, who was a prime-time star on Fox News Channel, moved to NBC at the start of this year.

The interview was tense at times, with Putin calling Kelly's questions a "load of nonsense." "Your lives must be so boring," if Americans are reduced to making up stories about Russia, he said.

Kelly continued to push Putin. But the interview produced little that was new.

The Russian leader, a former KGB intelligence officer, is not given to unguarded moments or admissions of guilt. When Kelly asked him about allegations of Russian involvement in the campaign, he replied with a conspiracy theory about the death of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

"There's a theory that Kennedy's assassination was arranged by the United States intelligence services. So, if this theory is correct - and that can't be ruled out - " then the same agencies could fabricate evidence of Russian hacking, Putin said.

In several cases, Putin said he was not even aware of contacts reported in American media. For instance, Kelly asked about an episode first reported in The Washington Post, in which Jared Kushner - the president's son-in-law and senior adviser - suggested setting up a secret back-channel communication with the Kremlin before Trump took office.

"I don't know about this proposal. No proposal like that came to me," Putin said, speaking via a Russian interpreter. Putin said such a request would have been reported to him. "For me, this is just amazing. You created a sensation out of nothing, and . . . you turned it into a weapon of war against the current president."

Putin also rejected the idea that he had any relationship with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser. In 2015, Flynn visited Moscow for a banquet honoring Russian TV outlet RT, and photos show him seated next to Putin.

Putin said that he had not sat in the seat for much of the dinner, and that he barely spoke to Flynn. "I didn't even really talk to him. That's the extent of my acquaintance with Mr. Flynn," he said.

Kelly asked Putin if he was holding any kind of damaging information about Trump, either involving Trump's finances or a visit Trump made to Russia as a businessman. Putin, slouched over in his seat, scoffed at the idea.

"We have a lot of Americans who visit us," Putin said. "Do you think we're gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something? Are you all - have you all lost your senses over there?"

Intelligence experts have said Russian intelligence officials have a habit of trying to gather compromising information on influential foreigners when they visit.

Among the denials, however, were signs of Putin's resentment toward the United States and its conduct as the world's lone post-cold war superpower.

Putin, for instance, dismissed Kelly's questions about repression and the killing of journalists in Russia by saying it was another example of American moralizing. "Why do you feel you have the right to ask us these kinds of questions?" he said.

At another point, Putin answered Kelly's questions about Russia's role in the election by saying that the United States had sought to influence other nations' elections in the past. "Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world," he said, "and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal election processes."

Among Putin's denials that the Russians had interfered in the U.S. election, he had just offered up a moral logic for Russia - interfering in U.S. elections.

"That sounds like a justification," Kelly said.

"It doesn't sound like a justification," Putin said. "It sounds like a statement of fact. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction."
PORTLAND, Ore. -- In a city splintered by protest, acrimony and the fresh pain of a pair of killings on a commuter train, demonstrators gathered again - and clashed again - here Sunday afternoon, with a right-wing rally drawing thousands of counter-protesters in the heart of downtown.

The planned, permitted free-speech and pro-President Donald Trump rally came just more than a week after 35-year-old Jeremy Christian - a man who performed Nazi salutes and screamed racial slurs at a recent right-wing rally here in late April - allegedly stabbed three men, killing two, following what witnesses said was a hate-filled tirade against two teenage girls on a train. The deceased, Rick Best, 53, and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23, and one survivor, Micah Fletcher, were standing up to Christian as he harassed the girls, one of whom was wearing a hijab.

The slayings shocked the city and exposed the long-simmering racial tension here, with roots in Oregon's establishment as a white utopia in the Pacific Northwest. At the train station where the two men were killed, a memorial of flowers, signs and messages of hope and sadness were scrawled in chalk, including this one: "Portland We Have to Do Better."

Though drawing outrage and sympathy, the deaths in some ways only amplified the issue, again making Portland a magnet for the fight of political extremes.

Mat Dos Santos, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon, was in a television interview about the attacks last week when a man stood behind him performing a Nazi salute. "Did an interview with Al Jazeera in downtown Portland this morning and man walks up and starts doing the Nazi salute behind me on camera," he tweeted. "The interview was on the rise of hate and Free Speech."

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler last week tried to cancel Sunday's right-wing rally, calling on federal officials to aid in pulling the group's permit because he believed it would be destructive at a particularly difficult time. He wrote on Facebook that "our city is in mourning, our community's anger is real." His request was declined, drawing criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon: "The government cannot revoke or deny a permit based on the viewpoint of the demonstrators. Period."

Sunday's rally - in an outdoor plaza sandwiched between City Hall and the jail where Christian is being held - provided a vivid illustration of the city's divisions.

Protesters surrounded the plaza in the hours before the rally began. To the west, in front of City Hall, protesters chanted and displayed signs with such messages as "Wake Up Portland! Your city is racist!" and "Nazis? Never!" Steps away, dozens of local organizations took to a microphone at City Hall in a "Portland Stands Against Hate" rally.

"An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us," Cari Luna, chair of the Portland chapter of Democratic Socialists of America, said in a statement Sunday morning. "We're here now, we're coming together, and we're saying NO to racism, NO to bigotry. We want a world where every person is truly free, and we're not going to let the last dinosaurs of the white colonialist patriarchy stand in our way."

To the north, hundreds of black-clad, left-wing, anti-fascist protesters chanted, blared music and held paper-mache spiders and skeletons, which have become signature icons at Portland protests. Beyond them, a group of Buddhists sat in silent protest.

And to the south, labor union members clad in helmets and safety vests screamed: "Racists! Murderers! Fascists! Out of Portland!"

Between every block were thick lines of Portland police and Homeland Security officers clad in riot gear; they made several arrests. Portland police announced at about 3:30 p.m. that the antifa assembly was considered unlawful before deploying a volley of flash grenades into the crowd of counter-protesters, sending black-clad demonstrators running.

In the center of it all, at the rally, an assembly of right-wing groups including American Freedom M/C, Patriot Prayer, the III Percenters and Oath Keepers gathered, many of them vowing to defend free speech.

Patriot Prayer's Joey Gibson, who has said his group tried to eject Christian from the April protest, brought a message of peace to Portland: "I want everybody here . . . to find it in yourself to make this day positive, with no hate and no violence," he told the crowd. "We have to understand Portland is legitimately shaken up right now."

He called on his supporters to "prove 'em wrong. ... Hatred is a disease. We need to start spreading love to get rid of this hate."
The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) and Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) partnered to provide oral health care for underserved patients in Calhoun County, a rural area that has not benefited from a local practicing dentist since the start of 2017.

The institutions offered a community dentistry event on Friday, May 19 at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Hardin, supported by a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that L&C received in 2015.

Eleven patients were screened by registered nurse Lucy Chappee, who works in the L&C Family Health Clinic and manages the grant. They then received visual exams, cleanings and treatment referrals performed by eight SIU SDM students, under the supervision of Dr. Katie Kosten, director of community dentistry and assistant professor at the SIU SDM.

Its important that both of our institutions serve as partners and leaders in oral health, and understand the need to have a meaningful impact on our community, said Kosten. With Lucy screening the patients health history and recording vitals prior to our students performing the dental exams and cleanings, the process was more efficient and effective for the patients and students.

Our main grant focus is to address primary care, prevention and education through an interprofessional model, Chappee added. By bringing services to those in rural areas, we can prevent illness or provide early intervention, which results in overall improved health outcomes. The interprofessional team approach to total body health is not only good practice, but it also saves patients time and money.

The SIU SDMs commitment to community dentistry is a win-win, according to Kosten, because it benefits both patients and dental students.

Our primary goals are always to positively impact the oral health of the community and provide a beneficial and meaningful learning environment for our students, Kosten said. Events such as this collaborative effort between the School of Dental Medicine and Lewis and Clark allow us to accomplish our objectives.

We were able to provide a service to those who have difficulty accessing dental care, while at the same time allowing our students to experience a scenario where they have to assimilate what theyve learned in their curriculum and apply it in a real world situation.
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Bentiu, South Sudan

More than 1 million disabled people are vulnerable to the increasing violence of South Sudan's brutal civil war.

Mary Nyakwas lost her leg to a crocodile while fleeing the fighting. She and her four children had taken refuge from the conflict in a nearby swamp when the reptile attacked her.

Now the 30-year-old sits on the floor of her hut in a civilian protection camp in Bentiu, running her finger over the curve of her stump. Nyakwas relies on friends and neighbors to bring her water and food. Without them, she says, she'd starve.

"I can't do anything for myself now," she says.

When clashes break out, South Sudan's disabled and elderly are often unable to flee and are sometimes shot, hacked to death or burned alive, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch.

The disabled and older people "find themselves at much greater risk of starvation or abuse," the Human Rights Watch report said, urging the United Nations and aid groups to do more to assist the vulnerable.

As South Sudan's civil war moves well into its fourth year, aid workers are struggling to meet the needs of 1.9 million internally displaced people. An estimated 250,000 are disabled and living in U.N. civilian protection sites across the country, the World Health Organization says.

Even in the camps, many end up living in squalor with little assistance.

Nyakwas has been offered some help. The International Committee of the Red Cross planned to fly her to the capital, Juba, so she could be fitted with a prosthetic limb. But she didn't want to leave her children behind.

The ICRC says it is looking into creating small mobile units to operate in more remote areas of the country. But because of a recent increase in fighting, the organization has put such projects on hold.

The U.N. humanitarian agency said many aid groups are trying to respond to the needs of the disabled and elderly. It also called on all parties in the conflict to spare the most vulnerable from the "scourge of war."

Another young South Sudanese woman, Nyang Maria, has never been able to use her legs, but she says life was easier before she came to live in the Bentiu camp.

As she can't stand up, the 19-year-old is forced to sit on the camp's filthy latrines, which are rarely cleaned and full of feces.

"Before, I could go to the bathroom anywhere," Nyang says. "Here, there are just a few toilets and they're all full of disease."

In order to increase her mobility, the International Organization for Migration gave her a special-needs tricycle, but she says the tires keep bursting because of the camp's gravel roads. It now sits idle in the corner of her home. She lies limp on the floor beside it.

"Why?" she says, tears streaming down her face. "Why did God make me this way?"
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Washington

President Donald Trump struck a discordant note Sunday in his response to the terrorist attack in central London that killed seven people and injured scores more.

In a series of tweets Sunday morning, Trump disdained the gun debate in the United States, slammed London Mayor Sadiq Khan and lambasted "politically correct" attitudes as an impediment to security.

Most world leaders had confined their messages to solemn expressions of sympathy and support for the victims, the British people and the government of Prime Minister Theresa May.

As the attack was unfolding Saturday night, the president tweeted an unconfirmed account of events and renewed his call for his travel ban  rejected by lower courts and now under appeal to the Supreme Court  to be reinstated.

Trump's initial tweet Sunday implied that safety considerations were being overridden by too-careful sensitivities over issues such as ethnicity and religion  although May responded to the attack with a call Sunday for tougher measures to fight Islamist extremism.

The president next took aim at Khan, the mayor of London and a Briton of Pakistani descent. Khan, who like Trump often uses Twitter to communicate with constituents, had told Londoners and visitors not to be alarmed by the heavy and visible security presence, saying it was necessary for public safety.

Trump took that as a false reassurance.

"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" he tweeted.

That drew a riposte from "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, who has emerged as one of Trump's harshest online critics.

"It's called 'leadership', Donald," she tweeted. "The terrorists were dead 8 minutes after police got the call. If we need an alarmist blowhard, we'll call."
An Afghan woman who attempted suicide last month in a Karnes City immigrant family detention center has been granted asylum and released.

Samira Hakimi, who tried to kill herself in May, and her 4-and 8-year-old sons were released last week after a judge granted them asylum, according to Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, which represents families in the detention center.
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Lightning struck a Southwest Airlines plane at the San Antonio International Airport on Sunday, sending a nearby airline worker to the hospital, the company said.

The employee, a male Southwest Airlines Ramp Agent who was not named, was taken to an area hospital as a precaution but is in good condition, according to a news release issued Sunday.

The release explained that the agent was working near an aircraft when it experienced the lightning strike. The man reportedly felt the effects from the strike, was immediately examined by local emergency personnel and is still under observation at the hospital.

The lightning strike was the second misfortune to befall the airport this weekend, as an American Airlines plane veered off the runway and into the grass and mud Saturday, shutting down the airports only active commercial runway for nearly four hours. No one was injured in that incident, though airport officials were forced to open a second runway that had been closed for previously-scheduled repairs.

Thunderstorms swept through other parts of San Antonio on Sunday, leaving multiple downed power lines in at least two different areas, according to SAFD reports.

Advancing as a wall of dark clouds with winds gusting up to 50 mph, the system hit downtown San Antonio at about 3:45 p.m, according to reports from the National Weather Service. The storms broke quickly, leaving only about .05 inches of rain.

Despite the downed lines  SAFD was responding to at least two as of 5 p.m.  CPS is reporting minimal outages, with only a few hundred customers affected. By comparison, during storms Tuesday, more than 32,000 CPS customers lost power.

A second round of thunderstorms moved into the area late Sunday. The NWS tweeted that the storm was "highly electrical" and reported one period where more than 100 lightning strikes occurred within a a five-minute span in nearby Medina County.

Check back for updates.

jgerlach@express-news.net
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In the final week of the mayoral runoff, incumbent Ivy Taylor unveiled endorsements from several local politicians in her bid for re-election.

Taylor faces opponent Ron Nirenberg, the outgoing District 8 councilman, in a race that will be decided Saturday. The two emerged as the top vote-getters from a crowded field of 14 in the May 6 general election.

Taylor has picked up endorsements from three exiting City Council members, including two who are leaving well before term limits would have forced them out, and a handful of local Democrats and Republicans.

In a Monday news release, the Taylor campaign said the mayor has been endorsed by Councilman Ray Lopez, who is leaving his District 6 seat because of term limits, and outgoing councilmen Joe Krier and Mike Gallagher, seen as Taylors closest allies on the dais.

She also has been endorsed by state Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio; Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff, the lone Republican on the Commissioners Court; his father, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, a Democrat; and former County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, who placed in a distant fourth in his attempt to oust Taylor from the mayors office in the 2015 race.

Ive worked with many San Antonio mayors  as a city councilman, a county commissioner and now a state representative, Larson said in Taylors news release. The successful ones prudently invest your tax dollars in streets, public safety and other basic services, without increasing your tax rates. Ivy Taylor clearly is a successful mayor.

Kelton Morgan, Nirenbergs campaign manager, said about Taylors support: If those kinds of endorsements mattered, Ivy Taylor wouldnt be mayor.

Some of the people who are endorsing Taylor in the runoff had supported former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte in her failed mayoral bid against Taylor in 2015.

In recent weeks, Nirenberg has picked up endorsements from former mayors Phil Hardberger and Julian Castro, the latter of whom has helped the candidate in get-out-the-vote efforts.

Greg Jefferson, Taylors campaign spokesman, lauded his candidates endorsements and trashed those of the opponent.

Mayor Taylors endorsements show shes earned support across the political spectrum, and in every corner of San Antonio. Shes a consensus-builder with a long track record of success  from achieving water security to attracting new jobs to making our neighborhoods safer, he said. Councilman Nirenbergs list of endorsements, on the other hand, is as thin as his resume. Still, both are longer than his record of accomplishments on council.

The competing remarks from the two campaigns are stark reminders of how fraught with friction and discord this race has become.

Both sides have used negative campaign tactics to cast shadows over each other, and comments from campaign surrogates have become increasingly curt.
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A 19-year-old woman was arrested Saturday after she allegedly lured a man to a West Side apartment complex where four suspects robbed him at gunpoint and fled.

Amanda Tafolla now faces a charge of aggravated robbery. She remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $75,000 warrant.

RELATED: Drowning of 26-year-old on River Walk ruled homicide

According to her affidavit, Tafolla connected with the victim on social media and the two decided to meet up on August 30, 2016, at the Ingram Ranch Apartments in the 2400 block of Oak Hill Drive.

When the victim, a 34-year-old man, arrived to the apartments, he got out, greeted Tafolla and was immediately confronted by an armed suspect who demanded his wallet and cell phone.

Another suspect then took his car keys and unlocked the doors so two more suspects could go through it and took what they found.

After robbing the victim, one of the suspects gave him back his car keys and all the suspects fled the scene, including Tafolla.

RELATED: Police find man fatally shot in vehicle across street from Southwest Side elementary school

The victim drove to a nearby Walgreens, where he called police and reported the robbery. He later provided detectives with Tafolla's social media profiles, which they used to track her down to an address in Donna, Texas.

Deputies with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office interviewed Tafolla in September 2016. Her affidavit says she admitted to the robbery during the interview but was later released.

She was arrested on Saturday on an arrest warrant issued in November.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
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SAN ANTONIO  The search for a 37-year-old man who allegedly shot a woman in her apartment on the Northeast Side and then fled with their 1-year-old child ended in a neighboring county when the man crashed and was shot dead by Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers.

Adrian Maurice Hardeman wrecked his vehicle at 2:45 p.m. on Alternate U.S. Highway 90 and County Road 364 in Gonzales County, Texas DPS Lt. Jason Reyes said in an email.

"While conducting the crash investigation, Troopers made contact with an armed suspect who was shot by troopers on the scene," Reyes said.

READ ALSO: Drowning of 26-year-old on River Walk ruled homicide

Almost three hours earlier, April Russell, 35, was found with a gunshot wound at around noon in the 2300 block of Northeast Loop 410, according to the San Antonio Police Department. Paramedics later pronounced her dead at the scene.

SAPD Chief William McManus identified Hardeman as the suspect in her death. He said that he fled with their 1-year-old daughter, who was found safe by police around 1:15 p.m. in the 4900 block of Wycliff Drive in the East Side.

Reyes said DPS troopers learned Hardeman was a suspect in Russells death after Hardeman was shot. The Texas Rangers are now investigating the shooting.

Earlier, McManus said Hardeman had been estranged from Russell and was trying to get back into her life, investigators said.

This morning he knocks on the door and tries to reconcile, tries to get back into her life, McManus said. She wants nothing to do with him.

McManus said investigators believe Hardeman returned to Russells apartment a few hours later, broke though a front window and fatally shot her in the back room.

Nancy Lupolt, a resident at the apartment complex where the woman was killed, said she saw Hardeman and Russell fighting in the courtyard around 10:15 a.m.

He was just calling her every name, she said. Nasty names. I don't even want to repeat them because they were so bad.

He was irate. Just a nasty, nasty person, she said.

READ ALSO: Lightning strikes Southwest plane in San Antonio, hits nearby employee

Another resident said she also heard Hardeman and Russell screaming at each other Monday morning. She said police previously had been called to the apartment complex twice and had to break up Hardeman and the woman on at least one occasion.

McManus was unable to confirm whether police had visited the scene before the shooting.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
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Two of the three Laredo police officers injured in a Friday shootout at a gas station, and who were receiving care at San Antonio-area hospitals, have been released, according to local media reports.

Television station KENS reports that officers Arturo Vela and Mario Casares Jr. were released from University Hospital and Broke Army Medical Center on Sunday.

A third officer, Agapito Perez, remains in intensive care at University Hospital, according to KENS.

RELATED: Suspect killed, 3 officers wounded in shootout in central Laredo

The three were part of a shootout at a Stripes convenience store earlier this week with a suspect wanted relating to the killing of his girlfriend.

The gun fight with Antonio Gerardo Rodriguez began when he opened fire on the three as they approached his vehicle. Rodriguez was shot and killed and the three officers wounded. All three officers were later transported to San Antonio.

Laredo Police Department could not be reached for comment.
With the unrelenting carnage of recent terrorist attacks on innocent civilians in Egypt, England and the Philippines, the administration requested the U.S. Supreme Court revive the president's travel ban order.

The president's March 6 order barred entry for people from five countries  Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  for 90 days while the U.S. government implements a much stricter visa screening process. These countries are known for breeding terrorism. For example, the Manchester suicide bomber, Salman Ramadan Abedi, was of Libyan descent and made recent visits to Libya prior to detonating a suicide bomb killing twenty-three people and critically injuring over one hundred attendees.

The president is right to take every precaution to ensure no foreign terrorists enter our borders to do harm. As President Trump said, we need to take steps to ensure the U.S. government honors its most important obligation: to protect the American people. I could not agree more.

***

President Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord an agreement signed in 2015 by President Obama alone when he realized it couldn't be approved by his Democratic-led Senate. I fully agree with President Trump's decision to forego unilateral commitments negotiated by President Obama and am thankful for his continued leadership putting America first.

This agreement disadvantages American workers and business and harms our competitiveness overseas. The Paris Accord's goal is to keep global temperatures from rising more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit; however, many scientists believe this is unattainable even if all participants fully meet their commitments. Setting unachievable environmental standards is emblematic of the many burdensome regulations federal agencies produced which is why voters sought a change in November.

We need to protect our environment and reduce carbon emissions but in a fair, responsible and achievable manner. As noted in Forbes, the U.S. will continue to lead the world in reducing carbon dioxide emissions where in 2015 alone emissions fell by 145 million tons, the largest decline of any country in the world. President Trump displayed his leadership despite foreign pressure to concede. This was the right decision.

***

Thanks to a fellow Texan, Chairman Jeb Hensarling, the House of Representatives will vote on the Financial CHOICE Act that makes key revisions to the Dodd-Frank law that has crippled and destroyed our community banks with overt compliance costs and regulatory bureaucracy.

This important bill helps community banks get back to business and ends too-big-to-fail, taxpayer bailouts of financial institutions by removing burdensome regulation that prevent lending, decreasing compliance costs, and improving access to credit and capital.

Growing our economy starts with growing our communities, and this bill will help do just that.

***

I was grateful and pleased to learn that The Woodlands resident Larry Davis was found innocent of all charges in the Dominican Republic, as his friends, family and I knew he would be. My office worked closely with Larry's family, as have so many others, in order to achieve this result and bring him home. I am so glad this nightmare for Larry is finally over and that he is back with his loving family. Welcome home, Larry.

U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady represents Texas Congressional District 8 in the U.S. House of Representatives and chairs the House Ways and Means Committee. Call his Conroe office at 936-441-5700.
Re: Christianity and the health care bill, Allan Hugh Cole Jr., Other Views, May 22:

The author claims that if you are a Christian member of Congress, you cannot embrace a plan that limits or excludes poor people, as well as persons with pre-existing conditions. He states, Keep in mind that Jesus said, Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise (the column stated it was Luke 3:22, but it is actually Luke 3:11).

Does this Bible verse call for individual action or government action?

I do not know how Mr. Cole defines the word share, but to me it implies a voluntary action. If A donates money or property to B (a person in dire need), that is a voluntary action. If C tells A that he should give his coat to B while holding a gun in his face, has A done a charitable act, or is A a victim of theft? Is C a thief, or has he done his duty as a Christian by helping B?

Using the government to force some to donate to others is no different from what C has done to A. The government has no resources of its own. Before the government can provide for some, it must first take from others.

Mr. Cole also states, And besides, its better to live in a country where everyone can drive a Ford, Chevy or Dodge than to live in a country where some can drive a Cadillac while others must walk.

Unfortunately, this is what the former Soviet Union, Cuba, Venezuela and North Korea have attempted. Call it what you like (communism, socialism, progressivism), but the results for countries that have tried it are not encouraging.

The purpose of government is to protect individual freedom, not guarantee equality of outcome.

Thomas Nichta lives in San Antonio.
Last fall, more than a dozen families were forced to move from the Oak Hollow Mobile Home Park on the Northwest Side. Septics were overflowing, and sewage had settled into standing pools around the residences. E. coli was found in the soil.

It was no place for anyone to live, even though residents at the park said the deplorable conditions had persisted for years. Months later, the park is for sale, the city of San Antonio is in litigation with its owner, and a number of families are in flux.

District 8 City Councilman Ron Nirenberg, who represents the Oak Hollow Mobile Home Park, has proposed changes to the city code to prevent this type of neglect. Its a promising policy that merits unanimous support and attention.

Nirenberg is challenging Mayor Ivy Taylor in a runoff. Whatever voters decide, addressing code gaps for mobile homes shouldnt be lost in the election. Taylor has said she supports policy revision to prevent this type of situation from arising again.

Nirenberg wants proactive inspections of mobile home parks. Current policy says mobile home parks must register with the citys health department and can be inspected, but those visits typically only happen after a complaint.

Routine inspections likely would prevent bad situations from ballooning into uninhabitable situations. It could also potentially shield residents from eviction threats for reporting these types of problems.

The city needs a bigger stick to hold landlords accountable for their properties. One policy change might be increased fines or civil penalties for mobile park owners who repeatedly violate code. Of the nearly 7,000 lots in the city, two-thirds had a code violation of some sort, according to an article by Express-News reporter Vianna Davila.

The city might also increase registration fees for mobile home lots. Its currently $35.

The city will hold public meetings to discuss these possible policy changes and other ideas to ensure mobile home parks meet the basic standards of livability and decency we all expect in San Antonio.

A proposal will be refined and brought to City Council in either the late summer or early fall.

The general makeup of the council will be much different by then. There will be many new council members and perhaps a new mayor. But regardless of who is on council or who is mayor, this policy should remain a city priority.
Novozymes is the world leader in biological solutions. Together with customers, partners and the global community, we improve industrial performance while preserving the planets resources and helping build better lives. As the worlds largest provider of enzyme and microbial technologies, our bioinnovation enables higher agricultural yields, low-temperature washing, energy-efficient production, renewable fuel and many other benefits that we rely on today and in the future.Reference No: 3839BRJob area: Technical ServicesFor help growing our Brewing business in Middle East & Africa (MEA) we are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Industry Technology Spe...t to be located in Kenya or Nigeria - alternatively another Central African country. You will become part of our Asia Pacific - Middle East & Africa Technical Service Team that provides technical support and innovative solutions to Novozymes customers in the Brewing industry.You will play a key role in understanding customer needs and be responsible for initiating and coordinating technical activities. In close cooperation with R&D and Sales & Marketing you will ensure professional project management and help to translate market needs into innovation leads for Novozymes.You will create solid business cases together with our customers and evaluate, plan and carry out projects from laboratory scale to industrial scale at Novozymes and at clients and partners.You will support the development and test marketing of new solutions, the launching of new products and you are capable of writing technical articles, and giving speeches at industry conferences.We offer a challenging and exciting position with a large area of responsibility, a large degree of freedom in planning and mode of action in your work. A highly professional and international environment will help you to succeed in this challenge. Novozymes will provide the introduction and training needed to succeed in the job.Frequent travelling and customer meetings in MEA will be part of your work.In this position you need:A very solid technical understanding based on a university degree (MSc or PhD) in food technology, biochemistry, chemistry or natural sciences.Experience within enzyme applications is a clear asset, but not essential. As many of your internal as well as external stakeholders will be experts in Brewing, being yourself a Brewmaster will certainly add a lot to your credibilitySolid experience and understanding of the brewing processing industry - insights into the specific applications and conditions for Africa is a clear assetA proven business acumen and a strong customer orientation with experience in partnering including product and service development & launchesTo be versed in project management in an international environmentA strong drive, excellent communication and influencing skills while operating effectively in a network based environmentProven leadership skillsFluency in written and spoken English - additional language skills like French and/or Arabic are a clear assetAre you the next Zymer in our team? Consider a career with Novozymes and lets realize your potential together.1 July, 2017
By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She now spends much of her time in Asia and is currently researching a book about textile artisans. She also writes regularly about legal, political economy, and regulatory topics for various consulting clients and publications, as well as scribbles occasional travel pieces for The National.

The Wall Street Journal ran a short article yesterday, As Seats Go Unfilled on Federal Panels, Businesses Face Uncertainty, discussing the problem many businesses face regulatory uncertainty due to failure to fill many seats on regulatory commissions.

The article devotes much space to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which, uniquely in its 102-year history, has only two of five commissioners seated. According to the WSJ:

The design of the FTC doesnt contemplate three vacancies, said Jon Leibowitz, a former FTC chairman who is now a partner with Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. A lot of companies are trying to sort through how to deal with a two-person commission.

Last Friday, as expected Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Accord making good on a campaign pledge to reverse this highly visible symbol of his predecessors professed commitment to aggressive policies to arrest climate change (I leave aside as beyond the scope of this post any discussion of whether this position was mere rhetoric). Trump and Congress have also the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to roll back midnight rules which are measures passed during the waning days of the previous administration, as I discussed in these two posts, Republicans to Use CRA to Roll Back Midnight Rules and Benefit Oil Companies and Trump and Congress Use Congressional Review Act to Roll Back 14 Midnight Rules; More to Follow?. These policy reversals are upsetting prior plans and commitments businesses have made, in anticipation of certain rules or policies being enacted as adopted.

As the WSJ reports, day-to-day policy-making at many regulatory agencies has ground to a halt as they lack the necessary minimum number of commissioners to conduct their affairs. In addition to the situation at the FTC, three of five seats are also unfilled at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Two of five commissioner positions are vacant at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As the WSJ summarizes:

Similar stories are unfolding across official Washington, as the unexpected election victory by President Donald Trump and a slow transition process added to the usual disruption triggered when power changes hands. While some of the positions were unfilled even before Mr. Trump took office, left open by tradition for the next president to fill, they could remain empty for more months, making 2017 a year of prolonged uncertainty for businesses eager for clarity from regulators.

Packing Not Permitted

In contrast to the system for filling vacancies in federal judgeships, the design of the relevant authorizing statutes does not permit dominance by one political party to result in the packing of these commissions with a unanimous slate of commissioners who share the same party affiliation. Generally, no more than three (out of five) seats can be held by members of any one political party, and the tenures of each appointment are staggered.

This system is supposed to allow for a certain continuity between policy-making, in spite of who holds the White House and which party holds control of each house of Congress. But when positions are unfilled, the result is stasis.

Securities and Exchange Commission

In the case of the SEC, the new chair, Jay Clayton, a former partner at the white shoe firm Sullivan & Cromwell, confirmed by the Senate last month, in a largely partisan vote. The agency had been operating in slo-mo at least since outgoing chair Mary Jo White announced her departure in November. I discussed her legacy in Mary Jo White Leaves Behind a Weakened SEC for Trump to Weaken Further. On the regulatory side, Clayton plans to facilitate capital formation, as he discussed in first first public statement as SEC chair, according to this piece, SEC Chair Jay Clayton Tells ACSEC Members Capital Formation will be Priority During His Tenure, published last month by Crowdfunding Insider:

Facilitating capital formation is one of the central tenets of the SECs mission and it is a focus that this committee and I share. One of my priorities is for the Commission to focus on facilitating capital-raising opportunities for all companies, including, and importantly, small- and medium-sized businesses. Doing so will not only help those companies, but it also will provide expanded opportunities for investors, help our economy grow, facilitate innovation, and further job creation. As I mentioned during my confirmation hearing, I understand the many challenges facing small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as the importance of those businesses to our local economies and, collectively, our national economy. I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and insights about smaller and emerging companies and the challenges they face.

Astute readers will point out that this passage is largely boilerplate and is very vague. At the moment, neither Clayton nor his staff has laid out any more comprehensive guide to his thinking. But whatever the case, even if he has a clear idea where he wants to agency to move on this issue, activity is currently stymied due to missing commissioners.

Two of the remaining SEC seats have been vacant for more than a year. SEC commissioners serve for five years, and are staggered, so that each year on June 5, one commissioners term expires. A commissioner can serve an additional 18 months after expiration of his/her term if a replacement has not been appointed; not more than three commissioners can belong to the same political party, according to the SECs website. Yet at the moment, until at least one more SEC commissioner is seated, any of the three current commissioners can effectively block any business from proceeding, because approval of three commissioners is necessary for any vote to occur on new rules.

On the enforcement side, I should mention, how vigorous an approach the agency will take on enforcing the securities laws is unsettled, and will wait on formal appointment of the next SEC director of enforcement, widely reported to be Sullivan & Cromwell partner, Steven Peikin, as I discussed last week in this post, Two Questions for the Next SEC Director of Enforcement. This is a typical state of affairs during the transition between one administration and another and is thus not an example of especial lassitude on the part of Trump or his advisers. While Trump appears to thrive on chaos and disorder and theres no question that the transition has not been as seamless to be fair, I should mention that Trump is often criticized for situations where his predecessors were given a bit of a pass.

CFTC Situation

The situation at the CFTC is even worse than at the SEC. As with the SEC, no more than three CFTC commissioners can come from any single political party; at the moment, three slots are vacant, according to the FCTC website. The sole sitting Republican CFTC commissioner, acting chair J. Christopher Giancarlo wants to dismantle swaps and other derivatives rules made in the wake of the financial crisis under Dodd-Frank authority, as discussed in this WSJ article, Trump Nominates J. Christopher Giancarlo as CFTC Chairman. Giancarlo was a vociferous opponent of the approach undertaken by his predecessor as chair, Timothy Massad. But any action will require waiting until more commissioners are confirmed, especially as the only other serving commissioner, Sharon Bowen, is generally not inclined to pursuing such a course of action.

Regulatory Rollback Deferred

The tardy approach to filling missing slots will certainly stymie any immediate roll back of the existing regulatory framework. Without a quorum of sitting commissioners, agencies cannot conduct business; even where there are three sitting commissioners, as is the case with the SEC, one commissioner can effectively block business from proceeding. That leaves existing regulatory projects up in the air, and in a state of uncertainty. And as I said at the outset, that makes it difficult for firms to structure their business in response to expected regulations, and plan accordingly.

Consider the fiduciary rule, about which Trump issued a January executive order directed the Department of Labor to conduct an examination of the rule, as I discussed in these posts, Fourth Federal District Court Looks Likely to Uphold Fiduciary Rule and Goodbye Fiduciary Rule? Department of Labor Delays Implementation Until June. Yet this order proved to be mere theater, with the rule set to go live later this week, on June 9, as discussed in this Barrons piece, The Fiduciary Rule Goes Live at Long Last. One reason for this is that there is considerable lead time required for firms to comply with complicated new rules. Once firms have taken these steps, in anticipation of previously settled deadlines, they usually dont want to scupper these efforts. They also became advocates of the new rules, lest they otherwise suffer a competitive disadvantage relative to firms that had not elected to comply.

Bottom Line

Until major regulatory agencies CFTC, FCC, FERC, FTC, NLRB, SEC have a full bench of commissioners in place, it will be difficult for them to make any sweeping regulatory moves. Looking on the situation from a distance, I cant say I see those chairs as being filled anytime soon, and as long as thats the case, these agencies will merely be marking regulatory time neither putting forward new regulations, nor dismantling existing ones.
Toyota-supported flying car hopes to light the Tokyo 2020 Olympic flame Reuters

Photo shows Canadian man calmly mowing lawn with tornado behind him Chicago Tribune

Farewell Walt Mossberg, the scourge of Silicon Valley Guardian (jess)

How our environment can induce allergies even before were born The Conversation

THE WATSON FILES Foreign Policy. The deck: What if there were a blueprint for climate adaptation that could end a civil war? An English scientist spent his life developing one  then he vanished without a trace.

Want a memorable vacation? Leave your laptop at home Treehugger

Harvard Rescinds Acceptances for At Least Ten Students for Obscene Memes Harvard Crimson (Dan K)

Maltas Muscat wins snap election Politico

UK Election

Why Whistleblowers Get Paid in the U.S. but Not in Britain Bloomberg

Lawyers warn Saudi Aramco of New York IPO litigation risks

Syraqistan

Proposal for Congestion Charge on New York City Motorists WSJ

Class Warfare

Oroville

bob: This was a very good video. Yes, long, but again, remember the scale. Its has to be longer.

He does a great job of showing the processes involved. 

2016 Post Mortem

Democrats dropped the ball in Iowa House district 22 special election Bleeding Heartland (dan k)

Police State Watch

Hiding the Ugly Business of Torture Consortium News (Sid S)

China?

India

Health Care

New Cold War

Trump Transition

Antidote du jour (Mario Fiorucci via Richard Smith, from First Annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Jerri-Lynn here: This Real News Network interview with veteran Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn of The Independent analyzes the latest developments in Syria and says the war could end if the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran were willing to make an agreement. That seems to say the least, unlikely, given what occurred during Trumps recent orb-grasping, sword-dancing visit to Riyadh especially the record arms deal. But I always make time for Cockburn, who has been reporting for decades from the Middle East.

AARON MATE: Its The Real News. Im Aaron Mate. The Pentagon says its shifted to annihilation tactics in its campaign against the Islamic State.

SPEAKER 2: We have already shifted from attrition tactics where we shove them from one position to another in Iraq and Syria to annihilation tactics where we surround them. Our intention is that the foreign fighters do not survive the fight.

AARON MATE: Those tactics appear to be killing more civilians. Monitoring groups say more innocents are dying in increased coalition bombings of the Islamic State in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. According to Air Wars, the US is now killing more civilians than Russia on a regular basis. The toll could grow as the battle for Raqqa intensifies in the coming weeks. Patrick Coburn is a long time Middle East correspondent for the newspaper, The Independent. Patrick, welcome.

PATRICK COCKBURN: Thank you.

AARON MATE: Youve been in and out of Syria, covering the war there, many times. Can you talk about the context right now for this spike in civilian casualties that were seeing from US led bombings?

PATRICK COCKBURN: Youve always had civilian casualties from bombing, and theres always sort of been a hypocrisy about this, that where you have ISIS fighters and civilians, that somehow you can distinguish between the two. Air Forces always say, oh weve got pinpoint accuracy. Maybe, but they dont really know where they are. They know where exactly where they are. Often theyre in the, civilians and fighters are in the same building.

Consequently you have more civilian casualties. It appears that since Trump became president, that the bombing, that bombers can be called in more easily. Often, now this was happening before. Often its local guys are earning money by passing information about ISIS, saying theyre in that building or theyre in that room. But after all these guys priority is to make some money, so when they get it wrong, its no sweat. They still make money. You have buildings being bombed in Raqqa I think it was that the jail had been bombed. Somebody said thats a Taliban jail, but of course if you were in a Taliban jail, most people didnt like the Taliban but they got killed as well.

You see that in Syria. You see this in Iraq and Mosul. I was in, people in East Mosul, I was talking to them on the phone, who are being bombed, that somebody identifies their houses as being a, a house as being an ISIS strong point, but maybe ISIS come in there. Smash in all the walls, so they can move very quickly from building to building. They come in, they set up a sniper position. They fire a shot. Theyre out of there 20 seconds later and five minutes later that building is hit by a bomb. The civilians who are inside, the families inside that building are killed.

I know about one guy in Mosul and maybe this gives the flavor of what really happens if youre on the ground. He had a tarpaulin over part of his house as a shade. Its pretty hot in Mosul. But the US and the Iraqi Air Force had decided that any tarpaulin must be concealing an ISIS fighting position or supplies and consequently got bombed by a drone. He got hit in the leg and had dragged himself to a local clinic. They didnt have any bandages and so forth. He dragged himself home again. One of the things is that there isnt much medical services that anybody in these areas can rely on if they get injured.

AARON MATE: Going from the campaign to dislodge ISIS from Mosul and Iraq, lets go to this campaign to dislodge ISIS from their de facto capital in Syria, Raqqa. The US has just started arming the Syrian Kurds, in preparation for that assault. That was a controversial move because Turkey opposed it. What are you expecting to happen with this assault when it takes place to kick ISIS out of Raqqa?

PATRICK COCKBURN: Well I think kick is going to be the wrong word. Because ISIS, you know theyre a monstrous organization. Everybodys agreed on that but they, theyre a mixture of fanaticism and but fanatics with a high degree of military expertise. Theyve been fighting in Mosul now for six, seven months, and I doubt  They probably got a couple of thousand guys there, very mobile. As I said, snipers moving from house to house. Suicide bombers inside vehicles, packed with explosives. Mortar teams, very mobile within the city and theyll probably do the same in Raqqa.

Now Raqqa had a population of 300,000 in the [inaudible 00:05:29] and Mosul about two million, so its a much, a bigger city, Mosul. Raqqas on the north bank of the Euphrates. The bridges have been destroyed so these guys cant get out. It will be  I dont know yet if theyre going to make a fight for it. Seems quite likely they will, but as I said, ISIS is pretty militarily expert. These guys are not idiots. They want to stay in business. They dont want to lose all their best fighters in sieges in Iraq and Mosul.

They still, theyve lost a lot of territory but they still control a lot in Syria, around Deir ez-Zor. You mentioned that earlier. Its a big area in Eastern Syria. Theyll withdraw a lot of their fighters down south, along the Euphrates and theyll try to stay in business.

Another point to make is you know the Syrian Kurds are kind of the punching power on the ground. Some are called the Syrian Democratic Forces, theres quite a lot of Arabs, local Arab tribes have joined. Probably total around 45,000, 50,000 men. But the number of really good combat troops is pretty limited. What they do is they call in air strikes. Thats how they advance. Thats happened in Mosul. Thats happened elsewhere in Syria. Of course that means that theres very heavy damage on the ground because the limited number of ground troops that the Syrian, opposing ISIS in both Syria and Iraq.

Another consequence of this is that even when ground is lost by ISIS, its pretty difficult to occupy it. They dont have the men to do that so ISIS can begin to filter back. Weve seen that in different areas where theyve lost ground, but a few months later they begin to come back again.

AARON MATE: Patrick I want to ask you a bit about the dynamics right now between the US, Russia and the Syrian state right now. A few weeks ago, you had a US led coalition strike on a convoy of pro-Assad forces near the Syrian border with Iraq and Jordan. The US said that these forces were advancing on its allies positions. Russia and Syria have dismissed that claim. What do you make of what happened there?

PATRICK COCKBURN: I think whats happening is theres kind of a race for Eastern Syria. You know ISIS is getting weaker. I was saying its not going to go completely out of business, but its definitely getting weaker so theres a race to take over Eastern Syria, which is a pretty big area. A lot of its desert. The semi-desert, but theres also oil there. Theres cotton there. Theres also transport links to Iraq.

The US doesnt want the Syrian government assets, forces to take that over but theyve been advancing from Almyra further west. There are said to be American special forces there. Theres kind of, everybodys getting in on the act. They feel this is a sort of decisive moment of the war. If the Syrian government could take over most of Eastern Syria, theyd kind of have the war won. The US and others dont want that to happen. Thats why you have basically have these clashes and why you had this attack, because it was to prevent the Syrian government taking over positions there. Its probably well see more of the same.

AARON MATE: So the US claimed that their forces were threatened. You dont think thats credible?

Patrick Cockburn: Well you know, it depends what kind of threat it is. If guys are advancing a long way away, you could draw lines on a map and say if they go another hundred kilometers, theyre going to be here. Theyre a threat. A threat is really in the eye of the beholder. Its also going to be politically convenient that they dont want Assads forces to take over that area. Thats probably the prime consideration.

AARON MATE: Another recent development I want to ask you about was the Astana agreement where Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed to set up these de-escalation zones in four areas of Syria. Can you talk about what that was and whether its working so far?

PATRICK COCKBURN: It depends  You know when youre on the ground in Syria, around Damascus, you hear all this about zones, de-escalation zones. There are some local agreements, ceasefire agreements. Sometimes these work. Sometimes they dont. You know its never quite safe anywhere, but sometimes the sort of diminish action for a bit. I dont  I think in the long-term its pretty difficult to have these sort of zones because too many  When one side is feeling a bit stronger it may immediately breaks in the understanding. The most hopeful thing in Syria is that there does seem to be some moves towards peace, to reducing the level of military action, but its still, its still pretty severe.

AARON MATE: Yeah the criticism of the Assad regime during these previous ceasefires is that because they always carve out an exception for targeting the Islamic State and al Qaeda, the Assad regime just uses that exception to then target whoever it wants.

PATRICK COCKBURN: Well you know the armed opposition in Syria is dominated by ISIS [inaudible 00:11:08] that is and al Qaeda, what used to be called al Nusra. It keeps changing its name. Another group called [inaudible 00:11:15]. But all these are jihadi, whats called jihadi sulafi organizations. Theyre all jihadis. There are not moderate so-called there in the armed opposition. They may be in exile. They may be civilians, but theyre not in the armed opposition [inaudible 00:11:35]. In the past youd have ceasefires, but it could exclude ISIS because they wouldnt negotiate with anybody. It might exclude al Nusra, which is the next biggest armed organization which is pretty effective and it controls a lot of territory west of Aleppo.

But if these guys arent included in the ceasefire, they dont have any incentive to keep it. Likewise the Syrian government, if they feel theyre on a winner, theyre not going to stop at the moment. But maybe they can be reached for some restrained by the Russians. But at the end of the day, everybody has to see the advantage in a ceasefire to keep it. The weakness of these previous ceasefires was this really wasnt so.

AARON MATE: Finally Patrick, you talked a bit about these local ceasefires. What about some grand accommodation, some agreement between the main players, namely Russia and Iran and the US. If those parties came to an agreement, could this war be put to an end?

PATRICK COCKBURN: Yeah, I think it could. Youd probably have to have the Saudis involved somehow and of course thats particularly difficult after President Trump turned up in Riyadh recently, addressed all these Sunni states and denounced Iran. There have been aggressive accusations from Washington, from the Pentagon, from Mattis, from the Defense Secretary and McMaster, the National Security Advisor, directed at Iran, saying Iran is behind all the terrorism.

Its kind of peculiar because obviously ISIS and al Qaeda are Sunni organizations. The bombs we see in Baghdad and Manchester and Kabul, these are basically Islamic State or Islamic State organizations. Theyre not Shia organizations. Its kind of very peculiar the way they target Iran. It reminds me a bit of 2003, after 9/11. Suddenly all the blame, all the aggression was toward Saddam Hussein in Iraq. There was plenty wrong with Saddam Hussein, but one thing one was very sure he hadnt done was carry out 9/11. The links were always Saudi Arabia. I think were seeing that again.

Of course this may be one way that ISIS will get off the hook, that if theres a confrontation between the US and Iran  This is what worries Iraqis in particular, and a lot of Syrians, that theyre going to be caught up in a new confrontation between the US and Iran. Each side will fund its own proxies. ISIS maybe it changes its name or something like that. You know a lot of these fighters move between different organizations, not the leaders but the fighters and youll have the war going on. Thats probably the most dangerous element in the war at the moment is this mounting confrontation between the US and Iran or at least the Trump administration.

AARON MATE: Well Patrick on that point let me just put you one development from today. Since you make the analogy between Iraq in 2003 and Iran and the Trump administration today, this was reported by the New York Times today. Ezra Cohen Watnick, the top official on the National Security Council, has told other administration officials he wants to use American spies to help oust the Iranian government according to multiple defense and intelligence officials.

PATRICK COCKBURN: Yeah, you see that just heats up, it fuels the war. This has been tried before. They can fuel sort of dissident movements among minorities in Baluchistan. In Iran, they can back some anti-government organizations abroad that dont really have much support. They could carry out some assassinations, but of course theres an old military saying. The enemy also has a plan. You do that to the other side, theyll do it to you. Thats one of the things that went wrong in 2003 in Iraq, that you had at that time the new conservatives, the neo-cons. When the US troops took Baghdad, saying Baghdad, today Tehran and Damascus tomorrow.

So the guys in Tehran and Damascus who are pretty tough, thought well were not going to wait around to be attacked. Well make sure the US never stabilizes Iraq. That sort of thing, even if they dont do it, that will create a reaction. This all goes to fuel war and just to go back to a point I made earlier, ISIS [inaudible 00:16:11] a really horrible organization, and al Qaeda, these are the children of war. They come out of wars, so when guys like that say were going to start heating things up with Iran, thats good news for ISIS. Thats good new for al Qaeda. It means the war on terror is going to fail once again.

AARON MATE: Patrick Cockburn, Middle East correspondent for The Independent. Patrick, thank you.

PATRICK COCKBURN: Thank you.

AARON MATE: And thank you for joining us on The Real News.
Metal-ion catalysts and hydrogen peroxide could green up plastics production

(Nanowerk News) Researchers at the University of Illinois are contributing to the development of more environmentally friendly catalysts for the production of plastic and resin precursors that are often derived from fossil fuels. The key to their technique comes from recognizing the unique physical and chemical properties of certain metals and how they react with hydrogen peroxide.

Many plastics are made from molecules called olefins that are derived from organic materials such as fossil fuels. To form these types of plastics, olefin molecules must be altered using oxidizing chemicals to make plastic and resin precursors, called monomers, by rearranging their chemical bonds so that they can reach out and grab on to other monomers. This allows them to stitch together into long molecular chains - the building blocks of plastics, said David Flaherty, a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering.

"The current methods used for turning olefin molecules into something useful also uses or produces things we don't want, like chlorine, which can be corrosive, and CO 2 ," said Daniel Bregante, a chemical and biomedical engineering graduate student working with Flaherty, and a co-author of a report on the new method.

Illinois professor David Flaherty, right, and graduate student Daniel Bregante are working on a greener way to produce plastic and resin precursors that are derived from fossil fuels, a process that might ultimately lead to broader industry adoption of this fine-tuned and environmentally conscious version of a much older process.

Carbon dioxide is often thought of as a waste product of fossil fuel combustion. However, Flaherty said a significant amount of CO 2 forms from the production of plastics derived from fossil fuels.

Many production processes use environmentally dangerous organic peroxide or chlorinated oxidants, Bregante said. Together, these concerns have prompted the researchers to explore greener options for plastics manufacturing.

In a paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society ("Periodic Trends in Olefin Epoxidation over Group IV and V Framework-Substituted Zeolite Catalysts: A Kinetic and Spectroscopic Study"), the group looks at how and why the identity of certain metals, called transition metals, affect the reaction. They also studied how efficient the process is when using hydrogen peroxide - an environmentally friendly oxidant whose only waste product is water, not chlorine or CO 2 .

To form the critical monomers, olefins and oxidizers pass through tiny, rigid spongelike structures called zeolites. These zeolites contain metal ions in the pore spaces that act as catalysts to push the chemical reaction toward the plastic-producing pathway, Bregante said.

"This process has been used for decades," Flaherty said. "Yet, the underlying reasons for how the metal atoms activate hydrogen peroxide and why some metals are better than others for this chemistry have not been fully understood."

Flaherty's group said their reaction can take two pathways: one that leads to the formation of monomers and one that leads to the wasteful decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. They have proved in their latest research that the two pathways will respond differently depending on which metal is used, and the next step will be to look at how altering the pore size of the zeolites will affect the reactions.

By unlocking more of the mysteries of this reaction, Flaherty and Bregante said their research might ultimately lead to broader industry adoption of this fine-tuned and environmentally conscious version of a much older process.
(Natural News) Its shocking to think that in some parts of the world GMO food and alcohol are legal, yet raw milk  a natural, nutritious food consumed by humans around the globe for centuries  is illegal. In recent years, raw milk has received a bad reputation due to several cases of foodborne illnesses.

Though extra care is needed when handling raw milk, why is it that they ban raw milk while modern, conventional agricultural systems linked to a host of illnesses have not resulted in the banning of these Frankenfoods? There is only one answer to that question: We are being controlled by the government and powerful monopolies that put profits before people.

Since raw milk cannot easily be commercialized or distributed, the dairy industry doesnt want to see its popularity grow any further. Raw milk is usually produced by small family farms. Can you see why Big Dairy has been fighting to make this natural product illegal? They cant get a piece of the pie. For years, the dairy industry has sent out highly paid lobbyists to twist the arms of money-greedy policy makers to unjustly terrorize family farms that are successful addressing the increased demand for unprocessed, fresh milk.

An increasing number of people want to know where their food comes from and how its produced. Thats something we at Natural News can only applaud. Yet the dairy industry, backed up by the government, seem to be on a different page.

Canadian farmer fights for raw milk

Since 1981, the sale of raw milk has been banned by the Canadian government out of fear of possible Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria contaminations. Ontario has taken it a step further by restricting people from giving away raw milk for free. Outlawing raw milk, however, hasnt stopped one farmer from providing this age-old nutritious food to the people.

According to Modern Farmer, raw milk outlaw Michael Schmidt has been in and out the Canadian Province Court of Ontario over the past couple of decades. His crime? The production and distribution of raw, unpasteurized milk. Given the fact that raw milk is illegal in Canada, Schmidts co-op has been operating without a license, thus violating the Canadian Milk Act. For nearly 25 years, Schmidt has been fighting to keep the raw milk flowing freely.

Though Schmidt wants to see raw milk legalized, hes not even fighting for the outright legalization of raw milk in Canada. He just wants to give the people the freedom to make their own informed decisions with their own cow.

Its a total police state when it comes to raw milk here because theres absolutely no leniency on any level, he told Modern Farmer. They are saying its the most dangerous substance you can think of and should never be allowed. Theres not even a proper scientific debate about it. Its all on an emotional, fear-based level.

In one of the latest court battles, Schmidt took up his claims against the Crown. Any day now, an Ontario judge could rule a permanent injunction against Schmidts co-op, prohibiting both the sale and purchase of raw milk, Food Safety News reported. If the judge rules against his case, then the distribution and probably the consumption of raw milk will be seen as a criminal act.

If Schmidt loses this case, all legal and court costs, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, could immediately fall upon him and his co-op members. Payments by others will not be permitted, Food Safety News noted.

Mark McAfee, the owner of Organic Pastures in California, where sales of organic milk are legal at retail locations, said, sometimes it takes a big ugly incident to make enough ugly news to create change. (Related: Track news headlines about food freedom at FoodFreedom.news.)

Lets us hope that after 25 years of constant fighting with the nanny state, Schmidt will be able to bring raw milk to the people legally.

Sources:

FoodSafetyNews.com

ModernFarmer.com
(Natural News) When you choose to interfere with nature, you should be prepared for results that are far from natural. Thats the message of a new study out of the Columbia University Medical Center, where researchers are warning scientists that the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology results in unintended mutations that could go undetected.

As a relatively new technology, there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to gene editing. Known for being precise, efficient, and quick, the CRISPR-Cas9 method has shown some promise. For example, scientists have used it to edit HIV out of some living organisms and modify mosquitoes to get rid of malaria.

However, this is far from a perfect science, and now a study published in the journal Nature Methods shows that it can cause unintended mutations in genomes. This is particularly concerning when you consider the fact that clinical trials of using CRISPR on humans are already underway in places like China.

Researchers urge scientists to use caution

Columbia University Medical Centers Stephen Tsang, who co-authored the study, urged the scientific community to consider the possible hazards of off-target mutations. In the study, his team sequenced mice genomes that had previously been subjected to the CRISPR technology in order to cure blindness. They found 1,500 single-nucleotide mutations and more than 100 bigger deletions and insertions when they examined the genomes of two of the subjects in depth.

The scientists are pressing for a more accurate way to check for mutations, insertions and deletions in genomes, such as using whole-genome sequencing rather than depending on computer algorithms alone. Computer algorithms did not detect any of the mutations that were discovered in the study, which is startling.

Study co-author Alexander Bassuk of the University of Iowa concurred, saying that the predictive algorithms work well when CRISPR is used on tissues or cells in a dish, but it has serious shortcomings when used on living animals. With this method, a computer model is used to predict where mutations might occur, and then only those areas are checked in depth to see if any unintended changes took place in the genetic code.

Concerns about future applications of CRISPR

The technology has been particularly popular in China, where the government and some corporations are making huge investments in CRISPR. In fact, Chinese scientists say they were the first to make a type of wheat that is resistant to a fungal disease. They also claim to have created more muscular dogs and leaner pigs. What they often fail to mention, however, is the fact that 30 of the 32 pigs they subjected to the technique died prematurely, showing that even the simplest of genetic tweaks can have a big impact on the animal throughout its lifetime.

While few people would argue with the importance of finding a way to cure cancer, not all uses of CRISPR are ethical. For example, the Chinese scientists who found a way to make dogs more muscular, jump higher and run faster are considering using the technology to benefit the military and police by creating stronger dog breeds. If that happens, its only a matter of time before they start using it to alter human DNA to create better police officers and soldiers.

Other scientists are eyeing the use of the technology to bring back extinct species, with one team of researchers saying they could use it to bring the woolly mammoth back from extinction in the next two years. A Harvard University research team wants to create a hybrid elephant/mammoth embryo with a view to saving the endangered Asian elephant from extinction. Could the reemergence of dinosaurs be right around the corner?

Sources:

Futurism.com

NaturalNews.com

Futurism.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Left-wing extremists who run the vast majority of Americas college campuses dont have to actually address problems of hate or bias at their institutions, they just have to declare that they are addressing those problems, implement a couple of feel-good policies, and thats it: Problem solved.

Only, such problems arent solved like that, of course, but to their sycophantic, brainwashed supporters, thats not the issue.

Declaring something will be done is good enough. (Related: Read Absurd Online Posts Reveal How Humanity Is Devolving Into A Species Of Hopeless Morons.)

Thats what is taking place on the campus of the University of Maryland following the pre-graduation stabbing death of an African-American student who was visiting from Bowie State, 2nd Lt. Richard Collins III, who had just been commissioned into the U.S. Army a few days before he was stabbed in the chest and killed by suspect Sean Christopher Urbanski, a white student at U of M.

According to reports, Collins  who was set to graduate May 23  was visiting friends at the College Park campus. He was with two friends near a bus stop around 3 a.m. when the three of them heard Urbanski screaming at them and watched as he approached.

Witnesses state that Urbanski said, Step left, step left if you know whats best for you. When Collins refused, Urbanski allegedly stabbed him once in the chest.

Early reports claim that Urbanski may be a member of a Facebook group called Alt-Reich: Nation, where members disparage blacks and others, and of course, that kind of hate is different from, say, anti-white hate spewed by Black Lives Matter on Facebook.

But I digress. In the wake of the murder, University of Maryland President Wallace Loh told students that they must let authorities (which include the FBI, because this could be a hate crime  and thats fair to suggest) do their work with due diligence.

However, he added in remarks to the press, we must do more. What does more look like?

So far it looks like a series of empty policy pronouncements that include spending more money and empowering students as well as faculty to sort of become an anti-hate/bias task force that no doubt will at some point be empowered to decide, on their own, what does and does not constitute race-based bias and hatred.

You see where this is going  right?

Lets look at, and evaluate, what Loh has proposed thus far:

 The establishment of a hate-bias and campus safety task force  composed of faulty, staff, students and alumni  to review relevant policies and procedures. That task forces will then submit a report with recommendations and guidelines.

So, are we to assume that the University of Maryland doesnt already have policies in place prohibiting the demonstration of hate and the practice of bias  based on any number of factors including, given the context of this crime, race? Of course we cant assume that. So we have to assume that its somehow not strong or not clear enoughright? How will this task force strengthen the existing policy  will they add, and we really, really mean it at the end? Will that be in bold letters so students are completely convinced the University means business?

 The creation of a rapid response team  composed of faculty, staff and students  to provide support for victims of hate-bias incidents.

Whoa. Isnt this unconstitutional or, at the very least, against our founding principles of assuming that suspects are innocent until proven guilty? How can a response team exist to rapidly provide support for victims of hate-bias incidents without proof that an actual hate-bias incident occurred? Didnt Loh just tell students they needed to give investigators time to figure out what happened and why?

Or is just assuming a hate-bias incident occurred based on the race/ethnicity of those involved good enough? (Related: Read Texas A&M Celebrates A Racist, Genocidal Murder Advocate Because Of The Color Of His Skin.)

 Allocating $100,000 in supplemental funds to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for supporting diversity and inclusion efforts.

What? Can you say slush fund? What else is the office to be tasked with that it needs another 100 grand in funding?

 Production of an annual report on all campus hate-bias incidents.

To what end? Whats the point? Easy; this will be used to show how much more often people of color are biased against than whites. Want to bet?

We want a culture that rejects hate and forges a more perfect union in our nations rich multicultural and multiethnic diversity, said Loh.

Fine. But doesnt U of M already strive for this? How is another annual report, $100,000 and a task force that will pre-judge (bias alert!) certain actions going to strengthen current efforts? And why do these efforts seem to always be in support of minorities, rather than all students?

Read more at CampusInsanity.com.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

WTOP.com

FrontPageMag.com
Nature Conservancy of Canada reaches deal with City of Kenora to purchase Town Island

Kenora

National non-profit is given the greenlight for fundraising campaign

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and the City of Kenora reached a deal today regarding the future sale of Town Island. The two partners have been negotiating the terms of the sale since late last year. NCC is pleased to be able to move forward on this project and begin fundraising the $2.85 million needed to conserve Town Island.

The 82 hectares (202 acres) on the island currently held by the City represent an opportunity for the national non-profit and the community to come together to protect the abundant natural values of the island. For generations, campers attending BB Camp and Camp Stephens, cottagers and community members have enjoyed connecting with nature on Town Island. NCCs goal is to work with these groups to ensure the conservation of the islands unique biodiversity, while still allowing them to maintain their important connections with the island.

Lake of the Woods is home to more than 14,000 islands and 105,000 kilometres of shoreline. Mature forests play host to wide-ranging mammals, like American black bear and moose, while the shores and coastal wetlands provide nurseries for fish and habitat for migratory birds. Lake of the Woods is also closely connected to Shoal Lake, which supplies the city of Winnipegs drinking water.

In recent years, this area has come under increasing pressure from development, contaminants, algal blooms and invasive species. It is for these reasons that NCC has stepped forward to work with the community and partners to care for the island. Now, the charity must raise the necessary funds to purchase and care for Town Island by summer 2022. The fundraising goal includes the cost of land as well as an endowment to help care for the island for the long term. For more information and to donate, visit natureconservancy.ca/townisland.

Quotes

NCC is thrilled to have this opportunity to keep Town Island wild, protecting its important forests and shoreline habitats while we still can. Town Island is an important area, both for nature and for people. We look forward to working with the community on this special project. - Kristyn Ferguson, Program Director, Ontario Region, Nature Conservancy of Canada

As a life-long Lake of the Woods resident, Im very grateful for the Nature Conservancy of Canada to have both recognized the natural beauty and value of Town Island, and for its commitment to this process which will see the island preserved for the benefit of all. I also want to recognize the 12,000 individual Friends of Town Island for making your voice heard and recounting the importance of the formative times that were, and perhaps still are, spent on Town Island and beautiful Lake of the Woods. - David Nelson, Friend of Town Island

The City is pleased to execute the conditional agreement for the sale of Town Island with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The $2.25 million dollars the City will receive for the sale will provide essential funds that are vital to capital projects for our citizens in our community and will retain the natural state of the island for many to enjoy for years to come. - Mayor Daniel Reynard, City of Kenora

About

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation's leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to protect 14 million hectares (35 million acres), coast to coast to coast, with more than 84,000 hectares (207,000 acres) in Ontario and more than 71,000 hectares (175,000 acres) in Manitoba. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.

Images

Images available at https://adobe.ly/2YD5HIY

Learn More

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/NCC_CNC | twitter.com/NCC_CNCMedia

Find us on Facebook

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Christine Chilton

Community Relations Manager (204) 942-7416 christine.chilton@natureconservancy.ca



Kristyn Ferguson
Update: Diamond Merrell, 19, said she has filed a complaint against the arresting officers, alleging employee misconduct.

Merrell told NBC 5 she was never slumped over and never drunk or high, as state police stated. According to the complaint, she said she "did not strike, kick or punch the officers; however she did hear an officer complain about a possible broken finger."

Merrell said, according to the complaint, she was only aware of the possession of marijuana charge upon her release from jail and learned about the other charges from a news article. She also said she was never informed of her Miranda Rights.

An Indiana State Police spokeswoman confirmed the complaint was filed. She said it is in its initial stages and will be investigated. She said one of the officers remains off of work because of an injury to his hand.



A Chicago woman was arrested Sunday afternoon by Indiana State Police after allegedly kicking a trooper in the chest during an altercation, the department said.

The incident occurred around noon on southbound Interstate 65 in Lake County, according to a statement released by the Indiana State Police. Troopers were alerted that the woman, identified as 19-year old Diamond Merrell, had slumped over behind the wheel and that her car was blocking traffic.

Officers pushed the vehicle off of the roadway, and when they examined the driver and the interior of the car, they smelled marijuana and called for assistance, according to the statement.

After officers began speaking to Merrell, she allegedly resisted arrest, kicking a trooper in the chest and injuring the hand of another officer. That officer was treated at an area hospital, and Merrell was arrested for battery and resisting arrest, according to police.

Merrell is also being charged with possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol by a minor. A court date has not yet been set in her case.
Authorities are asking for help in locating the family of a person found dead more than a week ago at a beach in northwest Indiana.

The 5-foot-6, 176-pound Asian male with black hair was found at Whihala Beach in Whiting about 9 a.m. on May 25, according to the Lake County coroners office. No age description was given.

He was wearing an XL blue Hollister T-shirt, Aeropostle blue jeans, size 3332; a brown Kenneth Cole belt, red and blue plaid boxers, white Nike ankle socks and black size 10 Nike gym shoes, the coroners office said.

Anyone with information should call the Lake County coroners office at (219) 755-3265.
Londoners who flew into Chicago today are worried about loved ones back home, but theyre determined not to give into terror.

On Sunday morning, a group of travellers from the city arrived at Chicagos OHare Airport as they prepared to travel to Wisconsin to work as camp counselors for the summer, and all of them echoed the same message of determination in the face of the terrorist attacks that have rocked the United Kingdom in recent weeks.

Its really upsetting. Its quite scary, but you have to try not to let it beat you, one traveler said.

The city of London was rocked by a series of attacks Saturday night, as incidents at the London Bridge and Borough Market left seven dead. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the third attacks in three weeks in the country.

The whole point of these attacks is to break the country, and to break the people down, another one of the British travelers told NBC 5.

Even though their country has had to face multiple attacks in recent weeks, the soon-to-be camp counselors arent worried about the resiliency of their fellow countrymen.

You cant live your life in fear of whats going to happen, Tom Mitchell, another one of the travelers, said.
A Tennessee teen's love for pizza has brought her more than a full stomach: it also got her accepted into one of the nation's most prestigious schools.

When teenager Carolina Williams applied to Yale University, she was asked to write an essay about something that she "loves to do." Instead of writing about volunteer opportunities or extracurricular activities, Williams went with a different approach, she wrote an essay about how much she loves ordering pizza from Papa John's.

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

Not only was the essay creative, but it was also good enough to earn her an acceptance letter from the prestigious university. She was also offered a pizza party for her and her dormmates from Papa John's CEO John Schnatter, as well as an internship with the pizza company.

Williams will not be attending Yale, however. The teen has chosen instead to attend Auburn University, according to The Tennessean.
Harvard University has rescinded admissions offers to at least 10 prospective college students after they posted offensive photos and messages on social media.

The Harvard Crimson reports a number of students admitted to the Harvard College Class of 2021 started a private Facebook messaging group for incoming Freshman titled "Harvard memes for horny bourgeois teens."

Students in the group allegedly posted and shared messages joking about the Holocaust, mocking sexual assault and the abuse of children. The messages also allegedly targeted racial and ethnic groups, according to the Crimson. One alleged meme called the imaginary hanging of a Mexican child "pinata time."

After learning of the group's existence and its contents in April, at least 10 members of the group chat received letters informing them that their offers of admission had been reversed. The decision to rescind a student's offer is final, university officials previously told the Crimson.

Harvard spokeswoman Rachael Dane told the Crimson Saturday that the school doesn't "comment publicly on the admissions status of individual applicants."

The chat was an offshoot of the official Harvard Class of 2021 Facebook group, a 100-member messaging group that admitted students launched to share memes about pop culture.

According to one student, some members suggested forming a "more R-rated" meme chat. Cassandra Luca told the Crimson that founders of the "dark" group chat demanded that students post provocative memes in the original messaging group before allowing them to join the splinter group.
Students at Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury have been sent home for the day after a bomb threat that had been scrawled on a boys bathroom door was found.

State troopers responded to the school around 9:30 a.m., K9 teams searched the school and police have determined the threat was unfounded.

Mayor Mark Boughton said the Hayestown Avenue School was placed on soft lockdown earlier.

[[426503811,C]]

State police said troopers are no longer at the school.
A Roman Catholic Diocese in Connecticut has settled lawsuits by five men who alleged they were sexually abused by four priests when they were boys in the 1970s and 1980s.

Terms of the settlements were not disclosed. Court documents show the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport and the five men reached agreements in mediation. Two lawsuits were withdrawn Monday, and the others were dropped in March and April.

Lawyers in the case and diocese officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment Monday.

The Connecticut Post reports the five lawsuits were the last remaining of more than three dozen brought against the diocese by a Bridgeport law firm since the early 1990s. The cases involved sexual abuse allegations against 29 priests and resulted in more than $20 million in settlements.

The Diocese of Bridgeport provided NBC Connecticut with the following statement:

The Diocese of Bridgeport is committed to the healing process for all victims of sexual abuse and was extremely pleased that we were able to successfully mediate these cases to resolution.

Because some of the plaintiffs requested confidentiality, the diocese is not at liberty to discuss the financial terms of the total settlement.

These cases date back over thirty years and were all brought against previously accused priests who are deceased. It is important to note that all those who came forward in these settlement are adults. There are no cases involving current minors.

The diocese was able to cover nearly seventy percent of the settlement amount through historic insurance policy coverage and other defendants including the religious order to which one of the priests belonged.

The diocese has grown closer to victims of clerical sexual abuse over the past three years through the leadership of Bishop Caggiano and the generosity of victims who have formed a committee to plan healing services and support other victims . We've seen their courage, their long-term struggles and their commitment to helping other victims to ensure that it never happens again. We're very grateful to them and for their efforts to reach out to others.

The Diocese continues to reaffirm its commitment to zero tolerance of child abuse, to remove from ministry anyone who has been credibly accused, and to bring healing and support to the victims and their families.
Mexican fast food chain Chipotle announced in April that its customer payment system had been breached, CNBC reported, and the company released locations affected by the nationwide data breach, including 22 in Connecticut.

In a statement on the company's website, Chipotle said it detected "unauthorized activity" on the system. Officials are focusing on credit card transactions that occurred from March 24, 2017, to April 18, 2017.

"The malware searched for track data (which sometimes has cardholder name in addition to card number, expiration date, and internal verification code) read from the magnetic stripe of a payment card as it was being routed through the point-of-sale device," the company said in a statement on its website.



Chipotle said that not all locations were involved and specific time frames vary by location.

The restaurant added that the breach has been stopped and additional security measures have been added, though the investigation is ongoing. Chipotle encouraged customers to monitor their card activity.

Connecticut Locations:

BRIDGEPORT

275 East Main Street

06608

3/27/20174/18/2017

CANTON

110 Albany Turnpike, Suite 301

06019

3/26/20174/18/2017

DANBURY

7 Backus Ave., H-100

06810

3/26/20174/18/2017

115 Mill Plain Road

06811

3/27/20174/18/2017

DARIEN

Connecticut Welcome Center I-95NB

06820

3/26/20174/18/2017

71 Post Road

06820

3/26/20174/18/2017

ENFIELD

7 Hazard Ave

06082

3/26/20174/18/2017

FAIRFIELD

340 Grasmere Ave

06824

3/26/20174/18/2017

GLASTONBURY

140 Glastonbury Blvd, Suite 4

06033

3/26/20174/8/2017

GREENWICH

49 Greenwich Avenue

06830

3/26/20174/18/2017

HAMDEN

2165 Dixwell Ave, Suite 2

06514

3/26/20174/18/2017

MANCHESTER

48 Hale Road

06042

3/26/20174/18/2017

MILFORD

1319 Boston Post Road, Space 4B

06460

3/26/20174/18/2017

NEW HAVEN

910 Chapel Street

06510

3/26/20174/18/2017

NEWINGTON

3575 Berlin Turnpike, UNIT B

06111

3/26/20174/18/2017

RIVERSIDE

1233 E Putnam Avenue

06878

3/27/20174/18/2017

SHELTON

701 Bridgeport Avenue

06484

3/27/20174/18/2017

WALLINGFORD

1094 North Colony Road, Suite 20

06492

3/27/20174/18/2017



WEST HARTFORD

966 Farmington Avenue

06107

3/26/20174/18/2017

1457 New Britain Ave

06110

3/26/20174/18/2017

WEST HAVEN

354 Saw Mill Road, Unit B

06516

3/27/20174/18/2017

WESTPORT

370 Post Road East

06880

3/27/20174/18/2017

For more on the data breach, click here.
The Connecticut Senate has given a boost to a plan proposed by two politician brothers to bury parts of Interstates 84 and 91 in Hartford underground in tunnels.

It's now up to the House of Representatives to pass legislation which allows the state Department of Transportation to consider using available federal funds to construct the tunnels. The bill passed the state Senate 30-to-6 on Friday night.

The idea is being pushed by U.S. Rep. John Larson and East Hartford state Sen. Tim Larson, both Democrats.

Tim Larson says the Senate vote "sends a strong message to the federal government that the state of Connecticut is serious about seeing this project through."

The brothers say a tunnel system would connect Hartford to its waterfront and free land for recreation and development.
Connecticut State Police said a Brooklyn man arrested on sexual assault charges admitted to the crime and told detectives that he heard voices that told him to do it.

Andrew Racine, 31, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her home.

Police responded to the victim's home in Brooklyn at 11:56 p.m. Friday. According to police, the victim, who knew Racine, reported that Racine showed up at her door, forced his way into the apartment, and sexually assaulted her.

The victim was taken to Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam for treatment and to speak with someone from the Eastern Region Sexual Assault Crisis Center.

Troopers located Racine at his home and took him to the Troop D barracks for interview. Police said that during the interview, Racine confessed to sexually assaulting the victim. Racine told detectives he heard voices that told him to do it, police said.

Racine was charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault, home invasion, first-degree kidnapping, and first-degree unlawful restraint. He was held on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Monday.
Its motto is helping families one home at a time.

A home makeover show you see on NBC Connecticut is doing just that for a Manchester couple and their two sons, one of whom is facing several medical issues.

Monday, "George to the Rescue" host George Oliphant started his latest demolition project.

"We came to do the rescue for the Stratton family. Their youngest son Nicholas has got epilepsy and cerebral palsy. The house, built in 1940, is just not suited for what they need. Because of the epilepsy he can go into a seizure at any second. They really need to be able to have eyes on them at all times. So, what we really want to do is open up the space for them," Oliphant explained.

"George to the Rescue" found South Glastonbury designer Kimberly Levin, owner of Verve Design, to donate her time to designing the makeover for Bill and Kristy Strattons home.

"I love doing these types of things. I think its important to have the balance with all the luxury that Im afforded and working with some of my other clients, to be able to give back to others who are facing hardship I think that balance is important," said Levin.

Levin was able to find contractor Larry Newquist of Newquist Building along with manufacturers to donate their manpower and supplies to the effort as well. Oliphant said one of the challenges is the lead paint.

"Its just been layers and layers of people just painting over it," he explained.

To create an open concept on the first floor, the bathroom is going to be moved.

"We are going to try to plow right through here and kind of take all of these walls down, which means well have to put in new supports as well," said Oliphant gesturing toward the walls of the bathroom, kitchen, and neighboring bedroom.

The Stratton family has no idea what Levin and Oliphant are planning. The show surprised Bill, Kristy, Nicholas, and his older brother Nathan in April with the announcement that theyd been chosen for this free makeover. Now that demolition has started, the family will be sequestered until its time to move back in.

"Everyone has their plates full with everything life has to offer. We try to take the home renovation side off the plates of people who are really dealing with a lot. We cant cure disease we cant bring people back, but we can fix houses and were just trying to do go through the power of renovation," Oliphant explained about the shows concept.

Newquist Building will be working around the clock into July to get this project completed. You can see the full episode of George to the Rescue on NBC Connecticut in September.
Parishioners of a Waterbury church have hired an attorney to fight a plan that will close the building as a place of worship.

Parishioners of St. Margaret of Scotland Church have hired an attorney from Nevada and have also appealed the deconsecration of the church.

The Archdiocese of Hartford has a plan to reorganize churches and close 26 of the 212 churches in the Archdiocese.

The Archdiocese has released the following statement.

Some Waterbury parishioners have hired a canon lawyer to look into reversing the relegation of the St. Margaret of Scotland Church building in Waterbury. However, to overturn this decision, church authorities would have to find fault with the process used to reach the decision, and there would have to be real harm intended. In this case, there are many opportunities for the faithful to celebrate Mass and receive the sacraments in Waterbury. Some will argue that the decision to close the church causes them emotional distress, but this is a subjective reaction to the change. The Archdiocese of Hartford has followed canonical guidelines and has ensured that parishioners in this region will be given ample opportunity to practice their faith. The Archdiocese is pleased that the majority of parishioners are excited to be part of the newly-formed parish of: All Saints to be located at the St. Anne Shrine Church and Our Lady of Lourdes Church, effective June 29th, a statement from Rev. James Shanley, Vicar of Pastoral Planning, says.



Correction: A previous version of the story said the Archdiocese of Hartford did not respond. A statement from the Archdiocese has been added.
Yale University is preparing some military veterans for the transition to college life by hosting what it is calling an academic boot camp.

The camp, which began on May 28 and runs through June 10, is run by the Warrior-Scholar Project and it involves immersing recent military veterans in academic preparation courses.

They are taught how to frame their ideas in an academic context, think critically and formulate scholarly arguments. Officials say it's designed to help the veterans develop and rediscover the skills and confidence necessary to successfully complete four-year undergraduate degrees.

The program was first launched at Yale in 2012. Since then, similar camps have been set up at other schools, including Harvard, Cornell and Georgetown.
A toddler was killed and his mother was injured in a crash that shut down Texas 360 in Arlington Monday morning, police said.

Crash investigators said a pickup truck collided with a stalled Honda Accord on southbound Texas 360 near Pioneer Parkway at about 5 a.m.

Investigators said officers found the woman outside the Accord and a young boy in a car seat in the back of the car.

Police said the woman and child were transported to hospitals. The child, identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office as 15-month-old David Aruwajoye, was pronounced deceased a short time later.

The boy's mother remains hospitalized.

The pickup truck driver was not injured and is cooperating with investigators, according to police.

All southbound lanes of Texas 360 were closed until just after 9 a.m.
Summer break has begun for school students across Dallas-Fort Worth; a time to be free and breathe easy.

It is the breathe easy part that a Frisco Independence High School student is looking most forward to.

Morgyn Jernigan, 16, has a life-threatening peanut and tree nut allergy which has resulted in seven anaphylactic reactions at school since the beginning of his freshman year.

Michelle Jernigan, Morgyns mother, noted that after her sons allergic reactions the school staff agreed to make his classrooms be snack free, but said that enforcing that rule has been a fight at times.

I dont think it was unreasonable to ask [that the policy be enforced.] Jernigan said. We know that kids are going to break the rules. I just expected there to be a consequence if they knew the rules and broke the rules.

Jernigan noted two specific examples that she pointed to as the source of her frustration, both of which she said her son is the one who was punished.

In one instance this spring, according to Jernigan, another student hit Morgyn in the face with a package of Nutter Butters on a school bus for a field trip after a reminder was made to the group of students about the serious nature of food allergies.

Morgyn responded by yelling and swearing at the student responsible, according to Jernigan, and was given three days out of school suspension for his reaction.

In a separate incident, Morgyn reportedly left a classroom when he saw that a student next to him was eating peanut butter crackers in class; behavior that prompted an administrator at the school to question whether Morgyn was the boy who cried wolf who used his allergy as an excuse to get out of class.

This is going to be something that my son deals with for the rest of his life," Jernigan said. "I think he deals with it unbelievably well, considering he is 16 and all of the trauma he has been through. I think he just needs to comfort of knowing that school teachers and staff have his back.

A representative for the Frisco Independent School District noted that, in the case of Morgyn Jernigan, school officials have more than met the standard required of them.

The school is aware of the students allergy and has put as much accommodation in place as possible, said Chris Moore, Frisco ISD Executive Director of Communications. They have actually exceeded what is required by law.

Moore illustrated one specific example of the lengths that staff members have gone to in light of Jernigans nut allergy.

Staff at the campus have gone as far as looking through the trash cans in the particular students classrooms, searching for any potential peanut products, to ease his anxiety, Moore said.
A high-profile trial is underway in Fort Worth with lots of extra security. An accused Bandidos gang leader is charged with killing a member of a rival group in 2014.

No one is allowed in the courtroom without a full pat-down, and there are extra officers all over the Tarrant County Courthouse, including Texas state troopers. They say this is just a precaution given the high-profile defendant.

Prosecutors say Howard Wayne Baker is the president of the Fort Worth chapter of the Bandidos  what they're calling an outlaw criminal motorcycle gang that claims to run Texas.

In their opening statements Monday, prosecutors said that in December 2014, Baker and about 30 other Bandidos members swarmed into a Fort Worth bar to retaliate against members of rival motorcycle groups, including the Ghost Riders.

They started shooting, and 41-year-old Geoffrey Brady, of Arlington, was shot and killed in front of his wife. Two others were injured.

Prosecutors say that Baker orchestrated it all to get other motorcycle groups off the Bandidos's turf.

"What is most important to him is that you will respect his position here in this town, you will answer to him, you will pay homage to him and you will do the things that you are told," prosecutor Allenna Bangs said in her opening statement. "The Ghost Riders didn't want to do that, so they executed Geoffrey Brady for that."

Baker faces 10 counts  including of murder, aggravated assault and organized crime  in this case. His attorneys are waiting to deliver their opening statements until they start presenting their defense.

Two other Bandidos members were also charged in the case. Nicholas Povendo and Robert Stover will stand trial later.

NBC 5's Tim Ciesco contributed to this report.
A man who was fired from a Florida awning factory in April returned Monday with a semi-automatic pistol and methodically killed five people, then took his own life at the sound of an approaching siren, authorities said.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings identified the shooter as John Robert Neumann Jr., a 45-year-old Army veteran who lived alone and did not appear to belong to any type of subversive or terrorist organization.

The shooting began around 8 a.m. after Neumann slipped through a rear door into the cavernous factory, an area larger than two football fields where awnings are stitched together for recreational vehicles. He paused at least once to reload.

"My experience tells me that this individual made deliberate thought to do what he did today. He had a plan of action," the sheriff said. The gunman "had a negative relationship with" at least one of the victims.

"He was certainly singling out the individuals he shot," Demings said, adding that most victims were shot in the head. Some were shot multiple times.

The motive remained under investigation. Deputies cordoned off the gunman's mobile home in Maitland, north of Orlando, and were looking through any social media postings for clues. Neumann was honorably discharged in 1999 and did not have a concealed weapons permit, the sheriff said.

Arnie Boyd, who lives in the same trailer park, said Neumann was not particularly social. "Every once in a while, he would ride his bike around and that's it," Boyd said. "We would speak only once in a while."

The dead were identified as Robert Snyder, 69; Brenda Montanez-Crespo, 44; Kevin Clark, 53; Jeffrey Roberts, 57; and Kevin Lawson, 46.

Authorities had confronted Neumann once before at the Fiamma Inc. awning factory, when he was accused of battering a co-worker in June 2014. But after interviewing both men involved, deputies filed no charges, Demings said.

Neumann's previous criminal record was otherwise minor  marijuana possession and driving under the influence  and the co-worker he allegedly beat up three years ago was not among Monday's victims, the sheriff said.

Fiamma calls itself one of the largest manufacturers of awnings for camper vans, motor coaches and sport utility vehicles.

Shelley Adams said her sister, Sheila McIntyre, called her from the company's bathroom during the shooting and kept repeating, "My boss is dead. My boss is dead."

State and federal law enforcement officers converged on the awning business in an industrial park in Orlando after a woman ran out and called 911 from a tile business across the street, said Yamaris Gomez, that store's owner.

"All she kept saying was he was holding a gun and told her to get out," Gomez said.

That woman had been hired after Neumann was fired in April, so he probably did not recognize her, the sheriff said.

Officers arrived two minutes later, the sheriff said. The FBI also responded, said Ron Hopper, who runs the FBI's Orlando office.

And while five people were killed, "seven others' lives were saved due to the quick actions of the officers who arrived on the scene today," said Special Agent Danny Banks of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Authorities had no reports of any specific threats the gunman made to people at the company or anyone else, Banks said.

Banks and Orlando Mayor Teresa Jacobs both said the attack shows why people need to alert authorities if they learn of anything that could lead to violence.

"If people see something that seems abnormal, they need to say something," the mayor said.

Gov. Rick Scott said he had been briefed by law enforcement and that he and his wife, Ann, "are praying for the families who lost loved ones today."

"I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence," he added.

The shooting comes a week before the one-year anniversary of the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the worst mass shooting in modern American history.



Stay tuned to NBC 6 on air and online for more updates.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday for the first phase of the $1 billion redevelopment of the Jordan Downs public housing project in Watts.

The plan seeks to convert the 700-unit site into a mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood of 1,410 units with 160,000 square feet retail space, nine acres of green space and a new recreation center.

The plan has been in the works for nearly a decade and was delayed due to funding shortages and the discovery that soil at part of the site was contaminated with lead and other toxins from its past use as a steel factory.

"We've got a housing crisis and we need to build more units, and that starts right here, right now, today,'' Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

About the soil contamination, Garcetti said the city wants to ensure everything is remediated before people move in.

The property owners have paid over $30 million toward that effort and said the city won't put people in new homes will old contaminated dirt, Garcetti said.

The "phase 1A" of the project will include 115 rental apartments in 12 buildings on 3.15 acres.

"Our experience with large-scale public housing revitalization demonstrates how we can enrich the fabric of communities, make wise use of land and pair stable homes with the services people need to thrive and grow," said Kimberly McKay, executive vice President for BRIDGE Housing, one of the developers of the project.

A "demolition" ceremony at Jordan Downs was held last year that featured people taking sledge hammers to some of the buildings, which were built in the 1940s for World War II workers and converted into public housing in the 1950s.

Over the decades, Jordan Downs gained a notorious reputation as one of the most dangerous and crime-ridden areas of the city, as it was one of the flashpoints of the Watts riots in 1965 and also the location of violent gang warfare in the 1980s and early 90s.

"It is truly an honor to be part of such a significant  and long overdue  project for the city of LA," said Ernesto M. Vasquez, CEO of SVA Architects, one of the designers of the project. "Where deterioration and devastation once reigned, a thriving and sustainable community will emerge."
A North Carolina man was arrested Sunday in California on a murder charge after authorities said he killed his wife and father with an ax and escaped on a West Coast flight.

Michael Allen Joyner, 38, of Wilson was arrested on two counts of murder, multiple media outlets reported. He was found at a residence in San Pedro.

"This incident appears to be domestic in nature with an ax being the choice of weapon use to facilitate this crime," Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard said. "We were able to locate his vehicle as well as gather intelligence as to his whereabouts in California."

Joyner allegedly killed his wife, Michelle, 36, and his father, Dennis, 63, authorities said. Deputies 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 the uninjured toddler alone locked in a bedroom.

Authorities found Joyner's car at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, about 60 miles west of Wilson.
A 43-year-old grandmother was arrested in a stabbing attack that left one of her grandchildren dead and two other family members hospitalized.

Nicole Darrington Clark, 42, was arrested Tuesday morning in San Bernardino. A sheriff's deputy spotted the car Clark was last seen in near a fast food restaurant and found her inside, according to Colton police.

Clark was booked on suspicion of murder on $1 million bond, according to jail records. The records did not indicate an initial court date. Additional charges are possible after the district attorney reviews the case.



The stabbings were reported at about 9 a.m. Monday at an apartment complex on Santo Antonio Drive in Colton. Police responded to a call from a frantic woman who said that her mother had stabbed her and her two babies.

One of the children, an 18-month-old girl, died. The other child, identified as a 5-year-old sister, and the mother were being treated at a hospital in critical, but stable, condition.

The stabbings led to an hourslong search for Clark, who was believed to be driving a 2002 black four-door Hyundai Sonata with the California license plate 7TQL009. Multiple tipsters reported seeing a woman that matched Clark's description setting fires outside a Victorville apartment complex.

Cellphone video shot by a nearby resident appears to show Clark quickly walking away from her daughter's apartment moments after the attack. It is unclear what led to the stabbing and authorities are trying to piece together what the suspect was doing between the time of the stabbings and her arrest.

A witness said she could hear screaming from the apartment. A neighbor discovered the infant's body on the couch and her sister hiding in the closet.

Surveillance video from a nearby business appears to show a car that matches Clark's fleeing from the centerpoint of the apartment complex.

Clark was convicted in the attempted murder of two family members back in 2006, Colton police confirmed. A judge found Darrington-Clark not guilty by reason of insanity and sent her to a mental hospital, the Associated Press reported.

Attorney Robert Sheahen, who represented her at that time, said she was diagnosed with schizophrenia and that Los Angeles County prosecutors had agreed with the judge's decision.

"This is one of the greatest sadnesses I've ever encountered in my 40-year career," he told the AP Tuesday.

Sheahen said he had not heard from her since.

It wasn't immediately clear when or why she was released from the hospital and whether the family member in the 2005 attack is the same daughter critically injured Monday. A spokesman at the California Department of State Hospitals said officials can't comment on individual cases.

NBC4's Hetty Chang contributed to this report.
In the inaugural episode of "Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly," NBC News' Megyn Kelly sat down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an exclusive interview, asking whether the Russian government interfered in the U.S. election.

"Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal electoral processes," Putin said.

Kelly pushed back at the assertion, saying it sounded like Putin's attempt to justify his government's attempts to influence elections.

Putin, who also spoke about former U.S. national security advisor Michael Flynn, claimed that Russia has a preference in an election but only reacts to the "political direction" that the United States seems to be heading in, adding that it "wouldn't make sense" for Russia to interfere.
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 kleptocracy 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.

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.
A photograph of a Canadian man mowing a lawn with a tornado swirling behind him has caused a bit of a storm on social media.

Cecilia Wessels snapped the picture of her husband, Theunis, on Friday as the twister passed near their home in Alberta.

She said cutting the grass was on her husband's to-do list, and as he started the task, she went for a nap.

Wessels said she was woken by her daughter who was upset that there was something like a tornado in the sky, but her father wouldn't come inside.

"I did ask him if he was coming inside with that thing in the clouds when I turned to come inside and he calmly said no," Cecilia Wessels said Sunday.

Theunis Wessels said the tornado was actually much farther away than it appears in the photo and it was moving away from them. He said he was keeping an eye on it.

No one was injured.

Associated Press writer Rob Gillies contributed to this report.
Police are looking for the people responsible for shooting two men in North Miami.

The incident happened on Sunday night.

According to police, the two victims were driving southbound on I-95 between northwest 81st street and northwest 85th street. Thats when police said they were shot at by an unknown person or people in an unknown car.

The victims drove themselves to the Northside Police Station.

The first victim is a 25 year old man and was shot in the upper torso. The second victim is a 32 year old man who was shot in the lower extremities. The driver of that car was not injured. Both victims are in stable condition.

Police say the investigation continues. If you have any information on this shooting, youre urged to call police.
An 81-year-old Manhattan doctor has been arrested on charges that he illegally dispensed thousands of opioid prescriptions.

Martin Tesher has been charged in federal court in Brooklyn with writing more than 14,000 prescriptions for oxycodone from 2012 to 2017 from his family medical practice. Authorities say the prescriptions provided more than 2.2 million pills, a high number for a doctor not specializing in pain management.

Defense attorney Len Kamdang says people should not judge the case before they see the evidence.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Rohde says Tesher used his position as a doctor to foster opioid addiction rather than to heal.

The Drug Enforcement Administration says Tesher acted no differently than a multimillion-dollar heroin ring.

Tesher was released after a court appearance.
What to Know Officer Dalsh Veve was dragged by a car Saturday night and remains in critical condition

Police arrested two women and charged them with hindering prosecution in connection with officer Veve being dragged by a car, officials say

Veve and other officers were responding to a call of shots fired in Brooklyn, which turned out to be fireworks going off

A 15-year-old boy intubated at a hospital with a gunshot wound to the face is expected to face attempted murder and other charges in the case of a veteran NYPD cop who was dragged by a car for two blocks in Brooklyn over the weekend, authorities said Monday.

Officer Dalsh Veve, 35, remained hospitalized in critical condition Monday. NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said at an unrelated news briefing that the nine-year NYPD veteran and father of a 2-year-old girl was still fighting for his life.

Veve was one of six plainclothes officers who responded to a party in East Flatbush Saturday night after multiple 911 calls for shots fired. Investigators determined it was fireworks, not gunshots. At some point, Veve stopped to talk to four people in a Honda parked in front of a fire hydrant across the street. Investigators say the car, allegedly driven by the 15-year-old suspect, took off at a high rate of speed, dragging Veve for more than two blocks.

Veve managed to fire off two shots, striking one of the people inside. He fell free on East 53rd Street and the car -- which had previously been stolen from Valley Stream on Long Island -- crashed and was abandoned, officials said.

Officer Veve represents the American dream  an immigrant child who came here and has become an exemplary NYPD officer.  Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 4, 2017

The 15-year-old suspected driver, who has a long rap sheet for crimes including robbery and larceny, later showed up at a hospital with a serious wound to his face, authorities said. NYPD officials said Monday investigators had not yet been able to speak with him because of his injuries. The boy is expected to be charged with the attempted murder of Veve, as well as assault, later in the day. Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said it would be up to the district attorney to determine whether to charge the boy as a minor or adult.

Police said three other people were in the car with him when he allegedly sped off -- two Brooklyn women, Eboni Clinton, 19, and Jeronda Oliver, 18, and a 17-year-old boy. The two women have both been charged with hindering prosecution and are awaiting arraignment, authorities said. The 17-year-old is still being questioned by authorities and is cooperating, Boyce said.

Veve underwent surgery for his injuries Sunday, a day after Mayor de Blasio stood at the officer's bedside, along with the cop's wife.

"Her strength was clear and her pain was clear as well," de Blasio said.

Update from @NYPDONeill on the incident involving an injured officer in Brooklyn. @NYPD67Pct pic.twitter.com/3dfeFFbcRc  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 4, 2017

De Blasio tweeted that Veve "represents the American dream  an immigrant child who came here and has become an exemplary NYPD officer."
Prince Harry shared a meal with about 80 Muslim youths in Singapore Sunday as they broke their Ramadan fast and helped pay tribute to the victims of the recent London terror attack.

On Saturday night, three people drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed others nearby, killing seven people and injuring dozens. The attack came two weeks after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at Manchester Arena just as thousands were leaving an Ariana Grande concert.

Harry is on a two-day trip to Singapore. He visited the Jamiyah Children's Home, run by the Muslim voluntary welfare organization Jamiyah Singapore, which helps homeless youth and recovering addicts. There, he took part in a traditional sunset iftar meal to break the daily fast during the Muslim month of Ramadan.

Prince Harry: Royal and Rugged

Dishes of dates and porridge were served at the beginning of the meal and just before the sun went down and the call to prayer was made by an Islamic scholar, secretary-general of Jamiyah Muhammad Rafiuddin Ismail said: "Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims of the London terror attack last night," The Telegraph reported.

Harry bowed his head, while Ismail continued, "Let peace and harmony prevail in communities all over the world."

Harry was given a traditional Malay welcome before the meal from 10 hand drum players and was also given a silat martial arts demonstration.

Also during his visit, Harry was given a tour of a mobile HIV testing van and watched volunteers get tested.

The prince had himself undergone an HIV test, along with Rihanna, as a sign of solidarity and to raise awareness for the disease during a trip to her native Barbados late last year.
Authorities captured a man who they say disappeared after he was initially arrested for mocking and sucker punching a person with cerebral palsy outside a West Chester 7-Eleven store last month.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said that the Chester County Sheriff's Department Fugitive Apprehension Unit and U.S. Marshals took Barry Baker into custody Monday morning around 7:45 a.m. at a hotel in Uwchlan Township.

"Were pleased that Mr. Baker is in custody," said Chester County Sheriff Carolyn "Bunny" Welsh. "It was a great effort by multiple agencies."



Police say the 29-year-old Baker, who previously lived in Coatesville but now lives in Georgetown, Delaware, was with his friends at a 7-Eleven store on 200 South High Street in West Chester back on May 10 around 2:30 a.m. At the same time a 22-year-old man with cerebral palsy drove into the parking lot of the store and parked his vehicle. As he got out and went into the 7-Eleven, Baker began making fun of him and mocking how he walked, investigators said. When the victim got back out of the store, Baker mocked him again and began to imitate how he moved, according to police.

As the victim stood in front of his vehicle, Baker sucker punched him in the face, according to police. He then fled around the corner of the store. Police say the entire ordeal was captured on surveillance video.

"The defendants actions in this case are appalling," West Chester Police Chief Scott Bohn said. "You wonder what would make an individual treat somebody like that."

The victim called police and Baker was later charged with simple assault and other related offenses. Officials say he disappeared however after he was freed on $25,000 bail, according to officials.

On May 22, Hogan announced an active bench warrants for Baker for violating parole and failing to appear for a separate domestic relations matter.

A $5,000 reward for Baker's arrest was announced. It was unclear if that helped police track him down but Hogan said that social media contacts helped them track down Baker.

Hogan said others helped Baker on the run. It was unclear if those people could face charges.

Police took tracked Baker to the Clarion Hotel in Exton where they took him into custody without incident, Hogan said.

Sheriff's officers took Baker to county jail. His bail was upped to $500,000 after he failed to appear after his earlier arrest.

"This was a relentless manhunt by the United States Marshals Service, the Chester County Sheriffs Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and all of Chester County law enforcement," Hogan said. "Every cop on the street told me that they were looking for this defendant. In addition, the public did an outstanding job through social media of getting the word out that the defendant was wanted. Nobody was going to quit until the defendant was in prison, where he belongs."



Baker's prior attorney, Francis Miller, says he no longer represents him; it's unclear if Baker has a new attorney.


A man and woman were found shot to death inside the front seats of a car in the East Mount Airy section of Philadelphia Sunday afternoon.



The 24-year-old man and 21-year-old woman were both found unresponsive inside a Chrysler on the 1000 block of Sydney Street around 4:45 p.m. Sandy, a neighborhood resident who did not want to reveal her last name, spotted the victims inside the vehicle and called 911.

"It was obvious," she said. "I mean it was blood splatter all over the place. They were clearly dead."



Both victims were shot in the head and were pronounced dead at the scene at 5 p.m.

"I was very stunned when I found out about it," Brian Price, another resident, said. "Normally stuff like this doesn't happen in this area."



Police have not yet released the identity of the victims but say they are both from the Philadelphia area. No arrests have been made and a weapon has not been recovered.

Investigators say it appears the gunman was in the back seat of the car when he or she shot the two victims. Residents in the area said they didn't hear any gunshots Sunday. Police are trying to determine when the shooting actually occurred.



"We're not sure if this happened sometime today," Philadelphia Homicide Capt. James Clark said. "We're hearing reports it may have happened sometime Thursday evening. So we're not sure yet."

If you have any information on the shooting, please contact Philadelphia Police.


Philadelphia Police arrested two men in connection to a shooting that injured ten people in North Philadelphia last month.

Quadir Burley, 18, and Tyrell Broadnax, 19, are accused of opening fire at a crowd during a party on the 2500 block of North 23rd Street back on May 20. Police say 25 to 30 people, including children, were having a party in the area around 10:30 p.m. Burley and Broadnax allegedly approached the crowd and fired about 27 shots, striking 10 people, ranging between the ages of 18 and 26 years old. All of the victims survived the shooting. One of the victims included a woman who was struck on the side and next to her 2-year-old child. The last of the ten victims was released from the hospital Monday.



"They didn't care who they hit," Philadelphia Police Captain Frank Banford said during a press conference Monday afternoon. "They didn't care whatever collateral damage was done."

Police say Burley and Broadnax were targeting one man in the crowd who they had a long-standing feud with.

"This male was in the crowd," Banford said. "That meant nothing to these guys."

Police identified Burley and Broadnax as the gunmen after speaking with witnesses, according to officials. Broadnax turned himself in to police Monday while Burley was arrested in Montgomery County on a theft charge and is currently in custody there. Police say they will pick him up and bring him to Philadelphia. Both suspects will be charged with attempted murder.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross spoke on how the shooting was part of the ongoing problem of gun violence.

"This is what we have to try to appeal to these young, particularly, men," Ross said. "Why they have to find a way to deal with conflict resolution. They have to find a way to resolve their issues without resorting to guns. And right now, in this country, it is a major issue. It just is."



Nine people were injured and two of them are in critical condition from a shooting in North Philadelphia Saturday night, according to police. NBC10s Matt DeLucia has details from outside Temple University Hospital.

[NATL] SEE IT: Scenes From North Philadelphia Shooting
A solemn procession was held Monday for a 29-year-old firefighter who died after a fall during a training exercise in downtown Los Angeles over the weekend.

The firefighter, identified Monday by the Los Angeles Fire Department as Kelly Wong, fell from an aerial ladder at about 10 a.m. Saturday during the exercise in the 300 block of South Main Street in downtown Los Angeles. He was an "accomplished individual" who had just started a promising career with the department, the LAFD chief said.

Wong, survived by his wife and infant son, was rushed in critical condition to a hospital. The fire department announced the death Monday morning.

Wong was a two-year veteran of the department assigned to Station 92 in Rancho Park. He was set for transfer to Station 9 in downtown Los Angeles this month.

"I join the men and women of the LAFD in mourning Firefighter Wong's sudden passing," said LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas. "It is always a tragedy to lose one of our own, especially an accomplished individual who was still at the beginning of what was certainly going to be a promising career."

During a morning procession to the coroner's office, colleagues, family members and hospital staff members gathered outside LA County USC Medical Center to honor the firefighter. A coroner's van carried his flag-draped body from the hospital, passing under a U.S. flag suspended from the ladders of two fire trucks.

Overcome with grief, Wong's wife kneeled next to the casket. The couple was about to celebrate their child's first birthday.



Rows of firefighters lined the exit from the hospital and saluted as the van passed.

Wong graduated from the LAFD Recruit Academy on Terminal Island in August 2015. He was the top academic performer in his class.

"Kelly's dream since he was a little boy was to be a firefighter," Terrazas said. "His mother, Ann, shared that story with me that Kelly liked to play with fire trucks growing up. He applied with several departments, but he wanted to work for the best. He wanted to work for the Los Angeles Fire Department. And he accomplished his goal."

Mayor Eric Garcetti's eyes watered and his voice broke as he talked about Wong's death and his young son, saying the boy will have "a lot of uncles and aunts" looking over him.

"This department and this city will ensure that he grows up with a life of love and knowing what a hero his father was," Garcetti said. "So I'm here to represent 4 million grateful souls today."

Terrazas echoed that sentiment, describing the immediate outpouring of support that came from fellow firefighters and people across the city. The chief added that the type of training in which Wong was killed will continue.

"When Kelly was injured, the crew at Fire Station 9 was training, and I always tell our people that the first thing, the most important thing that we do is respond to emergencies," he said. "The second most important thing we do is train to respond to emergencies. We will continue to train whether it be for a high-rise fire, a brush fire, a medical event, whatever incident type it is, we will continue to train to be ready so we can protect the people of this great city."

The LAFD, in conjunction with state safety agencies, is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the death.

Memorial services for Wong are pending.
A teenage cheerleader who died unexpectedly after being diagnosed with the flu had intermittent asthma and seasonal allergies, according to the Medical Examiner's autopsy.

Jennifer Wood, 14, of Descanso, left Granite Hills High School early on April 4. She told her mother she had a sore throat and it hurt when she coughed, according to the Medical Examiner's report. She was also wheezing and tired.

Her mother took her to the San Diego Naval Medical Center and the Childrens Primary Care Medical Group, where doctors diagnosed her with Influenza B and laryngitis, according to the autopsy.

Doctors prescribed her several medications and advised her to stay home from school until her fever was gone.

Wood rested at home the next day. Before going to bed, she took an Ibuprofen.

Later that night, Wood woke up with a 102-degree fever and nausea, according to the ME. She started coughing up blood.

Her mother called the hospital, but a nurse said a minimal amount of blood in phlegm is normal and to keep checking on her, according to the ME's report.

The next morning Wood, while coughing, went to use the bathroom.

She collapsed twice and told her mother she was too weak to stand, according to the ME. Then she collapsed again and became unresponsive.

Her parents called 911 and performed CPR, and Wood was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead after first responders performed CPR.

According to the autopsy, Wood did not smoke or do drugs. She was generally seen as healthy.

She died of natural causes, the ME ruled.

Approximately 36,000 people die from the flu each year in the U.S., according to Harvard Health.

Wood's family held a fundraiser on May 20 to raise money to create a scholarship in her name. A Gofundme page has been set up for the scholarship.
Maryland state education officials publicly posted the names of all teachers whose licenses have been revoked  a decision announced days after a News4 I-Team investigation showed the state offered less information than neighboring states about teachers who had admitted sexual misconduct with students.

Prior to the decision, Maryland declined to post any publicly viewable information about teacher license revocations.

Public officials, including Montgomery County Council Education Committee Chairman Craig Rice, said the lack of transparency risked endangering children by making it more difficult to track predators.

We want more information out there, Rice said. For our parents, our community leaders, our people who hire, we want them to make more informed decisions."

The I-Team investigation in April revealed other states offer more publicly available information to parents with questions about teachers suspected of misconduct. In several states  including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and South Carolina  state education agencies post the names of all teachers from whom licenses have been stripped and the nature of the misconduct that led to the revocation.

Rice, citing the April I-Team investigation, asked Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon to consider policy changes. Days later she notified the states board of education her agency would begin posting the names of all teachers whose licenses had been revoked and a summary of the reasons.

We want to make sure we have a great teacher in front of every student in every classroom in the state, Salmon told the I-Team.

The I-Team investigation also led to requests for Virginias Department of Education to add details about its teacher misconduct cases to the agencys website. The agency agreed to consider possible changes. In its current form, the Virginia Department of Education posts only the names and school districts of teachers from whom licenses have been revoked.

Del. Mark Keam (D-Vienna), also formally citing the I-Team investigation, formally asked state education officials to make the additions.

(In teacher license revocation cases,) we dont know the reasons? What are the specifics? We can guess based on rumor and innuendo, but it'd be nice if we had the facts," Keam said.

In response to Keam, Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven Staples said the agency would review other states practices and consult with the Attorney Generals Office to determine how the process may be enhanced.

The April I-Team investigation found the lack of publicly available information about teachers whove admitted misconduct made it difficult for former students and parents to track the cases of those teachers. In at least one case, a teacher who canceled his license amid allegations of inappropriately touching a student did so without the knowledge of the father of the teenage girl. The father, who said he tried to monitor the case, was unaware of the teachers license revocation until notified by the I-Team, 11 years after the license was stripped.
An elected leader of a Southeast D.C. neighborhood says police officers roughed him up Friday night for no apparent reason. Police say he was suspected of having a weapon.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Kendall Simmons said he was talking to residents in his Congress Heights neighborhood, when several officers confronted him and asked him if he had any weapons. He said the situation quickly escalated when he replied that he did not have any weapons.

"I tried to walk away. The officer grabbed me and slammed me to my head," Simmons said.

Cellphone video captured part of the encounter. At least two D.C. police officers can be seen holding Simmons on the ground.

A resident watching nearby repeatedly yelled, "That's the commissioner of the neighborhood!"



Simmons said officers detained him but would not tell him why he was being detained.

"For them to attack someone that's for the community like I am, you know, it's just sad to see," he said.

A police report says officers asked Simmons if he had any weapons because he was holding his pants pocket and walking with a limp. They asked him to put his hands up, but police say he put his hand in his pocket and refused. When officers tried to detain him, he fell, the police report says.

A man who said he witnessed the incident told News4 that's not what happened.

"Kendall walked up, and the police jumped out and was telling him, 'Stop resisting,' but he never did anything. He was just walking up the street," he said.



Simmons said he suffered a minor concussion along with scrapes and bruises.

"They humiliated me in front of my family, friends, you know, my mother, my niece, my nephews," Simmons said.



Officers released him and did not file any charges, nor did they find anything in their search.

"I'm filing a complaint against the police, because I do not know to this day what I was being detained for," Simmons said. "I'm confused, and I'm scared."

D.C. police told News4 the department is investigating the incident and reviewing footage from police body cameras. The officers involved are not facing disciplinary action.
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."
Police in a New Hampshire city are investigating two separate incidents where vandals spray-painted the word "ISIS" on buildings.

Manchester police said they received reports at 4 p.m. Sunday for graffiti at a privately-owned building on Franklin Street and at 7:30 a.m. Monday for similar vandalism at a city-owned shed at Veteran's Park.

The graffiti at Veteran's Park has already been removed and city crews were out working on the Franklin Street building on Monday afternoon. In both incidents, police found spray-painted words mentioning "ISIS" and "America."

Detectives are still working to identify suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call the Manchester Crimeline at 603-624-4040 or the Investigative Division at 603-792-5500.


Friends and Neighbours - The Church in Loddon Friends and Neighbours - The Church in Loddon

The monthly Friends and Neighbours group in Loddon is a place for those who have been widowed, male or female, to share a meal or afternoon tea together as well as support and friendship.

Friends and Neighbours provides support and friendship to anyone who has been widowed, male or female.



The group meets in the St Johns Lecture Hall in Loddon, South Norfolk on the first Thursday of the month, sometimes sharing a lunch, sometimes afternoon tea and at Christmas going out for a special meal. During the summer days out are organised.



Retired minister Rev Joan Evans, a member of the Church in Loddon, started and runs Friends and Neighbours. She said: Everybody in the group has been widowed, so they are on their own most of the time. What they really enjoy is having food prepared for them and having someone to eat it with.



The group was established in September 2003 six months after Joans husband died. Joan said: I was driving up Loddon Street one day and I identified 3 or 4 other people who had lost their husband. I had been very fortunate in that Id received a lot of support through the church and friends.



I thought a lot of them wouldnt have had as much good fortune in that respect so I asked our vicar if he thought a bereavement support group would be worth starting. He said: Great idea! I thought initially that people would come just in the aftermath of bereavement, but they said please could we meet every month so weve been going ever since.



The cost of the lunch is divided between the members.

Factfile


Norwich joins in Pentecost global wave of prayer Norwich joins in Pentecost global wave of prayer

Several hundred people from dozens of different churches across greater Norwich gathered at Norwich's Anglican Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday (June 4) for a Global Day of Prayer service.
Digital transformation has been a hot topic with IT and business leaders over the past few years. In fact, its rare for me to talk to any organization, regardless of size, and not talk about the challenges of going digital.

One of the interesting elements of this shift is that it makes the network significantly more important than it ever has been. Most of the technologies used to fuel digitization, such as IoT, cloud and mobility are all network centric in nature, so the network has a direct impact on a companys ability to become a digital organization.

In todays rapidly changing business climate, competitive differentiation revolves around speed, and that requires a highly dynamic and scalable IT foundation. However, a business can only be as agile as the least agile component, and that today is the network. Software-defined networks (SDNs) have helped transform the data center and SD-WANs the wide-area network, but what about the campus? That seems to have been forgotten about through this transition to a software-defined world.

The fact is campus networks are going through a profound change. New devices, cloud services and mobile workers are creating new traffic patterns that are more chaotic in nature and more complicated to operate. Network managers need increased agility, visibility and insights to understand the environment better, automate tasks and quickly resolve problems.

Aruba 8400 series brings the benefits of SDN to the campus network

This week at HPEs Discover event, Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, announced its new 8400 campus core and aggregation switch series, which is arguably the first network switch designed to bring the benefits of software-defined networking to the campus network. As one would expect, the heart of the product is the software. The ArubaOS-CX operating system is designed specifically for the modern network that needs to support IoT, cloud services and more mobile workers.

The 8400 Switch series is Arubas first campus core switch, and it is a beast of a product that offers carrier-class reliability and a whopping 19.2 Tbps of throughput. The 8400s extensible fabric enables seamless upgrades, so customers can start small and then scale up as more devices are added and the bandwidth needs increase. The virtual switching framework (VSF) with dual chassis scales up to 512 10-GigE, 128 40-GigE or 96 100-GigE Ethernet ports.

The hardware specs are impressive, particularly for a campus product, but its the operating system that enables greater automation and simplification of many of the complex tasks that are time consuming and hold network engineers back from working on more strategic initiatives.

Key features of the ArubaOS-CX:

Early detection of problems . The OS includes a feature called the Aruba Network Analytics Engine that gives IT operations the ability to monitor network, system, application and security activities. The analytics engine has an integrated time-series database that uses event correlation to analyze trends and spot anomalies that can predict issues that can indicate an application problem or security breach.

. The OS includes a feature called the Aruba Network Analytics Engine that gives IT operations the ability to monitor network, system, application and security activities. The analytics engine has an integrated time-series database that uses event correlation to analyze trends and spot anomalies that can predict issues that can indicate an application problem or security breach. Faster problem resolution . Historically, network managers worked in a reactive mode. A problem occurs, a user calls the help desk, and network operations begin the troubleshooting process with archaic tools like SNMP and CLI commands. The operating system offers policy-based integration with other network monitoring, performance and security tools to quickly isolate the source of problems for rapid resolution.

. Historically, network managers worked in a reactive mode. A problem occurs, a user calls the help desk, and network operations begin the troubleshooting process with archaic tools like SNMP and CLI commands. The operating system offers policy-based integration with other network monitoring, performance and security tools to quickly isolate the source of problems for rapid resolution. Programmable switch . The Aruba 8400 is fully programmable and loaded with RESTful APIs for almost every function and has a built-in Python interpreter. These allow for easy integration into other infrastructure and business applications. Infrastructure must become more programmable to support an increasingly digital world, and Aruba has provided a rich set of APIs to increase the business relevance of the network.

. The Aruba 8400 is fully programmable and loaded with RESTful APIs for almost every function and has a built-in Python interpreter. These allow for easy integration into other infrastructure and business applications. Infrastructure must become more programmable to support an increasingly digital world, and Aruba has provided a rich set of APIs to increase the business relevance of the network. Visibility into IoT. ZK Research shows that 50 percent of businesses have little to no knowledge of what IoT devices are connected to the network. Legacy networks do not provide the necessary tools to understand what devices are connected and where they are. The new Aruba Switch series has on-box, real-time and historical data that can be integrated with other Aruba products, such as AirWave, Niara and ClearPass, for better visibility into the things that are connected and then correlate the behavior to spot a breach and quarantine it to minimize the impact.

Network complexity is burying engineers today, as they cannot keep up with the demands placed on them using manual processes. If IT is going to become a strategic partner to the business, it needs to automate many of the time-consuming, day-to-day tasks that consume up to 80 percent of their time.

The new Aruba 8400 certainly boasts impressive technical numbers, but its the switchs programmability, automation, monitoring and analytics capabilities that will allow customers to spend less time keeping the lights on and more time working on strategic initiatives.
Applications are now being accepted

REPRESENTATIVES from businesses across West Berkshire attended the launch of the Newbury Weekly News Best in Business Awards last week.

The awards follow on from the West Berkshire Business Awards, which had been held for the past four years.

They will celebrate all that is great about business in West Berkshire and North Hampshire, with the main gala dinner and presentation being held at Newbury Racecourse on Friday, November 3.

This year there will be nine award categories, each sponsored by a local business.

An overall Best in Business winner will then be chosen from the category winners (excluding the not for profit/charity category) to receive the star award at the gala celebration dinner.

More than 100 tickets for the event have been sold already and the NWN is encouraging local businesses to enter by visiting the new website http://www.bestinbusinessawards.co.uk/

The launch event took place at the Newbury Weekly News Faraday Road offices last Thursday.

At the event, NWN chief executive James Gurney and editor Andy Murrill highlighted the important role of newspapers and businesses in the local community.

Awards co-ordinator John Hampson said: The awards themselves are not only designed to allow us to identify business superstars, but to remind the wider community and the business world of the breadth of talent that exists here.

Mr Gurney said: I am really excited to be picking up the baton for the awards.

The Best in Business Awards will allow us to truly celebrate everything that is great within the local business community.

Commerce thrives in this part of the world and to be able to open the doors and share some of its incredible success can only enhance local businesses.

We are putting the full might of our online and offline products behind the awards, allowing entrants to publicise their businesses to our entire social, digital and paper audience, the largest by a mile within the area.

This alone will give a welcome boost to the local economy.

I would encourage anyone running a local business to shout about their own excellence, if only to receive all the free publicity.

The main Best in Business 2017 award will be sponsored by The Vineyard Group.

The other categories are: Innovation (sponsored by Santander), Small Business (PBA Accountants), Start Up (new) Business (Dick Lovett), Not for Profit/Charity (Greenham Common Trust), Rural (West Berkshire Brewery), Independent Retailer (Newbury BID), Digital and Social Media Apple Print & Creative) and Entrepreneur (Jones Robinson).

Applications are now being accepted. The closing date for entries is July 7.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and visits by the sponsor judges will be arranged to assess each application and decide on the category winners.

See the Newbury Weekly News in the coming weeks for the latest information about the awards.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Indian Banks Association (IBA), a representative body of management of banks operating in the country, has informed the Parliamentary panel that all banks are not yet ready for the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST).

Since the GST will be operational from July 1, 2017, banks have to make a 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 had taken up the case for central registration, the association added. 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 their existing infrastructure, which would be a huge challenge for banks.

It is estimated that a few public-sector banks and smaller private-sector banks are yet to configure their front-end information technology systems to raise invoices for their clients.

According to GST norms, lenders are also supposed to compulsorily register in each state so that a separate revenue data for each state can be maintained. Under GST, various services in banks will be in the 18 per cent tax slab, making it slightly costlier for customers.

The GST is touted as the biggest taxation reform since Independence that will subsume central excise, service tax, VAT and other local levies to create a uniform market. It is also expected to boost the GDP growth by about two percentage points and check tax evasion.

The GST Council, comprising representatives of the Centre and states, has recommended a four-tier tax slab  5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent for goods and services. In addition to the highest slab, a cess will be imposed on luxury and sin goods to compensate the states for revenue loss in the first five years of GST implementation.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Banks Association (IBA), a representative body of management of banks operating in the country, has informed the Parliamentary panel that all banks are not yet ready for the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST). Since the GST will be operational from July 1, 2017, banks have to make a 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 had taken up the case for central registration, the association added. 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 their existing infrastructure, which would be a huge challenge for banks. It is estimated that a few public-sector banks and smaller private-sector banks are yet to configure their front-end information technology systems to raise invoices for their clients. According to GST norms, lenders are also supposed to compulsorily register in each state so that a separate revenue data for each state can be maintained. Under GST, various services in banks will be in the 18 per cent tax slab, making it slightly costlier for customers. The GST is touted as the biggest taxation reform since Independence that will subsume central excise, service tax, VAT and other local levies to create a uniform market. It is also expected to boost the GDP growth by about two percentage points and check tax evasion. The GST Council, comprising representatives of the Centre and states, has recommended a four-tier tax slab  5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent for goods and services. In addition to the highest slab, a cess will be imposed on luxury and sin goods to compensate the states for revenue loss in the first five years of GST implementation.
By Reuters

HORGOS, China/KHORGOS, Kazakhstan: On the border of China and Kazakhstan, an international free trade zone has become a showpiece of Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature "Belt and Road" Initiative to boost global trade and commerce by improving infrastructure and connectivity.

Chinese state media are filled with stories about the stunning success of Horgos, the youngest city of China's new Silk Road. Last month at China's Belt and Road Summit - its biggest diplomatic event of the year - promotional videos about Horgos' booming economy ran on a loop at the press centre.

But Chinese business owners and prospective investors who had recently visited the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center (ICBC), told Reuters they were disappointed by the disconnect between the hype and reality.

Rather than the vibrant 21st Century trading post of Beijing's grand vision, Horgos is instead developing a reputation as China's very own tax haven.

"We were so unimpressed by what we saw that after looking around for three hours, we turned around and drove eight hours straight back to Urumqi," said a businessman from the capital of China's far western region of Xianjiang, who only wanted to give his surname, Ma, due to the sensitivity of the topic.

Several business owners echoed complaints about poor design and low visitor numbers made by Ma, who visited Horgos to investigate the viability of opening a high-end clubhouse.

"You've got Kazakh farmers walking around with plastic bags full of cheap Chinese t-shirts and you want me to open a club for government officials and businessmen to meet inside the zone - which, by the way, you can't drive your car into and doesn't have any five-star hotels?" Ma said.

On the Chinese side of the border there are five malls selling cheap consumer goods, though traders complain there are not enough visitors.

"Sometimes I'll sit here for a whole day and not make a single sale," said Ma Yinggui, 56, who has a market stall selling clothes. "Some Kazakhs are rich but most are poor. They come and haggle over a 20 yuan ($2.93) t-shirt."

More than five years after the 5.3 sq km trade zone opened, much of the Kazakh side remains empty.

Only 25 of the 63 projects on the Kazakh side have investors, according to Ravil Budukov, ICBC press secretary on the Kazakh side. About 3-4,000 people enter from Kazakhstan each day and around 10,000 from China, he added.

The Xinjiang and Horgos governments declined to make officials available for comment to Reuters for this article.

Huang Sanping, a senior Xinjiang government official, told Reuters at a news conference in Beijing that he had just returned from a visit to Horgos, a city "performing extremely well. It's full of vitality and flourishing".

CHINA'S TAX HAVEN

Beijing has bestowed numerous tax breaks and preferential policies on Horgos hoping to stimulate growth in this strategic border town in Xinjiang, a key link on the new Silk Road between China and Central Asia, where the government says it is battling to defeat Islamist extremism.

According to Horgos' tax bureau, 2,411 companies registered in Horgos last year, taking advantage of five years of no company tax, and a further five years paying half rate.

At least half those companies are registered in Horgos solely for tax purposes, estimates Meng Shen, Director of Chanson & Co, a boutique investment bank in Beijing.

Chinese celebrities are opting to register production companies in Horgos and an increasing number of financial services and IT companies are also registering there, according to Guan Xuemei from Shenzhou Shunliban, a tax advisory firm that recently opened an office there.

But with no obligation to operate from Horgos or even in Xinjiang, it is unlikely this policy will create jobs or bring money to what has long been an economic backwater, say experts.

"In theory this is a good policy because it aims to stimulate the local economy," said Shen. "But Beijing didn't think through the fact lots of companies wouldn't actually want to operate from Horgos which is very far away from China's economic centres."

Those who do trade in the "free trade zone" find they face restrictions from both sides.

The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) - of which Kazakhstan is a member - limits traders from the Kazakh side to importing up to 50 kg (110 lbs) of any goods per month duty-free.

China bans imports of many food products - the Kazakh goods most desired by Chinese consumers worried about food safety at home - and caps traders from taking more than 8,000 yuan ($1,175) worth of goods out each day.

"The EEU is a significant barrier because Russia and Kazakhstan and other Central Asia countries want to develop their own industries, they don't want to constantly rely on cheap Chinese goods," said a former Chinese government official turned businessman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Mao Shishi, 44, who currently raises cattle in nearby Qingshuihe, wants to import wool and wild herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine from Kazakhstan to China through Horgos.

"I'm watching and waiting for any policy changes. Right now we can't import lamb, fish or wild herbs into China," Mao said.

LOGISTICS THOROUGHFARE

Plans to develop a parallel special economic zone in Khorgos - as it is known on the Kazakh side - as a logistics hub appear to be having more success.

Trade volumes are sky-rocketing at the Khorgos Gateway dry port in Kazakhstan, where container freight is lifted off Chinese trains and onto Kazakh ones because of different gauge rail tracks.

"According to our plans, this year we are going to trans-ship around 100,000 TEUs, five times more than we are doing now," said Asset Seisenbek, head of the commercial department at Khorgos Gateway, referring to "twenty-foot equivalent units", an industry measure based on standard shipping container sizes.

Electronics giants HP and Foxconn both ship goods through the dry port, which is faster than sea freight but cheaper than air cargo. One container sent by sea to Europe is about three times cheaper than rail, while air freight is between five to 10 times more expensive, according to Seisenbek.

Last month China's COSCO Shipping and Lianyungang port took a 49 percent stake in Khorgos Gateway which Seisenbek sees as an opportunity to attract more Chinese business.

This sort of investment is what Horgos/Khorgos should hang its hat on, according to Ma, the businessman underwhelmed by the international free trade zone.

"The free trade zone doesn't need to be that successful if the intercontinental trains and roads take off," he said. "In the grand scheme of things, that's the main role for this part of the world." ($1 = 6.8100 Chinese yuan renminbi)

HORGOS, China/KHORGOS, Kazakhstan: On the border of China and Kazakhstan, an international free trade zone has become a showpiece of Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature "Belt and Road" Initiative to boost global trade and commerce by improving infrastructure and connectivity. Chinese state media are filled with stories about the stunning success of Horgos, the youngest city of China's new Silk Road. Last month at China's Belt and Road Summit - its biggest diplomatic event of the year - promotional videos about Horgos' booming economy ran on a loop at the press centre. But Chinese business owners and prospective investors who had recently visited the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center (ICBC), told Reuters they were disappointed by the disconnect between the hype and reality. Rather than the vibrant 21st Century trading post of Beijing's grand vision, Horgos is instead developing a reputation as China's very own tax haven. "We were so unimpressed by what we saw that after looking around for three hours, we turned around and drove eight hours straight back to Urumqi," said a businessman from the capital of China's far western region of Xianjiang, who only wanted to give his surname, Ma, due to the sensitivity of the topic. Several business owners echoed complaints about poor design and low visitor numbers made by Ma, who visited Horgos to investigate the viability of opening a high-end clubhouse. "You've got Kazakh farmers walking around with plastic bags full of cheap Chinese t-shirts and you want me to open a club for government officials and businessmen to meet inside the zone - which, by the way, you can't drive your car into and doesn't have any five-star hotels?" Ma said. On the Chinese side of the border there are five malls selling cheap consumer goods, though traders complain there are not enough visitors. "Sometimes I'll sit here for a whole day and not make a single sale," said Ma Yinggui, 56, who has a market stall selling clothes. "Some Kazakhs are rich but most are poor. They come and haggle over a 20 yuan ($2.93) t-shirt." More than five years after the 5.3 sq km trade zone opened, much of the Kazakh side remains empty. Only 25 of the 63 projects on the Kazakh side have investors, according to Ravil Budukov, ICBC press secretary on the Kazakh side. About 3-4,000 people enter from Kazakhstan each day and around 10,000 from China, he added. The Xinjiang and Horgos governments declined to make officials available for comment to Reuters for this article. Huang Sanping, a senior Xinjiang government official, told Reuters at a news conference in Beijing that he had just returned from a visit to Horgos, a city "performing extremely well. It's full of vitality and flourishing". CHINA'S TAX HAVEN Beijing has bestowed numerous tax breaks and preferential policies on Horgos hoping to stimulate growth in this strategic border town in Xinjiang, a key link on the new Silk Road between China and Central Asia, where the government says it is battling to defeat Islamist extremism. According to Horgos' tax bureau, 2,411 companies registered in Horgos last year, taking advantage of five years of no company tax, and a further five years paying half rate. At least half those companies are registered in Horgos solely for tax purposes, estimates Meng Shen, Director of Chanson & Co, a boutique investment bank in Beijing. Chinese celebrities are opting to register production companies in Horgos and an increasing number of financial services and IT companies are also registering there, according to Guan Xuemei from Shenzhou Shunliban, a tax advisory firm that recently opened an office there. But with no obligation to operate from Horgos or even in Xinjiang, it is unlikely this policy will create jobs or bring money to what has long been an economic backwater, say experts. "In theory this is a good policy because it aims to stimulate the local economy," said Shen. "But Beijing didn't think through the fact lots of companies wouldn't actually want to operate from Horgos which is very far away from China's economic centres." Those who do trade in the "free trade zone" find they face restrictions from both sides. The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) - of which Kazakhstan is a member - limits traders from the Kazakh side to importing up to 50 kg (110 lbs) of any goods per month duty-free. China bans imports of many food products - the Kazakh goods most desired by Chinese consumers worried about food safety at home - and caps traders from taking more than 8,000 yuan ($1,175) worth of goods out each day. "The EEU is a significant barrier because Russia and Kazakhstan and other Central Asia countries want to develop their own industries, they don't want to constantly rely on cheap Chinese goods," said a former Chinese government official turned businessman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Mao Shishi, 44, who currently raises cattle in nearby Qingshuihe, wants to import wool and wild herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine from Kazakhstan to China through Horgos. "I'm watching and waiting for any policy changes. Right now we can't import lamb, fish or wild herbs into China," Mao said. LOGISTICS THOROUGHFARE Plans to develop a parallel special economic zone in Khorgos - as it is known on the Kazakh side - as a logistics hub appear to be having more success. Trade volumes are sky-rocketing at the Khorgos Gateway dry port in Kazakhstan, where container freight is lifted off Chinese trains and onto Kazakh ones because of different gauge rail tracks. "According to our plans, this year we are going to trans-ship around 100,000 TEUs, five times more than we are doing now," said Asset Seisenbek, head of the commercial department at Khorgos Gateway, referring to "twenty-foot equivalent units", an industry measure based on standard shipping container sizes. Electronics giants HP and Foxconn both ship goods through the dry port, which is faster than sea freight but cheaper than air cargo. One container sent by sea to Europe is about three times cheaper than rail, while air freight is between five to 10 times more expensive, according to Seisenbek. Last month China's COSCO Shipping and Lianyungang port took a 49 percent stake in Khorgos Gateway which Seisenbek sees as an opportunity to attract more Chinese business. This sort of investment is what Horgos/Khorgos should hang its hat on, according to Ma, the businessman underwhelmed by the international free trade zone. "The free trade zone doesn't need to be that successful if the intercontinental trains and roads take off," he said. "In the grand scheme of things, that's the main role for this part of the world." ($1 = 6.8100 Chinese yuan renminbi)
Manju Shettar By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: The K G Halli police on Sunday recorded the statement of D Veeresh, who allegedly sexually assaulted a five-year-old girl in the city on Saturday early morning. Veeresh told police that he even attempted to kill the minor after the crime to destroy evidence.

During the interrogation, Veeresh, said that the girl was returning to her shed after answering natures call. He dragged her to a nearby ground to rape. As she tried to raise an alarm, he attacked her with a stone, injuring her head and finger. As the victim was bleeding profusely in the head, he thought she might have died and hence threw her in front of a residential building. Subsequently, he hurled stones at a car to alert the owner, said a senior police officer.

Veereshs pregnant wife, who had gone to her native, returned to the city after the incident. The couple have two children. We verified Veereshs background but the ragpicker was not found to be involved in any other crime, the officer added.

Veeresh joined parents in search of girl

When the parents were frantically searching for the girl, Veeresh joined them on the pretext of helping them. He even tried to direct them towards the ground where he had assaulted and abandoned the minor. He was present when the police arrived to inform the parents about the girl being admitted to the hospital. He was curious to know the next move of police. Only after the parents went to Bowring hospital, he went to sleep in his shed.

Bid to wash inner wear gave cops a hint

Some youths from the area were taken to the police station. During questioning, Veeresh went to the toilet and tried to wash his inner wear, which had blood stains. Police found his behaviour suspicious and upon grilling, he confessed to the crime.

BENGALURU: The K G Halli police on Sunday recorded the statement of D Veeresh, who allegedly sexually assaulted a five-year-old girl in the city on Saturday early morning. Veeresh told police that he even attempted to kill the minor after the crime to destroy evidence. During the interrogation, Veeresh, said that the girl was returning to her shed after answering natures call. He dragged her to a nearby ground to rape. As she tried to raise an alarm, he attacked her with a stone, injuring her head and finger. As the victim was bleeding profusely in the head, he thought she might have died and hence threw her in front of a residential building. Subsequently, he hurled stones at a car to alert the owner, said a senior police officer. Veereshs pregnant wife, who had gone to her native, returned to the city after the incident. The couple have two children. We verified Veereshs background but the ragpicker was not found to be involved in any other crime, the officer added. Veeresh joined parents in search of girl When the parents were frantically searching for the girl, Veeresh joined them on the pretext of helping them. He even tried to direct them towards the ground where he had assaulted and abandoned the minor. He was present when the police arrived to inform the parents about the girl being admitted to the hospital. He was curious to know the next move of police. Only after the parents went to Bowring hospital, he went to sleep in his shed. Bid to wash inner wear gave cops a hint Some youths from the area were taken to the police station. During questioning, Veeresh went to the toilet and tried to wash his inner wear, which had blood stains. Police found his behaviour suspicious and upon grilling, he confessed to the crime.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) may be tasked with operating the newly-constructed roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels between the Fort Kochi-Vypeen route.

Mayor Soumini Jain said a decision on handing over the Ro-Ro operations to KSINC will be finalised only after a meeting with the KSINC managing director Tom Jose.

Since the officer was unavailable, the meeting will be held in the coming days, said Mayor Soumini Jain. She said the ferry service will be launched in a month.

The Kochi Corporations plans to rope in the KSINC for the purpose comes after its councillors and the people demanded the operation of the jhankar service should be handed over to government agencies rather than private parties. The steering committee meeting of the Kochi Corporation had also been marred with protests against the corporations previous plans to hand over the vessels operation to private parties.

It is learnt the civic body is also planning to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to conduct the service and is seeking the government agencys help for the same. Objections were raised in the steering committee meeting over the decision to hand over the vessels functioning to private agencies. It will be better for the vessels if experts in the field handled them. We are planning to form a SPV for this and a final decision will be taken after consultations, said Works Committee chairperson PM Harris.

However, KSINC officers told Express they were yet to receive any communication from the Kochi Corporation with regard to handling the Ro-Ro operations.

Trial run held

Successful trial run of the vessels was conducted along the Fort Kochi-Vypeen route last week. Mayor Soumini Jain, K V Thomas MP, K J Maxi MLA, Kochi Corporation standing committee chairpersons Shiny Mathew, Gracy Joseph, V K Minimol, A B Sabu, P M Harris, K V P Krishna Kumar, councillors, besides officers of the Cochin Port Trust and Cochin Shipyard were present.

The vessels have been built for Rs 7.98 crore. A sum of Rs 7.62 crore was spent to construct terminals at both the jetties.

KOCHI: The Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) may be tasked with operating the newly-constructed roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels between the Fort Kochi-Vypeen route. Mayor Soumini Jain said a decision on handing over the Ro-Ro operations to KSINC will be finalised only after a meeting with the KSINC managing director Tom Jose. Since the officer was unavailable, the meeting will be held in the coming days, said Mayor Soumini Jain. She said the ferry service will be launched in a month. The Kochi Corporations plans to rope in the KSINC for the purpose comes after its councillors and the people demanded the operation of the jhankar service should be handed over to government agencies rather than private parties. The steering committee meeting of the Kochi Corporation had also been marred with protests against the corporations previous plans to hand over the vessels operation to private parties. It is learnt the civic body is also planning to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to conduct the service and is seeking the government agencys help for the same. Objections were raised in the steering committee meeting over the decision to hand over the vessels functioning to private agencies. It will be better for the vessels if experts in the field handled them. We are planning to form a SPV for this and a final decision will be taken after consultations, said Works Committee chairperson PM Harris. However, KSINC officers told Express they were yet to receive any communication from the Kochi Corporation with regard to handling the Ro-Ro operations. Trial run held Successful trial run of the vessels was conducted along the Fort Kochi-Vypeen route last week. Mayor Soumini Jain, K V Thomas MP, K J Maxi MLA, Kochi Corporation standing committee chairpersons Shiny Mathew, Gracy Joseph, V K Minimol, A B Sabu, P M Harris, K V P Krishna Kumar, councillors, besides officers of the Cochin Port Trust and Cochin Shipyard were present. The vessels have been built for Rs 7.98 crore. A sum of Rs 7.62 crore was spent to construct terminals at both the jetties.
By Express News Service

Raju Kannada medium, directed by Narendra Kumar and starring Gurunandan, had piqued audience interest with its trailers, but it is now in the news for all the wrong reasons. Avantika Shetty, who has played the lead role along with Ashika Ranganath and foreign model Angelina Desedina has openly expressed her displeasure about working on the film and has even filed a case against the movies producer.

Avantika tweeted at length about the alleged mistreatment she faced from the director and producer K Suresh while shooting Raju Kannada Medium. The actress filed a case against the producer for issued a cheque that bounced and for non-payment of her dues. Avantika is yet to dub for the movie, but now has been disallowed from completing it. Meanwhile City Express spoke to the actress, the director and producer, who have shared their version of the tale.

Movie drove me to depression: Avantika Shetty

Avantika says that most of her portions, except for the montage and one scene, are done. So it is definitely wrong to say that I am out of the film, she says. If they want to take me out, the production house is free to do, provided they take out all the portions in which I appear and reshoot them. If they want retain my bits then they should also allow me to dub for them, going by the contract we have signed.

The actress says that this project has hurt her mentally and physically, and has even driven her to depression. There were so many problems that cropped up during the making but I didnt want to make a fuss because people tend to think that we do it for the publicity. I even tried to sort it out amicably, but the producer didnt reciprocate, she says. The team expected me to be friendly and not professional. I am cordial, but I cannot be friendly.

Avantika says that when she had signed the contract last July she had mentioned that dates may clash with her other film Rajaratha. Then the team of Raju Kannada Medium had said that they were ready to adjust their schedule, she says. They were not particular about making a contract, but I was keen and got that done. From July 2016 to Febuary 2017, I have been in touch with the producer and have been blocking dates, only to know that the shooting would not be happening then.

The actress also says that they did not allow her to act instead expected her to be a puppet in front of the camera. She alleges that, in a film unit, technicians make unwanted passes and touch without her permission. I retaliated and reported this to the director and he dismissed it saying lets discuss later. Thats the one of the reasons I stayed back in my vanity van all the time and got out only when the shot was ready, she says.

She says that there were also disagreements about her costume. There is a thin line between sexy and modern, she says. Just to look sexy, we cant be nude and I objected to that demand. It came to a point where I had to bring my own costumes. They even said, Bombay artistes do everything, why cant you. I used to prepare for shots and they were never taken, there was no communication between the Assistant Directors and the director. After all this, they call me unprofessional and a small actor!.

After 10 years in the industry, she says that she was disappointed with the treatment she was given on this set. To me, acting is a form of worhip and I cant disrespect it. I have taken a while to get where I am and they cannot demean that, she says.

I will request the chamber to ban her for one or two years: Producer K Suresh

Suresh says that he cant work with the actress anymore and, in fact, has managed to rework the story by reshooting the portions without her. I cant work with her anymore, he says. There are no dues, I have cleared her payment. We had asked for 40 days but she shot 15 days only and we have paid for that... in fact I paid her more than that.

The cheque bounced because I told the bank to stop payment. Though the agreement says that she will dub, I dont want her to after all this. But it will be decided at the court and at the Chamber. But if you ask me, I am not comfortable (with this disagreement). I have made big films and I dont want to harm her image, he says. Suresh plans to request the Chamber to ban the actress for few years. I incurred losses because Avantika she did not give the dates we wanted, he says. I am also submitting a letter to the Chamber asking it to ban her from the industry for one or two years. Everything will depend on what happens in the court and the discussion that takes place at the Chamber.

I will talk to filmmakers and artiste today: Sa Ra Govindu

The matter has reached the Chamber and the artiste, producer and director have been called for a meeting today. I will first listen to all their problems and what difficulties each faced, and then take a decision, says Sa Ra Govindu. I will make sure that I give a fair judgement.

She was unhappy working in Raju Kannada Medium: Director Naresh Kumar

The director Naresh Kumar says that the actress used to arrive late on the sets and she used to waste time but locking herself inside the caravan. He adds, As an artiste, we expect her to work with the team but she did not do that... If she is ready to dub, we can arrange for that. But Suresh should decide whether she should be allowed to do it, he is the producer. Naresh says that these troubles popped up three months ago and expresses surprise that these are being revived during the time of the movies release. I dont want to blame anyone and can only narrate events as they happened. But now the producer and the actress have to arrive at a decision... Raju Kannada Medium does not need these gimmicks for promotion, he says.

Raju Kannada medium, directed by Narendra Kumar and starring Gurunandan, had piqued audience interest with its trailers, but it is now in the news for all the wrong reasons. Avantika Shetty, who has played the lead role along with Ashika Ranganath and foreign model Angelina Desedina has openly expressed her displeasure about working on the film and has even filed a case against the movies producer. Avantika tweeted at length about the alleged mistreatment she faced from the director and producer K Suresh while shooting Raju Kannada Medium. The actress filed a case against the producer for issued a cheque that bounced and for non-payment of her dues. Avantika is yet to dub for the movie, but now has been disallowed from completing it. Meanwhile City Express spoke to the actress, the director and producer, who have shared their version of the tale. Movie drove me to depression: Avantika Shetty Avantika says that most of her portions, except for the montage and one scene, are done. So it is definitely wrong to say that I am out of the film, she says. If they want to take me out, the production house is free to do, provided they take out all the portions in which I appear and reshoot them. If they want retain my bits then they should also allow me to dub for them, going by the contract we have signed. The actress says that this project has hurt her mentally and physically, and has even driven her to depression. There were so many problems that cropped up during the making but I didnt want to make a fuss because people tend to think that we do it for the publicity. I even tried to sort it out amicably, but the producer didnt reciprocate, she says. The team expected me to be friendly and not professional. I am cordial, but I cannot be friendly. Avantika says that when she had signed the contract last July she had mentioned that dates may clash with her other film Rajaratha. Then the team of Raju Kannada Medium had said that they were ready to adjust their schedule, she says. They were not particular about making a contract, but I was keen and got that done. From July 2016 to Febuary 2017, I have been in touch with the producer and have been blocking dates, only to know that the shooting would not be happening then. The actress also says that they did not allow her to act instead expected her to be a puppet in front of the camera. She alleges that, in a film unit, technicians make unwanted passes and touch without her permission. I retaliated and reported this to the director and he dismissed it saying lets discuss later. Thats the one of the reasons I stayed back in my vanity van all the time and got out only when the shot was ready, she says. She says that there were also disagreements about her costume. There is a thin line between sexy and modern, she says. Just to look sexy, we cant be nude and I objected to that demand. It came to a point where I had to bring my own costumes. They even said, Bombay artistes do everything, why cant you. I used to prepare for shots and they were never taken, there was no communication between the Assistant Directors and the director. After all this, they call me unprofessional and a small actor!. After 10 years in the industry, she says that she was disappointed with the treatment she was given on this set. To me, acting is a form of worhip and I cant disrespect it. I have taken a while to get where I am and they cannot demean that, she says. I will request the chamber to ban her for one or two years: Producer K Suresh Suresh says that he cant work with the actress anymore and, in fact, has managed to rework the story by reshooting the portions without her. I cant work with her anymore, he says. There are no dues, I have cleared her payment. We had asked for 40 days but she shot 15 days only and we have paid for that... in fact I paid her more than that. The cheque bounced because I told the bank to stop payment. Though the agreement says that she will dub, I dont want her to after all this. But it will be decided at the court and at the Chamber. But if you ask me, I am not comfortable (with this disagreement). I have made big films and I dont want to harm her image, he says. Suresh plans to request the Chamber to ban the actress for few years. I incurred losses because Avantika she did not give the dates we wanted, he says. I am also submitting a letter to the Chamber asking it to ban her from the industry for one or two years. Everything will depend on what happens in the court and the discussion that takes place at the Chamber. I will talk to filmmakers and artiste today: Sa Ra Govindu The matter has reached the Chamber and the artiste, producer and director have been called for a meeting today. I will first listen to all their problems and what difficulties each faced, and then take a decision, says Sa Ra Govindu. I will make sure that I give a fair judgement. She was unhappy working in Raju Kannada Medium: Director Naresh Kumar The director Naresh Kumar says that the actress used to arrive late on the sets and she used to waste time but locking herself inside the caravan. He adds, As an artiste, we expect her to work with the team but she did not do that... If she is ready to dub, we can arrange for that. But Suresh should decide whether she should be allowed to do it, he is the producer. Naresh says that these troubles popped up three months ago and expresses surprise that these are being revived during the time of the movies release. I dont want to blame anyone and can only narrate events as they happened. But now the producer and the actress have to arrive at a decision... Raju Kannada Medium does not need these gimmicks for promotion, he says.
By Express News Service

Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has advised Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) not to get involved in Pilots notice period issue as it is between a pilot and his or her airline. FIP has written a letter to DGCA, claiming that the proposal of DGCA of giving one year notice period to leave a company is exploitative. The letter has fueled ongoing war between Pilots Federation and Indian Airline federation (FIA).

Various airlines, including IndiGo and Jet Airways, under the banner of Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) have been pitching for increasing the mandatory notice period for pilots to one year because of the time and effort a carrier spends on training its pilots. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in May has proposed to make it mandatory for commanders to serve a one-year notice period and six months in the case of first officers. Currently, pilots are required to serve a six-month notice period. A notice period is an Administrative and HR function of an Airline and built into the contract signed with the employee. Therefore, it should be left to the agreement between the Pilot and the Airline, FIP says in its letter.

The Federation of Indian Pilots, which claimed to be a body of pilots cutting across airlines, in its letter to Lalit Gupta, Joint Director General of DGCA, has also said the competitive environment in the aviation sector has often resulted in airlines facing financial distress forcing pilots to explore better avenues but the proposed rules will "bind" the pilot to an airline. According to the pilots, the proposal is exploitative as a long notice period will mean airlines can be "vindictive" to those quitting. In their letter, the pilots said that the existing notice period of six months itself is against international standards requiring only a three-month notice.

Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has advised Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) not to get involved in Pilots notice period issue as it is between a pilot and his or her airline. FIP has written a letter to DGCA, claiming that the proposal of DGCA of giving one year notice period to leave a company is exploitative. The letter has fueled ongoing war between Pilots Federation and Indian Airline federation (FIA). Various airlines, including IndiGo and Jet Airways, under the banner of Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) have been pitching for increasing the mandatory notice period for pilots to one year because of the time and effort a carrier spends on training its pilots. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in May has proposed to make it mandatory for commanders to serve a one-year notice period and six months in the case of first officers. Currently, pilots are required to serve a six-month notice period. A notice period is an Administrative and HR function of an Airline and built into the contract signed with the employee. Therefore, it should be left to the agreement between the Pilot and the Airline, FIP says in its letter. The Federation of Indian Pilots, which claimed to be a body of pilots cutting across airlines, in its letter to Lalit Gupta, Joint Director General of DGCA, has also said the competitive environment in the aviation sector has often resulted in airlines facing financial distress forcing pilots to explore better avenues but the proposed rules will "bind" the pilot to an airline. According to the pilots, the proposal is exploitative as a long notice period will mean airlines can be "vindictive" to those quitting. In their letter, the pilots said that the existing notice period of six months itself is against international standards requiring only a three-month notice.
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: 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) on Sunday.

The arrestedidentified as Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh, had allegedly 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 near 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, were recovered from the suspects, said the police.

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 officer said that Gurdial Singh was the chief operative of the terror module and was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, who allegedly lives in an ISI-provided house in Lahore cantonment, by Germany-based Balvir Singh Sandhu  a former terrorist.

Gurdial had reportedly 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 Balvir Singh Sandhu are alleged to have criminal backgrounds, with cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988. A Thompson gun had been recovered from Gurdial in 1992. They have been booked under various sections the IPC, Arms Act and Unlawful Activities Act.

Two terrorists  Maan Singh and Sher Singh  were arrested by the BSF in May in Punjab on similar charges.

CHANDIGARH: 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) on Sunday. The arrestedidentified as Gurdial Singh, Jagroop Singh and Satwinder Singh, had allegedly 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 near 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, were recovered from the suspects, said the police. 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 officer said that Gurdial Singh was the chief operative of the terror module and was introduced to Lakhbir Singh Rode, who allegedly lives in an ISI-provided house in Lahore cantonment, by Germany-based Balvir Singh Sandhu  a former terrorist. Gurdial had reportedly 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 Balvir Singh Sandhu are alleged to have criminal backgrounds, with cases registered against them in 1992 and 1988. A Thompson gun had been recovered from Gurdial in 1992. They have been booked under various sections the IPC, Arms Act and Unlawful Activities Act. Two terrorists  Maan Singh and Sher Singh  were arrested by the BSF in May in Punjab on similar charges.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: A 12th century idol of Tibetan saint Terton Pema Lingpa, stolen from Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, has been recovered by the crime branch of the Delhi Police. The idol, worth crores of rupees, is revered by Buddhists across the world.

The Delhi Police arrested two persons, Ngawang Tsundue (29) of Dharamsala and his live-in partner MS Lobsang Gakey Sherpa (26) of Tibet, who now resides in Delhi, in connection with the theft. The idol was stolen from the house of head cheepa (head lama) of Sangyeling gompa on the intervening night of May 31 and June 1. Following the incident, major socio-religious unrest was brewing in Arunachal, the Delhi Police said.

On June 4, information was received by the crime branch that an ancient idol, which has high religious and spiritual value, was stolen from the Tawang district and the racketeers involved were trying to sell it in the grey market in Majnu ka tilla area of Delhi and thereafter, it would be smuggled into Tibet. Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the matter, the crime branch contacted the complainant and details were sought, deputy commissioner of police (crime branch), Madhur Verma, said.

The next day, he said, information was received that a couple, who had stolen the idol, would come near the gurdwara at Majnu ka tilla around 8 am to sell it to a prospective buyer. Immediately, a team was constituted and a trap laid. Around 10.40 am, Ngawang Tsundue and Lobsang Gakey Sherpa were apprehended and the idol and some religious clothes were seized from them.

During interrogation, Tsundue said he was a permanent resident of Tibet and had come to India in 2009-10. He started living in Dharamsala where he came in contact with the daughter of the head cheepa of Tawang. In 2011, he married her but the duo later divorced. Since then, there was bad blood between Tsundue and the family of the head cheepa. He knew about the idol being kept at the head cheepas house. So, he thought if he could steal it, it would not only fetch him big money but the head cheepa would also face defamation as a consequence.

He shared his plan with his live-in partner, who agreed to help him. About 10-15 days back, he went to Tawang and on getting an opportunity, broke into the head cheepas house and stole the idol. He then returned to Delhi and was looking for customers. They were also trying to take it to Tibet to get a higher price, Verma said. Tawang deputy commissioner (district magistrate), Sang Phuncho, said the theft of the idol had caused resentment among people.

There was no tension as such but resentment. People were hurt that the antique idol had been stolen, Phuncho told The New Indian Express. He said the head cheepa was in Delhi on Monday following his visit to Manali.

GUWAHATI: A 12th century idol of Tibetan saint Terton Pema Lingpa, stolen from Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, has been recovered by the crime branch of the Delhi Police. The idol, worth crores of rupees, is revered by Buddhists across the world. The Delhi Police arrested two persons, Ngawang Tsundue (29) of Dharamsala and his live-in partner MS Lobsang Gakey Sherpa (26) of Tibet, who now resides in Delhi, in connection with the theft. The idol was stolen from the house of head cheepa (head lama) of Sangyeling gompa on the intervening night of May 31 and June 1. Following the incident, major socio-religious unrest was brewing in Arunachal, the Delhi Police said. On June 4, information was received by the crime branch that an ancient idol, which has high religious and spiritual value, was stolen from the Tawang district and the racketeers involved were trying to sell it in the grey market in Majnu ka tilla area of Delhi and thereafter, it would be smuggled into Tibet. Keeping in mind the sensitivity of the matter, the crime branch contacted the complainant and details were sought, deputy commissioner of police (crime branch), Madhur Verma, said. The next day, he said, information was received that a couple, who had stolen the idol, would come near the gurdwara at Majnu ka tilla around 8 am to sell it to a prospective buyer. Immediately, a team was constituted and a trap laid. Around 10.40 am, Ngawang Tsundue and Lobsang Gakey Sherpa were apprehended and the idol and some religious clothes were seized from them. During interrogation, Tsundue said he was a permanent resident of Tibet and had come to India in 2009-10. He started living in Dharamsala where he came in contact with the daughter of the head cheepa of Tawang. In 2011, he married her but the duo later divorced. Since then, there was bad blood between Tsundue and the family of the head cheepa. He knew about the idol being kept at the head cheepas house. So, he thought if he could steal it, it would not only fetch him big money but the head cheepa would also face defamation as a consequence. He shared his plan with his live-in partner, who agreed to help him. About 10-15 days back, he went to Tawang and on getting an opportunity, broke into the head cheepas house and stole the idol. He then returned to Delhi and was looking for customers. They were also trying to take it to Tibet to get a higher price, Verma said. Tawang deputy commissioner (district magistrate), Sang Phuncho, said the theft of the idol had caused resentment among people. There was no tension as such but resentment. People were hurt that the antique idol had been stolen, Phuncho told The New Indian Express. He said the head cheepa was in Delhi on Monday following his visit to Manali.
Abhijit Mulye By

Express News Service

AMARAVATI: Contrary to popular perception that the opposition to the Samruddhi Corridor is limited only to certain areas in Thane, Nashik and Ahmednagar districts, farmers from Marathwada and Vidarbha too are opposing it.

"The very first voices against the corridor originated from Shahapur in Thane diatrict. The next fierce opposition to it was seen in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts. This helped government agencies create an impression that there is hardly any opposition to the corridor in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. But the ground reality is different. A majority of farmers from Marathwada and Vidarbha whose land holding is low feel cheated and are opposing the corridor," said Appa Kullarni from Nhave village in Jalna district.

WATCH VIDEO:

He coordinates protests against the Samriddhi Corridor in the area. Varud in Jalna district of Marathwada is exactly at the centre of the proposed corridor.

A water tank in the courtyard of Krishna Mhase's house bears the mark to denote this. It also means that his house and around six acres of land where he has developed a vineyard would be removed for the corridor.

Krishna Mhase of Varud in Jalna district with the newly installed solar pump at his vineyard. | Express

Of 800 acres of vineyards in Varud, almost 600 acres would be lost this way. The same is the case with the neighbouring villages of Kadvanchi and Nhava that grow grapes over 1,400 acres of land. "We earn about Rs 12 lakh per acre every year. When we asked the collector at a meeting whether this loss would be compensated we did not get a proper response," Krishna Mhase told The New Indian Express.

In Sindkhedraja of Buldana district in Vidarbha, people complained of false promises and coercion by government officials to get their consent for land measurement. "We want them to conduct remeasurement to prove that our allegations are wrong," said Dilip Kolhe, a farmer who is expected to lose 3.5 acres of his land.

Sadanand Waghmare of Hivarkhed Purni in Buldana district has filed a petition against the irregularities in land measurement procedures before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. "The public procecutor skipped past four dates of hearing," he said, adding that none of his letters addressed to officials, including those of the Chief Minister's Office, have been answered.

Vardali village near Dusarbeed on the Aurangabad-Nagpur highway is slated to lose as many as 200 wells and 1,200 acres of irrigated land under it to the Samruddhi Corridor.

The village has only 40 families, all of whom would be rendered homeless with no means of livelihood. Kunda Wagh, who grows vegetables and sells them to the local market everyday, was in tears as she spoke about what she felt when officials came to their village to conduct land measurement. Opposition to land acquisition for the Samruddhi Corridor has grown fierce in Washim district of Vidarbha.

In Dongaon, farmers have adopted a policy of complete non-cooperation with the government. "The collector had threatened me in front of 500 farmers from the district. Ever since, we have adopted a policy of complete non-cooperation with government officials. We don't attend any meetings, don't respond to their communication and don't go to them with any demands," he said.

Prabhakar Bajal from the neighbouring village of Kenvad had symbolically climbed a funeral pyre to protest the alleged high-handedness of government officials. Another farmer Parshuram Vankhede said his younger brother's engagement had to be cancelled after the girl's relatives learnt that the Vankhede family will lose seven of nine acres of their land to the corridor. "I challenge the government officers to show my consent letter. They have cheated us," he said.

AMARAVATI: Contrary to popular perception that the opposition to the Samruddhi Corridor is limited only to certain areas in Thane, Nashik and Ahmednagar districts, farmers from Marathwada and Vidarbha too are opposing it. "The very first voices against the corridor originated from Shahapur in Thane diatrict. The next fierce opposition to it was seen in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts. This helped government agencies create an impression that there is hardly any opposition to the corridor in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. But the ground reality is different. A majority of farmers from Marathwada and Vidarbha whose land holding is low feel cheated and are opposing the corridor," said Appa Kullarni from Nhave village in Jalna district. WATCH VIDEO: window.__ventunoplayer = window.__ventunoplayer||[];window.__ventunoplayer.push({video_key: 'OTQ2ODg4fHw4fHw2fHwxLDEsMQ==', holder_id: 'vt-video-player', player_type: 'vp', width:'100%', ratio:'4:3'});He coordinates protests against the Samriddhi Corridor in the area. Varud in Jalna district of Marathwada is exactly at the centre of the proposed corridor. A water tank in the courtyard of Krishna Mhase's house bears the mark to denote this. It also means that his house and around six acres of land where he has developed a vineyard would be removed for the corridor. Krishna Mhase of Varud in Jalna district with the newly installed solar pump at his vineyard. | ExpressOf 800 acres of vineyards in Varud, almost 600 acres would be lost this way. The same is the case with the neighbouring villages of Kadvanchi and Nhava that grow grapes over 1,400 acres of land. "We earn about Rs 12 lakh per acre every year. When we asked the collector at a meeting whether this loss would be compensated we did not get a proper response," Krishna Mhase told The New Indian Express. In Sindkhedraja of Buldana district in Vidarbha, people complained of false promises and coercion by government officials to get their consent for land measurement. "We want them to conduct remeasurement to prove that our allegations are wrong," said Dilip Kolhe, a farmer who is expected to lose 3.5 acres of his land. Sadanand Waghmare of Hivarkhed Purni in Buldana district has filed a petition against the irregularities in land measurement procedures before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. "The public procecutor skipped past four dates of hearing," he said, adding that none of his letters addressed to officials, including those of the Chief Minister's Office, have been answered. Vardali village near Dusarbeed on the Aurangabad-Nagpur highway is slated to lose as many as 200 wells and 1,200 acres of irrigated land under it to the Samruddhi Corridor. The village has only 40 families, all of whom would be rendered homeless with no means of livelihood. Kunda Wagh, who grows vegetables and sells them to the local market everyday, was in tears as she spoke about what she felt when officials came to their village to conduct land measurement. Opposition to land acquisition for the Samruddhi Corridor has grown fierce in Washim district of Vidarbha. In Dongaon, farmers have adopted a policy of complete non-cooperation with the government. "The collector had threatened me in front of 500 farmers from the district. Ever since, we have adopted a policy of complete non-cooperation with government officials. We don't attend any meetings, don't respond to their communication and don't go to them with any demands," he said. Prabhakar Bajal from the neighbouring village of Kenvad had symbolically climbed a funeral pyre to protest the alleged high-handedness of government officials. Another farmer Parshuram Vankhede said his younger brother's engagement had to be cancelled after the girl's relatives learnt that the Vankhede family will lose seven of nine acres of their land to the corridor. "I challenge the government officers to show my consent letter. They have cheated us," he said.
By PTI

BHOPAL: Farmers' protest continued unabated in many parts of western Madhya Pradesh today even as Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said his government is taking all necessary steps to address the issues of agitating farmers. "This government is farmers' government.

All necessary steps have been initiated to address farmers' concerns," Chouhan said at a hurriedly-convened press conference here. A price stabilisation fund of Rs 1,000 crore would be set up to purchase the farm produce at the minimum support price (MSP), he said. "People who are indulging in violence are anti-social elements and not farmers.

They are trying to defame the farmers' protest," he added. He has assured the farmers that government would buy onion at the MSP of Rs 8 per kg, he said, adding that "we have already started buying onion in Indore, Ujjain and Mandsaur districts". Procurement will continue till June 30, he said.

Similarly, some cereals too will be procured at MSP, he added. Meanwhile, assistant sub-inspector of police Pawan Yadav, who suffered a severe injury to eye in stone-pelting at Ratlam yesterday, has been sent to Chennai for treatment, to ensure that infection doesn't spread to the other eye, the CM informed. Farmers are demanding better prices for farm produce, among other things. Chouhan held talks with protesters' leaders yesterday, but while two of the farmer outfits called off the agitation, others continued the stir. Fresh protests and violent incidents were reported from Neemuch, Ratlam, Dhar, Jhabua and Dewas districts of western Madhya Pradesh on the fifth day of agitation today. At Neemuch, farmers staged a road blockade at Bhadbhadiya Four Lane square.

Protesters pelted stones and damaged several two-wheelers as the police used lathi-charge to disperse them. Effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Chouhan were burnt. "Two policemen were injured in stone-pelting. Police have registered a case against 200 persons and have arrested eight. 40 motorcycles were also seized," city superintendent of police (CSP) Abhishek Deewan said.

Tarun Baheti, a farmer leader, said the police used lathi-charge against peaceful protesters for no reason. Shops remained closed in the market and supply of essential goods was affected at Jhabua district headquarters. Protesting farmers damaged some shops after an altercation with vendors over keeping the shops closed at Karwad village of Jhabua district, said Petlawad police station in-charge Lokendra Singh Thakur.

During a bandh called by protesting farmers in Mandsaur, incidents of violence and clashes between farmers and traders were reported from several areas including Gandhi Chouraha, Kailash Marg, Bus Stand and Shukla Chowk.

Protesters forcing traders to close the shops led to clashes. The farmers also confronted traders at Piplya Mandi in the district. All the petrol pumps remained closed. Farmers stopped a truck and dumped bananas it was carrying on road at Barkheda Panth. Mandsaur district collector Swatantra Kumar Singh however claimed that the situation was under control.

In Ratlam, police registered a case against 150 protesters, including district panchayat vice president DP Dhakad, for last night's violence in which police ASI Pawan Yadav sustained eye injury. Fourteen people were arrested.

In Dhar, protesting farmers emptied 12,000 litres of milk on road from a tanker at Borali toll naka on Mhow-Neemuch road. Protesters pelted stones in Kshipra area of Dewas to force vendors to shut their outlets.

Farmers also burnt effigy of Shivkant Dixit, leader of RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, who had yesterday announced end of the agitation, at Mankund in the district. A rally was taken out by members of Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh (BKMS) from Chapda in Dewas which culminated in Indore.

At a press conference in Indore, BKMS leader Shivkumar Sharma said the agitation would continue till June 10. "We are not satisfied with the assurances given by the chief minister.

The BJP-led government has betrayed our trust on several occasions in the last 14 years. Our agitation will continue till June 10," he said. Markets in some parts of Indore faced shortage of vegetables, fruits and milk.

Leader of Opposition in Assembly and Congress leader Ajay Singh asked why the chief minister was silent on the MSP for fruits, vegetables and loan waiver, which are the main demands of protesting farmers.

BHOPAL: Farmers' protest continued unabated in many parts of western Madhya Pradesh today even as Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said his government is taking all necessary steps to address the issues of agitating farmers. "This government is farmers' government. All necessary steps have been initiated to address farmers' concerns," Chouhan said at a hurriedly-convened press conference here. A price stabilisation fund of Rs 1,000 crore would be set up to purchase the farm produce at the minimum support price (MSP), he said. "People who are indulging in violence are anti-social elements and not farmers. They are trying to defame the farmers' protest," he added. He has assured the farmers that government would buy onion at the MSP of Rs 8 per kg, he said, adding that "we have already started buying onion in Indore, Ujjain and Mandsaur districts". Procurement will continue till June 30, he said. Similarly, some cereals too will be procured at MSP, he added. Meanwhile, assistant sub-inspector of police Pawan Yadav, who suffered a severe injury to eye in stone-pelting at Ratlam yesterday, has been sent to Chennai for treatment, to ensure that infection doesn't spread to the other eye, the CM informed. Farmers are demanding better prices for farm produce, among other things. Chouhan held talks with protesters' leaders yesterday, but while two of the farmer outfits called off the agitation, others continued the stir. Fresh protests and violent incidents were reported from Neemuch, Ratlam, Dhar, Jhabua and Dewas districts of western Madhya Pradesh on the fifth day of agitation today. At Neemuch, farmers staged a road blockade at Bhadbhadiya Four Lane square. Protesters pelted stones and damaged several two-wheelers as the police used lathi-charge to disperse them. Effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Chouhan were burnt. "Two policemen were injured in stone-pelting. Police have registered a case against 200 persons and have arrested eight. 40 motorcycles were also seized," city superintendent of police (CSP) Abhishek Deewan said. Tarun Baheti, a farmer leader, said the police used lathi-charge against peaceful protesters for no reason. Shops remained closed in the market and supply of essential goods was affected at Jhabua district headquarters. Protesting farmers damaged some shops after an altercation with vendors over keeping the shops closed at Karwad village of Jhabua district, said Petlawad police station in-charge Lokendra Singh Thakur. During a bandh called by protesting farmers in Mandsaur, incidents of violence and clashes between farmers and traders were reported from several areas including Gandhi Chouraha, Kailash Marg, Bus Stand and Shukla Chowk. Protesters forcing traders to close the shops led to clashes. The farmers also confronted traders at Piplya Mandi in the district. All the petrol pumps remained closed. Farmers stopped a truck and dumped bananas it was carrying on road at Barkheda Panth. Mandsaur district collector Swatantra Kumar Singh however claimed that the situation was under control. In Ratlam, police registered a case against 150 protesters, including district panchayat vice president DP Dhakad, for last night's violence in which police ASI Pawan Yadav sustained eye injury. Fourteen people were arrested. In Dhar, protesting farmers emptied 12,000 litres of milk on road from a tanker at Borali toll naka on Mhow-Neemuch road. Protesters pelted stones in Kshipra area of Dewas to force vendors to shut their outlets. Farmers also burnt effigy of Shivkant Dixit, leader of RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, who had yesterday announced end of the agitation, at Mankund in the district. A rally was taken out by members of Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Sangh (BKMS) from Chapda in Dewas which culminated in Indore. At a press conference in Indore, BKMS leader Shivkumar Sharma said the agitation would continue till June 10. "We are not satisfied with the assurances given by the chief minister. The BJP-led government has betrayed our trust on several occasions in the last 14 years. Our agitation will continue till June 10," he said. Markets in some parts of Indore faced shortage of vegetables, fruits and milk. Leader of Opposition in Assembly and Congress leader Ajay Singh asked why the chief minister was silent on the MSP for fruits, vegetables and loan waiver, which are the main demands of protesting farmers.
By PTI

LUCKNOW: A Special POCSO Court here today took cognisance of offences against former Uttar Pradesh minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Gayatri Prajapati and six others in a gang rape case.

The court fixed June 22 for the appearance of the accused after directing copies of the documents related to the investigation to be served on them. Circle Officer (CO), Chowk, Radheyshyam Rai, had submitted the 824-page chargesheet in the case before Special Judge Uma Shanker Sharma.

The Special Investigating Team, led by Rai, had levelled allegations under sections 376D (gang rape), 354, 504, 506, 509 of the IPC against Prajapati, his gunner Chandra Pal, PRO Rupeshwar alias Rupesh, Ashok Tiwari, Vikas Verma, Amrendra Singh and Ashish Shukla. It had also levelled allegations under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Prajapati, Amrendra, Ashish and Ashok.

The SIT had recorded the statements of the complainant and her daughter, besides 24 witnesses, and collected call details, medical reports and other pieces of evidence during its probe.

The complainant's FIR was lodged at the Gautam Palli police station on February 18, after the Supreme Court's intervention. The complainant had alleged that she was repeatedly raped by the accused on the pretext of allotting a mining license to her. She added that she lodged the complaint after the accused cast evil eyes on her minor daughter.

LUCKNOW: A Special POCSO Court here today took cognisance of offences against former Uttar Pradesh minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Gayatri Prajapati and six others in a gang rape case. The court fixed June 22 for the appearance of the accused after directing copies of the documents related to the investigation to be served on them. Circle Officer (CO), Chowk, Radheyshyam Rai, had submitted the 824-page chargesheet in the case before Special Judge Uma Shanker Sharma. The Special Investigating Team, led by Rai, had levelled allegations under sections 376D (gang rape), 354, 504, 506, 509 of the IPC against Prajapati, his gunner Chandra Pal, PRO Rupeshwar alias Rupesh, Ashok Tiwari, Vikas Verma, Amrendra Singh and Ashish Shukla. It had also levelled allegations under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Prajapati, Amrendra, Ashish and Ashok. The SIT had recorded the statements of the complainant and her daughter, besides 24 witnesses, and collected call details, medical reports and other pieces of evidence during its probe. The complainant's FIR was lodged at the Gautam Palli police station on February 18, after the Supreme Court's intervention. The complainant had alleged that she was repeatedly raped by the accused on the pretext of allotting a mining license to her. She added that she lodged the complaint after the accused cast evil eyes on her minor daughter.
By PTI

PANAJI: A Goa-based lawyer today filed a complaint with the cyber cell of the state police seeking to block the Facebook page of Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) which is still active despite the Centre banning the organisation. "The Islamic Research Foundation and Zakir Naik are active in India even after the notification banning the organisation. "Therefore the Facebook page of IRF and Naik should be blocked immediately and offence must be registered against his followers, members and fans," the complaint lodged by Nagesh Takbhate with the cyber cell of Goa police said.

Takbhate is an activist of Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad which is a branch of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. The complaint mentions that IRF has been banned by the Union government on November 17, 2016 but the organisation's is still active on Facebook. It has not been closed by IRF nor blocked by the investigating agencies, the complaint said.

Takbhate has further complained that the home ministry has genuine evidence that Naik has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote disharmony between different religious communities and groups. "The central government has received information that the statements and speeches made by Zakir Naik are objectionable and subversive in nature," the complaint mentions.

The lawyer has demanded that an offence under Information Technology Act, 2008 and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act be registered.

When contacted, an official from the cyber cell said the complaint has been received and it would be discussed with the senior officers before any action is taken.

PANAJI: A Goa-based lawyer today filed a complaint with the cyber cell of the state police seeking to block the Facebook page of Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) which is still active despite the Centre banning the organisation. "The Islamic Research Foundation and Zakir Naik are active in India even after the notification banning the organisation. "Therefore the Facebook page of IRF and Naik should be blocked immediately and offence must be registered against his followers, members and fans," the complaint lodged by Nagesh Takbhate with the cyber cell of Goa police said. Takbhate is an activist of Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad which is a branch of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. The complaint mentions that IRF has been banned by the Union government on November 17, 2016 but the organisation's is still active on Facebook. It has not been closed by IRF nor blocked by the investigating agencies, the complaint said. Takbhate has further complained that the home ministry has genuine evidence that Naik has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote disharmony between different religious communities and groups. "The central government has received information that the statements and speeches made by Zakir Naik are objectionable and subversive in nature," the complaint mentions. The lawyer has demanded that an offence under Information Technology Act, 2008 and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act be registered. When contacted, an official from the cyber cell said the complaint has been received and it would be discussed with the senior officers before any action is taken.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: After the PDP-BJP coalition government on Monday disallowed three senior separatist leaders from holding a joint meeting to discuss NIA raids on residences of separatists and businessmen in Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik described the NIA raids as witch hunting and called for protests in Valley on Friday against these raids.

A large number of policemen were deployed around the Hyderpora residence of hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani early this morning.

The cops did not allow anybody to enter the house.

The restrictions were placed to prevent Mirwaiz and Yasin Malik from visiting Geelanis Hyderpora residence to hold a joint meeting to discuss the NIA raids on separatist leaders and businessmen in the Valley.

The NIA conducted raids on residences and offices separatist leaders and businessmen in Valley on Saturday and Sunday after three separatist leaders Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Baba admitted in a sting operation by a private TV channel of receiving funds from Pakistan, Hafiz Sayeed and militant groups for fomenting trouble in the Valley.

During the two-day raids, NIA has recovered cash of over two crores, gold worth Rs 60 lakhs and Pakistani, Saudi and UAE currency notes besides the property documents and letter heads of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba.

Police today also placed Mirwaiz under house arrest at his Nageen residence while JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was detained and lodged in police station Kothbagh in Srinagar to prevent them from visiting Geelanis residence to hold the joint meeting.

A spokesman of Hurriyat conference led by Geelani termed the curbs and restrictions on separatist leadership as unjustified and illogical.

By choking space and strangulating genuine voices, the authorities are following their fascist dogma, thus creating anarchy in the state, he said.

Later, Geelani, Mirwaiz and Malik in a joint statement said not allowing them to meet has become the norm for the state authorities.

People and leadership will continue to pursue their movement for right to self determination till it is achieved, they said.

Terming the NIA raids as witch-hunting, they called for peaceful protests in Valley after Friday prayers against the witch hunt, coercion and intimidation of separatist leaders, activists and traders.

People should also strongly protest against Indian electronic medias propaganda war against Kashmiris and its shameless attempt to discredit people's struggle, they said.

The leaders said NIA raids are meant to intimidate and harass separatist leaders and activists.

It proves that Government of India has not been able to politically defeat people's struggle for freedom in Jammu and Kashmir, they said.

SRINAGAR: After the PDP-BJP coalition government on Monday disallowed three senior separatist leaders from holding a joint meeting to discuss NIA raids on residences of separatists and businessmen in Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik described the NIA raids as witch hunting and called for protests in Valley on Friday against these raids. A large number of policemen were deployed around the Hyderpora residence of hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani early this morning. The cops did not allow anybody to enter the house. The restrictions were placed to prevent Mirwaiz and Yasin Malik from visiting Geelanis Hyderpora residence to hold a joint meeting to discuss the NIA raids on separatist leaders and businessmen in the Valley. The NIA conducted raids on residences and offices separatist leaders and businessmen in Valley on Saturday and Sunday after three separatist leaders Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Baba admitted in a sting operation by a private TV channel of receiving funds from Pakistan, Hafiz Sayeed and militant groups for fomenting trouble in the Valley. During the two-day raids, NIA has recovered cash of over two crores, gold worth Rs 60 lakhs and Pakistani, Saudi and UAE currency notes besides the property documents and letter heads of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba. Police today also placed Mirwaiz under house arrest at his Nageen residence while JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was detained and lodged in police station Kothbagh in Srinagar to prevent them from visiting Geelanis residence to hold the joint meeting. A spokesman of Hurriyat conference led by Geelani termed the curbs and restrictions on separatist leadership as unjustified and illogical. By choking space and strangulating genuine voices, the authorities are following their fascist dogma, thus creating anarchy in the state, he said. Later, Geelani, Mirwaiz and Malik in a joint statement said not allowing them to meet has become the norm for the state authorities. People and leadership will continue to pursue their movement for right to self determination till it is achieved, they said. Terming the NIA raids as witch-hunting, they called for peaceful protests in Valley after Friday prayers against the witch hunt, coercion and intimidation of separatist leaders, activists and traders. People should also strongly protest against Indian electronic medias propaganda war against Kashmiris and its shameless attempt to discredit people's struggle, they said. The leaders said NIA raids are meant to intimidate and harass separatist leaders and activists. It proves that Government of India has not been able to politically defeat people's struggle for freedom in Jammu and Kashmir, they said.
Pradip R Sagar By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Amidst tension at the Line of Control-- de facto border between India and Pakistan, top military commanders of both countries on Monday held telephonic conversation to discuss the prevailing situation along the border.

According to official sources, Pakistani side asked for the talk to lodge a protest over alleged killing of some civilians on their side by Indian armys retaliatory firing to Pakistani ceasefire violations, which was strongly denied by the Indian side.

Stating that needless escalations by Pak Army were highlighted during the conversation, the statement issued by the Indian army said that on the issue raised by Pakistani DGMO Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza regarding civilian killings, Lt Gen AK Bhatt conveyed that the Indian Army is a professional Army and will not harm civilians in any manner.

Based on request by Pak DGMO, the DGMO level talks were held today at 1030 hrs. The issue discussed related to the current situation along the LoC, Indian Army said in a statement.

Last time both DGMOs held talk was on May 2, a day after the beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani side.

On Monday, after the unscheduled talks,the statement said that DGMO Indian Army Lt Gen AK Bhatt conveyed his commitment of ensuring peace and tranquility which is contingent on Pak Armys intentions and actions. But told his Pakistani counterpart that any attempt by the Pakistan military to resort to unprovoked firings along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and abet infiltrators would be met with "appropriate retaliatory actions".

If Pak Army continues to abet infiltrations and cause trans-LoC firings, Indian Army will take appropriate retaliatory actions, Lt Gen Bhatt conveyed to his Pakistani counterpart.

Today's talks became crucial as military intelligence has suspected increase in infiltration from cross border with strong support from the Pakistan army..

It said Lt Gen Bhatt highlighted cases of escalations of tension by the Pakistan Army during the conversation. So far, in this year, at least 65 terrorists have been gunned down by security forces and till May end, Pakistani side has violated the ceasefire agreement by 155 times and at least 19 infiltration bids were foiled by the army so far. However, to counter militancy, 19 security personnel have laid their lives so far

On Saturday, the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had claimed infiltration by terrorists from across the Line of Control nto Jammu and Kashmir has declined by 45 percent post surgical strikes last year but the security establishment apprehends that infiltrations will actually begin full throttle as it is only now that snow has started melting at all the major ingress routes giving Pakistan-backed militants a window of four to five months. At least 200 fully trained militants are waiting to sneak in from launch pads located close to the LOC in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).

And army has also enhanced its anti-infiltration grid and now working overtime to prevent infiltration by repositioning troops along the LOC especially in the higher reaches of North Kashmir and resuscitating the anti-infiltration fence damaged due to snow.

NEW DELHI: Amidst tension at the Line of Control-- de facto border between India and Pakistan, top military commanders of both countries on Monday held telephonic conversation to discuss the prevailing situation along the border. According to official sources, Pakistani side asked for the talk to lodge a protest over alleged killing of some civilians on their side by Indian armys retaliatory firing to Pakistani ceasefire violations, which was strongly denied by the Indian side. Stating that needless escalations by Pak Army were highlighted during the conversation, the statement issued by the Indian army said that on the issue raised by Pakistani DGMO Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza regarding civilian killings, Lt Gen AK Bhatt conveyed that the Indian Army is a professional Army and will not harm civilians in any manner. Based on request by Pak DGMO, the DGMO level talks were held today at 1030 hrs. The issue discussed related to the current situation along the LoC, Indian Army said in a statement. Last time both DGMOs held talk was on May 2, a day after the beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani side. On Monday, after the unscheduled talks,the statement said that DGMO Indian Army Lt Gen AK Bhatt conveyed his commitment of ensuring peace and tranquility which is contingent on Pak Armys intentions and actions. But told his Pakistani counterpart that any attempt by the Pakistan military to resort to unprovoked firings along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and abet infiltrators would be met with "appropriate retaliatory actions". If Pak Army continues to abet infiltrations and cause trans-LoC firings, Indian Army will take appropriate retaliatory actions, Lt Gen Bhatt conveyed to his Pakistani counterpart. Today's talks became crucial as military intelligence has suspected increase in infiltration from cross border with strong support from the Pakistan army.. It said Lt Gen Bhatt highlighted cases of escalations of tension by the Pakistan Army during the conversation. So far, in this year, at least 65 terrorists have been gunned down by security forces and till May end, Pakistani side has violated the ceasefire agreement by 155 times and at least 19 infiltration bids were foiled by the army so far. However, to counter militancy, 19 security personnel have laid their lives so far On Saturday, the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had claimed infiltration by terrorists from across the Line of Control nto Jammu and Kashmir has declined by 45 percent post surgical strikes last year but the security establishment apprehends that infiltrations will actually begin full throttle as it is only now that snow has started melting at all the major ingress routes giving Pakistan-backed militants a window of four to five months. At least 200 fully trained militants are waiting to sneak in from launch pads located close to the LOC in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). And army has also enhanced its anti-infiltration grid and now working overtime to prevent infiltration by repositioning troops along the LOC especially in the higher reaches of North Kashmir and resuscitating the anti-infiltration fence damaged due to snow.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: AMIDST growing controversy over recent cattle slaughter notification, the government on Sunday said it is open to review suggestions submitted by stakeholders against the 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 the intention was to ensure welfare of animals and to control their smuggling.

The minister hinted 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 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 organisations 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.

Some of the largest cattle markets are hosted by Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh every year.

NEW DELHI: AMIDST growing controversy over recent cattle slaughter notification, the government on Sunday said it is open to review suggestions submitted by stakeholders against the 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 the intention was to ensure welfare of animals and to control their smuggling. The minister hinted 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 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 organisations 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. Some of the largest cattle markets are hosted by Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh every year.
By PTI

JAIPUR: Five Pakistani nationals were detained in Barmer district of Rajasthan for violating visa norms.

Khojo Bhil (60), Chandu Bhil (75), his wife Dhai Bai Bhil(70), and two minors -- Naresh Bhil (10) and Dharmi Bai (12)-- had a visa for Jodhpur but travelled to Barmer.

They were detained from Gadra road railway station in the district when they were waiting for a train to Jodhpur yesterday.

Khojo and Naresh came to Jodhpur some two years ago and the other three entered India around 20 days back, SHO Gadra road police station Karan Singh said. They were staying at their relatives' house in Barmer for two days.

The place where they stayed is restricted for foreigners, the SHO said.

They are being interrogated by intelligence agencies.

Barmer is among four districts in western Rajasthan which lies along the border with Pakistan.

JAIPUR: Five Pakistani nationals were detained in Barmer district of Rajasthan for violating visa norms. Khojo Bhil (60), Chandu Bhil (75), his wife Dhai Bai Bhil(70), and two minors -- Naresh Bhil (10) and Dharmi Bai (12)-- had a visa for Jodhpur but travelled to Barmer. They were detained from Gadra road railway station in the district when they were waiting for a train to Jodhpur yesterday. Khojo and Naresh came to Jodhpur some two years ago and the other three entered India around 20 days back, SHO Gadra road police station Karan Singh said. They were staying at their relatives' house in Barmer for two days. The place where they stayed is restricted for foreigners, the SHO said. They are being interrogated by intelligence agencies. Barmer is among four districts in western Rajasthan which lies along the border with Pakistan.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Pulled up for delay in sanctioning of project related to Ganga cleaning, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved projects worth Rs 1,900 crore that will ensure hundred percent sewage treatment facility along four religious cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi and Allahabad.

The money will also be spent for ensuring sewage treatment facility in two cities  Vrindavan and Delhi  along Yamuna. With this, NMCG has approved projects worth more than Rs 4,100 crore during the last three months in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi.

In a review meeting last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed unhappiness over slow pace of work related to Ganga cleaning. Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti has been on a two-week Ganga Nirakshan yatra to assess the ground situation and interact with people.

The major chunk of nearly Rs 768 crore has been approved for sewage treatment in Allahabad. The projects would also arrest flowing waste water of 18 drains into the rivers to ensure pollution free water for bathing at Sangam during Ardh Kumbh mela 2019. Three projects wort RS 744 crore of sewage treatment infrastructure were approved for Patna, Bihar.

In Delhi, construction of as many as seven prioritized STPs of total capacity of 94 MLD in Najafgarh area have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 344.81 crore under Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna project that was initiated on the directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT). Najafgarh drain contributes around 70 percent of the total discharge of the city into river Yamuna that includes a lot of untreated sewage.

On afforestation front, an all-encompassing programme in five Ganga main stem States  Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal  at an estimated cost of Rs 61.5 crore has also been given a go-ahead. This would include sapling preparations in nurseries, soil work, plantation and care.

NEW DELHI: Pulled up for delay in sanctioning of project related to Ganga cleaning, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved projects worth Rs 1,900 crore that will ensure hundred percent sewage treatment facility along four religious cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi and Allahabad. The money will also be spent for ensuring sewage treatment facility in two cities  Vrindavan and Delhi  along Yamuna. With this, NMCG has approved projects worth more than Rs 4,100 crore during the last three months in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi. In a review meeting last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed unhappiness over slow pace of work related to Ganga cleaning. Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti has been on a two-week Ganga Nirakshan yatra to assess the ground situation and interact with people. The major chunk of nearly Rs 768 crore has been approved for sewage treatment in Allahabad. The projects would also arrest flowing waste water of 18 drains into the rivers to ensure pollution free water for bathing at Sangam during Ardh Kumbh mela 2019. Three projects wort RS 744 crore of sewage treatment infrastructure were approved for Patna, Bihar. In Delhi, construction of as many as seven prioritized STPs of total capacity of 94 MLD in Najafgarh area have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 344.81 crore under Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna project that was initiated on the directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT). Najafgarh drain contributes around 70 percent of the total discharge of the city into river Yamuna that includes a lot of untreated sewage. On afforestation front, an all-encompassing programme in five Ganga main stem States  Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal  at an estimated cost of Rs 61.5 crore has also been given a go-ahead. This would include sapling preparations in nurseries, soil work, plantation and care.
Anand ST Das By

Express News Service

PATNA: Breaking his silence on Bihars topper scam a week after it unfolded, chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday praised the states beleaguered examination board for conducting cheating-free exams and said suitable action was being taken against the fake topper and his facilitators.

Kumar also indicated that there would be no punitive action against Anand Kishore, chairman of Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), despite demands by the ruling ally RJD and the main Opposition BJP. Kishore, a 1996-batch IAS officer who was given charge of BSEB last year after a similar toppers scam, is considered close to the chief minister.

It had already become clear that Kumar plans no action against education minister Ashok Chaudhary, under whom Bihar saw two scams involving toppers of Intermediate examinations in 2016 and 2017. Chaudhary is president of the state Congress. Steps taken to eliminate the menace of rampant cheating in examinations and foolproof evaluation have worked well. This is evident in the low pass percentage this year. Episodes like fake topper cannot be completely ruled out, but steps are being taken, said the CM to journalists after his janata ka durbar programme.

Kumar said his government has taken the issue of 42-year-old Ganesh Kumar emerging as the state topper in Plus II Arts stream as a challenge to conduct exams in the future more effectively. He said suitable follow-up action had been taken, namely the arrest of Ganesh Kumar and three other people.

We have miles to go to plug all the loopholes and conduct the examinations in a free and fair manner. We do not believe in casting a veil on the shortcomings, said Kumar in an apparent reference to criticism by BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on the issue.

Patna police on Monday took Ganesh Kumar on a days remand from jail for questioning. He is charged with wilfully changing his real date of birth  November 7, 1975, to June 2, 1993  in his application forms to gain advantages in education and government jobs. Dev Kumari, principal of the school in Samastipur district from where he had passed Class 10 examinations in 2015, her husband Ram Kumar Choudhary and former secretary of the school, Gautam Kumar, were arrested on Sunday.

PATNA: Breaking his silence on Bihars topper scam a week after it unfolded, chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday praised the states beleaguered examination board for conducting cheating-free exams and said suitable action was being taken against the fake topper and his facilitators. Kumar also indicated that there would be no punitive action against Anand Kishore, chairman of Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), despite demands by the ruling ally RJD and the main Opposition BJP. Kishore, a 1996-batch IAS officer who was given charge of BSEB last year after a similar toppers scam, is considered close to the chief minister. It had already become clear that Kumar plans no action against education minister Ashok Chaudhary, under whom Bihar saw two scams involving toppers of Intermediate examinations in 2016 and 2017. Chaudhary is president of the state Congress. Steps taken to eliminate the menace of rampant cheating in examinations and foolproof evaluation have worked well. This is evident in the low pass percentage this year. Episodes like fake topper cannot be completely ruled out, but steps are being taken, said the CM to journalists after his janata ka durbar programme. Kumar said his government has taken the issue of 42-year-old Ganesh Kumar emerging as the state topper in Plus II Arts stream as a challenge to conduct exams in the future more effectively. He said suitable follow-up action had been taken, namely the arrest of Ganesh Kumar and three other people. We have miles to go to plug all the loopholes and conduct the examinations in a free and fair manner. We do not believe in casting a veil on the shortcomings, said Kumar in an apparent reference to criticism by BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on the issue. Patna police on Monday took Ganesh Kumar on a days remand from jail for questioning. He is charged with wilfully changing his real date of birth  November 7, 1975, to June 2, 1993  in his application forms to gain advantages in education and government jobs. Dev Kumari, principal of the school in Samastipur district from where he had passed Class 10 examinations in 2015, her husband Ram Kumar Choudhary and former secretary of the school, Gautam Kumar, were arrested on Sunday.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: AIADMK deputy general secretary, TTV Dhinakaran met his party chief VK Sasikala who is imprisoned at Parappana Agrahara Prison here, on Monday.



TTV Dhinakaran was recently released from Tihar Jail on bail after he was arrested on corruption charges. This is his first meeting with Sasikala since his release. He came to the prison with family members, 12 MLAs and one MP of the party.

The prison authorities allowed only four persons to meet Sasikala, and according to sources, Sasikala and Dhinakaran discussed, for over an hour, political developments that were taking place both in Tamil Nadu and the Centre.



Sasikala, co-accused Ellavarasi and her nephew, V N Sudhakaran, are lodged in the prison since February 15. They had surrendered in the trial court here following their conviction by the Supreme Court in the disproportionate assets case, in which former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalitha was also an accused.

BENGALURU: AIADMK deputy general secretary, TTV Dhinakaran met his party chief VK Sasikala who is imprisoned at Parappana Agrahara Prison here, on Monday. TTV Dhinakaran was recently released from Tihar Jail on bail after he was arrested on corruption charges. This is his first meeting with Sasikala since his release. He came to the prison with family members, 12 MLAs and one MP of the party. The prison authorities allowed only four persons to meet Sasikala, and according to sources, Sasikala and Dhinakaran discussed, for over an hour, political developments that were taking place both in Tamil Nadu and the Centre. Sasikala, co-accused Ellavarasi and her nephew, V N Sudhakaran, are lodged in the prison since February 15. They had surrendered in the trial court here following their conviction by the Supreme Court in the disproportionate assets case, in which former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalitha was also an accused.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The case against Manish Kumar Singh, Ocean Engineering student, who allegedly assaulted R Sooraj of Aerospace Engineering over beef controversy, is getting stronger. The medical reports of Sooraj hint at possible assault.

Sooraj

According to the reports shared to the media by Soorajs friends, due to fracture on cheek bone a surgery was conducted and it was successful.

The medical report from VRR scan and Sankara Nethralaya reveal that there was a blood clot under conjunctiva, around the eye, which might be the result of trauma and fracture to that area.

There was corneal epithelial defect which is a kind of scratch in the white portion of the eye. There was difficulty to open eyes due to fracture of bones around the eyeball. There were damages in sinuses. The scan report also says that there was a blow out fracture due to external force like repeated punch.

CHENNAI: The case against Manish Kumar Singh, Ocean Engineering student, who allegedly assaulted R Sooraj of Aerospace Engineering over beef controversy, is getting stronger. The medical reports of Sooraj hint at possible assault. SoorajAccording to the reports shared to the media by Soorajs friends, due to fracture on cheek bone a surgery was conducted and it was successful. The medical report from VRR scan and Sankara Nethralaya reveal that there was a blood clot under conjunctiva, around the eye, which might be the result of trauma and fracture to that area. There was corneal epithelial defect which is a kind of scratch in the white portion of the eye. There was difficulty to open eyes due to fracture of bones around the eyeball. There were damages in sinuses. The scan report also says that there was a blow out fracture due to external force like repeated punch.
Bagalavan Perier B By

Express News Service

VILLUPURAM: All the sweating is more or less going waste! Despite efforts by the district administration to stop illegal mining of sand in Villupuram, the mafia enjoys a flourishing business as they explore innovative methods to smuggle out sand every day.

A few weeks ago, the government issued an order to close sand quarries across TN, announcing to open its own. As per this decision, a government sand quarry was opened on the banks of South Pennai river in Keezhkondur village and 300 to 500 lorries were permitted to take sand per day.

Sources said for 10 districts including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai and Cuddalore, Villupuram is the sole sand supplier. "There is a huge demand for sand from Villupuram to be used for construction work due to its superior quality. So builders are willing to pay any amount for sand mined from Villupuram, which is fuelling the mafia.

"While the government sells it for Rs 1,500 per load, some builders are willing to buy sand for Rs 40,000 per load. The demand is so huge that Chennai district alone requires about 5,000 loads of sand every day."

Many villagers in the area are living under fear due to constant threat from the part of smugglers.

On Thursday, sand mafia men attacked and gave a death threat to a village administrative officer, for stopping a load, near Gingee. Many a time policemen themselves were threatened.

People in the area are also worried of groundwater depletion due to excessive mining amidst intense drought. "Places like Thirupachanur, Pidagam and Maragathapuram have pits as deep as 30 feet and they have undoubtedly led to groundwater depletion in the area," a villager said.

Sand smugglers exercise their clout over revenue and police officials in a number of ways and getting things done through politicians is the most common among them. A higher-ranking police official in the district was transferred for taking strict action against sand mafia, it was learnt.

Saviour cop

It is alleged that a police official who was earlier transferred to Chennai for links with sand mafia is back in the district and is lending a helping hand to smugglers. Sources said he regularly receives bribes from smugglers, who carry out their activities with the officials blessings.

VILLUPURAM: All the sweating is more or less going waste! Despite efforts by the district administration to stop illegal mining of sand in Villupuram, the mafia enjoys a flourishing business as they explore innovative methods to smuggle out sand every day. A few weeks ago, the government issued an order to close sand quarries across TN, announcing to open its own. As per this decision, a government sand quarry was opened on the banks of South Pennai river in Keezhkondur village and 300 to 500 lorries were permitted to take sand per day. Sources said for 10 districts including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai and Cuddalore, Villupuram is the sole sand supplier. "There is a huge demand for sand from Villupuram to be used for construction work due to its superior quality. So builders are willing to pay any amount for sand mined from Villupuram, which is fuelling the mafia. "While the government sells it for Rs 1,500 per load, some builders are willing to buy sand for Rs 40,000 per load. The demand is so huge that Chennai district alone requires about 5,000 loads of sand every day." Many villagers in the area are living under fear due to constant threat from the part of smugglers. On Thursday, sand mafia men attacked and gave a death threat to a village administrative officer, for stopping a load, near Gingee. Many a time policemen themselves were threatened. People in the area are also worried of groundwater depletion due to excessive mining amidst intense drought. "Places like Thirupachanur, Pidagam and Maragathapuram have pits as deep as 30 feet and they have undoubtedly led to groundwater depletion in the area," a villager said. Sand smugglers exercise their clout over revenue and police officials in a number of ways and getting things done through politicians is the most common among them. A higher-ranking police official in the district was transferred for taking strict action against sand mafia, it was learnt. Saviour cop It is alleged that a police official who was earlier transferred to Chennai for links with sand mafia is back in the district and is lending a helping hand to smugglers. Sources said he regularly receives bribes from smugglers, who carry out their activities with the officials blessings.
Debjani Dutta By

Express News Service

PUDUCHERRY: Remaining guarded for almost a year despite differences, Chief Minister V Narayansamy on Monday finally broke his silence to caution Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi to function within her jurisdiction or prepare to face consequences.

This came in the backdrop of MLAs, except AINRC, seeking a resolution to press her recall or boycott the Presidential elections.

She should stop criticising the elected government and posting baseless allegations against ministers, legislators and officials on Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp forthwith, failing which she should be prepared to face the consequences, Narayanasamy said in the Assembly. Objecting to certain tweets which allegedly revealed official matters, he charged Bedi with violating the oath of official secrecy and could not hold the office of the Lt Governor.

The chief minister went to the extent of directing officials not to accompany the Lt Governor or meet her without the consent of ministers concerned. He even urged the legislators to not allow the Lt Governor into their constituencies and picket her if she visited.

Chief Ministers sharp response came during Zero Hour when members raised the issue of the Lt Governors criticism of the elected government, ministers, MLAs and officials on social media.

However, members were not satisfied with the chief ministers reply and wanted a resolution seeking Bedis recall.

AIADMK Floor leader A Anbazhagan said the government should adopt a resolution or boycott the Presidential elections.

He alleged that Bedi was running a parallel government, insulting elected representative and officials and this improper functioning needed to be stopped with appropriate action.

He was supported by DMK Floor leader R Siva, ministers M Kandasamy, R Kamalakannan, MLAs K Lakshminarayanan, R K R Anantharaman and T Jayamurthy. Siva wanted the Assembly to be adjourned to discuss about the resolution. The chief minister, however, said he would write to the Prime Minister and Home Minister apprising them about the feelings of the members.

Citing various constitutional clauses, Narayanasamy claimed that elected government enjoyed power in the union territory. He further said the Lt Governor should function on the advice of the council of ministers. If there was any difference of opinion pertaining to any files, it should be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for clearance, Narayanasamy said and blamed Bedi for stalling the governments functioning by sending most of the files to Delhi.

Stating that Bedi has exceeded all limits, the chief minister said he was forced to speak out.

Referring to the claim by the Lt Governor that no files were pending at Rajnivas, Narayansmay said Bedi had been returning the files without approval by making queries. He accused Bedi of blocking the files pertaining to the waiver of cooperative loans to farmers, refusing to enhance freedom fighters pension and opposing the provision for free education to Adi Dravidar students. Mentioning the delays in resuming flight service and port operations, Narayansamy wondered whether Bedi was caring for Puducherry.

Alleging that the Lt Governor was functioning for her personal publicity, Narayansamy said she was lowering the dignity of her post. The chief minister claimed the government had properly conducted the CENTAC counselling for medical PG admissions and added that Bedi intervened to give an impression that the elected government was wrong and things were set right by her intervention.

PUDUCHERRY: Remaining guarded for almost a year despite differences, Chief Minister V Narayansamy on Monday finally broke his silence to caution Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi to function within her jurisdiction or prepare to face consequences. This came in the backdrop of MLAs, except AINRC, seeking a resolution to press her recall or boycott the Presidential elections. She should stop criticising the elected government and posting baseless allegations against ministers, legislators and officials on Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp forthwith, failing which she should be prepared to face the consequences, Narayanasamy said in the Assembly. Objecting to certain tweets which allegedly revealed official matters, he charged Bedi with violating the oath of official secrecy and could not hold the office of the Lt Governor. The chief minister went to the extent of directing officials not to accompany the Lt Governor or meet her without the consent of ministers concerned. He even urged the legislators to not allow the Lt Governor into their constituencies and picket her if she visited. Chief Ministers sharp response came during Zero Hour when members raised the issue of the Lt Governors criticism of the elected government, ministers, MLAs and officials on social media. However, members were not satisfied with the chief ministers reply and wanted a resolution seeking Bedis recall. AIADMK Floor leader A Anbazhagan said the government should adopt a resolution or boycott the Presidential elections. He alleged that Bedi was running a parallel government, insulting elected representative and officials and this improper functioning needed to be stopped with appropriate action. He was supported by DMK Floor leader R Siva, ministers M Kandasamy, R Kamalakannan, MLAs K Lakshminarayanan, R K R Anantharaman and T Jayamurthy. Siva wanted the Assembly to be adjourned to discuss about the resolution. The chief minister, however, said he would write to the Prime Minister and Home Minister apprising them about the feelings of the members. Citing various constitutional clauses, Narayanasamy claimed that elected government enjoyed power in the union territory. He further said the Lt Governor should function on the advice of the council of ministers. If there was any difference of opinion pertaining to any files, it should be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for clearance, Narayanasamy said and blamed Bedi for stalling the governments functioning by sending most of the files to Delhi. Stating that Bedi has exceeded all limits, the chief minister said he was forced to speak out. Referring to the claim by the Lt Governor that no files were pending at Rajnivas, Narayansmay said Bedi had been returning the files without approval by making queries. He accused Bedi of blocking the files pertaining to the waiver of cooperative loans to farmers, refusing to enhance freedom fighters pension and opposing the provision for free education to Adi Dravidar students. Mentioning the delays in resuming flight service and port operations, Narayansamy wondered whether Bedi was caring for Puducherry. Alleging that the Lt Governor was functioning for her personal publicity, Narayansamy said she was lowering the dignity of her post. The chief minister claimed the government had properly conducted the CENTAC counselling for medical PG admissions and added that Bedi intervened to give an impression that the elected government was wrong and things were set right by her intervention.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump today 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.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump today 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.
By AFP

ORLANDO: A man who had been fired in April from his job at a Florida company opened fire Monday at the Orlando business, killing five people before taking his own life, authorities said.

Four people were killed at the scene, while a fifth died at the hospital, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. Seven people survived the ordeal.

The business, Fiamma, makes awnings for recreational vehicles.

Demings said the incident was being treated as a "workplace violence incident" and did not appear to have any links to terror.

The 45-year-old shooter, who was not yet identified by the authorities, had both a gun and a knife in his possession. All of the dead were former co-workers.

The assailant allegedly beat up another employee at the business in 2014, but no charges were filed, the sheriff told reporters.

"It is a sad day for us here once again in Orange County," Demings said.

A year ago, Orlando -- a hub of Florida's resort industry popular with tourists -- was the scene of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub that left 49 people dead and dozens more wounded.

ORLANDO: A man who had been fired in April from his job at a Florida company opened fire Monday at the Orlando business, killing five people before taking his own life, authorities said. Four people were killed at the scene, while a fifth died at the hospital, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. Seven people survived the ordeal. The business, Fiamma, makes awnings for recreational vehicles. Demings said the incident was being treated as a "workplace violence incident" and did not appear to have any links to terror. The 45-year-old shooter, who was not yet identified by the authorities, had both a gun and a knife in his possession. All of the dead were former co-workers. The assailant allegedly beat up another employee at the business in 2014, but no charges were filed, the sheriff told reporters. "It is a sad day for us here once again in Orange County," Demings said. A year ago, Orlando -- a hub of Florida's resort industry popular with tourists -- was the scene of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub that left 49 people dead and dozens more wounded.
By AFP

PESHAWAR: An outspoken Pakistani student killed by a lynch mob was falsely accused of blasphemy, according to an official report that added his murder was organised by faculty members and rival students.

Mashal Khan, 23, was stripped, beaten and shot before being thrown from the second floor of his hostel at the Abdul Wali Khan university in northwest Mardan in April.

The killing led to a national outcry after a video of it went viral.

The country's top court ordered the formation of a joint investigation team comprising police and intelligence agencies, which is set to submit its findings this week.

"No direct or indirect evidence supporting blasphemy allegations against Mashal Khan (or his friends) Abdullah and Zubair was received," the 308-page report, a copy of which was seen by AFP, said.

It added the killing was instigated by members of Khan's own secular Pakhtun Students Federation, who felt threatened by his growing prominence as a critic of rising fees and alleged corruption at the university, as well as the instutition's staff.

Mashal's father, Muhammad Iqbal, told reporters on Monday that the findings had vindicated his son.

"This proves my son was not a blasphmer," he said, calling for the suspects to be tried by a military court.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive charge in conservative Muslim Pakistan, and can carry the death penalty. Even unproven allegations can cause mob lynchings and violence.

Last month a 10-year old boy was killed and five others were wounded when a mob attacked a police station in an attempt to lynch a Hindu man charged with blasphemy for allegedly posting an incendiary image on social media.

Weeks earlier a mob attacked a mentally ill man claiming to be a prophet at his local mosque. He was later saved by police.

At least 65 people have been murdered by vigilantes over blasphemy allegations since 1990.

PESHAWAR: An outspoken Pakistani student killed by a lynch mob was falsely accused of blasphemy, according to an official report that added his murder was organised by faculty members and rival students. Mashal Khan, 23, was stripped, beaten and shot before being thrown from the second floor of his hostel at the Abdul Wali Khan university in northwest Mardan in April. The killing led to a national outcry after a video of it went viral. The country's top court ordered the formation of a joint investigation team comprising police and intelligence agencies, which is set to submit its findings this week. "No direct or indirect evidence supporting blasphemy allegations against Mashal Khan (or his friends) Abdullah and Zubair was received," the 308-page report, a copy of which was seen by AFP, said. It added the killing was instigated by members of Khan's own secular Pakhtun Students Federation, who felt threatened by his growing prominence as a critic of rising fees and alleged corruption at the university, as well as the instutition's staff. Mashal's father, Muhammad Iqbal, told reporters on Monday that the findings had vindicated his son. "This proves my son was not a blasphmer," he said, calling for the suspects to be tried by a military court. Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive charge in conservative Muslim Pakistan, and can carry the death penalty. Even unproven allegations can cause mob lynchings and violence. Last month a 10-year old boy was killed and five others were wounded when a mob attacked a police station in an attempt to lynch a Hindu man charged with blasphemy for allegedly posting an incendiary image on social media. Weeks earlier a mob attacked a mentally ill man claiming to be a prophet at his local mosque. He was later saved by police. At least 65 people have been murdered by vigilantes over blasphemy allegations since 1990.
By PTI

KATHMANDU: Nepal has signed a major deal with a Chinese company to develop a 1,200 MW hydroelectric project, the biggest hydro project in the landlocked country that could resolve its perennial power crisis.

Nepal's Ministry of Energy yesterday signed an MoU with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) for the development of teh much-touted 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project.

The agreement was signed at the prime minister's residence, in the presence of outgoing prime minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong, The Kathmandu Post reported.

As per the agreement, the storage project would be built under engineering, procurement, construction and finance (EPCF) model. Under this model, CGGC will help arrange funds required to develop the project.

The funds will be mobilised in the form of soft loan or commercial loan from Chinese financial institutions on terms and conditions acceptable to the Nepal government. CGGC will also undertake the overall responsibility of executing the project.

The Chinese developer, according to the MoU, will also conduct additional studies and investigations on the project if required.

The MoU has given one year's period to the Chinese developer to conduct assessment of the hydropower project and arrange necessary funds for its development.

This understanding, according to Energy Ministry officials, will not bind the government legally or financially to hand over the project to the Chinese company for construction, as the final agreement is yet to be signed.

The government has allocated a budget of Rs 5.33 billion for the project's development in the current fiscal year.

The EPCF model of project development, under which the contracting firm makes all the arrangements including mobilisation of financial resources to build the project, is considered to be one of the most effective and efficient models for development of huge infrastructure projects.

CGGC is currently building 30MW Chameliya Hydropower Project in the far west and 60MW Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in the central region.

The Budhigandaki Project has been touted as a key project to resolve the perennial power crisis in the country.

The government has been raising infrastructure tax of Rs 5 from sales of every litre of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel to collect funds to build the project.

KATHMANDU: Nepal has signed a major deal with a Chinese company to develop a 1,200 MW hydroelectric project, the biggest hydro project in the landlocked country that could resolve its perennial power crisis. Nepal's Ministry of Energy yesterday signed an MoU with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) for the development of teh much-touted 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project. The agreement was signed at the prime minister's residence, in the presence of outgoing prime minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong, The Kathmandu Post reported. As per the agreement, the storage project would be built under engineering, procurement, construction and finance (EPCF) model. Under this model, CGGC will help arrange funds required to develop the project. The funds will be mobilised in the form of soft loan or commercial loan from Chinese financial institutions on terms and conditions acceptable to the Nepal government. CGGC will also undertake the overall responsibility of executing the project. The Chinese developer, according to the MoU, will also conduct additional studies and investigations on the project if required. The MoU has given one year's period to the Chinese developer to conduct assessment of the hydropower project and arrange necessary funds for its development. This understanding, according to Energy Ministry officials, will not bind the government legally or financially to hand over the project to the Chinese company for construction, as the final agreement is yet to be signed. The government has allocated a budget of Rs 5.33 billion for the project's development in the current fiscal year. The EPCF model of project development, under which the contracting firm makes all the arrangements including mobilisation of financial resources to build the project, is considered to be one of the most effective and efficient models for development of huge infrastructure projects. CGGC is currently building 30MW Chameliya Hydropower Project in the far west and 60MW Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in the central region. The Budhigandaki Project has been touted as a key project to resolve the perennial power crisis in the country. The government has been raising infrastructure tax of Rs 5 from sales of every litre of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel to collect funds to build the project.
By PTI

LONDON: A Pakistani-origin man was among three knife-wielding militants responsible for carrying out the brutal London terror attack that killed seven people and injured 49, according to a media report.

The man, identified as 'Abz' is believed to have been the ringleader of the trio that carried out the horror attack at two London landmarks, The Mirror reported.

Abz, 27, is said to be from Barking in east London, was pictured lying on the ground after police swooped on the attackers on Saturday night and shot them dead in a flurry of 50 bullets.

Seven people were killed and 49 injured when the trio rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers in bars in the nearby Borough Market.

WATCH VIDEO:

Abz, a father of two children, appeared to pray to an Islamic State flag in a London park in a TV documentary about the behaviour and motivations of British extremists.

Police are searching four houses in Barking and have made 12 arrests as part of their investigation into the atrocity.

His neighbours said the Arsenal fan had been wearing the club's replica away shirt the day before the attack, matching the one worn by one of the suspects pictured lying on the ground with what appear to be canisters taped around his body.

The terrorist was a home-grown jihadi who came from Pakistan as a child but was brought up in the UK, the report said.

He was twice reported to anti-terror authorities, the report quoted sources as saying.

A neighbour said he immediately noticed the Arsenal away shirt Abz was wearing after being shot dead by police outside the Wheatsheaf pub on Saturday night.

He said: "I looked on Twitter and saw one of the terrorists who had been shot by police and he looked 90 per cent like my neighbour - he was even wearing the same Arsenal shirt that I had seen him in at 5 pm that evening."

Abz is the only one of the attackers identified so far.

He lived in a block of flats with his wife and two young children which was raided by police early on Sunday.

Ken Chigbo, 26, who lives in the same building, described him as "really sociable" and said Abz had invited him to a barbecue just last week.

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.

On March 22, 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.

LONDON: A Pakistani-origin man was among three knife-wielding militants responsible for carrying out the brutal London terror attack that killed seven people and injured 49, according to a media report. The man, identified as 'Abz' is believed to have been the ringleader of the trio that carried out the horror attack at two London landmarks, The Mirror reported. Abz, 27, is said to be from Barking in east London, was pictured lying on the ground after police swooped on the attackers on Saturday night and shot them dead in a flurry of 50 bullets. Seven people were killed and 49 injured when the trio rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers in bars in the nearby Borough Market. WATCH VIDEO: window.__ventunoplayer = window.__ventunoplayer||[];window.__ventunoplayer.push({video_key: 'OTQ2MDQ3fHw4fHw2fHwxLDIsMQ==', holder_id: 'vt-video-player', player_type: 'vp', width:'100%', ratio:'4:3'});Abz, a father of two children, appeared to pray to an Islamic State flag in a London park in a TV documentary about the behaviour and motivations of British extremists. Police are searching four houses in Barking and have made 12 arrests as part of their investigation into the atrocity. His neighbours said the Arsenal fan had been wearing the club's replica away shirt the day before the attack, matching the one worn by one of the suspects pictured lying on the ground with what appear to be canisters taped around his body. The terrorist was a home-grown jihadi who came from Pakistan as a child but was brought up in the UK, the report said. He was twice reported to anti-terror authorities, the report quoted sources as saying. A neighbour said he immediately noticed the Arsenal away shirt Abz was wearing after being shot dead by police outside the Wheatsheaf pub on Saturday night. He said: "I looked on Twitter and saw one of the terrorists who had been shot by police and he looked 90 per cent like my neighbour - he was even wearing the same Arsenal shirt that I had seen him in at 5 pm that evening." Abz is the only one of the attackers identified so far. He lived in a block of flats with his wife and two young children which was raided by police early on Sunday. Ken Chigbo, 26, who lives in the same building, described him as "really sociable" and said Abz had invited him to a barbecue just last week. 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. On March 22, 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.
By AFP

Sri Lanka's military recorded its biggest peacetime deployment for search and rescue operations after monsoon rains triggered landslides and floods that killed 213 people, the government said Monday.

Nearly 10,000 troops and paramilitary forces reinforced tens of thousands of police in the relief effort following the May 26 deluge, Disaster Management minister Anura Yapa said.

"This is the biggest deployment of troops during peace time in Sri Lanka," the minister told reporters in Colombo.

"They have helped rescue over 10,000 people during the height of the disaster."

One airman fell to his death while winching a marooned woman from a flooded area in the island's south. A transport helicopter also crashed during a mercy mission carrying food for flood victims, but no one was hurt.

The minister said 213 people were now confirmed killed in the May 26 rains that triggered over a dozen landslides and flooded 15 of the island's 25 districts.

Deaths occur every year during the onset of the monsoon, but this year's flooding was the deadliest since 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed.

The government has already announced plans to prosecute a slew of companies and individuals behind illegal construction projects blamed for the latest landslides and flooding.

Decades of illegal construction have worsened the flooding by blocking drains and eliminating natural rainwater stores, including marshland.

Yapa said Japan will station an expert in Sri Lanka to draw up a strategy to deal with natural calamities.

"Japan agreed to send an expert who will be resident in Sri Lanka for a few months to prepare this plan," he said.

Japan was one of the first countries to rush aid to Sri Lanka along with Australia, China, India and the United States. Tokyo has also sent experts to help with the immediate recovery operations, the minister said.

Sri Lanka's military recorded its biggest peacetime deployment for search and rescue operations after monsoon rains triggered landslides and floods that killed 213 people, the government said Monday. Nearly 10,000 troops and paramilitary forces reinforced tens of thousands of police in the relief effort following the May 26 deluge, Disaster Management minister Anura Yapa said. "This is the biggest deployment of troops during peace time in Sri Lanka," the minister told reporters in Colombo. "They have helped rescue over 10,000 people during the height of the disaster." One airman fell to his death while winching a marooned woman from a flooded area in the island's south. A transport helicopter also crashed during a mercy mission carrying food for flood victims, but no one was hurt. The minister said 213 people were now confirmed killed in the May 26 rains that triggered over a dozen landslides and flooded 15 of the island's 25 districts. Deaths occur every year during the onset of the monsoon, but this year's flooding was the deadliest since 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed. The government has already announced plans to prosecute a slew of companies and individuals behind illegal construction projects blamed for the latest landslides and flooding. Decades of illegal construction have worsened the flooding by blocking drains and eliminating natural rainwater stores, including marshland. Yapa said Japan will station an expert in Sri Lanka to draw up a strategy to deal with natural calamities. "Japan agreed to send an expert who will be resident in Sri Lanka for a few months to prepare this plan," he said. Japan was one of the first countries to rush aid to Sri Lanka along with Australia, China, India and the United States. Tokyo has also sent experts to help with the immediate recovery operations, the minister said.
By AFP

ANKARA: Turkey on Monday called for dialogue and said it was ready to help defuse the row between Qatar and Arab nations including Saudi Arabia and Egypt that accuse Doha of supporting extremism.

"It's a development that really saddened all of us," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters.

"There could be problems between the countries but dialogue must prevail in all circumstances," he said, adding that Ankara was ready to do its best to help resolve the dispute.

Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen joined Saudi Arabia and Egypt in severing relations with gas-rich Qatar, with Riyadh accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Cavusoglu said problems could only be resolved through dialogue.

"We will give any kind of support for the situation to be normalised," he said.

Turkey enjoys friendly relations with Qatar including in the energy sector but also maintains good ties with other Gulf countries

ANKARA: Turkey on Monday called for dialogue and said it was ready to help defuse the row between Qatar and Arab nations including Saudi Arabia and Egypt that accuse Doha of supporting extremism. "It's a development that really saddened all of us," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters. "There could be problems between the countries but dialogue must prevail in all circumstances," he said, adding that Ankara was ready to do its best to help resolve the dispute. Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen joined Saudi Arabia and Egypt in severing relations with gas-rich Qatar, with Riyadh accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region". Cavusoglu said problems could only be resolved through dialogue. "We will give any kind of support for the situation to be normalised," he said. Turkey enjoys friendly relations with Qatar including in the energy sector but also maintains good ties with other Gulf countries
By AFP

ABU DHABI: UAE and Saudi carriers said Monday they are suspending flights to Qatar after their countries announced a cut in ties with Doha, in an unprecedented regional crisis.

Abu Dhabi's Etihad and Dubai's Emirates airlines said flights would stop on Tuesday, after the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours.

Both carriers said the measure will stay in place "until further notice".

Dubai's budget carrier flydubai also said it will suspend flights to and from Doha.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Saudi Airlines said it was suspending flights to Qatar with immediate effect.

The unprecedented measures against Doha include ordering Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days and banning citizens of the three Gulf states from travelling to Qatar.

Doha airport, along with airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become major hubs after Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways seized a significant chunk of transcontinental travel on routes linking Western countries with Asia and Australasia.

ABU DHABI: UAE and Saudi carriers said Monday they are suspending flights to Qatar after their countries announced a cut in ties with Doha, in an unprecedented regional crisis. Abu Dhabi's Etihad and Dubai's Emirates airlines said flights would stop on Tuesday, after the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours. Both carriers said the measure will stay in place "until further notice". Dubai's budget carrier flydubai also said it will suspend flights to and from Doha. Meanwhile, flag carrier Saudi Airlines said it was suspending flights to Qatar with immediate effect. The unprecedented measures against Doha include ordering Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days and banning citizens of the three Gulf states from travelling to Qatar. Doha airport, along with airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become major hubs after Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways seized a significant chunk of transcontinental travel on routes linking Western countries with Asia and Australasia.
By AFP

RIYADH: Arab nations including Saudi Arabia and Egypt on Monday cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis to hit the region in years.

Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Maldives joined Saudi Arabia and Egypt in severing relations with gas-rich Qatar, with Riyadh accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Qatar reacted with fury, denying any support for extremists and accusing its Gulf neighbours of seeking to put the country under "guardianship".

The crisis was likely to have wide-ranging consequences, not just for Qatar and its citizens but around the Middle East and for Western interests.



WATCH VIDEO

Qatar hosts the largest US airbase in the region, which is crucial to operations against Islamic State group jihadists, and is set to host the 2022 football World Cup.

Monday's announcement came less than a month after US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia to cement ties with Riyadh and called for a united front among Muslim countries against extremism.

It also followed weeks of rising tensions between Doha and its neighbours, including Qatari accusations of a concerted media campaign against it and the alleged hacking of the Qatar News Agency.

- Qatar slams 'baseless claims' -

The Gulf states and Egypt said they were severing diplomatic ties and closing transport links with Qatar, which relies on imports from its neighbours.

The Gulf states banned their citizens from travelling to Qatar and ordered Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days.

Saudi Arabia also closed its borders with Qatar, effectively blocking food and other supplies exported by land to Qatar.

Local media in Qatar reported there was already some panic buying as people stock up on food.

The Qatar Stock Exchange tumbled eight percent on opening and eventually closed down 7.58 percent.

Riyadh said in a statement its measures were the result of "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar", accusing Doha of harbouring "terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to destabilise the region including the Muslim Brotherhood, Daesh (IS) and Al-Qaeda".

Gulf states have for years accused Qatar of supporting extremist groups, in particular the Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamist organisation.

Riyadh also accused Doha of supporting Iran-backed "terrorist activities" in Saudi Arabia's Shiite-dominated area of Qatif, as well as in Bahrain, both of which have seen Shiite unrest in recent years.

Any suggestion that Qatar is backing the agenda of Shiite-dominated Iran -- Sunni Saudi Arabia's regional arch-rival -- is especially sensitive, particularly in the wake of Trump's comments last month.

Qatar has consistently denied any support for extremists or Iran and did so again after Monday's move by its neighbours.

"The measures are unjustified and are based on false and baseless claims," the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state," it said, insisting authorities would "take all measures necessary... to foil attempts to affect or harm Qatar's society and economy".

- Flights cancelled -

Economic consequences were already emerging, with UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia, as well as Saudi Airlines, announcing the suspension of all flights to and from Qatar as of Tuesday morning.

Qatar Airways -- one of the region's busiest airlines -- said it had suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia with immediate effect, at least until the end of Monday.

The Saudi-led coalition battling Iran-backed rebels in Yemen said it had expelled Qatar from the group.

The coalition accused Qatar of providing "support to (terrorist) organisations in Yemen" -- the first time it has made such a claim.

Gulf countries previously recalled their ambassadors from Qatar in 2014, ostensibly over its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, but Monday's moves go much further.

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies may have felt emboldened by Trump's visit, which saw the new president clearly align US interests with Riyadh and lash out at Iran.

Speaking in Sydney, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he did not expect the announcement to have "any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism."

He encouraged Qatar and its neighbours to "sit down together", adding that Washington was ready for "any role that we can play" in helping to overcome divisions.

- Iran, Turkey urge dialogue -

Iran issued a neutral statement on the crisis, urging Qatar and its neighbours to resolve their differences "through political and peaceful methods and dialogue between the parties".

Turkey, which enjoys friendly relations with Qatar and other Gulf countries, offered its help, with Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu telling reporters: "We will give any kind of support for the situation to be normalised."

Hints of an impending crisis emerged last month when Doha alleged that hackers were behind the release of false remarks attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani published on the Qatar News Agency website.

The stories quoted him questioning US hostility towards Iran, speaking of "tensions" between Doha and Washington and speculating that Trump might not remain in power for long.

Doha denied the comments and said it had been the victim of a "shameful cybercrime".

Media organisations in several Gulf countries reported the emir's comments as fact, despite Doha's official denial.

The crisis is the worst to hit Gulf Arab nations since the creation in 1981 of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) grouping Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

There was no immediate word from Kuwait and Oman on Monday on their ties with Qatar.

Last week, the Qatari emir travelled to Kuwait to meet Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in what was widely seen as an attempt at mediation by the Kuwaitis.

RIYADH: Arab nations including Saudi Arabia and Egypt on Monday cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremism, in the biggest diplomatic crisis to hit the region in years. Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Maldives joined Saudi Arabia and Egypt in severing relations with gas-rich Qatar, with Riyadh accusing Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region". Qatar reacted with fury, denying any support for extremists and accusing its Gulf neighbours of seeking to put the country under "guardianship". The crisis was likely to have wide-ranging consequences, not just for Qatar and its citizens but around the Middle East and for Western interests.WATCH VIDEO Qatar hosts the largest US airbase in the region, which is crucial to operations against Islamic State group jihadists, and is set to host the 2022 football World Cup. window.__ventunoplayer = window.__ventunoplayer||[];window.__ventunoplayer.push({video_key: 'OTQ1NzI2fHw4fHw2fHwxLDIsMQ==', holder_id: 'vt-video-player', player_type: 'vp', width:'100%', ratio:'4:3'});Monday's announcement came less than a month after US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia to cement ties with Riyadh and called for a united front among Muslim countries against extremism. It also followed weeks of rising tensions between Doha and its neighbours, including Qatari accusations of a concerted media campaign against it and the alleged hacking of the Qatar News Agency. - Qatar slams 'baseless claims' - The Gulf states and Egypt said they were severing diplomatic ties and closing transport links with Qatar, which relies on imports from its neighbours. The Gulf states banned their citizens from travelling to Qatar and ordered Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days. Saudi Arabia also closed its borders with Qatar, effectively blocking food and other supplies exported by land to Qatar. Local media in Qatar reported there was already some panic buying as people stock up on food. The Qatar Stock Exchange tumbled eight percent on opening and eventually closed down 7.58 percent. Riyadh said in a statement its measures were the result of "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar", accusing Doha of harbouring "terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to destabilise the region including the Muslim Brotherhood, Daesh (IS) and Al-Qaeda". Gulf states have for years accused Qatar of supporting extremist groups, in particular the Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamist organisation. Riyadh also accused Doha of supporting Iran-backed "terrorist activities" in Saudi Arabia's Shiite-dominated area of Qatif, as well as in Bahrain, both of which have seen Shiite unrest in recent years. Any suggestion that Qatar is backing the agenda of Shiite-dominated Iran -- Sunni Saudi Arabia's regional arch-rival -- is especially sensitive, particularly in the wake of Trump's comments last month. Qatar has consistently denied any support for extremists or Iran and did so again after Monday's move by its neighbours. "The measures are unjustified and are based on false and baseless claims," the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement. "The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state," it said, insisting authorities would "take all measures necessary... to foil attempts to affect or harm Qatar's society and economy". - Flights cancelled - Economic consequences were already emerging, with UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia, as well as Saudi Airlines, announcing the suspension of all flights to and from Qatar as of Tuesday morning. Qatar Airways -- one of the region's busiest airlines -- said it had suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia with immediate effect, at least until the end of Monday. The Saudi-led coalition battling Iran-backed rebels in Yemen said it had expelled Qatar from the group. The coalition accused Qatar of providing "support to (terrorist) organisations in Yemen" -- the first time it has made such a claim. Gulf countries previously recalled their ambassadors from Qatar in 2014, ostensibly over its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, but Monday's moves go much further. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies may have felt emboldened by Trump's visit, which saw the new president clearly align US interests with Riyadh and lash out at Iran. Speaking in Sydney, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he did not expect the announcement to have "any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism." He encouraged Qatar and its neighbours to "sit down together", adding that Washington was ready for "any role that we can play" in helping to overcome divisions. - Iran, Turkey urge dialogue - Iran issued a neutral statement on the crisis, urging Qatar and its neighbours to resolve their differences "through political and peaceful methods and dialogue between the parties". Turkey, which enjoys friendly relations with Qatar and other Gulf countries, offered its help, with Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu telling reporters: "We will give any kind of support for the situation to be normalised." Hints of an impending crisis emerged last month when Doha alleged that hackers were behind the release of false remarks attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani published on the Qatar News Agency website. The stories quoted him questioning US hostility towards Iran, speaking of "tensions" between Doha and Washington and speculating that Trump might not remain in power for long. Doha denied the comments and said it had been the victim of a "shameful cybercrime". Media organisations in several Gulf countries reported the emir's comments as fact, despite Doha's official denial. The crisis is the worst to hit Gulf Arab nations since the creation in 1981 of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) grouping Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. There was no immediate word from Kuwait and Oman on Monday on their ties with Qatar. Last week, the Qatari emir travelled to Kuwait to meet Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in what was widely seen as an attempt at mediation by the Kuwaitis.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: The US does not need India, China and France telling it what to do on the issue of Paris Climate agreement, American Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, strongly supporting the controversial decision of President Donald Trump to withdraw from the landmark accord.

Trump last week withdrew the US, the second largest polluter after China, from the Paris Agreement.

He 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.

"I think the rest of the world would like to tell us how to manage our own environment and I think that anybody in America can tell you that we're best to decide what America should do. We don't need India and France and China telling us what they think we should do," Indian-American Haley was quoted as saying by CBS News.

Responding to a question on global reaction to Trump's decision, Haley said countries should continue doing what's in their best interest.

"They should continue doing what's in the best interest. And if the Paris agreement was something that works for them, that they can achieve, they should do that," Haley said.

Haley defended Trump's decision saying business could not be run under the kind of regulations imposed by the Paris Climate deal.

"There's a reason that President Obama didn't go through the Senate to get this cleared, because he couldn't. The regulations were unattainable. I mean you could not actually have a business run under the regulations that we had," she said.

She said that the US is conscious about the environment and it will continue to do its part in protecting climate change.

"We know that there are issues with the environment. We know that we have to be conscious of it. But we can't sit there and have Angela Merkel telling us to worry about Africa. She should continue doing her part. We're going to continue doing our part. We're going to continue encouraging other countries to do what they think is in the best interests of them. But American sovereignty matters," Haley said.

The top American diplomat said that Trump believes the climate is changing, and he does know that pollutants are a part of that equation.

"He believes that climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of that equation. He is absolutely intent on making sure that we have clean air, clean water, that he makes sure that we're doing everything we can to keep America's moral compass in the world when it comes to the environment," she said.

"We've done that in the past. We'll do it in the future. It's what the US does. It's what we'll continue to do," she added.

WASHINGTON: The US does not need India, China and France telling it what to do on the issue of Paris Climate agreement, American Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, strongly supporting the controversial decision of President Donald Trump to withdraw from the landmark accord. Trump last week withdrew the US, the second largest polluter after China, from the Paris Agreement. He 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. "I think the rest of the world would like to tell us how to manage our own environment and I think that anybody in America can tell you that we're best to decide what America should do. We don't need India and France and China telling us what they think we should do," Indian-American Haley was quoted as saying by CBS News. Responding to a question on global reaction to Trump's decision, Haley said countries should continue doing what's in their best interest. "They should continue doing what's in the best interest. And if the Paris agreement was something that works for them, that they can achieve, they should do that," Haley said. Haley defended Trump's decision saying business could not be run under the kind of regulations imposed by the Paris Climate deal. "There's a reason that President Obama didn't go through the Senate to get this cleared, because he couldn't. The regulations were unattainable. I mean you could not actually have a business run under the regulations that we had," she said. She said that the US is conscious about the environment and it will continue to do its part in protecting climate change. "We know that there are issues with the environment. We know that we have to be conscious of it. But we can't sit there and have Angela Merkel telling us to worry about Africa. She should continue doing her part. We're going to continue doing our part. We're going to continue encouraging other countries to do what they think is in the best interests of them. But American sovereignty matters," Haley said. The top American diplomat said that Trump believes the climate is changing, and he does know that pollutants are a part of that equation. "He believes that climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of that equation. He is absolutely intent on making sure that we have clean air, clean water, that he makes sure that we're doing everything we can to keep America's moral compass in the world when it comes to the environment," she said. "We've done that in the past. We'll do it in the future. It's what the US does. It's what we'll continue to do," she added.
By Associated Press

DUBAI: The decision by four Arab nations to cut ties with Qatar marks the culmination of years of tension among a historically tight-knit alliance of energy-rich Gulf Arab states that share borders, a common heritage and a strong alliance with Washington.

The move reflects longstanding anger at Qatars alleged support for Islamist groups that are outlawed as terrorist organisations by other Arab nations, as well as the increasingly bitter rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

How severe the impact will be on Qatar, which hosts the regions main US military base used to launch strikes on the Islamic State group, depends on what further measures will be taken.

Analysts say President Donald Trumps recent visit to Saudi Arabia emboldened hawkish Saudi royals by positioning America squarely with Sunni Arab countries against Iran.

Heres a look at the issues:

Qatar is the worlds largest producer of Liquefied Natural Gas

Qatar has only around 270,000 citizens, but is the worlds biggest producer of liquefied natural gas, sharing a vast underwater field with Iran.

The country is home to the forward headquarters of the US militarys Central Command. Its al-Udeid Air Base serves as a launching pad for coalition jets bombing IS sites in Iraq and Syria.

Qatar also plays a role in talking to and bargaining with groups that many governments keep distance from. It helped free members of its own royal family from captivity by Shiite militants in Iraq in April. Reports emerged that Qatar paid hundreds of millions of dollars for their release, including to an al-Qaida offshoot in Syria  and it secured the release of hostages in Syrias civil war, including 13 Greek Orthodox nuns held by an al-Qaida affiliate. Qatar has also hosted talks between the Taliban and Afghan government.

It took a major gamble on the Muslim Brotherhood, supporting its brief stint in power in Egypt as well as the groups Islamist offshoots in the region, including Hamas, which rules the Palestinian Gaza Strip. Qatar also once had open ties to Israel.

These activities, coupled with its popular Al-Jazeera news network, built Qatars reputation of punching above its weight.

Why is Qatar at odds with the Arab worlds most powerful countries?

Tensions between Qatar and Saudi Arabia  a Middle East heavyweight and the Gulfs anchoring state  bubbled to the surface two weeks ago when Qatar said its state-run news agency and its Twitter account were hacked to publish a fake story claiming the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, had called Iran a regional and Islamic power that cannot be ignored.

State-linked media in the region ignored Qatars claim that the story was the result of a hacking and continued to report the comments, while Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt blocked access to Al-Jazeera and affiliated sites. State-linked Saudi media launched an aggressive campaign accusing Qatar of supporting terrorist groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State, destabilising the region and stabbing its allies in the back. Some Gulf news coverage seemed to support regime change in Qatar as well, and accused its emir of holding a secret meeting with Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander General Qassem Soleimani.

The UAE had long been angered by Qatars alleged support for Islamists in the Gulf and in Libya, and Saudi Arabia and Egypt view the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat. Saudi Arabia accuses Qatar of supporting the activities of Iranian-backed terrorist groups in the Qatif province of Saudi Arabia and in neighbouring Bahrain  and of backing the Yemeni rebels its coalition is fighting.

What happens to expatriates and foreigners?

There could be long-term economic consequences for Qatar, which would affect the millions of migrant workers and expatriates living there.

Saudi Arabia gave Qatari residents 14 days to leave and ordered its citizens not to reside, visit or transit through Qatar. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain have already suspended diplomatic ties with Qatar, which is pulling its troops from the Saudi-led Yemen war. Egypt and Saudi Arabia closed their airspace and sea traffic to Qatar  a decision that targets Qatar Airways, one of the regions busiest carriers. The UAEs Etihad Airways, FlyDubai and the Middle Easts largest carrier Emirates have suspended flights to Qatar.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on the parties to sit down and address their differences, while insisting the crisis will not affect the war against the Islamic State group.

Might Qatar give in?

Qatar denies it supports terrorist groups in Syria or elsewhere, despite aggressive efforts to back Sunni rebel groups fighting to oust the Syrian government. The issue appears to be funding that goes through the country, and in principle that could be addressed.

But for now Qatars ruler appears unfazed. Qatari media published a cartoon mocking Saudi King Salman for spreading fake news and last week the emir called Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to congratulate him on his re-election  a clear and public rebuttal of Saudi Arabias efforts to force Qatar to fall in line.

Qatars emir, believed to be just 37 years old, could retaliate by withdrawing from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and redraw alliances to snub Saudi Arabias 31-year-old Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, who are believed to be the two main figures orchestrating the standoff.

This is not the first time

Three years ago, several Gulf states withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar for nine months over the countrys support for the Brotherhood. The details of the agreement that ended that standoff were never made public, but it included promises that Qatar would end its support for the Brotherhood and scale back Al Jazeeras Brotherhood coverage. Since the demands made now of Qatar are also somewhat hazy, some version of this scenario could recur.

DUBAI: The decision by four Arab nations to cut ties with Qatar marks the culmination of years of tension among a historically tight-knit alliance of energy-rich Gulf Arab states that share borders, a common heritage and a strong alliance with Washington. The move reflects longstanding anger at Qatars alleged support for Islamist groups that are outlawed as terrorist organisations by other Arab nations, as well as the increasingly bitter rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. How severe the impact will be on Qatar, which hosts the regions main US military base used to launch strikes on the Islamic State group, depends on what further measures will be taken. Analysts say President Donald Trumps recent visit to Saudi Arabia emboldened hawkish Saudi royals by positioning America squarely with Sunni Arab countries against Iran. Heres a look at the issues: Qatar is the worlds largest producer of Liquefied Natural Gas Qatar has only around 270,000 citizens, but is the worlds biggest producer of liquefied natural gas, sharing a vast underwater field with Iran. The country is home to the forward headquarters of the US militarys Central Command. Its al-Udeid Air Base serves as a launching pad for coalition jets bombing IS sites in Iraq and Syria. Qatar also plays a role in talking to and bargaining with groups that many governments keep distance from. It helped free members of its own royal family from captivity by Shiite militants in Iraq in April. Reports emerged that Qatar paid hundreds of millions of dollars for their release, including to an al-Qaida offshoot in Syria  and it secured the release of hostages in Syrias civil war, including 13 Greek Orthodox nuns held by an al-Qaida affiliate. Qatar has also hosted talks between the Taliban and Afghan government. It took a major gamble on the Muslim Brotherhood, supporting its brief stint in power in Egypt as well as the groups Islamist offshoots in the region, including Hamas, which rules the Palestinian Gaza Strip. Qatar also once had open ties to Israel. These activities, coupled with its popular Al-Jazeera news network, built Qatars reputation of punching above its weight. Why is Qatar at odds with the Arab worlds most powerful countries? Tensions between Qatar and Saudi Arabia  a Middle East heavyweight and the Gulfs anchoring state  bubbled to the surface two weeks ago when Qatar said its state-run news agency and its Twitter account were hacked to publish a fake story claiming the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, had called Iran a regional and Islamic power that cannot be ignored. State-linked media in the region ignored Qatars claim that the story was the result of a hacking and continued to report the comments, while Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt blocked access to Al-Jazeera and affiliated sites. State-linked Saudi media launched an aggressive campaign accusing Qatar of supporting terrorist groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State, destabilising the region and stabbing its allies in the back. Some Gulf news coverage seemed to support regime change in Qatar as well, and accused its emir of holding a secret meeting with Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander General Qassem Soleimani. The UAE had long been angered by Qatars alleged support for Islamists in the Gulf and in Libya, and Saudi Arabia and Egypt view the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat. Saudi Arabia accuses Qatar of supporting the activities of Iranian-backed terrorist groups in the Qatif province of Saudi Arabia and in neighbouring Bahrain  and of backing the Yemeni rebels its coalition is fighting. What happens to expatriates and foreigners? There could be long-term economic consequences for Qatar, which would affect the millions of migrant workers and expatriates living there. Saudi Arabia gave Qatari residents 14 days to leave and ordered its citizens not to reside, visit or transit through Qatar. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain have already suspended diplomatic ties with Qatar, which is pulling its troops from the Saudi-led Yemen war. Egypt and Saudi Arabia closed their airspace and sea traffic to Qatar  a decision that targets Qatar Airways, one of the regions busiest carriers. The UAEs Etihad Airways, FlyDubai and the Middle Easts largest carrier Emirates have suspended flights to Qatar. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on the parties to sit down and address their differences, while insisting the crisis will not affect the war against the Islamic State group. Might Qatar give in? Qatar denies it supports terrorist groups in Syria or elsewhere, despite aggressive efforts to back Sunni rebel groups fighting to oust the Syrian government. The issue appears to be funding that goes through the country, and in principle that could be addressed. But for now Qatars ruler appears unfazed. Qatari media published a cartoon mocking Saudi King Salman for spreading fake news and last week the emir called Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to congratulate him on his re-election  a clear and public rebuttal of Saudi Arabias efforts to force Qatar to fall in line. Qatars emir, believed to be just 37 years old, could retaliate by withdrawing from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and redraw alliances to snub Saudi Arabias 31-year-old Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, who are believed to be the two main figures orchestrating the standoff. This is not the first time Three years ago, several Gulf states withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar for nine months over the countrys support for the Brotherhood. The details of the agreement that ended that standoff were never made public, but it included promises that Qatar would end its support for the Brotherhood and scale back Al Jazeeras Brotherhood coverage. Since the demands made now of Qatar are also somewhat hazy, some version of this scenario could recur.
#first lady First lady meets with family of additional victim of Itaewon tragedy First lady Kim Keon-hee on Thursday visited a hospital in Seoul to meet with the family of a soldier who was pronounced brain dead the previous day after being injured in the Itaew...

#football S. Korea coach not yet planning alternatives for Son Heung-min's potential World Cup absence As South Korea's captain Son Heung-min tries to work his way back from a facial surgery in time for the FIFA World Cup, his national team head coach Paulo Bento does not yet have a...
Spare Change: Middletown's past attitude cost them on Tuesday

Did anything fully feel right about regionalization? Did you ever get the idea that either community was pumped for this?
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Abundant sunshine. 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.
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 favor 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 favor 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 dependent 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 civilized 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 legalizing 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 emphasize 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 recognize 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. Civilized society would then be a thing of the past. For it to survive, society must recognize 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 legalized. 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."
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 traveled 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.

Source: ESA (European Society of Anaesthesiology)
It is one thing to have a bucket list at any age. It is something else entirely to have a bucket list that sends you to college for the first time at 92  or that sends you on your maiden flight at the controls of a single-engine airplane at 97.

These are the bucket list accomplishments of Cecile Tegler (92) and Mildred "Milly" Reeves (97). And neither of them is done yet.

"I never even thought about having a bucket list," said Reeves, a resident at Mount View Assisted Living in Lockport, N.Y., who became familiar with the insides of airplanes in her 20s, when she was a small-parts inspector for Bell Aircraft during World War II. After the war ended, she stayed home and had seven daughters  so the notion of ever flying a plane solo grew increasingly distant.

Nor had Tegler, her friend and fellow resident at Mount View, ever created a real bucket list. What she did have, however, was an urge to go to college, since her folks  who had to support their own parents  didn't have the money to pay for college when she was in her late teens. Both of Tegler's daughters graduated from college, but she never imagined that she could go to college, too.

This KHN story also ran in USA Today. It can be republished for free (details).

Within the past year  because of unusual outreach efforts by staff at the assisted living community where they both live  Tegler attended a community college, where she finally learned how to use and operate a computer. And Reeves took the controls of an airplane and flew it, on her own, for about 15 minutes. Whether or not these are actual bucket list items, they are accomplishments that have spurred both women to set even more goals.

It stands to reason that bucket lists  specific life goals to accomplish before dying  are more popular as Americans live longer and find they have more time on their hands.

Such goals don't have to be about flying airplanes or entering college in your 90s. Sometimes, bucket lists that focus on helping others can be the most effective. That, at least, was the plot line of the 2007 film "The Bucket List," starring Jack Nicholson as an eccentric billionaire who finds himself sharing a hospital room with a car mechanic played by Morgan Freeman. Both men suffer terminal illnesses but opt to complete their lifetime bucket lists together  only to discover their new friendship tops the list.

"The best bucket lists aren't usually about skydiving or climbing the Great Wall of China," said Marc Agronin, a geriatric psychiatrist who is vice president for behavioral health and clinical research at Miami Jewish Health Systems in Miami. "Our bucket lists need to be in line with our core values." He suggests that people simply look around and see the riches they have and the potential for adventure right in their own communities.

Reeves, whose grandson eagerly came along with her on her maiden flight to capture the moment on video, totally gets that. She said that she took as much  if not more  pleasure in her grandson coming along for the ride as she took in the moment when the captain of the plane handed her the controls. Reeves takes the greatest pride in her seven daughters, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Cecile Tegler, right, stands in the lobby of Niagara County Community College with fellow Mount View Assisted Living residents Sandra Leaming, left, and Marge Reinard, center, before heading to a class on computer applications. (Courtesy of Mount View Assisted Living)

Meanwhile, Tegler, who attended computer class three times weekly at Niagara County Community College in Niagara Falls, N.Y., learned how to use Microsoft Word and Excel software. She was among the first at Mount View to enroll at the college and has since inspired others to do the same. Among those now considering a return to college is her friend Reeves.

"I've helped many people in my life," said Tegler, who expressed no fear or hesitation about attending college with a bunch of 20-somethings. Many students in the class helped her learn how to use the computer. When Tegler was younger, she said, she often volunteered at homes for veterans because her husband, father and brothers all served in the Army.

Quietly helping Reeves, Tegler and 266 other residents of two assisted living homes in upstate New York accomplish their bucket list goals is David Tosetto, who owns both Mount View and Cobb's Hill Manor in Rochester, N.Y. "Young people dream and old people remember," said Tosetto. "The goal of the bucket list is to give them something to dream about."

The way Tosetto figures it, happy residents make for longer-term residents and happier employees. So, he doesn't charge them one penny extra for the bucket list outings. Besides the flying school and college opportunities, he's also putting together a scuba diving class at a local pool and a kayaking adventure this summer.

"The ultimate goal of this is to get them more involved in society and in the belief that they can still do things," said Tosetto. He puts the programs into motion by posting large "Bucket List" signs around the two assisted living facilities that announce the opportunities and encourage residents to sign up.

Tosetto won't sponsor some activities, such as skydiving. "I just don't know how they can land safely," he explained. "Of course, if they choose to do it on their own, that's up to them."

In the end, said Agronin, author of the book "How We Age: A Doctor's Journey Into the Heart of Growing Old," your legacy isn't about how many planes you've jumped out of or how many countries you've visited. "When the trip of a lifetime ends, you still have the rest of your life to live," he said. Your real legacy is about the people you touch along the way. "The relationships you create and what you teach your children is how you build your legacy," he said.

At 97, Reeves is still building hers.

Asked to name the lifetime accomplishment of which she's most proud, it's not the plane flight at all. "I'm still a Girl Scout," she boasted, noting that she earned the Gold Award, scouting's highest honor. "I still pay my dues."

KHN's coverage related to aging & improving care of older adults is supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation.
New Delhi: State-owned CIL will offer coking coal through auction route to other consumers only after it meets long-term supply commitments of the dry fuel to PSUs, including SAIL.



The decision on the same was taken in the board meeting of Coal India Ltd (CIL) held last month, an official said. Coking coal will be offered only after meeting long-term commitment of steel plants, including integrated steel plants of SAIL and RINL and other such consumers taking into account those coal fuel supply pacts, the official said.



However, the washed coking coal and steel Grade-II coal can be offered for metallurgical purposes, the official added. SAIL is a prime consumer of coking coal as well as a major customer of CIL's metallurgical coal.



"While Coal India subsidiaries shall be empowered to decide the reserve price (of coking coal to be offered under e-auction route), upper cap of the reserve price will be on the basis of applicable scheme of e-auction," the official said.



Coking coal is a vital ingredient in the steel making process.



The world's largest coal miner is planning to acquire coking coal mines in Australia as it looks to supplement the requirement of India's metallurgical coal.



However, the discussions are in a very preliminary stage. India's dependence on imports is particularly heavy on coking coal.



Recognising limited availability of metallurgical coal as an 'disadvantage' for Indian steel sector, the draft steel policy aims at increasing supply of domestic coking coal to cut dependence on imports by half and a production of 300 million tonnes of the alloy by 2030-31.



The National Steel Policy aims at achieving increased domestic availability of washed coking coal so as to reduce import dependence on coking coal by 50 per cent by 2030-31.



Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of the domesticCoking coal is a vital ingredient in the steel making process.
Singapore: Crude prices rose on Monday morning as Saudi Arabia and key allies on Monday cut ties with Qatar, the world's top seller of liquefied natural gas (LNG), accusing it of supporting extremism and sending shockwaves through the energy industry.



Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain said they would sever all ties including transport links with Qatar, which also sells oil products like condensate but is not a big crude oil exporter.



(Qatar) embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (Islamic State) and al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly, Saudi state news agency SPA said.



The rift did not immediately affect tanker shipments, but benchmark Brent crude futures prices rose around 1 percent to over $50 per barrel on concerns about a widening rift in the Arab world.



The move comes as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar are members, recently agreed to extend crude oil production cuts in order to tighten the market and pop up prices.



It was not immediately clear how the political crisis would affect policy-making at OPEC, of which Saudi Arabia as the worlds biggest crude exporter is seen as the de-facto leader.



A Saudi oil industry source said the action was unlikely to have a large impact on OPEC decision making, noting that other political disputes within the group, including between Saudi Arabia and Iran, had not prevented OPEC from agreeing on oil policy.



LNG impact unclear



Traders said it was too early to say if the dispute would have any impact on LNG shipment within the region, with both Egypt and the UAE taking regular cargoes from Qatar.



Qatar meets almost a third of global LNG demand and Egypt, which struggles to meet its electricity needs, has imported an average 857,000 cubic metres per month of LNG from Qatar since January 2016, according to shipping data in Thomson Reuters Eikon.



India is the second-biggest buyer of Qatari LNG, according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie, after Japan. The fuel is used largely for power generation.



Egypt last year awarded a large tender for 2017 supplies, much of it sourced from Qatar, although traders said rising domestic output and alternative sources including Norway, Nigeria and the United States could fill a potential gap.



The UAE has imported on average 190,000 cubic metres of LNG per month from Qatar since January 2016.



Traders pointed out, however, that other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) like Kuwait, which often fall in line with decisions made by Saudi Arabia, have not, at least for now, taken action against Qatar.



Kuwait has imported on average 283,000 cubic metres of LNG per month from Qatar since 2016, the data shows.



Shipments to the worlds biggest LNG buyers in Asia are unlikely to be affected, barring a major escalation, importers said.

I dont think there will be any impact on it. We get gas directly from Qatar by sea, R.K. Garg, head of finance at Indian LNG importer Petronet, told Reuters when asked to comment on the coordinated move to cut relations.



A Japanese LNG trader also said he did not expect immediate supply disruptions.



Qatar is also a major exporter of condensate, an ultra-light form of crude oil, as well as liquefied patroleum gas (LPG), with most supplies of the two fuels going to Japan and South Korea under long-term supply contracts.
Patna: Agents can provide a ticket bought on a fake Aadhar card on full trains on the Patna to Delhi route.



The racket was exposed through a sting operation done by ETV.



As part of the sting, an undercover reporter approached a group of touts at the Patna train station. They offered him a confirmed ticket on the Sampoorna Kranti Express for Rs. 1400.



After some negotiation, he bought the ticket but found that it was in the name of Neeraj Kumar. When asked about identification documents to go with the ticket, the touts offered a range including an Aadhar card.



When asked about Aadhar, the touts asked for 15 minutes and the entire group disappeared. Sure enough, 15 minutes later one of them came and gave the undercover reporter the Aadhar card which was as good as the real.



The undercover reporter then boarded the train for which he had been provided the ticket. The train chugged off from the station at the scheduled time and the TTE came to check tickets the train pulled into Buxar railway station. He checked the ticket and verified the Aadhar card without any red flags and the reporter completed the journey without any hassle.



Following this expose which was aired on Monday morning, Manoj Sinha, Minister of state for Railways, accepted that journey on fake Aadhar was a matter of concern and he would personally enquire into the matter.



Chief Public Relation Officer of the East Central Railway Arvind Razak has assured that strict action would be taken against the agents and touts but he also had no clue that fake Aadhar card was being used for travelling.



Spokesman of the ruling Janata Dal (United), Rajeev Ranjan demanded thorough probe by the home ministry in this case. This is not only about forged ticket but the way Aadhar card is misused. It has security implications. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIAD) should look into it, he said.



Senior Congress leader Prem Chand Mishra blamed the central government for the hurry in which Aadhar is being made mandatory for everything. Agents are aware that Aadhar is going to be compulsory for availing most government services. Thats why fake Aadhar has come in circulation. This is a very serious issue, he said.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism, in an unprecedented breach between the most powerful members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The coordinated move dramatically escalates a dispute over Qatar's support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the world's oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran.A split between Doha and its closest allies can have repercussions around the Middle East where Gulf states have used their financial and political power to influence events in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.From the perspective of India, heres how the developments are likely to affect New Delhi-Doha ties and Indians who make up the largest expatriate group in Qatar.Travel for Indians to Qatar is unlikely to be affected as flights from India take the Persian Gulf route to Doha. The limits placed on air space access by the Saudi-led grouping wont have any impact over the Persian Gulf.Direct travel for Indians living in Qatar to the UAE, which also has a sizeable population of Indians, may be difficult as it has joined Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain in denying air space to Doha. Indian expats in Qatar may have to re-route their travel to these countries with multiple stops.India shares strong defence and economic ties with Qatar. Indias exports to Doha crossed the billion-dollar mark to touch $ 1.05 billion in 2014-15 and total bilateral trade reached $15.67 billion.Indian contractors Larsen & Turbo (L&T) in March 2014 won a QR 2.1 billion road project in Qatar. It also secured a $740 million order from Qatar Railways Co for the design and construction of the rail line for the Doha Metro project in Qatar.New Delhi also enjoys warm ties with regional leader Saudi Arabia but wont have to pick sides as the feud mostly relates to intra-GCC dynamics and geopolitics over Dohas support of Muslim Brotherhood and alleged support to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.India's Petronet LNG said it did not expect any impact on gas supplies from Qatar, which has the worlds third largest gas reserves. "I don't think there will be any impact on it. We get gas directly from Qatar by sea," RK Garg, head of finance at Petronet, told Reuters.Petronet LNG, India's biggest gas importer, buys 8.5 million tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar under a long-term contract. It also buys additional volumes from Qatar under spot deals.
The choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

China has defended the intrusion of Indian air space in Barahoti region of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, saying India and China have a territorial dispute in the eastern section of the boundary and the Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas.In principle China and India have territorial disputes in the eastern section of the China-India border, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media when asked its military helicopters violating Indian airspace on Saturday."The Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas. We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to maintain tranquillity and peace in the border areas," Hua said.Hitting back at China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said it was unacceptable. This is the first such air space violation. We can understand even ground incursion it can be a mistake. But this is unacceptable. We will take it up with Beijing, she said.Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China hovered over Chamoli district on Saturday, triggering concern in India's security establishment about the PLA's fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March this year, PTI reported.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 choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.The Indian Air Force (IAF) is investigating the incident.On previous occasions, Chinese helicopters had entered 4.5 km into Indian territory, an area that China claims as its own and recognises as Wu-Je.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.The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC). While China claims Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Section as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during 1962 war.(With PTI inputs)
Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government has found a unique way to tackle corruption in the state. The government is asking its officials to return the bribe money on the complaints of the citizens.



With officials in Guntur, Kadapa, Krishna and Kurnool districts personally going to the victims and returning the bribe money, the results are beginning to show.



"After a complaint came to the notice of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the panchayat secretary of a village returned Rs 500 bribe amount to all the 10 people, from whom he had collected money. Earlier, a villager had complained about panchayat secretary taking Rs 500 to sanction pensions", said Parakala Prabhakar, advisor to the government.



As a part of real time governance initiative, the Andhra Pradesh government has started a helpline "1100" Call Center or the "People First" to address grievances of the citizens.



Not only government officials, the government is even acting against private individuals.



After a complaint, in Krishna district, a broker was made to return Rs 1000 which he had taken as a bribe for arranging a ration card for the citizen.



In Kadapa district, a victim got back Rs 1000 which he paid to get his pension sanctioned.



"As soon as we receive the complaint, we cross verify the details to check if the allegations are true. The basic idea is to return the bribe amount and teach a lesson to the officers, another official added.



The government is encouraging citizens to report any grievance on the toll-free helpline.



The government hopes the initiative will make officers scared to take bribe. But with no action against the corrupt officer, the question is will such steps have any real effect to stop corruption in the state.



Till then, if you are a victim of corruption, you can complain on 1100. You never know, some one might just knock your door to return the bribe money!
Mumbai: Farmers in Maharashtra have called for a state-wide bandh, excluding Mumbai, on Monday with the ruling BJPs alliance partner Shiv Sena extending support to the strike call.



The farmers agitation which entered its fifth day has seen the prices of fruits and vegetation zoom due to the dwindling of supplies from key production centres like Nashik and Ahmednagar. The two areas have become nerve centres of the protests.



Farmers have been on war path since June 1 demanding waiver of farm loan and other concessions like lower power tariff.



A meeting of farmers' representatives from different parts of the state under the aegis of the Kisan Kranti Morcha (KKM), that is spearheading the agitation, was held at the agriculture produce market committee in Nashik on Sunday afternoon.



During the meeting several resolutions were passed and a decision to go ahead with the Maharashtra bandh (excluding Mumbai) was taken. The call for the bandh was given two days ago.



"The Kisan Kranti Morcha committee has given a call for 'Maharashtra bandh' tomorrow, excluding Mumbai," convener of the committee, Chandrakant Bankar, said on Sunday.



A farmer leader from Nashik said, "The call for Maharashtra bandh had already been given, but it was suspended after a delegation of farmers met the chief minister.



"Now, as the government tried to sabotage our stir, we have decided to go ahead with 'Maharashtra bandh' tomorrow (Monday). The decision was taken this afternoon after a meeting of farmers' leaders in Nashik."



As part of the bandh, the farmers' groups have decided to lock down the government offices, another farmer leader said.



Late on Sunday, the Shiv Sena extended its "full support" to the ongoing agitation, including the call for the 'Maharashtra bandh'.



"We have been vocal about our disappointment over the BJP government on the farmers issues as well as on the delay in announcing the loan waiver.



"Today, the party decided to participate in the 'Maharashtra bandh' agitation, which will exclude Mumbai. The agitation will take place in the rest of Maharashtra," Sena MP Sanjay Raut said.



According to one of the resolutions passed during the Nashik meeting, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should implement the farmers' demands "instead of just giving assurances".



Demand for withdrawal of cases registered against the farmers at different places across the state during the stir was also part of the resolution, Bankar said.



A core committee meeting of the KKM will be held in Mumbai on June 7 and a state-wide convention of farmers will be held in Nashik on June 8 to decide their future course of action, he added.



"Demands of farmers include a complete loan waiver, implementation of the Swaminathan Committee report and cancellation of the proposed Mumbai-Nagpur 'Samruddhi' expressway," Bankar said.



He appealed to the traders and transporters to join the ongoing protest by farmers.



(With PTI Inputs)


45 Bn @crpfindia / @JmuKmrPolice killed 4 terrorists at Sumbal #Bandipore who were attempting suicidal attack on CRPF camp. #JaiHind 

 Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) June 5, 2017

AKs and huge quantity of grenades recovered. I compliment the alertness of CRPF & J&K Policemen. pic.twitter.com/Uz6Zi6PpS4  Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) June 5, 2017

Four militants were killed on Monday after security forces repelled an attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Sumbal area of Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir.According to police, the heavily armed militants tried to enter the camp of 45 Battalion CRPF at Sumbal in Bandipora at around 4:10 am by opening fire at the sentry post.Confirming the incident, J&K DGP Shesh Paul Vaid tweeted, "45 Bn @crpfindia/@JmuKmrPolice killed 4 terrorists at Sumbal #Bandipore who were attempting suicidal attack on CRPF camp. #JaiHind The firing was responded to by the guards even as police reinforcement was rushed to the scene. Sources said, the militants were eliminated before they could enter the camp."Four militants were killed in the retaliatory firing and the suicide attack was foiled," a police official said in a statement to PTI.Four AK rifles, one UBGL (Underbarrel Grenade Launcher) and some ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, he added.
New Delhi: External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, on Monday, said the United States curb on approving H1-B visas was a concern for India.



Addressing the annual MEA press conference, Swaraj said Indian authorities were in touch with the Congress. It is a matter of concern. We are talking to members of the Congress. Efforts are on to make sure the Trump administrations move doesnt impact Indians, she said.



She was, however, critical of US President Donald Trump pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, claiming that India was given undue preference.



If somebody says we signed the Paris deal under influence of money, it is totally wrong. We did not sign the agreement under any pressure or influence of money, said the external affairs minister, adding that India, US ties were of mutual benefit under the Trump administration.



President Donald Trump has signed an executive order for tightening the rules of the H-1B visa programme to stop its "abuse" and ensure that the visas are given to the 'most- skilled or highest paid' petitioners, a decision that would impact India's $150 billion IT industry.


New Delhi: India has outrightly rejected US President Donald Trump's charge of signing the Paris accord for receiving "billions and billions and billions of dollars in foreign aid from developed countries." External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Trump's words were not the reality. She said India "neither signed the Paris accord under pressure nor for money". She said she totally rejected the charge. The only reason for signing the accord was India's commitment to the environment.



Another niggling factor between the two countries remains the issue of H1B visas. Though Sushma Swaraj said that there has been no change yet in the procedure but she did admit that there was "concern". She however added that not all amendments can take effect through an executive order and so the government is in "touch with members of the Congress" on the issue. Swaraj said, "we are making an effort so that it does not impact us badly."



But the fallout of the executive order are already being felt in the IT sector. Tata Consultancy Services have applied for a third of the work visas this year as compared to 2015 and Infosys has already said they will hire 10,000 people from American campuses and set up four innovation hubs in US. Even though companies are trying to adjust their business models to the tightening visa regime but it is escalating costs for them.



It is amidst this rather bleak outlook that PM Modi will travel to the US to meet President Donald Trump later this month. Sushma Swaraj said that the relationship is one of "mutual benefit" but it appears an increasingly daunting task to get the message across to the President of United States.



The meeting has been in the works for several months now but as the date for the final one-on-one inches closer, the two sides seem to be drawing further apart on issues of mutual benefit. Sushma Swaraj added that the level of engagement between the two sides remains the same even after the change of regime in America and cited the telephonic conversations between PM Modi and Trump, meeting between the NSAs and Arun Jaitley's visit to the US as examples. But despite all this, the PM has his task cut out in infusing some energy in this sagging relationship.
The Donald Trump administration has come out fighting after receiving widespread condemnation for deciding to pull out of the Paris Climate Deal, with its Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley saying that the rest of the world should not tell US how to manage its carbon dioxide emissions.Haley specifically targeted India, as well as France and China, just like Trump did earlier, in her comments and said they should not interfere in American affairs. Appearing in a taped interview for a US TV channel, she strongly supported the controversial decision to withdraw from the landmark accord.Trump last week had withdrawn the US, the second largest polluter in the world after China, from the climate change agreement. He 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.India, on the other hand, has committed to protect the climate, irrespective of the fate of the Paris accord. Paris or no Paris, our commitment to preserving the climate is for the sake of future generations, Modi said after Trump announced his decision. India also issued a joint statement with France on extending cooperation for action on climate change.But Haley argued that US should be allowed to do whats best for its interests, just like other countries.I think the rest of the world would like to tell us how to manage our own environment and I think that anybody in America can tell you that were best to decide what America should do. We dont need India and France and China telling us what they think we should do, Indian-American Haley was quoted as saying by CBS News."They should continue doing what's in the best interest. And if the Paris agreement was something that works for them, that they can achieve, they should do that," Haley saidShe defended Trumps decision saying business could not be run under the kind of regulations imposed by the Paris Climate Deal. Theres a reason that President Obama didnt go through the Senate to get this cleared, because he couldnt. The regulations were unattainable. I mean you could not actually have a business run under the regulations that we had, she said.She said that the US is conscious about the environment and it will continue to do its part in protecting climate change.We know that there are issues with the environment. We know that we have to be conscious of it. But we cant sit there and have Angela Merkel telling us to worry about Africa, she said.Were going to continue doing our part. Were going to continue encouraging other countries to do what they think is in the best interests of them. But American sovereignty matters, Haley said.The top American diplomat said that Trump believes the climate is changing, and he does know that pollutants are a part of that equation.He believes that climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of that equation. He is 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, she said."Weve done that in the past. Well do it in the future. Its what the US does. Its what well continue to do, she added.
: Both Prime minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists for the successful launch of GSLV  MkIII D1/GSAT-19 mission.The country's heaviest rocket the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) MarkIII D1 carrying communication satellite GSAT-19 lifted off from Sriharikota at 5.28 pm on Monday and was soon put in orbit successfully.President Mukherjee tweeted: Heartiest congratulations to ISRO on historic launch of GSLV-Mk III D1. Nation is proud of this significant achievement.In a series of tweets Prime Minister Narendra Modi also heaped praise on the dedicated ISRO scientists.The PM said, "Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission... The GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud."Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday congratulated the ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV MKIII-D1, saying it was another significant achievement which has made the nation proud. In a message, Gandhi said the ISRO had kept up the tradition of excellence in space sciences. Congratulating ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar, she said his team has made the nation proud once again on Monday.ISRO Chief A S Kiran Kumar also took the opportunity to congratulate the entire team which worked on this project."It is a historic day.. both the GSLV Mk-III and the GSAT-19 launch have been successful.. we are looking forward to its (GSAT-19) operations," Kiran Kumar said."This month there are lot of activities. On June 23, there will be a PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and on June 28, a GSAT-17 satellite launch," he added.The ISRO scientists on Monday successfully launched the country's heaviest rocket GSLV-MkIII D1 carrying 3,136 kg communication satellite GSAT-19 from the spaceport of Sriharikota.The 25-and-half hour countdown began on Sunday at 3.58 pm and was "progressing normally". Scientists were currently involved in the propellant filling operations of the heaviest GSLV-MkIII D1, officials said.The rocket was scheduled for a lift off at 5.28 pm from second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota about 120kms from Chennai.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.ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar had said the mission is important as "it was the heaviest-ever rocket and satellite to be launched from the country".GSLV MkIII-D1 is capable of lifting payloads (or satellites) of upto 4,000kgs into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and 10,000kg into the Low Earth Orbit.Earlier, ISRO had launched the 3,404 kg GSAT-18 communication satellite from Ariane, French Guiana.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.Today's mission augmented India's communication resources as a single GSAT-19 satellite is equivalent to having a constellation of six to seven of the older variety of communication satellites.In 2014, ISRO had successfully tested the Crew module Atmospheric Reentry experiment with the flight GSLV MkIII. The module after making its re-entry deployed its parachutes as planned and splashed down in the Bay of Bengal.
"No meeting is scheduled either from their side or from our side," Swaraj told a press conference on completion of three years of the government.

She also referred to some cases pending at other courts such as Hyderabad Nizam funds case in the UK court and issues pertaining to Indus Waters Treaty before the World Bank.

"Finally, where was Osama bin Laden found? In Pakistan," she said, adding it was time to finalise the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN and define terrorism.

: External Affairs Minister on Monday dismissed the possibility of any meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kazakhstan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit this week.Taking a tough stance on ties with Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said "talks and terror cannot go together" while articulating strategy of India which was based on three pillars in dealing with that country.She also emphasised that India was engaged with other countries on the issue of cross-border terrorism.Asked about reported remarks of a Pakistani law officer that Islamabad will take the Kashmir issue to ICJ after India approached the global court in Kulbhushan Jadhav case, the minister said, "Pakistan cannot take Kashmir issue to ICJ.The Shimla agreement and Lahore declaration are very clear on Kashmir issue that it can only be resolved bilaterally. The two countries are bound by these bilateral agreements."Rejecting suggestions that the government had a "flip-flop" policy in handling Pakistan, she said India is very clear that "it wants to hold dialogue, resolve all issues bilaterally without mediation from any third country, organisation or anyone else. But at the same time terror and talks cannot go together."The minister also emphasised that the government was asking other countries not to see cross-border issue or terrorism emanating from Pakistan from the prism of India but see if the international terrorism was in anyway linked with that country.On Pakistan's contention that it will raise jurisdiction on the merit of the Jadhav case, she said India has a very strong argument and it will win the case. She also made it clear that India's case was based on Pakistan's violation of Vienna Convention under which consular access was not only "essential but compulsory".India has made 16 requests to Pakistan to grant access to Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "involvement in espionage and sabotage activities" against the country.Pakistan claims its security forces arrested him from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran.However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navyand approached ICJ to save his life.(With inputs from PTI)
New Delhi: UP Police has declared a reward of Rs 12,000 each for information leading to the capture of Chandrashekhar, the 30-year-old leader of the Bhim Army, along with two of his associates.



Chandrashekhar, who is wanted in connection with violence in Saharanpur on May 9, offered to surrender to the court when he emerged on stage at a massive rally in New Delhis Jantar Mantar.



Saharanpur SSP Babloo Kumar said, It has been almost a month since Chandrashekhar has been wanted by the police. They have had ample time to surrender to the police. It is their failure to surrender that has prompted us to issue this reward.



We have declared a reward for the capture of Chandrashekhar, his right-hand-man Vinay Ratan Singh, along with Kamal and Manjeet. They are all key members of the outfit known as Bhim Army.



The Bhim Army, in protest against alleged atrocities on Dalits, had called for a Mahapanchayat in Saharanpur on May 9.



While the police denied permission for the public meeting, invitations had already gone out on social media. Hundreds had started making their way to the venue of the meeting when things turned sour. Supporters of the Bhim Army clashed with the police, following which; Chandrashekhar was booked by the police.



The case against him relates to inciting violence. It is a serious charge and we are going to crack down on anyone promoting enmity among groups, the SSP said.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over CBI raids at NDTV founder Prannoy Roys residence in New Delhi on Monday.



Shocked at the raids on Dr @PrannoyRoyNDTV's house. He is highly respected and reputed. Disturbing trend, she tweeted.



The raids were conducted at Roys residence at Greater Kailash-1 in New Delhi and in Dehradun for causing an alleged loss of Rs 38 crore to a private bank. The loan was for a corporation named RRPR holdings Pvt Ltd.



However, NDTV, in an official statement, refuted claims being made by CBI and termed the raids concerted harassment based on old endless false accusations.



This morning, the CBI stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations. NDTV and its promoters will fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies. We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India, stated NDTV.



Prannoy Roy had founded the TV network with Radhika Roy in 1988.
#WATCH Union MoS Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal climbs a ladder to talk on the phone in Rajasthan's Bikaner pic.twitter.com/S88cdZ5wzy  ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modis dream of a Digital India received a reality check on Monday when Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was forced to climb a tree to receive cell phone reception near his constituency, Bikaner.The Minister of State for Finance was visiting Dholiya village, 80 km from Bikaner, to listen to the grievances of local residents. While listening to one such complainer over the healthcare facilities, Meghwal reportedly attempted to call the official in-charge. He, however, was unable to get through due to poor mobile connectivity. The locals then suggested to the minister that he may get connectivity at a higher altitude.The minister was then forced to climb the tree and was finally able to talk to the official. He then promised the villagers that he would also look into concerns of poor mobile connectivity in the region and ensure that a cell phone is installed within three months.The video of the minister climbing the tree was widely shared on social media platforms.
Chennai: On Saturday, when TTV Dinakaran returned home, he received a rousing welcome with hundreds of party cadre extending support to the Sasikala faction-- a sign that he had a show of strength from the party cadre.



He made it clear that he will remain the Deputy General Secretary of the AIADMK. He added that only his aunt (Sasikala) has the power to expel him.



However, on Monday, as his went to meet his aunt in the Bengaluru Central prison, 17 ministers had a crucial meeting at the Secretariat to discuss the current developments.



After a two hour long meeting, they met Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and decided to distance themselves from the Sasikala family. Tamil Nadu finance minister, D Jayakumar, said: What we said in mid-April remains the same. We reiterate that Dinakaran should stay away from the functioning of the party. He (Dinakaran) should stick to his stand and stay away from the party."



Meanwhile, Dinakaran has decided to stay away from the party for two months. Addressing reporters after the meet, he said: " Jayakumar is talking like he is the general secretary but he is not. I won't resign unless interim general secretary asks me to. My aunt has advised us to be patient for 60 days to see if there are any developments with regard to the merger. I wont partake in party activities for the next two months but I will be back after that."



Over 10 MLAs and 2 MPs went along with Dinakaran when he visited his aunt in Bengaluru. They continue to maintain that Sasikala is the general secretary and Dinakaran is the deputy general secretary of the party.



Thus, commentators said, the rift within the AIADMK is now widening with three factions staking claim to Jayalalithaa's legacy.



Political Observers say that the Chief Minister should make a statement on whether he wants Sasikala and Dinkaran ousted. Sumanth Raman, political observer, said, "We have to wait for EPS to come and give a clarification on whether they are distancing themselves. If that happens, then there is a possibility of the merger to take place. Obviously, we have to see what the Sasikala faction does. There wont be an independent EPS camp for long.



The AIADMK party symbol was frozen ahead of the RK Nagar by-poll earlier this year. The two camps initiated merger talks in April but they hit a roadblock. With the next EC hearing on party symbol slated for June 16, it remains to be seen if the talks progress in the coming days.
New Delhi: With the diplomatic rift between Qatar and other Arab countries increasing rapidly, the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday wrote to the Prime Minister expressing concern over the safety of Kerala citizens working in the Middle East.



In the letter, Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep concern for the safety of 6.5 lakh Indians living in Qatar of which, he said, more than half belonged to Kerala.



Vijayan began the letter to Narendra Modi by saying that he wrote in the context of the developing geo-political situation in the Middle East today. As you are aware millions of Indians are working in countries in the Middle East and therefore the geo-political developments in the region has raised deep concerns among the people in the state since each family has at least one family member or a relative in the region,



He went on to add that of the six and a half lakh Indians working in the Middle East, three lakh people hail from Kerala, and I bring to your attention our concern regarding their safety and future of their employment and their engagement in Qatar.



Vijayan went on to state that he understood the diplomatic complexities involved but expressed hope that the Union Government will come out with the most appropriate diplomatic and geo-political stance in this regard taking into consideration all aspects and put in place a robust mechanism for addressing all the concerns.



On Monday, the biggest countries in Middle East, including Egypt, UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, severed their ties officially with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. They have accused Qatar of covertly supporting Muslim brotherhood and the agenda of Iran.



The Gulf states have given visitors from Qatar two weeks to pack up and leave their countries. Emirates, based in Dubai, has announced suspension of all flights to and from Doha from Tuesday morning until further notice, just as has been done by Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways.
Lucknow: Top leaders of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rajnath Singh and Kalyan Singh might have hosted Iftar parties at their official residences during Ramzan, but if sources are to be believed, current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath might break the tradition by not hosting Iftar party at his official residence, 5 Kalidas Marg.



He will be the second BJP CM after Ram Prakash Gupta to skip hosting an Iftar party. Stalwarts like Rajnath Singh and Kalyan Singh and even former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee are known for hosting Iftar parties during Ramzan. Till now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also not hosted an Iftar party.



CM Yogi had hosted a phalahaar party for BJP leaders on the first day of Chaitra Navratri in April. His decision to not host an Iftar party has not gone down well with the Muslim community.



Big BJP leaders like Kalyan Singh and Rajnath Singh hosted Iftar parties when they were chief ministers. The decision to not host an Iftar party at the Chief Ministers residence affects the secular credentials of the country, said noted Sunni cleric and Member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali.



Meanwhile, the Muslim wing of the RSS, the Rashtriya Muslim Manch has announced Iftar parties all over the country, where those undertaking the fast will break it with products made from cow milk.



Iftar is the meal which Muslims have to break a day-long fast (Roza) in the month of Ramzan.
Apple CEO Tim Cook in a letter to Apple employees shared his disappointment on the White House's decision to exit from the Paris Climate agreement. Climate change is real and we all share a responsibility to fight it, wrote Cook.The United States President Donald Trump had recently announced that the US was withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord due to the "draconian financial and economic burdens" the agreement imposed on the US.Cook went further and said that the Trumps decision will not impact Apple's efforts to protect the environment. Apple is aiming to stop mining new materials altogether in the future to prevent e-waste.To recall, Trump said the US will begin negotiations to re-enter the Paris Agreement "on terms that are fair to the US." However, Trump's denial of global warming and calling Climate Change a "hoax" received a cold shoulder from as many as 61 Mayors, "representing 36 million Americans", according to CNN.Team,I know many of you share my disappointment with the White House's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. I spoke with President Trump on Tuesday and tried to persuade him to keep the US in the agreement. But it wasn't enough.Climate change is real and we all share a responsibility to fight it. I want to reassure you that today's developments will have no impact on Apple's efforts to protect the environment. We power nearly all of our operations with renewable energy, which we believe is an example of something that's good for our planet and makes good business sense as well.We will keep working toward the ambitious goals of a closed-loop supply chain, and to eventually stop mining new materials altogether. Of course, we're going to keep working with our suppliers to help them do more to power their businesses with clean energy. And we will keep challenging ourselves to do even more. Knowing the good work that we and countless others around the world are doing, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about our planet's future.Our mission has always been to leave the world better than we found it. We will never waver, because we know that future generations depend on us.Your work is as important today as it has ever been. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference every single day.Tim
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)
OnePlus revealed its plans to be the first company to bring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor in India with its upcoming flagship smartphone, OnePlus 5. Both OnePlus and Qualcomm confirmed the news through tweets on May 25. Though OnePlus had everything going well for them regarding these claims, one company beat them to it and released the first smartphone with Snapdragon 835 processor in India.In an event last week, Sony launched its flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium. The Rs 59,990 smartphone came as a surprise to most as the first phone to be powered by Snapdragon 835 processor in India. Apart from the firepower in the processor, Sony boasts of other technology loaded features included in the phone.Primarily, these features are focused on delivering an enhanced display, camera quality and Gigabyte class connectivity.The smartphone houses a 5.5-inch 4K HDR display which presents a crisp and dynamic picture quality with optimum colours and balance. The technology is said to have trickled down from Sony's 'Bravia' range of Televisions.Specifications of the XZ Premium include a 4GB RAM with 64GB internal storage which is expandable up to 256GB using an external memory card. The phone offers out-of-the-box Android Nougat 7.0 support and is powered by a 3,230 mAh battery, supporting Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, Smart stamina and Qnovo adaptive charging.Sony makes big claims about its 19-megapixel Motion Eye camera that is said to come with features like Super-slow motion recording at 960 fps, Predictive Image Capturing, Anti-distortion shutter and more. It incorporates Sony's trademark Exmor RS sensor and the 'Motion Eye' technology is said to capture movements that a normal Human eye cannot detect.Sony says that the camera has been stacked with a memory sensor as well that prevents the delay of information transfer between the Camera sensor and the Snapdragon 835 processor of the phone. On the front, it houses a 13-megapixel camera, again with the Exmor RS sensor and a 22mm wide-angle lens.The Sony Xperia XZ Premium also supports Gigabit-Class LTE connectivity, thanks to the X16 LTE modem technology housed in the Snapdragon 835 processor. This means fibre optic speed connectivity on the go for the smartphone users.All in all, while OnePlus 5 claimed to be the first to the race, Sony emerged as the silent contender and beat OnePlus to release the first smartphone in India with Snapdragon 835 processor. With more such smartphones being powered by the latest technologies, the overall smartphone experience in India is sure to become better on many fronts.
OnePlus 5 will be this year's flagship killer by OnePlus. The phone is expected to launch in India and globally by the end of June 2017 or early July 2017. There have been many rumours and speculations that the OnePlus will come with a dual-camera module. And if sources are to be believed, OnePlus is all set to fight it out in the dual camera race with the likes of Apple iPhone 7 Plus and the Honor 8 series.There have also been reports that OnePlus 5 will feature DxO's photography expertise . But what has been one feature with the dual camera that OnePlus 5 that will make it compete with the iPhone 7 Plus?The OnePlus 5 might get a similar Portrait mode feature that's made the iPhone7 Plus popular among smartphone camera lovers. The OnePlus 5 will also be the second phone to come to the Indian market with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and it's still not clear whether they will be getting the 8GB RAM version to India. But expect no less than 6GB RAM on the OnePlus 5.Watch this space for more on OnePlus 5.
Adventure-seekers and intrepid globetrotters looking to blaze new trails in Southeast Asia will want to consider adding Sri Lanka to their travel bucket list, after the country claimed the title of leading destination and leading adventure tourism destination for Asia over the weekend.



At the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia 2017, which were held in Shanghai, Sri Lanka took the title of leading destination for the region, an award that reflects a country's range of tourism products and services.



The country was also named the leading adventure tourism destination.



Winners are based on an online voting process cast by industry leaders and travel professionals.



Sri Lanka has been emerging as an interesting travel alternative to Thailand, for its beaches, wildlife safaris and adventure tours.



Along with its native land mammals -- elephants, leopards and wild buffalos -- the island's marine surroundings make the destination one of the best for whale and dolphin watching.



Sri Lanka is also known among thrill-seekers for offering top-notch surfing and diving experiences, jungle treks, hikes and elephant-riding and rock-climbing adventures.



Other big winners of the night include The Oberoi Udaivilas in India, which took home the title of Asia's leading hotel 2017 and The Peninsula Hong Kong, which was named Asia's leading luxury hotel 2017.



For Australasia, the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park in Australia was named the leading hotel, and Yasawa Islands in Fiji Australasia's leading destination.



Here are some of the big winners from the gala event:



Asia



Leading airline: Hainan Airlines

Leading airline economy class: Cathay Pacific

Leading beach destination: Thailand

Leading boutique hotel: Casa Del Mar Langkawi, Malaysia

Leading city break destination: Hong Kong

Leading cruise line: Star Cruises

Leading fine dining and hotel restaurant: La Maison 1888 InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam

Leading low-cost airline: AirAsia





Australasia



Leading airline: Air New Zealand

Leading private island resort: Laucala Island, Fiji

Most romantic resort: The Remort Resort, Fiji Islands


Dubai: A luxury hotel in the UAE has employed eight cats to help its employees beat work-related stress, a media report said on Sunday.



The Abu Dhabi-based hotel said the felines were recruited as part of its "office cat" policy to assist employees in unwinding and increasing productivity.



Guests visiting the hotels can also play with the friendly cats who are quick to warm up to all, Gulf News reported.



Jannah Hotels and Resorts said that so far, the cats have been employed at the hotel's head office located in Abu Dhabi.



Nehme Imad Darwiche, Chief executive officer and founder of the company said: "Studies reflect that nurturing pets in an office environment increases office communication and lowers the stress of its professionals significantly. We identify as a team that harbours a deep love of felines and consider our pets as a vital part of the Jannah family".



"In an industry like tourism and hospitality where long hours are common, having pets around helps everyone maintain a positive and motivated attitude. Whether our cats are dozing on our laps, lounging on a desk, or peeking at us from around our computers, their presence is accompanied with a healing effect," Darwiche said.



Last month, an IT firm in Tokyo hired nine cats at the request of employees to help them fight stress, the report added.
Ankara: Germany will have to pull its forces out of the Incirlik air force base in southern Turkey because of Turkish government restrictions on German lawmakers seeking to visit troops there, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Monday.



Gabriel was speaking after a meeting in Ankara with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, which had aimed to address the standoff over Incirlik and other diplomatic tensions between the two NATO allies.



"My Turkish colleague explained to me that in the current situation, Turkey is not able to allow every visit by German parliamentarians to Incirlik - for domestic reasons," Gabriel told a news conference.



Expressing regret, Gabriel said that as a result Germany "must transfer soldiers out of Incirlik, because the German parliament has a parliamentary army and places value on German lawmakers being able to visit Bundeswehr soldiers at any time."



Shortly after he spoke, sources in Prime Minister Binali Yildirim's office said the Turkish premier had cancelled a planned meeting with Gabriel, citing a busy work schedule.



Turkey's ties with Germany and other European Union states deteriorated sharply in the run-up to Turkey's April 16 referendum that handed President Tayyip Erdogan stronger presidential powers.



Germany, citing security concerns, banned some Turkish politicians from addressing rallies of expatriate Turks before the referendum. Ankara responded by accusing Berlin of "Nazi-like" tactics, drawing rebukes from Berlin.



Turkey has prevented German lawmakers from visiting the roughly 250 troops stationed at Incirlik, saying that Germany needs to improve its attitude first.



Gabriel said the search for an alternative location for the troops, part of a mission providing reconnaissance aircraft to support U.S.-led coalition operations against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, would start "this week or next week". Berlin has said Jordan is one of the possible options to host the troops.



Neither Turkey nor Germany wanted the decision to transfer soldiers out of Incirlik to "further worsen our relationship", Gabriel said.



"We believe that when we have settled this problem ... then we will have the chance to work on all the other points where we are firmly convinced that we have common interests".



However, Deputy Foreign Minister Michael Roth, a member of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Social Democrat coalition partners, said differences with Ankara would remain.



"The Turkish government will be absent as a close partner, as a strategic and military partner, for the foreseeable future," he said. "The export of armaments to Turkey must also be stopped immediately".



EXTRADITION DEMAND



Aside from the Incirlik dispute, Germany has expressed concern about the security crackdown in Turkey after last year's failed coup. Some 150,000 people have been sacked or suspended from their jobs and 50,000 people jailed pending trial.



Turkish officials say the steps are necessary because of the gravity of the coup attempt, which killed more than 240 people. But critics in Turkey and abroad say Erdogan is using the failed coup as a pretext to muzzle dissent and purge opponents.



German officials said last month that 414 Turkish citizens with diplomatic passports and other government work permits had requested asylum since the attempted putsch. Berlin's interior ministry has confirmed that asylum requests had been approved for a number of them, a move that angered Ankara.



"Those who seek asylum to escape Turkey and have been mixed up in the coup should be extradited," Cavusoglu told the news conference.



He said relations between the two countries, as well as regional cooperation, had suffered recently. "If Germany takes one step towards us, we can take two towards them, but we cannot overlook the current situation," he said.



Germany has also pushed for the release of German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yucel, who was arrested in Turkey in February on a charge of spreading terrorist propaganda,



"The accusations about Yucel are not related to journalism, but rather to terror. This is a sensitive issue for all of us," Cavusoglu said, adding that the case was a matter for the courts.



"Our independent judiciary is carrying out the process. The judiciary will make the decision on Yucel," Cavusoglu said.
London: The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Sunday for an attack by knife-wielding men who mowed down and stabbed revellers in London, killing seven people before being shot dead in a barrage of police gunfire.



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 and came only days before a general election.



"A detachment of fighters from Islamic State carried out London attacks on Saturday," said the Aamaq news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic State group.



British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed "evil" Islamist ideology and vowed to crackdown on extremist content online worldwide, as police detained 11 people following two raids in east London.



National campaigning for Thursday's vote was suspended for the day out of respect for the victims, who included 48 people treated in hospital for injuries.



Of those, 21 are still in a critical condition.



One Canadian national and one Frenchman were among the fatalities and seven French citizens were among the injured.



No details have been released about the perpetrators, who were shot dead within minutes by police.



Eight officers fired an "unprecedented" 50 rounds at the three attackers, according to Mark Rowley, head of national counter-terrorism policing, who said that a member of the public also suffered a gunshot wound.



Detectives were still investigating whether the assailants acted alone, and Rowley said their identities would be released "as soon as operationally possible".



Police launched raids in the ethnically diverse London suburb of Barking in the hours after the rampage, arresting seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 at two properties.



A 55-year-old man was later released.



'Copying one another'



May said the attack was driven by the same "evil ideology of Islamist extremism" behind last week's Manchester suicide bombing that left 22 people dead, and the Westminster attack in March, which killed five.



"The recent attacks are not connected but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face," she said after chairing an emergency ministerial meeting.



She warned that perpetrators are inspired to attack "by copying one another".



The assailants ran people over on London Bridge before lunging seemingly at random at the crowds gathered around Borough Market, which is full of restaurants and bars.



Gerard Vowls, 47, said he saw a woman repeatedly stabbed, and 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 Guardian newspaper.



Another witness called Eric told the BBC he had seen three men get out of the van and thought they were going to help tend those who had been run over.



Instead they "started kicking them, punching them and took out knives. It was a rampage really," he said, adding that he heard a shout of: "This is for Allah".



An Australian was among those hospitalised, while a Spaniard escaped with light injuries.



French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is due to visit Britain on Monday to speak to the injured French nationals, after President Emmanuel Macron said France was "more than ever at Britain's side".



Among those stabbed was a London Transport Police officer, who was one of the first responders on the scene and received injuries to his face.



A vigil for the victims will take place at nearby Tower Bridge on Monday evening.



'Praying for London'



Britain was already on high alert following the recent attack on a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande in Manchester, northwest England, in which seven children were among the dead.



Grande, who headlined a benefit concert in Manchester on Sunday, alongside stars including Pharrell Williams and Justin Bieber, tweeted that she was "Praying for London".



"A lot of people suffered and I had some second thoughts coming, especially with what happened last night in London," ticket holder Abdullah Mala, 34, told AFP. "But we got to move on".



The national threat level was raised to maximum after the Manchester attack and troops were deployed at key public sites, but reduced to its second highest level last weekend.



Prime Minister May, who served as interior minister for six years before taking office after the Brexit vote last summer, said Britain's response to the terror threat must change.



"We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are," she said, adding there was "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country."



The ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour party suspended national campaign events for the day, but May insisted the election would go ahead as planned on Thursday.



Saturday's rampage is the latest in a string of attacks to hit Europe, including in Paris, Berlin and Saint Petersburg, and the French, German and Russian leaders sent messages of support.



US President Donald Trump offered his help, tweeting "WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!"  and highlighting his thwarted ban on travellers from six mainly Muslim countries.
US President Donald Trump came under fire on Sunday for criticizing London's mayor in the aftermath of attacks in the city that killed seven people and injured at least 48 others.In a tweet, Trump seized on comments by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who said Britons should not be alarmed to see more police in the streets after three men drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing others nearby."At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" 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," Trump said.In response, a spokesperson for the London mayor said Khan "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," the spokesperson said.Former Vice President Al Gore, speaking on CNN's "State of the Union" program, said he thought Trump's tweet misrepresented what the mayor had said."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," Gore, a Democrat, said.Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat and the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CNN that it "troubles" him to see the kinds of tweets Trump has put out in the aftermath of the London attacks.Earlier, Trump offered US help to Britain and promoted his controversial travel ban as an extra level of security for Americans. "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 on Saturday.Trump also spoke with British Prime Minister Theresa May to offer condolences and offered Washington's "full support" in investigating and bringing the perpetrators to justice, the White House said in a statement.Trump also cited the London attacks to push his controversial March 6 executive order that would temporarily ban entry into the United States of people from six predominantly Muslim countries.The ban has been blocked in the courts and Trump's legal team has asked the Supreme Court to reinstate it.Trump has said the travel ban is needed to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. Critics say his reasoning is flawed and assail the ban as discriminatory.Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press" program, former Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday, "A travel ban will be cannon fodder to the recruiters. It's the worst thing we could do."Republican Senator Susan Collins told the CBS program "Face the Nation" that she thought Trump's travel ban was "not the right way to go" because it is too broad.The US State Department said it was monitoring the security situation and advised Americans in Britain to heed the advice of local authorities and maintain their security awareness.The US Department of Homeland Security issued a statement late Saturday saying "At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific, credible terror threat in the United States." Law enforcement officials in major U.S. cities said they were not aware of any threats but were on alert.
Kathmandu: Nepal has signed a major deal with a Chinese company to develop a 1,200 MW hydroelectric project, the biggest hydro project in the landlocked country that could resolve its perennial power crisis.



Nepal's Ministry of Energy on Sunday signed an MoU with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) for the development of teh much-touted 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project.



The agreement was signed at the prime minister's residence, in the presence of outgoing prime minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong, The Kathmandu Post reported.



As per the agreement, the storage project would be built under engineering, procurement, construction and finance (EPCF) model. Under this model, CGGC will help arrange funds required to develop the project.



The funds will be mobilised in the form of soft loan or commercial loan from Chinese financial institutions on terms and conditions acceptable to the Nepal government. CGGC will also undertake the overall responsibility of executing the project.



The Chinese developer, according to the MoU, will also conduct additional studies and investigations on the project if required.



The MoU has given one year's period to the Chinese developer to conduct assessment of the hydropower project and arrange necessary funds for its development.



This understanding, according to Energy Ministry officials, will not bind the government legally or financially to hand over the project to the Chinese company for construction, as the final agreement is yet to be signed.



The government has allocated a budget of Rs 5.33 billion for the project's development in the current fiscal year.



The EPCF model of project development, under which the contracting firm makes all the arrangements including mobilisation of financial resources to build the project, is considered to be one of the most effective and efficient models for development of huge infrastructure projects.



CGGC is currently building 30MW Chameliya Hydropower Project in the far west and 60MW Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in the central region.



The Budhigandaki Project has been touted as a key project to resolve the perennial power crisis in the country. The government has been raising infrastructure tax of Rs 5 from sales of every litre of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel to collect funds to build the project.
London: Britain is preparing to go to the polls on Thursday to elect the prime minister who will chart Britain's course through Brexit negotiations and deal with the aftermath of three terror attacks in less than three months.



Here are the key points from the manifestos of the main parties:



BREXIT



Conservatives: Prime Minister Theresa May has already outlined her negotiating demands, saying she will seek a departure from the European Union's single market and an end to free movement of people.



Labour: The party will accept Britain's departure from the European Union, but will fight to retain benefits of the single market, vowing in its manifesto not to leave the bloc without a deal.



Liberal Democrats: The Lib Dem manifesto provides the strongest opposition to Brexit, promising to hold a second referendum on a final Brexit deal and to maintain free movement of people with the continent.



If the Brexit deal is rejected in a second referendum, the Lib Dems say Britain would stay in.



Scottish National Party (SNP): The party wants a referendum on independence before Britain actually leaves the bloc and has said an independent Scotland would then re-apply to join the bloc.



First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also wants a seat in Brexit negotiations and for Scotland to be given special status to be allowed to stay in the single market even if the rest of Britain leaves.



UKIP: The deeply eurosceptic, anti mass-immigration party has promised to ban the flying of the EU flag on public buildings and to push the government into not paying for any divorce settlement with the bloc.



IMMIGRATION



Conservatives: The Tories will try to reduce annual net migration to the tens of thousands, down from 248,000 in 2016 although some senior party figures are sceptical whether this can be achieved.



May has promised that Britain will end freedom of movement with European citizens following Brexit.



Labour: Jeremy Corbyn's party has made no pledge to reduce immigration, saying in its manifesto that it "believes in fair rules and reasonable management of migration".



Lib Dems: The Lib Dems manifesto puts no target on immigration levels, and calls to remove students from official migration statistics.



SNP: The party's manifesto calls for the devolution of immigration powers to Scotland to allow immigrants from the European Union to continue to come.



UKIP: The party advocates a "one in, one out" immigration system and pledged to reduce net migration to zero over a five-year period.



HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE



Conservatives: May announced controversial plans for the elderly to pay for their own care costs if they have assets worth more than 100,000 ($128,600, 114,000 euros).



The reforms were immediately called the "dementia tax", forcing May to announce there would be a cap on the total amount any one person would pay, coinciding with a plunge in her polling lead.



Labour: The party has pledged 30 billion of extra funding for the National Health Service and 8 billion for care services over the next parliament.



Independent think-tank the IFS has said the tax rates needed to fund Labour's spending plans would be the highest for Britain in peacetime.



SECURITY



Conservatives: The election has been overshadowed by three assailants hitting pedestrians and going on a stabbing rampage in the popular London Bridge area on Saturday in which seven people were killed, Britain's third attack in three months.



May has insisted that the Conservatives have increased counter-terrorism policing resources and has defended her decision to cut thousands of police jobs during her time as interior minister.



On Sunday she promised to clamp down on Islamist extremism, particularly with more online regulation.



Labour: Corbyn has promised to fund an extra 10,000 police officer jobs. He said more community policing will increase "detailed local knowledge and build a network of relationships".
: British police on Monday named two of the three attackers who killed seven people near London Bridge late on Saturday and injured dozens more, and said one of them was previously known to the security services.London's Metropolitan Police said one attacker was Khuram Shazad Butt, aged 27. Butt was previously known to police and domestic spy agency, MI5 and was a British citizen who had been born in Pakistan, the police said."However, there was no intelligence to suggest that this attack was being planned and the investigation had been prioritised accordingly," police said.The second attacker was named as Rachid Redouane, aged 30, who also went by the identity Rachid Elkhdar and was not known to police. Redouane claimed to be Moroccan and Libyan.Police said they were still working to establish the identity of the third attacker.
Geneva: Weeks after becoming US President Donald Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley described the UN's Human Rights Council as "so corrupt."



Expect some sparks to fly, then, when she addresses that body for the first time.



En route to the Middle East, Haley drops in today at the meeting in Geneva to deliver a speech and take part in a "side event" focusing on rights in Venezuela.



Her one-day appearance is shaping up as perhaps the standout event of the council's three-week session because the US has a reputation as a key human-rights defender and is the single largest donor to the United Nations. Her boss, however, has shaken up that image and raised doubts about America's global commitments.



Trump is seeking deep cuts in US funding for international organisations like the UN and the council. On Thursday, he announced the US will withdraw from the Paris climate accord, denting Washington's moral capital.



Last month in Riyadh, he announced hundreds of billions of dollars in arms sales over 10 years to Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military campaign in neighbouring Yemen that has killed hundreds of civilians.



Despite criticism of the kingdom on issues like women's rights and quelling of political dissent, Trump insisted: "We are not here to lecture." Haley, on the other hand, will most certainly be in Geneva to lecture.



Laying out her tack in an opinion piece Friday in The Washington Post, Haley said the council must "end its practice of wrongly singling out Israel for criticism." She said "the presence of multiple human rights-violating countries ... has damaged both the reputation of the council and the cause of human rights." She called for "competitive voting to keep the worst human rights abusers from obtaining seats."



"I will outline changes that must be made," Haley wrote. "When the world's pre-eminent human rights body is turned into a haven for dictators, the idea of international cooperation in support of human dignity is discredited."



The council now counts among its 47 members Burundi, China, Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, all of which have spotty rights records but won seats through its arcane system of regional blocs.
Washington: A businessman from the United States of America has pleaded guilty to exporting products without a licence to atomic and space agencies in Pakistan, thus violating US federal laws.



A media report in Dawn News identified the accused as 43-year-old Imran Khan, who now faces up to 20 years in prison. Khan is scheduled to be sentenced in August 2017. He has been released on a $100,000 bond since he was arrested in December last year.



The report quoted US Attorney for the District of Connecticut Deirdre Daly as saying that Khan, a resident of North Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty on Saturday in a Hartford federal court to violating US export law.



Khan and others were reportedly engaged in a scheme to purchase goods that were controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and exported them without a licence to Pakistan, in violation of the EAR.



Khan conducted business as Brush Locker Tools or as Kauser Enterprises-USA.



When Khan was asked by US manufacturers about the end-user, he said that the product would either remain in the US or that he had completed an end-user certification indicating that the product would not be exported.



After the products were purchased, the report added, they were shipped by the manufacturer to Khans North Haven residence in Connecticut 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), the US Justice Department said. All these organizations listed on the US Department of Commerce Entity List, it added.



The Justice Department said that 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.



The report added that Khan pleaded guilty to one count of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
New Delhi: Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu poses with the mascot during the launch of 'segregation of waste at source' movement for National Capital Region on the occasion of World Environment Day at Talkatora stadium in New Delhi on Monday. (Image: PTI)
Crows pulled me out of bed, admittedly earlier than Id planned on stirring.

They were going nuts out in my wooded lot cawing like it was World War III. And so I shuffled to the deck in a daze to see what all the fuss was about.

Crows indeed, a small army of them swooping and diving at a treeborne object I later determined was the largest great horned owl Id ever seen, right there in my white oak on the shore of Smith Mountain Lake.

The owl, of course, paid them no mind.

After a while, he took to the air across the cove in search of safe harbor; the crows followed relentlessly behind, taking their racket to disturb someone elses morning.

A quick Google search tells you all about their feud. Owls and crows are mortal enemies. Of course, I should have known all along.

Dan Lovelace, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries district wildlife biologist, wasnt surprised about the feathered feud. If crows find an owl roosting in the daylight, especially near a clearing  say, my cove  they sound the alarm. Soon there are a half-dozen, cawing and swooping like a Hatfield finding a lone McCoy.

They just dont seem to coexist very well, Lovelace said, and not just of crows and owls. A lot of times, you may have seen crows chasing hawks. You see that more during the daytime.

But Lovelace couldnt say exactly why crows root out owls.

The owl certainly could care less; its not really a predator that much on crows  maybe small crows, the biologist said. But the crows dont really care for them to be around for some reason.

The owl-crow quarrel is just the start of the Animal Planet program that is a day on the lake. With the variety of environments surrounding the lake, the entire animal kingdom of Virginia seems to converge around the 20,000-acre reservoir in Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties.

Later, over a cup of coffee on the dock, theres a rustle in the leaves by the shoreline. Then a pitter-patter on the riprap. A river otter, shy by nature, scurries along the rocks with a three-foot snake clenched in its jaw. Ive known the mammal was around  it lives in a den burrowed out of the flotation in my neighbors dock  but its never been so bold. And Ive never seen it with prey like a snake.

Lovelace explained otters have been known to eat not only fish, but snakes, frogs, toads and salamanders.

Whatever they can catch, Lovelace said.

Otters are social creatures, living in family groups of up to a dozen, Lovelace said. The otter could have been bringing the snake to its pups, he speculated.

To continue our tour, we go underneath my dock. Aside from the gaggle of bluegill who patrol for food in the shadows is a newly hatched school of largemouth bass minnows. This is an interaction Ive watched all spring, finally coming to fruition.

Scott Smith, the region fisheries manager in the Forest DGIF office, corrected a few of my assumptions. The footlong largemouth swimming beneath the fry is the father  I assumed it was the mother. Smith said the male bass spent much of the spring clearing out a nest, digging a circular clearing to the hard lakebed and attracting a female to spawn. Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, he spends weeks tending the eggs, keeping silt off of them so they can receive oxygen and nutrients and protecting them from predators.

Every other fish out there will eat fish eggs, Smith said. Theyll eat them like popcorn.

Once they hatch, the father bass continues to keep guard until the minnows can strike out on their own. This week hes circling under them, keeping away other fish; they cling to the safety of structure, like my dock.

The male will guard those and try to keep them in a school and will guard the school until the fry get big enough to go off on their own, Smith said. And then the male will go off and just be a fish for the rest of the year.

Largemouth comprise the biggest fishery in Smith Mountain, a lake that plays host to several bass tournaments throughout the year, with striped bass (which the DGIF stocks in SML and several other area waterways) a close second, Smith said. Despite a healthy bass population, Smith said what Ive witnessed is rare; most largemouth dont spawn each year. And of those that do, only about 10 percent of the offspring will live through the year.

Other species in my yard fare better. Take the pair of spotted fawns bedding down in the woods. Their mother has deemed it a safe place to keep them during the day while she goes about her business.

The less that she goes and interacts with it, then the less chance that a predator will follow her or the scent of her will linger to attract attention to the fawn, Lovelace explained.

He encouraged people to leave fawns alone, saying sometimes people fear theyre abandoned and take them into their homes.

Just leave it alone. Dont pick it up, he said. The female is close enough by that in the evening, the doe is going to come back and check on it.

When the mother returns for them in the evening, shell hear the incessant pop-pop-pop in the nearby cove. Smith says those are baitfish, such as shad and alewives, which also spawn this time of year. The bigger splashes, of course, are stripers and largemouth who find these caches of baitfish for an evening feast.

Its hypnotizing, and it beckons one for another beverage on the dock in the late evening as the world below comes again to life.

Ill just be here, looking out my back door.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  Like its idea of moving Charlottesvilles statues of Robert E. Lee and Thomas Stonewall Jackson, the city could face legal challenges against its efforts to alter two public parks and add context to the legacy of the Confederacy and its military officers.

As the City Council looks to begin that process today by voting on new names for the two parks, the attorneys representing a cadre of Confederate descendants and history buffs who wish to protect the statues say it would be illegal for the city to rename the parks or add new memorials there.

A team of about five lawyers is representing local attorney Jock Yellott, executive director of The Monument Fund; the Virginia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans; and a host of others in a lawsuit against the city over its intention to remove the Lee statue.

That would be the lawyers position, Yellott said when asked whether he thinks renaming the parks and building new monuments in those parks is illegal.

As observers have judged that a six-month injunction issued to prevent the removal of the Lee statue will end with the court ruling that moving the statue is illegal based on state law, the citys plans to redesign Lee and Jackson parks and build a memorial to enslaved people could be challenged as well.

In February, after the council voted 3-2 to remove the Lee statue, Councilor Kathy Galvin introduced a resolution that earmarked $1 million to redesign the parks and build a new memorial in Jackson Park to commemorate the citys enslaved population.

The council unanimously approved the resolution.

My resolution is the only one the City Council can act upon to challenge that Lost Cause narrative of the Confederacy, she said in an interview last week.

Im grateful the judge didnt grant an injunction against the other elements that the plaintiffs wanted to prevent.

Yellott said the legal team representing him and the other plaintiffs thinks renaming the parks would be illegal.

The attorneys say the Jackson Park name in particular cannot be changed because the deed in which the park land was granted to the city specifically states that it must be named Jackson Park.

According to the Dec. 24, 1918, deed, local philanthropist Paul G. McIntire requested that said property be conveyed to Charlottesville and that it be known as Jackson Park. 

McIntire also granted the land for Lee Park and gifted to the city the parks namesake statue, dedicating it to his parents. The deed for that gift, however, does not specifically request for that property to be known as Lee Park.

Yellott said he thinks the argument against renaming has a bit more merit for Jackson Park than for Lee Park.

Its a little fuzzier about the name of Lee Park, he said.

Although the court ruled it would not issue an injunction against the city from renaming the parks  because such a decision could be overturned if its found later to be illegal to do so  Yellott said lead legal counselor Ralph Main told him they have not given up on that issue at all.

As for building a new monument in Jackson Park, Charles Weber, a spokesman for the plaintiffs, said he thinks the city should look to build new monuments elsewhere.

As for Yellott, he said: I cant speak to that because youre asking me to give a legal opinion.

Last month in court, attorneys for the plaintiffs said they wanted to maintain the status quo in the two parks. They also said transforming the parks, as the city has resolved to do, could lead to a violation of the state law that prohibits localities from disturbing or interfering with memorials for war veterans.

My view is that better signs are something everyone agrees on  how you tell the story better is something we disagree about, Yellott said.

Honestly, I dont think the court wants to be the one making case-by-case decisions on what is allowed and what isnt, he added.

We need to find a better process.

Although Galvin and Mayor Mike Signer voted against removing the statue of Lee, Galvin agrees with the other councilors that something must be done to change the status quo in the two parks.

The council asked city staff last month to expedite the process for retaining a landscape architecture firm to produce new design concept plans for the parks. The city is expected to choose a firm by early fall.

Its important we address the narrative of the Jim Crow period, Galvin said. Acting on that now is going to demonstrate to the community that we are serious and we heard them.
RAPED IN CHURCH

The child told police that she was staying at her godmothers home for the Easter holidays and was invited by relatives to attend a Baptist church where prayers were being held in commemoration of Holy Week. The girl said while at the service, she was approached by a man who invited her into a private area inside the church where he committed several indecent acts against her. She said she tried to scream but the man used one of his hands to cover her mouth.

Police were told by the girl that she was threatened by the man to not say anything to anyone.

The victim said she never told her godmother anything because she felt ashamed and afraid but because the incident began affecting her mentally and physically, she decided to confide in her mother.

Officers of the Child Protection Unit were called in and the girl was interviewed and taken to a district medical officer where she was examined. The doctor confirmed that the girl was a victim of sexual assault.

She was expected to be taken back to the scene of the incident yesterday for photographs to be taken and the scene to be processed.

Yesterday a search began for the suspect who is believed to be a member of the church.

When police went to the church on Saturday, one church member was flabbergasted that such an act took place on the compound and remarked that the devil is stalking the land. The girl is expected to receive counselling from officers of the Victim and Witness Support Unit of the Police Service.
Anglican priest: Be careful about calls for resignation

Speaking with the Newsday yesterday after the Strolling Players Theatre Companys 60th anniversary and thanksgiving service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, Williams said he was not speaking on behalf of the Anglican Church.

He said he has his own opinion about the imbroglio over the appointment of former chief magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar as a High Court judge and her resignation a few days later, and the demand for Chief Justice Ivor Archie to step down as attorneys moved a no-confidence motion against him on Thursday last.

Archie is the chairman of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) the body responsible for appointing judges.

The judiciary is a very important arm of the institution of Trinidad and Tobago, Williams said. As you know, justice is first for God, even more so than our praise, therefore justice must be seen to be done in TT.

What Im hearing is really not good because you have persons who are sitting in jail for a long time awaiting trial.

I dont know what caused the genesis of that, but it is something that we have to look at.

We have to be very careful because we have two persons of impeccable character. You could not have been chosen as the chief magistrate or chief justice unless you had impeccable character and qualified yourself among many others. Let us be careful how we go about condemning people, asking them to resign.
IMA needs $$

We have impacted every aspect of our marine environment, Juman said.

However we are in a position where its not too late. If we act now we would be able to turn things around. Its not just Governments job. Everybody needs to be part of the solution. Juman made the comments while discussing with Newsday some aspects of the institutes recently launched State of the Marine Environment (SOME) Report, indicating that its work was challenged by lack of funding.

We know our problems. We have been trying to make people aware. The report was a call for action, a baseline where we should aspire to improve because we need to improve. One of the areas in which this country needed to improve, she said, was the water quality at bathing beaches across the country as they were contaminated by sewage.

She said possible sources include leaking pit latrines, soakaways and septic tanks from unplanned developments (squatting areas) near the shore or on the beach, as well as malfunctioning sewer treatment plants and run-off from animal farms entering drains or river courses.

A lot of this ends up in the water courses and eventually flows out into the ocean. We have documented problems with sewage pollution since 1981. The IMA uses World Health Organisation and US Environmental Protection Agency Bathing Beach standards to determine if a beach is unsafe for bathing.

However, she said, if a beach is long, only certain areas could have a problem. In addition, she said some beaches, such as Maracas and Macqueripe, were high-energy beaches, which usually have strong waves and currents which flush sediments and therefore cleans itself more quickly.

The SOME 2016 Report highlights various sections of popular beaches along the north,west, and San Fernando coastlines that have poor water quality or are unsafe for bathing. The report can be downloaded from the IMA website.

Juman suggested that bathers refrain from swimming after heavy rainfall or during rainy season when there is increased run-off from the land. She also advised people to stay away from bathing near river mouths and areas near unplanned housing (squatting).

In order to combat the problem, Juman said proper planning permissions, ensuring developments have proper sewerage, that the Water and Sewerage Authority- maintained sewer treatment plants, and the limiting squatting communities were important.

She said,Its not just dealing with what comes out a sewage plant but also land-use planning.

What kind of land use we have along a river course and where the waste is going... Is it being treated before it is released into the environment? Juman stressed that 75 percent of marine pollution in the Caribbean comes from land-based sources. Because we are a small island state, a lot of our development is along the coast. Most of our people live and work on the coast, and most of our industries are located along the coast. we are very highly dependent on our coastal resources. Because of that we have impacted them negatively. In addition to sewage, marine pollution also comes from waste water from industries, hydrocarbons from the oil and gas sector, nutrients, suspended solids, heavy metals and sediments from deforestation, land clearing, and quarrying.

She said the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves were all negatively impacted, especially the coral reefs as the pollutants block the sun from reaching the reefs, and stress the coral. These environments then become more susceptible to climate change.

She said under this countrys jurisdiction, there was 15 times more sea space than land.

Therefore, the marine environment provided many opportunities to diversify the economy through tourism, the shipping industry, aquaculture, and many other fields. However, she said, a healthy environment was necessary to take advantage of those opportunities.
Increase in people living with disabilities

Coupled with this, Bailey-Sobers said the population of older people continues to increase with the commensurate implications as older people are more likely to acquire a disability as they age.

Bailey-Sobers was speaking at the launch of the first national consultation on the revised policy on people with disabilities at the Eastern Regional Sporting Complex, Orange Grove Road, Tacarigua last week.

She said one of the fundamental functions of the government was to protect the rights and freedom of the vulnerable in society, which included people with disabilities.

She said as the government moved towards the creation of a new framework for this countrys development by 2030, all contributions were critical in helping it finalise the second version of the policy.

Together we must arrive at a consensus on those amendments to the draft revised policy on people with disabilities. We are charged with an enormous and important responsibility. She said one important requirement was a national policy to serve as a blueprint for advocating the cause and meeting the specific needs of this growing population and for creating enabling environments to allow their full integration, participation and contribution to society.

She said the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) recently required nation states, as a duty of care, to report on the progress of the adoption of the convention.

This country was no exception, she said, and through the ministrys Disability Affairs Unit, sustained efforts were now proposed to put required structures and strategies in place to comply with the convention.

In order for our country to achieve the laudable goal of developed- country status by 2030, much work will have to be undertaken to adequately address the needs of this growing cohort. The revised policy must be current, and it must be keeping with international human- rights perspectives on disability and, most important, reflective of those issues people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, NGOs and civil society deem of critical importance. Bailey-Sobers encouraged all stakeholders, especially the community with disabilities to participate fully and let their voices be heard during the consultations.
Amazon Is First Company to

Lose $1T in Market Value
Hundreds of people have scoured Pensacola, Fla., in recent days in the hope of finding a missing 12-year-old girl. Now, they hope a $20,000 reward will lead to answers, as the local sheriff tells the Pensacola News Journal that "we have literally exhausted all" of their leads. The FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement have each offered a $10,000 reward for information on the disappearance of Naomi Jones, who was last seen between noon and 4pm Wednesday near her home at the Aspen Village Apartments in Pensacola, per WALA and the Pensacola News Journal. She's described as a 5-foot-1, black female, weighing 90 to 100 pounds, with black and pink hair. She was last seen wearing a red tank top and American flag denim shorts.

WALA cites police as noting "the changing story of how and when Noami went missing." Nevertheless, local, state, and federal authorities have undertaken a massive air and ground search, while hundreds of community volunteers have searched fields, brush, and trash cans, reports WEAR. The search was suspended Sunday but is expected to resume Monday morning. Meanwhile, police say they have identified people who wanted to speak about Naomi's disappearance but that those individuals are not necessarily suspects, per NBC Miami. A sheriff adds anyone with information should call 911. "The info you have might be the piece we need," he says. (Read more missing child stories.)
An alt-right "free speech" rally went ahead in Portland, Ore. Sunday despite the mayor's objectionsand was met with three separate counter-protests on three sides. Around 3,000 counter-protesters, including labor groups and black-clad antifascist activists, gathered while a few hundred people, many with pro-President Trump signs, converged on Terry D. Schrunk Plaza for the rally organized by the "Patriot Prayer" group, the Guardian reports. Alt-right celebrity Pat "Spartan" Washington told reporters that he was "willing to use violence to make sure my family is safe and my patriot family is safe." "God, I hate them," he said of the counter-protesters across the street. "I look over there and I just want to smash."

A wall of police officers separated the protesters and counter-protesters, though there were isolated clashes and police made at least 14 arrests, CNN reports. Police ended up using pepper balls and flash-bang grenades to disperse anti-fascist protesters, reports the AP. Mayor Ted Wheeler had urged organizers to call off the pro-Trump rally after the fatal stabbing of two men on a train last month. The suspect, Jeremy Christian, had attended a similar rally in the city in April. At the free-speech rally, speakers distanced themselves from Christian and called the train victims heroes, the Oregonian reports. "Mayor Wheeler says I spit out hate speech," organizer Joey Gibson told the crowd. "We've got to prove them wrong." (Read more Portland, Oregon stories.)
If the Russians really do have sensitive information on President Trump, Vladimir Putin certainly isn't willing to admit to it in a televised interview with an American network. In an interview with NBC News' Megyn Kelly aired Sunday, the former KGB agent rejected suggestions that Moscow had a dossier of damaging information, reports Reuters. "Well, this is just another load of nonsense," Putin said. He said he had never met Trump, let alone had a "special relationship" with him. "I think we have representatives from a hundred American companies that have come to Russia," he added. "Do you think we're gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something? Have you all lost your senses over there?"

Putin, speaking to Kelly in St. Petersburg, denied that Russia had interfered in the US election and argued that the US has a long history of meddling in elections, NBC News reports. "Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal electoral processes," he said. When Kelly raised the issue of human rights in Russia, Putin said the US should stop moralizing. "Why do you feel you have the right to ask us these kinds of questions? And do it all the time?" he asked. (Putin also said he barely remembers meeting Michael Flynn.)
Not all heroes wear tightsbut New York City man Gray Davis does, in his job as a dancer with the American Ballet Theater. Davis, 31, sprang into action after a homeless man was pushed onto subway tracks on Saturday night, jumping onto the tracks and lifting the unconscious 58-year-old man to safety before swinging himself back up, the AP reports. Police say a 23-year-old woman who fled the scene on foot was arrested in connection with the assault at the 72nd Street Broadway-Seventh Avenue station.

Davis, who was not dancing that night due to a herniated disk injury, was on his way home with wife and fellow dancer Cassandra Trenary after her performance in The Golden Cockerel. When the man was pushed onto the tracks after an argument, "at first I waited for somebody else to jump down there," Davis tells the New York Times. "People were screaming to get help. But nobody jumped down. So I jumped down." Davis, who is scheduled to return to the stage Monday night as a pirate in Le Corsaire, says the platform was a lot higher than he expected. "Luckily, I'm a ballet dancer, so I swung my leg up," he says. (Read more American Ballet Theatre stories.)
At least 10 students lost their spots at Harvard before the first day of class after they exchanged offensive messages in a private Facebook group, the Harvard Crimson reports. College officials told the incoming freshmen they were no longer welcome after getting wind of the messages and memes in a chat group once called "Harvard memes for horny bourgeois teens." The posts included sexually explicit memes and posts that called child sexual abuse arousing and mocked the Holocaust and minorities, per the Crimson, which obtained screenshots of the posts (but didn't publish them). One post dubbed a hypothetical hanging of a Mexican child "pinata time." The rogue chat sprang from a larger group of 100 students who began exchanging popular memes in December on Harvard's official Class of 2021 Facebook page.

Jessica Zhang tells the Crimson prospective students like her "were excited about forming group chats with people who shared similar interests." But the mostly "lighthearted" messages, as Zhang put it, gave way to suggestions for a "more R-rated" meme" that spurred the "dark" group, per student Cassandra Luca, who added "it was people doing stupid stuff." Harvard officials who discovered the posts in mid-April took a harder line and revoked at least 10 admission offers, per the Crimson. The college reserves the right to rescind admission if a prospective student "engages or has engaged in behavior that brings into question their honesty, maturity, or moral character," a Harvard rep tells the Washington Post. In September, 2,056 freshmen will begin classes at the elite college; 39,506 students applied. (Those incoming students include Malia Obama.)
Without anywhere else to go, the homeless woman nestled in next to a heater in the stairwell of an Edmonton apartment building and fell asleep. She awoke to a man holding a knife to her throat. The woman had no idea that the man, Lance Blanchard, was a convicted sexual predator who lived in the building and was deemed a "significant risk" by police, reports the Edmonton Sun. But she soon learned what he was capable of. She was dragged to his apartment, sexually assaulted, and stabbed before she was able to make a 911 call. But a year later, in 2015, the unidentified woman was led into court to testify against him while in chains. "I'm the victim and look at me, I'm in shackles," the woman told Alberta Judge Raymond Bodnarek, per the CBC. "Aren't you supposed to commit a crime to go to jail?"

During her first day of testimony, the woman had difficulty answering questions and repeatedly fell asleep. Citing a law regarding uncooperative witnesses, Bodnarek ordered that she be held in custody. Days later, she begged to be released, but the judge refused, promising she would be kept away from Blanchard, who was held at the same facility. Instead, at least twice over her five nights in custody, she was taken to court in the same prisoner transport van as her attacker. When Blanchard was eventually convicted of aggravated sexual assault and other crimes, a judge described the woman's treatment as "appalling." By that time, she was dead, a victim of an accidental shooting. Alberta's justice minister says an investigation into her treatment is now underway. (Read more Canada stories.)
The UK's general election is set for June 8, and the conservative Tories continue to lead in the polls, to varying degrees. One Bristol native, however, is hoping voters cast a ballot for anyone but, and his name is making headlines for how he's making that desire known. Banksy has issued what's basically a "vote against a Tory, get a limited-edition print free" offer to constituents in six Bristol-area constituencies that turned over seats to Conservatives in large measure in the last general election, the Guardian reports. The offer popped up on the artist's website over the weekend, telling voters that if they snap a pic of their ballot with a Banksy-approved vote (i.e., not for a Tory), he'll mail them a print on "archival quality paper."

The Independent notes that the print, which shows a child watching a balloon with the UK flag on it float away, is a revamping of a previous Banksy rendering and will be issued June 9. A note at the end of Banksy's post, meant to fend off bribery charges, says the print is just a "souvenir piece of campaign material" that "is no way meant to influence the choices of the electorate." However, it isn't only the bribery issue that's a concern: There's also a UK law against ballot selfies, which could get some of his fans in trouble if they capture proof of their vote. Per the Representation of the People Act, "no person shall  directly or indirectly induce a voter to display his ballot paper after he has marked it" so that others know for whom the vote was cast. The nation's Electoral Commission issued a warning against this during 2016 elections. (Banksy isn't a Brexit fan.)
The decision by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and other Arab nations to sever ties with Qatar on Monday reflects a long-standing dispute between Qatar and its regional neighbors. In fact, a similar fallout happened in 2014, but Monday's events mark a "severe escalation" that could eventually alter the balance of power in the region, per an analysis at the BBC. Nations aren't just pulling diplomats, they're cutting off land, sea, and air travel, and Qatar relies heavily on imports for its survival. Here's what's happening:

Terror accusations: The official Saudi press accused Qatar of supporting "terrorist and sectarian groups" such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the Muslim Brotherhood. Qatar denies supporting militant groups and says there's no "legitimate justification" for the moves.

The official Saudi press accused Qatar of supporting "terrorist and sectarian groups" such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the Muslim Brotherhood. Qatar denies supporting militant groups and says there's no "legitimate justification" for the moves. More broadly: "The feudthe most serious in decades among some the regions most key Western allieshas been simmering for years as Qatar increasingly flexed its political muscle across the region, including backing the Muslim Brotherhood," per the Washington Post. The Saudis also accuse Qatar of backing its arch-rival, Iran.

Bogus article? Two weeks ago, a Qatari news report quoted Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad as criticizing Saudi Arabia and praising Iran, among other things. Qatar later claimed its news websites had been hacked, but the article seems to have been a factor leading to Monday's actions, reports the Atlantic.

Two weeks ago, a Qatari news report quoted Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad as criticizing Saudi Arabia and praising Iran, among other things. Qatar later claimed its news websites had been hacked, but the article seems to have been a factor leading to Monday's actions, reports the Atlantic. Trump's visit: Another factor could be President Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia, notes the New York Times. Generally, analysts think the Saudis feel more emboldened under Trump, with one analyst saying the "moves reflected a 'bullishness' prompted by the Trump administrations stanceson the confrontation with Iran and on a willingness to look the other way on human rights violations."

Another factor could be President Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia, notes the New York Times. Generally, analysts think the Saudis feel more emboldened under Trump, with one analyst saying the "moves reflected a 'bullishness' prompted by the Trump administrations stanceson the confrontation with Iran and on a willingness to look the other way on human rights violations." US military: Qatar is home to the Al Udeid Air Base, where 11,000 US personnel are stationed and from which attacks on ISIS targets are launched, notes the AP. Trouble with the base could complicate US military strategy, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has offered to mediate.

Qatar is home to the Al Udeid Air Base, where 11,000 US personnel are stationed and from which attacks on ISIS targets are launched, notes the AP. Trouble with the base could complicate US military strategy, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has offered to mediate. Big shift? The base, however, may no longer be enough to keep Qatar in the US' good graces, writes David Roberts at the BBC. Other Gulf states might offer to replace it. "The argument to President Trump may be compelling: with US help, Qatar might be persuaded to evict Hamas leadership from Doha and genuinely cut back on funding Islamist groups. It seems that the time of Qatar's individualistic foreign policy may be up."

(Read more Qatar stories.)
Terry Gilliam is finally making his long-delayed Don Quixote movie, but not without controversy: Portuguese public broadcaster RTP reported that while filming The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, Gilliam's crew damaged a famous Portuguese convent. Per RTP, the 12th-century Convento de Cristo, which was once a Knights Templar stronghold and is a designated UNESCO world heritage site, was left with roof tiles broken, trees uprooted, and masonry chipped. Gilliam, however, posted on Facebook Sunday that the report is "ignorant nonsense" and denied the accusations. "Everythng we did there was to protect the building from harm ... and we succeeded," he wrote. However, a government spokesperson says an investigation is underway, the Guardian reports. (Read more Terry Gilliam stories.)
President Trump had choice words on Twitter for London Mayor Sadiq Khan following Saturdays London Bridge terror attack, but senior adviser Kellyanne Conway doesnt think an apology is needed  from Trump, at least. Instead, Conway blasted the media for its "obsession" over Trumps tweets, reports Politico, when she was asked by Savannah Guthrie on Today whether the presidents Twitter tirade merited an apology. I'm going to not let him be seen as the perpetrator here, said the senior adviser, reports the Washington Post. Conway went on to claim that the medias coverage of Trumps tweets redirects blame onto the president. So, we've got the 23rd ISIS-inspired or -directed attack, taking innocent lives  and we want to know, we want to put some blameworthiness here on President Trump? she said. I'm just not going to allow it.

Guthries question stemmed from Trumps open criticism on social media of Kahns message to Londoners: You will see an increased police presence today, including armed officers and uniformed officers. There is no reason to be alarmed by this. Critics panned Trump for taking the quote out of context when he wrote, At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'" The president went on to tweet about the importance of US security, referencing the travel ban hes struggled to implement. Kellyanne Conway's husband George Conway jumped into the fray Monday on Twitter when he wrote that though the presidents posts may make some ppl feel better, they won't help in terms of getting the travel ban restored by the Supreme Court, the Washington Post reports. He later clarified that he still supports Trump. (Read more Kellyanne Conway stories.)
Beijing slams United States, Japan's irresponsible remarks on South China Sea

Beijing : China has slammed the "irresponsible remarks" made by top US and Japanese officials on the South China Sea and Taiwan issues during the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Stressing that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha islands and their adjacent waters, spokesperson Hua Chunying on Sunday said Beijing has always been committed to peacefully solving disputes through consultation and negotiation with countries directly concerned, Xinhua news agency reported.

China has always respected and maintained the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law.

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.

The situation in the South China Sea has improved and shown positive development momentum, the spokesperson said, citing the success of the first meeting of the China-Philippines bilateral consultation mechanism, and the agreement between Beijing and Asean countries on the framework for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the disputed region.

"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.

Talking about the Taiwan issue, Hua stressed China's position has been "clear and coherent"..China urged the USs to stop selling arms to Taiwan and terminate any official exchanges so as to guarantee the development of bilateral relations.
Highly pathogenic bird flu outbreak detected in South Korea

Seoul : 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.
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Today

Snow this morning will taper off and give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 19F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. Low around 10F. Winds light and variable.
New Delhi:

A Irani student of Jawaharlal Nehru University was allegedly attacked on Sunday after India-Pakistan champions trophy match by students associated with abvp, including its leader Saurabh Sharma.

In a letter written to chief proctor, the student named Payal Sajal has claimed that on Sunday evening in damdoar hostel many students were bursting fire crackers and when he objected he was assaulted.

The victim also said that the group of students who assaulted him were drunk as well. In his letter, he also wrote that if no action is taken by the JNU administrative authorities then he will complain to police.

However later on Monday the victim Payal Sajal filed a police complaint against ten people for allegedly manhandling him.

Irani student of JNU allegedly beaten post Indo-Pak matchhttps://t.co/iq3NNRpe9h pic.twitter.com/BTpzzhqm4R  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) June 5, 2017

ALSO READ | All for discussion, but not arguments, says JNU VC M Jagadesh Kumar
New Delhi:

Television actress Rubina Dialik who has come under spotlight after her much loved television soap 'Choti Bahu' has recently took a break from her tough tiring schedule in order to spend some gala time amid wonder filled natural sights of Bali, Indonesia.

The diva recently took to photo-blogging site Instagram and shared a smoking hot picture of her string pose at the amid natural beauty of Bali.

"Travel awakens you to the Truth that LIFE IS A SPLENDID VOYAGEY", the 27 year-old actress posted along with the picture.

On the workfront, Rubina, one of the leading television actresses of the town is at present busy shooting her ongoing famous TV series 'Shakti: Astitva Ek Ehsaas Ki'.

Also Read: Tusshar Kapoor son Laksshya turns 1, Kareena Kapoor prince Taimur makes cutest public appearance ever (see pics)

In the soap the beauty has been seen portraying a character of transgender and gained much popularity and love of million.
Mumbai:

Global beverages major Coca-Cola India said on Monday that it will invest USD 1.7 billion along with its partners in the agri-ecosystem of the country in the upcoming five years as part of its fruit circular economy initiative.

"We are planning to invest around USD 1.7 billion, outof which USD 800 million will be for procurement of fruit-based material for use in the product and USD 900 million will be the investment on manufacturing lines, juice bottling infrastructure and fruit processing plants andequipment and agriculture interventions," Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia President T Krishnakumar told reporters at Mumbai.

He said the investment would be in three parts."We will be investing to increase the yield of the farmer as well as the yield of the fruit. We will be investingin fruit processing infrastructure and filling. This will be jointly invested by us, our bottling partners as well as our processing partners," Krishnakumar added.

The company said an estimated 2 lakh farmers would benefit from the 5-year roadmap of sourcing fruit pulp and fruit concentrate derived out of 2.10 million tonnes of fruit.

ALSO READ: Madras High Court allows Coca Cola, Pepsi to draw water from Tamil Nadu rivers

"We have started with mosambi and oranges and havestarted process on litchi and pomegranate. We source mangofrom India and have also started sourcing guava and banana. We believe that starting from last year, in about 10 years' time, we will be able to increase the amount of fruit that we use by about 10 times," Krishnakumar said.

He added that the investment behind horticulture will be in four parts -- by adding fruit juice in sparkling drinks,more fruit-based drinks, new offerings and exporting the fruit pulp and concentrates to other countries.

READ: Coca Cola workers in China go on strike over sale of bottling plants to local companies

"For our global brand Fanta, we are adding 5 per centorange juice and in the next two months it will become 10 percent," according to Krishnakumar.

The company procures and exports raw materials and ingredients worth 280 million from India to 44 countries. Coca-Cola India launched Minute Maid Pulpy Mosambi on Monday and has sourced more than 1800 tonnes the fruit from Jalna in Maharashtra for the first phase of production.

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New Delhi:

The Congress alleged that the NDA government is trying to shut the defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said , Stakes in Indian PSUs are being sold by the government. No country is able to defend itself without being able to produce good-quality weapons. Hence defence PSUs cannot be shut down for crony capitalism. The Congress pledges to resist and expose this agenda of the BJP.

The Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha also slammed the Modi government on job creation and economy.

The government should publish the names of all those to whom it provided jobs in the last three years, Sharma said.

We also demand a white paper on economy. The Centre should also come out with comparative GDP figures of the last ten years when the UPA was in power as per the old and new series, the former Union commerce minister said, speaking to reporters.

All this will prove that the economy is not galloping as claimed, but is slowing down, he said.

The prime minister has no proper roadmap to take the economy forward, and economists all over the world have started questioning the fudging of economic data by the BJP-led government, he claimed.

The PM owes an apology for this embarrassment, the Congress leader said.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi accuses Modi government of mishandling Kashmir issue

India saw a national investment rate of 34.8 per cent under the UPA, which has now come down to 26.9 per cent, he claimed.

The seven per cent fall indicates that new industries have not started, new capacities have not been created and one-third of existing capacity is lying unused. The gross capital formation has moved in the negative territory in real terms for the first time, Sharma said.

When the UPA was in power, crude prices were hovering around USD 109 which have now come down to USD 50 per barrel, he pointed out.

The government has thus saved 100 billion dollars annually, which is Rs 6.5 lakh crore.

But since petrol prices have remained more or less the same (in the country), where did all the money accumulated in three years disappear? he asked.

Also Read: Roaring Make in India lion is now snoozing, BJP countrys biggest non-performing asset, says Congress

The PM has spent between Rs 1,500 and 2,000 crore on publicity of his three years in power. You see his photos everywhere, he said.

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New Delhi:

The government has effected change in the 50-year-old rule by setting a deadline of six months to complete probe in corruption cases involving its employees.

The decision has been taken to speed up the investigation in such cases, most of them pending for quiet a long time.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has amended Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, and decided time-line for critical stages of investigation and enquiry proceedings.

The Inquiring Authority should conclude the inquiry and submit its report within a period of six months, says the amended rules.

However, an extension for a period not exceeding six months at a time may be allowed for any good and sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing by the disciplinary authority, it said.

Earlier, there was no time-frame to complete an enquiry.

The disciplinary authority shall deliver to a government servant, accused of irregularity and corruption, a copy of the articles of charge, the statement of the imputations of misconduct or misbehaviour and a list of documents and witnesses by which each article or charges is proposed to be sustained, the new rules said.

On receipt of such articles of charge, the government servant shall be required to submit his written statement of defence, if he so desires, and also state whether he desires to be heard in person, within a period of 15 days, it said.

Also read: PM Narendra Modi reviews preparedness for GST ahead of July 1 rollout

The time-limit can, however, be extended for a period not exceeding fifteen days. But under no circumstances, the extension of time for filing written statement of defence shall exceed forty-five days from the date of receipt of articles of charge, the rules said.

At present, there is no time-limit for submission of the employees statement of defence.

The new rules are applicable to all category of employees excluding those in all-India servicesIndian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS)-- and a few other categories of officers.

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), in a directive, had last year expressed serious concern over delay in finalising corruption cases and asked all departments to complete these inquiries within a maximum period of six months to keep away nothing will change notion associated with governance.

The directive comes after the commission noted that administrative authorities are not adhering to the time-schedule prescribed for completion of disciplinary proceedings.

In a recent study conducted by the commission, it has been noticed that while the average time taken by the administrative authorities in finalisation of disciplinary proceedings is more than two years, the maximum time taken in a particular case was eight years and at least in 22 per cent cases the inquiry took more than two years, the CVC had said.

As per the anti-corruption watchdog, the time-limit for completion of departmental inquiries is six months from the date of appointment of inquiry officer.

Also read: World Environment Day: PM Modi emphasises need for nurturing better planet

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New Delhi:

Authorities on Monday prevented separatists from holding a meeting at residence of hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani, placing several leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest. JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody and lodged at a police station in Srinagar.

Earlier it was reported that Malik has been arrested but the official reports have confirmed that it is preventive custody.

A posse of police personnel were posted outside Geelanis residence at Hyderpora where the separatists leaders were to hold a meeting and later address a press conference, a police official said.

He said no one was allowed to enter Geelanis residence.

Mirwaiz has once again been put under arrest since late last evening. He was to attend the joint resistance meeting at veteran leader Geelanis residence today, a Hurriyat spokesman said.

The anti-Kashmiri state resorted to its usual tactic of curbing the leadership, once again showing that Kashmir is ruled by the forces might, he added.

The meeting was convened by the separatists to discuss the NIA raids on several of their second rung leaders as part of crackdown on funding street protests and businessmen suspected of carrying out hawala operations.

Read | NIA raids: Govt to bring to book preparators of terrorism, says Jitendra Singh

NIA had registered an FIR last week in the Pak terror funding case. NIA had raided Geelanis son-in-law Altaf Fantoosh, businessman Zahoor Watali, Shahid-ul-Islam, leader of Awami Action Committee led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, and some second rung separatist leaders belonging to both factions of the Hurriyat Conference and the JKLF.



Earlier on May 19, NIA had registered a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) against Geelani, for alleged involvement in subversive activities and receiving funds from LeT chief Hafiz Saeed. The others named in the PE are Naeem Khan, who was seen on television during a sting operation purportedly confessing to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, PTI quoted an NIA spokesman as having said.

Read | Crackdown on Kashmir separatists: NIA registers FIR against Geelani, Saeed; ED issues summons to Shabir Shah

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New Delhi:

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday mocked the BJP and saffron outfits for going overboard in the name of cow protection and asked them to create shelter houses for cattle which are often seen loitering on roads in Uttar Pradesh.

They should first display sensitivity towards cattle by creating special shelter houses for cows and buffaloes seen loitering on roads - a common feature in Uttar Pradesh where deserted cattle can be seen even on a four lane expressway, he told reporters here.

UP has the highest number of cows dying after eating plastic items, he said lampooning the growing cow-vigilantism in the BJP-ruled state.

Kumar described the Centres notification to prohibit cattle trade for slaughter and the controversy shrouding banning of illegal slaughter houses as bakwas (ridiculous).

The BJP and its associate saffron organisations overdrive in the name of cow protection is an attempt to vitiate the environment with an intent to cast a veil on failed promises made during poll, the chief minister claimed.

Talking about banning illegal slaughter houses, Kumar mocked the BJP saying Bihar enacted a law against illegal slaughter houses way back in 1950 when BJP was no where in the picture.

Bihar, he said, would soon see its first special cow shelter in Patna where deserted cattle would be housed and taken proper care of.

I have instructed the Patna district magistrate for this (special cow shelter) and it will be opened soon, he said.

On the completion of three years of the Modi government, Kumar said none of the promises made before the polls like creation of jobs for youths or enhanced MSP to farmers by adding 50 percent to input cost have not been fulfilled anywhere.

On the Modi Fest proposed to be inaugurated in Bihar by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on June 15, he said, As BJP does not have faith in the calibre of its party leaders in Bihar, it is hiring names from outside.

Also Read: Nitish Kumar clarifies meeting with Modi, says 'everything else' is misinterpretation

Replying to a about question the unrest in Kashmir, Kumar demanded that the Centre invite leaders of all the parties to formulate a more effective plan to restore peace in the state and also draw up a strategy to reclaim Indian land in Pakistans control.

About his June 3 visit to Tamil Nadu on the 94th birth anniversary of DMK chief M Karunanidhi and the progress of non-BJP parties deciding to field a candidate for Presidential post, the JD(U) chief said he had gone to Chennai to pay his respects Karunanidhi.

The onus of choosing a consensus candidate for presidential poll for it lies with the ruling party. In case they fail to do so, opposition will field a candidate with the largest unity possible.

Kumar, who had last month met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and also held talks with many Left leaders for the Presidential poll, however, refused to take any name for the post.

Also Read: Liquor ban may result in de-addictive Bihar, says CM Nitish Kumar

Talking about Sushil Modi making corruption allegations on Lalu Prasads family and writing a letter to him in this regard, he said the senior BJP leader has been sidelined by youngsters within his party and I do not take notice of his statements.

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Patiala:

Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted for the 1995 assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, has asked all political parties and religious organizations to maintain peace and harmony on the occasion of the upcoming 33rd anniversary of Operation Bluestar on Tuesday.

In a letter written from the central jail at Patiala, Rajoana appealed to all Sikh religious and political organisations to shun their differences apart and pay homage to the martyrs of Operation Bluestar. Operation Bluestar was a military operation carried outin 1984 to flush out heavily-armed terrorists holed up in the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

They were demanding a separate homeland, Khalistan, for Sikhs. Rajoana's two-page handwritten letter was released by his sister Kamaldeep Kaur to the media on Monday. The murder convict asked all factions to maintain dignity of the Akal Takht (highest temporal seat of Sikhs).

"We should pay homage to all martyrs by reciting 'Gurbani' only and notraise any slogans," he wrote. Rajoana, a Babbar Khalsa International terrorist, is the prime convict in the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh on August 31, 1995.

ALSO READ: Files related to Operation Bluestar be made public: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

In a related development, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Kirpal Singh Badungar on Monday appealed to all Sikh organisations to unite.

Badungar held a meeting with SAD (A) president Simranjit Singh Mann at Fatehgarh Sahib on Sunday. The latter told Badungar that his supporters would offer prayers during the religious programme.

Badungar also met Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh and discussed ways to make the event peaceful in accordance with Sikh 'maryada'. Kanwar Pal assured him that members of all groupsassociated with his party would fully cooperate with the SGPC.

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New Delhi:

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's four-nation tour, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Kazakhstan is set to bring leaders of arch enemies India and Pakistan on one dais. Scheduled for June 8 and 9 in Astana, the summit-level meeting will see PM Modi, Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping on the same platform.



India's participation in the meeting is also crucial because this year India becomes the full member of the multilateral organisation.



There are only a handful of countries in the SCO and a face-to-face meeting is unavoidable. However, sources in know of the matter told a news website that even as no formal meeting has been planned between Pak PM Sharif and PM Modi, but a handshake or a pull aside is possible between the two leaders.

Read | PM Modi targets Pakistan in Russia, says some nations arming, funding terrorists



The possible encounter will be closely watched to see if Modi and Sharif are able to defuse tension between the two nations.

last time PM Modi and Pak PM Sharif met was on December 25, 2015 when Modi made a surprise stopover in Lahore en route Delhi to Kabul. Only a week later on January 2, 2016 an attack on an IAF base in Pathankot by Pakistan ruined the peace process between the two nations.

Since then a series of Line of Control misadventure, including Uri attack, surgical strike by Indian Army and followed by Kulbhushan Jadhav debacle has only widened the rift between India and Pakistan.

Suggested read: Kulbhushan Jadhav case is fake and fabricated tale conjured to sabotage India: Pakistani political party tells ICJ



Meeting with Xi Jinping



The sources quoted by the website also hinted at the possibility of a formal meeting between Xi and Modi. The meeting, if it happens, would be crucial in the backdrop of next Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Plenary in Switzerland from June 19 and the recently held One Belt, One Road (OBOR) summit in Beijing.

India had backed out of the summit organised by Beijing in protest of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which violates Indian sovereignty as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Read | PM Modi says not a single bullet fired in 40 years despite border dispute with China

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Hosur (TN):

A section of state ministers had revolted against me due to some fears, said AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran on Monday. However, Dhinakaran declined to say what they were. Dhinakaran is out on bail in a case of alleged bribery.

The AIADMK factions Deputy General Secretary also made light of the defection of some functionaries including MLAs and MPs under former chief minister O Panneerselvam, saying it was not at all a big issue.

But some ministers have some other problems and some other fear and in order to hide it they are telling I am the problem, he told reporters here enroute to Bengaluru to meet his jailed aunt and party chief V K Sasikala.

The fears were selfish in nature, he said, but declined to elaborate.

I will tell you later he said when reporters asked him what he meant when he talked about those fears.

On April 19, senior Tamil Nadu cabinet Ministers had revolted against Dhinakaran and said he and his family an obvious reference to Sasikalawill be kept out of the party and the government.

Also read: Election Commission bribery case: Dhinakaran says will prove his innocence

Dhinakaran had then too blamed some fears among ministers for their revolt.

The leader was released on bail by a Delhi court last week in a case of allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official to wrest the AIADMKs Two Leaves symbol. He said he will plan his future course of action after meeting Sasikala and will base his actions on her guidance.

The former MP, who had earlier declared he had stepped aside following the ministers revolt, today said resurgent party workers wanted him to continue performing.

Supporters are our wealth and we work according to their will, he said.

Last week too, prior to leaving Delhi after being released on bail, Dhinakaran had insisted he would continue party work.

How I should work I will get the General Secretarys (Sasikala) guidance, he said today.

He was scheduled to meet Sasikala to apprise her of the situation after 45 days, he said in an apparent reference to his being lodged in Tihar jail in Delhi in connection with the bribery case.

Dhinakaran said he never had any intention of disturbing the K Palaniswami government and that the Chief Minister himself was well aware of it.

To a question on opposition charges that the AIADMK government was toeing the central BJP governments line on many issues, he said Palaniswami and his cabinet colleagues should respond to the criticism but insisted AIADMK was functioning independently.

Also read: Election Commission bribery case: Delhi court grants bail to Dhinakaran

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New Delhi:

At least 24 people were killed and several injured when a bus caught fire after colliding with a truck on NH 24 in Uttar Pradeshas Bareilly on Monday. The injured were taken to a district hospital.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed his heart-felt condolences on the killing of several people in the bus accident. He also announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of deceased, Rs 50,000 to severely injured and Rs 25,000 to those having minor injuries.



He has also ordered state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal to immediately visit Bareilly and take stock of the situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives in the bus accident and sanctioned Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of those killed. He also announced Rs 50,000 for each of those injured in the collision.



aThe bus accident in UPas Bareilly is heart-rending. I condole the loss of lives. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest,a Modi said.

Uttar Pradesh police has shared the helpline numbers on their official Twitter handle:

A

Additional SP Rahul Srivastav said that 22 bodies charred to death have not been identified and 15 injured were taken to theA hospital. Accused truck driver is still absconding, he added.

A

#bareillybusaccident- 1-22 bodies charred to death have not been identified 2-Accused truck driver is absconding 3-15 injured hospitalised a RAHUL SRIVASTAV (@upcoprahul) June 5, 2017

The bodies are badly charred as the bus caught fire after colliding with the truck, said a senior level officer.

Earlier, Senior superintendent of Police (SSP) of Bareilly Joginder Kumar said, aWe have recovered charred remains of around 10 passengers and our teams are trying to locate others.a

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New Delhi:

At a time when questions are being raised by Hindu right wing groups on the contribution of Mughal rulers to India, experts from Uzbekistan, Baburs 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 READ: Sotheby's to auction rare imperial Mughal spinel at London sale



Also of interest are 15 illustrated folios of the Baburnama, which is Baburs 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 Baburs 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 BJPs art and culture cell.



In 2015, Delhis 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 Indias past and everything to do with Indias 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 Indias 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.

ALSO READ: Delhis Dalhousie Road renamed Dara Shikoh Road after Mughal king Aurangzebs brother

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New Delhi:

After a delay of two days due to bad weather conditions, the SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule was finally launched on June 3 as per reschedule. A Falcon 9 rocket carried the SpaceX Dragon at 5:07 pm (2107 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This SpaceX Dragon has created history by carrying a Chinese science experiment to the ISS for the first time ever.



The purpose of the SpaceX Dragon is to provide food and supplies to astronauts living aboard NASAs International Space Station (ISS). "Three, two, one, and liftoff," said NASA spokesman Mike Curie as the rocket made its way to the clouds.



The SpaceX Dragon spaceship last time flew to space back in 2014. The Dragon packs around 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms) of science research, crew supplies and hardware, The SpaceX Dragon is likely to arrive at ISS on Monday, June 5.



The Dragon is packed with almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms) of science research, crew supplies and hardware and should arrive at the ISS Monday.

The supplies also include live mice on which researchers will study the effects of osteoporosis. Also there are fruit flies for research on microgravity's impact on the heart.



Also, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carried solar panels and equipment to study neutron stars. SpaceX successfully returned the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket back to a controlled landing at Cape Canaveral about 10 minutes after the launch of Dragon.



The engines were powered by the rocket, which guided itself down to Landing Zone One, not far from the launch site.

ALSO READ | SpaceX's Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite successfully launched atop Falcon 9 rocket



"The first stage is back," Curie said on NASA live webcast. The visuals showed how the tall, narrow portion of the rocket touched down steadily in a cloud of smoke.



It was SpaceXs fifth successful landing on solid ground, said the company. Several of Falcon 9 rockets have returned upright to platforms floating in the ocean.

SpaceX has been pushing to make spaceflight cheaper by the re-use of costly rocket and spaceship components after each launch, rather than discarding them in the ocean.

The launch of SpaceX Dragon was the 100th from NASA's historic launch pad 39A, the starting point for the Apollo missions to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as a total of 82 shuttle flights.

ALSO READ | Mazaalai: Mongolia's first satellite will be off to space alongwith SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 4

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Beijing:

China on Monday said Indias membership bid in the NSG has become more complicated under the new circumstances as it again ruled out backing New Delhis entry in the grouping, saying there should be non-discriminatory solution applicable to all non-NPT signatory countries.



China has been blocking Indias membership in the 48-nation grouping which controls the nuclear commerce even though India has the backing of majority of the members.The group goes by consensus approach on the admission of new members.



About the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) it is a new issue under the new circumstances and it is more complicated than the previously imagined, Chinas Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Huilai told media briefing in Beijing.



He, however, did not elaborate what are the new circumstances and complications.China supports the NSG to have consultation for reaching non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution, applicable to all members of the NSG, he said.



Pakistan has also applied for the NSG membership. While China has not openly supported Pakistans membership, it came with a two-step approach which stipulates that the NSG members first need to arrive at a set of principles for the admission of non-NPT states into the NSG and then move forward discussions of specific cases.



Last month, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media that there is no change in Chinas stand on admission of non-NPT states into NSG, ruling out any chances of Indias entry into the elite grouping.



Asked about the chances of Indias admission into the grouping during this months plenary session expected to take place in the Swiss capital Bern, he said, Chinas position on the non-NPT members participation in the NSG has not changed.



Li, who interacted with media to highlight Chinese President Xi Jinpings participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held at Astana Capital of Kazakhstan on June 8-9, said China wants to deepen relations with India.

Read | SCO Summit 2017: PM Modi to share dais with Pak PM Sharif, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping in Astana on June 8-9



China and India are important neighbours and both are fast developing, both are emerging new market economies. Both are important forces upholding peace and stability, he said.



In recent years, relations between India and China are developing sound and at quite fast speed.



President Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meetings have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and make joint efforts to build even closer development partnership, he said.



The highlight of the SCO summit is the admission of India and Pakistan as new members of the organisation.



Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to take part in the SCO summit where his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif is also expected to be present.

Modi is also likely to meet Xi on the sidelines of the summit though officials say the meeting has not been confirmed.



Li said the six-member grouping will be strengthened by the entry of India and Pakistan and it will extend the groups reach from Central Asia to South Asia.He said the entry of the two countries will cover three fifth of Euro Asian continent and will account for half of the worlds population.



China will take the rotating Presidency of the group next year, Li said.He also said Iran, which is the observer, has expressed interest to join the organisation and its application will come up for discussion at the Astana summit.The SCO comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan acts as China-dominated security group focussing on Central Asia.



India and Pakistan till now had the status of observers along with Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia in the group.



Asked about Afghanistan blaming Pakistans intelligence agency for recent massive bomb attacks in Kabul, Li said China condemned recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, Britain and Philippines.



China strongly condemns these violent terrorist incidents and in fact we oppose all forms of terrorism, he said.



The international community should step up cooperation and work together to jointly tackle the terrorism and China stands willing to work together with other parties, bilaterally and multilaterally to step up cooperation and take all necessary measures to jointly protect respective countries and regional security and development, he said.



The SCO is also considering a treaty on terrorism.

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New Delhi:

Oil prices surged by around 1 percent in the global markets on Monday flared by tensions in the Middle East where top crude exporter Saudi Arabia and other Arab states cut off ties with Qatar.

Saudi Arabia as well as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain severed ties with top liquefied natural gas (LNG) and condensate shipper Qatar on Monday, accusing it of backing extremism and undermining regional stability.

Global benchmark Brent advanced 1.1 per cent to $50.48 a barrel. U.S. oil also climbed 1 per cent to $48.17. Dubai's stock index dropped 0.6 per cent in early trade.

Saudi Arabia cut all land air and sea contacts with Qatar and urges all brotherly countries and companies to do the same.

Citing protection of national security, Riyadh then announced it was also severing ties with Doha and closing off all land, sea and air contacts, the Saudi state agency said in a statement, cited by Reuters.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, UAE cut diplomatic ties with Qatar over 'terror funding'; Qatar calls decision a 'violation of its sovereignty'

Egypt was next to join the diplomatic war, with Cairo announcing it is cutting relations with Doha, according to Sputnik news agency.

UAE has also issued a notification to Qatar citizens to leave the country within 14 days, while diplomats have been asked to exit within 48 hours.

Bahrains Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement early Monday saying it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from the Qatari capital of Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

"There is not much geopolitical risk premium priced into oil right now, (but) if tensions do ratchet higher between the key OPEC producers, like Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq, then the market will start paying attention to this," said Virendra Chauhan, an oil analyst at consultants Energy Aspects.

With a production capacity of about 600,000 barrels per day, Qatar's crude oil output, one of OPEC's smallest, is dwarfed by the near 10 million bpd churned out by the cartels de-facto leaders.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, UAE cut diplomatic ties with Qatar over 'terror funding'; Qatar calls decision a 'violation of its sovereignty'

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Abu Dhabi:

Abu Dhabis Etihad Airways on Monday said that it would suspend flights to Qatar after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was among major Gulf States to sever ties with Doha in an unprecedented regional crisis.



Etihad said flights would stop today after the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours. Etihad, which operates four return flights to Doha daily, said the measure will be in place until further notice.



Other carriers from the three Gulf countries, including Dubais Emirates, are likely to announce similar measures. The unprecedented measures against Doha include ordering Qatari citizens to leave within 14 days and banning citizens of the three Gulf states from travelling to Qatar.



Doha airport, along with airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become major hubs after Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways seized a significant chunk of transcontinental travel on routes linking Western countries with Asia and Australasia.

Meanwhile, Qatar has also suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia.

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, UAE cut diplomatic ties with Qatar over 'terror funding'; Qatar calls decision a 'violation of its sovereignty'

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New Delhi:

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain on Monday cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar amid a deepening rift between Gulf Arab nations.A

The official state news agency, citing an official source, said Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar aproceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremisma.



Saudi Arabia cut all land air and sea contacts with Qatar aand urges all brotherly countries and companies to do the same.a



Citing aprotection of national security,a Riyadh then announced it was also severing ties with Doha and closing off all land, sea and air contacts, the Saudi state agency said in a statement, cited by Reuters.



Egypt was next to join the diplomatic war, with Cairo announcing it is cutting relations with Doha, according to Sputnik news agency.

UAE has also issued a notification to Qatar citizens to leave the country within 14 days, while diplomats have been asked to exit within 48 hours.A

Bahrainas Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement early Monday saying it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from the Qatari capital of Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The ministryas statement said Qatari citizens needed to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. It wasnat immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the regionas major long-haul carriers.



Bahrain blamed Qataras amedia incitement, support for armed terrorist activities and funding linked to Iranian groups to carry out sabotage and spreading chaos in Bahraina for its decision. Qatar had no immediate comment.

Qatar termed the Arab nations' decision a 'violation of its sovereignty' and vowed to citizens that the country will not let the change in diplomatic ties affect them, AP reported.A

Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad says it is suspending flights to Qatar amid Gulf diplomatic rift: AP pic.twitter.com/Vy9Z5y3ha4 a ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

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London:

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 on Monday.



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 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.



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 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.



Islamic States statement today from its Aamaq news agency claimed the groups fighters were responsible, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. IS has urged supporters to weaponize vehicles in attacks against the West.

Read | London terror attack live: 7 dead, including 3 attackers, in 3 separate incidents; PM Modi, Trump condemn attacks



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 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 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.



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.

Read | Theresa May condemns Islamic extremism; says UK polls to go ahead on June 8



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 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.



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. 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 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 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 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.

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Miami :

A disgruntled man went on a shooting spree at his former workplace in the US state ofFlorida today, killing five of his colleagues including a woman before turning the gun on himself. Today's shooting incident comes a week ahead the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando.

It wasthe deadliest mass shooting in US history in which 49 peoplewere killed by a gunman on June 12.

Deputies responded to today's shooting at the Fiamma Incbuilding on Forsyth Road in Orlando around 8 am. The 45-year-old shooter, a disgruntled employee who wasfired in April, also killed himself, Orange County SheriffJerry Demings told reporters.

He ruled out a terrorist incident.

"The shooter was carrying a gun and an knife. He wasfired from this business. The individual shot former co-workers," he said.

According to the Sheriff, there were no reports of anyspecific threats to this business. The name of the shooterwill be released after next of kin notified, he said. "We are all on heightened alert from the tragic incidentsacross the globe. We cannot connect this incident to anyglobal terrorism," Demings said.

Florida Governor Rock Scott urged people of the state topray for the families of the victims killed in "thissenseless" act of violence.

"Over the past year, the Orlando community has beenchallenged like never before. I have been briefed by our lawenforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and Iare praying for the families who lost loved ones today," hesaid.

"I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impactedby this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contactwith the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the dayas more information is made available," Scott said.

Sheriff Demings on scene of tragic shooting with multiple fatalities. Getting briefing. Will address media shortly. pic.twitter.com/f7jZrmXuhl  OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) June 5, 2017

Also Read | Kansas shooting: State to mark March 16 as 'Indian American Appreciation Day' to honour slain techie

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Further expanding its coverage of Connecticut, Hearst announced Monday it has acquired three daily and eight weekly newspapers and their accompanying websites from Digital First Media, including the New Haven Register and Connecticut Magazine.

It marks the second Connecticut acquisition in the past year for Hearst, which purchased The Hour, of Norwalk, in 2016, solidifying its coverage of Fairfield County.

Hearst also owns the Connecticut Post, based in Bridgeport; The Advocate, of Stamford; Greenwich Time; and The News-Times, based in Danbury, in addition to six weekly newspapers in southwestern Connecticut  the New Canaan News, Darien News, Wilton Villager, Westport News, Fairfield Citizen and New Milford Spectrum.

The print and digital assets in Wednesdays deal, which include The Register Citizen, of Torrington, and The Middletown Press, reach more than 470,000 households combined and 1.4 million unique online visitors, according to a news release. They extend Hearst Connecticut Media Groups news operations, advertising services and audience reach across New Haven, Middlesex and Litchfield counties.

The New Haven Register has a rich tradition for high-quality community journalism dating back to the Jackson family ownership era, Hearst Newspapers President Mark Aldam said. By connecting our current Connecticut media assets across Fairfield County with the New Haven Register group, we expect to advance enterprise journalism across southern Connecticut.

Financial terms of the deal with Denver-based Digital Firsts parent company, 21st Century Media Newspapers, were not disclosed.

Rich Hanley, associate professor of journalism at Quinnipiac University, said the acquisition ends the uncertainty that has plagued the Register for years on its future and where it will go strategically.

The consolidation of the news industry continues, he said, noting that its large media organizations like Hearst that can take on groups of this scale, which often result in shared resources.

(Hearst) owns the southwestern part of the state now they have the central, Hanley said. Its just the nature of news media in the 21st century to consolidate.

The weekly newspapers in the deal are the Post-Chronicle, covering Hamden and North Haven; the Milford-Orange Bulletin; the ShoreLine Times; The Dolphin, in Groton; the West Hartford News; The Foothills Trader, in Torrington; The Litchfield County Times; and the Fairfield and Westport Minuteman.

Hearst Newspapers now publishes 22 daily newspapers and 64 weeklies nationwide.

The New Haven Register, which dates to 1812, is by far the largest of the newly acquired publications.

It is in the citys best interest to have stability and consistency at the New Haven Register going forward  its a vital cog in a democratic process utterly dependent upon an informed citizenry, said New Haven Mayor Toni Harp. Over the 40-plus years Ive lived in New Haven, Ive come to rely on the Registers comprehensive coverage of the city and I welcome this new chapter in the history of the paper.

Formerly owned by the Jackson family, the paper was later owned by the Journal Register Co., which in 2011 teamed with MediaNews Group to form Digital First. MediaNews is itself a former owner of the Connecticut Post. Connecticut Magazine, based in New Haven, covers news around the state and dates to 1971.

This represents an exciting new chapter in the New Haven Registers long history, said Helen Bennett Harvey, executive editor of Digital Firsts Connecticut group. We look forward to working alongside the talented staff at Hearst to continue providing outstanding local news coverage and to becoming the leader in Connecticut journalism.

Paul Barbetta, group publisher and president of Hearst Connecticut Media Group, will oversee business and news operations for the latest acquisitions.

This will be an exciting time for all of us as we welcome our new colleagues and publications into our group, Barbetta said. Such an acquisition demonstrates our commitment to our brand and our company to readers, to advertisers and to the community.
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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.
DANBURY  The Hord Foundation will award $160,000 in scholarships to local students at a ceremony on Thursday.

The 78 Hord Scholars, as well as returning Scholars from previous years, will be honored with scholarships they earned through their academic success and contributions to their communities, according to a press release.

The event begins with a reception, followed by the presentation of the scholarships in front of parents, sponsoring organization and VIPs from industry and academia. Sheryl Battles, vice president of communications and diversity strategy at Pitney Bowes, will be the guest speaker.

The foundation, which was established in January 1993 by Noel and Cora E. Hord, fosters the achievement of scholars of African descent in greater Danbury by providing scholarships, offering support programs and building a connected community, according to a release.

Noel and his late wife Cora, of Danbury, had started the scholarship program earlier, in 1988, when they a holiday party at their home to raise scholarship money for deserving and disadvantaged youth. Asking each guest to donate $25, the couple raised $2,700 for the scholarship fund.

Their event grew, leading the couple to establish the foundation in 1993. That year the foundation raised $48,000.

Since then, the amount of money given to deserving and qualified African-Americans for post-secondary education has increased each year. Money is raised through the donations of about 500 individual and corporations, as well as from various fundraising events.

Over 24 years, the foundation has awarded more than $4.5 million.
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HARTFORD  It has virtually no chance of passage, but House majority leaders said Monday they may throw a bone to supporters of recreational marijuana, and allow them to bring the issue to the floor for a brief  and losing -- debate.

Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz and House Majority Leader said they expect several lawmakers who proposed the retail sales of marijuana, to offer an amendment on other legislation to bring the issue up for public discussion.
/ The Connecticut Post

NEWTOWN - Officers plan to raise awareness and money for Special Olympics of Connecticut on Friday during the annual torch run, according to a release.

Officers from Garner Correctional Facility in Newtown and from the Newtown and Redding police departments will carry the Special Olympics torch from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. along a route from the Bethel Police Department to the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown, the release said.
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WASHINGTON  Connecticut Democratic lawmakers denounced President Donald Trumps pro-gun tweet Monday in response to Saturday night terrorist attacks in London that claimed seven lives.

Did you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? Thats because they used knives and a truck! Trump tweeted early Sunday, apparently referring to the gun-rights argument that gun control in itself doesnt prevent violence.

An additional 48 people were injured Saturday when a van crashed into pedestrians on the London Bridge and attackers then stabbed passersby.

Sen. Chris Murphy, who has been a longtime advocate for strict gun-violence-prevention laws, said Trump clearly doesnt read his own intelligence reports.

As we speak, terrorist recruiters are telling terrorists to buy assault rifles online or at gun shows because its so easy to do, Murphy said. We need to keep guns away from criminals and terrorists, and President Trump should be working with Congress to do so.

Connecticut has been a hotspot for the debate over guns since the 2012 Newtown shooting, when 20 children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The attacker, Adam Lanza, fired a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, a civilian variant of the military M-16.

Rep. Jim Himes said gun-control legislation keeps terrorists from obtaining some of the deadliest weapons, and makes communities safer.

If the attackers in London had been armed with AR-15s instead of knives, the dead from the most recent terror attacks could have numbered 70 instead of seven, Rep. Jim Himes said.

While even a single death lost to terrorism is unacceptable, anything we can do to mitigate loss of life is important.

When an American ally is attacked, it is vital that we respond with unity and strength, not divisiveness and fear, said Rep. Elizabeth Esty. An angry tweet storm doesnt make us safer. What will make us safer is a tough and smart strategy to defeat terrorism, and that strategy must include keeping guns out of the hands of people who will commit acts of violence.

Great Britain has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, only allowing police officers, members of the armed forces and a limited number of other individuals to own handguns.

After Newtown, Republicans heavily criticized then-President Barack Obama for pushing pro-gun-control legislation in the wake of the attack. But on Monday, it was Trump who was the target of a Democratic backlash for much the same reason.

Ron Pinciaro, the executive director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence, said the tight gun laws in Great Britain have helped limit the casualties of the attacks simply because the culprits used other weaponry.

The most dangerous criminals in the world dont even seem to get guns when guns are outlawed, he said.

Pinciaro said that more lax gun laws could have put guns in the hands of both terrorists and citizens, but that it would have been unlikely that a citizen could have stopped the attack.

Youre putting the role of law enforcement into the hands of untrained people with lethal means, so we dont see that as a solution, he said.

Scott Wilson, the president of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, a pro-Second Amendment organization, said that while looser gun laws may not stop every instance of terrorism, the idea that there may be average citizens with legal guns could act as a deterrent for terrorists.

I do feel that there have been attempts of mass murder that have been stopped by firearms in the United States, Wilson said. Effectively, a lot of Europe, especially Great Britain, has been essentially disarmed.

cayla.harris@hearstdc.com
Writers from China and abroad won prizes of up to 1 million yuan ($147,100) at a literary awards ceremony held in Beijing on Wednesday.

The Jingdong Literature Prize of 1 million yuan each went to Chinese writer Ge Fei and Israeli writer Amos Oz. Their books were selected as the top Chinese and foreign works; four other Chinese writers each won 200,000 yuan in different genres.

Ge's book Wang Chun Feng, or See the Spring Wind, won the best Chinese book.

Scenes from Village Life, a short story collection by Oz, won the best translated work.

The literary prize is sponsored by e-commerce company JD, and co-organized by the company, the China Press and Publication Academy, and the reviewing website Douban.

The selection started early this year, and the result is a combination of professional jury, media and online votes, says Xu Lei of JD, who created the prize in 2016.

"We realize that though books are just one category of our merchandise, they are special for the thoughts, culture and stories carried by them," Xu says.

"Together with our partners, we hope to continue this prize in the years to come."

Mo Yan, the Chinese Nobel laureate in literature, is among the professional jury of 36 established writers and critics.

"The selection procedure is special from other literary awards in that it also takes in voices from the readers," he says. "I hope that helps select good books which will satisfy the readers."

A complete list of the winning books:

Best Chinese book  See the Spring Wind by Ge Fei [Photo provided to China Daily]

Best translated book Scenes from Village Life by Amos Oz [Photo provided to China Daily]

Best book on traditional Chinese culture  Awaking From the History by Sun Ji [Photo provided to China Daily]

Best science fiction  The Heavenly Father and Earthly Mother by Wang Jinkang [Photo provided to China Daily]

Best children's book  The Eyes of a Child by Huang Beijia [Photo provided to China Daily]

Best book by young writer  Renunciation by Zhang Ji [Photo provided to China Daily]

Related:

Translator opens a new chapter for Chinese literature

Online writers find path to become millionaires
Its long been known that patients in certain minority groups have a hard time getting access to high-quality medical care.

Now a new study led by a Yale University researchers shows that these patients are also more likely to get low-value health procedures  or those that are medically unnecessary, cost inefficient and, in some cases, potentially harmful.

The findings were somewhat surprising, said the studys leader, William Schpero, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Yale School of Public Health. Schpero said theres long been evidence that black and Hispanic patients had poorer access to health care in general, and researchers wondered if there was an upside to that.

If black and Hispanic patients face problems (accessing care) that would reduce the likelihood of getting low-value care, he said.

But thats not what they found.

The study  a collaboration between Yale and researchers from the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice and Harvard University  looked at Medicare data from 2006 to 2011 to measure how common 11 low-value procedures were among black, Hispanic and white patients. Their research showed a higher percentage of both black and Hispanic patients received seven of the services.

We found, in some cases, greater use of the health care system  a proxy for improved access  was associated with more low-value care for black and Hispanic patients relative to white patients.

A first step

The study represents a good first step in reducing these disparities, said Bridgeport Hospital Chief Medical Officer Michael Ivy.

We all know there are differences based on socioeconomic status and race and ethnicity, he said. The next step is figuring out why.

One of the biggest disparities unearthed by the study involved putting feeding tubes in patients with advanced dementia. According to the Alzheimers Association, tube feeding in these patients doesnt significantly improve nutrition and has been associated with increased diarrhea.

The study showed that a significantly higher percentage of black and Hispanic patients received the feeding tube. About 17 percent of black patients studied received the tubes, along with nearly 13 percent of Hispanic patients, but only 4.6 percentage of white patients were given the tubes.

Ivy found that particularly unsettling.

Disparities

all over the map

In some cases, the disparity was significantly greater for one ethnic group. Roughly the same percentage of white and Hispanic patients studied received opioids or the barbiturate butalbital for migraines  23.3 percent of Hispanic patients and 23.4 percent of white patients. However, 33.8 percent of black patients received the unnecessary medication.

Meanwhile, roughly the same percentage of black and white patients received bone density testing, while a much higher percentage of Hispanic patients got the test. The study showed 9.6 percent of black patients and 9.4 percent of white patients received the test, compared with 16.2 percent Hispanic patients.
June 5, 2017, GATINEAU, QC /CNW/ - Canada is thrilled to be this year's host of World Environment Day.

We are steadfast in our commitment to work with our global partners to address climate change and promote clean growth. We are working together to leave a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet for our children and grandchildren.

Canada will continue to take on leadership on climate change. In September 2017, Canada will co-host a ministerial meeting, in Canada, with China and the European Union to advance the Paris Agreement and clean growth. From September 3 to September 9, 2017, Canada will also host the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in Montreal, Quebec. In 2018, Canada will prioritize climate-change action and clean economic growth, during Canada's G7 presidency.

Canada is also unwavering in its commitment to support developing countriesespecially the poorest and most vulnerablein their transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient economies. Our climate finance pledge of $2.65 billion by 2020 supports adaptation and mitigation actions. This funding helps mobilize private-sector investment in clean-technology innovation in developing countries so that they too may seize the economic opportunities of the global shift towards clean growth.

As host of World Environment Day, Canada is highlighting the fact that developing countries need continued international investments in adaptation and biodiversity to help with their transition to building resilience in their communities.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, and the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced another significant investment in climate finance. Canada has issued a call for proposals, worth $40 million, seeking to increase agricultural resilience in Senegal, over five years. The initiative aims to improve the socio-economic well-being and resilience of farming families, especially women and youth, in response to rainfall variations.

Canada is also proud to stand alongside many international partners in the Green Climate Fund, where Canada has committed $300 million to support developing countries in their efforts to adapt to a changing climate. The Green Climate Fund has approved US$44 million to help Uganda restore critical wetlands to maximize the natural benefits of ecosystems, such as replenishing ground water and improving flood control. This initiative will enhance the livelihoods of subsistence-farming communities through fishing and agriculture. The Green Climate Fund has also approved US$84 million to reduce emissions from deforestation in Ecuador, including controlling agricultural expansion into forest areas.

Quotes

"We are continuing to take action both at home and abroad to transition to a clean-growth economy. The investments we have made will create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet for our kids and grandkids. I look forward to engaging with other global climate-change leaders in the coming weeks and months."

 Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"Canada encourages climate investments in developing countries to help build climate-resilient communities. We are looking for innovative projects that would help the agricultural sector in Senegal resist and adapt to the effects of climate change. This is part of Canada's commitment towards a sustainable environment for all."

 Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

Quick facts

The Green Climate Fund is part of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which helps fund climate-finance investment in low-emissions, climate-resilient development.

The Green Climate Fund has approved over US$2 billion to 43 mitigation and adaptation projects around the world. These investments are mobilizing an additional US $5 .3 billion in public and private finance, and it is expected to avoid 978 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and support 128 million people in increasing their resilience to climate change.

in public and private finance, and it is expected to avoid of carbon dioxide and support in increasing their resilience to climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. It was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization to provide the world with a clear, scientific view on the current state of knowledge in climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reviews and assesses the most recent scientific, technical, and socio-economic information produced worldwide relevant to the understanding of climate change.

Associated links

Green Climate Fund

World Environment Day

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Program of Development and Adaptation to Climate Change of Irrigated Crops in Senegal

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

Canada's International Development - Global Affairs Canada's Facebook page

Global Affairs Canada's Twitter page

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Canada's climate finance support for developing countries

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

For further information: Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free); Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, 343-203-6621, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Global Affairs Canada, 343-203-7700, [email protected]

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http://www.ec.gc.ca


TORONTO, June 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Gibson House Museum is proud to host the Canadian Museum of History's travelling exhibition "1867  Rebellion and Confederation" from June 3 to August 27. This exhibit is presented as part of TO Canada with Love, the City of Toronto's year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions honouring Canada's 150th birthday.

At the 1867  Rebellion and Confederation exhibit, visitors can explore the three decades leading up to Canada's Confederation through maps, images and artifacts that outline the struggles for responsible government and the national discussions that brought Canada into being during a time of tremendous social upheaval.

Toronto personalities, conditions and events of this era will also be highlighted through a parallel exhibit featuring artifacts from the City of Toronto's collection.

"It is fitting that this exhibit is being hosted at Gibson House Museum," said Mayor John Tory. "The Gibson family were forced to flee Canada for 11 years after the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 and their experiences add another fascinating layer of history to this exhibit."

"1867 is a pivotal year in our history, marking Confederation and the beginning of our country and province's road to ever increasing inclusiveness and diversity. Our government is proud to support this initiative under the Ontario150 program," said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "The exhibit serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices others made to create a better Canada and a stronger Ontario."

Admission to the 1867  Rebellion and Confederation exhibit is included in the general admission to the museum. This summer, Gibson House Museum will also present two sets of special ticketed events. Tickets to these events are $25 per person plus tax; pre-payment is required. Tickets are available at https://gibsonhousemuseum.streamintickets.com. These events are not recommended for children under 12.

Rebel Afternoons (July 8, 15 and 22, 2 to 4 p.m.) will take participants on a journey back to the 1830s where currents of discontent and rebellion are sweeping the concession roads, farms and inns of Upper Canada. Rebel leader David Gibson, recreated by master storyteller Bruce Carmody, expounds on the ideas and issues fueling the reformers. Historic rebellious refreshments will be served.

Rebellious Women (August 12, 19 and 26, 2 to 4 p.m.) will highlight the aftermath of the Rebellion of Upper Canada from the perspective of three women whose lives were touched by the turbulent events of 1837. Playwright and actor Adrianna Prosser portrays Mrs. Gibson and her guests Mrs. Cummer and Mrs. Sheppard, gathering for tea in 1851. Victorian-inspired tea will be served.

This exhibition and these events are part of the City's TO Canada with Love program and is supported by funding from the Province of Ontario's Ontario150 program.

Additionally, from June 3 to August 31, Gibson House Museum will provide canning jars, guidelines and suggestions for North York residents and community organizations to create their own Canada Memory Jar for inclusion in the museum's fall 2017 exhibit: Gibson House Preserves. Participants are encouraged to assemble items in their jar to depict their favourite memories of Canada. For more details on the exhibition and how to participate please visit: http://www.toronto.ca/gibsonhouse. This project is part of the City's TO Canada with Love program.

Gibson House Museum is one of 10 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto. For more information visit http://www.toronto.ca/museums. The public can also interact with the sites on Twitter @TOHistoricsites and on Facebook at facebook.com/historictoronto.

Information and updates about the City's TO Canada with Love program are available at http://www.toronto.ca/canada150, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SpecialEventsTO, on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SpecialEventsTO, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/SpecialEventsTO and on Snapchat at http://www.snapchat.com/add/specialeventsto. The program hashtag is #C150TO.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. In 2017, Toronto will honour Canada's 150th birthday with "TO Canada with Love," a year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TorontoComms and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto.

SOURCE City of Toronto

For further information: Media contact: John Gosgnach, Strategic Communications, 647-404-4531, [email protected]

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OTTAWA, June 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Catherine McKenna, and Minister of the Environment for Chile, Marcelo Mena Carrasco, today issued the following joint statement:

"On the occasion of Canada hosting World Environment Day, the state visit to Canada of Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, and the 20th anniversary of the Canada-Chile Agreement for Environmental Cooperation, we celebrate the important leadership between our two countries to advance sustainable development, tackle climate change, and protect our natural heritage for future generations.

"Canada and Chile have enjoyed 20 years of positive environmental engagement through our Canada-Chile Agreement on Environmental Cooperation.

"Canada and Chile share a common vision of the prosperous and sustainable future afforded by advancing clean growth and climate-change action. As members of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, we are committed to using carbon pricing to reduce emissions, stimulate innovation, and support the transition to a clean-growth economy.

"We remain dedicated to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the only global initiative that brings together governments, civil society, and the private sector to reduce short-lived climate pollutants. These efforts not only contribute to achieving the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement but also help to meet the sustainable-development goals related to air quality, health, and agricultural productivity.

"Over the next four years, we will work with Chile to reduce and capture climate-warming methane from the waste-management sector in Chilean cities. The captured methane can then be used for cooking fuel, transportation, and power generationa new energy source to help local communities.

"Today, on World Environment Day, Canada celebrates the theme of "Connecting People to Nature," which calls for people around the world to embrace the natural world around them, to appreciate the importance of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, and to understand the far-reaching consequences of climate change.

"Canada and Chile enjoy a wealth of natural landscapes, from the Canadian Arctic to the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. We share a commitment to expanding terrestrial and marineprotected areas, and Canada supports Chile in hosting the 4th International Congress on Marine Protected Areas, in September 2017.

"We are looking forward to our continued collaboration and leadership on the environment."

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

For further information: Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)

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NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, June 5, 2017 /CNW/ - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, issued the following statement to mark World Environment Day:

"I'm honoured today to mark World Environment Day, and I'm honoured that Canada is the host country. This year's theme 'connecting people to nature' deeply resonates with Canadians.

"We are all committed to conserving and protecting the beauty and biodiversity of our planet. Our commitment reflects who we are, what matters to us, and it is rooted in our rich, diverse history and culture.

"We work together to protect nature, make meaningful steps towards Indigenous reconciliation, enhance air quality and clean water, and provide international leadership on climate change.

"Indigenous peoples are the first stewards of our water, air, and land, and we must work in partnership to protect our environment. The 150 years since Canada's Confederation provides an opportunity to make meaningful steps towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The Indigenous Guardians Program is one example -- Guardians work as caretakers and stewards of the environment protecting lands, waters and resources for future generations.

"This year, as we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation, Parks Canada is offering free admissions to our national parks, marine conservation areas, and historic sites across the country throughout 2017. I encourage Canadians and people around the world to take advantage of this chance to explore and discover the beauty of this country's natural and unique environment.

"As we celebrate today, the effects of climate change can already be seen, and we have taken action.

"We have taken steps to enhance air quality by working with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.

"We have enhanced our water resources. Through the Oceans Protections Plan, we protect our coasts to ensure safe and responsible commercial use, consistent with environmental sustainability, in collaboration with coastal and Indigenous communities. We are better protecting freshwater resources, including in the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins.

"We signed a groundbreaking Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change with provinces and territories, and with the support of Indigenous peoples.

"We will continue to take leadership roles internationally on climate change. We committed $2.65 billion by 2020 to help developing countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable, transition to low-carbon economies and build climate resilience.

"From improving air quality, to conserving ecologically significant areas, to driving innovation in clean technologies for all sectors of the economy, Canadians are taking action on a global scale.

"For the Government of Canada, this means continuing our work with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, businesses, communities and all Canadians to build a strong, competitive, and environmentally-sustainable economy.

"I encourage Canadians, and people around the world, to enjoy World Environment Day, to take steps large or small to connect with nature today and every day, and to remain vigilant in your efforts to protect and preserve it for the benefit of future generations.

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Canada is taking action to protect and conserve the environment, address climate change and conserve nature

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

For further information: Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)

Related Links

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OTTAWA, June 4, 2017 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark Canadian Armed Forces Day:

"Today, on Canadian Armed Forces Day, we thank the soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen who courageously defend our country's fundamental values and interests, protect North America, and contribute to international peace and security.

"Whether on military operations, peace missions, or during disaster relief responses, the brave men and women of our military always answer the call with pride, dedication and professionalism. In recent years, this has included responding to floods and wildfires, and welcoming more than 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada. They have also participated in the global coalition against Daesh, and helped train Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"On this day, we also remember the dedicated members of our Armed Forces who have lost their lives serving our country. We owe them and their families an immeasurable debt of gratitude for their sacrifice.

"This year, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, let us honour our brave service men and women, who continue to defend the Canadian values of peace, freedom and democracy around the world.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I join with all Canadians to extend our most sincere thanks to past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces  and their families  for their unwavering service. We honour all they do to keep the peace and protect our freedom."

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

For further information: PMO Media Relations: 613-957-5555

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Chinese state media has reported that the China is fitting its newest nuclear sub with an electromagnetic engine that sounds a lot like Tom Clancys fictional Red October engine.

Rear Admiral Ma Weiming, Chinas top naval engineer, is notably responsible for the development of multiple Chinese naval electromagnetic programs, including the electromagnetic catapult and railguns. He said the Chinese navy is adding a shaftless rim-driven pumpjet, a revolutionary and silent propulsion system to their newest attack submarine, the Type 095 SSN.

This electric drive is an attempt to leap beyond current submarine technology to technology with a long history of attempted development. This is similar to China making a stronger commitment to develop a submersible arsenal ship. China is taking technology and designs with decades of history and actually implementing them.

Previous submarine pumpjets are shrouded propellers, which consist of a tubular nozzle covering the propeller. By removing the shaft of the propeller, the reduction in the number of moving parts decreases the noise made by the pumpjet, as well as saving hull space. Smaller civilian rim driven electric pumpjets are easier to maintain, and have less cavitation (bubbles that form during propeller movement), which make them even more quiet.

CCTV13 had a Focus on the interview segment on May 30,2017. They discussed the of electric propulsion technology power of Admiral Ma Weiming. There was some discussion of the technology and spin about how China was moving beyond copying to attempt to create breakthroughs.The first few minutes of the video discussed telecommunication switching work of Zhang Ping.

Integrated Electrical Propulsion System (IEPS) turns all the output of the ships engine into electricity, unlike traditional propulsion designs, which convert engine and reactor output into mechanical action to turn the propeller shaft. The high electrical output can also be used to power motors for the propellers or potentially high-energy weapons. Additionally, IEPS has far fewer moving parts, making them quieter, and thus ideal for use on submarines. When coupled with quieter reactors like the Type 095s reported natural circulation reactor, the rim-driven pumpjet and IEPS can drastically reduce the acoustic signature of any SSN.



Yamato-1 in 1991

Westinghouse, the leading U.S. advocate, gave up in the late 1960s  because the weight required to create a sufficiently powerful magnetic field would sink most ships.

In the early 1990s, Japan succeeded in making a 100 foot long 8 mph prototype surface ship called the Yamato. A group of Japanese physicists and naval architects quickly realized that the powerful magnetic coil made possible by superconductors could transform the MHD ship from old dream to new reality. Aconsortium of universities and major high-tech firms here committed about six years ago to forge ahead with a $40 million-plus project to build the propellerless MHD ship.

US and UK have tried to get electric drive to work but have not committed to it for their next generation submarines

The US Columbia submarine and UK Dreadought will not start construction for a few years and the first unit will be ready around the 2031. They have not decided to use electric drive and may choose more conventional propulsion systems.

The US and UK military and researchers have been working on electric drive propulsion tests for at least two decades. The RED-I motor used a wet gap permanent magnet motor to turn a ring of propeller blades. Two RED-I motors are mounted in free flood areas in the submarine mud tank, forward of the stern planes. The permanent magnet motor employed is large enough to permit a four feet diameter UUV to internally pass through the RED-I propulsor system in order to deploy from the stern of the submarine.

There has been general acceptance that there is potential benefit for quieter submarines using this technology but the US has opted for more conventional approaches for quieter submarines.

Various electric motors are being or have been developed for both military and non-military vessels.Those being considered for application on future U.S. Navy submarines include: permanent magnet motors (being developed by General Dynamics and Newport News Shipbuilding) and a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) synchronous motors (being developed by American Superconductors as well as General Atomics).

More recent data shows that the US Navy appears to be focusing on permanent-magnet, radial-gap electric propulsion motors (e.g. Zumwalt-class destroyers use an advanced induction motor). Permanent magnet motors are being tested on the Large Scale Vehicle II for possible application on late production Virginia class SSNs as well as future submarines. Permanent magnet motors (developed by Siemens AG) are used on Type 212 class submarines.

Reports on the Royal UK Navy Dreadnought-class submarine (i.e., the class that will replace the Vanguard class SSBNs) state that the submarines may have submarine shaftless drive (SSD) with an electric motor mounted outside the pressure hull. SSD was evaluated by the U.S. Navy as well but it remains unknown whether the Ohio class replacement will feature it. On contemporary nuclear submarines steam turbines are linked to reduction gears and a shaft rotating the propeller/pump-jet propulsor. With SSD, steam would drive electric turbogenerators (i.e., generators powered by steam turbines) that would be connected to a non-penetrating electric junction at the aft end of the pressure hull, with a watertight electric motor mounted externally (perhaps in an Integrated Motor Propulsor arrangement) powering the pump-jet propulsor, although SSD concepts without pump-jet propulsors also exist. More recent data, including an Ohio Replacement scale model displayed at the Navy Leagues 2015 Sea-Air-Space Exposition, indicates that the Ohio Replacement will feature a pump-jet propulsor visually similar to the one used on Virginia class SSNs. The class will share components from the Virginia class in order to reduce risk and cost of construction
Senior security official says the nation needs better ways to monitor radicals

Armed police officers patrol the streets outside Borough Market on Sunday after the attack that left seven people dead and 48 injured.

Britain is urgently looking at how best to boost the intelligence services' monitoring of Islamic militants, following the van and knife attack in the London Bridge area on Saturday that killed seven people and injured 48.

A security official speaking on condition of anonymity said the country was "at war" following the attack, in which three men wearing fake suicide vests and wielding knives drove a white van into pedestrians on the bridge before running amok in nearby Borough Market, killing seven and injuring 48. Police then shot dead the attackers.

"Make no mistake, we are now at war, and the way we handle intelligence has to change," the senior government official told China Daily. "Britain now faces two kinds of attack by these peoplethe carefully planned attack, such as the Manchester suicide bombing, and those using vehicles and knives, which would appear to be more spontaneous."

Officials do not see any traces of direct links between the latest attack and the May 22 Manchester bombing in which a man blew himself up at a pop concert, killing 22, nor do they think it is connected to the vehicle and knife attack on Westminster Bridge in March in which five people were killed. All attackers in the incidents were either shot dead by police, or, in the case of the Manchester bombing, took their own life.

"They are, however, linked by ideology," said the source.

Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting of COBRA, the top emergency committee, on Sunday and later said: "We believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face, as terrorism breeds terrorism." May said the United Kingdom's counter-terrorism strategy will be reviewed, and she promised to step up efforts to combat Islamist ideology and work with other countries to stop the internet being a "safe space" for terrorists.

She said there was "too much tolerance of extremism in our country" and explained that there would need to be "some difficult and embarrassing conversations" in order to bring about change.

"It's time to say enough is enough," she added.

Currently, UK intelligence services rely heavily on a mix of information from allied countriesincluding France, Germany, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and othersas well as intercepts of mobile phone calls, texts, and internet traffic. The work is carried out by experts at GCHQ, Britain's top-secret monitoring center near Cheltenham.

Officials said the monitoring works well in combatting attacks that require coordination and planning from perpetrators who typically communicate electronically, but it is less successful with spontaneous acts, such as in the case of the Westminster attacker, who was dubbed a "lone wolf".

Media reports recently quoted intelligence officials as saying there are an estimated 23,000 jihadists, or Islamic militants, in the UK.

In addition, out of the 850 Britons who are believed to have gone overseas to fight for Islamic State, around 400 are thought to have returned home, according to media reports.

Politicians have suggested measures in response to the threat, including internment without trial, stripping people of UK citizenship, and handing down stiffer prison sentences.

But the idea of internment without trial, which was last used against Irish Republicans in the 1970s, has been dismissed by most experts as being counter-productive. Analysts believe it would make the situation worse, in part because it would concentrate like-minded people in one place.

Following Saturday night's attack, police arrested 12 people in East London's Barking neighborhood, but gave no details.

May said officers had foiled five terrorist plots since March. Leaders from all over the world condemned the London attack. US President Donald Trump spoke with Theresa May after the attack, and Russian President Vladimir Putin said it was "shocking in its cruelty and cynicism". European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni, and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy have all voiced solidarity with the British government and expressed condolences to the victims.

Mark Rowley, London Metropolitan Police's assistant commissioner, said 36 people remained in hospital Sunday evening, with 21 critical.

Contact the writers at chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com








Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday confirmed that corrupt former and current officials have declared war against the anti-corruption efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.He spoke in Abuja at the Conference on Promoting International Co-operation in Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Enhancing Asset Recovery to Foster Sustainable Development.In Nigeria for instance where corruption fights back so eloquently that government itself if not careful can be overwhelmed, Osinbajo said.If you look at the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria there is a major fight back in the media. There is a media war, between people fighting corruption and those behind the stolen funds.Osinbajos full speech belowThis is my first time of attending a conference that talks about recovering assets and the issue of what to do with the stolen assets.Even though we have been able to convince ourselves that the proceeds from drug trafficking were dirty money but proceeds of corruption are not dirty money.Many countries have signed treaties that proceeds from drugs, illegal traffic in persons proceeds of money.Somehow proceeds from political corruption has not attracted the same outrage that proceeds from narcotics and trafficking in persons have attracted.It took years for some people to agree that when somebody loot money where people make decent living that is more criminal than crime against humanity, more dangerous than trafficking in drugs.Is a good thing that we are here with our partners who agree that not only are these stolen assets criminalize but that they are returned to their appropriate owners.There is no way this the transfer of this assets can happen without a handshake between the countries that they are transferred and the international banking institutions in the countries in which they are transferred, there is no way it will happen without some form of connivance.We have to look at somehow delegitimizing those kinds of Financial institutions and criminalizing them, so that banks and financial institutions that actually engage in this are be called out and made to face the consequences of engaging in criminal practices. If that isnt done we are not likely to go very far.For there to be collaboration there must first be connivance, in the agreement and conventions we will be signing we must find away and ensure that financial institutions are not given a free run and hold them accountable.Another point is that African countries and developing countries must realize that is our responsibility to ensure not only find get these monies and make sure that there are return.It is not enough to talk about it. Some countries are somehow reluctant about it, many have civil processes that makes it difficult, they say our courts are handling this matter and there is very little we can do about.We must make it a national call, a call for other developing countries to have the same outrage for drugs, terrorist financing for illicit financial flows. We must emphasis at every point and call out institutions that are not cooperating and ensuring that they recognize that this for us a serious issue.Like President Buhari has said repeatedly that if we dont kill corruption, corruption will kill it. When corrupt monies find safe havens, it will begin to fight back and if government is not careful it can fight back.In Nigeria for instance where corruption fights back so eloquently that government itself if not careful can be overwhelmed.If you look at the anticorruption fight in Nigeria there is a major fight back in the media. There is a media war, between people fighting corruption and those behind the stolen funds.It is called media trial, I dont know what that means. If you discover for instance large sums of money in an air condition room there is no where it will not make news anywhere in the world.So, this whole idea of trying to legitimize corruption is definitely being fuelled and sponsored by those who have these resources, who have stolen funds. Unless we see it as a problem that can bring down our system then we will never be able to fight. I hope we will be able to advance this with other African countries.The Mbeki report shows that most of the illicit funds flow that comes out of Africa are from Nigeria and that shows us very clearly especially the security agencies that we simply have to do more. It is evident that so much money is leaving our shores.I was arguing with somebody about the fact that they were stopping certain funding, and he kept telling me Nigeria is no longer a poor country but now a mid-income earning country so they shouldnt be giving us those kinds of aids.It was barely a week after that a large sum of money was found at the Kaduna airport and it was roughly about half of the money we were looking for.So, he sent me a text telling me that the money has been discovered at the Kaduna. Of course, I didnt reply him but when he persisted and called him and asked if this was his own form of a joke.But clearly is sometimes absurd that when we are asking for aid and so much money is being stolen. So, we ourselves must take responsibility and ensure we keep talking about this.
Happy New Month Nigeria! Welcome to the month of June. As the world searches for a respite from all its troubles since 2020 began, one can ...




Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, has claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari will return to the country before June 11.Kalu said Buharis health had improved when he visited him in the UK last week and urged Nigerians to stop spreading messages of hate and division about the Presidents health.Speaking in an interview with reporters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, 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. There must be good sense of tolerance among the ethic groups, we are all one.Buhari left Nigeria for London May 7 for further medical check-ups.
More than 1 million disabled people are vulnerable to the increasing violence of South Sudans brutal civil war.Mary Nyakwas lost her leg to a crocodile while fleeing the fighting. She and her four children had taken refuge from the conflict in a nearby swamp when the reptile attacked her.Now the 30-year-old sits on the floor of her hut in a civilian protection camp in Bentiu, running her finger over the curve of her stump.Nyakwas relies on friends and neighbours to bring her water and food. Without them, she says, shed starve.I cant do anything for myself now, she says.When clashes break out, South Sudans disabled and elderly are often unable to flee and are sometimes shot, hacked to death or burned alive, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch.The disabled and older people find themselves at much greater risk of starvation or abuse, the Human Rights Watch report said, urging the United Nations and aid groups to do more to assist the vulnerable.As South Sudans civil war moves well into its fourth year, aid workers are struggling to meet the needs of 1.9 million internally displaced people.An estimated 250,000 are disabled and living in U.N. civilian protection sites across the country, the World Health Organization says.Even in the camps, many end up living in squalor with little assistance.Nyakwas has been offered some help. The International Committee of the Red Cross planned to fly her to the capital, Juba, so she could be fitted with a prosthetic limb.But she didnt want to leave her children behind.The ICRC says it is looking into creating small mobile units to operate in more remote areas of the country. But because of a recent increase in fighting, the organization has put such projects on hold.According to Fox News, the U.N. humanitarian agency said many aid groups are trying to respond to the needs of the disabled and elderly.It also called on all parties in the conflict to spare the most vulnerable from the scourge of war.Another young South Sudanese woman, Nyang Maria, has never been able to use her legs, but she says life was easier before she came to live in the Bentiu camp.As she cant stand up, the 19-year-old is forced to sit on the camps filthy latrines, which are rarely cleaned and full of feces.Before, I could go to the bathroom anywhere, Nyang says. Here, there are just a few toilets and theyre all full of disease.In order to increase her mobility, the International Organization for Migration gave her a special-needs tricycle, but she says the tires keep bursting because of the camps gravel roads.It now sits idle in the corner of her home. She lies limp on the floor beside it.Why? she says, tears streaming down her face. Why did God make me this way?
Former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, might soon throw his hat into the ring for the 2019 presidential election.Lamido, who was one of the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it was learnt, had commenced consultations on the race, with his emissaries having kick-started the consultation in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, a few days ago.The former governors front-runners to the South-West, led by his former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Aminu Abdullahi Taura; Director of Press, Umar Kyari and his personal assistant, Umar Danjani, among others, had, during the visit, held a meeting with supporters of Lamido, drawn from the six South-West states under the aegis of the PDP Consultative Forum.The South-West coordinator of the forum, Rasaq Aka, on the occasion, appealed to Lamido to work in tandem with other founding fathers of the party to end the crisis in the party while the Oyo State coordinator, Adeolu Adekunle, urged members of the forum and the PDP in general to put the past behind them and forge a common front in order to return the party to powerA communique issued at the end of the meeting, which celebrated Lamidos achievements as Jigawa State governor, stated that Nigerians need a true and unbiased democrat like Lamido at the helms of affairs in the country and that he should contest at the PDPs presidential primary and subsequently, contest for the position of the president. That the PDP consultative forum members are solidly behind him.
A former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, a former governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, and a former governor of the old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, were among erstwhile chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party appointed into the caucus of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State.Other members of the caucus, which was inaugurated at the APC secretariat in Enugu, include a former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Eugene Odoh, Foreign Affairs Minister, Jeffrey Onyeama, a former military governor of Gombe State, Group Capt. Joe Orji, Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, and a former secretary to Enugu State Government, Chief Onyemauche Nnamani.The APC chairman in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, who also heads the caucus, said the inauguration of the body has positioned the party to win the 2019 general election in the state.The APC must produce the governor of Enugu State in 2019, Nwoye declared.He observed that the APC had made significant strides in Enugu in a very short time, noting that the former governors, the former Senate President, and some other prominent individuals who were appointed into the caucus, were not members of the party about a year ago.Nwoye described the members of the caucus as great men and women.
Spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi, has called on the Federal Government to deal with any group tryin...

Spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi, has called on the Federal Government to deal with any group trying to cause problem for Nigeria under the guise of secession.





The don said this is in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution relating to the rule of law.

He claimed that historically, it was Igbos who attacked Nigeria as their leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, tried to pocket the rest of the country.

Abdullahi maintained that the renewed agitation for Biafra cannot be detached from the normal politicking in the country.

Well, we should be mindful of the fact that the renewed agitation cannot be detached from the politics of Nigeria. It is not new and not different from normal politicking that has been taking place in Nigeria since independence.

Biafra agitation arose from the Nigerian political process. It came from a power struggle in the First Republic, which culminated in the assassination of the First Republic leaders and the subsequent emergence of Ojukwu.

Incidentally, it was Ojukwu, who suspected that the Igbo were being attacked whereas it was the Igbo who attacked Nigeria. It should be noted that Ojukwu, assisted by Igbo intellectuals, thought they should pocket the rest of Nigeria.

Thus, the so-called Biafra agitation is rooted in the 1966 coup and I want to say that if people are still asking for Biafra almost 50 years after the civil war, then it is necessary for us to sit down and ask ourselves how we want the nation to be.

In dealing with the renewed Biafran agitation, the Federal Government should adhere strictly to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution relating to the rule of law.

Accordingly, the Federal Government should be firm in dealing with any individual or group trying to create problems for the rest of Nigeria under any guise, he said.
Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the United Kingdom, is urging Britain's young business leaders to become champions of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Speaking at the Young Icebreakers Ninth Anniversary dinner in London on Friday, Liu said the Belt and Road Initiative was an "international consensus" and "a new platform and a new highlight of China-UK cooperation".

He noted that "the significance of the initiative is sometimes not fully understood" in Britain and explained that he has regularly written articles and given speeches on the subject in a bid to answer questions and clear up misunderstandings.

"I want the British public to understand the Belt and Road Initiative, and join in to support this initiative," said the ambassador.

Liu said he hoped his speech would encourage the largely young British-Chinese entrepreneurs and executives who are members of the Young Icebreakers to join him in spreading the word about the Belt and Road Initiative.

"In building the Belt and Road," he said. "The UK and China have every reason to join hands. The UK has experience, knowledge and creativity. China has a unique growth model, technology and market capability. This would be the East meeting the West in a perfect match of our respective strengths."

Liu also highlighted the achievements made at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which was held in Beijing last month and which attracted a huge turnout of world leaders.

"I want to use the acronym of the Belt and Road Forum-BRFto describe the progress: B for blueprint, R for resonance, and F for fruit," he said. "First, the Belt and Road Forum drew a blueprint for cooperation. It was a forward-looking summit. Second, the Belt and Road Forum created resonance among participants. It was a consensus-building summit."

And thirdly, Li added, the forum in Beijing was a summit with fruitful outcomes that all could share.

Many business leaders at the annual diner shared Liu's vision for developing UK-China relations.

Gerry Grimstone, chairman of Standard Life and deputy chairman of Barclays, said: "Belt and Road is a great gift from China to the world because, when the initiative is successful, it will open up trade opportunities right across the world and Britain would surely benefit from that."

David Stringer-Lamarre, managing director of Fortis Consulting London, highlighted the strengths and relationships between China and the UK that will allow "proper discourse", so all parties can be part of a win-win relationship.

The Young Icebreakers is a network of young British and Chinese business figures that aims to boost ties between China and the UK, to share ideas, and boost awareness.
The U.S. threatened to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council unless reforms are ushered in including the removal of what it sees as an anti-Israel bias, diplomats and activists said.U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, who holds cabinet rank in President Donald Trumps administration, said on Friday that Washington would decide on whether to withdraw from the Council after its three-week session in Geneva ends this month.Under Trump, Washington has broken with decades of U.S. foreign policy by turning away from multilateralism.His decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement last week drew criticism from governments around the world.The Councils critical stance of Israel has been a major sticking point for its ally the U.S.Washington boycotted the body for three years under President George W. Bush before rejoining under Barack Obama in 2009.Haley, writing in the Washington Post at the weekend, called for the Council to end its practice of wrongly singling out Israel for criticism.The possibility of a U.S. withdrawal has raised alarm bells among Western allies and activists.Eight groups, including Freedom House and the Jacob Blaustein Institute, wrote to Haley in May saying a withdrawal would be counterproductive since it could lead to the Council unfairly targeting Israel to an even greater degree.The groups also said that during the period of the U.S. boycott, the Councils performance suffered both with respect to addressing the worlds worst violators and with respect to its anti-Israel bias.The council has no powers other than to rebuke governments it deems as violating human rights and to order investigations but plays an important role in international diplomacy.Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory are a fixed item on the agenda of the 47-member body set up in 2006.Washington, Israels main ally, often casts the only vote against the Arab-led resolutions.When the council passes more than 70 resolutions against Israel, a country with a strong human rights record, and just seven resolutions against Iran, a country with an abysmal human rights record, you know something is seriously wrong, wrote Haley.John Fisher, Geneva Director of the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch, did not appear to fear an immediate withdrawal.Our understanding is that it is going to be a message of engagement and reform, Fisher said.However, Fisher said Israels human rights record did warrant Council scrutiny, but the special focus was a reasonable concern.It is an anomaly that there is a dedicated agenda item in a way that there isnt for North Korea or Syria or anything else, he said.Haley also challenged the membership of Communist Cuba and Venezuela citing rights violations, proposing competitive voting to keep the worst human rights abusers from obtaining seats.She made no mention of Egypt or Saudi Arabia, two U.S. allies elected in spite quashing dissent.The U.S. envoy will host a panel on Human Rights and Democracy in Venezuela and address the Graduate Institute in Geneva before heading to Israel.
Some victims of the conflict in the North-East have accused soldiers and members of the civilian Joint Task Force, JTF, of raping women a...

Some victims of the conflict in the North-East have accused soldiers and members of the civilian Joint Task Force, JTF, of raping women and girls in internally displaced persons, IDPs, camps and a hospital in Borno State.The victims in a petition sent under the Knifar Movement, a body advocating the rights of displaced persons, called on the National Assembly to come to their rescue.But the military authorities in a swift reaction, yesterday, dismissed allegations as another blackmail against soldiers assigned to ensure order and safety in IDPs camps. The victims said the alleged harassment had continued unabated since 2015 when they were displaced from their homes as a result of the insurgency in the region.They also alleged that 466 of them have died in Bama Hospital camp, while 279 others in the area are being detained in military barracks and Maiduguri maximum prison for offences they did not commit.
Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu,who paid the president a visit has claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari will return to th...

Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu,who paid the president a visit has claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari will return to the country before June 11.





Kalu said Buharis health had improved when he visited him in the UK last week and urged Nigerians to stop spreading messages of hate and division about the Presidents health.

Speaking in an interview with reporters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, 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. There must be good sense of tolerance among the ethic groups, we are all one.

Buhari left Nigeria for London May 7 for further medical check-ups. The first lady had also during the weekend said he President would return to the country very soon.
Heads may roll in the Kogi State office of INEC for the alleged untoward activities of some of our staff.

Heads may roll in the Kogi State office of INEC for the alleged untoward activities of some of our staff.INEC alleged that the governor first registered in Abuja in January 2011 and reregistered on May 23, 2017 at the Government House, Lokoja.But the governor on Friday said his ghost might have been registered by INEC because he was away in Dubai when he was said to have registered again.As INEC tried to ascertain the true position of the governors registration status, a fresh problem has cropped up.It was learnt that INEC established that some of its staff were deployed in the Government House for Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) of the governor. The state has denied that it took place.It was gathered that although the commission had the photograph of the governors registration, it could not trace any Yahaya Bello on its CVR list for May 23, 2017.There was suspicion last night that the list of voters registered on May 23 might have been tampered with by some INEC employees.A source, who spoke in confidence said: The INEC management has raised an investigative team to look at the controversy over the allegation of double registration by the governor.It is however curious that the investigation has assumed a new dimension. The commission has the photograph of the registration of the governor but his name is not on the list of the CVR for that day in question. The name has disappeared.INEC is probing the following issues:Was there any CVR on May 23 at the Government House, Lokoja?Who was registered?How did the INEC team come about the photograph of the registration showing the governor?How was the name of the registrant (Yahaya Bello) de-listed from the INEC register? andWho were those behind the de-listing?Certainly, it is now our words against the governor. This is a mystery we need to unravel. The governor said our team might have registered his ghost. The onus is on us to present the evidence, including our register, the source said, adding:But we got information before we issued an official statement on the governors double registration.INEC is suspecting foul play by some of its staff. We hope they are not dragging the commission into the dirty politics of Kogi State again.If we are able to establish any shady deals, those concerned will be sanctioned. They may be dismissed from service.INEC, speaking through its National Commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Prince Solomon Soyebi, first raised the alarm over the governors alleged double registration.He said: It has come to the attention of INEC that Governor Bello of Kogi State registered as a voter for the second time on Tuesday May 23, 2017 in Government House, Lokoja, the state capital.His first registration was on January 30, 2011 in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.The governors double registration and doing so outside lNECs designated centres are both illegal.We wish to make it clear that no INEC staff was authorised by the commission to re-register him or any citizen or to do so outside our designated CVR centres.Speaking after praying at the Presidential Villa mosque on Friday , Bello said: I travelled on 19th to Dubai for a brief break and I saw the press release and I was taken aback, that I did double registration on 23rd.Probably it is my ghost that has done the double registration.
A mother, Mrs Philomena Odama, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Sp...

A mother, Mrs Philomena Odama, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, over the alleged murder of her first daughter, Joy Odama. The deceased was a 200-level student of the Cross Rivers State University.

In the petition, Mrs Odama, alleged that Joy was murdered by one Alhaji Usman Adamu, who had offered to give her job at the NSCDC.

The bereaved mother recalled that the last day she saw her daughter was when she left for the Alhajis place.

Mrs Odama lamented that the man in question later offered the family N400,000 to drop the matter after it was reported to the Police.

Read petition below

Joy Odama is my first daughter. She is a 200 level undergraduate of Mass Communications at the Cross River State University; who just returned for Christmas holidays and met her untimely death.

On the 18th Dec, 2016, one Elizabeth from Ogoja LGA, Cross River State who is my daughters friend visited us and told Joy to accompany her to see one Alhaji Usman Adamu who she said was a philanthropist that gives scholarship to young students. She said the Alhaji lives in the same neighborhood, precisely at Ibro Quarters, Old Karmo-Abuja.

Knowing Elizabeth as a long time friend and without any suspicion, she innocently followed her to the said Alhajis house. On getting there, my daughter called me that the Alhaji wants to see me. I asked why and she said that the Alhaji wants to help her with her education with other girls who lives in the neighborhood who are there with their parents. I quickly got to the house and Alhaji Usman ADAMU promised to help in my daughters education and equally promised to get me a job with the Nigerian Security & Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). We exchanged numbers, I graciously thanked him and left with my daughter.

Two days later on the 20th December, 2016 in the evening, Alhaji Usman ADAMU called my daughter and said his house help is seriously sick and that she should please come and look after her while he goes to get a doctor. He also said he has called other girls (i.e the other girls we saw in his house the previous day). Joy told me and I allowed her to go. That was the last time I saw my daughter alive.

After a while on the same day, I called Joy and she said she was at the house with the other girls and will soon be coming back. About an hour later, when she was not yet back, I called severally but she did not pick. Out of curiosity, I called Alhaji Usman ADAMU on his number 08179606208 but he too did not pick. I became more worried and went to the house but couldnt gain access to Alhajis apartment. The next morning, I called Joy and Alhaji ADAMU several times to no avail. Eventually, Alhaji ADAMU picked his call and to my surprise, he pretended not to know who I was nor who Joy was. When I pressed further he said did anything happen to Joy as if he does not know where she is. At this point I knew all was not well.

In panic, I called my husband (who was not around at the time due to the nature of his work), my relatives and neighbors and we all agreed to report to the police. As we were about stepping out to the police station, we saw two policemen in our house who asked us to follow them to the police station at Karmo. On getting there, the DPO informed us that all the girls that went to Alhajis house are all unconscious; that one is not responding to treatment while the others are responding. We requested to see Joy but we were turned down and asked to come back the next day. We pressed further but the DPO insisted we go and come back as directed. The next day being 22nd December, 2016, I went back to the police station in company of relatives and a lawyer who is a close family friend. To my utter shock, I was told that my daughter was dead and has been taken to the mortuary.

We asked to know how, why and what led to Joys death and the DPO, CSP NKEM RAPHAEL declined further comments. Our lawyer asked if the Alhaji has been arrested but CSP NKEM RAPHAEL bluntly told us that as far he is concerned, Alhaji is not culpable, no crime has been committed, that my daughter died a natural death and he cannot arrest Alhaji Usman ADAMU. DPO NKEM told the lawyer to take the matter to his superiors but that he has already informed them about the matter and as far as they are concerned, Alhaji ADAMU cannot be arrested. We requested to know the whereabout of my daughters corpse and the other girls responding to treatment so we can interview them. The DPO directed us to Federal Medical Center, Airport Road Abuja and on getting to the mortuary, we discovered her body has already been embalmed. When we asked why my daughters body was embalmed without our knowledge, one of the attendants confided in us that Alhaji Usman ADAMU first brought the dead body in the early hours of 21st Dec, 2016 claiming to be the father of the girl. But on seeing the body, they suspected foul play and insisted that they will not admit the body until they see a police or doctors report. Alhaji Usman ADAMU left and came back with DPO NKEM RAPHAEL of Karmo Divisional Police who ordered them to immediately embalm the body.

We also discovered that the other girls the DPO claimed were on admission in the hospital were not there. We went back to the police station to find out why our daughters body would be embalmed without our prior consent. At the police station, I saw Martha, one of the girls whom I met at Alhaji Usman ADAMUS house. She was by the police canter and I asked her what happened to Joy and she narrated the following:

On the 20th of December, 2016 Alhaji Usman ADAMU called her to come to his house, that he has already called the other girls to help him look after his house help who was very sick. But her elder brother (Emmanuel, who was also in the police station with her) stopped her from going to Alhajis house that day. But that she sneaked very early in the morning to Alhajis house the following day and on getting there she was shocked at what she saw. She saw my daughter, Joy ODAMA lying lifeless on the floor and the other girls were stooling and vomiting. She became afraid and tried to run out of the house but Alhaji Usman ADAMU and some others inside the house held her back and brought her to the police station. When I was about asking her further questions, some police men shouted at her to stop talking and whisked her away.

We went back again to the DPO, CSP NKEM RAPHAEL to ask why my daughter was embalmed without our knowledge and that we heavily suspect foul play and demanded for an explanation and further investigation. The DPO reiterated his initial position and bluntly told us not to pursue this case further, that he would advise us to dialogue with Alhaji Usman ADAMU for our daughters burial. He insisted he has nothing more to do with us until we agree to meet with Alhaji Usman ADAMU.

On the advice of a family friend, we agreed to meet with Alhaji Usman ADAMU to shed more light on what actually transpired. On the agreed date of the meeting being 24th Dec., 2016 by 10am, we were at the police station with our lawyer but on sighting the lawyer, the DPO lied that the meeting has been postponed. When the lawyer asked why, he said that the Alhaji was not around and that his number is not connecting, that he will call the lawyer and inform her of the next date for the meeting. Immediately the lawyer left, the DPO quickly called us inside his office and we were so surprised to see Alhaji Usman ADAMU sitting right there. The DPO told us to put off our phones and drop it on his desk , that he does not want the meeting to be recorded. In attendance was the DPO, CSP NKEM RAPHAEL, DCO, SP MICHAEL OBIORA, the Inspector

Crime and Alhaji Usman ADAMU. On our side was my husband, myself, relatives and a family friend.

The DPO was the first to speak. He said if we know what is good for us we should agree to whatever the Alhaji will offer us and desist from further pursuing this matter. Alhaji Usman ADAMU then offered to settle the matter with Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000) and we became infuriated with anger, left home and informed the lawyer what happened. The lawyer insisted that further investigation be carried out. The DPO again called for a second meeting where we met with AIG Umoru Usman Shehu; AIG Intelligence, Force Headquarters Abuja. AIG Umoru told us bluntly also that investigation in this matter is closed and cannot be reopened. He said Alhaji Usman ADAMU should add an additional One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) to his initial offer. He told us harshly that that is the much he can do in this matter and that is his final decision and it is in our best interest to accept the offer. At this point, apparently sensing the threat in his tone, a family friend present called us aside and advised that we collect the money to give them a false believe that we have agreed to their terms while we go home and think of the next line of action, including having it as an exhibit.

As it stands now, it is very visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that Alhaji Usman ADAMU has people in high places within the Nigerian Police Force and has connived with them to deny our poor family justice. So, I am passionately pleading and calling on the government and the general public to come to my aid so that my daughters gruesome death will not be in vain. Investigations have revealed that my daughter, Joy Odama is not the first girl that Alhaji Usman ADAMU has killed on the pretext of helping them.

I am using this medium to appeal to all to help me seek for justice in the painful death of my daughter.

Thank You.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Philomena ODAMA.




Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal for Mohamed Salah, with Roma holding out for a fee of 35m, according to Sky in Italy.Last week, the Reds saw an initial 28m offer rejected for the Egypt international.The two clubs continued negotiating and Liverpool are ready to up their offer, to equal their current transfer record paid for Andy Carroll in 2011.Salah joined Roma for 13m last summer following a season-long loan from Chelsea.He scored 19 goals in 39 appearances last season, as they pushed for the Serie A title.If Salahs transfer is completed, he will become Jurgen Klopps second signing of the summer window, following Chelseas Dominic Solanke.
Those who have stolen public funds are spearheading a media war against the anti-corruption efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administratio...

Those who have stolen public funds are spearheading a media war against the anti-corruption efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has said.





The Acting President spoke in Abuja at the Conference on Promoting International Cooperation in Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Enhancing Asset Recovery to Foster Sustainable Development.





In Nigeria for instance where corruption fights back so eloquently that government itself if not careful can be overwhelmed, Mr. Osinbajo said.

If you look at the anticorruption fight in Nigeria there is a major fight back in the media. There is a media war, between people fighting corruption and those behind the stolen funds.



Read Osinbajos full speech below.





This is my first time of attending a conference that talks about recovering assets and the issue of what to do with the stolen assets.

Even though we have been able to convince ourselves that the proceeds from drug trafficking were dirty money but proceeds of corruption are not dirty money.

Many countries have signed treaties that proceeds from drugs, illegal traffic in persons proceeds of money.

Somehow proceeds from political corruption has not attracted the same outrage that proceeds from narcotics and trafficking in persons have attracted.





It took years for some people to agree that when somebody loot money where people make decent living that is more criminal than crime against humanity, more dangerous than trafficking in drugs.

Is a good thing that we are here with our partners who agree that not only are these stolen assets criminalize but that they are returned to their appropriate owners.

There is no way this the transfer of this assets can happen without a handshake between the countries that they are transferred and the international banking institutions in the countries in which they are transferred, there is no way it will happen without some form of connivance.





We have to look at somehow delegitimizing those kinds of Financial institutions and criminalizing them, so that banks and financial institutions that actually engage in this are be called out and made to face the consequences of engaging in criminal practices. If that isnt done we are not likely to go very far.

For there to be collaboration there must first be connivance, in the agreement and conventions we will be signing we must find away and ensure that financial institutions are not given a free run and hold them accountable.





Another point is that African countries and developing countries must realize that is our responsibility to ensure not only find get these monies and make sure that there are return. It is not enough to talk about it. Some countries are somehow reluctant about it, many have civil processes that makes it difficult, they say our courts are handling this matter and there is very little we can do about.

We must make it a national call, a call for other developing countries to have the same outrage for drugs, terrorist financing for illicit financial flows. We must emphasis at every point and call out institutions that are not cooperating and ensuring that they recognize that this for us a serious issue.

Like President Buhari has said repeatedly that if we dont kill corruption, corruption will kill it. When corrupt monies find safe havens, it will begin to fight back and if government is not careful it can fight back.





In Nigeria for instance where corruption fights back so eloquently that government itself if not careful can be overwhelmed.

If you look at the anticorruption fight in Nigeria there is a major fight back in the media. There is a media war, between people fighting corruption and those behind the stolen funds.

It is called media trial, I dont know what that means. If you discover for instance large sums of money in an air condition room there is no where it will not make news anywhere in the world.





So, this whole idea of trying to legitimize corruption is definitely being fuelled and sponsored by those who have these resources, who have stolen funds. Unless we see it as a problem that can bring down our system then we will never be able to fight. I hope we will be able to advance this with other African countries.





The Mbeki report shows that most of the illicit funds flow that comes out of Africa are from Nigeria and that shows us very clearly especially the security agencies that we simply have to do more. It is evident that so much money is leaving our shores.





I was arguing with somebody about the fact that they were stopping certain funding, and he kept telling me Nigeria is no longer a poor country but now a mid-income earning country so they shouldnt be giving us those kinds of aids. It was barely a week after that a large sum of money was found at the Kaduna airport and it was roughly about half of the money we were looking for. So, he sent me a text telling me that the money has been discovered at the Kaduna. Of course, I didnt reply him but when he persisted and called him and asked if this was his own form of a joke.





But clearly is sometimes absurd that when we are asking for aid and so much money is being stolen. So, we ourselves must take responsibility and ensure we keep talking about this.




Ghanaian pastor has reacted to the recent mobbing death of Captain Adam Mahama, the Ghanaian soldier who was stoned to death and thereafter burnt after he was mistaken for an armed robber.Controversial pastor, Bishop Daniel Obinim, was the first to react to the death when he said that he wanted to save the army captain, but Jesus Christ warned him (Obinim) through his WhatsApp to desist from doing so.The WhatsApp is a free messaging app.Obinim, who leads the International Godsway Church, said he had seen the lynching of Captain Mahama and wanted to fly to the scene of the incident to save him, but his father Jesus Christ sent him a message on WhatsApp that he should not distort the happenings.In an interview with a Ghana media, Obinim said the captains time was due and Jesus needed him to sit with him by his side in heaven.He, however, cursed that the villagers who lynched Mahama would not know peace till they die.Obinim is said to have been in and out of Police custody several times for certain allegations. The most recent was said to be the flogging of a pregnant woman in his church.Meanwhile, another church leader, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, founder of the Lighthouse Chapel International, had visited Mahamas widow to commiserate with his family, myjoyonline stated.Bishop Mills based his consolation message on 2 Corinthians 1:3 to 4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictionThe late Mahama and his family reportedly worshipped at the Cantonment branch of the Lighthouse Chapel International.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the Department of Petroleum Resources, International Oil Companies and over 40 other firms are expected to appear on Monday (today) as the House of Representatives opens its public hearing on the alleged theft of $17bn crude oil and gas resources from the country.The undeclared crude and gas resources were said to have been exported out of Nigeria between 2011 and 2014 in circumstances the House said arose from collusion between government agencies and crude oil exporters.An ad hoc committee, chaired by a member of the All Progressives Congress from Adamawa State, Mr. Abdulrazak Namdas, is investigating the alleged theft.Findings by The PUNCH showed on Sunday that the committee, in the course of pre-hearing investigations, had summoned the NNPC, DPR and several other government agencies to provide information on the transactions.The Central Bank of Nigeria and identified IOCs were also summoned by the committee, but their responses were described by the panel as generally uncooperative.The government agencies and their heads have not been cooperating with the committee, said one committee member, who shared the fallout of the encounters between the committee and the agencies with The PUNCH on Sunday.Information the Committee called for was either delivered in scanty form or in the majority of cases, no responses at all.As a matter of fact, a general trend among the agencies and the IOCs was to send very junior officers to represent them at the pre-hearing meetings.Apart from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (Abubakar Malami), who came personally, many others have yet to reply the committee.This attitude must change as the committee goes into full public hearing.The PUNCH gathered that in one instance, the committee had queried the NNPC and the CBN to explain the imbalance of $81.2bn in crude oil sales reported between 2011 and 2014.It was learnt that while the total crude revenue for the period came to $123.9bn, the NNPC and the CBN reported only $42.7bn, leaving a balance of $81.2bn.Can the CBN and the NNPC account for the balance of $81.2bn? one of the queries read.When contacted on Sunday, Namdas confirmed that the public hearing would start on Monday (today).He stated, This government has fighting corruption as a key element of its agenda.If the National Assembly is willing to support the government in this regard, we cant understand why the agencies of the government are dragging their feet.One thing is certain: We wont allow them to frustrate this committee.The investigation will go on and we will get to the bottom of this $17bn crude and gas exports. All the affected agencies must testify.With that money, Nigeria does no need any foreign loans to finance its budgets.The House had, by its resolution in December 2016, ordered the probe after a motion by a member, Mr. Johnson Agbonayinma, alleging evidence of fraudulent transactions and irregularities in crude and gas exports within the period under review.Part of the information at the disposal of the Committee put the figure of undeclared crude shortfalls between 2011 and 2014 at 57,830,000 million barrels.This translates to well over $12bn worth of crude shipped to the United States alone.Also, over $3bn worth was shipped to China and $839,522,600 worth of crude was taken to Norway.These figures were conclusively ascertained by buyers, bill of lading, arrival dates, destination ports, quantity of crude oil and other documented information, the document stated.The US was listed as the leading destination for the crude, out of the 51 countries that received crude exports from Nigeria within the period.The report was made available to the former President (Goodluck Jonathan); Office of the Attorney General of the Federation; Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and that as of today (2016), the country has to its credit over $17bn of recoverable shortfalls from undeclared crude oil exports to global destination, it added.In the case of liquefied natural gas shortfalls, the document noted a loss of 727,460 metric tonnes, estimated at about $461,044m, firmly established shortfall from shipment to seven countries.
President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki has stated that it is totally wrong for any elected political office holder to leave service deliver...

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki has stated that it is totally wrong for any elected political office holder to leave service delivery now and be discussing 2019 general election.





Saraki said 2019 was still a long period for serious minded politicians to be engrossed with it to the detriment of good governance.

Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Sunday, the senate president said elected public office holders had not met some of the expectations of Nigerians, adding that they should rather be committed to rendering services and fulfilling their electoral promises.

Saraki said, 2019 is a long way. Any serious minded politician that is interested in his people should not be talking about 2019 especially if we want to be honest with ourselves, some of the expectations of our people have not been met.

I think it will be insensitive, if we have left that and we are now talking about 2019. We need to work hard to make sure that we meet those expectations.

The economy is already moving in the right direction, which is why we are addressing the issue of security, which is good. We are fighting corruption; we need to do more in that area.

By the time we work tremendously over the next one year, I think we will be in a position where we can beat our chest and say we have done well.
Senator Smart Adeyemi, who represented Kogi West for two terms, yesterday demanded a probe of the alleged telephone conversation between...

Senator Smart Adeyemi, who represented Kogi West for two terms, yesterday demanded a probe of the alleged telephone conversation between Justice Akon Ikpeme and Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West)  his successor.Adeyemi said he sensed a foul play in the way his election petition was struck out by Justice Ikpeme-led Election Petition Tribunal.Adeyemi, who made the demands at a briefing in Abuja, pleaded with the Chief Justice of the Federation and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe the alleged audio tape of the conversation.He said: I hereby call for a thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities  that is, the Chief Justice of the Federation, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Judicial Council( NJC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission( ICPC) and the Directorate for State Security Service( DSS).Like I mentioned earlier, I am of the opinion that we have people of high integrity in the Judiciary. However, just like there is a Judas in every 12, some people of questionable character may want to infiltrate the ranks of our incorruptible judges and ministers in the hallowed temple of Justice.I hold the view that members of the Justice Akon Ikpeme-led panel have the burden to come out and prove their innocence to the world, especially as touching on the recent leaked telephone conversation between Justice Ikpeme and a litigant in her tribunal in the person of Dino Melaye. Nigerians are watching and waiting.He added: I am not in doubt that money and other extraneous unethical considerations played an active role in the various rulings of the Justice Ikpeme-led panel in favour of Dino Melaye. If my brother Dino denies the audio clip, let him look at the mirror before him, the person will appear. For two years, I kept praying to God to make a show of shame of all conspirators against me at the tribunal. By the power of God, more revelations will still come!Adeyemi said he was demanding for the probe to avert a recurrence of abuse of the judicial process in the future.He added: Whether the audio recording was genuine or not. Let the communication firms be involved to track this conversation. We need forensic experts to get to the roots of this alleged bribe saga.For two years, I kept mute because I had no evidence to prove but I know God will intervene and expose those behind the electoral fraud in Kogi West Senatorial District. The release of the audio clip has shown that a lot went wrong.The redress is to make sure that tomorrow nobody will be thinking of bribing a judge. It is not about winning this case; it is about helping Nigerian judiciary. If this thing can happen to me as a senator, what is the hope for the common man.Asked if the judiciary decided not to probe the audio tape, Adeyemi said: I have the assurance of God that we have not heard the last word. I know there will be more revelations.You dont have to be a judge to know that the results have been tampered. Can any judge accept mutilated results? I swallowed the bitter.Though, we know that there is an end to litigation and this particular petition has been decided one way or the other yet, the following are pertinent factual and moral records of what transpired at the tribunal, which are now questions for Justice Ikpeme and her team to answer, in order to erase the misconception (if any) of corruption, which hovers around them and to save the image and integrity of the judiciary.The tribunal ordered a recount of the ballot papers and it was discovered that 2500 void votes were counted for Dino Melaye to be declared winner of the election. Why was no action taken on this finding?That there were mutilation /cancellation on the faces of all the results sheets delivered by INEC.That there are many wards of the senatorial district, whose results the INEC officials deliberately refused to collate and enter on the final result sheet. These wards are spread across the four local government areas of Kabba-Bunu Local Government, Ijumu Local Government, Kogi Local Government and Lokoja Local Government.That the Justice Ikpeme-led panel accepted a sheet of paper, as report of primaries in the face of an authentic report of primaries brought and tendered during the hearing of the petition by INEC officials.That Justice Ikpeme gave probative value to a sheet of paper as reports of primaries tendered by a youth corps member allegedly coming from INEC office Abuja without an identity card.But Melaye had also said he won his election in a free and fair manner and will defeat Adeyemi any day.He said: This is not a matter of boast, I have defeated him and I will also defeat him, even if election is conducted 100 times, provided the election is free and fair.One of Melayes ardent supporters said Adeyemi was chasing shadows.He said: Adeyemi lost to Melaye because he failed to follow due process in pursuing his petition.Justice Ikpeme said Adeyemi ran foul of the Electoral Act in filing reply to the 1st respondents response out of timeIkpeme also held that for failing to apply for Form TF001 for pre-hearing session within the stipulated seven days, the tribunal was of the view that the petitioner had failed to apply for the issuance of the form.She said pursuance of other issues relating to Adeyemis petition could only amount to mere academic exercise.
The Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), the apex social-economic and political union of the Tiv Nation in Benue State, has warned Fulani herdsmen to st...

The Mdzough U Tiv (MUT), the apex social-economic and political union of the Tiv Nation in Benue State, has warned Fulani herdsmen to stop claiming ownership of Tiv land.The group said claims by the leadership of the Fulani Cattle Breeders Association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, that they founded Tiv land, was untrue and mischievous.The groups president, Edward Ujege, at a news conference yesterday, called on Tiv natives to rise and protect their land from intruders.Ujege said the herdsmen claim was not only inciting and bellicose, but full of half truths, which is intended to aggravate the already challenging security situation in the country.His words: The assertion by the group, that the Fulanis were the original inhabitants of the Benue valley, is ridiculous, preposterous and a complete falsehood.There is neither historical, archaeological, nor anthropological evidence to indicate that the Fulanis ever inhabited the Benue Valley at any time before the advent of the Tiv people.What is a veritable and verifiable historical fact is that the forces of the 1804 Islamic Jihad, led by Uthman Dan Fodio, were defeated at the Ushongo hills in Tiv land. That explains why Islam could not be imposed on the Tiv people, nor Emirs appointed to rule Tiv land.The recent claim by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, that they were in the Benue Valley before the Tiv, is ridiculous; it is a tissue of lies concocted from the pit of hell to support a desperate and diabolical claim on Tiv ancestral lands.Knowing who the Fulanis are, and their penchant for changing historical narratives to benefit their designs, we are not surprised. They have severally attempted to hoist a post-jihad narrative of Northern Nigerias identity, which seeks to conscript Northern minorities into a monolithic North in which they are a mere footstool for the caliphate.For the avoidance of doubt, the Fulanis claim of having settled in the Benue Valley before the Tiv is a lie, because their attempt to change the narrative at this belated time confirms our suspicion that their interest in the Benue Valley is more than the grass they seek for their cattle.It is a devious strategy to secure illegal rights to Tiv ancestral lands, in order to exploit the political and religious opportunities that come with such rights.We challenge the Fulani to tell the world where and when the Tiv displaced them in order to settle in the Benue Valley.
The Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has said that the Party did more to fight Boko Haram ins...

The Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has said that the Party did more to fight Boko Haram insurgency than the present All Progressives Congress (APC).

file photo

It also stressed that it was the same weapons the previous PDP administration bought that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government was using to prosecute the anti-insurgency war.

This was stated in a statement signed and issued by the Publicity Secretary of the Partys National Caretaker Committee (NCC), Dayo Adeyeye.

The party maintained that if the APC had maintained the success achieved during the 2015 Elections in the North-East Region, the deadly group would not have regrouped.





According to the PDP, the prolonged herdsmen attacks on innocent and harmless citizens across the country has worsened the security situation in the country within the past two years than in the 16 years it held sway at the centre.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, on Sunday, said it was not losing sleep over reports that the Federal Government might ask the Federal Hi...

The Indigenous People of Biafra, on Sunday, said it was not losing sleep over reports that the Federal Government might ask the Federal High Court in Abuja to revoke the bail granted to its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on the grounds of alleged breach of the bail conditions.Part of the major conditions of the bail, which Justice Binta Nyako had granted Kanu on April 25, 2017, included prohibition from granting press interviews.The judge also barred Kanu from participating in any rally and warned that he should never be found in any crowd of more than 10 persons.It can be recalled that sources in the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja revealed that alleged breaches of the bail conditions by Kanu were being observed, and might be relied on by the Federal Government to ask the court to revoke the bail.However, reacting to the development, IPOB said it did not care if the Federal Government decided to revoke Kanus bail.IPOB spokesman, Comrade Emma Powerful, who made the declaration while responding to our correspondents enquiries, said the revocation of Kanus bail would not affect the agitation for Biafra.In an email, which he sent to our correspondent, the IPOB spokesman added that arresting Kanu again would be a major mistake on the part of the Federal Government.We dont give a damn  whether they arrest him (Kanu) or not. We dont bother.Whether they keep Nnamdi Kanu in or out of Nigerian prisons, the restoration effort continues unabated, Powerful said, adding that having Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in prison is always good for the struggle to restore Biafra.Nnamdi Kanu alive is peaceful disintegration; he dies in prison then Nigeria will witness a level of destruction that even Britain cannot stop, the pro-Biafran agitator declared.Noting that Kanus re-arrest would turn out to be a major mistake on the part of the Federal Government, Powerful pointed out that the IPOB leaders initial arrest raised the profile of the struggle for Biafra to its current level.He said, Arresting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu again cannot stop the agitation rather it will be a very big mistake on the part of Federal Government and her security operatives because when they arrested him on his arrival from London in his hotel room in Lagos, it sparked protests across the world and it drew the attention of world leaders and other relevant world organisations. 
Bob Dylan Nobel Lecture

Listen to Bob Dylans Nobel Lecture on SoundCloud

 THE NOBEL FOUNDATION 2017

The Nobel Foundation has not obtained the right to assign any usage right to the Nobel Lecture to any third party, and any such rights may thus not be granted. All rights to the Nobel Lecture by Bob Dylan are reserved and the Nobel Lecture may not be published or otherwise used by third parties with one exception: the audio file containing the Nobel Lecture, as published at Nobelprize.org, the official website of the Nobel Prize, may be embedded on other websites.

Swedish

English

5 June, 2017

Nobel Lecture

When I first received this Nobel Prize for Literature, I got to wondering exactly how my songs related to literature. I wanted to reflect on it and see where the connection was. Im going to try to articulate that to you. And most likely it will go in a roundabout way, but I hope what I say will be worthwhile and purposeful.

If I was to go back to the dawning of it all, I guess Id have to start with Buddy Holly. Buddy died when I was about eighteen and he was twenty-two. From the moment I first heard him, I felt akin. I felt related, like he was an older brother. I even thought I resembled him. Buddy played the music that I loved  the music I grew up on: country western, rock n roll, and rhythm and blues. Three separate strands of music that he intertwined and infused into one genre. One brand. And Buddy wrote songs  songs that had beautiful melodies and imaginative verses. And he sang great  sang in more than a few voices. He was the archetype. Everything I wasnt and wanted to be. I saw him only but once, and that was a few days before he was gone. I had to travel a hundred miles to get to see him play, and I wasnt disappointed.

He was powerful and electrifying and had a commanding presence. I was only six feet away. He was mesmerizing. I watched his face, his hands, the way he tapped his foot, his big black glasses, the eyes behind the glasses, the way he held his guitar, the way he stood, his neat suit. Everything about him. He looked older than twenty-two. Something about him seemed permanent, and he filled me with conviction. Then, out of the blue, the most uncanny thing happened. He looked me right straight dead in the eye, and he transmitted something. Something I didnt know what. And it gave me the chills.

I think it was a day or two after that that his plane went down. And somebody  somebody Id never seen before  handed me a Leadbelly record with the song Cottonfields on it. And that record changed my life right then and there. Transported me into a world Id never known. It was like an explosion went off. Like Id been walking in darkness and all of the sudden the darkness was illuminated. It was like somebody laid hands on me. I must have played that record a hundred times.

It was on a label Id never heard of with a booklet inside with advertisements for other artists on the label: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, the New Lost City Ramblers, Jean Ritchie, string bands. Id never heard of any of them. But I reckoned if they were on this label with Leadbelly, they had to be good, so I needed to hear them. I wanted to know all about it and play that kind of music. I still had a feeling for the music Id grown up with, but for right now, I forgot about it. Didnt even think about it. For the time being, it was long gone.

I hadnt left home yet, but I couldnt wait to. I wanted to learn this music and meet the people who played it. Eventually, I did leave, and I did learn to play those songs. They were different than the radio songs that Id been listening to all along. They were more vibrant and truthful to life. With radio songs, a performer might get a hit with a roll of the dice or a fall of the cards, but that didnt matter in the folk world. Everything was a hit. All you had to do was be well versed and be able to play the melody. Some of these songs were easy, some not. I had a natural feeling for the ancient ballads and country blues, but everything else I had to learn from scratch. I was playing for small crowds, sometimes no more than four or five people in a room or on a street corner. You had to have a wide repertoire, and you had to know what to play and when. Some songs were intimate, some you had to shout to be heard.

By listening to all the early folk artists and singing the songs yourself, you pick up the vernacular. You internalize it. You sing it in the ragtime blues, work songs, Georgia sea shanties, Appalachian ballads and cowboy songs. You hear all the finer points, and you learn the details.

You know what its all about. Takin the pistol out and puttin it back in your pocket. Whippin your way through traffic, talkin in the dark. You know that Stagger Lee was a bad man and that Frankie was a good girl. You know that Washington is a bourgeois town and youve heard the deep-pitched voice of John the Revelator and you saw the Titanic sink in a boggy creek. And youre pals with the wild Irish rover and the wild colonial boy. You heard the muffled drums and the fifes that played lowly. Youve seen the lusty Lord Donald stick a knife in his wife, and a lot of your comrades have been wrapped in white linen.

I had all the vernacular down. I knew the rhetoric. None of it went over my head  the devices, the techniques, the secrets, the mysteries  and I knew all the deserted roads that it traveled on, too. I could make it all connect and move with the current of the day. When I started writing my own songs, the folk lingo was the only vocabulary that I knew, and I used it.

But I had something else as well. I had principles and sensibilities and an informed view of the world. And I had had that for a while. Learned it all in grammar school. Don Quixote, Ivanhoe, Robinson Crusoe, Gullivers Travels, Tale of Two Cities, all the rest  typical grammar school reading that gave you a way of looking at life, an understanding of human nature, and a standard to measure things by. I took all that with me when I started composing lyrics. And the themes from those books worked their way into many of my songs, either knowingly or unintentionally. I wanted to write songs unlike anything anybody ever heard, and these themes were fundamental.

Specific books that have stuck with me ever since I read them way back in grammar school  I want to tell you about three of them: Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front and The Odyssey.

Moby Dick is a fascinating book, a book thats filled with scenes of high drama and dramatic dialogue. The book makes demands on you. The plot is straightforward. The mysterious Captain Ahab  captain of a ship called the Pequod  an egomaniac with a peg leg pursuing his nemesis, the great white whale Moby Dick who took his leg. And he pursues him all the way from the Atlantic around the tip of Africa and into the Indian Ocean. He pursues the whale around both sides of the earth. Its an abstract goal, nothing concrete or definite. He calls Moby the emperor, sees him as the embodiment of evil. Ahabs got a wife and child back in Nantucket that he reminisces about now and again. You can anticipate what will happen.

The ships crew is made up of men of different races, and any one of them who sights the whale will be given the reward of a gold coin. A lot of Zodiac symbols, religious allegory, stereotypes. Ahab encounters other whaling vessels, presses the captains for details about Moby. Have they seen him? Theres a crazy prophet, Gabriel, on one of the vessels, and he predicts Ahabs doom. Says Moby is the incarnate of a Shaker god, and that any dealings with him will lead to disaster. He says that to Captain Ahab. Another ships captain  Captain Boomer  he lost an arm to Moby. But he tolerates that, and hes happy to have survived. He cant accept Ahabs lust for vengeance.

This book tells how different men react in different ways to the same experience. A lot of Old Testament, biblical allegory: Gabriel, Rachel, Jeroboam, Bildah, Elijah. Pagan names as well: Tashtego, Flask, Daggoo, Fleece, Starbuck, Stubb, Marthas Vineyard. The Pagans are idol worshippers. Some worship little wax figures, some wooden figures. Some worship fire. The Pequod is the name of an Indian tribe.

Moby Dick is a seafaring tale. One of the men, the narrator, says, Call me Ishmael. Somebody asks him where hes from, and he says, Its not down on any map. True places never are. Stubb gives no significance to anything, says everything is predestined. Ishmaels been on a sailing ship his entire life. Calls the sailing ships his Harvard and Yale. He keeps his distance from people.

A typhoon hits the Pequod. Captain Ahab thinks its a good omen. Starbuck thinks its a bad omen, considers killing Ahab. As soon as the storm ends, a crewmember falls from the ships mast and drowns, foreshadowing whats to come. A Quaker pacifist priest, who is actually a bloodthirsty businessman, tells Flask, Some men who receive injuries are led to God, others are led to bitterness.

Everything is mixed in. All the myths: the Judeo Christian bible, Hindu myths, British legends, Saint George, Perseus, Hercules  theyre all whalers. Greek mythology, the gory business of cutting up a whale. Lots of facts in this book, geographical knowledge, whale oil  good for coronation of royalty  noble families in the whaling industry. Whale oil is used to anoint the kings. History of the whale, phrenology, classical philosophy, pseudo-scientific theories, justification for discrimination  everything thrown in and none of it hardly rational. Highbrow, lowbrow, chasing illusion, chasing death, the great white whale, white as polar bear, white as a white man, the emperor, the nemesis, the embodiment of evil. The demented captain who actually lost his leg years ago trying to attack Moby with a knife.

We see only the surface of things. We can interpret what lies below any way we see fit. Crewmen walk around on deck listening for mermaids, and sharks and vultures follow the ship. Reading skulls and faces like you read a book. Heres a face. Ill put it in front of you. Read it if you can.

Tashtego says that he died and was reborn. His extra days are a gift. He wasnt saved by Christ, though, he says he was saved by a fellow man and a non-Christian at that. He parodies the resurrection.

When Starbuck tells Ahab that he should let bygones be bygones, the angry captain snaps back, Speak not to me of blasphemy, man, Id strike the sun if it insulted me. Ahab, too, is a poet of eloquence. He says, The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails whereon my soul is grooved to run. Or these lines, All visible objects are but pasteboard masks. Quotable poetic phrases that cant be beat.

Finally, Ahab spots Moby, and the harpoons come out. Boats are lowered. Ahabs harpoon has been baptized in blood. Moby attacks Ahabs boat and destroys it. Next day, he sights Moby again. Boats are lowered again. Moby attacks Ahabs boat again. On the third day, another boat goes in. More religious allegory. He has risen. Moby attacks one more time, ramming the Pequod and sinking it. Ahab gets tangled up in the harpoon lines and is thrown out of his boat into a watery grave.

Ishmael survives. Hes in the sea floating on a coffin. And thats about it. Thats the whole story. That theme and all that it implies would work its way into more than a few of my songs.

All Quiet on the Western Front was another book that did. All Quiet on the Western Front is a horror story. This is a book where you lose your childhood, your faith in a meaningful world, and your concern for individuals. Youre stuck in a nightmare. Sucked up into a mysterious whirlpool of death and pain. Youre defending yourself from elimination. Youre being wiped off the face of the map. Once upon a time you were an innocent youth with big dreams about being a concert pianist. Once you loved life and the world, and now youre shooting it to pieces.

Day after day, the hornets bite you and worms lap your blood. Youre a cornered animal. You dont fit anywhere. The falling rain is monotonous. Theres endless assaults, poison gas, nerve gas, morphine, burning streams of gasoline, scavenging and scabbing for food, influenza, typhus, dysentery. Life is breaking down all around you, and the shells are whistling. This is the lower region of hell. Mud, barbed wire, rat-filled trenches, rats eating the intestines of dead men, trenches filled with filth and excrement. Someone shouts, Hey, you there. Stand and fight.

Who knows how long this mess will go on? Warfare has no limits. Youre being annihilated, and that leg of yours is bleeding too much. You killed a man yesterday, and you spoke to his corpse. You told him after this is over, youll spend the rest of your life looking after his family. Whos profiting here? The leaders and the generals gain fame, and many others profit financially. But youre doing the dirty work. One of your comrades says, Wait a minute, where are you going? And you say, Leave me alone, Ill be back in a minute. Then you walk out into the woods of death hunting for a piece of sausage. You cant see how anybody in civilian life has any kind of purpose at all. All their worries, all their desires  you cant comprehend it.

More machine guns rattle, more parts of bodies hanging from wires, more pieces of arms and legs and skulls where butterflies perch on teeth, more hideous wounds, pus coming out of every pore, lung wounds, wounds too big for the body, gas-blowing cadavers, and dead bodies making retching noises. Death is everywhere. Nothing else is possible. Someone will kill you and use your dead body for target practice. Boots, too. Theyre your prized possession. But soon theyll be on somebody elses feet.

Theres Froggies coming through the trees. Merciless bastards. Your shells are running out. Its not fair to come at us again so soon, you say. One of your companions is laying in the dirt, and you want to take him to the field hospital. Someone else says, You might save yourself a trip. What do you mean? Turn him over, youll see what I mean.

You wait to hear the news. You dont understand why the war isnt over. The army is so strapped for replacement troops that theyre drafting young boys who are of little military use, but theyre draftin em anyway because theyre running out of men. Sickness and humiliation have broken your heart. You were betrayed by your parents, your schoolmasters, your ministers, and even your own government.

The general with the slowly smoked cigar betrayed you too  turned you into a thug and a murderer. If you could, youd put a bullet in his face. The commander as well. You fantasize that if you had the money, youd put up a reward for any man who would take his life by any means necessary. And if he should lose his life by doing that, then let the money go to his heirs. The colonel, too, with his caviar and his coffee  hes another one. Spends all his time in the officers brothel. Youd like to see him stoned dead too. More Tommies and Johnnies with their whack fo me daddy-o and their whiskey in the jars. You kill twenty of em and twenty more will spring up in their place. It just stinks in your nostrils.

Youve come to despise that older generation that sent you out into this madness, into this torture chamber. All around you, your comrades are dying. Dying from abdominal wounds, double amputations, shattered hipbones, and you think, Im only twenty years old, but Im capable of killing anybody. Even my father if he came at me.

Yesterday, you tried to save a wounded messenger dog, and somebody shouted, Dont be a fool. One Froggy is laying gurgling at your feet. You stuck him with a dagger in his stomach, but the man still lives. You know you should finish the job, but you cant. Youre on the real iron cross, and a Roman soldiers putting a sponge of vinegar to your lips.

Months pass by. You go home on leave. You cant communicate with your father. He said, Youd be a coward if you dont enlist. Your mother, too, on your way back out the door, she says, You be careful of those French girls now. More madness. You fight for a week or a month, and you gain ten yards. And then the next month it gets taken back.

All that culture from a thousand years ago, that philosophy, that wisdom  Plato, Aristotle, Socrates  what happened to it? It should have prevented this. Your thoughts turn homeward. And once again youre a schoolboy walking through the tall poplar trees. Its a pleasant memory. More bombs dropping on you from blimps. You got to get it together now. You cant even look at anybody for fear of some miscalculable thing that might happen. The common grave. There are no other possibilities.

Then you notice the cherry blossoms, and you see that nature is unaffected by all this. Poplar trees, the red butterflies, the fragile beauty of flowers, the sun  you see how nature is indifferent to it all. All the violence and suffering of all mankind. Nature doesnt even notice it.

Youre so alone. Then a piece of shrapnel hits the side of your head and youre dead.

Youve been ruled out, crossed out. Youve been exterminated. I put this book down and closed it up. I never wanted to read another war novel again, and I never did.

Charlie Poole from North Carolina had a song that connected to all this. Its called You Aint Talkin to Me, and the lyrics go like this:

I saw a sign in a window walking up town one day.

Join the army, see the world is what it had to say.

Youll see exciting places with a jolly crew,

Youll meet interesting people, and learn to kill them too.

Oh you aint talkin to me, you aint talking to me.

I may be crazy and all that, but I got good sense you see.

You aint talkin to me, you aint talkin to me.

Killin with a gun dont sound like fun.

You aint talkin to me.

The Odyssey is a great book whose themes have worked its way into the ballads of a lot of songwriters: Homeward Bound, Green, Green Grass of Home, Home on the Range, and my songs as well.

The Odyssey is a strange, adventurous tale of a grown man trying to get home after fighting in a war. Hes on that long journey home, and its filled with traps and pitfalls. Hes cursed to wander. Hes always getting carried out to sea, always having close calls. Huge chunks of boulders rock his boat. He angers people he shouldnt. Theres troublemakers in his crew. Treachery. His men are turned into pigs and then are turned back into younger, more handsome men. Hes always trying to rescue somebody. Hes a travelin man, but hes making a lot of stops.

Hes stranded on a desert island. He finds deserted caves, and he hides in them. He meets giants that say, Ill eat you last. And he escapes from giants. Hes trying to get back home, but hes tossed and turned by the winds. Restless winds, chilly winds, unfriendly winds. He travels far, and then he gets blown back.

Hes always being warned of things to come. Touching things hes told not to. Theres two roads to take, and theyre both bad. Both hazardous. On one you could drown and on the other you could starve. He goes into the narrow straits with foaming whirlpools that swallow him. Meets six-headed monsters with sharp fangs. Thunderbolts strike at him. Overhanging branches that he makes a leap to reach for to save himself from a raging river. Goddesses and gods protect him, but some others want to kill him. He changes identities. Hes exhausted. He falls asleep, and hes woken up by the sound of laughter. He tells his story to strangers. Hes been gone twenty years. He was carried off somewhere and left there. Drugs have been dropped into his wine. Its been a hard road to travel.

In a lot of ways, some of these same things have happened to you. You too have had drugs dropped into your wine. You too have shared a bed with the wrong woman. You too have been spellbound by magical voices, sweet voices with strange melodies. You too have come so far and have been so far blown back. And youve had close calls as well. You have angered people you should not have. And you too have rambled this country all around. And youve also felt that ill wind, the one that blows you no good. And thats still not all of it.

When he gets back home, things arent any better. Scoundrels have moved in and are taking advantage of his wifes hospitality. And theres too many of em. And though hes greater than them all and the best at everything  best carpenter, best hunter, best expert on animals, best seaman  his courage wont save him, but his trickery will.

All these stragglers will have to pay for desecrating his palace. Hell disguise himself as a filthy beggar, and a lowly servant kicks him down the steps with arrogance and stupidity. The servants arrogance revolts him, but he controls his anger. Hes one against a hundred, but theyll all fall, even the strongest. He was nobody. And when its all said and done, when hes home at last, he sits with his wife, and he tells her the stories.

So what does it all mean? Myself and a lot of other songwriters have been influenced by these very same themes. And they can mean a lot of different things. If a song moves you, thats all thats important. I dont have to know what a song means. Ive written all kinds of things into my songs. And Im not going to worry about it  what it all means. When Melville put all his old testament, biblical references, scientific theories, Protestant doctrines, and all that knowledge of the sea and sailing ships and whales into one story, I dont think he would have worried about it either  what it all means.

John Donne as well, the poet-priest who lived in the time of Shakespeare, wrote these words, The Sestos and Abydos of her breasts. Not of two lovers, but two loves, the nests. I dont know what it means, either. But it sounds good. And you want your songs to sound good.

When Odysseus in The Odyssey visits the famed warrior Achilles in the underworld  Achilles, who traded a long life full of peace and contentment for a short one full of honor and glory  tells Odysseus it was all a mistake. I just died, thats all. There was no honor. No immortality. And that if he could, he would choose to go back and be a lowly slave to a tenant farmer on Earth rather than be what he is  a king in the land of the dead  that whatever his struggles of life were, they were preferable to being here in this dead place.

Thats what songs are too. Our songs are alive in the land of the living. But songs are unlike literature. Theyre meant to be sung, not read. The words in Shakespeares plays were meant to be acted on the stage. Just as lyrics in songs are meant to be sung, not read on a page. And I hope some of you get the chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intended to be heard: in concert or on record or however people are listening to songs these days. I return once again to Homer, who says, Sing in me, oh Muse, and through me tell the story.

To cite this section

MLA style: Bob Dylan  Nobel Lecture. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Thu. 10 Nov 2022. <https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2016/dylan/lecture/>
A second-line down Bourbon Street. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)((Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com |The Times-Picayune))
Once elected, members of the Public Service Commission typically have an easy time hanging onto their jobs. Voters dont know much about them or their work, and the only real money in the campaigns has traditionally come from utilities and others 
A local political nominee was asked to leave the Pottawattamie County Democratic Party nominating convention for the special election in Iowa House District 22 Tuesday night.

Bryan Holder said he was there to record the proceedings as a citizen journalist. Holder is also the nominee for the Libertarian Party in the Iowa House District 22 special election.

Holder told organizers of his plans when he arrived at the convention in Underwood, and Pottawattamie County Democratic Party leaders asked him to leave.

The video shows Democratic Party Chair Linda Nelson asking Holder to leave and moments later the partys central committee votes to ask him to leave.

In the video Holder is calm as he explains his purpose for attending the meeting. After being voted out, Holder told Nelson And you wonder why people are turned off by the two parties.

This isnt the Soviet Union, he said.

Nelson said that Holder wasnt asked to leave because he was a citizen journalist, but rather because at the time he was the potential nominee for a rival party.

I see it as a conflict of interest. Youll be a candidate for an opposition party, Nelson said on Wednesday. I dont want to give anyone that will be our opposition a leg up. He didnt have a vote (during the nominating convention).

Holder said Iowa Democratic Party bylaws list the convention as an open meeting. He said he didnt go to the Republican nominating convention that night because of an email sent out by the Pottawattamie County GOP saying the meeting was not open to the public.

I wanted to go see their convention and see how things are done, Holder said on Wednesday. I didnt think I was violating their rules or the law. We have the right to be citizen journalists. I just want to provide the transparency.

I didnt think it was just or fair. But I left. I complied with their vote.

Holder said this isnt the first run-in with party leaders. He noted his expulsion from an event hosted by Montgomery County Republicans in Red Oak in April of 2014.
Normandy  I took a walk along the historic coast of Normandy in the country of France.

It was a lovely day for strolling along the seashore. Men were sleeping on the sand, some of them sleeping forever. Men were floating in the water, but they didnt know they were in the water, for they were dead.

Ernie Pyle, June 16, 1944, column

DANA, Ind.  History books will tell you that Allied forces established five beachheads along the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944, as 156,000 servicemen arrived aboard 6,900 ships and landing craft. Allied casualties on D-Day were at least 10,000 with 4,413 killed. Those are the facts.

But Ernie Pyle wasn't someone whose dispatches concerned a blow-by-blow account of battles, tallying up the dead and wounded, ground gained or lost. They weren't culled from news releases or press briefings, nor from a general standing at a bulletin board pointing out strategic sites.

No. The displays at the Ernie Pyle WWII Museum illustrate his columns, which are prominently featured as posters amid vintage artifacts. The museum is Dana's tribute to the famous World War II correspondent who put it on the map. But the memories of the man are fading, much like a mural that once graced the downtown landscape.

Pyle's columns were so popular because they painted word pictures, giving readers a better grasp of the war through the common infantryman's eyes.

Note how he informs the homefront what those men's sacrifices and those strategic toeholds meant as he toured the debris-strewn beaches after the epic, Longest Day amphibious landing:

... I noticed a group of freshly taken German prisoners standing nearby. They had not yet been put in the prison cage. They were just standing there, a couple of doughboys leisurely guarding them with tommy guns.

The prisoners too were looking out to sea  the same bit of sea that for months and years had been so safely empty before their gaze. Now they stood staring almost as if in a trance.

They didnt say a word to each other. They didnt need to. The expression on their faces was something forever unforgettable. In it was the final horrified acceptance of their doom.

If only all Germans could have had the rich experience of standing on the bluff and looking out across the water and seeing what their compatriots saw.

Few could rival the Hoosier newspaperman, who started his career in LaPorte, in bringing the frontline action home to readers as an embedded correspondent who shared the same hardships, fears and apprehensions as the troops he trudged across battlefields with, enjoying their camaraderie in dugouts and seeking shelter in foxholes together.

Whether he was studying the faces of German POWs or viewing the lifeless eyes of former companions, Pyle brought a unique perspective on the war.

The Dana native might have spoken with generals, but his stories mostly focused on the grunts, dogfaces and fellow citizen soldiers fighting the war, not the brass orchestrating it. Every first reference to his interview subjects with their grime-smeared faces, sweaty T-shirts and mud-caked boots was dutifully followed by their hometown. His readers needed to know that to create the bond Pyle wanted as he related how former neighbors and relatives thrust into impossibly dangerous situations responded to them.

The 1944 Pulitzer Prize winner shared the harsh life in the field where a pair of dry socks was treasured, not because he had to but because he wanted to, said Joanie Rumple, a Friends of Ernie Pyle board member and recent museum tour guide.

He didn't eat well. He didn't sleep well, she noted, adding his time spent in the field took a toll on the frail, chain-smoking Indiana University product.

Actor William Windom does a dramatic reading of excerpts from the columns at field phones by each display. The column "Dugout Coffee" reveals Pyle recognized his perilous circumstance:

Pvt. Cummings stretched and said 'I feel like I was 45 years old.' So I said 'I feel like I was, too, and I damn near am.' Then Sgt. Swartz asked how old I was, and I said 43, and he said he was 30 and if he knew that he'd live to be 43 he wouldn't have a worry in the world, but I said, Oh yes you would, you'd be just like me  worrying whether you'd ever get to be 44 or not.

... That's the way the conversation went around a dugout at nighttime  rumors, girls, hopes of home, jokes, little experiences, opinions of their officers and an occasional offhand reference to what may happen to a man in the end.

The end came for Pyle on April 18, 1945, when a Japanese sniper shot him on the island of Iejima (formerly known as Ie Shima) near Okinawa. Pyle was 44.

Harry Momi, 90, of Stockton, California, who took the last photo of Pyle the night before he was killed, spoke about his encounter with the beloved writer on April 9, 2015, during a program commemorating the 70th anniversary of Pyle's death. Other speakers have included veterans who knew Pyle and the sister of Capt. Henry T. Waskow, the Belton, Texas, native Pyle wrote so movingly about after his death in the Sicily campaign. It was one of Pyle's most widely-recognized columns.

The oral accounts of time spent with Pyle are dwindling with the numbers of the Greatest Generation who are still alive. The rest of his legacy is in some jeopardy, too.

Rumple and the rest of the Friends of Ernie Pyle organization rescued the museum after it was closed on Jan. 1, 2009, due to a state funding crunch. Grants from the Eli Lilly and Scripps Howard foundations helped them reopen it on May 14, 2011.

Donations can be sent to the nonprofit at: The Friends of Ernie Pyle, P.O. Box 345, Dana, IN 47847.
Waves of up to 8 feet and strong currents Monday and Tuesday could create dangerous swimming conditions in Lake Michigan, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency has issued a beach hazards statement for lakeside counties from Illinois to Michigan, including Lake, Porter and LaPorte in Indiana, from 1 p.m. Monday through Tuesday night.

North winds could cause waves of 5 to 8 feet in Lake and Porter counties and 3 to 6 feet in LaPorte County, forecasters said. Strong rip currents and structural currents are expected, and can quickly sweep swimmers into deeper waters.

Anyone visiting Lake Michigan beaches should avoid the water, the weather service said.

Temperatures were expected to be in the low 70s Monday and high 60s Tuesday along the lakeshore.
GARY  More than 2,000 people of all ages, races and ethnicities came together Sunday at the Genesis Center for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary Pentecost Synod Mass and to celebrate what Bishop Donald J. Hying called the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst.

Music and prayers soared from the Genesis Centers arena as parishioners and students from throughout Northwest Indiana filled chairs set up on the ground level and in the balcony areas to celebrate both Pentecost and the closing of the diocese first-ever synod.

Observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter, the Christian festival of Pentecost recalls when the Holy Spirit descended over the heads of Jesus disciples as tongues of flame after his Ascension.

As chronicled in the Book of Acts, it also signals the beginning of the church as Jesus followers were sent out to to make disciples of all nations. Hying said this sending forth of the Holy Spirit is what the diocese synod embraces.

Synod comes from ancient Greek meaning walking together, Hying said about the three-day event that began Friday and continued Saturday with more than 300 delegates meeting in animated prayer to discern the future of the Diocese of Gary.

As a church, we face remarkable opportunities and enormous challenges in this historical moment, Hying said. I sense the Holy Spirit calling all of us, starting with me, to a renewal of faith, a deepened prayer life and some strategic thinking about our future together.

Walking together at the Synod Mass began with the processional led by a seminarian holding aloft the crucifix. Others in the procession included Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, members of the Knights of Peter Claver, the Gracious Ladies of Peter Claver Knights and the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre.

The program for the Mass combined English and Spanish texts illustrating the two languages spoken by many members of the Gary Diocese. In a salute to the heritage of the area, the song for the call to worship and universal prayer included verses in English, Spanish and Polish.

More than two dozen people were confirmed during the Mass as Hying and Bishop Emeritus Dale Melczek made the sign of the cross with oil on their foreheads.

In keeping with the theme of making disciples of all nations, the gifts of oil, wine, water and bread were carried to the altar by a Caucasian man, a Latino man, an African-American woman and an Asian woman.

During his homily, the bishop promised those gathered Sunday that the pastoral priorities will not set on a shelfWe will build on what we have and dare to dream what is possible.

Hying also acknowledged the scores of people who helped organize the synod and the Mass, including Deacon Bob Marben, who coordinated the Synod Commission, and Deacon Tom Gryzbek, who assisted.

The bishop also thanked Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, who attended the Mass.

We will never give up on the City of Gary, Hying said to the mayor.

He also announced plans for a Habitat for Humanity house to be built diagonally across from Holy Angels Cathedral. The diocese will retain ownership of the home that will provide housing for two single-parent families.

Following Communion and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, several hundred of those attending the Mass walked as pilgrims from the Genesis Center to Holy Angels Cathedral on 7th Avenue with temperatures hovering in the mid-90s with high humidity.

As they walked they sang We Are Marching in the Light of God with verses in Zulu, English, Spanish and French, and Amazing Grace.

Accompanied by members of the Gary Police Department, the line of pilgrims stretched for blocks as they walked to a tent set up in the cathedral parking lot for a special benediction.

Winfield resident Philip Baumeister and member of Holy Spirit parish walked with his 13-year old son, Charlie.

It was the basis of our faith  a journey, Baumeister said about the experience.

It was a little bit hot, said Charlie, who is home-schooled and an 8th grader. But other than that it was great to see people live out their faith.

Another walker Leena Samuel of Gary and a member of St. Mary of the Lake parish agreed.

This is basically a group of everyone coming together to do as it is in heaven. I think its a beautiful occasion, Samuel said as her 9-year old son, Deshaun Harris, sat nearby.

He just finished 3rd grade at Nativity of Our Savior School in Portage, she said. I wanted him to be around to witness some history.
A sommelier is usually defined as a wine expert who makes recommendations on what wine goes best with certain meals, at a restaurant. But Martin Riese doesnt know a lot about wines. He is a professional water sommelier, the only one in the the United States.

German-born Riese has been fascinated with the different tastes of water since he was 4-years-old. His parents, who worked in the hospitality industry, would take him vacationing all over Europe, and the first thing he always did was try the tap water. To him, it tasted different everywhere he went, so he couldnt understand why everyone always called it the same thing. Later, he would learn that he had been blessed with a very special palette that allows him to detect the subtle differences in the taste of different mineral waters. Luckily for him, there was actually a job that required just the kind of unique talent he had  water sommelier.

Photo: Martin Riese/Facebook

Martin admits that when people hear what he does for a living, they think hes a little crazy, which he says is totally normal. First of all, hes the only one with his job in the United States, and second, most people here are used to purified water, the kind that comes from a factory and tastes really bland. To them, all water tastes the same, but thats only because they arent familiar with the many natural mineral waters available in different parts of the world. They really have their own unique tastes and properties, and as a water sommelier for the Patina Group in Los Angeles, he tries to show them what they are missing out on.

Martin Riese isnt just a guy who claims to know a lot about water and what it tastes like. His talents have been recognized by the German Mineral Water Trade Association, which is also where he got his certification as a professional water sommelier, in 2010. Two years later, he traveled to the US on a O-1 visaa special permit only given to individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement. He has been working here ever since, and has actually made quite a name for himself, becoming the subject of several documentaries, special news reports and even landing an invitation on the Late Show with Conan OBrien.

Photo: Martin Riese/Facebook

The work of a water sommelier is very similar that of a wine sommelier. They also chill the water to a certain temperature  in this case 59 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect  and offer clients a selection of different waters, while presenting them with all kinds of interesting information about them. Apart from its place of origin, he always focuses on the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level of the water. This is basically the mineral content, which can reach from very low (10  40) to very high (around 7000). The higher the TDS level of the water, the stronger its taste.

For example, VOSS is a Norwegian mineral water made from glacier water, which is very pure. It has a TDS level of only 40, about the same as most purified waters, so its very hard to identify its flavor profile until youve had a higher TDS water to compare it with. On the other hand, Iskilde, a mineral water from an artesian spring in a conservation area in Denmark, has a TDS level of 400, and has an earthy taste to it, when compared to VOSS. Having passed through 150 feet of alternating layers of quartz sand and clay, as well as an underground air-bubble full of 8,000-year-old oxygen, Iskilde has a very unique blend of minerals.

Photo: Martin Riese/Facebook

ROI, a special spring water from the Rogaska Spa and Health center in Slovenia, is on the extreme side of the TDS spectrum. It has a TDS level of 7,400, which Martin calls insane. He only has 10 bottle of it in his restaurant and uses it exclusively for tastings. It has the highest magnesium content of any natural water in the world, and has long been used as medication. In fact, the company that bottles it explicitly states that ROI is a health product and not intended to simply quench thirst. It has a strong, off-putting metallic taste, but its great after an alcohol-fueled night on the town. Its high mineral content quickly replenishes the nutrients lost while drinking, alleviating the symptoms of hangover.

These are just 3 of the 44 different natural waters that Martin Riese has on his water menu at Rays & Starks restaurant, and he cant wait to tell you all about them while you take a sip. So if youre interested in sampling some of the best still and sparkling waters on Earth and learning which one best compliments your favorite dishes, now you know who to ask.

And just in case youre wondering about his experience in the water department, Martin says that he has so far tried over 4,000 different spring waters from all over the world. He drinks water professionally since 2005.

Sources: Business Insider, Quartz, Martin Riese
Thumb sucking is a perfectly normal habit for babies and young children, but while most grow out of it by age five, some never do. Youve probably never seen an adult suck their thumb, but thats only because the vast majority of adult thumb-suckers avoid doing it in public for fear of being laughed at or labeled as weirdos. Some experts believe that adult thumb sucking is quite common, with around 1 in 10 adults secretly engaging in the habit for comfort.

Thumb sucking is said to start in the uterus, even before we come into this world. It is considered a comforting gesture that mimics the endorphin rush babies get when breastfeeding, and is most common in children coping with mild anxiety. The same is true for adult thumb-suckers. While they are no longer breastfed, sucking their thumb is an effective way of dealing with anxiety or just completely relaxing at bedtime. Some have relied on their thumb to sooth them for as long as they can remember, and it has just become a normal part of everyday life.

Photo: YouTube screengrab

Most adult thumb-suckers would do it constantly if they could, but the fear of being judged or misunderstood by society is too high. They will control themselves in public, but as soon as they are in the comfort of their own home, or their car, theyll stick their thumb in their mouth, wrap the index finger around the bridge of their nose for support, and enjoy their life-long habit.

I think that thumb sucking fills a void, yeah, definitely completes the circuit says 65-year-old Harvey Miller, an adult thumb-sucker from East Meadow, New York. Hes been doing it all his life, while watching TV, reading, driving, and before going to sleep. To him, its a comfort zone, and he doesnt want to stop. What he would like is for people to be able to accept thumb sucking as the free, legal, drug-free, quiet habit that it is, instead of seeing it as a joke or just plain weird.

Photo: Thumbsucker movie screengrab

I would like to be able to suck my thumb in public, I just, Im not there, Harvey says. I dont think I could stand the misinterpretations and the attention it would get.

Harvey is definitely not alone. Adult thumb sucking is actually quite common. Around 1 in 10 adults do it, more women than men. In fact, double the number of women compared to men and even some celebrities like Rihanna have been spotted doing it, says counselling psychologist Chris Hart. There is a worldwide community of them, and, until not too long ago, they even had a website. It appears to be down now, though, for reasons I can only speculate on.

Photo: YouTube screengrab

Harry Oloo, a Nairobi-based banker in his late 30s, tried to quit thumb sucking several times throughout his life, but always found himself coming back to it. It was there for him in school when he got anxious about exams, and now, its still there now, when he goes to sleep at night. He was afraid that his wife might find it disturbing, but she apparently thinks its cute.

This is a habit that I developed in my childhood. I was often teased about it by my high school classmates as I did it often especially when anxious about exams, Oloo told SDE Kenia. They called me Big Baby. Now as a professional banker, I have learnt to hide it quite well. I dont do it at work. And I have found that I can control it when it public. However, when I get home and I am settling in for bed, I find my thumb in my mouth. I used to feel embarrassed whenever my wife found me doing it but she doesnt seem to mind it. She actually says that it is cute.

A lot of people associate adult thumb sucking with a sexual fetish, but for the vast majority of grown-ups who engage in this habit its just a harmless coping mechanism. The only known side-effects are social embarrassment and, in some cases, dental problems. Dr Christopher Ho told Yahoos Be Lifestyle that thumb sucking can cause irreparable damage.

It is best if children have given up the habit by the age of four because prolonged sucking after the permanent teeth have started to erupt (at around five to six years old) can result in dental problems such as an open bite, buck teeth, poorly developed lower jaw and narrow palate, Dr. Ho says. As an adult thumb sucking leads to a narrow smile and often an open bite leading to difficulty biting certain foods.
President Trumps pull-back from efforts to fight global warming has irked corporate social responsibility website 3BL Media and its recent acquisition, TriplePundit.

Jen Boynton Nick Aster

TriplePundit, focusing on CSR and sustainability topics including global water and energy issues, social justice, economic inequality and food supplies, had six million+ unique page views in 2016. Founder and publisher is Nick Aster.

Jen Boynton, editor-in-chief, commenting on the Trump decision, said, The climate situation is direwe need to curb carbon to zero net emissions by 2020 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Globally, we arent anywhere close to reaching that aggressive target.

A host of other social and environmental issues face the next generation, said Boynton.

3BL Media, Northampton, Mass., founded in 2009 and headed by CEO Greg Schneider, describes itself as the leading distributor of CSR and sustainability news and content, working with corporations and non-profits. It uses social, traditional and new media channels in serving more than 1,000 clients.

Greg Schneider

It operates a network of sites including 3blmedia.com, csrwire.com, socialeareth.org, ethicalperformance.com and reportalert.com. It acquired in April the Corporate Responsibility Assn. and CR Magazine which publishes the annual COMMIT!Forum conference and ranks the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. It says content of 3BL clients appear on hundreds of thousands of Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters terminals.

Children Are Victims--Boynton

As parents, were deeply nervous about the uncertain world our children will find when they reach adulthood the 20s and 30s, said Boynton.

How can we prepare them for successful lives when we dont know what skills theyll need or the future state of the world? We all need to keep fighting as hard as we can to effect positive change. We dont have a choice. For TriplePundit, that means telling stories of businesses that are leading the charge  to inspire and to inform. There is no doubt in our minds that the best way for us to do that is as members of the 3BL Media family.

The Paris Climate deal has been described as the most comprehensive international accord to fight climate change yet. It was signed by all but two countries and hailed as a historic effort to save our planet.

President Trump said that the United States will withdraw. This would mean the United States ditches crucial environmental regulations, and cedes further influence to China, say critics.

Trump is said to ignore advice from the Pope, foreign leaders and even business leaders like Exxon. He is rebuffing pleas from his daughter Ivanka and from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Critics including the New York Times say energy use by the U.S. for its cars, many of them SUVs, large houses and almost universal air conditioning is the biggest contributor to Earth-warming.

Defenders of Trumps action say the 2015 pact would have imposed unfair environmental standards on American businesses. He called it a draconian international agreement.

TriplePundit Tracks Triple Bottom Line

Dave Armon

Boynton said TriplePundit has a hard-won reputation for deep knowledge of the sustainable business landscape and the triple bottom line and for reporting that gives credit where credit is due. We dont stand for greenwashing, and we have no plans to change that.

The triple bottom line, called TBL or 3BL, is an accounting framework that tracks social, environmental and financial elements.

Said Boynton: In the next phase of life, well be focusing on quality over quantity, delivering a unique take in every article. We are doubling down on our commitment to bring stories of triple bottom line thinking in communities and in our world. Well also continue to examine the implications of a policy sphere that neglects long-term, systems thinking.

As members of the 3BL Media family, well have more resources to deliver quality reporting you cant find anywhere else. And were thrilled to join a well-financed organization that has our back and sees the social and economic value of our work.

Armon Is CEO of 3BL Unit

Handling communications for 3BL is Dave Armon, CEO of the Corporate Responsibility Board, a unit formed to house new assets. He is a 3BL board member and chief marketing officer.

Armon was with PR Newswire for 20 years until 2008, rising to president and CEO. He was president of Critical Mention from 2011 to 2014.
Feature articles followed, written about pot-friendly performers whose reputations included, along with the music, a strong connection to pot and pop culture icons. Willie Nelson and Snoop Dog showed up on the cover, along with Johnny Rotten, Ice Cube, Oliver Stone, John Lennon, and even some less pot-friendly faces, including JFK.Pot has since gone mainstream. With eight states and the District of Columbia legalizing recreational use of marijuana and several others opting to allow it for medical or religious purposes, theres a growing legal demand for information about the drug. So, along with the plant it has always celebrated, High Times appears to be going mainstream.A group of investors  including, appropriately, Bob Marleys son, Damian  have now purchased the publication for about $70 million. So much for the claim that print is dead. Its not surprising when you look at the numbers, though. According to CNN, the market for legal marijuana could be more than $21 billion in the next three years. Thats a lot of people wanting to know about the mysteries of the formerly forbidden bud.The publication will be looking to connect with new markets, and the ownership seems aware of this need, releasing a statement that said, in part: Riding this huge new wave of normalization in society, the new owners see huge opportunities to expand the High Times brand into new frontiers."This expansion into these new frontiers will require owners and publishers to understand who lives in these new frontiers, what they are looking for and what they want to read. Its a cinch High Timeswill still offer plenty for the rock-n-roll crowd, but longtime readers should not be surprised when they also have some content to appeal to the casual or medical user as well. A bigger tent means more options, and that kind of transition isnt always easy.



***

Ronn Torossian is CEO of 5WPR, a leading independent PR Agency.
Fraser P. Seitel

Seasoned public relations people understand that the press conference is probably the worst setting for any loose-tongued client, especially one ready to pick a fight.

Think Donald Trump on his worst day  which is pretty awful  Or Mel Gibson after his anti-Semitic tirade. Or Michael Kramer Richards after his racist meltdown.

Exposing these ticking time bombs to nasty media questions in an uncontrolled environment is PR suicide. Indeed, no PR person worth his or her hourly rate would ever recommend a press conference when a more controllable sit-down interview would do.

If you doubt that wisdom, consider Americas latest celebrity, self-immolation poster child, Kathy Griffin, who on the advice of her trusted legal counsel, held a press conference and ruined a career, all in one disastrous swoop.

That Griffins attorney, Lisa Bloom, would suggest that her Trump severed head-holding client clear the air with a press conference isnt surprising. Attorney Bloom, the poor womans Gloria Allred, has made a living using the media to plead her cases.

Bloom may be an expert in handling the press, but her client most definitely isnt. And Griffins disastrous, jaw-dropping press conference should be an object lesson for any public relations counselor tempted to suggest a similar course for a client.

Heres how the comedian used the press conference to torch her livelihood.

Apologize and mean it

When youve done something egregiously wrong  as Tiger Woods or Kobe Bryant or Michael Phelps, or now, Kathy Griffin did  then apologize and shut up.

At first, Griffin used her press conference to reiterate that she was wrong to channel ISIS with Trumps severed head, but then, without missing a beat, she shifted the blame to Trump, Meanie Melania and the rest of the family.

A sitting President of the United States and his grown children and the first lady are personally trying to ruin my life forever. You guys know him, hes not going to stop.

In other words, the Griffin apology was merely a convenient segue to get to the real heart of the matter  the insensitivity of the clan and the man who simply couldnt take a joke.

Quit whining

While one valid goal of a press conference is to earn empathy for an offender demonstrating contrition, nobody likes a whiner.

For example, CNBC was properly pilloried last week when it permitted poor, picked upon Hillary Clinton an hour of free air time to complain ad nauseam once again about how she was denied the Presidency.

So, too, at her press conference, a sobbing Griffin droned on about how she had spent her career as an itinerant mid-level comedian, wandering from comedy club to comedy club, regularly subject to the bullying of older white men.

One wondered if the older white men bullies Ms. Griffin referenced included Sen. Al Franken, who disinvited her to a book signing, or the nasty gents at Squatty Potty, who fired her as spokeswoman, or those evil suits at CNN who severed their New Years Eve relationship with her.

Equally conjectural was how many converts to her side the crying comic could expect from such a cringe-worthy, whining performance.

Its not about you

If youve called a press conference to deliver one message  how sorry you are for what youve done  stick to that message and move on.

When Bryant and Woods spoke to the press about their philandering, each directed his remarks to his aggrieved wife and family. When Phelps apologized for his drug-taking and drinking, he directed his comments to the fans hed let down.

But when Kathy Griffin offered her public mea culpa, it was a lot more mea than culpa. After grieving about the mean, online attacks and death threats shed received, Griffin sputtered, Im not good at being appropriate. Im only good at doing comedy one way. Its in your face. Im going to make fun of the President. And Im going to do it more now.

On the other hand, maybe not, as she added 

I dont think Ill have a career after this. Im going to be honest, he broke me.

Not exactly.

What really  broke Kathy Griffin was a dumb and tasteless stunt to get publicity and an even dumber press conference to try to wriggle out.

***

Fraser P. Seitel has been a communications consultant, author and teacher for 40 years. He is the author of the Prentice- Hall text The Practice of Public Relations, now in its eleventh edition, and co-author of Rethinking Reputation" and "Idea Wise. He may be reached directly at [email protected].
Agricultural News

Global Beef Markets Heavily Influenced by Competitive Dynamics Among Top Beef Exporters

Mondays, Dr. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, offers his economic analysis of the beef cattle industry. This analysis is a part of the weekly series known as the "Cow Calf Corner" published electronically by Dr. Peel and Dr. Glenn Selk. Today, Dr. Peel examines the challenges and opportunities resulting from the evolving dynamics among the US and its competitors in the world beef market.





"It's a unique time in global beef markets with a wide range of issues providing challenges and opportunities among many of the major beef exporting countries. USDA-FAS (Foreign Agricultural Service) estimates published in April project the top five beef exporting countries in 2017, in order, as India, Brazil, Australia, the U.S. and New Zealand. These five countries were projected to export a total of 6.83 million metric tons of beef, about 71 percent of the total among major world beef exporters. Recent and ongoing developments may modify these forecasts.







"India is currently projected to be the top beef exporting country with a 2017 forecast total of 1.85 million metric tons of mostly carabeef (water buffalo) exports. Beef exports from India have grown sharply in the past eight years. However, the beef industry in India is mostly operated by Muslim companies which are increasingly in conflict with the Hindu dominated federal government and also in some Indian states. A recent federal ban on trade of cattle for slaughter has raised concerns about India's ability to maintain supplies of beef for export in 2017.







"Brazil, the number two beef exporting country, is projected to export 1.80 million metric tons in 2017. However, Brazil has been rocked recently by several scandals including a food safety bribery scandal involving several meat companies and a financial and political bribery scandal involving JBS, the world's largest meat company. It is not clear how much impact these scandals might have on total beef exports from Brazil in in 2017 but any impact will likely be negative.







"Australia has dropped to third place among beef exporting countries with a projected 2017 export total of 1.4 million metric tons. Australia is beginning recovery from a serious drought that forced cattle herd liquidation and temporarily swelled beef production and exports in 2014 and 2015. The resulting diminished herd inventories resulted in reduced beef production and exports in 2016 and continues to restrict beef volumes in 2017. Herd rebuilding is beginning in 2017 but will take some time. Australia is seeing reduced beef exports to all its major markets including Japan, the U.S., South Korea and China.







"The U.S. is the fourth largest beef exporting country with a 2017 forecast total of 1.236 million metric tons. Growing beef production beginning in 2016 along with lower beef prices helped the U.S. to see expanded beef exports in 2016 with additional export growth projected in 2017. The U.S. is in a unique temporary position to increase global market share in major export markets given the disruptions and uncertainty among other major beef exporters. The long anticipated opening of China to U.S. beef will provide an opportunity for U.S. beef exports to grow significantly over time. However, nervousness continues in the U.S. beef industry with the possibility of disrupting NAFTA trade on the North American continent. Trade policy uncertainty continues to hang over the U.S. cattle and beef industry even as market conditions support expanded beef exports.







"The number five beef exporting country is New Zealand with a projected 2017 export total of 545 thousand metric tons. New Zealand is also experiencing reduced production and herd rebuilding which is expected to restrict total beef exports in 2017. However, New Zealand is working to expand market share in China with a new agreement that allows for chilled beef exports in addition to frozen beef exports to China.







"Rounding out the top ten beef exporting countries (2017 export forecasts, thousand metric tons) are Canada (450); Uruguay (430); Paraguay (380); European Union (355); and Mexico (290)."













WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady NSI

Top Agricultural News
Two teachers at a Georgia middle school will not be returning to work after reportedly giving an "insensitive" award to a student, officials said.

The incident occurred at a ceremony last week for eighth-graders at Memorial Middle School in Conyers, about 25 miles southeast of Atlanta.

There, the teachers presented a student who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder a trophy inscribed with "MOST LIKELY TO 'NOT PAY ATTENTION,' " the student's mother told Fox 5 News.

Nicole Edwards said she was angry and hurt when her 14-year-old daughter brought the award home.

"I feel like it was very derogatory. I feel like it was humiliating," she told the news station. She added, "My first thought was, I wanted to know how my child felt when she walked across that stage and got that award. I became furious."

Edwards added that the school had called in the past to report problems with her daughter not being able to pay attention in class.

"Why call me to discipline her, but yet you turn around and give her an award for it?" Edwards told Fox 5. "It doesn't make sense."

Representatives for Rockdale County Public Schools, a K-12 system that enrolls more than 16,500 students, did not respond to emailed questions Sunday.

District Superintendent Richard Autry told the Rockdale Citizen on Friday that the two teachers would not be returning to the district the following academic year.

"We take these matters seriously and will always act swiftly and appropriately to them," Autry told the newspaper. He said he could not comment on "personnel matters" and declined to elaborate on whether the teachers had been dismissed.

The "spirit week" ceremony at Memorial Middle School had been intended to be modeled after the Grammy Awards, district spokeswoman Cindy Ball told the Citizen.

Ball acknowledged in a statement to WSB-TV Atlanta that the ceremony had included "insensitive award categories."

"RCPS will neither condone nor tolerate any activities or insensitive behavior that may cause," she told the station.

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental childhood disorders and can persist into adulthood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and symptoms include having trouble paying attention, acting impulsively or being overly active. As of 2011, about 11 percent of children between ages 4 and 17 had been diagnosed with ADHD, according to the CDC.

"It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another," the CDC states on its website. "However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends."

The nonprofit group CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) suggests a number of accommodations that teachers can make for students with ADHD, including seating them in a part of the classroom with fewer disruptions, limiting repetitive assignments and pairing them with positive role models who can help them stay on task.

"This will also ensure that the accommodations are seen as support instead of punishment," the group states. "Teachers, parents, and students should partner together to address needs and supports."

Edwards, the mother of the eighth-grader who was singled out for her ADHD during the awards ceremony, told WSB-TV that she appreciated the superintendent's swift action and concern.

"My goal is to make sure that this horrible event never happens to another kid again," she said, according to the station. "As a parent, it is my job to protect my child from being humiliated and bullied, especially when the bully is her teacher. Making fun of any disability is not acceptable."
The Oklahoma man who died after Omaha police shocked him with a stun gun suffered from mental illness and had been wandering, lost, in Omaha for a day after being kicked off an interstate bus, his family says.

Zachary N. Bearheels, 29, died early Monday after Omaha police used a Taser on him during a confrontation at the Buckys gas station at 6003 Center St.

Bearheels mother, Renita Chalepah, from Oklahoma, said she is heartbroken because she had called Omaha police on Sunday, seeking their help with her son.

Omaha police have said Bearheels was acting erratically as police attempted to take him into custody. Full details from police are not yet available because the department has not completed all of its interviews.

Chalepah said she called Omaha police early Sunday afternoon after her son didnt get off the bus in Oklahoma City. She had been waiting for him at the bus station and learned from another passenger that hed been ordered off in Omaha.

Chalepah said she remained in contact with Omaha police throughout the afternoon and into the evening. She spoke with her son  while he was with police  a few hours before he died. She said she could tell by his voice that hed gone off his medications.

I heard him say Mama, mama, And then another voice.

Her son was bipolar and schizophrenic, she said.

She said she asked officers to take him to the bus station or a crisis center. Her son was frightened of police but was accustomed to going to a crisis center, she said, because thats what police in Oklahoma do. Omaha police, she said, told her they couldnt place him under emergency care because he wasnt a threat to himself or others.

When I found out this (Monday) morning what happened to him, it broke my heart, because I kept in touch with these people, she said. What happened to my son? Why did they tase him like that?

Omaha police spokesman Officer Phil Anson said the full details of the encounter between Bearheels and police will be released once police interviews are completed. Four officers were involved in Bearheels arrest. One has been interviewed. The rest will be interviewed this afternoon. All four are on paid administrative leave. Their names have not yet been released by police.

In a preliminary press release, police describe the incident his way:

Officers were called to the Buckys at 12:36 a.m. Monday to handle a disturbance in which a man was refusing to leave.

When they arrived, officers took the man into custody. He had been reported missing by family and was displaying erratic behavior, the release said.

About an hour later, at 1:32 a.m., officers requested additional help at the scene.

Ten minutes later, they requested an ambulance after a Taser use. The man was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center with CPR in progress. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

As required by state law, a grand jury will be convened to investigate the officers actions.

Bearheels mother said her son was fine when he left Oklahoma to go to South Dakota.

He has traveled to South Dakota before, she said. Hes stable when hes on his medications. He can think on his own, he can function. Otherwise, I would never let my son get on the bus with him being mental like that.

Bearheels family wants a full accounting from police, his aunt, Tracy Poafpybitty, said, including any camera images, witness statements and police policy on the use of Tasers.

We are all in shock because he was supposed to come home and he never made it, she said.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska released a statement Monday calling for a thorough investigation, a review of the departments policy and police training on de-escalation.

Unfortunately, the (Omaha Police Departments) policy does not have clear written guidelines for use of a Taser on people experiencing a mental health crisis, people using medication to address mental health issues, or people under the influence of drugs or alcohol, said Danielle Conrad, executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska. This is a reminder that Tasers are lethal weapons and that they should only be used as a last resort.

The group released a report in 2014 on the use of Tasers by Nebraska law enforcement agencies. It said 47 of 63 Taser incidents from six agencies within a year and a half were inappropriate. The Omaha Police Department was not one of the agencies evaluated.

The Omaha departments guidelines for officers using Tasers are outlined in seven pages of the departments policies and procedures manual.

Officers must have at least two and a half years of law enforcement experience to carry a Taser and must score at least 80 percent on an annual proficiency exam, among other requirements. Anson, the police spokesman, said not all uniform patrol officers are equipped with Tasers.

Officers can use a Taser when dealing with people who pose a risk to themselves or are actively resisting officers attempts to bring them under control, according to the manual.

Theres a higher standard for use  elevated justification"  in certain circumstances, including if the subject is known to be pregnant, is frail or infirm or very young or very old. Officers are generally prohibited from using a Taser on a handcuffed suspect or to threaten or intimidate people.

Officers should avoid sensitive areas (head, throat, groin) when using a Taser, and call for an ambulance after use.

In 2005, under Chief Thomas Warren, the department increased the threshold for when officers are authorized to use Tasers. Previously, using a Taser was equated with techniques such as pressure points, which are not intended to cause injury.

Tasers have been linked to a handful of deaths in the past 12 years in eastern Nebraska.

In 2005 David Moss Jr., 26, went into cardiac arrest after Omaha police used a stun gun on him. He had been outside a home growling and salivating. An autopsy determined that Moss had a toxic level of PCP in his body, and a grand jury found no criminal wrongdoing in his death.

In 2008 a grand jury cleared a Lincoln police officer who used a stun gun on Gabriel Bitterman, 23. Bitterman, who had forced his girlfriend into a bedroom at knifepoint, stopped breathing after being shocked. An autopsy determined that he died from asphyxiation.

Last year, Alex Zoucha, 31, died after Bellevue police used a stun gun on him. Police say Zoucha was raging and screaming about Jesus, the devil and his grandmother while in a street in a residential area. Zoucha was shocked multiple times. He stopped breathing and died within the hour.

Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov said the cause of death was excited delirium with contributing factors of abuse of two over-the-counter cough and allergy medicines. The Bellevue officers involved were cleared by a grand jury.

A 2011 article published in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine says excited delirium occurs suddenly and includes symptoms such as bizarre and/or aggressive behavior, shouting, paranoia, panic, violence toward others.

World-Herald staff writer Emily Nitcher contributed to this report.

* * *

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Zachary N. Bearheels' mother was from Oklahoma City.
Omaha police are asking the public for help in identifying a man whose body was found floating Sunday in the Missouri River near Eppley Airfield.

Crews from the Omaha Fire Department and Douglas County Sheriffs Office were called to the river after boaters spotted the body about 2:15 p.m. The recovery was made near river mile marker 623 a short time later.

The man was believed to be white or Hispanic, between 25 to 40 years old, with short dark hair and a goatee, and about 5-foot-8 with an average build. Both forearms were tattooed.

Detectives are in the initial stages of investigation, said Officer Phil Anson, a police spokesman. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police homicide unit at 402-444-5656 or Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP or at www.omahacrimestoppers.org.
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.  Don Oppliger may have based his massive cattle-feeding and farming business in Texas, but his heart, and most of his land, was in Nebraska.

He was a die-hard Cornhusker, said his son, Ben Oppliger. People need to know he was from Nebraska. He was a Nebraska boy.

Oppliger, 68, of Amarillo, died over the weekend after the Robinson R44 helicopter he was piloting crashed on one of his properties in North Texas. The cause of the crash is being investigated by federal aviation authorities. Oppliger was checking on cattle in wheat pastures when the aircraft went down, his son said.

The family had reported Oppliger missing early Sunday morning, according to Parmer County Sheriff Randy Geries. Not long after, employees of the company discovered the crash site. Oppliger, who died at the scene, did not have any passengers with him, Geries said.

The crash ended the life of one of Nebraskas largest farmers and cattle feeders.

Oppliger Cos. owns ranches and farms in Texas, New Mexico and Nebraska to support the feeding of 230,000 cattle in six large feedlots. More than 90,000 acres of the roughly 150,000 acres held by the company are in Nebraska, including properties near Paxton, Wallace, Atkinson, Tryon and Johnstown.

Oppliger grew up in Columbus and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, his son said. He got his start in farming in 1980 by growing corn on rented land near Hereford, Texas. He then purchased a 15,000-head feedlot near Farwell, Texas, and quickly displayed a knack for the cattle business.

Over the years Oppliger expanded his feeding operations in Texas and New Mexico. He made his first Nebraska land purchase south of North Platte in 1998.

His integrated and diversified operations included a dairy and a trucking company. He somehow managed to track the many details of his businesses in his head and a small notepad he kept in his shirt pocket, his son said.

He loved cattle and enjoyed checking on his many pastures and feedlots from the cockpit of his plane or helicopters. Flying served a functional purpose, but it also was a place where he could shut off his cellphone.

He really didnt have hobbies besides going to Cornhusker football games, Ben Oppliger said. I dont think he ever was going to retire.

Although Oppliger was a successful and wealthy landowner, he also was down-to-earth and always willing to make time for a visit, said Joe Herrod, who owns property neighboring Oppligers west of Sutherland. Outside of the industry, few people knew he was such a large operator, Herrod added.

He was a wonderful neighbor, just an aw-shucks kind of guy, he said. Its really a shame.

Ben Oppliger, vice president of the company, said it was too early to consider any potential changes as a result of his fathers death. Funeral arrangements were pending.

People say he died doing what he loved, Ben Oppliger said. Thats really true.

The World-Herald News Service contributed to this report.
Gov. Pete Ricketts said he will continue to make lowering property taxes a top priority during what he hopes is his second term as governor.

On Sunday, Ricketts formally announced that he is running for re-election, stressing a businesslike plan for government.

His plan for another four years, he said, is a continuation of the priorities of his first term: striving to be customer-oriented to his constituents, cost-efficient and effective, he said. In an appearance in Omaha, Ricketts said he would continue to make lowering property taxes a top priority, a promise he campaigned on in 2014.

A crowd of between 150 and 200 people gathered for Sundays warm, briefly rained-on event on the rooftop of a north downtown eatery in Omaha.

In keeping with the theme of bringing a business approach to state government, Ricketts asked supporters to rehire him and Lt. Gov. Mike Foley.

Ricketts, 52, had been saying for at least a year that he intended to seek re-election.

Earlier in the afternoon he and Foley appeared at Nebraska Republican Party headquarters in Lincoln to formally announce his bid for a second term. He then traveled to Omaha for a kickoff event at Blatt Beer & Table, 610 N. 12th Street.

Ricketts and Foley surrounded themselves with a lot of Republican firepower at the Omaha event, including Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, both of whom helped introduce and welcome Ricketts and Foley.

Also on hand were Hal Daub, a University of Nebraska regent and former Omaha mayor and U.S. congressman; former U.S. Rep. Lee Terry; eight state senators; several state agency heads; and other local officeholders.

Ricketts may face competition from within his party.

State Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha said Sunday that he continues to contemplate a run against Ricketts in 2018.

Still mapping out the path to the win! he wrote The World-Herald in a text.

Krist, a 60-year-old fellow Republican, has said that his bid for governor would offer a centrist alternative to Ricketts. Krist also says he would work better with the Legislature.

The Nebraska Democratic Party was quick to weigh in Sunday.

Jane Kleeb, executive director of the Democratic Party, said voters are looking for solutions on issues such as improved education, increasing clean-energy jobs and property tax reform that does not bankrupt schools and farmers.

Gov. Ricketts has failed on protecting working-class families on issues that affect our pocketbooks from health care to property taxes, Kleeb said. While Ricketts pretended he passed some golden budget, the only people it benefits are the millionaires  a group he is very comfortable around.

Ricketts defeated Democratic candidate Chuck Hassebrook in 2014 to win the four-year term. The gubernatorial primary will be held May 15, 2018, and the general election will take place Nov. 6, 2018.
So what if, in his speech last month to NATO, Donald Trump didnt explicitly reaffirm the provision that an attack on one is an attack on all?

Whats the big deal? Didnt he affirm a general commitment to NATO during his visit? Hadnt 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 thats 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 couldnt. Theyre not strong enough. To put it very coldly, theyre there to die. Theyre 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 Trumps 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.

Thats an American perennial. But if youre going to berate, at least reassure, as well. Especially given rising Russian threats and aggression. Especially given that Trumps 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.

Its 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 Trumps 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 (without mentioning his name) that after Trumps visit it is clear that Europe can no longer rely on others. Its not that yesterday Europe could fully rely  and today it cannot rely at all. Its simply that the American deterrent has been weakened. And deterrence weakened is an invitation to instability, miscalculation, provocation and worse.

And for what?
This year has brought ongoing danger for journalists not only covering war zones but also while reporting on topics such as government misdeeds or major criminal organizations:

 May 24: The body of Dmitry Popkov, editor of an independent newspaper in Siberia, is found in his backyard with five bullet wounds. Popkov spearheaded reporting into local government corruption. This was the second murder of a Russian journalist this year, with the fatal beating in April of Nikolai Andrushchenko, who also covered government misdeeds. At least 36 Russian journalists have died since 2000 in cases confirmed or likely to be work-related homicides.

 May 15: Javier Valdez, a veteran crime reporter in Mexico known for his coverage of drug cartels, is shot dead in broad daylight. Since 2000, at least 125 journalists have been killed in Mexico.

 A political crackdown by the government of Turkey has led to imprisonment of more than 120 journalists, many of them from news operations subsequently shut down by the government.

In all, 115 journalists were killed last year around the world. This is the background as the Newseum in Washington, D.C., today marks its third annual #WithoutNews campaign, to underscore the importance of journalism and the enduring need to safeguard freedom of the press.
2 months to go: Not a soft state, go get them all, Govt tells Army in Kashmir

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Terrorists will not have an easy time in the Kashmir Valley anymore. In quick time early this morning, four terrorists who launched an attack on a CRPF camp were gunned down. It may be recalled that the Indian Army had given the 180 odd terrorists in the Valley time till winter. We will kill you all, the Army had said in a stern message.

The Government of India has given the Army a free hand to deal with the situation. The Army won't be bogged down by political interference while dealing with the situation in the Valley, the government has made it clear.

The tempo is up and the Army is going for the kill. There is no other way to deal with terrorists, highly placed sources say. The approach is more aggressive and while engaging with terrorists this is no scope for dialogue. They have to be gunned down and there is no two ways about it, the source also said.

While on one hand the Army is dealing with the militants in the Valley on the other it is hitting Pakistan posts by carrying out punitive fire assaults. These strikes have ensured that at least 20 terrorists have been wiped out. More importantly the posts that are hit strategically were the ones aiding infiltration of terrorists by providing cover fire.

There is only one way to deal with the problem and that is with an iron hand. India will show Pakistan that it is no longer a soft state. If there is a genuine attempt made by Pakistan to talk peace, then it could be considered. However the issue of terrorism will be dealt with an iron fist, India has made it clear.

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.

While on hand, the Army has sent in 4,000 of its men into the Valley to eradicate the terrorists on the other hand, those police personnel with residences in South Kashmir where the problem is immense have been advised not to go home for another 2 months.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 7:33 [IST]
What central government employees can expect this week

The Empowered Committee of Secretaries or E-CoS has submitted its report on higher allowances and HRA. Apart from capping the HRA, the report speaks about a pay hike which will be approved by the Union Cabinet on June 7. The Union Cabinet is scheduled to meet on June 7 and the same will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Cabinet may give nod to pay hike

The Cabinet is likely to give the nod for a salary hike. The announcement will be made after June 7 following the Cabinet meeting. There has been a proposal to hike the salary. This will need the nod of the cabinet. Now that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is back from his foreign tour, the Cabinet is likely to meet on June 7.

Nervousness on HRA update

There is considerable anxiety among the employees regarding a HRA update. The employees had demanded that the HRA slab ranging between 30%, 20% and 10%. However the E-CoS after studying the recommendations as per the demands and the 7th Pay Commission has capped the HRA between 25 and 27 per cent.

What is Cabinet likely to do?

The Cabinet can reverse the decision on HRA. The Cabinet has the power to consider the HRA slab of 30, 20 and 10 per cent as demanded by the employees. The Cabinet can take a call on whether it should implement the E-CoS recommendation or the demands made by the employees. As per the Cabinet Secretary, P K Sinha, all demands of employees would be taken into account and placed before the Cabinet which is the final authority on this matter.

The E-CoS report on higher allowances and HRA

E-CoS has submitted its report on higher allowances like House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA) and Transport Allowance (TA). The E-CoSrecommended HRA slab ranging between 25%-27% of the basic as against demands of 30%, 20% and 10%. The proposal will be accepted by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. The announcement to this effect will be made next week by June 7. The most crucial discussion was on HRA.

The report on the higher allowances under the 7th Pay Commission to the Union Cabinet submitted.

It has been recommended that the HRA slab be fixed between 25 to 27 per cent.

The proposal for a salary hike has been made and would be placed before the Union Cabinet.

Government employees will demand a higher HRA and better pay hike. It was pointed out during the discussions that the HRA must be paid at a rate of 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent of their basic pay. The Central Government Employee Unions had said that "If the 6th Pay Commission before the 7th Pay Commission had not increased the HRA rates they had not also decreased the rates". It was pointed out that this was a key grievance and the Cabinet must look into the same.
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900-yr old statue of Lord Buddha recovered in Delhi

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

A 900-year-old statue of Lord Buddha stolen from Arunachal Pradesh was recovered from Majnu Ka Tilla area in Delhi one Monday.

The Delhi Crime Branch has arrested two people in connection with the case.

According to News18 reports, the accused have been identified as Ngawang Tsundue (29), and Lobsang Gakey Sherpa (26).

Tsundue reportedly confessed to stealing the statue. He said he came to India in 2009-2010, but he is a permanent resident of Tibet.

During his stay in Himachal Pradesh, Tsundue met with the daughter of head of Cheepa, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. He married her but later got divorced.

Later, he came to know of the high religious and social value of the idol. He knew he would get a lot of money if he sold the idol.

Police will get the transit remand and will hand over the accused and the property to Arunachal Police.

Delhi: 900-year-old statue of Lord Buddha stolen from Arunachal Pradesh, has been recovered from Majnu Ka Tilla area, two arrested. pic.twitter.com/lCXiIoFpuA  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 17:40 [IST]
Anti-Romeo squad proves farce as UP cop molests 2 girls, camera captures horror

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, June 5: What happens when protector turns predator? We lose hope for sure.

An unsavoury episode of a policeman, who is supposed to protect women/girls, ended up molesting two minor girls inside a police station in Uttar Pradesh. The episode came to light as the entire horror was captured on a camera and the video went viral.

The victims actually went to the police station in Mainpuri, around 220-km from the state capital in Lucknow, to report a case of harassment against them. Unfortunately, instead of getting justice, the minors, who are also siblings, were further molested by the constable manning the station.

The video show the policeman lying in a cot and inappropriately touching the girls. The incident took place on May 25. Finally, the accused cop was suspended and arrested on Sunday, thanks to the viral video.

The incident has come to light at a time when the UP government formed the controversial anti-Romeo squad--manned by policemen--to protect women from eve-teasers and molesters.

The formation of the anti-Romeo squad was a poll promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Immediately after winning power in the state, the BJP government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath formed several anti-Romeo squads in various cities and towns of UP in March. The squads courted a lot of controversy for harassing men/boys for merely speaking to women/girls.

Superintendent of Police Rajesh S told reporters that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. A case has been filed under the POSCO Act against the accused constable. The act applies in cases of sexual abuse of children.

However, Constable Ishwari Prasad denied that he had molested the women. "I asked them to go home and touched the hand of one of the women. I did not tease them," the accused man was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The state in recent times reported several cases of molestation against women.

In fact, a shocking video showed 14 men molesting two women on a road recently. The incident took place in Rampur, around 300-km from Lucknow. The worst part is that the men not only molested the women but filmed the horrific incident on their cellphones and posted the video on social media.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 8:00 [IST]
Army to get new assault rifle which has lethal firing range of 500 metres

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A new 7.62 mm assault rifle for the Indian Army has been developed by the Ordinance Factory Board. The trials of the weapon will commence soon. The rifle weighing 4.5 kgs is fully automatic and has two firing modes- single shot and automatic. It also has a lethal firing range of 500 metres.

The rifle also has a picatinny rail, a standard bracket on the gun, both above and below, where various accessories such as night-vision devices and under-barrel grenade launchers can be mounted. Basic trials were conducted during the development.

The trials will be conducted before the Project Management team which comprises representatives of the Army's Infantry Directorate, Rifle Factory, Director General Quality Assurance and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Army has been trying to replace the INSAS. The Amry had launched a global tender for interchangeable barrels capable of firing both 5.56-mm and 7.62-mm-calibre bullets.

Once the rifle clears the PMT trials, it will be put through extensive field trials.

The Army has an initial requirement of 1,85,000 guns and much more later.

The OFB has so far supplied over 10 lakh INSAS (Indian National Small Arms System) rifles to the Army so far and the plan is to replace all of them.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 6:00 [IST]
Central team roped in as dengue cases in Bihar rise to over 5000

Bihars elderly man forced to carry wifes body on motorcycle as hospital denied van

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Patna, June 5: There seems to be no end to the trauma of family members of deceased in the country. First we saw the shocking images of Odisha tribal man Dana Majhi carrying his wife's body on shoulder after hospital denied any help.

The tribal farmer with the body walked several kilometers to reach his village to perform his wife's last rites. The incident happened last year. Since then similar episodes were reported from across the country on a regular interval.

Because of hospitals' apathy, several family members were forced to carry the bodies of their loved ones either on their shoulders, bicycles or motorcycles. The latest such case has been reported from Purnia, Bihar.

Like Dana, Shankar Sah (60) was forced to carry his wife Susheela Devi's (50) body on a motorcycle to reach his home and perform her last rites. The deceased breathed her last at the Purnia Sadar Hospital on Friday.

In spite of Shankar and his son Pappu's (32) repeated request to the hospital authorities to provide a mortuary van to carry the body home, no help came their way. Moreover, the poor father-son duo, who works as labourers in Punjab, can't afford the high fare of a private vehicle.

So, the father and son carried Susheela's body on a motorcycle. While Pappu rode the bike, Shankar held his wife's body as a pillion rider.

The image of Shankar, Pappu and Susheela tells the reality of India where medical tourism is thriving as foreigners come to access healthcare facilities in the country and the natives in small towns and villages are denied basic amenities.

Susheela was suffering from heart disease and tuberculosis, Shankar told ANI.

"After the death of my wife I was told to take away the body and when I requested the medical staff on duty for a vehicle to carry it back to my village, they told me to arrange for it on my own," added Shankar.

Then Shankar approached a driver of a private ambulance, who demanded Rs. 1,500 from him. The fare was too high for him to pay, said Shankar.

As usual, the authorities ordered a probe into the matter after it came to light.

"It is a very unfortunate incident but no mortuary van is available at the Sadar Hospital, at present, as the one it had is not functional. So, everyone has to arrange one on his own," said Purnia civil surgeon MM Wasim.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 9:27 [IST]
IRCTC update: 151 trains cancelled on Nov 09; here is the complete list

Delhi AQI remains 'very poor' but parts of NCR breathe better

CBI raids NDTV founder Prannoy Roy's residence

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Central Bureau of Investigation today conducted raids at the residence of founder and executive chairman of NDTV, Prannoy Roy. The raids were conducted in connection with a case in which it was alleged that Roy and his wife, Radhika had caused loss to a bank.

Raids were also conducted at four other places including Delhi and Dehradun.

In November 2015, the ED had slapped a Rs 2,030 crore notice on NDTV for allegedly violating FEMA provisions for routing huge funds through the channel's foreign units.

Earlier this year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rejected NDTV's application to compound from the Rs 2,030 crore notice issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). NDTV has countered the allegations as fake.

NDTV Statement On CBI Raids Today

This morning, the CBI stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations.

NDTV and its promoters will fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies. We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India.

We have one message to those who are trying to destroy the institutions of India and everything it stands for: we will fight for our country and overcome these forces.

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Congress to be blamed for BJP resurgence in Meghalaya: UDP

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Shillong, June 5: Meghalaya's principal opposition party, the United Democratic Party, on Monday said the Bharatiya Janata Party's resurgence in the state was mainly due to the failure of the ruling Congress party.

"If the BJP rises in Meghalaya, it is due to the failure of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and his party (Congress)," Leader of Opposition and UDP supremo Donkupar Roy said.

"It is because of the failure of the chief minister and his party that their members are joining the BJP," he said and pooh-poohed Sangma's claim that UDP stitching a pre-poll alliance with the Hill State People's Democratic Party was a back-door alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"I am amused by the chief minister's views. We believe either in pre-poll alliance or post-poll alliance and there is nothing like back-door or front-door alliance," he said.

However, Roy made it clear that the UDP is not having any pre-poll alliance with the BJP for the assembly elections scheduled to be held in February-March next year.

"The chief minister is very desperate after the formation of UDP-HSPDP alliance. Why should Mukul Sangma blame regional parties for the rise of the BJP? It is the failure of the Congress party which gave rise to BJP both at the Centre and states," the UDP chief said.

Citing Assam's example, where many Congress leaders shifted to the BJP, Roy said, "In Meghalaya too, we are beginning to see the exodus of Congressmen to BJP. Even in my Shella assembly constituency, the Congress members are joining BJP. From Sohra too, former Congress legislator PW Khongjee joined BJP."

Roy reiterated it is not UDP that is encouraging the BJP but it is because of the failure of the Chief Minister and his party that their members are joining BJP.

"In national politics, the Congress failed, resulting in BJP forming the government but in Meghalaya, we hope that the regional alliance will win the 2018 polls," he said.

IANS

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 12:03 [IST]
Constable dials '100', threatens to kill CM Kejriwal, held

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

New Delhi, June 5: A Delhi police constable was arrested after he allegedly dialled 100 and threatened to kill Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The police arrested the constable on Friday night and questioned him on the same where he confessed that he was drunk and called the police in frustration.

According to sources, the constable identified as Vikas Kumar on Friday night mad a call to the police control room and warned to murder Kejriwal.

When the police tried to contact him back, the constable switched off his phone. However, Intelligence Bureau team nabbed Kumar and interrogated him.

During the interrogation, Kumar said he was upset after a scuffle, adding that he was over drunk and it would please him when police are on their toes.

The IB officials said that Kumar had said his name and designation during the call.

Vikas Kumar is deployed with Delhi police's seventh battalion in Malviya Nagar and is a native of Bamdoli village in Haryana's Bahadurgarh.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 11:08 [IST]
Ensure safety of Indians in Qatar: Kerala CM to PM Modi

India

pti-PTI

Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 5: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday sought the Centre's intervention to ensure safety of 6.5 lakh Indians, including Keralites, residing in Qatar following recent developments in the Middle East.

In letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Vijayan said he was writing the letter in the context of the developing geo-political situation in the Middle East.

"As you are aware millions of Indians are working in countries in the Middle East and therefore the geo-political developments in the region have raised deep concerns among the people in the state since each family has at least one family member or a relative in the region," he said.

There are about 6.5 lakh Indians in Qatar, of which nearly three lakh people hail from Kerala, Vijayan said, expressing concern on their safety and employment in Qatar. "I would like to place on record the full support of our state to the considered stance that Union government would take on the issue, given the complexities involved," he said.

He said the state was aware that the Centre would come out with the "most appropriate diplomatic and geo- political stance" in this regard taking into consideration all aspects and put in place a "robust mechanism" for addressing all the concerns.

Vijayan also wanted the Indian Embassy in Doha to be "suitably empowered" to respond presciently to the concerns of the Indian community in the country. The letters were written in the backdrop of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, as tensions escalated in the region over accusations that Doha backed militant groups.

PTI
EVM controversy: What everyone is afraid to say?

India

oi-Prabhpreet

By Prabhpreet

Ever since the results of the five state assembly elections held earlier this year and the Delhi municipal elections following them, were declared, the controversy around the electronic voting machines (EVM) has erupted like never before.

This eventually led to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold an exercise termed as an EVM hackathon, where it challenged political parties to try and prove allegations that the machine could be tampered with to get the votes cast for one party to be registered to another.

And though from the time the controversy and allegations first surfaced, both those who have made such claims and the ECI, have asked the other not to let the stand taken, turn into a prestige issue, this is exactly what has happened.

While both sides have countered each other, they have not said openly what the real issue is, and instead chosen to make the claims as simple as possible by discussing whether the machine can be hacked or not. As the one's who have said that it can be done have stopped at that, the ECI has insisted that its machine, as it is, cannot be used to transfer voted from one party to the other.

This has led to the current scenario of a stalemate which now demands that both sides need to understand and be able to admit a couple of things that are obvious.

What's the real issue?

While the commission needs to be able to admit that any machine can be tampered with, and its opponents on the issue need to be able to bold enough to claim that such a rigging of the elections as they have claimed, by replacing the motherboard of the machine or changing the whole of it except the outer cover, cannot be achieved by the covert or overt support by those in the administration especially those associated with the commission.

This needs to be done as without these admissions the ongoing debate has no chance of ending and its continuation will achieve nothing but to harm the belief that the population of the country has in the election process.

Such a hit, that the belief in the democratic process would suffer, is the main reason why those who have issued warnings about the machines till now need to have the courage, to say that what they have claimed is only possible with the help of those inside the commission. And then back it with proof of wrong doing as without it allegations of it being possible to tamper and change parts of a machine, are not very difficult to prove and also don't mean much.

The real issue behind the allegations of tampering is that though the machine's behaviour can be altered with if perpetrators get their hands on an authentic machine, and even if it is done so by the near impossible way of getting one without the help of those involved in the electoral process, there is absolute no way that after the machines are returned back to the commission, it would not know about such a tampering.

Political parties

And they need to raise this so as to make sure that it is not felt by others that they have not just brought up the issue to play politics and save face after having suffered a string of electoral losses.

In all honesty, it is also understandable why they are not willing to go as far in the seriousness of their allegations, as doing so without proof and that too against a constitutional body will be seen as nothing short of sacrilege. And it would in all possibility bring down the wrath of not only the commission itself, along with the government of the day but also the courts.

And though the party in power on the day has to stand by the ECI, it will do well to remember this is not the first time such accusations have been levied, and the current opposition parties are not the only ones who have raised them.

In fact, the first major political party to do it was the now ruling BJP, whose victory in most elections this year have been the major cause of the current storm. Following the 2009 general elections when the Congress-led UPA came back to power, leaders like L K Advani, had raised such concerns. And these were later followed up by the likes of Nitin Gadkari when he was the president of the party.

Now, with the parties including Congress, SP, BSP, NCP, the left parties and the Aam Aadmi Party making the same allegations, the set of political parties who have deemed the use of only EVMs in elections unsafe and untrustworthy has been complete.

Election Commission of India

And such a set of those raising the issue demands that there should be a change in reactions from the ECI. And quite frankly it needs to get off its high horse and give respect to the opposition that it is facing at present.

Following the current set of allegations, the ECI called for a challenge similar to when claims about the security of the machine were first made in 2009. The commission did not give the permission to political parties to tamper with the motherboard of the machine as according to it such a change would not let it be considered the commissions EVM anymore.

Conditions like these, have been given as reasons by Aam Aadmi Party, Congress and others, for not taking part in the latest challenge. And those who did take part did this only as a formality and an academic exercise. Leading to no real consensus coming out of the hackathon.

The ECI's reactions till now have been far less than satisfactory when it comes to what is expected from the body which has the responsibility to uphold the sanctity of elections in the world's largest democracy.

These have included the arrest of Hari K Prasad, the person behind the first group to have made such an allegation, on a case of missing EVM, after they had gotten their hands on an authentic ECI machine. This case was unlike that of the commission's dismissal of AAP's attempt to prove that it can be hacked by using its own device similar to the ECI's EVM.

Such a way of handling delicate situations prove that the commission on one hand while trying to show that its machine cannot be tampered with is also restricting the options of those who are trying to prove otherwise.

ECI has to be able to admit that while any voting machine, in truth any system, including those as paper ballots, can be manipulated, it has not been true in India as the commission has made sure that it has not been allowed by its work and officers. And it needs to ask those claiming otherwise to prove their claims.

Finally, it has to be accepted that the current scenario is the result of both the sides not being able to say what they actually mean. This has led to the situation where both still stand firmly on their points as they did before the hackathon, with no clear signs of the controversy having being laid to rest once and for all.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 13:55 [IST]
'Two-finger test' should be banned in matrimonial dispute cases too, says Maharashtra doctor

Farmers group call for Maharashtra bandh today, threaten to shut down govt offices

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, June 5: Agiitating farmers in Maharashtra have called for a State-wide bandh on Monday as part of their ongoing strike. The decision was taken at a meeting of the farmers morcha in Nashik on Sunday, which also said the agitation will continue till their demands for loan waivers is met by the government. The bandh will exclude Mumbai.

The BJP's ruling partner the Shiv Sena also extended its support to the bandh call.

The prices of vegetables and fruits have been on an upward path in cities, including Mumbai, due to the drastic fall in supplies from key production centres like Nashik and Ahmednagar.

Farmers, who have been on war path since June 1 for their demands, including waiver of farm loan and other concessions like lower power tariff, continued the agitation for the fourth day on Sunday in parts of Maharashtra, including Nashik and Ahmednagar, which have become nerve centres of the protest.

A meeting of farmers' representatives from different parts of the state under the aegis of the Kisan Kranti Morcha, that is spearheading the agitation, was held at the agriculture produce market committee in Nashik on Sunday afternoon.

During the meeting several resolutions were passed and a decision to go ahead with the Maharashtra bandh excluding Mumbai was taken. The call for the bandh was given two days back.

A farmer leader from Nashik said, "The call for Maharashtra bandh had already been given, but it was suspended after a delegation of farmers met the chief minister.

"Now, as the government tried to sabotage our stir, we have decided to go ahead with 'Maharashtra bandh' on Monday.

As part of the 'Maharashtra bandh' today, the farmers' groups have decided to lock down the government offices, another farmer leader said.

On Sunday, the Shiv Sena extended its full support to the ongoing agitation, including the call for the Maharashtra bandh.

According to one of the resolutions passed during the Nashik meeting, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis should implement the farmers' demands instead of just giving assurances.

Demand for withdrawal of cases registered against the farmers at different places across the state during the stir was also part of the resolution, Bankar said.

A core committee meeting of the KKM will be held in Mumbai on June 7 and a statewide convention of farmers will be held in Nashik on June 8 to decide their future course of action, he added.

After holding talks with leaders of farmers on late Friday night, the chief minister had on Friday announced that his government would 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 had expressed their resolve to continue with the agitation.

PTI
Bharat Jodo Yatra will proceed to Srinagar, come what may, says Rahul Gandhi as march enters Maharashtra

From reading Gita to watching Tamil cinema, find out what else Rahul Gandhi is doing

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Rahul Gandhi is keeping himself busy reading the Bhagwad Gita, Upanishads and also watching Tamil movies. Nowadays I study the Upanishads and Gita because I am fighting the BJP and RSS, Rahul Gandhi said.

I ask the RSS, my friend, you are doing this and oppressing people. But it is written in the Upanishad that all people are the same. How come you are contradicting what your own religion says, he asks. He alleged that BJP does not fundamentally "understand India," and "understand only Nagpur" -- the headquarter of the RSS.

He appreciated the people of Tamil Nadu and praised their language and culture. 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 don't 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," the vice president of the Congress party also said.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 5:45 [IST]
Lost my father to 'hate and division', do not want to lose country: Rahul

Humari sarkar hai, usey Pak bhej diya gaya, message below Rajiv Gandhis damaged statue

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, June 5: A statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was found vandalised in Katra area, Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. Following the incident, the Congress announced state-wide protest on Monday.

The state police said an investigation is on to find out the culprits behind the incident. An FIR has been lodged against unidentified persons in Katra police station on the basis of a complaint by city Congress president Abdul Wahid.

It claims that the incident took place on the intervening night of May 3 and 4, reported The Indian Express.

The white statue of the late leader was broken with two pieces and the upper part was found separated from the body. UP Congress party president Raj Babbar told the media that the head of the statue was found in a nearby drain.

Moreover, the miscreants left a message below the damaged statue. The message read, "Humari sarkar hai, usey Pakistan bhej diya gaya (This is our government, he has been sent to Pakistan)."

Babbar said he would lead the protest in Mirzapur on Monday.

"Abdul Wahid has lodged a complaint against unidentified persons under section 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) of IPC and Section 7 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. We are probing the incident. No arrest has been made so far," said Srikant Rai, SHO, Katra.

Angry over the incident, Babbar said, "Congress party ke ek ek karyakarta ka khoon khaul gaya hai (The incident has made every Congress worker's blood boil). It is not merely a coincidence that the incident took place within a few hours of the CM's visit to Mirzapur. It is a conspiracy. There are forces which are creating a divide. The head of the statue of a former PM and Bharat Ratna recipient was not only removed, but also thrown into a nullah."

He added, "The way incidents are taking place in Poorvanchal, the way lawlessness is being spread by just putting a saffron cloth around the neck... this cannot be coincidence. Congress will fight these forces and put pressure on the government to arrest and take action against the culprits."

OneIndia News
ISI sponsored terror module planning major attacks busted by Punjab police

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A terror module being run by the ISI was busted by the Punjab police on Sunday. 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.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 5:50 [IST]
At monsoon's fag end, why is there so much rain in Delhi-NCR now?

Monsoon 2017: Wait for South-West monsoon gets longer in Karnataka

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Bengaluru, June 5: The wait just got longer. The onset of the south-west monsoon over Karnataka, will be delayed by a few days. The earlier forecast of monsoon covering the entire state by June 7, has now been pushed to June 10.

Although monsoon hit the Kerala coast as early as May 29 and was expected to advance to Karnataka, it was delayed following two circulations in the Arabian Sea.

According to the reports the Northern Limit of Monsoon, which generally reaches Karnataka's Karwar is still near Kochi in Kerala, as of June 4. Apart from the slight delay in kharif sowing, the delay may not have direct impact on the agriculture sector.

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast a normal monsoon in Karnataka, which will bring respite to the state reeling under severe drought consecutively for the past three years.

While good pre-monsoon rainfall helped farmers who sow crops in the month of May, the late onset of the South-West monsoon may slightly delay any fresh sowing activity.

G S Srinivas Reddy, Director, Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Cell has said that initially the signs were encouraging, after monsoon arrived in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, six days ahead of schedule. "After that, the NLM stagnated near Sri Lanka owing to Cyclone Mora. After Mora made landfall, the westerly in the Arabian Sea is affecting the progress of the monsoon. However, rainfall can be expected from June 10.

Last week, the region had recorded good showers and there has been a gap of few days now. Once monsoon reaches, Bengaluru can expect light to moderate rainfall in the region.

OneIndia News
No change in India-US ties despite Trumps move on Paris climate agreement: Sushma Swaraj

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

New Delhi, June 5: Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday listed the achievements of her ministry on the completion of three years of the NDA government.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Sushma said that "80,000 people stranded in abroad successfully brought back to India, in last 3 years. Besides, India's relations with nations from around the world has improved significantly. I would like to thank the Prime Minister. Because of his efforts, other nations have become so willing to stand with India and be there for India when the need arises."

Indo- US relations

Further she said that "Under Trump administration, India-US relations are growing at the same pace as the Obama Administration. There has been no change in that. India and US have a relationship of mutual benefit. We have come a long way in the process and issuing passports," she added.

Asserting that "there is no change in India-US relationship despite President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate deal, Sushma said that the relationship between the two countries is progressing as it did during Barack Obama's presidency. She also admitted that the new H-1B visa rule is a matter of concern for India."

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is about sovereignty. Kashmir is integral part of India, no question of compromise.We are very clear, no third party mediation in talks with Pakistan. On possibility of PM Narendra Modi-Nawaz Sharif meeting at Astana SCO Summit she said that nothing is fixed from both sides.

On China's intrusion of Indian air space

Hitting back at China,Sushma said that it was unacceptable. "This is the first such air space violation. We can understand even ground incursion,it can be a mistake. But this is unacceptable. We will take it up with Beijing," she said.

China has defended the intrusion of Indian air space in Barahoti region of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, saying India and China have a territorial dispute in the eastern section of the boundary and the Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas.

On Qatar

On gulf rift, Sushma Swaraj said that "the diplomatic relations and agreement with Qatar will have no effect on India. There is no challenge arising out of this for us. This is an internal matter of GCC, our only concern is about Indians there. We are trying to find out if any Indians are stuck there," she told reporters.

Four Arab countries, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt on Monday have cut diplomatic relations and all land, sea, and air contacts with Gulf Arab country Qatar, citing terrorism and flagrant violation of international law.

Qatar crisis had worried Indians as they are the largest expatriate community in Qatar, the same way they are in Saudi Arabia and the UAE-the two key countries who are in the opposite camp. The immediate worry is the trouble Indians would face as measures to isolate Qatar would hit them there in terms of their travel.

OneIndia News
Paid a bribe? Dial 1100 to get the money back

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

This is quite unique and interesting. Dial 1100 and get the bribe you paid to a government official back. This unique initiative was launched in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.

There is a good chance that the official who took the bribe from you will come to your door-step and return the money. You can call 1100 in AP and report the matter following which the officer will come to your home and return the money.

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 Naidu 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.

The 'People First' grievance redressal channel launched by the government on May 25 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 recently.

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 also there is no action taken as such on the identified corrupt.

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 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.

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, Naidu said.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 6:26 [IST]
Terror fund: How Pak moves cash to Kashmir separatists along the LoC

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The National Investigation Agency which has been conducting raids in connection with a case of terror funding for Kashmir separatists has unearthed incriminating material and evidence. Among the prominent persons to be raided was also Tariq Ahmed Khan, the former president of the Line of Control Traders Association.

The raid on Ahmed Khan is significant since there was a lurking suspicion that cross border trade along the LoC was being used as a route to fund terror.

The NIA had on Saturday recovered cash of Rs 2.50 crore, letter heads of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. On Sunday the agency recovered US dollars and Saudi and UAE currency as well.

A retired brigadier of Pak army under scanner:

A retired brigadier of the Pakistan army had been appointed to oversee the funding of terrorism through cross-border trade. NIA sources say that the retired army officer has identified 667 traders through whom the funds are being raised. The officer has been identified as Brigadier Ahmed Iqbal, sources say.

NIA officials say that they have examined documents that have been seized from the Trade Facilitation Centres located at Salamabad in Uri and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch district. These documents would help the agency get a better picture of how cross border trade is funding terror activities in India.

California almonds:

The biggest draw is the California almonds. They are sourced at Rs 350 from Pakistan and sold at Rs 650 in India. There are a select set of traders who work on the pay rolls of terrorist organisations who carry out this trade for them. NIA officials say that the worry is that a bulk of the traders are on the payrolls of terrorist groups either out of choice or fear.

Retired Pak army brigadier masterminds terror funding through cross-border trade

The NIA has found that a food item would be imported from Pakistan at a very low price and then sold at double the amount in India. For instance the California almonds would be imported by the trader at Rs 350 a kilogram and then sold at Rs 650 in the Indian market. The profit investigators say would be used to fund terror.

The NIA has also found a list of 21 items that are being imported by traders from Pakistan at a very low cost. Out of this the highest profit margin is for the California almond which sells at double the cost in India, the NIA official also informed.

Retired Pak army brigadier masterminds terror funding through cross-border trade

Investigators have stumbled upon crucial evidence regarding terror funding along the Line of Control through the sale of dry fruits and food products. The modus operandi adopted by terror groups in selling products at a higher cost and using the profits to fund subversive activities in India was discovered by the National Investigation Agency.

It was found that cross border traders had been tapped by terror groups to help raise funds for terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Investigators were stumped to find out that terror funding continued unabated despite the decision on demonetisation wiping out the fake currency network.

Double cost:

The NIA has found that a food item would be imported from Pakistan at a very low price and then sold at double the amount in India. For instance the California almonds would be imported by the trader at Rs 350 a kilogram and then sold at Rs 700 in the Indian market. The profit investigators say would be used to fund terror.

There is a select network of traders that the terror groups have tapped into to further their agenda. These traders work under terror groups such as the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, an NIA official informed.

The NIA has also found a list of 21 items that are being imported by traders from Pakistan at a very low cost. Out of this the highest profit margin is for the California almond which sells at double the cost in India, the NIA official also informed.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 6:20 [IST]
Who was Viplav Tripathi? The Colonel died in ambush by terrorists in Manipur

Shah to chair meeting with NSA Doval, others to chalk out steps to stop minority killings in J&K

How involving SHOs of local police stations will stop targeted killing of minorities in J&K

Govt can't go in hiding after such assaults, has to answer: Kharge on Rajouri suicide attack

4 terrorists killed after they attacked CRPF camp at Sumbal, J&K

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Four terrorists have been killed by the CRPF after an attack was launched on a camp early this morning. Terrorists had attacked a CRPF camp at Sumbal, Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack was launched on the 45 Bn CRPF camp in the early hours of Monday.

Four terrorists killed as they attack 45 Bn CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of J&K (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/YitB4weLZs  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

Sources say that terrorists opened fire on the CRPF camp early this morning. The CRPF personnel retaliated strongly and managed to kill 4 terrorists. The operation for now is over. However search operations continue as a precautionary measure.

After gunning down the four terrorists, the CRPF personnel seized several weapons. Four automatic rifles and scores of ammunition carried by the terrorists have been seized.

OneIndia News
AIADMK dispute: OPS sits on Dy Oppn Leader's chair as EPS skips first day of TN Assembly Session

TTV Dinakaran meets VK Sasikala in Bengaluru

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran on Monday met party General Secretary VK Sasikala in Parappana Agrahar jail in Bengaluru.

Dinakaran, who was arrested in the Election Commission bribery case, is out on by Delhi court last week after spending close to two months in Delhi's Tihar jail.

According to reports, 20 Tamil Nadu Cabinet ministers held discussion at the Secretariat over TTV Dhinakaran's meeting with Sasikala earlier today.

Sasikala is currently jail term in Parappana Agrahara jail in Bengaluru, after Supreme Court restored her conviction in the disproportionate assets case.

Ms VK Sasikala appointed Dinakaran, her nephew, as her deputy before she went to jail to serve a four-year sentence for corruption.

He was sidelined by the party as it attempted a reunion with a rebel faction led by O Panneerselvam or OPS, whose main condition for a merger was that Sasikala and her family be kept away from the party and the government.

Dinakaran and his aide Mallikarjuna were arrested in April by the Delhi crime branch police. The duo was charged with attempting to bribe election commission officials in the AIADMK symbol row to gain a favourable verdict.

(With agency inputs)
Want to know how peafowls have sex? US expert tells truth, debunks judges brahmachari theory

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, June 5: So, are you googling to find out how actually peafowls mate in the wake of the outrageous statement made by a former judge of the Rajasthan High Court? During your internet search you might have come across many theories--right from scientific to mythological ones.

A US researcher, who has spent a decade studying the sexual behaviour of peacocks and peahens, has revealed some interesting observations regarding the mating process of the fowls to Scroll.

Jessica Yorzinzki, assistant professor at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences of Texas A&M University, US, debunked retired judge Mahesh Sharma's theory that peacocks are brahmachari (celibate).

"The peacock is a lifelong brahmachari or celibate," said Sharma. "It never has sex with the peahen. The peahen gets pregnant after swallowing the tears of the peacock," he added.

Sharma came up with the "theory" to stress on the need to make cow the national animal as cow is far more "pious" than peacock, the national bird.

While social media had a great time with Sharma's "no sex" ideology about the bird, scientific reality as revealed by Yorzinzki is far different from what is being told to us by the judge.

"Since I've been studying the mating behaviour of peafowl for the past ten years, it is definitely shocking to hear that statement. We all need to get on the same page of what is going on in the mating system of these birds. There is no scientific validity in the claim that peafowl do not copulate," said Yorzinzki.

According to Yorzinzki, peaheans choose their partners.

"Peafowl, in particular, have an unusual mating system. They are called a lekking species, a certain type of mating system where a female has the choice of the type of male she wants to mate with. If the female is not interested in the male, nothing can happen. The males set up display areas where they show off their feathers and the females have complete choice of which males they want to mate with," she said.

"This means that, generally speaking, females mate every season, and they mate with one male, multiple males or the same male multiple times. So they're definitely engaging in a lot of copulatory behaviour," she added.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 11:26 [IST]
What do you want? a rubber stamp or a good administrator: Bedi asks Pudu CM

India

oi-PTI

Puducherry, Jun 5: Lt Governor Kiran Bedi on Monday hit out at Chief Minister V Narayanasamy for his remark that the LG should not act beyond mandate, asking if he wanted a rubber stamp or a responsible administrator.

Puducherry needed justice, integrity and good governance, said Bedi who has been at loggerheads with the Congress government in Puducherry on certain issues.

The former IPS officer and the territorial government are locked in a cold war over various matters since she assumed office in May 2016. In January this year, Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MLAs demanded that the Centre recall Bedi accusing her having a 'dictatorial' style of functioning which bypassed the elected legislature.

Bedi had last month met Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and apprised him of the 'constraints' she faced in serving the Union Territory. Last year, Bedi had threatened to quit and leave the Union Territory if there was no improvement in the situation.

Naryanasamy had on Sunday said the chief minister, minister and MLAs have specified authorities and one should not interfere in another's authority. Today Bedi said the "chief minister desired a Lt Governor who is a mere endorser and a person who may let wrongs happen even when people are suffering injustice".

"He wants a Lt Governor who is just an onlooker and passes time and enjoys benefits of expensive establishment called Raj Nivas without meeting people or questioning officers and would do what he tells even in writing," she said in a Whatsapp message in a group comprising media persons and eminent personalities.

"People are crying for justice, students and parents are crying for admissions as per the orders of Government of India and higher judiciary," she said, asking who would hear them and speak for them.

She said Raj Nivas was now becoming their last hope. "Does he want a rubber stamp or a responsible administrator," she said. Bedi has already launched the official website of Raj Nivas and said she wants to make it a bridge between the people and various departments for redressal of grievances.

Narayanasamy has last week criticised Bedi for her directions to officials involved in the ongoing counselling process for post-graduate medical courses and accused her of adopting a 'misleading approach' on the matter. Making a statement in the state Assembly on June 2, he alleged that Bedi was criticising ministers and officials on social media and that she should stop making 'derogatory remarks.

Bedi had on May 30 conducted a surprise inspection of the counselling process by the Centralised Admission Committee and directed officials to ensure 50 per cent of seats available under government quota were filled and not given to private colleges or under all-India quota.

PTI

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 13:46 [IST]
Why the conflict between Qatar and Gulf nations is bad news for India

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The fall out between Qatar and the Gulf nations is not good news for India. While India cannot do much at this juncture, it could hope that the issue is sorted out. Qatar is home to 8 million Indians and is vital to India's energy supply.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting Islamist groups and also its relations with Iran.

Indians are the largest expatriate community in Qatar. The first concern that Indians would face is with regard to travel. Flight services have been cancelled already and India is making sure that the Indians there are not put to hardship.

India has defence and energy ties with Qatar. India is the third largest export destination for Qatar and ranks 10th at Qatar's imports. Further Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India. It accounts for over 65 per cent of India's global import and 15 per cent of Qatar's export export of LNG with an annual import of 7.5 million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) under a long-term contract between Petronet LNG of India and RasGas Co Ltd of Qatar.

India also imports ammonia, urea, ethylene and propylene from Qatar. There has been a substantial growth of India's exports in the past few years. India's exports amount to nearly 1 billion US Dollars out of the two way trade of nearly 17 billion Dollars. In 2014-15, India's exports exceeded $1 billion.

Indian exports also include machinery and equipment, iron or steel, plastic, construction material, electronic items, garments, chemicals, rubber, spices and cereals.

OneIndia News
'Two-finger test' should be banned in matrimonial dispute cases too, says Maharashtra doctor

Khota sarkar left with egg on their faces: Team Uddhav on Andheri win

Yechury slams MP, Maha govts over farmers protests

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Jun 5: The CPI(M) on Monday accused the BJP- led governments in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh of turning a deaf ear to problems of farmers.

"From MP to Maharashtra, farmers woes continue to mount. After all the tall promises, BJP govts turn a deaf ear to their problems," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted.

Farmers in Maharashtra had launched a stir on June 1 pressing for various demands, including waiver of loans due to crop failures and indebtedness, and guaranteed minimum support price.

Farmers in Madhya Pradesh too had staged protests on the similar lines, but called off the agitation after Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan agreed to the demands put forth by them.

PTI

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 14:14 [IST]
Donald Trump vows to do 'whatever is necessary' to protect the US after London attack

International

oi-PTI

President Donald Trump has vowed to do whatever necessary to protect the United States a day after the London terror attack which claimed seven lives and left dozens hospitalised.

"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 yesterday.

Trump said he has spoken to British Prime Minister Theresa May on the horrific attack. The president that said he has expressed his unwavering support to the US allies in the United Kingdom. During the conversation, he "pledged that the US 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".

"America sends our thoughts, our 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 has waged war on innocent life. And it's gone on too long. This bloodshed must end. This bloodshed will end," Trump said.

British Police has arrested 12 people in connection with the deadly attack on London Bridge in a widening probe after attackers used large knives and vans to kill seven people in the heart of London. The attackers were shot dead within minutes of the attack. Islamic State has claimed the responsibility, as per media reports.

PTI

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 9:47 [IST]
Climate conference: Rich nations must take blame and aid the poor

Egypt to suspend air links with Qatar from tomorrow

International

pti-PTI

Cairo, Jun 5: Egypt said it will suspend air links with Qatar from Tuesday, after it and other Arab states cut diplomatic ties with the Gulf emirate and accused it of supporting extremism.

The decision to "halt all flights between Egypt and Qatar" would take effect from 0400 GMT tomorrow and continue "until further notice", the aviation ministry said.

The statement, which was issued on Monday, added that Qatari planes would be unable to cross Egyptian airspace or land on its territory.

Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Maldives on Monday joined Saudi Arabia and Egypt in severing ties with Qatar, and six airlines from the UAE and Saudi Arabia suspended flights to and from the gas-rich emirate.

EgyptAir followed suit, announcing in a statement "the suspension of flights linking Cairo to Doha, from Tuesday, until further notice".

PTI
Seven nations cut ties with Qatar citing terrorism

International

oi-PTI

Dubai, Jun 5: Seven countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on Monday severed ties with Qatars, accusing it of backing terrorism and opening up a rift among some of the most powerful Arab states that could have repercussions for the Indian economy and expatriates.

Bahrain's Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement early on Monday saying it would withdraw its diplomatic mission from the Qatari capital of Doha within 48 hours and that all Qatari diplomats should leave Bahrain within the same period.

The ministry's statement said that "Qatari citizens needed to leave Bahrain within two weeks and that air and sea traffic between the two countries would be halted. It wasn't immediately clear how that would affect Qatar Airways, one of the region's major long-haul carriers."

Bahrain blamed Qatar's "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. Qatar had no immediate comment.

The Saudis said the move was made for the protection of national security. The official Saudi news agency said that the country had decided to sever ties with Qatar proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism.

Etihad suspends flights to Qatar

Etihad Airways said on Monday it would suspend flights to Qatar after the United Arab Emirates was among major Gulf states to sever ties with Doha in an unprecedented regional crisis.

Etihad said that flights would stop today after the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they would cut all air, land and sea links with Qatar within 24 hours. Etihad, which operates four return flights to Doha daily, said the measure will be in place until further notice. Other carriers from the three Gulf countries, including Dubai's Emirates, are likely to announce similar measures.Qatar denounces 'unjustified' cut of Gulf ties.

Qatar denounces 'unjustified' cut of Gulf ties

Meanwhile, Qatar slammed the decisions of three Gulf states and Egypt to sever ties with it, saying they were unjustified and aimed to put Doha under political guardianship. "The measures are unjustified and are based on false and baseless claims," the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement, referring to the unprecedented steps taken by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. "The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state. This by itself is a violation of its sovereignty as a state," it added.

Qatar Airways suspends all flights to Saudi Arabia

Qatar Airways said on its official website on Monday that it had suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia.

The move came after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar on Monday, accusing it of supporting terrorism and opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

PTI
Finsbury Park attack: Every bit as sickening as other terror attacks, says PM Theresa May

ISIS claims London attack, calls for four more revenge strikes

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the London attacks of Sunday in which 7 persons were killed and several others injured. The ISIS said that the attack was carried out by its fighters.

The claim was made on its mouthpiece, Amaq even as several pro-ISIS handles continued to celebrate the attack. On Sunday a van had mowed down several people on London Bridge.

Going by the claim, it appears that it was a detachment of the ISIS which carried out the attacks. It was not an ISIS inspired module, but a full-fledged team of the group that struck at London.

The ISIS further went on to call for more revenge attacks against the West which is part of the global coalition fighting the terrorist outfit in Syria and Iraq. The claim was made at 3.30 am IST.

While studying the Sunday attack, it looked obvious that it was the ISIS had carried it out. There was no claim made by the outfit for 24 hours, although handles sympathetic to the ISIS celebrated the strike.

OneIndia News
Talented, driven and great potential: President Putin is all praise for India and Indians

Twitter fires over 200 employees in India, left with a dozen staff

Russia not reliable for energy or security, US warns India

The Western bias and why it cannot digest Indias success

'Not a single bullet fired on the border in 40 yrs': China hails Modi's remarks on

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Beijing, June 5: China on Monday appreciated Prime Minster Narendra Modi for his remarks about Sino-India relations, saying a sound relationship was of great significance to both the countries.

"We have noted the positive remark made by Indian Prime Minister about China-India relations. We welcome that," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in Beijing.

At an economic forum in Russia on Saturday, Modi said that despite the contentious boundary issue between India and China, not a single bullet was fired on the border in the last 40 years.

He was responding to a question whether India skipping China's Belt and Road Initiative reflected acrimony between the two neighbours.

"The two major countries China and India maintaining sound and the steady bilateral relationship is of great significance," Hua said.

China and India, which fought a war 1962, have a dragging border dispute.

China claims India's Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet while New Delhi lays claims to Aksai Chin held by Beijing.

'Actually, leaders of the two countries pay great attention to the boundary question.Both sides agree that an early settlement of the boundary questions serves the interests of the both sides, 'Hua said.

"It helps both sides to achieve their strategic goal. Both sides have been discussing the settlement of the boundary question.

"The sides have also taken serious measures to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," Hua added.

IANS
Oil prices higher following rift in Middle East

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The political rift in the Middle East saw crude futures rise. Saudi Arabia and three other countries severed diplomatic ties with Qatar accusing it of supporting terrorism and meddling in internal affairs.

Oil traders are sensitive to Middle East tensions because they worry about supply disruptions, analysts have said.

Oil prices pared a gain of more than 1% seen earlier in the European session and in Asian trading. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, light, sweet crude futures for delivery in July CLN7, -0.65% recently traded at $48.02 a barrel, up 36 cents, or 0.7% in the Globex electronic session. August Brent crude LCOQ7, -0.80% on London's ICE Futures exchange rose 32 cents, or 0.6%, to $50.27 a barrel.

Maketwatch.com said that the latest developments do not appear to have had a direct impact on oil production and exports.

However all eyes will be on Qatar, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. It is yet to be seen if Qatar decides to disrupt the production cutback deal.

Oil took a beating last week by dropping more than 4%, the largest weekly decline since early May. Sentiment deteriorated further after data from industry group Baker Hughes on Friday showed U.S. oil drillers adding 11 more active rigs in the week ended June 2. That marked a 20th consecutive weekly rise, Marketwatch also reported.

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Story first published: Monday, June 5, 2017, 17:35 [IST]
Why Qatar has Arab nations fuming against it, an explainer

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

On Monday four Arab nations, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. The main reason cited is the country's support for Islamist groups and its relations with Iran. What is the dispute about and also what triggered this entire episode?

It may be recalled that Qatar had in May alleged that hackers had taken over a site of its state-run news. It also alleged that fake comments from its ruling emir were posted about Iran and Israel. The Gulf neighbours reacted with anger and blocked Qatari-based media, including the Doha-based satellite news network Al-Jazeera.

The rift further widened when Qatar's ruling emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, called Iranian President Hasan Rouhani to congratulate him on his re-election.

This had angered Saudi Arabia as it failed in its efforts to get Qatar to fall in line.

The Muslim brotherhood:

Qatar's neighbours have often accused it of supporting Islamists. The case of the Muslim Brotherhood was cited several times. The Muslim Brotherhood, a sunni Islamist political group has been outlawed both by UAE and Saudi Arabia as it challenges hereditary rule.

Further the Saudi led countries also fell out with Qatar over its backing of then Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, a Brotherhood member. In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain recalled their ambassadors from Qatar over the rift.

Eight months later, they returned their ambassadors as Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country and quieted others. However, the 2014 crisis did not see a land and sea blockade as threatened now.

Funding Hamas:

Western officials have accused Qatar of allowing and encouraging funding of groups such as the al-Qaeda in Syria. Further the country also has been accused of funding extremist groups. Qatar has been a financial

In the time since, Qatar repeatedly and strongly denied it funds extremist groups. However, it remains a key financial patron of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and has been the home of exiled Hamas official Khaled Mashaal since 2012.

What Saudi said:

Saudi Arabia said it took the decision due to Qatar's "embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilizing the region" including the Muslim Brotherhood, al-Qaida, the Islamic State group and groups supported by Iran in the kingdom's restive eastern province of Qatif.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry accused Qatar of taking an "antagonist approach" toward Egypt and said "all attempts to stop it from supporting terrorist groups failed."

Bahrain blamed Qatar's "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.

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Andalusite Market to Register Steady Growth During 2015 to 2021

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Andalusite is an aluminum nesosilicate mineral belonging to the sillimanite family and found in metamorphic rocks. It is a polymorph with two other minerals: kyanite and sillimanite and is named after Andalusia, a province in Spain. Since it is polymorph, it has similar chemical composition but different physical structure as compared to kyanite and sillimanite. Andalusite is commonly used for production of refractory materials and as a precursor for porcelain which is used in spark plugs and other products. Andalusite generally forms under low pressure and high temperature and converts to sillimanite or kyanite at different temperature-pressure regime. It comes in pink, green, yellow, violet and gray colors among others.A sample of this report is available upon request @Andalusite is a precursor for production of refractory materials, which is used in linings for incinerators, furnaces, kilns and reactors. It can also be used for the production of crucibles. A refractory material should be physically and chemically stable at high temperatures, resistant to thermal shock and chemically inert. Andalusite has high purity, stable volume, good creep resistance, a high thermal shock resistance, metal penetration resistance and low porosity that make it suitable for production of refractory. The steel, glass, aluminum and cement industry are the key end users of andalusite.The andalusite industry is driven by the growth of refractory industry. The global demand for longer lasting, higher quality and low cost refractories is rising in emerging economies of the Asia Pacific, especially China and India due to rapid economic growth. The refractory industry follows the trend set by the main end user, the steel industry. The steel production makes up the majority of demand for refractories and profitability of the refractories industry is influenced by investment in steel production and steel plants. The continued demand for andalusite by China for its refractive industry will drive the demand of andalusite. Although end users other than the steel industry consume less andalusite, they have a strong impact on the growth of andalusite industry. The ceramic, glass, aluminum and cement industry contribute heavily to the growth of andalusite industry. However, fluctuations of major currency such as Euro and Dollar, rising oil prices and availability of substitutes such as bauxite could hamper the growth of this market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The Asia Pacific is one the biggest consumer of andalusite due to the rapid growth of refractory industry in emerging economies such as China and India. China is the main producer and user of refractories, mainly driven by the steel industry. Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Russia and Turkey are some of the other key markets in this region. The future of the refractories will depend on emerging economies of Asia and Latin America. Brazil remains the most promising end market for andalusite in Latin America. The consumption of refractories will be moderate in the European Union and North America.The production of andalusite is concentrated in the hands of few companies who produce majority of andalusite for the global market. Some of the key players in this market are Andalusite Resources, Rhino Minerals Pty Ltd (IMERYS), Samrec Pty ltd (IMERYS), Damrec (IMERYS), Picobello Andalucita and Andalucita S.A. among others. Damrec, subsidiary of IMERYS, is the largest producer of Andalusite and has operations in China, South Africa, France and Peru. Andalusite Resources (Pty) Ltd is a newcomer to the Andalusite Industry and plans to increase its production capacity due to strong growth potential of andalusite market.Key geographies evaluated in this report are:North AmericaU.SCanadaEuropeFrance, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UKEastern EuropeCISAPACChinaIndiaJapanAustraliaOthersLatin AmericaArgentinaBrazilOthersKey features of this reportDrivers, restraints, and challenges shaping the Andalusite market dynamicsLatest innovations and key events in the industryAnalysis of business strategies of the top playersAndalusite market estimates and forecasts(2015 -2021)About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Automatic Transmission Fluid Market to Undertake Strapping Growth During 2017 - 2025

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Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a type of slippery liquid which act as a lubricant for easy movement of all moving parts inside a transmission system. Automatic transmission system is a more evolved and technically upgraded transmission system in comparison to manual transmission system as automatic transmission minuses human intervention of shifting gear with correspondence to speed. Automatic transmission system is a more complex system than manual transmission system and it therefore requires a more technologically advanced fluid to ensure proper function ability. ATF also acts as a cooling agent for automatic transmission system as automatic transmission system generates lot of heat during to rotation of gears. ATF can also be used as hydraulic fluid for power steering systems. Most ATFs contain combination of various additives that enhances lubricating qualities such as anti-wear additives, rust and corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants and surfactants, as well as other compounds and chemicals which can contribute towards better durability of automatic transmission system.To access full report @Automatic Transmission Fluid Market: Market Dynamics and RestraintsMajorly, increasing adoption of automatic transmission system all over globe is driving the market of ATF globally. Vehicles with automatic transmission system is increasing rapidly as various automobile manufacturers are introducing automatic transmission in their line of brands to offer better driving experience to customers. An automatic transmission system allows the automobilist to pay more attention to the road instead of being worrying of getting distracted by all the extra effort required for lever shift. Thus increasing adoption of automatic transmission system is pulling up the demand of ATF. Since ATF can also be used as hydraulic oil for power steering system of 4WD, use of ATF will be also driven by increase in power steering system in vehicles and air compressor. Apart from regular passenger cars various other vehicles such as HMV, special armored vehicles, cranes etc. in near future will be installed with automatic transmission system which will again create a new space for the growth of ATF market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Decline in production of crude oil, steep fall in automobile manufacturing due to decline in demand, and recent turmoil in Arab spring, ban on export and import amongst countries, economic sanctions, and increase in adoption of electrical vehicle will bring in circumstance which brings in possibility to destabilize the ATF market.Automatic Transmission Fluid Market: Market SegmentationThe global ATF market is segmented into parts based on applications.Based on the application, ATF market is segmented into:Vehicle Transmission System UsesAir-Compressor UsePower Steering UseAutomatic Transmission Fluid Market: Regional OutlookRegarding geography, the ATF market has been categorized into seven key regions including North and Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. The ATF market is globally expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. Despite the soft economy, consumers of North America are buying cars which raise the demand for ATF in countries such as Canada and the US, this made, North America leading region in ATF market. In Western Europe, due to presence of reputed global automotive manufacturers and other mechanical equipment manufacturing industry in this region and growth in sales of various automotive will bring in demand for ATF. Countries such as China, India are the principal countries in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan region development wise. These countries are witnessing establishments of many industries such as automotive and other industries and with increase in economic stability of individuals will trigger the sales of various automotive and other equipment which do needs ATF as lubricants. Such a scenario in APEJ will generate the demand of ATF by making Asia Pacific Excluding Japan third leading region. Japan on other hand is also an optimistic market for ATF. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are predicted to acquire the ATF market in the near future.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Automatic Transmission Fluid Market PlayersSome of the players of global ATF market include Exxon Mobil Corporation, AMSOIL, Valvoline LLC, Castrol Limited, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Lucas Oil Products, Inc., TOTAL Lubricants and others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Crude Magnesite Market 2017- Grecian Magnesite, Houying Group, Kumas-Kuthaya Magnesite Works Corp

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The Crude magnesite Market 2017 examines the performance of the Crude magnesite market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Crude magnesite market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Crude magnesite market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Crude magnesite Market 2017 report includes Crude magnesite industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Crude magnesite Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Crude magnesite Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Crude magnesite Market 2017:1 Grecian Magnesite2 Houying Group3 Kumas-Kuthaya Magnesite Works Corp4 Magnesita Refratarios5 Magnezit Group6 Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties7 Nedmag Industries Mining & Manufacturing8 Queensland Magnesia9 SMZ Jelsava10 Ube Material Industries?Crude magnesite Market Analysis: By ProductHigh Purity Crude MagnesiteLow Purity Crude MagnesiteCrude magnesite Market Analysis: By ApplicationAgricultureGlass and CeramicsOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Crude magnesite manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Crude magnesite report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Crude magnesite industry, Crude magnesite industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Crude magnesite Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Crude magnesite research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Crude magnesite market revenue worldwide.Finally, Crude magnesite market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Global Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable Market 2017- ABB Ltd, Prysmian Group, Sumitomo Electric Industries

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The Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable Market 2017 examines the performance of the Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable Market 2017 report includes Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable Market 2017:1 ABB Ltd2 Prysmian Group3 Sumitomo Electric Industries4 Nexans5 NKT Cables6 General Cable CorporationCrosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable Market Analysis: By ProductCrosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable Market Analysis: By ApplicationAt the beginning, the report covers the top Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable industry, Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable market revenue worldwide.Finally, Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Sheathed Cable market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Global Cr Doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic Market 2017- CeramTec GmbH, Kyocera Corporation, 3M, Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials

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The Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic Market 2017 examines the performance of the Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic Market 2017 report includes Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic Market 2017:1 CeramTec GmbH2 Kyocera Corporation3 3M4 Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials5 McDanel Advanced Ceramic Technologies6 Ceradyne7 Dyson Technical Ceramics Limited8 Rauschert Steinbach GmbHCr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic Market Analysis: By ProductCr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic Market Analysis: By ApplicationAt the beginning, the report covers the top Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic industry, Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic market revenue worldwide.Finally, Cr-doped Barium Strontium Titanate Ceramic market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Non Magnetic Metals And Alloys Market to Incur Rapid Extension During 2016 - 2026

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Introduction:The Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys are those metals and alloys that are generally non-ferrous type or have only insignificant amount of metal used as an alloy. Major non-magnetic metals include aluminum, copper, lead, and zinc. Other non-ferrous metals include brass, titanium, beryllium and nickel. They are generally more expensive than ferrous metals in terms of mining and extraction. These non-magnetic metals & alloys are generally light in weight, have higher conductivity, has non-magnetic property and is resistance to corrosion and rust. The global non-magnetic metals & alloys market are 1,500 kilo tons in 2015 approximately in volume. Overall, the market is expanding at a decent CAGR of during the forecast period from 2016 to 2026.To access full report @Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market DynamicsThe market of global non-magnetic metals & alloys is anticipated to be driven by the use of non-magnetic metals in different industries and their respective purposes. Due to growth of aviation industry and other transportation and structural materials, the global market of non-magnetic metals & alloys are growing in demand. In addition, the favorable Government initiatives such as The National Space policy of United States on June, 2010 and many others programmes help in the consumption of more non-magnetic metals & alloys over the years due to increased number to aircrafts and spaceships. Some of the non-magnetic metals & alloys are also used in building materials and also as a component of various metal alloys. Due to growth of the construction equipment, lead acid batteries, bullets and radiation protectors, the non-magnetic metals & alloys such as lead is highly used in demand of late. The demand for corrosion chemically inert and corrosion resistant products in chemical processing industry is expected to drive the market growth over the predictable period. Also the non-magnetic metals & alloys are highly recyclable in nature which further encourages the growth of non-magnetic metals and alloys. The global non-magnetic metals & alloys market is characterized by continuous mergers, acquisitions and product innovations to gain market share and competitive edge which drives the demand for the product worldwide. The jewelry industry involving precious metals other than gold, is expected to drive the Non-Magnetic Metals market to some extent. The industry is expected to get advantage from the rising magnesium mining and growing extraction of other metals such as titanium, which are used as raw materials for the production of alloys.A sample of this report is available upon request @However, the global non-magnetic metals & alloys being costly as compared to magnetic metals and alloys does have a hindering effect on its market growth as well. On the mining operations front, the non-magnetic metals and alloys mining are currently experiencing a sluggish production rate.Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market SegmentationThe global non-magnetic metals & alloys market is segmented on the basis of product types such as non-ferrous metals, precious metals and exotic or rare metals. Ferrous metals further includes aluminum, lead, tin, zinc, copper, nickel, titanium and others. Precious metals constitutes gold, silver and platinum. Exotic or rare metals are cobalt, mercury, tungsten, beryllium, bismuth and cerium. On the basis of application, the global non-magnetic metals & alloys are divided into aerospace industry, industrial gas & turbine, industrial automotive, electrical &electronics, chemical industry, kitchen appliances, food & beverages industry and others.Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Global non-magnetic metals & alloys industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America holds the largest share in the global non-magnetic metals & alloys market. It is expected to witness a substantial growth at a CAGR of over 3.5% in the forecasted period of 2016-2026. Europe holds the second largest market in terms of global non-magnetic metals & alloys, followed by Japan, Asia-pacific, Middle-East Africa and then rest of the world. Asia Pacific is expected to witness above average growth rates over the next six to eight years owing to the growing aviation industry combined with increasing demand for high durability metals in gas turbines and electrical & electronics.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Non-Magnetic Metals & Alloys Market PlayersThe major players identified across the value chain of global non-magnetic metals & alloys market includes Saru Smelting Pvt Ltd., Lee Kee Group, James Coppell Lee, North Ferrous Cast Alloys Inc., Gravita India Ltd.,Australian Metals Pty Ltd., Nimax, Arcotech Ltd., AMPCO Metal Sa, Plansee Group and others. The companies are investing in their research & development sector to use more and more non-magnetic metals & alloys in aerospace industry. The companies are also focusing on different strategies in order to maintain the market share in the global non-magnetic metals & alloys market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Silanes Market to Rear Excessive Growth During 2016 - 2026

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Global Silanes Market: OverviewSilanes are homologues of saturated carbon-hydrogen compounds i.e. of alkanes. All silanes share a general formula: SinH2n+2. Silanes made of silicon and hydrogen only are called unsubstituted silanes and are very unstable thus can only be produced in the absence of oxygen. There are various types of silanes namely methylsilanes, silanols, chlorosilanes etc. Silanes consist of one or more silicon atoms linked to each other or one or more atoms of other chemical elements as the tetrahedral centers of multiple single bonds. Commercially available silanes are synthetically derived. In the silanes family, each silicon atom has four bonds and each hydrogen atom is attached with a silicon atom. A series of linked silicon atoms is called silicon backbone or silicon skeleton. The simplest possible silane is the parent molecule known as silane with the chemical formula SiH4. Any number of silicon atoms can be linked together while the only limitation being that the molecule is acyclic, a hydrosilicon and is saturated. Silanes have a moderate biological activity and are highly reactive. Silanes can be arranged in various ways if arranged with more than three silicon atoms thus forms structural isomers. Silanes are non-conductors of electricity. The basic raw materials used in the production of silanes are silicone metal and methanol. Some of the major applications of silanes are rubber and plastics, fiber treatment, adhesives and sealants, paint and coatings and others.To access full report @Global Silanes Market: SegmentationThe global silanes market can be segmented on the basis of type, application and geography. On the basis of types, the global silanes market can be bifurcated into organo-functional silanes and mono-chloro silanes. On account og application, the global silanes market can be segmented into rubber and plastics, fiber treatment, adhesives and sealants, paint and coatings and others (personal care, photovoltaics, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing equipments etc. On the basis of geography, the global silanes market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific excluding Japan and Japan.Global Silanes Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing number of pharmaceutical industries is a key factor account for the growth of the major silanes market. Moreover, innovations in technology and governmental regulations on deployment of conventional sources of energy like photovoltaics is a key element driving the growth of the global silanes market. Furthermore, rising demands of high-wuality personal care products and growing paints and coatings industry are some major elements fuelling the growth of the global silanes market. Unstable behavior of silanes is a key challenge in the growth of the global silanes market. Inability to withstand static pressure also makes it a key restraint in the growth of the global silanes market especially in paints and coatings industry.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Silanes Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players involved in the production of silanes are Silicones Europe, Onichem, Dynasylan, Dow Corning, Haohua Industry, OCI Materials, USI Chemical, Yingde Gases, Air Products, Fujian Norcy New Material, Momentive Performance Materials and others.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology and applications.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Balsa Core Material Market 2017- The Gill Corporation, SABIC, Plascore, Euro-Composites S.A

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The Balsa Core Material Market 2017 examines the performance of the Balsa Core Material market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Balsa Core Material market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Balsa Core Material market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Balsa Core Material Market 2017 report includes Balsa Core Material industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Balsa Core Material Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Balsa Core Material Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Balsa Core Material Market 2017:1 The Gill Corporation2 SABIC3 Plascore4 Euro-Composites S.A5 Advanced Honeycomb TechnologiesBalsa Core Material Market Analysis: By ProductBalsa Core Material Market Analysis: By ApplicationAt the beginning, the report covers the top Balsa Core Material manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Balsa Core Material report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Balsa Core Material industry, Balsa Core Material industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Balsa Core Material Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Balsa Core Material research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Balsa Core Material market revenue worldwide.Finally, Balsa Core Material market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Global Bag Palletizer Market 2017- American-Newlong, Arrowhead Systems, Barry-Wehmiller Companies, BEUMER Group

https://goo.gl/vfeLNT

http://qyresearch.us/report/global-bag-palletizer-market-2017/

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The Bag Palletizer Market 2017 examines the performance of the Bag Palletizer market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Bag Palletizer market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Bag Palletizer market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Bag Palletizer Market 2017 report includes Bag Palletizer industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Bag Palletizer Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Bag Palletizer Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Bag Palletizer Market 2017:1 American-Newlong2 Arrowhead Systems3 Barry-Wehmiller Companies4 BEUMER Group5 Columbia/Okura6 Conveying Industries7 Dematic Group8 Emmeti SpA9 Euroimpianti SpA10 Fanuc11 Intelligrated12 Kawasaki Heavy Industries13 Krones AG14 KUKA Roboter GmbH15 Maschinenfabrik Mollers GmbH16 PaR Systems17 Premier Tech Chronos18 Pro MachBag Palletizer Market Analysis: By ProductBag Palletizer Market Analysis: By ApplicationAt the beginning, the report covers the top Bag Palletizer manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Bag Palletizer report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Bag Palletizer industry, Bag Palletizer industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Bag Palletizer Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Bag Palletizer research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Bag Palletizer market revenue worldwide.Finally, Bag Palletizer market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Global Automotive V2X Antenna Market - Yokowo, Laird, Amphenol, Autotalks, Ethertronics & Hirschmann Car Communication

Automotive V2X Antenna

http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-automotive-v2x-antenna-market-research-report-2017-134336

https://goo.gl/Jsk8LY

The Market Research Store report offers majority of the latest and newest industry data that covers the overall market situation along with future prospects for Automotive V2X Antenna market around the globe. The research study includes significant data and also forecasts of the global market which makes the research report a helpful resource for marketing people, analysts, industry executives, consultants, sales and product managers, and other people who are in need of major industry data in a ready-to-access format along with clear presentation of graphs and tables.The report comprises the current size of the Automotive V2X Antenna market. It also provides with different types of product segments of the global market. Furthermore, the Automotive V2X Antenna market research report gives an in-depth information about the overall market and various product segments and their growth trends. The future market forecasts about the global Automotive V2X Antenna market are also covered in the research report. In addition, the overall market potential is further described in the report along with different countries around the globe.Browse Complete Report with TOC @The latest and the newest trends of the Automotive V2X Antenna industry are also included in this report. Moreover, overall global market size, the market size by product segment, growth rates of the global market along with and different product segments of the market, and various product segments with their value and volumes evaluation are also included in the research report.The Market Research Store report offers the global market potential rates of the Automotive V2X Antenna market along with various product segments. The research report provides an overview of the current market situation, historic development, and future outlook of the Automotive V2X Antenna market. It also tracks the industry developments trends and identifies the global market opportunities. The report helps to plan and develop precise marketing, market expansion, market-entry, and other business strategies through identifying the major market prospects and opportunities.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The data in the report is clearly presented which can be easily integrated into presentations and internal reports.MarketResearchStore.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803
Chiller Market Expected to Reach $11,542 Million, Globally, by 2022

Chiller Market - Allied Market Research

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1834

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/chiller-market

Chiller Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market was valued at $8,784 million in 2015 and is expected to reach $11,542 million by 2022. The scroll chiller segment accounted for around 60% of the total chiller market size in 2015.Various types of chillers are used by industries and commercial sectors as per their requirement. The market for chillers has grown significantly in the past few years due to expansion in commercial and industrial sectors. Commercial sectors, such as large retails, are highly dependent on chillers to store food items. Industrial sectors, such as plastics industry, exhibit huge demand for chillers to cool down their equipment & machineries.The global chiller market growth is driven by factors such as increased consumption of frozen foods, and high demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions across industries such as plastic, rubber, & chemical. Technological advancements provide growth opportunities to the market players. However, high electricity cost is one of the major challenges for the market growth.Get Free Sample Copy of this Report @Scroll chillers dominate the market, owing to their extensive usage in industries and other wide application areas due to their high-efficiency and availability in various compact sizes. Screw chiller, the second largest segment, generated around 28% of the global chiller market revenue in 2015, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. These chillers produce low noise, thus gaining popularity in sound-sensitive environment such as offices, and hospitals.Plastic industry accounted for the largest market share of around 27% in 2015, whereas the chemicals & petrochemicals industry segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 5.4% during (2016 2022). Food & beverages industry is amongst other major end users of chillers. In the industry, chillers are increasingly being used in food & beverage processing plants including dairy processing plants, bakeries, breweries & microbreweries and other application areas.KEY FINDINGS OF THE CHILLER MARKET STUDY Absorption chiller is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.1% from 2016 to 2022. Asia-Pacific is projected to maintain its lead position, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. The screw chiller segment occupied around 28% of the total chiller market size in 2015. U.S. accounted for around 68% share of the total North American chiller market revenue in 2015. Plastic industry was the highest revenue-generating segment by end user in 2015, while chemicals & petrochemicals industry is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR.Browse full report with Table of Content @In 2015, Asia-Pacific and Europe collectively accounted for over two-thirds of the total chiller market size, and are expected to continue this trend, owing to growth in industrial and commercial sector.The major companies profiled in the report include Daikin Industries Ltd., Johnson Controls, Trane Inc., Carrier Corporation, Smartd Chiller Group Inc., Thermax Ltd., Hitachi Appliances Inc., Climaveneta S.P.A., Polyscience, and Dimplex Thermal Solutions.About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmostaccuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Contact:Rahul Thakur5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free: +1-800-792-5285UK: + 44-845-528-1300
Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Market - Global Application, Classification, Revenue, Growth Rate, Opportunities and Forecast 2017-2022

ReportsWeb

http://www.reportsweb.com/global-next-generation-energy-storage-systems-market-research-report-2017

http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001811176/sample

http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW0001811176/buy/2900

ReportsWeb.com added Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Market Research Report 2017 to its vast collection of research Database. The report is spread across 114 pages and supported by 19 company leaders.The Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Market Research Report 2017is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Next Generation Energy Storage Systems industry. In a word, This report studies Next Generation Energy Storage Systems in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer. Key companies included in this research are EnerG2, Inc., Energy Storage Systems Inc., AES Corporation, BYD Company Limited, Beckett Energy Systems, Li-Tech Battery GmbH, Enersys, Enphase Energy, Eos Energy Storage, FlexGen Power Systems, Leidos Engineering, LLC., Lockheed Martin Corporation, S&C Electric Company, Sanyo SA, SB LiMotive Germany GmbH, Seeo, Inc., UniEnergy Technologies, LLC., Valence Technology, Inc. and ZBB Energy Corporation.Browse complete report @Market Segment by Region, this report splits Global into several key Region, with sales, revenue, market share and growth rate of Next Generation Energy Storage Systems in these regions, from 2011 to 2022 (forecast), like North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Firstly, Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Market On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Batteries, Fuel Cells, Flywheels, Ultracapacitors, Energy Grids and Others. On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales) , market share and growth rate of Next Generation Energy Storage Systems for each application, including Electronics, Transport and Automotive, Oil and Gas, Manufacturing, Military and Others.Request for Sample @Major points from Table of Contents:1 Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Market Overview2 Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Market Competition byManufacturers3 Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Production, Revenue (Value) by Regions (2012-2017)4 Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)5 Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Types6 Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Market Analysis by Applications7 Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Lenox7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Lenox Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 ABCD MACHINERY7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 ABCD MACHINERY Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 DERANCOURT7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 DERANCOURT Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Market Forecast (2017-2022)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Next Generation Energy Storage SystemsFigure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Production (K Units) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2012-2022)Figure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Production Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 2016Figure Product Picture of Hack SawTable Major Manufacturers of Hack SawFigure Product Picture of Hand SawTable Major Manufacturers of Hand SawFigure Product Picture of Band SawTable Major Manufacturers of Band SawFigure Product Picture of OtherTable Major Manufacturers of OtherFigure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Consumption (K Units) by Applications (2012-2022)Figure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Consumption Market Share by Applications in 2016Figure Home Use ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in Home UseFigure Workshop ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in WorkshopFigure Other ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in OtherFigure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Market Size (Million USD) , Comparison (K Units) and CAGR (%) by Regions (2012-2022)Figure North America Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Europe Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure China Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Capacity, Production (K Units) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Major Players Product Capacity (K Units) (2012-2017)Table Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Capacity (K Units) of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Capacity Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Figure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Capacity (K Units) of Key Manufacturers in 2016Figure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Capacity (K Units) of Key Manufacturers in 2017Figure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Major Players Product Production (K Units) (2012-2017)Table Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Production (K Units) of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Production Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)Figure 2016 Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Production Share by ManufacturersFigure 2017 Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Production Share by ManufacturersFigure Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Major Players Product Revenue (Million USD) (2012-2017)Table Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue (Million USD) by Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)Table 2016 Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue Share by ManufacturersTable 2017 Global Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Revenue Share by ManufacturersTable Global Market Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Average Price (USD/Unit) of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)Figure Global Market Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Average Price (USD/Unit) of Key Manufacturers in 2016Table Manufacturers Next Generation Energy Storage Systems Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales AreaPlace a Direct Purchase Order of Complete Report @ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Artificial Lift Systems Market 2017 - Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, Weatherford International, Borets Company

https://goo.gl/Y4LnnM

https://market.biz/report/global-artificial-lift-systems-market-2017/97042/

https://market.biz

http://ereports.market/

https://market.biz/reports/

The Artificial Lift Systems Market 2017 examines the performance of the Artificial Lift Systems market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Artificial Lift Systems market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Artificial Lift Systems market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Artificial Lift Systems Market 2017 report includes Artificial Lift Systems industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Artificial Lift Systems Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Artificial Lift Systems Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Artificial Lift Systems Market 2017:1 Baker Hughes2 Schlumberger3 Weatherford International4 Borets Company5 General Electric Energy6 Halliburton Company7 Jsc ?Alnas?8 Kudu Industries9 National Oilwell Varco10 Norris Production Solutions11 Tenaris12 Torqueflow Sydex13 Sentry International14 Lone Star15 Evolution Oil Tools16 Dover Artificial LiftArtificial Lift Systems Market Analysis: By ProductElectric Submersible Pumps (ESP)Rod LiftsProcessing Cavity Pumps (PCP)OthersArtificial Lift Systems Market Analysis: By ApplicationOil & GasMiningConstructionOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Artificial Lift Systems manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Artificial Lift Systems report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Artificial Lift Systems industry, Artificial Lift Systems industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Artificial Lift Systems Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Artificial Lift Systems research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Artificial Lift Systems market revenue worldwide.Finally, Artificial Lift Systems market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports-
Global Plant Based Milk Market 2017- Archer Daniels Midland, Nestle, WhiteWave Foods, Hain Celestial Group

Global Plant Based Milk Market 2017

http://bit.ly/2rs7bWx

https://market.biz/report/global-plant-based-milk-market-2017/96514/

https://market.biz/

http://firstnewshawk.com/

The Global Plant Based Milk Market 2017 examines the performance of the Plant Based Milk market. It encloses an in-depth judgment of the Plant Based Milk market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Plant Based Milk market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Plant Based Milk Market 2017 report includes Plant Based Milk industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Plant Based Milk Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Plant Based Milk Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Plant Based Milk Market 2017:1 Archer Daniels Midland2 Nestle3 WhiteWave Foods4 Hain Celestial Group5 Daiya FoodsPlant Based Milk Market Analysis: By ProductLegumesCerealsNutsSeedsOtherPlant Based Milk Market Analysis: By ApplicationSupermarkets and HypermarketsSpecialist RetailersOnline RetailersOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Plant Based Milk manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Plant Based Milk report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Plant Based Milk industry, Plant Based Milk industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Plant Based Milk Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Plant Based Milk research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Plant Based Milk market revenue worldwide.Finally, Plant Based Milk market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.Contact Us:James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Near Navale Lawns, PuneMaharashtra, India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest News-
Global Powdered Milk Market 2017- Regilait, Lactoland Trockenmilchwerk Gmbh, Dano Food, Food Basics, Tatura

Global Powdered Milk Market 2017

http://bit.ly/2s90SZ9

https://market.biz/report/global-powdered-milk-market-2017/96516/

https://market.biz/

http://firstnewshawk.com/

The Global Powdered Milk Market 2017 examines the performance of the Powdered Milk market. It encloses an in-depth judgment of the Powdered Milk market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Powdered Milk market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Powdered Milk Market 2017 report includes Powdered Milk industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Powdered Milk Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Powdered Milk Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Powdered Milk Market 2017:1 Regilait2 Lactoland Trockenmilchwerk Gmbh3 Dano Food4 Food Basics5 Tatura6 Nestle7 Mengniu8 EriePowdered Milk Market Analysis: By ProductSkim MilkWhole Milk PowdersPowdered Milk Market Analysis: By ApplicationBabiesAdultsAt the beginning, the report covers the top Powdered Milk manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Powdered Milk report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Powdered Milk industry, Powdered Milk industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Powdered Milk Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Powdered Milk research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Powdered Milk market revenue worldwide.Finally, Powdered Milk market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.Contact Us:James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Near Navale Lawns, PuneMaharashtra, India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest News-
Global Power Generation Technology Market 2017- Caterpillar, Cummins, Generac, Kohler Co, GE Power

Global Power Generation Technology Market 2017

http://bit.ly/2rBXrHM

https://market.biz/report/global-power-generation-technology-market-2017/96517/

https://market.biz/

http://firstnewshawk.com/

The Global Power Generation Technology Market 2017 examines the performance of the Power Generation Technology market. It encloses an in-depth judgment of the Power Generation Technology market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Power Generation Technology market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Power Generation Technology Market 2017 report includes Power Generation Technology industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Power Generation Technology Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Power Generation Technology Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Power Generation Technology Market 2017:1 Caterpillar2 Cummins3 Generac4 Kohler Co5 GE Power6 MTU Onsite Energy7 Siemens8 WartsilaPower Generation Technology Market Analysis: By ProductDiesel GensetsDual-Fuel GensetsNatural Gas GensetsTurbinesMicroturbinesPower Generation Technology Market Analysis: By ApplicationGovernment AgenciesIndustryAgricultureOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Power Generation Technology manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Power Generation Technology report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Power Generation Technology industry, Power Generation Technology industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Power Generation Technology Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Power Generation Technology research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Power Generation Technology market revenue worldwide.Finally, Power Generation Technology market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.Contact Us:James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Near Navale Lawns, PuneMaharashtra, India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest News-
Global Automotive Carpet Market 2017 - Dorsett Industries, Tru-Fit Carpets, Bonar, Toyota Boshoku

https://goo.gl/MkReU9

https://market.biz/report/global-automotive-carpet-market-2017/97047/

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The Automotive Carpet Market 2017 examines the performance of the Automotive Carpet market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Automotive Carpet market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Automotive Carpet market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Automotive Carpet Market 2017 report includes Automotive Carpet industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Automotive Carpet Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Automotive Carpet Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Automotive Carpet Market 2017:1 Auto Custom Carpets, Inc. (ACC)2 Dorsett Industries3 Tru-Fit Carpets4 Bonar5 Toyota BoshokuAutomotive Carpet Market Analysis: By ProductMoulded CarpetLoop Pile CarpetCut Pile CarpetBlended Pile CarpetAutomotive Carpet Market Analysis: By ApplicationPassenger VehiclesCommercial VehiclesAt the beginning, the report covers the top Automotive Carpet manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Automotive Carpet report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Automotive Carpet industry, Automotive Carpet industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Automotive Carpet Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Automotive Carpet research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Automotive Carpet market revenue worldwide.Finally, Automotive Carpet market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports-
EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Market Report 2017

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split EMEA into Europe, the Middle East and Africa, With sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Automotive Infrared Night Vision System for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast)Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux;Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria.EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Automotive Infrared Night Vision System sales volume (K Units), price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBoschAutolivDensoOmronFLIR SystemsBendixMelexis Microelectronic Integrated SystemsDelphiOmniVision Technologies IncHellaRaytheonValeoSirica CorpProtrulyGwicGuide InfraredZF TRWContinentalTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoActive Infrared Night Vision SystemPassive Infrared Night Vision SystemOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (K Units), market share and growth rate of Automotive Infrared Night Vision System for each application, includingOEAftermarketIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Get more information from Research Report Press Release:Table of Contents1 Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Automotive Infrared Night Vision System1.2 Classification of Automotive Infrared Night Vision System1.2.1 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Active Infrared Night Vision System1.2.4 Passive Infrared Night Vision System1.3 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-20221.3.2 OE1.3.3 Aftermarket1.4 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Market by Region1.4.1 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Middle East Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Africa Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 EMEA Market Size (Value and Volume) of Automotive Infrared Night Vision System (2012-2022)1.5.1 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers2.1.1 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume and Market Share of Major Players (2012-2017)2.1.2 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue and Share by Players (2012-2017)2.1.3 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sale Price by Players (2012-2017)2.2 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System (Volume and Value) by Type/Product Category2.2.1 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.3 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sale Price by Type (2012-2017)2.3 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System (Volume) by Application2.4 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.3 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Price by Region (2012-2017)3 Europe Automotive Infrared Night Vision System (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Players, Countries, Type and Application3.1 Europe Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 Europe Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 Europe Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.2 Europe Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Market Share by Type3.3 Europe Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Market Share by Application3.4 Europe Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries3.4.1 Europe Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)3.4.2 Europe Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)3.4.3 Germany Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.4 France Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.5 UK Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.6 Russia Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.7 Italy Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.8 Benelux Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4 Middle East Automotive Infrared Night Vision System (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Region, Type and Application4.1 Middle East Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Middle East Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Middle East Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.2 Middle East Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Market Share by Type4.3 Middle East Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Market Share by Application4.4 Middle East Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries4.4.1 Middle East Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)4.4.2 Middle East Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.4 Israel Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.5 UAE Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.6 Iran Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5 Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System (Volume, Value and Sales Price) by Players, Countries, Type and Application5.1 Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.2 Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Market Share by Type5.3 Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Market Share by Application5.4 Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries5.4.1 Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)5.4.2 Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)5.4.3 South Africa Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.4.4 Nigeria Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.4.5 Egypt Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.4.6 Algeria Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6 EMEA Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Manufacturers/Players Profiles and Sales Data6.1 Bosch6.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.1.2 Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Product Type, Application and Specification6.1.2.1 Product A6.1.2.2 Product B6.1.3 Bosch Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.2 Autoliv6.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.2.2 Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Product Type, Application and Specification6.2.2.1 Product A6.2.2.2 Product B6.2.3 Autoliv Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.3 Denso6.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.3.2 Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Product Type, Application and Specification6.3.2.1 Product A6.3.2.2 Product B6.3.3 Denso Automotive Infrared Night Vision System Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. 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Global Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market 2017- Beckhoff Automation, Cisco, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Siemens

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The Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market 2017 examines the performance of the Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market 2017 report includes Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market 2017:1 Beckhoff Automation2 Cisco3 Rockwell Automation4 Schneider Electric5 Siemens6 ABB7 B&R Automation8 Belden9 Bosch Rexroth10 Eaton11 Endress+Hauser12 GE13 Honeywell International14 Hitachi15 IDEC16 OMRON17 Parker HannifinUnmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market Analysis: By ProductRJ-45 Ethernet SwitchesBNC Ethernet SwitchesAUI Ethernet SwitchesUnmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market Analysis: By ApplicationDiscrete IndustriesProcess IndustriesAt the beginning, the report covers the top Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches industry, Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches market revenue worldwide.Finally, Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Global Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market 2017- ASV Global, Teledyne Technologies, Inc, Textron, Elbit Systems Ltd.

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The Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market 2017 examines the performance of the Unmanned Surface Vehicle market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Unmanned Surface Vehicle market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Unmanned Surface Vehicle market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market 2017 report includes Unmanned Surface Vehicle industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Unmanned Surface Vehicle Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Unmanned Surface Vehicle Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market 2017:1 ASV Global2 Teledyne Technologies, Inc.3 Textron4 Elbit Systems Ltd.Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Analysis: By ProductRemote TypeSemi-Autonomous TypeFully-Autonomous TypeUnmanned Surface Vehicle Market Analysis: By ApplicationMilitary UseCivil UseAt the beginning, the report covers the top Unmanned Surface Vehicle manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Unmanned Surface Vehicle report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Unmanned Surface Vehicle industry, Unmanned Surface Vehicle industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Unmanned Surface Vehicle research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Unmanned Surface Vehicle market revenue worldwide.Finally, Unmanned Surface Vehicle market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.Read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Global Ultrasound Machines Market 2017- General Elecrtic (GE), Philips, Siemens, TOSHIBA, Hitachi Medical Corporation

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The Ultrasound Machines Market 2017 examines the performance of the Ultrasound Machines market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Ultrasound Machines market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Ultrasound Machines market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Ultrasound Machines Market 2017 report includes Ultrasound Machines industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Ultrasound Machines Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Ultrasound Machines Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Ultrasound Machines Market 2017:1 General Elecrtic (GE)2 Philips3 Siemens4 TOSHIBA5 Hitachi Medical Corporation6 Esaote7 SamSung8 Sonosite (FUJIFILM )9 Mindray10 SonoScape11 SIUIUltrasound Machines Market Analysis: By ProductDiagnostic DeviceTreatment DeviceOtherUltrasound Machines Market Analysis: By ApplicationMachinery IndustryMedical IndustryMarine IndustryAviation IndustryOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Ultrasound Machines manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Ultrasound Machines report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Ultrasound Machines industry, Ultrasound Machines industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Ultrasound Machines Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Ultrasound Machines research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Ultrasound Machines market revenue worldwide.Finally, Ultrasound Machines market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.Read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Global Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market 2017- Omya, Imerys, Minerals Technologies, Okutama Kogyo, Maruo Calcium

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The Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market 2017 examines the performance of the Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market 2017 report includes Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market 2017:1 Omya2 Imerys3 Minerals Technologies4 Okutama Kogyo5 Maruo Calcium6 Mississippi Lime7 Solvay8 Fimatec9 Schaefer Kalk10 Cales de Llierca11 Chu Shin Chemical Corporation12 MARUO CALCIUM13 Changzhou Calcium Carbonate14 Hebei Lixin Chemistry15 Quzhou Jinniu Calcium Carbonate16 CHANGSHAN RUIJIN GAIYE17 Hubei Jingmen Baochang Calcium Hydroxide18 Zhejiang Jianeng Calcium IndustryUltrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market Analysis: By ProductUncoated Precipitated Calcium CarbonateCoated Precipitated Calcium CarbonateUltrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market Analysis: By ApplicationPaperPlasticsPaints & CoatingsAdhesives & SealantsOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate industry, Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate market revenue worldwide.Finally, Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.Read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Global Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Tpms Market 2017- Schrader, Continental, TRW, Huf

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The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report Market 2017 examines the performance of the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report Market 2017 report includes Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report Market 2017:1 Schrader2 Continental3 TRW4 Huf5 Advantage Enterprises6 Bendix Commercial7 Pacific Industrial8 Dill Air Controls9 Doran Manufacturing10 Sate11 Topsun12 Kysonix Inc.13 Steelmate14 Topsystm15 Leiwei Electric16 ShangHai HangSheng17 Baolong Automotive18 Wellgain19 Autotech20 KooanTyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report Market Analysis: By ProductIndirect TPMSDirect TPMSTyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report Market Analysis: By ApplicationPassenger VehiclesCommercial VehiclesAt the beginning, the report covers the top Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report industry, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report market revenue worldwide.Finally, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Market 2017 Industry Research Report market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.Read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Global Tube Packaging Market 2017- Amcor, Essel Propack, Alcan Packaging, Sonoco Products Company, Unette Corporation, Albea Group

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The Tube Packaging Market 2017 examines the performance of the Tube Packaging market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Tube Packaging market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Tube Packaging market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Tube Packaging Market 2017 report includes Tube Packaging industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Tube Packaging Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Tube Packaging Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Tube Packaging Market 2017:1 Amcor2 Essel Propack3 Alcan Packaging4 Sonoco Products Company5 Unette Corporation6 Albea Group7 Constantia Flexibles8 Huhtamaki Oyj9 Custom Paper Tubes10 Express Tubes11 Guangzhou Amy Plastic Tube12 Dow Corning13 Huttinger Electronic14 Motebello Packaging15 LPS Industries16 Nim-Cor17 Packaging Concepts18 Paramount Tube19 The Tube Council20 Tulox Plastics Corporation21 Viva Healthcare PackagingTube Packaging Market Analysis: By ProductAluminum TubesPlastic TubesPaper TubesCardboard TubesOtherTube Packaging Market Analysis: By ApplicationOral Care & CosmeticsFood and BeveragesAdhesives and SealantsPharmaceuticalsConsumer GoodsOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Tube Packaging manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Tube Packaging report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Tube Packaging industry, Tube Packaging industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Tube Packaging Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Tube Packaging research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Tube Packaging market revenue worldwide.Finally, Tube Packaging market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.Read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News-
Acrylic Processing Aid Market 2017 Research In-Depth Analysis, Applications, Forecasts To 2025

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Global Acrylic Processing Aid Market: OverviewAs the application industries of PVC are growing, the market for acrylic processing aid will grow simultaneously to achieve new heights. PVC products such as foam sheets, pipe fittings, profiles, bottles, sheets, and fencing among many others need acrylic processing aids to gain better fluidity during the process, produce superior surface gloss, and increase their production efficiency, thereby increasing the overall output.The report discusses the key factors driving and restraining the market for acrylic processing aid, along with the market trends and opportunities. The report throws light on aspects such as value chain dynamics, market attractiveness, and market forecasts based on authentic statistical findings. The past and the prevailing key segments have been revealed, along with projections about which segment is expected to lead during the forecast period. The key market players and their business strategies have also been analyzed, providing a 360-degree view of the global market for acrylic processing aids.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Acrylic Processing Aid Market: Trends and OpportunitiesBased on type, polyvinylchloride (PVC) is expected to be a major segment in the global acrylic processing aid market. PVC is likely to enhance market opportunities as several manufacturers are inclined towards cost-efficient and light-weight materials. Using light weight elements is fundamental in reducing the weight of vehicles. Therefore, the automobile industry, a rapidly magnifying domain, will ensure the expansion of the PVC segment in the global market for acrylic processing aids.PVC compounds use acrylic processing aids because they promote PVC fusion, provide lubrication, and change the melt rheology. They also ensure constant, uninterrupted flow of PVC melt in order to achieve a smooth surface in PVC finished products. Since the applications of PVC compounds have been increasing rapidly to include industries such as electric enclosures, business equipment, and electrical appliances, the market for acrylic processing aids will expand considerably.Plastic materials are processed with the help of fabrication processes that use acrylic processing aids. Fabrication processes can be segmented broadly into injection molding and extrusion. Of these, the extrusion segment, on account of its widespread use, is projected to grow substantially over the next few years. On the contrary, stringent regulatory policies might curb growth to some extent.Request TOC of the Report @Global Acrylic Processing Aid Market: Regional OutlookBased on geography, the global market for acrylic processing aid can be segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and MEA. North America and Europe presently hold a major share in the global market for acrylic processing aids.Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as a key market, exhibiting a promising CAGR during the forecast period. Large-scale investments in numerous industries such as packaging, consumer goods, automotive, and building and construction is a key factor driving the growth of this regional market. The increasing disposable incomes of people in this region will also aid growth.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe major companies operating in the global market for acrylic processing aid include The Dow Chemical Company, Shandong Rike Chemicals Co., Ltd., Kaneka Corporation, BASF SE, Akdeniz Kimya A.S., Sundow Polymers Co., Ltd. and Arkema SA. Several significant companies have been sprouting in emerging economies. India-based Indofil Industries Limited, a major company manufacturing acrylic processing aids in the region, is conducting extensive R&D activities for developing a wide, customized range of products, catering to the increasing demand for acrylic processing aids. This is expected to intensify the level of competition among the leading players.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Evaporative Condensing Unit Market 2017: Industry Research, Review, Growth, Segmentation, Key Players Analysis and Forecast to 2025

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https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=941

https://www.tmrresearch.com/evaporative-condensing-unit-market

Global Evaporative Condensing Unit Market : SnapshotThe applications of evaporative condensers in commercial HVAC have been common over the past few decades. However the recent rate of advancement in this field has been enormous, thanks to the incorporation of newer and better materials, faster and cost-efficient manufacturing processes, and the increasing demand for the perfect HVAC system. The basis of evaporative condensers lies in the enhancement of heat rejection through the evaporation process. In this process, water is sprayed on a coil with air being blown simultaneously through the coil. This air comes from the natural heat of a room and causes the sprayed water to evaporate, thereby becoming cooler and aiding in the cooling of an environment. An evaporative condenser can be used at lower temperatures in order to minimize the load on a compressor, thereby allowing for a reduction in the total power drawn by the HVAC unit. Evaporative condensers can also be used reduce the overall downtime of an HVAC unit, while also making it less expensive in terms of repairs and maintenance, when compared to the air-cooled condensers. This is because evaporative condensers operate at a much smaller pressure difference than the latter. The benefits of using evaporative condensers further increase through the growing demand experienced by this market, coming from the rapidly evolving industrial sectors of all regions in the world, and especially the emerging economies. The relatively high use of high-performance evaporative condensers in refrigeration is also something to watch out for over the coming years, as the growing demand for refrigeration shelves, displays and containers in the food and beverages industry is likely to keep the players in the global evaporative condensing unit market on their toes.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Evaporative Condensing Unit Market: OverviewEvaporative condensing units are installed for refrigeration needs across various industries such as chemical, power, and commercial industries among others due to their energy efficient features. The booming food and beverage industry displays an extensive demand for evaporative condensing units for several end-users such as cold stores, restaurants, warehouses, and food processing units. The developing food processing and storage facility industry in emerging economies is anticipated to fuel the growth of the refrigeration application segment of the overall market.The global evaporative condensing unit market can be segmented on the basis of design, end-use, application, and region. The most applications of evaporative condensing units are refrigeration and air conditioning; of the two, the refrigeration application segment is anticipated to lead the global evaporative condensing unit market.Request TOC of the Report @The key end users of evaporative condensing units include but are not limited to: Commercial, chemical, and power.The market study presents a thorough overview of the global evaporative condensing unit market, with insights into key growth drivers, restraints, and trends that will impact the markets future development. The report also delves into the latest trends and opportunities that companies in the global evaporative condensing unit market can leverage for growth.The report is prepared by gathering data from primary and secondary research sources and using standard research methodologies. The detailed assessment of the global evaporative condensing unit market presented in this study will assist managers, policy makers, and business analysts make informed business decisions.Global Evaporative Condensing Unit Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe development of advanced evaporative condensing units is primarily driving the growth of the global evaporative condensing unit market. Evaporative condensing units that are technologically advanced are being preferred owing to their extended shelf life and durability and they also facilitate improved performance of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.Furthermore, evaporative condensing units are used in large commercial industries, particularly the ones that require above 100 tons of refrigeration.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Evaporative Condensing Unit Market: Regional OutlookThe global evaporative condensing unit market can be segmented into the regional segments of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Among these, the Middle East and Africa are expected to dominate the global evaporative condensing unit market in the coming years. Saudi Arabia is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the Middle East and Africa evaporative condensing unit market due to the high economic growth in the country.In the coming years, the Middle East and Africa evaporative condensing unit market is expected to display a significant growth rate. This is due to the development of the chemical industry, which in turn displays substantial demand for evaporative condensing units in this region.The rising concerns about the high global warming potency of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) refrigerants have negatively impacted the growth of the evaporative condensing unit market in North America and Europe. In Europe, refrigerants need to meet EN 378 and ISO 5149 standards in order to be certified as non-toxic and non-flammable. Moreover, the European Environment Agency keeps a check on ammonia emissions from industrial units, commercial, domestic, and agricultural sectors and has laid out stringent regulations for the use of ammonia.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide Market 2017 Research In-Depth Analysis, Applications, Forecasts To 2025

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https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=869

https://www.tmrresearch.com/industrial-hydrogen-peroxide-market

Global Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide Market: OverviewHydrogen peroxide is chiefly used in several industries due to its bleaching properties. Its day-to-day use is found in washing powders as well. Hydrogen peroxide is vastly brought into use to make sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate, which acts as bleaching agents in liquid and solid detergents.The global industrial hydrogen peroxide market can be classified on the basis of function into sterilizing/disinfecting, oxidizing, bleaching, and propulsion. Based on end-use industry, the market may be segmented into chemical synthesis, water and wastewater treatment, healthcare and personal care, pulp and paper, food processing, textile, and electronics and semiconductor.In the report, TMR Research provides a detailed analysis of drivers and restrictions in the global industrial hydrogen peroxide market. It also offers insight to the various segments and regions of the market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide Market: Key TrendsOn the basis of function, bleaching will hold a prominent share in the global industrial hydrogen peroxide market. This particular function is rising due to its excessive usage in the pulp and paper and textile industries. To achieve the desired brightness suitable for magazine papers, board and tissue products, bleaching of pulp and paper becomes more than necessary, thereby increasing the significance of the bleaching function of industrial hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, industrial hydrogen peroxide is favored for bleaching of cotton fabrics to accomplish the preferred whiteness after the removal of the catalyst.The pulp and paper industry is a key contributor to the growth of the global industrial hydrogen peroxide market and is expected to grow at a higher rate during the said period. Industrial hydrogen peroxide is used for bleaching of mechanical pulp, chemical pulp, and recycled pulp (de-inking). With the help of industrial hydrogen peroxide in the pulp and paper industry, bleaching increases brightness stability, improves brightness levels, and reduces manufacturing cost, as it is the only chemical required. In addition, with the use of hydrogen peroxide, dangerous halogenated composites and effluents present in pulp are reduced and the color of the effluent is also lightened.Industrial hydrogen peroxide achieves better results in oxidizing, bleaching, sterilizing/disinfecting, and etching applications than its alternatives present in the market and it is also environment friendly. However, there are numerous limitations of industrial hydrogen peroxide. If eyes are exposed to industrial hydrogen peroxide with a concentrations of 5% or more, it can result in permanent loss of vision. Moreover, skin exposure can cause burns, painful blisters, and skin whitening, restricting the growth of the global industrial hydrogen peroxide market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide Market: Regional OverviewGeographically, the global industrial hydrogen peroxide market can be segmented into North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific held a significant share in the market in 2015 and is projected to continue its positive streak through 2025. In the Asia Pacific region, China is presently an immensely strong player in the industrial hydrogen peroxide market. The key factors driving the growth include increasing demand from the pulp and paper, textile, and chemical industries and the rising need for environment-friendly and chlorine-free bleaches. India and Japan are two other promising markets for industrial hydrogen peroxide in Asia Pacific.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Industrial Hydrogen Peroxide Market: Key PlayersThe report profiles key players in the global industrial hydrogen peroxide market based on various attributes such as company overview, business strategies, recent development, and financial overview. Some of the players in the market are BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Ecolab Inc., Solvay SA, AkzoNobel N.V., Evonik Industries AG, Kemira Oyj, Arkema SA, Merck Group, and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Polyurethane Composites Market Detailed Analysis and Forecast by 2025

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https://www.tmrresearch.com/polyurethane-composites-market

Global Polyurethane Composites Market: OverviewPolyurethane composites have recently forayed into foamed structural RIM automotive interior and exterior parts such as package shelves, load floors, and pick-up truck boxes. Used for anti-corrosion, reinforcement, in engineering components, electrical insulation, in aircrafts, trains and cars, and wear and tear protection, polyurethane composites are systems that are processed into molded parts or coatings, in combination with fillers, short, or long fibers. The method involves the use of either a conventional composite manufacturing procedure or casting, spraying, liquid resin press molding.The report includes a detailed analysis of the key trends, opportunities, growth drivers, and restraining factors in the market for polyurethane composites. The major market players are analyzed in detail wherein factors such as their business strategies, market shares, and product portfolios are studied. The supply and demand ratio, market dynamics, market attractiveness, technological advancements, and market projections have been revealed along with relevant statistical data.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Polyurethane Composites Market: Drivers and RestraintsAs polyurethane composites are manufactured with rigid thermoset resins, they possess superior strength and greater resistance to abrasion and heat when compared with composites that use vinyl ester resins and unsaturated polyester. Research shows that polyurethane composites save more than 20% of the weight of non-automotive applications. This is expected to augment the growth of global polyurethane composites market.Polyurethane composites are environment friendly as they are recyclable. Furthermore, compared to polyester spray-ups, polyurethane composites are much faster and convenient to use, as polyester spray-ups require rolling out the glass to release air. The tooling and labor costs are also lower. All these advantages will aid the growth of global polyurethane composites market.Fiber glass polyurethane composites are likely to emerge as one of the most promising segments by type. Factors such as durability, light weight, resistance to moisture and heat, and flexibility account for the opportunities presented by this segment. By end user, the transportation segment is projected to hold a major share in the market for polyurethane composites, owing to the heightened demand exhibited by the automotive industry. The market will witness abundant opportunities on account of the growing number of applications ranging from electric light poles to bathtubs. On the other hand, strict regulatory policies are likely to limit market growth.Request TOC of the Report @Global Polyurethane Composites Market: Regional OutlookBased on geography, the global market for polyurethane composites can be segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America has been a prominent market for polyurethane composites and is expected to retain its strong position in the years to come. The growth in this region has been attributed to rigorous construction activities aimed at upgrading public infrastructural facilities.Asia Pacific has been displaying a surge in demand for polyurethane composites. This demand is driven by growing number of end users such as electrical and electronics, transportation, and building and construction. Recently, these industries have been expanding at a phenomenal rate in Asian countries such as China, India, and Japan, thereby generating significant prospects. Mexico is another regional market that will present immense opportunities over the coming years due to improving standards of living.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe key companies operating in the market for global polyurethane composites include Bayer AG, Toray Industries, Inc., SGL Group, BASF SE, Hexcel Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, Huntsman Corporation, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., and Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. Growing costs of energy generation coupled with awareness about greenhouse effect have led major companies to boost their energy-efficiency levels.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Sheet Molding Compound and Bulk Molding Compound Market Detailed Analysis and Forecast by 2025

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https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=674

https://www.tmrresearch.com/sheet-molding-compound-bulk-molding-compound-market

Global Sheet Molding Compound and Bulk Molding Compound Market: SnapshotThe global market for sheet molding compound and bulk molding compound is expected to advance with the launch of superior quality, lightweight, and more durable bulk molding and sheet molding compounds. By virtue of their higher line throughputs and lower production costs, these compounds are increasingly preferred by several leading manufacturers. As an augmenting number of advanced automobiles and luxury brands are deploying sheet molding compound (SMC) components, the market for sheet molding compound and bulk molding compound promises significant growth opportunities.For instance, the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster features a light-weight boot-lid that is made from SMC. Similarly, the 2018 Lexus LC 500 deploys glass sheet molding compound to curb weight. The inner panels of the trunk and doors of the vehicle are made using CRFP sheet molding compound.Several prominent market players have set their eyes on global presence, for which they have been expanding their capacities through new production facilities in new regions. For instance, in March 2017, Jushi Group Ltd. announced its plans to set up a production facility in Suez, Egypt by the second half of 2017. It has also been ramping up its product portfolio with the addition of SMC Class A and BMC chopped strands. Another leading firm, A. Schulman, Inc. announced in October 2016 its intention to expand its compounding capacity via the addition of a new sheet molding compound production site in Germany. Another new inventory facility, situated in Slovenia, will cater to the demands of its European customer base.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Sheet Molding Compound and Bulk Molding Compound Market: OverviewSheet Molding Compound (SMC) is a ready-to-mold, glass fiber protected polymer matrix composite material that finds use in different modern applications. This is because it can be molded into complex shapes. Bulk Molding Compound (BMC), on the other hand, is an amalgamation of cut glass strands and resin that is supplied in bulks or logs. BMC is suitable for either compression or injection molding. Some of the end-use industries utilizing SMCs and BMCs are electrical, automotive, transportation, aerospace, construction, marine, and consumer industries.Raw materials used in manufacturing SMC and BMC are resins and fibers. Depending upon the type of fiber, the market can be segmented into glass fiber and carbon fiber. Currently, glass fiber is widely used in the global sheet molding compound and bulk molding compound market. Depending upon the resin type, the market can be segmented into polyester, vinyl ester, and others. The glass fiber is the dominating segment in the global sheet-molding compound and bulk-molding compound market.A report by TMR Research conveys essential information about the global market for sheet molding compound and bulk molding compound, which are also known as thermoset compounds. It furnishes a granular analysis of the various factors promoting or hindering the markets growth in the near future and also provides information on the important players in the market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Sheet Molding Compound and Bulk Molding Compound Market: Drivers and TrendsSheet molding compound and bulk molding compounds are lightweight yet strong. They are fire, corrosion, and stain resistant and exhibit excellent electrical insulation. As a result of so many unique perceived benefits, SMC and BMC are being preferred over traditional materials such as steel, iron, and aluminum. They are being increasingly utilized in the burgeoning automotive sector. Sheet molding compounds, for example, are used in bonnets, hoods, front ends, decklids, and spoilers in automobiles. Bulk molding compounds too are used in various automotive parts, namely valve covers, ignition parts, and headlight liners. In the years to come, the growing urbanization worldwide, leading to the swift sale of vehicles, especially fuel-efficient vehicles, will drive the market substantially.Other factors benefitting the global sheet molding compound and bulk molding compound market are the increasing automation, integration of the complete value chain of the process industries, and rapid technological progress.Global Sheet Molding Compound and Bulk Molding Compound Market: Regional OutlookAt present, Asia Pacific holds a sway over the global sheet molding compound and bulk molding compound market on account of the robust demand for automobiles and rapid industrialization in the region. The same factors are slated to propel the market further in the near future. In fact, Asia Pacific, powered by China, is slated to outpace all other major geographic segments in terms of growth rate in the years ahead. Presence of a copious number of electrical and automobile manufacturers, which is a result of lesser raw material prices, has made China a key player in the Asia Pacific region. It is both a leading producer and consumer of SMC and BMC in the region.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Europe trails Asia Pacific in the global sheet molding compound and bulk molding compound market. It is followed by North America, which is propelled by the U.S.  the main contributor to its growth.Companies Mentioned in ReportTo present an in-depth assessment of the competition prevailing in the global sheet molding compound and bulk molding compound market, the report profiles companies such as Menzolit GmbH, IDI Composite International, Showa Denko K.K., Citadel Plastics Holding Inc., Continental Structural Plastics Inc., Polynt S.P.A, Core Molding Technologies Inc., and Royal Tencate.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Shampoo (Haircare) Market in Europe - Outlook to 2020: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/shampoo-haircare-market-in-europe---outlook-to-2020-market-size-growth-and-forecast-analytics

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Shampoo (Haircare) Market in Europe - Outlook to 2020: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics to its growing collection of premium market research reports."Shampoo (Haircare) Market in Europe - Outlook to 2020: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics" is a broad level market review of Europe Shampoos market by country. The research handbook provides the up-to-date market size data for period 2011-2015 and illustrative forecast to 2020 covering key market aspects like Sales Value and Volume for Shampoo and its variants 2-in-1, Anti-Dandruff, Kids Shampoo, Medicated Shampoo, Standard Shampoo and Other Shampoo. The research handbook also provides analytics on Sales by Brands and by Distribution Channel.Shampoo - products containing soap or detergents necessary to wash the hair, can also include additional agents like conditioners, dandruff fighting agents, medicated / therapeutic agents etc. Product category includes all 2-in-1 shampoos and conditioners, regular shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos and medicated shampoos, however; excludes baby shampoos.Sales Values in the handbook are depicted in USD ($) and local currency by country and Volumes are represented in M Units.Furthermore, the research handbook details out Sales Value for top brands for the year 2012 to 2015 and overall market sales by Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Department Stores, Dollar Stores, Variety Store, Cash & Carries and Warehouse clubs, eRetailers, Food & Drinks specialists, Drug stores & Pharmacies, Health & Beauty Stores, Other general retailers and others) where ever applicable.The research handbook acts as an essential tool for companies active or plans to venture in to the Europe Shampoo (Haircare) market. The comprehensive statistics within the report provides insight into the operating environment of the market and also ensures right business decision making based on historical trends and industry model based forecasting.Countries covered in this report include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic (Slovakia), Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United KingdomTo Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- Overall Shampoo (Haircare) market value and volume analytics with growth analysis from 2011 to 2020.- Sales Value and Volume analytics for variants of Haircare; 2-in-1, Anti-Dandruff, Kids Shampoo, Medicated Shampoo, Standard Shampoo and Other Shampoo- Value terms for the top brands.- Distribution channel sales analytics from 2012-2015.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Get access to authoritative and granular data on the Shampoo (Haircare) market and fill in the gaps in understanding of trends and the components of change behind them.- Enhance your understanding of the market to update your strategic and tactical plans based on volume and value changes, brand dynamics and distribution trends.- Analyze the components of change in the market by looking at historic and future growth patterns.- Use the data to understand future patterns of the market trends from winners and losers to category dynamics and thereby quickly and easily identify the key areas in which you want to compete in the future.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Brazil Laryngoscopes Market Outlook to 2023

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/brazil-laryngoscopes-market-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Brazil Laryngoscopes Market Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "Brazil Laryngoscopes Market Outlook to 2023", provides key market data on the Brazil Laryngoscopes market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, volume (in units) and and average prices (USD) within market segments - Non-Video Laryngoscopes and Video Laryngoscopes.The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market segments, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular market and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- Market size and company share data for Laryngoscopes market segments Non-Video Laryngoscopes and Video Laryngoscopes.- Annualized market revenues (USD million) and volume (units) data for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.- 2016 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market segments.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Brazil Laryngoscopes market.- Key players covered include Olympus Corporation, KARL STORZ GmbH & Co KG, PENTAX Medical Company and Others.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Wealth in Switzerland: HNW Investors 2017

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https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/wealth-in-switzerland-hnw-investors-2017

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Wealth in Switzerland: HNW Investors 2017 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas Wealth in Switzerland: HNW Investors 2017, report analyzes the investing preferences and portfolio allocation of Swiss HNW investors. The report is based on our proprietary Global Wealth Managers Survey.Inheritors form the largest segment among Swiss HNW individuals, who have generated their wealth mainly through property and real estate, in addition to professional services. Expats in Switzerland account for 8.4% of the HNW population, who along with the rest of the countrys HNW population are keen to invest a proportion of their wealth locally. Looking ahead, greater demand for wealth management services such as inheritance and financial planning is expected.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- Profiles the average Swiss HNW investor in terms of their demographics and analyzes the expat opportunity in Switzerland.- Analyzes which wealth management mandates are preferred among Swiss HNW investors and how the demand will develop looking forward.- Examines the allocation of Swiss HNW investors portfolios into different asset classes and how the allocation is expected to develop in the future.- Analyzes the product and service demand among Swiss HNW investors.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop and enhance your client targeting strategies using our data on HNW profiles and source of wealth.- Give your marketing strategies the necessary edge and capture new clients using insights from our data on HNW investors drivers for seeking investment advice vs self-directing.- Tailor your investment product portfolio to match the current and future demand for different asset classes among HNW individuals.- Develop your service proposition to match the service and product demand expressed by Swiss HNW investors and react proactively to the forecasted change in demand.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
United States Laryngoscopes Market Outlook to 2023

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33758

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/united-states-laryngoscopes-market-outlook-to-2023

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title United States Laryngoscopes Market Outlook to 2023 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas new report, "United States Laryngoscopes Market Outlook to 2023", provides key market data on the United States Laryngoscopes market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, volume (in units) and and average prices (USD) within market segments - Non-Video Laryngoscopes and Video Laryngoscopes.The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market segments, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular market and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- Market size and company share data for Laryngoscopes market segments Non-Video Laryngoscopes and Video Laryngoscopes.- Annualized market revenues (USD million) and volume (units) data for each of the market segments. Data is provided from 2009 to 2016 and forecast to 2023.- 2016 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market segments.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the United States Laryngoscopes market.- Key players covered include Olympus Corporation, KARL STORZ GmbH & Co KG, PENTAX Medical Company and Others.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Minimally Invasive Spine - Europe Analysis and Market Forecasts

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33825

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/minimally-invasive-spine-europe-analysis-and-market-forecasts

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Minimally Invasive Spine - Europe Analysis and Market Forecasts to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Traditionally treated with an open surgical approach to stabilize vertebral bones and joints, spinal fusion is one of a number of surgical procedures that has begun the shift towards less invasive surgical techniques. With the advent of advanced imaging technologies, minimally invasive techniques have emerged as a solution to many of the disadvantages of traditional spinal fusion. Shorter operation time, less trauma to the patients anatomy, and faster return to motion are benefits of minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery that, coupled with the global aging population and continued advancements in navigational technology, will propel its adoption. However, the growth of motion preserving solutions, cost-containment pressures in European healthcare systems, and low physician and patient awareness in emerging markets threaten the widespread adoption of this approach.This report focuses on the market outlook for trauma fixation devices in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and UK). The analysis identifies the key unmet needs in the MIS market, discusses the major drivers and barriers of adoption, and provides an in-depth understanding of physicians perceptions and the future outlook for this market by segment and geography.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- Overview of recent key industry events and analysis of their market impact.- Annualized total market revenue by type of device, procedure trends, and market outlooks by segment and by region through 2023.- Key topics covered include strategic competitor assessment, market characterization, identification of unmet needs, reimbursement considerations, evaluating market access in each region covered in the report, and implications of the emerging technologies in the market.- Pipeline analysis: Comprehensive data split across different stages of development, including a discussion of emerging trends and devices in development.- Analysis of the current and future market competition in the European MIS market. Insightful review of the key industry drivers, barriers, and challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide qualitative analysis of its implications.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- What Physicians Think quotes provide a unique insight into how healthcare professionals are reacting to events within the industry, and what their responses could mean for industry strategists. In this report you will understand the perceptions of leading orthopedic surgeons from around the world. This information is essential for all strategic decision makers in every organization allowing them to act on high quality information.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Consumer Payments Country Snapshot: Brazil 2016

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33809

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/consumer-payments-country-snapshot-brazil-2016

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Consumer Payments Country Snapshot: Brazil 2016 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.This report examines the consumer payments market in Brazil, considering payment cards, online payments, P2P payments, and newer payment technologies such as mobile wallets and contactless. This report also examines the regulations in force in the market that players must comply with, and how these have changed in recent years.The Brazilian payments system will continue to move towards digital payments, in spite of cash use remaining relatively high. In the process of digitizing payments, the key opportunity is to provide products and services that are as easy to use, convenient, and secure as cash in order to actively contribute to financial inclusion in the country. The most important steps in the process will be the rise of smartphone penetration, increasing access to the internet, and the development of a digital payments infrastructure.Scope of the Report- Analyzes the major payment card types in terms of both card holding and usage.- Identifies the major competitors in card issuing and how their position in the market has changed over the last five years.- Considers consumer attitudes towards prepaid cards, P2P tools, mobile payment tools, and contactless cards, and how companies in Brazil are deploying these tools to meet customer needs.- Explores the online payment market in Brazil by merchant type and payment tool, as well as providing a five-year forecast for the development of the market.- Considers the regulations affecting the payments market and how they are likely to affect both incumbents and disruptors.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- As Brazil gradually moves to non-cash payments, cards will be used more frequently by Brazilian consumers, with pay-now cards forecast to record 53% growth in use at the point of sale by 2020, compared to only 11% for pay-later. Providers should promote card adoption and use through merchant partnerships, reward programs, and day-to-day spending benefits, as well as educating consumers about the advantages of using cards over cash.- M-commerce is expected to record a compound annual growth rate of 35% between 2015 and 2020, although desktop and laptop-based purchases will continue to account for the majority of online purchases by value in Brazil. Due to the significant size of the market (forecast to reach $65.2bn by 2020), e-commerce will see the largest opportunities in the online commerce market in the near term.- As more than a third of Brazilian consumers have never heard of contactless cards, providers need to better promote awareness to reach the mass market. As more than 65% of Brazilian consumers are preoccupied by concerns over unauthorized use of their contactless cards if they are lost, providers should highlight security features in their value proposition in order to boost usage.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Understand the key facts and figures in the consumer payments market in Brazil- Find out what products the major competitors are launching in the market and plan your strategy accordingly.- Discover consumer sentiments towards various payment tools in the Brazilian market and use this knowledge to inform product design.- Learn about the key regulatory requirements affecting Brazilian payments players and any recent or upcoming changes to those requirements.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
The Cards and Payments Industry in Colombia: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33822

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/the-cards-and-payments-industry-in-colombia-emerging-trends-and-opportunities-to-2020

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title The Cards and Payments Industry in Colombia: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas "The Cards and Payments Industry in Colombia: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020", report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Colombian cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including direct debits, check payments, payment cards and cash transactions during the review period (2012-2016).The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, and transaction values and volumes during the review period and over the forecast period (2016-2020). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes.The report brings together GlobalDatas research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure.To widen the scope of contactless payments in Colombia, Mastercard collaborated with Bancolombia and transport operators - including Recaudo Bogota, Metro de Medellin and SmartTaxi - in February 2015, to allow cardholders to access public transportation on these networks using their cards. This collaboration enables Colombians to make contactless payment for transportation fare directly with their Bancolombia Mastercard at Integrated Public Transit Systems (SITP) in places like Bogota, Mio in Cali, TransMetro in Barranquilla and the Medellin Metro.Alternative payments are gradually gaining prominence in Colombia, with banks and payment solution providers launching services. The latest of these is the launch of the BBVA Wallet by BBVA Colombia in September 2016. Similarly, Group Aval and Bancolombia launched their Aval Pay and Bancolombia wallet respectively in September 2015. Similarly, the Colombia-based payment solution provider Paymenetz launched its mobile app, Plazez, in association with Mastercard in July 2015.To enhance the card acceptance from foreign tourists in Colombia, payment service providers are offering personalized payment solutions. RBM Redeban, Colombias leading electronic payment processing company, and Planet Payment, a provider of international and multi-currency payment processing services, entered into an agreement in July 2016 to establish a dynamic currency conversion service named Pay in Your Currency. Pay in Your Currency provides international customers with the choice to pay in their local currency. Customers are given the convenience of selecting on their receipt whether they prefer to pay in Colombian pesos or their own, while the merchant continues to receive settlements in pesos.This report also provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Colombian cards and payments industry, including -- Current and forecast values for each market in the Colombian cards and payments industry, including debit and credit cards.- Detailed insights into payment instruments including direct debit, cash transactions, checks and payment cards. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.- E-commerce market analysis and payment methods.- Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Colombian cards and payments industry.- Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit and credit cards.- Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards.- The competitive landscape in the Colombian cards and payments industry.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Colombian cards and payments industry.- It provides current values for the Colombian cards and payments industry for 2016, and forecast figures to 2020.- It details the different demographic, economic, infrastructural and business drivers affecting the Colombian cards and payments industry.- It outlines the current regulatory framework in the industry.- It details marketing strategies used by various banks and other institutions.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Colombian cards and payments industry and each market within it.- Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Colombian cards and payments industry.- Assess the competitive dynamics in the Colombian cards and payments industry.- Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Colombia.- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Colombian cards and payments industry.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Minimally Invasive Spine - South America Analysis and Market Forecasts

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33826

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/minimally-invasive-spine-south-america-analysis-and-market-forecasts

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Minimally Invasive Spine - South America Analysis and Market Forecasts to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Traditionally treated with an open surgical approach to stabilize vertebral bones and joints, spinal fusion is one of a number of surgical procedures that has begun the shift towards less invasive surgical techniques. With the advent of advanced imaging technologies, minimally invasive techniques have emerged as a solution to many of the disadvantages of traditional spinal fusion. Shorter operation time, less trauma to the patients anatomy, and faster return to motion are benefits of minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery that, coupled with the global aging population and continued advancements in navigational technology, will propel its adoption. However, the growth of motion preserving solutions and low physician and patient awareness in emerging markets threaten the widespread adoption of this approach.This report focuses on the market outlook for MIS devices in South America (Argentina, Brazil, and Chile). The analysis identifies the key unmet needs in the MIS market, discusses the major drivers and barriers of adoption, and provides an in-depth understanding of physicians perceptions and the future outlook for this market by segment and geography.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- Overview of recent key industry events and analysis of their market impact.- Annualized total market revenue by type of device, procedure trends, and market outlooks by segment and by region through 2023.- Key topics covered include strategic competitor assessment, market characterization, identification of unmet needs, reimbursement considerations, evaluating market access in each region covered in the report, and implications of the emerging technologies in the market.- Pipeline analysis: Comprehensive data split across different stages of development, including a discussion of emerging trends and devices in development.- Analysis of the current and future market competition in the South American MIS market. Insightful review of the key industry drivers, barriers, and challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide qualitative analysis of its implications.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- What Physicians Think quotes provide a unique insight into how healthcare professionals are reacting to events within the industry, and what their responses could mean for industry strategists. In this report you will understand the perceptions of leading orthopedic surgeons from around the world. This information is essential for all strategic decision makers in every organization allowing them to act on high quality information.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Minimally Invasive Spine - Middle East and Africa Analysis and Market Forecasts

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33828

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/minimally-invasive-spine-middle-east-and-africa-analysis-and-market-forecasts

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Minimally Invasive Spine - Middle East and Africa Analysis and Market Forecasts to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Traditionally treated with an open surgical approach to stabilize vertebral bones and joints, spinal fusion is one of a number of surgical procedures that has begun the shift towards less invasive surgical techniques. With the advent of advanced imaging technologies, minimally invasive techniques have emerged as a solution to many of the disadvantages of traditional spinal fusion. Shorter operation time, less trauma to the patients anatomy, and faster return to motion are benefits of minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery that, coupled with the global aging population and continued advancements in navigational technology, will propel its adoption. However, the growth of motion preserving solutions and low physician and patient awareness in emerging markets threaten the widespread adoption of this approach.This report focuses on the market outlook for MIS devices in the Middle East and Africa (Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates). The analysis identifies the key unmet needs in the MIS market, discusses the major drivers and barriers of adoption, and provides an in-depth understanding of physicians perceptions and the future outlook for this market by segment and geography.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- Overview of recent key industry events and analysis of their market impact.- Annualized total market revenue by type of device, procedure trends, and market outlooks by segment and by region through 2023.- Key topics covered include strategic competitor assessment, market characterization, identification of unmet needs, reimbursement considerations, evaluating market access in each region covered in the report, and implications of the emerging technologies in the market.- Pipeline analysis: Comprehensive data split across different stages of development, including a discussion of emerging trends and devices in development.- Analysis of the current and future market competition in the Middle East and Africa MIS market. Insightful review of the key industry drivers, barriers, and challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide qualitative analysis of its implications.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- What Physicians Think quotes provide a unique insight into how healthcare professionals are reacting to events within the industry, and what their responses could mean for industry strategists. In this report you will understand the perceptions of leading orthopedic surgeons from around the world. This information is essential for all strategic decision makers in every organization allowing them to act on high quality information.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
The Future of Urbanization: Identifying and understanding the future urban landscape

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33799

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/the-future-of-urbanization-identifying-and-understanding-the-future-urban-landscape

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title The Future of Urbanization: Identifying and understanding the future urban landscape to its growing collection of premium market research reports."The Future of Urbanization: Identifying and understanding the future urban landscape", is an extensive and detail-orientated report decoding the future of cities across the globe. The brief focuses on the opportunities and challenges arising as a result of the rapid urbanization currently occurring. Through the use of city economic, demographic and income data, consumer surveys and analysis the report provides clear and actionable insight into the future of urban markets.Cities will increasingly become engines of growth as urbanization continues at a fast rate; the proportion of the global population living in urban areas will reach 60% by 2025. However, as the urban population rises some cities will experience population declines; surprisingly some rapidly shrinking cities are capitals and other large cities of major economic importance within their home countries.Urbanization also goes beyond population growth; productivity tends to go up in urban areas that attract more qualified workers consequently pushing up wages and prices. Rising income levels fuel the demand for consumer goods and financial services products.Cities have disproportionately large ecological footprints, urban dwellers typically consume more than their rural counterparts and while this provides opportunities for businesses it also places pressure on the worlds natural resources. Sustainability and efficiency of cities in the future will become a key focus, and the use of smart technologies is allowing local governmental bodies to achieve this.The worlds most populous cities will change by 2025 and the three most populous cities will have different needs, but various segments of opportunities. Many of the worlds largest cities will be located in the developing world; foreign brands must understand the cultural context to successfully target the new urban consumers.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- Urbanization will continue at a rapid rate in the future, over 500 million more people are projected to live in the key 2,000+ cities in 2025 than in 2005. This creates huge urban growth; the 500 cities experiencing the largest absolute rise in GDP will contribute 76% of total global GDP growth between 2015 and 2025.- Aging populations are an increasingly common issue, the population growth in the 65+ age group will outpace the growth of the under 15 age cohort across all regions covered by GlobalData Cities. Additionally, almost 57% of the population growth in the 65+ age category will take place in Asia-Pacific.- Rapid urbanization creates a new consumer base and opportunities are numerous and varied among the growing number of cities. For example, while consumers in developed regions are becoming increasingly aware of environmental challenges related to over-consumption, new consumers in emerging regions will drive FMCG uptake.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Urbanization is a fast occurring trend; notably the developing world is becoming ever more urbanized.- Understanding the opportunities in these large, complex and discrete markets will provide huge growth opportunities.- This report gives in-depth analysis regarding the current and future trends influencing urban areas across the globe, and the opportunities within them across the major consumer-facing sectors.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
The European Car Wash Market 2017: Market Size, Major Competitors and Channel Shares

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33803

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/the-european-car-wash-market-2017-market-size-major-competitors-and-channel-shares

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title The European Car Wash Market 2017: Market Size, Major Competitors and Channel Shares to its growing collection of premium market research reports.Analysis of the commercial car wash market across 19 European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK,Netherlands, Sweden, Poland and Russia. Includes volume of car wash sites, number of wash occasions per year, value of the market and insight into strategic issues impacting the sector. Based on research with service station and standalone car wash operators, it provides an analysis of the car wash market across two commercial wash channels, and covers the four main types of car wash installation; jet, roll over ,tunnel and hand washes.Wash price has become increasingly important for motorists over the last few years as rising wash prices have forced them to either reduce commercial wash occasions or switch from luxury and medium wash types such as rollover and tunnel to low cost jet washes, in order to maintain wash costs.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- The value of the European car wash market (made up of 19 countries in our analysis) rose by 60.9m in 2016 as wash operators increased wash prices. Rising wash prices across Europe is the primary cause of wash market value growth in 2016, as wash occasions declined over this period.- More than 1,500 car wash installations closed across Europe in 2016 as a drop in fuel volumes and disposable incomes caused wash operators to close their wash sites. The majority of wash site closures came from Germany and the UK, as wash occasions per installation declined, due to increased wash costs and home wash occasions in each market respectively, causing wash operators to close sites.- The total number of wash occasions in Europe declined by 0.9% in 2016 as motorists reduced their wash occasions as disposable income levels fell and operators increased wash prices across a number of European markets. 77.0% of wash occasions in Europe were undertaken at rollover and jet wash installations, as these wash types remained dominant in Europe in 2016.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Make informed investment decisions by understanding the size of the car wash retail market and the nature of the competition within it.- Understand motorists wash habits and plan effect strategies to maximise wash occasions- Formulate market share objectives for your company and assess performance using our value data segmented by channel and installation type.- Develop superior strategies to those of your competitors by accessing information on their site numbers and marketing activities.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
The Cards and Payments Industry in Spain: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33823

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/the-cards-and-payments-industry-in-spain-emerging-trends-and-opportunities-to-2020

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title The Cards and Payments Industry in Spain: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas "The Cards and Payments Industry in Spain: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020", report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Spanish cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including credit transfers, direct debit, check payments, payment cards and cash transactions during the review period (2012-2016).The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, and transaction values and volumes during the review period and over the forecast period (2016-2020). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes.The report brings together GlobalDatas research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure.The uptake of alternative payments among Spanish consumers is gaining traction, with international payment solution providers launching their solutions in the market - the latest initiative being the introduction of Apple Pay in December 2016. In January 2016, CaixaBank signed an agreement with Samsung Electronics to add Samsung Pay to its mobile payment (m-payment) service. Customers of CaixaBank and its imaginBank subsidiary were the first in Spain to access the Samsung Pay service. This service is accepted in all stores that accept contactless payments, with the number of payment terminals amounting to over 600,000.The Spanish government introduced a new regulation in October 2015, according to which either a bank or ATM network operator can charge consumers for cash withdrawals, but not both. In response, banks and ATM network operators amended fee structures to reduce overall charges for consumers. Bankia, Banco Sabadell and ATM provider Euro 6000 agreed to cap fees at US$0.62 (EUR0.65), effective from January 2016. While this initiative was introduced to protect consumer interests, it is expected to encourage use of payment cards among Spanish consumers.The emergence of digital-only banks is likely to accelerate the shift towards electronic payments in Spain. The mobile-only imaginBank, launched by CaixaBank in January 2016, provides banking services exclusively through mobile apps and social networks. Through the mobile app, consumers can apply for current accounts, credit cards and consumer loans, manage personal finances and make person-to-person (P2P) payments. Users can also use the imaginBank Facebook application to find out bank balances and view recent transactions.This report also provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Spanish cards and payments industry, including -- Current and forecast values for each market in the Spanish cards and payments industry, including debit, credit and charge cards.- Detailed insights into payment instruments including credit transfers, direct debit, cash transactions, checks and payment cards. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.- E-commerce market analysis and payment methods.- Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Spanish cards and payments industry.- Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards.- Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards.- The competitive landscape in the Spanish cards and payments industry.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Spanish cards and payments industry.- It provides current values for the Spanish cards and payments industry for 2016, and forecast figures to 2020.- It details the different demographic, economic, infrastructural and business drivers affecting the Spanish cards and payments industry.- It outlines the current regulatory framework in the industry.- It details marketing strategies used by various banks and other institutions.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Spanish cards and payments industry and each market within it.- Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Spanish cards and payments industry.- Assess the competitive dynamics in the Spanish cards and payments industry.- Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Spain.- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Spanish cards and payments industry.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
The Cards and Payments Industry in Singapore: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/enquiry?report_id=33820

https://www.reportsworldwide.com/report/the-cards-and-payments-industry-in-singapore-emerging-trends-and-opportunities-to-2020

ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title The Cards and Payments Industry in Singapore: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.GlobalDatas "The Cards and Payments Industry in Singapore: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020", report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Singaporean cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including direct debits, check payments, payment cards, cash transactions and credit transfers during the review period (2012-2016).The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, and transaction values and volumes during the review period and over the forecast period (2016-2020). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes.The report brings together GlobalDatas research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure.Competition in Singapores alternative payments market increased following the launches of Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay. Domestic banks and telecoms operators are taking advantage of the trend by launching their own solutions. Liquid Group launched the Liquid Pay mobile wallet in November 2016, and in May 2016 relaunched Dash in collaboration with Standard Charted Bank, Citibank, DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, and UOB telecom provider Singtel.Singapores payment cards market has recorded a strong uptake in contactless technology with all major banks including DBS Bank, UOB, OCBC Bank and Citibank now offering contactless cards. To further encourage contactless payments, UOB removed the restriction on transaction limits of US$69.1 (SGD100) for contactless payments in May 2016. Similarly, DBS Bank increased its contactless payment limit from US$69.1 (SGD100) to US$138.2 (SGD200) in June 2016. While, other banks are contemplating to increase minimum transaction limit for contactless payments.In July 2016, Mastercard and the Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) announced a pilot scheme whereby passengers can use contactless cards to make public transport payments, allowing the usage of credit and debit cards for fare payments. If the pilot is successful, the country would join handful of locations, like London and Sydney, which embraced contactless debit and credit payments on their transit systems. These initiatives are anticipated to propel contactless transactions in Singapore.This report also provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Singaporean cards and payments industry, including -- Current and forecast values for each market in the Singaporean cards and payments industry, including debit, credit and charge cards.- Detailed insights into payment instruments including direct debit, credit transfers, cash transactions, checks and payment cards. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.- E-commerce market analysis and payment methods.- Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Singaporean cards and payments industry.- Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards.- Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards.- The competitive landscape in the Singaporean cards and payments industry.To Enquire about this Report please visit @Scopes- This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Singaporean cards and payments industry.- It provides current values for the Singaporean cards and payments industry for 2016, and forecast figures to 2020.- It details the different demographic, economic, infrastructural and business drivers affecting the Singaporean cards and payments industry.- It outlines the current regulatory framework in the industry.- It details marketing strategies used by various banks and other institutions.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Reasons to buy- Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Singaporean cards and payments industry and each market within it.- Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Singaporean cards and payments industry.- Assess the competitive dynamics in the Singaporean cards and payments industry.- Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Singapore.- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Singaporean cards and payments industry.About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Laminated Labels Market Research Report and Forecast up to 2024

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Global Laminated Labels Market: Scope of the ReportThis Transparency Market Research report examines the global laminated labels market for the forecast period 2016-2024. The primary objective of the report is to identify opportunities in the market and present updates as well as insights pertaining to various segments of the global laminated labels market.The global laminated labels market is huge and there are so many opportunities for label industries to grow during the forecast period. Laminated labels is segmented on the basis of material type, wherein polypropylene is expected to appear as the most lucrative segment in the global laminated labels market by the end of the forecast period. Speedy urbanization and industrialization makes laminated labels market technologically convenient. New and innovative developments which includes use of smart labels, VIP labels and the adoption of hybrid printing technology which is a combination of flexographic and digital printing technologies are adding value to the laminated labels market.View Report @Global Laminated Labels Market: SegmentationLaminated labels is segmented on the basis of printing technology type, wherein flexography is expected to emerge as the most lucrative segment in the global laminated labels market by the end of the forecast period. The rising demand for short runs in label printing is expected to bring the use of digital printing technology in some developed regions. Laminated converters are preferring equipment which offers quick set up time, short run path, higher speeds and less amount of waste because competition for printing of labels in intensifying day by day and offering of the high quality products with competitive price range has become a more critical task than ever before.In order to understand and assess opportunities in this market, the report is categorically divided into five key sections on the basis of material type, end use industry type, printing ink type, printing technology type and region. The report analyses the global laminated labels market in terms of value (US$ Mn)The report begins with an overview of the global laminated labels market, evaluating market performance in terms of revenue, followed by TMRs analysis of key trends, drivers, and restraints witnessed in the global market. Impact analysis of the key growth drivers and restraints based on the weighted average model is also included in the report.Material type assessed in the report are:PolyesterVinylPolycarbonatePolypropyleneOthersEnd Use Industry type assessed in the report are:Food and BeveragesPharmaceuticalsHome and Personal CareConsumer DurablesRetail LabelsOthers (Apparels and textile, industrial lubricants, paints and gift)Printing Ink type assessed in the report are:Water BasedSolvent BasedHot Melt BasedUV curablePrinting Technology type assessed in the report are:DigitalFlexographyLithographyOthers (Letterpress, Gravure, Offset, Screen printing)The report further analyses the market based on material type and presents the forecast in terms of value for the next eight years. The next section of the report analyses the global laminated labels market on the basis of distribution network and presents the forecast for the next eight years. The report further analyses the market based on primary usage and presents the forecast in terms of value for the next eight years. Following this section includes analysis of the global laminated labels market on the basis of region and forecast in terms of value for the next eight years.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Alternative Sweetener market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Regions assessed in the report are:North AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)Middle East & Africa (MEA)Global Laminated Labels Market: Research MethodologyTo compute the market size, in-depth secondary research is done. Data points such as regional splits and market split by material type, distribution network and primary usage as well as qualitative inputs from primary respondents have been assimilated to arrive at appropriate market estimates. The report comprises the forecast of the global revenue generated by the sales of laminated labels Market.TMR triangulates the data via different analysis based on supply side, demand side as well as the dynamics of laminated labels Market.TMR not only conduct forecasts in terms of value, but also evaluate the market on the basis of essential parameters, such as Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth. This helps providers to recognize the future opportunities as well predictability of the market.Another vital feature of this report is the analysis of the laminated labels Market by region, material type, distribution network and primary usage and the corresponding revenue forecast in terms of absolute dollar opportunity. This is traditionally overlooked while forecasting the market. However, absolute dollar opportunity is critical in assessing the level of opportunity that a provider can look to achieve as well as to identify potential resources from a sales perspective of the global laminated labels market.To understand key segments in terms of their growth and performance in the laminated labels market, Transparency Market Research has developed a market attractiveness index. The resulting index should help providers identify existing market opportunities in the global laminated labels market.In the final section of the report, laminated labels market competitive landscape is included to provide a dashboard view of companies that manufacture and provide services of laminated labels market. The report contains company profiles of some of the key players in the global laminated labels market.Key market players featured in this report are:CCL industries IncAvery Dennison CorporationCoveris HoldingsLangley LabelsCenveoCONSTANTIAAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Anti-Graffiti Coatings Market - Global Industry Analysis 2025 | Research Report

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Graffiti has become a global concern, as it has resulted into the defacement of public or private property with a wide range of markings, etchings, and paintings. Rising prevalence of graffiti in many countries across the world has negatively impacted the state and local governments, local communities, police, public transport, and utility providers. Therefore, graffiti has been considered as one of the most visible forms of community crime and anti-social behavior. It is commonly found on trains, subways, buses, vehicles, walls facing streets, traffic signs, statues and monuments, bridges, park benches, trees, and billboards. The motives of graffiti include anger, psychological need, or hostility towards society.Browse Market Research Report @Rising criminological research for graffiti offences and offenders have led to development of crime prevention strategies by government, and opportunities for various chemical companies to develop anti-graffiti products. Rising popularity for graffiti, despite government initiatives has resulted into the increasing need for graffiti removal, which is driving the demand for anti-graffiti coatings. Anti-graffiti coatings are invisible coatings that prevent the graffiti paint from adhering to the surface. These coatings are paints developed using nanoparticles and polymers, which function as water and oil repellent when added on the existing paint. Companies are focusing on developing anti-graffiti coatings with increased durability, transparency, and dirt resistance.Increasing technological advancements in nanotechnology and high investments by companies to manufacture ultra-thin, non-toxic, environment-friendly coatings are key factors that are fueling the expansion of the anti-graffiti coatings market significantly. Nanotechnology has been improving the physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and corrosion properties of anti-graffiti coatings at low costs. Furthermore, anti-graffiti coatings are increasingly employed by automobile manufacturers to offer additional protection to the vehicle body. The rapidly increasing global demand for automobiles and increasing incorporation of anti-graffiti coatings in automotive manufacturing processes are key factors driving the expansion of the market.Strict government regulations imposed on the usage of the petrochemicals, which form a major part of the anti-graffiti coatings restrain the expansion of the market. Chemical companies are focusing on employing bio-based coatings, which are in line with the current trend of environmental safety, to create potential growth opportunities for the anti-graffiti coatings market.Based on the type of coating, the anti-graffiti coatings market can be bifurcated as sacrificial and permanent. Sacrificial anti-graffiti coating is a transparent layer which can be removed using high pressure water jets, hence if a substrate applied with sacrificial anti-graffiti coating is vandalized it can be cleared of with a water jet, however, in this process the anti-graffiti coating is also lost (hence sacrificial). On the other hand, the permanent counter-part prevents the application of graffiti paint in the first place. The latter type is more expensive and durable than the former, however sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings need equipment such as water jet machines and hoses along with a crew for removal resulting in increased service costs.In terms of geography, the anti-graffiti coatings market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Increasing advancements in nanotechnology and presence of key chemical companies in North America and Europe have led to the regions accounting prominent share of the global anti-graffiti coatings market. However, stricter legislative environment imposed by the government incurs high costs for the companies to develop products in these strict compliances, which results in sluggish expansion of the market in these regions. The Asia Pacific region is characterized by rising infrastructure, lenient public and environmental laws, rapidly expanding automobile industry, and increasing expansion of major chemical companies in this region due to abundant availability of raw materials and low cost labor. These factors lead to considerable expansion for the anti-graffiti coatings market.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Anti-Graffiti Coatings Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @Key companies operating in the anti-graffiti coatings market are E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, BASF SE, the 3M Company, Akzo Nobel N.V., The Sherwin-Williams Company, Hydron Protective Coatings, Valspar Corporation, Sika AG, Protective Coatings International Ltd., and CSL Silicones Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Anti-reflective Glass Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth 2025 | Research Report

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Anti-reflective glass is a type of glass that is optically coated either on one or both the sides to reduce the light reflection and minimize the surface brightness by offering better contrast definition. Anti-reflective glass is a specialized glass product, which can be produced by sinking low iron glass in different solutions of metal oxides. This creates a uniform coating on the overall face of the glass. This coating helps prevent visual reflectance. Anti-reflective coatings produce an invisible glass unit with minimal visual reflectance. Multiple reflections can be minimized by applying anti-reflective coating on the glass surface. Anti-reflective glass can filtrate approximately 70% to 80% of UV rays. It can also improve the surface for better durability and is easy to clean. Anti-reflective glass can maintain its finish even in traffic areas.Browse Market Research Report @It is used in various applications such as LCD displays, architectural windows, storefronts, telecommunications, front panel displays, and electronic displays. Anti-reflective glass can be used in various areas in residential, commercial, industrial, eyewear, and electronics industries. Anti-reflective glass can also be laminated for structural glass assemblies. It can create multiple glazing units with optimum solar value. There are primarily two types of anti-reflective glass: one-sided anti-reflective glass and two-sided anti-reflective glass. The commercial sector is increasingly focusing on improving the esthetic appearance of buildings to attract customers. It is also striving to reduce the maximum exposure of sunrays in the seating area. These are the key factors anticipated to drive the anti-reflective glass market.Based on application, the commercial segment held significant share of the anti-reflective glass market in 2016. The segment is anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period. Rise in construction of commercial buildings such as hotels, shopping malls, business centers, hospitals, and commercial complexes coupled with increase in focus on attracting customers by improving esthetic appearance is estimated to boost the demand for anti-reflective glass during the forecast period. However, the industrial segment is expected to exhibit significant CAGR during the forecast period. Industrial segment includes automotive and solar panel, wherein the usage of anti-reflective glass is increasing at a rapid pace. Eyewear is emerging as fashion trend among youngsters. The segment is also projected to expand at moderate rate, as use of computers and laptops is increasing by the day. Users prefer anti-reflective glasses on computer screen or spectacles to avoid the harmful radiation from PC and laptop screens.Asia Pacific was the major region for the anti-reflective glass market in 2016. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. Rise in infrastructure development in emerging countries such as India and China, especially in the commercial sector, and increase in usage of vehicles such as passenger cars, LCVs, and HCVs, are augmenting the demand for anti-reflective glass in the region. Asia Pacific is becoming a global hub, wherein companies from different sectors are establishing their commercial offices in strategic locations.This is also a prominent factor for the growth of the anti-reflective glass market. Middle East & Africa is also anticipated to be a lucrative market for anti-reflective glass during the forecast period. Increase in focus of governments in the Middle East countries on tourism and health care is propelling the commercial segment. This, in turn, is boosting the anti-reflective glass market. The anti-reflective glass market in other regions such as North America and Europe is estimated to expand at a moderate pace during the forecast period, as the market in these regions has reached the stage of maturity.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Anti-reflective Glass Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @The global anti-reflective glass market is highly fragmented; several global and regional players operate in the market. Key players include 3M Company, Saint-Gobain S.A., Guardian Industries Corp., Abrisa Technologies, Schott Amiran, and EuropeTec Groupe (a subsidy of Glas Trosch Ag).About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Mining Dump Trucks Market - Global Industry Analysis 2025 | Research Report

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Mining dump trucks are utilized for the transportation of released rocks and bits during the mining process. These released rocks and bits are transported to end-users sites. Contractors engaged in the general construction business are switching from highly priced dumping trucks to mining dump trucks, as they are low-priced and with high operational efficiency. Mining trucks with different pay-load capacities are permitted to ply on the highways. Due to increase in mining activities and development of new mining sites, especially new coalfields; the production of rigid machines such as mining dump trucks has increased over the years. Demand from construction and cement sectors also remains buoyant.Browse Market Research Report @Based on product type, the global mining dump trucks market can be segmented into rear dump trucks, bottom dump trucks, lube trucks, tow trucks, water trucks, and others. Mining dump trucks are large-bottom dump trucks, which transport or haul a large amount of materials. The choice of the type and size of a mining dump truck would depends on numerous factors including the size of mine, type of mine, mined minerals, excavation machinery available, and the capital investable or invested.Based on capacity, the mining dump trucks market can be segmented into: 90110 metric tons, 127150 metric tons, 154190 metric tons, 218255 metric tons, 290 metric tons, and 308363 metric tons. Based on mining type, the market can be segregated into open-pit mining and underground mining. There are several companies involved in the supply of dumping trucks. Generally, they have short-term or long-term contracts with the mining companies.Several mining companies across the globe are opting for high-capacity mining dump trucks with greater operational efficiency. Increase in the exploration of new coalfields and mining of precious metals are the key factors promoting the growth of the mining dump trucks market. Mining trucks, also known as haul trucks, can be efficiently used in off-road and off-highway conditions. Cutting-edge design and technology allow the companies to avoid any breakdown or delay. Mining dump trucks are specifically engineered for use in mining environments and heavy-duty working conditions.In 2012, Hitachi launched EH5000AC-3, which is a large-sized, rigidframe, dump truck. Payload capacity of this truck is 326 tons and the overall length of 15.5 meters. Caterpillar launched 795F AC, a truck with the payload capacity of 345 tons. OJSC BELAZ, a Russian company, launched the 75600 series of mining dump trucks. These are currently one of the largest mining dump trucks in the world. Terex Corporation launched the MT 5500AC series of mining dump trucks with payload capacity of 598 tons.Growth of the mining industry is the primary driver for the mining dump trucks market. Use of coal as an energy source is increasing in several end-use industries such as steel. The growing mining industry across the globe, especially Asia Pacific, is likely to result in significant growth of the global mining dump trucks market. Furthermore, increasing demand for electricity is expected to augment the global demand for coal, which would lead to mining dump trucks witnessing high demand in the next few years. Globally, China accounts for the maximum coal production, followed by the U.S. In Europe, Russia leads in terms of coal production, followed by Germany and Poland.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Mining Dump Trucks Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @Key manufacturers and suppliers of mining dump trucks include Caterpillar, Inc., European Truck Factory GmbH, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., AB Volvo, Komatsu Ltd., BAS Mining Trucks, and OJSC Belaz.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Thermoform Plastic Pharma Packaging Market Research Report and Forecast up to 2025

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Thermoform plastic pharma packaging is a technique which allows the inhibition of pharmaceutical products starting from their manufacturing process in a unit until they are put to use. The role of pharmaceutical packaging is to provide protection for surgical devices, life-saving drugs, nutraceuticals, blood products, powders, poultices, solid & semisolid dosage forms, and liquid & dosage forms. Thermoform plastics are ideal packaging material due to their aesthetic appearance and low cost. Packaging is the key to safety, success, and sale. Similar to other packed consumables, pharmaceutical packaging must check off requirements such as product quality, protection, patient comfort, speedy processing, identification, display, and security needs. Research and development in this sector is always dependent on the packaging technology which assures the sustaining reliability of pharmaceuticals during shipment, storage, and delivery.View Report @The thermoform plastic pharma packaging market is driven by motives such as prevention of counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs, prevention of product tampering, dispensing accuracy, promotion of patient compliance with product dosage schedules, and innovations leading to cost & time reduction. In the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing and research technologies are constantly developing, with the ethics of environmental needs, novel medicaments, and patient compliance leading to progress in delivery and packaging systems. Increased investment in research & development and formulation of large molecules in biopharmaceutical drugs are in the pipeline and predicted to propel the thermoform plastic pharma packaging market.The global market is segmented by type into the following categories: clamshell packaging, blister packaging, skin packaging, and others (trays and tubes). Clamshell packaging is a one-piece ampoule containing two splits joined by a center area that permits the arrangements to come together to close. Blister packaging is the pharmaceutical industrys first choice as it is cost-effective and easy to produce in high volumes. The products are thereby protected from moisture and gas and lead a long shelf life. Skin packaging is used for topical creams, ointments, and lotions. Based on material, the market for thermoform plastic pharma packaging is divided into the following segments: aluminum, plastic, and paper & paperboard. Plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and nylon are used in immense proportions for the production of thermoform plastic pharma packaging.Geographically, the global market is distributed over five key regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the global thermoformed plastics pharma packaging market owing to the increasing demand for convenient medications and drugs caused by the busy schedules of people and changing lifestyles attached with associated regulations over pharmaceutical medication packaging. Europe is the second leading market for thermoform plastic pharma packaging on account of the rising focus on pharmaceutical packaging quality along with promising regulatory support. Asia Pacific is a highly attractive region for thermoform plastic pharma packaging due to the low labor cost for manufacturing in India and China.Key players operating in the thermoform plastic pharma packaging market include Placon, VisiPak, Nelipack Healthcare, Prent Corporation, Key Packaging, Lacerta Group, Inc., Innovative Plastics Inc., Bemis Company, Inc., Amcor Limited, CN Thermforming Machine, Walter Drake Inc., Barger., Plastic Ingenuity, Shanghai Jornen Machinery Co., Ltd., and China Good Quality Automatic Blister Packing Machine Supplier. Increasing competition among key players due to the rising demand for advanced pharmaceutical packaging is projected to drive the thermoform plastic pharma packaging market during the forecast period.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Thermoform Plastic Pharma Packaging market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Hysterectomy Devices Market Research Report and Forecast up to 2025

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The surgical procedure undertaken to remove a womans uterus is known as hysterectomy. This surgery can also treat infections, certain types of cancer, and a number of chronic pain conditions. The degree of hysterectomy depends on the purpose behind the surgery. In most cases, the entire uterus is removed. Hysterectomy can be performed to cure uncontrollable vaginal bleeding; chronic pelvic pain; cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries; fibroids, which are benign tumors that grow in the uterus; uterine prolapse, which occurs when the uterus drops through the cervix and protrudes from the vagina; adenomyosis, which is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscles of the uterus; pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a serious infection of the reproductive organs; and endometriosis, which is a disorder in which the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterine cavity, causing pain and bleeding.View Report @Laparoscopic power morcellators are medical devices used in different types of laparoscopic surgeries. These can comprise certain procedures to treat uterine fibroids, such as removing the uterus or uterine fibroids. Morcellation refers to the division of a tissue into smaller pieces or fragments. It is often used during laparoscopic surgeries to facilitate the removal of a tissue through small incision sites. Types of hysterectomy include the total or simple varieties which remove the entire uterus and cervix; partial hysterectomy, which removes the body of the uterus while the cervix is left in place; radical hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and possible upper portions of the vagina & affected lymph glands; and hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which removes the uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes. The numerous ways in which a hysterectomy can be performed include laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic-assisted abdominal hysterectomy, and robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy.According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hysterectomy ranks second (after cesarean section) among the various frequently performed surgical procedures for women in the U.S. who are of reproductive age. From 2006 to 2010, 11.7% of women between the ages of 40 and 44 underwent a hysterectomy. Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the U.S. and approximately 20 million American women have undergone a hysterectomy.Technological advancements to avoid side-effects as well as the rapidly aging female population in the world are expected to drive the global hysterectomy device market. There are, however, certain limitations faced by the market. For instance, the FDA cited a study by Columbia University which stated that one in 350 women who undergoes hysterectomies or myomectomies may have undetected uterine cancer and there is no way to detect it before the surgery. The FDA analyzed an insurance database of about 15% of the countrys hospitalizations between 2006 and 2012 and discovered that of about 36,000 patients who underwent power morcellation, 99 of them were diagnosed later with uterine cancer. Had it been detected prior to the procedure, power morcellation would not have been performed because of the risk of spreading the cancer.Based on geography, the global hysterectomy devices market is distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America constitutes the maximum share in the global hysterectomy devices market, followed by Europe. Asia Pacific is likely to report a higher growth rate in the next few years mainly due to the rising female geriatric population in the continent. In Latin America and Middle East & Africa, the emphasis on increased awareness about female health is predicted to propel the global market.Key players operating in the global hysterectomy devices market include Johnson & Johnson, CooperSurgical Inc., and LiNA Medical USA.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Hysterectomy Devices market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Smart Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Devices Market Research Report and Forecast up to 2025

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Smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices are type of smart medical devices. Smart medical devices are electronic devices with independent processing system. These devices are used to regularly monitor and diagnose various parameters of health and fitness. These are portable electronic devices, have own processing system and memory to store data. These have sensors to diagnose and monitor the activity and exchange data. These devices help physicians to detect various diseases from different vital signs of body and to monitor chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Smart medical devices also help individuals to keep track of health and fitness without visiting hospitals and physician clinics. These devices reduce the workload of a health care provider by tracking patient health remotely and take quick action on available data.View Report @Smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices are segmented into body motion devices, fall detection devices, and others. Fall detection devices have larger market share than body motion devices. After an injury, there may be muscle weakness, loss of function, joint stiffness, etc. These can be cured through rehabilitation using devices that would help in improving functions and reducing pain. Rehabilitation is the restoration of optimal form and function of body. Based on end-user, the smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market has been categorized into hospitals, clinics, home care settings, and others end-users such as industrial, institutions, academics, and nursing facility.Technological advancements in the field of injury prevention devices resulting in new and innovative products that increases the user friendly usage. Rising geriatric population, increasing sport injuries, technological innovation in devices, favorable insurance and reimbursement policies, and rising per capita health care expenditure are anticipated to drive the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market. According to WHO estimates, the global geriatric population is likely to reach around 2 billion i.e., 22% of global population, by 2050. This is likely to fuel the smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market. However, high cost associated with the devices acts as restraint of the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among children aged between 1 year and 19 years, representing nearly 40% of all deaths in this age group. Each year, an estimated 8.7 million children and teens from birth to age 19 are treated in emergency departments (EDs) for unintentional injuries and over 9,000 (one every hour) die as a result of their injuries. Common causes of fatal and nonfatal unintentional childhood injuries include drowning, falls, fires or burns, poisoning, suffocation, and transportation-related injuries. Injuries claim the lives of 25 children every day. Every year, nearly 9 million children aged 0 to 19 are treated for injuries in emergency departments and more than 225,000 require hospitalization at a cost of around US$ 87 Bn in medical and societal costs related to childhood injuries.Based on region, the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America accounts for significant share of the global injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market followed by Europe. This is attributed to high prevalence of sport and unintentional injuries, increasing health care expenditure leading to increase in demand for better medical devices and health care services, and number of technological advancements in the field smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices access. Asia Pacific is likely to report higher growth rate in the next few years. High emphasis on spreading awareness about female health in Latin America and Middle East & Africa is anticipated to fuel the growth of the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market.Major players operating in the global smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices market include Rehab-Robotics Company Limited, AlterG, Inc., Ekso Bionics, Hocoma, Bionik Laboratories, Kinestica, and ASICS Corporation. Technological advancement in the field of smart injury prevention and rehabilitation devices to reduce rehabilitation time as well as to prevent injuries is targeted by major players.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Smart Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Devices market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Defense Sector Contributes Largest Revenue to the Global Armored Vehicles Market

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As per the research, the global market for armored vehicles is likely to grow from USD24.8 billion in 2016 to USD36.6 billion by 2023. With increasing security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region and rising political disputes across the globe, the demand for armored vehicles is expected to gain traction during the forecast period. The increasing demand for light or medium-sized armored vehicles for combat operations has resulted in the widespread adoption of wheeled-type armored vehicles. This is expected to further propel the demand for armored vehicles during the forecast period.Explore Report at:Insights on market segmentsAs per the findings of research, the defense sector emanated the largest demand for armored vehicles. The segment is expected to exhibit similar trends during the forecast period. Active mine system is the largest segment in armored vehicles market, by technology; while active protection system is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the global armored vehicles market, by technology. Military emanates the maximum demand in the global defense armored vehicles market, by application; while government is expected to dominate the global commercial armored vehicles market, by application. Infantry fighting vehicles is expected to be the largest segment in the global defense armored vehicles market, by product; while SUV is most commonly-used armored vehicle in the commercial sector.Explore Report Sample at:Europe stands as the largest armored vehicles marketEurope accounted for the largest region in the global armored vehicles market, where Germany contributed to the largest revenue. The U.S. was the major market for armored vehicles in North America, whereas Japan contributed to the largest revenue in Asia-Pacific region. Saudi Arabia generated the largest revenue for armored vehicles in the Middle East and Africa; whereas Brazil is expected to lead the global market for armored vehicles during the forecast period.Browse Other Related Report at:Major players have stronghold in the global armored vehicles marketSome of the key players in the global armored vehicles market include General Dynamics Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Elbit Systems Ltd., Oshkosh Corporation, Textron Inc., International Armored Group (IAG), Denel Land Systems, Rheinmetall AG, Thales Group and INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing.Product launches and strategic expansion plans by key players have been the major recent developments in the global armored vehicles market. Companies are increasingly investing in R&D activities and focusing on strategic partnerships and contracts to strengthen their market presence across the globe.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:KundanManager  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-Free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:
Digital Impression Standalone Scanners Market: Market Trends and Key Developments

Digital Impression Standalone Scanners Market

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Digital impression is a technology used to create three-dimensional (3D) image of intraoral tissues and teeth. Digital impression standalone scanners are used in intraoral scanning for various dental applications including dentures, bridges, inlays, onlays and orthodontic treatments. Advantages associated with digital impression technology over traditional method of impression are the factors driving the market growth. Digital impression standalone scanners eliminate the tedious and painful process of elastomeric impression used for dental applications. Additionally, digital impression standalone scanners reduce retakes required in dental applications such as restoration, thereby reducing the overall time and increasing productivity.Digital impression technology offers easy and accurate scanning with minimum efforts for both the dentist and patient. This helps in reducing errors and repeated visits of patients to the dental clinic. Moreover, decreasing costs and development of advanced powder-free intraoral scanners are expected to significantly drive the digital impression standalone scanners market growth. With rising focus on patient comfort and treatment accuracy, dentists are expected to increasingly adopt these scanners. However, high technical expertise and initial investment are few factors constraining the growth of digital impression standalone scanners market in near term.Obtain Report Details @The market for digital impression standalone scanners is segmented based on technology as confocal microscopic imaging and optical wand technology. The scanners based on optical wand technology dominated the global digital impression standalone scanners market accounting for highest revenue share in 2013. This was mainly due to low cost and small size of these scanners. Moreover, introduction of advanced powder-free scanners based on optical wand technology is contributing to the market growth and the trend is likely to further fuel the growth of the market in near future. Due to these advantages, optical wand technology based intraoral scanners are expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. Confocal microscopic imaging technology based intraoral scanners offer powder-free scanning, which enables them to carry out the process without keeping any distance between teeth and scanner. However, due to high costs associated with these scanners, the market for these scanners is witnessing relatively slow growth.This 93-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Digital Impression Standalone Scanners Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market@In 2013, Europe held the largest market share and accounted for 39.3% of the global digital impression standalone scanners market. The growth was attributed to the early introduction and high adoption of digital impression standalone scanners in dental applications. This was majorly due to rising focus on elimination of error-prone traditional elastomeric impression techniques. High price of the digital impression standalone scanners is the prime factor for the reluctance toward its adoption by dentist in the Asia Pacific region.However, with declining prices of standalone scanners, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market for digital impression standalone scanners during the forecast period. Japan is among the highest contributors to the digital impression standalone scanners market owing to the aging population and rising concerns regarding dental care. Strong market growth potential from countries such as India, China and South Korea is expected to drive the digital impression standalone scanners market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Emotion Detection and Recognition Technology Market Forecast By 2024

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Emotion recognition is a technology being used in software that offers a program with the access to read and understand emotions on a human face. This is done using advanced image processing technologies.Facial sensing and bio-sensing software are gaining immense popularity and are used in a large number of industry verticals. As a result, this market is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years.The research study offers a detailed analysis of the global emotion detection and recognition technology market. Additionally, a comprehensive vendor analysis of the market has been provided to offer a clear picture of the market for readers and market players.Obtain Report Details:Advancement in technology is considered as a key factor encouraging the growth of the global emotion detection and recognition technology market. In addition, the increasing popularity of wearable technology is expected to offer promising opportunities for the prominent players operating in the global market.A substantial growth of the Internet of Things technology and a tremendous rise in the use of smartphone across the globe are anticipated to fuel the growth of the global market in the next few years.On the flip side, the global emotion detection and recognition technology market is estimated to face several challenges in the coming years. The high cost of application and several function requirements are predicted to restrict the growth of the market throughout the forecast period. Nonetheless, the robust pace of development and the introduction of new and effective products are estimated to supplement the growth of the global market in the next few years.On the basis of geography, the research study has classified into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and the Rest of the World. Among these, Europe and North America are anticipated to witness a strong growth in the next few years.The robust growth of these two regions can be attributed to the technological advancements and the rising demand for wearable devices. The presence of prominent players in these two regions is another factor augmenting the growth of the emotion detection and recognition technology market in Europe and North America.Furthermore, Asia Pacific is likely to contribute towards the development of the global market in the next few years. This region is estimated to register a healthy growth in the coming years, thanks to the growing demand from India, Japan, and China.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market:A significant rise in the technology and research and development sector is anticipated to fuel the growth of the emotion detection and recognition technology market in Asia Pacific in the coming years.The competition in the emotion detection and recognition technology market across the globe is expected to grow at a fast pace in the next few years. The increasing implementation of this technology in diverse applications is anticipated to encourage the growth of the overall market in the near future. The rising focus by the leading players on research and development activities and innovations is predicted to accelerate the growth of the overall market.Some of the leading players operating in the global market for emotion detection and recognition technology are Tobii, Affectiva, Emotient, Noldus, Sight Corp, and Eyeris. The research study presents a thorough overview of the competitive landscape, focusing on the company profiles and the business strategies adopted by them in order to sustain in the competitive scenarioAbout TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email:sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Smart Parking Systems Market: Industry Analysis, Opportunity Assessment and Forecast upto 2022

Smart Parking Systems Market

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The staggering amount of vehicles coming on to roads around the world calls for advanced methods for parking. Traffic and parking problems are on the rise and people are finding lesser space for either. This is creating a high level of discomfort, fuel wastage, and high levels of emissions. Urban and city parking has therefore become a major concern for both developed and emerging nations, forming the primary driver leading most entities towards seeking smart parking system solutions.Smart parking systems provide a highly flexible, scalable, and efficient way for buildings and locations of all sizes and types, thus ensuring a smoother flow of traffic and a considerable drop in emissions. The latter forms a high concern issue as the growing emission levels are creating multiple complications in climate change and human health. The leading employers of smart parking systems in most countries are their municipalities. Their interest and involvement allows for the development of better smart parking systems through an upwards scaling of parking fees that can directly be used for advancing smart parking technologies.The global market revenue for smart parking systems is therefore expected to show an exceptionally positive CAGR of 20.2% from 2015 to 2022. This revenue is expected to be valued at US$59.7 mn by the end of 2016 and reach US$177.1 mn by 2022.Obtain Report Details @North America is expected to generate a revenue of US$34.6 mn for the global market for smart parking systems by 2022, due to the presence of dense traffic in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and others. These cities are also showing a higher level of awareness towards modern solutions for traffic control and parking, thereby becoming an optimized region for the large-scale adoption of smart parking systems.Various smart parking systems have already been implemented in North America, such as the SFpark program implemented in San Francisco. Areas in the city equipped with SFpark systems have sped up parking of vehicle by five minutes on average when compared to conventional parking methods. Programs such as these are proof that the smart parking systems can bring about a successful change in traffic and parking conditions across the world.This 100-page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Smart Parking Systems Market. Browse to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market@In terms of the site of parking, the smart parking systems can be classified into off-street and on-street parking solutions. At the moment, off-street smart parking systems are in high demand due to the ease with which they can be implemented and fine-tuned. Additionally, they can be privately owned, while almost all on-street parking spaces are owned by the government. Therefore, while the need for smart parking systems is extremely high in both sites, it is being implemented on a larger scale in off-street sites. Most off-street parking areas are made of commercial parking lots and garages. On the other hand, on-street smart parking systems have to prepare for permit timers, passenger zones, loading zones, bus and truck zones, and street cleaning vehicles.Off-street parking spots are the easier place to implement effective smart parking systems in tandem with robot-assisted or automated parking services. These systems help increase the comfort and safety of all passengers. On the other hand, on-street smart parking systems are gathering steam. This parking site segment is expected to progress at a CAGR of 23.6% from 2015 to 2022.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Network Function Virtualization MarketGrowth Analysis, Research Report , comprehensive analysis, Emerging Trends

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Network function virtualization (NFV) represents the shiftof focus from hardware to software in the telecom industry, with operators making loftier investments in software than in storage, server, and switch hardware. The software segment accounted for a major share in the network function virtualization market in terms of revenue contribution. Geographically, this market is distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East &Africa (MEA), and Latin America.North Americadominated the global demand for network function virtualization in 2015 and is expected to retain its position over the forecast period, thus creating considerable opportunities for market players.The U.S. is a significant contributor to the growth of network function virtualization due to the superior technological infrastructure in the country and its acceptability of innovative and niche systems such as network function virtualization which are anticipated to experience rapid growth, propelling the market in North America. The market is primarily driven by the commercial deployment of NFV by telecom operators such as Telefonica, AT&T, Verizon, and CenturyLink. The migration to the 5G network further pushes the need to deploy NFV technologies. Leading vendors intending to improve customer experience of network usage is also projected to play a role. Asia Pacific is a highly attractive market for network function virtualization in terms of growth potential owing to the consumer awareness in this region. Latin America is a potentially attractive market for and its share is likely to rise over the forecast period.Obtain Report Details @The network function virtualization market is highly competitive with the presence of large-scale as well as small-scale global and regional vendors. All the companies race against each other to increase their respective shares of revenue in the market. This cut-throat environment is projected to further intensify with new entrants in the market, which is primarily motivated by technological upgrades of existing services.To survive and gain success in this market, it is important for leading companies to distinguish their services through a unique and clear value proposition. Establishing communities such as Open NFV and strong partnerships are predicted to strengthen their market positions and generate revenue. Deployment of network function virtualizationis majorly implemented by service provider networks such as Telefonica, Vodafone, AT&T, and Orange. Competition between vendors offering similar solutions is more intense compared to that in the total market.In order to gain a competitive edge and to meet increasing demands, network function virtualization companies focus on providing services that increase efficiency and reliability. Key players include Brocade Communication Systems, Ericsson, Huawei Technologies, Nokia, Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Juniper Networks, and VMware. Other prominent vendors in the market include 6WIND, Affirmed Networks, A10 Networks, Allot Communications, ASTRI, Amdocs, Broadcom, Ciena (Blue Planet), Canonical's Ubuntu, Citrix, F5 Networks, Dell, Fortinet, GENBAND, Fujitsu, Intel, Ixia, IP Infusion, Mirantis, Metaswitch Networks, NFWare, NEC and Netcracker, OneAccess Networks, PacketLogic, Oracle, PLUMgrid, Palo Alto Networks, Quali Systems, Sonus Networks, Radware. Red Hat, Trend Micro,Telco Systems, Wind River, VeloCloud, and ZTE.These emerging market players have been investing huge amounts of capital in research and development activities and innovation centers in order to expand their production capacities and meet the markets growing demands.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Network Function Virtualization Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@In addition, major market players are extending their share in the global network function virtualization marketthrough mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and expansions.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to rovide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Internal Neuromodulation Devices Market Research Report: Analysis & Trends 2025

Internal Neuromodulation Devices Market

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Internal neuromodulation devices directly act upon nerves. It is the technology known for alteration of nerve activity directly to a target area by sending electrical or pharmaceutical agents directly to a target area. The neuromodulation devices can treat nearly every disease considering every area of body. The diseases or symptoms from headache to spinal cord damage to tremor and many others. Neuromodulation technology is significantly improving in biotechnology with its broad therapeutic scope. More specifically, it is employed to treat unmanageable chronic pain or movement conditions. According to the study on neuromodulation devices and therapies has shown that neuromodulation is a safe, effective, and long-term treatment for chronic pain and movement disorders. Patients with the diseases such as Parkinsons disease, essential tremor, primary dystonia, chronic back and leg pain associated with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) can benefit from neuromodulation therapy. As the hardware becomes smaller and easy to use the implantable devices used for neuromodulation have taken a dive headlong with the introduction of smaller devices, and rechargeable systems. These systems are considered with larger but useable complexity which denotes towards the growth of neuromodulation devices segment.The internal neuromodulation devices market can be segmented into product type, application, end-user, and geography. In terms of product type, the market can be segmented into deep brain stimulators, sacral nerve stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, spinal cord stimulators, and other internal neuromodulation devices. The spinal cord segment of the internal neuromodulation devices market is anticipated to expand rapidly during the forecast period. The product type segment is estimated to expand significantly in the near future due to its high usage in the treatment of chronic pain. Rising gastric and chronic and nerve disability conditions are driving the expansion of the market globally. The market is anticipated to expand due to growing safety awareness and efficacy of the neuromodulation devices, increasing neurological disorders prevalence and increasing number of clinical trials, globally, for the progress of innovative technologies. Stringent approval policies and low number of trained healthcare professionals are restraining the expansion of the market.In terms of application, the market can be segmented into failed back syndrome, tremors, epilepsy, chronic pain management, Parkinsons disease, depression, urinary and fecal incontinence, gastroparesis, migraine, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others. The chronic pain management segment accounts for a significant share in the application category of the internal neuromodulation devices market. Increasing prevalence of chronic conditions is a major factor driving the expansion of the segment. In terms of end-user, the internal neuromodulation devices market can be segmented into hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare. The hospitals segment is projected to hold prominent share in the end-user category of the internal neuromodulation devices market.View Report-In terms of geography, the global internal neuromodulation devices market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the world, North America held significant share of the internal neuromodulation devices market due to high healthcare awareness, prevalence of chronic disorders, and technological advancement in the region. Europe accounted for the second largest share of the internal neuromodulation devices market due to rising ageing population. However, Asia Pacific represent are estimated to expand rapidly in during the forecast period due to increasing awareness, gradual adoption of improved technologies, emerging health care infrastructures, increased purchasing power of hospitals, and rise in population. Followed by Latin America and Middle- East & Africa.Key global players in the internal neuromodulation devices market are Medtronic plc, LivaNova PLC, Cyberonics, Inc., St. Jude Medical, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, EnteroMedics Inc, BioControl Medical, Bioness Inc., Nevro Corporation, and NeuroPace Inc. Moreover, regional players along with global players are contributing for a significant share in the internal neuromodulation devices market.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Internal Neuromodulation Devices Market during 2017- 2025About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Proton Pump Inhibitors Market Research Report: Analysis and Forecast up to 2024

Proton Pump Inhibitors Market

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Proton pump inhibitors are a group of medicines that reduces the gastric acid secretion in the linings of the stomach. They block the enzyme process in the gastric system that actively transports gastric acid from parietal cells to the gastrointestinal lumen in the form of hydrogenpotassium adenosine triphosphate (proton pump). Proton pump inhibitors are used to relieve the symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux diseases (GERD), peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, gastritis, and other gastrointestinal disorders. The medicines are administered orally, and they are available in the form of capsules and tablets. Proton pump inhibitors are among the most widely used medications, due to fewer side effects.Increasing acceptance of novel drug delivery systems and rising prevalence of peptic ulcer and other gastro-intestinal disorders are driving the proton pump inhibitors market considerably. Consumers in isolated regions tend to prefer the common antacids to deal with ulcer & gastro-intestinal disorders, which restrains the proton pump inhibitors market. Also, the increasing use of generic drugs in the proton pump inhibitors market can hamper the growth of the market. Increasing consumer acceptance of novel drug delivery systems and launching of new products is always an opportunity for the proton pump inhibitors market.The proton pump inhibitors market can be segmented according to drug types. They are Omeprazole, Rabeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole, Dexlansoprazole, Esomeprazole, and Others. Esomeprazole is the most widely prescribed drug for gastric ulcer in the proton pump inhibitors market. The segment dominated the proton pump inhibitors market in 2015 attributed to its potency, efficacy, and its wide distribution in the market. Dexlansoprazole & Rabeprazole were the second most widely prescribed medication types after Esomeprazole in 2015. Omeprazole is estimated to gain higher share during the forecast period, which is attributed to its availability in generic and over-the-counter form, and its cost-effectiveness. The patent license of drug Nexium (Esomeprazole) expired in the year 2015, which is the major reason for the likely domination of Omeprazole & Lansoprazole in the proton pump inhibitors market during the forecast period.View Report-Overall, the market share of non-generic drugs has declined while the value of the generic drug market is expected to rise which can propel the proton pump inhibitor market. Continued usage of generic drugs of the Omeprazole segment is expected to raise the market share, which can surpass Nexium drug segment during the forecast period.Geographically, the proton pump inhibitors market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America had the dominant market share in 2015, which is attributed to increase in prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in the region and consistent launch of new products. However, the Asia Pacific market is estimated to grow at a higher CAGR by 2016- 2024. The Asia Pacific market is flooded with many gastrointestinal drug products and there is a large patient pool with gastro intestinal problems. This can create a need for curative drugs and this is anticipated to drive the proton pump inhibitors market in the region remarkably.The major players in the proton pump Inhibitors market are AstraZeneca, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Eisai Pharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Company, and Janssen Global Services, LLC. Consistent launching of new products is the strategy followed by key players to deal with the competition in the proton pump inhibitors market.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Proton Pump Inhibitors Market during 2016- 2024About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Sepsis Therapeutics Market Research Report 2016 Growth, Trends, Challenges, Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis To 2024

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The Sepsis Therapeutics Market report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size.The global sepsis therapeutics market is driven by high unmet needs against the backdrop of increasing number of sepsis cases. The escalating prevalence of sepsis can be attributed to the large number of surgeries and hospital acquired infections, and the rising aging population with compromised immune system and metabolism.However, high cost of treatment and the number of side effects associated with medication are some of the factors that may hinder the growth of the sepsis therapeutics market.The sepsis therapeutics market can be categorized on the basis of drug class and region. On the basis of drug class, the market can be segmented into aminoglycosides, colony stimulating factors, second generation cephalosporins, third generation cephalosporins, glycopeptide antibiotics, inhaled intifectives, and others.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Sepsis Therapeutics Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @On the basis of geography, the sepsis therapeutics market is segmented into five regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the most dominant market in terms of revenue owing to high incidence of sepsis and rising awareness among people about complications associated with sepsis.The Asia Pacific market is also witnessing positive growth due to high rate of development in the healthcare industry, government initiatives for the development of sepsis treatment, and increasing prevalence of sepsis.Sepsis, also known as septicemia, is a life-threatening disease caused when the body responds to an infection. Sepsis leads to a series of reactions that causes widespread inflammation throughout the body and could result in septic shock, a medical emergency.Treatment of sepsis depends on the site and cause of infection. Management of sepsis includes three tests and three treatments, known as sepsis six. Treatment involves administration of antibiotics, intravenous administration of fluids, and giving oxygen if the levels are low. Tests include blood culture, blood samples, and monitoring of urine output.Some of the major players operating in the sepsis therapeutics market are Adrenomed AG, Altor BioScience Corporation, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, InflaRx GmbH, and INOTREM S.A.Browse more detail information about sepsis therapeutics market:About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY  12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
By Leonid Bershidsky

European Council President Donald Tusk said after meeting with Donald Trump on Thursday that the two had diverging views on Russia. Though no details of the differences have been divulged, one can safely assume Trump was more dovish on Russia than Tusk -- despite all his troubles with the Russia-related scandal at home. To some, it may suggest that Russia has some leverage on him; to me, it means Trump still holds on to the notion that he can build a pragmatic relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The shape of such a relationship, however, is not obvious. It's more complicated than the simplistic ideological dilemma between the appeasement of a rogue regime and a cynical understanding of American military and economic interests. The fundamental issue is whether the U.S. wants a long-term relationship with Russia that goes beyond the tenures of Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The answer to that question may be "no." Some of Putin's fiercest enemies, especially in Ukraine, hope his corrupt, oil-fed regime is leading Russia toward a Soviet-style collapse and disintegration. If that's your prediction, a long-term relationship isn't necessary and all that's needed is enough strategic patience to bring about that outcome. Harsh economic sanctions and pressure on the oil price should eventually do the trick, perhaps even with benign consequences. After all, Western leaders who feared the Soviet Union's collapse as a threat to global stability turned out to be overcautious: The mafia didn't get a hold of Russian nuclear weapons and no Yugoslavia-style war broke out in the post-Soviet space.

Waiting for Russia to implode sounds like the tactic employed by the Komodo dragon, whose bite injects a blood-thinning poison into a prey's blood. The giant lizard then follows the prey as it bleeds to death. The problem with this approach is that while the Komodo's hunt ends when the victim dies, Russia's not going to die even if it ever falls apart, which is not likely anyway because it's far more resilient economically than the Soviet Union was. The U.S. will need to build relations with multiple rather large, resource-rich territories with unpredictable political leanings and military impulses. Only a minority of post-Soviet states ended up choosing a pro-Western orientation, even after 25 years of U.S. effort. Betting that a disintegrating Russia will be easier to handle is a mistake. For example, the Caucasus, if it ever splits off, is more likely to lean toward Islamic fundamentalism than toward the West.

So a long-term relationship with Russia based on recognition that the country is going to be around for a while is probably a good idea. Russia is big, easy to find on the map. In a pinch, it's capable of near-autarky. And it's been a military power to reckon with for centuries. Putin will give up power, die, or both at the same time -- but the country that's become hard for many people to detach from his personality is going to endure.

The U.S. could choose to treat Russia as a long-term geopolitical rival, a dangerous counterweight to Western values, a global corrupting influence in other nations' elections and more. After all, the Byzantine tradition that spawned Putin has been one of the most potent strains of Russian life for centuries, and it won't go away when he's gone. Deciding that this strain is the essence of Russia, and fighting against it even when its representatives aren't ostensibly in power, is a clear, principled stand. It's essentially what George Kennan advocated in his "Long Telegram," and much of Kennan's description of the Soviet Union in 1946 fits Putin's Russia, so that's an argument in favor of the approach Kennan described quite succinctly. Russia, he wrote, is:

"impervious to logic of reason, and it is highly sensitive to logic of force. For this reason it can easily withdraw -- and usually does when strong resistance is encountered at any point. Thus, if the adversary has sufficient force and makes clear his readiness to use it, he rarely has to do so. If situations are properly handled there need be no prestige-engaging showdowns."

All the U.S. needs to do, then, is demonstrate convincingly but carefully that it can use force, and Russia -- with or without Putin at the helm -- will retreat. It's not clear, though, whether the U.S. can afford to project strength every time Russia provokes it. Would a U.S. administration enhance or reduce its popularity by going all-in in Syria to remove President Bashar al-Assad? How many U.S. voters would agree to a military adventure in Ukraine? Clearly, less resolute U.S. action is not seen in Moscow as a credible show of strength. Putin is always willing to go an extra step because he's not held back by any democratic baggage, and the likelihood that Russia will have other rulers like him on a long-term horizon is quite high. That undermines the neo-Kennanist narrative.

There is an alternative to the Komodo dragon tactic and the Kennan deterrence doctrine. It's to ignore Putin's self-serving vision of Russia as a conservative, Orthodox bulwark against Western rot and Islamism as a flimsy propaganda construct, and to see the country, ultimately, as part of the Western civilization. It's not much harder than viewing today's Hungary or Poland through that lens despite the setbacks democracy and Western values have suffered in these countries.

Such a perspective would dictate a clear strategy: Cooperate with Russia where it's acting fundamentally like a Western country and confront it where it isn't. For example, Russia's support of the secular Assad regime against Islamic fundamentalist groups is in the Western tradition. Despite all the crimes Assad has committed, his fall would have made non-Sunni communities in Syria all but impossible to protect. Letting Russia prop up Assad and allying with it in the fight against ISIS wouldn't break with the long U.S. practice of backing pre-Arab Spring regimes throughout the Middle East and making alliances with repressive Gulf states. The U.S. isn't morally or ideologically bound to back the anti-Assad opposition: If it ever has the run of the country, it will not turn Syria toward the West.

On the other hand, Russia's territorial grab in Ukraine was decidedly un-Western. The U.S. was right to try to strengthen Ukraine economically and institutionally in its wake, though perhaps wrong in its choice of political forces to back, since the corruption of Ukraine's current leadership risks discrediting Western values in that country. The U.S. decision to withhold lethal weapons from the Kiev regime, however, was correct because arming it could have led to an escalation that could potentially harm the Western world.

Russia harbors an essentially Western desire for free trade and open borders. It's evident from its attempts to build a customs union with former Soviet states, its benign attitude toward emigration and immigration, and its persistence in seeking to join the World Trade Organization despite political obstacles. That desire deserves support. Sectoral economic sanctions that prompt the Putin government to retaliate are a mistake: They push the country in the opposite, non-Western direction.

Personal sanctions against officials who push anti-Western, Byzantine policies, those who have taken part in aggression against Ukraine, those who violate human rights and persecute minorities or dissidents are perfectly justified. The West, and the U.S. in particular, would also be justified in banning Russian state-owned "media outlets": The propaganda machine is an affront to the Western idea of a free press. The West has every right to withhold its welcome from certain representatives of the Russian regime and demonstrate its hostility toward what they stand for. But sanctions directed against Russia as a country and Russians as a group are counterproductive. The West should relax visa policies, perhaps even offer visa-free travel to Russians and create more opportunities for them in universities and Western companies. The real reason the European Union is doing it for Ukrainians isn't to reward the government in Kiev for being good boys and girls. It's to give Ukrainians an opportunity to taste Western life, study it and build it at home. Russians should also have that opportunity; otherwise alternatives to their current government will not naturally occur to them.

Putin and his men enjoy Russia's current toxicity in Washington and Brussels. It's a bit counterproductive but it means recognition for their prowess as trolls and hybrid warriors, and it shows Russians they're hated, feared, not wanted in the West. That sense is the root of domestic support for Putin's policies. That's the opposite of what the U.S. would want if it saw Russia, long-term, as part of the West.

Making a deal in Syria, expanding trade and easing travel for Russians while backing Ukraine's pro-Western course, maintaining personal sanctions against Russian officials, and fighting Russian state propaganda looks to many Westerners like a self-contradictory policy. It's not. It's about dealing with the current Russian leadership only to the extent necessary to maintain the long-term view that Russia is part of the West. Russia's seen regime change more often than most Western nations. The pendulum will swing back and forth, regimes will come and go, but the country and its people remain, and keeping the door open for Russia and Russians -- not just promising to open it if certain conditions are met -- is a powerful long-term enticement.

The Trump administration doesn't appear to be into long-term thinking. Instinctively, however, Trump and his allies appear to embrace some seemingly contradictory policies that would support the kind of long game I have described. Tusk, for example, found that Trump shared his anti-Kremlin views on Ukraine, though the U.S. president clearly leans toward working with Russia in Syria. That's a good place to start; it won't be the first time that intellectual arguments need to catch up with instincts.

(c) 2017, Bloomberg View

Leonid Bershidsky is a Bloomberg View columnist. He was the founding editor of the Russian business daily Vedomosti and founded the opinion website Slon.ru.
Reversing Obama: Why are people amazed that President Trump would withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord? It's perfectly consistent with his personality. When President Obama joked about Donald at the White House Correspondents dinner in 2011, Donald took it personally. And now he is getting his revenge by trying to eradicate everything even remotely connected to Obama, regardless of the consequences to the United States or the world. If he had any true patriotism he would realize one consequence is isolating the country from its allies to the benefit of U.S. enemies like China and Russia. God help us all for the next three and a half years.

Norbert Balon, Northwest Portland

Our changing image: "The shining city of the hill."

"The indispensable nation."

"The last, best hope for humanity."

Thanks to Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, none of these labels now apply to the United States. He has sold out the future in exchange for the support of the dying coal industry, the tiny minority of mediocre academics who carry the torch for climate skepticism and free market ideologues.

The rest of the world will shrug and take up the burden of preventing disastrous climate change.

Stefan Jones, Beaverton
We have two types of votes in America, the votes we put into a ballot box and the votes we put into cash registers. Because it is now clear that the Trump Administration will fail to treat climate change as a real threat, we the citizens of this country need to use our dollar votes to show support for renewable energy.

Both Portland General Electric and Pacific Power have renewable energy offerings. For my home serviced by PGE, it only costs a few dollars more each month to get 100% of my energy usage purchased from renewable sources. We citizens must create a market demand for sustainable energy that this administration cannot ignore. If you cannot afford to purchase all of your energy from renewable sources, you have the option to do so for a smaller portion. Supporting these energy programs is not only good for the environment, but it is also supports new jobs in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

If you are dismayed by the White House's decision to leave the Paris climate accord, then I urge you to take action today. It is time to put our money where our mouth is.

Erik Paulson, North Portland
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MidMichigan Medical Center  Midland has received Michigans Quality Improvement Organization 2017 Governors Award of Excellence for outstanding achievement in effective reporting and measurement in the hospital value-based purchasing acute care hospital setting.

The medical center was also recognized for its outpatient quality reporting in the acute care hospital setting. MidMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Alpena, Clare and Gladwin also were recognized with a 2017 Governors Award of Excellence.

Im incredibly proud of our health care providers, employees and leadership for being recognized with this award, said Greg Rogers, president, MidMichigan Medical Center  Midland. This is just one piece of evidence of our continued commitment to patient quality and safety, and well remain dedicated to providing high-quality, safe patient care to those in the communities we serve.

This year, more than 100 Michigan hospitals, physician practices, nursing homes, inpatient psychiatric facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, home health agencies and community-based organizations were honored with the Governors Award of Excellence. This award recognizes participants for their dedication and success in improving health care quality and patient safety in Michigan. To be eligible for the award, participants must have achieved, maintained and continually improved in specific and rigorous milestones related to the award they received.

We are fortunate to be able to partner with the Medical Center in Midland and all the other dedicated organizations across the state of Michigan, said Dr. Leland Babitch, MPRO president and CEO. To be able to recognize these outstanding accomplishments with the Governors office highlights the importance of improving health care quality in our state.

The Governors Award of Excellence was first developed in 2003. The current award is based upon work from 2015-2016 in the following areas:

 Improving coordination of care

 Improving heart health

 Increasing adult immunizations

 Lowering the risk of infection in hospitals

 Effective reporting and measurement

 Improving care in nursing homes

 Increasing identification of behavioral health conditions

 Improving diabetes management
PONTIAC  Pontiac Mayor Bob Russell had no idea where to start when comparing Pontiacs new passenger rail station to the previous one, built nearly a century ago.

You could start with the parking lot, he said Monday during special ceremonies to officially open the $2.65 million station. In the old one, we had about five spaces. Now, we have 29 and its great that they are all full to celebrate this day.

In what was described as another step toward the completion of the Illinois high-speed rail Chicago to St. Louis corridor, the new depot officially opened Monday with an official ribbon cutting.

This is a big deal for our city, said Russell. We have a lot of visitors from all over the world and we have a lot of business people traveling through from Chicago to Springfield. We are within one mile of being right in the middle of those two.

The new station will begin hosting passengers on Tuesday, but about 75 people attended the grand opening. The station is located a block south of the old station on city-owned property at 711 W. Water St.

This building will become a centerpiece of downtown Pontiac and provide travelers a safer, more reliable and convenient option to get to where they want to go, said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. This gives them choices on how to get to Springfield, Chicago, St. Louis or Bloomington.

Construction costs for the 1,350-square-foot station were funded by a federal grant to IDOT as part of the high-speed rail program to introduce better performance and passenger speeds up to 110 mph on the Union Pacific Railroad line between Chicago and St. Louis. New stations also are being built in other smaller communities, including Lincoln, Carlinville and Alton. A new station in Dwight opened last year.

The Pontiac station includes waiting room, interior and exterior seating, free Wi-Fi, bicycle parking, a passenger pick-up and drop-off zone, modern security systems, bike and pedestrian paths, and various energy-efficient features. The platform is 360 feet long.

The good news about Amtrak stations in Illinois this year, starts here in Pontiac, said Mike Franke, Amtrak senior director of state government contracts. This is a significant upgrade for the passengers who use this stop every year. We are confident that Amtrak service will be the next big step in the ability to cross the state.

According to Amtrak officials, about 16,000 people use the stop in Pontiac every year.

This is a major milestone for the state of Illinois, added Blankenship. It is the second station we have opened, but we need to think about how we get to our destinations in the 21st century and we need to invest in our communities. I am very proud that Pontiac is one of our first, earliest efforts with this. There is no better place to start than right here in Pontiac. Its a stopping point on the old Route 66 and has always been a true gathering place in Central Illinois.

Russell agreed that the way people use transportation is changing.

For instance, people who live in Chicago have found that they can get by without a car or even a drivers license, he said. When they travel, trains are becoming more and more common and facilities like this will only encourage that.
BLOOMINGTON  A 6-year-old Lincoln girl, placed on life support after she was struck by a vehicle Saturday in Bloomington, has died.

The Peoria County Coroner's office said Mackenzy Brown was pronounced dead Monday morning. That office was involved because the girl died at Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria.

A statement released Monday afternoon by Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood, states that Mackenzy's father, Jeremy Brown, was across the street at Bloomington Meats in the 2400 block of Bunn Sreet about 2 p.m. when Mackenzy apparently got out of the car and attempted to run across the street to him when she was struck.

She was found in the street unconscious and unresponsive, said Harwood, adding it isn't known whether or not she was restrained in the car before she got out and ran across the street.

The girl was transported to Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal before being airlifted to Children's Hospital.

The driver, a 34-year-old Bloomington man, and witnesses were interviewed at the scene, said Bloomington police spokesman Elias Mendiola. It was determined criminal charges were not warranted against the driver.

A GoFundMe account was established by a family friend to help with medical expenses, according to the pages creator.

Organ donation is pending through the Gift of Hope, said Harwood's office.

This story will be updated.
NORMAL  After three years of consideration, Normal residents will know in two weeks what kind of railroad crossing is coming to Uptown Station.

The Normal City Council is expected to decide June 19 between an overpass or an underpass connecting the transportation station to the south side of the tracks.

Council members voted in 2014 not to take bids on a planned overpass and instead research an underpass.

Last month, New York City-based engineering firm WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff recommended the town build an underpass with an attached park and plaza, the most expensive of several options, but public feedback was mixed.

Normal's 2014 Uptown 2.0 plan, which first recommended building an underpass, listed it at $12.7 million and the overpass at $8.6 million. Parsons Brinckerhoff, which is receiving $1.4 million for its work, will provide updated cost estimates as part of a study to conclude next year.

The public comment period is closed, and those comments will be shared with the council, said City Manager Mark Peterson of the process. Theyll be asked to confirm the consultant's recommendation or modify it.

That decision was expected in June, but it's not part of the council's agenda for Monday.

At this week's meeting, the council will consider:

 Approving a $73,000 bid from Wm. Masters of Bloomington to install a standby generator at the town's North Booster Station at Raab Road and School Street, which helps maintain adequate water pressure throughout the town, from

Peterson said the project is not related to a March 10-11 townwide boil order caused by low water pressure after a main broke in the 1000 block of East College Avenue, though it could help prevent similar scenarios.

 Approving $50,000 in Harmon Arts Grant projects. Mayor Chris Koos is expected to distribute checks to the winning organizations June 19.

The program, named for former Mayor Paul Harmon, awards funding to programs at not-for-profit organizations that are established in the community, serve a large number of patrons and have "a stated purpose to promote the arts." They fund costs for operating or making art accessible.

 Approving paying $345,000 to Municipal Emergency Services of Deer Creek for self-contained breathing apparatus equipment for the Normal Fire Department.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. on the fourth floor at Uptown Station.
Book Club Members in Iran Sentenced to Prison Time for Allegedly "Promoting Feminism"

06/05/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

Eight political and civil rights activists have received sentences of up to four years in prison for allegedly reading and spreading feminist literature in Iran-two years after the charges were laid and during a mass trial that limited their defenses to three written sentences.





An Iranian woman holding a sign saying "woman=man"

(file photo)

"For two years, there was no news until suddenly they were told to appear in court on May 14," and informed source told the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). "They all showed up with their lawyers. The judge had a pleasant demeanor, but did not allow anyone to present a defense. All he did was give every defendant a piece of paper and asked them to write only three sentences in their own defense."

"All of them wrote they are innocent," he added. "Then, one of the lawyers started to speak in defense of his client, but the judge said he had heard enough and ordered everyone to clear the courtroom."

Continued the source: "That day, all the defendants felt their cases were insignificant and were confident that the judge would dismiss them, but unfortunately, all of them received prison sentences."

On September 17, 2015, seven men from Andimeshk, Khuzestan Province -Ali Nejadi, Ezzatollah Jafari, Abdolreza Shakeri Roshan, Shapour Rashno, Ashraf Rahim-Khani, Ali Mohammad Jahangiri and Pejman Mirzavand-were arrested at their homes by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Intelligence Organization and accused of participating in a reading club organized by the city's Mother Bookstore and "promoting feminism."

They were released on bail between one to two months later, but the bookstore was sealed by the authorities, the source told CHRI.

At an unknown later date, Zeinab Keshvari, Shapour Rashno's wife, was arrested and added as a c-odefendant to the case for speaking out against the arrests.

Keshvari, who was three-months pregnant the night her husband was arrested, suffered a miscarriage shortly afterwards.

The eight were put on trial at Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court in Dezful on May 14, 2017 and their lawyers were verbally informed of the verdict on May 21: prison sentences ranging from 29 days to four years.

Sentenced for Reading Books

About the circumstances surrounding the case, the source explained: "The owner of the Mother Bookstore in Andimeshk had organized a weekly reading club. Every Sunday, a group of folks gathered and discussed the books they had read. It's a small bookstore. It has enough space for seven or eight chairs, so only a few people attended."

Added the source: "The books were all published with permission from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, on topics such as personal psychology, Iranian lifestyles, domestic violence and gender discrimination. To encourage reading, anyone who had read a book and discussed it at a meeting received a free book as a gift. The store also hosted meetings about women and enterprise, which became very popular."

"Nobody did anything wrong," said the source. "The bookstore was created in 2010 and was well-established. But it seems the IRGC does not appreciate group activities in small towns, so they rounded everyone up. Also, the bookstore has since been shut down and the employees have lost their livelihood."
Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei mocks Trump's sword dance with backward Saudi rulers

06/05/17

Source: Tehran Times



TEHRAN - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday ridiculed U.S. President Donald Trump's sword dance with Saudi Arabia's backward and tribal rulers, noting they are allying against Iran in vain.





cartoon by Taravat Niki, Iranian daily Ghanoon



Trump made a two-day visit to Riyahd on May 20 and 21. In his first day of arrival, he signed a $110 arms deal with the Saudis, one of the greates weapons sales contracts in history. On the second day of his trip, Trump, who was addressing an Arab-U.S. summit, accused Iran of firing the "flames of sectarian violence" in the Middle East.



The anti-Iran remarks came two days after the Islamic Republic held a landmark presidential election in which over 70 percent of the eligible voters participated in the election.



"The U.S. president stands alongside the leaders of a tribal and backward system and does the sword dance, but criticizes an Iranian election with 40 million votes," the Leader told tens of thousands of people marking the death anniversary of Imam Khomeini.



In addition to the arms deal, the U.S. signed contracts with Saudi Arabia worth more than 200 billion dollars.



In a tweet Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Trump administration was is "milking" Saudi Arabia.



Analysts say the new Saudi rulers are signing lucrative contracts with the Trump administration in order to make the U.S. to adopt a more aggressive attitude toward Iran.



"Even with a multi-billion dollar bribe to America, the Saudis cannot achieve their goals in the region," the Leader remarked.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says government is taking steps to develop Ghanas fledgling mortgage industry to make home financing affordable to the citizens and offset the current housing deficit.



He said the country had a housing deficit of 1.7 million because the mortgage industry had not been developed to offer affordable financing for housing and infrastructure construction.



Dr. Bawumia said this when he inaugurated the Construction Bank Ghana Limited in Accra on Wednesday.



The bank, coming at an opportune time in the evolving construction landscape in Ghana, will primarily provide funding and transactional banking services to customers in construction.



It will also assist organisations and individuals to acquire homes and commercial properties and offer personal, business, corporate and investment banking services.



Vice President Dr. Bawumia said the commencement of operations of the Bank was a positive outcome for the construction industry and commended the owners for that bold step.



He said the launch of the bank was strategic because that investment would provide employment opportunities for Ghanaians and urged its directors and management to learn from the experience that led to the collapse of the erstwhile Bank for Housing and Construction, the first of such banks in Ghana.



Dr. Bawumia said Government would provide the necessary support to enable the bank to thrive, saying; We want to see this bank growing from strength to strength.



Government, he said, was working to guarantee the viability of the mortgage and construction industry in Ghana to bridge the housing and infrastructure gap.



The Vice President said with the changing nature of the countrys housing landscape, the issue of land titling and property registration had become a challenge, contributing to the underdevelopment of the mortgage sector.



He said government was putting plans in place to have all properties in the country registered.



The Minister of Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea, expressed joy at the birth of a banking institution solely dedicated to the construction industry and said the ministry now had a partner that would help reduce the housing deficit in the country.



The First Deputy Governor the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Millison Narh, asked the Bank to help change the trend in the country where housing had remained a big challenge for years.



He asked the Board of Governors to make the bank an institution that would promote the growing importance of the construction sector of the economy.



The Board Chairman, Dr. Asare Akuffo, said the Bank was joining the financial services sector with a unique and cutting-edge perspective of being the only commercial bank in Ghana providing a comprehensive range of commercial banking products and services specific to the construction community.



He said it would invest in innovations and technology to secure phenomenal growth that would capture the needs of its clientele across the key markets of Ghana.

Source: GBC









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Ghana is reported to have lost a whopping amount of GH505,179,134.55 in the year 2015, a report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana over Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the financial year ended December 31, 2015, has revealed.



The loss came about as a result of financial weaknesses and other irregularities captured under seven broad categories which include; Cash irregularities; outstanding debts/loans; payroll irregularities; tax irregularities; contract irregularities; stores/procurement irregularities; and rent payment irregularities.



The Auditor-General, Richard Q. Quartey, Kapapafmonline.com understands, is not happy about the development and therefore, has made a passionate appeal to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Michael Oquaye to ensure that measures are put in place to nib the canker in the bud.



Cash Irregularities



Records available to Kasapafmonline.com indicate that Ghana lost GH47,629,013.32 through cash irregularities during the period under review. The irregularities, according to the Auditor-Generals report cut across MDAs and were attributable to unapproved/unjustified disbursement, dishonored cheques, unaccounted revenue, unsupported payment vouchers, unauthorized transfer, transferred funds to bank not credited and unpresented payment vouchers.



The rest are payment of public funds into personal bank account, belated/non-lodgment of public funds, unaccounted funds, misapplication of funds, unauthorized use of IGF to defray loan and unauthorized use of IGF.



Worried over this development, the Auditor-General wants heads of MDAs to continue to strengthen their controls over the collection and disbursement of cash and other funds and ensure strict adherence to the provision of the Financial Administration Act, 2003 (Act 654) and the Financial Administration Regulation, 2004 (LI 1802).



Tax irregularities



Total tax irregularities recorded during the year under review amounted to GH305,417,021.42. The irregularities, according to the report, could be traced mainly to failure on the part of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to collect tax revenue and also to apply measures and sanctions stipulated in Sections 135(2) and 136 of the Internal Revenue Act, 2000 (Act 592) for tax administration.



Due to this lapse, management of the GRA has been advised to strengthen their monitoring and supervision work of their subordinate staff and other schedule officers. They have also been tasked to take steps to improve efficiency in tax administration and collection and follow up on overdue taxes while applying sanctions as prescribed by the tax laws.



Stores and procurement Irregularities



Stores and procurement irregularities during the period under review also cost the nation an amount of GH20,623,604.46. This amount, according to the Auditor-General, represents 4.06% of the total irregularities during the period under review. The irregularities were due mainly to failure on the part of MDAs to follow procurement procedures prescribed in the Public Procurement Act by failing to obtain required number of quotations, splitting of procurement contracts, exceeding authorized threshold, as well as short supply of computers and payment for goods not supplied among others.



Payroll Irregularities



Payroll roll irregularities recorded during the period under review also amounted to GH1,595,071.13. This was due mainly to payments of unearned salaries to separated staff as a result of delays in deleting their names from the payroll and delay in transferring unclaimed pensions and salaries to Government chest by the banks. The Auditor-General advising on the issue recommended intensification of coordination between Finance and Human Resource Units with MDAs in their responsibility for payroll management and the prevention as well as recovery of unearned salaries paid to unauthorized personnel.



Outstanding Loans/Debts



Outstanding loans and or debts amounted GH77,857,099.61, representing 15.42% of the total irregularities recorded by the Auditor-General during the period under review. This was mainly made up of a one off grant of US$16,000,000.00 from EDAIF given out as loan and sale of tractor and equipment to individual and groups which have not been paid.



Contract Irregularities



Contract irregularities also amounted to GH51,941,818.68. This involved abandoned projects, delay in the execution of projects, shoddy constructional works, non-execution of works after payment of mobilization among others.



Rent Irregularities



Rent irregularities recorded during the period under review also amounted to GH115,505.93. According to the Auditor-Generals report, this was mainly due to defaulted and uncollected rents due and non-payment of rent due on Government bungalows.





Source: kasapafmonline.com









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Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance, has described the petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice by Brogya Gyamfi, a member of the NDC, to investigate the $2.25 billion bond issued by the government as grossly unmeritorious and frivolous, calling for it to be dismissed.



According to a response to the petition, through the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, even though the petitioner sought an enquiry into conflicts of interest, he failed to set out particulars of the alleged conflict of interest in the petition.



There has been no breach of any of the laws or rules governing the issue of bonds, that the allegations of the complainant are based on plain falsehoods, and there has been no conflict of interest involving the respondent, the petition signed by Godfred Dame, deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, maintained.



The petitioner, who is the Ashanti Regional Youth Organizer of the NDC, dragged the Finance Minister to CHRAJ, alleging conflict of interest in the bond issued by the government through the Ministry.



With regards to rules governing the issue of bonds in question, the minister explained that bonds are part of government securities and constitute direct, unsecured and unconditional obligations of the government, and that the purpose of issuing Securities is to finance government shortfalls, and redeem maturing Securities.



Issuance of securities in accordance with the regulations published by the Bank of Ghana is in compliance with the financial laws of Ghana, he said.



He added that per the guidelines of the Bank of Ghana, relevant rules such as securities issued in Ghana under the Bank of Ghana Guidelines are denominated in the local currency, and all payments are required to be made in Ghana cedis; only financial institutions licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission to deal in securities and authorised by Bank of Ghana as Primary Dealers/Joint Book Runners are eligible to participate in the auction of debt securities and the Ministry of Finance is required to publish a quarterly calendar for the issuance of government securities.



On the allegation that the 7-year and 15-year Bonds were not on the issuance calendar, the minister held that the allegation did not impinge on conflict of interest, stressing: the propriety or otherwise of the issue of 7 year and 15 year Bonds when same is allegedly not on the issuance calendar, does not fall within the jurisdiction of this Commission.



The Bank of Ghana which has the sole mandate to issue Government securities, published a calendar for the second quarter and thereby issued notices to Primary Dealers, Banks, Stockbrokers and General Public - Notice No. BG/TD/2017/15 on 30th March 2017 of the issue of the Bonds in question, he explained.



Responding to allegations made by the petitioner that the initial pricing guidelines of the Bond were issued around 5.37 pm on March 30, 2017, by email, which was after normal working hours, he described it as not only false but a misleading allegation.



He, thus, asked the Commission to reject it on the basis that Initial pricing guidelines are not issued by the Ministry of Finance. Under the regulations, they are issued by the Book Runners/Transaction Advisers licensed by the Bank of Ghana - Barclays Bank Ghana, Strategic African Securities and Stanbic Bank Ghana.



He added, On the occasion of the issue of the Bonds in question, the Book Runners by a public announcement on 30th March, 2017 at 10.12 am, published details of the Bonds to be issued and sent invitations to all investors before the transaction opened. The initial pricing guidelines were issued on 30th March, 2017 at 12.04 pm.



The minister described the petitioners allegation that the issuance summary was issued on March 31, 2017, at about 4.20 pm by email, indicating that the Bond transaction had been closed and announcement made to the public, as irrelevant.



He explained that an Issuance Summary is prepared by the Book Runners/Primary Dealers licensed by the Bank of Ghana upon close of the transaction.



He added: It is the final summary of the transaction issued to investors in the nature of an acknowledgement. Neither the Ministry of Finance nor the Minister for Finance respondent hereto, played any role in the preparation of the Issuance Summary. In any event, the Issuance Summary complied with the regulations governing issue of Bonds of this kind, as well as the practice before 2017.



On the petitioners allegation that one single investor, Franklin Templeton Investment Limited, purchased almost 95% of the Bond, the minister clarified that the Ministry of Finance, in the matter of the issue of Bonds, does not transact with any investor and that all transactions are carried out by Book Runners designated by the Bank of Ghana as Primary Dealers.



Further, there is no law or regulation that imposes a limit on the amount of an investors offer. The transaction processes for this issuance did not deviate from previous issuances, as to lead to a finding that Franklin Templeton was favoured, he added.



According to the response, there was no evidence of any act or omission on the part of either the Ministry or the Minister supporting an allegation of participation in a business transaction or activity for the benefit of friends or family, and that neither did the personal interests of either the Ministry of Finance or the Minister for Finance interfere with the performance of their duties and functions.



Further, no personal or private benefit has been derived by the Minister of Finance through the issuance of the Bonds in question. Simply put, the respondent has not contravened article 284 of the Constitution, he maintained.







Source: The New Statesman









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Ghana has signed an accord with its neighbour, Cote dIvoire, for closer collaboration in the areas of cocoa production and marketing.



The Accra Agreement, signed on Friday, June 2, this year at the end of the two-day second technical cooperation meeting between both nations in the Ghanaian capital, seeks to assist the two countries to collaboratively tackle many challenges adversely affecting their cocoa economy, especially the issue of foreign pricing of cocoa by the West and Asia, among others.



It was signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Director-General of the Council of Coffee and Cocoa, Cote dIvoire respectively on behalf of both countries.



The consistent drop in cocoa prices on the world market and the continuous foreign pricing of cocoa, forced the two countries to enter into the partnership.



The two leading producers feel shortchanged with respect to cocoa prices on the world market, which is mostly determined on the international market, and not at the domestic level.



CEO of Cocobod, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, in a statement shortly before the signing of the accord, observed that participants during the two-day meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues relating to the production of cocoa and its price on the global market, illegal mining activities in coca producing areas, social and cultural issues, child labour, among others.



The essence of the meeting, he intimated, was to find lasting solution to foreign pricing of cocoa, especially considering the adverse impact the recent fall in world cocoa price has had on the economies of the two countries.



He said the time has come for stakeholders in the cocoa sectors in Ghana and Cote dIvoire to end the excessive talk and take concrete steps to improve the welfare of cocoa farmers by ensuring that their produce are sold at better prices.



Nations across four continents make the top 10, and Ghana and Cote dIvoire currently occupy the first and second positions respectively, followed by Indonesia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Dominican Republic.



The two leaders accordingly contribute about 60 percent of worlds production of cocoa.



Ghana, which accordingly produced about 850,000 tonnes of cocoa beans for the 2016/2017 crop season reportedly lost about $1 billion due to the fall in cocoa prices on the world market from over $3,000 to about $1,880, while its counterpart, Cote dIvoire lost about $4 billion during the period under review, according to the CEO of Cocobod.



Director-General of Council of Coffee and Cocoa, Cote dIvoire, Massandje Toure-Litse, spoke about the urgent need for the two countries to work hard to sustain their cocoa economy.



The time for too much talk has passed, its time for work, he said, adding that we need to put practical modalities at work to address the challenges facing the sector.







Source: Daily Guide









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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









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A Lecturer at the Law Faculty of the University of Ghana, Dr Opoku Adusei has opposed the hanging or shooting to death of the murders of the late Capt. Maxwell Adam Mahama, as penalty for lynching soldier.



Ghana was thrown into a state of utter shock when news went round of the guesome killing of the Junior Military Officer by a mob in Denkyira Obuase, in the Upper Denkyira West District on Monday.



Captain Maxwell Mahama, an Officer with the 5th Batallion of Infantry at Burma Camp, Accra was on duty as a Commander of a Military Detachment at Diaso, but was lynched in Obuase by the inhabitants on suspicion he was an armed robber while he was on a 20 kilometer walk.



Two women who reportedly saw a pistol on him after he had bought snails from one of them, alarmed by what they had seen called the assemblyman for the area on phone who also organized the youth of the town to lynch him.



Outraged by the destardly act, a section of the public have called for the death penalty to be meted out against the perpetrators for this heinous crime.



At a durbar organized by the Military High Command at Burma Camp last week, some angry soldiers quoted the Biblical saying he who draws the sword will die by the sword, calling for the perpetrators to be killed in similar manner as their colleague.



But contributing to a discussion on the matter on Joy FMs News File Show Saturday, Dr Opoku Adusei said the culprits being sentenced to death without being killed must be enough.



Theres a place in Nsawam Prison, the condition you live in there, if you survive ten years and your eyesight will still be there then you are lucky. For this type of crime I dont think any government will come in the future and grant you a pardon and maybe remit your death sentence into life imprisonment for you to come to the open area of the prison, because this death has caused national outrage. The fact that we still have death penalty on our statutes book, that should suffice for now instead of they being hanged or shot to death.



As of December 31 2015, there were 137 people, including three women, on the death row in Ghana, seven of whom are foreign nationals.



Since the death penalty clause was included in Ghanas 1992 constitution, the courts continue to sentence people to death, although no executions have been carried out since 1993.



Since then no president has signed any death warrant, instead, they have commuted the punishments to life sentences of life imprisonment.

Source: kasapa









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Colleague officers of late Captain Maxwell Mahama have expressed their readiness to avenge the gruesome murder of their comrade.



At a meeting between the leadership of the Armed Forces and the soldiers at Burma Camp in Accra, most of soldiers were visibly irritated and insisted that immediate action be taken.



They are dissatisfied with the level of response from the Military High Command after the lynching of their own demanding a stronger response from the Army on the alleged attackers.



The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) impressed on the soldiers to keep calm following the lynching of Capt. Maxwell Adam Mahama.



One angry soldier said We are the last resort in this country. If we allow ourselves to be beaten this way as a Christian, by what Jesus said in Matthew 26 verse 52: he who draws the sword must die by the sword.



This soldier was supported by a Muslim counterpart with verses from the Quran.



The soldiers said they were growing impatient with the pace of the police investigation, which has so far seen about seventeen (17) suspects arrested for their alleged roles in the murder.



They made known their disapproval of the Ghana Police Service conducting the investigations and suggested that military police be made to take over the investigation and subsequent prosecution of the matter.



We have military police. It is not in every instance that we allow the civilian police to be telling us about evidence. You have seen something clearly and you are telling me about evidence. What more evidence do you want from this? The Ghana Armed Forces has the military police. We can handle our things. It is not everything that you take to the civil police. a soldier remarked



Some of the soldiers also called for a total boycott and discontinuation of all anti-lumbering and anti galamsey operations currently being run by the Army.



I will suggest we leave the work for the police to also carry out so that we come back to our barracks, one soldier noted.



However, the CDS reemphasised the stance of Former President, J.J Rawlings and President Nana Akufo-Addo for them not to engage in any reprisal attacks.



Even though this is a cruel act, cool heads must prevail. A statement like this coming from a former member of the Ghana Armed Forces and a former head of state and a former commander in chief needs to be examined and listened to very carefully.



That is my appeal to you today. Additionally, our Commander-in-Chief has assured us that nobody is going to go scott free in this particular incident. We are collaborating with all the relevant security agencies and we are making study progress. he declared.

Source: Ghanaweb.com









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43,744 candidates are sitting this year's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Brong Ahafo Region, says the Ghana Education Service (GES).



Out of the given number, 23,311 are males while 20,433 are females.



Mr. Luke Mensah, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Education Service, in the Brong Ahafo Region, who revealed this to Peacefmonline.com said all logistics and materials needed for the smooth running of the examination have been dispatched to all the 162 centres for the 5 day - long period.



The GES PRO also indicated that security were at post at all the centres who will ensure there will be no attempts of examination malpractices.



"I have visited Wamanafo, Amaasu, Wanfie, the Dormaa and Sunyani municipalities today. All the exam centres are very secured," Mr. Mensah added.



Meanwhile speaking with some of the candidates at the Twene Amanfo Examination Centre, some of the pupils said they were happy to take part in the examination, but not without tension. They said they expected their invigilators to be lenient with them in the exam hall.



However, at Achirensua, there were three out of four pregnant pupils between 14 and 16 years who could not turn up at the Achirensua Examination centre to partake in the examination.



They are from the Achirensua Roman Catholic JHS, Methodist JHS and Vasco International School in the Asutifi South district.









Source: Henryson Okrah/Peacefm News/Ghana









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The family of late army Captain Maxwell Mahama has saluted Ghanaians for heeding their plea to stop sharing videos and images of the heinous crime of the lynching of the military man.



We are hurt that some Ghanaians are sharing images of our son in his lowest moment. By Sissala tradition, and we believe many other groups, the dead is treated with utmost respect. We expect the citizenry, especially media houses, to be responsible and respect the sensibilities of family members by not sharing and showing the photos and videos of the dastardly act, the family had said in a statement on Thursday 1 June.



Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM on Monday 5 June, the spokesperson of the family, Mr Douri Bennin Haji, commended Ghanaians for respecting the wishes of the family.



He told show host Kwadwo Asare-Baffour Acheampong (KABA): The country needs some applause.



Generally, the appeal has been heeded and we will want to commend the media...that the sensibilities of the family will continue to be respected. To the young people of this country who are more into social media and the rest, I want to salute them and encourage them not to continue sharing the pictures of this dastardly act that befell one of their own. Captain was as young as the majority of young people in Ghana and so if you are a young person anywhere in this country, issues that befell the late captain is your problem. Lets come together as young people to make this country very great and a country we can all be proud of. After all, if Ghana is praised we are all praised.



Captain Mahama was lynched by irate youth of Denkyira Obuasi on suspicion that he was an armed robber, after a snail seller informed the assemblyman of the area that the soldier was an armed robber, having seen the sidearm of the now deceased officer as he took money from his pocket to pay for snails he had bought from her.

Source: Classfmonline









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A 12-year-old boy has been arrested at Manso Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region Saturday over the lynching of a military commander Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama.



Another woman has also been arrested, bringing the number of nabbed persons to nine in the Ashanti Region.



Confirming the arrests to Starr News, the Ashanti Region spokesperson of the Ghana Police Juliana Obeng said the suspects will be transported to the CID national headquarters of the Ghana Police in Accra to assist in investigations.



ASP Obeng gave a breakdown of the arrested persons as three women and six men including a little boy who we have in connection with the arrest of Captain Mahama.



We know that they have something one way or the other with the murder of Captain Mahama, she stressed.



Meanwhile, the woman who allegedly torched Captain Maxwell Mahamas body after he was lynched at Denkyira-boase has been arrested.



She was arrested Friday night, the Central regional Police commander DCOP David Ampabeni told Starr News Kwaku Baah-Acheamfour. The suspect was seen in the murder footage lighting the remains of the soldier with a match.



The arrest brings the total number of Denkyira-boase residents arrested in connection with the murder to 18.



Already, seven out of the 18 have been remanded into Police custody after they were charged with murder.



Background



The late Captain Mahama was a military officer with the 5th Infantry Batallion (5BN) at Burma Camp in Accra but on detachment duties at the Denkyira Obuasi of the Central region.



Captain Mahama, according to his subordinates, was seen jogging along the main road and as he stopped by to ask some women for directions, the women saw a pistol on him. The women who were alarmed by the discovery of the pistol on Captain Mahama mistook him for an armed robber thereby alerting their assembly member who allegedly organised some men to lynch him and even burnt him in the process.

Source: starr FM









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Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe has been named the new chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Liberias capital Monrovia.



He takes over the rotational role from Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who faced a tough task in her 12-month tenure.



Mr Gnassingbe's election was announced at the 51st ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State held for the first time in Liberia on Sunday, June 4, 2017.



In attendance was the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu who congratulated the incoming chairperson and invited the West African leaders to the Africa-Israel summit to be held in Togo in October.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is also attending the summit.



Faure Gnassingbe will face a less tedious task as chairperson compared to President Sirleaf who was faced with the electoral crisis in The Gambia.



President Gnassingbe will officially assume the role at the end of the Summit.









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Following the naming of Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbe as the new chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), social media was awash with insinuations that Ghanas President, Nana Akufo-Addo lost a vote to the Togolese president. It is unclear where the rumours emanated from, but a number of persons, notably consisting of National Democratic Congress (NDC) sympathizers run with it.

But little did they know there were a couple fundamental flaws in the election loss claims meant to mock the President on the back of his historic 2016 election victory on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

For one, as pointed out by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, ECOWAS doesnt vote on the selection of a chairperson, because the position is rotational.

Just to set the records straight. I dont know who put this out about an Ecowas vote today at the summit. At the level of the heads of state, they mostly dont vote on issues; as much as possible they go by consensus. There was no vote today. It had already been agreed as per Ecowas rules of rotation that the chair of authority will be a francophone country and this time Togo. So sorry to disappoint some folks, Ecowas doesnt work like that. The chairmanship smoothly moved from Liberia to Togo. This propaganda will not wash. Guess what? It was President Akufo-Addo who proposed President Faure and all the others (peers) clapped unanimously in agreement. Shame on those who started spreading this falsehood. Im off to bed.

Faure Gnassingbe took over the rotational role from Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the 51st ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State held for the first time in Liberia on Sunday, June 4, 2017. Another key flaw in the claims on social media was that Nana Addo lost in an election with 16 voters, when ECOWAS actually consists of 15 countries after Mauritania formally withdrew in December 2000.

Source: citifmonline.com









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A Woman from the United Kingdom, Yvonne Bannister is seeking support to enable her fly her two dogs to the UK from Ghana.

According to Yvonne the dogs gave her a little bit of home when she was in Ghana adding that the dogs are currently in sorrowful states in the West African country.



Yvonne who posted her request on a crowd funding website crowdfunder.co.uk said any excess amount she realizes from the donations would be donated to the Battersea dogs home in the UK.





Below is what Yvonne Bannister posted on crowdfunder:



Rescue my dogs from Ghana.



Hi to everyone out there, Im a U.K. lady looking for some support to return my beautiful dogs back to the U.K. Pets are our life and these two beautiful boys gave me a little bit of home when I was overseas in Ghana. My project aim is simply to return my dogs to the U.K. All excess funds will be donated to Battersea dogs home.



To do this they have to have the usual Deffra required injections and then they fly back home with me on British Airways. The money raised will help to go towards return flights and transportation, flights and the U.K. VAT. Im asking for your help and assistance, to make my life whole again.



I`m in the U.K. and they are there; in unfortunate circumstances we have been separated for 8 months.





Source: citifmonline.com









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Sadness was the dominant emotion as mourners and sympathisers joined the family of the late Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama at his residence in Burma Camp in Accra to mark the one-week celebration of his departure.



The mourners included former government officials under the Mahama-led administration and some senior national security personnel.



Mourners



Some of the past government officials included Ms Hanna Tetteh, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Dzifa Ablah Gomashie, and former Attorney General, Ms Betty Mould Iddrisu.



Also at the slain soldiers residence was the immediate past Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Air Marshall Samson-Oje.



It will be recalled that Captain Mahama was lynched on Monday, May 29, 2017 by some residents of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region who mistook the identity of the army captain as an armed robber.



Rituals



Meanwhile, the chiefs and people at the Denkyira Traditional Area have performed rituals to cleanse their land after some of their residents in the Denkyira-Obuasi shed the blood of Captain Mahama.



They (Chiefs) have also called on the gods in the area and the ghost of Captain Mahama to haunt all those who took part in the lynching act to report themselves to the police.



The Chiefs dressed mainly in black and red cloths poured libation, slaughtered some animals and invoked the spirits of the gods in the area in the performance of the rituals.





So far, more than 25 people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of Captain Mahama.



Background



Captain Mahama was the Commander of a military detachment stationed at Diaso in the Upper Denkyira West District in the Central Region to check galamsey activities.



At 8 a.m. on May 29, 2017, Captain Mahama, wearing civilian clothes but with his sidearm, left his detachment base for a 20-kilometre jogging.



At a press conference in Accra last Friday, the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Bright Oduro, giving a detailed account of events leading to Captain Mahamas death, said between 8:55 a.m. and 9:25 a.m, the military officer got to the outskirts of Denkyira-Obuasi, where a number of women were selling foodstuffs by the roadside.



He stopped to interact with the women and even bought some snails, which he left with the women to keep for him to pick up on his return from the walk.



While he was taking out money from his pocket to pay for the snails, the woman from whom he had bought the snails and a few others saw Captain Mahamas sidearm tucked to his waist.



Soon after he left the women, one of them telephoned the Assembly Member for Denkyira-Obuasi, William Baah, to report what they had seen.



Baah, instead of verifying the information, is said to have rather mobilised the townsfolk to prepare to attack an armed robber who had been sighted by the women.



He called a motor rider, popularly known as Komoko, and, together with another man called Kwesi Buah, proceeded to confront Captain Mahama.



Attack



Baah and his group met Captain Mahama near the Denkyira-Obuasi cemetery, which is one-and-a-half-kilometres away from the foodstuff sellers and about the same place where the body was found.



As soon as Baah and the two men spotted Captain Mahama with the sidearm, they accosted him without giving him the opportunity to identify himself.By that time, the message had spread that an armed robber had been sighted and so other people had come around, wielding all forms of implements, and they started attacking Captain Mahama.



By that time, the message had spread that an armed robber had been sighted and so other people had come around, wielding all forms of implements, and they started attacking Captain Mahama.While Captain Mahama was being attacked, he made efforts to explain his identity, while at the same time attempting to flee from his attackers.



While Captain Mahama was being attacked, he made efforts to explain his identity, while at the same time attempting to flee from his attackers.Police investigations established that Captain Mahama, in his attempt to escape the attack, jumped onto different motorbikes, but he was not successful in his attempt.



Police investigations established that Captain Mahama, in his attempt to escape the attack, jumped onto different motorbikes, but he was not successful in his attempt.Also, Mr Oduro said, Captain Mahama attempted to escape by jumping onto a timber truck by entering through the passenger side but the attackers fired and shattered the windscreen, causing him to fall off.



Also, Mr Oduro said, Captain Mahama attempted to escape by jumping onto a timber truck by entering through the passenger side but the attackers fired and shattered the windscreen, causing him to fall off.



There were sporadic shooting from the attackers. The attackers used implements, including clubs, cement blocks and machetes.



Captain Mahama was finally killed about 10 am.

Source: Daily Graphic









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A 29 year-old carpenter has been detained by the Bogoso Police in the Prestea Huni/Valley district over the killing of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama.



The suspect, Solomon Sackey, allegedly reported himself to the Bogoso Police on June 4, at 0900 hours and confessed that he was part of those who lynched the military officer at Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region.



Police Chief Inspector Foster Berko, Station officer in-charge of Bogoso who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, said the suspect was immediately arrested.



He said since the incident happened in the Central Region, the Police would hand over the suspect to the Police service unit in that area for the necessary investigations.



The station officer revealed that information reaching his office indicated that four other suspects from the affected town were hiding in Bogoso.



He assured Ghanaians that the Police would get hold of all the suspects as soon as possible for them to face the law.

Source: GNA









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China has condemned Zambia for detaining 31 of its nationals for alleged illegal mining without providing strong proof, Reuters news agency reports.

Those detained include a pregnant woman and two people with malaria, Chinas Foreign Ministry said. Lin Songtian, the ministrys director-general for African affairs, had raised his concerns with a Zambian diplomat in Beijing.

China supported actions to crack down on illegal mining, but was opposed to selective law enforcement and the detention of its citizens without strong evidence, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a media briefing, Reuters reports. Zambia has not yet commented. Chinese firms have invested more than $1bn (780m) in copper-rich Zambia. In 2012, Zambian miners killed a Chinese supervisor and seriously wounded another in a pay dispute at a coal mine.

Source: BBC









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Former President John Mahama ordered the supply of 43 specialised vehicles worth more than $9m barely eight days to the handing over of power, documents sighted by Joy News has revealed.



The document signed by former Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Salifu Osman giving approval for the use of the vehicle by the President, Vice-President, First Lady and others. The cars are capable of firing rounds of ammunition and are designed to withstand the effects of a hand grenade.

All four sides of the passenger compartment and the roof of the vehicle are protected using high-quality armour steel and glass defeating a NATO ball ammunition, the supplier Shell Speciality Vehicles described the vehicle.

In a letter addressed to Executive Director of local company Amalgamated Security Services Ltd Mr. O.K Tweneboah-Kodua, National Security granted the company approval to 'import and clear' the said vehicles.



The letter dated 30, December 2016 contained an expectation that the vehicles are to arrive within 40 days.



Joy News can confirm, although the vehicles are ready to be delivered, the fleet are stuck in Dubai.

The Akufo Addo government has placed an indefinite moratorium on the purchase of new vehicles for the running of the presidency and ministries of state but that decision could potentially result in the payment of judgment debt.

PHOTOS: A type of B6 amoured vehicle, Break-down of the allocation for the specialized vehicles,The interior of a type of B6 armoured vehicle.

Source: myjoyonline.com









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A former Minister of Trade & Industry, Ekow Spio-Garbrah, says he finds it worrying to note that 38 years down the line, Ghana has not learnt any lesson from the things that sparked the June 4 uprising.



It is sad to note that thirty-eight years on, the vices of corruption, nepotism, cronyism, etc., which led to the eruption of June 4th in 1979 have slowly crept back into our everyday life and arguably surpassed the obnoxious period preceding the June 4 event. Our nation is once again grappling with the canker of widespread, extreme corruption that has permeated the whole of our society including officialdom. So, as a nation, we seem not to have learnt the lessons June 4 sought to teach us. Government after government, since we adopted multi-party democracy in 1992, has been accused of corruption by succeeding ones. Now it is common to find governments using the, so called, Corruption Perception Index to compare their own levels of corruption with others, thus implicitly, admitting that they are corrupt but, perhaps, doing better than others. But no matter the depth or level of perception, corruption is a canker in our society which if not nipped in the bud, would eat away the very fabric of society, resulting in enrichment of a few in positions of trust and abjectly impoverishing the masses of our people" he said in a statement.







Below is the full statement



STATEMENT BY DR. EKWOW SPIO-GARBRAH ON THE 38TH ANNIVERSARY OF JUNE 4TH UPRISlNG



As we commemorate 38 years of the June 4th uprising, may we as a nation, solemnly reflect and remind ourselves of the social and economic conditions that prevailed in our country during that era and which culminated in the June 4 incidence, that sparked a popular revolt against all manner of injustices in our Ghanaian society, including high levels of corruption, thievery, general indiscipline and impunity.



It is sad to note that thirty-eight years on, the vices of corruption, nepotism, cronyism, etc., which led to the eruption of June 4th in 1979 have slowly crept back into our everyday life and arguably surpassed the obnoxious period preceding the June 4 event. Our nation is once again grappling with the canker of widespread, extreme corruption that has permeated the whole of our society including officialdom.



So as a nation, we seem not to have learnt the lessons June 4 sought to teach us. Government after government, since we adopted multi-party democracy in 1992, has been accused of corruption by succeeding ones. Now it is common to find governments using the, so called, Corruption Perception Index to compare their own levels of corruption with others, thus implicitly, admitting that they are corrupt but, perhaps, doing better than others. But no matter the depth or level of perception, corruption is a canker in our society which if not nipped in the bud, would eat away the very fabric of society, resulting in enrichment of a few in positions of trust and abjectly impoverishing the masses of our people. To revert this, it is imperative for us, as a nation, to revisit the lessons of probity and accountability which June 4 sought to teach us.



This is why I find the theme of this 38th-anniversary celebration of the June 4th Uprising: Restoring the values of Probity, Accountability, and Truth in Governance, to be so appropriate.



I wish to appeal particularly to the leadership, members, supporters, sympathisers and grassroots activists of our beloved party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which was founded by Flt-Lt. Jerry John Rawlings on the ideals of probity and accountability to do more in making these ideals a reality. This will ensure that we reconstruct our party on these noble ideals which in the past have propelled us from victory to victory in competing with our opponents of the Property Owning class.



I further call on the NDC Council of Elders and NDC party leadership to prioritise the establishment and operationalisation of a training school and programme for elected party officers at all levels, to ensure that the next generation of party executives and leaders are people of integrity and are able and willing to defend these ideals of Social Democracy, so as to make the NDC more competitive in future elections.



We are a grassroots political party of the Social Democratic ideology. We owe it as a duty, to cater for the needs of the common man and woman on the streets, on farms, fisherfolk, market women, teachers, nurses, other workers, as well as countless millions of our unemployed young men and women.



This 38th anniversary of June 4th should rekindle the spirit of patriotism, probity, accountability and the courage to eschew the vice of corruption in our national lives.



God bless us all!!



Long Live Ghana!!!

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Dr Henry Lartey of the Great Consolidated Popular Party is a crazy man, former President John Rawlings has said.



Addressing the 38th anniversary of the 4 June 1979 uprising in Wa, Upper West Region, Mr Rawlings said the son of the domestication man  late Dan Lartey  allowed himself to be used by even crazier people within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to accuse him (Rawlings) of corruptly gaining $5million from Nigerias late dictator Sani Abacha.



Mr Rawlings on Sunday insisted he got only $2million from Mr Abacha, which he used for nationalistic purposes and not $5million as alleged by Dr Lartey, flag bearer of the GCPP in the 2016 elections.



In July last year, Dr Lartey threatened to drag Mr Rawlings before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to test his self-acclaimed incorruptibility, saying the former military ruler lied to Ghanaians and Africa about the money he got from Mr Abacha.



Dr Lartey dared the former president to come clear on his comments during an interview with the Daily Graphic that he was not corrupt and his integrity was intact and unshakeable following allegations that he received $5million from the late Nigerian leader.



Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday 27 July 2016, Dr Lartey dared the former president to make himself available to investigations, if, in fact, he was incorruptible as he claimed.



We will take JJ Rawlings to CHRAJ for him to come and account to Ghanaians. Probity and accountability; we want to hear from him, so founder, come and tell us, please come and tell us how clean you are. We want to [ask]: Are you clean, JJ Rawlings? Read my lips  JJ Rawlings, are you clean? If you are, dont let us go to CHRAJ; you yourself, go to CHRAJ and say: this is my situation. We asked questions and he says: Posterity will judge me. No, we want to judge you now, not posterity Dr Lartey stated.



How much did Gaddafi give him? We know he was close to Gaddafi. How much did Gaddafi give him that we are not aware of? Probity now, not posterity. We (GCPP) want to win this power and help Ghanaians. We want to stop corruption now with JJ Rawlings. He is the father of probity [and] accountability, so we will start from him. He has lied to us, he has lied to his family, he has lied to the whole Africa, we are disappointed and I am disappointed with him.



When Dr Lartey first made the allegation, Mr Rawlings challenged him to a juju test to establish the truth.



Speaking with some queenmothers including Mamaga Noviode of Sogakope (Leader), Nana Akyembaku Mansa from the Central Region, Nana Ama Serwaa from Ashanti, Nana Akua Gyasiwaa from Eastern, Mamaga Maamele from Klikor in the Volta Region, and Abesewaahemaa Nana Afia Gyamaa Pinsan, who paid a call on him at his residence in Accra, Mr Rawlings said he had prior knowledge of Mr Larteys planned attacks on him in connection with the alleged monetary gift.



According to him, Dr Lartey was paid by the NDC to vilify me in connection with the $5m gift controversy involving the late Nigerian leader and challenged late Dan Larteys son to a juju test.



About three days before his drama, I got information that he was going to be financially rewarded for what he did and incidentally he was instigated not by people in the opposition, Mr Rawlings revealed.



Why are people worried about the level of integrity weve tried to maintain? We say we are Christians; we swear on the Bible, Muslims on the Quran; Id like to invite people like him (Lartey) that we go traditional as well. That we invite the white mans technology (lie detector) to also come and verify the truthfulness, the integrity of my word. And for him to be simply asked who paid him to do what he did? Flt Lt Rawlings urged.

Source: classfmonline.com









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An NPP National Chairman Aspirant, Mr. Fred Amankwah - Sarfo has reiterated his vision to construct a new spacious ultra modern party headquarters for the NPP under his chairmanship.



In an exclusive interview with Peacefmonline.com, the astute politician indicated his desire to contest and win the high office of the New Patriotic Party as national chairman.



According to him  The current headquarters situated at Asylum Down has outlived its useful contributions.



Mr. Fred Amankwah - Sarfo who is the acting National President of the Doctoral Researchers Association of Ghana and a PhD Researcher in Information Systems at the University of Ghana Business School said that the NPP has a huge opportunity to elect him as the National Chairman in the next delegates election scheduled for early 2018.



He also noted that new regional and constituency offices will also be constructed to give the executives a comfortable working environment and be used to attract new members into the party through membership drive programs.



Mr Amankwah - Sarfo is resolute in his chairmanship bid and assures all party faithfuls to stand by him to contest and win the position of National Chairman of NPP.



He contested the first vice chairman position of the New Patriotic Party in the last delegates congress held in Tamale in 2014 and a founding member of the Young Patriots and a co founder of the Progressive Nationalists Forum.



The national chairman aspirant was part of the electoral commission accredited monitoring team for the New Patriotic Party.



He ascribes to the 3D Concept of leadership thus, Dependable, Determined Dedicated. My desire is to lead one party devoid of factions





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









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We apologise in advance for the churning stomach this story is sure to trigger.

A British tourist is recovering in hospital after the skin and muscle of her leg were stripped away in a horrific boating accident off the Whitsundays on Saturday.

The woman in her 50s, visiting from Birmingham, was enjoying a two-day, two-night cruise around on 24m luxury yacht the British Defender when her leg got caught in a rope.

She somehow got dragged along the deck of the boat, smashing into handrails and higher-tension stainless steel wires that degloved her lower leg: in medical terms, thats means a section of skin was completely torn off the underlying tissue.

The horrific accident occurred at about 4:30pm, and medical staff boarded an inflatable boat from Whitehaven Beach to reach the yacht.

Shes currently in a stable condition at Mackay Base Hospital, where shes no doubt on some serious pain medication.

A British Defender spokesman said the crew and other passengers are traumatised by the incident.

At the moment we are trying to deal with our crew and other passengers, he said.



It is a very emotional timeright now we have six passengers that I am trying to counsel.

We wish the woman a speedy recovery from what definitely wont be a treasured holiday memory.

Source: ABC.

Photo: British Defender.
Nothing sets fire to the start of your day quite like a slow crawl into work.

Spare a thought for the commuters of Sydney, then, who are facing delays of six months or more after construction of the CBDs $2.1 billion light rail  which has closed off much of George Street  misses completion deadlines for the second bleddy time.

Despite the fact work kicked off 18+ months ago  and there was a deadline extension last year  seven of 10 zones on the main drag have failed to meet the latest target for laying of tracks, curbs and other civil construction work.

A local business owner told the SMH transport officials advised him construction near Martin Place could now drag out until Xmas, with October a best-case scenario, meaning the rail route will remain cooked for some time.

Transport for NSW has blamed the discovery of roughly 1,000 underground utility and service cables, which forced a bunch of design changes.

We are on track for overall completion in early 2019 and have always been upfront in stating that we would need to adjust the schedules of individual zones, it said.

While its annoying as hell in terms of access to one of the busiest strips in the CBD, think of the businesses who are losing $$$ hand-over-fist thanks to the decline in customers.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Photo: Getty / Ryan Pierse.
Well, this sucks.

The cuts to penalty rates brought in by the Fair Work Commission are due to start rolling out within weeks.

The plan is to phase in the cuts over the next few years, with fast food and hospo workers set to have their Sunday rates dropped by 5 per cent this year, and 10 per cent for the next two.

Retail and pharmacy workers will cop a 5 per cent pay cut this year, and a 15 per cent reduction every year until 2020.

Sally McManus, secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, told the ABC that even small increments would make a negative difference to workers.

Theyre looking at offsetting it in the first year and [if] you look at the cuts in the following years theyre much bigger, especially in some of the industries, which is a 15 per cent pay cut in the out years. I think no matter which way you dress it up, youre facing pay cuts every single year.

Youre not wrong, Sally. Might as well settle in for another year of housing insecurity and avo toast, mates  theres precious little else we can do to muster up some spark of joy as young people in the work force.

If youre not sure how much youre set to lose with the upcoming cuts, the ABC has a handy (and depressing) calculator right here.

Source: ABC.

Image: Paul Stringer / Getty.
A hostage situation in Melbournes south-east has come to a dramatic conclusion, with the suspect shot dead, the hostage rescued and three police officers injured but alive.

Police arrived at the serviced apartments in Brighton at around 4pm today, after reports by the residents of an explosion. They found a man who appeared to be shot dead in the foyer. Its possible that he was the receptionist or security for the apartments.

Its understood the suspect was holding a woman hostage inside the building, with police issuing a statement saying:

Its believed he has a woman inside with him who he wont allow to leave. Victoria Police specialist units are currently on scene. Roads are closed in the vicinity and we urge the community to avoid the area.

Residents and locals were moved away from the building and into a Coles across the road.

Sky News reporter Ahron Young was doing a live cross when he heard severe gunfire coming from the scene at around 6pm.

.@AhronYoung: thirty or forty rounds of gunfire have been heard at the scene of a hostage situation in Melbourne. https://t.co/k2zNgNSeGF pic.twitter.com/R3teCDJcbp  Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) June 5, 2017

Many witnesses have uploaded photos and videos from the scene with audio of dozens of shots.

Heres video from a bystander following reports of hostage situation at Brighton apartment complex @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/YXGo4rmU3d  Wes Hosking (@WesHosking) June 5, 2017

Gunfire in Brighton at Bay Street. pic.twitter.com/46NnvgQvT4  kateforster (@kateforster) June 5, 2017

According to 7NEWS, special ops were able to rescue the woman by dragging her to safety from inside the apartments. Three officers were injured during the operation, but both have been reported to be alive and uncritical.

The Age reports that police removed what looked to be a body on a stretcher at around 6.20pm.

7NEWS has also reported that the male suspect called the news station, with reporter Paul Dowsley saying from the scene:

We can now reveal that 7 News received a contact phone call to our news room during this siege. We believe and police in fact believe that it came from within the building, and we could hear a woman screaming in the background. A male caller told a 7 News employee, This is for IS, this is for Al Qaeda. We can reveal this because the siege is over and police are investigating whether it is in fact terror related.

Source: ABC / Sky News / 7NEWS / The Age.

Image: Twitter / @freediveguy.
Victoria Police have released the image of a man theyre keen to speak to in relation to a spate of sexual assaults on some of Melbournes busiest tram routes.

Police currently believe the same man may have inappropriately touched passengers on the Route 109 tram on Collins Street around 5:30pm on 16 April 2016; on the Route 96 tram on Bourke Street around 1:35pm on 16 August 2016; on the Route 1 tram on Swanston Street around 8:50pm on 16 March this year; and again on the Route 96 tram at 5:45pm on 26 April this year.

The man theyre eager to speak to has been described as around 180cm tall, Caucasian in appearance, of an average build, and with curly grey hair. The photo provided shows the man with distinctive round glasses.

via Victoria Police.

Anyone with information on the mans identity has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The appeal for information comes after another sickening incident in March, where a 22-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a man who followed her off a Melbourne tram. Police believe the woman felt threatened and asked for help from other passengers while on the tram, but those appeals were either misunderstood or ignored.

There is no suggestion the man pictured in the image Victoria Police released today is connected to that incident.

Stay safe out there, friends.

Source: ABC.

Photo: Victoria Police.



If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 to speak to a counsellor.
Childish Gambino stans, take a seat: Donald Glover himself has hinted that his next album will be his last.

At the end of his Governors Ball appearance, the rapper turned psych-funk maestro told the crowd Ill see you for the last Gambino album. Cue legitimate disbelief among the crowd.

Its easy to see why Glover may choose to rest the whole music thing. His profile as an actor has skyrocketed in the past couple of years, and itd make sense if he chose to focus on Atlanta and upcoming roles in The Lion King reboot and the Han Solo prequel.

That definitely doesnt mean thats itll be the last music we hear from Glover, though.

Its been speculated that last years Awaken, My Love!, which signalled a dramatic shift from his earlier work, fulfilled the final component of his deal with label Glassnote. It wouldnt be a shock if Glover continued to produce more experimental tunes in that vein under a different name.

Hell, look no further than Nick Murphy for an example of artists choosing to ditch their decidedly goofy stage names once they settle on a new musical direction.

Knowing this dude though, well probably be waiting a while for clarification. At least hes worked up a decent back-catalogue if he does decide to call it quits.

Source: Pitchfork.

Photo: Nicholas Hunt / Getty.
If you ditched prom or want a do-over dance, the adult prom at Carnegie Science Center on June 16 is your shot at a second chance.

Pittsburgh DJ Company will be in the Robot Lounge spinning tunes from the '90s and early 2000s. Wallflowers can work up some confidence before hitting the dance floor with lessons by the Pittsburgh Dance Center, learning classic party moves like the Electric Slide or rhumba to songs from "Dirty Dancing" and "Titanic."

Guests can learn about gems and minerals while making their own prom queen or prom king crown, get help tying a bowtie with robot end effectors or create a color-changing flower for their date to take home.

The adults-only prom will feature a cash bar and have snacks available for purchase.

Exhibits will be open all night to explore. Attendees also get a discount on Omnimax screenings and laser shows, including "That 90s Laser Show" at 10 p.m., "Beyonce" at 11 p.m., and "Pink Floyd" at midnight.

DETAILS: 6-10 p.m. June 16; $12 advance or $17 at the door; ages 21 and older (ID required); Carnegie Science Center, 1 Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, 412-237-3400, www.carnegiesciencecenter.org.

See more Pittsburgh coverage on PennLive.
The "Antiques Roadshow" taping in Harrisburg on June 3 brought 5,000 guests and over 10,000 items to the Farm Show Complex. So it was no surprise that some of the items brought to be appraised were quite rare and valuable.

And while some had their origins in the greater Harrisburg area, the history of the most valuable items goes far beyond central Pennsylvania.

"Everyone in their house -- your parents told you my parents told me: 'That's good, keep that,'" said series producer Marsha Bemko. "And so that one thing that was good, when [settlers] moved out west, which happened for generations, they took it with them. They didn't take everything, but they took the good china that mom said to keep."

This has led to something of a series catch phrase, coined by one of the appraisers: good stuff has feet.

"Sentimental stuff too," Bemko said. "Not always just about value. 'This was your great-great-grandmother's. You don't want to lose this. This is the one thing we have from the old country.' That's what we mean by stuff has feet."

But valuable items with origins in this area, as you might expect, can certainly still be found here.

"We always expect to see regional items in a place where they've been made and stay," Bemko said. "One of our first appraisals that we taped today was a Lancaster chest that was made circa 1800. The value that he put on that chest was $7,000-$7,500, because it w as such a nice one. Pennsylvania chests like that are fairly common, a lot of them were made, but this one has its original brasses."

Another early find was a set of chairs created by George Nakashima, a major name in the American craft movement who lived in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

"George was very famous," Bemko said. "He had a Japanese aesthetic that he brought to all of his furniture. People would go to his studio and choose the wood with him."

The most valuable item appraised at the taping was a collection of Red Sox player Charles Wagner, circa 1915, was appraised for $300,000 insurance value.

The next highest items were a 1892 painting by Henry Farny, who briefly lived in Warren, Pennsylvania, estimated at a $200,000-$300,000 value at auction, and a 1880 sand art by Andrew Clemens, with an insured value of $75,000.

Despite these items being some of the the highest valued items at the June 3 taping, that isn't a guarantee that any of the aforementioned finds will actually make it to airing on "Antiques Roadshow." The producers of the program try to select a variety of objects, not only in value but also in category and style.

Guests who are hoping to see themselves on the PBS program - or to see footage shot at the National Fire Museum, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, City Island, the Pennsylvania State Capitol or in Gettysburg - will have to wait until 2018.

"[PBS is] going to start airing what we're recording this summer in the first Monday in January," said Bemko. "In September or early fall, PBS will give us the schedule, fill it out, and then we will release the schedule right away. But the persons who find out very, very first are registered for our newsletter."
Poet and essayist Patricia Lockwood is coming to Harrisburg for a book signing at the Midtown Scholar.

Her memoir, "Priestdaddy," is so named due to her unusual upbringing: Lockwood's father is a Catholic priest, and also married. Lockwood is a "feminist, nonbeliever, liberal," in the words of a press release accompanying the book. Much of the content of the book stems from this unorthodox upbringing, and the conflict between their vastly different world views.

Harrisburg, we're just a few days away from hosting Twitter's "Poet Laureate," Patricia Lockwood! Join us this Tuesday,... Posted by Midtown Scholar Bookstore on Tuesday, May 30, 2017

"An Evening With Patricia Lockwood" will begin at 7 p.m. at Midtown Scholar, and the author will sign copies of her new book. Guests can RSVP by following the above link to the Facebook event page.

Lockwood's writing has appeared in the New York Times, The New Yorker, The New Republic, Slate and The London Review of Books. Her poem, "Rape Joke," went viral following a much-publicized joke by stand-up Daniel Tosh and the ensuing controversy.
Lebanon police said two Michigan men broke into a CVS in the city early Monday morning.

Brett Karmey, 53, and Gregory Teeter, 59, are accused of breaking into the CVS on the 800 block of Bowman Street from the store's roof. The men were arrested after police responded to an alarm at around 4:20 a.m.

Officers arrived at the scene and found the front and rear doors were secured. Karmey and Teeter were seen wearing masks during the incident, police said.

The pair was caught after they climbed onto the roof and fled the store from the rooftop. Police apprehended the men a short distance from the store.

Karmey and Teeter are charged with burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, possessing instruments of crime and criminal conspiracy. They are being held at Lebanon County Correctional Facility on $50,000 bail.
NORRISTOWN - A trusted mentor and friend gave Andrea Constand three pills.

And he said in a voice - a friendly voice many of us know from television, said Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Kristen Feden - that the pills are "three friends" to help her relax.

"Are they herbal?" Constand asked. And when Bill Cosby said they were, she believed him.

"Because she trusted him," Feden said.

And that's what this case is about, Feden said in her opening statements to the jury this morning.

"Trust, betrayal and an inability to consent."

But Cosby's defense attorney, Brian McMonagle, told the jury if there is anything worse than sexual assault, it's the false accusation of sexual assault. And that is what is happening here.

"It can destroy his life. It can destroy his future," McMonagle said. "Sometimes it's really hard to sit on that side of that courtroom, but not today. Today I get a chance, with your help, to right a wrong."

The 79-year-old comedian's trial started today with the prosecution and the defense making their opening statements.

Cosby arrived at the Montgomery County Courthouse today wearing a dark blazer. Among Cosby's supporters was actress Keshia Knight Pulliam from his 1980s sitcom.

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents numerous other accusers in civil cases, was present today, as well.

For Cosby, for the court, and for the public that has been following the case of the entertainer once called "America's Dad," it has been a long process to get to this trial. The three counts of aggravated indecent assault were filed in December 2015, but the accusations go back to 2004.

That's when Constand, a former Temple University employee, said the entertainer drugged and sexually assaulted her at his suburban Philadelphia home.

Cosby, Feden pointed out, was a legend at Temple. He was a man who, through his stand-up comedy and television roles, transcended age, gender and race. A beloved entertainer.

And Constand's friend and mentor.

Feden told the jury that Cosby gave Constand those pills and she soon became incapacitated, unable to move. And as she drifted in and out of consciousness, she saw Cosby molest her.

"All the remnants of the illusion of that man ... all those roles he played on television, were shattered ," Feden said.

And what happened to Constand is all corroborated through Cosby's own words, she said.

Cosby admitted, in telephone call with Constand's mother, that he gave her pills.

Portions of that recorded phone call will be played at trial, she said, as well as a portion of Cosby's deposition in Constand's civil case and the testimony of another accuser, whom prosecutors hope will help show a pattern of this behavior for Cosby.

She said Cosby has also made statements that he gave Constand the pills to help her relax, adding, "And I feel comfortable doing that."

"There is no dispute he gave her a pill and after she ingested that pill, he had sexual contact with her. The question here is whether or not Andrea Constand had the ability to consent," Feden said. "The answer to that question is 'no.'"

But McMonagle pointed out that the district attorney at the time, Bruce Castor, conducted an exhaustive investigation of this case, and he chose not to file charges against Cosby.

"Their investigation revealed that Andrea Constand had been untruthful time and time again in her statements to law enforcement," McMonagle said.

Her story changed numerous times, McMonagle said, including a statement to investigators that after the incident, she never tried to contact Cosby again. But the evidence shows numerous meetings afterward and phone records indicate that she called him 53 times.

"That phone evidence established in 2005 that she called him continuously. They spoke at time for 30 or 40 minutes a pop," McMonagle said. "After all this, Bruce Castor, district attorney, said 'no charges.'"

And the deposition the prosecution talked about will only be presented in snippets, and when Cosby admitted to giving women pills before sex, McMonagle said it was from three decades ago and with consent.

This defense is not a distraction, McMonagle said. Cosby's fate is in the jury's hands, and McMonagle said he is a man who sits before them falsely accused.
A former Philadelphia police officer who is serving a life prison term for killing his neighbor can't collect on his city pension, a Commonwealth Court panel has ruled.

In making that call, the judges rejected Frank Tepper's argument that he is entitled to the money because he was off-duty when he shot 21-year-old William "Billy" Panas Jr. during an argument in November 2009.

That, Tepper contended, meant the murder had nothing to do with his job.

Yes, it did, Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer found in the state court's recent opinion.

Tepper, now 51, has been fighting for his pension since March 2012, when he applied for early retirement benefits.

He filed that request after a jury convicted him of first-degree murder for killing Panas. Tepper was fired from the police force in January 2010 for conduct unbecoming an officer, disobeying orders and neglect of duty in connection with the fatal shooting.

Tepper was off-duty, was not in uniform and had been drinking before he shot Panas with his personal pistol, in their Port Richmond neighborhood, Jubelirer noted. She also cited testimony that Tepper flashed his badge and had identified himself as a police officer before the fatal scuffle began in the street during a baby shower for Tepper's daughter.

Tepper, a 16-year verteran of the Philly police, appealed to Commonwealth Court after the city's pension board and a Philadelphia judge ruled that he is ineligible for the benefits. He argued on appeal that the city was being duplicitous in denying him the money.

That contention centered on the city's defense of a federal lawsuit filed by Panas' family. Tepper noted that in fighting the suit, city officials argued that he was not acting as a city employee when he pulled the trigger. The jury awarded $4.7 million in damages to Panas' relative, but cleared the city of liability.

Tepper also was ordered to pay $12,686 in restitution when he was convicted of the murder.
NORRISTOWN - If it's difficult to defend against something that happened in 2004, it's compounded if that incident occurred a decade prior.

That seems to be the case Bill Cosby's attorney, Brian McMonagle, was building as he cross-examined Kelly Johnson.

Johnson testified earlier today that in the 1990s, when she worked as an assistant for Cosby's agent, the comedian drugged and sexually assaulted her.

Prosecutors say this incident is just like the case that brought them to trial today in which they are arguing Cosby did the same thing to Andrea Constand in his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.

Following opening statements this morning, Johnson was the first witness to take the stand, and after she told her story to the jury, McMonagle worked to pick apart that testimony, comparing it to her prior statements and looking for inconsistencies to the 20-year-old allegations.

He first pointed out that Johnson made her allegations public in a press conference in January 2015 with attorney Gloria Allred, who represents several Cosby accusers. Though she denied it, McMongale insisted it was Allred who had actually prepared her statement.

And that statement is inconsistent with a deposition Johnson gave as she tried get workman's compensation after she was fired from the William Morris Agency, which she testified earlier was Cosby's doing, he argued.

"You don't even agree with the sequence," McMonagle grilled her. "When you gave your press release - which you prepared, not Ms. Allred - you said you went to his home in 1996 and a short time later, went to his bungalow. In the deposition, you said you went to his bungalow in 1990, got out of his life a little bit, and returned in 1996, expecting things would be different."

Johnson said she does not recall that. She did say during that deposition that she was crying the whole time and did not want to talk about Cosby at all. It was an embarrassing situation, she said.

But McMonagle pressed her and said she claimed in the deposition that Cosby gave her $400 for her grandmother's surgery and another time gave her $100 for her hair, all of which she said she does not recall.

McMonagle said that she said in that deposition that her boss sexually harassed her, which Johnson also said she did not recall.

"That whole period of time was really horrible," she said.

"Did anyone tell you to get selective amnesia in this case?" McMonagle asked.

But Assistant District Attorney Stewart Ryan asked her on redirect about Cosby's status within the agency in reference to her claims against him and her reluctance to talk about it.

"I was embarrassed. I was very afraid because I had a secret about the biggest celebrity in the world at that time," she said.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Wagner (currently a state senator representing York County) was singled out Sunday evening on John Oliver's HBO show "Last Week Tonight" during a monologue on President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.

Oliver, a comedian who clearly opposes the president's decision, praised Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto's response to Trump's announcement, during which Peduto said the Paris agreement was good for the city's economy.

"What this means is that the onus is now on politicians at the state and local levels to do what Donald Trump will not do," Oliver said. "... Maybe you'll get lucky and maybe yours is great. Or, maybe you live in Pennsylvania and you're represented by State Sen. Scott Wagner, who has an interesting theory for what might be causing global warming."

Oliver then played a clip from a March event at which Wagner seemed to talk about climate change:

"The earth moves closer to the sun every year. We have more people. You know, humans have warm bodies, so is heat coming off? We're just going through a lot of change, but I think we are, as a society, doing the best we can."

"I don't even know where to begin there," Oliver said when the show cut back to him, later calling Wagner an idiot before going on to skewer a Republican state representative from North Carolina.
UPDATED: Missing York girl found safe at local skating rink

York police are asking for help finding a missing 13-year-old girl who didn't return home after school Friday.

Azariah Marie Greer was reported missing Friday evening by her guardian, Tiona Newman, who said the girl has run away twice before. Newman and Azariah had recently argued about the girl leaving the house, York police said in a news release.

Family and friends searched parks and other locations to try to find Azariah before police were called Friday evening.

Azariah is 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds. She is either wearing a black and white striped shirt and blue jeans, or a navy polo, tan pants, and blue sneakers with stripes.

Anyone with information as to Azariah's whereabouts is asked to contact York police at 717-846-1234; text a tip to 847-411, beginning the message with "yorktips" ; or contact York police through the department's app.
A sold sign is shown in front of a west-end Toronto home, Sunday, May 14, 2017. Home sales in the Greater Toronto Area plummeted by 20.3 per cent last month compared to a year ago, Canada's largest real estate board said Monday, a sign that recent efforts to stabilize the city's searing housing market are having an effect. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy
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 TrumpAos budget plan dead on arrival. And in fact, Congress faces a burst of overdue budget-related work this summer, most of which probably wonAot bear much resemblance to TrumpAos 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)
GOP remains on top in Northern Michigan but Democrats made some inroads Tuesday

The election showed that while the Republican Party still dominates Northern Michigan, there were some results that should give Democrats some hope.
If the world lets Venezuela fall, democracy in the region will fall with it -Liliam Tintori



" We have arrived at the inevitable collapse of a failed model where power is corrupted and held in the hands of an elite few.

CARACAS

Petroleumworld 06 02 2017

For the past two months, Venezuelans like myself have taken to the streets to exercise our constitutional right to peaceful protest against the most repressive regime in our nation's history. While the unconstitutional and failed attempt by the Supreme Court to dissolve the Venezuelan National Assembly on March 29 sparked these protests, we have sustained them for so long because we know we are in the fight of our lives. We protest amidst an immense humanitarian crisis . Our failing economy has led to a scarcity of food and medicine , which has in turn led to an increase in the prevalence of malnutrition and other preventable diseases in the country.

Our suffering is gravely compounded by the government's despotic response to our cries for help. Since the start of the protests, there have been at least 60 deaths and about 1,000 people have been wounded , many a result of the indiscriminate violence used by the armed forces. Organizations on the ground have identified almost 3,000 arbitrary detentions , numerous reports of torture and some 303 political prisoners . One of those political prisoners is my husband, Leopoldo Lopez , the opposition leader and a prisoner of conscience.

Leopoldo has been in prison for over three years because he publicly challenged the regime by calling for peaceful protests as a way out of our suffering. Three years later, and the people of Venezuela still hear his call. He remains in jail because the Nicolas Maduro government fears him.

"Leopoldo Lopez, my husband, remains in jail because the Maduro government fears him.

The repression against us becomes more violent every day. Violence, as Mahatma Gandhi once roughly said, is the fear of the ideals of others, and the regime fears our ideals of peace and freedom. There already have been deaths due to tear gas thrown directly at crowds, and armed tanks have rolled over protesters . Now, facing a shortage of ammunitions, the regime has begun shooting buckshot .

The government's violence has only strengthened our resolve and increased the international support for our cause. But the Maduro regime is now taking illegal and unconstitutional action in an attempt to dismantle that support. When the governments of the region tried to hold President Maduro to account in the Organization of American States for his anti-democratic acts, he responded by choosing to begin the process for withdrawing Venezuela from the organization rather than face his international and legal commitments. When our people gathered signatures for a recall referendum, Maduro stopped it from happening . Now, when we have called for early elections, Maduro says he is going to rewrite the constitution to redistribute political representation in the country so that the voice of the majority will be silenced in favor of dictatorship.

These acts isolate Maduro internationally and draw comparisons to some of the worst dictatorships in the region's past. His control over the country is unsustainable, as is the overall crisis. We have arrived at the inevitable collapse of a failed model where power is corrupted and held in the hands of an elite few. This reality to which we are subjected is inhumane, and it does not correspond to the promises of the 21st century.

We organize in defense of our fundamental rights. We have released our strategy very publicly, a strategy first stated by Leopoldo three years ago. Our method is non-violence, our terrain is the street and our purpose is all rights for all people.

Venezuelans have resisted on the streets, and we will be there for as long as is necessary. But the international community should also recognize that we understand the need to identify constitutional means to usher in a democratic transition.

To start, we have identified four demands for a path forward: the release of all political prisoners, the opening of a United Nations-led humanitarian channel, the immediate scheduling of general elections and the respect for the autonomy of the National Assembly.

We are under immense pressure because what is at stake is not only the survival of Venezuelans, but the survival of democracy in the region as well. How is it possible that a nation with the resources of Venezuela cannot feed its citizens? That our children die of curable diseases for lack of basic medicines? That mothers do not know if their children will return home each day or succumb to the violence on the street? This is morally indefensible.

" We have arrived at the inevitable collapse of a failed model where power is corrupted and held in the hands of an elite few.

And the sad truth is that a corrupt few benefit from this chaos, including the government officials who profit off of our misery on the black market and the narco-traffickers who often don't faces any foreseeable consequences . But there are many who help prop up this regime who do not benefit from this situation ? and they are not happy. Those National Guard members under orders to shoot at us protesters fear that their family members and friends may be on the receiving ends of their bullets. They, too, have no way to properly feed their families and no hope if a family member gets sick.

I have talked at length with Leopoldo about the need to build bridges with those factions of the government that want to detach from the dictator and his criminal actions. We know there are very few people who support this instability, which has generated a massive exodus of Venezuelans , skyrocketing rates of crime and rolling blackouts that have come to define life in this energy-rich country. This regime, whose highest officials are accused of drug trafficking , is a stain on the country and the continent. But this dark hour serves as an opportunity. With around 90 percent of Venezuelans expressing a desire for change in the country's current situation, now is the time for us reconcile our differences and come together for the greater good of the country. Reconciliation will bring us peace, and our diversity of thought and background will make us a stronger nation.

Venezuelans have shown that we have the commitment and the courage to rescue our democracy. Despite our differences, we are more united than ever. And we ask that the international community share our solidarity.

As May drew to a close, foreign ministers of the OAS nations met to discuss Venezuela. They deferred taking action this week because they couldn't come to a consensus on a way forward. While this was disappointing, the collapse of Venezuela is only going to accelerate as the humanitarian crisis grows and Maduro is forced to take more extreme measures to maintain his grip on power. When the foreign ministers meet again later this month, I trust that the OAS will take the necessary action, in line with the values enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter , to stand on the right side of history.








Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Egypt and Bahrain sever ties with Qatar on account of Iran



Today's development raises tensions in the world's biggest oil-producing region while increasing the prospect of supply disruptions from the Middle East, including OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Iran and Qatar.

RIYADH/WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 06 05 2017

The biggest producer of liquefied natural gas and home to one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. It also hosts CENTCOM, the U.S. military's central command in the Middle East.

Emboldened by warmer U.S. ties under President Donald Trump, the Saudi-led alliance is seeking to stamp out any opposition to forming a united front against Shiite-ruled Iran. And while Monday's escalation is unlikely to hurt energy exports from the Gulf, it threatens to have far-reaching effects on Qatar.

There are going to be implications for people, for travelers, for business people. More than that, it brings the geopolitical risks into perspective, Tarek Fadlallah, the CEO of Nomura Asset Management Middle East, said in an interview to Bloomberg Television. Since this is an unprecedented move, it is very difficult to see how it plays out.

Brent crude rose as much as 1.6 percent to $50.74 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange, before paring gains to 1.1 percent by 11:58 a.m. Singapore time. Heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter, and Iran typically draw market attention to the Strait of Hormuz, through which the U.S. Department of Energy estimates about 30 percent of seaborne oil trade passes.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it's important that the Gulf states remain unified and encouraged the various parties to address their differences. Tillerson, who spoke at a news conference in Sydney, said the crisis won't undermine the fight on terrorism.

What we're seeing is a growing list of some irritants in the region that have been there for some time, Tillerson said. Obviously they've now bubbled up to a level that countries decided they needed to take action in an effort to have those differences addressed.

Monday's action is an escalation of a crisis that started shortly after Trump's last month trip to Saudi Arabia, where he and King Salman singled out Iran as the world's main sponsor of terrorism.

Verbal War

Three days after Trump left Riyadh, the state-run Qatar News Agency carried comments by Qatari ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani criticizing mounting anti-Iran sentiment. Officials quickly deleted the comments, blamed them on hackers and appealed for calm.

Saudi and U.A.E. media outlets then launched verbal assaults against Qatar, which intensified after Sheikh Tamim's phone call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani over the weekend in apparent defiance of Saudi criticism.

Qatar is right in the middle of the GCC countries and it has tried to pursue an independent foreign policy, said Peter Sluglett, director of the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore. The idea is to bring Qatar to heel.

Past Crisis

Disagreements among the six member Gulf nations have flared in the past. In 2014, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Bahrain temporarily withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar. That dispute centered on Egypt, where Qatar had supported a Muslim Brotherhood government while the Saudis and U.A.E. bankrolled the army-led regime that toppled it.

This time, Saudi Arabia cited Qatar's support of terrorist groups aiming to destabilize the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic State and al-Qaeda. It accused Qatar of supporting Iranian-backed terrorist groups operating in the kingdom's eastern province as well as Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia, along with Bahrain and the U.A.E., gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave.

Qatar is economically and socially most vulnerable from food and other non-energy imports, said Paul Sullivan, a Middle East expert at Georgetown University. If there is a true blockade this could be a big problem for them. Rules stopping citizens of the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia and Bahrain from even transiting via Qatar could cause significant disruptions.








Close call in Mexico state election weakens peso



Reuters/Henry Romero



A woman prepares her ballot as other people wait in line to cast their votes for governor of the State of Mexico at a polling station in Chimalhuacan, Mexico June 4, 2017.

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 06 05 2017

Mexico's peso fell after the governor's election for the key State of Mexico on Sunday was headed down to the wire as an exit poll showed the candidate for the ruling PRI party and that of presidential hopeful Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador were statistically tied.

The peso depreciated 0.4 percent, the most among major currencies tracked by Bloomberg, after PRI candidate Alfredo del Mazo and Morena candidate Delfina Gomez were within the margin of error in an El Financiero Bloomberg TV exit poll. The vote in Mexico State has become a straight fight between the two, according to polls before the election. Balloting ended at 6 p.m. local time for the state's roughly 11.3 million voters.

This spells trouble for the PRI. It hasn't lost the governorship in nine decades, and is grappling with President Enrique Pena Nieto's record-low popularity that's hurt the party's hopefuls pitted against populist outsider Lopez Obrador in early voter opinion polls. The PRI's del Mazo is the son of one former governor of the state and grandson of another. Gomez of Morena was an elementary school teacher before becoming mayor of Texcoco, a town northeast of the capital that's been enveloped by its sprawl.

Luis Carlos Ugalde, a former top electoral official who runs Integralia Consultores said exit polls in Mexico aren't very accurate because the rate of those who decline to respond is higher than 20 percent. Those who decline are usually from opposition parties and this could mean that Morena is doing better than the exit poll suggests, Ugalde said.

"Those who don't want to talk are usually skeptical or afraid," Ugalde said in an interview. "Those who stay quiet are those who would normally vote for Morena,"

Markets have been watching the race closely, and the peso wobbled on May 31 after one survey showed Morena's Gomez in the lead. With the country's political history in mind, some investors are concerned that a win in Mexico State could boost the chances for Lopez Obrador, who has strongly criticized the opening of the country's energy industry to private investment.

But state and national polls suggest voters' focus lies elsewhere. A gasoline price hike of as much as 20 percent in January triggered nationwide protests and has been a major catalyst behind Pena Nieto's drop in popularity . A surge in the homicide rate has 2017 on track to being deadliest year for Mexico this century -- surpassing even the height of the drug war --- with women increasingly likely to be a victim.

Meanwhile, corruption has also emerged as a key element of the race, with all of the state's televised debates featuring candidates hurling accusations of graft at one another. Voters' attention to the issue has intensified after Pena Nieto and his family were enmeshed in an influence-peddling scandal.

The headline numbers for Mexico's economy suggest the PRI should be doing better. Under Pena Nieto, the economy has avoided recession and grown at about 2.3 percent a year -- unspectacular by emerging-market standards, but solid enough by comparison with Latin peers such as Brazil or Argentina, let alone Venezuela. Energy reforms have succeeded in attracting billions of dollars of foreign investment.

Apart from the vote in Mexico State, which borders the nation's capital, gubernatorial elections are also taking place Sunday in Coahuila and Nayarit. The PAN party was poised to win the governorship of Nayarit, according to the exit poll by El Financiero Bloomberg TV.








This piece, titled, The New Plague, depicts life in Philadelphia in the age of COVID. Artist and educator Raphael Tiberino began painting at the age of four and has been in the spotlight as a professional creative for over 25 years.
The iconic Manny, Mo and Jack symbol of Pep Boys, now owned by the Icahn Automotive Group. (CLEM MURRAY / Staff) Read more

Daniel A. Ninivaggi, the new boss at what is now Icahn Automotive Group LLC  operator of the 1,000-plus auto-parts stores, repair garages, and tire warehouses acquired by billionaire investor Carl Icahn in the last couple of years  says he's looking for new offices in the Philadelphia area to replace the group's current home in the old Pep Boys headquarters on West Allegheny Avenue.

"I'm looking to expand. We're going to add people in Philly. I like Philly a lot, and Pep Boys has to be headquartered in the Philadelphia area; that's where the core team of Pep Boys retail and service people are," Ninivaggi, a New York native who most recently ran Icahn's Federal-Mogul Motorparts auto-parts manufacturing group in suburban Detroit, told me.

Ninivaggi, a former corporate lawyer who previously headed Icahn Enterprises, Icahn's publicly traded holding company, was tapped by him this spring to replace Brent Windom, past chief of Icahn's smaller, Georgia-based Auto Plus store chain. Windom had been named CEO in charge of both Pep Boys and Auto Plus just 15 months ago.

"I haven't not worked a day since I took the job" earlier this spring, said Ninivaggi. "With Icahn, you go as fast as humanly possible." He says he's been spending half his time in Philadelphia, rallying a workforce now numbering "well over 300," many of whom have served a series of management teams and reorganizations since the 1990s.

In recent years, he said, Pep Boys had emphasized accessories over auto parts. But with Icahn's focus on parts production  Federal-Mogul calls itself "the largest aftermarket parts manufacturer in North America"  plus the combination with Auto Plus' regional warehouse network, the stores are boosting parts inventories, emphasizing faster availability, and seeking to supply local mechanics' shops and chains as well as do-it-yourselfers.

He said the company also is seeking to improve customer service and reduce employee turnover, in part by sending more staff to the "Garage Gurus" training centers developed by Federal-Mogul. Besides standardizing and improving skills, the centers offer workers a career ladder, from the service bays, toward garage and store management and franchise ownership. "Last year, we trained 2,500," Ninivaggi told me.

There are a dozen Garage Guru centers  the nearest are in Baltimore and the Bronx  "and we're going to put one in Philadelphia, now that we are here," he said. As a nation, "we have underinvested in vocational schools and skilled trades, and now we have shortages of skilled labor," along with a lot of underemployed young people who could benefit from career focus.

"It's good business for us to build this platform," Ninivaggi said. "And the country needs it."

Windom, Ninivaggi's predecessor, was one of several Auto Plus executives Icahn promoted in early 2016, as most of Pep Boys' top executives were given bonuses and told to go away. That followed Icahn's $1 billion purchase of Pep Boys and its 800 stores, after he outbid the rival Firestone chain.

Windom is returning to Uni-Select, the Canadian company that sold Auto Plus to Icahn in 2015. The highest-ranking Pep Boys executive who initially survived the Icahn purge, service chief John Holt, has also left. The new service boss is Bill Ihnken, whose company, Just Brakes, was acquired by Pep Boys in January. Just Brakes had 27 stores, mostly in the Atlanta and Dallas areas.

Ninivaggi got to know Icahn while handling bankruptcy and restructuring cases for the corporate law firm Winston & Strawn in the 2000s. Icahn hired Ninivaggi to run Icahn Enterprises in 2010. Since 2014, Ninivaggi had served as co-CEO of Federal-Mogul.

Icahn Enterprises didn't announce Ninivaggi's move, Windom's and Holt's departures, or the new name for the stores group, but it quoted Ninivaggi in his new position in announcing two recent deals:

 On Friday, Icahn Automotive said it had agreed to buy Precision Auto Care Inc. and its 250 owned or franchised Precision Tune stores, which are concentrated in Georgia and the Carolinas. Precision Tune boss Robert Falconi will stay in charge of the chain, Ninivaggi said in a statement.

 Last month, Icahn Automotive agreed to buy the 12-store Mathis Tire & Auto Service and Direct Tire Distributors, a Goodyear and Michelin dealer in Memphis, and turn them into Pep Boys outlets, with expanded hours and services.
Updates with comment from Janney's new research director.

Dan Wantrobski has returned to Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, the Philadelphia investment bank and brokerage owned by Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co., to serve as the firm's director of research.

Wantrobski, of Moorestown, replaces Janney's past research chief, Andrew M. Maddaloni, who was promoted to head of equities in April. Wantrobski now reports to Maddaloni. "We're thrilled to welcome Dan back to Janney in an expanded capacity," Maddaloni said in a statement. Wantrobski will also resume publishing technical-strategy reports on stocks and sectors.

Wantrobski, until early last year, had served as Janney's Technical Strategist. At that time, he joined New Albion Partners, an institutional investment firm, as chief technical strategist. Before Janney, he worked at Fox Pitt Kelton, Bedford Quantitative, Paine Webber, and UBS.

He takes over a staff that now numbers 14 report-publishing research analysts and 14 additional research staff. Wantrobski says Janney analysts are covering 74 financial-services companies, 61 health-care companies, 55 infrastructure-related companies and 48 real estate-related companies, for a total of 240. The firm expects to expand coverage to a total of 275 stocks by December.

UPDATE: "These sectors present investors with an important need for objective analysis and coverage as the Trump Administration tries to move forward on its campaign promises," Wantrobski told me in an email. "These are all capital intensive sectors. We feel we've got a good mix of market cap, income, and growth."

Unlike the sell-side analysts whose recommendations were used to help pitch stocks in the 1990s  "maintenance research," Wantrobski calls that  the Janney department now focuses on "providing high quality and unique corporate access to the buy side."

Adds Joe Culley, head of capital markets at Janney: "We added three managing directors in the real estate vertical in 2016. Our plan is to add two to three managing directors per year, staying focused in our four core industry verticals.

"We're also pursuing acquisitions of boutique M&A firms within our East Coast corporate geographic footprint."

Research departments, at Janney and elsewhere, have a history of turnover every few years. The current staff hasn't changed over the past year, management tells me. "We are focused on talent retention, promotion from within, building a diverse and inclusive workforce" based on the "Janney Values," and boosting market share, as supported by Penn Mutual, Culley added. That private ownership, plus "our size, scale, reputation, and balance sheet, allow us to take a long term approach to the business." He notes there have been mergers and cutbacks at other midmarket research departments "in the past 18 months  CSLA, Sterne Agee, CRT, BB&T, FBR, Wunderlich, Topeka, Avondale, Brean Capital," and others. The current Jannay analyst array, he says is better built to last: "We are a strong counterparty to the institutional buy side community. We self-clear, can short-settle, use capital to facilitate client order flow, and have strong regulatory relationships."

The firm remains, by far, the largest brokerage still based in the city that gave birth to Smith & Barney and the U.S. private and government bond-sales industry. What's good for Janney, bankers inside and outside the firm tell me, is good for Philadelphia.
Plastic covering equipment in Emmaus Borough, in Lehigh County. Intersection of Forrest Street and Adrian Street in late 2015. Read more

For the second time in recent weeks, Verizon has agreed to repair aging and buzz-prone copper phone lines.

This time in Pennsylvania.

The telecom giant will repair the worst of its legacy copper network in areas without FiOS and replace 15,000 unsightly and dangerous "double poles" on Pennsylvania roadsides, according to the deal between the company and the company's Pennsylvania unionized workers who are part of the Communications Workers of America.

Double poles are damaged poles left after replacement, many times strapped to new poles. The poles also could perilously dangle between existing poles with the telephone wires still attached to them.

Verizon, however, rejected calls from the union to expand FiOS into Pennsylvania areas without it.

Verizon reached a similar deal in May with 17 South Jersey towns that complained of rundown copper lines leading to phone outages and buzzing on the line. Verizon said it would respond more quickly in South Jersey to reports of phone outages  within 48 hours  and expand FiOS to four small municipalities, but not the whole 17-town area. FiOS is Verizon's branded high-speed internet and TV service that uses fiber-optic transmission lines, an upgrade from copper.

The Pennsylvania pact could lead to phone improvements in the Philadelphia-area exurbs in Chester and Bucks Counties and rural parts of Pennsylvania, an official said.

The Pennsylvania settlement concludes a long-running dispute between Verizon and its Pennsylvania workers who claimed that the rundown copper wires didn't reliably serve voice or DSL internet customers, and posed safety risks for the public and employees. The union contends that Verizon has starved its legacy copper lines of repair and maintenance as it put billions of dollars into FiOS and its wireless network, leaving many Verizon customers with a substandard network.

Verizon had no comment on the pact. The company did not admit wrongdoing. The settlement was filed with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Friday but does not need the commission's approval.

The Communications Workers of America filed the petition with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in late 2015, with photos of sagging or repeatedly patched copper wires, and many double poles on roadsides. The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate and the state's Small Business Advocate joined the petition.

Edward Mooney, vice president for District 2-13 for the Communications Workers of America in Philadelphia, said the union was satisfied with the agreement because Verizon "acknowledged that it had problems outside of the FiOS areas." He added that "I'm not sure this will create additional jobs, but it will surely engage workers to make these improvements."

As part of the three-year agreement, Verizon will evaluate all requests in 2015 and 2016 for phone-line replacements in Pennsylvania within two months. Verizon will replace those lines it deems unsafe or unreliable within 18 months.

Verizon also will select 30 "wire centers"  or broad areas where it serves phone and DSL customers through the centralized wire centers  for remediation. In addition, Verizon will implement a "plant pride" program for workers to report damage-plagued copper lines.

Consumers with complaints can call 1-800-692-7380 in Pennsylvania and 1-800-624-0241 in New Jersey.
Architectural critic and curator Nina Rappaport films a Philadelphia factory worker as part of her exhibit, "A Worker's Lunch Box," which opened June 2 at Penn's Slought Gallery. Read more

When curator Nina Rappaport first started studying factories from the early 20th century, she loved the buildings  not surprising for someone who describes herself as an architectural critic.

But these days, Rappaport, who lives in New York and grew up in Mt. Airy, finds herself more drawn to the people who work in those factories, particularly in Philadelphia's factories.

"They're the story," Rappaport said.

And Rappaport is telling their stories in an exhibit, "A Worker's Lunch Box," that opened Friday at the Slought Gallery on the University of Pennsylvania's campus. The exhibit includes films, interviews and photographs of contemporary factory workers in Philadelphia.

"They care about what they are making and they feel they are part of a bigger picture," Rappaport said. "They have a commitment to the project and they take pleasure in working with their hands and making things. I don't want to sound naive, but I think there is respect and there is devotion."

Rappaport decided to return to her roots to research the people part of her project, coming to Philadelphia, once known as the "Workshop of the World" because of the wide range of products made here  from locomotives to Stetson hats. In 1990, 124,000 people worked in manufacturing in the Philadelphia metropolitan division. Now, according to the U.S. Labor Department, that number hovers around 57,000.

Rappaport reached out to the Philadelphia Manufacturing Alliance for help. The Alliance's chief recruiter, Charles Marcantonio, walked her into the city's factories, introducing her to owners, who let her set up shop and shoot on their factory floors.

That's where Rappaport met Ann Ho.

Ho said she once owned her own sewing factory in Chinatown where she employed 30 to 40 people who did contract manufacturing for Alfred Angelo. The bridal company, now based in Florida, began in Philadelphia in the mid-1930s.

Now Ho checks the quality of less elegant items  military garments and padded airline materials  for Ehmke Manufacturing Co. in Northeast Philadelphia.

"Manufacturing clothes, you don't make money like you did in the 1980s and 1990s," Ho said. She said her family fled China after her father, an anti-Communist, was brutally beaten in the era of Chairman Mao. She and her family arrived in the U.S. via Vietnam when she was 18.

"Manufacturing is the heart and soul of the city," said Brigid Heydt, human resource director at Ehmke. "You can have your hospitals and your banks, but we are making things and shipping them all over the world. This [exhibit] showcases the talents of the people who work for us."

Rappaport named the Slought exhibit "A Worker's Lunch Box," because lunch box food is what ties workers to the factory and to their cultural heritage. "You have generations of immigrant families," Rappaport said.

"One of the films is called `Lunch' and it's just clips of what workers do at lunch," she said.

Slought is an arts and cultural nonprofit that promotes public dialogue about cultural and socio-political change.

And change is at the heart of Rappaport's factory work. After the brutality of World War I, "the factory became emblematic of Modernism, the Machine Age and the optimistic hope for the future with industry." Renowned architects, such as Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, known as Le Corbusier, and Walter Gropius, embedded that hope in the factories they designed.

Rappaport created "Vertical Urban Factory," an exhibit connecting the architecture and sociology of factory buildings. Her exhibit was displayed in New York, Detroit, Toronto, London and Lausanne, Switzerland and is now on permanent display in Brooklyn, in the Industry City's Innovation Lab. The work also produced a book, Vertical Urban Factory.

Contemporary factories lack the rich design elements that marked those in the modernism period. Factories lost their place in the urban landscape, Rappaport said, which, in turn, led to social problems and economic decline, part of Philadelphia's story.

But now, she said, factories can return to cities. "Because the things we make are greener and smaller," factories can also be smaller and greener. Rappaport hopes her work will help "bring great architecture back to cities," particularly in factory design, including hybrid plans that combine light manufacturing and housing.

"It's a way to make cities more resilient and more productive."

IF YOU GO:

What: "A Worker's Lunch Box"

Where: Slought gallery, 4017 Walnut St., Philadelphia.

When: Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m., through July 21.

Admission: Free

Coming soon: A conversation between Nina Rappaport and Philadelphia architect Denise Scott Brown, 5 to7 p.m., June 28 at Slought.
Keshia Knight Pulliam, center, who played Cosbys daughter Rudy on the Cosby Show, walks out of the Montgomery County Courthouse on the first day of the Cosby rape trial Monday June 5, 2017. Read more

Oh, Rudy.

The news that Keshia Knight Pulliam  who played Rudy, the youngest daughter of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, for 177 episodes of The Cosby Show  had accompanied Bill Cosby to court on Monday for the first day of his sexual-assault trial made me sad.

Because whatever the man on whose show she spent much of her childhood may or may not have done, I'd hoped, naively, that we might be able to leave Cliff Huxtable out of it.

As I wrote back in 2014, when TV Land pulled its Cosby Show reruns in the wake of the controversy reignited by comedian Hannibal Buress calling Cosby a rapist (and when I still couldn't imagine the nearly decade-long accusations against Cosby would ever come to a jury), I don't know that we need to lose The Cosby Show over this.

And we haven't: Cable channels TV One and Bounce TV still carry the show.

Don't get me wrong. I believed Andrea Constand back in 2005. I believe her now. That belief carries no force of law, and I'm not on the jury, but it does mean that I get how hard it can be to think of Cosby as America's Dad.

Cliff, though, is another matter.

Pulliam may well be supporting a friend in trouble, and I respect her for it. But her presence, almost certainly part of a well-planned public relations campaign on the part of the defense, also encourages us to conflate Cosby and Cliff, and what's good for one isn't so good for the other.

We're used to separating actors from the roles they play. We have to be.

Here's what I wrote about that in 2014:

I grew up watching The Wonderful World of Color (in black and white, since we didn't have a color set) when Walt Disney still hosted it. He was not, I now understand, quite the nice man he seemed. My warm feelings for the show remain intact.

TV Land's still running Hogan's Heroes, whose star, Bob Crane, later murdered, seems to have been something of a pioneer in the videotaping of his sexual encounters. Whether all the women involved knew they were being taped isn't entirely clear.

I'd like to think that Col. Hogan wouldn't have done something like that, but, then, they didn't have video cameras in World War II prison camps, did they?

Because, again, it's all pretend.

The Cosby Show, which ran from 1984 to 1992 on NBC, was a special kind of pretend. Not just because it featured an African-American, upper-middle-class family, but because two professionals, a doctor (Cosby) and a lawyer (Phylicia Rashad), were raising five children without losing their minds.

Cliff's job as an obstetrician always struck me as a bit of a fantasy  how many ob-gyns, even those with a home office, are around the house that much during the day? But Clair? Clair may have made motherhood look easier than I already knew it to be, but I appreciated that she made it seem doable, even for someone with a demanding job elsewhere.

The Cosby kids were more interesting than a lot of sitcom kids, but it was very clear that they were not running the show that was their lives.

Clair and Cliff were.

Behind the scenes, the strings were pulled by the man whose co-stars and associates referred to him as "Mr. Cosby," the man whose private life seems finally to have come back to bite him.

But however badly Cosby may have treated some of the women in his real life, The Cosby Show was a portrait of an enviable marriage, one built on love and mutual respect.

And proof that whatever he's done, Bill Cosby on some level really did know better.
RobustWealth founder Mike Kerins created a tech start-up that allows anyone to set up a robo-adviser to invest in the markets. Here, he is at RobustWealth STEM Lab at the Childrens Day School, in Trenton. Read more

The Philadelphia region spawned two new robo-advisers recently, one started out of Broomall, the other out of Lambertville.

Both TradingFront.com and RobustWealth.com create what are known as "white label" robotic trading platforms for financial advisers. In other words, your financial planner can order up his or her own automated trading system, which is useful for small clients who might have fewer assets and need less personal attention.

TradingFront, built by Xin Song and David Foulke, originated as a start-up out of Alpha Architect.

Foulke and Song built a trading platform for portfolio managers Wes Gray and Jack Vogel at Alpha Architect, itself a start-up money-management firm out of Broomall.

"We spun out TradingFront, David and Xin are now operating it, and we are still a huge client and fan," Gray said. "Soon, everyone is going to have their own robo!"

Foulke and Song declined to comment, but we gleaned that after they built the trading platform for Alpha Architect, investment advisers began asking for their own robo-advisers. Song, a native of China, and Foulke, who attended Wharton with Gray and Germantown Friends for high school, are seeking investors for TradingFront.

(We were pleased to see Alpha Architect and Gray highlighted in Friday's Wall Street Journal online, since we first profiled the firm way back in 2015.)

The second local robo-adviser start-up is RobustWealth.com, founded by Mike Kerins, a native of Newtown and a Council Rock High School alum.

After earning a double major in chemical engineering and finance, Kerins moved to New York to work for Franklin Templeton, the mutual-fund complex. He left to start RobustWealth in May 2015.

Today, RobustWealth has 42 clients for whom the start-up has built private-label robo-advisers, investment planners overseeing about $500 million in assets. RobustWealth charges its own fee separate from the manager, from 0.10 percent to 0.40 percent annually, Kerins said.

"I got the idea because I was working on target-date funds at Franklin Templeton, in particular the glide path asset allocation," meaning the percentage of stocks and bonds allocated in each different fund based on a retiree's age.

"When I was working on that, I realized that using something generic, the market needed something more customized. Our robo is different in that we build a custom glide path to fit each investor's goals  and reduce risk over time. The delivery of models and investment solutions was very one size fits all  all product driven" at the big firm where he worked.

"The problem we solve  for small registered investment advisers all the way up to big institutions  is to allow them to launch a robo-digital adviser quickly and tie it to the rest of their wealth management," Kerins said. RobustWealth uses TD Ameritrade as its custodian, and will also partner with Apex in June.

"Advisers want their own robos. Certain things humans do better, and other things robots and computers do better," he said. For small clients under, say, $500,000, the robo-adviser "allows them to grow into a bigger client. As the client's assets grow, an adviser can handle all the estate planning and tax complexities on the same platform."

Kerins, 34, employs about 25 people in Lambertville, Denver, and California, and has raised venture-capital money, "which lets us be independent."

Scholarship for African American financial planners

Thirteen percent of the U.S. population is African American, yet among financial-services practitioners just under 8 percent are. American College of Financial Services, based in Bryn Mawr, wants to double the number of African American financial advisers serving the profession by 2027 by providing scholarships, educational support, and placement opportunities.

"One of the biggest problems facing the financial-services profession is a profound lack of diversity," said Robert R. Johnson, president and CEO of American College. "We believe all of us in this field have more work to do in recruiting, educating, placing, and supporting thousands more African American financial advisers. The face of this profession needs to change, and the change can start right now."

Marsha Barnes is American College's first scholarship recipient. She will be pursuing the certified financial planner (CFP) designation. Barnes is also certified in financial social work and founded the Finance Bar, an educational personal-finance hub on wheels and personal-finance suite.

For more information or to apply for a scholarship, visit American College's website (http://knowledge.theamericancollege.edu/double2027 ).
"The tourism of atrocity."

Is going to see the sites of historical horrors  Nazi concentration camps, Pol Pot's killing fields  a moral responsibility or a vile indulgence? How about revisiting them? Consider Rwanda. We learn in Sean Christopher Lewis' compelling Dogs of Rwanda, being performed at the InterAct Theatre Company through June 18, that in Rwanda there is an old woman who shows tourists around in exchange for a few coins. She is a survivor of the 100-day 1994 genocide  called "the Bad Time" when the Hutu ethnic majority slaughtered 800,000 members of the Tutsi minority.

And then there are those who come back to the scene of atrocities they once saw. David, a dog-lover and writer, has received a note about a book he wrote: "There are untruths here." The book is an account of his experience 20 years before, as a 16-year-old missionary in Africa, when he and his girlfriend, Mary, literally stumbled into the genocide. As bodies floated down the river, a young man named God's Blessing leads them into the woods. He is the author of the note.

This play is a fascinating and exhausting hourlong monologue, performed with great power and subtlety by Dan Hodge. The gruesome details and the action-filled chronicle are riveting  an enormous challenge in a solo show. Past and present weave together in this account of an episode so harrowing that David will never recover from it, no matter how many books he writes and how earnestly he wants to honor God's Blessing as the hero of his youth. Dogs of Rwanda offers no easy moral lessons, only psychological traumas and philosophical meditations on the evil in the world. It is, the play shows us, hard to find forgiveness. It is, it shows us, worse to be left unjudged than judged.

Hodge, master of the sickly smile, never simplifies or illustrates; this is acting that refuses to be seen as acting. Directed by Maura Krause, the show is shaped on a small strip of stage in front of the set for InterAct's How to Use a Knife  a terrific concurrent production I highly recommend. That play is only obliquely about "the thing," as the Rwandan genocide is called there, yet its role there is of moment. The two shows are most interesting when seen in tandem, both politically and theatrically.

Lewis' Dogs of Rwanda is filled with small motivic links that knit the play together, far more complex effects than I could catch in one viewing. I kept hearing Shakespeare's terrifying lines from Julius Caesar roar around in my mind:

Cry "Havoc!" and let slip the dogs of war,

That this foul deed shall smell above the earth

With carrion men, groaning for burial.

Not the same dogs, of course, but "Havoc" just the same.

Dogs of Rwanda. Through June 18 (Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only) at the InterAct Theatre Company at the Drake Theatre, 302 S. Hicks St. Tickets: $20 Information: 215-568-8079 or interacttheatre.org.
Dallas Fetterman, CEO for Liberation Way, died May 17, 2017, but his legacy will live on through the work of the treatment facility. Fetterman believed in the importance of connecting to others and oneself. Read more

When Dallas Fetterman, who helped found a Philadelphia-area addiction treatment organization, was found dead of an apparent heroin overdose two weeks ago, those who knew him grieved deeply.

But they weren't entirely surprised. Fetterman, who was CEO of Liberation Way, was in recovery himself.

"People in recovery sometimes relapse," said Deni Carise, medical director of King of Prussia-based Recovery Centers of America.

The treatment industry is filled with employees in recovery. Local estimates range from less than 30 percent of the staff at residential programs that hire highly credentialed employees, to 90 percent at unregulated recovery houses, where house managers typically are recent clients. Professional conferences aimed at executives in the field often schedule daily 12-step meetings on-site.

"We recommend hiring people who are in recovery," said Deb Beck, president of the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania. "To take a straight person and teach them the nuances and subtleties of addiction is a much harder enterprise," Beck said.

They spot details, she said, such as cars that lack antennas because they've been broken off and used to smoke crack cocaine. People in recovery will see someone "nodding off"  a sign of being high on heroin  whereas a never-user might think they were just tired.

A staffer getting high is the kind of relapse that might come up once every couple of years, said Jason McLaughlin, chief operating officer at the Wedge, a publicly funded outpatient program in Philadelphia, where about three-fourths of more than 200 employees are in recovery.

But "we have never had a staff person overdose on site, or offsite, to my knowledge," he said.

McLaughlin, like others in the field, points out that potential employees must be carefully assessed.

"If a client completing treatment says, 'I'd like to work here,' I say great," he said, but first the person needs to get through the first year of recovery and enroll in a community college degree program in behavioral health. That person might eventually be hired as a counselor assistant, under close supervision.

Knowing that relapse is a possibility, good treatment programs say they develop more robust versions of the employee-assistance programs typical of many employers. They try to create work environments so nurturing that the first person a relapsing staffer would tell is his boss.

"In my 21 years at Caron, I've helped manage three cases where a staff member relapsed. In each of those situations, the individuals asked for help," said David Rotenberg, executive vice president and chief clinical officer of Caron Treatment Centers.

The Wernersville, Pa.-based provider will pay for an employee's treatment at another facility, he said, and then bring the person back to Caron in nonclinical roles while establishing recovery before resuming contact with patients.

Recovery Centers of America hires a few people recently in recovery who may have legal problems that would stop other potential employers. They work at corporate headquarters and have no interaction with patients. Executives have discussed having a 12-step group on site to support them, perhaps with meetings at lunchtime.

"It is not a job. It's a passion. People really want to help others get well," said Carise, the chief clinical officer.

The stakes are especially high with heroin. "If someone relapses due to alcohol use or cocaine use it doesn't often lead to death," Carise said.

Heroin use has been increasing nationwide, as some people whose addictions began with prescriptions for opioid painkillers such as oxycodone run out of money for the far-pricier pills. Dealers are giving out free samples or mixing heroin with much deadlier ingredients such as fentanyl, which may not be discovered until multiple fatal overdose cases show up at the medical examiner's office.

Only a fraction of these deaths make news reports.

On May 16, Paul Yabor, well-known in Philadelphia's drug-using community for trying to save lives by handing out clean needles and distributing emergency overdose-reversal medication, was found dead on a needle-covered slope near the railroad tracks in Kensington. On May 21 in Chester County, two men died in a house with needles and baggies that tested positive for heroin and fentanyl. The district attorney's office described them as counselors in a halfway house, but the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs later said in a statement that the house was unregulated and the men were not licensed clinicians.

Fetterman, the CEO of Liberation Way, died May 17 in Florida, where he had recently bought a vacation home and was scouting properties for a new treatment center location, said Michael Armstrong, an administrator at the organization. Local paramedics had responded to 25 overdose calls in the previous several days, the Palm Beach Post reported.

Despite his title, Fetterman, who was 38 and lived in Collingswood, had recently been acting more like a consultant and had no patient contact. Still, 500 people attended his memorial service, Armstrong said. Liberation Way is stepping up efforts to support its 100 employees, so that anyone is "able to say to a supervisor, 'I'm struggling,' and not be afraid of losing their job."

Nearly a decade ago, many people were astonished when the board of directors at Caron issued an open letter of support for president and CEO Doug Tieman, 10 weeks after his highly publicized drunken-driving arrest following a fund-raiser he ran at Mar-a-Lago, known these days as President Trump's "Florida White House."

Tieman, 61, described that period two weeks ago in a blog for the inspirational website Guideposts.

"On the outside, my life looked great. On the inside, I was rotting away. My secret ate at my soul. That is what secrets  and untreated addictions  do. From my work, I knew exactly what was happening to me," he wrote. "I knew I needed help, but where could I go? Word would get out that the CEO of Caron was in rehab. Then our organization and the addiction treatment field and, even worse, the recovery of thousands of people would be called into question. I prayed about it constantly. Even God didn't seem to have a solution."

The post was titled Getting Arrested Saved His Life: A Tale of Sobriety and Grace. Tieman completed six weeks of residential treatment in another facility and returned to Caron after four months. He is now in his 22nd year as president of the Berks County nonprofit. Revenues are up more than tenfold (the Scaife family donated $1 million during the 2008 Florida fund-raiser), and Caron is one of the largest treatment programs in the country.
Investigators are seeking leads in a series of shootings over the weekend that left five people dead across Philadelphia.

Between Saturday and early Monday, five people were slain in four shootings across the city. No arrests had been made in any of the cases as of Monday morning.

The most recent slaying happened shortly after 1 a.m. Monday, when a man was shot during an apparent home invasion on the 6500 block of North 16th Street in West Oak Lane. The victim, whose name was not released, was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:21 a.m.

Officers found a rear door kicked in at the residence, police said. The motive was believed to have been robbery. Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters at the scene that police found numerous shell casings close to the victim's body.

That shooting followed the discovery Sunday afternoon of a man and a woman who were found slain in a vehicle on the 1000 block of Sydney Street in East Mount Airy's Stenton neighborhood. Those two victims, whose names have not been released, were pronounced dead at the scene at 5 p.m.

Homicide Capt. James Clark said the victims, each shot once in the back of the head, were believed to have known their assailant in the execution-style slaying, but the motive was not known.

Earlier in the weekend, a violent overnight Saturday into Sunday left two men dead and three others wounded in shootings.

Both of the fatal shootings happened in West Philadelphia. Police on Monday identified the slain men as Jalil Griffin, 24, who was shot to death at 56th and Market Streets shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday, and Wesley Finney, 27, who was killed on the 1400 block of North Vogdes Street shortly after 7:45 p.m. Saturday.

The motives for both killings remained unknown Monday, police said.

Homicides in Philadelphia thus far in 2017 are up about 20 percent compared with last year, according to police statistics.

Through Sunday night, 131 people had been killed in the city so far this year (the Monday slaying is not included in that count). At this point in 2016, Philadelphia had recorded 109 homicides. The 131 homicide victims as of June 4 is the highest year-to-date total for that period since 2012.
Margate Wawa, the traditional gathering point for shoobie teens on Memorial Day Weekend, is getting its own police detail: pictured Saturday June 3, 2017. Read more

MARGATE, N.J.  "Club Wa" is getting a beefed-up security detail.

Still feeling the fallout from Memorial Day weekend's crowds of teenagers from Pennsylvania and the Cherry Hill area gathering at the town's Wawa, and a fight involving hundreds of teens on the nearby beach, Margate police instituted a Wawa beat last weekend that will continue all summer, police officials said.

The overtime tab to keep the lid on the visiting teenagers will be picked up by Wawa, Margate Police Detective Joseph Scullion said.

Last Saturday night, Officer Frank Marciante and Class II patrolman John Barillo were stationed outside a quiet Wawa parking lot at Washington and Ventnor Avenues. Both said they were on the beach on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, when fights broke out among teenagers from rival Pennsylvania high schools.

Margate police said a final tally from the weekend showed 13 arrests in the affluent beach town, including 11 of people aged 20 and under from Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, for disorderly conduct, alcohol, and marijuana offenses. The other two were unrelated arrests for adults for driving while intoxicated and simple assault.

The officers said they were both pictured in the video of the arrest of a fighting teen as hundreds stood around, which was featured in national and international media. Of the rowdiness and fights on the beach over the holiday weekend, Marciante said, "It was as bad as it looked."

Wawa has agreed to pay for the security detail, a common practice for businesses that request police presence, Scullion said. "Wawa got tired of it," he said.

The detail will run four hours a night, from 8 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, through the summer, he said.

Saturday night around 9:30, all was quiet outside the Wawa as Marciante and Barillo leaned against a barricade that controls traffic along Washington. The crowds present on Memorial Day weekend will probably not be duplicated until Fourth of July, but even that holiday does not typically draw the end-of-school-year meet-up frenzy of Memorial Day.

The Wawa was dubbed Club Wa in a tweet by a local teen, apparently mocking the shoobies for hanging outside the Margate convenience store every summer as if it were a nightclub.

Witnesses said the fight on the beach was between students of Harriton High School in the Lower Merion district and Friends' Central School. One officer was hit with a Gatorade bottle, and some in the crowd threw sand at them.

Margate police released their blotter from the weekend with home towns of the juveniles and names and ages of those over 18.

The fight led to three arrests by Barillo, Marciante, and three other police officers. Those arrested were identified by police as Aiden Plunkett, 19, of Upper Darby, and a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old from Narberth, whose names were not released. Plunkett was charged with simple assault and released on a summons. The juveniles were charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest and released to the custody of a family friend.

Other juveniles arrested over the holiday weekend were a 15-year-old from Ambler for a marijuana possession; a 17-year-old from Cherry Hill for disorderly conduct; a 17-year-old from Villanova for marijuana; a 16-year-old from Willow Grove for disorderly conduct; and a 17-year-old from Yardley for marijuana and motor vehicle violations.

Those over 18 who were arrested were identified as Nicholas Vernacchio, 19, of Dresher, charged with obstruction of law and underage consumption of alcohol, and Morgan Miller, 20, of Gladwyne, and Julia Tissian, 20, of Narberth, who were charged with disorderly conduct and released on a summons.

Ricky Sayer, a reporter who is graduating this month from Harriton, said he was on the scene just after the arrests. He said in an online message: "It's become tradition over the years for students from Harriton High School to meet up with one another at the beach adjacent to Lucy. They return after they graduate. Many people are clearly intoxicated. The police can tell there is underage drinking going on. I personally saw a number of them walking around the large group in the hours following the fight."

The Lower Merion School District released this statement about the student involvement at the Shore: "This kind of behavior is inexcusable and cause for great concern. We understand that the matter is now in the hands of law enforcement; if and where the district has the legal authority to act, we will.

"The incident should serve reminders of the dangers of engaging in harmful and illegal activities, including underage drinking and substance abuse. In addition to significant health and safety risks, potential consequences include the loss of scholarships, college acceptances and personal reputation  particularly in the age of social media.

"We encourage parents to speak with their children about this incident and the importance of making safe, responsible and intelligent decisions."

Staff writer Kathy Boccella contributed to this article.
Authorities say a prisoner whose escape prompted the closure of all schools in the Central Bucks School District Monday is believed to have left the area.

Doylestown Township officials said late Monday morning that the search for 25-year-old Daniel Selby was called off in the immediate area, as investigators developed information that he "was aided in fleeing area." Police were continuing to follow leads to locate him, officials said.

A shelter-in-place alert was issued for some Bucks County residents Sunday night and lifted Monday morning, after the decision was made to close the schools.

The search for the escapee persisted overnight and into Monday. Officials didn't say who was believed to have helped him get away from the area, or how they did so.

Selby was wanted on a warrant for failing to appear in court to face drug charges, officials said. Township officials described him as a "non-violent offender."

He got away from sheriff's office authorities near Bristol Road and Lower State Road about 8:30 p.m. Sunday, according to Doylestown Township officials.

Selby was last seen locally around 4:30 a.m. Monday at a convenience store in the Edison Village area.

He was still in handcuffs when he got away, and was wearing an orange shirt and using a white blanket to hide the handcuffs, authorities said.

The escape happened while he was being transported, NBC Philadelphia reported. Further details about how he got away weren't available.

The search appeared to focus on the Doylestown and Warrington areas before it was called off.
A police tow truck removes a car from the 1000 block of Sydney Street in East Mount Airy where a man and a woman were found shot to death on Sunday evening. Read more

A young couple found killed execution-style in a car parked on a quiet East Mount Airy block Sunday and a man shot at least 10 times by an intruder in his West Oak Lane home Monday are among the city's latest homicide victims  that grim statistic up 20 percent from the same period last year, police said.

Frederick Hawkins-Williams, 23, and Amber Sloan, 21, were found in the front seat of a parked car on the 1000 block of Sydney Street with single gunshot wounds to the back of their heads around 4:45 p.m. Sunday, police said. Homicide Capt. James Clark said authorities were still trying to determine how long the car had been parked there, and when Hawkins-Williams and Sloan were killed. Neighbors reported the car had been idling for some time, police said.

The four-door sedan was registered to Hawkins-Williams, who was Sloan's boyfriend, according to Clark. Hawkins-Williams was wearing latex gloves when he was found in the driver's seat, Clark said. Police declined to comment on whether drugs or drug paraphernalia were found in the car.

Clark said it appeared that the killer had been sitting in the rear passenger-side seat when Hawkins-Williams, of Elkins Park, and Sloan, of the city's Crescentville section, were shot.

"We really need the public's help," Clark said. "If somebody saw something, please contact us."

As of late Monday afternoon, authorities had not released the name of a man killed earlier Monday when an armed intruder or intruders broke into his home on the 6500 block of North 16th Street around 1:10 a.m.

The 29-year-old victim was watching TV from the living room couch when the intruders forced their way in through the basement and fired at least 10 shots at him as his grandmother slept upstairs, Clark said. The grandmother called police, and her grandson was pronounced dead inside the house at 1:21 a.m., authorities said.

According to police, Philadelphia has had 132 homicides this year, compared with 109 at the same time last year. It is the highest homicide tally in early June since 2012, when 154 people were killed in the city by June 4, according to police statistics.

The city offers a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in every homicide case. Those with information are urged to call the department's tip line at 215-686-8477.
Santino Ciccaglione owns Sessano Cafe, a small restaurant across the street from Norristown's Montgomery County Court House. He is expecting greatly increased business during the Cosby trial, which begins Monday. Read more

By the time Bill Cosby's trial starts Monday inside the Montgomery County Courthouse, Santino Ciccaglione will have already been at work across the street for hours.

Ciccaglione, the owner of Sessano Cafe, plans to open by 6 a.m. to feed the dozens of reporters flocking to Norristown.

He saw business spike up to 50 percent during pretrial hearings in the case  and hopes for even more this week. He's scheduling extra staff, adding outdoor seating, and planning to serve plenty of pork sandwiches in his modest cafe a stone's throw from the courthouse.

"As they say: Bring it on," Ciccaglione said Friday. "We'll feed the people."

Cosby's trial is not only the biggest spectacle to come to Norristown. It's likely to be the most closely watched celebrity trial since O.J. Simpson's in 1995.

More than 100 reporters and television crew members have sought credentials to cover the case, and satellite trucks are expected to line Main Street. The trial is also expected to draw scores of spectators, including some of Cosby's other accusers, and possibly some of his supporters.

Whether it will hurt or help the perpetually struggling borough is unclear.

Unlike its counterpart county seats ringing Philadelphia  West Chester, Media, and Doylestown  Norristown lacks a bustling shopping or restaurant scene. Its boasts a population of 34,000 and is one of the poorer towns in one of the state's richest counties  with a median household income of $41,000, far below the national median and barely more than half the countywide median of $80,000.

The trial is projected to last about two weeks. Montgomery County officials estimate it will cost the county between $100,000 and $200,000, in part because it must transport, feed and sequester the 12 jurors and six alternates chosen last month in Pittsburgh. They will stay at an undisclosed hotel  although Norristown has no hotels and few restaurants around the courthouse.

Reporters and other spectators are likely to stay in King of Prussia or other nearby towns. With an eye toward the media, the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board's website posted special hotel rates for people traveling to the area for the trial, with 14 hotels listed in order by distance from the courthouse.

But given the nature of the event  a sex-assault trial  tourism officials are not pushing hotel packages and nearby attractions with the same gusto they might apply for attendees at sporting events or conventions.

"The economic impact will be good for us, we assume  but the reason that these visitors are coming is a little bit sensitive," said Dan Weckerly, communications manager for the board.

Weckerly said there is no way to track how many people are booking rooms for the trial, but people have visited that hotel site from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Oregon.

Officials also have to worry about keeping everyone safe. Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny said his office has spent months planning trial logistics and security, and that all 112 sheriff's deputies will be on call. Kilkenny said his department has also coordinated with the Norristown police and other nearby police departments to assist if needed.

"It's absolutely all hands on deck," he said.

The jurors' identities and accommodations are being kept private  and Judge Steven T. O'Neill has warned of "serious repercussions" for anyone who attempts to talk to them during the trial.

Still, court officials are exploring ways to accommodate them when they aren't at the courthouse. "If people want to go to church services or if perhaps they want to pay a visit to Valley Forge National Park  we're looking into those kinds of options," Kilkenny said.

At Sessano Cafe, Ciccaglione said he may also be feeding jurors  but he won't know for certain. Jurors will eat lunch inside the courthouse every day. Since opening the eatery about two years ago, Ciccaglione often receives large orders that court staff members pick up.

He said he most looks forward to meeting reporters from around the world who venture into his small cafe.

"That's kind of fascinating, to be honest with you," he said.

Keep up with every development in Bill Cosby's case with our day-by-day recaps and explainer on everything you need to know about the case and its major players.
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."
Police investigating Saturday night's terror attack in London say they know the identity of the three attackers who killed seven people and injured 48, reports the BBC.

The Metropolitan Police said their names would be released "as soon as operationally possible" as officers work to establish if they were part of a wider network.

Prime Minister Theresa May said victims included a "number of nationalities," saying it was "an attack on the free world."

Police said a "number of people" had been detained following the raids. Eleven people are being held after police raids in Barking on Sunday. One of the properties is believed to be the home of one of the attackers.

The three attackers were fatally shot by police after reportedly driving into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbing people in Borough Market.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said 46 shots were fired by eight police officers - three from the City of London force and five from the Met.

NHS England said 36 people remained in hospital, with 18 in critical condition.

The so-called Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
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Kellyanne Conways husband went off on Trump after the President attacked his own Justice Department and ruined their Muslim ban case with a series of statements on social media.

Trump tweeted:

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

George Conway responded:

These tweets may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly won't help OSG get 5 votes in SCOTUS, which is what actually matters. Sad. https://t.co/zVhcyfm8Hr  George Conway (@gtconway3d) June 5, 2017

By some people Conway meant Trump. Late last week, Conway withdrew his name from consideration to the Justice Departments Civil Division chief. At the time, Conway said, I have reluctantly concluded, however, that, for me and my family, this is not the right time for me to leave the private sector and take on a new role in the federal government.

The reality might be that Trump is making the jobs of his own appointees impossible by sabotaging their efforts. It doesnt matter if Trump hires the best people if he undercuts them and doesnt listen to them.

George Conway was right and too generous. Trump did make the job of those arguing the case more difficult, but he also may have made it impossible for them to win.

Not even Kellyanne Conways husband can keep up the facade, as the Trump White House is falling apart.

Update: It looks like Conway is walking back his tweet:
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A popular myth among the media and some on the left is that Trump won by appealing to the working class, but 2016 election data reveals that the majority of Trump voters were relatively affluent. Only 25% of those who voted for Trump in 2016 were working class.

The Washington Post reported:

Among people who said they voted for Trump in the general election, 35 percent had household incomes under $50,000 per year (the figure was also 35 percent among non-Hispanic whites), almost exactly the percentage in NBCs March 2016 survey. Trumps voters werent overwhelmingly poor. In the general election, like the primary, about two-thirds of Trump supporters came from the better-off half of the economy.

.

Observers have often used the education gap to conjure images of poor people flocking to Trump, but the truth is, many of the people without college degrees who voted for Trump were from middle- and high-income households. Thats the basic problem with using education to measure the working class. In short, the narrative that attributes Trumps victory to a coalition of mostly blue-collar white and working-class voters just doesnt square with the 2016 election data. According to the election study, white non-Hispanic voters without college degrees making below the median household income made up only 25 percent of Trump voters. Thats a far cry from the working-class-fueled victory many journalists have imagined.

Trump created the myth that blue collar and working class people flocked to him like he was the new Reagan is simply not true. Trump was powered by Republicans who earn more than the median household income. Bernie Sanders and some progressives have bought into this myth and have been pushing Democrats to appeal more to working class voters. The problem is that Democrats havent lost working class voters.

It is becoming more apparent that there are a lot of reasons why Democrats lost, with voter turnout being one of the biggest. If 80,000 more Democrats cast their votes in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, Hillary Clinton is president today. Clinton lost for a variety of reasons, some of which do center around her own campaign but most are related to the challenge of being the first female presidential nominee in history, but the election data shows why it is dangerous to make broad general assumptions about a close result.

Trump isnt being powered by the working class. His base is wealthier Americans, and anyone who believes that Trump is a president because of working-class voters has bought a Republican lie.
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Senator Chuck Schumer told President Trump to look in the mirror if he wants to blame someone for the slow pace of his confirmations. If the President is looking for someone to blame on the slow pace of confirmations, he needs only to look in the mirror, the Senate Democratic Leader said in a statement sent to PoliticusUSA.

President Trump blamed Democrats for obstructing his nominees after his tweets about the London Mayor reminded everyone that Donald Trumps administration was nowhere near ready to handle a disaster.

In other words, yeah he might not be remotely competent, but its the Democrats fault:

.@foxandfriends Dems are taking forever to approve my people, including Ambassadors. They are nothing but OBSTRUCTIONISTS! Want approvals.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) blew some facts Trumps way, telling Trump to look in the mirror if hes looking for someone to blame. And then:

There are more than 500 senate confirmable positions. Even though it is now June, the administration has failed to select a nominee for 442 of them.

Yikes.

Of the 63 that have been nominated, the Senate has confirmed 39 of them. The Senate took no more than a couple of days to confirm cabinet nominees, each of whom is now in office. 

The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service says of 559 key positions requiring Senate confirmation 442 have no nominee, 15 are awaiting nomination, only 63 have been formally nominated and 39 have been confirmed.

What are these positions? These positions include Cabinet secretaries, deputy and assistant secretaries, chief financial officers, general counsel, heads of agencies, ambassadors and other critical leadership positions. They note, The Senate can only act on nominations that have been formally submitted by the Trump administration. Those marked awaiting nomination above have been announced but not yet submitted, while those marked formally nominated are awaiting action by the Senate.

The Posts data says that the average time for Trumps nominees to get confirmed is even longer than the time to took for Obamas nominees, 41 to 32 days. So maybe Trump has a point on the length of time its taking, even if he hasnt nominated anyone for most of the positions yet.

But Schumer reminded Trump that he picked extraordinarily tough people to vet, It was the Senates responsibility to give a thorough vetting for such important positions, with many of the nominees having conflicts of interest and incomplete ethics agreements when they were named. President Trump ought to roll up his sleeves and get to work rather than pointing false fingers of blame.

Trump has tended to pick people with a lot of money and a lot of ties to industry, lobbying, etc., and some of them hadnt completed the standard ethics and financial disclosures prior to hearings. Plus, 47% of Trumps nominees are delayed awaiting movement from Republican-led committees.

Theres no reason why Trump hasnt formally submitted other nominees  and these positions arent necessarily small potatoes.

The empty slots at the State Department are one of the concerns raised yesterday. The Atlantic reported on the twiddling thumbs of Foggy Bottom in March, 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.

The Post laid out in a separate piece the path from nomination to confirmation. Its of note that the first move after nomination is disclosures.

But heres something thats different, and actually Trump should have been thanking the Democrats instead of complaining  because unlike the presidential transitions before him, Trump didnt have to deal with the filibuster on nominations (Democrats changed a rule under Senator Harry Reid). Then in April, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell deployed the nuclear option to confirm the Supreme Court pick (Neil Gorsuch) Republicans stole from President Obama.

Trump ought to look back at how Republicans refused to even give President Obamas Supreme Court pick a hearing for over 300 days if he wants a lesson in obstruction.

The Democrats dont have it in them to obstruct Trump at every turn no matter what like the Republicans did Obama, even though Obama had an actual mandate from the people unlike Trump. But Democrats are doing their best to hold Trump accountable within the normal structure and as the minority party, slowing down his worst picks possible approach to government  at least long enough to identify some major conflicts.

Ultimately, the only person holding Trump up is Trump.

The President shows little enthusiasm for doing the job he was hired to do, and instead seems determined to leave the U.S.A. vulnerable to an attack through neglect and starvation as he mumbles about his crowd sizes and watches too much cable news in between bouts of dangerous tweeting.

The only time Trump perks up is when he can take a stand to undermine America, and then hes all in. Odd behavior, even for a Republican.
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As Trumps travel ban case goes up, he chose to make sure the courts knew that he certainly did have discriminatory intent, lest they consider actually finding a way to justify it.

Still trying to use the London Bridge terrorist attack as a political weapon, President Trump attacked the Department of Justice Monday morning for caving with the watered down version of his travel ban. Yes, he emphasized he was going to call it what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

But the administration kept saying it wasnt a ban, as pointed out by Keith Boykin:

Sean Spicer January 31: Its not a travel ban.

Trump today: I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!

Sean Spicer January 31: "It's not a travel ban."

Trump today: "I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!" pic.twitter.com/t9SSkIURFT  Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) June 5, 2017

So much for all of the outrage over calling it a ban. It is a ban, people. The President himself said so.

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

Trump signed the newest version of travel ban, so its unclear why hes blaming the DOJ.

Its a Muslim ban, because its intent is to ban Muslims. The original order banned seven majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Libya. The revised order took Iraq off of the list and removed the indefinite ban on Syrian refugees.

The Former special counsel at the Department of Defense indicated the problem with that last tweet:

Original ban had express religious minority preferencesvery clear Establishment Clause violation.

Tweet shows DJT's unconstitutional intent https://t.co/MacJFviB8g  Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) June 5, 2017

Undeterred, the President continued:

The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court  & seek much tougher version!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

And by tougher, Trump means more unconstitutional and still as ineffective, FYI.

Trumps lawyers have to be cringing to see the President to admit that into evidence publicly.

In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

Yes, we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S., per the extreme vetting done under President Obama. Everyone knows about this extreme vetting except Republicans, whose Google apparently doesnt offer reality as an option on certain subjects.

Donald Trump often said there was no system for vetting, and PolitiFact found this False on June 13th, 2016.

Immigration has been slowed even under Obama when events warranted it, so this argument that Trump is making might sound good to his base on the surface but it is actually more fake gold.

A Judge in Hawaii who suspended the revised order cited a dearth of evidence indicating a national security purpose. The only real purpose of Trumps Muslim ban is an appeal to his base with a topping of Putin undermining the U.S.s (until now, perhaps) aspirational freedom and opportunity.

Trump was told not to use Twitter to unload for multiple reasons, not the least of which is our national security.

Its clear Trump doesnt care about national security  he shares secrets with the Russians in the Oval office, allowed a live stream of a national security meetings at Mar-a-Lago on Facebook, and leaks classified information almost compulsively. But Trump isnt even doing the most basic things to protect his own political survival and the survival of his Muslim ban, which depend in part upon following his lawyers suggestions not to tweet.

Trump seems compelled to double down and sabotage himself while harming the U.S.A.
The timing of these attacks couldn't be better for shaking Brits but the following comment should be read by all who think that Big Brother on the Internet Freedom is the solution. I recall the days of the pre-internet when the PLO and IRA were on the forefront of terrorist attacks.....



The kinds of internet regulation that would have any effect on radicalisation would require censorship on a scale that would do more harm to free speech.. the added control would conveniently allow them to expand reach beyond issues relating to radicalisation to wider 'problems' such as criticisms and challenges against state power and policy. it'd be like solving the threat of attacks on commercial airlines by requiring everyone to be put under general anesthetic or into a state of paralysis. It may not be the current government that decides to take advantage of these new powers to further their own interests, but a future government whose nature or intentions we can not know.



The reality is that if a terrorist attack can be carried out by simply grabbing a car and driving people down, or getting a knife, a surveillance system 100 times more powerful as we have today still wouldn't prevent these attacks. What needs to happen is for the west to honestly assess why we are more frequently finding ourselves the target of attacks.



First thing we need to do is to stop the media from glamorizing and giving such huge coverage to these attacks... The manchester attack made headlines on almost every UK newspaper for almost a week straight.. the election campaign was called off for several days. Every attack is receiving the immediate attention of the leader of the country, with a live tv speech... Its become too easy for those radicalised individuals to spread chaos and terror. In the same way that the huge media coverage of school shootings in the US has contributed to the phenomenon of copycat attacks, it appears that it is similarly incentivising attacks by radicals, and rewarding them with instant fame and notoriety. I fear the government will continue to reject the notion that this serves the radicals, as this form of media coverage enables them to sell the need for increased protection and surveillance.. it drives fear into the population.



Second significant thing we could do is to deprive these radicals of the legitimate grievance which arises from our interventions in foreign countries. People can see right through the governments inability to debate the question of our relationship with Saudi Arabia.



A substantial number of members of radical groups are well educated and well read.. They are driven not only through the reading of the koran, but also through reading western academic literature (including authors/journalists/academics who are not given air time on mainstream media, because of their dangerous views, dangerous in that they imply we need to change). While our governments might continue to deny that our foreign invasions have produced terrorism and anti west dogmas, these radicalised individuals know that is the case, and we know it too. Jeremy Corbyn was attacked for suggesting that the manchester attack and similar attacks are motivated not solely by radical islamic ideology, but by the activities of our governments abroad. Theresa May crudely attempted to rebut this argument by suggesting that these sentiments are merely justifications for terrorism.. she is certain there is no correlation. Unfortunately most people are easily swayed by such rhetoric. It is completely out of bounds to question or debate that aspect.



Mysteriously the following weeks of media coverage on Corbyn push a theme of him being a terrorist sympathiser... Exploration or discussion of our Saudi friends involvement in Yemen, or their role in the Syrian conflict is also out of bounds... The individual who carried out the Manchester attack had apparently fought in Libya, a country where the UK had been covertly sponsoring militias.



Final point, if Theresa May has her way, this comment would be unacceptable, and would probably justify shutting down or censoring this forum..
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CBS has announced that they will be airing James Comeys testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee live on broadcast television, which means that the Russia scandal has grown from cable news to full-scale broadcast network television.

Here is the CBS announcement:

CBS airing live coverage of comey. pic.twitter.com/xIVniNW5fU  Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) June 5, 2017

The decision by CBS to televise the hearing live is bad news for Trump because it demonstrates that not only is their heavy public interest in what Comey has to say but that the network has deemed his testimony so newsworthy that they are scrapping regular programming to show it live.

The notion that the Russia scandal is fodder for the left has been put to rest as more and more mainstream outlets realized that there is a real story or several stories in the Russia scandal. The White House wont take the news well, but the decision by CBS is a sure sign that the scandal has grown in stature and significance. It wouldnt be surprising if ABC and NBC also decide to carry Comeys testimony live.

Trumps worst nightmare is coming true. Not only is Comey getting tons of attention, but he is going to be covered live on network television.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Windy with showers and thunderstorms likely. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 74F. Winds E at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
France is hunting down its citizens who joined Isis without trial in Iraq

France is allegedly providing crucial intelligence information to Iraqi ground forces fighting Isis in order to target and exterminate French nationals who have joined the jihadist organisation, it has emerged.An investigation by the Wall Street Journal found that French special forces have allegedly enlisted the help of Iraqi units to ensure that French nationals fighting in the country do not escape to pose a terror threat on their return home.Photographs, alibis and location coordinates gathered from surveillance drones and radio interception intel have been provided to assist in the hunt, the WSJ reported.Neither French nor Iraqi sources disclosed how many French citizens have been killed in the operation, but said that up to 30 men had been identified as senior, high-value targets.Hundreds of the 1,700 French nationals believed to have joined the so-called caliphate since the group rose to prominence in 2014 are thought to have been killed in fighting to date.France is believed to be the only Western country actively hunting its citizens in Iraq and Syria - a situation acknowledged by experts as unchartered legal territory.The French Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to the The Independents request for comment.France has been one of the countries worst affected by Isis violence outside of the groups territory in Syria and Iraq. A total of 236 people have died in recent attacks on French soil, including the November 2015 attacks in Paris, and July 2016 truck-ramming in Nice.Approximately 1,200 French troops are currently deployed to Iraq to assist the US-led coalition in the fight to reclaim the city of Mosul from the extremists. France is also part of the US-led aerial campaign against Isis in neighbouring Syria.In a meeting with Syrian ally Russian President Vladimir Putin in Versailles on Monday, newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron urged a closer partnership with Russia in eradicating extremists active in both countries
MINNEAPOLIS  Minnesota regulators are getting ready to open a series of 22 public meetings on an oil pipeline project that opponents have dubbed the next Dakota Access pipeline struggle.

Enbridge Energy is seeking approval to replace its aging Line 3 pipeline across northern Minnesota. The meetings along the proposed route are meant to give the public a chance to comment on the draft environmental review for the project, which was released last month. The first two meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, and a final decision from Minnesota isn't expected until next year.

A look at some of the key issues:

THE PIPELINE

Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge built Line 3 in the 1960s to carry Canadian crude to its terminal in Superior, Wisconsin. It runs from Hardisty, Alberta, to Enbridge's terminal in Clearbrook in northwestern Minnesota, to Superior. Most of the U.S. portion of the route is in Minnesota, though it also clips a corner of North Dakota. Enbridge proposed the $7.5 billion replacement project because the deteriorating pipeline is now restricted to 390,000 barrels per day. The replacement would restore the original capacity of 760,000 barrels per day.

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The company says the existing Line 3 is in an already crowded corridor. It says the best way to replace it is to follow the existing path as far as Clearbrook, then take a new more southerly route to Superior. The draft review looks at the proposed route as well as four alternative paths but does not recommend one over the other.

The new route would cut through Mississippi River headwaters region and the pristine lake country of northern Minnesota where Native Americans harvest wild rice and hold treaty rights.

THE OBJECTIONS

Tribal groups say Enbridge's preferred route risks oil spills in sensitive areas, and the six Ojibwe bands in the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe are preparing their own environmental impact statement.

Environmental groups also oppose the project because Line 3 carries Canadian tar sands crude, which takes more energy to produce than conventional oil.

A leading opponent is Winona LaDuke, executive director of Honor the Earth, based on the White Earth Reservation. LaDuke depicts Line 3 as the next Dakota Access fight, and there are parallels in the ways that Native American concerns have fueled the opposition to both projects. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe considers Dakota Access a threat to its water supply. That pipeline began shipping oil for customers Thursday.

Protests over Line 3 have been on a much smaller scale than the protests over Dakota Access, which brought thousands of people to North Dakota and resulted in 761 arrests.

THE ARGUMENTS FOR LINE 3

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Enbridge says Line 3 is a vital link in its system, and the replacement would help it continue to meet the demand for Canadian oil from refineries in Minnesota, Wisconsin and elsewhere. The project is already fully approved in Canada and Wisconsin. Permits are pending in North Dakota.

Line 3's supporters include the Jobs for Minnesotans coalition of business and labor groups, which tout the more than 1,500 construction and related jobs it would bring to the state, and the tax benefits.

THE MEETINGS AND NEXT STEPS

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is hosting public meetings that begin Tuesday in Bagley and Grand Rapids and finish June 22 in Gully and Bemidji. Regulators will consider meeting testimony and written comments in shaping the final version of the environmental impact statement. That will be followed by more hearings in September and October.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will then decide whether to grant the certificate of need and route permit for the project. The commission is expected to hold hearings on those questions in November and make a final decision next April.
Near quitting time on a March Saturday in 1911, a cigarette started a fire in Manhattan's Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Within 30 minutes, nearly 150 workers  predominantly young immigrant women  were dead, many of them having jumped from the ninth floor, where the doors had been locked.

One witness described the falling bodies as "streaks of fire." Another remembered the sickening sound of thudding bodies as they hit pavement. Those bodies fell so fast that firefighters didn't have time to cover them.

This gruesome moment in American labor history has received its just due in several books. Christine Seifert's ambitiously titled "The Factory Girls: A Kaleidoscopic Account of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire," has joined the field, in a story pitched to YA readers.

Seifert opens with the stories of five young adult women  four teens and a 21-year-old  who were in the factory when the fire began; late in her book, she finishes their respective stories, telling us what happened to each of them.

It's an effective opening, in a book that's best when it focuses on such particulars, drawing on previous Triangle studies as well as oral histories and primary sources.

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Even as she wears out the words "probably," "likely" and "must" with wild conjecture, these sections of Seifert's book give the Triangle workers names and bring them to life. One can readily agree with Seifert's statement that "it's hard to read these stories and not be emotionally affected."

But that's no excuse for her frequently preachy and condescending generalizations  many of them regurgitating infinitely better histories like Alan Trachtenberg's "The Incorporation of America"  through which Seifert attempts to connect the dots between what happened in New York that day and the preceding Gilded Age.

As Seifert rightly notes, the Gilded Age gave rise to extraordinary disparities between rich and poor  the product of a largely unrestrained and unregulated capitalist system, a growing culture of consumption and a large pool of unskilled immigrant labor.

But Seifert also concludes that this combination made the Triangle fire inevitable (it "was bound to happen"), just as she later suggests it was the fire that caused workplace reform ("some people had to die in order for the system to change").

Such an overdetermined, cause-and-effect model turns history into chronology, while resulting in some stunning simplifications, like this one: "poverty was a result of a system that was rigged to take advantage of people's labor while lining the pockets of the superrich who controlled production."

As this passage of Soviet-style agitprop suggests, such history here isn't just dumbed down. It's mindlessly judgmental.

Corporations are "simply vehicles for a few people to make obscene amounts of money." "Those who were rich were stinking rich." Factory owners "are making money hand over fist." New York's government inspectors "will make your toenails curl." The rich "wanted to make even more money  oodles of money, so much money that they could throw it out windows if they wanted."

Such lazy thinking breeds inaccuracies. Examples: A wildcat strike isn't a strike unfolding at just one factory; it's one unauthorized by union leadership. Booker T. Washington didn't found the NAACP; Washington rival W.E.B. Du Bois was among those who did.

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It can make writing  subpar, throughout this book  maudlin. Example: "Through all the years she drew breath, the girls of Triangle survived in Bessie's heart."

And it can lead to the bizarre. Example: We're asked to imagine how many LeBron James clones we'd need to equal the height of New York manure piles if "the Lebrons [sic] were made of poop."

Seifert's heart is in the right place; one can agree with much of what she says. But history isn't a revival meeting or a cartoon, and we do young people no favors by treating it  and them  to versions less sophisticated than it is and they are. The workers she desperately wants to honor deserve more respect. Seifert's bludgeoned readers deserve a better book.
AUSTIN  An Austin man convicted for his role in the overdose death of another man was sentenced Thursday to 53 months in prison.

Jordan David Flugum, 21, was originally charged with third-degree murder-drugs for allegedly arranging the sale of heroin to the victim. He entered a not guilty plea to that count in May 2016.

The charge was amended to second-degree manslaughter - culpable negligence in March, and Flugum pleaded guilty.

The sentence handed down by Mower County District Judge Jeffrey Kritzer gave Flugum credit for 395 days already served, and ordered him to pay restitution of $13,660.82.

The investigation began about 12:45 p.m. March 27, 2016, when a woman reported she'd found her son unresponsive in his bed. Responding officers found Jordon Jensen, 20, dead.

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The mother told authorities Jensen was a heroin user. Police found two syringes in Jensen's coat pocket; the medical examiner noted needle-track marks inside Jensen's elbow, the complaint says.

Jensen's father told police his son had arrived at his house about 9 p.m. March 26, slurring his words and unable to ride his bicycle home. Jensen's father walked him back to the mother's house; on the way, Jensen reportedly acknowledged that he needed treatment.

An autopsy conducted at Mayo Clinic listed the cause of death as "acute heroin and methamphetamine toxicity."

Flugum told authorities Jensen asked him for heroin through a Facebook message on March 26, offering a 55-inch TV in exchange for the drug. Jensen was going to pawn the TV for cash, but the pawn shops were closed, so Flugum asked his heroin dealer if he'd accept the TV, court documents say.

The dealer agreed to the exchange, providing about a gram of heroin  worth about $200  for the TV.

About 5:30 p.m. that day, Flugum went to a drug house in northeast Austin. Jensen was there, too, and reportedly overdosed after Flugum arrived, prompting Flugum and another man to slap him, then put him in the shower when he didn't respond.

Jensen eventually came around, reports say, and wanted to do more heroin; Flugum and the other man told him not to do more. Flugum took Jensen's remaining heroin and needles so Jensen wouldn't use more  and used it himself, the complaint says.

Jensen left the drug house soon after.

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Flugum told investigators he thought Jensen had used about a quarter-gram of heroin that day, but said Jensen had told him he'd done some meth before the TV-heroin exchange.

The other man in the drug house that day confirmed Flugum's account of the events.
CHICAGO  Mayo Clinic researchers revealed Sunday that shorter-duration chemotherapy could become the new normal for treating colon cancer, which could reduce side effects by cutting the treatment period in half.

That announcement was made during the 2017 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago. Mayo's researchers are members of the Alliance for Clinical Trial in Oncology who helped study nearly 13,000 patients from 12 countries over six clinical trials.

The study targeted low-risk stage 3 colon cancer treatment with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy following surgery, concluding that 3-month treatment may be have "fewer and less severe side effects, such as nerve damage" than the current 6-month model of care.

Dr. Axel Grothey, a Mayo Clinic oncologist who was the senior author of the study, says that a key side effect of oxaliplatin is nerve damage that "may result in permanent numbness, tingling and pain in the hands and feet  even after the chemotherapy is discontinued."

Grothey contends that a shorter duration of therapy would spare patients unnecessary toxicity and lead to "substantial" savings in health care expenditure, potentially becoming the new standard of care for postoperative management of patients with low-risk stage 3 colon cancer, which impacts about 400,000 people per year across the globe. The current standard of care was developed more than a decade ago, Grothey said.

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Still, the new model isn't perfect.

Mayo researchers observed a "slightly decreased disease-free survival" rate among overall stage 3 colon cancer patients who tested the reduced chemo schedule; data was not provided to clarify that statement. However, the shorted scheduled proved just as effective for patients diagnosed with low-risk stage 3 colon cancer.

Grothey said studying those findings "may lead to more individualized treatment duration based on a patient's individual preference, age, tolerance of therapy, and risk of recurrence."

The new study was funded by grants from the Medical Research Council, National Institute of Health Research, National Cancer Institute, Italian Agency for Drugs, Japanese Foundation for Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer, French Ministry of Health, and French National Cancer Institute.
OWATONNA  Former state Sen. Vicki Jensen announced today she is running for the 1st Congressional District seat, becoming the first Democrat to officially jump into the race.

Jensen, of Owatonna, said she wants to be a strong voice for rural communities to make sure they aren't being left behind.

"I believe that the people, especially in this district, want to send someone to Washington who tells it like it is. Someone who gives a seat at the table to everyone and works hard on their issues because they work hard," Jensen said.

Jensen is battling to replace 1st District DFL Rep. Tim Walz, who announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election. Instead, he is running for governor in 2018. So far, Blue Earth Republican Jim Hagedorn is the only other announced candidate for the seat. However, several other Republicans and Democrats are mulling bids.

The 1st Congressional District, which stretches across Minnesota's southern border from South Dakota to Wisconsin, is considered a swing district. In 2016, voters overwhelmingly favored Republican Donald Trump, while Walz narrowly held on to the seat, defeating Hagedorn. The open seat is rated a "tossup" by Roll Call.

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Jensen, 52, was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012. She lost her re-election bid to Republican John Jasinski in 2016. Prior to her election to the Senate, Jensen served on the Owatonna School Board.

If elected, Jensen said she would focus on many of the issues she prioritized as a senator. That includes increasing educational opportunities in rural areas and boosting job training programs.

"We're going to be losing more jobs to automation. We have to figure out and make a plan and come together and decide how we're going to deal with that in rural areas because that has put us behind already," she said.

Jensen said she would like to see greater investment in broadband in rural areas, in addition to transportation. As a health insurance agent, she said she is well aware of the problems with the current health care law. She said she wants to see changes made to help boost health care affordability but doesn't support scrapping the Affordable Care Act altogether.

"It's time that we talk about the affordability of health care for everyone and not start over or try a new program at this point because people are suffering now, and we have to do something," she said.

Jensen said she also is very concerned about proposed cuts to agriculture in Trump's budget proposal.

"What's being proposed in the budget right now  our farm families cannot sustain those kinds of cuts," she said.

Other Democrats eyeing a run include 34-year-old Army veteran Dan Feehan. He served as an assistant secretary of defense in the Obama administration and is preparing to run for the seat, according to the Wall Street Journal . He reportedly is house hunting in Mankato.

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Republicans considering a bid for the seat include Republican Party of Olmsted County Chairman Aaron Miller, Rochester Rep. Nels Pierson and Rochester Sen. Carla Nelson.

In the coming days, Jensen said she plans to travel around the district and meet with voters.

She added, "I'm anxious to get out and talk to people and let them know what I stand for, why I work so hard and fight so hard for the issues I believe in, and why I want to be their congresswoman."
DULUTH  The restoration of the historic NorShor Theatre in Duluth, a project intended to anchor a revitalized downtown arts district, is now more than half finished.

Officials announced Wednesday the $30.5 million project is 60 percent complete, and is on pace to wrap up construction by the end of the year, with a grand opening planned for Feb. 1, 2018.

"It's amazing what's going on here, and it won't be long before we will have our new community arts center," said Christine Gradl Seitz, executive and artistic director of the Duluth Playhouse, a nonprofit that will operate the theatre when it opens.

Seitz also called for the public's help in identifying a 10-foot-tall painted mural showing a woman with her arm outstretched that was uncovered during construction.

The mural has been hidden since 1941 when the original Orpheum theater, built in 1910, was renovated to become the NorShor. Since that time the mural had remained hanging, hidden, above a ceiling.

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"Our goal is to put this into the new lobby of the NorShor so that everyone can see it," said Seitz. "We're seeking the community's support to learn more about the identity of this mural and its history."

The NorShor theatre has sat vacant on the eastern end of downtown Duluth since the city purchased it for $2.3 million in 2010, when it was operating as a strip club. Over the years it's also served as a vaudeville stage, movie theater and music venue.

Minneapolis developer Sherman Associates is leading the restoration project. It's cobbled together a complex financing package that includes several million dollars in tax credits, about $7 million from the state, and $4.5 million from the Duluth Playhouse.

Seitz said so far the Playhouse has raised about $1 million, and hopes to raise the additional $3.5 million by the end of the year.

The 650-seat theater will host performances by the Duluth Playhouse, the Minnesota Ballet, the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and other local organizations, as well as national acts.
Last week, two left-wing entertainers found themselves in trouble for their expression. In one case, the offense was slight; in the other, it was serious.

Bill Maher committed the slight offense. During an exchange on his show with Sen. Ben Sasse, Maher indicted his aversion to hard labor by calling himself a house n****r. Maher quickly added that this was a joke, as it obviously was.

Sasse seemed neither amused nor particularly offended at the time. Later the Nebraska Senator stated, in part:

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?

Sasse is right. Its not OK to use that word. But neither is using it in an ad-lib joke about yourself, as Maher did, the end of the world. Rather, it is  or should be  a minor to mid-level offense. I think thats why Sasse barely reacted at the time.

Maher has apologized. That should be the end of the matter. And, because Maher plays for the left, it might well be. Heaven help a conservative who used the same word in the same way.

Kathy Griffin committed the serious offense. She created and displayed a photo of herself holding up a decapitated head of President Trump drenched in blood.

Thats one way to put yourself on the cutting edge of the resistance.

Unlike Mahers offense, this was no off-the-cuff wise crack. It was a premeditated decision.

Nor did the offense consist of using an ugly word. It consisted of imagery of a beheaded President Trump.

Griffin had the right to create and share the beheading image. She should not be punished by the State; nor should she be subjected to death threats, as she claims to have been.

But she has no legitimate complaint about the outrage her image generated. She also has no legitimate complaint if that outrage causes her to lose work, as apparently it has.

An entertainer has no God-given right to appear on this or that show. Appearances are, to a considerable degree, a function of popularity and, to a lesser degree, respect. Griffin is discovering that proudly depicting a beheaded president, even this president, will cost you popularity and respect. To use the modern term, it is bound to injure your brand.

Griffins response has been to play the victim. Is anyone surprised?

At a press conference (see below), she played the gender card to the hilt, asserting, for example, that she wouldnt be losing work if she were a male. Has CNN, which apparently canned Griffin, ever retained a male who indulged in beheading imagery?

Griffins lawyer, herself a piece of work, claimed that it is President Trump who should apologize (because of his bad policies). Her main argument was that comedians get to be edgy.

Right. But they dont get remain popular or respected when they do edgy things that cost them popularity and respect. And they dont get to perform where they are no longer wanted due to their diminished popularity and respect.

Moreover, citizens get to express their outrage to the folks who get to decide whether edgy comedians will perform at their venue. The president targeted by Griffin also has that right, as do members of his family.

Griffin was alternately defiant  shes not afraid of Donald Trump; older white men have tried to keep her down in the past, without success  and weepy  he broke me.

She tried to sprinkle her schtick into the press conference  maybe to show how edgy she is; maybe because thats just what she does. I found her unfunny, but then Im just an older white guy.

Id be interested in whether Ammo Grrrll, a comedian herself, agrees with my assessment of Griffins schtick. I suspect that Ammo Grrrlls take on how older white guys treat women differs materially from Griffins. Maybe it matters what kind of woman were talking about.

I cant say Im entirely without sympathy for Griffin. Id have more if she stopped whining, performed where shes wanted, and rebuilt her brand by being edgy without using the imagery of violence and assassination.

You can watch Griffins press conference below and judge it for yourself.


When it comes to the debate between free trade and protectionism, I generally side with free trade. When it comes to NAFTA, Im not persuaded that the agreement has been the disaster President Trump labels it.

But whatever ones stance on trade agreements, its important to call out and punish those who abuse them. In fact, its imperative that free-traders do so. Otherwise, opponents of future agreements will have a near unassailable argument against entering into such deals.

This brings me to Mexican sugar. In 2015, the U.S. International Trade Commission found Mexico to be in violation of anti-dumping rules with regard to that commodity. Based on its investigation of a three year period, the ITC concluded that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of imports of sugar from Mexico that Commerce has found to be sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized.

Robert Romano, writing in Investors Business Daily, provides the facts underlying this conclusion:

For fiscal years 2012 to 2014, Mexican shipments of sugar almost doubled to 2 million short tons, according to the commission report, while the price per unit dropped from $801 to $469, or about $0.40 per pound to $0.234 per pound. Those prices are lower than market prices in both Mexico and the United States over the same period, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture figures, and are likely below Mexicos cost of production. That is a clear violation of anti-dumping rules. As a result, Mexicos market share in U.S. sugar markets more than doubled from 8% in 2012 to 21% in 2014. Quite a feat in just three years, except it was not the outcome of free markets or even free trade, it was a government-subsidized flooding of U.S. markets by Mexico, all designed to increase market share and drive U.S. producers out of business.

Naturally, U.S. sugar producers complained to the federal government. This resulted in the suspension agreements on tariffs collection with Mexico starting in 2014. The Commerce Department admits that this regime is failing.

Accordingly, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has set a June 5 deadline (i.e., tomorrow) for reaching a deal that will end the illegal dumping. If that deadline isnt met, Ross says he will impose tariffs of 80 percent or more on Mexican sugar imports.

Such a tariff would be perfectly legal. Under Nafta, the U.S. reserved its power to enforce our anti-dumping laws and institute countervailing tariffs if necessary, in the event one of the partner countries attempted to use the agreement to engage in dumping. As Romano says, without that reservation, Nafta would not have passed Congress.

The dispute Ross is trying to resolve isnt just about Mexicos access to U.S. sugar markets. The future of Nafta may be at stake. For if Mexico behaves in bad faith under Nafta and the U.S. looks the other way, it will undermine public confidence in the agreement, and in free trade agreements generally, and this will push the U.S. out of Nafta. As Rick Manning of Americans for Limited Government puts it in his column for The Hill, Secretary Ross now has the opportunity to set the tone for one of the most important economic renegotiations in our nations history.

That is why Romano concludes that even if you support free trade agreements like Nafta, you should be wishing Ross success in combating Mexican sugar dumping. Indeed, you should be rooting especially hard for his success.

The Financial Times, on the other hand, suggests that Secretary Ross is a tool of the U.S. sugar industry. It notes that Ross and his wife were once guests at the luxury resort of Jose Pepe Fanjul, a Florida sugar baron, and that Ross and Fanjul, though they have never done business together, are long-time acquaintances. The Financial Times thinks Fanjul is using his influence to induce Ross to drive too hard of a bargain with the Mexican sugar industry.

I dont know the ins-and-outs of the sugar negotiations; nor does the Financial Times have much to say about the specifics. However, I would make two observations. First, had the Mexicans not violated our anti-dumping laws, they would not be in this predicament. Second, as a general matter its a good thing when the U.S. Secretary of Commerce drives a hard bargain on behalf of American businesses.
It is with sadness that we pass along the news of the passing of Jay Comeau, one of Power Lines most faithful and enthusiastic readers and commenters. If you want to know just how big a Power Line fan Jay was, just check out his Facebook banner:

None of us ever met Jay in person (he lived in southwest Florida), and in fact we dont even know what he looks like, as his Facebook page features dog pictures exclusively. But we all felt like we knew him. He may not have been the most frequent commenter on the site, but he was certainly the most irascible and invariably the person most likely to make you laugh out loud. He seemed always to be trying to find the narrowest margin from being over the line, especially when commenting on the empowered feminists featured at the end of every Week in Pictures. And he had lots of interlocutors egging him onyou know who you are out there Steve Baker! In fact:

Unfortunately our sites search engine doesnt have the capability of doing a name search in our comment threads, or wed put together a Greatest Hits compilation. Jay did carry on some long instant message threads with Steve, which include evidence of how he liked to provoke us (in a friendly way) from time to time:

But he didnt really mean it:

And he used to beat on us for being Trump skeptics. From the night of the first debate:

Steve admits to baiting Jay deliberately, anticipating (usually correctly) that it would work:

In a post last summer on an ill-considered lesbian-themed advertisement on behalf of Canadian tar sands development, Steve warned, Note to all commenters with the initials JC: Behave yourself. Everyone knew who the initials referred to:

He used these threads for lots of one-offs and gossipy comments about pals of ours:

Jay succumbed to a liver ailment several weeks back, but passed away before a liver transplant could be arranged. He did, however, obtain a treasured piece of apparel:

Jays girlfriend posted this on his Facebook page yesterday:

Jay and Steve had a long message thread going on election night, which began as everyone recalls looking very different than it turned out:

May I suggest that all of Jays friends and readers hoist a Jameson in his memory tonight.

Chaser:

Well today we did.

LOREE HINDERAKER adds: Several years ago a person we know from our church, OUR CHURCH, repeatedly insulted John in the PL comments. I had cooked dinner for this person and welcomed him to our house. John didnt notice or care because he never does, that is how he is, but it really bugged me and our kids were outraged. Of course, I didnt feel that I could comment and I didnt let the kids comment.

Jay could comment, though, and he did. We didnt know Jay, but our girls and I completely enjoyed the way he tormented this person. It was funny and amazing to them and to me.

A few times over the years, PL commenters have gone after our kids. Why? I dont know, but Jay stuck up for our kids in his typical irreverent way.

When our youngest daughter was attacked in the Star Tribune earlier this year, I asked Jay if he would be willing to weigh in, in the Star Tribunes comments. He was happy to oblige, and as always was funny and effective.

I emailed him my thanks and we kept up a conversation. He wrote to me, PL is full of brilliant, accomplished doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, educators and defenders of our country and youre saying thanks to me. Im Jay freaking nobody. When he complained that his Power Line shirt was threadbare, I sent him a new PL shirt and hat. It was touching to learn that Jay wore that shirt while he was in hospice care.

It was a sad and terrible shock to us when John heard that Jay had died. We never met Jay or, as Steve writes, we never even knew what he looked like. We will miss his humor and wit. RIP, Jay Comeau.
Men without chests is C.S. Lewiss great description in The Abolition of Man of the type of human soul that modern relativism would produce. The complete quote is: We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. Right now this applies to the increasing number of liberals who are wringing their hands over the fact that we have a problem on college campuses. Do tell!

Our first witness is Bari Weiss, an editorial writer for the New York Times, who wrote a piece on June 1 entitled When the Left Turns On Its Own, noting with dismay how the crybullies of Evergreen State College had turned so viciously on Bret Weinstein, a Bernie Sanders-supporting professor. Weiss even admits that Allan Bloom was right about the fecklessness of college administrators (which merely makes Weiss a very slow learner):

Watching the way George Bridges, the president of Evergreen, has handled this situation put me in mind of a line from Allan Blooms book The Closing of the American Mind. Mr. Bloom was writing about administrators reaction to student radicals in the 1960s, but he might as well be writing about Evergreen: A few students discovered that pompous teachers who catechized them about academic freedom could, with a little shove, be made into dancing bears.

Now administrations have become passive adjuncts to the student and faculty jackals, who will always be able to run circles around the lumbering administration bears.

Weiss concludes:

Liberals shouldnt cede the responsibility to defend free speech on college campuses to conservatives. After all, without free speech, whats liberalism about?

Apparently, liberalism is not about doing anything serious to remedy the sorry state of affairs on campus. Weiss nowhere makes any suggestion about disciplining or expelling students who act to stifle free speech or constrict academic inquiry, or shutting down the politicized departments that breed leftist intolerance, or closing administrative offices that incubate the entitled victim mentality. (Thats what Ohio State did last year when it threatened to expel students occupying an administration office. It worked, and I havent heard of subsequent nonsense occurring in Columbus.) Weiss seems to think that a hard-hitting op-ed in the Times will suffice. Thisll show em!

Our second witness of another Timesman, Frank Bruni, who offered up his own handwringing on Friday in These Campus Inquisitions Must Stop. Here, finally I thought, well hear some suggestions for how to stop his madness, which Bruni correctly decries. But nope, Bruni offers nothing beyond his headline. His conclusion is as equally inconclusive as Weiss:

I asked [Evergreen president] Bridges about the epithets hung on Weinstein. He said that such terms are being deployed too readily and casually. Using the word racist halts the conversation, he said. It just ends it. It doesnt explore the beliefs, the values, the behaviors that comprise individuals. Isnt he, too, being characterized as racist? Of course, he said. Its just the way discourse goes these days. Of course? What a sad state of affairs. And what a retreat from anything that we could really call discourse.

A sad state of affairs that Bruni, like Weiss, offers no remedy for, because they lack the stomach, let alone a chest, to take any serious steps.
The Federal Government on Monday offered for subscription two-year savings bond at 13.18 per cent and three-year savings bond at 14.18 per cent, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has said.

According to the offer circular obtained from the DMO website, the two-year bond will be due in June 2019, while the three-year bond will be due in June 2020.

It, however, did not state how much was offered, but added that the maximum subscription was N50 million at N1, 000 per unit, subject to minimum subscription of N5, 000 and in multiples of N1, 000.

According to DMO, the bond is fully backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government, with quarterly coupon payments to bondholders.

The savings bond issuance is expected to help finance the nations budget deficit.

It is to also part of the Federal Governments programme targeted at the lower income earners to encourage savings and also earn more income (interest), compared to what was accrued on their bank savings.

The circular also said that the offer would close on Friday. (NAN)

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More than one dozen anti-corruption groups have urged the Nigerian government to immediately cancel the ill-advised, ill-designed and fraudulent concession of the Port Harcourt refinery.

In a joint statement issued Monday, the groups said it was ironic that the current government is about to be afflicted with the same ailment it promised to cure in the petroleum sector upon coming to power.

If the federal government desires to still go ahead, it must proceed in strict compliance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act or the Privatization Act, the groups stated.

If we do not hear of an outright cancellation of this fraud within 48 hours, we shall proceed to court to stop the transaction.

We are also prepared to mobilise Nigerians for street protests if the federal government decides to proceed with this fraudulent transaction.

The Petroleum Minister, Ibe Kachikwu, had on May 9 announced that the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, a subsidiary of the Italian oil giant, Eni, had committed to repairing the Port Harcourt refinery, as part of a $15 billion investment that includes building a 150 thousand barrel per day refinery and a power plant.

Two days later, Wale Tinubu, the Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, reportedly told members of the Nigerian Stock Exchange that his company had received approval to repair, operate and maintain the Port Harcourt refinery in conjunction with Agip.

But the Senate, last week, asked the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to halt the planned concession to Agip and Oando pending the outcome of its investigation amid concerns over the transparency of the process.

On Monday, the anti-corruption groups said even the Senators move to investigate the concession opened a small window of possibility to legitimise the fraudulent process because there was nothing to probe.

The groups, who said they came together to form a coalition to fight the concession include Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership; Campaign for Democracy; Centre for Change; Nigerians Unite Against Corruption; Grassroot Democratic Initiative; Empower Africa for Change; and Anti-Corruption Crusaders.

Others are the National Rebirth Movement; Centre for Public Accountability; Protest to Power Movement; Grassroots Power Point; Peoples Action for Democracy; and Children Project.

The rest include Beko Rights Klub; Centre for Cultural and Religious Rights; Isokan; Aluta Youth Collective; Gani Fawehinmi Solidarity Association; and Freedom Alliance.

There was no advertisement or invitation to bid to which only Agip/Eni and Oando responded, the groups stated.

What we are about to witness is the brazen direct handover of a national asset like the Port Harcourt refinery to private concerns without advertisement, without competitive bidding and in gross violation of the law.

This is nothing but an economic crime committed by a government against its own people.

The groups noted that it was not the first time the Nigerian government had attempted to privatize or concession any of its four refineries.

Even before the enactment of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act, the federal government proceeded on the basis of international best practices in the process of privatising refineries.

To adopt another standard this time around is morally reprehensible. The earlier attempt commenced on 2003 and was concluded in 2007.

At that time, according to the groups, after eight companies submitted expressions of interest for the Port Harcourt refinery, Bluestar emerged the winner.

The deal was, however, cancelled afterwards after the company decided not to proceed with the contract and was fully refunded by the Nigerian government.

It therefore follows that in such a deal that involves an important national asset, the minimum we expect is a public invitation to bid, the groups continued.

In this case, there was no advertisement, no public invitation to bid, no stated criteria for selecting Oando and Agip/Eni. It was just a clandestine and secret allocation of a national asset to private concerns.

With the way the federal government has approached this matter, it is clear that it has robbed itself of the best available bid for its refinery. How is the federal government sure that it cannot get a better deal than has been offered by Agip/Eni?

It is also a deal that would invariably leas to economic sabotage. We all know that as of today, the refineries cannot produce more than forty percent of their installed capacities.

Before the so-called partners can turn the refinery around and increase the production capacity, what would happen to the excess of the unrefined crude from its daily allocation?

They would obviously be sold at international rate and the profit will find its way to private pockets. We say no to this economic sabotage.

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Equatorial Guinea has signed a production-sharing contract for offshore block EG-11 with U.S. oil major ExxonMobil, the hydrocarbons ministry said on Monday.

Gabriel Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, said in Cape Town that the deal was not part of the 2016 licensing round, whose winning bidders are expected to be announced later on Monday.

Block EG-11 is the jewel among a group of already very prospective blocks that we are signing in 2017, Mr. Lima said.

ExxonMobil already operates Zafiro field, the largest oil producing field in Equatorial Guinea.

Equatorial Guinea is the third largest producer of oil in Sub-Saharan Africa.

(Reuters/NAN)

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Qatar on Monday said that it was facing a campaign of lies and fabrications aimed at putting the Gulf Arab state under guardianship, after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with it.

The campaign of incitement is based on lies that had reached the level of complete fabrications, the Qatari foreign ministry said.

The ministry added that, as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, it was committed to its charter, respected the sovereignty of other states and did not interfere in their affairs.

In a related development, Libyas eastern-based government has followed regional allies in cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar, its foreign minister, Mohamed Dayri, said.

The government, which sits in the eastern city of Bayda, has little authority within Libya. It is appointed by a parliament that also sits in the east and is aligned with powerful military commander Khalifa Haftar.

They have spurned a UN-backed, internationally recognised government in the capital, Tripoli.

The eastern-based governments announcement came after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Egypt has also given the Qatari ambassador in Cairo 48 hours to leave the country and has recalled its senior representative in Doha, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

The Qatari ambassador was summoned today and given formal notification of the expiry of his accreditation as an ambassador to Egypt, and was given 48 hours to leave the country, a statement from the foreign ministry said.

In a related development, Qatar has asked its citizens to leave the United Arab Emirates within 14 days to comply with a decision by Abu Dhabi to sever ties with Doha, the Qatari embassy in Abu Dhabi said on social media.

Qatari citizens must leave the UAE within 14 days, in accordance with the statement issued by the concerned Emirati parties, the embassy tweeted.

The ministry added that those who cannot travel directly to Doha should go through Kuwait or Oman.

Also. the Maldives said it was severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, following a coordinated move by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, who accused the Gulf state of supporting terrorism.

The Maldives took the decision because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism, the government of the tiny Indian Ocean archipelago nation said in a statement.

Gulf Arab states and Egypt have long resented Qatars support for Islamists, especially the Muslim Brotherhood which they regard as a dangerous political enemy.

Despite its reputation as a tourist paradise, the largely Muslim Maldives is struggling with a large number of youths enlisting to fight for Islamic State in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabias King Salman had been due to visit the island chain of 400,000 people on a month-long tour of Asia this year, but postponed the trip due to an outbreak of flu there.

The Maldives government said in March a planned multi-billion dollar, Saudi-funded investment project on one of its atolls would focus on high-end tourism, and rejected opposition claims that the islands would be sold to the government of Saudi Arabia.

(Reuters/NAN)

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The U.S. threatened to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council unless reforms are ushered in including the removal of what it sees as anti-Israel bias, diplomats and activists said.

The U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, who holds cabinet rank in President Donald Trumps administration, said on Friday that Washington would decide on whether to withdraw from the Council after its three-week session in Geneva ends this month.

Under Mr. Trump, Washington has broken with decades of U.S. foreign policy by turning away from multilateralism.

His decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement last week drew criticism from governments around the world.

The Councils critical stance of Israel has been a major sticking point for its ally, the U.S.

Washington boycotted the body for three years under President George W. Bush before rejoining under Barack Obama in 2009.

Ms. Haley, writing in the Washington Post at the weekend, called for the Council to end its practice of wrongly singling out Israel for criticism.

The possibility of a U.S. withdrawal has raised alarm bells among Western allies and activists.

Eight groups, including Freedom House and the Jacob Blaustein Institute, wrote to Ms. Haley in May saying a withdrawal would be counterproductive since it could lead to the Council unfairly targeting Israel to an even greater degree.

The groups also said that during the period of the U.S. boycott, the Councils performance suffered both with respect to addressing the worlds worst violators and with respect to its anti-Israel bias.

The council has no powers other than to rebuke governments it deems as violating human rights and to order investigations but plays an important role in international diplomacy.

Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory are a fixed item on the agenda of the 47-member body set up in 2006.

Washington, Israels main ally, often casts the only vote against the Arab-led resolutions.

When the council passes more than 70 resolutions against Israel, a country with a strong human rights record, and just seven resolutions against Iran, a country with an abysmal human rights record, you know something is seriously wrong, wrote Ms. Haley.

John Fisher, Geneva Director of the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch, did not appear to fear an immediate withdrawal.

Our understanding is that it is going to be a message of engagement and reform, Mr. Fisher said.

However, Mr. Fisher said Israels human rights record did warrant Council scrutiny, but the special focus was a reasonable concern.

It is an anomaly that there is a dedicated agenda item in a way that there isnt for North Korea or Syria or anything else, he said.

Ms. Haley also challenged the membership of Communist Cuba and Venezuela citing rights violations, proposing competitive voting to keep the worst human rights abusers from obtaining seats.

She made no mention of Egypt or Saudi Arabia, two U.S. allies elected in spite of quashing dissent.

The U.S. envoy will host a panel on Human Rights and Democracy in Venezuela and address the Graduate Institute in Geneva before heading to Israel.

(Reuters/NAN)

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Ahead of the June 8 deadline for the implementation of the Federal Governments executive orders on the ease of doing business in the country, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, says it has begun the process of implementing the directive.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Fola Akinkuotu, said the agency had already updated its website showing the requirements, conditions and procedures for doing business or obtaining services in the organisation.

These include all fees and timelines necessary for the processing of applications for the services of the agency, he said in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo had on May 18 signed three far-reaching executive orders to ease business, fast-track budget submission and promote made-in-Nigeria products.

Mr. Akinkuotu said the agency would organise workshops to sensitise both staff and industry stakeholders to the essence and imperatives of the executive orders.

In addition, he said, NAMA would collaborate with other aviation agencies with a view to harmonising processes in order to achieve the single-user interface at the airports as directed by the federal government.

According to Mr. Akinkuotu, in compliance with the order, the agency is working out modalities to increase local content in its procurement process as it will boost locally manufactured goods in the country.

While urging staff to ensure strict compliance with the directives within the stipulated guidelines, he called for transparency on the part of the workers in their duties.

(NAN)

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Those who have stolen public funds are spearheading a media war against the anti-corruption efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has said.

The Acting President spoke in Abuja at the Conference on Promoting International Co-operation in Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Enhancing Asset Recovery to Foster Sustainable Development.

In Nigeria for instance where corruption fights back so eloquently that government itself if not careful can be overwhelmed, Mr. Osinbajo said.

If you look at the anticorruption fight in Nigeria there is a major fight back in the media. There is a media war, between people fighting corruption and those behind the stolen funds.

Read Mr. Osinbajos full speech below.

This is my first time of attending a conference that talks about recovering assets and the issue of what to do with the stolen assets.

Even though we have been able to convince ourselves that the proceeds from drug trafficking were dirty money but proceeds of corruption are not dirty money.

Many countries have signed treaties that proceeds from drugs, illegal traffic in persons proceeds of money.

Somehow proceeds from political corruption has not attracted the same outrage that proceeds from narcotics and trafficking in persons have attracted.

It took years for some people to agree that when somebody loot money where people make decent living that is more criminal than crime against humanity, more dangerous than trafficking in drugs.

Is a good thing that we are here with our partners who agree that not only are these stolen assets criminalize but that they are returned to their appropriate owners.

There is no way this the transfer of this assets can happen without a handshake between the countries that they are transferred and the international banking institutions in the countries in which they are transferred, there is no way it will happen without some form of connivance.

We have to look at somehow delegitimizing those kinds of Financial institutions and criminalizing them, so that banks and financial institutions that actually engage in this are be called out and made to face the consequences of engaging in criminal practices. If that isnt done we are not likely to go very far.

For there to be collaboration there must first be connivance, in the agreement and conventions we will be signing we must find away and ensure that financial institutions are not given a free run and hold them accountable.

Another point is that African countries and developing countries must realize that is our responsibility to ensure not only find get these monies and make sure that there are return. It is not enough to talk about it. Some countries are somehow reluctant about it, many have civil processes that makes it difficult, they say our courts are handling this matter and there is very little we can do about.

We must make it a national call, a call for other developing countries to have the same outrage for drugs, terrorist financing for illicit financial flows. We must emphasis at every point and call out institutions that are not cooperating and ensuring that they recognize that this for us a serious issue.

Like President Buhari has said repeatedly that if we dont kill corruption, corruption will kill it. When corrupt monies find safe havens, it will begin to fight back and if government is not careful it can fight back.

In Nigeria for instance where corruption fights back so eloquently that government itself if not careful can be overwhelmed.

If you look at the anticorruption fight in Nigeria there is a major fight back in the media. There is a media war, between people fighting corruption and those behind the stolen funds.

It is called media trial, I dont know what that means. If you discover for instance large sums of money in an air condition room there is no where it will not make news anywhere in the world.

So, this whole idea of trying to legitimize corruption is definitely being fuelled and sponsored by those who have these resources, who have stolen funds. Unless we see it as a problem that can bring down our system then we will never be able to fight. I hope we will be able to advance this with other African countries.

The Mbeki report shows that most of the illicit funds flow that comes out of Africa are from Nigeria and that shows us very clearly especially the security agencies that we simply have to do more. It is evident that so much money is leaving our shores.

I was arguing with somebody about the fact that they were stopping certain funding, and he kept telling me Nigeria is no longer a poor country but now a mid-income earning country so they shouldnt be giving us those kinds of aids. It was barely a week after that a large sum of money was found at the Kaduna airport and it was roughly about half of the money we were looking for. So, he sent me a text telling me that the money has been discovered at the Kaduna. Of course, I didnt reply him but when he persisted and called him and asked if this was his own form of a joke.

But clearly is sometimes absurd that when we are asking for aid and so much money is being stolen. So, we ourselves must take responsibility and ensure we keep talking about this.

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The Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Babatunde Osotimehin, passed on while watching television alone in his home in New York on Sunday, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

Mr. Osotimehin, a former Nigerian health minister and also former head of Nigerias AIDS agency, NACA, was one of the most senior Nigerians within the United Nations system, who had been on his second term as a UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNFPA.

A family member of the late professor of medicine, who was around about the time of Osotimehins death in his New York home, mentioned meeting the UN bureaucrat unresponsive before the TV set he had been watching on his return from church on Sunday. It was only after he had tried communicating with him in vain, and had also sought to nudge him awake to no response, that it dawned on him that the former minister had passed on.

The 68-year-old is suspected to have died of cardiac arrest, even though this is yet to be confirmed.

The family members spoken to said the funeral rites of the late professor would be announced at a later date.

Before he became health minister, Mr. Osotimehin was the Director General of the National Agency for Control of AIDS and was also a former Provost of the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan.

He became the Executive Director of UNFPA on November 19, 2010 to serve a four-year term and was re-appointed on August 21, 2014.

Born on February 6, 1949, Mr. Osotimehin attended Igbobi College between 1966 and 1971.

After his medical studies at the University of Ibadan, he received a doctorate in medicine from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 1979.

Mr. Osotimehin, throughout his professional career, had consistently advanced the cause of youth and gender, within the context of reproductive health and rights.

In its reaction to his death, the Kaduna State government through its Ministry of Budget tweeted: We commiserate with the family of former Nigerian Minister of Health & Head of UNFPA, Babatunde Osotimehin, a friend of KDSG who died today.

The condolence was also retweeted by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

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Local and international organisations and public officials have paid tributes to Babatunde Osotimehin, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Funds, UNFPA, who passed away on Monday in his home in New York.

Nigerias Acting President Yemi Osinbajo expressed shock and sadness at the death of the professor at age 68.

On behalf of the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Osinbajo extends heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and entire family over the passage of their beloved father, grandfather and also an illustrious Nigerian, Mr. Osinbajos spokesperson said.

The UNFPA in a press release announcing the death said it was a devastating loss for the agency and for people all over the world, especially women, girls and youth he dedicated his life to serving, starting from when he became a doctor in Nigeria.

UNFPA expresses its deep sympathy to his family and prays that they have the fortitude to bear this great loss.

The global agency said it would remain dedicated to continuing Mr. Osotimehins grand vision for women and young people and continue to stand up for the human rights and dignity of everyone, particularly the most vulnerable adolescent girls.

Dr. Osotimehin was bold and never afraid of a challenge and his strong leadership helped keep the heath and rights of the worlds women and girls high on the global agenda. He understood that the worlds 1.8 billion young people are truly its greatest hope for the future, it stated

According to UNFPA, Mr. Osotimehin vigorously championed three major transformative goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet demand for family planning and the elimination of harmful practices against women and girls.

It urged all to honour his legacy by rallying around those global goals.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on his official twitter account said: I mourn the death of the UNFPA chief, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. Our world lost a great champion of well-being for all, especially women and girls.

In a later statement, Mr. Guterres said, I offer sincere condolences to his family, to the staff of UNFPA, to the Government and people of Nigeria, and to all those around the world touched by this loss.

In a similar vein, Isaac Adewole, Nigerias Minister of Health, said he received with shock the news of the sudden death of the man who preceded him in office as Minster of Health.

He said Mr. Osotimehin, whom he called the Big Boss, would be missed for his dedication, humility, mentorship and patriotism.

In a press statement by the Ministry of Health, Mr. Adewole described the former Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and former Director-General of the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), as an accomplished physician.

He said he will be remembered for his role and global contributions to increased access to family planning as well as sexual and adolescent health, especially in low and middle-income countries.

While in office as the Honorable Minister, Prof. Osotimehin was at the forefront of the advocacy for improved reproductive health care in the country, he added.

Mr. Adewole, on behalf of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Health, condoled with the family, friends, associates and colleagues of the late professor at the United Nations.

In another press statement, NACA, which the deceased headed as its first Director-General until 2009, said it was saddened by the death of a distinguished scholar, researcher.

In the statement signed by Sani Aliyu, the current Director-General, the agency said the death was a huge loss to the country, saying the management and staff of NACA and the entire HIV/AIDS advocates join the family in mourning a departed icon in the country.

Mr. Aliyu said as DG, Mr. Osotimehin transformed NACA from a committee to a federal government agency, and will be fondly remembered for his outstanding contributions to the HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai, wrote: On behalf of the Kaduna State Government, I wish to commiserate with the family of the former Nigerian head of NACA, Minister of Health and Head of UNFPA, Babatunde Osotimehin, a friend of Kaduna State Government who died today. May his soul rest in Peace. Amen

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Among Nigerias numerous national challenges, which do you think the next president should focus on first?  Premium Times (@PremiumTimesng) October 5, 2022 Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government. For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all. Donate TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999 Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

In November 2010, Mr. Osotimehin was appointed the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, and became the organizations fourth Executive Director. He also served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and a former Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan from 1990  1994.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Legal Matters, Bilkisu Saidu, has dismissed recent comments credited to a faceless Social Media contributor using the name Ismaila Farouk from Zamfara State about appointments made by Acting President Yemi Osinbaj into some federal agencies and the ones done in the office of the Vice President.

Mr. 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.

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, she said.

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.

Ms. 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.

Ms. Saidu concluded that when non-progressive minded people fail to win public support on their personal agenda they often resort to 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 criticised Acting President Yemi Osinbajos recent outings and appointments made in his office describing them as sectional and not in the interest of the north.

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Access to Justice, a judiciary advocacy group, has frowned at the decision of the National Judicial Council to recall some of the judges earlier suspended from judicial duties following allegations of corruption brought against them by the federal government.

Joseph Otteh, the groups Executive Director, said in a statement Sunday that the NJCs en-bloc recall of the judges papers over the cracks of corruption in the judiciary.

One of the judges on its list is currently charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal even though he has not been formally arraigned at this time, Mr. Otteh said.

Some others are named in several other indictments against persons they are said to have acted in concert with.

Six of the suspended judges were recalled by the NJC, last Saturday, and would resume judicial duties on Wednesday this week.

The judges include Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court; John Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court; Uwaji Aji of the Court of Appeal; Hydiazira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court; Musa Kurya of the Federal High Court; and Agbadu James Fishim of the National Industrial Court.

Mr. Ademola and seven other judges were suspended in November 2016 after a raid on their homes by the State Security Service.

Three of the judges were charged to court, but only Mr. Ademolas case has so far been concluded. The judge was acquitted of corruption charges.

Mr. Otteh said some of the evidence elicited during the trial of some of the judges were extremely perturbing.

While a court may not see fit at this time to conclude that the evidence tendered at trial yet reaches the thresholds to convict for a criminal offence, the evidence nonetheless creates deep impressions about the weaknesses of the Nigerian judiciary in the minds of reasonable observers of the trial and should not be swept under the carpet, he said.

It is important to note that the NJC does not itself have powers to undertake criminal prosecutions but it has its own sphere of disciplinary responsibilities and authority over judges.

The Judiciary has a Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers: whether or not the provisions of that code have been broken is a legitimate and expedient inquiry that the NJC needs to pursue quite apart from whatever is the outcome of a criminal trial prosecuted by third parties.

In announcing the recall of the six judges, the NJC noted that there is a backlog of cases in their various courts for the past eight months.

Mr. Otteh said the recall of the judges suffers from two major flaws, including the inability to make a plausible distinction regarding the respective situations of the various judges.

It treated different cases alike and literarily gave everyone, deserving or not, a free pass, he said.

Second, given the inexorable necessity of restoring public confidence to the Judiciary, the NJC ought to have done more to demonstrate that we are not returning to the status quo ante, or returning to the state of normal Nigerians had been used to in matters relating to judicial integrity.

The NJC has a responsibility, quite apart from what third parties (such as prosecutors) do, to police the Judiciary and safeguard the integrity of the judicial institution. We do not think the NJC has sufficiently discharged that obligation to its fullest extent before recalling the judges.

Mr. Otteh, however, noted that the NJCs decision could stand up to scrutiny in a few instances such as the failure of the federal government to formally charge some of the judges accused of corruption months after raiding their homes.

It would be taken to mean that, in spite of all the grandstanding and boisterous noisiness in defence of its sting operations, the government has nothing on them as the end of the day, notwithstanding that it had tarred everyone with the same brush, he said.

For the future, government must reflect and learn from its misjudgments and forwardness, when it comes to investigating allegations of corruption against judges.

No judicial officer should have to go through the terror of being so publicly humiliated in the absence of strong and compelling justification.

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An area court in Gudu, Abuja, has granted bail to a 50-year-old man, Ahmed Echodo, who was accused of providing false evidence leading to the search of a residence of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, by the police.

The court ordered the defendant to produce a surety resident within the jurisdiction of the court and N500,000 as bond for his bail.

The presiding judge, Umar Kagarko, granted the bail, saying the application meets all necessary requirements.

The application for bail meets the necessary requirements. The application is hereby granted.

The defendant must provide a surety who is resident within the jurisdiction of the court.

The surety is to show evidence that he lives within the jurisdiction of the court.

He must provide his recent passport and details of his internal and external addresses, Mr Kagarko said.

The police had on May 30 arraigned Mr. Echodo after accusing him and a fellow accused, Maiwada Adamu, of providing false information regarding the residence owned by Mr. Ekweremadu in Maitama Abuja. The information led to the search of the property from which nothing incriminating was found.

Although two of the defendants were charged on a one-count charge, only Mr. Echodo was arraigned.

The other defendant, Mr. Adamu, was also not in court on Monday.

The counsel to the defendant, Peters Ugwoke, prayed the court to provide his client with the proof of evidence to allow the defence team analyse properly the allegation brought forward.

Responding to Mr. Ugwokes request, the judge said the court would consider the application.

The case was adjourned till July 20 for further hearing.

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One of the 87 students sponsored by the Osun state government to study Medicine at the National University of Kharkiv, Ukraine, Oyeleye Lateefah Abiola, has emerged the best overall in her class for 2017 topping the class with a percentage score of 95.6%.

Miss Abiola, with Matriculation Number 258184358, is set to graduate on June 30, 2017 after the completion of her studies in a graduating class that has a total of 564 students.

A statement from the Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, signed by its Director, Semiu Okanlawon, explained that the Deputy Governor of the state, Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, is expected to lead a delegation from the state to attend the graduation ceremony at the end of the month.

Mr. Okanlawon further explained that Miss Abiola was among other 98 students who secured admission to study Medicine at the state-owned Osun State University, had their study dreams terminated after the National Universities Commission (NUC) scrapped their course owing to the non-availability of a teaching hospital.

This was a source of concern to the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. This unfortunate development compelled the governor to seek for options to rescue the students from abrupt truncation of their dreams to become medical doctors, he said.

In the course of looking for solutions, the National University of Kharkiv, Ukraine came into focus. By 2012, arrangements were concluded to send the students to Ukraine where they resumed their studies, Mr. Okanlawon stated.

The statement recalled that 98 students who were stranded were originally planned for but 87 of them eventually made it to Ukraine because parents of the other remaining students had secured other options for their children.

The statement quoted Governor Aregbesola as expressing joy and excitement that one of our students Miss Oyeleye Lateefah Abiola emerged overall best in Ukraine University final examinations.

The statement added that the feat recorded by Miss Abiola is one of the several indicators that the Aregbesola government in Osun has created a landmark in the area of education that cannot be overlooked.

The statement recalled that the government, convinced of the sanctity of its decision then, had ignored criticisms from certain quarters which condemned the decision by the state government to send the students to Ukraine.

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The United Nations on Monday expressed sadness over the death of Babatunde Osotimehin, the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in a statement, described Mr. Osotimehin as a colleague and a friend.

Mr. Guterres expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, the staff of UNFPA and the Nigerian Government.

I am profoundly saddened by the sudden passing of my good colleague and friend, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin.

I offer sincere condolences to his family, to the staff of UNFPA, to the Government and people of Nigeria, and to all those around the world touched by this loss.

The world has lost a great champion of health and well-being for all.

Dr Babatunde was admired globally for his leadership of the UN Population Fund and for his forceful advocacy for the worlds women and girls in particular, Mr. Guterres said.

The UN chief said sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights were among the most important, and often sensitive, on the international agenda.

Dr Babatundes calm yet ardent efforts helped families get the sexual and reproductive health services they need, and helped the world advance the landmark 1994 Cairo Programme of Action on Population and Development.

His voice was invaluable over the years, including his time as Nigerias Minister of Health, in pressing for family planning, womens education, childrens health and action on HIV/AIDS as vital ingredients in human progress.

At this moment of sorrow, let us give thanks for Babatundes life of service, Mr. Guterres said.

He was appointed on Nov. 19, 2010, as the Executive Director of UNFPA for a four-year term and assumed the position on Jan. 1, 2011.

He was reappointed to the position on Aug. 21, 2014, to became the organisations fourth executive director.

He held the rank of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Mr. Osotimehin served previously as Nigerias minister of health between Dec. 17, 2008, and March 10, 2010.

(NAN)

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Ethiopian Airlines has been named the African Airline of the year, 2016, in recognition of its continued rapid growth, increased profitability and outstanding contribution to aviation development in Africa.

A statement by the airline on Monday in Abuja, disclosed that the award was announced at the 26th Annual Air Finance Africa Conference and Exhibition held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Meseret Bitew, Acting Chief Financial Officer, Ethiopian Airlines, said that the airline was pleased to win the award for the second time in a row.

Mr. Bitew added that the feat was a testimony of the airlines commitment to serve the people of Africa.

The commendable success of Ethiopian Airlines attributes to the visionary leadership of Ethiopian management and the hard work of thousands of Ethiopian employees who work hard around the clock.

We shall continue to play vital roles in connecting African countries with their major trading partners around the world and realise an economically liberal Africa.

The statement quoted Nick Fadugba, Chief Executive Officer of African Aviation as saying, in the past 12 months, Ethiopian Airlines has further expanded its route network and modernised its fleet.

It also inaugurated three new aircraft maintenance hangars as well as a new world-class in-flight catering facility and has strengthened its airline joint ventures in Africa.

In addition, Ethiopian Airlines has achieved a record financial turnover and profitability in spite of various industry challenges.

Currently, the airline is well on track to exceed the goals of its Vision 2025 Strategy.

According to the statement, Ethiopian airline is a multi-award winning airline which includes Airline of the Year Award, for the fifth consecutive year, by African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

It also won the SkyTrax World Airline Award for Best Airline Staff in Africa, Best African Cargo Airline of the Year Award and Passenger Choice Award for Best Airline in Africa.

(NAN)

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About 11 weeks after her detention, Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo was released on Monday from Port Harcourt prison where she was remanded in a defamation case, her lawyer told PREMIUM TIMES.

A prison official also confirmed to this newspaper that she walked out of their facility, but declined to give further details or speak on the record.

Kayode Ajulo, a lawyer and human rights activist, said Ms. Omololu-Olunloyo, a social media enthusiast and daughter of a former governor of old Oyo State, Omololu Olunloyo, was released Monday afternoon.

Weve finally secured her release, Mr. Ajulo said.

Mr. Ajulos law office is amongst about half a dozen firms that are providing legal support for Ms. Omololu-Olunloyo, who had spent 81 days since she was first arrested in March, PREMIUM TIMES later learnt.

Her release came three days after PREMIUM TIMES published her allegations against the Chief Registrar of Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court where she has been undergoing trial.

Ms. Omololu-Olunloyo said the registrar was frustrating her release from custody, having been granted her bail since April 11.

PREMIUM TIMES identified the court official as Maimunat Folami, a Deputy Chief Registrar by rank. She strongly denied the allegations, saying shed worked closely with Ms. Omololu-Olunloyos lawyers to clarify all aspects of her bail documents.

A team of police officers first arrested Ms. Omololu-Olunloyo in Ibadan on March 13 on allegations of criminal defamation of character of a preacher, David Ibiyeomie.

She was whisked to Port Harcourt where she was arraigned before a Chief Magistrates Court. The case was later transferred to the Federal High Court.

Mr. Ajulo dismissed the allegations as unfounded, scolding the police for taking up the case.

Theres no criminal defamation, the police have no reason to be involved in a matter that is purely civil, Mr. Ajulo said. This is clearly an attack on free speech and I am afraid it would soon get out of hand if every civil case is labelled as criminal defamation.

The Committee to Protect Journalists was amongst civic groups that condemned the charges and called on the Nigerian government to withdraw the draconian measures against Ms. Omololu-Olunloyo.

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The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, said on Monday that the policies of the federal government will encourage local manufacturing of products including cars.

Mr. Mohammed said this at the factory of Innoson motors where he was guest of the indigenous vehicle manufacturing company.

He said the new policies will favour companies like Innoson who are manufacturing products in Nigeria.

Read Mr. Mohammeds full speech below:

Please permit me to start by thanking the Chairman of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd, Innocent Chukwuma, for inviting me to visit this sprawling factory. Upon receiving the invitation, I did not need any convincing to accept to make this visit. Why? Because it is obvious, from what we have all read and heard about the company, that it represents the new Nigeria that we are all clamouring for, a Nigeria that  in the words of President Muhammadu Buhari  produces what it consumes and consumes what it produces.

2. This is why I decided not to come alone, but to bring along at least 25 journalists to be a part of the tour and then report what they have seen to the world. We are not visiting this factory merely for visiting sake, we are here so that we can also tell the world that there is a company that is already putting Nigeria on the global map of vehicle manufacturing, and that company is Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd.

3. Having toured this factory today, I make bold to say that Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd. is a trail blazer in the automotive industry, and a shining example of what Nigeria is capable of achieving if it looks inwards and taps into the boundless energy and ingenuity of its people.

4. True to its name, Innoson is a manufacturing company, not an assembly plant. It is exactly what the brains behind the National Automotive Industry Development Plan have in mind when they rolled out that policy, which is to curtail dependence on imports and ensure the growth of the Nigerian automotive industry, using local resources. Innoson is living up to what the policy aims to achieve: Creation of jobs, conservation of foreign exchange and acceleration of technical development.

5. Recently, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Culture, rolled out the National Media Launch of the Made-in-Nigeria Campaign. This campaign is to let Nigerians know that the Federal Government is not just paying lip service to this whole issue of Made-in-Nigeria. I have no doubt in my mind that this company, Innoson, will be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, beneficiaries of this campaign, which we also intend to launch in other parts of the country soon.

6. Chairman, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, a major plank of the policies of the Buhari Administration is to diversify the economy away from oil. Sectors that have been identified in this regard include agriculture, solid minerals as well as the creative and manufacturing industries. What we have seen here today is a pointer to the fact that diversification of the economy is real and achievable.

7. The Federal Governments commitment to diversifying the economy is unwavering. On May 18, 2017, as part of the Ease of Doing Business Initiative, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo signed three Executive Orders. One of the three is called the Support for local contents in public procurement by the Federal Government. A key provision of this is that all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall grant preferences to local manufacturers of goods and service providers in their procurement of goods and services.

8. Specifically, it says Made-in-Nigeria products shall be given preferences in the procurement of items including furniture and fittings, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, ICT, uniforms and footwears, food and beverages and.wait for this. motor vehicles! This will surely boost the patronage of Innosons vehicles and enable the company to grow from strength to strength. For Innoson, the Executive Order could not have come at a better time.

9 I have no doubt that this company will live up to the billing. Its record, within just a decade, confirms this: over 10,000 vehicles manufactured, over 7,000 human resources, and markets covering over 25 African countries. Just like this company pioneered the manufacture of Made-in-Nigeria motorcycle and helped to end the dominance of Tokunbo motorcycles, we have no doubt that it will also help us to drive tokunbo vehicles away from Nigeria.

10. Finally, I want to carry out a quiz to know how much our people, especially the journalists accompanying me on this visit, know about Innoson vehicles. Innoson company staff are not eligible to participate in this quiz. Here we go: Name five advantages of buying an Innoson-manufactured vehicle. Yes, who goes first

11. Well, here are the answers: 1) Fuel efficiency. 2) Warranty. 3) No overheating. 4) Auto-financing guaranteed and 5) You get environment-friendly vehicles. To those who got the answers right or even tried, I say congratulations. To those who could not answer, I challenge you to educate yourselves about Innoson Vehicle

Manufacturing Company, and to spread the good news to the world.

12. Chairman, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your kind attention

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Babatunde Osotimehin was a global leader of public health, womens empowerment and young people, particularly focused on promoting human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as population and development. After his appointment as UNFPA Executive Director, effective 2011, he spearheaded efforts by the international community to advance the milestone consensus of the International Conference on Population and Development, held in Cairo in 1994.

Upon moving into his second term in 2015, Mr. Osotimehin introduced new reforms that increased the effectiveness and efficiency of UNFPA and outlined a more robust vision for improving the lives of women, adolescents and youth around the world. His leadership and advocacy with governments and other key stakeholders continued to focus on youth and voluntary family planning. He also, until his death, steered UNFPAs humanitarian action and efforts around eliminating gender-based violence and other harmful practices.

Mr. Osotimehins professional background is in health and medicine. He had extensive knowledge of the global and national frameworks and processes that are critical to UNFPAs work. He previously served as Nigerias Minister of Health and as the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS, which coordinates all HIV/AIDS work in Nigeria.

The UNFPA Executive Director served in various advisory boards and councils. Mr. Osotimehin chairs the World Economic Forums Global Agenda Council on the Demographic Dividend. He is also a Global Agenda Trustee for the Forums Global Challenge on Economic Growth and Social Inclusion, and co-chairs the Family Planning 2020 Reference Group.

Mr. Osotimehin completed his medical studies at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1972 and received a doctorate in medicine from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 1979. He was named Professor at the University of Ibadan in 1980 and headed the Department of Clinical Pathology before being elected Provost of the College of Medicine in 1990. He has served as chair and member of several academic and health organizations, including as Chair of the National Action Committee on AIDS, between 2002 and 2007.

Mr. Osotimehin received the Nigerian national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, in December 2005.

He was married and had five children.

EDITORS NOTE: The profile was sourced from the UNFPA and edited to reflect Mr. Osotimehins death.

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A former Kogi West Senator, Smart Adeyemi, on Sunday, demanded federal authorities investigate his successor, Dino Melaye, and a judge, Akoh Ikpeme, after a leaked audio appeared to contain conversation between the two, discussing bribery.

This issue must be investigated by the federal government  the Department of State Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police  to save the judiciary and our democracy, Mr. Adeyemi said in an interview, monitored by PREMIUM TIMES, on Channels Television last night.

Let the Federal Government take the bull by the horn.

However, Mr. Melaye, reacting to his rival on the same Channels programme, Politics Today, denied the voice heard in the tape was his, as he told this newspaper last week.

It is a satanic collabo between Smart Adeyemi, Sahara Reporters and others, Mr. Melaye said of the audio. If they are convinced, they should approach the police to prosecute me.

Mrs. Ikpeme headed the Kogi State National Assembly elections tribunal that twice validated Mr. Melayes senatorial election and, thus, dismissed Mr. Adeyemis petition.

After Mr. Adeyemis petition was first dismissed on the ground it was incurably defective by Mrs. Ikpemes tribunal, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, voided that verdict and ordered a re-trial.

But again, the tribunal dismissed Mr. Adeyemis petition, and the second verdict was then upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Let me educate Smart Adeyemi; my case ended at Court of Appeal, said Mr. Melaye, arguing the appellate court ultimately validated his election, not Mrs. Ikpeme, who is now in the bribery scandal alongside the Senator.

Smart Adeyemi is my political wife. If we contest election 1000 times, I will beat him 1000 times.

Mr. Adeyemi said a petition to investigate Mr. Melaye and Mrs. Ikpeme was on its way to authorities.

Both politicians went blatantly indecorous as they engaged each other in personal abuses.

Mr. Adeyemi said Kogi West Senatorial District could boast of about 550 professors spread across the world, and they were hopeful I would get a third term, not envisaging a rascal, a jejune, a ragamuffin will represent us.

Where was Dino Melaye when I was leading Nigerian Union of Journalists? He was a boy on the street.

Mr. Melaye retorted: Smart Adeyemi is desperado. Thats why he decamped to APC with the hope he would be made minister.

Hitting back at Mr. Adeyemi, who had boasted of my antecedent and integrity, Mr. Melaye said his rival had no basis to claim integrity.

He said the former senator and broadcast journalist got contracts from Kogi State and Rivers State without executing them, and flashed a document appearing to be from the SSS, to say his rival was indicted for colluding with INEC officials to mutilate Kogi West election result sheet.

He added that he had investments in Kogi West, but Mr. Adeyemi could not boast of same.

He has no asset in Kogi West, except a three-bed room bungalow he built for his mother.

On demand for his recall, Mr. Melaye claimed the agitators were sponsored by Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and Mr. Adeyemi.

He said he has drawn federal projects to his constituency, and has been the senator with the highest number of motions and one of the highest presenters of bills in the Senate.

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The Nigerian Army University Biu in Borno will take off next September, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Tukur Buratai, has said.

Mr. Buratai, a lieutenant general, made the disclosure shortly after receiving the Certificate of Occupancy and the surveyed site master plan for the university site from Gov. Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri on Monday.

He said the Army had already reached out to the National Universities Commission (NUC) to secure approval for the university.

Mr. Buratai said Army engineers had also commenced construction work at the site and thanked the Borno Government for the allocation of the land.

He said funding for the university project was captured in the 2017 budget and commended the Federal Government for its commitment to the take-off of the institution.

The Army chief said the university was being designed as a unique and specialised institution that would serve as solutions center especially to specific challenges facing the Army and North East.

Responding, Mr. Shettima assured that the state government would provide necessary support towards take off of the institution.

The governor expressed confidence that when fully operational, the university would be a reference point for other universities in Africa.

He noted that the institution would create employment and add to the revenue base of the state.

(NAN)

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Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed shock and sadness at the death of former Minister of Health, Babatunde Osotimehin.

Mr. Osotimehin, who was the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), died on Sunday at 68.

On behalf of the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Osinbajo extends heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and entire family over the passage of their beloved father, grandfather and also an illustrous Nigerian, the vice president said.

He commiserated with the staff of the UNFPA and the entire UN system on the demise of a very remarkable international public servant, who served passionately, diligently and worked tirelessly at the global and national stages to reduce maternal mortality and promote universal access to reproductive health.

Mr. Osotimehin, who also had a distinguished career as medical doctor and teacher before he served as a cabinet minister in Nigeria, and later at the UN, will be long remembered for his many significant developmental contributions at home and in the international community, according to Acting President Osinbajo.

As Mr. Osotimehin is being mourned internationally, the Acting President urged the Osotimehin family, friends and associates to take solace knowing that his notable service and worthy contributions especially towards improving women and childrens health across the world are widely acclaimed, deeply appreciated, and would be long remembered and honoured.

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The Federal Government on Monday pleaded with the government of Indonesia to commute the death penalty passed on Nigerians in the countrys prison, to life imprisonment.

Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama, made the plea in a joint communique issued at the end of bilateral meeting between the minister and Retno Marsudi, his counterpart from Indonesia.

He said, On consular issues, Nigeria recognises the drugs emergency situation in Indonesia and pleaded for commuting death penalty to life imprisonment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there are about 50 Nigerians serving various jail terms for different offences in Indonesia with about 11 of them on death row.

Human Rights organisation, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP), had called on the federal government to boost its efforts in fighting for Nigerians on death row in foreign countries.

The organisation stated that no fewer than 300 Nigerians were currently on death row in prisons across Asian countries since 2016.

LEPAD said 120 Nigerians faced the prospects of death in Chinese prisons, and over 170 in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and five in Qatar, United Arab Emirate and Saudi Arabia.

The organisation estimated that about 16,500 Nigerians were being held abroad, while most of those on death row were convicted of drug-related crimes.

Mr. Onyeama said the two countries agreed to deepen contacts between their respective national Chambers of Commerce and private sector operators with a view to further enhance bilateral trade and investments.

He added that they also agreed on the importance of enhancing the existing cooperation between the two countries.

He said the two countries agreed to simplify bilateral trade through the establishment of a Bonded Logistic Centre in one of Nigerias ports that could be used for Indonesian products.

Mrs. Marsudi had earlier announced her governments growing interest in promoting mutually beneficial economic relations with Nigeria.

The visiting minister expressed concern that there had been decline in bilateral trade between both countries in the last five years.

She said her government was prepared to enhance its economic relations with African countries, especially with Nigeria, in the years ahead.

She said that Nigeria and Indonesia have the resources and energies to enhance their areas of cooperation.

(NAN)

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The Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), has arrested two suspected kidnappers, whose gang have been allegedly terrorising Kogi and its environs, the commander, Abba Kyari, has said.

Mr. Kyari, an assistant commissioner of police, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.

Mr. Kyari said that following the kidnapping of Jibrin Idris, an Islamic Scholar in Enabo, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi, on Feb. 2, police launched a manhunt for the kidnappers.

He said the effort was in response to the Inspector- General of Police, Ibrahim Idris directive to the IRT.

Mr. Kyari said the Islamic scholar was subsequently released by his abductors after the payment of ransom.

After about three months of unrelenting follow-up, the kidnappers escaped to Enugu State after collecting the ransom in February and realised that IRT was trailing them.

They were arrested on May 29 in Ayingba, Kogi, and 9th Mile, Enugu State.

He said the suspects were a 24-year-old man and a 31-year-old man from Ankpa in Kogi, who had confessed their involvement in the kidnapping of the chief imam at Enabo in Ankpa District.

They mentioned two other gang members now at large. We are on their trail.

We recovered the phone used for the ransom negotiation by the kidnappers, Mr. Kyari said.

(NAN)

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The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of Ilorin, has developed a prototype anti-theft device that can remotely monitor and detect customers stealing electricity.

According to the acting head of the department, M. Akorede, the device, which can also cut the main supply to the location of such illegal act, will simultaneously send a message to the utility control room to alert the system operator with the customers details displayed on the control panel.

Mr. Akorede disclosed that the Unilorin Laboratory to Product Centre (LABTOP) has started the processes for patenting the invention.

He said that the invention was put together by him and some students of the department.

The students, who are currently on National Youth Service, are T. Olalekan, R. Adepoju, D. Itodo and M. Dickson.

I gave the project to my undergraduate students; they carried out the project to a level and I took it over and brought it to a level that was up to a standard that we presented it at the NURESDEF, Abuja, a couple of months ago, he said.

He noted that the invention is now up to the standard that it can be patented.

I have brought this to the attention of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) although not officially if adopted, the device would enable distribution companies to cut their commercial losses substantially.

Commenting further, he said, People like to use electricity without paying for it. A lot of people that have been able to get the prepaid meter even though they can afford to pay their bills still want to bypass this thing to steal electricity and this is not helping the companies; it is not helping all of us as a whole. If the industry should collapse, everybody would bear the brunt of that problem and that is why the consumers too have to share out of the problem.

While noting that distribution companies (DISCOs) also have their share of the blame by not wanting to take on responsibilities such as faulty transformers, Mr. Akored bemoaned the lack of political will, inadequate funding as well as obsolete infrastructure in the industry for the current problem associated with power failures in the country.

He. However, pointed out that the tripartite arms of generation, transmission and distribution lack adequate funding in the sense that some of their equipment are over-aged and need to be replaced.

They need funding to expand their facilities such that a transformer, for example, will not be overloaded, because if power is supplied to an overloaded transformer, it means the customers will not enjoy good quality electricity supply, he said.

The head of department also noted that the current clamour for generation companies to sell power directly to consumers may not make much difference in boosting power supply to Nigerians.

Technically, I dont think it would work out fine; I dont think there is going to be much difference as such that is likely to add to the problem in the energy industry because we already have people managing distribution while another is managing transmission from generation companies to make it available to distribution companies.

Each of these stakeholders is looking at the specific roles given to them. So, if it is now muddled up again, I think there will be problem in the society, he submitted.

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The Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna has doled out over 500 food packages to Muslims, since the beginning of the Ramadan.

Pastor Yohanna Buru, the Church General Overseer, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Monday that the food packages and drinks were shared out to destitute and the poor.

He said that the Church was in the forefront of promoting religious tolerance in Kaduna State, adding that the gesture was to deepen peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians.

We must support our brothers and sisters with what to eat in these 30 days, in view of the high cost of food items in local markets.

This gesture will strengthen good relationship with Muslims and promote religious tolerance and better understanding among different faiths.

According to him, it is not the first time the church is distributing foodstuff to needy Muslims during the Ramadan.

Mr. Buru recalled that the Church had distributed over 1,000 packaged food and drinks to Internally Displaced Persons, destitute and prison inmates in 2016.

The cleric stressed that Islam and Christianity have many things in common as contained in the Bible and Quran, adding, we are all brothers and sisters and must support each other to live in peace and harmony.

He decried the negative attitude of traders who usually take advantage of the Ramadan to hike prices of goods, saying that the action negates every tenet of religion.

Mr. Buru appealed to wealthy Muslims and Christians nationwide to support the poor, including widows and orphans to ease their pains.

One of the beneficiaries, Wambai Isa, who is the leader of visually impaired persons in the state, commended Mr. Buru for his relentless efforts to bring succour to less privileged persons.

(NAN)

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The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, said it has registered more than 7,200 Bakassi returnees in Akwa Ibom in nine camps spread across the state.

Sadyia Farouq, Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Uyo on Monday after an inspection of the IDPs camps.

Mrs. Farouq, represented by Andy Ubon, South-South Zonal Coordinator for the Commission, said the team visited nine Bakassi returnees internally displaced persons camp to ascertain the welfare of persons in the camps and report back.

She explained that about 800 households were recorded in each camp in 31 Local Government Area of the State.

Mrs. Farouq listed the camps visited to include, Ikot Ada Idem in Ibiono Ibom, Ifa-Okon village in Essien Udim, Ituk Mbang in Uruan LGA.

Others included, Atabong in Okobo, Iko Ekit in Eket, Uta Ewa in Ikot Abasi, Ikono, Mbo and Ikot Oto in Ikot Ekpene LGA.

The situation on ground is disheartening, honestly, I did not believe the condition I met this people. No water, adequate shelter and health facilities are lacking in the camps visited.

We have about 800 households in each of the camp, a family that comprises of father, mother and children.

The Commission has seen things for itself in all the camps, will do its best to alleviate the suffering of the returnees to enable them live a better life, Farouq said.

She assured the returnees that the present government was determined to improve on the welfare of its citizens, and the IDPs would not be left out.

The commissioner said that government would do its best to ensure that the returnees get relief materials and the children get education as leaders of tomorrow.

She commended the communities that have been accommodating the internally displaced persons since they returned from Cross River in 2008.

We really have to appreciate the efforts of these communities, especially their village heads for the hospitality and umbrella of love to their fellow human beings, she said.

(NAN)

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Following the violence that led to the death of a leader of Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State (MOALS) in Oshodi, Rasaq Bello (popularly known as Hamburger), the state government on Mondaysuspended activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in all the seven branches in the area indefinitely.

The affected branches are LOB A, LOB D, LOB J, Oshodi A, Oshodi B, Oshodi C and Oshodi D.

The state government, in a news conference jointly addressed by officials of the state, the police and NURTW at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, said while the suspension order lasts, there would be no collection of tickets/fees from commuter buses operating in the area.

Olanrewaju Elegushi, the States Acting Commissioner for Transportation, while addressing journalists said throughout the duration of the suspension order, a team of state government officials and security personnel would be mandated to oversee and monitor the transport operations within the affected branches to ensure they do not collect any ticket or fees from transport operators.

Mr. Bello was shot dead in Shogunle, Lagos, during the local council primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Following the incident, the police arrested the factional leaders of the NURTW and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, and their supporters causing trouble around the area.

Mr. Elegushi said the suspension order was taken after due consultation with all the relevant stakeholders concerning the crisis, and that it would remain in force until peace and tranquillity returned to the area, adding that the lifting of the ban would only be based on appropriate security reports.

For the avoidance of doubt, police investigations are ongoing on the said death and all persons found culpable will be prosecuted in line with the dictates of the laws.

It is important to also emphasis that all rumour mongering, insinuations and unfounded/unverified facts should be avoided in the sake of peaceful co-existence.

Any escalation of the crisis arising from the ban will lead to government taking sterner actions against the branches where violence is recorded, Mr. Elegushi threatened.

He said as part of the strategies to permanently address incessant crisis arising from activities of transport unions in the state, the state government has already put in place the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) through which 5,000 air-conditioned and convenient buses would be injected into the transport sector, adding that the initiative would soon be launched.

Also speaking, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in the State, Imohimi Edgal, confirmed that some arrests have been made following the crisis and that investigations had started in respect of the violence.

He assured that anyone found culpable in the crisis would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, and that the state government, in partnership with the police and other relevant stakeholders were working towards a lasting peace.

Mr. Edgal added that the report of the preliminary investigation by the police would be out before the end of the week.

On his part, Lagos State Chairman of NURTW, Tajudeen Agbede, said the branch was in support of the decision of government to suspend all union activities in Oshodi indefinitely, saying the union was adequately consulted before the action was taken.

I like to confirm that the decision of the state government to suspend union activities in Oshodi was supported by us. We also want a lasting peace in Oshodi and we know that with this decision, people can go about their duties without let or hindrance, Mr. Agbede said.

I am sure if the union had handled the issue of Oshodi, we would have arrived at the same decision to suspend activities for now and I want to urge our members to cooperate with government in its bid to ensure lasting peace.

Going forward, we have been educating our members on the need to eschew violence and we still want to reiterate it that anyone caught perpetrating violence would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

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The Lagos State Government on Monday said it has begun the construction of security watch towers at the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla.

The tower, the government said, would be mounted with surveillance cameras and manned twenty four hours to ensure that intruders could be located from afar before they wreak havoc around the school.

A statement signed by Adesegun Ogundeji, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Education, said the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Adesina Odeyemi, and the Tutor-general, Margaret Solarin, were both at the school on Monday for first hand assessment of the project.

Also the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni and Divisional Commander of Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Semi Lateef were also on ground to further ensure safety.

Mr. Owoseni said he was in the school to observe the resumption trend, assuring that security agencies were working to ensure the safe return of the abducted children but were being careful with the use of force.

Since the kidnap of six students from the school on May 24, there had been security presence in the school to ensure safety of the students.

On Monday, security operatives were on patrol while some were on ground to ensure safety.

Contractors were also seen working on the construction of the watch towers.

Apart from the watch towers, the perimeter wall fence is being illuminated with forty 250watts halogen lamps for security surveillance throughout the night.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the bush adjoining the perimeter fence has been cleared while armed security operatives will be deployed permanently to man the school.

The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, had promised during the Childrens Day celebration that his government would stop at nothing to ensure the safe return of the abducted children of the school.

The governor also said the state would not be intimidated to abandon his avowed pursuit of academic and physical development of the children of the state.

The kidnap of the six students was the second such incident in the school in 2017.

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It was drama on Monday in Akure as an investigative committee of the All Progress Congress, Ondo State, tried without success to serve on the embattled chairman of the party, Isaac Kekemeke, a letter inviting him to appear before the committee.

Mr. Kekemeke in turn petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State, Hilda Harrison, accusing members of the party of invading his office and planning to plant fetish items in the secretariat against him.

Mr. Kekemeke was controversially suspended by other members of the Executive Committee on the grounds that he refused to carry out his duties as chairman of the party and that he was involved in anti-party activities.

The committee also constituted a panel to investigate the allegations levelled against him.

But the chairman insisted that he remained the only elected chairman of the party in the state.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered on Monday that staff of the party sent to deliver the letter of summons to the chairman were manhandled when they got to his law office at Alagbaka to deliver the letter.

It was also learnt that the panel decided to use DHL courier service to deliver the letter of invitation, but Mr. Kekemeke refused to receive it.

The letter of invitation, which was signed by the panels secretary, Saka Ogunleye, reads as follows: In pursuant to the decision of the state executive committee of the All Progressives APC, in Ondo state at a meeting held on June 1st, 2017, a fact-finding committee was set up to look at the various allegations levelled against you. The allegations among others include; 1, gross abuse of your office as chairman of the APC PC in Ondo state; 2, financial impropriety; 3, neglect and dereliction of duty as chairman of the party and; 4, anti-party activities among others.

All of these have caused embarrassment to the party and brought the party to disrepute and public odium.

You are requested to appear before the committee on Thursday June 8th 2017 at the party secretariat, 17, Oyemekun road Akure by 12 noon prompt.

You may wish to come with relevant documents that will assist you before the committee.

Mr. Kekemeke in his petition to the police commissioner, accused the panel members of unlawful invasion of his office, sealing, and looting of the APC secretariat by some members of the panel.

In the petition dated June 5 and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kekemeke specifically mentioned the names of members of the panel, Abayomi Adesanya, Saka Ogunleye and Rasheed Badmus as having invaded the partys secretariat.

I wish to bring to your notice that about 3pm on Friday, 2nd June 2017, certain persons, namely: Abayomi Adesanya, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, Rasheed Badmus, invaded the partys secretariat at 17, Oyemekun Road, in the company of one policeman and some thugs, the petition stated.

They invited the secretariat staff headed by the Administrative Secretary, Mr. Smart Omodunbi and forcefully dispossessed him of the keys to the party secretariat.

They thereafter chased the staff out of the secretariat, locked it up and took the keys away.

This is patently criminal, unlawful and illegal as the state secretary of our party is the constitutionally empowered custodian of the party secretariat.

Mr. Kekemeke further informed the commissioner that considering the antecedent of the persons he mentioned in the petition, he had reasons to believe that they had the intentions to loot the office, remove and alter vital documents as well as to plant juju (fetish items) in the premises of the secretariat at ungodly hours.

I should therefore urge you to use your good office to investigate this complaint and prevent the partys headquarters from looting and vandalisation, the petition further stated.

Mr. Kekemeke did not pick calls made to his telephone by our correspondent to respond to accusation of evading service and he also did not respond to a text message sent to him.

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The Ondo State Government has removed the names of about 600 persons working in palaces of traditional rulers across the state from its central payroll.

Hitherto, the state government had the officials in its employ, subjecting them to the rules of the states civil service.

PREMIUM TIMES findings showed that following the disengagement, the palace staff would now hold their employment at the pleasure of the monarchs who can now either hire or fire them.

It was also gathered that the government would no longer pay the palace officials directly through their bank accounts, but a cheque would be raised in the name of the traditional rulers, who would then pay the staff based on their terms of employment with the employees.

The President of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, in Ondo State, Bumi Eniayewu, who is also a member of the Local Government Service Commission of the state, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

He said the adjustment was not a sack per se, but a return to the old order, where the monarchs are allowed to hire their own staff so they could have certain level of control over them.

It appears that this is coming from complaints from traditional rulers who had to inherit their staff even against their own wish, he said.

The palace staff have not been sacked, it is a return to the old order, so that the Kabiyesies can have some measure of control over their own staff.

We have situations where the employees are misbehaving so that sometimes a Kabiyesi will come and be looking for his driver who will not come to work and yet will get paid.

Mr. Emiayewi noted that with the development, the palace staff will hold their appointments at the pleasure of the Kabiyesi.

Asked if the palace staff would not be short-changed should cheques be issued to them for onward payment to their staff instead of paying them directly, the NULGE president said their terms of employment would be decided between them and the monarchs.

The monarchs know their staff well and they should be able to iron out such issues amicably, he added.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria labour Congress, NLC, Ondo State, has described the move by the government as illegal and unacceptable.

The state chairman of union, Bosede Daramola, said that the names of the affected palace workers had been reportedly removed from the governments payroll without being accused of any wrongdoing.

She said all the palace staffs were properly and legally employed by the state government into the local government administration.

Mrs. Daramola called on the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu to intervene and reverse the development in order not to plunge the employees and their families into hardship at a time that economic recession was biting harder.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Segun Ajiboye, when reached for the governments reaction, said he was not aware of any sack at the local government areas.

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Film noir  the heyday of which spanned primarily from the early 1940s to late 1950s  was generally either a crime or detective story that revolved around a hard-headed, cynical male character who would inevitably come across a femme fatale  a beautiful seductress of low morals and even lower necklines  think Double Indemnity with Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, The Big Sleep with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall or Laura with Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews.

It is important to note that film noir isnt necessarily the genre of movie. It represents more the mood or tone of the film, along with, of course, its highly stylized lighting  both of which are categorically dark. It was a term first used by French film critics when describing these American melodramas or black or dark films.

As a fun twist on its Invitational Themed Show, the Ocean City Arts Center presents Film Noir, an exhibit that both movie buffs and art enthusiasts ought to enjoy from June 1 to 30, with a meet the artists reception 7 p.m., June 9.

A jackpot weekend of festivals suited to every interest comes to South Jersey When the West Cape May Business Association threw its first festival  what is now the ever-

I have always wanted to schedule an exhibit around the theme of Film Noir, but I had some hesitancy because I felt that artists would feel limited to a color palette that focused mainly on grays and blacks, says Dr. Jack Devine, O.C.A.C. Board of Trustees president. But the response has been overwhelming. The (more than 35) artists in the exhibit have embraced the theme with enthusiasm.

One of those artists is Ellen Gavin, who doesnt generally participate in shows with a particular theme, but made an exception for Film Noir.

When it feels like it blends with my art, Ill do it, says Gavin on the reason she chose to join this themed show. I do, in general, love figurative work and city scenes and shadows and dramatic lighting. I love things with a retro look.

Her piece, Reading Terminal Noir, represents not merely the movies of a by-gone time, but also of a favorite subject of hers: Philadelphia.

I very much remember going to Reading Terminal (when it was a train station) when I was younger, recalls Gavin, a native of Philadelphia who spent a quarter of a century in New York City as a graphic artist before heading to Millville, where she now resides as well as works at her own Green Boots Studio. When I can kind of conjure up a little of that (my childhood) and blend it with the theme, its a fun thing to do.

It was in 2001 when Gavin, who is a graduate of the Tyler School of Art, quit her Manhattan job to paint full time  like a crazy person  but shes been doing it ever since. She found her way to Millville via Ocean City.

After I quit my job, I thought Id move away. I heard about Millville when I was doing Ocean Citys Boardwalk Art Show, she recalls. They (Millville) had started the Glasstown Arts District (and) I thought that was a cool thing. So I got a cool house and opened my gallery and studio.

When I moved here I knew it would take years and years and years (for the towns art scene to fully come to fruition). Others didnt plan on that, she goes on. I always have a place for my art and have a studio and Im not dependent on making my money from foot traffic. But it is a nice, cool undiscovered area  with lots of farms and rural areas.

While Gavin may enjoy her new rural surroundings, she seems to be a city girl at heart, speaking effusively of her home town at the mere mention of it.

Philly has become such a little New York  Center City, the Kimmel Center  its pretty vibrant, says Gavin, who does several shows in and around Philadelphia each year. And while she is perhaps best known nationally for her equestrian work, she frequently goes back to cityscapes, specifically of Philadelphia, sometimes even blending the two, as in her original Philly Fillies.

Ryan Tennis combines covers and originals to create captivating live show If youre looking for something to do this weekend, youd be in good company at the Dogtooth

Though the film noir theme is not prevalent in her repertoire, it occasionally does surface, and I get to push it when I have a chance, as in the current exhibit at O.C.A.C.

Its a wonderful art center, says Gavin of O.C.A.C. They do a great job of giving exposure to great art, and they keep a really nice quality of show  and they do it with great enthusiasm.
OCEAN CITY  Amy Andersen started her career teaching the deaf. Now she teaches the hearing, but her classes remain quiet  mostly.

Andersen teaches American Sign Language at Ocean City High School  one of only a handful of districts in the state, including Vineland  that offer ASL as a world language for hearing students.

Im Italian, and I always talk with my hands, senior Valeri Galderisi said. I kind of figured it would be kind of cool to say the right thing.

Galderisi is one of 150 students now taking ASL, more than triple the size of the program when it first started 13 years ago. Students can earn a Seal of Biliteracy on their transcripts, denoting their fluency in sign language.

So it has definitely evolved, and the evolution has been student-driven, Andersen said.

Andersen, of Cape May Court House, taught in Boston before moving back to Cape May County in 2004 and starting as a special-education teacher at Ocean City High School. That same year, the district started its ASL program with about 40 students. The next year, more than 130 students signed up.

It just exploded into a full program, Andersen said.

For almost 10 years, the ASL students have been putting on a year-end performance that includes signing, dancing and music. The show raises money for deaf causes.

On Wednesday, a few dozen students gathered on stage for a final rehearsal before their show, ASL Finds A Way, about a young girl who wants to go to art school but her parents would rather see her attend law school. Through sign language, she realizes the solution to her problem.

Andersens former student, Devan Fogarty, of Upper Township, came back to help direct the show. Fogarty, who teaches math at Atlantic City High School, said the show has grown into a two-night event.

Liam Bradley of Margate, a student actor, developed this years show. Bradley, 18, plans to go to Rochester Institute for Technology in the fall to study ASL, a path several of Andersens students pursue.

Andersen said knowing she is making an impact on her students is extremely gratifying.

Its probably the best part about teaching, she said.

In 2016, Andersen was named Ocean City High School Teacher of the Year. This year, she received the Exceptional Teacher award from the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia.

And Superintendent Kathleen Taylor nominated her this year for the National Life Groups LifeChanger of the Year award. In her nomination, Taylor noted Andersens commitment to the ASL program.

She has created a place where students find inspiration, self-confidence, a nurturing environment and often, their future, Taylor wrote.

Galderisi, 18, of Upper Township, said she had always dreamed of being a teacher, but ASL gave her an outlet for her energy.

I didnt want ASL not to be a part of my life, so I looked into being a teacher of the deaf, and Im excited that I have, she said.

Senior Jenna Oliver, 17, of Upper Township, said sign language became a part of who she is.

Its amazing how much one language can bring so many people together, Oliver said.

Andersen said starting an ASL program is not easy. First, there has to be student interest, she said. Not a problem, she quipped.

Then there needs to be a certified teacher, which she called a chicken-or-the-egg problem in that districts are hard-pressed to find a certified teacher without having a program, and vice versa.

Finally, she said, a school needs a supportive administration.

Thats one thing in Ocean City that Ive always had, Andersen said.

Taylor called Andersen a true leader and ambassador of the teaching profession as a whole.

As superintendent, I can ask for nothing more than a teacher who engages each and every one of her students and inspires them to not only excel at the subject matter, but to also develop a strong character and a passion for making the world around them a better place, Taylor said.

Bradley said Ocean Citys commitment to offering ASL is extraordinary.

I just think our school is really special in the fact that it saw the opportunities that this language could offer and then it gave us the opportunity to learn it, Bradley said.
LINWOOD  Christine Sands Bennett and her family know cancer all too well. Her son, Logan, was 4 years old when a trip to the doctor left them reeling. Logan had a brain tumor.

A stretch in Childrens Hospital, surgery and trips to the doctors that Sands Bennett thought would never end finally did, and now Logan, 15, is a freshman at Mainland Regional High School.

Sands Bennett said she and her family are eternally grateful Logan is the picture of health.

Their 10-year involvement with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life is their way to help celebrate cancer survivors, support those still battling cancer and raise money to help find a cure.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Linwood is set to step off 6 p.m. Friday on the track at Mainland.

The 12-hour event starts with the survivors lap. Men, women and children who have lived through cancer wear purple survivor T-shirts as they make one lap together around the track.

It is a sad but a happy time, said Sands Bennett, event coordinator. This is a place the survivors come to celebrate a real victory in their life and where they can look to the right or look to the left and know that person understands what they are experiencing.

The Linwood resident said Relay for Life is a grassroots effort that offers community members a place to celebrate victories over cancer, support people who have the disease and remember and honor those who have lost the battle.

For our family, this is our way to support research and to support the American Cancer Society and a way for us to celebrate loved ones, Sands Bennett said. The more survivors who people see making that walk and acknowledging their battle and victory over cancer, it gives hope to so many.

New Jersey, at 483.1 cancer cases per 100,000 people, ranks behind Kentucky, Delaware and New York in the highest rates in the U.S., according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Preventions most recent U.S. Cancer Statistics Report.

The evening will include a luminaria ceremony, in which candles line the track just after dark. Individuals and teams walk in silence around the track in honor of those who are still in the fight.

The relay has raised about $50,000 in pledges so far this year. In the past decade, it has raised more than $300,000, Sands Bennett said.

The money goes to cancer research and to help pay for chemotherapy for patients, wigs if people lose their hair, transportation to doctor visits and filling in the gaps insurance does not cover.

All events are free for survivors and their caregivers, including the survivors and caregivers reception tent, where Patty and Glenn McCauley, of La Pizza Tega in Linwood, will serve dinner.

An inspirational speaker and the winner of a student poetry contest will kick off the relay. There will be games and food. Some of the teams opt to camp out on the field.

There is no fee to register. Teams that raise more than $100 will receive a Relay for Life T-shirt. As of Friday, about 420 people had registered, along with 43 survivors.

The event runs until 6 a.m. Saturday. Sands Bennett said at least one member of the team is asked to be on the track throughout the night.

It is our way of saying this disease never sleeps, so for one night we will not sleep while we fight for a cure for cancer, she said.

Register at relayforlife.org/linwood.

Survivors who wish to participate may call 609-432-2559.
10:46 p.m. That's it for the updates tonight. We'll be back updating our database of election results starting at 6 a.m.

10:40 p.m. Gov. Chris Christie congratulated Kim Guadagno for winning the GOP governor's nomination by email just moments ago, followed by several shots at her opponent, Democrat Phil Murphy.

"Kim, we need a leader who will fight back against Goldman Sachs Democrats and I'm confident you are the person to do that. Mary Pat and I extend our congratulations to you, your family and your campaign on a hard fought and well deserved victory."

10:10 p.m. - Atlantic City Council president Marty Small won the vote for Democratic mayoral candidate Tuesday, but it wasn't enough. Opponent Frank Gilliam had a commanding lead in the mail in ballots 694 to 209. Once again mail-in ballots, were the difference in Atlantic City.

10:00 p.m. - Voter turnout in Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties all topped 10 percent. Lower results in Cumberland, just under 5 percent, but the tally of votes is much slower out there.

9:41 p.m. - Registered Republicans in Cape May, Cumberland and portions of Atlantic counties had the opportunity to vote Tuesday in a three-way Assembly race.

Cumberland County Freeholder Jim Sauro, Downe Township Mayor Robert Campbell and North Wildwood real estate agent Brian McDowell were running to be on the GOP ticket to face Democratic incumbent Assemblymen Bob Andrzejczak and Bruce Land.

In Cape May County, with 80 out of 127 district reporting, Sauro led with 57 percent of the vote, with Campbell at 22 percent and McDowell with 20 percent, according to unofficial results posted on the county clerks website. In Cumberland County, with 25 of 92 district partially reported, Sauro led with 47 percent of the vote, followed closely by Campbell with 46 percent and McDowell at 7 percent, according to unofficial results.

McDowell was ahead in Atlantic County with 48 percent of the vote with Sauro at 47 percent and Campbell at 5 percent with three out of four district reporting, according to unofficial totals.

McDowell, a former contestant on TVs The Apprentice, lost the support of the Republican Party organizations in Cape May and Cumberland counties after an inappropriate video of him surfaced online. In the clip, the candidate used a vulgarity in telling a woman she should have sex with him.

9:36 p.m. - Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno has won the GOP primary and will take on Democrat Phil Murphy in the gubernatorial election in November.

9:27 p.m. Phil Murphy, the Democratic primary winner, told his supporters he was "honored and humbled" to be his party's nominee.

"Today, you helped send a message that progressives and working New Jerseyans are united to end the failed status quo in Trenton and fight back against President Trump in Washington."

9:15 p.m. The celebration has started early in the Frank Gilliam headquarters Tuesday night as early numbers have him leading political rival Marty Small. The two Democratic candidates in the Atlantic City mayoral race were holding post results gatherings just blocks apart, but their rooms were studies in contrast.

9:10 p.m. - In the Republican primary for Absecon Ward 1, James Vizthum defeated Christopher Cottrell. Vizthum received 196 votes, while Cottrell received 29 votes.

9:05 p.m.  With nearly 42% of the polling locations reporting, Vince Mazzeo and John Armato lead in the democratic primary for General Assembly in District 2.

9:02 p.m. - The Associated Press reports that Phil Murphy wins the Democratic primary in the run for New Jersey governor.

8:52 p.m. - At Frank Gilliam's headquarters, there's preliminary celebration as the word is Gilliam is leading in the initial mail-in ballot tally.

Early indications are that Gilliam is dominating the mail-in ballots. People at the Gilliam headquarters already celebrating. pic.twitter.com/YzwES9hptb  John DeRosier (@ACPressDeRosier) June 7, 2017

8:46 p.m. - Results starting to appear now in Cape May County with 14 of 127 districts reporting.

8:43 p.m. - With about one-fourth of the 413 districts in Ocean County reporting results, longtime incumbent Republican Freeholder Joseph Vicari is outpacing challenger Jenny Heinz. Vicari is carrying more than 75 percent of the popular vote at this point.

8:40 p.m. - In Ocean County: Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagano has a 30 point lead on Jack Ciattarelli with 118 out of 413 voting district reporting.

8:20 p.m. It was only one of 21 districts, but the first results coming into Marty Small's HQ give Small a lead. Small didn't look too assured. There was a long way to go after all.

Marty Small, left, paces nervously back and forth as the numbers come in pic.twitter.com/1WwV05s2Qx  John DeRosier (@ACPressDeRosier) June 7, 2017

8 p.m. - Polls are now closed. We will start reporting results on contested races as they come in. Check back for updates.

7:15 p.m. - Polls close in less than an hour, but early reports of low turnout in South Jersey for today's primary election.

An exception is the number of mail-in ballots requested in Atlantic County.

Lynn Caterson, a board member of the Atlantic County Board of Elections said the county has 1,100 mail-in ballots, are large number by her estimate.

The board is already determining which ones are valid, she said.

Speaking in front of a reported 1,200 people at a rally in Bergen County last week, former Vice President Joe Biden called the race to replace outgoing Gov. Chris Christie the most important election in the country before the 2020 presidential election.

But a potential new governor hasnt excited residents in South Jersey, who Tuesday will join residents across the state heading to the polls for the Republican and Democratic primaries. Instead, local races in Atlantic County will garner the most attention.

The ugliest race is the Atlantic City Democratic primary for mayor between political rivals Frank Gilliam and Marty Small. Gilliam, an at-large councilman, has put up billboards around the city and distributed two campaign mailers highlighting drug-distribution charges in 1993 and an arson charge in 2005 against Small. Small was never convicted, and the charges were dropped.

Small, meanwhile, called for Gilliam to drop out of the race after it was revealed that a former girlfriend filed for a restraining order against him in 1997 under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.

Gilliam has no plans to drop out. On Friday, he said the response to his campaign has been very positive around the city.

We are ready to put Atlantic City first again, he said.

Substitute teacher Fareed Abdullah and Navy veteran Jimmy Whitehead are also on the ballot in the Democratic primary.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face incumbent Don Guardian in November. He is unopposed in the Republican primary.

Atlantic County Democrats back John Armato for Assembly EGG HARBOR CITY  After nine days and four rounds of vote tallies, the Atlantic County Democ

But around Atlantic County, Democratic candidates for the New Jersey Assembly have been knocking on doors and attending events in hopes of securing one of two available spots on the party ticket.

Freeholder Ernest Coursey, former surrogate Jim Carney, former Atlantic City Councilman Rizwan Malik and attorney Theresa Watts have been working to buck the official party endorsement of Vince Mazzeo and John Armato, whose names are under Murphy and state Senate candidate Colin Bell on the ballot.

The challenge is that the Democratic Party has the party line, and some people will just vote that without knowing who the candidates are, Carney said. But you dont really know whats going to happen because people are disillusioned with Democrats and Republicans right now.

Carney and Coursey forced four rounds of voting at the Atlantic County Democratic Convention in March for the official party endorsement despite party officials publicly endorsing Mazzeo and Armato before the vote.

Coursey said Monday his name recognition has helped him throughout the county.

Atlantic City and Pleasantville are my stronghold, but people know me from my time as a freeholder, Atlantic City councilman and commissioner at the SJTA, Coursey said. I feel really good about my chances.

Meanwhile, Mazzeo has been knocking on doors with Armato and Bell to try and drum up interest for Tuesdays race.

Historically speaking, you dont see much interest in these primary races, he said. But this year, youre seeing a little bit more engagement because of what is going on with the Trump administration.

Mazzeo added that people are looking forward to a change in the governorship, even if they dont end up voting Tuesday.

The Democratic Assembly winners will face Republicans Vince Sera, a Brigantine councilman, and Brenda Taube, former Margate commissioner, in November.

In the race for governor, Biden, who is reportedly mulling his own run for president in 2020, endorsed Democratic front-runner Phil Murphy just a week and a half before the primary.

In the most recent poll conducted by Stockton University, Murphy led challenger Jim Johnson by 24 points and Assemblyman John Wisniewski by 25 points.

On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno has increased her lead over Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli to 19 points.

Guadagno and Ciattarelli have run campaigns distancing themselves from Christie. In a recent campaign ad, Guadagno highlighted her time as sheriff in Monmouth County, but did not mention her current role as lieutenant governor.

Murphy, meanwhile, has focused on running a campaign with a progressive agenda that includes raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and keeping New Jersey within the guidelines of the Paris Climate Accord despite President Donald Trump pulling the country out of the international agreement last month.

Murphy has consistently polled ahead of Guadagno in a theoretical general election match up.
Remember the saying if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all? If I followed that advice, this would be an awfully short column, as there is little positive to say about our weather this week, if you are a fan or warmth and sunshine.

I can lead off by foretelling of some legitimately warm weather in sight, albeit distant sight, as a surge of 80- and possibly even 90-degree heat looks to ride a summery wave into South Jersey next week. As in six to seven days from now. So sun worshipers can look forward to that as they endure a rather cool and unsettled-looking week, something we became all too familiar with during May.

So you should all know how this will play out then, right? The sun will be rather scarce the next three to four days. No day will be a washout, but rain chances will be fixtures in the forecast over the next three days, in the form of either occasional showers, a thunderstorm or two, or drizzle.

Monday will be the only day that will offer a few thunderstorms, along with some scattered showers, although I think the steadiest rain will bypass us to the north and the south.

Tuesday and Wednesday have the distinction of being the coolest and gloomiest days, due in large part to a brisk northeast ocean breeze that develops. Anyone who has lived in South Jersey knows that a northeast wind is not your friend if you like it sunny and warm. Sure enough, that ocean breeze will do what it does best and keep the clouds locked in, along with some scattered showers and drizzle. No day will bring an all-day rain, but there will be little sun, if any.

Things slowly brighten and warm up later in the week, perhaps Thursday but certainly by Friday, then the true shot of warmth could be here by this time early next week.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Egypt have broken off diplomatic relations with Qatar as three Gulf countries and Egypt have accused Qatar of supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region. In return, Qatar, which shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia, has rejected the accusations. Qatar said, "The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact."

As a result of the ongoing crisis, the Middle East's biggest airlines are suspending flights to Qatar. Etihad, Emirates, Fly Dubai and Gulf Air said Monday they would halt all flights in and out of Doha, the Qatari capital, starting Tuesday morning.

Saudi Arabia banned Qatar Airways from flying to the kingdom and using its airspace, starting Tuesday.

Kuwait and Oman are the only members of the Gulf Cooperation Council that have not joined the boycott.

Source: CNN
LONDON and NEW YORK, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The 2017 ICIS Kavaler Award, sponsored by The Chemists' Club, and in association with The Valence Group, will be awarded to Kurt Bock, chairman of the board of executive directors of BASF, for outstanding achievement as voted on and recognized by his peers.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160408/353056LOGO )



This prestigious and unique global chemical industry award will be presented to Kurt Bock at a black tie dinner ceremony on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at the Metropolitan Club of New York, in New York City.

The winner of the ICIS Kavaler Award is selected by his/her peers - the senior executives of the ICIS Top 40 Power Players listing

- a global ranking of the leaders making the greatest positive impact on their companies and the chemical industry published in ICIS Chemical Business magazine.

"With the 'We create chemistry' strategy, BASF set the path to strengthen its leading position as an integrated global chemical company. We want to contribute to a sustainable future and are guided by this purpose," said Kurt Bock. "This award recognizes our efforts and contribution, and I am proud to accept this award on behalf of all employees at BASF."

"Kurt Bock has kept a steady hand on the world's largest chemical company through challenging economic cycles and major structural changes in the global chemical industry, making disciplined investments and portfolio adjustments to position the firm for optimal performance," said Joseph Chang, global editor of ICIS Chemical Business.

In the award selection process, ICIS and The Chemists' Club invited each of the ICIS Top 40 Power Players in the 2016 ranking to vote for three individuals on the ballot, based on newsworthy achievement in one or more of the following categories:

Profitability/shareholder value

Mergers and acquisitions (deals or integration)

Projects/capital investment

Innovation (technology, product, business process) with an impact on industry and society.

Previous winners of the ICIS Kavaler Award include INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe (2016), Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveris (2015), former LyondellBasell CEO Jim Gallogly (2014) and former PPG Industries CEO Charles Bunch (2013).

For more information on the ICIS Kavaler Award, please contact Bernard Petersen at ICIS, Bernard.petersen@icis.com, +44-646-961-0708 or Roland Stefandl at The Chemists' Club, RStefandl@epolychem.com, +44-201-888-0440.

About ICIS

ICIS Chemical Business is part of ICIS. ICIS is an independent price reporting agency focusing on global energy, petrochemical and fertilizer markets, and we have covered the complex UK electricity market for nearly two decades. Every day, we assess electricity contracts for more than 40 different delivery periods in the UK market alone. The analysis and data that we produce is widely used as a reference price in energy contracts.

It is our aim to give companies in global commodities markets a competitive advantage by delivering trusted pricing data, high-value news, analysis and independent consulting, enabling our customers to make better-informed trading and planning decisions.

With a global staff of more than 800, ICIS has employees based in Houston, Washington, New York, London, Montpellier, Dusseldorf, Karlsruhe, Milan, Mumbai, Singapore, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Yantai, Tokyo and Perth. ICIS is a division of Reed Business Information, Reed Elsevier Plc.

For more on ICIS Chemical Business magazine, www.icis.com/subscriber/icb

About Reed Business Information

Reed Business Information provides information, analytics and data to business professionals worldwide. Our strong global products and services hold market-leading positions across a wide range of industry sectors including banking, petrochemicals and aviation where we help customers make key strategic decisions every day. RBI is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professional customers across industries. http://www.reedbusiness.com

About Reed Elsevier

RELX Group is a worldleading provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. The group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs approximately 30,000 people of whom half are in North America. RELX PLC is a London listed holding company which owns 52.9% of RELX Group. RELX NV is an Amsterdam listed holding company which owns 47.1% of RELX Group. The shares are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX and RENX. The total market capitalisation is approximately 33.1bn GBP / 38.2bn Euro / 42.6bn USD. www.relx.com

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 114,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of about 58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.

About The Chemists' Club

Founded in 1898, The Chemists' Club is a non-profit educational organization whose membership is open to anyone with an interest in the chemical sciences, including chemists and chemical engineers, people in the life sciences, security analysts, attorneys, educators and consultants as well as students (dues free). The club is working with students to help them make informed career choices as well as to better prepare them for those careers. For more information about The Chemists' Club, please go to www.thechemistsclub.com

About The Valence Group

The Valence Group is a specialist investment bank offering M&A advisory services exclusively to companies and investors in the chemicals, materials and related sectors. The Valence Group team includes a unique combination of professionals with backgrounds in investment banking and strategic consulting within the chemicals and materials industries, all focused exclusively on providing M&A advisory services to the chemicals and materials sector. The firm's offices are located in New York and London. www.valencegroup.com

Media inquiries:

ICIS Chemical Business

Joseph Chang, Global Editor

joseph.chang@icis.com, +44-212-791-4224



ICIS Chemical Business

Joseph Chang, Global Editor

joseph.chang@icis.com, +44-212-791-4224





SOURCE ICIS
EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

CALCIVIS, a medical devices company focused on revolutionising the management of tooth decay and enabling preventive dentistry, announces that it has completed patient recruitment into its PMA clinical study assessing the safety and performance of a commercial version the CALCIVIS imaging system for visualising active demineralisation on tooth surfaces. The study involved 111 patients across four general dental practices in Scotland. Edinburgh based dentist, Neil Shanks, is the study's principal investigator.

The primary endpoints of the study are to assess the safety and performance of the commercial CALCIVIS imaging system as measured by the agreement between the luminescent images and clinical assessment of caries lesion activity. The secondary endpoint is to assess the usefulness of CALCIVIS images as a communication tool between patient and dentist.

The study data will be used to support the planned US Premarket Approval (PMA) for the CALCIVIS imaging system in the second half of 2017. The FDA has been consulted on the study design and statistical approach as part of the regulatory pre-submission process. The first data read-out from the study is expected next month.

Neil Shanks, principal investigator of the study, said: "I am pleased that we have completed this important clinical study with the CALCIVIS imaging system. This unique medical device, which allows the live visualisation of active tooth demineralisation, will help to establish a new standard of preventive care in dentistry by allowing dentists for the first time to identify active caries and erosion. It will also provide a clear explanation and justification of preventive management approaches to patients, helping to ensure their compliance."

Adam Christie, CEO of CALCIVIS, said: "The completion of the active phase of this study is a key corporate milestone for CALCIVIS as the resulting data will be a major component of our PMA filing to the FDA later this year. Gaining US approval is critical for us to maximise the commercial potential of the CALCIVIS imaging system which we believe will transform the management of enamel demineralisation associated with caries and erosion and support the wider adoption of preventive dentistry."

The CALCIVIS imaging system is a sophisticated medical device and consumable combination designed to transform the assessment and management of dental caries and other dental conditions. It involves a unique, proprietary bioluminescence approach combined with a specialised imaging device which allows accurate detection and visualisation of demineralisation. The resulting images provide a focus for discussion with patients and enable the development of a tailored, rational, evidence-based treatment in line with dental best practice. The CALCIVIS imaging system has gained a CE Mark in Europe and will be launched in the UK later this year.

About CALCIVIS

CALCIVIS is an innovative medical devices company focused on revolutionising the management of dental caries or 'tooth decay'. CALCIVIS brings together novel biotechnology approaches and world-class device development expertise and is at the forefront of applying biotechnology to dentistry.

The CALCIVIS imaging system will, for the first time, allow the real-time detection and visualisation of calcium ions released by demineralising caries lesions in routine dental practice.

CALCIVIS began operations in 2012 and is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Company has been funded by Archangel Investors Limited and the Scottish Investment Bank, the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise. The Company has raised equity and grant funding totalling close to 8m since its inception.

CALCIVIS has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme and Innovate UK's Biomedical Catalyst.

www.calcivis.com

Contacts:

CALCIVIS

Adam Christie, CEO

Tel: +44-(0)-7795-600571

E-mail: info@calcivis.com



Media relations

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

David Dible, Marine Perrier

Tel: +44-(0)-207-638-9571

E-mail: calcivis@citigatedr.co.uk



SOURCE CALCIVIS
LONDON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Home Visit Vet Service PawSquad has received strategic investment from Direct Line Group, and PawSquad's Video and Text Consultations are now a standard part of the policy for all Direct Line Pet customers.

Direct Line Group's Head of Pet Insurance, Pritpal Powar, is excited by PawSquad's vision:

"We were really impressed with the approach PawSquad have taken in setting up their business model by encompassing a mix of entrepreneurs, vet specialists, technology experts and investors. Our customer research shows us that customers are looking for pet expertise and additional value from their Insurance provider outside the claims journey and we look forward to exploring this further and learning from the PawSquad team."

Direct Line Group, one of the top three pet insurers in the UK, will help PawSquad pursue their vision of creating a veterinary service for pets, vets and owners that is more personal, convenient and flexible.

PawSquad have identified a shift in consumer expectations around access to services, and have brought both video and text consultations, as well as home visits as a standard way of delivering care, to the pet owning market. They have cleverly aligned this with the changing zeitgeist among vets who demand a better work/life balance and more, flexible ways to practice their skills.

The modern twist is of course technology. PawSquad's apps give customers the ability to video call a vet around the clock, meaning they are never alone in the care of their pet. And with a dedicated local home visit vet available to come by and deliver care at the touch of a button, PawSquad are adding an immediacy and flexibility to the veterinary industry that has been lacking to date.

And yet it's the personal touch that pet owners love. To always have an experienced professional on hand for advice, and in the case of home visits, establishing a long term relationship with a local vet who spends a good 30-40 minutes with them in their home. The experience has seen PawSquad achieve 5 star reviews across all regions.

For vets, PawSquad provide all the marketing, business, technology and clinical support to get set up, leaving the vet to concentrate on what they do best. Martha Murphy, who opened her practice in Edinburgh last year, is pleased with how joining PawSquad has changed how she practices:

"I think PawSquad are great, and so does every other client I've seen so far. I am a really proud member of the PawSquad team and enjoy the flexibility and autonomy, but also being part of wider vet team who are doing something different, something that really works for owners."

This is just a small section of what PawSquad hope to achieve over the years as they look to leverage cutting edge technology in practical ways that makes it easier to be a great pet parent.

Chief Veterinary Officer Sarah Page Jones shares her views on the long term future for PawSquad:

"As we grow we are developing a number of digitally supported preventative health plans designed to tackle issues that affect our pets in later life, such as obesity, and chronic disease. Ultimately we'd like to harness the power of wearable technologies and machine learning to revolutionise the way we diagnose and manage some of the most debilitating diseases that affect our pets."

PawSquad are currently recruiting veterinary surgeons who are interested in starting their own home visit practice. To find out more visit http://www.pawsquad.com/vet/jobs.

SOURCE PawSquad
The abstract, untitled gouache painting measures 22  x 32 inches with a forensic report stating, among other findings, that "the dating of the painting to the mid-twentieth century is well established as no pigments or binding media introduced in the late 1950s and 1960s have been detected. Furthermore, the artist's working materials and painting technique are illuminated." The full forensic report is available.

The painting also comes with strong provenance, having come from the estate of Jenifer Gordon (Cosgriff) and bequeathed to her half-brother, who resides in an Arizona retirement community. Gordon (Cosgriff) lived in New York and was a known, lifelong friend of Clement Greenberg, an influential visual art critic most closely associated with American Modern art of the mid-20th century, Hazel Guggenheim McKinley, a mid-20th century modern artist and sister of Peggy Guggenheim, and Jackson Pollock. In addition, she also was in possession of various notable and listed art including authenticated pieces by Kenneth Noland, Jules Olitski, Hazel Guggenheim McKinley and Cora Kelley Ward.

"Interestingly, this estate first came to our attention when we were contacted to take a look at a signed 1992 L.A. Lakers poster," said Josh Levine, owner and CEO of J. Levine Auction & Appraisal. "We ended up signing a contract to auction the contents of the estate, and that's when we found many of the paintings stored away."

One of the finds, a Kenneth Noland diamond-shaped acrylic painting titled "Replace!," caught the attention of art collectors when J. Levine auctioned it in January 2016. A phone bidder from New Jersey won the piece for $110,000 hammer price. The Olitski, Ward and McKinley sold in the same auction.

Since January 2016, Josh Levine has been on a quest to authenticate the unsigned Pollock. Describing his initial research as "maddening," Levine hired a private investigative team and a forensic expert to help him put the pieces of the puzzle together.

"Based on their work and findings, I believe this painting was one of Pollock's missing gouaches in his catalogue raisonne or from the period of 1945 to 1949," Levine said.

Levine is well aware that scholars debate about the authenticity of Pollock paintings. The Pollock-Krasner Foundation does not authenticate paintings, and there have been many high-profile disputes in the past regarding whether or not a painting was an original Pollock.

"The forensic report really just reaffirmed what I already believed to be true based on the provenance," Levine said. "I've spent hundreds of hours researching how this Pollock could end up here in Arizona, and I am confident that this is an original Pollock."

For more information, visit www.jlevines.com or call (480) 496-2212.

Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/519426/J_Levine_Auction_and_Appraisal___Jackson_Pollock_with_Josh_Levine.jpg

Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/519427/J_Levine_Auction_and_Appraisal___Jackson_Pollock.jpg

Related Links

http://www.jlevines.com



SOURCE J. Levine Auction & Appraisal
The Mekong Tourism Forum 2017, hosted by the Provincial Government of Luang Prabang, will kick off tomorrow, June 6, 2017 in UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang in Lao PDR. This year's Mekong Tourism Forum is under the theme of Prosper with Purpose.

In addition to make the destination the venue, the MTF will create an inclusive model integrating many local businesses which will play host for MTF sessions and activities. The format will offer everybody the opportunity to escape the traditional meeting room to get out and experience different venues in Luang Prabang.

The GMS Tourism Working Group of the six governments are about to announce the second 10-year Tourism Sector Strategy for the Mekong region. The strategy was developed with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This is an important milestone!

Each topical session is a critical component of the future of responsible tourism development in the region, and discussed in the strategy. The sessions aim also to engage the industry and discuss industry in an interactive way over opportunities and challenges to the GMS tourism strategy. MTF 2017 wants to even go a step further and tries to create Mekong Tourism Expert Groups on the various subject matters to continue the discussion beyond MTF 2017.

On June 6, MTF 2017 will start with Mekong Innovative Startup Tourism investor showcase and will continue with Mekong Tourism Sector Strategy Open Forum. The working day will end with Blogger Match-Up. Xishuangpanna Hotel will host MTF 2017 Welcome Reception followed by Eat, Dance & Play - A Lao Triathlon, organised by Khiri Travel.

For more information about MTF, visit this page.
NORTH READING, Massachusetts, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TraceLink Inc., the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the life sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace, today announced Automated Validation Manager (AVM)  a revolutionary web-based offering that automates the entire validation lifecycle of the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud on an ongoing basis.

Customers using the Life Sciences Cloud already benefit from the only network-tenant solution that enables them to quickly adapt to rapid change in today's continuously evolving regulatory environment. By subscribing to TraceLink AVM, customers no longer have to deploy manual, labor-intensive, paper-based validation procedures and instead are assured that their current instance of the Life Sciences Cloud is automatically validated to meet GxP compliance requirements in accordance with industry standards, such as GAMP 5. Using nothing more than a browser, TraceLink AVM customers simply login to a web portal and review any aspect of the validation lifecycle, including the validation plan, traceability matrix, test results and final validation certificates. Once validation is complete, TraceLink AVM customers will know that all required IQ, OQ, and PQ test scripts have been successfully executed in a dedicated validation environment.

"We introduced our network-tenant Life Sciences Cloud platform in 2009 as a revolutionary architecture that would enable life sciences companies in any geographic market to eliminate the risks associated with frequent technology updates resulting from continuously changing laws, data exchange requirements and trade partner demands," said Shabbir Dahod, president and CEO of TraceLink. "Automated Validation Manager is the next step in managing the complexity of computer systems validation for our customers, ensuring that they have an easy-to-use solution that removes the business and operational burdens of manual validation and keeps them continuously compliant."

TraceLink Automated Validation Manager: How It Works

As regulatory demands evolve and changes occur, life sciences companies must be able to quickly adapt their track and trace solutions in order to maintain continuous compliance and prevent disruption to product flow. Technology solutions must also evolve to keep pace with these industry changes, and life sciences companies need to validate software updates to mitigate operational risk by confirming that all new software functionality is working as intended. With the unpredictability associated with pharmaceutical supply chain compliance, companies face the challenge of managing and validating software updates more frequently  often resulting in the need for specific staff expertise and repeated labor intensive testing. Those who outsource validation because they do not have in-house expertise face high costs for consultants to manage the entire validation process for them.

TraceLink AVM removes both the in-house and outsourcing burdens of validation by automating validation testing and confirming that current TraceLink software capabilities perform as intended. The end result is a fully executed, 100% paperless package compliant with GxP compliance standards, such as GAMP 5. Every TraceLink AVM customer will benefit from:

A functional risk assessment  highlighting the GxP, business and functional impact of each TraceLink software release;

 highlighting the GxP, business and functional impact of each TraceLink software release; A validation plan  outlining the approach and methodology, related procedures and expected deliverables;

 outlining the approach and methodology, related procedures and expected deliverables; A user requirements specification document  detailing the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud functionality including requirement priority, type, and risk profile;

 detailing the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud functionality including requirement priority, type, and risk profile; Installation Qualification and Operational Qualification certificates  authenticating the installation and operational quality assurance processes executed in the validation environment;

 authenticating the installation and operational quality assurance processes executed in the validation environment; Comprehensive Performance Qualification  including hundreds of test scripts and their results;

 including hundreds of test scripts and their results; A traceability matrix  allowing users to view all requirements linked to their corresponding tests and results;

 allowing users to view all requirements linked to their corresponding tests and results; A final Certificate of Release  confirming the successful validation of the Life Sciences Cloud against GxP requirements for computer systems validation; and,

 confirming the successful validation of the Life Sciences Cloud against GxP requirements for computer systems validation; and, 24/7 real-time access to all validation resources and test results  using an interactive, searchable web-based portal.

TraceLink Automated Validation Manager is expected to be available by the third quarter of 2017 for TraceLink customers. For more information, visit http://www.tracelink.com/solutions/automated-validation.

About TraceLink

TraceLink is the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the Life Sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace. Leading businesses trust the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud to deliver complete global connectivity, visibility and traceability of pharmaceuticals from ingredient to patient. A single point and click connection to the Life Sciences Cloud creates a supply chain control tower that delivers the information, insight and collaboration needed to improve performance and reduce risk across global supply, manufacturing and distribution operations. A winner of numerous industry awards including Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 (ranked number 149 in 2016), the Amazon AWS Global Start-Up Challenge Grand Prize, and the Edison Award for Innovation in Health Management, the Life Sciences Cloud is used by businesses across the globe to meet strategic goals in ensuring global compliance, fighting drug counterfeiting, improving on-time and in-full delivery, protecting product quality and reducing operational cost.

For more information on TraceLink and our solutions, visit www.tracelink.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

TraceLink is funded by Goldman Sachs, FirstMark Capital, Volition Capital and F-Prime Capital.

Related Links

http://www.tracelink.com



SOURCE TraceLink
NESS ZIONA, Israel, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Israeli biotechnology company Kadimastem (TASE: KDST) announces a yearly budget approved by the Innovation Authority in the total amount of NIS 12 M, to accelerate the development of the company's product based on pluripotent stem cells, for the treatment of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, and reaching the start of clinical trials in Israel, planned towards the end of the year. This is an increase of more than NIS 4 M over the previous year's ALS budget. The participation of the Innovation Authority will be at a rate of around 38% of the budget.

The Company plans to begin its first trial on ALS patients towards the end of 2017, under the supervision of the Israeli Ministry of Health, following completion of the necessary preparations under the outline coordinated with the FDA. The trial will be conducted in the Department of Neurology of the Hadassah Ein-Kerem Medical Center in Ein Kerem, a world-leading center in the field of ALS. The clinical trial will enable the company to prove its innovative treatment in ALS patients.

Yossi Ben-Yossef, the company's CEO, noted: "With the final preparations for the company's clinical trial in ALS patients, we are very pleased with the significant support by the Innovation Authority for the company. The budget which was approved will help us meet our goals and move forward with the initiation of the clinical trial. The budget that was approved for the ALS program for 2017 is the largest budget the company has received for the program to date, indicating confidence in Kadimastem and in the program for the treatment of ALS."

Professor Michel Revel, the company's Chief Scientist, noted that the strong support from the Innovation Authority is a confirmation of the scientific quality of the treatment for ALS that the company is developing.

About Kadimastem

Kadimastem is a biotechnology company, operating in the field of regenerative medicine - a groundbreaking field in which the malfunctioning of organs which leads to diseases is repaired by external cells, tissues or organs. The company specializes in the development of human stem cell-based medical solutions for the treatment of diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS and Multiple Sclerosis. The company was founded in August 2009 by Professor Michel Revel and Yossi Ben Yossef, and is traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: KDST). Kadimastem employs 35 people, of which 11 are PhDs, and its 1,700m2 offices and labs are located in the Ness Ziona Science Park.

Kadimastem was founded based on patent protected technology that was developed at the Weizmann Institute of Science, in Prof. Michel Revel's laboratory. Prof. Revel, who serves as the company's Chief Scientist and director, developed Merck KGaA's blockbuster drug, Rebif for the treatment of MS (sales of around $2.4 billion sales in 2014).

Based on the company's unique platform, Kadimastem is developing two types of medical applications: A. Regenerative medicine, which repairs and replaces organs and tissue by using functioning cells differentiated from stem cells. The company focuses on transplanting healthy brain cells to support the survivability of nerve cells as cell therapy for ALS, and transplanting insulin-secreting pancreatic cells for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes; B. Drug screening platforms, which use functional human cells and tissues to discover new medicinal drugs. The company has two collaboration agreements with leading global pharmaceutical companies.

The company is headed by Yossi Ben-Yossef, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in life sciences companies. The company's chairman is Dr. Eli Opper, formerly the Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Labor and Trade, and its investors include Altshuler Shaham Investment House, foreign investors (Julien Ruggieri and Avi Meizler), and the company's founders.

Kadimastem has an extensive scientific advisory board, featuring prominent scientists and pioneers: in the embryonic stem cells field, Professor Benjamin Reubinoff and Professor Joseph Itskovich, in the neurodegenerative disease field, Professor Tamir Ben-Hur, and in the diabetes field, Professor Shimon Efrat and Professor Eddy Karnieli.

Contact:

Kadimastem

Yehuda Feinberg

+972-73-7971600

[email protected]



SOURCE Kadimastem
CHICAGO, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- InfoReach, Inc. (www.inforeachinc.com), a global provider of high-performance electronic trading technology for capital markets, announces support for nanosecond granularity in the accuracy of its products' timestamps. This new technology serves not only to meet regulatory standards such as MiFID II RTS25 but also to reach further and prepare for the future of the industry by providing exceptional functionality.

Expanding upon their previous millisecond capabilities, timestamps within the InfoReach platform can now be recorded and communicated with accuracy measured down to the microsecond or to the nanosecond. The full InfoReach product line, including the InfoReach FIX Engine, Buy-Side OEMS -- TMS, Sell-Side OEMS  TMSbd, HiFREQ Algorithmic Platforms, and InfoReach FIX Network  IFN, will have the ability to receive the appropriate level of granularity from counterparties as well as capture granular timestamps internally and route them downstream, depending on the client's needs.

New configuration for MiFID II compliance will be seamlessly integrated into existing installations as required. InfoReach is committed to ensuring proper adherence to regulatory requirements in all regions where clients trade.

The InfoReach team has again reached beyond expectations to provide for the needs of the future and preemptively meet the increasing demands of modern trading applications. InfoReach CTO Vitaly Shatsky referred to these enhancements as "necessary advancement to comply with regulatory standards in the EU and to continue providing our clients the robust functionality they have come to expect from our products."

About InfoReach

InfoReach is a provider of broker-neutral solutions for electronic, algorithmic and high-frequency trade analysis, management and execution of global equities, futures, options and forex. They deliver high-performance technology with high-touch support. InfoReach serves the buy-side and sell-side. Client solutions are tailored to accommodate current and future needs. InfoReach technology is configurable to deliver unique adaptations without adding development time and costs.

For more than 20 years, InfoReach has helped clients improve their trade execution process and performance with efficient design and support. With a streamlined workflow clients can rapidly respond to market opportunities by consolidating the trading tools, global market connectivity, and execution capabilities in a single system. Delivered with unparalleled reliability and service that is synonymous with InfoReach.

InfoReach is a privately-held company headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York and the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.inforeachinc.com.

Media Contact: Nick Halvorsen, InfoReach Inc.

312 332-7740 ext2018

[email protected]

SOURCE InfoReach, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.inforeachinc.com


MILAN, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcantara, the Italian-made luxury material, has been featured on the interiors of some of the most important new cars and concept vehicles introduced at major auto shows around the world during the 2016-2017 show season.

New cars with Alcantara interior trim debuted at a variety of international motor shows, including Shanghai, New York, Geneva, Detroit, Los Angeles and Paris.

SHANGHAI 2017

Buick was just one of many brands that featured Alcantara at the recent Shanghai Auto Show. The new Buick Encore SUV, Verano GS and Verano 2.0T all had Alcantara seating. SAIC's Roewe and Maxus brands also showcased models dressed in Alcantara. Alfa Romeo introduced its Giulia Quadrifoglio to the Chinese market with seats in black Alcantara and other car makers also made extensive use of the Italian-made material, including Audi, BMW and Porsche.

NEW YORK 2017

The debut of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon took place at the New York International Auto Show in April. The SRT Demon is an insurable hot rod with a factory warranty and enviable performance numbers that include: an 840-horsepower engine, a 0-60 time of 2.3 seconds and quarter-mile times of 9.65 seconds. Alcantara covers the front seat and steering wheel in a grip-inducing black material, Alcantara also is used on the car's door panels

GENEVA 2017

The interior of the Ferrari 812 Superfast, introduced at the Geneva International Auto Show in March, featured black perforated Alcantara Starlite material. Alcantara also covered the backrest central-and-lateral supports. Ferrari's 789-horsepower supercar promises 0-60 mph times of 2.9 seconds. The Aston Martin Rapide AMR also introduced in Geneva featured an Alcantara interior to echo a race-inspired exterior color scheme with contrasting lime-green topstitching over dark-blue Alcantara. Peugeot won the highly coveted title of European Car of the Year for its 3008 crossover, also shown in Geneva. The vehicle's contemporary interior styling featured Alcantara seating with golden-yellow topstitching in a lozenge pattern against a darker neutral background.

DETROIT 2017

The 2018 Audi Q8 Concept, a restyled plug-in hybrid version of the Q7 SUV with a 333 hp engine and 100kW electric motor, appeared at the North American International Auto Show in January. Alcantara was used extensively on its headliner, door panels and seating. Alcantara also was a defining feature on one of Lincoln's 2017 Continental Black Label luxury cars. Alcantara covers the seats and headliner of the 2017 Continental Black Label Rhapsody with a unique perforation pattern that adds style and function.

LOS ANGELES 2016

The newest entry in the U.S. luxury SUV market, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio made its world premiere in Los Angeles last November with an Alcantara headliner, dashboard, seating and black Alcantara with distinctive red stitching on the upper part of the Stelvio's steering wheel.At the Los Angeles show, Acura relied on Alcantara to dress the seats for the debut of its Precision Concept  a stand-alone cockpit featuring innovative telematics. The production version of the 2017 Acura NSX also had Alcantara seating with red stitching for visual impact. Ford Motor Company's Ford F-150 Lariat model offered Alcantara seating, putting an emphasis on Lariat's commitment to strength and style.

PARIS 2016

The BMW i3 Garage Italia CrossFade and BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade each used Alcantara on seats, touch points and interior panels at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile last October. Combining performance with luxury, the 462-horsepower Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid featured an Alcantara headliner and seating. And Porsche's Cayenne E-Hybrid also was shown with Alcantara seating surfaces. Renault attracted the attention of Paris show attendees with the Renault's Trezor Concept that featured a Parisian-styled cockpit dressed in red Alcantara.

Alcantara S.p.A. - www.alcantara.com

Founded in 1972, Alcantara represents a prime example of Italian-produced quality. As registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A. and the result of a unique, proprietary technology, Alcantara is a highly innovative material that offers an unrivalled combination of sensory, aesthetic and functional qualities. Thanks to its extraordinary versatility, Alcantara is the choice of leading brands in a number of application fields: fashion and accessories, automotive, interior design and home decor, and consumer-electronics.

SOURCE Alcantara S.p.A.

Related Links

http://www.alcantara.com


HOUSTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dean Zerbe, the National Managing Director of alliantgroup and former Senior Counsel to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released his statement on the president's proposed budget. While presidential budgets are never adopted as drafted by Congress, in his full statement Zerbe highlights their importance in signaling the administration's priorities.

"Presidential budgets are still important as they provide a clear indicator of the White House's priorities and the policies the administration is likely to pursue," said Zerbe.

Zerbe's full comments on the president's budget can be found here.

"The main takeawayis that the president will need to lean on Congress to push through his prioritiesbe it comprehensive tax reform or any of the items discussed above," said Zerbe. "In the end, the president's relationship with Congress will determine his ultimate success."

alliantgroup's mission is one of education and awarenesswe exist to help industry organizations, U.S. businesses and the CPA firms that advise them take full advantage of all federal and state tax credits, incentives and deductions available. Our government has legislated these powerful incentive programs to help businesses grow and successfully compete both in the U.S. and abroad. We are proud to have helped over 20,000 businesses claim more than $5 billion in tax incentives. alliantgroup's headquarters is in Houston, Texas, with offices across the country including New York, Boston, Chicago, Orange County, Sacramento, Orlando, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. For more information find alliantgroup on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE alliantgroup
SEATTLE, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cartooning history was made when Ann Telnaes of the Cartoonist Group won the 2017 Reuben Award to become the first female to receive both the Reuben Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartoons.

Telnaes received the Reuben Award at the 2017 convention of the National Cartoonist Society, held in Portland, Oregon, May 27, 2017. The Reuben Award is the highest award given by cartoonists to cartoonists. Telnaes received the Award for her animated and static editorial cartoons created for the Washington Post during 2016.

Ann Telnaes, first female cartoonist to win both the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartoons and Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year.

An elite group of nine male cartoonists precedes Telnaes as winners of both the Pulitzer Award and the Reuben Award. In order of their Reuben Award wins, they include Herbert Block (1956), Bill Mauldin (1961), Pat Oliphant (1968 and 1972), Jeff MacNelly (1978 and 1979), Mike Peters (1991), Jim Borgman (1993), Garry Trudeau (1995), Mike Luckovich (2005) and Michael Ramirez (2015).

In accepting the Reuben Award, Telnaes offered praise and encouragement for the work of all cartoonists. In regards to editorial cartoonists, Telnaes mentioned how proud she was of her colleagues because "while the news media did not hold Donald Trump accountable during the election, editorial cartoonists did." Speaking about all cartoonists, Telnaes observed, "A lot of you don't consider yourselves to be editorial cartoonists but there are a lot of you doing some really good social commentary. So keep it up because we need it."

Lucy Shelton Caswell, Professor Emerita and Founding Curator of The Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum commented, "What strikes me about Ann's work is not only its high standard for both content and beauty/appearance, but also that she is embracing new delivery platforms in a very forward-thinking and creative way." Caswell added, "She earned this recognition because her work exemplifies the best of traditional political cartoons as well as breaking new ground."

Telnaes won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 2001. She was the second woman to win that award. Signe Wilkinson won in 1992. Telnaes and Wilkinson are the only two women to win the Pulitzer Award.

Telnaes, a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, began her career in animation at studios in Los Angeles, London, New York, and Taipei. She transitioned to become a show designer for Walt Disney Imagineering. She shifted to editorial cartooning when she was inspired to engage in social commentary during Clarence Thomas' Supreme Court confirmation hearings. She is now a fierce advocate for freedom of speech and her editorial cartoons frequently address this plus all civil liberties and women's rights. Her drawing style is notable for its graceful lines and spot color.

Ann Telnaes' still and animated cartoons may be seen online at the Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/ann-telnaes/). Current and past print cartoons may be searched at The Cartoonist Group (http://cartoonistgroup.com/properties/template_search.php?id=62) and Telnaes' own site offers links to cartoons and more: http://www.anntelnaes.com.

Art available upon request.

Media Contact:

Sara Thaves

Cartoonist Group

[email protected]

206-284-6765

Related Images

image1.jpg

image2.jpg

image3.jpg

SOURCE Cartoonist Group
SAN FRANCISCO, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- App Annie, the most trusted mobile app data and insights company, announced its 2021 app economy forecast and new services today at its premiere event, Capptivate.

At the company's inaugural event, App Annie's SVP, Research and Analysis, Danielle Levitas, unveiled App Annie's projections that, by 2021, there will be 6.3 billion mobile users  with each user spending a total of 552 hours annually on apps. The company forecasts that annual spend per user will triple, generating a total of $6.3 trillion in the app economy.

"The app economy continues to evolve. There is massive opportunity for businesses in every industry and every market," says Danielle Levitas, SVP Research and App Annie. "But there is confusion as success metrics, applicable insights, analytics, and benchmarking capabilities vary between industry, category and mobile maturity. Clients may be left unsure what success means to their app business. We're here to help solve this challenge."

To meet client demand for education and industry best practices, CEO and co-founder Bertrand Schmitt announced two of the company's most recent initiatives: App Annie Academy and Professional Services. App Annie designed both offerings to accelerate access to insights and to help navigate a noisy market.

App Annie Academy is a step-by-step knowledge hub that provides resources for those seeking a roadmap to develop and deepen their mobile app strategy. Whether a business is building their first app, optimizing an existing portfolio of apps or at any stage in-between, the Academy will provide direction and education for app businesses on a wide range of topics including:

International app market expansion

Navigating the competitive landscape

App marketing including user acquisition and app store optimization

Monetization and brand loyalty strategies

App Annie launched its public version of The Academy upon its official unveiling at Capptivate, Monday June 5. The company plans to announce its private customer version in upcoming months.

Professional Services offers customers the following areas of support:

Industry & Advisory Analysis

Mobile App Strategy

Marketing Strategy

Customer Engagement & Loyalty

API Customer Workflow

Business Intelligence

"As every business expands into mobile apps, App Annie is evolving its programs and initiatives to help clients succeed within this intensively competitive market," said Schmitt. "These new solutions will provide faster insight to allow our clients to craft cutting-edge strategies and better scale and evolve their app businesses."

About App Annie

App Annie delivers the most trusted app data and insights for your business to succeed in the global app economy. Over 800,000 registered members rely on App Annie to better understand the app market, their businesses and the opportunities around them. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with 450 employees across 15 global offices. App Annie has received $157 million in financing, including from investors such as Sequoia Capital, Institutional Venture Partners, IDG Capital Partners, e.ventures, Greenspring Associates, and Greycroft Partners.

SOURCE App Annie

Related Links

http://www.appannie.com


ROCKVILLE, Md. and NEW YORK, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Avista Capital Partners ("Avista"), a leading private equity firm, and National Spine & Pain Centers, LLC ("NSPC" or "the Company") announced that Avista has acquired NSPC from Sentinel Capital Partners ("Sentinel").

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, NSPC is a leading management services organization serving 69 interventional pain management ("IPM") clinics across 7 states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The Company provides administrative and support services to IPM practices which offer a multitude of treatment modalities to treat all pain conditions with a primary focus on pain from spinal, musculoskeletal, and neural origins. Treatment modalities include interventional procedures such as epidural nerve blocks and facet joint injections.

Sriram Venkataraman, Partner at Avista, said, "NSPC has a long track record of success as a market leader in interventional pain management. The Company is well-positioned to continue supporting physicians who deliver high quality care to patients living with chronic pain. We look forward to working with the NSPC team and the affiliated physicians to continue serving patients."

Jim Robinson, NSPC's Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our affiliated practices are committed to meeting the needs of a growing population living with chronic pain. Avista's deep expertise and robust healthcare portfolio make them the ideal partner as we embark on the next stage of our evolution. Together, we will expand NSPC's extensive network of high-quality providers and physicians specializing in pain management to allow our services to serve more patients."

"We congratulate and thank the entire NSPC management team and physician affiliates on a fantastic partnership. Since 2011, we have meaningfully grown the business and expanded services to 69 clinics. Jim and the rest of the team should be commended for successfully executing the plan we helped establish for the business. We wish NSPC well and expect that the Company will continue to build upon their success," said Paul Murphy, Partner at Sentinel.

Moelis & Company and Houlihan Lokey acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to NSPC. Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal counsel to Avista.

About National Spine & Pain Centers

National Spine & Pain Centers is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland and provides administrative services to interventional pain management clinics focused on relieving chronic back and neck pain. Interventional pain management is a rapidly growing medical specialty whose objective is to relieve pain through advanced, minimally invasive procedures while preventing costly, invasive surgery. Such treatment provides both immediate and long-lasting pain relief and enables patients and payors to avoid more costly and invasive surgical procedures from which recovery time can be lengthy. National Spine & Pain Centers provides management services to physicians who are dedicated to providing high quality patient care in outpatient ambulatory surgical center settings. Affiliated physicians are fellowship-trained and board-certified/board-eligible pain specialists and many are nationally recognized leaders in pain management.

About Avista Capital Partners

Avista Capital Partners is a leading private equity firm with approximately $6 billion under management with offices in New York, Houston and London. Founded in 2005, Avista makes controlling or influential minority investments in growth-oriented healthcare, industrial and communications businesses. Through its team of seasoned investment professionals and industry experts, Avista seeks to partner with exceptional management teams to invest in and add value to well-positioned businesses. (www.avistacap.com)

About Sentinel Capital Partners

Sentinel Capital Partners specializes in buying and building companies at the lower end of the middle market in the United States and Canada in partnership with management. Sentinel targets aerospace and defense, business services, consumer, distribution, food and restaurants, franchising, healthcare, and industrial businesses. Sentinel invests in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate divestitures, and going-private transactions of businesses with EBITDA of up to $65 million. Sentinel also invests in special situations, including balance sheet restructurings, and operational turnarounds. (www.sentinelpartners.com)

Contacts:

For Avista:

Daniel Yunger and Kathleen Pierre

Kekst

212-521-4800

[email protected] / [email protected]

For Sentinel:

Roland Tomforde

212-232-2356

[email protected]

SOURCE Avista Capital Partners

Related Links

http://www.avistacap.com


ZACATECAS, Mexico, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimo Sabe, the fastest growing Mezcal brand in the United States, announced today it is launching a rare, limited release luxury line of Mezcal titled Coleccion de las Maravillas, with the first edition of the collection, Cinco de Noviembre, set to debut in July at Tails of the Cocktail. Cinco de Noviembre is a blend of the rarest of all agaves, sonicated, then rested in glass for 26 months. The limited edition release of 700 bottles will be offered in select cities across the U.S. and internationally, aptly priced at $511.

Crafted by Kimo Sabe's Co-Founder Ashley Kvamme and COO of Mexican Operations, Diana Rivas, Cinco de Noviembre even before launch was awarded the Agave Spirits Category's highest honor Best In Class in 2017 by the American Distilling Institute, competing against all other mezcals and tequilas.

Three and a half years in the making, Cinco de Noviembre pays homage to the rarest of agaves across the mezcal regions of Mexico. The process began with a year-long search to find the six rare varieties needed that could be harvested sustainably. The exacting process of combining flavors began with blending single and double distillations and then marrying them in a third distillation to achieve the utmost flavor accord. Finally, in a step unique to Kimo Sabe, the final distillation was harmonized by Kimo Sabe's proprietary sound wave technology and then left to rest slowly in glass for over two years. The result is exotic tropical notes in perfect harmony with aromas of cacao and spice complemented by notes of vanilla, cinnamon, toasted almond and sweet cooked agave.

Maravilla, which is Spanish for "Wonder" serves as the inspiration for the creation, with the name Cinco de Noviembre paying homage to Kvamme and Rivas mutual birth date. Coleccion de las Maravillas - inspired by co-founder Kvamme's private collection of unique mezcal expressions - will showcase a new volume each year around the holidays.

"Cinco de Noviembre was made by Ashley and me to pay homage to the incredible heights a varietal agave spirit can achieve. We are honored to share the first volume of Coleccion de las Maravillas with the world," said Diana Rivas.

These limited editions, rare releases will continue to highlight Kvamme's passion and innovative drive to push the boundaries for sophisticated and intriguing mezcal tastes.

"At Kimo Sabe, we are proud to make mezcals with a complexity that is unmatched. We are dedicated to looking for groundbreaking techniques to create authentic yet unexpected mezcals that celebrate the spirit in a way it deserves," said Ashley Kvamme.

ABOUT KIMO SABE MEZCAL

Kimo Sabe, the fastest growing Mezcal brand in the United States, is led by agri-business veterans and company co-founders Jim Walsh (CEO) and Ashley Walsh Kvamme (COO). Its USA headquarters are based in Pasadena, California, with its distillery and agave fields in Zacatecas, Mexico. The brand launched on May 1, 2015. It currently sells a Joven, Reposado and a luxury line of limited release Mezcals titled "Coleccion de las Maravillas." The American Distilling Institute awarded Kimo Sabe Joven its agave spirit's category top honor, "Best In Class," in 2016 and its debut luxury line offering "Cinco de Noviembre" in 2017. Kimo Sabe is currently distributed in California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Colorado, Florida and Tennessee and will soon be distributed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia.

Kimo Sabe is committed to and is funding the creation of sustainable, varietal agave ecosystems in Mexico. They partnered with the Government of Zacatecas, Mexico to launch a pro-social program that will fund the creation of 100 new agave farms supplying 1,000 new jobs in the state. In March, Kimo Sabe became the official and exclusive mezcal of the SXSW Festival. Kimo Sabe is the title sponsor for all nationally televised episodes and live stream events of CBS Sports' Poker Night in America. Ashley Walsh Kvamme was named one of the Top Women In Booze by Harper's Bazaar Magazine this past year, and one of California's top female entrepreneurs by Comerica Bank.

Contact

Brad Turell

[email protected]

818-269-3048

SOURCE Kimo Sabe Mezcal

Related Links

http://www.kimosabemezcal.com


LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 1, 2017, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter to the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure to force mandatory disclosure of litigation finance. In submitting the letter, which renews the 2014 petition to the Committee on the same subject, the Chamber proves once again that its true motives run counter to many of the lofty pro-business, pro-innovation goals that it touts. Three full years after filing the original petition, the Chamber is unable to assert any new reasons for reconsideration of its request, save for the growth of the litigation finance industry. "It is ironic that the industry growth which the Chamber identifies as justification for the renewed petition seeking mandatory disclosure of litigation finance actually proves how funding is serving a need: namely, facilitating access to an expensive legal system that otherwise only the most well-moneyed players are able to afford," said Allison Chock, Bentham IMF's Chief Investment Officer.

The contradictions in the Chamber's positions on litigation finance compared with its stated objectives to promote "fair, efficient and innovative capital markets," and to fight "for the kind of financial rulemaking that protects consumers and investors, encourages reasonable risk taking, [and] doesn't constrain innovation and growth," (see https://www.uschamber.com/financial-regulation) belie its true motives. "It seems the only interests the Chamber is really trying to protect are those belonging to its big business members, who are eager to retain an advantage they typically enjoy in high-stakes commercial disputes: superior financial resources to litigate," said Ms. Chock. "Providing a level of financial parity for the parties enables disputes to be decided on their true legal merits," she continued.

Although the Chamber cites the increase in the use of litigation finance by law firms as a cause for alarm, the reality is that those law firms are, in most cases, using such financing to serve precisely those same underserved and underfunded clients  small-to-mid-size businesses and individuals  who cannot otherwise afford to pay a top-tier law firm on an hourly-fee basis to litigate their claims. "The fact of the matter is, the larger the potential damages and more complicated the case, the harder it is to win. Commercial litigation finance allows all plaintiffs with strong, meritorious claims access to the tools necessary to hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions in court," Ms. Chock added. "What we're seeing in the Chamber's latest petition is prioritization of big-business interests and an attempt to protect the Chamber's largest and most profitable members from legal accountability under the guise of protecting the public from 'third parties interested solely in profit.'"

The Chamber's proposed rule is also unfairly one-sided. If a plaintiff must disclose the terms, amount, and source of its financial backing for its lawsuit, a truly balanced approach would require defendants to make similar disclosures, including how much they can or intend to spend on the case, their own legal departments' annual internal and external counsel budgets, their law firms' projected budgets for the case, hourly billing rates, and the like. "Upon looking more closely at the Chamber's petition, it becomes clear that a proposed rule change requiring mandatory disclosure of litigation finance should, once again, be rejected by the Committee," said Ms. Chock.

ABOUT BENTHAM IMF

Bentham IMF is the U.S. arm of publicly listed IMF Bentham Limited (ASX: IMF), one of the most successful litigation funding companies in the world, with a portfolio that has a total claim size value of $3.3 billion AUD. Together, our companies have 11 offices throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada and Asia and provide funding to clients in jurisdictions including the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. We have reviewed thousands of commercial cases in the past 16 years, funding to completion more than 157 cases and generating over $2 billion AUD in recoveries. We have achieved a 90% success rate, with clients utilizing our funding retaining an average of 63% of all case proceeds.

Contact: Allan Ripp 212-262-7477 [email protected]

Gretchen Lyn Koehler, Chief Marketing Officer | 212-488-5331 | [email protected]

SOURCE Bentham IMF

Related Links

http://www.benthamimf.com


The International Convention Center in Jerusalem hosted a colorful Korean festival of thousands of Christian believers from South Korea who belong to non-profit Organization working for Peace and Jerusalem (KCSJ).

The believers came to visit Israel and to participate in events marking the 50th anniversary of the liberation of eastern part of Jerusalem and its unification with western side of the city under Jewish sovereignty.

The Korean Festival "SHALOM Jerusalem" included: folklore dancing in colorful costumes, traditional performances, experiential workshops, Hebrew poetry with Korean subtitles and more.

The International Convention Center in Jerusalem, the largest and leading convention center in Israel, hosts dozens of international festivals, medical and scientific conferences every year. Recently hosted are the largest conference of the venture capital fund "OURCROWD", the prestigious international conference for bloggers in the tourism field "TBEX", the Dermatologists Association annual conference and more.

Recently, the European magazine "Business Destinations" announced the International Convention Center in Jerusalem as one of the 10 most successful congress centers in the world for year 2017.
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blinded American Veterans Foundation (BAVF), at its 32nd annual Congressional Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, will present its George "Buck" Gillispie Award for Meritorious Service to U.S. Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Brent Wenstrup (R-OH). The ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. in Room 334 of the Cannon House Office Building.

"We're honored to recognize Representatives Moulton and Wenstrup for their steadfast support of veterans' rights and services," said BAVF President John Fales of Silver Spring, MD. "These national leaders continually stand up for millions of women and men who have served or are now serving our country, and for their families. The entire veterans' community joins us in applauding these heroes for their friendship, trust, and constant devotion to veteran's issues."

The BAVF will also present its Carlton Sherwood Media Award to Michael Jernigan, a writer and motivational speaker, and Chris Plante, host of the Chris Plante Show on WMAL Radio. The Foundation's George W. Alexander Memorial Volunteer Award will be presented to Gale Watson, National Program Director at the Veterans Health Administration, and Hal Koster, Executive Director of the Aleethia Foundation. The Foundation's Corporate Award will be presented to Anthony Morella, J.D. Master of Ceremonies is the Hon. Connie Morella, former Member of Congress.

The annual awards ceremony follows the Foundation's annual Flag Day Picnic on June 11. This patriotic gala attracts political figures, area civic leaders, veterans' service organization representatives, and the BAVF "family" of disabled and visually impaired veterans. Flags that were flown over the U.S. Capitol will be presented to many guests. As always, the picnic's famous hot dogs will be prepared and served by the gregarious Chef Lakis, a longtime Washington, D.C. fixture who has retired from his cart at the corner of 18th and K Streets, N.W.

Both events are part of the Foundation's annual Flag Week activities.

The Blinded American Veterans Foundation assists blinded and sensory-disabled veterans in attaining their full potential through research, rehabilitation, and re-employment. It offers employment networking and rehabilitation and resource counseling, and provides funding for rehabilitation centers. Other programs include a speaker's bureau, placement services, and a compilation of related statistics. It also conducts research, educational, and charitable programs. This valuable service is performed strictly with volunteers and no paid staff.

SOURCE Blinded American Veterans Foundation

Related Links

http://www.bavf.org


"Bridgepoint Education and our academic institutions are proud to recognize and celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of our nation's servicemen and servicewomen," said Bridgepoint CEO Andrew Clark. "Our celebration of military appreciation month embraced all of our military-affiliated staff and faculty, including those who have served our country, military spouses and children, and our employees who provide dedicated support to military and veteran students each and every day."

On Wednesday, May 10, Ashford staff presented a military roadshow at its San Diego, Calif. and Clinton, Iowa locations. Attendees were invited to learn more about the unique services Ashford provides its military and veteran students, in addition to meeting members of Ashford's military team who service the institution's military student population.

RED shirt Friday was observed on Friday, May 12. Bridgepoint, Ashford, and Rockies employees showed their support by wearing red shirts to remind others of our military servicemen and servicewomen who are currently deployed overseas.

On Tuesday, May 23, Ashford's student veteran access and wellness counselor, Ashley Kirwan, presented a military-focused CETL session on post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and military suicide. During the presentation, Kirwan shared relevant information to help identify and understand the challenges military service members can experience, and the research that exists on the presented topics.

The month-long celebration wrapped up with a military appreciation open house held Tuesday, May 30, at Ashford's Clinton, San Diego, and Denver, Colo. locations. The event, hosted by Ashford's military and veterans taskforce team, provided additional insight into Ashford's commitment to the military and highlighted the institution's 2017-2018 Plan of Action that will help support its military-affiliated employees.

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) harnesses the latest technology to reimagine the modern student experience. Bridgepoint owns two academic institutions  Ashford University and University of the Rockies. Together, these programs, technologies, and resources represent a unique model for advancing education in the 21st century. Bridgepoint stands for greater access, social learning, and exposure to leading minds. For more information, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com, www.facebook.com/BridgepointEducation, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 858.668.2586 x11636.

About Ashford University

Where heritage meets innovation  that's Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor's, and master's degree programs online, allowing students to balance life by providing the flexibility to do school work anywhere, anytime. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 858.513.9240 x11636.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a leading graduate school of the social and behavioral sciences that offers programs for students seeking their PhD, PsyD, or Master of Arts degree. Based in Denver, Colo., the University provides students with the convenience of an online education. While working toward a degree from anywhere in the country, students enjoy access to industry professionals, research, and publishing opportunities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu/, www.twitter.com/URockies, www.facebook.com/UniversityoftheRockies, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 866.621.0124 x11636.

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.bridgepointeducation.com


BOSTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Burns & Levinson announced today that Sean Coffey and Richard Kanoff, partners in the firm's Energy & Clean-Tech group, have been named to the "Energy & Environmental Trailblazers" list by The National Law Journal (NLJ). According to NLJ, each of the attorneys recognized have "shown a deep passion and perseverance in pursuit of their mission, having achieved remarkable successes along the way."

Sean Coffey heads Burns & Levinson's Providence office. For more than 20 years, he has led the development of public-private partnerships to assist state and local governments to build new and upgraded water and wastewater plants, specialized higher education facilities, public and charter schools, and transportation and energy facilities. Coffey served the former Rhode Island Department of Natural Resources as staff counsel and assisted in the development of legislation creating the Department of Environmental Management where he served as legal counsel and chief legal counsel from 1977 to 1983. He served as a Rhode Island State Senator from Providence's Second District from 1985 to 1991. The NLJ noted his "cooperative approach to assisting different constituencies and government agencies. "Coffey's energy practice also involves assisting private investors in gaining permits for hydroelectric projects, and NLJ singled out his representation of "the major investors in the Deepwater Wind Projectthe first ever offshore wind project in the United States." He received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law and his B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University.

Richard Kanoff has devoted his career to helping private and public clients understand and navigate the often complex world of energy, climate change, innovation and technology. As chair of Burns & Levinson's Energy and Clean-Tech group, Kanoff works with a diverse group of emerging and established private and public companies, startups, non-profits, individuals, and municipalities and focuses on renewable energy and clean technology law, regulatory policy and litigation including permitting, siting, finance, regulatory compliance, project development and transactional matters. The NLJ noted Kanoff's involvement in opposing the Tennessee Pipeline Northeast, which was "canceled largely because of opposition of cities and states providing evidence that the project was too costly and unnecessary." Another win in ongoing litigation against Tennessee Pipeline in the First Circuit Court of Appeals set new national precedent. Kanoff received his J.D., cum laude, from George Washington University and his B.A. from Lafayette College.

About Burns & Levinson LLP

At Burns & Levinson, we provide high-level, client-centric and results-oriented legal services to our regional, national and international clients. We are a full-service law firm with over 125 lawyers in Boston, Providence and other regional offices. Our areas of expertise include: business/finance, business litigation, divorce/family law, venture capital/emerging companies, employment, estate planning, government investigations, intellectual property, M&A/private equity, probate/trust litigation, and real estate. We partner with our clients to solve their business and personal legal issues in a collaborative, creative, and cost-effective way. For more information, visit Burns & Levinson at www.burnslev.com.

Contact:



Amy Blumenthal Kristen Weller

Blumenthal & Associates Director of Marketing & Communications

617.879.1511 617.345.3555

[email protected] [email protected]



SOURCE Burns & Levinson

Related Links

https://www.burnslev.com


IRVING, Texas, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences, a leading innovator in molecular science focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine, today announced results of a molecular profiling analysis to identify the frequency of Homologous Recombination Deficiencies (HRD) from approximately 53,000 tumors. The results demonstrated the utility of the company's proprietary Caris Molecular Intelligence Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Plus (CGP+) platform for use in personalized medicine and drug discovery and development. The study is being presented at an oral abstract session today at the 2017 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Homologous recombination (HR) is an intracellular process to accurately repair double-stranded DNA breaks, which can cause cell death if not repaired by the cell. Deficiencies in HR can result in incomplete or incorrect recombination that may lead to tumorigenesis. Breast and ovarian cancers are known to have a high frequency of HRDs; the more well-known gene mutations, BRCA1/2, increase the risk of malignancy by this process. Drug developers try to exploit these mutations by further inhibiting deficient HR and causing cell death. Drugs that work by this process include PARP inhibitors, a class of drug recently approved based on their success in ovarian cancer.

The study's objective was to investigate the prevalence of HR gene mutations in a wide variety of tumor types in order to identify other lineages that may be targeted with these new agents. More than 53,000 tumor samples from bladder, breast, ovarian, pancreas, prostate, colorectal, lung and many others cancer types were analyzed by Caris Life Sciences. Caris Molecular Intelligence's CGP+ approach assesses DNA, RNA and proteins to create a molecular profile of the tumor. This profile has utility in individualizing a patient's treatment regimen, as well as being a tool to improve drug discovery and development. This study evaluated the mutation prevalence of more than 15 HR genes in each of the tumor biopsy samples.

"Deficiencies in HR are a therapeutic target for breast and ovarian cancers, particularly patients with germline as well as somatic BRCA1/2 mutations," said Arielle L. Heeke, M.D., a clinical fellow at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and lead author of the study. "However, we know that other gene mutations play a role in HRD and that they can occur in other tumor types. Results of this study provide the evidence that many genetic mutations are involved in a wide range of tumor types. Caris' tumor profiling platform enabled us to accurately identify the frequency of different mutations and which tumor types are most commonly impacted. These data hopefully will provide a pathway to development of additional agents to treat these cancers that have the potential to result in improved and more individualized treatment of our patients."

The study determined that HR gene mutations were quite common, found in 13.0% of the 53,619 tumor samples evaluated. The study also determined that the mutations were found in a wide range of tumor lineages, the most common being ovarian (14.1%), bladder (9.7%), breast (8.0%), endometrial (7.4%), prostate (7.1%), and pancreas (6.5%). The most common HR gene mutations were PTEN (5.8%), BRCA2 (2.8%), BRCA1 (2.6%), ATM (1.2%) and PALB2 (0.5%). The authors concluded that the results suggest HRD is a common genetic abnormality amongst all cancers, and that determining a patient's somatic genetic DNA repair landscape may assist clinicians in identifying individualized and beneficial treatment strategies.

"The substantial number of HRD-related mutations and the wide variety of tumor types in which they can be found require an accurate and sensitive platform to identify the mutations so that actionable approaches in both treatment design and drug discovery and development can be implemented," said David Spetzler, M.S., Ph.D., M.B.A., President and Chief Scientific Officer of Caris Life Sciences. "This study further validates the capabilities of our Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Plus platform in generating results of value to clinicians and drug developers."

Oral Abstract Session: Tumor Biology "Prevalence of homologous recombination deficiency among all tumor types" presented by Arielle L. Heeke, MD, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Abstract 1502. Monday, June 5, 8:24  8:36 a.m. CDT, Rm. S404

About Caris Life Sciences

Caris Life Sciences is a leading innovator in molecular science focused on fulfilling the promise of precision medicine through quality and innovation. Caris Molecular Intelligence, the company's Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Plus (CGP+) molecular testing service and the world's leading immunotherapy diagnostic expert, assesses DNA, RNA and proteins, including microsatellite instability (MSI), total mutational load (TML) and PD-L1, to reveal a molecular blueprint to guide more precise and personalized treatment decisions. The ADAPT Biotargeting System, the company's revolutionary and unbiased profiling platform, is currently being utilized for drug target identification, therapeutic discovery and development, fixed tissue-based companion diagnostics, blood-based cancer screening and biomarker identification. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris Life Sciences offers services throughout the U.S., Europe and other international markets. To learn more, please visit www.CarisLifeSciences.com.

Media Inquiries:

The Ruth Group

Kirsten Thomas / Joanna Zimmerman

[email protected] / [email protected]

Tel: +1-508-280-6592 / +1-646-536-7006



Caris Life Sciences Media Relations & Corporate Affairs

[email protected]

214-294-5606

SOURCE Caris Life Sciences

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PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Castle Creek Pharmaceuticals (CCP), a global company dedicated to delivering transformative therapies to patients with orphan dermatologic and other underserved conditions, today announced the first patient has enrolled in the company's Phase 2/3 DELIVERS clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of diacerein 1% ointment (CCP-020) for the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS).

"Currently there are no treatment options that target the underlying cause of EBS, the most common form of a family of rare conditions leading to extremely fragile skin," said Amy Paller, MD, director of the Northwestern University Skin Disease Research Center and lead investigator on the DELIVERS study. "The topical formulation of diacerein 1% that we are investigating is potentially disease-modifying, which would represent an important advance in treatment for patients."

EBS is believed to be caused by mutations in genes that support development of the tough, fibrous proteins that glue layers of the skin together. People living with EBS produce abnormal proteins or no proteins at all, resulting in mild to severe blistering, skin erosion and peeling of the epidermis layers in response to minor injury or friction. Damaged skin associated with EBS can lead to widespread health problems including limited mobility, trauma to internal organs, and dehydration. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates EBS affects one in 30,000 to 50,000 people.

"Generalized EBS can be quite debilitating from infancy into adulthood because many patients experience open, blistering wounds that need frequent bandage changes and present a risk of infection," said Brett Kopelan, executive director of the nonprofit organization debra of America. "There is no treatment or cure. Pain management, wound care, and protective bandaging are the only treatment options. Supportive care, often by multiple providers including physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and psychological counselors, is all these patients have available right now. We are excited that Castle Creek is addressing EBS, which is the most common type of epidermolysis bullosa but is often the most underserved in terms of research into a treatment. We look forward to working hand-in-hand to educate the population about this trial."

CCP-020 is engineered to block an important inflammatory signaling pathway associated with EBS, which could strengthen epidermal tissue and support healing. In a previously completed Phase 2 clinical trial that included 17 patients with EBS, patients treated with CCP-020 showed an average 60 percent reduction in blistering after four weeks.

"At Castle Creek we are focused on addressing complex health problems that often affect smaller, underserved and highly specialized patient communities," said Greg Licholai, MD, president and chief scientific officer at Castle Creek Pharmaceuticals. "As we continue the development of CCP-020, we have an opportunity to fulfill our mission with a new treatment option for people living with EBS and the potential to significantly improve standard of care and patient health and quality of life."

The randomized, double-blind, parallel group DELIVERS study is designed to enroll about 80 participants who have a clinical and laboratory confirmed diagnosis of EBS at research sites in the U.S., Europe, Israel and Australia. Researchers will compare the safety and efficacy of CCP-020 to a control ointment when applied once-daily for eight weeks. Participants will report outcomes including pruritus, pain, and mobility week-to-week using an electronic diary.

"Many EBS patients are children who face an uphill battle knowing they might be in for a lifetime of frequent bandage changes and painful sores and blistering," said John Browning, MD, chief of dermatology at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio and DELIVERS study investigator. "As a focal point for a network of pediatric services in our community, we are pleased to participate in this study and look forward to advancing research that could lead to a new treatment option and a more positive outlook for these children in the years ahead."

For more information about the CCP-020 clinical trial, see the study listing at ClinicalTrials.gov or visit http://deliversebs.com/.

About Castle Creek Pharmaceuticals

Castle Creek Pharmaceuticals (CCP) is a privately held biopharmaceutical company with a robust and diversified pipeline of late-stage products. The company business strategy is based on a demonstrated ability to identify and advance therapies backed by strong science with the potential to represent significant advances in the treatment of debilitating dermatologic and head and neck conditions with high unmet needs. CCP is working with TWi Biotechnology, Inc. based in Taipei, Taiwan for manufacture and development of CCP-020. For more information, please visit www.castlecreekpharma.com .

Media contact:

Adam Daley

Berry & Company Public Relations

212-253-8881

[email protected]

SOURCE Castle Creek Pharmaceuticals

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NINGBO, China, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 3rd China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo (China-CEEC Expo) will be held in Ningbo, Zhejiang province from June 8 to 12, along with the 19th China Zhejiang Investment & Trade Symposium and the 16th China International Consumer Goods Fair.

The first comprehensive exposition themed on investment and trade between China and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries, the China-CEEC Expo is jointly organized by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Zhejiang provincial government.

Aiming at promoting cooperation and mutual benefits to China and 16 CEE countries, the expo will offer 15 activities including conferences, forums, exhibitions and cultural exchanges with more than 3,000 items on display, 80 percent more than at the last expo, according to Zhang Wenhu of the organizing committee.

So far, more than 240 foreign enterprises from Estonia, Latvia, Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries have applied for nearly 300 booths.

The expo has great significance for its leading role in boosting bilateral trade between China and CEE countries, which are important components of the Belt and Road.

There are several reasons why the China-CEEC Expo has landed in Ningbo.

Ningbo, a coastal city in East China, is regarded as the first choice for CEE countries to transport goods to China because of its superior port resources and open economy.

The economic and trade cooperation between Ningbo and CEE countries is a solid foundation for the expo. In 2016, Ningbo's exports to these countries and imports from them reached $2.37 billion and as of the end of the year there were 120 bilateral investment projects, near the top of the list for China.

Ningbo has established friendly cultural, educational and tourism relations with CEE countries. In 2015, there were over 200 CEE international students studying in Ningbo. During the same year, a total of 80 tour groups of 2,125 local people visited CEE countries. Ningbo has expanded its circle of friends by becoming a sister city to 20 CEE counterparts.

The last two China-CEEC expos in 2015 and 2016 brought Ningbo a series of agreements in different sectors. The city gained experience in improving its international competitiveness, boosting the efficiency of foreign trade and innovating new ways for Ningbo products to reach external markets. The expos made Ningbo's international cooperation with other countries more extensive and established.

Ningbo looks forward to expanding bilateral trade and investment, and seeks deeper cooperation in industrial productivity between China as a whole and CEE countries at this year's expo. With its growing confidence the port city expects to attract world attention and show its charms and advantages to international participants.

Image Attachments Links:

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SOURCE China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Citcon the integrated cross-border payment and marketing platform, China Luxury Advisors (CLA) a strategic consultancy dedicated to connecting the world's leading brands, institutions and destinations to the global Chinese consumers, and The Momentum Group (TMG) a WeChat Marketing Agency, today announced a strategic partnership to enable brands in North America to accept WeChat Pay and Alipay.

WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most popular and convenient payment options for Chinese consumers to purchase goods and services in Chinese Yuan, and merchants to be settled in US Dollars directly by Citcon. Adding these payment options allows brands to now tap into an even larger revenue stream from Chinese consumers who are the largest spenders, and the fastest growing traveler segment to the North America. The Citcon solution enables brands to optimize revenue growth without the costs and hassles of establishing a business entity in China.

WeChat Pay is a fully integrated payment solution within WeChat, the world's most popular mobile social communications service with 936 million active users and Alipay is a super lifestyle app run by Ant Financial Services Group with more than 450 million active users. Together these platforms jointly account for 90% of China's mobile payment market share. Both super apps allow users to book a trip, hail a taxi, order food, book hotels, purchase tickets, manage investments, perform transactions on e-commerce websites and more to create a cashless society.

"Chinese arrivals into the United States are expected to grow by 121 percent by 2020 to reach more than 5 million travelers, making it the third largest international market and the largest overseas market for the United States. Chinese travelers are already the highest spending international tourists in the United States  having spent more than $27 billion in the United States in 2015, and this number is expected to continue to grow rapidly. This tremendous growth brings new possibilities for American retailers and destinations to continue to grow their share of visitation and spending from Chinese tourists. Ensuring that your destination is China-Ready and China-Smart will accelerate this development and expand your opportunity. Payment assurances and acceptance of locally trusted and preferred Chinese providers are one of the top ways for retailers and destinations alike to capture this growing market," said Renee Hartmann, Co-Founder of CLA, "The Citcon platform is seamless to the merchant and provides endless opportunities for revenue growth. We are excited to now be able to offer this service to our clients."

"TMG is committed to helping our clients continue to engage the outbound Chinese tourists in meaningful ways and convert them into customers. The best way to do this is to enable WeChat Pay for our clients," says Jeff Fish, Head of Client Strategy at TMG. "TMG and Citcon have already successfully launched the first WeChat Mini Program in the United States together, enabling mobile commerce for DFS and plan on strategically engaging all current and future clients together as an end-to-end solution."

As the authorized payment partner of both WeChat Pay and Alipay, in addition to major credit cards such as UnionPay, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express, Citcon is a onestop shop for merchants to connect with Chinese consumers and accept payments anywhere. Citcon's stand-alone mobile point-of-sale (mPOS), easy-to-integrate API and software products empower merchants to optimize growth both online and offline, with an easy and affordable rate compared to credit card processing. In addition to the convenient payment solutions, merchants will also be able to gain in-depth consumer behavior insights, manage business performance, run marketing campaigns, guides users to merchants stores while saving their shopping preferences for future visits and manage lifetime customer loyalty programs.

"Our partnership with CLA and TMG makes targeting and growing business with Chinese consumers easier than ever for brands in North America," said Chuck Huang, Founder and CEO of Citcon. "China is changing rapidly. Mobile payment is the new frontier of commerce and China is leading this trend. By providing an integrated and easy-to-use payment solution, Citcon is creating a future that takes payment and marketing to the next level, empowering global merchants to drive business growth with millions of Chinese consumers."

About Citcon

With headquarters in Silicon Valley, Citcon is an integrated cross-border payment and marketing platform that connects global merchants with Chinese consumers. As the first authorized payment partner of WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay in North America, in addition to major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, Citcon brings mobile payment to the next level. With our extensive experience and deep expertise in Chinese outbound tourism market, mobile payment, cross-border ecommerce and cross-border marketing, Citcon is the one-stop solution for global businesses to reach millions of Chinese tourists and domestic consumers. Citcon's founding team comes from Visa, PayPal, eBay, Uber, Groupon and Yelp. Citcon is backed by leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms and received strategic investments from leading technology and financial service companies in China. For more information, please go to www.citcon-inc.com

About China Luxury Advisors (CLA)

China Luxury Advisors (CLA) is strategic consultancy dedicated to connecting the world's leading brands and destinations to the global Chinese consumer. CLA specializes in designing unique marketing programs for luxury brands, institutions, tourism associations and destinations that attract and connect the global Chinese demographic to deliver stakeholder value. CLA offers a full suite of services for clients including brand strategy, market entry, research and insights, media planning, digital and technology platforms, travel trade outreach, merchandising and loyalty programs.

CLA has advised organizations such as Brand USA, Visit California, The Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, Bergdorf Goodman, El Corte Ingles, Taubman Centers, Briggs & Riley, Cedars-Sinai, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Warner Bros Studios and many others on strategies to attract, convert and retain global Chinese consumers.

CLA has operations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Beijing and Paris. Visit www.chinaluxuryadvisors.com for more information.

About The Momentum Group: The Momentum Group is a WeChat Marketing Agency that is redefining how global brands connect with customers on WeChat.

WeChatify is the WeChat marketing platform created by TMG and is used by some of the top brands in retail, hospitality and tourism like Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, The Met, Saks 5th Ave, Tanger Outlets and many more.

Evelyn Yang Renee Hartman Jeff Fish Citcon China Luxury Advisors The Momentum Group +1 408 656 2536 +1 415 827 7187 +1 646 503 1171 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Citcon

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CloudGenera, the industry's best-in-class independent cloud decision engine, today announced its new CloudAssist and CloudAssist Mobile products, designed to allow enterprises to visualize the impact of the cloud on their business in real time for better IT decision making. CloudAssist makes IT analysis actionable by visually presenting quantitative and qualitative data on available private, hybrid and public cloud solutions in an agnostic, unbiased manner.

"The decision-making processes associated with cloud computing are known to be cumbersome and complex, but they don't need to be that way," said Brian Kelly, CEO of CloudGenera. "Simplification in the form of automation and visualization is possible through CloudAssist and CloudAssist Mobile so that enterprises can easily compare cloud options and make the best choice without being susceptible to costly and error-prone manual evaluation methods."

CloudGenera automatically pulls data from public cloud service providers and maintains reference architectures for common private cloud deployment models to stay current on what the market can offer. This quantitative data is continually quality assured and supplemented with market research that layers in qualitative data that is often missed by other manual and automated methods for workload placement. This reduces cloud decision making time for customers by 75 percent compared to previous evaluation methods.

CloudAssist customers can start with more than 30 different common use cases, or create their own use cases, while evaluating Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM and hyperconverged execution venues for their application needs. Following the input of the enterprise's user demographics, service level, security concerns and application design in CloudAssist, CloudGenera's patented CloudRank algorithm powers an unrivaled search engine for cloud decisioning, matching a range of private, hybrid and public cloud solutions to individual customer needs.

CloudAssist then provides visual access to large amounts of cloud data in the form of scorecards  easily digestible, clean, graphic formats that can be quickly interpreted and easily shared. The scorecards display an overall CloudRank score to show compatibility with the top three cloud solutions that align with customer needs, as well as rankings for service level, security and technology for each matching cloud solution. The scorecards also provide financial analysis by showing the cost to run on the recommended provider versus the cost to run on the model a customer currently uses. Users can then go beyond the scorecard to access details of the configuration of services from the provider that meets their needs, as well as costs associated with the services.

CloudAssist's agnostic approach, coupled with visual representation of results, yields valuable benefits for customers.

"Unlike virtualization where a workload or VM moves from physical to virtual end state, cloud is an operating model that is evaluated daily with changes that a traditional spreadsheet cannot update in real time," says Chief Revenue Officer Jason C. McKinney. "The CloudRank score is helping suppliers and enterprises visualize transformation for their application portfolio. Users of CloudGenera are the trusted advisors for workload placement."

"In our strategic conversations with CFOs, CIOs and CTOs it's clear that most need a mix of public and private cloud," said Jack Margossian, president and CEO of Comport Consulting Corporation and an HPE Platinum Partner. "CloudGenera is the roadmap to understand the economics for each workload, across various vendor and cloud scenarios. Our team finds that customers are grateful to have hard data and up-to-the-minute comparisons to make these important decisions."

Considered a starting point for unbiased cloud decisioning, the new CloudAssist Mobile features pre-built use cases that can be tailored to users' business needs. The entire process can be completed in less than five minutes, and upon completion, users have the option to send a detailed report with specific information about how to deploy a specific use case in the selected execution venue to their email address. CloudAssist Mobile employs a guided, step-by-step experience to deliver scorecards and cloud rankings on service level, security, technology and total cost of ownership. CloudAssist Mobile is downloadable on Android and iOS devices.

To learn more about CloudAssist and CloudAssist Mobile and to sign up, please visit www.cloudgenera.com/subscribe.

About CloudGenera

CloudGenera is the industry's best-in-class independent cloud decision engine, providing vendor agnostic IT analysis that allows organizations to choose the cloud solution that truly fits their needs. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, CloudGenera offers highly visual software that automates cloud decisioning for a clear view of available private, hybrid and public cloud solutions, eliminating costly and error-prone manual cloud evaluation methods and speeding enterprise time to digital transformation. With CloudGenera, some of the world's largest resellers have transformed and extended their businesses into cloud brokerage. For more information, please visit www.cloudgenera.com.

Media Contact:

Katherine Hyman

McGrath/Power Public Relations for CloudGenera

408-727-0351

[email protected]

SOURCE CloudGenera

Related Links

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BRENTWOOD, Tenn., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Confirmation.com, the leading provider of online audit confirmations, announced today the expansion of its global sales team with three new managers across Europe and South America.

Joining the Confirmation.com sales team to support its global growth are Khalid Ramdani as Regional Account Manager for France, Fernando Lopez-Fando as Regional Account Manager for Spain, and Felipe Lima as Director South American Sales.

"Fernando and Khalid both come to Confirmation.com with a deep understanding of the accounting and banking industries. Each member of our sales team is responsible for ensuring Confirmation.com continues to grow in their respective region, capitalizing on the growing global demand for our online audit confirmation solution," explained Dave Malone, president of Confirmation.com International.

Confirmation.com strives to attract top talent from the sales, banking, and accounting industries to further strengthen its position as the leading provider for online audit confirmations around the world.

"We are encouraged with the existing growth and future opportunity across South America. Felipe fills a key role within our organization and will continue to aggressively add account managers across South America allowing team members to better serve our growing list of clients," explained Mark Portanova, vice president sales for the Americas.

"With a growing global presence, it was apparent we needed to hire additional team members to support the ongoing demand of international accounting firms, banks, and law firms. We're excited to continue expanding our sales team with these talented and proven individuals," said Chris Schellhorn, CEO of Confirmation.com.

To learn more, visit www.confirmation.com.

About Confirmation.com

Confirmation.com is the world's leading provider of secure online audit confirmations. Today, 14,000 audit firms confirm over $1 trillion annually for 400,000 clients worldwide. Confirmation.com is used in over 160 countries by banks, companies, and law firms to respond to audit confirmation requests. Confirmation.com has offices in Europe, India, Japan, and North America, and reseller partners Confirmations Asia Pacific covering the Asia Pacific region, CQS Technology Holdings covering Sub-Saharan Africa, and Global International Management, LLC in the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname. For more information, visit Confirmation.com.

SOURCE Confirmation.com

Related Links

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WEST OLIVE, Mich., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy today announced a local resurgence in a once nearly extinct population of peregrine falcons. Two decades of work by Consumers' employees has contributed to more than 80 chicks hatched at two West Michigan locations.

Friday, company employees and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources banded one chick atop the J.H. Campbell Generating Complex. Including this year's young, it is estimated that about 40 falcons have been hatched at the Campbell site since 2004. Since 1995, a nesting box has been atop the plant's Unit 1&2 emissions stack, about 200 feet above ground.

"As one of the state's largest landowners, we take great pride in enhancing and protecting Michigan's environment for future generations," said John Broschak, Consumers Energy's vice president of generation operations. "Our role in improving the peregrine falcon population is a great example of this commitment."

The chick received two sets of bands from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The bands have a unique serial number and color to indicate the year they were banded and the bird's gender. They also help track their flight and migration patterns. According to the DNR, falcons hatched in West Michigan have been spotted as far away as Marquette, Mich.; Chicago and Indianapolis.

While the number of peregrines in Michigan is increasing, they remain a threatened species at the federal level and an endangered species at the state level. In part because of the pesticide DDT, peregrines became highly endangered in the 1950s and '60s. The U.S. banned the use of DDT in the early 1970s.

In addition to the Campbell site, Consumers Energy successfully hatched more than 45 peregrine falcons at the now-closed B.C. Cobb Generating Plant in Muskegon from 2003 to 2015. In early 2016, employee volunteers and the DNR worked to relocate two nesting boxes to a nearby lakefront hotel. There has been no observed nesting activity there this spring.

"We appreciate companies like Consumers Energy who are committed to enhancing and protecting wildlife on their land," said Nik Kalejs, a senior wildlife biologist with the DNR. "Their employees have been terrific to work with over the years in monitoring peregrine activity."

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/consumersenergy

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/consumersenergy

SOURCE Consumers Energy

Related Links

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CINCINNATI, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cincinnati location of Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group, a brand of Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. (NYSE: DPLO), has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2017 honor by the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Results are based on an employee survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a research firm specializing in organizational health and workplace improvement. The survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection.

Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group Cincinnati Named Top Workplaces

"Being named a Top Workplace is a remarkable triumph for our dedicated team members, who all play a pivotal role in our continued success," said Phil Rielly, Diplomat vice president and president of Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group. "This achievement reflects Diplomat's commitment to our employees and upholding a culture that values open communication, personal development, and respect while achieving results."

To learn more about Diplomat's career opportunities, visit diplomat.is/careers.

Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group launched in 2016 to unite certain Diplomat subsidiaries including BioRx, LLC, a Cincinnati-based company founded in 2004. Diplomat delivers treatments nationwide while offering customized programs to keep care personal.

BioRx was also named a Top Workplace in 2014 and 2015.

To learn more about Diplomat's specialty infusion services, visit diplomat.is/specialtyinfusion.

About Diplomat

Diplomat (NYSE: DPLO) is the nation's largest independent provider of specialty pharmacy serviceshelping patients and providers in all 50 states. The company offers medication management programs for people with complex chronic diseases and delivers unique solutions for manufacturers, hospitals, payors, providers, and more. Diplomat opened its doors in 1975 as a neighborhood pharmacy with one essential tenet: "Take good care of patients and the rest falls into place." Today, that tradition continuesalways focused on improving patient care and clinical adherence. For more information, visit diplomat.is.

CONTACT:

Kali Lucas, Public Relations Specialist

810.768.9580 | [email protected]

SOURCE Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.diplomat.is


JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Between 2004 and 2012, the percentage of all active-duty service members with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increased from 1 to 5, the Institute of Medicine reports. Furthermore, the report stated that in 2012, "13.5 percent of U.S. Army service members had PTSD, as did 10 percent of Marines, 4.5 percent of Navy personnel, and 4 percent of Air Force personnel. The same year, more than half a million veterans of all eras sought care for PTSD through VA (the Department of Veterans Affairs') health care servicesmaking up 9.2 percent of all VA users."

During PTSD Awareness Month in June, the National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2) wants to let service members and veterans know that they are not alone, and that help is available.

"PTSD impacts many service members, veterans and their families," says Kelly Blasko, counseling psychologist at T2. "Those in the military community who experienced a traumatic event, while deployed or in any other situation, may carry the effects of that experience with them."

Blasko said there are health technology-based resources from T2 that can help service members, veterans and their families understand and cope with PTSD.

T2's advanced health technology solutions include AfterDeployment, a website providing wellness resources for the military community; Military Kids Connect, a website that helps military children ages 6-17 build resilience and cope with challenges like a parent's PTSD; and a variety of mobile health apps for access to help anytime, anywhere.

AfterDeployment addresses the behavioral health challenges that are common in the military community  including PTSD. The program provides information that explains the issues service members and veterans may be facing, while helping the family members who support them. A range of tools  including free, anonymous and easy assessments  help users evaluate what they might be experiencing, like symptoms of PTSD. They can also check out videos of real service members and veterans sharing their stories of PTSD; a booklet of essential information on the causes and signs of PTSD and how to manage symptoms; and guidance on how and when to seek help from a health care professional.

T2's mobile apps portfolio offers additional resources for managing PTSD. Innovative and engaging mobile apps, such as Breathe2Relax, LifeArmor and Virtual Hope Box, have helped many people navigate the tough challenges of military life, addressing issues like PTSD, anxiety, sleeplessness and traumatic brain injury.

The Military Kids Connect program is the only DoD initiative developed specifically for military youth and their psychological health. The web-based resource, provides age-appropriate tools for military children, including information on how to deal with a parent who has PTSD. And a video series shows how other military kids coped with parents who experienced PTSD and how they made their relationships stronger.

"We want the military community to know that help is available, and T2's resources can be the first step to recovery," Blasko says. "Our resources can help them understand what they are going through and learn how to make things better for themselves and their loved ones, as well as knowing when to seek treatment."

To learn more about T2, AfterDeployment, Military Kids Connect and mobile apps, visit t2health.dcoe.mil, afterdeployment.dcoe.mil and militarykidsconnect.dcoe.mil. You can also follow T2 on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE National Center for Telehealth & Technology

Related Links

http://t2health.dcoe.mil


RIDGEFIELD, Conn., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boehringer Ingelheim today announced that Phase II results from LUME-Meso, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, have been presented as part of an Oral Abstract Session at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Nintedanib, an oral triple angiokinase inhibitor, demonstrated improved progression-free survival (PFS, primary endpoint) and overall survival (OS, secondary endpoint) when added to standard first-line chemotherapy of pemetrexed/cisplatin in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) compared to chemotherapy alone.

MPM is a rare thoracic cancer, representing less than 1% of all cancers, and is often related to long-term asbestos exposure. MPM patients have a poor prognosis, with less than 10% surviving for five years following diagnosis. MPM is broadly categorized by cell type, or histology, in three subtypes (epithelioid, biphasic and sarcomatoid), with epithelioid being the most common, accounting for 50%-70% of all diagnoses.

The updated Phase II PFS results from the LUME-Meso study showed nintedanib 200 mg administered twice daily, when added to standard chemotherapy, nearly halved the risk of disease progression. A 46% reduction was demonstrated, with a significant improvement in median PFS of 3.7 months (9.4 vs. 5.7 months) in the overall study population (patients with either an epithelioid or biphasic cell type) compared to placebo plus standard chemotherapy alone. In patients with an epithelioid cell type, nintedanib plus chemotherapy demonstrated a greater median PFS benefit of 4 months (9.7 vs. 5.7 months).

The primary OS analysis showed an encouraging 4.1 month improvement in the median OS for patients receiving nintedanib in addition to chemotherapy (18.3 vs. 14.2 months in placebo arm), demonstrating a positive trend in the overall population, without reaching significance. Similarly to PFS, the effect was the greatest in patients with epithelioid histology, whose median overall survival was 20.6 months compared to 15.2 months with chemotherapy alone.

The safety profile of the experimental combination with nintedanib was as expected. Neutropenia (an abnormally low level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell) was the most frequent grade 3 adverse event (nintedanib 43.2% vs. placebo 12.2%); rates of febrile neutropenia were low (2.3% vs. 0%). AEs leading to discontinuation were low, with fewer patients discontinuing treatment with nintedanib than in those patients in the placebo plus chemotherapy arm (3 patients vs. 7 patients; 6.8% vs. 17.1%). Typical adverse events observed with anti-angiogenesis compounds (e.g. hypertension, bleeding, thromboembolic event) were seen infrequently.

"The updated survival data from the LUME-Meso trial continue to demonstrate the positive effect of nintedanib in malignant pleural mesothelioma, particularly in patients with epithelioid type MPM," said Mark A. Socinski, MD, Executive Medical Director, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute. "We look forward to confirming the efficacy and safety profile of nintedanib as a potential first-line, targeted therapy for MPM in the ongoing Phase III trial."

Dr. Mehdi Shahidi, Corporate Vice President and Global Head of Oncology, Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim commented, "We are pleased to see that the addition of nintedanib to standard first-line chemotherapy may translate into meaningful improvements in patients' outcomes. MPM is a difficult-to-treat disease and these data are another encouraging step on our way to fulfilling the commitment of Boehringer Ingelheim to deliver novel therapeutic options to patients with malignant diseases."

Nintedanib is currently being studied in the LUME-Meso Phase III trial [ NCT01907100 ] and is recruiting at trial sites worldwide. Nintedanib targets the receptors of the VEGF, FGF, PGF and Src and Abl signaling, which are implicated in the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

About nintedanib

Nintedanib is an oral triple angiokinase inhibitor that simultaneously inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR 1-3), platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR 1-3) signalling pathways. These three different angiokinase receptors, which are not yet targeted by any currently available therapies, play an important role not only in angiogenesis but also in tumor growth and the development of metastases.

About Boehringer Ingelheim in Oncology

Boehringer Ingelheim's oncology research is driven by a passion to advance clinical practice and a determination to improve the lives of patients who are battling cancer. Through our own scientific innovation and partnerships, we are focused on discovering and providing novel best-in-class, breakthrough cancer medications that fit the needs of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. We have a clear strategy to become a leader in the field of lung cancer. Boehringer Ingelheim has successfully launched two products globally for NSCLC that have been widely adopted and established as valuable additions to current clinical practice. Continuous insights and learnings from research and development are key parts of innovation and our way forward to advance clinical practice in lung cancer and other cancer types.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation.

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, the company operates globally with 145 affiliates and about 50,000 employees. Since its founding in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel treatments for human and veterinary medicine.

Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to improving lives and providing valuable services and support to patients and their families. Our employees create and engage in programs that strengthen our communities. To learn more about how we make more health for more people, visit our Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

In 2016, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $17.6 billion (15.9 billion euros). R&D expenditure corresponds to 19.6 percent of its net sales.

For more information please visit https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.us , or follow us on Twitter @BoehringerUS.

Further Media Channels

www.facebook.com/BoehringerUS

www.twitter.com/boehringerus

www.youtube.com/user/BoehringerUS

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.us


SAN FRANCISCO and ATLANTA, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it will host the CSRA SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Mini Conference on Thursday, June 8 from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Legends Club in Augusta, Georgia.

At the strategic session, experts from EPIC will discuss the latest news and trends in human resources and employee benefits consulting and compliance. Chief Actuary Davin Millholland will provide insight on better ways to measure and manage your company's healthcare spend. Director of Employee Benefits Compliance Carl Pilger will discuss what impact the Trump administration is having on benefits, tax and employment compliance. HR and Benefits Technology Specialist Mimi Bush will provide an update on the HR and benefits technology landscape. Senior Benefits Consultant Jim Baker will provide a carrier update on what the major healthcare underwriters are doing and what questions you should be asking.

Click here to RSVP to the event.

About the Society for Human Resource Management CSRA SHRM Chapter

As a SHRM affiliated local chapter in Augusta, GA, CSRA SHRM strives to provide a forum for personal and professional development for members by offering quality programming, networking opportunities, community resources and current information that may impact state, federal and national human resource management issues. www.csrashrm.org

About EPIC

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit www.epicbrokers.com.

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0605s2p-epic-csra-300dpi.jpg

*LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants

Related Links

http://www.epicbrokers.com


DUBLIN, June, 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Europe Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak and Theft Detection Market By Onshore Vs. Offshore, By Application (Buried, Subsea & Refinery/Petrochemical), By Source of Revenue, By Equipment, By Technology Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012-2022" report to their offering.

Europe oil & gas pipeline leak and theft detection market is projected to reach $ 0.43 billion by 2022

High damage caused to the environment in the event of leaks and spills, and renewed focus on such incidents is making leak and theft detection a compulsion for pipeline operators, thus adding to the Europe oil & gas pipeline leak and theft detection market.

Pipeline infrastructure is expected to develop rapidly in the region, owing to recently commissioned oil & gas pipeline projects, such as Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and TAPI and Russia-South Korea projects, thereby, driving growth in Europe oil & gas pipeline leak and theft detection market during the forecast period. The trend comprises of higher growth (in terms of pipeline length) in transmission lines between Europe and other nations and over 75% of this growth is contributed by onshore market. Western Europe is expected to garner the highest demand for energy in the region, and would be the largest importer of oil & natural gas in Europe.



Europe Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak and Theft Detection Market, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012-2022 discusses



Europe Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak and Theft Detection Market Size, Share & Forecast

Segmental Analysis - By Onshore Vs. Offshore, By Location of Application (Buried Pipelines, Subsea Pipelines, and Refinery/ Petrochemical Complex), By Source of Revenue (Hardware, Software & Aftersales Services), By Technology (Ultrasonic/Acoustic, Flow Monitoring, Fiber Optic, Vapor Sensing & Others), By Method of Leak Detection (Internal Vs. External), By Equipment/Device (Flowmeters, Acoustic Sensors, Pressure Sensors/ Transducers, Intelligent Pigging/ Smart Ball Technology, Cable Sensors & Others)

Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities

Competitive Landscape & Strategic Recommendations

Market Trends & Developments



Use of Self-propelled Robotic Devices in Pipeline Leak Detection

Introduction of Smart Wireless Sensor Network for Pipeline Leak detection

Installation of Smart Leak Detection System with CCTVs

Growing Environmental Concerns

Formation of Join Industry Projects (JIPs)

Increasing Research & Development Activities

Advancements in Intelligent Pigging Technology

Few of the leading players in Europe oil & gas pipeline leak and theft detection market include



PSI AG

Siemens AG

Schneider Electric

Pentair Ltd

Expro Holdings

Key Topics Covered:



1. Product Overview



2. Research Methodology



3. Analyst View



4. Global Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak and Theft Detection Market Outlook



5. Europe Oil & Gas Pipeline Leak and Theft Detection Market Outlook



6. Market Dynamics



7. Market Trends & Developments



8. Competitive Landscape



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/jkxrr4/europe_oil_and

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Extended Stay America hotels (ESA) announced today the brand's next five-year growth strategy, anchored by its first ever franchising program and a return to new hotel builds, the first in a decade. ESA is combining its attractive and best-in-class operating model with a franchisee-friendly agreement and guest-inspired redesigns to catapult the brand, accommodating an ever-growing and underserved mid-scale extended stay audience.

In a United States industry comprised of 55,000 hotels and 5.2 million hotel rooms, approximately 22 percent of demand for those rooms comes from guests staying five nights or more at a time. Yet only 8 percent of the available inventory is considered extended stay. Seeing an attractive demand profile within the segment, limited supply growth, and a tremendous business opportunity, Extended Stay America is evolving to meet the needs of today's traveler for a reasonably priced, comfortable and friendly extended stay experience.

Franchising Developments and Attracting Multi-Unit Franchisees

As part of the brand's previously announced ESA 2.0, Extended Stay America expects in the coming months to return to unit growth, with a target portfolio of 700 Extended Stay America branded properties by 2021, approximately 70 percent of which will be owned/operated and 30 percent franchised. The company will also adopt an asset merchant approach to its large real estate holdings  buying, selling, developing and improving real estate one site at a time.

"As we begin franchising at ESA for the first time, we're seeking partnerships with well-capitalized franchisees capable of developing their market areas, which might include buying the existing corporate-owned ESA hotels and converting them to franchised units. We would like to see our prospective owners 'cluster' operations for better efficiency and pricing power within their markets and match their local development and ownership expertise with the advantages of Extended Stay America's scale," said Extended Stay America EVP and Chief Asset Merchant Jim Alderman." The goal is for each franchisee to control multiple properties, with the potential of taking ownership of and facilitating our brand's presence in entire markets."

Extended Stay America's keen focus on serving extended stay guests, with sales, revenue management and operations strategies specifically catered to this audience, yields industry-leading margins and outstanding cash flow across its 625 owned and operated properties. By implementing a streamlined and effective operating model with only 12-13 associates at each property, workplace standardization and clear operating procedures, Extended Stay America has created consistency in guest experience across the brand's portfolio, eliminated waste and improved labor standards. With the launch of its franchise program, Extended Stay America will make its operating model available to third-party owners and operators for the first time.

By concentrating on fewer, but larger, franchisees, each can control more assets within their chosen markets and Extended Stay America can continue the consistency for which the brand is known, serve the increasing demand in new and growing suburban markets and provide scale opportunities for its franchisees. By 2018, Extended Stay America will be actively franchising, with interested partners having options to convert existing assets, buy and franchise existing hotels from Extended Stay America, or build new franchised properties.

Setting a Foundation for Growth and Redesign

Over the last five-plus years, Extended Stay America has invested over $1 Billion for portfolio-wide renovations and other capital improvements. These investments helped set the foundation for future growth and profitability, the plan now called ESA 2.0. With a footprint of 625 hotels and more than 68,000 rooms in 44 markets across the country, including all 25 of the nation's top markets, Extended Stay America is the largest mid-price extended stay hotel in the industry, and sees itself as uniquely qualified to take the next step in serving the unique extended stay audience.

"We like to say there are many reasons to stay with, or now to franchise with, Extended Stay America," commented Extended Stay America President and Chief Executive Officer Gerry Lopez. "Having completed the largest renovation improvement program in our company's history, we've set the stage for our next phase of development and design. We've always remained acutely focused on an extended stay audience and will continue to do so, evolving along with them."

Having studied how guests utilize the existing product, Extended Stay America has redesigned rooms to feature innovative guest-inspired improvements unlike anything else in the midscale extended stay segment. With 70 percent of the brand's guests staying for five-night or longer, and 42 percent staying longer than a month, Extended Stay America recognizes guests' desire for practical, home-like accommodations. The brand's intuitive redesign features smart storage, reimagined common areas and an exclusive double-queen room layout, affording guests more privacy and answering the growing demand for accommodations suitable for double occupancy. Additionally, Extended Stay America will continue providing amenities key for guests' comfortable and frictionless stays, including fully equipped in-room kitchens, free in-room Wi-Fi and grab-and-go breakfast, onsite laundry facilities and pet-friendly accommodations.

Investing in Talent to Grow the ESA 2.0 Team

In addition to growing the brand and attracting best-in-class partners, Extended Stay America is investing in well known, experienced and well-established talent to bring ESA 2.0 to life. Extended Stay America's Executive Vice President and Chief Asset Merchant Jim Alderman and Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Planning Rick Canale welcome a stellar team of industry professionals with more than 65 combined years of hospitality experience: managing directors of real estate, Judi Bikulege and Steven Scheetz; and managing director of real estate development, Stephen Miller.

Having joined the Extended Stay America team as managing director of real estate in March 2017, Judi Bikulege is responsible for value enhancement of ESA's eastern U.S. real estate portfolio. A 35-year hospitality veteran, Bikulege has a diverse background in finance, mergers and acquisitions, development, asset management, risk management, and operations. Prior to joining the team, she served as a private consultant with an emphasis on the hospitality industry; executive vice president of Capital Markets for Gencom; and senior vice president of business affairs at Morgan Hotel Group.

Also having joined the team as managing director of real estate in March 2017, Steve Scheetz is responsible for ESA's real estate, development, and growth in the western half of the USA. Scheetz brings over 25 years of institutional real estate private equity and deep hospitality investment experience to Extended Stay America and ESA 2.0. Over his career, Scheetz has had significant involvement with 12 different lodging companies, including six public NYSE companies, totaling over 1,450 hotels and $14 billion in value. Scheetz has also held senior executive roles at Gatehouse Capital, WMC Management / Olympus Real Estate Partners, The Hampstead Group LLC, and most recently at Heartland Capital & Affiliates.

Another long-standing industry veteran, Stephen Miller joins Extended Stay America as a Managing Director of Real Estate and Development. Most recently with Interstate Hotels & Resorts as Senior Vice President of Development, Miller was responsible for working with investors and capital groups in acquiring full-service and select service hotels throughout North America. Having held senior level positions with hotel companies including Carlson Hotels Worldwide, Interstate Hotels & Resorts and Embassy Suites, Miller brings his extensive knowledge of both hospitality and portfolio enhancement to ESA 2.0.

To learn more about ESA 2.0 and Extended Stay America's vision for the future, or to inquire about franchising opportunities, please visit NewESA.com, call 980-498-4600 or email [email protected].

About Extended Stay America

Extended Stay America, Inc. ("ESA") is the largest integrated hotel owner/operator in North America. Its subsidiary, ESH Hospitality, Inc. ("ESH"), is the largest lodging REIT in North America by unit and room count, with over 620 hotels and 68,000 rooms. ESA manages all of ESH's properties, providing over 8,000 jobs at hotel properties and corporate headquarters. Extended Stay America is the leading brand in the mid-priced extended stay segment, with approximately twice as many rooms as its nearest competitor. Visit www.esa.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

MORGAN KING & CHRISTA HUDSON

THE ZIMMERMAN AGENCY

(850) 668-2222 - [email protected]

SOURCE Extended Stay America

Related Links

https://www.extendedstayamerica.com


As part of this effort, FF will debut "Testing the FF 91," a video series that will chronicle the detailed testing efforts made by FF's engineers to bring a new species of electric mobility to the market and push the limits of FF's technology in a variety of demanding environments.

The series will begin as FF's team of engineers test FF 91 at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to further facilitate the internal engineering development of the vehicle. A track that climbs 4,720 feet from the starting line with a total of 156 turns stands as an essential proving ground for the vehicle's thermal control systems.

"The hill climb on Pikes Peak serves as the ideal setting to further develop the electric propulsion system and supporting thermal systems of FF 91," said Nick Sampson, Senior Vice President of Research and Development. "Testing the performance of FF 91 in real-world conditions sets the bar even higher as we bring the vehicle to market in 2018."

Running in the Pikes Peak Challenge  Exhibition Class, FF will be testing an FF 91 Beta development vehicle using production representative hardware and software with tweaks required to run at Pikes Peak.

Driving the FF 91 will be Robin Shute who also serves as Principal Engineer at Faraday Future.

FF is proud to be partnering with great brands like Pirelli, RECARO, and HRE Wheels to enhance the brand's undertakings on the hill.

View the initial video in the series, "Testing the FF 91: Dynamic Vehicle Control", here.

ABOUT FARADAY FUTURE

Faraday Future is a user-centric, advanced mobility company with headquarters in Southern California. Our global team leverages the talents of leading thinkers and passionate creators from the technology and automotive industries to bring premium, intuitive, and seamlessly connected electric vehicles to people worldwide.

FOLLOW FARADAY FUTURE:

www.ff.com

www.twitter.com/faradayfuture

www.facebook.com/faradayfuture

www.instagram.com/faradayfuture

www.linkedin.com/company/faradayfuture

#FaradayFuture

#FF91

For more information about Faraday Future, contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Faraday Future

Related Links

http://www.ff.com


LONDON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Financial Times | IE Business School Corporate Learning Alliance (www.ftiecla.com) has strengthened its business activities in the Middle East (GCC), introducing its unique approach to customised executive education for senior managers working in the region.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/518828/FT_IE_Corporate_Learning_Alliance_Logo.jpg )

FT | IE Corporate Learning Alliance was formed in 2015 in response to growing calls for more flexible, practical, relevant and timely corporate education. In today's increasingly disruptive business environment it identified three aspects of corporate learning that needed change:

No single learning institution could respond to all business challenges

Companies wanted less academic theory and more customised learning, focusing on the real-world issues that businesses face every day

Rather than having to choose from pre-existing courses, companies needed programmes that were customised to their specific needs

The Financial Times and IE Business School realised that by combining and enhancing their different skills, they could create a unique learning proposition that met this demand. A corporate learning alliance was created consisting of the Financial Times' unrivalled global coverage, sector expertise, business intelligence and data; IE Business School's advanced learning technologies, entrepreneurial culture, international faculty and academic rigour; and a worldwide alliance of specialists in all relevant business-related fields.

The Alliance is additionally supported by a network of 11 business schools based in Europe, the Americas and Asia, 200 Financial Times journalists working worldwide, and a network of specialist academic and non-academic educators.

IE Business School is already known for its Masters in Islamic Finance and Leadership Development programme, launched in November 20915. It has also established the IE Islamic Finance Club, a professional club targeted at contributing to rapidly building and dispersing Islamic Finance Knowledge among its members and bringing about positive initiatives to promote the field of Islamic Finance in general.

This enhancement of IE's venture into Islamic Finance as an educational provider is reflected in the ability of FT | IE Corporate Learning Alliance to bring relevant specialised academic knowledge to its customised corporate development programmes. Aligned with this is the Financial Times' expertise in the Middle East through its dedicated journalist resources and published content, which are significant contributors to the executive programmes designed and delivered by the Alliance.

A major learning programme was designed and delivered by FT | IE Corporate Learning Alliance in 2016 for the Kuwait Capital Markets Authority. The requirement was to provide a customised learning programme, called the Young Professionals Programme, that provided knowledge, insights and skills to a graduate population that were being considered for employment by the Capital Markets Authority. Over 140 hours of professional training was offered over several months.

FT | IE Corporate Learning Alliance has developed programmes for some big names since its creation in 2015, going beyond the finance sector. Companies have included PwC, Invesco, Santander Group and BBVA.

Nassim Abu-Ershaed is the Corporate Learning Alliance Vice President dedicated to creating corporate partnerships in the GCC region.

FT | IE Corporate Alliance can be contacted via its website www.ftiecla.com/contact-us quoting GCC0617.

About Financial Times | IE Business School Corporate Learning Alliance

FT | IE Corporate Learning Alliance has been created to provide executives and their teams with world-class business expertise which is locally applicable, globally scalable, academically rigorous and relevant in practice. Executive learning programmes from the Corporate Learning Alliance are unlike any other.

Follow us: www.twitter.com/FTIECLA , LinkedIn , YouTube

SOURCE FT IE Corporate Learning Alliance
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of the Six-Day War, Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, the U.S. National Security Advisor, addressed the AJC Global Forum on the lessons of that conflict for today.

General McMaster, who taught military history at the U.S. Military Academy, said that history teaches humility by showing that what appear to be unprecedented challenges can in fact present opportunities.

That was the case in 1967, he noted, when Israel faced "a desperate situation" as Egypt stationed all seven of its army divisions in the Sinai, and its Arab allies massed their troops to Israel's east. The Israelis, however, seized the initiative and launched a preemptive attack that drove back the enemy and achieved a stunning victory, one that was incorporated into U.S. military planning under the name of the Air-Land Battle doctrine.

One lesson of the war and its aftermath, he continued, is that "threats to our security do not remain static. They evolve."

Israel today faces "sophisticated terrorist organizationsHamas and Hezbollahfunded and aided by antagonistic nation states," while ISIS strives to capture and hold territory, and Iran acts through "its terrorist proxy network," ramps up its ballistic missile capability, and takes provocative action "in the Gulf, working to keep its Arab neighbors perpetually weak and engaged in sectarian conflict." In the face of these new challenges, he said, "Israel has adapted and performed amazingly well" because it "consistently recognized and acted on opportunities when others may have seen only difficulties."

"That creativity and ingenuity should be a model for us today, on and off the battlefields," McMaster declared. "No matter how dire situations look, opportunities are present." He specifically pointed to the emerging rapprochement between Israel and a number of Arab states in response to the jihadi threat in the region as an example of turning adversity into opportunity as "their interests are converging."

He also summarized the accomplishments of President Trump's recent visit to the Middle East and Europe. Its goals, he said, were "to reaffirm America's role in global leadership," "to continue building key relationships with leaders," and "to promote a message of unity among the followers of three of the world's great faiths." Specifically, he noted that Mr. Trump got the more than 50 leaders of Muslim countries he met with in Riyadh to agree "to cut off the financing for extremists and prevent them from hijacking and perverting their religion," a pledge he said the Administration intended to monitor.

McMaster acknowledged that there is "healthy skepticism, due to the failure of past promises and the fact that many of these countries have been sources of terrorist funding and the propagating of extremist Islamist ideology." But he emphasized that "none of us, the President least of all, will be impressed by mere words."

In Israel, said McMaster, the President "reaffirmed America's rock-solid alliance with our closest military ally," and emphasized to the Palestinian Authority leadership the need to counter terrorism.

And then in Rome, President Trump "affirmed America's commitment to defend religious freedom, combat religious persecution, and cooperate with the Vatican on humanitarian missions."

Arriving in Brussels, continued Gen. McMaster, President Trump "reaffirmed America's unbreakable commitment to our NATO allies," and finally in Sicily, he urged the G-7 to cooperate against terrorism and counter North Korean aggression.

This was the second consecutive year that the AJC Global Forum was addressed by the U.S. National Security Advisor. In 2016, Susan Rice, appointed to the post by President Obama, was a featured speaker.

The AJC Global Forum, taking place June 4-6 in Washington, D.C., is the advocacy organization's signature annual event, bringing together more than 2,500 participants from across the United States and 70 countries around the world.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gryphon Technologies, LC was awarded a competitively bid single award contract to provide technical engineering support services for the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and Naval Assault Craft Units (ACUs). Services include maintenance, repair, and modification of LCACs assigned to NSWC PCD and to the Naval Assault Craft Units.

Gryphon will conduct tests, trials, evaluations, special studies, model or prototype fabrication and testing and shock and vibration testing, supporting product improvements of components to the legacy LCAC craft as well as the new LCAC 100 craft being delivered in late 2017 to NSWC PCD. If all options are exercised, the contract will be complete in 2022.

"LCACs and Amphibious ships are the pillars of Gryphon," said P.J. Braden, founder and CEO of Gryphon. "We are pleased and proud that we can work with NSWC PCD in support of their mission."

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), Expeditionary System Division, supports Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to provide support services for Expeditionary Warfare and Strategic Sealift programs.

Gryphon Technologies is a premier professional and engineering services firm headquartered in Washington DC and specializing in warfare systems and integration, naval architecture and marine engineering, program management, test and evaluation, and logistics.

Media Contact:

Arlene Dillon

[email protected]

SOURCE Gryphon Technologies

Related Links

http://www.gryphonlc.com


SAN FRANCISCO, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The global healthy snack market is expected to reach USD 32.8 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rising awareness about healthy snacking habit along with the easy to use, and mobility of product is further propelling the market growth.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160524/371361LOGO )



The hectic lifestyle and changing demographics with the rise of young population in Asia Pacific region are some of the factors positively influencing the market. In addition, the preference for healthy snacks over the traditional ones is increasing as it is convenient to carry and consume. These properties are expected to have a positive impact on the industry.

The growth in demand for single serve bars of cereals, granola, nuts & seeds, and, meat is rising due to growing working class, which is engaged in long working hours, and prefers nutritious snacks in between meals. The booming retail sector, coupled with efficient supply chain, and creative marketing strategies, is expected to augment market growth over the forecast period.

The nuts & seeds, and dried fruit segment are expected to collectively account for 27.2% of the global market share in 2025. The demand for these products is attributed to the immediate energy requirement fulfilled by the consumption of these products. In addition, the availability of various flavors is projected to boost the demand for these products over the forecast period.

Europe was the leading region due to changing perceptions about snacking among the younger consumers. The younger population is demanding more nutritive function from the snacks, which is leading to growing reliance on snacking as a healthy alternative. The availability of a variety of healthy snacks options is leading to the expansion of the overall market in this region.

Browse full research report with TOC on "Healthy Snack Market Analysis, By Product (Cereal & Granola Bars, Nuts & Seeds Snacks, Meat Snacks, Dried Fruit Snacks, Trail Mix Snacks), By Region, And Segment Forecasts 2014 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/healthy-snack-market

Further key findings from the report suggest:

The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2017 to 2025 on account of increasing awareness about healthy snacking habits. Cereals and granola bars will witness fastest growth in terms of revenue at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2017 to 2025 owing to its nutritious contents.

Europe market is expected to witness significant development and was valued at USD 7.3 billion in 2016 on account of rising demand from the increasing younger population

market is expected to witness significant development and was valued at in 2016 on account of rising demand from the increasing younger population Key participants include General Mills, Mondelez International, Inc., PepsiCo Foods, Nestle S.A., B&G Food Inc, The Kellogg Company and others. These companies are focused on increasing their global presence using product differentiation strategies

In January 2017 , General Mills, Inc., launched a new product series to address the increasing demand of snacks across the globe. The product range includes popular company brands such as Nature Valley Granola bars, Haagen-Dazs ice cream, Yoplait Custard in healthy snacks category.

Browse related reports by Grand View Research:

Black Tea Extracts Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/black-tea-extracts-market

Vitamin D Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/vitamin-d-market

Oligofructose Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-oligofructose-market

Whey Protein Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/whey-protein-market

Grand View Research has segmented the global healthy snack market on the basis of product and region:

Healthy Snack Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Cereal & granola bars Nuts & seeds snacks Meat snacks Dried Fruit Snacks Trail mix snacks

Healthy Snack Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Canada Europe UK Germany France Spain Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia South & Central America Brazil Middle East and Africa



Read Our Blog: Healthy Snacks: A potential replacement for traditional snacks

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.



Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: +1-888-202-9519

Email: [email protected]



Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com

SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
Recipients were selected from 3,064 nominations made this year by a Guard or Reserve member employed by the organization they nominated (or by a family member acting on their behalf). Hensel Phelps was nominated by Second Lieutenant Kyle Dougherty of the Army Reserve, a field engineer in Hensel Phelps' Mid Atlantic District.

Previously, the Colorado House of Representatives commended Hensel Phelps on being named a finalist for the 2017 Freedom Award. Rep. Dave Young, D-Greeley, delivered the certificate in person to president and CEO Jeff Wenaas at Hensel Phelps' corporate office on May 26.

According to the commendation, "Having progressed this far in this extremely prestigious competition places Hensel Phelps clearly in the top 1% of the nation's Guard and Reserve supportive employers. The members of the Colorado House of Representatives are proud to thank Hensel Phelps Construction Company and President and CEO Jeffrey Wenaas for their exemplary service to our service men and women."

Hensel Phelps, along with the other 2017 Freedom Award recipients, will be recognized at a ceremony at the Pentagon on August 25, 2017.

To learn more about the Freedom Award and the 2017 recipients, visit: http://www.freedomaward.mil/media/press-releases/itemid/770/2017-freedom-award-recipients-announced.

About Hensel Phelps

Hensel Phelps is a premier full-service facilities solutions provider with locations throughout the United States and over 2,500 employees. We are proud to have completed hundreds of noteworthy  even historic  building projects. Our clients have come to realize the extraordinary value we deliver, and the result is a culture of partnership and cooperation. Hensel Phelps office locations include Phoenix, Arizona; San Jose, California; Irvine, California; Greeley, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; Austin, Texas; and Chantilly, Virginia.

Contact: Heather Ward, Marketing & Communications Manager

Office: 970-346-7204

Cell: 303-829-1731

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.henselphelps.com

SOURCE Hensel Phelps

Related Links

http://www.henselphelps.com


MEXICO CITY, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoteles City Express, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Hoteles City Express" or "the Company") (BMV: HCITY), announced the appointment of Paul Smith Marquez as Chief Financial Officer.

With his extensive experience, Mr. Smith will contribute to the profitable growth of Hoteles City Express through the analysis and implementation of strategic alternatives for the Company, the financing of new properties, the enforcement of investment policies to maximize financial returns, the optimization of accounting systems and expense controls, and the investor relations program management. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor degree in Accounting from the Universidad Panamericana in Mexico and an MBA from Harvard University in the United States.

Santiago Parra (Corporate Finance Director), Juan Carlos Pioquinto (Accounting Director) and Santiago Mayoral (Corporate Finance and Investor Relations Vice President) will continue with their existing responsibilities within the Finance Division.

About Hoteles City Express:

Hoteles City Express is considered the leading and fastest-growing limited-service hotel chain in Mexico in terms of number of hotels, number of rooms, geographic presence, market share and revenues. Founded in 2002, Hoteles City Express specializes in offering high-quality, comfortable and safe lodging at affordable prices via a limited-service hotel chain geared mainly towards domestic business travelers. With 125 hotels in operation located throughout Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and Chile, Hoteles City Express operates five distinct brands: City Express, City Express Plus, City Express Suites, City Express Junior and City Centro to serve different segments of its target market. In June 2013, Hoteles City Express completed its IPO and began trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "HCITY"; furthermore, on October 8, 2014, Hoteles City Express completed a follow on with the aim of accelerating its growth in new hotels in coming years.

For further information, please visit our website: https://cityexpress.com/en/investors/

SOURCE Hoteles City Express S.A.B. de C.V.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from Illinois and four other states across the Midwest are taking on the Healthy Soils Carbon Soil Investigation Challenge as part of the 2017 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (4-H AIE) activity. The program, sponsored by Monsanto Company, focuses on engaging youth to learn about soil health, sustainable environmental practices and the need to be good stewards of the land.

The two-part, collaborative, hands-on challenge, developed by The Ohio State University, helps youth to not only discover the composition of soil, but also understand the impact of tilling soil and explore new ways to farm with less disruption to the soil ecosystem.

The Healthy Soils Challenge will take place this summer at various sites, including traditional 4-H clubs, 4-H camps, school enrichment and 4-H afterschool settings. Key events in Illinois include:

June 5 , 12, 26, 30  4-H Memorial Camp ( Monticello, Ill. )

, 12, 26, 30  4-H Memorial Camp ( ) June 21  Science & Tech Camp at Camp Shaw-Wa-Na-See ( Manteno, Ill. )

 Science & Tech Camp at Camp Shaw-Wa-Na-See ( ) July 13  ACES Family Academies Workshop ( Urbana, Ill. )

 ACES Family Academies Workshop ( ) July 25  Camp Shaw-Wa-Na-See Global Camp ( Manteno, Ill. )

"This program was created for students to get hands on experience and generate an understanding of the challenges farmers face," said National 4-H Council President and CEO Jennifer Sirangelo. "We're excited this program brings together students throughout their communities for an education on real-world problems and the opportunity to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills for solutions."

In part one of the challenge, students work in teams to discover what healthy soil looks like and conduct tests to determine the overall soil health. The second part of the challenge focuses on finding a solution to keep microbials and nutrients in the soil while minimizing soil disruption and carbon release during the planting process. Using tiny robots that react to their environment, teams design, build and test a 1:64 scale no-till planter that disrupts the least amount of soil when planting, minimizes equipment drag and reduces soil compacting. By the end of the activity, students have an understanding of how properly maintained soil can help reduce agriculture's carbon footprint.

"Monsanto is excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the National 4-H Council through the Ag Innovators Experience program," said Mark Martino, National 4-H Council board member and Vice President, Global Crop Protection Supply Chain Operations for Monsanto Company. "Initiatives like the Healthy Soils Challenge help educate young people about real-world challenges and explore sustainable agriculture solutions through STEM-focused activities."

To learn more about the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, visit http://www.4-h.org/about/partners/monsanto/.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

About Monsanto

Monsanto is committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to help nourish our growing world. We produce a variety of seeds ranging from fruits and vegetables to key crops - such as corn, soybeans, and cotton - that help farmers produce abundant and nutritious food. We work to find sustainable agriculture solutions that help farmers conserve natural resources, use data to improve farming practices, use water and other important resources more efficiently, and protect their crops from pests and disease. Through programs and partnerships, we collaborate with farmers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world's biggest challenges. To learn more about Monsanto, our commitments and our more than 20,000 dedicated employees, please visit: discover.monsanto.com and monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter at twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows at monsantoblog.com or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

Brian Leake, America's Farmers, (314) 694-5107

Jacklyn Barron, Weber Shandwick, (314) 552-6717

SOURCE Monsanto Company

Related Links

http://www.monsanto.com


NEW YORK, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- L'Oreal Professionnel, one of the leading professional haircare brands worldwide and a subsidiary of L'Oreal S.A., is excited to host Hair Fashion Night with 70 participating salons nationwide on Thursday, June 15. Initiated in Paris and celebrated annually as a global event, Hair Fashion Night is a special evening where all consumers are treated to complimentary styling by professionals featuring the latest looks from Paris runways. Guests will be treated to a hair look of their choice and personalized touches ranging from festive cocktails to custom consultations.

Hair Fashion Night celebrates the artisanship of some of the best professional stylists in the U.S. and encourages customers to seek the salon professional in their local areas. Salons in top markets like Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Charleston are participating alongside those in Canada, France, Great Britain, Ireland and other countries.

"The goal of Hair Fashion Night is to encourage and inspire customers to try new styles and reignite women's desires to go to salons," said Senior Vice President of Marketing Michelle Ryan. "Our salons and hairdressers offer the highest quality services and work that every woman can enjoy."

Salons are excited to participate in this worldwide event to reach new clients and showcase their talents on a global platform. Co-Founder of Warren Tricomi Salon Edward Tricomi being one of them. "We can't wait to open our doors for this fun event," said Tricomi. "It's times like these that we enjoy the most because we're able to push the boundaries of styles for our clients that they normally wouldn't have asked for during a regular appointment."

Go to: http://us.lorealprofessionnel.com/hair-fashion-night for more information or for guests to book their appointments at a local participating L'Oreal Professionnel salon.

PRESS CONTACTS:

APA PR APA PR Sheila Munguia Melissa Cassorla [email protected] [email protected] (212) 621-3082 (212) 621-3086

For More Information: www.us.lorealprofessionnel.com

YouTube: @LOrealProUS

Facebook: @LOrealProfessionnel.us #HFNIGHTUS

L'Oreal Professionnel celebrates the professional difference with a wealth of knowledge, experience and audacity to push boundaries. Its uniquely Parisian DNA comes to life through the hands of hairdressers, who create the exceptional, the beautiful and the sensorial. L'Oreal Professionnel is one of the leading professional haircare brands worldwide and a subsidiary of L'Oreal S.A.

SOURCE LOreal Professionnel

Related Links

http://us.lorealprofessionnel.com


The Mere Distinction of Colour offers visitors insight into the economic, ideological, and political factors that cemented slavery in the newly-created American nation and its Constitution, and connects the past to contemporary discussions about human and civil rights through the real-life stories of the enslaved.

"As a cultural institution engaged in the interpretation of slavery, we must have a more holistic conversation about freedom, equality and justice," said Kat Imhoff, president and CEO of James Madison's Montpelier. "Without understanding slavery and its resulting impacts, we do not understand the true roots of the establishment of our country. An essential part of understanding slavery and its legacy was engaging the descendants of the enslaved people here at Montpelier to help us interpret slavery in its most real terms."

The visitor experience

The exhibition builds on 17 years of archaeological excavation, documentary research, oral history and cultural exploration. Visitors move through the cellars of the main Madison house to four reconstructed slave dwellings and work buildings in the South Yard. Descendant testimony features prominently throughout these spaces. Through artifacts  many on display for the first time  uncovered by teams of professional archaeologists, Montpelier descendants, and members of the public in Montpelier's public archaeology programs, exhibition visitors can understand how Montpelier's enslaved community lived. Boston-based Proun Design and Northern Light Productions led the design of the interactive components, multimedia, and artifact displays.

"To truly honor the experience of those enslaved at Montpelier, our curatorial team made purposeful decisions about its content and design," said Elizabeth Chew, Vice President for Museum Programs. "Using the testimony of those descended from Montpelier's enslaved community, as well as research and tangible artifacts, the exhibition conveys how slaves were not simply a function of labor: they had families, complex social communities, owned household goods, clothes, and tools and understood concepts of freedom and civil rights being debated by the white people around them."

Involving Montpelier's descendants

Montpelier has worked closely with the descendant community since the Montpelier Foundation's inception in 2000 to more accurately and holistically represent the experience of enslaved men, women, and children at Montpelier and elsewhere. This exhibition was no different  Montpelier's team of historians, curators and archaeologists partnered with the descendant community to shape the exhibition. The Mere Distinction of Colour features photography and recorded voices of descendants, who trace their roots to Montpelier, or the greater Orange, Virginia area, either by blood or oral history. Their first-hand testimonies illustrate how the legacy of slavery impacts not only today's conversations but the real pursuit and actualization of race and human rights in America.

"This country wouldn't be what it is without the blood, sweat and tears of my ancestors," said Margaret Jordan, Montpelier Foundation Board Secretary and descendant of Paul Jennings, Madison's body slave while he lived in the White House and throughout his retirement. "My goal in being a part of the exhibition and shining light on my ancestors' stories is to increase cultural sensitivity about where racial norms and bias come from, and help us confront race relations and difficult conversations about slavery's legacy. I hope this exhibition will help people better understand how slaves were the main force in building America and get a fuller picture of the history of our country  because slavery isn't just African-American history, it's American history."

Funding for the exhibition was made possible through a generous donation by patriotic philanthropist, David M. Rubenstein, to encourage people to learn about our nation's founding era and to tell a more complete American story. The exhibition is open daily from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and is located off Constitution Highway in Orange, Virginia. For directions and more information, visit www.Montpelier.org.

About James Madison's Montpelier

The lifelong home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, Architect of the Bill of Rights, and fourth President of the United States, is more than a museum. As a monument to James Madison, a cultural institution for American history, and a center for constitutional education, Montpelier engages the public with the enduring legacy of Madison's most powerful idea: government by the people. The historic home and 2,650-acre grounds are open to visitors and groups throughout the year; and the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution at Montpelier offers world-class residential and online educational programs. Montpelier is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site. To learn more, visit www.montpelier.org.

CONTACT:

Giles Morris

Vice President for Marketing & Communications

540.308.2074

[email protected]

SOURCE James Madisons Montpelier

Related Links

http://www.montpelier.org


NEW YORK, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Keith Mann of Dynamics Search Partners has announced the second annual Keith and Keely Mann Scholarship for Professional Achievement, an award designed to recognize the next generation of innovative business leaders. The winner this year was Shanice Theodore, who will be attending the University of Virginia with aspirations of attaining a degree in Law.

Keith and Keely Mann are pleased yet again, to partner with Uncommon Schools, a non-profit charter management organization based in New York City, to implement this scholarship opportunity. The scholarship will be available to one graduating senior each year at one of Uncommon Schools' Brooklyn-based high schools.

"We are really thankful and grateful to Keith and Keely Mann for implementing this generous scholarship program at our school," said Joe Frick, a college counselor at Uncommon Charter High School. "Last year, this scholarship made it possible for one of our students to attend his dream school, the University at Buffalo, and this year it ensures Shanice will have the means to attend the University of Virginia."

Travis Charles, last year's winner, reached out to Keith and Keely upon completion of his first year of college. "As my freshman year comes to a close I want to reach out to you guys just to thank you for believing in me enough to choose me as the recipient of the scholarship. I can't wait to see what else is in store for me on my journey to turning my dreams into reality. I will forever be grateful."

Applicants for the scholarship are asked to write a 1,000-word essay on how earning a college degree will assist them in achieving their professional goals. Mann is an advocate for education and a philanthropist. As the Founder of Dynamics Search Partners, he is committed to identifying strong leaders and pairing them with companies to cultivate their success.

"Keely and I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with and support the Uncommon Schools. It is tremendously rewarding for us not only to have the ability to do so, but to teach our own children the importance of helping others when you are able. We are so excited to once again support the Uncommon Schools' goal of preparing low-income students to not only attend, but graduate from college and go on to succeed professionally using their degree," Mann, Founder of Dynamics Search Partners, explained. "The scholarship will support this mission."

Mann's scholarship was open to graduating seniors attending Uncommon Charter High School in Brooklyn, New York through March 1, 2017. One winner was announced at the end of April 2017, and will receive a scholarship to apply towards their college tuition.

About Keith Mann  Founder/CEO

Keith Mann has been working in the executive search industry for over 15 years and is an expert in hedge fund & private equity compensation, staffing and hiring strategy. Mann launched the Alternative Investment Practice within Dynamics Executive Search in 2002 after identifying the hedge fund industry as a rapidly growing market that was underserved by the search community. In 2006, he expanded the practice into the private equity industry, and in 2009, Keith Mann established Dynamics Search Partners (DSP) as a premier executive search firm dedicated exclusively to alternative investment firms. Keith Mann is currently the CEO of DSP and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the firm. DSP works with firms across the alternative investment industry in the United States, Europe and Asia, and fills over 250 client mandates each year.

About Uncommon Schools

Uncommon Schools starts and manages outstanding urban charter public schools that close the achievement gap and prepare low-income students to graduate from college. In 2015-2016, Uncommon Schools manages a network of 44 charter public schools across Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York serving over 14,000 students in grades K-12.

Media Contact: Caroline Shaw

[email protected]



Crevante Proctor

[email protected]

SOURCE Dynamics Search Partners

Related Links

http://www.dynamicssearchpartners.com


Prior to Kimpton, Allison served as senior vice president of North America development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, overseeing development and acquisition efforts for all 11 of its brands in North America, the Caribbean and French Polynesia. Allison was also instrumental in launching three new brands including Starwood's "Tribute Portfolio," a collection of independent, four-star hotels, where she signed more than ten deals in the first year. Allison was also the chief financial officer for W Hotels, driving strategic operating and brand growth initiatives.

"With 18 projected openings through 2020, demand for the Kimpton brand is growing around the world," said Mike DeFrino, CEO of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. "Allison's successful track record will further fuel our development pipeline and strengthen our presence in key urban, resort, and gateway markets."

"Bringing a pioneering boutique brand like Kimpton to new destinations will continue to challenge and evolve the hospitality industry," said Allison Reid. "I've also been a longtime fan of Kimpton's empowered company culture, and look forward to working side by side with Mike and the senior leadership team."

Allison spent six years at Interstate Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in various finance and regional roles prior to Starwood, and is a graduate of Bryant University with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance and hotel management.

Media Contacts:

Allison+Partners for Kimpton

Brenna Tudor / (646) 428-0623 / [email protected]

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Faith Yi / (415) 955-5430 / [email protected]

ABOUT KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is a leading brand of boutique hotels and restaurants and the acknowledged industry pioneer that first introduced the boutique hotel concept to the United States. In 1981, Bill Kimpton founded the company that today is renowned for making travelers feel genuinely cared for through thoughtful perks and amenities, bold, playful design and a sincerely personal style of guest service. Out to help people live full, balanced lives, Kimpton aims to inspire with touches like yoga mats in every room, complimentary coffee and tea to start the day, hosted evening Wine Hour, in-room fitness programming and complimentary bike rentals. The award-winning restaurants and bars are led by talented chefs and bartenders who offer guests a chance to dine like a local.

Kimpton is consistently ranked as one of the top companies in the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, Upper Upscale Segment, for Customer Satisfaction. The brand is highly-regarded for its innovative employee culture and benefits and has been named a FORTUNE magazine "Best Place to Work" seven times since 2009. Kimpton is continuously growing and currently operates over 60 hotels and 70 plus restaurants, bars and lounges in 30 plus cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe. In January 2015, Kimpton became part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) family of hotel brands. For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com.

SOURCE Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Related Links

http://www.KimptonHotels.com


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.
SOLON, Ohio, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 1EDISource has announced PartnerXchange (PX), a powerful web-based solution designed to introduce fast-growing companies to the advantages of using EDI for business transactions. The comprehensive platform offers an extensive set of features and benefits, including built-in intelligence that proactively analyzes EDI data, identifying and prioritizing documents so users always know what tasks need to be completed and when.

Designed for businesses with little or no prior EDI experience, the solution allows companies to achieve full compliance with trading partner requirements without developing an expensive EDI infrastructure. Utilizing 1EDISource's EDI Workflow Intelligence technology, PX proactively examines data for pending business workflow needs and exchanges, alerting users when documents need to be sent to trading partners. It also prevents users from bypassing necessary steps, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the EDI process.

"Businesses that are getting started with EDI often are forced to make the choice between overly complex software-based solutions or underpowered web-based alternatives that put the onus on the user to figure out what should happen next," said Michael Hurley, director of product management, 1EDISource. "PX is a simple, intuitive and cost-effective solution that allows companies to achieve EDI compliance and provides the power to improve their business processes, affording them more time to grow their business."

With its web-based architecture, the solution is accessible 24/7 from any internet browser. The interface includes a summary dashboard with widgets that allow users to view the status of key transactions, access program tools, download data, configure alerts and change other settings. 1EDISource works closely with customers to configure the system around each trading partner's specific requirements.

PX exchanges and translates all common EDI transaction sets and provides businesses with tools designed to improve operational efficiency and shipping accuracy, manage trading partners and quickly access data. The program can handle all major EDI transaction types  including purchase orders, Advance Ship Notices and invoices  and is designed to function with any type of limited business partner operation.

Other features and capabilities include:

The ability to download data and import into a FedEx or UPS WorldShip system;

Deployment of any type of shipment, whether single location or multiple, and even drop-shipments;

Comprehensive research capabilities that allow users to easily locate related documents;

Sending email or text alerts for any event at a trading partner or transaction level; and

Support of Ship Destination Quantities, breaking blanket purchase orders into individual customer location orders.

For more information, contact 1EDISource at 1-877-334-9650 or visit its website, www.1EDISource.com.

About 1EDISource

Founded in 1989, 1EDISource has designed an elite suite of EDI solutions for businesses of all sizes. Solving complex EDI problems with a superior product line and remarkable and caring, expert support, 1EDISource was the first to introduce an actionable EDI solution, saving millions of dollars for some of the largest companies. For more information please visit www.1EDISource.com.

SOURCE 1EDISource

Related Links

http://www.1EDISource.com


AUSTIN, Texas, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Main Street Hub, the voice of more local businesses than any other company, today welcomed Jeff Mosler as its Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he oversees all customer operations, including content, onboarding, and customer success.

Mosler joins Main Street Hub from HomeAway, where he served as Chief Services Officer and had a global portfolio that included services, trust and security, traveler sales, and customer operations. In his seven years there, he helped the company grow its business six-fold and scale from pre-IPO to IPO, and eventually, through the acquisition by Expedia. Prior to HomeAway, Jeff spent over a decade as an operations leader at Amazon and Microsoft in Seattle and Ireland.

"We're fortunate to have Jeff joining the team. He has an outstanding reputation as a leader, manager, and mentor, and his experience is a perfect fit for the growth ahead for Main Street Hub," said Andrew Allison, Co-CEO at Main Street Hub.

Matt Stuart, Co-CEO at Main Street Hub, added, "Most importantly, Jeff is exceptionally customer-centric and will be a leader in scaling our culture."

"Matt and Andrew have built a remarkable company based on a strong corporate culture and a relentless focus on delivering customer value. I am honored to join the team and excited to help our company grow and our customers reach their full potential," said Mosler.

Over his career, Mosler has also held positions at Exxon, Arthur D. Little, and Dell. Mosler earned a Bachelor of Science in both Economics and Chemical Engineering in the Wharton Management and Technology dual-degree program at the University of Pennsylvania.

About Main Street Hub:

Founded in 2010, Main Street Hub is the "do-it-for-you" marketing platform for local businesses. The company offers an integrated social, web, and email marketing solution designed to help small business owners get more customers and keep them coming back by spreading word of mouth, extending their customer service, and managing their online reputation. Headquartered in Austin, TX, Main Street Hub was founded by co-CEOs Matt Stuart and Andrew Allison while they were attending the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Learn more on our site, and follow us on our blog, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest in social media marketing for small businesses.

SOURCE Main Street Hub

Related Links

http://www.mainstreethub.com


DETROIT, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from Michigan and four other states across the Midwest are taking on the Healthy Soils Carbon Soil Investigation Challenge as part of the 2017 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (4-H AIE) activity. The program, sponsored by Monsanto Company, focuses on engaging youth to learn about soil health, sustainable environmental practices and the need to be good stewards of the land.

The two-part, collaborative, hands-on challenge, developed by The Ohio State University, helps youth to not only discover the composition of soil, but also understand the impact of tilling soil and explore new ways to farm with less disruption to the soil ecosystem.

The Healthy Soils Challenge will take place this summer at various sites, including traditional 4-H clubs, 4-H camps, school enrichment and 4-H afterschool settings. Key events in Michigan include:

June 6  Green Elementary School ( Chesterfield, Mich. )

 Green Elementary School ( ) June 10  Burton Pet Expo ( Burton, Mich. )

 Burton Pet Expo ( ) June 10  Drew Farms Family Fun Day ( Chesterfield, Mich. )

 Drew Farms Family Fun Day ( ) June 12  Carsonville Schools Camp ( Carsonville, Mich. )

 Schools Camp ( ) June 20  Students of Promise Day Camp ( Clare, Mich. )

 Students of Promise Day Camp ( ) June 20  Camp Neyati (Lake Station, Mich.)

 Camp Neyati (Lake Station, Mich.) June 27  Prince Hall Garden ( Detroit )

 ( ) June 29  Gleaners Food Zoo ( Detroit )

 Gleaners Food Zoo ( ) July 5  Northwest Activity Center Garden ( Detroit )

 Northwest Activity Center Garden ( ) July 6  Camp Cavell ( Lexington, Mich. )

 Camp Cavell ( ) July 8  Drew Farms Family Fun Day ( Chesterfield, Mich. )

 Drew Farms Family Fun Day ( ) July 11  Camp Fort Hills ( Sturgis, Mich. )

"This program was created for students to get hands on experience and generate an understanding of the challenges farmers face," said National 4-H Council President and CEO Jennifer Sirangelo. "We're excited this program brings together students throughout their communities for an education on real-world problems and the opportunity to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills for solutions."

In part one of the challenge, students work in teams to discover what healthy soil looks like and conduct tests to determine the overall soil health. The second part of the challenge focuses on finding a solution to keep microbials and nutrients in the soil while minimizing soil disruption and carbon release during the planting process. Using tiny robots that react to their environment, teams design, build and test a 1:64 scale no-till planter that disrupts the least amount of soil when planting, minimizes equipment drag and reduces soil compacting. By the end of the activity, students have an understanding of how properly maintained soil can help reduce agriculture's carbon footprint.

"Monsanto is excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the National 4-H Council through the Ag Innovators Experience program," said Mark Martino, National 4-H Council board member and Vice President, Global Crop Protection Supply Chain Operations for Monsanto Company. "Initiatives like the Healthy Soils Challenge help educate young people about real-world challenges and explore sustainable agriculture solutions through STEM-focused activities."

To learn more about the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, visit http://www.4-h.org/about/partners/monsanto/.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

About Monsanto

Monsanto is committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to help nourish our growing world. We produce a variety of seeds ranging from fruits and vegetables to key crops - such as corn, soybeans, and cotton - that help farmers produce abundant and nutritious food. We work to find sustainable agriculture solutions that help farmers conserve natural resources, use data to improve farming practices, use water and other important resources more efficiently, and protect their crops from pests and disease. Through programs and partnerships, we collaborate with farmers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world's biggest challenges. To learn more about Monsanto, our commitments and our more than 20,000 dedicated employees, please visit: discover.monsanto.com and monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter at twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows at monsantoblog.com or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

Brian Leake, America's Farmers, (314) 694-5107

Jacklyn Barron, Weber Shandwick, (314) 552-6717

SOURCE Monsanto Company

Related Links

http://www.monsanto.com


ST. LOUIS, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from Missouri and four other states across the Midwest are taking on the Healthy Soils Carbon Soil Investigation Challenge as part of the 2017 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (4-H AIE) activity. The program, sponsored by Monsanto Company, focuses on engaging youth to learn about soil health, sustainable environmental practices and the need to be good stewards of the land.

The two-part, collaborative, hands-on challenge, developed by The Ohio State University, helps youth to not only discover the composition of soil, but also understand the impact of tilling soil and explore new ways to farm with less disruption to the soil ecosystem.

The Healthy Soils Challenge will take place this summer at various sites, including traditional 4-H clubs, 4-H camps, school enrichment and 4-H afterschool settings. Key events in Missouri include:

June 10  4-H Meeting in the Library ( Martinsburg, Mo. )

 4-H Meeting in the Library ( ) June 15  4-H Camp ( Trenton, Mo. )

 4-H Camp ( ) June 17 & 23  SW 4-H Camo Camp (Roaring River, Mo.)

& 23  SW 4-H Camo Camp (Roaring River, Mo.) July 1  Cape Girardeau Extension Office Club ( Cape Girardeau, Mo. )

"This program was created for students to get hands on experience and generate an understanding of the challenges farmers face," said National 4-H Council President and CEO Jennifer Sirangelo. "We're excited this program brings together students throughout their communities for an education on real-world problems and the opportunity to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills for solutions."

In part one of the challenge, students work in teams to discover what healthy soil looks like and conduct tests to determine the overall soil health. The second part of the challenge focuses on finding a solution to keep microbials and nutrients in the soil while minimizing soil disruption and carbon release during the planting process. Using tiny robots that react to their environment, teams design, build and test a 1:64 scale no-till planter that disrupts the least amount of soil when planting, minimizes equipment drag and reduces soil compacting. By the end of the activity, students have an understanding of how properly maintained soil can help reduce agriculture's carbon footprint.

"Monsanto is excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the National 4-H Council through the Ag Innovators Experience program," said Mark Martino, National 4-H Council board member and Vice President, Global Crop Protection Supply Chain Operations for Monsanto Company. "Initiatives like the Healthy Soils Challenge help educate young people about real-world challenges and explore sustainable agriculture solutions through STEM-focused activities."

To learn more about the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, visit http://www.4-h.org/about/partners/monsanto/.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

About Monsanto

Monsanto is committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to help nourish our growing world. We produce a variety of seeds ranging from fruits and vegetables to key crops - such as corn, soybeans, and cotton - that help farmers produce abundant and nutritious food. We work to find sustainable agriculture solutions that help farmers conserve natural resources, use data to improve farming practices, use water and other important resources more efficiently, and protect their crops from pests and disease. Through programs and partnerships, we collaborate with farmers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world's biggest challenges. To learn more about Monsanto, our commitments and our more than 20,000 dedicated employees, please visit: discover.monsanto.com and monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter at twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows at monsantoblog.com or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

Brian Leake, America's Farmers, (314) 694-5107

Jacklyn Barron, Weber Shandwick, (314) 552-6717

SOURCE Monsanto Company

Related Links

http://www.monsanto.com


OMAHA, Neb., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from Nebraska and four other states across the Midwest are taking on the Healthy Soils Carbon Soil Investigation Challenge as part of the 2017 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (4-H AIE) activity. The program, sponsored by Monsanto Company, focuses on engaging youth to learn about soil health, sustainable environmental practices and the need to be good stewards of the land.

The two-part, collaborative, hands-on challenge, developed by The Ohio State University, helps youth to not only discover the composition of soil, but also understand the impact of tilling soil and explore new ways to farm with less disruption to the soil ecosystem.

The Healthy Soils Challenge will take place this summer at various sites, including traditional 4-H clubs, 4-H camps, school enrichment and 4-H afterschool settings. Key events in Nebraska include:

June 5-9 , 13-16  Library Summer Reading ( Dakota City, Neb. )

, 13-16  Library Summer Reading ( ) June 5-9 , 13-16  Library Summer Reading ( South Sioux City, Neb. )

, 13-16  Library Summer Reading ( ) June 5-9 , 13-16  Library Summer Reading ( Wakefield, Neb. )

, 13-16  Library Summer Reading ( ) June 8  Lincoln Heights Summer School ( Scottsbluff, Neb. )

 Lincoln Heights Summer School ( ) June 8-9  Cardinal Elementary Space Camp ( South Sioux City, Neb. )

 Cardinal Elementary Space Camp ( ) June 9  Cuming County Day Camp ( West Point, Neb. )

 Cuming County Day Camp ( ) June 10  Ponca State Park Day Camp ( Ponca, Neb. )

 Ponca State Park Day Camp ( ) June 11  Ponca City Friendship Park Club Meeting ( Ponca, Neb. )

 Ponca City Friendship Park Club Meeting ( ) June 13  Roosevelt Summer School ( Scottsbluff, Neb. )

 ( ) June 15  Extension Office Summer Workshop ( Columbus, Neb. )

 Extension Office Summer Workshop ( ) June 20 , 22  Ponca State Park Day Camp ( Ponca, Neb. )

, 22  Ponca State Park Day Camp ( ) June 20  Panhandle Research and Extension Center Day Camp ( Scottsbluff, Neb. )

 Panhandle Research and Extension Center Day Camp ( ) June 22  Northeast Community College Camp ( Norfolk, Neb. )

 Northeast Community College Camp ( ) June 27  South Sioux City High School STEM Camp ( South Sioux City, Neb. )

 South Sioux City High School STEM Camp ( ) June 29  Douglas - Sarpy 4-H Building Camp ( Omaha )

 - 4-H Building Camp ( ) July 12  South Sioux City High School Robotics Camp ( South Sioux City, Neb. )

 South Sioux City High School Robotics Camp ( ) July 19-26  Adams County Fairgrounds ( Hastings, Neb. )

"This program was created for students to get hands on experience and generate an understanding of the challenges farmers face," said National 4-H Council President and CEO Jennifer Sirangelo. "We're excited this program brings together students throughout their communities for an education on real-world problems and the opportunity to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills for solutions."

In part one of the challenge, students work in teams to discover what healthy soil looks like and conduct tests to determine the overall soil health. The second part of the challenge focuses on finding a solution to keep microbials and nutrients in the soil while minimizing soil disruption and carbon release during the planting process. Using tiny robots that react to their environment, teams design, build and test a 1:64 scale no-till planter that disrupts the least amount of soil when planting, minimizes equipment drag and reduces soil compacting. By the end of the activity, students have an understanding of how properly maintained soil can help reduce agriculture's carbon footprint.

"Monsanto is excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the National 4-H Council through the Ag Innovators Experience program," said Mark Martino, National 4-H Council board member and Vice President, Global Crop Protection Supply Chain Operations for Monsanto Company. "Initiatives like the Healthy Soils Challenge help educate young people about real-world challenges and explore sustainable agriculture solutions through STEM-focused activities."

To learn more about the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, visit http://www.4-h.org/about/partners/monsanto/.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

About Monsanto

Monsanto is committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to help nourish our growing world. We produce a variety of seeds ranging from fruits and vegetables to key crops - such as corn, soybeans, and cotton - that help farmers produce abundant and nutritious food. We work to find sustainable agriculture solutions that help farmers conserve natural resources, use data to improve farming practices, use water and other important resources more efficiently, and protect their crops from pests and disease. Through programs and partnerships, we collaborate with farmers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world's biggest challenges. To learn more about Monsanto, our commitments and our more than 20,000 dedicated employees, please visit: discover.monsanto.com and monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter at twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows at monsantoblog.com or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

Brian Leake, America's Farmers, (314) 694-5107

Jacklyn Barron, Weber Shandwick, (314) 552-6717

SOURCE Monsanto Company

Related Links

http://www.monsanto.com


HOUSTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- When Connie Rankin set out to interview nine women who had overcome tremendous odds to be successful, she did not anticipate how large a role the women's fathers had played in the strong women they had become. Rankin's interviews which appear in her new book, God Gave Us Wings: A Journey to Success: Theirs, Mine, and Yours (Morgan James), provide perfect fodder for discussions centered on fathers and daughters for Father's Day. She says, "Fathers are crucial to their children's emotional well-being because children base their foundational ideas about how to relate to others and what to consider acceptable and loving in future relationships on this primary relationship."

Connie Rankin Connie Rankin - "God Gave Us Wings"

In the book, which has already reached Amazon #1 Best-Seller lists in the Christian Business and Professional Growth categories, Rankin also tells her own story in which she was able to use her friends' fathers as role models after her own father abandoned her. She points out that many men quite capably fill the role of fathers without being biologically related to the young girls they influence.

An inspiring guest, Rankin can talk about:

How Oprah Winfrey's father nurtured her reading habit and provided calm in her chaotic life.

father nurtured her reading habit and provided calm in her chaotic life. The life challenge Laotian girl Keo Chan accepted from her father that shaped her life.

accepted from her father that shaped her life. How Deborah Duncan's African American military father showed her that he loved her without ever uttering those words; his actions spoke louder than words.

African American military father showed her that he loved her without ever uttering those words; his actions spoke louder than words. Italian American Donna Vallone's father led by example, encouraging her to volunteer and attend college.

father led by example, encouraging her to volunteer and attend college. What Rankin learned from childhood friends' fathers that helped her overcome childhood injury and even homelessness to become a commercial realtor, entrepreneur and founder of Bridge Literacy Now, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of women and children.

Credentials: A nationally recognized leader in female empowerment and sought-after media guest in Houston, Rankin is president of CRES, a commercial real estate firm. She has appeared on CBS, Fox 26 News, and on the cover of Business Today magazine.

Availability: Houston, nationwide and via telephone

Contact: Megan Salch, Tell Your Tale, 713-864-1344, ext. 1; [email protected]; http://GodGaveUsWings.com

SOURCE Connie Rankin
SAN DIEGO, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Biotheranostics, Inc. today announced new data further demonstrating the importance of BCI in clinical practice. In a study of more than 14,000 cases, the largest patient study for BCI, BCI identified 31.5% of patients with node-negative (LN-) breast cancer  those who are typically considered at lower risk for recurrence and who may not be recommended for extended endocrine therapy (EET)  as high risk of recurrence and high likelihood of benefit from an additional 5 years of therapy. Conversely, the study also identified 16% of node positive (LN+) patients who are typically considered at higher risk of recurrence and likely to be recommended extended therapy as low risk of recurrence between years 5-10 and low likelihood of benefit from extended endocrine therapy. A separate study of the BCI database stratified patients by age, and demonstrated that in patients aged 75 or older, for whom treatment considerations are often more complex, BCI identified similar rates of patients with HR+, LNbreast cancer as having high vs. low risk of late distant recurrence and high vs. low likelihood of benefit from EET.

The studies are being presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) being held in Chicago this week.

"These clinical experience studies further underscore that BCI is an important tool to help physicians to better personalize EET recommendations -- informing patient selection for extended therapy, while potentially minimizing exposure to unnecessary side effects and toxicities for the patients who are at low risk of late distant recurrence and low likelihood of benefit from EET," said Catherine Schnabel, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Biotheranostics.

In the largest BCI patient study to date (n=14,463), researchers evaluated data from the BCI Clinical Database for Correlative Studies  a de-identified database that contains more than 50 data points including tumor size, grade, LN status, and BCI results. The analysis was specifically designed to better understand how physicians are using BCI in the clinic, and to affirm its use across the patient spectrum. Of the patient cases evaluated, the median age was 58.2 years. 47 cases were Stage I, and the majority of cases had Grade 1 (29%) or Grade 2 (51%) tumors. Like previously presented BCI data, the study demonstrated that more than 30% of node negative patients were classified as high risk of late distant recurrence.

In consideration of the complexities of treating older patients, a second study compared cases of older patients (75y) vs. younger patients. Consistent with previous studies of BCI, BCI identified 31.9% of these patients who would typically be considered low risk and not prescribed extended endocrine therapy, as high risk of late distant recurrence and high likelihood of benefit from EET.

"What's important about these findings is that for older patients, the stakes are often considerably higher because of potential comorbidities (e.g., bone loss), shorter life expectancies, quality of life (QoL) concerns, and overall life expectancy etc.," said Dr. Schnabel. "BCI identified patients likely to benefit from EET, but perhaps most importantly for this age group, those for whom EET would be unlikely to show benefit. This additional information can be very helpful to clinicians in treatment planning for older patients."

Additional Studies

Other new data supporting the clinical utility can be found published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in conjunction with the annual meeting. Those abstracts include:

Likelihood of late relapse assessed by the Breast Cancer Index (BCI) in LN-invasive lobular compared to invasive ductal carcinoma (abstract #: e12025)

Correlation of Breast Cancer Index (BCI) prognostic and predictive results to Ki67 and tumor grade in early stage HR+ breast cancer. (abstract #: e12075)

About Breast Cancer IndexSM

BCI is a molecular, gene expressionbased test uniquely positioned to help identify patients best suited for extended endocrine treatment. It is the only validated, commercially available test with data demonstrating prognostic risk of recurrence out to 15 years, as well as prediction of likelihood of benefit from extended endocrine therapy (treatment in years 510). The breakthrough test helps oncologists and patients navigate the difficult tradeoff between wanting to take steps to prevent recurrence of their disease and facing significant side effects and safety challenges related to extended endocrine therapy. For more information, visit www.breastcancerindex.com.

About Biotheranostics

Biotheranostics, Inc., is a leader in helping physicians improve the care of cancer patients, offering a suite of proprietary molecular diagnostic tests that allow treatment to be tailored to individual patients. The company's CancerTYPE ID is the most rigorously validated gene expression test for metastatic patients with diagnostic ambiguity, helping physicians determine optimal sitedirected treatment regimens with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Its Breast Cancer IndexSM helps oncologists make difficult decisions about extended endocrine therapy for ER+ breast cancer patients based on its unique ability to predict risk of late disease recurrence and identify which patients are likely to benefit from continuing therapy beyond five years. Biotheranostics is based in San Diego. For more information, visit www.biotheranostics.com.

SOURCE Biotheranostics

Related Links

http://www.biotheranostics.com


NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New Jersey Health Foundation honored 18 faculty members from Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine with 2017 Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Research Awards which were presented at individual school convocations.

Each winner, selected by his or her school, received a framed award and an honorarium to advance his or her teaching or research activities during the course of the coming year.

"For the past 28 years we have presented the Excellence in Teaching Awards to recognize outstanding teaching activities and for the past 10 years we have presented the Excellence in Research Awards to recognize outstanding research activities," said George F. Heinrich, M.D., vice chair and CEO of New Jersey Health Foundation. "We are delighted to present these awards to deserving faculty members who serve as examples to all of us by advancing their professions and excelling in research and education."

Excellence in Teaching Awards were presented to:

Rula Btoush, PhD, RN

Associate Professor

Division of Nursing Science

Rutgers School of Nursing

Jane Ziegler, DCN, RDN, LDN

Associate Professor, Director DCN

Nutritional Sciences

Rutgers School of Health Professions

James W. Bailey, DO

Assistant Professor

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Joseph Kramer, PhD

Instructor

Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Mohamed S. Kamel, BDS, DMD

Assistant Professor

Restorative Dentistry

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

Megan Maroney, PharmD, BCPP

Clinical Associate Professor

Pharmacy Practice & Administration

Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

Adana A.M. Llanos Wilson, PhD, MPH

Assistant Professor

Department of Epidemiology

Rutgers School of Public Health

Devashish Anjaria, M.D.

Associate Professor

Surgery

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Diana S. Glendinning, PhD

Associate Professor

Neuroscience & Cell Biology

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Excellence in Research Awards were presented to:



Yuan-Xiang Tao, MD, PhD

Professor & Vice Chair

Anesthesiology

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Felesia R. Bowen, PhD, DNP, APN

Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Endowed Chair

Community Pediatric Nursing

Division of Nursing Science

Rutgers School of Nursing

Vijay Parashar, PhD

Assistant Professor

Oral Biology

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

Jeffrey D. Laskin, PhD

Professor & Chief

Division of Toxicology

Department of Environmental &

Occupational Health

Rutgers School of Public Health

Debra L. Laskin, PhD

Distinguished Professor

Roy A. Bowers Endowed Chair

Pharmacology & Toxicology

Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

Cheryl Dreyfus, PhD

Professor & Chair

Neuroscience & Cell Biology

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Derek B. Sant'Angelo, PhD

Endowed Professor, Developmental Biology

Professor, Pediatrics

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Ronald E. Ellis, PhD

Professor

Molecular Biology

Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine

Gerald Fluet, PT, DPT, PhD

Assistant Professor, Doctor of PT

Rehabilitation & Movement Sciences

Rutgers School of Health Professions



New Jersey Health Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that supports health-related research and education programs in New Jersey through several grant programs and its affiliate, Foundation Venture Capital Group, which makes private equity investments in health-related start- up companies in New Jersey headed toward commercialization.

SOURCE New Jersey Health Foundation

Related Links

http://www.njhealthfoundation.org/


TOKYO, PARSIPPANY, N.J. and MUNICH, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) today announced smart chemotherapy DS-8201 demonstrated a favorable safety profile and promising antitumor activity in patients with HER2-expressing tumors, including pre-treated metastatic breast and gastric cancer. These data were highlighted as part of a Clinical Science Symposium at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

Preliminary results from the dose expansion part of the phase 1 study of DS-8201 in a subgroup analysis of HER2-expressing metastatic breast cancer patients pre-treated with ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and pertuzumab demonstrated a 46.7 percent overall response rate (14 of 30 patients) and a 100 percent disease control rate (30 of 30 patients) to date. An overall response rate of 45.7 percent (16 of 35 patients) and disease control rate of 100 percent (35 of 35 patients) was observed in patients pre-treated with only T-DM1.

Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are a type of targeted cancer medicine that deliver cytotoxic chemotherapy ("payload") directly to cancer cells via a linker attached to a monoclonal antibody that binds to a specific target expressed on cancer cells. Using Daiichi Sankyo's proprietary ADC technology, DS-8201 is a smart chemotherapy comprised of a humanized HER2 antibody attached to a novel topoisomerase I inhibitor (DXd) payload by a tetrapeptide linker designed to deliver enhanced cancer cell destruction upon release inside the cell and reduce systemic exposure to the cytotoxic payload (or chemotherapy).

"The significant tumor shrinkage and sustained tumor control that was demonstrated by DS-8201 is impressive and further confirms the initial antitumor activity shown in the dose escalation part of this study," said Toshihiko Doi, MD, PhD, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital East, and study investigator. "These data suggest that DS-8201 may be a promising potential treatment for patients with HER2-expressing metastatic breast cancer whose tumors are no longer controlled with available treatment options like T-DM1 and pertuzumab."

Thirty-nine of 50 patients with HER2-expressing metastatic breast cancer are continuing to receive treatment. To date, median progression free survival has reached 45.4 weeks (95 percent CI: 32.1, NA). Eleven patients have discontinued treatment due to adverse events (3 patients), progressive disease (6 patients) and other reasons (2 patients).

"These results demonstrate that the smart delivery of chemotherapy by DS-8201 to cancer cells may be effective and safe in treating tumors that express HER2," said Antoine Yver, MD, MSc, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Oncology Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo. "Based on these results, we are accelerating the development of DS-8201 and our ADC technology seeking to bring a unique precision medicine to patients and physicians who have exhausted current treatment options."

About the DS-8201 Phase 1 Study

DS-8201 is currently being evaluated in an open-label two-part phase 1 dosing study in patients with advanced/unresectable or metastatic solid tumors that are refractory or intolerant to standard treatment, or for whom no standard treatment is available. The primary objective of the dose escalation phase of the study was to assess the safety and tolerability of DS-8201 and determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). No dose limiting toxicity was seen administering DS-8201 up to 8.0 mg/kg every three weeks and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached.

In the dose expansion part of the study, DS-8201 is given in one of two doses (5.4 mg/kg and 6.4 mg/kg) to patients in one of four cohorts: patients with ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1)-treated HER2-positive breast cancer; patients with trastuzumab-treated HER2-positive gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma; patients with HER2 low-expressing breast cancer; and patients with other HER2-expressing solid malignant tumors. Patient enrollment in the two breast cancer cohorts is ongoing in the U.S. and Japan. For more information about the study, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

A total of 134 patients have been treated to date in both the dose escalation (24 patients) and dose expansion (110 patients) parts of the study. The most common any-grade adverse events observed in the study to date included nausea (66.9 percent), decreased appetite (57.9 percent), vomiting (36.8 percent) and decreased platelet count (34.6 percent). Grade 4 adverse events included decreased platelet count (3.8 percent), decreased neutrophil count (3.0 percent), anemia (1.5 percent), and decreased white blood cell count (1.5 percent).

Preliminary results in the overall population of HER-expressing solid tumors demonstrated an overall response rate of 40.2 percent (39 of 97 patients) with a disease control rate of 91.8 percent. In the cohort enrolling patients with trastuzumab-treated HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, a preliminary overall response rate of 44.4 percent (16 of 36 patients) and a disease control rate of 88.9 percent (32 of 36 patients) was shown to date with DS-8201. In a sub-group of patients pre-treated with CPT-11 (irinotecan), an overall response rate of 44.4 percent (8 of 18 patients) and disease control rate of 94.4 percent (17 of 18 patients) was demonstrated to date. A total of 22 out of 39 patients are still receiving treatment with median progression free survival of 27.3 weeks (95 percent CI: 13.4, NA). Seventeen patients have discontinued treatment due to adverse events (6 patients) and progressive disease (11 patients).

About DS-8201

DS-8201 is the lead product in the Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) Franchise of the Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise. DS-8201 is currently in phase 1 clinical development for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer and gastric cancer, HER2-low-expressing breast cancer and other HER2-expressing solid cancers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Fast Track designation to DS-8201 for the treatment of HER2-positive unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer in patients who have progressed after prior treatment with HER2-targeted therapies including ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). DS-8201 has not been approved for any indication in any country.

About Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise

The vision of Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise is to leverage our world-class, innovative science and push beyond traditional thinking in order to create meaningful treatments for patients with cancer. We are dedicated to transforming science into value for patients, and this sense of obligation informs everything we do. Anchored by our Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Franchises, our cancer pipeline includes more than 20 small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and ADCs stemming from our powerful research engines: our two laboratories for biologic/immuno-oncology and small molecules in Japan, and Plexxikon Inc., our small molecule structure-guided R&D center in Berkeley, CA. Compounds in development include: quizartinib, an oral FLT3 inhibitor, for newly-diagnosed and relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3-ITD mutations; DS-8201, an ADC for HER2-expressing breast and gastric cancer, and other HER2-expressing solid tumors; and pexidartinib, an oral CSF-1R inhibitor, for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), which is also being explored in a range of solid tumors in combination with the anti-PD1 immunotherapy pembrolizumab. For more information, please visit: www.DSCancerEnterprise.com.

About Daiichi Sankyo

Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical products to address diversified, unmet medical needs of patients in both mature and emerging markets. With over 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 16,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people. In addition to a strong portfolio of medicines for hypertension and thrombotic disorders, under the Group's 2025 Vision to become a "Global Pharma Innovator with a Competitive Advantage in Oncology," Daiichi Sankyo research and development is primarily focused on bringing forth novel therapies in oncology, including immuno-oncology, with additional focus on new horizon areas, such as pain management, neurodegenerative diseases, heart and kidney diseases, and other rare diseases. For more information, please visit: www.daiichisankyo.com. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is a member of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. For more information on Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., please visit: www.dsi.com.

Contact

Jennifer Brennan

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

[email protected]

+1 201 709 9309 (mobile)

SOURCE Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited

Related Links

http://www.daiichisankyo.com


DALLAS, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Capital, Inc. (the "Company"), a non-traded publicly registered business development company and affiliate of Highland Capital Management, L.P., today announced that it will commence a voluntary tender offer on or about June 5, 2017 (the "Tender Offer") for up to 2.5% of its outstanding common stock ("Shares") at a price equal to 90% of the offering price per Share in effect on the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) (the date of repurchase) and any unpaid dividends accrued through the expiration date of the Tender Offer.

This announcement is not a recommendation, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell Shares of the Company. The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and related exhibits, including an offer to purchase, a related letter of transmittal and other related documents (the "Tender Offer Documents"). The Tender Offer Documents will be sent by mail to holders of the Shares. Shareholders of the Company may obtain additional copies of the Tender Offer Documents for the Company, without charge, by contacting the Tender Agent for the Tender Offer, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. Shareholders can also obtain the Tender Offer Documents free of charge on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders should read these documents and related exhibits, as the documents contain important information about the Company's Tender Offer.

Any questions regarding the Tender Offer can be directed to the Company's Tender Agent, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. The Company's current offering price for its Shares, $10.50 per share as of May 24, 2017, as well as other information, including information about management and the healthcare-focused investment strategy, are available at http://nexpointcapital.com. The information on or accessible through http://nexpointcapital.com is not incorporated by reference herein.

About NexPoint Advisors and NexPoint Capital, Inc.

NexPoint Capital, Inc. is a healthcare-focused business development company sponsored and managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P., an affiliate of Highland Capital Management, L.P. NexPoint Advisors, L.P., is an SEC-registered investment advisor to the closed end fund, NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund.

About Highland Capital Management, L.P.

Highland Capital Management, L.P. is an SEC-registered investment adviser which, together with our affiliates, has approximately $14.86 billion of assets under management. Founded in 1993 by Jim Dondero and Mark Okada, Highland is one of the largest and most experienced global alternative credit managers. Highland specializes in credit strategies, such as credit hedge funds, long only funds and separate accounts, distressed and special situation private equity, and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). Highland also offers alternative investments, including emerging markets, long/short equities, and natural resources. Highland's diversified client base includes public pension plans, foundations, endowments, corporations, financial institutions, fund of funds, governments, and high net-worth individuals. Highland is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and maintains offices in New York, Sao Paolo, Singapore, and Seoul.

Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of NexPoint Advisors, L.P.'s or Highland Capital Management L.P.'s sponsored investment products, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. NexPoint Advisors, L.P. and Highland Capital Management L.P. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement.

This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Neither the Company, nor the Company's Board of Directors, nor NexPoint Advisors, L.P., makes any recommendation as to whether to tender or not to tender any Shares in the Tender Offer. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission.

For information on the Tender Offer:

Financial Advisors: 855-498-1580

Shareholders: 844-485-9167

Highland Media Relations: 972-419-6272

SOURCE NexPoint Capital, Inc.
Adjourned meeting to resume on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

Hytera all-cash offer to acquire Norsat $11.25 USD per share is the highest and only, binding and definitive offer available to securityholders.

Offer provides securityholders with a 77% premium over the unaffected trading price on September 16, 2016, and 82% over the 20-day volume weighted average price ending on September 16, 2016.

Independent Directors recommend securityholders to vote FOR the arrangement with Hytera prior to the proxy cut-off of 2:00 p.m. (Pacific time) on June 20, 2017.

VANCOUVER, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Norsat International Inc. ("Norsat" or the "Company") (TSX: NII and NYSE MKT: NSAT), a provider of unique and customized communication solutions for remote and challenging applications, is pleased to announce that it has filed and is in the process of mailing supplemental information (the "Supplemental Information") to securityholders in respect of the previously adjourned annual general and special meeting of securityholders (the "Meeting").

The Meeting will resume on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at 2:00 pm (Pacific time) at the offices of Norsat International Inc. at Suite 110-4020 Viking Way, Richmond, B.C., V6V 2L4.

As more fully described in the Supplemental Information, at the Meeting, securityholders of Norsat will have the opportunity to vote on the previously announced amended arrangement with Hytera Project Corp. ("Hytera") an indirect subsidiary of Hytera Communications Co., Ltd. pursuant to which Hytera is to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of Norsat for $11.25 USD per share (the "Arrangement"). At the Meeting, securityholders of Norsat will be asked to consider a resolution to approve the revised Arrangement (the "Arrangement Resolution"). The Arrangement Resolution must be approved by not less than 66 23% of the votes cast by the Norsat Securityholders, either in person or by proxy, at the Meeting. Copies of the Supplemental Information are also available on Norsat's website at www.norsat.com and will be filed with Canadian and United States securities regulators and will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

The Arrangement provides securityholders with a 77% premium over the unaffected trading price of Norsat's shares on September 16, 2016 (the date before which a shareholder of Norsat publicly expressed an interest in acquiring control of Norsat), and 82% over the 20-day volume weighted average price ending on September 16, 2016.

Securityholders who have already voted on the Arrangement Resolution and do not want to change their vote DO NOT need to vote again. However, securityholders who have not voted or wish to change their vote may do so prior to the proxy deadline.

If you have NOT already voted your vote is important regardless of how many securities you own. To ensure that your securities will be represented at the Meeting, whether or not you are personally able to attend, registered holders of securities are asked to return the form of proxy previously distributed with the original management information circular dated April 28, 2017, properly completed and signed, prior to 2:00 p.m. (Pacific time) on June 20, 2017 (or a day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday which is at least two business days prior to any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting). If you are non-registered shareholders, meaning your shares are not registered in your own name but are registered in the name of a broker, bank or other intermediary, follow the instructions provided on your voting instruction form previously distributed with the Circular.

New proxies or voting instructions are NOT being distributed with the Supplemental Information. If you have questions or require replacement proxy materials, you may contact the proxy solicitation agent, Evolution Proxy, Inc., by telephone at: 1-844-226-3222 (North American Toll Free Number) or 1-416-855-0238 (Outside North America); or by email at: [email protected]

The Supplemental Information contains a detailed description of the Arrangement, as amended, and sets forth the actions to be taken by you at the reconvened Meeting. You should carefully consider all of the information in the Supplemental Information and consult your financial, legal or other professional advisors if you require assistance.

The Arrangement is also subject to court approval. Assuming that all of the conditions to the Arrangement are satisfied, Norsat expects the Arrangement to become effective in the third quarter of 2017.

About Norsat International Inc.

Founded in 1977, Norsat International Inc. is a provider of unique and customized communication solutions for remote and challenging applications. Norsat's products and services include leading-edge product design and development, production, distribution and infield support and service of fly-away satellite terminals, microwave components, antennas, Radio Frequency (RF) conditioning products, maritime based satellite terminals and remote network connectivity solutions. More information is available at www.norsat.com, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-604-821-2800.

Forward Looking Statements

The discussion and analysis of this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in Norsat's operations in future periods, the adequacy of its financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates,", "predicts," "potential," "targeted," "plans," "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will," "may," "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the proposed acquisition by Hytera, the expected closing date of the transaction, Norsat's market opportunities, strategies, competition, expected activities and expenditures as it pursues its business plan, the adequacy of available cash resources and other statements about future events or results. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, such as business and economic risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. Consequently, all forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement and there can be no assurance that actual results or anticipated developments will be realized. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Norsat assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, other than as required by law.

SOURCE Norsat International Inc.

Related Links

http://www.norsat.com


EAST HANOVER, N.J. , June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis today announced it has entered into a clinical research collaboration in which Bristol-Myers Squibb will investigate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Mekinist (trametinib) in combination with Opdivo (nivolumab) and Opdivo + Yervoy (ipilimumab) regimen as a potential treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer in patients with microsatellite stable tumors where the tumors are proficient in mismatch repair (MSS mCRC pMMR).

Under the terms of the agreement, the study will be conducted by Bristol Myers-Squibb and is expected to establish recommended dose regimens and the preliminary anti-tumor activity of the combination therapies. Both Bristol Myers-Squibb and Novartis will evaluate the results to determine optimal approaches and potential clinical development of these combinations.

"Novartis has a longstanding heritage in exploring the combination of medicines to broaden our knowledge of mutational driven cancers and develop innovative treatments," said Vas Narasimhan, MD, Head, Global Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. "Along with our ongoing internal immuno-oncology efforts, the expansion of our collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb further advances our collective goals to advance the science and support patients in need."

About Colorectal Cancer

Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men and the second most common in women, with approximately 1.4 million new diagnoses in 2012. Of these, nearly 750,000 were diagnosed in men, and 614,000 in women1. Globally in 2012, approximately 694,000 deaths were attributed to colorectal cancer1. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 135,430 patients will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2017, and approximately 50,000 are estimated to die of their disease2. There is wide variation in 5-year survival rates across disease stages, with 5-year survival rates for patients with metastatic or stage IV colorectal cancer around 11%3. The incidence of microsatellite stability (MSS) in colorectal tumors varies by stage, with 80% to 85% exhibiting MSS4.

About Mekinist and Important Safety Information

MEKINIST is a kinase inhibitor indicated, as a single agent or in combination with dabrafenib, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. MEKINIST is not indicated for treatment of patients who have received prior BRAF-inhibitor therapy. MEKINIST can cause serious side effects including new primary malignancies (cutaneous and non-cutaneous), hemorrhage, inflammation of the colon and perforation of the intestines, blood clots in the legs, cardiomyopathy, eye toxicity, interstitial lung disease, serious fevers, serious skin toxicity, hyperglycemia, and harm to a fetus. Some of these side effects can be fatal in rare cases. The most common side effects when MEKINIST is used as a single-agent are rash, diarrhea, and lymphedema.

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.

About Yervoy

Yervoy, which is a recombinant, human monoclonal antibody, blocks the cytotoxic T- lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4). CTLA-4 is a negative regulator of T-cell activation. Yervoy binds to CTLA-4 and blocks the interaction of CTLA-4 with its ligands, CD80/CD86. Blockade of CTLA-4 has been shown to augment T-cell activation and proliferation. The mechanism of action of Yervoy effect in patients with melanoma is indirect, possibly through T-cell mediated anti-tumor immune responses. On March 25, 2011, the FDA approved Yervoy 3 mg/kg monotherapy for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Yervoy is now approved in more than 40 countries. There is a broad, ongoing development program in place for Yervoy spanning multiple tumor types. This includes Phase 3 trials in prostate and lung cancers.

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "potential," "to evaluate," "will," "investigation," "investigational," "expected," "ongoing," "efforts," "goals," "may," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential new indications or labeling for Mekinist, potential new indications or labeling for other products in the Novartis Oncology portfolio, or regarding potential future revenues from Mekinist and such other products, and potential future revenues arising from the clinical research collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Mekinist or other products of Novartis and Bristol-Myers Squibb subject to the clinical research collaboration will be submitted or approved for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that the clinical research collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb will achieve any or all of its intended goals and objectives, or be successful. Nor can there be any guarantee that any other product in the Novartis Oncology portfolio will be submitted or approved for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that Mekinist, any of the other products subject to the clinical research collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb, or any other product in the Novartis Oncology portfolio will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding such products, and the clinical research collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb, could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing and reimbursement pressures; safety, quality or manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Opdivo and Yervoy are registered trademarks of Bristol Myers-Squibb.

About Novartis

Located in East Hanover, NJ Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis and @Novartis Cancer at http://twitter.com/novartiscancer.

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library.

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact [email protected].

References 1. Torre LA, Bray F, Siegel RL, et al. Global cancer statistics, 2012. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 65: 87108. 2. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures. American Cancer Society. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-figures.html. Accessed June 4, 2017. 3. Colorectal Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging. American Cancer Society. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. Updated March 2, 2017. Accessed June 4, 2017. 4. Chapelle A, Hampel H. Clinical Relevance of Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2010; 28 (20): 3380-3387. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2009.27.0652.

Novartis Media Relations

Central media line: +41 61 324 2200

E-mail: [email protected]

Eric Althoff Novartis Global Media Relations +41 61 324 7999 (direct) +41 79 593 4202 (mobile) [email protected] Kristen Klasey Novartis Oncology Communications +1 862 778 4763 (direct) +1 862 754 1732 (mobile) [email protected]

SOURCE Novartis

Related Links

http://www.novartis.com


WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Trump Administration today proposed to allow energy companies to harm marine mammals as they prospect for oil and gas deposits far beneath the sea floor, blasting huge expanses of undersea waters off the Atlantic coast with airguns.

The following is a statement by Michael Jasny, director of the Marine Mammal Protection Project for the Natural Resources Defense Council:

"The American people own these Atlantic waters. This is the first step towards drilling them. It's a license for energy companiesin their relentless drive for more fossil fuelsto devastate marine wildlife. Scientists warn that seismic activity alone could drive the endangered North Atlantic right whale to extinction. Lawmakers, commercial and recreational fisherman, hundreds of communities and tens of thousands of coastal businesses strongly oppose this reckless give-away to the oil and gas industry, and will stand in the way of final permits."

The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to issue five (5) permits known as Incidental Harm Authorizations, allowing seismic testing for a one year period. The public has 30 days to comment on the proposals.

The move follows President Trump's executive order of April 28, attempting to reverse permanent ocean protections and open America's publicly-held coastal waters to more offshore drilling.

BACKGROUND

Seismic airgun blasts, which come as loud as dynamite every ten seconds for weeks and months on end, can deafen whales and other marine wildlife, making it hard for them to find food, select mates, avoid predators and navigate. The process can also displace fish and harm commercial fisheries over large areas of the ocean.

In 2015, 75 scientists sent a letter to the former administration warning of "significant, long-lasting, and widespread" harm to east coast marine mammal and fish populations should the blasting be allowed to proceed. Last year, a group of right whale scientists sent a letter to the administration out of "profound concern" for the impact of seismic on the future of that species.

For more on seismic exploration and the threats to marine wildlife, see Michael Jasny's blog here.

To hear audio of seismic blasting, click here.

For a clip from the NRDC documentary Sonic Sea, about how seismic testing and other ocean activity harms marine life, see here.

For an NRDC animation on the impact of seismic, see here.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 2 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Chicago; Bozeman, Montana; and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.

SOURCE Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Washington, DC.

Related Links

https://www.nrdc.org/


CLEVELAND, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from Ohio and four other states across the Midwest are taking on the Healthy Soils Carbon Soil Investigation Challenge as part of the 2017 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (4-H AIE) activity. The program, sponsored by Monsanto Company, focuses on engaging youth to learn about soil health, sustainable environmental practices and the need to be good stewards of the land.

The two-part, collaborative, hands-on challenge, developed by The Ohio State University, helps youth to not only discover the composition of soil, but also understand the impact of tilling soil and explore new ways to farm with less disruption to the soil ecosystem.

The Healthy Soils Challenge will take place this summer at various sites, including traditional 4-H clubs, 4-H camps, school enrichment and 4-H afterschool settings. Key events in Ohio include:

June 17  Central State University ( Wilberforce, Ohio )

 ( ) June 18  Tar Hollow Camp ( Laurelville, Ohio )

 Tar Hollow Camp ( ) June 21  Tar Hollow Camp ( Laurelville, Ohio )

 Tar Hollow Camp ( ) June 22  Camp Clifton Camp ( Yellow Springs, Ohio )

 Camp Clifton Camp ( ) June 26  Adventure Central Recreation Center ( Dayton, Ohio )

 Adventure Central Recreation Center ( ) June 26  Camp Ohio Camp ( St. Louisville, Ohio )

 Camp Ohio Camp ( ) June 28  Tar Hollow Camp ( Laurelville, Ohio )

 Tar Hollow Camp ( ) June 30  Camp Clifton Camp ( Yellow Springs, Ohio )

 Camp Clifton Camp ( ) July 7  Camp Palmer Camp ( Fayette, Ohio )

 Camp Palmer Camp ( ) July 15  Camp Ohio Camp ( St. Louisville, Ohio )

"This program was created for students to get hands on experience and generate an understanding of the challenges farmers face," said National 4-H Council President and CEO Jennifer Sirangelo. "We're excited this program brings together students throughout their communities for an education on real-world problems and the opportunity to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills for solutions."

In part one of the challenge, students work in teams to discover what healthy soil looks like and conduct tests to determine the overall soil health. The second part of the challenge focuses on finding a solution to keep microbials and nutrients in the soil while minimizing soil disruption and carbon release during the planting process. Using tiny robots that react to their environment, teams design, build and test a 1:64 scale no-till planter that disrupts the least amount of soil when planting, minimizes equipment drag and reduces soil compacting. By the end of the activity, students have an understanding of how properly maintained soil can help reduce agriculture's carbon footprint.

"Monsanto is excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the National 4-H Council through the Ag Innovators Experience program," said Mark Martino, National 4-H Council board member and Vice President, Global Crop Protection Supply Chain Operations for Monsanto Company. "Initiatives like the Healthy Soils Challenge help educate young people about real-world challenges and explore sustainable agriculture solutions through STEM-focused activities."

To learn more about the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, visit http://www.4-h.org/about/partners/monsanto/.

About 4-H

4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

About Monsanto

Monsanto is committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to help nourish our growing world. We produce a variety of seeds ranging from fruits and vegetables to key crops - such as corn, soybeans, and cotton - that help farmers produce abundant and nutritious food. We work to find sustainable agriculture solutions that help farmers conserve natural resources, use data to improve farming practices, use water and other important resources more efficiently, and protect their crops from pests and disease. Through programs and partnerships, we collaborate with farmers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world's biggest challenges. To learn more about Monsanto, our commitments and our more than 20,000 dedicated employees, please visit: discover.monsanto.com and monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter at twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows at monsantoblog.com or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

Brian Leake, America's Farmers, (314) 694-5107

Jacklyn Barron, Weber Shandwick, (314) 552-6717

SOURCE Monsanto Company

Related Links

http://monsanto.com


AMARILLO, Texas, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Amarillo philanthropist and oilman Tom Cambridge is preparing to auction his longtime home in the Tealwood Lakes community, with Assiter Auctioneers marketing the home and managing the sale.

Cambridge, who was named Amarillo Globe-News Man of the Year in 2014 for his support of charities, decided at age 82 that it was time to move to a smaller home, according to Spanky Assiter, president of the auction company.

"Tom's widowed and living alone in a home that's just bigger than he needs at this point in his life," said Assiter.

The home, located in one of Amarillo's prime gated communities, is 5,331 square feet and was custom built with a great room, high-end kitchen, wet bar, and other features that were used by Cambridge and his wife to host social events.

Other features of the home include a safe-room, an exercise center, a study with a Murphy Bed, and a dumb-waiter to the basement.

"The reality is that while Tom remains active in Cambridge Production Inc., he doesn't do much party hosting any more, and he really needs something more suited to this stage of his life. He has always been a man with a focus on getting things done, so it wasn't surprising that he decided on an auction, which will let him get his home sold on the day of his choosing," said Assiter.

The home is located at 14 Edgewater Drive, Amarillo and will be available for previews from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 18, and Sunday, June 25. Those seeking additional information may visit www.assiter.com or call 806-655-3900.

The live auction, with simulcast and online absentee bidding, will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 29, at the home.

Assiter Auctioneers, based in Canyon, Texas, specializes in the sale of residential and commercial real estate, collector cars, machinery and other assets through live and online auctions.

For more information:

Carl Carter, 205-823-3273

SOURCE Assiter Auctioneers

Related Links

http://www.assiter.com


CORDOBA, Spain, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Xavier Nadal, Director of the Extraction Department of Phytoplant Research S.L., presented the Development of the Industrial Chain for the Production of Cannabigerol (CBG): from Plant to Pure Compound at Cann10, the 2nd International Medical Cannabis Conference held on June 4-6, 2017, in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The presentation also marks the public announcement of the success of Phytoplant Research S.L in developing the most productive CBG-rich cannabis plants in the world.

Development of the Industrial Chain for the Production of Cannabigerol (CBG): from Plant to Pure Compound Purification patent Cannabigerol

"The 20-minute presentation by Dr. Xavier Nadal today at Cann10 in Tel Aviv, Israel is actually the summary of a 4-year effort by our team to both improve the productivity of CBG in our plant varieties and discover efficient purification methods. We are very proud of the outcome and really hope that this interesting molecule plays an important role in healthcare in the future, now that it can become more accessible and easy to produce," said Stefan Martin Meyer, CEO of Phytoplant Research S.L.

The company also holds a groundbreaking US patent for the purification and scaling up of the production of CBG easily and cost effectively. Their patented technique cuts the production costs of CBG by at least half than when using a chromatographic column.

"The new patented method is the first ever that purifies CBG without the use of chromatographic techniques. It permits scaling up the production of pure CBG using non-expensive equipment, cutting down the use of stationary phases and the use of different solvents. The result is a more efficient purification process that is cost effective and environmentally friendly," said Dr. Nadal.

The development of this technique for the industrial production of CBG has far reaching implications considering the immense medicinal potential of this bioactive component of cannabis. The patent discloses methods of purifying one or more cannabinoids from a plant material, purified cannabinoids and pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more cannabinoids produced using it. The methods and uses for treating a disease or condition employing such purified cannabinoids and pharmaceutical compositions are further investigated.

For more information about Phytoplant Research S.L., visit http://phytoplant.es/

Media Contact:

Name: Stefan Martin Meyer, CEO

Phone: (0034) 957 10 16 29

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Phytoplant Research SL

Related Links

http://phytoplant.es


"Propeller couldn't be prouder to help write the next chapter of Paine Field's rich history in aviation and to help the airport realize its original intent of commercial service," said Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller Airports . "Today's groundbreaking is a significant step forward in the airport reaching its full potential, something that will bring considerable economic development benefits to the region, and choice and convenience to local business and leisure travelers."

"Our region has seen tremendous growth in recent years, especially in north Puget Sound," said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines' executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "With Sea-Tac Airport near capacity and I-5 gridlock the norm, the time is right to give residents living in north King and Snohomish counties the option of flying closer from home. On behalf of Alaska Airlines and our 7,000 employees who call this region home, we're thrilled to join Propeller and Snohomish County in bringing commercial air service back to Paine Field."

In May 2017, Alaska Airlines announced that they will begin commercial service from Paine Field in the Fall of 2018. More than a million North Sound travelers will enjoy shorter commutes to the airport and up to nine daily departures. Many travelers who live north of Seattle spend more time getting to an airport than actually flying to destinations as close as Portland, Oregon.

Washington State Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib said, "This new addition at Paine Field is a boon for both Snohomish County's economy, and for our state's tourism industry."

"Snohomish County is focused on expanding our economy and doing all we can to encourage job growth," said Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive. "Having passenger service from Paine Field will be a great step forward for mobility, tourism, and economic development."

"The addition of commercial air service is a game changer for businesses and families in Snohomish County," said Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson. "We are growing rapidly in critical sectors like advanced manufacturing, higher education and health care, and commercial air is a vital amenity that we've been missing for far too long. I'm pleased to welcome Propeller to our region, and I look forward to their successful launch."

Seattle and Northwest Washington are among the fastest growing areas in the nation, and an essential part of accommodating the region's continued economic expansion is the introduction of new options and expanded capacity in passenger air travel. The airport's convenient location makes it the ideal choice for passengers who are looking for a world-class travel experience with a small-town feel and convenience. Paine Field's new passenger terminal will incorporate new technology and modern conveniences that will make flying into and out of Paine Field a more enjoyable, streamlined and convenient travel experience than other options.

In March 2017, Propeller entered into a public-private partnership with Snohomish County to develop the passenger terminal at Paine Field with private financing. Under a long-term lease, Propeller is responsible for building and maintaining a state-of-the- art, two gate terminal, which would revert to County ownership at the end of the lease. Propeller will make annual rental payments to the County. Estimated rent payments total more than $25 million over the term of the agreement, in addition to the County share or terminal revenues.

High definition b-roll of Alaska Airlines' at Paine Field is available for download at https://vimeo.com/219544270/6c106800c3.

About Propeller

Propeller Airports is a developer of air terminals and aviation support facilities that specializes in public private partnerships. They oversee all elements of development projects from terminal design, to building, financing and operations. Propeller has offices in New York, Seattle and Atlanta. Propeller identifies untapped potential for commercial air travel by working with local governments and communities to maximize local airport assets. By bringing private, free-enterprise business practices to airports that contribute to the local economy, Propeller and its government partners focus on "smart" development that is in-line with local objectives.

For further information on Propeller please visit: www.propellerairports.com

For further information on Paine Field please visit: http://www.painefield.com/

SOURCE Propeller Airports

Related Links

http://www.propellerairports.com


NEW YORK, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman began his tenure as Yeshiva University's fifth president today, meeting with students, faculty and staff across the University.

Ari Berman Portraits

"Yeshiva is filled with so many wonderful people engaged in exciting work. As I craft a new institutional mission and vision for Yeshiva University, I know our future will be brightest when we work together with a sense of common purpose. We will build upon our past and prepare responsibly for tomorrow," said Rabbi Berman, a four-time YU alumnus. "I am humbled by the many inspiring partners I had the opportunity to connect with so far, and eagerly anticipate getting to know many more."

The University will celebrate Rabbi Berman's official investiture on September 10, 2017.

Before assuming his role at YU, Rabbi Berman was the head of Hechal Shlomo  Center of Jewish Heritage in Jerusalem, where he led a transformation of the historic organization into an international center for Jewish life, learning and leadership. He also served as a lecturer of rabbinic literature in Herzog College's Jewish Studies Department and was a member of its Executive Leadership Council, the governing body that establishes policies and sets direction for all major issues regarding the operation of the college.

Rabbi Berman grew up in Queens, New York, and graduated from four YU schools with distinction, earning honors for his academic work in both secular and Jewish studies. He was recognized by the YU-affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) for his written scholarship and was chosen to speak on behalf of the graduating student body at his Chag HaSemikhah [rabbinic ordination ceremony]. He was also selected as a Fellow in the Kollel Elyon, the three-year post-ordination study program for RIETS's most promising students and future rabbinic leaders. He graduated from Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/Yeshiva University High School for Boys, received a bachelor's degree from Yeshiva College, and earned a master's degree in medieval Jewish philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies.

In 2000, he became rabbi of The Jewish Center in New York City, after having served there as rabbinic intern, assistant rabbi and associate rabbi. Under his leadership, the congregation experienced significant success by key metrics including congregational satisfaction, membership, programming, services, outreach, public activities and financial strength. Simultaneous with his pulpit at The Jewish Center, Rabbi Berman served as an instructor of Talmud in the Irving I. Stone Beit Midrash Program at Yeshiva College. In 2008, Rabbi Berman made aliyah [immigration] to Israel. He obtained a PhD from Hebrew University in Jewish law and thought during the High Middle Ages.

Rabbi Berman succeeds Richard M. Joel, who served as president of YU for 14 years.

Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University brings together the ancient traditions of Jewish law and life and the heritage of Western civilization. More than 6,400 undergraduate and graduate students study at YU's four New York City campuses: the Wilf Campus, Israel Henry Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus. YU's three undergraduate schools  Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business  offer a unique dual program comprised of Jewish studies and liberal arts courses. Its graduate and affiliate schools include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, The Mordecai D. and Monique C. Katz School of Graduate and Professional Studies, and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. YU is ranked among the nation's leading academic institutions.

Visit the YU Web site at www.yu.edu.

SOURCE Yeshiva University

Related Links

http://www.yu.edu


DUNKERTON  Searching is slated to continue Monday for a Waterloo woman who was reported missing a week ago.

Authorities temporarily halted the search for Rhonda Apfel, 47, for the weekend. They plan to resume Monday at the Bruggemann Wildlife Area east of Dunkerton.

Sgt. Steve Petersen with the Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office said the search will concentrate on the Wapsipinicon River, which cuts through the wildlife area, and the search on land has been called off because it has already been combed by authorities, volunteers and dogs over several days.

Apfel was reported missing on the morning of Memorial Day, and her motorcycle and personal items were found at the wild life area that same day.

Her husband said she may have slipped into the river while wading to cool off.

Black Hawk County sheriffs deputies and Dunkerton firefighters searched the area Memorial Day working both water and land. Friends, family and other volunteers arrived Tuesday to assist with the land search while authorities continued to search the river.

After another day of searching on Wednesday, the land search was temporarily suspended Thursday to prepare the area for tracking dogs, which were used on Friday.
WALTHAM, Mass., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) has recognized 33 suppliers for their excellent performance supporting programs across Raytheon.

"As we continue to evolve and advance relationships with our suppliers, it is critical that we recognize those partners whose commitment and customer focus is lock step with our own," said David Wilkins, Vice President of Contracts and Supply Chain for Raytheon. "The Supplier Excellence Program Awards acknowledge the suppliers who share our vision of customer success through trusted, innovative solutions."

The Supplier Excellence Program supports Raytheon's strategic sourcing which enables:

Enhanced engagement and communication

Quantitative and qualitative measurement of supplier performance

Recognition and rewards for top performers who contribute to both Customer and Raytheon success

Recipients are recognized in two categories for their achievements: Premier and EPIC. Premier Awards recognize a supplier's support and commitment to affordability, technical, business management and/or partnership. EPIC Awards recognize a supplier's overall Excellence in Performance, Innovation & Collaboration for one or more Raytheon business.

Premier Award Winners:

Technical

Anaren Microwave, Inc

Sanmina Corporation

UTC Aerospace Systems, Actuation & Propeller Systems

Business Management

Vallen

Partnership

Orbital ATK

Dynetics, Inc

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

Mercury Corporation - Memory and Storage Solutions

Primus Technologies Corporation

Affordability

EMCORE Corporation

Spectra Technologies, LLC

EPIC Awards Winners:

Advanced Electronics Company, Ltd.

ARCONIC

BCD Travel

Cobham Mission Systems, Orchard Park

Corning Incorporated

Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M Company

CEVA Logistics

Cree, Inc

Fifth Gait Technologies Inc.

Global Relief Technologies, Inc.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Inovar, Inc.

IQE

NWL, Inc

Orient Construction Company - Weavers

Page Europa

Riverside Machine & Engineering, Inc

Saudi Logistics & Technical Support

State Seal Company

TEVET

US Dynamics Corporation

Whitmore/Wirenetics

Additional information about Raytheon's strategic sourcing process and the Supplier Excellence Program can be found at www.raytheon.com/suppliers.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2016 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 95 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter.

Raytheon Company

Mike Doble

+1.703.284.4345

[email protected]

SOURCE Raytheon Company

Related Links

http://www.raytheon.com


LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Websites Depot, leading Los Angeles Web Agency and Google Partner, will be hosting the next Google Partners Connect live stream event inside of their Silver Lake offices on Wednesday, June 14, at 9 a.m. Registration is free, and online RSVP is required online before the event.

Websites Depot Inc.

The next live stream is the latest a series of interactive and educational talks on how to engage with and convert new customers through online tools that are readily available to the business community. Google Partners Connect streams in past months have focused on specific industries like Real Estate, Automotive and Home Services. The June 14 event will have a more broad focus on classifieds and local search optimization, with Google My Business Expert Stasia Kudrez as the primary speaker.

The event is open to all members of the public and is especially beneficial for entrepreneurs and business owners who will learn refined techniques for creating their online business listings and generating web traffic toward them. In the coming months, Websites Depot will be holding further Google Partners Connect events that will focus on mobile marketing, video marketing, business-to-business strategies, and healthcare, among other topics.

Kudrez is an AdWords and local search engine optimization expert who has been a regular spokesperson for the Google since 2005. She'll discuss with participants the best ways to leverage Google My Business accounts as well as other mediums for converting new business.

Google Partners Connect is available exclusively through Google Partner Web Agencies to educate and engage clients on the latest and most advanced online marketing techniques. Websites Depot has worked closely with businesses in a range of industries on Web Design, Online Reputation Management and SEO Services in Los Angeles and nationally.

Registered guests are encouraged to bring their laptop or tablets to take notes and to ask questions directly to the speakers at Google through Twitter. Additionally, there will be refreshments and snacks provided in the conference room, compliments of Websites Depot.

The office is located on the second floor of 4343 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, in office number 201.

For any questions about the event, or to make a press inquiry, please contact (323) 912-1105 or write to [email protected]. After registering, participants with live websites are invited to contact Websites Depot for a complimentary printed search engine analysis of their site upon their arrival on June 14.

Related Images

image1.png

image2.jpg

image3.jpg

image4.jpg

Related Links

Free Event RSVP Page

Websites Depot Blog

SOURCE Websites Depot Inc.

Related Links

http://www.i-newswire.com


DUBLIN, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Fast Attack Craft Market 2017-2021" report to their offering.

The global fast attack craft market to grow at a CAGR of 2.14% during the period 2017-2021.

FAC are small, fast, agile, and attack-capable warships, which are armed with anti-ship missiles, guns, or torpedoes. FAC are generally operated in the coastal regions as they lack the defensive capabilities to survive in the blue waters. The major benefit of such ships over other warships is their affordability and speed. These boats, when armed with guided missiles, are capable of posing threats to even large capital ships.

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global fast attack craft market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents the market landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the five major vendors operating in the market. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

One trend in market is advanced naval warfare systems. The advent of new technologies and rise in investments have resulted in the evolution of many advanced warfare systems such as virtual fence, underwater acoustic weapons, fences, electro-optic detection systems, multi-static anti- submarine warfare capability enhancement (MACE), and integrated security system. These systems enhance safety and efficiency in naval operations, which are vital for warships and FAC. Integration of advanced radar systems, electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) technologies, and underwater weapons in combat ships reduces the workload of the naval crew and assures the availability of essential maritime information with enhanced protection. Such automated systems, within the naval vessels, will add a new dimension to maritime warfare.





According to the report, one driver in market is increased seaborne dominance. Many countries are modernizing their naval defense units by manufacturing and procuring a number of warships. The increase in the number of these assets will simultaneously boost the global development of naval vessels and enable greater dominance of the defense authorities overseas and oceans. The US Navy has played an integral part in the national strategy of the country, which is surrounded by seas on two ends. Over the years, the country has strengthened its naval combat capabilities through the development of several classes of advanced naval vessels. Driven by the race of attaining military supremacy, the PLA Navy, China, is modernizing their naval fleets and deploying them in the South China Sea and in the Western Pacific region, which is posing a potential warfare threat. The PLA Navy is also focusing on developing a multifunctional and efficient maritime combat force to provide offshore water defense and open sea protection in tandem. China is also developing a missile-armed FAC and a significant number of cutter ships for the China Coast Guard, a paramilitary service that helps in asserting and defending China's maritime territorial claims in the East and South China Seas.





Further, the report states that one challenge in market is issues related to maintenance of vessels. Naval vessels are an effective solution for maritime security requirements and maintenance of naval vessels assist in their effective operation over their lifetime. However, maintenance of naval vessels has remained one of the challenges for several developing countries as they acquire such vessels from foreign countries and the number of such purchases is small. Since many countries lack the resources (spare parts and components) to develop such ships in their territories, they generally outsource the maintenance of the FAC, which is sometimes expensive. Moreover, the unavailability of spares and maintenance capability make cannibalization and unseaworthiness highly probable.

Key vendors



BAE Systems

Damen Shipyards Group

Fincantieri

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)

Navantia

Other prominent vendors



China Shipbuilding and Offshore Company

CMN Group

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers

Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction

Lurssen

Key Topics Covered:



Part 01: Executive summary



Part 02: Scope of the report



Part 03: Market research methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market landscape



Part 06: Market segmentation by type



Part 07: Geographical segmentation



Part 08: Market drivers



Part 09: Impact of drivers



Part 10: Market challenges



Part 11: Impact of drivers and challenges



Part 12: Market trends



Part 13: Vendor landscape



Part 14: Appendix



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hwkh82/global_fast

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


NEW YORK, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --SapientRazorfish, a transformation partner designed to help companies reimagine business through radical customer centricity, will build on the recent launch of its new brand at the 2017 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Representing a more than 20-year history of creating transformative work for clients globally, SapientRazorfish will contribute four jury members, mainstage seminars and award submissions, including: Dove's globally-acclaimed "Dear Media" 2016 Olympic campaign, Patron's AI-Voice enabled Cocktail Lab; and Ronald McDonald House's recently debuted digital product innovation "Blink," among others.

"This year's festival marks an exciting opportunity for SapientRazorfish to ascend Cannes' global stage for the first time since the union of Razorfish and SapientNitro, and for us, creativity remains the most sustainable competitive advantage we can offer clients looking to reimagine their businesses. As data and augmented intelligence rapidly transform brand experiences, we'll demonstrate at the festival how our combined creative capabilities deliver world-class excellence in customer experience innovation, cognitive experiences and digital product innovation," said Daniel Bonner, global chief creative officer, SapientRazorfish.

SapientRazorfish will join the festival's mainstage to help companies take a customer-centric approach to transforming their businesses by leveraging the proliferation of data, AI and emerging technologies. In partnership, Contagious Communications and SapientRazorfish will build on their 2016 most-streamed Lions Live session, "Cracking the Code of Creativity," to launch a new playbook for how cognitive technologies can transform the creative process. Titled "The Cognitive Creativity Playbook," the seminar will take place Monday 19 June, 16:00 - 16:45 and will strive to solve the provocation: from conversational interfaces to empathetic assistants, technology is getting smarter but how ready are marketers to use it? Alex Jenkins, editor of Contagious Magazine and Contagious I/O, and Christopher Follett, SapientRazorfish Executive Creative Director of Cognitive Experiences, will look to prove how algorithmic intelligence can help brands become more consumer-centric.

The second seminar, "Creativity in the Experience Age" hosted in partnership with Sonar, Europe's acclaimed festival of music, creativity and technology, will assemble a new breed of creative panelists to help navigate a new age of experience. As mixed realities, AI technologies and connected devices transform creativity, brands must embrace new capabilities to develop a sophisticated, nuanced understanding of the technological present, and embrace futures that go beyond the utopian or dystopian, to design experiences that move our world forward. The presentation will be hosted on Friday 23 June, 15:15 - 16:00 by Keri Elmsly, Chief Creative Officer at SapientRazorfish's Second Story and panelists Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, one of the leading figures working with technology in the art world today; and Kate Crawford, Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research NYC and specialist on the social impact of AI and Big Data; and writer, artist and "new aesthetic" creator James Bridle, whose latest project "How To Trap A Self Driving Car" erupted across the tech media landscape.

Joining this year's speakers, SapientRazorfish will contribute four of its esteemed leaders to the 2017 Cannes Lion global jury board in the following categories:

CREATIVE DATA LIONS: Simon James , Global Lead, Data Analytics, SapientRazorfish U.K. Celebrating the interplay of ideas and information, James will bring 20 years of experience in using data to drive marketing performance across advertising, CRM, digital and business transformation to his role as juror for the Creative Data Lions.

Celebrating the interplay of ideas and information, James will bring 20 years of experience in using data to drive marketing performance across advertising, CRM, digital and business transformation to his role as juror for the Creative Data Lions. DIRECT LIONS: James Chiu , Executive Creative Director , SapientRazorfish China . James Chiu will serve as a jury member for the Direct Lions, which recongizes response-driven and relationship-building creativity. Chiu contributes more than 10 years of global experience designing digital customer experiences, products, services and communication campaigns.

will serve as a jury member for the Direct Lions, which recongizes response-driven and relationship-building creativity. Chiu contributes more than 10 years of global experience designing digital customer experiences, products, services and communication campaigns. MOBILE LIONS: Julia Sosa , Creative Director, SapientRazorfish New York. Celebrating device-driven creativity, Julia Sosa brings 14 years of experience designing campaigns, sites and digital products to her role as juror for the Mobile Lions.

Celebrating device-driven creativity, brings 14 years of experience designing campaigns, sites and digital products to her role as juror for the Mobile Lions. FILM LIONS: Joaquin Molla , Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, The Community, part of SapientRazorfish. Joaquin Molla will serve as a jury member for the Film Lions. Under Molla's leadership, The Community has won some of the industry's most prestigious awards, including a Grand Prix in 2015 and a total of 10 Grand Prix in Spanish speaking advertising festivals.

Rounding out its creative leadership representation, Shaine Bai, Marketing Strategy & Analysis Associate; Paula Cunha, Experience Technologist; Chris Sun, Art Director; Cora Perez Fernandez, Senior Creative (The Community); and Rodrigo Gonzalez  Senior Creative (The Community) will be representing SapientRazorfish in the Young Lions Competition, where the next generation of creative stars go head-to-head on a live brief during Festival week.

ABOUT SAPIENTRAZORFISH

SapientRazorfish is a new breed of transformation partner designed to help companies reimagine their business through radical customer centricity. With more than 12,000 people and 70 offices around the globe, our capabilities span growth and business model strategy, new product and service innovation, customer experience, enterprise digital transformation, IT modernization, omni-channel commerce, precision marketing, change management, digital operations, digital innovation, data strategy and advanced analytics.

MEDIA CONTACTS

SapientRazorfish

Brittany Slattery

T+1 216 316 8305

SOURCE SapientRazorfish
SEATTLE, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

In an update to its Seafood Watch standards, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has today announced that farmed salmon, certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), have advanced in their sustainable seafood ranking to a 'Good Alternative'. The updated recommendation recognizes that ASC-certified farmed salmon aligns with many of the Seafood Watch's guiding principles for sustainable seafood production, and moves ASC-certified farmed salmon onto the program's recommended list of seafood for consumers to buy.

This updated recommendation will significantly increase the availability of sustainable farmed salmon in retail stores and restaurants, making it much easier for consumers to make an informed decision over the seafood they purchase.

"Producers that have met the ASC Salmon Standard have been comprehensively and independently audited to ensure they meet the highest assurance levels for responsible production and have demonstrated they care for their workers and communities. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch recommendation that consumers buy ASC-certified salmon further demonstrates the growing collaboration and synergy between the programs to promote the purchasing of responsibly farmed seafood," said Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC. "When consumers purchase ASC-certified seafood, they can feel confident they have selected fish from farms that are certified to the highest social and environmental standard."

The ASC standard is the world's leading certification program for responsibly farmed seafood. All farms certified to the ASC Salmon Standard must meet a total of 154 performance criteria and 521 compliance criteria, thereby showing they deliver real environmental and social benefits.

"Farmed salmon has long been an excellent protein choice for consumers," said Gerardo Balbontin, Co-Chair of the GSI and CEO of Blumar Seafoods. "It is healthy, nutritious and packed full of protein. But now, following the comprehensive ASC standard certification process, we are also able to document the sustainability, and environmental and social performance of our industry. For customers looking for the gold standard in seafood, they know that when they purchase farmed salmon recommended by the Seafood Watch program, and the ASC, they are making the right choice in choosing seafood that is produced to the highest standards."

At present, nearly a quarter of all farmed salmon produced globally is ASC certified, and members of the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) are the main sources of ASC-certified farmed salmon, worldwide producing over 350,000 tonnes of the product in 2016. The GSI is a collective of the leading global salmon farming companies that have made it their target to be 100% ASC certified by 2020.

"The members of the GSI are making excellent progress towards their ASC commitment," added Avrim Lazar, Convenor of the GSI. "And through this harmonization of the two highest environmental standards, coupled with rapidly increasing supply, we hope to see even more commitment to ASC products from the market place."

To learn more about the Seafood Watch program, please visit: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/

To learn more about the ASC, please visit: http://www.asc-aqua.org/

ABOUT GSI

The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) is a leadership initiative established in 2013 by global farmed salmon producers focused on making significant progress on industry sustainability. Today, GSI comprises 13 companies - representing approximately 50% of the global salmon production industry - that are fully committed to realizing a shared goal of providing a highly sustainable source of healthy food to feed a growing global population, whilst minimizing our environmental footprint, and continuing to improve our social contribution.

GSI member companies are Australis S.A.; Bakkafrost; Blumar; Cermaq; Compania Pesquera Camanchaca; Empresas AquaChile; Grieg Seafood ASA; Huon Aquaculture; Los Fiordos; Marine Harvest; Multiexport Foods S.A.; New Zealand King Salmon; and Ventisqueros. GSI companies have a presence in Australia, Canada, Chile, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and the UK, and make significant contributions to the economies of these respective countries.

In addition, the GSI also has a number of Associate Members in both the pharmaceutical and feed industries, including Benchmark Holdings plc; BioMar; Cargill; Elanco; Merck, Sharpe and Dohme (MSD) Animal Health; PHARMAQ; Salmofood; and Skretting.

For further information on the GSI, please visit or contact us at:



Media contacts:

Sophie Ryan

AXON

+1-604-506-8414

[email protected]



Cameron Donald

AXON

+44-(0)7710-388-627

[email protected]



SOURCE GSI
SF Express is one of the leading integrated logistics service groups in China for 24 years, with our core competencies of wide coverage logistics network and well-established brand reputation in China, SF Express is ready to help and cooperate with you in this fierce and great market.

SF Express USA would like to invite you to visit our booth at the Internet Retailer Conference + Exhibition (IRCE) in Chicago, and proudly present our "China Total B2C solution" to you. This All-in-1 B2C eCommerce solution provides diversified and essential support through each stage of development. We strive to offer more than just logistics services, but also the most comprehensive cross border solution for you to enter, explore and expand in the China market.

We believe we can assist with your next growing engine and hope that you will take this opportunity to join us at this exciting and important conference and to visit Chicago. We look forward to seeing you at the IRCE.

Date:

6th -8th June 2017

Venue:

McCormick Place West, Chicago, US ----SF Express Booth # 104

Sales Contact: [email protected]

Media Contact: [email protected]

US Customer Service Hotline: 855-901-1133

SOURCE S.F. Express Corporation

Related Links

http://www.sf-express.com


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunrise Telecom Incorporated (OTC-PINK:SRTI) announced that its Board of Directors has approved an amendment to the company's Restated Rights Agreement dated June 10, 2014 (the "Rights Agreement). The amendment extends the term of the Rights Agreement by three years.

The purpose of the Rights Agreement is to help protect the Company's net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs"), which can be used in certain circumstances to offset future taxable income and reduce the company's federal income tax liability. As of December 31, 2016, the company had approximately $83 million in NOLs.

The company's ability to use its NOLs to offset future income tax liability could be substantially limited if there is an "ownership change" as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Ownership changes under Section 382 generally relate to the cumulative change in ownership among stockholders with an ownership interest of 5% or more (as determined under Section 382's rules) over a rolling three-year period. The Rights Agreement reduces the likelihood of such an "ownership change" occurring.

Under the Rights Agreement, if any person or group acquires 4.95% or more of the company's common stock without the approval of the Board of Directors, the person or group's ownership interest in the company will be subject to significant dilution. Persons or groups who owned 4.95% or more of the company's common stock on the original effective date of the Rights Agreement will only be subject to such dilution if they acquire additional shares of common stock without the approval of the Board of Directors. As amended, the Rights Agreement will expire on May 28, 2020, subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances.

The extension of the term of the Rights Agreement will not affect the Company's earnings per share, nor is it a taxable event to the Company or its shareholders.

CONTACT:

Alan B. Howe

(858) 829-6713

[email protected]

SOURCE Sunrise Telecom Incorporated
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case of United States v. Sterling. The Court was asked to decide whether the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) protects a Marine lance corporal's decision to post scripture verses at her workstation. The lance corporal desired to post the verses to give her inspiration and strength, but military superiors ordered her to remove the verses she posted. The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces refused to protect her religious expression, interpreting RFRA in a constrained manner to protect only certain types of religious exercise and requiring that service members seek a religious accommodation, even though this is not a requirement of the statute. Family Research Council and numerous other religious freedom advocates urged the Supreme Court to take this case and overturn this harmful decision.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin, Family Research Council's Executive Vice President and former Delta Force commander, and Travis Weber, Esq., Director of FRC's Center for Religious Liberty, a former naval aviator and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, had attended oral argument for the case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and continued to monitor its status before the Supreme Court.

Lt. General Boykin commented on the case:

"The Supreme Court's refusal to hear this case has the unfortunate effect of allowing a chill on religious expression in the military to continue, and only underscores the need for the Trump administration to root out the anti-religious animus allowed to fester in the military during the Obama administration. Defense Secretary Mattis must consider the many complex ramifications of anti-religious Obama-era policies that remain in effect. The DOD and Congress need to ensure the priorities of the U.S. armed forces remain those that the Secretary has outlined: mission readiness, command proficiency, and combat effectiveness - not squelching religion  which is actually quite necessary to readiness and effectiveness. Holdover personnel from the Obama administration need to focus on these priorities, and not on the last administration's social engineering projects that ignore military readiness.

"If one thing is clear from my 36 years in the military, it is that religious faith is indispensable for the soldier facing danger and the possibility of death in battle. Throughout the history of our magnificent military, faith has played a role not just in strengthening weak knees and frail hearts, but has actually made a difference in the actions of service members who act on this faith to accomplish deeds of valor. To rob the service member of the right to express this faith will do incalculable damage to the armed forces," concluded Boykin.

Weber, who has testified before Congress about the need for increased religious freedom protections in the military, commented on the case:

"The Court should have taken the opportunity to clarify that RFRA protects religious expression in the military such as what is at issue in this case. Unfortunately, that must wait until another day. In the meantime, we must hope that leaving this ruling in place is not interpreted by anyone as permission to continue to scrub religious expression from our military. Far too many service members depend on their faith as the lifeline which enables them to cope with and accomplish the many incredibly difficult things our nation calls on them to do. They shouldn't be asked to give up the very constitutional rights we are asking them to defend."

As Lt. General Boykin and other retired general officers noted in an amicus brief they filed in the case, "the [lower court] decision undermines one of the greatest strengths of America's military: the religiosity of its members. It effectively tells service members to keep their religious beliefs hidden or face discipline." It is difficult to argue with their observation that "[m]ilitary men and women who swear to uphold the Constitution should also be afforded its protections."

To review the amicus brief filed by General Boykin and other retired general officers, please see: http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF16D53.pdf

To review Travis Weber's testimony before the Subcommittee on Military Personnel of the House Armed Services Committee, please see: http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF14K61.pdf

SOURCE Family Research Council

Related Links

http://www.frc.org


MALVERN, Pa., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TELA Bio, Inc., a surgical reconstruction company leading the development of OviTex Reinforced BioScaffolds (RBSs) for soft tissue repair, today announced the company will present at the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital's Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR) Conference being held June 8-10 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C.

OviTex RBSs are implants for hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction. They were purposefully designed to integrate biologic material and polymer in a unique embroidered construction which allows free movement of fluid and cells through the construct.

Maarten Persenaire, MD, chief medical officer of TELA Bio, will present surgeon feedback on initial clinical experience with OviTex RBSs in hernia patients since receiving U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance in June 2016. Surgeons observed 134 patients treated with OviTex RBSs and provided feedback for 128 patients after an average follow-up of 108 days. No device failures or hernia recurrences were reported.

"OviTex RBSs have now been successfully used in a wide range of hernia repair procedures," said Dr. Persenaire. "Surgeons are noting that OviTex RBSs are easy to handle, trim, suture, and tack in all surgical approaches, and conform well to contours of surgical sites. We are also encouraged by surgeon reports of reduced volume and duration of drainage post-operatively. This gives us confidence for our prospective multi-center ventral hernia BRAVO study which started enrollment this April."

In a separate presentation, Skott Greenhalgh, PhD, chief technology officer of TELA Bio, and Stephen Ferzoco, MD, FACS, Boston-based hernia surgeon, will present results from a preclinical study evaluating the permeability of various hernia repair materials including the company's OviTex RBSs. The study results showed OviTex RBSs exhibited permeability in contrast to market-leading biologic materials and coated synthetic meshes.

"Little attention has been paid to the permeability of hernia repair materials and the role permeability plays in their clinical performance," said Dr. Greenhalgh. "We believe it is important that OviTex RBSs exhibit permeability, as this may reduce the incidence of post-operative complications, including seromas. Furthermore, permeable implants could enhance tissue integration and remodeling through free movement of fluid and cells, which are critical to long-term durability of the repair."

About TELA Bio, Inc.

TELA Bio, Inc. is a privately-owned company focused on bringing innovative, cost-effective, surgical reconstruction solutions to surgeons, hospitals and patients. The company's OviTex Reinforced BioScaffolds (RBSs) products, designed for hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction procedures, integrate polymer and biologic materials in a uniquely embroidered construction using novel engineering design principles. The OviTex portfolio is supported by high-quality, data-driven science and extensive pre-clinical research that has consistently demonstrated the advantages of an RBS over commercially available products. OviTex RBSs are commercially available in the U.S., and TELA Bio plans to launch OviTex RBSs in the European Union. The company is collaborating with leading surgeons to drive rapid product development and establish TELA Bio as a leader in surgical reconstruction. To learn more about TELA Bio visit http://www.telabio.com.

About OviTex Reinforced BioScaffolds

OviTex Reinforced BioScaffolds (RBSs) are intended for use as a surgical mesh to reinforce and/or repair soft tissue where weakness exists. Indications for use include the repair of hernias and/or abdominal wall defects that require the use of reinforcing or bridging material to obtain the desired surgical outcome.

Do not use OviTex RBSs in patients known to be sensitive to materials of ovine (sheep) origin. For additional important safety information, please see the OviTex RBSs Instructions for Use.

The statements made or results achieved by TELA Bio customers described herein were achieved in their specific setting. Due to variations in clinical experience and technique, there is no guarantee that these results are typical. Bench testing may not be indicative of clinical performance.

Caution: Federal (US) law restricts this device to sale by or on order of a physician.

TELA Bio, Inc. owns or has applied for the following trademarks or service marks: OviTex, TELA Bio.

Media contact

Adam Daley

Berry & Company Public Relations

212-253-8881

[email protected]

SOURCE TELA Bio, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.telabio.com


DALLAS, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gents Place, a lifestyle club bringing men's grooming to the next level, announced today it signed a six-unit franchise development agreement to expand the concept into the Houston market. New franchisee, Jeff Stocks, will plan on opening the first location in the River Oaks neighborhood in Fall 2017. Stocks will also target other communities in and around Houston, including Galleria, City Centre, Washington/Heights, Katy and Rice/West University neighborhoods. This agreement is part of The Gents Place aggressive expansion plans to grow the brand's presence throughout the state and beyond, with an ultimate goal of opening 150 clubs in the next five years.

"The concept is rapidly growing in Texas with locations in Dallas, Frisco and Southlake, we are beyond thrilled to be expanding the brand's presence further throughout the state to include the Houston market," said Ben Davis, founder and president of The Gents Place. "Jeff's business leadership, experience and acumen made him the perfect candidate to develop the market beginning with these six locations and capitalizing on the growing trend for men's grooming in the area."

Arriving on the heels of a robust career in finance and law, Jeff brings more than three decades of business savvy, philanthropy and innate entrepreneurial spirit to The Gents Place. Jeff has been recognized in the community for his volunteer legal work focused on providing pro bono legal services to children who come to the country without their parents. Jeff has most recently worked as the Chief Financial Officer of a Houston-based industrial services company, bringing his c-level leadership and executive vision to the rapidly growing brand.

"What appealed to me most about The Gents Place was how they have so perfectly tapped into this very underserved market  male grooming  a growing and thriving $5 billion plus industry," said franchisee Jeff Stocks. "The brand's innovative views on business, service and leadership are what ultimately sealed the deal for me. I'm confident that the gentlemen who live and work in the Houston area are going to be as passionate about this concept as I am. The Gents Place strives be a part of each and every one of their clients' success stories."

The Gents Place prides itself on having one of the most unique service menus in the industry, epitomizing the exclusivity of an old-world speakeasy paired with an upscale, welcoming country club atmosphere. Not only can guests enjoy an incredible hair service and shave in the best men's grooming and lifestyle clubs in town, but also they can take advantage of all of the luxuries of a modern spa. In addition to offering men's grooming services, The Gents Place is a purveyor of hard-to-find retail goods from all over the world including its proprietary Rascal line of products, Truefitt & Hill, and Lakme, among others.

The company currently has three lifestyle clubs in North Texas (Dallas, Southlake and Frisco), a location in Leawood, Kansas in addition to the development of locations in Chicago and Austin. The company is seeking qualified franchisees to join the brand and currently has opportunities nationwide in markets such as Texas, Georgia, Florida, California, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia. The brand is aggressively targeting Atlanta, and South Florida for franchise expansion.

Prospective single- and multi-unit franchisees should possess a minimum net worth of $400,000 and liquid assets of at least $175,000. Candidates should have strong business, management and/or marketing experience. Franchisees can expect their initial investment to be between $440,955  $705,980, including a $40,000 franchise fee. The Gents Place franchisees are provided with an array of tools to position them for success, including franchisee and management training; a proprietary web-based management system; ongoing, hands-on training for club employees to learn our unique grooming methods, management and administration of a club; and advertising, marketing and public relations support. Additionally, The Gents Place provides assistance with site selection and construction.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with The Gents Place, contact Bret Franson, director of franchise development at [email protected] or visit http://www.tgpfranchising.com. Financing is available through the Small Business Administration for qualified franchisees. For more information visit https://www.franchiseregistry.com. Follow The Gents Place on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

The Gents Place's robust franchise growth is backed by Elevated Brands, a brand management and development company established by the principals of Massage Heights, a membership-based, therapeutic services franchise. In 2016, Elevated Brands invested in The Gents Place to help grow the brand nationally through the franchising model.

About The Gents Place

The Gents Place is the next level in men's grooming and lifestyle club that helps gentlemen look and feel their most confident best. Founded in 2008, the company has grown to include lifestyle clubs in Dallas, Southlake and Frisco, Texas, as well as Leawood, Kansas. The Gents Place provides luxury men's grooming services in addition to straight razor shaves, shoe shines and hand and foot repairs in a refined and timeless environment. For more information on The Gents Place, visit thegentsplace.com

About Elevated Brands

Elevated Brands is the brand management and development company established by the principals of Massage Heights, the membership-based, therapeutic services franchise company. The company provides emerging lifestyle concepts with the tools and strategic planning needed to grow their brands through the franchising model. Through its leadership team's deep franchise experience in the health and wellness space, Elevated Brands is on track to build a family of lifestyle brands that are dedicated to the well-being of those they serve. Its current portfolio includes Massage Heights Franchising, Summit Franchise Supply and The Gents Place.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Fish Consulting

Courtney Whelan

[email protected]

954-893-9150

SOURCE The Gents Place
PORTLAND, Ore., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Otoharmonics today announced that the Levo System has been selected as a finalist in the Digital Health Products and Mobile Medical Apps category of the 19th Annual Medical Design Excellence Awards competition. The 2017 winners will be announced at the 2017 MDEA Ceremony on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 in conjunction with the MD&M East event, organized by UBM, taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.

Levo System tinnitus therapy honored in the Digital Health Products and Mobile Medical Apps category of the 19th Annual Medical Design Excellence Awards competition Attendees of the MD&M East event can learn more about the development of the Levo System by attending the Case Study Presentation "The Levo System Tinnitus Therapy Device - From Sketch to Launch" on Tuesday, June 13th a 2pm in Javits Convention Center Room 1E08.

Utilizing an FDA-cleared evidence-based approach, the Levo System offers a patented method to provide personalized sound therapy while sleeping. A recently released randomized study by the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research led by James Henry, PhD. at the VA Portland Health Care System demonstrated improved clinical outcomes for tinnitus patients using the Levo System.

The MDEA are the medtech industry's premier design competition committed to recognizing significant achievements in medical product design and engineering that improve the quality of healthcare delivery and accessibility. The awards program celebrates the accomplishments of the medical device manufacturers, their suppliers, and the many people behind the scenesengineers, scientists, designers, and clinicianswho are responsible for the cutting-edge products that are saving lives; improving patient healthcare; and transforming medtechone innovation at a time.

"On behalf of the engineers, scientists, clinicians and business professionals that contributed to the development of the Levo System, we are deeply honored to be recognized by the Medical Design Excellence Awards," said Brenda Edin, CMO of Otoharmonics. "From the start, the Levo System was developed with personalized, patient-centric design in mind."

Attendees of the MD&M East event can learn more about the development of the Levo System by attending the Case Study Presentation "The Levo System Tinnitus Therapy Device  From Sketch to Launch" on Tuesday, June 13th a 2pm in Javits Convention Center Room 1E08.

The 2017 MDEA Juror Panel selected 45 exceptional finalists in nine medical technology product categories. Products were judged based on design and engineering innovation; function and user-related innovation; patient benefits; business benefits; and overall benefit to the healthcare system. Unlike other design competitions that are merely styling contests, the MDEA jury is comprised of a balance of practicing doctors, nurses, and technicians alongside industrial designers, engineers, manufacturers, and human factors experts.

About Otoharmonics Corporation

Otoharmonics Corporation is a privately held company with headquarters in Portland, Oregon USA. An international team of worldclass neuroscientists, clinicians, business professionals and patients, Otoharmonics has developed the patented Levo System for the management of tinnitus symptoms. With a personal approach and a deep understanding of the impact tinnitus can have, Levo is designed to be user-friendly and capable of delivering custom sound therapy based on the specific needs of the individual.

Otoharmonics and Levo are registered trademarks of Otoharmonics Corporation.

About Medical Design Excellence Awards

The MDEA program is presented by UBM, the global advanced manufacturing and MedTech authority, and by Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI), the industry's central source for late breaking news, information, and business intelligence. For more information about the Medical Design Excellence Awardsincluding additional details about the manufacturers and suppliers that created the 2017 MDEA-winning productsvisit the MDEA website at www.MDEAwards.com or e-mail: [email protected] .

Contact:

Brenda Edin

503-336-9906

[email protected]

SOURCE Otoharmonics
VANCOUVER, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX, NYSE-MKT: TMQ) ("Trilogy Metals" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc. ("Ausenco") to prepare the Arctic pre-feasibility study ("PFS") technical report anticipated to be complete in Q1, 2018. The Company has also engaged Amec Foster Wheeler ("Amec") to complete mine planning and SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. ("SRK") to complete tailings and waste design, hydrology and environmental studies.

Ausenco is a global diversified engineering, construction and project management company providing consulting, project delivery and asset management solutions to the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors. Ausenco's experience in base metal and cold weather projects ranges from conceptual, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for new project developments to brownfield expansions with EPCM and EPC delivery. Ausenco is currently engaged on a number of remote projects with similar characteristics and opportunities to the Arctic project. Ausenco's office in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada will coordinate the Arctic PFS.

"We are pleased to have assembled an excellent team to complete our pre-feasibility study on the high-grade polymetallic Arctic deposit. Ausenco, Amec and SRK are, all three, highly skilled and reputable companies, and the individual team members at each of these companies have decades of mining experience to draw on. The Arctic project is the first of many exciting opportunities in the Ambler mining district. While the Arctic PFS gets underway with a budget of US$7.1 million, we will continue to explore our exciting Bornite property with a budget of US$10 million. With a US$17 million total budget this year for exploration at Bornite and the Arctic PFS, it will be a very busy and productive year ahead for the Company. Major mining districts take time to develop and we are fortunate to have long-term support through our partnerships with NANA, AIDEA and South32, as well as continued support from our large shareholders", says Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Arctic Pre-Feasibility Study

The Arctic deposit is a high-grade copper-zinc-lead volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit which also contains significant amounts of precious metals. The Company is proposing a 10,000 tonne per day, open pit mining operation with a typical crush-grind-float flow sheet producing significant tonnages of copper and zinc concentrates and lessor lead concentrate containing significant quantities of precious metals. The Company has recently provided updated "PFS level" metallurgy, pit-slope stability and hydrology information in our March 19, 2017 press release (https://Trilogy PR April 19 2017) and an updated resource estimate for Arctic on March 25, 2017 (https://Trilogy PR April 25 2017). This summer, our consultants will work with our team members to complete the site investigation work to determine the optimal location for the mill and power plant, tailing and waste design, and other supporting infrastructure and facilities. The Company had previously released a National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure technical report entitled "Preliminary Economic Assessment Report on the Arctic Project, Ambler Mining District, Northwest Alaska" dated effective September 12, 2013 (the "PEA") (https://Trilogy PR September 12 2013). We expect the PFS to be completed in Q1, 2018. Ausenco, who are independent from the Company, will coordinate and work with our other consultants to provide engineering support and an economic analysis, as well as author the Arctic PFS technical report for the Company.

Qualified Persons

Andrew W. West, P.Geo., Exploration Manager for Trilogy Metals Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. West has reviewed the technical information in this news release and approves the disclosure contained herein.

About Trilogy Metals

Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metals exploration company focused on exploring and developing the Ambler mining district located in northwestern Alaska. It is one of the richest and most-prospective known copper-dominant districts located in one of the safest geopolitical jurisdictions in the world. It hosts world-class polymetallic VMS deposits that contain copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver, and carbonate replacement deposits which have been found to host high grade copper mineralization. Exploration efforts have been focused on two deposits in the Ambler mining district - the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit. Both deposits are located within the Company's land package that spans approximately 143,000 hectares. The Company has an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., a Regional Alaska Native Corporation that provides a framework for the exploration and potential development of the Ambler mining district in cooperation with local communities. Our vision is to develop the Ambler mining district into a premier North American copper producer.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to the potential timing and preparation of a PFS on the Arctic deposit, the future operating or financial performance of the Company, planned expenditures and the anticipated activity at the UKMP Projects, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties; exploration plans and budgets; mineral reserves and resource estimates; work programs; capital expenditures; timelines; strategic plans; market prices for precious and base metals; or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the uncertainties involving the need for additional financing to explore and develop properties and availability of financing in the debt and capital markets; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests and the estimation of reserves and resources; the need for cooperation of government agencies and native groups in the development and operation of properties as well as the construction of the access road; the need to obtain permits and governmental approvals; risks of construction and mining projects such as accidents, equipment breakdowns, bad weather, non-compliance with environmental and permit requirements, unanticipated variation in geological structures, metal grades or recovery rates; unexpected cost increases, which could include significant increases in estimated capital and operating costs; fluctuations in metal prices and currency exchange rates; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2016 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The Arctic Preliminary Economic Assessment and the Bornite Technical Report have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Unless otherwise indicated, all resource and reserve estimates included in this press release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and resource and reserve information contained therein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term "resource" does not equate to the term "reserves". Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. The SEC's disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of information concerning "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources" or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute "reserves" by U.S. standards in documents filed with the SEC. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. U.S. investors should also understand that "inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an "inferred mineral resource" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimated "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an "inferred mineral resource" exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of "reserves" are also not the same as those of the SEC, and reserves reported by the Company in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as "reserves" under SEC standards. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth in this press release or the Bornite Technical Report may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.

SOURCE Trilogy Metals Inc.

Related Links

www.trilogymetals.com


EDISON, New Jersey and AHMEDABAD, India, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

As a concurrent event with Glorious India Expo, Glorious India Awards announced 42 NRI Achievers as winners for their exemplary contributions in varied fields. The award function was organized by Praveg Communications Limited on 27th May, 2017 at New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, USA.

Glorious India Awardees

Dr. Alok Bhargava , Professor, University of Maryland School of Public Policy



, Professor, School of Public Policy Anshu Johri , Author, Udgam Media & Publishing LLC



, Author, Udgam Media & Publishing LLC Aparna Bhattacharyya , Executive Director, Raksha Inc .



, Executive Director, . Delegate Aruna Miller , Member, Maryland House of Delegates



, Member, of Delegates Dr. Avinash Dixit , Sherrerd University Professor Emeritus, Princeton University



, Sherrerd University Professor Emeritus, Dr. Bharat Shah, Chairman Emeritus, Noble Investment Group



Dr. C. Radhakrishna Rao , Professor Emeritus, Penn State University



, Professor Emeritus, Dr. Chitra Banerjee , McDavid Professor, University of Houston



, McDavid Professor, Digvijay Gaekwad , President, Danny Gaekwad Developments & Investments, NDS Global



, President, Danny Gaekwad Developments & Investments, NDS Global Dr. E. Premkumar Reddy , Professor & Director, Mount Sinai School of Medicine



, Professor & Director, Mount Sinai School of Medicine H.R. Shah , Chairman, TV Asia



, Chairman, TV Asia Dr. Hasmukh P. Rama , Chairman, JHM Enterprises



, Chairman, JHM Enterprises Dr. Jagdish Bhagwati , University Professor, Columbia University



, University Professor, Dr. Jamshed Bharucha , President Emeritus, The Cooper Union



, President Emeritus, Jenifer Rajkumar , Director of Immigration Affairs & Special Counsel, New York



, Director of Immigration Affairs & Special Counsel, Jignesh Pandya , Founder, Rohan Group of Companies



, Founder, of Companies Dr. Kamlesh Lulla , Director, NASA's Johnson Space Center



, Director, NASA's Johnson Space Center Dr. Kashyap Patel , CEO, Carolina Blood and Cancer Care



, CEO, and Cancer Care Dr. Khyati Y. Joshi , Professor, Fairleigh Dickinson University



, Professor, Kovid Gupta, Head - BD, Vinod Chopra Films Pvt. Ltd.



Pt. Krishna Mohan Bhatt , Sitar Maestro



, Sitar Maestro Kumar Arora , CEO, Aroridex Ltd.



, CEO, Aroridex Ltd. Mahendra Vora , Founder, Vora Ventures



, Founder, Dr. Manjul Bhargava , R. Brandon Fradd Professor, Princeton University



, R. Brandon Fradd Professor, Mehul Patel , Chairman, NewcrestImage Capital Advisors



, Chairman, NewcrestImage Capital Advisors Dr. Mriganka Sur , Newton Professor & Director, MIT



, Newton Professor & Director, Dr. Padma Desai , Gladys and Roland Harriman Professor, Columbia University



, Gladys and Roland Harriman Professor, Dr. Prith Banerjee , Former Executive Vice President, Schneider Electric



, Former Executive Vice President, Raj Bhavsar, Olympic Gymnast



Dr. Ramesh K. Agarwal , William Palm Professor & Director, Washington University



, William Palm Professor & Director, Dr. Ravi Batra , Professor of Economics, Southern Methodist University



, Professor of Economics, Sandeep Tyagi , Founder, Estee Advisors



, Founder, Sant Singh Chatwal , Chairman, Dream Hotel Group



, Chairman, Dream Hotel Group Dr. Saraju P. Mohanty, Professor, University of North Texas



Dr. Satya Atluri , Presidential Chair, Texas Tech University (TTU)



, Presidential Chair, (TTU) Sparsh Shah, Singer, Songwriter, Rapper



Sujata Day , Actress, Model, Screenwriter



, Actress, Model, Screenwriter Dr. Susham Bedi , Novelist, Poet; Professor, The City University of New York



, Novelist, Poet; Professor, The Dr. Usha Haley , Professor, West Virginia University



, Professor, Dr. Varadarajan V. Chari , Professor, University of Minnesota



, Professor, Dr. Vijay K. Dhir , Former Dean, UCLA



, Former Dean, Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt , Hindustani Classical Music Instrumentalist

For Images http://praveg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Glorious-India-Awards-photo.jpg



About Praveg Communications Limited

Praveg Communications Limited, the leading event management company based in India, has executed over 600 events in India and abroad.

For more information, http://www.praveg.com .

For media enquiries

Dr. Jayesh Patel

[email protected]

+1-678-778-0109

Praveg Communications USA, Inc.



SOURCE Praveg Communications Limited
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) today announced it has signed an agreement with Vijametech and UPMC, to develop plans for future radiation oncology centers in Vietnam. Collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, the three companies over the next two years intend to assist in developing, deploying, managing and servicing advanced cancer treatment technologies in out-patient cancer centers in Vietnam.

"Varian is proud to be part of this effort to expand the availability of advanced cancer fighting technologies and services in Vietnam," said Dow Wilson, CEO of Varian Medical Systems. "We also want to thank the US Department of Commerce and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, for their assistance and support of this agreement."

As part of its efforts to expand the availability of advanced cancer treatments around the world, Varian launched in 2015 the Access to Care program to help increase the number of qualified staff to plan and deliver treatments. Vietnam was one of the first countries to participate in the program where experts from Varian led students from oncology centers in the country through a comprehensive educational curriculum.

About Varian Medical Systems

Varian Medical Systems focuses energy on saving lives and is the world's leading manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating and managing cancer. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Varian employs approximately 6,400 people around the world. For more information, visit http://www.varian.com and follow @VarianMedSys on Twitter.

Press Contact

Mark Plungy

Varian Medical Systems

+1 (650) 424-5630

[email protected]

SOURCE Varian Medical Systems

Related Links

http://www.varian.com


"We are delighted to be chosen by the Committee to exhibit and are grateful to our host for this opportunity to present our revolutionary new aircraft, the TriFan 600," said Robert LaBelle, XTI's Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to interacting with our industry partners, investors and future customers throughout the show," said LaBelle.

LaBelle continued, "The invitation by our host to participate in the Paris Air Show is further validation that the market is recognizing the value proposition of our innovative aircraft, and its patented technology. The TriFan 600 will provide vertical takeoff combined with long-range, the speed and comfort of a business jet, and a quiet, clean state-of-the-art hybrid-electric propulsion system. There's absolutely nothing comparable to the TriFan 600."

The TriFan 600 is a major breakthrough in aviation and air travel. The six-seat airplane will have the speed, range and comfort of a business jet and the ability to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter. It will travel at over 300 miles an hour, with a range of over 1,200 miles. Using three ducted fans, the TriFan lifts off vertically and then its two wing fans rotate forward for a seamless transition to cruise speed and its initial climb. It will reach 31,000 feet in just ten minutes and cruise to the destination as a highly efficient business aircraft.

ABOUT XTI AIRCRAFT COMPANY

XTI Aircraft Company is a privately owned aviation business based near Denver, and founded in 2012. XTI is guided by a leadership team with decades of experience, a deep well of expertise, and success bringing new aircraft to market. XTI is founded on a culture of customer-focused problem solving to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers.

For information and updates about XTI Aircraft Company and the TriFan 600, visit www.xtiaircraft.com. To invest, go to www.startengine.com/startup/xti.

Media Contact for XTI Aircraft Company:

Diane Simard

Sr. Vice President/Director/Media Relations

Bye Aerospace

[email protected]

Direct: (303) 817-7676

AN OFFERING STATEMENT REGARDING THIS OFFERING HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SEC. THE SEC HAS QUALIFIED THAT OFFERING STATEMENT, WHICH ONLY MEANS THAT THE COMPANY MAY MAKE SALES OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED BY THE OFFERING STATEMENT. IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE SEC HAS APPROVED, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION IN THE OFFERING STATEMENT. YOU MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THE OFFERING CIRCULAR THAT IS PART OF THAT OFFERING STATEMENT FROM:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1638850/000164460016000093/offeringcircularxti-2.htm

YOU SHOULD READ THE OFFERING CIRCULAR BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT.

THIS PRESS RELEASE MAY CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE COMPANY, ITS BUSINESS PLAN AND STRATEGY, AND ITS INDUSTRY. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON THE BELIEFS OF, ASSUMPTIONS MADE BY, AND INFORMATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO THE COMPANY'S MANAGEMENT. WHEN USED IN THE OFFERING MATERIALS, THE WORDS "ESTIMATE," "PROJECT," "BELIEVE," "ANTICIPATE," "INTEND," "EXPECT" AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH CONSTITUTE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE STATEMENTS REFLECT MANAGEMENT'S CURRENT VIEWS WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE EVENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE CONTAINED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. INVESTORS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE ON WHICH THEY ARE MADE. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE ANY OBLIGATION TO REVISE OR UPDATE THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES AFTER SUCH DATE OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF UNANTICIPATED EVENTS.

SOURCE XTI Aircraft Company

Related Links

http://www.xtiaircraft.com


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Canberra, May 31 : US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis will visit Australia on June 5-6 to participate in the 2017 Australia-US Ministerial Consultations.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced on Wednesday that the discussions would involve improving the bilateral alliance and will also provide an opportunity for the leaders to discuss pressing regional issues, Xinhua news agency reported.

Bishop said AUSMIN was the "premier forum for Australia-US bilateral consultations on foreign affairs, defence and strategic matters". She said the 2017 meeting would be one of extra importance because it involved the new Trump administration.

"This will be the first AUSMIN with the new US Administration, and will build on our strong, dynamic bilateral relationship and our steadfast alliance, which began with the signing of the ANZUS Yreaty in 1951," Bishop said.

She said the leaders will be discussing "our mutual strategic priorities, including North Korea, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and defeating Islamic State (IS)".

Australia-US cooperation and collaboration in the Pacific and Southeast Asia will also be a key focus in the meeting, Bishop said.
Jammu, May 31 : Despite heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, it was business as usual on Wednesday between India and Pakistan through the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

Trade officials at Chakan Da Bagh facilitation centre said 25 trucks carrying goods crossed the LoC from the Indian side into the Pakistani side of Kashmir, while six trucks carrying goods came to this side on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Trade between the two parts of divided Kashmir takes place through the Poonch-Rawalakote route "The weekly bus service between the two parts was also operated through Poonch-Rawalakote route," officials said.

The Peace Bus service, known as "Karvan-e-Aman", between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad that operates through the Aman Setu Bridge near Kaman Post on the LoC in Uri sector was cancelled on Monday because of tension between the armies of the two countries.
Kabul, May 31 : The Taliban on Wednesday denied any involvement in the car bomb explosion in the Afghan capital that left at least 80 dead and more than 300 wounded and condemned the attack on the civilian population.

"This blast has nothing to do with the Mujahidins," the Taliban said in a statement released by their spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, adding that the Taliban never carry out such attacks with no targets, reports Efe.

"The Islamic Emirate (as the Taliban call themselves) condemn those blasts carried out against civilians and in which civilians suffer casualties without a clear target," it said.

The explosion occurred in the morning near Zanbaq Square close to the embassies of Germany, Turkey and Japan.

No armed group has yet claimed responsibility.

Kabul Police spokesperson Basir Mujahid told Efe that according to preliminary investigation, the vehicle, a small sewage service truck, was loaded with explosives and detonated in an area with heavy traffic.

"The objective is not yet clear, but it was close to the German embassy," said Mujahid, adding that the area had been cordoned off.

The powerful blast, which was heard in several parts of the city, happened amid the holy month of Ramadan and during rush hour when people were going to their work places. During Ramadan, work starts an hour late.

The last two major bomb blasts in Kabul, the last being in early May and also occurring in the diplomatic area, were claimed by the Islamic State although the Taliban also carried out attacks which left numerous civilian casualties in recent weeks.

In early March, two Taliban attacks on a police station and an intelligence services office in Kabul left 29 dead and 122 wounded, many of them civilians.

In January, the Taliban launched a double attack in the vicinity of the Parliament that left 30 dead and 80 wounded.
Srinagar, June 1 : Two militants were killed on Thursday in an operation by the security forces in Sopore town in Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

In a quick operation, Jammu and Kashmir police identified the two terrorists who were instrumental in throwing a grenade on its men on Wednesday in Sopore town in which four policemen were injured, a police spokesman said here.

"The two terrorists were eliminated in a joint operation with 22 Rashtriya Rifles, 92, 177 and 179 battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)," the spokesperson added.
New Delhi, June 1 : Automobile companies on Thursday came out with mixed sales figures for last month.

According to Angel Broking, the May sales figures have given mixed signals, while tractors' off-take remained a bright area. However commercial vehicle sales numbers remained subdued due to transition to the BS IV standards.

On a company specific basis, automobile major Maruti Suzuki's total sales rose 11.3 per cent to 136,962 units from 123,034 units sold during the corresponding month of 2016.

Maruti's domestic sales edged higher by 15.5 per cent to 130,676 units from 113,162 units. However, exports plunged by 36.3 per cent with only 6,286 units shipped out during May 2017, down from 9,872 units sold abroad in the like period of 2016.

The other passenger vehicle major Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) registered an increase of 1.6 per cent in its domestic sales of 42,007 units for the month of May 2017.

"Hyundai volumes are 42,007 units maintaining the growth momentum in passenger vehicles... the newly launched new Xcent registering a growth of 30 per cent thus overcoming the challenges posted by the implementation of GST which will be a boon for the auto industry," Rakesh Srivastava, Director of Sales and Marketing, HMIL said.

Leading SUV manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra's (M&M) sales grew by three per cent to 41,895 vehicles sold during May 2016.

The company's domestic sales surged to 11 per cent to 40,602 vehicles during last month from 36,613 units sold during May 2016.

"Given the favourable monsoon projections and the focused investment in the rural sector, we have a robust outlook for future which is expected to spur demand," said Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector, M&M.

"The implementation of GST will be a significant game changer and we hope it benefits the auto industry. At Mahindra we look forward to a growth momentum on the back of our existing product portfolio as well as the upcoming new products."

In the two-wheeler space Hero MotoCorp reported a rise of 8.7 per cent in its monthly sales for last month.

The two-wheeler major's sales in May increased to 633,884 units from 583,117 units despatched during the corresponding month of 2016.

Another key player Honda 2Wheelers India's sales grew by 23 per cent to 537,035 units from 436,328 units sold in May 2016.

"Honda continues to outpace the two-wheeler industry growth growing nearly three times that of the industry in April-May 2017," said Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President - Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India.

"Overall, the two-wheeler industry has once again bounced back to double digit growth after six months indicating early signs of recovery. However, with upcoming GST implementation, industry sentiment is cautiously optimistic."

The TVS Motor Company posted a sales growth of 16 per cent during the month of May 2017 to 282,007 units from 243,783 units in May 2016.
Agartala, June 2 : Amidst political parties' frantic efforts at realignment ahead of the crucial assembly elections in the Left-ruled Tripura, the BJP on Friday shut its doors for both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress legislators.

"Our doors are shut for the nine TMC and Congress MLAs," Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Tripura state unit President Biplab Kumar Deb told reporters.

"It is, however, open for other leaders and workers of the TMC, Congress and other parties but not for the nine sitting MLAs," he added.

Deb said: "In consultation with the party's central leaders, we had earlier announced a deadline of May 31 for the entry of the nine TMC and Congress MLAs into BJP. That deadline being over, the doors are also accordingly shut for them."

According to Deb, some of the TMC legislators had met former BJP President and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP's national General Secretary Ram Madhav among other leaders and expressed their keenness to join the party.

"I am personally shocked about their approach in joining the BJP to oust the ruling Left in the next assembly elections in Tripura in February," Deb said.

On the forming of electoral alliance with the tribal parties, Deb said that Himanta Biswa Sarma was looking after the alliance with the three tribal parties.

"He has held several meetings with the leaders of INPT (Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura), IPFT (Indigenous People's Front of Tripura) and NCT (National Conference of Tripura)," he added.

Sarma, who is holding the Finance, Health and Family Welfare and Education portfolios in the BJP government in Assam, is also the convener of the BJP-led anti-Congress alliance, North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

Deb also not long ago held a closed door meeting with TMC legislator and the party's prominent leader in northern Tripura Biswabandhu Sen and Congress legislator and former opposition leader Ratanlal Nath.

The TMC's Tripura unit former President and a former Minister and ex-President of the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee, Surajit Datta, and TMC's Tripura unit coordination committee chief Ratan Chakraborty and 15 other state committee members had joined the BJP earlier.

Besides, several thousand workers from the Congress, TMC and Communist Party of India-Marxist also have walked over to the BJP, making the party the main opposition party in Tripura. The state goes to elect a new assembly in about eight months.

TMC's key leader in Tripura and lawmaker Sudip Roy Barman, however, remained non-commital on the BJP leader's declaration.

"I would not make any comment on Deb's announcements. However, we are seriously keen to build an 'anti-Left maha jot' (grand alliance) to oust the ruling Left Front in Tripura in the next year's assembly polls," Barman said.

TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in an interview to a Kolkata-based television channel had indicated that Barman and other party legislators of Tripura had gone to Delhi to meet the central BJP leaders.

Barman, however, has denied Banerjee's observation and said that they went to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him about certain issues about Tripura, including chit fund related matters.

Modi, however, did not meet the TMC leaders and legislators.

Congress' Tripura unit chief Birajit Sinha, also a party legislator, has also strongly reacted to Deb's announcement.

"Such statement is the sign of immaturity; senseless and ridiculous," Sinha told IANS.

The Congress has recently served a show-cause notice on senior legislator Ratanlal Nath for "anti-party activities and meeting BJP leaders, including party President Amit Shah.

"We have served a show cause notice to Ratanlal Nath last month (May) for his closeness with BJP leaders, including Biplab Deb," Sinha added.
New Delhi/Srinagar, June 3 : The NIA on Saturday said it has seized over Rs 1 crore during nearly two dozen raids conducted in Srinagar, Delhi, and Haryana in connection with terror funding by Pakistan-based groups in the Kashmir Valley.

The raids are on at more than 14 places in Srinagar, eight in Delhi, and one in Haryana, including areas in Ballimaran and Chandni Chowk in the national capital, and a cold storage in Haryana's Sonepat, an NIA official said.

Of money seized, Rs 65-70 lakh was recovered from Srinagar, and Rs 35-40 lakh in Delhi, the official said.

He said the houses of three separatist leaders -- Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leader Ghazi Javed Baba, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front leader Farooq Ahmed Dar aka Bitta Karate, and suspended Hurriyat leader Nayeem Khan, among others -- were raided in the case in Srinagar.

The raids came in the wake of a preliminary enquiry (PE) against Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his close aide and Hurriyat provincial President Nayeem Khan, Dar and Baba on May 19.

The raids in the national capital were carried out after the separatist leaders were seen confessing in a sting operation video that they received funds from Pakistan via middlemen based in Ballimaran and Chandni Chowk.

Raids were also conducted in Rohini and Greater Kailash II of Delhi.

Khan had allegedly confessed to receiving money to incite trouble in Kashmir. The video clipping was released by India Today TV channel on May 16.

A senior NIA official told IANS: "The preliminary enquiry has been converted into an FIR against Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and other Pakistan-based terror agencies."

The FIR, which does not name any of the separatist leaders, has been registered under legal provisions dealing with waging war or attempting to wage war against the government, criminal conspiracy, and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The three separatist leaders were earlier questioned by the agency in Delhi on Monday and Tuesday.

Between May 19 and 22, the counter-terror agency also questioned Baba and Dar on four consecutive days in Srinagar. Khan was also grilled on May 19.

On May 20, the NIA had collected details of 13 accused and charge-sheeted those involved in arson attacks on schools and public property in Kashmir.

The NIA officials said the agency was probing all aspects of funding of separatist leaders by Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan sources, and use of this money in fuelling unrest in the Valley after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight on July 8, 2016.
New Delhi, June 3 : Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Islamic State (IS) has failed to make its base in India, which has the second largest Muslim population in the world.

"India is the second country with the highest number of Muslims. Despite having that large a Muslim population, the IS has failed to spread its wings here," Singh said at a press conference here.

He claimed the government has been able to provide security to the country with "full sensibility".

"Through our focussed action against terrorism we have been able to achieve good results," the Home Minister said, addressing a press conference to mark three years of the BJP-led NDA government.

Highlighting the government's achievements, Singh said that capital punishment was announced to five Indian Mujahideen operatives that was the "biggest blow" to the terror organisations.

Emphasising on better coordination with states, he said: "With good coordination among the states we were able to control the spread of IS across the country."

Lauding the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Singh said: "We have been able to arrest over 90 IS sympathisers. In the same way, the NIA has been able to convict the top leaders of NDFB(S) in northeast."

The Minister said the government has banned terror organisations like the IS and Ansar-ul-Ummah under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Besides, the Islamic Research Foundation of controversial televangelist Zakir Naik has also been put under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The Home Minister assured that the security condition in the country was under control. "Only two terror strikes happened between 2015-16, one in Punjab's Gurdaspur and the other in Pathankot," Rajnath Singh said.

"And in both the attacks our forces were able to kill the terrorists," the Minister added.
Washington, June 3 : NASA on Saturday scrubbed the launch of a sounding rocket which will release blue-green and red artificial clouds.

"Launch scrubbed because of boats in the impact area for the second stage motor. We will try again Sunday, June 4," NASA's Wallops Flight Facility announced on its Facebook page.

The launch window is 4:26 to 4:41 a.m.EDT (1:56-2.11 p.m India time).

The launch of the Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket testing a new deployment system to support space studies was originally scheduled for May 31, but it was subsequently delayed.

"Clear skies are required at one of the ground stations to view blue-green and red artificial clouds that will be produced as part of the test. These artificial clouds may be seen from New York to North Carolina," NASA earlier said.

The rocket will eject 10 canisters about the size of a soft drink can between 10 to 20 kms from the rocket's main payload, and these containers will release the vapour between 4 and 5.5 minutes after launch.

These clouds or vapour tracers allow scientists on the ground to visually track particle motions in space.

The development of the multi-canister or ampule ejection system will allow scientists to gather information over a much larger area than previously allowed when deploying the vapour just from the main payload.

Ground cameras will be stationed at Wallops and in Duck, North Carolina, to view the vapour tracers.

"The vapour tracers are formed through the interaction of barium, strontium and cupric-oxide. The tracers will be released at altitudes 96 to 124 miles high and pose absolutely no hazard to residents along the mid-Atlantic coast," NASA said.

Sounding rockets take their name from the nautical term "to sound," which means to take measurements. The flight of a sounding rocket is short-lived, and has a parabolic trajectory -- the shape of a frown.

The total flight time for the current mission is expected to be about eight minutes. The payload will land in the Atlantic Ocean about 90 miles from Wallops Island and will not be recovered.
Singapore, June 3 : US Defence Secretary James Mattis on Saturday urged China to make more efforts to contain North Korea and warned that America will not accept China's militarisation in the disputed South China Sea.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's annual defence summit in Singapore, James Mattis called North Korea's nuclear programme and ballistic missile tests as the "most urgent threat" to peace and stability.

According to Mattis, US President Donald Trump's administration considers China's commitment to the shared goal of denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula encouraging, but urged Beijing to act.

"North Korea poses a threat to us all. It is therefore imperative that all countries do their part to fulfil their obligations and work together to support our shared goal of denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula," he added.

Mattis said the US will maintain its close cooperation with Japan and South Korea to ensure its security, adding that Washington is working with allies and the UN partners to increase diplomatic pressure on the North Korean regime, Efe news reported.

After pleading for China's cooperation to address Pyongyang's threat, Mattis warned Beijing that the US will not accept its militarisation policy in the South China Sea, whose sovereignty is also partially claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

China claims almost the whole of this strategic maritime space where, during the past few years, it has built facilities on artificial islands that could be of military use, leading to mounting tension in the region.

"We oppose countries militarising artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims unsupported by international law," said Mattis.

"We cannot and will not accept unilateral, coercive changes to the status quo," he added.

Mattis asked for the order based on legality and insisted that Washington considers the ruling of the Court of Arbitration in The Hague, in favour of the Philippines over the South China Sea disputes with Beijing, binding.

However, he reiterated the US' willingness to work closely with China diplomatically and economically, and to build a constructive, result-oriented and mutually beneficial relationship.

Mattis also wanted to reaffirm the US commitment to strengthen alliances in the region, an issue that has been in question after Trump assumed office and made decisions, including Washington's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Mattis' views on North Korea and China were backed by other participants in the forum.

Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne called on Beijing to use its influence, including its status as the main foreign investment source, energy and being Pyongyang's major exporter, over North Korea.

His Japanese counterpart, Tomomi Inada, expressed support for Washington's decision for any action, including a military offensive, to address North Korea's nuclear programme.
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.

At least 21 of the wounded, including two police officers, 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.

Four police officers who tried to stop the attack were among those injured, two of them seriously. These were an off-duty officer and amateur rugby player who tackled one of the terrorists but was stabbed and a British Transport Police officer who took on the attackers armed with only his baton.

One attacker was seen with "a big knife" attacking people in the Borough Market whose pubs and restaurants were packed.

The mother of 23-year-old Daniel O'Neill, who is recovering in hospital after being stabbed, told the BBC he had a seven-inch scar from the knife attack.

"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 in him," Elisabeth O'Neill said.

Armed officers who reached the scene within eight minutes after getting the first call gunned down the suspects, who wore fake bomb vests. A bystander also sustained bullet injuries but was out of danger.

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.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his party's priority is public safety, pledging to "take whatever action is necessary and effective" to protect the country. He also called for the public to resist division in the wake of another terror attack.

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.
Panaji, June 5 : 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.
New Delhi : Damascus, Jun 5 (EFE) The Islamic State terror organisation has executed 11 of its militants in the northeastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zour.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that IS militants opened fire at the deceased in the city of Mayadin, considered to be one of the main IS strongholds in Syria, Efe reported on Sunday.

Activists are unaware of neither the identities of those executed nor the accusations against them.

Additionally, SOHR pointed out that the radicals dug a hole to bury the bodies of their fighters.

The terror organisation killed 25 of its members last month in Deir al-Zour, accusing them of adultery, murder and arms trafficking, according to SOHR.
London, June 5 : Director Guy Ritchie, accompanied by actor Tom Hardy, reportedly stormed out of an upmarket Chinese restaurant here after he was denied ordering Peking Duck.

According to The Sun newspaper, the director arrived at posh eatery Min Jiang alongside Hardy when they ordered the hotspot's renowned menu favourite - which reportedly has to be ordered "24 hours in advance".

In addition to the 24 hours notice time for the 65 pounds dish, the "legendary wood-fired Beijing duck" also requires a 45-minute roasting time per bird.

After finding out he would be denied the dish, the British director's mood quickly turned and he was left "unimpressed", reports dailymail.co.uk.

It was also claimed Ritchie wasn't happy with the response he received by the Kensington restaurant's hospitality as he told the waiter "You've just lost yourself two customers" while leaving.

An onlooker at the eatery said: "Guy was not happy. He kept saying he didn't want anything else - he had only come for the duck. He said that was the dish everyone talks about."

The on-looker continued to describe the situation: "The waiter was very apologetic, but there was nothing he could do. They didn't have the duck. As things got more heated, Tom was trying to pull his friend away, saying, 'Come on mate'. And eventually he realised he was getting nowhere."

The source added: "That's when he delivered a line about losing his customer and flounced out. He has a reputation for being pretty down-to-earth, so it was a surprise to see him throwing his toys out of the pram over a duck."
Srinagar, June 5 : The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Monday foiled an early morning suicide attack on one of its camp in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. Four terrorists were killed.

The terrorists lobbed grenades at the CRPF's 45 Battalion camp in north Kashmir's Sumbal region around 3.45 a.m. followed by heavy firing.

"The fidayeen militants kept firing as they tried to enter the camp. The attack was effectively repulsed by the CRPF sentry and Sumbal Police," CRPF Deputy Inspector General M. Dinakaran told IANS.

Luckily, no loss was reported from the CRPF side, he added.

Several weapons have been recovered along with the bodies of four militants, whose identity is yet to be established, Dinakaran said.

Four AK-47 rifles, over a dozen grenades and a huge cache of ammunition have also been seized, the official added.

The Sumbal camp of the CRPF is the headquarters of the 45th battalion which was headed by Chetan Kumar Cheeta, who survived despite taking nine bullets while fighting militants in Bandipora in 2016.
Chennai, June 5 : Actor Revanth is hopeful that his maiden Telugu film "Intinta Annamayya", which has been struggling to find a release in theatres for over a year, will finally hit the screens very soon.

"I know it's been a long wait. The film got delayed due to several reasons but now it's ready for release. We are just hoping to find a suitable date. I'm hopeful it will come out soon," Revanth told IANS.

Although he doesn't want to talk about the reasons behind the delay, he said he kept himself pretty occupied in the last year.

"I worked on a few documentaries on counterculture and adventure sports. The experience was very helpful. I was also in Nepal during the earthquake and I even made a documentary on it. I also completed working on another Telugu film," he said.

His new film "Raja Meeru Keka" is gearing up for release.

"It's about a story of few friends from middle-class families. It'll be easily relatable story as it will shine the spotlight on problems faced by middle-class people," he added.

Revanth is the son of popular Telugu producer Yalamanchili Sai Babu.

Asked if his father is planning any film with him, he said: "I'll always be ready to work with dad. Right now, we are not planning anything."
Amman, June 5 : The Jordanian government has formally charged one of its soldiers with murder over his alleged involvement in a 2016 attack on a military convoy that killed three US troopers, the media reported.

"He is being officially charged with murder with intent to kill," a Jordanian government official told CNN on Sunday.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not identify the soldier.

The three US Army Special Forces soldiers were shot at the King Faisal Air Base in Jordan on November 4, 2016.

There was an intense firefight between a Jordanian guard, who wore body armour and carried an M-16 rifle, and the US soldiers, equipped only with sidearms.

Army Staff Sgt. Kevin McEnroe was killed instantly and Staff Sgt. Matthew Lewellen was critically injured when the guard opened fire on the soldiers' vehicle while it was stopped at the base's gate.

The third man, Staff Sgt. James Moriarty, also suffered a critical wound after firing his pistol at the Jordanian guard.

In March, the US military determined that the three men followed proper procedures during the incident, reports CNN.

A US Special Operations Command investigation into the shooting found the US forces "demonstrated valorous conduct and extraordinary heroism" after coming under fire, according to a copy of the report.

"There is no evidence that US forces failed to fully comply with Jordanian Base entrance procedures," the report said.

Jordanian state media initially blamed the incident on the soldiers' failure to adhere to proper procedures at the base's entrance.

The three men were part of a training mission in Jordan.
Cairo/Doha, June 5 : Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday announced they were severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, and accused the Gulf state of supporting terror groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said Riyadh severed its diplomatic ties to "protect national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that Qatar's policy "threatens Arab national security and sows the seeds of strife and division within Arab societies according to a deliberate plan aimed at the unity and interests of the Arab nation," Al Ahram news agency reported.

The five countries announced they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, and also that they were closing their airspace and borders severing land, sea and air contact with Qatar within the next 24 hours.

The SPA quoted a Saudi official as saying that Qatari troops would be pulled from the ongoing war in Yemen due to Doha's "practices that strengthen terrorism" and its support to groups "including Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as dealing with the rebel militias."

Bahrain said Qatar has interfered in its internal affairs, engaged in negative media coverage against it, and supported terrorist activities and armed groups, as well as financed Iranian-backed groups that are responsible of vandalism and violence in the country, reports Xinhua news agency.

The country has asked Qatari diplomats to leave within 48 hours.

The UAE has also accused Qatar of "supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organisations", according to state news agency WAM.

The Yemen government also announced that it was severing all ties with Qatar, and accused it of working with its enemies in the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, state news agency Saba reported.

"Qatar's practices of dealing with the (Houthi) coup militas and supporting extremist groups became clear," the government said in a statement.

It added that Yemen supported the decision of a Saudi-led coalition, fighting for more than two years to oust the Houthis from the Yemeni capital Sanaa, to remove Qatar from its ranks.

In response, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said it regretted the measures by the Arab nations, and called the decisions "unjustified".

"The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact," Al Jazeera TV cited the statement, adding the decisions would "not affect the normal lives of citizens and residents".

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged the Gulf nations to stay united.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying in Sydney.

"If there's any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."

Tillerson said despite the impasse, he did not expect it to have "any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism in the region or globally".

Etihad Airways, the UAE's flag carrier, said it would suspend flights to and from Qatar beginning Tuesday morning.

It was not immediately clear how Monday's announcement would affect other airlines.

A Saudi-led coalition which for more than two years has been fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen separately announced that Qatar was no longer welcome in the alliance.

Monday's move comes after Qatar alleged that hackers last month took over the site of its state-run news agency and published what it called fake comments alleged to be from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel, Al Ahram reported.

Following the hacking, comments "falsely" attributed to Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, were broadcast in Qatar.

Qatar's government categorically denied that the comments, in which the country's leader expressed support for Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel while suggesting that US President Donald Trump may not last in power, were ever made.

In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain had recalled their ambassadors from Qatar for its alleged backing of then-Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood member.

However, eight months later they returned their ambassadors as Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country.
New Delhi, June 5 : With Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone already hoping India doesn't "wreck" an upcoming remake of his iconic actioner "Rambo", the Hindi film's director Siddharth Anand is confident of delivering an impactful punch with it. He says he's going all out to make the world to sit up and see what India can do with action and emotions.

The brawny and rugged look of actor Tiger Shroff on the "Rambo" remake's poster -- unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival last month -- drew eyeballs. Siddharth is only hopeful the team lives up to the expectations.

"Rambo is a global icon. When we launched the film in Cannes, we realised the magnanamity of the character. When we spoke to journalists from across the world, they all were very enthused and keen to know what we will do with it, because it's a much-loved character," the director told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"It's a character that resonates in every part of the world. We know there will be a lot of fans and detractors -- watching it with a keen eye. It has the potential to reach out to people across the globe, and we are aiming to make a film that's world class in action and emotion," he said.

"I'm competing on a global level. I do not just want to make a film that's iconic only in India. I want the world to sit up and see what India can do with action and emotions," Siddharth added.

This is Siddharth's second remake after he officially adapted Hollywood film "Knight and Day" and made "Bang Bang!". Before that, he had helmed romantic dramas like "Salaam Namaste", "Ta Ra Rum Pum", "Bachna Ae Haseeno" and "Anjaana Anjaani".

"I suddenly switched to action and took to it like fish takes to water. I really enjoyed the thrill of what I could bring to screen, the kind of action we did in 'Bang Bang!'. I was wanting to take it further, and what better character than Rambo," he explained, adding how crucial it was to give "Rambo" an Indian hook.

"Just because you have a brand like 'Rambo', it might get people into theatres but it won't bring them back. That's what I need to do -- bring up an emotional connect more than the action in it."

The original film series is about John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam War veteran and former US Army Special Forces soldier. For the desi remake, there had to be a "complete overhaul" with ths script.

"India doesn't have that history, so obviously there had to be a major adaptation in the sense of character, story and setting. That's why the project has taken two years. We have taken the mythology of Rambo forward and that's what we are playing on... More than remaking it," he said.

Is the setting then about India and Pakistan?

"That would be the first thing that will come to people's mind, but it's not," said Siddharth, who has co-written the project with Sagar Pandya.

What he knows is "opinions about the film will be very polarised" -- just as they were when Tiger was announced as the actor who will fill Stallone's big shoes.

"There will be fans of the film and then those who will be agnostic about it that there shouldn't be a remake... Or there will be both sides who will be waiting to see what we do. So in all ways, we have immense pressure to satisy both haters and lovers -- that's the challenge," Siddharth said.

"Also, I feel you have to bring your own take when you do a remake. You should have your voice heard with it. 'Rambo' will have my voice, the way I see an issue prevailing in our country and which is what the character is fighting for."

"I am excited about getting that out. People think 'Rambo' is just another mindless action film, but it's not."

Siddharth hopes the movie goes on floors in February 2018, and is ready in time for a release towards the end of next year. What about the budget?

"We are clear in ambition, we have a target in sight, and we're going all out," he said.

(Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)
New York, June 5 : Condemning the London Bridge attack in which seven people were killed and 48 were injured, Facebook has said it wants to be "a hostile environment for terrorists".

While some critics say the social media leader is not doing enough because it has an incentive to make content as shareable as possible, Facebook's Director of Policy Simon Milner said Facebook works "aggressively to remove terrorist content from our platform".

"The social network giant wants to provide a service where people feel safe. That means we do not allow groups or people that engage in terrorist activity, or posts that express support for terrorism. We want Facebook to be a hostile environment for terrorists," CNBC quoted Simon Milner as saying on Sunday.

"Using a combination of technology and human review, we work aggressively to remove terrorist content from our platform as soon as we become aware of it," Milner said.

"We have long collaborated with policy makers, civil society and others in the tech industry and we are committed to continuing this important work," the Facebook executive added.

Suspected Islamists rammed a van into a group of pedestrians and tourists on London Bridge and later launched knife attacks at nearby pubs. Police shot dead all three suspects.

Police said 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the terror attack.

Last month, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced he would add another 3,000 employees to scrub harmful content from the network.
Dubai, June 5 : The price of oil gained over 1 per cent while stock prices in the Gulf retreated across the board after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen cut diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday.

Markets reacted to the escalation of the diplomatic row in the Gulf region and sent the price of oil 1.04 per cent higher to $50.47 per barrel, Xinhua news agency reported.

In Doha, the Qatar Exchange Index plummeted 7.94 per cent to hit 9,135, marking an 18-month low.

In the UAE, the Dubai financial market DFM dived 1.36 per cent one hour after opening and fell below 3,300. Bank shares in particular posted heavy losses.

Media reports indicated that all UAE airlines, including budget flyer FlyDubai and Etihad from Abu Dhabi, will stop flying to Qatar from Tuesday.

In Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, the ADX General Index declined by 0.36 per cent, trading around 4,467.

The Bahraini All-Share Index bucked the regional slump and gained 0.58 per cent.
Melbourne, June 5 : Police are dealing with a hostage situation in Australia's Melbourne city after an explosion on Tuesday.

A major police operation is underway at a Bay Street apartment, following reports of the explosion at 4 p.m. (local time), reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

A Victoria state police spokesperson said officers were trying to negotiate with a man in one of the apartments.

"It's believed he has a woman inside with him who he won't allow to leave."

"Victoria Police specialist units are currently on scene. Roads are closed in the vicinity and we urge the community to avoid the area," the spokesperson added.
Kolkata, June 5 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday condemned the raid on national news channel NDTV founder Prannoy Roy's residence, terming it a "disturbing trend".

"Shocked at the raids on Dr @PrannoyRoyNDTV's house. He is highly respected and reputed. Disturbing trend," she tweeted.

The CBI on Monday raided Roy's residence in Delhi over an alleged bank loan default case, which the national news channel said was part of the probe agency's "concerted harassment" to muzzle free speech.

The CBI registered the case against Roy, his wife Radhika, a private company and others. The probe agency conducted searches at Roy's Greater Kailash-I residence in south Delhi for causing alleged loss to a bank.
Patna, June 5 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday assured of action against officials and school teachers after completion of the probe in the Class 12 topper scam. He said teachers of those schools where no student passed the exam would be dismissed.

"We have already taken action against those guilty and no one will be spared. After the probe, officials from the Block Education Officer (BEO) to District Education Officer (DEO), school teachers and others will be punished for not fulfilling their duty," Nitish Kumar told newspersons here after his weekly Lok Samvad programme.

"Thosh karwai hogi sabhi ke khilaf jo jimmedar hain (tough action will be taken against all those responsible), yeh sab mahaa-manthan ke baaad jaldi hoga (this will be done after discussions)," he added.

The Chief Minister said his government will take tough action against teachers of the schools, where all students have failed in the Class 12 exams conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB). He admitted that irregularities were committed at thee home centres for the Class 12 exams.

Nitish Kumar said that some people have been indulging in acts that is damaging Bihar's image.

"Bihar ki chawi Bihar ke hi kuch log badnam karne ki koshish kar rahein hain (some people of Bihar are attempting to damage Bihar's image.) Lagatar apne rajya ki chawi ko bigadne mein lage hue hai (they are repeatedly trying to damage the state's image)", he added.

Earlier, Bihar Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh had said that in 654 schools all students had failed in the Class 12 exams.

"Teachers of all such schools will be dismissed within 15 days," said Nitish Kumar.

He said the government has succeeded in conducting cheating-free exams this year and managed to improve the education and examination system in the state.

"But some people have managed to damage our effort... It is a challenge for us," he added.

Nitish Kumar said he had ordered an FIR be filed soon after he was informed about this year's Class 12 Arts topper Ganesh Kumar, who fudged his age to appear in the exams.

The Chief Minister said he has asked top officials to prepare a detailed action plan for Class 10 and Class 12 in a bid to improve the education system.

Ganesh Kumar, a student of RNSJN Utkraamit Madhya Vidhyalaya in Samastipur district, was arrested on Friday evening and later sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

He was declared the topper of Class 12 Arts stream securing 82.6 per cent, but he stumbled over queries posed by the media on music in which he scored 65 out of 70 in practicals.

BSEB chairman Anand Kishore on Friday said Ganesh Kumar is 42-years-old and a father of two. The BSEB lodged an FIR against him after finding that he declared his age as 24 in the registration form to appear in the exams.

The BSEB has also served Ganesh Kumar a showcause notice, asking him to explain his stand in three days.

Ganesh Kumar passed Class 10 in 1990 from CRSR High School in Giridih, Jharkhand. He had then mentioned his age as 07-11-1975, and written his name as Ganesh Ram, son of Shankar Nath Ram.

In 2015, he fudged his age in order to take the Class 10 exam again in Samastipur. He changed his name from Ganesh Ram to Ganesh Kumar and gave his date of birth as 02-06-1993.
Ghaziabad, June 5 : Now you can reach the Ghaziabad police in an emergency on landline if the 100 number does not work.

Superintendent of Police Akash Tomar announced on Monday four landline phone numbers -- 0120-2800750, 0120-2767342, 0120-2767343 and 0120-2767344 -- if the police control room number 100 fails to work in an emergency.

The officer, who took charge a month ago, had earlier appealed to the public to set up CCTV cameras outside their homes to help police.
Mumbai, June 5 : Automobile major Tata Motors on Monday announced it has appointed Satish Borwankar as its Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect.

"Tata Motors Board has decided to extend Satish Borwankar's tenure as the Executive Director, for a period of two years and has appointed him as the Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect," the automobile major said in a statement.

According to the statement, in another unrelated development, Ravindra Pisharody resigned as the Executive Director (Commercial Vehicles), and as a Director of the automobile major and its associated companies for personal reasons.

"Ravindra Pisharody has resigned from his role as Executive Director (Commercial Vehicles), and as a Director of the company and its associated companies, due to personal reasons. Pisharody will continue to serve the company until further notice," the statement said.

"Tata Motors thanks Pisharody for his astute contribution to the commercial vehicle business and to the executive committee and wishes him all the very best for his future endeavours. An announcement of his successor will be made in due course."
Panaji, June 5 : A lawyer filed a complaint with Goa Police on Monday, demanding a ban on the Facebook pages of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and his organisation Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).

The Goa-based lawyer said the pages are active despite a ban on the foundation.

"The Islamic Research Foundation and Dr Zakir Naik are active in India, even after the notification of ban, and are committing cognisable offence. Therefore, the Facebook page of IRF and Zakir Naik should be blocked immediately. Also, an offence must be registered against Naik and his active followers, fans, members," advocate Nagesh Takbhate said in his complaint to the Cyber Cell of Goa Police.

The lawyer asked for his complaint be registered under the Information and Technology Act, 2008, and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

The complainant also says that the respective Facebook pages were posting objectionable content and encouraging followers to "promote disharmony between different religious communities and groups".
Washington D.c., June 5 : The bodies of an Indian techie and his three-year-old son who drowned in the community pool in Michigan city last week, are being taken to India and will reach on Tuesday.

The victims were identified as 31-year-old Nagaraju Surepalli and his son Ananth. Their bodies were found in a swimming pool at the Glens of Northville apartment complex in Michigan city last Tuesday, CBS Detroit reported.

Surepalli was from Andhra Pradesh's Guntur city and was in the US for the past three years along with his mother, wife Bindu and son Ananth. He was working for Infosys as a software engineer.

Novi police chief David Malloy said the victims, who are residents of India, were out enjoying the day when the tragedy occurred. An employee of the complex had called 911 after seeing two bodies floating in the complex's pool.

"The dad had taken the child to the pool. They were not intending to swim, they were just going to sit by the pool, and that was evidenced by what we found at the scene," Malloy told CBS Detroit.

"They were not dressed in swim attire."

Police said the boy fell into the pool while riding his tricycle. The father jumped into to rescue his son and drowned. There was no lifeguard, and the pair were not experienced swimmers.

The family's friends and Surepalli's Infosys colleagues started an online fundraiser so that the bodies could be sent back to India, said the report.

Friends described Surepalli "one of the most jovial, honest, friendly person you would ever meet and always smiling".

"The bodies will be airlifted to India along with Surepalli's wife Bindu and her relatives," a recent update on the fundraiser site said.
Mumbai, June 5 : Twenty-one leading importers from China, Iran, Japan, Australia, Mauritius, South Korea and the UAE, along with nearly 100 exporters from India, participated on the opening day of the Mango Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) here on Monday.

The two-day event is being organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

"State horticulture departments from 10 mango producing states displayed a wide range of varieties grown in the respective states. APEDA showcased a range of fresh fruits at its pavilion to sensitise the importers about the offerings by India in fresh sector," the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

Along with the fresh fruits segment, value-added products of mango, such as mango pulp, pickles, chutneys, jams, jellies and juices were also displayed.

Some leading exporters, such as Bombay Exports, Asar Brothers and Kaybee Exports, spoke about the good response received during the event.

"One of the leading importers Dalian Yidu from China, having a chain of stores, interacted with the Indian exporters and expressed positive response towards the Indian fruit," the statement said.

Sampling of different commercial varieties of mango like Alphonso, Kesar, Banganpalli, Totapuri, Dussheri, Langda and Chausa, along with local indigenous varieties like SelamGundu, Mallika, Peter, Rumani, Neelam, HimamPasand, Mulgoa, Kundath, ArkaAnmol and Fazli, was the highlight of the event.

On Tuesday, visit of importers to common infrastructure facilities like gamma irradiation, hot water treatment, vapour heat treatment and integrated pack house is being organised here to showcase India's capability, the statement noted.
New Delhi, June 5 : President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated ISRO on the successful launch of Indias latest communication satellite GSAT-19 with its brand new and heaviest rocket - the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III).

"My heartiest congratulations to you and the entire team at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on the historic launch of the indigenous Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV-Mk III) carrying GSAT-19 satellite to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)," said Mukherjee in a message to ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar.

Modi took to twitter to congratulate the scientists.

"The GSLV - MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud!

"Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV - MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission," he said.

The GSLV-Mk III rocket, on its maiden flight, began its ascent towards space from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at the Sriharikota spaceport from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
New Delhi, June 5 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said that the government has a proposal to exit Air India, however, the final call on the future of the debt-ridden national passenger carrier has to be taken by the Civil Aviation Ministry.

"Civil aviation is turning into a good success story in India... Therefore, how fair is it for government to occupy 14 per cent of the market share and then say some Rs 55,000-60,000 crore of tax payer's money must get into this whole process," Jaitley told CNBC TV18 in an interview.

"In addition to the existing players, if private sector players come, participate in Air India's proposed privatisation scheme, I think it will add to competition and add to quality, at what pace it will be done, in what manner it will be done is really for the civil aviation ministry to decide."

Replying to a question on government's ability to find a buyer for Air India without being able to write off a significant portion of its debt, Jaitley said: "I think the debt itself will have multiple components."

"The debt has a component which is the assets itself, which is the aircrafts. Then there are routes, then there is a lot of immovable property and out of the rest which is the government's responsibility, let us see what the civil aviation ministry decides and the government will then take a collective view."

On last Friday, government think-tank NITI Aayog had said that settling Air India's Rs 52,000 crore debt will be a "very difficult affair".

"Something has to be done on the debt issue...Whether the government writes off part of the debt or not," NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya had said.

"The government needs to resolve four big issues in Air India's strategic disinvestment...Whether or not to privatise, and if yes, then what is the universe of potential buyers... Whether even foreign buyers can bid."

Besides the huge debt, Panagariya said the government also would need to consider whether to retain some stake in Air India since it is the national carrier.

In a recent report to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the NITI Aayog has recommended strategic disinvestment from the loss-making Air India, by which government control would be transferred to a private owner.

On May 30, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that several options and alternatives are available to restore the financial health of the national passenger carrier.

According to the minister, the NITI Aayog has already submitted several suggestions to restore the financial health of the national passenger carrier and these are being examined.
New Delhi, June 5 : In a move that sparked widespread outrage and was termed as "a blatant political attack on the freedom of the press", the CBI on Monday conducted searches at the houses of the NDTV news network's co-founder Prannoy Roy for allegedly causing financial losses to a private bank.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika, and a private company and conducted searches at his south Delhi residence in Greater Kailash-I and his house in Dehradun for "loss of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank", officials said.

Officials said the New Delhi-based office of RRPR Holding, the promoter of the listed broadcaster, was also searched.

"Searches were conducted (on Monday) at four places, including Delhi and Dehradun," CBI spokesperson R.K. Gaur told IANS.

An FIR dated June 2 said the case has been registered against Roy, a veteran journalist, Radhika, NDTV and RRPR for "criminal conspiracy, cheating and criminal misconduct".

It relates to alleged irregularities in a 2008 loan of Rs 366 crore that NDTV took from the private bank on guarantee by the holding company.

The loan, according to the CBI complaint, was settled a year later for a repayment that was Rs 48 crore less than the loaned amount.

NDTV and its linked companies have been under the scanner since 2014 and were last year served notices by the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate.

But, it was for the first time that the CBI has come into the picture of financial probe against the network, which is often seen by Bharatiya Janata Party supporters as opposed to the party ideology and the government.

The news network, in a strongly-worded statement, said the CBI had "stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations".

"NDTV and its promoters will fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies. We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India," the statement said.

"It is clearly the independence and fearlessness of NDTV's team that the ruling party's politicians cannot stomach. No matter how much the politicians attack us -- We will not give up the fight for freedom and the independence of media in India."

But Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu rubbished the witch-hunt allegation.

"Law is taking its own course. This government does not believe in interfering. If somebody does something wrong simply because they belong to the media, you cannot expect the government to keep quiet."

The CBI raids come days after NDTV anchor Nidhi Razdan had an on-air verbal spat with BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra -- after he alleged that the news network was following an "agenda" -- during a debate over the new central notification on cattle trade and slaughter. The BJP leader was told to leave the programme.

The CBI move triggered sharp reactions from journalists, politicians and commentators.

Congress leader and former Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said the raids were a "direct assault" on the freedom of the press.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the raids as a "disturbing trend" and her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal said it was an attempt to "silence independent and anti-establishment voices".

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav retweeted Banerjee's and other tweets condemning the CBI raids.

Sudheendra Kulkarni, Chairman of the Observer Research Foundation who was earlier associated with the BJP and was close to L.K. Advani, said: "Raid on Prannoy Roy has less to do with financial wrongdoing, more with the 'wrong' of NDTV being an independent media voice. I condemn it."

Historian Ramachandra Guha, who writes for various national and international periodicals, tweeted: "The UPA regime was defined by cronyism and corruption; this BJP government... is consumed by the desire to punish its critics and rivals."

N. Ram, a veteran journalist and publisher of The Hindu and its former Editor, said: "Those who value media freedom must speak out and act (be)cause they know that while nothing will happen in the end, the process is the punishment"

Shekhar Gupta, also a veteran mediaperson, said: "CBI FIR for 48 cr 'loss' to private bank. Remember that line: name the man comrade, I'll give you the charge?"
New Delhi, June 5 : Indicating that it may take long for the people to know the actual deposits received in old notes post-demonetisation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said there can be no timeline as the RBI has to count deposits in the range of Rs 14-15 lakh crore.

"Let us be very clear, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has to count every currency note and you are now thinking in terms of lakhs of crore of rupees. You are in the range of Rs 14-15 lakh crore which the RBI has to count. Each counterfeit note will have to be removed and the RBI has to come out with an exact figure," Jaitley told CNBC TV18.

"They have hired more machines, and the moment the RBI completes that exercise, it will come out with that number. How can you give a timeline to RBI? You must trust the institution.

"They have a huge apparatus in place counting each currency note. So, if you are counting Rs 14-15 lakh crore of currency, it is obviously going to take a lot of time," he added.

Declaring demonetisation as one of the greatest steps taken in the country, Jaitley said that to weed out black money and corruption was the prime issue for the government.

"You see a lot of surrounding activity taking place, people are losing properties, properties are getting attached, shell companies are under attack and politicians are being made more accountable. We are getting into a system of all-white money into politics and I think these are all the ecosystem demonetisation has created," he said.

"Demonetisation started bringing digitisation of the economy, lesser use of cash on the centre-stage of the economic thinking. It is changing the spending habits of people. The number of assessees has radically gone up and there is a huge fear in society now and a realisation that it is no longer safe to deal in cash," he added.

When asked about the slowdown in India's GDP to 7.1 per cent in 2016-17 as compared to 8 per cent in the previous fiscal, Jaitley said the economy's curve was going downwards even prior to demonetisation, which was announced in the third quarter of last year.

"FY17 started even before demonetisation, 7.9 per cent, 7.5 per cent, 7.1 per cent. So, you had the curve going down... There was no demonetisation at that stage and, therefore, it is clear that whether it was the global factor or reducing demand or the bank situation, various factors were contributing to it," the Finance Minister said.

"For a quarter or two, demonetisation could have added to it. However, even without demonetisation, 2016-17 was not an year of eight per cent growth. Without demonetisation, we were not growing by 9.1 per cent. I think it could play a role in the long run," he added.
Kolkata, June 5 : Coming down heavily on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration - the development body in the north West Bengal hills, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced a special audit to check how it has utilised the government aids and a punishment ifany discrepancies are found.

"I have decided to run a special audit on the money that GTA received from the government. If GTA has stolen money, I will not spare them. This is common man's money," Banerjee said at a public meeting in Darjeeling district's Mirik.

"I have instructed the Finance Department to run a special audit on how the money has been used. If they have done a good job, we will reward them. But if we find some discrepancy, we will not spare even the secretary of the GTA," she said.

The Trinamool Congress supremo also attacked the semi-autonomous administrative body on the issue of the state government's new three language policy.

Claiming that she has never said Bengali would be compulsory in the hills, Banerjee alleged that GTA is spreading "such lies" to create a divide between Bengalis and Nepalis of the region, as they do not have any other political issues.

"I have never said that Bengali would be compulsory in the hills. This is 100 percent lie. I haven't seen such a liar in my life who always resort to the politics of lies. (Gorkha National Liberation Front chief Subash) Ghising was not like this," Banerjee said in a veiled reference to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung.

The Ghising-led GNLF was in the forefront of the movement for a separate Gorkhaland since the 1980s, but lost its dominance to the GJM in 2008.

On July 18, 2011, a tripartite agreement was signed between the GJM, and the state and central governments for setting up a new autonomous, elected GTA, a hill council armed with more powers than its predecessor, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) formed in the late 1980s.

The GJM won the first GTA elections held in 2012, and is running the board since then.

"The GTA election is approaching and they have no other issues. That is why they are resorting to this sort of politics. They are trying to divide the Bengalis and Nepalis here," she claimed.

Pointing out that the state government has never objected to the students of the hills learning Nepali, Banerjee said it is important to know a little bit of Bengali to get job elsewhere in the state.

"We have never asked the students of the hills to stop learning Nepali, Hindi or English. It is always better to know as many languages as possible. But if we do not keep Bengali as an option, how would you people come to the other places in Bengal and work there?" she asked.

"In a Nepali-speaking region, knowing Nepali is important but in Bengal, knowing a little bit of Bengali is also important," she added.
New Delhi, June 5 : With Bollywood superstar Salman Khan confirming that he is venturing into the smartphones business, industry experts on Monday welcomed his new venture -- though with a bit of caution.

Khan, who owns the 'Being Human' clothing brand, told IANS in an e-mail interview from Mumbai: "We have just started our entry into the category, we need to be careful. If people buy our products and like it, we will see. We are starting the smartphones in small numbers and we hope to have minimum losses and maximum gain."

According to earlier media reports, the Bollywood superstar is targeting at the entry- to middle-level smartphone segment (which is anywhere between Rs 8,000-Rs 20,000).

"Bhaijaan's range of mobiles will surely be the most 'Wanted'! He is capitalising on his personal popularity to start this new business. How he will be able to build it into a sustainable enterprise remains to be seen," Jaideep Mehta, Managing Director, IDC South Asia, told IANS.

Khan commands a huge fan base in India that can be leveraged.

"For the smartphone to be successful, it will have to be different from the current offerings in the market. The differentiating can be on any of the software or hardware going into the phone. A price point of below Rs 10,000 will make the phone accessible to a number of users looking for an upgrade from a cheaper device," Shobhit Srivastava, Research Analyst, Mobile Devices and Ecosystems, Counterpoint Research, told IANS.

The Bollywood star is not alone.

Reportedly a strategic investor in the home-grown technology and Internet of Things (IoT) company Smartron, Sachin Tendulkar has just launched srt.phone (srt is interpreted as Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar here).

This is the third device in less than a year from Smartron, earlier ones being the t.phone and t.book.

The company, however, is yet to prove its mettle in the domestic market.

"It's a two-way strategy for connecting with the youth and building a community. Firstly, smartphones somehow connect with today's youth and creating such a product line connotes connecting with the youth community. Secondly, this will open up a channel for Salman's fan club to access exclusive Salman content and go for huge content consumption," Faisal Kawoosa, Principal Analyst (Telecoms) at CyberMedia Research (CMR), told IANS.

"Salman's fan club will definitely give it a leg up but, in the long run, the brand needs to differentiate itself to stand out in the crowd," added Krishna Mukherjee, another analyst with CMR.
Dubai, June 5 : Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya, the UAE and the Maldives on Monday severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it supporting terror groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood. The Gulf country denied the allegations.

The dramatic development followed linering tensions within the once unified Gulf Cooperation Council. Riyadh closed its land border and snapped sea and air links, triggering a run on supermarkets in Qatar.

The Arab and Gulf nations accused Qatar of destablising the region and claimed Doha had links with the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

Qatar called the decision "unjustified and based on slander". "The measures were taken despite there being no evidence to support the accusations lodged against the nation," Qatar's Foreign Ministry said.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called the Gulf rift "an internal matter" and that there was "no insecurity because of this" development.

Some 4.82 million Indians live in the Gulf, including 630,000 in Qatar.

The Saudi Press Agency said Riyadh had closed its borders, severing land, sea and air contacts with Qatar to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

Media reports in the Gulf said the diplomatic withdrawal was put into motion by Bahrain, followed quickly by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Yemen and Libya. The Maldives in the Indian Ocean followed suit.

Bahrain, the only Shia-majority Gulf nation ruled by Sunnis, said it was cutting ties because Qatar was "shaking the security and stability of Bahrain and meddling in its affairs".

It said Qatar supported terrorist activities and armed groups as well as financed Iranian-backed groups responsible of violence in Bahrain.

The UAE accused Qatar of "supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organisations".

Both Bahrain and the UAE gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave their countries. Saudi Arabia told all Qatari visitors and residents to quit the kingdom in two weeks.

UAE airlines Etihad Airways, Emirates and Flydubai suspended all flights to and from Doha from early Tuesday.

Egypt accused Qatar of taking an "anti-Egyptian course" and said Cairo had been unable to dissuade it from supporting terrorism.

Saudi Arabia and its allies announced they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar and closed their airspace to Qatar Airways, which suspended all flights to the Saudi kingdom, its neighbour.

Yemen accused Qatar of working with its enemies in the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, state news agency Saba reported.

Kuwait and Oman, however, did not embrace the Saudi decision to isolate Qatar.

Libya alleged that Qatar interfered in its domestic affairs. The Maldives expressed "its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism".

After the diplomatic upheaval, the Qatari stock market dropped 783 points, 7.89 per cent. According to the Qatar Stock Exchange website, the stock market indicator fell sharply from 9,923 to 9,400, followed by a continued decline to around 9,100 points.

The US urged the Gulf nations to stay united. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called for a dialogue and said it was ready to help defuse the diplomatic row.

Like India, Russia too said the diplomatic crisis was an internal affair.

Monday's move came after Qatar alleged that hackers last month took over the site of its state-run news agency and published what it called fake comments alleged to be from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel, Al Ahram newspaper reported.

Qatar denied that the comments, in which the country's leader expressed support for Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel while suggesting that US President Donald Trump may not last in power, were ever made.

In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain recalled their ambassadors from Qatar for its alleged backing of then Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood member.
New Delhi, June 5 : A court here on Monday sent to judicial custody till June 17 an army officer and a middleman arrested in connection with a transfer racket at the Army headquarters here.

Special CBI Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra sent Lt. Col Ranganathan Suvramani Moni, posted in the Personnel Department, and Gaurav Kohli to custody after the Central Bureau of Investigation said the duo were not required for further custodial interrogation.

Moni was arrested along with Kohli from thhe former's residence here following a tip-off.

The two were produced before the court after the expiry of their three-day CBI custody.AKohli also filed bail plea stating that since he was not required for a further probe, he should be released on bail.

The court will hear the application on June 9.

CBI said Moni and Kohli took a bribe for the transfer of a Bengaluru-based Army officer to a choice posting.

CBI teams conducted raids on the premises of the accused and others at over 10 places in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram and seized Rs 10 lakh and several incriminating documents, said the investigating agency.

The agency said both were arrested when Kohli visited Moni's house to deliver him Rs 2 lakh, a part of the Rs 5 lakh bribe, for the transfer of Army officer S. Subhas.

"With their arrest, the CBI has busted a transfer racket in the Army Headquarters here that involved manipulation of Army postings in lieu of illegal gratification," the CBI said.

Besides Moni and Kohli, the CBI has registered an FIR against a Secunderabad-based Army officer Purushottam, S. Subhas and other unnamed persons for criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Moni was commissioned in the Army in August 1994 and was posted at the Army Headquarters since August 2015. He belongs to Thiruvananthapuram.
New Delhi/Srinagar, June 5 : The NIA on Monday questioned over half a dozen people in Srinagar whose premises were raided as part of the probe into alleged terror-funding by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations to stoke unrest in the Kashmir valley.

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) official requesting anonymity told IANS, "We have questioned over half a dozen people and called a few more to join the probe in Srinagar, whose premises were raided on Saturday and Sunday."

"During questioning we asked them from where they got the documents and letter heads of the banned terrorist organisations and about the source of their income," the official said.

The official said the counter-terror agency was scrutinising the documents it seized during the raids.

However, he refused to share the names of the people who were questioned.

The NIA had carried out raids at 26 places on Saturday and seven places on Sunday across Srinagar, Delhi and Haryana.

It seized property-related documents, letterheads of banned terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), pen drives, laptops, mobile phones and other incriminating documents, including phone diaries, receipts, vouchers from the premises of the accused financiers, hawala operators, and office-bearers of separatist groups during the raids.

The NIA action comes in the wake of the case it registered against Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed and other terror organisations under the provisions of waging war against the country and criminal conspiracy, after it converted a May 19 preliminary enquiry against Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his close aide and Hurriyat provincial President Nayeem Khan, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leader Ghazi Javed Baba, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front leader Farooq Ahmed Dar aka Bitta Karate.

The NIA registered a case against Pakistan based organisations after India Today news channel released videos of the separatist leaders who confessed to receiving funds from Pakistan to incite trouble in Kashmir.
New Delhi, June 5 : Delhi's power demand soared to an all-time high of 6,361 MW on Monday afternoon, a steep increase of 10 per cent over Sunday.

The record for Delhi's peak power demand stood at 6,261 MW in June last year.

With maximum temperature touching 45 degrees Celsius on Monday, the peak power demand was recorded at 6,361 MW at 3.06 p.m., according to data from the State Load Dispatch Centre.

On Sunday, the maximum load was recorded at 5,775 MW.

Delhi's peak power demand crossed the 6,000 MW mark for the first time in May last year before breaching the 6,200 mark in June.

Even as power cuts were observed in different parts of the city, the government officials said the power infrastructure was prepared to withstand load up to 6,600 MW.
New Delhi, June 5 : Left parties on Monday blamed the "callous attitude" of the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh for the caste violence in Saharanpur district and demanded compensation for the victims and action against the accused.

Led by the CPI-M, Left parties held a demonstration here against the "brutal assault" on Dalits in Saharanpur and said attacks on Dalits and marginalized sections were rising under the Narendra Modi regime at the Centre and the Adityanath dispensation in Uttar Pradesh.

"It has been over a month since the Saharanpur attacks but the Adityanath government has not been able to get hold of the perpetrators," Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo member Brinda Karat said.

She blamed the callous attitude of the administration behind the violence.

Clashes between the Dalits and Rajputs erupted on May 5 in Shabbirpur village in Saharanpur after objections were raised over the playing of loud music in connection with the celebration of the birth anniversary of king Maharana Pratap.

Seven Left parties-- CPI-M, CPI, Forward Bloc, RSP, SUCI, CPI(ML) Liberation and Communist Ghadar Party -- asked the Adityanath government to pay monetary compensation to the victims, ensure medical treatment for the injured and immediate criminal action against the accused.

In a memorandum to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, the parties urged his intervention to establish peace in the area and ensure security and protection of the Dalits.
Panaji, June 5 : Incidents of grievances posted on social media by armed forces personnel are minuscule and jawans are "very happy", said Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre on Monday.

"Even when Parrikar ji was there (Defence Ministry), he was getting all these complaints. They are few in number and those who have aired their grievances are two or three in a 50 lakh population (includes the number of serving, retired military personnel and their families). It is not a big number. Maybe few more. But those are getting addressed. More or less jawans are very happy..." Bhamre said.

Of late, there have been a spate of videos posted by Armymen online, complaining about bad living conditions and mistreatment.

Roy Matthew, a soldier who had slammed the Army's sahayak (buddy) system in a sting video, was found dead in March. Under the sahayak system, two soldiers are paired. Often senior officers are accused of mistreating their partner.

Bhamre also said that the Defence Ministry is concerned about the overall welfare of the jawans and counselling of soldiers also involves yoga and meditation.

The MoS also said that social media is a double-bladed weapon.

"Social media is a double-bladed weapon. It can be used for many good things and unfortunately social media has no control. So, sometimes it is used for rumour mongering and that can create problems. I think you people are more aware of that... As far as Defence Ministry is concerned, everybody else is facing the music, so is the Defence Ministry," Bhamre said.
Shillong, June 5 : The Meghalaya Cabinet on Monday accorded approval to a draft of the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Bill, which will be introduced in the assembly for passage during a special session on June 12.

The bill will be passed ahead of the GST roll-out from July 1.

Last year, the assembly ratified the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014, officially known as the Constitution (101st Amendment) Act, 2016, related to the GST.

"The state requires its own GST Bill. The state government has written to Governor Banwarilal Purohit and assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal to convene the special session to consider and pass the State GST Bill on June 12," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told journalists after chairing the Cabinet meeting.

Under the new indirect tax system, Sangma said, the state will receive compensation from the Centre for loss of revenue due to abolition of taxes such as Value Added Tax.

"Earlier, our request for adequate compensation based on projected loss of revenue was not met due to lack of binding clause. With the GST roll-out, all -- whether consumer or producer states -- will be compensated under the law," Sangma said.
Kolkata, June 5 : The West Bengal goverenment on Monday said regional cinema will be hugely impacted by the present form of the Goods and Services Tax regime scheduled for a July 1 roll-out and demanded suitable changes.

Consumer Affairs Minister Sadhan Pande and Information Technology Minister Bratya Basu flayed the decision to put cinema tickets in the 28 per cent tax bracket in the new indirect tax system.

"Tickets will be significantly pricier. Also, we have the menace of piracy. Regional cinema will be affected," Basu told the media here at an event.

Pande hoped the tax rates will be revised.

"I think they will correct it. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is opposing it staunchly in its present form," he said.

Basu, also an acclaimed playwright and actor, reiterated actor-filmmaker Kamal Hassan's view that the current tax will "ruin regional cinema.

"Kamal Hassan had welcomed the 'One India, One Tax' GST system but said the 28 per cent tax will ruin regional cinema. We wholeheartedly welcome the GST. But the current rate needs to be revised, otherwise it will run regional cinema," Kamal said.
New Delhi, June 5 : Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday condemned the damage to a statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in Mirzapur, and demanded that the Uttar Pradesh conduct an inquiry in a time-bound manner.

"We strongly condemn the damage to the statue. This act has hurt the sentiments of millions of people, including Congressmen, in the country because of their love and respect for the late leader," the Congress General Secretary in charge of party's Uttar Pradesh affairs said.

The statue installed in Katra area of Mirzapur district was found damaged on Sunday, after which the Congress state unit called for a statewide protest on Monday.

"The Bharatiya Janata Party government should immediately conduct an inquiry into the incident in a time-bound manner so as to punish the guilty," said Azad.

He said anti-social elements had become active in the last few months because of the state government's inaction, which led to deterioration in law and order in the northern state.
New Delhi, June 5 : Girl child activists on Monday accused the Indian Medical Association (IMA) of trying to "decriminalise" sex determination through its 'Dilli Chalo' protest here.

Activist Neelam Singh, member of National Monitoring and Inspection Committee (NMIC) of the PC-PNDT Act, told media persons here that the IMA was trying to turn sex determination into a civil offence, rather than a criminal offence which it is today.

"Foetal sex determination is a criminal offence in India according to PC-PNDT Act (Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act)," said Singh.

Singh said IMA is trying to make sex determination into a civil offence by stating that there can be clerical errors on the part of doctors.

"If identified by test that it is a female then the foetus is killed. Then how can it not be a criminal offence?" she asked.

When separately asked to respond to the charge by the activists, IMA President K.K. Aggarwal told IANS that the Dilli Chalo protest on Tuesday is to fight against rising cases of "criminal prosecution and conviction of doctors" in alleged cases of "clerical and administrative errors".

Aggarwal denied the allegations that IMA was trying to decriminalise sex determination. "What they are saying is wrong," he asserted adding that the licence of any doctor who performs a sex determination test should be cancelled.

Sudha Sundaraman, General Secretary of All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), present at the media interaction, said a 2016 Supreme Court order clearly stated that there should be stringent implementation of the Act.

She said a female foetus doesn't have a voice of its own and "there should be no dilution or amendment of the Act".

Smita Khanijow, member of Delhi supervisory board of PC-PNDT, said: "It's surprising that we have to come together to say this. Doctors should be a part of this and more responsible."

She said that already the conviction rate for sex determination is extremely low and diluting the Act would be disastrous.

"The unborn child is defenceless and sex determination is profiting through a crime," Satish Agnihotri, former Secretary of Women and Child Department, Odisha, said.

He added that sex ratio is increasing in Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan, states where the implementation of the Act is stringent.

"I've inspected a clinic were they had names and bank account details of ASHA workers and a worker told me that she transfers money to ASHA workers for bringing women to do sex determination," Singh said.

In Delhi, there have only been seven convictions after the Act was passed in 2003 and even a doctor who was caught performing sex determination tests on TV was let off, said Bijayalaxmi Nanda, a professor at Delhi University.

She added that Prime Minister's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative is rooted in the PC-PNDT Act and urged that the Act should not be watered down under any circumstances.

Sabu M. George, a girl child activist, said they had to put up a fight to pass the Act in 2003 and alleged that attempts to amend the Act by IMA had political backing.
New Delhi, June 5 : Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken on Monday branded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as the "B-team" of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as the former contests elections only in the states where they can cut the 'traditional votes' of the Congress.

"If you see the states where they have contested, then you'll see that they contest there just to cut the votes of the Congress party -- be it Punjab or Goa," said Maken while briefing media persons.

"They (AAP) did not contest in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar or Jammu and Kashmir. They went only to those states where Congress is in the opposition, so that they could cut into Congress's votes. They did not go to those states where Congress was in power," he added.

Maken said: "They went to Goa, where Christians are traditionally Congress supporters. AAP declared a Christian Chief Minister so that Congress's votes could be cut. The six per cent votes they got in Goa was difference of votes between the seats we got and what we couldn't achieve."

"In Punjab, Dalits were traditionally Congress supporters. In Delhi, in nine months they could appoint a single Dalit minister and in Punjab they declared a Dalit deputy chief ministerial face so that they could eat into Dalit votes," he said.

He further said in future, too, the AAP would fight elections only in those states where they could destroy Congress votes.
Chennai, June 5 : Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK faction on Monday reiterated that they are firm on the decision to sideline jailed General Secretary V.K. Sasikala and her nephew T.T.V. Dinakaran from the party.

After presiding over a meeting of ministers at the Secretariat here, Finance Minister D. Jayakumar said that his faction, led by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, are keeping away from both of them.

"We are very clear. Our April 17 decision to sideline Dinakaran and his relatives still stands. We are very firm in our decision. There is no question of going back..," he said, adding that cadres including senior functionaries did not meet Dinakaran, who was granted bail by a Delhi court, when he came here.

Pointing out that Dinkaran himself stated that he would stay away from party activities, Jayakumar urged him to "stick to his words".

"We are not dependent on them (Sasikala and Dinakaran). We are independently doing our work and there no interference from anyone," he added.

The minister's statement came just few hours after Dinakaran asserted that he would surely engage in party work and accused senior leaders of not advancing the initiative for merger between the two rival AIADMK groups.

He also said that he would meet his aunt Sasikala, who was lodged in Bengaluru prison, and would discuss about his next course of action.

The other AIADMK group, led by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, still insist that a merger is possible only if Sasikala and Dinakaran are officially removed from the party.
Madurai, June 5 : Actor Vijay Sethupathi on Monday pledged to donate his eyes "I pledge to donate my eyes. It's a noble thing to do.. to give others a chance to see this world," Vijay told reporters at the opening ceremony of a private eye hospital here.

He urged his fans to rise up to the occasion and follow suit.

Busy with nearly half a dozen Tamil projects in his kitty, he is currently shooting for rural drama "Karuppan".

His other projects include "Vikram Vedha", which also stars R. Madhavan, "Aneethi Kathaigala, "96", "Seethakathi", "Mamanithan" and "Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren".
New Delhi, June 5 : The Congress on Monday said issue-based unity displayed by opposition parties during birthday celebrations of DMK leader M. Karunanidhi is "good for the nation and democracy".

"The opposition unity, as called for by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, is a good step because all these parties should be together on issues facing the nation," Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken said here.

"Issue-based unity was displayed by the opposition parties in Chennai during the birthday celebrations of most senior opposition leader (Karunanidhi) and it is healthy for democracy," he added.

Maken said: "The Bharatiya Janata Party, when it was in opposition, used to forge unity among opposition parties against the Congress. There cannot be two different sets of rules -- one for you when you are in opposition and the other for opposition parties when you are in power."

As for Gandhi reading Upanishads and the Bhagwad Gita to take on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the BJP, Maken said: "Both have to understand the message of the Gita, Upnishads and Vedas, which primarily teach unity among people.

"They teach about harmony among different sets of people. Some political parties try to divide polity, divide the nation. Rahul ji has given them a befitting reply by saying that these religious scriptures teach how to unite people, teach how to forge harmony among people and not to create discord among people."
Mosul, June 5 : Around 100,000 children are in peril in beleaguered west Mosul and some have reportedly been killed trying to flee fighting between Iraqi forces and Islamic State jihadists, which is worsening hour to hour, the United Nations' children agency said on Monday.

"An estimated 100,000 girls and boys remain in extremely dangerous conditions in the old city and other areas of west Mosul," said Unicef's Iraq representative Peter Hawkins.

He did not give a specific number for killed children.

"Many (children) are caught in the crossfire and hospitals and other medical facilities have reportedly come under attack," Hawkins said.

Children are being killed, injured and used as human shields and "are experiencing and witnessing terrible violence that no human being should ever witness," he added.

"In some cases, they have been forced to participate in the fighting and violence," he said.

Unicef urged all sides in the fighting in Mosul to respect their obligations under humanitarian law protect children at all times and cease "attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure including hospitals, clinics, schools, homes and water systems should stop immediately".

At least 26 bodies of "blindfolded and handcuffed" men were found in government-controlled areas and around city since the operation to re-take Mosul from IS militants started in October, US group Human Rights Watch said on Monday.

Fifteen of the men were executed by Iraqi government forces who were holding them on suspicion of being affiliated with IS, raising concerns about government responsibility for the killings, HRW said.
Kolkata, June 5 : Amid a constant stream of arrest of "fake doctors" in West Bengal, the state medical council on Monday pleaded helplessness, saying it neither had judicial powers nor could act like police, but claimed that the racket had come to the fore after it asked for medical registration of doctors in the state.

"We don't have judicial powers. We are not police also," West Bengal Medical Council president Nirmal Maji told a media meet here.

He, however, said the fake doctor cases came to light after the body wrote to the government and private health facilities to furnish registration number in West Bengal of medical practitioners.

"When we wrote for the first time, we did not get any response. After two months, when we gave a reminder, then also there was little response from private hospitals and nursing homes," said Maji, also a state lawmaker from the ruling Trinamool Congress.

"Then when we gave the final warning notice, then the private health facilities sat up."

Maji alleged that some fake doctors were active in government hospitals, while in private hospitals and nursing homes, "they call the shots".

He appealed to the public to let the WBMC know if they find the credentials of any doctor suspicious.

"Any individual, who claims he is a doctor, if his movements and behaviour create suspicion in their mind, the common people should immediately complain to the WBMC through email or letter," he said.

When a reporter pointed out that some of the doctors were close to him, Maji said: "Why me alone. Many of them have close contacts with people of the level of Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police, or Police Superintendents."

Referring to an arrested "gastroenterologist" Ajay Tewary, who had practised for 21 years with a reputed health facility, Maji said: "You can find him in the same frame with lot of important persons including ministers."

On reports that he had written the preface to a book penned by another alleged fake doctor Naren Pandey, now in CID custody, he said: "He came to me as vice president of the Unani Council. As president of West Bengal Medical Council, the moment I came to know that he is a fake doctor, I told the CID to check whether his certificate is fake. We lodged a police complaint also."

Maji alleged that seven to eight "illegal private institutions" have been supplying "bogus medical registration numbers".

"Medical chambers have mushroomed like grocery shops across Bengal. They have got their registrations from seven-eight illegal institutions. Even those who have only cleared higher secondary level or posses B.A or M.A degrees have been given recognition as doctors."

The state CID, which has been probing the case for over a month, has so far arrested seven persons in connection with the racket and said over 500 medical practitioners were under the scanner over their credentials. Besides, the Howrah city police have also made one arrest.
Chennai, June 5 : Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan on Monday said he is not pressurising the government, but has made a plea on behalf of regional cinema to reduce the Goods and Service Tax rate which is currently pegged at the highest 28 per cent.

"Not pressurizing. It's a plea and SOS from regional cinema to our FM. We fear it will collapse. We request the council to do all to save it," tweeted Haasan, who had interacting with reporters here last week, urged the Finance Minister to reduce the GST rate to 12-15 per cent.

The "Vishwaroopam" actor welcomed the GST regime but said the 28 per cent tax will ruin regional cinema.

"At the present rate, I can't afford the tax and I'll be forced to quit. We should remember this is not East India Company," he had said, adding that Hollywood, Bollywood and regional cinema can't be put on the same slab.

"Film tickets across industries can't be fixed like essential services," he said.
New Delhi, June 5 : The Editors Guild of India on Monday expressed concern over the raids conducted by the CBI on the premises of NDTV network's premises and houses of its co-founder Prannoy Roy, saying it "condemns any attempt to muzzle the media".

The Guild also called upon the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to follow the "due process of law".

In a statement, Guild's President Raj Chengappa said: "The Editors Guild of India expresses its deep concern over the raids conducted by the CBI on the offices of NDTV and its promoters today (Monday)."

"Entry of police and other agencies into the media offices is a serious matter. NDTV, in various statements, has denied any wrong doing and termed the raids as 'stepping up the concerted harassment' of the news channel and an attempt to 'undermine democracy and free speech' and 'silence the media'," said the statement.

"While the Editors Guild maintains that no individual or institution is above the law, the Guild condemns any attempt to muzzle the media and calls upon the CBI to follow the due process of law and ensure there is no interference in the free functioning of news operations," the statement added.

In a move that sparked outrage and which NDTV said was "a blatant political attack on the freedom of press", the CBI on Monday conducted searches at the houses of the news network's co-founder Prannoy Roy for allegedly causing financial losses to a private bank.

The CBI registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika, a private company and conducted searches at his south Delhi residence in Greater Kailash-I and his house in Dehradun for "loss of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank", officials said.
New Delhi, June 5 : Five members of the 'Manjeet' gang, including its chief, wanted in seven murder cases have been arrested here after a brief gunfight and chase, police said on Monday.

"The arrested have been identified as Vikas Dalal, 27, Gaurav, 23, Kaptan, 22, Hemant, 22, and Reena, 23," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanjeev Kumar Yadav.

Two semi-automatic pistols, two home-made pistols, 33 live cartridges and a car seized from them.

Yadav said that police had been tracking the gang for the past three months and was maintaining surveillance on their suspected hideouts had on Saturday, received a tip off that the gang head, Dalal, will come to Uttam Nagar in west Delhi, in a Creta car along with his girlfriend and associates.

Police said that at around 6 a.m. on Sunday, they were waiting for the gang in Uttam Nagar area, identified the car and intercepted it. The accused then got out and tried to flee while also firing at police, but all were caught after a brief chase.

Police said that they have worked out seven murders, three attempt to murder cases and a car hijacking with the arrests.
Ocean View, Delaware , June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



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Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO) Market Size 2017  2024

Legal Process Outsourcing Market size exceeded USD 3 billion in 2016 with over 35% CAGR estimation from 2017 to 2024. Key industry participants in the market include Integreon, Inc., UnitedLex Corporation, Elevate Services Inc., Pangea3 LLC, Axiom Law, etc.

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/legal-process-outsourcing-lpo-market-size

Enterprise Application Market Size 2016  2024

Enterprise Application Market size was valued at USD 150 billion in 2015, and is anticipated to grow at 7.6% CAGR from 2016 to 2024. Key industry participants contributing to the market share include IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and SAP Other prominent industry players are Epicor Software, Hewlett-Packard, IFS, Infor, and QAD.

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/enterprise-application-market





About Global Market Insights

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.

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Global Market Insights, Inc.

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San Jose (California), June 6 : Apple on Monday launched a bunch of refinements in its all four platforms -- tvOS, watchOS, macOS and iOS -- at this years annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with iOS 11, watchOS 4 and updates to its Mac line of desktops and notebooks.

The event started with Apple CEO welcoming the audience at the 15th WWDC in San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley where Apple is building its new campus.

Before making the announcements, Cook said that this year "it is going to be the best and biggest WWDC ever."

Cook also praised the Apple developer community which has 16 million registered developers and added three million last year.

He announced that Amazon's video app will come to Apple's TV streaming box later this year. The app will let users stream all the Amazon original hits.

Soon after the announcement Amazon tweeted, "You asked (a lot). We listened. Amazon Prime Video is coming to the TV App and all Apple TVs this year."

Apple also announced that watchOS 4, the next version of its smartwatch platform, will be arriving in September. It includes new features for watchfaces, such as complications updating based on time of day or location and a new Siri-based watchface.

The Siri watchface uses machine learning to determine what information is most useful to you at a given point in time.

Other new watchfaces include a kaleidoscope and new characters such as Woody, Jesse, and Buzz from the Toy Story movie franchise.

WatchOS 4 will also bring updates to the watch's fitness tracking, including a new user interface for the workout app and new integrations with gym equipment manufacturers.

Apple said that watch wearers will be able to link their devices with the gym equipment through NFC.

Next up in tech is Apple's new version of macOS is called High Sierra which is launched with new Safari browser.

Apple said that it is the fastest browser ever with features like autoplay blocking, intelligent tracking prevention that uses machine learning to block irritating content.

Apple also brought file system and virtual reality (VR) to High Sierra.

The tech titan also announced updates to its entire MacBook line giving its laptops more powerful specifications in the form of the latest Intel chips.

MacBook Pros will be shipped with Intel's Kaby Lake processors and faster SSDs. The company also launched a new configuration of the 13-inch MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar that starts at a cheaper $1,299.

The newly updated MacBook laptops are now available.

Apple also showed a sneak peek into a new all-in-one desktop called the iMac Pro.

Called as "the most powerful Mac ever, the new product will be available from December starting at $4,999.

The new machine will come with an 8-core Xeon processor, with configurations that scale up to an 18-core Xeon processor and an all-new AMD Radeon Vega graphics GPU, up to 16GB of VRAM and up to 4TB for SSD storage.

Cook also launched iOS 11 with over 10 new features. He said that iOS 10 had nearly 96 per cent satisfaction with 86 per cent iPhone users installing the update as compared to only seven per cent Android users who installed Android Nougat - the latest version of Google's operating system.

The new iOS will now synchronize messages across iOS and macOS automatically. If a user erases a message on your iPhone or iPad, that will be reflected on the Mac as well.

Apple also made improvements to Siri including making the assistant's voice sound more natural when responding to users.

Siri will now be able to perform translations in various languages including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Ankara, June 6 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held bilateral phone calls on Monday to ease the unprecedented diplomatic crisis between Qatar and other Gulf countries.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus, Erdogan is actively involved in the process for the resolution of the problem by conducting bilateral phone calls with a number of heads of states, including Islamic and western countries.

"Turkey will discharge every responsibility for our part," Xinhua quoted him as saying.

He added that Ankara is committed to finding a solution to open up all diplomatic channels with Doha.

Kurtulmus' remarks came hours after decisions by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, Libya and the Maldives to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar over claims of the latter's "terrorism support."

On the same day, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the development and expressed Turkey's "sorrow" over the decision of Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations to impose sanctions on Qatar.

"Turkey, as a responsible actor in its region and as term president of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, is ready to do its best for resolving this disagreement between friendly and brotherly countries as soon as possible," read the statement.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu urged that dialogue should be continued under any condition so that problems can be resolved peacefully.
Rabat, June 6 : A total of 14 people were killed and 32 others were injured in a bus accident near Morocco's Khenifra city.

The Khenifra Ministry of Health delegate, Mohamed Barjaoui, was quoted by Xinhua as saying that 20 victims were in critical condition.

Deadly traffic accidents are common in the North African country.

According to the Moroccan Transport Ministry, 3,593 people were killed in road accidents in 2016, representing a 0.79 per cent year-on-year increase.

Numbers of road accidents victims in urban areas significantly increased to 3.6 per cent in 2016.

Morocco adopted a novel 2015-2025 strategy, aiming to reduce road accident victims by 50 per cent.
The EMerge Alliance and Passive House Alliance US (PHIUS) jointly announced a cooperative effort to create an integrated active electrical power standard to enhance existing PHIUS building standards. A single technical standards group, co-chaired and comprised of members of both organizations, is being formed to develop the standard. The formal launch of the shared effort will commence in a webinar on June 8, 2017. The webinar will include a review of the new groups mission, charter, and a call-to-action for volunteer membership in the group. The joint committee is expected to become active in June this year.

PHIUS, in earlier cooperation with Building Science Corporation, under a U.S. DOE Building America Grant, developed a passive building standard, PHIUS+ 2015 Passive Building Standard  North America, which was released in March of 2015. The existing standard accounts for the broad range of climate conditions, market conditions, and other variables in North American climate zones. Although ideal as a basis for Net Zero & Net Positive designed buildings, it doesnt currently cover active electrical systems in such buildings. PHIUS co-founder and Executive Director Katrin Klingenberg comments, While we believe our standard is ideal to meet todays economic and ecological market demands, we want to take it to the next level and provide active electrical standards to complete the journey to net Zero/Positive building construction. We anticipate, with EMerges experience and expertise in power system standards, we will get there.

EMerge Alliance President and co-founder Brian Patterson remarked, there couldnt be a better way to develop electrical standards for Passive House construction than to work directly with the creators of their standard. With our history of developing hybrid AC/DC power system application standards that maximize the positive impact of distributed renewable energy resources, this joint effort will be unprecedented in bringing the best of both active and passive building design elements to bear on the task. The EMerge Alliance is active in creating technical application standards in building and campus power systems, from those used in the data centers that power super computers to ones that power the basic needs in single huts in the under-served developing economies of the world. The focus of the Alliance has been on the integration of on-site renewables in an increasingly digital device world, hence its motivation for a greater integrated use of direct current (DC) electricity. The Alliance is the only application standards development group working on advancing the use of DC power to compliment traditional alternating current (AC) electricity in residential and commercial buildings.

Like all EMerge Alliance standards, this new PHIUS initiative will include the hybrid use of both AC and DC power by defining interfaces with existing AC power systems at various upstream and downstream levels, with the goal of providing plug-and-play convenience for homes and commercial buildings including faster electrical vehicle charging, and direct support of the expanding use of USB, wireless charging and other low voltage DC power distribution means that simplify the convenient and efficient use of personal electronics as well as Smart Home and Buildings automation equipment. The goal in this case will be to provide the guidance needed to reach Net Zero & Net Positive Energy use in Passive House designed and constructed buildings.

Membership in both alliances, for participation in this and their other standards initiatives, is open on a non-discriminatory basis to all organizations and individuals with a technical or commercial interest in their respective fields. Current members of both associations include stakeholders from the technical, design, manufacturing, academic and regulatory communities.

About the EMerge Alliance

The EMerge Alliance is a non-profit, 501(c)(6) open industry association leading the rapid adoption of safe hybrid AC/DC power distribution through the development of EMerge Alliance application standards. These innovative vanguard standards integrate interior and exterior infrastructures, power, controls and devices in a common microgrid platform to facilitate the hybrid use of AC and DC power throughout buildings and campuses for unprecedented design and space flexibility, greater energy efficiency and improved resiliency and sustainability. For a membership application and other online information, please visit http://www.EMergeAlliance.org.

About Passive House Institute US

PHIUS is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to making high-performance passive building the mainstream market standard. PHIUS is transforming the building sector by developing and promoting North American specific standards, practices, and certifications for buildings, professionals, and products to create structures that are durable, comfortable, healthy, and super energy efficient. Founded in 2003, PHIUS has trained over 2,000 architects, engineers, energy consultants, energy raters, and builders in the passive building standard. The organization is the leading passive building research and information provider in North America. Through its Passive House Alliance US (PHAUS) program, a membership-based organization with over 800 members across 18 local chapters and dozens of corporate sponsors, PHIUS is building a robust national network of passive building communities across North America. Learn more at http://www.phius.org.

Contact:

Beth Murphy for EMerge Alliance

Program and Membership Manager

(717) 612-2863

bmurphy(at)EMergeAlliance(dot)org

Meredith Marsh for PHIUS

Communications Manager, PHIUS

(312) 561-4588

meredith(at)passivehouse(dot)us

###
Illumitex Inc., a leading manufacturer of horticultural LED fixtures, has received $4 million in equity funding from WP Global Partners and NEA to accelerate the development and deployment of its digital horticulture system. WP Global lead the recent $4 mm round of growth capital. "Under the leadership of Illumitex's new CEO, Jeff Bisberg, the Company is expanding into digital horticulture services that integrate technology-driven analytics into its LED product offerings," said Greg Oberholtzer, Senior Managing Director of WP Global Partners LLC. "Like other manufacturing sectors, agriculture and horticulture greenhouse growers will need Illumitex's technology to meet production standards and yield efficiencies," said Mr. Oberholtzer. WP Global Partners is private equity firm with investments across many industry sectors, including agriculture and food. WP Global has made several related investment in controlled environment agriculture, from seed companies to hydroponic greenhouses.

Digital horticulture is a term adopted by Illumitex CEO Jeff Bisberg to communicate the new capabilities of Illumitexs products that go beyond controls, beyond IoT and beyond light, to create software tools that enable meaningful positive outcomes for its customers.

Exponentially improving digital technology is breaking the boundaries of traditional computing devices, Bisberg said. This technology has become so powerful and so low cost that it can be used in everyday devices as simple as coffee cups and bike locks. With digital horticulture we use these powerful digital technologies that werent easily available before in the world of horticulture. Growing plants, at scale, is really hard and these technologies will absolutely help our growers to grow better and make better decisions.

It may come as a surprise to some people, but the LED fixture is a natural logical place to locate digital technology in supplemented controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The light fixture is ubiquitous and is always there whether the plants are germinating, vegetative, flowering, or fruiting. We use its intimate proximity to the plants to gather data all of the time.

Cameras and sensors to be heart of the digital horticulture data set

Bisberg said at the heart of Illumitexs digital horticulture system is a unique data base that covers all corners and moments in the CEA space.

Growers absolutely own this data in a secure architecture that allows them to give access to applications that want to consume their data to provide value and positive outcomes, he said. Growers will be able to develop their own applications or use partners applications to solve some of the problems that make consistent, high yield farming difficult. More information on partners and Illumitexs introductory kit will be available later this year.

Improving the way growers grow

Charlie Alicea, IoT system architect at Illumitex, said he is very excited about creating a digital horticulture system that will help growers predict, diagnose, monitor and improve all aspects of CEA operations.

Whether a grower is producing indoors, in a greenhouse or in a vertical farm situation, we will have the ultimate collection of sensors to collect the best data, Alicea said. Making the system robust, reliable, secure and easy to use is a big part of our development. We are designing to deploy at scale to create a database that is truly unique and valuable.

For more: Illumitex Inc., (512) 279-5020; info(at)illumitex.com; http://illumitex.com
CHA Cambridge is doing wonderful things to help its pediatric and WIC patients, and we are happy to be able to do our part for children and families in need.

Clients and employees of Casenet, LLC, a leading provider of population health and care management solutions, donated gift bags to the children at CHA Cambridge Hospital as part of its annual client conference.

CHA Cambridge Hospital is one of three Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) hospitals in the communities north of Boston. Located on Cambridge Street, between Harvard and Inman Square, CHA Cambridge Hospital offers a wide range of services like Primary Care for all ages, 24-hour Emergency Care, Maternity, Pediatric, Surgery and Specialty care. It is a teaching site for Harvard Medical School.

"The gift bags were given to children who participated in our Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). WIC is a program that provides nutrition, education and healthy foods for eligible families. We are thankful to the employees and clients of Casenet for their generosity, said Kathy Betts, Senior Director of Community Health Improvement at Cambridge Health Alliance.

The gift bags included small items to make a childs stay better including crayons, coloring books, chalk, balls, bubbles, hand sanitizer, socks, and water bottles.

The Casenet family was thrilled to be able to provide these gift bags to the children at Cambridge Hospital. CHA Cambridge is doing wonderful things to help its pediatric and WIC patients, and we are happy to be able to do our part for children and families in need, stated Peter Masanotti, CEO of Casenet.

For more information about CHA Cambridge Hospital, contact us at http://www.challiance.org. For more information about Casenet, contact us at 888.701.0886 or info(at)casenetllc.com.

About CHA

Cambridge Health Alliance is an academic community health system committed to providing high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville and Bostons metro-north communities. CHA has expertise in primary care, specialty care and mental health/substance use services, as well as caring for diverse and complex populations. It includes three hospital campuses, a network of primary care and specialty practices and the Cambridge Public Health Dept. CHA patients have seamless access to advanced care through the systems affiliation with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. CHA is a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate and is also affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine. For more information, visit http://www.challiance.org.

About Casenet

Casenet provides a comprehensive suite of extensible, enterprise population health and care management solutions for commercial, Medicaid, Medicare, TPA, provider/ACO and specialty provider organizations. These solutions improve care coordination and the quality and delivery of care through enhanced case, disease, utilization, home and community-based services management and population management. Casenet supports small to very large enterprise customers requiring tremendous scalability for many lines of business and comprehensive configuration for each targeted member population. Casenet solutions help organizations meet unique business requirements, adapt quickly to changing market and regulatory dynamics, identify and target populations with unique risk characteristics and deploy specific care management programs for those members  taking the first step toward better individual health and total population health management. For more information, http://www.casenetllc.com.

Casenet Media Contact:

Kelli L. Bravo, 781-357-2706, kbravo(at)casenetllc.com
A Phone Skope product captures closer images of Bison in this photo, circa Grand Teton National Park, date not specified The product is built in the USA.

Utah-based hunters-turned-inventors and entrepreneurs, Cheston Davis and Tracy Davis, founders of Phone Skope, have created a product that is revolutionizing the digiscoping industry, bringing it from the hunting and birding world into the mainstream.

About six years ago the father and son duo, both natives of Beaver, were out hunting deer in Southern Utah when they saw a mountain lion tracking a deer. The encounter prompted them to pull out a cell phone and try to snap some photos. They wanted to document the sighting.

The chance animal encounter acted as the catalyst for the invention of Phone Skopes line of products  products that make digiscoping possible for the average cell phone user and beyond.

What is digiscoping?

Digiscoping is the practice of taking digital photos through a spotting scope typically used for birding or hunting. Users place the lens of the camera to the eyepiece of the scope to take advantage of its magnifying capabilities. For the Davises, taking a clear photo of the mountain lion through the scope proved difficult as they were unable to hold the camera steady.

How Phone Skope products work

Phone Skope products are two-part kits; part one is a phone case, and part two is an adapter that attaches to both the phone case and an optic device such as a spotting scope. Together the elements allow a cell phone camera to utilize the magnifying capability of the scope all while being securely attached. This eliminates shaking and provides clearer, closer images.

Phone Skope kits are available for almost any optic device and smart phone combination, Cheston Davis said, including binoculars, microscopes, spotting scopes and telescopes.

The product was originally designed for hunting but its uses have become quite varied. It can be used for wildlife photography, astronomy, microbiology or anything else one chooses to photograph.

With technology that allows live broadcasting, a person can even share what they are seeing with their friends on social media in real time, Cheston Davis said.

The Phone Skope kit runs between $70 and $80 and includes the case and the adapter.

About Phone Skope

Phone Skope is a privately-held company that makes custom-molded, precisely engineered smartphone digiscoping adapters.

It is a relatively young company that has grown quite rapidly, Cheston Davis said. The company remains committed to quality and to the principals that got the company this far.

The product is built in the USA, he said.

Phone Skope is not only built in the United States, it was imagined in small town Southern Utah and is manufactured in St. George.

It just goes to show you that if you put your heart and mind to it, you can accomplish anything, Cheston Davis said.

Learn more about Phone Skope and its products on their website.
Foundation Software Group, a developer of next-generation software for large law firms, and Fireman & Company, the leading management consulting firm for law firms and corporate legal departments, today announced a strategic partnership to deliver industry leading experience management solutions for the legal market.

This strategic partnership will provide law firms with the opportunity to successfully implement Foundation Experience Management, an enterprise software platform that helps firms leverage their collective work experience and the expertise of their lawyers. The combination of Foundations leading technology in conjunction with Firemans strategic vision and expertise delivering complex projects, will allow firms to boost their profitability and optimize their service delivery.

We are very excited about partnering with Fireman and Company, commented Nate Fineberg, President of Foundation Software Group. Foundation is a centerpiece for many Knowledge Management initiatives including Enterprise Search. The team at Fireman can guide firms on how to leverage Foundations matter, client and lawyer profiles to unlock the full potential of the platform. They know what is required to be successful with large firm deployments.

Weve been the industry leader in KM for over a decade, and experience management has been the industrys great white whale for as long as I can remember, explains Joshua Fireman, Fireman & Companys founder and president. Weve worked with Foundation Experience Management in several of our Am Law 100 clients, and we have seen firms succeed with this platform. Implementing Foundation Experience Management is not just about technology  its about change management, where we excel. Even more exciting to us are the ways we can leverage experience data through our search, machine learning, AI and KM tools. This platform lets us integrate advanced tools that deliver practice solutions that firms have never before had access to.

About Foundation Software Group

Foundation Software Group is a developer of next-generation software for large law firms. The company is led by an accomplished team of professionals who have a proven track record of success in law firm application development. The companys flagship offering is Foundation Experience Management, an enterprise software platform that helps firms leverage their collective work experience and the expertise of its lawyers.

About Fireman & Company

Fireman & Company is a legal industry-focused management consulting firm. Fireman team members have decades of experience as leaders in the industry, working as attorneys, CIOs, CKOs, and experts in KM, LPM, process improvement, and pricing. Fireman & Company is a trusted advisor to the worlds most innovative law firms and corporations, and its mission is to help clients make substantial, distinctive, and lasting improvements in performance.

For more information please visit http://www.foundationsg.com and http://www.firemanco.com.
NEW YORK, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a real estate lending, investment and advisory company, announced it has provided a $59.8 million HUD-insured permanent loan for The Pavilion at Queens for Rehabilitation & Nursing, a skilled nursing facility in Queens, New York.



In 2015, Greystone arranged a highly-leveraged Bridge-to-HUD loan to finance the acquisition, renovation and rebranding of the 302-bed facility (which includes an onsite 40-bed ventilator-dependent unit and 12-chair dialysis center). The Bridge loan provided Kennedy Management, a healthcare company owned and operated by the Fuchs family, a period of time to rebrand The Pavilion and significantly improve operations to the point where it was ready for permanent financing with HUD.

Fred Levine, of Greystones Monsey, New York office, originated both the Bridge and permanent FHA loan for The Pavilion. The HUD-insured financing for The Pavilion represents a permanent self-amortizing exit.

The renovated and rebranded Pavilion includes customized therapy services and comfort-enhancing amenities including a dedicated concierge, resident lounges, music therapy, bedside iPads, and valet parking. The head-turning rehab gym, stylish lobby, and spacious post-acute resident rooms add comfort and style to the Pavilions nursing and therapy accolades. The Pavilion provides a wide range of services including rehabilitation, ventilator care, and dialysis, in addition to traditional skilled nursing, palliative, and hospice care.

No transaction is the same, but with our expertise and resources, we are able to deliver an experience that enables a borrower to focus on their facility and resident care, secure in the knowledge that we will deliver the financing. Borrowers appreciate our track record for executing these types of transactions, said Mr. Levine, Managing Director, Greystone.

It all started with Greystones incredible execution of a complicated bridge loan that allowed us to acquire and make the needed investments in the facility. Ultimately, we outperformed HUDs requirements and were able to attain the long-term financing we needed, said Joel Edelstein, CEO of Kennedy Management. We put our faith in Greystone, and they put their faith in us. We are thrilled with the outcome of the permanent financing journey, he added.

About Greystone

Greystone is a real estate lending, investment and advisory company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA and Fannie Mae lender in these sectors. Our range of services includes commercial lending across a variety of platforms such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, CMBS, FHA, USDA, bridge and proprietary loan products. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Corporation, Inc., Greystone Funding Corporation and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greyco.com.
DRE Medical  a leading medical equipment distributor  is pleased to announce it will be attending ExpoMED Mexico 2017 June 7-9 in Mexico City. Visit DRE Equipment Experts Kary Van Arsdale and Francisco Cano in booth #1413 to see the companys latest selection of premium medical equipment.

DRE Medical will be showcasing top products from its current line, including the DRE Torino EXL Surgery Table. Using the onboard, micro-touch remote control, clinicians can easily adjust the tables head, back and seat plates, and the built-in kidney bridge.

The DRE Torino EXL also features horizontal sliding and lateral tilt. The tables versatile flexibility is ideal for C-arm and X-ray use.

Meet Van Arsdale and Cano in Mexico City at ExpoMED 2017 to learn more about the DRE Torino EXL, as well as these other customer favorites:



Refurbished - Valleylab Force 2 Electrosurgical Unit

DRE Waveline EZ Portable Patient Monitor

Refurbished - Zoll M Series Defibrillator

DRE InView HD Video Laryngoscope

For more information on upcoming meetings and trade shows, visit our Medical Trade Shows and Conventions Calendar  a continually-updating, free resource.

About DRE Medical

Since 1984, DRE has been a single-source supplier for all major operating room equipment and surgical equipment. Inc. magazine named DRE to its annual Inc. 5000 list of the nations fastest growing companies for three consecutive years. DRE, Inc., is based in Louisville, Ky.
An Alcoa employee collects climate change-related data on Earthwatch's Canada-based research project as part of a unique professional development program. Alcoa Foundations unique partnership with Earthwatch allows our employees the chance to assist scientists with real-life climate change research projects, and return ... with the tools to contribute positively to their respective environments.

Alcoa Foundation selected eight Alcoa employees to participate in a unique professional development opportunity with Earthwatch Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting citizens with scientists to conduct conservation research worldwide.

The fellows will head to Churchill, Manitoba in Canada  the polar bear capital of the world -- from September 10th to the 16th to collect climate change data alongside leading scientists. Earthwatch has supported this project for nearly 20 years, and it has become a powerful ground zero for climate change research  helping scientists refine models and inform policy.

The fellowship experience has two core components: immersive hands-on field research, and sustainable action implemented back in the home office or community.

During their days the team will work with scientists to collect data on snowpack, permafrost, soil, presence of biological components (vascular plans, lichens, and mosses), tadpole metamorphosis, annual growth rings of trees, wetland water quality, and more  all factors that tell part of the complex story of how the changing climate is reshaping an ecosystem. The evidence of climate change in this polar region is clear: polar sea ice is shrinking, glaciers are retreating, winter snowpack is less extensive than it used to be, and the tree line is shifting northward.

An important part of Alcoas commitment to sustainability is providing our employees with the chance to learn about its critical importance on a global scale, said Rosa Garcia Pineiro, VP, Sustainability and Alcoa Foundation President. Alcoa Foundations unique partnership with Earthwatch allows our employees the chance to assist scientists with real-life climate change research projects, and return to their respective communities with the tools to contribute positively to their respective environments.

In addition to serving as research assistants, the fellows also participate in facilitated learning sessions to expand their knowledge of how sustainability relates to their community. Upon conclusion of the expedition, the fellows will bring their expedition experiences home: they will present on their experience to their Alcoa office, create a sustainability project to implement in their organization or community, and organize and attend a post-fielding volunteering event in partnership with a local organization.

Elias Miranda, a chemical engineer from Brazil, returned from his fellowship in 2016 with an action plan that targeted education and waste within his Alcoa community. Elias trained his colleagues on sustainability and climate change, labeled all waste containers and added Organic Waste containers throughout his Alcoa facility, and worked with his manager to provide reusable mugs for each employee reducing the estimated 62,400 plastic cups used each year within his office.

Traveling far from their plants and offices to serve as fellows, these inspiring individuals not only contribute to cutting-edge scientific research, but they absorb themselves in sustainability curriculum, said Scott Kania, CEO, Earthwatch Institute. The Alcoa fellows learn how to incorporate sustainability into the actions and decisions they take as employees and in their communities.

Since 2003, 274 Alcoa employees from 24 countries have contributed more than 13,500 hours of research, which Earthwatch uses to inform sustainable solutions.

This years fellows include: Amy Schofield (Program Specialist; Booragoon, Australia), Barbara Sandor (Transactional Buyer; Szekesfehervar, Hungary), Hugo Leonardo Rodrigues Cantanhede (EHS Analyst; Sao Luis, Brazil), Jeremie Boivin (Reliability Engineer; Baie-Comeau, Canada), Kira Sorensen (Environmental Scientist; Huntly, Australia), Miltiadis Constantine (Project Manager; Pittsburgh, PA United States), Patrick Lotteau (Treasury Manager; Geneva, Switzerland), and Shelley Ranii (Strategic Planning and Analysis Manager; Pittsburgh, PA United States).

To learn more, visit http://www.alcoa.com/foundation/en/partnerships-programs/earthwatch-fellowship-program.asp. To learn more about the story behind the expedition, visit http://multimedia.earthwatch.org/treesinthetundra.
PC36_A versatile sit-stand desktop riser

NeoCon 2017 -- Booth: 7-3118 -- Loctek, an innovative leader in ergonomic workspace solutions, will showcase its newest sit-stand desktop risers on June 12-14 at NeoCon 2017 in Chicago.

Everyone from corporate facility managers to work-from-home entrepreneurs, and office furniture distributors will have the opportunity to see and experience Locteks latest desktop risers, which feature larger work surfaces, corner-friendly configurations, and tech-savvy built-ins.

We cant wait for NeoCon attendees to visit our booth and explore these desktop risers for themselves, said Lane Xiang, Loctek CEO. Our engineers went through painstaking efforts to make sure each riser provides a seamless and intuitive transition from sitting to standing so our customers can enjoy the maximum benefits of an active workstation.

Featured Model: PC36

Of the four models that will be featured at NeoCon, Loctek will shine a spotlight on model PC36. This versatile sit-stand desktop riser can be used on either a corner desk or a standard table. It comes with an adjustable tilting document holder that can hold documents, a tablet, or a laptop. It also features a quick-release keyboard tray with multiple height adjustments that allow it to be lowered up to three inches below the table for maximum wrist comfort.

The products built-in USB ports allow users to quickly plug in their devices without having to reach or bend into uncomfortable positions. And, like all Loctek desktop risers, PC36 is designed with gas springs to provide smooth and even support so transitioning from sitting to standing is safer and more reliable.

Model PL36

Also debuting at NeoCon is Locteks model PL36. Like PC36, it comes with the same enhanced set of features. The key difference is the rectangular configuration. Its available in black, white and wood finish to complement any office decor.

Models LX36 and LXC41

Loctek will also showcase new models LX36 and LXC41. The straight up and down movement of these two sit-stand desktop risers provides enhanced stability and minimizes the amount of space needed to add them to an existing workstation. Keeping devices powered while working is also easier than ever thanks to the products built-in USB ports.

Our passion for transforming all workspaces into healthier, more productive environments drives us to continue creating solutions that can work in every office situation, said Lane Xiang. We truly believe NeoCon attendees will find that we have a solution for everyone.

Wellness Workspace

In addition to displaying its newest sit-stand desktop risers, Loctek will give NeoCon attendees the chance to explore the complete sit-stand-move experience by previewing the Wellness Workspace product line. This integrated workstation combines Locteks height-adjustable desks, ergonomic monitor mounts, and calorie-burning under desk bikes.

To experience the Wellness Workspace in person, or to try one of the featured sit-stand desktop risers, visit Booth 7-3118 at NeoCon 2017. You can also learn more now by visiting http://www.loctek.us.

About Loctek

Loctek designs and manufactures ergonomic solutions that bring healthy movement to the modern workplace. Products include height-adjustable desks, sit-stand desktop workstations, computer monitor mounts, and wellness bikes. With two U.S. offices in California and Tennessee, Loctek provides smooth purchasing and shipping service including product support, just-in-time delivery, packaging, distribution, and customer service. More information about the company is available on its website: http://www.loctek.us.

Contact:

Loctek Press Loctek Business Development

Maggie Yuan Alex Laspinas

Marketing Manager Business Development Manager

maggie.yuan(at)loctek.us alex.laspinas(at)loctek.us
Mette, Evans & Woodside recently announced that five experienced attorneys have joined the Harrisburg-based law firm. Joining Mette, Evans, & Woodside as Shareholders are Michael D. Reed, James L. Goldsmith and Michael A. Farrell. Attorneys Veronica L. Boyer and Victoria P. Edwards have joined as Associates.

We are excited to welcome this group of accomplished attorneys to our team at Mette, Evans, & Woodside. said President, Tim Hoy. Their knowledge and wide ranging practice area expertise are excellent additions to our firm.

Michael D. Reed has been practicing in the fields of construction law and litigation, as well as general commercial litigation and administrative and procurement law, for thirty-six years.

James L. Goldsmith has been practicing law since 1978 and focuses law his practice on representing professionals in licensing matters before the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, professional negligence defense and providing legal expertise to professional trade associations.

Michael A. Farrell has been practicing in the field of insurance defense litigation for thirty-two years. His focus has been on defending employers and insurers in workers compensation matters. He is certified as a specialist in the practice of workers' compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Associations Section on Workers Compensation Law as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Veronica L. Boyer focuses her practice in construction law and litigation, as well as, commercial, real estate and general civil litigation. She is also active in legal matters involving procurement law and related administrative law issues.

Victoria P. Edwards concentrates her practice in social security disability and workers compensation defense. She is certified as a specialist in the practice of workers' compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. She is certified as a specialist in the practice of workers' compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Associations Section on Workers Compensation Law as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Mette, Evans & Woodside has a long-standing tradition of providing comprehensive legal representation for businesses, individuals and municipalities. Founded in 1969, the firm provides clients throughout Pennsylvania with sound legal counsel for all facets of their professional and personal life. More information is available at http://www.mette.com.
Yair Frenkel

Todays world is packed with security challenges both ancient and thoroughly modern. With so many different options on the market to address those challenges, it is easy to become confused and frustrated. Yet home security is more vital than ever before. Texas Premier Locksmith is pleased to announce that they provide free security consultations for homeowners throughout the Austin area.

Hardware Considerations

There are innumerable home security hardware solutions, but all fall into three loose categories. Although every homeowner has different needs, most select products from two or even all three categories.

Door Locks: Door locks run the gamut from simple deadbolts to programmable keypads and finger scanners. Different locks typically work best for different entry points, such as front doors, back doors, and garage doors.

Door Hardware: Many people overlook door hardware as an essential safety feature, but it can be quite important. Examples of door hardware that may be recommended include safety bars for sliding glass doors and door closers to ensure that a door is never accidentally left open.

Lockable Items: For those who keep sensitive hardware or documents at home, lockable desk drawers, filing cabinets, or safes may be of vital importance.

Locksmith Services

Even the best home security system occasionally requires locksmith services. Whether a former roommate forgets to return the keys, someone gets locked out, or a lock breaks, a trustworthy locksmith is vital. Reputation is everything in this industry, along with the expertise to fix, open, or replace all different types of locks.

About Texas Premier Locksmith

Texas Premier Locksmith has established a strong reputation as one of the top-rated Austin locksmith companies. For immediate assistance, call the Texas Premier Locksmith Austin location at (361) 444-1282. For more information, go to 600 West 28th St. Suite 105, Austin,TX 78705

or visit the website at http://www.txpremierlocksmith.com/.
Greeley was ranked the number one choice for renters looking to live in a Front Range small town.

TurboTenant, a rapidly growing startup, recently conducted a study that measured the livability and affordability of small towns along the Front Range of Colorado. Each city chosen for the study was required to have a population of under 150,000 residents, and were selected based upon livability scores. Researching the average rent for two bedroom homes, TurboTenant picked the top six small towns across the Front Range for affordability and livability. The six cities that made the list include Greeley, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Lakewood, Centennial, and Golden. These six cities were selected due to their diverse amenities, quality of life, and accessible job markets.

Greeley was ranked the number one choice for renters looking to live in a Front Range small town. With average rent prices for a two bedroom at $1,003, Greeley was cited as retaining the best features of small town life with an exceptional number of amenities. The full article and the towns statistics can be viewed on TurboTenants blog at The Best Of Colorados Affordable Front Range Small Towns.

About TurboTenant (turbotenant.com): TurboTenant helps independent landlords improve the investment performance of their properties by offering them online tools that previously were only available to large property management companies. More than 40,000 landlords across the U.S. turn to TurboTenant for free, online solutions for landlording. These features include online rental applications, tenant credit and background reports, property listings and automated marketing, and online rent payments. All of TurboTenants features focus on helping landlords manage smarter, faster, and more effectively.
Ambassador's partnership with OpenStax helps faculty create rich collections of resources and empowers more students to succeed. Ambassador shares our commitment to providing accessible, affordable options to improve the teaching and learning experience for faculty and students, said David Harris, editor in chief for OpenStax.

The cost of course materials is an increasingly important consideration for students when purchasing textbooks and other resources. In an ongoing commitment to provide accessible, affordable options, Ambassador and OpenStax have forged a partnership to break down barriers through free and low cost learning materials, helping faculty create rich collections of resources and empowering more students to succeed.

"Ambassador is dedicated to helping our client institutions build out the most effective and relevant booklists, taking into account student and faculty needs, program objectives and costs," said Steven M. Blicht, COO of Ambassador. "We are excited to extend access to the OpenStax library of textbooks and eBooks, which means faculty have more options to incorporate high quality, open learning resources. For students, they can now focus more on achieving their academic goals and spend less time worrying about price of their materials."

Based at Rice University, OpenStax provides free, peer-reviewed, openly licensed textbooks in print and digital format. One or more OpenStax textbooks are in use at over 3,000 institutions and OpenStax will save students over $100 million this academic year alone.

Through the OpenStax integration with Ambassador's Content Lab, faculty can assemble and curate robust, custom-made collections of digital and print materials, merging content from the OpenStax library with other OER, web articles, blogs, images, videos and other publisher content, as well as the schools or professor's own content. Ambassador supports OpenStaxs full catalog, including math, science, social sciences and humanities subjects. Faculty can also access OpenStax's instructor-only resources like test banks and solution manuals.

"OpenStax is pleased to partner with Ambassador and offer yet another way faculty and students can access our textbooks, said David Harris, editor in chief for OpenStax. Ambassador shares our commitment to providing accessible, affordable options to improve the teaching and learning experience for faculty and students.

About OpenStax

OpenStax is a nonprofit based at Rice University, and its our mission to improve student access to education. Our first openly licensed college textbook was published in 2012, and our library since scaled to more than 20 books for college and AP courses used by hundreds of thousands of students. Our adaptive learning technology, designed to improve learning outcomes through personalized educational paths, is being piloted in college courses across the country. Through our partnerships with philanthropic foundations and our alliance with other educational resource companies, OpenStax is breaking down the most common barriers to learning and empowering students and instructors to succeed.

About Ambassador

Ambassador creates and manages customized content integration programs that connect students with course materials in the most meaningful and effective way, driving down costs and improving outcomes. Integrated with leading SIS, LMS and Digital Content Platforms, we simplify the adoption, management and delivery of textbooks, eBooks, digital resources, custom content, OER, access codes, online testing, supplies, kits, devices and more. We provide an exceptional student experience, lower your operational and financial risk, and deliver key intelligence to measure and enhance programs. For more information, please visit http://www.ambassadored.com.

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Activ4pets, providers of online and mobile platforms that give pet parents easy access to their pets health information along with web-based veterinary consultations, today announced the launch of its corporate partnership program. The program allows companies to provide employees with access to a suite of veterinary and pet health management tools, including low cost e-consults with licensed veterinarians.

According to a 2015 Nielsen Harris Survey, 65% of millennials and 71% of gen xers own pets, with 95% of US pet owners viewing pets as part of the family. A 2016 Pet-Friendly Workplace PAWrometer Banfield Pet Hospital survey of 1,006 employees and 200 Human Resources decision makers (HRDMs) found that over 80% percent of those surveyed believed a pet friendly workplaces led to increased productivity, more company loyalty, and lower employee stress levels. Activ4pets presents employers the opportunity to offer a unique, comprehensive, and compassionate pet friendly benefit that not only helps employees more easily engage with their pets health, but also helps control and minimize pet related employee absenteeism.

Weve long had a great partnership with Activ Doctors Online, using their human telemedicine platform to help our organization improve healthcare communications while saving time and money. When Florent Monssoh (CEO of Activ Doctors Online and Activ4Pets) introduced us to Activ4Pets, his new telemedicine platform for pets and pet owners, we immediately saw the value it would provide our organization, said Ed Martinez, CIO of Nicklaus Childrens Hospital. As a progressive workplace, we want to provide our employees with the latest benefits that improve and enrich all aspects of their lives, and that includes taking care of their pets. Our employees get peace of mind knowing they can connect with a veterinarian even when pet emergencies occur during work hours, and we reduce unnecessary employee absenteeism. Our employees are less stressed, we increase overall productivity, which all add up to better patient care and a happier medical team.

Through the corporate partnership program, annual subscriptions to Activ4pets are available for just $12/person/year.

For more information visit Corporation Partnership Program

A Flexible, Comprehensive Benefit

Activ4pets mobile and web platform allows employees to take control and engage with their pets health from anywhere. Activ4pets gathers and organize users pet health history directly from vet records and organizes them into easily accessible online accounts. The secure platform offers built in tools that allow pet parents to maintain medication reminders, checkup dates, and track every aspect of their pets health.

For employees that frequently travel, Activ4pets offers geolocation based guides to local emergency vet care, groomers, boarders, and pet friendly venues  helping to make traveling with their pets stress free. For employees that leave their pets at home, Activ4pets allows them to share their pets health history, medication needs, and emergency contact information with care providers, directly from the Activ4pets platform.

As a dedicated pet parent and company executive on the go, I use Activ4Pets mobile app to stay proactive about my senior cats health and save money by avoiding redundant lab tests and unnecessary vet costs in emergency cases. Activ4Pets is the new pet health benefit we want progressive pet friendly companies to offer their employees nationwide. We already have several large corporation partners who offer their employees Activ4Pets mobile health tool as a low cost, money/time/life-saving all-in-one online solution for their pets, said Kimberly Heeney, VP of Operations

Reduce Absenteeism, Minimize Stress

A standard veterinary office visit can take hours, time employees must take out of their workday, especially for emergency situations. The cost of absenteeism isnt just lost productivity and revenue, its increased stress for management and employees alike. With Active4pets, employees have access to on demand e-consults with licensed veterinarians who can advise on a myriad of pet health issues in as little as 15 minutes. Even if pets must receive treatment at a veterinary office, Activ4pets can help reduce the need for costly and time consuming in office follow-ups. The corporate partnership program includes one free e-consultation per user per year, with additional sessions available for $25 each.

Activ4pets also offers medical reviews from specialists that can provide unbiased, evidence-based expert second opinions. This service can potentially save employees money, time, and even the life of their pet in complex cases. One specialist consult per year is included, with additional reviews available for $95 per case. Opinions are delivered within 48 hours, and come from a board-certified specialist veterinarian.

All e-consultations and case reviews are encrypted, HIPAA level compliant, and get archived within the pets health record for easy review. Best of all, they are available to employees at convenient hours, minimizing the need for time off from work. For employers wanting to take control of pet related absenteeism  Active4pets is the ideal solution. Every minute of the workday employees arent worrying about the health of their pet is another minute they can spend making their company a success.

Activ4Pets is the new communication tool that connects pet parents to a comprehensive array of pet care services needed year-round and sends smart health tips (push notifications) to remind pet owners how to keep their pets active, healthy and happy. said Dory Andraos, VP of Marketing.

About Activ4pets LLC

Activ4Pets is the first company of its kind, enabling pet owners to access their pet's complete health history and even consult with their veterinarian online  all via an easy to use web or mobile app based platform. The platform is accessible anytime, anywhere on the planet. With Activ4pets you are never more than a click away from your pet's wellness information.

For more information, visit http://www.activ4pets.com.

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Media Contact: Lisa Wang, lisa(at)firecrackerpr.com, 1-888-317-4687 ext. 703
Woodlands, Southwest Houston and Clear Lake residents will be able to celebrate dads day of the year with loved ones at Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse and Avenida Brazil on Father's Day, June 18. The restaurant will be serving a high energy, Brazilian style meal from 11 AM-9:00 PM. The restaurant will be serving a Limited Time Texas Kobe sausage from Heartbrand Beef for the day.

"This is the day to treat dad and thank him for all he does!" Melissa Abrantes, Tradicao Operations director said. "We want to provide the opportunity for families to be together and have dad enjoy our endless 15 signature cuts of meat served straight from the grill along with our freshly baked cheese bread and salad bar and not worry about dishes after!"

Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse offers diners a full all-you-can-eat Brazilian dining experience. From the traditional Picanha top sirloin steak and Filet Mignon served tableside to delicious shrimp and fresh salmon - Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse has all of the best Brazilian steak and seafood offerings.

Fathers Day Prices & Options

11 AM-3 PM Brunch Buffet | $30 Brunch & Salad Bar | $49 Grilled Meats. Salad Bar, Brunch & Hot Sides

4 PM-9 PM Dinner | $49 Grilled Meats. Salad Bar, & Hot Sides

They have three locations to choose from Woodlands at 1400 Research Forest Dr. Shenandoah TX, Southwest Houston/Fort Bend at 12000 SW Freeway or in Clear Lake/Webster at 201 W. Bay Area Blvd. To contact the Woodlands location call 281-651-5369, for the SW Freeway location call 281-277-9292. To reach the Bay Area Blvd. location, please call 281-557-9999.

More information about Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is also available on their website at

http://www.Tradicaosteakhouse.com.
As the U.S. health care system continues to evolve, sleep specialists have an increasingly important role to play in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions that impact health, quality of life, performance and safety, said Dr. Ilene Rosen.

Today, Dr. Ilene Rosen became the 32nd president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) board of directors. Rosen assumed the role during SLEEP 2017, the 31st annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS) in Boston. She will serve a one-year term.

To improve access to high quality care for patients who have a sleep disease, Rosen will lead the 10,000 physicians, scientists and allied health professionals who are members of the AASM, the leading professional society in the medical subspecialty of sleep medicine.

As the U.S. health care system continues to evolve, sleep specialists have an increasingly important role to play in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions that impact health, quality of life, performance and safety, said Rosen. I am energized to work with AASM members to expand our field by developing strategic partnerships and leveraging innovative technologies to provide patient-centered care.

Rosen is the program director of the University of Pennsylvania Sleep Fellowship and an associate professor of clinical medicine for the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She also serves as an assistant dean for graduate medical education. Rosen has clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, and her educational and research focus has been on the sleep habits, health and performance of residents. Currently she is exploring the use of telemedicine to promote sleep medicine education in health care training as the principal investigator of a study that is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Rosen completed her fellowship and residency and earned her medical degree and a Master of Science degree in clinical epidemiology from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania after earning her bachelors degree in neuroscience from Duke University. She is board-certified in sleep medicine and pulmonary medicine.

With roughly one-third of U.S. adults failing to sleep the recommended seven or more hours per night, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named insufficient sleep a public health problem, said Rosen. The AASM must inform the public of the cumulative impact of chronic sleep loss and untreated sleep diseases on nearly every key public health indicator, which increases the risk of physical and mental health problems, mortality, accidents and injuries. AASM will continue to be the leader in driving awareness of healthy sleep as a means to better health.

An AASM member since 2000, Rosen has served on the AASM board of directors since 2011 and on the Executive Committee since 2014, including a one-year term as president-elect. She also served as the inaugural chair of the AASMs Sleep Medicine Fellowship Directors Council and as the AASM representative to the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Liaison Committee on Certification and Recertification.

About 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep problem, and nearly 60 percent of them have a chronic sleep disease such as obstructive sleep apnea. The effective treatment of a sleep disease reduces associated health risks and improves quality of life by restoring healthy sleep, boosting daytime alertness and concentration, increasing physical energy and reducing feelings of depression.

To arrange an interview with Dr. Rosen, or for more information about the AASM (http://www.aasmnet.org), please contact Mary Velan at 312-565-4631 or mvelan(at)lcwa.com.

About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Established in 1975, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) improves sleep health and promotes high quality, patient-centered care through advocacy, education, strategic research, and practice standards. The AASM has a combined membership of 10,000 accredited member sleep centers and individual members, including physicians, scientists and other health care professionals. For more information, visit http://www.aasmnet.org.
Dayton, Ohio, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MacAulay-Brown, Inc. (MacB), a leading National Security company delivering advanced engineering services, cybersecurity and product solutions, today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Sid Fuchs recently delivered two keynote lectures to MBA students enrolled in George Mason Universitys (GMU) School of Business. This is the third year that Mr. Fuchs was invited to address graduate students at GMU who are enrolled in leadership, networking and strategy development classes that offer exposure to top government contracting executives as part of the curriculum.

George Mason University is located near Washington D.C. in the heart of Northern Virginias technology corridor, with four campuses in Virginia and one in Songdo, Korea. Its the largest public research university in the state, with an enrollment of more than 34,000 students from 130 countries. The School of Business is among only 25 percent of accredited business schools worldwide in both business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Mr. Fuchs spoke to MBA students this month on the growth strategies and business development techniques that National Security and Defense companies like MacB have implemented in the last six years in a challenging and ever-changing government contracting environment. He was invited to speak to the class by GMU Adjunct Professor Dennis J. Kelly, the President and CEO of Buchanan & Edwards.

In May, Mr. Fuchs also presented to more than 30 students enrolled in a Leadership and Networking class taught by Dr. John Hillen, Professor of Practice and Executive-in-Residence at GMU.

My goal when presenting to MBA students is to encourage them to openly discuss what successful networking concepts, business strategies and marketing techniques look like and how to constantly reevaluate them over time, said Fuchs. The challenge is helping graduate students learn how to take their theories and integrate them into successful business initiatives with careful planning, execution and focus.

As an adjunct professor at GMU, I want graduate students to learn how to use their creativity and problem-solving skills when faced with the challenges and road blocks all will encounter throughout our careers, said Kelly. Sids more than 30 years of industry experience, leadership, and stellar track record makes him a great fit to speak to a group of talented MBA students who all bring an interesting mix of perspectives to the table.

ABOUT MACAULAY-BROWN, INC. (MacB)

For more than 37 years, MacAulay-Brown, Inc. (MacB) has been solving some of the Nations most complex National Security challenges. Defense, Intelligence Community, Special Operations Forces, Homeland Security and Federal agencies rely on our advanced engineering services, cybersecurity, and product solutions to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. With Corporate Headquarters in Dayton, Ohio and National Capital Headquarters in Vienna, Virginia, our more than 1,500 employees worldwide are dedicated to developing mission-focused and results-oriented solutions that make a difference where and when it matters most. Learn more about MacB at www.macb.com.

Follow MacB

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Simpli.fi, the programmatic advertising platform built for the scale of localization and personalization, has been named one of Inc. magazines Best Workplaces for 2017, the publications second annual ranking in the fast-growing private company sector.

Hitting newsstands today in the June 2017 issue, and as part of a prominent inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies who have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement, and stellar benefits. Out of thousands of applicants, Inc. singled out just over 200 winning companies.

Built in partnership with employee engagement and work culture experts Quantum Workplace of Omaha, Nebraska, Inc.s Best Workplaces list is a magnifying glass on how innovative companies can truly raise the bar in hiring and retaining the best talent.

What does it take to become a company that workers want to be part of? Inc. magazine says its more than good pay and good perks  its also about having a clear purpose, a sense of humor, and leadership that makes the two work together.

At Simpli.fi, we believe in working hard, having fun, and making a difference together, said Frost Prioleau, CEO of Simpli.fi. We believe firmly that our people drive our culture and our culture drives our people. From the beginning, weve worked to build an environment that encourages focus on customer needs, innovation, respect, and team work. Were thrilled to be recognized by Inc. for having created a workplace that matters.

The 2017 Inc. Best Workplaces Awards assessed applicants on the basis of benefits offered and employees responses to a unique, 30-question survey fielded by each of the applying companies. Responses were evaluated by the research team at Quantum Workplace. For its results to qualify, each company had to achieve a statistically significant response rate based on employee count. Survey scores account for employer size to level the playing field between small and large businesses. All companies had to have minimum of 10 employees and to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent  that is, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies.

While researching the entries, Inc. and Quantum saw distinct themes develop:



Strong company cultures breed stunning individual and team performance.

Workers at the best companies dont view their employers as sugar daddies. They arent mesmerized by whatever giveaways seem to be the latest fadbe it gourmet lunches or beer fridges.

When employees feel valued by their organization, they are far more likely to be engaged. This single factor proved to be one of the largest drivers of employee engagement.

Simpli.fis focus on servant leadership, where management is focused on empowering their teams, has built an environment of respect, customer-focus, team work, and fun.

By introducing an employee survey into this years Best Workplaces selection process, weve really raised the bar. Companies that dont score at the very top of their peer group dont make the cut. So, our hats are off to the winners. They all excelled at engaging their workers, making them feel appreciated, and aligning them behind a mission. And remember, thats not just our opinion: The employees told us that themselves. says Eric Schurenberg, Inc.s President and Editor In Chief.

About Simpli.fi

Simpli.fi is the programmatic advertising platform built for the scale of localization and personalization. Simpli.fi works with the largest buyers of localized advertising, including brands, agencies, local media groups, networks, and trading desks. These companies utilize Simpli.fi to localize ad targeting and content, to deliver performance on high volumes of localized campaigns, and to provide deep insights on their dynamic audiences. For more information about the company or partnership opportunities, call (800) 840-0768 or visit http://www.simpli.fi.

About Inc. Media

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Ages The A-List in January 2015, and the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 40,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/.

About Quantum Workplace

Quantum Workplace is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit http://www.quantumworkplace.com.
Upen Varanasi, Founder and CEO of Riversand Technologies We will use this capital infusion to strengthen our foundation in core verticals, accelerate growth in targeted geographies and enter new markets through product innovation, sales and marketing

Riversand Technologies, a Master Data Management (MDM) Visionary, and a Product Information Management (PIM) Leader announced today a Series A investment of $35 million in growth capital led by Crestline Investors. The funding will be used to accelerate Riversands global expansion and for further investment in its disruptive MDM 2.0 platform.

Founded in 2001, Riversand has experienced significant growth, increasing revenue at more than 25% CAGR over the last 6 years. Its MDM solutions help clients construct business strategies and maximize their customers experiences based on relevant, trusted and insightful data.

We are excited to partner with Crestline Investors at a time when we are expanding globally. With our MDM 2.0 vision, we are bringing together Relevance, Trust and Insights to our customers in an era of Cloud, High Scale and Data Discovery. We will use this capital infusion to strengthen our foundation in core verticals, accelerate growth in targeted geographies and enter new markets through product innovation, sales and marketing, said Upen Varanasi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Riversand.

Riversand has a strong brand presence across multiple industries, data domains, and geographies. With their MDM 2.0 platform, Riversand has now created a name in the industry for being an innovative MDM solution provider with the most disruptive vision and unique strategy, said Will Palmer, director at Crestline. We look forward to supporting Riversands continued growth and the development of the new platform as Riversand expands its offerings. Mr. Will Palmer of Crestline will join Riversands Board of Directors.

Riversand is recognized as an emerging and disruptive cloud player in the data management and infrastructure software space with an incredible opportunity ahead of them, said Yogesh Amle, Managing Director and Head of Software at Union Square Advisors. The Union Square Advisors team is pleased to partner with Upen and the Riversand team on this capital raise and advise them during this pivotal time in the companys history.

About Riversand

Riversand is a Master Data Management (MDM) visionary and a Product Information Management (PIM) Leader. Riversand serves leading global enterprises in Retail, Manufacturing, Distribution, Energy, Healthcare, and Food Services. Riversand MDMCenter helps clients enhance their customers experience and move products faster to the market. Riversand is headquartered in Houston with offices in Bangalore (India), London (UK), Stuttgart (Germany), Switzerland and Sydney (Australia) Visit us at http://www.riversand.com for more information and follow us @RiversandMDM on Twitter @Riversandtech on Instagram, @RiversandTechnologies on Facebook.

Riversand Media Contact:

Shamanth Shankar

713-934-8899

shamanth.shankar(at)riversand.com

About Crestline Investors, Inc.

Crestline Investors, Inc., founded in 1997 and based in Fort Worth, Texas, is an institutional alternative investment management firm specializing in credit and opportunistic investments, including financing and restructuring solutions for mature private equity funds. In addition, the firm manages a multi-PM equity market-neutral hedge fund, and provides beta and hedging solutions for institutional clients. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, the company maintains affiliate offices in New York City, Chicago, London, Toronto and Tokyo. For more information, please visit http://www.crestlineinvestors.com.

Crestline Media Contact:

Dmitriy Ioselevich

212-279-3115

dioselevich(at)prosek.com

About Union Square Advisors

Union Square Advisors LLC is a leading technology-focused investment bank that offers strategic mergers & acquisitions advice and execution as well as agented private capital financing services. Founded in 2007, with offices in San Francisco and New York, Union Square Advisors works with leading public and private technology companies, private equity and venture capital firms across the technology landscape with a primary focus on Software, Software-Enabled Services, IT Infrastructure and Internet/Digital Media/Marketing Technology. For more information, visit http://www.usadvisors.com.

Union Square Advisors Media Contact:

Jennifer Hallahan

212-376-1770

jennifer.hallahan(at)usadvisors.com
According to a 2014 drug report from the United Nations, the number of drug users is on the rise, matching the growth rate of the world population. Given the increasing epidemic, drug counselor and author Joseph Harris is calling for improved strategies to combat chemical dependency. Harris takes an introversive look at addiction with his new book Drug Addiction and the Most Powerful Enemy Against It: A Recovering Sober Mind.

Drug Addiction and the Most Powerful Enemy Against It educates readers about the progression of drug abuse, the harmful effects on users and potential tactics to overcome the disease. Harris leverages his extensive background as a drug counselor of 42 years to inform readers of the gradual landslide into addiction. He specifically explores the mental connection to drugs and the effects chemical dependency has on the psychological well being of substance abusers.

Harris also investigates means to render chemical dependency powerless by harnessing the power of the sober mind. He advocates for the use of internal recovery tools, in conjunction with external devices, to combat substance abuse and keep the disease at bay.

Having studied the addicts mind in-depth, I have found that the root of compulsion is in the mind, Harris said. It is the mind that directs every thought and behavior. Drug Addiction and the Most Powerful Enemy Against It underscores the fact that the mind that is the only true passageway out of addiction.

Drug Addiction and the Most Powerful Enemy Against It: A Recovering, Sober Mind

By Joseph Harris

ISBN: 9781514436769 (hardcover) 9781514436752 (softcover) 9781514436745 (ebook)

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Xlibris

About the author

Joseph Harris holds a bachelor of science degree in counseling, and is a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor for the state of New York. His passion for helping the drug addicted population stems from his own 12-year history of intravenous heroin addiction combined with daily large amounts of alcohol and marijuana. His greatest desire is to help pull an addicted person out of the hole where persecution, oppression, sickness, and slavery are the norm each and every day.

###

Review Copies & Interview Requests:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Jacquelyn Brazzale

480 998 2600 x 569

jbrazzale(at)lavidge(dot)com

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Satara Williams

480-998-2600 x 586

swilliams(at)lavidge(dot)com
One of the countrys fastest growing ophthalmology provider groups - SightMD  today continued its impressive trend of Top Doctor awards with the announcement of cataract and LASIK specialist, Dr. John Mauro being named a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. 17th edition of Top Doctors: New York Metro Area, according to eye surgeon Jeffrey Martin, MD, FACS, Chief Executive Officer of SightMD.

Dr. Mauros surgical skills and personal approach to patient care have been a tremendous asset to our organization since he joined our medical staff, said Dr. Martin. Only the physicians who are the very best in their specialties in their local communities are selected for inclusion in the Top Doctor award, he added. So anytime one of our doctors earns this prestigious award, it makes all of us at SightMD extremely proud and this is especially rewarding to see Dr. Mauro recognized by his peers for his exceptional efforts.

Over the past seven years, several physicians at SightMD have been voted as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly. I honestly believe there are very few practices in the country who have earned more recognition than our doctors and we very pleased to now include Dr. Mauro to our growing list.

The mission of Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is to help consumers find the best healthcare. To assist the public in their educational efforts, Castle Connolly publishes a variety of books including the "Top Doctors" series, the most popular of which is America's Top Doctors. The top doctors like Dr. Mauro who are listed in books and on this website's directory were nominated by their peers in an extensive survey process of thousands of American doctors each year. All Top Doctors' medical educations, training, hospital appointments, disciplinary histories are screened by the Castle Connolly physician-led research team. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be included in any Castle Connolly Guide or online directory.

The company was founded by two respected leaders in healthcare, John K. Castle and John J. Connolly, Ed.D. Dr. Connolly was the President of New York Medical College for more than ten years. Mr. Castle served for six years as a commissioner and executive officer of the Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO); he also served as Chairman of the Board of New York Medical College for eleven years and served on its Board for twenty-two years.

I could not be more proud to be included in the inner circle of Metro area physicians who have earned this special Top Doctor award, said Dr. Mauro. It is something I truly appreciate because it serves as quiet reinforcement that my efforts to serve our patients in the most personal and professional way possible have not gone unnoticed by the public or by my peers.

Dr. Mauro specializes in LASIK and cataract surgeries. While practicing at our Smithtown location, he strives to help those who are legally blind or have severely compromised vision. Dr. Mauro is driven to provide exceptional eyesight to patients who are legally blind or suffer from severely low quality vision, said Dr. Martin. The bedside manner Dr. Mauro brings to his patients is second-to-none and is the reason people feel so comfortable coming to see him at SightMD.

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is a nationally recognized organization who periodically publishes a list of doctors rated the best in their communities by their peers. Medical educations, medical training, appointments, disciplinary histories, and many other aspects of a doctor's career are meticulously examined by a Castle Connolly research team, which is led by physicians. Only the very best doctors are named in the publication. Some of the most prevalent national media organizations have referenced Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctors publications, including 20/20 on ABC, Morning News on CNN, The New York Times, the Boston Herald, Town & Country magazine, Redbook, and many others.

SightMD is New Yorks fastest growing integrated ophthalmic provider group, offering patients the convenience of 21 locations across the greater Long Island / New York metropolitan area and access to more than 50 ophthalmic surgeons and specialists. It was formed with the merger between North Shore Eye Care and Long Island Eye Surgical Care.

The doctors and staff of SightMD represent Long Islands most established full-service comprehensive eye care provider. This year they are celebrating 53 years of eye care excellence since Dr. Sidney Martin founded North Shore Eye Care in 1962. SightMD is the official LASIK Providers of the New York Mets. Many of their doctors have been voted TOP DOCTORS in the New York Metro Area by Castle Connolly and North Shore Eye Care has earned Best Of Long Island honors for the past few years.
The national law firm Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry is pleased to announce the hiring of senior counsel Catherine Berryman. Berryman focuses her practice in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, employment law, and education law.

Berryman often is consulted as an independent Title IX investigator for educational institutions on issues related to sexual assault, sexual harassment, or intimate partner violence. She has conducted more than 30 investigations for educational institutions. In addition, she has represented institutions in civil rights litigation and contract claims matters. She has represented companies in matters related to wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and sexual discrimination.

Prior to moving to civil practice, Berryman was a public defender at the Defender Association of Philadelphia for nearly a decade. As a public defender, she tried more than 100 bench trials and 20 jury trials. She regularly represented clients in high-publicity, complex criminal cases.

In addition to her law practice, Berryman has taught trial advocacy at the Widener University Delaware School of Law. She holds a bachelors degree from Wesleyan University and a law degree from University of Minnesota Law School.

About Chamberlain Hrdlicka  Chamberlain Hrdlicka is a diversified business law firm with offices in Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia and San Antonio. The firm represents both public and private companies as well as individuals and family-owned businesses across the nation in a wide variety of practice areas, including commercial and business litigation, tax, tax controversy and litigation, federal white-collar criminal defense, corporate, securities and finance, employment law and employee benefits, energy law, estate planning and administration, intellectual property, international and immigration law, and real estate and construction law.

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Its called social media, but its actually anti-social. Todays technology is highly addictive and I want to counter that. It is my hope that Hindu on the Bindu will encourage children to talk and reconnect with family members.

The Elf on the Shelf is marketed as being a Christmas tradition  the Mensch on a Bench is its Jewish equivalent. With no doll and storybook set available for children who celebrate Diwali, David Euler decided to do something about it by creating The Hindu on the Bindu.

I am Jewish. My wife is Hindu. I decided to make a doll that is universal and gives Hindu kids like my children something for the Diwali, says Euler. Thats how the Hindu on the Bindu was born.

Euler, a renowned acupuncturist who also co-directs and teaches an acupuncture course for physicians at Harvard Medical School, explains that his creation is bigger than just a way to celebrate Diwali. The hope is that it will be the spark that ignites the imaginations of children to tell their own stories, examine their culture, learn about others, and know the power a serene smiling face can have.

The Hindu on the Bindu lives within all of us, he says. He is our inner child, our spirit of imagination, and our connection to creativity and hope.

The bindu is the symbol of all beginnings, he explains, the ultimate opportunity for all creation. If you know where you are coming from, you know where you are going, stresses Euler.

The product encourages children to write their own stories that can be shared on the Hindu on the Bindu website at: http://www.hinduonthebindu.com and can then be printed and published.

When storytellers pass way, everything disappears. If their stories were written down, they keep on living, generation to generation, explains Euler. Featured in the book that accompanies the doll, Stories from the Hindu on the Bindu, is a story that depicts his wifes father, a storyteller, as a way to honor his legacy. Another story, The Treasure at the End of the Rainbow, intertwines creatures found in both Indian as well as Western mythology. Leprechauns, a white Pegasus, gentle giants, friendly bears, fairies of all colors, a smiling Cyclops, and a three-headed demon all grace its pages.

Given todays digital world, imagination and the ability to interact decreases, says Euler. Its called social media, but its actually anti-social. Todays technology is highly addictive and changes brain chemistry and I want to counter that. It is my hope that Hindu on the Bindu will encourage children to talk and reconnect with family members, friends and neighbors.

A Facebook campaign (https://www.facebook.com/hinduonthebindu/) is underway and hundreds of dolls and books will be given away to lucky followers who like the page. They have also been donated to childrens hospitals across the country. The doll and book are available for purchase by going to http://www.hinduonthebindu.com

For more information on The Hindu on the Bindu, or for hi-res photography and/or to schedule an interview with Euler, please contact Andrea Doyle at 201-483-7227 or adoylecomms(at)gmail(dot)com.
NFP, a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property & casualty (P&C), retirement and individual private client solutions, announced today it has acquired Kempkey Insurance Services, Inc. (KIS). The transaction closed on April 7, 2017.

Based in Napa, California, KIS is a commercial lines insurance broker specializing in the wine and hospitality industries. Ed Kempkey III, principal of the firm, will join as director of NFP P&C and report to Paul Saich, regional president of NFP P&C.

Were thrilled to welcome Ed, a veteran expert broker in the wine industry, to the NFP family, said Terry Scali, CEO of NFP P&C. This acquisition represents an opportunity for us to strategically build our footprint in retail in the Napa Valley area and opens up additional offerings to our clients nationally.

Kempkey commented, We look forward to leveraging NFPs extensive industry network to provide our wine and hospitality services to clients nationwide.

About NFP

At NFP Corp., our solutions and expertise are matched only by our personal commitment to each client's goals. Were a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property & casualty, retirement and individual private client solutions through our licensed subsidiaries and affiliates.

NFP has more than 3,400 employees and global capabilities. Our expansive reach gives us access to highly rated insurers, vendors and financial institutions in the industry, while our locally based employees tailor each solution to meet our clients' needs. Weve become one of the largest insurance brokerage, consulting and wealth management firms by building enduring relationships with our clients and helping them realize their goals.

Recently NFP was ranked the 2nd fastest-growing US large-group employee benefits broker by Employee Benefit Adviser. In addition, Business Insurance ranked us as the 5th largest global benefits broker by revenue, the 4th largest US-based privately owned broker and the 11th largest broker of US business. PlanSponsor ranked us the 5th largest executive benefits provider of nonqualified deferred compensation by number of plans, and we were ranked 11th in personal lines P&C revenue by Insurance Journal.

For more information, visit NFP.com.
Im excited to share CHFAs story with the records management professionals at this ARMA International event. The process we developed is one that I think theyll find interesting, as it can have application in a wide variety of settings.

Buddha Logic, a leading provider of Business Process Management and accounts payable automation solutions, has announced that Founder and President Charles Weidman will give a 30-minute presentation at the ARMA Monthly Program on June 20, 2017 in Denver. The session will be titled Digital Signing Case Study: An Excellent Way to Introduce BPA into an Organization.

Our work with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to replace an outdated paper-based approval and signing method with a fully digital smart process has provided a whole host of benefits, said Weidman. Im excited to share CHFAs story with the records management professionals at this ARMA International event. The process we developed is one that I think theyll find interesting, as it can have application in a wide variety of settings.

The presentation will cover a number of the features of the solution that Buddha Logic implemented for CHFA, including:



Efficient, digital, form-based process for obtaining wet signatures

Automated notification as the process progresses

Template feature to streamline repetitive tasks

User-defined service level agreements (SLAs) that drive the process

Buddha Logic works with companies in a wide range of markets including government, transportation, corporate, banking, insurance, medical and mortgage. Its consultants and developers architect, implement and support business process management technologies that help organizations accelerate their business processes, decrease error rates and increase client satisfaction.

I look forward to Mile High Denver ARMA events as a great way to connect with others in our industry, said Weidman. Im always happy to spend time before or after a gathering to talk with people about their business process management challenges and the best ways to address them.

About Buddha Logic (buddhalogic.com)

Founded in 2003 and located in Boulder, in the heart of Colorados technology community, our team is a close-knit group of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) experts skilled and certified in design, development, implementation, and support. We work with leading solution providers and serve clients throughout the U.S. and Canada in a wide range of markets, including government, transportation, corporate, banking, insurance, medical and mortgage. Buddha Logic has a long history of success in providing clients with automated document management, optimized business processes, business process mapping, AP automation and workflow management.
Joe Klein, Founder and CTO of DISRUPT6, Inc., will be on several panel discussions at the 2017 GIoTS, including keynote presentations on the future of the Internet of Things, the Next Generation for IPv6, and Mobile security.

Joe is a 30-year veteran of the IT and IA industry. He has extensive experience in DoD, US Government and commercial sectors, focusing on information assurance, network security and IPv6. As an active member of the IPv6 Forum and the North American IPv6 Task Force, he has provided support and feedback on IPv6 Attacks and Defenses, and serving as CyberSecurity SME. He is also the Director, Infrastructure at the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Northern Virginia Chapter and a regular speaker at such conferences as BlackHat, DefCon, Phricknic, NSA ReBl, Toorcon, SECTOR, DISA FSO Security Days, SANS, Google IPv6 Conference, Advanced IPv6 Security Conference, and HacKid.

About DISRUPT6

DISRUPT6s mission is to provide Next Generation Security Products for the Next Generation Internet, the Internet of Things (IoT) market. DISRUPT6 is an early stage Threat Intelligence company that specializes in gathering and analyzing data in a full dual stack environment.

DISRUPT6 products are focused on early-warnings of threats based on cyber-attack profiling, data monitoring and enhanced attribution analytics to filter incoming data for trace Indicators of Intent (IoI). By looking for IoI, we can allow permissible data into a network, while keeping out potential attackers. All effort is focused on identifying and blocking attackers before they strike; mitigating risks before they become problems. We believe predicting behaviors to prevent attacks is the way of the future for internet security.

DISRUPT6 is based in Leesburg, Virginia, near Washington, DC. Please visit http://www.disrupt6.com for additional information and contact Lori Marcum (lori.marcum@disrupt6.com) or +1.202.643.5883. Follow DISRUPT6 @disrupt6 on Twitter

About Global Internet of Things Summit

The IEEE IoT Technical subcommittee supported by IEEE ComSoC has announced the launch of the 1st Global IoT Summit (GIoTS), taking place 6-9 June 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland.

IoT is rapidly evolving with the substantial risk of not paying attention to safety, reliability, privacy, security, and interoperability. Research has a fundamental role to enable a globally interoperable IoT and to make it right," said Sebastien Ziegler, General Chair and President of the IoT Forum.

GIoTS 2017 will attract experts from industry and research in current and emerging technologies such as 5G-based IoT, software-defined IoT, IoT-centric Cloud Computing, including the Social Internet of Things said Latif Ladid, Co-Chair and President of IPv6 Forum.

Dr. Antonio Skarmeta, TPC Chair said, The selected technical topics seek some maturity in IoT across the board. There are many facets that need research and experimental pilots to put the pieces together and give IoT innovation a roadmap

GIoTS 2017 is supported by the IoT Week of the IoT Forum, The IPv6 Forum, the IEEE 5G subcommittee, the IEEE SDN-NFV subcommittee as well as the IEEE BiG Data TC. It will be collocated in Geneva with the IoT Week 2017, bringing together cutting edge research results, the IoT innovation community and the UN system with a unique worldwide outreach.

Lori Marcum

CEO

DISRUPT6

202.643.5883

Lori.marcum(at)disrupt6.com
ATLANTA, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parkside at Mason Mill, a new Pulte Homes neighborhood being built near Decatur, perfectly illustrates the importance of great location in home buying. Close to everything that makes Decatur and Atlanta a great place to live, Parkside is located on a beautiful, mature landscape with quick access to the South Peachtree Creek Trail via Mason Mill Park.



Prospective Parkside at Mason Mill homebuyers who are registered with Pulte Homes will be invited to a VIP event on June 17 at the Emory University Conference Center to learn details about the community from Pulte representatives, see video tours of select floorplans, and obtain pricing information.

One of the greatest benefits of being among the first to buy a home in Parkside at Mason Mill is getting first pick among all the great homesites, said Brent Landry, Georgia Division President for Pulte Group Inc. Another benefit with any new development is purchasing at our introductory pricing.

Parkside at Mason Mill is a blend of 341 luxury single-family homes, townhomes and condos on 32 acres surrounded with beautiful mature trees. In addition to abundant public recreation options, residents will enjoy a large community pool and clubhouse with an internet cafe and spaces for socializing.

Sales of the single-family homes and townhomes will start this month, with condominium sales beginning in the fall. Construction is underway and residents will begin calling Parkside home this fall. For more information about Parkside at Mason Mill, visit the community website Pulte.com/ParksideAtMasonMill, or call 888-817-9610.

Parkside at Mason Mill in the news:

Public Getting Sneak Peek at Parkside at Mason Mill - GlobeNewswire

Developer reveals renderings for redevelopment of Williamsburg Apartments  Decaturish

About PulteGroup, Inc.

PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of America's largest homebuilding companies with operations in approximately 50 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, the company is one of the industry's most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide homebuyers with innovative solutions and consumer inspired homes and communities to make lives better.

For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroupinc.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com; www.divosta.com and www.jwhomes.com. Follow PulteGroup, Inc. on Twitter: @PulteGroupNews.
Arsenal Medical announces today that they have received unconditional IDE approval from FDA to conduct a clinical study to examine the safety and effectiveness of ResQFoamTM, a self-expanding material for the treatment of severe internal bleeding in trauma patients. This study will take place in trauma centers throughout the United States and is supported by funding from the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC). The study is designed to support ultimate product approval in the United States.

ResQFoam is a biocompatible, self-expanding biomaterial, designed to be administered at the point of injury to stop massive blood loss in patients suffering from life-threatening abdominal trauma. The material fills and conforms to the abdominal cavity to control bleeding before being removed at the time of surgery. ResQFoam may provide a life-saving bridge to surgical care for those who may otherwise die before reaching surgical care, both in civilian and military settings. Abdominal bleeding accounts for the majority of preventable fatalities in injured warfighters.

Many patients and military personnel with massive abdominal bleeding will die before they reach surgical care, said Dr. David King, the Principal Investigator for the study, a trauma surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army. Quickly stabilizing these patients can substantially increase their chances of survival. As a trauma surgeon in the army, Dr. King has served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He and his research team have collaborated with Arsenal Medical on the development of ResQFoam.

The pre-clinical data on the ResQFoam device has been described in more than ten peer-reviewed manuscripts and at several national trauma conferences. After review of this data, the Food and Drug Administration approved an investigational device exemption (IDE) enabling clinical study of ResQFoam in severely injured trauma patients.

The study will be conducted at multiple trauma centers throughout the United States. Even in our most capable hospitals, almost half of the patients with severe abdominal trauma die before reaching the operating room, said King. By conducting the clinical study in these hospitals, we can obtain robust data on the safety and effectiveness of ResQFoam.

A clinical study of ResQFoam has the potential to save lives while obtaining critical data on the safety and effectiveness of the device. said Dr. Upma Sharma, Program Director for the USAMRMC contract and Vice President of Research and Development at Arsenal Medical. This clinical study is the next critical step to an FDA approval, which will enable the use of this device to save patients with injuries who might otherwise die prior to reaching surgical care.

About Arsenal Medical

Arsenal Medical is a privately held life sciences company developing advanced biomaterials to improve medical care. The company is advancing multiple therapeutic programs based on its proprietary therapeutic foam technology in trauma and cardiovascular medicine. Arsenal Medicals investors include Polaris Partners, North Bridge Venture Partners and Intersouth Partners.

About USAMRMC

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) is responsible for medical research, development, acquisition, and logistics management for the Army. USAMRMC supports research, development, contracting, and strategic logistics in fields including infectious diseases, combat casualty care, military operational medicine, medical chemical and biological defense, and clinical and rehabilitative medicine. USAMRMC has funded the advanced development of ResQFoam through a contract awarded in 2015.
Telmediq, a leader in healthcare communication solutions, today announced that it has been named a winner of the 2017 VIATEC Technology Award for Emerging Technology Company of the Year. Telmediq was named a finalist for two of the twelve 2017 VIATEC Technology Awards, for Emerging Technology Company of the Year and Product of the Year.

Were very humbled and honored to have won this award, especially considering the terrific companies in the category with FuturePay and LlamaZOO, notes Ben Moore, CEO of Telmediq. Im so proud of this team and all the hard work that theyve been doing to help transform healthcare communications. We also look forward to more collaboration and involvement with the folks at VIATEC. Their mission, as stewards of the technology industry in Victoria, is so critical to the local economy as well as to the success of every technology company here, including ours.

The 2017 VIATEC Technology Awards celebrate the achievements of technology companies and individuals for making Victoria the fastest-growing technology region in British Columbia. The Emerging Technology Company of the Year Award recognizes young and stable companies set to hit their stride in 2017.

About The Healthcare Communications Hub

Telmediqs Healthcare Communications Hub (HCH) pulls together disparate healthcare systems such as the EMR, Lab systems, Nurse Call systems, Alarm Platforms, Call Center solutions and Scheduling platforms, into one powerful and integrated platform. This centralizes communication, streamlines workflows and creates a truly powerful clinical environment.

Telmediqs Healthcare Communications Hub was recently recognized in the 2016 KLAS Report as one of the Strongest Platform Options for care team communications, scoring a total of 91.4 out of 100 points.

About Telmediq

Telmediq is a leader in healthcare communications solutions for hospitals and healthcare systems. Their solutions have been designed specifically for the needs of practitioners and include clinically integrated solutions such as patient-centric messaging, HIPAA compliant secure text messaging, pager replacement and answering service replacement. Telmediq integrates with the Electronic Medical Record, scheduling systems, lab systems, and other clinical platforms to streamline communication and workflow. Our clients reduce wait times, improve patient handover times and reduce costs while improving patient satisfaction and safety. Telmediq was recently selected as one of the Top 20 Most Promising Healthcare Solution Providers of 2017, helping transform the healthcare arena by overhauling conventional practices.

About VIATEC

VIATEC started in 1989 with a mission to serve as the one-stop hub that connects people, knowledge and resources to grow and promote the Greater Victoria technology sector. They work closely with members to offer a variety of events, programs and services. To better support local innovators, they recently acquired Fort Tectoria to offer flexible and affordable office space to emerging local companies along with a gathering/event space for local entrepreneurs. http://www.viatec.ca
Continuing to scale its innovative and effective approach to job training, Year Up Bay Area (YUBA) announced today its partnership with Diablo Valley College to help meet market demand for skilled entry-level talent in the East Bay.

The first cohort will begin taking Year Up classes and college classes at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill in August 2017. The new location, which will be known as Year Up Bay Area at Diablo Valley College will allow YUBA to serve an additional 40 students in 2017 on the college campus and an additional 80 students each year after starting in 2018.

The program provides low-income young adults in the Bay Area with a viable path to professional careers and college completion at no cost to them. Students spend one semester gaining technical and professional skills in Information Technology, and one semester participating in a credit-bearing internship at a top local company. They then have the opportunity to continue with their studies with the goal of bachelors degree attainment.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Year Up. This is an exciting program that is designed to bring new students to our college as well as providing a new programmatic opportunity for our existing students. We look forward to learning from the phenomenal success that Year Up has had with their students at other community colleges nationwide and are eager to watch as their high expectation, high support model brings the same outcomes to students at Diablo Valley College," said DVC interim president, Ted Wieden.

In partnership with Diablo Valley College, even more young adults will have access to the professional opportunities that this period of prosperity brings to the Bay Area. The young adults in our community enter the workplace with a competitive advantage: the motivation, adaptability and perseverance gained as a result of overcoming adversities of the opportunity divide. This new site will bring together the strength of DVC as an educational institution, the demand for talent from our corporate partners, and the wrap-around support and career-readiness of the Year Up program. Together, we can transform the landscape of opportunity for young adults, the hiring sources of businesses, and the empowerment of talent within our communities, said Year Up Bay Area Executive Director, Emily Schaffer.

Year Up Bay Area currently serves more than 400 students each year at campuses in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The program provides local young adults (ages 18-24, without college degrees) with technical, communication, and professional skills including business writing; time management; and working in teams. Tracks offered at YUBA include: Cyber Security, Project Management, Data Analytics, Networking, IT, and Quality Assurance. Students earn college credits for completing their coursework during the first six months of the program. The next six months consist of an internship at corporate partners including founding Corporate Partners for the site: Kaiser Permanente, Bank of the West, Workday, Grocery Outlet, Rodan & Fields, Shaklee, Wineshipping, and NorthBay Healthcare.

Eighty-eight percent of Year Up Bay Area graduates are employed or enrolled in college full-time within four months of completing the program, with average starting salaries of $22/hour. Learn more about Year Up Bay Area by following us on Twitter @YearUpBayArea and on Facebook.

About Year Up Inc.

Year Up's mission is to close the Opportunity Divide by providing urban young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. Year Up achieves this mission through a high support, high expectation model that combines marketable job skills, stipends, internships and college credits. Its holistic approach focuses on students' professional and personal development to place these young adults on a viable path to economic self-sufficiency. Year Up currently serves more than 3,600 students annually across 24 campuses in Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Providence, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Woodbridge, & Wilmington (DE). To learn more, visit http://www.yearup.org, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter: @YearUp

About Diablo Valley College

DVC is committed to increasing student success. The college has distinguished itself as one of the nations most successful community colleges by offering incomparable transfer opportunities and exceptional career-technical programs. In both Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, students engage with high-quality instruction and support services designed for excellence and equity in student learning. DVCs career-technical programs keep pace with emerging technologies and skill requirements, while unparalleled transfer programs prepare students to be successful in four-year colleges and universities. DVC continuously ranks among the top transfer pathways to UC Berkeley.
The biggest benefit from the FSEMC Conference is the open dialogue of discussion items.

The 2017 FSEMC Conference is hosted by FedEx, and will be held in Memphis, Tennessee, on September 21-24, 2017. Attended by more than 300 flight simulator experts from around the world, the annual conference identifies technical solutions to engineering and maintenance issues resulting in immediate and long-term savings and increased efficiency for simulator users.

This years FSEMC will hold a Technical Workshop to openly discuss:



Benchmarking Flight Simulator Technologies  Where to Next?

Configuration Management  Hardware/Software, Databases, and Qualification Test Guides

Other Training Devices (Everything not a Full Flight Simulator)

During the FSEMC, we will hear from esteemed academics on several topics, including:

Flight Simulator Data Collection Program in China

FAA Part 60 Change 2 Directive 2Reality and Challenges

The Apparent Vertical FilterA Novel Motion Drive Filter Concept

Providing Effective Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) Simulation for

Level D Training Devices



Interfacing with Reality: Possibilities and Pitfalls

Factors Influencing the Design of Future Aircraft Manufacturer Simulation Software Packages

Viral Risk on FSTD SoftwareReal Case Presentation

Designing for Improved Helicopter Simulation

The biggest benefit from the FSEMC Conference is the open dialogue of discussion items. The airlines and operators submit questions about six weeks before the conference. The affected equipment suppliers will then prepare answers to brief in the open forum. By hearing that another airline has similar issues, the collaboration from multiple stakeholders is what benefits the entire industry.

The FSEMC provides cost effective solutions to simulator operational and maintenance problems through the widely respected annual conference and establishes ARINC Standards that increase simulator readiness and reduce operational costs. These standards are used by airlines, operators, and regulators in flight crew training with the safest and most efficient industry best practices.

FSEMC has provided airlines with invaluable solutions to our more persistent and often difficult engineering issues. Additionally, the collective power of the FSEMC has shaped our industry as a voice in the ongoing dialogue with regulatory agencies around the world.

The FSEMCs objective is the improvement of the operation of flight simulators and training devices by promoting better reliability, better maintenance, and better support techniques through the exchange of engineering, maintenance, and associated technical information and the development of voluntary technical standards related to simulation and training. FSEMC also seeks to promote and advance the state of the art of the flight simulation and training industry to the mutual benefit of its members. Our membership includes European, North American, Asian, and African airlines, training suppliers, and training equipment and services suppliers in the flight training industry.

The emergence of international standards and conventions in the flight training industry can have positive effects in helping to minimize the cost of training while maximizing its benefits. Our training industry is devoted to achieving safe operating practices.

The FSEMC Conference holds many opportunities for expanding your customer interaction by utilizing the conference to promote your companys brand. Our conference includes the opportunity to host an exhibit throughout the conference, as well as, additional opportunities for promoting your brand through sponsoring a coffee break or lunch. The FSEMC Mobile App  Organization Highlight is an excellent way to get your company information in the hands of the meeting attendees before, during and after the conference. For more details regarding the upcoming FSEMC Conference, please visit the FSEMC events website: http://www.aviation-ia.com/fsemc/upcoming/index.html

The FSEMC Conference is open to all organizations including airframers, Training Device Manufacturers (TDM), airlines, operators, and suppliers. The conference has an attendance charge of $600 USD, although ARINC IA Members and Sponsors gain access to conference at no charge. Members and Sponsors are also entitled to a wider range of benefits including ARINC Standards and other products.

For more information about maximizing your organizations potential as a member or sponsor of ARINC IA, please visit:

http://www.aviation-ia.com/MembershipAndSponsor/index.html

For additional questions about ARINC IA and the FSEMC, please feel free to contact Mr. Sam Buckwalter at sam.buckwalter(at)sae-itc.org.

ARINC Industry Activities (ARINC IA) is an SAE ITC (Industry Technologies Consortia) program. The SAE ITC team specializes in establishing and managing consortia by providing proven processes, tools and resources. ITC enables public, private, academic and government organizations to connect and collaborate in neutral, pre-competitive forums thus empowering the setting and implementation of strategic business improvements in highly engineered industries globally.

SAE ITC is an affiliate of SAE International. SAE International is a global association committed to being the ultimate knowledge source for the engineering profession. By uniting over 127,000 engineers and technical experts, we drive knowledge and expertise across a broad spectrum of industries. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation, including programs like A World in Motion and the Collegiate Design Series.

The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.
TECH LOCK, a RevSpring company, is pleased to announce that Chief Security Officer Mike Wright will speak about critical IT and data security issues on June 6 at the National Council of Higher Education Resources (NCHER) Spring Conference in Clearwater, Fla.

Wright will review technical solutions and common-sense actions organizations should implement to protect sensitive privacy data.

The session, Increasing Information and Data Security: How to Protect Your Systems and Personally-Identifiable Information, will highlight potential threats and vulnerabilities faced each day by NCHER members.

Widely known as one of the ARM industrys top security experts, Wright helps agencies improve their security posture while ensuring they remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

Wright leads TECH LOCKs audit team and is responsible for helping reduce IT security risk for several dozen of the largest ARM agencies. He joined TECH LOCK in 2009 and has 15 years of receivables management-focused IT security experience.

Jonathan Edwards, senior director, Cyber Security at Blue Canopy Group, will join Wright during the session. Randy Heesacker, president and chief executive officer at the National Student Loan Program, will serve as the moderator.

The discussion comes at an important time given the growing number of security breaches and ongoing concerns about the impact on businesses. With many companies keeping their customers personal information readily available, the need is rising for effective security measures to keep the data safe.

Over the last year or so, Congress has held numerous hearings on the push to secure information technology. The federal government has implemented a government-wide initiative to strengthen internal and external systems to protect personally identifiable information. Wright will review those efforts and help attendees understand how to react.

About TECH LOCK

TECH LOCK specializes in holistic information security, compliance and information technology solutions that enables IT infrastructure and security to become a competitive advantage for its clients. With deep experience in data security, compliance and financial service IT infrastructure, TECH LOCK is uniquely able to assist in reducing data security risks while at the same time providing cost savings and increasing IT efficiency. TECH LOCK is a Payment Card Industry Qualified Security Assessor (PCI QSA), Approved Scanning Vendor (PCI ASV) and a HITRUST CSF Assessor. TECH LOCK is part of the RevSpring family of companies. To learn more, email info(at)techlockinc.com or visit http://www.techlockinc.com.

###

Contact:

Heather Taylor

765.730.6632

htaylor(at)revspringinc.com
Badger shares ongoing commitment to transparency, the environment, and social practices in its 2016 Annual Impact Report Our hope is that businesses and stakeholders across the state come together to make New Hampshire a leader in fighting climate change

In support of the Paris climate agreement, the W.S. Badger Co. today announced signing an open letter to the international community pledging to do its part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26-28% by 2025. As part of its stance on climate change, the award-winning organic body care maker is asking New Hampshire businesses, state officials, and community leaders also to sign the open letter and join them in the global fight on climate change.

Initiated by WWF, Ceres, and other NGOs, the open letter has an overarching message of We Are Still In. It is intended to show that businesses of all sizes, investors, state and local officials, and higher education leaders are still committed to ambitious action on climate change and will move forward with efforts to reduce carbon pollution and support the transition to a low carbon economy.

Badgers commitment to the environment is deeply rooted, said Rebecca Hamilton, co-owner of Badger and vice president of product development and research. As a certified B Corp, we believe that businesses should be a force for good and we want to encourage everyone to stand together in support of the greater good. Our hope is that businesses and stakeholders across the state come together to make New Hampshire a leader in fighting climate change.

Any representative with authority to sign the open letter on behalf of their institution can do so here. The letter will list company names only (no individual names) and will remain open for signatures indefinitely.

Badger recently published its 2016 Annual Impact Report highlighting its ongoing commitment to environmental and social governance practices, and its recent recertification as a B Corp. In addition to being a certified B Corp, Badger is also a New Hampshire Benefit Corporation, a legal corporate status that allows businesses to write their greater purpose and mission into the DNA of the company and follow a triple bottom line model. Benefit Corporations are required to provide transparency and accountability on their social and environmental performance through the publication of an annual impact report, which is subject to third party assessment standards.

ABOUT BADGER

Badger is a family run and family-friendly company that has been making healthy products for people and the planet since 1995. Badger was born when Badger Bill, a carpenter at the time, created a recipe of natural ingredients strong enough to soothe his rough, dry, cracked hands. Now a team of over 100 employees, Badger produces almost all of its products in Gilsum, N.H. Inherent in Badgers DNA is its status as a B Corp, a certification earned through B Lab, a third party nonprofit that requires companies to meet rigorous standards of transparency as well as environmental and social performance. Badger has been a certified B Corp since 2011 and in 2015 became one of New Hampshires first businesses to register legally as a Benefit Corporation, a for-profit status that incorporates the pursuit of positive environmental and social impact in addition to profit.
Shawn and Selima Aberman We just have a crazy love for animals and were looking forward to translating that into our work with Pet Wants.

After sharing his home with 20 animals over the last 18 years, Shawn Aberman knows a few things about caring for pets. Now hes pleased to announce that hell be positively impacting even more animals with his new pet food business, Pet Wants Henderson.

Pet Wants carefully developed proprietary pet food is slow-cooked in small batches with fresh, high-quality ingredients once per month, so every kibble is guaranteed to be fresh and packed with nutrition. Pet Wants Henderson offers free, personal delivery to all of Henderson as well as South Central Las Vegas.

In most cases, our animals spend their entire lives with us and its our responsibility to make sure they are healthy and cared for. Ive fed my animals cheap food when money was tight  I get it  but feeding them high-quality food really makes a difference. The right nutrition can help animals live longer, healthier lives, Shawn said.

In addition to being made fresh monthly, Pet Wants only sources the best salmon, chicken, lamb, brown rice and other ingredients available. Theres no sugar added, no fillers and no animal by-products and Pet Wants never uses corn, wheat, soy or dyes, which makes the food great for animals with allergies. Pet Wants Henderson  which offers multiple blends of dog food and cat food  also offers healing salve, calming balm, anti-itch spray, paw wax and more.

Prior to opening Pet Wants Henderson, Shawn spent 15 years as a banker, five years in the restaurant business and a few years in retail before that. The idea to launch Pet Wants Henderson started when Shawn left two part-time positions (kosher supervisor and assistant at a religious school) to help a friend launch a franchise.

That start-up opportunity didnt work out as a full-time job and we are Sabbath observant and there werent many opportunities in this 24/7 town that fit my skill set and enabled me to be off on Saturdays. Thats when I started looking for a new opportunity and came across Pet Wants. We eat Kosher and are very careful about what we put in our bodies, so why shouldnt we feel the same way about our pets? In the Bible, it says that if you have animals, you have to care for them first. They depend on you. Thats directly in line with what we do at Pet Wants, Aberman said.

Shawn opened Pet Wants Henderson with the support of his wife Selima and their four soon to be five  children. Selima, who is a GI Nurse and understands how the food we eat impacts our overall health, is excited to be part of the Pet Wants family. The Aberman family has a 6-year-old Shepard Shar Pei mix named Kelev, a one-year-old Saint Bernard mix named Leo, five Russian Blue cat mixes (Rose, Thorn, Spike, Gizmo and Zion), and a 17-year-old Green Wing Macaw named Valcore.

I love pets  Selima and I both grew up with animals and, I think, in the 18 years weve been together, weve had 20 pets. We just have a crazy love for animals and were looking forward to translating that into our work with Pet Wants, Shawn said. Also, Selima is a GI Nurse and, although she works with humans, she really understands how nutrition and food impacts digestion and overall health. Shes looking forward to being part of Pet Wants too.

Pet Wants originally launched in Cincinnati in 2010. Owned by Michele Hobbs, the business was built to provide proprietary crafted, fresh, slow-cooked, high-quality pet food delivered to customers through a retail store and a convenient home-delivery service. Hobbs, now the company founder, turned the business into a franchise in 2015 with the help of Franchise Funding Group, an investment and franchise-development company designed to help entrepreneurs scale their companies nationally as franchise systems.

To learn more about Pet Wants or to get a free pet food sample, call 702-260-1011, email SAberman(at)PetWants.com or visit http://www.PetWantsHenderson.com.

About Pet Wants: Pet Wants was started by Michele Hobbs out of love for her pets and frustration. Veterinarians were unable to help relieve her dogs painful skin allergies. After doing much research, Michele discovered the national dog food brand she trusted was not fresh and lacked sufficient nutrition and, when pet food sits in warehouses and store shelves for months and months, it loses even more nutritional value. She was committed to developing a better solution for all dogs and cats. Pet Wants food is exclusively crafted  fresh, healthy, and slow-cooked with no sugar added, no fillers, and no animal by-products. Pet Wants sources only the best salmon, chicken, lamb, brown rice, and other ingredients. Fresh ingredients make for better food, which translates into better health for pets. And, since Pet Wants never use corn, wheat, soy or dyes, the common pet health problems associated with these ingredients are no longer worries. Pet Wants fresh food is conveniently delivered to the customer within weeks of production, not months. Roughly half of Pet Wants products are sold through their store and half through their convenient, home-delivery program. You can learn more at http://www.PetWants.com.
New information gleaned from gravitational wave observations is helping scientists understand what happens when massive stars die and transform into black holes.

Rochester Institute of Technology researcher Richard OShaughnessy and collaborators reanalyzed the merging black holes detected by LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory) on Dec. 26, 2016.

Using essentially freshman physics, we drew new insights about the most violent events in the universe, said OShaughnessy, an associate professor in RITs School of Mathematical Sciences. He is also researcher in RITs Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation and a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration.

OShaughnessy presented his research findings at the American Astronomical Society meeting on June 5 in Austin, Texas. Physical Review Letters has accepted a paper co-authored by OShaughnessy, Davide Gerosa from Caltech and Daniel Wysocki from RIT.

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration cited OShaughnessys research in the paper announcing its third discovery of gravitational waves that published in Physical Review Letters on June 1.

The current study reanalyzed the binary black holes, known as GW151226. It has been the only time LIGO has reported binary black holes must be spinning, OShaughnessy said. LIGOs previous measurements suggested that the larger mass orbited the other at a slightly tilted angle.

OShaughnessy and his team link the black holes misalignment to when it formed from the death of a massive star. The force of the stellar explosion and collapse expelled the newborn black hole with a natal kick, causing this misalignment, the authors suggest.

Natal kicks are thought to occur during the formation of neutron stars, which are created from the death of less massive stars than the progenitors of LIGOs sources. OShaughnessys team suggests this phenomenon could also apply to binary black holes, which orbit each other.

My collaborators and I tried to constrain the strength of these natal kicks based on LIGOs observation, OShaughnessy said. If it formed from an isolated pairs of stars, we conclude strong black hole natal kicks were required. Thats an exciting challenge for models of how massive stars explode and collapse.

Gerosa adds, Our study corroborates years of tentative but suggestive evidence that black holes might have received these kicks. And with just one of LIGOs observations, we learned something about how a star exploded billions of years ago. Thats the promise of gravitational wave astronomy in action.

This research has been supported by the National Science Foundation and NASA.

Davide Gerosa is supported by NASA through Einstein Postdoctoral Fellowship grant No. PF6-170152 awarded by the Chandra X-ray Center, which is operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for NASA under contract NAS8-03060. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory or the National Aeronautics Space Administration.
The award winning series, Innovations with Ed Begley, Jr. proudly announces a new episode airing, scheduled to broadcast Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 5:00 pm ET.

Innovations goes behind the scenes at Siebel Institute of Technology (Siebel) to learn about the role they play in brewing education. With more than a century of experience, viewers will learn what makes Siebel a mainstay in the industry, and how they have remained at the forefront of brewing education and technology for so many years.

The show will also explore the relationship between Boardroom Spirits and Hagyo Distilling, who through devotion, innovation, software, and automation, have become leaders in the distillation industry. By embracing their heritage, the two companies are helping to expand domestically distilled brandy within the United States and around the world.

Keeping with past traditions, Vengeance Stills, located in north Georgia, is known for its pure copper, lead free silver solder handcrafted stills. This segment will educate about their leak and pressure testing process, as well as what makes their product stand out from others in this space.

Finally, the team travels to Urbandale, Iowa to learn how Insane Impact is working to educate people on the importance of using digital LED technology in marketing today. Audiences will see how LED technology cam make products more affordable, economical, and lessens their footprint. When implemented correctly, LED technology over static billboards can set special events or businesses apart from the competition, and can become a revenue generator versus a line item expense.

Technology continues to change the way we live our daily lives, said Jennifer Tierney, Senior Producer for the Innovations Series. We look forward to exploring the advancements taking place and how technology plays a role in continued development.

About Innovations & DMG Productions:

Innovations, hosted by award winning actor Ed Begley, Jr., is an information-based series geared toward educating the public on the latest breakthroughs in all areas of society. Featuring practical solutions and important issues facing consumers and professionals alike, Innovations focuses on cutting-edge advancements in everything from health and wellness to global business, renewable energy, and more.

DMG Productions (responsible for creating the Innovations show) includes personnel specialized in various fields from agriculture to medicine, independent films to regional news and more. Our field producers work closely with experts in the field to develop stories. This powerful force enables us to consistently produce commercial-free, educational programming that both viewers and networks depend on.

For more information visit: http://www.InnovationsTelevision.com or contact Jennifer Tierney at: (866) 496-4065 or via email at: info(at)innovationstelevision.com.
The Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 1091 today announced plans for a special open house and media event on Thursday, June 15 at the Labor Temple in Duluth, celebrating 80 years of the achievements of Building & General Laborers Local 1091 in the Northland.

Local 1091 was organized at a very pivotal time in American history. The union got its start at the end of the Great Depression in 1937 when jobs were at a premium. The official charter date for the Local was June 5, 1937.

To organize workers at that time, in the late 30s was a very big deal, said Larry Sillanpa, Editor of the Labor World Newspaper, Duluth MN. That set the tone for the next 80 years. If a union could be successful in the depression era it was born to survive.

And survive it did. Over the next eight decades, Local 1091 has grown to be the largest and most-recognized in the area with nearly 1,000 members. These skilled construction craft Laborers provided the expertise and effort to build several of the iconic structures that dot the landscape of the Northland.

The Local, in partnership with its highly regarded Union contractor employers, have had a rich history in building and maintaining the entire infrastructure of the Northland including: roads and bridges, sewer and water systems, the Lake Superior sanitary district, colleges and public schools, medical facilities and supporting the construction and maintenance needed to maintain the Twin Ports vital shipping industry. The local was also instrumental in rebuilding areas of Duluth affected by the devastating floods of 2012 involving new bridges, roads, sewer and water collection systems.

Over time, the Union and its members have played an important role in maintaining Duluths most iconic projects. More recent notable projects include the newly built Amsoil Arena, the Duluth Airport, Interstate 35 road and bridge improvements, Maurices headquarters and Pier B resort. These are prime projects built with integrity and high quality craftsmanship evident throughout the membership of the Local.

The Duluth area has the second largest density of union labor in the nation thanks to Local 1091, said Silanpa. The stretch of this organization is large with work being completed all across northern Minnesota and stretching into the northern tier counties in Wisconsin.

On June 15, union members and community leaders will celebrate 80 years of achievements. The day will start with an open house and an open to the public BBQ that runs from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. a press conference, hosted by Local 1091 Business Manager Dan Olson remarking this special anniversary occasion.

We are really looking forward to commemorating 80 years of success in building and maintaining the Northland, said Olson. We have met all of our challenges head-on and its time to pause and celebrate those achievements.

Olson will be joined at the press conference by several local leaders including a Representative from Congressman Rick Nolans office, LiUNA Vice President Terry Healy, David Ross, CEO of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council President Craig Olson. Mayors Emily Larson of Duluth and Jim Paine of Superior are also expected to attend.

Over the years we have built a workforce that exceeds the needs of owners and the community, said Olson. Safety and training are the cornerstones of all we do. We take pride in each and every job we have done over the past 80 years.

This will be a great day to celebrate the history of our organization that helped build much of the modern day Twin Ports region, said Olson. There is much more to be done and our members welcome the opportunity.

Press Conference celebrating 80 years of Local 1091 At-A-Glance:

What: Laborers Local 1091 celebrates 80 years of building the Northland

Where: Labor Temple, 2002 London Road Duluth, MN 55812 (Wellstone Hall)

When: Thursday, June 15: Open House & BBQ 12 p.m. to 6p.m. Press Conference starts 2 p.m.

Who: Duluth and Superior area civic leaders; Local Union leadership, signatory Union contractor representatives, news media. Event open to the public.

Why: Laborers Local 1091 80th Anniversary Celebration

About Us

The Laborers International Union of North America, LiUNA, is a labor union that has represented American and Canadian workers for 114 years, since its establishment in 1903. The AFL-CIO affiliated Laborers International Union has over 550,000 members. Building and General Laborers Local 1091 is affiliated with the Laborers District Council of MN & ND. For more information check out their website or Facebook page http://www.minnesotalaborers.org or http://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaLaborers, http://www.liunalocal1091.org.
LOS ANGELES, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlas Technology International, Inc. (OTCQB:ATLT), a rapidly growing designer and distributor of touch screen technologies and devices, today announced it will be presenting at the 7th Annual LD Micro Invitational Investor Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 12:00 p.m.



LD Micro hosts prestigious investment conferences, and this Conference will bring together 180 micro-cap companies (www.ldmicro.com/events). It will be held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, 11461 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049.

The Company has a few remaining slots open for one-on-one investor meetings with Atlas management. To arrange a meeting, please contact Bill Miller, at the Companys IR firm of record, Investor Relations Partners, at (844) 565-5665 or bmiller@irpartnersinc.com.

About Atlas Technology International, Inc.

Atlas Technology International, Inc. (OTCQB:ATLT) is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of touch screen devices to consumer electronic producers all over the world. Their products power the interface to a wide array of smart devices including GPS systems, point of sale machines, hospitality and medical devices and small appliances. For further information on Atlas Technology International, please visit our website at www.atlastechintl.com.

Forward Looking Statements

(This Press Release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Atlas Technology International, Inc. has tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "potential" and similar expressions. These statements reflect Atlas Technology International's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to it. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause Atlas Technology International's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Atlas Technology International undertakes no obligation to update or provide advice in the event of any change, addition or alteration to the information contained in this Press Release including such forward-looking statements.)
Efforts by conscientious U.S. corporations that urged Trump to stay were to no avail. Full-page ads have not worked; it is now up to us to take action.

In light of U.S. President Donald Trumps withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, The Climate Trust, a mission-driven nonprofit that specializes in mobilizing conservation finance, is advocating for the formation of a U.S. Carbon Club as a credible solution to meet our Paris commitment. A CC would harness the spate of corporate, state, and municipal climate commitments to chart a meaningful path to climate stability.

Carbon Clubs (CC) are receiving increasing levels of attention. A club framework incentivizes active participation by members to achieve climate friendly outcomes. Member corporations would agree to measure, reduce and pledge to offset their remaining impact.

While the announcement to renege on the Paris Agreement, a historic commitment of 195 countries and parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our planet from the climate crisis, has sparked dismay and anger around the world, The Climate Trust believes that progress toward a sustainable future will continue.

Nations and governments like China and the EU are stepping up to fill the leadership void, while at home, American cities and states have been energized to act on climate, despite massive federal rollbacks of environmental regulation.

The momentum is promising, however, significant commitment and resources lie with the corporate sector. Prior to last weeks presidential announcement, more than 760 business and investors had called on Trump to support the Paris pledge. While this is a positive signal, en-masse active support by U.S. corporations is vital if we hope to meet our climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Within the next two years, more than 1,200 firms are using or planning to use an internal carbon price that is then incorporated into business and investment decisions.

A Carbon Club strategy has gained importance following this announcement to withdraw from the global climate accord, said Sheldon Zakreski, director of asset management for The Climate Trust. The Carbon Club would give the U.S. a real shot at meeting our targetsdespite abysmal and alarming federal actions.

Efforts by conscientious U.S. corporations that urged Trump to stay [in the Paris Agreement] were to no avail, said Sean Penrith, executive director for The Climate Trust. Full-page ads have not worked; it is now up to us to take action. Let us catalyze the commitment of our corporations to take tangible actions at mitigating emissions. Let's establish a U.S. Carbon Club to keep us on track with the Paris commitment and protect the health of our planet for generations to come.

In practice, a U.S. CC would be compatible with the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and largely mimic the international effort of Climate Neutral Now. It would solicit solid pledges from member corporations to reduce on-site emissions and purchase the balance of the reductions needed to achieve the GHG target committed to by the U.S. under the Paris Agreement. This firm commitment would catalyze climate-friendly projects across the country to deliver real, verifiable, and permanent reductions.

Sectors that include agriculture, forestry, wetland restoration, fertilizer management, grassland conservation, livestock waste management, rice cultivation, and fugitive methane emissions would be eligible to develop reductions. These registered carbon credits would be delivered to CC members in accordance to their pledge in return for payment. Members could retire the credits to offset their own internal carbon footprint or bank them.

This bold effort will advance the U.S. towards its Paris goals, put a price on carbon nationally, and stimulate climate-friendly projects throughout the country.

###

Building upon a legacy of innovation and leadership in the carbon market, The Climate Trust mobilizes conservation finance to maximize environmental returns. We value air, water and soil through the development, purchase and sale of qualied osets and a relentless investment in people and projects with environmental purpose | http://www.climatetrust.org | @climatetrust | facebook.com/TheClimateTrust
Jim Hewson (center) welcomes Lisa Janeczek and Louis Stefanic, two of the three new Partners joining Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C. The expansion provides a solid base as Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C. continues to expand its areas of practice into a broader range of services to support clients while maintaining the core mission.

Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C., a Metro Detroit leading insurance defense law firm, established over 25 years ago, announces the firms expansion with the addition of eight (8) attorneys from the firm of Raftery, Janeczek & Hoelscher, P.C. Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C. has been instrumental in establishing the application of no-fault insurance to claims while setting a high standard of unique dedication to clients.

Established in 1991 with four attorneys, the law firm currently has three offices with more than 65 attorneys. Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C. offers client support in Michigan and Florida. Three individuals: Mr. Gregory Hoelscher, Ms. Lisa Janeczek and Mr. Louis Stefanic will join Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C. as Partners bringing their expertise to support the firms commitment to clients and guiding principles to pay valid claims promptly and to aggressively defend fraudulent, inflated or contrived claims. Joining as Shareholders are: Mr. Ross Brunetti, Ms. Mary Doll, Mr. Joshua Haller, Mr. Casey Krause and Mr. Timothy M. OConnor. The expansion provides a solid base as Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C. continues to expand its areas of practice into a broader range of services to support clients while maintaining the core mission to provide the highest quality of defense to maximize clients litigation potential.

For over 25 years, Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C. has made a discernible difference in the Michigan legal field in a partnership with clients. Expansion provides additional benefits to clients and supports the firms success by living up to the philosophy and dedication of the firm founders James Hewson and Jerald Van Hellemont. Visit vanhewpc.com to review the outstanding personnel that support Hewson & Van Hellemont, P.C. goals and clients.
As a company, were proud to spend another year exceeding our customers expectations for what an honest, transparent auto experience should be," said Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care President Randy Wright.

Whenever the whole Cottman family is gathered together, its bound to be a meaningful time and this years 2017 convention was no different. A sense of community and renewed dedication to education and networking filled the weekend, where franchisees, local market team members and corporate leadership got to enjoy the sun in Orlando, Florida.

The 2017 convention celebrated several key accomplishments and inspired all in attendance to continue to prioritize customer service, reach new heights in business ownership and live out the Cottman values every day.

This past year has truly propelled Cottman to a new level, said Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care President Randy Wright. As a company, were proud to spend another year exceeding our customers expectations for what an honest, transparent auto experience should be. Our team is strong and were looking forward to the year ahead.

A highlight of the event was the awards dinner, which was followed by the presentation of honors on top-performing franchisees and their team members for best practices, leadership initiatives and excellence in customer service over the previous year.

During the awards ceremony, Wright presented the Commitment to Excellence to Don Harris, owner of Cottman of Louisville. He earned the brands highest honor with a series of strong marks in all criteria judged, including total revenue, revenue increase, operations and participation within the franchise system.

It is an honor to be given this prestigious award  it really speaks volumes about the team we have in place in Louisville, said Harris. Theyre hardworking, dedicated and committed to being better every day.

Greg Hulce from Cottman of Louisville was recognized as Manager of the Year, one of the chains highest honors. As the recipient of this award, Hulce exemplifies the highest standards in professionalism, dedication and sales, always striving to be the best.

Cindy and Bob Cowie, owners of Cottman of Norfolk, were honored with the Person of the Year Award. This award goes to franchisees who demonstrate a desire to be the best through their actions, always representing Cottman in a positive light and consistently acting as a shoulder to rely on for others in the Cottman system.

Scott Stillwell, owner of Cottman of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, received The Transmission Physician Award for his industry knowledge and dedication to promoting the work of women in the automotive repair industry. He is not only successfully managing in his own center, but he is also consistently supporting fellow Cottman owners and establishing long term relationships with both outside accounts and retail customers alike.

Named after the Cottman founders, The Founders Award was presented to Rob Kress, owner of Cottman of Flint, Michigan. The award is given to an individual who has overcome adversity. As an owner, Kress has overcome his share of trials throughout his career, and has never turned away an opportunity presented to him. His indomitable spirit allows him to see potential where others do not.

Given to an outstanding franchisee, the recipient of the Top National Account Development Award include Fred Bowen, owner of Cottman of Winston Salem, North Carolina. This honor is awarded to proactive and dedicated owners who work hard to acquire and retain national accounts.

This year, two franchisees received the Technical Proficiency Award for demonstrating exceptional technical knowledge of the automotive industry. The honorees were Darby Devine, technician at Durham, Greensboro, South Charlotte and Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Ricky Wilcox, technician at Cottman of Cincinnati.

Also recognized were the million dollar centers:



Cottman of Denver

Cottman of Greensboro

Cottman of Louisville

Cottman of New Orleans

Cottman of Norfolk

Cottman of Waldorf

In addition, 34 Cottman centers were honored with a Customer Service Award for providing excellent service to its respective communities. The honorees included:



Cottman of Beaverton

Cottman of Brandon

Cottman of Cincinnati

Cottman of Columbia

Cottman of Denver

Cottman of Des Moines

Cottman of Durham

Cottman of Fern Park

Cottman of Gladstone

Cottman of Greensboro

Cottman of Independence

Cottman of Kansas City

Cottman of Kenner

Cottman of La Place

Cottman of Lancaster

Cottman of Louisville

Cottman of Maple Shade

Cottman of Marietta

Cottman of New Orleans

Cottman of Norfolk

Cottman of Racine

Cottman of Raleigh

Cottman of South Austin

Cottman of South Charlotte

Cottman of Spartanburg

Cottman of St. Peters

Cottman of Stroudsburg

Cottman of The Woodlands

Cottman of Trenton

Cottman of Vancouver

Cottman of West Mifflin

Cottman of Wheat Ridge

Cottman of Wilmington

Cottman of Winston Salem

To learn more about Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care, please visit http://www.cottman.com.

About Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care

With locations across the U.S., Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care is a transmission and auto repair brand that services almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic. Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care centers specialize in complete transmission service, brakes, suspension, air conditioning service and much more. Cottmans headquarters is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit http://www.Cottman.com and http://www.TheCottmanManBlog.com.
Philip Shindler DDS

Agoura Hills dentist, Dr. Philip Shindler, is now offering complimentary oral cancer screenings. Nearly ten thousand people die every year as a result of oral cancer, a disease that has a five year survival rate of just sixty percent. Oral cancer can appear anywhere in the oral cavity, including the inside of the cheeks, the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the hard palate, the lips, the soft palate, and other parts of the mouth.

Symptoms can be easy to overlook until the condition has spread, which is why regular dental exams and screenings are so important. Symptoms of oral cancer can include:



Red or white patches

A sore that does not heal

Numbness in the mouth

Unexplained pain or tenderness

Difficulty chewing or swallowing

A sore throat that lasts more than two weeks

Constant hoarseness or a change in voice

The risk of oral cancer may be higher in those who drink heavily, smoke, or are older than fifty. Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women, and those who are HPV-positive are also at a higher risk.

Regular oral cancer screenings can help identify potentially precancerous or cancerous lesions. During this complimentary screening, Dr. Shindler will ask patients about their medical and dental history and about any new or unusual symptoms they may have noticed. He will then carefully examine their oral cavity, including the soft tissues on the pharynx, tonsils, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, and other areas.

Dr. Shindler offers comprehensive dental care, including CariFree, white dental fillings, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, Kors teeth whitening, and Invisalign. During a consultation appointment, he can explain their options and provide them with recommendations for future treatments. Dr. Shindlers dental office is located at 30200 Agoura Rd. Suite 180 in Agoura Hills 91301.

About Dr. Philip Shindler

Dr. Shindler graduated from the school of dentistry at WITS University in South Africa, where he grew up, and completed a postgraduate program at UCLA when he immigrated to California. He works side-by-side with his wife Beverly and is an avid volunteer at the Wildlife Way Station. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Conejo Valley Academy, and the Alpha Omega Dental Society.
Todays Homeowner with Danny Lipford is pleased to announce the addition of accomplished author and seasoned contractor, Joe Truini, as new co-host for the nationally syndicated radio show. Truini will anchor the weekly 2-hour radio show alongside national home improvement expert, Danny Lipford, broadcasting to more than 150 stations. With extensive and diverse remodeling and home improvement expertise between them, Danny Lipford and Joe Truini are the most expert, knowledgeable and well-respected broadcast team in the home improvement radio industry.

Truini is a familiar voice to the Todays Homeowner audience as host of Simple Solutions, the most popular segment of the brands television show, for nearly 2 decades. "It has been a great pleasure working with Danny for the past 18 years, and Im now thrilled to be joining him as co-host of the Todays Homeowner Radio Show, Truini says. As a homeowner and avid DIYer, I know how frustrating it can be to find accurate, unbiased advice about your home and yard. Im looking forward to providing reliable information to homeowners all across the country."

With the departure of the shows former co-host, Allen Lyle, Lipford says, It was a natural fit to bring Joe into this new role at Todays Homeowner. He is so well-respected in the home improvement industry and brings a wealth of experience to the broadcast booth. Our audience will enjoy his professionalism and wisdom.

Joe Truini was born into the home improvement business as the son of a remodeling contractor and began working alongside his dad at the age of 12. He pursued a formal education in the field and worked as a union carpenter on large commercial projects, including the cancer research center at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the only PEZ factory in the U.S. He also spent time as a residential remodeling contractor, and four years as a custom cabinetmaker in Miami, FL.

Truinis impressive career includes writing for a number of national publications including This Old House, Popular Mechanics, Fine Homebuilding, Womans Day, and Todays Homeowner magazines. He has also authored eight successful books, including three best-selling shed-building books for Taunton Press. He continues to serve as an expert source and freelance writer from his home in Litchfield County, CT.

About Danny Lipford and Todays Homeowner Radio

Danny Lipford is Americas Home Expert and one of the most respected and sought-after names in the home improvement industry. As president of Todays Homeowner Media, Danny anchors the brands Emmy-nominated, nationally-syndicated Todays Homeowner Television and Radio Shows, delivering fresh, practical and trusted advice for maintaining and improving homes to millions of consumers. As the go-to home improvement expert for media, he has made more than 170 national television appearances including FOX & Friends, FOX Business Channel, The Weather Channel, HLN and Morning Express with Robin Meade. He contributes to hundreds of broadcasts, websites and print publications annually.

Todays Homeowner is the fastest growing home improvement programming in the country, including the weekly two-hour, nationally syndicated Todays Homeowner with Danny Lipford show and Tips for Todays Homeowner vignettes which collectively air on over 210 FM, AM, cable and internet stations each week. Visit TodaysHomeowner.com for further information.
Stephanie Beall, M.D., Ph.D., of Shady Grove Fertility's Towson, MD and Columbia, MD offices The fear of the unknown is what prevents many people from scheduling an initial consultation with a fertility specialist.

Shady Grove Fertility, the largest fertility center in the United States, with more babies born than any other fertility center in the nationcontinues to remind the community through its educational events that there are now treatments available to help nearly everyone conceive. The goal of Shady Grove Fertilitys online and in-person events is to provide attendees with the most up-to-date information about fertility health and seeking treatment so they can make educated and informed decisions about taking the next step. All eventseither virtual or in-personconclude with a question and answer session with a physician expert allowing attendees to get their personal questions answered.

What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting is the new name of the practices most popular ongoing event series. The event covers a variety of topics and walks attendees through the different touchpoints that are relevant to many people on their fertility journey. The physician host will address who should see a fertility specialist, what to expect at your first appointment, how fertility is diagnosed, treatment options, and financial programs that are exclusive to Shady Grove Fertility.

The fear of the unknown is what prevents many people from scheduling an initial consultation with a fertility specialist. What our event is intended to do, is alleviate the fear of seeking help from a fertility specialist and provide attendees with all of the information they need so they can feel confident in taking that next step, says Dr. Stephanie Beall of Shady Grove Fertilitys Towson, MD and Columbia, MD locations. Dr. Beall will be hosting the in-person What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting event on Wednesday, June 7 in Towson, MD.

The biggest question patients have when deciding to pursue fertility treatment is Can I afford it? Shady Grove Fertility has one of the largest insurance networks and accepts over 30 insurance providers. Of these plans, 70 percent of patients have some level of fertility financial coverage for treatment and close to 90 percent have coverage for their initial consultation. For those patients without insurance coverage, Shady Grove Fertility has developed six unique financial programs to help ease the cost of treatment, so that building a family is affordable and accessible to all.

The Financial Options Webinar on Wednesday, June 21 will address how to navigate insurance and provide attendees with information about Shady Grove Fertilitys discount and guarantee programs, grants, financing, medication discounts, and more. The Patient Financial Team will also discuss their role in each patients fertility journey and how they guide them through the financial process. The end of the presentation will conclude with a live question-and-answer-session where participants can get their questions answered.

While all SGF in-person and online events are complimentary, interested parties must register to attend by visiting the Shady Grove Fertility calendar of events.

Upcoming June Seminars

June 7 | Fair Oaks, VA | Wellness Center: Fit to Be Fertile | Meghan Sylvester, RDN, LDN

June 7 | Towson, MD | What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting | Dr. Stephanie Beall

June 7 | Rockville, MD | What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting | Dr. Joseph Doyle

June 8 | Chesterbrook, PA | What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting | Dr. Isaac Sasson

June 17 | Columbia, MD | What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting | Dr. Joseph Osheroff

June 22 | Reading, PA | What to Expect When Youre Not Expecting | Dr. Kara Nguyen

Upcoming June Webinars

June 8 | Webinar | Is it time to see a fertility specialist? | Dr. Shruti Malik

June 14 | Webinar | Out-of-State Donor Egg Treatment | Dr. Jason Bromer

June 15 | Webinar | Become an Egg Donor | Egg Donor Liaison Team

June 20 | Webinar | What Your Menstrual Cycle Says about Your Fertility | Dr. Andrea Reh

June 21 | Webinar | Financial Options | Patient Financial Team

June 27 | Webinar | I need to see a fertility specialist. Now what? | Dr. Ricardo Yazigi

June 29 | Webinar | Egg Freezing | Dr. Kate Devine

About Shady Grove Fertility

Shady Grove Fertility is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence offering patients individualized care, innovative financial options, and pregnancy rates among the highest of all national centers. 2016 commemorated 25 years of Shady Grove Fertility providing medical and service excellence to patients from all 50 states and 35 countries around the world, and over 40,000 babies bornmore than any other center in the nation. Today, 35+ physicians, supported by a highly specialized team of more than 700 Ph.D. scientists, geneticists, and staff care for patients in 19 full-service offices and six satellite sites throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Shady Grove Fertility physicians actively train residents and reproductive endocrinology fellows and invest in continuous clinical research and education to advance the field of reproductive medicine through numerous academic appointments and partnerships such as Georgetown Medical School, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the University of Maryland, and the National Institutes of Health. More than 1,700 physicians refer their patients to Shady Grove Fertility each year. For more information, call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.
Tea Wellness Lifestyle Guide More and more health-conscious consumers are turning to tea and enjoying many high-quality products. Theyre drinking tea in a variety of forms... all of which make it easy to enjoy teas health benefits.

A newly published ebook from The Tea Spot, Inc. looks at tea and wellness and how tea works to help the bodys defenses. Titled "Tea Wellness Lifestyle Guide", the ebook is free and available to download now at TheTeaSpot.com/ebook. The Tea Spot, based in Boulder, Colo. is an artisanal producer of signature blends and single-estate organic teas. The company works to advance healthier living through the everyday enjoyment of whole leaf tea.

The new ebook  presented in conjunction with World Tea Expo and The Tea House Times  offers insights, tips and recipes to encourage people to begin a healthy tea-drinking journey. The ebook is based on and inspired by the recently-published book by Maria Uspenski, "Cancer Hates Tea: A Unique Preventive and Transformative Lifestyle Change to Help Crush Cancer", from Page Street Publishing Co. Uspenski is the founder and CEO of The Tea Spot.

Topics in the "Tea Wellness Lifestyle Guide" eBook include: The Buzz on Tea and Health; Why Cancer Hates Tea; Drink Like Your Life Depends On It; Five-Cup-a-Day Routine; Recipes; and Eat Your Tea (#TeaHealthGuide).

More and more health-conscious consumers are turning to tea and enjoying many high-quality products, says Uspenski, who encourages a powerful five-cup-a-day steeping habit. Theyre drinking tea in a variety of forms, including loose-leaf, single-serve options, quality shake-and-go products, ready-to-drink teas and cold brews  all of which make it easy to enjoy teas health benefits. In this ebook guide  as well as in my book, 'Cancer Hates Tea'  I share what I have learned and personally experienced about tea and wellness.

An MIT mechanical engineer by trade, The Tea Spots Uspenski is the innovative force listed on three U.S. patents for Steepware inventions, which promote the ease of tea preparation. She has been featured in numerous media outlets for her success as a social entrepreneur and certified tea and fitness nutrition expert, and she frequently lectures about the health benefits of tea at universities and conferences nationwide.

Gail Gastelu, owner/publisher of The Tea House Times, who is also featured in The Tea Spots eBook, says, Many of the factors contributing to the health benefits of tea are the same components contributing flavor and aroma. Any way you look at it, tea is tasty, good for you, and a healthier alternative to most beverages. Second only to water worldwide, tea is a great choice.

Download the new eBook from The Tea Spot  "Tea Wellness Lifestyle Guide"  presented by World Tea Expo and The Tea House Times. Visit TheTeaSpot.com/ebook to get a complimentary copy.

"Cancer Hates Tea: A Unique Preventive and Transformative Lifestyle Change to Help Crush Cancer", from Page Street Publishing Co., is available now at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and through other fine booksellers.

To learn more about World Tea Expo, the leading B2B tradeshow focused on advancing the business of tea, visit WorldTeaExpo.com (this years conference and expo takes place June 13  15 in Las Vegas  The Tea Spot is among the many exhibiting companies). To learn more about The Tea House Times, which offers news, education, hosted blogs, special features and resources, visit TheTeaHouseTimes.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

"Cancer Hates Tea: A Unique Preventive and Transformative Lifestyle Change to Help Crush Cancer"

By Maria Uspenski

Page Street Publishing Co. - Dec. 13, 2016 - ISBN: 978-1-62414-312-0 - $21.99

ABOUT THE TEA SPOT, INC.

The Tea Spot, Inc. is a leading producer of handcrafted loose leaf teas and creator of Steepwarethe housewares tools that make loose tea easy. Its vision to modernize the loose leaf tea experience has held steadfast since the for-profit philanthropic company was founded by Maria Uspenski in 2004, a cancer survivor drawn to the health benefits of leaf tea during her recovery. Her message is simple and powerful: tea in its freshest form renders premium flavor, unmatched health benefits, and is eco-friendly. The company's model of social entrepreneurship incorporates its mission to foster health and wellness through loose leaf tea with its 10% Pledge. Ten percent of every sale made is donated in-kind to cancer and community wellness programs. The Tea Spot is a Boulder, Colorado-based woman owned and operated business. More at TheTeaSpot.com.

ABOUT PAGE STREET PUBLISHING CO.

Page Street Publishing Co., publisher of "Cancer Hates Tea: A Unique Preventive and Transformative Lifestyle Change to Help Crush Cancer", produces large format, full-color books, packed with original photography and is distributed by Macmillan throughout the U.S. Page Street is a proud member of 1% for the Planet and donates 1% of its annual revenue to environmental groups.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMMO, Inc. (OTC:POWW), a premier American ammunitions designer and manufacturer, today announced its Chief Executive Officer, Fred W. Wagenhals, will be presenting at the 7th Annual LD Micro Invitational Investor Conference in Los Angeles tomorrow, Tuesday, June 6 at 1:30 p.m.



LD Micro hosts prestigious investment conferences, and this Conference will bring together 180 micro-cap companies (www.ldmicro.com/events). It will be held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, 11461 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049.

The Company has a few remaining slots open for one-on-one investor meetings with Mr. Wagenhals. To arrange a meeting, please contact Bill Miller, at the Companys IR firm of record, Investor Relations Partners, at (844) 565-5665 or bmiller@irpartnersinc.com.

About AMMO, Inc.

AMMO, Inc. (OTC:POWW), with corporate offices headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and manufacturing facility in Payson, Arizona, designs and manufactures products for law enforcement, military, hunting, sport shooting and self-defense (www.ammo-inc.com). AMMO, Inc. was founded in 2016 with a vision to change, innovate and invigorate the complacent munitions industry. AMMO promotes branded munitions, including the Jesse James line of munitions and accessories; SHIELD Series munitions for Law Enforcement, stealth subsonic munitions, and the OPS (One Precise Shot) the tactical line of defense line of munitions.

Forward Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ from those projected due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the possibility that some or all of the matters and transactions considered by the Company may not proceed as contemplated, and by all other matters specified in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are made based upon current expectations that are subject to risk and uncertainty. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements in this news release to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking information. Assumptions and other information that could cause results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking information can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov), including its recent periodic reports.
Richmond, Virginia, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) released on Monday, June 5 a solicitation notice in which it outlined plans to secure shredding services at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center (VAMC) in Richmond, Virginia.



The VA intends to award the contract to a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), and the contractor who receives the award must provide all labor, material, supplies, management, and supervision necessary to perform the shredding services. The contractor will provide the services at the Richmond VAMC as well as at six community-based outpatient clinics.

The VA intends to award a firm fixed-price contract, with a period of performance lasting from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, with four one-year renewal options.

Responses are due by no later than June 9, 2017, and must be emailed to Byron Brown at Byron.Brown4@va.gov.

The contractor who receives this contract also must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) database and have as part of the Registration all current Representations and Certifications.

US Federal Contractor Registration, the worlds largest third-party government registration firm, completes the required Registrations on behalf of its clients. It also makes available information about opportunities like this, as well as training on how to locate, research, and respond to opportunities.

We also make available for our clients and for contracting officers our proprietary Advanced Federal Procurement Data Search (AFPDS). Our Advanced Federal Procurement Data Search (AFPDS) gives you in one place instant bid notifications, bid proposal prospecting, and information about government procurement officers. We make this search tool available to clients, as part of our commitment to helping each and every USFCR client succeed and thrive as a government contractor.

For contracting officers, the AFPDS gives them in one place access to a database of available contractors and also a place to post information about opportunities. Contracting officers get free access to AFPDS. We also provide interested contracting officers a list of contractors who may be able to provide a service and/or product that they need.



For more information, to get started with a SAM registration, to learn more about how US Federal Contractor Registration can help your business succeed, to find out how we can help you complete the processes necessary to become certified as one or more types of small business(es), including as an SDVOSB, and/or to speak with our federal training specialists about how to craft a memorable proposal, call 877-252-2700, ext. 1.
On Iran, however, Trump appears to have decidedly hardline leanings.

He repeatedly called the nuclear deal "the worst deal ever negotiated" while on the campaign trail, where he also said Iran was "the number one terrorist state."

While Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson refrained from killing the deal this spring, the president has kept up the rhetorical pressure.

Most recently, during his trip to 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." (Observers noted that assertion could also be made about his audience.)

Mattis has also spoken dimly of what lies ahead for the US in the Middle East. "

Trump's CIA also appears to be adopting an anti-Iran posture.

Under its new director, former Republican Rep. Mike Pompeo, who was a ardent foe of the Iran deal, the intelligence agency has made moves toward more aggressive spying and covert operations.

And, according to The New York Times, Pompeo has found a skilled leader for his Iran operations: Michael D'Andrea, an experienced intelligence officer known as the "Dark Prince" or "Ayatollah Mike."

D'Andrea, a Muslim convert, has gotten much of the credit for US efforts to weaken Al Qaeda.

Robert Eatinger, a former CIA lawyer who was involved in the agency's drone program, told The Times it would not be "the wrong read" to see D'Andrea's appointment as step toward a more hardline policy on Iran.

In addition to Trump's own bellicosity about Iran, there are signs the nationalist elements on his domestic-policy team are bleeding into the foreign-policy decision-making process, which  given their skepticism of international institutions and cooperation  could heighten the chance for conflict.

It's also possible that the military figures in Trump's national security apparatus could moderate the administration's positions and spur more thoughtful consideration of foreign affairs.
The visit would be intended to show solidarity with Britain in the wake of a string of terrorist attacks that rocked the London Bridge area on Saturday evening.

The attacks began when a white van mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge. Shortly after, three attackers emerged and began stabbing people in Borough Market.

The attacks left seven dead and 48 injured. Twenty-one people are still in critical condition.

The attackers were all fatally shot. The investigation is still ongoing, and the names of the suspects have not been released yet.

The brutal London Bridge and Borough Market attacks are the third terror incident in the UK in three months.

In March, Khalid Masood mowed over pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four, including an unarmed police officer, and injuring 50. In May, 22-year-old Salman Ramadan Abedi carried out a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert. Twenty-three people, including children and adults, were killed, and 119 were injured.

Trump's possible visit to London in the wake of Saturday's attacks was widely criticized on Twitter, and many said it would put more pressure on security personnel who are already occupied with managing fallout from the terror attacks.

The president was also reportedly asked to refrain from visiting London this week, with a City Hall source telling The Times' Sam Coates that "it might not be the best time."

If Trump visits later in the week, his appearance would come while the UK was in the midst of an election.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May made a strong statement condemning "Islamic extremism" after the attacks and the internet services companies who give it "the safe space it needs to breed."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter that "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."

Trump initially used news of the attacks to tout his travel ban, which has so far been blocked by the courts. "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 evening.

On Sunday, he revisited his frequent campaign against "political correctness" and said the US must "get down to the business of security for our people."
Over two and a half hours, Apple ran through all the big improvements its made to the software that runs on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Apple also launched several new hardware products, including a smart speaker called HomePod, two new iPad Pros, and a bunch of updates to iMacs and MacBook laptops.

Here's what Apple announced on Monday :

HomePod

A preview

ARkit

High Sierra

New iPad Pros

A mode

pay your friends through iMessage

Updated versions of its iMac desktops

Siri improvements

Below are all of our notes from the keynote as they happened:

[10:08] WWDC officially kicks off with a funny video showing a new employee accidentally deleting everybody's apps. The joke is that the world is totally lost without iPhone and iPad apps.

[10:11] Tim Cook officially takes the stage to welcome everybody to WWDC. Calls San Jose "the heart of Silicon Valley." "This is going to be the best and biggest WWDC ever."

16 million registered Apple developers. 5300 WWDC attendees, "largest group ever."

Cook highlights a 10-year-old developer with 5 apps in the App Store, attending WWDC from Australia. And an 82-year-old developer from Japan with her first app published to the App Store earlier this year.

[10:14] Tim Cook says he has six announcements coming today. First up, Amazon is coming to the TV app and all Apple TVs with Amazon Prime video. It's a thawing of what was a testy relationship between the two tech giants. Cook teases that "we'll hear more about Apple TV this year."

[10:16] On to Apple Watch. Apple pulled up VP Kevin Lynch to look at the new watch features. There's a new Siri watch face. It looks sweet and uses AI to pull up what you might want to use when you want to use it. There's also a trippy kaleidoscope face, and a new watch face with Toy Story characters.

[10:20] Apple is putting a lot of work into making Apple Watch easier for athletes and workout warriors to use. "The pool swim thing is very popular," Lynch said. Other workout updates: add new workouts with a easy-to-access button, for those people who bike and swim, for example, in the same workout.

[10:22] Apple Watch now integrates with certain gym machines that have NFC capability. It's supported by LifeFitness, Cybex, Matrix, TechnoGym, Schwinn, StarTrac, and StairMaster machines. Wonder which machines Apple puts in its private gyms.

[10:24] Apple's also redesigned the music app on the Apple Watch. The product demo is making the Siri Watch face look really useful.

Personally, I'm still doubtful about reading or looking at photos on the Apple Watch. There seems to be a lot of improvements that make starting a workout less fiddly.

[10:27] Apple says the Watch will supports native core Bluetooth  which means that Apple Watch can now connect directly to a Dexcom Glucose monitor and other Bluetooth accessories instead of going through the iPhone.

[10:27] Tim Cook is back, and he says the Mac is the "heart and soul" of Apple. He's pulling up Craig Federighi on stage to talk about the Mac.

[10:29] The new version of MacOS is called macOS High Sierra.

[10:31] Big cheer for Safari blocking autoplaying video and a new privacy feature called Intelligent Tracking Prevention.

[10:32] Now

[10:34] Big cheer for new file system, AFS, on macOS. Previous coverage of Apple File System here.

"Graphics are all about the GPU," Federighi says. "GPU has been the performance superstar over the last decade." Apple talking about its graphics framework, Metal, which is now called Metal 2.

[10:38] "Metal is not just about graphics, we're also using it for machine learning," Federighi said.

And now Metal works with external graphics, for graphics cards that plug in through the MacBook Thunderbolt ports. The Apple dev kit that Apple announces uses AMD Radion RX 580, plugs in through USB-C, and it works with VR.

[10:42] Now we're talking about new iMac updates. iMacs getting new ports, faster processors, more memory, improved screen, and new graphics cards. Now mid range iMacs get Radeon Pro 550 and 560, which Apple says has 3x faster graphics. Apple says the 27-inch Retina iMac is the "most popular desktop for pro customers."

Apple seems really serious about people making VR content and stuff on Mac. Last year, Oculus founder Palmer Luckey said it was impossible to do serious VR work on a Mac.

[10:45] Now Apple's doing a demo with Industrial Light and Magic, the studio behind a lot of Star Wars stuff. I can't believe Apple is doing an extended VR demo.

[10:49] One of the iMac models got a price cut as well.

[10:51] Apple also updated its MacBook with newer processor, faster storage, faster graphics on the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and a new MacBook Pro model that costs $1299. The MacBook Air also got a small chip update.

[10:52] Apple's giving a sneak peek of a new iMac Pro, with a new keyboard, and keyboard, and it has a space grey finish, and a 5k screen. Apple says it will be the "most powerful Mac ever" and it will have workstation chips and other high-end chips. The Mac Pro will have an 18-core Xeon Processor, and will have Radeon Vega graphics, and up to 128GB of memory. It will have 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports, and built-in ethernet.

[10:57] Most important is the price. A starting configuration starts at $4999. Here's that config:

[11:00] Now we're on to iOS 11, the software that runs on iPhones. Apple is going to store iMessages on the cloud, and they remain end-to-end encrypted. Also, Apple wants to you to pay your friend with Apple Pay in iMessage. It's called Apple Pay cash.

[11:02] Siri has two new voices and it can now do translation  and that could be really cool when paired with the AirPods.

[11:04] Now Federighi is talking about how machine learning is behind Siri.

[11:06] There's also a good bit of camera improvements in the latest version of iOS too. It's smart because the camera is one of Apple's biggest advantages.

[11:08] Apple has redesigned Control Center, and has backed all the shortcuts into a single page. But it still doesn't fix what I want from Control Center, like low power mode. Notifications has also been tweaked.

[11:11]

[11:14]Apple Maps now can direct you through a mall. And there's a new feature called "Do Not Disturb While Driving" and it will silence notifications while you're driving.

[11:17] Now we're talking about HomeKit, products that work with Apple home automation software. We're talking speakers  Apple seems to be able to do a lot of Sonos features with compatible series. Apple calls this "AirPlay 2."

[10:20] Phil Schiller, SVP, is now on stage to talk App Store. The big announcement is a App Store redesign. It looks like the Apple News app. There's a new emphasis on games and big images.

[11:27] Now we're getting a demo of the new App Store. It looks nice but I'm not sure how it fixes the underlying problems with the App Store. The front page first app is going to get a lot of downloads, but the long tail apps might not have as much luck.

[11:30] Back to talking about machine learning again.

[11:32] Apple just revealed ARKit, a new framework for making apps that use computer vision to identify surfaces and add objects and manipulate the real world.

[11:35] Third parties have already experimented with it  Ikea, Lego Batman, Pokemon Go, and Wingnut AR. Now they're playing a tabletop game through an iPad. This could be a very big deal.

[11:39] Now back to Tim Cook. The fifth announcement is coming now  and we're going to talk iPad. There's a new iPad Pro with a 20% larger screen at 10.5-inches. There's also a new 13-inch iPad. The new iPad can display a full-size onscreen keyboard, and the new Smart Keyboard attachment will also be full-sized.

[11:43] Apple is lot of time talking about how the screen has been improved. The screen has a higher refresh rate, for example. Apple calls this feature ProMotion, which kind of sounds like "promotion" to me.

[11:46] These new iPads will be equipped with a six-core CPU and a 12-core GPU. Apple says these new devices have Apple's most advanced display  better than the current iPads, iPhones, and Macs. 10-hour battery life, and it uses the same camera as the iPhone 7.

[11:49] Now we're getting a demo from a British person who is going through a photo-editing app.

[11:50] They're pricey  $649 for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro. Now there's a dock like the MacOS dock in the new version of the iPad software.

[11:54] There's also a new app switcher in the iPad software, and you can drag and drop images and URLs. There's even an new finder-like app. We're getting a demo of all the new features that make the iPad feel more like a laptop.

[11:59] And your iPad can also be your document scanner too with a new camera mode.

[12:04] The pencil plus the new scanning features makes the iPad seem way better for business use than before.

[12:05] Tim Cook is back with a video about the new iPad Pro. And now he's talking about "one last thing" for Apple. We're thinking of a new speaker. Frames it as portable music vs. reinventing home music. "We want to reinvent home music," Cook said. Here comes Phil Schiller.

[12:09] "Our team has been hard at work for many years now on a breakthrough home speaker," Schiller said. Working on the speaker for later this year, but we're getting a sneak peek at it today.

[12:11] It's called HomePod. There's been a lot of work to make this speaker sound good. It's got 7 tweeters. Apple designed a big woofer, and it's got an powerful chip inside, model A8. One key feature is spacial awareness, and it can detect the space within a room and adjust the audio.

[12:20] Apple is playing up the privacy angle.

[12:21] And it will cost $349 and it's available in December.

[12:23] Now Tim Cook back and saying Apple has the largest AR platform overnight with ARKit. Michelle Obama will talk tomorrow as well.
When we talk about housing affordability the most common discussion is about the cost of buying a house. And yet for 90% of people, while buying a house may be an ambition, the more immediate housing affordability issue is affording to pay rent rather than the mortgage.

Many tenants are happy with their home, landlord or letting agent.

But others, including those on middle or low incomes, are experiencing problems with a significant impact on their lives.

In Ghana, middle income earners refer to persons who earn an income from GH700 to GH1200 (GLSS, 2008). These people in accordance with the 2010 population census conducted in Ghana constitute 60% of the total population in the country they include the trained teachers, nurses, farmers, fire services personnel and young graduates.

Many low income households may have little choice over which property to rent because of the budget they have available.

READ ALSO: AGI commends government reinstatement of Bank for Housing and Construction

The average expenditure on housing in Accra is much higher than that of similar expenditures in other cities, yet the housing quality in Accra is nothing to write home about.

According to a 2014 report by the Rent Control and Housing Studies, 75% of Ghanaians are spending at least half of their monthly income on housing alone. However, expects say it is not advisable to spend over 30% of take-home pay on housing. City dwellers are the most likely to fall into this trap.

In the city of Accra, the average rent an accommodation seeker is likely to pay for a single room hovers around GHC 150.while a self-contained chamber-and-hall is between GHC300 and GHC1200 depending on the location of the facility.

The bigger the property the more expensive it is, but that is without the Agency Commission of 10% charged on every successful service, calculated on the number of years agreed.

The Rent Control Department says that is an offence. But the Agents argue that a 5% commission is too meager.

Not only are the costs high, payment form is one onerous. It is not unusual for renters to ask for two years advance payment upfront before releasing the facility to rent seekers who account for two-thirds of all households in the city.

The flourishing real estate market dominated by agents who charge exorbitant fees to connect clients to home owners have not made matters any better.

It takes a long time before one can find a decent accommodation in the capital and the process is not devoid of agents who charge exorbitant prices.

Pulse Business spoke to some middle income earners and their responses were very interesting.

READ ALSO: Kwabena Appiah is the new MD of State Housing Company

Michale Boafo is a fresh graduate who earns within the middle income salary range. According to him, although he left school about a year ago, he has not been able to secure an accommodation in town due to the huge advance demanded by landlords. He tells Pulse Business that ,although Ghana Rent Control mandate landlords to charge a minimum of six months, landlords request for two years advance from him which he has not been able to make since he completed university.

This situation Michael says has made him perch on his university campus until he makes some good money for rent.

Some aggrieved clients who spoke to Pulse Business said the agents charge up to about GHC50.00 for every house they take a client to and 10 percent of the total rent advance paid if the deal went through.

The agents refuse a tour if this amount is not paid or an agreement is not reached for the client to pay the money after the tour.
Its quite surprising and inspiring to find that at the heart of some of the popular brands are students who have to combine the challenge of pursing academic excellence and their private startups.

Here is a list of five student entrepreneurs at the peak of the startup ladder.

READ ALSO : High house rent killing middle income earners in Ghana

1. Selby Winifred || Afrocentric Bamboo Limited || UPSA

Winnifred Selby, who likes to be known as Winnie, was just 17 years old when she co-founded Afrocentric Bamboo, a company that manufactures and markets bicycles made from bamboo. Afrocentric Bamboo bikes are sturdy, affordable  US$100 for the local market  and made for the high terrain and rough roads of rural Ghana. She has received international recognition from Forbes and Elle and has hosted a TED talk with TEDx Accra.

2. Bright Aferi || Hill Bill Shoes || UG

Hill Bill Shoes is proudly a Ghanaian based shoe company which manufactures shoes primarily for men owned by a final year student Chemistry student of the University of Ghana. Following Brights love for fashion and peculiar interest in shoes, he took advantage of a gap in the market and is on his way to becoming the best shoe brand in Ghana.

3. Sam Morman Sali || Sesa Mu || Ashesi

Dalai Ma Fellow, Sam Sali won $10,000 in project funding to implement his agricultural development project, the Sesa Mu Farmers Initiative. Sesa Mu has already trained hundreds of farmers and are ultimately working hard to make farming in Berekuso, and Ghana, a much more attractive business.

4. Anum Henry Akwetey || Beautiful Minds Publication || KNUST

Beautiful Minds Publication is soaring high as perhaps the most successful student owned book publication company. It has already published books for Kindergarten and lower primary students used by many schools in the country.

READ ALSO : 6 surprising jobs women are taking over in Ghana

5. Mensah George Junior ||Amylace Fashion || UG
The dramatic rise in the output was driven by fresh production from Asanko Gold Ghana Limited on the first Phase of its Obotan Mines and substantial increase in export through the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), the report said.Anglogold Ashantis Iduapriem and Newmonts Ahafo also recorded growth in production.

READ ALSO: Peter Amewu discredits BNI report on galamsey

Output from artisanal miners rose nearly five-fold to 1.5 million ounces in 2016 from 267,662 in the previous year.Total gold revenue rose 55 percent to $5.15 Billion relative to the $3.32 billion dollars recorded in 2015.Manganese output also rose to 2 million tonnes last year from 1.2 million tonnes, while diamond production slipped to 143,005 carats from 185,376 carats in 2015.President of the chamber, Mr. Kwame Addo-Kuffuor said accelerated economic development is dependent on the growth of the mining sector country.

The potential for the mining industry in Ghana to support broad economic development is not lost on the Chamber of Mines. Besides the significant fiscal contributions of mining to the economy, the industry is keen to create, and grow a robust local supplier base, Mr Addo-Kuffuor said.

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. John Peter Amewu said the chamber should transparency in the mining sector was critical to the positive image of the industry.
The chiefs, clad in funeral clothes also sacrificed a lamb at the spot where the deceased soldier was murdered.

The purification rights are meant to ward off any curse the soldiers death might bring to the area.

READ ALSO: Denkyira women plead on behalf of their husbands

Speaking during the rituals, the Akyeamehene for Denkyira Traditional Council, Nana Akomea Ntriakwa said: We are unhappy about what happened and we are doing this to cleanse the land so that something like this does not happen again.

Although it happened at Denkyira-Obuasi, it happened on Denkyira land and has dragged the name of the town in the mud. So we are here to cleanse the town and the whole of Dekyira so that peace will prevail and life will go back to normal.
Former government officials from the John Mahama-led administration including Ms Hanna Tetteh, former Foreign Affairs Minister, former Gender Minister, Nana Oye Lithur, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Dzifa Ablah Gomashie were present at the ceremony.

Personnel from national security including the immediate past Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Air Marshall Samson-Oje were also at the residence of the murdered soldier.

READ ALSO: 42 suspects arrested

Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama was lynched on Monday, May 29, 2017 by residents in a town in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region.

He was killed on suspicion of being an armed robber.

Meanwhile, the Denkyira Traditional Council has performed rituals to purify the community and placate the gods following the lynching of the soldier.

READ ALSO: Chiefs of Denkyira purify town over lynching incident

The chiefs, clad in funeral clothes also sacrificed a lamb at the spot where the deceased soldier was murdered.

The purification rights are meant to ward off any curse the soldiers death might bring to the area.

Police have so far arrested a total of 42 persons in connection with the murder of the soldier, Captain Maxwell Mahama.

Video below shows former government officials at the residence of Captain Mahama:
So far we have arrested 42 suspects which we believe to be directly connected to the murder of the deceased. Some of them were arrested in the Central region, Western and others from the Ashanti region. The youngest is a 12year old boy and the oldest is a 57-year-old man.

She added that some of them were arrested in the Central Region, Western and others from the Ashanti Region. She also said that the investigation is being monitored closely by the headquarters in Accra.

We will not disclose the location of the suspects for now, but what I can assure you is that investigations are under the careful control of the headquarters and we are being careful not to put them together so that they dont end up making up stories. So they are placed in different cells at different places.

People who have been arrested over the weekend will have to be presented to the court on Monday for the court to decide the next line of action, she told Accra-based Citi FM.

She further reiterated the commitment of the police to arrest and prosecute all suspects connected to the killing of the Military Officer.
The late army officer and his wife Barbara are members of the Light House Chapel.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills with other leaders of the church visited to sign the book of condolence and also sympathize with her [Barbara Mahama] and the entire family.

He also encouraged her to be strong in the Lord.

He quoted 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 as his consolation message to the bereaved family. He said "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so..."

Meanwhile, the police have so far arrested 42 persons in connection with the gruesome murder of Captain Mahama.

The Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, DSP Sheila Kesse Buckman in an interview on Accra-based Starr FM said the youngest among the suspects is a 12-year-old whiles the oldest is a 57year-old man.
Her response follows claims by some Ghanaians on social media that Nana Addo lost to Togolese President Faure by two votes.

However, in a social media post Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said she was surprised about the news since there was no vote at the Summit.

READ ALSO: Faure Gnassingbe beats Nana Addo to ECOWAS Chairmanship

Its almost midnight and we just got back from Ecowas Summit in Monrovia. Just to set the records straight. I dont know who put this out about an ECOWAS vote today at the summit.

She explained that at the level of the heads of state, they mostly dont vote on issues; as much as possible they go by consensus. There was no vote today.

She said per ECOWAS rules of rotation, the chair of authority was to be a francophone country since it had been occupied by an Anglophone country already.

It had already been agreed as per ECOWAS rules of rotation that the chair of authority will be a francophone country and this time Togo. So sorry to disappoint some folks, ECOWAS doesnt work like that. The chairmanship smoothly moved from Liberia to Togo.

This propaganda will not wash. Guess what? It was President Akufo-Addo who proposed President Faure and all the others (peers) clapped unanimously in agreement. Shame on those who started spreading this falsehood.

READ ALSO: Nana Addo receives rousing welcome in Togo

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe has been named the new chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Liberias capital Monrovia.

He takes over the rotational role from Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

This was announced at the 51st ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State held for the first time in Liberia on Sunday, June 4, 2017.
In a message posted on his official Twitter account, the president said he wished the candidates the very best luck and advised to take the exams serious.

The very best of luck to the 468,053 beginning today. Free SHS awaits you in September 2017. Seize this opportunity with both hands and open the door to your own and Ghanas bright future, he tweeted.

He also hinted on Governments Free Senior High School policy which he said is set to commence in September.

In 2016, President Akufo-Addo campaigned on the Free SHS policy and promised to make education in second cycle institutions free.

Tuition is already free in second cycle institutions in Ghana but the NPP government is removing fees for admission, library, science resource, computer lab, examination, and utility fees. It also plans to give free textbooks, free boarding and free meals for each student.
He said Lawyer Francis Sosu appears to have been unfairly dealt with by the Legal Council.

Francis-Xavier Sosu has been banned from practicing as lawyer by the General Legal Council for advertising himself.

The suspension follows a disciplinary action opened against him by the professional body. He was banned for three years.

He was accused of personal advertisement while acting as Council for Torgbui Afede XIV, in a matter between Torgbui Afede and the Chief of Defense Staff, minister of interior, Attorney General.

According to the disciplinary briefing sighted by Pulse.com.gh, he took to Facebook with pictures of the parties and comments on the case to the public with his firms name, address and telephone numbers attached, with the primary motive of personal advertisement and touting.

But Franklin Cudjoe urged the council to rather pay attention to lawyers who speak about cases in the media and not those who advertise their trade.

In a Facebook post, he wrote "I now understand why many lawyers in Ghana try to insert themselves into politically charged cases so they get noticed by the public. The reason is that lawyers, I'm told, don't have to advertise their trade. Is this sensible? he quizzed.

"I thought consumers must know what services they procure. Lawyer Francis Sosu appears to have been unfairly dealt with by the Legal Council on that score. The Legal Council must have been asleep all the time when their members spoke and still speak openly about cases in the media  effectively trying cases in the media. This is quite lawless. The Legal Council should review their lawless sentence of the gentleman."

Meanwhile, Francis-Xavier Sosu has vowed to challenge the three-year ban imposed on him by the General Legal Council for "personal advertisement and touting."

READ ALSO: Justice Dotse explains why cases collapse in court
According to him, the residents only said he was a thief. He, therefore decided to join the other residents to beat him to death.

I was carrying wood. Then I heard they had caught a thief, so I went to watch. When I got there, they had killed already. So I took the block that was lying around and used it to hit his head.

READ ALSO: Denkyira women plead on behalf of their husbands

In the video circulating on social media, the 36-year-old Kwame Tuffuor is seen hitting the Captains head with a block.

Listening to the video, you can hear him and some other culprits trying to hit him with more stones so he can die.

Captain Mahama was lynched by residents of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central region on Monday, May 29, and he will be laid to rest this Friday, June 9, 2017.

The Police has arrested 42 suspects in connection with the incident.

Watch the video above for more.
I used it for nationalistic purposes [and] my comrades in those days knew about it, he said.

His comments come on the back of claims by some Ghanaians that he used the cash gift for his personal benefits.

It will be recalled that Dr Henry Lartey, the flagbearer of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) indicated that the ex-president lied to Ghanaians about the amount of money he received from Mr Abacha, saying Rawlings received $5million and not $2million as he had earlier claimed.

He subsequently petitioned the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for it to investigate the alleged cash gift.

But the former President denied the allegations, saying he is ready to face off with Dr. Lartey in all fronts including the use of a lie detector.

Mr Rawlings has since alleged that persons within the governing National Democratic Congress financially induced the leader of the GCPP, Dr. Henry Lartey to vilify and destroy his reputation.

Background

Former President Jerry John Rawlings in 2016 lashed out at critics who criticised him for receiving a cash gift from the former Nigerian president, saying it will be a triumph of evil if people believe such a 'dirty charge' against him.

His comments follow an interview he had with The Guardian Newspaper in Nigeria in which he confirmed receiving $2 million from Gen. Abacha.

In 1998, the Rawlings regime denied ever receiving the cash gift after the Chronicle Newspaper reported it.

He was also defended by NDC Members of Parliament when the issue was raised on the floor of the House at the time by the minority New Patriotic Party.

Rawlings resurrected the issue after he told the Guardian newspaper that he had received $2 million contrary to media reports that he received $5 million from Gen. Abacha.

His critics have linked the gift to bribery, while others have hailed him for being honest on the matter.

In a push to defend his anti-corruption image, Rawlings told the Daily Graphic Newspaper in an interview that people should search for something else if they are looking for something negative about him.
The NDC women including, Betty Mould Iddrisu, Hajia Fati, Sherry Aryeetey, Hannah Tetteh, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, Nana Oye Lithur, Dzifa Gomashie, Marietta Brew Oppong, Hannah Bissiw, Dzifa Attivor signed the book of condolence in memory of the late Captain Maxwell Mahama and described him as a gallant hero who will never be forgotten.

The deceased was the nephew of former President John Mahama under whom most of the women appointees served as ministers.
But speaking on Saturday, June 3, 2017, on Accra-based Citi FM, Dr Clement Apaak denied the accusations, saying that the purchase was at the request of the incoming administration.

Its indeed true that the said vehicles were ordered, but the request was made to our side during the transition. So if indeed the vehicles have been procured, I can say on authority that it was part of the request which was made by the incoming government.

But speaking on the same network on Monday, a deputy Minister of information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah said the claims by Dr Apaak are untrue.

He said after speaking to the Senior Minister, Osafo Marfo who was the chairman of the Transition Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), there was no request made towards that regard.

There was no such conversation even and this morning [June 5, 2017] Im speaking to you on his authority there was not even a conversation of this kind to purchase new vehicles or even to request for new vehicles, let alone to put such a request into writing to anybody, Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah averred.

It sounds strange that if a new government is coming in and wanted vehicles, why would we request or insist that the previous government should buy it before they go. You would want to then come in and perhaps make your own choice and particularly even for security reasons, it would sound a bit strange.

He said: "if anybody did something like that [contracted to make a purchase], that person needs to communicate it to the new administration for that decision to be examined and the proper thing done."

Meanwhile, Dr. Apaak has indicated that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) would soon release documentary evidence of the request and many Ghanaians have challenged the party to do so to clarify the issue.

The cars have been specially designed to fire rounds of ammunition and are designed to withstand the effects of a hand grenade.

Reports indicate that the said cars have been approved for use by the President, Vice-President, First Lady and others.

All four sides of the passenger compartment and the roof of the vehicle are protected using high-quality armour steel and glass defeating a NATO ball ammunition, the supplier Shell Speciality Vehicles described the vehicle.
Following Saturday's terror attacks in London, Trump contradicted the arguments of Justice Department lawyers defending the controversial executive order in court while he was pushing for the travel ban's implementation.

"People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!" Trump tweeted, later adding that "The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C."

"The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!" he continued in a subsequent tweet.

After Trump's travel ban was blocked by lower courts, the Justice Department appealed last week to the Supreme Court to review the legality of the order.

Conway, whose wife is Kellyanne, Trump's former campaign manager and current counselor, first tweeted that Trump's tweets "may make some ppl feel better, but they certainly won't help" the Solicitor General's office get a majority decision in the Supreme Court, "which is what actually matters."

"Sad," he added.

The lawyer then launched into a tweetstorm explaining his views and clarifying that he "VERY, VERY STRONGLY" supports Trump, his administration, policies, the executive order itself, "and of course, my wonderful wife."

"Which is why I said what I said this morning," he wrote. "Every sensible lawyer in [the White House Counsel's office] and every political appointee at DOJ [would] agree with me (as some have already told me). The [point] cannot be stressed enough that tweets on legal matters seriously undermine Admin agenda and POTUS  and those who support him, as I do, need to reinforce that [point] and not be shy about it."

Conway's comments came just hours after his wife said in an interview with NBC's "Today" that the news media has an "obsession with covering everything" Trump "says on Twitter and very little what he does as president."

Trump's ban, which bars citizens from Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, and Libya who do not currently have visas from entering the country for 90 days while the administration reviews its visa policies and bars all refugee entry for 120 days, is currently being blocked by federal courts. In upholding a nationwide block on the order, the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals said the executive order "drips with religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination."

The Trump administration had withdrawn its initial travel ban, which did not make clear that existing visa holders could enter the country and also included Iraq on the list of banned countries, after it too was blocked by the courts.

Trump's tweets could cause him additional headaches in court, as the Justice Department has tried to distance itself from the original order in defending the new one. Trump has already seen his past statements, and those of his surrogates, used against him in court, particularly his calling for a Muslim ban in December of 2015.

The Justice Department lawyers defending the order have repeatedly called for Trump's statements not to be considered when ruling on its legality, instead asking the judges to focus on the text of the document. But that strategy has not proven effective yet, as judges have taken Trump's statements into consideration.

Additionally, the lawyers have tried to create distance between the first executive order and the one that replaced it, which Trump's claim of the second being a "watered down" version of the first won't help.

"In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe," Trump tweeted. "The courts are slow and political!"

But Conway's concerns echoed the sentiment of many on Monday, who seemed to agree that the tweets, which are almost certain to be brought up in future litigation, could do nothing but hurt the Department of Justice's efforts.

Neal Katyal, the former acting solicitor general who is arguing against the ban in court, tweeted a screenshot of Trump's Monday morning tweets, commenting that it's "kinda odd to have the defendant in Hawaii v. Trump acting as our co-counsel."
The 50-year-old Oscar winner, who has two children already, was spotted on the red carpet at the Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles with her hands over her stomach as if cradling her 'bump'.

Her bump was even more apparent when she stood to the side.

It's unknown who the actress is dating at the moment having divorced her French actor husband Olivier Martinez in December 2016, with whom she has three-year-old son Maceo.

She's also the mum to daughter Nahla, aged nine, who she shares with Gabriel Aubry from their previous relationship.
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Babatunde was arrested alongside three of his accomplices, Babuga Salihu, 20, Aura Sanda, 20 and Amuda Yusufu, 19, after he had freed his father.

Confirming the arrest of the suspect, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Odude, said the victim, Aliyu Babatunde, was abducted in Igboora and spent three days in the den of his abductors and was only released after the family paid the ransom, not knowing one of his sons was the brain behind the abduction.

CP Odude further said:

The victim was eventually taken to an unknown place where he was kept for some days by his abductors who later demanded ransom as a condition for his release.

Initial arrest of one of the suspects by combined efforts of the local vigilante group, the police and further discreet investigation carried out by operatives of the Special Squad led to the subsequent arrest of the kingpin and other members of the gang at their various hideouts in the state.

While confessing to the crime, the suspect said he hatched the plan of kidnapping his father because he failed to take care of his family despite the fact that he had the means to do so as he is a very rich man.

"My father married many wives and he doesnt care for us. We are left to fend for ourselves. He does not take care of his family.

So, I think the only way to get money out of him was to organise his abduction and force him to part with the money. We collected N1 million as ransom from our family.
Real Madrid took the Champions League title for a record 12th time after defeating Italian side, Juventus 4-1 in Cardiff, Wales.

The premium beer brand treated guests to a VVIP UCL experience in an exclusive and relaxing atmosphere in Port Harcourt at Higi Haga Bar, Trans Amadi, and Bay Lounge, Lekki in Lagos.

The experience continued with an after-party featuring exciting performances by artiste, Burna Boy, superstar DJs, Big N and Neptune.

About Heineken

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To follow Heineken on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/heineken and to become a fan on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/heineken. To view videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/heineken.

Enjoy Heineken Responsibly

Heineken continues to integrate its responsible consumption program into all activities. 'Enjoy Heineken Responsibly (EHR),' our global brand-led approach to promote responsible consumption, first launched in 2004.

Whilst the Enjoy Heineken responsibly is the flagship of our commitments, we are of course promoting responsible consumption throughout our brand portfolio.

As an industry leader, we believe we should lead by example, playing an active role in promoting responsible and moderate consumption of alcohol.

HEINEKEN employees are ambassadors for our responsible consumption agenda and, around the world, many markets have developed tailored activations to spread the message locally.
MugShot reports that Akachukwu had walked into the professor's office without being invited, closed the door blocking the doorway and threatening that she would not leave the office until she agreed to allow him to take the exam he had earlier missed.

It was gathered that the college student also grabbed the professor's arm as she tried to walk away, warning her of the consequences if she refused to let him have his way.

When the professor told him she would have to call the police, Akachukwu reportedly threw himself on the floor and started crying. The professor managed to leave her office and went to a nearby classroom to teach.

Akachukwu, a resident of Gainesville in the Alachua County, allegedly followed and began to disrupt the class before he was arrested by the school security and handed over to the police.
They were caught having sex in a gutter in the Plateau camp (hey, when you gotta go, you've gotta go). The two corps members were dismissed from camp.

The only issue I see here is that the female corps member is married. Her conduct goes against the vows she took in the presence of God. Apart from this, I do not see the crime here.

If you go through the NYSC website, sex isn't listed as one of the many offences that will get you kicked out of camp. Smoking and getting drunk can get you decamped among other things. Sex isn't outlawed out rightly.

The reality is this- if you are found having sex on campus premises you will get decamped. Why is this an unwritten rule? If you are kicking out fully grown adults for having sex at least it should be written in black and white.

The Nigerian attitude towards sex is very conservative and impractical. The NYSC orientation requires graduates to be in camp for 21 days as part of their service to the fatherland. In these 21 days, the fact that authorities think that adults won't have sex is both laughable and sad.

Our attitude towards sex is hypocritical. We choose to believe that everyone has sex after marriage but common knowledge and data suggest otherwise. Consenting adults shouldn't have to hide inside a gutter before they have sex. You have healthy, young people in a camp for three weeks, of course, they are meant to have sex.

There are so many camp stories of grown men and women hiding in bushes just to have sex. This is not Iran. People shouldn't be punished because they have sex.

In NYSC camps, there are sex education talks about HIV/AIDS and the corps members are given condoms but they are not allowed to have sex. What gives? This is very confusing.

You can come from the religious angle and say it is fornication or sexual immorality. Christianity is the religion of one man and one God. Let God judge the people committing sin. Jesus did not die for holier-than-thou Christians to judge others.
The houses Committee on Public Procurement, which invited the ministers, directed that they should appear before it on Tuesday.

Others expected to appear before the committee are former Head of Service (HoS), Mr Steve Otunla and former Accountant-General to the Federation (AoGF), Mr Jonah Otunla.

The committee had on Thursday summoned Adeosun and some others over alleged payment of N17 billion to five firms believed to be ghost companies as consultancy fees.

The committee in an investigative hearing on Monday in Abuja said that summoning the top officials was to ensure proper investigation.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Oluwole Oke (Osun-PDP), who issued the order inviting the officials, read the Riot Act to all Ministers and Accounting Officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said the shortest way to Kuje prison is through breach of procurement laws.

Worried at the slow pace of the investigative hearing due to the poor attitude of civil servants towards releasing of vital documents, the committee attended to only those who made available necessary documents.

The members decried the discrepancies between the submissions made by Federal Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

They observed that out of the 12 pre-shipment Inspectors and two monitors, who benefited from the N17 billion, seven were appointed in line with due process while five were appointed through the back door.

Oke call for overhaul of the entire process.

ALSO READ:Kemi Adeosun reportedly uncovers fraud in YouWin

He pointed out that a former governor of Bauchi State and a former member of the House of Representatives, who were part of those who promulgated the procurement law were sentenced to five years imprisonment for infractions.

He added that a former Chairman of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) was also sentenced to two years imprisonment for breaching the Procurement Act before the Supreme Court intervened.
The two newspapers were expected to appear at the probe being conducted on the incident by the Senate Joint Committee on Ethics and Privileges and Media and Public Affairs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Senate Leader had on a Point-of-Order on May 23, drawn attention to a report by ThisDay Newspaper entitled Senate Majority Leader prevented by angry youths from entering his constituency.

He had also cited a similar headline by Punch Online of the same day entitled: Youths accuse Senate Leader of neglect, bar him from working.

Chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, who decried the alleged report by the two media organisations, said this has to stop.

This has to do with somebodys integrity; the man has built his political career for 18 years. If we find evidence that it was fake news, we will not be happy about it.

We and the press are partners in this project, Nigeria.

ThisDay and Punch are not here; we are not concluding. We had invited them, we have evidence that they were duly served and acknowledged receipt of the letter.

We will give them time to appear before the committee, Anyanwu said.

On his part, Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi, said it was unfortunate that the two media outfits were absent at the hearing.

It is unfortunate because the media are given a constitutional responsibility and a duty. Anytime they are questioned with regards to how they discharge their duty, it is only logical that they oblige to that.

It is appropriate for every player in this democratic space to carry out its own responsibility in line with the rules of engagement which will invariably deepen our democracy, he said.

In his submission, the complainant, Sen. Lawan, said that what he was asking from the two organisations was immediate retraction, which had not been done.

I also demanded for an unreserved public apology to me and my constituents. That did not happen as far as I know.

The point is, I want a relationship that is cordial, devoid of fake information, poor reportage and unethical conduct.

I am seeking redress; my reputation and that of my constituents have been dragged to the mud, he said.
The governor made the call on Sunday in Osogbo when a Deputy Inspector- General of Police, Mr Foluso Adebanjo paid him a courtesy visit.

He said decentralisation of the force would ensure effective zonal security management, control and operation.

I am a strong advocate of federalisation of Police Force.

We need to devolve the control of Police in such a way that the cumbersome responsibility shouldered by the Inspector General of Police would be reduced.

Since the first obligation and responsibility of government remains security and maintenance of law and order, therefore, it behoves on any serious government to prioritise and guarantee the security of lives and property of the citizenry.

It is a misnomer in a society like Nigeria for Commissioner of Police in a state to be directly answerable to Inspector General of Police in spite of the fact that there is Zonal Assistant Inspector General of Police in the zone to which such state emanates.

Ideally, CP should be answerable to zonal commander who is AIG, while AIG become responsible to IG.

This will sanitise the system and instill the spirit of commitment and dedication into the system.

There is need to federate Police Force. Police must restructure its structure in such a way that would enhance effective zonal structure and management.

Earlier in his remarks, DIG Adebanjo commended the governor for making Osun one of the states with the lowest crime rate in Nigeria.

Adebanjo also lauded Osun Government for giving the force necessary support and cooperation in its bid to maintain law and order.

Let me add to it, Osun has one of the lowest crime rates in Nigeria. We cherish this feat and we know that the tempo would be sustained.

We have been monitoring events in the state even from Abuja and we know that the state has never relented in its efforts of security consciousness.

On our part, we shall continue to live up to expectation of Nigerian people in ensuring a safe atmosphere for all to live in.
NAN reports that IPMAN embarked on the action on May 25, over demolition of some petrol stations and the revocation of some Certificate of Occupancy by the Gov. Ayo Fayose.

The suspension of the strike is contained in a communique issued in Osogbo at the end of a peace meeting called by Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun.

The communique, which was signed by Aregbesola, Fayose and the representatives of the marketers, was made available to newsmen 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 of 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.

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.

Fayose, however, said that with the fuel marketers resuming operations, black marketers were sure to fizzle out.

On his part, Aregbesola said the resolution of the crisis was a confirmation that the people had the capacity to resolve their differences.
The Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District made this known on Sunday in Kano days after the agitators had a sit-at-home worldwide.

In a report by Punch, Sani urged the Federal Government to embrace dialogue in dealing with the agitators saying that the only solution was the entrenchment of socio-political and economic reforms in the country.

The senator further insisted that the Biafra agitation should be handled with utmost care.

He also said the agitation gathered momentum due to some fundamental issues and factors that had to do with the failure of the Federal Government to address some critical issues after the civil war.

Although after the civil war, we created institutions to foster unity and create sense of belonging, we failed as a nation to entrench the spirit of oneness and togetherness in the minds of the people.

ALSO READ: IPOB says President is confused about Biafra

And that is the reason why a nation united by force is vulnerable and a nation united by justice is impregnable, Sani said.
Ete-Ibas gave the warning on Monday in Calabar after assessing the level of destruction of properties during the clash that occurred between the navy and police on May 30.

The CNS, who was represented by Rear Adm. Adeniyi Osinowo, the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, described the clash as unfortunate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that on May 30, men of the police and the Nigerian Navy clashed in Calabar over some misunderstanding that occurred at the traffic post on IBB road.

During the clash, two policemen lost their lives while one navy rating was shot on his shoulder.

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. James Oluwole, the state Commissioner of Police Mr Hafiz Inuwa and other top security officer accompanied the CNS on the visit.

The CNS said: at the Naval headquarters in Abuja, the collaboration and coordination between the navy and the police remains very strong.

The relationship is still growing; nothing short of this is acceptable at your level as well.

What ever has led to this incident, I want to also let you know that a joint investigation committee has commenced sitting to unravel the circumstances and apportion blame as necessary.

You have the bigger responsibility to protect the peace and maintain the security of the environment, the state and Nigeria in general.

Ete-Ibas said that Inuwa, the commissioner of police had assured the navy that the police would maintain peace and cordiality.

An incident of this nature must not occur again. You are not permitted to take laws into your hands, he warned.

During a visit to the state deputy Gov. Prof. Ivara Esu, both security chiefs pledged to work together for the peace and safety of the state.

ALSO READ: Naval officers reportedly burn down police station leaving over 3 dead

Esu, who said that the incident came as a shock to everyone, urged security agencies in the state to always promote inter-agency relationship.

The state governor, Ben Ayade, has promised to take responsibility for all the damages that were done including payment of the hospital bills of the victims.

I was consoled when security chiefs in the state rose up and step into the matter, he said.
Ask General Oladipo Diya (rtd) who was number two man to the late General Sani Abacha back in the 90s.

Ask Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who was served the Abacha dose of brutality back in the 90s.

Ask the Abiolas, the Ibrus or just about anyone who lived the Abacha hell as a Nigerian.

Ask Sergeant Barnabas Rogers; the other member of the Abacha strike force.

Al-Mustapha was Chief Security Officer (CSO) during the Abacha eraan unsmiling army Major who obeyed Abachas draconian orders to a fault.

Al-Mustapha led Abachas notorious strike force. Unapologetically so.

The mere look of the man could make your blood curdle.

These days, Al-Mustapha delivers lectures as audiences applaud.

ALSO READ:

These days, Al-Mustapha is feted by his folks back home; blood of the innocent still dripping from his hands and mouth.

"On October 21, 1998, I was arrested because of a video cassette, not because of the late Kudirat Abiola. But something happened, which a particular camera in the villa captured, Al Mustapha said without flinching, while addressing newsmen in Ibadan, Oyo state, after the third Southwest annual lecture titled, 'Developing leadership abilities in youth', recently.

He continued: 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.

"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."

Ironically, Al-Mustapha was rewriting history in the Southwest city of Ibadana geographical region where his murderous gang committed the worst atrocities; ferreting perceived enemies of the junta into their graves by night and hounding them by day.

He was reducing years of military brutality into the search for a videotape.

In 2013, an appeal court sitting in Lagos found Al-Mustapha not guilty of murder and he was unleashed back on mankind.

Hes calmer now because a decade and some behind bars, has that effect on you.

But he hasnt lost any of his razor sharp tongue as youve just read above.

That this man could be handed a lectern to lecture youth on leadership in this country, in 2017, revolts to no end.

It could have been funny if it wasnt so tragic.

It is little wonder that with lecturers like Al-Mustapha, we are producing young leaders who are just as morally bankrupt as their forebears.

Next we know, Al-Mustapha is a Senator or Governor someday at this rate because we are so alien to learning the lessons from history in this countryeven recent history.

Al-Mustapha may have succeeded in fooling a few young people in Ibadan last week because hes wired to keep getting away with murder.
The arrest was confirmed in Lagos on Monday by ACP Abba Kyari of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

The kidnapped Islamic scholar in Enabo, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi was not released until a ransom was paid for his freedom.

Kyari said that his team, in response to a directive from the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, have been on the hunt for the kidnappers since the February abduction.

"After about three months of unrelenting follow-up, the kidnappers escaped to Enugu State after collecting the ransom in February and realised that IRT was trailing them.

"They were arrested on May 29 in Ayingba, Kogi, and 9th Mile, Enugu State.

The two suspects, according to Kyari, have already confessed to the crime.

"They mentioned two other gang members now at large. We are on their trail.
Other NPA topshots fingered in the alleged bribery mess include 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.

The report further revealed that 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 Sarumi, Ovbude, Mohammed and Daniel Afam-Obi.

While investigators believe Afam-Obi acted on behalf of Nwankpo, it was also reported that Sarumi, Ovbude and Mohammed allegedly collectively received $2.6million in kickbacks, as Afam-Obi got $157,000 for unknown reasons.

Reacting to the allegation, Ovbude said: I dont know what they are talking about. I worked and many people worked. Its one thing to say you are specifically in charge, but the issue can come up and you are exonerated. I am not told, I am not aware.

On his part, Sarumi said: 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.
The Minister stated this on Monday when he led a team of journalists on a visit to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company in Nnewi , Anambra.

He said that the Federal Governments commitment to diversifying the economy was unwavering, particularly in the agriculture, solid minerals sectors as well as the creative and manufacturing industries.

Mohammed recalled that as part of the Ease of Doing Business Initiative, the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo had on May 18 signed three Executive Orders.

He said one of the Executive Orders, Support for Local Contents in Public Procurement provides that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government shall grant preferences to local manufacturers of goods and service providers in their procurement process.

The minister, who toured all sections of the factory with his encourage, said that Innoson Motors was already putting Nigeria on the global map of vehicle manufacturing.

Having toured this factory today, I make bold to say that Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd. is a trail blazer in the automotive industry.

It is a shinning example of what Nigeria is capable of achieving if it looks inwards and taps into the boundless energy and ingenuity of its people.

True to its name, Innoson is a manufacturing company, not an assembly plant.

It is exactly what the brains behind the NationalAutomotive Industry Development Plan have in mind when they rolled out that policy to curtail dependence on imports and ensure the growth of the Nigerian automotive industry, using local resources, he said.

The minister commended the company for creating jobs, conserving foreign exchange and acceleration of technical development.

He said that with the companys record within just a decade of its existing, he was optimistic that it would help to end the dominance of Tokunbo vehicles on Nigeria roads.

The minister listed five advantages of buying an Innoson-manufactured vehicle to include  fuel efficiency, warranty, no overheating, auto-financing and environment-friendly vehicles.

The Chairman of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma said that the manufacturing plant is wholly indigenous with a vision to make durable and affordable brand new vehicles for Africans.

He said the companys mission and vision were in line with governments plan to make Nigeria one of the worlds top 20 industrialised nations by year 2020.

ALSO READ:Lai Mohammed says those behind fake news will be prosecuted

The chairman said that the factory started operations in 2009 and had till date locally manufactured 11,000 vehicles.

The vehicles according to him included: Buses ranging from 16 seaters to 45 seaters, Pick Up Van, SUV, Sedans, Ambulance and Garbage Contractors.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, June 4.

He said the publishers of fake news intend to destabilise the polity and cause disunity among the countrys various ethnic and religious groups.

In the statement, which was signed by Segun Adeyemi, the Special Adviser to the Minister, Mohammed urged Nigerians to be extra vigilant in view of the worsening cases of fake news being spread by the unscrupulous persons.

He 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.

Mohammed said 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.

He also mentioned news of a non-existent bomb blast in Lagos, which was also widely circulated.

The minister added that the latest strategy being employed by the purveyors of fake news is to attribute to top government officials, improbable statements capable of destabilising the polity, causing tension and threatening the country's 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.

ALSO READ: Lai Mohammed says fake news is worse than Boko Haram

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.
Ating made the call on Monday in Uyo, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the environmental challenges in the region, caused by oil and gas exploitation.

There should be a special fund set aside in the budget every year for the clean-up of the Niger Delta region."

The government should realise that the money used for the running of our economy is from oil taken from the region."

Hence a substantial amount of that money should be ploughed back to preserve the Niger Delta environment, he said.

Ating urged the Federal Government to strengthen the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), to enforce compliance on issues of environmental management.

He called for the expansion of the NESREA law to cover regulation of oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta region.

Ating said that the clause in NESREAs operations that the agency did not cover oil and gas activities should be amended.

The dangerous limitation placed on NESREA should be removed. The original intention of the agency was to enforce national standards; we need appropriate legislation concerning such enforcement of standards, he said.

Reflecting on the theme of this years World Environment Day celebration, which is Connecting People to Nature, the EMAN president advised operators of industries and governments to exploit natural resources sustainably.

Our industrial activities should be re-tooled to keep the environment safe and green."

Most of our children in the cities do not know how the natural environment looks like. There is need to connect them to nature, Ating said.
According to the Acting Presidents spokesman, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo also said that he is in shock.

Akande, in a statement obtained from Daily Post, said On behalf of the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Osinbajo extends heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and entire family over the passage of their beloved father, grandfather and also an illustrious Nigerian.

Osotimehin, who also had a distinguished career as medical doctor and teacher before he served as a cabinet minister in Nigeria, and later at the UN, will be long remembered for his many significant developmental contributions at home and in the international community, according to Acting President Osinbajo.

"As Prof. Osotimehin is being mourned internationally, the Acting President urges the Osotimehin family, friends and associates to take solace knowing that his notable service and worthy contributions especially towards improving women and childrens health across the world are widely acclaimed, deeply appreciated, and would be long remembered and honoured.

Former Minister of Health, Babatunde Osotimehin died on Sunday, May 4, 2017, at the age of 68.
The General Secretaries of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Dr Peter Ozo-Eson and Mr Musa Lawal respectively, made the call in a joint letter addressed to Gov. Tanko Almakura.

The letter was made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that civil servants in Nasarawa state had been on strike to protest unpaid salary.

The labour leaders noted that the issues that led to the strike could be resolved if the government prioritise the welfare and rights of its workers.

They urged the governor to take necessary step to resolve the impasse by meeting the basic demands of the workers.

They contended that the demands of the workers were by no stretch of the imagination extraneous to their fundamental rights as wage earning employees.

The letter said that any purported calling-off of the strike made to the governor was without the authority and mandate of the state workforce or organised labour.

The labour leaders directed the workers not to heed the purported suspension of the strike.

ALSO READ:Nasarawa Governor urges workers to call off strike

Suspension of the strike can only be heeded when an amicable resolution of the issues in contention for which the strike was called were addressed, the letter said.

They called on the government eschew any attempt at divide and rule or intimidation and harassment of committed leaders of the labour movement.

We urge the government to utilise transparent channels of communication and reach out to all leaders of organised labour in the state.

We hope that the dire condition of workers of the state will touch your Excellency, to activate the machinery for a quick resolution,organised labour said.
Mr Joaquim Levy, the Managing Director and Group Chief Financial Officer, World Bank, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that power was important to the development of businesses and the country.

He said Power is one of the things that we are working together with the government. Power is so important for of course, households but also for business because there is no how you can produce and you dont have power.

But it is a very complex sector, not only in Nigeria, in many countries you have to organise all the parts  distribution, who pays what, how you will get generation.

 It`s a complex thing, but the government is very committed and I think the private sector is also willing to come in and invest.

So, we are in conversations, my colleagues are in Abuja so that we can have changes in the way the sector operates that will increase the amount and availability of power."
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Foley Square this past Saturday to demand a thorough investigation into Russia's alleged meddling in the election and the country's possible collusion with the Trump campaign. Another coordinated rally comes to Foley Square this Saturdaythis one hosted by right-wing group ACT! For America, as part of the group's nationwide March Against Sharia. At least three counter-protests are already planned, so expect things to get hectic in the area. We've rounded up those demonstrations below, as well as the local solidarity events, interfaith vigils, and ritual hexes planned for the coming week.

Building the Solidarity Economy in New York City

Ahead of this month's Conference for Workplace Democracy, the New Economy Coalition hosts this panel at Starr Bar focused on the history of community-controlled economic institutions, and how we might continue "building powerful bottom-up solutions that model economic democracy, sustainability, and social justice." Speakers represent a range of the city's labor and social justice groups, including the New Economy Coalition, SolidarityNYC, the New York City Community Land Initiative, and NYC Network of Worker Cooperatives.

Monday, June 5th, 7 p.m. // Starr Bar 214 Starr Street, Brooklyn

Brooklyn Community Vigil for Refugees

The Brooklyn Synagogue Coalition will commemorate the 78th anniversary of the United States turning away the M.S. St Louis, a boat carrying over 900 Jewish refugees, with an interfaith vigil outside of Brooklyn Borough Hall on Tuesday. Both historic remembrance and protest of the current attack on the refugee program, the event calls on participants to "stand together to call on our elected officials not to repeat the mistakes of our past." The vigil includes a Yarzheit candel lighting, group singing, and a student performance.

Tuesday, June 6th, 6 p.m. // Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street

Kids Activism Day

The weekly social activism meeting hosted by #GetOrganizedBK gets a shot of youthful energy on Thursday with an all age activism workshop partially hosted by children. The event will focus on access to education, with an opportunity for teens and adults to write letters to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Popular Park Slope diner Dizzy's hosts the gathering.

Thursday, June 8th, 9 a.m. // Dizzy's Diner, 230 5th Avenue, Brooklyn

Feminist Fight Club

Feminist Fight Club author Jessica Bennett and VOX correspondent Elizabeth Plank lead this discussion on smashing the patriarchy in the workplace, on the street and everywhere in between. Northside Festival presents the free event at Williamsburg multi-disciplinary space Kinfolk, complete with a book signing and bar.

Friday, June 9th, 2:15 p.m. // Kinfolk, 90 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn

Ritual To Hex Donald Trump & His Constituency

This group ritual intended to "hex the Trump administration from further harm against the American people" takes place Saturday night at Catland"Brooklyn's premiere metaphysical boutique." Participants are welcome to bring their own spells or find inspiration from this ritual template. Taking part in the sorcery costs $10, with half of the night's proceeds going to Planned Parenthood.

Saturday, June 10th, 7:30 p.m. // Catland, 987 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn

NYC Loves Muslims Rally & March

In response to a nationwide March Against Sharia planned for Saturday, thousands of New Yorkers are expected to rally at City Hall for a "positive, love-filled event" meant to "show our love for the Muslim community here and across the nation." A diverse swath of groups have helped organize the rally and march, including Muslims Are Welcome Here, the Women's March Alliance, CAIR, and the Russian-Speaking American LGBT Association. A similar event, hosted by the NYC Muslim-Jewish Solidarity Committee is scheduled to take place during the March Against Sharia rally in Foley Square, and a group of anarchists and anti-fascists are planning on no-platforming the speakers through a counter-noise demonstration.

Saturday, June 10th, 10 a.m. // New York City Hall and Foley Square


MASSOB warned that unless the referendum is conducted the South-east, Kogi and parts of Benue state would boycott the 2019 general elections.

In a statement, MASSOBs national director of information, Samuel Edeson said the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other pro-Biafran groups would ensure that there is no election in the region.

The statement reads:

MASSOB is giving six months ultimatum to the federal government to conduct a referendum in Biafran land or there will be no election in the South East region, including parts of Kogi and Benue states.

ALSO READ: Idoma people disown Biafra

MASSOB, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other genuine pro-Biafran groups will mobilise the people against 2019 general election in all Biafran territory to boycott the election if federal government refuses to conduct a referendum for the exit of Biafra from Nigeria.

We are not going to disrupt anybody, including electoral officers; they will move to their wards to conduct election, but they wont see anybody.
According to media reports coming out of the country, restriction to internet access started around 7pm on Tuesday, allegedly to curtail exam malpractice. 1.2 million Ethiopian students took the Grade 10 national exams yesterday, with another 288,000 getting ready for Grade 12 university entrance exams which will hold this week.

Quartz Africa quotes sources in Addis Ababa as saying that internet access was restored on Wednesday, 12 hours after it was cut in the first place. It also quotes other sources who say Internet is still being interrupted.

No connection at all. Everything was blocked, said Biniam Alemayehu, a source quoted by Quartz. Alemayehu told the publication that his 4G phone connection didnt come back until 9:30pm.

This is not the first time the Ethiopian government has implemented some kind of internet cut. In July 2016, the government blocked social media sites like Facebook and Twitter after university entrance exams questions were posted online.

At the time, the government spokesperson said it was a temporarymeasure as social media served as a distraction to the students. But that is just a smaller incident.

Ethiopia is also one of the first countries in the world to censor the Internet to stop protests against the government, despite having one of the lowest internet and mobile connectivity rates in the world.

To put some perspective on how bad the situation is, Quartz reports that over 500 anti-government protesters have been killed since November 2015 while thousands more have been arrested for demanding land reforms and demanding an end to human rights violations.

The government has responded over time by declaring a state of emergency, shutting down the mobile internet and banning the use of social media to document the ongoing unrest in the country.

That shut down has cost the country millions of dollars in revenue according to a Brookings Institution report. Last month, the government sentenced an opposition politician Yonatan Tesfaye to six and a half years in prison for Facebook posts he made criticising the government.
I mean, the 93-year-old bride gets spoilt for choice during the search for a wedding dress and enlists the help of everyone on Facebook to help her pick the perfect one.

Because, why not?

When Sylvia goes shopping for her wedding dress at Birdsnest, a shop in New South Wales, she tries on four red options and discovers she likes them all and to help her pick the perfect one, the styling agency posts the outfits on its Facebook page and asks followers to help her out.

The post reads "What Should Sylvia Wear To Her Wedding?Sylvia, 93, visited our store with her bridesmaids in tow to help choose a dress for her July wedding to Frank, 88. They live together in a retirement village.

"Frank and Sylvia have known each other for more than 20 years, and Frank has 'many times' asked Sylvia to marry him. Sylvia has always refused, thinking that to take a new surname would be disrespectful to her deceased husband.

"A year ago Sylvia took ill and moved to Canberra to be near her family, and Frank thought all hope was lost. When Sylvia recovered, she found Frank, who was living in Adelaide, and convinced him to move to Canberra to be with her.

"Frank arrived a couple of months ago and again asked Sylvia to marry him. Sylvia had learned that you can keep your own surname when you marry, and so said yes.

"We're thrilled to play a tiny role in Sylvia's love story - and think you'll love it, too. So, what should Sylvia wear to her wedding?

Sylvia is getting married to her friend Frank, who lives in the same retirement village as her. So, not only is it delightful to hear that these two lovebirds are reigniting passion at such an old age, but they also want loads of people to be part of their romance in a little way.
According to a report by BBC, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar over the accusation.

The countries reportedly said Qatar is supporting terrorist groups including the Muslim Brotherhood.

While Saudi said Riyadh had closed its borders, severing land, sea and air contact with Qatar, Egypt's foreign ministry also said it has also closed its airspace and ports for all Qatari transportation.

The Saudi State News Agency, it was reported, cited officials as saying it was to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

In the same vein, the United Arab Emirates has given Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave the country as Abu Dhabi reportedly accuses Doha of "supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organisations."

For Bahrain, the state news agency reportedly said the country was cutting ties with Qatar because Doha was "shaking the security and stability of Bahrain and meddling in its affairs".

The report further revealed that the Saudi-led Arab coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi rebels have also expelled Qatar from its alliance because of Doha's "practices that strengthen terrorism" and its support to groups "including al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
A man was apparently pushed onto the trackbed at an Upper West Side subway station on Saturday nightand promptly rescued by an American Ballet Theatre dancer who happened to be in the station because of service changes. Gray Davis told the NY Times that getting out of the tracks was more of a challenge than he realized, "I never realized how high it was. Luckily, Im a ballet dancer, so I swung my leg up."

An NYPD spokesperson said that around 11:20 p.m. on June 3rd, a 58-year-old man was shoved onto the tracks at the West 72nd Street 1/2/3 station, according to the victim and witnesses. The shoved man, who suffered lacerations to his head, was unconscious when he was taken to St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital. Police added that a suspect, Carolyn Mack, 23, was arrested and charged with assault.

Davis, who is a corps de ballet member at the ABT, said that he was waiting on the southbound platform with his wife Cassandra Trenary and mother when an altercation between a man and woman unfolded on the uptown platform. Trenary told him to get help: "When he went upstairs, he said, he found no one in the token booth, and he went down to the uptown platform just after the man had hit the tracks. Then, he said, he decided to jump down. It was only later that the danger sank in."

Davis explained, "At first I waited for somebody else to jump down there. People were screaming to get help. But nobody jumped down. So I jumped down." He managed to lift the man out and others on the platform pulled him out.

Davis had been at Lincoln Center to see his wife perform; he wasn't dancing on Saturday night due to a herniated disc. His mother, Janie Krabbe B. LeTourneau, also wrote about his rescue, which ABT shared on its Facebook page:

As we watched a man and woman on the opposite platform punching each other, Cassandra Trenary made Gray go look for security..all of a sudden the woman threw the man onto the train tracks, while a train was due any minute. We were all horrified about what was about to happen as the man lay unresponsive on that track...out of no where and just in time we all watched as a brave young man jumped down, and lifted the man high up on to safety like he was a feather. Shocked, I said, uh, Cassie is THAT Grayson Davis ? She said Yes it is. He then lifted himself up miraculously just before the train got there. People started cheering and yelling "you are a hero". The three of us have been in shock ever since. The NYPD came, arrested the lady, then got our statement, and told Gray he did a very brave thing and no doubt saved the man's life...the man was rushed to hospital and we pray he will be ok. My son has always made me proud, but I've never been as proud of him as I was tonight, out of 2 full platforms of people, he was the only person brave enough to jump down and save that man's life.

The ABT added, "Heroes are everywhere!"
Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism," the official Saudi Press Agency said.

A Saudi official cited by SPA said Riyadh decided to "sever diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar, and to close all land, sea and aviation ports."

The "decisive" measure was due to the "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years," the Saudi statement said.

Many expatriate and Saudi travellers use Qatar as their gateway into the kingdom.

A Saudi-led coalition which for more than two years has been fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen separately announced Qatar was no longer welcome in the alliance.

In a statement, the coalition accused Qatar of "support to (terrorist) organisations in Yemen".

Qatar had assigned warplanes to the coalition conducting air strikes against Yemen's Huthi rebels.

Egypt's foreign ministry also accused Doha of supporting "terrorism" and announced the closure of its ports and airports to Qatari carriers.

'Shameful cybercrime'

Doha launched a probe into an alleged "hack" of state media after it said false and explosive remarks attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani were published on the Qatar News Agency website last month.

The stories quoted him questioning US hostility towards Iran, speaking of "tensions" between Doha and Washington, commenting on Hamas and speculating that Trump might not remain in power for long.

The alleged comments were made after Trump's visit to the region.

However, Doha has denied all the comments and said it had been the victim of a "shameful cybercrime".

Trump's visit to Riyadh -- the first foreign stop of his young presidency -- saw the two sides sign a "strategic vision" agreement to intensify ties in defence, economics and other areas.

Riyadh has embraced Trump's harder line against its rival Iran, with which it severed diplomatic relations in January last year.

In a Riyadh speech to Muslim leaders from around the world, Trump urged them to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists", as Sunni jihadists carry out attacks in many countries.

But he also singled out Shiite Iran for allegedly fuelling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror".

Qatar said it had also been the victim of a hostile media campaign, particularly in the US over the issue of its supposed support for Islamist groups.

Qatar has so far given no indication of where the alleged cyber May 24 cyber attack originated.

But regional powers including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates used the comments to demonstrate that Qatar is out of line with Gulf foreign policy, especially regarding Iran.

Media organisations in several countries in the region reported the emir's comments as fact, despite an official denial by Qatar.

They also blocked Qatari broadcasters and websites following the alleged comments.

In a sign that the rift in Qatar's relations with its near neighbours was deepening, one Saudi newspaper reported that members of a prominent Saudi family had demanded that Qatar's state mosque, the Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque, be renamed.

The demand came amid questions over the Qatari royal family's link to Abdul Wahhab, co-founder of the Saudi state.

Some experts had feared the current situation could trigger a repeat of the crisis in 2014, when several Gulf countries recalled their ambassadors from Doha, ostensibly over its support for the Muslim Brotherhood.
Representatives of around two dozen countries will attend the meeting, which aims to build international support on ways to restore security in the conflict-torn country, the government said on Monday.

"The Kabul Process is meant to reach a consensus with the region and the world for peace in Afghanistan," said presidential spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi.

Kabul has been on edge since a truck bombing last Wednesday in the highly fortified diplomatic quarter killed at least 90 people and wounded hundreds, the deadliest attack in the city since 2001.

The dead included at least 31 staff and business partners of Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecom provider, with their main office in Kabul heavily damaged and nationwide operations disrupted.

Four more people were killed Friday when hundreds of protesters incensed by the bombing clashed with police, prompting officials to beat them back with live rounds in the air, tear gas and water cannon.

The protesters, holding a sit-in for a fourth day Monday near the bombing site, have demanded the resignation of Afghanistan's security chiefs, including national security advisor Hanif Atmar.

Exposing the split within the fractious government Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani also called for Atmar's dismissal on Monday, but the demand was turned down by President Ashraf Ghani.

'Frontline'

On Saturday, at least seven people were killed when suicide bombers tore through a row of mourners who were attending the funeral of one of the protesters, the son of an influential Afghan senator.

No group has claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network for Wednesday's bombing.

Previous international efforts to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table have failed, but diplomats in Kabul hailed Tuesday's conference as a stepping stone to peace.

"The launch of the Kabul Process tomorrow is an important marker for each and every country in the region to show its true support for Afghanistan's aspirations for peace," said Dominic Jermey, the British ambassador to Kabul.

"This includes taking steps to tackle the challenges posed by terrorist networks and to prevent terrorists receiving support, whether from states or individuals."

The conference will be attended by a host of nations, including the United States, India, China and regional nemesis Pakistan, which Afghanistan has long blamed for sponsoring the resurgent Taliban.

The tense week of violence during the holy fasting month of Ramadan has left hospitals in Kabul overwhelmed, with many running beyond capacity to treat the injured.

The Italian-run Emergency hospital, seen as a medical lifeline, has voiced fears for the safety of its staff with protesters camped close to the facility.

"With the unfortunate events... in Kabul, our hospital has been put on the frontline," Emergency said in a statement.
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.
The small pond next to a high-voltage power line and shabby brick building is the only nudist bathing spot near the Chinese capital -- and one of few in the entire country.

China has a tradition of modesty -- pornography is forbidden, nudity in films is strictly limited and plunging necklines are a rare sight.

Diehard skinny-dippers attract lots of attention and prudish authorities often close down the places where they swim.

But nudists from all walks of life and regions defy social norms to gather near a residential area in the town of Fangshan.

"People have been bathing naked here for 20 years -- we don't pay attention to them anymore," says an 84-year-old resident. Locals previously lodged complaints with authorities, but it remains a popular nudist spot.

Xiao Li says he comes to the pond to "relieve pressure" from a busy job in the chemicals industry.

"We don't bother anyone but we obviously have to respect the residents," he explains as he shampoos his hair.

Behind him tanned men in their 50s smoke and play cards around an old wooden table, making a cheerful racket, while young people jump from a platform into the 16-degree Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) water.

While women are welcome to take a dip with the men, they have not dared. Taboos surrounding female nudity are still very strong, the men explain.

'Perverted'

The rudimentary facilities include some plastic chairs, a rusty wire for a clothes line and two red brick shacks, with a sign reading "Bathing Forbidden" written in white chalk.

Under Chinese law, anyone caught "voluntarily exposing their body in a public place" can be placed under administrative detention for up to 10 days.

But "the police are flexible," says Zhang Zhigang, a lawyer specialising in subcultures.

He adds: "They intervene in busy public places. In isolated areas they usually ask nudists to leave."

Ha, 80, says he has been swimming naked for 30 years and comes to Fangshan every day.

"Nudism is a culture, the people are civilised. Will it grow? I'm not sure, the mentalities are still backward," he says.

China has many indoor spas or hot springs where same-sex nudity is allowed, but nudism is taboo.

"Most Chinese judge it to be perverted -- they consider it to be like sexual harassment or exhibitionism," says Fang Gang, a researcher and author of the 2012 book "The Nudists", the first book published in China on the subject.

Fang estimates that one out of every 10,000 Chinese practises nudism -- or 140,000 people at most. But it is "on the rise", he says.

Naked walks

The only nudist beach in China opened in 2000 on the tropical island of Hainan in the country's south, but was closed in 2014 after holidaymakers complained.

"Normal people don't bathe and sunbathe nude in public," the then head of the island province Luo Baoming said.

In 2009, authorities put a stop to an outdoor nudist bath near the eastern city of Hangzhou a day before it was due to open.

At the time an online poll by state-run newspaper Global Times showed 60 percent of internet users "accepted" nudism while 57 percent judged the opening of the Hangzhou site as being "completely normal".

"Nudism is more accepted than before," says Zheng, 49, who works in marketing and has been nude bathing in Fangshan for the past 10 years. "Even my wife understands me."

He proudly shows photos of himself sitting naked on a safety barrier next to a freeway or in his apartment, or wearing nothing more than a backpack.

"With other nudists we find on social networks we organise nude hikes around Beijing," he explains.

Researcher Fang says altering attitudes towards nudism will be difficult in the absence of a federation to represent Chinese nudists' interests.
"After the government's repeated non-compliance with the Peace Agreement (signed in November), the FARC is going to seek international monitoring," rebel leader Rodrigo Londono, AKA Timochenko, warned on Twitter.

Timochenko earlier said he was "considering" postponing demobilization.

It was not immediately clear what the FARC rebel leader meant about international oversight, which is already part of the UN-monitored peace process even after demobilization.

Earlier, President Juan Manuel Santos said the government said would stick to its calendar. "That is our commmitment and we will fulfill it," he said. The president has called the peace process "irreversible."

The peace deal aims to end Latin America's longest-running civil war which has dragged on more than five decades.

Several incidents have been mentioned by the FARC as serious, including FARC doctor Jose Vasquez being detained Sunday at a roadblock in San Jose del Guaviare.

The government and the FARC, formally known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the country's biggest rebel group, reached a deal after four years of negotiations in the Cuban capital.

Colombian voters rejected it by a narrow margin in a referendum in October.

Santos and FARC leaders then drafted a new version of the accord and the government pushed it through Congress despite resistance from critics.

The Colombian conflict erupted in 1964, when the FARC and the ELN took up arms for rural land rights.

It drew in various rebel and paramilitary forces and drug gangs as well as state forces.
Natalya Sharina, 59, was given a four-year suspended sentence for allegedly inciting ethnic hatred against Russians by stocking books by a banned Ukrainian nationalist writer, and for a separate embezzlement charge.

The lengthy case against Sharina -- who has been under house arrest since 2015 -- comes as relations between ex-Soviet neighbours Ukraine and Russia have collapsed over Moscow's 2014 seizure of the Crimea peninsula and backing for a pro-Kremlin rebellion.

After the verdict Sharina -- who has been declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty international -- described her ordeal as a "political trial".

"Not one of the books cited were in the reading hall or our stocks," she told journalists. "The verdict has no basis in reality."

"This highly politicised case runs totally counter to justice, and highlights serious flaws in the independence of Russia's judiciary," said Amnesty's deputy director for Europe and Central Asia, Denis Krivosheev.

"The prosecution has exploited the highly charged anti-Ukrainian atmosphere that is prevalent in Russia at the moment," Krivosheev said in a statement.

Sharina was detained in October 2015 after works by extreme Ukrainian nationalist writer Dmytro Korchynsky were allegedly found during a search of the library.
Lopez, 46, however stressed several times that he backed only "peaceful" demonstrations.

Prosecutors in Venezuela say 65 people have died since April 1, when near-daily pro- and anti-Maduro rallies turned more violent, with protesters and security forces targeted.

The opposition and anti-Maduro protesters are demanding early elections to force out the widely unpopular president, who has ruled over the country's sharply declining economy.

Lopez, looking fit and wearing a white t-shirt and a crucifix around his neck in the video, expressed his "admiration for the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans" who had gone into the streets "for democracy."

He added that "rebellion, resistance and the protests are legitimate" against a government that was "despotic," "tyrannical" and hapless in the face of the economic crisis.

The struggle evinced by the protests, he said, was "historic" and "cannot end until we have reached victory."

It was not clear when exactly the video was recorded. The version released on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X2a335pYHY&feature=youtu.be) on Sunday was timestamped "June 2017."

It was made public after Lopez, who was detained in 2014 and sentenced to 14 years behind bars on charges of inciting violence in anti-government protests, was visited in prison by Spanish former prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

Zapatero is leading an effort to build dialogue between the opposition and Maduro's government to de-escalate the situation.

Lopez and Zapatero held a "conversation with much respect," according to a message on the opposition leader's Twitter account, which is handled by his wife Lilian Tintori.
That ended speculation that Trump may try to block potentially explosive Comey testimony on Thursday.

Trump fired Comey early last month as the FBI was investigating possible collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia to tilt the election in the Republican's favor.

Comey is expected to be questioned about the circumstances of his firing and allegations that Trump has tried to stifle the agency's Russia investigation and divert attention to intelligence leaks that have hurt his administration.

His hotly awaited appearance on Capitol Hill comes as probes by the Justice Department and several congressional committees have focused on Trump's inner circle, with investigators said to be examining contacts between top White House adviser and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner.

"The president's power to assert executive privilege is well-established," the White House said in a statement, adding that Comey's testimony would "facilitate a swift and thorough examination of the facts."

The White House had floated the idea that Trump could invoke executive privilege, to protect the confidentiality of presidential discussions.
He took his oath of office at the president's palace in Valletta before proceeding on foot amid throngs of cheering supporters to the Auberge de Castille, which houses the prime minister's offices.

Official results show that Labour won more than 55 percent of the votes, beating the Nationalist Party by over 35,000 votes, a result similar to that achieved four years ago.

The Nationalist Party won 43.7 percent, the greens took 0.83 percent, while the rest went to independent candidates.

Muscat's party is expected to have a nine-seat majority in the 69-seat parliament.

"My priority is to unite the country. We have huge potential but we need to erase the divisiveness this campaign has brought about. There are people with potential on either side," Muscat told journalists after the ceremony.

"Irrespective of the electoral result -- which was the biggest ever -- this will not lead to us treating people like flies. It places an even greater responsibility on our shoulders," he said.

A judicial inquiry is underway to determine whether an offshore company disclosed in the Panama Papers leak actually belongs to his wife, Michelle. They have both denied the claims.
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.
I am using Slackware 13.1 which includes AsciiDoc 8.5.2 in the linuxdoc-tools package. See Dependencies below.

I want to build a simple website that I can host via my email provider who doesnt support features like CGI, PHP or databases. I have some experience with DocBook and with AsciiDoc which allows you to write plain text documents with a simple markup that can be rendered in various formats, one of which is XHTML. This article attempts to document the process I went through to create a basic website using AsciiDoc.

For a single-purpose website, the standard AsciiDoc output would be quite adequate.

I dont want to mix my source files ( *.txt ) with my output files ( *.html ) so I use --out-file site/ to place the generated HTML in the site/ sub-directory which also contains the style/ sub-directory for CSS, the images/ sub-directory for images, and any other non-generated linked resources.

The badges and icons attributes enable the icons in the footer.

The linkcss attribute means the HTML is created with <link> elements to the xhtml11.css and xhtml11-quirks.css files, rather than embedding the CSS in the HTML. This allows me to customise the CSS by copying the default stylesheets from /etc/asciidoc/stylesheets/ . The stylesdir attribute means the CSS links will be created in the style/ sub-directory. I use the stylesheet attribute to add a custom stylesheet, instead of adding everything to my copy of xhtml11.css .

Using the standard xhtml11.conf , the AsciiDoc command I used was:

As a first attempt, I created the site using vanilla AsciiDoc, only using a custom stylesheet to modify the appearance. I browsed /etc/asciidoc/xhtml11.conf to see how AsciiDoc was producing the XHTML, in particular the [header] template which is where the CSS and JavaScript <link> elements are created.

I invoke as build.sh pages/* to rebuild the entire site (the script will only process *.txt files and will descend into directories) or build.sh pages/file.txt to just update one file. While the inputs can be separated into directories, the output is flattened so that all generated HTML just goes in the site/ directory.

Because I have customised the header and footer, I dont need the badges , icons or disable-javascript attributes anymore.

To further separate input, output and configuration stuff, I structured the project directory as follows:

which says: if the file being processed ( {infile} ) ends with index.txt then set the class to "currentpage" else to "otherpage" . If do this with every link in the banner, changing the regex as appropriate. I can them put some CSS in my custom.css stylesheet to indicate when I am on the current page.

In the banner, I want to set the class of a link if I am on the page being linked. To do this I used the regex conditional attribute:

Mostly I just cut out stuff I didnt need (relating to JavaScript, manpage output, etc). Instead of embedding my header navigation links in the [header] template, I put them in a separate _banner.html HTML fragment which I include in the header using the include::_banner.html[] macro.

I wanted a number of enhancements to the pages, such as a standard banner with links to the site home page, and a custom footer. I created a xhtml11.conf file in the conf/ directory and added [header] and [footer] sections, originally copied from the default templates in /etc/asciidoc/xhtml11.conf .

I have a vague intention to periodically write some articles. I want to produce an RSS feed to publish these articles as written. Rather than manually editing the RSS resource, I have automated the process using AsciiDoc, XSLT and, of course, Bash.

Article info from AsciiDoc source

I am using RSS 2.0 so for each article, I need to produce an <item> entry in the form:

<item> <title> ... </title> <link> ... </link> <guid> ... </guid> <pubDate> ... </pubDate> <description> ... </description> </item>

I can obtain some of this information from the articles AsciiDoc source: the <link> and <guid> values depend on the article file name so need to be obtained elsewhere. To get the <description> value, I mark an early paragraph (probably the first) as the "summary" by setting the paragraphs block id. If there is no "summary" paragraph, there will be no <description> element.

Summary paragraph [[summary]] Summary paragraph text goes here. ...

RSS 2.0 expects the <pubDate> format to be RFC 822 compliant. I have been using the AsciiDoc revdate document attribute to show the article date in the HTML: I use the format dd-MMM-yyyy which isnt RFC 822 compatible. The revdate attribute is the standard date value used by AsciiDoc. DocBook also supports the <pubdate> attribute: to set non-standard AsciiDoc document attributes, you have to use explicit "Attribute Entries" so the heading section of the AsciiDoc article becomes:

Article header with explicit attributes Article Title ============= :author: Geoff Lewis :revdate: 20-Dec-2010 :pubdate: Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +1100

So now I have the publication date in RFC 822 format as part of the article. This pubdate document attribute isnt used by the AsciiDoc XHTML backend so it is not going to upset my HTML output.

Making the articles RSS <item>

With the "summary"-annotated paragraph and pubdate document attribute, I now have enough information in the article to build its RSS <item> . I dont want to parse the AsciiDoc source myself. Instead I convert the AsciiDoc to DocBook XML which I feed to an XSL transformer equipped with a stylesheet to form the <item> element.

Firstly, note the default AsciiDoc DocBook backend does not handle our pubdate attribute so I need to use a custom docbook.conf where I override the [docinfo] template. I copy the default [docinfo] template from /etc/asciidoc/docbook.conf to my own conf/docbook.conf and append the following:

{pubdate#}<pubdate>{pubdate}</pubdate>

which says that if the pubdate attribute is set in the source article, then add a <pubdate> element to the documents <articleinfo> .

So the command to generate my DocBook output of the source file "article.txt" on stdout is:

asciidoc -f conf/docbook . conf --backend = docbook -o - article . txt

I then pipe this DocBook XML to xsltproc which is equipped with the following stylesheet:

docbook2rss-item.xsl <xsl:stylesheet xmlns:xsl = "http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform" version = "1.0" > <!-- Create XML but don't output the <?xml ...?> declaration. --> <xsl:output method = "xml" omit-xml-declaration = "yes" indent = "yes" /> <!-- We need to pass in the values to make the <link>/<guid> elements. --> <xsl:param name = "url" > http://gslsrc.net/ </xsl:param> <xsl:param name = "file" > unknown.txt </xsl:param> <!-- We are only interested in the <articleinfo> element. --> <xsl:template match = "article" > <xsl:apply-templates select = "articleinfo" /> </xsl:template> <xsl:template match = "articleinfo" > <item> <title><xsl:value-of select = "title" /></title> <link><xsl:value-of select = "$url" /><xsl:value-of select = "$file" /></link> <guid><xsl:value-of select = "$url" /><xsl:value-of select = "$file" /></guid> <pubDate><xsl:value-of select = "pubdate" /></pubDate> <xsl:apply-templates select = "/article/simpara[@id='summary']" /> </item> </xsl:template> <!-- If there is no "summary" paragraph, there won't be a <description>. --> <xsl:template match = "simpara[@id='summary']" > <description> <xsl:apply-templates/> </description> </xsl:template> </xsl:stylesheet>

And the command to process the DocBook XML is:

xsltproc --stringparam url http : //gslsrc . net / --stringparam file article . html \ conf/docbook2rss-item . xsl -

The url and file parameters are passed to the stylesheet so that it can form the <link> and <guid> elements.

Generating index_rss.xml

All that remains is to put it all together in a Bash script that wraps the <item> elements in the rest of the <rss> XML. I only want my feed to include my 10 most recent articles (if I ever write that many). My article naming scheme uses the prefix lXXX_ where XXX is a zero-padded number. (I could conceivably write 100 articles, given the time: I doubt I shall ever write more than 999.) To find the articles to process, I use:

INPUTS = `find pages/articles --regextype posix-egrep \ -iregex "pages/articles/l[0-9]{3}.* \. txt" \ | sort -nr \ | head -n 10 `

The sort -nr will sort the file names numerically in descending order. The head -n 10 truncates the list to 10 items.

I have a Bash script to create site/index_rss.xml (a bit too long to include here) using the AsciiDoc and XSLT steps described above. The remaining step is to attach the RSS feed to the index page using an HTML <link type="application/rss+xml"> . As it belongs in the <head> section, the <link> has to be included from the [header] template in conf/xhtml11.conf . As I only want to include it on the index page, I use:

{infile$.*index.txt:<link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="RSS" href="index_rss.xml">}
With counting almost completed after Saturday's early vote, Muscat, 43, was on track to claim nearly 55 percent of the votes on 92-percent turnout. That will give him a majority of up to nine seats in the island nation's 71-seat parliament.

Muscat, who is to be sworn in as premier on Monday, said the vote confirmed the trust voters had first placed in him in 2013 "despite one of the most negative electoral campaigns in the country's history.

"Those who thought the people would choose negativity do not know the people of Malta and Gozo," he said.

"The people choose positivity, optimism, energy, good will, unity and equality," he said, urging the country to unite after the divisive campaign.

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.

Gay vote

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 thriving 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, he 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.

Increased scrutiny

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.
The terror group owned the attacks via its Amaq news service, saying "a detachment of Islamic State fighters" carried out the strikes.

A van on the night of Saturday, June 3, plowed into pedestrians on the Bridge, while two other attackers used knife as a killing tool.

All three were shot dead by British counter-terrorism officers.

Over 40 people were wounded in the attacks.

IS is claiming responsibility more than 24 hours after the attack, the time frame which is said to be longer than normal.

The group typically claims responsibility for attacks in 12 to 15 hours, just like in the case of the May 22 Manchester bombing.

According to New York times, analysts said the terror group considers anyone whose actions were inspired by ISIS 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.
"Right now it is possible to visit the NATO base in Konya (in central Turkey), not Incirlik," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a news conference with his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel in Ankara.

Germany has 250 military personnel stationed at Incirlik flying Tornado surveillance missions over Syria and refuelling flights for partner nations battling IS jihadists.

In light of Turkey's decision, Gabriel said that Germany would soon start the process of finding another location for its troops.

Berlin had previously indicated that it would move the personnel elsewhere in the region, most likely Jordan.

Gabriel said that he regretted Turkey's decision, adding that Ankara must understand "for domestic political reasons we will then need to transfer our soldiers."

But he added there was not yet any decision or a concrete plan for the relocation of the German troops from Incirlik.

Speaking later to journalists at the German embassy, Gabriel said Germany could not station its soldiers at a base where deputies were not able to visit them.

"Therefore, I think we will begin this week or next week the process of finding another base," he said. "I believe that we cannot solve the problem with Turkey now."

Turkey justified preventing the German parliamentary group from visiting the base by accusing Berlin of having offered political asylum to Turkish nationals who took part in the July 2016 attempted coup.

- 'Conditions not ripe'-

Cavusoglu said Monday that Turkey had no problem with Germany, which is a major trade partner, adding: "If Germany takes one step forward toward us, we will always take two steps further."

But he said that some facts could not be ignored, claiming that more than 400 Turkish diplomatic or official passport holders had sought asylum in Germany.

"We would not like to see members of FETO take shelter in friendly country Germany," he said, referring to a movement led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, blamed by Ankara for orchestrating the failed coup.

Gabriel said asylum cases were handled by an independent German authority, and "in the end it is courts which decide, and not the government."

Cavusoglu hinted that visits to Incirlik could be possible in the future if unspecified joint steps were taken, but that "Conditions are not ripe right now to visit Incirlik," he said.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim cancelled a planned meeting with Gabriel because of scheduling reasons, an official from the Turkish premier's office said.

"The meeting could not take place time-wise," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

But Gabriel met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace.

Relations between Turkey and Germany have been tense since last July's failed coup but deteriorated over a referendum campaign this year to expand Erdogan's powers.

Ties were strained further after Turkish authorities imprisoned a German-Turkish journalist with Die Welt, Deniz Yucel, on terror charges.

Cavusoglu said that the accusations against Yucel were "not about journalism but terror," and that the "independent judiciary" was leading the investigation in the Yucel case.

Amid worsening relations, Erdogan has repeatedly accused German Chancellor Angela Merkel of "hiding terrorists" in Germany and claimed that Berlin was not responding to 4,500 dossiers sent by Ankara on terror suspects.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the United States has spent recent weeks trying to reassure allies it can maintain a tough line against China's "militarisation" of the South China Sea while at the same time seeking help from Beijing.

President Donald Trump -- who frequently denounced China on the campaign trail -- has turned to Beijing to help rein in ally North Korea's weapons programme, prompting concern among Asian allies that America might go easy on the South China Sea territorial dispute.

"We desire productive relationships," Tillerson said after annual discussions with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop in Sydney.

"But we cannot allow China to use its economic power to buy its way out of other problems, whether it's militarising islands in the South China Sea or failing to put appropriate pressure on North Korea."

He said China and other regional partners should "step up" efforts to help solve the North Korea situation, because it presents a threat to the "entire world."

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea despite partial counter-claims from Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

It has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.

Tillerson reiterated US and Australian commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea to "ensure unimpeded flow of lawful commerce in a rules-based order".

But reporters asked Tillerson if America was applying a double standard in telling countries to adhere to the international order while simultaneously pulling out of a trans-Pacific trade deal and the Paris climate accords -- moves that prompted even longstanding allies to question whether America was retreating into isolationism.

"That's why we're here, that's why we travel to the region, thats why we engage with our counterparts," Tillerson said, standing alongside Pentagon chief Jim Mattis, Bishop and Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne.

We "travel to the region to meet with our counterparts and talk about all the issues that are important to them and hear from them concerns about where the (Trump) administration is positioned".

Responding to Tillerson's comments, China's foreign ministry urged "relevant countries" to support efforts by regional nations "to maintain peace and stability of the South China Sea, and play a constructive role in this regard rather than the opposite".

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying, speaking at a regular Beijing briefing, also cited China's "enormous efforts" to reach a peaceful settlement of the North Korea nuclear issue.

'Remain united'

Addressing the situation in the Gulf, Tillerson called on countries there to stay united and work out their differences.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he said.

"If there's any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."

Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour Qatar to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism", the official Saudi Press Agency said.

Tillerson and Mattis both said they did not anticipate any impact on efforts by a US-led coalition to battle the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

The coalition currently conducts much of its operational planning and coordination from Al-Udeid air base in Qatar.

"I am confident there will be no implications coming out of this diplomatic situation at all, and I say that based on the commitment that each of these nations... have made to this fight," Mattis said.
Gas-rich Doha, which has long exercised an independent streak in its foreign policy, last month denied comments which appeared on its official news agency questioning US hostility towards Iran.

Qatar blamed hackers for a string of explosive remarks attributed to its Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani after Trump visited Saudi Arabia, its giant neighbour.

The reputed remarks were a slap in the face to Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, Sunni monarchies which have embraced Trump and his harder line against Shiite-dominated Iran.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Yemen, Bahrain and Egypt all severed diplomatic ties with Doha. Some also announced a cut in transport links.

"This certainly represents an unprecedented uptick in tensions within the GCC," the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, said Adam Baron, visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

"Qatar has long had an independent streak that's led to resentment from its neighbours," notably Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, and particularly over Qatar's ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, Baron said.

The Islamist group was founded in Egypt about 90 years ago and has spread throughout the region.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE all declared it a "terrorist group" after a Brotherhood government, led by Mohamed Morsi, won democratic elections in Egypt before being overthrown by the military in 2013.

Qatar backed Morsi, in a dispute that led Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to withdraw their ambassadors from Doha for several months in 2014.

Doha nonetheless has continued to shelter many leaders of Morsi's Brotherhood.

Jane Kinninmont, a senior research fellow at London's Chatham House, said the renewed tensions were not clearly linked to "something new that Qatar has done".

But with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi boosting ties with the Trump administration, the action against Qatar seems like "an attempt to seize an opportunity", Kinninmont said.

'Saudi bandwagon'

In a speech in Riyadh last month, Trump urged Muslim leaders from the Gulf and further afield to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists", as Sunni jihadists carry out attacks in many countries.

But he also named Iran for allegedly fuelling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror", echoing views long articulated by Saudi Arabia.

James Dorsey, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, pointed Monday to "a Saudi and UAE-driven campaign to isolate Qatar and by extension Iran".

The campaign aims to force non-Arab states to take sides and "persuade the Trump administration to come down hard on Qatar because of its refusal to join the anti-Iranian Saudi bandwagon and its ties to Islamist and militant groups," Dorsey wrote in a briefing paper.

Qatar is also home to the former leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, who has lived in exile for several years in Doha.

In his Riyadh speech against extremism, Trump singled out Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, the Islamic State group, Al-Qaeda, and Lebanon's Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

Qatar has been criticised for supporting Islamist rebels in Syria, and in 2013, the Afghan Taliban opened a Doha office.

After Trump's call for a clampdown on Islamic extremism, Riyadh's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan feel empowered "to take ever more radical steps to contain those forces", said Andreas Krieg of the Defence Studies Department at King's College London.
MOLINE  Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is planning two events in the Quad-Cities on Wednesday, June 7.

From 12:30 to 2 p.m., she will speak at a business forum sponsored by the Quad Cities Chamber at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus, 3300 River Drive, Moline. The cost is $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers.

Ms. Mendoza will provide an overview of the states financial status, highlight the cyclical impact of the budget impasse on taxpayers, and promote the need for a more transparent form of financial accountability.

Also, the Rock Island County Democratic Party will host Ms. Mendoza at a reception scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. at the Barrel House, 1321 5th Ave., Moline.

Tickets are $20 and will go toward her re-election campaign. Drinks will be available for purchase. For reservations, contact Abby Erwin at 312-600-9496 or abby@kjdstrategies.com.
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The first locomotive from the initial batch of five units was officially handed over by the manufacturer at the railway museum in Budapest on May 31, coinciding with the annual Siemens locomotive customer conference.

The certification process began on May 18 using the first two multi-system locomotives, which are expected to enter service later this month.

The initial batch comprises three multi-system (25kV 50Hz ac/15kV 16.7Hz ac/3kV dc) Vectron MS locomotives and two dual-voltage (25kV 50 Hz/15kV 16.7Hz ac) units with last-mile diesel engines. All five locomotives will be equipped with ETCS Level 2.

The option comprises four more dual-voltage locomotives with last-mile engines, and takes the total value of the order to 35m.

All nine locomotives will be delivered by the end of the year.
GE rolls our first IR EVO locomotive Written by Keith









GE Transportation unveiled the first of 1,000 broad-gauge (1,676mm-gauge) Evolution Series locomotives for Indian Railways (IR) at the companys plant in Erie, Pa., on June 1.

IR awarded GE was awarded a $US2.5 billion contract in November 2015 to supply 700 4,500-hp (3.36MW) and 300 6,000-hp (4.47MW) six-axle locomotives over an 11-year period through a joint venture. The first 100 locomotives will be built at Erie and shipped either fully assembled or as kits, while the remaining 900 units will be constructed at a new joint venture production facility at Marhoura in the Indian state of Bihar. The 91.5-hectare facility is due to be commissioned later this year.

In addition to production, the joint venture will be responsible for maintaining the fleet for a period of 13 years from the start of production.
ZTR Control Systems has introduced a new locomotive display, and has launched a joint venture with a South African railway supplier.

ZTR describes its new NEXSYS Integrated Locomotive Display (ILD) as a state-of-the-art NEXSYSIII-i control system designed to replace aging or archaic control systems while at the same time increase locomotive adhesion, and integrate with AESS (auto engine start-stop) technology.

For those looking for a new control system, or current ZTR NEXSYSIII-i customers looking for a more streamlined cab display, ZTR now has the NEXSYS ILD, the company said in announcing the new technology. This will replace aging gauges that may have needed calibrating in the past and avoid the need for a myriad of control box displays, freeing up space and clearing the view in the cab for the operator.

ZTR says the NEXSYS ILD can integrate with other systems to show additional information beyond the diagnostics in a standard HMI (human-machine interface) screen. It shows the required information defined under Association of American Railroads Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices S-591 LSI (Locomotive System Integration Operating Display) specification, and interfaces with the NEXSYS system to reduce the need for redundant sensors.

The NEXSYS ILD has numerous digital indicators graphical displays and alerts to increase safety, reliability and operational efficiency. These include:

 Advanced alerter function.

 Digital gauges and speedometer.

 Graphical alarms.

 Digital status icons for various features.

 Communication with the HOTD (head of train device).

 Advanced diagnostics.

 Digital overspeed warnings.

 Train length counter.

 Optional integration with electronic air brake systems.

The ZTR engineering team works closely with our customers and continue to make improvements to existing products and to customize solutions, says Amarjit Soora, Manager of Engineering, ZTR Control Systems. Our clients told us they wanted a cab driver display meeting the requirements of the AAR LSI specification, but they also wanted the opportunity for further integration in the future.

ZTR will be demonstrating NEXSYS with HMI and ILD screens at Railway Interchange in Indianapolis, September 17-20. E-mail [email protected] or call +1-952-233-4340 to set up a personal demonstration at Railway Interchange or for more information.

South African Joint Venture

Concurrent with launching NEXSYS ILD, ZTR has entered into a joint venture with Surtees Rail Group, South Africa. Surtees is a long-time supplier of locomotive control systems, railcar components, and rolling stock maintenance equipment.

Surtees will offer several ZTR systems to the South African rail market: SmartStart AESS, the proven and trusted choice in AESS solutions around the globe; NEXSYSIII-i control system; ZTR BOA excitation and locomotive wheelslip protection system. With SmartStart, NEXSYS and BOA, ZTR and Surtees offer a suite of products and services that can extend the life of a locomotive 15-20 years, ZTR said.

We believe that ZTR Control Systems provides an exceptional fit to our offerings for rail operators in the region, said Surtees Director Tony Wood. The companys unique products will upgrade our own fleet and, through our trained and qualified technicians, Surtees will extend this service to locomotive fleets throughout South Africa and beyond. This comes at a time when cost effective solutions for improved locomotive controls, like increased tractive effort and fuel consumption improvements, are critical in driving costs down.

At ZTR, its important for us to understand our customers, said Vice President and General Manager Control Systems Matthew Scott. As a local vendor, Surtees brings an incredible breadth of knowledge and expertise as our local representation in the South African railway market. ZTR is confident this partnership will provide hands-on, proven and cost-effective solutions to South African customers with all levels and phases of a railway project.
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Despite substantial policy and military focus, U.S. attempts to stop the Islamic State group have met with only varying degrees of success. The Obama administration's strategies lacked cohesion and consistent objectives, creating uncertainty among coalition partners and the general public as to how the U.S. actually planned to counter the extremist group. Now, this disjointed approach continues into President Donald Trump's administration, which has directed Secretary of Defense James Mattis to compose a plan to defeat the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria ( PDF ).

In 2016, a team of researchers at the RAND Corporation undertook an internally-funded effort to consider what a comprehensive strategy to beat the Islamic State group should entail. We quickly realized that no legitimate strategy can ignore the underlying causes that contributed to the group's rise, such as economic, security, humanitarian and regional factors. Further, it is unrealistic to assume that the group's true defeat of can be achieved through military operations alone. Previous attempts at achieving quick wins in Iraq and Syria may have enabled slight incremental progress, but meaningful peace requires a more consistent approach.

We also determined that near-term actions to defeat the Islamic State group must be measured against some medium-term progress markers to indicate whether U.S. or coalition efforts are achieving their ultimate goals. Tying present efforts to nebulous, broad-brush end-states decades into the future without interim indices would prevent the U.S. from knowing where to adjust or further invest.

With this in mind, our analysis found three possible strategies for defeating the Islamic State group: continuous counterterror, practical stability and legitimated stability. The third, in our opinion, is our best chance to succeed.

Continuous counterterror, or mowing the grass, is largely the same as what the U.S. government has been doing thus far. This strategy means accepting that some level of terrorism will persist in the Middle East, and to counter it would require building and maintaining a network of fluctuating regional alliances to obtain basing and access rights. This option also relies heavily on intelligence and high-value targeting, and recognizes the indefinite presence that terror groups will have in Iraq and Syria. Under continuous counterterror, these groups would eventually be suppressed to the point of greatly reducing the threat of attacks on U.S. interests, but it would require some level of continuous and largely reactive U.S. and international partner engagement in the region. So far, this approach hasn't succeeded in containing terrorism.

Under the practical stability approach, the U.S. would seek to defeat the Islamic State group by stabilizing Iraq and Syria using the most expedient means available, but this could be counterproductive. Practical stability is predicated on the idea that terrorism is a constant fixture and must be countered, prevented and reduced by reestablishing strong, centralized nation-states. Such an approach would re-institute autocratic rule in Iraq and other Middle Eastern states, and exacerbate the causes that led to the rise of the Islamic State group in the first place.

Legitimated stability, meanwhile, acknowledges that stability is most consistent when it emerges naturally. Therefore, the best way to reduce and eventually end insurgency and terrorism is to establish capable governance that can earn popular satisfaction. Indirect methods, such as democratization, economic aid and regional coalition-building are the centerpiece tools used to defeat insurgent and terrorist groups under this approach. Military force would only be used to support diplomatic and economic efforts. This strategy seeks to establish legitimate governments in Iraq and Syria, each capable of addressing Sunni disenfranchisement while protecting the rights of all other groups. However, it would require a patient, long-term U.S. investment in governance in Iraq and Syria, including a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of instability in the Middle East.

Rather than pursuing a cost-prohibitive, all-in approach to nation building, the U.S. needs to enact a patient but persistent strategy that promotes legitimate governance structures to defeat the Islamic State group. Doing so will require a long-term investment, but past approaches focused on the pursuit of quick wins has not brought meaningful progress. Unraveling a protracted conflict necessitates a prolonged commitment; without one, regional stability and U.S. national security will remain threatened.

Natasha Lander is a senior policy analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. Kimberly Jackson is a senior policy analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation.

This commentary originally appeared on U.S. News & World Report on June 1, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Quebec. Jerusalem. Nice. Berlin. Columbus. Stockholm. And now London, where, for a second time this year, a vehicle has plowed into a crowd.

This weekend's attack, which began when three men in a van mowed down pedestrians crossing London Bridge and culminated with a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market, has resulted in seven fatalities, not including the perpetrators who were all shot and killed by police, and 48 injuries. As this most recent attack reminds us, rammings have become mainstreamand the trend is worrisome.

After authorities made it much more difficult to hijack planes and obtain weapons of mass destruction following 9/11depriving terrorists of the means to launch spectacular attacksextremists shifted to simple, easy-to-execute acts of violence like mass shootings and automobile rammings. The unsophisticated and omnipresent threat posed by vehicular terrorism is now forcing those entrusted with security to rethink their paradigms.

Foolproof solutions to instances of low-tech terrorism remain elusive for a variety reasons.

Following the attack in Nice that killed 86 people in July 2016, the Islamic State published a guide for would-be attackers, noting that vehicles are extremely easy to acquire and unlikely to arouse the suspicions of citizens or authorities. The group wasn't the first to suggest such an approach. Al-Qaeda championed ramming as an effective method of terrorism years before ISIS came along. In a 2010 article titled The Ultimate Mowing Machine in Inspire magazine, a propaganda publication of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the author gave guidance to terrorists on how to choose targets, outlining which vehicles would likely result in the highest casualties. For such attacks, the barrier to entry is remarkably low; the main skill required is the ability to drive. Indeed, as a recent Transportation Security Administration report warns: No community, large or small, rural or urban, is immune to attacks of this kind.

Foolproof solutions to such instances of low-tech terrorism remain elusive for a variety reasons, ranging from political reluctance to clamping down on civil rights and liberties, to the cost-prohibitive nature of securing major public spaces. In particular, pedestrians, especially those congregated in large crowds for special events, are incredibly vulnerable to attack.

Whether a ramming succeeds or fails in killing scores of innocent people comes down to four critical elements. This four-point framework is key to understanding vehicular terrorism and safeguarding against it.

Density

How tightly packed are potential victims? Think open-air markets, parades, concerts, or protest marches. The more people there are in close proximity to each other, the more enticing the target for terrorists.

Confinement

How hemmed in are potential victims? It's not enough to strike a large, jam-packed group. Violent extremists also want groups that are trapped, with nowhere to escape once an attack commences.

Access

How approachable is the target population? Crowds inside a stadium are dense and confined, but likely protected from being run over by a truck. Terrorists require unobstructed vehicle ingressiona direct path to the people.

Mass

How big is the vehicle? If there is one lesson we can learn from recent attacks, it's that the larger and heavier the means of ramming, the greater the fatality toll. Put simply: Trucks and buses are deadlier than vans and cars.

Domestic audiences in Western nations understand that even spending billions on counterterrorism can never guarantee the prevention of each and every attack. So what options are available to authorities determined to protect citizens from vehicular attacks?

For governments, complete protection is neither possible nor feasible, but proactive efforts can mitigate threats. Some conventional steps have proven effective. For instance, beat cop-style patrols by local law enforcement and a visible public safety presence in open spaces can deter would-be attackers from going after certain targets. For planned events in specific locations, counter-surveillance is also useful. Maintaining detailed records (especially photos) of suspicious activities that can be shared by authoritiesand, when appropriate, disseminated to the publiccan be instrumental to identifying and locating persons of interest to law enforcement.

Nothing will be more useful than denying vehicular terrorists access to high-impact locations.

But nothing will be more useful than applying the four-point model and denying access to high-impact locations. Defending the public begins with a simple question: What will it take to prevent a truck or bus from reaching a cramped and constricted gathering? The answer will require authorities to identify all access routes and to place formidable obstacles in those paths (for example, erecting concrete or steel jersey barriers and stanchions as well as employing oversize vehicles like buses and sanitation trucks as blockades).

Of course, one of the most significant lessons of the post-9/11 era is that public safety must involve the public. See something, say something is more than a catchy slogan. It's a life-saving best practice. Ensuring that the population at large knows what to look for and who to call if suspicious activities are spotted remains a critical step in the right direction.

Finally, there is one simple thing everyone can do to help foil vehicular terrorism: Secure their vehicles. Perpetrators of political violence understand that the bigger the means of transportation, the greater the damage. Yet, most terrorists do not have access to lorries and buses, which is why several of the deadliest incidents, like the attacks in Jerusalem and Stockholm, have involved stolen commercial vehicles. It might sound trite, but never leaving keys in unattended trucks is a common sense measure that can go a long way in safeguarding the masses. Terrorismespecially jihadist terrorismis often an opportunity crime.

Getting authorities, businesses, and the general public to recognize the growing danger of vehicular terrorism is an important step toward reducing its impact. And the first step begins with awareness. After all, a vigilant society is a safer society.

Colin P. Clarke is a political scientist at the RAND Corporation and an associate fellow at the International Center for Counter Terrorism. He is the author of Terrorism, Inc.: The Financing of Terrorism, Insurgency, and Irregular Warfare. Louis Klarevas is associate lecturer in Global Affairs at the University of MassachusettsBoston and the author of Rampage Nation: Securing America from Mass Shootings.

This commentary originally appeared on TheAtlantic.com on June 4, 2017.

Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
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The Rev. Stephen C. Rowan will serve as the interim president of Carroll College, starting Aug. 1, according to a statement released on Monday.

Rowan will take over for departing president Tom Evans, who will leave Carroll College on July 31 and move to San Antonio, Texas. Carroll College announced he accepted a position as president of the University of the Incarnate Word, the largest Catholic college in Texas.

Rowan served as the interim president for Carroll College in 2000 and 2001. He was recently an adjunct professor at Carroll in 2015.

Rowan received his bachelors degree from Fairfield University and his masters and doctoral degrees from The University of British Columbia. He also holds a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from St. Marys Seminary and University and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Seattle in 1970. Rowan was a professor and dean at Seattle University and University of Portland, and most recently as interim Dean of Arts and Sciences at Saint Martins University in Lacey, Washington.

The Board is most grateful to Father Rowan for his willingness to serve Carroll College in this capacity, Dannette Sullivan, Chair of Carrolls Board of Trustees, said in a statement. He is just the right person to continue the wonderful work started by Dr. Evans during this time of transition. He knows and loves the college and has a proven track record of successful leadership.

Rowan will serve as interim president until someone is hired to replace Evans.
As the Modi government enters the fourth year of its tenure, it is looking more confident, shedding its earlier inhibitions about offering sops or new opportunities to big business, says A K Bhattacharya.

Has the Narendra Modi government finally shrugged off its shyness and hesitation in rolling out policies and incentives that benefit big business?

It seems so, if one takes a quick look at some recent decisions taken by Modi and his Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who at present is also in charge of the defence ministry.

Indeed, the government has now shed its political reluctance of the past couple of years that had made it extremely touchy about being seen as friendly towards top corporate houses or India Inc in general.

This did not imply that the political leadership of the Modi government had no relationship with big business. What it did suggest was a clear desire on its part not to project that relationship or talk about such ties, let alone promote it openly.

Ironically, that shyness was not too obvious in the early months of the Modi government that was formed in May 2014.

There was plenty of zeal for such business-friendly reforms when it had amended the land acquisition and rehabilitation law by issuing an ordinance in the hope that it would be able to secure approval of those changes by Parliament.

But all that evaporated once political opposition to that ordinance became intense and the Modi government dropped the idea of amending the land law.

That ordinance was eventually allowed to lapse. An expensive suit that Modi wore when Barack Obama attended the Republic Day parade in New Delhi also contributed to the governments image problem.

The proverbial nail in the coffin was driven by Rahul Gandhi of the Congress, who accused the Modi government to be a suit-boot ki sarkar, which roughly meant a government of the rich and for the rich.

This may not be the only reason, but since then the Modi governments conscious attempt has been to be seen as being more focused on the rural poor, farmers and the underprivileged.

Even demonetisation in November 2016 was projected as an attack on the rich, who had amassed black money. The focus of the Budget, too, shifted more to rural India and rural infrastructure.

If in the first Budget, a promise of cutting the corporation tax rates for companies after phasing out the exemptions was made, what actually was delivered a year or so later was something different. Some exemptions were phased out, but the corporation tax rates were cut only for smaller companies, excluding the large business houses.

But things have changed in the last few weeks. The government issued an ordinance to empower itself as well as the Reserve Bank of India to take quick and decisive action against resolving stressed assets of banks.

Resolution of stressed assets would also mean some banks, most of them state-owned, taking a hit on their loan books and some companies accepting a haircut by way of loss of their share in the stressed companies.

While this will undoubtedly address the twin balance sheet problem of the Indian economy and help revive lending as well as investments to eventually give a boost to economic growth, there is a good chance of its being seen as a bailout for India Inc.

It has taken three years for the Modi government to take such decisive steps to resolve stressed assets of banks and the past hesitation in taking such steps was directly attributable to its political discomfort in taking measures that might lend credence to the Opposition charge of it being a pro-business government.

That it amended the RBI Act and is now pushing for stressed asset resolution through a new route also shows a more politically confident government, perhaps after recent victories in Assembly elections.

Two more decisions were taken last week that confirm the change in government focus. Private sector companies have now been allowed to enter into strategic partnership with foreign companies to jointly produce defence items in four key sectors.

The details of the nature of the strategic partnership are yet to be made public, but the step would mean a big boost to the entry of large Indian companies in the defence sector, which was dominated by either imports or public sector companies.

Another decision pertains to reserving all government procurement orders between a value of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 50 lakh for local companies with a 50 per cent value addition criterion. This would provide a new business opportunity of over Rs 2 lakh crore every year for Indian big business.

It would not be an exaggeration to conclude that as the Modi government enters the fourth year of its tenure, it is looking more confident, shedding its earlier inhibitions about offering sops or new opportunities to big business. It is also a reflection of an emaciated Opposition that hardly poses any challenge to the government.

Photograph: Shailesh Andrade/Reuters
Top 10 vehicles, value-wise, is dominated by the two players in the market, Maruti Suzuki & Hyundai

The Indian car market has approximately 100 models, manufactured by about 15 companies. But only one-tenth of these have sales worth Rs 6,500 crore ($1 billion) or more as they clock large volumes and have been more successful.

The list of top 10 vehicles, value-wise, is dominated by the top two players in the market - Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. However, Toyota, the third player on this list, scores and stands ahead of the two companies with its Innova Crysta.

The vehicle with the highest domestic sales in terms of value is the Crysta, the new Innova model launched a year ago by Toyota. The multipurpose vehicle is estimated to be worth more than Rs 14,200 crore last year to the Japanese automobile maker, a back-of-the-envelope calculation shows.

The Crysta value of over Rs 14,000 crore is the largest single model contribution for any manufacturer in India, based on a back-of-the-envelope calculation, said N Raja, director and senior vice-president (sales & marketing), Toyota. The new Crysta is Rs 2 lakh more expensive, on average, than the earlier model of the Innova. The Crysta is still on a waiting period of over a month after a year of the launch.

Maruti Suzukis Dzire is not far behind. The countrys most-sold sedan is estimated to be worth Rs 14,000 crore, the highest in the portfolio of the company. Last year, Maruti sold close to 200,000 units of the Dzire, including the Tour variant, which is sold for taxis.

With the launch of the new Dzire early this month, overall Dzire sales are estimated to inch up and make it an even bigger revenue generator for the firm.

The third-largest value-generating car in India, the Creta, comes from the second-largest player, Hyundai. Launched in the middle of the 2015 calendar year, this SUV is estimated to be worth over Rs 13,500 crore.

The Creta is definitely the largest contributor to our business in value terms. Even though lower in volumes to the Elite i20 and Grand i10, its average price of Rs 14 lakh makes it the top revenue generator for us, said Rakesh Srivastava, director (sales & marketing), Hyundai.

The amount being discussed here is not equal to the revenue that these models generate for the companies.

The revenue generated would be lower since the calculation is based on ex-showroom price, which also includes various central and state taxes and dealer margins. Companies do not disclose the model-wise revenue realisation.

Besides these three vehicles, seven others are also worth a billion dollars or more. Besides the Dzire, Maruti Suzuki has five vehicles on that list. Other Maruti models that bring in revenues of more than a billion dollars are the Swift (Rs 10,000 crore), Baleno (Rs 8,400 crore), Brezza (Rs 8,400 crore), WagonR (Rs 7,800 crore), and Alto (Rs 7,700 crore).

Two of these models - the Baleno and Brezza - continue to command a waiting period.

Korean car maker Hyundai has two more products worth over a billion dollars. The companys Elite i20 is estimated to be worth Rs 10,100 crore, based on last years domestic volume of 126,304 units.

The Grand i10 of Hyundai is estimated to be worth Rs 8,700 crore. Hyundais Srivastava says the numbers reflect the popularity of these models, helping in creating a strong brand image for the firm.
The Korean automobile maker plans to carve out a niche for itself in the crowded Indian market with its compact sedans and SUVs.

IMAGE: Kia makes an entry into India's crowded car market with a couple of models of sedans and SUVs. The Kia Sportage, which was seen being test driven on our roads, is expected to be one of them. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Kia.

Korean auto major Kia, founded in 1944, three years before India became independent, is the latest entrant into the buzzing Indian car market, the fifth largest in the world.

The crowded Indian car market has almost two dozen brands, including the luxury ones. This number continues to expand as growth-hungry global players bet big on India, projected to become the worlds third biggest market with an annual size of five million cars by 2020.



Kia has decided to pump in Rs 7,000 crores to set up a manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh with an annual capacity of 300,000 units. Kia is not a total stranger to India: its parent, Hyundai, is the countrys second biggest car maker with a 17 per cent market share.





IMAGE: The Kia Rio sedan is also expected to make an entry. Kia is setting up a plant in Andhra Pradesh. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Kia.

The company did not opt to set up manufacturing in Tamil Nadu where Hyundais manufacturing plants are located. The state is also home to other leading brands like Ford, Renault Nissan and BMW.

Kia Motors President & CFO Han-Woo Park says there is potential for Kia to benefit from the existing infrastructure and logistics established by Hyundais Chennai plant, located 390 km away from the Kia site in Andhra Pradesh. This proximity between the two facilities will benefit both of us, in terms of logistics and economies of scale.





IMAGE: The interiors of the Kia Sportage. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Kia.

Going beyond small cars



Kia plans to produce a compact sedan and compact SUV especially for the Indian market at the 563-acre plant in the second half of 2019. Globally, it has a line-up of compact cars including hatchbacks, sedans, and mid-range SUVs.



The automobile company has decided to completely skip the entry segment which brings significant volumes to companies like Maruti Suzuki, the market leader, and Hyundai. Instead, it wants to focus on the compact space of sedan and SUVs. Park adds the company is carrying out a feasibility study into a number of vehicles for production.





IMAGE: A demonstration of the Kia Sportage's all-weather capabilities. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Kia.

Hyundai India Managing Director YK Koo says Kia and Hyundai are different companies. Management, operations and network... Everything will be different. Vendors can be shared for cost reduction, but strategy will be different. Their DNA is different. They have different sales and marketing strategies. Koo goes to the extent of saying that Hyundai will be aggressive against Kia. They are competition.



Koo says it will not be easy for Kia to make inroads in India since the market has changed dramatically. The auto industry has changed a lot; the competition is very different. Almost 19 players... To set up a factory is okay since people have money, but to survive and continue the success is a different issue, he says. It is understandable that profitability could also be a challenge in the initial few years when the company will be on investment mode and localisation may be low.





IMAGE: If the sexy Kia Stinger rolls onto Indian roads it's sure to attract eyeballs. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Kia.

It will be interesting to see how the two brands co-exist. They enjoy some synergies in the backend, while they compete in the market. We have successful examples globally such as the Renault-Nissan alliance. Then, there is Volkswagen and Skoda. Interestingly, both these entities also operate in the Indian market.

Former Skoda CMD Sudhir Rao says the company enjoys a common parts distribution network with Volkswagen, a common training academy for service, common warranty administration, etc. Skoda cars get manufactured in Volkswagens Pune plant.



Rao, who had earlier also worked with Renault India, says from a broader perspective, each company in the group is different and so is the way they operate individual brands. Here a sense of independence in operations is stronger as you are used to being separate companies globally. Therefore, you can clearly state your brand promise. It helps a lot, said Rao.



While Kia will compete with its parent, rivals are not going to roll out the red carpet either. Maruti Suzuki says it is not worried about the rising number of competitors. There was competition 10 years ago as well. We need to remain competitive. You have to adjust your strategies with the changing market. In spite of all the competition we are able to judge what the market wants and grow our share, says Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava.





IMAGE: This compact, nifty Kia Picanto will give India's Marutis and Hyundai Santros a run for their money. Kia's parent company is Hyundai but in India Kia and Hyundai will compete with each other. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Kia.

Relying on vibrant design



Kia is a strong global brand and with the rising number of Indians travelling overseas there is an awareness of the brand. According to Kia, the company has witnessed significant growth in its brand equity in recent years -- the result of design-led product development and efforts to cultivate a more emotional attachment to Kia and its cars.



According to Interbrands 2016 100 Best Global Brands study, Kia is now the 69th most valuable brand in the world, and is recognised by consumers all around the globe for its vibrant, distinctive and reliable range of cars. The same study values the Kia brand at $6.3 billion.



The company says design forms a key part of its long-term plan to become one of the worlds leading automotive brands. The last decade has seen a design revolution at Kia, a shift which has fundamentally altered the way in which consumers around the world perceive Kia and its cars. Hyundai and Kia together are the worlds fifth largest car seller, with a volume just short of eight million units last year.



Kia, Koreas oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles started its journey as a bicycle and motorcycle maker. It now rolls out more than three million vehicles a year from 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries. These are sold in about 180 countries and bring revenue of $45 billion. More than half of Kias sales come from Asian markets, while America and Europe fetch about 27 and 18 per cent, respectively. China happens to be its biggest market.





IMAGE: One out every four vehicles sold in India is an SUV, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. With the arrival of Kia, now a Sportage can be one of every four. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Kia.

Vehicles are built on flexible assembly lines which can manufacture several different models simultaneously to adapt to global changes in buying trends. That should allow the company to adapt well to the Indian market.



The Indian car market is more than familiar to Park, who spent seven years as the chief financial officer of Hyundai India before being elevated to the role of its MD & CEO in 2009. During this tenure, Hyundai strengthened its position as the second biggest player. In March 2012, Park returned to Korea as chief financial officer of Kia. A year later, in 2013, he was appointed president and CEO. So, Park must have a game plan ready for Kias India ride. Having spent several years in India, Park understands the pain points of buyers, which begins after the car is sold. We are also aiming to provide the best after-sales experience, says Park.


'A couple of more such happenings in the coming weeks can push Kabul into total anarchy, and a Syria-like conflict may ensue,' warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

There are no takers so far for the estimation that the Haqqani network carried out the massive blast that hit Kabul's embassy district last Wednesday, May 31, and killed over 90 people and wounding more than 450 -- that is, aside from the Afghan intelligence (external link).

The US president, US state department, speaker of the US congress, UN secretary-seneral -- none of them seemed sure who the perpetrators were.

Meanwhile, Kabul residents have trained their wrath on the colossal security failure on the part of the security agencies, which is, of course, stunning insofar as such a massive terror attack could be staged right in the heart of the Afghan capital at rush hour.

A big demonstration in Kabul on Friday, June 2, demanded President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah's resignations. Ghani's government has drawn the blood of Kabul residents in the holy month of Ramadan. Things can turn ugly.

Is this the end of the road for Ghani's so-called national unity government?

Neither Ghani nor Abdullah will voluntarily quit.

Ghani proved to be inept not only as a ruler, but also as a politician. But the Americans are stuck with him for good or bad and the regional States do not demand a transition in Kabul.

As for Abdullah, he is no longer the representative of THE 'Panjshiris' (Ahmad Shah Massoud's followers) who are today split into different factions.

One way out of the political deadlock is to convene a Loya Jirga to hold a torch light into the dark tunnel ahead, but then, the jirga might call on former president Hamid Karzai to step in as interim leader -- and that, of course, is completely unacceptable to the Americans.

It has become extremely difficult for the Americans to install another puppet regime in Kabul.

Indeed, last Wednesday's blast will impact President Donald Trump's Afghan strategy. In his phone call to Ghani after the blast, Trump kept his cards close to his chest (external link).

Much wrangling is going on amongst his senior strategists, which is apparently Trump's style of functioning until he finally makes up his mind.

More and more American analysts are asking what purpose will be served by dispatching a few thousand extra troops to Afghanistan. Read a frank assessment (external link) by an American colonel who served in Afghanistan for a (different kind of) change in Afghanistan. CNN's Nick Robertson took an almost identical view (external link) of the futility of the war.

Interestingly, a Chinese commentary dwelling on last Wednesday's blast in Kabul also counselled that 'more effort should be put into promoting the four-nation talks (involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the US) on the Afghan peace process and speeding up the country's political reconciliation.'

It highlighted that 'Beijing's Belt and Road initiative could give strong economic backing to Afghanistan, a country along this route, and this will help alleviate Afghanistan's security turmoil.'

Indeed, on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference in Islamabad last December, the four countries had agreed in principle to revive the peace talks, but nothing came of it.

Today, the Russian stance also favours a renewed bid for peace talks. Unsurprisingly, Russia favours an expanded inclusive format.

Following the blast in Kabul, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscored the need to 'establish full-fledged coordination with participation of all external stakeholders without exceptions' and to eschew 'geopolitical games'.

Clearly, India too has a responsible role to play here.

What do we gain out of exacerbating Afghan-Pakistani tensions?

Of course, the kind of incredibly foolish thing that the RSS' foreign policy wonk Ram Madhav has done should be avoided at any rate -- rushing to hold the brief for Afghan intelligence (external intelligence).

Madhav should compulsively read at least a couple of times an opinion piece written on the state of play by a distinguished and erudite former Pakistani diplomat who is well-known in Delhi as a rational thinker and a rare voice of sobriety and moderation, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi -- Opportunity out of tragedy (external link).

Clearly, the time for mud slinging and cynical pastime is behind us, as the Kabul attack testifies.

A couple of more such happenings in the coming weeks can push Kabul into total anarchy, and a Syria-like conflict may ensue.

The bottom line is that a US-Russian coordinated effort is urgently needed, on lines similar to what is happening, finally, in Syria.

Only Trump can cut the Gordian knot.

IMAGE: The site of the horrific terrorist attack in Kabul on May 31, 2017, which killed 90 people and wounded hundreds. Photograph: Omar Sobhani/Reuters
Helena Regional Airport is among 20 Montana airports sharing in nearly $10 million in federal funding for improvements and maintenance.

The funding was secured through provisions in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, according to an announcement by Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.

Helenas airport will receive $705,306 to fund the design of the terminal buildings expansion, the news release stated.

The Helena airport plays a critical role in connecting our state. These needed infrastructure dollars will make a difference for passengers traveling through the Helena airport to meet Helena's future needs, Daines said in a statement.

The federal funding also includes $171,000 for the city of Townsend and Broadwater County for airport runway, apron and taxiway maintenance.

The money for Helena's airport came through Airport Improvement Program funds, which it normally receives but this year was held up in Congress, Helena Regional Airport Director Jeff Wadekamper said.

Were very appreciative of the efforts of Senator Daines to get that funding in place for the Helena airport.

It will be very important for the future terminal expansion project that will begin next year," Wadekamper said. "This year well be doing design and next year well start construction.

The airport is in the planning stages for an expansion projected to be between $6 million and $10 million. Airport authority commissioners have yet to finalize what work will be included in the project.

Planning has been ongoing to prepare the airport for the future and multiple phases of construction have been discussed.

What is currently envisioned for next years construction is creating additional second floor waiting room for passengers and ensuring the space is large enough to accommodate Alaska Airlines that has indicated it will be moving its boarding area from the airports ground floor to the second floor.

The shift in boarding area, Wadekamper has said, will come when the airline discontinues the use of turboprop aircraft that currently serve Helena and switches to jet aircraft.

A third of the covered walkways jet bridges that link airport terminals with aircraft is planned in the upcoming construction that would allow Helenas airport to accommodate up to five aircraft at once.

This third jet bridge is important because airlines park late night flights here for early morning departures to larger airports where passengers can continue their travels.

Flights to Denver, Salt Lake City and Minneapolis already spend the night here for early morning departures.

If the airport is successful in its hopes of restoring the second Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle that was discontinued in August 2015. With its return, there would be a fourth aircraft here overnight, Wadekamper said.

The airport also hopes to seek a federal grant to entice Alaska Airlines to offer Helena service to Portland, Oregon.

Also affecting the potential cost for the expansion would be adding plumbing for future restrooms, which would be more cost effective than adding it later, and the installation of a second elevator.

Its a matter of what we think we can afford and what makes good operational sense, Wadekamper noted previously.
'A series of arrests have illustrated that IS now has a footprint in India.'

'India has been, for a very long time, a key part of Al Qaeda's global jihadist ambitions.'

IMAGE: Fan with banners outside the Edgbaston stadium in wake of the June 3 terror attack in London. Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters.

Dr Rashmi Singh, is the professor of International Relations at Brazil's PUC Minas. A former lecturer in Terrorism Studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, she is an expert on terrorism -- you can read her earlier interview: 'Terrorism is also a social activity'

"It is significantly harder to identify high-risk or radicalised individuals in society as opposed to groups propounding an extremist ideology. The challenges to fending off lone wolf terrorism is formidable, but not unsurmountable," Dr Singh tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih in an e-mail interview.

In carrying out terror attacks by using methods like mowing down pedestrians by car and selecting even more vulnerable targets (children at a pop concert) -- is the face of terror changing?

The face of terrorism has been changing from the very minute terrorism emerged.

Terrorism is the deliberate use of violence to spread fear to an audience that extends well beyond the immediate victims of this violence -- all for a political goal.

Therefore, from the very moment of its inception terrorism has mutated to best accomplish these political goals.

This has historically meant that the tactics of terrorism have adapted to advantageously exploit new technologies, materials and mediums.

For example, bombings only emerged and evolved with the widespread availability of explosives like TNT.

Similarly, hijackings emerged with the rise of television which guaranteed these events would be given round the clock coverage.

However, with each shift the methods and protocols for countering terrorism have also evolved, making it difficult for terrorists to continue using the same methods and materials without significant innovation.

That is partly what we are seeing with the recent attacks in the United Kingdom.

Innovative ways of using existing technology for terroristic purposes.

In addition, the expansive and totalitarian ideology of transnational terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State are founded upon a sophisticated narrative of the victimisation of Muslims in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

This attracts individuals who may not share the exact same set of beliefs as these organisations, but are sympathetic to the plight of the Muslim umma.

Add to this, the fact that the narrative of these transnational groups increasingly encourages personal initiative as a mechanism to address the victimisation of Muslims.

What results is a scenario in which already disenfranchised and disenchanted individuals gain access to a narrative that essentially legitimises the use of whatever means they may have at their disposal to conduct attacks in the name of an abstract, expansive and totalitarian ideology.

What new challenges does it throw up for security and intelligence agencies? Especially, when deadly lone wolf attacks can cause large-scale mass murders?

The key challenge for authorities lies in the ability to be able to locate and monitor high-risk individuals.

However, when it comes to doing so there are several challenges.

First and foremost, it is significantly harder to identify high-risk or radicalised individuals in society as opposed to groups propounding an extremist ideology.

We need to accept that no matter how competitive our security and intelligence agencies are, they will be unable to locate a 100% of such individuals in society.

This is especially true if these individuals stay under the radar -- they are uninvolved in any sort of criminal or gang activity.

Having said that, there are also individuals who participate in terrorist activity who may have already been tagged by police and intelligence services for other minor transgressions.

For instance, in a recent case in the United States the extreme right-wing terrorist and white supremacist Jeremy Joseph Christian stabbed three men.

Christian not only had a long history of violence but he also had a police record, albeit no prior convictions.

This leads to what is the second key challenge for security and intelligence agencies, -- limited resources.

In other words, even in scenarios where an individual may have been identified as high-risk given limited and scarce resources it is extremely difficult to monitor them till the point a crime or terrorist attack is committed.

No police force or counter-terrorism agency has limitless resources and the resources that exist tend to be overstretched.

This is significant because it is a well-established opinion amongst experts that the most effective counter-terrorism intervention is that of community policing -- however, in an age of financial crises and budget cuts this makes the already challenging task of our police and intelligence forces that much more difficult.

Finally, there are also challenges involved in inter-agency intelligence sharing and processing.

We know for instance that Salma Abedi (the Manchester bomber) was known to MI5 (the British domestic intelligence agency), but not being actively investigated.

He was also not on the radar of the prevent anti-extremism scheme. However, many of these challenges can be effectively addressed and managed.

In short, when taken together, the challenges to fending off lone wolf terrorism is formidable, but not unsurmountable.

IMAGE: Days after a terrorist killed 22 people at a pop concert in Manchester, a man walks past a sign in the city. Photograph: Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

Is it possible to carry out an attack like this alone?

There is still not enough evidence that Salman Abedi, the Manchester bomber, was in any which way linked to a terrorist cell although some claims have been made that there is a Manchester-based terror gang with which he was affiliated.

Similarly, police have thus far asserted that Khalid Masood, the perpetrator of the Westminster attack, was also acting alone.

In short, in both cases here there is no real evidence of any clear links with an established terrorist organisation or a cell thereof.

In terms of if these attacks are possible to plan and enact alone there is a palpable difference in the tactical sophistication between the two.

In the case of Masood, certainly it is possible to ram a car into pedestrians without much training or technological know-how and solely based upon a deep belief in a particular ideology and/or narrative.

However, in the case of Salman Abedi, the very fact that he used a suicide bomb suggests not only the fact that he had bought into a radical ideology, but also that he had, at the very least, some more contact with the technical know-how required to build and detonate an explosive device.

Thus far, reports suggest that several members of Abedi's local community had reported him a few times via the police's anti-terrorism hotline for his extremist and violent views.

One can argue that to some degree Salman's radical stance may have been the result of online access to extremist material or a personal grievance against Muslim victimisation in the Middle East, especially vis-a-vis Syria and the humanitarian crisis in Libya.

We also know that Abedi travelled to and from Libya where his father Ramadan had purportedly become involved in fighting against (Muammar) Gaddafi's regime.

It is thus also quite possible that Salman may have picked up his bomb-making skills during one of his visits to Libya.

However, if this is indeed the case and whether he had any ties to terrorist groups in Libya is still to be confirmed by security services.

Abedi was of Libyan descent and had recently returned from Libya. What terror connections do radicalised youth from Manchester have with Libya?

Manchester is, according to some reports, a key centre of Libyan politics in the UK.

Some of this is do with the fact that it has a large Libyan community including individuals who were Gaddafi's political opponents and thus granted asylum from his murderous regime in the 1990s.

During Gaddafi's reign in Libya, Manchester remained a key space for Libyan exiles, especially Islamist opponents of various hues.

When the civil war in Libya started, a significant number of the individuals in Manchester as well as other parts of the UK travelled back to Libya to take part in the revolution against Gaddafi.

It has been reported that British intelligence agencies were not only aware of this, but may have also encouraged members of the community to participate in the overthrow of Gaddafi to meet their own foreign policy objectives.

Indeed, several media outlets have reported that British intelligence facilitated travel for many Islamists from Manchester back to Libya at this time.

As a result, a significant number of Islamists left Manchester for Libya.

Manchester also appears to have emerged as a key fundraising centre for the Islamist war efforts in Libya.

Initially British intelligence did not view the Libyan community or their participation in the revolution against Gaddafi to be a threat.

However, in the years since the fall of Gaddafi's regime, as Libya has become host to a number of terrorist groups including Islamic State, this perception of threat has evolved.

Moreover, younger Libyans are more vulnerable to being not only more radicalised, but also tend to be less discerning when it comes to ideological distinctions between the groups they may choose to affiliate with.

It is worth remembering that individuals like Abedi may have grown up in Manchester, but Libya was never far away.

Not only would they have heard the stories of their family's suffering, but also stories of how the devout Muslims of Libya were brutally persecuted by Gaddafi's regime.

Thus, not only were they exposed to the suffering of the Muslim umma, but they also had close family and friends involved in fighting in Libya.

In many ways, these individuals straddled two worlds where on the one hand they lived in the West, but simultaneously tended to be exposed to a revolutionary ideology and had close friends and family who were directly involved in violent revolt against Gadaffi's regime.

IMAGE: An injured person is assisted on Westminster Bridge after a man launched a car and knife attack on March 22, 2017. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Are places frequented by young people becoming more vulnerable?

Not particularly. Terrorists choose targets that are vulnerable, easily accessible and symbolic.

It would be an overstatement to argue that terrorists are particularly targeting spaces frequented by young people.

It is much more accurate to say that terrorists are targeting vulnerable spaces some of which also happen to be more frequented by young people.

How will this alter security, especially outside stadiums and arenas, because security personnel are stationed inside these precincts and not outside?

Not really. At the end of it -- the presence of security is not sufficient in and of itself.

If you have a bombing attack or an active shooter scenario, the mere presence of security will do absolutely nothing.

In the first case, the security will be as helpless as civilians; in the second case unless security is trained and armed and more significantly, willing to risk civilian casualties in a fire fight, again there is not much it can do.

What is required is a much more rigorous vetting process for individuals to go through before entering large scale arenas such as stadiums and concert arenas.

So where security might alter is in a tightening of checks outside these spaces.

Has the ISIS vision of capture of territory and its promise of an Islamic Caliphate that drew radicalised young Muslims -- has that threat diminished?

Or has it now moved to different countries and in different forms?

This is not an easy question to answer.

IS needs to be placed in context of its roots in Al Qaeda.

This will allow us to understand the power of the narrative that AQ first constructed and then promulgated.

Islamic State has essentially adopted the same narrative with minor differences -- of course, the key being the control of territory.

However, while undoubtedly we have individuals who were drawn to IS because of the fact that it controlled territory, this neither accounts of all of IS' recruits nor does it explain why they continue to attract support despite the losses they are suffering on the ground.

The threat has by no means diminished.

Like in Afghanistan after the Soviet jihad and then again after Operation Enduring Freedom, the result of routing IS will be that a radicalised, highly skilled group of individuals who are connected with a transnational network of fighters with whom they share powerful bonds of kinship and share experiences will move out of Syria/Iraq to either go home or join and act as force multipliers in other conflicts.

In short, the threat will disperse and mutate instead of disappearing.

IMAGE Relatives of Afghan victims mourn outside a hospital after a blast killed at least 90 people in Kabul on May 31, 2017. Photograph: Omar Sobhani/Reuters

What threats from ISIS or other adherents of jihad should a country like India be concerned about?

The threat of Islamist terrorism emerges from transnational organisations like Al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Various Al Qaeda documents mention the importance of waging a jihad against the persecution of Muslims in Kashmir and India more broadly.

India has been, for a very long time, a key part of Al Qaeda's global jihadist ambitions.

Al Qaeda's current leader Ayman al-Zawahiri announced the formation of the group's newest regional branch, Al Qaeda in India, AQIS, in September 2014.

More recently, a series of arrests have illustrated that IS now also has a footprint in India.

Thus far, IS has been making strategic use of social media for its propaganda in order to draw support from both individuals formerly associated with local terrorist groups, such as SIMI and IM, as well as other unaffiliated individuals.

Since June 2014, several young men have also reportedly travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight for IS.

Thus, it is more than evident that the spectre of global jihad does indeed threaten India.

How is terrorism going to further change the way we live our lives? Laptops, I-pads, tablets have already been banned from cabin bags on many flights. What are some of the things we will likely have to give up for our safety?

This is very hard to answer. But in this age of transnational terrorism we will certainly have accept heightened security measures will be a part and parcel of our daily lives and travels.
'There is a clear plan being followed by the Indian government.'

'With these attacks, we are trying to dispel the myth that the Pakistani army can cause problems.'

Last month the Indian Army honoured Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi with a 'Commendation Card' for his 'sustained efforts' in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

The recognition comes barely a month after he tied a supposed stone-pelter to his jeep, using him as a human shield to prevent violent protesters from attacking his vehicle.

Major Gogoi was responding to a call from an officer who had informed him that around 1,200 people had cornered his polling booth and were trying to burn it with petrol bombs during a by-election in Budgam on April 9.

Defence and strategic affairs expert Maroof Raza -- a former military officer himself -- speaks to Dhruv Munjal about the army's decision to award Major Gogoi amid a public outcry, and if the force has let itself down with the handling of this situation.

How do you view the Indian Army's decision to felicitate Major Gogoi with the chief of army staff's 'Commendation Card'? An inquiry into the incident is still on.

It hasn't been often in recent memory that the army has formally encouraged an officer to take such a step.

Mostly, senior generals have been cautious while taking on the political establishment.

This is a drastic change and I see it as a good one.

As far as the timing of the award is concerned, yes, the inquiry is underway, but I'm sure the broad contours of the inquiry findings must have been conveyed to General Bipin Rawat, the chief of army staff. Perhaps, that is why they went ahead with the announcement of the award.

There are many who feel there was a clear violation of human rights in this whole episode.

Those posing such concerns should question the pretext of human rights.

The soldiers were cornered and there were several lives at stake; this was clearly an act of self defence.

And those raising worries about human rights should come out and offer alternative solutions to what Major Gogoi could have possibly done.

Keeping the situation and the sensitivity of the place in mind, the right thing was done.

Moreover, no one is bothered about the human rights of the soldier, or the difficulties he endures.

In the US, cases of conflict trauma have been found in more than 50 per cent of the personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Indian soldiers go through something similar.

Others believe that the army has let itself down in the handling of the 'human shield' incident, and also lost the moral upper hand that it always held in Kashmir.

No one -- the Kashmiri politicians in particular -- has the right to question the morality of the Indian Army.

These politicians are ungrateful people who have never supported the army in anything it has done.

If they feel that the army showed restraint all these years, did they acknowledge its efforts even once?

You never hear them saying a word against Pakistan, either.

More importantly, people blaming the army for this 'moral' letdown have an extremely superficial understanding of conflict.

Most of them have very little idea about national security.

If the army has indeed held the moral high ground in Kashmir for the past so many decades, then that hasn't really solved the problems that afflict the state.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has stated that Indian forces must be allowed to take calls in war-like zones such as Kashmir, and not be dictated by what politicians say. Isn't that dangerous?

There was much need for what the defence minister has said.

What the army needs is clear instructions in such precarious areas and that cannot come from politicians.

Also, this will help boost the morale of the troops stationed in Kashmir, and offer great encouragement.

The Indian Army released footage of it destroying Pakistani bunkers in Nowshera along the Line of Control. Are such publicised assaults the new normal now?

There is a clear plan being followed by the Indian government.

It wants to take on Pakistan by going public with all the information and evidence it possesses, which is the right way forward.

This also shows that the Indian Army has been given a free hand.

And the people who are questioning the government and the army for publicised attacks had a problem when no evidence was released for the surgical strikes conducted against Pakistan last year.

I'm certain that video evidence of that assault exists as well, but is being held back for strategic reasons.

With these attacks, we are trying to dispel the myth that the Pakistani army can actually cause some problems.

They are, in fact, quite inept.

IMAGE: Soldiers cordon off the area where terrorists attacked an army convoy at Qazigund, south Kashmir, June 3. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com
CM Trivendra Singh Rawat cancels licences of the two government-controlled liquor shops in his constituency. The state government is facing an uphill task in opening new shops in face of widespread agitation by women. Shishir Prashant reports.

IMAGE: Senior officials said the Uttarakhand government was to close more liquor shops in the state, buckling under the pressure of the agitation.

Photograph used for representational purposes only: Reuters.

In what appears to be the first step toward prohibition, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Sunday cancelled licences of the two government-controlled liquor shops in his Doiwala Assembly constituency, near here, in view of wide-spread agitation by women.

"Today, we cancelled two licences of liquor shops at Sun village in Doilwala area (Dehradun district). We will return the royalty of 52 lakh also," Rawat said, after performing the bhoomi pujan of the University of North West Himalayas in Dehradun district.

Scores of women had been bitterly opposing the opening of two liquor shops under the new excise policy for 2017-18, at Sun village in Doiwala Assembly constituency of the chief minister. Similar protests are being organised elsewhere in the state, too, with women opposing the opening of liquor shops.

Senior officials said the government was to close more liquor shops in the state, buckling under the pressure of the agitation.

But Rawat said he was not too sure whether closing two liquor shops would help in curbing drinking. "He will still bring it (liquor) from nearby areas. But will it (the step to cancel these licences) really help? I doubt."

Rawat said a value system keeps people away from drinking. "Look at me. I have never touched liquor in my life. Good values inculcated in me really helped," Rawat said.

The chief minister appealed to women to instill good values among children so that when they grow they keep away from liquor.

Last month, the state government announced the new excise policy for the year 2017-18, under which it has fixed a revenue target of 2,310 crore through over the sale of liquor in over 500 government-controlled shops. But the government is facing an uphill task in opening the new shops in face of widespread agitation by women.

Also read: Do alcohol bans work?
'About the Nuclear Suppliers Group, it is a new issue under the new circumstances and it is more complicated than previously imagined,' China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Huilai told a media briefing.

China on Monday said India's membership bid in the NSG has become "more complicated" under the "new circumstances" as it again ruled out backing New Delhi's entry

in the grouping, saying there should be non-discriminatory solution applicable to all non-NPT signatory countries.

China has been blocking India's membership in the 48-nation grouping which controls the nuclear commerce even though India has the backing of majority of the members.

The group goes by consensus approach on the admission of new members.

"About the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) it is a new issue under the new circumstances and it is more complicated than previously imagined," China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Huilai told media briefing in Beijing.

He, however, did not elaborate what are the new circumstances and complications.

"China supports the NSG to have consultation for reaching non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution, applicable to all members of the NSG," he said.

Pakistan has also applied for the NSG membership. While China has not openly supported Pakistan's membership, it came with a two-step approach which stipulates that the NSG members first need to arrive at a set of principles for the admission of non-NPT states into the NSG and then move forward discussions of specific cases.

Last month, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media that there is no change in China's stand on admission of non-NPT states into NSG, ruling out any chances of India's entry into the elite grouping.

Asked about the chances of India's admission into the grouping during this month's plenary session expected to take place in the Swiss capital Bern, he said, "China's position on the non-NPT members' participation in the NSG has not changed."

Li, who interacted with media to highlight Chinese President Xi Jinping's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held at Astana,

capital of Kazakhstan on June 8-9, said China wants to deepen relations with India.

"China and India are important neighbours and both are fast developing, both are emerging new market economies. Both are important forces upholding peace and stability," he said.

In recent years, relations between India and China are developing "sound and at quite fast speed".

President Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meetings have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and make joint efforts to build even closer development partnership, he said.

The highlight of the SCO summit is the admission of India and Pakistan as new members of the organisation.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to take part in the SCO summit where his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif is also expected to be present.

Modi is also likely to meet Xi on the sidelines of the summit though officials say the meeting has not been confirmed.

Li said the six-member grouping will be strengthened by the entry of India and Pakistan and it will extend the group's reach from Central Asia to South Asia.

He said the entry of the two countries will cover three fifth of Euro Asian continent and will account for half of the world's population.

China will take the rotating presidency of the group next year, Li said.

He also said Iran, which is the observer, has expressed interest to join the organisation and its application will come up for discussion at the Astana summit.

The SCO comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan acts as China-dominated security group focussing on Central Asia.

India and Pakistan till now had the status of observers along with Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia in the group.

Asked about Afghanistan blaming Pakistan's intelligence agency for recent massive bomb attacks in Kabul, Li said China condemned recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, Britain and Philippines.

"China strongly condemns these violent terrorist incidents and in fact we oppose all forms of terrorism," he said.

The international community should step up cooperation and work together to jointly tackle the terrorism and China stands willing to work together with other parties, bilaterally and multilaterally to step up cooperation and take all necessary measures to jointly protect respective countries and regional security and development," he said.

The SCO is also considering a treaty on terrorism.

India asks nations friendly with China to plead NSG case India asked countries friendly with China to convince it on the NSG issue of allowing New Delhi entry into the grouping based on credentials, even as Beijing asserted that the membership bid has become "more complicated". India had officially applied for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group which controls export of nuclear materials, equipment and technology in May last year. The matter came up for discussion at the Seoul plenary session of the NSG in June last year, but yielded little result with Beijing scuttling India's bid on the grounds that it was not a signatory to the non-proliferation treaty. "We have always engaged with China and we are doing it for NSG as well. And (it is being done) not only by us, but even nations friendly to us as well as enjoying good relations with China, who feel that India should get an NSG membership," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said. Giving Russia's example, she said Moscow feels that India should be a part of the NSG and UNSC. "So we feel, since Russia and China share good relations, it should talk to China. We are not asking them to put pressure on China, but use its good offices. Our effort is to convince China on the issue and also involve nations friendly with both the countries," the minister added. On China's objection on inclusion of non-NPT countries, she said France was a non-NPT country when it was admitted into the NSG. When it (China) states that India and Pakistan are non-NPT countries, India makes a distinction that in 2008 it got a privilege (NSG waiver), she said, adding that at that time "our criteria was throughly looked into". "It were the same required for any non-NPT country. Today, the time is not to see our criteria, but our credentials. We have proven our credentials and fulfilled all the commitments made in 2008. Which is why we are saying India and Pakistan are two different cases," Swaraj said. "India will be successful in getting it (NSG membership) one day," she said.

Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters.
A Pakistani-origin man was among three knife-wielding militants responsible for carrying out the brutal London terror attack that killed seven people and injured 49, according to a media report.

The man, identified as 'Abz' is believed to have been the ringleader of the trio that carried out the horror attack at two London landmarks, The Mirror reported.

Abz, 27, is said to be from Barking in east London, was pictured lying on the ground after police swooped on the attackers on Saturday night and shot them dead in a flurry of 50 bullets.

Seven people were killed and 49 injured when the trio rammed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing revellers in bars in the nearby Borough Market.

Abz, a father of two children, appeared to pray to an Islamic State flag in a London park in a TV documentary about the behaviour and motivations of British extremists.

Police are searching four houses in Barking and have made 12 arrests as part of their investigation into the atrocity.

His neighbours said the Arsenal fan had been wearing the club's replica away shirt the day before the attack, matching the one worn by one of the suspects pictured lying on the ground with what appear to be canisters taped around his body.

The terrorist was a home-grown jihadi who came from Pakistan as a child but was brought up in the UK, the report said.

He was twice reported to anti-terror authorities, the report quoted sources as saying.

A neighbour said he immediately noticed the Arsenal away shirt Abz was wearing after being shot dead by police outside the Wheatsheaf pub on Saturday night.

He said: "I looked on Twitter and saw one of the terrorists who had been shot by police and he looked 90 per cent like my neighbour -- he was even wearing the same Arsenal shirt that I had seen him in at 5 pm that evening."

Abz is the only one of the attackers identified so far.

He lived in a block of flats with his wife and two young children which was raided by police early on Sunday.

Ken Chigbo, 26, who lives in the same building, described him as "really sociable" and said Abz had invited him to a barbecue just last week.

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.

On March 22, 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.

IMAGE: Armed police stand guard in front of floral tributes on Southwark Street near the scene of Saturday night's terrorist attack in London. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
While the RSS wants BJP to field a 'swayamsevak', the Opposition has mulled fielding former West Bengal governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

Archis Mohan analyses the strategies at play behind fielding candidates for the next President of India.

IMAGE: The Opposition is compelled to play a waiting game in the election of the next President of India, for some of its potential constituents could break away if the BJP fields a suitable candidate like Union minister Sushma Swaraj. Photograph: Vijay Mathur/Reuters.

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 party's candidate would win by over 115,000 votes.

The BJP, however, has an opportunity to cause more cracks in Opposition unity and win the election by a bigger margin, if it decides to field someone like Jharkhand Governor Droupadi Murmu or Union minister Sushma Swaraj.

On the contrary, nominating a 'swaymsevak' or a 'pracharak' at the insistence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) could help the Opposition come together in a rare show of unity in the last three years.

With barely a month to go for the presidential polls, the architects of Opposition unity are awaiting the BJP to lay open its cards before they declare their common candidate.

The Opposition is compelled to play a waiting game, for some of its potential constituents could break away if the BJP fields a suitable candidate. For example, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has conveyed to Communist Party of India (Marxist) chief Sitaram Yechury that his party, the Biju Janata Dal, would support the BJP candidate if it fields Murmu.

The Opposition has mulled fielding former West Bengal governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi. Patnaik and Gandhi were contemporaries in college and continue to be good friends.

However, Patnaik has indicated that his party voting against Murmu could hurt it politically.

Murmu is a tribal who hails from Odisha. The 58-year-old was a clerk in the Odisha government before joining politics and was a minister in the Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal-BJP coalition government from 2000 to 2004.

Similarly, the Janata Dal (United) and even the Samajwadi Party are unlikely to vote against the BJP candidate if the party were to field External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

According to sources, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is also the JD (U) chief, as well as former party chief Sharad Yadav have indicated that they would not like to vote against old associate Swaraj. The assessment in the Opposition ranks is that even the SP would balk at voting against Swaraj, who had started her career as a socialist and had later joined the BJP.

However, the RSS has indicated to the BJP that it would want a 'swayamsevak' to be the candidate. Neither Murmu nor Swaraj is from the RSS.

This is where the Opposition hopes to make the presidential election into a symbolic 'Godse versus Gandhi' battle, by fielding Mahatma Gandhi's grandson against an RSS 'swayamsevak'.
After Jayalalithaa's death, the Tamil Nadu government is in a confused state, reports T E Narasimhan.

Unlike in the previous five years, the first anniversary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's second term in the government passed off without ceremony.

The leadership vacuum following J Jayalalithaa's death in December has affected not only the morale of the party, but also the state, which is facing a water crisis, resulting in farmer suicides and popular agitation, slowdown in investment flow, among other things.

For the party, which is now split into three, the past year has been tumultuous.

The contrast is clear. In the past, on every anniversary of its tenure, the AIADMK used to come out with advertisements in newspapers and television, and banners, and used to hold meetings across the state to list its achievements.

The celebrations used to cost anything between Rs 50 crore (Rs 500 million) and Rs 60 crore (Rs 600 million) annually. This year, the anniversary passed unnoticed.

Jayalalithaa became chief minister for a second consecutive term on May 23 last year and signed five files, including one relating to the closure of 500 TASMAC shops.

In the two months that followed she laid the foundation stone for phase-I of metro rail, signed off on a new crop insurance scheme for farmers worth Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion), and launched various schemes under the brand Amma.

Things came to a halt on December 5, when she died.

An internal war broke out in the party, between factions loyal to O Panneerselvam, who was sworn in as the chief minister after Jayalalithaa's death and managed cyclone Vardah.

But Panneerselvam was made to resign by V K Sasikala, her family members, and by senior state cabinet ministers. He alleged Sasikala and her family members were trying to take control of the party and the state administration.

Amid the political drama that ensued (during which AIADMK MLAs were kept at a private resort) and the Supreme Court's conviction of Sasikala, Edappadi K Palaniswami, her trusted aide, took the oath as chief minister.

Palaniswami completed 100 days as chief minister last fortnight. The going has been tough for him.

Apart from managing party intrigue, his government has been criticised for inadequacy in overcoming the water crisis in the state.

While reports said over 250 Tamil farmers had died or committed suicide, the government is in denial.

Governance and ease of doing business are other big issues, says an industrialist, because of which new investments are not coming into Tamil Nadu and are instead going to Andhra Pradesh, the most recent being $1.1 billion (over Rs 10,000 crore/Rs 100 billion) by the Korean auto major Hyundai Group's Kia Motors.

In the auto sector, which was always one of Tamil Nadu's strengths, Hero, Apollo Tyres, and Ashok Leyland have decided to invest in Andhra Pradesh, while MRF has decided to invest over Rs 4,000 crore (Rs 40 billion) in Gujarat.

A Vellayan, executive chairman of the Murugappa Group, one of the oldest and largest business groups based in Tamil Nadu, said political uncertainty and the ease of doing business are "challenging." He feels Tamil Nadu is in a confused state and things need to improve.

Recently, a group from the knitwear hub of Tirupur, which does exports business of over Rs 25,000 crore (Rs 250 billion), went to Odisha to assess the possibility of setting up a garment-manufacturing unit and a textile park near Bhubaneswar.

What is most worrying is the string of corruption-related revelations.

Then chief secretary P Rama Mohana Rao's office was raided by the income tax department after it arrested a businessman, J Sekhar Reddy.

Sasikala and two of her relatives were sentenced to four year imprisonment in a 20-year-old disproportionate assets case.

Following her arrest, Sasikala's nephew, T T V Dinakaran, who was appointed deputy general secretary, was also arrested.

Raids were also conducted at the house of state Health Minister C Vijayabaskar, and some senior leaders associated with the AIADMK including Sarath Kumar, an AIADMK candidate in the last assembly election.

Sensing the leadership confusion, the Union government has pushed through several projects, to which Tamil Nadu had objected when Jayalalithaa was the CM.

It agreed to join the UDAY scheme, against which it had held firm when Jayalalithaa was alive. The state has also given its consent to some infrastructure projects, which were opposed by the local population.

In a way, a weak government is good for the state, considering the bureaucracy will have an upper hand in decision making, says political analyst Gnani Sankaran.

A good example is the education department, which is seeing considerable reform. But Tamil Nadu is not what it used to be.

IMAGE: Edappadi K Palanisamy with the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa. Photograph: Kind courtesy Wikimedia Commons
"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," announced US President Donald Trump in his first official statement on the latest London attacks.

IMAGE: A sign is seen near the iconic London Bridge, after attackers rammed a hired white van into pedestrians on the bridge, and stabbed others at nearby Borough Market, killing 7 and injuring 48. Photograph: Peter Nicholls/Reuters.

United States President Donald Trump has vowed to do whatever necessary to protect the US and its allies from a "vile enemy" that has "waged war" on innocent lives, in his first public comments after the van and knife attack in London, Saturday night.

"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 has waged war on innocent life, and its gone on too long, said Trump, Sunday, a day after three knife-wielding men unleashed a grisly terror rampage in the British capital, killing 7 people and injuring 48 others.

It was his first public comments on the London attacks. He previously had commented via a series of Twitter posts.

"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 Sunday. This bloodshed must end, this bloodshed will end, he said, speaking at an annual fundraiser for Fords Theater, Washington, DC, scene of Abraham Lincolns assassination.

Trump said he had spoken with British Prime Minister Theresa May and offered America's "unwavering support" in investigating the terror attacks at the iconic London Bridge and Borough Market in the heart of London.

Trump earlier 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 attacks. "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 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 post 10 pm, and then went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market.

IMAGE: London Metropolitan Police officers rush to London Bridge after receiving calls of a van ramming into pedestrians. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters.

Khan actually had said Sunday morning that he was "grieving" for the victims and declared the terrorists "would not win." He added: "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 in very strong words condemned this latest London attack and requested people to be vigilant.

The mayors spokesman said he was too busy to respond to Trumps "ill-informed" tweet.

Three knife-wielding attackers, in fake suicide vests, unleashed terror in the British capital, plowing a hired white van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge before stabbing revellers in nearby Borough market, killing seven people.

British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed the attack on the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism".

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the London attacks. The London Metropolitan Police, who apparently shot down all three attackers within 8 minutes of receiving the first call, has arrested a dozen people in connection with the attacks. The Metropolitan Police said they know the names of the attackers and they would be released "as soon as operationally possible".
The White House on Monday said that United States Donald Trump would not use presidential powers to prevent ex-Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey from testifying to Congress about investigations of Russian meddling in the US election that could touch on current and former Trump associates.

"The President's power to assert executive privilege is well-established," the White House said in a statement.

"However, in order to facilitate a swift and thorough examination of the facts sought by the Senate Intelligence Committee, President Trump will not assert executive privilege regarding James Comey's scheduled testimony," it added.

Comey is scheduled to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday. His participation was never in doubt, but Trump could have acted to keep a lid on their discussions about the FBI's Russia investigation into Gen. Michael Flynn and other associates of the president.

Comey will be asked publicly for the first time whether the president asked him to back off of Flynn -- a claim the law enforcement official reportedly made in a memo that was leaked, in part, to the press and the Justice Department is refusing to provide to Congress.

On May 10, the US President fired Comey, abruptly removing the top sleuth overseeing a criminal probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government to influence the 2016 presidential election that was won by the real estate mogul.
In the fourth such incursion since March, two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered for about five minutes in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district and "could have carried out aerial photography of Indian ground troops," according to official sources in the government.

China on Monday defended PLA helicopters hovering over the Barahoti region of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, saying India and China have a territorial dispute in

the eastern section of their boundary and the Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas.

While the details can be obtained from the ministry of defence, "in principle China and India have territorial disputes in the eastern section of the China-India border", Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media when asked about reports that PLA helicopters violated Indian airspace on Saturday.

"The Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas. We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to maintain tranquillity and peace in the border areas," Hua said.

Two helicopters of the People's Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district 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 in New Delhi 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 choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incident.

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.

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.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LOAC). While China claims Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Section as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during 1962 war.

Image of Chinese helicopters used for representational purposes only. Photograph: Kind Courtesy eng.chinamil.com.cn, a website sponsored by the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
From 2-7 to sectional champs, Monrovia has one question: 'Why not us?'
Republican Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte, who has not yet made a court appearance in his alleged assault on a reporter the day before his election, has filed paperwork indicating he will run next year to keep his seat.

Gianforte, who won election to fill Montanas empty U.S. House seat at the end of May against Democrat Rob Quist, was charged with misdemeanor assault for an altercation with Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs at a campaign event on May 24.

Gianforte was required to appear in Justice Court in Bozeman on or before June 7, though that deadline could be extended. The court is only in session Monday, Wednesday and Friday, leaving just one more opportunity for Gianforte to appear unless an extension is granted.

Gallatin County Attorney Marty Lambert said the extension had not been filed as of about 4 p.m. Monday, but he expected that to happen by Tuesday afternoon.

Gianforte filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on Friday and listed the Gianforte Victory Fund as an authorized committee.

Gianforte spokesman Shane Scanlon said in a statement Monday: "Greg has always said that if he won the special election, he would run for re-election in 2018."
Smoke and steam are discharged from chimneys and cooling towers at steel plant operated by Taiyuan Iron and Steel Group Company, Ltd., in Taiyuan, northern China's Shanxi province, Dec. 28, 2016.

China's environmental inspectors have found a shockingly high number of violations in their crackdown on smog, raising questions about support for the government's air quality goals.

According to statements from the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP), two-thirds of the companies visited in inspections since April were violating emissions rules.

While controversy swirls around President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the effect on greenhouse gas emissions, China's high rate of environmental violations may spell trouble for the separate issue of visible pollution.

Last month, state media reported that 5,594 firms, or 66.2 percent of those examined by May 2, had failed to comply with environmental standards during a sweep of 28 northern cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

By May 11, the number of violators had risen to 6,378, or 66.7 percent of the companies inspected, the official Xinhua news agency said.

A new round of inspections in the capital region on May 29 found violations at 79 percent of the visited businesses.

Inspections began last November in response to the smog crisis that stifled northern cities when the winter heating season started.

The nonstop series of smog alerts was blamed on a combination of coal-fired heating, stagnant weather conditions and emissions from steel plants and other factories.

But the reports from the MEP inspections suggest a greater variety of causes behind the air quality crisis and the stunning rates of noncompliance with environmental rules.

The government first dispatched seven inspection teams to track the source of the problems, then added 10 more teams in late December.

In February, inspections were expanded to 18 teams with more than 260 inspectors led by MEP Minister Chen Dining and four deputy ministers. Since then, the reports of violations have climbed.

Twenty-five rounds of national inspections have been promised for the rest of the year. Last week, Chen was appointed to serve as acting mayor of Beijing.

In March, the MEP reported that 3,119 enterprises had faked emissions data out of some 8,500 visited. In numerous cases, inspectors found polluters had restarted operations after ordered shutdowns.

Small firms and factories accounted for more than a third of the violators, making enforcement difficult, Xinhua said.

Officials denied entry

In some cases, officials were denied entry to carry out the inspections.

In one egregious case on March 12, four law enforcement officers were attacked while investigating unauthorized production at a textile plant in eastern Anhui province, the MEP said.

In April, environmental officials were locked inside a boiler plant in central Henan province to keep them from carrying out inspections, the official English-language China Daily reported, citing a report by ThePaper.cn.

By May 20, nearly 3,000 officials had been "held accountable" for the violations, while local authorities assessed fines of 196.3 million yuan (U.S. $28.5 million) in 4,388 cases, Xinhua reported.

As with many issues in China, the official numbers are staggering, difficult to interpret and impossible to verify.

But the reports of such widespread violations suggest that the government's enforcement of environmental standards has resulted in remarkably little compliance despite years of regulatory efforts and antipollution promises.

The defiance is curious for a country that is viewed as authoritarian, raising questions about how much power the central government actually exercises over local authorities and economic activities.

In the case of air quality, which is the subject of intense public pressure, the numbers also seem to suggest little support from businesses that include state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

It is particularly hard to explain why such a large proportion of companies keep violating the regulations, given years of enforcement efforts, growing smog complaints and months of warnings about pending inspections.

One explanation is that despite all the publicity over smog and inspections, the central government has yet to make air quality an overriding priority or the subject of one its relentless campaigns.

"There has to be a campaign," said Philip Andrews-Speed, a principal fellow at the Energy Studies Institute of the National University of Singapore.

A campaign is needed if the central government wants to convince provincial and local officials that air quality can no longer be ignored for the sake of economic interests, Andrews-Speed said.

Although the government has increasingly clamped down on polluters and toughened its standards, its enforcement has yet to reach the level of the five-year energy efficiency campaign that culminated in 2010, Andrews-Speed argued.

In the efficiency push promoted by former Premier Wen Jiabao, officials were tasked with reducing energy consumption by 20 percent per unit of gross domestic product compared with 2005.

In May 2010, Premier Wen threatened to punish or fire officials if the efficiency goal was not met. At the end of the year, the authorities made an all-out effort to meet the target, even to the extent of cutting electricity to some factories and homes.

The result was a five-year improvement in the efficiency ratio of 19.1 percent.

Despite the seriousness of the winter smog crisis, the government's response has stopped short of a comparable campaign.

After years of rewards for favoring economic growth over the environment, local officials are unlikely to rein in pollution unless they are told clearly that their jobs are at stake, Andrews-Speed said in an interview.

A Chinese worker watches the production of alloy steel products at a plant operated by Dongbei Special Steel Group Company, Ltd., in Dalian, northeastern China's Liaoning province, April 27, 2016. Credit: ImagineChina Effect of fines on compliance



So far, it is unclear what effect fines have had on compliance.

Xinhua reported on May 12 that MEP inspection teams have been imposing fines directly, but other reports indicate that the central government has been turning violations over to the local authorities to assess penalties.

"The ministry has asked local authorities to shut down businesses or halt production at companies that failed to meet the standards," Xinhua reported on May 30.

By deferring to local officials on enforcement, the government seems to be leaving the door open for polluting operations to go on.

Judging by the MEP numbers, recent fines may still be seen as little more than a cost of doing business.

Based on Xinhua's report of May 20, the average fine was less than 45,000 yuan (U.S. $6,533), but the numbers appear at odds with an MEP report in April that fines on enterprises totaled 264 million yuan (U.S. $38 million) in the first quarter alone.

Late last month, President Xi Jinping called for greater antipollution efforts, repeating the now-familiar phrases that the environment should be protected "like one protects one's eyes" and "as one treats one's life."

But Xi did not order tougher penalties or repeat his pledge from March 2015 that polluters would be punished "with an iron hand ... with no exceptions."

Instead, he said more moderately that "the country should adopt a new development philosophy and correctly handle the relationship between economic development and environmental protection," Xinhua reported.

Several other recent reports have raised questions about the effectiveness of the government's policies and their impact on industry.

While the government insists it has cut production overcapacity in the high-polluting steel industry, China's output of crude steel has set back-to-back monthly records in April and March.

Last month, the cabinet-level State Council acknowledged that some steel mills had resumed production during the winter smog crisis after they were ordered to close.

In one troubling defense of the government's performance on steel manufacturing, the Council said in a statement on May 11 that all facilities producing "inferior-quality steel (reinforcing) bars will be dismantled" throughout the country by the end of June.

The implication that any substandard "rebar" production still exists is likely to be a sore point for survivors of the 2008 earthquake in southwest Sichuan province, where thousands of children are believed to have died in the collapse of shoddily-built schools made with low-quality steel and cement.

In another Xinhua report on May 4, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said that "about half" of new urban buildings in China will meet "green" construction standards by 2020.

The pledge echoes a commitment made by China "to promote the (50-percent) share of green buildings" as part of a bilateral agreement with the United States on climate change in June 2015.

But the statement raises the question of why all newly constructed city buildings are not required to meet energy-saving standards, or why the government has standards that will not be met.

Andrews-Speed said previous targets for compliance with the building standards have been as low as 10 percent.

"It's actually an improvement," he said.
Cambodias ruling and opposition parties both claimed victory on Monday in commune elections held over the weekend, with at least 20 days to go before an expected official count is tallied by the countrys top electoral body.



Slightly more than 7 million Cambodians, or 89.52 percent of registered voters, turned out for commune council polls on Sunday, a record turnout in a test of public opinion ahead of 2018 general elections.



Preliminary results released by political parties showed slightly more than 51 percent of the popular vote going to Prime Minister Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) and around 46 percent going to the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), under Kem Sokha.



The CPP won 1163 of 1,646 commune chief posts up for grabs in the ballot, while the CNRP won 482, results showed. One post went to the Khmer National United Partyone of 10 other smaller parties that had competed in Sundays vote.



On Monday, Hun Sen, who has ruled the country for 32 years, took to his Facebook page to rebuff claims that the CPP had lost the election, saying these people cannot see the forest through the trees.



The [opposition] plan to control the majority of the commune councilors, who are electors of the Senate, in order to take over the Senate and the position of Head of State in the absence of the King, has already failed, he wrote.



They campaigned that in 2017, they would take over the communes and the Senate, and in 2018, the National Assembly [parliament]. In the future, the CPP remains in control of the majority of the Senate.



Hun Sen also noted that, based on unofficial results, the CPP received more votes in the election than any other party and 300,000 more votes than it had in Cambodias 2013 general election, suggesting support for the party continues to increase.



I hope other parties know how to calculate their own number of votes by comparing it to the number of seats at the National Assembly, he said.



This clearly confirms that the CPP will remain the majority party in the National Assembly and further lead the Royal Government. The election in 2018 will not differ from this election  I would like to thank all leaders and members of the CPP at all levels for helping bring about this new victory.



Voters wait on line at a polling station in Phnom Penh, June 4, 2017. Credit: RFA Opposition claims



Also on Monday, Kem Sokha issued a statement thanking CNRP members for their support, and said that despite threats and persecution against his party and the citizens of Cambodia, as well as unresolved irregularities, this years commune election had resulted in significant gains for the opposition.



The 14-day campaign period that began on May 20 was relatively calm, but took place against the backdrop of frequent warnings from Hun Sen that opposition victories on Sunday and in parliamentary polls in 2018 would bring chaos, instability and war to Cambodia. Hun Sen's government had since 2015 harassed and threatened jail sentences for key CNRP leaders in a wider crackdown on civil society.



Kem Sokha noted that the CNRP had won nearly 500 commune seatsa 12-fold increase from the 40 won by his former Human Rights Party (HRP) and ex-CNRP president Sam Rainsys former Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) in 2012and that the opposition had taken almost half of commune councilor posts nationwide. The SRP formed the CNRP with the HRP ahead of Cambodias 2013 general elections.



Based on [preliminary] results that we took seats from the ruling party in large number, it shows that the CNRP has received another big achievement in grabbing victory for leading the communes, the statement said.



Kem Sokha said that past elections in Cambodia have shown that votes for opposition parties increase by 15 percent in general elections over those for commune elections, suggesting the CNRP is well positioned for next years ballot.



Once again, I would like to call on our compatriots, as well CNRP activists, to continue the march with the CNRP towards grabbing victory and attaining our goal for positive change in the upcoming 2018 national election, he said.



Final official results of the two-week contest for 1,646 commune council posts will not be announced until June 25, according to the National Election Commission (NEC), which said Monday that its preliminary results had been delayed until June 6 due to technical issues.



NEC spokesperson Hang Puthea said that the commission had so far received 45 complaints from political partiesmost of which were lodged by the CPP and CNRP with regards to failure to comply with election proceduresand is investigating how to resolve them.



Election observations



Seven of the political parties who competed in the commune elections, but did not win a position, on Monday praised the weekend ballot as more free and fair than past votes, and pledged to take part in next years general elections.



Meanwhile, a statement Monday from the Situation Room group of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)including the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL), Licadho, and Adhocalso found the election at most polling stations to have proceeded smoothly, safely and peacefully.



The group said, however, that it had registered a number of irregularities, including shortage of election materials, the presence of unauthorized authorities, and prohibition of observers.



Generally, the environment for ballot counting on Monday at the polling stations went smoothly and in accordance with legal procedures, the statement said.



The commune elections also drew praise from several international organizations and governments.



Deputy Secretary-General of Centrists Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI) Yosril Ananta Baharuddin called the ballot free, fair, secret and credible, while the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which provided technical support to the NEC, said in a statement that the election had proceeded peacefully.



The European Union ambassador to Cambodia George Edgar told RFAs Khmer Service that based on what he and his team observed, the voting process and ballot counting went smoothly.



The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh called on political parties and relevant election stakeholders to accept the results of the election peacefully and in a spirit of reconciliation and cooperation, adding that it will continue to monitor events as the NEC tabulates and announces the results.



Hun Sen had warned opposition parties against challenging the outcome of Sundays vote, saying the countrys courts could dissolve the parties for doing so. The CNRP nearly unseated Hun Sen in 2013 elections and claimed it only lost due to voter fraud.



An election official prepares a ballot at a polling station, June 4, 2017. Credit: RFA CNRP win



Associate professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs at Occidental College Sophal Ear told RFA that the CNRPs performance in the commune elections amounted to a win against fear, intimidation, and electoral abuse, adding that the CPP had barely won the majority.



Hun Sen's party went from nearly 62 percent of the vote down to 51 percent; this is an 11 percentage point decrease. In other countries, a performance like this would make the party re-think its strategy, maybe even rethink its choice of Prime Minister before disaster strikes, he said.



It's good to retire when you're on top instead of when you are forced to quit.



Sophal Ear noted that in winning 46 percent of the popular vote, the CNRP saw a 15 percentage point increase over around 31 percent in total as the HRP and SRP during the 2012 commune election.



If the CNRP thought its bar was to do better than 2012, then it clearly produced results, he said.



The opposition party has a legitimate shot at unseating Hun Sen in 2018, Sophal Ear said, if the CNRP is not dissolved before then.



[This election] shows that despite incredible arm-twisting, the people are not afraidthe people want change.



Reported by Nareth Muong, Sothearin Yeang, Sel San, Vuthy Tha, Sokunthea Hong, Hour Hum, Chanthy Men and Vanndeth Van for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangxi said on that one of three labor activists detained after they investigated working practices at two factories supplying shoes for Ivanka Trump's own brand, has "met with an accident," his lawyer told RFA on .



Hua Haifeng, Li Zhao and Su Heng were detained on suspicion of "illegal use of monitoring equipment," and are currently being held in the Ganzhou Detention Center in Jiangxi's Ganzhou city, lawyer Wen Yu, who was hired by Hua's wife to represent him, said.



"I went there to apply to meet with my client, but they said Hua Haifeng had met with an accident in his cell, and I couldn't see him," Wen said.



"The head of the detention center told me to get in contact with the agency in charge of the case, so I went to the police station for the Ganzhou Economic & Technological Development Zone, and they told me that the state security police officer in charge was away on business," he said.



"They said I had better go and meet with my client as soon as possible, so I went back to the detention center, whereupon the state security police officer in charge of the case reappeared," Wen said.



"He told me that they were arraigning Hua, and that I wouldn't be able to meet with him until after the arraignment."



Flimsy excuse?

But Wen, who was unable to confirm the details of Hua's "accident," said he believed the arraignment was a flimsy excuse.



"They were just stripping him of his right to see a lawyer," he said.



According to the U.S.-based rights group China Labor Watch, Hua, Li and Su had been investigating labor conditions at factories that produce shoes for Ivanka Trump, the daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and other Western brands.



"We appeal to President Trump, Ivanka Trump herself, and to her related brand company to advocate and press for the release our activists," the group said in an email to Reuters last week.



Wen made a similar appeal on .



"I hope that either Ivanka Trump or the U.S. government will ask the Chinese embassy to clarify the situation, especially whether or not Ivanka Trump has ordered clothing or shoes from this factory in Ganzhou," he said.



"Also, whether or not they had anything to do with the detention of these people, who were working to protect the rights of [Chinese] workers," he said.



Reuters also reported that the Ivanka Trump brand declined to comment when contacted last week, while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she did know anything about the situation.

Collective bargaining



Rights group Amnesty International called for the release of the three if they were held only for investigating possible labor abuses at the factories.



"Activists exposing potential human rights abuses deserve protection not persecution," China researcher William Nee said.



"The trio appear to be the latest to fall foul of the Chinese authorities aggressive campaign against human rights activists who have any ties to overseas organizations, using the pretense of 'national security'."



In April, labor activist Han Dongfang hit out at foreign brands for not paying closer attention to pay and conditions for Chinese workers in their supply chain.



He said the government's jailing of four labor rights activists from the Panyu Workers' Service Center in the southern province of Guangdong last year was the first time the government had retaliated on behalf of a business.



The activists had been "assisting workers to engage management in a successful case of collective bargaining," Han said in a report published in April.



"These global brands [supplied by the workers in the dispute] all have ... standards that include clauses on workers rights to collective bargaining and freedom of association," Han said.



"But this time, when workers in China organized themselves and engaged in collective bargaining to ask for their fair share and faced retaliation from the company, these global brands have chosen to look the other way," he said.



Reported by Ng Yik-tung and Sing Man for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Han Jie for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu have detained a Nanjing-based activist after he staged a public memorial ceremony for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre on 's 28th anniversary.



Shi Tingfu was taken away by police after he defied a nationwide ban on public events marking the anniversary of the 1989 student movement and the subsequent bloody crackdown by the People's Liberation Army (PLA).



Shi, who was wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan "Never Forget June 4," made a public speech to passers-by outside the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall.



His home was also searched by police from the Saihongqiao police station, who confiscated his computer and cell phone, his son told RFA on .



Shi is now being held under criminal detention on suspicion of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble" in the Yuhuatai Detention Center.



"The police called to ask me to send a change of clothes [for him]," the younger Shi said. "They showed me three documents: his notification of detention, the search warrant and the summons."



"I went to the police station, but they didn't say anything to me about hiring a lawyer," he said, adding that police had said they didn't know how long Shi would be held for.



"They said it could be three days, or it could be a month," he said. "They asked me if any other people were involved, and said that I should tell them all of their names, but I said I didn't know anything."



Shi called on bystanders to remember that was "a sad day for many mothers," and asked them to post footage and photos of his speech online to make more people aware of the 28th anniversary of the crackdown.



Eight detained in Hunan

Rights lawyer Wang Lei said Shi didn't appear to have done anything wrong, however.



"I was very surprised [that he was detained]," Wang said. "I think this is absurd."



"For a citizen to wear a T-shirt with a slogan about not forgetting is entirely in keeping with his right to freedom of expression," he said. "You can't call something a crime if it's in the constitution."



Police in the central province of Hunan detained eight people from Zhuzhou city after they uploaded photos of themselves with the words "" written on their bodies.



Guo Min was taken to Zhuzhou's Songshan police station, Huazhu to Dongjia police station and Li Ming to Hetang police station, sources said.



Meanwhile, Chen Siming, Chen Xiaoping and Tang Xueyun are detained in the Zhuzhou People's Liberation Army police station, while the whereabouts of Tang Yuchun and Guo Dasheng are currently unknown, they said.



Hunan activist Mi Shixiang said the online activity was intended as a form of performance art.



"This was a piece of performance art, but then, the very next day, Guo Min and all of the others were taken away," Mi said. "As soon as Guo was detained, the rest tried to hide, but they were caught in Zhuzhou city."



"They were on the run for the whole of , but finally they were detained at 8.48 ," she said.



Public discussion still banned

Officers who answered the phone at the Songshan, Dongjia and Hetang police stations declined to comment when contacted by RFA on .



Calls to the People's Liberation Army police station in Zhuzhou rang unanswered during office hours.



Two of Chen Xiaoping's associates, Wu Xiaobin and Liu Zhenhua were detained and held for questioning, before being released on .



Unconfirmed reports said activists in the eastern province of Shandong were also missing, believed detained, after memorial activities in the provincial capital, Jinan.



Xin Yong, Li Hongwei and Gao Xiangming have been missing since they attended the event on .



Meanwhile, authorities in Shanghai released activist Hu Changgen after he served a year's imprisonment for "harming public safety" and "fabricating false information" in the Pudong Detention Center.



Hu, 45, has yet to be reunited with his family, however.



"He has come out of the detention center, but he hasn't arrived home yet," Hu's daughter Hu Wanying told RFA. "We went to meet him, but then he had to leave again."



"He has no money, so he has to look for a job now," she said.



Hu was detained on last year after he posted comments about the Tiananmen massacre on social media.



Public memorials and discussions of the events of are banned, with activists who seek to commemorate the bloodshed often detained and veteran dissidents placed under police surveillance or detention during each anniversary.



Authorities rounded up and placed under close surveillance dozens of critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party ahead of the anniversary marking the bloody military crackdown that ended weeks of student-led democracy protests on Beijing's Tiananmen Square.



An unknown number of people were killed by advancing People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops and tanks in Beijing on the night of June 3-4, 1989, following orders to clear the Square by force from then-supreme leader Deng Xiaoping.



Reported by Xin Lin for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Hai Nan for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Prime Minister Hun Sen ratcheted up his rhetoric against his opponents on Wednesday, hinting that he might deploy military force against any political party that attempts to wrest power away from the Cambodian strong man.

Some individuals dared to claim that in 2018 we would be crushed because we wouldnt recognize the election results, he said. They predicted that in 2018 they could win, and if we dont hand over power to them, they will crush us. How can this happen if the troops are in my hand?

Hun Sens remarks during Wednesdays commencement exercise at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh came as he and the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) are pushing new rules through parliament that would give the government vast power over political parties.

National elections in Cambodia are scheduled for 2018, while local commune elections will be held in June of this year.

Among the amendments to Cambodias law on political parties that Hun Sen and the CPP are seeking is one that would bar anyone convicted in Cambodian courts from holding a political partys top office.

The culprit law would also dissolve any party whose president is convicted of a crime and would enable the government to seize the partys property.

Cambodian courts are notorious for their lack of independence. Opposition politicians often find themselves before Hun Sens pliant courts on various charges.

If the changes are approved by the Cambodian Senate and signed by Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, as expected, the amendments would also give the Cambodian Supreme Court the power to dissolve a party caught committing a list of vague offenses. The Interior Ministry would also be empowered to indefinitely suspend a party for similarly vague reasons.

Transition of power

During his remarks, Hun Sen also took a swipe at Sam Rainsy, who was president of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) until he resigned in an effort to preserve the CNRP.

You declare the results now while the election has yet to be held, and then you keep talking about winning and change, he said. Yes, you can change. Change from staying freely outside to being in jail!

Sam Rainsy has been living in France since 2015 to avoid arrest in a defamation case brought by former Foreign Minister Hor Namhong in 2008. In October, Hun Sen ordered police, immigration, and aviation authorities to "use all ways and means" to prevent the opposition leader from returning to the country.

In December 2016, Sam Rainsy wrote on his Facebook page: In 2018, the CNRP will form a new and legitimate government, and what will remain from Hun Sens CPP will just be a bunch of rebels who will be crushed by the legitimate government commanding the national armed forces with the support of the international community on the basis of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements.

The agreements ended the Cambodia-Vietnam War and established modern Cambodia after years of rule by the bloody Khmer Rouge and an occupation by Vietnam.

CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann told RFA that the CNRP doesnt want a war, but a peaceful transition of power.

If we win the election it means that we have strong support from the people in the whole country, he said. That strong support is a foundation toward a peaceful power transfer, like what countries usually do.

Other countries weigh in

The latest salvo in the political battle comes as foreign governments, including those which helped war-torn Cambodia rebuild 20 years ago, decried the proposed party law changes.

The U.S. Embassy said it was "deeply concerned" that the amendments were passed with little consultation or public debate.

"Any government action to ban or restrict parties under the new amendments would constitute a significant setback for Cambodia's political development and would seriously call into question the legitimacy of the upcoming elections," the American mission said.

It called on Hun Sens government to ensure that the elections this year and next "are free, open, and transparent, and that all political parties have the opportunity to compete on an equal basis."

Any government action to ban or restrict parties under the new amendments would constitute a significant setback for Cambodias political development and would seriously call into question the legitimacy of the upcoming elections, the U.S. embassy said.

Australia and the European Union also questioned the wisdom of the party law changes.

The Australian Government encourages the Cambodian Government to ensure credible and transparent elections by maintaining political space for all voices and views to be heard, the embassy told RFA's Khmer service.

The EU mission in Phnom Penh questioned how the changes would affect the long-term stability of the country, saying the changes would potentially allow for arbitrary restrictions of political party activities or for their dissolution.

It added: Such actions against opposition parties would call into question the legitimacy of the coming elections.

Other countries should stay out

Hun Sen chastised the foreign nations, particularly the United States, saying that Cambodian affairs should be left up to the Khmers.

All foreigners should understand that the Khmer story should be solved by Khmers, he said. It is true that I need your aid. It is true that I need to do business with you and need cooperation with you. However, I have never interfered in your internal affairs.

Hun Sen accused Washington of being hypocritical, noting the bombing campaign in Cambodia during the Vietnam War.

When you bombed my country and you killed my people, did you ever think about human rights? he said. This Cambodian law which has been passed by the National Assembly is not a law to kill the people like you used to kill Cambodian people.

Reported for RFA's Khmer Service by Moniroth Morm. Translated by Sovannarith Keo and Sarada Taing. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
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."
As we approach the celebration of Fathers Day, now is a good time to explain the rights of dads at work.

As it relates to childbirth, and placement of a child for adoption or foster care, men have a right to take off the same amount as women under the Family Medical Leave Act.

Under that law, both parents are entitled to up to 12 workweeks of time off to bond with their new child, so long as the parent has worked for the organization for a year, worked at least 1,250 hours in the preceding 12 months and the business employs 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius.

When taking time off under the FMLA under these circumstances, the leave must be completed within a year after the placement or birth and needs to be taken consecutively, not intermittently.

While an employer can agree to allow the parent to take the time off intermittently, most organizations  in the interest of consistency  avoid making these types of exceptions.

If both parents work for the same employer, the parents can take only 12 weeks collectively.

The fact that the time off must be taken consecutively presents difficulty for some parents who need initial time off together but then might want to spread out the caregiving of one parent taking a block of time followed by the other parent.

For adoption and foster care placement, men and women are generally treated equally since neither has a serious health condition after the adoption or placement.

In a childbirth situation, however, women typically receive more flexibility  and more paid time off  since they will generally be entitled to short-term disability of six or eight weeks immediately following the birth of a child, and this time is usually paid partially or entirely by short-term disability or sick leave policies.

While the mother still will get only a total of 12 workweeks within a year, she could choose to use the six weeks of FMLA for a serious health condition immediately after the birth and then six weeks of bonding time for the birth of a child later.

For men, if they start their FMLA immediately upon the birth of the child, this may prevent them from being able to take the bonding time later, since the time off must be consecutive.

Men should consider simply taking paid time off for the initial days or week after the birth and then later asking for FMLA for bonding time.

In addition to FMLA after the birth or placement of a child, men cannot by law be discriminated against due to caregiving responsibilities.

While attitudes about men and women providing childcare support are changing, I frequently hear that men feel they cannot leave work to care for a child because of stereotypes. If women are entitled to any benefits at work related to child care or caregiving, men must receive the same benefit.

In addition, businesses cannot create policies that provide women with paid time off after the birth of a child or placement for foster care or adoption unless those same benefits are provided to men, other than in the case of providing paid time off for a medical condition.

Men shouldnt hesitate to use their benefits when the time comes, as these laws are designed to protect the rights of all parents.
Rejena Carreras was thrust into the daily rigors of running Carreras Jewelers when her husband and business partner, Bill, died in 2006.

I had to keep it open, she said of the business. Bill had put too much time and effort into Carreras Jewelers to close the doors.

The couple had worked at the business as a team since 1970, which made the transition even more difficult for Rejena.

We always ran ideas past each other and I missed him, she said of her late husband.

However, we had a good team in place that was ready to face the challenges of the future with me. Soon, his dream and vision became mine, Rejena said.

***

Bill Carreras started his jewelry business in 1967 after graduating from the University of Virginia a year earlier. He began selling diamonds part time while attending U.Va.

He was doing it to put himself through college, Rejena said. He became intrigued with diamonds. He started out selling just diamonds to his friends at U.Va. It grew to the point that he decided to rent a space in a strip shopping center in Charlottesville.

After graduation, he traveled to Europe and studied gemology and diamond cutting before opening his business in Richmond.

He borrowed $200 from his mother and went back into business, Rejena said. He had an upstairs office in a building in downtown Richmond and worked strictly by appointment at first.

The couple moved the business to Eighth and Main streets in the financial district and expanded its services and inventory, becoming a full-service jeweler.

In 1987, they opened the stores current 4,650-square-foot location on Libbie Avenue just south of Grove Avenue.

We kept both locations going until 2000 when we closed the downtown location, Rejena said. We closed it because downtown was not as vibrant as in the past and the business at Libbie was building.

Bill Carreras always emphasized education, and Rejena continues that tradition today with her employees.

All of our staff have taken gemological courses because we want to share our knowledge with our customers, she said.

The store has two full-time certified gemologist appraisers and a registered jeweler.

They have special training that takes years to get, she said.

Carreras Jewelers is a member of the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America. It carries a variety of merchandise that ranges from contemporary pieces to estate jewelry that is hand selected by one of the stores certified gemologist appraisers.

We are finding that interest in estate jewelry continues to grow, said Rejena, noting that there has been a surge in estate and vintage jewelry sales in the past eight years. A lot of people are interested in estate diamonds. They like the styling of estate and vintage jewelry.

Helen Hamilton of Richmond has been buying jewelry from Carreras for 25 years.

I buy a lot of estate pieces, Hamilton said. Carreras gets interesting, cool art deco items.

The stores designer pieces are items you cant get anywhere else in the area, Rejena said. Bill always wanted to carry unique items.

California-based jewelry designer Peter Storm has had a longstanding relationship with Carreras Jewelers that started with Bill Carreras. His designs are exclusive to Carreras Jewelers in the Richmond market.

They have always sought out things that are a little different than average jewelry stores, said Storm, who designs for stores across the U.S. They dont want items that will be seen in other places. Rejena has continued the feeling and commitment to design and quality that Bill started.

Revenue at Carreras Jewelers has increased 25 percent in the past five years, she said.

This year is looking great, she said.

***

Customers of Carreras Jewelers have always been extremely loyal to Carreras. Most are from the central Virginia area.

People stay with us, Rejena said. We have customers in London and Switzerland that moved from the Richmond area. It is the connection with the customers that has kept us open for 50 years and will keep us open many more.

Many of the stores customers represent generations of family.

There are a lot of second-generation customers, and we have a handful of third generation, Rejena said.

She is currently working, for example, with a man whose parents bought their engagement ring from Carreras Jewelers.

Now, he is looking for an engagement ring, she said. We see that a lot.

Jenni Baker likes to shop at local businesses that support their community. Thats why she shops at Carreras Jewelers.

Those are important factors for me, the Henrico County resident said. I respect Rejena. I think she is a vibrant member of our community.

Baker also appreciates the personal service the store offers.

When you walk in, you know you will walk out with something of quality, she said.

***

Carreras Jewelers continues to carry on the tradition that Bill Carreras started of giving back to the community.

The store is involved with a variety of nonprofit organizations such as Make a Wish Foundation, ChildSavers and the Massey Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University.

In addition, Rejena is and has been involved with a number of organizations, including the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Ballet, the Firehouse Theatre, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond and Virginians for the Arts.

Rejena Carreras is a pillar of the arts community, said Ryan Ripperton, SPARCs executive director.

For SPARC, Rejena has been a transformational leader, pushing our organization forward in ways few believed possible. She has always believed in SPARCs faculty and students and has infused that positivity and confidence throughout the culture of our organization. Her generosity, personally and through her business, knows no bounds.

Her philosophy when it comes to philanthropy is simple.

What goes around comes around, Rejena said. Richmond is a fabulous place to live, and I believe in giving back.

***

Rejena Carreras was devastated when her husband Bill died in 2006 at age 61.

But she bounced back and forged ahead both professionally and personally.

Several years after his death, she strengthened a friendship with her late husbands best friend, Thomas O. Jones, whose wife, Mildred Millie Jones, had died in 2008. Millie Jones had started the decorative flag industry in 1971 and founded Festival Flags Unlimited.

The two couples had been friends for many years.

Rejena and Jones, a retired Richmond General District Court judge, married in May 2011.
Hourigan Development is the new owner of the former Media General Inc. headquarters building in downtown Richmond for $13 million.

The division of real estate investment and construction management firm Hourigan Group closed on the purchase of the building at 333 E. Franklin St. on Friday. The company bought the building using the 333 East Franklin Street LLC entity, city court records show.

The 125,000-square-foot building is assessed for $10.7 million, according to city property tax records.

It is a great building and an iconic building for downtown. Were thrilled to own it, said Mark Hourigan, CEO of the Hourigan Group.

To keep that building full and vibrant and to keep downtown active and engaged, anything we can do to make the center core of our region stronger, we are all better off, he said.

Renovation work on the building should begin in the next week or so, he said. Building permits have been received. We are ready to roll.

Virginia Workers Compensation Commission plans to take four of the five floors  the basement, first floor, third floor and fourth floor  of the building, for a total of 104,000 square feet, said Dena Potter, spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of General Services, the state agency that oversees government facilities.

About 245 commission employees should begin moving into building toward the end of the year, once the renovations are completed.

The commission is relocating operations from its current 47,444-square-foot headquarters at 1000 DMV Drive and leased space elsewhere in the Richmond area, including the Bookbindery Building on West Broad Street. The commission currently occupies a total of about 72,000 square feet in locations in Richmond.

The consolidation will help the agency streamline business processes and provide expansion for judicial and alternative dispute resolution services, Potter said.

We have discussed the benefits of consolidating business functions, decreasing operational costs, and securing a strategic location for some time, Commission Chairman Wesley G. Marshall said. Locating our headquarters closer to a centralized downtown area means we can serve the citizens of Virginia more efficiently. This relocation furthers VWCs vision to lead the nation as the most effective and innovative state agency.

The lease would be for 10 years, Potter said.

The General Assembly directed the Department of General Services to transfer the current Workers Compensation Commission building to the Science Museum of Virginia, Potter said.

The state eventually will take over the second floor of the former Media General building once the leases for those tenants expire, Hourigan said.

Media General, the communications company that once owned newspapers and television stations across the country, was acquired in January by Texas-based Nexstar Broadcasting Group Inc. in a stock and cash deal valued at $4.6 billion. Media General had owned the Richmond Times-Dispatch but sold it and other newspapers to a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway in 2012.

The new company is called Nexstar Media Group. The sale meant that Richmond was no longer headquarters for Media General. Suburban Dallas is home of the new company.

Nexstar Media Group has consolidated its remaining local operations to part of the second floor in the building. Also on that floor is Stefanini, an information technology outsourcing firm that has been subleasing space there since 2013.

Hourigans company built the Class A office building  with its four-story atrium rotunda  in 1998.
A federal lawsuit filed against Henrico County Sheriff Michael Wade was recently settled in a closely watched case involving an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who sued after he was held in the Henrico Jail for immigration authorities beyond his scheduled release for drunken driving.

The terms of the settlement remain confidential, both parties say, but the attorney representing immigrant Jaime S. Alfaro-Garcia said Virginia localities are now on notice regarding the issue of holding jailed immigrants on detainers issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Immigration attorney Jacob Tingen said jail officials in Virginia should review their detention policies to ensure they dont violate the constitutional rights of both citizens and immigrants.

Were prepared to bring similar cases in the future if necessary, Tingen added. Just because youre not here with lawful status doesnt mean you surrender (constitutional) rights or due process.

Alfaro-Garcia, who remains in the U.S. as his immigration case lingers, may receive a monetary award as a result of his detention. Don LeMond, director of Virginias Division of Risk Management, confirmed that Alfaro-Garcia has a pending claim against the state.

The case has significant implications for Virginia sheriffs and other officials who operate jails across the state. Many feel they are caught between cooperating with immigration authorities seeking to deport illegal immigrants charged with or convicted of criminal offenses and immigrant-rights advocates who are challenging the constitutionality of keeping immigrant prisoners detained after they would otherwise be released.

This is an issue that is closely watched by all sheriffs and the Virginia Sheriffs Association, said John W. Jones, the associations executive director. While the VSA has not taken a position on ICE detainers, most sheriffs have declined holding ICE detainees without a warrant.

***

The detainer issue has created friction between some local and regional jailers in Virginia and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which at times has publicly censured specific U.S. localities as being noncooperative because they declined to hold immigrant inmates beyond their scheduled release.

In seeking further detention , ICE will issue a federal detainer that requests an immigrant be held for an additional 48 hours.

Acting on an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, Homeland Security began posting online for public scrutiny an ICE removal and enforcement operations report that lists the localities that ICE says are not cooperating or have declined to honor detainers.

In the three reports issued so far, covering the period of Jan. 28 through Feb. 17, the Chesterfield County Jail, Henrico Jail, Richmond City Justice Center, Riverside Regional Jail and Pamunkey Regional Jail have been listed at least once as noncooperative for declining to honor ICE detainers.

The immigrants sought by ICE from those jails were either charged with or convicted of rape, forgery, prostitution, assault or drunken driving and were natives of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, according to the federal agency.

Jones said the Virginia Attorney Generals Office has been meeting with ICE to advise that Virginia is much further advanced with notifying ICE of detainees than most other states.

Those meetings have been very productive in ensuring that there will be no consequences for Virginias localities, he said.

The Trump administration has threatened to punish communities that refuse to cooperate with efforts to find and deport immigrants in the country illegally by revoking coveted grant money for law enforcement.

***

In Virginia, Chesterfield is one of only two localities in the state  the other is Arlington County  that has been labeled by Homeland Security as restricting its cooperation with ICE. That designation is related to Chesterfield Sheriff Karl Leonards decision nearly three years ago  based on advice from the county attorney  to no longer hold immigrant inmates for 48 hours beyond their scheduled release.

Thats the specific reason why Im being cited as uncooperative, said Leonard, who has discussed the issue with ICE.

Throughout the country, sheriffs are very frustrated because were all being asked to do the same thing  not just in Virginia, Leonard said. The federal government is asking me to intentionally violate somebodys civil rights and detain them without proper documentation.

If ICE provides a legal arrest warrant or an order of detention signed by a federal judge or magistrate to detain an immigrant prisoner, we absolutely will do that, Leonard said.

The Chesterfield Jail now holds immigrant inmates for only two hours after their scheduled release, which Leonard said is roughly the time it takes to process them out of the facility. If (ICE agents) can get here in two hours, come down and pick them up, Leonard said. You can get to us from pretty much anywhere in the state in two hours.

In the spirit of cooperation, Chesterfield jail officials notify ICE well in advance of an immigrant inmates scheduled release.

ICE spokeswoman Carissa Cutrell said detainers serve as a legally authorized request that law enforcement agencies can rely upon to continue to maintain custody of an alien for up to 48 hours so that ICE may assume custody for removal purposes.

All ICE detainers are submitted with an accompanying administrative arrest warrant or warrant of removal, depending on the circumstances of the case, she added.

But Leonard said ICE has simply renamed what was formerly termed a request to hold to an arrest warrant.

The problem is that no one official signs it  not a federal judge, not a federal magistrate  so it is a worthless piece of paper unto itself, the sheriff said. All we are asking for is legal authority to hold. Just have a judge or magistrate sign it, and we will be happy to hold.

***

Several federal court decisions in recent years have found key aspects of ICEs detainer system unconstitutional. Last October, for example, the U.S. District Court of Northern Illinois ruled that all ICE detainers issued by the Chicago field office were invalid and that detainers on immigrants in local custody generally exceeded their authority to arrest without a warrant.

Theres not a single court in the nation that has ruled that (ICE detainers) are mandatory, Tingen said.

In January 2015, Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring issued a legal opinion that said an ICE detainer is merely a request. Detainers do not create for law enforcement a legal obligation, or provide them the legal authority, to maintain custody of an immigrant inmate who is otherwise eligible for release, Herring wrote. Consequently, all inmates with fixed release dates should be discharged.

In the Henrico case, Alfaro-Garcia filed suit against the sheriff and jail in June 2015  about two years after he was arrested on June 10, 2013, on charges of drunken driving and driving without a license. He was sentenced to serve one month in jail and, after completing his sentence on July 17, 2013, he was held for an additional 48 hours pursuant to an ICE detainer, according to his suit.

But after the 48-hour detainer period expired, Alfaro-Garcia was held for an additional 12 to 14 hours, the lawsuit says. He was ultimately released around July 20, 2013.

The lawsuit says the sheriffs policy of holding immigrant inmates for the additional 48 hours requested by ICE is in violation of their constitutional rights.

Cutrell, the ICE spokeswoman, said ICE lodged a detainer on Alfaro-Garcia with the Henrico Jail on June 10, 2013, but later lifted the detainer when an officer was not able to take custody of him within the specified 48 hours.

Immigration officers then arrested Alfaro-Garcia on Aug. 14, 2013, on immigration violations and took him into custody. On Sept. 26 of that year, an immigration judge granted him bond, and he was released the next day.

His immigration case is ongoing, she said.

Said Tingen, his attorney: We expect him to ultimately obtain a green card and live a peaceful life in the U.S.

Contacted last week, Sheriff Wade said he could not comment on the suits settlement because of a court-ordered confidentiality clause. A court filing that ended the case says both sides have reached a mutually agreeable settlement and that each will pay its own costs and attorneys fees.

When asked about his immigrant detention policy, Wade said the jail does not currently hold immigrant inmates for ICE beyond their scheduled release date without a warrant. But he declined to say whether the detention policy changed as a result of the lawsuit or when it went into effect.
A motorcyclist died after crashing into a tractor-trailer on the shoulder of Interstate 95 in Fredericksburg early Sunday, police said.

The motorcyclist ran off the road about 3:55 a.m. and struck the back of a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the right shoulder of I-95 south, according to Virginia State Police. The motorcyclist was ejected, and the motorcycle spun into oncoming traffic.

The motorcyclist, whose identity was not immediately released, died at the scene.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, Tamir Wright, 35, was not injured. He was charged with being improperly stopped on the highway, state police said.

Separately, state police reported that one person was killed Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in Amelia County.

The crash occurred about 12:20 p.m. at the intersection of westbound U.S. Route 360 and Whitaker Road. A 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup pulling a horse trailer was traveling west on Route 360 when a 2008 Chevrolet Impala pulled out from Whitaker Road into the path of the pickup, state police said, and the pickups driver was unable to avoid striking the Chevrolet.

The driver of the Impala, 20-year-old Brent L. Mast of Amelia, died at the scene, and a male juvenile passenger was flown by helicopter to VCU Medical Center with serious injuries. Both were wearing seat belts.

The driver of the 2008 Dodge, 60-year-old Barbara Learned of Clarksville, was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; she also was wearing a seat belt. There was one horse in the trailer that was not injured.
Like its idea of moving Charlottesvilles statues of Robert E. Lee and Thomas Stonewall Jackson, the city could face legal challenges against its efforts to alter two public parks and add context to the legacy of the Confederacy and its military officers.

As the City Council looks to begin that process Monday by voting on new names for the two parks, the attorneys representing a cadre of Confederate descendants and history buffs who wish to protect the statues say it would be illegal for the city to rename the parks or add new memorials there.

A team of about five lawyers is representing local attorney Jock Yellott, executive director of The Monument Fund; the Virginia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans; and a host of others in a lawsuit against the city over its intention to remove the Lee statue.

That would be the lawyers position, Yellott said when asked whether he thinks renaming the parks and building new monuments in those parks is illegal.

As observers have judged that a six-month injunction issued to prevent the removal of the Lee statue will end with the court ruling that moving the statue is illegal based on state law, the citys plans to redesign Lee and Jackson parks and build a memorial to enslaved people could be challenged, as well.

In February, after the council voted 3-2 to remove the Lee statue, Councilor Kathy Galvin introduced a resolution that earmarked $1 million to redesign the parks and build a new memorial in Jackson Park to commemorate the citys enslaved population.

The council unanimously approved the resolution.

My resolution is the only one the City Council can act upon to challenge that Lost Cause narrative of the Confederacy, she said in an interview last week.

Im grateful the judge didnt grant an injunction against the other elements that the plaintiffs wanted to prevent.

* * *

Yellott said the legal team representing him and the other plaintiffs thinks renaming the parks would be illegal.

The attorneys say the Jackson Park name in particular cannot be changed because the deed in which the park land was granted to the city specifically states that it must be named Jackson Park.

According to the Dec. 24, 1918, deed, local philanthropist Paul G. McIntire requested that said property be conveyed to Charlottesville and that it be known as Jackson Park.

McIntire also granted the land for Lee Park and gifted to the city the parks namesake statue, dedicating it to his parents. The deed for that gift, however, does not specifically request for that property to be known as Lee Park.

Yellott said he thinks the argument against renaming has a bit more merit for Jackson Park than for Lee Park.

Its a little fuzzier about the name of Lee Park, he said.

Although the court ruled it would not issue an injunction against the city from renaming the parks  because such a decision could be overturned if its found later to be illegal to do so  Yellott said lead legal counselor Ralph Main told him they have, not given up on that issue at all.

As for building a new monument in Jackson Park, Charles Weber, a spokesman for the plaintiffs, said he thinks the city should look to build new monuments elsewhere.

As for Yellott, he said: I cant speak to that because youre asking me to give a legal opinion.

Last month in court, attorneys for the plaintiffs said they wanted to maintain the status quo in the two parks. They also said that transforming the parks, as the city has resolved to do, could lead to a violation of the state law that prohibits localities from disturbing or interfering with memorials for war veterans.

My view is that better signs are something everyone agrees on  how you tell the story better is something we disagree about, Yellott said.

Honestly, I dont think the court wants to be the one making case-by-case decisions on what is allowed and what isnt, he added.

We need to find a better process.

* * *

Although Galvin and Mayor Mike Signer voted against removing the statue of Lee, both are in agreement with the other councilors that something must be done to change the status quo in the parks.

The council asked city staff last month to expedite the process for retaining a landscape architecture firm to produce new design concept plans for the two parks. The city is expected to choose a firm by early fall.

Its important we address the narrative of the Jim Crow period, Galvin said. Acting on that now is going to demonstrate to the community that we are serious and we heard them.

Beyond the formal planning process to redesign the parks, the council also agreed to hold a design competition to solicit ideas for a new monument in Jackson Park.

The February resolution also states that the city will replace the current plaque recognizing the former slave auction block near the Albemarle County Courthouse and identify and acknowledge the site of the historic Freedmens Bureau in the area.

In May, at the request of members of last years Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Memorials and Public Spaces, the council indicated it would support accepting a marker from the future Memorial to Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.

That project is being organized by the Equal Justice Initiative. The memorial in Montgomery is expected to open next year. The organization is working with communities across the country to develop markers that would recognize racial terror lynchings that took place in the post-antebellum and Jim Crow periods.

The marker in the Charlottesville area would recognize John Henry James, an African-American man who was lynched in Albemarle in 1898 after being accused of assaulting a woman.

The council directed staff members to research whether there were any other similar lynchings that took place during that period.

The city has yet to discuss where the lynching marker might go, but Jackson and Lee parks have been considered as potential locations.

I want to leave that discussion open, Galvin said when asked about a possible site for the marker.

Itd be good to do a little more research on how to address this, she said. Thats something we should do right away, but I think we should do a city-county memorial because it involves both jurisdictions.
Bob Peckman punctuated his recollections of his late friend Charles Parry with a mix of laughter, tears and observations that rang with a tone akin to reverence.

Some saw him as rough and bossy, and a lot of people got put off by Charles without knowing the truly gentle side of him, he said.

Once, during a canoe trip through Canadian wilderness, Parry noticed as they approached a portage that Peckman had a walleye on a stringer.

Are you going to let him go? asked Parry, wondering whether Peckman planned to release or eat the fish  and hoping for the former.

Parry died in December 2010. He was 68 years old and had served since 1976 as the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Clubs volunteer trail supervisor, a role he inhabited, by all accounts, with passion, persistence and a work ethic forged while growing up on a dairy farm in New York.

Tillie Wood died in 2007 after 21 years as host of the Woods Hole Hostel along the Appalachian Trail in Giles County. She was 89 years old. At the time of Woods death, Laura Belleville of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy spoke to her legacy.

Shes completely loved by the AT community, she said.

On Friday, during a ceremony in Pennsylvania, Parry and Wood were inducted into the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame.

They joined 28 other people recognized to date by the Appalachian Trail Museum Society for exceptional and positive contributions to the famous footpath since the creation of the hall of fame in 2011.

The Appalachian Trail is a public footpath that stretches about 2,190 elastic miles between Mount Katahdin, Maine, and Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. Virginia hosts more miles  about 550  than any of the 14 states through which the path passes.

The trail, completed in 1937 but never static, is managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.

***

Parry, a longtime math professor at Virginia Tech and Blacksburg resident, was described as a relentless volunteer and a master trail builder along the 120 miles of the Appalachian Trail maintained by the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club.

His tenure included numerous trail relocations, and he played a pivotal role in the return of the AT to McAfee Knob in the late 1980s, according to his hall of fame profile.

Diana Christopulos, president of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, got a glimpse of working with Parry. When I knew him, in the early 2000s, he was already a legend and had a reputation of being a little gruff, Christopulos recalled.

She joined his trail crew one day working on a relocation of the McAfee Knob section. She rode with him in his truck for a while and found him to be a pleasant companion.

Then he gave me a 16-pound hammer and told me to pound in rebar for new steps, she said. I am 5 foot, 6 inches and not terribly muscular, so that wore me out pretty fast  though I can still show you the steps that I finished.

Ultimately, Parry shifted her to an easier task.

Have to admit that I never went back, said Christopulos, noting she learned she was better at leading hikes and other trail management tasks than building stone steps.

Peckman, who is now 76 years old, acknowledged that he and Parry occasionally quarreled during trail work, including one incident also involving rebar.

There was one day I got so mad at him, Peckman said. We had these 6-inch pieces of rebar left over and Charles told me to carry them out. I asked, What can you do with 6-inch pieces of rebar?

I threw them down the slope. I just heaved them, Peckman recalled.

He said Parry was remarkably strong and a tireless worker. He was an ox. I was never willing to work as hard as Charles did, Peckman said.

David Jones first met Parry when Jones was in his 20s and Parry was old enough for Jones to regard him as an authority figure.

I never butted heads with him because I never had the confidence to butt heads with him, Jones said.

He was my leader and I followed. When I went to the woods with Charles, everything was OK, he said. He always seemed to be in perfect control.

Jones, who succeeded Parry as volunteer trail supervisor after the older mans death, described Parry as being phenomenal in his persistence and consistency in always working and giving to the trail.

***

In 1939, Tillie and Roy Wood were newlyweds when they discovered a worn-down Giles County cabin built in the 1880s by Stoney Holiday in the mountains south of Pearisburg. They rented the place so Roy could work on his graduate thesis, studying a nearby herd of elk. The cabin, constructed with chestnut logs, was just half a mile from the early Appalachian Trail.

According to a history of the Woods Hole Hostel, The cabin boasted a dirt floor, with crumbling chinking between the logs. One could see the stars through the pin holes in the rusted tin roof. Tillie and Roy, though, saw something in this majestic cabin. Roy said he could fix it up.

In 1942, the couple purchased the cabin and some surrounding acreage and kept the cabin as a family retreat.

After Roys retirement in 1981, he and Tillie decided to restore and renovate the cabin and add features, including a bunkhouse, to establish a hostel for passing Appalachian Trail hikers. That work consumed five summers. The hostel opened in May 1986. Roy died in 1987.

But Tillie Wood carried on. She traveled to the cabin each spring from Roswell, Ga., to run the hostel, typically opening on May 1 and closing sometime after July 4 as the number of northbound through-hikers dwindled.

Tillie spent the next 21 years giving hikers a place to rest, shower and warm their bellies with a Southern breakfast. Woods Hole became known as one of the most beloved hostels on the AT, reports her hall of fame profile.

Breakfasts featured eggs, grits, sausage, homemade biscuits, jam, coffee and juice. The cost was $3.50.

As Tillie approached the end of her life, she wondered who would shoulder the responsibility of providing hikers a place of respite and relative comfort. Granddaughter Neville Harris stepped up.

Harris and her husband, Michael Lasecki, whom Harris met at the hostel in July 2005 when he was a through-hiker, now operate Woods Hole Hostel as a bed-and-breakfast. They keep it open year-round, serving hikers and other guests, closing for vacations or what Harris described as quiet time.

Harris said Roy and Tillie were a team, a wonderful pair.

It really was something special they did, to decide to open their lives to hikers, she said.

How does Harris think Tillie would have responded to being inducted in the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame?

She would have been humbled, Harris said. She didnt run a hostel for prestige or attention or even money. The hostel was free and breakfast was only $3.50 for the first eight people who signed up.

I dont know how she would have taken it. Shocked, surprised, grateful  those are the words that come to mind, Harris said.

***

The Appalachian Trail Museum in Pennsylvanias Pine Grove Furnace State Park is near the midpoint of the trail. The Appalachian Trail Museum Society oversees the hall of fame.

Parry and Wood joined illustrious company. The hall of fames 2011 charter class included such AT luminaries as Benton MacKaye and Myron Avery. MacKayes profile reports, The very concept of the AT resulted from this mans dream.

Averys profile notes that he knitted trail clubs together into a cohesive group of volunteers and reports, If Benton MacKaye envisioned the trail, this gentleman built it.

Peckman was asked how he felt about the induction of his dear friend, Charles Parry.

We live on in the memories of people who love us, but do we live on beyond that? I dont know, he replied.

Peckman said Parrys legacy endures in tangible ways along the famous trail Parry helped build and maintain with steadfast dedication.
More than 60 protesters marched from the University of Virginia Rotunda to Lee Park, walking alongside traffic and several police officers on Saturday, to mount a community defense against all forms of fascism, according to the Black and Third World Alliance for Community Defense.

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 personally 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 increasing tensions between various factions of the community. City Council has voted to sell the statue, but a judge issued a temporary injunction to prevent its removal.

On May 13, a group led in part by 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.

The tension has moved onto the Downtown Mall, as well. On May 20, several people were seen yelling and chanting at a group of men at an outdoor seating area. Veronica Fitzhugh, who was reportedly with the group, was later charged with misdemeanor assault after she allegedly called the men Nazis and told them to leave the Downtown Mall.

And on Thursday, a confrontation between social-justice 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 with an open hand.

The march 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.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  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, U.Va.s 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 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 brain injuries.

The database would provide doctors with a useful baseline  like the statistical ranges used in a blood test, Stone said.

People who have chronic brain injuries will have thinner cortices because of cell loss, he said. 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 do not always pick up on it, either.

The image library could allow doctors not only to diagnose the problem but also to get a complete picture of patients injuries.

Were hoping well be able to understand whos going to get better and whos going to need more help, Stone said.
Shock. Confusion. Anger. Powerlessness.

Virginia property owners in the paths of two proposed natural gas pipelines have felt that range of emotions since the expansive interstate projects were announced in 2014.

Now, as five men vie to become Virginias next governor, environmental activists and pipeline fighters spy a glimmer of hope. Theyre hopeful a new governor could stop the fracked gas pipelines from crossing the commonwealth.

As the two Democratic candidates for governor sparred at debates and discussed their platforms at public forums, pipelines came up time and again. Activists made sure of it.

With the June 13 primary inching closer, pipeline opponents are using the election as a way to make their voices heard  a trend that could continue during the lead-up to the general election.

Pipeline referendum

In watching the gubernatorial race, environmental activists like Andrew Downs are looking for someone to speak for protecting Virginias natural environment.

For Downs, the Appalachian Trail Conservancys Central and Southwest Virginia regional director, the proposed Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines present a systemic threat to the commonwealths landscape.

One of the conservancys primary concerns is that the Mountain Valley Pipeline would cross the Appalachian Trail. Plans show the 303-mile, 42-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline could intersect the storied backcountry footpath in Giles County near Pearisburg. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline could also slice across the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway in Augusta and Nelson counties.

When the pipelines were first proposed, locals were in shock, Downs said. Now, people are treating the projects as a wake-up call  as both a threat to Virginias landscape and something that could set a precedent in the states energy policy, he said.

Virginias gubernatorial race has been labeled as a referendum on Donald Trumps presidency because it will be one of the first major elections after his win in November. But pipeline opponents see the June 13 primary as a chance to weigh in on an issue that hits closer to home.

The governors race is becoming a referendum on pipelines specifically because the people want their say in things like how energy development occurs in their state, and dont feel like theyre getting it, Downs said. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a national nonprofit organization that does not endorse or donate to political candidates.

Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe has repeatedly and enthusiastically voiced his support for the two pipelines, which he says will boost economic development and job creation. He cites the number of manufacturers that rely on natural gas.

But Downs argues that the Mountain Valley Pipeline could have an adverse effect on jobs in the Roanoke and New River valleys  areas with economies that increasingly rely on the Appalachian Trail and outdoor tourism.

As projected, the pipeline would pass through Giles, Montgomery, Craig, Roanoke and Franklin counties and end in Pittsylvania County.

Downs is convinced that pipelines will be a bigger issue come the general election. Parts of the pipeline debate resonate with both political parties, he said. While Democrats often cling to environmental issues, private property rights and the use of eminent domain for corporate benefit could strike a chord with Republicans.

GOP gubernatorial candidates Ed Gillespie, a former Republican National Committee chairman, and Sen. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, support the pipelines.

Fellow Republican Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, decried the pipelines due to eminent domain issues. Stewart also has criticized Dominion Energy Inc., the company behind the 600-mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline that would run from West Virginia through Virginia and North Carolina.

Forcing the issue

The Republican candidates have rarely clashed on the pipeline issue in part because polls show Gillespie clearly leading the pack. Meanwhile, Democrats Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello are neck-in-neck in a campaigning sprint to the primary.

Rick Shingles, coordinator of Preserve Giles County, was arrested with 23 other environmental activists for protesting in front of the governors mansion last year. Hes unhappy with McAuliffes stance on the pipelines and his willingness to take $215,000 in campaign donations from Dominion.

Shingles lumped Northam with McAuliffe among what he described as the political establishment. Northam has taken more campaign contributions from Dominion  $101,056 (about $35,000 of that since he announced his gubernatorial bid in 2015)  than any of the other gubernatorial candidates.

Like McAuliffe, Northam argues that the federal government, specifically the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, regulates the interstate projects, meaning Virginias governor has little to no control over the pipelines. Any candidate who tells voters otherwise is pandering, Northam said in a May interview.

Northam, who has not given a straightforward answer to the question of whether he supports the pipelines, has said that the projects need to be environmentally responsible and completed with science and transparency in mind. Ultimately, hes convinced the pipelines will come to fruition.

Perriello, on the other hand, has come out against both pipelines and has pledged to refuse campaign contributions from Dominion. Last week, he also signed a pledge to reject campaign donations from all fossil fuel companies.

Shingles said hes thrilled to have a candidate taking a stand against the pipelines  because the higher up a candidate or elected official is on the political spectrum, the harder it is to get their attention.

We dont stand a chance if it doesnt become at least a statewide issue, if not a regional or national issue, he said. Thats how things work against something as powerful as this process.

In a move that could benefit Northam, Dominion is encouraging its employees, shareholders and retirees to note the candidates pipeline stances before voting.

Without naming any candidates, Dominion CEO Thomas Farrell sent a letter to 76,000 recipients last month talking about the importance of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the necessity of reviewing the gubernatorial candidates positions before June 13, as reported by The Washington Post.

Last month, Franklin County resident Carolyn Reilly hosted a fundraiser for Perriello. About 100 people attended the event, sponsored by Bold Alliance, a nonprofit fighting the pipelines.

The Mountain Valley Pipeline hits close to home for Reilly because it would run right through Four Corners Farm, where she and her family raise poultry and pigs. They estimate about 30 acres of the 58-acre farm would be unusable due to pipeline construction.

Thats why Reilly is so pleased that the pipelines have come up at nearly every joint appearance between the two Democratic candidates for governor.

The people on the ground, the organizers on the ground and the pipeline fighters, we are making this the issue, she said. We have forced it.

Part of the energy stems from the frustration pipeline opponents felt with McAuliffes pro-pipeline administration, Reilly said. As McAuliffe has made public appearances across the state over the past couple of years, pipeline opponents and environmental activists have shown up occasionally to protest his pro-pipelines stance.

They hoped McAuliffe would change his position. But with the governor on his way out, and an as-yet-undetermined candidate on his way in, activists are changing their strategy.

Theres new attention to direct toward these candidates and let them know, Youre up next, buddy,  Reilly said.

Richmonds influence

The notion that Virginias governor has no control over the pipelines because they are regulated by the federal government is an overly simple answer to a complex question.

Pipeline foes are quick to point to New York. Under Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the states Department of Environmental Conservation denied water quality certifications to the Constitution Pipeline and the Northern Access Pipeline, effectively halting them.

The department said it lacked sufficient proof that the projects wouldnt harm the states water quality, and it denied the necessary permits.

The two pipeline companies have appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Pipeline foes in Virginia hope that similar permit denials could stop the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast projects.

If the state wanted, through the leadership of the governor who appoints the head of the Department of Environmental Quality, if they really did their job to assess every single crossing, then that could stop it as it did in New York, said Henry Howell, a lawyer representing some property owners whose land could be divided by the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Howell said he will vote for Northam, a longtime friend, in the primary.

Virginia pipeline opponents were heartened in April when the Department of Environmental Quality announced it would require both projects to obtain Clean Water Act 401 water quality certification. At the time, DEQ said the process would compel the companies to provide details about individual crossings of streams and wetlands to demonstrate that the crossings would comply with state water quality standards.

Last week, however, nearly seven weeks after the initial announcement, DEQ clarified its review plans for the two pipelines, citing a miscommunication between departments.

DEQ admitted that the earlier description of its plans was inaccurate. The department said it would rely on a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationwide permit for reviews of wetlands and stream crossings.

The states 401 water quality certification would address other concerns, it said, such as potential effects on water quality from burying the pipelines in steep and rocky terrain or through landscapes rife with karst features such as sinkholes.

Virginia leaders should speak clearly on where they stand on these pipelines, said Perriello, who has previously cited what happened in New York as a way to stop pipeline construction in the commonwealth. As President Trump guts funding for the federal agencies tasked with reviewing these projects, its more important than ever that our state conduct as strict and rigorous a review as possible to protect Virginians access to clean water.

In February, after Perriello announced his opposition to the pipelines, Northam issued a letter to DEQ asking the department to forgo a blanket permitting process in favor of a more detailed site-specific procedure. Days after DEQs announcement, Northam spokeswoman Ofirah Yheskel responded to the changes in the environmental review.

In addition to the Army Corps Nationwide Permit 12, DEQ is also requiring its own, separate, individual 401 water certification. This goes beyond the scope of the nationwide permitting process, and DEQ will be able to intervene with water certification at specific sites. This increased standard on top or beyond the national blanket is what Lt. Gov. Northam called for, and in order for either of these projects to move forward, these certifications will have to be approved or denied by the citizen members of our State Water Control Board.

David Sligh, conservation director for Wild Virginia and a lawyer who previously worked at DEQ, insisted that pipeline opponents will push for the state to pursue the most detailed environmental assessments possible.

McAuliffe said the ACP and MVP will be the most environmentally sound projects in the U.S., and what happened with DEQ shows thats not the case, he said. Thats why the current governor has to act and why anybody who comes along after has to make very clear that theyre going to insist the law be followed and the science is solid.

The timing for completion of the pipeline projects is up in the air. Its unclear whether they could be approved before the new governor takes office, and if the new governor will have any say over the projects come January.

FERC has said it plans to issue a final environmental impact statement for the Mountain Valley project on June 23 and a final statement for the Atlantic Coast project on July 21. The DEQ will review more project details in the months ahead, and will schedule a round of public hearings for each pipeline.

Howell and others are optimistic that the process will take significant time and will bleed into the new governors term.

At that point, Virginias new governor could appoint a new DEQ director who might be able to call for more detailed environmental reviews of pipelines.

Should the projects be approved, the governor could also allot additional public safety resources to ensure the safest possible pipeline construction.

The governor also could request that developers use state condemnation procedures, which are friendlier to local landowners than federal eminent domain procedures, Howell said.

Under federal law, pipeline companies can use either state or federal courts to settle condemnation cases, he said. Howell and other pipeline opponents asked lawmakers this year to support a resolution asking pipeline companies to use state courts instead of federal courts, but the request fell on deaf ears.

In the meantime, environmental activists and pipeline foes will get their say at the polls on June 13 and during Novembers general election.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
As Sundays sun baked Elmwood Park, folks found the stand of trees west of the stage to be a haven from the heat. As evening drew and rain clouds opened, many sought those trees to stay relatively dry.

Regardless of the meteorological moment, plenty of music fans were down front, dancing and jumping to bands playing Giant Jam Sandwich: A FloydFest Family Picnic from early afternoon to late night.

The atmosphere at Elmwood mirrored somewhat the events presenter, with a large, hand-built, wooden arch leading to the amphitheater stage, where jam bands did their thing. And much like many a festival atmosphere, weather uncertainty was the rule but didnt ruin.

So it starts raining, and everyone gets closer, BIG Something frontman Nick MacDaniels said to the audience. You guys are all right.

Not that MacDaniels is unfamiliar with Southwest Virginia jamband music fans ethos. BIG Something has played FloydFest, Martins Downtown Bar & Grill in Roanoke, and Blacksburgs Sycamore Deli and 622 North on multiple occasions. The other acts on the bill  headliner TAUK, The Werks, Peoples Blues of Richmond and The Mantras, each have played most if not all of the same venues.

A bit fewer than 1,500 had come through the gates by 8 p.m., according to Sam Calhoun, spokesman for Across the Way Productions, which organizes FloydFest and other events.

The jam fest marked the second year that Across the Way has presented shows at Elmwood. Last year, Huey Lewis and the News, Blondie and Brian Wilson, of Beach Boys fame, performed. This years two-show series will conclude on June 9, with country duo Montgomery Gentry.

Familiarity with the bands drew people from elsewhere in the commonwealth. Maggie Sawyers, 24, is from Alexandria but lives in Harrisonburg after graduating from Virginia Tech in 2015. She had seen most of the acts in Blacksburg nightspots.

I love TAUK, she said. I love all these bands. I think its a good thing for Roanoke. Ive never been to Elmwood Park. I like it a lot. Its a natural amphitheater.

She had packed grilled cheese sandwiches in a cooler, along with watermelon, picnic style, for the trip. Others asked her how she got the cooler in, not realizing that it was allowed for the event.

Tom Degnon, 23, of Smithfield, had a more general interest inspiring his voyage.

I came for the good music and the beautiful people, he said.

Both Sawyers and Degnon had been entertaining themselves up on the hill during the afternoon. Degnon was fooling around for the first time with a borrowed mini double staff set  like batons, but one can set fire to either end and twirl them. His were not lit.

Sawyers was using a bubble wand.

I love bubbles, she said. I bring them everywhere I go. They make people happy.

Twirlers and hoopers dotted the landscape, along with some hired professionals. Hoop performer Luna, a FloydFest regular, was on the grounds, as was Erin Riley, a Charlottesville-based juggler and juggling teacher who hoped to parlay her work on Sunday into a FloydFest gig.

My motto is: Whoever has the most fun wins, she said.

That applied to volunteers, too. Dreama Secrest, 52, of Roanoke, was working one of the beer ticket booths. She was among about 45 whom Across the Way contacted to help out.

Secrest, who will volunteer at her fifth FloydFest in late July, said its a great chance to meet new people, network and hear great music.

Ive made so many friends over the years, she said. I love it.
DECATUR  A Decatur driver and two of his passengers were thrown out of their sport utility vehicle Sunday morning when it crashed and overturned on Interstate 72 in Sangamon County, according to Illinois State Police.

Police say the accident happened at 10:09 a.m and driver Adam Martin was accompanied by Melissa M. Martin, 32, and children age 8 and 3. It was not clear from the written police reports which of the passengers had been thrown from the vehicle with the driver. Police said the driver and all three passengers escaped the crash with non life-threatening injuries and were all taken to HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
THERE is no specific terror threat in South Yorkshire, senior police figures have said in the wake of the London attack.

Assistant Chief Con David Hartley said: While the threat level remains at severe for the UK, indicating an attack of this nature is likely, for one to occur so soon after the attack in Manchester is understandably, worrying and unnerving for all of us.

There is no evidence or intelligence to suggest there is any threat to our county at this time, however please have the utmost assurance that we are here working hard to keep everyone safe.

He added: I want to offer my reassurance to our communities across South Yorkshire that we are prepared.

We have a command structure in place at all times, we have increased numbers of armed staff available, and we are planning to support all our events and crowded places. We are here to support you carrying on as normal.

Seven people were killed and dozens injured after the attack at London Bridge and Borough Market on Saturday night.

South Yorkshire police commissioner Dr Alan Billings said all community events and places where people gather were being assessed as a precaution and armed and unarmed officers being deployed accordingly.

He added: Terrible though the events in London and Manchester have been, they have had the opposite effect from the one the attackers intended.

They have brought our communities together, shown us what our core values are and made us more determined than ever to live by them.

ACC Hartley (pictured) said: We will continue to serve and protect the public in South Yorkshire, as do all our colleagues across the country, to the best of our ability and maintain a high level of service and delivery.

I would encourage people to please continue with your lives and daily business as normal.

Rotherham Faith Leaders Council said that members prayers and thoughts were with those who were grieving in the wake of the attack.

The council said in a statement: The loss of our loved ones and when those closest to us are hurt is one of the deepest pains known to the human heart.

Any ideology, political agenda or religious motivation that seeks to justify the affliction of such pain, lacks all credibility and is utterly condemned by people of faith and people of no faith.

We stand together in our united humanity against these inhuman acts. We stand with the citizens of London and support them with our prayers.

We grieve again, over lives lost, bodies broken and families torn apart and our prayers and thoughts are with those who are grieving today.

Our prayers are also for those emergency service personnel who throughout the night have protected, supported and cared for those in need.

We are so grateful for their dedicated service and the compassion they faithfully demonstrate in such difficult circumstances.

We will not be shaken. We will not repay evil with evil

We will continue to do good. We will continue to love.
Crowds gathered outside Rotherham Town Hall for a minute's silence following the Manchester terror attack a fortnight ago

ROTHERHAM will join the rest of the country in falling silent tomorrow (Tuesday) in memory of those killed in the London terror attack.

Councillors and officers will hold a minutes silence outside Rotherham Town Hall and Riverside House at 11am to remember the seven people killed and as a mark of respect to the dozens injured after the attack at London Bridge and Borough Market on Saturday night.

Police said the attack began at around 10pm on Saturday, when a white Renault van hired by one of the three attackers drove onto London Bridge from the north side.

It was the third terror attack in the UK in three months, following the car and knife attack on Westminster Bridge in March, in which five people were killed, and the Manchester bombing two weeks ago, in which 22 people were killed.
De Beers said global demand for diamond jewellery increased by 0.3 percent to $80 billion in 2016 from the previous years $79 billion, with demand growth from the US offsetting a contraction in India.

Diamond jewellery demand from US consumers was up 4.4 percent in 2016 to breach the $40 billion mark for the first time while a jewellers strike and demonetisation in India led to an 8.8 percent decline in demand in local currency.

However, demand from Indian consumers started to return to more normal levels in 2017.

American consumers continue to express strong desire for diamonds, but their purchasing habits are changing rapidly, said De Beers chief executive Bruce Cleaver.

While bridal diamond jewellery remains fundamental, we are seeing both single and married women buying for themselves more frequently and more purchases being made online. Meanwhile, products such as multi-diamond jewellery are becoming more popular.

Meanwhile, De Beers also said that demand from Chinese consumers leaped 0.6 percent in local currency and had continued to improve this year, with robust sales around Chinese New Year contributing to the positive performance in the first quarter.

Demand from Japanese consumers, it said, declined 2.9 per cent in local currency last year, but growth in US dollars reached 8.1 per cent due to the strength of the Yen.

Continued oil price weakness slowed demand in the Gulf.

Despite some markets facing challenging conditions last year, we see this trend continuing, with improvements in demand from China and India, in particular, emerging in 2017, said Cleaver.

De Beers said it was expecting another marginal global growth in diamond jewellery demand in US dollar terms this year.

While the US has seen slower GDP growth in the first quarter, which generally signals slower growth in diamond jewellery demand, the outlook for 2017 is for higher consumer confidence and GDP growth, said De Beers.

Retailers in China expect demand to continue to grow at a slightly faster rate, in local currency. In India, the effect of demonetisation in 2017 proved to be less severe than anticipated, with consumption returning to more normal levels in the first quarter.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




DECATUR  Long before President John F. Kennedy said ask not what your country can do for you, members of the Greatest Generation answered the call.

Thats how Dave Parker, commander of the Macon County Honor Guard, sees the veterans of World War II, men who marched across continents and fought their way through battles we never dreamed of.

These guys  stormed the beaches. They looked danger in the face and said OK, bring it. Lets root out evil,  said Parker, who served during Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Operation Iraqi Freedom. They never gave it a second thought.

Tuesday marks the 73rd anniversary of the June 6, 1944, invasion known as D-Day, when about 156,000 American, Canadian and British troops descended on the rocky 50-mile stretch of heavily defended French coastline facing staggering odds.

Normandy was one the biggest forces ever brought together for battle on air, water and land, and the attack against German defenders left in its wake 4,000 Allied troops dead. It also marked a key turning point of the war in Europe.

The battle continues to echo throughout the nations aging community of World War II veterans. Most are in their 90s.

Parker said Macon Countys Honor Guard has attended 10 or 15 funerals for World War II veterans so far this year. He said its important to remember their sacrifice and thank those who are still living, along with veterans from all conflicts.

If you see a veteran or an individual with a hat on  WWII, Korea, Vietnam  go up and say thank you, he said. Say 'thank you for what you did for me.' 

Irwin Soliday, 99, of Forsyth served in the Army, fighting the Japanese in the New Guinea campaign in 1943. He was in combat for five months before returning to the United States, where he was a guard in POW camps for European prisoners at Fort Dix, N.J.

During D-Day while he was overseas, he said he couldnt recall a radio being nearby, but word spread quickly. The troops were aware this was an important event, but they had their own battles to fight.

Oh, God yes. We knew it. There was a lot of interest; you bet your life, he said. But we were primarily concerned with what was happening in our area.

It was during his time as a POW camp guard toward the end of the war that he began to meet prisoners who had been taken by the Allies during the D-Day invasion and afterward.

They were grimy. They were shipped over here in any kind of ship they could find. The Germans I saw were getting down to the bottom of the barrel, he said. One fella (a conscript who was not German) told me he was in a foxhole in France looking into the straits when he saw thousands of ships coming across and was amazed. He said he went right back down in his foxhole. He wasnt interested in fighting the Allies 

Unlike some of the crack Arifka Korps troops he observed at the POW camps, the German army of 1945 lacked the professionalism one might have expected to see, he said.

Those Afrika Korps fellas were sharp, Soliday said. But the German army that we saw amounted to a lot of fellas where the they would go into the village and conscript all the men and ship them to the army. We got a lot of different fellas from all over Europe (at the POW camp).

Soliday, who had been inducted into the Army on Oct. 31, 1941, before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, was honorably discharged on May 2, 1945. Nazi Germany capitulated on May 8.

About 987,000 men and women from Illinois served during World War II. The Decatur area also was a key manufacturing hub during the war, including at the Houdaille-Hershey Plant.

An estimated 22,000 Illinoisans died during the war, according to the World War II Veterans Memorial in Springfield. It was erected at Oak Ridge Cemetery in December 2014.

In Washington, organizers are hoping to have a new memorial to Dwight Eisenhower, the five-star World War II general and president, in place by the 75th anniversary of D-Day in June 2019.

President Donald Trump put money for the memorial, planned on the National Mall, in his 2018 budget proposal, although there could be delays.

Republican Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, who chairs the commission planning the memorial, said Eisenhowers accomplishments in overseeing the invasion are stunning.

Heres a man who saved Western democracy and Europe in World War II and gave us eight years of peace and prosperity here at home, Roberts said. There should have been a memorial for him a long time ago.

Nationally, the number of living World War II veterans is estimated to be about 500,000, compared to more than 16 million during the war.
Russias Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev said worlds largest diamond miner, Alrosa can establish a joint system with Namibia of diamond sales.

De Beers currently dominates diamond mining and sales in the southern African country where it established joint ventures with the government.

However, the Russian official said that can be challenged.

"De Beers has no exclusive right to mine diamonds in Namibia and cut them, Trutnev was quoted as saying by Tass.

Alrosa can also participate. We made the first step and offered development of the joint sales system to the Namibian party."

Namibia started independent diamond sales last year through the state-owned Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia).

However, Namibia Diamond Trading Company, a joint venture between Namibia and De Beers, remains the main vehicle for supplying local cutting and polishing factories.

Namdia would sell a minimum of $150 million or a 15 percent representative cut-off of all Namdeb Holdings entire range and quality of diamonds into the international market.

Namdeb produced 1.57 million carats in 2016.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




City of Toronto/TTC

The government of Canada pledged CA$27 million (US$19.54 million) toward Toronto's planned Relief Line, but the city's Mayor John Tory requested a provincial financial commitment to secure the project's future.

The Relief Line is a proposal to alleviate overcrowding on the Yonge Subway Line, considered the backbone of the Torontos transit system, and provide riders with more travel options. The federal government funds will be provided through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and will support the planning and preliminary design of the line.

Im glad to see the federal government coming to the table with much-needed transit funding. This planning funding  coupled with the citys investment  helps us get to work on planning the relief line. The city of Toronto is ready to keep building transit for the future and looks forward to working with our federal and provincial partners to make that construction a reality for our residents, said Mayor Tory.

Ontario is providing more than CA$150 million (US$111.14 million) to advance planning and design work for the relief line as part of the Moving Ontario Forward plan. The city of Toronto will also be contributing more than CA$27 million (US$19.54 million) to the next phase of planning and design work for the project, which is in addition to CA$4 million (US$2.96 million) already spent on the relief line planning work.

This project will advance the planning and design of the Toronto City Council approved alignment for the relief line from Pape Avenue and Danforth Avenue to downtown via Queen Street East. Planning for the Relief Line South is a city of Toronto and Toronto Transit Commission priority transit expansion project. Current demand forecasts indicate that the Relief Line South is required by 2031, when Line 1 will be at its capacity of 36,000 passengers per hour per direction.

This investment will not have a real and lasting impact for Canadians unless the province is involved, said Mayor Tory. While the province of Ontario has invested CA$150 million to help plan the relief line, we thank them for that, we need them to commit to partnership on the construction of the transit project and the continued expansion of our network across Toronto. I am asking for a steadfast commitment from the province that they will be financial partners in the building of the Relief Line.

For more on Toronto area rail projects, visit IRJ Pro.
Decatur police say the man who was shot by an officer during a chase last week was released from the hospital and now faces charges.

Also of interest on Monday, state fair building naming rights will be sold, a Lincoln girl dies after an accident in Bloomignton, we revisit a prominent early Decatur family and the Oasis Day Center is looking for a new director.

Police say chase suspect has been charged

Donald Redmon, the man shot and wounded during a police foot chase in Decatur, was released from HSHS St. Mary's Hospital on Sunday and immediately arrested on a preliminary charge of armed violence.

In a statement, deputy chief of police S. Jason Walker said Redmon is now being held in the Macon County Jail.

Redmon had been a passenger in a vehicle police say was driven by Dallas C. Vorties, 29, who was also arrested on a preliminary charge of armed violence. Police also say they found cocaine in the Vorties' vehicle.

State fairgrounds buildings to get sponsors

A nonprofit designed to help with upkeep at the Illinois state fairgrounds plans on selling naming rights to fair buildings to help pay for improvements.

The Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation is in negotiations with corporations for naming rights to various buildings, Chairman John Slayton said. The foundation hopes to raise $3 million to $5 million a year to pay for improvements, he said.

The Powers family gave Decatur a charge

Justin Conn revisited one of Decatur's early families, who gave their name to streets and buildings, amassing a fortune in many businesses of the mid- to late 19th century.

The Powers were true American aristocrats  New England colonists and Revolutionary War heroes. When George and Samuel Powers rode into the little village on horseback in 1839, they saw potential. For the next 100 years, their family would be among Decaturs most important, bringing culture and commerce.

Lincoln girl in Bloomington accident dies

A 6-year-old Lincoln girl, placed on life support after she was struck by a vehicle Saturday in Bloomington, has died.

The Peoria County Coroner's office said Mackenzy Brown was pronounced dead Monday morning. That office was involved because the girl died at Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria.

Tuggle leaves Oasis Day Center

Oasis Day Center is looking for a new director.

Todd Tuggle, who had been with Oasis since August 2014, confirmed Monday that he had resigned effective Friday, but declined to elaborate.

Previously, he served as pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, CrossPointe Community Church and Hidden Valley Community Church.
D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI) announced it has submitted a proposal to the Board of Forestar Group Inc. (FOR) to acquire 75% of the currently outstanding shares of Forestar for $16.25 per share in cash. Under the proposed transaction, Forestar would remain a public company and its common stock will trade on the NYSE. Following the Merger, D.R. Horton would own 75% of the outstanding Forestar Successor shares, and existing stockholders would own 25% of the outstanding Forestar Successor shares. Forestar would be led by new executive chairman Donald Tomnitz, who served as CEO of D.R. Horton for over 15 years.

D.R. Horton said the transaction would be effected through a merger of a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of D.R. Horton with Forestar. The merger would have a cash election feature in which Forestar stockholders would have the right to elect, for each share of common stock held, either to receive $16.25 per share in cash as merger consideration, or to retain such share of the surviving entity.

D.R. Horton noted that the $16.25 per share value represents a 14% premium over the purchase price to be paid to the Forestar stockholders pursuant to the existing merger agreement between Forestar and affiliates of Starwood Capital Group.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Canadian stocks were slightly lower for a second session Monday, with gauges of most sectors in the red. Energy stocks were steady, however, despite another drop in oil prices.

Markets were calm after another terrorist attack in the U.K., where radical Muslims killed 7 and injured dozens around the London Bridge.

The TSX Composite Index was down 32.97 points, or 0.21 percent, to 15,409.78. Financials were weak amid signs the Toronto housing market may be cooling off.

The Toronto Real Estate Board said home sales dropped 20.3 percent in May compared to the same month a year earlier, due to recent changed in home buying rules from province of Ontario.

Telus Corp (T.TO) said it would spend $4.2 billion on new broadband and wireless infrastructure in Alberta by 2020. Shares were up fractionally.

Osisko Gold Royalties (OR.TO) bought a precious metals portfolio from Orion Mine Finance Group for C$1.13 billion. Osisko shares rose 3.3 percent.

Crude oil futures continued to fall Monday, sliding near $47 a barrel amid concerns that a rift between Middle East oil producers will threaten OPEC's supply quota plan.

Six Arab countries including Saudi Arabia have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. Neighbors accuse Doha of destabilizing the region by supporting militants and backing Iran.

In economic news, the Commerce Department released a report on Monday showing a modest drop in new orders for U.S. manufactured goods in the month of April. The report said factory orders edged down by 0.2 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
DECATUR -- Certain new employees of the city of Decatur would be required to live within city limits under a new bargaining agreement set to face the city council tonight.

Under the agreement between the city and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 and Local 268, any new employees who are represented by the union are required to live within the city limits for the first five years of their tenure.

This has been a focus for the city for some time, so we were pleased to have the language in the agreement, said deputy city manager Billy Tyus.

The terms of that agreement were ratified by union membership on May 30, 2017, according to the resolution. The union covers about 125 general service workers.

If approved, a residency requirement would be in place for all new employees in the city with the exception of the Decatur Police Benevolent and Protective Association Labor Committee. Negotiations are ongoing between that union and the city, and City Manager Tim Gleason said city officials hope to have a residency requirement for new employees in that agreement.

Under the AFSCME contract, which would be retroactive to May 1 and go until Dec. 31, 2020, employees will see an annual, across-the-board wage increase of 1.75 percent for this year, a 2.25 percent increase for the next two years, and a two percent increase for the final year.

We feel this is a good contract for both sides, Tyus said.

In other business, the council is set to vote on the whether to move ahead with phase 2 of the City Fiber Project, which will be the actual build portion to expand the fiber network.

This lights up a fiber network that can be utilized by others to a faster, more reliable service, Tyus said.

The project is intended to provide what could be a critical network for future law enforcement needs and save money for local government entities, nonprofits and health care providers. Under the proposal, the city would lease some of its fiber to other users at a cost that could be more than 75 percent less than what is currently paid and offer what is expected to be faster internet service.

The cost for phase 2 of the project is $413,516.39, with $330,000 of which to be covered by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. The city will pay the remaining $83,516.39.

If approved, Tyus said work should be completed before the end of summer.
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SACI Instagram: Statement on Diversity and Inclusion e South African Chemical Institute The South African Chemical Institute is committed to diversity and inclusivity in chemical sciences. The Institute opposes discriminatory acts or threats based on race, ethnicity, citizenship, culture, language, disability, age, religious or spiritual beliefs, political opinion, gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation and economic class. The Institute is dedicated (i) to endorsing excellence and scientific credibility across chemical sciences conducted in academic, industrial, and governmental institutions, and (ii) to nurturing the values of diversity, inclusivity, and equity in the chemical sciences in South Africa. Hence, SACI will continue to play a leading role in assuring the professional competence and integrity of chemists and fostering international collaboration whilst upholding inclusivity and diversity. Statement on Sexual Harassment e South African Chemical Institute The South African Chemical Institute will not permit any kind of sexual harassment (physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct) in the Institute or at events organised by or related to the Institute. The Institute is committed to and fully supports environments that are free of any form of unfair discrimination and harassment, including gender-based violence. Allegations of any form of sexual harassment will be dealt with seriously, expeditiously, sensitively and confidentially. Statement from SACI Council on tertiary training in chemistry as a result of disruptions to the 2020 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the professional body representing the interests of all chemists in South Africa, we recognise the challenges that the current COVID-19 crisis presents to all our members in academia, research and industry. We also acknowledge the challenges the current situation presents to our tertiary institutions and specifically the challenges presented by moving to online teaching. We applaud the efforts of all our members who work at tertiary institutions who have adapted and innovated to ensure that we can continue as far as possible with our teaching and learning of chemistry even when on campus face-to-face contact is not possible. Our tertiary institutions play a critical role in not only training the next generation of chemists, but they are also tasked with the important responsibility of ensuring that many people from other professions and disciplines are trained in the fundamental principles of chemistry. We reaffirm our belief that this training is essential, as chemistry is one of the central sciences. Key to this training is the practical component and laboratory based skills development. While we accept that this critical component of our training is not possible under the current situation, we strongly urge that plans be put in place to preserve this component of training as part of the curriculum as far as possible. In some cases, virtual laboratory tools can facilitate learning, but we believe that in laboratory practical training particularly for senior level courses should be preserved. SACI strongly recommends that at least a critical minimum practical experience should form part of the plans to complete the 2020 academic year at our tertiary institutions. We believe that this is essential to preserve the validity and integrity of the academic training programmes in chemistry. Latest Updates: Pay your SACI membership fees with SnapScan SACI Ties, Scarfs and T-shirts Periodic table ties and ladies scarfs R130 each. Periodic table T Shirt Short sleeve R180, Long sleeve R200 Please contact head office to place orders. There is also a courier charge of R150 per order for delivery.


DECATUR  Donald Redmon, the man shot and wounded during a police foot chase in Decatur, was released from HSHS St. Mary's Hospital on Sunday and arrested on a preliminary charge of armed violence, Deputy Police Chief S. Jason Walker said Monday.

Redmon, 33, was shot in the lower back Wednesday afternoon after police said he fled from a traffic stop in the 800 block of South Webster Street. He was shot by Detective Jeffrey Hockaday, Walker said in a previous statement, saying Hockaday fired his weapon three times to end what police later described as a perceived threat. Police said Redmon was armed with a 9 mm handgun.

Redmon had been a passenger in a vehicle police said was driven by Dallas C. Vorties, 29, who was also arrested on a preliminary charge of armed violence. Police also said they found cocaine in Vorties' vehicle.

The Illinois State Police is handling the investigation, and Hockaday is on administrative duties with pay, which are standard procedures when a police officer is involved in a shooting.

An affidavit signed by Decatur police officer James Pinney shed more light Monday on the traffic stop that led to the shooting but did not detail Hockaday's actions or mention him. Deputy Police Chief Shane Brandel, who is in charge of the administrative operations division, said Hockaday's actions were not included because they are now subject to the state police investigation.

If any charges result from that investigation, that will be at the request of the Illinois State Police, with the decision made by the Macon County State's Attorney's Office, Brandel said.

Brandel clarified that the preliminary armed violence charge is connected with evidence police said was recovered by Macon County sheriff's detective Jonathan Roseman, assigned to the Decatur Police Street Crimes Unit, and Detective Scott Marquis, a member of the unit, after the traffic stop. The affidavit described that evidence as the loaded 9 mm handgun that was found on the ground close to where Redmon was taken into custody.

The Herald & Review asked to speak to Hockaday, but Brandel said that would not be possible. This is an active investigation, and a public comment at this point by the involved officer does not serve any purpose in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the investigation, Brandel said. Nor is it standard protocol of any kind by professional police departments to have officers involved in such incidents make public comments, especially when the investigation is ongoing and there are pending court proceedings.

In the affidavit, officer Pinney said Roseman and Marquis stopped the vehicle because they said it was speeding and ran a stop sign. Redmon was described as fleeing on foot southbound. Det. Marquis gave chase, on foot, in pursuit of Redmon, Pinney said.

The 9 mm gun was described as having one live round in the chamber and another 14 in the seated magazine. Police said the serial number on the gun was partially defaced. A Decatur Police Department street crimes detective observed Redmon to have this firearm in his possession prior to Redmon being taken into custody, Pinney wrote.

Pinney said the front passenger door to the stopped vehicle was ajar and the detectives saw 26 bags of suspected crack cocaine in plain view inside. Later field tests confirmed the drug was crack, Pinney said.

Redmon remained jailed Monday night in lieu of posting $250,000 bail. He is due in court June 12.

Redmon and Vorties face preliminary charges of armed violence. Formal charging decisions are made by the Macon County States Attorneys Office. It is not known whether the men have hired attorneys.

In his initial statement, Walker identified the race of Redmon, who is black, and Hockaday, who is white. Later responding to emailed questions, police said they had no comment on why they had provided the race of the men.

As the legal proceedings move ahead, Members of ALERT, the Area Leaders Educators Response Team, continue to monitor the state police investigation into Redmon's shooting and work to counteract rumors and wrong information.

The group was formed in 2015 by the Decatur Police Department and local NAACP branch following the officer-involved shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., that sparked days of protests.

NAACP Branch President Jeanelle Norman said members have been asked how many times Redmon was shot. Only one bullet entered his body, she said.

Norman said there have also been public "concerns" about Redmon having been shot in the back. She said one person had contacted her wanting to organize a street protest over the shooting, but Norman is not aware of any protest going ahead.

We are just kind of asking people to remain calm and let's wait to see what the results are from the Illinois State Police investigation, she added. Let the investigation take place. We will hold everybody accountable, and we're going to make sure we ask all the right questions when the time comes and the report comes back. We're willing to wait.
NORMAL  Nicholas Weber asked Joy Longnecker about her chest pain and treatment, then checked her heart beat, breathing, pulse and abdomen to determine the source of pain.

He worked under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Keto, a resident in Advocate BroMenn's Family Medicine Residency Program.

That's because Weber isn't a doctor  yet. He's a third-year medical student doing clinical training at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and Central Illinois physicians' offices.

Since 2008, BroMenn and local physicians have provided clinical training for third- and fourth-year medical students under the direction of supervisory physicians and residents.

The little-known program has provided clinical training for eight to 12 third- and fourth-year medical students each year, said Dr. Timothy Buffey, BroMenn director of student medical education and program director for the family medicine residency.

"BroMenn is actively participating in preparing the next generation of health care providers," said Dr. Todd Kettering, BroMenn director of medical education.

"This is a benefit to the community," said Weber, a Bloomington-Normal native. "It draws people back to this area."

Longnecker, a patient in BroMenn's cardiovascular care unit, supports the idea.

"I think it's very nice that they give them a chance to explore all aspects of the job," said Longnecker, 64, of Atlanta. "I think he was very considerate in the way he handled himself and me."

"This is a very necessary portion of their education," said Keto, a second-year family medicine resident from Shorewood.

"I have found (the medical students) to be easy to work with," Keto said. "They have an eagerness to keep learning and improve themselves."

The clinical training has operated in the shadow of BroMenn's larger residency program.

Future doctors spend several years in medical school, including classroom coursework and clinical work.

After graduation from medical school, new doctors complete a residency in their specialty and practice medicine under the supervision of an attending physician before setting up their own practice or joining one.

BroMenn began a neurosurgery residency program in 2002, expanded to family medicine in 2004 and neurology in 2013.

The programs were efforts to address the physician shortage and the difficulty to attract physicians to Central Illinois.

The neurosurgery residency lasts seven years; the family medicine residency, three; and the neurology residency, four.

Forty-three residents have graduated from BroMenn's residency programs since 2002 and six have remained in Central Illinois as practicing physicians, Buffey said.

"Twenty-three are currently enrolled in all three programs and five will graduate this year," Kettering said.

In 2008, BroMenn  in conjunction with Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Mo.,  decided to expand its education to medical students.

The students spend the first two years at Kirksville for classroom coursework. The next two years are spent at clinical rotations.

Kirksville medical students can choose from among 36 sites  including BroMenn  for their rotations. Eight to 12 each year choose BroMenn, Buffey said.

A goal is for the students to return to BroMenn in one of the residency programs. Five of the current residents began at BroMenn as medical students, Buffey said.

Kettering said students at BroMenn have more one-on-one time with supervisory physicians and may be allowed to do more.

"At a big medical center, they may be among eight residents and medical students gathered around a case," he said. "Here, at most, it's a resident and a student. They get to see more, do more and have better interaction with the supervisory physician."

Weber, 27, a graduate of Normal Community West High School and Illinois State University, liked BroMenn's program.

"It's a smaller program, so there's more one-on-one time with the attending (supervisory) physicians," he said. For example, he has been able to assist physicians during cardiac catheterizations and gallbladder removal surgery.

The one-month clinical rotations happen at the hospital and physician offices in a variety of specialties, including family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, critical care, emergency medicine, orthopedics and neurology.

"They (students) come in and get excited about the most basic things," Kettering said. "That gets you excited, too. When someone is learning something for the first time and you get to explain it to them, you are helping them to do their job better and helping to shape their career while it's energizing you."

Dr. Aaron Traeger, a pediatrician with Advocate Medical Group, invites medical students into appointments that can advance their education. He asks patients  or their parents  first. Most give permission.

"If it's anything that would make the patient feel uncomfortable, we wouldn't do it," Traeger said.

After awhile, Traeger invites the students to get the patient's information to determine what's wrong and develop a treatment plan. Then, Traeger asks some of the same questions but probes deeper.

Recently, one student thought a child had a virus but it actually was allergies, Traeger said.

The student learned additional questions to ask. And the parent heard how Traeger drew his conclusion.

"It adds five to 10 minutes to an appointment," Traeger said. "But our patients are so gracious. They know we are training the next generation."

What's the value to Traeger?

"By teaching someone else to do something, you are increasing your mastery of the information," he said.

"Getting people (young doctors) into our community is the hardest part," Traeger said. "If they come here as medical students, we are more likely to keep them. If we keep one a year, that's amazing."

Weber plans to apply for BroMenn's family medicine residency program, then hopes to begin a family medicine practice in Central Illinois.

"I grew up in this community," he said. "I think it would be cool to take care of this area that took care of me."
Dear Editor,

Re: President Trump, climate change and P.M. Tuilaepa

A contrarian analyst thats been covering a broader perspective spectrum of Climate Change and their link to the Globalist agenda has reached the verdict: President Trump has been right all along and been vindicated and a true hero for the American people.

He exited the Paris Climate accord today for a justifiable reason: To save jobs for the American people and to dismantle the One World Order.

First and foremost, I would like to justify my argument by asking a few questions to draw your attention to whats at stake to further our discussion on the subject matter.

How many people out there actually did some homework on Climate Change? Who are the ones thats behind these initiatives? What were their true intentions in pursuing the Climate Change narrative? What is the agenda 2021 and agenda 2030 about?

If you can answer those three questions, than you are on your way in unraveling and unmasking of the true colors thats covering the cloak.

Tomorrow, the group thats behind Climate Change are meeting in Virginia. Theyre called: The Bilderberg group. These are a group of elites around the world that was founded in may 29th 1954.

They meet secretly without any Press coverage every four years to discus matters concerning their Corporate interest and mainly to gauge their success on their Climate Change agenda. They make sure that what has been discussed may never leaked out to the public.

The only ones exposing this are the true patriots or the alternative media that is shedding the light on this dark and murky organization that use Climate Change to justify their unruly and inhumane injustice for mankind.

The question is: If they are so concerned about Climate Change; why are they so secretive in conducting these meetings? Why arent they allowing the press to cover what has been discussed so the people may know whats going on?

The answer is plain and simple; you and I are not part of that agenda if you read and understand whats written in the agenda 2021 and 2030, than you will know why. Its literally the extermination of the human race. I will not explain in detail whats in it, If you really interested to know, you can find out yourself.

Their number one agenda in this meeting is how to get rid of president Trump. Their agenda has been derailed by President Trump and thats why theyve been so relentless in blasting President Trump every time in their propaganda machine media. They own every main stream media which are their main weapon of fake news in misleading the American people and people around the world.

They are the ones that runs the world affairs and the Pope has given his blessing to this organisation. They are the One World governing body that shape policies around the world. Worst of, they are not elected officials.

They were behind the creation of the EU and they use their money and influence to hand picked presidents and officials around the world, in fact they were behind Hilary Clinton and with all the lies and deception she was liable for, nothing ever happened to her because they were protecting her.

President Trump was never in their list to be president because he wasnt part of the elite group. In fact President Trump was an accidental President. They tried every trick in the book to oust him even when he got elected. He has fulfilled all that he promised to the American people and sure enough the elites sure dont want people to better themselves.

They have bought and sold almost every American politicians and black mailed them if they dont go along with their agenda. They are the deep state that infiltrated every government and organizations around the world. They have subjected most of the EU states to go along with their agenda and threatened those that will go against them.

The CIA, FBI and all the intelligence community under Obama works for them. They have pushed the Russian collusion narrative with President Trump but nothing to substantiate their claim because theres nothing there.

They should have investigated the death of Seth Rich which was their IT specialist where the real leak was coming from instead of pursuing the dead end story about Trump colluding with the Russians. They didnt want to pursue that route because they will find out who really killed Seth. The whole world is upside down with these people.

A Fascist, Marxist, Leninist organization that wanted everyone to be subservient to them to create a serfdom society that can easily be controlled by their technology and implementing new laws that tightened and put a strangle hold on freedom from cultivating your own land for use and limiting your ability of movement for the sake of saving earth while they fly around in their jets polluting the air.

Their carbon footprint tax law hidden in the TPP that President Trump revoked was another misnomer in their trickery way of extracting money from every citizen of the world to fund their save earth project. They will literally tax you for breathing air and walk on earth that is your human right and dignity given by God to be here on earth to live and enjoy.

As much as we know that climate has changed; it is inevitable to know that the planet is going through the cleansing process. The elites know this because they know Astrology and the cycles that the earth goes through every 24000 years.

I know that I will be greatly unpopular by the left and the right because I seek only the truth and the light that we so desperately deserve in time of great deception. Manuia le vaiaso.

Leituala Roger B.
Dear Editor,

Re: President Trump and climate change

Well! Something is very important why the USA president declared his opposing or withdrawn from the issue.

His decision is also basic on the advisable from his special advisors or vice president. Remember, todays technologies can visualize things are not seen by our eyes and USA is the country only has those systems techs.

Ten years ago at the place I live now in Salt Lake City, UT, every summer in the past we faced a lot of smogs and dirty climates every day.

When the White House passed the law to clean the sky and climate above the country 4 yrs ago, now, no more smogs, no dirty or pollutions at all. So why will I opposed the president if I proved and identify the facts with my own eyes?

I believe if the climate change and air is clean and clear over here in UTAH, the same thing occurring into all other 49 states of USA. For our small Islands Samoa, theres nothing you should worry about, our sky is clean and clear because our environment is naturally from God. The only thing we worry about is our commitment and relationship with our Father in heaven. Amen!

A Mauai
New Zealand is to put NZ$6.1m (T$10.3m) towards expanding specialist health services and addressing non-communicable diseases in Samoa.

The funding was announced by New Zealand Prime Minister, Leuluaialiiotumua Bill English, during a visit to Tupua Tamasese National Hospital.

While at the hospital, Mr. English met with patients and staff, and had the opportunity to see first-hand how New Zealands investments in infrastructure and support of the national health system are benefitting the people of Samoa.

The new programme includes more support for telemedicine, funding for the specialist treatment of Samoan patients in New Zealand hospitals, and support to address non-communicable diseases, and reproductive, maternal, new-born and child health.

The health of the Samoan population is improving overall, said Leuluaialiiotumua. Life expectancy has increased and is the highest in the Pacific. Infant and child mortality rates are also low relative to other countries with similar incomes and per capita health spending. But serious challenges still remain, including the death and disability caused by chronic and non-communicable diseases.

Samoa is making impressive strides in areas such as maternal and child health, but we can provide more help by supporting the Samoan system to deliver quality and equitable health services.

The assistance builds on the strengths of the existing partnership between Counties Manukau Health and Samoas National Health Service, and will improve both access to and the quality of health services for local communities.
There are a lot of changes these days.

But we must always remember our Samoan culture and traditions. So says Tulafasa Alofaae from Luatuanuu.

The Village Voice caught up with Tulafasa as he was on his way to get some food from the shop.

Im not complaining about the changes today, he said.

I really support anything thats good for the county as long as we fight to keep our Samoan culture and traditions.

For example, the rapid changes in terms of transportation; thats a very good one for the people.

Because back then, we mostly walk everywhere and now we have a lot of buses and other means of transportation.

It saves our energy and it saves our time.

I think with the many changes introduced into Samoa, it has turned our world into a whole new chapter.

It has developed our living situation, right? Which is good.

Tulafasa said to always remember our roots in these changes and thats all that matters.

Things change but it doesnt mean people should.

Thats why my village are really strict and prioritize our traditions and culture, you know just so we wont lose them.

We always do inspections and have meetings for the village to participate every Monday so we can discuss the important things that we should remember.

If theres something thats not right, then we try to fix it.

We also make sure every child is in school at the required time because if not, their families will be fined.

If you get caught drinking alcohol here in the inner villages, you get fined as well.

Its all about keeping the peace and that happens when a villages leadership is good.

You know, it is little things like these that some of our people who are staying in the town area seemed to not mind anymore when they should.

Because for me, it can affect a huge part of someones life.

So if you want peace then the first thing to look at is effective leadership.
Today is the 73th anniversary of D-Day, that Tuesday in June 1944 when Allied forces invaded Europe to begin the bloody ordeal of taking it back from Nazi Germany. Tell your children.

Too many Americans have no idea what D-Day was, or who was involved or what it cost. This is a profound national embarrassment, one shared by most of the other nations that were involved. Germany, where the war continues to be a source of national shame, is an exception.

National leaders have been gathering in Normandy every five years since 1954. President Dwight Eisenhower was not among them. Ten years earlier, as supreme allied commander, Gen. Eisenhower had given the go order for Operation Overlord. Haunted by the deaths of those who died on his orders, he could not face a return to the beaches. Men of his generation did not take victory laps.

Thirty-three years ago, President Ronald Reagan became the first sitting president to attend the D-Day commemoration. He set the bar very high for future orators with his tribute to the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war.

In 1984, Mr. Reagan could address heroes who were then in their late 50s or early 60s. Today those men, the few who remain, are in their 90s. Time is doing what the Nazis couldnt; surviving the passing of the 156,000 Allied troops who landed on D-Day, the sailors who took them there and the airmen who provided cover.

Tell your children what they did. Tell them about the slaughter at Omaha Beach. Tell them about the desperate mistakes that led pathfinders and paratroopers to be scattered across Normandy. Tell them that very young men did extraordinary things to regroup, recover and overcome.

Tell them about Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt III, son of the president, the only general officer to land on the beaches in the first wave. At 56, with a heart condition and severe arthritis, he had no business in combat, but it was in his blood. He would be awarded the Medal of Honor for rallying his troops and getting them off Utah Beach that day.

Tell them the Battle of Normandy lasted for weeks, that every yard was purchased in blood and that victory was a very near thing. Tell them that 3,000 U.S., British and Canadian men died on D-Day and twice that number were wounded and that 50,000 more would die in the following weeks before Normandy was secured.

Tell them that good things dont just happen, that they have to be paid for. Tell them to learn, and to never forget.

-- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
While many people are complaining about how hard life has become because of the cost of living, Taeao Napoleone from Solosolo has a different perspective.

I dont know why almost everyone says life is always hard because of the cost of living, she said.

Its very simple, if you are lazy and you dont want to earn any money then you wont be able to afford anything.

The 28-year-old is a mother of four.

Life in general for me is great, she said.

We just got back from our plantation; we brought some cucumbers to sell for some money.

We dont go hungry because if we want to eat, the kids just run to the plantation to get us some taro or banana while I make my way down the sea to get some kuikui or sea food to eat.

People say that the cost of living is very high but the way I see it, there are many Chinese shops around Samoa opening up for cheap goods.

Yes there are goods that are very expensive but there are also good quality goods that are more affordable.

Suffering from the cost of living depends on your choice.

She says that if you dont want to suffer in this world then you must work hard to earn enough money to afford what you want and need.

Like I said, its very simple, what you choose is what youre going to get.

If you sit around and not work hard to earn a living then of course things will seem to be expensive because you cant afford anything without having money in the first place.

Taeaos husband is a carpenter and he earns just enough to get by each day.

The money my husband makes is enough for us, she said.

Our kids are at primary school. All they need is just lunch and that makes it very easy for us.

The rest of the money is for food and things needed at home.

These days, if we work hard enough, we dont have to complain. Thats how it is for us in Samoa and we are doing well as developing Samoa families.
LONDON (AP)  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.

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 terrorist 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 planned to perform Sunday night at a benefit concert for victims under tight security 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 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."
When we think of trade and business opportunities, the words of a prominent businessman and former Cabinet Minister, Hans Joachim Keil, immediately spring to mind.

The time was years ago when the nation was preparing to join the World Trade Organisation (W.T.O). It was when Mr. Keil was the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour and was heavily involved in the W.T.O negotiations.

The time would be well remembered by many members of the business community.

Thats because when the idea of joining the W.T.O was first introduced on these shores, it was met with strong pessimism. This was largely due to fears that economies like Samoa  called least developed countries at the time  would not be able to foot it on a level playing field with everyone else, let alone superpowers such as America, China, Europe and others.

The private sector was especially concerned that the interests of the local industries will be lost amidst the wave of globalisation.

So some time in 2001, the government rallied the public and private sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities the W.T.O would present. During the meeting, the message from then Minister of Trade, Commerce and Industry, Hans Joachim Keil, acknowledged the challenges.

We know that there is still a lot of speculation as to the benefits a small country like Samoa would derive from being a Member of the W.T.O, he said then. The most important benefit is that Samoa cannot afford to be discriminated against (as a non-Member) in terms of trade with our trading partners. Australia and New Zealand are Members of the W.T.O and are also our major trading partners. These markets could impose any restriction on our trade without producing justification for such restrictions.

Mr. Keil also touched on the effect of globalization, assuring that globalization is the reality of today and there is no way we can ignore it.

Globalization has occurred because trade barriers (such as duties and quotas) have been drastically reduced, providing companies with the opportunities to expand into international markets.

To move forward, the then Minister said the key for Samoa was very simple.

Improving product quality and price-competitiveness would be important recipes for success in international markets, and this is a challenge.

Samoa is a very small market of 170,000 and the greatest opportunity for our producers and manufacturers is to look for overseas markets.

Now why are we talking about Mr. Keil, trade and opportunities in 2017?

Its simple really. Looking at what is happening today, we could still be having the same conversation with Mr. Keil and the issue will be as relevant as ever.

These are challenging times. They are fragile and sensitive times.

When it comes to trade and business opportunities, there is no secret that our local businesses can do with a helping hand.

While there are some examples of local businesses who have done exceedingly well in terms of finding niche markets where they have continued to push and develop their products, there is a lot more to be done.

And it has everything to do with what Mr. Keil said then. We need to improve product quality and being able to come up with prices that are competitive and attractive to potential buyers.

For the private sector to do this effectively, the government needs to come on board and provide assistance and incentives. It goes back to what weve been saying that the government must invest money to encourage people to develop their businesses.

Take farming and agriculture for instance, with all that fertile soil in Samoa, imagine if there were millions of tala available to local farmers so they can fund different projects to utilise their land?

The government should help private businesses set up factories where our wildly grown breadfruits, mangoes, papayas, lemon and so forth are canned and exported. That way employment is created, people have money in their pockets and the economy is stimulated. Most importantly, there is a solid base for exports earning us much-needed revenues.

The worry for Samoa is that in the absence of a solid export base, the government will continue to depend on foreigners and investors to create employment. Which is precisely what is happening.

The irony is that there have been so many meetings and forums discussing this and that trade opportunities and what have you in terms of employment but hardly anything has materialised.

But there is simple truth behind why they fail. Thats because a lot of them are driven by the need to use funds set out to have a meeting. They are driven by the agenda of the funder and they have to tick the box to have a meeting, the accompanying dinner and cocktail so they can take their photo and issue a press release to show what a wonderful job they have done.

Sadly after that, we return to square one. Why is that?

We need to help ourselves first. Meetings are only good if what they are discussed is implemented to benefit the wider public. But if its just another talkfest for the sake of talking, we are wasting time.

What do you think? Write and share your thoughts with us!

Have a beautiful Tuesday Samoa, God bless!
The Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Qualifications Authority (S.Q.A), Lemalu Lafi Sanerivi, has resigned.

His resignation was confirmed by a government source.

The board has approved his resignation letter and it needs to be tabled before Cabinet before further action, the source said.

As of today hes still our C.E.O. until the process is completed.

The Samoa Observer was told the decision is over health concerns.

In September last year, Cabinet appointment Lemalu to the role.

Lemalu replaced former C.E.O. Fepuleai Sinapi Moli who passed away in New Zealand around April last year.

Loau told the Samoa Observer that Lemalu was among five other applicants shortlisted for the position.

He is a former teacher and a professional academic, he said.

He was one of the people that was responsible in drafting the legislation for the S.Q.A. and is not unfamiliar in the education sector. He has worked in Fiji and has returned to Samoa to work.

Lemalu was a Senior Educational Assessment Specialists for Accreditation within the Secretariat of the Pacific Board for Educational Assessment (S.P.B.E.A) in Fiji.

He led the development of the Pacific Register of Qualifications and Standards for the fifteen Pacific forum countries.

Lemalu had worked as a Professional Officer for the S.P.B.E.A. Boards Senior Secondary School Qualifications from 2001 to 2004.

In 2005  2008 Lemalu served the S.Q.A. and was responsible for the development of the Samoa Qualifications Framework and its related Quality Assurance systems.

He was a secondary school teacher, college principal and a lecturer at the then Secondary Teachers College currently known as the Faculty of Education under the National University of Samoa.

Lemalu was also a former Assistant Director of Education in charge of Curriculum Development and Examination and Assessment activities with the Education department.
A Cabinet appointed Commission of Inquiry investigating the conduct of two senior members of the Police Force and a former Officer started yesterday.

And it immediately dismissed the hearing of the case against suspended Corporal Hillary Eteuati.

His lawyer, Donald Kerslake, submitted that the allegations against his client before the Commission are the same charges of a case pending in the Supreme Court.

The Commission of Inquiry is headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai. Members include Tavui Annie Laumea, Namulauulu Sami Leota and Apostle Viliamu Mafoe.

While Apostle Mafoe is not in the country, Lesatele noted his absence will not stop the work of the Commission given the parties involved need to get back to work.

The case against former Inspector Luatimu Samau has been rescheduled until his return on 23 June 2017. The counsels assisting the Commission in its proceedings are Sefo Ainuu and Alesana Tumua of the Office of the Attorney General.

The Commission then proceeded with the hearing against suspended Assistant Commissioner Samoa Mulinuu who is represented by Afa Lesa.

The first issue addressed was in connection to Eteuati.

Mr. Kerslake informed the Inquiry that his client Eteuati was charged with two counts of assault, willful damage and being armed with a dangerous weapon. The charges were dismissed in the District Court.

The National Prosecution Office filed an appeal with the Supreme Court and the matter has yet to be called for the appeal.

Now the Police has re-filed the same charges against Eteuati before the Commission of Inquiry and this is the third time they have charged Eteuati in relation to one case.

The District Court, Appeals Court and now the Commission of Inquiry.

Mr. Kerslake said his client was unfairly treated.

Lesatele pointed out that it appears from his submission the Commission does not have the authority to proceed with this case given the same matter is pending in the Supreme Court.

Another issue Mr. Kerslake brought to the Commissions attention is attorney costs.

He said if Eteuati needs to be called in to testify, that can be arranged.

Former Inspector Samau, informed the Inqiury he has resigned.

He also inquired for the Court to dismiss his case and make him a witness against suspended Assistant Commissioner Samoa. He said he has resigned and that this will somewhat have a bearing on seeking employment in the future.

Samau who appeared in Court pro-se also pleaded with the Court for consideration in his case, as hes seeking employment with the Prisons.

Lesatele noted in confirmation the Minister of Police, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has already confirmed that Samau had since resigned from his Police post.

However the Commission needs to investigate whether the allegations against you is confirmed and were his actions conducted when he was on duty.

Representative of the Attorney Generals Office, Ainuu informed the Commission that its true they Commission does not have the authority to investigate a case that is pending in the Supreme Court, however the Commission under the Terms of Reference submitted to the Commission, allows them to look into the allegations against Eteuati.

Ainuu further pointed out that Eteuati was suspended and then he was reinstated to his job, yet the appeal is pending against him. He argued that Eteuati is needed to testify before the Commission on other issues and also why he was reinstated when the case is pending against him.

Kerslake in response to the queries posed by Ainuu, noted that Eteuatis reinstatement was not a decision he could make. The decision to reinstate him was made by higher ups, he was suspended, reinstate and then was suspended again. My request to the Commission, to consider that he [Eteuati] cannot reinstatement himself back to work, it was done by Acting Commissioner at the time.

RULING ON ISSUES

Lesatele denied the dismissal motion by Samau, removing himself as a defendant. The Commission however has granted the motion for his travels and will return before the Commission on June 23, 2017.

Regarding Eteuati, Lesatele ruled the Commission will not investigate the case against Hillary [Eteuati] and the reasons will be set forth in a written ruling that will be submitted for cabinet. Regarding the Kerslake attorney fees to be paid by the Cabinet, has been denied. The hearing continues.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Last week a public notice was published in your newspaper which indicates the Commission will continue its proceedings with the aim to submit its report to Cabinet before the end of June.

The Commission of Inquiry into circumstances and conduct of two (2) members of the police service and one member who has resigned, namely:

1) The Commission will inquire into the conduct and performance of Samoa Mulinuu:

(a) in handling of the criminal matter against Sililoto Peneueta; and

(b) his involvement in alleged tampering with witnesses in the District Court case of Police v Mauga Precious Chang. The Commission will also inquire into allegations against former Inspector Luatimu Samau, in relation to:

(a) alleged witness tampering in the District Court case of Police v Mauga Precious Chang; and

(b) his conduct and performance in discharging his duties as a police Inspector and whether it breached the Police Code of Conduct.

The Commission will further inquire into:

(a) the circumstances giving rise to the criminal charges laid against Corporal Hillary Eteuati; and

(b) whether his conduct breached the respective duties of a police Corporal.

Furthermore, the Commission will inquire into the circumstances whereby Corporal Eteuati and Inspector Samau were charged with disciplinary and criminal charges respectively, were suspended and reinstated even though the respective charges against them had not been determined.

The Commission of Inquiry is open to members of the public who wish to make submissions regarding the matters outlined above. The inquiry will be conducted in Samoan.
The Ministry of Agriculture has assured the country that theres nothing to worry about the new unknown virus found in taro to some parts of Upolu.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Plant Pathology Research Officer Taualai Mauga said that the Ministry is waiting on the results of the tests on the virus that has been sent to Germany.

We have two viruses that are already in the country; the mosaic virus and badna virus. Taualai said.

But we are trying to look up the name of this virus...I mean this kind of virus comes and goes because of changes in the weather.

So as we wait for the results of samples that have been sent off to Germany, the Ministry is now working closely with villages affected at Safata and Salani, Falealili.

The fact is, we dont just wait for the results but consultation and working together with affected areas in Samoa, is very important at this time.

He believes that early prevention is better than cure.

We have put a ban on taro shoots (tiapula) between Upolu and Savaii at this time while we are still trying to find ways to get rid of the virus.

The ban is not only between the two islands, but also in nearby villages at the affected areas like Salani and Safata.

All we can do at this time is work together for better results not only for Upolu but for Savaii as well.

As of today, we are still waiting on the test results that were sent to Germany and there are other samples that we just sent a few days ago.

Hopefully well get the results early next month then well let everyone knows especially those in the affected areas.

I mean, as Ive mentioned before, preventative measures and awareness is very important.

The most recent epidemic of Taro Leaf Blight spanned the Samoan Archipelago from 1993-1994.

The Taro Leaf Blight epidemic of Samoa in 1993 is an example of extreme devastation that this virus can cause if preventative measures are not used to control spread and symptoms.
The pioneers of the fashion industry in Samoa were honoured and celebrated at Taumeasina Island Resort last Saturday night as part of Life Con Explosions finale.

The iconic women included Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano; Frieda Paul; Janet Sablan; Sua Julia Wallwork; Muliaga Jean Ash-Malifa; Merita Wendt; Tuitama Iliganoa Sapolu; Papalii Viopapa Anandale; Luagalau Foisaga Shon; Vaasilifiti Moelagi Jackson; Gatoloai Amataga Gidlow and Namulauulu Dr. Potoi.

The Director of Social Development Programmes of the Pacific Community (S.P.C), Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe TagoElisara, paid tribute to them.

She said the opportunity to honour them could not have been done at a better time with the commemoration of 55 years of independence.

They have been a source of inspiration through their sense of style, that is unique and timeless, she said.

There are many whom observe with admiration their bravery to stand out and make a statement in the fashionable trends that they have set which celebrates our culture, our women, our beauty and the pride we carry as people of Samoa.

Their profiles;

SUA FRIEDA PAUL

Sua is the First Pioneer of fashion and women in business in Samoa.

She owned the very boutique and fashion shop in Samoa, the famous Carol and Mark, which was named after her children. Carol and Mark started with the sale of clothing and accessories from overseas and later Sua Frieda added her won unique local fabrics and started designing and selling Samoan prints referred to at the time as Pele Creations.

Sua Frieda was also the first to introduce Fashion Shows in Samoa which has started many fashion shows that have followed suit over time. Sua believes that enthusiasms, hard work and common sense are key ingredients for success in the fashion industry. One of her best friends and the key models was the late Mrs. Tui Annandale who was not one of her helpers at the time, but was also very much a part of her journey and a source of inspiration for her.

FAAMAUSILI LEINAFO TUIMALEALIIFANO

Faamausili is the former Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Lands and Survey. Educated in New Zealand she is also and active member of Saint Marys Old Girls Association and one who is proud of her identity as a Samoan woman. Faamausili has always had a passion for style and fashion and one with a Conservative taste of style. She believes in being bold and confident to present your own unique style as Samoa woman and that our women should not need to be too simple in their sense of fashion but should have that confidence to make a statement about who they are, as first impressions.

TUITAMA ILIGANOA SAPOLU

Tuitama is another of our earlier pioneers of fashion and of women in business in Samoa. She opened Le Tiara Boutique in 1979 after she returned from the United States and was only one of the only two fashions shops in Samoa at the time, the first one being Carol and Mark. Tuitama has a love of fashion style and one through her engagement in the fashion industry, continues to the trends for fashion in Samoa. Tuitama believes in selling quality products, starting small taking small steps towards diversifying the products, but ensuring consistency of quality at all levels and maintaining the durability of the business. Tuitama is one who is not only inspired by her own strong love of fashion but also by the beauty and sense of fashion that other women and her own friends continue to portray.

GATOLOAI AMATAGA ALESANA-GIDLOW

Gatoloai Amatagafaana Alesana Gidlow is a former Minister of Cabinet and a current member of Parliament and also the owner of the famous Savaiian Hotel at Lalomalava. Gatoloais sense of Samoan fashion stems from her own inspiration to maintain her identity as a Samoan tamaitai and this continues to influence and dictate her attires and the way she presents herself. One of the bold models who was a source of inspiration for her taste of Samoan fashion was the late Masiofo Fetauimalemau Fiame Mataafa in terms of how she carried herself and show she dressed. Gatoloai believes that our signature and branding in our puletasi which is consistently maintained its uniqueness through time.

SUA JULIA WALLWORK

Sua styles of dress were also inspired by the late Laulu Fetauimalemau Fiame Mataafa. After being bestowed the title Sua from Gagaifolevao Lefaga Laulu Fetauimalemau continues to guide and provided her wirth the assuarance that she needed. Sua Julia also claims that the Late Afioga Tooa Salamasina was also one of role model whom she admired and whose orientation also influence her taste for fashion. Sua is currently the Country Directir for ADRA Samoa.

NAMULAUULU DR. NUUALOFA POTOI

A medical doctor by profession, Namulauulu has extensive experience as a medical professional for a number of years having worked in the health sector as a public servant and as a private medical practitioner. In addition to that, Namulauulu is also an active member of the NGO sector and the Samoa Methodist Church. Namulauulu is known for her unique taste and sense of fashion. Her flowers and her scarves as we know is symbolic of her colourful nature and character and that her sense of fashion has no doubt inspired many of our women to have confidence to promote our own creativity for fashion.

MERITA WENDT

Merita Wendt is the founder and the owner of Plantation House and is famously known for her creativity and innovation in producing homeware and accessories that many customers both local and overseas have come to appreciate.

Mrs. Wendt has always has an interest in fashion and her own mother was her source of inspiration that made an early impact on her perspective of fashion...whom made sure that as a young girl growing up, had everything she needed. Mrs. Wendt claims that when she came to Samoa shortly after independence, dressing well was important and that was about meeting certain standards and that the way one dresses was determinant for ones acceptance in society. For Mrs. Wendt, the success of Plantation House goes back to how she started small, experimentation and consistent years of observation and learning.

MULIAGATELE JEAN ASH-MALIFA

Muliagateles inspiration for fashion comes from her own desire to always look good and feel good. For Muliagatele, being yourself is something she learnt and as she was growing up, she learnt that fashion is about creativity and what style will suit. Muliagatele is one who does not enjoy the limelight but one who continues to work tirelessly in the background supporting the family business that has been in operation for 39 years. Muliagatele has a strong network of women in business that support and inspire her and others towards maintaining their love of fashion and style.

MOMOE MALIETOA VON REICHE

Momoe is an artist by training and one whose foundational education in Arts and Culture was nurtured by her late aunt, Afioga Tooa Salamasina Malietoa. Her sense of fashion and style was enhanced at an early age by her mother, the late Masiofo Lili Tunu Malietoa. Ms. Malietoa believes that for a designer to visualise a new concept he or she must be 3 dimensional in their view. In other words, in order to create something new in its entirety, one must deconstruct the old in order to reconstruct a fresh aesthetic value base. Presently Ms. Malietoa Von Reiche is illustrating books fir children and co directing educational bilingual; films for early readers.

VAASILIFITI MOELAGI JACKSON

Vaasilifiti is another pioneer of women in business in Samoa, having owned one of the earlier hotels in Savaii  Safua Hotel. Vaasilifiti has also been known for work in the conservation sector and has been instrumental; in leading the civil society movement in Samoa. In addition to her many affiliations both in the private and N.G.O sector, Vaasilifiti is also known by her unique taste of fashion that represents her strong Samoan heritage and her orientation as a Samoan woman. Vaasilifitis sense of style has no doubt inspired many of our own women in the community.
Think a minuteThis is a true story about an American president you have probably never heard of. In March, 1849, President James Polk was finishing his term as the U.S. president. The newly elected president, Zachary Taylor, was scheduled to start his term on 4 March.

But 4 March, 1849 was a Sunday, and Zachary Taylor was a very religious man, so he refused to take his oath of office on a Sunday. But according to the U.S. constitution, President Polk could not remain in office even one day longer than his four-year term.

So who would be the president for that one day? The U.S. constitution instructed that the head of the Senate would temporarily be president until the new president could take his oath of office. The head of the Senate at that time was David Atchison.

So for those 24 hoursfrom 12:00 noon on 4 March until 12:00 noon on 5 March, 1849David Atchison was the legal president of the United Statesand the American President you have probably never heard of. But thats not the whole story.

President Polks last week in office was a very busy one. Senator David Atchison did not miss a day of workbut neither did he miss all the farewell celebrations and parties for President Polk.

So when Senator Atchison finally went to sleep late on Saturday night, 3 March, he was so exhausted he told his landlady not to awaken him for any reason at all. She faithfully followed his instructions not to wake him, not even in time for him to publicly take office as the president!

In fact, Senator Atchison was so tired that he slept all day Sunday through noon on Monday, 5 March. David Atchison, president of the United States, actually slept through his entire term of office! What a record and legacy!

Sadly, some of us almost sleep through our life. Not physically, of course. But we sleepwalk through life by simply going through the motions of surviving from one day to the next. This is tragic since we are made to live a fully purposeful and satisfying life that makes a difference in the world.

Today, wont you ask Jesus to take full charge of your life? He will give you your real purpose and passion He created you for, plus the power you need to daily live it. His way is the only way you will not have to sleepwalk through one more day of your life.

Just think a minute
An experimental therapy to repair spinal cord injury with stem cell-derived tissue is progressing smoothly, according to a leader of that trial who spoke at a conference on stem cell therapy.

The Phase 1 safety trial is proceeding with no complications, said Dr. Joseph Ciacci, a University of California San Diego neurosurgeon. The trial is being conducted at the universitys Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center. The conference was held last week at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine in La Jolla.

With safety looking good, the green light has been given to treat more patients, Ciacci said. However, to produce effectiveness, more cells will need to be transplanted.

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Four patients have been treated with neural stem cells, injected into the spinal cord. They had experienced complete loss of motor and sensor function below the injury. They had been injured between 1 and 2 years previously.

Moreover, the cells show signs of integrating with the surrounding tissue in animal studies, Ciacci said. If the preliminary evidence holds up, Ciacci and colleagues plan to submit a paper detailing the results.

Curing paralysis from spinal cord injury was a big selling point for those who successfully advocated Proposition 71, which authorized selling $6 billion in state bonds to establish and fund the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, or CIRM. The institute got $3 billion, the remaining half is going for interest over the life of the bonds.

While CIRM has been under pressure to show results, doctors are taking great care to establish safety first in the spinal cord treatment, because of potential risks in the procedure.

We are now enrolling and recruiting for the second cohort, which is for chronic cervical spinal cord injuries, Ciacci said. They are medically classified as C5-C7 ASIA A Complete.

Chronic injuries need to have taken place more than 1 year before treatment. For this study, the injury must also be under two years old. The trial is being conducted at UCSD with Ciacci serving as the principal investigator.

For more information on the Phase I Chronic SCI study, contact Ciaccis research group at (619) 471-3698, nksidhu@ucsd.edu.

In addition, the researchers have been approved to start another spinal cord injury trial with a different set of cells. These oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, derived from embryonic stem cells, can turn into several different types of neural cells.

The trial, sponsored by Asterias, treats newly injured patients, between 14 and 30 days after injury.

For more information on the Asterias trial, contact the UCSD Alpha Stem Cell Clinic at 858-534-5932 alphastemcellclinic@ucsd.edu or visit www.scistar-study.com and j.mp/ucsdast.

Asterias acquired the technology from Geron, which had undertaken the work with a CIRM grant. Geron later canceled the work and refunded the money to CIRM. Asterias got funding from CIRM to continue the work.

The Asterias trial will use the same technique as used with the Chronic SCI trial, a technique which can improve safety, Ciacci said. The cells will be injected in a series of progressively larger amounts that may give evidence of the dose relates to effectiveness, although safety remains the main concern.

This cell line is cryopreserved, its sent to us as a single dose the day of surgery, Ciacci said. Were going to study different doses  2 million, 10 million, 20 million cells per injection. Its going to be a direct injection, just like what weve done before.

As in previous treatments, patients will also receive immune suppression to prevent rejection of the cells. Likewise, they will be monitored for many years after treatment.

Another trial coming to UCSD will test for efficacy in ALS, Ciacci said.

Ciacci said hes looking for qualified patients for these trials, and urged those in the audience to help find them.

Related stories

Stem cell treatments reaching patients

Loving football but knowing risks, doctor wonders if son should play

Science Playlist  On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds

bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1020
The following is a statement released by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) on the arrest and abduction of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Mukhtarli.

Afgan Mukhtarli is an Azerbaijani journalist living in Georgia who has worked with both OCCRP partner MeydanTV and with OCCRP.

The Tbilisi-based journalist disappeared off the streets near his home on May 24 and was next seen in custody in his native Azerbaijan, where he has been charged with crossing the border illegally, carrying 10,000 euros in undeclared currency, and resisting border guards.

Through his lawyer, Mukhtarli denies all charges and claims he was kidnapped, beaten, had money stuffed in his pockets, taken to the border, and handed over to Azerbaijan authorities.

OCCRP will continue to work for the release of Afgan Mukhtarli. His arrest is an affront to international rule of law and his kidnapping is a crime in Georgia.



Mukhtarli has been working on stories on the business holdings of the family of Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev in Georgia. OCCRP will continue his work on these stories until his release.

When OCCRP partner, journalist Khadija Ismayilova, was arrested in Baku in 2014, OCCRP continued her work and published the Khadija Project, a series of investigative stories about the corruption of the Aliyev family, while she was in prison.

The message is clear. You can arrest one of our reporters, but a dozen will take their place. The truth will get out.

www.occrp.org
A proposal to build 24 luxury homes on a 1,416-acre piece of land about one mile from the historic gold mining town of Julian has local residents up in arms and saying they knew nothing about the project until just a few days ago.

The San Diego County Planning Commission is scheduled to consider approving the project at a hearing today, but residents are asking that the decision be continued for several months so they can have time to figure out whats going on.

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The land in question is in the mountains just south of state Route 78/79 and east of Pine Hills Ranch Road. Known as Hoskings Ranch, it is owned by Genesee Properties Inc. of Colorado Springs and operates under a Williamson Act contract, which states the land must be used for agricultural purposes in exchange for tax breaks, with a minimum lot size of 160 acres.

In 2006 the Board of Supervisors rejected development plans for the same property, saying that amending the contract to allow 40-acre lots for future homes violated the Williamson Act, since active agriculture was not occurring.

The board referred the project back to its planning staff, which for the past nine years has been working with the owners to come up with a plan that would allow limited development while still keeping agriculture as the primary use of the property. About 50 head of cattle have been grazing on the land for the past few years.

Under the new proposal, each new home would be considered an incidental use, with agriculture remaining the primary purpose on the 40-acre parcels. Cattle would still be allowed to graze on the unfenced property, and individual lot owners could also opt to engage in their own agricultural pursuits such as growing grapes or apples.

The countys planning staff is recommending the project be approved with the reduced lot sizes because the continual use of the property primarily for agricultural pursuits is in conformance with the Williamson Act.

On Tuesday night, about 50 people  many of them residents of the Pine Hills area of Julian  attended a hastily put together community meeting at Town Hall. Most said they had been unaware of the plans until notices of Fridays hearing were sent out just after Thanksgiving to 30 nearby landowners.

The residents pointed out that thousands of pages of planning documents have been assembled on the countys website about the development and said they need far more time to analyze the information.

We are ill-equipped, in the amount of time provided, to review this, have questions about it and try to provide comments, said attorney Lynne Jarman, who lives in the area and was made aware of the project late last week.

The residents talked about hiring a lawyer and hydrology experts. Many said their greatest concern was the water that the development would use.

The new homes would all rely on underground water, and some wells in nearby areas have been going dry as a result of the drought. If orchards and vineyards are to be encouraged on the lots, residents said, that will necessitate great amounts of water which may or may not be in abundance below the surface.

Two of those who attended Tuesdays meeting were Nancy and Brian Kramer, who live off Eagle Peak Road atop a mountain south of Hoskings Ranch. The astounding view their backyard gives them a unique perspective on what might soon be built there.

Earlier this week Brian Kramer created a website, julianactioncommittee.org, that provides links to all the county documents, as well as a place for people to comment.

One concern is that theyre selling it is as agriculture rather than residential, Brian said. That changes the tax bases for them so the county doesnt get what it deserves. And changing from 160-acre lots to 40-acre lots, does that set precedents for other property in the area?

Eventually the project will go before the Board of Supervisors for a final vote. Dianne Jacob, whose district includes Julian, declined to comment on the project this week since she will have to be voting on it in the future.

The planning commission meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. today in the County Operations Center Campus Chambers, 5520 Overland Avenue in Kearny Mesa.

A spokeswoman for the county said it will be up to the commission whether to continue the meeting to a later date.
Homebuilding was down across Southern California in the first three months of 2017, but nowhere more than San Diego County, said a Real Estate Research Council report released Monday.

Residential building permits were down by 10 percent in the seven-county region compared to the same time last year and 37 percent in San Diego County.

It follows a trend that has worried local industry watchers for months, but might not be as bad as it sounds.

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The biggest drop in San Diego County, 50 percent, was in multifamily construction  apartments and condos  but theres a catch. There were a lot of multifamily projects that began construction at the end of last year and could be a major reason for fewer permits being pulled at the start of this year.

Russ Valone, president of local industry tracker MarketPointe Realty Advisors, said there are roughly 3,100 units now in some stage of being built.

There was quite a bit of stuff started last year that is still in the construction cycle, he said. (This quarters numbers) might be a bit of a fluke.

Another potential for the slowdown is investors are concerned that rent has gone up too quickly. Valone said lenders are getting more cautious out of fear the market is getting overbuilt.

San Diego Countys rent went up the most in Southern California in the past year, said the Research Council, using rental estimates from Novato-based real Answers .

Data from real Answers showed average rent in San Diego County had increased 11 percent in a year, more than any other Southern California county. It was followed by Riverside County at 9 percent; San Bernardino County at 8 percent; Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties at 7 percent; and Santa Barbara County at 5 percent.

Estimates from real Answers are higher than other regional trackers that have San Diego County rent increasing 5 percent to 8 percent in a year.

Theres a little concern out there they are pushing the (rental price) envelope a little too much, Valone said.

Lastly, multifamily permits can be erratic because one building could mean an increase of 400 permits, as opposed to just a handful of single-family houses.

The only Southern California counties that showed an increase in residential permits in the first quarter from the same time last year were San Bernardino, 7 percent, and Riverside, 27 percent.

When it comes to the traditional house, Riverside County continues to be a standout in Southern California.

Riverside County had the second-highest number of single family permits pulled, 1,181, with Los Angeles County leading the pack at 1,252. San Diego County had 590 single family permits in the first quarter.

Alan Nevin, apartment industry analyst at Xpera Group, said San Diego County will have a stronger second half of the year because of single-family housing projects in Otay Ranch. Developers Baldwin and Sons, Shea Homes and Cornerstone Communities are all working on projects there.

Thats going to have a major effect on our numbers, he said. We will get better in the second quarter.

San Diego retail and office building permits were also low. Just 10 retail permits were pulled in the first quarter, down from 23 at the same time in 2016. No permits were granted for office buildings, down from 18 in 2016.

Industrial and hotel permits were up in the first quarter. There were 39 industrial permits in the first quarter, up from 10 in 2016, and 70 hotel/motel permits, up from 13 in 2016.

* * *

Residential building permits in the first quarter 2017

(County, number of permits and percentage change from first quarter 2016)

Los Angeles County: 4,313, -11%

Orange County: 2,258, -12%

Riverside County: 1,502, +27%

San Bernardino County: 1,383, +7%

Ventura County: 351, 0%

San Diego County: 1,409, -37%

Santa Barbara County: 125, -20%

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phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar

ALSO

The vanishing San Diego single-family home
A group of former employees at Nik Software  the San Diego photo editing software firm acquired by Google last year  are trying to capture lightning in a bottle a second time.

The half-dozen ex-Nik executives have teamed up with a Ukrainian photo editing software firm called MacPhun to fill a hole in the market that they think was left when Google bought privately held Nik Software in September 2012 for an undisclosed price.

Nik Software was a leader in the digital imaging and photography space, said Kevin La Rue, who spent seven years with the company. It saw tremendous growth over the last five or six years. Its the team thats here at MacPhun helped to growth that company.

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The former Nik employees have opened a MacPhun office in San Diego. MacPhun was founded in 2008 and has about two dozen employees in the Ukraine. It makes photo editing tools, primarily for Apple computers. It has more than 15 million users worldwide and four of the top 10 photo software apps on the Mac App Store.

Nik Software, which employed about 40 workers in San Diego, made similar photo editing tools that gained a loyal following among professional and serious amateur photographers. Its advanced plug-ins worked in conjunction with other photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop.

Googles deal for Nik raised eyebrows because it occurred one month after Facebook purchased Instagram for $715 million.

Nik introduced a mobile photo editing product called Snapseed in 2011, and it was this technology that Google appeared most interested in  not Niks computer software. Google planned to incorporate Niks technology into its Google Plus social networking site and other online products.

MacPhun hopes to step into the void in desktop tools in the wake of Niks acquisition. It recently introduced a product called Intensify, which makes it easier to edit and add features to photos with one click.

This is the first product we have put out that helps to transition our consumer enthusiasts more towards pro-type photography capabilities, said La Rue, vice president of marketing for MacPhun.

Mornee Sherry, head of business development and sales for MacPhun who held the same job at Nik for six years, said MacPhun software can be used in conjunction with other photo editing software or as a standalone photo editing tool.

While we produce professional results, our most expensive product is $59, he said. Our least expensive is $2.99.

MacPhun also delivers its software on SD memory cards, which can be reused in cameras to capture photos. Poways Delkin Devices supplies the SD cards.

MacPhun is privately held and wont reveal financial results, said La Rue. But he said the company is profitable.

We are bringing a lot of the things that made Nik Software successful to the MacPhun repertoire, said La Rue.
Canyon Crest Academy Envision Cinema students are screening two IMAX short documentaries on Wednesday. This is the first time high school students have produced films for the IMAX corporation to be screened in an IMAX theater, according to instructor Mark Raines.

The showing will be at the Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 IMAX and RPX Theatre. Tickets are $10 per person and $25 per family, and include a reception of light hors doeuvres from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with a screening of the two short films and a Q&A with the directors. Popcorn and soda concessions are included. All funds raised support CCA-TV and the Envision Cinema program at Canyon Crest Academy. See a short video about the event at https://youtu.be/YmGUXcbHO1U.

In October, CCA had nine films chosen as official selections in the All American High School Film Festival, the worlds largest high school film festival, at the AMC Times Square in New York City. Two of the CCA films were recognized in the Best of Fest screening out of 1,900 films submitted from 15 countries and 48 states. CCA was also one of five schools in the nation chosen to receive a $5,000 grant at the festival from the new IMAX Big Picture in Focus Young Filmmakers Program to produce two environmental documentaries to be promoted and distributed by IMAX.

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The films are:

Bee Conscious, a documentary short that discusses the threats and issues surrounding the declining bee population. Student filmmakers spoke with experts who work in fields influenced by or related to bees. This documentary covers possible threats to the bees, the effects bees have on humans, and what people can do to help.

Change Is in the Water focuses on the ocean conservation efforts of Enjoy Handplanes, an environmentally sustainable, surf industry brand. Student filmmakers spoke with surfers, environmental experts and representatives of the surfing industry to discuss the cultural significance of protecting the water for surfers, wildlife, and society as a whole.

Tickets available at https://fs30.formsite.com/ccaf/IMAX/index.html or through Facebook: facebook.com/ccatv.

laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
The Otay Water District has filed a lawsuit against the city of San Diego challenging the amount the city charges Otay for reclaimed water.

The suit, filed May 30 in San Diego Superior Court, claims that there has been a breach of contract by San Diego and excess charges of more than $16 million to Otay since the beginning of 2016.

San Diego more than doubled its reclaimed water rate in November 2015, from $350 per acre feet to $753 per acre feet. One acre foot is about 326,000 gallons.

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Otay objected to the rate increase at the time, and is now seeking a court order to force San Diego to correct what Otay claims are illegal behaviors.

Otay buys recycled water from San Diegos South Bay Water Reclamation Plant. The plant opened in 2002 on Dairy Mart Road in San Diego, and Otay signed a purchase agreement in 2003.

San Diego also buys from the North City Water Reclamation Plant on Eastgate Mall in San Diego. Each plant has an independent distribution system and is not connected to the other.

The suit claims that San Diego is using Otays payments to subsidize the cost of providing recycled water service to customers of the North City plant.

Because it does not receive any reclaimed water from the other plant, Otay Water District Board President Mark Robak said Otay is being charged for a service that it cannot and does not receive.

We want to see equal treatment, Robak said. If the city wants to charge more for the North City plant, thats up to them, but its a whole different situation than us.

We want a rate that is reflection of that. Weve been unsuccessful in mediation, unable to convince them of our needs, he said. And weve had to pass along a gigantic rate increase to our customers.

Robak said that San Diegos reclaimed water rate is a unitary rate, which includes costs for reclaimed water service from both the North City and South Bay plants.

The suit alleges that the citys new reclaimed water rate violates the 2003 agreement and says San Diego unreasonably interfered with and restricts Otays ability to increase sales of its reclaimed water.

Robak said Otay has overpaid San Diego since the new rate became effective on Jan. 1, 2016 and the water district is seeking reimbursement.

The city will continue to overcharge Otay until a court orders it to comply with its legal duties, Robak said. It is our responsibility to our ratepayers to hold the city accountable for its failure to establish a rate that is fair, reasonable, and proportionate to the cost of service to its reclaimed water customers.

Gerry Braun, spokesman for the San Diego City Attorneys Office, said it will take a few weeks for the city to respond to the lawsuit but it will do so by the date legally required to do so.
Warships from the mighty Nimitz Carrier Strike Group departed Monday from both North Island and Naval Base San Diego, heading west toward Hawaii and a rendezvous with history.

Although the regularly scheduled deployment of the flattop Nimitz and its escorts  the cruiser Princeton and destroyers Kidd, Shoup, Howard and Pinckney  is slated to take nearly 7,500 sailors and Marines through the Western Pacific and into the Indian Ocean, the carrier paused in the Monday drizzle to render honors to seven surviving veterans of the 1942 Battle of Midway.

That moment brought the arc of history full circle back to today, on both sides of the bay, said the Nimitzs commander, Capt. Kevin Crash Lenox.

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At 8:46 a.m., the sailors manned Nimitzs rails; 28 minutes later, tugboats yanked and prodded the carrier away from the pier and into San Diego Bay, freeing the carrier for its short voyage to the museum ship Midway. Atop the museum flattops decks, dignitaries had gathered to remember the 75th anniversary of the battle for which it was named, a crucial American victory in World War II.

Its very meaningful because this is the USS Nimitz, said Lenox, who became skipper of the departing carrier in January. Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz was the architect of victory there in the Pacific back in 1942. Theres a saying that all of our sailors learn back in boot camp. Its part of something called the Sailors Creed, where we remember the fighting spirit of those who have gone before us to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

The Nimitz, Kidd and Shoup left their bases in Kitsap and Everett in Washington four days earlier. They were joined at sea Monday morning by the San Diego-based Howard, Pinckney and Princeton.

The flotilla embarked with the aviation squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 11, including the Lemoore-based Argonauts of Strike Fighter Squadron 147 and the Black Knights of Strike Squadron 154; the Death Rattlers of Miramars Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323; the Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron 142 from Washington; the Blue Tails of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 in Virginia; and San Diegos Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8, Wolfpack of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 75 and Providers of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30.

Saying the Nimitzs six-month deployment is not in response to any nation or any particular action, strike group commander Rear Adm. William Byrne Jr. tamped down rumors that his flattop would replace the San Diego-based carrier Carl Vinson.

The 3rd Fleets Vinson continues to operate near North Korea as tensions rise in the Yellow Sea following Pyongyangs ongoing missile tests. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, however, is departing the Middle East for Virginia after conducting hundreds of air strikes against Islamic State terrorists, according to the Navy.

As far as the Nimitz Strike Group is concerned, its game day, Byrne said.

Because the Nimitz is based in Washington and the carriers California air crews held going-away ceremonies on Sunday, a sparse crowd of well-wishers arrived on North Island on Monday to send off the flattop.

For Navy Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Burnett, it was a bittersweet departure. Hes excited to start his first overseas deployment, but the New Jersey sailors wife -- Marine Sgt. Tatiana Burnett, a Raider in Miramars Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 -- is scheduled to return home soon from Kuwait.

Im leaving and shes coming back, he said. Were missing each other and I havent seen her since January.

Military Videos  On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France  at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal

cprine@sduniontribune.com
President Donald Trump unveiled his second nominee for secretary of the Navy late last week, and it was a name that had been rumored for months.

Richard V. Spencer, a finance executive with roots in military philanthropy, will go before the Senate for confirmation as the next civilian to oversee policy for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Here are five things to know about Spencer.

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1. After college, he was a Marine Corps aviator from 1976 to 1981, serving with the Southern California-based 3rd Marine Air Wing and getting out as a captain.

He then spent most of his career in finance and venture capital firms on Wall Street and elsewhere.

2. In 2010, he was the architect of a plan to close military commissaries in the United States to save taxpayers an estimated $1 billion a year.

Welcome to The Intel, a blog examining the hot military news of the day

At the time, Spencer was a member of the Defense Business Board, an appointed group that gives private-sector advice to the Pentagon about business practices.

He later told the Washington Post that then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates told him, Richard, my fax machine is vomiting letters of complaint. Worried that congressional anger would doom other Pentagon cost-cutting initiatives, Gates told Spencer to drop his commissary plan.

3. Spencer has links to the top tiers of the Marine Corps and Navy through volunteer work on boards and philanthropy for veterans.

He is vice chairman of the nonprofit Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, which was the driving force behind building the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia. He has served on the executive panel that advises the chief of naval operations.

Spencer is also an adviser to the Washington think tank Center for a New American Security, which provided some high-level executives to the Obama administration.

Additionally, he is on the board of Honoring Our Veterans, a Wyoming-based program to help returning wounded vets.

4. He lives just outside of Yellowstone National Park in Wilson, Wyoming -- a state not known for its naval bases.

5. When Spencers nomination was announced, a white nationalist with a similar name had a field day on Twitter.

Richard B. Spencer, co-editor of altright.com, tweeted: I humbly accept dominion over the U.S. Navy.

I promise to make the U.S. Navy the last stand of implicit White identity. pic.twitter.com/O0G4C6PYsl  Richard  Spencer (@RichardBSpencer) June 3, 2017

That string of jokes prompted the website Mediaite to post a story headlined, No, President Trump Did Not Nominate THAT Richard Spencer for Navy Secretary.

The question facing the real nominee is whether he will have to withdraw due to his financial ties butting up against Pentagon ethics rules  as the prior nominee, Philip Bilden, did back in February.

Trump is still trying to fill the Army secretary job, as well.

Military Videos  On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France  at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal

jen.steele@sduniontribune.com

Facebook: U-T Military

Twitter: @jensteeley
Megan Leavey reported to Camp Pendleton in 2004 as a newly minted private who hadnt quite figured out how to be a Marine.

In trouble with the brass, she was sent to clean out the military dog kennels as punishment.

But thats where she met the Marine who changed her life: Rex, the bomb-detection dog who would become her partner during two tours in Iraq.

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After Leavey and Rex survived a bomb blast, they were separated when she was discharged and he stayed on duty.

The central story of Megan Leavey  a new Hollywood movie based on Leaveys life  is her fight to adopt combat-rattled Rex after he has been labeled unadoptable in retirement.

Leavey, 33, now lives along the Hudson River north of New York City and works as a sales associate at Yankee Stadium.

The movie opens in wide release Friday.

The San Diego Union-Tribune sat down with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, who also directed the controversial 2013 documentary Blackfish, to discuss the film.

Q: Megan Leavey walked into the producers office after people told her that Rexs saga should be a movie. How did you discover this story?

A: It came to me via a script. Kate Mara was attached to play Megan. Shes a friend of mine. We knew each other from Blackfish. She became an animal advocate as a result of that.

Q: What about Megans story attracted you?

A: For me, it was the opportunity to tell a story based on a female Marine. There are extraordinary war stories out there. But sometimes as a woman who watches these movies and thinks a lot of them are masterpieces, I can never find myself in them  or who I would be in these movies.

This movie offered a new opportunity to find a new access point for young women, for women, for people who havent had a portal of entry into a war story before.

I also had never seen a movie about the canine unit. Ive worked on documentaries in the past on the Iraq war, and was blown away that I knew nothing about what the canine unit does.

Q: Lots of veterans have combat stories, what made this one movie-worthy to you?

A: The fact that it was told from a female perspective is something we need to see more of on the big screen.

Also, some of the things that happened to her in country are visually terrifying and arresting. In order to completely understand a female and a dog who feel like newbies in country, who arent quite sure if they are going to deliver, to be able to see that and feel that viscerally is something only a movie can deliver.

Q: Is there a takeaway message from this movie?

A: You always want your film to do some work in the world. With this one, I think its to try to understand what it means to come home  for female veterans, for male veterans. I think this film has a unique opportunity to pull back the curtain on that.

Q: You shot the Camp Pendleton scenes in South Carolina, and the Iraq war chapters were filmed in Spain. What liberties did you have to take with the facts to make this into a movie?

A: Coming from documentary, thats a big challenge for me.

She did two tours. It was a hard pill for me to swallow that you cant show those. Because in order to make a film work, you have to make it digestible. The fact that we had to take one of those away for story truncation is frustrating. Because she is that Marine who went back in. I want everyone to know that in the postscript.

Q: In real life, she doesnt end up with the romantic interest either, right? You leave it ambiguous in the movie.

A: In the script that I received, they do end up together and it was the first thing I took out. I knew for sure thats not the way to end it.

Because the relationship in the story thats worth its salt is her and Rex. I love the idea that throughout the movie shes completely not available to (the romantic lead.) She wasnt someone who could connect in that way  until Rex. Thats the fight of her life.

Q: Rex was mostly played by a German Shepherd dog named Varco. You are known to be an animal advocate. How was working with animal actors?

A: Varco was the lead dog who played Rex, and there were two others. We made sure not to max out any dog. Not a lot of takes with each dog. I always say that Varco just delivered gold. He would do this take with this emotive face and just nail it. It was on us as a crew to make sure we were rolling when he did it.

Q: What were Rexs injuries from the bomb blast? You dont really say in the movie.

A: We dont get into the specifics of it, but there was some internal bleeding. He was sick but also incredibly scared after that happened. He was limping for a long time afterward. He was in chronic pain.

Q: Finally, what do you hope that audiences draw from this movie?

A: We always say thank you for your service. Im not sure we always know exactly what we mean when we say that. I hope with this film, when you do say it, you have just that much more of an idea why you are saying it.

We have that opportunity with new audiences with a movie like this. As a kid, being able to access this story because they love dogs. And then they come to understand sacrifice and loyalty and friendship in the context of a war. Maybe that resonates with them the next time they see a veteran.

Military Videos  On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France  at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal

jen.steele@sduniontribune.com

Facebook: U-T Military

Twitter: @jensteeley
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.
Stretching 22 stories into the sky above downtown San Diego, the new $555.5-million state courthouse is a high-tech marvel but also offers some practical safety improvements.

For instance, 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

roger.showley@sduniontribune.com

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com
" " Tomas de Torquemada, grand inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition, is illustrated with King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella in 1478. Torquemada was extremely hostile toward Jews and likely influenced the issuance of the Edict of Expulsion. Stefano Bianchetti/Corbis via Getty Images

The day before Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World (or whatever it was he was hoping to find), another ship carrying a heavy historical legacy left Spain. On Aug. 2, 1492, a ship of Sephardic Jews  those living in and expelled from the Iberian Peninsula  made its way out of Spanish waters. The ship held the last Jews legally allowed in Spain, after they endured a terrible forced exodus from their homes.

On an episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Frey and Tracy Wilson tell the story of how King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile decided they would whisk away an entire ethnic minority from their kingdoms.

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Predictably, this move was prompted mostly by stereotypes and fear. Many Catholics in Spain were resentful of Jewish moneylenders who charged interest on loans, and believed that Jews had killed Jesus. Jews were also scapegoats for conflict and disease, as is common for minority groups. They were accused, for instance, of starting the Black Death in Toledo, Spain, in the mid-14th century.

So, Spain put a tighter leash on Jews in the country. They were required to live only in certain neighborhoods and wear a yellow badge to distinguish themselves, and they were forbidden from certain professions. Due to the stifling laws that guarded Jewish communities, many Jews had already converted to Christianity. But that only stoked the fire, as some Jews grew suspicious of those who had converted. Many Christians simply didn't believe that the conversos (the converted Jews) were truly Christian or had given up their Jewish religion. And the reasons people did convert and assimilate were complex.

But the leash soon tightened even more. In March 1492 Ferdinand and Isabella issued the Edict of Expulsion, which was publicly announced on April 29. The decree allowed Jews to stay in Spain only if they converted to Christianity, basically limiting them to Catholicism, the dominant religion in Spain. If Jews chose not to convert, they had four months to leave the country or face execution by the Spanish Inquisition.

The Jews who departed Spain  anywhere from 100,000300,000 left  couldn't take gold, silver or coins with them. They could sell their possessions to fund the journey, but they could only get letters of credit for the value of the items. Naturally, the ostracized population wasn't terribly well-off, so getting out of the country proved arduous.

The reasons that Ferdinand and Isabella declared the expulsion are unclear. Listen to the podcast episode below to learn about the debate over why Ferdinand and Isabella chose to issue the edict, and what its impact was on Jews and Spain.

Now That's Interesting Even the Jews who left Spain met hostility in neighboring countries. They were forced to leave Sicily in 1493, Florence in 1494, Portugal in 1497 and Provence in 1498.
Audio and video of a volatile confrontation between two drivers  one a security guard and the other a plainclothes sheriffs detective  was played in court a couple of times Monday in front of a San Diego jury.

It was played first by a prosecutor, who said the security guard, Robert Branch III, behaved in a way that led the detective to use reasonable and lawful force against him that day.

Detective Paul Ward, now retired, placed Branch in a carotid restraint on a residential street in Del Cerro, after the two men nearly collided in traffic on Interstate 8, the prosecutor said during opening statements in Superior Court.

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If Mr. Branch had only handed over his drivers license and registration and allowed himself to be patted down, none of this would have happened, Deputy District Attorney Michael Runyon told the jury.

Now on trial, Branch, 27, faces felony and misdemeanor charges including reckless driving, resisting an officer by force and attempted tear gassing of a peace officer.

But the defense attorney said Branch was not guilty of any of the charges, and that it was the detective  not Branch  who broke the law.

He said the detective applied an illegal arm bar chokehold on Branch, who briefly lost consciousness while recording the video, and that Branch was entitled to defend himself under the circumstances.

Attorney Marc Kohnen said he could break down the detectives culpability into six words: Plain car. Plain clothes. Plain assault.

Because this is Branchs trial, not the retired detectives, the jury will ultimately have to decide whether the evidence points in any way to the defendants guilt.

The incident occurred the afternoon of May 4, 2015, as both men were traveling west on I-8.

According to the prosecutor, Branch was driving a gold Infiniti sedan when he passed Ward at a high rate of speed, even driving onto the shoulder of the road.

According to the defense, Branch swerved onto the shoulder to avoid being struck by Ward, who was driving an unmarked Ford Fusion.

The two cars continued driving along I-8, until Ward noticed the Infiniti getting off the freeway at the College Avenue exit. Eventually, both cars ended up on Lambda Drive in the Del Cerro neighborhood.

The defense lawyer said thats where Branch stopped to investigate a knocking sound coming from the back of his car and, as he got out to fix a loose shock absorber, noticed the Ford drive by slowly.

The prosecutor said the evidence would show that Ward identified himself as a sheriffs detective and displayed his badge. Ward decided to conduct a pat-down search when he noticed Branch was wearing a black tactical vest with the word security on it.

The vest had several pockets where a weapon could be concealed.

In the video, Branch can be heard telling the detective he did not appear to be on duty, and that Branch did not have to comply with his orders.

Ward tells Branch he wants to pat him down, but Branch says not to touch him and pushes the detectives hands away. Then Ward says, Now, youre detained. Sit down.

The video shows Ward with his arm wrapped around Branchs neck, and Branch yelling at the detective not to touch him and that hes scared.

A witness can be heard in the background. He calls 911.

At some point in the scuffle, Wards gun fell out of his ankle holster onto the ground. The witness picked it up and placed it on the hood of his car.

Runyon, the prosecutor, said the evidence would show that Branch tried to spray the detective with a can of pepper spray but was unsuccessful. He said neither the tactical vest nor the pepper spray are required for Branchs job.

Kohnen said his client was a licensed security guard but was taking steps to acquire an additional credential. He ordered the vest and received it the same day as the incident.

He owned the vest for all of about 45 minutes before what you see in the video, the attorney said.

The prosecution began presenting witnesses in the case late Monday morning. Testimony is expected to continue Tuesday and throughout the week.

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @danalittlefield

ALSO:

Security guard in chokehold case to stand trial

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Revenue for San Diegos city and county employee pension funds is on the decline, according to new data from a U.S. Census Bureau survey.

The city pension systems revenue was $444 million in 2016, down from $605.2 million the year before. The county saw a decrease to $653.5 million from $867.7 million in 2015.

City and county officials cited a dip in earnings on pension investments as a primary cause for the revenue decrease.

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David Wescoe, chief executive officer of San Diego County Employees Retirement Association, said 2015 and 2016 were two of the poorest global investment return years in the last decade.

According to Jessica Packard, communications manager for the San Diego City Employees Retirement System, investments are managed to hit long-term goals and one or two years in which earnings are down doesnt accurately reflect how well the fund is doing in the market.

Our earnings were above our assumed rate of return in five of the last 10 years, Packard said in an email. In short, its best to take a longer-term view of the relative contribution of investment earnings to total revenue.

In 2013, the city pension funds revenue was about $1 billion. It increased to nearly $1.4 billion in 2014 but has since dropped to $444 million last year. At the same time, the number of employees contributing to the fund was 7,518 in 2016, down from 8,327 in 2013.

All data are collected via survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Years are reported on a fiscal calendar, with the most recent including July 2015 to June 2016. Beneficiaries, as defined by the census, are any recipients of pension payments.

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Contact Lauryn Schroeder via Twitter or Email.
Theres been quite a bit of significant news lately in the world of cancer research, treatment and prevention.

For example, the story below from The Washington Post looks at a promising discovery that could reduce much of the toll of chemotherapy for many cancer patients. Its a major enough report that experts are saying the standard chemo treatment for colon cancer could very well be shortened.

On a different front in oncology, I just wrote a story about the American Cancer Societys new report saying at least 20 percent of cancer cases are preventable. Even more: About half of all deaths from cancer are avoidable. Click here to learn more about key cancer-prevention steps.

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And later today, Ill post a story on scientists growing efforts to detect cancers way before a tumor forms. If that breakthrough occurs, it would revolutionize our war against a disease that kills millions of people around the world each year.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to follow the U-T Facebook page for the latest stories, videos and photos.

***

By Laurie McGinley

Many colon cancer patients can cut their chemotherapy regimen in half, improving their quality of life and reducing their chances of having debilitating side effects, according to a major international study.

The goal of the research, eagerly awaited by oncologists, was to determine whether a three-month course of chemo was as effective as six months of treatment in staving off a recurrence in people with Stage 3 colon cancer.

The study found that the shorter treatment was almost as effective as the longer treatment; the results were so close that the three-month regimen is likely to become the new standard of care, especially for patients with lower-risk malignancies, researchers said.

In addition, the shorter schedule resulted in fewer side effects, such as nerve damage.

Its really good news, said senior author Axel Grothey, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Our goal is to help patients have lower toxicity, while not reducing its efficacy.

The data was presented on Sunday during the plenary session of the American Society of Clinical Oncologys annual meeting in Chicago. That session featured the four studies that are considered to have the greatest potential to affect patient care.

The colon cancer research is part of a wider effort among oncologists to carefully ratchet back chemo treatments to lessen side effects and, in some cases, lower costs.

The researchers pooled data from six clinical trials with almost 13,000 colon cancer patients in North America, Europe and Asia. Overall, 74.6 percent of patients who got the three-month therapy were cancer free at three years, compared with 75.5 percent on the six-month schedule.

And the results were virtually identical for patients with lower-risk disease, defined as cancer that had spread to one to three lymph nodes but not completely through the bowel wall. In that subset, 83.1 percent of patients on the three-month course and 83.3 percent on the six-month schedule were free of cancer three years after treatment.

About 400,000 new cases of Stage 3 colon cancer are diagnosed every year worldwide, Grothey said, with about 60 percent involving lower-risk tumors. Patients with higher-risk disease should discuss the new findings with their doctors to determine whether less chemo is right for them, he said.

For many years, patients with Stage 3 colon cancer have received oxaliplatin-based chemo after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. But that medication can cause tingling, numbness and pain in the hands and feet.

Unlike other side effects, such as hair loss and diarrhea, the nerve damage doesnt end when the chemo ends, Grothey said. Over time, it can become permanent.

Nancy Baxter, head of general surgery at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, said the new data would allow doctors to provide a more personalized approach to patients with colon cancer. Baxter, who wasnt involved in the study, said its rare to see research efforts directed at cutting back on treatment, given that such work is of little interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

McGinley writes for The Washington Post.

***

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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 another division in San Diegos labor community, nearly 400 Chula Vista city workers have cut their ties with the largest public-sector union in the county.

A group of the citys employees  librarians, planners, forensic investigators and others  voted last month to leave Service Employees International Union, Local 221, and to represent themselves in a new organization.

The departure is the latest fissure in organized labor in the region, and comes after several groups left the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, a coalition of labor unions, to form the new San Diego Working Families Council. SEIU was the biggest group to change teams.

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Many Chula Vista employees had been long-frustrated with the quality of advocacy SEIU had provided on their behalf, said Nicole Hobson, the president of the newly formed Association of Chula Vista Employees.

This decision was kind of a long time coming, she said Lack of services, high dues, they have high employee turnaround, they give us inexperienced representatives, she said.

The Chula Vista employees who left were giving SEIU about $230,000 in dues per year, she said.

For as much as we were paying, we should have been getting VIP services, she said.

SEIU Local 221s president, David Garcias, said it was tough to see Chula Vista employees leave.

While its always disappointing to see members make this choice, SEIU 221 is a democratic organization and there have been real disagreements regarding the vision of our union and the path to achieve our goals, he said, before wishing them success in creating good jobs and providing quality work for the city.

The loss of employees at the countys second-largest city from the largest public-sector union is the most recent turbulence in the organized labor in the county, as well as for SEIU. Last year nearly 500 Poway Unified School District Employees left SEIU in order to represent themselves, as did at least seven other employee groups in the last decade, including employees at the San Diego Community College District, City of La Mesa, as well as some county workers.

SEIU still represents more than 13,000 public-sector employees, including 10,000 that work for San Diego County, as well as 65 middle-managers at Chula Vista, and others.

The labor movement has seen growing tension in the Labor Council since its president, Mickey Kasparian, was accused in lawsuits of pressuring a subordinate into a sexual relationship and of firing another woman in political retaliation. Kasparian denies all wrongdoing.

Last month, Kasparian and others formed the new labor coalition while the Labor Councils parent organization took over local operations at council.

Kim Vander Bie, another officer in the new Chula Vista union, said that SEIU wasnt good at communicating with its members, and they didnt learn about plans to leave the Labor Council until a decision had already been made.

I personally didnt give it a lot of thought because it wasnt presented to us, she said. They didnt communicate with us very well, Wed find out after the fact, or too late.

Employees dues have been cut in half since leaving SEIU, and the new city employee union is about to begin contract negotiations with city management. With more independence, theyre planning to get more involved in local elections as they build their treasury, Vander Bie said.

There are no plans to find another, larger union, to represent Chula Vista workers, she said.

I hope that future employees will be very cautious before getting into that type of relationship, she said. Im not against unions, which is why I am very active with our new union, but some unions are better than others. Some have better leadership with others. We just had a bad experience.

The change likely wont have any noticeable impact for the people and businesses in Chula Vista. The terms of the contract between city management and employees are still in effect, and the way they do their jobs, municipal operations, and services to residents and businesses are not expected to change in any way.

We are happy to work with whoever employees choose, said Courtney Chase, the head of human resources at Chula Vista. Its basically just employees choosing a different labor group.

The city has the equivalent of 984.25 full-time employees.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
Several of the worlds most prominent scientists are scheduled to visit La Jolla this week to deliver speeches at conferences and public forums. The visitors include:

Sir Roger Penrose, the British mathematical physicist, will give a public talk titled, Fashion, Faith and Fantasy and the Big Questions in Modern Physics at 6:30 pm. on Monday at Hojel Auditorium, Institute of the Americas, UC San Diego. (Tickets).

Penrose, 85, also is scheduled to speak on Tuesday during the Science of Consciousness conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Hell appear on a panel that will explore the question, Can machines be conscious?

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Penrose is best known for his insights on the universe, particularly black holes. He also has spent years studying consciousness.

MIT linguist Noam Chomsky, described by many as the father of modern linguistics, also will speak at the Science of Consciousness conference on Tuesday. Chomsky, 88, will appear on a panel that will discuss language and consciousness.

DJ Patil, who served as President Barack Obamas chief data scientist, will talk about technological innovation on Thursday when he returns to UC San Diego, where he earned a bachelors degree in mathematics in the 1996. Hes visiting the campus as part of alumni weekend.

Patil is scheduled to speak at the Price Center Theater at 4:30 p.m. The talk is open to the public.

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Twitter: @grobbins

gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
I am person who is uncompromisingly black and unapologetically gay. Deal with it.

I am person who is uncompromisingly black and unapologetically gay. Deal with it. Alvin McEwen

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Mental Health Systems, the San Diego charity that last year was the subject of allegations of misconduct and lavish spending on luxury hotels and limousines, failed to properly account for more than $140,000 in federal housing funds, a new audit states.

MHS did not allocate its payroll costs to Continuum of Care and Supportive Housing Program grants in accordance with program requirements, U.S. Housing and Urban Development auditors said. As a result, HUD had no assurance that $142,181 spent on salaries and benefits was appropriately charged to the grants.

Charity officials said all of the spending on federal housing programs was appropriate but they improved their bookkeeping practices nonetheless.

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MHS has already developed, and in February 2017, implemented a revised policy for employee time allocation to its HUD grant programs, chief executive James Callaghan wrote to auditors last month.

Mental Health Systems collects tens of millions of dollars a year from San Diego County and other government agencies to deliver treatment, counseling and other services to drug addicts and other needy people.

The federal audit was launched last year, after a county review of Mental Health Systems spending found that the nonprofit repeatedly billed taxpayers for services it had not delivered and wrongly directed county funds to a for-profit subsidiary that was losing money.

Mental Health Systems also was accused of maintaining an improper relationship with a contractor that was paid more than $1.2 million. The CEO and her husband were later terminated.

San Diego County placed its contracts with Mental Health Systems on a month-to-month status while they reviewed documentation.

County auditors turned their findings over to the District Attorneys Office and the FBI for review, although no criminal charges have been forthcoming.

Mental Health Systems has had as many as 34 contracts with San Diego County, providing shelter, rehabilitation, employment and other services for women, children, veterans and others.

Last summer, the consulting firm Open Minds of Gettysburg, Pa., sued Mental Health Systems for failing to pay invoices. The charity claimed Open Minds spent nonprofit funds on exclusive hotel stays, first-class airfare, limousines and other unnecessary costs.

The lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania is ongoing.

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jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
Last November, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 54, which requires the state Legislature to not vote on the final version of bills until the public has been given 72 hours to scrutinize the measures on the Internet. After decades of lawmakers slamming through far-reaching legislation on short notice with little or no deliberation, this was a badly needed corrective measure.

But now, instead of honoring what appears to be the clear intent of Proposition 54, the Assembly Democratic majority is citing what members see as ambiguity in the initiatives language to justify refusing to provide the 72-hour window. They say final version refers to the version that is voted on that sends a measure to the governors desk  not the version that wins initial approval in the Assembly or Senate and then is sent to the other body. They use this interpretation to justify approving a reported 95 bills last week to the Senate with less than 72 hours of online notice.

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The Senates Democratic leadership agrees with the interpretation but is choosing to follow the 72-hour requirement before taking final votes on measures that sends them on to the Assembly. This is apparently being done not as a nod to voters desire for transparency but as a cautionary measure  eventual lawsuits citing Proposition 54 could get laws thrown out if a judge did not agree with the Assemblys legal opinion.

The former state lawmaker who led the push for Proposition 54  Sam Blakeslee, a Republican from San Luis Obispo  blasted the Assemblys actions, bemoaned its opposition to openness and vowed a court fight. Bring it on.

But in the meantime, if there is ambiguity in the law, Assembly Democrats should err on the side of transparency  instead of trying to see what they can get away with.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
Efforts by District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis to confiscate profits from illegal drug operations have ramped up lately, as the number of forfeiture cases has grown almost seven-fold, to 76 last year from 11 five years ago.

The money she sought to keep climbed even more steeply, reaching nearly $2.7 million last year, compared to $13,387 in 2012  a 200-fold increase.

The seizures are playing out amid a statewide and national debate over the practice. Law enforcement officials say asset forfeiture programs are a critical tool to undercut growing and sophisticated crime rings, while civil libertarians on both sides of the political spectrum see the takings as out-of-control government over-reach with too few safeguards against abuse.

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Dumanis spokesman Steve Walker attributed the immediate increase in caseloads to a 2015 order by the U.S. Attorney Generals Office that prohibited federal law enforcement agencies from taking over state and local cases.

This policy change resulted in a direct and ongoing increase in asset forfeiture-related cases being filed by our office in state court, Walker said. As a result, we continue to see an increase in the number of cases filed at the state level that previously would have been prosecuted federally.

Defense attorneys said that even considering the policy change Dumanis has been increasingly proactive.

I cant read their minds, or speak to why they are doing it, said Vista attorney Peter Liss, who represents a woman who had $40,122 taken by the government. Part of it is they really see these defendants as having ill-gotten gains.

Lisss client was convicted of drug charges and is due to be released from prison later this year. She is a member of the Pauma Band of Mission Indians, which provided a declaration to the court stating the money was part of a tribal distribution.

Just because somebody is accused of a crime doesnt mean they should lose their property thats unrelated to their crime, the defense lawyer said.

Liss said last week that he had just reached a deal that is awaiting the judges signature. His client gets her money back but the county keeps the 2009 Mercedes Benz she was driving when pulled over.

The car was used in reckless evasion from police which got her arrested, he said. Fair result all around.

Walker said prosecutors are judicious about choosing when to seize personal property.

As with any criminal case submitted to our office for potential prosecution, many factors contribute to the decision whether or not to proceed on an asset forfeiture case, he said. Our office takes a conservative approach.

Many asset-forfeiture cases are handled administratively, meaning the majority of seizures never end up in court. In 2016, for example, when the California Department of Justice listed 76 San Diego County cases valued at $2.7 million, court records reported 28 asset-forfeiture court petitions worth $1.8 million.

The annual numbers are on track to climb higher this year.

Over the first three months of 2017, the District Attorneys Office filed 13 forfeiture petitions seeking more than $1 million in seizures. If that trend continues through the year, the forfeiture caseload in Superior Court would more than double in both volume and value.

Legitimate, legal mechanism

The practice of civil-asset forfeiture became popularized in the 1980s as a way to prevent drug kingpins from shielding their illegal profits from federal drug agents.

State and local law enforcement agencies participate in joint task forces on sweeps that yield caches of drugs, guns and currency. In cases in which agents feel they were purchased with illegal profits, they will even seize cars, boats, homes and aircraft.

Over the past 10 years, the U.S. Department of Justice seized more than $22 billion in cash and property. Local police agencies share in the proceeds.

Between 2014 and 2016, the District Attorneys Office collected $907,000 under the federal asset-forfeiture program. The Sheriffs Department reported $4.3 million in extra revenue and San Diego police took in $4.2 million.

The practice has been criticized as policing for profit by defendants and advocacy groups, who say the agencies regularly keep property without winning a conviction.

Dumaniss spokesman said asset-forfeiture increases public safety and the revenue helps promote crime-prevention programs.

Our use of state law in this regard is a legitimate, legal mechanism used by law enforcement across the state of California that punishes criminals by seizing assets that we reasonably believe are the product of a criminal enterprise, Walker said.

Last year, the District Attorneys Office spent $315,355 of its federally seized assets.

The biggest chunk of that, $235,000, was awarded to San Diego police to pay for an audio surveillance system that monitors neighborhoods in southeastern San Diego for gunshots.

Dumanis also used the seized-assets revenue to support operations costs, equipment purchases, awareness programs and awards and memorials. She also gave $20,000 to Village of Promise, a youth-mentoring charity started by a former employee.

Obscene laws

Kenneth and Pauline Cole of Bonita opened the One on One medical marijuana dispensary in downtown San Diego in 2010.

1 / 7 Boxes of evidence are loaded in to a pickup truck.. (John Gibbins/UT San Diego Sr.Sta) 2 / 7 Well known Safe Access protester Eugene Davidovich was told to move back from the doorway as he videotaped the operation. (John Gibbins/UT San Diego Sr.Sta) 3 / 7 Boxes of evidence are loaded in to a pickup truck.. (John Gibbins/UT San Diego Sr.Sta) 4 / 7 Well known Safe Access protester Eugene Davidovich video taped Sheriff deputies on the sidewalk near the collective. (John Gibbins/UT San Diego Sr.Sta) 5 / 7 Well known Safe Access protester Eugene Davidovich video taped Sheriff deputies as they carried evidence out of the collective. (John Gibbins/UT San Diego Sr.Sta) 6 / 7 Boxes of evidence are loaded in to a pickup truck.. (John Gibbins/UT San Diego Sr.Sta) 7 / 7 Boxes of evidence are loaded in to a pickup truck.. (John Gibbins/UT San Diego Sr.Sta)

Kenneth Cole made sure he had a business license. He said the mayor visited his shop and approved of the set-up. He said he worked with police commanders before and after he opened.

Then in April 2013 he testified before the City Council that more coordination was needed between city officials and the local medical-pot industry. The next morning, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration task force raided his Sixth Avenue storefront.

Agents carrying assault rifles and wearing bulletproof vests confiscated $200,000-plus worth of inventory and took all 14,000 patient files. They also seized $58,463 in cash.

The disappointing thing was we had worked really hard at getting it right, said Cole, a cancer patient who was never charged with a crime related to the sweep. The forfeiture rules are off the wall. They are obscene laws.

More than two years later, after the Coles hired a lawyer to contest the forfeiture, the couple reached a deal. The District Attorneys Office returned $50,000 in exchange for a promise that the Coles would not sue prosecutors, police or anyone involved in the raid.

I was surprised actually that they offered to give any of it back, Cole said.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill in September that requires a criminal conviction before local law enforcement agencies can keep suspect assets valued at less than $40,000. The old threshold was $25,000 and applied only to state cases.

The new standard applies to both state and federal cases, meaning police and sheriffs departments can no longer seize cash and property worth up to $40,000 without a conviction by temporarily assigning their officers and deputies to a federal task force.

Some lawmakers and activists are also working at the federal level to limit government seizures.

Earlier this spring, Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wisconsin, introduced the Due Process Act to shift the burden of proof in a forfeiture case from the property owner to the government.

The Deterring Undue Enforcement by Protecting Rights of Citizens from Excessive Searches and Seizures Act of 2017 also would increase the standard of proof from a preponderance of evidence  more likely than not  to clear and convincing.

It would also provide for legal representation for indigent property owners and allow claimants to recover attorney fees in cases that are settled.

The legislation attracted support from both Republicans and Democrats and has more than a dozen cosponsors, including Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista.

The bill was introduced the same day the Office of Inspector General issued a report saying the Department of Justice cannot effectively assess whether asset forfeiture is being appropriately used.

The report said more than half of the interdiction seizures sampled could not be shown to relate to criminal investigations.

The risks to civil liberties are particularly significant when seizures that do not advance or relate to an investigation are conducted without a court-issued seizure warrant, the study said.

Darpana Smith, senior attorney at the Institute for Justice in Washington D.C., called the legislation a step in the right direction toward reversing some of the worst examples of civil asset-forfeiture.

True to its name, the Due Process Act would provide many safeguards for innocent owners fighting to regain their taken property, she said.

The nonprofit Institute for Justice represented James Slatic, a San Diego business owner whose Med-West Distribution medical cannabis company in Kearny Mesa was raided in January 2016 by a federal task force.

Later, the task force confiscated more than $100,000 from Slatics personal bank account and those of his wife and children. Last month a judge ordered Dumanis to return the $100,000 her office seized from the medical-pot entrepreneur and his family. Two weeks later the District Attorneys Office filed criminal charges against Slatic, four former employees and his lawyer.

Meanwhile, the legal fight over the $324,000 in cash taken from the business persists.

The people vs. $645,342.05

Many seized-assets cases are not challenged by people whose cash or property has been taken by the government under civil forfeiture programs because the process can be complicated and expensive. Some challenge the takings.

Such a case began in November 2013 when U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents spotted what appeared to be an ultra-light aircraft heading into San Diego from Mexico.

The team quickly dispatched a helicopter and, relying on radar and other technology, the operations staff provided coordinates for a possible drop location. By sunrise, two suspects were arrested with almost 262 pounds of marijuana strapped to a metal cage.

The investigation led to Scott Nichols, a convicted drug trafficker who lived in a million-dollar Orange County home even though he had no documented employment history.

Agents secured a warrant to track Nichols car and surveilled him for months. In August 2014, they trailed him to a drop zone in Rancho San Diego and confiscated 308 pounds of marijuana.

Nichols pleaded guilty to various drug charges and was sentenced to two years in state prison.

Separate from the criminal case was a legal fight over more than $645,000 in cash seized from multiple bank accounts after the bust.

The asset-forfeiture case named the defendant as $645,342.05 in U.S. currency. Eventually attorney Richard Barnett was able to show prosecutors that the cash had not come from illegal drug sales.

This money has been in Ms. Nichols account since the first two weeks of September 2007, well before the alleged criminal activities by Mr. Nichols, he said.

In April, the District Attorneys Office agreed to resolve the case and give back the money. The record shows a judgment in favor of the people of California  for $0.

Previously

Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
Bern, Switzerland -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/05/2017 -- A.G.E Stop is a Switzerland-prestigious cosmetic brand from Switzerland, the brand offers a range of high quality, non-surgical anti-aging products, help users maintain the longevity of their facial skin. The Age Stop Switzerland HQ are located in the UK, the brand has been serving European customers but now they have expanded their delivery services to include customers worldwide, for free.



The line of Award-winning, innovative skin care products reflects Precision, Purity and Impeccable Quality that are synonymous with Switzerland. The products are designed to be effective at both preventing premature aging, as well as helping those with wrinkles and fine lines get back glowing, youthful and balanced skin.



Age Stop skin care line is developed with the help of leading Swiss skincare specialists and aestheticians, the products contain scientifically advanced ingredients such as:



- Biomimetic peptides in high concentration

- Patented Swiss Snow Algae

- Alpine Flower Stem Cells

- Hyaluronic acid, oxygen fusion, vitamins and bio-available precious stone extracts in unique combinations among others.



The spokesperon for Age Stop Switzerland said: "If you are in the market for a product that will instantly reverse signs of aging, then you are in luck! Behold Age Stop Switzerland that is known for its Award-winning innovative skin care products that are made with purity and precision. In this modern day and age, many people are now preferring quality and this is in regards to infinite luxury and ageless beauty and this is what you will get with Age Stop Switzerland since above all else, they ensure that their products are of impeccable quality."



Age Stop Switzerland is commited to delivering superior skincare and cosmetics that are backed by continious research in the field of cellular biology, and in doing so, they have been able to bring together an immense network of researchers from various specialties and this includes cellular and molecular biology for the purposes of rejuvenating the skin. What sets the brand apart from many others is that their products are a result of exploration of the skin where psychological mechanisms are concerned, which has allowed Age Stop Switzerland to develop functional and effective treatments from choices that have been well selected in regards to active ingredients.



About Age Stop Switzerland

Age Stop Switzerland is manufactured and developed in Switzerland and this is in accordance to the highest quality standards. Anti-aging products from Age Stop Switzerland are actually results oriented and in addition to that, they are known to contain scientifically advanced ingredients.



More info and order at www.Age-Stop.eu



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Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/05/2017 -- The Packaging Paper Market 2017 examines the performance of the Packaging Paper market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Packaging Paper market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Packaging Paper market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.



The Global Packaging Paper Market 2017 report includes Packaging Paper industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Packaging Paper Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Packaging Paper Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.



To Get Sample Report Click Here: https://market.biz/report/global-packaging-paper-market-2017/96086/#inquiry



Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Packaging Paper Market 2017:



BillerudKorsn's

Cascades

DS Smith

Graphic Packaging

Japan Pulp and Paper Company Ltd

International Paper Company

Metsa Group

Mondi Group

Nine Dragons Paper

Nippon Paper Group

Rengo

Sappi Limited

Stora Enso

Rengo

WestRock



Packaging Paper Market Analysis: By Product



Ordinary Packaging Paper

Special Packaging Paper



Packaging Paper Market Analysis: By Application



Food & Beverages

Consumer Goods

Electronics

Other



At the beginning, the report covers the top Packaging Paper manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.



Further, the Packaging Paper report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Packaging Paper industry, Packaging Paper industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Packaging Paper Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.



To Buy Complete Report Click Here: https://market.biz/report/global-packaging-paper-market-2017/96086/



The Packaging Paper research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Packaging Paper market revenue worldwide.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/05/2017 -- The fragmented Africa small hydropower market is dominated primarily by three players  Siemens AG, ESKOM Holdings, and Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers. These three players are likely to account for more than one third of the Africa small hydropower market in the coming years. The economic dynamics of the Africa small hydropower market are likely to offer major promise to leading players in the global hydropower sector in the coming years, as the market has received extensive government support in recent years. Government entities are thus likely to a determinant factor in the Africa small hydropower market in the coming years.



Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/africa-small-hydropower-market.html



According to Transparency Market Research (TMR), the Africa small hydropower market is expected to exhibit a robust CAGR of 19.2% between 2016 and 2024. The total capacity of the Africa small hydropower market was more than 10,000 MW in 2016 and is likely to rise to close to 50,000 MW by 2024.



Zambia, Ghana Likely to Lead Demand for Small Hydropower Capacity Installation



Regionally, the leading small hydropower markets in Africa are Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and the Rest of Africa. Of these, Ghana and Zambia are likely to remain the leaders in the Africa small hydropower market, playing a key role in Southern and Western Africa remaining the key geographical segments of the Africa small hydropower market. Tanzania and South Africa are also likely to exhibit a steady rise in the demand from the Africa small hydropower market in the coming years, while Nigeria is a leading economy in West Africa and is also likely to remain a key player in the small hydropower market.



Government Participation Crucial in Overcoming Lack of Funding, Infrastructure



The small hydropower market is hamstrung in a majority of African countries due to the lack of advanced infrastructure to even construct locally sustainable hydropower projects. The challenging topography of some regions has also cost them the opportunity to construct small hydropower plants, as overcoming natural challenges requires further expenditure. This has made the development of conventional hydropower projects a near-impossibility in Africa. The rising awareness among governments in Africa about the viability of small hydropower projects as an alternative to conventional modes of harnessing hydropower has thus become vital for the Africa small hydropower market.



Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=18839



The widening foreign investment channels in Africa are also likely to play a key role in the development of the small hydropower sector. Due to the steady urbanization in developing economies in Africa and the economic scope presented by the rising disposable income of consumers in the region, foreign aid for infrastructure projects has risen steadily in Africa over the last few years.



The high power conversion efficiency of small hydropower projects is a key reason driving the demand from the Africa small hydropower market. While several types of alternative energy are being harnessed by developing economies in Africa due to the abundant availability of natural resources, the demand for small hydropower has grown consistently compared to solar or wind power due to its high efficiency and low expenditure. Small hydropower projects have an exponentially reduced effect on the environment as compared to conventional large hydropower projects, which has also been crucial in driving their demand.



The information in this preview comes from a TMR report titled 'Small Hydropower Market - Africa Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.'



The Africa small hydropower market is segmented as follows:



Africa Small Hydropower Market: Country Analysis



Ghana

Nigeria

Tanzania

South Africa

Morocco

Zambia

Rest of Africa



About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.



Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR's syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.
What is being reported as the earliest indication of humans impact on the Earths geology and ecosystems has been found in the Dead Sea, Israel  and scientists say the evidence is at least 11,500 years old.

Within a core sample retrieved from the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv University Professor Shmuel Marco and co-authors discovered basin-wide erosion rates dramatically incompatible with known tectonic and climatic regimes of the period recorded.

Human impact on the natural environment is now endangering the entire planet, Prof. Marco said.

Its therefore crucial to understand these fundamental processes. Our discovery provides a quantitative assessment for the commencement of significant human impact on the Earths geology and ecosystems.

The research is part of the Dead Sea Deep Drilling project, which harnessed a 1,500-foot-deep drill core to delve into the Dead Sea basin.

The core sample provided Prof. Marco and his colleagues from Tel Aviv University and the University of Haifa with a sediment record of the last 220,000 years.

The newly-discovered erosion occurred approximately 11,500 years ago during the Neolithic Revolution, the wide-scale transition of human cultures from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settlement.

The shift resulted in an exponentially larger human population on the planet.

Natural vegetation was replaced by crops, animals were domesticated, grazing reduced the natural plant cover, and deforestation provided more area for grazing, Prof. Marco said.

All these resulted in the intensified erosion of the surface and increased sedimentation, which we discovered in the Dead Sea core sample.

The Dead Sea drainage basin serves as a natural laboratory for understanding how sedimentation rates in a deep basin are related to climate change, tectonics, and man-made impacts on the landscape.

We noted a sharp threefold increase in the fine sand that was carried into the Dead Sea by seasonal floods, Prof. Marco said.

This intensified erosion is incompatible with tectonic and climatic regimes during the Holocene, the geological epoch that began after the Pleistocene some 11,700 years ago.

The researchers are currently in the process of recovering the record of earthquakes from the same drill core.

We have identified disturbances in the sediment layers that were triggered by the shaking of the lake bottom, Prof. Marco said.

It will provide us with the 220,000-year record  the most extensive earthquake record in the world.

The research is published in the journal Global and Planetary Change.

_____

Yin Lu et al. 2017. Increased sedimentation following the Neolithic Revolution in the Southern Levant. Global and Planetary Change 152: 199-208; doi: 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2017.04.003
A good number of lions transported to South Africa from Colombia and Peru in 2016. Poachers recently broke into the sanctuary and killed two of these big cats.

ABC News reported that last year 33 lions were freed from the circuses in Colombia and Peru. These big cats were then transported to South Africa so that they could have the wildlife refuge. But, last week, poachers intruded into a sanctuary in South Africa and killed two of these lions.

This shocking incident occurred at the famous Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. The poachers killed two male lions, Jose and Liso, at the sanctuary. The incident reveals that how the brazen poachers can easily infiltrate the places like this sanctuary.

The sanctuary has earlier claimed that it has armed patrols and 24-hour security. But, the authority has taken some additional measures after the killing of the two male lions. Currently, the sanctuary is closed to the visitors and also the volunteers. Forensic experts already visited the place and investigating the crime.

According to Animal Defenders International group, the police and the anti-poaching units of South Africa are investigating the matter. The Animal Defenders International group played a significant role in transferring the lions from South America. The group is currently considering the offer of a reward for providing information that can ultimately lead to the conviction of the poachers.

Minunette Heuser and her daughter Savannah Heuser together run the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary. They utter significantly about this poaching incident. Minunette Heuser said they need to be united so that they can bring to justice the perpetrators who killed the two male lions. Last year, a circus in Colombia surrendered nine lions, The Telegraph reported.

Apart from the nine big cats, the Animal Defenders International rescued 24 lions from the circuses in Peru. Minunette Heuser reveals that the poaching incident has broken their heart, but the poachers can't break their spirit. The lions were among those animals including many birds, monkeys, and others that were rescued from circuses in Colombia and Peru in 2016.

So far no details are available about the motive behind this heinous act of the brazen poachers. Earlier in January poachers also infiltrated another park and beheaded three male lions. They chopped the paws of these lions, most probably, for the use in some traditional healing rituals.

A long tradition exists in some specific African cultures regarding the use of the lion parts. Conservationists are concerned about the increasing number of poaching incidents. Poachers are targeting these big cats to meet the demand of a few Asian countries. Lion claws and teeth have great value as the trinkets.

The bones of the African lions are also very valuable. They are the substitute for the rare tiger parts in the Asian markets. The lions, transferred to the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary from the circuses, were in bad condition. One of these lions, Rapunzel, died of the botulism toxin at the sanctuary in 2016.

Normally, animals can resist the botulism toxin, but it is not easy for those animals that have already suffered long time malnutrition. Rehabilitation efforts also sometimes can't bring any fruitful result. One elderly lion at the sanctuary died last week due to brain damage. This big cat previously suffered severe head blows in the circus.
NASA is reportedly preparing for one of its ambitious space exploration in recent years. The US space agency is planning to send its first unmanned mission to the sun plausibly by next year. Reports are now saying that it is not just an ordinary space exploration but the mission aims to gather information to protect Earth from possible future solar storms.

NASA is an independent agency under the executive branch of the United States government. Its main task is to provide civilian space program in addition to aerospace and aeronautics research. Established in 1958, the US space agency first focused their studies on planet Earth until it expands its research to other matter beyond Earth.

For the past decade, NASA has been famous in leading space exploration such as the Apollo landing mission, the Skylab space station and then the Space Shuttle. Presently, it is also studying other planets like Saturn and Jupiter and a possible mission to Mars. Now, reports are saying that the US space agency is getting ready for an audacious mission.

According to USA TODAY, NASA is now preparing a plan of sending its first unmanned space mission heading to the sun next year. Dubbed as the Parker Solar Probe, the space mission is set to launch in the summer of 2018 and it will be the first time the US space agency will fly a mission into the sun's atmosphere.

NASA also revealed that the unmanned mission will travel at a speed of 430,000 miles per hour to the sun's atmosphere. The US space agency also says that they are starting to develop an advanced material that could tolerate scorching temperatures of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The mission intends to get an answer about how a star like the Sun works and collect data for a better understanding of space weather events.

But aside from that, the mission to the sun could give NASA some helpful information to protect Earth from devastating solar storms according to The Conversation UK. The US space agency aims to get the Parker Solar Probe to at least 6m km above the solar surface and operates a sensor to discover and examine the phenomena taking place in the sun.

NASA wants to study the magnetic fields around the sun that could be connected to the different change of temperature and weather condition. The US space agency believes that once magnetic fields break, a severe space weather like solar storms is likely to happen. With that, surrounding planets like Earth could feel the havoc of a blistering heat from the sun.
The SpaceX launches a cargo mission using the old Dragon spacecraft aboard the Falcon 9 rocket from the Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 3, 2017. The cargo includes food and supplies for the astronauts on the International Space Station as well as supplies for special experiments.

More photos of yesterdays Falcon 9 launch of Dragon to the @Space_Station, and first stage landing  https://t.co/095WHWMtKp pic.twitter.com/IW0uOPwtrz  SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 5, 2017

The cargo weighs about 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms) that includes crew supplies, science research and hardware. These must reach the International Space Station on Monday. The materials for experiments involve 40 live mice to investigate the effects of osteoporosis. It also includes fruit flies for studying the microgravity's impact on the heart. Besides these supplies, there are also solar panels and equipment to examine the neutron stars, according to Phys.org.

Falcon 9 first stage has landed at LZ-1. pic.twitter.com/qUANJo402a  SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 3, 2017

The mice study is dubbed as Rodent Research-5 that aims to determine how a protein is naturally created by the human body. This is called NELL-1 that could enhance bone growth. NASA wants to grow bone in space to fight the harmful effects of osteoporosis.

In the experiment, there will be two groups of mice, namely one in space and the other group on Earth. They will receive NELL-1 treatment every two weeks. For the second round of treatments, the 10 mice on the space will return to Earth while the other rodents will receive added NELL-1 treatments, according to Science Alert.

Meanwhile, after the launch, the Falcon first-stage booster successfully landed at SpaceX landing pad, Landing Zone 1. This launch was the 100th from NASA's historic Launch Pad 39A. It is also one of SpaceX's goals to re-use costly rocket and spaceship, which appears to be successful, too.
The new generation of Mars rovers are designed like in the Hollywood movies. These rovers are going to be launched by NASA in 2020.

According to Pulse Headlines, the new generation Mars rovers have an "alien" design with six wheels. These are going to be manned rovers with measurements 11 feet tall, 24 feet long and 13 feet wide. The design was done by Shanon and Marc Parker. The two brothers are famous for the designs of their futuristic Hollywood movies like Tron.

The Parker brothers designed and built the entire thing in less than five months. They built it from scratch, which includes the wheels, chassis, frame, interior, seats, glass, suspension, body and everything on the vehicle. Earlier this week -- today, in fact -- NASA will reveal the new design to the public. The new Mars rover is like an SUV, which has a mock lab where astronauts can do their experiments.

NASA has scheduled explorations and missions starting next year. The inSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) mission will be launched on May 5, 2018 and will arrive on the Red Planet on Nov. 28, 2018. It will send back new data to the Earth. It will let scientists obtain information about how Mars emerge and how it developed over time.

Aside from this, NASA's Space Launch System will bring astronauts into deep space far beyond the Earth's orbit by 2019. Next, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar will commence in studying the conditions of the Earth, as well as the ecosystem disturbances like earthquakes.

Furthermore, NASA Asteroid Redirect Mission will take a boulder from an asteroid in 2021. In line with this, the American space agency will bring the Psyche mission to the metal asteroid that orbits between Mars and Jupiter by 2022. Scientists are of the opinion that this could give more information about how planets formed.

Viking 1 was the first spacecraft to land on the Red Planet 40 years ago. It sent the first images of the Martian surface to planet Earth. The latest one that arrived on Mars is the Curiosity rover. It landed in 2012. As The Verge noted, Curiosity has been drilling and analyzing rock samples inside the 93-mile-wide (150 km) Gale Crater.
PAMPLICO, S.C.  Portable pantries with free food items have been seen popping up in a matter of minutes in many communities. Three new ones are up in southeastern Florence County.

Women on a Mission, a newly organized group of women in the Pamplico area, have put in place three Blessing Boxes to help those needing food and personal hygiene items.

The idea for the group of women to gather and help others had been percolating for months among the women attending Prospect United Methodist Church on Big Swamp Road, said Cindy Jacobs, one of the organizers.

In January, the ladies had their first meeting to discuss community needs. They decided that putting up the mini-food pantries was a good first effort in helping others, Sybil Locklair added.

The first blessing box created by the group went into place in Pamplico on May 1. A second went up on May 13, and the box in Friendfield was put in place on May 23.

Women on Mission was formed in January to serve as agents of grace throughout the community, Jacobs said. The women meet at 11 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the church at 834 Belle Thompson Road, just off Big Swamp Road.

They share a meal, engage in conversation and discuss ways to help others. All women in the community are invited to join the group, Jean Singletary said.

Dorothy Smith said the group started with approximately 10 people and has grown to nearly 20. Churches throughout the area are represented at the meetings, but women not affiliated with any church are welcome to join the group as well, she said.

Many of the ladies said they have more time on their hands now to help others, as they have reached retirement age and are looking for ways to serve in the community.

Weve worked in the church, Singletary said. Now we can move out more into the community.

The youth of Prospect UMC are also involved in the community, she said.

Theyve been mowing lawns and helping out in the community, too, Singletary said.

The agents of grace have painted the mini food pantries a bright yellow so they are easily seen, and that terminology about grace came from Jacobs reading in the Upper Room, a devotional booklet, she said.

The blessing boxes have been placed at the Pamplico Grill in Pamplico along S.C. 51, and at the Hannah Hardware store on U.S. 378. Items are for anyone who might need a helping hand, said Judy Yanello of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. Inside the boxes are nonperishable food and personal items.

Anyone should feel free to take from these boxes anything needed and feel free to contribute to the boxes any time, Yanello added.

Just look for the big yellow boxes! she said.

Take a blessing or leave a blessing, is the motto for the boxes, the ladies said at a recent meeting.

In the future, the women said they hope to assist with sitting with the elderly in the community and helping them with errands. They are looking for others way to be a blessing in a community, they said.
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A judge who jailed a sex offender for abusing three young girls was forced to endure a torrent of foul-mouthed abuse  not from the defendant but from a furious relative of some of the victims.

The air turned blue as the aggressive man angrily stood up in the public gallery and repeatedly swore  hurling nasty insults.

Instead of showing respect for the court and thanking the judge for the prison sentence imposed on the defendant, as others usually do, he swore at him and shouted that it was all a "waste of time".

He also hurled abuse at the defendant.

The man stormed out of the court, loudly slamming the door as he left.

He was lucky not to be arrested for contempt of court because of the frightening outburst  and to find himself being jailed.

There was no immediate apology from him or others in court.

Gary Beddoes, 30, denied committing a series of sexual offences in the Scunthorpe area but was convicted by a jury of seven of them after a trial at Grimsby Crown Court.

They included assault by penetration, sexual assault and incitement to sexual activity.

He was jailed for five years and nine months  to run consecutively to a six-year prison sentence for arson that he is already serving.

Recorder Tahir Khan QC told Beddoes: "You have been convicted by the jury of seven offences of a sexual nature that were committed against three very young victims."

The offences dated back to October 2015.

Beddoes "took advantage" of two of the girls and touched them sexually, said Recorder Khan.

Beddoes encouraged a third girl to engage in sexual behaviour but she would not do so, saying it was "disgusting".

He also sexually assaulted her.

"This was repeated offending," said Recorder Khan.

"There have been no expressions of remorse for the harm you have done."

Beddoes, formerly of Kenneth Avenue, Stainforth, is currently serving a six-year sentence imposed at Sheffield Crown Court in September last year for two offences of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

After the guilty verdicts, defence barrister Gordon Stables said: "There is no mitigation."

Beddoes will have to register his details as a sex offender for life.
State Debate: Blogger upset Paul Soglin may run for gov; another suggests Scott Walker is no Tommy Thompson
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Scunthorpe Scorpions have moved to replace Josh Auty with  Josh Auty!

Auty announced last week that he was retiring from speedway but has now made a u-turn on that decision.

Promoter Rob Godfrey was in the process of finding another rider before he received a phone call from Auty saying he wanted to reverse his decision on his retirement.

The Yorkshireman had endured a tough start to the 2017 season reaching double figures only twice but after announcing he wanted to quit he has changed his mind after having more time to reflect on his decision.

Auty was announced that he was returning to the side before Scunthorpe's Knock-Out Cup first leg tie with Peterborough.

Godfrey revealed: "Josh rang me and asked 'Have you replaced me?' I had spoken to Dimitri Berge, but we hadn't agreed a deal.

"I think we'll now see the old Josh Auty back. Our team manager Dave Peet has spoken a lot to Josh over the last few days and I've spoken to him as well, and I think we'll see Josh back to his usual self from previous seasons.

"Josh has a period of inactivity - a ban in other words - for 14 days, which starts from the date of the Newcastle meeting last Sunday when we used rider replacement for him.

"He can't return within that time, which means his first meeting back will be against Sheffield at the Eddie Wright Raceway next Sunday.

"Josh has also lost his place in the British Final, because he'd already been withdrawn from that competition. Ironically it's Carl Wilkinson who will replace Josh at Belle Vue, since Wilko qualified as reserve from the Sheffield semi-final.

"I think Josh will now be more focused. He now realises what he'll lose if he stops riding speedway, and therefore he wants it more than ever."

Auty said: "I just needed to get through a period of four days and get my head straight. I needed some time to sit down and reflect on things.

"I do wish I'd simply asked for some time out instead of telling everyone that I was going to retire.

"I've lost the British Final which meant a lot to me. But the rider I'll be cheering on in that meeting will be Carl Wilkinson.

"It was a rash decision to say I was going to retire, but we all say things we don't mean. I just want to forget about the last week and move forward. I'm looking forward to coming back next week against Sheffield and scoring some points."

The Scorpions were granted a 28-day facility to find another rider for Auty.

But his actual ban was not for 28 days, but rather for 14 days, starting from the date where Scorpions first used a facility for him.

The Scorpions were leading 19-11 in the Knockout Cup against the Panthers before the heavens opened which brought a premature end to the meeting.

Scunthorpe had provided all five race winners up to that point with Michael Palm Toft and Lewis Kerr both lowering the colours of three-time British champion Chris Harris who was making his debut for the Panthers.

Kerr picked up his first win in heat three while Tero Aarnio also picked up two victories in heat two and four.

The track staff did sterling work over the next hour to try transform the circuit, but referee Peter Clarke, after consulting with the two team captains, took the decision to abandon the meeting.

SCUNTHORPE 19: Michael Palm Toft 3, Carl Wilkinson 1, Lewis Kerr 6, Ryan Douglas 2, Rider replacement for Josh Auty , Tero Aarnio 6, Nathan Greaves 1.

PETERBOROUGH 11: Chris Harris 4, Rider replacement for Jack Holder, Paul Starke 2, Ulrich Ostergaard 0, Kyle Newman 1+1, Simon Lambert 2, Tom Bacon 2.
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The five support bands for the fourth annual Barton Fake Festival in Baysgarth Park on June 24 have been named.

Taking the stage second will be Brigg rockers Dirty Pitchers (pictured above) who made a big impression at their home town's Bike Night last summer and during recent gigs at pubs in their town.

They appeared at the Barton Fake Festival last year.

The Pitchers will be joined on June 24 by Joker, Hayley's Comet, Modera and Suburban Blues.

The music inside a giant marquee will run from 12.30pm until 11pm, with top tribute acts to Guns n' Roses, The Stone Roses and The Stereophonics taking over the night-time show.

One novelty item this year will be a contest to see who can stay on a guitar rodeo the longest.

Adult tickets are on sale at the reduced price of 21 until the day before the show.

Meanwhile, The Moods, who play main support to The Cast at Party in The Pines at Appleby on August 5, hit the road for a UK tour on June 8.

The nine Manchester musicians return for a second year to the 75-acre site before launching their new album called Missing Peace on September 8.

Their music also features in the new movie Strangeways Here We Come.The Moods, now in their third year together, have been hailed as Manchester's premier electro hip-hop reggae outfit.

Their music unifies rap, brass and beats and their lyrics are potently political.

But most important of all, as seen at The Party last year, they make people want to get up and dance.Party co-promoter Casper Croft said tickets at 25 a time were now sale at Cafe Indiependent, Scunthorpe, and at Mad Hatters, Ashby.
Minister Le Maire will initiate talks on reviewing the shareholding balance of the STX France sale approved in April by the former Hollande government.

The deal had Italy's Fincantieri paying 79.5m for a 67% share in the French shipyard following the collapse of South Korean parent STX. France kept its minority 33% stake and Fincantieri agreed to reduce its stake to 48% by selling shares to an Italian investment consortium, Fondazione CR Trieste. French state-controlled naval shipbuilder DCNS would take a 12% stake.

The current scenario sees a split of 55% of shares controlled by the Italians and 45% by the French.

STX France's biggest cruise client currently is MSC Cruises which unsurprisingly following the situation closely, as it is also building ships in Fincantieri.

Executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago confirmed to Seatrade Cruise News the shipowner is talking, 'to everyone involved' in the governance process and he did not dismiss taking a share in the St Nazaire yard, 'if the possibility arises I would consider it,' he said.

'In the long-term I want stability at the [STX] yard. It is important that the shipyard maintains its cruise ship construction know-how and suppliers network which is certain now as it has a strong orderbook but there is a concern workload might shift during times of possible downturn,' Vago remarked in an exclusive interview onboard MSC Meraviglia just before the naming ceremony.

He also said MSC would consider joining with another cruise line(s) if they showed an interest in taking a stake under any newly agreed terms, 'as I am certain they would share the same concerns.'

MSC Cruises has seven ships including two options planned at St Nazaire through to 2026. Royal Caribbean has six firm orders to 2025.
Singapore-listed offshore services provider FEG had in 2013 entered into the four construction contracts with the Chinese shipbuilding via its then subsidiary and now an associate firm FTS Derricks.

The four Gusto MSC CJ46 jack-up rigs were valued at a total of $872m and were designed to work in water depth up to 425 feet and to drill up to 35,000 feet depth. The contract had come with an option to build two more sister units.

FEG said the company had given four performance guarantees of $784.8m for the due and punctual payment by FTS Derricks of the final instalment of the contract price payable by FTS Derricks upon delivery of each rig.

The performance guarantees for three of the four rigs amounting to $588.6m given by the company have become no longer of effect as the builder and FTS Derricks have each respectively exercised its rights under the three relevant construction contracts to terminate the said contracts, FEG stated.

Matters concerning the construction contract for the fourth rig are currently under discussion with the builder. The management of the company expects this to come to a conclusion shortly, it added.

Shanhaiguan New Shipbuilding Industry is currently 100% owned by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co, which in turn is a subsidiary of China Shipbuilding Industry Corp (CSIC).
The ExxonMobil MobilGard Cylinder Condition Monitoring programme has been running for 15 years, but has recently shifted to fully automated reporting with computer based algorithms generating reports. Iain White, global marketing manager, ExxonMobil Marine said that with standardized data and analysis they have been able to see trends in operational factors that they have not in the past.

White told Seatrade Maritime News in an interview at Nor-Shipping 2017 that in some cases it confirmed things ExxonMobil had thought would be the case but it others it showed up widespread issues it had not expected.

So what its done is its confirmed some of the things that we thought, for example about half the ships we see the ships have actually got the wrong feed rate in the engine, that could be in either direction, he explained.

If owners are using too much lubrication, the most common scenario they are basically wasting money, and too much oil can also cause deposits resulting in wear.

Or alternatively they're not using enough oil and there's the possibility for catastrophic wear to take place and there's potential for significant damage, he said.

While the results in terms of feed rates were expected the results from analysing data from the previous 12 months in terms of cat fines contamination were not.

Some 43% of samples were found to have cat fines contamination, which can cause catastrophic engine failure, a far higher level than would have been expected from fuel testing results.

What we've found is that the individual batches of fuel they are testing are not actually high but over time the (cat fines) can settle out in the tanks on the ship and then ships goes through some bad weather suddenly that slug of cat fines comes through. Its been unexpectedly thrown up physically, White explained.

We're not actually measuring the fuel, we are picking up the consequences of having it in the fuel and the wear, so we're picking up essentially the damage that is happening.

In the case of cold corrosion this was found in 15% of cases reflecting that it was an issue that only really affects newer engines.

Probably one of the other surprises is that 25% of the samples show evidence of a water washing problem, White said.

The presence of water in the engine removes cylinder oil from the liners and can cause high wear.

ExxonMobil plans much more analysis of the data it is getting across different engine and vessel types. But just in the early stages we've realised we've got the ability to get at these insights and discuss them, and what the priorities are to talk to shipowners about, White said.
Madison Police Chief Mike Koval and his attorney Lester Pines, left, listen to testimony during a complaint hearing against Koval before the Police and Fire Commission at the Madison Municipal Building in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. M.P. KING, STATE JOURNAL
Press Release

June 4, 2017 ANGARA: END USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS IN MARAWI CONFLICT Alarmed by reports on the presence of child combatants amid the clash between the Maute fighters and government troops in Marawi City, Senator Sonny Angara has called on government authorities to stop terrorist groups from using children to participate in hostilities. "Talaga pong nakakaalarma na pati ang ating mga kabataan na walang kamalay-malay ay nadadamay sa gulong ito. Our children are the most vulnerable in times like these, and I call on our government agencies, local officials and military personnel to make a concerted effort in ensuring the protection and care of our children affected by the armed conflict," Angara said. According to news reports, the Maute group is using children, as young as four, to fight as soldiers on the frontline, and even filming them for propaganda. Reports stated that the Maute is recruiting children through Quranic study sessions, enticing young Muslim men to join the fight as a way to heaven or martyrdom. Many are reportedly seized and recruited by force, targeting orphans whose rebel parents were killed in combat. Angara cited Republic Act 7610, known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, which prohibits children to take part in the fighting during armed conflicts. The Philippines is a also signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and has vowed to eradicate the proliferation of child soldiers. "The law declared children as zones of peace. But for the longest time, the rights of our children are being violated especially in conflict areas. They are being used as combatants, informants, as human shield against government forces, and now as propaganda tools. We must put an end to this," he lamented. The lawmaker stressed that children must be prioritized during evacuation, and delivery of basic social services such as education, nutrition and healthcare to children should not be hampered. UNICEF Philippines has recently estimated that around 50,000 children have been displaced by the conflict within Marawi City or other cities in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. Meanwhile, RA 7610 provides that children who have been arrested for reasons related to armed conflict are entitled to a separate detention from adults, and immediate free legal assistance. Within 24 hours of recognizance, the child must be released to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development or any responsible member of the community as determined by the court. "We must ensure that appropriate measures will be taken to promote physical and psychological recovery, and social reintegration of the child victim," Angara said. The senator is set to file a resolution to see if there is a need to strengthen existing policies to finally abolish the practice of using child soldiers.
On the 100th Day of Persecution of Sen. Leila M. de Lima

Dispatch from Crame No. 96

6 / 3 / 17

8:40 PM

I'm glad that none of my regular visitors has, so far, bothered to ask me this question - what is it like or how does it feel to be under detention?

I would grope for the right words if so asked. I might even take offense.

But if forced to come up with an answer to such a silly, if not unkind question, this is my answer-- It's worse than death.

Yes, to be deprived of your physical liberty, even if temporary, and its concomitant indignities, and especially if you know within the deepest depth of your being that you're innocent, evokes an indescribable yet overwhelming feeling of despair as well as revulsion.

Today is my 100th day in detention, 100 days of gross injustice. An agony of an indefinite duration.

But my spirit remains unbroken. I must keep the faith and finish the race.
Press Release

June 4, 2017 Gatchalian: Strict Vetting System for Foreign Aid Needed The Philippine government has been using a loose vetting system for foreign-funded investments, which has allowed scheming foreign firms to pull off one-sided trade contracts to the detriment of the nation and the Filipino people, Senator Win Gatchalian bared after a hearing by the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs regarding investment deals inked during President Duterte's state visit to China last year. Gatchalian, who is the chairman of the Senate panel, stressed the need to improve the assessment of foreign financing agreements and overseas development assistance (ODAs) to make sure that these investment agreements are beneficial to Filipinos. Describing the current mechanism, the senator said: "We look for financing agencies, and when we find one, these financiers are given the free hand to name their chosen contractors and suppliers as part of their trade packages. This is a revelation to me," Gatchalian said during the committee hearing on Proposed Senate Resolution No. 222, which called for an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into Philippine-Sino trade agreements forged during the state visit last October 2016. The Department of Finance (DOF) admitted during the hearing that the 2016 Chinese investment deals were actually 'tied' loan agreements that allowed the Export-Import Bank of China, which would serve as the Chinese funding agency, to name pre-qualified suppliers or contractors for government projects. The insertion of the suppliers and contractors in foreign-funded contracts, Gatchalian lamented, has tied the hands of the Philippine government from doing an in-depth 'due diligence' check on the corporate history of the handpicked foreign firms. "A number of these contractors have been discovered to have bad history, bad records in doing business in our country. Some of them are facing corruption cases or are in trouble with other agencies, some have been barred by other multilateral loan agencies like the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. We would have known all these issues earlier if our vetting system had been strict," Gatchalian said. He added that, "it is not even clear who should vet these suppliers or contractors, whether it's the National Economics and Development Authority or the DOF,", as he vowed to come up with a legislation to address the lax vetting system. "We will study the process and draft legislation which will protect us from unfair loans and unscrupulous contractors. We will tighten the rules in terms of acquiring overseas development assistance and foreign financing. We will come up with mechanisms to protect all of us, the Filipino people," the senator said. He added: "We have to remember that once we sign a loan agreement, this is a loan that all of us will pay in the end. Thus, it is important that we make sure that these loans are beneficial to our country, and at the same time, that those contractors who will undertake projects are capable and unquestionable. That will be built-in in the law that we are going to propose."
Press Release

June 5, 2017 Legarda: US Pullout From Paris Agreement Poses New Climate Challenge On World Environment Day (June 5), Senator Loren Legarda urged stronger cooperation among nations and individuals to address environmental concerns, stressing that greater challenges are expected especially with US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committees on Climate Change, Finance and Foreign Relations, said that the decision of Mr. Trump to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement is a grave mistake. "By this withdrawal, the United States has turned its back on the future. It puts a spotlight on a belligerent leadership that refuses to heed the voices of people, including his own, who are gravely threatened by the perils of climate change and global warming," she stressed. "Today, we celebrate World Environment Day with the theme 'Connecting People to Nature', and it is ironic that there are people, leaders like Mr. Trump, who are disconnected with nature, disconnected with the reality that climate change not only endangers the future but is actually a threat to our survival now," said Legarda. The Senator said it is appalling that there are still climate deniers even with the evident effects of climate change already happening all over the world. She said that sea level rise as a result of global warming is threatening to submerge small island nations like Kiribati, Marshall Islands and the Maldives. Around 20 percent of the global population, or approximately 1.3 billion people, live in areas that may be directly affected by sea level rise. In the Philippines, at risk are 64 coastal provinces, 822 coastal municipalities, 25 major coastal cities and approximately 13.6 million Filipinos that need to be relocated away from danger zones. Legarda said that ocean acidification is causing irreversible damage to coral reefs. With global warming of up to 2 degrees Celsius, 98 percent of coral reefs will die by 2050. A World Bank study shows that this would cause decrease in marine fish capture by about 50 percent in the southern Philippines by the year 2050. Moreover, sudden shifts from hot temperatures to incessant rains pose uncertainties to agriculture. Extreme rainfall and heat, heavy floods, and constant changes in weather pose great threat to lives, health, livelihood and development. "Extreme weather events have brought so much destruction and claimed so many lives already. In the Philippines, we have experienced the wrath of typhoons Frank, Ondoy, Sendong, Pablo and Yolanda, among many others," Legarda said. In 2009, Metro Manila came to a standstill after almost every city in the metropolis experienced flooding at record-breaking levels brought by Ondoy. In 2013, Yolanda decimated entire towns in the Visayas killing more than 6,000 people. In 2016, farmers in Kidapawan City staged a protest as the climate-related drought affected the lives and livelihood of their farming communities. The bloody dispersal that ensued claimed the lives of at least two farmers and wounded more than a hundred. Legarda said even a powerful nation, the United States, has taken the wrath of hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 was one of the most devastating disasters that hit the US; while in 2012, Hurricane Sandy affected 24 states and the storm surge it caused flooded even the streets of New York, cutting power in and around the city. "Climate change knows no boundaries. It affects us all. It will make the poor poorer, create more climate refugees, and greatly affect the vulnerable--children, women, elderly, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples," she stressed. "The United States' pullout from the Paris Agreement poses a new climate challenge, but a single voice, guided by a misplaced understanding of the causes of one greatest risk that faces the world today, will ultimately be drowned out by the more passionate voices of people who genuinely care for our future. If there is a silver lining following this announcement from Mr. Trump, it is the re-affirmation issued by other responsible leaders on their commitment to keep fighting against global warming. We applaud this honorable gesture," said Legarda. "As one of the countries facing the gravest risks posed by climate change and global warming, the Philippines will continue to stand by its courageous partners from the international community in delivering our commitments and speeding up action to combat climate change," Legarda concluded.
Press Release

June 5, 2017 Trillanes condemns Duterte admin's filing of cases against Lascanas Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV cries foul over the filing of murder and attempted murder cases against retired SPO4 Arturo Lascanas due to the latter's public confession in the Senate. Trillanes said: "After a hearing conducted by the Senate on Lascanas' admissions, Duterte allies were quick to dismiss his testimony and conclude that he is not credible. And now, the Davao City prosecutor's office is filing charges against him based on that same testimony." "Worse, the people behind this did not even allow the case to go through due process by not letting Lascanas submit his counter affidavit allegedly because of returned subpoenas. It was widely reported in the media that Lascanas was already abroad in early April, so why didn't the prosecutor notify instead the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) since it was listed as the lawyer representing Lascanas in his affidavit and during the hearing?" On Monday, news reports have come out about the Davao City Prosecutor's office's filing of murder and frustrated murder cases against Lascanas in connection with a series of attacks on broadcaster Jun Pala. Trillanes, a member of the Senate minority, also noted that if the Davao prosecutors relied on Lascanas' testimony about Jun Pala in the Senate, then they must know that it was not Lascanas who murdered Pala. "According to his testimony, Lascanas was only part of those who planned the assassination of Jun Pala. In which case, his co-conspirators, particularly, Rodrigo Duterte, Sonny Buenaventura and Jim Tan should've been charged as well," Trillanes added. "This is a clear case of legal harassment and abuse of authority by the Duterte administration, meant to silence Lascanas and prevent him from testifying against Duterte in any legal forum." Trillanes further explained.
There was good reason why so many state Senate Democrats flipped at the last minute to advance a $400 billion single-payer health care bill without a clue of how to pay for it  the wrath of Berniecrats.

It was amazing  Ive never seen so many votes turn so fast, said one state senator who attended the the closed-door Democratic caucus that preceded the 23-14 vote Thursday night.

The senator, who asked not to be named because caucus meetings are off the record, said Democrats felt that saying no  or even holding off on a vote until the finances were laid out  was not worth crossing the politically powerful California Nurses Association and other single-payer advocates who supported Bernie Sanders for president.

They were threatening members that if they did not vote for the bill, they would run someone against them in the next primary, the senator said.

Nurses union spokesman Chuck Idelson said he did not know of any threats, but that there was a very active grassroots campaign that included phone banks, town hall meetings, rallies and people going door to door in districts.

People expect the lawmakers to represent them  not corporate interests and insurance companies, Idelson said.

One of those targeted was state Sen. Steve Glazer of Orinda  the lone Democrat to vote no on the single-payer bill, saying it wasnt a fully baked plan and had no funding proposal.

Glazer wanted to have the costs fleshed out, and then he wanted the whole plan put to a vote of the people.

As for being targeted as a corporate lackey?

Its a free country, Glazer said. They should remember our goals are the same and its a matter of how we get there.

The plan now goes to the state Assembly.

On your marks: The 2018 race for lieutenant governor now includes two former Obama administration envoys.

Jeff Bleich, an East Bay attorney and former ambassador to Australia, kicked off his campaign last week in Oakland. He joins Sacramento businesswoman and former Ambassador to Hungry Eleni Kounalakis  along with Los Angeles physician Asif Mahmood and state Sen. Ed Hernandez of West Covina (Los Angeles County)  in the 2018 Democratic derby to replace Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. No Republicans have yet entered the race.

Bleich was a special counsel to Obama in the White House before he was appointed ambassador to Australia in 2009. He held that post for more than four years before returning to private law as a cybersecurity and public policy expert.

As for how he intends to compete in such a crowded field?

I have such good hair, cracked Bleich, whose receding hairline stands in stark contrast to Newsoms jelled locks.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lees call to spend a whopping $30 million extra on homeless and mental health services in the coming year is based on both policy and politics  and each is a sign of just how big a problem the mayor has on his hands.

The policy goal is to create more front end treatments to give people an alternative to living on the streets, such as the 40 new mental health beds being proposed for San Francisco General Hospital and the 24-hour drop-in and shower center planned for the Tenderloin.

The politics were laid out in a Chamber of Commerce poll of San Francisco voters this year, in which two-thirds of those surveyed cited either homelessness, bad street behavior or tent encampments as the No. 1 problem in the city.

In 2015, a similar poll found homelessness was a top concern among only 35 percent of respondents.

It has outpaced every other issue, including affordability and the high cost of rents, said chamber Vice President Jim Lazarus.

The publics frustration with seeing half-naked men screaming on Mission Street and people shooting up on the steps of the Main Library is one big reason Lees approval ratings are scraping bottom. So the mayor took pains in his budget address to the Board of Supervisors last week to try to make clear that he gets it.

Let me be clear, public drug use is not acceptable, Lee said. It is harmful to the people injecting drugs, it is harmful to the people witnessing the abuse, and it is harmful to the families and children who walk down our streets and see the discarded needles and human cost of addiction.

Adding $30 million next year would bring city spending on homeless programs to $310 million  more than twice as much as the $138 million San Francisco spends on its public libraries and $90 million more than it spends for parks and recreation.

But will all those millions make a difference if the city doesnt then crack down on people who insist on shooting up in public? After all, it was just a little more than a year ago that Lee declared that camping on city streets would not be tolerated  and now there are more tents than ever.

Mayoral spokeswoman Deirdre Hussey said the issue is complex and complicated and that there is no silver bullet for fixing it. But when people are incapable of making that decision to stop harming themselves on the street, she said, we will make that rational decision with them and for them.

Roll call: There was good reason so many state Senate Democrats flipped at the last minute to advance a $400 billion single-payer health care bill without a clue of how to pay for it  the wrath of Berniecrats.

It was amazing  Ive never seen so many votes turn so fast, said one state senator who attended the closed-door Democratic caucus that preceded the 23-14 vote Thursday night.

The senator, who asked not to be named because caucus meetings are off the record, said Democrats felt that saying no  or even holding off on a vote until the finances were laid out  was not worth crossing the politically powerful California Nurses Association and other single-payer advocates who supported Bernie Sanders for president.

They were threatening members that if they did not vote for the bill, they would run someone against them in the next primary, the senator said.

Nurses union spokesman Chuck Idelson said he did not know of any threats, but that there was a very active grassroots campaign that included phone banks, town hall meetings, rallies and people going door to door in districts.

People expect the lawmakers to represent them  not corporate interests and insurance companies, Idelson said.

One of those targeted was state Sen. Steve Glazer of Orinda  the lone Democrat to vote no on the single-payer bill, saying it wasnt a fully baked plan and had no funding proposal.

Glazer wanted to have the costs fleshed out, and then he wanted the whole plan put to a vote of the people.

As for being targeted as a corporate lackey?

Its a free country, Glazer said. They should remember our goals are the same, and its a matter of how we get there.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

The plan now goes to the state Assembly.

On your marks: The 2018 race for lieutenant governor now includes two former Obama administration envoys.

Jeff Bleich, an East Bay attorney and former ambassador to Australia, kicked off his campaign last week in Oakland. He joins Sacramento businesswoman and former Ambassador to Hungary Eleni Kounalakis  along with Los Angeles physician Asif Mahmood and state Sen. Ed Hernandez of West Covina (Los Angeles County)  in the 2018 Democratic derby to replace Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. No Republicans have yet entered the race.

Bleich was a special counsel to Obama in the White House before he was appointed ambassador to Australia in 2009. He held that post for more than four years before returning to private law as a cybersecurity and public policy expert.

As for how he intends to compete in such a crowded field?

I have such good hair, cracked Bleich, whose receding hairline stands in stark contrast to Newsoms gelled locks.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
The 2018 race for lieutenant governor now includes two former Obama administration envoys.

Jeff Bleich, an East Bay attorney and former ambassador to Australia, kicked off his campaign last week in Oakland. He joins Sacramento businesswoman and former Ambassador to Hungary Eleni Kounalakis  along with Los Angeles physician Asif Mahmood and state Sen. Ed Hernandez of West Covina (Los Angeles County)  in the 2018 Democratic derby to replace Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. No Republicans have yet entered the race.

Bleich was a special counsel to Obama in the White House before he was appointed ambassador to Australia in 2009. He held that post for more than four years before returning to private law as a cybersecurity and public policy expert.

As for how he intends to compete in such a crowded field?

I have such good hair, cracked Bleich, whose receding hairline stands in stark contrast to Newsoms gelled locks.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
The San Francisco treasurers office is casting a wider net to find folks who should get the citys business license.

The treasurer has asked co-working space manager WeWork to provide information on all its San Francisco tenants so it can notify them about the license, and is also pursuing other companies that connect independent contractors with work opportunities.

All companies doing business in San Francisco  whether theyre PG&E or a hairdresser, as City Attorney Dennis Herrera put it  must register and pay the fee, which starts at $91 a year for businesses with annual revenue under $100,000. Just as it did when it asked Uber and Lyft for lists of drivers, the city sees a readily available pool of data in the new generation of Internet-fueled marketplaces. WeWork, with a lengthy roster of freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses as its tenants, seems like a nexus for the kind of folks required to get San Franciscos business license.

We have various powers in the business and tax code that allow us to request information from businesses in the pursuit of tax collection, said Amanda Kahn Fried, a spokeswoman for Treasurer Jose Cisneros. It is not unusual for us to request information about commercial tenants in a building or independent contractors working on a platform.

The treasurers pursuit of Uber and Lyft drivers stirred up a hornets nest when his office notified them about the license requirements, with drivers and both companies raising privacy concerns and protesting the red tape. After much speculation about how the city got drivers names and addresses, eventually it was revealed that Uber and Lyft had provided the information under subpoena or for tax audits.

But now Uber is pushing back. It went to court in May saying it no longer wants to hand over drivers names and addresses, and the city in turn is suing Uber for the data. In May, the state Senate passed a bill, SB182, which would limit registrations to just one city and restrict local jurisdictions from publishing business-license data. Uber, which says it wants to safeguard drivers privacy, has spearheaded a petition in favor of the bill, which has more than 14,000 signatures. San Francisco has notified about 57,000 drivers of the requirement and about 20,000 have registered.

The situation with WeWork is much more congenial.

WeWork received a standard written notice from the San Francisco tax authority requesting a list of current member companies and start dates, which we are legally required to share, said spokeswoman Taylor Patterson. We take privacy issues very seriously and notified our members prior to releasing the requested information.

With eight locations (and one more on the way) in San Francisco, plus one each in San Jose and Berkeley, WeWork has almost 10,000 Bay Area members. Headquartered in New York, the company has 140 locations worldwide and more than 100,000 members. Some rent full offices while others pay for access to shared workspaces.

WeWork tenant Pete Kazanjy, founder of Potential Energy Labs, a company that makes human-resources software and already had a business license, said he understands the requirement.

I empathize with the city thats trying to get more compliance, he said. But I also sympathize with businesses, many of whom are small proprietorships, small startups, and may not understand the requirement. Its just an information gap.

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He said he appreciated WeWork notifying its tenants that it had complied with the citys request. Were required to provide this information by Section 6.17-3 of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code, WeWork wrote to tenants as it conveyed the citys inquiry about their names and start dates.

The treasurers office wont reveal what other companies it has contacted, other than that its focused on businesses that have other businesses operating in their sphere, as Fried put it.

Two other San Francisco companies with co-working spaces, ImpactHub and LiquidSpace, said they had not received requests from the treasurer. Several on-demand services that connect independent contractors with gig work, including Postmates, Instacart, DoorDash and TaskRabbit, did not respond to requests for comment or declined to comment.

One company that uses gig workers said it had received the treasurers request but asked not to be identified because it is still mulling how to proceed.

Its a binary decison; you either say yes or say no, and push back similar to what Uber did, a company representative said.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
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When Uber announced in March that it had scaled back its expansion plans for Oakland, Orson Aguilar didnt allow himself to breathe a sigh of relief.

Instead of moving 2,000 to 3,000 workers into the former Sears building on Broadway, Uber said it would move in only a few hundred workers and the rest would be placed into other offices in San Francisco.

But for Aguilar, the executive director of the Greenlining Institute, a social justice organization that fights discriminatory redlining practices and advocates equal opportunity, the move by Uber is still something to be concerned about.

The ride-hailing company will negatively impact the citys low-income residents, who are struggling to retain their foothold in Oakland, Aguilar believes.

In four to five years, Uber could have 2,000 to 3,000 employees in Oakland, Aguilar said, and their impact is still real. Nothing that theyve said so far says theyre not going to get to the 3,000.

Oakland is a historically diverse working-class city that has undergone a rapid change as rental prices for apartments, houses and commercial spaces have skyrocketed in the past five years. For people who arent making six-figure salaries like the engineers and product managers at tech companies, its hard to live in Oakland.

The fear is that Ubers workforce will displace current residents who are barely hanging on to their homes.

According to Rent Jungle, a website that tracks rental prices, Oaklands average rents continue to rise. In the past six months, average rents have increased by 2 percent, or $53 per unit. But the number of affordable housing options isnt growing, which could leave many residents out in the cold.

To keep the heat on Uber, several nonprofits have joined with Greenlining Institute to create No Uber Oakland, a website and coalition seeking to create a template for responsible corporate development in Oakland.

No Uber Oakland lists 10 demands of Uber, including the establishment of pipeline programs for Oakland residents, dignity for drivers, and company support for minority-owned small businesses.

Its only June, but Uber has already weathered more public relations disasters in the first half of the year than many companies do in a decade.

In February, a female software engineer wrote a blog post about sexual harassment and sexism at the San Francisco company and said its human resources department ignored complaints. Top executives have defected. Waymo, the self-driving car company created by Google, sued Uber, alleging theft of sensor technology. To get past local regulators and law enforcement personnel seeking to enforce bans on its operation in some cities, the New York Times reported, Uber used a tool that hid available cars.

A black engineer committed suicide, and his widow blamed the stress of working at Uber. Oh, and the CEO was recorded mistreating an Uber driver.

In March, Uber released its first diversity report, which revealed that its no different from other tech employers when it comes to the underrepresentation of women and non-Asian minorities.

We might see flying cars before Ubers workplace culture flies in Oakland.

When Uber held outreach meetings in Oakland, representatives said the company would be seeking to hire people and businesses for maintenance, food services and security work for the old Sears building it purchased for $123.5 million in 2015.

I asked Aguilar whether he thought the desperately needed jobs would provide a much-needed anchor for some people struggling to stay in Oakland. He told me to look across the bay for an answer.

When you give corporations a chance without a commitment, you get San Francisco, he said. You get a city that is hostile to low- (and) moderate-income people. You get a city where working people cant live.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

You have to hold folks accountable, and you have to hold them to firm commitments, otherwise you get San Francisco.

The No Uber Oakland coalition has almost 10 partners, including PolicyLink, Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights.

Uber is getting all the attention at the moment, but Oakland real estate is hot right now, and more companies will set up shop in the city. Aguilar said the 10 demands werent written with just Uber in mind. Theyre for any corporation, tech or otherwise, looking to move to Oakland. The demands could also serve as guidelines for elected officials who want to lay out red carpets for big corporations.

This is a way to organize a strong base of folks that will ultimately take action, Aguilar said. Well protest. Well engage in civic engagement activities to make sure that elected officials know that this is what working people want.

Joe Brooks, a member of the Brotherhood of Elders, a support network of black men in Oakland, joined the coalition because it draws a line in the sand.

What does corporate responsibility and a good corporate citizen look like in Oakland to not aggravate the problems that we already have, said Brooks, who is also the co-chairman of the African American Latino Action Alliance, a group focused on economic and political empowerment for blacks and Latinos. What do they need to be about to maintain the kind of cultural and ethnic diversity that weve had in Oakland?

Brooks hopes the No Uber Oakland effort is not too little too late.

The crisis of housing affordability and displacement, certainly for communities of color in Oakland, is at a crisis level, he said. Oakland in many ways is getting what has happened to San Francisco.
Despite global economic turbulence, Californias high-flying economy should maintain its cruising altitude, according to the latest economic projections from the University of the Pacifics Center for Business and Policy Research.

While the forecast expects continued economic growth, it will be slower than before  and policymakers should pay close attention to the reasons for those moderating forces.

The biggest change to the forecast is a slower rate of population growth. The report projects that California will add about 250,000 new residents per year by 2020  down from the 350,000 annual total in population growth California enjoyed earlier in this decade.

Some of the slowed increase in population is due to lower birth rates and reduced immigration  a Trump administration priority that will hamper growth.

But Californias continued housing shortages, especially in the states major cities, are also restricting population growth. In turn, thats preventing our economy from expanding the way it could.

To some Californians, this news may come as a relief. The past several years have brought economic growth, but also the problems that come along with it: increased traffic, strained infrastructure, and rocketing prices for the cost of living in general and housing in particular.

But as the report points out, Californias housing shortages arent affecting just the states ability to expand economically. Instead, the housing shortages are accelerating displacement and concentrating economic growth in just a few regions.

For example, the study notes that San Francisco will maintain the states fastest regional job growth, despite low current unemployment and slow growth to the housing stock.

The San Francisco area ... has added more people to its labor force than its total population in recent years as high-wage workers have displaced non-labor force participants such as families and retirees, the study notes. Some of these (non-labor-force participants) are relocating to the Central Valley, whose metro areas have added population with little gain to the local labor force.

In an ideal world, all of California would reap steady and sustained economic growth.

Because thats not the world we live in, California policymakers should focus on the one major economic driver thats within their control right now: increasing housing production.

Lower birth rates are decisions for individual families, not policymakers, and immigration is in the hands of the federal government. State governments power to contain population growth is limited, but it has an obligation to prepare for the effects of change.

California policymakers can keep the state on the right track by encouraging housing development. Less expensive housing would be good for Californias communities and good for the entire states economy.
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.
A southbound commuter train with 340 passengers aboard struck and killed a person on the tracks near the Atherton Caltrain station Monday morning, officials said.

The person was hit at 9:58 a.m. at the Encinal Avenue crossing, according to Tasha Bartholomew, a Caltrain spokeswoman.

Caltrain No. 134 has struck a trespasser and is stopped, the agency wrote on Twitter at 10:05 a.m.

Initially, both tracks were shut down, but transit police opened the northbound track just after 10:30 a.m. and trains are single-tracking through the area at a speed limit of 20 miles per hour, according to Bartholomew.

The train involved in the fatal incident was stuck at the scene for over an hour before being released by transit police about 11:16 a.m., according to Caltrain.

Some passengers on train took to social media to express their dissatisfaction at being stuck.

Your train is now involved in an investigation. Please be patient until police can safely release train, Caltrain tweeted at one such customer just after 10:30 a.m.

Passengers on other trains are experiencing delays up to 30 minutes, according to Caltrain.

No injuries have been reported among the trains passengers, the agency said in a statement. The incident is the third Caltrain-related fatality in 2017, Bartholomew said.

Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi
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The man arrested in the fatal beating of an Australian tourist on Friday outside a hotel near San Franciscos Polk Gulch neighborhood was a visitor from Southern California, police said Monday.

David Murillo, 34, of Hesperia (San Bernardino County) will face three felony charges of involuntary manslaughter, assault and battery, according to San Francisco district attorneys office spokesman Alex Bastian.

He is being held without bail at the maximum security facility at the Hall of Justice, according to county records.

The victim, 33-year-old Matthew Bate, died at San Francisco General Hospital shortly after the altercation outside the Da Vinci Villa hotel on the 2500 block of Van Ness Avenue. He was a vacationing analytical chemist from a suburb of Darwin, Australia, according to his family.

Bate was transported to the hospital after he was found suffering severe head trauma about 2:18 a.m. Friday outside the hotel, according to police.

Police found Murillo in a hotel on the same block as the Da Vinci Villa shortly after the beating, and homicide detectives questioned him, officials said.

At the conclusion of an interview with the detainee, it was determined this individual was responsible for Bates murder, a police statement said.

A source close to the investigation said that the charges stemmed from a single punch and that alcohol may have been involved.

Bate had visited Las Vegas and was traveling around California with friends from Australia, according to Australian media reports. His parents are reportedly headed to San Francisco to claim his body.

He had such a warm and kind soul and was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend, Bates family said in a statement.

We want to remember Matt as someone who lived to the fullest. He had a lot of great friends who will miss him dearly.

The fatal fight was the latest incident in recent years in San Francisco in which tourists have become victims of crime in areas that are ordinarily peaceful:

In February 2016, a 44-year-old British tourist was fatally stabbed in the head after two people tried to snatch his messenger bag as he walked down Post Street near Franklin Street with his niece, a Southern California resident.

In August 2016, two tourists were robbed at gunpoint in Twin Peaks.

And in August 2015, a visitor from Thailand was robbed of his camera and shot in the shoulder near the famously crooked stretch of Lombard Street in Russian Hill.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Rachel Swan contributed to this report.

Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi
Apple said Monday that it will update its line of iPad Pros to prepare for better graphics.

The company plans to offer a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro that starts at $649 that would have a faster processor, is brighter, and has a full-screen on-screen keyboard. The new iPad Pro can connect to a separate keyboard as well that will support 30 languages, including Chinese and Japanese, and will have a 10-hour battery life as well as a 12 megapixel camera. The iPad Pro will also support USB3 and fast charging, allowing people to charge in half the time. The new iPad Pro ships next week.
A former massage therapist who admitted that he improperly touched a female client during a massage last year was sentenced to three years of probation, six months of it to be spent in jail, after pleading no contest Monday to third-degree sexual assault.

Christopher J. Ehrett, 33, of Madison, apologized in court to the 22-year-old woman, who said minutes earlier that the incident has led to ongoing trauma that has made it difficult for her to work and to enjoy life.

The woman told Dane County Circuit Judge Stephen Ehlke that the Dec. 12, 2016, incident at Massage Envy, 6231 McKee Road, left her feeling traumatized, humiliated and shamed.

Chris actions will never be erased from my memory, and I will never be the same person that I was, the woman said. She said she now has difficulty trusting, and being alone in a room with an unfamiliar man fills her with panic.

Deputy District Attorney Rachel Sattler and Ehretts lawyer, Shaun OConnell, agreed to recommend three years of probation for Ehrett, but differed on whether he should spend time in jail. Sattler asked for a six-month jail sentence, arguing that while probation was the proper sentence instead of prison, time in jail was a necessary punitive element.

She said Ehrett violated the womans trust in the most egregious way.

OConnell asked for 150 hours per year of community service as a condition of Ehretts probation, arguing that jail was unnecessary.

But Ehlke agreed with Sattler, finding that no jail time would be inappropriate given the effect the crime has had on the victim.

This is a violation of someones human dignity, Ehlke said, and I think it requires a sanction.

Ehrett will also be listed for 15 years on the state Sex Offender Registry.

According to a criminal complaint filed in December, the woman told police that during a massage with Ehrett, her third with him, he touched her genitals. She told police that she froze and didnt know what to do, then moved her leg, which caused Ehrett to move his hand.

She said he later slid his hand down across one of her breasts. After the massage, she told police, Ehrett asked if she liked the teaser.

According to the complaint, Ehrett told police that he thought the woman was being flirtatious, but said he misread her demeanor.

Ehrett is no longer licensed as a massage therapist.
A knife-wielding bus rider was being held in Contra Costa County Jail Sunday after he allegedly stabbed another passenger during an argument that escalated into a deadly struggle on a street corner, Oakley police said.

The two men were on a Tri Delta Transit bus in Oakley at about 4 p.m. Saturday when they got into an argument, said Oakley police Sgt. Paul Beard. The two men stepped off the bus at the corner of Main Street and Empire Avenue, where they began exchanging punches, Beard said.
The University of California regents have hired a former state Supreme Court justice and an Orange County law firm to look into revelations that the UC presidents office interfered with a state auditors survey of campuses, rendering the results useless, regents Chairwoman Monica Lozano said Monday.

The regents hired former Justice Carlos Moreno, who works for a dispute-resolution company called Jams, and the law firm Hueston Hennigan to evaluate inappropriate screening of campuses confidential survey responses by staff at UCs Oakland headquarters. The announcement came four days after state lawmakers introduced a bill to make it a misdemeanor to interfere with a state audit with intent to deceive or defraud  a reaction to state Auditor Elaine Howles revelation that UC President Janet Napolitanos office had insisted on seeing the campuses responses before they were sent to the state.

The surveys were part of an investigation into the finances and spending at UC headquarters, the results of which Howle released April 25. The audits primary finding was that under Napolitano, the office had amassed $175 million in reserve funds it failed to disclose before asking the regents to raise tuition for next fall.

As part of the audit, Howle sent out confidential surveys to the 10 UC campuses to learn whether services they received from Napolitanos office were necessary or duplicative. A letter from Howle that accompanied the surveys cautioned that officials should not share the answers outside of your campus.

But Howle learned that Napolitanos staff had required campus officials to share their survey responses with headquarters  a level of tampering that the auditor said made it impossible to rely on the results.

Emails between campuses and headquarters obtained last month by The Chronicle confirmed that Napolitanos staff had directed campus administrators to show them their survey responses before submitting them to Howles office. One campus, UC Santa Cruz, had already submitted its survey but pulled it back, apologizing to Napolitanos staff for sending it in without prior review.

Administrators at three UC campuses  Santa Cruz, San Diego and Irvine  deleted critical survey responses or changed them to reflect more favorably on Napolitanos office after her staff directed them to do so, the emails showed.

Ive never had a situation like that in my 17 years as state auditor, Howle told state lawmakers at a May 2 hearing on the audit findings.

Lozano, the regents chairwoman, defended Napolitano and her office at the hearing but promised that the regents would improve their oversight of her office and its $813.5 million annual budget.

The hiring of Moreno and the law firm to document what happened with the surveys is expected to be part of that.

Moreno was appointed to the California Supreme Court by Gov. Gray Davis and served from 2001 to 2011.

Justice Moreno will provide expertise in the areas of fact-finding and neutral evaluation, Lozano wrote in a letter Monday to Gov. Jerry Brown, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Paramount (Los Angeles County), and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles.

As for the Hueston Hennigan law firm, Lozano said only that it would provide legal services. She was not more specific.

The interference by Napolitanos office prompted a bill by Assemblymen Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance (Los Angeles County), Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, and Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, that would make it a crime to tamper with a state audit. Under AB562, each misdemeanor violation could result in a fine of up to $10,000 and up to a year in jail.

We want to make sure that people take it seriously when the auditor knocks on their door, Muratsuchi told The Chronicle.

He said that Brian Hennigan, one of the partners in Hueston Hennigan, is a leading white-collar criminal attorney and that his hiring certainly makes it appear that the Board of Regents is taking this matter seriously.

Ting said he expects that people will be held accountable if the new UC inquiry finds they acted inappropriately. Otherwise, he said, the Legislature will have to take action.

A report from the fact-finders is expected to conclude in a timely manner, Lozano wrote.

The regents did not respond to requests about the size of the contracts to Moreno and the law firm.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
Residents on the city's Southwest side had to be helped out of their home Sunday night after an alleged drunken driver slammed into the front door of the house, minutes after hitting a vehicle.

The home crash happened at about 9:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Silverton Trail, Madison police said.

Jameson C. Menz, 28, was arrested for alleged drunken driving causing injury and numerous traffic violations, police said.

Police responded to a call of a hit and run crash at the intersection of Maple Grove Road and McKee Road, with a report of possible injuries and debris in the road.

Moments later, a second call came in about the crash into the house.

"The suspect vehicle from the first call was the same vehicle that now hit the residence," said Sgt. Paul Jacobsen.

Nobody was hurt in the house crash, but Madison Fire Department firefighters assisted residents in getting out of a window of the second floor because the first floor door was damaged.

A person involved in the first crash was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The beauty of living in a city like San Francisco is that it attracts people from all over the world. This United Nations of cultures is reflected in its neighborhoods, museums, performing arts, restaurants, and even its markets.

Some of these grocers focus on the cuisine of a single country, offering ingredients and spices rarely sold at a typical chain supermarket. While these specialty stores are often small, many have become destinations for people living around the Bay Area who are seeking out certain ingredients, whether kaffir lime leaves for a Laotian tom yum soup, orange flower water for Egyptian bread pudding, or thin sliced meats for Korean barbecue.
BALTIMORE  Sitting on a crumbling stoop on Herbert Street in West Baltimore, Salim Sadiki could almost see his childhood playing out before him: A peach tree stood in front of that house, and he and his friends would sneak over the fence and snatch the ripe fruit from its branches. Once, the owner caught the boys, and Sadiki fell scrambling back over the fence.

Now, he fingers the scar on his forehead from the half-century-old wound. The block looks nothing like it did when Sadiki, 71, was a boy. Each row house now sits abandoned. Some roofs have caved in. Boards are fastened to the doors, window frames. The street is littered with garbage.

In one hour, the home where Sadiki lived with his mother and the house just three doors down where his father moved when his parents split up, will be demolished. For now, green space will take its place, but the lot could someday be a laundry, a supermarket, a community center for neighborhood children.

I dont see the broken windows and the sagging porches; I see it the way it was, Sadiki said. Once these buildings are gone, itll be a huge erasure of my history. This whole thing, seeing it erased like this, really saddens me. But nothing lasts forever; it had to go sometime.

This section of Herbert Street is one of many abandoned blocks scheduled for demolition through Project CORE, a $94 million initiative to raze a chunk of the 17,000 vacant houses, many riddled with asbestos and lead paint, that have come to symbolize the deep social divide in Baltimore.

Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan unveiled Project CORE in 2016, eight months after Freddie Grays death in police custody thrust the city into chaos. The young black mans death prompted protests and civil unrest over the treatment of African Americans by police.

Swaths of West Baltimore, pocked with vacant homes, burned. A U.S. Justice Department investigation found discriminatory and abusive policing practices, and resulted in an agreement enforced by a federal judge to overhaul the department.

The unrest also shed light on systemic failures that go beyond the police: inadequate access to quality education and job training, racially segregated neighborhoods.

Fixing what is broken in Baltimore requires that we address the sea of abandoned, dilapidated buildings infecting entire neighborhoods, Hogan said.

More than 800 vacant units have been torn down.

Juliet Linderman is an Associated Press writer.
At least 10 incoming Harvard University students joining the Class of 2021 found themselves without a school in mid-April, after the university rescinded their admissions due to a number of racist and sexually explicit memes posted to a Facebook group chat.

The group formed out of a larger Class of 2021 Facebook messaging group formed for the incoming freshman class. The smaller group at one point called itself "Harvard memes for horny bourgeois teens," The Harvard Crimson reported. It was there that students posted memes mocking, among other things, sexual assault and the Holocaust.
1 Space station: The International Space Station welcomed its first returning vehicle in years Monday  a SpaceX Dragon capsule making its second delivery. Space shuttle Atlantis was the last repeat visitor six years ago. SpaceX is working to reuse as many parts of its rockets and spacecraft as possible to slash launch costs. The company launched its first recycled booster with a satellite in March; another will fly in a few weeks. The Dragon pulled up two days after launching from Cape Canaveral. This same capsule dropped off a shipment in 2014. Other cargo ships are designed to burn up in the atmosphere upon re-entry.

2 Offshore drilling: The Trump administration is seeking public comment on a plan to use seismic air guns to find oil and gas formations deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean floor. The National Marine Fisheries Service said Monday that it is seeking permits for five companies to conduct seismic surveys in the mid-Atlantic, from Delaware to central Florida. Environmental groups and many East Coast lawmakers complain that air-gun noise can hurt marine life, commercial fishing and tourism. The Interior Department resumed its permitting process under an executive order signed by President Trump. The surveys were rejected by the Obama administration.
State Senate leaders on Monday raised the prospect of crafting their own state budget instead of working with the Assembly through the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee  a fresh sign of the growing budget divide among statehouse Republicans.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, told reporters this weeks talks on the 2017-19 spending plan could prove pivotal.

With less than a month left to the state budget deadline, GOP Senate and Assembly leaders and Gov. Scott Walker are at an impasse over how to spend money on schools, address taxes and plug a shortfall in the states roads budget of nearly $1 billion.

Fitzgerald said he hopes to avoid writing a separate budget from the Assembly. But, he said, were in a rougher spot than I thought we were if the budget committee doesnt meet this week as Fitzgerald said hes urging its members to do.

Then it becomes a full discussion for the full Senate caucus as to where were going to proceed, Fitzgerald said.

Speaking earlier in the day, Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, budget committee co-chairman, said it remains to be seen if the panel will meet this week.

The typical state budget process starts with the governors proposal. It then goes to JFC, the states budget-writing committee, which adds and subtracts from his proposal. Sixteen lawmakers from both houses comprise the committee in an effort to find common ground and to build consensus between the two houses before the full Legislature votes on the budget bill.

July 1 is the deadline to have a new budget in place. If lawmakers and the governor fail to agree on one by then, current spending levels would carry over into the new fiscal year.

Fitzgerald said it would be pretty easy for Senate Republicans to develop their own budget. On two of the most high-profile topics, transportation and education, the Senate and Walker are aligned, Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald signaled his patience for budget talks is waning and he doesnt want the process to continue into the new fiscal year.

I want this budget done by 1 July, Fitzgerald said. Weve had more than enough time to debate and discuss this budget.

Responding to the possibility the Senate would finish writing its own budget based largely on Walkers blueprint, Nygren said: Is that waving the white flag that they dont have ideas? I dont know.

Assembly crafted

K-12 spending plan

The separate-budget idea surfaced on Friday after Assembly Republicans released their own proposal on school spending late last week, which was immediately rejected by Senate Republicans who want to work with Gov. Scott Walkers schools proposal.

It can be done, Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills and co-chairwoman of the budget committee, said Monday of writing a separate budget. I hope we dont have to do that.

Walker said in an interview Monday with the Wisconsin State Journal that the good news is the Senate GOP caucus is clearly on board with his proposal, but he acknowledged what ultimately is passed could change.

My hope would be that in the end, it certainly doesnt have to be 100 percent like what I proposed, but that to me having more money for schools and more relief for property taxpayers are certainly two priorities for us that were going to keep pushing for, Walker said.

Some GOP lawmakers have previously discussed separating transportation from the larger budget process. Nygren said any additional talks about breaking from the normal budget process are news to me.

The Assembly K-12 spending proposal called for, among other things, a smaller increase in the amount of money schools receive on a per-student basis.

But the linchpin of the proposal, Nygren said, is a provision that allows some school districts to raise more in property taxes, about $92 million, to pay for schools. Those districts are typically those that were spending less than the state average when revenue caps were instituted in 1993.

Darling said Friday that provision would be very difficult to do without new money to pay for it because Walker has said he wont support a budget that raises property taxes above 2014 levels.

More details about the Assemblys proposal will be released on Tuesday, Nygren said.

Several disagreements

The education proposal was the latest in a string of budget provisions Republicans in both houses have been unable to come to agreement on. How to fund roads, how much to lower property taxes and whether to self-insure state workers have also divided Walker and legislators.

Nygren said one of the biggest challenges has been the governors pledge to lower property taxes on a median-value home below what they were in 2014. Assembly Republicans have only committed to property taxes being lower than in 2016.

Additionally, many Republicans want to eliminate the personal property tax, which primarily affects businesses. Doing so would reduce funding for municipalities and school districts by $261 million a year. Some lawmakers want to get rid of Walkers proposed income tax cut and reimburse local governments for the lost revenue.

Walker acknowledged in the interview Monday that the budget likely wont be finished by the end of June. He noted thats not unusual  the last state budget wasnt signed until July 12.

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, said Monday that schools cant afford less money than what Walker proposed.

Our schools cant afford to shoulder more cuts while wealthy special interests benefit from massive tax giveaways, she said in a statement.

Secret wrap-up budget motion not dead

Nygren said he expects the finance committee to once again employ a wrap-up, or 999, budget motion at the close of this years budget-crafting process.

Its our intent to keep it limited as much as possible, Nygren said.
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A Santa Clara County jury has reached a decision on whether to sentence Antolin Garcia-Torres to death or give him life in prison for the 2012 killing of Morgan Hill teenager Sierra LaMar, court officials said Monday.

The jury will read it verdict at 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose.

The jury came to its decision after the three-week long death penalty phase of the trial, during which Garcia-Torres attorneys pleaded passionately for mercy.

The prosecution, though, argued that choosing death would not be easy but was the appropriate punishment for kidnapping and killing the vibrant 15-year-old.

Sierra disappeared while walking to a school bus on March 16, 2012, and what started as a missing person case, soon turned into a murder investigation.

In the days after she vanished, Sierras clothes and cell phone were found in fields near her home.

DNA on her jeans led investigators to Garcia-Torres, who said he had been driving in the area where Sierra disappeared but denied any involvement in the incident.

To this day authorities have not recovered Sierras body. But physical evidence found in Garcia-Torres car  including Sierras DNA and hair  linked him to the missing girl.

During the separate guilt penalty phase of the trial, the same jury deliberated for just two days before returning with a verdict. Garcia-Torres was found guilty of kidnapping and killing Sierra and of three separate attempted kidnappings from 2009.

Testimony from Sierras family and friends in the penalty phase of the trial brought many in the packed courtroom to tears. Prosecutors highlighted how Sierras death has impacted her family and the South Bay community as they urged the jury to choose the ultimate punishment.

Hoping to spare his life, Garcia-Torres attorneys showed pictures of him as a boy, while describing his tortured childhood.

The 26-year-old defendants mother and sister described growing up in an abusive home with an alcoholic father. Garcia-Torres father has since been convicted of molesting another child in the home.

The attorneys even suggested pesticides in the strawberry fields where Garcia-Torres grew up may have impacted the young man.

Garcia-Torres has not admitted to the crime, and his attorneys hoped to evoke some lingering doubt about his guilt with the jury.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
Republican leaders are considering whether to eliminate or phase out in the state budget a 170-year-old property tax that generates  mostly from businesses  a quarter billion dollars a year for municipalities and schools.

Business and conservative groups have been urging elimination of the so-called personal property tax for years and several small business owners spoke out last week at a public hearing in favor of a Republican bill that would exempt everything subject to the tax.

But the bill comes with a steep $261 million annual price tag that could make it difficult to pass during a contentious budget year in which resources are scarce. Under the proposal the state would reimburse municipalities and schools with general tax dollars that otherwise could pay for education, transportation or other tax cuts.

A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said in an email the proposal is certainly still on the table for this legislative session and as budget deliberations continue, further discussions about this measure will be guided by the amount of available revenue.

Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, said in a statement that many of his Assembly Republican colleagues are interested in repealing the personal property tax.

Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, co-chairwoman of the Joint Finance Committee, said in an interview Thursday there is interest in including the provision in the budget.

The question is how much of a priority is it right now and can we fund it, Darling said. Its going to be very hard to come up with $500 million to back fill (over the biennium). Thats why others are talking about phasing it in.

Walker eyes property taxes for homeowners

A spokesman for Gov. Scott Walker said eliminating the personal property tax is a proposal worth considering but Walker does not want it to come at the expense of cutting property taxes for homeowners.

Walker has pledged to veto a budget that doesnt reduce property taxes on a median home below the $2,833 level from 2014.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, who has clashed with Walker on transportation funding, differed slightly from Walker, saying in a statement: Our goal is to keep property taxes frozen at todays levels ($2,845 on a median valued house) and hopefully, lower them.

Keeping property taxes down was further complicated last week when the Legislative Fiscal Bureau adjusted the estimate for the lottery property tax credit down by $13.2 million over the next two years.

Homeowners are familiar with the annual tax bill on land and permanent structures, but they generally arent affected by the personal property tax, which has been around since 1849 and is assessed for non-residential properties on certain tangible items such as furniture, boats and machinery.

Over time, the state has exempted broad swaths of property from the tax, including computers and cash registers, which has led to complaints from businesses that the tax is unfair.

Those who have to pay it are required to determine each year the value of their personal property, which depreciates over time.

Jerry Martell, owner of Modern Disposal Systems in Sparta, told the Assembly Ways and Means Committee on Thursday the roughly $11,000 a year he pays in personal property taxes on his equipment could help him expand his business or hire more youth interns.

If I get this money back, Im not going to stick it in a bag and run down to the Carribbean with it  Im going to put that money back into the economy, Martell said. I dont think its right for me to pay this knowing its an unfair tax.

Municipalities, school districts face a choice

If the state were to eliminate the personal property tax, municipalities and school districts would either lose revenue or redistribute the taxes to homeowners.

Counties and municipalities have long objected to being saddled with the cost of the bill, but they are remaining neutral on the latest proposal because it reimburses them for the lost funding.

Ordinarily we vigorously oppose this type of a bill, but they didnt have any programs to reimburse counties and municipalities for lost revenues, said Curt Witynski, a lobbyist for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.

I still dont know where theyll get the money, but I know theres a strong, strong desire by the core members of both houses that want this to get accomplished.

Under the bill the state would replace the $261 million in lost revenue with general fund tax dollars, similar to what it has done with an exemption on computers adopted more than a decade ago.

However, general fund taxes are also used to pay for education, health care and other state programs, and Republican lawmakers are also contemplating using general fund dollars to shore up the states transportation funding shortfall.

Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee were skeptical about where the state would get the money to reimburse municipalities for the personal property tax.

Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, asked Martell whether good roads were important for his garbage hauling business, and he replied they were very important.

Good, because the situation were in is third worst in roads, Taylor said. I think it can be revised to not put this burden on you. But we have this huge problem with transportation.

Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, vice-chairman of the budget committee, said hes committed to finding a way to eliminate the personal property tax, which could include phasing in changes over multiple years.

He said one way to reduce the cost to the state could be to classify some personal property the same as buildings.

Rep. Bob Kulp, R-Stratford, one of the bill authors, said the funding could come from future growth in the state budget.

He noted during the hearing that none of Wisconsins neighbors still assess a personal property tax and cutting it would help the states business climate.

Ive had numerous conversations with the governor and his biggest concern is with how to pay for it, Kulp said. Its a job killer and an innovation killer. I think the governor understands that.
Gov. Scott Walker on Monday welcomed the possibility of a 2018 gubernatorial matchup against Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, saying it would make for a lively race.

Hes an unabashed throwback to the 1960s radical liberal, Walker said. Id love to have that battle.

Soglin, 72, who has served as Madison mayor a total of 20 years over three separate terms dating back to 1973, said at the state Democratic Party convention over the weekend that he was considering a run for governor.

He previously said he wasnt interested in running, but was surprised by the widespread appeal of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. He has also been an unabashed Walker critic, clashing with him most visibly in the aftermath of the announcement that Oscar Mayer would be closing its Madison headquarters.

Walker, 49, who is expected to announce a campaign for a third term after the state budget wraps up, said the idea that Soglin thinks Sanders is a good role model for a potential campaign makes for a great contrast.

Soglin knocked Walker for running around the state claiming economic victory while much of the states job growth is happening in Dane County  a liberal bastion with a political philosophy that Soglin said is antithetical to Walkers.

Walker chalked up the success of the Dane County economy to it being the seat of state government and UW-Madison. He noted employers such as Epic and Spectrum Brands have moved out of Madison into the Dane County suburbs, suggesting it reflected poorly on Madisons political leanings.

Walker said the state economy is doing well because we changed the business climate.

Government didnt have a direct role, Walker said. Its the people of the state.

Wisconsins unemployment rate at 3.2 percent is nearing an all-time low, though job creation last year was the slowest of Walkers six years in office. Walker has attributed the sluggish economic growth to a dearth of qualified workers for certain professions and has turned his focus from job creation to workforce development.

In response to Walkers comments Monday, Soglin noted the Madison-area unemployment rate is 2.1 percent and 60 percent of private-sector job creation in the state since Walker took office is in the Madison area despite Walkers cuts to the UW System, state government and state employee pay.

I dont know why the entire state of Wisconsin wouldnt want that kind of unemployment, Soglin said. Hes sadly mistaken to say thats because of the university and the state because hes been slashing those.

Political observers were surprised by Soglins interest in the race, noting that while he has some statewide name recognition and a voter base in Madison, he wont necessarily play well in rural parts of the state that view Madison liberals with disdain.

He doesnt quite fit the bill of a newer, fresher face in the field, said Joe Heim, a UW-La Crosse emeritus professor of political science.

Mordecai Lee, a UW-Milwaukee political science professor and former Democratic legislator, said Soglin should be viewed as a serious contender because of his long history in politics.

Democrats are in such a state that they should welcome anyone who is seriously considering running, especially anyone who has experience in elected office, Lee said.

Former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson said he was surprised to hear about Soglins interest, but cautioned that Walker shouldnt underestimate him.

Hes mayor for life of Madison, which is no easy task, Thompson said. Hes got some strengths, but its going to be difficult coming out of Madison, a liberal community, to play in northern and central Wisconsin.
One Canadian man may need to rethink his priorities.

Despite a massive tornado looming nearby Friday evening, Theunis Wessels carried on with his chores. His wife Cecilia snapped a photo of him mowing the lawn and posted it to Facebook with the caption, "My beast mowing the lawn with a breeze in his hair."

My beast mowing the lawn with a breeze in his hair Posted by Cecilia Wessels on Friday, June 2, 2017

It was more than just a breeze. The tornado tore through the area near Three Hills, a town in the southern part of Alberta province. Thankfully, no one was hurt and it appears only a barn was badly damaged, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

More for you Texas Tornado destroys 60-year-old landmark dome

Cecilia Wessels told the CBC that mowing the lawn was on her husband's to-do list and he wasn't going to let severe weather stop him from getting it done.

Of course, this goes against all official safety recommendations (and common sense). The National Weather Service says if a tornado is in your area, you should immediately seek shelter, ideally in a basement, cellar, or sturdy building.

Theunis insists the tornado was moving away from him when the photo was taken.

"It looks much closer if you look in the photo, but it was really far away. Well, not really far, far away, but it was far away from us," he told the CBC. "I was keeping an eye on it."

The CBC reports the tornado was first reported around 5 p.m. Friday near Three Hills and was moving east at about 30 mph.

Trina Luoma told the Canadian news agency she watch the funnel cloud form while unloading groceries at a farm north of Three Hills.

"I know they can be dangerous, but it was beautiful at the same time," she said.
Fielding angry phone calls and emails is routine for any elected official in San Francisco. But in the age of Twitter, citizens have an easier way to voice their displeasure.

Now its up to the citys Sunshine Task Force to decide whether officials have to listen.

This week the task force will hear three complaints from citizens saying that department heads and politicians should not be allowed to shield themselves on social media. Two of those complaints are against Board of Supervisors President London Breed  one challenging her freedom to block Twitter trolls, the other saying she failed to provide a list of the accounts shes blocked.

Angela Greben, who filed the first complaint against Breed, is a Sunnyvale resident who has requested Twitter block lists from public officials in several cities, including some in New York and Florida. She publishes some of the results on a blog.

Ive been submitting these requests for two years now, said Greben, who has collected block lists from state health departments, law enforcement agencies and Supervisor Jane Kim. Greben also requested lists of people blocked or muted by Supervisor Mark Farrell, who said he doesnt block anyone, which is not that interesting, Greben said.

Josh Wolf who filed the second complaint against Breed, asked for the supervisors blocked user list on March 14, and said he has yet to hear back from her office. Wolf is a member of the Sunshine Task Force, but said he will recuse himself from this decision.

The third complaint, filed against the citys Department of Homelessness and Supportive Services, for failing to respond on time to requests for tweets from the departments director, Jeff Kositsky. The complainant, Dolores Clean, said Kositsky has prevented at least one Twitter user from reading his tweets on homelessness.

All three complaints cite a March ruling by the state Supreme Court over a legal fight that began eight years ago in San Jose, when the city refused to disclose personal texts and emails about a downtown real estate development. The high court ruled that information kept on private accounts or devices can be subject to public records laws.

Breed did not return calls seeking comment Friday. Kositsky said hes unblocked the user who wrote the complaint against him, even though members of the Sunshine Task Force told him he didnt have to.

Im a public figure, and people have a right to hear my opinion, and Im sorry to the person I blocked, he said.

As for the delay in getting the tweets, Kositsky said his department was short-staffed and that the request caused some confusion.

This is a challenging question that comes up when people use Twitter for personal and public reasons, he said.

 Rachel Swan

Email: cityinsider@sfchronicle.com, rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfcityinsider @rachelswan
A Santa Clara County jury on Monday spared the life of the man it convicted of kidnapping and killing 15-year-old Sierra LaMar, leaving the Morgan Hill girls parents disappointed but relieved the murderer will spend the rest of his life in prison.

The jury gave Antolin Garcia-Torres life in prison without the possibility of parole after two days of deliberation and three weeks of testimony during the death penalty phase of the high-profile South Bay trial.

I would be lying if I didnt say I was disappointed in the verdict, Sierras father, Steve LaMar, said shortly after the jury announced its decision. Hell be able to live and Sierra wont. Hell be able to breathe and Sierra wont.

Sierras mother, Marlene LaMar, said there was a measure of satisfaction in knowing that there are lifelong consequences following evil action.

Prosecutors won a conviction against Garcia-Torres despite Sierras body not being recovered. Sierras mother said she hoped that Garcia-Torres would someday make it right by being honest with himself and his family, our family and with God.

He will continue to live in bondage as long as he lives his life, Marlene LaMar said outside the San Jose courthouse. I feel at peace that he will not be on the streets to harm another child, but the angst will be in our lives forever.

Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith added that if Garcia-Torres has one shred of humanity, he would would tell authorities where to find Sierras body.

Weve remained unwavering in our dedication to finding Sierra, Smith said. Out investigators ... will carry on until Sierras family and friends can give her a proper goodbye.

Garcia-Torres attorneys pleaded passionately for mercy before the jury went to deliberate, while prosecutors argued death was the appropriate punishment for kidnapping and killing the Ann Sobrato High School sophomore.

The jury made it so he will die in prison and never take another breath as a free man, said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. This child murderer will never hurt another person, nor another family, nor another community.

Today is a day of significance and sadness. There is no joy in this verdict, only mourning the death of a child who was murdered  a void that will forever ache and can never be filled.

Sierra disappeared while walking to a school bus on March 16, 2012, and what started as a missing person case soon turned into a murder investigation.

In the days after she vanished, Sierras clothes and cell phone were found in fields near her home.

DNA on her jeans led investigators to Garcia-Torres, who said he had been driving in the area where Sierra disappeared but denied any involvement in the incident.

While Sierras body has not been discovered, evidence found in Garcia-Torres car  including Sierras DNA and hair  linked him to the girl.

During the separate guilt phase of the trial, Garcia-Torres was found guilty of kidnapping and killing Sierra and of three separate attempted kidnappings from 2009.

Testimony from Sierras family and friends in the penalty phase brought many in the packed courtroom to tears. Prosecutors highlighted how Sierras death has impacted her family and the South Bay community as they urged the jury to choose the ultimate punishment.

Hoping to spare his life, Garcia-Torres attorneys showed pictures of him as a boy, while describing his tortured childhood.

Garcia-Torres mother and sister described growing up in an abusive home with an alcoholic father. Garcia-Torres father has since been convicted of molesting another child in the home.

The attorneys even suggested pesticides in the strawberry fields where Garcia-Torres grew up may have impacted the young man.

Garcia-Torres has not admitted committing the crime, and his attorneys sought to evoke some lingering doubt about his guilt with the jury.

Defense attorneys left the courthouse Monday without commenting on the jurys decision.

As Garcia-Torres mother, Laura Torres, left the courthouse, she was asked if she was relieved the jury spared her sons life. Yes, she said with a wide-eyed expression before getting into a car and leaving.

California has not executed an inmate in more than a decade after a federal judge blocked executions in 2006. Since then, the punishment has been largely symbolic.

But in November, voters approved Proposition 66, a law to speed up the legal process before executions. Officials, meanwhile, have taken measures to address concerns with how executions were being carried out in the states only death chamber in San Quentin State Prison.

Today justice was served, Sheriff Smith said. Nothing can be done to bring Sierra back but today Antolin Garcia-Torres will be held accountable for the cold-blooded murder of Sierra and bring some solace to us all.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
The California Supreme Court hears many high-stakes cases on issues such as individual rights, taxes, and the lawmaking powers of the state and its voters. But it has seldom confronted a case with such potentially dramatic consequences as Tuesdays hearing on the Proposition 66 death-penalty initiative.

If the court  traditionally deferential to the will of the voters  upholds the central provisions of Prop. 66, it will open the door to the resumption of executions in a state that last put a prisoner to death in January 2006. Nearly 750 condemned inmates inhabit the nations largest Death Row, and about 20 have run out of appeals to their conviction and sentence.

Prop. 66 also seeks to speed up future executions, in part by requiring the states high court to decide all death-penalty appeals within five years of sentencing  more than twice its current pace. If the court upholds that requirement, one of the most hotly contested in the case, it may have to reconfigure itself as a tribunal that gives priority to capital cases over all other types of criminal and civil law disputes in the nations most populous state.

The justices could reject the deadlines while upholding other Prop. 66 provisions aimed at shortening the death-penalty process, such as limiting prisoners appeals and requiring more lawyers to accept capital cases. But opponents say the proposed timetables for court action are the heart of an initiative that seeks to hamstring judicial authority over state law.

Neither lawmakers nor voters can force the courts to prioritize a certain type of case at the expense of all other types of cases, said Christina Von der Ahe Rayburn, a lawyer in the suit to overturn Prop. 66. The requirement to move death cases to the front of the line, she said, would impair the courts inherent function of giving fair and equal treatment to (all) litigants.

Not so, said Kent Scheidegger, legal director of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation and an author of Prop. 66. He said the measure would actually relieve the state Supreme Court of some of its current death-penalty workload by transferring some hearings to trial courts. It sets a five-year deadline that he says the court could meet if it eliminated needless delays.

If our side wins, we can get back to having a death penalty that actually works and really see some executions being carried out, probably before the end of this year, said Scheidegger, who will argue in defense of the measure along with Attorney General Xavier Becerras office at the hearing in Los Angeles.

Rayburn said an unrelated federal court case would probably delay any executions in California by at least six months, even if Prop. 66 were upheld. If the court overturns most or all of the initiative, executions will remain on hold for a year or longer as challenges to proposed new lethal-injection procedures work their way through state and federal courts.

A ruling is due within three months.

Prop. 66 passed with 51 percent of the vote on the same November ballot in which a rival measure to repeal the death penalty in California was rejected by about seven percentage points, nearly twice the margin of defeat for a similar measure in 2012. While the votes were close, the message seemed clear: Californians want the death-penalty law enforced.

But the far-reaching provisions of Prop. 66, which received little attention during the campaign, have evidently raised concerns among the justices, who put the measure on hold while they consider a lawsuit seeking to overturn it. The suit was filed by the late John Van de Kamp, a former state attorney general, and Ron Briggs, a former El Dorado County supervisor whose father, the former Southern California state Sen. John Briggs, sponsored a 1978 initiative that established the current death-penalty law.

Even before a federal judge halted California executions in 2006 by citing flaws in injection procedures, equipment and staff training, death-penalty appeals in the state were taking 20 years or more.

About half that time is typically spent in the federal courts, which consider constitutional objections to state death verdicts and are beyond the reach of state initiatives. But some of the delay is due to heavy state-court workloads and a shortage of qualified lawyers who are willing to take the cases.

In addition to imposing a deadline on the time the state Supreme Court takes to review a Death Row inmates appeal, Prop. 66 would apply the same five-year limit to state courts review of the second-stage appeals known as habeas corpus. Those usually involve such post-trial claims as incompetent legal representation and misconduct by the prosecutor or jurors, and have often been the basis for federal court rulings overturning California death sentences.

The initiative doesnt say what would happen if the courts missed their deadlines.

Habeas corpus challenges are now filed directly with the state Supreme Court, but Prop. 66 would redirect them to the Superior Court judge who conducted the trial, and would shorten the filing deadline from three years to one year.

Scheidegger said the change would free the states high court to concentrate on appeals and handle them more quickly. But Rayburn said Prop. 66, while providing no additional court funding, would simply shift more work to already overburdened Superior Courts in the handful of counties  Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside  that issue most of the states death sentences.

She also argued  though Scheidegger disagreed  that the state Constitution requires all death-penalty appeals, including habeas corpus cases, to be filed directly with the state Supreme Court.

Another provision of the measure seeks to expand the pool of defense lawyers by requiring attorneys to take capital cases if they already accept court appointments to represent defendants in other criminal cases.

Supporters say the change would ease the shortage of available lawyers, one of the chief reasons appeals take so long. Opponents say it would put condemned inmates fates in the hands of unqualified lawyers and prompt many lawyers to refuse future assignments.

Prop. 66 would also speed up the states switch from three-drug executions, in use from 1996 to 2006, to lethal injections of a single barbiturate.

Gov. Jerry Browns administration proposed procedures for one-drug executions last year in settlement of a lawsuit by relatives of murder victims. Prison officials are still reviewing those procedures under a long-standing law that requires them to consider public comments. The commenters have included organizations that say the proposed drugs are untested in executions and the procedures are unreliable.

Prop. 66 would allow the state to enact the one-drug procedures without considering public comment, though opponents could still object in court.

Two of the courts seven justices, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and Justice Ming Chin, have removed themselves from the case because they are members of the states Judicial Council, a defendant in the lawsuit by Van de Kamp and Briggs. Their replacements are two randomly selected appeals court justices, Andrea Hoch of the Sacramento court, an appointee of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Raymond Ikola, appointed to the court in Santa Ana by Gov. Gray Davis.

The case is Briggs vs. Brown, S238309.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
I was one of 57 reserve judges, including two former state Supreme Court justices, who petitioned the Wisconsin Supreme Court to adopt a rule requiring all Wisconsin elected judges to disqualify themselves if a party appearing before them contributed to the judges campaign beyond certain limits.

We proposed limits of $10,000 for Supreme Court, $2,500 for the court of appeals and $1,000 for circuit court judges. Our petition cited the U.S. Supreme Courts Caperton decision, which states a court could not be a fair tribunal if a judge failed to recuse himself when a party in litigation appearing before the judge gave large sums of money to the judges election campaign. Other states have such rules.

The petition also cited the 2015 Wisconsin Supreme Court case Unnamed Petitioners v. Peterson, where two justices (Michael Gableman and David Prosser), on a motion to recuse by a special prosecutor, refused to do so. These justices had received large sums of money from 501c4 committees that were litigants in the lawsuit. These 501c4s promote views on public affair issues. Existing law prohibited them from directly, or through coordination, supporting the election of a candidate for public office.

After the judges recusal petition was filed with the court, it refused to even hold a public hearing on the petition, claiming to side with due process and free speech.

As a member of the Government Accountability Board at the time, I was very aware of the Peterson case. The matter was referred to the GAB by then Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, who had been requested by the Milwaukee County district attorney to assist his office in a case involving possible violations of state campaign finance statutes. The case related to coordination between Gov. Scott Walkers recall campaign finance committee, Friends of Scott Walker and various 501c4 committees

After reviewing the evidence brought to the GAB by the Milwaukee DA, the GAB unanimously voted to conduct an investigation. This evidence documented that the governor solicited various wealthy individuals for millions of dollars, directing contributors to make their donations to Wisconsin Club for Growth 501c4 and not to the Friends of Scott Walker. By doing this, individuals identities would not be revealed, and their contributions would not be made public. Evidence also revealed people were retained or employed by both of these political fundraising organizations. This strategy ensured consistent messaging to the public. The GAB, which the Legislature later abolished, hired a retired assistant U. S. attorney to lead the investigation.

The Milwaukee DA, with the cooperation of four county DAs, petitioned for a John Doe proceeding (much like a grand jury) in those counties, and five trial court judges granted those petitions. A special prosecutor was appointed by the John Doe judge. Search warrants were executed, and subpoenas issued for records. The 501c4s reacted by filing multiple lawsuits in federal and state courts against the DA, special prosecutor and staff to halt the John Doe.

Ultimately, the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the Peterson case issued a 4-2 decision written by Justice Gableman. It declared that coordination between candidates campaign finance committees (Friends of Scott Walker) and 501c4s (Wisconsin Club for Growth) was protected free speech and shut down the investigation. Justice Shirley Abrahamson dissented and wrote: Issue ads developed in coordination with the candidate or the candidates committee are as useful to the candidate as cash.

Big surprise: Justices Gableman and Prosser voted with the majority.

The Peterson case illustrates the overwhelming need for the adoption of a recusal rule as proposed in the petition to the states high court. Every citizen of the state who stands for equal justice and honest government should come on board.
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 in La Crosse, 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, the La Crosse Tribune has 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.
One more lethal, multi-casualty bomb attack in the center of Kabul, the Afghanistan capital, marked on Wednesday the approaching 16th anniversary of Americas war in that country.

At the same time that Wednesdays attack occurred, the Trump administration was trying to decide whether to send another 5,000 or so American troops there to bolster the Afghan forces shaky efforts to defend the country from the Taliban and other resistance to the rule of President Ashraf Ghani and his government.

The Taliban have denied involvement in the Kabul attack, but they sometimes do try to disassociate themselves from actions that kill a lot of civilians, as this one did. ...It is being suggested this truck bomb assault was carried out by the Haqqani network, loosely associated with the Taliban, accused of being run by the Directorate for Military Intelligence of neighboring Pakistan. It is also sometimes common to blame things that go wrong in Afghanistan on Pakistan, much as disturbances in Lebanon used to get blamed regularly on Syria.

Islamic State forces are also now active in Afghanistan.

About 8,000 U.S. troops are already in Afghanistan. It is easy to forget 1,000 German troops are there, too, under the NATO banner. The U.S. commander, Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr., has been beating the drums for months now, including in testimony before the Congress, for thousands more U.S. forces. So far, Trump has not pulled the trigger.

After nearly 16 years, and some $1 trillion, currently a billion dollars a week in U.S. aid and 2,350 dead Americans, it seems time for Trump, a real estate man by background, to stop putting into Afghanistan good money after bad.

One reason U.S.-trained and equipped Afghan troops have not been successful in defending the country is high desertion rates. Another is corruption on the part of their leaders.

It is probably time for the Afghans to decide themselves if they want to be ruled again by the Taliban, and, if they dont, or if they want some sort of coalition in Kabul that includes the Taliban, to take appropriate action themselves to bring the fighting and bombings to an end, without NATO and the Americans.
Who will pay the price for AT&Ts aggressive push to end traditional landline service?

To preserve landlines, Governor Rauner must veto SB 1839 . With the passage of SB 1839 into law, Illinois residents and businesses will be stripped of their choice to have landlines.

Loss of reliable 911 emergency services

Why is the loss of traditional, reliable landlines a travesty to all residents and businesses? 911 emergency services will not work during a power outage. This is critical for everyone concerned. All phone service available, including AT&T U-verse, requires electricity to operate the equipment. Even cell phones need to be charged, which is not possible during extended power outages.

Before the last hurricane in Florida, the Governor was repeating on TV and radio announcements, "Get a landline! Keep and maintain a landline."

During Hurricane Sandy the only residents that could stay in touch with others were the ones who could use landlines. All communication devices dependent on electricity were useless. Cell phones could not be charged and computer-based phone lines dependent on a cable modem, would not work without electricity.

Illinois may not get hurricanes, but the state has had its share of floods, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms that caused power outages.

AARP says, Recent wireless 911 outages show that telecommunications companies have yet to offer a viable alternative for a significant number of customers. In March, for example, a wireless 911 outage hit AT&T wireless customers in 14 states for about five hours, forcing police departments to urge people to call alternative numbers in an emergency.

AT&T motive for dismantling copper-wired landlines

AT&Ts reason for aggressively pushing legislation through the General Assembly is to release the corporation from the responsibility for maintaining copper-wired phone lines. AT&Ts agenda: Move customers to computer-based (VoIP) phone services. For the consumer this means using a high speed Internet connection through a cable modem which runs on electricity.

Citizens Utility Board says, AT&T, which made $13 billion in profits in 2016, wants the power to end traditional phone service and force customers to use computer-based or wireless substitutes. That could subject those customers to higher bills and unreliable service.

No reliable alternatives to landline phone services

AT&T claims that its 1.2 million business and residential landline customers have viable alternatives to traditional servicefor many peopleincluding seniors, low-income families and rural residentshome phone service is the most reliable, affordable lifeline to vital services such as 911, home security systems and medical monitoring devices.

A U. S. Senator leading the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (which has jurisdiction over the FCC) writes to a constituent:

For decades, Americans have counted on the nations landline communications network and its reliability. Even in a time of great change in our communications networks, I agree that landline voice service is an important service. In fact, many people do not realize that wireless communications networks themselves rely upon the availability of landline communications networks to function effectively. It is critical that consumers are protected during this technological change and that new networks provide the same level of reliability as our legacy landline infrastructure.

AT&Ts alternative, computer-based VoIP, does not provide the same level of reliability. U-verse is NOT a viable alternative.

Professionals and businesses that require secure phone service count on landlines. Law firms, real estate offices, medical facilities, government offices, and financial institutions use landlines because they are cyber secure and not connected to the Internet. During a power outage, these businesses have to continue providing consumers with vital services. For cyber secure, uninterrupted phone service, landlines are the only viable option.

Warnings from AARP:

Forcing people onto alternatives, such as wireless or computer-based phone service, could subject them to higher bills, lack of service in extended power outages, spotty reception and dropped calls.

Landline telephone service allows residents to have reliable access to emergency services; it helps low-income families to connect with job opportunities; it helps small businesses to stay in business and connect with new opportunities and customers; and it allows older residents and residents in rural areas to stay connected to family, friends, and neighbors, as well as vital services. Furthermore, [landline telephone service] saves callers millions of dollars by having access to affordable calling plans.

CUB: Those who depend on home phone service shouldnt have that choice stripped away.

Call Governor Rauners office: Springfield: 217 782-0244 Chicago 312 814-2121

(This contributor's opinion does not necessarily reflect Illinois Review's.)
BAGHDAD  Mosuls children are bearing the brunt of the intensified fight between U.S.-backed government forces and the Islamic State group in the citys western half, the U.N. childrens agency warned Monday.

Iraqi forces are in their last push to drive militants from the remaining pockets of territory they still hold in the Old City, where narrow streets and a dense civilian population are complicating the fight.

The UNICEF representative in Iraq, Peter Hawkins, said the agency is receiving alarming reports of civilians being killed, including children, with some caught in the crossfire while trying to flee. Hawkins didnt give a specific number for killed children.

He estimated that 100,000 girls and boys are still in the Old City neighborhood and other areas, living under extremely dangerous conditions. He called on the warring parties to protect the children and keep them out of harms way at all times, in line with their obligations under humanitarian law.

Childrens lives are on the line. Children are being killed, injured and used as human shields. Children are experiencing and witnessing terrible violence that no human being should ever witness, he said in a statement. In some cases, they have been forced to participate in the fighting and violence.

Backed by the U.S.-led international coalition, Iraq in October began a military offensive to recapture Mosul and the surrounding areas, with various Iraqi military, police and paramilitary forces taking part in the operation. The citys eastern half was declared liberated in January, and the push for the citys western section, separated from the east by the Tigris River, began the following month.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch, an international rights group, reported Monday that at least 26 bodies of blindfolded and handcuffed men were found in government-controlled areas and around Mosul since the operation started.

Iraqs second-largest city, Mosul fell to the Islamic State in the summer of 2014 as the militants swept over much of the countrys north and central areas.

Sinan Salaheddin is an Associated Press writer.
BUDVA, Montenegro  Once the Balkan stronghold of pro-Russian sentiments, tiny Montenegro on Monday celebrated its entry into NATO in a historic turn toward the West that has made the Kremlin furious.

Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro formally become the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington.

To get there, Montenegro has defied its former ally Russia, which has sought to maintain strong historic, political and cultural influence in the Slavic country it considers a special zone of interest.

Russia reserves the right to take countermeasures on the basis of reciprocity amid the Montenegrin authorities hostile stance, Russias Foreign Ministry said Monday, according to the state Itar-Tass news agency.

It did not elaborate, but Russia has threatened economic and political retaliation, including a campaign to undermine the Montenegrin tourism industry, which relies heavily on Russian visitors. An estimated 200,000 Russians visit Montenegro every year, and 80,000 Russians own property in the country.

Montenegro Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said during the ceremony in Washington that the NATO accession is a historic event for a country and a nation which endured enormous sacrifices in the 19th and 20th centuries in order to defend their right to a free life; the right to decide on our own future; the right to be recognized by the world under our own name and with our national symbols.

Bringing Montenegro into NATO further diminishes Russias influence in southeast Europe, and blocks it from the so-called warm seas in Europe that could be used as staging grounds for military interventions in the Middle East.

The U.S. State Department said Montenegros membership will support greater integration, democratic reform, trade, security, and stability with all of its neighbors.

Russia has also banned imports of Montenegrin wine and recently deported a ranking official from a Moscow airport.

Montenegro says Moscow was behind a foiled coup attempt in October that allegedly targeted former Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who was the driving force behind the countrys NATO bid. Russia denies involvement.

Predrag Milic is an Associated Press writer.
1 Martial law: Philippine opposition lawmakers petitioned the Supreme Court on Monday to review and nullify President Rodrigo Dutertes imposition of martial law in the southern third of the country. The petition said there was no revolution or invasion where public safety required the declaration of martial law and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. Duterte made the declaration May 23 after extremists allied with the Islamic State group laid siege to Marawi city. The declaration lasts through mid-July but could be extended with the consent of Congress.

2 Portugal monument: Officials in Portugal said Monday that they have ordered an investigation into claims that one of the countrys most cherished historic monuments was damaged during the shooting of a film by director and former Monty Python star Terry Gilliam. The General Directorate for Cultural Heritage said it is looking into a report by public broadcaster RTP that alleged the recent location shoot for The Man Who Killed Don Quixote left behind chipped masonry, broken roof tiles and uprooted trees at the 12th century Convent of Christ in the city of Tomar. The convent was a stronghold of the Knights Templar and is classified as a world heritage site by the United Nations. Gilliam said the allegations were ignorant nonsense.
MEXICO CITY  The ruling partys candidate held a slight advantage in preliminary vote counts Monday in the race for governor of Mexicos most populous state, an election seen as a key test ahead of next years presidential vote.

With about 97 percent of votes counted, Alfredo del Mazo of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, won 33.7 percent of the votes in Mexico state, compared with 30.8 percent for his closest rival, Delfina Gomez of the leftist Morena party. Mexico State surrounds Mexico City, and includes many of its suburbs and outlying slums. Final ballot counts are expected by Wednesday.

A PRI victory would hand the party a lifeline, after President Enrique Pena Nietos approval ratings dipped to near single digits and a parade of former PRI governors were jailed for corruption. Many believed the party would have been essentially knocked out of the 2018 presidential race if it failed to hold on to its last major stronghold  Pena Nietos home state and one it has governed without interruption for 88 years.

But if Del Mazo wins, he will face a state where two-thirds of voters opposed him.

Political analyst Raymundo Riva Palacio said such a narrow, pyrrhic PRI victory in the state of Mexico could spell trouble for the party next year. Considering the power of the PRIs political machine in the state and the fact that Gomez was practically unknown eight months ago, the result so far signals an enormous discontent with the PRI and portends a very bad scenario for the party and the president, he argued.

Jose Antonio Crespo, a political analyst at Mexicos Center for Economic Research and Teaching, said that with the bruising elections in Mexico state the PRI is not going to win any more prestige or recover its lost credibility. On the contrary, the PRI insists on playing dirty.

The Mexico state elections will also be a test for Gomez, the hand-picked candidate of Morena party leader and 2018 presidential hopeful Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. If Gomezs campaign holds protests in Mexico state, it could stir up memories of Lopez Obradors unpopular decision to block streets in Mexico City for months in 2006 to protest perceived vote fraud in his narrow loss in the presidential race.

On Monday, Lopez Obrador said Gomezs campaign may demand a recount. We are in the right, Lopez Obrador said. Delfina won, and we are going to prove it.

Sundays election was marred by dueling accusations of vote buying, complaints that some voters received intimidating telephone calls warning them not to cast ballots and reports of bloody pig heads being left outside opposition party offices.

Peter Orsi and Maria Verza are Associated Press writers.
LONDON  After a brief display of national unity, Prime Minister Theresa May found herself on the defensive Monday  just days ahead of the national election  as rivals challenged her record on security following the deadly attack in London this weekend, the third terrorist episode in three months.

On a day when it became clear that at least one of the attackers was previously known to the security services, opposition politicians zeroed in on Mays record as home secretary.

She held the portfolio in charge of security for six years before replacing David Cameron as prime minister, and she oversaw a reduction in police forces, including armed officers, during that time.

I am so sick of Theresa May blaming others for terror when the system she presided over has obviously failed so lamentably, Steve Hilton, once a close adviser to Cameron, wrote on Twitter. May, he added in a separate tweet, should be resigning, not seeking re-election.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labor Party, when asked by a reporter if he would support calls for Mays resignation over the falling number of police officers, replied, Indeed, I would.

Stung by the criticism so near a critical national election Thursday that will decide her political future, May responded at a news conference. We have protected counterterrorism policing budgets, she said. We have also provided funding for an increase in the number of armed police officers.

Although there has been widespread praise for the professionalism and courage of the armed officers who shot and killed the assailants within eight minutes of being called Saturday night, the countrys broader antiterrorism strategy was questioned.

A focus on security would normally be expected to help the prospects of Mays Conservative Party in the coming general election. But as the investigation builds, so does speculation of potential security lapses that could have been prevented, possibly along with Saturday nights attack. At least seven people were killed.

The Metropolitan Police released photographs Monday of two of the assailants they shot dead, saying that one of them was known to the intelligence services.

In a statement, they said they believed one of the suspects was Khuram Shazad Butt, 27, a British citizen who was born in Pakistan and known to MI5, the agency that deals with internal security.

The other man was identified as Rachid Redouane, 30, who had claimed to be Moroccan and Libyan but who had also used the name Rachid Elkhdar and a different date of birth.

Khuram Shazad Butt was known to the police and MI5, the statement said. However, there was no intelligence to suggest that this attack was being planned, and the investigation had been prioritized accordingly. The other named man, Rachid Redouane, was not known.

Work is still under way to identify the third man who was killed during the attack. The statement added that work is ongoing to understand more about them, their connections and whether they were assisted or supported by anyone else.

Stephen Castle is a New York Times writer.
It is time to exit the Paris accord and time to pursue a new deal that protects the environment, our companies, our citizens and our country  It is time to put Youngstown, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, along with many, many other locations within our great country, before Paris, France.

In so doing, President Trump kept his campaign promise to cancel the Paris Climate Agreement, but the fight for withdrawal was a difficult one. President Trump faced enormous pressure from international leaders, multi-national corporations, the political establishment, and even among his own advisors.

Trumps speech was powerful, to the point, and effective. He invited Democrats to participate, but warned that nothing will change with or without their support. Should the agreement be renegotiated, it would be as a treaty, with the consent of 2/3rds of the Senate. Even so, this nation would continue to have the clean air and water, but without the bureaucratic and financial burdens imposed by other nations. Not mentioned by Trump was this favorable outcome, with increased oil and natural gas production, we can maintain Europe in the event Russia tries to strangle their supplies from the East.

The mitigation efforts specified by the agreement would reduce global warming by less than 0.2 degrees C by 2100, while funneling hundreds of billions of US dollars into the private bank accounts of third world dictators. If allowed to remain in effect, our economy would be held at less than 2% growth, whereas we need 4% to sustain full employment and our social obligations to our own citizens.

It will be hard for Democrats to run for office on the promise that the US will be strangled for a good cause", yet California Governor Jerry Brown says that his and 13 other Blue states will continue to abide by the Paris Accord. Undoubtedly, the residents of these Blue states will experience "blue feelings" not of their own making, as taxpayer money is spent to pay for the "warm feelings" of Gov. Jerry Brown and other Blue state governors. If clean energy is so good, much less sufficient 24/7, why not let it stand or fall on its own merits?

Paris Accord as a Ploy to Impose Socialism

Apologists for the Paris Accord maintain that any effort is better than none; however, the only effects in the US -- using the Paris Accord as justification -- are the draconian and expensive measures proposed by Obama

Former President Barack Obama blasted Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris global warming accords (one of Obama's signature schemes to impose socialism in America) which he characterized as America vacating its leadership role on the world state. Obama had agreed to do things which would cripple this nation's economy and make us much less competitive on the world market. On the other hand, China, which also complied with the agreement, agreed to nothing. Meanwhile, China is in the process of building 350 coal fired power plants, one every two weeks under the current plan. In central China coal plants spew unfiltered smoke into the air. On a bad day in Beijing, visibility is about 200 feet.

Completely omitted from bluster from the Left is the money Obama committed the US to pay into a world account to benefit third world countries. Paradoxically, China is among the benefactors, even though its economy will surpass the US in the next year or two.

According to the Left, the US stands in opposition to the rest of the world, but this nation was a rogue nation to begin with. Only half a dozen countries declined the Paris Agreement. This is hardly surprising. The wealthiest nations, other than the US, opted to give much less financial support for what is essentially a feel-good agreement. When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can expect the complete support of Paul in your endeavors.

United Nation's IPCC Panel Reports Misleading with Exaggerated and Inaccurate Global Warming Claims

In the wake of President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, came the predictable howl of protest from the eco-theocracy and those who use environmental concerns as pretexts for the imposition of fascist or socialist government controls on human activity. Democrat billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer called Trump's Paris exit a "traitorous act of war." Tom Steyer, along with General Electric, is heavily invested in wind power, which receives substantial subsidies from federal and state governments (as long as its not in the proponents back yard).

Democrats, speaking on behalf of the "vast majority of scientists", were quick to form a chorus of protest and proceeded to read from the same sheet of talking points. While key figures like Kerry and Pelosi are free to improvise their own facts", anyone daring to dispute the key talking points will be shunned and be subject to an attempt made to primary them out of their positions in Congress. Rep. Nancy Pelosi claimed that President Trump was "dishonoring" God and questioned whether his grandchildren will even be able to breathe air after his announcement a day earlier that he would withdraw from the Paris climate accord.

Nations of the world, with Al Gore leading the unsubstantiated claims in this nation, have long been assured to believe that reports produced by the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) are authoritative because they rely entirely on peer-reviewed, scientific literature. They support the hypothesis that global warming is real and manmade, while rejecting The Heartland Institute's reports produced by the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change (NIPCC) who have come together to present a comprehensive, authoritative, and realistic assessment of the science and economics of global warming.

The IPCC scientists largely come from academia, which is so politicized to the left that any dissent is considered disloyalty to the organization. As a result, violators are subject to verbal and physical attacks and risk losing their jobs. Supporters, on the other hand, highly vocal with many of them depending on government grants to support their work on climate issues, know that a negative report would end their funding. In addition, very few of the IPCC scientists have actually published scientific papers in support of their position.

Out of about 13,000 peer-reviewed scientific publications in 2016, only about a dozen were not in support of climate change, and none provided proof that human activity was to blame, rather that change was occurring.

How about coastlines in danger? For starters, it is exceedingly difficult to establish what the sea level actually is. It is measured mainly on its relationship to coastlines and traditionally consists of the mean level half-way between high and low tide, averaged over 19 years. Depending on other factors, like salinity, temperature, air pressure and weather, it can vary as much as 5 meters in many locations. The largest effect is weather, particularly storm surges, where the sea level bulges under low pressure areas like hurricanes. While the sea level is one factor, the shorelines themselves are not constant. Nor is the earths gravity constant throughout. For simplicity the surface of the earth is described in a handful of geoids of reference to describe effective sea level. Only recently have measurements from satellites added a higher degree of consistency, subject to variations due to the factors described above.

Are islands in the Pacific sinking? Absolutely. A clear example is the state of the Hawaiian Islands, which extends 1800 miles northwest of the 8 large islands constituting the State of Hawaii. Most of this archipelago are very low to the sea, and remnants are under water, due to erosion. They were formed from volcanic activity over a relatively fixed plume of magma in the mantle as the continental plate moved to the northwest at a rate of about 32 miles/mm years. Midway Island falls near the terminus, and consists of a coral atoll, which formed around a volcanic island now eroded until is forms the floor of the lagoon in the atoll. The erosion of islands is illustrated dramatically by the Hawaiian archipelago, but applies to similar islands throughout the world.

Southern California is subsiding, in part by tectonic movements of the Pacific plate, but mostly because of the depletion of water and petroleum in the last century. Another self-proclaimed victim of climate change is Miami Beach, which was built on a barrier island of sand, augmented by landfill. While large buildings are anchored in bedrock, streets and small buildings are built on sand. The consequences are somewhat biblical in nature. Washington DC is built on a swamp, only inches above sea level even in Washingtons time. That sort of gives credence to Trumps pledge to clear the swamp."

CO2 a Pollutant Only Because EPA Decided It Was

The thrust of the Paris Accord is the reduction in emission of carbon dioxide, a colorless and mostly odorless gas. It is pollution only in the sense that the EPA has decided it can be regulated as such. It does not contribute to dirty air nor dirty water, for which regulation will continue unabated. Medically speaking, asthma is caused by allergies, not pollution, although pollution can make it harder for people, including asthmatics, to breath.

MIT atmospheric science professor Richard Lindzen suggests that many claims regarding climate change are exaggerated and unnecessarily alarmist and that the belief that CO2 controls the climate "is pretty close to believing in magic.

The Paris Accord actually does little to mitigate climate change nor carbon dioxide emissions. The standards are non-existent and compliance is strictly voluntary. What is spelled out in more detail are payments extracted from developed countries to undeveloped countries. Domestically, President Obama used the Paris Accord to impose new taxes and regulations by fiat, without Congressional approval. It has been used as a lawful treaty without the necessary approval of 2/3rds of the Senate.

Global Warming Alarmists as Worshipers of Mother Earth

As Dr. James Hansen, NASAs former lead global warming scientist, said of the UN Paris Pact:

The Paris agreement is a fraud really, a fake. Its just bullshit for them to say: We'll have a 2C warming target and then try to do a little better every five years. It's just worthless words. There is no action, just promises. As long as fossil fuels appear to be the cheapest fuels out there, they will be continued to be burned.

Mark Morano, founder of Climate Deport, spoke of global warming as akin to a religious issue to many global warming alarmists, in that they worship "Mother Earth." On the Tipping Point with Liz Wheeler of One America News Network Morano remarked:

What Trump did today was a blow to superstition. No longer in Washington DC do we have to pretend that a UN climate treaty can save the planet or actually control temperature or impact storminess. This truly is a day that science has won out in DC and that is a rare day when it comes to climate change.

One could ask, if compliance is voluntary, what does it matter if the US is in or out? The most plausible answer is that it affects the legacy of President Obama, hence the legitimacy of his administration and that of Democrats for the last 8 years. $1.6 trillion dollars and a crippled economy is a big price to pay for a few egos.
June 6 (BusinessDesk)  The government's operating surplus came in ahead of the Treasury's forecasts in the May budget for the first 10 months of the current financial year as the corporate provisional tax take peaked a month earlier than anticipated.

The operating balance before gains and losses (obegal) was a surplus of $2.53 billion in the 10 months ended April 30, $1.55 billion more than the surplus forecast in last month's budget documents, and up from $297 million a year earlier. The boost came as corporate taxes were $1.08 billion more than predicted, largely due to annual provisional tax estimates peaking early in April, and the Treasury expects that variance will reverse in the May accounts.

The Crown's tax take rose 8.8 percent to $61.72 billion in the 10 months ended April 30, $1.19 billion more than the budget forecast, while core expenses increased 3.2 percent to $62.74 billion, some $1.19 billion below expectations due in part to smaller debt impairment charges and write-offs.

"While the accounts for the year-to-date are $1.6 billion stronger than was forecast at the budget economic and fiscal update, the bulk of this change is due to a timing difference of company taxes," Finance Minister Steven Joyce said in a statement. "Treasury and Inland Revenue expect most of that to reverse in May, and at this stage Treasury expects the 2016/17 accounts to be broadly as forecast."

In the May 25 budget, Joyce unveiled a new programme to boost family incomes, expanded infrastructure spending, and a more aggressive debt reduction target which were seen chewing up increasing surpluses in coming years.

The Crown's net debt of $62.75 billion, or 24 percent of gross domestic product, was 1.9 percent below the May forecast as the government's cash balance was boosted by the swelling tax take. Net debt was $64.64 billion as at April 30, 2015.

The residual cash deficit of $850 million was $670 million below forecast, and down from a deficit of $4.06 billion a year earlier. Capital spending was $3.04 billion in the 10-month period, down from $3.82 billion a year earlier, and tracking 4.9 percent below the budget forecast.

The operating balance, which includes non-cash balance sheet items, was a surplus of $11.86 billion, $2.14 billion more than forecast due to bigger than expected gains from the Crown's investment portfolios, and turning around from a deficit of $3.41 billion a year earlier. The government's Accident Compensation Corp investment portfolio, which has been built up to fully-fund the state-owned workplace insurer, was worth $40.32 billion as at April 30, up from $38.19 billion a year earlier, while the New Zealand Superannuation Fund held $34.91 billion of assets compared to $30.46 billion a year earlier.

ACC's long-term liabilities were $39.25 billion as at April 30, up from $37.31 billion a year earlier.

The Crown's net worth was $102.55 billion as at April 30, some $2.23 billion ahead of forecast due to the bigger than expected operating surplus.

(BusinessDesk)

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NEW DELHI: 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.

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PARIS: A day after the much-attacked withdrawal by the US, India and France on Saturday pledged themselves to take the Paris accord on climate change forward with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he will go beyond the agreement even as the two countries vowed to jointly fight the scourge of terrorism.

"India is with the Paris accord and even beyond that we will walk together and work together and leave a legacy for the future generations. In this direction India and France have taken several measures and discussed Indo-French partnership for sustainable technology," Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared at a joint media interaction after talks with new French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

"Paris accord is a shared legacy of the world. The way we worked shoulder to shoulder, it is such a contribution of the present generation which gives birth to a new hope for becoming legacy for the future generations. It is a shared legacy of the world," he said.

"It is not just a question of protection of environment but it is the joint responsibility of all of us to save Mother Earth. It is our duty. For me and Indians preserving environment is an article of faith. What we got from our ancestors it becomes our responsibility to give pure water and pure air to the coming generations and the future world," he said.

On his part, the French President said first and foremost our commitment is to climate change and France will continue till the end in its implementation of the accord.

The assertion by the two leaders came a day after US President Donald Trump announced his decision to pull out of the Paris Accord, blaming among other things, India and China who he said were benefiting unfairly in billions of dollars. Trump's decision to pull out of the accord, which seeks to curb carbon emissions and has been agreed by almost all countries, has come under global attack.

Observing that the world is passing through a crisis, Modi said that he and Macron discussed terrorism extensively, on how to save the world from terror and radicalisation, and how to "go forward in deradicalisation and how to strengthen the fight against terror."

Earlier, Macron said France, which has seen some of the worst terror attacks in recent times, would stand by India in its fight against terrorism.

Modi said that at the time of the Paris accord an International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched. "I see a bright future for ISA as it was born out of joint efforts of India and France. I am happy that President Macron is fully committed to it and we will achieve success."

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What They Say About SDA

"Smalldeadanimals doesn't speak for the people of Saskatchewan" Former Sask Premier Lorne Calvert

"I got so much traffic after your post my web host asked me to buy a larger traffic allowance." Dr.Ross McKitrick

Holy hell, woman. When you send someone traffic, you send someone TRAFFIC. My hosting provider thought I was being DDoSed. - Sean McCormick

"The New York Times link to me yesterday [...] generated one-fifth of the traffic I normally get from a link from Small Dead Animals." Kathy Shaidle

"Thank you for your link. A wave of your Canadian readers came to my blog! Really impressive." Juan Giner - INNOVATION International Media Consulting Group

I got links from the Weekly Standard, Hot Air and Instapundit yesterday - but SDA was running at least equal to those in visitors clicking through to my blog. Jeff Dobbs

"You may be a nasty right winger, but you're not nasty all the time!" Warren Kinsella

"Go back to collecting your welfare livelihood."Michael E. Zilkowsky

Intelliweather

Seismic Map

Comments Policy

Read this

Best Of SDA

Hide The Decline

The Bottle Genie

(ClimateGate links)

You Might Be A Liberal

Uncrossing The Line

Bob Fife: Knuckledragger

A Modest Proposal (NP)

Settled Science Series

Y2Kyoto Series

SDA: Reader Occupation Survey

Brett Lamb Sheltered Workshop

Flakes On A Plane

All Your Weather Are Belong To Us

Song Of The Sled

The Raise A Flag Debacle

(Now on Youtube!)

(.mwv Video)

Abuse Ruins Life Of Girl

Trudeaupiate

Kleptocrat Jeans

Child Labour

I Concede

Small Dead Feminist

Protein Hoser: THK Interview

The Werewolf Extinction

Dear Laura (VRWC)

We Wait

Blogging The Oscars

Jackson Converts To Islam

Just Shut The HELL Up

Manipulating Condi

Gay Equality Rights


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context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

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In case you haven't noticed them popping up on menus all over town, it's truffle season and the Canberra Truffle Festival is on now, running until August. Here's where and how to get your truffle fix:

TASTE

The Truffle Festival Canberra runs from June to August.

The most simple way to taste the fungus is at your nearest restaurant, with special truffle menus at a wide range of eating spots in Canberra and the surrounds. We particularly like the sound of the four course breakfast truffle degustation at Pod Food on Sunday June 18 ($80, podfood.com.au) and the freshly infused truffle beer available at BentSpoke.

You can also find special truffle events or truffles on the menu at Otis Dining Hall, Benchmark Wine Bar, Pialligo Estate, the National Press Club, Poachers Pantry, Redsalt Restaurant, Les Bistronomes, Helix Bar and Dining, Bicicletta, Pulp Kitchen, Chifley's Bar and Grill, Agostinis, Contentious Character, Pankhurst Wines and many more.
A former AFP officer has been sacked following a bizarre stalking episode which culminated in him scattering fake used condoms across his then-girlfriend's lawn.

An investigation found the officer had also intimidated the woman by leaving a slashed t-shirt on the bonnet of her car and repeatedly ringing her only to hang up when she answered.

A former AFP officer lost his job after intimidating and stalking his ex-girlfriend Credit:Joe Armao

The officer was sacked in November 2016 following a lengthy internal investigation and last month had an unfair dismissal application thrown out by the Fair Work Commission.

A report by the commission described how the sordid affair unfolded after the officer moved from Canberra to Sydney to pursue a relationship with the woman, which eventually broke down.
Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins has become the first victim of the AFL's crackdown on jumper punches, after being offered a one-match sanction for his hit on Matt Crouch.

Hawkins is now set to miss the Cats' crucial round 13 clash with West Coast in Perth after the club's bye.

The incident was assessed as intentional with low impact and high contact, resulting in a two-game suspension reduced to one with an early plea.

If Hawkins challenges the match review panel's ruling and loses his appeal he will miss the West Coast game and Geelong's round 14 clash with Fremantle at Simonds Stadium.
Electric buses will ferry passengers between Brisbane Airport's domestic and international terminals until at least 2022, under a $25 million contract signed this week.

The $25 million, five-year contract with Carbridge would include a fleet of 11 electric buses that would come into full operation in February.

BAC's Martin Ryan and Carbridge's Luke Todd. Credit:BAC

The contract, awarded after a competitive tender process, gave the Sydney-based company exclusive rights to build, operate and maintain the Brisbane Airport bus fleet.

But it could be the last five-year deal for such a service, with a monorail system set to be introduced as soon as 2022.
Australia's electric car market was unlikely to take off beyond its current tiny niche unless the federal government introduced subsidies to encourage consumers, says Nissan's global chairman Carlos Ghosn.

Despite record sales of new cars, just 219 of the 1.2 million new vehicles sold in Australia in 2016 were electric, even that was a 90 per cent drop from the previous year. Battery powered cars represented only 0.0018 per cent of the total market.

Mr Ghosn argued the market wouldn't grow without a public policy that said: "We favour zero emissions cars - usually electric and plug in hybrids - and a subsidy to consumers to encourage them to buy these cars".
Revealing the secret identifies behind shell companies and opaque trusts is the "new frontier" in fighting tax evasion, says the OECD's head of tax Pascal Saint-Amans.

In an exclusive interview with Fairfax Media, Mr Saint-Amans also spoke about the Turnbull government's tougher domestic laws aimed at cracking down on multinational tax avoidance, which, according to the tax man, are expected to lead to $4 billon in new tax bills issued against the nation's biggest companies.

But the Paris-based Mr Saint Amans, who is the public face of the OECD/G20 crackdown on multinationals, said, while Australian laws appeared to be in line with the global plan to fight profit-shifting, it was possible tax authorities in other nations such as the United States could dispute Australia's right to tax.

Since the release of the Panama Papers last year, countries including Australia have been considering beneficial ownership reforms, which would reveal the secret people behind shell companies.
Japan's Defence Minister, Tomomi Inada, warned that "the rules-based order is under challenge". The indispensable rules also featured prominently at the annual Australia-US ministerial consultations in Sydney on Monday.

Malcolm Turnbull spoke of the region's rules seven times in his speech to the same forum: "If we are to maintain the dynamism of the region then we must preserve the rules-based structure that has enabled it thus far."

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis referred to a "rules-based" order five times in his weekend speech to the big annual defence conference in Singapore, the Shangri-la Dialogue. "We have a deep and abiding commitment to reinforcing the rules-based international order," for instance.

We hear a great gush of affirmations of the "rules-based order" that keeps the peace in the Asia-Pacific region. But whose rules? They must be Tinkerbell's rules  clap if you believe.

Illustration: John Shakespeare

The problem, of course, is that the rules have just been dispensed with. Spectacularly. As the Australian analyst Allan Gyngell, former head of the Office of National Assessments, points out: "The emphasis on the rules-based order is precisely because the rules aren't being upheld."

China has annexed reefs and rocks in the South China Sea that are also claimed by others. Beijing's claims have been found to have "no legal basis" by an independent arbitration panel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Ignoring demands by the US under the Obama administration and half a dozen other nations that it stop, China has built up these maritime features into military bases.

China has achieved all of its initial goals, unimpeded in any way. "From Beijing's perspective, China's 'salami-slicing strategy'" of incremental advances "has already yielded rich dividends," says Professor Mohan Malik, an expert at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies in Hawaii, which is affiliated with the Pentagon.

"China now dominates the entire South China Sea"  the world's richest trade route  "without having had to fight a major war", Malik tells me. And the US Navy's much-ballyhooed "freedom of navigation" operations? They had about as much deterrent effect as a five-year-old armed with a peashooter in an inflatable yellow boat. "Law without power cannot be enforced and those who have the power to enforce seem increasingly unwilling and unable to do so," continues Malik. "Beijing knows that neither the US nor Japan or any other power will take sufficient action to deter or prevent it.
The Greens appear to be buoyed to more strident action by their bigger numbers, with two Greens in the new parliament. The government itself seems perhaps more inclined to heed some calls for change simply in the appointment Gordon Ramsay, who in his career in the Uniting Church saw more than enough of the damage gambling can do. Andrew Barr himself is no friend of the gambling industry.

The Greens have pushed gambling reform for some years but have been stymied by the way Labor and Liberal unite to resist substantial reform. Now, the landscape might be shifting, albeit at nothing like the speed problem gamblers can lose their life savings.

So where Joy Burch might have found herself doing the bidding of the powerful clubs industry - remember the $50 note debacle and the trading scheme which has so far seen very little progress towards reducing machine numbers - Mr Ramsay is likely to lead more substantive change, pushed by the Greens, by the courage of gambler Laurie Brown in telling her story, and by the public clamour.

We make this suggestion cautiously for three reasons. First is the pressure on Labor not to damage its own club, which makes $24 million a year from poker machines. Labor controls the club board whose members include former member of the Assembly Wayne Berry, the father of deputy chief minister Yvette Berry. Second is Labor's long reluctance to make any significant dent in the $168 million a year that Canberra's clubs make off poker machines, which is $168 million from the pockets of gamblers. Judging Labor on its record, you wouldn't hold your breath for change.

And third is the role of the CFMEU in the Labor Party. The construction union is described by Jon Stanhope as the most powerful and influential organ of the party, with many of the elected members relying on the union to get preselection. In this context, Mr Barr's decision to favour the new clubs group, set up by the CFMEU's Tradies clubs, is a concern, giving rise to concern that whatever decisions are made, they will be decisions with which the CFMEU can live.

Against this backdrop, consider what has, or has not, been done about eftpos machines. We have had at least two and a half years of inaction since the warning bells were rung. Then in May, the government agreed to a motion put by the Greens' Shane Rattenbury to investigate how it might limit eftpos withdrawals to $250 a day. Which is where the situation now stands. A glimmer of hope came in the decision last week to release the government report detailing concerns about the use of eftpos machines. The mere release indicates willingness to act. But as we wait for the outcomes of the hopelessly belated investigation into new limits, clubs continue to use eftpos machines and gamblers continue to spin away their savings.
First homebuyers buying off the plan will be exempt from stamp duty if they pay up to $650,000 for a home, up from $550,000 now. Those paying between $650,000 and $800,000 will pay less stamp duty than now. These concessions will be extended to first homebuyers of existing homes, not just new housing. There will be extra grants for those purchasing or building a new dwelling.

Both governments are doing what voters say they want. But voter instincts about the key policies to improve housing affordability are misguided. And so unless governments start to lead more strongly, voters are likely to be disappointed

For all the partisan differences between the NSW Liberal and Victorian Labor state governments, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's new housing plan might well have been published in Spring Street, Melbourne.

These giveaways sound like they will improve affordability for first homebuyers, and are extremely popular with voters. But in reality they are second homesellers' incentives: the biggest winners will be people who own homes already, and property developers with new homes ready to sell.

That's because in effect sellers pay most of the stamp duty, even if buyers hand over the cheque. When buyers don't have to pay as much stamp duty, they're prepared to pay more for the property.

Of course giveaways to first homebuyers also need to be paid for. And, as in Victoria, foreign and local investors in NSW have been volunteered.

Foreign investors will be slugged with an 8 per cent stamp duty surcharge when buying a home, up from 4 per cent previously. A foreign buyer purchasing an $800,000 home in NSW will now pay a whopping $95,490 in stamp duty, more than three times the amount paid by local homebuyers. Meanwhile the 0.75 per cent annual land tax surcharge on all foreign homeowners introduced last year has been lifted to 2 per cent.

Recent surveys suggest slugging foreign investors will be even more popular than giving extra grants to first home-buyers. Foreigners are easy scapegoats, and even better, they don't vote. Of course tighter rules on foreign investors may be warranted, higher taxes are a useful source of revenue, and existing rules should be better enforced. But the fact is that foreigners don't own much of our housing  perhaps 2 per cent of the value of the residential stock. A lot of the 'foreign buyers' at auctions are in fact first- and second-generation migrants who will not be affected by the new rules  and who often do vote.
Bunches of flowers lying in the street will be a defining image of our era. They are bouquets we'd rather be without, because they signify the brutal, sudden deaths of ordinary people  people like us  murdered while going about their everyday lives. Since March last year we've seen it now in the appalling attacks on civilians in London, Manchester, Nice, Brussels and Berlin. Before that there was Paris, and Sydney, and that only covers attacks in Europe and Australia.

The latest atrocity in London comes less than two weeks since the suicide bombing of a pop concert in Manchester killed 22 people and injured scores including children and teenagers. The weekend's London attack happened in the Borough Market area where signs were still in place about the access arrangements around the funeral procession for PC Keith Palmer who was stabbed to death by lone terrorist Khalid Masood in a similar attack in March.

Theresa May has outlined a four-point manifesto for tackling extremism. Credit:Getty Images

The frequency of attacks is picking up in line with intensifying threats and exhortations on social media for supporters of Islamic State to turn their murderous energies to the West. The battleground is shifting from the theatres of war in Syria and Iraq where the "caliphate" is in retreat, to our city streets. IS followers are told they don't need guns and bombs but should use whatever deadly means they can find to hand  knives and vehicles, for example.

That makes the job of the security and intelligence forces all the more difficult. "We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are", said British Prime Minister Theresa May. The London Metropolitan Police's message to the public on social media to "RUN, HIDE, TELL" in response to a terror attack reinforced the impression that the famous British stiff upper lip in the face of a crisis is an inadequate response to the realities of instant terror in civilian neighbourhoods.
The Catholic school sector has reacted angrily to suggestions it is "funnelling" money away from students in disadvantaged areas to those in wealthy suburbs.

At fiery and, at times, personal Senate hearings,Catholic education authorities also opened up a new front in the school funding debate by warning the Turnbull government's changes could lead city dioceses to break away and form their own systems so they don't have to send money to schools in poorer regional areas.

Catholic education commissions in each state and territory receive government funding in a lump sum, which they distribute among their schools as they see fit.

Fairfax Media revealed last month that Catholic schools in low-income areas were receiving up to $1.5 million less than they were allocated under the federal government's needs-based formula.
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.
Mr Turnbull agreed, saying: "there is too much tolerance of extremist material on social media". He said change required co-operation from United States-based internet providers.

In the wake of the weekend's London terror attacks, the British Prime Minister called for the global regulation of cyberspace to prevent social media platforms being "safe spaces" for extremist material and urged improved moderation of such content.

Internet platforms need to crack down on extremist material being published by their users, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said, joining his British counterpart Theresa May in emphasising the role of social media giants in the spread of terrorism.

The Prime Minister said the so-called "five eyes" intelligence-sharing community - which includes Australia, the UK, the United States, Canada and New Zealand - was committed to compelling multi-national organisations to take a "more responsible" approach to extremist material.

Malcolm Turnbull : "He had a long record of violence. A very long record of violence."

"I would say that I think that the British Prime Minister has put her finger on a very important point, that there is too much tolerance of extremist material on social media and that, ultimately, requires cooperation from the big social media platforms, in particular, Facebook and Twitter.," he said.

"They, of course, are American businesses. They are headquartered in the United States and it is one of the priorities that we have and our friends in the UK have as we work as part of the five-eyes intelligence community.

"The other area where we need these global social media messaging companies to assist is in providing access to encrypted communications which are used by billions of people, of course, and applications like Whats App and Apple iMessage."
Australia's nine major human rights bodies have rebuffed the Turnbull government over its sceptical reception of the Uluru Statement, strongly backing the proposal to enshrine a "First Nations Voice" in the constitution.

The major parties reacted cautiously to the recommendation for what would likely be an elected Indigenous advisory body, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull warning Australians were "constitutionally conservative".

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce went further, declaring "it's not going to happen" and suggesting a body akin to a third chamber of Parliament "just won't fly" with the Australian people.

But the Australian Human Rights Commission, joined by its eight state and territory counterparts, declared "it is time for all our political leaders to listen" to Indigenous people and that the proposal could not be ignored.
Theresa May once said her desert island item would be a subscription to Vogue, and caused a national stir when she wore a $1700 pair of pants for a shoot in a Sunday newspaper.

So what is it about the British Prime Minister's clothes that has the nation  and the fashion world at large  in a leather lather?

For starters, let's talk about the shoes. Often leopard print and kitten-heeled, May once wore over-the-knee boots to meet the Queen.

One of her preferred shoe designers, Beverly Feldman, told Fairfax Media she had spotted three of her styles on the British PM, who's also a serial "re-wearer", much like the Duchess of Cambridge.
My first inkling that my NAB Traveller Card won't live up to its slogan and let me "pay like a local" comes early. I'm at my aunt's house in Los Angeles, trying to buy a pair of shoes online. But my NAB Traveller Card is declined. I try again. Declined. I give up and ask to use my aunt's American credit card instead, promising to repay her in cash.

Later, I notice that the cost of the shoes  some $US40  has been debited, twice, from my Traveller Card balance. Even though the transactions were declined. And because NAB's Traveller Card is a debit card and not a credit card, that means I'm missing $US80 from my carefully saved spending money.

Elana Benjamin went on the holiday in the US and her NAB Traveller Card didn't work as promised. Credit:Katherine Griffiths

Before I left Sydney, the NAB Traveller Card seemed ideal: it's fee free, has a competitive exchange rate, and  unlike my regular Visa card  has no international transaction fee for foreign currency purchases. Plus I could instantaneously top up my balance using internet banking.

But on holiday in California, the Traveller Card causes me grief. Admittedly, it does meet expectations some of the time: I use it easily at Macy's department store, to buy Disneyland tickets online, and to pay for car hire.
Escape. Hide. Act. See/Tell.

That's the advice Australian police would disseminate to the public in the event of an attack similar to the Borough Market car and knife rampage.

A tweet from London's Met Police on Saturday underscored the unprecedented sense of terror that has descended on the UK following three attacks in three months.

A far cry from the resolute "keep calm and carry on" response to terrorism nearly a decade ago, the message told Londoners to "RUN, HIDE, TELL".
But back to the bank levy leak. We know the information didn't emerge from inside the lock-up  the article was published beforehand. We know almost all leaks come from ministers' offices.

Yet, bizarrely, Treasury secretary John Fraser's reaction to the budget leak was to propose tightening security in the media lock-up, and to cast doubt on his own staff: "I would be devastated  devastated  if the leak came from Treasury," he told a Senate estimates hearing last week, before going on to propose methods of securing the lock-up that would make it impossible for journalists to actually work.

There is a far more obvious solution, though it appears the Treasury is uninterested in pursuing it. Budget lock-ups are outdated, costly and entirely unnecessary. There was a time  back in the age of telegraphy  when early access to information about changes to fuel, alcohol and tobacco taxes and suchlike could be used to make a quick buck in parts of the country far removed from Canberra. But we're in the internet age now. The lock-up exists solely to allow the government to influence how the budget is reported, and, we suspect, because journalists love the event and the advantage it gives to their media outlets.

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Here's a novel idea. Forget the nonsense about an "electronically secure lock-up". Give journalists the budget papers when everyone else (including the markets) receives them, whether that's noon, 7.30pm, midnight or whenever. Good journalists will make sense of them more quickly than the hoi polloi, who will still turn to the media for a summary and analysis. It will be different, but it will work. It will be cheaper, too.
The NSW government's bungled council merger policy is set to cost a Sydney council $200 million in lost revenue over the next decade, leaving ratepayers facing potential rate hikes and a decline in services, as the council struggles to keep its books in the black.

After banking over $14 million in surplus last financial year, Hornsby council's financial position is projected to plummet to a $1.7 million surplus this year, as a result of the botched merger with Ku-ring-gai council.

Hornsby mayor Steve Russell says he has fallen out with members of the party over his stance on council mergers.

Over the next decade, the council is now projected to bank surpluses averaging just $1.4 million each year if the merger does not proceed, according to a revised long-term financial plan prepared by the council's chief financial officer Glen Magus.

The major financial decline is a bitter twist for the council, which was one of the most effusive backers of the government's merger policy, and agreed to surrender key assets and a revenue stream in the redistribution of core economic territory to the new City of Parramatta Council.
Jailed former Labor MP Eddie Obeid's lawyers have told an appeal court that a duty to act solely in the public interest is "like a duty to be nice to your mum": a "mere matter of conscience" that is not legally binding.

Dressed in prison greens, Obeid waved to his wife Judith and members of his extended family via videolink from Silverwater jail as he watched his lawyers fight his conviction and sentence for criminal misconduct.

The 73-year-old was jailed in December for a maximum of five years for lobbying a senior bureaucrat about his family's secret business interests at Circular Quay.

Obeid sat with his arms crossed and a handkerchief folded in front of him as his legal team, including two silks, a junior barrister and a solicitor, argued in the Court of Criminal Appeal on Monday that there had been a miscarriage of justice.
The Queensland government will direct Stanwell to change its bidding practices to drive down power prices and investigate creating a renewable energy company known as CleanCo.

It is part of a $1.16 billion pre-budget announcement of the Powering Queensland Plan, aimed at putting downward pressure on electricity prices and creating jobs.

The Powering Queensland Plan is aimed at putting downward pressure on power prices. Credit:Virginia Star

A Queensland Energy Security Taskforce will be set up to implement outcomes of the Finkel Review.

One of the taskforce's first jobs will be to create a summer preparedness plan to make sure Queensland's energy system remains secure during the high demand periods of the 2017-18 and 2018-19 summers.
The internet can be an unruly place. Among the profiles on social media are real people, fake characters, bots, and a growing legion of ghosts: accounts of those who have passed with nobody at the helm.

Who becomes responsible for these digital legacies, and what should be done with them is yet to be clearly defined. It is the social media platforms themselves that have become their strange custodians by default, but they are being challenged in this new role.

A German court rejected a mother's demand that Facebook grant her access to her deceased daughter's account this week. Credit:Bloomberg

The issue came to light this week when a German court rejected a mother's demand that Facebook grant her access to her deceased daughter's account.

In the ruling, which overturned a lower court's decision, the Berlin appeals court said the right to private telecommunications extended to electronic communication that was meant only for the eyes of certain people.
Australian authorities are struggling to crack the highly secretive "app of choice" for terror plotters worldwide, partly stifled by the app creators' refusals to push back on jihadi infiltration.

Telegram, an encrypted messaging service and platform for hosting information-sharing "channels", has increasingly featured in terror acts.

Reports from London on Monday suggested a terror cell from Barking, who were recorded discussing a plot identical to the Borough Markets car and knife attack, had discussed using Telegram.

The fanatics behind the Berlin and Nice truck attacks had communicated via the app, as had the Paris attackers who killed 130 people in November 2015.
"The first they saw was the muzzled flash," one senior officer said. Police outside the Brighton apartments. Credit:Luis Ascui Three SOG officers were hit and injured. Six anti-terror police returned fire, killing Khayre instantly. The police, who were protected by body armour and shields, suffered pellet injuries to the hands and neck.

One of the police received 18 pellet wounds to his head and neck, while another suffered a finger injury. One was treated at the scene and two were taken to hospital. They are listed as satisfactory. Police are investigating if the Brighton siege was a copy-cat response to the weekend's London attack that resulted in the death of seven victims and three terrorists. Khayre was considered a "peripheral player" in a long running anti-terror investigation code-named Neath. He was charged and acquitted over plans to carry out a suicide attack on Sydney's Holsworthy army barracks. He was on parole on non-related violent offences.

It is understood Khayre cut off his parole GPS security ankle bracelet on Monday to avoid having his movements monitored. The IS magazine Rumiyah, as part of its "Just Terror Tactics" series a month ago, urged supporters to carry out an attack inside a building, using hostages, and for the terrorist to "keep some of his victims alive and restrained, making for a more lengthy and drawn-out hostage scenario". "One may then notify the authorities, explaining to them that he is a soldier of the Islamic State and informing them of what he has just done," according to the article. "The intention of this delay is therefore only to prolong the terror, as the ideal scenario is that they storm the location and he is killed as a shahid [martyr]  inshaallah  after having inflicted upon the kuffar [the infidel] a just massacre." The purpose, the article said, was "not to hold large numbers of the kuffar hostage in order to negotiate one's demands," but to sow terror.

"The scenario for such an attack is that one assaults a busy, public, and enclosed location and rounds up the kuffar who are present. Having gained control over the victims, one should then proceed to slaughter as many of them as he possibly can before the initial police response". Potential jihadists were instructed to gather hostages inside a building, which "allows one to massacre them while using the building as a natural defense against any responding force attempting to enter and bring the operation to a quick halt". It also suggested luring people into a place with an advertisement at a job centre, by advertising an apartment for rent, or advertising something for sale on "Craigslist, Gumtree, eBay ... and others". "Using deception as a tactic of warfare in order to lure one's target or trick them into believing that they are safe before killing them or inconspicuously assassinating them is divinely approved," the article said. IS has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"The attack in Melbourne, Australia was carried out by a soldier of the Islamic State in response to the call for targeting the subjects of the coalition states," the group's Amaq propaganda agency said. IS blamed the attack on Australia's membership in the US-led coalition against the militant group. Court documents reveal that Khayre previously had an affinity with al-Shabbab, the extremist group from his native Somalia. Police believed he had become radicalised after attending Preston mosque along with other men who were also charged in relation to the Holdsworthy barracks plot. It was alleged Khayre had also travelled to Somalia as part of preparation for the plot.
Questions remain over the deadly Brighton siege that sent a neighbourhood into lockdown for almost 24 hours and left a city reeling.

Witnesses described their terror as police swarmed the bayside suburb on Monday night, shutting down streets and ordering residents inside their homes, before storming an apartment block.

As fresh details emerged on Tuesday, there were fiery scenes in state parliament over the wave of violent crime sweeping the city. Meanwhile, the bomb squad and forensics police searched the Brighton crime scene and officers raided the gunman's home.

Some members of the Muslim community spoke out to condemn the attack by Yacqub Khayre, but others were reluctant to comment, raising questions about his motive and mental health.
A woman charged with the stabbing murder of her 13-month-old daughter telephoned her husband to say she had "done something to the baby", a court has heard.

Umal Sharif Abdurahman, 28, appeared briefly in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon, after police found the little girl's body in a house in Fordham Road in Reservoir earlier in the day.

Police leaving the home in Reservoir on Monday. Credit:Luis Ascui

Ms Abdurahman, who appeared in court wearing a white head covering over the top of her head, was remanded in custody to return to court on Tuesday.

The court heard she had significant mental-health issues.
Channel Seven reporter Paul Dowsley said police had told the network the phone number that linked the attack to terror groups matched the gunman's mobile number. Police respond to the hostage crisis in Brighton in June. Credit:Luis Ascui Dowsley told radio station 3AW the receptionist who took the phone call said the voice on the phone had "chilled her to the bone". The receptionist said the caller "seemed very firm and the woman in the background was clearly distressed". The Nepean Highway at Brighton was closed as the siege unfolded. Credit:Matthew Talbot-Weichmann

Mr Dowsley said the receptionist regularly took calls from members of the public but this one "stopped her in her tracks". It is understood a man killed by the gunman was an employee of the serviced apartments. The female hostage is also believed to have worked at the apartments. Jack Reid, 20, ran for his life as a flurry of gunshots were fired. Credit:Melissa Cunningham Police had arrived at the apartment block to find a man's body in the foyer while the suspect was holed up in one of the apartments with the woman. Dozens of gunshots rang out just after 6pm in Bay Street with crowds of people fleeing and taking refuge in a nearby Coles supermarket.

Emergency services, including heavily armed police, were at the scene. Credit:Matthew Talbot-Weichmann. A number of residents were trapped in the apartment block during the shootout. About 6.20pm police removed what appeared to be a body on a stretcher from the apartment block. Deputy Police Commissioner Andrew Crisp said police were investigating the relationship between the gunman and the female hostage, who is aged between 20 and 30. The call to Channel Seven is believed to have come from within the building. A woman could be heard screaming in the background.

Two of the shot police officers were taken to hospital and another treated at the scene, police said. None has life-threatening injuries. Jack Reid, 20, of Brighton said he and his friends had run for their lives after hearing gunfire. "I was standing on the corner across the road," he said. "I saw police pull out their guns, I heard about three dozen gun shots. I got really scared and ran across the road. Police were telling everybody to get into the Coles supermarket so me and mates just ran."

Kate Forster said she saw fire crews hiding behind their truck, empty cars left in the middle of the road and people stuck in the building next door to the siege. "Can see them in the window looking distressed," she said from the scene. Police were called to the serviced apartments at 4pm after reports of an explosion. Police then tried to negotiate with a man in one of the apartments who had taken a woman hostage. Graeme Hisgrove said he, his wife and teenage children had to hit their lounge room floor because of a volley of gunfire coming from the serviced apartments next to their house just after 6pm.

"We've all hit the deck on our lounge floor," Mr Hisgrove said. He said tactical police were inside his property against the fence line. Mr Hisgrove said he heard a single gunshot on the other side of his fence between 4 and 4.30pm. "It was one single bang. It was massive," he said. He went out the front of his house and police had already surrounded the premises.

He said he and his family were now "waiting it out" inside their home. "We're a bit on edge," he said. Mandy Sharp was at Brighton Swim School Aquatics on Bay Street with her two children when police evacuated about 30 people about 5pm.



Children in the middle of swimming classes were taken out of the pool as families and staff fled the scene.



Ms Sharp said people could smell the gunpowder in the air. "We were all a bit nervous and a bit scared, she said. "We were trying to keep calm for the kids though." Ms Sharp returned to the scene about 10pm to pick up her car but was told by police she would have to wait until Tuesday morning, with parts of Bay Street still blocked off.

Antonia Waite, who lives off Bay Street, said her daughter was in the front yard when police, armed with "big guns", drove past about 4.30pm and told her to "go inside and lock the doors". A number of callers said they saw undercover armed police with bulletproof vests running up the street. One person said police had arrested a person and who was handcuffed at a bus stop in Bay Street.
Apartment towers up to 20 storeys high would rise on prime inner-city land now used for public housing, detailed state government tender documents show.

The government intends to demolish dilapidated low-rise public housing estates in Northcote, Brunswick West, Heidelberg West, North Melbourne, Clifton Hill, Flemington, Prahran and Preston.

William Gwynne has lived at the Northcote public housing estate for three years. Credit:Jason South

Thousands of new private apartments are planned for the sites, which would be built by private sector developers, government documents released on Friday show.

The plans were released ahead of public consultation sessions with residents on the estates. The first was in Clifton Hill on Monday.
Bangkok: Cambodian authorities say an Australian filmmaker has been arrested in Phnom Penh for allegedly living in Cambodia illegally, and not for spying as earlier reported in the local media.

James Ricketson, 68, has been held in immigration detention since last Saturday after photographs showed him flying a drone over a political rally ahead of local elections on Sunday.

Australian filmmaker James Ricketson in police custody in Phnom Penh.

Lou Rabo, deputy municipal police chief in charge of immigration, told the Cambodia Daily that Mr Ricketson was not carrying his passport when authorities confronted him on Phnom Penh's riverside.

"He didn't have it. This means he is living in Cambodia illegally," he said.
London/Sofia: A 21-year-old Australian has been sentenced to four years in a Bulgarian jail after he was found guilty on Monday of training with a Kalashnikov with the intention of carrying out a terror attack.

But John Zakhariev, a dual Australian-Bulgarian citizen who grew up in Sydney and went to Waverley College, complained after the sentence that it had been a "show trial" without any evidence proving his guilt.

His lawyer said he would probably appeal the verdict, saying the Bulgarian investigation into his client had been "one-sided". He has two weeks to decide whether to do so.

Zakhariev said he thought it would be a waste of time.
Londoners stop for a moment of reflection near London Bridge, where hundreds of bouquets have been placed. Credit:AP But Mr Corbyn backed calls for May's resignation, which he said were "being made by a lot of very responsible people", after seven were killed and dozens were injured in London's latest attack. "People are very worried she was at the home office for all this time, presided over these cuts in police numbers and now is saying we have a problem," Mr Corbyn said. "Yes we do have a problem - we should never have cut police numbers." Critics say police are now over-worked and being called in on their days off. Credit:Getty Images The number of authorised firearms officers has fallen by more than 1000 since 2010, and the number of police in frontline roles by about 20,000. Mrs May was home secretary from May 2010 to July 2016.

At the time of the cuts, the then home secretary pointed at a big reduction in violent crime, and accused the Police Federation of "scare-mongering". Seven were killed and dozens were injured in the London Bridge attack. Credit:PA Mrs May was repeatedly asked on Monday if she would restore the cut police numbers in the face of the rising terror threat. She did not directly answer, instead pointing at her moves to protect the number of counter-terror police, increase funding for armed policing, and protect police budgets from threatened cuts in 2015. She hit back at her opponent, saying Corbyn failed to "meet the minimum requirement of the job of prime minister": keeping the country safe. She pointed at his previous opposition to expansions to police and intelligence powers, and his comments about the IRA, and said his Labour colleagues had themselves called for a cut in police numbers.

She also said Corbyn had failed to support police "shoot to kill" powers that had saved "countless lives" on the weekend. Corbyn has denied opposing shoot to kill, saying he had always backed the reasonable and proportionate use of force to protect innocent lives. London Mayor Sadiq Khan joined the debate on Monday, saying it was a fact that the more resources police have, the better job they can do. He was already on record expressing concern with police having the resources they need, he said. Over the last seven years London had lost hundreds of millions of pounds from its police budget, and faced new cuts in the near future, Mr Khan said - though it had already been forced to close police stations, sell buildings and lose thousands of police staff. "We need to make sure police have the resources they need," Mr Khan said.

Metropolitan police commissioner Cressida Dick told Sky that "any police leader  would always want more resources, of course we would". "We need to look at our strategy, we need to look at our resourcing," she said. Peter Kirkham, a former detective chief inspector from the Metropolitan Police, said the government was lying over claims that more armed police were on the street than ever before. "We hear talk of extra police officers on the streets  they're not extra," he told Sky. "They're officers that have had their rare leave days cancelled, they've had their 12-hour shifts that are now done routinely extended to 16, they're being drawn in from other areasThey're not extra officers at all. They are from other duties and they're being burned out." He called for an immediate reverse of cuts to ordinary policing.
Washington: 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.

Civilisation is not going to be driven out of Britain by three, or 300, 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.
Most Americans oppose President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, with a majority saying the move will damage the United States' global leadership, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Opposition to Trump's decision outpaces support for it by a roughly 2 to 1 margin, with 59 per cent opposing the move and 28 per cent in support. The reactions also break down sharply among partisan lines, though Republicans are not as united in support of the withdrawal as Democrats are in opposition of it. A 67 per cent majority of Republicans support Trump's action, but that drops to 22 per cent among political independents and 8 per cent of Democrats. Just over 6 in 10 independents and 8 in 10 Democrats oppose Trump's action.

The survey also finds broad scepticism toward Trump's argument that leaving the Paris agreement will benefit the US economy. While 32 per cent of respondents say his action will help the nation's economy, 42 per cent think it will hurt and 20 per cent say it will make no difference. On a separate question, slightly more people surveyed say that exiting the climate accord will cost jobs, such as those in renewable energy, than it will create jobs in the coal, oil and gas sectors.

Trump's decision to exit the landmark Paris climate agreement - a pact signed by more than 190 countries around the world - faced widespread criticism last week from US allies, major companies and mayors of numerous US cities, all of whom underscored their commitment to what they called the necessary task of combating climate change.
MARIGOT:--- Drs. Martin Wilson has left his political party the MJP to endorse Jacques Billy D Hamlet for deputy in the French Parliament. Wilson said he is simply honoring his word to Hamlet who supported the Alliance for Hope, Justice, and Prosperity (MJP) in the territorial election of March 2017 on French St. Martin.

Drs. Wilson, an educator and the first psycholinguist from St. Martin, the second member to go against party lines, after Jules Charville, to publicly endorse Jacques Hamlet for deputy. He has chosen not to support the MJPs candidate Marthe January Ogoundele Tessi for deputy and resign as a member of the party.

Drs. Wilson explained that when he joined the party in April 2016, it was unanimously agreed that Jacques Hamlet would support the team for the territorial election, and the party would endorse him for deputy.

Jacques Hamlet kept his part of the bargain, so it is deceitful and dishonest that the party leader and some members did not honor their word. A rupture within the party was inevitable as some members decided to stick to the initial decision to campaign for Jacques Hamlet, Wilson said.

He said when Ogoundele Tessi joined the party late last year, she had then gladly accepted the previous decisions made by the party with regards to the deputy election. The number two candidate on the MJP list, Wilson said, seemed to be making all the decisions in the campaign while the party leader remained silent.

That situation was unacceptable. I stand by my belief that MJP was the best team in the March election. I had the opportunity to work with brilliant minds such as Daniel Gumbs, Genevieve Glasgow, and Bernadette Davis. Nevertheless, the party lacks leadership and has lost all credibility when it decided not to honor its word with regards to endorsing Jacques Hamlet, Wilson said.

He continued: Furthermore, the worship of favoritism and the managerial ideologies of the partys candidate for deputy, from drafting out an unattractive list to the public for the territorial election to unrealistic policies, along with the partys lack of concern for all members, are the reason other members left the group and decided to voice their unhappiness publicly. Though my discontent was apparent before the second turn of the March election, I stayed silent not to tarnish the partys image right before a crucial vote.

Wilson said Jacques Hamlet has contributed tremendously to the development of the team in more ways than others. He said Hamlet is the best candidate to represent St. Martin in the French parliament.

Contrary to what some may say or think, he is indeed well-educated, outspoken, eloquent, and very informed about the procedures of the organic law. A key function of the deputy is to participate actively in debates in Paris, Wilson said.

Wilson described Hamlets running mate Abigail Pavot, as a young and dynamic architect, very practical and skillful, with great vision. He said, Hamlet/ Pavot is a perfect combination of experience, wisdom, youth and new ideas.

Equally important, Mr. Hamlet is a person who believes in a brighter future for the people of St. Martin and has always done his utmost best for the island on many levels. He is not running for deputy to settle political scores no to gain financial stability nor fame. As a concern citizen, I appeal to my friends and family and the entire St. Martin population to give credit where credit is due and vote massively for our best representation ever in France. Vote for Jacques Hamlet and Abigail Pavot. As we say in our Saint Martin vernacular language. Support We own Billy D, Wilson said.
PHILIPSBURG:--- We must have systems of checks and balances to make sure that those people who are making critical decisions for our country are held accountable, and nowhere is that more important than in the area of national security, US Senator, Chris Van Hollen said.

It is within this context of checks and balances that one of the initiatives of this government is to address integrity issues, and increase transparency and accountability within the government organization.

The website of the National Security Service Sint Maarten (NSS Sint Maarten) is, therefore, another important step towards achieving that goal.

The NSS Sint Maarten may be known to many as the institution that carries out the screening of nominees for the position of ministers, but they do much more.

The legal basis for the functioning of the NSS Sint Maarten is the National Ordinance on Security Service. The tasks as mentioned in this national ordinance include:

- Carrying out security screenings;

- The promotion of security measures;

- Conducting investigations to protect the country from persons or organizations that might threaten its democratic legal order, its integrity or its other vital interests, including those of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The NSS Sint Maarten performs these tasks under the responsibility of the Minister of General Affairs.

The website of the NSS Sint Maarten clearly proves that political activist, consumer advocate and attorney, Ralph Nader was not entirely correct when he stated: National security is the fig leaf against freedom of information.

In pursuit of that freedom of information, I wish to encourage the people of Sint Maarten to visit this website as much as possible to gather all the information they need. The website ensures that you can exercise that freedom of information. All the information you need is now at your fingertips. Keep yourself informed so you can contribute to the development of your country.

May I congratulate the NSS Sint Maarten with the launch of this website and I want to urge them to keep publishing as much information as possible to keep the people of Sint Maarten and the whole world informed about the importance of the work they do for Sint Maarten.

William V. Marlin,

Minister of General Affairs.
PHILIPSBURG:--- To observe the anniversary of the partition of the island of St. Maarten /St. Martin, the students of the M.A.C. Browlia Maillard Campus and the Aline Hanson School in Sandy Ground participated for the second year in friendly running reenacting aspects of the legend or myth of how the island was divided.

The race was held on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, from 8:30 am  12:00 pm. More than a 150 students from both sides of the island participated in the relay race.

The primary goals of the race was to promote cooperation between education institutions on both sides of the island; to develop cooperation based on our common history, to create student ambassadors of peace and friendship to promote UNESCOs international values; to strengthen students sense of belonging to a Friendly Island; to inspire social cohesion by uniting citizens from various backgrounds; and to promote a healthy living style through engaging in sport activities.

The route of the friendly race for the students of the M.A.C. Browlia Maillard Campus was from the frontier in Lowlands on the Dutch side: Mullet Bay Maho Airport road Welfare Road  Union Road  Cole Bay Border Frontier.

The route for the students of the Aline Hanson School was from the frontier in Lowlands on the French side: Terres Basses  Baie Nettle Sandy Ground  Marigot  Low Town  Bellevue.

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Silveria Jacobs met the students at the Lowlands/BasseeTerres border, where the students were cheered on and encouraged by the Minister. Remember its not about winning but about sportsmanship and comradery. Minister Jacobs wished the students much success and reminded the students that the most important aspect of the race was Friendship.

Minister Jacobs was invited to officially open the race by firing the shot as the go signal for the students to begin their journey.

After the race, both schools met at the Sandy Ground Culture Center where speeches were delivered by Ms. Catherine Bandou, coordinator of the race, at the Aline Hanson School. A speech was also given by Mrs. Juliana Hodge-Shipley on behalf of the Principal Tessa Davis-Marsha, from the MAC school.

In both speeches, they congratulated the organizers of the event, including Ms. Marcellia Henry, SG of the UNESCO Office, both principals and most of all the students who participated in the race.

At the culture center, a token of appreciation/small gifts was given to the students from the both schools as a symbol of continued friendship and unity.

A Trophy was also given to the captains of the both schools to display at their respective schools.
SIMPSON BAY:--- MPC students will be traveling to the Netherlands to participate in the Olympic Moves Competition in the Netherlands. The event is due to take place in the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam and during the tournament, the team is expected to compete in the street ball category. During the trip, they will also visit several schools so that the students, who are considering higher education in the Netherlands, can make an informed choice about their future studies.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Glenville Riley a 56-year-old man that does odd jobs around PHILIPSBURG told SMN News on Sunday night that he intends to take the law in his own hands if the Prosecutors Office fails to give him justice. Riley said he was beaten by police officers on Monday after a store owner who seemingly does not like to see him called police when he was in another store seeking assistance for a bus fare to get home. He said two officers showed up at the scene and one of them began beating him with a stick leaving him with a broken hand.

The man who lives in Cul de Sac said three years ago he was beaten by Sheriff Security Guards and during that beating, he sustained a broken jaw. He said he had to go to the Dominican Republic for treatment but to this day those officers from Sheriff Security that assaulted him were not punished for their actions.

Riley said he it took him almost three days before he was able to file a complaint against the officers that beat him last Monday. Riley further explained that he will not let this one pass even though he does not know his attackers personally. He said if the justice system fails him this time around he will be forced to take the law into his own hands in order to send a very strong message to law enforcement on St. Maarten.

He made very clear that he does not want to end up in prison but if the justice system fails him again then he has no choice, he said that he uses his hands to clean peoples yard and do odd jobs to make a living and now with a broken hand with pain day and night he is not able to work to put food on his table.

Last week Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said in a press statement that Riley filed a complaint against the officer with the detective department and his complaint will be sent to the Prosecutors Office for evaluation. Riley also said he intends to visit the Prosecutor Office himself because at no point he intends to take this kind of brutality lightly.

Persons that know Riley and brought him to SMN News said they know Riley to be a very peaceful man who does odd jobs. He is not a thief or nuisance to anyone. They also said that they know when he was attacked 3 years ago and he got no justice.
New Study from Duo Finds Millions of Devices Running Out-of-Date Systems, Despite Latest High-Profile Breaches

ANN ARBOR, MI  (Marketwired)  06/05/17  , the worlds leading cloud-based Trusted Access provider, today released The 2017 Duo Trusted Access Report, analyzing the security health of 4.6 million endpoint devices, including 3.5 million mobile phones across multiple industries and geographic regions.

With increased adoption of cloud services and mobile devices, enterprises no longer have distinct boundaries defined by inside and outside the firewall, making the health of devices connecting to their network more critical than ever to protect against new security threats.

To measure the state of device security health, the report analyzes top indicators including out-of-date operating systems, browsers and plugins that make endpoints more susceptible to vulnerabilities, as well as security features mobile devices have enabled.

Also, for the first time, the report highlights the latest data from Duos simulated phishing assessments. Phishing is one of the easiest and most effective ways for attackers to steal user credentials, exploit out-of-date software, and gain access to enterprise applications.

Key sections and highlights of the report include:

Improvement for Microsoft operating systems (OS): 31% of endpoints are running the latest OS version, Windows 10, compared to 15% in 2016. Enterprises are slowly migrating to the most up-to-date and secure version two years after its release.

However, 13% of endpoints are browsing dangerously on an unsupported version of the Internet Explorer browser that is no longer receiving security updates that patch known vulnerabilities.

Only 27% of Android phones are running the latest major OS version, compared to 73% of iPhones operating on iOS 10 or above. This stark difference is likely linked to many Android devices being beholden to both manufacturers and carriers to roll out updates, which can slow down the time to patch.

Compared to North America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) countries are slightly more up to date. In EMEA, 40% of endpoints are running the latest version, Windows 10, compared to 31% in North America. In the United Kingdom, 37% of endpoints are running Windows 10, compared to 31% overall.

has the highest number of endpoints running the Windows 10 operating system (OS) at 87%, while the and fall in the bottom with only 16% and 6% of endpoints respectively using the latest OS.

data reveals 76% of endpoints are running Windows 7  an 8-year-old operating system  which is much higher than the 59% average of all other endpoints. Worse still, the percentage of healthcare endpoints running Windows XP has increased from 2% to 3%, which is higher than the 1% of overall endpoints. This is troubling to see, as Microsoft ended security support for Windows XP in 2014, and continuing to run the OS could run afoul of the HIPAA risk management requirements.

comes in last for mobile security features, with the lowest amount of mobile devices with screen lock or encryption enabled, meaning they lack mobile device security.

Duos analysis of 3,575 simulated phishing campaigns conducted in the past 12 months from , with more than 80,000 recipients, found that .

44% of recipients opened the email and

13% of recipients entered their credentials (username and password).

13% of recipients use out-of-date browsers and 17% are running out-of-date operating systems

A quarter of recipients clicking the link in the email means that they could have potentially visited a malicious website, putting their devices at risk. Since the majority of recipients are using out-of-date devices to open phishing emails, this also puts users at higher risk of getting compromised by an attacker using known vulnerabilities.

Mike Hanley, Sr. Director of Security for Duo, explained, As underlined from many of the latest headline breaches, unpatched, out-of-date software, systems and servers are prime targets for attackers armed with known vulnerabilities and malware. The 2017 Trusted Access Report shows that while were making progress in some areas like Windows 10 adoption, there is still much room for improvement across the board.

Duo Security is a cloud-based Trusted Access provider protecting thousands of the worlds largest and fastest-growing organizations, including Dresser-Rand Group, Etsy, Facebook, K-Swiss, Paramount Pictures, Random House, SuddenLink, Toyota, Twitter, Yelp, Zillow and more. Duo Securitys innovative and easy-to-use technology can be quickly deployed to protect users, data and applications from breaches, credential theft and account takeover. The Ann Arbor, Michigan-based company also has offices in San Mateo, California; Austin, Texas and London. Duo Security is backed by Benchmark, Google Ventures, Radar Partners, Redpoint Ventures and True Ventures. Try it for free at .

North America

Meredith Corley and Jordan Fylonenko

UK/EMEA

Kirsten Scott and Barry Salmon
Savvius Announces Distribution Agreement with Global Convergence

WALNUT CREEK, CA  (Marketwired)  06/05/17  , leader in actionable network visibility, today announced that it has entered into a North America distribution agreement with (GCI), a leading value-added distributor specializing in Network Visibility, NSM (Network Security Monitoring), Software Defined Data Center and Open Infrastructure solutions for the global IT channel. As the lead distribution partner in the Savvius PartnerONE channel program, GCI will distribute and support the full range of Savvius network performance solutions to value-added resellers and solution providers.

Savvius offers a broad range of best-in-class products for network performance management, including the award-winning Savvius Omnipeek packet analysis software for network performance and security investigations, Savvius Omnipliance high-speed packet capture and analysis appliance, and Savvius Insight micro appliance for network management and security in remote offices.

Weve been looking for an exceptional services and solutions distribution partner to help resellers and solution providers in the Savvius PartnerONE program serve their enterprise customers in North America, and GCIs approach aligns perfectly with ours, said Patrick Johnston, vice president of worldwide sales at Savvius. Were thrilled to be working with the networking experts at GCI and their impressive community of value-added resellers. Whats even more compelling is GCIs line card of complementary vendors, some of whom are also Savvius Technology Alliance Partners (STAP).

GCI has an established track record working with innovative network and security solutions, says Brandon Ledford, vice president of revenue performance management at GCI. As enterprises demand ever more performance, reliability, and visibility from their networks, solution providers need access to network products with unmatched capabilities. Thats why we are delighted to be working with Savvius products and solutions.

The Savvius PartnerONE program is a global, multi-level partnership program focused on supporting channel partners with front-end deal registration to increase margins, effective sales tools and customized on-site and online sales and technical training. Savviuss STAP partners include: Cisco, Gigamon, Ixia, Elastic, Palo Alto Networks, APCON, Garland Technology, Network Critical, Datacom Systems, IBM, CheckPoint, Fortinet, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Procera, Aruba, Ekahau, Meru and Extreme Networks.

For more information about the Savvius PartnerONE program, visit:

Savvius offers a range of powerful software and appliance products that provide unparalleled visibility for rapid resolution of network performance problems and security investigations. Savvius products are trusted by network and security professionals at over 6,000 companies in 60 countries around the world. Visit for information about Savvius Omnipliance, Savvius Omnipeek, Savvius Vigil, and Savvius Insight, and to learn about Savvius technology and channel partners. Follow us at , and .

Founded in 1990, Global Convergence Inc. (GCI) is the channels services and solutions company. GCI empowers solution providers to bring innovative and disruptive technologies to market that complement their portfolio and provide them with new revenue opportunities. With a strong foundation as a U.S.-based value-added distributor with a full, channel-driven IT services portfolio specializing in voice and data networks and enterprise mobility, GCI has global capabilities in 170 countries. To learn more, visit , or follow us at , and .

Mark Chisholm

+1-253-444-5477

Susie Taylor

+44-788-608-9041
UNICOM Global Releases Focal Point 7.2

MISSION HILLS, CA  June 5, 2017  UNICOM Global has announced the release of Focal Point version 7.2, demonstrating the companys commitment to continued investment in Enterprise Architecture (EA), Project Portfolio Management and Application Portfolio Management (PPM) solutions. Focal Point is a comprehensive portfolio planning solution that market-driven teams can use to make collaborative, objective decisions to deliver products, projects and services of the highest market, customer and business value. Focal Point reduces the complexity of managing information from various sources such as emails, documents and spreadsheets and provides a collaborative centralized environment for requirements, products and project data.

Digital Transformation is a key initiative where many organizations are investing heavily, said Mr. Corry Hong, Founder, President and CEO of UNICOM Global. Next Year, Worldwide Spending on Digital Initiatives will reach $2.2 Trillion  60% more than in 2016. By 2020, more than half of the Global 2000 companies will see their businesses depending on their ability to create digitally. By adapting UNICOM UX4 Technology which is a critical link for Mobile Computing, Cloud, IoT and Business Intelligence, Focal Point version 7.2 can help customers in Digital Transformation of their Project Portfolio Management and Application Portfolio Management Solutions.

Ever since the acquisition of Focal Point from IBM, UNICOM Global has continued its investment in the solution by delivering six major releases of the product in the last two years. Focal Point version 7.2 is the latest release of the series with major enhancements to platform support, security, scalability and digital transformation. Focal Point version 7.2 includes a mobile application via adoption of UNICOMs UX4 technology to render UI components on mobile and handheld devices.

Focal Point version 7.2 is upgraded to run on Apache Tomcat 8, WebSphere Application Server 9.0 and Java 8, which enhances the scalability of the product under concurrent environments and the security of the product by supporting TLS 2.0 standard. Focal Point version 7.2 also comes with enhanced collaborative features, including the ability to subscribe for change notifications in the UI and the ability to search and tag other users in comments for their feedback. The ability to customize the UI has been greatly improved with the introduction of custom charts as plugins to the tool.

UNICOM Focal Point along with UNICOM System Architect is a key player in the EA and PPM domains, helping the customers to make strategic decisions at the enterprise level and provide increased business value at delivery.

UNICOM Global is a development-centered organization founded in Los Angeles in 1981 by Corry Hong, an Assembler programmer and architect who built the successful AUTOMON product, based on IBM CICS/TS technology. UNICOM Global is a strategic partner of IBM, with whom it has transacted over 13 enterprise software transactions, including UNICOM Intelligence (the market survey and analysis suite formerly known as SPSS Data Collection), UNICOM Finance (formerly Cognos Finance), PurifyPlus (for Application run-time analysis), solidDB (featuring one of the fastest in-memory databases in the world), and UNICOM Banking Transformation Toolkit (formerly an IBM WebSphere product supporting rapid multi-channel application development for the banking industry).
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There's a great deal to be said in praise of Bumble. Since being launched by Tinder co-founder Whitney Wolfe in 2014, it has continually demonstrated itself to be perhaps the most forward thinking dating app available. Recently, Bumble have trying to change their brand from a purely digital one into a physical one. Stickers, billboards, photo-booth tents at music festivals, and now an actual pop-up space for people to meet.The Hive is located in Soho, New York City and will be open 4 days a week at varying times until the 25th of June. It's intended as a hangout space, not only for dating but for hanging out and generally getting better acquainted with Bumble as a brand. As such, the whole place is styled to be a physical representation of the app, all honeycombs and light-up signs featuring silly-yet-endearing bee puns.Being able to physically define a brand is important, especially when you're building a community. Many digital brands suffer from feeling immaterial. Sure, they might have a consistent art style on all their platforms, but if you only interface with that style on a screen, on some level it still won't feel real. Bumble are trying to foster a community that regard it as more than just a dating service.For a while, Bumble have been planning to create another app geared towards social and business networking, in the hopes of increasing their appeal beyond people who are looking for a partner. Even now, some users are swiping through Bumble in search of friends, something which Bumble have done their utmost to encourage.Witney Wolfe herself will be hosting a panel at The Hive at some stage during its run, and a number of other events are also planned. The Hive also serves coffee, alcohol and sells Bumble merch (the profits from which are being given to charity). If all goes well, The Hive might end up staying open beyond its June 25th closing date.
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Chesterfield Townships appointed incumbent supervisor will serve out the remainder of a partial term following the Nov. 8 general election. Brad Kersten, a Republican, defeated his Democratic challenger, John P. Spica, with roughly 60% of the vote in Chesterfield Township. Id like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported my campaign, came out to the various events,...
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.
While there are lots of theories about black holes, a staple of singularity lore is that all black holes have event horizons  a one-way membrane through which particles fall in, never to return. Einstein's theory of general relativity says that all black holes have an event horizon where nothing, not even light, can escape the gravitational pull of these extremely dense objects.

But some have cast doubt about the existence of these event horizons. Stephen Hawking, one of the architects of modern black hole theory, wrote a paper in 2014 arguing that event horizons are incompatible with quantum theory. He instead proposed a more benign "apparent horizon," which only temporarily holds matter and energy.

This artist's impression shows a star crossing the event horizon of a supermassive black hole located in the center of a galaxy. (Image credit: Mark A. Garlick/CfA)

Another proposed alternative to event horizons is the "hard surface theory," which suggests that matter within a black hole is destroyed by smashing into a solid surface. Instead of a singularity with no surface area, the black hole is a giant mass with a hard surface, and material being pulled closer  such as a star  would not actually fall into a black hole, but hit this hard surface and be destroyed. If that were the case, the collision should create a large burst of light.

But if event horizons do exist, there wouldn't be flash of light. Instead, matter would just completely vanish when pulled in.

RELATED: Black Hole Found Choking on Massive Meal of Stardust

This is the first in a sequence of two artist's impressions that shows a huge, massive sphere in the center of a galaxy, rather than a supermassive black hole. Here a star moves towards and then smashes into the hard surface of the sphere, flinging out debris. The impact heats up the site of the collision. (Image credit: Mark A. Garlick/CfA)

There are two possible ways to test the event horizon theory versus the hard surface theory. One is direct imaging of a black hole, and astronomers hope to do just that with the Event Horizon Telescope, a powerful array of telescopes around the world that is currently making observations of two supermassive black holes.

But a group of astronomers at the University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University didnt want to wait for the Event Horizon Telescope data, and used another method to assess this basic principle of black holes. They say that their results, which they describe in a paper published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, constitute another successful validation of Einstein's theory.

"Our whole point here is to turn this idea of an event horizon into an experimental science, and find out if event horizons really do exist or not," said Pawan Kumar, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Texas at Austin, in a statement. "Our motive is not so much to establish that there is a hard surface, but to push the boundary of knowledge and find concrete evidence that, really, there is an event horizon around black holes."

In this second artist's impression a huge sphere in the center of a galaxy is shown after a star has collided with it. Enormous amounts of heat and a dramatic increase in the brightness of the sphere are generated by this event. The lack of observation of such flares from the center of galaxies means that this hypothetical scenario is almost completely ruled out. (Image credit: Mark A. Garlick/CfA)

Black holes are strange regions where gravity is strong enough to bend light, warp space and distort time. [ See how black holes work in this SPACE.com infographic .] (Image credit: Karl Tate, SPACE.com contributor)

Kumar, graduate student Wenbin Lu, and Ramesh Narayan, a theorist from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, figured out what a telescope would see when a star hit the hard surface of a supermassive object at the center of a nearby galaxy: The stars gas would envelope the object, shining for months, maybe even years.

When they knew what to look for, the researchers estimated the rate at which stars fall into supermassive black holes to figure out how often this flash of light should be visible.

"We estimated the rate of stars falling onto supermassive black holes," Lu said. "Nearly every galaxy has one. We only considered the most massive ones, which weigh about 100 million solar masses or more. There are about a million of them within a few billion light-years of Earth."

RELATED: The Mystery of How Black Holes Collide and Merge Is Beginning to Unravel

The team looked at archival data from the 1.8 meter Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii, which had recently completed a three-year project to survey half of the northern hemisphere sky while searching for "transients"  distant bursts of light that glow for a while and then fade. Their goal was to find transients with the expected light signature of a star falling toward a supermassive object and hitting a hard surface.

"Given the rate of stars falling onto black holes and the number density of black holes in the nearby universe, we calculated how many such transients Pan-STARRS should have detected over a period of operation of 3.5 years,"Lu said. "It turns out it should have detected more than 10 of them, if the hard-surface theory is true."

But they found nothing. No object displayed the expected light signature that would show evidence of the hard surface theory. The team says this non-finding helps demonstrate that event horizons are real, and that matter completely vanishes when pulled into a black hole.

"Our work implies that some, and perhaps all, black holes have event horizons, and that material really does disappear from the observable universe when pulled into these exotic objects, as we've expected for decades,"Narayan said. "General Relativity has passed another critical test."

Of course, no researcher is satisfied with one test. The team hopes to continue its research with an even larger telescope: the 8.4-meter Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), which is currently under construction in Chile. Like Pan-STARRS, LSST will make repeated surveys of the sky over time, revealing transients with much greater sensitivity.

But in the meantime, keep an eye out for results from the Event Horizon Telescope later this year.

Originally published on Seeker.
The first-ever commercial space station will become a manufacturing hub just a few years after reaching orbit, if everything goes according to plan.

Houston-based company Axiom Space envisions its off-Earth outpost  the first pieces of which are scheduled to launch in 2020  initially taking the reins from the International Space Station (ISS), serving as a base for research and a destination for national astronauts and deep-pocketed tourists.

While those duties will continue into the future, the biggest money lies in another field, Axiom Space representatives said. [6 Private Deep-Space Habitats Paving the Way to Mars]

"We expect that, by the 2027 time frame, manufacturing will overtake all the other revenue combined," Amir Blachman, Axiom Space's vice president of strategic development, told Space.com.

Axiom Space plans to attach its first module (lower right, with body-mounted solar panels) to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2020. (Image credit: Axiom Space)

A commercial space station

Axiom Space has formally existed for just 16 months, but its leaders are far from newbies in the field. Axiom's president and CEO is Michael Suffredini, who managed NASA's ISS program for a decade, and its chairman is Kam Ghaffarian, president and CEO of SGT Inc., a NASA contractor that operates the ISS and trains American astronauts.

Axiom's plan involves leveraging the ISS in a variety of ways, and then operating its successor. For example, the company aims to start launching space tourists on 10-day missions to the ISS in 2019. Training for such voyages should begin this year, Blachman said. (Such tourist flights will cost tens of millions of dollars per seat, he added.)

Axiom's station will begin taking shape in 2020, when the company begins launching its own modules to link up with the ISS. When the first two such pieces are aloft and attached, the Axiom outpost will be operational and capable of housing seven crewmembers, Blachman said.

The company plans to launch a half dozen or so additional pieces  power and propulsion modules, for example  through 2024. The total cost of construction, launch and assembly will likely be between $1.5 billion and $1.8 billion, Blachman said.

During this time, Axiom will continue supporting visitors. Some will be national (also known as "sovereign") astronauts on 60-day missions, while others will be tourists on their shorter jaunts. The company also expects to make money from advertising and sponsorships, Blachman said.

"We'd like to see, with us, astronaut uniforms look like NASCAR uniforms, or modules that have companies' names on them," he said. Lab equipment inside the station could be sponsored by companies in the biomedical field, he added.

When the ISS comes to the end of its life, the Axiom station will separate and begin flying freely in low Earth orbit. This milestone is currently scheduled to occur in 2024, though NASA and its partners are discussing the possibility of extending the $100 billion ISS through 2028.

When the International Space Station reaches the end of its operational life, Axiom's outpost will separate and begin flying freely. (Image credit: Axiom Space)

Off-Earth manufacturing

Axiom will likely start generating revenue from manufacturing early on, thanks in large part to rapidly advancing 3D-printing technology, Blachman said. The company hopes to ramp up quickly, serving as a production base for a variety of big and lucrative jobs in a decade or so, he added.

"We can envision printing hundreds of jet turbines and super-specialized alloys, and down-massing them in quantity," Blachman said. "We're talking 2026, 2027, 2028." [3D Printing: 10 Ways It Could Transform Space Travel]

Not all of this space-made gear will come back down to Earth. Customers will also use the station to manufacture and deploy small satellites, at a fraction of the current cost required to launch a fully formed spacecraft from Earth, Blachman said.

Axiom is already discussing its plans with Made In Space, the California-based company that built both of the 3D printers aboard the ISS. (One of these printers now belongs to NASA, but Made In Space owns and operates the other one, a commercial machine known as the Additive Manufacturing Facility, or AMF.)

"The things that Axiom is doing and the things that we're doing are very, very synergistic," Made In Space CEO Andrew Rush told Space.com. "We've agreed to try and use each other's services as much as possible."

For example, Made In Space plans to make the AMF available to astronauts flying via Axiom, Rush said. And the California company "will be looking very closely" at the Axiom outpost as a site for the large-scale production of high-quality optical fiber and other material that Made In Space plans to manufacture off Earth, Rush added.

Furthermore, Made In Space's Archinaut technology  basically, an advanced 3D printer integrated with robotic arms  could augment or improve Axiom's station, by building external platforms or other structures, Rush added.

Made In Space has also had discussions with Bigelow Aerospace, a Las Vegas-based company that plans to launch its own private space outposts  some in Earth orbit, and some on and around the moon.

Bigelow's expandable habitats, one of which is currently attached to the ISS as a technology demonstrator, are made of soft but tough fabric. Axiom, on the other hand, will use rigid metallic modules built by French company Thales Alenia Space.

"It's our objective and our plan to work with everybody, and to use whatever is best suited for our purposes as the systems come online," Rush said.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
NASA astronaut Patrick Forrester, seen on the flight deck of space shuttle Discovery in 2009, has been appointed the new Chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

HOUSTON  NASA has appointed a new leader for its astronaut corps, just days before naming its latest class of trainees.

Patrick Forrester, a retired U.S. Army colonel who flew on board three space shuttle flights to the International Space Station, has become the 16th Chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Forrester succeeds Christopher Cassidy, who has returned to the active corps to await his third spaceflight assignment.

"I have known Pat for more than 20 years. He will no doubt be an outstanding chief," said Brian Kelly, NASA's director of flight operations, who chose Forrester for the promotion. [NASA's Best Photos of Earth from Space of 2016 (Gallery)]

"Pat is a well-respected and proven leader," Kelly said in a statement on Friday (June 2), "who will capably guide our astronauts as they reach beyond low-Earth orbit."

Outgoing Chief Astronaut Chris Cassidy, as seen inside the cupola aboard the International Space Station in August 2013. (Image credit: NASA)

The position of chief astronaut, which was first created and held by original Mercury 7 astronaut Deke Slayton in 1962, oversees the corps' activities, including managing training programs, appointing technical assignments and choosing the crews for upcoming missions.

As a part his new role, Forrester will oversee the incoming 2017 class of astronaut candidates  NASA's 22nd group of trainees since 1959  who were chosen out of a record pool of more than 18,000 applicants under Cassidy's lead.

"One of my roles as a chief astronaut is to select new guys and we just completed the process," said Cassidy during a public talk at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on May 28. "On Thursday [May 25], we made the phone calls to the 12 individuals we just selected to become astronauts."

Vice President Mike Pence will join Kelly and other NASA leaders at Johnson Space Center on Wednesday (June 7) to welcome the new astronauts to Houston.

Cassidy, who became the 500th person to fly in space on a shuttle mission in 2009 and then launched on a Russian Soyuz to spend 166 days aboard the International Space Station in 2013, was selected as an astronaut in 2004. A Navy SEAL, he was named chief of the Astronaut Office in July 2015, replacing astronaut Robert Behnken.

"Chris is an American hero," stated Kelly. "He has been an exemplary leader of NASA's astronaut corps and has been instrumental in the integration of our entire flight operations as well as the selection of our newest astronaut class. His practical approach in tackling the many challenges that our astronauts encounter while living and working in space has been crucial to the continued success of our spaceflight missions."

Forrester was named an astronaut in 1996. He has logged almost 40 days in orbit on three shuttle flights (STS-105 in 2001, STS-117 in 2007, and STS-128 in 2009), including conducting four spacewalks. Prior to be named chief of the astronaut office, Forrester served as chief astronaut for the NASA Engineering and Safety Center and deputy chief of the astronaut office under Cassidy.

In addition to the 12 incoming astronaut candidates, who will begin two years of basic training in August, Forrester will lead the current 44 active astronauts in the office. The corps will continue to staff the International Space Station, flying on Russian Soyuz and U.S. commercial vehicles, the latter entering service in the next two years.

NASA is also planning to send crews on missions beyond the Earth, to the moon and Mars using the Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and Orion exploration spacecraft.

See a list of all 16 chiefs of NASA's Astronaut Office at collectSPACE.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2017 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
An experiment that arrived at the International Space Station today (June 5) will test a celestial navigational system that one day may guide future spaceships to Jupiter as efficiently as GPS satellites get you to Starbucks.

The Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation Technology (SEXTANT) experiment is among the projects planned for the world's first telescope dedicated to observing neutron stars, the densest known objects in the universe.

Neutron stars form when a star roughly 10 to 30 times the mass of the sun runs out of fuel for nuclear fusion and collapses, crushing every proton and electron in its core. The result is a ball of neutrons about 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) across  roughly the size of a city  that contains as much mass as the sun. [New ISS Experiment Will Probe Neutron Stars (Video)]

A teaspoon of a neutron star would weigh about 1 billion tons (0.9 million metric tons) here on Earth  as much as a mountain, according to NASA.

Artist's concept of a pulsar (blue-white disk in center) pulling in matter from a nearby star (red disk at upper right). The stellar material forms a disk around the pulsar (multicolored ring) before falling onto the surface at the magnetic poles. The pulsar's intense magnetic field is represented by faint blue outlines surrounding the pulsar. (Image credit: NASA)

Stars larger than about 30 solar masses generally collapse into a black hole, which are objects so dense with matter that not even light can escape their gravitational fists.

Unlike black holes, neutron stars radiate energy across a broad range of frequencies, but they are most visible in their X-ray beams, which will be the focus of the station's newly arrived Neutron-star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) observatory.

NICER, which will be robotically mounted to the outside of the station, contains 56 X-ray mirrors to illuminate the structure and inner workings of neutron stars. Of particular interest are pulsars, which are fast-spinning neutron stars with especially luminous magnetic fields.

An artist's illustration of the Neutron-star Interior Composition Explorer, or NICER, on the International Space Station. (Image credit: NASA)

Pulsars emit powerful beams in opposite directions as they spin. These beams are observable only when they're pointed toward Earth, making it seem as if these objects pulse (hence the name). In some cases, this apparent pulsing occurs with the predictability and consistency of an atomic clock.

The fastest pulsars spin hundreds of times per second  faster than the blades of a household blender, said physicist Zaven Arzoumanian, lead researcher with the NICER project at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

"The fact that we have these pulsars apparently flashing away in the sky makes them interesting as tools," Arzoumanian said.

"You can imagine having a system of clocks, very accurate clocks, distributed all over the sky," he said. "In the same way that we use atomic clocks on GPS satellites to navigate our cars and ourselves on the surface of the Earth, we can use these clock signals from the sky, from pulsars, to navigate spacecraft anywhere in the solar system."

The idea of navigating via pulsar is not new, but the technology to autonomously detect and time the flashes is a recent development. Once it's attached to the station, the NICER telescope and SEXTANT software will run for an initial 18-month demonstration mission.

The telescope is among nearly 3 tons (2.7 metric tons) of supplies and experiments aboard the SpaceX Dragon cargo ship that blasted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday (June 3) and arrived this morning.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to state that neutron stars form from stars with masses about 10 to 30 times that of the sun. (The previous version said they form from stars with 1 to 3 solar masses.)

Irene Klotz can be reached on Twitter at @free_space. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
Astronomers have found the hottest known exoplanet, a world where temperatures exceed those on the surface of most stars.

The Jupiter-like planet, known as KELT-9b, zips around its hot host star once every 1.5 Earth days. Its orbit is so tight that the gas giant is tidally locked, always showing the same face to the star, just as the moon shows only one face to Earth.

Temperatures on KELT-9b's "day side" reach a blazing 7,800 degrees Fahrenheit (4,300 Celsius), the planet's discoverers said. That's hotter than the surface of the dwarf stars that dominate the Milky Way galaxy, and just 2,200 degrees F (1,200 degrees C) cooler than the surface of the sun. (However, temperatures in the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, can reach about 3 million degrees F, or 1.67 million degrees C.) [Gallery: The Strangest Alien Planets]

(Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

Such extreme temperatures make KELT-9b a truly otherworldly place. For example, molecules such as water and carbon dioxide likely cannot exist in the planet's atmosphere, the researchers said.

"Its a planet by any of the typical definitions based on mass, but its atmosphere is almost certainly unlike any other planet we've ever seen just because of the temperature of its day side," Scott Gaudi, professor of astronomy at The Ohio State University, said in a statement. Gaudi is co-leader of the study announcing the discovery of KELT-9b, which was published today (June 5) in the journal Nature (opens in new tab).

The host star KELT-9 is bigger and hotter than the sun, and its intense radiation is causing KELT-9b's atmosphere to puff up: The planet is 2.8 times more massive than Jupiter but only half as dense, researchers said.

"KELT-9 radiates so much ultraviolet radiation that it may completely evaporate the planet," study co-leader Keivan Stassun, a professor of physics and astronomy at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, said in the same statement. "Or, if gas giant planets like KELT-9b possess solid rocky cores as some theories suggest, the planet may be boiled down to a barren rock, like Mercury."

The researchers discovered KELT-9b using the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) at Winer Observatory in southeastern Arizona, which spotted the exoplanet crossing, or transiting, its host star's face. (There is another KELT scope in South Africa as well; the inexpensive instruments are designed to detect planets transiting relatively bright stars.)

The astronomers aim to observe KELT-9b with other instruments, including NASA's Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes and the agency's $8.9 billion James Webb Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch in late 2018.

Hubble imagery could reveal if KELT-9b really is evaporating  if it possesses a comet-like tail  and help astronomers assess how long the planet might be able to survive as a gas giant (as opposed to a radiation-blasted core).

"As we seek to develop a complete picture of the variety of other worlds out there, its important to know not only how planets form and evolve, but also when and under what conditions they are destroyed," Stassun said.

The research team also presented the new results today at the 230th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Austin, Texas.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
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Did you recently pick up a free bag of FailChips at your local convenience store? See a preview for an art-house film called KaleLimp? Or did you hear about Blood Oranges latest music collaboration, VeilHymn?

If you answered yes, then you were sucked into the weird and wonderful Did You Mean MailChimp? campaign. MailChimp, the email marketing platform, created it over the course of a year in partnership with advertising agency Droga5. The idea, inspired by a 2014 advertisement on the Serial podcast where the brands name was mispronounced (remember the little kid who said Mail Kimp?), was to promote nine sham products, trends or pieces of content that rhymed with MailChimp, and then target them at different subcultures within the small to medium-size businesses that MailChimp courts. Then the brand would sit back as curious consumers were sucked into an internet rabbit hole that, in time, led back to MailChimps landing page.

Related: 5 Rules for Stand-Out Marketing Campaigns

At one point, our account director at Droga5 sat me and our CMO down and said, This feels borderline reckless, recalls Mark DiCristina, MailChimps senior director of brand marketing. Thats when I knew we were onto something.

They were. Prior to launch, MailChimps most successful marketing campaign was the one that played ahead of Serial. That spot reached 36 million people; after just a few months, the new Did You Mean MailChimp? campaign has reached 334 million. Social sentiment has been hugely positive, and the few times people are not loving it, they actively hate it, DiCristina says. They think its either the best thing or the worst thing. And Im proud of that. I love that no one was like, meh.

Heres how some of the MailChimp ideas came together.

VeilHymn

The musician Blood Orange teamed up with Bryndon Cook to create a new song, Hymn, which has been streamed more than 1.5 million times. Literally the only direction we gave was to name this new collaboration something that sounds like MailChimp, DiCristina says.

Related: How Marketing Is Getting More Creative

FailChips

Potato chips were perfectly crushed, bagged and distributed to real stores in 10 cities. The chips earned the most vitriol from consumers, DiCristina says. Theyd put them on Instagram with a caption declaring the end of the world.

MaleCrimp

During New York Fashion Week in February, MailChimp hosted a one-day pop-up at Made Man Barbershop in Chelsea to, yes, crimp mens hair.

WhaleSynth

A web-based instrument that let users mix real music with an array of whale sounds.

MailShrimp/kalelimp/jailblimp

Three short surreal art films -- about a crooning shrimp in a mailroom, a dog made out of kale and a blimp-shaped pinata full of convicts -- ran ahead of features in 95 art-house theaters and 180 regional chains across the country.

NailChamp

Designed for the Instagram set, NailChamp was a six-week online battle between nail artists. We really wanted these things to appear in the world as if they were happening naturally, DiCristina says. It worked. NailChamp earned coverage from Teen Vogue.

Related: How Marketing Psychology Can Improve Your Bottom Line

SnailPrimp

Snail secretions are the latest beauty trend (for real), and during a one-day pop-up spa on the roof of the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, visitors were treated to free snail facials.

Related:



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
W hen you meet Joe Cohen he doesnt exactly look like your typical London property suit. Theres no hint of Savile Row or polished Prada brogues. Instead the entrepreneur rocks up in a staple techie uniform of trainers, dark blue jeans, navy jumper and thick-framed black specs.

The Silicon Valley-look is a reminder of what the 49-year-old, stocky American digital guru is best-known for: founding online ticket giant Seatwave in 2006 before selling it to rival Ticketmaster in 2014.

That business thrust Cohen into the spotlight when, in 2012, it was featured on a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation into sky-high prices at ticket reselling firms.

He admits it was stressful but insists his company did nothing wrong: I told customers to watch the programme to decide for themselves, and I live-tweeted during the broadcast. Shortly after, we had our best sales day when tickets for a One Direction tour sold out in record time.

He wont say how much he was paid for Seatwave. But, as he puts it: I have five kids and live in London, so money goes quick enough and sitting tight was not an option.

With a home to keep up in affluent Hampstead and a desire to found a new tech start-up, Cohen started commercial property marketplace Property.Works in December 2014.

In his heavy Cleveland twang, he explains that the business is an online marketplace for commercial property, where firms across the UK can view potential offices, shops or warehouses that they want to lease, all on one website.

If a company wants to a view a property, they are transferred to the agent which listed the property (similar to how Rightmove and Zoopla work with residential sales). Property.Works gets a slice of the fee the agent gets from the tenant if a deal is signed. Users will also pay an annual fee of 2000 or more to list properties.

Cohen, who before Seatwave ran the international division of Match.com, says: I decided to set this up because I worked out that, throughout my career, I have been involved in around 40 letting deals from the occupier side when trying to find new headquarters or storage space.

Every single one of those was really painful because there was no one single place where you could view what sort of buildings were out there. I remember having to go on numerous site visits, ringing lots of different agents and getting lots of different quotes on rent.

Using a mix of online ads, posters at Tube stations and working with a number of the capitals traditional property agents, Property.Works has rapidly grown to host more than 25,000 building listings.

Cohen also claims it has become the first port of call for many tech start-ups for whom searching online comes far more naturally than picking up the phone to an agent. Its not just Shoreditch tech though, it has even helped a sex shop open new premises in Basildon.

The firm notched up revenues of 100,000 last year and Cohen expects that to soar to close to 1 million before the end of this year. A 1.5 million seed funding round closed last year.

But what is it that makes the businessman and his backers  including European property investor Meyer Bergman and tech angel Passion Capital  think they can make big money in a market which is dominated by traditional estate agents and corporate giants?

Cohen thinks the bricks and mortar property experts are keen to work with the website.

He says a number of big agents, including Cushman & Wakefield, are advertising space on Property.Works because it means they can concentrate on some of their bigger, bonus-making deals.

He explains: Agents want to help all their customers, but it makes sense for a number of them to dedicate their time to mega-deals of more than 100,000 square feet. We are able to advertise smaller spaces so they can focus on higher-value stuff, such as City of London headquarters deals.

However, not all agents are likely to be pleased, with some smaller companies trying to win contracts of all sizes in a commercial property world which has had jitters since the Brexit vote.

Cohen is convinced there is plenty of work for everyone as a raft of start-ups will continue to need space as they naturally expand from home or serviced offices.

In a final attempt to prove how much he thinks of his new venture, the chief reveals he recently found Property.Works a new Kentish Town headquarters using the site. A good endorsement, indeed.
I t has been a dismal election campaign for business leaders.

Both major parties have portrayed wealth creators as a problem that needs fixing rather than part of a solution to the nations ills.

An even greater agony for captains of industry is that they have not been listened to.

Deserted factory floors have provided the backdrop for Theresa Mays stage-managed walkabouts but key business issues such as infrastructure and skills have not come to the fore.

Instead, a draconian reduction in immigration numbers plus a 2000 annual fee for each non-EU worker threaten to wreak havoc for numerous industries is proposed.

Intervention in markets and boardrooms to set prices, pay and governance would deal a blow to the UKs free market credentials.

All feature in a manifesto that offers no overarching vision for the future of the country. And that is just the Conservatives.

That widespread nationalisation is on the Labour ticket shows just how far from favour capitalism has fallen.

So too fiscal discipline, if hundreds of billions are to be splurged buying back water companies and Royal Mail that might otherwise be ploughed into new roads and better schools or, perish the thought, reducing the deficit.

This is a damaging state of affairs.

Whatever the government of the day hopes to achieve, it must be bankrolled by business, through the tax receipts that firms generate and thanks to the jobs they create.

It is an old-fashioned marriage, with the business world as breadwinner funding ministers spending on lifes essentials. It might hit a rocky patch from time to time, but a loveless union benefits neither side. Both know who wears the trousers.

Tax is a fact of life but increases are being viewed as an elastic concept that can be turned on like a tap with few consequences.

All the talk is how to fund the NHS and pensioners benefits, not how to generate greater wealth for the nation.

There is a misapprehension of the competitive pressures that face global businesses. Labour is reverting to type, albeit a more grotesque version of itself, but the Tories look unrecognisable as the party of business. It does not bode well for Brexit negotiations that will kick off this autumn.

There is hope that Mays tough talk during the campaign softens if she returns to power. Her mandate to meddle might start to look like hard work when Brexit overwhelms everyones in-tray.

But those that berate Westminsters disillusionment with business might stop to ask why. It is not just that backing business is a vote loser.

The bosses who spoke out in favour of Remain last year know now they might actually have tipped the scales towards Leave. It is not simply that May lacks connections in the City and top boardrooms, having never served time in the Treasury unlike David Cameron and Gordon Brown before her.

It is only partly down to a realignment of the trade lobby bodies that has seen the CBI, which traditionally had the ear of Downing Street, lose ground to the Institute of Directors, which speaks up for strivers and the regions.

For business, the optics are poor. The perception is of a self-interested community struggling to reform. Putting tougher controls around executive pay build on the quiet shareholder rebellion that has taken place during this years annual general meeting season. Business has also cried wolf, voicing fears that the minimum wage and apprenticeship levy would deal them devastating blows. A trust deficit dates back at least to the banking collapse.

And then there are the cyber attacks, conduct fines and, most recently at BA, IT woes, that highlight too often a lack of investment, failing culture and general incompetence. This vision of British business is eclipsing the one that features brands and brainpower revered the world over.

Chief executives are bred with resilience to cope whatever the regulatory landscape, but something must be done to breach the divide. It is ludicrous that most are in the dark about the Brexit negotiations ahead, the very reason we are heading to the polls on Thursday. It is here that business expertise will be vital. Only now May is promising to consult fully on the way ahead and push for a phased implementation of Brexit. Let us hope these are not just warm words to appease what should be her natural fanbase in the final days of an unimpressive campaign.

How much more effective her negotiating team would be if it recruited from industry those with a broad knowledge of cross-border trade and regulation. How much better if business leaders could convince they act with the nations best interests at heart. The vast majority of them do.

Friday morning marks a new dawn. We are all in this together, whoever wakes up in power.
L ondon businesses struck a resilient tone after the London Bridge terror attack on Saturday, advocating that life continue as normal and that the city come together.

Heres what bosses from the property, retail, pubs, hospitality and luxury goods sectors had to say today:

Patrick Dardis, chief executive, Youngs:

Youngs is a London company through and through and we stand united with all Londoners and all visitors to this great city of ours against anyone who seeks to challenge the way of life and the values we all hold dear.

Nick Varney, chief executive, Merlin:

We need to keep the UK open for business and show that Britain, and London are brilliant, welcoming places to visit. London is a world class destination. There may be a short term impact to business but it will come back.

Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive, London First:

What really struck me first and foremost on a human level, is people caring about their own people  their staff and customers. Business large and small tend to take their responsibility quite seriously in regard to staff and customer safety.

Most businesses now would have some sort of business continuity plan in place, but now is a good time for encouraging our members to review those security and response plans, ranging from thinking about different threats, to how to get in contact with staff easily even if out of house and getting information to them about what could keep them safe.

Anecdotally we are starting to hear intentions to strengthen those plans and in some cases upping the level and focus and ensuring security measures are more visible to provide reassurance.

London is a resilient city, its known for that. London has been through a lot in its many years of existence and will continue to remain open, people will continue to go about their business and people will continue to visit. Londons brand is rock solid.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive, British Hospitality Association:

The best response to their cowardly attack is for Londoners and visitors to continue life as normal, which includes visiting all that London has to offer.

Brian Bickell, chief executive, Shaftesbury:

Everybody is shocked by the events on Saturday evening, but London will be resilient. Its diversity and tolerance are its greatest assets.

Real Estate Management UK, the asset manager of The Shard:

London is a resilient city with an unbreakable spirit and we are returning to business as usual.

Helen Brocklebank, chief executive, Walpole:

British luxury is a resilient, determined sector and terrorist attacks will not push London from its spot as the worlds number one luxury destination. By showing our love for each other and by going about our business as usual we stand firm with the rest of the city and will not be cowed.

British Beer & Pub Association:

This was an appalling attack on innocent people as they enjoyed their Saturday night in one of the busiest parts of London. We do urge pubs to be vigilant against the threat of terrorism, and there were many heroic actions from bar and restaurant staff on Saturday.

As more details become clear, pubs should monitor advice from the police, brief staff, and have terrorism as part of their risk assessment of the premises. There is guidance on this on our website, Managing Safety in Pubs & Bars.

Also, given the degree to which this attack was focused on hospitality venues, we will be seeking to work with the Metropolitan police and other partners to ensure that the guidance available for pubs bars and restaurants, and our customers, is as effective as it can possibly be, in the face of these evolving threats.

British Retail Consortium:

"We are deeply saddened and shocked by the terrible events in London on Saturday. The BRC will continue to act as a dissemination point for members as information from law enforcement becomes available."
O nline supermarket Ocado served up tasty returns for investors today after finally unveiling its first overseas tie-up.

The shares surged 15.8p, or 5%, to 331.8p, taking the firm to the top of the FTSE 250 as it confirmed a deal with a mystery European retailer.

The company has partnerships with Morrisons and Waitrose in the UK but a deal to deliver groceries abroad had proved elusive, hitting the share price over the past couple of years.

The new partner, whose identity was not revealed, will pay an upfront fee to use Ocados software, and then ongoing fees based on sales.

Analysts said while it was thin on detail, the deal was a sign that overseas companies would use Ocados software.

This proves there is appetite from foreign grocers in using Ocados one-stop and best-in-class online grocery solution, Morgan Stanley said.

Goldman Sachs, Ocado boss Tim Steiners old employer, said signing several overseas partners would boost earnings. We believe this deal makes that a more realistic expectation, the investment bank added.

Trading was subdued on the London Stock Exchange after the weekends tragic terrorist attack as the FTSE 100 dipped 13.07 points to 7534.56.

Chilean copper miner Antofagasta fell 24.5p, or 3%, to 780.5p after HSBC downgraded from Hold to Reduce.

Business software group Sage joined it at the bottom of the blue-chip index, 13.5p cheaper at 715.5p after Numis cut its rating to Hold as the broker expressed its surprise at the low sale price of its US payments business.

Eastern European airline Wizz Air improved 15p to 2294p after seeing 22% more passengers travel last month than in May last year. Investec helped the shares climb, raising its target price to 2500p after the stronger outlook in last months annual results.

Aviation services firm BBA Aviation dipped 5.4p to 318.3p as it revealed chief executive Simon Pryce will step down at the end of the month due to personal family circumstances.

On AIM, magazine and food markets owner Time Out rose 1.4p to 133.9p after buying out its Australian licensing partner.
N at Rothschild today followed ex-BP chief Tony Hayward out of the door of the oil company they founded together.

The financier will step down as a non-executive director of Kurdish oil firm Genel Energy at tomorrows annual general meeting, which will also be chairman Haywards last day.

Genel has suffered from the crude oil price plunge, oil reserves downgrades, and delayed export payments from the Kurdistan government, which is fighting Islamic State.

The company started out as a cash shell called Vallares before buying Turkey-based Genel Energi in 2011 for 2.5 billion.

Before the oil price collapsed, the company was worth more than 3 billion, but its value has since dwindled to just 270 million. It mirrored troubles at the other shell company created by Rothschild, which became Indonesian coal miner Bumi Resources.

Nat contributed greatly to Genels development as both a founder and subsequently a non-executive director, Hayward said.

Despite a challenging external environment, the company has made significant progress during his involvement.
P wC is in the clear over the Tesco accounts scandal after the industry watchdog today dropped a long-running probe into the firm.

The Financial Reporting Council, the accountants regulator, said there was not a realistic prospect of finding PwC had done wrong after approving Tescos accounts between 2012 and 2014.

Three former Tesco executives are due to stand trial on fraud and false accounting charges in September.

The food giant, led by Dave Lewis, agreed to pay 129 million in compensation earlier this year after it overstated profits in 2014.

PwC was fined 5 million last month by the FRC after admitting failures in auditing social housing group Connaught, which collapsed in 2010.

PwC said: We cooperated fully during the FRCs thorough investigation and are pleased the FRC has closed it without any further action.
L ast nights pop concert in Manchester was more than a memorial to those killed in two terror attacks in two weeks  it was an act of national defiance. We will not be cowed. Those Londoners and visitors from around the world slain and injured near London Bridge on Saturday night were enjoying this metropolis at its entertaining, diverse, vibrant best. Londons very spirit is abhorrent to this Islamist death cult. Long may it remain so.

We mourn the dead and will support those who were injured and traumatised. We celebrate the work of the police, including the brave officer who tackled the murderers with just a baton. All their training paid off in the brilliant police response that killed the attackers. We applaud too the care provided by NHS teams. But for them, more lives would have been lost.

Clearly, physical security is the final line of defence. As Theresa May notes in her exclusive interview with this paper today, the police have reassured us that they have enough armed patrols; but if they need more, many more, they should tell us now. MI5 have frustrated many plots already. But if the increasing prevalence of these low tech attacks with knives and vans and homemade bombs mean we need to increase dramatically the numbers of people under surveillance, lets get on with it.

An estimated 23,000 people are on the authorities radar as potential causes of concern; many have taken part in jihadist activities abroad. An intrusion into their liberty to protect the freedom of the rest of us is justified. They chose their path; we must choose ours. Lets stop complaining about the internet companies failure to act, and instead act ourselves to pass laws that force them to intercept all communication when faced with a warrant and remove Islamist material from their sites. Its good to hear the PM tell us she is planning new legislation.

Islamism

As Maajid Nawaz writes powerfully here, we need a definition of Islamist extremism. We have to be clear that there is a strand of Islam that foments violence. We need to identify its roots, and the Salafist/Wahhabist organisations and mosques that promote it. We should ban their foreign funding. We should identify the unacceptable aspects of their language, teaching and behaviour to help schools and colleges follow suit. How have our prisons become terrorist madrassas? The Charity Commission is right to close extremist organisations. Segregated meetings on campuses, let alone in political parties, should be forbidden.

So many Muslims helped save lives on Saturday, and our Mayor, Sadiq Khan, speaks here of the disgust Muslims feel today. But it is well past the time for what Mrs May calls the difficult conversation with that community. Why do so many Muslim families encourage their children to marry partners from the Indian subcontinent rather than those born here, making integration more difficult? Why do we accept attitudes and practices towards women that should be wholly unacceptable in the 21st century? We should judge Islamist extremism not just against the standards of the great religion of Islam but against the great values of Britain. Excusing intolerance has meant, in the Prime Ministers words to us, we have been too tolerant of extremism.

Mrs May speaks for us all when she says enough is enough. She was in charge of counter-terrorism efforts for seven years as Home Secretary. That is a source of comfort, not concern; but after three attacks in less than three months, lets not pretend everything is perfect. There seem to have been multiple opportunities to identify these killers and they were missed. Mrs May has our backing, not just when she highlights our successes but when she is candid about how much more we need to do. London mourns. London is defiant. But London also demands action.
S aturday nights jihadist terror attack was Britains third in three months and the seventh globally, and it came only eight days into the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The British public is reeling while our politicians scramble for answers ahead of the general election on Thursday.

Let us start here: any politician who is unable to name the threat facing us does not deserve to be taken seriously. Islamism is the political ideology that seeks to impose any given interpretation of Islam over society. Jihadism is its violent offshoot. Terrorism seeks to terrorise. If we are so terrorised that we cannot even identify the evil haunting us by being able to name it, we stand no chance of even beginning to galvanise a civil society coalition to defeat it. This abysmal failure by politicians to clearly name the threat not only betrays liberal Muslim activists who require a lexicon for the fierce internal community debate about the need to defeat Islamism and reform Islam today, but it also muddies the waters for mainstream society by making it harder to isolate Islamists from everyday conservative Muslims. The inevitable consequence is that all Muslims end up being blamed.

We stand in the midst of a jihadist insurgency, and no insurgency can succeed unless it enjoys a level of support among the population it seeks to recruit from. The Governments counter-terrorism Contest strategy seeks to address this. Its four Ps  Protect, Prepare, Pursue and Prevent  address the elements involved in keeping us safe.

To reduce future attacks the Muslim community must be galvanised against Islamist ideology so that jihadist insurgents stand isolated in their own communities. The Prevent strand of Contest seeks to distinguish between stopping a terrorist attack and preventing a future one. Some politicians have called for Prevent to be scrapped as it is unpopular among Muslims.

This view is naive, opportunistic and endangers our national security. Prevent could be reformed  indeed a better name may even be Engage  but a policy that is there to galvanise everyone in civil society, including but not limited to Muslims, must exist in principle. It may be imperfect, but the alternative to encouraging debate against extremist ideas is worse. Prevent must have a national counter-extremism coordinator with teeth, for coordinating policy across all departments. It has been more than a decade since the 7/7 attacks in London, and it is a total scandal that this is yet to happen.

Maajid Nawaz is an author, the founder of Quilliam and an LBC Radio broadcaster
G od. London Bridge. Manchester. Westminster Bridge. Do we really have to go through all this again? Yes yes, rage. Yes yes, grief. Yes yes, standing together in defiance. Yes yes, bloodied but unbowed. Yes yes, 4,000 pages of coverage in all newspapers everywhere affirming that the random killing of civilians is a bad thing. Yes yes, acres of #notallmuslims and yes yes, attention-seeking blowhards calling for internment and yes yes, praise for the bravery of the first responders. But isnt what you feel  just a little  a sense of weariness?

We are going through familiar motions. The New York Times was much pilloried yesterday saying Britain is reeling. In the Highland dancing sense, if no other, it was right: we were following an ancient set of highly ritualised moves. But how many times do we need to dance the familiar dance before we tire of it and sit the next one out?

That weariness is to be welcomed. Its not the same as indifference. In feeling, or publicly affecting to feel, that the deaths of those people who have the grave misfortune to be stabbed by jihadi knuckleheads are vastly more significant than myriad others whose passing goes unmarked, we give those jihadis an inflated sense of their own importance. We dont honour the dead by doing it. We salute their killers and we encourage their copycats.

It is no more than a truism to say that terrorism depends not on the action but on the reaction. The clue is in the wretched name. If every one of the 3,000 or so jihadis reported to be active in the UK were to show up for a proper fight, the Royal Marines could round them up with Nerf guns and not break a sweat. Everything  everything  is in how we react.

Islamist terror is a loathsome and tedious public pathology but its worth remembering that it is much less harmful per head of population than, say, car-driving or horse-riding. And it is not defeatism but realism to say its so hard to eradicate: there is no way to make it impossible for people to drive cars onto pavements and stab strangers. But our police and security services seem to me to do a pretty good job of doing what they can.

We could and should go further, yes. The Prime Minister has been warned and warned again that community policing is under-resourced, and became more so on her watch when she was Home Secretary. Those warnings should now be more urgently heeded.

But even so: you know what? Weve pretty much got a handle on it. Three idiotic young men with dreams of 72 virgins and some half-understood verses from the Koran attacked a bunch of passers-by. Within eight minutes of the call  the time it takes to cook a not particularly hard-boiled egg  the police had turned up and delivered a well-deserved bullet to the breadbasket. These attacks are not a public emergency; they are a series of private tragedies. Mays jejune fantasies about clamping down on the internet are the emptiest posturing.

And, of course, Im aware of the irony that I am arguing at length and in a prominent newspaper slot that we should not spend so much time talking about terror at length and in prominent newspaper slots.

Id like not to be. Id like a world in which such attacks were noted, with sadness, in an italic paragraph at the foot of page 13. I know that isnt how news works. But seriously: to hell with these despicable clowns.

Carry on and keep eating to the citys beat

Borough Market is a little microcosm of London itself: here City boys in shirtsleeves jostle with bike messengers in Lycra; yummy mummies browse cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oils; market traders mingle with hipsters; Tinder-generation singles brunch amid a forest of baby-strollers.

Londons many races and religions mingle peaceably in the shadow of Southwark Cathedral, and food from gastronomic cultures the world over are to be found in its stalls. Its a living place  a monument to the swirl of Londons market economy, a historic part of the city, and a place dedicated to the life-affirming pleasures of the palate. Its been there for 1,000 years and it will be there many years from now.

Go eat one of those delicious sourdough toasted cheese sandwiches from that guy with the massive queue. Take as many free samples as you can reasonably get away with. Scarf a dougnut or two. Pick up some chorizo. Do what knife-wielding nihilists dont want you to do. Live.


T he Bafta-nominated writer of the movies Girl With A Pearl Earring and Wuthering Heights has said it is harder to get modern women on screen because there is so much resistance to central female characters.

Olivia Hetreed, president of the Writers Guild of Great Britain, said studios and producers are reluctant to take a risk on a film or TV drama with women in lead roles unless it is a historical figure or a literary adaptation.

Hetreeds 2003 adaptation of Tracy Chevaliers best-selling novel Girl With A Pearl Earring starred Scarlett Johansson opposite Colin Firth as the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Her 2011 version of Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights had Kaya Scodelario as Catherine Earnshaw.

The screenwriter said she was drawn to adaptations because of the rich world created by the original authors and it was also a way of sneaking in lead female characters. She added: Its amazing how strong the prejudice still is to central female characters...its a huge problem getting independent films funded anyway so an adaptation has an advantage, to a moderate extent. Anna Karenina or Madame Bovary are seen as less of a risk. A man can just be an astronaut, but a woman astronaut has to represent all femaleness.

She will be one of the speakers at this years London Writers Week, which is being held at Central Saint Martins from July 4.
A re you a kitchen novice? Do you love food but draw a blank when it comes to the wine list?

Head to one of the masterclasses taking place as part of London Food Month at Westfield...

The women in Champagne masterclass

Searcys Champagne Bar, 28 June, 7pm-9pm, 35 Westfield London

Learn about the stories of all the champagne houses that were influenced by women, including Bollinger, Veuve Cliquot and Duval Leroy.

With five cuvees, 100ml serves, cheese and charcuterie.

Book at searcyswestfieldlondon.co.uk

Beer and Food matching

Grate Beer, Every Friday in June, 3.30pm-7.30pm (drop-in, 15-minute sessions) Westfield London

Matching food with beer can lift a dish and showcase the complex nature of a really great brew.

Join Grate Beer and learn how to bring dishes to life.

Matching sessions will be:

2 June, Grimbergen and cheese (Belgium)

9 June, Backyard and Chocolate (Sweden)

16 June, Moritz and cured meat (Spain)

23 June, And Union and antipasti (Germany)

30 June, Brooklyn and sushi (USA)

Dim Sum Masterclass

Ping Pong, Monday-Wednesday 4pm-5pm, throughout June Westfield London

Learn about the flavours and techniques used in Ping Pongs Dim Sum menu from its experienced chefs.

Find out how to roll, fill and fold the pastry like a pro alongside its talented chefs.

Indulge in some tasty competition with a prize for the best-looking basket. Book at: SHB@pingpong-group.com

Cook with Levi

Levi Roots Caribbean Smokehouse, 1 July, 9:30am, 50 (includes 25 meal voucher) Westfield Stratford City

Discover Caribbean cuisine with the trailblazer himself: Levi Roots.

Join Levi in his kitchen to inspire those with an interest in Caribbean food.

He will show how to make some of his favourite dishes from the menu and will give the opportunity to learn more about what makes the cuisine so distinctive. Booking required  visit eventbrite.co.uk

Guacamole-making Class

Wahaca, 2 June, 10am Westfield Stratford City

Bring your little Wahacos to explore the Mexican market with our guacamolemaking workshop. The children will find out about Mexicos produce and food culture as well as learning step-by-step how to make their very own guacamole using fresh ingredients from the Wahaca kitchen.

Booking required  visit stratford@wahaca.co.uk

Other London Food Month offers*

Westfield London Kids eat for 25p at Byron

Two glasses of prosecco for 7 at Grate Beer

20 per cent off food at Zizzi

Complimentary cocktail when you spend 10 at Ping Pong.

Visit uk.westfield.com for more information or pick up a London Food Month brochure in centres now. *Terms & Conditions apply
.

Skip the beaten path and explore the overlooked sights of western France on the way to Bordeaux. The countrys fifth largest city, tucked away in the southwestern corner, is an eight-hour drive from Calais. Fortunately, there are countless stops along the way, all easily accessible by car, helping to break up the trek.

First off, why Bordeaux? The Cite du Vin, opened in June 2016, highlights the citys rich wine-making heritage. The region produced around 700 million bottles from last years harvest  but theres more than just OK reds here. Bordeaux marvels with its iconic Pont de Pierre crossing the Garonne River among its many historically-preserved buildings  including the famous Place de la Bourse  second only to Paris in Book tomorrows adventure today number. Then there's the pedestrian street, rue Sainte-Catherine, which leads to little squares hidden within the tangle of the old town. Look for Baillardran, a boutique selling the citys speciality pastry, the canele, infused with rum and vanilla.

Restaurants such as the elegant Le Chapon Fin serve up a mix of innovative fare and traditional Bordelaise cuisine. Opened in 1825, its one of the citys oldest restaurants and has a reasonable lunch menu. Bordeaux is also an ideal base to visit other attractions just beyond the city, such as the Dune du Pilat, Europes largest sand dune, or the medieval town of Saint-Emilion with its worldclass wines. The route from Calais to Bordeaux, however, is riddled with destinations that arent easily accessed without a car, making for both a relaxed and surprising trip.

The medieval town of Saint-Emilion boasts world-famous wines

For history and architecture buffs, visit the soaring and mismatched towers of the Chartres Cathedral, just four hours from Calais. Heading south, through the Loire Valley, a stop at a former royal residence or two  the beautiful Chateau de Chenonceau, outside Tours is a must  could easily become an overnight event. There are many palaces to choose from, so leave one or two for the return trip.

Arguably the biggest perk to driving is stopping at local producers of regional products, such as the many bee farms in the region of La Vienne. Stock up on a variety of honey at any such artisan, such as Les Apiculteurs Reunis, before driving to Frances Green Venice in the Marais Poitevin. This maze of canals dug by monks centuries ago is as surprising as it is serene. Take a canal tour from the Embarcadere de lAbbaye and let your local guide do all of the hard work. If you drive all this way, stock up on yet another local product, Cognac, at the Chateau de Plassac, just outside the small town which gives the brandy its name.

With so many places to see on either stretch of the journey, just remember to save some stopovers for when you finally reach Bordeaux.

Along the way - Chateau de Chenonceau

Situated on the River Cher lies Chateau de Chenonceau

Romantically perched over the River Cher, which flows under its arches, this beautiful chateau was owned by the lover of King Henry II, falling back into the hands of the Queen Catherine de Medici after his death. During the Second World War, the chateau straddled Nazi-controlled France and free France, allowing many to escape through it to safety. Visiting by car allows you to go at your own pace.

While youre there - Marais

Visit Frances Green Venice...

Experience the countrys natural beauty by taking a visit through Frances Green Venice in the Marais Poitevin. These canals, dug centuries ago by monks, are a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. At the port, Embarcadere de lAbbaye, your guide will row you through the canals on a tne- to three-hour tour  be sure to ask for a demonstration of the curious flammable properties of the canals waters.

Book tomorrows adventure today - with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle you can get to the Continent by car in just 35 minutes, travel in the freedom of your own car, and explore Europe at your own pace. Visit eurotunnel.com

See standard.co.uk/driveeurope for more inspiration.
A pub doorman saved countless lives when he hurled bar stools, bottles and glasses at the London Bridge terrorists as they went on a rampage through Borough Market.

The 28-year-old, known as Ozzy, drove the attackers towards armed police after spotting them stabbing a woman outside the Wheatsheaf pub.

Police marksmen shot dead the three attackers within ten minutes of being called after the killers drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge then massacred revellers in the neighbouring market.

Ozzy, a father-of-one from Earls Court, said: I heard a serious amount of screaming and commotion coming from the street.

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

Me and a few of the doormen went to see what had happened. We saw three guys in camouflage trousers stabbing this woman.

They were all surrounding her and knifing her repeatedly ... about ten times. They suddenly looked up and started running towards other individuals.

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

He told The Sun: I realised I had to do something. If I hadnt turned back there were so many people caught up in the panic there would have been more hurt.

Me and another guy started launching bar stools, bottles and glasses at them to try and disrupt them.

It was completely chaotic, like a war zone.

The bouncer is one of many brave Londoners who saved lives when they faced down the terrorists.

Among the others 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.

And a cab driver, who gave his name as Chris, spun his car round and tried to ram the attackers after one of them stabbed a girl in the chest.
A man who was shot in the head in a "police crossfire during the London Bridge terror attack has been operated on and is expected to make a full recovery.

Surgeons at the Royal London Hospital have operated on the man, who was one of dozens injured when terrorists mowed down pedestrians at London Bridge and went on a knife rampage in Borough Market.

Armed officers descended on the market and gunned down the three terrorists with an unprecedented number of rounds, but an innocent bystander was injured in the crossfire.

The hospital said the man's surgery had been a success as some of the horrific injuries suffered by victims of Saturday's attack were revealed.

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 Royal London Hospital cared for 12 casualties after seven people were killed and 21 people left in a critical condition in hospital, police confirmed on Sunday.

Divisional director of emergency care Malik Ramadhan told the Guardian the Royal London Hospital had five theatres working simultaneously where they performed surgery on six patients.

Two people had been stabbed in the neck, another in the torso while the other three had blunt force injuries, Dr Ramadhan said.

He told the paper: "We had one gunshot wound. There's a patient in this hospital who's been shot in the head; a man.

Taxi driver captures footage of people fleeing across London Bridge following terror attack

"He's absolutely not dying. Our expectation is that he will make a full recovery.

"The atmosphere was subdued, because of the reason we were all in work - a major terrorist attack."

He added the atmosphere was "focused and very structured" and different to normal in the resuscitation room, as it was an attack in an area in which staff sometimes socialise.

He said: "Did it get emotional at all? Emotions happen outside of work.

"We're used to working as a team and dealing with this sort of stuff together. But we do plan to talk to all staff next week."

The first victim of the attack was named as Christine Archibald on Sunday night, as it as it emerged she died in her fiances arms after she was struck on London Bridge.
M et Police chief Cressida Dick has praised the extraordinary courage of officers in the wake of Saturday's terror attack.

Ms Dick revealed the force has foiled five plots since the attack on Westminster in March and acknowledged the Met must look at the amount of resources the police have in the fight against terrorism.

A British Transport Police officer was among the people injured when three terrorists mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed passersby in Borough Market on Saturday night.

He was stabbed in the face as he tried stop the terrorists while armed only with a baton, with Ms Dick calling what he did astonishing.

Met police commissioner Cressida Dick on London Bridge attacks

In total, four officers were injured in the attack, with a Southwark officer in a serious condition in hospital.

Ms Dick told Sky News: I think we saw some extraordinary examples of courage by members of the public and indeed by police officers.

You mentioned the British Transport Police unarmed officer, its astonishing what he did. We also have a Met Police officer who is in hospital seriously injured.

I met his family, he was off duty and he saw the transport police officers getting attacked and he just dived in and tried to assist them as best he can, and he has been seriously stabbed.

Flags at half mast for London Bridge & Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /12 Flags at half mast for London Bridge & Borough Market terrorist attack Whitehall: The Union Jack flag flies at half mast in Whitehall. PA Respect: The flag over Westminster. Reuters Nearby: A man lowers the two flags at the Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard. Reuters London Bridge: Union Jack and EU flags fly at half mast outside the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard. Getty Images Germany: The British flag flies half mast at the British embassy in Berlin. AFP/Getty Images Downing Street: The flag was lowered on Sunday. PA Abroad: The Union flag flies outside Eden Hall, the British High Commissioner's official residence in Singapore. PA Scotland: Flags fly at half mast outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. PA Number 10: Half mast on the roof of Downing Street. Reuters

Our hearts go out to those officers and indeed everybody who had to deal with such a terrifying thing but in all that sorrow, there is a great deal of pride in the Met.

"We have fantastic people, in policing nationally we have wonderful people.

Ms Dick said police have foiled 18 terror plots since 2013, which were designed to cause murder, mayhem and destruction.

Officers raided two more houses in east London on Monday morning, with a number of people detained.

Police arrested 12 people on Sunday after seven people were killed and 21 critically wounded in Saturday nights attack.

Ms Dick said: Any police leader, probably any leader, would always want more resources. Of course we would.

She added: Weve been arresting about one person a day for terrorism offences. We have been in many respects extremely successful and weve built a very powerful machine.
S even people died and dozens were injured after London again became the target of terrorism on Saturday night.

Three attackers drove a white van into pedestrians on London Bridge shortly before 10pm before getting out and going on a knife rampage through Borough Market.

Within minutes of police being called the terrorists had been shot dead by armed officers who discharged an unprecedented 50 bullets which inadvertently also injured a member of the public.

In the aftermath, police have made arrests in east London and the Prime Minister has been accused of politicising the atrocity with a speech outside Number 10.

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 first victim of the attack has been named as Canadian woman Christine Archibald, 30.

Heres everything we know:

Westminster Bridge Security Barriers - In pictures 1 /13 Westminster Bridge Security Barriers - In pictures Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Evening Standard

Witness accounts have detailed the horror of what happened during the attack:

Details of those killed and injured have also begun to emerge:

The first victim of the attack was named as Canadian woman Christine Archibald. The 30-year-old, who lived in the Netherlands but was originally from British Colombia, was in London for the weekend with her fiance, Tyler Ferguson. She was said to have died in her husband-to-be's arms after being mowed down in London Bridge. Her family paid tribute to the "beautiful, loving" volunteer worker.

A French man was also killed, confirmed the country's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

A journalist at the Sunday Express was in intensive care after being stabbed near the Southwark Tavern in Borough High Street. Geoff Ho was said to have tried to protect a bouncer outside the pub and was taken to hospital in an ambulance after being stabbed in the neck.

Two Australians - Candice Hedge and Andrew Morrison - survived being knifed in the attack. Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said there were "very real concerns" about two more people from his country.

A 32-year-old man from New Zealand was recovering in hospital after being stabbed in the face, neck and stomach, relatives reported.

A man who was stabbed four times has been hailed as "soldier" after being pictured recovering in his hospital bed.
T he first victim of the London terror attack was pictured today as it emerged she died in her fiances arms after she was struck on London Bridge.

Canadian Christine Archibald was one of seven people to be killed when terrorists mowed down pedestrians on the famous London landmark and went on a stabbing rampage around Borough Market with 12-inch knives.

The 30-year-old, originally from British Columbia, was in London for the weekend with her fiance, Tyler Ferguson.

His sister, Cassie Ferguson Rowe, told Canadian broadcaster CBC News that her brother was with Ms Archibald on the bridge when the attack happened.

Canadian Christine Archibald was the first confirmed victim of the London Bridge attack

She said: "He is broken into a million pieces. He held her and watched her die in his arms."

Writing on Facebook, she added: "Last night in London my baby brother lost the love of his life on the London 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

"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."

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

Mr Ferguson's brother, Mark, said that the couple had been living in the Netherlands for the last six months.

He said: "They were very madly in love and had quite the plans for the future.

"[It's] obviously very, very devastating for him. The love of his life has just been ripped away from him."

The news of Ms Archibalds death emerged as her family paid tribute to the "beautiful, loving" volunteer worker.

Taxi driver captures footage of people fleeing across London Bridge following terror attack

The 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.

"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.

Theresa May condemns 'perverted' ideology behind London Bridge terror attack

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."

Twenty-one of those injured remain in a critical condition after the attack as Frances foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed a French man was also among those killed.

The Frenchman who died was a 27-year-old from Saint-Malo in Brittany who was working in the Boro Bistro near the site of the assault, French media reported.

Meanwhile French victim Xavier Thomas is still missing and his girlfriend, Christine Delcros, has been left seriously injured.

Police confirmed on Monday they had made 12 arrests including seven women and five men after the attack, for which Islamic State has claimed responsibility.

They were all arrested at two separate addresses in Barking on Sunday.

Further raids were carried out by police in two more houses in Barking and Newham early on Monday morning.

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.
C ourt of Appeal judges who concluded doctors should stop treating a baby at the centre of a legal fight have published their ruling on the case.

Lord Justice McFarlane, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Sales have publicised their conclusions as Charlie Gard's parents prepare to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

The three judges upheld a ruling against a therapy trial in the US for the 10-month-old boy who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage.

The decision came after specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Charlie is being cared for, said the proposed therapy in America is experimental and will not help.

Charlie Gard and his parents / PA

A High Court judge in April ruled against the trip to the US for the boy in favour of the London doctors. Mr Justice Francis concluded that his life support should end, allowing the Charlie to die with dignity.

The three appeal judges upheld that ruling following a Court of Appeal hearing on May 23, and published their 17,000-word ruling on the British and Irish Legal Information Institute website on Monday.

Supreme Court justices are set to consider the familys case at a preliminary hearing in London on Thursday.

The couple must first convince justices that they have an arguable case before their claims can be analysed at a full Supreme Court hearing.

A Supreme Court spokesman says a panel of justices aims to consider preliminary arguments on June 8 then decide whether to give permission for a full hearing.

Lord Justice McFarlane says, in the appeal court ruling, that Mr Justice Francis reached conclusions he was entitled to reach.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates, the parents of Charlie Gard / PA

"It goes without saying that in many cases, all other things being equal, the views of the parents will be respected and are likely to be determinative," Lord Justice McFarlane said.

"Very many cases involving children with these tragic conditions never come to court because a way forward is agreed as a result of mutual respect between the family members and the hospital.

"But it is well-recognised that parents in the appalling position that these and other parents can find themselves may lose their objectivity and be willing to 'try anything', even if, when viewed objectively, their preferred option is not in a child's best interests.

"The sole principle is that the best interests of the child must prevail and that must apply even to cases where parents, for the best of motives, hold on to some alternative view.

"There is no viable, alternative treatment for poor Charlie."

The "unanimous" view of doctors treating Charlie was that a move to America for therapy would be likely to "expose him to continued pain, suffering and distress", Lord Justice McFarlane added.

Lady Justice King praised Great Ormond Street staff involved in Charlie's care.

She said: "Charlie and his parents have had the benefit of being treated at not only the centre of excellence that is Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, but of his having been under the care of a world-leading expert.

"I would wish to acknowledge the skill and care given to Charlie by the doctors and nurses at Great Ormond Street.

"The fact that, for wholly understandable reasons, the parents have been unable to accept the view of the hospital that Charlie should now receive only palliative care, should not be interpreted as undermining any recognition of the dedication of the medical team who wish only to act in Charlie's interests."
F riends and family are desperately searching for a French man who has been missing since the London Bridge terror attack.

Xavier Thomas was reportedly at London Bridge with his girlfriend Christine Delcros when terrorists mowed down pedestrians and went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market.

Ms Delcros is believed to have been seriously injured and is recovering in hospital, while Mr Thomas has not been seen since the attack on Saturday night.

The sister of Ms Delcros posted an emotional post on Facebook, saying friends are terribly worried for his safety.

French authorities have confirmed a Frenchman died in the attack, with local media reporting him to be 27-year-old working in a nearby restaurant.

Writing in French, Nathalie Cros Brohan posted on Facebook: We are on our way to London, my sister Christine Delcros and her boyfriend Xavier Thomas have been victims of # # London # londonattack # #LondonBridge.

My sister is seriously injured and hospitalised.

I appeal to all those who have news of #Xavier #Thomas that is missing ... he is not one of the 4 French found. We are terribly worried.

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

She added: Share my post to spread its description everywhere please."

Facebook and Twitter have been flooded with posts from concerned friends and wellwishers in a desperate bid to find Mr Thomas.

Ms Brohans post has been shared almost 40,000 times, with many offering messages of support to the family.

Halli posted on Twitter: This is Xavier Thomas, France. He was on London Bridge. His partner Christine is in hospital. He is missing. Please we need news.

Angie Tijlm said: "Good luck and I hope you find him fast and healthy and that your sister will recover both physically and psychologically."

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

Seven people died in the attack and 21 people are in critical condition is hospital, police confirmed on Sunday.

The horror unfolded when the attackers began to mow down pedestrians on London Bridge before driving to Borough market, where three men then began stabbing passersby.

The terrorists were shot dead by armed officers just minutes afterwards.

The first victim of the attack was identified on Sunday as 30-year-old Canadian woman Christine Archibald, who died in her fiances arms after she was struck on London Bridge.
A city worker who used his skateboard to try to save a woman from the knife-wielding terrorists was still missing today.

Ignacio Echeverria, 39, an HSBC analyst, was on his way home from a skate park on Saturday night when he rushed to the aid of the unidentified woman being attacked.

The Spaniard, who lives in Poplar, was last seen lying on a pavement near London Bridge after confronting the terrorist.

His family today said they had been asked for his fingerprints by the authorities.

Ignacio Echeverria has been missing since Saturday's terrorist attack

Mr Echeverrias sister Isabel, an account operations manager with WEX Virtual Payments, who also lives in London, launched a social media appeal to help find him.

His brother, Joaquin Echeverria, today said they were praying for good news, writing on Facebook: Weve been asked for Ignacios fingerprints. Not a good sign.

Mr Echeverria, originally from Las Rozas, near Madrid, is not believed to have been carrying ID.

Family and friends of Sara Zelenak are searching for her whereabouts

From the familys hometown in Laz Rozas near Madrid, his older brother Joaquin Echeverria told the Standard: He was leaving the area on a hired bike with several friends.

"He suddenly saw someone attacking a woman with a knife. He stopped the bike and hit the man with his skateboard.

It seems that another terrorist hit him. His friends saw him in the distance fallen down on the ground. Thats all we know.

The family and friends of Australian nanny Sara Zelenak were also today still searching for information on her whereabouts.

The 21-year-old, originally from Brisbane but living in the capital, was last seen on London Bridge moments before the attack.

A family friend wrote on Facebook: She calls her mum daily. Its been over 24 hours with no news.

Her phone has rang with no reply and now the battery must have gone.

The first confirmed victim of the terror attack was named as Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, who died in the arms of her fiance, Tyler Ferguson, after being hit by the speeding van.

Canadian Christine Archibald was the first confirmed victim of the London Bridge attack

Mr Fergusons sister, Cassie, said her brother had been broken in a million pieces and that the couple had been planning to return home.

She said: 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 hes alone trying to deal with this tears me apart.

Ms Archibald had worked in a homeless shelter in Calgary and had moved to Europe to be with her fiance after he got a job as an accountant.

Front Pages for London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /12 Front Pages for London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack The Sunday Times The Sun on Sunday The Mail on Sunday New York Daily News Sunday Express The Sunday Telegraph Daily Star on Sunday The Independent

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.

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. Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was heartbroken that a Canadian was among those killed.

Sebastien Belanger, a French chef who works at the Coq dArgent restaurant in the City was still missing today after becoming separated from friends after watching the Champions League final at The Barrowboy and Banker in Borough High Street.

Sebastian Belanger, who hasn't been seen since Saturday's attack

Mr Belangers girlfriend Gerda Bennet said his phone has been off since the attack and they were desperately appealing for information.

Her sister Greta Tubutyte told the Standard: Just before the attack they left the bar to go to Boro Bistro.

When the van hit they thought it was just a car accident. Then after a few seconds they saw people running, screaming, and a guy with a knife attacking.

He stabbed a woman just in front of them. One of Sebastiens friends got all the blood on him and they panicked and screamed run.

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

Those two friends luckily ran away but while running lost Sebastien. Since then no one has seen him, no one has heard anything from him.

The sisters are in Malta on holiday and were trying to book Ms Bennet on a flight back to London this morning.

Frenchman Xavier Thomas was still missing while his girlfriend Christine Delcros, also French, was seriously injured and was being treated in hospital.

Christine Delcros pictured with her partner Xavier Thomas, who is missing after the attack / Facebook

A French citizen died in the attacks and seven were taken to hospital, four of whom were in a critical condition, foreign affairs minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

The Frenchman who died was a 27-year-old from Saint-Malo, Brittany, who was working at Boro Bistro, French media reported.

James McMullan, who was drinking at the Barrowboy and Banker pub on Borough High Street when the attack took place, has also not been seen since Saturday.

He had left the pub for a cigarette and agreed to meet his friends outside when they finished their drinks.

When the attack began his friends were rushed upstairs to safety, however he has not been seen or heard from since.

James McMullan, who was out drinking with friends, has been missing since the attack

His sister Melissa wrote on Instagram: Everyone my amazing and incredibly talented big brother is missing.

He was outside borough bar smoking at the time. His friends havent see him since.

He is not answering any calls or messages and he is not at home.

The police are aware but please if anyone has seen him or even thinks they may have seen him in the last 14 hours please contact me or the police.

"Please share this as much as possible. His family need him home x.

Socaine Drz is also believed to be missing

A young man known as Socaine Drz is also believed to be missing.

His sister, Alika Brown, said: "Please if anyone has seen my brother Socaine Drz please contact me asap he's been missing since 11pm last night.

"We are worried sick police are looking as well."

New Zealander Oliver Dowling was reported to have been left in a coma after being stabbed in the face, neck and stomach.

The 32-year-old, from Christchurch, was said to have had four hours of surgery for his injuries and was in an induced coma. His girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, was also injured.

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

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 outside the Southwark Tavern, but was today said to be sitting up in hospital and recovering well.

Friend Isabelle Oderberg said: He is actually a martial artist and I wouldnt be surprised if he would have stood up and been counted because hes just that type of person.

A tweet he wrote moments before being stabbed showed that he had bravely been trying to break up what he believed was a Saturday night brawl.

He posted: Dont 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 isnt happening on my watch.

Theresa May condemns 'perverted' ideology behind London Bridge terror attack

A British Transport Police officer and an off-duty Metropolitan Police officer were also in hospital with serious injuries but neither was believed to be in a life-threatening condition, Scotland Yard said.

Brett Freeman, a soldier and father-of-three from Dagenham, was recovering in hospital after being stabbed four times.

Elizabeth ONeill, said her son Daniel, 23, was left with a seven-inch wound from his stomach to his back and was saved by a friend who applied a tourniquet. He was being treated at Kings College Hospital.

Drinkers at the Wheatsheaf pub in Borough Market praised a bouncer only known as Ozzy, who saved lives by hurling bar stools, bottles and glasses at the terrorists to stop them from attacking customers.

An unnamed taxi driver told LBC radio that he had tried to ram one of the terrorists with his car on London Bridge, but the killer dodged out of the way.
A n inspirational 32-year-old man from Hackney has been named as the second victim of the London Bridge terror attack.

James McMullan was last seen outside the Barrowboy and Banker pub on Saturday night, before three attackers launched a rampage through Borough Market with 12-inch knives after mowing down pedestrians on London Bridge.

His sister revealed on Monday that her brothers bank card was found on one of seven bodies recovered by police after the attack.

His sister Melissa McMullan told Sky News: "This morning we received news from the police that my brother's bank card was found on one of the bodies from Saturday night's brutal attack.

'Inspirational': James McMullan has been named as the second victim of the attack / Facebook

"They are unable to formally identify him until the coroner's report begins tomorrow."

She added: "We would like to send our condolences to the relatives and loved ones of all the people who lost their lives. Our thoughts are with them also at the time.

"We would like to thank the members of the services who did their utmost to serve and protect the population of London from these deranged and deluded individuals.

Heartbroken: Christine Archibald, the first named victim of Saturday's attack, with fiance Tyler Ferguson

"While our pain will never diminish, it is important for us all to carry on with our lives in direct opposition to those who wish to destroy us and remember that hatred is the refuge of small-minded individuals and will only breed more."

Ms McMullan said her brother's friends who were with him on the night want everyone had hailed him as a generous and caring person.

She said: "Words will never be able to match his essence, there will only ever be one James.

Canadian Christine Archibald was the first confirmed victim of the London Bridge attack

Nowhere else will you find such humour and a unique personality, someone who puts friends and family above all others.

"He was an inspiration."

Canadian Canadian Christine Archibald was the first victim of the attack to be named earlier on Monday after it emerged that she died in her fiances arms after being struck on the bridge.

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 30-year-old, originally from British Colombia, was in London for the weekend with the love of her life, Tyler Ferguson.

His sister, Cassie Ferguson Rowe, told Canadian broadcaster CBC News that her brother was with Ms Archibald on the bridge when the attack happened.

She said: "He is broken into a million pieces. He held her and watched her die in his arms."

Writing on Facebook, she added: "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."

Flags at half mast for London Bridge & Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /12 Flags at half mast for London Bridge & Borough Market terrorist attack Whitehall: The Union Jack flag flies at half mast in Whitehall. PA Respect: The flag over Westminster. Reuters Nearby: A man lowers the two flags at the Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard. Reuters London Bridge: Union Jack and EU flags fly at half mast outside the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard. Getty Images Germany: The British flag flies half mast at the British embassy in Berlin. AFP/Getty Images Downing Street: The flag was lowered on Sunday. PA Abroad: The Union flag flies outside Eden Hall, the British High Commissioner's official residence in Singapore. PA Scotland: Flags fly at half mast outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. PA Number 10: Half mast on the roof of Downing Street. Reuters

Mr Ferguson's brother, Mark, said that the couple had been living in the Netherlands for the last six months.

He said: "They were very madly in love and had quite the plans for the future.

"[It's] obviously very, very devastating for him. The love of his life has just been ripped away from him."

Meanwhile desperate families continue to search for those who remain unaccounted for.

Ignacio Echeverria, 39, an HSBC analyst, was on his way home from a skate park on Saturday night when he rushed to the aid of the unidentified woman being attacked.

Missing: Ignacio Echeverria

The Spaniard, who lives in Poplar, was last seen lying on a pavement near London Bridge after confronting the terrorist.

His family today said they had been asked for his fingerprints by the authorities.

The family and friends of Australian nanny Sara Zelenak were also today still searching for information on her whereabouts.

Desperate search: Sara Zelenak is missing

The 21-year-old, originally from Brisbane but living in the capital, was last seen on London Bridge moments before the attack.

A family friend wrote on Facebook: She calls her mum daily. Its been over 24 hours with no news.

Frantic appeal: Sebastien Belanger has not been heard from since the attack

Her phone has rang with no reply and now the battery must have gone.

Sebastien Belanger, a French chef who works at the Coq dArgent restaurant in the City was still missing today after becoming separated from friends after watching the Champions League final at The Barrowboy and Banker in Borough High Street.

A second Frenchman Xavier Thomas was still missing while his girlfriend Christine Delcros, also French, was seriously injured and was being treated in hospital.

Christine Delcros pictured with her partner Xavier Thomas, who is missing after the attack / Facebook

Police shot dead three attackers just eight minutes after terrified bystanders dialled 999 in the wake of the attack which left 18 people critically injured in hospital.

A further 12 people were arrested in counter terrorism raids in Barking within hours of the attack on Sunday morning. A 55-year-old man was later released without charge.
C ounter-terror police today carried out armed raids in east London this morning in a race to identify associates of the terror gang behind the London Bridge atrocity.

Specialist counter-terror officers swooped on two addresses in Dagenham and Newham in a military-style assault as part of what detectives called a fast-moving operation.

In Dagenham as a black helicopter hovered overhead, heavily armed officers stormed a building next to a tyre business on the busy westbound carriageway of the A13.

Residents reported hearing loud flash bangs and gunshots as armed officers burst through doors with stun grenades around 4.15 am.

Armed police in Dagenham, where neighbours reported hearing "loud flash bangs and gunshots" / Twitter/BatemanLDN

IT consultant James Bateman, 31, was awoken by explosions and said: There had been 20 bangs, one massive one first. It seemed like they were using stun grenades. It was very shocking.

Another witness said: It sounded like something out of a war zone. There were police everywhere and a black helicopter hovering above. It was not a normal police helicopter, it seemed more military or special forces. 

Police raid property in Dagenham

The Met said a number of people had been detained and two properties were being searched but said no shots were fired.

Police also raided an address on Caledon Road in Newham.

A neighbour called Sonia said police raided the house next door at 4am.

Police cordoned off the street in Newham after the raid / Reuters

She said she could hear shouts of On the floor, on the floor, on the floor.

And after, people screaming scared, and boom boom boom, she said, adding that she could hear an explosion and four or five gunshots. She believed the people who live in the house are Muslim, a family including two sons.

The whole family was taken away by police after about an hour, she said.

Scotland Yard chief Cressida Dick today vowed police will step up a gear in the wake of the London Bridge terror attack that left seven people dead and 48 injured.

Police officers stand outside a property which was raided in Newham after the London Bridge terror attack / Reuters

She spoke of facing what appears to be a change in threat after the third major terror attack in Britain in the last three months.

Ms Dick called for a review of the number of police officers, saying: The threat seems to be changing so we need to look at our strategy, we need to look at our resourcing, we need to look at the techniques were using.

Police began installing barriers on London bridges today against further vehicle attacks and extra armed patrols were deployed across the capital.

Officers at the scene in Caledon road / John Stillwell/PA

In her first interview after the terror attack, Theresa May revealed its heroes are set to be honoured for their bravery and dedication. We are collecting the stories in at the moment, she exclusively told the Evening Standard.

Mrs May praised the British Transport Police officer who took on the three killers armed with just his baton. He heard screams, he ran towards it. I am sure he saved others from being attacked.

She also praised NHS staff, officers who gave life-saving first aid, and members of the public.

Asked if their names would appear in the Honours List, she replied: We are making sure we identify acts where police and others have really given people help and support and shown bravery in this incident.

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

Mrs May said Britons had to be less squeamish about reporting extremists. I do think that we have, as a society, to be more willing to call out terrorism and extremism.

She added: Very often people have been willing to focus on violent extremism but actually not willing to consider extremism before it gets to the point of violence.

The developments came as London began to return to normal.

Witnesses to Saturdays attack said the terrorists deliberately drove into pedestrians on London Bridge shortly after 10pm  in the same way as Westminster Bridge attacker Khalid Masood.

After abandoning the van, they headed to Borough Market and began attacking people at random in pubs and restaurants packed with Saturday night crowds, many watching footballs Champions League final.

One woman, Elizabeth ONeill, said her son Daniel was approached by one of the men who said, This is for my family, this is for Islam, before stabbing him.

The 23-year-old was left with a seven-inch wound from his stomach to his back and was saved by a friend who applied a tourniquet and took him downstairs in a pub.

One of the attackers shouted this is for Allah as he knifed a man near a pub  while the Islamic State militant group claimed its fighters carried out the attack. A Blue Thunder SAS unit was flown in to the scene by helicopter, landing on London Bridge.

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A total of 48 people were injured in the van and knife carnage and 21 remain in hospital in a critical condition.

Four police officers were injured including the British Transport Police officer who took on the fanatics armed only with his baton. An off-duty Met officer came to his aid and rugby-tackled one of the killers before he was stabbed and seriously injured.

The first fatality of the attack has been named as Canadian national Christine Archibald, 30, who worked in a homeless shelter until she moved to Europe to be with her fiance.

Tales of heroism of both police officers and members of the public emerged in the aftermath of the attack.

Construction worker Gerard Vowls, 47, witnessed the attacks and started throwing chairs, glasses and bottles at the attackers in a bid to stop them. He said : They kept coming to try to stab me  they were stabbing everyone. Evil, evil people.

He said the men appeared brain dead adding : They just looked blank. They were in another frame of mind. They just didnt care who they killed. They looked organised.

Speaking this morning Ms Dick praised the extraordinary courage of the officers who tackled the killers.

The Met officer was off duty with friends, she said, adding: My understanding is that, without hesitation, wearing his normal clothes, he dived in and tried to assist, and he Im afraid was himself severely injured but utterly heroic.

The Commissioner told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that it was certainly a possibility that recent UK attacks were triggering the next one.

She said that all of the recent attacks had a primarily domestic centre of gravity.

She said: We will always be looking to see if anything has been directed from overseas, but I would say the majority of the threat that we are facing at the moment does not appear to be directed from overseas.

However, there are mounting questions for the security services and counter-terror police in the aftermath of the attack as it emerged that at least one of the attackers was widely known for his extremist views and had been reported to police on a number of occasions. The man, who lived in Barking, had even appeared on a Channel 4 documentary last year about jihadis in Britain and had been thrown out of a local mosque for challenging the iman.

A friend of one of the attackers also told the BBC Asian Network he had reported him to the anti-terror hotline after he began expressing increasingly radical views and justifying terror attacks, but the man said he was never arrested. There were further arrests in East Ham.

The fanatic, who was wearing an Arsenal shirt when he was shot dead, had asked a neighbur how much it would cost to hire a van on Satruday afternoon.

It also emerged that Islamic State is said to have urged extremists to run over civilians in a poster released over the weekend featuring a knife, handgun and lorry urging radicals to gain benefit from Ramadan.

Officials are examining if this was a signal to the group to launch an attack.

The three fanatics, wearing fake suicide bomb vests, were shot dead by eight officers outside a pub when police opened fire with an unprecedented hail of 50 bullets.

A bystander was shot in the head when he was caught in the gunfire. Surgeons said he was expected to make a full recovery.

Scotland Yard said today they know the identity of the assailants and said it would release the names as soon as operationally possible.

A total of 12 people were arrested in counter terrorism raids in Barking within hours of the attack on Sunday morning. A 55-year-old man was later released without charge.

One man had to be talked down from a first floor window at one address in Barking after threatening to jump.

A vigil will be held near London Bridge tonight in honour of the victims of the attack, which took place at around 10pm, while a minutes silence will take place at 11am on Tuesday.

Today there were emotional scenes on London Bridge as thousands of commuters returned to work this morning, with one couple holding hands and breaking down as they walked past scenes of flowers and tributes to the dead and injured.

Police cordons around London Bridge railway station were lifted earlier than planned today and the station  which is the fourth busiest in the UK  was open as usual, allowing a full train service.
M I5 and police faced growing pressure today over whether the London Bridge murders could have been prevented after it emerged that at least one of the attackers was a known extremist who had been reported to the authorities.

Neighbours in the block of flats in Barking where Abs  one of the three alleged terrorists  lived said that he had been thrown out of his local mosque because of his views and had a reputation for aggressive behaviour.

There were further claims that he had twice been reported to police over fears about his extremism and that police had last month secretly recorded Islamic State-inspired plotters in Barking talking about mounting a van and knife attack.

Footage of the killer, who is understood to be aged 27 and of Pakistani heritage, has also emerged from a Channel 4 documentary last year in which he is seen among a group of radicals unveiling an Islamic State flag in a London park.

At least one of the London Bridge attackers was known to authorities and featured in a TV documentary

Other film of him berating police outside a mosque has also been published.

Timeline of the terror attacks on London Bridge

Whitehall sources and police offered no immediate response to the claims.

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)

Meanwhile, one of David Camerons former senior aides today called for Theresa May to resign for security failures over London Bridge and the other recent terror attacks.

Theresa May gives statement on London attack following Cobra meeting

In a series of highly critical tweets, Steve Hilton said that the Prime Minister was responsible for security failures of London Bridge, Manchester, Westminster Bridge and should be resigning not seeking re-election.

He accused her of blame shifting again, saying her spin doctors attack MI5, but she was in charge of them for years... and hit out further by describing the killers as known wolves.

He also retweeted a post about one of the attackers in which another Twitter user complained that it couldnt have been more clear that he was a terrorist.

The call by Mr Hilton, who served as Mr Camerons director of strategy, came in the wake of claims that opportunities had been missed to stop the London Bridge terrorists just as they had with Manchester bomber Salman Abedi.

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

He was among 23,000 potential suspects logged on MI5s databases, as was Westminster killer Khalid Masood, although neither was regarded as an immediate threat before they carried out their murders.

The extent of the authorities knowledge of Abs  who is not being named in response to a police request to protect their investigation into any fellow plotters  appears to be potentially even greater, however.

Reports today claimed he was a known follower of the jailed extremist Anjem Choudary, who ran the proscribed extremist organisation al Muhajiroun and other banned groups, and was also linked to the IS fighter Sidartha Dhar, who was shown in a video with other militants shooting hostages in the head in Syria.

Another person told the BBCs Asian Network that the jihadi, who was wearing an Arsenal shirt when he carried out the London Bridge attack, had become brainwashed through watching videos of US hate preacher Ahmad Musa Jibril.

He used to listen to a lot of Musa Jibril. I have heard some of this stuff and its very radical, said the man, who asked not to be named. I phoned the anti-terror hotline. I spoke to the gentleman.

"I told him about our conversation and why I think he was radicalised. I did my bit, I know a lot of other people did their bit, but the authorities did not do theirs.

Another neighbour, Erica Gasparri, also claimed that she had reported the 27-year-old to police in Barking when he tried to brainwash her children, who came back from a local park saying that they wanted to become Muslim.

Saloudeen Jailabdeen, 40, another neighbour living close to the ground floor flat where Abs lived in Kings Road, Barking, said the attacker had been thrown out of the local mosque for challenging the imam.

An elder at the Jabir Bin Zayd Islamic Centre, in Barking, confirmed Mr Jailabdeens account and said the attacker had to be removed from the mosque for his views.

The elder, who did not want to be named, said: It happened two years ago. He was provoking the imam with regards to the General Election in 2015.

He didnt like what the imam was saying, because the imam was saying people should vote wisely and not to lose their vote in that election.

He was saying to the imam, you lie, you dont know what youre talking about. It was a serious provocation.

Abdi Farah, 22, said one of his best friends knew the attacker and had told him how he regularly used to try to preach extremism to him.

He said: He apparently stopped and used to avoid going to the local mosques because they wouldnt preach the sort of things he wanted to hear.

One woman who is a member of the local residents association, said: Im not surprised this has happened, he seemed that type of person. You could see something happening in him, it was his body language.

His behaviour had become erratic. I heard from people on the estate he would shout profanities at them for no reason if they said something. If you approached him or confronted him he could be very aggressive.

There was a group of them, you could see the activity coming and going from the flat, especially over the last few weeks, groups of guys coming and going. Its just terrible to have this on your doorstep.

Hes got a wife and it looks as though theyve arrested her too and they only just had a little baby and weve seen him carrying another child, a little boy, on his shoulders.

But he doesnt let his wife out and when they arrive in the car he drives close to the door so she can go in without people seeing her. Shes always covered up in traditional Muslim dress.
E xperts have made calls for extra funding to be ploughed into anti-terror resources after it was revealed extremists involved in attacks at London Bridge, Westminster and in Manchester were known to MI5.

Khuram Shazad Butt, ringleader of the London Bridge atrocity, was investigated in 2015 but there was no intelligence to suggest an attack was being planned and the probe was "prioritised accordingly".

Butt, 27, was part of an investigation "prioritised in the lower echelons of our investigative work", police said.

Khalid Masood, who launched a deadly assault in Westminster in March, had previously been investigated but he was a "peripheral figure" who was not being looked into at the time of his rampage.

Attacker: Khuram Shazad Butt carried out an attack in London Bridge / Met Police

Following the Manchester bombing it was disclosed that suicide attacker Salman Abedi had been a former "subject of interest" whose risk remained "subject to review" by MI5 and its partners.

Figures have revealed the unprecedented scale of the threat security services are facing.

There are 500 current terrorism investigations, involving 3,000 "subjects of interest".

Westminster attacker: Khalid Masood / Metropolitan Police

Scotland Yard said a small number of the highest priority investigations involve "current attack planning" and these investigations "command a significant proportion of our resource".

The remaining inquiries "focus on other activities relating to active support or facilitation of terrorism".

Manchester bomber: Salman Abedi

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: "The police and our partners are doing everything we can across the country to help prevent further attacks and protect the public from harm.

"At any one time MI5 and police are conducting around 500 active investigations, involving 3,000 subjects of interest.

"Additionally, there are around 20,000 individuals who are former subjects of interest, whose risk remains subject to review by MI5 and its partners."

The security and intelligence services and police have stopped 18 plots since 2013, including five since the Westminster attack, Mr Rowley added.

Londoners return to work after London Bridge terror attacks 1 /18 Londoners return to work after London Bridge terror attacks Commuters leave London Bridge Underground Station after it was reopened following the terror attack Getty Images Commuters at London Bridge today Jeremy Selwyn Commuters at London Bridge today Jeremy Selwyn A police officer on patrol as commuters cross London Bridge with Tower Bridge in the background AFP/Getty Images Commuters leave London Bridge Station on their way to work Getty Images Pedestrians look at bouquets of flowers at a pedestrian crossing London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Commuters cross London Bridge Getty Images Commuters walk across London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Commuters fill the escalators at London Bridge Station Getty Images Commuters at London Bridge Station Getty Images Police officers stand on duty as commuters walk across London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Commuters make their way towards London Bridge after it was reopened following the terror attack Getty Images Commuters cross London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Commuters cross London Bridge PA

Shashank Joshi, senior research fellow at security think tank the Royal United Services Institute, said the latest case "exemplifies the problems faced by the British authorities".

He said: "Khuram Butt was known to MI5, but it is important to remember that there are several thousand Britons regarded as capable of terrorism, and several hundred under active investigation.

"No intelligence agency in a democratic state can have the resources or powers to monitor such a large number of suspects indefinitely. Those who show no signs of active plotting will have to be downgraded.

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

"Where plots are low-tech, involving only widely available knives or vehicles, it will be harder to spot indications of plotting."

He suggested the next government may look at new ways to handle the large pool of potential suspects, with greater use of Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (Tpims) one option.

Mr Joshi said: "There are only a handful of Tpims in place, but they allow the authorities to break up known networks. The problem is that such measures can only realistically be applied to those in the very highest tier of threat.

"In all likelihood, the police and intelligence services will require an even greater injection of resources in order to get a better handle on the problem."
M uslim leaders will not say traditional funeral prayers for the cold-blooded murderers behind the terror attack on London Bridge that left seven people dead.

In an unprecedented move 130 Imams and religious leaders have refused to carry out the Islamic tradition, usually performed for all Muslims regardless of their actions.

They have called on others to do the same.

The revelation came as police named two of three attackers who mowed into pedestrians on London Bridge before launching a rampage with 12-inch knives at Borough Market on Saturday night.

Sadiq Khan: You do not commit these disgusting acts in my name

Seven people were killed in the attack with 18 still critically injured in hospital.

Terrorists: Khuram Shazad Butt and Rachid Redouane have been named by police / Met Police

Khuram Shazad Butt and Rachid Redouane, both from Barking, were identified as being behind the atrocity.

A third attacker is yet to be named by police.

The Muslim Council of Britain branded the men cold-blooded murderers and called the attack indefensible.

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

A statement read: Coming from a range of backgrounds, and from across the UK; feeling the pain the rest of the nation feels, we have come together to express our shock and utter disgust at these cold-blooded murders.

We are deeply hurt that a spate of terror attacks have been committed in our country once more by murderers who seek to gain religious legitimacy for their actions.

Tributes left at London Bridge / PA

Consequently, and in light of other such ethical principles which are quintessential to Islam, we will not perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer for the perpetrators and we also urge fellow imams and religious authorities to withdraw such a privilege.

This is because such indefensible actions are completely at odds with the lofty teachings of Islam.

These vile murderers seek to divide our society and instil fear; we will ensure they fail. We implore everyone to unite: we are one community. In the face of such dastardly cowardice, unlike the terrorists, we must uphold love and compassion.

Twelve people have been arrested in connection with the attack. A 55-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman were later released without charge.

The victims of the attack have so-far been named as Canadian Christine Archibald and 32-year-old James McMullan from Hackney.
New Delhi, June 5 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the status of GST, which is to be implemented from July 1.

The meeting, which lasted for over two and a half hours, was attended by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and top-most officials from the Ministry of Finance, PMO and the Cabinet Secretary.

In the course of the meeting, the Prime Minister specifically reviewed aspects of implementation such as IT readiness, HR readiness, training and sensitization of officers, query handling mechanism, and monitoring.

The Prime Minister was informed that GST systems such as IT infrastructure, training of officials, integration with banks, and enrolment of existing taxpayers will be in readiness well in time for the July 1 implementation date. Information security systems were discussed in detail.

A Twitter handle - @askGst_GOI has been started for real time answering of queries. An All India toll-free phone 1800-1200-232 has also been activated for this purpose.

The Prime Minister asserted that the implementation of GST from July 1st, is the culmination of the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including political parties, trade and industry bodies. He described GST as a turning point for the economy, unprecedented in history. He directed officials that the creation of One Nation; One Market; One Tax would greatly benefit the common man. The Prime Minister also directed that maximum attention be paid to cyber-security in IT systems concerned with GST.
P olice, TfL, and council officials were today facing serious questions over why barriers were not installed immediately after the terror attack in Westminster in March.

Concrete security barriers were installed for the first time overnight on three London bridges to prevent further vehicle attacks on pedestrians.

Khalid Masood killed four pedestrians and injured about 50 others on March 22 as he ploughed into people in a grey Hyundai while they walked on Westminster Bridge.

On Saturday night, London saw another vehicle-knife attack that left seven dead and 21 in critical conditions after a white van swerved down the wrong side of London Bridge, mowing down terrified pedestrians before the three attackers began stabbing passersby.

Heavy concrete blocks and metal barriers were put in place overnight blocking vehicles from mounting the kerb at each end of Westminster Bridge.

Similar structures appeared on Waterloo and Lambeth Bridges.

New concrete strucures appeared at Lambeth Bridge / @silvesterldn

However a call for answers grew today after it emerged that the City of London Corporation, which owns London Bridge, was asked about security barriers last week and a spokesman reportedly said there were no plans for them.

Westminster Council today failed to answer questions why the fences, erected overnight in a matter of hours, had not been put in place earlier.

A spokesman for Westminster Council told the Standard: The timing issue is one for Met police not us  they determine when these kinds of measures are put into [place], not us.

But a spokeswoman for the Met Police said it would not comment on the measures.

Instead they referred to an earlier statement from assistant commissioner Mark Rowley: 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, the public will also see increased physical measures on Londons bridges to keep the public safe.

Asked whose responsibility the barriers were, the spokeswoman said she could not comment further.

Meanwhile, a Transport for London spokesman said: We are aware of the hostile vehicle mitigation measures being installed by the Met on some of Londons bridges and are supporting them with this work.

A spokesman said that it is the Met Police who lead on the installation of barriers.

The City of London Corporation also declined to comment. A spokesperson said: "We don't comment on security matters."

Blocky new bollards at Waterloo Bridge / Alex Lentati

Nickie Aiken, Conservative leader of Westminster Council, released a statement earlier on Monday morning to say the new security fences were a sensible and proportionate measure.

People in Westminster need this kind of protective measure  it is sensible and proportionate, she said.

We are working closely with the Metropolitan police and security services and are happy to assist on measures like planning and traffic management.

The kind of security barrier now in place on Westminster Bridge needs to be part of a permanent solution, she concluded.

But Ms Aiken was not immediately available to answer questions about the timing of the security measure.

The Standard asked Westminster Council less than two weeks ago who was responsible for security barriers and bollards in the borough, and was told that such measures involved several different agencies.

On Wednesday, May 24, a spokesman said: There is no specific answer to this as it depends on the location.

For background, the council works with police, TfL and other agencies on security measures.
T he British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to help the victims of the London Bridge attacks.

The UK Solidarity Fund will support people who have been injured, bereaved or traumatised.

The charity, supported by Mayor Sadiq Khan, is refocusing attention on the capital from its We Love Manchester appeal which has raised more than 10 million so far.

In the immediate aftermath of Saturday nights attack, generous Londoners offered beds for the night, lifts home and safe places away from the chaos on the capitals streets.

Flowers are laid in tribute to attack victims / AFP/Getty Images

Social media hashtags #sofaforlondon and #staysafelondon began trending with offers of shelter, while black cab drivers and minicabs gave passengers free rides home from the area.

How to donate Donate to the British Red Cross UK Solidarity Fund: By phone: 0300 023 0820 By text: text UNITY to 70607 to donate 10.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: The events in these two great British cities in the last two weeks are shocking and horrifying.

"Our thoughts are with all of those affected at this terribly difficult time. The new UK Solidarity Fund will support victims of the attacks and their families, and provide a way for people to donate to help those affected in their time of need.

A woman lays a wreath at the scene on London Bridge / AP

"It will also help us to stand prepared to swiftly provide support in the event of future incidents.

Donations, which can be made by phone, web, post or text, will help families of the victims of the London attacks avoid short-term financial difficulties.

Funds will be distributed by the Red Cross working with the London Emergency Trust, which handled 12 million donations after the 7/7 bombings in the capital in 2005, and London authorities.

Gerald Oppenheim, head of the Emergency Trust, said it would make an enormous difference.

Donate to the fund here
S adiq Khan has hinted that a planned state visit by Donald Trump should be cancelled after the US president continued to blast his response to the London Bridge terror attack.

A row erupted between as Mr Trump mocked the Mayor of London for saying there was no reason to be alarmed by the additional police presence on the capitals streets following the attack.

Brushing aside criticism of his original claims, the US leader wrote on Twitter: "Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his 'no reason to be alarmed' statement.

"MSM (mainstream media) is working hard to sell it!"

Appearing on Channel 4 News, Mr Khan said Mr Trump was wrong about many things and that his state visit should not go ahead.

"I don't think we should roll out the red carpet to the president of the USA in the circumstances where his policies go against everything we stand for, he said.

"When you have a special relationship it is no different from when you have got a close mate. You stand with them in times of adversity but you call them out when they are wrong.

"There are many things about which Donald Trump is wrong."

Theresa May earlier defended the mayor, while stopping short of directly criticising Mr Trump.

"I think Sadiq Khan is doing a good job and it's wrong to say anything else - he's doing a good job," she told reporters at an election campaign event.

"We're working with him, working together and that's important - central government and the London mayoralty and his officials working together to ensure we are responding to the attack."

A spokesman for Mr Khan, responding to Mr Trump's latest tweet, said: "Nothing has changed since yesterday.

"The mayor is focused on dealing with Saturday's horrific and cowardly attack and working with the police, the emergency services and the Government to keep London safe."

The row came after seven people were killed when terrorists mowed pedestrians down at London Bridge before going on a knife rampage in Borough Market.
S ecurity barriers were installed overnight on three London bridges after Saturday nights terrorist attack that saw a white van mow down pedestrians on London Bridge.

TfL confirmed that fences were erected on Waterloo, Lambeth and Westminster bridges.

Commuters were pictured crossing the bridges behind the sturdy-looking new structures.

It came as Londoners returned to work amid a heavier police presence at London Bridge, which remained closed through Sunday but reopened on Monday morning for commuter traffic.

Westminster Bridge Security Barriers - In pictures 1 /13 Westminster Bridge Security Barriers - In pictures Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Alex Lentati Security barriers along Westminster Bridge this morning Evening Standard

City of London police said commuters could expect to see more officers on the beat in central London today.

The barriers were erected on Westminster Bridge amid questions over why they had not been installed following an attack on March 22 in which Khalid Masood killed five people by ploughing a car into pedestrians before stabbing an unarmed police officer.

In that attack, Masood drove a grey Hyundai Tucson into pedestrians on the pavement on the south side of Westminster Bridge at a speed of up to 76 mph.

Timeline: European terror attacks since 2015

On Saturday night, police were alerted that a vehicle had run down several pedestrians on London Bridge at 10.08pm, before it then drove on to Borough Market.

Onlookers described how the large white van veered onto the wrong side of the road of the bridge, weaving in an S-pattern to mow down terrified victims.

A witness named Eric, who was on the south side of London Bridge when he saw the van, told BBC Radio 5Live: "It veered to the right and people were trying to run away from it."

Nickie Aiken, leader of Westminster Council, said she believed the barriers on Westminster Bridge should stay in place permanently.

People in Westminster need this kind of protective measure  it is sensible and proportionate," she said.

"We are working closely with the Metropolitan police and security services and are happy to assist on measures like planning and traffic management.

"The kind of security barrier now in place on Westminster Bridge needs to be part of a permanent solution, she added.

Waterloo and Lambeth bridges also saw new, hastily erected security structures in place.

Commuters took pictures of the barriers as they passed, posting them to social media.

The imposing structures, made of concrete and metal, bookend Waterloo Bridge.

The blocky new barriers at Waterloo Bridge / @jmdiazangulo

The structures that appeared at Lambeth Bridge looked similar, made of concrete and blocking part of the pavement.
D onald Trump has blasted Sadiq Khan's response to the London Bridge terror attack for a second time, describing it as pathetic.

The row between the pair escalated as Mr Trump again slammed the Mayor of London for his statement following the attack on Saturday night.

Seven people were killed when terrorists mowed pedestrians down on London Bridge before stabbing people in Borough Market.

Donald Trump posted on Twitter on Monday: Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement.

"MSM is working hard to sell it!

A spokesman for Mr Khan dismissed the tweet, saying he is instead concentrating on keeping London safe.

Mr Khan had said the morning after the attack: "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days.

"There's no reason to be alarmed."

Mr Trump previously pledged his support to the UK over the latest atrocity, saying America was with you.

The US leader has also used the attack to renew calls for his controversial travel ban.

And a spokesman for Mr Khan responded to Mr Trump's latest tweet by saying: "Nothing has changed since yesterday.

"The mayor is focused on dealing with Saturday's horrific and cowardly attack and working with the police, the emergency services and the Government to keep London safe."

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and Tottenham MP David Lammy are among the politicians to blast the president.

Mr Farron tweeted: "After 3 terrorist attacks, @realDonaldTrump uses his time in the Oval Office to attack @MayorofLondon.

"He is an embarrassment to America.Theresa May must withdraw the state visit. This is a man insulting our national values at a time of introspection and mourning."

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

People have flooded social media with comments blasting the US President, who appeared to take Mr Khans comment out of context when he had said theres no reason to be alarmed after the deadly attack.

John Bershed posted on Twitter: If something happened to the USA right now, the UK would extend nothing to us but love.

"You're so broken you can't give anything but bile."

Sadiq Khan and Cressida Dick make statements following visit to scene of terror attack

Hank Green added: "Does anyone actually think it's OK for President Trump to incorrectly imply that London's mayor is unconcerned about terrorism?"

Leaders from across the political spectrum have come out in support of Mr Khan, with Prime Minsiter Theresa May saying he is doing an excellent job.

Mrs May initially sidestepped questions about Mr Trump by choosing to praise Mr Khan's response and stopped short of directly criticising the US president.

Asked if Mr Trump was wrong in his assessment of the London mayor, the Prime Minister told reporters: "I think Sadiq Khan is doing a good job and it's wrong to say anything else - he's doing a good job."
T he world-famous chimneys of Battersea Power Station once again dominate the skyline nearly three years after demolition of the perished originals began.

The Standard poured one of the very last of 25,000 wheelbarrows of concrete that have gone into restoring the 51-metre-high structures.

Since the process began in May 2015 some 680 tonnes of concrete have been lifted in a hoist to the tops of the chimneys, where up to eight men work exposed to wind and rain. Last to be finished was the north-west tower.

Batterseas chief construction officer Mike Grice said builders replicated the original labour-intensive method of erecting the chimneys, both for authenticity and because it was more efficient and precise than pumping concrete up from ground level in a hose.

The Battersea Power Station chimneys have been fully restored / Daniel Hambury

The originals, two built in the Thirties and two in the Fifties, were removed because they were so badly corroded after decades of exposure to the sulphur in the smoke from the generators huge boilers.

Critics of the 9 billion regeneration of the power station and surrounding 42-acre site had claimed the chimneys would not return once they had been knocked down.

But the Malaysian-owned consortium behind the scheme decided that the celebrated outline of the Grade II* listed structure meant rebuilding them was essential.

Evening Standard writer Jonathan Prynn pours concrete into the last of the chimneys / Daniel Hambury

Repainting them in their original colour  Light Ivory, RAL 1015  began last month and is expected to be completed over the summer. Each chimney requires 375 litres of paint.

Rob Tincknell, chief executive of Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: The chimneys have been the backdrop for films, music videos and album covers.

Battersea Power Station - In pictures 1 /33 Battersea Power Station - In pictures 12th February 1937: Smoke belches from the famous chimneys of London's Battersea Power Station. Getty Images Getty Images for Battersea Power Handout PA Battersea People throwing brightly coloured powder in the air during the Holi One Festival, at Battersea Power Station in London. PA Battersea A giant inflatable pig flies above Battersea Power Station on the banks of the river Thames in central London, during a recreation of the cover of the Pink Floyd album 'Animals' PA Battersea 27th July 1932: Construction workers take a lunch break with the 300 ft high chimney of Battersea Power station, which is nearing completion, in the background Getty Images Battersea 10th July 1933: The control room of Battersea Power Station, from which the feeders supply various regions of London with electricity. Getty Images Battersea circa 1934: Battersea Power Station under construction in London. The building was designed by leading architect Giles Scott in the Gothic style. Getty Images Battersea A general view of the new heliport site under construction in London. PA Battersea 9th July 1981: A crane fitted with a huge magnet clears metallic debris from the 'A' turbine hall of Battersea Power Station, London. The landmark building, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott is gradually being closed down and gutted. (Photo by Ian Tyas/Keystone Features/Getty Images) Getty Images Battersea The London 2012 bid logo is displayed on Battersea Power Station, central London. PA Battersea PA Battersea A snowboarder on the ski slope at Battersea power station in London for the Freeze Snow and Music Festival. PA Battersea Battersea Power Station in south west London, where preparations are underway to dismantle and rebuild the four chimneys as part of the redevelopment of the 1930s power station. PA Battersea PA Battersea PA Battersea PA Battersea The World's first amphibious Ice Cream Van, called the 'HMS Flake 99', as it passes Battersea Power Station by the River Thames in London, to mark National Ice Cream Week. PA Battersea Helen Skelton walks on a tightrope between two of the chimneys at Battersea Power Station, London. PA Battersea Models on the catwalk during a rehearsal for the Matthew Williamson Spring/summer London Fashion Week show, at Battersea Power Station in London. PA Battersea Around 500 actors for The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain perform S'Warm at Battersea Power Station in London to raise awareness of the alleged global environmental crisis caused by dwindling bee populations. PA Battersea A competitor takes part in a practice session ahead of the London leg of the Red Bull X-Fighters freestyle motocross tournament, which takes place at Battersea Power Station, London, on Saturday August 14. PA Battersea A general view from the north side of the embankment. PA Battersea Getty Images

On behalf of our shareholders, I would like to say it has been an honour to restore this iconic symbol to the London skyline so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Wandsworth council leader Ravi Govindia, said: These giant chimneys are recognised the world over.

"The sites owners have understood their significance from day one and have gone to great lengths to restore them to their former glory. And delivered on their promises.

The north-east and south-west chimneys will still be used, as part of the new energy centre that will power the development with water vapour released from their flues.
A Conservative candidate was booed at an election hustings after telling the audience that she is "really pleased we have food banks".

Sheryll Murray, who has been MP for South East Cornwall since 2010, asked an aide to call police after being heckled at the event in Callington on Saturday.

Her team later claimed they feared for her safety following "sustained abuse" - including a woman waving pink underwear - from a group of supporters of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Ms Murray told the audience that people could require the help of food banks if their circumstances changed, such as moving house or their benefits being delayed.

"I am really pleased that we have food banks in South East Cornwall," Ms Murray said.

Video of the event showed audience members loudly booing the comments, with one man shouting: "A civilised society shouldn't need it".

Hustings: Sheryll Murray during the event

Ms Murray gestured to a section of the audience and said "Let's ignore these", prompting gasps and one woman to stand up.

The woman told the candidate: "How dare you stand there and say that you can ignore me. I'm sitting down now but you are being rude."

Ms Murray replied: "I think we should leave because obviously I am not being subjected to this.

"You've all witnessed this horrendous behaviour. I came here in good faith today."

She then suggested the woman who stood up should leave. The woman said: "If you want me to leave, you call the police."

Ms Murray turned to an aide and said: "Right Bob, would you like to go and try and do that please?"

Shayne Adams, from Crafthole, near Plymouth, attended the hustings.

"I think, to be honest, most people were absolutely shocked by the response to the foodbank question and from there, regardless of any one particular outburst, people were trying to hold it together because you do genuinely want to hear the response of the candidates," Mr Adams said.

"She was challenged when she said something offensive. The best analogy is as though when she finishes her political career she would quite like Katie Hopkins' job."

In a statement, Ms Murray's team claimed the event had been "hijacked" by a group of Mr Corbyn's supporters, many who did not come from Callington.

They said one woman had lunged for the candidate while reaching in her bag and later waved a "very large pair of pink underwear above her head".

Ms Murray added: "Nobody is saying a person going hungry is a good thing and everything must be done to stop this.

"Whilst we work to eradicate hunger, however, the food banks themselves do provide a good service.

"What really concerns me at the moment is Jeremy Corbyn gaining power and everyone needing food banks as the economy takes a nose dive."
D avid Camerons former strategy chief called for Theresa May to resign as he launched a scathing attack on the Prime Ministers record on terrorism.

Steve Hilton, who worked under the former Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street, criticised Mrs Mays record on security after the third terror attack in Britain in 10 weeks.

Alluding to the PMs time as Home Secretary between 2010 and 2016, Mr Hilton tweeted: Theresa May responsible for security failures of London Bridge, Manchester, Westminster Bridge. Should be resigning not seeking re-election.

Quoting a newspaper report which suggested that Mrs May was trying to send a tougher message to security services, Mr Hilton added: Theresa May blame-shifting again. her spin doctors attack MI5, but she was in charge of them for years...

Mr Hilton worked for Mr Cameron during the Coalition government after the 2010 election, before spending a year as a visiting scholar at Stanford University in California.

Mrs May also faced criticism from Jeremy Corbyn over her record on terror, as the Labour leader accused the PM of cutting resources.

Citing a notorious confrontation between the PM and the Police Federation, which represents officers across the country, Mr Corbyn said: Theresa May was warned by the Police Federation but she accused them of 'crying wolf'.

Pressure: Prime Minister Theresa May / EPA

He added: You cannot protect the public on the cheap. The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts.

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.

Theresa May gives statement on London attack following Cobra meeting

"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.

The Prime Minister said enough is enough after the attack in which seven people were killed and 21 were left fighting for life.

"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 said.

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.
T heresa May praised Sadiq Khans response to the London Bridge terror attack  but declined to publicly admonish Donald Trump over his remarks on the Mayor.

The Prime Minister said Mr Khan is doing an excellent job in the wake of the atrocity in which seven people were killed on Saturday night.

Mr Trump sparked a row as he tweeted criticism of Londons Mayor over his response to the attack.

The US President wrote: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed!

Mr Khan's statement appeared to have been taken out of context by Mr Trump. The Mayor 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."

Asked about the way in which foreign leaders have responded to Mr Khans handling of the attack, the PM said: I think Sadiq is doing an excellent job. Ive chaired a second Cobra meeting this morning, Sadiq Khan was present at that meeting, he was present at the Cobra that I chaired yesterday.

Sadiq Khan with Met Chief Cressida Dick / Jeremy Selwyn

Were working together. Were working with the Mayor of London and with City Hall to ensure, for example, that the transport network is able to get back up and running so that people can go about their business.

Donald Trump slams Sadiq Khan on London terror attack

Asked if a period of silence by Mr Trump would be advisable, she said: Im very clear that Sadiq is doing a good job as Mayor of London. Thats important; central government, the mayoralty and his officials working together to make sure we are responding to the attack and looking at the work the police is doing to give the public extra protection and extra reassurance.

The PM was later asked what Mr Trump would have to say for her to criticise him publicly, causing her to cite her disagreement over the US President withdrawing his country from the Paris climate change agreement.

"I'm not afraid to say when I think President Trump is getting it wrong," she added.

"Sadiq Khan is doing a good job. To say anything else is wrong".
T im Farron said he is not running to be Pope after being quizzed again on whether his Evangelical Christian beliefs conflicted with the Liberal Democrat partys policies.

Asked if voting in favour of gay marriage was difficult for him during a Question Time special on Monday, the Liberal Democrat leader said flatly: No.

Mr Farron has in the past been repeatedly criticised by celebrities and fellow politicians for failing to properly answer question about his position on homosexuality.

Answering directly that he did not think homosexuality was a sin, the party leader added: If youre a liberal, you fight for everybodys right to be who they are.

Question Time: Nick Robinson led the leaders special with Tim Farron and Nicola Sturgeon / BBC

The question came from a member of the audience in the BBC debate in Edinburgh where he faced SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon in the broadcasters second leaders' special.

Following this, stand-in Question Time presenter Nick Robinson told Mr Farron to have done with this and answer questions on the topic that he allegedly avoided.

The Liberal Democrat replied: Or you could actually take the view that Im not running to be Pope Im a political leader not a religious one.

He added: I dont judge anybody. What is utterly key to my faith is you treat others as you want to be treated yourself. You do not judge other people, otherwise you yourself will be judged.

Later in the debate, Mr Farron also again ruled out joining a coalition with any other party - and said the Conservatives are heading for a landslide victory.

He said the issue of a coalition would not arise as Theresa May was set to win a big majority in the new parliament.

"We are not going into coalition. I made that very, very clear.

"Whether one likes it or not, Theresa May is heading for a landslide on Thursday," he said.
Mumbai, June 5 (IBNS): Jet Airways, India's full-service international airline, in collaboration with CAE, known for providing training solutions to commercial airlines, on Monday announced the launch of a new Commercial Pilot License (CPL) cadet pilot training programme aimed at creating more than 380 professional pilots over the next five years, in line with the airlineas growth strategy.

Beginning Monday, candidates can apply at www.jetairways.com/careers on Jet Airways website or at www.caeoaa.com/jetairways.

As part of the agreement, the first set of 60 cadets will begin training in the second half of 2017, with ground school and flight training at CAEs flight academies in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and Gondia (NFTI), India. Thereafter, cadets will continue with Boeing 737 type-rating training at CAEs training centre in Bengaluru, India. Upon successful completion of their training programme, the selected candidates will be employed by Jet Airways.

At Jet Airways, we pride ourselves for leveraging best-in-class technology and innovation in all aspects of our business. That extends as much to our advanced cadet pilot training programme. With the introduction of this training programme, were creating fresh batches of highly skilled cockpit crew to augment our in-house talent pool. We are delighted to launch a new ab-initio pilot training programme with the worlds leading training organisation, our longstanding partner in training CAE. The training module is designed to provide meaningful training in a consistent manner with similar level of content engagement to all pilots, said Amit Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (Acting), Jet Airways.

CAE has been providing world-class training to our pilots for more than 10 years; we are confident that they will play a fundamental role in the creation of our future pilots, helping us recruit and select top talent, he further added.

Nick Leontidis, Group President, Civil Aviation Training Solutions, CAE said, As the demand for professional pilots is on the rise globally, we are proud to support our long-standing airline partners initiative to create future competent pilots. CAE is honoured to partner with Jet Airways through the launch of this new pilot training programme and remains committed to continue delivering high-quality training.

CAE and Jet Airways share a relationship that spans over a decade, including the provision of maintenance support services at CAEs Bengaluru training centre. Jet Airways currently owns four CAE-built full-flight simulators, including one Airbus A330 FFS, two Boeing 737NG and one Boeing 777-300ER FFS. The six-bay CAE training centre is located near the Bengaluru International Airport at Devanahalli. Operational since late 2008, it is the first non-airline training centre to earn approval as a fixed-wing Type Rating Training Organisation (TRTO) by Indias DGCA.

http://www.jetairways.com/careers
A lexander Holroyd couldn't suppress his smiles. On the day we met for a coffee, a poll had come out in France ahead of the elections to the National Assembly, their parliament. It showed President Macron's En Marche! on course for a landslide win.

Holroyd is bidding to be the French MP for London and, with the gusts of optimism behind Macron and his movement, he is going to struggle to lose. When the London-French community went to the polls for the presidential elections last month, Macron picked up 95 per cent of their vote  the sort of number that would make a dictator envious.

Holroyd is cut from a similar cloth to his party leader. He's smart, irritatingly young at 30, a deep Europhile and highly educated, with a string of degrees from King's College London, the LSE and the French Sciences Po. Is there a Brigitte in his life, I ask, to match Macron's wife, who has stolen the heart of France. "Yes," he blushes. "She's German." She is called Sophia.

Holroyd's conversion to politics came a year ago. He had been working on "regulatory stuff ", as he puts it, for FTI Consulting, first in Brussels and then in London, when our EU referendum happened. "It was the first time I think I felt an electoral result personally, emotionally. I have been disappointed [before] but not fundamentally impacted  it really broke something."

Alexander, or Alexandre as he appears on the ballot papers, founded the British wing of the new En Marche! party, with its promise of progress and embrace of European ideals. Holroyd organised Macron's visit to London, where thousands flocked to see him. He quit his job to campaign and then decided to stand as candidate.

He will, should he land the job, feel an empathy with his constituents. There are 130,000 registered French voters in London  though the city's French population is probably more than double that, giving rise to the joke that London is France's sixthbiggest city. Some are here as students or on short-term jobs, some are the French banking elite seduced to the City, or in London's tech start-up scene, while others have just met an English partner and had kids.

Holroyd's father, an English businessman, met his French mother, set up home in South Kensington and educated the children at the French Lycee. Many French nationals don't have formal papers because, under the EU, why would you need to? Now those old certainties have gone.

"I've come across a few people who have had their residency rejected or been waiting for ages," he says. More worryingly, he says, they are stuck in limbo for services. "There are a couple of people who were having difficulties getting mortgages because banks were reluctant, apparently, because they didn't know what their status will be post-Brexit."

Holroyd is actually standing to be MP for overseas residents across Northern Europe  all of the UK, Scandinavia, the Baltic States and Ireland  where collectively there are 50,000 voters. Voting takes place here on Sunday, with a second round a fortnight hence.

As well as representing them if he wins, Holroyd will also be pushing through the En Marche! agenda in the Assembly. Macron wants corporation tax cut, French labour laws relaxed and a new competitive business environment for the country that had stagnated under President Hollande. In the run-up to his election, he said repeatedly and provocatively that he would "roll out the red carpet" for London bankers to come to Paris.

This surely is a paradox, I suggest to Holroyd  to represent a city that his president is trying to diminish. "I don't I don't see it as a paradox," says Holroyd coolly. "My first priority for the UK is to defend the rights of French citizens to freely come here to work. But, nationally, my first priority is to make my country competitive again. It is the nature of competition, something the UK is very good at."

Touche! You can't help but feel a little envious of this tiggerish enthusiasm. Our liberal metropolitan elite looks wistfully across the Channel and wonders where our dreamboat centrist is. How do we create one, I ask. "No idea," he says unhelpfully, checking his watch as he's catching a train to Birmingham to woo French voters there.

"People used to say in the presidential campaign that we had a great advantage on the others, who had to mask the shortcomings of their candidates, whereas we literally just had to get someone to go and see him and come out convinced." So we need a Jesus? "The man himself is pretty phenomenal  that's not something you can manufacture."
V ladimir Putin has dismissed as nonsense the idea that Russia has damaging information on Donald Trump  and suggested that US intelligence agents could have meddled with last years presidential election.

In an interview on American television last night, the Russian president  who denies any involvement in the hacking of email accounts of top Democrats that many believe helped swing the November vote in Mr Trumps favour  said US spies could be have been behind the data theft.

Theres a theory that Kennedys assassination was arranged by the United States intelligence services, Mr Putin told NBC.

So if this theory is correct, and that cant be ruled out, then what could be easier, in this day and age, than using all the technical means at the disposal of the intelligence services, and using those means to organise some attacks, and then pointing the finger at Russia.

Interviewer Megyn Kelly pressed Mr Putin on whether he has any dossier or embarrassing dirt on the US president that could be used to blackmail him.

This is just another load of nonsense, the Russian leader said. Where would we get this information from? Why, did we have some special relationship with him? We didnt have any relationship at all. There was a time when he used to come to Moscow. But you know, I never met with him. We have a lot of Americans who visit us.

Donald Trump / Getty Images

Right now, I think we have representatives from a hundred American companies that have come to Russia. Do you think were gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something? Have you all lost your senses over there?

He also denied that he had wanted Mr Trump to win the election, saying: Presidents come and go, and even the parties in power change, but the main political direction does not change. Thats why, in the grand scheme of things, we dont care whos the head of the United States. We know more or less what is going to happen.

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Speaking in St Petersburg, Mr Putin said he did not have any knowledge of meetings between Trump campaign officials and the Russian ambassador and said that no proposal came to him from the US presidents son-in-law Jared Kushner for a secret communication channel.

He accused the media of sensationalising information and using it as a weapon of war against Mr Trump. You people are so creative over there, good job, Mr Putin added. Your lives must be boring.

He also said he did not really talk to former US national security adviser Michael Flynn at a dinner in Moscow in December 2015. I made my speech. Then we talked about some other stuff. And I got up and left. And 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, Mr Putin said.

Mr Flynn was sacked in February after misleading the White House over his Russian links and has declined to testify to the Senate intelligence committee.

American police yesterday detained scores of pro-Trump protesters following street battles in Portland, Oregon.

The Trump Free Speech Rally ended with 14 arrests on disorderly conduct, concealed weapon and harassment charges and nearly 100 more protesters were rounded up. Police fired tear gas after bricks were thrown at officers.
P iers Morgan has apologised to Ariana Grande after he criticised her decision to fly back to the US after the Manchester terror attack.

The Good Morning Britain presenter said he had misjudged the pop superstar, who he described as admirable.

He tweeted his public apology during the Manchester One Love concert, which was fronted by Grande.

I misjudged you, @ArianaGrande and I apologise, he posted. You're an admirable young woman and this is a magnificent night. Respect.

Morgan condemned Grande for not personally visiting those injured in the attack at her Manchester MEN arena concert on May 22.

The controversial presenter said it struck [him] as odd that the Queen would visit the wounded over Grande, who everyone had paid to see at the gig, and claimed he would have 100 per cent stayed in the UK.

Defiant: Ariana Grande on stage at the One Love Manchester concert / PA

In response to Katy Perry praising the monarchs kind heart, Morgan tweeted: Agreed. Might have been nice if @ArianaGrande had stayed to do the same.

He added: I expected her to stay, visit and comfort her wounded fans and relatives of those who died.

Sunday nights benefit concert raised 2 million for the We Love Manchester Emergency fund. All donations will go to the victims and families of those affected by the attack.

Ariana Grande leads 'night of love' at Manchester benefit concert

The star-studded night saw Grande join Black Eyed Peas for a rendition of Where Is The Love?, Coldplay to cover Oasis Dont Look Back in Anger and the Parrs Wood school choir.

In an emotional speech halfway through she said: I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being here.

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

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.

Grande said that she had met with the mother of 15-year-old victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy, who said she wouldn't have wanted her to cry but would have wanted her to play all the hits.

As a result Grande decided to totally change the entire set list.

Niall Horan, Miley Cyrus, Little Mix, Pharrell, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Take That and Robbie Williams all performed including Liam Gallagher who made a surprise appearance.
S ummer got officially under way last week - and with that comes a new series of Big Brother.

Emma Willis welcomed a handful of new housemates into the famous TV bungalow as the reality series kicked off on Channel 5 on Monday night.

This year's batch includes Louie Spences nephew, Miss Nigeria UK and lots of Ex on the Beach stars.

In a Big Brother first, viewers were called upon to choose which candidates they wanted to give housemate status to.

People's Housemate: Tom won a place from the public (Channel 5)

Welshman Tom was picked to become the Peoples Housemate after beating Simone, Sue and Andrew. As a result he will hold great power - including access to the outside world.

He will also be responsible for taking citizenship away from half of the housemates.

Here's all the action as it happened:

Show bosses have promised a must-watch culture clash of modern Britain with more fireworks than you could imagine.

Rylan Clark-Neal is returning to present Big Brothers Bit on the Side, with fan reactions, celebrity panellists, and nightly exclusives.

So who will have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Jason Burrill, who despite dividing housemates and viewers when he opted to evict Lateysha Grace, went on to win the 2016 series?

Big Brother is on Channel 5 tomorrow at 10pm..
P repare yourself for a summer of sun, sex and scandal. ITVs hit reality dating show is returning to screens for four weeks of fun, feuds and frolicking. Heres everything you need to know about Love Island 2017.

Whats it about?

The dating competition sees singletons head to a villa on the island of Majorca looking for love. In order to be in with a chance of winning a 50,000 prize, the contestants will have to couple up with other islanders and try to make their love last.

But with inevitable rivalries and new additions waiting in the wings, theres guaranteed to be plenty of partner swapping.

However, the couples will have to convince viewers their romance is real, as the winners will be chosen by public vote.

Love Island meet the singletons looking for love

Who are the contestants?

This years crop of singletons includes an ex member of Blazin Squad, Marcel Somerville and a former flame of Prince Harrys Camilla Thurlowe.

Theres also glamour model from Devon, Jessica Shears, whos already got beef with fellow contestant Montana Brown, as they both dated the same guy at the same time.

Click through the gallery below to get clued up on this years contestants.

Love Island 2017 contestants - in pictures 1 /16 Love Island 2017 contestants - in pictures Love Island 2017 Meet this year's fresh crop of contestants - from a member of Blazin' Squad to a glamour model ITV Olivia Attwood Age: 26 Occupation: Motorsport Grid Girl From: Surrey Says: Ill be drawn to the loudmouth joker type What you need to know: Olivia used to be a model and says guys often call her a player because she wont take rubbish from anyone. PA Dominic Lever Age: 26 Occupation: Careers Advisor From: Manchester Says: Im not just a pretty face, Ive got the chat as well. What you need to know: Despite admitting hes vain, Lever says hes after more than just looks in a potential love match. PA Chloe Crowhurst Age: 22 Occupation: Executive Assistant From: Essex Says: I havent been on any dates since my ex cheated on me. Im saving myself for the Island Crowhurst enjoys a night out in her home town of Essex, but says she isnt a fan of the local talent  as a lot of them want about ten girlfriends at a time. PA Marcel Somerville Age: 31 Occupation: Music Professional From: London Says: Ive always got girls around me. Im not a player but I do like to be single What you need to know: Somerville was one of the original members of Blazin Squad, but says he thinks hes improved with age and is much better looking these days. PA Jessica Shears Age: 23 Occupation: Glamour Model From: Devon Says: Other girls will judge me at first and think Im a stuck-up bitch What you need to know: Glamour model Shears is an old romantic and says shell be looking for true love in the villa. PA Sam Gowland Age: 21 Occupation: Oil Rig Worker From: Middlesbrough Says: Im a serial dater. My attention spans not that good, so to be honest I generally only manage one date. I get bored easily. What you need to know: Gowland is a big Love Island fan, his cousin Jonathan Grounds plays football for Birmingham City and hes friend with Holly Hagan from Geordie Shore. PA Montana Brown Age: 21 Occupation: Economics Student From: Hertfordshire Says: Im very blunt and honest, and sometimes really brutal. I say things I shouldnt say. What you need to know: Montana loves a sportsman - her ex was a professional footballer and shes dated a few rugby players too. PA Kem Cetinay Age: 21 Occupation: Hairdresser From: Essex Says: Im a mummys boy. I live at home and I always sit with my mum watching TV and cuddling up to her. Were best friends. What you need to know: Cetinay has styled the hair of reality TV royalty including Towie stars Pete Wicks and James Argent. PA Camilla Thurlow Age: 27 Occupation: Explosive Ordnance Disposal From: Dumfries Says: I can be a bit cold, and come across that way, but thats because Im quite independent and strong. What you need to know: Thurlowe is allegedly a former flame of Prince Harrys having had a one night stand with the royal after his breakup with Cressida Bonas. PA Amber Davies Amber Davies Age: 20 Occupation: Dancer From: South Wales Says: Im a bit of a dating queen, I love to date. What you need to know: Amber says shes definitely broken hearts and admits to sleeping with a big name but wont reveal who. PA Harley Judge Age: 22 Occupation: Groundsworker From: Norwich Says: If [a woman] doesnt say thank you when I hold a door open, she instantly goes from a 10/10 to a 4. What you need to know: Hardworking Judge says hes married to the gym but is willing to put the effort in for the perfect match. PA

What happens in episode one?

The singletons will couple up in the first episode, but with six girls to five boys, therell be one lady at a loose end and looking to steal someone elses partner.

Episode one sees original Blazin Squad member Somerville reveal his musical past, and Shears and Brown discuss the ex who two timed them.

Meanwhile another contestant, executive assistant Chloe Crowhurst realises she dated fellow islander Kem Cetinays best friend.

And one couple are already getting close, sharing a kiss before bedtime.

Who presents it?

Caroline Flack will once more be taking on presenting duties for the show, popping into the villa every now and then to set tasks and reveal shock twists.

Shell also be hosting a new sister show, Love Island: After Sun, which will see her dissect all the action from the house with celebrities and former islanders.

Love Island 2016 Couples - In pictures 1 /9 Love Island 2016 Couples - In pictures Tom Powell and Sophie Gradon Rex Features Katie Salmon and Adam Maxted Rex Features Cara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey Rex Features Scott Thomas and Kady McDermott Rex Features Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen Rex Features Emma Jane Woodhams and Terry Walsh Rex Features Rykard Jenkins and Rachel Fenton Rex Features

What happened to last years couples?

Last years Love Island king and queen Kara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey have sadly split, with De La Hoyde later announcing she was pregnant with Masseys baby in an unexpected turn of events.

However, a surprising number of couples are still making it work a year on. Find out who stayed together and who split here.

Whens it on?

The launch show airs on ITV2 tonight at 9pm.
New Delhi, June 5 (IBNS): Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) celebrated the World Environment Day on the 5th June 2017 across 6,000 automobile dealers throughout the nation. SAFE organised various activities related to environment safety and conservation along with a pledge to spread awareness around sustainable environment protection, and unceasing eco-conscious growth.

The nationwide initiative is also being continued today and will be extended for a week in select dealerships for better reach and service.



Periodic environmental crises such as flash floods, drought, erratic weather patterns, forest fires, deforestation, etc can be resisted only with the support of individuals, corporate and societal entities as well as communities at large for the common cause of environment protection. Therefore, on the occasion of World Environment Day, SAFE is organising several mass awareness campaigns with special focus on Safety, Environment and Technology to promote environment safety and protection.



Some specific activities undertaken included free day-long PUC (pollution under control) check-ups and the issuing of free PUC certificates at various dealers across India. Over 1 lakh vehicles were provided free PUCs and 1 lakh vehicle owners were given free PUC certificates. Several unique initiatives  such as a environment related awareness competition for kids, environment conservation tips for customers, sapling distribution, tree plantation, green processions, awareness rallies, etc.,  were conducted at dealership outlets. This activity is part of several initiatives undertaken by the body to combat various challenges faced by the sector. School children were given traffic rules training and safety measures by Delhi Police and Traffic Parks.

Speaking on the eve of the launch, Vishnu Mathur, Director General  SIAM, said World Environment Day is a way for SIAM to celebrate and encourage community awareness of the key issues that plague our environment, and a consciousness of the measures that can be undertaken to promote eco-friendly growth. Air pollution, in particular, is a major cause for concern today, so it is imperative to garner the support of the entire community to tackle the same with active, diligent efforts. With this campaign, SIAM aims to educate vehicle owners and society in a way that makes them active agents in the building of a cleaner, greener, and safer environment. The participation of the community in this initiative is pivotal, and with their support, we are sure to realise our goal.

Several manufacturers such as Ashok Leyland Ltd, Bajaj Auto Ltd, Ford India Pvt Ltd, General Motors India Pvt Ltd, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd, Renault India Pvt Ltd, Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd, SML ISUZU Ltd, Tata Motors Ltd, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd, TVS Motor Company Ltd will participate for the common cause through their dealerships.
Kolkata, June 5 (IBNS): Kotak Mahindra Bank on Monday announced the launch of a811 a Upload a Treea initiative wherein the Bank would plant a sapling in the name of the first 10,000 customers who download an 811 bank account from June 5, 2017 - World Environment Day.

The Bank has partnered with SankalpTaru Foundation to plant saplings in housing complexes across eight cities including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Under this initiative, the Bank would plant Neem, Jacaranda, Gulmohar, Sita-Ashok and Silver Oak saplings; preferably used for shade and medicinal purposes.

Mohan Shenoi, Chief Operating Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, Banking is usually associated with a lot of paperwork. 811 - Indias first downloadable bank, changes this by offering a completely environment friendly, no paper and seamless experience which enables customers to open a savings bank account within 5 minutes. Taking this theme forward, we are launching 811 - Upload a Tree initiative, which seeks to involve our customers in making our society greener.

Ambuj Chandna, Sr. EVP & Head  Retail Liabilities, Investment & Payments Products, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, Each sapling will be named after the first 10,000 customers who open an 811 account from June 5, 2017  World Environment Day. It will be geo-tagged to be viewed by customers on a dashboard provided by our NGO partner - SankalpTaru Foundation. In case of sapling mortality, it will be replaced by the NGO with a same aged plant for up to two years. Post conclusion of the NGOs maintenance period, housing societies will look after the plants.

The campaign was initiated in Gurugrams New Colony, near Dasshera ground, on June 5, 2017, where Kotak employees and volunteers from SankalpTaru Foundation collaboratively planted saplings with residents of the housing complex.
Guwahati, June 5 (IBNS): In a move to play the role of aforce-multipliera of connecting people to nature, and encourage the younger generation to plant more saplings, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday announced that the state government would celebrate World Environment Day at every panchayat in the state from next year. Speaking at a programme organised centrally to celebrate the World Environment Day at Dibrugarh University in Dibrugarh, the Assam CM said that the government would also earmark areas in each village for plantation of saplings to give the people of the area an opportunity to plant saplings on special day of the family and to shape their future in sync with the nature.

Stating that the government had planted 1.42 crore saplings last year, Sonowal said that in the coming year the government in active association of the people of the state would plant 10 crore saplings.

He also sought the cooperation of the people to take positive environmental actions right from neighbourhood clean ups, to action against wild life crimes to replanting forests.



Sonowal also said that the creations of the greats like Srimanta Sankaradev, Jyotiprasad Agarwala, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika immensely encouraged us for a greener environment as he reiterated the need of transforming environment protection into a mass movement.

The Assam CM also advocated for a synergy between animals, plants and mankind to appreciate the beauty and importance of environment.

He also said that to protect the future generation, environment and its constituents have to be protected and preserved.



Sonowal pointed out that the present government after coming to power laid emphasis on a pollution free environment as the government is keen to tag it as a peoples programme. In consonance with the abundance of natural resources of the north east, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to make the region as an organic hub.

Sonowal also called upon everybody to take steps to transform the region into an epicentre of organic practices.



Emphasising that Assam has the reputation of being naturally very beautiful, the Assam CM professed that everybody in the state should contribute to make the State more beautiful and allure more and more tourists to come to Assam to enjoy its exotic beauty. The prolific environment in both Barak and Brahmaputra should be protected and the people of the both the valleys should be engaged to enhance beauty of the nature.

Earlier, Sonowal led the State in a plantation drive and planted saplings in the campus of Dibrugarh University and distributed saplings among the students.

Environment and Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, MP Rameswar Teli, MLAs Prasanta Phukan, Rituparna Baruah, Sanjay Kisan, Bimal Bora, Chakradhar Gogoi, eminent litterateur Nagen Saikia, CEM Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council Dipu Ranjan Markari, Vice Chancellor Dibrugarh University Professor Alak Kumar Buragohain and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Moreover, Sonowal also laid the foundation stone for Centre for Tribal Development and Research sponsored by Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council on the sidelines of the programme.

On the other hand, the State Bank of India also celebrated the day with various programme by adopting tree plantation in large scale all across the North Eastern Region.

Bank had adopted tree plantation programme in most its branches in North Eastern states.

Started the day with a symbolic tree plantation programme at banks Local Head Office premises in Guwahati and later tree-plants were distributed to all the employees of SBI at Local Head Office as a measure of wide spread and broad basing tree plantation across the SBI fraternity.

Later, a bulk tree plantation programme was arranged in a befitting manner at Balaji Temple, Gorchuk, where more than 100 new tree plants were earthen and showered by PVSLN Murty, Chief General Manager, Digmanu Gupta, Om Prakash Mishra General Managers, Kaushik Sinha, Circle Development Officer of SBI North Eastern Circle, besides other bank executives and employees of SBI.

The whole event at Balaji Temple were witnessed, enjoyed by many visitors, devotees of the Balaji temple and praised for the banks initiatives.

Along with the rest of the state, the Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce, Assam also observed World Environment Day.

The day was marked by planting of saplings by the Commissioner Dr KK Dwivedi at the office premises in Udyog Bhawan and Industrial Estate at Bamunimaidam, Guwahati.

The Commissioner was also joined by rest of the officers and staff who took active participation in the tree plantation drive.



Commissioner Dr KK Dwivedi highlighted the importance of preserving the ecosystem and called upon everyone to contribute towards making the world clean, green and a better place to live in.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)


Hungry for knowledge. Thats the way I describe the six undergraduate college students from Rwanda who have joined us at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center (PHREC) for a 10-week internship this summer. These six students, who joined us three weeks ago, are part of a larger group of 56 Rwandan students enrolled in the UNL CUSP program  short for CASNR Undergraduate Scholarship Program. Let me explain further.

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at UNL has established a scholarship program for students from Rwanda to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in integrated science. It focuses on conservation agriculture, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovative thinking aligned with areas of need identified by the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

At PHREC, we seized the opportunity to provide a summer experience to these bright and highly motivated students. In addition, we wanted the chance for our Extension specialists and Extension educators to learn from these students. You see, these six students, Germain Intwari, Peace Munyana, Liliane Umuhoza, Didier Ndenga, Tonny Ruhinda and Jovial Uwase, were selected from over 1,200 Rwandan applicants to participate as CUSP scholars. Furthermore, the six at PHREC were identified by the CUSP director in Lincoln as trusted and mature enough to spend their summer internship 400 miles west of Lincoln.

Each student is paired with one of our agronomy specialists at PHREC to work alongside them on research and education programs to learn both the science and the practice of production agriculture. Specialists who are mentoring CUSP students are Carlos Urrea, dry bean breeder; Bob Harveson, plant pathologist; Nevin Lawrence, weed management specialist; Bijesh Maharjan, soil science; and Dipak Santra, alternative crops specialist. The students will take these experiences back to Lincoln for more classwork that will prepare them to make an impact in Rwanda when they return with their degrees in three to four years.

Why Rwanda?

It is said that Rwanda is one of the most progressive African countries when it comes to modernizing agriculture. In 2007, Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program, with the aim to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty, and is committed to putting 10 percent of the governments initial budget into agriculture and to growing the sector by 6 percent per year.

Given that agriculture is still the backbone of the economy in Rwanda and the main source of export earnings, education in agriculture will continue to play a pivotal role toward improving livelihoods of the Rwandan population. It is the goal of the CUSP program to assist in this achievement. We at the Panhandle Center are fortunate to play a part in this process.

On Tuesday, May 30 the CUSP students were invited to the Gering/Scottsbluff Rotary Club. Jeff Bradshaw, our PHREC entomology specialist and coordinator for the CUSP students internship here in Scottsbluff, explained the program to Rotary members. Following Jeff, the students each took a turn at sharing their plan for learning this summer. It was fun for me to watch the audience as these talented and articulate students, who are between the ages of 18 and 22, explained their background and objectives. In true Panhandle fashion, Rotary members were intrigued to learn more about the students and their country. It was a truly international experience for both parties.

Thanks to Panhandle families

In order to provide a touch of home for the students while they are here, Darla Heggem, a well-known Mitchell resident and employee of the Rural Futures Institute at the University of Nebraska, reached out into the community and connected the students with host families. These include the families of Mike and Lisa Moravec, Matt Hutt and Susan Dickinson, Lex and Jennie Larsen, Zac and Cristina Karpf, Bryan and Laura Barrett, and John and Kerri Berge. This component of the CUSP students experience is sure to develop lasting relationships and likely lead to future experiences for both students and hosts.

I began this column with a comment about being hungry for knowledge. These students are committed to improving the food supply of their country as a way to reduce physical hunger and help move Rwanda toward its stated goal of rising from an undeveloped country to a self-sufficient developed country by the year 2020. My insight is that they are well on their way and our CUSP scholars will play a vital role in the future of feeding the hungry citizens of Rwanda.
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  Following data collection and review, a public hearing, and receipt of public comment, State Engineer Pat Tyrrell issued an order Wednesday, May 31 that will modify groundwater use limitations for the next three years in the LaGrange area. The First Amended Order modifies the terms of an Order issued on July 19, 2013, in accordance with the terms of that previous Order.

More specifically, the order was issued for the LaGrange Aquifer and surface water diversions from Horse Creek at and below the Brown and LaGrange diversion in southern Goshen County, Wyoming. In crafting the First Amended order, Tyrrell took into account groundwater and surface water use information gained in the first three years of operating under the original Order, as well as comments received from area water users, as expressed at a public hearing in LaGrange on Feb. 15, 2017, and the 30-day comment period that followed.

Notably, according to Tyrrell, groundwater production in the first three years under the original order was significantly below the amount believed to be sustainable under the current level of knowledge. Partly, this was due to favorable hydrology, and to modifications some operators made to their operations. In the last three years there have been no calls for surface water regulation, and Hawk Springs Reservoir has filled every year.

Only about 48 percent of the allotted groundwater was pumped in the first three years. So, weve underutilized the LaGrange Aquifer in some ways, said Tyrrell. Those who would benefit from a larger cap should be able to do so, and we can do that, I believe, without jeopardizing the resource in the meantime.

In the new order, Tyrrell continues the original Orders closure of the area to further permitting of large capacity wells, and continued the requirement of the adjudication of currently unadjudicated groundwater permits prior to use. However, the First Amended Order increases the allowable groundwater used for irrigation from the LaGrange Aquifer from 12 inches per year (36 inches for the 3-year period) in the original order to a total of 45 inches for the next three water years (starting in water year 2017), with no more than 20 inches produced in any one year. All groundwater wells permitted for over 25 gallons per minute will also be required to continue to have flow meters installed, and to report their use annually. While so limited, groundwater use will not be vulnerable to calls for regulation from surface water rights.

Surface water diversions, and reservoirs, will still be required to have acceptable control and measurement capabilities. Similarly, those diversions seeking to divert water during the winter will be required to have acceptable control and measurement capabilities prior to diverting in the winter, and any such diversions will be required to be spread across the appropriate permitted (or adjudicated) acres up to the soil holding capacity only.

The First Amended Order is in effect for a period of three years, (water years 2017-2019) after which these conjunctive management measures will be reassessed. The current order continues to focus largely on water use data acquisition. At that time, the current order will either remain in effect or be terminated, a new order will be issued, or the order will be replaced by an agreement among the affected appropriators. The order will be posted on the State Engineers website.
SCOTTSBLUFF Mexican citizens living in the Panhandle will have an opportunity to visit with the Mexican Consulate to take care of paperwork and receive services without having to travel to Omaha.

The Mexican Consulate will be offering services for birth certificates, Mexican passports, or Matricula Consular, and government issued IDs. Registration begins on Monday, June 5 for services on Saturday, June 17.

Mexican residents who reside in the Panhandle typically have to travel to Omaha to process their legal documentation. Many have a hard time covering the cost and may not make the trip. For each trip, there are cost considerations of gasoline, hotels, meals and missed time off. Some may not receive paid time off and a 3-day minimal trip to Omaha could be cost-prohibitive.

Some people also dont like just making the appointment because it takes forever, said Valeria Rodriguez, community organizer. Then, once you get there, you have to wait hours until you get in because they dont always go by the time on your appointment.

Rodriguez said whether people need time off work need to find someone to take care of their children, the expenses involved can prevent people from getting the help they need.

The Mexican Consulate visit is important because to get to the consulate is an eight-hour drive, she said. By allowing them to come here and offer services, parents and families can take care of their business and dont have to worry about time off work or leaving their children.

Nearly 200 people were helped last year and consulate staff expects close to that same number this year. The one-day event is a large undertaking for those involved.

This event couldnt be done without the volunteers that have signed up to help, she said.

Rodriguez plans to use the consulates services when they come to town.

For myself, Im a U.S. citizen, but Im getting my Mexican passport to get my dual citizenship, she said. Many people dont think about it, but even U.S. citizens use their services.

During the event, and while people are waiting their turn, there will be several presentations on knowing your rights and safety planning in case of deportation, an emergency or if you pass away.

You need to know whats going to happen to your children if you are arrested or even if you cant pick them up from school, Rodriguez said.

There will also be information about what a power of attorney is and what they can do.

Theyll learn how powerful that power of attorney is, she said.

Several people Rodriguez knows are planning on signing up this year either because they didnt get to last year due to capacity issues or because they arrived last year and were missing paperwork needed to process applications.

When people are checked in at the event, officials need to verify they are Mexican citizens. Some people forgot to bring that information last year.

Its been a year, so hopefully, there has been time for them to search through their files or get the information from Mexico,Rodriguez said.

For those needing services, they must have a Mexican birth certificate, marriage certificate and photo ID. The ID can be anything with your photo on it. Those renewing a passport can use the old passport as ID. If you are processing paperwork for a child, you need documentation of custody.

The marriage certificate verifies the persons last name, she said. My mom didnt have her marriage certificate last year, so she couldnt get her passport.

Mexican citizens can register beginning Monday, June 5 by calling 1-877-639-4835. Consulate staff will visit the Guadalupe Center in Scottsbluff on Saturday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. to assist those who have registered.
Two people face charges after separate stops during Nebraska State Patrol vehicle checks over the weekend.

A trooper arrested Corey S. Stitt, 49, on charges of possession of a controlled substance, obstruction of an investigation, destruction of evidence and driving under the influence of drugs on Friday, June 2.

According to an arrest affidavit, a trooper contacted Stitt during a vehicle check on County Road 34 in Scottsbluff. The trooper describes the driver, later identified as Stitt, as moving around, looking for his registration, but reaching to the back of the vehicle as the trooper asked for his identification. The trooper ordered Stitt out of the vehicle, observing a clear baggie in Stitt's right hand. When the trooper asked about the bag, Stitt allegedly took off toward the ditch and tried to throw the baggie. The officer blocked Stitt's hand and the man attempted to flee on foot, down the ditch, however, he fell face down in the grass.

The trooper placed Stitt under arrest. During a search, the trooper reports finding a meth pipe with residue, a marijuana pipe in his front left pants pocket and 1.4 grams of marijuana and a digital scale during a search of the vehicle. The trooper also says that Stitt failed tests for determining if he was under the influence and showing impairment.

Troopers arrested a 30-year-old man, Matthew Guerrero, Sunday on charges of possession of cocaine, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on the shoulder of a highway and no valid registration.

Guerrero was the driver in a vehicle that a trooper observed turn around prior to a vehicle check at Lockwood and Sandberg Roads. The driver drove onto the shoulder of the road, did not signal and the vehicle had expired plates. The trooper stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver.

During the stop, the trooper had the passenger, identified as Brandee Guerrero, 28, step out of the vehicle. The woman gave the officer a marijuana pipe with residue and a container of marijuana.

The trooper searched the vehicle, finding another container of marijuana, rolling papers, brass knuckles with a knife, and a container that the trooper believed to contain cocaine. Guerrero allegedly admitted that the items were his and he was arrested.

Brandee Guerrero and another passenger, Lori Guerrero, 34, were cited on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
BANCROFT, Neb. (AP)  Prosecutors have filed a murder charge against a 48-year-old man whose son faces the same charge in a northeast Nebraska slaying.

Jody Olson and his son, Derek, are charged with second-degree murder, arson and related crimes. They're accused of killing 64-year-old Ernest Warnock, whose body was found March 11 in the rubble of his home north of Bancroft. Investigators have determined that he'd been stabbed to death during an altercation before the fire began.

Court records say Jody Olson originally was charged only with being an accessory to a felony. It's unclear what led prosecutors to file the additional charges. Olson's attorney and the prosecuting attorney didn't immediately return calls Friday from The Associated Press.
Kolkata June 5 (IBNS): One of Kolkata's leading fine dining restaurant chain serving Bengali cuisine, 6 Ballygunge Place, is celebrating The Great Indian Tiffin Festival until June 10.

The festival is being held at The Bengal Lounge, formerly known as the Palladian Lounge, located in the heritage Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industries, in the heart of the city. It is open to all.

Although the practice is on the wane now, with the advent of quick service restaurants and delivery options, carrying lunch boxes to offices was a tradition of Indian office-goers. Popularly, known as 'tiffin box', they came in various shapes and sizes but the content of the box was invariably home-cooked food.

Sharing the contents of the lunch box was sign of camaraderie back then.

Recreating that tradition is the Great Indian Tiffin Festival, showcasing the lunchbox food components typical of various Indian states.

The options are many, ranging from Murlis tiffin box with upma, idli,chutney, payasam and masala chaai to Khan Saheber Nasta with Paratha, Mutton Tikia, Chap, Rooh Afza and Phirni, from Wagleji Ka Dabba, consisting of a typically Marathi tiffin of Misal Pav, Payasam and Nimboo Pani to Sharmajis Favourite Tiffin which contains Lassi, Chhole Bhatura, pickle, salad and Gulab Jamun, and many others.

Restaurant director, Swaminathan Ramani, said that with the The Great Indian Tiffin Festival, they want to bring back the romance of sharing food from tiffin boxes by serving them fresh and hot.

Director and Founder Aninda Palit said, The Bengal Lounge is situated in office-para (area) of Dalhousie, so tiffin is an essential requirement in this area. The festival is based on Indian tiffin-foods from all over the country. Be it Marathi, South Indian, Bengali, or Mughlai, lunch-boxes to suit every palate is here. For kids, there is Khoka Babus lunch box with Indian style French toast.

He also said to IBNS that specialized chefs from all over the country have been consulted to prepare these regionally unique lunch boxes.

The veg tiffin boxes cost Rs. 150 and non-veg boxes Rs. 315, which seems fair enough for a quick office lunch without burning a hole in the pocket.



(Reporting by Ayana Chatterjee)

Image: 91.9 Friends FM/Twitter
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.
Romania's Ambassador in London Dan Mihalache stated on Sunday evening for agerpres. that controls are conducted in order to see if there are Romanians involved in the terrorist attack that took place in the capital of the United Kingdom.

When asked whether two Romanians were detained after the London attack, Ambassador Dan Mihalache mentioned: "I cannot confirm this thing. We will check it out. We will discuss with their Interior Ministry. I don't know."

Three attackers hit on Saturday evening pedestrians on London Bridge, afterwards they stabbed passersby at random in the area of Borough Market. The three attackers were fatally wounded by police officers.

Subsequently, the Police arrested 12 persons in the Barking area in relation to the attack that was committed on Saturday in London. Seven persons died and 48 were injured following the attack on Saturday evening.
President Klaus Iohannis will be paying a visit to the US between June 4 - 9 and will have an official meeting with President Donald Trump on June 9.

According to the Presidential Administration, the meeting of the two heads of state will be an excellent opportunity to discuss the prospects for deepening and expanding the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States, at all relevant levels, including in the context of the 20th anniversary this year of the launch of the partnership.

Thus, President Klaus Iohannis will address action priorities under the bilateral relationship and will reaffirm Romania's staunch commitment to staying a predictable, stable and trustworthy ally of the United States.

On the occasion of the trip to Washington, the President of Romania will attend on June 5, as a guest of honor, the Global Forum of the prestigious American Jewish Committee (AJC). AJC will bestow on President Klaus Iohannis the 'Light Unto the Nations' award, the highest distinction of the organization that is presented to heads of state or government in sign of recognition for the recipient's important international impact on peace, security, democracy, and the promotion of human values.

The 'Light Unto the Nations' award is the highest honor AJC presents to distinguished global leaders. Among the previous recipients are German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, U.S. President Bill Clinton, other European and Latin American heads of state.

President Iohannis's visit to Washington also includes a meeting with representatives of the Romanian community in the US.

agerpres.
Kolkata, Jun 5 (IBNS): With the mercury rising, if you have been looking for an excuse to meet with friends over drinks and a shared meal, then Kolkata's popular gastro-pub, the Monkey Bar, has just the right answer for you, the 'MoBox'.

Choose any three dishes from their extensive range of 'small plates'. Some of the popular attractions on the 'small plates' menu include Mushroom Galouti, Laal Maas Phulka Tacos, Tikki of Joy, Dabeli, Daal Pakhwan and Mobar caramelised ribs.

The dishes of your choice will arrive nestling in an elegant mobile crate with small compartments.

Monkey Bar will top up the order with an extra serving of sweet potato chips, and homemade potato and banana chips.

There are both veg and non-veg options for the MoBox, priced at Rs 700 and Rs 900, respectively. Price includes tax.

Did you know that sharing food is not only fun but also an indication of your 'prosocial behaviour', especially how keen you are to share things with others without an expectation of any reward?

Therefore dig for that MoBox on your next outing and show the world how socially compatible you are.
Cheree Berry Paper

Designer  Cheree Berry

Age  39

Home  Clayton

Family  Jeff York, 39, husband; children Elizabeth Biz, 5; Harry, 4; and Alexander Zander, 19 months

What she sells  Customized graphic design services and products specializing in stationery.

How to buy  Visit the Cheree Berry Paper studio at 215 North Meramec (note theyll be moving in July); find options at Target stores and target.com; or online at Paperless Post or chereeberrypaper.com where you can see other collaborations including an adorable line of baby booties.

Cheree Berrys St. Louis-based company is celebrating 10 years in business, but according to her, none of this was planned. She worked in the graphic design department of Kate Spade in New York from 2003 until starting her company in 2007. Thats where she honed her sweet, unique style of clever, coy elegance.

Change of address  Berry, who is from St. Louis, was living in New York when she met her husband through a mutual friend. She was home visiting her parents, and he was living in St. Louis. After about a year of managing a long-distance relationship, she said, I needed to decide. New York (and her fifth-floor walk-up apartment) lost. It was too exhausting. It became the perfect opportunity to start her own business. She now has 22 employees.

Modern etiquette  Berry says her love of correspondence was fostered by her mothers instilling the ritual of thank-you notes and greeting cards. Now Berrys oldest is in kindergarten: Her birthday is in June, so this will be the first year that shell write her own thank-you notes. Ill give her a template to follow, and well have her first visit to the post office to send them. Berry said Biz is a natural. She signs her name with flourish, drawing a star or a heart instead of a dot above the i. And, of course, Biz has her own stationery embellished with bumble bees to play off her name and the sound of the busy pollinators.

Digital dilemma  Though her first love is written stationery, Berry said shes acquiesced to the times by producing a variety of electronic cards through Paperless Post.  Its a different time; some things just lend themselves to electronic invitations, said Berry, noting that its quicker and easier to post updates or send reminders. But her company doesnt do electronic wedding invitations. You have to draw the line somewhere.

Uncommon correspondence  We love the playful, the unexpected and the clever, Berry said. Oh, and gold foil on everything. She said the joy of designing invitations and correspondence is that youre putting together a puzzle. How does the RSVP card nestle into the invitation? What are the elements and how do they emerge from the envelope? Whats the first piece you see, the second? Organization is just as important as the design, she said. And shell ask questions like, What type of ink will you use and are you a script person or a block letter person? It all matters.
UPDATED at 5 p.m. Sunday with ID of victim.

WASHINGTON PARK  One man was fatally shot and another was injured in a shooting here Saturday afternoon.

Illinois State Police Sgt. Jason Ramert said the shooting happened late in the afternoon at the intersection of North 51st Street and Rosemont Avenue.

He said nobody was in custody.

St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified the man who died as Kyle Keith Savant, 26, of Hadfield Lane in Caseyville.

Savant was pronounced dead at the scene of a gunshot wound to his chest. He was found outside of an older model white pick-up truck, Dye said. The other man was found inside the truck. He was taken to a St. Louis hospital. His condition and identity were not released.
Srinagar, June 5 (IBNS): At least four militants were killed by security forces after they attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Sumbal area of north Kashmiras Bandipora district during wee hours of Monday, officials said.

According to reports, militants attacked a paramilitary CRPF camp, 45 BN, in Irrigation colony area of Sumbal in north Kashmir's Bandipora district at around 4:30 am.

Following the attack, army, CRPF and police retaliated, triggering a brief gunfight, an official said.

Four foreign militants were killed in the shootout, he said.

The identities of the slain militants are not known so far.

Meanwhile, DGP SP Vaid tweeted a picture of the four AK-47 rifles and other ammunition that were recovered from the slain militants.

Vaid tweeted: "45 Bn @crpfindia / @JmuKmrPolice killed 4 terrorists at Sumbal #Bandipore who were attempting suicidal attack on CRPF camp. #JaiHind ."

He said: "AKs and huge quantity of grenades recovered. I compliment the alertness of CRPF & J&K Policemen."



Images: SP Vaid twitter page



(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
ST. LOUIS  Operation Food Search is launching an expanded summer program this week, providing free meals to children who would normally eat breakfast and lunch at school.

Some of the meals will come from food truck-like vans.

Starting Monday and continuing through Aug. 11, program leaders plan to distribute more than 100,000 meals to hungry children in St. Louis and St. Louis County, exceeding last years record. The summer program, now in its sixth year, has grown from providing 5,000 meals in 2012, Executive Director Sunny Schaefer said.

About 15 percent of the meals given out last summer were from food vans, a concept that had not previously been tried in St. Louis.

What we saw last year is some of our children would count on us being there every day, Schaefer said.

More routes and stops have been added this year. Also new, a group of AmeriCorps members will lead activities for the children at each stop the vans make. Schaefer said the idea was for children to associate the van with fun and play, which might encourage them to show up for meals more often.

We want to reach more children, she said.

The vans should be easy to spot  they are brightly colored and have the words food and fun painted on the sides. Each van makes 11 stops Monday through Friday and spends about 20 to 30 minutes at each location.

In addition, numerous stationary food distribution sites will be open at various times every week. For information on when and where a food site will be open, people can visit the summer programs website at wefeedkidsstl.org. The website includes Operation Food Searchs locations as well as those for other organizations.

Food truck model

During the school year, about 10 million lunches are served every month in Missouri through the National School Lunch Program.

When school isnt in session, access to nutritious meals may become difficult for children in low-income families.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds the Summer Food Service Program to help fill the gap between the last day of one school year and the first day of the next. However, participation in the program remains low when children lack transportation to meal distribution sites or dont know about the program.

Nonprofit organizations such as Operation Food Search use a food truck model to bring the meals to the children.

In Missouri, 51 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches  a measure of poverty  according to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations most recent available data. Only 9 percent of students who receive free or reduced-price lunches during the school year participate in the summer program.

Because of low participation, the Food Research and Action Center places Missouris summer program at 44th out of the 50 states.

The St. Louis region has a particularly dire need for childrens meals. More than 88 percent of students in the St. Louis Public Schools, for instance, are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

Children and teens can find nearby free food during the summer by texting FOOD to 877-877. They will receive a text with the address of a service site closest to them.

Anyone interested in volunteering this summer can find information on the Operation Food Search website. Schaefer said the group was always looking for people to help prepare meals.
UPDATED at 1:15 p.m. with White House spokeswoman saying the president will not invoke executive privilege.

WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, who will be among those questioning former FBI director James Comey on Thursday, is urging that President Donald Trump not invoke presidential privilege to keep Comey from testifying.

Blunt, R-Mo., is on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which has been looking into reputed Russian meddling in the 2016 elections since last fall. A special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, has been set up to look into it, as well.

Trump has severely criticized Comey since he fired him last month, reportedly calling him crazy and a nut job in a controversial meeting with two top Russian diplomats the day after the firing.

In a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, Comey is scheduled to testify about a private conversation with Trump in the Oval Office in February. Comeys notes reportedly say Trump asked his then-FBI director to back off investigations of Russian influence on the U.S. election, and on former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Trump has denied doing that, emphatically saying, "no, no, next question" when asked about it at a news conference last month.

Blunt, appearing on FOX News on Sunday, said Trump should not claim executive privilege to keep Comey from testifying. Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway Monday morning refused to say whether Trump would try to claim executive privilege to prevent Comey from testifying.

Trump spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday afternoon that Trump wanted a "thorough" exposition of the facts, and that he would not invoke executive privilege.

I think the president is better served by getting all this information out, Blunt told FOXs Chris Wallace. Sooner rather than later, let's find out what happened and bring this to a conclusion. You don't do that I think by invoking executive privilege on a conversation you had apparently with nobody else in the room. You know, most stories have two sides to them. At some point, well hear the presidents side. But I frankly think we need to hear Mr. Comey's side and find out what other questions we need to ask after he answers the questions this week.

Blunt has himself been a Comey critic, saying he did not understand why Comey first disclosed in July, 2016, that the FBI had closed its investigation of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and then why late in the election, Comey again stirred controversy by saying it had been re-opened. Clinton, in recent interviews, has listed Comeys actions in 2016 as one of many reasons why she lost the election.

Blunt said senators are curious why Comey felt it necessary to immediately record his thoughts with the private meeting in February with Trump.

I haven't frankly understood much of what Comey has done since about a year ago, Blunt said. And his decisions have been, I think, highly questionable. Well see what  why he was prepared for that meeting the way he was.  why he thought it was important to immediately download that, and what other meetings he had that frankly he didn't think were so important to download what happened.

Blunt spoke in the aftermath of the latest terrorist attack in London on Saturday night that killed seven and injured dozens more. He was asked if there was a similar terror threat inside the United States.

I think the terror threat is real, he responded.

When we've seen things like (the 2015 mass terrorist shooting in) San Bernardino, more often than not, U.S. officials, the FBI and others talk to these people, after months of surveillance decided they no longer needed to be under the level of watch they were and then suddenly these kinds of things happen.

I do think, again, that you've got some groups that are looking at a big play like taking down an airline, he said, You've got others who need very little support, very little planning, and can do incredible damage, which is actually in many ways almost more of terrorism because you go anywhere, do anything, you wonder what could happen at any moment. It could happen here.
Image: twitter.com/myogiadityanath

New Delhi, Jun 5 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the latter's birthday.

Praising him as youthful and dynamic, the Prime Minister tweeted, "Birthday greetings to the youthful & dynamic CM of UP, @myogiadityanath Ji. I wish him a long and healthy life."

Yogi Adityanath made history earlier this year by becoming the first man from a religious order to be sworn in as a head of state in India.

Yogi's appointment came on the back of a landslide win by the BJP.

Shattering all previous records of all political outfits in the last three decades, the saffron brigade, spearheaded by Narendra Modi, clinched at least 320 seats in the Uttar Pradesh assembly election.

Yogi, hailed as a firebrand Hindu leader, turned 45 on Monday.
Ged Holland and George Himmens are Visitor Welcome volunteers at Shakespeares New Place.

TO mark National Volunteer Week the Herald meets some people who give up their time for local organisations...

Ged Holland, aged 63, and George Himmens, 70, are Visitor Welcome volunteers at Shakespeares New Place, one of the five properties cared for by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Ged is originally from Manchester and moved to Stratford-upon-Avon four years ago. He previously worked as a clerk with BT for 26 years and has been volunteering at New Place since August 2016.

George is a retired police officer from Birmingham, having worked with West Midlands Police for 27 and a half years. He also moved to Stratford-upon-Avon four years ago with his wife, Kate, who also volunteers at New Place as a period interpreter.

Ged said: "Although I only began volunteering last summer, it has been a fascinating time for me.

"As people age, their social circle seems to dwindle and has a knock-on effect on their confidence. Volunteering for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has worked wonders for my self esteem and I'm amazed how many people I've come into contact with.

"The team ensures the volunteers are involved in everything, making us feel valued and at home. The social interaction with both staff and visitors has contributed immensely to my sense of well being.

"If anyone is contemplating volunteering for the trust, they should simply jump in, the water's warm!

George added: "On our regular weekly stint at New Place we have developed something akin to a double act with the visitors who clearly enjoy two old geezers teasing each other.

"Meeting so many people from around the world is a pure joy. There is no end to the number of questions that can be asked but we have a good working knowledge of New Place and have the opportunity to put it to good use.

"Any more involved questions can be passed on to our excellent period interpreters whose depth of knowledge is a daily surprise.

"On the subject of staff, those at New Place are really interesting people of all ages. Despite this being their job, you will find at quiet times any two of them talking in depth about New Place, it's sculptures, Shakespeare's life or his plays or sonnets; these people are happily Shakespeare mad!

Ann McDermott has volunteered in the trust's archive and reading room for ten years.

She said: "For me the best part of volunteering is working with wonderful, knowledgeable, funny and kind staff in the reading room and archives.

"I enjoy meeting the readers and, as I have undertaken a course in genealogy, helping them with family or local history queries. I have helped my local heritage group publish two books, something I doubt I would have had the confidence to do without the back up of volunteering for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

"I have even written the occasional blog for the Finding Shakespeare webpage.

In my past career I have worked as a teacher and in a senior banking role. This volunteering role uses my skills to explain as a teacher and my marketing skills as a banker, finding out what people want to know and responding accordingly, but without the pressure of being in charge, having to phone the parents or refuse requests for yet another loan."

Citizens Advice South Warwickshire is also celebrating the volunteers who dedicate their time to solving peoples problems and making a difference to their lives.

It has 135 volunteers who give up an average of six hours a week to help people find a way forward.

Last year Citizens Advice South Warwickshire helped more than 7,500 people with over 34,000 issues  from housing and debt to benefit and employment rights. This year the Stratford and Warwick citizens advice services merged together and now serve a population of more a quarter of a million.

Henry Lu has been a volunteer at the Stratford office for the last five years. He spent his career in power system engineering and accountancy.

Henrys claim to fame was being the first advisor to help Megan Giglia, the gold medal Paralympic cyclist, when she was having difficult times in Stratford and she turned to Citizens Advice for help four years ago.

He said: Its always my hope that my clients dont give up hope and can be helped back to a normal life, but what Megan achieved by turning her life around and winning UKs first Paralympic gold at Rio is beyond a dream.

I find advising people is most worthwhile and meaningful.

"Experiencing other peoples far more challenging problems puts my own into perspective. Its very rewarding."

Charlie Adams, advice services manager for CASW, said: Thanks to our amazing volunteers we are able to help local people who are going through problems to get back on their feet.

Volunteering brings its own rewards and is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills.
Cinegy Daniel2 GPU Codec Enters Public Beta

Professional 8K 60fps 10bit Playback on NVIDIA-equipped PC or Laptop

Munich( )

Cinegy has been teasing audiences at tradeshows with 8K recording and playback demos, highlighting the performance advantages of its new NVIDIA GPU accelerated video codec, Daniel2.

The last public Daniel2 teaser occurred at NAB 2017 in April, where Cinegy showed a dual-core 13-inch MacBookPro connected via Thunderbolt3 to an external Akitio Node eGPU box with an NVIDIA GTX1080 inside, which was attached to a brand new Dell Ultrasharp UP3218K 8K monitor. This setup played 8K @ 60fps - or when vsync was turned off, at up to 180fps. Another new feature that Cinegy has added to its bag of tricks is that during the realtime playback, 3D LUT-based color profiles can be applied. This provides initial professional color grading on the fly, which is not meant to replace packages such as BMD Resolve or Adobe Speedgrade but is a very useful feature to get an immediate impression of how a piece of video could look after post production.

This works on any Windows PC or notebook with a high-end NVIDIA graphics card. An 8K monitor is not required. Cinegy Player 3 can scale in and out as well as pan and zoom during playback, so HD and UHD monitors can be used for 8K playback. If attached screens support 10-bit color fidelity, this can also be enabled using NVIDIA consumer cards.

The teasing is finally over because Cinegy today announced that it has entered public beta with Daniel2 GPU codec-based applications. Two applications are now available for free testing from Cinegys Daniel2 website at www.Daniel2.com  Cinegy Player 3 and an Adobe Premier export plugin, so users can create their own HD, UHD/4K or 8K output in the Daniel2 format. For those who want to try 8K playback immediately there is a small selection of 4K and 8K files on the Daniel2 website for immediate download.

Cinegy co-founder and CTO Jan Weigner said, Cinegys Daniel2 GPU codec is the world fastest professional video codec, leaving any other codec light years behind. Daniel2 can decode up to 1100 frames per second at 8K, or 7680x4320 pixels to be precise, which is 16x the resolution of full HD - translating into more than 17000 frames of full HD decoded per second.

Cinegy also has an ingest tool for live 8K recording, which was first presented at IBC 2016. It enables 60fps 8K recording and simultaneous playback of one, or multiple 8K streams while performing realtime effects, color correction, scaling and titling. The Daniel2-powered Cinegy Player 3 allows jog and shuttle, scrubbing, zoom and pan while playing at 60fps 8K or faster, again while still recording. This makes it perfect for a number of applications, the foremost being instant replay for sports. Daniel2s bitrates and PSNR are comparable to those of AVIDs DNxHR or Apples ProRes.

Weigner added, This performance secret of the Daniel2 codec is that it was architected and developed from the ground up to be GPU based. All legacy dependencies and old codec architectures were discarded. This means that Daniel2 is only compatible to itself, but the benefits of this approach are enormous and outweigh the drawbacks by far.

The Daniel2 codec is an acquisition and production codec designed for recording from camera sources, editing and post-production as well as playout. Daniel2 is targeted at the same space in the production workflow as AVIDs DNxHR, Apples ProRes or Sonys XAVC.

Weigner concluded, A problem one faces when designing 4K, 8K or, soon, 16K systems that need to handle and manipulate multiple streams in realtime, is that even if you could decode the streams using the CPU, you probably still want to use the power of the GPU for effects and filters, which creates a system bus bottleneck to transfer the decoded streams into the GPUs memory. This is where Daniel2 shines because it streams a fraction of the size of uncompressed counterparts are read from disk or via the network and passed to the GPU to be decompressed faster than the uncompressed frames can be copied.

So the Daniel2-enabled Cinegy Player3 provides three wins at once: the system bus uses far less bandwidth; less space or bandwidth is consumed on disk or network; and the CPU is free to do other tasks as it no longer needs to decode multiple streams.
Srinagar, June 5 (IBNS) : Kashmiri hardline leader Yasin Malik was arrested while Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's house was sealed after a meeting of separatists in Srinagar was stopped by police on Monday, media reports said.

The meeting of the separatists was reportedly called to discuss a series of raids conducted by the National Investigation Agency in Jammu and Kashmir to detect terror funding.

The NIA has raided some 40 places in the last two days across Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Haryana, to crack down on funding of attacks in the Kashmir Valley allegedly by Pakistan-based terror groups.

The locations that were raided were residences and offices of Hurriyat members and big hawala traders suspected to have acted as conduits for terror funding in Kashmir.
Bhubaneswar, June 5 (IBNS) : One Special Operations Group jawan was killed and ten others were injured as Maoists ambushed them in Odisha's Kandhamal district on Sunday night, reports said.

The attack took place in a forest near Khamankol in Baliguda sub-division when the jawans, belonging to the anti-insurgency force, were returning from a combing operation. This led to an exchange of fire.

The martyred jawan has been identified as Laxmikant Jani of Kalahandi.

The injured jawans have been taken to Baliguda hospital with some of them being in a serious state.



A combing operation is going on in the area to nab the Maoists.
Make home living a fine craft View(s):

Fine Furniture opened its doors with a promise to make sure that their every brand and product would exceed customer expectations. Now, they have expanded to an even larger physical space designed to give new perspectives of interior design and homeware.

In their new Fine Furniture Lifestyle Department Store on Nawala Road, Rajagiriya spread over three floors, they hope to craft a living experience that lasts a lifetime.

Quality is the hallmark of the following brands that customers will find here:

Hacker Kitchens, German Made began its journey into Sri Lankan kitchens with Fine Furniture. Keeping to strict German standards, from demonstration to production to installation they deliver innovative and advanced kitchen systems. Fine Furniture gets the latest range, the latest innovations and the brand is so popular in Sri Lanka, there is now a special solution of modular and highly customised kitchens to fit the local market both in pricing and design. 12 different design concepts, two options for finish and the exact same standard are delivered to customer needs.

To fill up the brand-new kitchen there are three European brands that have been carefully selected to be a part of the Fine Furniture portfolio. The company says Between Miele, Bosch and Brandt you would be hard pressed to find anything better simply because these brands have spent centuries perfecting their craft and build products that blend innovative technology with design.

Creating a holistic shopping experience for homeware, Fine Furniture has brands that specialize in various areas of the home. Loddenkemper specialises in high end customizable furniture creating walk-in closets and complete bedroom sets that fit your style. Koinor furniture is simply opulent in design and features, created to fit and accommodate the everchanging tastes in lifestyle and technology  Koinor sofas, for instance, have built in iPod docks.

For a touch of Italian fashion to adorn your home take a look at the furniture by Alpa. Or, give your home a tropical look with stunning pieces of furniture created out of exotic materials designed by nature and hand made from Pacific Green.

For childrens rooms, Fine Furniture has Danish company Flexa that has been creating childrens furniture for the last 40 years, their products thoughtfully designed to stimulate development, curiosity and creativity.

To give your home that extra aesthetic touch, from wall decor to decorative art prints, simple everyday pieces re-designed into art installations by Eurographics from Germany and from Sweden, Bovictus a clever design company with the style to turn your home into a space of art.

For high end homeware products and solutions that can fit into a highly stylized and designed home Metaltex, a Swiss company has over 2000 products that fit three family categories.

Another important aspect in Fine Furnitures new Lifestyle store is illumination. Masterlight from Netherlands was selected for its innovative designs, innovative technology and ability to customize lighting.

Fine Furnitures extended warranty programme allows customers the ability to extend the warranty on all products. For all products that come with a 5-year warranty they provide the option to extend it to 10 years and products that come with a one-year warranty can be extended up to three years.

The introduction of their Fine Furniture Privilege Card allows customers to partner with other brands and outlets so that their appreciation extends beyond their doors. Their buy back option allows certain products and brands installed by them to be exchanged if customers require upgrades, giving them the ability to re-invent their lifestyle space.

Fine Furnitures new Lifestyle Department Store also offers a whole gamut of services from a Wedding Registry Service to large scale interior design projects.
Visiting the cradle of Buddhism By D. C. Ranatunga Poson Poya, which falls on Thursday, is only second in importance to Vesak for Buddhists in Sri Lanka View(s): View(s):

Mihintale is the focal point during Poson Poya. Pilgrims in their thousands gather at Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, to commemorate the sacred day that Arahant Mahinda appeared at the aradhana gala, addressed the king who was on a hunting expedition, explained his mission, and convinced the king and his followers to accept Buddhism. The event took place in the 3rd century BC when King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC) was ruling the country from Anuradhapura, the first royal capital.

The visit of Arahant Mahinda followed the meeting of the Third Council of the Sangha after the passing-away of the Buddha. It was held at Pataliputra during the time of Emperor Asoka, who embraced Buddhism following the carnage he witnessed during the war to conquer the kingdom of Kalinga around 260 BC. The conversion was brought about by a young monk, Nigrodha, the son of Asokas elder brother who lost his life during the struggle for power where Asoka was the victor.

Asoka renounced war altogether and decided to conquer the world without the use of weapons through dhammavijaya. Noticing several factions among the Sangha, he arranged for the pious Thera Moggaliputta Tissa to hold a meeting of the monks to purify the Sangha by expelling those who were not behaving properly. Among the decisions taken by the elders of the Sangha was to send missionaries to neighbouring countries and propagate the Theravada tradition, which was finalised by the Third Council. It is recorded that Thera Moggaliputta Tissa had decided that the principal missionary to each country must be accompanied by four other monks so that in addition to preaching the Dhamma, it would be possible to establish the Sangha thereby ensuring the continuance of Buddhism in those countries.

Mihintale, known as Mishrakakanda prior to the arrival of Arahant Mahinda, was surrounded by thick forest. Situated eight miles to the east of Anuradhapura, the king had chosen to come there on a hunting expedition on the day he encountered Arahant Mahinda. The accounts of the conversion of the king and people to Buddhism, written by monks after that religion had secured for itself dominance over the minds of the people, are overlaid with edifying legends in which the miraculous element is conspicuous, says Professor Senerat Paranavitana in History of Ceylon(1961). He adds: Mahinda and his companions transport themselves by air from Vessagiri to Mihintale, gods are at hand to make smooth the path of the religious teachers, and impress the multitude with the efficacy of their doctrines. Earthquakes which do no harm to anyone vouch for the veracity of the prophesies ascribed to the Saint. At sermons preached on important occasions, the Devas in the congregation far outnumber the humans. Elephants, without anyones bidding, indicate to the king the exact spots on which sacred shrines are to be sited. In spite of the legendary overlay, the main event, i.e. that Buddhism was accepted by the people and the ruler, is attested by the presence at Mihintale and Anuradhapura of epigraphical and other monuments of a Buddhist character attributable to that period.

Often we tend to forget that Sela Cetiya (stupa) at Mihintale is one of the sixteen places Solosmathana  hallowed by the visits of the Buddha.

Reaching Mihintale, the devotees climb the impressive broad stairway made up of 1,640 granite slabs arranged in four flights. Well-grown araliya trees adorn either side of the steps, providing shelter to the pilgrims. The slabs being laid at convenient distances to climb, it is a smooth ascent which the pilgrims hardy feel. Once the climb is over, they reach the Ambastala dagaba (Sela Cetiya) which marks the spot where the historic dialogue between Arahant Mahinda and the king took place. From here, they are directed to different places. The Maha Seya, the largest of the stupas at Mihintale can be spotted at the summit. Enshrined in it is a Hair Relic of the Buddha. On the other side is the aradhana gala.

A path takes the pilgrim down to a valley and to a steep rock wall. Well sheltered within, under a natural arch, is the Mihindu guhava  the cave where Arahant Mahinda relaxed on a smooth flat slab of stone.

The Kantaka Cetiya, 40 feet in height with a circumference of 425 feet at the base, is famous for the vahalkada (frontispiece) adorning the four sides of the stupa. Describing the architectural features of a vahalkada Paranavitana says it consists of a series of horizontal bands separated by string courses which are variously ornamented. The upper part of the frontispieces took the form of vimanas containing figures of divine beings in the niches. They are built alongside the altars where devotees offer flowers.

Having done a comprehensive study of the Mihintale complex, Sinhala scholar Professor J.B. Disanayaka states that compared with the stupas in Anuradhapura, those at Mihintale are simple in structure, and modest in size. In his publication, Mihintale (1987), he describes the features of a stupa: It can be divided structurally into three parts: base, dome and superstructure. The base consists of three concentric terraces of berms,pesa vavalu, some of which were moulded with blocks of white limestone, as those at Kantaka Cetiya. It is conjectured that these terraces were originally, either procession paths for pradakshina (circumambulation), or altars for flower offerings.

The dome, hemispherical in form is a brick structure that contains a relic chamber, dhatu garbha in which are deposited the relics of the personage in whose memory the stupa was erected. The shape of the dome is varied. The shapes recognised by old craftsmen include a heap of paddy (dhanyakara), the temple bell (ghantakara), the filled pot (ghatakara), a bubble of water (bublukara) and the lotus flower (padmakara).

The superstructure, in its most developed form, consists of a solid cube, hatares kotuva, the four sides of which are ornamented with designs of railing and discs; a cylindrical shaft,devata kyuva; a brick spire, kot kerella, resembling the umbrellas of Indian stupas and finally, a pinnacle, kota.

Pointing out that the story of Sinhala sculpture also begins at Mihintale, Prof. Disanayaka states that the objective of the early Sinhala sculptor was mainly decorative  to embellish the various architectural features of the stupas and other monastic buildings. The best collection of sculptures at Mihintale is found in the eastern vahalkada of the Kantaka cetiya. The muragal (guardstones), koravakgal (balustrades), sandakada pahan (moonstones) and purma ghata (full-pots) are among pieces of sculpture that are characteristically Sinhala.

Being rather anxious to get to Anuradhapura and do the vata vandanawa to worship the Atamasthana- the eight places of worship, pilgrims tend to miss out most of the interesting places at Mihintale. The grandeur of Mihintale was lost along with the decay and destruction of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms.

Pioneering archaeologists, H.C.P. Bell and Senarat Paranavitana were responsible for the rediscovery of Mihintale.
New Delhi, June 5 (IBNS): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said India did not sign the Paris Climate Accord under any pressure or any money.

She firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's claims against India over the Paris Accord.

"We have signed the Paris accord not under any pressure nor for any money ...to say we did it for money, I totally reject that," Swaraj was quoted as saying to the media.

In a major development, US President Donald Trump recently announced his nation will withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

" Therefore, in order to fulfill my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord -- (applause) -- thank you, thank you -- but begin negotiations to reenter either the Paris Accord or a really entirely new transaction on terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people, its taxpayers," Trump said.

Trump said moves to negotiate a new 'fair' deal would begin.

"So were getting out. But we will start to negotiate, and we will see if we can make a deal thats fair. And if we can, thats great. And if we cant, thats fine," he said.

Trump alleged that the agreement provided better deal to "some of the world's highly polluting countries" like India and China.

"Not only does this deal subject our citizens to harsh economic restrictions, it fails to live up to our environmental ideals. As someone who cares deeply about the environment, which I do, I cannot in good conscience support a deal that punishes the United States -- which is what it does - the worlds leader in environmental protection, while imposing no meaningful obligations on the worlds leading polluters," he said.

Trump said: "For example, under the agreement, China will be able to increase these emissions by a staggering number of years -- 13. They can do whatever they want for 13 years. Not us. India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions and billions of dollars in foreign aid from developed countries. There are many other examples. But the bottom line is that the Paris Accord is very unfair, at the highest level, to the United States."

He said: "China will be allowed to build hundreds of additional coal plants. So we cant build the plants, but they can, according to this agreement. India will be allowed to double its coal production by 2020. Think of it: India can double their coal production. Were supposed to get rid of ours. Even Europe is allowed to continue construction of coal plants."
The grandson of one of Taurangas most famous police dogs Yoda, is making his name known.

Grit is a 16-month-old police dog in training and has policing in his blood.

A post on the Waikato Police Facebook page says Grit was born in Wellington in January last year but he is a strong supporter of the Chiefs.

Policing is in his blood. His dad Earl is an ex Waikato Police Dog as both General Purpose Dog and an AOS dog.

His mum Abby isnt an operational dog, but she is the daughter of the famous Dog Squad star - Yoda from Tauranga. Grits new handler is Kieran - who you may also remember from Dog Squad with his old dog Gabby, reads the post.

The pups favourite food is double-cheese sizzlers and in his spare time hes always keen to get out to Raglan and get amongst the waves!

Grit as a puppy.

His training is going well at the moment. All going to plan, he will be qualified and out on the street catching crims by the end of the year.

He is really enjoying learning to track people and hates it when its the weekend and hes not allowed to go to work, says Waikato Police officer Tristan in the post.

You will note from his baby photo he was a bit of a cutie, but make no mistake - Grit has a promising future as crime fighting machine.
Young horticulturalists from the Bay of Plenty will have a chance to meet Dr Karen Willcox, who aspires to become New Zealands first astronaut, at a Future Leader meeting this July.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated communications manager Mike Murphy says Karen  a finalist in the 2009 NASA Astronaut Selection  has demonstrated unshakeable commitment to realising this dream.

As Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Co-Director of the Center for Computational Engineering, MIT, Karen is a leader in the development of computational methods for engineering systems. Karen leads two multi-institutional research teams: one funded by NASA to develop methods for the design of environmentally sensitive aircraft; the other funded by the Department of Energy, focussing on new approaches to model uncertainties in the tools that support complex systems.

Shes passionate about engineering and her chosen career, and seeks to inspire and nurture an interest in mathematics and science in the next generation  areas that are very important for the horticultural sector  and strives to support others in realising their own ambitions, says Mike.

Karen will be talking to the group of young horticulturalists about her experiences.

Future Leaders is organised by NZKGI for a group of likeminded individuals from the horticulture industry that seek opportunities to learn, share, gain new experiences and network through organised events and workshops.

A Future Leader is keen to learn and takes advantage of development opportunities available to them within the primary sectors, says Mike.

Since the group was formed in 2015, the Future Leaders member base has grown to almost 160 people.
Surging demand for streaming services such as Netflix, is seeing Western Bay of Plenty District homes using 47 per cent more broadband data than last year.

The average Western Bay of Plenty District home used 115GB of broadband data on Chorus copper and fibre networks in April 2017, compared to 78GB in April 2016.

Typically, homes now have several connected devices at any one time, so were all using far more data and many of us are demanding faster and more reliable broadband speeds, says Chorus network strategy manager Kurt Rodgers.

On an average day in Western Bay of Plenty District, data usage on the Chorus network is at its lowest at 5am and begins to rise between 6am and 8.30am.

Usage remains consistent during the day and jumps sharply from 3.30pm.

Its unlikely to be a coincidence that its the same time certain data-hungry members of the family wander in from school.

Household usage slows down again over dinner time, and from 7.30pm it climbs to the highest usage period of the day  between 8pm and 10.30pm  as people get through one or two Netflix shows, upload the homework or Skype friends and family.

Nationally, the average New Zealand home used about 150GB of broadband data in April 2017  compared to about 101GB in April 2016.

More Kiwis can, and are, taking advantage of our faster, more reliable broadband connections, says Kurt.

With faster broadband you dont have long delays while streaming or downloading high definition TV and video or face frustrating buffering - even when there are multiple connected devices in your home.

Our use of new technology is also driving the increase in speed. It doesnt matter whether you live in the cities or live rurally, content is flying into our homes faster due to newer technology such as high definition online television and more interactive and complex online games

Its likely the impact of online TV will continue to be felt in peak network traffic growth. As more content becomes available online, new devices are released to watch it on and higher video resolutions such as 4K and eventually 8K, see increasing pressure on the bandwidth required at peak times.

Despite the growing role of broadband in New Zealanders lives, about 60 percent of homes and businesses on the Chorus network could have a better fixed broadband connection and a more enjoyable online experience, often at no extra cost.

And yes, fibre is the fastest form of broadband, but if its not available, VDSL on the Chorus copper network provides a faster, more reliable service with less buffering for streaming TV, movies and video than regular ADSL or fixed wireless services.
Italian Craftsmanship

Responsible for Andiamo's dramatic exteriors and interiors, Francesco Paszkowski Design, based in Florence, has become a household name in the business of superyacht architecture. Drawing on both a traditional yacht style and the idea of evolving Baglietto's renowned 46m displacement model, a marriage of old and new has made for a look that's notably Italian with its sharp and clean lines.

Innovations from the Italian designers and shipyard include reversed glazing of the helm station to increase visibility from the bridge, and a modernised athwart garage aft which on opening, reveals the beach club.

Style Ahead of Time

An interior collaboration between Francesco and architect Margherita Casprini leaves us in anticipation for further photos to be revealed. Described by the shipyard as contemporary and very captivating, we can only imagine the slick modernity that arises from the use of plenty of precious onyx and lacquered ebony.

A staircase in steel and leather forms a centrepiece to the yacht and connects the three decks; futuristic in both its texture and stature.

Key Features

Adding elements of timeless yacht design to her modern-appeal, Andiamo boasts 5 guest cabins on the lower deck. A master state-room lies on the main deck and features a dressing room and expansive his and hers separate bathrooms, allowing comfort and privacy whilst she cruises at a speed of 12 knots. Living space is a-plenty with a dining area connected through elegant sliding doors.



It almost goes without saying that Andiamo will depart the shipyard for a summer spent cruising the coastline of the Med after which we hope to see her make a world premiere at the Cannes and Monaco yacht shows later in the year.
A burial niche in Malaga cemetery bearing the name Juana Escudero Lezcano, appears to be no different to those surrounding it. However, unlike the others, Juana is not lying behind the stone; she is very much still alive, something she has been trying to prove for the last seven years.

The incredible story has not been fun for the family her daughter Marta said. Juana first found out about her supposed death in 2010 when she went to her doctor to request some medication. The doctor looked at her health card, and without knowing how to say it, he told her that the Social Security had listed her as a dead person, Marta added.

Juana was of course surprised but assumed it was a technical error and a problem that could be solved within a matter of days. However that day was the beginning of her seven-year struggle to prove she did not die on 13 May 2010, as is written in the city halls municipal register. And its not over yet.

Juana has had to prove she is alive to go to the doctor and renew her driving licence, but the bank has had no doubt about collecting her mortgage

In April last year, the Official State Bulletin (BOE) also legitimised Juanas death so that the bones behind the niche could be moved to a smaller grave in an osario after Juanas family, knowing she was alive of course, failed to pay the fees for the upkeep of the niche.

We called Malaga city hall and they told us that because we had not met the payments to keep my mother in the burial niche, her bones would be deposited in an osario. I had to tell them that would be difficult given that my mother was in front of me and I was talking to her, Marta explained.

After Juanas death had been made official in this way, proving she was alive became even more problematic.

The council recommended that the family seek legal advice and suggested that the only explanation was that the woman whose bones were in the niche shared exactly same name and surnames and was also born on 11 September 1963, like Juana.

However, Marta said that the woman did not have an identity number, something we dont understand, which is perhaps why the confusion has arisen.

Day-to-day problems

Juana continues to be inconvenienced by the issue. For example, she has had to apply for a proof of life certificate to renew her driving licence and national identity card (DNI).

Juana also said that she is apparently dead according to everyone except the banks as she continues to pay her mortgage, loans and her life insurance. According to the States computers, Im dead, but for the banks Im alive and kicking, she said.
A 70-year-old Norwegian resident was found dead by a pathway in upper Riviera area of Mijas last Thursday evening. The Guardia Civil were notified after a local woman discovered the dead man with his t-shirt over his head and mutiple large bee stings all over his body.

Various patrols were then sent to the scene, the first being the Nature Protection Service (Seprona), who found clear indicators that the man's death had resulted from the bee stings. They discovered a bee farm that hosts 150 beehives 400 metres from where the body was found, which is where they believe the man was first stung before attempting to flee the swarm and eventually collapsing by the pathway.

Forensic tests have not yet been completed however the initial stages of the post-mortem, carried out at the Institute of Legal Medicine (IML) in Malaga, suggest the victim died of an anaphylactic shock after deadly levels of bee venom were found in his bloodstream.

Seprona agents are now investigating into whether the beehive farm in question fulfils the Junta's current legal requirements in regard to its location, signposting, and the number of beehives used for honey extraction. Current regulations state that bee farms must be located at least 400 metres away from large public spaces, 200 metres from houses and motorways, and at least 25 metres from country pathways. Signposts should be no smaller than 35x25 metres and should carry the warning Atencion, abejas (Warning, bees) in large letters, and the legitimate size of a farm is dependent on its location in Andalucia.
New Delhi, June 5 (IBNS): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CISF and National Skill Development Cooperation (NSDC) on Monday to develop skills amongst the retiring/retired personnel of CISF, their families, students and Low Medical Category personnel at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju were present on the occasion.

Senior Officers of NSDF, NSDC, Other CAPFs, CISF personnel and their families were also present on the occasion.

The proposed centers have been selected keeping in view the regional conduciveness of the skills, ease of imparting training in the particular area and availability of particular infrastructure with the CISF and most importantly the demand for such skills and subsequently the products.

Around 500 personnel will be imparted training in first phase of the training programme. Thereafter, key trained personnel will be detailed to impart such training to others from time to time. In this line, CISF will contribute to achieve the goal of Skilled India.

O P Singh, DG CISF in his welcome address stressed that this project will help families of CISF personnel and retiring/retired/low medical category personnel in acquiring skills for economic benefits as well as facilitates their resettlement/re-habilitation. Simultaneously CISF would be contributing majorly in enhancing the skilling initiative and potential which is the raison-detre of the national skill mission.

Addressing the gathering, Rudy appreciated the initiative taken by CISF.

He said that the MoU signed by his Ministry and CISF will go a long way in providing platform to the CISF personnel to develop and build expertise in the areas covered in the MoU.

While addressing, Rijiju said that every possible help and support will be given to CISF in accomplishing the mission of Skilled India. He also said that the force has always played a positive and encouraging role in promoting national vision and solidarity.
Not satisfied with proposed water/sewer rates offered by The Lane Group following a study of the towns structure, the Saltville Town Council has asked for further study to help keep costs down. Discussion will continue next Wednesday at 6 p.m. at town hall.

Town Manager Mike Taylor has said that work on the towns budget cannot be completed without setting proposed water/sewer rates and those rates must meet a minimum requirement by the Virginia Resource Authority in order to secure a $900,000 loan from Rural Development to upgrade the towns deteriorating systems.

The council cannot move forward on securing the loan, said Taylor, until rates are set that will generate enough revenue to cover the new and existing debt service and expenses.

The Lane Group was hired to do a rate study and suggested two options. The first option would allow the towns water/sewer system to break even on costs versus expenditures while the second option would move the town into grant eligibility. A third option, said Bobby Lane, is to do nothing.

The bottom line is we were asked to look at the water and sewer rates to determine what existing rates would do to the budget and look at alternative rates to end up with a balanced budget, said Lane. He said when looking at the existing budget the company found that some expenses in the general fund should be moved into the water/sewer funds so they made that move.

The Lane Group tabulated water/sewer customers to determine how many use certain amounts of water, including the minimum amount of 1,000 gallons per month and those using more.

The town sets its residential water/sewer rates based on 1,000 gallons per month as the minimum amount with additional charges for usage above 3,000 gallons per month. The current cost is $20 for the first 1,000 gallons of water and $20 for sewer for in-town residential customers. This years town service rates increased by $1.79 (from $55.21 to $57) for the minimum of water ($20), sewer ($20), trash pickup ($13) and capital improvement fee ($4).

For the first option of water/sewer rate increase as proposed by The Lane Group, the minimum water and sewer cost would increase $2.60, from $20 to $22.60, with an increase of $4.50 to $5.09 for every 1,000 gallons of water and $4.17 to $4.71 for every 1,000 gallons of sewer over 3,000 per month.

Out-of-town residential rates would increase $9.06 from $31.25 to $40.31 for the minimum monthly charge with an increase of $6.50 to $8.39 for every 1,000 gallons of water and $5.65 to $7.29 for every 1,000 gallons of sewer over 3,000 gallons.

An across-the-board 13 percent increase for in-town water/sewer customers and 29 percent increase for out-of-town customers is also proposed, read the Lane Group report. The current bulk water contracts for water sales to Smyth and Washington counties have both expired. We recommend starting negotiations for an increase of at least 136 percent above the current rate.

The increases for 2017-18 would be followed by increases of 7.7 percent in-town and 7.9 percent out-of-town in 2018-19, and 1.5 percent increases for both in 2019-20 and 2020-21.

These increases would help the town meet costs when the sewer loan payments begin in 2018-19 and offset increasing debt service and operational expenses.

In option 2 of the proposed rate structure, which would allow Saltville to earn enough revenue to be eligible for grants to help pay for capital and utility expenses, The Lane Group proposes creating a new minimum bill for 1,000 gallons of usage versus 3,000 gallons as existing. This rate option is more in line with adjacent communities and we believe creates the opportunity for the town to qualify for grants from USDA Rural Development, VDH and DEQ.

In option 2, the minimum water and sewer cost would be set at $23.20 for the first 1,000 gallons of in-town residential use, with an increase of $6.50 for every 1,000 gallons of water and sewer over 1,000 gallons per month.

Out-of-town residential rates would increase to $31.25 for the minimum monthly charge with an increase of $10.20 for every 1,000 gallons over 1,000.

In our opinion, council should seriously consider that (option 2) because at the current rates the town is just not eligible to get grants, said Lane. Its going to take something like this to be competitive. If you take option 2 you shouldnt have to raise rates for a number of years.

Lane said the town could also choose to do nothing about the current rates and be $160,000 in the hole with a budget deficit.

When council member Ron Orr asked why the minimum in option 2 needed to be so high, Lane said that is where the majority of Saltville water/sewer users are and if the town is going to generate enough revenue to pay for its system and secure grants it needs to focus on the majority of users.

With council members opposing such high increases, saying this would more greatly impact the towns residents who could afford it least, The Lane Group was asked to recalculate option 1. Orr said he didnt think the town needed to consider option 2 at this time. Lane said they could do that and look at focusing bigger increases on the bigger users, although that group is small in Saltville, he said, with the town having lost some big water users in recent years.

Lane said the state requires a weighted average water bill for localities based on median household income to be competitive for grants.

According to www.city-data.com for 2015, median household income for Smyth Countys three towns are: Marion $31,809; Chilhowie $42,933; and Saltville $28,064.
New Delhi, June 5 (IBNS): On the occasion of World Environment Day, Union Minister of Urban Development M.Venkaiah Naidu launched a campaign on source segregation of municipal waste for National Capital Region (NCR) here on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, M.Venkaiah Naidu urged all the citizens to participate in this campaign for its success.

He said that bins with different colors, shall be used to segregate waste in every house and shop.



Green bins shall be used for wet waste and Blue bins for dry waste, he added.



The Minister pointed that the 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 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide in the country per year.

He also said that a recent study has revealed 15 diseases, such as Hepatitis, Cholera and Malaria, caused due to the improper solid waste management.



Naidu said that a number of policy interventions have been introduced by the Government to encourage processing of municipal solid waste to compost and energy.

He said that to promote conversion of Waste to Energy, purchase of electricity so generated has been made mandatory by DISCOMs and to promote Waste to Compost, a subsidy of Rs 1,500 per ton will be provided by the Government.



During the occasion, the Minister released a special edition of Diamond Toons Comic titled Chacha Chaudhary & Swachh Bharat. The comic book depicts cartoons with a message pertaining to solid waste management.



A Power Purchase Agreement was also exchanged between DMRC and IL&FS, in which the green power generated through waste by IL&FS plant will be purchased by DMRC. This green partnership between DMRC and IL&FS will greatly help in building a Swachh & Swasth Delhi.

M.Venkaiah Naidu flagged off segregated waste collection vehicles/ auto tippers, covering a total of nine Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which includes Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad, besides five ULBs of Delhi.

The Minister felicitated individuals, Residential Welfare Associations, Hotels and Restaurants who have commendably contributed to the source segregation of waste and also administered a pledge in this regard.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A federal judge today increased a Central New York man's prison sentence by five years partly because he confessed on Facebook to a murder he'd been acquitted of.

U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes sentenced Alfred L. "Merc" Thomas to 9 years and 7 months in prison on a conviction of being a felon in possession of firearms ammunition.

Sannes cited Thomas' repeated confessions on Facebook, and later to the FBI, to his involvement in the 2014 shooting death of Martin Paulk. The admissions came after an Onondaga County Court jury acquitted Thomas of murder.

The judge also cited the fact that Thomas was the driver in a drive-by shooting into a home in Syracuse when he possessed the ammunition.

If it weren't for those factors, Thomas would've faced less than five years in prison.

Thomas, 32, of Rome, pleaded guilty in December to the ammunition charge from 2012.

He was acquitted in September 2014 of murdering Paulk. Three weeks later, Thomas admitted in a Facebook post that he did it. Four months after that, he posted a video of the crime scene on Facebook and again confessed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick cited the Facebook confession as proof that Thomas was a "danger to the public in the extreme."

"He has every attribute of a career criminal," Southwick said.

Thomas' lawyer, George Hildebrandt, asked Sannes for a reduced sentence because Thomas was suffering the effects of "horrific" child abuse. The judge rejected that request.

Thomas' admissions on Facebook were meant to clear his co-defendant, George "Cito" Colon, whom the jury convicted of murdering Paulk, Hildebrandt said.

Thomas also made the statements on Facebook "perhaps to taunt authorities about his acquittal," Hildebrandt said.

Contact John O'Brien anytime by email, Twitter, or at 315-470-2187.
Arthur Mola | AP

Ben Stiller to film Dannemora prison escape series in Upstate NY; see cast (photos)

Ben Stiller will direct a Showtime miniseries titled "Escape at Dannemora," based on the real-life prison escape by convicted killers Richard Matt and David Sweat from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, N.Y. They were assisted by prison worker Joyce Mitchell, who got cold feet at the last minute and never showed with a getaway car, leading to a 20-day manhunt throughout Upstate New York.

The project is expected to begin filming this year.

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Upstate NY filming locations

Sweat and Matt traveled on foot in the North Country near Dannemora, though tips and reported 'sightings' came in from Philadelphia, Vermont, Canada and elsewhere, including concerns about ties Sweat had to Central New York. At one point, the pair hid out in a cabin owned by corrections officers.

According to Slash Film, shooting will begin later this year at real locations that they visited. Stiller was spotted scouting the Dannemora prison last year, eyeing the manhole from which Sweat and Matt escaped.

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Benicio del Toro

Del Toro won an Oscar for 2001's "Traffic" and is also known for roles in "Snatch," "The Usual Suspects," "Sin City," "Sicario," "Guardians of the Galaxy" and the upcoming "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

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Paul Dano as David Sweat

Dano is best known for roles in "Little Miss Sunshine," "Prisoners," "There Will Be Blood" and was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for playing a young Brian Wilson in "Love & Mercy."

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Patrica Arquette as Joyce Mitchell

Arquette won an Oscar for 2014's "Boyhood" and an Emmy for TV's "Medium." She's also known for "Stigmata," "True Romance" and "CSI: Cyber."

"I'm very excited about 'Escape at Dannemora' and about working with Ben, Benicio... and Showtime on this fascinating and dark American love story rooted in real and self-deceptive incarceration," she told Variety.

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Mike Groll | AP

Other potential characters

Corrections officer Gene Palmer admitted delivering frozen hamburger meat without going through a metal detector, but claims he didn't know Mitchell hid tools inside it. Sgt. Jay Cook (pictured) is the cop who captured Sweat alive less than two miles from the Canadian border in Constable, N.Y. And New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was a figure throughout the manhunt, offering frequent updates to the public.

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Will there be a hero?

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and others compared the 2015 escape to the 1994 movie 'Shawshank Redemption,' though many were quick to point out it was a work of fiction about a wrongly convicted man. Sweat was serving a life sentence for killing a sheriff's deputy and Matt robbed, kidnapped, killed and dismembered a former boss.

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Chris Pizzello | AP

Writers Michael Tolkin and Brett Johnson

According to Variety, "The Player" writer Michael Tolkin (pictured) is teaming up with his "Ray Donovan" partner Brett Johnson, also known for "Mad Men," to write the script and executive produce the series.

Michael De Luca Productions and Stiller's Red Hour Productions will also be producing.

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What will plot focus on?

Only a vague synopsis has been released: "An employee at a prison in upstate New York becomes romantically involved with a pair of inmates and helps them escape."

Stiller elaborated slightly in a statement: "We are all very intent on trying to tell this singular story in a way that shows the reality and humanity of the people involved. While the genre is a prison escape story, at its core it is a story about real people, some criminals and some not, who make some bad choices that have huge consequences. I think that's what's so compelling about this."

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Dramatic scenes

The real-life escape will lend itself to a lot of dramatic moments, including the weeks-long manhunt, the trial of Joyce Mitchell, and the actual escape. Matt and Sweat used power tools to cut a hole through the walls in their adjoining cells, then cut a hole through a steam pipe and tunneled their way to freedom. The pair left a note that said "Have a nice day."

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Arthur Mola | AP

Ben Stiller as director

Stiller is best known for his on-screen performances, but has worked behind the camera for comedies like "Tropic Thunder," "Dodgeball" and "Zoolander." Slash Film points out he's also shown his directorial range with "The Cable Guy" as a domestic thriller, "The Secret Life of Walter Witty" with drama and special effects, and "Reality Bites" with drama.

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Will Stiller also appear in the series?

When Stiller directs, he almost always also appears in front of the camera. However, he did stay out of the picture for the 2009 TV movie "The Station," which starred John Goodman, Jordan Peele, Whitney Cummings and Justin Bartha.

Stiller has more than 120 acting credits, including "A Night at the Museum," "Meet the Parents," "Keeping the Faith"

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'NY Prison Break' TV movie

Lifetime actually beat Showtime to the punch with the first dramatization of the Dannemora prison escape, titled "The Seduction of Joyce Mitchell." Penelope Ann Mitchell ("Carlito's Way," "Kindergarten Cop") starred as Joyce Mitchell opposite Myk Watford ("No Country for Old Men," "Spider-Man") as Richard Matt and Joe Anderson ("Across the Universe," "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn") as David Sweat, respectively. The TV movie aired in April.

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Violent scenes

Showtime will likely show a grittier and more violent version of the story than Lifetime. Richard Matt, pictured in 2008, was shot and killed in Malone, N.Y., by a Border Patrol agent from Vermont. Sweat was wounded when he was captured a week later near the Canadian border.

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Mel Evans | AP

When will we get to see it?

A premiere date has not been announced, but all eight episodes of "Escape at Dannemora" will air on Showtime in 2018.

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Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.com

More at Dannemora
Syracuse, N.Y. -- They were men of another time. They called each other "Mr." They wrote letters.

Their sixth wedding anniversary would have been this year.

Frederick Marvin and Ernst Schuh were married at Syracuse's City Hall on Oct. 14, 2011, shortly after same-sex marriage was made legal in New York.

Marvin was 91 then; Schuh was 89.

But their love started more than half a century before. They met April 22, 1959. Marvin, who wrote in a diary every day, made note of the meeting. It was halfway down the page, tucked in amid details of his travels: "Met Ernst Schuh."

Marvin, a concert pianist, and Schuh, an opera critic, ran into each other while visiting the grave of composer Anton Bruckner in Austria. They were together ever since, until May 11. Marvin died in Vienna, Austria, where the two had lived for the past two years. Marvin was a month shy of his 97th birthday.

For most of their 58 years together, their love was in the closet. But in their twilight years, they could hold hands in public, if they wanted. And they had all the same legal rights other married couples did. They were married in Austria and Syracuse in 2011.

Mayor Stephanie Miner performed the Syracuse ceremony. When they asked her to officiate, their request was delightfully old school, Miner recalled last week. A formal letter, written on a type writer.

So many people came to the wedding of the two elderly men that the crowd didn't fit inside. They had to move the ceremony to the steps of City Hall.

Miner remained friends with the couple. She said they moved back to Vienna two years ago. It was easier to get around without a car, Miner said they told her. And it was where Schuh was from. He survived the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II and became an opera critic first, then managed Marvin's career as a concert pianist. They came to Syracuse in 1968 when Marvin took a job teaching piano at Syracuse University. He did that while continuing to travel as a concert pianist.

Ernst Schuh (left) and Frederick Marvin react after legalizing their marriage on October 14th, 2011 after being together for 52 years. Mayor Stephanie Miner (middle) conducted the ceremony. Justin Fogarty / The Post-Standard

At their home in Syracuse, where I visited six years ago, Schuh was in charge of the calendar, the day to day operations, the meals. Marvin was the music. The home had been redesigned to hold a small stage with two baby grand pianos and a seating area for intimate concerts.

They bickered that way old married couples do. Marvin wanted email and a computer. Schuh had convinced him it was too complicated for them. They filled in each other's blanks. They weren't married yet, but their life was already full of testaments to long-lived love. On one wall, in a frame, were small drawings of birds.

Since the very beginning, Marvin had left Schuh little notes with bird drawings on them. Marvin didn't know it, but all those years Schuh had been saving them. Pieces of everyday love. One year, Schuh assembled some of them and had them framed for Marvin as a gift. A testament that the small, thoughtful gestures of his love were precious.

Schuh, reached in Austria last week, couldn't talk about his loss. After a whole life together, they were now apart. It was, he said, too much.

He sent the funeral notice to Stephanie Miner. It is written in German.

"After a fulfilled life dedicated to the music, his concert, the audience and students, my life partner of 58 years just before his 97th birthday .. rested peacefully," the translation reads.

Marvin, who noted meeting Schuh in his diary April 22, 1959, also wrote his goodbye there.

"Fred had his farewell in his diary," Schuh wrote. That note is followed by this passage, handwritten by Schuh in German. It is from a poem titled "Death is Nothing at all," by Henry Scott Holland:

"Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name.

Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.

Put no difference into your tone.

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow."



Miner keeps a photo from their wedding behind her desk at City Hall. It will forever be one of her fondest memories from being the mayor, she said. It is a reminder, Miner said, that love conquers all.

"In deep sadness," Schuh wrote in the death notice. "But thankful for our life together."

Marvin will be buried in Vienna in the family grave.

Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246

Righting an 'inexcusable' wrong: Upstate NY college giving degree to basketball star
Carmen Cesta, owner of Carm's Dog House, stands near one of his mobile grooming buses.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The owner of a Cicero dog grooming service received death threats and a spate of customer cancellations after his business was falsely accused on Facebook of breaking a dog's leg.

The scathing review of Carm's Dog House appeared on Facebook at about 7:30 p.m. May 23 and was shared more than 7,000 times. It said a dog named Rocky was in so much pain the animal could not stand up after one of Carm's groomers gave it a haircut.

The next morning the parking lot of Carm's Dog House at 6260 Route 31 was covered with broken glass from smashed bottles and the telephone was ringing with calls from customers pulling their dogs out of its day care service. Facebook users threatened to break owner Carmen Cesta's legs and burn down his business. People shouted insults at him while he was driving one of his mobile dog grooming buses.

"It was just horrible," said Cesta, 28, who started the business in 2010 which also offers boarding and operates a bakery that makes treats, cupcakes and birthday cakes for dogs.

It turned out Rocky's leg was broken when it was hit by a sport utility vehicle after being taken outdoors unleashed by the dog owner's relative.

Dog owner initially pleased with groomer's work

Cesta said the information in the Facebook post was at odds with these facts he gathered from staff:

At about 10:30 a.m. Saturday May 20, a mobile groomer arrived at a Brewerton apartment complex to groom Rocky, a small mixed-breed owned by Carol Oatman. The mobile groomers make house calls in buses equipped with baths tubs, running water and electricity.

Pam Graham, the groomer, finished with the dog at 11:30 a.m. She said the dog was energetic, running around and Oatman was pleased.

About 30 minutes later Oatman called Carm's Dog House and left a message, saying the dog looked great and she was pleased with the groomer's work.

But at 9:23 p.m. Saturday, Carm's received an email from Oatman. She said she left home in the afternoon and when she returned that evening, Rocky was barely moving. She said Rocky had numerous bare spots on his legs, foot and groin from the clippers and might need to see a veterinarian.

Vet said dog needed orthopedic surgery

A Carm's employee responded the next morning. In an email, the employee apologized, told Oatman she would not be charged for the haircut and asked her to send photos of the dog.

After receiving photos, Carm's offered to pay the bill if Oatman took the dog to a vet.

On Monday Oatman sent another email to Carm's saying a vet determined the dog had a broken leg and would need orthopedic surgery.

When he heard that, Cesta said he knew there was no way his groomer broke the dog's leg. The owner would have noticed the broken leg and other injuries when she picked up the dog after the grooming session, he said. "If the dog was limping or had cuts you would think she would have brought it up then," he said.

He sent Oatman an email Tuesday afternoon, telling her his business did not cause Rocky's injuries.

Facebook post cost groomer more than 100 customers

That night Chuck Cesario, Oatman's son, published a Facebook post, railing against Carm's Dog House for not taking responsibility for the dog's injuries.

"Pleased I beg of you to share this with all your friends on any social media you can to save some other family from going through this tragic event," Cesario said in the post. "Someone like this should not be in business and should not be able to hurt someone's family like this."

An excerpt of the Facebook post that triggered death threats.

Cesta said the Facebook post quickly cost him more than 100 customers, including 20 who made appointments to board their dogs over the Memorial Day weekend and never showed up.

He feared the backlash from the Facebook post would put him out of business and force him to lay off his 15 employees.

Video shows dog was hit after haircut

A woman who lives near Oatman's apartment complex contacted Carm's and said she saw a vehicle hit an unleashed dog near the complex on May 20, the same day Oatman's dog was groomed. The woman said the dog was with a man she had seen walking the dog unleashed every day. She also said the accident may have been recorded on the apartment complex's video surveillance system.

Cesta obtained a copy of the video which showed Oatman's dog getting hit. The time stamp on the video shows the accident happened at 1:53 p.m., about 2 1/2 hours after the groomer finished. Cesta posted the video on his Facebook page. In less than an hour, Chuck Cesario put up a new Facebook message, apologizing for his previous post.

Cesario said Rocky was hit after a family member let the dog out while his mother was not home. He did not identify the family member. Cesario said neither he nor his mother were aware of this until he saw the video.

"If I would have known the truth I would never have posted this," Cesario wrote. "Anyone who knows me knows I can get emotional and make snap decisions."

"I apologize with all my heart to carms (sic) and their family I'm sure that this is no help to them at this point ...," he wrote.

An excerpt of the Facebook apology

Oatman and Cesario did not respond to numerous phone messages from syracuse.com.

Fake Facebook complaints against businesses common

The video, which has been viewed more than 75,000 times, has triggered an outpouring of support for Carm's Dog House from customers who have praised the business on its Facebook page and Cesta's personal Facebook page.

Fake Facebook complaints against businesses are becoming common, according to Greg Loh, executive vice president of Eric Mower & Associates, an advertising agency.

When a business faces criticism on social media it needs to respond quickly in a way " ... that is respectful and courteous because the whole world is watching," Loh said.

It's important for businesses to regularly monitor what is said about them on social media, he said.

Loh said the video Cesta posted helped rally his loyal customers.

"The strength of support of customers can help a business recover from a social media catastrophe," he said.

Many believe whatever they read on Facebook

Stanley Germain, Cesta's attorney, said he is stunned that many people believe whatever they read on Facebook.

"I would ask some questions before I threaten to break someone's legs or burn their house down," Germain said. "Even though he did absolutely nothing wrong, Carmen was very scared until that video came out and it started to clear up."

The video clip shows Rocky wandered into the road and collided with a sport utility vehicle towing a car on a trailer. After being struck by the SUV, Rocky was hit a second time by the trailer and knocked off his feet before scampering off the road.

Cesta said the extended version of the surveillance video, not included in the clip, shows the driver stopped after hitting Rocky, but the man with the dog waved to the driver to keep going.

Cesta said he feels sorry for Rocky and hopes he recovers.

"Another three inches and it would have gotten its head crushed," he said.

Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2245
Guwahati, June 5 (IBNS): A 12th century antique idol of Tibetan saint Terton Pema Lingpa was recovered by the crime branch of Delhi police on Monday.

DCP of Delhi police crime branch Madhav Verma said that, the ancient idol was recovered from the Majnu Ka Tilla area in Delhi, which was stolen from the head Cheepa (head Lama) house in Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh and it is a high religious value in the bordering state with China.

Delhi police had started investigation following a case FIR no 11/17 under section 457/380 of IPC was registered in Tawang police station. On June 4, information was received in ISC, crime branch that an ancient idol having high religious and spiritual value has been stolen from Tawang and the racketeers involved in the theft are trying to sell the same in grey market in the area of Manju Ka Tilla in Delhi and thereafter the idol would be smuggled to Tibet for monitory gain. Keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter, crime branch of Delhi police swung into action," a top Delhi cop said.

"On Monday, specific information was received that a couple involved in the theft of idol would come near Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tilla at around 8 am for selling the stolen idol to a prospective buyer, Immediately a team led by ACP Sanjiv Sehrawat comprising of Inspector Sunil Kumar was constituted under the supervision of undersigned and a trap was laid near ManjuKa Tilla. About 10-40 am, a couple coming from Manju Ka Tilla side and police had apprehended them, he said.

The apprehended persons were identified as Ngawang Tsundue and his female associate Lobsang Gakey Sherpa.

Police recovered the high religious value antique idol in possession from them.

During interrogation, Ngawang revealed that, he is permanent resident of Tibet and came to India in 2009-10

He started living in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh and came in contact with the daughter of Head Cheepa of Tawang. In 2011, he married with the daughter of Head Cheepa of Tawang, but their marriage could not last and they divorced. Since then, he was having enmity with the Head Cheepafamily. He aware that, the idol of Terton Pema Lingpa, which was being kept in the house of the Head Cheepa had high religious and social value and if succeeds in stealing the samehe would get the monetory gain. He shared his planning with his live in partner Lobsang Gakey Sherpa. He went to Tawang about 10-15 days back and stole the antique idol from the house of Head Cheepa and fled to Delhi to sell it in grey market for several crore of rupees. They also trying to take the idol to Tibet for getting higher price, the cop said.

Meanwhile, Delhi police has contacted with the Arunachal Pradesh counterpart about the recovery and arrest.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
New Delhi, June 5 (IBNS): Eminent journalists like Rajdeep Sardesai, Sagarika Ghosh and others expressed their strong reactions to the raid carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at NDTV's founder Prannoy Roy and his wife Radhika Roy's residence, on Monday.

Former political editor of NDTV, Rajdeep Sardesai suspected the authenticity of the allegation as the case dates back to 2010.

"Raid on @PrannoyRoyNDTV for a 2010case in 2017? CBI/IT must put details in public fora else will face charge of vendetta against media" Sardesai said on Twitter.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched raids on the residence of NDTV founder Prannoy Roy and his wife Radhika at Greater Kailash-1 in New Delhi on Monday morning, The Hindu reported.

Simultaneous raids are being conducted in three other places.

The CBI has registered a case against the Roys, a private company and others for causing an alleged loss of Rs. 48 crore to ICICI bank.

Sagarika Ghose, consulting editor of the Times of India, who is also the wife of Sardesai, refused to accept the allegations brought against Roy.

In a tweet posted in morning, Ghose said: "For generations of us journalists @PrannoyRoyNDTV is an eg of journalistic integrity and moral uprightness. Refuse to believe this."

Later, Ghose interpreted the raid as a message to media, as she said: "Selective raiding intended to send a signal to the media: toe the line, or else."

Ghose, who earlier worked for CNN-IBN, lashed out at some sections of media recently for pacifying the government.

Reacting to the CBI raids, NDTV has released the following statement: "This morning, the CBI stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations.

"NDTV and its promoters will fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies. We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India.

"We have one message to those who are trying to destroy the institutions of India and everything it stands for: we will fight for our country and overcome these forces."

Roy has been long hailed as a father of modern TV journalism in India and was highly respected as a journalist till in recent years controversies dogged the channel and its star reporters.

According to reports, the CBI confirmed that searches were carried out at four places in New Delhi and Dehradun.

The CBI has registered a case against the Roys, a private company and others for causing an alleged loss of Rs. 48 crore to ICICI.

Former journalist and political activitst, who is also a member of Aam Admi Party, Ashutosh attacked some sections of media for not responsding to the whole incident, besides considering the current media to be "scared".

In a tweet, he said: "It is a shame that other news TV channels are not standby NDTV/Prannoy Roy. Tomorrow they will be targeted."

Former NDTV journalist and its celebrity host Barkha Dutt earlier was embroiled in controversy after she was found as one of the journalists in the Radia tapes, pertaining to the telephonic conversations between Nira Radia, an influence peddler and an acquaintance of the then Indian telecom minister A. Raja, and with senior journalists, politicians, and corporate houses, taped by the Indian Income Tax Department in 200809.

NDTV is also seen as a channel which was against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and considered close to the Congress even as the channel maintained all along that it was neutral in its coverage of news.

Recently in a TV programme on cattle trade and cow slaughter rules, its host Nidhi Razdan asked BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra to leave the show for disrupting the discussion and when the latter called NDTV as a channel with an agenda.
Beijing, June 5 (IBNS): Amidst the bilateral tensions regarding One Belt One Road (OBOR), China welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on Indo-China ties, adding significance to the bilateral relation, according to media reports on Monday.

A spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday said: "We have noted the positive remark made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the China-India (situation). We welcome that."

"It is true that we have a border dispute with China. But in the last 40 years, not a single bullet has been fired because of it," she said, while speaking about the border dispute.

PM Modi during his visit to Russia recently stressed on border dispute with China.

"The two major countries China and India maintaining sound and steady bilateral relationship is of great significance," she added.

In a recent interview to Russia Television, PM Modi said: "The 21st century is the century of Asia. it means that both India and China will influence the situation of the world in the coming decades."

The remarks gained significance because very recently India boycotted the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Summit in 2017 over sovereignty issues over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China's Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai, favouring the dialogues between the Indian Prime Minister and Chinese President said that the healthy relations between the two nations would certainly benefit Asia.

Modi has recently visited Russia where he urged all nations to come and invest in India.

While speaking at the St Petersberg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2017, PM Modi invited the world and said: "I invite you all to come to India for the sake of development and change of fortune."

Modi even uttered the words like "sky is the limit", seeking foreign investments in the country.
After last September's revelations that Palmer Luckey donated $100,000 to a pro-Trump organization dedicated to spreading anti-Clinton memes, the Oculus founder disappeared from public view. He resurfaced in March following his departure from Facebook, and is now back in the spotlight with a new company that makes technology designed to monitor border crossings.

Information on Luckey's new startup comes from a New York Times article yesterday that cites three "people familiar" with the matter.

The business reportedly uses the same kind of lidar tech found in self-driving cars for the surveillance of country borders and restricted areas such as military bases. The system also utilizes infra-red sensors and standard cameras to monitor the locations.

The report adds that specialized software will be able to identify different targets, such as humans, wildlife, and even drones. The system is being put forward as an alternative to expensive border walls like the US/Mexico project Trump wants to build.

Peter Thiel, one of the few Silicon Valley names who publicly supported Trump during his campaign, is planning to partly fund the business with money from his Founders Fund.

"We are spending more than ever on defense technology, yet the pace of innovation has been slowing for decades. We need a new kind of defense company, one that will save taxpayer dollars while creating superior technology to keep our troops and citizens safer," Luckey said in a statement to the Times.

Luckey has reportedly already met with White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon to discuss the surveillance technology and the possibility of using it at the Mexico border.
A New York prosecutor is calling out Exxon Mobil about evidence of the company misleading its investors regarding climate change. The alleged fraud is currently being investigated on as the company is pressed for more documents.

False And Misleading Statements?

It is no secret that Exxon Mobil is one of the world's largest oil companies. As such, talks of taking a step away from using oil and closer to cleaner energy has been quite problematic for the company in recent years.

Now, a New York prosecutor is calling Exxon's climate change policies a "sham" after discovering that Exxon Mobil possibly gave its investors misleading statements that may have led them to think the company had already taken possible future environmental regulations into consideration and assessed the risks of climate change.

According to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, contrary to what Exxon implied to its investors, the oil company's actual method for computing the potential costs of greenhouse gas regulations on the business may be less than accurate.

Specifically, Exxon Mobil had evidently shown investors what it called a "proxy cost" that represented its own accounting of potential changes to regulations that could possibly make burning fossil fuels more expensive. However, Attorney General Schneiderman said that it "may be a sham" because if Exxon had truly included it in its computations, at least one oil sand project could have shown a financial loss rather than a profit.

Rex Tillerson's 'Wayne Tracker' Alias

In addition to the "proxy cost" issue, the investigation of over 2 million documents submitted by Exxon Mobil evidently showed that former CEO and current Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had a separate email account where he used the alias "Wayne Tracker" in order to discuss climate change related topics. Current CEO Darren Woods allegedly has a similar email account under the name "J.E. Gray."

As such, Attorney General Schneiderman is seeking for Exxon to release more documents. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is also investigating Exxon Mobil's accounting and climate change practices.

This is bad news for the company when only last Wednesday, May 31, 62 percent of its shareholders voted to pressure the company into releasing information about how climate change and related regulations could impact the business.

Still, Exxon Mobil is fighting back, saying that the company's submitted statements were accurately described and it did take future government policies into consideration in financial computations. Exxon also stated that the Attorney General's statements are inaccurate, irresponsible, and politically motivated. The company said it will fully respond more in court.

Exxon Mobil is only one of the major U.S. companies that urged President Trump not to back out from the Paris climate deal.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Japanese car manufacturer Toyota seems to have made a good investment in the second quarter of 2017. This is because Cartivator, the startup company Toyota decided to fund, flew a test model for the flying car it is developing.

The test model is still currently only a basic set of aluminum frames and propellers, and it can only fly up to eye-level for a few seconds before gravity wins over, but it is still a good achievement for a group of volunteer engineers and car experts who work on it on weekends.

"I always loved planes and cars. And my longtime dream was to have a personal vehicle that can fly and go many places," Cartivator project leader Tsubasa Nakamura said.

Cartivator plans to unveil the concept model of its flying car, dubbed "Skydrive," in July and continue development. One of the company's earlier goals is to fly Skydrive during the torch lighting ceremony at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and, since Toyota gave $385,000 (42.5 million yen) funding for the project in May, Cartivator may just achieve it.

"Toyota's business is centered on mobility, anything that moves, including people, things, money, information, energy," auto analyst Takaki Nakanishi said.

Developing Skydrive

The project began in 2012 when Cartivator won a business contest but it wasn't until 2014 when development of Skydrive actually began. By July 2014, Nakamura and his colleagues successfully flew a 1/5 scale prototype model of the flying vehicle.

The startup presented its idea to the public through Zenmono, a Japanese crowdfunding site, and successfully raised 2.6 million yen ($23,550) to begin development. From December 2014 up to the present, Cartivator has partnered with associate professors from Tokushima and Nagoya Universities and held team camps in order to discuss and refine its vision for Skydrive.

Now that Toyota is backing its project, Cartivator is already working on an even better and more streamlined design for Skydrive, which is actually in line with the company's mission.

"The origin of CARTIVATOR comes from idea that we would like to be a CULTIVATOR who is producing excited experiences with a car (CAR)," the site explains.

Thanks to Toyota and its affiliated companies, Skydrive will finally transform from a bulky aluminum frame and propeller model to the futuristic "Back to the Future" inspired vehicle Cartivator wants it to be. Both current and concept design can be seen below.

Cartivator plans for a first remote controlled demonstration in July 2018 and a manned test drive and flight in January 2019. If successful, the 2020 Olympic torch lighting is next in the agenda, as well as mass production and first public sale by 2023.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
It seems Netflix has given up on the controversial and contentious fight to maintain net neutrality.

Speaking with Peter Kafka of Recode during the Code Conference, Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix, said the battle for net neutrality can't be won in a Trump presidency.

Hastings went on to explain his current position on net neutrality, addressing why he's been largely quiet about it now compared to how vocally he defended net neutrality in the past.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings Changes Tune On Net Neutrality Fight

Hastings said that Netflix can survive amid the potential impact of net neutrality.

"It's not narrowly important to us because we're big enough to get the deals we want," he said  a bold confession. Regardless of how the U.S. Federal Communications Commission decides to do with Title II, the video streaming company isn't worried about what's going to happen to its core service. Still, Hastings says Netflix is "weighing in against" altering the rules but that "it's not our primary battle at this point" and "we don't have a special vulnerability to it."

Though he's not worried about his own company, Hastings believes that smaller players will be directly affected if net neutrality corrodes. In his view, net neutrality would have been important to "the Netflix of 10 years ago," perhaps because it was still a small company back then, like the companies today that will suffer should net neutrality crumble.

Why Net Neutrality Matters

Why is net neutrality important? Well, it's a crucial element that can keep the behavior of internet service providers just and fair for content providers. It makes sure ISPs enable access to content regardless of the source, without blocking certain websites or services. That alone is one of the most terrifying aspects  the idea that ISPs can grant priority access to companies that can afford it, leaving the smaller, independent content providers unable to compete.

Despite mounting efforts to combat the FCC's paralysis of net neutrality, Hastings maintains his pessimism on its fate because of the current administration.

"Trump's FCC is going to unwind the rules no matter what happens," argues Hastings. Yes, he believes net neutrality is "important for society," but because his company can survive through it, Netflix won't bother heading into the fight.

"We had to carry the water when we were growing up and we were small," said Hastings. "Other companies have to be on that leading edge."

Though the perils of killing net neutrality will negatively affect consumers, Hastings said back in March that "the culture around net neutrality is very strong." He added that consumer expectation is also very strong. Thus, even if net neutrality begins to weaken, there'd be no big risk "because consumers know they're entitled to getting all of the web services."

What the FCC plans to do with net neutrality and internet regulations still remains to be hammered out, but with Netflix's stance on the issue, it's possible other companies will think the same  that they can survive, so there'd be no need to fight  if they're not thinking about it already, anyway.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Toyota has sold its remaining stake in Tesla last year, according to spokeswoman Akiko Kita for the biggest carmaker in Japan.

The move marks the end of the partnership between the two companies, as Toyota and Tesla emerge as rivals in the burgeoning electric car industry.

Toyota-Tesla Partnership

In 2010, Toyota purchased an about 3 percent stake in Tesla worth $50 million, just as automobile manufacturers were looking to release vehicles that offered lower pollution footprints. Toyota also sold an abandoned factory in California for $42 million to Tesla.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk described the partnership as a historic one, adding that he had long admired Toyota. Toyota president Akio Toyoda took the Tesla Roadster for a test drive a month earlier, claiming that he felt "the wind of the future."

The team-up between the two companies, however, fell apart shortly afterward.

Toyota and Tesla took their newfound partnership to develop an electric version of Toyota's RAV4 in Canada in 2011, with Tesla supplying the electric powertrain of the vehicle until 2014. The electric RAV4 only sold around 2,500 units over a span of three years, amid vehicle recalls and culture clashes between the two companies. The partnership then faltered and came to a standstill.

Toyota Cashes Out Of Tesla

As of July 2016, Toyota only had a 1.43 percent stake in Tesla. According to Toyota spokesman Ryo Sakai, the company had sold all the remaining Tesla shares it held by the end of last year as part of Toyota's review of its investments.

"Our development partnership with Tesla ended a while ago, and since there has not been any new developments on that front, we decided it was time to sell the remaining stake," Sakai said.

Toyota initially sold a portion of its stake in Tesla in 2014, after the electric RAV4 program was terminated.

Toyota cashed out of Tesla just as the company announced its own all-electric vehicle program, as Toyota was late to jumping into the industry due to its heavy investment in hydrogen fuel cells.

It was not until late 2016 when Toyota announced that Toyoda will lead a new EV Business Planning division that will look to release an all-electric vehicle by 2020, after the company's engineers claimed to have tamed lithium-ion battery technology.

The move marked a significant change in the company's strategy after it focused on hydrogen fuel cells as the alternative power source for vehicles instead of electric batteries.

Toyota Looks To The Future

Toyota has now added its name to the ever-growing list of automobile manufacturers entering the electric car industry, which is currently dominated by Tesla.

However, in addition to finally adding electric vehicles to its strategy, Toyota is also setting its sights on another means of transportation. Cartivator, a startup that the company decided to invest in, has successfully flown a test model for its flying car.

The concept model of the flying car, named the Skydrive, is planned to be unveiled in July. The vehicle is targeted to be used for the torch lighting of the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
NASAs sounding rocket experiment should have lit up the sky in the wee hours of Sunday morning, June 4 as a colorful show of artificial clouds. But the plan to fill the sky with red and green clouds has been postponed amid anticipation in much of the East Coast.

The launch of the Terrier Improved Malemute sounding rocket from NASAs Virginia facility is expected to collect new and relevant information for probing the aurora and the ionosphere. In true NASA fashion, its an experience intended to be shared by the space agency to the eager American public.

Why The Launch Delay?

Its not the first time the NASA experiment has faced delays. The launch window ran from May 31 to June 6, but weather forecasts were unfavorable in the next two days.

The tentative launch date is now June 11.

Early risers in the mid-Atlantic coast from New York to North Carolina would have witnessed the sky illuminated by red and blue-green artificial clouds if the skies were clear enough for the launch to continue Sunday morning.

The NASA experiment entails specific weather requirements. On launch day, the two-stage rocket will carry 10 canisters the size of soda cans to be deployed around five minutes post-liftoff. Afterward, the canisters will produce bright-colored artificial clouds, also known as vapor tracers.

From there, scientists will visually monitor the subsequent particle motions in order to better understand the ionosphere. Since the rocket will be deploying multiple canisters, scientists can study a much bigger area than in earlier attempts.

The sky needs to be clear at once of the assigned locations  ground stations at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and Duck in North Carolina  for the researchers to properly gather data.

On Sunday morning, real clouds got in the way of tests, leading to launch postponement.

No Dangers To Humans

The missions total flight time is anticipated to be about eight minutes. The payload will land in the Atlantic Ocean around 90 miles from Wallops Islands and wont be recovered, an earlier NASA statement shared.

For those keen on viewing the flight, the NASA Visitor Center at Wallops will open starting at 3:30 a.m. on the new launch date. The mission will also be covered live on the Wallops Ustream site, with updates on Wallops Facebook and Twitter pages.

NASA asserts that the mission is not dangerous to humans. The canisters contain barium, strontium, and cupric-oxide, known to not pose immediate human risks.

Of course, this doesnt mean the plummeting payload wont be a problem. The Saturday launch, for instance, was canceled due to boats in the area where the payload was supposed to fall. Two attempts before it were scrubbed because of winds and clouds.

Sounding rocket experiments have been occurring for the last 40 years and have given NASA sound knowledge for its space programs. These sounding rockets time in space is usually brief, or at about five to 20 minutes at once.

In related news, NASAs Juno mission sent back images of Jupiter recently, including spectacular images of the giant planets clouds.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Privately owned Chinese electronics company Xiaomis latest device Xiaomi Jason was found listed on GFXBench Benchmarking website last week and now latest reports suggest that the device may be launched as Xiaomi Mi 6X. Priced at 1999 Yuan (which is around Rs. 18,900 in Indian value), the device might see the light of the day in August this year.

Xiaomi Jason will sport Snapdragon 660 Chipset along with Adeno 512 GPU and Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system. It will come with a 5.1-inch display that has 1920*1080 pixel resolution and five finger gesture support.

Speaking of its storage, it will have 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, out of which 50GB will be reserved for users. The specifications regarding its battery have not been revealed as of yet.

Coming to its camera, it will sport a 12megapixel autofocus primary camera with LED flash and a 4megapixel secondary camera. The connectivity options for Xiaomi Jason include GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC. Besides, it also has gyroscope, accelerometer, light and proximity sensor.

The company may decide to release Xiaomi Jason with is Surge S2 processor, probably as another variant, as per GizmoChina.

Among the main differences between Xiaomi Mi 6 and Xaiomi Jason are its secondary camera and its processor. Xiaomi Mi 6 has a Snapdragon 835 chipset as against Snapdragon 660 in Jason. Meanwhile, Mi 6 comes with an 8megapixel secondary camera, while Jason comes with a 4megapixel secondary camera. Xiaomi Jason is being considered to be a lower end variant of Mi 6.

Xiaomi, which came out seven years ago in 2010, is one of the leading smartphone makers in the world. It designs, creates and sells laptops, mobile apps, smartphones and related consumer electronics. Its founder Lei Jun, who also serves as its CEO, is Chinas 23rd richest person as per Forbes. The company has over 8,000 employees across the globe, including in Malaysia, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, South Africa, among others.
Image: twitter.com/RaabtaOfficial

Kolkata, June 5 (IBNS): The lead actress of the film Raabta, Kriti Sanon, during a promotional tour to the city on Monday, praised the Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone for her chilled-out presence on the set while shooting the title song.

Kriti, who has been busy for last few days to promote her upcoming film in different cities, said: "She is so hardworking, dedicated and chilled-out in the sets that we had great fun with her. She has been very easy in the shooting floor."

Deepika made special appearance in the film with title song, sharing screen with the lead actors, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon.

Kriti, however, regretted that she could not interact much with the xXx girl in between shooting, though had an opportunity to lunch together.

Raabta is a romantic film based on reincarnation that revolves around two characters, Shiv and Saira, who instantly becomes close to each other only to later realise that they are connected through a past experience of unrequited love, passion, adventure and treachery.

Despite not believing in reincarnation, Sushant said: "I did not believe in reincarnation but I chose the film because I felt it to be engaging and the characters as endearing, after reading the script."

Speaking about the experience of sharing screen with Sushant for the first time, Kriti said: "It is amazing. Before the shooting of this film, we never met. I knew he was a fantastic actor who can do different kind of roles. I found out that he talks a lot, though he feels he doesn't. I had much fun and as actors we had really great times even we didn't know each other."

Raabta is the third film in Sanon's Bollywood career, who had started her journey with the film Heropanti and later shared screen with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in Dilwale.

Kriti felt that the character she played in Raabta was quite different from her nature,

"Saira is much different from me, in fact when I read the script, I felt that she was actually a quiet character. She was someone who doesn't have parents since the age of two and was bit quirky. Initially when I used to be introvert and quiet during shooting, Dino (Dinesh Vijan, director) came to me and said that he never wanted the character to be quiet. He said that the character should be quirky, endearing, surprising, unpredictable. So we tried to build the character with certain body languages, mannerisms to make it look different from the ones we have seen," she said, illustrating her character.

Apart from Deepika, the film also has a special appearance of the actor Rajkumar Rao, who previously acted with Sushant in the film Kai Po Che.

The Kai Po Che actor, who took part in several dance reality shows previously, said that his favourite song from the film is the Main Tera Boyfriend, in which he was seen to shake his legs.

He considered songs of the film to be "visually impressive", as several scenes were condensed and used in the picturisation of the songs.

The film consists of seven songs which were composed by Pritam, JAM8 and Sourav Roy.

Though Sushant and Kriti worked for the first time, they felt that their Raabta (connection) to be strong right from the beginning of the shoot.

Referring to her bonding with Sushant to be "organic chemistry", the actress said: "We didn't know anything about us but we were communicating well and listening to each other. I think its rare to be reacting without knowing, so the chemistry seems to be organic."

The film will hit the big screens on June 9.

(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh)
President-elect Lula da Silva and Sonia Gujajara are expected to meet at the 2022 UN Climate Change next week. | Read More
New York, June 5 (Just Earth News): With the theme of this year's World Environment Day a 'Connecting People to Nature' a aimed at highlighting the well-documented physical and mental health benefits of being in nature, the United Nations is on Monday flagging the vast benefits of such engagement, from food security and improved health to reliable water supply and climatic stability.

This is our environment. It is the keystone of a sustainable future. Without a healthy environment we cannot end poverty or build prosperity, said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a video message on the Day, commemorated annually on 5 June.

Pointing to land, water oceans, forests, and the air that we breathe, the UN chief reaffirmed that everyone has a role to play in protecting our only home, including using less plastics, driving less, wasting less food and teaching each other to care.

On World Environment Day  and every day  let us reconnect with nature. Let us cherish the planet that protects us, concluded Guterres.

World Environment Day is the largest global day for positive environmental action. This year, the main celebrations are hosted by Canada. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) says thousands of people across six continents are joining massive clean-ups of beaches and parks, countries are protecting 1,600 square kilometres of land, and over 30 iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, 'Christ the Redeemer' statue in Rio, and Niagara Falls, will light up in green.

The Day's theme encourages people to simply 'get back outdoors'

The 2017 edition of the Day coincides with the opening at UN Headquarters in New York of The Ocean Conference, the first-ever high-level global meeting on conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The Governments of Fiji and Sweden have the co-hosting responsibilities of the Conference.

The 2030 Agenda resolves to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources, in particular, the Agenda's associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14 and 15 focus on respectively conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources and on protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of land ecosystems.

Our entire modern life, with its skyscrapers and smartphones, stands on a delicate foundation of natural systems, said UN Environment chief Erik Solheim in remarks on the Day. On Monday, these foundations are shaking, undermined by man-made climate change, deforestation and extinctions. No amount of advanced technology will save us if we destroy and pollute our natural lifeblood.

Billions of rural people around the world spend every working day 'connected to nature' and appreciate their dependence on natural water supplies and how nature support their livelihoods in the form of fertile soil. They are among the first to suffer when ecosystems are threatened, whether by pollution, climate change or over-exploitation.

Connect with nature' by visiting an iconic UNECSO-designated site

In line with the theme of the Day, 'Connecting People with Nature,' Irina Bokova, the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, invited everyone to take time out from busy lives and to visit one of UNESCO's sites  including Biosphere Reserves, many Global Geoparks and iconic World Heritage sites  often overlying key strategic surface or groundwater resources and which bring together more than 2,000 exceptional sites around the world.

All of them employ local people and have their doors wide open to the public, because we know now this is the surest path to more inclusive and sustainable development, respectful of the boundaries of the planet, she said, calling women and men everywhere to connect with the nature around them that gives beauty, meaning and harmony to the lives we lead.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe (file)

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Deputy Nick Tullier's fiance, Danielle Mcnicoll, posted a video Monday showing Tullier speaking the word "Hello" during therapy at the Houston hospital where he is undergoing rehabilitation.

Mcnicoll titled her Facebook post, "Our miracle today!"

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Tullier, a parish deputy shot by a gunman on July 17 in Baton Rouge, has been undergoing therapy at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.

In the video, a woman off camera repeatedly encourages Tullier to speak the word, singing the word several times. Once he says "Hello," she responds, "That's it!"

In March, Mcnicoll posted a video showing Tullier maneuvering a power wheelchair outside the hospital.
Youth Challenge Program cadet Peyton Sellers checks for spaces that need filling in with flags in front of the state capital building. The Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana Chapter 1 planted 11,000 American flags at the State Capitol, representing every Louisiana citizen who died in service, Friday May 26, 2017, in Baton Rouge, La.. The Louisiana National Guard and other veterans carried the flags on a 6 mile ruck march from LSU to the State Capitol. The Blue Star Mothers, the mothers who have children in active service, and Gold Star Mothers, the mothers who lost a child serving, joined them at the Old State Capitol to march the final leg up N. 4th Street to the new State Capitol.
The leader of Democrats in the Louisiana House told colleagues Monday that he will step down from his leadership position, in part a sign of his frustration over the Houses inaction on budget and taxes.

State Rep. Gene Reynolds, D-Minden, disclosed his decision even as he continued an effort on Monday to try to force the House Republican leadership to give concessions on the budget and the make-up of the committees that handle the budget and taxes.

If your objective is tax reform and to make changes that most moderates want, we have to move people around on those committees, Reynolds said in an interview. He plans to serve out his legislative term.

Reynolds has been meeting privately with other Democrats and moderate Republicans to try to provide more money for schools, public health care and state workers, as well as more tax revenue to meet the states looming budget deficit. Those efforts have mostly failed in the face of opposition from conservatives in the House and their outside allies.

Told that conservatives say their constituents oppose higher taxes, Reynolds replied, We hear the same. But people at home dont understand the dynamics of what were facing. It will take more revenue and tax reform. It wont be easy at first, but it has to be done. You have to think past your nose and put the state in a position to be successful.

Conservative Republicans in the House have blocked measures sought by both Democrats and Republicans that would adopt recommendations of a blue-ribbon panel that studied the tax system and called it inefficient and broken, that would raise the gas tax by 10 or 17 cents per gallon and that would provide at least a down payment on the $1.3 billion deficit that has to be addressed by mid-2018.

Asked specifically why hes stepping down as caucus chair, Reynolds said, "I have another life. I have so many things at home that that's where I need to be. Reynolds is an easy-going former teacher and principal who manages rental property now.

The head of the caucus leads the 41-member Democratic caucus in the House and helps find candidates for legislative races.

Reynolds was criticized for not voting on the controversial bill that would have required a public vote to remove Confederate monuments. Passage of the bill in the House three weeks ago sparked a walkout by African-American House members. Reynolds said the wounds within the caucus have healed.

Reynolds said he will serve through the end of the regular session on Thursday and during a special session, if called. He said he doesn't know who might replace him.

The House and Senate have each passed separate versions of the spending plan for the budget that begins July 1 but have to work out a final agreement before the session ends Thursday to avoid a special session on it.

The House on Monday rejected the Senate's version of the budget on a largely party-line vote, as expected.

Democrats had encouraged the chamber to approve it and finalize the budget.

"I'm not sure we are going to do any better than they've done," House Speaker Pro Tempore Walt Leger III said. "They were just able to achieve a better outcome."

But House Appropriations Chair Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, urged the body to reject it. He pointed out that the Senate's plan would spend all money that is estimated to be available in the coming year, as he put it "100 percent of a wrong number."

The state has had at least 15 mid-year deficits in the past decade.

Democrats in the state House on Monday temporarily stopped blocking a must-pass construction spending bill, House Bill 3, which they have opposed to gain leverage with the Republican majority over other issues.

HB3 authorizes the state Bond Commission to sell the bonds needed to finance the construction projects. The Legislature normally passes HB3 without fuss because it includes projects in so many members districts.

Meanwhile, the House on Monday unanimously sent House Bill 2 to conference where the House and Senate conferees will amend it to include HB3. HB2 identifies which projects would get funded and the amounts they would receive.

Led by Reynolds, Democrats are asking for better representation on the Appropriations Committee, which writes the first version of the budget, and Ways and Means, which handles tax measures. Democrats want 40 percent of the seats on the two committees, in line with their 40 percent representation in the House. Reynolds said Democrats would accept moderate Republicans instead of Democrats.

The Democrats also want more spending on government services.

Four senior Democrats, including Reynolds, met with Barras on Friday morning to present their demands.

Reynolds said Democrats will block the state construction funding in HB2  which needs a super-majority of at least 70 votes  if the House and Senate cannot agree on a final version of House Bill 1, which authorizes spending for the day-to-day operations of state government.

Mark Ballard and Elizabeth Crisp of The Advocate Capitol news bureau contributed to this report.
Nearing final approval, a revamped and hotly-debated bill that would change the name of Louisiana's only residential high school won approval Monday in the Louisiana House.

The vote was 56-43, three more than the minimum needed.

The bill, which now returns to the Senate, would change the name of the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts to the Jimmy D. Long Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts.

The Natchitoches school serves around 300 gifted and talented children and Long, who died last year, is a former state lawmaker who played a major role in getting it launched in 1981.

The House, without objection, added an amendment aimed at placating opponents of the measure, Senate Bill 1.

Whether it represents a compromise remains in dispute.

While the school would be named after Long, as originally drafted, it would not affect diplomas, transcripts, logos, stationery and other items. In addition, the LSMSA's board of directors would have control on exactly how the name change is implemented, including signs and class rings.

Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria and chairman of the House Republican caucus, said the final changes stemmed from talks Monday with alumni, students and others. "This is a good compromise amendment," Harris told the House.

But even as the debate unfolded several lawmakers said they were getting messages from alumni who remained opposed to adding Long's name to the school.

"I am not feeling there is a consensus from the messages I am getting," said Rep. Patricia Smith, D-Baton Rouge.

Others alluded to the fact that Sen. Francis Thompson, D-Delhi, sponsor of the bill and Sen. Gerald Long, R-Winnfield, Thompson's key ally on the legislation, were in the House chamber before and during the vote.

Smith noted that the LSMSA depends on state dollars for its operations. "I don't like getting emails from people saying they are threatened and their funding is being held up," she said.

Thompson said he was pleased with the House-passed version of his bill and plans to ask the Senate to give it final approval before adjournment on Thursday at 6 p.m. "I don't know anything about any threats," he said after the vote.

Thompson said the latest changes make the bill more palatable to critics, including giving the board authority on details of the implementation.

The name change bill has sparked one of the most heated battles of the 2017 regular legislative session, including furious opposition from some graduates of the school on social media and elsewhere.

Thompson has repeatedly said Jimmy Long deserves credit for his role in the school's creation.

But the proposal sparked an intense campaign by alumni of the school and others to change the bill or kill it.

In emotional gathering, House panel approves new name for unique Louisiana high school After more than two hours of often passionate testimony, a bill that would change the name o

Opponents said school leaders, including its board of directors, thought they had a deal to name LSMSA's planned $23 million dormitory after Long, and were stunned when Thompson filed the bill to rename the entire school.

Gerald Long, who was the younger brother of Jimmy Long, said Monday he is pleased with the latest version of the legislation.

"I think it gave both parties some compromise language," he said of the Harris amendment.

+4 Name change to Natchitoches high school sparks an unlikely controversy, and angry exchanges What started as a seemingly simple bill to change the name of a school has mushroomed into a

In another twist, a longtime member of the school's board of directors who appeared on the way out is now expected to return.

Lovan Thomas, who has been on the board for 35 years, was informed by the governor's office over the weekend that his name would not be submitted to the state Senate for a reappointment.

Thomas earlier testified against the measure during a Senate committee hearing. Thomas, who is publisher of the Natchitoches Times, believes his outspoken criticism of the bill led to him not be renamed to the board.

Richard Carbo, a spokesman for Edwards, said the decision had nothing to do with the bill.

"There were objections to his reappointment in the Senate, making it impossible for him to be confirmed," Carbo said in an email response to questions.

But a few hours later  and after Thompson's bill won House approval  Carbo said the objection to Thomas had been "lifted" and his name will be submitted to the Senate.

Asked the governor's views on the legislation, Carbo said Edwards "will respect the will of the Legislature on this bill."
The former head of cyber security at NBN Co has now been appointed cyber security officer at Huawei, a Chinese-owned company banned from supplying the national broadband network because of national security concerns.

Malcolm Shore worked as principal security officer at NBN Co from 2011 to 2014, where he was responsible for implementing their protective security policy framework. After NBN, he moved to defence contractor BAE Systems as a technical director.

However his appointment is controversial because the Labor government quietly banned NBN Co from purchasing Huawei equipment in 2011 on advice from security agencies. This ban has been confirmed by both the Abbott and Turnbull governments, with no plans to re-visit the decision.

A spokeswoman for NBN Co said Dr Shore had not done any work for NBN Co since leaving in 2014.
The first penalty rate cuts of five percentage points will begin next month.

Australia's workplace umpire, the Fair Work Commission, has ruled that the reductions to existing penalty rates of up to "double time" paid to retail, fast food, hospitality and pharmacy staff will be phased in gradually and not take full effect until 2019 and 2020.

The landmark cuts to weekend penalty rates in several industries will be phased in over the next four years, in a decision that has angered retailers and unions alike.

Since the commission decided in February to slash Sunday penalty rates, the trade union movement and the business community have been at odds over how quickly the changes should be implemented.



"Retailers need a break and they need it now," National Retail Association chief Dominique Lamb said.

The penalty rates decision has angered Australia's union movement, which has fought to safeguard weekend pay. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

A shorter transition to reduced penalty rates would have been a "welcome relief", she said, as it would have allowed retailers to focus on improving customer service by having "more employees on the floor".

Russell Zimmerman, head of the Australian Retailers' Association, said businesses had been hoping for a two-year phase-in for the cuts, and were bitterly disappointed.

"Retailers wanted this phased in much more quickly so we can get on with the job of employing more people," he said. "What this will do is create an incredible amount of extra work for retailers, who won't be able to employ more people as quickly as they would like.
"I just received my Opal Card statement and it made me very angry because I have been charged a "default" fare for not tapping off," reports Maureen King of Lane Cove. "This seems totally unfair because the Opal machines don't work and so it's impossible to tap off. It is a hopeless system, that must be costing taxpayers and commuters lots of money."

That news stories about pensioners inevitably show footage of old people playing lawn bowls (C8, Monday) is what Max Harris used to call, 'the illustration imperative', writes Glenn Cooper, Tamworth. "Other examples: stories about paedophilia must always be accompanied by footage of toddlers on swings; taxation stories must show money being counted."

"The Two Ronnies once did a wonderful send-up of the way random background shots are inserted into news bulletins. In a story about the British official called the 'Lord Privy Seal' they added clips showing an icon of the Lord followed by one of an outdoor dunny (the privy) and then a performing seal." Ted Richards of Batemans Bay.

Now more on school uniforms in olden days (C8 Monday). "At Dandenong West Public School in the 1960s our uniform was short-sleeve shirt and shorts all year round, with a jumper in winter. On arriving at school every morning in winter, we all froze until the bell went and we were able to go into our classrooms heated by open log fires." John Frith, Paddington.

More. "I attended a Catholic college in the 1950s in Rose Bay and recall the nuns gravely warning us of the perils of wearing patent leather shoes. The boys might catch a glimpse of our undies in the reflection. Quelle horreur." Judy Howarth, Neutral Bay.
We are dismayed by a third terrorist attack on English soil in as many months. But although we acknowledge that there will be more of this barbarism in the world, and with Australia evidently a target, we believe terrorism is destined to fail.

First, our condolences go to the families and loved ones of the seven people slain and the almost 50 injured. Citizens from all over the world, including four from Australia, are victims of the atrocity, in which three men, believed to be associated with IS, used a van and knives to cut down innocent bystanders in the heart of London.

Counter-terrorism officers in London after the attack. Credit:Dan Kitwood

Terrorism is an ultimately ineffective tactic to subvert and usurp democracies. History reassures us that humanity resists and eventually triumphs when violent, extreme minorities seek to impose their will on free and fair communities protected by the rule of law and professional security forces.

At the international and national level, defeating terrorism requires strong, smart and proportionate security systems. At the community level, it requires confidence, steadfastness and rationality. In England, here in Australia and throughout the developed world, there is an abundance of these prerequisites.
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.
Chau Chak Wing and John Howard share a toast in 2011. Credit:Sanghee Liu In a separate development, former Australian trade minister Andrew Robb began receiving a part-time consulting fee of $880,000 a year from another Communist Party-connected billionaire, Ye Cheng. Mr Robb's $73,000 monthly contract began the day before the 2016 election. He had previously announced he was resigning from the Melbourne seat of Goldstein. Mr Ye is closely aligned to Beijing's key trade policy, and controversially bought a 99-year lease over the Port of Darwin. Huang Xiangmo and Sam Dastyari at a press conference for the Chinese community in Sydney on July 17, 2016. The latest revelations come as the United States grapples with the extent of Russian meddling in its political system.

Australian intelligence agencies have major concerns that the Chinese Communist Party is interfering in Australian institutions and using the political donations system to gain access. Landbridge head Ye Cheng, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and then trade envoy Andrew Robb in Beijing in April 2016. Three months later, Mr Robb was on Mr Ye's payroll. Credit:Landbridge Eight senior official sources said in confidential briefings that China was active on a much larger scale than other countries that also engaged in soft power or clandestine operations to wield influence. "There's an awareness of a problem, but the agencies themselves don't have the mandate or the wherewithal to manage the problem," said Rory Medcalf, head of the Australian National University's National Security College. Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop and Huang Xiangmo at the Australia-China Relations Institute in 2014.

"All they can do is sound the alarm and alert the political class. The political class needs to take a set of decisions in the interest of Australian sovereignty, in the interest of Australia's independent policy making, to restrict and limit foreign influence in Australian decision making."  The briefing The Dr Chau Chak Wing building at the University of Technology, Sydney. Credit:James Brickwood Mr Lewis conducted confidential briefings beginning in 2015 with the federal directors of the Liberal and National parties, and the national secretary of the Labor Party, specifically identifying Mr Huang and Dr Chau. Sources have confirmed that ASIO believes both Mr Huang and Dr Chau have deep but opaque connections to the Chinese Communist Party.

Attorney-General Senator George Brandis and ASIO director-general of Security Duncan Lewis. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The China-born businessmen and philanthropists have made large political donations, either directly or through intermediaries, often in the lead-up to federal or state election campaigns when the parties are crying out for funds. For example, Dr Chau and Mr Huang's companies have each donated at least $200,000 to the WA Liberal Party, the home branch of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. Mr Robb's Victorian fundraising vehicle was given $100,000 by Mr Huang in 2014, as the former trade minister was finalising the China Free Trade Agreement. Tony Abbott got to know Mr Huang as he donated $700,000 to the Liberals in the lead-up to the 2013 election, in which Mr Abbott became prime minister. Kevin Rudd in talks with Chau Chak Wing. Sources have told Fairfax Media and Four Corners that at the ASIO briefing in 2015, Mr Lewis did not instruct the parties to reject future donations. But he stressed that the Chinese Communist Party co-opts influential businessmen, and the donations might come with strings attached.

Dr Chau declined to answer questions because he was travelling. Mr Huang also did not answer questions, but said in a statement: "It is regrettable that without knowing me, Four Corners would seek to question my motives and undermine my reputation based on recycled news reports, dubious assertions and innuendo." Huang Xiangmo with former prime minister Tony Abbott. He was "committed to more positive endeavours, such as investment, philanthropy and building stronger community relations", the statement said. Strings attached Huang Xiangmo with former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

Fairfax Media and Four Corners can reveal that in the lead-up to the last federal election, Mr Huang promised a $400,000 donation to Labor. But he then threatened to withhold it after Labor's defence spokesman, Stephen Conroy, publicly attacked China's militarisation of the South China Sea. Labor was relying on the $400,000 to help bankroll its election campaign, and pressed Mr Huang to honour his commitment. Labor senator Sam Dastyari is calling for a ban on political donations. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The day after Senator Conroy's June 16 National Press Club speech attacking Beijing, Senator Dastyari stood alongside Mr Huang at a media event in Sydney and said the South China Sea was Beijing's concern. There is no evidence Senator Dastyari knew about Mr Huang's threat to withhold the donation. A week later, as Mr Huang continued to withhold the promised $400,000, the ALP hosted Mr Huang at a press conference. There it was announced Labor had placed his political ally, Chinese businessman and active ALP member Simon Zhou, on the last spot on the ALP's Senate ticket.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, second from left, with Simon Zhou, second from right, who has been elected as an independent to Ryde council in Sydney, and NSW Labor MP Ernest Wong, right, at a 2016 election press conference. "The Chinese realise that they need to make their voices heard in the political circle, so as to seek more interests for the Chinese," Mr Huang said at the ALP event. Senator Dastyari later lost his shadow cabinet position over revelations that Mr Huang and a second Chinese donor had paid for some of the Labor figure's expenses. Mr Huang never paid the $400,000 donation. NSW MP Ernest Wong with Senator Sam Dastyari at an event attended by Chinese-language media. Credit:cqnews.net Stalled citizenship

In the first half of 2016, as Mr Huang's citizenship application stalled while it was assessed by authorities, the office of Senator Dastyari called the Immigration Department four times to question its progress. It is understood Senator Dastyari made at least two of these calls personally. The approaches from Senator Dastyari's office came after Mr Huang repeatedly pressed the senator to assist him in securing Australian citizenship.The calls were reported back to Mr Huang, sources confirmed. His citizenship application remains with ASIO. In response to questions from Fairfax Media and Four Corners, Senator Dastyari said: "It's my job to assist constituents with migration matters, including liaising with the Department of Immigration." He said he had never "spoken to any representative from Australia's security agencies", and he was "never given any reason to have concerns about Mr Huang, up to and including my final contact". Senator Dastyari said he had broken contact with Mr Huang after "the events of last year" when he lost his frontbench position when it was reported he had asked donors, including Mr Huang, to pay bills for him.

A source has confirmed that Mr Huang, who was unaware ASIO was investigating him, believed political intervention would ensure his citizenship was expedited. Mr Huang is the president of the Australian arm of a Chinese Communist Party-aligned lobbying organisation, the Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China. It is closely aligned with the party's United Front Work Department, which works to preserve the monopoly power of the Chinese Communist Party  including pushing its foreign policy objectives  by lobbying influential people to support Beijing, and by isolating those deemed hostile. Mr Huang told Fairfax Media and Four Corners that the ACPPRC was "an autonomous, non-government organisation", not "an affiliate" of the United Front Work Department or the Communist Chinese Communist Party. He said it supported "economic and cultural exchange programs and charitable causes". Mr Huang has recruited Labor Senate candidate Simon Zhou to this council and has also appointed ALP NSW upper house member Ernest Wong as an adviser. Dr Chau is also closely aligned to the United Front Work Department.

Dr Chau and Sheri Yan On Monday, Fairfax Media reported that the so-called "queen" of the Australia-China social scene, Sheri Yan, was being probed by ASIO over allegations that she was involved in foreign interference and influence operations on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. In October 2015, the FBI charged Ms Yan in New York for bribing a top United Nations official, John Ashe. She was jailed last year for corruption after pleading guilty to those charges. Dr Chau is also referred to in that court case brought by the FBI against Ms Yan by the codename CC3. Dr Chau has never been charged or accused of wrongdoing. The FBI alleged Ms Yan bribed Mr Ashe in November 2013, using $200,000 supplied by CC3.

A source close to Ms Yan has said that she had also been employed by Dr Chau as a consultant in Beijing around 2007 and again in 2013. Ms Yan, who is serving a 20-month prison sentence, paid the funds to get Mr Ashe to speak at an international symposium hosted by Dr Chau at his luxurious Guangdong conference centre and resort. There is no suggestion that Dr Chau knew it was illegal to pay a speaker's fee to a UN official. Dr Chau has on other occasions hosted many former and serving Australian politicians at the resort, including former prime ministers John Howard and Kevin Rudd. In its briefing to the political parties in 2015, ASIO did not mention Dr Chau's links to Ms Yan but focused instead on his political donations activity. Australia exposed

Attorney-General George Brandis said espionage and covert foreign interference by nation states was "a global reality which can cause immense harm". "Earlier this year, the Prime Minister initiated a comprehensive review of Australia's espionage and foreign interference laws, which he asked me to lead," he said. "I will be taking legislative reforms to cabinet with a view to introducing legislation before the end of the year. "As part of this process we are considering the adequacy and effectiveness of the espionage offences under the Criminal Code Act 1995, relevant international frameworks, and whether there are complementary provisions that would strengthen our agencies' ability to investigate and prosecute acts of espionage and foreign interference." Professor Medcalf has questioned whether Australian intelligence agencies are able to adequately confront the problem of attempted Chinese influence, while Australia's former chief diplomat Peter Varghese is calling for more debate and accountability on attempted Chinese influence. Loading
Former Australian trade minister Andrew Robb walked straight out of Parliament last year and into an $880,000-a-year job with a billionaire closely aligned to the Chinese Communist Party and its key trade policy.

As part of the "confidential" consultancy deal, Mr Robb, the architect of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, began consulting to Ye Cheng the day before the July 2 federal election last year.

The arrangement, uncovered by a Fairfax Media-Four Corners investigation, involves monthly payments of $73,000 (including GST) to Mr Robb starting on July 1, 2016. Mr Robb had announced months earlier he would not recontest his seat of Goldstein.

Mr Ye is the owner of Landbridge, which controversially acquired the 99-year lease for the Port of Darwin in 2015. He is also a member of the national Chinese People's Consultative Committee, an advisory body that President Xi Jinping has directed to "uphold the CPC [Chinese Communist Party] leadership without wavering".
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.
Two men have been charged with murder over the shooting death of a man at a house that was being used as a Buddhist temple in Sydney's west.

Chinese national Qin Wu, 37, was allegedly the unintended victim in a fight that broke out in the makeshift temple with a shady past in Guildford.

Qin Wu was shot dead in Guildford in February.

Police allege Mr Wu was shot in the chest at the property in Kennedy Street on February 1, when he intervened in an argument between a friend of his and a group of men.

It is believed another person was also shot during the late-night confrontation, but he did not go to hospital for treatment.
This collapsed retaining wall behind the units is one of a number of dodgy retaining walls, sinkholes, large cracks in carports and concrete walls around south-east Queensland, along with 300 allegedly suspect certification documents for retaining walls. The documents are under investigation by fraud police. Police are now investigating allegations one business copied the signature of an engineer working for another business on to their different retaining wall documents. Housing Minister Mick de Brenni was shown questionable certification documents in November 2016 and asked to investigate. Queensland's two building watchdogs  the Board of Professional Engineers and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission  began to investigate building faults in March 2017.

Jon Gormley, a principal legal officer at the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland, confirmed this at a Civil Contractors Federation meeting in Brisbane on June 1. "The other issue is there have been a number of allegations of allegedly fraudulent Form 16s," Mr Gormley told the lunch. In construction work the Form 16 shows a building certifier or a civil engineer has inspected the building work and certifies it is satisfactory. "And what I mean by that is, that the Form 16s have a name, a title and a signature which has been digitally added," he said. "And the allegation by the registered professional engineer is that they had no professional association with that project, (they) haven't authorised it and (they) haven't issued that Form 16."

Case one: 30 Sapphire Court, Elanora at Palm Beach Dan Russell says the retaining wall below his units collapsed in July 2016, again in January 2017 and worsened after Cyclone Debbie's heavy rains in late March. Retaining walls near Palm Beach. Credit:Tony Moore In May a meeting was held onsite between Mr Russell, Gold Coast City Council, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and a representative from the company that built the retaining wall. Mr Russell says he paid $478,000 in infrastructure fees to Gold Coast City Council and a further $20,000 for a stormwater drain.

He now questions if that money was well spent. The retaining wall has collapsed in two places, cement beams and timber left strewn on the ground, while the soil has slipped two metres towards a creek about 50 metres below the unit complex. That creek is now blocked. The erosion has slipped so badly it is right up against the wall of one unit. Mr Russell believes little is being done to fix the problems faced by the people living in the units if the soil slips continue. "They have been patching it for two years," Mr Russell said.

"From my point of view, the work that has been done there is just band-aiding the problem, without fixing it." "Are they just going to wait until my building falls over?" What does Gold Coast City Council say? Gold Coast City Council said it was conducting an "extensive investigation" into the retaining wall collapse, which it estimates could cost $1 million to repair. The council is getting geotechnical advice into the wall collapse, it said in a statement.

"We are unable to comment any further at this stage except to say that council does not believe at present that it is responsible for the landslip and is taking action to minimise damage." A spokeswoman says the Board of Professional Engineers is investigating whether there are problems with the certification documents in the retaining wall work. "The application was part of the developer's Operational Works and Council and the Board of Professional Engineers are investigating this," she said. Repairs have to wait until a solution is designed by a geotechnical engineer. Soil tests run by the council show the soil in the area is classified as "uncontrolled fill", requiring retaining wall piers to be sunk more deeply than traditional retaining wall piers. That is being investigated by the Board of Professional Engineers and Gold Coast City Council.

Case two: 17 York Place, Oxley and Rhonda Place, Oxley One Oxley homeowner, Ahmad Dehbozorgi, of 17 York Place, says his collapsed retaining wall has forced big cracks in his garage floor. Damaged carport in Oxley. Credit:Tony Moore "It is just not done properly," Mr Dehbozorgi says. "It is not holding the soil. It is not holding the infrastructure properly.

"I think the material that they used is not good. They haven't used the right material for this purpose." A fellow Oxley resident, Adam McGourty of nearby Rhonda Place, told of cracks and sinkholes appearing in his backyard and soil sinking through his retaining wall. Nearby, Frank Rosa, also in Rhonda Place, says that when his family moved in 10 years ago the concrete retaining walls were OK. "Then I started to notice them beginning to crack. And not just around our place, but around the neighbours as well," he says. "Ours shifted forward as well."

He told Fairfax Media he has spent $20,000 to underpin his Oxley house. What does Brisbane City Council say? In late April the Brisbane City Council promised to repair Mr Dehbozorgi's wall and began to investigate retaining walls in the rest of the Oxley residential estate, after inquiries from Fairfax Media. On May 10, Fairfax Media was told the Brisbane City Council was contacting the estate's developer because the council discovered many other walls in the estate were "in poor condition". Some have simply collapsed.

Damaged concrete retaining walls in Oxley. Credit:Tony Moore "It appeared that these walls were constructed as part of a development constructed 13 years ago," the council statement reads. On June 2, Fairfax Media was told the developer would be asked to pay to repair the poor retaining walls at the estate. "Council intends to seek restitution from the developer for the cost of repairs, however, further investigations into how and why this structural failure has occurred are still under way. "It is critical that council understands whether there are further structural issues with the site prior to seeking funds for repairs to the retaining wall.

"Council is also seeking independent analysis of the materials used in the retaining wall to determine if these were the cause." Fairfax Media has been told by industry sources of further problems at Ripley, Hemmant and Mt Cotton. Has Queensland's building industry watchdog let a problem emerge under its watch? The Queensland Building and Construction Commission rejects suggestions it has done nothing to solve emerging problems in the industry. QBCC Commissioner Brett Bassett says it has referred the complaints to police and the Board of Professional Engineers.

"The QBCC will take appropriate action once these authorities have concluded their investigations. "On the invitation of the Gold Coast council and BPEQ, the QBCC attended a site visit last week where the (Gold Coast) retaining wall is located." It argues it has not received other information from one industry whistleblower. "The QBCC has asked on multiple occasions for specific information from (the person) in regard to his allegations about issues with other retaining walls. As yet this information has not been forthcoming," Mr Bassett says. "The QBCC will investigate those matters once the appropriate information has been provided."

Several industry sources with whom Fairfax Media spoke said they had given information to the QBCC, but no investigations had started. Are bad builders banned? Under the QBCC operations builders receive between two and 10 demerit points for bad construction. If a person receives 30 demerit points in three years, they lose their licence for three years. In 2015-16, 275 were contractors issued with a total of 1730 demerit points.

In the same period 152 individuals and 85 companies lost their licence for financial flaws, and 14 contractors lost their licence immediately for "serious risks" to the community or operating while insolvent. What whistleblowers say about the problems Whistleblower 1: "I showed the Queensland Building and Construction Commission about 12 months ago and said to them, 'Are you going to wait until there is a death?' " Whistleblower 2:

"The bottom line is that the entire engineering profession is not meeting its responsibilities in policing design and construction in so many areas. It is something you might expect in Bangladesh, but not in modern Australia." Whistleblower 3: "No one is policing it. You put in a formal complaint and no one cares less. It doesn't work for builders. It doesn't work for homeowners. It doesn't work for anyone." Elanora retaining walls near Palm Beach Credit:Tony Moore About retaining walls in Queensland

Queensland's Building and Construction Commission says even timber retaining walls should have a 60-year lifespan. They need to be certified using a Form 15 or Form 16 from the local council. Problems with certification and collapsed retaining walls have been raised with Brisbane, Redlands, Gold Coast and Ipswich councils over the past 12 to 18 months. Whistleblowers contacted Fairfax Media in early April after no response from Housing Minister Mick de Brenni, Brisbane and Gold Coast councils or the QBCC. Retaining walls associated with building works are approved by private certifiers. Retaining walls higher than one metre require approval.
As it happened: Terror links feared after one man found dead, woman taken hostage, police shot in Brighton siege

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Victoria is angling for a massive floating liquefied natural gas import facility to allow the state to buy gas from overseas to help tackle a serious supply crisis.

Despite the state's potentially enormous gas reserves in Bass Strait, and Australia's position as one of the world's largest exporters, the Andrews government is understood to be in active talks with energy giant AGL to build a floating LNG import terminal close to Melbourne, possibly in Western Port.

Australia is the world's second-largest exporter of LNG.

The terminal, which would supply the east-coast gas grid, would allow Victoria, NSW and South Australia to import lower cost gas, potentially from the US or Western Australia.

Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to press the plan at a Council of Australian Government's meeting on Friday, along with a new proposal to help prevent local manufacturers and households from being denied access to cheaper gas because of big export contracts to Asia.
The earthquake tremor was felt in the eastern hills of Melbourne.

Express readers who felt the ground shake for just a moment or two including Chris from Monbulk and an anonymous readers from Kallista and Kilsyth.

In Kilsyth the windows shook for about five seconds, one reader says.
These are some of the guns police have seized in Victoria in the past 12 months.

The terrifying haul includes a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, like the weapon used by Martin Bryant in the Port Arthur massacre, an AK-47, as brandished in the Paris terror attacks, and even a pen pistol, which can kill someone with barely a sound.

Some of the guns seized by police in the past year. Credit:Tom Cowie

The tidal wave of guns hitting Victoria's streets has prompted police to set up a new team of investigators to crack down on the illicit firearm trade after 34 non-fatal shootings so far this year alone.

The team of 10 officers will be deployed by the armed crime squad to run operations across the state to stop the trafficking and manufacture of illegal weapons, including 3D-printed guns.
A woman has been arrested after the apparent stabbing death of a baby girl in Melbourne's north.

A family member called police to the house on Fordham Road in Reservoir about 11am on Monday.

Officers arrived to find the 13-month-old girl already dead, with what appeared to be stab wounds, a police spokeswoman said.

A 28-year-old Reservoir woman was taken into custody and is now assisting police with inquiries.
Police located a launching tube after residents across a number of northern Perth suburbs reported an explosion late on Sunday evening.

Locals took to social media to report the noise, claiming it was heard around 9.52pm near the intersection of Main Street and Wanneroo Road.

Homemade launching tubes typically shoot higher and louder than other firework devices. Credit:Getty Images

"It definitely sounded more like an explosion than anything," one witness posted.

"Didn't sound like a gunshot, or fireworks, or thunder... [we] first thought was how much it sounded like a missile hitting the ground- I know that's not what it was, but that's the sound."
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.
The former home of bomber Salman Abedi in Manchester. Credit:Getty Images But Britain reacted differently to what happened in Manchester. The scale, the death toll, the heinous targeting of children and the sophistication of the attack made the bombing particularly shocking. "An improvised explosive device  we haven't seen that in this country, there was a rudimentary bomb blown up in [the July 7, 2005 London attack] in the Tube, but that was a long time ago," said Karin von Hippel from the defence and security think tank RUSI. Salman Abedi on the night of the attack in Manchester in a CCTV photograph distributed by police. Credit:Greater Manchester Police Last year the global coalition fighting Islamic State in the Middle East, of which Australia is a member, warned IS would attempt further attacks in the West in retaliation for the destruction of its so-called caliphate. It quickly claimed responsibility for the Manchester carnage, saying it had been carried out by "one of its soldiers".

"This isn't a guy who has just ended up getting touch with a recruiter on WhatsApp and has been talked through it or provided with weapons or something by them, he's been in theatre with them and been trained by them and it looks like the first case of a returning foreign fighter," Mr Orton said. Abedi in Manchester city centre on the day of the suicide bombing. Credit:Greater Manchester Police Abedi is the British-born son of Libyan parents. His father Ramadan Abedi was arrested in Tripoli, along with another of his sons following the attack. He fled Libya for England in the 1990s but told Bloomberg he did not belong to extremist groups, as claimed by the Gaddafi regime. Manchester would become home to Britain's largest Libyan community. Arthur Snell, a former British diplomat posted to Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa, and now with security consultants PGI Intelligence, says Britain initially turned a blind eye to Libyan arrivals in Britain, believing "these people are not a threat to the UK". "Libya [under Gaddafi] was seen as a rogue state, so people who were in opposition to the Libyan regime were not [seen] as problematic," he told Fairfax Media.

"Where it gets complicated is where the West's attitude to Libya changed," he said. "If we're honest, the authorities in this country largely ignored the Libya issue because up until the moment of the Arab Spring, the radical threat in the UK was not seen as coming from that quarter." That has changed with the case of the Abedis, with reports Ramadan Abedi took his sons to Libya "on holiday" to take part in the civil war against Gaddafi. Mr Snell said some of the groups operating in Libya at the time were at the "jihadist end of the spectrum, but the focus of their militancy was the Gaddafi regime". Mr Orton says the government's "don't ask, don't tell" policy was a terrible mistake. "That came back to bite us when in the mid-2000s those networks mobilised to send people to Iraq and they came back again over Syria and a lot of these networks went over to [Islamic State], when the split formally happened with al-Qaeda [in early 2014]," he said.

Third-generation homegrown terrorists overwhelmingly show up in three spots across Britain: east London, Birmingham and Manchester. A report released earlier this year by the Henry Jackson Society showed three-quarters of all those convicted of terrorism offences came from these three areas. The report analysed the profiles of the 269 people convicted over terrorist attacks and offences in Britain between 1998 and 2005. Forty-three per cent were from London, 18 per cent from Birmingham and 10 per cent from the north-west. "In the case of Birmingham it was Kashmiri networks largely, and then it was in Manchester these Libyan networks to a large degree and again it's really heavily localised," said Mr Orton. In Birmingham, the concentration of cases can be confined to just a couple of city wards. Overwhelmingly, as in Abedi's case, the perpetrators are young and male and their segregation and deprivation creates "viable recruiting pools". But this recruitment is not simply a case of IS infiltration. Often the perpetrators are first to reach out, lured by IS's slick and relentless online propaganda. In January 2015 Boy X, Britain's youngest ever person to be convicted of terrorism offences, met Australia's Neil Prakash, a senior IS recruiter, online.

Boy X pleaded guilty to a plot to murder an Australian police officer on Anzac Day after sending more than 3000 messages to 18-year-old Sevdet Besim from Melbourne, urging him to kill a police officer on Anzac Day. Boy X used the encrypted app Telegram to send Besim thousands of messages over just 11 days. It was Neil Prakash that put Boy X in touch with Besim. It was only when police began investigating Boy X's threats to kill his teacher in a "halal slaughter" that they uncovered the Anzac Day plot. Boy X was in an online relationship with a 16-year-old known only as 'Girl Y' who pleaded guilty in Manchester's youth court after bomb-making instructions were found on her phone and in her sketch pad. She only came to the attention of authorities when Boy X's WhatsApp messages were examined. Whether or not Abedi had any links to Prakash is not known but is possible given Abedi has been linked to Raphael Hostey, another IS recruiter and Prakash associate. The London attacks demonstrate that big cities remain a target regardless of the police resources that are on the ground. But the Manchester bombing nevertheless raises a worrying question in the minds of some experts: will terrorists focus on their home towns rather than higher-profile cities?
Jakarta: A team of Indonesian and Australian divers has made the shocking discovery that 60 per cent of World War II shipwreck HMAS Perth has vanished, with evidence of large-scale illegal salvaging for scrap metal at the site off the coast of Java.

"This isn't what we were hoping to find," said Australian National Maritime Museum director Kevin Sumption.

"It is with profound regret we advise that our joint maritime archaeologist diving team has discovered sections of the Perth missing."

Mr Sumption said interim reports after a research dive conducted on May 14 to 17 and an earlier remote sensing survey indicated only about 40 per cent of HMAS Perth remained.
Washington: Riot police were out in force in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday, as pro and anti-Trump supporters faced off in the wake of two murders that are the latest manifestation of a disturbing wave of real and threatened political violence in the United States.

When the pushing, shoving and name-calling was over, there were a reported 14 arrests after helmeted police resorted to noise grenades and tear gas to keep the protests apart. But the police said they were reacting to sentiments expressed on the weapon-of-choice championed by Donald Trump and a good many others grappling with, or defending, his elevation to the presidency: social media.

Portland has been a tinderbox since May 26, when three commuters went to the assistance of two girls  one black, the other wearing a Muslim headdress  who were being taunted verbally as they travelled on a city train.

Their tormentor produced a knife, killing two of the men. The 35-year-old alleged assailant, Jeremy Christian, was charged with double murder in what the FBI is treating as a hate crime.
NEW YORK, June 5, 2017 -- The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) announced that it expects a record-breaking 30 million international visitors to Greece for 2017. This represents a growth rate of 7%, or an additional 2 million additional visitors over the previous year. 900,000 U.S. travelers are expected to visit the country this year.

For the last two years, Greece's growth has been nearly twice the global industry average of 3.9 percent, as reported by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in January 2017.

The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that tourism in 2017 will help boost the Greek economy by 6.9 percent, and will boost employment by 6.3 percent, supporting nearly 1 million jobs and representing 20% of the country's GDP. One in five jobs created in Greece is related to the tourism sector. Tourism is essential to Greece's effort for recovery and prosperity. Every 30 or more tourists visiting Greece, creates one new job for a Greek.

"We are very optimistic about the upcoming tourist season and our continued momentum," said Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura. "Greece's incomparable natural beauty, ancient history, vibrant urban culture and spirit of 'philotimo' make it one of the world's most unique and desired year-round destinations."

A distinctive and unique characteristic of Greece, "philotimo" represents a sacred honor, promise and the spirit of its people. The word, which has no real translation, conveys tolerance, open arms, and open-mindedness to all visitors, and transcends religion, race, color or creed. It invites travelers to experience Greece as family members and guests.

Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary General, shared his full support of Greece and GNTO while visiting Athens earlier this year. "Greece is one of the most popular and attractive global destinations, which enhances its international appeal and continues to record high performance," said Rifai. "Over the last two years, Greece has successfully addressed all

Challenges by implementing a new tourism policy focused on extending the travel season, promoting new thematic products, opening new markets, boosting connectivity, promoting new Greek destinations and attracting new tourism investments. The result is a major improvement of Greece's image around the world."

Greece has always been known as a classic destination, but recently, it's been distinguished as the new, must-go experience destination for 2017. Recognition includes Athens as one of the New York Times "52 Places to Go in 2017," and Santorini was named the #1 Island Overall in Travel + Leisure's annual "World's Best Awards."

New flights and connections will make traveling to Greece easier in 2017, including daily year-round service by Emirates to Athens from Newark Liberty International Airport. Destinations such as Kos, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Kephalonia, Zakynthos, Aktio and Thessaloniki now have direct flights or connections to a larger number of European cities, as well as the U.S., China, India, Russia and Israel.

"We're very pleased that Emirates has added daily service to Athens. The new route provides much needed year-round non-stop daily service between the U.S. and Greece," said Greta Kamaterou, GNTO's North American marketing director. "Combined with the most stable ports in the region for cruise ships, we're very optimistic about 2017."

The Greek National Tourism Organization's development strategy includes increasing access via air, land and sea; increased focus on audience segmentation including: luxury, religious, cruises, yachting, diving, cultural tourism, adventure, LGBT and new international markets; and the use of new technology platforms and social media.

Contact: Greta Kamaterou, Greek National Tourism Office (GNTO), NA 212.421.5777

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/greece-leads-as-top-travel-365-days-destination-30-million-visitors-expected-in-2017-300468271.html

SOURCE Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO)
California Capital Welcomes Queensland Renewable Fuels' Larissa Rose







SACRAMENTO - June 5, 2017: Queensland Renewable Fuels (QRFA) Managing Director, Larissa Rose has spent two days in Sacramento, California meeting with government departments and key industry leaders on low carbon policies, renewable fuel initiatives and technologies.

Ms. Rose visited the Californian capital Sacramento, to gain a greater understanding on the triple bottom-line policy parameters and mechanisms that make California the leaders in low carbon fuel policies.

QRFAs government and industry engagement in Sacramento has been supported by QRFAs industry alignment through Gerry Ostheimer, Below50 and Graham Noyes, Low Carbon Fuel Coalition (LCFC) and Below50.

Ms Rose met with Mr Noyes, a Californian attorney known nationally for his work on advanced renewable fuel policy and regulatory issues.

Through QRFAs industry network engagement with Below50 in Queensland, we have had the opportunity to connect and met with Mr Noyes, who has secured an outstanding two days of high-level departmental meetings for QRFA, said Ms Rose.

Mr Noyes provided pivotal introductions to high-level positions and attended all meetings with Ms Rose, assisting her with understanding the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and deriving key policy components, barriers, opportunities, and new capabilities that Queensland can gain from the LCFS.

Further to the departmental meetings Ms Rose attended, Mr Noyes invited her to attend the Californian Air Resources Boards (ARB) Co-processing Work Group Meeting, which is part of the Transportation Fuels Branch of ARB.

I value this opportunity to gain an insight of how California is working towards developing the renewable fuels industry to strengthen environment sustainability policies, attain low carbon fuel goals whilst working alongside the petroleum industry in the transition to renewable fuels, said Ms Rose.

QRFA will be continuing to build and strengthen their United States industry alignment, as a key component of QRFAs Global Renewable Fuel Agenda.

It is significant that QRFA provide a larger network to its members, corporate sponsors, and partners, whilst assisting domestic projects and working alongside the Queensland State Governments biofuel initiatives, Ms Rose said.
With Summer holidays around the corner, it's the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe. With trips to Milan, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como just around the corner, and Iceland in August. I need to go shopping, and like soon! Here is my Summer holiday wishlist for 2017.

The perfect sightseeing dress





Red floral print tea dress by Joy 45





I've included this dress in my Summer dress wishlist as I love it so much. This pretty little tea dress in a gorgeous red floral print is fully lined and cut in a fit and flare style. With a fitted button up bodice, elasticated back that fits your curves and a self-tie waist, its a lovely versatile dress. I would wear this sightseeing but it would be equally perfect for a meal out with your loved one.









The dress up or down tunic





Yumi Scandi Tunic 33





When I saw this tunic I was immediately struck with how different the design was. The Scandi design tunic by Yumi shows a typical Scandinavian port, complete with multi-coloured houses. Having just come back from Iceland it reminds me of the country. Wear with flats for a day dress or with leggings and boots for the evening.





The flattering print swimsuit





Joe Browns Sassy strawberry skirted swimsuit 45





I am a fan of skirted swimsuits and this design by Joe Browns has a halter neck top to pull up your boobs, a delicious strawberry print and a great design that smooths and flattens by covering your hips and thighs.





The ultimate oversized sunglasses





Bvlgari sunglasses 203.95 Smart Buy Sunglasses





These Bvlgari sunglasses are in a stylish design and the black colour way is versatile enough to match all your outfits. I love the gold detail on the arms, which is subtle and not in your face but still adds some glitz and the grey gradient lenses. With a warranty, you are getting a designer name and if you buy from Smart Buy Sunglasses you always get the best price, check out their gift guide for more inspiration. 2-year





The comfy pretty sandals













Clarks embellished sandals 55





I like these women's strappy sandals by Clarks . The look comfy enough to wear all day with the Cushion Plus footbed technology, but are still pretty enough to wear through to the night. The buckle fastening keeps the sandals secure too. Who says comfy doesn't have to be stylish?





What do you think of my Summer holiday wishlist? Do you like going shopping for clothes before your holiday?





*PR collaboration








February 23, 1985 - May 27, 2017

Jonathon Braden Kerr, or "Jon Jon", was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, Texas on February 23rd, 1985. He lived the majority of his life in College Station with the exception of the time he spent serving this great nation as a United States Marine in Afghanistan.

He attended Allen Academy from kindergarten until graduation. He then attended Sam Houston State University.

By the age of 15, Jonathon had accomplished more than most in a lifetime. He raced Motocross for 13 years, every single weekend. He was a Factory Rider for Team Green Kawasaki for several years. He retired from Motocross at the age of 18 with over 50 National Titles and over 1000 trophies.

After attending college, in 2008, Jonathon joined the Marine Corps. He wanted to serve his country. He was involved in the "push for Marjah" in Afghanistan where he served 8 months during 2009. After nearly 4 years, he retired with honors as Lance Corporal Kerr. He was retired with close to 100% PTSD and stage 3 asthma acquired in Afghanistan. As a result, when he returned home from war, he could never race again.

He became deeply passionate about Homeless Veterans and dreamt of setting up a fund for his cause. That dream is coming true, and there will be a "Lance Corporal Jonathon B. Kerr Fund for Homeless Veterans and Traumatic Brain Injuries." In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to this cause in honor of Jonathon. This Fund is currently being set up and should be available online soon.

He loved to read anything and everything he could find about space. He asked his Momma if he could sign up to go to Mars. He was that serious and excited about space travel.

More recently, he began to forge knives. He fell in love with knife making and worked diligently to teach himself how to hand forge through the internet and many, many hours of talking to his little Brother Kaleb.

He also loved movies, to the point where he could have been a movie critic! His Momma knew everything about a movie before she ever saw it. He had 2 dogs, a cat, and 2 big tortoises he raised from babies. He loved every kind of food and was awesome at cooking crawfish.

He had such a loud, obnoxious, laugh, that his Momma would always tell him that she would never sit next to him in a movie theater and then warn all of his friends about that laugh. He was also a pool shark.

He carried his pool stick in a pink case so no one would steal it and so that no one would think he was actually a pool shark. When he was in the Marine Corp, he had a pink phone case, pink towels, pink camera, pink everything. He knew that no other Marine would ever take any of his things. He was right. Jonathon had a ginormous heart bigger than anyone we have ever known.

He would help anyone, anytime, anywhere. I remembered being with him once, when he took off a brand new pair of red sneakers and gave them to a homeless man. He had no shoes and had to walk a long time...but that was Jonathon. He was the kind of person that we all thought would live forever.

Simple acts of kindness were a part of his everyday life. This was a Son that sent his Momma a text message every single morning and night telling her how much he loved her. Whenever he would leave her, he always blew her kisses. Not once did he miss doing that to her. When people are asked about Jonathon was...they always say that he was a respectful, gracious and kind gentleman. He was "Yes Ma'am/Yes Sir" and "Please and Thank You" always. He made his family proud....he overcame numerous obstacles and tragedies in his life to die a senseless, sudden death at such a young age of 32.

Let us pray that with time, we can begin to understand why a young man, who had everything to live for, had to be taken so quickly from us. We Pray that we all can learn to come together from his sudden death and feel his light.

Once when he was visiting his Great Grandmother Mary Kay, he had a life-changing moment. She had a stroke and was unable to speak. her care-takers got her a push key typewriter to communicate with. In her typewriter, he found a piece of paper that had been pecked at, typed that said "Jonathon is great".

He was Great! He left behind a legacy of love. His nickname by his Momma was "Beautiful Boy" and that says everything about his heart.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Marylyn Yvonne Rogers Reed and Gene Russell Reed; Great-grandmother, Mary Kathlyn Ash, and Paternal grandparents: Jo Ruth Kerr and James Braeden Kerr.

Survivors include his mother, Kathlyn Elizabeth Kerr and father, James B. Kerr; Sister, Tiffany Elizabeth Promise and partner Matthew Francis Mispagel; brother, Kaleb Rogers Kerr; niece: Posey Mispagel-Promise (due any moment); Aunts/Uncles on Mother's Side: Rosslyn Reed Alexander and Tommy Alexander, Dayna Reed Manning, Gena Reed Tadewald and Ken Tadewald, Mary Kay Yvonne Reed Bair and Robert Bair; Cousins: Marylyn Alexander Reed, Jason Alexander, Kevin Alexander, Jessica Bair, Jared Bair, Katherine Manning, Ryan Manning, Reed Stanley, Victoria Tadewald, and Meredith Grace Tadewald; Aunts/Uncles on Fathers side: Becky Kerr Dykes and Clayton Dykes, Sherry Corum and Tim Corum, BJ Kerr Peevy and Brett Peevy, Ivan H. Kerr and Angela Jones Kerr; and numerous other family members.

Memorial Services to Celebrate Jonathon's life will be held at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 10th under a Majestic Oak Tree on the family ranch located at 250 Kott Rd., Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 with a reception to follow.

For personal acknowledgement, you may sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section. Arrangements with: MISSION PARK FUNERAL CHAPELS, 23755 U.S. Hwy 281 North, San Antonio, Texas 78258 (210-576-3377)
Theresa May recently reconfirmed her support for fox hunting1 and previously expounded her arguments in a 2015 letter2, demonstrating a profound misunderstanding of the welfare and disease risks involved. She states that "hunting with hounds results in almost instantaneous death", without any supporting evidence, although the Burns report3 concluded that hunting with hounds has "serious welfare implications" for quarry animals such as foxes, deer, hares and mink. Pathological examinations of wildlife killed illegally by hunts, show injuries consistent with prolonged suffering4.

She cites a "need for wildlife management to protect vulnerable animals"2, views which are out of step with recent conservation science proving the lack of efficacy of such attempts at predator control56 and demonstrating that hounds are not a suitable method for dealing with diseased wild animals. Since the introduction of the Hunting Act, fox populations across the UK have remained roughly stable7. While foxes do take some livestock, they do not have a significant impact on farming incomes8, obviating the need for human interference.

She cites support from "over 500 Members of the RCVS" although no such list has been published. Indeed, if death by hunting with hounds really were humane, the few remaining veterinarians who support hunting could offer that as a euthanasia option for the humane destruction of their clients' pets, which of course they do not.

The running of hounds over extensive areas of farmland has biosecurity implications for the control of diseases, particularly that of bovine TB9, recently discovered in the Kimblewick Hunt's hounds10, with potential implications for the health of domestic animals and people over six home counties 11.

Hunting with hounds was stopped during the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak of 2001. A reinstatement of the biohazard presented by hunting with hounds would be totally inappropriate given the government's failed badger culling and TB policies, which have resulted in epidemic spread of bovine TB in cattle to new areas of the country previously unaffected by the disease12. In April there was a new cattle herd TB breakdown near Theresa May's own Maidenhead constituency, which also falls within the Kimblewick hunting range, at Henley-on-Thames12.

The Government's promised Disease Risk Assessment of the Kimblewick hound outbreak, and results from disease investigations both locally and nationally in hounds, need to be made public before the General Election. Theresa May has made hunting with hounds an election issue, but her arguments are evidence light, prejudice heavy, and take no account of the disease risks. Her support is based on ignorance of the scientific facts and the objective cruelty involved. Such a lack of empathy casts grave doubt on the suitability of Mrs May to negotiate animal welfare and protection policies under Brexit.
Making a return to our two favourite summer locations, Mount Maunganui and Nelson in early January 2023, we've got whiff of the first release lineup and me oh my, yes boy
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia next week, avoiding a possible confrontation with the United States and its allies over his war in Ukraine.
WACO gets a crack at the first state championship game in school history
By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Updating with arrest of truck driver, seizure of lorry)

Bareilly (UP), Jun 5 (PTI) At least 24 passengers were charred to death and 14 suffered burns when a state-run bus burst into flames after crashing into a lorry on the national highway here early today. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus, carrying 41 passengers from Delhi, was on its way to Gonda in eastern Uttar Pradesh when the accident took place near Bada bypass on NH 24, over 250 km from the national capital. The bodies were so badly charred that doctors found it difficult to determine the gender of the victims. DNA tests would be conducted to identify the victims. "The death toll has risen to 24. Besides, 14 others are suffering from serious burn injuries," senior Uttar Pradesh minister Rajesh Agarwal told reporters here. Initially the number of those injured was placed at 15, but the name of one more passenger was added to the list taking the number to 16, of whom two died during treatment. Three passengers escaped with minor injuries. Senior Superintendent of Police Jogendra Kumar said, "The accident involving a bus of UPSRTC and a truck occurred between 1.00 AM and 1.30 AM," he said. Kumar said six critically injured passengers have been hospitalised. According to eyewitnesses, the diesel tank of the bus burst after the collision which led to the fire. "Around 5.45 AM, we received 22 bodies from the accident site. The bodies are charred beyond recognition. It is difficult to even determine the gender of the people," said Dr Shailesh Ranjan of the Bareilly district hospital. The number of male and female passengers who died in the accident would be clear only after the post-mortem, Chief Medical Officer, Bareilly, Dr Vijay Yadav, said. Agarwal, who flew in here from Lucknow in a helicopter on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to supervise relief operations, said, "A DNA test will be performed on all bodies."

advertisement

He was accompanied by two of his ministerial colleagues Swatantradev Singh and Brijesh Pathak.

The driver of the bus is also among the deceased, while the conductor received serious injuries. The driver of the truck (UP-25 BT-5337), which was coming from Shahjehanpur, was later arrested. "The truck driver Saqeeb has been arrested. The truck has been impounded and legal proceedings are underway," UP Police spokesperson said in Lucknow, adding a case has been registered under various sections of IPC.

"The truck and the bus both caught fire after the collision. Fire engines reached as soon as possible but the flames were so high that it took us a lot of effort to actually douse the flames and reach inside", said senior police officer SK Bhagat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and sanctioned Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of those killed. He also announced Rs 50,000 for each of those injured.

Adityanath announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who got minor injuries.

Agarwal, who belongs to Bareilly, however, said the compensation would be paid only after after the identity of the deceased was established.

The chief minister instructed officials to ensure adequate medical treatment for the injured.

Two drivers -- Chandrashekhar Shukla and Sundarlal Yadav -- along with conductor Akhtar Aziz Farooqui, and Shuklas daughter were in the ill-fated bus.

Shukla had driven the bus from Delhi to Rampur, while Yadav took over from Rampur, the conductor told the police. PTI COR NAV SMI ZMN

--- ENDS ---
In almost any discussion of business leaders, a lack of diversity prevails. Ask someone to list 10 wildly successful entrepreneurs, and no doubt that person can do that -- and quickly.

Related: 11 African Entrepreneurs Who Are Changing the Business Landscape

But, how many on that list will be women? How many will be people of color? How many, disabled? How many from emerging nations? And, specifically, how many will come from the entrepreneurial hotspot of Africa?

That's the motivation behind the following profiles: In short . . . consider this an introduction to 10 top African Internet entrepreneurs who are leading the pack in 2017. From founders of million-dollar internet companies to celebrated social media superstars, these entrepreneurs walk the walk.

They've used the internet to build wildly thriving businesses and are impacting millions of lives across the African continent, inspiring many to pursue their dreams

Maybe you already know some of them, since they all use the Internet to do great stuff (and make good money). In any case, they deserve your attention, because these are the guys (and gals) Im personally watching closely, and hoping to learn from over the next year. Perhaps you can, too.

1. Adii Pienaar (South Africa)

Adii Pienaar is a bit of a serial entrepreneur. Two of his best-known ventures are WooThemes and Conversio. Clearly, this man knows how to grow a business. WooThemes, which was initially a developer of WordPress themes, eventually gave birth to WooCommerce -- one of the most widely used ecommerce platforms today.

Related: What African Entrepreneurs Can Teach Us About Overcoming Challenges

His current venture is Receiptful, which began as a simple email tracker. Now, it has evolved into a full marketing dashboard for ecommerce businesses.

2. Abdullah Mohammed (Nigeria)

Abdullahi Muhammed is a writer and marketer and the founder of Oxygenmat, one of Nigerias most popular content-marketing companies. However, that accomplishment is only part of his successful record as an entrepreneur and business leader: He is a lawyer, a World Economic Forum agenda contributor and a respected thought leader in the business and global marketing community.

He is also frequent contributor to publications like Entrepreneur, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and USA TODAY.

3. Njeri Rionge (Kenya)

Njeri Rionge is widely regarded as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. In her tenure as an entrepreneur, she has quickly built and grown several multi-million dollar companies. Her flagship business is Wananchi Group. The company began as an ISP and has expanded to become East Africas largest cable, phone and internet provider.

Ronge has a strong belief that Africa will become a powerful startup ecosystem. In fact, she is so dedicated to the success of African entrepreneurs that she once founded a startup incubator, based in Kenya.

4. Japheth Omojuwa (Nigeria)

Japheth Omojuwa (JJ) is an award-winning media personality, social media influencer and activist. He is the founder ofOmojuwa.com and a powerful leader when it comes to Nigerian socio-economic issues.

He has spoken at universities in the United States, Germany and Nigeria. You might have heard Omojuwa on a radio show or seen him on television.

5. Clarisse Iribagiza (Rwanda)

Clarisse Iribagiza is the CEO of HeHe labs, a leading mobile technology company. She has also formed Rwandas startup network, "The Hills," and helped found Safe Boda -- an innovative local startup that helps people connect with safe transportation options in Rwanda.

6. Gary Levitt (South Africa)

Gary Levitt has a diverse resume. This former pro skater began his career producing music for the Oprah show. He then took a winding and compelling road to success. This included leaving Oprah's employ to become a busboy. He also created Mad Mimi, an email app that was later acquired by GoDaddy.

His most recent enterprise is Yala, a bot that can gauge the best time to post on social media feeds and conversations.

7. Rebecca Enonchong (Cameroon)

Rebecca Enonchong is the founder of AppsTech. This is a mobile solutions company that has evolved in an oracle solutions platform. However, Enonchong shouldnt be defined by one enterprise alone. She is a strong participant in the growth of the African economy and sits on the board of several venture capital and angel investor companies in Cameroon.

8. Linda Ikeji (Nigeria)

Linda Ikeji is a former model and television personality. Yet, she is better known as the business leader behind Lindaikejisblog.com, the most visited online magazine in Nigeria. She has managed to successfully monetize that blog by attracting dozens of ads from big-name Nigerian brands.

While she has occasionally created controversy with her coverage and endorsements, she is someone whose influence is without question. She might even be considered the Kim Kardashian of African media.

9. Gareth Pon (South Africa)

Gareth Pon is an Instagram photographer-extraordinaire. He is also a filmmaker and boasts massive influence on social media, through his half-million followers. You might have seen his witty series of snaps, where he hides a rocket in each pic. Pon is living the influencer dream and travels extensively.

10. Xtian Dela (Kenya)

Arthur Mandela is the given name of Xtian Dela -- one of the brightest and most popular media personalities in Kenya. Dela is a blogger and radio show host. Yet, apart from merely sharing fun staff, Dela tries to force change within the country. Since 2014, hes been promoting the #BringBackOurKDFSolders initiative on Twitter, which has pressured the local government to bring Kenya Defence Forces back from Somalia.

Related: 4 Lessons for Entrepreneurs From Africa's Solar Industry

Hopefully, these 10 African internet entrepreneurs will serve to influence others from their various homelands to form their own enterprises. Clearly, today's Africa is as much a locale for the growth of business leaders as those longtime sources of America and Europe.

Related:

10 African Online Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2017

Where I Live, Entrepreneurs Are Afraid To Talk About Failure -- And It's Hurting Their Businesses

4 Lessons for Entrepreneurs From Africa's Solar Industry



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Domain experts have typically spent countless hours building their expertise, content, an audience and other facets that go with it. Many of them generously share their talents and knowledge in one way or another, but with the web making it easier than ever to connect with anyone, far too many entities are trying to take advantage of this in ways that go past any etiquette guidelines or just general common sense.

Here are just some of the things that you arent entitled to.

Related: 8 Reasons a Powerful Personal Brand Will Make You Successful

1. Don't expect access someone elses valuable audience.

Building a brand and an audience is hard. It takes a ton of time, effort and capital. But, when you create it, it is valuable.

When assets are valuable, the people who own those assets want to get some value for use of them. Thats how business works

Whether you work for a small business or a big business, if you want to leverage someone elses reach because its valuable to your organization, you, in turn, need to give them back some value. It doesnt necessarily have to be in the form of cash, but lending out valuable assets for no consideration is not business: Its charity.

2. Don't expect someone elses expertise for no compensation.

Not unlike access to an audience, an individuals expertise is also valuable. When someone has amassed experience -- whether its technical, legal, strategic, marketing or other expertise -- that is how they earn a living. If you want some consultative input, you should be willing to compensate the other person for that expertise.

This goes for public speaking, too. Some of the worst inquiries that I get are those asking me to speak at a womens conference -- to tell women they should value their time -- for free! The irony, while perhaps lost on the asker, is not lost on me.

Also, authors and speakers and me spend a lot of our time giving free advice. I use quotes because sometimes, we get compensated, but often, we get undercompensated or not directly compensated, but we invest the time to build our platform at scale. Writing an article can get viewed by tens of thousands of people, so that helps to build our brand and is part of our investment in that business or personal brand.

However, getting coffee requests for one-on-one counseling eats up a tremendous amount of someones valuable time with no pay, so think about what you are asking before you ask. If you are trying to build a relationship, take an approach that values that other persons busy schedule and let them know how the relationship is a two-way street. If you are looking for advice, at least offer to compensate for the other persons time and knowledge. While the price of Starbucks isnt cheap, it doesnt cover the value of most experts' experience.

Related: 5 Habits of the Wealthy That Helped Them Get Rich

3. Don't expect others to tell you the the step-by-step secrets of their success.

Some say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, but not all folks who have built up businesses and brands agree. I am not alone in receiving emails from time to time from people who flat out say they like some aspect of our business model or marketing endeavors and flat out ask specifically what tools we are using for them so that they can do it too.

The lack of self-awareness and/or brashness is staggering. While its okay to be inspired by another person or business or even compete with them, its beyond tacky to ask someone to give you the step-by-step of how you did it.

4. Don't expect others to risk their brands for you.

When a company or individual has built a brand, they need to protect it. So, asking someone to endorse a book they have never read or a product that they have never tried is naive at best and generally offensive. The same principle applies if you are a small and unproven company, brand or product line. While you believe its a boon for you to partner with a big firm to leverage off of their credibility, whats in it for them? You have to figure out how can protect the downside for them -- and make it worth their while.

Related: Habits of the World's Wealthiest People (Infographic)

5. Don't expect favors.

Please dont ask an expert to do something that is outside the scope of your relationship, especially when the experts reputation is on the line. If you know the other person well, its easier to do a bigger ask, but if you dont know the person at all, you should try to invest in the relationship first before you make a big ask. You ostensibly wouldnt go up to a person at a networking event and ask them to borrow their condo in Hawaii after 10 minutes of conversation. The same litmus test should be used online.

And finally, be straightforward. Please dont try to trick the expert into thinking that you are a big fan when you just stumbled across their website that day and really just want something from them. Its very transparent.

Experts are willing to help others -- in fact, they often spend a lot of unappreciated and unnoticed time doing so. But, stop making it an expectation that because someone has something that could help you, whether its knowledge, connections or otherwise, that you are entitled to it without giving them something in return or just genuinely investing in a relationship.

Related:

5 Things You Should Never Expect From Experts

Want to Get Better at Networking? Think Smaller.

How Older Entrepreneurs Can Turn Age to Their Advantage



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Each entrepreneurs journey is bound to be unique, yet theres a disturbingly common thread of disassociation and loneliness. Stepping outside of what is available, accessible and seemingly stable to forge into the unknown and create something of value is far from easy.

Yes, it can be exciting and liberating. But the stress associated with the pursuit can can have a separating effect. If the emotional weight a person amasses in the process of developing a vision for the world severs that individual from the community, how can he or she serve and support it?

The phrase You have to do now what others wont so that you can live later as others cant comes to mind. It sums up the sometimes-isolating experience of entrepreneurship.

Thankfully, support systems have been more accessible as greater numbers pursue entrepreneurial ventures and various side hustles. Co-working spaces, outsourced CFOs and an endless sea of tech accelerators all have been developed to foster new entrepreneurs. But what of the psychological costs associated with these endeavors?

Entrepreneurs and other free thinkers have found new ways to recharge and reconnect through the recent proliferation of music festivals -- and none have provided a better catalyst than Burning Man. In fact, the website describes the event as not a festival. It is a catalyst for creative culture in the world.

Related: Good News From Science: Night Owls Are Smarter and More Creative

Leaving the office for the desert.

For one group of (no-longer virgin) "Burners," the event was far from an excuse to party. Entrepreneurs Austin Renfroe, Adam Nagin, Justin Choi and Brian Swichkow met in person for the first time at the 747 Camp during last year's Burning Man. They represent just a few who have stepped out of their offices and into the desert for a life-changing experience.

For the uninitiated, the 747 Camp is a community art project that brings a 747 airplane to the Playa in Black Rock City, Nev., where Burning Man takes place. The camp and its 135-foot-long (soon-to-be) moving art car is operated by a vibrant group of entrepreneurs, engineers and energetic supporters who have fully committed to the 10 Principles of Burning Man.

This year was my first Burning Man experience, and it was nothing I could have expected," Choi says. "Far from anyones image of a 'Burner,' people rightly reacted with surprise at my intent to go. No matter how much I had heard about it, I couldnt imagine it having any lasting impact on me. But it did. For me, it was like re-experiencing life through the eyes of a child, free of the mental burdens we give ourselves that we become numb to in our adult lives. Everything is a discovery, and every little thing that you normally take for granted becomes special. I left with new life-long friendships and more appreciation for everyday life.

Related: 3 Steps to Break Free From Your Identity Crisis

Embracing Burning Man's '10 Principles.'

Renfroe was especially moved by the notion of de-commodification within the 10 Principles of Burning Man. I think that the vast majority of the trouble that humanity brings down on itself is from a selfish desire to 'have it all,' regardless of the negative impact it may have on others," he says.

"Socioeconomic disparities, wars, even our inability to cure certain diseases are all a result of this. Ive always wondered what humanity would look like if we stopped worrying about getting ahead and instead acted in others best interests as well as our own," Renfroe says. "Burning Man presented a unique opportunity to see how that would look -- spoiler alert: beautiful -- by watching people help others, create things and give things to one another for no other reason than because they wanted to. I feel like this is the value that either drives the other values or allows them to take place.

These entrepreneurs have stepped out of the world they've helped create -- the world in which they felt they had to have it all -- and into a new way of thinking. Swichkow describes it this way: Radical self-expression. In business, an accidental act of self-expression became a fulcrum to my career. Behind a keyboard, with degrees of space and time to frame thoughts, I felt more comfortable articulating the true me.

Related: How to Create a Culture of Mindfulness

Committing acts of creative courage.

Taking part in Burning Man allowed Swichkow to embrace the radical self-expression of his writing. That act of creative courage led him to meet people he wouldn't otherwise have met. Silicon Valley isnt taking over Burning Man," Swichkow says. "Burning Man is taking over Silicon Valley."

You may think these epiphanies end at Burning Man, but they dont. Burner culture has intensified my pre-existing passions and given me renewed focus and vigor in pursuing them," Nagin says. "The uninitiated look at me cock-eyed when I tell them that I am waking up at 3 a.m. on Saturday after an intense work-week to drive four hours each way on some crazy nature adventure or to work on the 747. After the Burn, this has become my new normal. No day is to be wasted."

Related: If Your First Idea Doesn't Work, Change It

Bringing 'Burner' culture back to the everyday world.

These entrepreneurs and others are taking what they learn at Burning Man and applying it to other situations. They've elevated their new-found friendships beyond the Playa and into everyday conversations -- both in business and in personal relationships. They've created the 747 Camp and other projects to give form to those ideas. In fact, 747 Camp was my introduction to this group. While I've never been to Burning Man, the radical inclusiveness embraced in the desert carried into the default world. They warmly invited me to explore the project and the people behind it.

Since then, I've met many other Burners who also are entrepreneurs. They come from all over the world and include a group of Israeli entrepreneurs who are bringing the Burning Man principles and experience to a different kind of desert. The thinking appears to be the same. They share their connections, projects and experiences quickly and openly. They embrace new people and new ways of thinking. They function as a true community all year long.

Could it be that Burning Man is creating a new kind of entrepreneur? Could we be seeing a shift from the silo founder to the inclusive, community-building entrepreneur? I, for one, certainly hope so.

Related: Jolt Yourself Out of Your Routine. That Billion-Dollar Business Idea Could Be Waiting.

Related:

Radical Inclusion: How Burning Man is Helping Create a New Breed of Entrepreneur

Startup Honored as Winner of First-Ever 'HackON' Competition

How Tech Entrepreneurs Can Excel Outside Silicon Valley



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The Union cabinet will deliberate on the suggestions of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) at a meeting this week.

Central government employees can get the good news soon. Photo for representation: PTI.

By India Today Web Desk: Central government employees, who have been waiting for updates on Seventh Pay Commission's recommendations, may finally get to hear from the Narendra Modi government this week.

According to reports, the Union cabinet may take a decision on revised allowance structure at a meeting on Wednesday.

The Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) screened the Ashok Lavasa report on allowances at a June 1 meeting and has subsequently forwarded its suggestions to the Modi government.

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The Union cabinet will now deliberate on the suggestions of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries at the meeting this week.

HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REVISED ALLOWANCES UNDER SEVENTH PAY COMMISSION: If some reports are to be believed, the E-CoS meet discussed House Rent Allowance (HRA) and an increase in basic pay among other concerns of Central government employees. The Empowered Committee of Secretaries has reportedly put a cap on HRA rates between 25 per cent and 27 per cent. Central government employees have demanded that the HRA rates be left unchanged at 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent depending on city category. The Seventh Pay Commission recommended reducing the HRA to 24 per cent, 16 per cent and 8 per cent of the basic pay. Some reports had hinted at the Ashok Lavasa-led Committee on Allowances taking a favourable view of employees' demand on the HRA. The Ashok Lavasa panel submitted its review report on Seventh Pay Commission to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on April 27. The Union cabinet may choose to look into the Central government employees' concerns regarding the HRA. The allowances once implemented will benefit nearly 50 lakh government employees. The Seventh Pay Commission had also suggested axing 53 of the 196 allowances drawn by Central government employees, besides subsuming another 36 smaller allowances into bigger ones. The Seventh Pay Commission recommended doing away or merging allowances such as assisting cashier, cycle, condiment, flying squad, haircut, robe, shorthand, soap, spectacle, uniform, vigilance and washing. The Union Cabinet recently approved modifications in the Seventh Pay Commission's recommendations on method of revision of pension of pre-2016 pensioners and family pensioners based on suggestions made by the Committee chaired by Secretary (Pensions). The pay hike of 14.27 per cent under the Seventh Pay Commission is the lowest Central government employees have received in the last 70 years.

ALSO READ:

7th Pay Commission: Cabinet approves modifications in panel's recommendations

7th Pay Commission: A list of allowances Central government employees may not get after June 1

7th Pay Commission: No clue about recommendations of Ashok Lavasa panel, employees' forum tells Cabinet Secretary

ALSO WATCH: 7th Pay Commission: Allowance-revision to benefit over 50 lakh employees

--- ENDS ---
DANNEBROG  Citizens of Dannebrog and those who grew up there learned more about the villages history as part of a history walk Sunday afternoon.

The history walk was held for the first time this year as part of the 30th Annual Grundlovsfest.

Grundlovsfest is a weekend celebration honoring the heritage of Dannebrog, where its citizens commemorate the anniversary of the signing of Denmarks Free Constitution in 1849 by King Frederik VII. The festivals name derives from the Danish word Grundlov which means foundation.

Chelsea Larsen said she edits the Stjernen, the Dannebrog newsletter, with her mother, Lori, and headed Sundays history walk. She said their subscribers would send them stories about what it was like growing up in Dannebrog and its history. As a result, Larsen wanted to have the history walk as a way for residents to share their stories and keep their memories alive.

I think it is important to keep the history of the town alive, she said. Its nice because hopefully we will get more people to join the history walk who dont know much about the town and will be able to learn the history.

The history walk began outside Columbia Hall, where about 10 people discussed the history of the building. One woman said she remembers movies being shown at the back of the building.

They had planks to sit on, she said. A lot of people would sit on them and some of them would sit in cars and watch.

Larsen said the Columbia Hall building has had a lot of history. She said there was a bombing that occurred in the upstairs part of it at one time.

We had it (article) a couple editions ago (in Stjernen) where it was believed it was some type of Russian spies that had something to do with it because the FBI would come into town and interview people, she said.

Those on the walk said they remember having high school proms in the Columbia Hall building. Carl Huebner of Central City, who is originally from Dannebrog, told those on the walk that he remembers having his prom there in 1944.

During the history walk, Larsen said she is most interested in the history of the concrete company that was once housed in Dannebrog.

They were known all over the place because of the type of concrete they were making, she said. They were revolutionary in the concrete they were developing. The stories that I found is that shortly after it was created, built and the business started going, they would make the (things) around graves and there are sidewalks here in town that are made from the concrete.

At the conclusion of Sundays history walk, those on the walk said they enjoyed talking with each other and learning more about Dannebrogs history.

It brought back old memories, Mary Trentman said.

Larsen said she hopes to have the history walk again at next years Grundlovsfest and hopes it will become a yearly event at the celebration.
BROKEN BOW  An Aurora mans case that was just bound over to Custer County District Court on Friday has been dismissed.

Ross Carstensen, 41, was charged with five counts of felony child pornography after he was accused of creating a fake Facebook account and luring young women and asking for and obtaining nude photos in 2015.

On Monday, the plaintiff made a motion to dismiss the case without prejudice.

The plaintiff prays for an order from this Court sustaining this Motion and dismissing plaintiffs action against the defendant, Ross J. Carstensen, without prejudice, each party to bear their own costs, the motion to dismiss document states.

According to online court records, District Judge Karin Noakes dismissed the case on Monday afternoon with prejudice, closing the case.

The Nebraska Attorney Generals Office has been contacted, but there has been no response at this time.
Addie Dupler may not have had a leading role in a theatrical production before playing Delores Van Cartier in Northwest High Schools spring musical, Sister Act, but one role was all it took for her to get noticed.

Dupler, a recent Northwest graduate, said prior to her role in Sister Act, she had played a number of supporting roles in theatrical productions. But she was recently honored by Omaha Performing Arts fourth annual High School Theatre Awards Program as one of the 10 best lead actresses in the state.

Dupler said it was a huge honor and an amazing feeling to receive the award.

In addition to being recognized for her acting, Dupler is also one of 12 finalists for the Broadway Leagues National High School Musical Theatre Awards program. Of those 12 finalists, one actress and one actor will be chosen to represent Nebraska at the program in New York later this month.

I had to write an essay, record a topic and send it in, Dupler said of the audition process. I also had to send in my resume and also a little five-minute snippet from me in the musical. From there, I made it to the next round. I think there were about 200 people that originally auditioned, and they narrowed it down to 30.

Then I had to go to Omaha, and there was a dance call. It was a 30-second dance routine. I had to sing the same two songs that I sang before.

Once the audition process was complete, Dupler waited and later received the news she was one of the 12 finalists for the awards program. She said she was surprised by the news.

Grand Island is pretty small compared to Omaha, Lincoln and some of those bigger cities, Dupler said. So I was super shocked and super happy and everything. I did not think I would be winning that, but it is awesome. It was an awesome feeling.

Dupler will be in Omaha Monday through Thursday as part of the Nebraska High School Theatre Awards program.

You work with choreographers and take criticism and all the basic things. Throughout the week, they will tell you how you can (improve), she said. From there, we have a show Thursday night at the theater (Holland Performing Arts Center) in Omaha. Then they pick the winner.

Dupler said the thing she is looking forward to the most about the awards program is interacting with the other 11 finalists and learning from them.

I think it will be fun to learn from them and find things I can improve on based on the people around me. I think that will be an awesome experience, she said. Also, the people in Omaha that are teaching us and helping us learn choreography are all amazing. For me, I think it is just a big learning experience and a chance to get some tips from other people.

Dupler plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall to pursue a degree in advertising and public relations. She said she may look into choir and acting, but for now she plans on just sticking to education and getting into my degree.
OVERTON  Last year, Kaven Raastad had trouble controlling his temper and was often paying visits to the principals office.

But this year, he made a dramatic turn for the better.

Kaven, who has autism and attention deficit hyperactive disorder, learned to control his temper, took on more responsibilities at school and home, found ways to cope with stress and never paid a visit to the principals office, except to be signed off to move on to the eighth grade. The transformation all began when Kaven met a small golden retriever named Bailey.

During sixth grade, Kaven was placed in situations in which he had difficulty coping, including losing his grandmother and a large load of homework.

It was very stressful. I think the reason why this year has been different is because Bailey has been helping us, many kids including me, get through more stressful times, Kaven said.

When Overton Public Schools resource specialist Beth Sloan knew she was going to be getting a golden retriever puppy, she was immediately interested in bringing the puppy to school as a comfort dog for the students. She began researching and gathering information on comfort dogs and brought the idea to Superintendent Mark Aten.

He really thought about it, and, of course, I wasnt going to give up. I kept printing out documentation on how beneficial it was, Sloan said.

Sloan saw more evidence of the effectiveness of comfort dogs after attending the State Autism Conference last year and speaking to counselors at Grand Island middle schools, where comfort dogs are used. Soon after that, Aten approved Bailey as a comfort dog for the school.

He was very supportive and has been extremely supportive since the day it started. Its just gone super, super well, Sloan said.

When Kaven met Bailey, the pair connected right away.

It seemed the first few weeks I just got attached to her, Kaven said. She is very well-behaved, really good. She sometimes jumps, but thats only when she gets really excited.

Bailey became a registered therapy dog in January after she turned 1 year old. She is also a Canine Good Citizen in an American Kennel Club advanced obedience program.

Bailey attends school every day with Sloan, and the students are responsible for helping take care of her.

We take her outside, usually to that yard back over there, Kaven said. It also helps us with our responsibilities because Miss Sloan usually fills up the food bowl, but we usually fill up the water bowl. I usually do that sometimes.

Along with giving the students a sense of responsibility, Bailey is there to provide comfort to students when they are stressed or anxious. When Kaven was recently taking a test and began to get frustrated, Bailey was there to provide him comfort.

Just her presence there just brings a lot of stress down, you know? She makes you feel better about what is going on in the situation, he said.

While Bailey may have many tendencies of a puppy, such as chewing on sandals, she seems to know exactly when she is needed. As Kaven talked about his anxiety and his need to be alone, Bailey was immediately at his side, licking his face and snuggling in his lap.

I know that she is just trying to show her love. She just enjoys being a pet, and she wants to give back the favor of you petting her all the time, he explained about Baileys affection.

Kaven has also learned to control his temper when he is around Bailey. Hes learned that, if he gets loud or angry with Bailey, she gets scared. Its helped him keep his voice calm when he is angry, Sloan said.

Bailey helps Kaven when he is frustrated or stressed, but he has also been there for her in stressful situations.

We brought her (to a pep rally). She certainly didnt like the loud music, but I helped her get through that a lot, Kaven said. I just sat there on the floor and just petted her and said it was OK. She has been a lot better with loud noises since then.

The change in Kaven is obvious to his teachers and his family.

Kaven has done a very, very good job this year compared to last year, Aten said. Hes completely different. He likes school. He is more engaged in school.

Hes a totally different kid than even what he was just last year, Kavens mom, Emmy Raastad, said.

Kavens social skills have also improved because of his involvement in Circle of Friends, a group that helps autistic students socialize with their peers through peer-mediated intervention. Kaven interacts more with his classmates, and he also participated in the groups November event helping Kearney Target shoppers get their groceries to their cars.

That is probably one of the first times I saw Kaven actually go up to somebody and say, Can I help you out with your groceries? Sloan said.

Now that school is out for the summer, Sloan plans to bring Bailey to Overton to see Kaven this summer. Kaven and his mother also plan to volunteer at the Central Nebraska Humane Society in Grand Island.

Kaven may not get to see Bailey and Sloan as often this summer, but he knows its not long before school is back in session and Bailey will be by his side again.

Its only three months, he said.
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.
By Manjeet Sehgal: Khalistan connections continue to haunt the Aam Aadmi Party. After the allegations of election funding from the hardliner Sikh groups, the party has courted a fresh controversy as one of the three hardliner Khalistani terrorists, arrested from Navanshahar and Hoshiarpur districts of Punjab, has been seen as actively working for AAP during the assembly elections.

AAP is in the dock after a new photograph surfaced which shows that the chief operative of banned Sikh body International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) Gurdial Singh is an active AAP activist, who worked for party's Gadshankar assembly constituency candidate Jaikishan Singh Rodi during the assembly elections and sought votes for him. The AAP MLA though has denied the allegations and has distanced himself but Gurdial Singh's photograph is self explanatory which shows Singh holding a poster in his hands along with the MLA's men.

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"Gurdial Singh is neither a party activist nor holds any party post. We have no relationship with him. He might be in the photograph but I don't know him," Jaikishan Singh Rodi said.

However, Jaishan Singh Rodi's rival Akali Dal candidate Surender Singh Bhulewal who lost election confirmed that Gurdial Singh's activities were suspicious and worked for AAP during the elections from a booth.

"AAP's Khalistan connection is nothing new. It has been exposed a number of times for its relations with Khalistan terrorists. Gurdial Singh openly worked for Jaikishan Singh Rodi," Surender Singh Bhulewal said.

Gurdial Singh hails from Raud Majra village of Hoshiarpur district and was introduced to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's nephew Lakhbir Singh Rode, who heads the banned ISYF and is in Lahore, by a Germany based hardliner Balbir Singh Sandhu. According to the police Gurdial Singh paid several visits to Pakistan under the garb of a Sikh pilgrim during the past six-seven years. He had last visited Pakistan between November 12 to 21, 2016. He was also accompanied by another arrested terrorist, Jagroop Singh.

Both were trained by ISI and ISYF Chief Lakhbir Singh Rode and learned to handle AK-47 and other weapons during the four day training conducted at an undisclosed location.

Opposition BJP and Akali Dal have slammed Aam Aadmi Party for its alleged links with the hardliner Sikh militant groups.

"Arvind Kejriwal and his party has been exposed again for their links with Khalistani terror groups. First Kejriwal appeared in a poster asking people to pay homage to a militant who killed hundreds of innocent people. They sought money from hardliner groups and now one terrorist arrested two days ago has been found to be an AAP supporter. Kejriwal has been exposed time and again and should explain what he wanted to tell the people by hobnobbing with hareliners," BJP Secretary, Vineet Joshi told India Today.

Gurdial Singh (L) with the other two Khalistan terrorists.

NOT THE FIRST TIME

This is not the first time that AAP's Khalistan connection has been exposed. Earlier in 2016, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on January 29 earlier this year had spent a night at the house owned by an acquitted Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) militant Gurinder Singh who is currently settled in England.

Gurinder Singh was allegedly a module of the KCF, which in 1997 had triggered a blast near a temple in Mandi Mustafa, Baghapurana area of Moga district. Arvind Kejriwal, AAP's Punjab chief Bhagwant Mann and Sanjay Singh besides others were also seen in the poster which was released on the birth anniversary of Khalistan militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale which made an appeal to the people to pay obeisance to 'Saint Bhindranwale'.

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AAP was also accused of getting election funding from the hardliner Sikh groups. Party's former MLA Jarnail Singh was seen seeking donations from the hardliners in UK during 2011 and had also participated in a rally organised in support of Khalistan . Jarnail Singh in an interview had allegedly supported Khalistan movement.

When contacted AAP's former MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said that the allegations against Gurdial Singh should be investigated.

"Unlike Akali Dal and Congress, AAP is transparent about its functioning. The allegations against Gurdial Singh, if he is an AAP worker is required to be investigated. It is yet to be investigated whether he is an AAP member or not," Sukhpal Singh Khaira said.

Also Read:

Arvind Kejriwal courts controversy by staying in alleged Khalistani terrorist's house ahead of Punjab polls

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Election Commission orders FIR against Arvind Kejriwal for poll code violation, AAP says not aware

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Utami Diah Kusumawati (The Jakarta Post) Singapore  Mon, June 5, 2017 09:33 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3c5cf5 4 Books children-books,folklore,literary-festival Free

A young girl, Pipinalo Suka, was sad. Her grandmother had disappeared in the forest. Pipinalo went looking for her grandmother and met a Batu Badaong, a big stone with plenty of leaves.

She sang to the stone asking it to swallow her so that she could find her grandmother. However, she got stuck inside the big stone. With the help of a bird, Pipinalo ran away and went to a safe place.

The story of Batu Badaong is a Maluku folktale performed by the Booyratan arts group at the Singapore National Library during the 2017 Asian Festival of Childrens Content (AFCC).

The group is one of the Indonesian representatives at the event.

An ethnomusicologist and a lecturer from Maluku, Christian Tamaela, founded the group to preserve Maluku traditional musical instruments and local folktales.

Read also: Three underrated Indonesian folktales that teach us a little more about life

Batu Badaong is a story about living in harmony with other human beings as well as the environment and animals. I choose to present this folklore in Singapore to voice our hope of living in harmony, Tamaela said after the performance, adding that he used Maluku traditional instruments such as the tipa, akapeti and klong one string to present Batu Badaong.

Tamaela said it was the first time the group had performed outside of Indonesia and at an international AFCC event.

In the future, Tamaela is planning to document several folktales from Maluku through a book.

The performance of Batu Badaong received applause from both AFCC participants as well as visitors of the National Library.

Srividhya Venkat, a storyteller from India, said she enjoyed the show because it transformed a folktale into a musical art performance that combine music, storytelling and theater.

What do you see: Visitors browse through Indonesian childrens books at the AFCCs Indonesian booth.(JP/Utami Diah Kusumawati)

In addition to Batu Badaong, the Indonesian delegation, which consisted of 29 speakers and performers, provided workshops, conducted storytelling sessions and delivered presentations during the 2017 AFCC.

The delegation also opened a booth that displayed 200 childrens book titles from 18 Indonesian publishers listed under the Indonesian Publishers Associations (IKAPI).

Read also: Study: Nearly 60 percent of children like reading for fun

Emilia Nazir from the Indonesian Section of International Board on Books for Young People (INNABBY) presented her new research project with author Galuh Larasati. Together, they had recited the folktale Ratu Lemut, or Queen Mosquito, at Gunung Sari village, in Gunung Kidul regency, Yogyakarta, and encouraged local children to get involved in the play about the origins of the buzzing sound of mosquitos.

Emilia said the traditional story could teach a valuable lesson to the younger generation as it emphasizes the importance of a democratic process within society.

The preservation of Indonesian folklores is important because it faces the threat of extinction, according to Emilia.

Oral folktale stories could not survive solely by memory, she added. Therefore, choosing the best medium to recite Indonesian folktales was essential in passing their values to the next generation.

This year, Indonesia was chosen as the country of focus at the AFCC.

R. Ramachandran, executive director of the National Book Development Council of Singapore, said the country of focus was selected due to its rich culture, stories and folktales, especially related to children.

Indonesia, he explained, was home to a vast range of strong children stories. However, these tales are not widely known outside of Indonesia, even by its neighbors Malaysia and Singapore.

Ramachandran then pointed to the lack of English translations and promotion as the core problems hindering the development of Indonesian childrens stories.

Opening act: Balinese traditional dancer and story teller Sri Ayu Pradnya Larasati performs the Palawakya dance during the opening of Indonesia Night at the Asian Festival of Childrens Content (AFCC).(JP/Utami Diah Kusumawati)

Meanwhile, Society for the Advancement of Childrens Literature (KPBA) president Murti Bunanta said Indonesias role as the AFCCs country of focus will hopefully give the archipelagos storytellers international recognition.

We [Indonesia] have a lot of qualified [storytellers], but they are never heard, she explained.

Read also: How to catch up with your reading goals

The participation of Indonesia at AFCC 2017 also signifies 50 years of bilateral ties between Indonesia and Singapore.

During this event, four Indonesian and Singaporean artists launched collaborative books titled Sayur! Sayur! and CindeRilla.

Ngurah Swajaya, the Indonesian Ambassador for Singapore, said these stories would allow children in both countries to share and understand each others culture, lifestyle and values.

Through books like these, a better understanding and mutual interest among the people of Indonesia and Singapore can be established in order to create stronger people-to-people interaction, especially among the children of both countries, he said.

Indonesia has also struck a deal to work with Malaysia in creating stories for children.

IKAPIs head of Domestic Book Exhibition Program Melvi said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between IKAPI and Malaysias government-funded agency Perbadanan Kota Buku Malaysia during the event.

The MoU will result in collaborations between the two countries in several issues, including book exhibitions and development programs for writers.

This years AFCC also saw 50 business meetings take place between Indonesian delegates and seven publishers from four countries.
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Linkedin Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 18:02 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3ddf95 1 Lifestyle AXA-Mandiri,insurance,social-media,donation,charity,#Charity,#social-media Free

Insurance firm AXA Mandiri is inviting social media users to be charitable this Ramadhan via a program titled #Tantangankebaikan.

The program, scheduled to run until June 26, invites netizens to create posts containing themed photos, creative captions and the program's hashtags on their Twitter, Instagram or Facebook accounts after registering on the program's official website.

The theme for the posts will be announced every week on the website. Examples of the themes include challenges to invite friends or family to Tarawih (evening Ramadhan prayers) and helping to prepare sahur (predawn meals).

Each of the counted posts will be valued at Rp 5,000 (US$ 0.37). The insurance firm will then donate the money accumulated through the social media posts to Yayasan Pita Kuning Anak Indonesia, a philanthropy foundation dedicated to children with cancer.

At a recent press event, AXA Mandiri stated that the targeted donation was Rp 200 million. However, the firm stated that it will still donate Rp 200 million as a minimum, regardless whether there are enough posts to meet the target or not. Tisye Diah Retnojati, Director of In Branch Channel AXA Mandiri said there is a chance for the firm to donate more than target. If its Rp 5,000 per posts, then there needs to be 4,000 hashtags [to reach the target]. If we could get a thousand of hashtags per day [for example], then we could spend more, she said.

Read also: Laundry services, food offered in exchange for prayers

AXA Mandiri's Director of In Branch Channel Tisye Diah Retnojati (second left) and President Director Jean Philippe Vandenschrick promoting the #TantanganKebaikan program at a press event in AXA Mandiri office, South Jakarta on May 24, 2017.(JP/Masajeng Rahmiasri)

Aside from being able to contribute to the donation through the social media posts, participants are also given the chance to gain benefits by joining the program. AXA Mandiri is set to choose several winners of the program and reward them with prizes, such as PT Mitra Adiperkasa (MAP) shopping vouchers, additional money to be donated to affiliate foundations (Yayasan Kesejahteraan Anak Indonesia, Badan Amil Zakat Nasional and Yayasan Kasih Anak Kanker Indonesia, as well as movie tickets.

Jean-Philippe Vandenschrick, President Director of AXA Mandiri said the program was created as an initiative to invite the Indonesian public to directly participate in spreading good deeds, be it in the present or in the future. The program is also linked to #RencanakanLebih, a campaign created by the company to raise awareness about the importance of life insurance in Indonesia.

The penetration rate is still around three percent, its really low. The good news is that the potential is high, and there is a mission [..] to make sure everybody understands why it makes sense, he said. (asw)
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Linkedin Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 17:19 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3dc8c6 1 Food Jakpost-guide-to,JakpostGuideToIftar,Jakpost-Guide-To-Iftar,ramadhan,Ramadhan-2017,Jl-Gunawarman,food,#food,#JakpostGuideTo Free

The second week of Ramadhan has begun. Last week we listed several options for iftar (breaking-of-the-fast meal) in Menteng. For the second week of Ramadhan, The Jakarta Post has listed five restaurants for iftar on Jl. Gunawarman.

Located near the Sudirman Central Business District in South Jakarta, establishments on Jl. Gunawarman provide many options for iftar with friends and family during the work week and on weekends.

Turkuaz

Turkuaz, a Turkish restaurant on Jl.Gunawarman offers signature Ottoman cuisine made by head chef Sezai Zorlu. This Ramadhan, the restaurant offers succulent baby lamb baked in salt as its special menu item for iftar to share among 10 to 15 people. You can enjoy the delicacy for Rp 3.9 million++ , but remember to place an order at least two to three days ahead. Turkuaz also offers two set menus comprising appetizers, main dishes and desserts. Price starts from Rp 275.000++.

Those who want to dine in private at Turkuaz may want to choose to book the Tulip private room (eight-10 people) or the Sultan private room (14-16 people), which requires minimum spending of Rp 5 million++ for right people and Rp 10 million++ for 14 people, respectively. Additional seats cost Rp 625,000++ per person.

Where : Jl. Gunawarman No. 32

Read also: Jakpost guide to Jatinegara

Holy Crab

The Lousiana-inspired seafood restaurant offers packages that could be enjoyed by 4-10 people, with choices ranging from local boys (local ingredients), Big Easy to Alaskans package.(facebook.com/theholycrabjkt/File)

Crab lovers may consider breaking the fast at Holy Crab Gunawarman. The Lousiana-inspired seafood restaurant offers packages that can be enjoyed by four to 10 people, with choices ranging from local boys (local ingredients), Big Easy to Alaskans package. The local package includes dishes, such as mud crab, shrimp, clam, deep fried calamari, onion rings, deep fried chicken wings, crispy fish finger, sweet potato balls, steamed rice, fried bread and desserts. Prices for the packages start from Rp 875,000 for four people.

Where : Jl. Gunawarman No. 55

Sofia at The Gunawarman

Sofia at The Gunawarman luxury residences offers nasi campur for two on its iftar menu. The menu, set at Rp 250,000++ for two persons, includes ayam goreng lengkuas (galangal fried chicken), sate lilit (minced meat satay), telur balado (egg with balado sambal), ikan asin balado (salted fish with balado sambal), tempe orek (tempeh with soy sauce), urap sayur (vegetable salad with grated coconut), as well as takjil (breaking-of-the-fast snacks). Those who want to visit the restaurant in a group may consider booking the VIP table, which consists of 12 seats with a minimum spending requirement of Rp 8 million++.

Where : The Gunawarman, Jl. Gunawarman No. 3

Read also: Jakpost guide to Rawa Belong

Ayam Goreng Tulang Lunak Hayam Wuruk

Ayam Goreng Tulang Lunak Hayam Wuruk, a restaurant that features ayam presto (chicken cooked with high pressure) as its signature menu item does not offer a special menu for Ramadhan. But, patrons can still visit the restaurant for iftar to enjoy its many Indonesian dishes on offer. Aside from ayam presto, the restaurant also serves ayam goreng telur asin, bandeng presto dalam sarang, gurame goreng terbang and more.

Where : Jl. Gunawarman No. 47

Attarine Jakarta

This Ramadhan, Attarine Jakarta, a restaurant by The Potato Head family, is partnering with architect Andra Matin in creating a Mediterranean-inspired installation, as well as two special Ramadhan menus: set menu A, comprising rotating weekly takjil selection, crispy chicken leg and lentil rice, ice cream or sorbet, as well as set menu B, comprising rotating weekly takjil selection, slow-cooked short ribs and vanilla pannacotta. Set menu A costs Rp 275,000++ and set menu B costs Rp 325,000++. (asw)

Where : Jl. Gunawarman 11
By India Today Web Desk: BJP leader Nathuram Verma was today shot dead by miscreants in Agra. After the police reached the spot, angry locals clashed with cops.

There are also reports of a police vehicle being burnt by villagers.

The incident happened in Doki area of Agra.

(Further details are awaited)

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 17:53 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3dd603 1 City Ahmadiyah-Mosque,sealing,Depok Free

The Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation (JAI) questioned on Monday the decision of the Depok city administration in West Java forbidding Ahmadis from using a mosque that belongs to one of the congregation members for worship.

Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris and many police and Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) officers reportedly sealed the Al-Hidayah Mosque in Sawangan on Sunday to prevent the space from being used.

Ahmadiyah spokesman Yendra Budiana said on Monday that they were not violating any laws by using the mosque and the house to practice their rituals in Depok.

The mosque has an IMB [building permit]. So its legal to use the space for worship, Yendra said, as quoted by kompas.com. He also said that JAI had decided to fight the decision through a legal process.

Depok Deputy Mayor Idris Abdul Somad said the IMB only applied for the mosque and the house buildings. He considered it a violation for the JAI to use the mosque for their activities.

Sundays operation was reportedly the seventh time the Depok authorities have sealed the mosque between 2011 and 2017.

JAI is one the nations minority groups that have long been persecuted for their beliefs. (hol)
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Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 15:15 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3d6a52 1 City kalijodo,semi-permanent-dwellings Free

The Jakarta administration has confirmed it will tear down semi-permanent dwellings that started to reappear near the newly transformed Kalijodo area in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, which was formerly a red-light district.

Acting Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said the Public Order Agency would coordinate with the police in executing the demolition.

We will conduct the demolition next week. The area will be cleared out before Idul Fitri, Djarot told reporters Monday at City Hall.

The demolition of buildings in the former red-light district have been ongoing since February last year when the administration, under the leadership of then-governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, decided to transform the area into a Child-Friendly Integrated Public Space (RPTRA) equipped with a skate park.

Over the past few weeks, dozens of people started building semi-permanent dwellings under the toll road across from Kalijodo Park, and were allegedly used for prostitution.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5 2017

The government has prepared measures to ease severe congestion around the East Brebes toll exit gate, known as Brexit. during the Idul Fitri exodus later this month.

The Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT), for instance, has constructed an additional 110 kilometers of toll roads with six new exit gates from East Brebes to Waleri in Kendal, Central Java.

With the additional toll roads, we hope the roads at Brexit will not be clogged by vehicles because their exits will be spread to the six new gates, BPJT head Herry Trisputra Zuna said in a discussion on Friday. Brexit will only be used for vehicles heading to Brebes and Tegal, Central Java.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 18:55 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3e20c9 1 Business Sri-Mulyani,tax-office Free

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has announced that the Directorate General of Taxation was ready to examine the financial data of around 2.3 million bank accounts that have a minimum balance of Rp 200 million (US$15052) at year-end.

Sri Mulyani told reporters Monday that the accounts were equal to 1.14 percent of total savings nationwide, leaving the biggest chunk of those whose savings are below Rp 100 million and those with a balance between Rp 100 million and Rp 200 million.

According to Sri Mulyani, the tax office will improve its system to accommodate the increased workload, implementing measures ranging from system preparedness to recruiting additional tax officers.

According to Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) data as of February, 1.29 million customers have account balances between Rp 200 million and Rp 500 million. More than 519,000 customer accounts have between Rp 500 million and Rp 1 billion; while 257,000 accounts have a balance of between Rp 1 billion and Rp 2 billion. The LPS recorded that 154,000 individuals having a balance between Rp 2 billion and Rp 5 billion and 84,514 individuals with a balance of more than Rp 5 billion. (gda/dmr)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 20:42 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3e40c8 1 National KPK,amien-rais,Siti-Fadilah-Supari,graft Free

Leaders of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are refusing to meet with National Mandate Party (PAN) patron Amien Rais in the latters efforts to clarify allegations he had accepted Rp 600 million (US$45,157) in a graft case involving former health minister Siti Fadilah Supari.

Amien sent on Monday a delegation comprising PAN politician Dradjad Wibowo, lawmaker Saleh Partaonan Daulay and his son Hanafi Rais to KPK headquarters, where they only met with KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah.

Dradjad said that Amien was somehere near the KPK building at the time, he will come only if KPK leaders are ready [to meet him].

He added that Amien wanted to speak with the antigraft leaders before he embarked for umrah (minor haj) sometime in the near future.

Febri insisted that the commission was currently focused on Sitis trial, in which the former minister stands accused of embezzling funds from a budget meant for the procurement of medical equipment.

"We will wait for the verdict," Febri told reporters. "I have told the delegation that we have received a testimony and bank statement as evidence [against Amien], but we still focus on the defendant," he added.

Amien announced last Friday that he planned to approach the KPK to provide confirmation about funds he reportedly received from the Soetrisno Bachir Foundation, as revealed by KPK prosecutor Ali Fikri during the graft trial of Siti at the Jakarta Corruption Court last Wednesday. (ecn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 15:20 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3d732b 1 Business OJK,candidates,fit-and-proper-test,Lawmakers Free

Members of the Financial Commission of the House of Representatives on Monday began interviewing candidates for Financial Authority Agency (OJK) commissioner positions, who had passed the initial process by a selection team chaired by Financial Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

Among the candidates are Wimboh Santoso and Sigit Pramono, who are competing to win the position of OJK chairman as well as Agus Santoso and Riswinandi, who are competing to win the position of deputy chairman and head of the OJK ethic committee.

They interviews are expected to continue until Thursday.

Commission chairman Melchias Marcus Mekeng said previously that the lawmakers would assess, among others, the programs, visions and missions that would be offered by the candidates. We will ask questions about many things, including their leadership skills, he said as reported by tempo.co.

The lawmakers has also sought input from other parties, including from the insurance industry, the banking industry and the stock exchange about the track records of the 14 OJK candidates submitted by President Joko Jokowi Widoodo.

The House also invited officials from the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) during the selection process.

OJK commissioners have to master various financial issues, including in the stock market. They have to be able to prevent fake investments, an issue which has currently failed to be addressed [by the current OJK commissioners], Melchias added.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 14:06 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3d1853 1 Business maritime-sector,loading-unloading-processes,port,Luhut-Binsar-Pandjaitan,comments Free

Maritime Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has admitted that potential economic losses in the maritime sector could reach between Rp 11 trillion (US$827.57 million) to Rp 12 trillion per year due to inefficiency.

The efficiency occurs in loading and unloading processes at ports across the country, the minister said.

We want to continuously improve the condition. I want to save between Rp 11 trillion t Rp 12 trillion in July, said Luhut as reported by kontan.co.id on Monday.

The minister also recorded inefficiency in Batam, Riau Islands, where foreign ships dock with no benefit to the Indonesian government.

He promised to carry out tough monitoring, including by using satellites, to prevent any ships from carrying out illegal activity.

So far, we dont know who benefits from this activity, he said, adding that the government would collect rental fees from the ships that docked in Batam waters.

He said the government could gain an additional Rp 2 trillion to Rp 3 trillion in revenue from the collection of fees. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 22:31 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3e736a 1 National police-academy,headmaster Free

National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian on Monday appointed North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Rycko Amelza Dahniel to be the new headmaster of the Police Academy.

Rycko replaced Insp. Gen. Arnas Yusuf, who was terminated for being negligent in handling cases of violence involving students.

Tito said that he appointed Rycko because he received an Adhimakayasa Award  an annual award given to officers who displayed the best performances in three aspects, namely academic, physical and personal.

Rycko performed well in North Sumatra. We need him to fix problems in the Police Academy, he told reporters on Monday.

Tito added that he was still disappointed over a cadet at the Semarang Police Academy who died after allegedly being beaten by his seniors, a case that led to the termination of Arnas and some officials at the academy.

Six month ago, I made warnings to stop the custom of beatings in the academy, but in fact they were still ongoing. The academy is a kitchen that produces police leaders. We need a big change there, he said.

Tito added that the hazing customs at the academy had no benefit at all, as they might cause victims to seek revenge on their juniors, or even on crime suspects and detainees.

A second-year cadet, identified as Second Brig. Mohammad Adam, was allegedly beaten by his seniors in May. He sustained injuries to his lungs, which led to his death. Fourteen cadets have been named suspects in the case. (yon)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 22:18 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3e6429 1 City kalijodo,semi-permanent-dwellings,Sandiaga-Uno Free

Jakarta deputy governor-elect Sandiaga Uno has reminded the current city administration to maintain order in Kalijodo, a former red-light district in North Jakarta that is now a public park, as more than a hundred families have started to build illegal settlements under a nearby toll road.

"The administration needs to ensure that prostitution does not come back to Kalijodo," Sandiaga said recently as quoted by tempo.co. "The administration has spent so much money to keep the place in order," he added.

The city administration previously confirmed that it would tear down semi-permanent dwellings that had started to reappear near what is now the Kalijodo child-friendly integrated public space (RPTRA).

Acting Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said the Public Order Agency would coordinate with the police in carrying out the demolition next week.

The demolition of buildings in the former red-light district has been ongoing since February last year when the administration, under the leadership of then-governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, decided to transform the area into an RPTRA, equipped with a skate park.

Over the past few weeks, dozens of people have started building semi-permanent dwellings under the toll road across from Kalijodo Park. The semi-permanent dwellings have allegedly been used for prostitution. (vny)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 21:00 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3e4831 1 City hate-speech,ahok,punishment Free

The South Jakarta District Court has found a man guilty of spreading hate speech on social media against non-active Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama and his brother guilty of the same crime against religious figures. The siblings, Jamran and Rizal, were each sentenced to six months and fifteen days in prison.

Both Jamran and Rizal were also ordered to pay Rp 10 million (US$752.6) in fines.

The judges handling Jamrans case said that Jamran was guilty of repeatedly attacking Ahok for his Chinese ethnicity on social media--a violation of the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law.

His repeated posts against Ahok were conducted systematically and referred to Ahok and his Chinese ethnicity, judge Ratmoho said as quoted by kompas.com on Monday.

His provocative posts were not supported by facts and could lead to conflict, the judge said.

Meanwhile, judges presiding over Rizals case said that Rizal was guilty of posting provocative writings that discredited certain religious figures on his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

He had violated the ITE Law, the judges said.

The sentences and fines against the siblings were lower than what was demanded by prosecutors.

Prosecutors demanded a one year prison sentence and Rp 75 million fine for Jamran and ten month prison sentence and Rp 50 million fine for Rizal.

They were arrested along with treason suspects on Dec. 2 last year, hours before a mass rally against Ahok.

On that day, the police arrested, among others, activists Ratna Sarumpaet, Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, Sri Bintang Pamungkas and Firza Husein on allegations of treason. (cal)
ACB sleuths started an early morning raid at the premises related to Bayyavarapu Sureshbabu.

By Ashish Pandey: The Andhra Pradesh Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday unearthed unaccounted wealth and assets worth several crores from a senior state bureaucrat.

ACB sleuths started an early morning raid at the premises related to Bayyavarapu Sureshbabu(56).

He is the additional director with Industries and Commerce Department and was recently transferred.

Simultaneous searches are being conducted at the main house and four other places related to the accuse officer in Hyderabad, Kurnool, Guntur and two places in Vijayawada.

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The houses of the family members and close associates of Sureshbabu are also being raided by the ACB.

Sources say that so far 40 crores worth property has been unearthed by the Andhra ACB sleuth which may cross over 100 crores as several lockers related to the accused officer and his Benamis are yet to be accessed.

Also read:

Andhra Pradesh: ACB raids house of senior government official, searches on at 7 other locations

Andhra Pradesh ACB raid senior govt officer's premises

ACB raids in Delhi after Kapil Mishra alleges Rs 300 crore medicine scam under Arvind Kejriwal government

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 14:04 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3d131f 1 Business INKA,Train,idul-fitri-exodus,PT-KAI,Idul-Fitri-2017 Free

State-owned train manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) is working to ensure that six trainsets ordered by state owned train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) will be delivered by mid June.

The trainsets, which consist of 66 units of train cars and can transport around 4,500 passengers per trip, will be deployed by KAI to support its Idul Fitri fleet.

"Our teams work in three shifts, 24 hours a day [to complete the sets]," INKA finance director Mohammad Nur Sodiq told journalists on the sidelines of an event in Jakarta on Friday. "We will deliver them to KAI on June 15."

(Read also: INKA to open new factory amid mounting orders)

Currently, the team is running a series of tests as the last part of its quality control measures before sending the trainsets to KAI, he added

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi had pushed INKA to complete the trainsets before Idul Fitri celebration, which falls between June 25 and 26 to maximize the transportation load during the exodus.

The units will be deployed to serve the Jakarta-Semarang, Central Java, routes. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 12:13 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3cc443 1 National #marawi,Marawi,#Terrorism,terrorism,military Free

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has begun mobilizing its forces, including warships and intelligence operations, in northern parts of Indonesia to anticipate the entrance of terrorist group Islamic State (IS) into the country, amid a continuing siege in the neighboring Philippines by IS-linked militants.

We are the first to mobilize our warships on patrol from North Maluku to Central Sulawesi. We have also mobilized some warships in Tarakan, North Kalimantan and are cooperating with the Philippine and Malaysian militaries, said TNI chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo on Sunday, as quoted by tempo.co.

A deadly battle between the Philippines army and the Maute terrorist group has been ongoing for weeks in the southern Philippine town of Marawi, on Mindanao Island, raising concerns among Philippines neighbors, including Indonesia and Malaysia.

Apart from warships, Gatot added, the TNI had also been conducting intelligence operations in several territories near Mindanao, including Morotai Island in North Maluku, as well as other outer islands of Indonesia.

Soldiers from Tarakan [in North Kalimantan] will monitor beaches and illegal ports, he said. Of course, we are also cooperating with the police and the locals.

Recently, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia revealed a plan to launch joint air, naval and ground patrols in the Sulu Sea and areas nearby Mindanao this month. (kuk/ipa)
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Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 12:50 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3ce781 1 Business INKA,bank-mandiri,syndicated-loan,PT-KAI Free

State-owned train manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) has secured an Rp 1.69 trillion (US$127.1 million) syndicated loan to build 438 train units ordered by state-owned train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).

The units are the first phase of 1,000 train units ordered to replace old train cars owned by KAI, expected to be completed by 2019. INKA expects to deliver the first train units in October.

"We aim to deliver around 30 units monthly to replace the old trains so that [the first phase] will completed by the end of 2018," INKA president director R Agus H Purnomo said during the signing ceremony in Jakarta.

(Read also: INKA to open new factory amid mounting orders)

The loan provided by state lender Bank Mandiri and state infrastructure financing company PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI) helps ensure a smooth process of train car replacement, he continued.

The publicly listed lender contributed Rp 1.19 trillion in loans into the syndication while SMI chipped in Rp 500 billion.

"We hope this partnership can support INKA's performance, especially for producing the 438 train units," Bank Mandiri corporate banking senior executive vice president Alexandra Askandar said.

As of March, the lender has channelled Rp 118.7 trillion in finance to the infrastructure sector, up 26.6 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Train subsector loans, meanwhile, amounted to Rp 4.71 trillion as of March. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 15:41 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3d88d7 1 Business sugarcane,waste,organic-fertilizers,research,state-owned-enterprises Free

State-owned plantation firm PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) XI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with state-owned fertilizer producer PT Pupuk Kujang to conduct research on the conversion of sugarcane waste into organic fertilizers.

If the research arrives at a positive result, mass production will commence during next years sugarcane planting season, PTPN XI president director Mohammad Cholidi said on Monday.

In the absence of the organic fertilizers, sugarcane farmers are entirely dependent on chemical fertlizers to increase their productivity, although they know that these fertilizers would harm the soil of their farms, he added.

We want to be a sustainable industry. The low soil nutrition means the sucrose content of the sugarcane is not optimal. It affects our productivity, Cholidi said, adding that sugar production had been decreasing over the last 10 years.

"PTPN XI plans to use their factories in the two East Java towns of Madiun and Probolinggo to produce the organic fertilizers, Cholidi added.

Meanwhile, PT Pupuk Kujang president director Nugraha Budi Eka Irianto said they planned to produce organic fertilizers from 200,000 tons of sugarcane waste supplied by PTPN XI.

Based on our calculation, organic fertilizers will reduce farmers consumption of chemical fertilizers from 1,200 kilograms to 700 kilograms per hectare, Irianto said.

Cholidi said he was confident with the effectiveness of organic fertilizers because we only have to test the already proven ingredients with the bacteria. (dis/bbn)
Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly (left) briefs students of the newly inaugurated Pondok Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) at Taubah at the Lowokwaru Correctional Center in Malang, East Java, on Monday. More than 400 students have enrolled in the first Islamic boarding school inside a correctional facility in Indonesia.(JP/Aman Rochman)(left) briefs students of the newly inaugurated Pondok Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) at Taubah at the Lowokwaru Correctional Center in Malang, East Java, on Monday. More than 400 students have enrolled in the first Islamic boarding school inside a correctional facility in Indonesia.(JP/Aman Rochman)
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Linkedin Won Ho-jung (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)  Mon, June 5, 2017 18:38 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3e1ccc 2 News Asiana-Airlines,South-Korea,Airlines,#airlines,Business-Class,royal-business Free

Asiana Airlines is offering business travelers on B747s the choice of flying in first-class seats for an additional fee, according to the airline Monday.

The airline does not offer first-class cabins on flights other than New York, Los Angeles and Frankfurt routes, which utilize the A380. However, the B747s are fitted with 10 first-class seats that can be used by business travelers who choose to upgrade to royal business.

Read also: Singapore Airlines kicks off fuel-efficient flights

The upgrade costs 50,000 won (US$45) one-way for flights to Japan, China and Northeast Asia, and 100,000 won for flights to Southeast Asia.

The service only offers first-class seats, with other services and mileage points following business class standards.

Topics :

This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Daniel Bosque and Emmanuelle Michel (Agence France-Presse) Barcelona, Spain  Mon, June 5, 2017 12:07 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3cc0d6 2 News Spain,#Spain,Airlines,#airlines,low-cost-carrier,long-haul-flight,flight,#flights Free

The battle is on in Barcelona, Spain's popular Mediterranean city where two airlines have started competing for passengers in the emerging trend of low-cost, long-haul flights.

The first flight operated by Level -- a new carrier created by IAG, the parent company of British Airways and Spain's Iberia -- took off Thursday from El Prat airport for Los Angeles.

The airline also flies to San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile Norwegian, a pioneer in cheap long-distance flights, begins Monday flights to New York, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco.

The airline will make Barcelona its fifth hub for such flights after London, Paris, Bangkok and Amsterdam.

Altogether, 22 low-cost transatlantic flights will take off every week from Barcelona, breaking into a market that until recently was the preserve of traditional major airlines.

But with the emergence of a new and more fuel-efficient generation of aircraft and the collapse of oil prices, low cost carriers such as Norwegian and French Blue are increasingly operating transatlantic flights from European airports such as Paris or London.

Read also: South Korean low-cost carrier set to fly to Lombok

'Well placed to work'

Barcelona, a huge tourist magnet, is well placed to ride on this new wave, given that it is Europe's number one hub for low-cost flights according to air travel data company OAG.

While it is still behind Madrid, the airport has seen passenger numbers leap 60 percent between 2009 and 2016.

But until now, the flights that took off from Barcelona were almost solely short- or medium-haul.

"There was an anomaly in the market: Barcelona is a city with huge international profile... but long-distance flights weren't up to the task," said a spokesman for Norwegian, adding the company saw "a market opportunity" to develop cheap long-haul flights.

John Grant, an OAG analyst, said Barcelona -- a draw for tourists, including from cruise ships -- was "well placed to work".

"A large local market, inbound demand and low-cost airlines that will encourage passengers to connect through the airport will all support those low-cost long-haul services."

Level, for instance, "will take advantage of the fact that Vueling (the low-cost airline that is in the same IAG group) is very present on the market," said Philippe Berland, a transport consultant at Sia Partners.

So passengers will for instance be able to board a Vueling flight from London to Barcelona, where they can change and take Level to the United States.

Grant added that "geographically, Barcelona is very well located to serve connecting markets from perhaps Asia to Latin America, although these are in many cases currently quite small but will grow quickly with low-cost airlines present."

Read also: Spain vows to end travel delays at Barcelona airport

Boost jobs?

Barcelona has competition in this field from other European airports, and it may need a quick boost to airport staff after lengthy passport queues last month brought it plenty of unwanted attention.

Authorities in Catalonia, where the city is located, hope that the arrival of low-cost, long-haul carriers will boost growth in the region.

"We will be just 200 euros away from Silicon Valley and the world's biggest tech companies," says Ricard Font, in charge of infrastructure for the regional government.

For Jaume Adrover, head of the airport section of Barcelona's chamber of commerce, the flights could benefit Catalan companies -- even small ones with low budgets -- whose employees can travel to Argentina or California at low cost.

Booked in advance, the prices can be much lower than traditional airlines, provided the passenger does not want to check in his or her suitcase or pay for food, and can fly on the few days in the week when the flight operates.

With the options of checked-in luggage and food added in, tickets are more expensive.

According to Adrover, the arrival of long-haul cheap flights could also give local employment a boost.

He says El Prat currently generates 125,000 jobs, directly and indirectly.

Norwegian, for one, plans to double its workforce there this year to close to 800 people.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 14:59 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3d56c4 1 News Environment-and-Forestry-Ministry,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,national-park,tourist-village-homestay Free

The homestay program supported by the Environment and Forestry Ministry is currently underway in seven national parks across Indonesia.

As ownership will be designated for the locals, the ministry is also providing a special loan program to make it happen.

The homestays will be run by the locals so that it will help the local economy and preserve the national park itself, said Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar on Friday.

Read also: Environment and Forestry Ministry launches book on maritime national parks

But the number of [homestays] needs to be limited so that it wont disturb the ecosystem; resulting in waste pollution, added Siti.

The Wakatobi National Park in Southeast Sulawesi will be one of the locations to adopt the homestay program.

Wakatobi is one of the Tourism Ministrys 10 priority destinations and has been attracting many domestic and foreign tourists.

The regency aims to attract 500,000 foreign tourists by 2019. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, June 5, 2017 11:50 1984 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3cb345 1 News Indonesian-food,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,street-food,culinary-tour,food,#food Free

The Tourism Ministrys Culinary and Shopping Tourism Acceleration Team recently travelled to Manila in the Philippines from June 1 to 4 to attend the World Street Food Congress 2017.

Indonesian dishes are being recognized by world-class culinary figures [at the event] due to their high quality and unique character, said the team's head, Vita Datau Messakh at the congress.

One of the speakers at the event, American chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain, reportedly praised the different kinds of Indonesian cuisine that have influenced the culinary palate of neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

Read also: A taste of the best rendang in Jakarta

KF Seetoh, founder of Makansutra and initiator of World Street Food Congress 2017, advised Indonesia to quickly register rendang (beef simmered in coconut milk and spices) as Indonesian cultural heritage to UNESCO.

In another session, young Singaporean chef Malcom Lee who owns Candlenut restaurant mentioned a fan-favorite recipe of his that uses keluak (black nut) from Indonesia.

Lee also spoke about the time he explored Jakarta and fell in love with sate ayam [chicken satay] Madura served by a street vendor. That satay became his inspiration for creating the menu at his restaurant, which has earned a Michelin star, said Vita.

Read also: How a Japanese man gave Indonesian satay a twist

Meanwhile, Peter Lloyd of UK-based Sticky Mango Restaurant spoke of a dessert served at his establishment that uses kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) from Indonesia.

The culinary sector in Indonesia contributes a total gross of Rp 208.6 trillion (US$15.7 billion) with average growth of 4.5 percent. (kes)
A bad cellphone signal forced MoS for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal to climb a tree to make a phone call seeking help for residents of Bikaner, his constituency in Rajasthan.

By Sharat Kumar: In what could be a first, MoS for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal on Sunday instructed authorities to help villagers in his constituency - Rajasthan's Bikaner - after climbing a tree.

A bad cellphone signal forced the MP to take desperate measures, and a special ladder was ordered to help him.

Meghwal's visit came after residents of Bikaner's Dholiya village complained that the local hospital wasn't staffed with nurses. That was the issue Meghwal intended to resolve with his phone call.

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It wasn't exactly a novel sight for the villagers - they said it was normal for people to climb trees in search of an improved signal.

Watch the video here

#WATCH Union MoS Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal climbs a ladder to talk on the phone in Rajasthan's Bikaner pic.twitter.com/S88cdZ5wzy- ANI (@ANI_news) June 4, 2017

ALSO READ | FYI: Rajasthan High Court judge says peacocks don't have sex: How do you think peacocks reproduce?

--- ENDS ---
Arundhati Roy's follow-up to The God of Small Things, 20 years in the making, is arguably already the literary event of the year. And the book isn't even on the shelves yet. Roy is venerated abroad, treated like a saint. At home, though, she is derided as a terrorist sympathiser, a Naxalite, a communist, and secessionist. It hasn't stopped her saying what she wants. And in her new novel, she doesn't pull any punches, finding despair and devastation all around her, but reason, too, for hope.

Were Arundhati Roy just another writer, the release of The Ministry of Utmost Happiness on June 6, her much-anticipated second novel 20 years after her coruscating Booker-winning debut, would be the subject of hyperventilation on the nation's books pages alone. Except Roy is not so much a writer as a political lightning rod. And our nation has no books pages to speak of, the mainstream media treating books with the sort of kindly condescension the young and strong might reserve for the old and infirm.

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In lieu of bookchat, in the run-up to publication, Roy has found herself as the inadvertent centre of a minor but gusty squall. "Instead of tying stone pelter on the army jeep [sic]", tweeted the actor and BJP member of parliament Paresh Rawal, "tie Arundhati Roy!" After deleting the tweet, Rawal claimed he had been "coerced" by Twitter and that he stood by "the citizens and Indian armed forces under any situation and at any cost". And to think that it's Roy whom her critics describe as shrill and hysterical.

A couple of days after Rawal's tweet, Roy is perched on a sofa in an Old Delhi cafe laughing at her attackers, her gunmetal curls greyer, perhaps, but otherwise little affected by the passage of decades. At the cafe, incongruously located at the end of a narrow lane of spare-parts shops opposite the Jama Masjid, glasses of Rooh Afza are served, though Roy, still spare and fit in her mid-50s, leaves hers untouched. She was, she says, not in Srinagar to make the remarks attributed to her that set Rawal off and led to a fresh round of absurd studio debates predicated on fake news. In 2010, a case was filed against her for sedition for saying Kashmir was not an integral part of India. At the time, Roy defended herself by claiming that she "spoke about justice for the people of Kashmir who live under one of the most brutal military occupations in the world".

It is this kind of denunciation, passionately expressed and often to foreign audiences, that infuriates her critics. Talking about the invective that is directed at her, Roy argues that India changed fundamentally after the nuclear tests in 1998, became more nationalist, more jingoistic. "What wonderful, willing, well-behaved, gullible subjects," she wrote in her essay The End of Imagination, "we have turned out to be." Her observation continues to hold true in a country in which the media has proved a supplicant to power, entirely willing to bow before the political and corporate agenda. In an atmosphere of worship, of genuflection before the sacred, it's not surprising that Roy's predilection for the profane should prove so troublesome. To criticise Roy, to dispute her arguments and exaggerations, her fetishisation of the damaged, her too-humid prose, is normal; to insist that she is a fifth columnist is something else, symptomatic of the impatience the status quo, including the media, feels towards 'obstacles' to so-called development.

"I feel a rush of anger," says Biplab Dasgupta, a central character in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, "at those grumbling intellectuals and professional dissenters who constantly carp about this great country. Frankly, they can only do it because they are allowed to. And they are allowed to because, for all our imperfections, we are a genuine democracy." Dasgupta is an intelligent, suave bureaucrat posted in Kashmir and a stand-in for Roy's ideological opponents. Indeed, Roy's critics could do worse than borrow some of his barbs. "An administration that was at war with a ruthless insurgency," Dasgupta rationalises, "cannot be held to the same standards as one that is functioning in ordinary, peaceful conditions. But who was to explain that to a crusading journalist who wrote his copy with the sound of applause permanently ringing in his ears?" Dasgupta describes this as "performative radicalism", a version of what Tom Wolfe called radical chic, exactly what so many of Roy's most disdainful critics, including the likes of historian Ramachandra Guha, say she exemplifies.

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Not that Roy is incapable of disdain herself. "In this climate of... what can I say," she rolls her eyes, "plummeting IQ, when everything has a news cycle which lasts a few hours, it's a radical thing to do something that took 10 years." She has said in interviews that the writer and art critic John Berger, who died in January, was the earliest and most persistent champion of The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. But her critics too have been urging her for years to give up her polemical essays, her 'emotional' outbursts, and return to fiction. Return to being commodified as another photogenic celebrity, the globally feted writer who wins prizes and is a bestseller, a model for aspirational India. She has done what they wanted but they are unlikely to be placated by the result.

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If Roy took 20 years to write The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, that is because it is a record of those years, a reckoning with where we find ourselves in this moment in our national 'narrative'. Not for her Wordsworth's emotion recollected in tranquility; this is a novel that is hot off the presses. For instance: "Hell was closing in on the home front too. Gujarat ka Lalla had swept the polls and was the new Prime Minister.... A devotee gifted him a pinstriped suit with LallaLallaLalla woven into the fabric. He wore it to greet visiting Heads of State. Every week he addressed the people of the country directly in an emotional radio broadcast. He disseminated his message of Cleanliness, Purity and Sacrifice for the nation...." Back in the Old Delhi cafe, discussing the 'newsy' nature of The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, Roy said she was never going to be a writer who felt the pressure to follow one prize-winning book with another. "I'll write a book," she says, "when I have a book to write. The only ambition I have is the ambition of art. I wanted to experiment, to be able to throw it away." It's the kind of thing Roy says: grand, airy, slightly off topic. But she does, later in the conversation, get around to issuing a warning not to read too literally.

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Part of the problem with a novel hot off the presses is that readers are distracted by the resemblances between characters and those they imagine to be their real-life counterparts. Readers feel so pleased with recognising the hijra Anjum-the protagonist of the novel's opening sections, who lives in an old Delhi graveyard-as Mona Ahmed, the muse of photographer Dayanita Singh, that they forget that characters take on lives of their own. Aggarwal is not Kejriwal, and Gujarat ka Lalla, whatever the details, is not Narendra Modi. In a sense, just as the hijras in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness inhabit a parallel world that they distinguish from 'Duniya', the world in which the rest of us live, so too Roy's India is an inch away from the real thing. But all art is in that inch.

Unfortunately, Roy herself occasionally forgets the importance of that inch, and the novel becomes a pile-up, an exahustive cataloguing of recent events. As if rushing to get everything down before she forgets, Kashmir, of course, but Bastar too, Roy becomes slapdash with structure. The novel is awkward and unbalanced, like different-sized Lego pieces mashed together to form a tottering tower. The first half follows Anjum, born Aftab, from her teenage years in a Hijra commune in Old Delhi, having run away from her family, to the family graveyard where she creates a home for the dispossessed, a shelter for stray humans (and animals), on to Jantar Mantar and an anti-corruption movement led by an old Gandhian with a "gummy Farex-baby smile" and voice that despite sounding "like a pair of balloons being rubbed together, seemed to touch the very soul of the nation". At this Rabelaisian protest, an abandoned baby "the colour of night" is found, and in the ensuing hubbub-including an entertaining face-off between Anjum and Aggarwal/Kejriwal-kidnapped. The bulk of the novel then follows four friends studying architecture in Delhi whose twined paths lead to Kashmir.

There is Naga, who becomes a journalist, a compromised 'liberal' brutally satirised by Roy; Dasgupta, a clever, high-ranking bureaucrat driven to drink, ambivalence and eventually a recanting; Musa the Kashmiri militant; and 'fine-boned' Tilottama, with whom the men are all in love. This section of the novel is different in tone, looser, less vivid, switching between voices, perspectives and forms. It contains both the best and worst of Roy, the charming intimacy that shades into sentimentality, a forced winsomeness that is the inevitable precursor to horror. Roy romanticises certain kinds of Kashmiri militants, the 'Less Strict Ones' devoted to poetry, loved by the people, with their guns slung louchely over lean shoulders. It's an indulgence, as is the length of this rambling, baggy monster of a novel. There is, amidst all the misery in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, a solid core of schmaltz. For much of the novel, the Panglossian title appears ironic but by the end you realise that Roy is in earnest. She offers us her vision of happiness, of a community forged out of odds and ends, of down and outs who prevail because of their capacity for love.

Roy's prose veers drunkenly from the self-consciously beautiful to the near ludicrous. Her style can be exasperating, but the chaos, the tumult, is an artistic choice in keeping with her worldview. Roy's people have always been part of the precariat, those who make their lives in the margins. Love has always been Roy's answer to her detractors. Far from hating India, she revels in its multitude, its multifariousness. She is devoted to her idea of India and, unlike the 'patriots' who think only to compare India to Pakistan, she holds her India to the highest standards. And she forces us to ask what we are doing to ourselves as a society. "The stupidification of the mainland...," she writes about India, "didn't even need a military occupation." Her fidelity is to the vulnerable, to diversity; she exults in ceding control. It is her heart, rather than her art, that makes her essential, a writer we need because of her ability and willingness to needle, to annoy those who want nothing more than to seize control.

--- ENDS ---
In a lawsuit, property owner Maria Hrynenko blames her management company for the deadly Second Avenue explosion in 2015. [New York Post]

A look at the dire situation facing public housing in New York in the Trump era. [City Limits]

A proposal for expanded ground floor retail usage at 55-57 Spring St. drew opposition at a City Council hearing. [CityLand]

City Council member Margaret Chin came under heavy criticism from three rivals at a recent candidate forum. [Tribeca Trib]

The best Jewish food in New York City? Russ & Daughters, Katzs Deli, Kossars Bialys, Sammys Roumanian Steakhouse and B&H Dairy make the cut. [My Jewish Learning]
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer last week announced this years appointees to local community boards. Here are the nine new members of Community Board 3, which covers the Lower East Side, East Village and Chinatown:

Robert Magliaro: School administrator and co-founder of The Urban Assembly School for Emergency Management. [Brewer]

Jonathan Chu: Real estate developer, restaurant owner; Chus family recently opened Hotel 50 Bowery in Chinatown. He also owns the restaurants Nickel & Diner and Chikarashi. During the past year, Chu has served as a public member of CB3s liquor licensing committee. [Brewer]

Mei Lum: Owner of Mott Streets Wing on Wo & Co, the oldest continuously run business in Chinatown. [Brewer]

Lee Berman: East River Cooperative Board member, State Committee member. Berman is currently running to unseat the current male district leader in the 65th Assembly District, Part A. [Chin]

Marnie Ann Joyce: Operations Manager of the Atlantic Theater Company.

Clint Smeltzer: Project Assistant at the Paratus Group. Smeltzer previously served as a public member of CB3s liquor licensing committee. [Mendez]

Ryan Gilliam: Executive/Artistic Director of Downtown Art on East Fourth Street. [Mendez]

Dean Diongson: Director of Information Technology, Royce & Associates, resident of Grand Street cooperatives. [Mendez]

Luis Lopez: Former corporate middle manager; retired; resident of East 13th Street. [Mendez]

One member of Community Board 3, Anne Johnson, was not reappointed. She was out of town this past weekend, but we hope to speak with her sometime this week. Borough President Brewers press office did not respond to a request for information about Johnsons status.

In a press release, Brewer indicated there was a 31% increase in applications this year for Manhattans 12 boards. Community board members are appointed to staggered two-year terms, with half selected by the Borough President and half nominated by City Council members. Next to the name of each appointee, we have noted whether they were appointed by Brewer, Council member Margaret Chin or Council member Rosie Mendez.

Heres the complete list of appointees.
By Press Trust of India: (EDS: With fresh details, Rajnath Singhs remarks)

Srinagar, Jun 5 (PTI) Four heavily armed terrorists today tried to storm a CRPF camp in a pre-dawn suicide attack in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, but were killed in retaliatory fire by security forces.

The terrorists attempted to enter the camp of the CRPFs 45th battalion at Sumbal in Bandipora at around 4.10 am by opening fire at the sentry post, a police official said.

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The terrorist fire was retaliated by the guards while reinforcement from Jammu and Kashmir Police was rushed to the scene of gunbattle, he said.

"Four terrorists were killed in the retaliatory firing and the suicide attack was foiled," the official said.

He said four AK rifles,one underbarrel grenade launcher (UBGL) and substantial quantity of ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

In Delhi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the terrorists had intended a prolonged siege since they were carrying dry ration that could have lasted them several days.

Giving the details of the incident, he said the terrorists, who were prepared to carry out a fidayeen (suicide) attack, were carrying automatic rifles, grenades and incendiary material such as petrol, and had intended a prolonged siege to cause extensive damage, he said in a statement.

The home minister said the terrorists attempted to enter the camp by cutting the wire fencing and started firing at the sentry post.

The sentries responded with alacrity and returned their fire, he said, noting that the terrorists also lobbed more than two dozen grenades.

Singh said the Central Reserve Police Force personnel, in cooperation with men from an adjoining Jammu and Kashmir Police camp, killed all the four terrorists.

The home minister said the CRPF and the police personnel showed exemplary courage and valour by thwarting the terrorist attempt.

"It is inspiring to see CRPF men staying awake all night and maintaining a tight vigil, and to see the Jammu and Kashmir Police coming to the CRPFs assistance quickly," he said.

Singh congratulated the CRPF, particularly, its 45th battalion, and the J-K Police for their "alertness and unmatched courage".

"Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces," he said.

The home minister said all brave officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp "need to be cited for their alertness and unmatched bravery".

Singh made a special mention of the courage displayed by CRPF Commandant Iqbal Ahmad, company commanders Shankarlal Jat and Pankaj Hallu, Guard Commander Pankaj Kumar and constables K Dinesh Raja and Praful Kumar of the Sumbal camp in foiling the attack. PTI MIJ ACB IKA DV NSD SC NSD

--- ENDS ---

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Hopefully by now youve all seen the unbelievably fun King Arthur: Legend of the Sword  has it left you hungering for more cool British history?

Well, youll be glad to know that although there were elephants and tentacle monsters inhabiting the landscape, the filmmakers actually took the history very seriously. We got a chance to speak with the location scouts for the movie, who were very proud to share the fact that all the locations used in the film are from our very own British Isles.

VisitBritain teamed up with the film to ensure that the whole process was as British as it could possibly be  befitting the heritage of the legend. This decision did not come right at the beginning of the process, however. The scouts revealed that they were actually looking in Iceland for some suitably haunting and otherworldly locations to shoot the Darklands sequence, before coming to the conclusion that it would be far more authentic to stick within Britiain. Luckily, they came across a fitting location in Scotland instead.

Though the castles in the film were all special effects, the landscapes were pretty much entirely real. Living in the UK, especially in the cities, we often dont pay that much attention to how beautiful this island really is. Perhaps the movie will inspire you to take a trip into the countryside and follow in the footsteps of Arthur himself.

If that sounds like fun, be sure to note all the (many, many) places around Britain which have a claim to some part of the Arthurian legend. England boasts Cumbrias capital Carlisle as the site of Camelot and the round table, built upon Roman ruins.

Scotland boasts Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh, a great hike (supposedly) in the footsteps of the legend himself, as well as the small border town of Drumelzier where, it is said, Merlins grave is located.

Wales certainly wins out in this contest, since literally anywhere you go there, there is some link or another to Arthurian legend. Both Llyn Llydaw and Llyn Ogwen in Snowdonia National Park claim to be the lake which housed the famous Lady of the Lake, the final resting place for Excalibur.

All over Britain there are various round tables claiming to be the round table, not to mention monuments claiming to be Arthurs own final resting place. Whether you choose to believe any of these claims or none at all, it cant be denied that these myths and legends are fascinating in their ties to the stunning landscapes to which they belong.

The Director of Marketing at VisitBritain, Claire Mullin, was delighted at the opportunity to showcase the beauty and history of Britain through such a huge film, saying:

From watching the sunset from the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye, to walking in King Arthurs footsteps in majestic Snowdonia, to retracing his story at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall: Britains epic scenery, ancient history and magical landscapes have the power to transform our holiday experiences into the stuff of legends.

"Our collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures on King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is a fantastic opportunity to showcase to a global audience of millions the legendary experiences only available in Britain, inspiring people to book a trip right now to discover their own epic stories.

If youre interested in learning more about these stories, and how you can visit these locations, head on over to the VisitBritain website.

And check out this exclusive behind the scenes King Arthur location video below!
Four Arab nations have cut diplomatic ties to Qatar  heres what you need to know.

Whos involved?

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced on Monday they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar, further deepening a rift between the Gulf Arab nations over the countrys support for Islamist groups.

Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (Osama Faisal/AP)

How does Qatar support Islamist groups?

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 to cut ties.

The countries are most worried about Qatars support for the Muslim Brotherhood  a Sunni Islamist political group outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE as it challenges those nations hereditary rule.

Qatar has strongly denied funding extremist groups but remains a key financial patron of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and has been the home of exiled Hamas official Khaled Mashaal since 2012. Western officials have also accused Qatar of allowing or even encouraging funding of Sunni extremists like al-Qaidas branch in Syria, once known as the Nusra Front.

A Qatar Airways Airbus A380-861 plane (Steve Parsons/PA)

It comes after Qatar claimed in late May that hackers took over the site of its state-run news agency and published what it called fake comments from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel.

Its Gulf Arab neighbours responded with anger, blocking Qatari-based media, including the Doha-based satellite news network Al-Jazeera.

Al-Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan had this to say.

Saudi Arabia is accusing Qatar of supporting terrorism and sectarianism. In other news, the pot has called the kettle black.  Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) June 5, 2017

What impact will this have?

Saudi Arabia said Qatari troops would be pulled from its continuing war in Yemen.

The four nations also said they planned to cut air and sea traffic to the peninsular country.

(Steve Parsons/PA)

It was not 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.

Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad said it was suspending flights to Qatar amid the growing rift.

The UAE flag carrier said on its website its last flights until further notice would leave early on Tuesday, but gave no reason for the decision.

Hasnt Saudi Arabia been accused of something similar?

We need to have some difficult conversations, starting with Saudi Arabia & other Gulf states that have funded and fuelled extremist ideology pic.twitter.com/dZuGWbcAYL  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 4, 2017

David Cameron agreed to an inquiry into foreign funding of Islamist extremists in 2015, as part of a deal with the Liberal Democrats in return for their support on the extension of air strikes into Syria.

Reports last week suggested that the report may never be published because of the sensitivity of its findings regarding Saudi Arabia, though the Home Office said a decision on its release would be made after the election.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn have urged Theresa May to publish the report.

Farron wrote in the Guardian: Theresa May talks of the need to have some difficult and sometimes embarrassing conversations. That should include exposing and rooting out the source funding of terror, even if it means difficult and embarrassing conversations with those like Saudi Arabia that the Government claims are our allies.

Does Qatar have any ties to Britain?

Theresa May meets Emir of Qatar in December (Carl Court/PA)

Qatar has invested 40 billion in the UK.

It owns Harrods and has a 95% stake in the Shard, Londons tallest building, as well as having a stake in Canary Wharf and the Olympic Stadium.

The state announced a further 5 billion of investment in the UK earlier this year.
Theresa May, in her speech on Downing Street following Saturdays terror attack on London Bridge, criticised internet firms for providing the safe space for terrorist ideology to breed.

However, she came under fire for her intellectually lazy response by cyber security experts.

Here are the key questions:

Who is Theresa May targeting and what is she proposing?

(Andrew Matthews/PA)

The Prime Minister targeted internet companies who she blamed for providing safe spaces for extremists to communicate. Echoing the Tory manifesto, she called for cyberspace regulation to reduce the risks of extremism online.

Her manifesto is proposing a framework which includes allowing regulators to order the removal of illegal content online and fine companies which fail in their legal duties.

Why is Mays approach being criticised?

Dominic Lipinski/PA

Cyber security experts and tech companies criticised her approach as intellectually lazy and disappointing, for focusing on social media sites that are already cracking down on extremist accounts.

Professor Peter Neumann, director of the International Centre For The Study Of Radicalisation at Kings College London, said the removal of terror-related social media accounts has pushed jihadists onto encrypted messenger sites, which makes their observation more difficult, and pointed out that few people are radicalised exclusively online.

Responding on Twitter to the Prime Ministers proposals, the academic said: Mays statement may have sounded strong but contains very little that is actionable, different, or new.

How does encryption work on instant messenger sites?

Jonathan Brady/PA

Instant messenger firms such as WhatsApp and Telegram secure private messages using end-to-end encryption, meaning messages can only be seen by the sender and the recipient.

Encrypted messages, secured with a unique encryption lock and key, cannot be accessed by the companies.

Are encrypted messages accessible to the authorities?

Yui Mok/PA

No. Home Secretary Amber Rudd raised the issue of governments being unable to read encrypted messages following Khalid Masoods rampage on Westminster in March, after it emerged he made contact with WhatsApp shortly before launching his attack. She said there should be no place for terrorists to hide.

WhatsApp says privacy is in (its) DNA and insists that end-to-end encryption prevents messages and other digital content shared through the app from falling into the wrong hands.

Should encryption be banned?

Stefan Rousseau/PA

Speaking to Andrew Marr in March, Rudd controversially called for an encryption ban, a move which was criticised as infringing on rights of privacy, free speech and wider internet security such as online banking.

Encryption-based messaging service Telegram is strict about the protection of information and personal conversations from snooping third parties and have said politically motivated censorship goes against their principles. However, they say they block terrorist bots and channels, but wont block those who peacefully express alternative opinions.

How difficult are encrypted messaging sites to regulate?

Lauren Hurley/PA

Messages exchanged on these sites are highly secured, however concerns have been raised regarding the security of WhatsApp encryption, with rumours of a back door being available for governments to access messages.

The firm has denied these claims as false, saying it would fight any government request to create a back door and that all calls and messages made through the app by its one billion users are end-to-end encrypted by default.

Companies which use end-to-end encryption do not have access to the data, meaning they are unable to pass protected messages to the authorities in the first place.
The title is a lie. No one can keep you safe anymore, not entirely. But Jeremy Corbyn will keep you safer, and heres why.

Theresa May has suppressed a report on terrorists revenue. It was apparently too sensitive to publish, which in politics means damning.

Saturday nights attack in Borough Market One can make a reasonable guess at its contents. Just days before, the independent candidate for Hastings and Rye, Nicholas Wilson, accused the Home Secretary Amber Rudd of continuing her predecessors financial collusions with Saudi Arabia in return for oil. You can see Mrs Rudd passing a note to the debate moderator, a spineless C of E vicar, who then snatches away Mr Wilsons microphone  and with it his freedom of speech.

One ought to let that sink in; the easiest way to do so is to render it in plain English and sort of stare at it for a bit: The Prime Minister, whose most sacred duty is to keep the citizens of her country safe, has deliberately censored a report on where a religious death cult are getting their cash.

Now add to this fortuitous farce some statistics. Between 2010 and 2016, Theresa May, during her tenure as Home Secretary, cut police numbers by 20,000, an average of 2,000-3,000 job losses per year for six years. Only 107,000 of those remaining officers are in front-line roles, a definition the government has stretched to include middle-management and forensics.

The PM claims there are hundreds of extra officers on the streets. Either she is right, and has warped the laws of arithmetic, or she has added to her litany of platitudes, redefined the word extra, and appropriated officers from other regions.

The former head of Belfasts Special Branch Jim Gamble, the former senior Met officer Peter Kirkham, and even David Camerons former strategy advisor Steve Hilton have all emerged to say much the same thing: whilst Islamic terror may be the new normal, Theresa May continues to make it more inexorable. Her strategy? More police cuts, more hospital cuts, and more cuts to emergency services. And let us not forget the Investigatory Powers Act, whose destruction of one our most fundamental rights is apparently justified because terrorism.

But amid the cuts, censorship, and negligence she has the gall to accuse Jeremy Corbyn of weakness and, at times, something approaching treason. I will concede that the most worrying thing about Corbyns response to Islamic terror is his failure to call it Islamic. After years of paralysis by political correctness, only now are politicians, journalists, and Muslim reformers such as Maajid Nawaz insisting on the religious core of these attacks. It is not racist or Islamophobic to point this out. On the contrary, it allows moderate Muslims the lexicon to distance themselves from a fundamentalist reading of their own faith.

Any thinking person will observe that foreign interventions culture the petri dish of terror. Our PM conflates this with excusing terror, in part because her government is funding the terror. Corbyn is right to make this observation. But whether or not he becomes Prime Minister, he must cease insisting on the solely political victory terrorists crave. He must accept that that political victory is a theocratic victory.

vote Conservative In any case he is already on more solid ground that May. If youin this election because you think you will be safer, then you have failed to distinguish between party and policy. Diane Abbott may have botched the numbers. But only one manifesto has pledged, and at least attempted to cost, 10,000 fresh police officers on the streets of our country.

I have criticised Corbyn from the day he was voted leader of the Labour Party, and I continue to have deep reservations. But, then again, on Saturday night three men ran around Borough Market stabbing people while shouting this is for Allah. I refuse to vote for a party who continues to fund the source of those mens ideology, while savaging the only people who can protect us when it happens again.
As Theresa Mays party is winning by a tight margin in the polls over Labour, the Tories have nearly achieved their political move for "strong and stable" leadership.

Yet how can they improve the life of students, which constitutes a major part of the electorate? Can they actually do anything to lure this demographic away from Corbyn?

We looked into it.

Theresa May, Leader of the Conservative party from Wikimedia Commons

Funding

After last year's Brexit vote, UK universities were worried not only for their European students, but also for their funding - which comes in great parts from the European Union.

In order to avoid a funding shortage, the Conservatives propose to replicate the American system of university funding, by building investment funds and allowing universities to capialise on the commercial perspective of their research, increasing investment in and by universities.

This follows the Higher Education bill that the government was hoping to pass, which bore resemblance to the systems used by American universities and was highly controversial amongst students.

Tuition Fees

There is no clarity about whether the Conservatives wish to continue to increase tuition fees. However, the party is offering a major condition to universities hoping to charge maximum tuition fees: they will have to become involved in the founding of free schools and academy sponsorship. In turn, this will allow them to establish maths schools in every major city. The party will still launch a review of fundings to ensure financial support offers "value for money".

New Institutes of Technology

Under the Tories new institutes of technology will be established, linked to leading universities and backed by leading UK employers. They will enjoy the same freedom as universities, including eligibility for public funds for productivity and skills research, and students being able to access loans and grants. These loans and grants will provide STEM subjects to degree level and above, as well as apprenticeships. Indeed, by 2020 the Tories are committed to create three million apprenticeships for young people.

Mental Health

Mental health is one of the major challenges faced by universities, impacting students' wellbeing. The Tories intend to pass a new Mental Health bill, which will focus on treatment and ending the stigma around mental health. Improvements in treatment should ba achieved by increased funding, as the party promises a further 1billion investment by 2020/2021.

Graduates

The Conservatives want to ensure the funding of graduates schemes from UKs largest graduate employers.

Also, a new minimum wage of 7.50 an hour will be introduced. This number will continue to increase to 60% of median earnings by 2020.

It seems that the Tories are on their way to replicate the higher education system of the United States, whether it is by pushing universities into the private commercial market or by threatening the affordability of UK universities. Even if their ideas could improve future students' prospects, their lack of practical policies for improving life of students is appalling.
voting to leave the union More and more students unions are considering disaffiliating from the National Union of Students (NUS) - with the University of Surreyjust last week.

The most recent event to spur these debates has been the appointment of Malia Bouattia as President, who has previously been accused of making anti-Semitic remarks. In one such incident she called the University of Birmingham something of a Zionist outpost, although she later insisted this remark was made in relation to politics and not religion.

History of the NUS

The NUS was formed on 10th Feb 1992 at a meeting held at the University of London. At this meeting, the Inter-Varsity Association and the International Student Bureau (which organised student travel) agreed to merge. Founding members included the unions of the University of Birmingham, Birkbeck College, LSE, Imperial College London, King's College London, and the University of Bristol.

In the aftermath of the Second World War and with the onset of the Cold War, the NUS had adopted a no politics clause in its charter to distance itself from 1930s communism.

Politics

In the early years of the NUS its presidency was dominated by the Broad Left, meaning that the Communist Party of Great Britain usually supplied the president, backed up Labour and the Liberals. From 1982, with the election of Neil Stewart and until Andrew Pakes stood down in 2000, the presidency of the National Union of Students was controlled by the National Organisation of Labour Students.

Who has left?

Newcastle University Students Union

University of Hull Students Union

Loughborough University Students Union

Univerity of Lincoln Students Union

University of Surrey Students Union

Lincolns out campaign argued that NUS extremists had made students a "laughing stock... ridiculed by the politicians, ridiculed in the press and ridiculed by a vast amount of the public."

What happens when a university leaves the NUS

The above universities will no longer have access to their resources, support, conferences, reports and research, advice, support unit or commercial trading group. The university can still align themselves with any issue they feel is important and is applicable to their students, and can take an independent stance if that is what the students want. It does mean that the university SU has more control over what they say and do and does not have to follow NUS policies.

There has been some discussion between the universities that have left the NUS about possibly joining up and supporting each other. Will this lead to a new NUS equivalent? What is the future of the organisation? Well have to wait and see.
The episode opens to the serene blue ceiling of the Commander's room, on which Offred (Elisabeth Moss) focuses as she finds herself quite literally in the middle of another 'ceremony'. As is Gilead's tradition, the ceremony sees the handmaid strategically positioned between an official and his wife, as a literal vessel of conception. The very image of this act is as shocking as it is imbibed with meaning. Throughout this latest chapter in Bruce Miller's adaptation of the Margaret Atwood novel, we tap further into the strained relationship that women - more specifically ' wives' and the 'handmaids' - in Gilead share and how they are brought together by the imminent, precarious birth of a child. With Ofwarren coming to term with her pregnancy, we are given further insight into the endlessly tense and resentful relationship shared between the wives and the handmaids. Both tribes of women undergo a ritual of sorts, with the wives imitating the same tender care to the 'mother' of the impending child as the handmaids give to Ofwarren as she pants through labour. Echoing the teachings of Gilead that we learnt of last week, Aunt Lydia leads the handmaids in chanting for the baby's safe arrival; as Offred reveals in an aside, in this barren dystopia, only 1 in 5 children survive childbirth.As the wives await the birth, Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski), accompanied by two other wives, calls Offred in for an update. It is in this uncomfortable interaction that we see how the classes of women are divided, as Serena's fellow wives make condescending statements towards Offred that evoke the same coldness as Serena. Considered to be "little whores" by their mistresses, who resent their need for them, the plight of the handmaids is only made to seem more dire - and though we know this already, it evokes our sympathy completely. The ritual of the birth finally comes to a close with the arrival of a healthy baby girl. However, while Aunt Lydia and the wives rejoice over this little miracle, it is a saddeningly sober moment for Ofwarren. As the child is given to the expectant wife - who names the girl 'Angela' - the child's biological mother is made to sit and watch, comforted only by her fellow handmaids, who form into a flower-esque circle of support around her; each acting like petals closing in to protect an exposed bud. The imagery of this scene is powerful and crisply shot, offering us a glimmer of humanity in this increasingly inhumane environment. Madeline Brewer's vulnerable performance as Ofwarren is also beautifully captured throughout. Throughout the birth, we are also transported back in time, via flashback's of Offred's pre-Gilead pregnancy with her daughter Hannah. Though these flashbacks can be somewhat distracting from the present scenes, they offer two poignant images. One such scene shows Offred (then June), walking among a sea of empty hospital cribs after the birth of her child - a visual sign of the world's infertitily and desolation. The other parallels directly with the plight of Ofwarren, as Offred harks back to the heart-stopping scene in which a deranged cradle snatcher attempts to steal Hannah from the hospital. The theft of a child from its mother is among one of the cruellest, most immoral acts we as a society abhor, and yet, here Gilead stands - snatching babies from "two-legged wombs" and passing them onto rich surrogates. Naturally, these scenes are affecting, imbibing within us the same sense of moral outrage as last week's exploits. Amongst all this, Offred is also faced with an ambigious (and potentially dangerous) proposition from Commander Waterston, who invites her to his quarters through his driver. Though Offred agonises over what such a forbidden meeting could mean, the answer turns out to be deceptively harmless, as Waterston asks Offred to engage in a (very silent) game of Scrabble. Though it is somewhat pleasant to see someone treat Offred with a scrap of humanity and respect, Joseph Fiennes' soft-spoken Commander remains ambiguous and mistrustful. When he agrees to a rematch with the phrase, "it's a date", one can't help but recoil a little in disgust. The episode ends with a peculiar choice in soundtrack, as Simple Minds' "(Don't You) Forget About Me" blasts loudly as Offred - seemingly pleased by her means of getting close to the Commander and his plans - steps out for her morning shop. However, as she arrives at the gates, excited to reveal all to her ally Ofglen (Alexis Bledel), a different Ofglen appears. Quite where the real Ofglen - who by her own admission was a "carpet-munching gender-traitor" - is unclear, but very, very ominous. Offred's final line certainly seems apt as we look to next week's revelations; "Fuck."
Unfortunately, this finale to the trilogy is not quite the brilliant denouement the story deserved.There were two major issues with the episode. The first is also one of its strengths - its ambition. The stakes were simply too high, the threat too serious and the danger too much to be taken care of so quickly. Too much was going on to be properly fleshed out, and the pacing was all over the place because of it. Perhaps a four-part story would have suited this arc better and given more time for a realistic and satisfying conclusion. As it stands, the Monks were offed way too easily, and were not shown enough in their concluding episode. It is not so much that the story was too ambitious (there is no such thing) but that it failed entirely to live up to the ambition it displayed.The second issue is the scene on the ship, where Bill confronts the Doctor - who has seemingly joined the Monks as their propagandist-in-chief. It was brilliantly acted, as expected, and emotional, but seeing Bill shoot the Doctor in the belief that she was murdering her friend was perhaps a step too far. Yes, the threat of the Monks was serious, but this was a slightly misjudged move. The scene was filled with emotion, the music by Murray Gold was (as ever) beautiful and the false regeneration almost (almost!) convinced us that there was going to be an unexpected plot twist. Nonetheless, the story still had a lot to offer. As stated, the ambition on display was breathtaking. The presentation of a totalitarian dystopian world in which fake news and altered history is used by oppressors in manipulating their subjected population is an ever-fascinating and eerie concept which is pulled off with some aplomb here. The dystopia feels real, and the montage at the beginning showing the Monks inserted into human history is both darkly funny and utterly convincing, in line with totalitarian tactics everywhere they crop up. Thought crime is punished ruthlessly, and the Monks demand to be worshipped by their people. This is a realistic, well thought out and brilliantly presented vision of evil and oppression. It is just a shame that it was over too quickly and easily. The highlight of the episode, though, was the return of Missy (Michelle Gomez), who as ever was delightfully mad and bad - though, apparently, trying to mend her ways with the help of the Doctor. It is interesting to see this side of the character, engaging with the process of turning good and seeming to show genuine remorse in the final scene at her murderous ways. Is the Master finally going to be on the side of the angels? One cannot wait to see how this arc plays out, and given that John Simms Master is also returning, it seems that it will be explosive. Finally, more praise must be heaped upon Pearl Mackie for her ever-evolving performance as Bill. She is a lone woman who sees the truth in a world full of lies, and her emotional acting when confronting the Doctor and using memories of her deceased mother to combat the falsifications of the Monks is a wonder to behold. It seems unlikely that Mackie will continue once Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat have left the show in new hands, so we must treasure every moment this brilliant new companion gives us. The Lie of the Land is not quite the brilliant conclusion to a great trilogy that one would have hoped for, faltering a little on the heights it tries to climb, but it is still an ambitious, smart and interesting addition to what continues to be a brilliant series.
Nitish Kumar did not name Raghubar Das. But addressing the predominantly tribal audience at his Jharkhand bachao sarkar girao abhiyan rally in Ranchi on May 18, the Bihar chief minister drew loud cheers when he questioned the sanctity of a "non-tribal becoming chief minister. It's against the spirit of Jharkhand's creation, as it was carved out of Bihar for its distinct tribal identity and to protect tribal interests".

While their relationship has always been adversarial, this was the first time the usually moderate Nitish, who has rarely raised identity issues, questioned Raghubar's non-tribal lineage. The unusual tenor of his speech made it evident that Nitish has designs on Jharkhand. The Bihar CM apparently sees an opportunity to make inroads in Jharkhand in the wake of the Raghubar government's intemperate handling of tribal issues, like the recent controversial amendments to the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPT).

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After first trying the ordinance route in July 2016, the CM, in November last year, pushed the amendments to the two laws-which are meant to safeguard tribal lands-through the assembly. Governor Droupadi Murmu, though, is yet to give her assent. At the Ranchi rally, Nitish openly called on her to reject the amendments "in the larger interests of the state".

Initially bullish that the tribal community would support the amendments-which propose to open up tribal holdings for commercial use-the Jharkhand CM too appears to have developed cold feet. This was after the BJP lost successive byelections in which opposition parties held up his CNT and SPT proposals as 'anti-tribal'.

Nitish's JD(U), which once had a decisive say in government formation in Jharkhand, currently has no representatives in the assembly. Now, besides his old association with veterans like Babulal Marandi, he's found another ally in Salkhan Murmu, a former MP and noted tribal leader, who helped organise the May 18 rally. There's no love lost between Raghubar and Nitish since the former snubbed him over his pet obsession: prohibition.

--- ENDS ---
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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has broken his silence over the poor class 12th results this year. About 64.75 per cent students failed the exam conducted by BSEB.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar blames 'a few Biharis' for spoiling the image of the state. (File Photo/PTI)

By India Today Web Desk: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has finally broken his silence over the controversy surrounding the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) results. About 64.75 per cent students failed the Class XII examinations this year, the worst in nearly two decades.

For the second consecutive year, the education department had to cancel the result of Humanities stream topper after media reports raised questions over the process the answer sheets were checked.

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Speaking to reporters during a press conference in Patna, Nitish Kumar blamed 'a few Biharis' for the controversy.

"A few Biharis are spoiling our image," Nitish Kumar responded to a barrage of questions from reporters."It was the board (BSEB) which initiated inquiry and took action in the matter. It is wrong to say we were sitting on reports of malpractices," he added.

ARTS TOPPER ARRESTED

Last week, the Patna police arrested this year's Arts topper Ganesh Kumar on charge of forgery of documents.

Ganesh Kumar was arrested from the Bihar School Examination Board office on a complaint filed by the board alleging that he took the examination on forged documents, Patna senior superintendent of police, Manu Maharaj, said.

Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) chairman, Anand Kishore said Kumar was called to the office for questioning after reports of him submitting forged documents emerged. He was handed over to the police after it was found that his documents were not in order.

THE TOPPER SCAM

The topper scam had hit the headlines last year when Ruby Rai of Bishun Roy College, the topper in the Arts category failed to answer even basic questions and explained political science as 'prodigal science' which taught 'cooking'. Rai was arrested later.

The Bihar Police has so far arrested 21 people, including ex-BSEB chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh, his wife and former JD(U) MLA Usha Sinha and secretary-cum-principal of Bishun Roy College Bachha Rai among others.

ALSO READ:

Toppers scam effect: 64 per cent students fail in class 12 Bihar board exams

How Bihar's Ganesh Kumar appeared for 10th, 12th exam after 20 years using fake birth certificate

Bihar topper scam 2016: Money laundering case against jailed BSEB chairman Lalkeshwar Yadav

WATCH: Nitish Kumar lauds India Today for 'Udta Bihar' sting, promises action

--- ENDS ---
By Rohit Kumar Singh: In a shocking incident from Bihar, two youths were beaten blue and black on charges of stealing five chairs from a wedding, last week. The incident was reported from Sonbarsa village under Nuaon block in Kaimur district. Raj Kumar Bind and Birbal Bind were hanged upside down on a tree and beaten badly by strongmen in the village.

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According to locals, there was wedding ceremony in the house of Mahangu Bind, a strongman in the village. Soon after his daughter was married and the baarat returned, he found that of the several items he had hired from a tent house for the wedding, five chairs were missing.

Mahangu suspected that Raj Kumar and Birbal, both in their early 20's were responsible for the missing chairs and called them to his house and hanged them upside down on a tree and thrashed them. The ordeal for both youths continued in front of the entire village for almost three hours before they were let off when their poor family members paid Rs 3000 as cost of the five chairs to Mahangu Bind.

The victims refused to lodge an FIR in this case despite the news of the incident spread like wildfire in the village. It took the senior cops of the district to convince both of them of security before they lodged an FIR in this case against four persons including Mahangu Bind. Soon after the FIR was registered, the police flung into action and have arrested one person in this case. Mahangu and two others are absconding fearing arrest.

Also Read:

Few Biharis spoiling our image: CM Nitish Kumar on topper scam

Toppers scam effect: 64 per cent students fail in class 12 Bihar board exams

How Bihar's Ganesh Kumar appeared for 10th, 12th exam after 20 years using fake birth certificate

Bihar topper scam 2016: Money laundering case against jailed BSEB chairman Lalkeshwar Yadav

WATCH: Nitish Kumar lauds India Today for 'Udta Bihar' sting, promises action

--- ENDS ---
Bipasha Basu is fitter than you, even with an injury.

By Shivani Chhabra: Say hello to a new week, and if you're low on energy on the very first day of the week--like most of us--there's one celebrity who can boost your spirit up. We're talking about Bipasha Basu.

Our very own bong beauty is slayin' it with her relentless workouts, and boy, are the results mind blowing or what!

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Basu, who has been one of the original fitness freaks of the industry, posted a video of herself doing push-ups with celebrity fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala. Just looking at them will make you sweat!

The actor mentioned in the caption that she had a stuck back while working out, and we're awe-struck by her dedication. Bipasha's push-ups were so perfect that it just did not seem like she had a jammed back; and then we read the caption.

Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover are the new power couple of tinsel town, setting some serious goals for all new couples out there.

While we can't even work on Mondays, they're probably done working out for the day, and that's quite motivating.

Thanks for the motivation, you two. We can get through the week now, we think.

--- ENDS ---
The 32-year-old man sent obscene and threatening messages on Facebook, Twitter, Email and through text messages.

By India Today Web Desk: Delhi Police today arrested a man for allegedly stalking BJP leader Nupur Sharma.

The 32-year-old man sent obscene and threatening messages on Facebook, Twitter, Email and through text messages.

The accused man hails from Gujarat's Vadodara district. Police said that the accused violated privacy and accessed Sharma's family details.

He used abusive languages and threatened her with dire consequences.

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Sources from the party said that Delhi Police is currently reviewing Sharma's security.

Also read:

1 of 4 DU students accused of 'stalking' Smriti Irani apologises to the minister

Disha Patani stalked by male fan in Delhi

WATCH | One of 4 DU students accused of stalking Smriti Irani apologises

--- ENDS ---
Book looks into 52 cases unsolved murders with ties to South Dakota

Christine Wevik started researching cold cases in South Dakota thinking there were about 30. She found 155.
The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti today filed a police complaint in Goa alleging that Zakir Naik's and the banned Islamic Research Foundation's Facebook pages were illegally active. The complaint asks authorities to immediately block the pages.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: The Hindu Janjagruti Samiti's Goa unit today filed a police complaint against Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and his banned Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). In the complaint, filed in Goa, the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti objects to the IRF's and Zakir Naik's Facebook pages being active despite the government's ban on the controversial Islamic preacher's foundation.

"Our legal team has filed complaint with Goa police as despite central agencies have put ban (sic) on IRF but still IRF and Zakir Naik's Facebook page is very much active. (This) is totally against UAPA [Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act]. We have asked cyber crime department of Goa police to look into this matter and have lodge(d) (an) official complaint," HJS's lawyer, Nagesh Takbhate, said in his complaint.

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"Furthermore, the Home Ministry had evidence that Naik has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote disharmony between different religious communities and groups," Takbhate further alleges in his complaint.

In his complaint Takbhate said the central government has received information that the statements and speeches made by Naik are objectionable and subversive in nature as he allegedly proclaims that every Muslim should be a terrorist and purportedly justifies the suicide bombings.

The complaint also accuses of Naik's and IRF's Facebook pages of posting objectionable against Hindu gods. The Facebook page of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and its founder Dr Zakir Naik should be blocked immediately, the complaint says.

The Central government had last year banned the IRF for five years. The ban was enforced under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and approved at a meeting of the Union Cabinet.

ALSO READ | Has Islamic preacher Zakir Naik got Saudi Arabian citizenship?

ALSO WATCH | Zakir Naik used fake shell companies to launder illegal wealth, says NIA

--- ENDS ---
Madras High Court will be hearing the case on June 7 after it granted an interim stay on the NEET UG 2017 results declaration.

By India Today Web Desk: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is unlikely to declare results of the National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET) 2017 before June 8.

As reported by News Nation, this announcement was made by CBSE officials.

Reasons for delay in results:

A temporary order on a petition challenging the conduct of NEET exam on May 7 was filed in the court

As reported, the petition moved by Sankalp, an NGO, sought a re-exam for NEET 2017

Now, Madras High Court will be hearing the case on June 7 after it granted an interim stay on the results declaration.

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Moreover, as reported by NDTV, a fresh writ petition also has been filed in the same court seeking to cancel the NEET which was held for admission to MBBS and BDS courses for the academic year 2017-18.

(Read: CBSE NEET 2017 to be re-conducted for these students )

Once the results will be declared, all the candidates need to follow the below mentioned steps:

Go to the official website

Click on relevant link

Enter all the required details in prescribed format

Click to submit

Results will be displayed

Download and take print out of the same for future reference.

More on the report:

Further, the Union health and family welfare secretary, director-general health services, New Delhi, Medical Council of India (MCI), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Tamil Nadu health and family welfare secretary have been directed by the judge to file their replies by June 7

Also, CBSE was forced to stop evaluation of answer sheets. Hence, the answer keys were also not released as per schedule.

(Read: NEET 2017: Questions in Bengali tougher than English version, Bengal government to write to CBSE)

For smooth conduction of the examination, 490 CBSE officials were deployed to the exam centres to personally supervise the examination along with 3,500 observers and city coordinators from CBSE affiliated schools.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, by a June 2016 ordinance, amended the Medical Council of India Act and Dental Council of India Act and made the provision for integrated NEET for UG admissions for 95,000 seats (65,000 MBBS and 25,000 BDS) in all government medical colleges, private medical colleges and deemed universities in the entire country.

Expected cut-off:

"The cut-off for general category would be between 380 and 410," said expert Rajshekhar Ratrey, VP Educational Content of Toppr.

About NEET exam:

The exam was held on May 7

A total of 11,38,890 students registered for this examination including 1522 NRIs, 480 OCIs, 70 PIOs and 613 Foreigners. This exam has been conducted in 10 languages at 1921 exam centres in 103 cities.

For any query, all the candidates can check the official website of the board.

Read: NEET PG 2017: Cut-offs reduced

Read: NEET PG Revised Results 2017: Here's how to check

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Read: CBSE NEET 2017: 3 questions have have more than one correct answer, experts to address the issue

For information on more latest news and updates, click here.

--- ENDS ---
Filmmaker Karan Johar had an enlightening conversation with spiritual leader and yogi Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

Karan on Sunday shared a photograph of himself with the spiritual leader, who founded the Isha Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which offers yoga programmes around the world, including India, the US, Britain, Lebanon, Singapore, Canada, Malaysia, Uganda, China, Nepal, and Australia.

"Enlightening 'in conversation' with the mystic Sadhguru JV this morning Isha Foundation," Karan captioned the image.

The Isha Foundation is also involved in various social and community development activities, which have earned it a special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
Civil services exam topper Nandini K R got 55.3 per cent marks, reflecting the tough standard adopted by the UPSC in conduct of the prestigious test to select the country's bureaucrats.

The marks of the successful candidates of the civil services examination 2016 have been disclosed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

The examination is conducted annually in three stages  preliminary, main and interview  to select candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.

Nandini, an officer of Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), has topped the examination, the result of which was declared on May 31.

She got 1,120 marks (927 in main and 193 in interview) out of the total of 2,025  55.3 per cent.

Second rank achiever Anmol Sher Singh Bedi got 1,105 marks (54.56 per cent) and third rank holder Gopalakrishna Ronanki secured 1,101 marks (54.37 per cent), the UPSC said.

The topper of civil services examination 2015, Tina Dabi, had got 1,063 marks (52.49 per cent).

A total of 1,099 candidates (846 men and 253 women), including 500 in General category, 347 belonging to Other Backward Class, 163 from Scheduled Caste and 89 from Scheduled Tribe, have been recommended for appointment to various central government services on the basis of the 2016 civil services exam results.

Among the successful ones, the one with the lowest marks is Abhishek Srivastava, who has got 1,099 rank. He has secured a total of 817 marks, or 40.34 per cent.

All of these candidates will get central government services.

"The marks of the successful candidates show the tough standard followed by the commission in selecting the country's bureaucrats," said a senior official in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), nodal authority for the UPSC.
US 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.

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, Xinhua reported.

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 on 3 June in a Washington Post article.

US 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 said.

Since the president's announcement of withdrawal on 1 June, a number of famous American business jumped away from offering support to his decision.

On 3 June, 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 3 June, 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, 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.

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 3 June, 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.

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 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 on 3 June it would stay on the president's forum, but Ford said in a statement on 1 June, "climate change is real."

"We remain deeply committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our vehicles and our facilities," Ford said in a statement.

The numbner two US car maker declined to say if it would stay on the president's council.
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a pact with Bird Academy to train more than 30,000 unemployed youth across various states in the aviation space, a government release said on 4 June.

Those trained will include youth from North Eastern statesand minimum 5,000 women and tribal youths from the underprivileged sections of the society and assist states in capacity building over the next six years, it added.

The NSDC and Bird Academy signed an MoU on 1 June for skilling unemployed youth in the aviation and aerospace sector.

The two organisations will work together to set up training centres and centre of excellence in Indiaunder the guidance of aerospace and aviation sector skill council.
South Korea's government said on Monday it has drawn up an 11.2 trillion won ($10 billion) extra budget to create jobs as the new administration took its first steps to deliver campaign pledges.

The Finance Ministry said about half of the stimulus package will be allocated to add 71,000 jobs in the public sector, including teachers, police, firefighters and social workers.

The ministry said the budget will also support the unemployed, women and the elderly. Pay during parental leave, elderly jobs and pays for the elderly will go up.

The government also plans to give subsidies to small- and medium-sized firms that create stable full-time jobs, rather than contract jobs, to boost quality jobs in the private sector.

In total, the ministry said the budget plan will create more than 110,000 jobs in the public and private sectors.

President Moon Jae-in promised to put jobs at the center of his economic policy during his election campaign.

Asia's fourth-largest economy may appear to be on track to recovery with recent improvements in exports and economic growth.

But those upbeat economic reports mask other problems, such as inequality in income distributions, youth unemployment that hovers near all-time highs and sluggish growth in household income. Recovery in consumer spending has been slow as a result.

The stimulus package is subject to approval by parliament where the ruling party controls 120 out of 300 seats.
Commandant Chetan Cheeta, who made a miraculous recovery after sustaining nine bullet injuries during an encounter, lauded his CRPF battalion that fought off a terror attack today in Kashmir.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: A phone call from Chetan Cheeta's battalion in Sumbal in Kashmir's Bandipora informed the brave officer of today's fierce encounter between four foreign terrorists and the CRPF's 45 Battalion. Cheetah listened to the officer on the call who informed him about the CRPF battalion shooting the four militants dead.

Recounting his initial reaction to hearing news of the encounter, Cheetah says it was the "perfect" response by the soldiers, with no casualties on the CRPF side. On being asked whether he misses the action, he replies saying 'absolutely' and adds, 'Mentally I am there with my men.'

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He says he never anticipated his battalion would come under a fidayeen attack. "I spent few months there. But the morale of our jawans and officer is so high. I want to commend the sentries, who were alert and gave a befitting response killing all four fidayeens. I give my thumbs up to them," Cheetah said.

The encounter was a setback for the militants as they were not able to enter the camp.

The brave officer, who is known as "Cheetah" among his soldiers, was hit by 9 bullets during an encounter between terrorists and security forces in February in Bandipora. He was discharged in April after a miraculous recovery.

ALSO READ | It's a Chetan Cheeta miracle: After fighting deep coma, 9 bullets, CRPF officer heads home from AIIMS

ALSO WATCH | Chetan Cheetah to India Today: Ready to serve in Kashmir again

--- ENDS ---
Soldiers on Monday shot dead a self-styled "Major" of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) in Manipur, police said.

The incident took place early in the day at Khoupum in Imphal East district. A M-16 rifle and 11 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the slain militant, identified as G. Thanmei.

Police said the area was cordoned off soon after Sunday midnight on receipt of intelligence inputs about the presence of armed persons. As the Gorkha Rifles moved in, a gun battle began with a group of militants.

While Thanmei was killed, his accomplices escaped. Police believe some of the escaping militants had sustained injuries. None of the security personnel was injured.

The NSCN(K) entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in 2000. It abrogated the truce on March 27, 2015.

On June 4, 2015, the NSCN(K) was blamed for killing 18 soldiers in Chandel district in Manipur.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday disallowed a separatist meeting here scheduled to discuss the fallout of last week's raids by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A large contingent of police and the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was deployed outside the uptown Hyderpora residence of senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani to prevent entry into the octogenarian's house.

Mirwaiz Umer Farooq was placed under house arrest at his Nigeen residence on the outskirts of the city, while the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Muhammad Yasin Malik was arrested to prevent their participation in the meeting.

Separatists had called a meeting at 11 a.m. on Monday to discuss the fallout of the NIA raids last week at the houses of separatists and some businessmen in Srinagar.

After separatist leaders Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmad Dar and Gazi Javaid Baba confessed in an India Today TV news channel expose that they had been receiving funds from Pakistan to foment trouble in Kashmir, the NIA registered FIRs to investigate the issue.

The NIA also carried out raids in Srinagar and Jammu city on Sunday. Some raids were also carried out in Delhi last week in this connection.


Delhi Police on Monday arrested a Tibetan couple from north Delhi's Majnu Ka Tilla area for trying to sell a 900-year-old idol of Lord Buddha which they stole from Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Police said the couple  Ngawang Tsundue, 29, and his live-in partner Lobsang Gakey Sherpa, 26  were arrested around 10.30 a.m. by a team of Crime Branch sleuths during a raid on a tip-off. The couple had come to sell the stolen idol to a prospective buyer for Rs.1.40 crore near a Gurudwara in Majnu Ka Tilla area.

Tsundue is a resident of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, while Sherpa stays in Punjabi Basti in Majnu Ka Tilla area, according to police.

"On the intervening night of May 31 and June 1, Tsundue stole the idol of 'Terton Pema Lingpa' from the house of head Cheepa of Sangyeling gompa in Tawang of Arunachal Pradesh. A major socio-religious unrest was brewing up in the state over the incident," Deputy Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma said.

"Police teams received a tip-off on June 4 that the racketeers involved in the theft of idol having high religious and spiritual value are trying to sell it in the grey market in north Delhi. The complainant also said that the idol would be smuggled to Tibet for monetary gain," Verma said.

The idol recovered from Tsundue and Sherpa is believed to be of 12th century A.D., having reverence of highest order in the Buddhist religion world over. Its value runs into several crores of rupees in the international market.

"On interrogation, Tsundue told the police that he is a permanent resident of Tibet and came to India in 2009. He then started living in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh where he came in contact with the daughter of head Cheepa of Tawang-located gompa in Arunachal Pradesh. He later married her in 2011," Verma added.

"Tsundue said his marriage did not last long and they divorced. Since then he was having enmity with the head Cheepa's family. As he was aware of the idol of Terton Pema Lingpa in his house, he stole it to get monetary gain and to defame head Cheepa," the officer said.
Enough balance in your mobile phone is not the only thing that you may require to make a call. Carry a ladder along!

That is what Union Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal experienced in Rajasthan going by a video shared by news agency ANI, which is making rounds on the social media.

Meghwal, who was on a visit to his constituency in Bikaners Dholiya village on Sunday (4 May), wanted to talk to some officials with regard to staff shortage at a hospital. After repeated failure to connect to the officers concerned, villagers suggested he would require climbing a tree to get a signal.

The 62-year-old minister then asked for a ladder, which was rested against a tree. The minister then climbed the ladder and is seen talking to somebody over the phone.

The video posted by a news agency was widely shared on Twitter, attracted varied reactions from the users. Most of the users took a dig at the government.

The minister must have solved the staff shortage at the local hospital, but what about the mobile connectivity? Did Meghwal take note and raise the issue with the authorities concerned?
Five Pakistani nationals, including two women, were arrested on Monday by the police near Lakhasar village along the Barmer border in Rajasthan.

The arrests were made at a time when the DGMO met his Pakistani counterpart to discuss the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC).

Last week, police arrested a Pakistani national camouflaging himself as an Indian from Bahadurgarh area of Haryanas Jhajjar district.

According to reports, on May 25, three Pakistani nationals were arrested by Crime Branch from Kumaraswamy Layout area in Bengaluru after they failed to produce valid documents.
After treating the audience with the much-awaited trailer of Jagga Jasoos and the very first song, Ullu ka Patta, lead actress Katrina Kaif has now treated her audience to exclusive moments from the songs.

Katrina posted the making of the video of Jagga Jasoos on her Facebook page, and the video is nothing short of a visual delight.

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina, who are both known to be power-packed dancers are seen exhibiting quirky dance moves while goofing around the streets of Morocco.

The video content further showcases a fun-filled chemistry shared by Ranbir and Katrina between shots.

The actress is also seen taking digs at Ranbir, who is caught unaware of the actress' notorious acts.

The post also features director Anurag Basu, who is seen joining in the fun and giving a censored visual to the lenses.

The smile-inducing video is further backed by folk music adding to the fun and adventure.

Posting the fun-filled video, Katrina shared, "Jagga and Jughead .Naach Meri Jaan paisa milega .. A version of behind the scenes  Others coming soon  #JaggaJasoos"

Ranbir and Katrina's Jagga Jasoos has had the audience intrigued ever since the makers revealed the trailer aka the 'World of Jagga'.

Jagga Jasoos directed by Anurag Basu is set to release on 14 July 2017. The film stars Ranbir and Katrina in the lead with music composed by Pritam.
Mirzosharif Jalolov is fluent in five languages ~ Tajik, Russian, English, Chinese, and Japanese. He studied for his Bachelor of Arts in Mandarin language at the Beijing Language and Culture University. He then studied management and public police at Japan's University of Tsukuba. He is now Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to both India and Nepal.

Starting his career in 1999,he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the government of Tajikistan looking after Asia and Africa.

Jalolov was also posted in the Secretariat of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Secretariat of Economic Cooperation Organisation, Tehran. Before appointment as Ambassador to India he was Deputy Secretary General of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Beijing.

He answered questions from Sarah Berryon Tajikistan's relationship with India. Excerpts:

How do you look at the current state of relations between India and Tajikistan?

Tajikistan and India share good relations at all levels. In December 2016, our President visited India on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who himself visited our country in July 2015. There is a lot of undiscovered potential and opportunities waiting to be tapped.

Is there any proposal to expand the defence cooperation between the two countries?

Our defence relations see a long history, with mutual concerns being the basis for the same; for example the rule of the Taliban in the 1990s in Afghanistan was one such common concern. Besides this, India has been actively extending its support towards various renovation and extension projects.

Two examples are the Ayni aerodrome, which is being renovated by the Indian Air Force, and is of utmost importance to our country, and our military base hospital in Qurghonteppa, which was officially opened in 2015 and serves not only military personnel but civilians as well.

What is being done to promote people-to-people connect between both the countries?

You see, Bollywood is very popular in Tajikistan, especially amongst the ladies! Besides this, a number of cultural programmes are organised here in India, sometimes even at an individual level, which bring people of both cultures closer. In fact, the origin of modern Persian language finds its roots in our country.

A number of famous Persian poets have found a considerable influence in India, Amir Khusrau being one of them, amongst others.

Another important sector is tourism. Since the past few years, Tajikistan has been amongst the top 2-3 fastgrowing tourist destinations in the world.

The country is known for its natural beauty. In fact, there is a direct flight between New Delhi and Dushanbe, once a week, which will be shortly increased to twice a week.

Moreover, it is a short haul flight of only approximately 2.5 hours. Besides this, 150 yearly scholarships are provided to stdents of Tajikistan in order to study in India under ITEC Program. In addition, ICCR also provides scholarships for university degrees.

In which spheres do you see scope for further economic cooperation?

I think the main areas of further synergies could be agriculture and renewable energy.

The former being an important sector, and India is having the required expertise of practising agriculture in different climatic zones. InTajikistan, 95 per cent of our energy requirements are taken care of by hydro-electricity. We have a total production capacity of approximately 530 billion kWh, of which only 6-7 per cent is harvested. In fact, the world's tallest dam, Norak, is 300 metres in height, with another one, Roghun, being constructed, which will be 330 metres in height.

Important to note is the fact that environmental safeguard has been kept in mind while constructing these. So, I feel, a sharing of knowhow in these fields could help develop relations even further.

Does Tajikistan support India's candidature for a permanent seat on the SecurityCouncil?

Of course, Tajikistan supports India's candidature completely.

Any concluding remarks?

In the eve of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and India I would just like to say that these 25 years of cooperation proved that we can rely on each other and both countries have a lot to share and discover with and about one another, which is why the people-to-people connect is always so important.

And, this is exactly what India and Tajikistan are exploring, whether it is medical tourism, technical know-how, defence, culture or any other sector. This is, indeed, very heartening to see.
Dal Lake in Srinagar has become a virtual sewage dump although the central government has sunk several hundred crores of rupees for its restoration.

Tourists can smell the stink of its waters during a shikara (boat) rides. The state government has miserably failed to give an effective lead to restoration work.

Now the High Court has stepped in to personally monitor the ongoing work and save the lake from further degradation.

According to reports, the Centre sanctioned more than `360 crore in the past few years for restoring the pristine beauty of the lake, but expenditure of that huge amount does not reflect in the water body. The Centre granted `245 crore for this purpose in 1997 and another `112 crore in 2004, besides various other funds but nobody knows where the money has sunk.

The state government prepared a `299 crore project in 2008-09 for development of the lake and piecemeal steps were taken for execution of the works. The High Court last month came down heavily on the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) and other officers and agencies for their "lax approach" towards preservation of the lake. Hearing a public interest litigation, the court took serious view of the increasing pollution and encroachments in and around the water body.

Not only the government agencies but the civil society is also responsible for gradual decay of the lake. Raw sewage of hotels and houses alongside flows into the lake. Moreover, the sewage discharged from more than 1,200 houseboats is a major cause of pollution.

A few years ago, Roorkee University prepared a detailed project report of the health of the lake in which it was pointed out that the continuous flow of sewage was the biggest cause of pollution. LAWDA claims it has laid nearly 250 km of sewerage network but it clearly does not function.

Moreover, the agency appears more inclined towards purchasing costly machinery and equipment for dredging weeds from the lake but is making half-hearted efforts to check flow of sewage and remove the encroachers who have shrunk the lake area.

The Roorkee University report states that sewage from the catchment area was a significant contributor to the nutrient load of the lake. About 132 tonne of inorganic nitrogen gets trapped in the lake system.

The total phosphorous inflow is about 156 tonne of which 4.50 tonne is from nonpoint sources within the lake and rest comes from the peripheral areas.
Pirates Of The Caribbean actress Kaya Scodelario has reportedly come under fire from her family after she refused to fund care for her ailing grandmother Inez Rosemary.

According to a report in The Sun newspaper, the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales actress has been branded heartless for leaving the family to 'pull together' to pay for Rosemary's care after a series of heart attacks, reports dailymail.co.uk.

The report claims that the Britain-born actress, who was reportedly paid 1.5 million pounds for her role in the successful film franchise, has also had her act of refusal branded as 'unforgivable' by her great aunt Fabiana Moraes.

Moraes said: "I am disgusted that Kaya could just turn her back on her grandmother when she most needed her. Inez has done so much to help her and her mother, Katia. So we just couldn't believe it when they said no. In the end the family had to pull together.

"I just wish Kaya could see what Inez is going through and reconsider her attitude. To abandon her grandmother at a moment like this is unforgivable. I think the money has gone to her head, and she has forgotten where she came from. She doesn't want to be associated with poor people like us anymore."

Scodelario's mother Katia was born and raised in Brazil before moving to London and marrying her father Roger Humphrey  a union which dissolved a year later, reports dailymail.co.uk.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved projects worth Rs.1,900 crore on Monday for the creation of sewage treatment infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi under the Namami Gange Programme.

The NMCG has given the go-ahead to projects to the tune of Rs.4,100 crore during the past three months in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi. In April, MNCG had approved 26 projects at an estimated cost of Rs. 2154.28 crore to set up and upgrade STPs (sewage treatment plants) along the Ganga and its tributaries.

While a comprehensive project of interception, diversion and treatment of sewage in Naini, Phaphamau and Jhunsi sewerage zones of Allahabad was approved at an estimated cost of Rs.767.59 crore, another project for construction of a 42 MLD (million litres per day) STP was approved for Naini.

These projects also encompass building of eight sewage pumping stations among other works, said a senior officer of the Water Resources Ministry. None of the three zones have any sewerage schemes or any sanctioned STPs as yet. With approval of these projects 100% sewage treatment capacity can be achieved in Allahabad, he added.

The projects along with the existing ones would take care of sewage management of the core city of Allahabad bound by the Ganga and Yamuna, the Ministry said. The projects would also arrest flowing waste water of 18 drains into the rivers to ensure pollution-free water for bathing at Sangam during Ardh Kumbh mela 2019.

Other projects which were approved include three for sewage treatment infrastructure for Pahari sewage zone in Patna city. Under the project, a 60 MLD STP will be constructed after laying sewerage lines at an estimated cost of about Rs 744 crore.

In Delhi, construction of as many as seven prioritised STPs of total capacity of 94 MLD in Najafgarh area have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs.344.81 crore under Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna project that was initiated on the directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT). Najafgarh drain contributes around 70 per cent of the total discharge of the city into the Yamuna that includes a lot of untreated sewage. The locations where STPs have been approved are Tajpur Khurd (36 MLD), Jaffarpur Kalan (12 MLD), Khera Dabar (5 MLD), Hasanpur (12 MLD), Kakraula (12 MLD), Kair (5 MLD) and Tikri Kalan (12 MLD).

On afforestation front, an all-encompassing programme in five Ganga main stem states ~ Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal ~ at an estimated cost of Rs.61.5 crore has also been given a go-ahead. This would include sapling preparations in nurseries, soil work, plantation and care.
China's Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai has said that India's entry in the NSG was "more complicated than previously imagined".

By Ananth Krishnan: China today said the issue of India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was "more complicated than previously imagined".

Speaking ahead of a likely meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana on June 8 and 9, China's Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai, acknowledged about the NSG issue.

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"it is more complicated than we previously imagined. China supports the NSG to have thorough consultations for a non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution to all the countries", Li said.

He further added, "China is willing to work with the Indian side to deepen political trust, expand win-win cooperation, and contribute to regional stability, world peace, and development."

Li didn't say if an India-China bilateral meet had been confirmed in Astana, but he affirmed both the leaders "have (already) had multiple meetings and have agreed on deepening China-India cooperation, and making joint efforts to build an even closer development partnership".

"China and India are each other's important neighbours and both are developing rapidly. They are both emerging new market economies and are important forces for upholding world peace and stability. In the recent years, relation between both the countries have developed at a quick pace," Li concluded.

Their likely meeting comes amid recent strain in ties, with India boycotting the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Forum in Beijing, on May 14, with concerns over Xi's pet initiative.

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--- ENDS ---
Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Kashmiri separatists, calling them "destructive and obstructive" and alleging they receive funds from Pakistan to stoke unrest in the valley.

"Why we should have discussions with the separatist leaders? Every day they (Pakistan) are giving training to the terrorists, provoking them and sending them into our country," Naidu said, speaking at an event here.

"They are sending money to the separatist leaders. and we have seen it," he said, referring to an NIA probe into alleged cross-border terror funding to Kashmiri separatist leaders for organising stone pelting protests.

"I don't know what is this disease of stone pelting," Naidu said.

"We are collecting stones to construct infrastructure there but they are trying to destroy it," the Minister said.

"We are constructive, and they are destructive and obstructive," the Information and Broadcasting Minister said.

"This is the kind of mentality we are seeing in the people of the country," Naidu added.

His comments come as the government has said it is working towards a "permanent solution" to Kashmir.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and its 45th Battalion in particular, along with J&K police, for their alertness and unmatched courage during the fidayeen attack at CRPF's Sumbal camp in north Kashmirs Bandipora district on Monday.

In a statement here, he said, Early this morning at around 4am, a group of heavily armed fidayeen terrorists approached the CRPFs Sumbal camp with the intent of breaching the camp. They were heavily armed with automatic rifles, grenades and incendiary material, such as petrol, and were carrying dry rations which indicate they intended a prolonged siege and extensive damage.

The group attempted entry by cutting the wire fencing and also forcing their entry by shooting at the sentry, the minister said. The sentries responded with alacrity and returned the fire. Heavy exchange of fire took place, during which the terrorists lobbed more than two dozen grenades to attempt an escape. However the CRPF, in cooperation with force from the adjoining J&K police camp shot dead all the four terrorists.

The CRPF jawans and J&K police showed exemplary courage and valour by thwarting the terrorists attempt to enter the camp and in successfully eliminating all the terrorists, Singh said.

Massive recoveries of arms and ammunition including grenades, explosives and automatic weapons have been made from these neutralised terrorists, he said. It is inspiring to see the CRPF jawans staying awake all night and maintaining tight vigil; and to see J&K police

jawans coming to CRPF assistance quickly. Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces, Singh added.

The nation salutes and I congratulate the 45th Battalion in particular and entire CRPF and J&K police for their alertness and unmatched courage. Commandant Iqbal Ahmad, company commanders Shankarlal Jat and Pankaj Hallu, Guard Commander Shri Pankaj Kumar and Constables Shri K Dinesh Raja and Shri Praful Kumar, and all the brave officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp, need to be feted for their alertness and unmatched bravery, he said.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Monday foiled an early morning suicide attack on one of its camp in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. Four terrorists were killed.

The terrorists lobbed grenades at the CRPF's 45 Battalion camp in north Kashmir's Sumbal region around 3.45 a.m. followed by heavy firing.

"The fidayeen militants kept firing as they tried to enter the camp. The attack was effectively repulsed by the CRPF sentry and Sumbal Police," CRPF Deputy Inspector General M. Dinakaran said.

Luckily, no loss was reported from the CRPF side, he added.

Several weapons have been recovered along with the bodies of four militants, whose identity is yet to be established, Dinakaran said.

Four AK-47 rifles, over a dozen grenades and a huge cache of ammunition have also been seized, the official added.

The Sumbal camp of the CRPF is the headquarters of the 45th battalion which was headed by Chetan Kumar Cheeta, who survived despite taking nine bullets while fighting militants in Bandipora in 2016.
The NDTV on Monday said that it, along with its promoters, will fight tirelessly against the witch-hunt by multiple agencies.

NDTV and its promoters will fight tirlessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies, it said in a statement minutes after the CBI searched the residence of its founder Prannoy Roy in New Delhi and three other locations.

We have one message to those who are trying to destroy the institutions of India and everything it stands for: We will fight for our country and overcome these forces, it said, adding, We will not succumb to attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India.

According to reports, the CBI searched the residence of NDTV founder Prannoy Roy in Delhi and three other locations for allegedly causing losses to a private bank.

The CBI has registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika and RRPR Holdings for allegedly causing losses of Rs. 48 crore to ICICI Bank, CBI sources were quoted as saying by a news agency.
Director General Military Operations Lt. Gen AK Bhatt told his Pakistani counterpart on Monday that India wanted peace but would take "appropriate retaliatory auction" if Pakistan abets infiltration.

A statement from the Indian Army said the Indian DGMO spoke to his Pakistani counterpart after a request by Pakistan, and discussed the current situation along the Line of Control.

"DGMO Indian Army conveyed his commitment to ensure peace and tranquility which is contingent on Pakistan Army's intentions and actions," the statement said.

"If Pakistan Army continues to abet infiltrations and cause cross LoC firing, the Indian Army would take appropriate retaliatory action," it said.

"Needless escalations" by the Pakistani side were highlighted.

When Pakistan raised the issue of civilian killings, the Indian DGMO said the Indian Army is a professional force which does not harm civilians in any manner.
The irony could not have been more bitter. On the eve of World Environment Day (5 June), the United States of America has emitted a direly distressing signal, and a phase of unsplendid isolation is dangerously real.

President Trump has announced that his country will withdraw from the Paris climate agreement in a move that is tantamount to defiance of a momentous international effort to address the danger of global warming.

The truism that has been overlooked in the process is that he cannot withdraw the US from the world, let alone the Earth to which the world belongs.

The pullout can be more damaging to the US than climate per se. In the immediate perspective, he has placed his country ~ the worlds second largest emitter of greenhouse gases ~ in league with Syria and Nicaragua, which were till last Thursday the only countries not party to the Paris accord.

Both countries might now derive spurious satisfaction from the fact that they are not alone ~ Donald Trump is with them.

In attempting to link climate change to foreign policy, the President has almost immediately suffered a setback ~ world leaders have swiftly rejected Trumps plea that the climate deal be re-negotiated on terms that are fair to the United States.

No, it cant and this message must be reverberating across the US over the weekend. Beyond that very obvious international snub must lie the still more critical signal from world leaders in terms of geopolitics ~ having withdrawn from the Paris accord on its own volition, America shall not dictate the terms of engagement on matters pertaining to global warming.

Trumps rhetorical chant that I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris has almost immediately been countered by his predecessor ~ The new administration has joined a small handful of nations that reject the future, said Barack Obama in a rare statement.

But US states, cities and businesses will step up efforts and do even more to lead the way, and help protect the one planet weve got.

The fineprint of Mr Obamas caveat is distinct enough ~ Trumps initiative is as reckless as it is indefensible, and it now devolves on industry to take the lead. Rightly has it been remarked that Trump has posited his country on the wrong side of history.

If not the world at large, he has definitely defied the trends of environmental change for which the Paris agreement of December 2015 was a watershed development.

The US withdrawal will not, however, derail global efforts to fight climate change. Cities, corporations, and investors have been moving in this direction for several years.

The US is likely to be the loser from its withdrawal, which will not substantially hamper global climate progress, but is bound to hit the economy and society.

The world looks forward to a measure of forward movement even if Trump doesnt.
It was three weeks to Christmas. I was back in Washington for a fortnight and settled in a rented penthouse apartment downtown.

Returning from an evening jog, I admired the colorful festive banners in the lobby.

The older man who got in the elevator with me wore blue slacks and an elegant suede jacket. He carried three chilled champagne bottles. When we reached the top floor, I realised he occupied the apartment opposite mine.

Before I could turn the key, he spoke up, Could you help me? I am ninety, he added, I am not sure I could open these easily.

He indicated the bottles with a glance. I followed him to his apartment, asked for a small towel and opened the first bottle.

You have helped me open the bottle. You might as well help me drink it too.

He smiled and got two glasses from the kitchen. Those werent champagne flutes, but we didnt care.

It is my wifes birthday. I had to celebrate, he explained as he poured the champagne. She isnt here, is she? I asked. The place seemed bare of any sign of a female presence. No, she is in Milan, visiting her sister who is ill. She will be back for Christmas.

We kept drinking and chatting, occasionally talking about ordering some food but doing nothing about it.

The first flakes of a light snow drifted by the large French windows, as Stan, my host, kept pouring. It was December of 1942, he reminisced, when the US Army ordered Stan, who worked in publicity, to the war front in northern Italy near Milan.

He was eager to please and determined to gather some telling photographs. He went readily. As he drove from the airport through the Italian countryside he felt himself getting increasingly ill.

He drove on doggedly, hoping to reach his camp before it got worse, but, after another few miles, he knew he could go no further.

He stopped in front of what was clearly a farmers cottage, hoping to ask for an inn nearby, and knocked on the door. When a couple came to the door, Stan, lacking Italian, made signs to say he needed a place to rest.

The man saw his ashen face, held his arm and led him to a chair. Stan did not make it; he simply slid to the floor. His last recollection was of an anxious dialogue between the couple that he could not understand.

When he came to three days later, he saw a pair of gray-green eyes in a gentle freckled face, framed in the dark cascade of long hair, urging him to sip from a bowl of soup.

He thought he had never seen a more angelic face. When the farmers daughter realised that he could not drink the soup on his own, she started ladling spoonfuls to his lips.

Stan soon gathered that, since the cottage had only three small rooms  a living and dining room and a bedroom each for the couple and their daughter  he had in effect dislodged the daughter from her room. Also, as the couple had to work the fields, the daughter was his sole caregiver.

Because she did not speak a word of English and Stan had the benefit only of an Italian phrasebook, their conversation consisted of many repetitions, some playacting and a large amount of confusion and laughter.

The more she laughed, the more angelic she seemed to Stan. It was a week before Stan could get up, shower and dress himself. By the time he reached his intended camp, the tide of the war had changed and he was ordered to move to another camp in short order.

On his way out he again went to the farmers cottage, thanked them with the help of his phrasebook and offered them the envelope of cash he had taken out at the camp.

They refused to accept the money. Six months later, after he had received a further order to return to the US, he turned up again at the farmers cottage, this time without an envelope of cash but with a strange proposal. He wanted the hand of their daughter.

He told the parents they had to trust him, for it would take some time before the authorities would allow his betrothed to join him in the US and it would take several months after that before the parents could come to see their daughter.

It took eight months for the War Department to deliver the farmers daughter to an Air Force hangar near New York, where Stan waited eagerly with a box of chocolates and his phrasebook.

He had taken lessons meanwhile, but the moment he saw her come down from the military plane, his legs got wobbly and his words jumbled.

She heard and laughed, perhaps from pleasure, certainly from confusion. But Stan thought she looked more angelic than ever. His story finished and the champagne finished too, I took leave of Stan and walked through the festive lobby to the twilit street outside.

The last few flurries of the snow were still floating down and my glasses frosted. But I wasnt paying attention. I was thinking of a man waiting eagerly by some dingy hangar for a freckled long-haired Italian girl who spoke little English but laughed a lot and whose gray-green eyes spoke love.

The writer is a Washington-based international development advisor and had worked with the World Bank. He can be reached at [email protected]
The top brass of the Army in Srinagar consistently warns of 200-250 militants awaiting opportunity to slip into Kashmir and sustain the decades-long proxy war.

Yet the defence minister talks of the Line of Control being dominated by Indian forces, and the home minister tells a BSF parade that the level of infiltration has fallen after the highly-politicised surgical strikes last year.

Does that all dovetail? Particularly when the Army Chief, Vice-Chief and heads of the Operational Commands have held a rare meeting in as hot a venue as the summer capital of J-K.

The political leadership of the Central government appears to be working overtime to create the impression that it has the ascendency, but leaders of local parties see things very differently.

Just how over-anxious New Delhi is to project a the worst is over picture is evident from Arun Jaitley arguing that the undisturbed meeting of finance ministers to discuss GST proved that the situation was on the mend. Was he not aware of the elaborate security arrangements made for that conclave, and was he ignorant of the continued unrest beyond city limits?

Admittedly some of that positive projection is aimed at morale-boosting, or an attempt to partially revive tourist interest, but failure to recognise unpleasant truths also results in failure to work out solutions.

There could perhaps be some acceptance of Mr Rajnath Singhs claim that infiltration has reduced ~ statistics can always be manipulated ~ but can he deny the intensity of the militant strikes?

Pointing an accusing finger across the border is a poor alibi, and those strikes have become more complex because of the local support extended by stone-throwing mobs.

To repeat that schoolgirls hurling rocks at the uniforms is an indication of alienation would serve little purpose: our netas in New Delhi would cite as positives the success of Kashmiri candidates in the civil services examination, the response to recruitment drives in the security forces.

The self-deception is endless. What is conveniently being overlooked is that the muscular posture adopted by the security forces ~ which has been roundly endorsed by Raisina Hill ~ has resulted in the drying up of local intelligence upon which the Army, CRPF etc. are so vitally dependent. Whenever there is a spike in tensions and militant action the local police tend to lie low and leave the Central forces out on a limb.

The more belligerent the posture of those advocating a military solution is, the less is the local input for counter-militancy action.

Thus talk of winning hearts and minds is not mere political philosophy: for the troops in the firing line it is the difference between thwarting the adversary, or risking life and death.

That is reality, not rhetoric.
While dedicating the country's longest bridge (DholaSadia bridge in Assam) to the nation the other day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the inseparability of development of social infrastructure alongside creation of physical infrastructure for good governance.

The following day the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party organised three separate one-way intereactions with the media highlighting achievements of the government.

However, in these interactions the issue of development of social infrastructure remained wanting. Since the media was just a listener, this matter was not discussed the way it should have been.

The moot question  how social infrastructure could be developed in the light of killing of Akhlaq and Pahloo Khan, communal incidents in several places across the country and recent caste clashes in Saharanpur (UP)  had remained unanswered although party president Amit Shah along with many top ministers of the Union Cabinet was present at these interactions.

Benedict Anderson in his book Imagined Communities propounded a new theory saying a nation is imagined because the members of even the smallest nation will never know most of their fellow-members, meet them, or even hear of them, yet in the minds of each lives the image of their communion.

He said members of the community probably will never know each of the other members face to face.

However; they may have similar interests or identity as a part of the same nation. Members hold in their minds a mental image of their affinity: for example the nationhood felt with other members of your nation when your imagined community participates in a larger event such as the Olympic Games.

Anderson emphasised that symbols are developed, co-opted and eulogized as a cementing force for effecting this imagined community and thereby nationhood.

While identifying, creating or even emphasising this imagined community and making it co-terminus with nationalism, the architects of this concept in India, the political party in power, its social and religious adjuncts and/or even the zealots of the majority community have never bothered to see that the symbols they have chosen to buttress this concept are fraught with hostility.

Gau Raksha (from whom?) and not Gau Seva, Vande mataram (and not Madar-ewatan), Love Jehad, forcing Surya Namaskar in schools, Mandir Waheen Banayenge are some of the symbols around which this imagined community is being structured.

These architects have never realised that an imagined community cannot be formed around symbols which are highly incendiary and which militate against the basic concept that every member of society should have a common feeling of community.

The imagined community that is being developed is nothing but a reflection of Tyranny of Majority about which French political philosopher Tocqueville had cautioned way back in the first half of the 19th century. Not that Modi is oblivious of this vulnerability that will haunt good governance.

He had categorically said that a majority of these so-called cow vigilantes committed crimes in the night and in day time wore the mantle of gau rakshaks.

If one goes by his assertion that for good governance the development of social infrastructure is a sine qua non with development of physical infrastructure, then is it not to the detriment of good governance when we have let loose criminals to hound a segment of the society in the name of controversial symbols?

How can good governance be effected if 20 crore Muslims remain in constant fear of some lumpens in the garb of gau rakshaks barging into any Akhlaqs house to ascertain whether he had consumed beef or mutton or beating Pahloo Khan to death in a public demonstration of their newly acquired bravado.

Besides, another question that raises doubts about the purity of the purpose in selecting the symbols is: Are these symbols sans controversy? Do the Hindus of Kerala, West Bengal and Northeast nurture the same feeling about beef?

If not, how can nationalism be structured on the fractured foundation of Anderson's imagined community? Gandhi In his later years saw the fallacy of the term gau rakshak and instead coined gau seva (service to the cow). Gandhi realised this fallacy of cow as a symbol of national consensus even among the Hindus when he visited the Kumbh Mela in Hardwar in 1915.

He wrote about this experience in his autobiography (page no 358, Navjivan Trust) : Here I saw a cow with five feet. I was astonished but knowing men soon disillusioned me. The poor fivefooted cow was a sacrifice to the greed of the wicked. I learnt that the fifth foot was nothing else but a foot cut off from a live calf and grafted upon the shoulder of the cow! The result of this double cruelty was exploited to fleece the ignorant of their money. There was no Hindu but would be attracted by a five-footed cow, and no Hindu but would lavish his charity on such a miraculous cow.

In Young India, 6 May 1926, Gandhi quoted another authority on the manufacture of a dye esteemed by Indians and known as peuri and was exported too.

He says by feeding the cow only on mango leaves, without other form of feed, nor even water to drink, the animal passes in the form of urine a dye which is sold at high rates in the bazaar. The animal so treated does not last long and dies in agony.

This was 90 years ago. The Rashtriya Sawayamsewak Sangh (RSS) came into existence almost at the same time. But it failed to recognize this as a prime concern along with other irrational Hindu practices like child marriage and sati.

Even today, there is no road map on what is to be done with the millions of cows which have stopped giving milk and have been abandoned by greedy owners (90 per cent of whom are Hindu) forcing them to die after consumption of plastic material.

This leads us to the basic question. Can an imagined community and thereby its logical corollary, nationalism, be created when our symbols are controversial?

Have we lost the capacity to create symbols and icons of development, honesty and good governance, an icon of brotherhood and peaceful co-existence?

If we cant , the development of mere physical infrastructure will result in mushrooming of marauding cow vigilantes and resultant deaths of Akhlaq and Pahloo Khan and clashes like the one between Thakurs and Dalits in Saharanpur.

The writer is a senior journalist and General Secretary, Broadcast Editors' Association.
Indian officials had claimed that two suspected Chinese helicopters were seen hovering over Barahoti, in Chamoli district of Uttarkhand last week.

China said it expects India to help maintain peace in border areas. (File Photo/PTI)

By Ananth Krishnan: China today denied that its helicopters had on Saturday entered Indian airspace in the border near Barahoti, Uttarakhand, and maintained that its patrols were "regular".

"The Chinese military carries out regular patrols in the relevant areas," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. "We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to maintain tranquility and peace in border areas".

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Officials had said that "two suspected Chinese helicopters" had been seen hovering over Barahoti, in Chamoli district.

SEVERAL SUCH INCIDENTS IN THE PAST

Barahoti has in the past seen a number of what officials describe as "transgression" incidents.

In July last year, an on-the-ground transgression incident by PLA troops was reported. The then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar played down that incident and attributed it to differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Barahoti is among around a dozen areas along the 3,488-km border where there are pronounced differences in perceptions of the LAC, with both sides patrolling up to their claim lines with the border not formally demarcated.

CHINA WELCOMES PM MODI'S REMARK

Speaking during a visit to Russia this weekend, Prime Minister Modi reiterated that although both sides had a border dispute, "in the last 40 years not a single bullet has been fired".

China on Monday welcomed the PM's remarks, saying it had "noted the positive remarks". "We have been stressing that as two major countries, China and India maintaining sound, steady and in depth growth of the bilateral relationship is of great significance," Hua Chunying, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, added.

"Actually leaders of the two countries pay great attention to the boundary question. Each time they meet they exchange views on this issue. Both sides have agreed that an early resolution of the boundary question serves the interests of the both sides. It is also a strategic goal both sides are striving to achieve," Hua said.

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Kabul blast: China defends ally Pakistan as SCO considers terror treaty

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WATCH: China renames 6 places in Arunachal Pradesh on Chinese map after Dalai Lama visit

--- ENDS ---
On the occasion of World Environment Day (5 June), it would be useful to underline that Mahatma Gandhis concept of non-violence can be extended from its political and social implications to the concept of conservation of nature against the invasion of modern technology without which we survived for thousands of years.

The tremendous progress of technology has now become a part of our lives as we take for granted the comfort and advantages it offers, disregarding the negative impact it can cause to nature in general. Gandhis non-violent methods envisage that nature ought to be handled in a mild manner, much against modern technologys onslaught on nature to help technology achieve its goal.

Tagore had also written on the love of nature that nourished us for thousands of years and is still a source of nourishment and pleasure for both physical and mental needs.

The traditional respect for nature helped conservation, while the modern concept of science conquering nature hastened its destruction.

The modern slogan of save nature and save yourself are belated warnings that were followed in the past. The two key principles of rational ecology namely, maximum diversity and minimum interference can be followed if the Gandhian principle of non-violence is accepted in spirit.

It is nothing new for us because in India we have always followed the simple formula of least interference. For example, according to Indian tradition, cows were not milked for a while after a calf is born so that the latter gets enough nourishment. Arable land is not cultivated for sometime after reaping a crop so that it gets some rest.

Flowers and leaves were not plucked at night when these were supposed to sleep. The sacred groves or various customs/deities of the forest or hills helped conservation in a regular way.

Modern science and technology debunked these traditions as superstitions without any suitable environmental alternative that can help conservation.

Gandhis love of traditional values and Nature is criticized and even ridiculed on various counts not least because the philosophy is against modernity and technology.

But of late, people have become conscious of the desecration of nature in the wake of natural calamities, change in the weather pattern, excessive pollution that can cause various ailments, change in the harvesting patterns, destruction of flora and fauna, and so on. Electronic items can damage the environment as well as human life.

In less than 300 years, the symbiotic relationship between man and nature has been snapped by the onslaught of modern technology and western colonialism.

The number of elephants, tigers, and wolves, which play an important role in the ecosystem for their large biomass, is dwindling. Whales are dying in the sea due to the oil-spill of big ships. The worst part of this onslaught is that those who once lived nearest to nature are the worst sufferers of such depletion of wild life. The so-called natural classification is anthropocentric.

For instance, while water hyacinth is destroyed, rose and corn are conserved. The reason is obvious: whatever is good for human consumption (corn or other edibles) or for aesthetics (rose or sandalwood) is to be conserved and whatever is not good or necessary (like water hyacinth) is to be destroyed.

The Gandhian concept of combining tradition and modernity however tried to combine the traditional empathy for nature. Some people obviously thought it is anti-modern and anti-science while some others regarded him as a forerunner of the modern concept of rational ecology.

Post-independent Indias initial euphoria over development by resorting to heavy industrialisation for overcoming poverty and hunger also tried to sever the umbilical cord with nature. Gandhis emphasis on traditional values and methods was discarded as an impediment to progress.

Large projects were undertaken by both public and private sectors. These initiatives brought about modernity and prosperity to a section of the society but at the same time left a larger section outside its ambit.

In the present context we can only say that the honeymoon with modernity in this context is over for many, and a large number of thinkers are turning towards tradition and its various facets to meet the ecological problems of a technology-oriented society because Gandhi turned his back to urban life and its related issues, to quote Ramachandra Guha in Gandhi and the Environmental Problems in Gandhi and the Global Crisis, edited by Ramashray Ray, Simla 1996.

In his reckoning, Gandhis awareness of the impending environmental crisis can place him as an early environmentalist, but his solutions will not appeal to our modern problems of a technologyoriented society because he turned his back to urban life and its related issues.

Gandhis attempt to adhere to traditional ways of life was generally rejected.

However, some neo-Gandhian scholars are calling for the revival of many traditional ways to handle new difficulties including conservation problems in the light of modern scientific knowledge. These attempts to give a new look at our traditional ideas and methods are necessary in order to handle various environmental problems aggravated by mindless devastation of the environment by technological projects.

Various forms of traditional wisdom about practical solutions of different problems are considered by environmentalists to be more prudent than the ones offered by modern technology. Some scholars are examining the merits of traditional methods of irrigation in todays world with specific reference to India. Various forms of traditional wisdom about practical solutions of different problems are considered by the environmentalists to be more prudent than the ones offered by modern technology.

It is good to see that not only scholars and intellectuals but our present political system also recognises the classical model of environmental management reflected in various constitutional provisions and laws .The tradition of recognition of the rights of nature as envisaged by Gandhi in the present era is gradually being recognised by both the public authorities and private institutions.

Both Gandhi and Tagore were very sensitive about nature and its protection. The concept of rights was not so clear then, but it was clear that we should not harm nature indiscriminately. The terms and conditions were not very explicit in their writings unlike the ancient texts, but at least it is clear that we should use them only minimally under certain conditions.

Another welcome change is that the responsibility of protection of nature has been passed on to individuals. It is no longer the sole responsibility of the State.

No longer is the environmental stewardship solely the responsibility of Kings and their ministers; within a democracy this becomes a more broadly shared responsibility.

Indeed through the 42nd amendment to the Constitution, environmental stewardship along with nine other specified responsibilities became a duty of every Indian citizen, as the environmentalist, Mary McGee, has emphasised.

(To be concluded)

The writer is formerly of Calcutta University and UGC Emeritus Fellow.
In the context of the verbal demarche to the managements of private hospitals in February, Mamata Banerjees selfie with lady Principals of private schools at the Town Hall meeting was suggestive of a degree of bonhomie.

The chief minister does have a point when she makes a robust pitch for reduced fees, which can be atrocious when not affordable for most.

It does redound to her credit that this is an issue that was never touched by previous dispensations. Yet in comparison to private healthcare, the prescription is both the same and different.

Unlike the health segment, which now has a regulatory commission that is subject to monitoring by the government, the private schools, including the missionary institutions, are to be brought within the ambit of a self-regulatory commission.

It begs the fundamental question ~ Which school will be willing to reduce fees and abolish the praxis of donations on its own volition? The commission comprises ten schools, including La Martiniere for Boys and Girls, the network of Loreto schools, and the co-ed South Point.

Assuming that this adds up to 15 institutions, the majority of schools have been excluded from the self-regulatory network and for no stated reason.

And excluded too are the schools outside of Kolkata.

This at once raises another fundamental disconnect. Will the schools that dont figure in the commission readily accept the panels imprimatur? The praxis that has been evolved, obviously to fulfil the Benthamite doctrine of the greatest good of the greatest number, lends little or no scope for a consensual approach.

Not least because some of the finest schools, both for boys and girls, have been left out of the canvas. The 15-member commission will include representatives of ten English medium schools of Kolkata, the Archbishop of Calcutta, and the Bishop of the Calcutta Diocese of the Church of North India.

Not that the government is pursuing a hands-off policy; which explains the inclusion of West Bengals school education secretary. While this might seem logical, unmistakable is the weightage accorded to church-run Anglo-Indian schools and not the mushroom expansion of private institutions that function as corporate enterprises, charge prohibitive fees, and boast airconditioned classrooms and buses.

Less easily explained is the induction of the states Director General of Police and Kolkatas Commissioner of Police into a decidedly academic entity. Arguably, this is as surprising as the District Magistrate and SP of Darjeeling clarifying that Bengali will not be imposed in the hill schools to the neglect of Nepali ~ the local language.

Far more explicit was the chief ministers assurance that while Bengali will be taught up to Class 10, it shall not be compulsory for the board exams.
The Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, gave an interview to a national news agency last week. Opposition parties and media have accused him of making intemperate comments during his interaction.

The statements, some partially misquoted, include phrases such as dirty war in Kashmir, firing weapons instead of throwing stones, adversaries and your people should be afraid of you and his continued support to Major Gogoi including commending him for his service in counter-insurgency operations.

The fact that some of his statements were misquoted and some twisted needs to be clarified. A fact which must never be forgotten is that the Indian Army is from the nation, by the nation and with the nation, hence irrelevant comments against its own people would never flow.

This article is based on the press release issued by the Army. The chief had stated that the army is involved in a proxy war in Kashmir and a proxy war is a dirty war.

He never stated that it is fighting a dirty war against its people. From Pakistans side, all gloves are off and there are no rules of engagement. It employs its agents in India to instigate the population, mainly the youth, to hinder Army operations against militants, by resorting to stone pelting.

For Pakistan, civilian casualties due to collateral damage, which is feasible when firing occurs from all directions, only benefits the cause and enables its propaganda machine to go on an overdrive. Hence the Army chief stated that to fight a dirty war, innovative methods must be adopted.

Major Gogoi had adopted an innovative method wherein by placing one individual in jeopardy he saved possibly dozens of lives. It also does not imply that such an action would become a doctrine nor would it continue being repeated.

Other innovative methods may be employed, depending on the situation, basically to prevent firing and related casualties. At the same time, the Army has given a message to its forces deployed in the valley that similar incidents should preferably be avoided.

The other statement, misinterpreted by critics was of the population throwing stones and petrol bombs and not firing weapons.

When fired upon, the Army is free to retaliate as it comes in the realm of self-defence, but with stone throwers it cannot and would not retaliate unless the situation is life threatening.

This situation could get out of control when mobs resort to throwing petrol bombs on vehicles, as was the case in the Gogoi incident. Under normal conditions, retaliation against stone throwers is the responsibility of police forces; however when resorted to during anti-militant operations, it can result in Army casualties, inviting retaliation.

The Army has been compelled at times to walk away from anti-militant operations due to presence of large number of stone-throwing locals, an action against its charter. Since terrorists fire weapons, the Army is free to respond and does so with force.

The Chief was seeking to clarify that throwing stones is more harmful to operations than firing as the Army is compelled to show restraint. The mention of fear and respect is logical.

The Army is the instrument of last resort for the nation. In every instance of disorder including operations against anti-national elements, it is inducted when all other options have failed. Haryana, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, Punjab and now J and K are examples.

It brought relief, confidence and succour to affected communities in Gujarat and Haryana, as also restored peace with almost no firing or heavy-handed actions. It created a positive environment in NE states and Punjab, enabling the government to find a solution and establish order, from a position of strength. This happens because the Army is considered apolitical, fair and just.

It is known that once the Army is inducted, it will fulfil its missions. This is the implication of fear and respect. Criticising it, terming it as having become politicised and forcibly lowering its standing, harms this image, which would be detrimental to the nation rather than the Army.

On the other hand, across the border, the Army must be feared, failing which, domination of the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB), would not be feasible. Fear implies the enemy knowing it would retaliate and do so with full vigour in case of any misadventures.

The support to Major Gogoi has also been severely commented upon. The chiefs statement was open and clear. Firstly, as the Army chief, he was aware of the progress of the enquiry and its findings. If he desires to know the progress of an important enquiry, it would be informed to him, which is logical.

Secondly, this was a one-off incident, resorted to as other options would have only resulted in casualties. Decisions in such scenarios are split second ones, delays could result in loss of lives. Soldiers deployed in Kashmir work under immense pressure.

Each time they venture out of their camp, they are unsure of a safe return. Supporting them in their actions, even at times if partially at fault, is the responsibility of the senior hierarchy.

Commending Gogoi, not solely for this incident, but for his performance all through his tenure, was a message sent to all serving officers that the hierarchy is behind you, since each day you put your lives on a limb? General Rawat is a soldier who is open, frank and to the point.

He never hesitates to call a spade a spade, irrespective of criticism. His priority is the men he commands, whose welfare and security is paramount. His experience enables him to understand the pressures his men face and the fact that unless he stands by them, they would lose confidence in the face of unwarranted criticism.

He knows that the country respects the Army, irrespective of a few critics who would twist words to suit their requirements. For the public, who have been reading distorted versions, this is aimed at clearing minds and removing misconceptions, if any.

The writer is a retired Major General of the Indian Army.
The acute focus on keeping the land borders secure is perfectly understandable. What is not excusable is the limited attention, neglect many would insist, accorded to keeping the maritime boundaries safe: more so after terrorists used the sea route to strike at the heart of Mumbai in 2008.

It is true that an upgraded, multi-layered security plan was drawn up, but the gaps still exist the experts keep reminding us because there in no effective coordination involving the Navy, Coast Guard and the marine wings of the state police forces.

What must cause very grave concern, as highlighted by the parliamentary standing committee on defence, is the continued indifference to the setting up of a Coast Guard Air Station in Minicoy, from which close surveillance could be maintained on the Lakshadweep-Minicoy archipelago.

History has ensured that the Andaman & Nicobar islands have a military presence ~ a colonial-era legacy: the island territories to the west of the peninsula-mainland have not been so favoured.

A proposal for an aviation facility was first approved in 2010, and the Coast Guard and local administration identified a 20-acre site in Minicoy for creating an enclave from which the Dornier 228 aircraft could operate, to provide eyes and ears to the islands.

A lethal combination of indifference, red tape and limited funds has ensured that the Coast Guard may have to wait another three years for the station to become functional.

The report of the standing committee pulls no punches: there is no airstrip or air base at such a strategic island as Minicoy, which does not augur well for the countrys coastal security and the development of tourism the matter should be pursued vigorously as it plays a crucial role in the development of the Islands economy through tourism and enhancing defence preparedness.

There was little need for the committee to expand on threat perceptions, it is an open secret that thinly-populated islands can be taken over and used as launch-pads by those inimical to the nation, particular in an age when terrorism and proxy wars overlap.

An added danger being the revival of pirate activities off the East African coast ~ not all that long ago some had ventured as far east as Lakshadweep.

The possibility of piracy being used to camouflage other kinds of attacks cannot be ruled out. It is unfortunate that the reports of parliamentary committees are taken as routine by most ministries ~ Parliament itself has been undermined ~ and so the air station at Minicoy could still be a long way off.

For at a time when politicians concentrate only on what may yield an electoral harvest, the interests of island territories and their limited value in terms of ballots are at the tail end of the priority-list.
The fight against corruption and a clean and transparent government are important themes of the NDA-II Government's third anniversary celebrations.

The 20- day programme, which kicked off on 26 May, has as its key slogan, saath hai, vishwas hai, ho raha vikas hai.

Vishwas is the mintnew core in the formulation, which has been around since 2014. It is meant to communicate people's trust in governance structures in a democratic polity.

Perhaps coincidentally, a few days prior to the launch of this programme, clean-up ops, investigative and judicial, from the scam-tainted UPA regime, chugging along at proverbial desi pace, received a landmark spike in the judgment of Bharat Parashar, Special Judge, Prevention of Corruption Act.

On 19 May, in CBI vs. Kamal Sponge Steel and Power Ltd & Othrs, three senior IAS officers, HC Gupta, KS Kropha and KC Samria, Secretary, Joint Secretary and Director, respectively, of the Coal Ministry, along with a private company, were indicted under Sections 13 (1) (d) (ii & iii) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Sections 120B read with 420 of the Indian Penal Code.

On 22 May, they were sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years and pay a hefty fine of Rs.50,000 each. They were branded as white-collar criminals and convicts who caused huge financial losses (unquantified) and inflicted immense damage to public morale.

This related to the infamous Coalgate scam, with the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, at its helm, which the CAG Report of 2012 billed as among the world's biggest, with a presumptive loss of Rs.1, 86,000 crore to the national exchequer.

The Supreme Court, in 2014, declared illegal all coal blocks allocated through the Screening Committee mechanism, by the Ministry since 1993 and constituted a Coal Bench to supervise the 20-odd cases emanating therefrom, barring High Courts from intervening in them.

Clubbing has been disallowed. Being the first ~ and undeniably most high profile ~ conviction under the controversial Section 13 (1) (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the reaction has been predictably strong and vociferous.

While a few, like a former Cabinet Secretary , have taken the unconvincingly sanctimonious stand that senior officers must fearlessly uphold public interest, others have underscored the much more relevant and burning issue of letting the political executive, with whom the buck actually stops, off the hook altogether.

The 350-page judgment is a testament to the deep animus against the IAS officers who were unceremoniously pitchforked into the dock and held solely responsible for a decision in which there were many other active participants, as per standard procedure in Government, the most critical being the minister.

Incidentally, this was one case where, after a preliminary enquiry, the CBI had filed a closure report.

However, the Court sought further investigation, on the basis of which charges were framed on 14 October, 2015.

This raises doubts on what may well have been an entrenched coloured perception of bureaucrats being corrupt and manipulative, ever ready to maim and twist the system.

The excruciatingly detailed scrutiny to establish non-compliance of administrative guidelines to filter applications for coal blocks and portray it as a sinister act of criminal conspiracy, without any evidentiary support, makes it plain that crucifiction was a foregone conclusion.

It is strangely true that the PCA sections in question absolve the Court of that solemn duty and almost automatically declare the accused as convicts.

Some observations in the judgment are interestingly revelatory. Roundly trashing the IAS officers, the judge lashed out that they completely abdicated their responsibility.

All their acts of omission and commission were conscious and deliberate and clearly attributable to the despicable attitude of "who cares"?

In stark contrast, there was extreme understanding and indulgence for the Prime Minister who approved the recommendation of the Screening Committee, headed by the Coal Secretary.

He goes so far as to say ~ believe it or not ~ that the Prime Minister was "misled" by not being told that the guidelines had not been followed! If this does not qualify as bizzare, what does?

Wonder which governance style it alludes to? To take away even an iota of blame that may perchance fall on the Prime Minister, the officers are, in an odd twist, also lambasted for not taking up a postapproval cross-check to turn the green signal granted, into a safe amber or red.

From all this flows the grandiloquent pronouncement that a case of criminal conspiracy has been clearly made out, with abuse of position as public servants.

This must be music to the ears of the political executive. It must be recalled that apart from Dr Manmohan Singh, other politicians have been embroiled in Coalgate but they are neither scared nor scarred. One such favourable judgment is bound to impact other cases in the pipeline, to the definite disadvantage of bureaucrats.

The deafening silence of the Government on this evident miscarriage of justice is bound to have long-term implications.

It is not only a matter of working around Parliament to obtain an amendment of the inherently flawed PCA in the upcoming Monsoon session.

That may not be very easy to market politically.

Moreover, it is not the panacea for all governance-ills, most prominent among them being scapegoating, to help easily pick up populist dividend at the hustings.

Where there is a will to persecute there is always a way to do so.

Law is taking its own course and what a course it is. Most definitely , it is alien in a democratic landscape where it is the elected representative who is accountable in the final analysis.

This may just be the new normal. The FIRs which have been registered recently pertaining to other scams of the UPA regime in the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Finance have yet again NOT mentioned any one from the political executive.

The accused are unnamed public servants and private companies. P Chidambaram has categorically stated , "it is clear that I am the target of the FIR, yet it does not name me".

He must be accorded full credit for that forthrightness. This brings us back to the vishwas quotient in institutions of governance. Resultant inaction in the higher echelons, as yet another former Cabinet Secretary lamented, looms large on the horizon, as also an insidious fear-factor.

H C Gupta may still be a role model but no one, ironically, would want to be where he is today, shattered and bludgeoned , with only grim uncertainty to keep him tormented company.

The Central , UP and Meghalaya IAS Associations have pledged their solidarity to support the officers in the legal yudh foisted so unfairly on them, but it obviously cannot be unlimited. In this tragic context, it is necessary to red flag that legal expenses for the former disgraced Director, CBI, Ranjit Sinha, in the very same Coalgate scam ( he is under investigation under orders of the Supreme Court for having attempted to scuttle and influence investigations) are being paid by the Government, apparently without any formal and legal authorization for it.

The "favoured" treatment whispers its own unsavoury tale for those who care to listen.

We, the people, care about good governance and we want the netasto be made accountable for their misdeeds.

The judiciary and other hallowed portals must ensure that law earns our vishwas and does not end up with an unmentionable moniker draped indecorously around it.

The writer is a retired IAS officer and comments on governance issues.
Grey's Anatomy actor Eric Dane has made his first public appearance since seeking treatment for depression earlier this year.

The 44-year-old actor attended the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie, 7, and Georgia, 5, reported Us weekly.

Clad in a black suit, Dane appeared happy and healthy.

Dane was in news in April when his representative announced that the star was briefly stepping away from his TNT show The Last Ship.

"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," Dane's representative had said at the time.
At least 8 persons were killed and nine injured on Monday in an explosion in a petrochemical plant in China's Shandong province, police said.

A liquefied gas tanker exploded around 1 a.m., causing a fire in the loading area of Linyi Jinyu Petrochemical Company, Xinhua news agency reported.

Police have detained the owner of the company.

More than 900 firefighters and over 170 fire engines were mobilised to extinguish the flames, with people in nearby areas evacuated.


China has slammed the "irresponsible remarks" made by top US and Japanese officials on the South China Sea and Taiwan issues during the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Stressing that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha islands and their adjacent waters, spokesperson Hua Chunying on Sunday said Beijing has always been committed to peacefully solving disputes through consultation and negotiation with countries directly concerned, Xinhua news agency reported.

China has always respected and maintained the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law.

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.

The situation in the South China Sea has improved and shown positive development momentum, the spokesperson said, citing the success of the first meeting of the China-Philippines bilateral consultation mechanism, and the agreement between Beijing and Asean countries on the framework for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the disputed region.

"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.

Talking about the Taiwan issue, Hua stressed China's position has been "clear and coherent".

China urged the USs to stop selling arms to Taiwan and terminate any official exchanges so as to guarantee the development of bilateral relations.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in its internal affairs.

According to reports, Saudi Arabia was also cutting land, air and sea contact with Qatar, Xinhua news agency reported.


By Ananth Krishnan: China's Assistant Foreign Minister on Monday said "one country alone cannot tackle terrorism", mounting a defence of "all weather" ally Pakistan after Afghanistan pointed the finger at its neighbour for last week's deadly bomb blast in Kabul.

While a regional treaty on combating terrorism and extremism is on the agenda this week at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana on June 8, when India and Pakistan will formally join the Eurasian security grouping, Beijing has come to the defence of its under-fire ally after Kabul, which is an SCO observer state, strongly hit out at Pakistan following last week's bombing that left at least 90 people dead.

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The Afghan government said early findings from an investigation showed the blast was carried out by the Taliban-linked Haqqani network with "direct coordination" by Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). Pakistan has denied the charge.

CHINA CONDEMNS VIOLENT TERRORIST INCIDENTS

Asked about Kabul's allegations ahead of this week's SCO summit, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai said, "China strongly condemns these violent terrorist incidents. We oppose all forms of terrorism and at present the international community has agreed on a broad consensus of all parties."

"To tackle present threats posed by terrorism is not something one country or one party can successfully do," he added when asked about Pakistan's role. "The international community should step up cooperation and work together to jointly tackle the threat of terrorism. China stands willing to work together with other parties bilaterally and multilaterally and step up cooperation and take all necessary measures to jointly protect respective countries, regional security, stability and development."

Li said an SCO treaty on combating terrorism and formalising India's and Pakistan's entry into the six member security grouping were on the agenda for the summit in Astana. The group's current members are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzebekistan.

Li said China welcomed India's addition to the grouping which would make it more representative with it now representing more than half the world's population.

A bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and China's President Xi Jinping is being discussed, on the sidelines of the summit. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is also expected to attend the Astana summit.

STRENGTHENING INDIA-CHINA TIES

Li didn't say if an India-China bilateral had been confirmed but said both leaders "have (already) had multiple meetings and both leaders have agreed on deepening China India cooperation, and making joint efforts to build an even closer development partnership".

"China and India are each other's important neighbouring countries and both are developing rapidly. They are both emerging new market economies and are both important forces for upholding world peace and stability. In recent years relations between India and China are developing soundly and in quite fast speed," he said.

Their likely meeting comes amid recent strains in ties, with India boycotting the May 14 Belt and Road Forum in Beijing with concerns over Xi's pet initiative.

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Both sides have also differed on India's accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which is set to hold an annual plenary this month.

"About the NSG issue, it is more complicated than we previously imagined," Li acknowledged. "China supports the NSG to have thorough consultations for a non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution applicable to all countries."

"China is willing to work with the Indian side," Li said, "to constantly deepen political mutual trust expand win-win cooperation and contribute to regional and world peace stability and development."

Also read:

Russia to supply S-400 missile system to India: Why Pakistan, China should worry

Chinese chopper violates Indian airspace, hovers in Uttarakhand for 4 minutes

WATCH | Chinese troops take part in Pakistan Day parade

--- ENDS ---
The Islamic State terror organisation has executed 11 of its militants in the northeastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zour.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that IS militants opened fire at the deceased in the city of Mayadin, considered to be one of the main IS strongholds in Syria, Efe reported on Sunday.

Activists are unaware of neither the identities of those executed nor the accusations against them.

Additionally, SOHR pointed out that the radicals dug a hole to bury the bodies of their fighters.

The terror organisation killed 25 of its members last month in Deir al-Zour, accusing them of adultery, murder and arms trafficking, according to SOHR.
A Pakistani senator on Monday tabled a motion for debate on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, taking note of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order to suspend the capital punishment awarded to the alleged India spy.

Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Sirajul Haq said that statements issued by individuals after the ICJ's verdict had hinted that Pakistan was not well prepared to fight the case.

"These and similar statements have been passed around, which are creating confusion," Haq was quoted by Dawn News as saying, and adding that Pakistan did not act according to expectations and the steps taken by the country in the Jadhav case had only caused embarrassment to the nation.

Haq said that though Jadhav's arrest was a major achievement, Pakistan wasted an opportunity to bring forth facts about Jadhav and India's "subversive" activities on the international stage.

He also claimed that the ICJ had "adopted" India's stance in its order to out on hold the verdict in Jadhav's case.

"India is constantly issuing threats to Pakistan regarding Jadhav's case," Haq said and insisted that the matter was of national importance.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, on hearing Haq's arguments, admitted the motion for debate.

Terming it an important matter, Rabbani also issued notices to the Foreign Ministry and the Attorney General.
Days after US President Donald Trump said he was withdrawing from the landmark 2015 Paris climate pact, Pope Francis on Monday said that the entire world must safeguard the environment.

"We must never forget that the natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of everyone," Francis tweeted on the occasion of the World Environment Day.

Trump drew widespread condemnation when he announced on Thursday the US's pullout from the Paris accord, claiming the multi-nation pact to curb greenhouse gas emissions would harm his country's economy.

The Paris agreement committed countries to global warming "well below" 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and "endeavour to limit" them even more, to 1.5 degrees.

During Trump's visit to the Vatican in May, Francis gave him a copy of his 2015 papal letter or encyclical on protecting the environment, 'Laudauto Si', which Trump said he would read.

The encyclical is a searing indictment of nations' failure to take care of the earth  to the detriment of its poorest  and a call to action.

The US withdrawal from the Paris agreement could add 0.3 degrees to global temperatures by the end of the century, according to The World Meteorological Organisation and US think tank Climate Interactive.
More than 1 million disabled people are vulnerable to the increasing violence of South Sudan's brutal civil war.

Mary Nyakwas lost her leg to a crocodile while fleeing the fighting. She and her four children had taken refuge from the conflict in a nearby swamp when the reptile attacked her.

Now the 30-year-old sits on the floor of her hut in a civilian protection camp in Bentiu, running her finger over the curve of her stump. Nyakwas relies on friends and neighbours to bring her water and food. Without them, she says, she'd starve.

"I can't do anything for myself now," she says.

When clashes break out, South Sudan's disabled and elderly are often unable to flee and are sometimes shot, hacked to death or burned alive, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch.

The disabled and older people "find themselves at much greater risk of starvation or abuse," the Human Rights Watch report said, urging the United Nations and aid groups to do more to assist the vulnerable.

As South Sudan's civil war moves well into its fourth year, aid workers are struggling to meet the needs of 1.9 million internally displaced people. An estimated 250,000 are disabled and living in UN civilian protection sites across the country, the World Health Organization says.

Even in the camps, many end up living in squalor with little assistance.

Nyakwas has been offered some help. The International Committee of the Red Cross planned to fly her to the capital, Juba, so she could be fitted with a prosthetic limb. But she didn't want to leave her children behind.

The ICRC says it is looking into creating small mobile units to operate in more remote areas of the country. But because of a recent increase in fighting, the organization has put such projects on hold.

The UN humanitarian agency said many aid groups are trying to respond to the needs of the disabled and elderly. It also called on all parties in the conflict to spare the most vulnerable from the "scourge of war."

Another young South Sudanese woman, Nyang Maria, has never been able to use her legs, but she says life was easier before she came to live in the Bentiu camp.

As she can't stand up, the 19-year-old is forced to sit on the camp's filthy latrines, which are rarely cleaned and full of feces.

"Before, I could go to the bathroom anywhere," Nyang says. "Here, there are just a few toilets and they're all full of disease."

In order to increase her mobility, the International Organization for Migration gave her a special-needs tricycle, but she says the tires keep bursting because of the camp's gravel roads. It now sits idle in the corner of her home. She lies limp on the floor beside it.

"Why?" she says, tears streaming down her face. "Why did God make me this way?"
Rather than the vibrant 21st Century trading post of Beijing's grand vision, Horgos is instead developing a reputation as China's very own tax haven.

Construction site is seen at Chinese side of the China-Kazakhstan Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center (ICBC), in Khorgos, China. (Photo: Reuters)

By Reuters: On the border of China and Kazakhstan, an international free trade zone has become a showpiece of Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature "Belt and Road" Initiative to boost global trade and commerce by improving infrastructure and connectivity.

Chinese state media are filled with stories about the stunning success of Horgos, the youngest city of China's new Silk Road. Last month at China's Belt and Road Summit - its biggest diplomatic event of the year - promotional videos about Horgos' booming economy ran on a loop at the press centre.

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But Chinese business owners and prospective investors who had recently visited the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center (ICBC), told Reuters they were disappointed by the disconnect between the hype and reality.

Rather than the vibrant 21st Century trading post of Beijing's grand vision, Horgos is instead developing a reputation as China's very own tax haven.

"We were so unimpressed by what we saw that after looking around for three hours, we turned around and drove eight hours straight back to Urumqi," said a businessman from the capital of China's far western region of Xianjiang, who only wanted to give his surname, Ma, due to the sensitivity of the topic.

Several business owners echoed complaints about poor design and low visitor numbers made by Ma, who visited Horgos to investigate the viability of opening a high-end clubhouse.

"You've got Kazakh farmers walking around with plastic bags full of cheap Chinese t-shirts and you want me to open a club for government officials and businessmen to meet inside the zone - which, by the way, you can't drive your car into and doesn't have any five-star hotels?" Ma said.

On the Chinese side of the border there are five malls selling cheap consumer goods, though traders complain there are not enough visitors.

"Sometimes I'll sit here for a whole day and not make a single sale," said Ma Yinggui, 56, who has a market stall selling clothes. "Some Kazakhs are rich but most are poor. They come and haggle over a 20 yuan ($2.93) t-shirt."

More than five years after the 5.3 sq km trade zone opened, much of the Kazakh side remains empty.

Only 25 of the 63 projects on the Kazakh side have investors, according to Ravil Budukov, ICBC press secretary on the Kazakh side. About 3-4,000 people enter from Kazakhstan each day and around 10,000 from China, he added.

The Xinjiang and Horgos governments declined to make officials available for comment to Reuters for this article.

Huang Sanping, a senior Xinjiang government official, told Reuters at a news conference in Beijing that he had just returned from a visit to Horgos, a city "performing extremely well. It's full of vitality and flourishing".

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CHINA'S TAX HAVEN

Beijing has bestowed numerous tax breaks and preferential policies on Horgos hoping to stimulate growth in this strategic border town in Xinjiang, a key link on the new Silk Road between China and Central Asia, where the government says it is battling to defeat Islamist extremism.

According to Horgos' tax bureau, 2,411 companies registered in Horgos last year, taking advantage of five years of no company tax, and a further five years paying half rate.

At least half those companies are registered in Horgos solely for tax purposes, estimates Meng Shen, Director of Chanson & Co, a boutique investment bank in Beijing.

Chinese celebrities are opting to register production companies in Horgos and an increasing number of financial services and IT companies are also registering there, according to Guan Xuemei from Shenzhou Shunliban, a tax advisory firm that recently opened an office there.

But with no obligation to operate from Horgos or even in Xinjiang, it is unlikely this policy will create jobs or bring money to what has long been an economic backwater, say experts.

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"In theory this is a good policy because it aims to stimulate the local economy," said Shen. "But Beijing didn't think through the fact lots of companies wouldn't actually want to operate from Horgos which is very far away from China's economic centres."

Those who do trade in the "free trade zone" find they face restrictions from both sides.

The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) - of which Kazakhstan is a member - limits traders from the Kazakh side to importing up to 50 kg (110 lbs) of any goods per month duty-free.

China bans imports of many food products - the Kazakh goods most desired by Chinese consumers worried about food safety at home - and caps traders from taking more than 8,000 yuan ($1,175) worth of goods out each day.

"The EEU is a significant barrier because Russia and Kazakhstan and other Central Asia countries want to develop their own industries, they don't want to constantly rely on cheap Chinese goods," said a former Chinese government official turned businessman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Mao Shishi, 44, who currently raises cattle in nearby Qingshuihe, wants to import wool and wild herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine from Kazakhstan to China through Horgos.

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"I'm watching and waiting for any policy changes. Right now we can't import lamb, fish or wild herbs into China," Mao said.

LOGISTICS THOROUGHFARE

Plans to develop a parallel special economic zone in Khorgos - as it is known on the Kazakh side - as a logistics hub appear to be having more success.

Trade volumes are sky-rocketing at the Khorgos Gateway dry port in Kazakhstan, where container freight is lifted off Chinese trains and onto Kazakh ones because of different gauge rail tracks.

"According to our plans, this year we are going to trans-ship around 100,000 TEUs, five times more than we are doing now," said Asset Seisenbek, head of the commercial department at Khorgos Gateway, referring to "twenty-foot equivalent units", an industry measure based on standard shipping container sizes.

Electronics giants HP and Foxconn both ship goods through the dry port, which is faster than sea freight but cheaper than air cargo. One container sent by sea to Europe is about three times cheaper than rail, while air freight is between five to 10 times more expensive, according to Seisenbek.

Last month China's COSCO Shipping and Lianyungang port took a 49 percent stake in Khorgos Gateway which Seisenbek sees as an opportunity to attract more Chinese business.

This sort of investment is what Horgos/Khorgos should hang its hat on, according to Ma, the businessman underwhelmed by the international free trade zone.

"The free trade zone doesn't need to be that successful if the intercontinental trains and roads take off," he said. "In the grand scheme of things, that's the main role for this part of the world."

ALSO READ | India cannot stop Silk Road plan, warns Chinese media

ALSO READ | Pakistan signs nearly $500 million in China deals at Silk Road summit

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma

Beijing, Jun 5 (PTI) China today welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks in Russia that not a single bullet has been fired at Sino-India border in the last 40 years despite the simmering boundary dispute between the two neighbours.

"We have noted positive remarks made by Prime Minister Modi. We welcome that," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told media briefing here when asked about Modis comments made during his visit to Russia last week.

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Modi said world has increasingly become inter-connected and inter-dependent, a transformation that has made it necessary for India and China to cooperate on trade and investments despite a simmering border dispute.

"It is true that we have a border dispute with China. But in the last 40 years, not a single bullet has been fired because of border dispute," Modi said speaking at a panel discussion at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Reacting to his remarks, Hua said, "we have been stressing that as two major countries China and India maintaining sound, steady and in-depth growth of the bilateral relationship is of great significance."

"Actually, leaders of the two countries pay great attention to the boundary question. Each time they meet they exchange views on this issue. Both sides have agreed that an early question of boundary question serves the interests of the both sides. It is also a strategic goal both sides are striving to achieve," she said.

Referring to the 19 rounds of boundary talks held by the special representatives of both sides, Hua said both sides have "taken serious measures to maintain peace and tranquillity of the border areas."

"The two sides will stick to the overall relationship of the bilateral relationship and deepen cooperation in relevant field so as to realise common development and bring more benefits of the people of both sides," she said.

"We believe that the sound and steady growth of the bilateral relationship will also bring more benefits to the whole region and the world at large," she added.

Modis remarks as well as Chinas reaction comes in the backdrop of growing discord between the two countries over a host of issues including the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Beijing blocking Indias membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group as well as the listing of JeM leader Masood Azhar a terrorist by UN. PTI KJV ZH AKJ ZH

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) State-owned CIL will offer coking coal through auction route to other consumers only after it meets long-term supply commitments of the dry fuel to PSUs, including SAIL.

The decision on the same was taken in the board meeting of Coal India Ltd (CIL) held last month, an official said.

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Coking coal will be offered only after meeting long-term commitment of steel plants, including integrated steel plants of SAIL and RINL and other such consumers taking into account those coal fuel supply pacts, the official said.

However, the washed coking coal and steel Grade-II coal can be offered for metallurgical purposes, the official added.

SAIL is a prime consumer of coking coal as well as a major customer of CILs metallurgical coal.

"While Coal India subsidiaries shall be empowered to decide the reserve price (of coking coal to be offered under e-auction route), upper cap of the reserve price will be on the basis of applicable scheme of e-auction," the official said.

Coking coal is a vital ingredient in the steel making process.

The worlds largest coal miner is planning to acquire coking coal mines in Australia as it looks to supplement the requirement of Indias metallurgical coal.

However, the discussions are in a very preliminary stage.

Indias dependence on imports is particularly heavy on coking coal.

Recognising limited availability of metallurgical coal as an disadvantage for Indian steel sector, the draft steel policy aims at increasing supply of domestic coking coal to cut dependence on imports by half and a production of 300 million tonnes of the alloy by 2030-31.

The National Steel Policy aims at achieving increased domestic availability of washed coking coal so as to reduce import dependence on coking coal by 50 per cent by 2030-31. Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic coal production. PTI SID BAL

--- ENDS ---
Doctors from across the country are expected to be agitating on Tuesday under the Indian Medical Association's banner of "Dilli Chalo", over several issues that have been of concern to the community, lately.

Representative image | Reuters

Some of the issues that doctors are protesting against include criminal prosecution over medical negligence and clerical errors, demanding professional autonomy in deciding the line of treatment, writing prescriptions and a stringent central act against rising cases of violence against doctors. According to Dr K.K. Aggarwal, president of IMA, there's a need for amendment in the Pre-conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994, so that doctors are not prosecuted for things such as not wearing apron, and not filling a particular detail in a form.

One of the other issues that has been causing concern to doctors, says Aggarwal, is the fact that with the government's emphasis on generic prescriptions, doctors' autonomy in writing prescriptions is being threatened. Since it is the government that regulates prices of medicinesand not doctorsAggarwal says that it is imperative that a one drug-one molecule-one price policy is introduced.

The agitating doctors would also be raising the issue of violence against their fraternity, and demanding a central law to curb the menace. Recently, doctors in Mumbai struck work for the same reason, and their counterparts in AIIMS wore helmets to raise awareness. Other issues include protesting against the formation of the National Medical Council, and a central law against quacks.

Apart from the strike at Rajghat, there will also be a "pen down satyagraha"where doctors across the country will not write any prescriptions for an hour between 10 am and 11 am. The IMA is anticipating the strike to be one of the largest agitations by doctors in recent times.
India has strongly denied US President Donald Trump's allegations that it was a beneficiary of the Paris climate agreement. Without mincing words, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India rejects any such insinuation.

I reject the allegation that India has signed the deal under any duress or greed for money...Whether the USA is there or not (in Paris deal), India will continue to be part of it, Swaraj said during the annual press conference in New Delhi. She went on to add that India has been committed to saving nature as that is part of its ethos as mountains and rivers have been revered here.

She, however, said relations between the two countries are on track as they were during the Obama regime. Trump administration seas India-US relationship as of mutual benefits, the minister said replying to a question.

Swaraj emphasised that the improved relations with the West Asia has been the highlight of three years of Modi government. If we talk about different regions, West Asia is where we have the best relationship. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over, everyone said West Asia would be neglected as it was Muslim dominated. But India has best relations with all countries there even though some of them may not be friendly with each other, she said giving examples of Iran and Saudi Arabia, Syria and Cypress, and Israel and Palestine.

Referring to Pakistan, she said India's policy was guided by three principleswe want to solve all issues through dialogue; dialogue would take place between two countries without any third party; and no dialogue when terrorism is on.

Swaraj said PM's innovative way of reaching out to Pakistan by visiting Lahore was answered with Pathankot attack within a week. She refused to confirm if any meeting would take place between Modi and PM Nawaz Sharif in Astana during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit this month.

Rescuing Indians

Swaraj said during the past three years of the Modi government, MEA has been able to rescue 80,000 Indians stranded abroad. The government was able to bring back its citizens in distress with the help of Indians Missions abroad.
It is the first victory stamp of the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh. An obscure railway station near Mathura that had become the centre of politics ahead of the assembly polls in the country's most populous state is set to get the BJP-RSS stamp .

A statue of Deendayal Upadhayaya | via Commons

Top government sources told THE WEEK that the union home ministry under Rajnath Singh is all set to clear the decks for renaming a railway station near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh after Jan Sangh icon and RSS ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.

The railway station, called Farah Town station, is likely to be renamed as Deendayal Dham as it is close to Upadhaya's ancestral village, Nagla Chandrabhan, in Mathura where he was born in 1916.

The move stalled by the previous Samajwadi party government in UP last year is being facilitated by the newly elected Yogi Adityanath government.

Top sources disclosed that Rajnath Singh is set to clear the file which landed at the home ministry's desk weeks after the BJP's landslide victory in the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. For the party, it would mean the revival of the legacy of Upadhayaya.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the village to pay homage to the RSS ideologue to mark the first anniversary of the NDA government. Last year, the BJP had also launched a year-long birth centenary celebration in the memory of the leader. The party's plan to get the railway station renamed was stalled earlier by Akhilesh Yadav government.

Rajnath Singh, who is also hailing from Uttar Pradesh, however, did not forget the significance of the proposal and when the file landed at the MHA desk once again, he decided to look into it personally.

As per the government guidelines, renaming of railway stations, towns and cities is done by the union home ministry which gives a no objection certificate to the proposal received from the state government. The NOC is given after the ministry receives comments of Postal Department, Survey of India and so on.

Farah town railway station derives its name from a small town near Mathura which traces its origin back to the Mughal era and finds mention in 1857 uprising. However, it seems history will have to pave way for nationalism for now.
When the US forces invaded Panama in the winter of 1989-90, their 82nd Airborne Division couldn't take its intelligence officer who had specialised in Panama matters. Reason: The officer was pregnant.

This, and such other reasons have always been put forward by the military brass for not letting women join combat duties. But now the army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat has overruled such objections and has said that women will soon be recruited into combat arms.

Rawat isn't stating anything new. The policy intent was stated last year by President Pranab Mukherjee, who is also the supreme commander, in his address to the joint session of the houses of Parliament last year. My government has approved the induction of women as short service commission officers and as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force. In the future, my government will induct women in all the fighter streams of our armed forces, he had said.

Women have been in the Indian armed forces since the First World War when they were taken as officers into the nursing service, which is an auxiliary service, and sent as far away as Flanders in France and the Middle East. In the Second World War, Netaji Bose raised a Rani Jhani Regiment under Captain Lakshmi for his Indian National Army.

Other non-combat branches, such as law, education, ordnance corps, service corps, air-traffic control and transport flying, were opened to women on short service commission after the cabinet committee on political affairs approved the proposal in 1992. Today, the Army has close to 1500 women officers, the IAF 1350 and the Navy 550, and none in non-officer cadre.

The inconsistency among the three services in granting permanent commission, which would have earned the women pension, has led to a plethora of court cases. The one filed by a few women Navy officers seeking permanent commission, is coming up in the Supreme Court in July.

One policy in which all three services had been consistent was in forbidding women from combat armsinfantry, artillery and armour in the army, fighter-flying in the air force and warship service in the navy. That policy changed last year when the IAF allowed three women to join the fighter-flying branch. The first three female fighter-fliers are currently training at the Air Force Academy, Dindigul. Now the Army too is letting them into combat units.

General Rawat's announcement has made women navy officers ask, why not the Navy?as Commander Prasanna Edayillam, who has been leading the navy women's battle in the courts, asks. If countries where women's status is reportedly inferior have let women into combat, why don't we? She particularly cites the case of Pakistan Air Force which stole a march over the IAF in letting women fly fighter planes much before IAF did.

Militaries have been hesitant to employ women in combat due to several fears. Field commanders may continue to be protective, and wouldn't throw women into combat mission; women falling into enemy hands may be treated savagely; there aren't toilets or other private spaces in the field; warships baths are doorless; the military is a world of male bonding and ribald jokes; pregnancy and motherhood would keep them away from duty for long; and so on. And then the basic argument: that armed forces aren't the fora for social justice experiments.

But pro-changers point out that things have changed. Combat no longer involves physical contact with the enemy; newer warships have doored baths; and women can manage themselves anywhere as men can. If women can go to space, why not to sea?asks Commander Edayillam.
Our family evenings are never complete without the interesting stories that my father-in-law has to tell from his early teens, before the subcontinent was divided by the borders and he went to the now Indian side of Punjab to attend the festivals of different seasons. Many of his stories would start with once I was so-and-so years old and had gone to a mela in Amritsar (or some seven other cities that is part of Indian Punjab). This 85-year-old man has a lot of good things to say about the people that live in a separate country now. Sadly, these seven decades since the partition have not been as merciful to the minds of the generations to succeed.

Many factions on both side of borders have been exploiting the desperation of people on either side, to instigate the emotions against the neighbouring country. As a result of this exploitation and propaganda, there are not-so-kind sentiments on both sides.

Today, every teenager in remote areas of Punjab has been made aware of the information that India is stealing Pakistans share of waters. There was a time when Pakistani political parties would talk about the core issues between India and Pakistan and the sharing of rivers, especially those flowing down from Kashmir. But lately, political parties have so many other issues on their plate that the major parties of mainstream politics hardly get to go there.

When authorities drop an issue that is important to the masses, there are always vultures that prey on those leftovers, and the same has happened to the water issue that was already not being handled all that well. To leave such issues to be hijacked makes the people even more vulnerable. The radicalised parties and factions have taken advantage of the situation to sway the minds of the people affected by the shortage of water for agricultural purposes and much affected crops  thus, the debts.

Jamat-e-Islami, the only religious party with electoral background and political footings in the remote areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, has a separate wing that concentrates on peasants and their issues in order to secure their support. This wing has been staging demonstrations from time to time, but the biggest demonstration was organised in 2015 in Lahore. Thousands of people came from all over Punjab to protest the severe shortage of water that had badly affected the crops and the answering of the call by Jamaat-ud-Dawa. Now, those who realise the tendencies of Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the ideals that the organisation stands for have been haunted by the protest and they say that the organisation is with the masses.

The dysfunctional religious groups such as Jamaat-ud-Dawa (now banned in Pakistan) have taken the lead in exploiting the shortage of irrigation water, especially in Punjab. Repeated allegations of terrorism-supporting activities from different fronts has led to a permanent ban on Jamaat-ud-Dawa in Pakistan. But rather than shutting down, the organisation continues to exist under a different banner. Jamaat-ud-Dawa has penetrated the masses on micro level using this issue.

With India having 19 big and small dams on rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Krishnaganga, and Pakistan slowly losing Ravi to some of them, Pakistani farmers look for answers in the country's resolve to build the Kalabagh Dam to fight the giant shortage of irrigation water.

When governments fail to provide these answers, the radicalised organisations replace the governments in this equation, providing the affected with a party to blame. The claims made and misinformation provided by these organisations gathers more weight when every now and then there comes a news of India building a new dam, however small it might be.

The canal system that was created during the British Raj had made this side of Punjab so fertile and self-sufficient in irrigation matters that for us, there was no concept of shortage of irrigation water. Now, something that was never in our imaginations for over a century has brought forward the frustration and desperation, but letting the radicalised organisations take benefit of it is something that is unfathomable. The youth of Pakistani Punjab is being manipulated and poisoned by anti-India sentiments, but what they do not get to know is the humanitarian aspect of life. They do not know that while they are facing the dire shortage of irrigation water, one of the major issues that India is dealing with is farmer suicides on a large scale.

However, there are voices of sanity that try to give us a reality check. In a TV interview a few years ago, Dr. Mubashar Hassan dismissed the claims of the host and the propaganda spreaders by wittily asking the host that if India was really stealing Pakistans share of water, where on earth was she hiding it? Dr. Hassan is a former finance minister and holds a PhD in hydrology/dams technology.

But there are only a few of such experts, and even fewer make it to the mainstream media. Thus, the people are being fed disinformation, and the agendas of the organisations that are using these vulnerabilities to their advantage are open secrets.

India and Pakistan, for the sake of the safety of their people, need to counter this propaganda, lest more and more people keep assuming while falling prey in the hands of these radicalised factions. Of late, governments of India and Pakistan have been taking steps to mend bridges, but in order to pave the ways of friendship, one has slay the demons that are breathing fire inside the country too. Both the countries should open dialogue on every other issue rather than waiting for Kashmir and cross-border terrorism conflicts to be resolved because, however trivial they may seem, the haunting issue of water is a concern for the future.

Huma Sadaf is a Lahore-based journalist and a human rights activist.
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Jun 5 (PTI) The Coast Guard saved 32 people in three different operations concurrently at New Mangalore, Goa and 590 nautical miles off Mumbai coast.

While 27 crew members onboard a grounded barge were rescued from south of old Mangalore port on June 3 and 4, a critically ill light house staff member was rescued from Vengurla Rock Light House on June 4.

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The Coast Guard, which is the nodal agency for search and rescue in Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR), rescued four crew members of a sailing boat, which had got drifted due to engine failure, off Mumbai coast on June 3.

In the first operation, Coast Guard Karnataka Headquarters received a message from New Mangalore Port Control regarding flooding onboard barge Ibis, grounded south of old Mangalore port.

"The barge with 27 crew onboard was engaged in the construction of breakwater for old port and got grounded due to rough sea conditions and started flooding," a Defence spokesperson said.

"On receipt of the distress alert, the Coast Guard immediately swung into action and diverted CG ship Amartya, which was patrolling off Karnataka coast to provide necessary assistance," the spokesperson said.

The ship reached near the grounding site at about 6.40 pm on June 3 and rescued four crew members braving very high waves and inclement weather.

The rescue operation recommenced on June 4, at 6 am.

"The valiant efforts of ICGS Amartya and CSP resulted in rescuing all 27 crew by 8.25 am," he said.

In the second incident, Coast Guard at Goa evacuated a critically-ill (suffering chest pain) staff of Light House authorities from Vengurla Rock Light House.

At about 5.40 pm on June 3, the light house authorities approached the Coast Guard to evacuate a staff member manning the light house, who had reported chest pain, he said.

The operation was undertaken with first light on June 4 as night operation was not possible from the light house.

A Coast Guard helicopter was launched from Goa and the light house staff was safely evacuated to mainland at about 8 am and handed over to light house authorities.

In the third operation, the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai received a distress alert on May 31 from a sailing boat Lady Thuraya registered at British Virgin Islands, which was sailing from Male to Salalah, Oman.

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"The position was over 590 miles from Mumbai. Reacting swiftly to the situation, the Coast Guard raised an International Safety Net, wherein ships in the vicinity were requested to look for the distress boat.

"One of the merchant ships, MV Seacor Diamond sailing to UAE was able to contact the sailing boat on VHF on June 3 and was continuously guided by Coast Guard MRCC," the spokesperson said.

"The sailing boat in distress was located at about 1.15 pm on June 3, at about 390 miles from Mumbai. MV Seacor Diamond intimated that all four crew of the sailing boat were safe and healthy, but the boat had drifted because of engine failure and no power onboard since three days," he said in a statement.

"Immediate assistance was provided to the crew and the ship along with the sailing boat which is expected to reach Mumbai by June 7," he said. PTI VT NP IKA

--- ENDS ---
President Barack Obamas 2014 opening with Cuba helped funnel American travel dollars into military-linked tourism conglomerates even as state security agents waged a fierce crackdown on dissent.

The rapprochement also poured hundreds of millions in U.S. spending into privately owned businesses on the island, supercharging the growth of an entrepreneurial middle-class independent of the communist state. It opened a new market for American corporations, with JetBlue and American Airlines operating from gleaming new Havana offices and tens of thousands of private bed-and-breakfasts listed on Airbnb.

Internet access became an affordable reality for hundreds of thousands of Cubans as President Raul Castro met a pledge to Obama and opened nearly 400 public Wi-Fi access points across the country. Meanwhile, longtime enemies separated by 90 miles of ocean struck agreements to cooperate on issues ranging from human trafficking to oil spills.

This is the complex scenario facing President Donald Trump as Cuban-American legislators and lobbyists pressure him to fulfill his campaign promise to undo Obamas deal with Cuba. The administration is close to announcing a new policy that would prohibit business with the Cuban military while maintaining the full diplomatic relations restored by Obama, according to a Trump administration official and a person involved in the ongoing policy review.

As the President has said, the current Cuba policy is a bad deal. It does not do enough to support human rights in Cuba, White House spokesman Michael Short said. We anticipate an announcement in the coming weeks.

Still under debate: new restrictions on American leisure travel to Cuba, which has more than tripled since Obamas announcement, to nearly 300,000 last year.

Anti-Castro Cuban-Americans hate the idea of U.S. travelers enjoying mojitos in the police state that drove exiles from their homes and businesses. Tourism to Cuba remains barred by U.S. law, and American travelers to Cuba still must fall into one of 12 categories of justification for their travel, ranging from religious to educational activities meant to bring the traveler into contact with Cuban people.

When Obama took office, people-to-people travelers could only see the country as part of organized tours  a measure meant to guarantee that Americans experienced only educational activities such as visits to printing workshops or organic farmers markets.

In reality, the tour requirement guaranteed that American travelers spent virtually every second of their time in Cuba under the direct control of the government, which requires U.S. tour operators to use government tour buses and guides and stay almost entirely in state-run hotels.

As his second term came to a close, Obama eliminated that requirement and opened the door for tens of thousands of travelers to book their own independent trips to Cuba.

Opponents of Obamas rollback say that has allowed many to engage in prohibited tourism, spending leisure days at the beach and all-inclusive resorts.

But individual travel has also served as rocket fuel for Cubas burgeoning private sector. Tens of thousands of Americans are booking direct flights on U.S. airlines to Havana, reserving private lodging through Airbnb and spending thousands of dollars on private guides, taxis and restaurants.

A former industrial engineer, 31-year-old Adyarin Ruiz runs a four-bedroom bed-and-breakfast in a restored section of Old Havana thats seeing an increasing number of Americans willing to pay up to $100 a night in a country where state salaries average $25 a month.

Over the last two years, since relations with the U.S. were restored, Ive seen the growth in American tourism, and even more so since the direct flights started, Ruiz said. The Americans whove come here are VIPS. You can see that they have money and they appreciate and demand quality, and demand that the house looks really pretty.

There are also now U.S. jobs dependent on travel to Cuba. The American pro-detente group Engage Cuba released a study Thursday asserting that a complete rollback of Obamas Cuba policy would cost airlines and cruise lines $3.5 billion over the next four years and lead to the loss of 10,154 travel jobs.

Administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss ongoing policy talks say domestic political concerns are the main force driving any rollback on Cuba.

During the transition, Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson privately expressed support for Obamas Cuba policy, U.S. officials from the former and current administrations told The Associated Press.

The main people still seeking a reversal in the opening are Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, both Cuban-Americans. The Trump government wants to maintain good relations with both Rubio, who sits on the Senate committee investigating Trumps relations with Russia, and Diaz-Balart, a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Some top Trump advisers also believe that a 2020 re-election victory will rest on keeping the loyalty of Cuban-Americans in Florida whom they see as essential to winning the critical swing state.

Many object to the Cuban government seeing any benefit from relations with the U.S., opposed to thousands of American travelers staying in hotels run by GAESA, an increasingly powerful business conglomerate with deep military ties. Cuban-Americans have been particularly offended by Obama allowing U.S. companies to deal directly with military-linked companies, most prominently in an agreement for Stamford, Connecticut-based Starwood to manage at least two Havana hotels. Anti-Castro forces have also been demanding action on human rights: arrests and short-term detentions of protesters climbed from 8,899 in 2014 to 9,940 last year.

Cuban officials say many of those arrests are deliberately provoked by dissidents who are funded and backed by anti-Castro groups with the deliberate objective of driving up detention statistics.

But the officials say theres another reason to tighten Americas Cuba policy: pressuring Venezuela. The Trump administration has been looking for ways to force Venezuela to address the near-daily protests and violence trying to shake President Nicolas Maduros iron grip on power. Cuba is Maduros close ally and supporter and measures against the Cuban military would send at least the appearance that the U.S. is taking action.

Meanwhile, Cuba is preparing for its own transition. Castro is planning to leave Cubas presidency in February 2018 and is expected to hand the role to a 57-year-old vice president who has said little about his vision for the country.

Rubios office described the senators goals as laying the groundwork for a new generation of Cuban leaders to empower ordinary citizens of the island.

I am confident the President will keep his commitment on Cuba policy by making changes that are targeted and strategic and which advance the Cuban peoples aspirations for economic and political liberty, Rubio said in a statement released by his office Thursday.

(AP)
Laurie Cardoza-Moore, president of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations (PJTN) and Special United Nations Envoy for the World Council of Independent Christian Churches (WCICC) which represents 40 million Evangelical Christians worldwide released the following statement after US President Trump signed to once again push off moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Millions of Evangelical Christian Zionists are praying that God gives President Trump the courage to begin the process of moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem  the eternal, undivided Biblical capital of the re-born State of Israel. If not today then in six months  it has to happen. It was the Lord of Hosts that chose the people of Israel and Jerusalem as His Capital and it is the American peoples biblical responsibility to honor his wish.

Having the US Embassy in Jerusalem will only bring immense blessing on the peoples of Israel and the United States of America. Said Laurie Cardoza-Moore, president of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations (PJTN) and Special United Nations Envoy for the World Council of Independent Christian Churches (WCICC) which represents 40 million Evangelical Christians worldwide.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
By Sanjana Agnihotri: The Piano Man, a popular place for Jazz music, is located in Delhi's Safdarjung Enclave. The outlet found itself in the eye of a controversy storm for agreeing to host a music band called "Bhangijumping".

A change.org petition has been created against 'Piano Man' demanding shutting down of the "casteist jazz club for its hate crimes against Dalits".

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"Bhangi is a scheduled caste community forced into manual scavenging and sweeping work in India. The word bhangi is considered a slur used to describe 'dirty addicts' and forward castes use it on each other as an insult, as well as use it towards the Bhangi community to dehumanise and reduce their identity to something associated with 'filth'", read the petition.

Also read: The Dalits | Still untouchable

The petition said that when the meaning of 'Bhangi' was brought to the notice of club owner, Arjun Sagar Gupta, he "offered a passive aggressive clarification justifying the name Bhangijumping as a form of 'artistic expression'".

Arjun's first Facebook post on the issue came on June 3 where he said, "There is a gap between the artist's understanding of the word and that of some people who have reacted very negatively. I can assure you that neither the artist (who is an extremely polite and respectful person) nor The Piano Man wanted to hurt anyone, and for that, we apologise. That said, we are vehement supporters of artistic freedom and will continue to be...always."

The artist, after he learned about the fact that the name of his band could be misinterpreted and misunderstood by people, changed it to Akshay Kapoor.

Talking to IndiaToday.in, Arjun said, "It is true that we were ignorant of the fact that the word is used as a casteist slur, and I can assure you that it wasn't the artist's or The Piano Man's intent to hurt any community. It is quite sad to see that people are being oblivious to the fact that the band's name has already been changed. The Piano Man has always been an inclusive space focused on spreading love, not hatred in any form."

Many protested The Piano Man's decision to go ahead with the show, but the event was cancelled yesterday. This was announced by Arjun in another Facebook post he made on June 4 where he said, "I think I failed to understand how deeply this has affected some people." In the post, Arjun said, "I think it is best for me to sit and understand the situation better. As a human being, I can make mistakes and it is my sincerest goal to learn from them and improve."

Talking to IndiaToday.in, Arjun said, "A friend rightly pointed it out to me that the issue of casteism is so deeply ingrained that many people are oblivious to it. I've been facing a lot of backlash online and many people tell me I should have known what the word means and should not have agreed to host the band. I do understand their point but what I want everybody to know is that had I known, I would not have agreed to this and I am all for being sensitised and doing my bit in sensitising others."

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The Change.org petitioner claimed that the friends of the band members hurled abuses and mocked the ones protesting and produced screen grabs of such Facebook comments as proof.

Also read: Ann-shunned: Upper caste students reject food cooked by Dalit woman

"The owner of Piano Man did nothing to intervene, stop the abuses and mockery and in fact 'liked' the offensive comments made against Dalits", the petition read. India Today could not categorically verify this statement in the petition.

Also read: This 11th class Dalit student in UP rips apart demonetisation like no one

After Arjun's first clarification was posted, some Facebook users made offensive comments.

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"Statements like "Chamar bhangi sale, gutter saaf karne wale" (Chamar Bhangi, the ones who clean manholes) and "Go back to cleaning toilets now", "Ambedkar ki najayaaz aulad," (Ambedkar's illegitimate chlidren) were used on Facebook [sic]," said the petition.

Arjun said that the accusation of The Piano Man being fascist and oppressive are false. "I admit there was ignorance and we are trying to learn from issue". He said that the usage of words like "small minded" and "aggressive" were directed to those who called for a boycott without trying to understand The Piano Man's side of the story.

Editor's note: The story has been edited with updates.

--- ENDS ---
President Reuven Rivlin was among the dignitaries who addressed festivities marking 50 years of settlement in Hebron and Kiryat Arba. Following is his address:

Hebron is not an obstacle to peace, Hebron is a test of our abilities to live together, side by side.

After 50 years, the State must make every effort to improve the quality of life the residents of the whole area  it is clear that in any agreement Jews and Arabs will continue to live here, and so all of us must take an interest to care for the prosperity and flourishing of Hebron and Kiryat Arba.

President Reuven Rivlin last week, on Thursday evening, addressed the opening event for the jubilee celebrations of the Jewish community in Kiryat Arba and the reestablishment of the Jewish community in Hebron, at an event attended by thousands of people. Also speaking was Malachi Levinger, head of Kiryat Arba-Hebron\ regional council, while a memorial torch was kindled by Zakaria Nahari, a veteran of the city who had fought in the Six Day War in the Jerusalem Brigade, which arrived in Hebron upon the citys liberation.

In those days, at this very time, 50 years ago I had the fortune to be among the liberators of the City of our Forefathers, began President Rivlin, I can think of no more appropriate expression of what my fellow soldiers and I felt at that that moment than the words of King David in Hebron, We were as dreamers. After two millennia we were once again in Hebron, and in Kever Rachel, without fear, without the order that a Jew must stand on this or that spot. Thus we returned to Hebron.

He continued, Today it is important to remind everyone that the Jewish community of Hebron was founded hundreds of years before the establishment of the State of Israel, and it was cut off with a cruel hand. Yigal Alon founded Kiryat Arba, a man of the Labor movement. The first contributor to the Jewish community in Hebron was David Ben-Gurion. And at the time, among the defenders of the community in the media, was the Haaretz newspaper. Hebron is not an obstacle to peace, Hebron is a test of our abilities to live together, side by side. In the year 1912, the first Hadassah clinic in the Land of Israel operated here, in the place today known as Beit Hadassah. That clinic served all the people of the city: Jews and Arabs. Would we not be able to establish it once more? For the benefit of all those who live in Hebron? I know that in the reality of Hebron today this sounds naive, even dreamlike. Especially after the terror attacks which you have endured, and still endure. But one can dream, and one can hope.

The President stressed, After 50 years the State must make every effort to improve the quality of life the residents of the whole area. I do not know if there will ever be a political agreement, and if there will be, what will be its nature. But it is clear that in any agreement Jews and Arabs will continue to live here, and so all of us must take an interest, to care for the prosperity and flourishing of Hebron and Kiryat Arba. Investments in infrastructure, in roads, in the development of industry in the region, in preventing road accidents and damage to nature and the environment would be right for all of us.

The President went on to quote from Israels first Prime Minister David BenGurion, on the importance of the community in Hebron. It is fitting that Hebron should be the sister of Jerusalem, and as such we bless her and all those who love her, Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands, he concluded.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Following research from NGO Monitor and criticism from Israeli government officials, a number of European governments announced a reevaluation of their support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Most recently, this week, the Danish Foreign Minister launched a review funding to Palestinian NGOs.

Following is the NGO report:

For years, NGO Monitor has been tracking the misuse of massive European government NGO funding for incitement and support of terrorism. Our publications have focused on funding for Palestinian groups, some with links to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization. Examples include Addameer, a PFLP affiliate, and many other NGOs whose rhetoric and activities are inconsistent with the values and foreign policies of the donors.

The lack of transparency and the failure by state donor officials to conduct due diligence enables the activities of these and other radical organizations. Millions are allotted annually for aid, peace, human rights, and other well-intentioned goals without parliamentary supervision, and in many cases, ministers approve budgets without knowledge of the details. Abuse is rampant, and Denmarks decision reflects a growing awareness of this long-festering problem.

Norway has also made changes in its NGO funding policies, and this week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs demanded that funds provided to a Palestinian womens center be returned after it was revealed that the center was named after the terrorist Dalal Mughrabi. Mughrabi led an attack in 1978, killing 35 Israelis and wounding 71. Norway and, subsequently, the UN also demanded that their logos be removed from any publications tied to the center.

The Womens Affairs Technical Committee (WATC), a Palestinian NGO involved in the center, notably did not condemn the naming after Mughrabi and and did not request that its name be removed from related publications. NGO Monitor research demonstrates that WATC also supports BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions).

Six months ago, Norway abruptly reversed a decision to give $1 million to the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Secretariat (the Secretariat), a joint mechanism funded by Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, based at Birzeit University in Ramallah. The Secretariat funds multiple NGOs linked to the PFLP and/or involved in BDS campaigns against Israel. WATC is a Secretariat grantee.

Danish and Norwegian funding for Palestinian NGOs are examples of a much wider problem. This month, NGO Monitor will publish a comprehensive database presenting all available data on funding for Palestinian NGOs with terror ties, that promote BDS, and/or that target Israel through legal campaigns (lawfare).

Prof. Gerald Steinberg, President of NGO Monitor, stated, The decisions by Norway and Denmark are part of a positive trend, and other European officials are waking to the consequences of providing millions in grants to political NGOs with minimal oversight and accountability. We hope that more governments will follow their lead, understand that groups that use the language of peace and human rights do not necessarily promote these agendas, and halt funds to NGOs that promote BDS, oppose peace, or have ties to terror.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Yisrael Hayom commissioned a poll carried out by Magar Mochot Institute in response to a Channel 2 News survey which reported 47% of Israelis would back a peace agreement based on return to the pre-1967 borders and land exchanges that would permit large Israeli settlements to remain in place. When Israel refers to large settlements, it refers to cities like Maale Adumim, Ariel, Efrat, Betar Illit, and Modiin Illit for example.

The Yisrael Hayom shows a different picture, that most Israelis prefer maintaining Israeli sovereignty over Yerushalayim than reaching a peace agreement with the PA (Palestinian Authority). In fact, about 95% of Israelis remain oppose to giving up sovereignty for the Kosel.

67% of Israelis oppose a peace deal that includes granting the PA partial control over Jerusalems Old City, while 33% are in favor. If the same deal grants total sovereignty over the Old City to the PA, opposition to the deal climbs to 84%.

The report explains that while Israelis understand the term sovereignty, the term partial sovereignty is misunderstood, for here it means Israel would maintain control of the Jewish Quarter while control of most other areas of the Old City would be turned over to the PA. More significant is that control over the Kosel and Har Habayis would be turned over to the PA too.

In fact, two-thirds of Israelis backing PA sovereignty in the Old City as mentioned are opposed to the deal if it includes giving the Kosel and Har Habayis to the PA.

Is there is a chance of reaching a peace agreement with the PA in the near future?

75% no

25% yes

Yisrael Hayom opines this shows the centrist population shifts right politically speaking when it comes to the Kosel, Har Habayis and Yerushalayim. It also maintains the mainstream news prefers to continue with its left-wing agenda when in fact, it is misrepresenting the real political picture.

The poll surveyed a sample of 502 Israeli adults from the Arab and Jewish sectors and has a margin of error of +/- 4.3%.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
On motzei Shabbos, Ministry of Defense Crossing Authority security officials stopped an Israeli vehicle to be searched after the driver aroused suspicion. 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 the Israeli Police for questioning.

It should be noted that the Teenim 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, Teenim Crossing has become the 14th crossing in Yehuda and Samaria (16th including crossing points to Gaza) which has been transferred from the IDF to the Ministry of Defense, in turn becoming a civilian crossing point.

Photo: Confiscated weapon

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Ministry of Defense Crossing Authority)
Haifa residents were smiling after hearing a court ruling would shut down the citys ammonia tank once and for all, placing the deadline at July 31, 2017. However, it now appears their delight may have been premature.

However, following a more recent High Court of Justice ruling, the Ministry of Environmental Affairs is permitting the continued operation of the tank till the deadline.

From the governments point of view, it is seeking clarification from the court, which has ordered the tank emptied. It wishes to establish if it must be entirely emptied or just enough to reach pump level. Some experts have already warned against totally emptying the tank, a process that carries its share of safety concerns. Haifas mayor wants the tank emptied entirely as many experts explain this can be done safely if the appropriate measures are taken in advance of emptying the tank.

City Hall remains one of the major opponents to the tank, well-aware of the risk posed to the area in a missile attack from Lebanon. Experts explain the tank, if full, could impact over a half million people. In addition to wartime, many are concerned with leaks or other mishaps that might expose local residents to potentially fatal hazard.

In the interim, while Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav continues calling for the removal of the tank, it appears even armed with a court ruling, the process is more complicated than first realized and in all likelihood, the matter will be back before a court before the 31 July deadline.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Following a surprised inspection by state authorities in Mir Yeshiva in Yerushalayim Purim time, state funds for the yeshiva have been held back. It was explained that many talmidim were not there as they should have been due to Purim, but the explanation fell on deaf ears.

Yeshiva officials were promised the outcome of the surprise inspection would not count against the yeshiva and another inspection would be held.

A letter has now been sent from the law office of Yaakov Weinrott, an effort by the yeshiva to have state funds released. The letter makes reference to the March 20, 2017 surprise inspection that failed, referencing the additional inspection of March 27th that was supposed to take place. Due to the results of the inspection, Mir officials were summoned to appear before state funding officials on May 22, 2017, at which time a hearing weighing the yeshivas funding would take place.

The yeshiva has since received a letter signed by a deputy director of a department, Sigalit Daniel, informing Mir that funding for April 2017 was being withheld, 2 million shekels. However, it was explained why the first inspection failed. It adds that 22 May was the day the US president was visiting and this was known well in advance. Hence, officials [from Mir] arrived in the capital eight hours earlier and they rented a venue to remain to enable arriving at the hearing on time. However, just four hours before the scheduled hearing, around noontime, Mir officials were informed the hearing was canceled, explaining one committee member was unable to attend due to difficulty traveling as a result of the presidential visit.

Attorney Hadad of Yaakov Weinrotts office in the letter explains how the hearing was postponed by state officials, and over a month has passed since the original date and over two months since learning funds were being withheld and three months since the surprise inspection in question.

Hadad explains the trouble and expense his client went through to attend the hearing, which was canceled, not to mention an expert was brought in from the USA by Mir to attend as well. He continues by adding things are what they were and the presidential visit was a reality. However, Mir turned to state officials quite some time ago requesting the state release the funds in question.

At the time of this report, Mir awaits a response to the letter from state officials as well as freeing up the funding.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

A young woman had some extra heart tissue which caused an irregular heartbeat. She had ablation surgery, but she is fine now. Do her parents have to disclose the surgery?

Another young woman is deaf in one ear. Must her parents disclose?

A third young lady has alternating esotropia  she can only see out of one eye at a time. She had Strabismus surgery but it did not allow for fusing of her eyesight. Must this be disclosed?

A young man was the product of an intermarriage  his father was a gentile. He is also an accomplished Talmid Chochom. Must his situation be revealed?

If disclosure is halachically required, what is the time element? Should it be done before the first date? Also, do they tell the Shadchan, the parents, or just the guy?

IS SHIDDUCHIM BETTER OR WORSE THAN SALES?

In regard to the sale of an item, the halacha is quite clear. All negative information must be disclosed when selling an item if most people would consider it a possible deal-breaker. Does the same hold true for shidduchim?

A DEBATE

The Steipler Gaon ztl, father of Rav Chaim Kanievsky, in his Sefer Kehilas Yaakov on Yevamos (Siman 44) writes that Shidduchim are different than sales of items. The sages were more lenient in order to allow people to get married. He cites a Gemorah in Yevamos where Rabbi Yehudah advises someone to go to a different town where they do not know his lineage and marry there. The Steipler does add that one should not rely on this halacha lmaaseh.

There are some complications with the proof because both townspeople erroneously believed that having a gentile father created a mamzeirus illegitimacy, when, in fact, it does not.

Regardless, the Chsam Sofer cites this Gemorah (Responsa EH Vol. II #125) as a proof that one can temporarily suppress information in order to fulfill the Mitzvah of Pru urvu. The indication of the Kehilas Yaakov is that the information can be obscured indefinitely.

Rav Malkiel Tanenbaum ztl (1847-1910) author of the Divrei Malkiel (Volume III #90) (1847-1910), holds a position diametrically opposed to that of the Steipler. The Divrei Malkiel holds that even if the majority of people would not care about the information  one must be concerned that the potential shidduch is from the minority of people that would be concerned.

IF PEOPLE GENERALLY ASK

The Steipler has another qualification. He states that according to Tosfos (Chullin 94a Inhu) if it is an issue that is generally inquired about  then there is no obligation to reveal. However, if it is something that people do not generally inquire about then one would be obligated to reveal. Matter relating to yichus (genealogy) are generally looked into. It would seem that health issues are also inquired of rather regularly.

SO WHO DO WE RULE LIKE?

Clearly, there are matters that should definitely be revealed. Dayan Yitzchak Weiss, ztl, the rav of the Eida Chareidis in Yerushalayim, in his Minchas Yitzchak (7:93) cites the Sefer Chassidim (#507) regarding an issue having to do with safrus. The Sefer Chassidim writes that a person needing to get married should not cover up a serious malady among his household that, if it were to be revealed, would cause the other party to not marry them. Dayan Weiss cites this Sefer Chasidim as authoritative, and it would seem that this is an obligationnot merely good advice.

Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl writes (Igros Moshe E.H. IV 73:2) that a 25-year-old young man who has Marfan syndrome is obligated to reveal it to his future spouse. Rav Shmuel Vosner (Sheivet HaLevi Volume VI #205) indicates the same position in a responsum concerning a single girl suffering from a dermatological disorder where she had lost all her hair and wears a sheitel. Rav Waldenberg, the Tzitz Eliezer (Vol. XIII #81:2), writes that a doctor has an obligation to reveal information that will do damage to another party, notwithstanding issues of professional obligations of confidentiality.

Rav Elyashiv (Kovetz Teshuvos Vol. I #159) ztl rules in one case that even if the information of improper pre-marital activity would never be known otherwise, there is still an obligation to reveal it. In regard to other matters, however, the debate between the Divrei Malkiel and the Steipler has not been fully resolved. Anyone with this question must consult with his own Posaik or qualified Rav.

It is this authors experience, however, that it is always a good idea to be as forthcoming as possible, and rather have bitachon that ones bashert will eventually come along.

GOOD ADVICE OR OBLIGATION?

The Sefer Chassidim, as a general rule, often discusses matters beyond halacha. It may therefore be possible to view the Sefer Chassidim quoted above by Dayan Weiss as merely good advice, but the manner in which Rav Moshe, Rav Waldenberg, and Rav Vosner discuss the obligation seems to indicate that the issue lies beyond mere good advice, but is a full blown obligation.

From where, then would this obligation stem? There may actually be four or more mitzvos involved here:

1. Veahavta lereiacha kamocha. Love thy neighbor as thyself;

2. Lo saamod al dam reiacha. Do not stand idly by thy brothers blood;

3. Hashavas aveidah. Returning a lost item to its owner. This can be found in the Pischei Teshuvah in Orech Chaim (Chapter 156);

4. Lo sonu ish es amiso. Do not cause anguish to another, as mentioned in the responsa of Rabbi Feinstein.

Rav Yitzchok Steinberg, in the sefer Bracha LAvraham (p.345), points out that when one does reveal this information, one must adhere to all of the five conditions set forth in Sefer Chofetz Chaim (Volume II Klal 9). This, of course, is a biblical imperative. Rav Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer Vol. XVI #4:1) points out that there is a strong obligation to warn a woman about a man who is dating her and planning not to reveal information. The Tzitz Eliezer indicates that the obligation exists even if it is not a life-threatening illness.

TIMING

When information must be revealed, the Poskim have ruled that it need not be disclosed before the first date or even after the first date. Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl (Igros Moshe OC Vol. IV #118) rules that a certain type of negative information need not be revealed on the first date, and only must be revealed when he has shown indications that he wishes to marry her.

Other Poskim have stated that one can withhold the information until the third or the fourth date, depending upon how far things have progressed. As discussed above, however, each person should consult with his or her own Posaik or Rav. Articles and books should not be relied upon for such sensitive matters.

NOT TELLING THE SHADCHAN

Rav Dovid Cohen Shlita once told this author that where the situation warrants that sensitive or negative information be disclosed  it should never be disclosed to the Shadchan. Once the Shadchan knows  the information gets out quickly and a shidduch is much more difficult, near impossible, to be made.

OUR FIRST FOUR QUESTIONS

The question about the young woman who was deaf in one ear was posed to Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach ztl. He responded that it need not be disclosed, and he added that he himself was deaf in one ear and only became aware of it several years after he got married. The alternating esotropia would have the same status. As far as the heart ablation, Poskim in Eretz Yisroel [Rav Vosner ztl and Rav Nissin Karelitz] ruled that the information does not need to be disclosed if the young lady is not taking medication. If medication is being taken, however, it needs to be revealed. Regarding the young man whose father was a gentile, this should be revealed as well, but after the third or fourth date.

IF INFO WAS SUPPRESSED AND THE MARRIAGE WENT FORWARD

But if it was not revealed, does it invalidate the original marriage? The Shulchan Aruch (EH 39:5) rules that the situation is one of doubt. This ruling is based upon a debate among the Rishonim as to how to understand the relevant Talmudic passage.

The Chazon Ish (OC 56:9) rules that invalidating the original marriage is based upon the reaction of the spouse after the underlying problem is revealed. If it is a huge medical problem, the Beis HaLevi (Vol. III #4:2) puts forth an argument that no get is required at all. It must also be pointed out that the Chelkas Mechokek (E.H. 39:9) writes that if the other spouse was quiet when he or she first found out and only protested later, the marriage is completely valid.

What should the spouse do after he or she finds out that the other side had hidden the medical information? This author would like to suggest that the spouse should accept what has happened, live with the illness, and not seek out a divorce. This seems to be the unspoken thinking of none other than the great Chofetz Chaim himself. How so? In the Beer Mayim Chaim (Klal 9, footnote 5) the Chofetz Chaim distinguishes between before the marriage and after the marriage regarding the obligation to reveal. What happened to the Torah obligation of not standing idly by the persons blood? Why is it different nowjust because the person happens to be married? The answer must be that if the person chooses to live with the issue, a highly likely possibility, then there no longer is an issue of standing idly by a persons blood.

WHEN CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED

If the couple has children, then there is even more reason not to arrange for a divorce. Notwithstanding the growing divorce rate, there is no question that divorces adversely impact children and every effort should be made to remain together in a state of harmony. There is, of course, no question that the spouse has wronged the other person, and should make it up to them. But the idea of divorce should only be the last possible resort.

The author can be reached at [email protected]
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

It was a picture seen around the world. And it was taken in Three Hills, Alberta  Canada.

The picture was of a Canadian man, Theunis Wessels, who was mowing his lawn, but with a menacing tornado swirling behind him.

Who took the picture? It was his wife, Cecilia.

She explained that cutting the grass was on her husbands to-do list, and as he started the task, she went for a nap.

She was then woken by her daughter who was upset that there was a tornado in the sky, but her father wouldnt come inside.

I did ask him if he was coming inside with that thing in the clouds when I turned to come inside and he calmly said no, Cecilia Wessels said Sunday.

Our question is, from a halachic perspective is what Theunis Wessels did permitted? Is one permitted to risk his or her life  to mow the lawn?

The Torah generally forbids us to place ourselves in danger or risk. The main pasuk forbidding this, venishmartem meod bnafshosaichem  And you shall be very careful regarding yourselves (Dvarim 4:9).

The Mitzvah is not just limited to veNishmartem (Dvarim 4:9). The verse later on (Dvarim 4:15), Rak hishamer lecha is understood by most Poskim to actually comprise a second Mitzvah (See Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita Shaar HaTeshuvos #25). There is also a third Mitzvah, VChai Bahem  And you shall live by them (VaYikra 18:5).

The Ben Ish Chai writes that a person should make every effort to ensure the general safety of both himself and those around him (Parshas Pinchas year cycle #2). The Turei Zahav in his commentary to Choshain Mishpat (427:10) cites a Midrash on Shir HaShirim that when one does this and protects himself from dangers and damage not only is he protected, but he receives extraordinary credit for the Mitzvah too.

Notwithstanding all of the above, there is a fascinating response of the Noda BiYehudah (YD MT #10) regarding endangering oneself to make a living. The topic is hunting, and he writes that it would generally be forbidden because one has to enter dangerous areas where there are wild animals in order to trap them. However, if a person is poor, and does this activity in order to sustain himself  the Torah permitted it.

TWO REQUIREMENTS

It is clear that the Noda BiYehudah lists two separate requirements. Firstly, he must be poor. Secondly, his main intent must be to provide parnassah. What is unclear is whether or not he would be permitted to do so if he had another means of making money available to him. When this question was posed to Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita (Tzohar #17 p. 88) he responded that although it is not ideal  it is not forbidden. Rav Elchonon Wasserman ztl Kovetz Shiurim Kesuvos 136 explains that the reason is that since he has no choice in the matter we say Shomer Psaim hashem that Hashem watches over fools. However, when he purposefully places himself in harms way and he has a choice not to do so, then we do not apply this dictum.

Rav Moshe Feinstein (IM CM Vol. I #104) seems to understand this Noda BiYehudah as only referring to a remote danger, but not a significant one.

GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE DANGER

Rav Isse Yehudah Untermann, the former Chief Rabbi of Israel, in his Shaivet MiYehudah (1:9) draws a distinction between a danger that people generally do for Parnassah and a danger that is not generally done. The Tzitz Eliezer (Vol. IX 17:5) draws the same distinction. The popularity of the photograph would indicate that this would be something that is not generally done.

Rav Bakshi Doron in Torah ShBal Peh #43 5762 cites the Binyan Tzion who holds that when travelling in a somewhat dangerous area there is no need to meet the two criterion of the Noda BiYehudah. It just must not be a clear and or present danger. In this case, teh tornado was present.

CONCLUSION

It would seem that the actions of the mower would not be permitted on account of the fact that it does not fit into the two criterion of the Noda BiYehudah. Also, even if it was a remote chance of danger, the way that Rav Moshe understands the Noda BiYehudah is that the fact tha it is a remote danger is only permitted with the Noda BiYehudahs two conditions.

One last thought:

His actions did cause his daughter anxiety. We must be very careful not to cause other anxiety or stress in our actions.

The author can be reached at [email protected]
A 40-year-old Jerusalem resident, a member of the chareidi community, was taken into custody by police on suspicion of inciting violence against the head of the IDF Personnel Branch, Major-General Moti Almoz.

The arrest on Sunday, 10 Sivan, was the result of an investigation into inciteful pashkavilim calling for violence against Almoz surrounding the induction of chareidim into the military. Some of the pashkavilim were distributed near the senior officers home in Kfar Tavor.

The arrest was made in northern Israel and the suspect was arraigned before the Nazareth Magistrate Court on Monday morning. Police expect the arrest will lead to additional arrests.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The chareidi parties have not kept their word for they have yet to send a document to the Chief Rabbis of Israel clearly stating their position regarding the Kosel and regulations for the future. Minister of Agriculture (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Ariel however has sent a letter to both Rishon LTzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita and Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau Shlita, clearly stating his vision of the Kosel for the future.

The letter comes after Ariel met with the Chief Rabbis and the heads of chareidi parties, as well as consulting with his rabbonim.

He writes The government must abolish the decision regarding the egalitarian prayer area at the Kosel for the decision has no authority and it is illegal, especially since the [cabinet] decision was reached without consulting with the Chief Rabbis of Israel.

Ariel also wants the Rav of the Kosel and Holy Sites Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz to be the final authority on Kosel matters, and he will be responsible for enforcing regulations in the Kosel area including the Kosel Dromi, also known as Robinsons Arch.

Ariel adds Davening without a mechitzah between men and women at the Kosel will be prohibited as has been the tradition throughout the generations among all Kehillos Yisrael that adhere to Torah and Mitzvos. This will be enforced by the Kosel Rav.

He concludes As I voted at the time, against the Kosel plan, I will work to implement the demands of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Minister of Religious Services in all possible ways.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Delhi police arrested two persons allegedly involved in making fake Aadhaar cards at the cost of Rs 200 each, without proper documentations.

The accused were not linked to any licenced authority to issue cards. Image for representation. (Source: Reuters)

By Ajay Kumar: Delhi police on Saturday claimed to have busted a gang involved in making fake Aadhar cards in Mangolpuri area.

Two persons named Sayid Saddam Hossain and Mohit Kumar were arrested in this connection. They are allegedly involved in making fake Aadhaar cards at the cost of Rs 200 each, without proper documentations.

The accused had been running a unit called 'All in One' at Jan Suvidha Kendra in Y-block of Mangolpuri. Police have also recovered one computer, a scanner and some cash from their possession.

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"Issuing Aadhaar cards without having a licence from the concerned authority is a serious offence. It is related to national security, considering the fact that foreigners coming from sub-continental countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka look quite similar to Indians and they always look for locations where they could obtain local identification," said a senior Delhi Police official .

MN Tiwari, the DCP of Rohini district said Delhi police busted the gang following a complaint registered by Arun Singh Rawat, an official of unique identification authority.

"Taking the gravity of the matter, we have constituted a team headed by ACP-rank officer of the Special Cell. The team has sent a constable named Hanuman Singh as decoy customer to ascertain actual status and activities of the offenders," Tiwari informed.

As per modus operendai, the accused used to take Rs 2 to register the name of Aadhar card seekers. Constable Hanuman Singh followed the same route to get in touch with them and got his name registered at Rs 2. The accused asked him to pay Rs 200 as the manufacturing fee of his (fake) Aadhar card.

"As per strategy, Singh made an excuse of not carrying the sum with him. He came out of the place and informed the team everything.

"Hanuman returned to the place to obtain the Aadhaar card. Special Cell team soon after raided the place and nabbed the accused redhanded," Tiwari said.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR under IPC Sections 420, 467, 460, 471 and 120b at Mangolpuri Police Station and further investigation is on.

ALSO READ | Aadhaar details of lakhs of pension beneficiaries published on Jharkhand government website: Reports

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--- ENDS ---
While the desalination of water provides sufficient drinking water for Israelis, there is little-to-no concern over the worrisome reality that the Kinneret is going dry due to the lack of rainfall. The level of the Kineret was once on everyones mind, but this is not so today.

After Water Authority officials measured, they warn the Kineret is at a new low since May 1920 when measuring began. It is added that during the month of May 2017, the Kineret lost an additional 15 centimeters of water.

It is expected to drop more before we get to the next rain season, with the experts warning the situation in the Dead Sea is critical as well, as the level has dropped 16 centimeters.

Data from the Hydrological Service of the Water Authority indicates that in May, there was a sharp and additional drop in the flow of basins in the Kineret Basin. The flow of water along the Jordan River is about 3.3 cubic meters per second, twice as much as the average capacity for this period, about 7 cubic meters per second.

The authority said that the amount of water available  calculating water input from rain, streams and springs, while reducing evaporation is negative and stands at 9 million cubic meters. This is the lowest point of all times. The level measured in May was the worst since 1920. The situation is even worse since it has been for two years in light of the rare sequence of four years of drought in the north- the pumping from the Kineret has all but halted. On average, in May the water level remained stable due to high flow in the Jordan River.

Water Authority spokesman Uri Schor explains that the summer has not even begun and the decline in the level began earlier in the year than usual, dropping about a half centimeter daily. During the height of the summer, evaporation is about a centimeter a day.

The experts believe that by the beginning of the next rain season, which they mark as November 2017, the Kineret will drop at least another meter to below minus 214 centimeters under sea level. Officials add There is a situation that has not been recorded in the Kineret for a decade and will lead to further decline of water from the shores of the Kinneret and various environmental and ecological phenomena, officials add.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Israels Ministry of Health in recent weeks received reports of five cases of measles in women between the ages of 20 and 40, all in the capital. There are no other reports of measles elsewhere.

The Health Ministry called on persons who havent yet vaccinated, to do so, adding one will require it prior to flying abroad. According to the Ministry, there have been 6,000 documented measles cases in European nations since the beginning of 2017. The Ministry notification has resulted in a sharp increase in the number of Israelis seeking to be vaccinated in recent days.

Some hospitals, including Ichilov in Tel Aviv, is using its Facebook page to inform the public it has run out of vaccines for the time being.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The Nazareth Magistrate Court on Monday, 11 Nisan, extended the remand of 40-year-old Jerusalem resident Moshe Iram, who was arrested in connection to inciteful and tasteless pashkavilim against the head of the IDF Personnel Branch, Major-General Moti Almoz and protesting out the senior officers home.

The harshly-worded pashkavilim said Almoz, the head of the Manpower Branch sold his soul for money; how long will the souls of sons and daughters of Israel burn in the ovens of Auschwitz  the army of annihilation? Your din will be with me and your end will be like Mr. Hitler and his friends.

Iram was motivated by his opposition to the induction of chareidim into the IDF. Some two weeks ago a small group of protestors gathered outside Almozs home in Kfar Tavor and they were disbanded since the protest was illegal.

Immediately following that protest, security cameras were installed around the senior officers home and a security detail was assigned to the home as well.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Chief Rabbi of Israel Rav Dovid Lau Shlita launched a major attack against the Chief Rabbi of Shoham and head of Tzohar Rabbonim, Rabbi David Stav. The attack is prompted by the kashrus reforms being led by Rabbi Lau, with the latter responding to criticism against the reforms made to the media by Rav Stav.

Rabbi Lau addressed a kenos for rabbonim in Tiveria, stating He speaks without reading or knowing and without understanding. He does not read because the first line contains a statement he wants to change. A rav of a city gets up and speaks in the name of many rabbonim. What sphericalness which does nothing to contribute to strengthening Yahadut, nor does it bring kovod to Yahadut.

Rav Lau added, if one has a comment then one should come forward and say it. Come and speak but dont just come and disqualify everything  it is disgusting and shameful. What do you attack without having first read? Then he goes on talking and I hear him and he speaks without understanding what he is talking about. The main thing is his voice is heard. That is how we add to Yiddishkheit? Read it and learn it!

Rav Stav has not issued a statement responding to Rabbi Laus criticism against him.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Our website examines popular foods, drinks, and restaurants to determine whether theyre vegan or vegetarian.

Find out more about us or contact us.

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Vegan Options At Pizza Hut Pizza Hut isnt very vegan-friendly. However, you still have some options if you need to go there in a pinch.

Vegan Options At Noodles And Company Pasta is a favorite dish of many vegans, so it comes as no surprise that many vegetable lovers believe Noodles and Company to be a vegan-friendly place. But, is this really the case?

Is Kashi Cereal Vegan? As a brand that keeps appearing on lists for plant-based breakfast options, it begs the question  is Kashi cereal vegan?

Is Fiber One Cereal Vegan? A fiber-filled breakfast is a great way for anyone to start the day, but as a vegan, how easy is it to find?

Is Special K Cereal Vegan? When it comes to supermarket breakfast cereal, expect to be disappointed on the regular if you are vegan. But is Special K cereal vegan?

Is Honeycomb Cereal Vegan? Popular since the 1960s, this product from Post Consumer Brands has been a sweet staple on the breakfast table for many families, but is Honeycomb cereal vegan?

Is Captain Crunch Vegan? It is one of the most widely known breakfast cereals that has been flying off of supermarket shelves since 1963, but is Captain Crunch vegan?

Is Trix Cereal Vegan? As with many breakfast kinds of cereal, Trix is tricky. There are several questionable ingredients, but is Trix cereal vegan?

Are Rice Krispies Vegan? Because the bright blue puffed rice boxes are so common, a lot of people ask the question  are Rice Krispies cereal vegan?

Vegan Options At Jack In The Box Jack In The Box is a fast-food favorite among people in the West and South. The restaurant chain is notorious for its savory tacos, tasty nuggets, and tons of BBQ sauce options.

Is Pumpkin Pie Vegan? To make the ultimate thanksgiving dessert yourself, you will need around 10 ingredients, but is traditional pumpkin pie vegan?

Is Life Cereal Vegan? Fortified breakfast cereals have their benefits, but with the sweet, buttery taste of some of the different flavors of this option, it does beg the question, is Life Cereal vegan?

Is Chex Cereal Vegan? The criss-cross patterns of this cereal are a familiar sight, but the ingredients in most fortified breakfast options can be concerning for plant-based diets.

Vegan Options At Cheesecake Factory The Cheesecake Factory is famous for having an extensive menu filled with over 10 pages of treats to eat. But, is it a vegan-friendly place?

Vegan Options at Red Robin Though its a burger joint gaining popularity, vegans still struggle here. Are there any vegan options available?

Is Red 40 Vegan? Red 40 is an artificial flavor that frequently finds its way onto the label of many confectionary items, as well as beverages. As a vegan, this is likely to make you curious to know more.

Is Sriracha Vegan? Sriracha is a popular spice hit that anyone can enjoy, right? Well, we have to ask  is Sriracha vegan?

Are Twizzlers Vegan? Most chewy candies are made non-vegan in some form, usually by gelatin, but are Twizzlers vegan?

Are Smarties Vegan? They are one of the most iconic candies that have delighted kids for decades, but are smarties vegan?

Are Jelly Beans Vegan? As with most chewy candies, a plant-based diet will always be on the lookout for gelatin. This begs the question, are jelly beans vegan?

Are Jolly Ranchers Vegan? With a keen eye on plant-based candies, we all want to know, are Jolly Ranchers vegan? The answer is they can be to some!

Are Pop-Tarts Vegan? If you have recently become vegan, these may have been your favorite breakfast growing up. But the question remains, are Pop-Tarts vegan?

Is Monster Energy Drink Vegan? Known for a quick burst of energy, they are all the rage now, but are Monster Energy Drinks vegan?

Is Red Bull Vegan? Whilst it might claim to be the original energy drink on the market, it appears that Red Bull still uses a lot of old methods that are not acceptable to a vegan.

Are Fruity Pebbles Vegan? Questionable ingredients tend to make a lot of cereal unsuitable for a plant-based diet. But today, we want to know if Fruity Pebbles is vegan?
Accountancy giant PwC won't face any further action over its handling of Tesco's finances during the supermarket's accounting scandal as the industry watchdog has dropped the investigation it initiated two and a half years ago.

The Financial Reporting Council justified its decision by saying 'there is not a realistic prospect' of a tribunal making an adverse finding against accountants at PwC and other members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

However, it said it was continuing to investigate other accountancy firms.

Probe ends: PwC was Tesco's auditor when the supermarket admitted to inflating its accounts

PwC was the supermarket's auditor when Tesco admitted to inflating its accounts by 250million - a figure which was then revised up to 326million. Tesco was allegedly manipulating the timing of payments from suppliers  pulling some forward in order to paint a more flattering picture of its finances.

The FRC launched an investigation in December 2014 into the 'the preparation, approval and audit' of Tesco's accounts for the financial years ending in February 2012, 2013 and 2014. PwC was the company responsible for the 'audit' during those years.

But today the watchdog said: 'The Financial Reporting Council announces the closure of its investigation into the conduct of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and certain Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in their capacity as auditors of Tesco.'

'The Executive Counsel to the FRC has concluded that there is not a realistic prospect that a Tribunal would make an adverse finding against PwC and certain Members in respect of the matters within the scope of the investigation.'

The announcement comes as PwC was slapped with a record fine of 5million for 'misconduct' in relation to its audit of social housing firm Connaught, which collapsed seven years ago.

Last week it was also revealed PwC faced a ban in Ukraine after its auditors waved through the accounts of a bank allegedly bled dry by two oligarchs.

The nation's authorities are investigating claims that 4.2billion was taken from lender Privat by Gennadiy Bogolyubov and Igor Kolomoisky.

PwC is also facing a 4.5billion US court case over mortgage fraud by a client.

Tesco ditched PwC as auditor in 2015, replacing it with rival accountancy giant Deloitte.

Tesco announced in March that it will take a 235million hit after reaching an agreement with authorities over the scandal, which will see it make a hefty compensation payout to investors.

A court case against the three Tesco executives - Carl Rogberg, Chris Bush and John Scouler - is ongoing.
Supermarket Iceland said luxury products and new store formats, as well as an advertising campaign presenting frozen food as a healthy choice, have paid off as it posted rising annual sales and profits.

With the UK groceries market remaining 'intensely competitive and keenly focused on price', Iceland said its luxury frozen fish and meat ranges as well as prepared takeaway meals were particularly successful.

The group opened a 2million development kitchen at its Deeside head office, which has helped it add more to the luxury and specialty ranges.

Rising profit: Iceland's boss Malcolm Walker said his strategy had paid off.

Profits rose 6.3 per cent to 160million for the year to the end of March, with sales rising 4.4 per cent to 2.8billion, and like-for-like sales increasing 2 per cent.

Iceland said sales growth at stores opened for over a year remained positive, with performance in the first quarter to date boosted by a late Easter.

However it joined other retailers in warning of rising prices for some of its foods as well as rising packaging and distribution costs caused by the fall in the pound after the Brexit vote.

It comes as Iceland's South African owner recently ditched plans for a London stock market listing because of fears over Brexit.

Brait, the group backed by South African retail billionaire Christo Wiese who owns Poundland, said in March it will not proceed because of the uncertainty introduced by the timing and specifics of Brexit.

But Iceland's millionaire founder and chief executive Malcom Walker said the group had become one of the fastest growing supermarkets and hailed its 'Power of Frozen' marketing campaign, which has played a significant role in 'changing public attitudes to frozen food'.

Iceland's luxury salmon with lemon and herb crumb.

He said: 'The set of strategic initiatives we began in 2015, with the aim of differentiating Iceland, changing consumer perceptions and so restoring growth to our business, bore fruit in the year under review.'

'Like-for-like sales performance improved throughout the year to make us one of the UK's fastest-growing food retailers by the year-end. We increased the pace and enhanced the quality of our new product development.'

The group also devised a new format for its stores and expanded its 'Food Warehouse' outlets, which combine a cash-and-carry format with the more traditional Iceland style.

The group opened 28 new stores last year, including 24 larger stores under the Food Warehouse fascia, leaving it with a total of 884 UK outlets.

Iceland's success echoes that of discounters Aldi and Lidl, which continue to eat into the market share of the 'Big Four' supermarkets Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.
Out of pocket: Nat Rothschild with his wife Loretta Basey

Banking scion Nat Rothschild is following former BP boss Tony Hayward out of the oil company they co-founded  leaving him nursing a 170million loss.

The high-flying pair set up Genel Energy in 2011 with promises of striking it rich in the oil fields of Iraqi Kurdistan.

But the company's share price has dived after extracting oil from its key Taq Taq field turned out to be more difficult than thought with losses widening last year to 961million.

Shares have dropped more than 90 per cent since highs of 1113p in January 2014, and the firm's value has fallen from 3.1billion to 275million.

Rothschild is believed to have had shares in 2012 worth around 190million.

His current 7.9 per cent stake (22.12m shares) is now worth around 21million (at yesterday's price of 87.25p).

Yesterday the 45-year-old, who last year married former Page 3 model Loretta Basey, became the latest of the original members of the firm to step down from the board.

Hayward quits as chairman today, and chief financial officer Ben Monaghan will leave on June 30. Board member Simon Lockett is also going, Genel said yesterday.

Analysts at RBC Capital Markets said the changes could mean 'more substantial changes are afoot, as the ties with the past are broken'.

The company listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2011 out of a merger between Turkish company Genel Energy International and Vallares, the oil and gas acquisition fund set up by Rothschild and Hayward.

Hayward had just been widely vilified for his role as BP boss during the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and was keen to have a success. 'I'm still a young guy and I've got a lot of energy,' he told the Mail at the time.

Genel's key Taq Taq field, about an hour's drive from Kurdistan capital Erbil, looked promising and the company hoped to produce around 350,000 barrels of oil each day from the field and other assets by 2014.

But the oil price collapsed, violence and political instability grew, and the Taq Taq reserves were repeatedly downgraded. In April, Genel produced around 18,000 barrels per day from the field.

It has also been hit by unsuccessful exploration efforts in Africa and payment delays from the Kurdish Regional Government.

Hayward, who will be replaced by oil industry veteran Stephen Whyte, is believed to have had shares worth more than 15million in 2012.

He sold 150,000 shares in 2015 and has a stake of around 0.53 per cent (1.48m shares), yesterday worth around 1.4million.

He said of Rothschild's departure: 'Despite a challenging external environment, the company has made significant progress during his involvement.'

Genel is focusing on its Miran and Bina Bawi gas fields in the Kurdistan region, which it claims position it to provide gas from the region to Turkey.
Embattled British Airways has commissioned an independent investigation into its IT fiasco that left thousands stranded over the bank holiday weekend.

The airline, which previously said it had embarked on an 'exhaustive' investigation into the disaster, is asking an 'independent company' to examine the computer problems that disrupted its operations two weeks ago and left 75,000 passengers stranded.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG which owns BA, said the investigation 'will be peer reviewed and we will be happy to disclose details'.

Travel misery: BA said it is asking an 'independent company' to examine the computer problems that disrupted its operations two weeks ago and left 75,000 passengers stranded.

He added that the electrical incident was caused by human error and occurred when an electrical engineer disconnected the uninterruptible power supply, therefore shutting down the data centre.

But the damage was caused when the power was restored in an uncontrolled fashion.

Walsh said: 'It's very clear to me that you can make a mistake in disconnecting the power.

'It's difficult for me to understand how to make a mistake in reconnecting the power.'
By Press Trust of India: (EDs: Incorporating related stories)

Chennai/Bengaluru, Jun 5 (PTI) In an escalation of differences in the ruling AIADMK (Amma), its Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran today questioned the diktat of Chief Minister K Palaniswamis camp that he keep away from party work.

Finance Minister D Jayakumar, representing the Palaniswami camp, which had revolted against Dhinakaran and jailed party chief V K Sasikala in April, asked the deputy chief to keep away from the party affairs.

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However, Dhinakaran, who has come out on bail in the EC bribery case last week, shot back asking who gave them the authority and said only the party general secretary had the powers to remove office-bearers.

Jayakumar was reacting to Dhinakarans assertion last week that he will continue party work, in contrast to his announcement in April after the revolt by the ministers that he would keep away from the party.

It was the partys unanimous view to hold on to its stand of having no dealings with Dhinakaran, Sasikala and their associates, he told reporters in Chennai.

Earlier, Dhinakaran, called on Sasikala, serving term in the disproportionate assets case, at the Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru.

"Dhinakaran today met Sasikala at our prison. However, I do not have any information about what transpired between the two leaders," a Parapanna Agrahara prison official told PTI.

A close associate of Dhinakaran, however, said the leader discussed the current developments within the party with Sasikala.

Before proceeding to meet her, Dhinakaran in Hosur, bordering Karnataka, repeated his earlier claim that the ministers had revolted against him out of some fears.

On his return from Bengaluru, he said that Sasikala asked him to wait for two months to see if the ministers could facilitate a patch-up as assured by them with the rebel group led by O Panneerselvam.

Jayakumar said Dhinakaran should stick to the assurance he had made in April to keep away from party.

"We are firm, and we are clear. We have no truck with him, we are not dependent on him," he said.

He said Dhinakaran, Sasikala or their associates were not "in the background. He (Dhinakaran) should stick to his stand that he will keep away from party," Jayakumar said.

Hitting back, Dhinakaran asked "I dont know who gave the authority (to ask him to keep off) to those 20-30 ministers." He mocked at Jayakumar for taking up "sky-high" powers of the party general secretary.

He said only the party general secretary had the power to remove office-bearers. Since she was imprsioned, the next in command (deputy general secretary) was he and he has the powers to do so.

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Jayakumar, flanked by ministers including K A Sengottaiyan, said top party functionaries and ministers held deliberations following Dhinakarans repeated assertions to continue party work after he returned from a Delhi prison.

Questing Jayakumar and other ministers, Dhinakaran said by two months, Sasikala told him that both factions would come forward to work under the "general secretary," if they realised the "true situation" and when their "fear" faded.

"I have accepted it and decided to wait for two months," he said, adding Sasikala had told him what to do just in case things did not fall in place by sixty days.

Dhinakaran said when the ministers in April had announced that they were "keeping him out of party," it was said by them that only then it would help the patch-up bid.

The leader, who was arrested by CBI for his alleged attempt to bribe Election officials to get the AIADMK symbol, said he agreed to keep off to help the ministers work for a merger.

"Even after 45 days there is no development. Everyday they (both factions led by K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam) are attacking each other in the media and causing set back to the party and the government," he said.

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He reiterated that the ministers were acting out of fear, adding only time will tell what those fears were.

Jayakumar, however, said, "We (Chief Minister and Ministers) are leading Amma (Jayalalithaa) government without anybody being in the background and there is no doubt about it," he said.

Though he affirmed that "no party leader will meet Dhinakaran," some ruling party MLAs were seen with him during his Bengaluru visit. PTI VGN SA BDN RA VS DIP

--- ENDS ---
TWO POSTS New lender Redwood Bank has appointed David Buckley from investment firm CIBC World Markets, as chairman, and former senior HSBC financier Nigel Boothroyd as non-executive director, as it prepares to launch later this year.

NEW PLATFORM A former boss of the 140-year-old London Metal Exchange has launched a rival trading platform.

Martin Abbott quit the business in 2013 after it was sold to the Chinese for 1.4billion and has now set up online competitor NFEx Markets.

BREXIT INSURANCE More Than motor insurance owner RSA is opening an office in Luxembourg to avoid any possible negative fallout from Brexit.

It will have a staff of less than ten and should allow the business to continue serving clients on the Continent, regardless of what deal is eventually struck with the European Union.

DEAL BACKED Activist investor Gatemore Capital Management has given DXs merger with the distribution arm of Menzies a seal of approval.

The investor, which previously said the deal was like tying two rocks together to see if they float has U-turned on its original stance after the terms were tweaked.

CANCER HOPE A novel cancer drug developed by AstraZeneca has been shown to boost the survival prospects of patients suffering from breast cancer.

The pharmaceutical giant said it took patients taking Lynparza seven months on average before their cancer became worse, whereas the rate of progression-free survival for those on chemotherapy was just over four months.

PASSENGER BOOST Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air boasted rising passenger numbers last month.

The carrier said passenger numbers increased 22.2 per cent to 2.4m last month, up from 2m the year before.

VETERAN ROLE Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has appointed industry veteran Michael Lucki as a non-executive director.

The 61-year-old is a former chief financial officer at engineering firm CH2M and a former partner at Ernst and Youngs infrastructure division.

GOOD GROWTH Russian conglomerate Sistema said yesterday that revenue has been stable with profits up 3.2 per cent over the latest quarter.

Chief executive Mikhail Shamolin said growth had been particularly strong in telecom operating, childrens goods retailing, healthcare and real estate.

GUINEA SALE West Africa-focused miner Stellar Diamonds is selling its assets in the Republic of Guinea to the countrys main investment bank.

The 1.5million sale to BDG Capital includes plants and equipment as well as shares in some subsidiary companies.

SYSTEMS DEAL Waste-to-energy company Powerhouse Energy Group has signed a deal with an unnamed large corporate partner who will be investing up to 500,000 to help get some of its systems up and running.
LOBAMBA  Its a crying shame. This is the phrase which can best describe the state of government houses, particularly those under the Ministry of Agriculture.



A 2017 report on the inspection of government houses and structures in just the Hhohho Region, that was presented to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last Friday, showed that a majority of the structures were not fit for human occupation.



The report which was compiled by the Ministry of Public Service, revealed that some of the houses had been vandalised, turned into pre-schools, used as animal sheds, instead of being occupied by civil servants.



In some of the houses, the civil servants said they shared them with bats, while others did not have roofing and they were forced to sleep under the stars with their property being destroyed when it rained.



Another house, according to the report, is occupied by an officer who works for the Swaziland Post (SPTC) and Telecommunications Corporation, who told the inspectors that she paid the rent at some other offices in Manzini, which are in no way related to government. The ministrys task team visited 41 places in the Hhohho region where they were met with a shocking reality as some of the houses were burnt, while others were said to have been occupied by dagga-smoking boys and mentally challenged people.



Worst still was that civil servants who occupied condemned houses, without water or electricity and some that were classified as caravans, were still made to pay monthly rentals.

In Siphocosini for example, the ministry revealed that there were two unoccupied two-bedroomed houses which were vandalised.
EZULWINI  You can kiss your wife during the month of Ramadan but not during the fasting hours.



Saeed Matsebula, the Muslim Liaison Officer, said during the month of Ramadan, they always encourage people to refrain from things that raise their feelings at the time designated for fasting and praying.



We have no problem, you can kiss your wife anytime after or before hours reserved for fasting, he said.



Matsebula said when people were fasting, they got to understand mankind better as compared to when their stomachs were full.

He made an example that if a person was hungry; he/she got to understand what another person felt when begging for something to eat. Matsebula revealed that they were sharing food with all those who attended the prayer to break the fast for the whole month. He said this was not because they want ed to attract people to their religion but it was out of generosity.



He also revealed that money was important to all businesspeople but Muslims do not value it when it was time to pray.

In an interview following the public concerns over the closing of shops during their prayer session, Matsebula put it clear that abandoning everything and concentrating on Allah at his designated hour was embodied in the doctrine of Islam.



The daily prayers are a command from Allah and we cannot change it. When its his time, we have to abandon everything and glorify him for his guidance. You cannot cheat the supreme being because he always watches our movements, said Matsebula.



The majority of Muslims own big supermarkets and hardware as well as small grocery shops in the country.

Normally, the Muslims close their shops at noon for the daily prayer but during the month of Ramadan, they close earlier in order to get to their mosque on time.
The Mumbai Police filed a case against a director of a reputed international school in suburban Andheri for allegedly sexually abusing a three-year-old girl. The foreign-born director is currently out of the country.

By Saurabh Vaktania: The Mumbai Police today booked a director of a reputed suburban international school for allegedly sexually abusing a three-year-old girl. The incident took place inside the director's cabin at the Andheri school, and a female teacher from the institution, alleged to have sent the girl to the director's room, has been made co-accused.

The case was registered by Mumbai Police's MIDC unit. The foreign-born school director, identified only as Pattrick, is currently abroad and the police is waiting for him to come back. The identity of the female teacher has not been disclosed.

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The three-year-old girl's parents have been made complainants in the case and several sections of the stringent of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act have been invoked.

A Mumbai Police official said, "We have registered (the) case under section 376 (2) of IPC and several other sections of (the) stringent POSCO act. The case is registered at MIDC police and we are investigating the case in all possible angles."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Police officials said the incident took place between January and February this year. The parents of the girl, in their statement to the police, said they initially suspected something amiss when they discovered their daughter had gout rashes on her private parts. When the parents asked the girl about it she revealed her ordeal.

The parents then logged on to the school's website and opened the section that had pictures of people associated with the school. The girl identified Pattrick as the one who had sexually abused her.

Mumbai Police authorities said the parents told them they found out about the incident when they were out of the city and so, a First Information Report was registered in the case only on May 18.

'NOT JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS'

A Mumbai Police officer warned against jumping to conclusions in the matter. "The girl is very small, aged only 3...we cannot jump to conclusion, there has to be evidence to prove the case. There can be something more this," the officer said.

The police have already sent the girl for medical examination and are expecting the report in the next day or two. "We are waiting for the medical report of the girl. We need to collect all the information and evidence first. Once the medical report is out and the director comes back to India, further investigation will be done," the Mumbai Police officer said.

Pattrick was born in a foreign country and came to India around 25 years ago. He married an Indian woman and later acquired citizenship and a passport.

ALSO READ | Mumbai: Cops crack brutal rape-murder of female doctor after nearly 2 months

ALSO WATCH | Kolkata horror: 30-year-old woman molested, husband choked in Park Street's posh bar

--- ENDS ---

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MASEYISINI  Despite an announcement getting rid of him as Indvuna of Vusweni Umphakatsi yesterday, self-confessed PUDEMO member Reggie Lukhele has vowed to stay in power.



PUDEMO is an acronym for the Peoples United Democratic Movement, a political entity which was proscribed alongside others in the country. Lukhele accused the people who announced his relief from the position of misleading people and cowardice, saying everything was done in haste without anybodys knowledge.



The declaration of his removal followed an announcement on national radio calling all residents of Vusweni to a meeting yesterday morning.



According to the announcement, the meeting had been called by the Mdluli ruling household of Mashobeni South. To note is that Vusweni is a subsidiary of the main umphakatsi of Mashobeni South, under the jurisdiction of the late Chief Mgodzi. In the radio announcement, all residents were urged to attend the gathering, without fail.



The agenda had not been stated, but Lukhele did not bother himself to attend. He said he later heard from the grapevine that the meeting had been intended to oust him from his position, and that his successor was announced in the presence of close to 300 residents.



Titus Mabuza was announced as his successor, and a committee to work alongside the new headman was also put in place. The latest development was also confirmed by the programme director, Oscar Msibi.



He explained that the change in leadership was facilitated by the elders from Mashobeni South, and that Lukhele had only been in the position on an acting capacity. They were here to make a pronouncement regarding the person to assume the position of overseer. As protocol dictates, the overseer has to work with a committee led by the headman.
PM Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini surrounded by his grandchildren during the church service held in conjunction with his birthday celebrations at Bhekinkhosi Church of the Nazarene yesterday. (Pics: Bongiwe Dlamini)

MBABANE  I almost died on my birthday. This was revealed by the Prime Minister (PM), Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini, during his birthday celebration which was held at Bhekinkhosi Church of the Nazarene yesterday. Dlamini was delivering his vote of thanks during the ceremony which was hosted by the church.



The premiers actual birthday was on May 15. However, he could not celebrate it as he was away in Taiwan for a medical check-up.

The PM said he got sick a few days before his big day, and the illness got so severe that their Majesties facilitated that he went to see advanced medical doctors overseas. On his birthday, May 15 when he was turning 75 years, Dlamini said he was on the operating table in Taipei and it occurred to him that his birthday was meant to be the same day he died.

The way things were happening, I felt like I was losing the battle and I confessed my sins, ready to give up, he said much to the empathy of the congregation and well-wishers.



However, he said God willing, let him live. After he regained consciousness and woke up from his temporary sleep, Dlamini said he was humbled by the tonnes of messages that flooded his mobile phone. He said by this gesture, he realised just how much people cared and prayed for him. For this, he conveyed his gratitude to well wishers. I am grateful to their Majesties and the nation at large for their assistance and keeping me in their prayers. Im healthy and happy to say that my sins were left in Taipei, he joked. On his birthday celebration, the premier also thanked his family for being by his side through it all.



Dlamini got to introduce his three sisters as well. While going about the introductory process, he mentioned their ages. The PM mentioned that all in all, they were five but their firstborn brother died in his 80s.






MBABANE  A man has been left with a gaping hole in his mouth that runs through to his neck after being shot by a police officer in what they have termed an accidental shooting.



An account by the police on what transpired during the incident differs from that given by sources, who also witnessed the shooting.

Sources have alleged that it all started when the police officer from KaPhunga shot the man in the mouth in broad daylight at Mphomphotha area and the bullet came out through his neck.



The man was apparently walking on the street when the cop fired at him.

Thandukwazi Mamba was shot on Friday at around 2:30pm by the police officer and he was rushed to Hlatikhulu Government Hospital, before being transferred to the Mbabane Government Hospital due to the seriousness of his injuries.



Information gathered is that when the police officer was questioned by his colleagues on what happened and why he chose to open fire on Mamba, he claimed that the survivor was in possession of dagga and he was allegedly trying to run away when he was being arrested.



It is alleged that the other police officers at the station, after receiving the report of the shooting, asked the officer in question to hand over the dagga, which was in Mambas possession, but it was not available. The officer was apparently driving a police vehicle on the Friday in the company of another and he used a work pistol to shoot Mamba.



Following the incident, Mamba was hurriedly ferried to hospital by police officers in a critical condition.

However, police have given a different version of what happened during the day of the incident though they concede that it was an accidental shooting by a police officer.
US President Donald Trump slammed London Mayor Sadiq Khan for the second time in two days. His second tweet taking on the London mayor came even as his tweet from Sunday that quoted Khan out of context was widely panned.

By Santosh Chaubey: United States President Donald Trump has attacked London Mayor Sadiq Khan for the second time in two days. On Sunday, Trump criticised Khan for seemingly asking Londoners not to be alarmed in the wake of Saturday's terror attack, in which 7 people were killed.

However, Trump, who took to his favourite medium Twitter to slam Khan, took the London mayor's comments out of context and was widely panned for his tweet.

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Even British Prime Minister Theresa May, who had desisted from following world leaders in condemning Trump after he pulled the US out of the Paris Climate Accord, has criticised Trump for taking on Sadiq Khan.

According to a report in Bloomberg, May said, "Sadiq Khan was doing a good job and it was wrong to say anything else." The role Khan is playing in the aftermath of the London Bridge terror attack that left seven dead and scores of people injured has been widely praised.

May's support for Sadiq Khan came amid reports that a political fight is brewing between May and Khan as the latter has blamed May for compromising London's security with funding cuts. Khan's accusations have come just three days before the United Kingdom goes to the polls.

But, it seems that the criticism of Trump was not enough to rein in his flow of tweets. On Monday, Trump once again targeted the London mayor, seemingly saying that Sadiq Khan's response that his statement was taking out of context by the US president was a "pathetic excuse". Trump also accused media of being biased toward Khan.

Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

On Sunday, Trump had criticised Sadiq Khan quoting him out of context. While speaking out his mind about the 'security of his people' after the London Bridge terror incident, he said, "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" and mocked Khan by saying that "Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed" after ab the attack that left at least 7 dead and 48 wounded.

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

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Trump was panned widely for his misplaced comment. Khan had made the "no reason to be alarmed" comment in the context of the heavy police presence that London is expected to see in the terror aftermath.

Khan had said, "Londoners will see increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. There's no reason to be alarmed". Addressing Trump's tweet, Khan's office released a statement saying, "The Mayor had more important things to do than respond to Donald Trump's ill-informed tweet."

Notably, even the United States Embassy appreciated Khan in the aftermath of the London terror attack with Acting Ambassador Lew Lukens commending the London mayor's leadership.

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

ALSO READ | 2 London Bridge attackers identified as Pakistan-born Khuram Shazad Butt, Moroccan-Libyan Rachid Elkhdar

ALSO READ | Enough is enough: Full text of PM Theresa May's statement on London terror attack

ALSO WATCH | US pulls out of Paris Climate Accord; Trump says deal not tough on India, China

--- ENDS ---

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By Bill Parry

The NYPD busted a gunman in a Corona home invasion and is currently searching for his accomplice, police said.

Two men approached a 25-year-old man outside his residence in the vicinity of Christie Avenue and 101st Street last Thursday just after 11 p.m., thre authorities said.

After a brief conversation, Jesus Palacio, 36, of Lynn, Mass., allegedly drew a firearm as both forced their way into the home, according to the NYPD. Once inside, the suspects demanded money, but while the accomplice fled the scene, Palacio was arrested at the scene and charged with robbery, burglary and criminal use of a firearm and other charges, police said.

The suspect who fled the location is described as a 6-foot Hispanic man around 200 pounds with facial hair last seen wearing a black hat and a black T-shirt. Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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By Bill Parry

One of the boroughs foremost street safety advocates decided over the weekend to join state Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) and former state Sen. Hiram Monserate for the seat held by City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst), who wont seek re-election for a third term.

Jackson Heights resident Cristina Furlong, the co-founder of Make Queens Safer, will file the paperwork and start on petitions this week for the Democratic primary,

After the presidential election in November showed how quickly a change of leadership could change our quality of life in the neighborhoods of the 21st District, suddenly everyone had to identify a certain way and the world suddenly got a lot angrier, Furlong said. District 21 is unique, even to New York City. We need smart growth of our small economies and honest and independent oversight of the major projects like Willets Point, Flushing Meadows Corona Park and LaGuardia Airport.

Ferreras-Copeland told Politico in an article published Friday that she has chosen her family over a third term. Her husband Aaron Copeland is an aerospace engineer living in Maryland, forcing Ferreras-Copeland and her 3-year-old son to split time between the two states.

I was floored to hear that the City Council would be down to only seven women out of 51 seats, Furlong said. I truly love every inch of Queens and want to continue a legacy of strong leadership like Julissa and Helen Marshall brought to the district with a similar combination of concern and competency.

Furlong and fellow Jackson Heights resident Dr. Laura Newman formed Make Queens Safer in 2013 after three children were killed in the neighborhood by reckless drivers in less than 10 months. The organization works with schools and community groups to provide more street safety education while pushing for street redesigns to protect pedestrians an cyclists.

Furlong is well aware of the other pressing issues in the district.

As a mother and parent on a working-class income, I want to be able to support families in similar circumstances, she said. I have a child in his zoned public school and that has shed a whole new light on broad issues from immigration, school segregation, overcrowding and zoning, Though Ive worked hard, I have to be in the City Council to truly make the changes that future generations are entitled to.
The Europe Peace Foundations President Mr. Sappan KC / Hum KC Bahadur has met with Mr. Park Hee-Kwon, the Ambassador of South Korea in Spain.

During the meeting, the conversation between both personalities focused on todays Korean Peninsula crisis and the threats to the regions security and its repercussion on the entire world. President KC discussed internal and external obstacles to achieve peace and security in Korea, commented about the sources of the conflict between North and South Korea as well as the potential humanitarian crisis in the event of a military confrontation.

On the same token President KC submitted a letter addressed to the President of South Korea, Mr. Hwang Kyo-ahn. In the letter, Mr. KC stated his concerns about the current troops deployment in the Peninsula, North Koreas regime aggressive approach and the alarming situation regarding human rights violations especially in the infamous prisoners camps, the dehumanized persecution of dissidents and refugees of the regime.

President KC acknowledged the essential role that South Korea plays in the current scenario and encouraged utilization of the diplomatic means, serious peace efforts and more effective tactics to deescalate North Koreas venturesome nuclear program and dismantle the nuclear tests that suffocate peace and security of both nations..

President KC highlighted the Europe Peace Foundations mission of preserving peace and stated its willingness to participate in any organized diplomatic and peace initiatives to achieve and sustain stability in the area.

In conclusion, President KC expressed his tireless commitment to advance human rights, democracy values and peace and distention in the area.
The Europe Peace Foundations President Mr. Sappan KC / Hum KC Bahadur has met with Mr. Eric Adagogo BELL-GAM, the Charge dAffaires of Nigeria in Spain.

During the meeting, the conversation between both personalities focused on today Nigerias main events. President KC stated his support to the Nigerian people, discussed internal and external obstacles to achieve peace and security, commented about the health crisis and offered his advocacy in future peace endeavors and health issues affecting the people of Nigeria.

On the same token President KC submitted a letter addressed to the President of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari. In the letter Mr. KC stated his concerns about important issues such as Boko Haram forces presence in the conflict, human rights violations, the rampant discrimination based on gender, ethnicity and religion and the violence that it implies. Other topics discussed were the inconclusive rescue of Chiboks schoolgirls and their captors prosecution.

President KC acknowledged Nigerian governments peace efforts and the volatile stability in the country. He also commented how the countrys socio-economic and healthcare achievements have been harmed by the conflict resulting in massive displacements, medical facilities and services deterioration. Issues like forced labor, underage marriages, genital mutilation as well as the governments intervention to eradicate them were also processed during the encounter.

President KC highlighted Nigerias healthcare crisis, poor sanitation and access to potable water and explained how Europe Peace Foundations mission will address this situation. Both President KC and Charge dAffairs Mr. Eric agreed upon the idea that Nigeria needs the collaboration of the international community to achieve peace and access to health for all.

Lastly, President KC expressed his tireless commitment to advance human rights, democracy values as well as the peace in the country and improvement of the health sector in Nigeria.

SOURCE: EPF
Bridgewater looks to become a regional nightlife hub in western PA

Bridgewater bars offer patrons a nightlife experience that is unique from any other in western Pennsylvania
In a series of tweets, US President Donald Trump expressed displeasure at the revised version of the travel ban that bears his signature. Trump called the order watered down and a 'politically correct' version.

By Santosh Chaubey: Does United States President Donald Trump not like the revised travel ban that he himself signed off on earlier this year? His latest Twitter posts seem to indicate that.

In tweets posted today President Trump seemed to undercut his own reworked travel ban, calling it 'watered down'. Trump seemed to indicate that the revised travel ban is worthless and that its original and a much tougher version needs to be restored.

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Donald Trump had signed the "watered down" version on March 6. And like his earlier attempt to enforce a nation-wide travel ban plan targeting mostly Muslim-majority countries, this, too, was stayed by US courts.

Slamming his administration's re-drafted travel ban order as a "politically correct" version, Trump said that the United States Justice Department should get the Supreme Court to agree to implement the original, tougher version of the ban.

Trump said, 'The US Justice Department should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to the US Supreme Court. the Justice Department should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - and seek much tougher version!'

The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court - & seek much tougher version!- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

The Justice Dept. should have stayed with the original Travel Ban, not the watered down, politically correct version they submitted to S.C.- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

Trump, however, did not clarify why he put his signature on the revised travel ban if he thought it was not stringent enough.

On March 15, a Hawaii court blocked the Trump administration's second attempt to introduce the controversial travel ban plan saying it was biased and discriminatory. The ban was upheld by a Circuit Court of Appeals on May 25. Trump had signed the new executive order on March 6, weeks after his first futile attempt to ban immigration from some Muslim-majority countries.

In the new executive order on travel ban, the Trump administration had made minor changes to original executive order that was issued on January 27, so that it could evade the courts. For example, the second order excluded Iraq from the list of countries facing the ban, i.e. Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Sudan, and included exemptions for green card holders, permanent US residents and for those already having a US visa.

But the courts weren't satisfied. Comparing both versions of the travel ban order, the Hawaii judge found "significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus driving the promulgation of the executive order and its related predecessor."

Trump had termed the decision of the Hawaii court an "unprecedented judicial overreach." When his first travel ban executive order was stayed, Trump had slammed "the opinion of the so-called judge which essentially took law-enforcement away from their country" and claimed that the "decision was ridiculous and would be overturned!"

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He has continued his tirade against the US judiciary, which he has often termed rigged and has compared it with that of third world countries.

While alleging the courts to be "slow and political", he claims that in order to help keep the US safe, his administration is "extreme vetting" people coming into the US.

In any event we are EXTREME VETTING people coming into the U.S. in order to help keep our country safe. The courts are slow and political!- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

ALSO READ | US President Donald Trump's revised travel ban: Millions targeted for possible deportation

ALSO READ | Bad day for Donald Trump: After intel leak, cancelled speech, block on travel ban upheld

ALSO WATCH | US Court revokes Donald Trump's travel ban order

--- ENDS ---
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BETHLEHEM - Months of traffic detours are set to begin along Delmar's busiest commercial corridor next week as construction on the town's $3 million streetscape project begins.

Town officials confirmed that construction will begin Monday, June 12, and the so-called detour No. 1 will be set up as needed. (see accompanying detour map for information or click here)

Traffic in one direction along Delaware Avenue will be re-routed to Hudson Avenue when construction crews are working.

That is likely to cause vehicle backups and slow morning and afternoon commutes, especially since traffic along Delaware Avenue is often backed up during those times when there is no road construction.

The construction is expected to continue through the summer and into the fall, although the work will not take place on the weekends or at night.
WATERFORD - The Waterford Republican Committee has endorsed a slate of incumbents for the upcoming November elections.

Committee members unanimously back:



John E. Lawler for Town Supervisor

James Boudreau for Town Councilman

Laurie Marble for Town Councilman

David Fusco for Town Justice
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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
Albany

Elected officials from across the state are strengthening their call for the state pension system to divest from fossil fuels.

Citing the environmental, economic and political ramifications of President Donald Trump's pullout from the Paris climate accord  as well as the perilous effects of inconsistent weather and more intense storms that have already befallen their cities and counties  more than 200 New York officials on Monday called on state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to divest the state Common Retirement Fund of companies that contribute to man-made climate change.

The comptroller has generally supported pushes to move the fund toward clean energy, having pushed $2 billion worth of investments into low carbon companies in 2015. But DiNapoli, the sole trustee of the $192 billion fund, has stopped short of withdrawing the roughly $5 billion that's invested in fossil fuel companies. The fund is the third-largest in the nation, trailing California's two public pension systems, both of which have divested from some fossil fuel companies.

"The state pension fund is aggressively addressing the risk of climate change," DiNapoli's office said. "The AODP Global Climate Index recently ranked New York state the top U.S. fund and third globally for its work addressing climate change.

"We believe that we can actively engage with companies in building a cleaner, sustainable global economy, while fulfilling our fiduciary duty to maximize the long-term value of the fund to ensure the retirement security of our more than one million members," DiNapoli's office said.

Divestment is an old request, but one that's gained new urgency in the wake of Trump's decision to leave the 190-nation Paris deal, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the world's only non-signatories to the deal. The former cited its ongoing and costly civil war as its reason to opt out, and the latter refused to sign, saying the agreement did not do enough to curb carbon emissions.

The withdrawal from the Paris accord will be a "disaster not only in terms of environment but in terms of the economy," said Albany County Legislator Doug Bullock, one of more than two dozen Capital Region officials who signed the letter to DiNapoli. " We're not going to be able to lead this economy in getting off of fossil fuels."

Bullock said divestiture is "only one of the tools" that the state can use to combat the worst effects of climate change, and called Monday for more investment in solar energy and electric vehicle infrastructure in Albany County.

"Renewables have got to take the place of fossil fuels," he said. "We have to start here at the state and local levels."

Some opponents of the divestiture movement argue that, above all else, pension fund managers have a fiduciary responsibility to pensioners. But fossil fuel investment performance has generally slogged in recent years as clean energy continues to expand its share of the global energy market. A 2016 report by energy research firm Corporate Knights estimated that by sticking with fossil, rather than clean, fuels, New York pensioners missed out on roughly $5.3 billion in added earnings in 2015.

The signers of Monday's letter also argue that any of the fund's gains from such companies are zeroed out by the tens of billions of dollars spent each year to combat public health problems associated with fossil fuels. And that, they say, pales in comparison to the roughly 4,000 deaths that are associated with New York fossil fuel consumption each year, according to a 2012 study from Stanford and Cornell University engineers and scientists.

DiNapoli has previously lambasted Trump's withdrawal, calling it "willful ignorance" that "will jeopardize our chances of avoiding catastrophic changes in our climate" but "not halt the momentum in the global marketplace where reason still reigns."

He also praised a recent vote by 62 percent of ExxonMobil shareholders for the company to examine how the Paris agreement goals might affect business. The Texas-based company is among the worst emitters of greenhouse gases, and is currently being investigated by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for possibly concealing its knowledge of climate change for decades from the public.

DiNapoli called the May 31 shareholder vote "an unprecedented victory for investors in the fight to ensure a smooth transition to a low carbon economy."

"Climate change is one of the greatest long-term risks we face in our portfolio and has direct impact on the core business of ExxonMobil," he said in a statement. "The burden is now on ExxonMobil to respond swiftly and demonstrate that it takes shareholder concerns about climate risk seriously."

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the fossil fuel investments by California's two public pension funds.

RDownen@timesunion.com - 518-454-5018 - Follow @RobertDownenTU
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Montpelier, Vt.

More than two decades after it was discovered at the bottom of Lake Champlain, a Revolutionary War gunboat may see the light of day under a museum plan to raise, preserve and put the vessel on display.

The Spitfire, a 54-foot boat that's part of a fleet built by Benedict Arnold before he turned traitor, sank a day after the 1776 Battle of Valcour Island, helping delay a British advance down the lake.

"At the end of the day, the obligation to try to preserve the Spitfire for future generations and be able to utilize it as a connection to the formative years of this nation proved to be the overwhelming value that drove us," said Art Cohn, co-founder of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, which is planning the work.

The Spitfire represents the hundreds of shipwrecks in Lake Champlain and other waterways that provide links to the nation's past, Cohn said.

The Spitfire's sinking made it possible for the 1777 American victory at the Battle of Saratoga, a key moment in the American Revolution because it led to French recognition of the fledgling United States of America.

The boat is "the closest contact you can have with the men and women of the past," said John Krueger, a retired University of Vermont history professor who serves on a committee that promotes the lake's environmental and cultural resources.

The Spitfire was found during a 1997 sonar survey of the lake. Museum divers check on it yearly. Its mast is still erect and the bow cannon still in the firing position. The ammunition and other artifacts from the battle are buried in mud.

For almost 250 years, the Spitfire has been protected by the cold water of the lake. But Cohn said its future is in danger because of the expected arrival in the lake of quagga mussels, an invasive species that has reached the Great Lakes and could potentially destroy metal fastenings that hold the vessel together.
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QUEENSBURY  A Warren County judge sentenced Alexander West on Monday to five to 15 years in prison for recklessly causing the death of 8-year-old Charlotte McCue, severely injuring her mother and fleeing the scene while impaired by alcohol.

West, 25, of Lake George, listened as the devastated family of the slain child expressed their fury and personal pain because of West's actions on July 25.

"He killed my daughter. He maimed my wife. He scarred my children and he's emotionally crippled countless members of my extended family," Eric McCue, the father of the late child said in a victim impact statement read by his father-in-law, Robert Knarr. "These are choices he made"

Knarr, who was operating the 28-foot antique Gar Wood boat that was struck by West's 21-foot Larson motorboat, told the judge his son-in-law did not attend the sentencing, in part, because he did not want more media attention.

"The real reason -- and more importantly -- is he just can't bear to be in the same room as (West)," Knarr said.

The child's mother, Courtney McCue, told the judge of her personal hell. Not only was her child killed, but she also suffered debilitating physical injuries and emotional scars. During the trial, images of the wounds she suffered, which practically resembled those of a shark attack victim, were displayed on a screen.

"When Charlotte passed away that night, a part of me died as well," she emotionally told the court.

She recalled Charlotte's freckly face, raspy voice and loving nature, a child who made her bed every morning and excelled at gymnastics.

"I was in the middle of raising, a gorgeous, talented, vivacious, amazing daughter and that privilege was ripped away from me," the mother said. "She was asleep on my lap and then, out of nowhere, she was cut to shreds in a matter of seconds by Alexander West's boat... I wish to have Charlotte back in my arms. But since that's not possible, the man who stole her life should be punished forever."

Before he was sentenced, West told the judge he wanted him and the McCue family to know he regrets "being involved" in Charlotte's death.

"I'm haunted every day by knowing that I was part of something that took away a beautiful little girl," he said.

On May 8, a jury convicted West of eight of the 12 counts he faced, including second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault, alcohol-impaired boating, reckless operation of a vehicle and leaving the scene of the crash. They acquitted West on charges of vehicular manslaughter, vehicular assault and drug-impaired boating.

On Monday, Judge John Hall imposed all concurrent sentences on West, a surprise because the defendant's own attorney understood he could face 7 1/3 to 22 years in prison with consecutive sentences for second-degree manslaughter and leaving the scene of the crash.

But the judge said West's "operation of the vessel" was a material element of both charges. Hall also noted a murder and rape case in his court in which the defendants had multiple felonies on their record. West, he said , had no previous record.

"It appears to me appropriate and supported by law and required by law that the defendant be sentenced to concurrent time," the judge said.

The family of the late child had asked for the maximum, calling West a coward for leaving the scene.

Christine Knarr, Charlotte's step-grandmother, described the girl in a statement to the court as "a sparkle ... a cuddle bug. ... Her laughter even at the age of 8 was contagious.".

The judge said 11-year-old Madison McCue, Charlotte's older sister, was among the more than 60 people who wrote letters about the case to the court.

"I wanted to see Charlotte grow up all the way. I wanted to do sisterly things with her," the girl wrote. "I didn't want to grow up telling people my sister died in a boat crash because of a drunk driver."

West's defense attorney Cheryl Coleman noted a common theme of most letters was that her client put the McCue family through hell by taking the matter to trial. Coleman said West had every right under the law to go to trial and "no one should ever have to apologize for" making that choice.

"I feel a profound sense of helplessness today," Coleman told Hall. She said she has come to know West as sensitive, gentle and caring.

Warren County District Attorney Kate Hogan told the judge she objected to the crash being called an accident.

"We've heard that word throughout his trial -- and this case is not anything close to an accident," Hogan said. "This is reckless conduct."

West "has never, ever accepted responsibility" for that conduct, Hogan said.

She reminded the judge that West had ecstasy in addition to cocaine and marijuana in system, based on drug tests. Coleman objected: Evidence of West's drug use was ruled inadmissible at the trial because sheriff's investigators obtained it without first securing a warrant.

At the three-week trial presided over by Hall, Hogan contrasted the drastically different ways the McCue family and West spent last July 25.

That morning, West boarded the Larson motorboat and drove seven friends to Log Bay Day, an annual gathering on the east side of Lake George in Shelving Rock Bay. Testimony showed West drank beer, mixed drinks, snorted cocaine and smoked dabs of hashish oil (concentrated marijuana) at the event.

Several hours later, West's friend Matthew Marry piloted the group across the lake to Bolton Landing, where they docked, walked into town and ate dinner at The Huddle restaurant. Witnesses said West drank two Moscow Mules, a vodka mixed drink. Three members of the group stayed in Bolton Landing.

West returned to the boat to head home, joined by Marry, Marry's girlfriend Kristine Tiger, Morland Keyes and Cara Mia Canale, all of whom would be charged with either hindering prosecution or making false statements. Canale, who cut a deal with Hogan's office, testified that Tiger became depressed on the ride and that West tried to comfort her. Canale said West was not watching where he was going. Marry thought West was driving too fast.

About that time, the McCue family was slowly cruising in Robert Knarr's Gar Wood along the shore of the lake not far from the grandfather's home near Cramer Point. Charlotte and her family, who were on vacation from Carlsbad, Calif., had eaten dinner at Knarr's home.

At 9:22 p.m., as the family was returning to Knarr's home, West's boat crashed into the Gar Wood. The impact, which killed Charlotte and seriously injured her mother, was followed by high-pitched screams that led residents around the lake to call 911.

West took off in his boat without ever calling for assistance. He did not report the crash until the next morning, when he walked into the sheriff's office. On video, West claimed he only had two beers and was not intoxicated. His claims were debunked by a drug test.

West's attorneys, Coleman and Kathryn Conklin, argued that police lacked any evidence West was intoxicated due to the failure to obtain the warrant.

In her closing argument, Coleman called West a "dumb kid" who panicked after crashing the vessel.

The defense team also harped on Knarr's initial refusal to be tested for alcohol when police spoke to him at Glens Falls Hospital.

Lake George area officials have vowed to shut down Log Bay Day, an annual bacchanal that has resulted in numerous arrests and injuries.

For Courtney McCue, the crash and death of her daughter completely erases a lifetime of happy family summers at Lake George, she said.

Her life will never be the same, she said, calling herself a "zombie" in emotional and physical pain.

"I will live with my broken heart forever because of the loss of my darling Charlotte," she said, crying. "I would rather be anyone else other than Courtney McCue because it hurts too much to walk in my shoes."

rgavin@timesunion.com
Zoom Developers is among the top ten leading willful defaulters in the country to the tune of Rs 2,650 crore, taken from a consortium of 25 banks led by Punjab National Bank (PNB).

By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: The enforcement directorate (ED) has shortlisted at least 16 movable and non-movable properties of Zoom Developers Pvt Ltd (ZDPL) lying in ten countries. Zoom Developers is among the top ten leading willful defaulters in the country to the tune of Rs 2,650 crore, taken from a consortium of 25 banks led by Punjab National Bank (PNB).

However, the ED case pertains to Rs 966 crore defaults. The agency is currently, working on a daunting task of identification of foreign properties and communicating with all these countries to complete its attachment process.

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It was after the arrest of Vijay Choudhary, promoter-cum-director of Zoom Developers, the Indore/Ahmedabad unit of ED decided to zero-in the foreign assets and increase its pace of investigation.

The agency has identified 16 properties, which includes industrial plants, apartments, bungalow, plots etc, named against Choudhary's wife and various entities in these countries, worth Rs 1851 crore (as per dollar rate of Rs 45, in year 2009). If the valuation of these assets is calculated at the present dollar rate i.e. Rs 64, then it would be worth Rs 2,633 crore.

Out of ten countries, the letter rogatory (LRs) has been sent to two countries i.e. United Kingdom and Switzerland. "It is a time-consuming task, as it involves ten countries. To begin with, the LRs i.e. legal request has been sent to UK and Switzerland. Three LRs are under the process, which should be sent soon," source within the agency confirmed it to India Today.

These nations are: USA, UAE, Singapore, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Zimbabwe, China, Philippines and few others.

India Today has accessed the list of properties created by Zoom Developers with the money that belongs to 25 banks in India.

Four apartments in Amesco Tower with an area of 10,787.79 sq.feet valued at USD 19,03,312. These apartments are in the name of Zio Technologies LLC, Dubai.

Villa at Emmar, Ranches, Alvorada valued USD 5,96,795 in the name of Manjiri Choudhary, wife of Vijay Choudhary.

Three huge plots at Southwest Quarter and South Half of the Southeast Quarter of Section 20, with the size of 240 acres, 385 acres and 320 acres, valued at USD 51, 77, 324. These plots are in the name of Novagold International Ltd., California, USA.

Property at Daying County, Sichuan Province with 21,587 sq meter valued USD 1,36,26,684, in the name of Global Technology Centre (China).

Property at Daying County, Sichuan Province with 6,66,000 sq meter valued at USD 39,50,000, in the name of Sichuan Ruyi Chemical Co. Ltd in China.

Property in the name of Zinc International FZCO in Chile with the size of 1,28,494 acres valued at USD 45,25,918.

Industrial plants of PVC, Caustic Soda and Cement in the name of Sichuan Ruyi Chemical Co. Ltd. in China, valued at USD 22,26,75,000.

Plant in Germany in the name of Global Polytrade GMBH, Germany - 100 per cent subsidiary of Zoom Developers Pvt Ltd.

Land in the name of Insing Investment Ltd in Zimbabwe.

Land in the name of Zoom Developers in Australia with 49,500 acres.

Land in the name of Zoom Developers in Philippines with 74,000 acres valued USD 15,89,85,680.

The total valuation of all these properties are USD 41,14,40,713 i.e. Rs 2,633 crore (as per dollar rate of 64).

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"The main accused Vijay Choudhary had invested substantial part of the money abroad in number of countries. Hence, not much properties are available in India," the source said. At present, other than ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the economic offence wing (EOW) and banking wing (BC&FC) of CBI, Mumbai is investigating the case.

Earlier, in 2015, the agency has attached 1,280 acres land in California, USA valued Rs 42 crore, and off late, assets worth Rs 130 crore were seized in India.

The agency revealed that Choudhary, his wife (handling Dubai business) and his CA Sharad Kabra (arrested) had formed almost 485 companies for the purpose of taking loans from banks and later, laundering the money for business activities abroad.

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"Almost 400 companies are based in India. Rest companies are located in USA, UK, Switzerland, Singapore, Germany, UAE, China and Zimbabwe," the source said.

Also Read:

How ED cracked the money flow of Zoom Developers to USA?

--- ENDS ---
Will Waldron

I worked for the state Medicaid Office for more than 30 years, retiring in 2009. One of the positions I held was working with the finance office to run the Medicaid budget reporting system. I can state for certainty that the majority of Medicaid expenditures were to support hospital payments, also for the mentally ill, for the disabled and for the elderly in some form of nursing care.

I am certain most of our congressional representatives are, at a personal level, kind people as Brennan Buhr's letter ("Society needs to tolerate our political differences," May 28), describes Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook. However, we do not judge our congressional representatives by their personalities, we judge them by what they do for the American people.
This exam season, the Asthma Society of Ireland is urging students to take steps to ensure hay fever doesnt hinder their exam success.

According to Asthma Society CEO Averil Power, Unmanaged hay fever can make people feel miserable as they suffer with a runny nose, sneezing and itchy watery eyes. It can also affect sleep patterns, making it difficult to concentrate at work or school. At this time of year, it can be a particular cause of stress for students doing their Junior or Leaving Certificate exams. Up to 80% of people with asthma also find it can trigger their asthma symptoms. It is therefore a serious condition and one that is important to manage properly.

The good news is that preparation can help you stop hay fever ruining your summer or affecting your exam results. You can reduce your exposure to pollen by using the live pollen forecast on the Asthma Societys website, Facebook and Twitter pages, sponsored by Dyson and GSK.

Over-the-counter medicines such as non-drowsy antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays can also prevent or reduce symptoms. However, it is important to use these regularly throughout the pollen season. If you wait until you feel unwell, they will be less effective. If symptoms persist, you should talk to your GP about prescription medication or immunotherapy.

If you have both asthma and hay fever, make sure you also get your asthma under control by takingpreventer medication as prescribed and always carry your reliever inhaler, she concluded.

Asthma Society 10 Tips For Managing Hay Fever



Talk to your pharmacist or doctor NOW about taking medication to prevent / reduce symptoms. Dont wait until you feel unwell.



Keep an eye on the pollen tracker on the Asthma Society website at https://tinyurl.com/asi-pollen, on Twitter @asthmaireland or facebook.com/AsthmaSociety.



Stay indoors as much as possible on high pollen days.



Stay away from grassy areas, especially ones that have been freshly cut.



Keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high and avoid sitting near an open window at school or work.



Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen.



Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.



Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outside for an extended period.



Avoid drying clothes outdoors.



Minimise your contact with pets that have been outdoors and likely to be carrying pollen.

For more advice on how to avoid allergy triggers and cope with hay fever talk to the Asthma Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64.
ATHENS TOWNSHIP  Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 21-year-old Erie man that took place in the early hours of Sun
In the five months that General Bipin Rawat has been army chief, he has taken a hard line on a worsening security situation in Jammu and Kashmir's southern districts.

In the five months that General Bipin Rawat has been army chief, he has taken a hard line on a worsening security situation in Jammu and Kashmir's southern districts. Particularly as troops face stone-throwers against whom they are ill-equipped to respond. The army does not use the controversial 'pellet-guns', as the riot-control shotguns used by the paramilitary forces are colloquially called, but increasingly finds itself being confronted by hostile stone-throwing civilians against whom it has no counter. In February, the army chief had warned of 'tough action' after numerous incidents of stone-throwers distracting security forces and allowing trapped militants to flee. Now, his latest statements in a May 27 interview to the Press Trust of India have not only invited controversy but also signalled the army's new hard line.

"Adversaries must be afraid of you and at the same time your people must be afraid of you. We are a friendly army, but when we are called to restore law and order, people have to be afraid of us," he said.

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General Rawat's statement came soon after a controversial incident on April 9 in J&K's Budgam district, in which an army officer, Major Leetul Gogoi, tied an alleged stone-thrower, Farooq Ahmed Dar, to the front of an army jeep and drove him around the district. The army has backed Major Gogoi's version that his human shield saved the lives of several polling staff and avoided the army having to fire on a hostile stone-throwing mob.

Major Gogoi was awarded the Chief of Army Staff's Commendation Card even as he faces a court of inquiry and a probe by the local police. Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah was a lone voice of dissent, dismissing Major Gogoi's court of inquiry as a farce. Randeep Singh Surjewala, spokesperson of the opposition Congress, and the party's Punjab chief minister, Capt. Amarinder Singh, backed the army's decision to award the Major.

The army has, in recent days, also stepped up its offensive against Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), retaliating against the May 1 mutilation of two soldiers with a fire assault on Pakistani posts along the LoC in Naushera. In an unprecedented move, it also released footage of the incident to the media. In three separate operations on May 29, the army killed 10 militants, including the new head of the Hizbul Mujahideen, Sabzar Ahmad Bhatt. Still, it is the conduct of army operations in civilian areas which will be closely watched, particularly since General Rawat, in his interview, spoke of having to fight a 'dirty proxy war' in J&K, making use of 'innovations' like the one employed by Major Gogoi.

The move has the Centre's support. In a visit to the state just two days earlier, defence minister Arun Jaitley made it clear that the initiative in a 'war-like' zone lay with the army. "Military solutions are to be provided by military officers. How a situation is to be dealt with when you are in a war-like zone? we should allow our army officers to take a decision," said Jaitley.

A decade ago, then army chief, General J.J. Singh, had described the army's people-friendly approach in counter-insurgency as an 'iron fist in a velvet glove'. Clearly those were different times. The gloves are now off.

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--- ENDS ---
How to Handle the Worst Customer Calls

On any given day, call center agents participate in dozens of phone calls. Each call is different than the nextone caller may be angry, the next cheerful, and the next making rude and disrespectful remarks to the agent. When call center agents pick up the phone, theres no way of knowing who is going to be on the other end. While some calls are certainly better than others, Monet Software states that there are three types of calls that are the absolute worst.

According to a study done by the University of British Columbia, customers with a bad attitude are less likely to be satisfied at the end of a call. Even if the service provided was spectacular, a customer like this will not feel that his or her needs were met. These types of customers are the ones behind the three worst categories of phone calls.

The first type of call Monet lists is The Angry Caller. The angry caller is determined to give the agent a hard time from the moment the conversation starts. Agents can barely get the word hello out before the angry caller starts in on them. Most of the time, theyve bottled up all of their anger and are ready to let it flyin the direction of the call center agent, unfortunately.

It would be easy for agents to develop an attitude and get angry in response to these callers, but its important to stay calm. In fact, responding in a calm manner is one of the best ways to counteract the angry caller. Monet also suggests offering empathyeven if the agent doesnt feel empathy, and the caller doesnt deserve it. Using responses such as I understand your frustration. Im sure that was difficult. Let me try to take care of that for you, may cause the caller to calm down.

The Abusive Caller is even worse than the angry caller. While an angry caller can be soothed, an abusive caller is aggressive and itching for a fight. They have no qualms about making their attacks personal, either. It can be extremely difficult for agents to remain calm, but its important not to stoop to their level. Monet suggests reminding these types of callers that the conversation is being recorded. If that doesnt cause them to act civilly, then managers should allow agents to terminate the call. Yes, its important to help customers as much as possible, but no one deserves to have abuse thrown at them.

Finally, the Interrupting Caller is known for not letting agents get a word in. They call for help, but then dont actually give agents a chance to help. Rather than getting frustrated or trying to cut the customer off, agents should just allow them to vent. Once theres a pause indicating that theyve gotten everything off their chest, then the agent can offer some advice.

Handling these types of calls can be incredibly difficult and it takes a lot of willpower to not get angry in return. Managers need to be aware every time theres a combative caller on the line, and empower their agents to terminate the call if need be. A call center is meant to help but, at the end of the day, agents shouldnt be allowed to be harassed. A managers job is about protecting their agents as much as it is about resolving customer issues.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
[June 04, 2017] Passport Systems, Inc. Signs Letter Of Intent For Sale Of SmartScan 3D(TM) To Vietnamese Customs

Letter of Intent Outlines A 1 Billion USD Sale of 18 SmartScan 3D Scanners N. BILLERICA, Mass., June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Passport Systems, Inc. (Passport) today announced a major step forward in international cargo security, as the company signed a Letter of Intent with 216 Company JSC for the sale of 18 SmartScan 3D scanners to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. The SmartScan 3D scanners include the world's most advanced automated cargo inspection system, capable of detecting radiological threats -- even when shielded -- with unparalleled speed and accuracy. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/519344/Passport_Systems_Logo.jpg Unlike current cargo inspection systems that rely solely on the operators' eyes to detect contraband, a SmartScan 3D scanner uses advanced technology to interrogate cargo based on its material properties. It targets and detects materials of interest, alerting the operator to the presence of contraband, while supplying a 3-dimensional location--all without opening the container. Not only is the system capable of automatically detecting nuclear material, explosives, drugs, nerve agents, firearm components and other contraband, it has the sensitivity to differentiate water from alcohol. These technologies far surpass the systems currently deployed in ports either domestically or abroad. "Pasport is thrilled to announce its partnership with 216 Company JSC and Vietnamese customs," said Dr. Robert Ledoux, President, CEO and Director of Passport Systems, Inc. "The purchase, installation, and use of these scanners is a win for both the United States and Vietnam. The scanner improves global security while improving the flow of commerce, and creates a significant number of jobs. We look forward to working with the General Department of Vietnam Customs in the coming years."



In 2006, Congress passed the SAFE Port Act, which commits the United States to partnering with foreign nations to increase the security of US-bound cargo before it hits our shores. The legislation was passed with significant bipartisan support as a result of the growing need to protect our ports and enhance national security. And with inspiration from the SAFE Port Act, Passport developed the SmartScan 3D scanner. A strong indication of their dedication to meeting all US cargo security requirements and improving trade between the two countries, 216 Company JSC and the General Department of Vietnam Customs indicated their intent to purchase SmartScan 3D scanning systems with the signing of today's Letter of Intent. The execution of this agreement will improve cargo security for both the US and Vietnam, with positive effects for both countries' national security. In addition, the SmartScan 3D scanner's technology will help thwart smuggling and contraband flowing through the ports, and result in more accurate collection of taxes and import duties. This capability will allow goods to flow quickly through Vietnamese ports  a positive for American businesses who work with Vietnam, and should result in increased commerce between the two nations.

About Passport Systems

Passport Systems was founded to develop and commercialize new technologies to address the threats facing the world in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Founded by a team of MIT technologists and entrepreneurs, Passport Systems has proudly developed two cutting-edge product lines: The SmartScan 3D Automated Cargo Inspection System, based on nuclear resonance fluorescence technology, and the SmartShield Networked Radiation Detection System, using advanced data fusion algorithms. For further details on Passport Systems and its products and services, please visit www.passportsystems.com, and follow us on Twitter at @PassportSys and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PassportSys/. SOURCE Passport Systems, Inc.

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[June 05, 2017] Tata Elxsi's 'AUTONOMAI' Driverless Car Platform Selected by Leading OEM

BANGALORE and MUMBAI, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Signs licensing and integration support deal with one of the world's top 5 OEMs for their driverless car program Tata Elxsi, a global design and technology services company and a leader for automotive electronics and software development, announced the licensing of its advanced autonomous vehicle middleware platform 'AUTONOMAI' to one of the world's top 5 automotive OEMs for their driverless car R&D. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440033LOGO )

The AUTONOMAI platform provides carmakers and Tier 1 automotive suppliers with a comprehensive and modular solution covering Perception, GNC and Drive-by-wire systems, to quickly build, test and deploy autonomous vehicles. This solution supports sensor fusion with a variety of sensors from cameras to Radar and Lidar, and leverages sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning-based algorithms to deliver the complex use-case scenarios expected of driverless cars. AUTONOMAI also allows rpid region-specific adaptation through its pre-integrated validation datasets and AI and deep learning capabilities.



"We are delighted with this latest win for AUTONOMAI by one of the world's top 5 car OEMs," said Nitin Pai, Senior Vice President Marketing for Tata Elxsi. "Carmakers will need to ensure that self-driving cars are able to communicate with each other through technologies such as V2X, adapt to different driving conditions, receive real-time maps and over-the-air software updates. As importantly, OEMs need to transform the current HMI to one that leverages AI, multi-modal interfaces and sensors to ensure passengers are not only safe, but feel safe too. The value of AUTONOMAI is further enhanced by Tata Elxsi's world-class automotive software integration and validation capabilities, its portfolio of complementary next-gen solutions, including V2X, e-cockpit and automated validation, and an award-winning HMI design team. This makes Tata Elxsi a truly compelling partner for OEMs and suppliers in driverless car development." About Tata Elxsi

Tata Elxsi is a global design and technology services company, headquartered in Bangalore. It addresses the automotive, broadcast and communications, consumer electronics and healthcare industries. A network of design studios, development centres and offices worldwide supports this. Tata Elxsi works with leading OEMs and suppliers in the automotive and transportation industries for R&D, design and product engineering services from architecture to launch and beyond. It brings together domain experience across Infotainment, Autonomous Driving, Telematics, Powertrain, and Body electronics, along with technologies such as artificial intelligence, analytics, cloud and IoT. Tata Elxsi is accredited with an Automotive SPICE Level 5 certification and is a member of leading consortiums such as AUTOSAR and GENIVI.

Media Contact:

Hari Balan

Corporate Communications

Telephone: +91-80-22979123

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.tataelxsi.com



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[June 05, 2017] Waratek to Present on Runtime Application Security at Infosecurity Europe

CTO John Matthew Holt to discuss solution with no code changes and no false positives DUBLIN and ATLANTA, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Waratek, the virtualization-based application security company, will host a Cyber Innovation Showcase at this year's Infosecurity Europe. In "Don't Rewrite or Replace: Extend the Life (and Secure) Your Software with a Runtime Container," John Matthew Holt, Waratek founder and CTO, will show attendees how to update new and legacy applications with no code changes and no false positives. The Cyber Innovation Showcase will be held on Thursday, June 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. In this session, Holt will explain how to use containers to provide highly accurate, fast remediation of known and unknown vulnerabilities along with a no false positive guarantee. In addition to presenting the onsite showcase, Waratek will host an evening of informational networking and food and drinks at Famous Three Kings in Fulham, London. There, Holt will lead a discussion on smoothly navigating the cnstant threat of software vulnerabilities titled "Head in the Sand Security: End of Life Software and Patch Backlogs Are Bigger Threats Than We Admit."



Check-in and drinks will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7. Attendees can preregister here. Infosecurity Europe is the region's number one information security event featuring Europe's largest and most comprehensive conference program and more than 360 exhibitors showcasing the most relevant information security solutions and products. The conference will be held from Tuesday, June 6th to Thursday, June 8th at Olympia Conference Centre in London.

Waratek will be located at stand B240 near the Strategy Talks room. About Waratek

Waratek is a pioneer in the next generation of application security solutions. Based on patented virtualization technology, Waratek's Application Security Platform is highly accurate, easy to install, simple to operate and does not slow application performance  while providing protection against known and unknown vulnerabilities in current and legacy software in ways competitors cannot. Waratek has received the 2017 CDM INFOSEC Leader Award for Application Security, was named 2016's Best Application Security Solution by Government Security News and is the winner of the 2015 RSA Innovation Sandbox Award. JavaWorld notes that "Waratek is the only vendor that can boast of a large-scale production deployment with a Tier 1 global investment bank, the most significant deployment of (runtime protection) that exists for Java technology today." Waratek is based in Dublin, Ireland and Atlanta, GA. For more information visit www.waratek.com Media Contact:

Mike Gallo for Waratek

Lumina PR

212-239-8594

[email protected]

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[June 05, 2017] Viamet's VT-1598 Demonstrates Potent Activity Against Candida auris and Other Life-Threatening Fungal Species

Viamet Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the presentation of multiple studies supporting VT-1598, a clinical-stage compound for the treatment of life-threatening invasive fungal infections, at the American Society for Microbiology's ASM (News - Alert) Microbe 2017 conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Data presented at the conference demonstrate that VT-1598 is highly active against pathogenic molds, yeasts and endemic fungi, including Candida auris (C. auris) and other multi-drug resistant fungal pathogens. "Invasive fungal infections continue to be a serious global threat," stated Robert Schotzinger, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Viamet. "The emergence of highly pathogenic and drug-resistant fungal species, such as C. auris, highlight the need for new and improved therapies. Using our proprietary MIDAS technology, we designed VT-1598 to be highly potent against fungal pathogens while also being highly selective for fungal CYP51, a metalloenzyme critical to the survival of the fungus. In preclinical studies, VT-1598 has been shown to be broad spectrum, highly potent and highly selective. We believe that VT-1598 will be an important new therapy for invasive fungal infections and look forward to advancing the compound through clinical development." In a poster titled, "In Vitro Activity of a Novel CYP51 Inhibitor, VT-1598, Against Clinical Isolates of Candida auris," collaborators from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrated that VT-1598 was highly active against C. auris, an emerging fungal pathogen that is associated with mortality rates of up to 60%. Certain strains of C. auris are resistant to all three major classes of antifungal agents, the azoles, echinocandins and polyenes (such as amphotericin B). The CDC tested VT-1598 against 100 clinical isolates of C. auris, including isolates known to be resistant to current antifungal therapies. VT-1598 was demonstrated to have robust activity across all isolates tested, including high activity aainst drug-resistant strains.



In other presentations, collaborators from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and University of Arizona demonstrated that VT-1598 was broadly active against pathogenic molds, yeasts and endemic fungi. The UTHSCSA studies demonstrated the molecule's very broad spectrum of activity in vitro to include Aspergillus species (A. fumigatis, A. flavus, A. niger, and A. terreus); Candida species (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis); Cryptococcus species (C. neoformans and C. gatti); endemic fungal species (Coccidioides immitis, Coccidioides posadasii, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Histoplasma capsulatum); and Rhizopus arrhizus. In these studies, VT-1598 was also shown to be active against drug-resistant strains of pathogenic fungi. The University of Arizona studies demonstrated that VT-1598 was highly effective as an oral treatment of respiratory coccidioidomycosis in a preclinical model of the disease. Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is a major fungal infection in the southwestern United States. Current therapies for Valley Fever are limited by significant side effects, drug-drug interactions and poor efficacy.

About VT-1598 VT-1598 is an orally available inhibitor of fungal CYP51 that has demonstrated high potency against a broad range of fungal pathogens, including molds, yeasts and multi-drug resistant fungal pathogens such as Candida auris. VT-1598 is also potent against a fungal class referred to as endemic fungi, which includes Coccidioides, Histoplasma and Blastomyces species. VT-1598 blocks the production of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. Viamet is developing VT-1598 for the treatment of serious and life-threatening invasive fungal infections. Given the preclinical profile of VT-1598, 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 orphan drug designation to VT-1598 for the treatment of Valley Fever. 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/20170605005368/en/

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The World's First Genome-Based Sharing Platform 'MyGenomeBox,' to Showcase New Revolution and Life Experience on DNA App Store at CES Asia 2017

MyGenomeBox, the world's first open genome-based sharing platform, will participate in "CES (News - Alert) Asia 2017" to introduce their service in Asian market.

CES Asia 2017 will be held from June 7 to 9 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) in Shanghai China. CES Asia introduces the latest consumer electronics market trends and products from all around the world.

MyGenomeBox was officially launched in January 2017 at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2017 in Las Vegas. They announced the start of the world's first open genome-based DNA platform business by introducing the 'Genome Data Management' and 'DNA App Sore' technology. 'The DNA App Store' technology is one of the '10 Innovative Technologies' selected by MIT (News - Alert) Technology Review in 2016. MyGenomeBox offers secure and easy personal genome data upload and storage solution combined with DNA App stores for various applications in health, life style and wellness area.







During the exhibition period, MyGenomeBox attracted a great interest from a various industries including cosmetics, fitness, wearables and medical devices. Several opinion leaders in enterprise and policy field from various countries visited MyGenomeBox booth, and they praised as 'MyGenomeBox is the most innovative and creative business model which represents the global fourth industrial revolution.'

Some of the interesting DNA applications in MyGenomeBox includes Ancestry analysis, Neanderthal genome estimation, Genetic Skin Type, Customized Nutrition Guide and Personalized Wine selection that are all based on own genetic makeup.

Dr. Charles Cantor, a scientific advisor of MyGenomeBox said, "The genomics information and application industry is a driving force in opening a new future and an axis of disruptive innovation that will change our lifestyle."

The new world of DNA App can be experienced from June 7th to 9th by visiting the MyGenomeBox booth (N4 Hall 4202) at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170605005440/en/
[June 05, 2017] Affle Launches its Mobile Ad Fraud Analytics Platform - mTraction FaaS

GURGAON, India, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Affle, a Singapore HQ mobile audience intelligence and analytics platforms company, today announced the launch of its Fraud Analytics As a Service Platform - 'mTraction FaaS' to help marketers globally to fight mobile ad fraud. According to industry data sources, close to USD 16.4 billion is lost globally due to ad fraud. mTraction FaaS or mFaaS aims to help marketers detect fraud, not at a post mortem level but during run time, thus minimising wastage of precious marketing dollars. mTraction FaaS aims to detect and eliminate the growing fraudulent practices in the mobile performance marketing industry. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/519529/mFaas_Affle_s_mobile_ad_fraud_analytics_as_a_service_platform_Logo.jpg )

Mr. Anuj Khanna Sohum, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Affle, on the launch of mTraction FaaS said, "We are extremely excited to announce the launch of this platform as it helps us to address an important and growing problem area for marketers globally. Over the last year, our teams have done extensive research over billions of data events to build robust and reliable algorithms to help detect, highlight and eliminate multiple types of ad fraud. mFaaS has been designed on two key technological pillars, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning along with Blockchain technology which helps its data engines to process huge amount of data and detect fraud patterns using 15+ reason codes. We believe that the timing of this launch is also very pertinent as we are seeing significant growth in ad fraud leading to ROI erosion for top marketers. In fact, we are now inviting some of our marquee partners to start using FaaS on a pilot basis so as to check the reliability of their traffic sources and also understand how mFaaS can add value to enhance their marketing efficiencies."



Speaking on mobile ad fraud, Mr. Takayuki Hoshuyama, President & CEO of D2C Japan said, "Ad fraud is one of the big ongoing issues which are getting the attention of both advertisers and agencies now. In Japan alone, millions of advertising budget is wasted due to advertising fraud. mTraction FaaS, a robust platform developed by Affle is aiming to help the advertisers not only to detect but also protect from fraud sources, hence helping them attain positive ROI from their marketing budgets. The advertising eco-system needs to come together and work with such technological platforms to solve this problem." Addressing the same, Mr. Rajat Basra, CEO of Omnicom Media Group, Indonesia commented, "As much as digital media has been nimble to reach the most relevant audiences and drive higher conversions, it has also been marred by fraud players and practices. mTraction FaaS is a great initiative for the industry overall, and advertisers in Indonesia and SE Asia will surely be benefitted by such a service. Ad fraud remains a top concern regarding digital media planning among brand marketers and media agencies. Using real time actionable data to boost higher quality transactions is a need of the hour, and will also benefit the publishers/ platforms that have been following the best practices."

Speaking on launch of Affle's mTraction FaaS, Mr. Shubhodip Pal, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer Micromax Informatics, said, "Ad Fraud is a growing menace in the fast-growing digital advertising industry. The industry really needs robust platforms to detect and eliminate fraud and that will ensure continued growth for the industry. We thus welcome Affle's launch in this domain and wish them all the best." mFaaS platform is currently available in English, and shall soon be made available in several other languages like Japanese, to help the mobile marketers globally. mFaaS in its current version is expected to help in significantly cleansing the mobile performance marketing industry and will soon grow in scope to address other forms of fraud use cases in digital advertising. mFaaS is easily integratable using SDK and APIs and can also be integrated with the leading third party attribution platforms. Check this product video for more details. About Affle: Affle is a Singapore-headquartered company that has built leading 'Mobile Audience Intelligence and Analytics Platforms'. The platforms help deliver end-to-end mobile commerce and marketing solutions with greater ROI and transparency for marketers, commerce marketplaces, app developers and publishers through unique intent insights derived from behavioural signals, attribution and transactional data. Having started in 2006, Affle has been a pioneer in the field of mobile technology and has built significant scale and intelligence backed by its robust profile of data and insights about millions of users. Affle's investors include Microsoft, D2C (an NTT DoCoMo subsidiary), Itochu, Bennett Coleman & Company Ltd. (BCCL) and Centurion Private Equity amongst others. Media Contact:

Ayush Aggarwal

[email protected]

+91-8586957525

Associate Director - Marketing & Product

Affle





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[June 05, 2017] Symplicity Announces Radius and the Symplicity Partner Program

Symplicity, the leading employability platform serving students, alumni and employers, today announced the launch of Symplicity Radius, a new cloud-based supported integration layer designed to connect the career center to other campus departments, as well as to other professional development solutions used by students, alumni and career centers. Through Symplicity Radius, colleges and universities can access vital job and employer data, and professional development and job search content, within Symplicity, as well as connect Symplicity's career-related workflows to academic advising and other areas along the student and alumni career journey. This openness also enables schools to connect their Symplicity CSM platform with their Blackboard (News - Alert), Canvas or Moodle learning management system (LMS), promoting higher levels of student engagement by presenting more access points to career services offerings, activities and content.



In conjunction with Radius, Symplicity also launched its partner program, which will allow technology providers to build on top of or connect to the Symplicity CSM platform on an open, standards-based environment. By leveraging a series of REST APIs essential to students' job search, Symplicity makes it easy for colleges and university to integrate solutions such as company research, career management, digital portfolios, virtual career fairs, content and networking tools and more. "The openness of the Symplicity platform enables career service professionals to create and deliver the most comprehensive and customized job search and professional development experiences for their students and alumni," said Matthew Small, Symplicity president and CEO. "With previously disparate solutions now connected into one platform with a single sign-on, career centers are maximizing their value to not only job seekers looking for their first job, but also seasoned career professionals ready to capitalize on their next move."

About Symplicity Corporation Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Arlington, VA, Symplicity is the market leader of student employability solutions. More than 400,000 active recruiters utilize the Company's on-campus recruiting platform to leverage the largest higher education job network in the U.S. and recruit students and alumni for entry-level jobs. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170605005614/en/

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[June 05, 2017] Government of Canada undertakes measures to advance telecommunication services in Canada

TORONTO, June 5, 2017 /CNW/ - When it comes to telecommunications, Canadian consumers deserve the best. The Government of Canada will encourage the advancement of telecommunication services by focusing on the three things that matter most to Canadian families and businesses: high-quality networks, broad-reaching coverage and affordable prices. At a time when middle-class Canadians are concerned about the rising cost of these services, the Government will encourage more private sector competition and investment in services that have become essential in a digital economy. That was the message delivered by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, at the Canadian Telecom Summit. The summit is an annual gathering of business leaders and policy-makers that represent the country's telecommunications, broadcasting and information technology industries. The Innovation and Skills Plan is a multi-year strategy that will create more well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it. This plan will also ensure that Canadians develop the skills for the jobs of the future. Under this plan, the Government is working with industry to encourage low-cost Internet services. The Government is also encouraging providers to offer all Canadians: More options at better price points: The Government is directing the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, which regulates the industry, to reconsider a recent decision to exclude Wi-Fi-based service providers from access to roaming services. This action could potentially open the door to companies that use innovative solutions to provide Canadians with more affordable wireless service options.

The Government is directing the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, which regulates the industry, to reconsider a recent decision to exclude Wi-Fi-based service providers from access to roaming services. This action could potentially open the door to companies that use innovative solutions to provide Canadians with more affordable wireless service options. Better coverage: The Government is releasing its decision on a streamlined licensing framework to support the deployment of next-generation satellites. This action will allow more satellite-based providers to enter the market and extend high-speed Internet services to Canadians in rural and remote communities across the country.

The Government is releasing its decision on a streamlined licensing framework to support the deployment of next-generation satellites. This action will allow more satellite-based providers to enter the market and extend high-speed Internet services to Canadians in rural and remote communities across the country. Faster networks: The Government is launching a public consultation on the release of spectrum to support the deployment of 5th generation (5G) wireless networks. 5G is an emerging technology that has the potential to meet the explosion in consumer and industrial demand for faster and higher-capacity mobile networks. Quote "The prosperity of Canadians depends on their access to affordable Internet and wireless services. These services are no longer luxuries. They are basic tools for all Canadians regardless of where they live. They need these services to do their jobs, conduct business, learn new skills and build communities. Our government is prepared to work with this country's telecom providers to ensure that Canadians have access to the services that allow them to compete in a global and digital economy. Together, we can ensure that Canada remains a global leader in the development and adoption of new telecom technologies."

 The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Quick facts Canada's netorks rank second among G7 countries for average wireless connection speeds.

netorks rank second among G7 countries for average wireless connection speeds. 98 percent of Canadians have access to the latest wireless technologies.

Canadian consumers pay more for basic cellphone service than consumers in the U.S. and almost twice as much as consumers in the U.K.



Related products Backgrounder: Wi-Fi-first service providers

Backgrounder: Public consultation on 5G

Backgrounder: Satellite licensing Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Backgrounder

Making Cellphone Service More Affordable through Wi-Fi First Networks The Government of Canada is taking action in favour of affordable cellphone service for Canadians, who pay some of world's highest prices, especially for low-usage plans. The Government is directing the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which regulates the industry, to reconsider a decision that has effectively prevented certain low-cost plans from being offered to Canadian consumers. These discount plans, offered by Wi-Fi-based service providers, primarily route phone calls, texts and data through Wi-Fi networks. They depend far less on commercial wireless networks, which are only used if Wi-Fi is not available. Typically, customers only roam on another carrier's network when they are between Wi-Fi connections. On March 1, 2017, the CRTC issued a decision that excludes Wi-Fi-based providers from access to regulated roaming on commercial wireless networks owned by large carriers. The CRTC's decision defined the terms and conditions under which smaller providers could roam on networks owned by larger carriers. Under CRTC rules, all wireless service providers are required to operate on a primary network, also known as a "home network," so that they do not rely completely on roaming. The CRTC decision ruled that Wi-Fi networks cannot be considered "home networks." The result is that Wi-Fi-based service providers do not have access to regulated roaming rates, effectively preventing their development. In asking the CRTC to review its decision, the Government directs the regulator to explore how a Wi-Fi first model could lead to more affordable plans for Canadians. The Government is also asking the CRTC to consider any potentially negative impacts on investment in wireless infrastructure and ways to mitigate those impacts. The CRTC must complete its review by March 31, 2018. Backgrounder

Improving High-Speed Internet Access to Rural and Northern Communities through Updates to Licensing Framework for Satellite-based Broadband Providers The Government of Canada has made updates to its satellite licensing framework to support next-generation satellites. These non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems are composed of smaller satellites that travel closer to Earth than traditional, larger satellites. In particular, a type of NGSO satellite, known as low earth-orbit satellite, has the potential to deliver very high-speed Internet to Canadians living in remote and northern communities. As the federal department responsible for regulating telecommunications satellites, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is modernizing its licensing rules to ensure that satellite-based systems will provide complete broadband service coverage throughout the entire country. In addition, ISED is implementing changes that streamline the licensing process, resulting in more satellite systems being approved faster before they enter the market. NGSO systems are also a new platform for other technologies and services supporting resource sectors and fields such as meteorology, agriculture, climate change analysis and space research. Last June, ISED suspended applications for licensing from commercial NGSO systems while a review and consultation of the process were under way. On June 26, 2017, ISED will once again begin accepting applications. Lifting this moratorium will allow more satellite-based providers to enter the market and extend high-speed Internet to rural and remote communities across the country. Backgrounder

Public Consultation on 5G for Faster Mobile Networks Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is launching a public consultation on releasing large amounts of spectrum to support the development and deployment of fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks. 5G is an emerging technology that has the potential to meet the explosion in consumer and industrial demand for faster and high-capacity mobile networks. This public consultation marks the first step in a process that, by 2020, aims to make more wireless spectrum available for 5G mobile networks. Other countries, such as the U.S., are also in the process of making more spectrum available for the same purpose. All wireless communications require spectrum. These radio waves are responsible for everything from TV and radio broadcasting to wireless data and mobile phone service. Wireless spectrum is a finite public resource that is regulated by the federal government. The demand for more spectrum is being driven by the massive number of connected devices and data-intensive software applications that are expected to accompany the adoption of 5G networks. Indeed, the merger of advanced machinery with networked sensors and softwareknown as the Internet of Thingswill require consumers and businesses to have access to large amounts of spectrum in higher frequency bands that are currently not being used for mobile services. The public consultation will focus on releasing millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum in the 28 GHz, 3740 GHz and 6471 GHz frequency bands. This high-frequency spectrum will enable providers to increase the capacity of their networks to meet the higher traffic demands of 5G networks. That means Canadians will have access to faster, more reliable wireless networks, regardless of the traffic load. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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[June 05, 2017] MemSQL Showcases Machine Learning Image Recognition for Apache Spark

SAN FRANCISCO, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MemSQL, provider of the fastest real-time data warehouse, will host a kiosk and run a session on real-time image recognition using machine learning on June 7, at Spark Summit 2017. Led by Nikita Shamgunov, CTO of MemSQL, the session will delve into image recognition techniques available with Apache Spark, and how to put those techniques into production.

From smartphones to Spectacles, computing has pushed limits and now there is a mandatory need for digital image processing. Additionally, new computing models have rapidly emerged to help data engineers harness the power of this imagery, and vast resources associated with cloud platforms have moved the industry forward quickly. During the session, emSQL will showcase how to make the most of digital imagery in real-time as well as discuss how to architect integrations with popular machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and its ability to take advantage of GPUs.



The session will also cover: Architectural considerations in building an image recognition pipeline

Advantages and pitfalls of specific approaches

Real-time capabilities for instant matches

Use of a fast relational datastore to persist data from Spark To learn more, check out Nikitas session on Wednesday, June 7 from 2:40 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. in Room 2022 or visit us at Kiosk 7 in the Expo Hall at Moscone West, in San Francisco.

About MemSQL

MemSQL delivers the leading database platform for real-time analytics. Global enterprises use MemSQL to achieve peak performance and optimize data efficiency. With the combined power of database, data warehouse, and streaming workloads in one system, MemSQL helps companies anticipate problems before they occur, turn insights into actions, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. Visit memsql.com or follow us @memsql. Press Contact: Kristi Lewandowski [email protected]

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For the ISRO, the success of the GSLV Mk-III/GSAT-19 project heralds the beginning of a new era in space missions.

By India Today Web Desk: The GSLV Mk-III, India's heaviest rocket, successfully launched the communication satellite GSAT-19 into space on Monday.

Congratulations poured in for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from all corners--Prime Minister Narendra Modi patted the ISRO and said the mission takes Indian closer to the next-generation launch vehicle and satellite capability.

For the ISRO, the success of the GSLV Mk-III/GSAT-19 project heralds the beginning of a new era in space missions, with the organisation now planning to send an Indian citizen to space in an Indian launch vehicle soon.

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GETTING READY FOR NEXT STAGE

Besides reducing India's dependency on foreign launch vehicles to place its satellites in space, the GSLV Mk-III can help India realise its dreams of launching its own manned space mission.

The GSLV Mk-III, or the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III, can place up to eight tonnes in a low Earth orbit--this is enough to carry India's crew module into space.

The GSLV-Mk III being moved to second launch pad. Source: Department of Space/ISRO The GSLV-Mk III being moved to second launch pad. Source: Department of Space/ISRO

"In principle, it will be the GSLV Mk-III or its variant that will be human rated in future," ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar was quoted by PTI.

ISRO is ready with a plan to hoist a two-three member human crew into space as soon as it gets the monetary clearance from the government.

JOINING AN ELITE CLUB

According to some reports, the estimated cost of India's manned space mission is pegged at Rs 12,400 crore. The project is already running late, and the ISRO is now looking at 2024 deadline to put Indians on space.

If the manned space mission takes off, India would join the United States, Russia and China to have a human space flight programme.

In October 2016, China sent two astronauts on longest-ever manned mission to space. It is also working towards establishing its permanent space station by 2022.

The GSLV Mk III about to take off. Photo: PTI

India, in comparison, has to do a lot of catching up in this field and a manned space mission will give it the confidence to take on its neighbour.

MONETARY ADVANTAGES

Currently, India uses the French Ariane-5 rocket launched from Kourou in South America to place its heavy four-tonne class of communication satellites.

With the GSAT-19 launch, the ISRO has almost doubled its capacity to launch satellites from 2.3 tonnes to almost four tonnes.

The GSLV Mk-III will help India save millions of dollars that it spends to use launch vehicles of other countries to put its heavier satellites into space.

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ISRO's success with GSLV Mk-III will also open up new markets where other countries can use it as a launch vehicle to put their satellites in space.

"After a couple of developmental flights to establish, I am sure there will be opportunities for launching even foreign communication satellites," former ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan was quoted by PTI.

The GSLV Mk-III takes off.

WHO NEXT AFTER RAKESH SHARMA?

More than 33 years ago, Rakesh Sharma created history by becoming the first Indian citizen to travel to space in April 1984.

Rakesh Sharma's 'Saare Jahaan se Accha' remark on being asked by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi about how India looked from space is part of folklore now.

Thirty-three years later, Rakesh Sharma continues to be the only Indian citizen to travel to space.

ISRO's success with GSLV Mk-III can change that soon.

ALSO READ:

President, PM Modi pat ISRO for Made in India GSLV Mk III rocket launch

GSAT-19 launch: A communication satellite, a monster rocket and a gamechanging experiment

From 3 satellites in one launch to 104: All you need to know about ISRO's historic PSLV rocket

ALSO WATCH:

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[June 05, 2017] CNOC Applauds the Government for Taking Leadership to Make More Affordable Wireless Service Options Available to Canadians

TORONTO, June 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadian Network Operators Consortium Inc. (CNOC) applauds the government and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada for taking leadership to provide Canadians with greater choices of affordable high-speed Internet services. Today, the Minister announced that the CRTC will be asked to reconsider a decision that impacted the types of wireless options available to Canadians. That decision had the effect of creating barriers to new types of affordable wireless services that are provided over Wi-Fi first, along with wireless coverage from a large national wireless carrier when end-users are away from Wi-Fi access. Wi-Fi first services are a form of wireless services that can be offered by Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) who provide services using wholesale wireless services from the large national wireless carriers. "CNOC agrees withthe Minister's statements about the importance of the availability of competitive service choices and affordable high-speed Internet services to all Canadians," said Matt Stein, CNOC's Vice-Chair and CEO of Distributel. "With respect to wireless services, new types of wireless services, competitive choices, and increased competition from MVNO service providers are necessary to enable all Canadians to benefit from increased choice, new innovative services and affordable prices."



CNOC has consistently advocated for fair access to the wholesale wireless services of the large national wireless carriers. This access is critical to enable competitors to provide Canadians with greater competitive choices of wireless services and more affordable wireless service options. "The Minister's announcement sets out a path to ensuring that new types of wireless services are available to Canadians. We are encouraged by the government's continued leadership and their focus on advancing the interests of Canadians and competition in the telecommunication market. We look forward to continuing to work to ensure that competitors have access to all of the wholesale wireless services necessary to provide highly competitive, innovative and affordable wireless services to Canadians" stated Michael Garbe, CNOC's Chair and CEO of Accelerated Connections.

About CNOC

CNOC is comprised of 36 competitive telecommunications providers that operate wireline and/or wireless networks in many regions of Canada. CNOC's mission is to increase the level of competitive choice and innovation in the delivery of communications services to Canadians. SOURCE Canadian Network Operators Consortium Inc.

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[June 05, 2017] COMPANY INVESTOR ALERT: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $50,000 Investing in Roche Holding AG to Contact the Firm

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential securities fraud at Roche Holding AG ("Roche" or the "Company") (OTCQX:RHHBY). The investigation focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by misrepresenting the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of its Perjeta-based breast cancer treatment. Specifically, on June 5, 2017, the Company announced reports of an early study comparing the benefits provided to cancer patients when using a combination of Perjeta and the Company's older cancer drug, Herceptin, versus using Herceptin alone. The study results showed that the combination therapy only provides a marginal benefit compared to Herceptin alone even though the combined therapy has a yearly cost that is double that of the Herceptin treatment. On this news, the Company's stock dropped as much as 8% during intraday tradingon June 5, 2017.



If you invested in Roche stock or options and would like to discuss your legal rights, click here: www.faruqilaw.com/RHHBY. There is no cost or obligation to you. You can also contact us by calling Richard Gonnello toll free at 877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170605006138/en/

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Efforts are being made by the Congress leadership to rid the party's Gujarat unit of factionalism.

By India Today Web Desk: A delegation of Gujarat Congress leaders will meet party vice president Rahul Gandhi today and apprise him of the current state of political affairs in the state. The delegation would also submit a report on the issue to the party vice president.

Efforts are being made by the Congress leadership to rid the party's Gujarat unit of factionalism. To that end, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Shankersinh Vaghela and state unit party chief Bharatsinh Solanki have been summoned by the high command to the national capital.

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Congress leadership had appointed four co-in charge leaders for Gujarat. These appointments were made besides party's national general secretary in charge of the state Ashok Gehlot. The four co-in charge leaders were appointed for four zones of the state. They had prepared a report on the political atmosphere in the state, including state of affairs in their party.

Gehlot had recently visited Gujarat and stayed there for three days. He had met party leaders of different factions in a bid to end internal fight.

Sources said in the meeting with Rahul, the issues to be discussed include the changes to be brought about in the party's state unit. The suggestions made by Vaghela will also be taken into consideration. Vaghela was reported to be unhappy with the party leadership allegedly for being ignored by it. He was learnt to be in talks with the BJP leaders for joining his old party. However, on record these reports were scotched by Vaghela.

Meanwhile, one of the main issues to be discussed would be the strategy to put up a united fight against the ruling BJP. The sources said the party leadership is likely to entrust responsibility on more regional leaders. Additionally, the leaders who already have got responsibility would be asked to submit the works they have done.

A number of changes are likely to take place in the Gujarat Congress after today's meeting, the sources added.

--- ENDS ---
A 23-year-old woman has complained that she was gangraped by three men in an auto-rickshaw in Gurgaon and her six-month-old daughter was killed by them.

By Indo-Asian News Service: A 23-year-old woman has alleged that her six-month-old daughter was killed by three unknown persons and she was gangraped by them in an auto-rickshaw in Gurgaon last week, police said on Monday.

The victim is a resident of Bass Kusla village near IMT Manesar. She said in her complaint to police that the incident took place on May 29 midnight.

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She alleged that three men in an auto-rickshaw sexually assaulted her on the old Khandsa road in Gurgaon, close to the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway.

The woman said she left her home on May 29 night after an argument with her husband and was heading towards her parents' home on Khandsa road.

"The men in an auto-rickshaw offered me a lift and after a while, started molesting me. When I objected, one of them threw my daughter on the ground after which she died and I was sexually assaulted," the woman said in her complaint.

"Earlier, we had registered a case under relevant sections of murder, molestation and common intent against unknown persons after the woman refused to undergo medical examination. Now, she is alleging gang rape. We are investigating it further," a senior police officer told IANS.

Also Read:

Gayatri Prajapati rape case: Circumstantial evidence suggests former UP minister raped victim

Woman gangraped at Lucknow's KGMC hospital, 1 arrested

Uttar Pradesh: 4 held for murder, gangrape on Bulandshahr-Jewar highway

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As anyone from the New South Wales capital will tell you, Sydney is more than just the Opera House and some pretty nifty beaches. In fact, it also has a pretty thriving music scene, despite the lockout laws that the city has had to suffer through. Sydneys music scene is something that the world envies.

Sure, youve got your classic bands like AC/DC, INXS, and Midnight Oil, but what about more recent times? What about the bands from the last 20 years that have put this glorious city on the map?

Sydneys indie-pop innovators Dappled Cities have just released their fifth album ///// (Five), which got us thinking about the impact theyve had on Australian music in the thirteen years since their debut album, alongside their contemporaries who also sprang out of a verdant Sydney scene.

In celebration of the records release, were taking a take a look back at the last two decades of Sydneys best and brightest, and plucking out some of the most important bands to come from the Harbour City.

Dappled Cities

Forming together in the late 90s, Dappled Cities really started to make a name for themselves in the early years of the new millennium. Following a few years of playing shows in and around Sydney, the group started to tour interstate, and before long, they were supporting their forward-thinking records with international tours across the U.S. and Europe. With a constant presence on triple j and programs like Rage, Dappled Cities earnt themselves a dedicated fanbase of indie die-hards.

Its hard to believe that now, 13 years after the release of their debut record A Smile, Dappled Cities are releasing their fifth album, the aptly titled ///// (Five). Still as vital as ever, the group have once again tackled some new territory with their latest, delivering lush harmonies, gorgeous synths, and some brilliant sax and bass work  once again cementing their status as one of the bands that Sydney, and the country as a whole, continue to look towards.

The Vines

Around 2002, the garage-rock revival movement was in full swing, and groups like The Vines were being named as the next Nirvana amongst other things. To be fair, that was a pretty apt assessment at the time. The Vines live shows were crazy, high-energy affairs, and Craig Nicholls intense vocals were something to behold, proving him to be one of the most high-profile frontmen of the time.

The group were not only doing Australia proud on the world stage, they were doing their hometown of Sydney a service as well, bringing more attention to the music scene that fostered them.

Wolfmother

If you were to look at a calendar from the noughties, nestled between 2004 and 2006, it might as well just read Wolfmother, because lets face it, 2005 was truly their year. Having released an EP in 2004, the groups self-titled debut record took the world by storm.

With tracks like Woman, Joker & The Thief, Dimension, and Minds Eye, the record was an international smash. It drew huge attention to the Aussie music scene, saw the Wolfmother lads rack up a record total of six tracks in the 2005 Hottest 100, and has sold over 1 million copies worldwide since its release.

The Jezabels

When The Jezabels formed in 2007, no one really knew the level of fame that they would achieve only a few years later. Soon after meeting at the University of Sydney, the group started writing and recording music, slowly releasing a trilogy of EPs to begin with. After the initial success of tracks like Hurt Me, and Easy To Love, the groups third EP Dark Storm featured Mace Spray, and all of Australia fell in love with them.

Not much time followed between this and their debut album, which just featured more iconic tracks, and saw them tour the world, supporting acts such as Imagine Dragons, and Garbage. The group are thankfully still going, and are still releasing some of the best work that they possibly can with every record.

DMAs

Its hard to imagine that DMAs have only been around for half a decade, especially when you consider the impact that the group have had worldwide already. After winning fans over thanks to their debut single Delete, the group quickly rose to the top of the blogosphere with with comparisons being made between the group and Oasis.

Soon enough, the group were on festival bills all around the world, and they hadnt even released a debut album yet. Now that they have, DMAs are basically unstoppable, and we can only wonder what sort of phenomenal achievements they will attain as they continue along their musical journey.

Angus & Julia Stone

If youve ever sat at home on a Sunday morning after a big night out, listening to the delicate harmonies of an Angus & Julia Stone CD, youre certainly not alone. When the brother and sister duo burst onto the scene in 2006 with their track Paper Aeroplane, the Australian public knew we were about to witness something pretty amazing.

Not long after, the rest of the world knew too, and the duo were performing shows all over the world, and soon enough, the whole world was looking at us for where the next Aussie indie-folk band might come from. Did they actually kick off the whole indie-folk movement weve witnessed take off in the last decade? Maybe not, but they certainly did a fine job at perfecting it.

The Presets

In case you wanted this article to make you feel old, The Presets seminal club track My People is ten years old this year. Thats right, its getting close to a decade since their second album Apocalypso was everywhere. But in their defense, they deserved all the attention they got.

Having put together their first album without too much focus, their second record saw them put together an absolutely killer album that not only made The Presets a household name both here and abroad, but has since gone on to be considered one of the greatest Aussie albums of all time.

The Preatures

Isabella Manfredi has undoubtedly one of the best voices in Aussie rock right now. When her band The Preatures formed in 2010, it didnt take them long to start recording music that would get the whole country behind them. After the success of their single Is This How You Feel? in 2013, the group won the Vanda & Young prize, and were even nominated for an ARIA for best pop release.

They followed this up with a debut record, Blue Planet Eyes, in 2014, and have been kicking goals ever since. Who knows what the future may hold for them, we can only hope its more of the brilliant music theyve been making so far.

Pnau

Weve got to hand it to Pnau, if it werent for them, we probably wouldnt have some of Australias best known dance singles. After their first two albums, Sambanova, and Again went relatively unnoticed by the Aussie music scene, their self-titled third album shot them to success. Soon enough, we were dancing to tracks like Embrace, Baby, and the horribly infectious Wild Strawberries.

Not long after, the band were working with Elton John as one of his favourite new artists, and then not much, right? Nope, the group then came back in a huge way last year when they released Chameleon, their biggest hit to date.

Gerling

Okay, maybe were cheating here since Gerling released their first single in the mid 90s, but it wasnt until 1998 that they released the phenomenal Children Of Telepathic Experiences. Styled as an experimental rock album, the record switches between almost every genre possible as it goes on a journey through heavy rock, ambient interludes, and experimental soundscapes.

Soon after, Gerling were in high demand, appearing at festivals around the country (all while making the idea of wearing backpacks cool again), and performing sold out shows everywhere. In 2001 they released Dust Me Selecta, giving them exposure in the world of Aussie dance music, and giving us all an absolute banger of a track that will forever remain in our hearts.

///// (Five) is out now through Chugg Music, while Dappled Cities and Red Riders play the City Recital Hall on Sunday June 4 for Vivid Sydney 2017  tickets on sale now.
Evan Dandos two New Zealand shows were cancelled after the Lemonheads frontman was denied entry to the country.

Dando apparently missed a flight from Melbourne to Christchurch, before making a later plane only to be detained by Auckland immigration. He was in Australia last week, playing a run of three intimate shows (and hopefully penning a new Lemonheads record with Aussie Tom Morgan, too).

The promoter of the shows posted a message on Sunday morning saying, tonights show has been cancelled due to the artist being refused entry to New Zealand at the border. We are not sure of all the details at this stage but regretfully have no choice but to cancel the show.
Despite plenty of loving messages sent from Liam Gallagher to his older brother for Noels recent 50th birthday, the former Oasis frontman has flipped back to his usual brash self overnight, tearing into his sibling for not attending the huge One Love Manchester fundraising concert that took place in the Gallaghers hometown yesterday evening.

While Liam wasnt billed as playing at the event, and was instead scheduled to play a gig in Germany hours earlier, telling BBC Radio 1 I mean Im up for it but I think weve got a gig somewhere,. He ended up flying back by private jet immediately afterwards, however, to ensure that he could make it home to play a short set of Oasis classics and new material for an emotional crowd.

Rumours had swirled that the two former Oasis members would aside the long-standing differences that eventually broke the band apart and reunite at the concert, which featured names like Robbie Williams, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and of course Ariana Grande, whose concert was the target of the bombing that claimed 22 lives.

As Liam put it, however, Noel chose to remain out of the f**cking country for the gig, prompting his brother to lay into him on Twitter, NME reports.

Gallaghers post-concert tweets began gently enough, but it didnt take long for the finger to be pointed at the absent Mancunian, whose anthem Dont Look Back In Anger had been sung by locals holding vigil earlier in the week and was performed on the night by Coldplays Chris Martin.

What an amazing night last night pure love vibrations nobody comes close to Manchester love forever, he began, Oh and if anybodys seen rkid tell hm he can come out now as you were.

Manchester Id like to apologise for my brothers absence last very disappointed, he added, and things turned nastier from there.

Noels out of the fucking country werent we all love get on a fucking plane and play your tunes for the kids you sad fuck, Liam wrote, and when one fan joked that a reunion was probably further away than ever, Gallagher spat back, Fuck the reunion mate it aint about oasis its about people helping other people and hes once again shown his true fucking colours.

While the concert raised 2 million towards the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund (now sitting at over 10 million), many  like Liam  would have also been hoping for one of the most famous Mancunians in music to be in attendance.

You can donate to the cause here, and watch Gallaghers rendition of Live Forever with Coldplay below.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man suffered life-threatening injuries after a shooting in the 6800 block of College Ave. Sunday evening. Police were called to the area just before 5:15 p.m. When they arrived, they found a man with an apparent gunshot wound. According to police, the suspect shot the victim and took off with his vehicle.
As I wrote in my last blog post, a report authorized by the Kansas City Public School Retirement System (KCPSRS) suggests there is a 42% probability that the system will be insolvent in 20 years. This is serious. The retirement security of many hard-working teachers may be at risk.
AND WE'RE BACK!!!

Celebrate More Local Access

Local hospital teams up with Linwood YMCA to open new health clinic KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Months after the new Linwood YMCA opened its doors, crews will start work on a new on-site health clinic. For years Truman Medical Center worked to get more involved in the community through neighborhood clinics and grocery stores. This will be the first time they will provide care inside a YMCA.

This Old School Midtown House

Valentine mansion once housed pioneer family, children of working mothers An important homestead once stood where the south edge of the Valentine neighborhood touches Westport, near what is now the parking lot of the Sunfresh grocery store. The home of Westport pioneer George Schaefer proudly occupied the corner of Pennsylvania and Schaefer Street (now known as West 39 th Street Terrace).

Golden Ghetto Ranchmart Morning Ruckus

Man damages yards, hits building during Leawood police chase A man is in custody after leading police on a chase that caused thousands of dollars' worth of damage on Sunday evening. Police in Leawood were first called about 8 p.m. to the area of 92nd Street and High Drive to investigate a report of a speeding car.

Feeding Hungry KCMO Youngsters

Summer meal program kicks off to help feed local kids who do not have access to food during summer months KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Starting Monday, kids will be able to get free meals through their local school districts as part of the Summer Food Service Program. Starting at 8:30 a.m. Truman Elementary will open its doors for thirty minutes so kids can come in and eat breakfast - then at 12:15 p.m., they will offer lunch and at 4:30 p.m., dinner.

Kansas City Hipster Week Ahead

Show Tunes, Buskers, Elvis (Costello) raise the bar for this week Here is the highlight reel of what's happening in Downtown Kansas City - from Monday to Sunday, June 5-11: Antique Festival returns to Crown Center for its 17th year, featuring pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more from more than 40 vendors at nearly 100 booths.

Tribute to one of our favorite tattooed hotties starts this look at some of the top Kansas City links for right now. Take a look:And this is thefor right now . . .
Michela Skelton for 50th District State Representative - A Voice for Working Families With Governor Greitens' signature on SB 19 (Senate Bill 19), the so-called "Right to Work" bill, the war on Missouri workers hastens. The bill strips workers of the right to freely enter into collective bargaining contracts with their employers for better healthcare, better wages, and better opportunities.

She describes her self as the "distant cousin" of one ofbut the smarter denizens among our blog community have identified her as a future leader and bright shining hope for Show-Me State Democrats who remain desperate to bust out of Super-Minority Status and return to their organized labor and working class advocacy influence over statewide politics. Checkit:
Kansas City Morning Forecast

First Alert: Muggy Monday expected, highs in the 90's possible WEBVTT HE IS MORTIFIED.HERE'S FIRST ALERT LIVE RADAR.YOU CAN SEE THIS BOUNDARYSLIDING DOWN.THUNDERSTORMS POP UP IN NORTHERNPORTION OF CASS COUNTY.THEY'RE ARE MOVING FARTHER TOTHE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST.I STILL THINK THE BETTER CHANCESWILL BE SOUTH OF I 70.WITH THE SUN GOING DOWN, IT WILLNOT BE MUCH LONGER YOU HAVE TODO WITH

Kansas City Fried Bread Report

Time to Make the Doughnuts Doughnuts are no longer just a morning food. Doughnut Lounge - a new doughnut shop with a cocktail and espresso bar - opened Thursday in Westport. Beyond offering doughnuts late into the night, the lounge has a unique take on the fried rounds. Doughnut Lounge will launch with three tiers of doughnuts: classic, signature and noduts.

Tech Names Meth Town Suspects

One of two suspects arrested after they were caught on camera stealing packages in Independence Independence Police are still looking for one of two people in connection to package thefts all long East Walnut Street. So far police have made one arrest. Police said they were able to identify one woman as a suspect after hundreds of people shared a social media post with footage from one theft - and then there was the fact that police even recognized her.

Kansas Budget Slapfight Lesson

Bill That Bundles School Funding, Tax Reform Heads First To Kansas House The Kansas House is expected Monday morning to debate a mega bill that ties sweeping tax reforms and higher funding for public schools into a single yes-or-no vote. The latest attempt at sealing elusive deals on income tax and school finance emerged Sunday afternoon following three days of stop-and-go negotiations between the Legislature's two chambers, which each have passed their own versions of a K-12 bill.

Celebrate KCMO Doggie Accommodation

KC Pet Project receives a Petco Foundation $500,000 lifesaving impact grant The Petco Foundation announced Saturday that it had awarded a $500,000 lifesaving impact grant to the KC Pet Project to help save homeless animals in the Kansas City area. The proceeds from the grant will be used for programs including:  Expansion of a canine training and behavior modification program to help make medium and large breed dogs adoptable quicker.

Just a peek atas we start the Kansas City early morning. Take a look:is the song of the day and this is theto start the early morning . . .
The 36th Book Festival of Thessaloniki opened on Saturday in the presence of Alternate Environment Minister Sokratis Famellos and Alternate Education Minister Kostas Zouraris, former ministers, MPs, Central Macedonia regional governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas and other officials.

"It is an event-institution that is in the city's DNA" stated Famellos adding that the message is the support of the new book production. On his part, Zouraris stated "There are very good signs" noting the importance of the books for knowledge, education and learning".

"This year we have over 30,000 book titles and over 150 publishers in 100 pavilions and for the first time all the municipalities participate with happenings, concerts and other events" stated Babis Barbounakis who represented the Association of northern Greek publishers.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Foreign Ministry's International Economic Relations general secretary Giorgos Tsipras will pay a two day visit to Panama starting on Monday and afterwards he will go to Colombia where he will stay until Friday. The aim of his visit is to support the Greek economic and trade presence in foreign markets. Giorgos Tsipras will meet with ministers and deputy ministers in order to discuss ways to enhance the institutional cooperation on the creation of a favourable climate for the enterprises in the specific markets.

Moreover, he will hold talks with heads of unions and associations and with representatives of the business world with whom he will exchange views and information on specific export and investment opportunities. Tsipras will also hold meetings with the Greek communities in Panama and Colombia. It is reminded that it is the first visit of a Greek official to both countries after many decades.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) FMCG major Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) now gets around half of its revenue from international business, as it expands its presence in the overseas market.

GCPL, which has presence in Latin America, Africa, and Asian markets including Indonesia, has cornered 48 per cent of revenue from international business in the last fiscal.

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"International business now contributes to nearly half of our consolidated revenues," the company said in an investors presentation.

The home-grown firm had clocked a strong sales of Rs 9,600 crore in India in 2016-17.

Besides, GCPL said it would continue "growing presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America" in segments as home care, hair care and personal care products.

The company said it has gained strong foothold in the African hair care market with the acquisition of 100 per cent equity stake in Strength of Nature(SON) in April last year.

In the last fiscal, GCPL had reported 16 per cent sales growth globally. Out of its total international sales, Africa, which also include SON, contributed 43 per cent, followed by Indonesia at 33 per cent. Latin America and the UK contributed 12 per cent and 9 per cent respectively, while others were 3 per cent.

On the domestic front, GCPL said it has delivered consistent, healthy volume led ahead of the category sales growth despite the imp act of demonetisation.

In Indonesia, the company said the growth was impacted by softness in household insecticides. However, constant currency growth witnessed a 9 per cent growth.

African market sustained double-digit organic constant currency growth while Latin America delivered competitive performance in a challenging operating environment, it added.

In Europe, the company said it saw mixed performance with weak sales performance but robust margin expansion.

The company ranks among the largest household insecticide and hair care players in emerging markets. In segments as household insecticides, it is the second largest player in Indonesia and is expanding footprint in Africa.

Its number one player in hair colour in India and Sub- Saharan Africa and among leading players in Latin America.

GCPL is a leading player in air fresheners and wet tissues in Indonesia. It is also a leading player in hand sanitisers and female deodorants in the United Kingdom. PTI PRJ KRH ANU

--- ENDS ---
Greece aims to attract between 500,000-600,000 Chinese tourists each year for the next two years, Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura said on Friday, while addressing an event at the Athens Chamber of Tradesmen. Chinese officials, she noted, put this number even higher at one million.

The minister was speaking at an event entitled Alitrip in Greece: Boosting incoming tourism from China to Greece organised by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the tradesmens chamber to present the Chinese travel platform to Greece. The aim, according to Kountoura, was to capitalise on the contacts between the Greek and Chinese governments, working in cooperation with all the agencies involved, from local government to private businesses.

Presenting the Alitrip platform  part of the Alibaba group  was Alitrip Vice President for European Markets Kai Cui, while 50 top Greek tourism-sector companies and agencies attended. Given that the Alibaba ecosystem currently has more than 500 million Chinese users and the Alitrip platform is one of the largest in China, the companys executives believe that a target of one million tourists to Greece over three years can be met.

Kountoura noted that the number of Chinese tourists to Greece had risen almost ten-fold in the last two years, from 15,000-20,000 in 2015 to some 150,000 at present. This is a significant increase even if this number does not yet satisfy us, given that the number of Chinese travelling to Europe are 15 million, she added. A key to further growth in tourism would be the start of a direct flight from Athens to Beijing in the autumn, Kountoura said.

The minister also referred to efforts to open new tourism markets, such as South Korea, China, the Middle East, India and Brazil and rekindle existing markets, such as Russia and the United States.

In the last two years, the growth of Greek tourism was at 7 pct  or double the world average. In 2016 we had 28 million arrivals (with cruises) and increased luxury tourism by more than 10 pct. We had a spectacular start to 2017, with prebookings and occupancy in hotels exceeding all expectations from all markets, she said.

Source: ANA-MPA

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
The procedures for the establishment of a Development Bank started as the institutions gave the relevant approval on Monday. According to Finance Ministry sources the bank's funding will not come only from national sources but eurozone's development banks will also participate while in order the operation of the bank to start as soon as possible there will be technical support from four other similar banks.

The German KFW, the French National Development Agency, the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti from Italy and the British Business Bank are the four banks that will offer their support. Economy Minister Dimitris Papadimitriou is planning to visit Germany in the following weeks to discuss the matter with KFW officials.

The Greek Finance Ministry aims the development bank to become an 'umbrella' which will include organisations subject to the Finance Ministry which are responsible for the strengthening of the extroversion and the attraction of investments. Moreover, under the bank's umbrella will be the EU funds and Finance Ministry's advisory services. The bank will be linked with the national, European and interbank funding without however taking any risks for the state funds. Greece was the only eurozone country without a development bank.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
The overall outlook for the GCCs banking sector is positive and Bahrain is fairing particular well, said a listed banks report from global professional services company KPMG.



The report, which covers over 90 per cent of the regions listed banking assets, indicates that banks have performed well over the last 12 months considering margin compressions, increased impairment charges and increased funding costs.



Whilst overall, net profit has declined year-on-year for the first time in recent years, asset growth has remained robust at 6.5 per cent on average across the region.



Jalil Al Aali, partner and Head of Financial Services at KPMG in Bahrain said: The challenging economic conditions in the region have led to widespread drop in profits in the past 12 months. In Bahrain, the annual growth in the financial services sector has been strong, from 1.7 per cent in 2015 to 7.4 per cent as of the third quarter in 2016. However, due to a sharp decline in lending to certain sectors, credit growth in Bahrain experienced renewed slowdown with peaks recorded around the beginning of 2016. Such challenges are making banks seek innovative ways to stay ahead.



Technology advancement, high internet and smartphones penetration rates all mean that digital banking is the future. This puts emphasis on innovative customized products and pricing to improve the banking capabilities and meet the expectations of todays tech-savy customers, Al Aali added.



Changing global regulatory requirements have clearly had an impact on the sector in the GCC with a number of positive changes being made to bring banks in line with new requirements. Capital adequacy ratios now stand at over 18 per cent across the region  above the minimum limits set in Basel III, reflecting effective capital raising activity.



Similarly, Basel III requirements are the likely reason for a rise in liquidity ratios across most countries, demonstrating a commitment to adhere to broader global regulations.  TradeArabia News Service
Luxury hospitality brand Sofitel has unveiled plans to open its largest property in the Middle East with development partner MKM Commercial Holdings.



Expected to open in early 2019, Sofitel Dubai Wafi will join the luxury brands growing portfolio of 14 hotels and 4,400 rooms in operation and under development in the Middle East.



Sami Nasser, chief operating officer, Luxury Brands, AccorHotels Middle East, commented: We are delighted to work with MKM Commercial Holdings, one of our long standing partners, to develop this impressive project that will undoubtedly become a future flagship for Sofitel in the region. The development of this property is aligned with our strategy to operate one of our leading luxury brands across strategic locations in the Middle East.

He further added: Within the UAE, weve established a strong presence with four operational hotels across landmark locations including Abu Dhabi Corniche, Downtown Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Residences, and now Wafi  a major shopping destination set to undergo a comprehensive retail and leisure expansion.



Sofitel Dubai Wafi will feature 501 luxury guestrooms, inclusive of 86 suites, ranging in size from 55 sq m to 625 sq m, in addition to 97 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced residences to be operated on an extended-stay basis. The property will offer a number of dining concepts including an Asian specialty restaurant, gastro pub, a unique destination restaurant, bar and lounge on 43rd and 44th floors, a French lobby cafe, an all-day restaurant and a pool bar. Guests will have the option to relax and unwind at the SoSpa or use a comprehensive gymnasium, outdoor pools, private cabanas and a kids club. Business travelers will have access to 10 meeting rooms in addition to a 1,115-sq-m ballroom.



Guests of Sofitel Dubai Wafi will enjoy close proximity to Wafi Shopping Mall, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and the Dubai International Airport. Corporate clientele will have convenient access to primary business and exhibition centres including the Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City and the Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Centre. Located adjacent to the iconic Raffles Dubai, both properties will form a luxury cluster within Wafi offering guests a range of shared amenities and services.



Sheikh Manna Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, chairman of MKM Commercial Holdings said: We are excited to sign this agreement with AccorHotels, our trusted partner for the Sofitel Dubai Wafi. We are confident that the Sofitel, through its distinct brand positioning and expertise in the luxury segment, will be able to complement our existing Raffles Dubai while cementing the strength of hospitality offerings present within the expanded and revitalised Wafi.



Sofitel Hotels & Resorts offers luxury hotels with a difference, that combine French origin  a unique combination of elegance, savoir-faire and the art of hospitality  with the best of local culture in each destination. Sofitel Dubai Wafi will infuse the brands essence with Arabic culture and design elements reflective of Wafi. Over the coming years, Sofitel will introduce stunning new hotels with the openings of Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Mexico City Reforma.



Sofitel Dubai Wafi signifies our ongoing commitment to expanding AccorHotels presence in the luxury segment through our landmark design and quality driven concepts. Sofitel operates luxury hotels and resorts across key destinations in the Middle East including the Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel, Sofitel Jeddah Corniche, Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah and the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Through the development of the regions largest Sofitel, we look to strengthen AccorHotels luxury offerings and cement our position as a leading luxury hotel operator. concluded Nasser.



AccorHotels has 39 existing properties in the UAE, in addition to 23 others under development. In the Middle East and Egypt, AccorHotels currently operates 96 hotels encompassing 28,800 rooms across the luxury to economy segments. The groups regional network is expected to double in number, bringing over 25,000 additional rooms and nearly 2,400 branded residences to the Middle East. - 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.
Misys Regulatory New Reporting Tool Helps Banks Beat MiFID II

Misys has unveiled a regulatory reporting component which enables banks to comply with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) ahead of the 3 January 2018 deadline.

Misys FusionCapital Regulatory Reporting automates the reporting process to reduce the cost and effort associated with data capture and compliance. It also supports the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) Review requirements around OTC derivatives, as banks prepare to report by November 2017.

Built in conjunction with Broadridge Financial Solutions Message Automation, FusionCapital Regulatory Reporting covers a wide scope of financial instruments including derivatives, bonds and money markets. Direct connectivity with the Approved Reporting Mechanism (ARM) and Approved Publication Arrangements (APA) supports transaction and transparency reporting in real-time and in line with the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR) market transparency principles.

Nadeem Syed, CEO at Misys, said, It makes sense to team up with a leading specialist provider of post-trade reporting tools to bring seamless reporting to our capital markets clients. Its no secret that the industry is creaking under the weight of multiple regulations and banks need transparency and enterprise-wide consistency. FusionCapital Regulatory Reporting acts as a strategic regulatory hub. It will reduce operational risk, while helping banks to meet todays biggest compliance challenges, without disrupting day-to-day business.

Users of FusionCapital Regulatory Reporting can view the compliance status of transactions received from regulatory services in real-time and monitor exceptions through a flexible dashboard which supports correction and automatic resubmission of data to reporting mechanisms. Sophisticated, rule-based enrichment capabilities help to populate missing data points for quick and timely resolutions. Access to multi-jurisdictional support is available through the industry standard FpML messaging framework.

Hugh Daly, CEO of Broadridges Message Automation, said, Banks are taking this regulatory opportunity to look at how they can consolidate all of their trade and transaction reporting needs into one solution. Were pleased to support Misys with an end-to-end reporting platform that is capable of tackling the large data quantities required by MiFID II, brings down implementation costs and lends itself to future regulatory demands.

Available in the cloud as part of the Misys Platform as a Service (PaaS) or on-premise, FusionCapital Regulatory Reporting aggregates data from Misys FusionCapital core systems, as well as accepting data from other trading and order and execution platforms. The out-ofthe-box component is deployed without the need for upstream source-system changes.

The FusionCapital Regulatory Reporting architecture is scalable to accommodate new regimes such as the Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (SFTR) and Analytical Credit and Credit Risk Dataset (AnaCredit), helping banks to protect their IT investments. It is part of the Misys FusionCapital portfolio which is built on more than 30 years of experience in treasury and capital markets.

For more information on related topics, visit the following channels:
As a way of protecting vulnerable children in Southeast Asia from possible exploitation, Australia is planning to ban convicted pedophiles from traveling overseas. The planned action was announced last Tuesday to the Australian press.

Tourists from Australia may be known as one of the friendliest around the world, but it's a different story when it comes to Australian pedophiles. In an article published in ABC, these pedophiles are notoriously known for having inexpensive vacations in nearby Southeast Asian and Pacific Island countries to exploit and sexually harass children.

Australia's Foreign MinisterJulie Bishop said that she would cancel the passports of around 20,000 convicted pedophiles that were listed in the national child sex offender register under legislation that wold be presented to the country's Parliament soon.

"There has been increasing community concern about sexual exploitation of vulnerable children and community concern is justified," Bishop said.

In an article published in Sun Star, there are almost 800 registered sex offenders in Australia that have traveled overseas last year. Bishop revealed that half of these registered sex offenders went to various Southeast Asian countries.

"There will be new legislation which will make Australia a world leader in protecting vulnerable children in our region from child sex tourism," Bishop added.

The country's Justice Minister Michael Keenan said no country has a travel ban like that yet. There are 2,500 new convicted pedophiles that would be added to the sex offender register annually and they have the chances of losing their passports.

The action of banning sex offenders is not the first time that Australia tried to seize down the illegal sex trade among their citizens and the vulnerable victims such as children. The country also attempted to crack down child sex tourists by adding a new criminal offense punishable by up to 25 years in prison for Australian citizens or residents who have molested children overseas.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Public outrage on the British Airways heats more as the UK carrier had an epic meltdown over a busy holiday weekend due to its focused cost cuts on customer service. This leaves British Airways scrambling on explaining how a local computer outage could possibly lead to thousand of stranded passengers.

In an article published by the Strait Times, a brief power surge knocked out the communications systems of British Airways, grounding the carrier's entire operations in London. This led to days of chaos and putting the newly appointed chief executive officer in criticism.

It's estimated that nearly 600 flights were canceled and items of luggage were unable to be dispersed. The total damage of British Airways for rebooking and compensating customers is currently estimated at 100 million euros or $112 million. This is about three percent of the annual operating profit of parent company IAG SA.

In an article published in Bloomberg, CEO of British Airways Alec Cruz is currently doing damage control with all the heat that the company has been receiving. He also told Sky Television that a cyber attack is already ruled out as the fault of the problem.

"We're absolutely committed to finding out the root causes of this particular event," Cruz said.

Analyst Damian Brewer of RBC Capital Markets said that it's tempting but increasingly questionable to view this British Airways incident as a one-off.

"Coming after a spate of other issues, the bad PR and potential reputational aftermath will likely hit future revenues beyond the likely material impact," he said.

Even if 95 percent of flights of British Airways are currently running, thousand of customers of British Airways are still being re-routed. There are more than two-thirds of the 75,000 affected passengers scheduled to reach their final destination.

Analysts have already estimated that the number of people British Airways needs to compensate is around 170,000. This crisis puts Cruz, who took charge a year ago after running IAG's Spanish budget unit Vueling for more than nine years, in the spotlight.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
By Press Trust of India: actions

(EDS: Updating with EAM Sushma Swarajs quotes)

New Delhi/Beijing, Jun 5 (PTI) India will "101 per cent" raise with China the issue of airspace violation by PLA helicopters in Uttarakhand, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today, even as Beijing defended its actions, stating that there is a territorial dispute in the area and its military carries out regular patrolling there.

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Two helicopters of the Peoples Liberation Army of China hovered over Chamoli district on Saturday, triggering concern in Indias security establishment about the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) fourth such incursion into Indian airspace since March this year.

"For the first time, a matter of airspace violation has taken place. We will 101 per cent raise this issue with China, but it has not been decided on how we will go about it," Swaraj said at a briefing in New Delhi.

Official sources in New Delhi 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 choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incident.

However, the action was defended by China, which asserted that India and China have a territorial dispute in the eastern section of their boundary and the Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas.

While the details can be obtained from the Ministry of Defence, "in principle China and India have territorial disputes in the eastern section of the China-India border", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media in Beijing.

"The Chinese military carry out regular patrolling in the relevant areas. We hope that the two sides will make joint efforts to maintain tranquillity and peace in the border areas," Hua added.

Swaraj said whenever there is an incursion of land, they give a logic that borders have not been settled and this happens due to different perceptions of the border.

Asked about Indias position on Chinas One Belt One Road, a mega unilateral connectivity project, Swaraj said, "We, in principle, agree with the concept of connectivity. When China had not conceptualised about OBOR, India had several such initiatives" and "India does not have any issue with (OBOR and CPEC) connectivity, but with its principles."

Referring to India-assisted projects like Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project that will connect the northeastern states of India to Myanmar, BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal) projects, Chabahar port (in Iran), she said they were done considering basic principles of sovereignty or territorial integrity of countries involved.

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"These are some principles we put forth during OBOR. I am happy that when (OBOR) meet took place, several nations put forth the same concerns. Which is why I think China will be again compelled to rethink on this," she said.

She said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is part of OBOR, is directly related to Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We have reiterated it several times that Kashmir is an integral part of India. We have a Parliament resolution on this. If any part of the road (CPEC) passes through (PoK) it compromises our sovereignty. We have registered our protest there," she added. PTI PYK/KJV PR PMS ASK AKJ ASK

--- ENDS ---
The GSLV-Mark III, which will carry the GSAT-19 satellite into space today, is a monster rocket that weighs 640 tonnes.

For ISRO, this mission is about many firsts. Photo: PTI.

By India Today Web Desk: The countdown to the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) all-important mission to place communication satellite GSAT-19 into space using the 'fatboy' rocket has started.

The 'fatboy' rocket--GSLV-Mark III--weighs as much as 200 full-grown elephants or five fully-loaded Boeing Jumbo jets. It is the heaviest launch vehicle India has used till date.

The GSLV-Mark III or the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III weighs 640 tonnes and stands 43.43 metre tall.

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The GSLV-Mark III, carrying the communication satellite, will take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh today at 5.28 pm.

HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GSLV-Mark III AND GSAT-19 SATELLITE AND WHY THIS ISRO MISSION IS IMPORTANT: The monster rocket, GSLV-Mark III, will carry a 3,136-kg GSAT-19 communication satellite--the heaviest to be lifted by an Indian rocket till date--to an altitude of around 179 km above the Earth after just over 16 minutes into the flight. The GSAT-19's successful launch will pave the way for the launch of GSAT-11--a heavier communication satellite--into the space in the near future. ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar called the launch an important event as it will help India put communication satellites into space from its own soil in future. Following the GSLV-Mark III's success, India can launch four-tonne satellites on its own rocket instead of paying huge amounts of money to foreign space agencies to execute the operation. The GSLV-Mark III's main and bigger cryogenic engine has been developed by space scientists in Chennai. The rocket is a three-stage vehicle with two solid motor strap-ons, a liquid propellant core stage and a cryogenic engine (C25). The ISRO had flown a similar rocket without the cryogenic engine but with 3.7-tonne payload in 2014 to test its structural stability while in flight and the aerodynamics. Today's mission is crucial as the single GSAT-19 satellite will be equivalent to having a constellation of six-seven of the older variety of communication satellites in space. Currently, of the 41 in-orbit Indian satellites, 13 are communication satellites. The GSAT-19 is billed as the real game-changer as according to experts it can be the first to provide "Internet services using a space-based platform". Internet services may not be unleashed immediately but what the country is putting together is a capability in place which is important especially to connect places that are literally off the fibre optic Internet backbone. Today's ISRO mission has many firsts. The GSAT-19 will be powered for the first time with indigenously-made Lithium-ion batteries. Similar batteries can be later used to power electric vehicles like cars and buses. The GSAT-19 will not have transponders, and instead it will beam data using multiple frequency beams. According to experts, this feature will also let the satellite beam more data to the ISRO. The GSAT-19 also features a miniaturised heat pipe, fibre optic gyro, Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer. These new features are being tested with GSAT-19 and can go on to become an intrinsic part of the systems on future missions.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Donald Trump's spymaster pick 'shocked' to know India launched 104 satellites in one go

WATCH | ISRO to launch GSAT-19 satellite today using rocket as heavy as 200 elephants

--- ENDS ---
The GSLV-Mark III carried a 3,136-kg GSAT-19 communication satellite to an altitude of around 179 km above the Earth.

The ISRO can now launch heavier satellites into space using this fatboy rocket.

By India Today Web Desk: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today successfully launched its GSAT-19 communication satellite into space using a monster launch vehicle GLSV Mark-III.

The GSLV-Mark III, or the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III, took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

The GSLV-Mark III carried a 3,136-kg GSAT-19 communication satellite--the heaviest to be lifted by an Indian rocket till date--to an altitude of around 179 km above the Earth after just over 16 minutes into the flight.

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"It is a historic day... Both the GSLV Mk-III and the GSAT-19 launch have been successful... We are looking forward to its (GSAT-19) operations," ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO for the feat, and said the GSLV Mark-III/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next-generation launch vehicle and satellite capability.

Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission.- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017

President Pranab Mukherjee also congratulated ISRO scientists and said the nation is proud of the "significant achievement".

Heartiest congratulations to ISRO on the historic launch of GSLV-Mk III #PresidentMukherjee- President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) June 5, 2017

In February, ISRO'S workhorse rocket PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) created history by launching 104 satellites in a single mission from Sriharikota.

WHY THIS MISSION IS IMPORTANT

The GSAT-19's successful launch today will now pave the way for the launch of GSAT-11--a heavier communication satellite--into the space in the near future.

Following the GSLV-Mark III's success, India can now launch four-tonne satellites on its own rocket instead of paying huge amounts of money to foreign space agencies to execute the operation.

The GSAT-19's launch machine GSLV Mark-III is no less in terms of weight--it weighs 640 tonnes and stands tall at 43.43 metres. The monster rocket weighs as much as 200 elephants or five fully-loaded Boeing Jumbo jets.

The GSLV-Mark III rocket is a three-stage vehicle with two solid motor strap-ons, a liquid propellant core stage and a cryogenic engine (C25).

The GSAT-19 is billed as the real game-changer as according to experts it can be the first to provide "Internet services using a space-based platform".

The GSAT-19 will not have transponders, and instead it will beam data using multiple frequency beams. According to experts, this feature will also let the satellite beam more data to the ISRO.

ALSO READ:

From 3 satellites in one launch to 104: All you need to know about ISRO's historic

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GSLV Mk 3: Here is tech inside India's biggest rocket that can carry humans into space

GSAT-19 launch: A communication satellite, a monster rocket and a gamechanging experiment

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

--- ENDS ---
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 5

To mark World Environment Day being celebrated globally, the district administration held a seminar on the official UN theme of Connecting People with Nature. The seminar was held at GNDUs auditorium and Lok Sabha MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla was the chief speaker. Calling for an all-out action-based approach towards salvaging whatever is left of our environment, Aujla said that man is to be blamed for the massive destruction and exploitation of the natural resources.

Our dependency on the natural resources and their indiscreet use has led us to a point where climate change has become our biggest challenge. Global warming has brought with itself erratic weather changes, imbalance in ecology and destruction of flora and fauna. So it has become a matter of our survival and we need to act now to save our future generations from suffering, Aujla said while addressing the seminar. He suggested that farmers should plant at least 10 saplings for every tube well connection and chopping of trees should be discouraged.

Deputy Commissioner Kamaldeep Singh Sangha, who called for a united action plan to recover the green- cover loss and improving the green health of the city, too, had some guidelines for everyone involved. The teachers, educational institutions should ensure that the children are made aware of the natural surroundings. At least one hour everyday should be dedicated to study of nature and contributing towards it. We have done some serious damage to nature and now is the time for some action, not words, to save it.

Meanwhile, the district library, too, carried out a campaign to mark the day by distributing saplings to visitors. The students and faculty of English micro scholarship programme of US embassy being run here in Amritsar at Government High School, Qilla Jeevan Singh village by Nanhi Chhaan Foundation, celebrated World Environment Day by distribution of plants to parents of newborn babies and others at Sri Guru Ram Das Hospital, Mehta Road.The recipients were told about the importance of environment and the value of plantation. Around 200 plants were distributed and students exhibited meaningful messages written on charts prepared by them.

Bhavans Junior Red Cross volunteers celebrated World Environment Day by organising a chhabeel and participating in a plantation drive. Their motto for the day was go green go clean.
Mumbai, June 5

With the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate fixed at three per cent for gold, stocks of gems and jewellery companies like PC Jeweller, Titan, Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri (TBZ), Gitanjali Gems and Tara Jewels shone and hit fresh highs on Monday.

Around 2.10 pm, shares of Delhi-based PC Jeweller traded higher by 10.96 per cent at Rs 558.20 per share on the BSE.

Scrips of Titan Company led the rally by trading at Rs 555.35 per share--up 17.60 per cent--followed by TBZ (up 6.51 per cent at Rs 99 per share), Tara Jewels (up 5.25 per cent at Rs 30.05 per share) and Gitanjali Gems (up five per cent at Rs 70.40 per share).

However, shares of gold and diamond jewellery manufacturer Rajesh Exports traded lower by 0.54 per cent at Rs 649 per share.

Shares of jewellery stocks surged after the tax on gold and jewellery was fixed at three per cent, which is lower than the expectation of five per cent. On an average, jewellery stocks have gained more than six per cent, Dhruv Desai, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls, told IANS.

With the implementation of GST, compliance level will increase which will benefit the organised sector against the unorganised sector. So the surge in prices is factoring better-than-expected tax rate and level-playing field for organised sector against the unorganised sector, Desai said. IANS
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4

The Department of Pediatric Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, organised a continuing medical education (CME) programme on various surgical ailments in children.

Prof Ram Samujh, Head, Department of Pediatric Surgery, PGIMER, and Prof JK Mahajan were chairperson and organising secretary of the programme, The CME was attended by over 100 delegates. The session was inaugurated by Jagat Ram, Director, PGI. SS Deshmukh, former Vice-Chancellor of Bombay University, was the guest of honour. Experts spoke on pouch colon, bladder dysfunction, role of nuclear medicine in pediatric surgery, anesthesia in infants, undescended testes, endoscopy for urological conditons, corrosive injuries in children and medical services in Indian navy.
SNM Abdi

ALLS not well on Indias eastern flank. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina seems to have concluded that the achievements of her government for two successive terms are not enough to guarantee an Awami League victory in the 2018 elections. She is going through a crisis of confidence despite her administrations exemplary crackdown on violent extremism, GDP rising to an impressive 7.11 per cent, FDI and forex reserves hitting a record high, a growing demand for Bangladeshi soldiers for UN peacekeeping missions and a superpower like China dying to embrace Bangladesh.

Returning to Dhaka empty-handed from Delhi, a despondent Hasina is playing to the Islamic gallery in the predominantly Muslim nation. Her biggest priority is to win over her co-religionists at any cost. She is bending over backwards to please conservative sections as they account for the bulk of the electorate. But this is least expected of a secular and progressive party like the Awami League which enjoys much goodwill in India. Interestingly, in her new incarnation, Hasina reminds me of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi who headed a secular Congress but pandered to Hindu religious sentiments to perpetuate their rule and neutralise the BJP-RSS.

The Hefazat-e-Islam, or Protectors of Islam, a Chittagong-based religious outfit headed by 97-year-old Deoband-educated Shah Ahmad Shafi, is Hasinas new collaborator. To ingratiate herself with sections for whom Islam matters more than anything else, Hasina is giving in to demands raised by Shafi. She is systematically patronising Hefazat to outweigh the well-entrenched Jamaat-e-Islami which is a proven force multiplier for the rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party, headed by former PM Khaleda Zia. Hasina and Zia are bitter political and personal enemies who will go to any length to ensure the others defeat.

Just before the advent of Ramadan, the statue of a woman symbolising justice was removed from the Supreme Court building in Dhaka in the dead of night. It was the culmination of Hefazats relentless campaign against the sculpture  installed with the approval of Hindu Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha  as Islam prohibits the depiction of living beings. Its eventual displacement threw a spotlight on Hasinas new-found Islamic zeal, which is also evident from her governments recognition of madarsa degrees on a par with mainstream educational institutions, clearing the decks for graduates and postgraduates from seminaries to join the countrys workforce, including the civil service.

And intriguingly, the Awami League is about to launch a religious wing with Islamic scholars and thinkers. The idea was mooted in Hasinas presence inside the partys Dhanmondi headquarters by Religious Affairs Secretary Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, according to The Daily Star. Political parties are known to have youth, student labour, women or even minority wing, but a religious wing to capitalise on the majority communitys faith is unheard of in Bangladesh or India. Apparently, the religious wing will be tasked with preventing the infiltration of the banned Jamaat-e-Islamis cadres into the Awami League with evil intent.

Significantly, Hasina is taking personal interest in a project to build hundreds of mosques with over $1 billion from Saudi Arabia amid speculation that they would be used to propagate hardline Wahabi brand of Islam. The government will construct 560 mosques  one in every town  to woo the believers before elections. Hasina also flew to Riyadh to raise her Muslim profile by participating in the Arabic Islamic Summit graced by Donald Trump. Hasina is steering Bangladesh to emerge as a key member of the Saudi-funded Islamic Military Alliance  or a Sunni Muslim NATO  of 41 Muslim countries whose commander-in-chief happens to be the recently retired Pakistani General Raheel Sharif who loved to bleed India when he was the army chief.

Today, Hasina is playing the Muslim card as openly as Indira Gandhi once played the Hindu card. Indias former PM did not rest on her laurels after crushing Pakistan, creating Bangladesh and cementing Indias position as a nuclear power. She touched every Shankaracharyas feet, visited every math in sight and deputed Dr Karan Singh to help the VHP soothe the ruffled feathers of the majority community after the mass conversions to Islam in Meenakshipuram. In Punjab and Kashmir, she positioned herself as defender of Hindus by launching Operation Blue Star against the Golden Temple and toppling Farooq Abdullah, respectively.

In 1983, on Swami Satyamitranand Giris invitation, she attended the consecration of Bharat Mata temple in Hardwar, performed aarti, shared the stage with the Shankaracharya of Dwarka and addressed devotees. Virat Hindu Sammelans and Ekatmata Yatra for the Ganga enjoyed her blessings. A few days ago, Ram Bahadur Rai, the renowned pro-RSS Hindi journalist, now heading Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in Delhi, spoke at length about how the former PMs politics of Hindutva after 1980 served the national interest.

For Gandhis, secularism was fine as long as Hindus didnt mind a few crumbs being thrown at Muslims, Sikhs or Christians. But whenever the situation demanded, Gandhis never hesitated to play the Hindu card to the hilt. Nothing mattered to them more than reaping the Hindu vote.

Rajiv Gandhi inherited his mothers opportunism. He played to the Hindu gallery by removing the locks on the Babri Masjid in 1986 that led to the Shilanyas of the Ram Janambhoomi temple in 1989 and the demolition of the masjid in 1992. He kicked off his campaign in 1989 from Faizabad, near Ayodhya, promising Ram rajya if he won. He famously deviated from the speech scripted for the occasion by Mani Shankar Aiyer. He also wanted to cash in on the popular mood created in those days by VHP Shila Yatras. He ordered Home Minister Buta Singh and UP Chief Minister ND Tiwari to facilitate the Shilanyas in November 1989, circumventing the Allahabad High Court order. The BJP was so grateful to Singh for the Shilanyas that when Vajpayee first became PM he inducted Singh into his Cabinet as communication minister.

But the fate of the Congress reveals that a secular party pays a big price for whetting sectarian appetite which it cant take to its logical conclusion without changing its basic character. However, religion-centric parties like the BJP dont face such dilemmas. In a sense, the Congress lust for power by any means prepared the ground for the BJPs takeover of India. Hasina might be making the same mistake in Bangladesh by unleashing religious forces which can ultimately consume her party and destroy all the values that she and her father, Bongobondhu Mujibur Rahman, stood and fought for.

The writer is a senior Kolkata-based journalist
Tribune News Service

Ambala, June 5

Santosh Sarwan, BJP MLA from Mullana, has claimed threat to her life after her car was today overtaken by another vehicle whose occupants were carrying weapons.

The MLA was on her way towards Panchkula around 3.30 pm after attending an event at Dahiya Majra village in Ambala. When she reached near Rava village in Shahabad, three or four youths riding a car overtook her vehicle and stopped at a distance of about 100 metres. Sensing threat to life, the MLAs son, Amit, who was driving the car turned it towards Ugalla village. Speaking to The Tribune, Santosh Sarwan said: My life is under threat. They could have killed me. I saw them carrying weapons. Fortunately, my son quickly turned the car and we took shelter at a party workers house in Ugalla village.

On being informed , SP Abhishek Jorwal inspected the spot. In her complaint to the police, the MLA has expressed apprehension about the involvement of some people belonging to the liquor mafia.

The SP said the MLAs statement had been recorded and a case registered at Barara police station.
The ISRO spy case, one of the most controversial cases, came up in 1994 when a top scientist at ISRO, Nambi Narayanan was arrested on espionage charges.

By Rohini Swamy: The former Kerala DGO Sibi Mathews has stirred a hornet's nest in his tell-all book Nirbhayam (fearless) which reopens the infamous ISRO spy scandal.

The book Nirbhayam is expected to be released on June 10. The book not only talks about espionage case in detail while he was the investigating officer but also how it led to the resignation of K Karunakran, the then CM of Kerala (in 1995).

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"It was based on my suggestion that the case was handed over to the CBI. The then Inspector Genral of police Raman Srivastava was never listed as the accused, it were only the media reports and the entire thing took a political colour," Mathew told India Today.

This is for the first time that it has been revealed that the then IGP Raman Srivastava was never an accused in the ISRO spy scandal.

The ISRO spy case, one of the most controversial cases, came up in 1994 when a top scientist at ISRO, Nambi Narayanan was arrested on espionage charges along with another top officials D Sasikumaran, two Maldevian women Mariam Rashida, Fauzia Hassamn and a Benguluru based buissness man.

FACT SHEET:

October 20, 1994

Mariam Rashida was a Maldivian national who was arrested by Thiruvananthapuram police for alleged connections with an ISRO scientist D Sasikumaran in what was a suspected case of espionage. Her friend Fauzia Hassan was also arrested.

November 15, 1994

Kerala SIT team takes over the case. The arrest of two top scientis S Nambi Narayan and D Sasikumaran and two other Benguluru based businessmen Chandreshekaran and SK Sharma was made.

November 28, 1994

The case was officially handed over to the CBI.

April 16, 1996

CBI submits their final report to the chief judicial magistrate of Ernakulam saying no evidence to substantiate charges. All 6 accused were then acquitted.

June 20, 1996

State orders a re-inquiry which lead to a bitter situation between the investigating agencies at Center and Kerala. The Kerala police alleged that the CBI ignored vital leads that could have lead to damning evidence against the accused.

Presently the case is at the apex court. The ISRO espionage case may be one of the very few high profile cases that did not see an end as the Supreme Court had ordered that no more investigation would continue on the case.

"In my book I have put the history of the case from the time the FIR was registered and then handed over to the CBI till the Supreme Court heard it," said Mathews.

--- ENDS ---
Geetanjali Gayatri

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 5

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is not the only one whose announcements are implemented at a snails pace, there are a bunch of others who fall in the same category. Two of them are Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh and Kurukshetra MP Raj Kumar Saini.

Despite having over-shot their budget and making announcements related to development works in their constituencies under the MPLADS scheme, they are the last on the list when it comes to the implementation of projects. While there are a few like Union Minister of State Krishan Pal Gurjar representing Faridabad who tops the chart with the maximum implementation.

According to data available with the Rural Development Department in Gurugram represented by Rao Inderjit Singh, of the 243 works sanctioned, 86 are yet to begin while 116 have been completed. Similarly, in Kurukshetra, of the 242 works announced by Saini, 124 have been completed. The rate of implementation in these parliamentary seats comes to 47.7 per cent and 51.2 per cent, respectively, and the two MPs maintain that the poor implementation has more to do with slackness of officials than anything else.

We can make announcements and give funds, but it is the officials who have to ensure their implementation. I have made nearly 25 per cent more announcements than the budget allocation. The delay happens when the officials fail to submit utilisation certificates of the projects, thereby delaying subsequent grants and that is where the fault lies, Rao Indrajit Singh explains, adding that he had shot off repeated letters to the district administration for submitting these certificates.

Adopting a similar tone and tenor, Saini admitted that a grant had been delayed by six months due to some technical reasons, adding that the MP had no role in awarding contracts or sanctioning works. Once the announcements are made, the ball is in the district officials court. The government decision to sanction works through its officials in the field rather than give the grant to a sarpanch is a big reason for the delay in the implementation. The officials get their own contractors and the sarpanch does not cooperate. This entire plan is faulty since the sarpanch should have the spending power in development plans related to the village, he says, critical of the government working.

Both MPs belong to the ruling government in the state and are vocal when it comes to the issues close to their heart. While the Gurgaon MP has written repeated letters to the Chief Minister on the setting up of Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority and other projects in Rewari, Saini played the non-Jat card effectively at a time when the government was trying to woo the Jats.

While Gurjars constituency has an implementation rate of over 83 per cent, Bhiwani-Mahendergarh MP Dharambir stands second at 83 per cent. The lone Congress MP, representing Rohtak, Deepender Singh Hooda, has over 75 per cent of completed works in his kitty and 50 other works at Rs 1.19 crore are in progress.

Even INLD MLAs Dushyant Chautala and Charanjit Singh Rori from Hisar and Sirsa, respectively, are better off than Rao Inderjit and Saini when it comes to the works completed against the announcements made.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 5

Four militants were killed as security forces foiled an attack on CRPF camp in north Kashmirs Sumbal area of Bandipora district in the wee hours of Monday.

The four militants fired indiscriminately at the 45 Battalion headquarters of the CRPF at Sumbal and tried to storm the camp.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

However, alert CRPF men foiled their plans and killed all four in the retaliatory fire, CRPF spokesman in Srinagar Rajesh Yadav said.

He added that the militants were also given support fire by one or two militants from a nearby abandoned building. He said there were no causalities on the security forces side or any collateral damage during the gunfight.

Security forces recovered arms and ammunition from the slain militants, whose identity is being ascertained. Sources said the slain militants were foreigners.

Incidentally, the CRPF headquarters which came under the militant attack was commanded by Chetan Cheetah, who was critically injured in a gunfight on February 14, in Hajin area, that had left three soldiers and a militant dead.
QUOTE: The two nuclear armed neighbours are embroiled in animosity and the people in the region are living in uncertain times. The tension and enmity gripping the region wont end unless Kashmir issue is resolved, Hurriyat Conference

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 3

The moderate Hurriyat Conference headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed concern over the escalating tension along the Line of Control (LoC) and urged both India and Pakistan to take concrete steps for the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

In a statement today, the Hurriyat, while terming the situation along the LoC highly volatile and tense, said the basic reason of tension and animosity between the two neighbours was the Kashmir dispute.

The Hurriyat statement comes even as the Pakistani army today violated ceasefire again by firing mortar shells on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Poonch district, prompting Indian troops to retaliate.

The two nuclear armed neighbours are embroiled in animosity and the people in the region are living in uncertain times. The tension and enmity gripping the region wont end unless Kashmir issue is resolved, the Hurriyat said.

It said that for lasting peace in South Asia, the resolution of the Kashmir issue on the basis of right to self-determination was inevitable.

The sooner the India realises it, the faster the situation of uncertainty in the region would end, it said, urging both nations to take serious and concrete steps for the political resolution of the Kashmir issue in its historical backdrop.
Everything is not that ominous in Kashmir as it appears to be. The bright success of 19 boys and girls in the civil services examinations is a contrast to the dark images dotting the landscape here. It also is not the complete reality, just rare moments in the milieu of Kashmir.

Kashmir is blessed with a unique talent that overcomes severe violence, stone-throwing, disruptions in daily life and extremism.

Making these successful youth look as brand ambassadors of shining India is bound to backfire, as it did in the past. The youth by choosing positive means of achieving their personal and collective goals have already made a significant statement of change, which may infuse new thinking, open new pathways. That needs to be appreciated in a sombre manner keeping in view the future success in mind. Colouring it with the nationalism versus anti-nationalism debate will undermine their hard work and the success they have achieved.

Their success represents excellence in academics and search for the real good world, not the utopia on the social media. Seeking pleasure in pushing the two sides to collision is a dangerous proposition.

Then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh felicitated a Kashmiri doctor, Shah Faesal, among others for he had topped the list of successful candidates of civil services in 2008. His was a unique success story, coming out of the conflict-ridden Valley.

Almost at the same time, Pakistani-American Shahzad Faisal, bomber of Times Square in New York, made headlines. Shahzad was a Tehreek-e-Taliban operative trained in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in camps of the Lashkar-e-Toiba.

The contrast was there. But TV studio warriors made it an unbearable burden for the Kashmiri Faesal.

This burdened Faesal so much that he took to social media in the 2010 unrest to re-attest his Kashmiri credentials in tune with the sentimental unity of the place and people. Sentiments apart, I think he was forcibly dragged into this quagmire. Let them be Kashmiris first, that would be quite helpful in the circumstances when the sentiments are straying toward Islamic radicalism of the ISIS and Al-Qaida kind.

This success should be treated as routine so that it spares other aspiring youth of any burden before shaping their career in a positive fashion. Some amount of celebration is needed to serve as an inspiration to the aspiring class, but over-celebration has its own pitfalls.

It must go to the credit of retired IAS officers like Mohammad Shafi Pandit and his peers who took it upon themselves to guide Kashmiri youth to shape their future through the All-India services. The Kashmiri civil society, despite its varied outlook towards the country, backed the youth, motivated by a sense of competition at the national level. Their selfless service started showing results, as each year there are more and more Kashmiris in the list of civil service qualifiers.

Their mantra of devotion and determination is a loud and clear message that the opportunities for professional and career excellence can be created even in what seems to be an unending conflict.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 5

Three key separatist leaders, whose close associates have come under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) radar, called for protests later this week as their meeting to discuss the raids by the agency was foiled by the police.

Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik in their joint statement called for protests later on Friday against the NIA raids on residences of separatists and several high-profile businessmen. The trio described the raids as witch-hunt, coercion and intimidation.

The separatists, who refer to themselves as the joint resistance leadership, said peaceful protests would be held after Friday prayers against the raids and the high-decibel vilification campaign.

The separatist camp has been under intense pressure following a series of raids which targeted close associates of Geelani, Mirwaiz and Malik.

During the past two days, the NIA raided 33 locations in the state, New Delhi and Haryana. The NIA has been probing the funding to separatists to fuel unrest in the Valley.

Rattled by the unrelenting raids, the separatists had attempted to meet today but their meeting was foiled by the police. Geelanis residence, where the meeting was scheduled to take place, was sealed off by the police while Mirwaiz was detained at his house and Yasin was arrested from his residence.

We had a meeting at Geelanis residence but the situation is such that we are not allowed to meet. This is the states bankruptcy and its oppression, Yasin told reporters outside his Maisuma residence. He was arrested moments later and shifted to a nearby police station.

Yasin Malik said the NIAs fear will not weaken this movement.

The separatist leaders under the NIA lens include Geelanis son-in-law and Hurriyat leader Altaf Shah, close associate Mehraj Kalwal and spokesman Ayaz Akbar, and Mirwaizs close associate Shahid-ul-Islam.

Hoteliers turn to govt over false reporting

Srinagar: The J&K Hoteliers Club (JKHC) on Monday urged the government to take note of the false reporting during the recent raids conducted by the NIA. JKHC secretary general Tariq Rashid Ghani said the club held a meeting where it condemned a false news item on one of the news channels that stated that the residence of JKHC chairman Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya had been raided by the NIA. Urging the government to take notice, the JKHC said the NIA did not conduct raids at Mushtaq Chayas residence and the particular news story appeared to have been flashed at the behest of certain vested interests.

Geelanis residence sealed off
Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, June 5

At least 24 passengers were charred to death and 14 suffered burns when a state-run bus burst into flames after a truck collided with it on the national highway in Bareilly early today.

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus, carrying 41 passengers from Delhi, was on its way to Gonda in eastern Uttar Pradesh when around 1.10 am on Monday the accident occurred near Bada bypass on NH 24, over 250 km from the National Capital.

The bodies were so badly charred that doctors found it difficult to determine the gender of the victims. Senior UP minister Rajesh Agarwal Agarwal, who flew in Bareilly from Lucknow in a helicopter on instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to supervise relief operations, said, A DNA test will be performed on all bodies.

Bareilly SSP Jogendra Kumar said an attempt was being made to identify the bodies by talking to the injured, who are undergoing treatment at Siddhi Vinayak Hospital at Bareilly. According to eyewitnesses, the diesel tank of the bus burst and caught fire after the truck coming from Shahjahanpur hit it, engulfing the passengers in no time.

The fire brigade and police had a tough time rescuing passengers. Eighteen charred bodies were recovered from the accident site while five more passengers succumbed to their burns in the hospital, confirmed the SSP Bareilly.

The UP Chief Minister Yogi expressed grief at the death of passengers in the mishap and announced Rs 2 lakh as compensation for the next of kin of the dead, Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 with those having minor injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and sanctioned Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of those killed. He also announced Rs 50,000 for each of those injured.
Bijay Sankar Bora

THE North East region is on the boil. Days after senior BJP leader from Christian-dominated Meghalaya Bernard Rimpu Marak, district president of the Garo Hills, resigned in protest against the BJPs stand on beef consumption, BJPs state president in Arunachal Pradesh Tapir Gao announced that the Centres ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter could not be binding on the state where animals were sacrificed for religious rituals.

In Arunachal, it is usually the mithun, the semi-wild bovine found in high altitudes, which is sacrificed and consumed at religious functions. The mithun is consumed in parts of neighbouring Nagaland too where dog meat is most popular. Beef consumption is common in Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Former Assam CM and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi castigated the BJP government at the Centre for interfering with the eating habits of a section of the people, pointing out that in the North East beef had been consumed for ages, especially in the hill areas.

Gogoi argued that the Constitution gave exclusive powers to the States to enact laws regarding livestock and, hence, the BJP governments move was contrary to the countrys federal set-up.

Chief Minister of Congress-ruled Meghalaya Dr Mukul Sangma has written to his counterpart in Left-ruled Tripura, Manik Sarkar, proposing a joint counter-move. The state governments must assert collectively to dissuade the Union Government from such actions which will dilute the federal structure of our great nation, Sangma wrote to Sarkar.

OBOR ramifications

The possible consequences of the Chinese initiative One Belt, One Road (OBOR) in the North East was discussed at a two-day conclave on Indias One, Belt On Road Challenge: Views from North-East India, at Gauhati University on JUne 2 and 3.

President of Centre for China Analysis and Strategy and former member of the National Security Advisory Board Jayadev Ranade said BangladeshChinaIndiaMyanmar Forum for Regional Cooperation being the seventh leg of OBOR, the North East was bound to see some effects. He said the BCIM was not in the interest of North East. He feared Chinese goods would flood local markets unless there were adequate infrastructure facilities for exporting goods from the North-East. He also pointed out to Chinas territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh and it blocking Asian Development Bank aid for the state.

Femina Miss India

Kaheli Chophy, 24, from Zunheboto district of Nagaland will represent the state in the Femina Miss India contest in Mumbai on June 25. She will be pitted against 29 contestants. Chophy, a post-graduate in political science from St Peters College, Shillong, is the second woman to represent Nagaland in the coveted beauty pageant after Akuonuo Khezhie (in 2007).
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 5

China today hardened its position and made it clear that it is not in favour of Indias membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

China said Indias bid had become more complicated under the new circumstances ahead of the upcoming plenary session of the NSG scheduled to be held in the Swiss capital of Bern later this month.

India, meanwhile, said while it would continue to engage with China on the issue, it also wanted other countries like Russia, which are friends with China, to press upon China to change its stand. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today in a press conference said the bid to join the 48-member elite nuclear club was an ongoing process and she refused to draw a timeline as to when India could expect to join it.

In Beijing, Chinas assistant minister of foreign affairs Li Huilai said: About the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) it is a new issue under the new circumstances and it is more complicated than the previously imagined. Li did not get into the details of what the new circumstances and complications are.

He, however, reiterated the well-known Chinese position that China supports the NSG to have consultation for reaching non-discriminatory and universally applicable solution, applicable to all members of the NSG.

In effect, China once again made the case that the NSG membership for states like India and Pakistan that have not signed the Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) should be a two-step approach. The first step being that the NSG members will first need to arrive at a set of principles for the admission of non-NPT states into the NSG, and then as a second step take up discussions on specific cases.

Swaraj in her remarks today indicated to this Chinese position when she said Indias membership should be on the basis of credentials and not criterion. Prime Minister Narendra is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Astana on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) later this week where this issue is likely to be discussed between the two.
New Delhi/Dehradun, June 4

Two Chinese helicopters were today seen hovering over the Indian airspace in Barahoti area of Chamoli in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, triggering concern in Indias security establishment. There have been three such incursions into the Indian airspace since March this year. Uttarakhand, during an internal security meeting in Delhi, had reported more than 30 incursions in the area between 2007-2012.

Shepherds claimed to have spotted the helicopters at 9 am. The matter was brought to the notice of the revenue police, which hastened to inform ITBP officials.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Official sources said the choppers, which returned to the Chinese side after about five minutes, could have carried out aerial photography of ground troops during what was possibly a reconnaissance mission. The Indian Air Force is probing the incident.

The choppers were identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters. On previous occasions, Chinese helicopters have entered 4.5 km into the Indian territory, an area China claims is its own and recognises as Wu-Je. Uttarakhand and Army officials have been reviewing security along the 350-km border with Tibet after Chinas incursions into these areas, referred to as the middle sector.

Barahoti is one of three border posts in this sector, comprising UP and HP besides Uttarakhand. Here, ITBP jawans are not allowed to carry weapons and are in civilian clothes.

In 1958, India and China listed Barahoti, an 80-sq-km sloping pasture, as a disputed area where neither side would send 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 began patrolling the area with weapons in a non-combative manner  barrel of the gun faced downward. In 2000, it was decided that ITBP troops would not carry arms to the three posts.  TNS & PTI
Shiv Kumar



Tribune News Service



Mumbai, June 5

The state-wide bandh called by farmers in Maharashtra on Monday as part of their indefinite strike received only a lukewarm response as the administration pulled out all stops to ensure that supplies to cities were not affected.



State government officials said local and state police personnel were deployed on major highways to ensure that trucks carrying fruits, vegetables and milk were not stopped by protesting farmers. We have provided Z category security to tankers transporting milk to Mumbai, a Home Department official said. Normally Z category security is provided to top prominent personalities who face threat to their lives.



A few milk co-operatives from Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara controlled by top politicians broke ranks with the protesting farmers to procure milk from their members and supply them to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune and other cities, officials said.



However the supply of fruits and vegetables were affected in Mumbai as farmers in Nashik, which accounts for most of the supplies to the city, have intensfied their protests. Police said protesters had

damaged several trucks and several vehicles were burnt during the state-wide bandh today. The police have banned mobile Internet in and around Nashik to control the situation, officials said.



National highways passing via Nashik were blocked by protesting farmers who parked bullock carts on the middle of the roads. Movement of traffic was restored after the police cleared the obstructions and

reopened the major roads passing through the district, officials said.



Traders at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees market at Vashi in Navi Mumbai said they were receiving trucks from various parts of India though supplies from Nashik have stopped. Consequently prices of fruits and vegetables are higher in the wholesale and retail markets, traders said.



Life in Mumbai was normal as the city was exempted from the Maharashtra bandh. Representatives of various farmer organisations also formed a new 21-member core committee comprising veteran leaders including Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatanas Member of Parliament Raju Shetty, Maharashtra Kisan Sabha leader Ajit Nawale, Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raghunath Patil and Independent legislator Bachu Kadu to plan their future course of action.



The Shiv Sena, which is part of the Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra, also extended its support to the farmers strike and the state bandh today.
Terrorists fired upon a CRPF camp of 45th battalion at Sumbal in Bandipora early in the morning.

Militants fired upon a CRPF camp of 15 battalion at Sumbal. (File photo for representation)

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu, Ashraf Wani: Four terrorists were killed today by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, after they attempted to attack a CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The heavily armed militants tried to enter the camp of 45 Battalion CRPF at around 4:10 am, a police official said. They lobbed grenades, and later opened fire. The alert sentries retaliated.

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The encounter lasted only 45 minutes. The first terrorist, who tried to enter the camp by lobbing grenades, was gunned down in first few minutes.

After a heavy exchange of fire, the other terrorists were forced to retreat, and were gunned down by Sumbal Police personnel, who had surrounded them.

A large cache of arms and ammunitions - including 4 AK 47 rifles (one of which was fitted with UBGL), and over a dozen grenades - have been recovered. However, the identity of the slain militants hasn't been ascertained as yet.

Arms and ammunition recovered after the encounter (ANI Photo)

TERRORISTS 'PLANNED URI-STYLE ATTACK'

The four terrorists may have infiltrated recently from an undisclosed location and were planning an Uri-style attack, sources told India Today

They were carrying incendiary material, including 3 petrol bombs.

The "terrorists were planning to take control and burn down the camp. The plan of fidayeen was to get inside the camp and take control of a vantage point to prolong (the) encounter...then to burn up the place with incendiary material causing wide-scale damage," highly-placed sources said.

CRPF IG Zulfikar Hassan commended his men for successfully fending off the terror attack. "Our alert jawans along with Jammu and Kashmir police neutralised the terrorists," he said.

Arms and ammunition recovered after the encounter (ANI Photo)

Incidentally, this was Chetan Cheeta 's battalion. Cheeta is the brave CRPF officer who took nine bullets in an encounter in Bandipora earlier this year.

Confirming the incident, Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid told India Today, "Four terrorists have been gunned down after they attempted to attack 45 Battalion CRPF at Sumbal".

There have been several infiltration attempts in North Kashmir. This comes close on the heels of a terror attack on an army convoy in Quazigund.

Sources say extra forces have been deployed along the LoC and borders, anticipating trouble from Pakistan whose army provides cover fire during infiltration bids, and an increased threat from Border Action Teams (BATs).

ALSO READ | 10 days after Sukma, CRPF claims to have arrested 10 Naxals involved in the attack

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WATCH VIDEO | Four terrorists who targeted CRPF camp in North Kashmir killed

--- ENDS ---
Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, June 5

The statewide bandh called by farmers in Maharashtra today as part of their indefinite strike received a lukewarm response as the administration pulled out all stops to ensure that supplies to cities were not affected.

Officials said police personnel were deployed on major highways to ensure that trucks carrying fruits,

vegetables and milk were not stopped by protesting farmers. We have provided Z category security to tankers transporting milk to Mumbai, a home department official said. Normally, Z category security is provided to prominent personalities who face threat to their lives.

A few milk cooperatives from Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara controlled by top politicians broke ranks with the protesting farmers to procure milk from their members and supply them to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune and other cities, officials said.

However, the supply of fruits and vegetables were affected in Mumbai as farmers in Nashik, which accounts for most of the supplies to the city, have intensified their protests. The police said protesters had damaged several trucks and vehicles were burnt during the statewide bandh today. The police have banned mobile internet in and around Nashik to control the situation, officials said.

National highways passing via Nashik were blocked by protesting farmers who parked bullock carts on the middle of the roads. The movement of traffic was restored after the police cleared the obstructions and reopened the major roads passing through the district, officials said.

Traders at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees market at Vashi in Navi Mumbai said they were receiving trucks from various parts of India though supplies from Nashik have stopped. Consequently, prices of fruits and vegetables are higher in the wholesale and retail markets, traders said. The life in Mumbai was normal as the city was exempted from the Maharashtra bandh.

Representatives of various farmers organisations also formed a new 21-member core committee comprising veteran leaders, including Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatanas MP Raju Shetty, Maharashtra Kisan Sabha leader Ajit Nawale, Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raghunath Patil and Independent legislator Bachu Kadu to plan their future course of action.

The Shiv Sena, which is part of the Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra, also extended its support for the farmers strike and the Maharashtra bandh today.
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 5

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said India had been engaged in preserving environment for 5,000 years, dismissing US President Donald Trumps charges that it signed the Paris pact to get billions and billions of dollars from developed nations.

This is completely untrue, Swaraj said about Trumps charges, which he made while announcing the US exit from the Paris deal last week. She, however, said the American move on Paris climate agreement had not changed India-US ties.

Modi is scheduled to visit the US at the end of the month, his first visit since Trump was voted to the countrys top position.

Addressing a press briefing, Swaraj said the foreign direct investment (FDI) had gone up by 37.5 per cent in the three years of the NDA rule at the Centre against the last three years of the its predecessor, the UPA.

Swaraj said the central government had eased passport rules and improved relations with Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as Israel and Palestine, since taking over three years ago.

Swaraj was addressing the press briefing about Prime Minister Narendra Modi governments work as it completed three years in power.

She also said there was no change in the current H1-B visa programme but added that the government was concerned. She also said that there was nothing from the US that suggested that the country wanted to water down its defence ties with India.

Swaraj also said that while India had agreed to greater connectivity in the region, the CPEC project violated Indias sovereignty.

The minister said that India would continue to engage with China over its membership into the Nuclear Suppliers Group

She also spoke about Kashmir, and said Pakistan could not take the Kashmir dispute to the International Court of Justice because it was a bilateral issue.

Pakistan cannot take Kashmir issue to International Court of Justice. Kashmir issue can only be resolved bilaterally, she said.

She also said that peace talks and terrorist activities could not go together.

She was replying to a question on reported remarks of Pakistani law officer that Islamabad will take the Kashmir issue to ICJ.  With agency inputs
Chennai/Hyderabad, June 4

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today accused the Narendra Modi government of turning the Kashmir issue into a "weakness" from "strength", prompting the ruling side to hit back by citing a Congress booklet that depicted the state as a territory "occupied by India".

He blamed the NDA government for the current unrest in Kashmir, saying it had completely mishandled the issue. "They (government) are creating a problem for this country by their incompetence and by trying to utilise Kashmir as a political asset," he told reporters in Chennai.

"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. Rahul said he had told Union Minister Arun Jaitley about six-seven months ago that they were "mishandling Kashmir and they are going to set it afire. But Jaitley brushed me aside and said Kashmir is peaceful".

Hitting back, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu referred to a booklet released by the Congress yesterday in Lucknow which depicted the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir as "India occupied Kashmir".

He said in Hyderabad that the people of the country would never forgive the Congress for such a "mindset".

Questioning if the final solution that the Congress had in mind was to give Kashmir to Pakistan, Naidu asked: "Is it for this that hundreds of our brave soldiers have given up their lives over the years defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity?"

BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said in Delhi that the government has a very strong Kashmir policy. He said the government is treating differently the common Kashmiris, terrorists and separatists and "this policy is bearing fruits".

The Congress, Hussain recalled, had even raised questions on the surgical strikes carried out by the Army across the Line of Control. Rahul, who had yesterday attended an event to celebrate the 94th birthday of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, 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.  PTI
Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), June 5

India on Monday evening scripted history as it successfully launched its heaviest rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III) carrying communication satellite GSAT-19.

The GSLV Mk-III rocket, on its first developmental flight, slung the 3,136 kg communication satellite in a geosynchronous transfer orbit from where it would be taken up to its final geostationary orbit.

The GSLV Mk-III rocket, on its first developmental flight, slung the 3,136 kg communication satellite in a geosynchronous transfer orbit from where it would be taken up to its final geostationary orbit.

Precisely at 5.28 pm, the GSLV Mk-III rocket, on its maiden flight, began its ascent towards space from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at the Sriharikota spaceport here.

Just over 16 minutes into its flight, the 43.43 metre tall, 640 ton rocket, slung the GSAT-19 at its intended orbit at an altitude of 179 km.

It is a historic day both the GSLV Mk-III and the GSAT-19 launch have been successful we are looking forward to its (GSAT-19) operations, Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar said.

The GSAT-19, as per the Indian Space Research Organisation is a multi-beam satellite that carries Ka and Ku band forward and return link transponders and geostationary radiation spectrometer (GRASP) to monitor and study the nature of charged particles and the influence of space radiation on satellites and their electronic components.

The satellite, which has a life span of 10 years, also features certain advanced spacecraft technologies including miniaturised heat pipe, a fibre optic gyro, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer, Ku-band TTC transponder, as well an indigenous lithium-ion battery.

The GSLV Mk-III is a three stage/engine rocket. The core of first stage is fired with solid fuel and its two motors by liquid fuel. The second is liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine.

The rockets design carrying capacity is four tonnes. The payload will be gradually increased in future flights, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Director K. Sivan had told IANS.

The Indian space agency had flown a similar rocket without the cryogenic engine but with 3.7-tonne payload in 2014 mainly to test its structural stability and aerodynamics.

Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre Director S. Somanath, told IANS that the inputs of the 2014 mission enabled the ISRO to reduce the rocket load by around 20 per cent.

GSLV-Mk III is the heaviest rocket ever made by India and is capable of carrying the heaviest satellites made till date #PresidentMukherjee  President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) June 5, 2017

Heartiest congratulations to ISRO on the historic launch of GSLV-Mk III #PresidentMukherjee  President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) June 5, 2017

Interestingly, GSLV-Mk III at around 43 metres is slightly shorter than Mk-II version that is around 49 metres tall.

ISRO officials told IANS that due to the increase in the diameters of various stages, the height got reduced despite a drastic increase in the weight - from around 415 ton of GSLV-Mk II to 640 ton in GSLV-Mk III.

The new rocket may be slightly short but has more punch power, said an ISRO official.

PM hails ISRO scientists

Hailing the successful launch of the heaviest rocket, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it takes the country closer to the next generation of satellite capability.

Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission, the prime minister tweeted soon after.

The GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud, he added in another tweet.

Modi spoke to the Secretary, Department of Space and congratulated him and his team on the successful launch, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said.

Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017

The GSLV  MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud!  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017

India presently has two rocketsthe Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and GSLV-Mk IIwith a lift-off mass of 415 tonnes and a carrying capacity of 2.5 tonnes.

India puts foreign satellites into orbit for a fee using its lighter rocket PSLV. However the weight of third party satellites is not much.

Revenue for launching satellites depends on the satellites weight - higher the weight, higher the revenue.

The GSLV Mk-III, when its graduates from its development flight status to operational status, may look at flying heavier foreign satellites.

The Indian space agency officials said the new rocket would save the country foreign exchange as it can launch the countrys communication satellites instead of going to a foreign space agency for launch services.

The GSAT-18 satellite launched in 2016 using Arianespaces rocket weighed 3,404 kg which is well within the GSLV Mk-IIIs capacity.

Read more: ISRO creates world record, launches 104 satellites in one go

However, India may not become a serious player in the global communication satellite launch market.

Industry sources said globally the trend is the weight of communication satellites is going up while the weight of earth observation satellites has come down.

A major portion of communication satellites that are sent up now weigh around six tons and above.  IANS
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 5

India today announced that no meeting has been planned so far between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit to be held in Astana later this week.

No meeting is scheduled either from their side or from ours, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at a press conference on completion of three years of the government.

Speculation has been rife that since Modi and Sharif will be present in Astana, chances of a pull aside or an unscheduled meeting between the two is a possibility. India and Pakistan are to be admitted as full members of the SCO later this week and that will see both the PMs in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

The minister denied that India has been taking one step forward and two steps back as far as Pakistan was concerned. Swaraj was dismissive about the attention on Pakistan and said: We dont spend so much time, energy on Pakistan. For us, Pakistan is any other country. Talks between the two nations remain suspended with tensions running high for more than a year now.

The minister also reiterated Indias position when it comes to talks with Pakistan and said there are three pillars which govern the talks. We want to resolve all issues through dialogue; dialogue will be bilateral; and terror and talks cant go simultaneously, Swaraj said. In effect, putting the onus of talks on Pakistan since India claims that Pakistan is the sponsor of cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

We are very clear, no third-party mediation in talks with Pakistan, she said.

On the Kulbhushan Jadhav case which has seen the bilateral ties dip to a new low, the minister said: As long as the case filed in the ICJ is not resolved, Jadhav cant be given capital punishment.

Swaraj, in response to a question that Pakistan is now threatening to take the Kashmir issue to the ICJ, said Kashmir was a bilateral issue and there was no way that Pakistan could take the matter to the ICJ. Pakistan cannot take Kashmir issue to the ICJ. The Shimla agreement and Lahore declaration are very clear on Kashmir issue that it can only be resolved bilaterally. The two countries are bound by these bilateral agreements, she added.

Echoes Modi's views on Paris agreement
New Delhi, June 5

India on Monday ruled out any meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif when the two will be in Kazakhstan this week, and asserted that Pakistan cannot take Kashmir issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Taking a tough stance on ties with Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said talks and terror cannot go together while articulating strategy of India which was based on three pillars in dealing with that country.

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She also emphasised that India was engaged with other countries on the issue of cross-border terrorism.

No meeting is scheduled either from their side or from our side, Swaraj told a press conference on completion of three years of the government.

She was asked if Modi and Sharif will meet on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit at Astana, Kazakhstan on June 8-9.

Asked about reported remarks of a Pakistani law officer that Islamabad will take the Kashmir issue to ICJ after India approached the global court in Kulbhushan Jadhav case, the minister said Pakistan cannot take Kashmir issue to ICJ.

The Shimla agreement and Lahore declaration are very clear on Kashmir issue that it can only be resolved bilaterally. The two countries are bound by these bilateral agreements.

She also referred to some cases pending at other courts such as Hyderabad Nizam funds case in the UK court and issues pertaining to Indus Waters Treaty before the World Bank.

Rejecting suggestions that the government had a flip- flop policy in handling Pakistan, she said India is very clear that it wants to hold dialogue, resolve all issues bilaterally without mediation from any third country, organisation or anyone else. But at the same time terror and talks cannot go together.

The minister also emphasised that the government was asking other countries not to see cross-border issue or terrorism emanating from Pakistan from the prism of India but see if the international terrorism was in anyway linked with that country. Finally, where was Osama bin Laden found? In Pakistan, she said, adding it was time to finalise the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN and define terrorism.

On Pakistans contention that it will raise jurisdiction on the merit of the Jadhav case, she said India has a very strong argument and it will win the case. She also made it clear that Indias case was based on Pakistans violation of Vienna Convention under which consular access was not only essential but compulsory.

India has made 16 requests to Pakistan to grant access to Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of involvement in espionage and sabotage activities against the country.

Pakistan claims its security forces arrested him from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy and approached ICJ to save his life.  PTI
New Delhi, June 4

Many parts of the northwest, especially Punjab and Haryana, today sizzled at markedly above normal temperatures, with Bathinda recording 48 Celsius, six notches above normal. The National Capital saw a high of 44.6 Celsius, four degrees above normal.

The India Metereological Department says at many places in Jammu and Kashmir, the maximum temperature remained markedly above the normal (5.1 C or more) and over many parts of Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab, it was appreciable above the normal (3.1 C to 5 C).

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The heat wave is expected to continue in the region for the next two days, says the weatherman.

Around Wednesday, thunderstorms, accompanied by squall are very likely over some places in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, which may bring some respite.  TNS
Puducherry, June 5

The tussle between Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and the Congress government here intensified with the Chief Minister today accusing her of paralysing the administration by making derogatory remarks against the MLAs, ministry and officials through social media.

Bedi had earlier hit out at Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy for his remark that the LG should not act beyond mandate, asking if he wanted a rubber stamp or a responsible administrator.

Puducherry needed justice, integrity and good governance, Bedi, who has been at loggerheads with the state government on certain issues, said in a WhatsApp message.

In the state Assembly, after the Zero Hour, members belonging to the ruling Congress, the DMK and the Opposition AIADMK (Amma) alleged that Bedi had been making unbridled comments against the ministry, officials and legislators.

They asked the CM to ensure that effective steps were taken to end the trend of the Lt Governor criticising the elected representatives.

Welfare Minister M Kandasamy said, Bedi has been intolerant towards the elected ministry. She is projecting herself as a mouthpiece of the BJP. Nothing could be done by the government ever since she became the Lt Governor.

Several important decisions of the Cabinet were left hanging following the return of files by the Lt Governor, Narayanasamy said, adding that no official should hereafter accompany Bedi during her weekend visits to constituencies without getting prior permission from the ministers.

He also read out statutory provisions to drive home the point that a Lt Governor can only aid and advise the elected ministry and could not overstep her limits on any count.

Opposition AINRC member NSJ Jayabal, however, said the chaos in the government has arisen because of failure of the elected ministry to do administrative works properly.  PTI
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 5



Indias Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen AK Bhatt on Monday told his Pakistani counterpart that India would take appropriate retaliatory action to any Pak-Army-abetted infiltration of terrorists and firing from across the Line of Control (LoC) .

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Referring to the situation along the 749 km-long LoC that divides the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen Bhatt conveyed his commitment to ensuring peace and tranquillity along the LoC saying it was contingent on the Pak Armys intentions and actions.

If Pak Army continues to abet infiltration and cause trans-LoC firings, Indian Army will take appropriate retaliatory action, an Indian Army statement said while quoting the DGMO.

The DGMOs spoke to each other over the phone hotline on between New Delhi and Rawalpindi on Monday morning. The talk was not the weekly talk the two sides have the Pak DGMO had requested for the DGMO-level talk.

The Indian side highlighted the needless escalations by the Pak Army along the LoC.

The Pak DGMO raised the matter of civilians being hit on his side, to which the Indian DGMO said, The Indian Army will not harm civilians in any manner.
Traders under suspicion used to export goods having over-invoiced bills and they would route the amount thus raised, to pro-freedom leaders for to fund unrest in Kashmir.

NIA has been conducting raids in J&K, Haryana & Delhi to uncover financial links between Pak-based outfits and J&K separatists.

By Shashank Shekhar: The trade and business with Pakistan has come under scanner of the National Investigating Agency (NIA), as it has allegedly fallen into the hands of money launderers, who are using it to fund separatists to fuel violence in valley.

Several teams of NIA, since the last 48 hours, have been conducting raids in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Delhi in connection with an alleged case of terror financing by Pakistan-based terror outfits and the separatists in the Valley.

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Senior NIA officers are probing money link between traders in India with those across the LoC. Businessmen, whose houses and offices were raided in Delhi and Haryana were mostly involved in business of dry fruits, spices, fruits, leather, shawls etc.

Officials claim that traders under suspicion used to export goods having over-invoiced bills and they would route the amount thus raised, to pro-freedom leaders for to fund unrest in Kashmir.

Sources say city traders estimate price of goods at almost double that is actually paid to them by traders in Pakistan. Prices appears to be legal on papers. Traders channel the sum, keeping their share of commission.

The agency is also probing claims that say large-scale transfer of funds from Pakistan to India has been taking place through import of goods, including almonds from California. NIA found that food items are imported from Pakistan at very low prices and sold at double in India. Huge quantity of California almonds, traded between India and Pakistan, are sourced at Rs 350 from Pakistan and sold at Rs 650 in India.

There are a select set of traders who work on the pay rolls of terrorist organisations to take care of trades, the profit of which funds terror. NIA also found a list of 21 items that are being imported by Pak traders at a very low cost, the highest profit margin being drawn from California almonds.

Majority of the items traded with Pakistan are grown or manufactured in Kashmir making it easier to route money. NIA claims that such trade is a threat to the national security as 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.

NIA on Sunday conducted fresh raids in the residences of separatist leaders etc., seizing foreign currency. On Saturday it raided 29 locations and recovered unaccounted account books, Rs 2 crore of cash and letterheads of banned terror groups such as the Pakistanbased Lashker-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

During the searches, a few thousand Pakistani currencies belonging to the UAE and Saudi Arabia as well as incriminating documents were found and seized.

NIA also alleged that since the Cross-Line of Control trade at Kashmir's Uri and Jammu's Chakan-da-bad was based on a barter system, some businessmen under- or over-invoiced their bills, and the difference in payment was later used for promoting subversive activities in the Valley.

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ALSO READ | Hurriyat terror funding: NIA raids 23 sites in Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana; recovers Rs 1.5 crore cash

ALSO READ | India Today impact: NIA raids Kashmiri separatists for second consecutive day

ALSO WATCH | Rattled by NIA raids, Hurriyat leaders to meet on Monday

--- ENDS ---
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.

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.

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.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

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, preventing 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 fighter squadron.

The Navy is deliberating on a policy on having women onboard ships. It allows women in legal, logistics, naval architecture and engineering departments.  PTI
Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 4

Demanding a special session on farm suicides, Leader of Opposition and AAP leader HS Phoolka today said a party delegation would soon meet the Governor and the Vidhan Sabha Speaker in this regard.

He said this was the most important issue as farmers were committing suicide everyday in the Malwa region and need to be addressed immediately as the government just couldnt sit and see farmers dying.

He said since the new Congress government had come to power, 56 farmers have committed suicide in the state due to debt.

We have been visiting families of farmers who committed suicide and I am surprised to hear that real farmers who were affected due to cotton crop have not got or got very less compensation, whereas SAD workers who had sown paddy on 35 acres have got compensation of 40 acres of cotton crop, Phoolka alleged.

There were irregularities in the distribution of compensation cheques by the previous SAD-BJP government due to which farmers were affected and were committing suicide, he added.

Phoolka said, We demand a probe into the irregularities. It is sad that instead of taking action against the wrongdoings of the previous SAD-BJP government, the Congress government is shielding them.

He said the Congress had announced to waive farm loans, but now they were not keeping their promise. CMCapt Amarinder Singh has been asking farmers to wait for the loan waiver, but how can a farmer wait when a money lender is standing outside his house, Phoolka added.
Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 5

Caught on the wrong foot in connection with the proposed farm debt waiver and the rise in suicides by debt-ridden farmers, the Capt Amarinder Singh government has decided to expedite the release of compensation to families of farmers, who committed suicide.

With the government dithering on the debt waiver promise and the Opposition targeting the Congress for the spurt in farmer suicides, the ruling dispensation wants to have something to show when these matters are raised in the upcoming Budget session.

In the past three months  March to May  more than 56 cases of farmer suicides have been reported. Leader of Opposition HS Phoolka has already demanded that a special session of the Vidhan Sabha be convened to discuss the matter. He, along with AAP MLA Kanwar Sandhu, met Assembly Speaker Rana KP Singh in this connection.

Inquiries made by The Tribune show that compensation awarded to families of deceased farmers are only for the cases reported up to March. The last meeting of a Revenue Departments committee, which approves the compensation, was held on April 6.

Compensation cases of 44 families were cleared and Rs1.1 crore (at the rate of Rs3 lakh per farmer) was released. In the last financial year, the government had compensated 134 families.

Farm economist Sukhpal Singh of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, along with experts from Amritsars Guru Nanak Dev University and Patialas Punjabi University, has been studying the incidence of farmer suicides between April 2010 and March 2013 across the state.

He says that the incidence of farm suicides is higher than what is reported to the government. The number of suicide cases between January 2000 and March 2013 could be about 7,000, Sukhpal Singh told The Tribune.

Sources in the Revenue Department said the committee would meet before the Budget session that is likely to begin next week. The committee has sought reports from all DCs at the earliest, so that the government can release the compensation and do some face-saving on the issue, which will be raised by the Opposition in the Budget session.
Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, June 4

Belying the governments claim of making villages open defecation free (ODF) under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), around 65 Dalit families, including 200 girls and women of Chathe Nakte village, have no toilet at their homes.

The panchayat has given them a piece of land, adjacent to a place where dog carcasses are dumped, around half km away from village to defecate in the open.

Besides, the also have to bear indecent remarks from drunkards at a liquor vend, which is located on the way to the ground.

Many a time, snakes also find shelter in the long bushes on the way to the plot. Fearing snakes, they are forced to use roadside bushes or embankments of a polluted water drain, passing from near their village.

Many women have been attacked by dogs. Besides, passersby also make fun of us whenever we go to the plot side. It has been going on for the past many years as our repeated pleas for money and space to construct toilets have fallen on deaf ears, alleged 50-year-old Jasveer Kaur, former panch of village.

Today, Dalits decided to launch an agitation if the authorities fail to construct toilets at the earliest.

Not only women, men also face similar problems, said Balwinder Singh, another Dalit from the village.

Village sarpanch Jagjit Singh confirmed that he was elected in 2013, but did not get a single penny for toilets.

Our resolution for the construction of toilets for all Dalits has been pending with the authorities for the past two years, said the sarpanch.

Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), Sunam, Baljit Singh confirmed that the proposal was pending with the naib tehsildar for verification of houses.

Earlier, the village panchayat secretary was conducting the house verification. Later, it was handed over to the Sunam naib tehsildar. I have asked them to conduct it at the earliest. We are completing all formalities to provide toilets to all, said the BDPO.
Amaninder Pal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 4

The approval of the Centres Genetic Environment Approval Committees (GEAC) to genetically modified (GM) mustard for commercial production has got the beekeepers in the state worried. They fear that it will caused them huge losses.

Beekeepers say it will be the second blow to them in less than a decade as they have already faced massive losses in honey production after the introduction of Bt cotton in mid-2000.

As the area under indigenous cotton breed  the major source of nectar during the kharif season - has shrunk to few thousand hectares after the advent of Bt cotton, mustard is the only major source of nectar left in Punjab.

The stoic silence of scientists on this issue is painful. Why they are not disclosing the content of nectar in the new mustard variant? How pollination from this variant will affect other varieties? Some scientists have unofficially told us that GM mustard will have 30-40 per cent less nectar content than indigenous varieties, said a beekeeper of Kheowali village in Muktsar.

Gora Singh, president, Malwa Progressive Beekeepers Association, said before introduction of Bt cotton, bees would collect nectar from indigenous cotton varieties and raw honey generation was enough even during the kharif season. Farmers would collect 3-4 rounds of raw honey (25-35 kg) per beehive in the kharif season. It fell to few kgs after Bt variant-I was introduced. Its production in the cotton season virtually stopped after the commercial production of Bt variant-II. The farmer who owned 100 bee boxes faced a loss of Rs 2.5 to 2.5 lakh per season. We fear GM mustard will have a similar effect, he added.

The association claimed that there are over 5,000 farmers involved in beekeeping business in the state.
GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 5

On the eve of Operation Bluestar anniversary, the SGPC today put the onus on the Congress government to maintain peace in the holy city, particularly the Golden Temple complex.

The Sikh body expressed apprehension over the attempts of several Sikh hardliners to create trouble on the occasion.

The last three years saw heightened tension on the occasion. Bloody clashes were witnessed between Sikh outfits and the SGPC task force in 2014.

The customary address by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has become a bone of contention between the SGPC and various Sikh groups.

Though SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar has, for the first time, invited parallel jathedars and rebel Sikh organisations to participate in the event, his effort seemed to have yielded little.

I am helpless and at the same time pained that despite my earnest efforts to bring all Sikh organisations on one platform, they continued to adopt a confrontational attitude. Though the administration has made elaborate arrangements, if any untoward incident took place on Tuesday, it will solely be the responsibility of the Congress government, he said.

Giani Gurbachan Singh said: I appeal to the whole Sikh community to refrain from raising any provocative slogans or creating ruckus at the Golden Temple complex, and maintain peace.

Opposing the Amritsar bandh call given by Dal Khalsa, he said: Such a move will bring a bad name to the community. On the other hand, Sikh organisations have declared to oppose the Jathedars address on the occasion. They demanded that instead of Giani Gurbachan Singh, either the SGPC president or the head priest of the Golden Temple should deliver the address. Badungar said the precedence could not be altered.

Akal Takhts parallel acting jathedar Dhyan Singh Mand said: I will deliver the address to the Sikh community as per the precedent. Giani Gurbachan Singh should voluntarily step down to ease the tension. He has lost faith of the community due to his involvement in certain controversial decisions.

Phagwara still tense

Phagwara: Tension prevails in the town days after Sikh hardliners pasted posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and those of General AS Vaidya, former DGP KPS Gill and former PM Indira Gandhi by Hindu leaders. Both factions have announced to organise "chabeel" at several places in the town on Tuesday. Sources said the police might divert the route of the Indo-Pak buse to prevent any untoward incident. Meanwhile, various social and religious organisations have formed Sarb Dharam Aman Committee which met here on Monday. The committee appealed to the people to maintain peace in the town on Tuesday. Ashok Kaura

Daduwal denies charge

Bathinda: Ridiculing the accusation of SAD chief Sukhbir Badal that the "parallel" jathedars might disrupt peace on Bluestar anniversary with Congress support, radical Sikh leaders said it was rather Sukhbir who wanted to "incite" the government against them and foment trouble. Sikh leader Baljeet Singh Daduwal said: "While Sukhbir was issuing statements against us and dubbing us as 'naqli' jathedars, the SGPC, which was 'under his control', was holding meetings with us. Sukhbir wanted to create tension between the government, jathedars and Sikh organisations ahead of the Operation Bluestar anniversary. Varinder Singh

Security up in Gidderbaha

Muktsar: In the wake of Operation Bluestar anniversary, the police have beefed up security arrangements in Gidderbaha by setting up temporary posts and bunkers. The SHO of Gidderbaha police station told the media that as per the directions of Muktsar SSP and the Home Ministry, three bunkers had been set up in the town. "Besides, nakas have been put up at several crucial locations. The heavy police deployment will remain till June 6," he said. Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, June 5

Resenting their proposed inclusion in the Dehradun Municipal Corporation, representatives of 40 villages of Dehradun led by members of the Gaon Bachao Sangharsh Samiti today staged a dharna at the state agitation martyrs memorial.

Ghanshyam Pal, president of the samiti, said villagers would be the losers if these 40 villages were included in the limits of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation. He said it had been seen in the past that the 16 panchayats that were earlier included in Dehradun Municipal Corporation were still lacking in basic infrastructure.

He held villages of Dehradun were well ahead of municipal areas in terms of development. He said farmers would suffer most if villages were included in the Dehradun Municipal Corporation. Today farmers get seed, fertilisers and other agriculture equipments from block at subsidised rates but after the village areas of Dehradun are included in Dehradun Municipal Corporation, farmers will be deprived of all this, said Ghanshyam Pal.
Pune: Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar has announced Clean Campus, Green Campus, Smart Campus, a competition for colleges and universities on the occasion of Environment Day. The participant institutes will be evaluated in January. The competition will also be held for schools across the country later. PTI

Spanish writer Juan Goytisolo dies aged 86

Madrid: Juan Goytisolo, one of Spains most celebrated writers, whose work was banned during the Franco era, has died aged 86. Goytisolo built his reputation as a novelist, essayist and poet, always willing to take a non-conformist line. He was known for his defence of the Arab world and for his links with Latin America. AFP

UAE hotel hires 8 cats to help beat stress

Dubai: A luxury hotel in the UAE has employed eight cats to help its employees beat work-related stress. The Abu Dhabi-based Jannah Hotels and Resorts said the felines were recruited as part of its office cat policy to assist employees in unwinding and increasing productivity. PTI
London, June 5

Several Londoners and businesses opened their doors to people stranded here after the London Bridge attack by sharing offers on social media with the hashtag #SofaForLondon, days after Manchester residents helped out in a similar manner in the wake of the concert bombing.

Residents offered shelter and comfort to those affected by the terror attack on the capital by sharing the hashtag #SofaForLondon on social media.

Taxi drivers provided free rides from the cordons around London Bridge and Borough Market that left many cut off.

Places of worship across many faiths, including gurdwaras, joined hotels and businesses in providing food and shelter.

Strangers reached out on social media offering a cuppa, chat or a spare bed for the night, BBC reported.

All this came just days after Manchester residents opened up their homes and offered help to concert-goers affected by the horrific terror attack at the Manchester Arena last month.

They used the hashtag #RoomForManchester to offer help to distraught people after their night of music ended in tragedy with a suicide bomber blowing himself up at the arena, killing at least 22 people and injuring 59 others.

Londoners immediately reached out to help after yesterdays horrific attack in which three knife-wielding attackers unleashed a terror rampage here, ploughing a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge before stabbing revellers in a nearby market, killing seven people.

George Moss, 22, was taken in by friends Holly Robinson and Mary Lynch, who had tweeted that strangers with nowhere else to stay could go to their home in Vauxhall.

Moss, who had lost his mobile phone, was unable to get home after police put a cordon between Borough Market and Elephant and Castle.

He borrowed a phone from a journalist to let his parents know he was safe and spotted #SofaForLondon on Twitter.

After that I went towards Vauxhall and found Holly and Mary who very kindly gave me a place to stay, he was quoted as saying.

Staff at the Royal Oak pub in Tabard Street, Southwark said they gave shelter to around 150 people following the attacks.

There were people standing in the street who were evacuated from hotels nearby or who couldnt get back so we invited them in, said barman Radek Malis.

Neil Coyle, Labour candidate for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, was just minutes away from the scene of the attack and said the response from Londoners was amazing.

Anthony Myers tweeted a heart-warming offer to anyone caught up in the terror attacks: Tea, salt and vinegar crisps and comfy cushions. All the essentials. #sofaforLondon #LondonBridge.  PTI
Stockholm, June 5

Music icon and Nobel literature laureate Bob Dylan has delivered his Nobel lecture, the only requirement to claim the money that comes with the prize, the Swedish Academy said on Monday.

The speech is extraordinary and, as one might expect, eloquent. Now that the lecture has been delivered, the Dylan adventure is coming to a close, Sara Danius, the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, which awards the prize, wrote in a blog post.

In the speech, sent to the Academy with an audio link in which Dylan reads it aloud, the enigmatic rock star reflects on the possible links between his lyrics and literature.

When I first received this Nobel Prize for Literature, I got to wondering exactly how my songs related to literature, Dylan said.

He then cited musicians who inspired himincluding Buddy Holly, whose music changed my life and made him want to write songs when he was a teenagerand the classic novels that made a big impression on him, including Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front and The Odyssey.

Dylan is the first songwriter to win the prestigious Nobel Literature Prize.

The lecture can take nearly any form, including a short speech, a performance, a video broadcast or even a song, and must be held within six months of December 10, the date of the Nobel Prize ceremony and the anniversary of the death of the prizes founder Alfred Nobel.

Dylan will be able to claim the eight million kronor (819,000 euros, USD 923,000) associated with the prize.

He was honoured for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition, the Academy said when it announced Dylan as the winner in October.  AFP
The drills coincided with the three-day joint military drill between Japan's naval and air forces and US aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan.

By Asian News International: The residents of Abu, a small coastal town on the Sea of Japan, were rushed to safety as part of evacuation drills after being warned of a ballistic missile attack amid tensions with North Korea over its missile and nuclear programs.

The drills coincided with the three-day joint military drill between Japan's naval and air forces and US aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan.

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A North Korean ballistic missile takes 10 minutes to reach Japanese territory.

The Japan authorities has informed the citizens that they would be notified of an imminent missile attack on Japan 10 minutes prior to the projectile hitting the country and the government has also published a guide on protection against "armed attacks and terrorism."

Some 280 people involved in the drills were alerted to a potentially devastating missile launch through loudspeakers as blaring sirens stunned school children playing outside a local elementary school.

The drills were conducted to test the means of emergency communication and to ensure that in case of a real-life attack everybody would find their way to a designated shelter.

Russia Today reported that a scenario of the imaginative strike was created in which the missile was set to fall in the rocky terrain of the Yamaguchi Prefecture where the town with some 3,400 residents in located.

The exercises were held at the behest of the Japanese government, the fire service and disaster management agency, as well as the local prefectural and town authorities.

Also read:

North Korea displays 'new' missiles as US carrier group approaches

North Korean media threatens Pyongyang will 'wipe out' US from Earth's surface

North Korea test-fires ballistic missile in defiance of world pressure

WATCH | India expresses concern over H-bomb testing in N Korea

--- ENDS ---
London, June 4

British Prime Minister Theresa May today announced that the June 8 general election would 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, 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 persons 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.

The PM 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 the UKs security and intelligence services have disrupted five credible plots since the Parliament attack in London in March. The British PM announced that she plans to review the UKs counter-terror legislation. There is far too much tolerance for extremism in our country, she said. She also favoured closer regulation of the Internet, saying new international agreements should be introduced to regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremist and terrorism planning.

In reference to the elections, she said national campaigning would 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, the Prime Minister 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.  PTI

Third attack in 3 months

May 22: A suicide bomber blows himself outside a concert in Manchester, killing 22 persons and injuring 116. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State

March 22: Five persons are killed and more than 50 wounded when a man rams his car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in London. Investigators describe the lone-wolf attack as Islamist-related terrorism

Trump slams London mayor

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Sunday slammed Londons 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. 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, Trump said. In a series of tweets, he lashed out at Khan, who reportedly suggested there was no reason for alarm following the London attacks.

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!' Trump said. PTI

Gurdwaras open doors to attack victims

London: Gurdwaras in London on Sunday opened their doors to the victims stranded after the attack by offering them shelter and food. Sikhs tweeted that their places of worship were opened for those caught up in the horrific ordeal. In a 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. #Sikh Gurdwara in London are open to help & support those affected tonight with shelter & food #LondonBridge #United, GlasgowGurdwara tweeted. 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, we have come to the mutual decision that the event will continue. PTI
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, reports said on Sunday.

Jack Letts, who emerged as the first from the UK to join IS in Syria, told the London-based TV network Al- Araby he was living in a prison controlled by the Kurds. Letts, a former Cherwell School student who converted to Islam as a teenager, reportedly said he had no idea what would happen to him. Letts parents John Letts and Sally Lane are awaiting trial on terrorism-related offences after being accused of sending hundreds of pounds to their son in 2015-16. PTI

Manila attacker was indebted gambler

Manila: The lone suspect behind a attack on a casino and shopping complex in Manila was a heavily indebted Filipino gambling addict, the police said, bolstering their claim the assault was not terrorism-related. The mans immediate 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, Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told the media. This incident is confined to the act of one man alone as we have always said. AP

North Korea rejects new UN sanctions

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 UN on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against North after its repeated missile tests, adopting the first such resolution agreed by the US and Pyongyangs only ally China since US President Donald Trump took office. The sanctions resolution is a crafty hostile act with the aim of putting a curb on the DPRKs buildup of nuclear forces, disarming it and causing economic suffocation to it, he said. Reuters
Kathmandu, June 4

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.

The main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPM-UML) led by former PM 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 the 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 PM of Nepals young democracy. But with the House meeting postponed, Deuba will now have to wait until Tuesday to be elected as PM.

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 PM proposed Deubas name and senior NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel seconded the proposal to elect him on the basis of a majority.  PTI

Sole candidate
Washington/Orlando, June 5

Five persons, including a woman, were killed at a workplace in the US city of Orlando when a disgruntled former employee went on a shooting spree before killing himself.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The incident happened at Fiamma, a business on North Forsyth Road near Hanging Moss Road, near Orlando, the Orange County Sheriffs Office (OCSO) said, calling it a tragic incident.

Four died at the scene of business. One victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

The 45-year-old shooter  a former disgruntled employee who was fired in April  then killed himself, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said.

OCSO working shooting scene that has stabilised.

Multiple fatalities. Situation contained, the Sheriffs Office said in a tweet.

Seven persons were rescued.

The shooting took place almost a year after 49 people were killed on June 12, 2016, at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. At least 58 people were also injured.

Over the past year, the Orlando community has been challenged like never before, Florida Governor Rick Scott said in a statement. I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impacted by this senseless act of violence. PTI/Reuters
The mortal remains of Naik Dipak Kumar Maity, one of two jawans killed in a terror attack in Kashmir, were brought to his native village in West Bengal where he was accorded a military funeral.

By Manogya Loiwal : The mortal remains of one of two jawans killed in a terror attack in Qazigund area in Kashmir's Kulgram were today brought to their villages in West Bengal's West Midnapore.

Even as Naik Dipak Kumar Maity's family tries to come to terms with their personal loss, they also express pride at the contribution the jawan made for the country.

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Naik Dipak Kumar Maity, a resident of Masagram village in West Midnapore, had a 27-year career with the Indian Army, having joined the force in 1997.

The 43-year-old Maity was travelling from Udhampur to Srinagar as part of an Army convoy when it came under attack from terrorists near Lower Munda between Jawahar Tunnel and Wazur in Kashmir Valley. Two soldiers, including Maity, were killed in the attack while six others were injured.

The mortal remains of Maity and Gunner Manivannan G were initially brought to Delhi where wreaths were laid by the Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat before being dispatched to their respective homes.

From Delhi, Maity's body was brought to Kolkata, where wreaths were laid on behalf of the Eastern Army Commander, before being moved to native village of Masagram.

Thousands of people at the village lined the streets to bid farewell to the soldier. Military, police and civil officials paid homage at the military funeral.

Click here to Enlarge Villagers in Masagram gather at the funeral of Dipak Kumar (Photo: Sheikh Shah Jahan Ali)

Maity is survived by his wife Rikta and daughter Riya. At the funeral, the grieving daughter said, "The murderers of my father should die a painful death. I request the Indian government to take some steps for my mother and my future. I am proud of my father."

BJP West Bengal president, Dilip Ghosh, who took part in the last rites, said, "It is because of the Indian army that Kashmir is still part of India. Dipak Maity is an example of patriotism. People from this area shall definitely contribute in the protection of the nation and in the army. Our condolences are with his family and I pray god gives his family strength in their hard times."

ALSO READ | Jammu and Kashmir: CRPF kill 4 militants after they attacked camp in Bandipora

ALSO WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir Police busts Hizbul Mujahideen terror module in Kulgam

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Emergency responders were called to the scene of part of a building that collapsed Sunday in a Pryor industrial complex.

The incident occurred sometime Sunday afternoon at the Cabot Corp. in the MidAmerica Industrial Park, located near 4075 Sanders Mitchell Street in Pryor, a Pryor firefighter confirmed.

A company spokeswoman said a piece of equipment failed at the plant about 5 p.m.

We have confirmed that two people were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment, said Vanessa Craigie, manager of corporate communications for the company, in a statement.

We are currently in the process of shutting down the plant to ensure that it is safe and conducting interviews with shift personnel to determine the exact cause of the equipment failure, she said.

The safety and well-being of our employees, contractors and neighbors is our first priority, and our thoughts are with the two injured employees and their families, Craigie said.

We are doing all we can to assist the injured employees and their families.

The manufacturing plant is located in the MidAmerica Industrial Park, the states largest industrial park with more than 70 companies on site.

The Pryor plant manufactures activated carbon, which is used to remove pollutants, contaminants and other impurities from water, air, food and beverages, according to the companys website.

Cabot is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston. It has dozens of manufacturing plants, and research and sales offices in 20 countries.

This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

Twitter: @PaightenHarkins
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has released the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Advanced 2017 answer keys at jeeadv.ac.in

By India Today Web Desk: The Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Advanced 2017 answer keys have been released on the official website by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Madras.

All the candidates can check the same at jeeadv.ac.in

(Read: JEE Advanced 2017: Paper 1, Paper 2 analysis by experts)

Over 2 lakh candidates appeared for JEE Advanced on May 21 at various test centres across the nation.

Steps to check the JEE Advanced answer keys:

Go to the official website, jeeadv.ac.in

Click on the notification that says 'Answer keys released, click here'

Enter your registration number, date of birth, paper, subject and feedback

Click to submit

Answer keys will be displayed

Download and take a print out of it for further reference.

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This year, the cut-off to qualify for JEE Advanced stood at 81 for General students, 49 for OBC, 31 for SC and 27 for ST students.

Moreover, a candidate is allowed to appear for JEE (Advanced) a maximum of two times in consecutive years. Therefore, candidates who appeared in the JEE (Advanced) 2016 for the first time are also eligible.

Also, the Optical Response Sheet (ORS) was released last week.

Moreover, candidates need to submit their feedback against the answer keys by June 6 till 5 pm only.

About IIT:

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are institutions of national importance established through Acts of Parliament for fostering excellence in education. Through JEE (Advanced), IITs offer admission into undergraduate courses leading to a Bachelor's, Integrated Master's or Bachelor-Master Dual Degree in Engineering, Sciences, Architecture, or Pharmaceutics.

Read: ICSE Class 10, ISC Class 12 Exam 2017 results declared: Meet the top three rank holders

For information on more upcoming results and notifications, click here.

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A man was arrested after a carjacking at a north Tulsa convenience store in which a woman and her children were held at gunpoint and a bystander was shot at Sunday night, police said.

Joshua Flangen Wofford, 32, was arrested after being chased by police as he fled in a stolen pickup, police said.

Wofford is alleged to have pulled a gun on the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado at the QuikTrip at 28 N. Harvard Ave. and demanded the vehicle about 11:40 p.m.

Police said in an affidavit that a bystander approached the suspect in the victims vehicle and asked if he knew them. Wofford then fired a shot at the bystander as the person checked on the woman and her children, police said.

No one was hit by the gunfire.

After a pursuit in which the stolen pickup was abandoned, a police K-9 unit apprehended Wofford.

He was booked into the Tulsa Jail on three complaints of pointing a deadly weapon, a complaint of robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, eluding, larceny of an automobile and resisting arrest, according to jail records.

His bail is set at $256,500.
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.

Trump may not block Comey testimony

WASHINGTON  Days before a highly anticipated hearing, President Donald Trump appears unlikely to try and block fired FBI Director James Comey from testifying, as a Senate panel pledged aggressive questioning into whether the president sought to obstruct a probe into his campaigns relationship with Russia.

Comey, ousted last month amid the FBI investigation into possible Trump campaign ties to Russia, is set to testify Thursday before the Senate intelligence committee. The public hearing is expected to shed light on his private conversations with Trump in the weeks before his dismissal, including one discussion in which Trump allegedly asked Comey to drop an investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn and his Russian contacts.

Theres been no final decision as to whether Trump would invoke executive privilege, and the matter remains under discussion, according to two administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations. Trumps known to change his mind on major issues.

Reporting complications of cancer may boost survival

CHICAGO  If youre being treated for cancer, speak up about any side effects. A study that had patients use home computers to report symptoms like nausea and fatigue surprisingly improved survival  by almost half a year, longer than many new cancer drugs do.

The online tool was intended as a quick and easy way for people to regularly report complications rather than trying to call their doctors or waiting until the next appointment. Researchers had hoped to improve quality of life but got a bonus in longer survival.

I was floored by the results, said the study leader, Dr. Ethan Basch. We are proactively catching things early with online reporting.
WASHINGTON  So what if, in his speech to NATO during his overseas trip, Donald Trump didnt explicitly reaffirm the provision that an attack on one is an attack on all?

Whats the big deal? Didnt he affirm a general commitment to NATO during his visit? Hadnt 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 thats 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, 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 couldnt. Theyre not strong enough. To put it very coldly, theyre there to die. Theyre 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 Trumps 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.

Thats an American perennial. But if youre going to berate, at least reassure as well. Especially given rising Russian threats and aggression. Especially given that Trumps 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.

Its 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 Trumps 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 last week (without mentioning his name) that after Trumps visit it is clear that Europe can no longer rely on others. Its not that yesterday Europe could fully rely  and today it cannot rely at all. Its simply that the American deterrent has been weakened. And deterrence weakened is an invitation to instability, miscalculation, provocation and worse.

And for what?

Charles Krauthammers email address is letters@charleskrauthammer.com.

 2017, The Washington Post Writers Group
One of the most famous native Tulsans of all time uttered a line in the 20th century that is more salient than ever in the 21st:

Everyone, the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan used to say, is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.

(Its a fact  unassailable  that Moynihan, the former United Nations ambassador and U.S. senator from New York, was born in Tulsa. He and his family didnt stay long but still  You can look it up!)

A great public intellectual, Moynihans sense of whos entitled to what has been upended early in the 21st century, even if hes more right than ever. At the root of whats commonly known as fake news is the belief that facts are malleable and even irrelevant if they dont conform to preconceived conclusions. Fake news is a corrosive threat not just for traditional journalism, but for all aspects of public life.

Admittedly, the issue of fake news hardly is news. Writing recently in The Washington Post, Gregory Schneider told of how George Washington was a victim of fake news, in a series of forged letters in 1777 that framed him as being soft on independence from the British. Refuting the lies took awhile, too. Two decades later, as he was ending his presidency, Washington still was trying to disavow what historians have described as the spurious letters.

Hillary Clinton could feel Washingtons pain. Remember the story that circulated in the presidential campaign last year that Pope Francis had endorsed her opponent, Donald Trump? Or the story that Clinton was running a child sex-slave ring out of a pizza shop in Washington?

Total fabrication in both cases. But how many Americans believed there was at least a smidgen of truth in these stories?

Trump, now president, has spent much of his first months in office blasting traditional news organizations as promoters of fake news. This, from a man who peddled the lie  for the better part of five years  that his predecessor in the White House wasnt born in the United States.

Most alarming is the number of Americans who have picked up on Trumps insistence that the press is the enemy of the people. Its reflected in how they view the role of the news media, which, like nearly every other American institution except the military, has watched its public standing erode over time.

A new report by the Pew Research Center shows that the divide over the watchdog role of the press has never been wider. Among Democrats, nearly nine out of 10 believe news media criticism keeps political leaders in line. Conversely, only four in 10 Republicans believe the same. The gap, of 47 points, is the highest since Pew first asked the question in 1985.

Of course news consumers in a digital age, regardless of political leanings, can wall themselves off from the shades of gray messiness of the public arena. Facebook and other platforms of social media are the ultimate echo chambers, where biases  not just about traditional news media but other aspects of American life  thrive, regardless of fact or fiction. Why bother with the truth when it doesnt conform to their prejudices?

To its credit, Facebook, with 2 billion users worldwide, is trying to target, in the words of its News Feed vice president, misinformation, sensationalism, clickbait and posts that fall outside of our Community Standards. Still, Facebook, even with vast resources, cant be the internet cop on the global block. Which means curbing fake news is a task of the tallest order.

Certainly traditional media plays a key role. It must be more transparent about how it goes about its business, explaining to its audiences its decision-making. It has to double down, more than ever, on its most important tenets: accuracy and fairness.

The mixing of news and opinion, particularly on cable television, is confusing to viewers and lends itself to legitimate complaints of biases. And it hurts other news organizations, including the Tulsa World, that try, often under difficult circumstances, to present a daily news report free from as much prejudice as possible.

Ultimately, though, the proliferation of fake news will be slowed only by a better educated  and caring  public. The nations education system, burdened by mandates of all types, has little room in its school day to devote to civics, of what it takes to be an educated citizen in the 21st century. Yet a civics-centered curriculum would include educating young people on the importance of a responsible press and the legitimate practitioners of it.

Until then, news that has little or no basis in fact will be a fact of life in an increasingly polarized America. To which a certain native Tulsan no doubt would be dismayed.

Ed Kelley is dean of the University of Oklahomas Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Among other previous posts, he was the editorial page editor, managing editor and Washington bureau chief of The Oklahoman during a lengthy career as a professional journalist.
Kanwar Pal Singh Gill passed away at the age of 82. Described as the unsmiling cop that many who never knew him saw. But someone who always stood behind you, like a rock.

A big and strong man with a heart of gold" is how A.S. Dulat, former chief of the Research & Analysis Wing, remembers Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, India's most celebrated police officer, who passed away at the age of 82 on May 26. In fact, that would be exactly how his friends-and he had legions of friends-would describe Gill. Not as the fearsome, unsmiling cop that many who never knew him saw. But someone who always stood behind you, like a rock.

For all the tomes that have been written about Gill's impossible-to-replicate contribution - rescuing Punjab from the two-decade-long bloodbath wrought by the Khalistani terror machine - what really made the man a legend in his own lifetime was his ability to inspire confidence and loyalty in the men he led from the front.

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S.S. Virk, a former Punjab DGP who served under Gill, describes how he actively mentored young officers, encouraging them to understand and analyse situations before preparing counter-strategies. Suresh Arora, Punjab's incumbent police chief, says his most significant takeaway from Gill was to 'respond, never react' to a crisis. Confident of his support, young officers boldly took on the terrorists, gradually turning the tide in a state that everyone seemed to have given up on.

And Gill never failed them, from ensuring that the Punjab police became the best-equipped force in the country to tackle terrorism, to always showing up when one of his men got injured or was killed. Even after retirement, he was there for the last rites of Ajit Singh Sandhu-a police officer who had been instrumental in defeating Khalistani terrorism in Tarn Taran-who had committed suicide, embroiled in cases of human rights abuse.

Aside from the battle on the ground, Gill recognised the importance of staying ahead of his adversaries in the perception war. From escorting Bollywood actor Sridevi on an evening walk along Chandigarh's Sukhna lake to leading his men into militant strongholds like the Mand (the marshy floodplain of the Sutlej) as part of 'Operation Night Dominance'-the pictures on the front page of every newspaper did the rest. Policemen who had once sought safety in padlocked thanas became unafraid, people were reassured, and the terrorists who had ruled the hinterland were on the run.

The only people who had any real reason to fear Gill were the Khalistanis and those who drew sustenance from the strife. Many of his worst critics, he told Virk just weeks before his death, were the biggest beneficiaries of the peace the Punjab police resurrected under his command.

K.P.S. Gill was rather unceremoniously shown the door on December 31, 1995, by the then Congress government in Delhi. A one-line fax message received at the Gazette Officer's Mess, Gill's residence-cum-office in Chandigarh, informed him that he had been retired, effective midnight. Typically, the man showed no reaction. He spent New Year's evening doing what he liked best-sipping a glass of his favourite whiskey and reciting Persian poetry to his friends.

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If youre interested in comparing the British version to our own, My Kitchen Rules UK will screen on Lifestyle FOOD in early July.

This is produced by 7Wonder, an arm of Seven West Media, and appears to offer a nightly prize.

This aired in the UK in October.

Two legends of British cuisine, two-times Michelin Star restauranteur and chef, Michael Caines, and Queen of home cooks and food writer, Prue Leith present a new entertaining and competitive cooking series. They will be joining forces to judge 16 pairs of entrepreneurial amateur cooks who open their own restaurant at home for one ambitious night, in a bid to scoop the 10,000 prize and the right to say, My Kitchen Rules.

Weeknights from July 3 at 9.30pm on LifeStyle FOOD.
ABC has announced production is underway on a new documentary series, Employable Me.

The series will bring diverse stories, including those about people living with disabilities, as it follows people with neuro-diverse conditions such as Autism, Aspergers and Tourette Syndrome looking for employment.

With the help of experts in the field, the series will draw on science to highlight the skills of each job-seeker and match them to roles that can harness their strengths.

Produced by Northern Pictures (Changing Minds), it has the backing of Screen Australia and the NSW Government, which hopes the series will change employer behaviour.

NSW Minister for Disability Services, Ray Williams MP, said: Research shows that across all sectors, a critical barrier for jobseekers with a disability is the attitude of prospective employers.

The NSW Government is delighted to provide funding for Employable Me in line with the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan. I hope that the series will contribute to building positive community attitudes on employment for people with a disability.

Michael Brealey, CEO of Create NSW said: Create NSW has lead the industry in developing programs that support professional opportunities for people with disabilities, including the Screenability program. We are very pleased to partner on Employable Me which will further shine a light on the capabilities of people with disabilities as well as the challenges they face.

Screen Australias Senior Manager of Documentary, Liz Stevens said: The use of science to reveal the unique talents and skills of those living with neurological conditions impressed us as a particularly compelling way to inspire confidence in the value of employing people with disabilities in the workplace. We are proud to support Northern Pictures to make Employable Me and hope it will challenge perceptions and create opportunities.

ABC Managing Director, Michelle Guthrie said: The ABC is committed to telling significant stories of diversity and inclusion that can make a positive change to the lives of Australians  especially those who are disadvantaged.

Employable Me will be another example of distinctive content delivered by the ABC that encourages a national debate about this important topic.

It will air in 2018.
Actor Hugh Sheridan told a Melbourne court today he felt friend Rebel Wilsons career had slowed as a result of articles published by Bauer Media.

In LA, the TV Week Logie winner appeared via video link.

Shes been extremely distressed about it. I mean, shes in court now. Its been awful, he said.

If theres articles that are printed about you that are saying that you lie, people wont want to work with you if their product is wholesome, Sheridan said.

Its too scary to market a film around someone who could be a liability. For Rebel its been very tough for around two years.

He also detailed visiting Disneyland with Wilson where they visited a secret room where at the touch of a button, mermaids appeared in pictures, music started and visions were projected onto the walls.

Wilson, who is suing the magazine publisher for Defamation, has maintained she is related to Walt Disney. She has told the court she was sacked from the films Kung Fu Panda 3 and Trolls in the wake of the articles.

But Former Australian Womens Weekly associate editor Caroline Overington said Wilson wrongly confirmed her real name and age for another article.

I remember it very clearly. My opening question was, this is an extraordinary story, you are 29, you have parents that are dog handlers, you have this huge Hollywood career, and your name is actually Rebel, she told the court.

Rebel replied yes.

She was not truthful with me and I printed things that were not truthful and it is so hard for me to come here and say that, Overington said.

Former Womans Day journalist, who wrote the article the led to the trial, Shari Nementzik, took to the witness box this afternoon.

I struggled with this. I didnt want to be too mean, she told the court.

Source: Herald Sun, Fairfax
Gap Inc. and the United Nations Foundation today announced a new partnership to raise awareness and funds for UN Free & Equal, a program of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to promote equal rights and fair treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people globally. Building on a joint effort last year to raise awareness of the Free & Equal campaign, the 2017 partnership marks Pride Month and includes two main components:

As part of Gap Inc.s #WearYourPride campaign, 30 percent of net sales from Gap brands Pride t-shirts will be donated to the UN Foundation to benefit Free & Equal. T-shirts will be available online as well as select stores in the U.S., Canada, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Taiwan and the U.K. Pride t-shirts will be available through October while supplies last.

Additionally, Gap Inc. brands will offer special, Pride-themed eGift Cards this year. For every Pride eGift Card sold during the month of June, $2 will be donated to the UN Foundation in support of Free & Equal up to $25,000. Pride eGift Cards will be available from Athleta, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory, Gap, Gap Factory and Old Navy.

Were proud to partner with the UN Foundation in support of UN Free & Equal, said Roy L. Hunt, SVP of Gap Inc.s global franchise operation and executive sponsor of the companys partnership with UN Foundation. For more than 47 years, Gap Inc. has stood for equality for all, and were pleased to give our customers a way to express their support and celebrate Pride. We are committed to doing our part to bring people together and work towards a brighter future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive as equals.

UN Foundation COO Richard S. Parnell added, The UN Foundation is fully committed to the values embodied in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights  that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Working with Gap Inc. means that message will reach thousands of the companys customers, giving them a way to celebrate their own commitment to human rights while also supporting those working for LGBTI equality around the world through the Free & Equal campaign.

UN Free and Equal Campaign Director Charles Radcliffe at the UN Human Rights Office welcomed Gaps support for the campaign and called on the corporate sector more broadly to play a bigger role in tackling human rights abuses, including discrimination against LGBTI people.

The UN Free & Equal campaign is working globally to open peoples hearts and minds and promote greater respect for the rights of LGBTI people, said Radcliffe. With Gap Inc.s help and the support of its customers, the campaign will this year reach more people in more countries than ever before.

He continued, As Pride month begins, we are calling on companies around the world to join us in standing up for equal rights and fair treatment for LGBTI people everywhere. Business has a stake in diversity and inclusion, and a vital role to play in tackling discrimination  both in the workplace and in communities worldwide.

###

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, Intermix and Weddington Way brands. Fiscal year 2016 net sales were $15.5 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,200 company-operated stores, over 450 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

About the United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the worlds most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual donors. Learn more at: www.unfoundation.org.

About UN Free and Equal

UN Free and Equal is an unprecedented global public information campaign aimed at promoting equal rights and fair treatment of LGBTI people. It was launched by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in July 2013 and has since reached over a billion people globally through traditional and social media as well as generated a stream of widely shared materials  including powerful videos, impactful graphics and plain-language fact sheets. For more information please visit www.unfe.org.
Refugees from Burundi in Nduta camp in north-western Tanzania. Since April 2015, over 250,000 Burundians have fled to neighbouring countries.  UNHCR/Benjamin Loyseau

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania  The Government of Tanzania has announced the launch of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) in Tanzania that will seek to implement a radical shift in refugee protection towards a more systematic and sustainable response.

At a launch ceremony on Friday 02 June, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, the Government and a broad range of stakeholders including UN agencies, international financial institutions, humanitarian and development actors, members of civil society and academia committed to work together to strengthen the protection and rights of refugees, support the greater inclusion of refugees within society and recognise and foster development opportunities for refugees and host communities.

For decades, Tanzania has been proud to provide safety and protection to people fleeing war, violence and persecution, said Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Engineer Hamadi Massauni (MP), who officiated the event. Tanzania recognises the unity of people, and we look forward to working alongside partners, both old and new, towards ensuring refugees and host communities in Tanzania are given the best opportunities to live alongside one another prosperously and peacefully.

For decades, Tanzania has been proud to provide safety and protection to people fleeing war, violence and persecution.

The acting Director of Regional Administration, Ibrahimu Minja added that the prosperity of refugees and host communities are symbiotically linked. Host communities in north-western Tanzania continue to welcome thousands of new arrivals each month, he said. It is critical that in the spirit of collective action and responsibility-sharing, they are supported by the international community to ensure refugees continue to be hosted in safety and dignity.

Tanzania has volunteered to be a pilot country for the development of the CRRF, a game-changing commitment from 193 states agreed at last years UN Summit on Refugees and Migrants to develop a holistic and sustainable refugee response that reinforces legal protection of refugees while bolstering support for host communities. UN member states are set to adopt a Global Compact on Refugees in 2018, based on the lessons learned from applying the CRRF in Tanzania as well as other pilot countries.

We need to close the gap between humanitarian and development assistance, said Danish Ambassador to Tanzania Einar Jensen, speaking on behalf of development partners. We need smart and good solutions that allow refugees to look after themselves and be productive. We are ready to put all our efforts behind the CRRF, and strongly support Tanzania as a pilot country.

We need smart and good solutions that allow refugees to look after themselves and be productive.

After fleeing violence in Burundi, Jacqueline found safety and shelter  and a place to give birth to young Dani  in Tanzania's Nduta refugee camp.  UNHCR/Sebastian Rich

As part of the New York Declaration, Tanzania made five pledges towards strengthening the protection of refugees and asylum-seekers. At the launch, Government reconfirmed its pledges to:

1. Continue to receive people fleeing war, political instability and persecution;

2. Review the 1998 Refugees Act and the 2003 National Refugee Policy to ensure refugee protection is in line with international law and current realities:

3. Provide durable solutions to the remaining 1972 Burundian refugees who applied for Tanzanian citizenship but have not been naturalized;

4. Strengthen refugee protection by enhancing their access to education and employment; and

5. Support the global compact on refugees, once adopted.



The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) stands ready to support Tanzania and the CRRF Secretariat in its efforts to enhance support for refugees and host communities, said UNHCR Representative to Tanzania, Ms. Chansa Kapaya. There is an urgent need for understanding that the dramatic growth in the suffering of people who have fallen victim to war and persecution requires an equally dramatic growth in financial support, and for innovative, new ways of working to meet their basic needs. By adopting a whole of society approach, we are excited to welcome new allies to join us, hand in hand, in a comprehensive, sustainable response to refugees.

We are ready to put all our efforts behind the CRRF, and strongly support Tanzania as a pilot country.

We have an opportunity to show that when refugees are given the right opportunities and support, they can support themselves and their families, and become important contributors to the communities hosting them, said Country Director of Tanganyika Christian Refugee Services, Emmanuel Shangweli, speaking on behalf of NGOs. Tanzania is a country to showcase, and we are ready to work with other actors to produce tangible results and complement each others work.

Tanzania is the largest host of Burundian refugees in the region with over 312,000 refugees and asylum-seekers (figures as at end of April) including over 250,000 Burundian refugees received since the outbreak of violence in Bujumbura in 2015. Significant numbers of new arrivals continue to flee to Tanzania each month, where they are provided with critical aid in the three refugee camps in the north-west. However, the humanitarian response continues to face significant challenges in providing life-saving aid and key basic services. To date, just four per cent of the US$ 406 million needed for the humanitarian response to Burundian refugees in Tanzania has been received.
Hyderabad, Jun 5 (UNI) Green Mile Transportation Private Limited (GMTPL) today launched first Airport Electric Taxi Services in the city on a pilot basis. Electric car taxi is one of the ambitious projects of the NDA government as it is part of UNDP millennium goals and also to tackle increasing pollution in the country. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Mayor Bonthu Rammohan who inaugurated the service said such environmental friendly and pollution free initiatives is need of the hour and assured to extend necessary support to the authorities. He said that the GHMC will introduce such vehicles if charging stations were increased in the city. The GHMC also to take an initiative to convert all the autorickshaws into e-autorickshaws in future to protect environment, he added. Mr Ramohan said that the e-taxi car cost would be more but fuel cost is cheaper than the diesel or petrol cars. The e-taxi fuel cost would be Rs one per kms as compared to Rs 4-5 per kms of diesel car. GMTPL Director Ramineni Raj Phani said that at present five cars would be operated to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). Two charging stations-- one at RGIA and Jubilee Hills Check Port were setup. The number of cars to be increased to 25 over a period of next two months and charging stations also increased to nine, he said. Once charged it, the car would run about 100 kms, Mr Phani said and added the car cost would around Rs 12 lakh. While congratulating the GMTPL, Hyderabad Metro Rail Managing Director NVS Reddy assured to set up charging stations in every Metro Station. Telangana Government Advisors Dr G Vivekananda (Inter State Affairs) and B V Papa Rao IAS (Retd) (Policy & Institutional Development, GHMC Commissioner Janrdhan Reddy and among others congratulated the GMTPL authorities for introducing e-taxis in the city. The Green Mile also introduced Bio degradable plastic covers (within six months) on the occasion. UNI VV CS 1344
The past 11 months have also witnessed the unmasking of some key players in the Valley, who for decades have run the ISI-funded terror industry and been responsible for keeping the Kashmir pot boiling.

Pakistan has succeeded in engineering unrest in the Kashmir Valley and sustaining it for almost 11 months since Burhan Wani's killing on July 8, 2016. It has employed social media networks and its proxies to incite the youth to challenge the rule of law and state authority. While the number of Kashmiris who took to the streets for ideological reasons was minuscule, the majority joined the bandwagon for petty sums of money. J&K has the highest rate of unemployment in northern India.

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The past 11 months have also witnessed the unmasking of some key players in the Valley, who for decades have run the ISI-funded terror industry and been responsible for keeping the Kashmir pot boiling. Sting operations by the media have helped the nation understand the complexities and the Machiavellian nature of the Pakistan-sponsored dirty war. Balanced and mature media reporting has also helped raise the morale of the security forces besides highlighting their selfless service in extremely volatile conditions. It has also been instrumental in marginalising some of the pacifists whose consistent demand has been resumption of dialogue with the separatists.

Restoring peace in the Valley requires an enduring 'whole of government' approach. Our Pakistan strategy should aim at inflicting maximum pain to its army through coordinated application of all instruments of national power. Since 1989, the Pakistan army has nurtured the India-centric terrorist outfits that have bled us on numerous occasions. The only way to dissuade it would be to give it a taste of its own medicine. We have to surreptitiously exploit Pakistan's internal faultlines to now make its army bleed by a thousand cuts. Such covert operations would have to be supplemented by a comprehensive public information and perception management campaign to keep its army on the backfoot by showcasing its excessive use of force and human rights violations.

The central government's policy of not engaging with the 'irrelevant players' in J&K should continue, notwithstanding the pressure from opposition parties and peaceniks. While dialogue and close engagement with the people is a must, it should be through the democratically-elected representatives and not Pakistani proxies. To get stone-pelting youth off the streets, the state government will have to proactively reach out to the people. The Centre will have to create jobs. Raising central armed police battalions is one option.

Operations on the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland should continue with renewed vigour. Moral ascendency must be maintained on the LoC through fire assaults and surgical strikes. Troop densities and surveillance capability should be augmented. It will not only help plug the vulnerabilities being exploited by Pakistan's Border Action Team and infiltrating terrorists but will also provide our troops requisite time for rest and refit. Villages near the LoC should be ruggedised under the Border Area Development Programme.

In the hinterland, intelligence-based people-friendly operations to neutralise terrorists and their overground workers should continue while respecting human rights and the law of the land. The holy month of Ramzan must not make our security forces complacent. Usually, this month, the world over, witnesses a spike in terrorist activities. Given the ISI's focus on fuelling the current unrest, security for the Amarnath Yatra should be enhanced. Stakeholders in the J&K strategy must not forget the centrality of Kashmiris in ensuring lasting peace and stability. While clean, people-friendly military operations will provide secure conditions, the state and central governments need to expeditiously address the bigger issues of unemployment and development.

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The author is former chief of army staff and former chairman, chiefs of staff committee.

--- ENDS ---
UW Faculty Member, Students Contribute to Paper on Newly Discovered Hot Planet

This artists rendering shows KELT-9b (red) and its larger host star, KELT 9. Hannah Jang-Condell, a UW assistant professor of physics and astronomy, contributed data to a paper, titled A Giant Planet Undergoing Extreme Ultraviolet Irradiation By its Hot Massive-Star Host, that appears in the June 5 issue (today) of Nature. (Courtesy of Ohio State University)

Hannah Jang-Condell, a University of Wyoming assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, helped discover a Jupiter-like world that is hotter than most stars.

The planet, dubbed KELT-9b, is more than 7,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than most stars, and only 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the sun. The gas giant, similar in temperature to red dwarf stars, is 2.8 times more massive than Jupiter. However, it is only half as dense because extreme radiation from KELT-9, its host star, has caused the gas giant to inflate like a balloon.

Jang-Condell says the discovery of this planet is significant for two reasons: One, it is one of the hottest, if not the hottest planets found; and, two, because the planet is orbiting only a short distance from the star. The planet orbits the star in 1 1/2 days.

Its typically been difficult to find planets around stars that hot, she says. This helps us understand planets around these more massive stars.

A paper, titled A Giant Planet Undergoing Extreme Ultraviolet Irradiation By its Hot Massive-Star Host, appears in the June 5 issue (today) of Nature, an international weekly journal of science.

Jang-Condell and her students did not directly help write the paper, which included contributions from 47 universities and other organizations. Rather, they provided data for the publication. Tyler Ellis, who received his bachelors degree in astronomy and astrophysics at UW in 2015, and currently a graduate student at Louisiana State University, from Spokane, Wash.; UW graduate student David Kasper, of Waukesha, Wis.; and UW undergraduate students Rex Yeigh, of Buffalo, and Aman Kar, from Barrackpore, India, contributed by collecting data.

I think it is really cool that exoplanets is this new field and we can have undergraduates in on this cutting-edge research, Jang-Condell says.

At UW, Ellis says he was part of a small group of faculty, graduate students and undergraduates who collaborated as part of the Kilodegree Exoplanet Telescope (KELT) North team.

KELT is a survey telescope which finds candidate host stars of exoplanets, Ellis says. These candidates are then followed up by collaborating members.

Jang-Condell and her students use UWs Red Buttes Observatory -- which was updated to operate semi-autonomously and remotely -- to monitor the stars brightness over many nights. KELT-9b, which is roughly 600 light years away from Earth, was spotted once, in 2015, at the observatory, Jang-Condell says.

We saw it once, in transit, when the planet crosses the front of the star, she says. This causes a slight dip in the light in the star.

Because KELT-9b is tidally locked to its star -- much like the moon is to Earth -- the day side of the planet is perpetually bombarded by stellar radiation. As a result, the planet is so hot that molecules, such as water, carbon dioxide and methane, cannot form there, according to the paper. The properties of the planets night side are less clear. Molecules may be able to form there but, if so, only temporarily.

The study was primarily funded by the National Science Foundation through various grants and a fellowship: NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Exoplanet Exploration Program; the Harvard Future Faculty Leaders Postdoctoral Fellowship; Theodore Dunham Jr. Grant from the Fund for Astronomical Research; and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
JKLF chief Yasin Malik was detained today in Srinagar ahead of a meeting of the separatist leaders. Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also put under house arrest.

By Poulomi Saha, Shuja-ul-Haq : Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik was detained and chairman of moderate Hurriyat faction Mirwaiz Umar Farooq put under house arrest today ahead of a meeting of the separatist leaders of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police SP Vaid said, "Law must take its course. If some process of investigation has started, it must conclude."

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Yasin Malik was detained from his residence and lodged at the Kothibag police station in downtown Srinagar.

The separatist leaders proposed to hold a meeting followed by a press conference of the joint resistance camp later today. The separatist leaders had planned a meeting at the Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani's residence at Hyderpora.

RATTLED BY NIA RAIDS

The separatist leaders are rattled by the raids conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) following an investigative report by India Today - Operation Villains of the Valley.

Several separatist leaders were seen in the sting video admitting that they carried forward the agenda of Pakistan by taking money.

The NIA launched an investigation to find out more details. The agency conducted several raids on separatists and businessmen in Kashmir Valley over the past two days.

Raids were conducted on close aides of the separatist leaders and those who act as their conduits including businessmen and traders from the Valley, Jammu, Delhi and Haryana.

The separatist leaders called the NIA raids a 'witch hunt' by the central government to "defame and weaken the people's political struggle and simultaneously cripple the economy of Valley."

Sources have told India Today that based on the documents seized during the raids, the NIA would soon call to Delhi at least five persons who had been recently raided.

ALSO READ |

Caught on Camera: How Pakistan funds Kashmiri separatists to burn the Valley - India Today Exclusive

Jammu and Kashmir separatists warn of dire consequences after NIA raids

The Hurriyat tale: How separatist leaders with confused ideology thrived in Kashmir politics

ALSO WATCH | India Today impact: Crackdown on Yasin Malik, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq; J-K Police say no to separatists' meet

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Jun 5 (PTI) Congress today demanded a special session of Maharashtra Legislature to discuss the ongoing agitation by farmers and to know the BJP-led state governments stand on loan waiver issue.

"The situation prevailing in the state is serious. It was wrong for the chief minister (Devendra Fadnavis) and (MoS agriculture) Sadabhau Khot to announce that the strike (by farmers) was called off when it was still on," Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ashok Chavan said.

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"We demand an immediate special session of the Legislature to discuss this ongoing strike and the governments actual stand on loan waiver and to give justice to farmers," he told reporters here.

Chavan said the chief ministers contention to provide loan waiver to farmers with marginal land holdings will do no good to them as most of the cultivators in suicide-prone Vidarbha and Marathwada regions have land ad-measuring more than five hectares.

"The CM cannot differentiate among farmers. They are in a bad situation and there is a dearth of facilities for them due to consecutive drought for three years. The drought did not choose to affect only marginal farmers," he said.

On Fadnavis allegations of hooligans resorting to violence in the name of farmers protests, Chavan said "everybody knows which is the party that has the maximum number of goons."

"During our tenure in government for 10 years, we increased the minimum support price (MSP) for farmers by an average 140-160 per cent, about 14 per cent increase annually. The BJP, in the last three years, has increased MSP by a mere 1.5 per cent," he said.

Responding to the chief ministers announcement of bringing in a law during the forthcoming monsoon session to criminally charge those who buy agricultural produce at a rate lesser than the MSP, Chavan said it is the governments responsibility to buy it at MSP.

"This law will only apply to traders. They will close down their business saying it is unsustainable for them. Farmers will be left in a lurch if the government does not take responsibility to buy the produce," he said. PTI MM GK

--- ENDS ---
What impact will the visit of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc have on the promotion of investments in Vietnam?

A large-scale investment promotion conference is planned to be held in Tokyo on the occasion of Prime Minister Phucs visit to Japan. Some concrete achievements in foreign direct investment (FDI) projects will be announced on this occasion. We believe that FDI from Japan to Vietnam will continue to increase, primarily focused on the manufacturing and energy sectors. Also, there is a possibility that collaboration between Japanese small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Vietnamese companies will be accelerated, promoting the supporting industry in Vietnam, to which the Vietnamese government attaches strong importance. Still, to strengthen the links between Japanese and Vietnamese companies, it is strongly suggested that Vietnam continue to improve its business climate and implement further reforms. Therefore, on this special occasion in Tokyo, it is very important that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc makes a commitment to this endeavour.

What are the current trends for Japanese investments in Vietnam?

Over the past three years, FDI from Japan has continued to increase in terms of the number of projects, however the overall amount of capital invested remains almost the same. FDI from Japan has been diversifying. Most Japanese companies entering Vietnam still focus on export-oriented manufacturing, benefitting from Vietnams abundant, cheap, and high-quality labour force. But others have set their sights on expanding within Vietnam, particularly in the rapidly growing retail sector.

In addition, some Japanese companies that have been operating in Vietnam for quite a long time have launched products such as instant noodles (Hao Hao) or rice crackers (ICHI) that were developed by research and development (R&D) teams led by Vietnamese staff, reflecting Vietnamese tastes while using Japanese production techniques.

The two countries are also fostering agricultural projects in Vietnam. What is the outlook for this type of Japanese investment in Vietnam?

In the agricultural sector, based on the framework of the Japan-Vietnam Agriculture Cooperation Dialogue, both governments are currently promoting a connection between economic co-operation and private investment in order to establish an organised value chain for food in Vietnam.

Some Japanese agricultural groups and firms have started farming in Da Lat  in Lam Dong province  and the Moc Chau area of Son La province where the weather is cool. Hence, Japanese agricultural technologies can be easily applied to the geography and meteorology of Vietnam.

Based on this, more and more Japanese firms are interested in the agriculture sector in Vietnam. Therefore, we would like to continue to work closely with the Vietnamese side in this field.

What are the achievements and challenges in the Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative to improve the business environment in Vietnam?

The Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative to improve the business environment in Vietnam that was launched in 2003 is now in its sixth phase. The initiative has achieved various successes.

Currently, we are having a series of discussions with relevant ministries in seven areas, including labour, wages, legal institutions in such areas as investment and corporate law, pharmaceutical imports, and more. In order to further improve the investment climate in Vietnam, we believe that two major and fundamental issues have to be urgently dealt with.

First, it is necessary to improve the governments structure to implement policy objectives. It is advisable that the Vietnamese government establish a government structure that enables the steady implementation of their policy objectives.

The second issue is related to business costs, particularly so-called informal fees that occur in the process of administrative procedures. Such informal fees have negatively impacted the business climate and transparency in Vietnam, and could be a factor that impedes productivity growth in the country.

Low salaries in the public sector can also be attributed to this issue. In order for Vietnam to achieve substantial economic growth in the future, it is a vital step to overcome this.
The CSR programme Young Talent Nurture is the latest in a series of activities by Dekalb Vietnam, a subsidiary of Monsanto, to celebrate International Childrens Day.

Huynh Di Trac, the representative of Dekalb Vietnam, in Southeast Vietnam and the Mekong Delta region, told VIR that the programme has granted 56 gifts, including school bags and books to support students in need at Da Phuoc Secondary School and Khanh An Primary School.

We strive to improve the lives of children and families in the locality where we cultivate the weed- and insect-resistant Genuity corn seeds. This CSR programme aims to motivate students to pursue education in the next school years. Dekalb Vietnam plans to replicate this programme across the province to bring more happiness to the needy and contribute to local social development.

In response to the visit, a teacher at Da Phuoc Secondary School commented that the school receives more than 100 bright but underprivileged students every year. We are grateful for Dekalb Vietnam and their sponsors who contribute to giving needy children a fulfilling education and a better future. We hope that the programme will be expanded to inspire more children from low-income families in the locality.

Meanwhile, a teacher at Khanh An Primary School said that the school is located in the remote region and many families are poor and illiterate. We hope that more similar events will be organised to encourage impoverished students to study, contributing to the development of local education.

Vu Ngoc To Nhu, a middle school student at Da Phuoc said that, The programme is meaningful to me and my friends who are in need. After receiving the gift, I am committed to studying harder to become a doctor in the future.

In addition to Young Talent Nurture, Monsanto has organised many activities to improve the local communities. Monsanto has joined forces with US-based Room to Read to improve education and gender equality for more than 80,000 children from farmer families in Vietnam.

The Monsanto-Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) scholarship programme has been fostering young talents in the agri-biotech area with a fund of VND1.5 billion ($66,000) in the 2014-2018 period.
So it aims to push forward the "Quality Leisure Destination campaign under the "Thailand Plus One policy and collaborate with neighboring countries in tourism programs, such as "Single Tourist Destination.

"Thailand Plus One is a government policy that aims to stimulate the countrys economy by using Thailands advantage points  being in the center of the ASEAN region and being the gateway to the ASEAN Economic Community market, which has 620 million consumers  to attract more investment from foreign investors.

Thailand has a modern transportation infrastructure network, and its exceptional geographic location makes it possible for visitors to travel through neighboring countries quickly and easily.

As a result, the collaboration with its neighbors will raise the region to a new level, as it becomes a single tourist destination for travelers from around the world.

2017 is set to be the year of ASEAN tourism under the campaign "Visit ASEAN at 50 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. It is expected to attract over 120 million tourists and bring in up to 29 trillion baht (or US$829 million) to the member countries.

There are preparations to complete various network links, such as the railway network connecting Kunming and Singapore, and the development of the ASEAN highway between Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, which will bring benefits to all the countries.

The Government has also planned the tourism strategy 2015-2017, which is part of the 20-year national strategic plan "Thailand Moves Forward to support the nations ability to attract more tourists and make Thailand a quality leisure destination.

Moreover, they will put into action the late King Bhumibol's philosophy "Explode from the inside, which will enable communities to understand the advantages of participation in the project.

The tourism industry is one of the important factors driving Thailands economic growth during the last few years. In 2015, Thailand had a 16.7% economic growth rate, with an income of over 1.45 trillion baht (or US$41,000 million). In 2016, its economy grew a further 11%, and income reached over 2.52 trillion baht (or US$72,000 million).

Because tourism will continue to account for growth in many sectors that are connected to the tourism industry, it is a vital element in the nations economic picture.
A member of the core-committee of farmers based in Puntamba claimed that the strike has been called off as the government accepted 70 per cent of their demands.

Farmers block the road during a protest as part of the Maharashtra bandh over various demands in Solapur, Maharashtra on Monday. PTI Photo

By Kiran Tare: The farmers' call for total shutdown received mixed response today with sporadic incidences of violence in some parts of Nashik and Osmanabad. Interestingly, the epicenter of the farmers' strike village Puntamba in Ahmednagar district remained completely shut even after the members of farmers core committee had withdrawn from the strike.

The agriculture produce marketing committee in Solapur remained opened. The farmers themselves were seen getting their produce to the committee for auction. About 450 trucks carrying vegetables arrived in Navi Mumbai market, as opposed to around 1000 trucks on normal business days. It is the biggest market from where vegetables are supplied to Mumbai.

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In Nashik, the call for shutdown received good response with all APMCs in Manmad, Malegaon and Chandwad remaining shut. There was influx of around 30 per cent goods in Pune APMC with about 400 trucks of vegetable produce. In Dhule inflow of goods was normal.

In Sangamner of Ahmednagar district farmers burnt an effigy of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Farmers in Chandwad taluka of Nashik district supported the shutdown with rasta roko protests on Manmad-Chandwad road. There was also onion throwing protest in Yeola taluka of Nashik district. Farmers on bullock carts meanwhile blocked the Nashik-Niphad-Chandwad road and extended support to the bandh.

Nagpur-Tuljapur highway was also blocked. In Vadgaon of Kolhapur, workers of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) engaged in a spat with traders and got aggressive for trying to sell produce despite a bandh. In Hingoli too there were protests with protestors demanding a complete loan waiver. Milk tankers coming from Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara towards Mumbai via the Mumbai-Pune expressway were given Z category security to avoid untoward incidents.

Dhananjay Jadhav, a member of the core-committee of farmers based in Puntamba, claimed that the strike has been called off as the government accepted 70 per cent of their demands. "We have no connection whatsoever with this ongoing strike," he told reporters.

Jadhav claimed that he and other leaders called off the strike in view of possible difficulties in maintaining law and order. "Even if I am a BJP worker, my first priority will be farmers getting justice. The decision to strike was to get the government meet our demands which it has," he said.

SSS MP Raju Shetti, who is a part of ruling dispensation of NDA, said that he regrets the decision of joining NDA. "A meeting of the party's working committee will be called soon and a decision will be taken whether to opt out of this government," Shetti told reporters in Kolhapur.

Another ruling ally Shiv Sena too supported the strike. "We are with the farmers and will continue to back them," said Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in a statement release from an unknown place. He is travelling abroad, it is learnt.

ALSO READ:

Maharashtra farmers strike: Shiv Sena slams Devendra Fadnavis government

Shivraj Chouhan announces measures to end farmers' agitation, protesters respond with more violence

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No country for farmers: In headlong rush towards development, Indian farmers fall through the cracks

Maharashtra farmers strike: Vegetable prices set to soar in Mumbai as vendors leave Vashi mandi empty bag

WATCH | Maharashtra farmers' strike over loan waiver affecting fruit, vegetable markets in Mumbai

--- ENDS ---
Police officers and emergency response vehicles are seen on the street outside Borough Market on June 4, 2017, the morning after a terror attack on London Bridge and the Borough area in London AFP/Chris J RATCLIFFE

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 and came only days before a general election.

"A detachment of fighters from Islamic State carried out London attacksyesterday," said the Aamaq news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic State group.

British Prime Minister Theresa May blamed "evil" Islamist ideology and vowed to crackdown on extremist content online worldwide, as police detained 11 people following two raids in east London.

National campaigning for Thursday's vote was suspended for the day out of respect for the victims, who included 48 people treated in hospital for injuries. Of those, 21 are still in a critical condition.

One Canadian national and one Frenchman were among the fatalities and seven French citizens were among the injured.

No details have been released about the perpetrators, who were shot dead within minutes by police.

Eight officers fired an "unprecedented" 50 rounds at the three attackers, according to Mark Rowley, head of national counter-terrorism policing, who said that a member of the public also suffered a gunshot wound.

Detectives were still investigating whether the assailants acted alone, and Rowley said their identities would be released "as soon as operationally possible".

Police launched raids in the ethnically diverse London suburb of Barking in the hours after the rampage, arresting seven women and five men aged between 19 and 60 at two properties. A 55-year-old man was later released.

'COPYING ONE ANOTHER'

May said the attack was driven by the same "evil ideology of Islamist extremism" behind last week's Manchester suicide bombing that left 22 people dead, and the Westminster attack in March, which killed five.

"The recent attacks are not connected but we believe we are experiencing a new trend in the threat we face," she said after chairing an emergency ministerial meeting.

She warned that perpetrators are inspired to attack "by copying one another".

The assailants ran people over on London Bridge before lunging seemingly at random at the crowds gathered around Borough Market, which is full of restaurants and bars.

Gerard Vowls, 47, said he saw a woman repeatedly stabbed, and 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 Guardian newspaper.

Another witness called Eric told the BBC he had seen three men get out of the van and thought they were going to help tend those who had been run over.

Instead they "started kicking them, punching them and took out knives. It was a rampage really," he said, adding that he heard a shout of: "This is for Allah".

An Australian was among those hospitalised, while a Spaniard escaped with light injuries.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is due to visit Britain on Monday to speak to the injured French nationals, after President Emmanuel Macron said France was "more than ever at Britain's side".

Among those stabbed was a London Transport Police officer, who was one of the first responders on the scene and received injuries to his face.

A vigil for the victims will take place at nearby Tower Bridge on Monday evening.

'PRAYING FOR LONDON'

Britain was already on high alert following the recent attack on a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande in Manchester, northwest England, in which seven children were among the dead.

Grande, who headlined a benefit concert in Manchester on Sunday, alongside stars including Pharrell Williams and Justin Bieber, tweeted that she was "Praying for London".

"A lot of people suffered and I had some second thoughts coming, especially with what happened last night in London," ticket holder Abdullah Mala, 34, told AFP. "But we got to move on".

The national threat level was raised to maximum after the Manchester attack and troops were deployed at key public sites, but reduced to its second highest level last weekend.

Prime Minister May, who served as interior minister for six years before taking office after the Brexit vote last summer, said Britain's response to the terror threat must change.

"We cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are," she said, adding there was "far too much tolerance of extremism in our country."

The ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour party suspended national campaign events for the day, but May insisted the election would go ahead as planned on Thursday.

Saturday's rampage is the latest in a string of attacks to hit Europe, including in Paris, Berlin and Saint Petersburg, and the French, German and Russian leaders sent messages of support.

US President Donald Trump offered his help, tweeting "WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!" and highlighting his thwarted ban on travellers from six mainly Muslim countries.
Nearly 20 Vietnamese agri-business firms will accompany Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc during his June 4-8 official visit to Japan to seek co-operation deals.

DTK Phu Tho Company is set on signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Japanese firms  ISE Food Corporation, Hytem Corporation, and Nabel Corporation  on projects to raise chicken and produce eggs for export to Japan and other regional markets.

A DTK Phu Tho source told VIR that the company is purchasing high technology from these firms for use in its $36.4 million production facility in the northern province of Phu Tho.

We shall continue to seek more Japanese partners to expand our production in Vietnam, the source said.

During the official visit, TH Groups TH International Medical Development JSC will work with several Japanese firms to produce safe foodstuff and agricultural products. TH expects to ink a co-operation deal with Japans International Total Engineering Corporation to develop a high-tech health care complex in Vietnam.

We want to co-operate with Japanese partners in the sectors of high-tech agriculture, processing technology, and health care, said the groups chairwoman Thai Huong.

Also during this visit, Viet Phuc Export-Import and Production will sign an MoU with the Japan Agriculture Association on developing a high-tech agricultural complex in Vietnam.

Nafood Corporation will secure an MoU with Maruzen Co., Ltd. detailing a high-tech project to cultivate and process organic ginger. Ho Guom Group JSC will sign an MoU with Meikoshoji Co., Ltd. to build a high-tech vegetable and spice production facility, with an output of 2.4 million spice packs per week.

Vietnams Veeteq JSC will sign two MoUs with Japans Inataba Bussan and Kobe Busan for a project to produce and process safe vegetables.

Since early this year, many Japanese agri-businesses have come to Vietnam in search of opportunities in the agricultural sector, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Early next month, a big Japanese infrastructure firm will resume working with the leadership of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on a project to build a 300-hectare high-tech farm for cultivating safe vegetables and flowers, with initial investment capital of nearly $100 million. The two sides met to discuss this project three months ago.

It is likely that the project will begin in mid-2017, and become operational later this year. After the farm is built, the investor will work to attract Japanese agricultural firms to run it.

Currently, Lam Dong has 12 Japanese agricultural investment projects, focusing on producing safe vegetables and fruit.

Japans Kawasaki Flora Auction Market Co., Ltd. is also reportedly planning to invest in Lam Dong, set to operate a floriculture facility in Da Lat to export flowers to Japan and European nations. In its first year, the firm will cultivate flowers on a 20ha area, which will later be expanded to 50ha after three years and 100-200ha after the fifth year.

According to the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, Vietnam has a lot of agricultural development potential. The country is contagious to big consumption markets, such as ASEAN countries and China.

It would be economically strategic for Japanese enterprises to invest in Vietnams agricultural sector and export products to these markets through economic corridors and highways that have been under development in recent years.

The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) said that it will raise its support for Vietnams agricultural sector via an array of projects invested in by Japanese firms.

For example, Kato Group is co-operating with the central province of Binh Dinh in a $771,000 tuna fishing project, which will last until June 2020. Another company active in the fishery industry, Shudensha Company, is implementing a $820,000 project to improve water quality in its fisheries.

Nikko Foods Company has also been active in Lam Dong , with their $820,000 project to develop high-quality tomatos.

According to Japanese investment consulting firm Seiko Ideas Corporation, Japan is co-operating with Vietnam though its payroll outsourcing model. Specifically, Japanese firms, through outsourcing, will pay the salaries of Vietnamese farmers, coming to Vietnam as transnational companies and hiring local labourers to implement their agricultural investment projects.

This is considered to be increasingly popular when the hired companies have more knowledge about personnel, including recruitment, salary payment, relocation, and performance assessment, said a Seiko Ideas document on Vietnam-Japan agriculture co-operation.
MobiFone's partnership with Google and Facebook allow the company to offer unparalleled services

Cooperation with technology giants in the world

Of all the network providers in Vietnam, MobiFone pioneered cooperating with large-scale international technology companies, with the aim of inducing new products and services for Vietnamese customers.

Recently, MobiFone has teamed up with Google to introduce a new payment service in Google Play on MobiFone accounts. Accordingly, MobiFone subscribers will be able to easily purchase applications, games, and other content in Google Play without using credit cards. The cost of these purchases will be directly deducted from the customers mobile phone accounts.

In May 2017, MobiFone entered into a cooperation with a number of individuals and organisations to invite Dr Timothy Chou, an Internet of Things (IoT) expert to talk to a Vietnamese audience about IoT commercial solutions, future business chances, help companies make business development plans and discover chances for global connection, as well as set up plans on investment and production of IoT products based on each companys specific strengths.

Besides Apple, MobiFone also cooperates with Facebook and Google. On May 25, 2017, MobiFone teamed up with Facebook to introduce the service of Free Basics and Facebook Flex, so that MobiFone subscribers can use Facebook without consuming their data plans.

Enhancing customer experience

MobiFones cooperation with Facebook is like a present for subscribers, while the relationship with Google is more meaningful and realistic. With the Google partnership, payments are easier for MobiFone subscribers and increase liquidity for game and app producers.

Nguyen Thanh Binh, general director of TBT Technology Company, said that this cooperation is a big step forward. Previously, Vietnamese customers who wanted to download applications or games in Google Play Store had to have a VISA credit card or MasterCard. This was a big barrier between suppliers and users, as not everyone has one of these cards. Mobifone account holders ease in downloading applications and games thereby increases the liquidity for start-ups in Vietnam.

A good thing of purchasing applications and games in Google Play through a MobiFone account is that it increases safety in the Internet environment, because customers do not have to provide a wide range of personal and banking information when making transactions, Tran Cao Hung, a MobiFone subscriber said.

By teaming up with Google, MobiFone not only allows customers more access to Google Play, an abundant source of applications, it also promotes start-ups to create new applications, which will raise their revenue. All of these will contribute to creating a transparent and modern technology environment.

In addition, this movement can be considered one of MobiFones wiser strategies because teaming up with famous brands in the world may give them a competitive edge. This is an advantage for MobiFones customers, and it will help raise the companys brand value, especially after its nearing IPO.
Firemen break a glass window of the Resorts World Hotel following an assault in Manila on June 2, 2017. (Photo: AFP / NOEL CELIS)

The identification of the attacker as Jessie Javier Carlos, a Catholic, proves that claims of responsibility by the Islamic State group for Friday's attack were false, President Rodrigo Duterte and police said.

"I would call him a habitual gambler. He lost everything in his life and became crazy. He lost his mind. He vented his anger (through the incident)," Duterte told reporters on Sunday.

"It's not terrorism."

Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde said Carlos, 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 as he sat alongside Carlos' parents and wife at a press conference announcing the gunman's identity.

"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 in what police said was probably an attempt to create a diversion so he could escape.

BEGGING FOR FORGIVENESS

At Sunday's press conference, Carlos' 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 the "high-roller" Carlos had worked in the Department of Finance but had been sacked because he had lied on official forms about unexplained assets and properties.

The finance department said on Sunday that Carlos was sacked as a tax specialist in 2014 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, just 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.

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.

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.
Locals are advised to fully cover their bodies to shield themselves from the heats intense rays. - VNA/VNS Photo

Electricity consumption reached roughly 631 million kWh on June 02, surging by 11.8 per cent compared to the same period last week and 10.41 per cent higher than the same period last year.

The surging electricity consumption has been due to the historic heat wave enveloping northern and central provinces and cities, especially Ha Noi, over the weekend. The rising temperatures were caused by a hot depression from the west and foehn wind effect.

The highest temperature was recorded at Ha ong District in Ha Noi and Chi Linh District, northern Hai Duong Province at 42 and 42.2 degrees Celsius respectively on Saturday.

According to experts, the temperature broke all records from the past 45 years.

Professor Pham Ngoc ang, deputy head of the Viet Nam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment, said that inner parts of cities are often hotter than outskirts because of a surplus of concrete and a dearth of trees.

Customer Service Centre of Electricity Viet Nam Corporation received more than 1,000 calls from Ha Noi from June 01 to 03 and more than 13,000 calls from northern localities, mainly to report power cut incidents.

The scorching weather is forecasted to continue today at the highest temperature of 39-40 degrees Celsius. The hottest time is from 10am to 6pm.

According to Hoang Phuc Lam, head of long-term and short-term drought forecast under National Centre for Hydro-Meteorology, this heat wave will not be the most severe. In June, there will be two to four more heat waves in the northern and central regions.

Vietnam Electricity recommended offices and individuals to save and use electricity effectively over the next days, as the heat is forecast to continue. Air-conditioners should be set at 26 degrees Celsius to save power, reducing the risk of power overload and surging electricity prices.

Vietnam Electricity in the north has halted all works on its grid that cause power cuts during historically boiling days and mobilised workers on duty to respond to any incidents.

The number of children and old people admitted to Ha Noi-based National Pediatrics Hospital and National Geriatric Hospital has increased over recent days. The majority of patients suffered from high fever due to virus, diseases related to respiratory system and stroke.

The Preventive Medicine Department under the Health Ministry has recommended that people should eat boiled food, drink enough water and nutritious food, especially fruits, to ensure vitamin intake and increase body resistance.

Rain is forecasted to come down on Tuesday, which will cool down the temperature to 35 degrees Celsius.
From left: Takanobu Ohara - JFE Vietnam general director, Hoang Thi Thuy Vy - Vinhomes Agent Management director, Masanori Tsukahara - Hitachi Zosen Global Business director, and Tokumine Katsunobu - Shiny Vietnam general director

With regards to environmental technology, Shiny has not only made use of its experience and technological acumen, but it has also joined hands with big and reputable Japanese partners to bring Japans most advanced and environmentally friendly technologies to Vietnam  for application in fields such as water supply and drainage, waste-water treatment, and waste-to-energy generation.

By virtue of its exclusive technology, the group received funding from Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the framework of a Japanese technology export programme for a pilot project to treat waste-water at Phuoc Hiep landfill in Ho Chi Minh City. Shiny teamed up with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment to successfully wrap up the project.

With official development assistance (ODA) funding from Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Shiny joined hands with Mitsubishi Morgan Stanley to conduct a project studying the impact of climate change on water resources in the Mekong River basin. The goal of this project is to develop measures leveraging Shinys water treatment technology to curb climate change implications.

After this study, Shiny encouraged the use of water purifying devices for local people as a measure to cope with climate change across Ho Chi Minh City, Yangon in Myanmar, and other locations.

The project received a lot of praise from Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Notably, Shiny has begun a comprehensive co-operation with JFE, Japans leading player in environmentally friendly water and waste treatment technology, for investments in a string of water supply projects across many Vietnamese cities and provinces.

In tandem with JFE, Shiny is proposing a water supply project in Bau Nang in the southern province of Tay Ninh, with a capacity of 30,000 cubic metres per day in the first phase of investment. The capacity is expected to reach 80,000 cubic metres per day in the second phase. During Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucs visit to Japan early this month, Shiny and JFE expect to sign a memorandum of understanding on fields: water supply and drainage infrastructure, solid waste treatment towards environment-friendly tendency, attesting to their inclusive co-operation.

With respect to investment consultancy, under the brand name ShinyReal, Shiny acts as a trustworthy advisor to Japanese investors venturing into real estate and other foreign direct investment and technology transfer fields. Apart from helping Japanese investors find solid investment projects in real estate, Shiny also promotes networking between Vietnamese developers and Japanese partners to promote project development in Vietnam.

As for investment consultancy, Shiny proudly acts as the Vietnamese coordinator for Japanese partner groups consisting of high-profile firms. The group is also involved in co-operative environmental efforts between the Japanese city Osaka and Ho Chi Minh City.

In addition to providing Japanese investors running projects in Vietnam with useful advice, Shiny has also called for more investors to partake in infrastructure and welfare projects across Vietnam.

Consistent with the motto For a greener environment, and wishing to boost Vietnam-Japan relations, Shiny is making efforts to bring the latest environmentally friendly Japanese technology to Vietnam, helping to improve water sources and the standard of living for the people of Vietnam.
TH Group and ITEC from Japan signed the MoU during PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc's official visit to Japan

On June 5, 2017, the groups TH International Medical Development Joint Stock Company inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japans International Total Engineering Corporation (ITEC) to develop a 40-hectare high-tech health care complex in Hanoi.

The signing was conducted on the occasion of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucs June 4-8 official visit to Japan.

ITEC, the first health service management consultancy firm in Japan, was established in 1981 to meet the drastic changes taking place in the Japanese healthcare field.

Under the MoU, ITEC will co-operate with TH Group in supplying management, operation, and human resources training services for the Hanoi complex. All doctors and nurses of the complex will receive ITEC training.

The 50-year project, expected to be the most modern healthcare facility in Vietnam, will include four main areas.

The first area embraces an e-hospital/centre, which will be specialised in early diagnosis through electronic chips, which will help monitor the expansion of diseases four months in advance.

This hospital also offers electronic medical records, allowing doctors quick access to patients information to choose the most suitable treatment methods. This will help patients save time and costs significantly.

The second area will be a five-star hospital equipped with the worlds most modern treatment technology. Notably, this hospital will house a centre specialised in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Within several hours, the centre can successfully test for 11 types of cancer. This areas first stage is expected to have about 300 beds, which will be raised to 1,000 beds in the second stage.

The third area will encompass a sanatorium and a rehabilitation centre using Western and Vietnamese treatment methods. The facility will be surrounded by green trees and offer complete comfort for recuperating patients.

In addition, the complex will also be home to a special centre specialised in medical consultancy as well as research and development.

Thai Huong, chairwoman of TH Group, said that the project is aimed to build an exemplary, international-standard health care model, with the best services made available for patients.

We want to co-operate with Japanese partners in the sectors of high-tech agriculture, processing technology, and health care, she said.

ITEC president Johtaro Seki also stated that, I believe trust is the most important element of our business, because trust can only be gained through satisfactory results of professional consulting services. We will continue to make every effort to provide the very best services to clients in the corporate spirit of self-discipline, reinvention, and creativity.

Nguyen Duc Chung, Chairman of the Hanoi Peoples Committee, recently granted TH Group a land title-deed for the project. Construction is expected to last for three years and to start within 2017.

Since 2009, TH Group has also been operating a $1.2-billion, 37,000-ha high-tech concentrated dairy and fresh milk production project in the central province of Nghe Ans Nghia Dan district.

Besides, while constructing a similar $2.7-billion project in Russia, TH Group is also considering the construction of another similar, major project in the Republic of Bashkortostan, a federal subject of Russia.

We will also continue providing investment consultancy for many other projects involving safe vegetables, fruits, fish and meat, medical herbs, and forest plantation. They will not only benefit investors, but also the society, Thai Huong said.

TH true MILK reaches out to Japan While engaging in billion-dollar high-tech agricultural projects in Vietnam and Russia, locally-owned TH Group wishes to expand to Japan.

TH Group super cows lead the way for dairy industry Locally-owned TH Group has played a pioneering role in Vietnams organic fresh milk production market, through its unique high-yield cow embryo technology.

TH Group brings high-tech agriculture to Thai Binh In a bid to develop its state-of-the-art system for safe and organic farm produce, locally-owned TH Group, famous for its TH true MILK brand, has bolstered its high-tech agricultural investment portfolio with a new $136.4 million project in the northern province of Thai Binh.

TH Group kicks off construction of new major hi-tech agricultural project Locally-owned TH Group, famous for its TH true MILK brand, has officially added to its hi-tech agricultural investment portfolio by a new $136.4 million project in the northern province of Thai Binh.
illustration photo

Established in 2009, Song Nam Company specializes in exporting dragon fruit grown in Ham Thuan Bac, Binh Thuan. Song Nams director Nguyen Quoc Duan said the companys products are available in eight countries, including the US.

However, Duan said Song Nams products have to go through many intermediaries before reaching consumers. Song Nam can only contact importers and distributors, and cannot bring products directly to supermarkets. As a result, though dragon fruit is sold at high prices, the profit Song Nam pockets remains modest.

Vietnamese goods have to go through many intermediaries to enter foreign supermarket chains. As a result, enterprises have to pay high costs to sell their goods, and cannot develop their brands.

When asked why Song Nam still cannot contact foreign supermarket chains, Duan said the problem lies in the payment method. In general, supermarkets only make payments 30-45 days after the deliveries. If counting the transportation time, the company would get payment 2-3 months after shipping. Meanwhile, it has to make prompt payments to farmers.

The payment method can be accepted only by very large businesses, he said, adding that this was the reason why Song Nam had to turn down requests from three large store chains from the US, Thailand and Dubai.

Starting exporting products in 2006, Huong Que, which specializes in exporting footwear, belts and aromatic bags to 11 markets made of cinnamon tree bark, finds it cannot reach foreign outlets directly.

Vietnamese enterprises, most of which are small, have to let their product bear the brands of importers or distributors. Only the words Made in Vietnam in small letters can be found in Vietnams products on the shelves of foreign supermarkets, and there are no names of Vietnamese manufacturers.

Vietnamese agencies, when signing trade pacts with other countries, need to pay attention to this issue. If Vietnam products are accepted by other countries and the products are available at foreign stores, the products must be known as made in Vietnam, he said.

Vietnamese enterprises struggle to bring their products to foreign chains because they understand that this will increase export volume and value. Once Vietnams products can enter the chains in one country, they will have opportunities to appear in the same chains in other countries.

MOIT has been trying to help enterprises bring their goods to foreign stores by organizing Vietnam Goods Week in Europe and Asia. To date, 10 such events have been organized.
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air were leading the market by holding more than 40 per cent of market shares each.

The demand is still more than the supply in the market, thus there is a need to attract more investors. Statistics show that the rate of Vietnamese people travelling by air is lower in comparison with other countries in the world and the region. The rate increased from 0.5 per cent in 2012 to 0.8 per cent in 2016.

Experts told Nguoi Lao Dong (The Labourer) Newspaper that of the current seven airlines operating in Viet Nam, only four belonged to the country. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air were leading the market by holding more than 40 per cent of market shares each.

The participation of new airlines could help increase the competitiveness in the market, thus benefiting the people, experts said.

Picking on the trend, private companies have been rushing to establish their own airlines.

On May 31, giant property FLC Group announced the establishment of the Viet Bamboo Airlines Ltd. Co., laying the foundation for the formation of an airline under the name of Bamboo Airways. The airlines with charter capital of VND700 billion (US$31.2 million) would be eligible for operating 10 aircrafts.

According to Dang Tat Thang, Director General of Viet Bamboo Airlines Ltd. Co., FLC was finalising its project on the airline with the aim of launching it by the end of 2018.

Thang said Bamboo Airways would take a different path from its domestic counterparts, elaborating that it would focus on direct services connecting international markets with emerging tourist destinations in Viet Nam, instead of major urban areas where the aviation infrastructure is already overloaded.

He added that priority would be given to localities where FLC has built major tourist complexes, including Quang Ninh and Hai Phong in the north, Thanh Hoa and Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh Province) in the central region, and Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa Province) and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang Province) in the south.

Thang said Bamboo Airways would be a hybrid airline, which would blend low-cost traits with those of traditional, or full-service carriers.

Currently, 21 airports are operating across the country, but the two major facilities in Ha Noi (Noi Bai International Airport) and HCM City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport) alone account for 75 per cent of the total passenger output. Meanwhile, many airports in localities with great tourism potential are operating under capacity.

The operation orientation of Viet Bamboo Airways is expected to help better exploit the existing aviation infrastructure while avoiding overloaded airports, the company said.

The establishment of Viet Bamboo Airlines means that the market has three airlines waiting for either licence or adjustment in their licence to expand their operation scale, including Hai Au, Viet Bamboo Airlines and Vietstar Air.

Vo Huy Cuong, Deputy head of the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV), said the authority had not received an application from FLC and Hai Au. Vietstar Airlines, with charter capital of VND800 billion, had not been given licences for its operation, as it was waiting for Tan Son Nhats expansion, despite having announced the flight plan since the beginning of last year.

Hai Aus representative told the newspaper that it had implemented the necessary legal procedures to adjust its operation scale from seaplane to a joint airline with international flights. It was expected that Hai Au would officially submit application to the CAAV in the next two months to become operational in 2018.

Our flying plan does not relate to adjustment of Tan Son Nhats expansion, so the time for granting licence will not be extended, the representative said, adding that their flight network would focus on international flights from Ha Noi and Da Nang to Southeast Asian and Asian countries.

Meanwhile, Vietstar Air still expected to become operational in 2018 by reducing its scale by a half.
An editorial in its party mouthpiece Saamana, Sena criticised the government for failing to meet the demands of the farmers.

By Mustafa Shaikh: Shiv Sena has upped the ante in its attack on the Devendra Fadnavis government.

An editorial in its party mouthpiece Saamana, Sena criticised the government for failing to meet the demands of the farmers. The much-debated loan waiver will come into effect by October 31. In the editorial, Shiv Sena said that the Fadnavis government will be held responsible if any farmer commits suicide during the negotiations.

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While the party never shied away from criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, the Sena rarely targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Since the past few days, Shiv Sena has attacked Fadnavis accusing him of trying to divide farmers by giving partial loan waivers.

Shiv Sena, which recently announced its support the Maharashtra farmers strike, said that once loans of farmers are waived off the strike will be called off.

"We are of opinion that farmers should stop the strike once all farmer loans are waived off. If Chief Minister increases the base price on milk, farmers should go to his bungalow and thank him. Once he implements recommendations of Swaminathan Commission, the farmers should apologise and make peace with him," read the editorial.

Also read:

Maharashtra: Farmers split on decision to continue strike

Maharashtra farmers strike: Vegetable prices set to soar in Mumbai as vendors leave Vashi mandi empty bag

Maharashtra farmers, protesting for loan waiver, call off strike after meeting Fadnavis

WATCH | Maharashtra farmers' strike over loan waiver affecting fruit, vegetable markets in Mumbai

--- ENDS ---
PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards 2017 honoured well-designed and developed projects and rewards the countrys best developers, real estate projects, and design ideas in the top-tier markets and emerging resort destinations.

PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards was organised for the third year, highlighting the high quality standards in developments across Vietnam and celebrating the achievements of the countrys rapidly growing property sector. The Awards are part of the 12-year-old Asia Property Awards programme.

The Habitat Binh Duong is the first residential property developed by VSIP-Sembcorp Gateway Development Co., Ltd. The shareholders are Singapore-based Sembcorp Properties, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, Japans MC Development Asia, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, and VSIP JV Co., Ltd., the developer of the VSIP integrated township and industrial parks in Binh Duong and other provinces in Vietnam.

The Habitat Binh Duong was conceived as part of VSIPs integrated development project in response to the demand from tenants and the expatriate community to deliver housing and related amenities that encompass all areas of work, life, and relaxation. The complex provides convenient access to best-in-class amenities, including the club house and gym, swimming pools for adults and children, playground, BBQ pit, jogging track, and open lawn.

Promising its future residents a top-notch living experience, The Habitat Binh Duong has garnered attention from the wider working population and residents in outer districts of the province since its official launch in mid-2016.

The developer has sold out more than 90 per cent of the 267 units available in The Habitat Binh Duong. Construction has been completed for the two apartment towers and on-site facilities. Since April 2017, apartment units are being handed over to buyers in phases.

Right from the start, the developers focused on delivering quality finishing, high construction standards, and facilities that are more consistent with high-end residential developments. All these were within reach due to the experience of shareholders Sembcorp and MCDA, who have been delivering quality commercial and residential developments across the region.

Consultants, contractors, and design agencies with strong reputation and expertise were invited to collaborate on the development, including RSP Architects Planners and Engineers, Apave, Arcardis, Construction Joint Stock Company No. 1 (Cofico), Site Concepts International, and HALO Interiors and Architects.

The Habitat Binh Duong is a gated condominium development in Thuan An district. The development comprises 267 apartments offering living spaces from 58 to 103 square metres per unit (approximate carpet area measurements). With more than 30 per cent of the development designated for landscaping, the development strikes a perfect balance between modern convenience and tropical oasis.

The Habitat Binh Duong has the distinction of being the first residential development in Vietnam with dual-key apartments comprising of two separate units: a two-bedroom unit and a separate, cosy studio unit that provides owners with privacy when living with their extended familyit could even be used as additional space for rental income.

The Habitat Binh Duongs current phase is part of a larger condo development plan.


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The Dangerous Side-Effects of Plastics, and How to Minimize Their Toxic Impact

Plastics are not only an environmental disaster; these man-made conveniences introduced a century ago are also harming our physical and mental health. Phthalates  chemical compounds used to make plastic more flexible and durable  are found in more products than you might imagine, and have become the human bodys
It was in the summer of 1962 that this campaign began, when Sidney

Gottlieb, the CIAs chemist, devoted all his efforts to contaminating a

diving suit that was supposed to be worn by Fidel.

Each part of the diving equipment that would come into contact with the

respiratory tracts and skin, was carefully infected with the tuberculosis

bacterium and a poisonous mushroom called pie maduro which, on

post-mortem examination, is found to trigger death by decomposing the

victims tissues while he is living until causing death under

excruciating pain.

To execute the plan, the CIA factored in exploiting Fidels hospitality

to James Donovan. Donovan was the US lawyer who was trying to reach a

bargain with Castro for the Bay of Pigs mercenaries to be set free; but

several versions would have it that the North American Donavan refused

outright or looked for a pretext not to hand over this fatal gift to his

host.

Perhaps ethical principles motivated Donavans conduct. This is plausible

for it is difficult to find an example of a government acting with equal

treachery when dealing with another state in times of peace.

In addition, at that time, the US CIA perfected another plan: they would

irrigate a TV studio where the Commander-in-Chief was scheduled to appear

with a drug which would cause him to conduct himself irrationally before

the public. They also pursued other attempts to apply a substance that

would make him lose the beard, that by this time, was a hallmark of his

appearance.

Neither was there a shortage of attempts to put before Fidel, tobacco

contaminated with a fatal bacterium and to poison him with cyanide pills,

expressly conceived so as not to leave traces.

Following the defeat at the Bay of Pigs, the United States was seeking

revenge, to destabilize the Island and to create conditions for a direct

invasion under the so-called Plan Mangosta. This plan was made public

some years after and specified that one of the missions was to destroy

the harvests with biological or chemical weapons, and to change the regime

before the forthcoming Congressional elections in November 1962.

Shortly after this plan was articulated, the Cuban agriculture was

contaminated with a pathogen, the Newcastle virus, that almost entirely

eliminated the poultry population from Cuba.

Almost all the cultivated fields and the entire production of livestock and

poultry were subject to endemics and illnesses concocted in CIA

laboratories; in the years to come, the Cuban population would be affected

chiefly by unexpected outbreaks of conjunctivitis bleeding, dysentery and

dengue serotype 02, that caused 158 deaths, including those of 101 children

in the 1980s, this being the worst human loss inflicted on the Cuban people

by US biological terrorism.

These aggressions continued even following the dissolution of the USSR and

the socialist camp in the 1990s, when US Special Services and the

Cuban-American Right considered that the time had come to provoke famine

and despair in the difficult economic situations that the country was faced

with.

Important aspects of the bacteriological war that the US was waging against

Cuba, the biggest in History, would come to light after the findings of the

Senate Committee (investigating into the CIAs illegal actions in 1975)

and other official documents and public testimonies of participants. These

would give historic reason to the declarations on these events that the

Leader of the Revolution had already begun to make as far back as 1964.
The CIA is preparing to take rather harsh measures against Iran. This is why Mike Pompeo, the director of the CIA, has appointed Michael DAndrea, known as the Dark Prince or Ayatollah Mike (photo) to head the ad hoc section.

Mr DAndrea has converted to Islam. He has put in place a programme under which torture is used to condition. Yet another string in his bow is the establishment of the secret prison at Salt Pit (Afghanistan) where he supervised experiments on Abu Zubaydah, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed. This psychopath is reputed to being extremely intelligent yet violent. He inspired the character known as Wolf in the US film, Zero Dark Thirty. In 2008, DAndrea organized for the military chief of the Hezbollah, Imad Mugniyah, to be assassinated in Damascus, and directed the US killer drone programme until 2015.
On Monday 5 June 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the Arab Emirates announced that they were cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar with immediate effect, while the Joint Arab Force engaged in Yemen has excluded Qatar from its ranks.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the Arab Emirates have prohibited all land, sea and air contact with Qatar which renders the air hub at Doha, for the most part, unworkable.

Qatari diplomats have 48 hours to leave these four countries.

Here we have the most serious diplomatic crisis in the Muslim world for nearly 40 years.

Ever since the Arab-Islamic-US Summit at Riyadh, relations between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have not ceased to be strained.

The Qatari Press Agency had published a communique attributing favourable statements on Iran to Emir Tamin. The communique also claimed that his family, the Al-Thanis, were descendants of Abdelwahhab, the founder of Wahhabism. Saudi Arabia reacted immediately through each one of its television channels until Qatar declares that its agencys site had been hacked and withdraws the communique. Guaranteeing its good faith, Qatar requested the help of the US FBI to shed light on this matter.

In actual fact, this episode is only the tip of the iceberg: Qatar together with the United Kingdom is participating in an attempt to redistribute the cards in the Middle East, a move which could devastate all current alliances.
By Manogya Loiwal : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee started her north Bengal trip today amid protests.

Near Mirik-- Trinamool Congress recently won the civic polls in Mirik--Mamata Banerjee was shown black flags by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) activists.

Mamta Banerjee's decision to make Bengali a compulsory language from Class 1 to Class 10 in all schools across West Bengal has met with stiff opposition in the hills, where many do not speak Bengali.

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"From now on, it will be mandatory for students to learn Bengali in schools. The schools affiliated to other boards (ICSE/CBSE) will have to make Bengali as an optional subject from Class 1, giving students the option to choose it either as second or third language", state education minister Partha Chatterjee said on May 16.

GJM's ATTACK AGAINST MAMATA GOVT

GJM party Chief Bimal Gurung said, "The imposition of Bengali language is the reason behind this protest because the condition and situation in our area shall change for the bad."

GJM argued that it should be a student's right to choose his or her third language--in the case of Darjeeling, it could be either Hindi or Bengali as Nepali is taught as the first language in the schools here.

GJM leaders have announced a black flag rally across Darjeeling hills on June 8.

"Language, artists should not be dragged into political issues, which is being done by the present state government. I want to appeal to the public that everyone participates in this rally. If needed, we shall reach out to Delhi because this is an attack on our language and the consequences shall have to be borne by the government," the GJM chief said.

TRINAMOOL GOVT's COUNTER-CHARGE

Rabindra Nath Ghosh, who is in-charge of the North Bengal development department, said, "GJM's Bimal Gurung has understood that if Mamata Banerjee comes to Darjeeling she will talk about development because in the past 20 years infrastructural developments in the region have been little".

The minister in the TMC government said that "people will go to Mamata Banerjee for their betterment".

"Mamata Banerjee has been setting up medical colleges and universities. Bimal Gurung tends to declare strikes now and then," he said.

The GJM leaders have announced a black flag rally across Darjeeling hills on June 8.

(With inputs from Kayes Ansari in Darjeeling)

Also Read:

Netaji RTI row: Mamata demands Centre's 'considered stand', slams unilateral reply

Mamata pulls up her alma-mater for playing Modi's 'mann ki baat'

--- ENDS ---
GHA Introduces New Training for Early Pregnancy Assessment Service

The Gibraltar Health Authority has announced that it will introduce a new Early Pregnancy Assessment Service for expectant mothers as from early June of this year. In support of this initiative, the School of Health Studies has introduced a midwifery training programme for nursing staff with a four-day workshop that took place last week.

The aim of the training programme is to ensure all staff across the board are up to date in current practices. A bespoke Gynaecology module has been designed to instruct staff nurses from A&E, Dudley Toomey and Day Surgery, as well as the midwives in the hospital, to enhance and reinforce vital skills in this key area of healthcare in Gibraltar.

Anna Sherliker, BSc (Hons) Midwifery from the University of Salford, Manchester led the programme.

GHA Clinical Nurse Manager Fiona McCoubrey explained that another of their objectives was to empower staff when dealing with pregnancy loss. Ms. McCoubrey explained that the training has been tailor-made to provide staff the proficiency to deal clinically with all aspects of such a difficult experience, including psychological and emotional care.

Minister for Health, Care and Justice the Hon Neil F. Costa MP welcomed Ms Sherliker to Gibraltar. Mr Costa said: Ms Sherliker brings over 26 years experience in midwifery practice, education and research; a breadth of knowledge that will greatly benefit our nurses. This new service has been created for all staff in the GHA, to provide high quality support for the women of Gibraltar. As a Government, we put the health of patients and the community first, and with this in mind, the Ministry for Health, in conjunction with the GHA, and all health professionals, are keen to facilitate new training programmes to improve the service our community rightly expects and deserves.
Equality Means Business: Front Line Staff Training on Disability Awareness

The Ministry of Equality last week held a Train the Trainer course as part of its ongoing training on disability awareness. The course was delivered by UK Charity Attitude is Everything. Two civil servants, Calum Couper, from the Human Resources Department and Jason Belilo, from the Ministry of Equality received the training and this will now enable them to present Front Line Staff Training on Disability Awareness courses for the next couple of years.

This means that the Ministry of Equalitys running programme of training to both the public and private sectors may be delivered more frequently and cost effectively.

Minister for Equality, The Hon. Minister Samantha Sacramento, MP, said "t will now be much easier for Government to provide front line disability awareness training to its staff as this can now be done in-house. Moreover, the fact that Government has committed two members of the Civil Service to undertake this training, demonstrates how our Government is fully committed to the principles of what disability awareness, equality and inclusion represents and we are therefore leading from the front."

The Ministry of Equality will continue to provide training on different areas associated with disability equality. To register your interest for future seminars, or for more information please e- mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 200 70112.

Jason Belilo (left) and Calum Couper (right), with Paul Hawkins of Attitude is Everything (centre)
Photo: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Some ballet dancers train their entire lives for a single shot at greatness. Others get their shot, make it, and then use their days off to rescue people from the subway tracks. Gray Davis, a member of the corps de ballet at the American Ballet Theatre, came to the rescue Saturday night after a man was pushed onto the tracks at the 72nd Street 1,2,3 station during an argument. The unnamed victim was knocked unconscious in the fall. At first I waited for somebody else to jump down there, Gray told the New York Times. People were screaming to get help. But nobody jumped down. So I jumped down.

Gray, who had just watched his wife, Cassandra Trenary, perform in The Golden Cockerel at the Met, was not dancing this weekend while recuperating from a herniated disk, but nonetheless jumped down onto the tracks and hoisted the man to safety. I never realized how high it was, Gray said of the platform. Luckily, Im a ballet dancer, so I swung my leg up. The police later arrested the woman seen arguing with the victim, Carolyn Mack, who denied pushing him. It was really scary, Gray said of the experience. I dont know if I had time to process it until I saw my wife coming down crying  then I realized it was scary. As if you didnt have enough reason to support the arts already.
Cosby arriving in court on Monday. Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images

As Bill Cosbys trial for the alleged 2004 sexual assault of Andrea Constand gets underway today in Pennsylvania, Cosby showed up to court on Monday with a familiar face: actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, best known for playing his youngest TV daughter Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Cosbys lawyers had said part of their legal strategy would be to bring in sympathetic voices who would support Cosby, and it appears that more of his Cosby Show family will be in attendance. Cosbys spokesperson tells People that Cosbys TV wife Phylicia Rashad will appear at the trial.

The Thurgood Marshall College Funds president Johnny Taylor will also be present at the trial; Cosby previously hosted the HBCU organizations gala in 2013. Johnny feels Mr. Cosby has done so much for historically black colleges over his career and its important for him to show that support and say Thank you because he has not been found guilty of anything, the spokesperson tells People. Theyre coming in to hear the truth. Keshia feels the same way. Shes not here to proclaim guilt or innocence. Shes here to finally hear the truth for herself in the courtroom. She wants people to stop listening to the sensationalism and come hear the truth. Check back on Vulture for ongoing coverage of the Cosby trial.


Theyve re-teamed for yet another potential summer hit. Photo: John Shearer//Getty Images

When DJ Khaled is not searching for Jay Z in his back pocket, hes pulling Drake out of the other one. After incessant teasing of a new song  Drake has apparently long kept Khaleds son Asahd, executive producer of his dads new album, waiting for the vocals  To the Max has arrived. Drake and Khaled have been longtime collaborators, with hits like Im on One, No New Friends, and last summers For Free. Their last track sampled a Too $hort classic, but this ones more indicative of where Drakes at stylistically now; the song reportedly samples U.K. garage producer T2, continuing Drakes obsession with his own personal globalization. So, did baby Asahd produce anotha one? Is he also getting the doctor-recommended nap time for a baby? Does achieving one of these things not negate the other? You can also catch the hardest-working baby in the world finding a spare second of relaxation on Khaleds album cover, but of course.


Photo: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for GLSEN

Listen, its fine that Julia Roberts wasnt one of Big Little Lies movie-star moms turned Monterey-murder moms. Shes okay with it. While Nicole and Reese and Laura and Zoe and Shailene got to frolic on that beach, Julia Roberts may soon be pulling double duty as the lead on not one but two TV series: In addition to an HBO limited series of her very own, Roberts is in talks to star in Homecoming, a drama series from Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail, according to Deadline.

Based on the Gimlet Media podcast of the same name, Homecomings first season featured a character-driven mystery about a caseworker at a secret government facility, her supervisor, and a soldier adjusting to regular life. Told through telephone calls, therapy sessions, and overheard conversations, Homecoming was the first scripted podcast from Gimlet Media, and starred the voices of Catherine Keener, Oscar Isaac, David Schwimmer, Amy Sedaris, and David Cross. Your move, Big Little Lies season two.
After Coldplay and Ariana Grande delivered an Oasis reunion fake-out earlier in the night at One Love Manchester  with Chris Martin singing Dont Look Back in Anger (the anthem the city turned to after the attack) to both Ariana and the crowd  they had a surprise in store. Liam Gallagher showed up unannounced for a three-song set (wearing his typical uniform of an oversized raincoat), which ended on Live Forever, dedicated to the victims of the attack. There was once again no Oasis reunion, but instead, Chris Martin joined Liam on guitar for the song. For Liams parting gift, he tossed his tambourine into the audience.


An intimate moment in the finale. Photo: Ben King/Courtesy of HBO

Shooting the finale of any show can be an intense experience, but not every show is as intense as The Leftovers, and not every shoot wraps in rural Australia during a historically rainy spring. Stars Carrie Coon and Justin Theroux, director Mimi Leder and her intrepid cameraman Chris Cuevas faced all kinds of pressures  time, budget, weather, and most of all, the drive to get it right just one last time. But they also had the chance to say their final bittersweet goodbyes in a land far removed from Hollywood and its attendant neuroses, an area marked in the finale script only as Another Time, Another Place.
This isnt over. Photo: Getty Images/Getty Images

Today in political-rock-star beef, Roger Waters has responded to a bitter interview Thom Yorke gave to Rolling Stone about Waterss public criticism of Radioheads controversial decision to perform in Israel next month. Waters says Yorkes statement, in which the Radiohead front man called criticism of his bands plans to play Israel deeply disrespectful and patronizing in the extreme, doesnt tell the whole story, and that despite Yorke claiming Waters only petitioned the band in public, there was personal correspondence beforehand.

Waters says he emailed Yorke in February hoping to start a dialogue and it did not go over well. A few hours later, Thom replied. He was angry. He had misinterpreted my attempt to start a conversation as a threat. So I tried again, Rogers says. He sent a follow-up email apologizing for coming off as confrontational, but Yorke never responded. Rogers says he then sent one more long heartfelt entreaty to Thom asking him again to talk in early March after weeks of silence and, as such, Yorke should not have felt so blindsided by the petition that followed, in which Waters, Thurston Moore, and even Archbishop Desmond Tutu called on Radiohead to cancel their show in Tel Aviv to protest the treatment of Palestinians, which the petition likened to apartheid conditions. That is not true, Thom. I have made every effort to engage with you personally, and would still like to have the conversation, Waters says, then quoting himself: Not to talk is not an option. If only Waters had thought to send Rolling Stone a fax.


The Nora and Kevin story. Photo: HBO/HBO

Not to oversimplify a very complicated show, but this is really just a love story between Kevin and Nora. Thats where we wanted to push our story chips  into the middle of the love table.

Thats something Damon Lindelof, co-creator of The Leftovers, said on the Vulture TV Podcast two months ago, when the HBO dramas final season was just beginning. Now that the last episode of this series has aired, its clear that Lindelof really wasnt kidding about those story chips.

In its final bow, The Book of Nora, The Leftovers turns its focus almost entirely to Kevin and Nora, depicting how they find each other again under endless blue skies in a future Australia. After the first 15 minutes, which depict the lead-up to Noras crossover to the parallel plane where the suddenly departed landed, this episode unquestionably becomes a love story, right down to those closing moments when Kevin and Nora hold hands, and Noras doves flutter back home, and The Leftovers theme music segues into Pachelbels Canon, a standard heard at one out of every three American weddings. (Okay, I made up that statistic. But it feels true, doesnt it?)

Does this ending mean The Leftovers was really just a love story about Kevin and Nora all along? No, nor do I think thats exactly what Lindelof was implying. But in the second and, especially, third seasons, the relationship between those two characters became the backbone of the show, giving the writers a consistent prism through which to explore its central themes.

From the very beginning, The Leftovers has been about the unbridgeable chasms that can unexpectedly open between human beings who love each other. The Sudden Departure, which whisks away 2 percent of the worlds population, creates an obvious, permanent gap between those taken and those left behind. But during their time in Miracle, Kevin and Nora show us what it looks like when two people care for each other, occupy the same space, and still cant quite bridge the gulf between them. When they were together, Kevin and Nora were to each other what Nora says she was in the presence of her old family in that Other Mapleton: They were ghosts.

Upon finally tracking down Nora in Australia, its fitting that Kevin initially acts like he has no memory of most of their relationship, including their time in Miracle. He basically stages the Sudden Departure of most of their shared history, partly, as he explains it, because he thinks it will allow them to start over. This is his way to hit a reset button, or, perhaps, turn a fail-safe key, just as he did in The Most Powerful Man in the World (and His Twin Brother) and, yes, just like Desmond did on Lost. (Note: This will not be the last time I refer to Lost during this piece.) But its also the creation of yet another blank space for them to try to cross, between their early past history and their present and between his understanding of their relationship and hers.

I watched The Leftovers finale and wrote this piece before it actually aired, so I have no idea how viewers will respond to this episode. But I imagine some people who have a hard time swallowing certain details, like the idea that Kevin has been traveling to Australia, a rather large continent, for two weeks every year and asking around until he finally finds Nora living in a charming little house in the absolute middle of nowhere. I agree that that stretches the bounds of believability, but then again, so does the Sudden Departure and the idea that Kevin could die and end up at a hotel, working as an assassin. On a series that has always wrestled with the conflict between faith and logic, The Leftovers asks us to take a few leaps of faith with it at the end, something I was willing to do.

Ill admit I was willing to do it, too, because there is something beautifully tragic about Kevin repeating the same behavior over and over again out of desperation, thinking it would somehow put him back into Noras orbit. This is a particularly Lindelofian  sure, thats a word now  conceit, one that reminded me immediately of something that happens at the end of another season three finale: Yeah, the one on Lost, when Jack makes his We have to go back! speech to Kate and confesses that hes been using his Oceanic Airlines golden ticket to repeatedly fly back and forth between L.A. and faraway cities, including Sydney, hoping the plane will crash and deposit him back on the island. Jack was wracked with guilt, and felt it was his responsibility to save those left behind, and the island itself. Kevin feels regret, too, but his motivations are more simple and relatable: He wants to be with the woman he loves and for both of them to finally feel whole.

The Leftovers never explains exactly how far into the future weve jumped when we meet older Kevin and Nora  in an interview I did with Justin Theroux, he suggested the finale scoots ahead by about 15 years  nor does it spell out why Nora has decided to live in such extreme isolation in the middle of Australia. But if you believe Noras account of her crossover  which, in keeping with my Lost references, I think of as a flash sideways  it makes sense that she chooses to basically go into hiding. She has always been the seriess most adamant, outspoken skeptic of religion or anything that smacks of woo-woo phenomena, and yet she climbs into a time travel bathtub and (allegedly) teleports herself to a parallel universe. Whether her story is true or not, in order to explain herself to anyone back in Miracle or Mapleton once she returned, shed have to admit she was wrong  either wrong about the fact that theres no great beyond or wrong to try to go there at all  or too afraid to go through with it. Having to do that, not to mention deal with the possibility that shed be viewed by others in the same way she used to see people like the widow of the man on the Miracle tower, is too much for her to handle.

Why Australia, though? Thats the last place Kevin left her. Theres something romantic in this, too: Nora wants to stay hidden from Kevin, but at the same time  as her ongoing therapy sessions with Laurie imply  there is a part of her who wants to be found. Hes been trying to make this day happen for years, and shes been waiting for it to come.

When describing The Leftovers, the Sudden Departure is often characterized as a Rapture-like event. But it obviously differed conceptually from the Rapture because the people who got extracted from this mortal coil were not good Christians chosen by God. They were randomly selected like ping-pong balls in a lottery drawing. With that image of Kevins and Noras hands reaching out and finding each other to hold, The Leftovers reminds us one final time that this show was never about who gets chosen and why theyre gone. Its about who you choose  actively, fully, wholeheartedly choose  to give your heart to and finding your own version of rapture with them. This is reflected in the love between Kevin and Nora, but evoked, too, when Kevin updates Nora about his children and his father. Family is part of that equation, too.

There are a couple of lyrics in Iris DeMents Let the Mystery Be that dont appear in the shortened version of the song used in The Leftovers opening titles, but summarize the final message of this wonderful, occasionally surreal, surprisingly life-affirming series pretty well: I believe in love and I live my life accordingly / But I choose to let the mystery be.
A photo that shows a man holding a beer mug walking slowly amid crowds running away from the London Bridge terror attack scene has gone viral.

By India Today Web Desk: When London witnessed the deadliest terror attack in 12 years on March 22 at Westminister when Khalid Masood, a radical Islamist, killed five and injured 40 people. Masood made a car his weapon. A couple of days later, an image of a note on a notice board in a London tube went viral. The image was later proved to be fake but the message did capture the spirit of Londoners.

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The message said, "All terrorists are politely reminded that THIS IS LONDON and whatever you do to us we will drink tea and jolly well carry on, thank you."

The message captures the British humour and there have been many reports that prove citizens stay together regardless of the religion they follow at tough times.

After the horrific terror attack on London on June 3 on the London Bridge when three terrorists ran a van into pedestrians and later went on a stabbing spree in the nearby Borough Market area, another photo has gone viral.

The image shows a man, wearing blue denims, red T-shirt and a black pullover, walking slowly amid people fleeing the scene of the deadly car, knife attack, holding his beer mug.

Photo courtesy: Twitter (@hmannella)

Twitter user Howard Mannella noticed the fellow in a television footage of crowds running away from the attack. Mannella tweeted the photo saying, "People fleeing #LondonBridge but the bloke on the right isn't spilling a drop. God Bless the Brits!"

People fleeing #LondonBridge but the bloke on the right isn't spilling a drop. God Bless the Brits! pic.twitter.com/ceeaH0XxeX- Howard Mannella (@hmannella) June 3, 2017

His tweet went viral and by now has got nearly 35,000 retweets and over 1,00,000 likes.

While some joked how Londoner's cannot afford to leave a drink because of ridiculously high prices, others believed the man displayed the spirit of London and Londoners.

Also read:

London terror attacks: 7 killed, 48 hospitalised, three suspects shot dead

WATCH VIDEO | London terror siege: Speeding Van rams pedestrians, multiple stabbing reported in Borough Market

--- ENDS ---
The Leftovers The Book of Nora Season 3 Episode 8 Editors Rating 5 stars * * * * *  Previous Next  Previous Episode Next Episode  Carrie Coon as Nora Durst. Photo: Ben King/HBO

The Book of Nora has many chapters. It begins with an extended look right into the face of Nora Durst (Carrie Coon, in the final act of one of TVs all-time great performances) as she willingly chooses to risk annihilation in an attempt to re-create the Sudden Departure and reunite with her long-lost children. It continues through her heartwarmingly funny farewell to her brother, Matt, as they compose her obituary with an ad hoc game of MadLibs. (The Department of the Sudden Diarrhea is a gem.) It includes her scientifically induced Departure, which seems constructed solely from imagery pried from nightmares: human remains, creepy dolls, vulnerable nudity, traumatic memories, inexplicable machinery, harrowing claustrophobia, disorienting noises, the fear of drowning. It rolls right into the dual mysteries of what happens between then and our next glimpse of Nora, now a significantly older woman, and whether the Kevin Garvey who shows up on her doorstep saying that theyd only ever had one brief conversation back in Mapleton, New York, is telling the truth. There are revelations about the rest of the cast, both minor (Jill Garvey is in a great marriage, Tommys didnt work out) and major (Matt is dead, but he died reconciled with his wife, Mary; Laurie Garvey is alive and didnt commit suicide by scuba dive after all, and she alone knows where Noras been hiding all this time.) There are animals in peril, from trained doves who disappear after their release at a wedding reception to a scapegoat goat who gets caught on a barbed-wire fence because the partygoers festooned him with Mardi Gras beads. Theres a nun who has sex with a hunky biker dude. Theres a ton of Billie Holiday and an incredible dance-funk jam from Procol Harums Robin Trower.

Then theres the final chapter, and its the one that matters.

The day after the party and Kevins ill-fated attempt at reconciliation, he returns to Noras isolated house to come clean. Hes spent all these years searching for her, using his two weeks vacation to scour Australia on an annual basis. When he finally got lucky and found her (thanks to the frisky nun), he froze, and concocted the whole we barely know each other schtick in an attempt to get past their troubled history by simply erasing it. Its then that Nora tells him, and us, what happened to her after she stepped into that machine.

At first glance, and second glance, and every other glance you can fit in during its endless minutes, Noras monologue flies in the face of just about every screenwriting convention, including the First Commandment itself: Show, Dont Tell. But that depends on what it is youre trying to show, and what it is youre trying to tell.

If your primary interest here is watching Nora navigate her journey to an alternate dimension, traverse the empty globe, track down her surviving family, change her mind when she sees that theyre happy without her and shed just destroy that hard-earned happiness, turn around, cross the globe again to find the scientist who invented the Departure machine, wait for him to rebuild it, and travel back through, then, yeah, youre getting told rather than shown. Youd have needed, conservatively, an entire episode to see it all. If you really wanted to get the flavor and feeling of this all-new, all-different Leftovers world, you might have asked for an entire season. Maybe each episode could be split between the main branch of reality and, oh, I dunno, lets call it a sideways universe? You get the picture. Im not here to tell you that following Carrie Coon through a depopulated planet thats even more emotionally and physically scarred by the Sudden Departure than her own would be boring  it sounds amazing, frankly. But for all kinds of logistical and financial reasons, it clearly wasnt in the cards.

What is The Leftovers showing us instead? Just Nora, herself, in one of the many sustained closeups that director Mimi Leder uses to drive this episode, the way another show might use action sequences. We stare at her face as she spells out the entire saga. You might expect the telling to break her all over again, but shes had years to process what she experienced. So perhaps the most extraordinary thing that has ever happened to a human being in history gets boiled down to a story told over a kitchen table between two estranged lovers, in a calm but sad voice, with a placid but sad face. The Leftovers has the confidence in its camera and in its performers to convey the enormity of it all, and Noras lonesome acceptance of that enormity, just by watching and listening to Carrie Coon talk.

Tellingly, Nora starts breaking down only when she gets to the most recent development: Kevins return to her life forces her to face the fear that kept her away from him all this time, the fear that he wouldnt believe her. Heres where show, dont tell comes into play again. As weve seen, Nora has long since come to terms with her astonishing journey to another world and back again, in search of a lost family she now chooses to leave behind after years of grief over having that decision taken out of her hands. Thats not really what this conversation is about, for her. Its about whether she can ever get close to anyone again, or whether her peerless pain has rendered her separate from all of humanity basically forever. To find out, she has to face her fear of rejection by the human she once cared about most. She has to find out if Kevin Garvey believes her.

I believe you, he says, through a face so warped by emotion his skin seems to be sloughing off his skull on one side of his face. You do? she asks, stunned. Why wouldnt I believe you? he replies. Youre here. Im here, she confirms, to herself and to him, her hand in his, both of them smiling through tears.

Its the final dialogue in the series, and it wouldnt work nearly as well had we actually watched Noras trans-dimensional adventures. Here, were put in the same position as Kevin, whose own alternate-reality experiences the show has depicted in lovingly bizarre detail, enhancing the contrast with the finales approach to Noras. Were presented with the same information and asked to make the same decision. That, not the trip from world to world, is what The Leftovers wanted to show: a desperate person asking to be believed, and another desperate person believing.

Is there a better summary statement for the series? Everything that happened after the supernatural terror of the Sudden Departure  the cults and the crackpots and the crackdowns, the mystery of Miracle National Park, Kevins jaunts to International Assassinland, the song to stop the Great Flood, the Book of Kevin, Noras hunt for the Departure machine  are all just obstacles to, or substitutes for, human connection. And we cling to them because human connection is fucking scary. Whos to say that the people you need, or the people who need you, wont turn on you or leave you or get suddenly snatched away by death? Choosing to forge connections anyway is as big a leap of faith as Nora took when she stepped into that nightmare radiation chamber and held her breath.

So, yes, the series finale could have shown us yet another substitute. It could have followed Noras journey across the multiverse. Instead, it showed us the journey that really mattered: the one across the kitchen table, as Kevin took Noras hand in his own, and Nora took Kevins life back into hers.
If the first four episodes of Twin Peaks: The Return were a mainline injection of all the most surreal Red Room madness of Fire Walk With Me, the fifth marks a modest return to vaguely conventional storytelling. Its still full of outlandish non sequiturs and supernatural events, but its markedly easier to articulate the actual events that take place in this hour of television, which comes as a bit of a relief  and not solely because Im recapping it.

Perhaps its changed because Coop himself has finally come down to earth. Sadly, the curative power of coffee did not restore him to his former self as we had all hoped, and hes still sleepwalking through Dougies life like a Coop-shaped tabula rasa. Dougies wife, Janey-E, packs him off to work in a piercing lime green suit, where he proceeds to steal peoples coffee, make elevators uncomfortable, and call people liars. As much as part of me would like to see him become the Lying Cat of Twin Peaks, mostly I just want Coop back.

The Mystery of the Librarians Head and Some Random Guys Body continues, though the guy may be less random than we believed. The fingerprints of the male murder victim previously came back to the Buckhorn police department as classified by the military. The character with the strongest ties to the military is of course Major Garland Briggs, who supposedly died long ago in a mysterious fire only a day after meeting with Evil Coop. Via Army Colonel Ernie Hudson, we learn that theres been a database hit on prints from Major Garland Briggs  the 16th hit in the 25 years since his death, so perhaps he didnt die in that fire after all. Either way, it looks like Evil Coop caught up to him in the end.

Elsewhere, more fingerprint drama ensues when Agent Tammy Preston does some careful examination of Agent Coopers fingerprints and finds that something isnt quite right. Evil Coop also finally gets his phone call at the prison, and after ominous comments about Mr. Strawberry and some sort of demonic phone phreaking makes the lights and alarms go haywire, he says something about the cow jumping over the moon and a small black device in Buenos Aires implodes into a tiny kernel of metal. There are a lot of theories about what the Hey Diddle Diddle nursery rhyme might secretly be about  astronomy, Biblical reference, relationships between various world leaders  but according to Wikipedia: Most scholarly commentators consider these to be unproven and state that the verse is probably meant to be simply nonsense. Its always a fine line, with Lynch.

We also meet a new malignant asshole, who shows up at the Bang Bang Bar to smoke under a No Smoking sign, like a real rebel does. He makes a payoff to the bouncer and then violently assaults a young woman in a pretty disturbing and gratuitous way; he goes from hello to wrapping his hands around her throat and sneering, Im gonna laugh when I fuck you, bitch in the course of a few seconds. We get it: Hes a bad man. Although abuse, and particularly the sexualized abuse of women, have always been a central theme in Twin Peaks, its a little tiring to see the show constantly go back to this well seemingly as a matter of reflex. Throwing a rapey guy at a damsel in distress is a rote, cookie-cutter way to establish a rote-cookie cutter Bad Guy, and for a show that loves to play with subverting soapy cliches, its disappointing to see how hard it leans on this trope without subverting it at all.

Lynch has gotten flak for the male gaze in his work, but the problems go a lot deeper than lingering shots on female anatomy. Women, by and large, have things done to them by men in the world of Twin Peaks, and do things for men; rarely do they feel like the centers of their own universes. They are drug addicts, sex workers, girls being abused by their boyfriends, girls being exploited by their boyfriends for money (and mothers being exploited by proxy), grown women who revert psychologically to teenagers, women who can barely remember where they live, women who are so ignorant of technology that cell phones terrify them, and attractive female agents who are told to leave important conversations and get leering ass shots as they walk away.

Wives tend not to fare well either: Phyllis Hastings is not only unfaithful to her husband but cruelly abandons him in prison, poor Naomi Watts has to power nag Coop/Dougie into every action he takes, and the sheriffs wife shows up at the station this episode for the express purposes of shrieking at him about leaking pipes before storming off. Dont even get me started on Sylvia Horne.

And again, when women arent being depicted as objects, children, or shrews, they are frequent targets of violence: girls who get assaulted in bars by strange men, women who get brutally murdered while having sex, women who get brutally murdered by their boyfriends, women who get brutally murdered by their uncles, women who get sexually assaulted AND murdered by their fathers, and so on. One of the most arresting images of this episode is a shot of three young women in suggestive pink costumes, standing silently along the wall while a casino manager brutally beats an employee. Its emblematic of the way Twin Peaks looks at women, far too often: beautiful to look at, lacking in agency, and hovering uncomfortably on the cusp of male violence.

Although Laura ultimately transcended her iconic victimhood in Fire Walk With Me, the most powerful, confident female character in The Return thus far is Denise Bryson  and I suspect were not getting her for much more than a cameo. Shelly Johnson, who also found a way to fight back against her abuser, now has a daughter named Becky whos got bad boy problems of her own. Like Laura before her, Becky has a taste for shitty guys and cocaine, and after they do a bump in his car, theres a long shot where the camera lingers on her face, beaming with the sort of wide angelic smile that Laura used to have in her better moments. Heres hoping Becky fares better.

Beckys dirtbag boyfriend Steven goes to a job interview where the man behind the desk has called him in expressly to tell him how little he wants to give him a job. Guess who it is? Mike Nelson, the drug-dealing jock who used to date Donna Heyward. Yes, once upon a time he too was a red-headed asshole with substance abuse issues and an outsize sense of entitlement. Its nice to see that this former juvenile delinquent has gone on to become a productive member of society whos telling at a whole new generation of bad boys to get off his lawns, and theres a lot here about cycles. The people in this town and the forces impinging on it just keep going around and around and around.

Back in Vegas, Coop/Dougie is perhaps unintentionally a brilliant illustration of both male privilege and the way that women fill in the gaps of men with endless domestic and psychological labor. Despite being completely useless and unable to form original sentences, he managed to meander through a casino winning hundreds of thousands of dollars, and hes been guided through every subsequent action by women who step in with a sigh to quite literally lead him by the hand. From the moment he woke up in that empty model house, unable to put on his own shoes, he has been chauffeured and guided and nursemaided by one woman after another: Jade, Dougies wife, and several random women at work, one who actually has to lead him to a toilet when she finds him doing a pee-pee dance in the hallway. In the last episode, Dougies wife said she didnt know how to tie his tie correctly; the next morning, she does it flawlessly because  surprise!  she realized that if she didnt do it, it wasnt going to get done.

Theres an infantilized quality to Coop/Dougie, from the urgency as he suckles on a cup of coffee to the way that he needs help to handle his most basic bodily functions. Its unsettling, not just because it reduces the brilliant, philosophical Agent Cooper to a hapless man-baby, but because Coop was always the pie-loving sage in a suit and tie that anchored all the weirdness. Without him, it feels more untethered than ever.
By Press Trust of India: London, Jun 4 (PTI) British Prime Minister Theresa May today called for closer regulation of the internet following a deadly terror attack in London, saying new international agreements should be introduced to regulate cyberspace to prevent the spread of extremist and terrorism planning.

The Prime Minister said introducing new rules for cyberspace would "deprive the extremists of their safe spaces online" and that technology firms were not currently doing enough.

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She said a new approach to tackle extremism is required, including changes that would deny terrorists and extremist sympathisers digital tools used to communicate and plan attacks.

The Prime Minister made the comments outside Downing Street in the aftermath of the van and knife attack in central London in which seven people were killed and 48 others injured.

Three knife-wielding attackers in fake suicide vests unleashed a terror rampage in the British capital last night, plowing a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge before stabbing revellers in a nearby Borough market.

"We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed," May said. "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 extremist and terrorism planning. And we need to do everything we can at home to reduce the risks of extremism online,?she said.

The prime minister said the UK "cannot and must not pretend that things can continue as they are" as she set out tough measures to tackle terrorism in response to the attack.

She said there must be greater regulation of the internet and that existing online "safe spaces" that allowterrorism to "breed" must be eradicated.

The prime minister also said that the government would review its existing counter-terrorism strategy and look at increasing sentences for terror offences.

Iain Duncan Smith, the former work and pensions secretary, backed the Prime Minister and suggested that online companies had "avoided" such a clampdown for "too long".

Duncan Smith described the perpetrators of the London Bridgeattack as ?scum? and said internet companies must do more to limit the spread of extremist material.

He also suggested that the government should consider introducing ?in-house incarceration? for terror suspects.

?To make sure the cyber companies no longer allow our children to be able to go through these sites - lots of parents don?t know what their children are looking at right now - and only the cyber companies, only these big companies that operate in the internet they need to face up to their responsibilities as well," he said. PTI HSR PMS

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The city of West has broken ground on a memorial that will honor the dozen first responders who rushed into harms way and the three other West residents who died after the 2013 fire and explosion at the West Fertilizer Co. plant.

The Fallen Heroes Memorial Park, a vastly scaled-back version from one designed by a Dallas architect three years ago, will sit about 100 yards from where 12 firefighters and paramedics died as they fought the fire at the fertilizer plant. The others who died were residents of an apartment complex and a nursing home.

The memorial, which went from a design costing about $2 million to a less-complex model valued at about $300,000, is set for completion by the end of summer, West Mayor Tommy Muska said.

The memorial will include a circular water feature with an eternal flame in the center. Around that will be 15 individual stations that will showcase plaques to honor each of those who died April 17, 2013, after the explosion that decimated the small northern McLennan County town.

The memorial will be a stones throw away from Parkers Park, which was the first structure on city-owned property to be rebuilt after the tragedy, inspired by the wishes of young Parker Pustejovsky. Parkers father, Joey, was a city employee and a volunteer firefighter killed that night.

Parkers grandfather, Joe Pustejovsky, who chairs the memorial committee, said the memorial is important for the community.

Its not only for Joey, but for these guys who ran in the face of tragedy. Their only feelings were to protect the community. Of course, nobody thought anything like that was going to happen, but it is important for those people who passed that day that this gets done for the community, Pustejovsky said.

Pustejovsky said the committee is waiting for some grants to come in to help fund the project, which he said will cost about $200,000. The city also received about $100,000 worth of donations of materials and labor to assist its completion, he said.

West Mayor Pro Tem Steve Vanek and Bryan Nors, an architect in Waco, put on a car show in West known as the Small Town Showdown at the end of May and raised $10,000 toward the memorial project. Vanek will present the memorial committee with a check Tuesday evening at the West City Council meeting.

Vanek said the car show next year will benefit the West Volunteer Ambulance Association.

Pustejovsky attended a service in Maryland in 2014 at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and one the next year at the Texas Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Austin. His son was honored at both services.

He said once the expense of the original design necessitated that it be scaled back, he contacted architect Kurt Vrbas, a former West resident, to help him plot a new design. He said they incorporated elements from both memorials and one for shooting victims at Fort Hood to shape the West memorial.

This new design for the memorial is something we can afford and something we will be able to maintain, Muska said. It is going to match the community in its simplicity and its desire to remember those who perished that day.
By Press Trust of India: Imphal, Jun 5 (PTI) A militant suspected to be a NSCN (K) cadre was killed in an encounter with the army at Gaijianglong village in Noney district, police said today.

The incident occurred last night around 10:30 pm, in the dense hilly terrain of the district and the deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Gaithalung Thaimei, the police said.

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Security forces recovered a sophisticated M-16 assault rifle and 11 rounds along with a mobile handset from the possession of the dead militant, police said.

The dead militant is suspected to be a cadre of NSCN (K), they added. PTI COR RG

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This was the first time this kind of extreme light has been used to break up molecules, and it may help understand the damages from X-ray radiation when it is used to take an X-ray picture.

By India Today Web Desk: Essentially, a black hole is an object whose gravity is so strong that it sucks in surrounding objects including light. That's what became of a small molecule that researchers blasted with the world's most powerful X-ray laser. The molecule turned into an atom-sucking 'molecular black hole.'

Researchers from Kansas State University in the US successfully used short pulses of ultra-intense high-energy X-rays to produce a detailed picture of how X-ray radiation interacts with molecules. This was the first time this kind of extreme light has been used to break up molecules, and it may help understand the damages from X-ray radiation when it is used to take an X-ray picture, researchers said.

Representational Image

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The team shot iodomethane (CH3I) and iodobenzene (C6H5I) molecules with a powerful X-ray beam.

How did they do it?

When blasted with the X-ray laser beam, the molecule's iodine atom lost more than 50 electrons with just 30 femtoseconds -- or millionths of a billionth of a second. The void that was left then pulled in electrons from the rest of the molecule, like a short-lived black hole, which it also blasted out before finally blowing up.

"We think the effect was even more important in the larger molecule than in the smaller one, but we don't know how to quantify it yet," lead researcher Artem Rudenko explained in the press release.

How is this experiment helpful?

Understanding the ultrafast dynamic process is important for many applications of intense X-ray lasers, including X-ray imaging of biomolecules

Ultra-intense X-rays give us a new and efficient tool to image biological particles, such as proteins and viruses, with high resolution

Representational Image

"But they also damage and eventually destroy the object we are trying to study. If we can understand the mechanisms that cause the damage, theorists can model how the structure changes during the picture-taking process, allowing researchers to either avoid the damage or to account for its influence," said Daniel Rolles, one of the principle investigators in the research

"This paper shows that we can understand and model the radiation damage in small molecules, so now we can predict what damage we will get in other systems," Rolles added

The study was published in the journal Nature.

Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section.

To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail to education.intoday@gmail.com

--- ENDS ---
2. US: Data has come in largely below expectations, which is a theme we seem to be saying a lot at the moment. The May ISM service index came in at 56.9, which was a solid number and showing good expansion in the service sector, although it did miss forecasts and was a slight slowdown from the April print. Both the new orders and new export orders sub-component of the index detailed a strong slowdown in the pace of expansion, although we saw this being offset (to an extent) by a strong increase in employment component. Factory orders (-0.2%) and durable goods (-0.8%) were wholly uninspiring as well, but there has been a limited reaction across the US Treasury curve and subsequently no real move in the USD. So the view remains unchanged that the Federal Reserve hike next week, but if this trend of deteriorating US data does not show improvement and the US yield curve subsequently continues to flatten then I really feel we are going to start to see a pick-up in equity market volatility. It seems unsustainable that this divergence between US data trends and continued all-time highs in US equities continues.

1. Wall Street: Looking within the S&P 500 sectors, we can see energy the best performer with a gain of 0.2%, while utilities fared the worst with a drop of 0.5%. While sitting in the office in Melbourne it feels as though there should have been tumbleweed in the New York Stock Exchange, although volumes were 16% below the 30-day average (on the S&P 500), which is low, but not terrible. Again, this is life as we know it with the US volatility Index ("VIX") below 10%.

If you like low volatility in equity indices then the overnight session took the first prize in delivering absolutely no move whatsoever. Tough times then for the traders who like a market that shows signs that market participants actually have an ability to move prices around, but what we saw was a measly five-point range in the S&P 500 and 56-point range in the Dow. Locally, the ASX is due to open a little lower.

3. ASX: Asian markets will feed off the limited moves seen overnight and will likely open unchanged. The Aussie index has become somewhat less predictable, at least after the unwind of the auction (at 10:10 aest) and I for one didn't expect to see the sell down we saw in the ASX financial sector on open yesterday and it felt like a fund was dumping a decent chunk of their holding, but on second blush we can see a strong correlation with the Aussie yield curve (the difference between Australian two-year government bonds vs ten-year bonds). We saw this yield spread differential trade into the lowest (or flattest) since November yesterday and the banking sector came along for the ride. However, given what we have seen in the US overnight one suspects the Aussie yield curve stays largely unchanged today and banks, therefore, open on a flat note.

4. Local data: One variable that could change this could be when we see the Q1 balance of payments at 11:30 aest, with net exports as a percentage of GDP expected to provide a 40 basis point headwind to tomorrow's Q1 GDP print. After all the other inputs of late, it feels the 0.3% qoq consensus growth estimate feels right, perhaps with some upside risk of say 10bp (to 0.4%), but today's data is the final missing piece and should see economists tweak their models and provide a final estimate ahead of tomorrow's data. Given the Q1 inventory and company profits data one feels a contraction on the quarter now would be a decent surprise to the market and could cause a 50 pips or so downside move in AUD/USD, obviously depending on the actual outcome.

5. RBA day: Rates will stay on hold but there is expectations of an upbeat statement. That being said, Capital Economics and others say a rate cut is on the cards for 2017.

6. Aussie dollar: Interestingly, we have seen a solid session for the AUD and it has rallied against all G10 currencies. AUD/USD has traded in a fairly wide range of $0.7499 to $0.7412, however, the bigger moves have been seen against the Scandinavian currencies, while EUR/AUD has also seen a reasonable pullback and well traded. The four-hour chart of EUR/AUD looks interesting and I would specifically be looking over the next couple of days to see how price reacts on moves into a$1.4940 to a$1.4911. It seems likely any further selling into this support zone will be driven more prominently by disappointment from the ECB meeting on Thursday (21:45 aest) than today's Aussie GDP or Reserve Bank statement, which should once again be broadly neutral and unchanged from the May statement. I like the idea of buying pullbacks in EUR/AUD into this support zone.

7. Commodities: In terms of leads from commodities, we can see spot iron took a hit, closing 3.3% lower, although we have seen stable conditions in Dalian iron ore futures. Steels futures though closed 2% lower. Perhaps the bigger talking point are the rising tensions among the Gulf states (and Libya) and key OPEC members and although traders initially bought US crude and Brent, moves were quickly sold and we actually now see US crude now 1.7% lower from the ASX 200 close. BHP's American Depository Receipt followed closing down 1% and we can see Vale's US-listing closing down 2%.
Higher commodity prices pushed up company profits almost 40 per cent in the year to March at a time when the wage bill grew 0.9 per cent.

The so-called partial indicators released by the Bureau of Statistics ahead of Wednesday's national accounts have company profits climbing 6 per cent during the March quarter and wages only 0.3 per cent.

The wage measure is affected by both record-low wage growth and a drop in the number of hours worked.
The state's environmental watchdog is refusing to release contamination reports to a Sydney landlord in dispute with his former tenant Woolworths over clean-up costs at a petrol-station site.

The Environment Protection Authority sided with the supermarket giant, which argued the reports should not be released because they could affect its commercial interests.

Emmanuel Stratiotis has been struggling to get information from the NSW Environment Protection Authority about the contamination levels at the petrol station site he owns, previously run by Woolworths. Credit:James Brickwood

Emmanuel Stratiotis, whose family owns the land, said the information was critical to answering who should pay for the remediation bill, which he calculated at more than $1 million.

"It is easier to pull Excalibur from the stone than to get an answer from these guys," Mr Stratiotis said of the authority.
A man fired from his warehouse job in April returned to his old workplace near Orlando on Monday and fatally shot five people before killing himself, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said.

The 45-year-old suspect had a history of misdemeanour criminal offences but was not linked to any terror organisations, Sheriff Demings said at a press briefing.

"He was a disgruntled employee that came back to this business this morning," he said.

The unidentified assailant arrived at the company that makes accessories for recreational vehicles and campers at about 8am, armed with a handgun and a knife, Mr Demings said.
Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin said he's unaware of any proposal from Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, to set up a secret line of communications between the incoming administration and the Russian government, and that it's "nonsense" to say Russia has collected compromising material about Trump.

"I am not aware of such a proposal," Putin said in an interview for NBC News' Sunday Night With Megyn Kelly conducted in St Petersburg on June 2 and broadcast on Sunday. "No such proposal ever reached me."

Kushner, a senior adviser to Trump, discussed the idea of creating a secret channel, primarily to discuss the crisis in Syria, with Russian ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak in December, as the Trump team was in the middle of its transition to the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The line was never established, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
We'd rather have a sunburn than be blinded by Neha Dhupia's blingy clothes.

By Shivani Chhabra: Actor Neha Dhupia, who was last seen in the film Moh Maya Money, and is currently one of the gang leaders on a reality-television show, attended a launch event recently.

As excited as we were to finally see her in something other than the signature biker clothing she dons on the show, she turned up looking like a total disaster--there's no other term to describe the look.

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The Payal Khandwala number completely missed out on class and elegance, and we cringed at how it dulled down Neha's innate charm.

Photo: Yogen Shah

We haven't been able to recover from the torture this over-lustrous, satin outfit inflicted on our eyes. You don't that do that to your fans and followers, Neha!

The satin, maroon shirt was anything but flattering--this might lead to us staying away from from maroon and satin for a while now.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor to Swara Bhasker, the best and worst looks from this fashionable event

Like the shirt hadn't caused enough damage, Neha paired it with a gold-beige skirt that looked more like a ghagra, owing to its over-the-top shimmer and silhouette.

Add to that, a chunky, gold choker we almost choked on, and you'll know why we're so disappointed with Neha Dhupia's blingy outfit after you see this image:

Photo: Yogen Shah

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra has something in common with Nicole Kidman. Can you spot it?

The vintage hairdo she decided to pull off with the look only added insult to injury.

We are hoping to see you back in some amazing clothes, Neha. Till then, let's get our sunglasses out.

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: From Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Jun 5 (PTI) Nepal has signed an agreement with a Chinese company to construct a 1,200 MW hydroelectric plant in the landlocked country, which is facing acute power shortage.

Energy Minister Janardan Sharma yesterday signed the agreement with the China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) to build the Budhi-Gandaki hydroelectric project, according to officials.

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The project would be constructed at an estimated cost of USD 2.5 billion. A financing agreement will be signed later, an official in the ministry said.

The government had recently allocated Rs 10 billion to finance the project.

The current Nepalese budget also specifies to generate 17,00 MW electricity to end power woes in the country.

Nepal has the potential to generate around 83,000 MW electricity through the utilisation of its water resources. So far, the country has utilised a little more than 1 per cent of its hydro-potential.

The demand for electricity has long outstripped supply in Nepal due to under-investment and inefficiencies in the power sector of the country. PTI SBP AQS NSA AQS

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Kathmandu, Jun 5 (PTI) Nepal has signed a major deal with a Chinese company to develop a 1,200 MW hydroelectric project, the biggest hydro project in the landlocked country that could resolve its perennial power crisis.

Nepals Ministry of Energy yesterday signed an MoU with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) for the development of teh much-touted 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project.

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The agreement was signed at the prime ministers residence, in the presence of outgoing prime minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong, The Kathmandu Post reported.

As per the agreement, the storage project would be built under engineering, procurement, construction and finance (EPCF) model. Under this model, CGGC will help arrange funds required to develop the project.

The funds will be mobilised in the form of soft loan or commercial loan from Chinese financial institutions on terms and conditions acceptable to the Nepal government. CGGC will also undertake the overall responsibility of executing the project.

The Chinese developer, according to the MoU, will also conduct additional studies and investigations on the project if required.

The MoU has given one years period to the Chinese developer to conduct assessment of the hydropower project and arrange necessary funds for its development.

This understanding, according to Energy Ministry officials, will not bind the government legally or financially to hand over the project to the Chinese company for construction, as the final agreement is yet to be signed.

The government has allocated a budget of Rs 5.33 billion for the projects development in the current fiscal year.

The EPCF model of project development, under which the contracting firm makes all the arrangements including mobilisation of financial resources to build the project, is considered to be one of the most effective and efficient models for development of huge infrastructure projects.

CGGC is currently building 30MW Chameliya Hydropower Project in the far west and 60MW Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in the central region.

The Budhigandaki Project has been touted as a key project to resolve the perennial power crisis in the country.

The government has been raising infrastructure tax of Rs 5 from sales of every litre of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel to collect funds to build the project. PTI KJ PMS KJ

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Patna, Jun 5 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today stressed on providing additional funds to hospitals to carry out humanitarian duties like assisting the poor who cannot arrange ambulance to carry dead body home.

"The Health department has to draw specific guidelines and provide additional funds to hospitals for such cases where a poor does not get an ambulance and is not in a position to afford private ambulance," Kumar told reporters.

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He was answering a question concerned with sorry plight of a destitute woman in Muzaffarpur whose body was being pulled inside a garbage cart to be taken for post-mortem at Shri Krishna Memorial College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur last week.

"The Health department needs to make available resources to hospitals for discharging humanitarian duties like arranging ambulance to carry dead body home and other assistance," the CM said.

Last year, policemen in Vaishali district of Bihar were photographed dragging a dead body hundreds of metres after tying a rope around the bodys neck. In the absence of an ambulance, the policemen were spotted taking out the dead body from river Ganga using rope.

Expressing concern over such "humanitarian" issues, Kumar stressed on equipping hospitals with additional fund to help needy arrange an ambulance or other kinds of assistance.

"Earlier, in the state condition of police stations were like this. Policemen would flex muscles to use a vehicle for moving even undertrials for production in a court," he said with state DGP P K Thakur sitting by his side.

"The policemen would move in a Thelco jeep (poor condition jeep which could be started only by pushing the vehicle). The criminals would come to know about movement of policemen due to jarring sound of the vehicle," he said.

"My government looked into the problem and armed police stations with sufficient fund to end problem arising for want of fund," he said. PTI SNS RG PS

--- ENDS ---
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Paducah City Commission sees three retain seats and one return
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jun. 04, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 04, 2017 | 11:23 AM | PADUCAH, KY

Authorities say criminal charges are likely after a crash on Benton Road early Sunday morning.



The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded shortly after 12 a.m. to a report of a crash in the 4700 block of Benton Road.



The investigation showed 20-year-old Micah Davis of Paducah was riding a moped when he ran off the roadway and was thrown from from the moped. He and the moped came to rest in the middle of the road.



Just as Davis was thrown from the moped, 43-year-old Shawn Crook of Paducah drove up and swerved to miss the moped. He then struck Davis who was still lying in the roadway.



Davis was taken to Western Baptist Hospital and later flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville for treatment of his injuries.



Deputies said alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash.
At least 34 people have lost their lives in Odisha due to heatstroke this summer. Odisha is facing severe heat wave and resultant water scarcity.

By Manogya Loiwal : The heat wave has taken a toll on the lives of people in Odisha. The state is witnessing temperature as high as 47 degree Celsius in many districts.

Thirty four people have died in Odisha this summer due to heatstroke and exhaustion. Many areas have reported acute shortage of drinking water.

The maximum number of deaths have been reported from Kurda. Four deaths were reported from Cuttack, three from Angul and two each from Balasore, Ganjam, Keonjhar and Nayagarh.

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The districts of Rayagada, Nupada, Mayurbhanj, Jharsuguda, Jaipur, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Bargarh and Bolangir also reported several deaths due to sunstroke.

HEAT WOES OF ODISHA

Odisha is known to experience high temperatures during summer. Over the years, the temperatures have reached as high as 50 degrees Celsius.

The rising temperature this year has seen water-lines going down to near dry level in lakes, ponds and wells. The combined result is severe scarcity of drinking water in several areas.

Wild animals are coming to villages for food and water. The government is currently providing drinking water through by using storage tanks.

WORST AFFECTED AREAS

These problems are especially affecting Titlagarh in Bolangir district of Odisha, where mercury touched 47 degree Celsius. As many as 18 places across the state recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

However, temperature dropped a bit in coastal areas. Bhubaneswar also saw decline in temperature by over two degree Celsius providing much needed respite to people. Humidity also fell in the city.

The weather department has predicted harsh sun in days to come.

(With inputs from Kushal Singh Rathore and Mohammad Suffian in Odisha)

--- ENDS ---
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jun. 05, 2017 | HICKORY, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 05, 2017 | 12:59 PM | HICKORY, KY

Several kids from western Kentucky are on their way to the annual Trooper Island Camp on Dale Hollow Lake.



Trooper Jody Cash says 37 local children and three Post 1 Troopers headed to the camp Monday morning. The group left from Post 1 in Hickory for a five day stay at the summer camp, which is provided free of charge to kids age 10-12. During the week, campers will participate in archery, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.



Campers will also interact with the KSP Troopers on the island in afternoon activities such as movie watching, water games, and kickball.



Throughout the week, campers build positive skills such as teamwork, leadership, and self-esteem.



One night, the entire island staff, campers, and Troopers will have a Blue Light Ceremony in memory of the Troopers who have died in the line of duty. During that ceremony, the names of each Trooper will be read aloud along with a message from Trooper Jonathan Biven, Trooper Island Camp Director.



The kids are nervous on Monday about being away from home, then they are upset on Friday because they want to stay at Trooper Island longer. Cash said.



Throughout the summer, about 700 children from across Kentucky will attend the five-day camp. More information about the camp can be found at http://kentuckystatepolice.org/island.htm.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 05, 2017 | 06:52 AM | DRAFFENVILLE, KY

A Marshall County sheriff's deputy is being called a hero for his efforts after a fiery car crash on Sunday.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, deputy Luke Rudd was finishing a wreck scene on Hwy 68 West in Draffenville when he saw a vehicle drive by him at a very high rate of speed. The vehicle left the road, struck a ditch, overturned two times and struck a tree. The vehicle engine compartment then caught fire.

The driver, later identified as 30-year-old Samuel Overby of Benton, was trapped inside the vehicle. Rudd had to break the rear windshield and crawl into the vehicle. He then had to cut the seat belt and pull Overby from the vehicle through the back as the passenger area began to be engulfed.

Overby was treated and released from Marshall County Hospital and transported to the Marshall County Detention Center. He's charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, fleeing and evading police, speeding and no insurance.

Rudd sustained minor injuries during the incident and was also treated and released from the hospital.
By The Associated Press Jun. 05, 2017 | 04:53 AM | FRANKFORT, KY

Kentucky's secretary of state is traveling to Asia for an international trade mission.

Alison Lundergan Grimes is scheduled to visit Taiwan this week with four other secretaries of state during a trip coordinated and paid for by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office. Grimes made a similar visit in 2013.

Grimes said she will meet with several Kentucky companies with offices in Taiwan, which is Kentucky's sixth largest export market in Asia. In 2015, Taiwan agreed to purchase corn and soybeans from Kentucky in 2016 and 2017.

Earlier this year, Grimes said she worked to make Kentucky the 21st state with a reciprocal driver's license agreement with Taiwan.
The Maoists attacked the Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel while they were returning from a combing operation.

A team of Special Operation Group was ambushed by Maoists. Photo for representation.

By Manogya Loiwal : A Special Operation Group (SOG) jawan was killed and 10 other were injured in a Maoist ambush in Odisha's Kandhamal district.

The Maoists attacked the SOG team while they were returning from a combing operation.

The SOG jawans were ambushed in a forest area near Khamankhol village under Baliguda sub-division of Kandhamal district.

The Special Operation Group is a special paramilitary unit in Odisha which specialises in anti-insurgency operations.

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A little over a month ago, a CRPF battalion was ambushed by Naxals in Chattisgarh's Sukma district. The attack was the worst on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the last seven years killing 25 of its personnel.

Following the Sukma attack, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had chaired a meeting with chief ministers of Maoist-hit states in New Delhi to review the anti-Naxal strategy.

At the meeting, which was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Rajnath Singh emphasised on equipping paramilitary forces with adequate infrastructure to fight the Maoists.

ALSO READ:

Sukma attack: Why Naxals succeed attack after attack in Chhattisgarh

From Dantewada 2010 to Sukma 2017: How the Naxal attack narrative has not changed in 7 years

12 takeaways from Centre's new strategy to deal with Naxals

ALSO WATCH: Has the Sukma attack exposed the government's claims on note ban's effect on Naxalism?

--- ENDS ---
Wexford photographer Declan Roche is back among the best with stunning shot of hare on Curracloe Beach
By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Jun 5 (PTI) Pakistan government has decided to take the issue of joining the Saudi-led 41 nation military alliance to parliament, amid concerns among the policymakers that the alliance would create further sectarian divisions in the country.

In principle, Pakistan agreed to be part of the Islamic Military Alliance against Terrorism (IMAT) as it granted permission to its former army chief General (retd) Raheel Sharif to head the grouping.

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However, the extent of Pakistans participation in the alliance has yet to be decided.

Saudi leadership used a recent Arab-US summit in Riyadh to target Iran, which has forced Pakistan authorities to tread a careful path.

There has been a realisation within the policymakers that the alliance would create further sectarian divisions, said officials familiar with the development.

Last week, Prime Ministers Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz conceded before the Senate that Riyadh conference had widened the sectarian divide in the Muslim world.

Pakistan was stuck between the "devil and the deep blue sea" meaning that neither it could say completely "No" to Saudi Arabia nor could afford antagonising neighbouring Iran, an official was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

"So, we are trying to find a middle ground. We want to ensure a balance in our ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran," the official explained.

In order to achieve that difficult task, the official said, the government would present the terms of reference of the military alliance before parliament for approval.

The thinking behind this move is to use the leverage provided by parliament to set certain limits as far as Pakistan?s participation in the activities of Saudi-led military alliance is concerned.

The government has already made it clear that member countries are free to decide the activities they would want to become part of it in the alliance.

This, according to officials, has provided a room to the government to set clear guidelines.

Given the tricky situation facing Pakistan, the government has drawn certain "red lines" that seek to ensure that it does not become part of any initiative aimed at any other Muslim country.

"We cannot side with any party to create rift within the Muslim Ummah (community). We dont want to align ourselves with any alliance which is against other countries because that?s part of our policy," commented ruling party senator Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qayum.

In 2015, the government took the Saudi request seeking Pakistani troops for its campaign in Yemen to parliament.

The National Assembly and Senate passed a unanimous resolution urging the government to stay away from the conflict involving other Muslim countries while at the same time reiterating full support to Saudi Arabias territorial integrity and sovereignty.

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The move, however, caused an unusual strain in Pakistan?s ties with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.

Opposition parties -- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Peoples Party -- have insisted that the April 10, 2015 joint resolution of Parliament should serve as a guideline for the government.

The adviser assured that the government would seek rectification of Parliament before taking a final decision on the Saudi-led military alliance. PTI SH ZH

--- ENDS ---
Opposition parties have lashed out on the government for not acting according to the expectation, which they blame, is a result of weak preparation into the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

By Hamza Ameer: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif along with his ruling party members in the federal government have been under severe criticism over what they call, lack of effort, leading to a weak approach and case presentation before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which resulted in staying of the execution sentence of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian Navy officer on death row, granted through the military courts on charges of espionage, affiliated to terror attacks in Quetta, Balochistan and Karachi, Sindh.

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Opposition parties have lashed out at the government for not acting according to the expectation, which they blame, is a result of weak preparation into the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

Legal experts also echo voices of the opposition parties.

"It was not a difficult case for Pakistan to end in the first sitting. All they had to do was to notify ICJ that they cannot question in cases of national interest to Pakistan, reference of which is the March 2017 declaration. But because homework was not done, nor was the case presented properly, we see ourselves in a situation where ICJ's interim verdict stands against us.

"It was an open and shut case. Pakistan should have simply rejected the ICJ's request to appear and raised the one point agenda of jurisdiction."

The uproar from the opposition parties pushed the argument in the Parliament and the Senate of Pakistan.

Senator Siraj-ul-Haq, Chief of Jamat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan presented a motion in the session today and called for a debate over Kulbhushan Jadhav case in reference to the stay on his execution, ordered by the ICJ.

JI chief maintained that Pakistan faced global embarrassment, when ICJ gave its verdict against Pakistan's contention, which he said exposed the fact that Pakistan's team was not very well prepared presenting the case before ICJ.

"lCJ adopted India's stance in its order and stayed Jadhav's dead sentence. We did not present our case properly."

He further said that Pakistan government created confusions from the start as the many important things were kept in secret and not made public, for reasons unknown.

"The government's actions have been suspiciously confusing since the time Kulbashan's case was taken to ICJ by India. The government did not take the parliament or the senate into confidence on its line of action for the case. No one was told anything. Parliamentarians kept asking the government but they did not give any clear answers. We did not even know who is going to present Pakistan's case in the ICJ till the last day."

"And even today, when the government is gearing up to go to the first hearing on June 8, we have no idea what their line of action is going to be now. They need to take the Parliament and Senate into confidence over the matter, because this is a matter of Pakistan's national interest."

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Siraj-ul-Haq also insisted that India has been issuing threats to Pakistan regarding Jadhav's case, which makes it even more certain that it is a case of national interest.

Chairman of the Senate Raza Rabbani, heard the argument and accepted the motion for debate for at least two hours. Senator Rabbani has also summoned notices to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General of Pakistan.

Also Read:

Pakistan Senate to debate Kulbhushan Jadhav case on Jamaat-i-Islami's motion

Pakistan implicated Kulbhushan Jadhav to check India's growing influence: Sindh-based group to ICJ

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?

--- ENDS ---
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After about a year of consultation and research, Winnipegs Gang Action Interagency Network (GAIN) launched its comprehensive strategy Monday aimed at limiting gang influence on youth in the city.

The strategy, which will focus on intervention, prevention and suppression of gang activity over a three-year starting period, was funded in part by the provincial government. In April, that funding was cut only weeks ahead of the deadline for renewal and barely a month before the strategy was set to launch.

GAIN co-ordinator Robyn Dryden said the province agreed to fund the program until the end of August, but with that limited funding, the organization will be forced to stretch and look for community assistance.

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Its really upsetting that our funding was pulled at this particular moment, Dryden told the Free Press, adding the organization is still confident it will be able to make an impact.

The organizations goals include providing immediate support to youth trying to exit or avoid gangs, along with achieving long-term solutions.

Those lasting results are proven to come from providing access to employment, mentorship, recreation and mental heath and addictions support, Dryden said. A large part of GAINs plan is centred on removing barriers to those services.

According to a 2013 report published by the Canadian Police Association, there were roughly 1,400 active youth street gang members in Winnipeg. (In this case, youth refers to members ages six to 29.)

Though nearly 60 per cent of those youth members are of indigenous descent, Dryden stressed gang violence is not an indigenous issue, rather a city-wide problem. However, the influence gangs have over indigenous youth is apparent, fuelled by root causes stemming from colonization, poverty and intergenerational trauma, she added.

Even before its funding was cut, GAIN planned to work alongside community organizations, aligning goals toward decreasing gang influence and increasing programming.

I think (the provincial government) will come to the table, said GAIN chairman Jamil Mahmood, also serves as the executive director of the Spence Neighbourhood Association.

Were always willing to work with them. Hopefully, when they see the strategy, theyll change their minds.

Dryden said Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman declined to participate in the consultation. However, Coun. Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre) did attend the launch to show the citys support.

Gilroy praised the program as giving youth a path leading forward, not backward.

As of now, Dryden is GAINs only paid employee and because her salary was part of the provincial funding, the organization will be forced to fundraise if it hopes to keep her on after August.

Having worked on the strategy and its upcoming implementation for over a year, Dryden hopes shell be able to continue to provide guidance and support to youth for the full duration of the organizations initial three-year plan  and beyond.

Its definitely going to be a challenge to secure funding, Mahmood said, but he and his colleagues hope theyll be able to progress as planned.

For now, GAIN will focus only on youth in Winnipeg, but it hopes to provide help toward youth outside the city by next year and to adults over the age of 30 by 2019.

Were confident well be able to find the right partners if the province and city arent interested, Dryden said.

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A judge has reserved her decision on whether to allow Christine Woods alleged killer out on bail.

Brett Ronald Overby, 30, appeared in court Monday  five days after Woods body was found in a farmers field in the RM of Springfield  to ask a judge to release him on bail. He is charged with second-degree murder.

Court of Queens Bench Justice Sadie Bond reserved her decision on whether to allow Overby to go free on bail after hearing arguments from Crown attorney Brent Davidson and defence lawyer Sarah Inness. The judge is set to deliver her decision Thursday at 10 a.m.

WINNIPEG POLICE Christine Wood

Overby, dressed in black from head to toe, was brought to court in shackles and sat in the prisoners box while observers in the crowded courtroom  including members of his family, as well as Woods family and friends  heard details of the Crowns case.

However, those details cannot be made public due to a court-ordered publication ban that covers all evidence introduced during the bail hearing.

Wood, 21, and her family had travelled to Winnipeg from Oxford House First Nation for a relatives medical appointment and were staying in a Polo Park-area hotel. She went out for the evening on Aug. 19, 2016, and vanished.

Her parents, George and Melinda Wood, spent the intervening months searching for her, making public pleas for help and receiving steady support from community volunteers with the Bear Clan Patrol, before police announced a Springfield farmer checking his canola crops found the remains in a shallow grave last Thursday.

Outside court, Woods uncle, Bernie Young, said the family had long held onto a glimmer of hope she was alive. The discovery of her body last week, more than eight months after her disappearance, gave them some closure, he said, but listening to the details was painful.

It was very hard. Very difficult. I had a hard time sometimes  just listening to what was being said was very difficult to take, he said.

Wood was intelligent and friendly, Young said, and thats how hed like her memory to live on.

I think she loved everybody, he said. Thats how I will always remember her.

An autopsy was completed Friday and Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth called a news conference Saturday to announce the remains were Woods. Smyth said he had previously phoned Woods parents to break the tragic news.

I told George and Melinda that I cant begin to know your pain but I will ensure Christine is returned home to you as soon as possible, Smyth said.

Overbys bail hearing date had been set well in advance of the farmers discovery. He was arrested in April after police searched his home in the 300 block of Burrows Avenue. They spent five days at the taped-off home gathering evidence before publicly announcing that Overby had been charged. Details of what police found while carrying out the search warrant are sealed from the public.

As he announced Overbys arrest on April 10, WPS homicide unit Sgt. John ODonovan said even though Woods body hadnt yet been found, theres not a one in 20-trillion chance that she is alive.

We didnt know she was dead until we got into that house the main reason we cant find her is because (Overby) wont tell us, he said at the time.

While Overby was being investigated in Woods death, he was charged with a previous domestic-violence assault against a former girlfriend dating back to 2011. He was initially arrested for that alleged assault on March 21, when police executed the search warrant at his home. He was released on bail and arrested on the second-degree murder charge less than three weeks later.

His criminal record includes convictions for offences that occurred between 2005 and 2006: impaired driving, assault with a weapon and theft under $5,000.

 with files from Melissa Martin

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Churchill residents are getting low on spirits  and in more ways than one.

Via Rail service from Thompson to Churchill was suspended on May 31 due to flooding, so the northern town was already down to its last few cases of beer Sunday. The only vendor in town has already run out of stock.

But running out of beer could be the least of Churchills problems.

Winnipeg Free Press Files The rail line to Churchill, shown intact here, has taken a hit this spring from flooding.

In the short term, residents and businesses are dealing with shortages of essential goods  food and larger products such as lumber or petroleum products  that are considered too expensive to fly in.

In the long term, community leaders are concerned that if rail service, as they fear, remains suspended into what is expected to be a booming Canadian 150th anniversary tourism season, it could cost the town hundreds of thousands in lost revenue and jobs.

Churchill Mayor Mike Spence owns the Seaport Hotel, which cut off vendor sales when the beer supply ran out last week. Thats happened before, Spence said.

What worries the mayor even more is whether residents can afford food that will have to be flown in at costs four times as high, or if the beluga whale-watching season (July, August, September) will be hurt if Via Rail trains cant get the tourists into town.

Spence said town officials have been talking with the provincial government about acquiring government assistance for air transport.

Its pretty difficult and challenging, Spence said. Theres a lot of issues here that we need to overcome. Youre going to need a subsidy to get food and essential (goods) into the community. To fly them in, theres a huge cost to that.

Calm Air has agreed to add two flights a week from Thompson to Churchill. Town officials are negotiating with Gardewine on trucking freight costs from Winnipeg to Thompson.

Via Rail and Omnitrax, which owns the rail line, could not be reached Sunday.

Spence said Omnitrax is trying to determine the flood damage, which was caused by a combination of heavy spring runoff and high river levels. Several bridges may need to be repaired.

The images that Ive seen, it could be a month and beyond, he said. They (Omnitrax) dont have a guesstimate. How long will it take to fix? We dont know.

Spence said the town was gearing up for a year of increased tourism due to promotions around Canadas 150th anniversary, such as Via Rail specials for young travellers.

We dont want them cancelling, he said. We want to accommodate them. So that means sharpening our pencils and (coming up with solutions) or we dont get anything at all.

The town has reached out to Via Rail and Travel Manitoba to help provide tourists with options. But currently the added flights from Thompson to Churchill cost around $600 return.

Shane Hutchins / The Canadian Press Files Churchill was hit with 60 centimetres of snow in March, leading to spring flooding and rail transportation problems.

Belinda Fitzpatrick, owner of the Tundra Inn restaurant and bar, said she was ready to open June 14, but that date has been delayed.

Instead, shes spent the last few days trying to make alternative arrangements for her guest bookings. Those who had booked hostel rooms have already cancelled.

Its not the first time it (a suspension of rail service) has happened, Fitzpatrick said. (But) People are concerned about employment and having work. Already Im looking at my staffing numbers and the hours that Im open and whether I need all the staff I initially hired. If we cut our hours in half, there will be people without jobs.

For the last week, Ive really been working on Plan Bs and Cs and Ds in options of opening trying to communicate with guests and let them know of the disruption and how they can get here.

Fitzpatrick said the beluga sightseeing season doesnt begin in earnest until mid-July, so its too early to determine the effect on tourism, especially if train service could be renewed within four weeks.

Her concerns are more immediate.

I own a hotel and restaurant, but theres stuff in this community that isnt available anymore, Fitzpatrick said. You go to Home Hardware and theyre out of hot water tanks. Theres lumber and lots of stuff that isnt here that people in the community need.

I think the severity of it is starting to just sink in with everyone, and we need to get into action and figure out the best way to move ahead and keep the (tourist) season moving.

randy.turner@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @randyturner15
Senate of Pakistan has admitted a motion to debate Kulbhushan Jadhav's case after Jamat-i-Islami said that the episode had been an embarrassment for the country.

By Hamza Ameer: Citing the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) order, Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Sirajul Haq today moved a motion to debate Kalbhushan Jadhav case in Senate.

The ICJ has stayed hanging of former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who is facing death sentence in Pakistan.

Senator Sirajul Haq said that certain statements issued by individuals after the ICJ verdict suggested that Pakistan was not well prepared to fight the case in the international court.

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"These and similar statements have been passed around, which are creating confusion," Haq noted, adding that Pakistan did not act according to expectations and the steps taken by the country in the Jadhav case had only caused embarrassment to the nation.

Haq said that though Jadhav's arrest had been a major achievement, Pakistan wasted an opportunity to corner India over Jadhav's issue on the international stage.

He also claimed that the ICJ had "adopted" India's stance in its order to stay Jadhav's sentence. "India is constantly issuing threats to Pakistan regarding Jadhav's case," Haq noted, insisting that the matter was of national importance.

Chairman of Senator Raza Rabbani admitted the adjournment motion moved by Haq to discuss the issue.

Terming it an important matter, Raza Rabbani also issued notices to the foreign ministry and the attorney general. The motion will be debated for two hours.

ALSO READ |

Pakistan implicated Kulbhushan Jadhav to check India's growing influence: Sindh-based group to ICJ

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?

--- ENDS ---
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Today is World Environment Day, hosted this year by Canada.

According to its website, World Environment Day has helped for 43 years to drive changes in consumption habits as well as in environmental policy by raising awareness about environmental issues.

At the risk of sounding like an ungracious host, however, I am not convinced.

GARTH LENZ / POSTMEDIA NEWS FILES Canadas boreal forests store 67 billion tons of carbon, but they are threatened by invasive species and a changing climate.

Canadas meagre effort this year (no doubt driven by limited budgets) wins no prizes, given that the headline is Do Something and the punchline is Connecting People with Nature.

Working with an environmental non-governmental organization, we do something every day  not just once a year on June 5. We dont need to be told to get moving, when our usual role is to plead with various levels of government for them to do something constructive on their environment file.

As for connecting people with nature, that slogan conjures up the absurd picture of someone being plugged into a tree. Not only does it make nature something foreign and outside of us (instead of what flows through our veins), it reduces a dynamic relationship as intimate and complex as the air in our lungs into a mechanical, linear system.

This mechanical attitude is exactly what has caused the global problem that World Environment Day is supposed to address. Indigenous peoples worldwide talk about all my relations, not all my connections, when they describe a better way of living in a more balanced relationship with Mother Earth than western industrial culture has ever managed to achieve.

In other words, the last thing I want to do on World Environment Day is connect with nature!

If we want to dedicate another day to the environment, we should use it instead to identify the organizations and individuals who are robbing us and future generations of healthy places to live.

I think change would be more rapid if we created Wanted posters of those directly or indirectly responsible for environmental crimes. Target one Villain of the Year (such as plastic, single-use water bottles) and go after the makers, distributors and consumers in a public expose of the damage the industry does, clearly explaining who profits from the misery it causes other people.

And where people cant be persuaded or shamed into change, perhaps they should be arrested.

There is an emerging legal field focused on extreme environmental crimes (or ecocide) that is trying to make individuals just as responsible under international law for crimes against the Earth as they are already are responsible for crimes against humanity.

Granted, it might be too little, too late (an International Criminal Court judge cant bring an extinct species back to life), but it demonstrates the growing anger among ordinary people against those who destroy the planet for their own personal gain  and the political leaders who let them.

These days, that list of villains is becoming more obvious, especially under the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced Thursday he is withdrawing the United States from the landmark Paris climate agreement. With a cabinet full of wealthy cronies, the deconstruction of the Environmental Protection Agency, the defunding of local climate initiatives, approvals of oil pipelines as well as retrenchment in other areas that do not make it onto Fox News, Trump seems intent on becoming the latest poster child for ecocide.

Whether the United States actually withdraws from the Paris climate agreement, enough damage is being done in other ways that ensure American leadership on any global initiative is in jeopardy. It is only a matter of time before the stock market punishes the U.S. for its reckless disregard of future generations.

Similarly, if American foreign policy is going to shift course so dramatically from administration to administration, other countries will not trust any long-term American strategies or promises. Nor should they.

Its a far cry from the role the U.S. played in 1945, and certainly not the leadership that is needed today to create a sustainable future for everyone.

It is a mistake, however, only to look for eco-villains far away. All ecology is local, after all, and so are the villains.

Canada has not lately been dubbed Fossil of the Day, the dishonour given to countries that perform the worst at the UN climate talks, but we have not done much lately, either. Federal leadership on the environment more closely resembles misdirection. Oil pipelines are approved and only a minimal carbon tax announced, as the fossil fuel industry continues to be subsidized and greenhouse gas emissions rise.

Closer to home, the Pallister government has also shown little leadership on environmental issues after a year in power.

Perhaps next year for World Environment Day we should mount a Canadian  or Manitoban  poster campaign of our own.

Peter Denton is the author of three books on sustainability and chairs the policy committee of the Green Action Centre.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If youre expecting that U.S. President Donald Trump will be impeached any day soon and forced to leave office, think again. It is an unlikely scenario in the foreseeable future. Barring, that is, the discovery of incontrovertible evidence directly linking Trump to Russian collusion in the recent election, or the exposure of a more blatant attempt at obstruction of justice than asking former FBI director James Comey to back off his investigation, or son-in-law Jared Kushner talking to a Russian banker.

Extreme partisanship is a major impediment to impeachment. Impeachment of a president requires a majority vote of 218 in the 435-seat House of Representatives, and then conviction in a Senate trial, which needs a vote of at least two-thirds, or 67 senators, in favour. The Republicans now hold a sizable majority in the House of 238 to 193 over the Democrats (there are four vacancies), and in the 100-seat Senate, the Republicans lead the Democrats 52 to 48 (Bernie Sanders and Angus King are technically independents, though they almost always vote with the Democrats).

The Republicans  or at least most of them  have thus far decided they are better off with Trump in the White House than someone else. Hence, 25 Republicans would have to vote for impeachment along with all of the Democrats in the House, and 19 Republicans would have to side with the Democrats in the Senate.

President Donald Trump sings the national amthem during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 29, 2017 in Arlington, Va. PHOTO: Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS

The composition of both houses might change in the November 2018 mid-term elections, though an awful lot of die-hard Republican voters would have to abandon their party. It is not impossible, however: in the 2010 mid-term elections, when Barack Obama was president, the House went from 257 Democrats and 178 Republicans to 242 Republicans and 193 Democrats.

The founding fathers of the United States  most notably, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison  were cognizant of the tyrannical power of King George III, one of the causes of the American Revolution, and wanted to ensure their new countrys chief executive, the elected president, could be removed from office if absolutely necessary. Yet it was not supposed to be easy.

Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution dealing with executive power states that: The president, vice-president and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

The trouble was they left the definition of what entailed High Crimes and Misdemeanors purposely vague. It did not, as is commonly believed, have to be a criminal offence; it could also be a political one, the abuse or violation of some public trust, as Hamilton put it.

Consequently, in 288 years, only two presidents have been impeached by the House: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. But neither was subsequently convicted in Senate trials. In the wake of the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon surely would have been impeached for obstruction of justice, abuse of power and contempt of Congress and convicted in the Senate (the Democrats had majorities in both bodies), yet he resigned before the articles of impeachment could be voted upon in the House.

Andrew Johnson became president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Johnson was a southern Democrat, but in the 1864 election he agreed to be the running mate of Lincoln, a Republican. Johnson was an ardent states-rights advocate who wanted to be lenient with the southern states after the Civil War. He wasnt all that concerned with the plight of former black slaves, either. Once in office, he became embroiled in a bitter battle with Radical Republicans who dominated the Congress and who wanted to punish the South for the war and for maintaining elements of slavery through sharecropping and discriminatory Black Codes.

The Radicals tried to control Johnsons executive power by the Tenure of Office Act that (unconstitutionally) prevented him from firing any cabinet ministers without Congressional approval. The House and Senate overrode the presidential veto to pass the act. When Johnson tried to dismiss the secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, a Radical supporter, the House began impeachment proceedings against him for high crimes and misdemeanours.

Johnson survived the vote in the Senate trial when Republican Edmund Ross voted against conviction.

According to lawyer David Stewart, author of a book on the Johnson impeachment, Ross was most likely bribed to alter his vote.

Clintons impeachment stemmed from his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. When confronted with the allegation, he lied about it (I did not have sexual relations with that woman). In December 1998, the Republican majority in the House impeached Clinton, a Democrat, for lying under oath to a federal grand jury and obstruction of justice. He was saved in the Senate when enough Republicans voted against conviction.

As the New York Times recently noted, in 1999 Republicans were zealous about castigating Clinton for his transgressions. Mitch McConnell, now the Senate majority leader, declared: If we have no truth and we have no justice, then we have no nation of laws. No public official, no president, no man or no woman is important enough to sacrifice the founding principles of our legal system.

Wise words, indeed, to keep in mind in the days ahead.

Now and Then is a column in which historian Allan Levine puts the events of today in a historical context.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/06/2017 (1984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It was going to happen. Its surprising that it hadnt happened before this. And its entirely possible that it has happened before, but the grim evidence of earlier occurrences has not yet been discovered.

The discovery last week of the body of a Ghanaian woman, who had presumably been trying to walk across the U.S.-Canada border near Emerson in search of an eventual reunion with relatives in Toronto, marks a sad but inevitable next chapter in the ongoing saga of asylum seekers trekking across the border in a fearful attempt to flee the United States.

The woman, identified as 57-year-old Mavis Otuteye, is thought to have died of exposure in a ditch running through a farmers field near the town of Noyes, Minn., just a kilometre from the Canadian border.

Facebook Mavis Otuteyes body was found just south of the border.

Her death is tragic, but the fact we have not seen more fatalities related to the sudden increase in asylum-seeking border crossers is nothing short of miraculous.

Mrs. Otuteye died in temperatures that remained above freezing overnight, while the majority of the nearly 500 people who have been intercepted after crossing the border into Manitoba on foot did so when temperatures were -20 C or colder.

With this tragedy, the debate over what Canada must do to either deter or deal with border crossings is re-engaged.

Premier Brian Pallister, breaking the silence he has maintained on provincial issues due to a byelection-related information blackout, charged that the federal government and its U.S. counterpart must take long-overdue action to address the issue.

We have to ensure something like this doesnt occur again, Mr. Pallister said Wednesday. I would have hoped some action would have ensued by now.

The premiers point is well taken. Something must be done, or more would-be refugees will die. The confounding questions, however, are What? and How?

Mr. Pallisters suggestion that federal officials should travel to Minneapolis to warn that citys Somali community  the source of a disproportionate number of asylum seekers  of the potentially deadly perils of the hike into Canada is a bit of a stretch.

Telling people who have survived an escape from war-torn Somalia about the dangers of walking across uninhabited tundra is a message that might not take root.

Addressing the issue on a higher and more direct level by having Prime Minister Justin Trudeau directly lobby U.S. President Donald Trump  and he does, according to recent reports, have POTUSs personal cell number  might be a more productive avenue, if the recipient of such a request were anyone but Mr. Trump, who isnt known as a great listener and has well-documented toxic views when it comes to immigration, legal or otherwise.

Its those views, as well as the oft-expressed campaign-trail threat to round up and deport millions of undocumented immigrants, that led to this Trump-inspired northbound exodus in the first place.

What we are left with, then, is a long, undefended border  along which Mr. Trump has no designs to build a wall  a nation to the south in which many immigrants and refugees fear being sent back to the dangerous places they fled in search of a now-disrupted American dream and a country of our own that has pledged to maintain its welcoming attitude toward refugees.

Its a problem without an easy solution. But until Canadas government conjures up a plan that eliminates danger and desperation from the asylum-seeking equation, we can expect that Mrs. Otuteyes will not be the last near-the-border death.
Winona

Friday

7:09 a.m.  James Dean Infield, 60, Winona, was cited for driving after revocation-inimical to public safety after hitting a parked car.

12:46 p.m.  A woman near 15 Fairfax Street reported a window on her car broken.

6:49 p.m.  Trisha Ann Fenske, 42, Winona, was cited for trespassing at Target.

Saturday

9:10 a.m.  Alyssa Kay Corey, 39, Winona, was cited for theft by shoplifting on the 500 block of West Fifth Street.

10:13 a.m.  Charges of fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance were referred against Charles Daniel Smith, 46, Winona, after being stopped for not wearing a seat belt and officers saw a digital scale and other objects in the vehicle. After searching, they discovered two small bags of methamphetamine.

7:12 p.m.  Shane William Duffy, 36, La Crosse, is charged with gross misdemeanor presenting false information to a police officer and possession of hypodermic needles after he was found hiding in a hotel on the 1100 block of Homer Road after staff reported someone had cut off an ankle monitoring bracelet.

Sunday

1:17 a.m.  Charges of fourth-degree drunken driving were referred against Michelle Jean Trester, 49, Dodge, after being stopped for running a stop sign on Sarnia Street near Lafayette Street. Her blood-alcohol content was 0.14 percent.

4:37 a.m.  Charges of domestic assault were referred against Nathan Jon Barbian, 30, Winona, for punching a Winona woman in the face. She was taken to the hospital.

4:43 a.m.  Charges of third-degree test refusal and fourth-degree drunken driving were referred against Justin Allen Norgard, 24, Houston, after Kwik Trip employees said he was drunk at the gas station near the intersection of Hwy. 61 and Hwy. 43. His preliminary blood-alcohol level was 0.15 percent.

10:07 a.m.  A woman reported that a planter with flowers and a metal basket were missing from her yard on the 650 block of East Third Street.

12:44 p.m.  A woman reported that a purse that had been sitting inside had been taken from the 750 block of Gilmore Avenue. It was later found, missing cash, near the rail road tracks in the area.

8:55 p.m.  A woman at AmericInn reported a laptop missing.

Monday

3:32 a.m.  Charges of third-degree theft and theft were referred against Jack Charles Kluver, 29, Winona, for items he took from Walmart on Friday. As police were responding to Walmarts call, they received another call by a witness who said a man, who was later determined to have been Kluver, had thrown a backpack into a ditch near Hal Leonard. It had $271.10 in goods, which included two NEXTbook tablets, two tablet cases, two cellphone cases and an energy drink.

8 a.m.  Charges of gross-misdemeanor theft were referred against Steven Edward Taverna, 23, Winona, for a March 7 theft from Walmart of a TV over $780.

Winona County

Friday

3:43 p.m.  Danial Rayleigh Patterson, 36, Rochester, is charged with violating a domestic abuse no contact order by visiting a residence in Stockton. He was also arrested on a warrant for parole violations.

Saturday

12:46 a.m.  Charges of third-degree drunken driving were referred against Thomas James Rodengen, 32, Lewiston, after being stopped on Hwy. 14 near Farmers Park for speeding.

1:49 p.m.  A horse-drawn carriage overturned on County Road 37 south of Hwy. 14. A 51-year-old Menomonie, Mich., woman was taken to St. Marys hospital with a non-life-threatening shoulder injury.
Chris Dahlke and Samantha TerBeest were noticing the same digital phenomenon in Winona.

As the adult services librarian at the Winona Public Library, TerBeest said the library is a hub of digital resources for those who need it, but some do not understand what is all available to them.

At least every day, we get somebody who needs help, TerBeest said.

Those in need of a resume, how to create an email and even how to use a computer are all tasks she has been asked about.

Meanwhile, as the Winona Area Public Schools Community Education Adult Literacy Coordinator, Dahlke was noticing the growing need for the adult students he serves to have computer skills to make them competitive in the workforce. Those who were working toward the GED also needed the skills, as the test is completely online, Dahlke said.

Connecting the needs they saw, Dahlke and TerBeest helped create the Winona Digital Literacy Project, a group dedicated to offering free classes on computers and digital resources for anyone in the community. The June Volunteers of the Month will offer their first set of classes in late June, after nearly a year of preparing.

With Dahlkes expertise in adult literacy and TerBeest representing the digital needs from the library, the duo said they recognized access to digital capacities can be impossible for some people, much less education about it.

I think access is the hardest thing, Dahlke said.

TerBeest and Dahlke said they want to work to create a non-judgmental and easy way to help the community learn about digital programs, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and even mobile programming.

The four courses being offered in June will feature cyber security, a topic the community identified as their most urgent in a spring survey, TerBeest said.

Phishing, password protection, mobile security and malware will be the topics of the late June classes. Going into July, TerBeest said the program wants to host classes on family background research, and in the fall TerBeest said she is hoping to host classes on Google products, as the community said it wanted on the survey.

In the fall of 2016, the project was awarded a $2,000 grant from L3: The Rural Libraries and Literacy Leadership Institute through the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library and the Otto Bremer Foundation. The money was used to buy programs, create marketing and social media, and establish a web presence, according to TerBeest.

In November 2016, the also group attended training in Rochester to continue pushing their mission forward, Dahlke and TerBeest said.

The program has also purchased Go To Meeting with the grant, which they hope will allow for people to learn new programming and services from the comfort of their own home. This programming will also allow them to create tutorials, Dahlke said, which could create quick hit access for those who need it.

For an official location, the program is working with Minnesota State CollegeSoutheast Technical for classrooms to host the classes for anyone to attend, Dahlke said.

Dahlke added the program is also hoping by networking with employers, they will entice companies to use their volunteers for workshops on office programs, such as QuickBooks.

But with all the ideas the program has, they still need the live manpower to back it up.

TerBeest is working toward certification in teaching Microsoft programming to help teach classes, but according to both organizers, the program is looking for more volunteers to help teach classes or offer new program ideas.

Dahlke and Terbeest said, they would ideally like to have open labs to offer simple drop-in support, featuring volunteers with a variety of skills to help those who utilize their services.

If they really have a passion to help out, we would try to utilize whatever skills that particular volunteer [has], Dahlke said.

There are many possibilities, TerBeest and Dahlke said, but the need to have the programming is greater.

And starting in June, the program will work to address that need.
When Matt Lohmans wife told him to find a new hobby, he made the most of it.

The Prairie Du Sac resident converted his basement into a home brewery, joined the Bluff Hoppers brew club out of Sauk Prairie and began making his own beers. He now travels with the club to several home brewing competitions across the state each year, where his unique beers are featured with other home brews.

Beers made by Lohman and other members of the Bluff Hoppers were recently showcased at the Brew at the Barn home brew completion on Saturday. During the event, brewers and visitors filled a tent outside of the Barn Restaurant in Baraboo, sampled dozens of one-of-a-kind beers and voted on their favorites.

Lohman said several Bluff Hoppers beverages were made by combining candy, spices and beer. One featured beer was a porter made with a combination of chocolate-covered cherries and vanilla. Lohman showcased a pale ale brewed with lemon peppers, which made for a spicy aftertaste thats uncommon in most beers.

I didnt want it to be too much, Lohman said. Thats a problem I have because I do a lot of spicy foods, so my wife is always telling me when its too much.

In addition to Lohman and the Bluff Hoppers, more than a dozen other home brewers representing four brewing organizations entered drinks in the friendly competition, which benefited the Wisconsin Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Organizer Christin Harding said the event  now in its eighth year  continues to grow. Harding said this years festival raised more than $2,500 to help people living with MS.

I dont know if well make $5,000, but Im OK with that, Harding said of her original fundraising goal.

Harding said she anticipates the home brewing festival will continue to grow, especially because this years crowd favoritea watermelon wheat made by Clown Town Brewing in Baraboowill be brewed professionally by Working Draft Beer Company out of Madison. Harding said Bluff Hopper founder and President Ross Harms was responsible for setting up the deal with Working Draft.

Harms said he knew the founders of Working Draft because they own and operate the Wine and Hop Shop in Madison, where many local brewers buy their ingredients. He said he called the owner to ask if theyd be interested in brewing a local favorite.

We do a lot of business with them, so they said absolutely, he said. Thats really all it took  weve been shopping with them forever.

Harms said the best part of brewing is how the process brings people of different backgrounds together around their common love of beer.

We all come from different walks of life, he said. Walking down the street, we wouldnt have anything to say to each other, but as soon as you put a beer in the mix, we all get along just fine.
The late great TV news anchor Walter Cronkite didnt get it wrong many times during his career, but there was one incident that I have always remembered.

He was discussing the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam and mused about what causes all the young energized activists in the country would then pursue.

A colleague on the show responded, The environment  thats the next big cause. As I remember it, Cronkite responded, The environment? Now who would oppose a cause that seeks to improve the environment?

Well, as we soon discovered, lots of people. What Cronkite forgot was that there are powerful forces with endless bankrolls who have an interest in keeping the status quo when it involves changes that have to be made to protect the environment. And there are plenty of politicians who are eager to do their bidding.

The Trump administrations determination to roll back efforts to protect the environment are already well known. His Environmental Protection Agency director doesnt believe in the EPA, for starters. Scott Pruitt, the former Oklahoma attorney general who made a habit of suing the agency, already has suspended dozens of regulations, reducing fines on polluters and giving gas and oil interests free rein while ignoring health and safety concerns.

Then there are Donald Trumps attacks on the century-old Antiquities Act. Presidents have used their power under the act to designate national monuments, which, in turn, has led to the creation of national parks from the Grand Canyon to Grand Teton. Trump accused former President Barack Obama of a land grab by designating the Bears Ears territory in Utah a national monument when, in fact, the land already was owned by the federal government. What Obamas action did was protect the land from exploitation by for-profit interests, something that all presidents since Teddy Roosevelt have done to save iconic and irreplaceable natural areas for future generations.

Unfortunately, concern for the environment and the preservation of unique natural areas isnt any better right here in Wisconsin, once the home of environmental heroes like John Muir, Aldo Leopold and Gaylord Nelson.

Since Republicans took control of the governorship and both houses of the Legislature in 2010, theres been a steady stream of legislation overturning state laws inspired by the likes of Muir, Leopold and Nelson that have served to preserve Wisconsins beauty, kept its water and air clean, and made this state an example of environmental integrity.

Just this month, 31 GOP lawmakers asked the federal government to relax regulations on phosphorous runoff into lakes and streams, claiming its too expensive to meet the requirements. This in face of growing problems with algae that have harmed fishing and made some of our lakes too contaminated for swimming.

The excuse is that regulation thwarts jobs and discourages companies from locating here. Thats nonsense. Wisconsin had just as low unemployment and just as high new business creation under its strict environmental rules as it has now. The real motive behind the regulatory attacks is to make it easier to pad bottom lines of businesses. Legislators who benefit from big campaign contributions from these same firms are eager to help.

We now live in a state where corporations are routinely awarded permits to sink high-capacity wells in areas where the water table has been dwindling for years, where homeowners wells are contaminated with runoff from the proliferation of megafarms, where wetlands are being filled to accommodate an out-of-state frac sand mining corporation.

The harm being done to the states environment may not be all that noticeable now, but in years to come, all Wisconsin will pay the price.

Walter Cronkite would find it hard to believe.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) A parliamentary delegation led by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S S Ahluwalia is on a two-day visit to Israel.

This is the first official visit of a delegation of MPs to the Jewish nation, the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The visit, which began on June 4, comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the country scheduled for July.

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The delegation comprises 10 MPs representing nine political parties from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

As part of their visit, the delegation also met the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) Yuli Edelstein and views were exchanged on the vital role of Parliament.

"Ahluwalia and Speaker Edelstein agreed on the need for countries to work together to combat the menace of terrorism, which was afflicting countries across the world," the ministry said.

The delegation was also briefed on bilateral relations by the Political Director of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation had a number of field visits to the technology companies and also saw the latest water solutions for precision farming in Israel. PTI JTR TIR

--- ENDS ---
Local author Valerie Biel recently earned a place of distinction in the Eric Hoffer Book Award Contest. The final installment in her Circle of Nine Series, Sacred Treasures, made the grand prize short list as well as being honored as the first runner-up in the young adult category.

The Eric Hoffer Award honors the memory of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing, as well as the independent spirit of small publishers. The Hoffer Award was founded at the start of the 21st century (with permission from the Eric Hoffer Estate) to honor freethinking writers and independent books of exceptional merit. Since its inception, the Hoffer has become one of the largest international book awards for small, academic and independent presses.

Im so pleased that Sacred Treasures caught the eye of the award committee from amongst the thousands of worthy entries they receive each year, Biel said. Its tough to gain attention in this business, so when you receive news like this, it is especially sweet.

The series began with the award-winning novel, Circle of Nine: Beltany, which was an IndieBRAG Gold Medallion honoree as well as a finalist for the Kindle Book Award, Readers Favorite Book Award and the Gotham Writers YA Novel Discovery Contest. So far, Sacred Treasures has received other kudos, including a Five-Star Review from Readers Favorite and the Gold Medallion from IndieBRAG. Biel said that she has her fingers crossed for the remaining two awards that will be announced later this year. I hate to think that far ahead. Im afraid I might jinx my chances.

The Circle of Nine series follows modern-day Brigit Quinn as she learns shes descended from a legendary Celtic tribe that serves as the guardians for the stone circles of Ireland and must decide whether she will embrace the powers and responsibility she is set to inherit or shun them for the normal life she has always craved. Biel explained that this is a contemporary coming-of-age story steeped in the magic and mysticism of the pagan culture that built the ancient stone monuments of Ireland.

Biel is a graduate of Fall River High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Journalism and Political Science. You can learn more about the Circle of Nine Series and her other projects at www.ValerieBiel.com. Readers can order a copy of Circle of Nine: Sacred Treasures from any online retailer or their favorite bookstore. The book is also available in all popular e-book formats. Locally, the Beaver Dam Area Arts Center has copies of the entire series for sale as does Julies Java House in Columbus.
An early morning fire in the city of Mauston claimed the life of 7-year-old Carter Whitaker and caused the evacuation of 16 apartment units.

According to a press release from the Mauston Police Department, the citys fire department was dispatched to 514 McEvoy Street at 1:09 a.m. June 5. The Mauston PD was the first to respond to the structure fire and began evacuating tenants out of the apartment complex.

In another statement June 6, Mauston Police Chief Mike Zilisch said Whitaker was pronounced dead at the scene by the Juneau County Coroners Office. The State Fire Marshals Office assisted in the death investigation.

Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and with those who have been displaced by the fire, Zilisch said.

The Juneau County Sheriffs Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol assisted in evacuating the apartment complex. Other fire departments responding to the blaze were New Lisbon, Lyndon Station, Oakdale, Necedah and the Mauston Area Ambulance. The American Red Cross assisted with the displaced residence in the complex.
On Behalf of Portage High School HOSA-Future Health Professionals, I would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who participated in this years Meat Raffle, sponsored by Jacks Tap, on May 13. With the help of owners, Jackie and Tara, this event exceeded our goals and expectations. We raised over $1000 that is going towards the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.

HOSA members walked into Jacks Tap with the intention of raising money, but walked out with the great feeling of community support and success. With the involvement and enthusiasm of Jackie, Tara and Jacks Tap clients, we reached our goals, connected with members of our community, and helped bring awareness about HOSA-Future Health Professionals. The health science pathways include careers in support services, therapeutic services, diagnostic, health informatics, and biotechnology research and development.

Thank you Jacks Tap, and everyone involved. The Meat Raffle provided HOSA with valuable experiences in building customer service, community awareness and work-based learning experiences.

Janet Moyotl-Hernandez, HOSA Secretary
Deborah L. Hopper, 52, of West Allis was taken into custody for delivery of cocaine in the 100 block of Viking Drive. Detectives from the Reedsburg Police Department and Sauk County Drug Task Force made the arrest after Hopper made two crack cocaine sales, according to a department report. She was found with more than 40 grams of cocaine in powder and crack forms.
Greyhound has settled on permanent bus stop in the Dells area.

The national bus line, which at the first of the year temporarily moved its local drop-off and pick-up point to the 100 block of Broadway in downtown Wisconsin Dells, has moved its local stop to 100 Commerce Street in Lake Delton.

The new stop, according to Greyhound spokesperson Lanesha Gipson, was chosen in part because of its proximity to the nearby interstate via Exit 89. The location also reflects input from the village and the city, Gipson said.

When we relocate in any community, we strive to make the decision thats in the best interest of everyone  the customers, the community and the company, she said via email. We look for locations that are conveniently located, have easy access to the highway and easily accommodate our customers and buses.

The stop  which is marked by a Greyhound sign at the curb  is footsteps away from the McDonalds on Commerce Street and across the parking lot across from Walmart.

Disembarking Greyhound riders could be seen on a recent late morning heading into the busy McDonalds or to nearby parked automobiles, and one bus rider waited near the Greyhound sign for an Uber.

The bus companys scheduled stops in the area can be found at the companys BusTracker website (http://bustracker.greyhound.com/), which allows you to track a bus to determine if it is scheduled to arrive early, on time or if its delayed, Gipson said.

The site showed three stops on a recent Friday, the 11:25 a.m. and 9 p.m. bus heading west to Minneapolis and the 5 p.m. heading east to Milwaukee and ultimately Chicago.

Local leaders applauded the new location, which was still undetermined as of early April.

Thats a good spot  I think its perfect, Dells Mayor Brian Landers said. I think having Greyhound in the downtown area, far off the interstate, was not practical for anybody, especially without proper shelter.

I think theyre doing just fine out there  we havent heard any complaints, said Lake Delton Clerk-Treasurer-Coordinator Kay Mackesey. They informed us they were going to (put the bus stop in that location) and asked if anyone had any objections. Nobody seemed to have a problem with it.

Some bus riders are sure to disembark in the Dells following a voyage that begins from much farther east than Milwaukee or Chicago  those riders being the international students, known as J-1s, who stream into the Dells-Delton area to work from across the world, especially during the summer months.

Some of those J-1s could be seen this past winter waiting along Broadway for either a bus ride out or a car ride in, but now those J-1s can wait in the nearby McDonalds or at a nearby shady spot.

The new location doesnt seem to have affected the students, if anything I think it is probably more convenient for them, Stacie Tollaksen, a senior regional account manager for J-1 sponsor Intrax, said.

Occasionally a bus rider may arrive in town not to work but to enjoy the Dells  which was the case recently for Jake Anderson of Cincinnati, who alighted from a bus arriving late morning and waited for a ride to nearby Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, where he was attending a conference.

I just rode in a bus for 16 hours, Anderson said.

Perhaps owing to his long trip, Anderson was not quite ready to endorse the new bus stop.

Thats a steep hill to the curb, he noted, pointing to the slight incline from the McDonalds parking lot to the street.
From Ramanand Sagar's Shri Krishna to Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Mahabharat, mythological shows have proved that they are here to stay.

By India Today Web Desk: Indian audience loves its mythological shows. And we especially love Lord Krishna. A number of shows revolving around the God has been made into shows, and now Parmavatar Shri Krishna, based on his life, will premiere soon on &TV.

Also read: Chandrakanta's Gaurav Khanna to share steamy scenes with co-star Kritika Kamra

Here are a few mythological shows that will remain in our hearts forever:

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B R Chopra's Mahabharat

Arguably the most famous Indian show to have hit the small screen, B R Chopra's TV adaptation of the epic was an instant hit with the viewers, all thanks to some good writing and capable actors. The show starred actors like Sudesh Berry, Mukesh Khanna, Raj Babbar, Pankaj Dheer, Roopa Ganguly, and Nitish Bhardwaj.

Ramanand Sagar's Shri Krishna

Written and directed by Sagar, Shri Krishna used to air on Doordarshan in 1993. The direction, and Sarvadaman D Banerjee as Krishna was probably what made the show sell.

Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan

Based on Valmiki's Ramayana, the show quickly became popular with the viewers. Arun Govil as Lord Ram, and Dara Singh's Hanuman stole the show. But the show's success should also be attributed to the writers and director of the show, who made all of us stick like glue to our screens.

Nirja Guleri and Sunil Verma's Chandrakanta

Based on Devaki Nandan Khatri's novel of the same name, Chandrakanta was a roaring success, as far as television shows are concerned. From special effects, writing, to actors; Chandrakanta had everything going for it.

In fact, the show's popularity inspired another retelling of the epic drama. The show, Chandrakanta Ek Paheli currently airs on Life OK starring Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Khanna in the lead.

Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Mahabharat

Indian epic Mahabharata is a gift that keeps on giving. Upon seeing B R Chopra's success, Siddharth Kumar Tewary and others decided to make a remake of the epic drama, and they did succeed. Making a place in the minds of the viewers who only had eyes for B R Chopra's version was a difficult feat, but Tewary's version did manage to melt the hearts of the audience. Saurabh Raj Jain's portrayal of Krishna garnered a lot of praise, and rightly so. The dialogue delivery, and that twinkle in Jain's eyes caught the attention of everyone and also helped the show with the TRPs.

--- ENDS ---
How a rare skin disease links South Africa to an 18th Century French seaman

Keratolytic Winter Erythema  more commonly referred to as KWE  is a genetic skin disease affecting the palms and the soles.

Its also colloquially known as Oudtshoorn skin because many people with the condition were living in this rural town in South Africas Western Cape when it was first described.

The condition doesnt affect the whole body but results in redness followed by peeling of thick pieces of skin on the palms and soles.

Theres no effective treatment. Although not medically severely debilitating it can be socially uncomfortable and may be a disadvantage to people working in specific professions. The severity of the condition varies in different people and in most cases its a recurrent cycle of redness and peeling.

A study done in the mid-1980s suggested that one in every 7200 Afrikaans people in South Africa is affected by the condition. But its more likely that the prevalence is uneven across South Africa. It also occurs in about one in every 90000 coloured people (people of mixed racial descent).

Cases of KWE have also been described in German and Norwegian families. We suspect the harsh South African climate has exacerbated the condition making it easier to diagnose. Dermatologists across the world have picked up cases of KWE among South Africans in the diaspora, particularly the UK and Canada.

In research weve done on the condition we have made new important findings that can help with diagnosis. This in turn can help us establish its true prevalence and opens the door to research about possible treatment.

We anticipate that our findings could also contribute to understanding how this particular mutation affects a gene that may play a role in other skin diseases and peeling disorders.

Tracing the history

The condition was first named by George Findlay, a South African dermatologist based at the University of Witwatersrand in the 1970s, who had seen many patients and their families.

Findlay found that if one parent had KWE, there was a 50% chance that the trait would manifest in a child. This indicated that it was a dominant genetic condition.

In the early 1980s Peter Hull, another dermatologist, did a genealogical study and traced the South African founder of the condition to a ship captain, Captain Francois Renier Duminy, who settled in South Africa in the late 1700s. His research involved visiting the families of people who had the condition and then doing extensive investigations into their roots.

All families linked back to the captain who was originally from Laurent, France, and travelled to the Cape of Good Hope where he settled. Hull established that the disease spread from the Frenchman to his children (one of whom was illegitimate and born in South Africa).

Everyone in South Africa who has the disease can trace their lineage back to the French seaman and his offspring.

The diseases presence in South Africa is the result of whats known in genetics as a founder effect  when a new population is established by a very small number of individuals, they contribute a large proportion to the population gene pool. The genes from those people are over represented in the resulting population, in this case the Afrikaners. This is the reason why KWE is more common in South Africa than elsewhere in the world.

The struggle to find the gene

It has taken us 32 years to find the mutation thats responsible for the condition. But our latest discovery explains why we struggled to find the gene in the first place.

Twenty years ago we did a study on people with the condition. We discovered the region in which the mutation was located: the short arm of chromosome 8. For many years after that study we analysed the genes in that region. But we could not find which gene was causing the disease.

As a result of genomic technology we were able to take the next steps by analysing the entire region that was identified on chromosome 8, including regions that did not have genes.

We initially performed conventional analysis of prioritising genes but we didnt find anything. But when we looked at the areas between genes, we found the first part of the answer to the cause of KWE. A large region between the genes was duplicated (present in two copies). This could be the cause, we thought.

While we were doing our work a researcher in Norway found a different mutation in the same region of the chromosome. There was, however, a duplicated section that overlapped with ours.

This meant that by joining forces we could strengthen our research to understand how the mutations in the two different families caused the same condition. Skin biopsies were taken from a few people with KWE and some unaffected volunteers. The epidermis samples from affected individuals and the volunteers were analysed to identify the gene thats influenced by the mutation in the region between the genes. We tested three candidate genes that were in close proximity to the mutation.

We discovered that one of the genes, cathepsin B, was being over produced in people with KWE, which is what caused the peeling.

Next steps

The discovery is important on two fronts. Firstly, it may help scientists understand other skin diseases and peeling disorders. Its possible that this gene could play a role in them too.

Secondly, it will help dermatologists make the correct diagnosis of the condition, as a DNA test can identify the mutation.

But several parts of the puzzle still remain. One, for example, is why it comes and goes in some people. Another is why the symptoms only affect the palms and the soles of the feet.

The next move is for scientists to culture skin cells to establish what triggers the condition. Anecdotal evidence suggests the condition is exacerbated when people are stressed or have an infection.

The end result would be to establish how to treat it. But we are a long way to translating our findings into something useful for people with KWE.

Michele Ramsay, Director of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Professor in the Division of Human Genetics , University of the Witwatersrand and Thandiswa Ngcungcu, PhD candidate in the Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
By Press Trust of India: From Natasha Chaku

Melbourne, Jun 5 (PTI) A possible terror incident today left two men dead and three Australian police officers and a woman hostage injured in an apartment building here.

Police stormed the building and shot the gunman dead after discovering the body of another man in the foyer in the serviced apartment in Brighton, 11km south-east of Melbournes central business district.

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The Seven Network reported that the gunman called the organisation saying "This is for I.S [Islamic State]. This is for al-Qaida."

Victoria police said it was investigating whether the incident was "terrorism related".

According to reports, the police operation was launched at the Bay Street apartment in Brighton following reports of an explosion at 4 PM (Local time).

A woman was held hostage by a suspect who was later shot dead by police in a volley of gunfire in the apartment block.

"A man has been shot dead by police in the Bay Street apartment complex shortly before 6:00 PM (local time). Police have safely rescued a woman who was being held against her will in the apartment block," police said.

Dozens of gunshots rang out just after 6 PM in Bay Street with crowds of people fleeing and taking refuge in a nearby supermarket.

The Age website reported that the gunman reportedly called the Channel Seven newsroom during the standoff, telling them "This is for IS (Islamic State)."

Three police officers were injured with two taken to hospital and another treated at the scene, police said.

Andrew Crisp, Victorias deputy police commissioner, said police had not yet identified either of the dead men. The woman was injured, but her injuries are believed to be non- critical.

The siege has now ended but a major police presence, including specialist tactical officers, remains at the scene.

The motive behind the incident is yet not clear, report said. PTI NC ZH AKJ AKJ

--- ENDS ---
A workforce of robots? W&M professor rethinks jobs and education in the age of technology

Education in the age of technology: Gene Roche, executive professor of education at William & Mary, is contemplating how education can better prepare students for a world of smarter machines. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption

Hollywood might have you believe that the real threat of smart technology lies in the possibility of robots taking over the world.

Gene Roche, executive professor of higher education at William & Mary, is less sold on the idea of total robot world domination. He is, however, focused on perhaps a more startling and certainly more imminent reality: machines dominating the workforce.

Many jobs that we thought only human beings can do are going to be done much more effectively by computers, said Roche. Take, for example, stock traders and bond traders  those are very well compensated people  but the evidence is growing that artificial intelligence can be much more effective in trading stocks and bonds than people can.

{{youtube:medium:center|PObRU-zXbPs, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work}}

As the newest appointed Center for Innovation in Learning Design faculty fellow, Roche is leading the charge at W&M to figure out how people will cope in a world of smarter machines and how the education system can prepare students for a drastically different job market. Roches interest in the topic stems as far back as the earliest days of the Internet, when he was working as director of career services at Hamilton College in New York.

One challenge for the School of Education is to think about the possibilities, said Roche. What would society be like if 3040 percent of the jobs that are currently held by college graduates could be done better and more cheaply by machines? What we know for sure is that it requires an education system thats much different than we have now.

Robots at work

The concept of robots taking over human jobs isnt a new one, particularly in the manufacturing industry. Companies from automakers to Foxconn, the manufacturer of the iPhone, have replaced hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs with robots in the past decade. Other industries are under imminent threat, too. The rise of technologies such as self-driving cars could offer a wealth of benefits in terms of reducing the number of automobile fatalities but, Roche said, it will also deliver a major blow to the workforce.

If we could eliminate 30,000 [automobile-related] deaths by having cars do most of the driving, how could we morally not make that decision? said Roche. But if we do, the economic ramifications are huge. Youve got millions of people who make their livings driving trucks and taxis, repairing cars and writing liability insurance policies. All of that would change dramatically with large-scale adoption of autonomous cars.

{{youtube:medium:center|OBiB1fW5eow, The Ethics of Autonomous Driving}}

Whats startling for many is the breadth of capabilities in artificial intelligence: not only are machines able to learn, theyre also able to teach themselves (a concept called deep learning). Google recently built a program that taught itself to play a Chinese strategy game called Go and then beat the world champion  three times in a row.

Couple that with advances in robotics and the Internet of Things (or the capability of computers to collect information from physical, Internet-enabled objects like your phone, camera or thermostat) and the possibilities of smart machines are virtually endless. If robots can autonomously learn, strategize and be creative, even the most seemingly human jobs could be under threat, said Roche. Within the next century, machines could be selling cars, developing ad campaigns, performing surgery and penning bestselling novels.

I worry that were going to lose jobs that traditionally have provided people with fulfillment and a sense of purpose, said Roche. What would our society look like if people didnt have paid work to help provide meaning and focus to their lives?

Preparing for the future

The forecast isnt all grim, Roche points out, if society can learn to adapt. Its no small feat, considering the fact that no one knows exactly what the world of smarter machines will look like in 100, 50 or even 10 years.

Artificial intelligence will breed many new jobs, but at this point we cant even conceive of what those are and what kind of competencies those are going to require, said Roche.

{{youtube:medium:center|2MjZquyUZS4, The Scary Thing about Deep Learning}}

Instead of focusing on specific skills, Roche is looking at the bigger picture  how can we design learning experiences that prepare future generations to work together and become problem solvers? This question is among those Roche will explore in his seminar course this fall on Educational Technology Planning.

If we know the broad parameters of what deeper learning is and what it can potentially do, said Roche, then we can begin to ask ourselves what that means for each of us  Since we cant predict the future, we need to make sure the education system is responsive enough and flexible enough to help students prepare for whatever changes they face.
According to the agency, executing the Metro III project, there are 1,074 trees that need to be cut while 1,727 need to be transplanted.

Residents living around areas where the trees are already being axed, allege that the trees that are being selected for transplanting are small trees which will take ages to grow.

By Vidya : Bombay high court today instituted a two judge committee, as ordered by the Supreme Court, to look into the issue of cutting trees in Mumbai. Justice Shantanu Kemkar and Justice BR Gavai will look into the grievances against cutting of trees to make way for Mumbai metro III project. Activists are asking for a better management of the green cover which will be affected due to the construction of metro rail. Trees were mercilessly being killed in the name of transplanting, they say.

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According to the agency, executing the Metro III project, there are 1,074 trees that need to be cut while 1,727 need to be transplanted. Residents living around areas such as Cuffe Parade and Churchgate, where the trees are already being axed, allege that the trees that are being selected for transplanting are small trees which will take ages to grow. While huge 100- year-old trees were being axed and uprooted. Even the manner in which the trees have been transplanted is questionable, according to these protesters.

Zoru Bathena, a businessman from suburban Mumbai who has been keenly following up with the authorities on their plans to transplant the trees was shocked to know that "one of the areas where the trees were to be transplanted was located in a salt pan which basically meant that these transplantations would have been done only on paper."

"We brought this up with them and thankfully that has been changed now. If no one was watching then probably they would have gone ahead with the sham," said Bathena.

Another citizen who has been taking up the issues with the authorities, Amrita Bhatacharji, a resident of Goregaon area was horrified to see the trees that have been transplanted at Aarey. The trees bear tags that say, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, and so on, which mean that they have been transplanted from that area of Mumbai.

"There are only stumps that have been put here. There are hardly any leaves on these trees and the roots too have been carelessly cut off. How are these trees supposed to survive?" asks Bhatacharji.

The worst is that stumps of some evergreen trees like peepal, copperpot (sunmohar), mango, have been thoughtlessly placed under huge perennial trees like another mango tree that hardly let light penetrate under it. The trees have been planted right next to the Mithi river and are put in holes that are too small for even a small plant to be grown. Churchgate resident Faredoon Bhujwala, who had come down to Aarey to see these trees asks, "We are not against metro but it is so sad to see the trees here like this. Have you seen the videos that are so abundantly available on the internet about how entire trees with their leaves and roots are transplanted in foreign countries? Why can't we use all those technologies to save our trees here?"

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Another citizen who has been protesting against the chopping of trees Abhay Bhaveshi calls the area where the trees have been transplanted as the "graveyard of our trees."

The concerned citizens will be putting up all these issues before the two judges who have already been handed over the papers and a meeting between all these people is likely to take place soon. On the occasion of World Environment Day, all these tree lovers are hope that better sense will prevail in transplanting the trees reducing the number of trees that would be chopped and the number of trees that would be transplanted should be done properly.

Also Read:

Bombay HC refuses to stay plea against cutting of trees for Metro, protests to continue

Don't erect memorial when I die, plant a tree: Union minister Anil Dave's will evinces his love for nature

--- ENDS ---




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There seems to be no end to the confrontation between Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy. Both the parties have accused each other of creating hindrance in the administration.

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: The confrontation between Puducherry Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy is turning more vicious by the day. Bedi launched a scathing attack on Narayanasamy today after the latter said the L-G should not act beyond her mandate.

Responding to Bedi's charges, Narayanasamy told India Today that she had become a "bottleneck" for the development of Puducherry and said he would meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh and complain against her "high-handedness".

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On June 4, Narayanasamy had asked Bedi not to interfere in the functions of the chief minister and ministers, saying all have their specified authorities. He said his government would oppose the L-G's moves of functioning beyond her mandate.

Kiran Bedi's Attacks Narayanasamy

Today, Bedi launched a full frontal attack on the Puducherry CM and asked whether he wanted her to be a rubber stamp. "So what does the honorable CM want - a rubber stamp or a responsible administrator?" She told India Today.

She said the CM desired to have an L-G who was an endorser, one who may let wrongs happen even when people were suffering injustice. She alleged that the CM wanted an LG who cleared files without seeking clarity, one who appointed people as per whims and fancies of vested interests and one who released moneys even if it was not budgeted for.

Bedi further accused Narayanasamy of wanting an L-G who promoted officers even when there were either no posts or despite their poor performance - an L-G who punished officers for courage of conviction, one who wanted no news to be rebutted, one who should not do anything.

She accused Narayanasamy of wanting an L-G to be just an onlooker, stay isolated, not meet people, not question officers, do not interfere, while away time and "enjoy the benefits of expensive establishment called Raj Nivas".

Bedi alleged that Narayanasamy wanted her to do as he told. She claimed that the CM had written several such letters in writing.

The L-G accused the CM of wanting her to get lots of money from the centre even when they could not spend well what they had and even when revenue generating tourism was loss making.

"This is called wishful thinking," she said.

Narayanasamy Hits Back

Narayanasamy hit back at Bedi equally hard. He cited the Constitution and said its provisions did not mandate interference by the L-G in the works of the CM and the ministers.

"The Rules of Business of the Government of Puducherry is clear about the power of the L-G on the one hand and the CM and ministers on the other. Chapter III deals with the Union Territory List and the duty of the CM and the ministers. It says the L-G would act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers: Chapter IV deals with Concurrent List. It too states that the L-G has to decide on the advice of the CM and the ministers: Chapter V deals with the Union list. Hence, L-G has no power," he said.

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Narayanasamy said unlike in Delhi, law and order was under the Union Territory. Besides, the UT also had jurisdiction over land, services and finance.

"Under Article 239, 239A and 240 of the Constitution, the President can bring about a resolution for peace, progress and good governance when there was no Legislative Assembly. Even at times when assemblies were in existence, the L-G functioned only as an "agent of the government", he said.

Narayanasamy hurled a volley of allegations against the former IPS officer and said she was behaving in a dictatorial style. He alleged that she was blocking disinvestment of the ITDC hotel even though it was as per the wishes of the Narendra Modi government. He accused her of blocking the viability gap funding, not approving files for distributing loans to the farmers and creating hurdles for providing free education to the Scheduled Caste students.

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"She (Bedi) is acting in a high-handed manner. She is interfering in the day-to-day affairs of the government. She wants the government to follow whatever she says. This is unacceptable," he said.

Narayanasamy further said, "I have complained to the president, prime minister and the home minister. I will meet them again to tell them how this lady is trying to disturb an elected government."

The Congress and DMK MLAs have already demanded that the Centre recall Bedi as L-G. On her part, Bedi met Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi last month and apprised him of the "constraints" she faced in serving the Union Territory. Last year, she even threatened to quit the Union Territory if there was no improvement in the situation.

With the current spate of allegations and counter-allegations, the war of words between the two constitutional heads is set to worsen in the days to come.

Also Read:

Youth hacked to death in Puducherry, severed head thrown into police station in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore

Also Watch:

L-G Kiran Bedi: Puducherry chief secretary violated rules, must face departmental action

--- ENDS ---

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Pictured, from left, are Northbridge graduates Meaghan Bernard, of the health services program; Julia Kelley, of the manufacturing and engineering technology program; and Nicole Cella, of the multimedia communications program.
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Carl Leclair, of Revere, Mass., tells a captive audience about the miracle of his being revived six times after being clinically dead six times, which he attributes to Marie Rose Ferron, of Woonsocket, during an afternoon talk and reflection presented by The Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island held at the American-French Genealogical Society in Woonsocket. Looking on, at left, is David Ethier, of Burrillville, president of the Rose Ferron Foundation of Rhode Island.
IAEA welcomes technical cooperation growth

05 June 2017

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The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA's) Technical Cooperation program has produced another 15 agreements, which were signed during last week's conference to mark the 60th anniversary of the program. IAEA deputy director-general Dazhu Yang said the latest agreements were testimony to the importance of partnerships in the pursuit of development objectives.

All IAEA member states are eligible for support, although in practice technical cooperation activities tend to focus on the needs and priorities of less developed countries. The Technical Cooperation program provides support in the following areas: health and nutrition, food and agriculture, water and the environment, energy planning and nuclear power, industrial applications and radiation technology, safety, and nuclear knowledge development and management. Support is delivered through fellowships and scientific visits, training courses, workshops and seminars, expert assistance, and the provision of equipment and materials.

The International Conference on the IAEA Technical Cooperation Program: Sixty Years and Beyond, held between 30 May and 1 June in Vienna, had more than 1160 participants from 160 countries and 27 organisations.

Representatives of 11 countries - Benin, the Central African Republic, Cuba, Honduras, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Vanuatu - signed Country Program Frameworks with the IAEA. These identify priority areas where the transfer of nuclear technology and technical cooperation resources will be directed to support national development goals and priorities.

Yang said the country program framework had been an "instrumental tool for strategic planning where priorities to be addressed through the Technical Cooperation program are identified". He added: "This framework will play a major role in the years to come to link, as appropriate and where relevant, national priorities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals."

An agreement was also signed between the IAEA and Thailand that will facilitate the organisation and hosting of IAEA activities, such as training courses and workshops in Thailand.

During the meeting, practical arrangements were also signed with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). The agreement with CARPHA provides a framework for joint work on the use of nuclear science to prevent disease and promote and protect health. The agreement with SPC - the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region - aims to increase collaboration in the promotion of science, technical expertise, research and innovation to address development challenges and support economic and social progress. The agreement with PAHO will support cooperation in fields that include quality assurance in radiation medicine, radiological safety, cancer control, non-communicable diseases and nutrition, and the development of health personnel in Latin American and the Caribbean.

Yang said, "Looking to the future, Sustainable Development Goal 17 recognises the role of science, technology and innovation as essential enablers for development, and emphasises the importance of partnerships as a critical means of implementation. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires multi-actor collaboration, and cannot be addressed in isolation. Fostering partnerships that promote integrated approaches to development will support a more effective technical cooperation program, and will also ensure coordination and complementarity of activities."

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
Donut Falls (Ive also seen it spelled Doughnut Falls) was so named because the Mill D South Fork Creek spilled into a pothole that someone imagined was shaped like a donut.

Beneath the donut was a natural bridge where the water continued cascading down a series of bouldery slopes to comprise the overall main drop of the waterfall.

That made this one of those rare waterfalls where we got to witness that combination of a natural bridge and waterfall.

And for that reason alone, that made this place quite popular, especially considering how close it was to Salt Lake City.

Beneath the donut part of Donut Falls, Mill D South Fork Creek would continue cascading some more before reaching more flatter terrain well downstream.

Some of this cascading stretch was what I had to traverse before climbing up a jumble of boulders in order to get the view that you see pictured above.

As for the waterfall itself, the donut part was towards the top of the cascade, and it was quite miniscule compared to the rest of its overall drop.

Speaking of which, Id imagine that Donut Falls probably had a cumulative height of around 100ft.

Donut Falls Trail Description  walking to the official trailhead

We visited Donut Falls twice so far  once in late May 2017 and another time in mid-August 2020.

Each time weve hiked to this falls, we started from Cardiff Fork turnoff, which made the hike on the order of 3.2-3.8 miles round trip.

Typically, if we only started hiking from the official Donut Falls Trailhead, then the overall hike should be only 1.6-1.8 miles round trip.

On our first visit during Memorial Day Weekend in May 2017, the gate was closed at the Cardiff Fork turnoff so we had to walk that road to the official trailhead.

This walk was on the order of 0.8-mile, and it only took us less than a half-hour.

On our second visit, which happened in mid-August 2020, the gate was open, but we still opted to do the walk from the Cardiff Fork turnoff.

We figured that it might not be worth the trouble to compete for limited spots at the official trailhead.

So when we did this, we walked down the familiar road just under 0.2-mile before we encountered a signed trail that left the road and followed a narrower tree-shaded path.

The trail did a few more twists and turns than the straightforward Cardiff Fork Road so it was a little longer and narrower (which made it a little harder to socially distance).

However, it crossed a road leading to a campsite at one point before meandering through more tree cover and curves.

Eventually after another 0.8-mile (or 1-mile from the Cardiff Fork), this trail descended upon the official Donut Falls Trailhead.

We never noticed this trail on our first visit, and we wondered if this was a newly-built trail.

I suspected that if this was the case, then it might have been motivated by the Cardiff Fork Community.

After all, it would make sense that they would want to alleviate trespassing concerns given the Cardiff Fork Road passed between residences.

Add to that the Donut Falls popularity, then it also made sense to try to reduce the number of pedestrians walking the road as well.

In any case, despite the relatively easy walk to the Donut Falls Trailhead, we had to take it slow if we werent acclimated to the high elevation.

This was because the Cardiff Fork was nearly 7,300ft and the official trailhead was at nearly 7,500ft elevation.

Donut Falls Trail Description  hiking from the trailhead to the waterfall

Beyond the trailhead, where there was a little restroom as well as some signage, the Donut Falls Trail then resumed its ascent along a pretty wide dirt path.

Apparently, there was also a separate path that crossed the Mill D South Fork and followed a track on the opposite side of the creek though weve never taken that path.

Anyways, there was a lot of tree cover, including some groves of the cottonwood trees that probably earned Big Cottonwood Canyon its name (so the Fall Colors here must be amazing).

In addition, there was still quite a few patches of snow flanking and crossing over the trail when we first did this hike back in late May 2017.

However, for the most part, the hiking was pretty straightforward though the high altitude made our hearts race and our lungs burn.

At around a half-mile beyond the official trailhead (or 1.5 miles from the Big Cottonwood Canyon Road), we then crossed over a footbridge.

The trail then promptly intersected with a wider trail that continued south along the west side of the Mill D South Fork Stream.

I suspect that the other trail we didnt take from the Donut Falls Trailhead would eventually arrive at this trail junction.

In any case, this intersection was noteworthy because it would be easy to miss on the return hike given how much narrower the trail to the bridge was compared to the larger trail paralleling the Mill D South Fork Streams west side.

For the remaining 0.3 miles or so, we kept left at the forks and eventually scrambled down a short but steep embankment leading to the Mill D South Fork.

Since we didnt pursue hiking on the right side of the forks, we cant say anything more about where those paths went.

Nevertheless, we then followed the Mill D South Fork until the trail abruptly ended where any further progress involved crossing the very cold and fast-running Mill D South Fork.

In addition to signage proclaiming that swimming and wading was prohibited, this obstacle was pretty much the end-of-the-hike for most visitors unwilling to get wet to continue.

While the view from here left a lot to be desired given the presence of obstructing trees and how distant the falls was, it was still possible to get decent photos as well as a glimpse of the donut that earned this falls its name.

Donut Falls Trail Description  getting closer to the donut

We came prepared with Keens so we were ready to scramble across the Mill D South Fork.

However, on our first visit back in late May 2017, there was still a lot of snow around Donut Falls.

So that made the crossing this creek painfully cold (it would have been a good idea to wear neoprene socks at the time).

It also made climbing up to the donut hole dangerous so I didnt try it on that trip.

On our return visit in mid-August 2020, the creek was significantly lower, but it was still high enough to make it harder for those who tried to avoid getting their feet wet.

It was especially difficult to keep the feet dry trying to scramble up the boulders to the donut hole.

I found the boulder scramble up to the donut hole to be fairly moderate for the most part.

There were some tricky sections though I didnt find them to be all that bad.

That said, there were some high-touch rock scrambling sections, which concerned me in terms of COVID-19 possibly sitting intact on the rocks that got touched a lot.

Anyways, I managed to get right in front of and inside the little cave that Donut Falls dropped into.

Some people scrambled even higher above the waterfall, but it looked too steep for my liking (or at least when I considered the risk versus reward of doing that).

After having my fill of this intimate experience with Donut Falls, I then scrambled back the way I came to rejoin my wife and daughter, who didnt want to do the scramble.

Then, we hiked back the way we came to the official trailhead before deciding to continue walking down the Cardiff Fork Road (instead of the trail) given the lighter foot traffic and the straightforward descending trajectory.

Overall, the trip log on our August 2020 visit said that I hiked a total of 3.8 miles round trip, and we had spent about 3 hours in total away from the car.

Authorities

Donut Falls resides in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Salt Lake City in Summit County, Utah. It is administered by the USDA Forest Service. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website.
What is a Republic?

A republic is a state in which the sovereign power is held, not by a single individual but by citizens of that state through election. Citizenry has the mandate to elect their preferred representatives who are accountable to the citizens. The first republic known was most likely in Carthage, North Africa where the wealthy class (Senate) elected kings to rule throughout their lives. As the government evolved, the participation of citizens in the election of senators increased. In the west, republics that were developed in the 18th century replaced the absolute monarchical system in Europe. Several forms of republics have existed including Classical, Mercantile, Calvinist, and Liberal republics. There were Classical republics that existed in early civilizations such as in Athens and Sparta. In 2017, out of 206 countries and independent territories that use the word republic in their official names, 159 were sovereign states.

Mercantile Republics

Mercantile republics emerged in wealthy trading towns in Italy during the late middle ages. These trading states were controlled by wealthy merchants who despite their wealth, their power remained limited within the feudal system which was dominated by rural landowners. They later aired their grievances fighting for power and more privileges.

Calvinist Republics

During the era of Protestant Reformation, John Calvin advanced the ideology that the ruled had the authority to overthrow irreligious monarchs. Calvinism was later responsible for the revolts in England and the Netherlands.

Liberal Republics

Liberalism was developed in Europe by writers of the Calvinist era, who based their philosophy on liberty and equality. The US founding fathers were influenced by the ideology when formulating the bill of rights for the US.

Structure

Most modern republics are headed by the president who has various powers depending on the countrys system. The parliament has governing authority in parliamentary republics reducing the presidents role to a ceremonial and apolitical one. In a semi-presidential system such as in Switzerland, a committee of persons act in the capacity of the head of state. Heads of States in entirely presidential systems have considerable authority and play an active role in politics. The citizenry elects the head of states in most of these countries, except in countries where an electoral college elects the president.

Republic Versus Constitutional Monarchy

A thin line exists between a Republic government and a constitutional monarchy. Constitutional monarchies are similar to republics in that both are under a constitutional framework which controls and holds the head of state accountable. However, a monarchy is hereditary while a republic is led by an elected official of the citizens choice. In most constitutional monarchies, the monarch plays a ceremonial role and is in office as a servant of the people.

Modern Republics

In modern times, two common types of republics exist, the federal and unitary republics. A federal republic, such as the US, is one which the country is divided into states or provinces which are autonomous from national governments. A unitary republic, however, is governed by one legislature even though divisions such as provinces may exist. The common feature of most republics is their concern for the welfare of the public. For this purpose, the republics are governed by the rule of law which gives the public a right to participate in issues of governance and enhancing democracy in the process. Some of the modern republics include the US since 1776, Paraguay since 1811, Mexico since 1924, Brazil since 1889, Ethiopia since 1974, Israel since 1948, and Ireland since 1949 among many others.
What Were the Northern Crusades?

The Northern Crusades, also known as the Baltic Crusades, were religious wars experienced between the 12th and 13th centuries. They were primarily undertaken by Christian military orders and the kingdoms that were against the Slavic, pagan Baltic, and Finnic people who lived around the eastern and southern shores of the Baltic Sea. As a result of the wars, many indigenous people opted for conversion and baptism to Christianity. The most famous of the Northern Crusades were the Prussian and Livonian Crusades. During the Middle Ages, some of these religious wars were known as crusades while others such as the Swedish religious wars were first named crusades by the 19th-century by the romantic nationalist historians.

The History of the Northern Crusades

The Northern Crusades dates back to 1195 as a result of Pope Celestine III's call. However, the Christian kingdoms of Poland, Scandinavia, and the Holy Roman Empire had already started moving to conquer their pagan neighbors. The Northern Crusades targeting pagan converts took place during different periods including the Wendish Crusade of 1147 which took place between the Oder and Elbe rivers targeting the Obotrites, Sorbs and Polabian Wends by the Poles, Saxons, and Danes. The Swedish Crusades were targeting the people living in the present-day Finland, the Selonians, Livonians, Estonians, and the Latgallians between 1193 and 1227 by the Danes and Germans. Other tribes affected by Baltic Crusades include the Old Prussians, the Curonians, and Semigallians between 1219 and 1290, the Samogitians and Lithuania between 1236 and 1316 by the Germans who were unsuccessful.

The Different Types of Northern Crusades

The Northern Crusades involved some different Crusades against various pagan tribes below are some of them.

The Wendish Crusade

The Wendish Crusade took place in 1147, and the campaigns were against the Polabian Slavs also known as the Wends. The Wends resided in what is present-day eastern and northern Germany. The Wendish Crusade took place parallel to the Second Crusade by the Catholic Church against Islam and infrequently continued to the 16th century.

Swedish Crusades

The Swedish Crusades took place in three different periods and were named the First, Second, and Third Swedish Crusades respectively. The Swedish Crusades were carried out against the Tavastians, Karelians, and Finns by Sweden which took place between 1150 and 1293.

Danish Crusades

The Danish Crusades took place in the form of two Crusades to Finland between the years of 1191 and 1202. The 1202 Danish Crusade was spearheaded by Anders Sunesen a Danish archbishop of Lund, Scania together with his brother.

Livonians Crusade

During the 12th century, the inhabitants of lands presently known as Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia had started forming a non-Christian wedge between their powerful enemies the Christian states which were rapidly expanding the Catholic Church was situated to their west while the Orthodox was located to their east. The two Christian denominations had failed to successfully convert the inhabitants of these regions since they had different creeds. For more than 150 years before the German Crusaders arrived in the region, there had been 13 attacks by Sweden, Denmark, and the Russia principalities in Estonia. The inhabitants of Estonia also retaliated by rising against both Sweden and Denmark. Some of the Catholics attempted to peacefully convert the people of Estonia through missions executed between 1045 and 1072 by the Archbishop of Bremen known as Adalbert. Despite their methods being peaceful, these efforts to convert pagan Estonians to Christianity seemed had seemed unsuccessful.
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According to a new study by Redfin, in 2016 just 18 percent of homes for sale in the 30 largest U.S. metros were affordable for middle-class Hispanic families and 14 percent were affordable for African-American families. Both rates were down 11 percentage points from 2012. This is compared to 30 percent affordable for those earning the median income for white households, down 12 percentage points since 2012.Housing affordability declined over the same four-year period for the middle class as a whole, as home prices increased by 26 percent and household incomes edged up by less than 2 percent nationally. In 2012, 44 percent of homes for sale were affordable on a middle-class income; that share fell to 32 percent in 2016.The study also found that in 2016, middle-class African-American and Hispanic families were virtually priced out of homeownership in Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego and Phoenix. In each of those metros, fewer than 5 percent of homes on the market were affordable on the median household incomes for African Americans and Latinos.Still, Denver was home to the smallest racial gap in housing affordability in 2016. Less than 2 percent of homes for sale there were affordable to families earning the median income for African-American and Hispanic households, compared to just 8.3 percent for families earning the median income for white households. The racial affordability gap was largest in Minneapolis, where the typical white family could afford 66 percent of the homes for sale, compared to 5.2 percent and 24.8 percent for families earning the median income for African-American and Hispanic households.Among the 30 largest metros, Las Vegas had the largest declines in affordability for families making the median African American (-26.5 points) or Hispanic (-24.6 points) household incomes from 2012 to 2016.Also during this period, metros known for their relative affordability, like Atlanta, Tampa and Kansas City, saw double-digit declines in the share of listings that were affordable on African American and Hispanic median incomes.St. Louis was the only metro that saw increases in affordability for both Hispanic (+5.4 points) and African-American families (+4.3 points). Interestingly, St. Louis was also the only metro where overall middle-class affordability, including for median-income white households, did not change significantly over this time period."American cities are at risk of losing both the economic and racial diversity that has been their hallmark," said Redfin chief economist Nela Richardson. "Middle-class homebuyers are being priced out of America's largest cities at an alarming rate, as the home affordability gap gets wider. Given the significantly lower rates of homeownership among African-American and Hispanic families, the reduction in affordable listings has even more dire consequences for income inequality when broken out by race."But there are solutions, according to Richardson: "For one, federal and state governments can do much more to be influential in local housing policy," said Richardson. "That's where the crisis starts-at the neighborhood level-when people vote against inclusionary zoning policies, making it difficult or impossible to build higher-density, affordable housing in a community. Federal and state governments can reward communities that change to inclusionary zoning practices by offering them infrastructure investments to improve the neighborhoods. That way, inclusionary zoning is more appealing to longtime residents."
The PhD student slapping the staff member

By: Alexis Bell WorldWideWeirdNews.com

A woman was banned from flying on Air France after she slapped a female check-in staff member in frustration when she arrived late for her flight.

The woman who has not been named, was at the airport with her husband and child when the incident occurred.

The 36-year-old woman, who is a PhD student at a prestigious university in Wuhan, China, bought a ticket to Paris, France.

However, she arrived late to the airport and she was informed that check-in for her flight had closed 15 minutes earlier.

The PhD student became furious and demanded to be checked in because she needed to get to an important conference.

The female staff member informed the mother that she can either take a later flight or get a refund for her familyas tickets.

She begged to be allowed on the flight, but the staff member refused to budge. The angry mother walked over to her and slapped her three times in the face.

The Air France employee then began to cry. The PhD student was arrested and has since been sentenced to 10 days in jail. She was blacklisted from Air France flights.
The move came after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar today.

By Reuters: Qatar Airways said on its official website today that it had suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia.

The move came after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed their ties with Qatar today, accusing it of supporting terrorism and opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

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The airline, also known as Saudia, posted on Twitter today afternoon that it would be halting flights, without elaborating.

It is joining Emirates, Etihad and FlyDubai in halting flights to the Qatari capital of Doha.

The airlines' decision comes as Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all cut diplomatic ties Monday to Qatar over its support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

Meanwhile, Dubai's budget carrier FlyDubai says it has canceled its flights to Qatar amid a diplomatic dispute between it and other Arab countries.

The carrier said that all flights starting Tuesday would be suspended. It offered no other details.

FlyDubai's decision follows that of Emirates and Etihad in canceling flights to Doha.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all cut diplomatic ties earlier Monday to Qatar over its support of Islamist groups and its relations with Iran.

ALSO READ:

Etihad Airways to suspend flights to and from Qatar

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, UAE cut ties with Qatar for supporting terror groups

--- ENDS ---
By Saurabh Singh: Reliance Jio surpassed other telecom operators to become the fastest 4G network in India, in the month of May, as per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) MySpeed application. Reliance Jio recorded an all-time high download speed of 19.12 megabit per second during the period. The MySpeed -- which is essentially a speed test app -- data however fails to give a finer picture from ground zero. Which is why it doesn't matter to the average user, because, the average user isn't impressed with Jio 4G. At least, not until the time RIL stops offering free Internet to a vast majority of users who haven't subscribed to it yet.

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The very same TRAI website that pits Jio as the fastest 4G network in India -- for the month of May -- also mentions, "the results represent the average of the data speed samples collected from various consumers of the TSPs on a crowd sourcing basis during speed test initiated by them over the last 3 months and the monthly trends are updated on the 1st of every month." It takes into account an average -- which is mathematical and often computational -- and not actual user-case scenarios and/or experiences.

It's been a while since Reliance Jio started charging users for using its services, but, come to think of it, not many have subscribed to them. Not yet. This could be a very valid reason why the company still hasn't stopped offering its services to users -- for free -- because each one of them is a potential subscriber. RIL wouldn't want to lose even one of them. But the fact is, in order to increase its subscriber base; RIL seems to have forgotten subscribers who have already paid for its services and in doing so, chances are the company might lose more subscribers.

Statistics have shown that Jio 4G hasn't amassed as many -- not even close -- subscribers as it would have liked. Jio might have started a telecom revolution of sorts in the market, but, the revolution it started has also made incumbent players realise they can't be overcharging customers for inefficient/inadequate services. The revolution that Jio started has brought to light the fact that incumbent players were basically hoarding on data. They are now offering heaps of it for free or at negligible cost. Their connectivity also seems to have improved over time.

In such a case, potential subscribers are happy holding on to their current networks, and, use their Jio SIMs as secondary. They are happy not paying for Jio services. Since they are still getting Internet access and free incoming calls why bother paying for it? Also, there's the whole ordeal of MNP should they be looking to continue their numbers even after changing their networks to Jio. And because Jio wants more and more users to come aboard, it isn't stopping to offer its services for free. Essentially, both paid and non-paying users are largely in the same boat until and unless Jio ends its 'for free' strategy. And since, each one of them is using the same network, each one of the, is witnessing the same congestion both in terms of Internet and 4G connectivity.

Also Read: Reliance Jio was fastest 4G network in India in May, reveals TRAI data

--- ENDS ---

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Evidence continues to mount that the British government and intelligence agencies had intimate and detailed knowledge of the terrorist connections of Salman Abedi, the Manchester suicide bomber.

Abedi detonated a shrapnel-laden bomb at Manchester Arena on May 22, killing 22 concert-goers, including eight children, and wounding 116.

On Saturday, the New York Times reported that Abedi was in contact with a Libyan Islamic State (IS) battalion, members of which were reportedly involved in planning the 2015 Bataclan nightclub attack in Paris.

Citing an anonymous retired European intelligence official, the Times reported that Mr. Abedi met with operatives of the Katibat al-Battar al-Libi, a core Islamic State unit that was headquartered in Syria before some of its members dispersed to Libya. Abedi met with Battar members in Libya, in both Tripoli and Sabratha.

Originally made up of Libyans who had gone to Syria to fight in the civil war the Times reports, the unit became a magnet for French and Belgian foreign fighters, and several were dispatched to carry out attacks abroad. Some of the terrorist groups most devastating hits in Europe, including the coordinated attack in Paris in 2015, were shaped by alumni of the brigade.

According to the retired official, Abedi kept up contact with Battar members after returning to Manchester.

The same intelligence source told the New York Times that when Abedi was in Britain, the contacts would sometimes happen by phone If the content of the call was sensitive, Mr. Abedi used phones that were disposable, or dispatches were sent from Libya by his contacts to his friendliving in Germany or Belgiumwho then sent it to Mr. Abedi in Britain

The Battar brigade was well known to the British intelligence community. A former counter-terrorism official from Britains GCHQ told the Times the Battar brigade were seasoned veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, who were the most hard-core, the most violentthe ones always willing to go to extremes when others were not.

A senior US intelligence official confirmed details provided by the European intelligence source, the Times reported.

That Abedi was part of a sophisticated terror network is now beyond dispute. The Mail on Sunday revealed yesterday that the explosive device used in the Manchester attack was highly similar to bombs used by Islamic State in the 2015 Paris attacks and may even have been designed by the same person.

Unnamed security sources challenged the suggestion by Greater Manchester Police that pop concert suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, had largely acted alone, the Mail reports.

Last Tuesday, Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson of the north-west counter-terrorism unit issued a statement claiming that what is becoming apparent is that many of [Abedis] movements and actions have been carried out alone during the four days from him landing in the country and committing this awful attack, while Ian Hopkins, the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said Abedi was only known to them over relatively minor matters including theft and a minor assault.

The security source told the Mail, 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.

Meanwhile, the BBC revealed that in Marchjust two months before the Manchester attackAbedi twice visited convicted terrorist Abdal Raouf Abdallah at Altcourse Prison in Merseyside, England, which would have been immediately reported to MI5.

Abdallah was sentenced to nine years and six months imprisonment for preparation, commission or assisting acts of terrorism and funding terrorismof which he was to serve five-and-a-half years in custody and four years on license. He fought in Libya in 2011 against Colonel Muammar Gaddafis regime and was injured, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Back in Manchester, he attempted to assist four menincluding his brother Mohammed, Stephen Mustafa Gray and Raymond Matimbato reach Syria to fight in the US/UK-led proxy war against Assad.

Mustafa Gray was unable to reach Syria and was twice turned back from Turkey. Sentenced at the same time as Abdallah, he was a former gunner in No. 2 Squadron of the RAF Regiment and served in Iraq in 2004 before converting to Islam. Abdallah and Gray both lived in the Moss Side district of Manchester, just over a mile from Abedis home in the Whalley Range district.

The parents of the Abdallah brothers, like Abedis, were opponents of the Gaddafi regime. Abdal Abdallah travelled to Libya in 2010 on a gap year. When the imperialist backed operation against Gaddafi began, although still a teenager, he was given a key role in his platoon, according to the BBC. Abdallah and his brother joined one of the most important rebel Islamist groupsthe 17th February Martyrs Brigade.

The Abdallah brothers and their fellow jihadists worked so closely with the imperialist powers in Libya that Abdal Abdallah communicated with NATO personnel to ensure they were not accidentally bombed, the BBC revealed.

Salman Abedis parents were members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) and his brother reportedly became a supporter of Islamic State (ISIS). The Abedis were relocated to south Manchester after fleeing Libya in 1991. The British government, under then Home Secretary Theresa May, lifted counter-terrorism control orders on the Abedis so they could return to Libya in 2011.

News of Abedis prison visits to a convicted terrorist was buried by the BBC. The information appeared in an article reporting that Greater Manchester Police had located a car they say may be significant to their investigation. However, the BBCs home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw noted in his article that anyone visiting a prisoner in the UK must go through a major logistical and security exercise.

Visiting one of the 150 inmates convicted of terrorism in the UK is even more difficult. Shaw wrote, These visits have to be approved by counter-terrorism officers, who can prevent them if they have concerns.

He adds, Salman Abedi, however, was allowed to go ahead with his visit, a decision which is likely to be scrutinised as part of a review into the handling of his case.

[I]ts understood Abedi was closely monitored when he met Abdal Raouf Abdallah

Abedi arrived back in Manchester on May 18 after another visit to Libya. He committed his attack four days later.
Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington has become the site of a reactionary, racialist campaign against biology professor Bret Weinstein, after he spoke out against a college-sponsored event that called for all white students and faculty to leave the school grounds for a day.

The event was a twist on a school tradition known as A Day of Absence, in which minority students and faculty are given the option to leave campus for two days of organized events and workshops focused on issues of racial justice and oppression. This year, organizers chose to reverse the formula. Instead, they invited all white students, staff and faculty to stay off the campus for the days activities.

Rashida Love, the Director of First Peoples Multicultural Advising Servicesthe main organizerwrote in an email to college staff that the event would [reaffirm] the value of having POC [people of color] in higher education.

Professor Bret Weinstein voiced his opposition in March, in an email reply to all the faculty and staff, which has now been widely publicized.

The email became a focus during demonstrations on May 23, called to protest alleged racism on the Evergreen campus. A group of about 50 students disrupted Weinsteins class over the email, which they falsely claimed was racist. The protesters shouted obscenities at the professor yelling, Youre supporting white supremacy! and Stop telling people of color they are f**king useless. You are useless, get the f**k out.

A video of the event shows Weinstein calmly trying to explain his position to the students. At one point, he tries to respond to a question from the barrage of students asking, Do you want to hear the answer or not? The group of students shouts back, No! The students then assert that he has lost his right to speak, citing specifically his white privilege.

Professor Weinstein is not a right-wing professor. His views are, broadly, left-wing. He opposed the campaign of Hillary Clinton in favor of Bernie Sanders in the 2016 election. Many of Weinsteins students, and students at other schools who have only heard of the events, defended him and have since spoken out against the protests.

In the email which the students have used to call for his resignation, Weinstein stresses certain basic democratic conceptions:

[T]here is a huge difference between a group or coalition deciding to voluntarily absent themselves from a shared space in order to highlight their vital and under-appreciated roles and a group or coalition encouraging another group to go away. The first is a forceful call to consciousness.... the second is a show of force and an act of oppression in and of itself.

He added, On a college campus, ones right to speakor to bemust never be based on skin color. At the end of the email, Weinstein offers to take part in the event by providing a public presentation on the subject of race from a scientific perspective, to which everyone would be equally welcomed.

The second accusation against Weinstein is focused on his criticism of a program introduced by the college president, George Bridges, called the Equity Agenda, which among other things requires that every faculty hire has an equity justification. What this means in real terms is that the hiring of professors will be based on identity rather than knowledge of their field. Weinstein opposed the new program because he was concerned that race would take precedence over all other considerations.

There is nothing left or progressive in the actions of the students protesting Weinstein. Their racialist outlook expresses the interests of privileged sections of the upper middle class, and complements the racism of the far-right. Their claim that the campus is seething with racial tensions is not supported by any concrete evidence. There have been no reports of openly racist events or groups on campus.

None of their demands address the burning issues affecting the millions of working class people of all races and genders. They have nothing to say about the burden of student debt, food insecurity, poverty and unemployment.

The exact composition of the organizations involved in the protests is unclear. There have been reports of coalitions of different organizations. In many of the pictures circulating online, students can be seen wearing shirts with Socialistworker.org on the backs, indicating they are with the International Socialist Organization (ISO). There is also a chapter of Socialist Alternative (SA) on the campus. The involvement of the ISO and SA in this event would come as no surprise. Both organizations heavily promote identity politics. The ISO and the SA have remained silent on the Evergreen State events. Neither organization has responded to WSWS requests for a statement as of this writing.

The school administration has played a predictably cowardly role. In his first address to the protesting students on May 26, Bridges opposed the demand that Weinstein be fired, but praised the student action, We are grateful to the courageous students who have voiced their concerns. The extent of his defense of the accused staff was one line assuring that their jobs were safe.

In a commentary published in the Wall Street Journal, Weinstein pointed to the ideological roots of the protests and their connection to postmodernism. The protests resulted from a tension that has existed throughout the entire American academy for decades: The button-down empirical and deductive fields, including all the hard sciences, have lived side by side with critical theory, postmodernism and its perception-based relatives. He adds later, Mr. Bridges tampered with the delicate balance between the sciences and humanities by, in effect, arming the postmoderns.

The protests at Evergreen are part of a broader trend. Racialist politics is systematically promoted by the media and the political establishment, particularly the Democratic Party, as part of an effort to divide workers of different races against each other, while subordinating the working class to the competition of factions of the upper middle class for access to privilege and power.

Just this week, the New York Times praised Harvard Universitys new practice of holding separate graduation ceremonies for different identities, specifically sexual orientation and race. These ceremonies, writes the Times, allow the commencement speakers to concentrate on more personal issues such as the struggle to be black at Harvard.

In 2015, there was a wave of protests starting at University of Missouri, later spreading to Yale University, Ithaca College, and Amherst College, focused on allegations of racism and racial insensitivity on the part of college administrators. The protests, which fit comfortably within the presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton, made similar demands that certain professors and administrators be fired, some of which were met.

The protests at Yale were particularly reactionary, focused on calls for the resignation of professor Erika Christakis, a lecturer in early childhood development, who questioned a memo sent by the university on culturally unaware and insensitive Halloween costumes. Christakis ultimately decided not to continue teaching courses at the university.
The Socialist Equality Party recently held a teachers forum in Melbourne, Victorias capital city, to discuss the regressive agreement negotiated between the Australian Education Union (AEU) and Victorian state Labor government. The deal, which is being put to teachers and education support staff in a secret ballot between June 13 and 20, will exacerbate the crisis in public schools.

Teachers and education staff are already burdened with unprecedented workloads, low wages and growing attacks on permanency, along with untenable levels of stress and anxiety associated with NAPLAN, the standardised testing regime introduced by the Rudd and Gillard federal Labor government in 2008. The deals remit is to deepen the very pro-market agenda that has produced this crisis.

The SEP is the only political party campaigning for a no vote. The pseudo-left organisations, Socialist Alternative and Socialist Alliance, which have representatives on the AEUs state executive, have maintained a virtual silence on the deal, in contrast to previous years when, in order to provide a left cover for the union, they advocated limited protest campaigns. Their complicity with the union in pushing through the deal underscores their rapid shift to the right.

During the past two months, teacher members and supporters of the SEP have campaigned vigorously against the agreement among their colleagues throughout the state, exposing its actual content and ramifications at meetings of delegates and in their own schools, and by posting a regular stream of articles, comments and teacher interviews, as well as a widely viewed video, on Facebook and the World Socialist Web Site.

Attending the forum were public and private school teachers, university and high school students and young workers. They listened intently to a comprehensive report on the wider historical and international context of the new agreement by SEP national committee member Sue Phillips, a teacher of more than 30 years standing.

Phillips emphasised the pro-market, privatisation agenda behind every Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) during the past two decades. This had led, she argued, to one of the most unequal education systems in the world, with a two-class systeman under-staffed, under-funded, over-crowded, public one for ordinary working-class families, and another, private one, for the rich and privileged.

Due to the resultant crisis in the public system, many parents had felt obligated to send their children to expensive private schools. This decades-long process had led to a situation where a staggering 40 percent of high school students now attended private schools. The days when public education was free, accessible, and available to all, no longer exist, Phillips declared.

She referred to the massive budget cuts to public education and moves to for-profit schools underway in the US, Britain and other countries, and drew out that further such measures were being prepared in Australia. She then reviewed a number of past agreements, dating back to 2003, which had committed to the agenda of education reform.

The current EBA, Phillips said, continued this process. While never spelled out in detail, this was an international agenda, driven by corporations, governments and bodies such as the OECD, which established PISA [Program for International Student Assessment] in 2000 to rank country against country and drive the high-stakes testing, performance-based pay agenda.

In 2003, Phillips explained, the Bracks Labor government had enlisted the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a global management consulting firm and strategic business advisor, to conduct a long-term workforce study, and produce a series of education Blueprints, to further rationalise the public education system, including by attacking and undermining so-called underperforming schools.

The Victorian business model had since become the national benchmark, establishing the lowest levels of funding, and the most devolved school system in Australia. This was, Phillips said, directly in line with the imposition of the Rudd/Gillard agenda of mandatory national standardised testing.

In 2011, the New South Wales government followed its Victorian counterpart, engaging BCG to slash $1 billion from its school funding budget.

The education unions, Phillips warned, are not just bystanders in this process, nor is the problem one of weak leaders, who cave-in under government pressure. They are a central prop for this pro-market agenda, functioning as enforcers whose role is to impose and police it.

There is a clear relationship between the anti-democratic, bureaucratic tactics employed by the AEU to obtain a majority yes vote, and the regressive, pro-market content this agreement.

It was time, Phillips insisted, for teachers and Education Support staff to draw lessons from their experiences. The unions will collaborate with the financial elites and seek to block and dissipate any signs of opposition. We need to set about creating new, independent organisations of struggle.

The SEP advocates the formation of democratic rank-and-file committees at all schools, which actively seek to mobilise teachers, parents and students in a rebellion against NAPLAN testing and performance ranking, the substandard state of public school facilities and resources and the unacceptable working hours, pay and conditions being forced on teachers.

Such a struggle for education rights, she concluded, must be a political one, explicitly linked to the broader mobilisation of the entire working class to achieve all its social rights. The resources to meet the needs of all humanityincluding high-quality educationcan be acquired only by placing the banks and financial institutions, as well as the major corporations, under public ownership and the democratic control of workers governments, as part of the overall socialist reorganisation of society to meet social need, not private profit.

The report was followed by nearly two hours of animated discussion. Melanie, a primary school teacher, spoke immediately after the report. Theres an increasing spirit in schools that were really disheartened, she said. It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain work-life balance. Even to meet the demands of [after-school] meetings is becoming impossible. We are now being asked to attend more and more meetings per week. We do that because we care about the kids. If we dont get issues addressed quickly, then theyre out of our hands, and thats not in the best interest of the children. No teacher is in this job for the money. Were bringing work back home at night. Were tired parents when we get back home.

Referring to the agreement, she pointed out that teachers worked among children and families who are relying on us, and this agreement takes more of our voice away. I really believe its worth spreading the word and pushing and continuing to push against what feels like something impossible, she said, and criticised the fact that there had been no genuine consultation with teachers.

Leading SEP member Linda Tenenbaum questioned the meaning, today, of education. She reviewed how the progressive attitude towards education, championed by the philosophers of the Enlightenment, had been completely repudiated by todays ruling elites. Instead of focusing on stimulating and developing childrens physical, emotional, social, creative and intellectual capacities, encouraging curiosity and critical thought, todays education emphasises, for the vast majority, rote learning, teaching to the test and mind-numbing discipline.

Recent reports indicated, Tenenbaum said, that many young people were deciding not to complete their secondary education because of the levels of stress, anxiety and depression they experienced at school with the testing regime. Moreover, many long-standing and talented teachers were quitting the profession for the same reason. At the same time, a recent editorial in Murdochs Australian, had gone so far as to propose that, for budgetary reasons, working-class youth should abandon any conception of a university education.

Questions and discussion ensued about the rank-and-file committees advocated by the SEP, and the socialist program upon which they would be based; about the transformation of the trade unions into corporate policemen, under conditions of globalisation and international competition; and about specific measures in the 2017 EBA.

Before concluding, the forum voted unanimously for a resolution calling on all teachers and ES employees to vote no in the secret ballot, and to organise staff meetings, involving both union and non-union staff, to allow for the widest possible discussion, as the first step in a unified political and industrial campaign against the 2017 AEU-state Labor government agreement.
The following is a statement by Mitch Abrams, International Youth and Students for Social Equality representative on the EMU student government:

Students of Eastern Michigan University (EMU) must come to the defense of the universitys part-time lecturers who are facing severe attacks by the EMU administration. The administrations proposal for a new labor agreement includes a 25 percent pay cut for new part-time lecturers and attacks on job security.

The part-time lecturerswho are members of the EMU Federation of Teachershave staged protests on campus this spring to voice their opposition to managements demands. Their current contract ends August 31 of this year.

A representative of the EMU part-time lecturers recently told the World Socialist Web Site, Part-time lecturers [PTL] make up the largest single group of instructors at EMU, and every undergraduate student takes classes with PTLs. PTLs are highly qualified instructors with advanced degrees and/or years of experience in their respective fields. PTLs are also the lowest-paid instructional staff at EMU, they have no guarantee of employment from one semester to the next, and our classes can be canceled or given to other faculty up until the start of classes. This means a part-time lecturer might spend weeks preparing for a class and then lose the class, with zero compensation. Most PTLs hold office hours, even though we are not compensated for that time. Despite this, PTLs are a vital part of the campus community at EMU and we remain dedicated to our students learning and success.

The attacks on part-time lecturers at EMU are part of a broader attack on the right to public education. The administration of Donald Trump and its education secretary Betsy DeVosthe right-wing religious zealot and billionaire advocate of child laborplan to drastically accelerate the attacks of the Obama administration, whose Race to the Top program vastly intensified the pro-charter and for-profit educational business agenda of Bushs No Child Left Behind scheme.

The EMU board of regents is closely affiliated with the push for charter schools. Vice Chair Mary Treder Lang serves on the board for the Education Achievement Authority (EAA). EAA is a state-run system of priority schools, which from its inception sought to pave the way for privatization of so-called low-performing schools in Detroit and the destruction of teachers wages, benefits and work conditions. After numerous scandals in the EAA, including bribery, theft and fraud, the EMU board of regents voted to sever its agreement to partner with the EAA in early 2016. This spelled the beginning of the end for EAA, but not for the push for privatization.

The implementation of a class-based education system was spearheaded by the Obama administration, who was supported in 2008 and 2012 by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). In 2016, the Detroit Federation of Teachers pushed through a sellout contract for its teachers, which included financial punishments for the militant teachers who staged sickouts in 2015 protesting the horrendous classroom conditions in several Detroit schools. There is no reason to believe that the AFT, the parent organization of the EMU Federation of Teachers, will fight for the part-time lecturers in the current contract negotiations. That is because the AFT is politically aligned with the Democrats, which no less than Trump and Republicans, are the representatives of the banks and big business.

In a statement for my campaign for student senate, I proposed four demands, one of which was that Public education is a social right! The statement said, Teachers and other education workers should receive a high wage and not be forced to pay for basic necessities for their students. Lecturers, bus drivers, student teachers, janitors and service workers on campus who have lost their jobs should have them fully restored.

Over a quarter of the students who participated in the student government election this year cast ballots for my campaign. These were votes in defense of the basic rights of educators, including the right to receive a living wage for their work.

The chorus from corporate-controlled politicians is that there is no money to pay for public education services, health care, pensions, infrastructure, etc. Yet these same Democrats and Republicans find trillions of dollars to squander on imperialist war and the pumping up of the stock market. The capitalist class, not the working class, is the beneficiary of this spending.

The capitalist profit system has failed and throughout the world governments of every stripe are imposing austerity measures, destroying public education and other social rights, and preparing for even bloodier wars. Sick and tired of war, poverty and social inequality, the working class, in particular the newer generation, is looking for a political alternative.

That alternative is socialism and the reorganization of economic and political life to meet human need, not the private accumulation of wealth. This includes transformation of the major industries and financial institutions into publicly owned enterprises under the democratic control of the working class, which produces societys wealth.

Just as the attack on the living conditions of part-time lecturers at EMU is part of a broader attack on the working class, the defense of these workers is possible only as part of a broader political mobilization of the working class to defend the social right to high-quality public education for all.

Join the IYSSE! No to imperialist war! Break with the two big-business parties, fight for the political independence of the working class and for socialism!
Within 24 hours of Saturdays terror attack at London Bridge, the official narrative presented by British Prime Minister Theresa May has begun to fall apart.

Speaking at Downing Street Sunday morning, May declared, In terms of their planning and execution, the attack in London and the May 22 attack in Manchester are not connected.

However, after police carried out a raid at the home of one of the attackers, a neighbour told the BBC that he had informed the authorities about the mans Islamic extremist views, but nothing was done. I did my bit, he said. I know a lot of people did, but the authorities did not do their bit.

The London terror attack is following the same script as the Manchester bombing as well as countless other high-profile terror incidents throughout Europe, in which the attacks were carried out by people who had been known to the police. In many instances, warnings had been made about the perpetrators.

Just two weeks ago, suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 22 people, including children, who had been attending an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. As soon emerged, Abedi and his family were well known to MI5 and the government, which had used them, along with many other Islamists, in its regime-change operations in Libya and Syria.

Over the weekend, the New York Times reported that Abedi had travelled to Libya to meet with members of the Islamic State unit responsible for the November 2015 terror attack in Paris. Why he was allowed to return to the UK after this remains unexplained.

May has seized on the terror attacks in a desperate effort to reverse the steep fall in her opinion poll ratings ahead of the June 8 general election. With the latest polls showing the Tories with a mere one percent lead, there is widespread speculation of the Tories returning with a reduced majority, a hung parliament or even a Labour victory. With its social policies reviled by millions, the government is anxious to make the election a verdict on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyns supposed softness on terrorism and unreliability when it comes to national security.

May used her Sunday statement to make various pledges of what a Conservative government would do, despite an agreement with Labour to suspend political campaigning. While insisting that preventing terror attacks meant taking military action to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria, she stressed that Islamist terrorism cannot be defeated by military intervention alone, or by the maintenance of a permanent defensive counterterrorism operation, however skilful its leaders and practitioners.

The leaders and practitioners to which she refers, MI5 and MI6, are deeply involved in the closest of relations with Islamist groups, which they are even now wielding as proxy forces in regime-change operations in Libya and Syria. The British intelligence agencies allow members of these groups the free movement required to conduct terror attacks in the UK.

Britain also has close relations with Middle East despots who have for years backed and funded terrorist groups. Only days ago it emerged that Mays government is blocking the publication of an investigation into foreign funding of jihadi groups, authorised 18 months ago by her predecessor David Cameron, because of the very sensitive information it contains about Saudi Arabia, which accounts for 83 percent of UK arms exports. In April, May visited Riyadh to secure further deals.

Mays speech centred on her insistence that the assault on democratic rights that has accompanied the war on terror must now be stepped up. She outlined plans to deepen surveillance of the online activity of the UK population and censor the Internet, describing it as a safe space for terrorists. But, she continued, We must not forget about the safe spaces that continue to exist in the real world. What was required was stamping it out across the public sector and across society.

This is a threat to deepen the repressive measures associated with the Prevent Strategy, including the monitoring of pupils and students and an instruction that all those in positions of authority act as state informers.

May concluded with the claim that the vast array of repressive powers granted to the state security services and the police are still not enough. A counterterrorism strategy would be enacted to make sure the police and security services have all the powers they need.

In his response yesterday evening, Corbyn made clear that the working class cannot look to Labour to provide an alternative to Mays agenda of increased state repression and war. He made no attempt to warn the working class as to the dangers posed. Instead, he again accepted Mays official narrative almost in its entirety and focused his criticism on the government not having done enough to successfully wage the war on terror.

As he has done already by abandoning his opposition to NATO and accepting the Trident nuclear weapons programme, Corbyn sought to reassure the state of his loyal support. You cannot protect the public on the cheap, he said, insisting that The police and security services must get the resources they need, not 20,000 police cuts as had happened under the Conservatives.

Abandoning his previous opposition to the shoot-to-kill policy first revealed after the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, in the aftermath of the July 7, 2005 London bombings, Corbyn said the police should be free to take whatever action is necessary and effective... 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.
The long-standing principle that an accused person must be presumed innocent until proven guilty is disturbingly absent in the controversy surrounding recent allegations of sexual assault against a member of the punk band duo PWR BTTM.

Ben Hopkins and Liv Bruce met and formed PWR BTTM in 2013 while attending Bard College (in Annandale-on-Hudson, 100 miles north of New York City). They released their debut LP Ugly Cherries in 2015. One day before their second album, Pageant, was set to be released on May 12, allegations of sexual assault were leveled against Hopkins in the closed Facebook group, Chicago DIY.

On May 11, Facebook user Kitty Codero-Kolin accused Ben Hopkins of being a known sexual predator, commenting U should avoid going to their shows/boycott their music/not allow them in safe spaces ... I have personally seen Ben initiate inappropriate sexual contact with people despite several nos and without warning or consent.

The same day, Hopkins and Bruce released a statement saying they were shocked by the allegations, but took them seriously and encouraged the person to come forward. Within 24 hours of the accusations appearance, their Brooklyn record release show was cancelled and Salty Artist Management issued a statement indicating it would no longer represent the band. Polyvinyl, the label that was releasing Pageant, declared that it was pulling the record. Bled Fest and Hopscotch removed the band from their festival lineups, and opening bands dropped out of its tour.

On May 12 the online feminist blog Jezebel posted an interview with the anonymous accuser stating that they had been forced to engage in unprotected sex with Hopkins following a show and again a month later following text messages. The peculiarity of forced sexual encounters a month apart, punctuated by text messages, has not seemed to strike any of those blackballing PWR BTTM.

Hopkins issued a response on May 18, noting that Based on the nature of our communications and our interactions with one another, I understood our interactions to be fully consensual. We stayed in touch over the course of several weeks by exchanging texts and pictures. Later, she asked if she could stay with me at my home, where we had sex several more times over the course of those days.

Both Polyvinyl and Father/Daughter Records (the label that put out the bands debut album) issued statements to the effect they would no longer sell or distribute PWR BTTM music, and have pulled their music off streaming sources such as Amazon, iTunes, and Spotify, in what can only be described as blacklisting. Much like in Ray Bradburys Fahrenheit 451, where books are burned and only kept alive by exiles living in the woods who have memorized their contents, the bands music remains solely in the memory.

In a self-serving manner, the record companies have thrown the duo to the wolves, issuing statements that take Hopkins culpability for granted. Father/Daughters statement read, Victims and survivors need to be heard, considered and supported as opening up about such trauma is extremely difficult and emotionally taxing .... Father/Daughter is and always will be a community for artists to thrive and grow and their feelings are equally as valid and important as the two people who run the label.

And Polyvinyl commented, Throughout our 20 years, Polyvinyl has purposefully operated on the core principle that everyone deserves to be treated with fairness and respect. There is absolutely no place in the world for hate, violence, abuse, discrimination or predatory behavior of any kind. In keeping with this philosophy, we want to let everyone know that we are ceasing to sell and distribute PWR BTTMs music.

In a grotesque display of moralistic grandstanding, the entire industry has jumped on the bandwagon. Across the board, labels and bands pledged to make donations to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) in light of the accusations and in solidarity of all survivors, according to Father Daughter Records.

In less than a week, without any investigation or criminal charges having being laid, much less a trial occurring followed by a conviction, the band has become a leper within the music industry, especially among the radical left and identity politics groups, the very ones who once praised Hopkins and Bruce for their queer identity.

The assumption of guilt is harrowing. The Facebook statements by anonymous alleged victims and friends of these alleged victims are taken for entirely good coin. This is the politics of so-called radical feminism. Anyone who challenges an accusers account is instantly labeled an abuse or rape apologist. Any call for evidence or questioning of the alleged victim is deemed victim blaming, while the basic rights to presumption of innocence and a trial by jury have been cast aside. Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat (The burden of proof is on the one who declares, not on one who denies).

This fundamental right to the presumption of innocence is inscribed in the legal codes and constitutions of the majority of advanced capitalist countries. Its origin dates back to the end of Middle Ages, to the transition from feudal to capitalist relations, the era of bourgeois-democratic revolutions. The ideology we associate with constitutional democracies and the historic struggles against the divine right of kings emerged in this period.

The presumption of innocence is also part of contemporary international law. Article 11 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, states that Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.

According to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Council of Europe, Everyone charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law. This article applies to the whole of the European Union.

The US Supreme Court determined in 1895 in the case of Coffin v. United States that the presumption of innocence followed from the Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth amendments to the United States Constitution. The decision argued, The principle that there is a presumption of innocence in favor of the accused is the undoubted law, axiomatic and elementary, and its enforcement lies at the foundation of the administration of our criminal law.

In its decay and decline, the bourgeoisie spurns the principles it based its rule upon and once claimed to hold dear. Presumption of innocence has been under attack for years in particular when it comes to sexual assault allegations. Many universities and colleges, for example, have all but eliminated this fundamental legal principle in cases of alleged sexual harassment. They now apply a preponderance of the evidence standard, which means that accusations are considered to be more probably true than not true. This is the lowest standard of proof in the American legal system, far lower than the historic standard for the determination of guilt in criminal cases--beyond a reasonable doubt.

These attacks have wide-ranging and dangerous implications, which go far beyond the realm of sexual behavior. The Obama administration carried out extrajudicial drone killings of US citizens, stripping them of their constitutional right to due process and trial by jury, in the name of the war on terror. Indeed, the same social elements who dismiss elementary democratic rights in regard to alleged sexual misconduct, on the grounds that the epidemic of sexual violence demands special measures, line up behind imperialist invasions and regime change around the globe in the name of the emergency defense of human or womens rights.

These pseudo-left and feminist forces, on the one hand, and the various state apparatuses, on the other, now often align in pushing for the prosecution of alleged sexual crimes and the weakening of protections against police and state power.

In the run-up to the 2014 New Zealand elections, for instance, the Labor Party attempted to gain support from the identity-politics groups with a call to shift the burden of proof on the issue of consent to the defence, in cases of sexual assault, which they referred to as a monumental [i.e. progressive] shift in the justice system.

The call-out-culture--i.e., the public naming and denunciation of individuals alleged to be guilty of oppressive behavior without any proof necessarily being provided--held up by some radical activists as some sort of alternative or restorative justice provides almost no protections for the accused. It is, therefore, no wonder this ideology finds support within the establishment, which is seeking increasingly dictatorial powers to deal with social discontent.

The tough-on-crime rallying cry, which hailed historically from the extreme right, has now been appropriated by upper middle class feminist liberals, who demand a tough-on-rape approach. These are the same people who called for a witch-hunt against Brock Turner last June, who was sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault, and the judge who sentenced him.

Early this month, prosecutors in Maryland were forced to drop charges against two undocumented immigrant youth, Henry Sanchez Milian, 18, and Jose Montano, 17. The pair was detained following the allegations of a 14-year-old classmate, who claimed she was forced into a bathroom and sexually assaulted by the two boys.

The Trump administration lent its full weight to smearing the youth and seeing to it that they received the harshest possible sentences as part of the White Houses vicious anti-immigrant effort--until an investigation revealed that the accuser was not telling the truth.

The elements leading the undemocratic and puritanical campaign against PWR BTTM would have assisted ideologically in rallying public opinion against the immigrant youths, just as they have done against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Like clockwork, the pseudo-left can be counted on to join each state orchestrated witch-hunt, adopting the presumption of guilt in all cases of sexual assault.

The speed of events and the direction they have taken in the PWR BTTM case should set off alarm bells for all those committed to basic democratic rights. Not a single label or musician has come out in the bands defense. The entire industry has taken to self-serving soapbox denunciations out of fear of being labeled a rape apologist and facing similar banishment.
Last week, the working people of Sri Lanka were once again victims of devastating floods and landslides. The deaths of hundreds of people and the displacement and suffering of more than half a million are not just the outcome of a natural disaster. The crisis results from callous disregard for the lives of ordinary people by successive governments dedicated to defending the profit system. This includes the present government of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The disaster occurred as torrential rains from a southwestern monsoon pelted down, accompanied by a cyclonic storm. The damage is colossal. The final death count would be 300, state minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene announced last Thursday.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) yesterday, 717,622 people have been affected. Among them are 150,000 women, 7,600 pregnant mothers and around 189,000 children. At least 25,000 students have lost their books and school stationery. More than 2,300 homes have been destroyed and 12,500 partially damaged. Many areas remain unreachable by road, due to flooding and landslides. The total cost of the damage to property has yet to be calculated.

The victims are now vulnerable to flood-related diseases, including mosquito-borne fever, diarrhoea and dysentery.

The destruction is the worst since the 2003 floods and landslides, which claimed 264 lives and destroyed 10,000 houses. Most victims are tea- and rubber-plantation workers, peasants and small cultivators. They live on poverty-level incomes of $US1 to $2 a day. Many could now become destitute.

Who is responsible for this massive disaster?

Just a few hours before the deluge hit the island, Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa bombastically told the 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Cancun, Mexico that his government was prepared to minimise the impact of any disaster. His ministry had plans to implement medium- and long-term disaster risk reduction programs in line with international standards in order to minimise casualties, damage to infrastructure, and economic losses.

Yapa boasted of a National Action Plan with committed funds to develop a risk profile. Yet, no early warning was issued and no evacuation plan was carried out before or immediately after the disaster. The basic necessities for displaced people were simply not available.

After lamenting the heavy rains, the president, prime minister and their ministers turned their fire on the population. They claimed that the people did not heed the authorities advance warnings and declared that allegedly illegal construction was a primary cause of the floods.

The claim by the government that its agencies made early warnings, but the people did not respond, is a deliberate fabrication to blame the population for the disaster. The government had not prepared any of its agencies to issue such warnings. Meteorological Department director general Lalith Chandrapala revealed that he did not have Doppler radar capability or sophisticated equipment which allows for accurate forecasting of the direction and velocity of the storms. Irrigation Department director general M. Thuraisingham said his department did not have enough sensors to predict the flooding. The poorly-equipped Meteorological Department warned of a 150 millimetre rainfall, considered normal. However, the downpour was from 300 to 550 millimetres and came with thunderstorms.





The other reason for the deluge is the governments own irrational, unscientific constructionpart of its so-called "development" drive. In building the Southern Expressway, which runs through most of the flooded area, the government ignored the Environment Authoritys assessment. In 2010, leading engineer and architect Surath Wickremesinghe warned: The earth banks of the expressways and highways, which prevent the free flow of water, promote flooding. He also pointed out that the arbitrary filling of marshes and canal reservations caused floods. He proposed rational alternatives, such as constructing highways and buildings on pylons, where necessary.





The governments other propaganda about unauthorised construction is also false. Studies have shown that so-called illegal constructionshanties and hutsdo not have a major impact on erosion and flooding.

This propaganda has a sinister purpose. The Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government has broadened the scope of the program of the previous President Mahinda Rajapakse to convert Colombo into a South Asian commercial and financial hub and a megapolis covering the entire Western Province. The government plans to build throughout the country for commercial purposes, and wants to clear land by removing the poor, who are not being given decent alternative housing or livelihoods.

Minister Yapa said the government would change the 100-year-old Flood Management Act to create penalties for illegal constructions. All illegal structures will be demolished, including 10,000 in the capital, he said.

The Sunday Times, no opponent of the capitalist system, bluntly declared yesterday in its Focus on Rights column: Let us be very clear. The issue is not the law. It is the sheer woeful incompetence of the political leadership and more specifically the imbeciles in charge of disaster management.

While ordering the demolition of illegal construction, mainly directed against the poor, Sirisena is visiting the affected areas, shedding crocodile tears and directing his ministers and state officials to speed up the relief work. The government says it will pay compensation to the victims, while the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has announced a three-month grace period to pay back loans.

The government is nervous that the flood disaster will increase the widespread anger among the masses. Working people, urban and rural, are already coming into struggle against the government's attacks on their living and social conditions, as it implements the International Monetary Funds austerity program.

People are expressing legitimate fears about becoming permanently destitute after such devastation. The Asian tsunami in December 2004 was the worst natural disaster they had faced. It killed around 40,000 and wiped out thousands of homes. Many children were orphaned and received no aid.

Just five weeks before the latest catastrophe, 32 people were killed and around 1,000 people lost their homes when a garbage dump collapsed at Meethotamulla, in the Colombo suburbs.

A year ago, an explosion at a military weapons storage camp, close to Colombo, brought disaster to dozens of residents.

There have also been many landslides, costing scores of lives, during the past few years.

Capitalism is directly responsible, without exception, for all these disasters. The ruling class and its governments have, time and again, proved their inability to address any of the social and democratic issues facing workers and the poor.

It is legitimate to ask: why did the government not buy Doppler radars to at least warn the people about the latest disaster? The truth is that the government has no concern for the people.

The Sri Lankan ruling elite waged a 30-year communal war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), spending billions of rupees annually on the military to defend capitalist rule and suppress the working people and youth. While gutting its existing limited social expenditure, it is still spending a huge 16 percent of the annual budget on the military. This ruling class is dedicated to defending the profit system and stands directly at the service of international capital.

The Sri Lankan tragedy is also being used by other powers to strengthen their geo-political influence in the island. The Indian government immediately sent three navy ships with 300 personnel and small boats to help with relief efforts. India, a close partner of the US and a strategic rival of China, is seeking close relations with Colombo. Washington, which is deepening military and political ties with Colombo, announced a pittance of 350 million rupees in aid, and sent soldiers and cadets to assist in the clean-up. China is sending three navy ships, as well as smaller vessels and medical teams.

Significantly the government, assisted by the media, is promoting the military as the saviour of the people. The army, air force and navy have sent in thousands of soldiers in rescue teams. This has a definite purpose. The military has been discredited by its war crimes during the islands long war, and for directing its guns against protestersas it did at Rathupaswela in 2013, attacking a demonstration and shooting down three youth. The government wants to give the armed forces a humanitarian face in order to use them against the future struggles of workers and the poor.

During the torrential rain and in its aftermath, ordinary people have shown their sympathy towards the victims, rescuing them, evacuating them to safer places and providing relief goods. Workers and the poor must draw lessons from these tragic events. No section of the ruling class and its governments will address these problems. Working people must take matters into their own hands. Their true friends are their international class brothers and sisters.

Rational, scientific planning of the economy for the benefit of majority of the people can only be assured by ending capitalist rule and by the working class taking political power, with the support of the oppressed masses, to implement an international socialist program. This means a struggle must be waged to establish a workers and peasants government, by mobilising the working class and youth in a fight for social and democratic rights against the attacks of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government.

What is urgently needed to prosecute this struggle is the building of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), the Sri Lankan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), as a mass party of the working class.
Several hundred students and their teachers were locked out of Taylor International Academy in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Michigan last week, 20 days before the end of the school year. The abrupt closing is one of the all-too-common disasters created by the chiefly unregulated charter school business, which will have even more opportunities to abscond with public resources under Trumps education secretary Betsy DeVos.

Taylor is run by New Jersey-based Renaissance School Services, which was founded by a former executive of Edison Schools, a for-profit education company that ran into financial problems with investors over a decade ago. Renaissance took over the Southfield school, which is housed in a church, two years ago.

The now-shuttered building housed K-8 classrooms and was funded with public money siphoned off the districts already under-funded budget. For years, the districts public schools have been subject to deep budget cuts, including the layoff of teaching and support staff, privatizing transportation and other services, and closing schools.

Last Thursday, as teachers, students and parents showed up for scheduled classes, they found the doors closed. A chaotic scene then unfolded, with pre-school teachers, unable to enter the school premises, holding graduation for the young children outside in the parking lot of the school. Teachers were also unable to retrieve their teaching supplies, which many had purchased for their students.

Parents told reporters of their distress in learning their school was closing. Jahmara Taylor, like other parents, was almost in tears. She said she and her son had been looking for another school for her fifth-grader, but were finding other schools were full.

Teachers at the school learned only last week that Renaissance, which calls itself a turn-around specialist company, had run out of money. Already, janitors were pulled from the school when the janitorial service company was not paid, forcing teachers to clean up their rooms. The schools board voted to close the school immediately last week.

Central Michigan University, the state charter authorizer, has rebuffed questions from local press about whether the university will take responsibility for substantial amounts of pay owed teachers at the academy. CMU collects 3 percent of the states Education Foundation Grant allocated for each child at its charter operations throughout the state.

Under a spread-the-pay arrangement teachers delay pay for days they have already worked to guarantee income through the summer months.

Renee Jenkins, Dean of Students at Taylor International Academy, told a television reporter on the scene last week that she and her staff wanted to know when the management company, the board and the university knew they were in such trouble. Were we set up for failure?

Another teacher, Jacqueline Robinson, told WXYZ-TV: This is a new world that were seeing with Betsy DeVos. Businesses come in. They are businesses and they are coming into education, into our schools. They cant make their money? Oh well. They will pull out and leave.

Janelle Brzezinski, spokesperson for the charter school office at Central Michigan University, had earlier announced three other schools run by CMU will close this year. They are Woodward Academy, open since 1996, Starr Detroit Academy in nearby Harper Woods serving mostly Detroit residents, and the Academy of International Studies in the Detroit enclave city, Hamtramck.

All three are being closed ostensibly for academic reasons. Taylor International Academy, with its financial crisis, also ranked in the bottom 5 percent of schools in the state, according to the states rankings list released earlier this year.

As a result of DeVos-sponsored lobbying and tens of millions of dollars in political contributions to state legislators, Michigan pours at least $1 billion a year into charter schools. These schools are among the least regulated in the nation. In late 2011, Michigan lawmakers removed limits on how many charters can operate hereopening the door to a slew of new management companies. Michigan has the highest percentage in the US of for-profit management companies running its charter schools, at 80 percent.

An investigation by the Detroit Free Press showed there was no financial accountability required by the state of Michigan, therefore financial irregularities are rife. For example, National Heritage Academies, the states largest for-profit school management company, charges 14 of its Michigan schools $1 million or more in rent.

People should get a fair return on their investment, former state schools Superintendent Tom Watkins, a longtime charter advocate told the Free Press. But it has to come after the bottom line of meeting the educational needs of the children. And in a number of cases, people are making a boatload of money, and the kids arent getting educated, Watkins admitted.

A national study of the American charter school industry, titled, Charter School Black Hole reported on the existence of ghost schools that received money and never opened their doors. In just two yearsunder the watch of the Obama administrations Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncanthe State of Michigan provided a staggering $3.7 million to 25 such fraudulent enterprises which never opened, while Ohio spent another $4 million on seven. California spent $4.7 million on schools which opened and quickly closed; Wisconsin $2.5 million, Indiana $2.2 million, etc.

The Obama administration spearheaded the expansion of charter schools under its Race to the Top program that gave money to cash-strapped districts in exchange for lifting limits on charter schools, instituting merit pay, and punitive accountability schemes that scape-goated public school teachers for the educational problems caused by years of budget cuts, layoffs and the growth of poverty.

This process will accelerate under DeVos, a bitter enemy of public education, and the scene last week in Southfield will be played out again and again across the country.
The Democratic Party and its media allies have seized on the fallout from President Donald Trumps withdrawal from the Paris climate accord to step up their campaign against the White House, charging it with collusion in alleged Kremlin interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Virtually all of the critical commentary on Trumps decision to pull out of the climate agreement has focused on its detrimental impact on the global geostrategic interests of US imperialism, with particular emphasis on the likelihood of increased Russian and Chinese influence in Europe and Asia.

These concerns have intensified the foreign policy conflict at the heart of the political warfare over alleged Trump softness toward Russia that has gripped Washington for the past ten months and dominated the first months of the Trump administration. In this conflict, the Democratic Party and the bulk of the establishment media are allied with the dominant factions of the intelligence apparatus, which are opposed to Trumps expressed desire to move away from the aggressive and provocative policy of the Obama administration toward Russia in order to focus more directly on the diplomatic and military offensive against China.

The Democrats have relentlessly pushed the Trump-Russia story line, despite the absence of any substantive evidence that Moscow interfered in the election to damage Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and aid Trump. They have done so for domestic as well as foreign policy reasons.

The Democratic Party fears the emergence of mass working-class opposition to Trump. It is seeking to divert anger over his attacks on democratic rights and social programs behind a reactionary drive to remove Russia as an impediment to Washingtons hegemonic ambitions in the Middle East, Europe and Asiaa policy that could quickly lead to a war between the worlds two biggest nuclear powers.

With Senate testimony scheduled this week from former FBI Director James Comey, fired by Trump in a move to quash the investigation he was heading into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow, the series of congressional and FBI probes may be reaching a turning point. Following the Comey firing, the Justice Department, under duress, appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as an independent counsel, raising the stakes.

On Saturday, both the New York Times and the Washington Post, which have been spearheading the media campaign against Trump, published lead editorials on the investigations into supposed Trump-Russia collusion. The Times piece, The Problem With Jared Kushner, sought to stoke up allegations that Trumps son-in-law and closest adviser held illicit, if not treasonous, discussions with Russian officials during the election campaign and postelection transition period. The editorial concluded with a call for Kushner to resign his White House post.

The Post denounced attempts by Trump and congressional Republicans to change the narrative by focusing on Obama officials allegedly improper unmasking of Americans caught up in US surveillance of overseas communications.

The Post declared: Its about Mr. Trumps ill-explained and gratuitous attempts during the transition and since to do the bidding of Russian President Vladimir Putin, including trying to unwind the sanctions against Russia imposed by President Barack Obama after the election meddling was discovered The big story is why Mr. Trump has frantically attempted to shut down the Russia investigations, including through the firing of FBI Director James B. Comey.

The Times editorial pages also featured a column by Obamas national security adviser, Susan Rice, denouncing Trump for pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, undermining the NATO alliance and withdrawing from the Paris accord, calling these moves a whole lot of winningfor Russia and China. In the piece, she questioned whether Washington would be able to rely on its Western allies should China take aggressive action in the South China Sea, threatening our Asian allies as well as our own freedom of navigation.

The Sunday interview programs all began with the latest terror attack in Britain and quickly pivoted to the investigations of the Trump administration. Rice, interviewed on the ABC News This Week program, was the most strident in articulating the Democrats McCarthyite-style demonization of Russia, repeating the litany of unsubstantiated claims and outright lies that have become Democratic gospel.

Lets be clear, she declared. Russia is an adversary. Russia not only invaded a sovereign country and annexed part of it in Ukraine and Crimea, its 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.

She concluded by urging Congress to increase sanctions on Moscow.

This effort to whip up anti-Russia sentiment has failed to make any significant headway among broad masses of the American people. Its main impact is within the privileged upper-middle-class social layers that have become the primary base of the Democratic Party. These layers, defined by the media as left or liberal, have continued to lurch to the right, obsessively promoting the identity politics peddled by the Democratic Party while moving fully into the camp of US imperialism.

On Saturday, a number of organizations in and around the Democratic Party held a so-called March for Truth to prosecute the anti-Russian, anti-Trump campaign. Sponsored by groups such as MoveOn.org, Swing Left, Rock the Vote, Progressive Democrats of America and the National Organization for Women, the event, with a rally in Washington and satellite protests around the country, drew very few participants.

The extensive media coverage was wildly out of proportion to the sparse turnout. The Times reported several dozen demonstrators in Washington, while the Public Broadcasting Service reported roughly 1,000 in Washington and hundreds in New York. The main demand was for an independent commission to investigate Trumps ties to Russia, along the lines of the 9/11 Commission.

The tenor of the event was summed up in the remarks of Terry ONeill, president of the National Organization for Women, who spoke of a hostile foreign government having installed a puppet as president of the United States.

The nominally left-liberal Nation magazine enthusiastically promoted the event, prominently posting an article on its website last Wednesday with the headline Americans Are Taking to the Streets to Demand the Truth on Trump and Russia.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) Social rights activists, including students and lawyers, today set up an independent drafting "committee" to formulate "a new law" aimed at making mob- lynching a non-bailable offence apart from attracting life imprisonment.

Launching a campaign against mob lynching, the activists demanded that Prime Minister implement the law by 11 July that marks the anniversary of Una Dalit flogging in Gujarat.

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"The law which we are proposing makes mob lynching a non-bailable offence and mandates a time-bound judicial inquiry instead of police enquiry to probe into the issue," said Tehseen Poonawalla, a political observer.

"If convicted, there should be life imprisonment for the crime," he added.

The activists included supreme court lawyer Sanjay Hegde, JNU students union president Mohit Kumar Pandey, former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, former JNUSU vice president Shehla Rashid, Dalit activist Jignesh Mewani and veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayar.

The draft law also makes compulsory suspension of the SHO or the head of local police station concerned, holding them responsible for such incidents.

"Suspension of chief of local police station should be made compulsory as such incidents cannot happen unless the mob enjoys the support of police," Shehla Rashid said.

Mobs cannot roam around freely without the police noticing it and lynching cannot not spontaneous, she sadi, adding it was time to keep the political ideologies aside and set up a law against such crimes.

The drafting committee members included Hegde and nine others from civil society.

The activists also threatened to lead a rally of cattle farmers to the PMs residence if no action was taken against the move before July 11.

"It is the duty of the PM to walk the talk. If the law is not passed, we will lead the cattle farmers to PMs residence and leave the cattle there," Poonawalla said. PTI CPB KIS

--- ENDS ---
The Great War, which brought forth the Russian Revolution, continues to rage. In one moment on the Western Front, some 10,000 men and boys are killed or buried alive when the British detonate explosives under German trenches at Messines. Even more are dying in intense and strategically meaningless mountain fighting between Italy and Austria on the Southern Front.

Meanwhile, the United States is mobilizing to join the inter-imperialist struggle, subjecting millions of men to conscription. It will take the Americans many more months to train, equip and transport this force to France. In the meantime, the Allies fear that Russia, driven by the demand for peace among its workers and peasants, will withdraw from the fighting, ending the Eastern Front, thereby allowing Germany to bring its full force down on Britain and France before the US arrives. To forestall this, Wilson issues a public appeal to the Provisional Government, demanding that Germany be defeated before conditions of a just peacesupposedly without annexationscan be implemented.

In Petrograd, the differences between the various social forces involved in the revolution are sharpening. The Provisional Government, backed by the opportunist, populist, and socialist leaders in the Petrograd Soviet, confronts defiant Kronstadt sailors who refuse to recognize its authority.

Kronstadt, June 5 (May 23 OS): Kronstadt Soviet accepts ultimatum by the Provisional Government

As its conflict with the Provisional Government escalates, the Kronstadt Soviet holds an extraordinary session. Following the resolution of the Kronstadt Soviet from May 26 (May 13, O.S.), which declared that the Soviet holds all power in Kronstadt and will not answer to the Provisional Government, the Petrograd Soviet sent a high-ranking delegation to Kronstadt on June 1 (May 19, O.S.), consisting of the Socialist Revolutionary Avram Gots, the Bundist Mark Liber and the Menshevik Vasilii Anisimov.

The delegates, who arrived on June 3 (May 21, O.S.), managed to persuade the Kronstadt Soviet to adopt an elucidation to the previous resolution, acknowledging indispensable relations with the Provisional Government so long as power has not yet passed to the Soviets.

Shortly thereafter, the Menshevik ministers Tsereteli and Skobelev hurry to Kronstadt on June 4 (May 22, O.S.). They demand full recognition of the central government and its commissar as well as a proper trial for dozens of Kronstadt officers who have been arrested by the sailors. Otherwise, they threaten, the Provisional Government will treat Kronstadt as a rebellious province.

At the extraordinary session of the Kronstadt Soviet on the morning of June 5 (May 23, O.S.), a resolution is adopted accepting the demands of Tsereteli and Skobelev. The next day, however, thousands of angry sailors take to the streets denouncing the recognition of the Provisional Government and accusing the Soviet deputies of having sold themselves to the bourgeoisie.

Butte, Montana, June 5: Miners demonstrate against conscription

A crowd estimated in the thousands marches in this copper mining city against the Wilson administrations imposition of the draft. The parade begins with an estimated 600, led by miners wives marching behind a twelve-foot red flag. It is soon attacked by police and patriotic citizens, but does not disperse. Women paraders fought the police, and the crowd swelled to several thousand, the New York Times reports.

Mayor W.H. Maloney mounts a business clock in the center of the city and orders the crowd to disperse within 15 minutes. At that point, Troops that had been held at their barracks came at a run with their bayonets fixed. The demonstrators then reassemble outside the Finnish socialist hall, where the crowd is addressed by a woman speaking in Finnish.

The leadership of an Irish anti-conscription organization called the Pearce Connolly Club are jailed the same day for distributing anti-conscription literature in Butte. The city is placed under martial law.

Demonstrations against conscription are also reported among the miners of Michigans Upper Peninsula at Hancock, Houghton, Calumet, and Nagaunee, where national guardsmen, local police, and vigilantes are used to disperse and arrest protesters.

Arrests, beatings, and public humiliations of individual slackers are reported from across the US. Many of these individuals are publicly forced to kiss the American flag.

June 5, Conscription Day, is nonetheless declared to be a success by the Wilson administration, with estimates that some 9 million American menoverwhelmingly workers and farmersenroll in the draft.

Flagstaff, Arizona, June 5: American Indians refuse conscription

American Indians refuse conscription at several locations across the US. At Flagstaff, Navajo Indians drive draft officials and other officers off their reservation when they attempt to impose conscription. Ute Indians in Colorado refuse to register and have reportedly threatened to burn the nearby city of Ignacio. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, leaders of the Pueblo are arrested and charged with conspiring to prevent registration.

Only two decades have passed from the conclusion of the bloody Plains Indians Warsthe killing and forced dispossession of the tribes of the trans-Mississippi West to make way for American mining, railroading, and ranching interests. American Indians have been forced onto poverty-stricken reservations and, through the Dawes Act of 1887, compelled to privatize their lands and give up traditional cultural practices. Now they are asked to fight and die in Wilsons war for democracy.

Petrograd, June 6 (May 24, O.S.): Lenin intervenes in Petrograd District Council Elections

On June 6, the Bolshevik newspaper Pravda publishes Lenins succinct analysis of the tendencies running in the Petrograd District Council Elections, which the Bolsheviks are contesting. Lenin divides the numerous contenders into five basic groups based on their essential class alignments and characteristics. First are the Constitutional Democrats (Kadets), the party of the counterrevolutionary bourgeoisie, landlords and capitalists. Next, there is the newly formed Radical-Democratic Party, a capitalist formation that is something in the nature of Kadets in disguise. In the third category, Lenin groups together what he describes as a motley assortment of Narodniks (Trudoviks, Socialist-Revolutionaries, and Popular Socialists) and Mensheviks. .. A regular petty-bourgeois hodgepodge and petty-bourgeois lack of principles! Fourth, there is a group of supposedly nonpartisan parties, including House Management, which Lenin calls philistinism at its local narrowest.

In the final category, Lenin groups the Bolsheviks with two other groups, the Interdistrict Group (Mezhraiontsy) and the internationalist Mensheviks. This bloc is strictly based on principles and is openly proclaimed in resolutions passed by our Partys Petrograd and All-Russia conferences, Lenin writes. The fundamental issue in contemporary political life both in Russia and the rest of the world is that of the struggle of proletarian internationalism against the chauvinism (or defensism) of the big and petty bourgeoisie.

Partisanship, as we know, Lenin writes, is both a condition for and index of political development. The more politically developed and enlightened the given population or given class is, the higher, as a general rule, is its party organization. This rule is borne out by the experience of all civilized countries. From the point of view of the class struggle that is obviously how it should be.

Petrograd, June 7 (May 25 O.S.): Lenin outlines plan to address economic disorganization

The state of economic disorganization in the former tsarist empire has reached catastrophic proportions. Amid a growing strike wave in the cities, peasant unrest and anarchy in the countryside, and the cumulative losses, waste, and deprivations of the ongoing war, Russia confronts a calamitous breakdown of production. In particular, without adequate agricultural production in the countryside, millions of people in urban areas face starvation. The early stages of this calamity are already making themselves felt in Petrograd.

Only by the greatest exertion of all the nations forces and the adoption of a number of immediate revolutionary measures, both in the local areas and at the center of government, can this debacle be effectively coped with, Lenin writes. The economic chaos cannot be effectively combated by measures that leave the capitalists and landlords in control and preserve their privileges intact, as has already been shown by events. The only way to avert disaster is to establish effective workers control over the production and distribution of goods

Workers control should similarly be extended to all financial and banking operations with the aim of discovering the true financial state of affairs; such control to be participated in by councils and conventions of employees of banks and syndicates, which are to be organized forthwith, Lenin continues, with all commercial and bank books open to inspection by workers committees. These measures are to be followed by general and compulsory labor service, which will ensure maximum economy in the expenditure of labor-power, with production of war materials being replaced by the production of goods necessary for the countrys economic rehabilitation.

Throughout the week, numerous army divisions and factory committees demand an end to the war and an immediate transfer of power to the Soviets.

Messines, Belgium, June 7: 10,000 German soldiers slaughtered in massive mine blasts

At 3:10 a.m., the British Second Army detonates around 450 tons of ammonal explosives under German positions. The attack has been prepared for over a year, with a system of mines dug deep under German trenches on Messines ridge, which the British intend to capture in the battle that begins today.

The British set off 26 mines within a 20-second period, with horrific results: 10,000 German soldiers are instantly killed or buried alive. Many survivors are stunned, retreat, or surrender to the approximately 80,000 British and Allied troops that advance behind creeping artillery barrages. The front line of German defenses is largely destroyed, assisting in the Allied advance. The mine planted at Spanbroekmolen forms a crater with a diameter of 76 meters and a depth of 12 meters.

The blast is reportedly heard in London and Dublin. In Lille, France, many believe that it is an earthquake. British troops capture German trenches within hours of the explosions and consolidate their control over key battlefield positions in subsequent days.

The detonation of the mines at Messines, the largest manmade explosion before the detonation of an atomic bomb, shifts the strategic situation on the Western Front in favor of the Allies. It was an unmitigated disaster for the German army. The seizure of Messines ridge by the Allies prepares the way for the Third Battle of Ypres, which will begin next month. The Allies hope to push back German lines in this area to cut off their supply lines and access to the Belgian coast.

Petrograd, June 8 (May 26, O.S.): Trotsky defends Kronstadt sailors before the Petrograd Soviet

Amid militant protests of the Kronstadt sailors, who, in opposition to their own Soviet leadership, insist on breaking off ties with the Provisional Government, the Petrograd Soviet holds an extraordinary session, which Vladimir Voitinsky later remembers as one of the most dramatic moments of the year 1917. The Menshevik Tsereteli introduces the resolution by the Executive Committee of the Petrograd Soviet, taking on the role as chief prosecutor against the Kronstadt sailors. Trotsky speaks in defense of the rebellious Kronstadters, while Iulii Martov, a Menshevik-Internationalist, pleads for patience and a delay of a decision.

Introducing the resolution, Tsereteli denounces Kronstadt as a hotbed of anarchy and a disgrace to the revolution. The resolution condemns Kronstadt for its secession from the revolutionary democracy. Trotsky opposes the resolution and denounces the Petrograd Soviet leadership, declaring:

Yes! The Kronstadters are anarchists, but when the final battle for the revolution comes, those gentlemen who now incite you to a showdown with the Kronstadters will soap the [hangmans] ropes for all of us, while it will be the Kronstadters who will fight and die with us.

With 580 to 162 votes, with 74 abstentions, the resolution by Tsereteli is adopted. The Bolshevik faction votes against the resolution. That same night, the Provisional Government, emboldened by the stance taken by the opportunists and populists in the Petrograd Soviet, holds an extraordinary session and issues an order instructing all Kronstadt citizens to unconditionally execute all orders of the Provisional Government.

Butte, Montana, June 8: Fire kills 163 copper miners

A fire at the Speculator Mine, caused by a carbide lamp igniting an electrical cable, kills 163 men. The fire spreads from the cable, 4,000 feet underground, to shaft timbers, and smoke and carbon monoxide spread throughout the mines hundreds of miles of tunnels. Several hundred miners escape through underground connections to other mines, but many remain trapped. With no ventilation and no proper rescue procedures in place, they die of asphyxiation over the coming days, many of them leaving notes to loved ones.

There is no alarm system in the mine, so miners working at a distance from the fire are unaware of the spreading, odorless, carbon monoxide. The mine has no evacuation system, not even signs indicating directions to the surface in the event the shaft is blocked. Michael Punke, a historian of the disaster, later comments on the shocking contrast between the high degree of technology applied to extract copper-ore (gigantic steam engines, hydraulic drilling equipment, sophisticated chemical smelting processes) and the rudimentary consideration given to low-tech measures to improve miner safety (exit signs, open-flame lanterns, dust abatement).

Montanas copper mines are a bonanza for the worlds richest family, the Rockefellers, and their Standard Oil empire. Rockefeller has consolidated almost all copper properties in the first years of this century. Before that time, unions organized almost all of Buttes workers, earning the city the nickname the Gibraltar of Organized Labor. As Punke notes, Standard literally shut the unions down.

The war means even more production and profit for Standard. With prices higher, attention to safety became even less of a consideration, Punke explains. Immigration trends also played to the Companys benefit. A new wave of immigrants from southern and eastern Europe created a near limitless supply of potential miners. Anyone protesting the working conditions in the mine was blacklistedand easily replaced.

Kronstadt, June 9 (May 27, O.S.): Kronstadt sailors adopt Trotskys Appeal from the Sailors, Soldiers and Workers of Kronstadt

With both the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government mobilizing against the Kronstadt sailors, Trotsky, one of the most popular figures among the sailors, hurries to the naval base. With the strong support of the Bolshevik Ivan Flerovsky, he urges the sailors to temporarily give in to the ultimatum of the government. He argues:

If you do not keep the agreement, comrades, this will be a breach of promise, and they will make you comply somehow, I do not know how precisely; I am not saying that they will send troops, but I think they may refuse to supply bread and money. I do not think it is worthwhile squabbling over this matter, and, since an agreement was reached, it must be kept, so that Kronstadts name remain undefiled.

The mood among the sailors is militant, and it is difficult for Trotsky and Flerovsky to calm them down. Eventually, the Kronstadt sailors grudgingly adopt the Appeal from the Sailors, Soldiers and Workers of Kronstadt to the Revolutionary People of Petrograd and to the Whole People of Russia, which was drafted by Trotsky. Despite a temporary de-escalation of the situation, relations between the Kronstadt sailors, on the one hand, and the Soviet and the Provisional Government in Petrograd, on the other, remain tense in the weeks to come. In his History of the Russian Revolution, Trotsky would later write on the events in Kronstadt:

Tempered in the terrible regime of the czarist fleet and the naval fortress, accustomed to stern work, to sacrifices, but also to fury, these sailors, now when the curtain of the new life was beginning to rise before them, a life in which they felt themselves to be the coming masters, tightened all their sinews in order to prove themselves worthy of the revolution. They thirstily threw themselves upon both friends and enemies in Petrograd and almost dragged them by force to Kronstadt, in order to show them what revolutionary seamen are in action. Such moral tension could not of course last forever, but it lasted a long time. The Kronstadt sailor became a kind of fighting crusader of the revolution. But what revolution? Not that revolution incarnated in the minister Tsereteli and his commissar Pepelyaev. Kronstadt stood there as a herald of the advancing second revolution. For that reason, it was hated by all those for whom the first revolution had been more than enough.

Washington, June 9: Wilson issues open letter to Russias Provisional Government

In a letter addressed to Russias Provisional Government, US President Woodrow Wilson adapts himself to the Petrograd Soviets call for peace without annexations, but insists that Germany must first be defeated. The letter is made public today, though it was written on May 22 and wired to US ambassador to Russia David R. Francis, in advance of the diplomatic mission of Elihu Root, whose express aim is to keep Russia in the war.

Wilson, in his usual grandiloquent tone, insists that the US is fighting only for the noblest and most disinterested reasons:

She is fighting for no advantage or selfish object of her own but for the liberation of peoples everywhere from the aggressions of autocratic force. Yet Germany, which Wilson insists faces inevitable ultimate defeat [sic], wishes to return to the status quo ante. This the American president cannot tolerate. It was the status quo ante out of which this iniquitous war issued forth, the power of the Imperial German Government within the Empire and its widespread domination and influence outside of that Empire. That status must be altered in such fashion as to prevent any such hideous thing from ever happening again.

After dressing up the American aim of reducing Germany and dominating Europe in the rhetoric of democratic liberalism and national self-determination, Wilson appeals to the Provisional Government to continue prosecuting the war. Meanwhile, his diplomats, behind the scenes, warn Kerensky that the US will refuse to provide loans if Russia does not. The day has come to conquer or submit, Wilson concludes. If the forces of autocracy can divide us, they will overcome us; if we stand together, victory is certain and the liberty which victory will secure. We can afford then to be generous, but we cannot afford then or now to be weak or omit any single guarantee of justice and security.

Stockholm, June 5-11, 1917: In Peace Conference talks, German delegation represents the interests of German imperialism

During this week in 1917, a delegation of the most right-wing leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) holds preliminary talks in Stockholm for an international peace conference, in which the social-chauvinist parties of all the warring countries are to take part. The goal of the conference is to influence the governments of those countries to make peace without annexations or reparations. Among the German delegates are party leaders Philipp Scheidemann and Friedrich Ebert as well as trade union leader Carl Legien. Also taking part is the Dutch-Scandinavian committee that initiated the conference.

As early as April 19, at the high point of the April strikes, the SPD came out in favor of participating in the conference. Since then, the military, economic and internal political situation of German imperialism has deteriorated from week to week. In a letter to Reich Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg, Scheidemann points out the possibility for Germany of peace without annexations or reparations, advocated by the Petrograd Sovieta separate peace with Russia. This would prevent both a complete military defeat and a revolution. He wrote:

There is now only one way to avoid the worst calamity The council of workers and soldiers has provided the formula: peace without annexations or reparations!  Russia will remain in the hands of the Entente powers so long as the German government does not choose a general peace based on the Petersburg formula Everything is at stake!

The actions of the German delegation in Stockholm confirm Lenins assessment that they are tools in the hands of the secret diplomacy of German imperialism. The French and British delegations did not receive passports for the conference from their governments because each knew very well why the German delegation was going. In this way, the British and French governments wish to prevent a separate peace between Russia and Germany.

Rosa Luxemburg characterized those going to Stockholm in the following way:

The socialist peace work carried out here will consist of negotiations over the future map of Europe, the question of annexations, reparations, etc. Instead of discussing the tasks of the class struggle, the ways and means of bringing about peace through the proletariats own actions, instead of working out a program for the organization of social and political conditions by the revolutionary proletariat in line with socialism, the dirty work of the bourgeoisie will be performed by representatives of the proletariat. Socialists are endeavoring, by the sweat of their brows, to prepare an understanding between capitalist governments. (Burning Questions of Our Time III, Stockholm).

Athens, June 11: Allies present ultimatum to King Constantine I of Greece

Britain, France and Russia issue an ultimatum to the neutral Greek government demanding the abdication of King Constantine I within 24 hours. The move is part of an Allied strategy to bring Greece into the war on their side, and it is accompanied by an invasion of Thessaly by Allied troops and the occupation of the Isthmus of Corinth by French forces.

Constantine has displayed pro-German tendencies, which led to his dismissal, earlier in the war, of Prime Minister Eleutherios Venizelos, who sympathized with the Allies. In 1914, Venizelos attempted to bring Greece into the conflict on the side of Serbia, which Greece had promised to aid against Bulgarian attack in a 1913 defense agreement. Constantines supporters argued that the treaty was voided if one of the great powers fought on the side of Bulgaria. The king removed Venizelos from power in October 1915.

Venizelos then established an alternative government in Thessaloniki by means of a military coup and reached an agreement with France, Britain and Russia to act as protecting powers. After fighting broke out in Athens between a small contingent of Allied troops and royalist forces in December 1916, triggering riots targeting Venizelos supporters, France and Britain imposed a naval blockade on the parts of the country under Constantines control.

Given only 24 hours to respond, Constantine confirms his abdication June 12 and designates his second son, Alexander, as his successor. Venizelos soon sets off for Athens, where he plans to reunite the country under a single government and bring Greece into the war to fight Bulgarian, German and Austro-Hungarian troops on the Macedonian Front.

Italo-Austrian Front: Heavy casualties at Isonzo, Ortigara, Grande Strada

The Tenth Battle of Isonzo, fought from May 12 to June 5, 1917, is one of numerous battles underway along the bloody Italo-Austrian front, in which hundreds of thousands perish on both sides. During less than four weeks, the ferocious conflict produces 160,000 casualties (36,000 dead) on the Italian side and 125,000 (17,000 dead) on the Austro-Hungarian. Tens of thousands are taken prisoner on both sides.

Lieutenant Grenadier Giuseppe Russo records his impressions. The landscape is terrifying: enormous holes produced by large calibers, one after the next, sowing death among the ranks of soldiers advancing, human limbs launched in every direction, unrecognizable cadavers, still bloody, dying and wounded soldiers asking for help as we walk over so much extermination...

As the Tenth Battle of Isonzo comes to an end, another battle broke out in the same region, on Mount Ortigara, only five days later. In less than 20 days, the battle produces up to 28,000 casualties among the Italians and nearly 9,000 on the Austro-Hungarian side. It is considered a disastrous strategic failure for Italys army.

In the four weeks between May 22 and June 20, a large number of mines are detonated in the Grande Strada area of the Dolomite Mountains, including in the area of Lagazuoi, where 75 tons of explosives bring down entire sections of mountains. The tunnel warfare develops around crucial supply routes like the Strada delle 52 Gallerie, an Italian military road passing through 52 tunnels built to facilitate communication and supply the front.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Some Florida A&M University students will head to Ghana Monday night for a new exchange program.

The college of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences kicked off the first "Advanced Pharmacy Experience" Monday morning.

It's a partnership with students from Ghana studying in the field.

The exchange program focuses on "health equity" in under-served African-American communities, and will teach Ghanian students about the American health system, health disparities and inequities.

Students from FAMU and Ghana will spend four-weeks in each others' countries through this exchange program.
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Two teens believed to responsible for over 25 car break-ins in Grand Ridge and Parker, Fla. have been arrested.

The Jackson County Sheriffs Office says that over the last several weeks, they have has received many reports of vehicle break-ins in and around Grand Ridge.

They say they have received over 25 reports.

JCSO says that the incidents have happened on multiple occasions where the suspects would do a string of vehicle burglaries at a time early in the morning.

The suspects had targeted unlocked cars, where most had been sitting in the victims driveway at night. They say that they took various things to include multiple guns.

On May 30, investigators received information that the Parker Police Department near Panama City had arrested two suspects who were breaking into cars, similar to the ones that had occurred in Jackson County.

Deputies learned that both suspects provided a home address on Finely Ave. in Grand Ridge, Florida.

An investigation revealed that these same suspects were responsible for the string of car break-ins that had occurred over the past several weeks in Grand Ridge.

The suspects were 18-year-old, Darion Anthony Dawson III and another unnamed 15-year-old teen.

Investigators charged both Dawson and the juvenile with an two counts each of Armed Burglary of a Conveyance. They say more charges are pending.

Dawson is currently housed at the Bay County Jail, pending charges from the Parker Police Department. The unnamed teen has been committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice on Jackson County charges as well.
By India Today Web Desk: Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi's Dev and Sonakshi are rumoured to be dating in real life. On reel, the two characters are separated, but in real life, they are inseparable.

The couple who were seen on a movie date last weekend seemed to have a wonderful time together.

Recently, Shaheer aka Dev bought a new Mercedes; and guess who was accompanying him? Well, it was his Kuch Rang.. star Erica who gave him company as he became a proud owner of a new car.

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Also read: Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi's Shaheer, Erica confused about their love for each other?

Reports have earlier suggested that the two are definitely more than friends but confused about their relationship.

They have also restricted the media on the sets of their show, probably because they do not want them to know the exact status of their relationship.

A look at their off-screen chemistry:

#krpkab #tilted #madMe #superGirl A post shared by Shaheer Sheikh (@shaheernsheikh) on May 4, 2017 at 7:52am PDT

#superMadness A post shared by Shaheer Sheikh (@shaheernsheikh) on Mar 10, 2017 at 5:37am PST

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Putin on Sunday strongly denied he had any compromising material about US President Donald Trump on NBC News.

Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly denied he had any compromising material about US President Donald Trump. (Photo: Reuters)

By Reuters: Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly denied he had any compromising material about US President Donald Trump in a sometimes combative televised interview broadcast on Sunday.

"Well, this is just another load of nonsense," Putin said on NBC News' "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly," when asked whether he had any damaging information on the Republican president.

The remarks were the latest in a series of denials from Moscow that have had little impact so far on a political crisis in the United States over potential links between Russia and Trump's inner circle.

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The issue will be front and center this week in Washington, where former FBI Director James Comey is due to testify on whether Trump tried to get him to back off an investigation into alleged ties between Trump's election campaign and Moscow.

Comey, who was leading the Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe into alleged Russian meddling in last year's US presidential election, was fired by Trump last month, four years into his 10-year term.

Putin also told NBC that regardless of Trump's previous travel to Russia as a businessman, he had had no relationship with him and had never met him. Putin noted that executives from perhaps 100 American companies were currently in Russia.

"Do you think we're gathering compromising information on all of them right now or something?" Putin asked, before saying: "Have you all lost your senses?"

Trump has offered contradictory accounts of his relationship with Putin over time but has also said the two never met. The two have spoken several times by phone since Trump's election.

Trump has called an FBI investigation into alleged ties between his campaign and Russia a "witch hunt" designed to undermine the legitimacy of his 2016 election win.

Trump has also disparaged a dossier of unsubstantiated allegations that purported to show Russian intelligence operatives had compromising information about him, but which he has described as a "hoax."

US intelligence agencies concluded in January that Moscow tried to tilt the election campaign in Trump's favor, including by hacking into the emails of senior Democrats, a charge the Kremlin denies.

"They have been misled," Putin told NBC, in an interview NBC said was recorded on Friday. "And they aren't analyzing the information in its entirety. I haven't seen, even once, any direct proof of Russian interference in the (U.S.) presidential election."

Trump has denied any collusion but the FBI and congressional probes into the Russia matter have dogged the early months of his presidency.

PUTIN: "I DIDN'T EVEN REALLY TALK" TO FLYNN

Former CIA director John Brennan said last month he had noticed contacts between Trump's campaign associates and Russia during the 2016 election and grew concerned Moscow had sought to lure Americans down "a treasonous path."

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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, Sergei Kislyak.

Flynn has declined to testify to the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee about his Russian ties, invoking his constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination.

Putin downplayed Flynn's appearance with him at a December 2015 gala dinner in honor of the Russian television network Russia Today (RT), which US officials consider a state-run propaganda outlet.

"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'," Putin said.

"That's it. I didn't even really talk to him. That's the extent of my acquaintance with Mr Flynn," he added.

Reuters has reported that Flynn and Trump's son-in-law and close adviser, Jared Kushner, discussed with Kislyak the idea of creating a back channel between Trump and Putin that could have bypassed diplomats and intelligence agencies.

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Putin said he was unaware of any such discussion and criticized NBC for asking about contacts between the ambassador and the Trump administration.

"You created a sensation out of nothing. And out of this sensation, you turned it into a weapon of war against the current (US) president," Putin said.

ALSO READ | Ex-FBI Director James Comey to testify next week in Russia probe

ALSO READ | Donald Trump fires FBI Director James Comey, triggering US political storm

ALSO WATCH | Trump show: Donald Trump accepts nomination; slams Hillary, Obama

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SRINAGAR -- Indian soldiers killed four militants who attempted to storm a paramilitary camp in disputed Kashmir before dawn Monday, a paramilitary officer said.

The four militants fired from their automatic rifles and hurled grenades as they approached but soldiers at the sentry post intercepted them and engaged the militants in a firefight before they could enter the camp, Bhavesh Chaudhary said.

He said no soldier was injured in the attack in Sumbal, a northern town about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Srinagar, the main city in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.

There was no independent confirmation of the incident and no rebel group fighting against Indian rule immediately issued any statement about the attack.
If Sara Ali Khan will romance Sushant Singh Rajput in her debut film, Jhanvi Kapoor will also been seen opposite rumoured boyfriend Ishaan Khatter in the remake of Sairat.

By India Today Web Desk: If one is an established actor, the other is a popular star kid. And the mere thought of getting to see them together on 70mm has sent Bollywood enthusiasts into a tizzy. It's a known fact Sara Ali Khan has found the perfect project to make her Bollywood debut, and she will romance no one but Sushant Singh Rajput in her first film. In fact, the pictures of them together on a dinner date last night have only upped the excitement level.

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It was only recently that filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor confirmed to India Today that he has roped in Sara and Sushant for his next project Kedarnath. And the 22-year-old is kicked about her dream debut.

Sara's debut has been in the news for the longest time now. Earlier, Saif Ali Khan had confirmed that his daughter will make her debut under Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. In fact, the frequent meetings between Karan and Sara only strengthened the rumours. However, things took an unexpected turn when Abhishek Kapoor announced his project with Sara and Sushant.

Sushant, who has proved his acting mettle with films like Kai Po Che and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, will romance Sara for the first time. There is no doubt that the two make quite a good-looking couple, and going by the pictures of them together, we can't wait to see them together on screen.

If Sara is in news for Kedarnath, her good friend Jhanvi Kapoor too has made headlines for grabbing the perfect project for her big screen debut. Sridevi's daughter, who enjoys a huge fan following - courtesy her pictures on Instagram, will be seen opposite rumoured boyfriend Ishaan Khatter in the remake of the hit Marathi film Sairat.

Back in 2016, the news of Jhanvi and Ishaan making their Bollywood debut with the Hindi remake of Sairat spread like wildfire. But for many months, nothing was heard on the same front. The delay in the project made Ishaan take up a film with Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi.

While Ishaan signed Beyond The Clouds with the acclaimed Iranian filmmaker, his frequent outings with Jhanvi kept them in the news. From film screenings to dinner dates, the rumoured lovebirds have been spotted more than often in recent times.

And amidst the link-up rumours, Ishaan and Jhanvi gave their fans a pleasant surprise by signing the Sairat remake together.

If on the one hand, we have a popular couple, on the other, Sara has the backing of an established actor. While Jhanvi and Ishaan have already earned a huge fan following owing to their link-up rumours, Sara, too, has grabbed eyeballs by stepping out with her first hero.

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With the two films going on floors in some time, it would be interesting to see which of the on-screen couples get to win the hearts of their fans.

(Photos: Yogen Shah)

ALSO READ: 5 reasons why Jhanvi Kapoor-Ishaan Khatter's Sairat remake will be a treat to watch

ALSO READ: Sara Ali Khan meets Sushant Singh Rajput, Kedarnath to go on floors soon

ALSO WATCH: Acting comes from the heart, not from the mind, says Sridevi

--- ENDS ---
WASHINGTON -- Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly denied he had any compromising material about U.S. President Donald Trump in a sometimes combative televised interview broadcast on Sunday.

"Well, this is just another load of nonsense," Putin said on NBC News' "Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly," when asked whether he had any damaging information on the Republican president.

The remarks were the latest in a series of denials from Moscow that have had little impact so far on a political crisis in the United States over potential links between Russia and Trump's inner circle.
Scores of Hamas members once imprisoned by Israel did not receive their stipends this month from the group's political rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a Gaza-based official said Sunday.

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Abbas is under pressure from the US and Israel to halt monthly payments to thousands of current and former security prisoners who were imprisoned for carrying out terror attacks against Israelis. Israel says the stipends encourage terrorism, while Palestinians say they are welfare payments.

It was not clear if the missing money transfers meant Abbas decided to stop the payments to some of the ex-prisoners. A spokesman for his West Bank-based autonomy government was not immediately available for comment Sunday.

Prisoners released in the 2011 Shalit deal (Photo: EPA)

In the past, Abbas was reluctant to halt the payments, fearing a popular backlash. Support for prisoners is a Palestinian consensus issue, despite the political split between Hamas, which rules Gaza, and the Western-backed government of Abbas' Fatah movement.

Abdelrahman Shadid, who runs a Hamas-linked prisoner advocacy group in Gaza, said 277 ex-prisoners from Hamas had not received their salaries as scheduled.

"The prisoners went to the banks today and found no salaries in their accounts," he said. "We are waiting to hear from the bank officially tomorrow to see if this is a salary stop."

Shadid said those affected had been released in the 2011 prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas that saw IDF soldier Gilad Shalit freed in return for more than 1,000 prisoners. Among those who didn't receive their stipends was only one from Fatah, and the rest were from Hamas, said Shadid.

Currently, more than 6,000 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel, for offenses ranging from stone throwing and membership in groups outlawed by Israel to attacks that killed or wounded Israelis. Several hundred are being held in administrative detention.

"Abu Mazen (Abbas) is punishing freed prisoners by suspending the salaries they and their families rely on...We believe the Palestinian Authority has succumbed to American and Israeli pressure," said Zaid Al-Kilani, a former prisoner from Hamas who was serving a life sentence before he was freed in the Shalit deal.

The move may also be an attempt by Abbas to force reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas.

Several attempts at reconciliation, most recently in 2014, have failed to produce a power-sharing government for the West Bank and Gaza.

In April, the Palestinian Authority said it would no longer fund electricity that Israel supplies to the Gaza Strip and it has slashed the salaries of its 60,000 civil servants in Gazabut not the West Bankby 30 percent, offering no explanation other than a lack of foreign aid money.
The finest experts are struggling with the following question: What makes them terrorists? There is no answer. Among the perpetrators of terror attacks in Europe there are people who became radical in mosques, people who became radical in prisons and those who became radical following online propaganda. They include very educated people, who could have become a model of integration, and they include teenagers living on the margins of society. This large variety makes it almost impossible to outline the path taken by a young European on his way to terror.

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They have one and only thing in common: They are Muslims. And they are not alone. They have an army of people who understand, explain and justify them. And there are many other frustrated young people. There are millions of families in Europe who came from countries that Europe exploited and even abused. There are also thousands of Africans from Congo, in which millions were massacred by Belgium. But they are not looking for revenge and they are not turning to terror. It happens only when it involves Muslimsnot all Muslims of course. The absolute majority of Muslims are against terror. But the camp of those who understand and justify the terrorists favors the radicals.

Police forces in London following Saturday nights attack. Because they are acting efficiently, most planned terror attacks have been uncovered before the execution stage (Photo: AFP)

In Britain, which has been hit by two murderous acts of terror within two weeks, there is a double path. On the one hand, mosques are given full freedom. The result is that 45 percent of the mosques operate under the auspices of the Deobandi school, which is the Indian version of the Saudi-made Wahhabi school, and another 6 percent are affiliated with the Wahhabi school. In other words, 51 percent of the mosques are controlled by the radical, separatist streams, which are in favor of applying the Sharia laws and order women to walk around with full head covering.

And these are the results: A survey conducted a decade ago revealed that 37 percent of young Muslims in Britain prefer to live under Sharia laws, compared to only 17 percent of adults. Similar rates and a similar gap were found in response to the question whether a Muslim who converted to a different religion should be executed.

There has been an attempt to stop the radicalization. Special projectsEngaged and Ricuhave been introduced in recent years, sparking a fiery public debate. Linguists, psychologists, marketing experts and others have been used as part of these projects to infuse messages against radical Islam, disguising the fact that this is a governmental initiative. If similar programs had been operated in Israel, the radical left and parts of the media would have likely gone wild with descriptions of dangerous brainwashing, serious damage to democracy and so on.

On the other hand, the British security forces have shown some significant success. Precisely because they are acting efficiently, most planned terror attacks have been uncovered before the execution stage. Nevertheless, individual acts of terror have been executed and will be executed, as no country has succeeded in reaching absolute preventionnot even the United States or Israel.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has not hesitated to say that this terror is the result of radical Islam and has announced new steps in the war on terror. Her main rival in Thursdays elections, however, is Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has the support of the radical left. This is the man who defined Hamas and Hezbollah as his friends." This is the man who in 2014, during a trip to Tunisia, visited the grave of one of the terrorists who carried out the Munich massacre.

Corbyn is not alone. In Britain, like in the rest of the Western states, there is a major stream which hates the West and provides justifications for terror. There is no need to mention that this stream also hates Israel and sometimes even Jews too. There are more and more manifestations of anti-Semitism in the British Labour. The problem is that many of Britains citizens support the Labour candidate. In recent years, we have heard a lot about the rise of the radical and anti-Semitic Right in Europe. Its true. But we should pay attention to the fact that the radical and sometimes anti-Semitic Left is growing too.

There are no simple solutions for the cancer of terror. But as long as it has the support of the different Corbyns, the chance of defeating it is almost nonexistent.
Manhattan's Fifth Avenue was decked out in blue and white Sunday, as 40,000 people participated in the annual Celebrate Israel Parade.

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In addition to US officials such as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, participants in this year's parade included numerous Israeli officials, including Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan, Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat, Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, Israeli Consul General in New York Dani Dayan, and Knesset members David Bitan (Likud), Ofer Shelah (Yesh Atid), Avi Dichter (Likud) and Stav Shaffir (Zionist Union).

Celebrate Israel Parade (: my 9)

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Photo: my9

Photo: Gal Naor

During the march, Erdan said, "It is very exciting to see Fifth Avenue painted blue and white, and it is strong evidence of American support for Israel. The march this year marks the 50th anniversary of the unification of our capital, and here in New York people understand very well that Jerusalem is the eternal, united capital of the State of Israel. This year we also launched the 4IL site, which will enable all those who love Israel and march here and around the world to act against the lies that are spread against the State of Israel on the Internet."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (L), Chemi Peres (C) and Minister Gilad Erdan (R)

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat (L), NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio (C) and Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon (R)

Gov. Cuomo declared Shimon Peres Day in honor of Israel's late president, saying, "This is a special day, especially for me. A day named after one of the founding fathers of the State of Israel, an inspirational man and a visionary. We will always remember his strong connection to the United States and New York."

Nehemia Peres, son of Shimon Peres, thanked Gov. Cuomo for the emotional gesture and presented him with an award in honor of Peres.

"My father worked his entire life to strengthen the strategic ties between Israel and the United States. There is no greater friend to Israel than the United States. Today I came here to say thank you on behalf of my father and we continue his legacy with this march," said Peres.
ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan has no immediate plans to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, a spokesman for the South Asian nation's foreign ministry said on Monday.

The country "has no such plans," the spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, said, following Monday's surprise severing of ties with Qatar by Islamabad's key ally, Saudi Arabia, and three other Middle East nations.

"At the moment there is nothing on Qatar issue, (we) will issue a statement if some development takes place," Zakaria said.

Pakistan, which has a significant Shi'ite Muslim population, has in recent years been caught between the feud between its Sunni ally, Saudi Arabia, and Shi'ite-majority neighbour Iran.
ANKARA -- A senior Iranian official said on Monday the decision by some Gulf Arab states and Egypt to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar would not help end the crisis in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

"The era of cutting diplomatic ties and closing borders ... is not a way to resolve crisis ... As I said before, aggression and occupation will have no result but instability," Hamid Aboutalebi, deputy chief of staff of Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, tweeted on Monday.
Price Tag incident in Jerusalem: An Arab resident of French Hill reported vandalism of five cars with graffiti sprayed on them, saying, "Revenge. Binyamin Richter says hello."

Amir Abu Hamed uploaded pictures to his Facebook page and wrote that he and his friends have no faith in the police and have no intention of filing a complaint.

Tag Meir Chairman Gadi Gavriahu said, "This is the fifth price tag attack in the last month. We expect the police to stop the wave of attacks against innocent Arabs as soon as possible."
Police arrested 40-year-old Moshe Iram, from Jerusalem, on suspicion of incitement to violence against the head of the IDF's Manpower Directorate, Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz, after the suspect distributed inciting flyers near Almoz's home.

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Police had been conducting an investigation into slander and incitement against Almoz after the flyers, which come out against IDF recruitment of the ultra-Orthodox, began appearing.

The issue of IDF recruitment has led to recent riots and other disturbances by ultra-Orthodox protestors. Last month, members of the extremist Lithuanian Jerusalem Faction arrived at Almoz's home and distributed flyers to pedestrians that read, "Your end will be as bitter as Hitler's and his friends."

Moshe Iram in court (Photo: Avihu Shapira)

Ultra-Orthodox protestors surrounding Almoz's home

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Iram has denied all charges against him and his attorney echoed the sentiment, saying, "The suspect vehemently denies any attack and anything else written on the arrest warrant. The incident occurred several weeks ago and all of a sudden, the Israel Police arrest him."

The Tiberias Magistrate Court decided to extend Iram's remand until Wednesday, prompting Iram's attorney to add that the decision will be appealed.

Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Other flyers from the same protest read, "God will avenge the sons and daughters of Israel whose souls were burned in the army of destruction by the soul dealer that is the head of the IDF Manpower Directorate... Moti Almoz, who sold his soul for money, how long will the souls of the sons and daughters of Israel be burned as they were in the furnaces of Auschwitz? Know that you are judged and will be judged. Your end will be bitter like that of Hitler and his friends."

One of the flyers distributed outside Almoz's home

In an interview with Ynet, Almoz said, "The feeling is that they think it will be easier to show up at my home and threaten me or say inappropriate things, and maybe that would make a difference. Instead, they can take a few minutes and go to the IDF recruitment center and sign a deferment. I look sadly at what is happening to our (religious) soldiers, it's worse there.... the fact Haredi IDF soldiers can't get home in peace because someone is threatening them or harassing them is a grave fact and we need to deal with it."

Police emphasize that the great and immediate danger posed by incitement to violence against public servants and IDF soldiers is extremely serious, and undermines democratic processes.

"The Israel Police will continue to act with a firm hand against those who choose to spread incitement," it said in a statement.
The young man who threatened to carry out a terror attack at the Gay Pride parade appeared in court Monday morning.

The suspect was expelled from Tel Aviv until after the parade and will be required to present himself at a police station Friday morning until 4:00pm.
As we mark 50 years since the beginning of the occupation, it is only right that we examine the balance of our existence in this volatile part of the world.

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Unfortunately for the occupiers and those who preach about it, the Israeli occupation took place after the collapse of the empires based on occupation for the sake of settlement. The British and French empires collapsed not only because of military victories. Settling in a foreign country through violent measures, the empires realized, is not worthwhile. Not only did the settlement lead to bloodshed, it also depleted the national coffers. Even slavery did not disappear from this world for humane reasons, but because buying and keeping a slave became expensive and was not longer worthwhile.

We have poured millions into the settlements over the past 50 years at the expense of Israeli taxpayers, and especially at the expense of nurturing development towns and villages, poor neighborhoods and impoverished populations, including the elderly people who poured their hearts into building this country. The fruit of prosperity borne by this lost and deprived generation is now enjoyed by several thousand people who have become the masters of our fate.

By turning occupied territories into Israeli, we are denying the Palestinians the protection and immunity granted by international law and violating basic human rights (Photo: EPA)

I lived through the dangers my son the paratrooper had to face, and I am now anxiously living through the dangerous times experienced by my grandson, who has chosen to serve in an elite unit. I am familiar with the courage of most of our soldiers. But in the course of 50 years of occupation, the humane values that we meticulously maintained have worn out.

In the culture of occupation, a soldier who fires a lethal bullet at a dying rival gains admiration and popularity . This culture, which preaches abhorrence and hatred of the occupied rival, has infiltrated many institutions, from kindergartens to retirement homes, from schools to synagogues, from the army to the academia. The culture of occupation leads to internal hatred, leaving a region overflowing with empty words of cheap propaganda.

The occupation has deprived the State of Israel of the possibility to lead its life with sovereign borders. By turning occupied territories into Israeli, we are denying the Palestinians the protection and immunity granted by international law to occupied people. We are violating basic human rights: We are robbing lands from their Palestinian owners, we are imposing movement restrictions on the Palestinians within their home, we are not allowing them to use natural resources in their territories, and we use administrative detentions against them with no trial. On the other hand, the settlers, who are officially subject to military rule, are actually enjoying the democratic advantages of the State of Israel and receiving services from government ministries and from the army. We have created two separate legal systems for Palestinians and for settlers who live on the same territory.

Before the occupation, the borders were more or less clear, and the main violent conflicts were over the borders. After the occupation began, however, Israel as a whole turned into a front. We call on the worlds Jews to come and live in Israel peacefully, although Israel has in fact become the most dangerous place for Jews. A normal person looks for a peaceful home to raise his children and lead a quiet life. In spite of the bitter and horrific memories, there are those who even favor life in Germany over life in Israel. The fleeing population mostly includes the educated, creative and dynamic elite.

Every occupation is a crime according to humane, universal and democratic values. The moral corruption in Israeli society is reflected in the perpetuating the occupation, whose advocates have no problem using shameful incitement, intimidation and threats to that end.

Those in charge of the justice system are presented as traitors to their homeland and are forced to defend themselves against the governments unrestrained attacks. In the occupation era, Knesset members enact totally undemocratic laws, like the shameful Regulation Law. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked is doing everything in her power to undermine what remains of the checks and balances protecting the judicial system. I spent an important chunk of my life in Iraq, a country where the legal system was a tool in the governments hands. The ordinary, moral citizen was more afraid of conscienceless judges than of muggers. Eventually, we might spill over into that dark hole of the third world.

Quite a few people will raise an eyebrow: Can this really happen here?

Yes, absolutely, even here. Not just because the occupation's proponents are united and have massive resources at their disposal. In the dark days, the occupation is everywhere and hardly misses any plot of land. Unfortunately, people of culture, artists, writers, poets and religious clerics are available and happy to serve the monster that has been fed ad nauseam and is unprepared to quit.

The education minister seeks to limit academic freedom. Poets and writers volunteer to serve as members in committees sorting permitted and forbidden books for schools. The culture minister has the help of conscienceless artists in her censorship work , in restricting freedom of speech, and in turning off the democratic lights in different cultural institutions. The governments blatant attacks on journalists are spreading fear, and quite a few journalists are becoming a tool in the governments hands. "Human rights" is a phrase that has become a derogatory nickname, and demonization against the other is increasing, starting from incitement against Arab citizens to those opposing government policies.

A great intellectual has said that a people that enslaves another people will never be free. Indeed, right before our eyes, inside our home, dreadful things are happening. We have become a terribly split society which is violent in its daily life. The violence against the occupied is coming back at us like a boomerang. There are even radical settlers willing to violently clash with the IDF, without which an occupation could never have existed, not even for month.

Fortunately for the occupying countries, they came to their senses at the right moment and knew how to withdraw, reaching peace and prosperity. In the modern era, we remain the only democracy with the stain of occupation. Unfortunately, within Israel, I dont see a courageous and determined person on the horizon who will muster the courage to crush the snake that is consistently consuming our humane and democratic values and poisoning our life. All we can do is hope for salvation from the outside.

I spent half my life under the heavy shadow of the occupation. The Iranians are not the ones threatening our existence as a normal, civilized country. They are up to their neck in the thousands-of-years-old conflict between the Shiite world and the Sunni world. The occupation is the sworn enemy that could destroy the State of Israel.
Loujain al-Hathloul, 27, is one of few women voices in a conservative country with one of the most regressive societies for women.

This Nov. 30, 2014 image made from video released by Loujain al-Hathloul, shows her driving towards the United Arab Emirates - Saudi Arabia border before her arrest on Dec 1, 2014, in Saudi Arabia.

By Santosh Chaubey: Amnesty International has said Saudi Arabia's women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul has been arrested again. The Amnesty release said that no reason was given for her arrest and she was not allowed to contact her lawyer and family but added that it might be due to her rights activism.

Loujain al-Hathloul, 27, is one of few women voices in a conservative country with one of the most regressive societies for women where they are cursed to live a life of second class citizens.

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They are not allowed to travel alone. They are not allowed to drive and they were now allowed to vote and stand in elections until the local polls of December 2015.

CONDITION OF WOMEN

They survive under the strict glare of male guardianship and before last month, they were not allowed even to go to a doctor or have their studies without the approval of their male guardians. An order by Saudi Arabian king Salman last month gave them limited freedom to access education and healthcare on their own.

There has been a growing voice against these atrocities but treatment meted out to Loujain says nothing much has changed. Amnesty International's Campaign Director in the Middle-East Samah Hadid said Loujain was arrested on June 4 at King Fahad International Airport in Dammam in Saudi Arabia and she is due for interrogation in Riyadh by the Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution.

LOUIJAIN ARRESTED IN 2014

Before it, Loujain was arrested on November 30, 2014 for violating Saudi Arabia's driving ban imposed on women and was in jail in 73 days. To further choke women voices and probably to make her case an example to deter others, her case was transferred to a terrorism court. Loujain has a wide following on Twitter and the Saudi government found her social media posts dangerous enough to crack down.

According to a Washington Post report, she holds a driving license that allows her to drive in every other country of the Arabian Peninsula and when she was arrested in November 2014, she was trying to enter Saudi Arabia from the United Arab Emirates. Since then, she has not tried driving.

Loujain also stood in 2015 civic polls but Saudi authorities didn't allow her name on the ballot papers. The pain of being treated like second class citizens with borrowed lives echoes in Loujain's words.

Last month, US President Donald Trump was in Saudi Arabia along with his daughter Ivanka Trump who found Saudi Arabia's progress on women's rights encouraging but Loujain questions such events involving a close circle of influential Saudi women who trace their success thanks to their male guardians. She questions the system where the success achieved by a handful of Saudi women is not theirs but due to the opportunities provided by men.

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Also Read:

Women drivers are the new terrorists in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia shuts Al Jazeera channel in Qatar row

--- ENDS ---
Fifty years after the Six-Day War and the liberation of the Old City of Jerusalem , the IDF Archive in the Defense Ministry has released the investigations of the battles for the citys liberation and photos taken after the battles, as well as aerial shots of the battle zones before the war broke out.

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The photos show excited soldiers at the Old City, with then-Chief Military Rabbi Shlomo Goren walking among them with tefillin his hand and head and with a shofar. Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin and other senior officials from the period were also documented in the photos. The great excitement was evident on their faces. In one of the pictures, the fighters are seen resting near the Western Wall stones.

Paratroopers sing Israels national anthem at the Western Wall. Major-General Uzi Narkiss, the Central Command chief, is seen third from the left

Colonel Mordechai (Motta) Gur, commander of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade in the fighting in Jerusalem. The paratroopers headquarters was at the Rockefeller Museum

Colonel Uri Ben Ari, commander of the Harel Brigade, briefs his officers at the Central Command in the battle for the entrances to Jerusalem from the north

The Western Wall and Temple Mount. From left to right: Colonel Mordechai (Motta) Gur, commander of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade, Deputy Chief of Staff Major-General Haim Bar-Lev and Colonel Shlomo Lahat

Two soldiers observing the Temple Mount

Troops carrying a wounded soldier on a stretcher. A force from the 55th Paratroopers Brigade prepares for fighting in the Old City, while evacuating the wounded

Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, Central Command chief Uzi Narkiss, Colonel Avraham Tamir and Major-General Rehavam Zeevi arrive at the Old City of Jerusalem

Tanks make their way to conquer the Jordanian side of Jerusalem, backed by forces on trucks

The Bell Post in the Ramat Rachel area southeast of Jerusalem, where Jerusalem Brigade fighters were killed on June 5, 1967

Rabbi Goren blows the shofar in the presence of soldiers near the Western Wall

The Six-Day War. A paratroopers force moves in Jerusalem from the Rockefeller Museum on the At-Tur mountain range overlooking Old City, the Western Wall and the Temple Mount

Soldiers training before the war in Jerusalem (photo courtesy of the IDF Archive in the Defense Ministry)

The Western Wall and Temple Mount. Chief Military Rabbi blows the shofar. On the left: Colonel Avraham (Avrasha Tamir), head of planning at the General Staff (Photo: Bamahane photographers)

Rabin, Dayan, Narkiss and Zeevi arrive at the Western Wall (Photo: Photo: Bamahane photographers)

Paratroopers at the Western Wall (Photo: Bamahane photographers)

The released documents include segments from the journal of Uzi Narkiss, who served as Central Command chief during the war. On the first day of the war, shortly before 9 am, Narkiss said to Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek: This is a war. Everything is in order. You will be the mayor of united Jerusalem. We are experiencing immense success.

The Paratroopers Brigade headquarters settled at the Rockefeller Museum before the entrance to Jerusalems Old City. Chief Military Rabbi Shlomo Goren and the 55th Paratroopers Brigade commander Motta Gur are seen sitting with the soldiers (Photo: Bamahane photographers)

At the end of the first day of battle, Narkiss told Rabbi Goren: Prepare a shofar. You are about to make history. What is happening in the south is nothing. The most important thing is the Old City and the Temple Mount. He asked one of the officers to inform the General Staff that if the Western Wall isnt conquered, it will be my fault.

Rabbi Goren prays with paratroopers near the Western Wall (Photo: Bamahane photographers)

On the morning of the third day of the war, Narkiss spoke to Deputy Chief of Staff Haim Bar-Lev, who said: We must enter the Old City, but sensibly. There is already pressure for a ceasefire. We are already in the canal. The Egyptians are disconnected. We dont want to create a situation of the Old City as an enclave, like Mount Scopus. Motta Gurs operation is vital. The question is how and when you will take the Old City. With the least amount of fire, not through bombings.

Rabbi Goren with paratroopers at the Western Wall (Photo: Bamahane photographers)

In the meantime, news arrived that the Jordanian army had collapsed and that Victoria Augusta is in our hands. At 9:10 am, forces left the Efraim Post and headed towards the Old City. At 10 am, according to Narkiss diary, a green smoke grenade was thrown to ease the soldiers passage down to Lions Gate. Shortly afterwards, Gur announced: The Temple Mount is in our hands.

The Western Wall and Temple Mount. Cleaning and preparing weapons to continue the fighting. A reserve force of the 55th Regiments reconnaissance troop

Shlomo Lahat (in a combat-armored coverall), Haim Bar-Lev and Motta Gur

Rabbi Goren and Major-General Bar-Lev at the Western Wall

Super Sherman M-50 tanks make their way to conquer the Jordanian side of Jerusalem, backed by forces on trucks

Zeevi, Rabin, Dayan and journalists march towards the Western Wall

About an hour later, an order was received to let the Old Citys Arabs leave the city through Lions Gate. Chief of Staff Rabin issued a simultaneous order to open all the Old City gates, and Defense Minister Dayan placed a note in the Western Wall, in which he wrote: May peace descend upon all of Israel.

Fighters patrol and clear building in the Old Citys Muslim Quarter

It was already then that Rabin asked, How will we hold onto a million Arabs? Major-General Rehavam Zeevi (Gandhi) corrected him: 1.25 million.

A monument for fighters of the Paratroopers 28th Regiment (Alex Agor, Bamahane)

Hours after the Old Citys liberation, Prime Minister Levi Eshkol began discussing the Temple Mount control issue. Order will be kept by Muslims, according to the qadis.

Paratroopers during battle against the background of the Mount of Olives (Photo: Bamahane photographers)

The documents further include comments by Mordechai (Motta Gur), who served as commander of the Paratroopers 55th Brigade during the war, about two months after the end of the battles on the front in Jerusalem. He said that on the night before the Old Citys liberation, the forces were forbidden to enter the area. At 4:30 am, he received a call from Narkiss, who ordered him to move up the operation and gave him permission to enter the Old City. Narkiss went on to say in the same conversation, which included other officers who participated in the citys liberation, that there was a General Staff order on the first day not to dare enter the Old City. That doesnt mean it wasnt planned.

Latrun (Photo: IDF Archive)

Givat Hamivtar (Photo: IDF Archive)

Al-Nabi Samuil (Photo: IDF Archive)

Bir Naballah (Photo: IDF Archive)

French Hill (Photo: IDF Archive)

Police academy, Givat Hamivtar (Photo: IDF Archive)

Qalandiya (Photo: IDF Archive)

Jaba (Photo: IDF Archive)

Ramallah Police (Photo: IDF Archive)

Another released testimony was from the Mount Scopus commanderor as he was known, King of the Mountain. During the war, the king of the mountain was Menachem Sharfman, the legendary commander of the Matzof 247 covert unit. He spoke about the waiting period: I remember one episode, when Moshe Dayan was appointed defense minister. It uplifted the spirits in an unbelievable way, and one of the squad commanders ran over to me and said, We won the war.

Sharfman, who commanded the Mount Scopus enclave in the heart of the Jordanian territory, said that on the morning of June 5, after he had sprained his ankle in the night, the intelligence commander came running and informed him that the Jordanians were firing. We went into the posts, the commander of the mount recounted. It was at 7:55 am. We saw that the Jordanians entered posts which had not been occupied before. Everyone was wearing steel helmets.

On the first day of the war, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan and other senior officers arrived at Mount Scopus on a half-track. The mountains commander spoke about his conversation with Dayan and about the lunch they had together. When they said that we were taking Jerusalem, the spirits were uplifted, because there was constant shelling and we fired back. I asked for permission to go down with recoilless gun from the other side and didnt get any approval. I asked to come out of the mountain, but I was not allowed to.
Two senior Hamas officials have left Qatar since reports surfaced that the Gulf State submitted the terrorist organization a list of members who were required to leave immediately.

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The senior Hamas officials were identified as Saleh al-Arouribelieved to be responsible for organizing and directing Hamas members in the West Bankand Musa Dodin, who was released in the 2011 Shalit prisoner exchange.

Musa Dodin (R) and Saleh al-Arouri (L)

There are still several more Hamas officials who are required to leave Qatar, but their identities and exact numbers remain unknown. All those leaving Qatar will be dispersed to different countries such as Malaysia, Lebanon and Turkey.

Qatar's list of persona non grata Hamas members includes those involved in attempts to establish Hamas terror infrastructure in the West Bank.

Al-Arouri had worked for many years to establish Hamas cells in the West Bank in order to carry out terror attacks against a variety of Israeli targets. He had previously been located in Turkey, but was banished as part of the reconciliation agreement between Israel and Ankara.

Khaled Mashal in Doha (Photo: AFP)

Musa Dodin was active in Hamas' West Bank headquarters, directing terror attacks against Israelis. Dodin is also in charge of the issue of Hamas prisoners in Israel. Dodin's brother has been in administrative detention for more than a year.

Hamas admitted Sunday that there were changes in the location of various officials whose names have not been disclosed. However, the organization said it was linked to administrative changes that were made following the internal elections. At the same time, Hamas denied that the request was made by Qatar following external pressure on it.
BENGHAZI -- Libya's eastern-based government has followed regional allies in cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar, its foreign minister, Mohamed Dayri, said on Monday.

The government, which sits in the eastern city of Bayda, has little authority within Libya. It is appointed by a parliament that also sits in the east and is aligned with powerful military commander Khalifa Haftar. They have spurned a U.N.-backed, internationally recognised government in the capital, Tripoli.

The eastern-based government's announcement came after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.
Unknown perpetrators vandalized five cars belonging to Arab residents in east Jerusalem early Monday, slashing tires and spraying "Death to Arabs" on the vehicles.

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Police launched an investigation into the price tag incidents, reported both in the French Hill neighborhood and near the hotels on Bar-Lev Boulevard, which connects the neighborhood to Highway 1.

Graffiti saying 'Death to Arabs' (Photo: Israel Police)

One of the graffiti writings said, "Revenge. Binyamin Richter says hello." Richter was released from prison last week after having served three years for vehicular arson.

One of the owners of the vandalized vehicles, Amir Abu Hamed, posted pictures of the damage to his Facebook page but wrote he and his friends have no intention of filing a complaint as they have no faith in the police.

Graffiti saying 'Revenge. Binyamin Richter says hello'

"When I go to the supermarket at 3am in the French Hill, police officers stop me and ask me where I'm going at such an hour. But a pure Jew with a kippah on his head can wander around without police asking him where he's from or where he's going," Abu Hamed wrote. "We're tired of this. It's 2017. I feel like throwing up and mostly escape this shitty place."

Gadi Gvaryahu, the head of anti-racism group Tag Meir, said, "This is the fifth price tag attack in the last month. We expect the police to stop the wave of attacks against innocent Arabs as soon as possible."
IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, remarked Sunday that the biggest challenge facing the IDF since the 1967 Six-Day War is Syria.

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Speaking at the opening of a display marking the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War at the Yitzhak Rabin Center, Eisenkot said "lack of governance (in Syria) and terrorist organizations pose future challenges that we are dealing with today and will continue to deal with in the foreseeable future."

Eisenkot and Barak during the presentation (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Among others who attended the opening of the interactive display were veterans of the Six-Day War, their families, former prime minister Ehud Barak, Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Yaron and family members of Yitzhak Rabin, who was chief of staff during the war.

Photo: Motti Kimchi

According to Eisenkot, who examined a document from the end of Rabin's tenure as IDF chief of staff, "It was possible to learn what led to the achievement of the Six-Day War. The complexity and change of plans, the focused planning, the fighting spirit of the soldiers, the operational plans that underwent changes and most importantly, the sense of the capability of the commanders."

Interactive Six Day War display (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

"The IDF's mission has not changed in the last 50 years: protect the country, ensure the existence of the country and allow our citizens to dream of normality that would allow the country to prosper and flourish," said Eisenkot.

Eisenkot and Dalia Rabin (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Dalia Rabin, Yitzhak Rabin's daughter, said, "His actions and accomplishments are so deeply embedded, that they can never be forgotten. Jerusalem will forever remain a symbol of the victory of 'David vs. Goliath' and it is your victory, dad. We remember."
ANKARA -- Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday a trend had begun in Europe for intelligence agencies to use journalists as agents.

Commenting on the case of German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yucel, whom Turkey arrested in February on a charge of spreading terrorist propaganda, Cavusoglu said it was a matter for the courts.

"Our independent judiciary is carrying out the process. The judiciary will make the decision on Yucel," Cavusoglu told a news conference with his German counterpart.
BUDVA -- Once the Balkan stronghold of pro-Russian sentiments, tiny Montenegro is on Monday silently celebrating its entry into NATO in a historic turn that has made the Kremlin furious.

Despite the Russian anger and a deep split within the nation of some 620,000 people over the issue, Montenegro is formally becoming the 29th member of the Western military alliance at a ceremony in Washington on Monday.
Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, Israel's former chief rabbi, is set to retire from public service and his role as Tel Aviv's chief rabbi.

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The rabbi, who celebrated his 80th birthday last week, is legally required to leave public service at the age of 75, but has been able to continue to serve after the Chief Rabbinate's council extended his term by five years in 2012.

Until a suitable replacement can be founda process that could last a few months at the very leastLau will continue to hold the title of Tel Aviv's chief rabbi unofficially, but he will have no authority and will not receive a salary.

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau (Photo: Abigail Uzi)

Rabbi Lau is seen both in Israel and abroad as a stately and moderate rabbi, one of the greatest religious adjudicators of conservative ultra-Orthodox Judaism, and a unifying figure for religious and secular Jews.

Coming from a long line of rabbis, Lau made his way up the rabbinical ranks from the role of Netanya's chief rabbi to Israel's chief rabbi, a position he held for a decade from 1993 to 2003.

Lau, who survived the Holocaust as a child and lost his parents in Auschwitz, is the chairman of the Yed Vashem council. He was also awarded the Israel Prize for his life's work and recognized for his special contribution to Israeli society and to the State of Israel.

Rabbi Lau served in Tel Aviv's chief rabbinate for almost 30 years in two separate terms. He was first appointed the chief rabbi of Tel Aviv in 1988 after about a decade in this role in Netanya. Five years later, in 1993, he was appointed Israel's chief rabbi.

He finished his role in the Chief Rabbinate in 2003 and two years later was appointed the chief rabbi of Tel Aviv for the second time.
CAIRO - Egypt has given the Qatari ambassador in Cairo 48 hours to leave the country and has recalled its senior representative in Doha, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

"The Qatari ambassador was summoned today and given formal notification of the expiry of his accreditation as an ambassador to Egypt, and was given 48 hours to leave the country," a statement from the foreign ministry said.
DUBAISaudi Arabia and three Arab countries severed ties to Qatar on Monday and moved to cut off land, sea and air routes to the energy-rich nation that is home to a major US military base, accusing it of supporting regional terror groups.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates made no demands of Qatar as their decision plunged the international travel hub into chaos and ignited the biggest diplomatic crisis in the Gulf since the 1991 war against Iraq.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday announced minimum support prices of Rs 8 per kg for onion and Rs 50 per kg for tur daal. However, protesting farmers have refused to call off their agitation.

By Hemender Sharma: In an attempt to end the ongoing farmers' agitation in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday announced a slew of measures including a minimum support price of Rs 8 per kg for onion and Rs 50 per kg for tur daal.

Farmers in Madhya Pardesh launched a state-wide agitation after market prices fell to such lows that they were forced to sell onion at Re 1 and Rs 2 per kg and tur daal for Rs 35 per kg.

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Addressing a press conference at the chief minister's residence in Bhopal on Monday, Chouhan said the government will purchase all the farmers' produce at the minimum support price even if market prices are lower.

"I had started a campaign for increased cultivation of pulses in Madhya Pradesh, the farmers responded, and now we cannot allow the farmers to suffer if the market prices have fallen," Chouhan said.

The measures announced on Monday came after Chouhan's attempts to persuade the farmers to call off their agitation failed.

Chouhan on Sunday had announced that the farmers had ended their agitation, quoting his talks with the Shrikant Dikshit of the Bhartiya Kisan Sangh in Ujjain. A government communique on Sunday had quoted Dixit saying that the farmers are ending their agitation.

'DIRTY TRICKS'

Farmer bodies, however, further intensified their agitation calling Srikant Dixit a nobody and accusing the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government of employing dirty tricks.

"Who is Shrikant Dixit to announce the end of the agitation when he has not started it. The Bhartiya Kisan Sangh is an RSS-affiliated organisation and it has nothing to with the agitation. The announcement is ploy of the dirty tricks department of the government to confuse the farmers but they will not succeed," an agitating farmer from Dhar told India Today.

Meanwhile, violence was witnessed in several towns were the farmers' are agitating. Protesters in various parts of Madhya Pradesh resorted to loot and destruction of vegetables, fruits and dairy products while they were being transported.

In Ratlam, a police officer lost one eye after being attacked by protestors with stones. The police officer had to be airlifted to Chennai for treatment. A similar incident of violence was reported from Sehore where protestors broke the arm of a police officer.

Incidents of loot and arson were also reported from Dhar, Indore, Mandsaur and Dewas. In Mandsaur, traders downed their shutters on Monday to protest the looting.

In Dhar, protestors stopped several vehicles carrying fruits and vegetables and spilled milk from a tanker on to the road.

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In his press conference, Chief Minister Chouhan condemned the incidents of violence and arson, and accused anti-social elements of hijacking the farmers' agitation. "I do not want to name any one at this stage but anti-social elements will not be spared while no case would be registered against genuine farmers," Chouhan said.

ALSO READ | No country for farmers: In headlong rush towards development, Indian farmers fall through the cracks

ALSO READ | Maharashtra farmers strike: Vegetable prices set to soar in Mumbai as vendors leave Vashi mandi empty bag

--- ENDS ---
Israel and Georgia found themselves in a diplomatic pickle on Monday, after Georgia filed an official request to Israel, asking to appoint Georgian-born billionaire Mikhael Mirilashvili to the honorary position of Georgian consul to Israel. The problem lies in the fact that to approve him for the position, Mirilashvili needs to receive a police certificate of a non criminal record; since he was recently investigated by the police over suspected large donation he made to an organization headed by Interior Minister Aryeh Deri's wife Yaffa, the police not give him such a certificate, effectively blocking the nomination for him. Mirilashvili is also involved in another investigation, under suspicion that he and Min. Deri influenced the election of the head rabbi of Lod. In both cases, Mirilashvili was investigated together with his son, Yitzhak .

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The elder and younger Mirilashvilis are the controlling shareholders of Channel 20. The Foreign Ministry responded to Georgia's request to appoint Mirilashvili to be its consul by saying that the police is still looking into the matter, as only someone with a spotless record is allowed to receive such an honor from a foreign country.

Mirilashvili and son with Deri (Photo: Yaacov Cohen, Kol Hazman Website)

Mikhael Mirilashvili was born in 1960 in Kulashi, Georgia. He immigrated to Israel in 1995 and has lived intermittently in Herzliya and St. Petersburg. Mirilashvili was certified as a pediatrician in the Soviet Union, but after receiving his license, which occurred at the same time as the fall of the Communist regime, he switched to business.

Min. Deri is due to be interrogated again on Monday, after being interrogated for 11 hours last Monday. The police are looking into suspicions that he transferred hundreds of thousands of shekels from government funds to members of his own family. His wife, Yaffa, is also due to be investigated again.
After Lebanon decided not to screen Wonder Woman starring Gal Gadot, Jordan was faced with a similar decision. Jordan's media commissioner Mohammad Qutaishat said on Friday in a conversation with the official news agency that the commission had received the film to determine whether it meets the standards and laws in force in the country.

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"Every film has to be presented to a committee in the Communications Commission, which needs to approve its screening in theaters," said Qutaishat, who in fact responded to rumors circulating in the Hashemite Kingdom that the film had already been shown in Amman and Irbid.

Wonder Woman poster in Beirut. Will Jordan follow in its footsteps? (Photo: AP)

The media commissioner warned that the screening of the film without the approval of the Communications Commission was a violation of the law, which would require taking steps against the cinema that presented the film.

Much like in Lebanon, Jordan also emphasized the fact that Gadot served in the IDF. The Jordanian newspaper Jordan Times interviewed two Jordanians who expressed their aversion to the screening of the film, with one quoted as saying that "the film should be banned because the main character supports the occupation of Palestine."

"I read that the film aims to spread the message of empowering women, but can we rely on this message when we know that it supports the crimes of Israel against humanity?" asked a resident of Amman.

One of the Jordanian campaigns against normalization with Israel released an announcement calling on Jordanians to boycott the movie: "We remind the Jordanians of their obligation to boycott the film, and we refuse to be partners to the crimes of the Zionists and to increase their profits from this film. The Arab audience will not be involved in projects that represent Zionism and the Israeli army."

In the last few hours, the campaign published a message under the slogan "so that the enemy is not a hero." The announcement said that they noticed that two movie theaters had removed the film from their website, but in one of the sites it still appears as one of the films that are expected to be screened.

They also warned that they would follow-up on the events in the coming weeks to see if the film is actually screened in those cinemas.

As is well known, Israel and Jordan signed a peace agreement 23 years ago, but in the shadow of the impasse on the Palestinian issue, groups that oppose Israel sometimes succeed in dictating the tone, as in other Arab countries.
Brig. Gen. Yitzhak Yaakov, one of the founders of the IDF's weapons development program, was in Washington in May 1967 to take part in a war games exercise at the RAND Corporation, a military research think tank.

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"At the end of the war games, Israel used a nuclear weapon against Egypt, as a response to Egyptian surface-to-surface missiles that hit Tel Aviv," Yaakov said.

(Photo: Yedioth Ahronoth)

"All of the other participants, who knew what I do for a living, had puzzled expressions on their faces. I told them Israel doesn't have nuclear weapons and that this whole scenario was completely imaginary, a wild fantasy," Yaakov continued.

But such a scenario was not entirely farfetched. As tensions mounted in the run-up to the 1967 Six-Day War, Yaakov was asked to return to Israel from the US posthaste and prepare a last-resort contingency plan for Israel to detonate a nuclear device in the Sinai Peninsula as a warning to Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser to end hostilities against Israel in the event it found itself losing the war.

Brig. Gen. Yaakov revealed the details of that contingency plan, codenamed Operation Samson, in a series of interviews between 1999 and 2001 with Dr. Ronen Bergman and nuclear policy researcher Dr. Avner Cohen.

Yaakov and Elazar

The IDF censor barred the publication of the interview in Yedioth Ahronoth in 2001, but on Saturday the New York Times published excerpts from the interviews, while additional transcripts have been made public by the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars on Sunday as part of the think tank's Nuclear Proliferation International History Project.

Over the course of these interviews, Brig. Gen. Yaakov admitted that before 1967 "nobody thought that we were close to using" the nuclear device that was being developed in Dimona and the idea to detonate the device in the Sinai Peninsula was "spontaneous rather than planned."

"I dont think that we thought that we are ready to start working on a bomb. There was even no fuse... I dont think that anyone thought in terms of 'we might need it anytime soon,'" he said.

Nevertheless, the use of unconventional weapons was not entirely alien to the IDF. "We prepared multi-year plans which also encompassed unconventional weapons. We presented those plans in General Staff discussions at least once a year, and there were discussions on these issues," Yaakov said. "There were those who thought we were wasting money... The discussions were very substantive."

According to Brig. Gen. Yaakov, the scenario was even drilled. "I may be wrong (about the exact date) because it may not have been before 1967 (but) at a certain point we did a command and control exercise... in which we went over the entire process, from the moment of issuing the order to its implementation. It took about two hours... It was a telephone exercise," he recounted.

Still, he said, "We didn't think about it in operational terms at all, since we all understood it was a kind of a 'doomsday weapon' You wont have a conventional war after using such a weapon."

L-R Yaakov, Bergman

The idea to use a nuclear device on a mountain in the Sinai desert was born when he returned from Washington, during discussions on how to defend against the danger of Nasser using chemical or biological weapons on Israel.

"I came back to Israel (from Washington), (General) Ezer (Weizman) was busy in the 'pit' (IDF High Command center) with the IAF, and the person who received me was Gandi (Maj. Gen. Rehavam Ze'evi), who was in a terrible mood and thought that the State of Israel is in very big trouble. He told me, 'prepare everything you've got,'" Yaakov remembered. "The idea came up of using a nuclear device."

To get a plan in motion, Ze'evi and Yaakov wrote an operational order and took it to IDF Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin for approval.

Rabin, who at the time was in hot water with the Eshkol government, went to David Ben-Gurion for support, but Ben-Gurion held Rabin responsible for the impending war, believing Nasser did not want this escalation. This broke Rabin's spirit.

"He was not very healthy. You could see it on him. He sat alone in his room downstairs... We talked and I wasn't sure whether he was focusing on what we were saying. We gave him the order and he signed," Yaakov said.

Shortly thereafter, Rabin had a mental breakdown, left the IDF and did not return to command during the Six-Day War.

Waiting for the order

The daring plan was to include, according to Brig. Gen. Yaakov, cooperation between the elite Sayeret Matkal Special Forces unit, the defense technology company Rafael, and the Dimona nuclear reactor.

"The goal was to plant a device on a hilltop in the Abu-Ageila area, and to blow it up when the prime minister gives the order to do so," Yaakov said.

R-L Elazar, Tal and Yaakov

The nuclear device, which was codenamed Spider, was to be transported to Sinai by a Sayeret Matkal platoon using two Super-Frelons helicopters.

"The plan was to land on some mountain near Abu-Ageila... and on the side there (would be) a paratroopers diversion attack. (While) the Egyptians (would run) towards the paratroopers, we (would be) working on this mountain. And we would have a whole night to work, to assemble, and we would wait for our order," he recounted.

Yaakov was worried about what might happen when the device detonated. "I didn't know what it would mean for me to lay on a mountain, 1.5 kilometers from a nuclear bomb. What happens? Am I going to burn immediately? Will I be thrown in the air? All sorts of things of this nature... That was in addition to (the fact) that in effectm we were the first onesin a tactical war, a war in the Middle Eastto use nuclear weapons," he said.

According to Brig. Gen. Yaakov, the order to detonate the nuclear device was only meant to be given if Israel faced the existential threat of losing the war.

"We talked about a red line (for Egyptian missiles to hit) around Ashdod (a city in southern Israel) or something like that... We left it for the judgment of the prime minister to decide," he said.

Executing such a plan, he stressed, was truly seen as a last resort. "There were no questions about saving our troops, no questions about retreat, no questions about how to get out of there. We all understood... we do it only when there would be no other alternative," Yaakov explained.

"The goal was to create a new situation on the ground, a situation which would force the great powers to intervene, or a situation which would force the Egyptians to stop and say, 'wait, a minute, we didnt prepare for that,'" he added, noting that a mushroom cloud over Sinai would send a message, "The whole world will know about it. The world isn't going to be the same."

But the order to use this doomsday weapon never came. The IDF launched a surprise attack against the Arab nations on June 5, 1967, and the war ended six days later.

"About six hours after the war broke out, we were on high alert," Yaakov said. "We felt that now, with Nasser feeling that his back was against the wall, he would have nothing to lose and order his troops to fire the missiles."

"In hindsight," he continued, "we know that immediately after the fighting had broken out, the US and the Soviet Union started coordinating the ceasefire. Nasser may have been an extremist, but certainly not one who would go under the Soviets' back and launch the missiles against their wishes."
Hamas' newly chosen leader in the Gaza Strip on Sunday traveled to Cairo for talks with Egyptian security officials, in the first high-level meeting between the sides in months, a Hamas official said.

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The delegation left through the Rafah border crossing, which was opened Sunday for the group to cross. The border is mostly closed for the 2 million residents of Gaza, part of an Israeli and Egyptian blockade. Israel and Egypt have enforced the blockade, citing security reasons, since Hamas seized control of Gaza a decade ago.

Yahiya Sinwar (Photo: AP)

Salah Bardaweel, a Hamas official, said the delegation will discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza under the blockade, Egypt's role in improving conditions and the need to open Rafah crossing for Palestinian travelers.

Bardaweel said the three-member delegation was led by Yehiya Sinwar, Hamas' newly chosen leader in Gaza, the group's stronghold. Sinwar, a member of Hamas' military wing, is second in rank only to the new supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, who also is based in Gaza.

Hamas and Egypt have had cool relations since Egypt's Islamist president, Mohammed Morsi, was overthrown by the military in 2013. Morsi came from Hamas' parent group, the Muslim Brotherhood.

Hamas has been trying to convince Egypt that it is a reliable security partner. It has deployed more troops along the border with Egypt's northern Sinai region, where the Egyptian military is battling Islamic extremists.

But over the past month, at least four Gaza residents were killed while fighting alongside ISIS' Sinai affiliate, complicating Hamas' reconciliation attempts.

Hamas made a gesture toward Egypt last month with a new policy document that dropped its longtime association with the Muslim Brotherhood and identified itself as a Palestinian movement fighting only against Israeli occupation.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman slammed Arab MKs Monday over what he called their double standards vis-a-vis Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. Lieberman added that Israel would remain faithful to basic Jewish values when dealing with the Palestinians, even when faced with organizations that do not reciprocate.

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Speaking during a question and answer session on the Knesset floor, Lieberman faced repeated questions about the defense ministrys efforts to bring about the release of Abera Mengistu, an Israeli citizen of Ethiopian heritage who accidentally crossed into Hamas-held territory in 2014 and has been held incommunicado by Hamas ever since.

Consecration of Memorial Hall at Mount Herzl (Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS)

Lieberman blasted the international community and Arab MKs for their persistent focus on Israels occupation of Judea and Samaria while ignoring the fate of both Mengistu and of civilians in the Gaza Strip.

In addition, when asked about Mengistus fate by Ethiopian-born MK Avraham Neguise (Likud), Lieberman said two Israeli soldiers and a civilian have been held in Hamas captivity for two years without so much as a visit by the Red Cross or even the slightest sign of life whatsoever. (Arab MKs) go on-and-on about the occupation, but on this they are silent. This begs explanation.

In addition, last week three civilians in Gaza were executed, but again(Arab MKs) were silent. (The Gazans) had no lawyers, no evidence was presented and they were not permitted to defend themselves (yet there was no outcry from this chamber).

Lieberman was referring to the execution of three Gaza residents for their alleged role in the assassination of senior Hamas terrorist Mazen Fukha who was shot dead outside his home in late March.

Lieberman also rejected Neguises suggestion that Israel suspend family visits for Palestinian security prisoners until there is at least a minimal sign of life from Mengistu, saying even when faced with a barbaric terror organization (like Hamas), we will not act like a terror group. We will always remember and preserve our Jewish values, regardless of the other sides actions.

Lieberman also addressed the decision by five Arab countries to sever ties with Qatar earlier Monday, saying the move was a clear indication that the Arab world is beginning to internalize the fact that the main threat in the Middle East is not Israel, Jews or Zionism, but rather radical Islamic terrorism.

The defense minister furthermore rejected a suggestion that the Israel-Palestinian conflict is preventing regional peace in the Middle East, acknowledging that the Palestinian topic is an issue on the regional stage, but noting that Egypt and Jordan both managed to overcome the topic to sign peace treaties with Jerusalem.

Youve got to look at the overall situation: You can blame the extremist government of Benjamin Netanyahu, with its settler defense minister (Lieberman), but there are facts here: At Annapolis, (Ehud) Olmert and (Tzipi) Livni made an unprecedented offer to Mahmoud Abbas and he wouldnt sign. In 2000 at Camp David, (Ehud) Barak made an offer to (Yasser) Arafat and he wouldnt sign.
During a meeting with Finance Moshe Kahlon held last week, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said that Israel's decision not to respond to last year's wave of terrorism by issuing further sanctions against the Palestinian population prevented a third intifada.

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In addition, terrorist group turned political party has found itself in a hot water, as the three Palestinians it had recently executed on suspicion of killing Hamas operative Mazen Fukha were reported to have not been behind the attack. Hamas, which never recognized Hamdallah's prime ministership, is also facing pressure from Gazan residents for the lowering of electricity supply, with the average currently at four hours a day.

Abdallah (L) and Abbas (Photo: AFP)

"You surprised us with the way you handled and treated a subject, in a way that managed to separate the escalation and not punishing the general Palestinian population. (By doing soed), you prevented a third intifada," Hamdallah told Kahlon.

Kahlon (Photo: Eilat-TV)

It should be noted that those who led and supported this policy, which was not considered popular at the times, were the high-ranking officials in Israel's defense systems.

During the meeting, Hamdallah also referred to reports in Israel that the meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US President Donald Trump in Bethlehem was difficult, saying that the Palestinian side was surprised by that the meeting was presented as negative. Several sources familiar with the meeting criticized the way it was presented in Israel, saying that the meeting was one of Abbas's best meetings with any American president. Those sources confirmed that the meeting was a relatively difficult part, but that it was small compared to the entire meeting, and that there was someone who decided to leak only this part, thereby creating a false representation of the nature of the entire meeting.

Abbas is currently on a roll. He confirmed the US's support last week, after Trump decided not to transfer the US embassy to Jerusalem, at least for the time being. He expressed willingness to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without preconditions, and he also shows a willingness to reopen negotiations with Israel. The Palestinian leadership does not want to be perceived as a uncooperative, and therefore did not respond negatively to any American request regarding attempts to restart the political process.

Ramallah, at this stage, is playing the waiting game, but at the same time, senior Palestinian officials fear that the Americans are pushing too hard to advance the political process without studying the overall picture. In addition, Ramallah is once again strengthening relations with Arab countries such as Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, after months of a presumed cold front.

The main obstacle facing the Palestinian Authority is the challenge of the prisoners' strike initiated by Marwan Barghouti , which began to displease Abbas as it gained Barghouti public support. In fact, one of the reasons why thousands did not take to the streets and confront security forces in support of the prisoners' hunger strike was the intense work of the Palestinian security forces to suppress any public protest. In the meantime, the strike ended with a feeble response ; however, contrary to what senior Israeli officials claim, the Palestinian prisoners quietly managed to obtain additional benefits for themselves, beyond their second monthly visit. These benefits were not made public, with Israel continuing to deny them, but they are a fact, though one that both sides have an interest keeping under wraps.

Due to the fortification of his status, Abbas decided to enter a collision course with Hamas in the hope that Gaza would blink first. This began with the decision not to allow diesel fuel to reach the Gaza power plant as long as Hamaswhich collects money on electricity from the residentsdoes not pay the Palestinian Authority taxes for it. This continued in an announcement to Israel that the Palestinian Authority would stop paying the electricity that enters the Gaza Strip every month from June onwards (Israel has yet to announce whether it will continue to supply Gaza with electricity, free of charge).

Another move came on Sunday, when the PA did not deposit monthly salaries in the bank accounts of 300 released prisoners identified with Hamas, including prisoners released in the Shalit deal. Abbas's line of thinking is simple: I'm not Hamas's ATM. If they want services, they'll have to transfer control back to the Palestinian Authority. And if they don't transfer control, they will have to fend for themselves.

There are those who have rejoiced due to the tangle Hamas has entered, but in recent weeks Gaza has shown truly worrying signs, the likes of which have not been seen there since right before Operation Protective Edge. If a month and a half ago an average Gazan got eight hours of electricity a day, today they get only four, and if Israel stops the flow they will receive only three hours of electricity a day. Water supply to homes has decreased and comes less frequently now, and wastewater is discharged into the sea due to an inability to treat them in the absence of electricity. The escalation before Protective Edge began to take place because of an internal civil crisis that threatened to break Hamas apart from the inside, which caused the organization to direct the fire to Israel. Hamas is not eager to fight now, but if the internal crisis worsens and the public cries out, it is possible that the organization will again turn the pressure onto Israel through a deliberate military escalation.

As if this were not enough, the assassination of senior Hamas official Mazen Fukha set Hamas into a tailspin. Two months later, the organization announced that it had managed to get its hands on the assassins. After a flash trial, they were executed, about a week and a half ago. However, according to sources familiar with the affair, the three Palestinians who were executed have nothing to do with the Fukha's killing, despite Hamas's claims. Though it is possible that the three were collaborators with Israel, as they admitted themselves, they apparently were not involved in the assassination. So who did kill Fukha? We may never know for sure.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will maintain security control over the entirety of the West Bank, with or without a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Netanyahu spoke Monday at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Six-Day-War, when Israel re-captured the West Bank.

He saidthat Israel seeks "true peace" with its neighbors.

"For that reason, in any agreement, and even without an agreement, we will maintain security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River," he said.
State Attorney Shai Nitzan said Tuesday that the investigations concerning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were "not simple" and added: "I wish the case could be wrapped up faster."

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Nitzan spoke during the Lawyers on the Bar event of the Ruach Hadasha organization in the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem.

(Photo: Mark Neiman, GPO)

"As everyone knows, two investigations have been opened, which are not simple investigations," said the state attorney. "The police have been working on this for many months, and I wish the case could be wrapped up more quickly.

"The attorney general and I personally accompany the meetings, and we have held dozens of meetings on the investigation. With these kinds of investigations, you want to move things as fast as possible, and yet leave no stone unturned."

According to Nitzan, "These investigations are sometimes connected to matters overseas, and there, we have no control over the pace of events. I hope the police finish as quickly as possible, but it's not a matter of a few days."
Shruti Haasan's fashion game has hit new lows, and it will make you cringe.

By Shivani Chhabra: Shruti Haasan's upcoming film, Behan Hogi Teri, is scheduled to release soon. The actress can thus be seen promoting the film in full force, with co-star Rajkumar Rao.

While we were really looking forward to the actress' fashionable public appearances, Shruti has let us down with every ensemble she has recently been spotted in.

First things first, Shruti's companionship with fashion blunders commenced with her red carpet look at the Cannes Film Festival this year, and it hasn't ended yet.

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Shruti Haasan made her Cannes red carpet debut with a black Avaro Figlio ensemble, which was just the opposite of nice. Donning a ruffled, sombre number for an event as magnificent as that, Shruti strangled our sky-high hopes on the very first day of the festival.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/shreejarajgopal

Also Read: Shruti Haasan's red carpet debut at Cannes Film Festival was the opposite of great

While we were still trying to forget the melancholic outfit from the red carpet, Shruti pulled off a total downer in a shift, white dress for a press-interaction session.

The floral drape thrown over the sober dress could not save Shruti's sinking boat, and quite expectedly, was lost in the sea of glamour at the French Riviera.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/shreejarajgopal

The second day at the international red carpet brought more criticism Shruti's way, thanks to her outfit, of course. Donning a bulky, gold blouse with a black saree, the actor represented the worst of Indian fashion at the venerable red carpet.

To top it all was that unflattering top knot.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/shreejarajgopal

Also Read: Shruti Haasan and Nandita Das totally lost the fashion game at Cannes

Back home, the pretty actress has been continuing her streak of fashion blunders.

Shruti was at The Kapil Sharma Show recently; one thing she did for sure with this appearance was make us lose absolute faith in her fashion game.

She wore a parakeet-green number by Papa Don't Preach with the most outrageous polka dots to have ever adorned a dress. The outfit has successfully managed to ruin the idea of polka dots for the summer!

Picture courtesy: Instagram/shreejarajgopal

Also Read: Shruti Haasan's red carpet debut at Cannes Film Festival was the opposite of great

With dampened hopes, we looked Shruti's way at the recently held GQ Most Stylist Awards, and yet again, Shruti dropped a bomb on us in a black Swapnil Shinde ensemble.

She wore a front-slit skirt to the award function with an ill-fitted crop-top. But wait, there's more--it was a black, A-line, leather skirt, which was, let's just say, not exactly soothing for the eyes.

The pleated, black skirt teamed with a black, crop-top and black pumps made for a really dark attire, especially for this weather we're enduring.

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Don't make the summer worse, Shruti. Come on, there's still a chance to redeem your fashion sense.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/ishrutihaasan

--- ENDS ---
Foreign property investors in New South Wales will be hit with higher fees and taxes under proposed changes by the Berejiklian government. The measures are expected to raise nearly $2bn over the next four years to help the states struggling first-home buyers.

According to the measures, which were outlined last Thursday, the Foreign Investor Surcharge Duty will be doubled from 4% to 8%, while the annual land tax surcharge on foreign property buyers will rise from 0.75% to 2% annually.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet are due to make an announcement about these changes, which will come into effect on July 1.

Meanwhile, stamp duty is set to be axed for existing and new homes valued up to $650,000. Stamp duty on homes valued up to $800,000 will also be discounted. Currently, the states stamp duty exemption is only available for purchases on new properties.

Perrottet hinted earlier this year that changes to aid first-home buyers were in the pipeline.

The great Australian dream is to own your own home. While foreign investment brings an important flow of capital into NSW, my priority is to ensure Australians have that opportunity first, he said.

The latest property investment data shows that one in every 10 buyers in NSW is a foreigner. Since its introduction in the 2016-17 federal budget, the Foreign Investor Surcharge Duty has collected $150m from 3,000 foreign buyers.

While the new measures have received a fair amount of support, the Property Council of Australia has urged the state government to observe caution when taxing foreign investors. Like any market, if you tighten the screws too tightly, you may inhibit growth, said Cheryl Thomas, the Property Councils deputy executive director for NSW.

Related stories:

Labors Proposal Could Worsen Housing Affordability

Investment Activity In Sydney Down By 20%
By Press Trust of India: Colombo, Jun 5 (PTI) Sri Lankan will introduce laws to strictly enforce "buffer zones" in disaster-prone areas so that permission cannot be given for construction activities there, a top minister said today, as the death toll in the countrys worst flooding in over a decade rose to 224.

Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said 78 people were still missing as of yesterday after the countrys worst torrential rains since 2003 displaced nearly half-a-million people.

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The Disaster Management Centre said over 600,000 people have been hit and nearly 25,000 were in temporary shelters after the landslides and floods triggered by monsoon rains.

The disaster hit the countrys 14 of the 25 districts.

Illegal construction has worsened the flooding by blocking drains and other natural water storage facilities.

Battling with the natural calamity, the government has decided to introduce strict laws to ensure that "buffer zones" are not violated in the future.

Sri Lanka introduced similar buffer zones following the catastrophic tsunami in 2004 in which over 30,000 people died.

Yapa said the buffer zones introduced then had been breached due to clearance for construction of buildings in those areas.

But, he said, the new laws will ensure permission are not given to construct buildings in the buffer zones now onwards, and added that the vulnerable areas will be evacuated soon.

He also said that disaster evacuation centres will be set up across Sri Lanka to provide relief to people in the event of a natural disaster. During the flooding and landslide last month, temples and schools were used as temporary shelters.

The minister said a national action plan was needed to ensure that human lives could be saved in a such disasters.

According to the minister, Sri Lanka has deployed nearly 10,000 troops and paramilitary forces to aid police personnel in search and rescue operations following the May 26 flooding.

"This is the biggest deployment of troops during peace time in Sri Lanka," Yapa told reporters in Colombo.

After the flooding last month, India and several other nations had rushed aid to the island nation. India has sent three naval ships with relief materials and media aid to help in rescue efforts. PTI CORR ABH AKJ ABH

--- ENDS ---
United Nations: Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders have agreed to resume talks later this month on reunifying the divided island, United Nations Secretary- General Antonio Guterres said.

The agreement to resume negotiations on a historic deal was reached during a four-hour meeting between the two leaders and Guterres at UN headquarters.

Guterres had invited Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Mustafa Akinci for talks to salvage a two-year diplomatic effort aimed at achieving a settlement in Cyprus.

Flanked by the two leaders, Guterres told reporters that all three had "agreed on the need to reconvene the conference on Cyprus in June."

No firm date was announced and Guterres said he would consult with Britain, the European Union, Greece and Turkey on the timing.

The UN-led talks hit a wall nine days ago after the sides failed to agree on the terms to advance the reunification talks toward a final summit.

The eastern Mediterranean island has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired coup seeking union with Greece.

The Greek Cypriot side demanded that the withdrawal of Turkish troops be discussed at a conference in Geneva as part of security arrangements.

The Turkish Cypriots maintained that the conference should focus on broader issues of power-sharing, property rights and territory for the creation of a new federation.

Turkey maintains some 30,000 troops in the north of the island.

Following the meeting, Guterres said that "all agreed that the chapter on security and guarantees is of vital importance to the two communities."

"Progress in this chapter is an essential element in reaching an overall agreement and in building trust between the two communities in relation to their future security," he said.

The leaders agreed to continue negotiations on "all other outstanding issues, starting with territory, property and governance and power-sharing," said Guterres.

"All issues will be negotiated interdependently," said Guterres, stressing that "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed."
Bogota: Colombia`s Marxist FARC rebels accused the government on Sunday of "repeatedly breaking" terms of their peace deal, and threatened to delay their demobilization.



"After the government`s repeated non-compliance with the Peace Agreement (signed in November), the FARC is going to seek international monitoring," rebel leader Rodrigo Londono, AKA Timochenko, warned on Twitter.



Timochenko earlier said he was "considering" postponing demobilization.



It was not immediately clear what the FARC rebel leader meant about international oversight, which is already part of the UN-monitored peace process even after demobilization.



Earlier, President Juan Manuel Santos said the government said would stick to its calendar. "That is our commitment and we will fulfill it," he said. The president has called the peace process "irreversible."



The peace deal aims to end Latin America`s longest-running civil war which has dragged on more than five decades.



Several incidents have been mentioned by the FARC as serious, including FARC doctor Jose Vasquez being detained Sunday at a roadblock in San Jose del Guaviare.



The government and the FARC, formally known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the country`s biggest rebel group, reached a deal after four years of negotiations in the Cuban capital.



Colombian voters rejected it by a narrow margin in a referendum in October.



Santos and FARC leaders then drafted a new version of the accord and the government pushed it through Congress despite resistance from critics.



The Colombian conflict erupted in 1964, when the FARC and the ELN took up arms for rural land rights.



It drew in various rebel and paramilitary forces and drug gangs as well as state forces.



The conflict has left at least 260,000 people dead and displaced more than seven million, according to the authorities.
Caracas: A prominent opposition leader jailed in Venezuela, Leopoldo Lopez, urged more street protests against the "tyranny" of President Nicolas Maduro, in a video message made in his cell and released on Sunday.



Lopez, 46, however stressed several times that he backed only "peaceful" demonstrations.



Prosecutors in Venezuela say 65 people have died since April 1, when near-daily pro- and anti-Maduro rallies turned more violent, with protesters and security forces targeted.



The opposition and anti-Maduro protesters are demanding early elections to force out the widely unpopular president, who has ruled over the country`s sharply declining economy.



Lopez, looking fit and wearing a white t-shirt and a crucifix around his neck in the video, expressed his "admiration for the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans" who had gone into the streets "for democracy."



He added that "rebellion, resistance and the protests are legitimate" against a government that was "despotic," "tyrannical" and hapless in the face of the economic crisis.



The struggle evinced by the protests, he said, was "historic" and "cannot end until we have reached victory."



It was not clear when exactly the video was recorded. The version released on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X2a335pYHY&feature=youtu.be) on Sunday was timestamped "June 2017."



It was made public after Lopez, who was detained in 2014 and sentenced to 14 years behind bars on charges of inciting violence in anti-government protests, was visited in prison by Spanish former prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.



Zapatero is leading an effort to build dialogue between the opposition and Maduro`s government to de-escalate the situation.



Lopez and Zapatero held a "conversation with much respect," according to a message on the opposition leader`s Twitter account, which is handled by his wife Lilian Tintori.



Zapatero was accompanied by Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez and her brother Jorge Rodriguez, who is mayor of a Caracas district, the account said.
Washington: US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said the international community is "concerned" about Russian poll meddling and that Moscow should know there are "consequences" for interfering in US elections.



"I can tell you, the international community is concerned about Russia's meddling within all of their elections," Haley said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" in an interview on Sunday.



"But they're concerned about Russia for a lot of reasons. And so we'll continue to keep our eye on them. And when we can work with them, we want to try and do that. But when we can't, we're going to hold the line."



The Indian-American law maker -- when asked why sanctions aren't being imposed on Russia -- emphasised the US isn't going easy on Russia.



"Well, I think that, you know, they're going through the motions of the investigation," Haley said.



"I could tell you we've taken actions against Russia in the UN Security Council. We've stood strong on the sanctions in their situations with Ukraine. We called them out in their association with the Assad regime."



"We're going to continue to call them out as we need to," Haley continued.



"At the same time, we are trying to see if we can have talks with them on how to better come in line in the Syrian conflict. We're working with them on counter-terrorism. But if we see Russia doing anything wrong, we're going to tell them."



Haley said that she will support whatever Congress decides to do in terms of sanctions against Russia.



Pressure was mounting on US officials to take a tougher stance on Russia, even as Trump himself is reluctant to criticise the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the report.



Haley also had tough words for North Korea. Tensions between the US and North Korea continue to mount amid the latter's frequent missile tests. The temperature of the North Korea situation right now is "volatile", Haley said.



"I think what you can see is that we have worked very closely with China," Haley said.



"China has really stood up in putting the pressure on North Korea. And yesterday the Security Council voted to increase sanctions on individuals and entities that are related to those ballistic missile tests," she said.
District of Columbia: 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."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".



"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.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."
Sydney: Australian police Monday shot dead a man who took a woman hostage in a Melbourne apartment, after the body of another man was found in the building`s lobby.

The woman escaped safely but three officers were injured as police stormed the building.

Authorities have yet to determine whether the incident was terrorism-related.

"Police have resolved a hostage situation at an apartment block in Brighton," Victoria state police said in a statement. Brighton is a Melbourne suburb.

"A man has been shot dead by police in the Bay Street apartment complex shortly before 6pm.

"Police have safely rescued a woman who was being held against her will in the apartment block."

Police were responding to reports of an explosion at the apartment earlier in the day when they found the body of a man in the foyer.

"Another man was earlier located deceased with a gunshot wound in the lobby of the serviced apartment building just after 4pm," the police said.

"Police are investigating whether the incident is terrorism-related."
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) Two persons, including a woman, were arrested today for allegedly stealing a 12th century idol of Terton Pema Lingpa, a highly revered saint in Buddhism.

The idol, worth several crore rupees, was stolen from the house of Head Cheepa (Head Lama) in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh on the intervening night of May 31 and June 1, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Madhur Verma said.

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The accused wanted to exact revenge from Cheepa after his marriage with the latters daughter ended up in divorce.

On June 4, the crime branch of Delhi Police received information that the accused are trying to sell the 900-year-old idol in the grey market of Majnu Ka Tilla for Rs 1.40 crore. From there the idol was supposed to be smuggled to Tibet, Verma said.

He said that they received crucial inputs from Arunachal Pradesh Police and took action accordingly.

A team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjay Sehrawat laid a trap near the Majnu Ka Tilla Gurudwara around 8 AM to nab the accused, he added.

The accused ? Ngawang Tsundue (29) and his live-in partner Lobsang Gakey Sherpa (26) were arrested from there when they arrived to meet a prospective buyer, Verma said.

Police recovered a golden-coloured idol from Tsundue?s bag and some religious clothes were recovered from Sherpa.

Tsundue, who is a permanent resident of Tibet, came to India in 2009-2010. He started living in Dharamsala, where he met the daughter of Head Cheepa of Tawang. He was working in a medicine shop there.

In 2011, he married her but the couple got divorced last year.

He wanted to take revenge from Cheepas family and knew that stealing the idol would earn him a huge amount and it will also tarnish Cheepas name.

He started planning the theft with his live-in partner. He knew that the idol was kept at Cheepa?s home and was only taken to the monastery for special occasions, Verma said.

The accused was aware that Cheepas family has gone to attend a function in Kullu and used the opportunity to steal the statue from his home. There was an old woman present at the home when the burglary happened.

The incident had generated social and religious unrest in Tawang, the DCP said, adding that they have informed their counterparts in Arunachal Pradesh. PTI SLB ASV

--- ENDS ---
Sydney: China and other nations must strengthen efforts to curb North Korea`s nuclear weapons programme, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Monday, while also calling out Beijing over its South China Sea activities.

America`s top diplomat, speaking after talks in Sydney, also gave a brief response to the unfolding crisis in the Gulf, where Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have all announced they are severing ties with gas-rich Qatar.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the United States has spent recent weeks trying to reassure allies it can maintain a tough line against China`s "militarisation" of the South China Sea while at the same time seeking help from Beijing.

President Donald Trump -- who frequently denounced China on the campaign trail -- has turned to Beijing to help rein in ally North Korea`s weapons programme, prompting concern among Asian allies that America might go easy on the South China Sea territorial dispute.

"We desire productive relationships," Tillerson said after annual discussions with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop in Sydney.

"But we cannot allow China to use its economic power to buy its way out of other problems, whether it`s militarising islands in the South China Sea or failing to put appropriate pressure on North Korea."

He said China and other regional partners should "step up" efforts to help solve the North Korea situation, because it presents a threat to the "entire world."

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea despite partial counter-claims from Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

It has rapidly built reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.

Tillerson reiterated US and Australian commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea to "ensure unimpeded flow of lawful commerce in a rules-based order".

But reporters asked Tillerson if America was applying a double standard in telling countries to adhere to the international order while simultaneously pulling out of a trans-Pacific trade deal and the Paris climate accords -- moves that prompted even longstanding allies to question whether America was retreating into isolationism.

"That`s why we`re here, that`s why we travel to the region, that`s why we engage with our counterparts," Tillerson said, standing alongside Pentagon chief Jim Mattis, Bishop and Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne.

We "travel to the region to meet with our counterparts and talk about all the issues that are important to them and hear from them concerns about where the (Trump) administration is positioned".Addressing the situation in the Gulf, Tillerson called on countries there to stay united and work out their differences.

"We certainly would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences," he said.

"If there`s any role that we can play in terms of helping them address those, we think it is important that the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) remain united."

Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour Qatar to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism", the official Saudi Press Agency said.

Tillerson and Mattis both said they did not anticipate any impact on efforts by a US-led coalition to battle the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

The coalition currently conducts much of its operational planning and coordination from Al-Udeid air base in Qatar.

"I am confident there will be no implications coming out of this diplomatic situation at all, and I say that based on the commitment that each of these nations... have made to this fight," Mattis said.

The US defense secretary blasted Iran for its "various destabilising efforts" in the region, referring to Iranian support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Tehran`s involvement in the Yemen war.
New Delhi: India on Monday said countries friendly to China, including Russia, should persuade it to ensure New Delhi's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told a media conference here that India was opposed to the "One Belt, One Road" project on the issue of sovereignty because the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passed through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India is also engaging with China which has maintained that its stand on entry into NSG was not "India-specific" but on the ground of signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

"China always says that its opposition to membership of NSG is not India-specific but on grounds of being Non-NPT member. We have made our stand clear on this issue. They said India and Pakistan do not come under the category of NPT members. France was also a Non-NPT country when it was allowed into NSG.

"The question of India and Pakistan has been separated. In 2008, India got the rights (waiver). Both our criteria and credentials were checked and 101 per cent we have proved it. Look at the credentials, not at the criteria."

Swaraj said India has engaged China for long.

"Our friends who support our entry into NSG have been engaging China. Those who are friends of China should also engage China to ensure India's membership of NSG and UNSC," she said.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi'a visit to Russia last week, Swaraj said Russia supported India's membership of NSG and UNSC and India would like Moscow to persuade Beijing on the issue and not pressurise it.

To a question, the minister said none of India's policies towards China was aimed at countering it.

She said India in principle accepted connectivity. "There is no problem with this but when it comes to question of compromising with territorial integrity, then we are certainly opposed to it."

Swaraj said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is part of OBOR, "passes through that part of occupied Kashmir which is an integral part of India and over which there is a parliamentary resolution. That part of the road compromises our sovereignty and we are strongly opposed to it."
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swatraj on Monday ruled out any meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharf at the up coming Astana conference in Kazakhstan.

No such meeting has been planned either from their side or from our side, she said at a press meet here to present her ministry's yearly report card.

Leaders from a dozen countries will assemble in Astana from June 8-9 as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

PM Modi is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

Sushma said New Delhi's policy towards Pakistan has been clear and consistent and there has been no flip-flop in dealing with Islamabad.

We have consistently followed our Pakistan policy; we extended our friendship; PM Modi's Lahore trip was out of the box.

She made the comments in response to a question whether India's stand on the talks are consistent and prejudiced by immediate turn of events.
Melbourne: Hijab-clad Muslim school students were allegedly forced to leave a career expo in Australia after onlookers felt threatened by their "attire" in the wake of the Manchester suicide bombing.

The schoolgirls were attending the career expo at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) last week, just days after the suicide bombing in Manchester that left 22 dead and dozens injured.

Some people complained that the school children's hijabs were "making them feel uncomfortable after what happened in Manchester" and asked staff to have them removed from the venue, WA Today reported.

The PCEC confirmed the centre was contacted about an alleged incident involving discrimination against patrons on May 26 but denied that their staff were involved.

The incident came just over a week after Salman Abedi killed 22 people in the suicide bomb attack in Manchester at an Ariana Grande concert.

A mother of one of the students was quoted as saying that her 16-year-old daughter was at the Careers Expo at the Convention Centre last week when she and her school friends were told by their teacher that they had to pack up their lunch and leave.

"I'm not angry, I'm just sad," the mother of the student was quoted as saying by the daily.

"I feel particularly sad that my daughter went on an excursion and didn't enjoy it. I see this as an opportunity to raise awareness and get a deeper understanding of how young Muslims in Australia feel," she said.

"For starters, how can people think what the students are wearing has anything to do what happens elsewhere?" she added.



Islamophobia Register Australia President, Mariam Veiszadeh, said she was "very disappointed to hear about the incident."

"Time and time again, we come across examples of ignorant prejudice in which every day people conflate the faith of 1.6 plus billion Muslims worldwide with that of the murderous acts of a group who hold themselves out to be Muslims," Veiszadeh said.

"Women often bear the brunt of Islamophobia and a rather alarming number of incidents take place in the presence of children," she said.

A spokesperson for PCEC said the centre did not condone discrimination of any kind.

"All staff are aware of this as a condition of employment," he was quoted as saying.

"After an internal investigation, the centre does not believe any of the PCEC's staff were involved in such an event," the spokesperson said.
Kuala Lumpur: The Badminton World Federation's (BWF) deputy president has stepped down as he fights corruption allegations in his home country of Peru, a statement said on Monday.

Gustavo Salazar Delgado, the sport's number two official behind president Poul-Erik Hoyer, asked to be "excused from his duties", the BWF said.

"In his communication to BWF, Salazar indicated he would step aside for the time being so as not to cause any reputational or undue damage to the BWF while the investigation is in progress," the Kuala Lumpur-based body said.

The BWF said the accusations against Salazar related to "personal business matters" and are entirely unrelated to badminton and Salazar's role as BWF deputy president".



Various reports said Salazar, 52, was under investigation over a bribery and money-laundering case linked to Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht.



Bribery scandals linked to Odebrecht have swept up scores of Brazilian politicians and span several Latin American countries.



In April, a federal court in New York fined Odebrecht $2.6 billion, part of what US authorities describe as a one of the largest-ever corporate settlements for international bribery.



Salazar was re-elected unopposed as BWF deputy president last month. The BWF declined to provide more details when approached by AFP on Monday.
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday appealed to exceed the remand of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Mohammad Shahabuddin in an ongoing investigation of case relating to murder of journalist Rajdeo Ranjan.

The CBI earlier on May 29 took Shahabuddin into custody for questioning.

Earlier on May 26, a court in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district accepted the CBI plea for questioning Shahabuddin in connection with the journalist murder case.

Shahabuddin is alleged to have had Ranjan---the bureau chief of a Hindi daily in Bihar---murdered on May 13 last year.

Five persons were arrested in connection with the case within a few days of the murder.

Shahabuddin has several other cases pending against him.

The CBI counsel submitted that it would soon file charge-sheet against Shahabuddin, who is currently lodged in high-security Tihar jail in New Delhi.

The premier investigating agency has already filed charge-sheet against seven accused persons in the case while two accused, Mohammad Javed and Mohammad Kaif, are on bail.
Patna: Commenting on the recent topper scam that brought embarrassment to Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday blamed the people for spoiling the image of the state.

"Not the outsiders, but people of Bihar play main role in ruining the image of the state," Nitish said at a press conference here.

He further said that the government is making efforts to ensure fair conduction of examination and to check cheating.

Recently, a topper scam again raised question over education system of the state after an Arts topper, Ganesh Kumar failed to show any of his academic prowess.

Where around 65 percent of the students failed the Bihar board, Ganesh Kumar topped from the Arts stream.

He secured 65 out of 70 marks in the Practical examinations of Music and 18 out of 30 in the theory.

However, a meeting with him gave a different picture as he failed to answer basic questions related to the subjects in which he secured the highest mark.

When he was asked to play some instruments and sing a song, he seemed unable to play anything in tune.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also filed a money laundering case against four principals in connection with the scam.

Last year, scam in the Bihar Board landed the state government in the dock of embarrassment after topper Ruby Rai who secured 444, marks out of 500 in the arts stream was not even able to answer basic questions related to her subjects.
New Delhi: Alia Bhat is known for her versatile performances and good acting chops. The 24-year-old actress has never shied away from difficult roles and has always given remarkable performances.

Recently the news of Alia starring in Meghna Gulzar's next opposite Vicky Kaushal was making the rounds.

According to the latest buzz Alia will probably be playing the role of a Kashmiri girl, who is married to an army officer.

The movie is supposed to be a thriller that revolves around the life of the Kashmiri woman (Alia)

Alia was last seen in 'Dear Zindagi', a critically acclaimed film and her performance was praised by all.
New Delhi: With Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone already hoping India doesn't "wreck" an upcoming remake of his iconic actioner "Rambo", the Hindi film's director Siddharth Anand is confident of delivering an impactful punch with it. He says he's going all out to make the world to sit up and see what India can do with action and emotions.

The brawny and rugged look of actor Tiger Shroff on the Rambo remake's poster -- unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival last month -- drew eyeballs. Siddharth is only hopeful the team lives up to the expectations.

"Rambo is a global icon. When we launched the film in Cannes, we realised the magnanamity of the character. When we spoke to journalists from across the world, they all were very enthused and keen to know what we will do with it, because it's a much-loved character," the director told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"It's a character that resonates in every part of the world. We know there will be a lot of fans and detractors -- watching it with a keen eye. It has the potential to reach out to people across the globe, and we are aiming to make a film that's world class in action and emotion," he said.

"I'm competing on a global level. I do not just want to make a film that's iconic only in India. I want the world to sit up and see what India can do with action and emotions," Siddharth added.

This is Siddharth's second remake after he officially adapted Hollywood film Knight and Day and made Bang Bang!. Before that, he had helmed romantic dramas like Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Bachna Ae Haseeno and Anjaana Anjaani.

"I suddenly switched to action and took to it like fish takes to water. I really enjoyed the thrill of what I could bring to screen, the kind of action we did in 'Bang Bang!'. I was wanting to take it further, and what better character than Rambo," he explained, adding how crucial it was to give "Rambo" an Indian hook.

"Just because you have a brand like 'Rambo', it might get people into theatres but it won't bring them back. That's what I need to do -- bring up an emotional connect more than the action in it."

The original film series is about John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam War veteran and former US Army Special Forces soldier. For the desi remake, there had to be a "complete overhaul" with ths script.

"India doesn't have that history, so obviously there had to be a major adaptation in the sense of character, story and setting. That's why the project has taken two years. We have taken the mythology of Rambo forward and that's what we are playing on... More than remaking it," he said.

Is the setting then about India and Pakistan?

"That would be the first thing that will come to people's mind, but it's not," said Siddharth, who has co-written the project with Sagar Pandya.

What he knows is "opinions about the film will be very polarised" -- just as they were when Tiger was announced as the actor who will fill Stallone's big shoes.

"There will be fans of the film and then those who will be agnostic about it that there shouldn't be a remake... Or there will be both sides who will be waiting to see what we do. So in all ways, we have immense pressure to satisy both haters and lovers -- that's the challenge," Siddharth said.

"Also, I feel you have to bring your own take when you do a remake. You should have your voice heard with it. 'Rambo' will have my voice, the way I see an issue prevailing in our country and which is what the character is fighting for."

"I am excited about getting that out. People think 'Rambo' is just another mindless action film, but it's not."

Siddharth hopes the movie goes on floors in February 2018, and is ready in time for a release towards the end of next year. What about the budget?

"We are clear in ambition, we have a target in sight, and we're going all out," he said.
New Delhi: A court here on Monday sent to judicial custody till June 17 an army officer and a middleman arrested in connection with a transfer racket at the Army headquarters here.

Special CBI Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra sent Lt. Col Ranganathan Suvramani Moni, posted in the Personnel Department, and Gaurav Kohli to custody after the Central Bureau of Investigation said the duo were not required for further custodial interrogation.

Moni was arrested along with Kohli from thhe former's residence here following a tip-off.

The two were produced before the court after the expiry of their three-day CBI custody. Kohli also filed bail plea stating that since he was not required for a further probe, he should be released on bail.

The court will hear the application on June 9.

CBI said Moni and Kohli took a bribe for the transfer of a Bengaluru-based Army officer to a choice posting.

CBI teams conducted raids on the premises of the accused and others at over 10 places in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram and seized Rs 10 lakh and several incriminating documents, said the investigating agency.

The agency said both were arrested when Kohli visited Moni's house to deliver him Rs 2 lakh, a part of the Rs 5 lakh bribe, for the transfer of Army officer S. Subhas.

"With their arrest, the CBI has busted a transfer racket in the Army Headquarters here that involved manipulation of Army postings in lieu of illegal gratification," the CBI said.

Besides Moni and Kohli, the CBI has registered an FIR against a Secunderabad-based Army officer Purushottam, S. Subhas and other unnamed persons for criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Moni was commissioned in the Army in August 1994 and was posted at the Army Headquarters since August 2015. He belongs to Thiruvananthapuram.
By Press Trust of India: London, Jun 5 (PTI) Technology giants, under intense pressure after the British Prime Minister accused them of providing a "safe space" for terrorist ideology, today defended their handling of extremist content following the London terror attack.

Speaking outside Downing Street yesterday, Prime Minister Theresa May said: "We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed.

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"Yet that is precisely what the internet, and the big companies... provide," she said.

Her terse statement came after three Islamist men carried out a knife and van attack in central London, killing at least seven people and injuring 48 others. The Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

British Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said tech companies needed to tackle extremist content, in a similar way to how they had removed indecent images of children.

"We know it can be done and we know the internet companies want to do it," she told the BBC.

Islamism-inspired terrorism remains the principal terrorism threat to both the United Kingdom and British interests overseas, a report that studied terror-related convictions in the country had said in March.

The study by the Henry Jackson Society had warned that Half of Britains jihadists are now radicalised online.

Amidst intensifying pressure, Google said it had already spent hundreds of millions of pounds on tackling the problem of extremist content online.

Facebook and Twitter said they were working hard to rid their networks of terrorist activity and support.

Google, which owns Youtube, along with Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, and Twitter were among the tech companies already facing pressure to tackle extremist content.

Google said it had invested heavily to fight abuse on its platforms and was already working on an "international forum to accelerate and strengthen our existing work in this area".

Google added that it shared "the governments commitment to ensuring terrorists do not have a voice online".

Facebook said: "Using a combination of technology and human review, we work aggressively to remove terrorist content from our platform as soon as we become aware of it - and if we become aware of an emergency involving imminent harm to someones safety, we notify law enforcement."

Meanwhile, Twitter said "terrorist content has no place on" its platform.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said yesterday that tech firms needed to take down extremist content and limit the amount of end-to-end encryption that terrorists can use.

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End-to-end encryption renders messages unreadable if they are intercepted, for example by criminals or law enforcement.

The Open Rights Group, which campaigns for privacy and free speech online, warned that politicians risked pushing terrorists "vile networks" into the "darker corners of the web" by more regulation.

The way that supporters of jihadist groups use social media has changed "despite what the prime minister says", according to Dr Shiraz Maher of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) at Kings College London.

They have "moved to more clandestine methods", with encrypted messaging app Telegram the primary platform, Dr Maher said.

Dr Julia Rushchenko, a London-based research fellow at the Henry Jackson Centre for Radicalisation and Terrorism, said that more could be done by tech giants to root out such content.

She felt that the companies erred on the side of privacy, not security. "We all know that social media companies have been a very helpful tool for hate preachers and for extremists," Dr Rushchenko said.

Simon Howard, chief executive of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association, said: "Well need all the technology companies to do a bit more and well have to decide what the UK legal framework in which they do that is." PTI AKJ AKJ

--- ENDS ---

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New Delhi: A Delhi Court has sought reply from Tihar Jail authorities following the plea of Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Yasin Bhatkal alleging physical harassment and human rights violation by jail authorities.

Bhatkal's plea also seeks a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in the matter.

The court has sought the reply by June 8.

Bhatkal in his plea alleged that he has been kept under double lock and in a segregated state from the past four months round the clock, due to which he has developed several illnesses including mental and psychological diseases.

The application also alleges that he was denied proper medication which was prescribed by the doctors.

Bhatkal has also blamed the authorities for bad quality food and in his plea he said that during Ramzan fasting, he did not get fruits, even with his own money.

He has also made corruption charges against the jail authorities.

The Patiala House Court earlier this week heard Bhatkal's plea challenging his solitary confinement in a high security cell of the Tihar Jail.

The court had on March 7 reserved its order in the plea and was to pass the order on Bhatkal's application on March 25.

Tihar Jail authorities in their reply told the court that there was no solitary cell in the jail, and added that Bhatkal was kept under surveillance as there are several cases pending against him.

Bhatkal has maintained that he can't be kept in a high security cell as per a Supreme Court ruling.

In the application moved by Bhatkal's counsel, it was stated that his client's solitary confinement amounted to a contempt of court.

Bhatkal was listed on the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Most Wanted list till his arrest on the India-Nepal border in Bihar on August 28, 2013.
New Delhi: Allaying concerns over US restricting number of visas from India, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Moidi will discuss the issue with President Donald Trump soon.

PM Modi is expected to meet President Trump during the G20 Summit in Hamburg in Germany early next month.

Swaraj said that the issuse of HIB visas will be taken up by PM Modii with President Trump when they would meet next month.

The issue of HIB visa has been a major concern in India, particularly among the students and the job seekers hoping to apply in the US.

Swaraj assured that there was no change in the status of HIB visas vis-avis India, since the the 2004 cap of 65,000 HIB visas still exists.

She also said that her ministry has simplified the rules for applying new passports and as a result there has been a substantiual increase in the number of applicants over the paste two years.

The ministry has also increased the number of passport centres in the country. Today, all the states in the northeast has a passport cantre, the minister said at a press conference here.
New Delhi: Five persons including a woman of Mangal Mahal gang have been arrested.

According to the police, sleuths of Special Cell arrested five persons including a woman of Mangeet Mahal gang and recovered arms, ammunition and a car.

"The accused are involved in 11 cases of murder, attempt to murder, and car theft," said police.
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday assured of action against officials and school teachers after completion of the probe in the Class 12 topper scam. He said teachers of those schools where no student passed the exam would be dismissed.



"We have already taken action against those guilty and no one will be spared. After the probe, officials from the Block Education Officer (BEO) to District Education Officer (DEO), school teachers and others will be punished for not fulfilling their duty," Nitish Kumar told newspersons here after his weekly Lok Samvad programme.



"Thosh karwai hogi sabhi ke khilaf jo jimmedar hain (tough action will be taken against all those responsible), yeh sab mahaa-manthan ke baaad jaldi hoga (this will be done after discussions)," he added.



The Chief Minister said his government will take tough action against teachers of the schools, where all students have failed in the Class 12 exams conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB). He admitted that irregularities were committed at thee home centres for the Class 12 exams.



Nitish Kumar said that some people have been indulging in acts that is damaging Bihar's image.



"Bihar ki chawi Bihar ke hi kuch log badnam karne ki koshish kar rahein hain (some people of Bihar are attempting to damage Bihar's image.) Lagatar apne rajya ki chawi ko bigadne mein lage hue hai (they are repeatedly trying to damage the state's image)", he added.



Earlier, Bihar Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh had said that in 654 schools all students had failed in the Class 12 exams.



"Teachers of all such schools will be dismissed within 15 days," said Nitish Kumar.



He said the government has succeeded in conducting cheating-free exams this year and managed to improve the education and examination system in the state.



"But some people have managed to damage our effort... It is a challenge for us," he added.



Nitish Kumar said he had ordered an FIR be filed soon after he was informed about this year's Class 12 Arts topper Ganesh Kumar, who fudged his age to appear in the exams.



The Chief Minister said he has asked top officials to prepare a detailed action plan for Class 10 and Class 12 in a bid to improve the education system.



Ganesh Kumar, a student of RNSJN Utkraamit Madhya Vidhyalaya in Samastipur district, was arrested on Friday evening and later sent to judicial custody for 14 days.



He was declared the topper of Class 12 Arts stream securing 82.6 per cent, but he stumbled over queries posed by the media on music in which he scored 65 out of 70 in practicals.



BSEB chairman Anand Kishore on Friday said Ganesh Kumar is 42-years-old and a father of two. The BSEB lodged an FIR against him after finding that he declared his age as 24 in the registration form to appear in the exams.



The BSEB has also served Ganesh Kumar a showcause notice, asking him to explain his stand in three days.



Ganesh Kumar passed Class 10 in 1990 from CRSR High School in Giridih, Jharkhand. He had then mentioned his age as 07-11-1975, and written his name as Ganesh Ram, son of Shankar Nath Ram.



In 2015, he fudged his age in order to take the Class 10 exam again in Samastipur. He changed his name from Ganesh Ram to Ganesh Kumar and gave his date of birth as 02-06-1993.


New Delhi: Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a beautiful sand sculpture with the message 'Keep Our Environment Plastic Free' on the occasion of World Environment Day.

Pattnaik's sand art at Versova beach in Mumbai, dedicated to our oceans, also reads Say No To Plastic, though which he appealed to all to keep the environment clean plastic free.

See his Pattnaik's brilliant art work below!

On #WorldEnvironmentDay Appeal to all "Keep our environment plastic free " my SandArt at #Versovabeach in #mumbai . pic.twitter.com/OO7vHSiej6  Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) June 5, 2017

The renowned san artist from Odisha presented his book on sand art to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis this morning.

He was awarded the Padma Shri by Government of India in 2014.
New Delhi: Today, the 5th of June is observed as World Environment Day, a day when people around the world turn their focus to protecting and cleaning up the planet.

World Environment Day (WED), which occurs on 5 June every year, is all about taking action and getting yourself involved physically to do something to help preserve nature and ecosystems. On this day, the United Nations encourages each one of us to take action for the protection of our environment.

This years theme for World Environment Day, is Connecting People to Nature, which reminds us of the intricate links between land, water, air and all living things.

WED also challenges us to leave a cleaner world for our children and grandchildren. Climate change is real - in fact, it is here. And it cannot be wished or voted away. That is why we need to take real, concrete action to address climate change, and to protect our clean air and water.

Millions of people around the globe celebrate the day by getting themselves involved in different activities - from neighbourhood clean-ups, to action against the illegal trade in wildlife, to replanting forests. And here are a few things you can do today to help protect or clean up the planet:

Try creating your own activity  a picnic, a hike, or a neighborhood clean up event.

Plant a tree  it's one of the best things you can do for the local environment and for the planet.

Encourage people to organise a litter pick ups, not only in their neighbourhoods but down at local beaches and in forests and woods.

Contribute to a science project using the app iNaturalist - Click here for more information on how to get involved.

Share photographs or videos of nature on social media using the hashtags #WorldEnvironmentDay or #WithNature.

Whether you live in a city or the countryside, in the invigorating chill of cold regions or the sultry heat of the tropics, do your bit today to help preserve as well as green the environment.
Ankara: Germany's foreign minister is meeting with his Turkish counterpart in an attempt to overcome an impasse over Turkey's refusal to allow German lawmakers visit troops stationed at a Turkish air base.

Turkey blocked the visit to Incirlik Air Base, angered by German authorities' decision to grant asylum to soldiers Turkey accuses of participating in last year's failed coup.

Germany is considering relocating to Jordan some 270 troops stationed at Incirlik with Tornado reconnaissance jets and a refueling plane, part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group.

Sigmar Gabriel is meeting with Turkey's Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on Monday.

Ties have also been soured by the jailing in Turkey of two German journalists and by German authorities banning planned campaign rallies by Turkish ministers earlier this year.
London: Three attackers drove a hired van into pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday night then ran into the bustling Borough Market area where they stabbed numerous people. Seven people were killed and 48 were taken to hospital.

The attack has once again shifted focus to Pakistan, as one of the attackers has turned out to be a jihadist of Pakistani origin.

The Metropolitan Police described Abz, a person of Pakistani origin, as a "jihadi" living next door.

As per The Sun, 27-year-old Abz was an ex-London Tube worker and a 'family man', who appeared on a Channel 4 TV documentary titled "The Jihadis Next Door" not too long ago and unfurled a jihadist flag in a park in an attempt to radicalise young kids.

He has now been identified by the police as the ringleader of Saturday's London Bridge and Borough Market terror attack.

At the time of his elimination within eight minutes of launching his attack, Abz was pictured wearing an Arsenal strip, reports the British daily.

Abz's identity was revealed through a former friend, who contacted the police about the terror thug's extremist views, and claimed that this father of two had gotten increasingly radicalised by watching twisted YouTube videos.

He said Abz had become brainwashed after watching clips of American hate preacher Ahmad Musa Jibril which was easily accessible on YouTube and is so even now.

This friend of Abz said that he phoned an anti-terror hotline and informed as to why he thought the former was radicalised.

In his view, the delay on the part of the law enforcement authorities to act on his information, promptly resulted in the knifing of bystanders and pub-goers and being caught in the crossfire.

Another friend of Abz described him as a person who was a bit shady and found him to be on drugs.

He, however, adds that when he became radicalised, all that changed. He used to ask neighbours whether they prayed or not etc.

Meanwhile, Frontpage Mag has quoted Ken Chigbo, 26, one of the neighbours of Abz, describing the attacker as "really sociable". He added that Abz had invited him to a barbecue just last week.

Another neighbour, Erica Gasparri, an Italian mother of three, claimed she had reported him to Barking police two years ago after he allegedly brainwashed her two children at a park.

She said the police later told her that the information had been passed to Scotland Yard.

Gasparri said: He was trying to radicalise the children, he would go down to the park and talk to them about Islam. He also came to the houses and gave the kids money and sweets during Ramadan.

"He told me he would do whatever is required in the name of Allah... I would be prepared to kill my mother."

Police carried out fresh raids and arrested "a number of people" on Monday after the Islamic State group claimed an attack by three men who mowed down and stabbed revellers in London, killing seven people before being shot dead by officers.

Saturday night`s rampage at a popular nightlife hub around London Bridge by men wearing fake suicide vests was the third deadly terror attack in Britain in less than three months and came only days before a general election.

Police said on Sunday they were holding 11 people, all arrested in raids on two addresses in Barking in suburban east London.

(With Agency inputs)
London: Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking re-election as a tough leader to take Britain through Brexit, but her "strong and stable" image is under close scrutiny after a string of terror attacks and campaign missteps ahead of Thursday`s vote.



May won praise in many quarters for her initial responses to the Manchester concert bombing and Saturday night`s rampage in London, which left seven people dead.



But by focusing much of her Conservative party`s campaign on her rival Jeremy Corbyn`s security credentials, she has faced accusations of politicising the attacks.



A U-turn on a key manifesto proposal to fund elderly social care was also damaging, while some voters also expressed irritation that she called the snap vote despite promising not to.



The election is May`s first since taking office after last year`s referendum vote to leave the European Union, when she replaced David Cameron with little opposition.



From the outset, the 60-year-old vicar`s daughter presented herself as a steady hand on the tiller.



Despite having campaigned to stay in the EU, she promised that "Brexit means Brexit" -- and in March, formally began the two-year process of leaving the bloc.



She promised to cut immigration and fight for those who feel left behind by globalisation, an approach that won her support from voters across the political spectrum.



But the election has exposed an awkward manner with the public and a reliance on soundbites.



Rivals have accused her of policy-making by slogan and lashed her for refusing to engage in head-to-head TV debates.



In a rare unscripted encounter with a voter that was filmed and went viral, May responded to a woman angry about welfare cuts with bland campaign slogans.



Other questions have swirled around the failure of the security services to thwart jihadists after three terror attacks in three months.



As the polls narrowed, some Tories questioned the wisdom of basing their party`s campaign around May`s "strong and stable leadership".



In the final stretch, the party slightly amended its messaging, focusing more on the Conservatives rather than May herself. A colleague once labelled May "a bloody difficult woman", a description she has highlighted to prove she will be tough in Brexit talks that begin after the election.



She has held up her past negotiations on security and home affairs with the EU as proof she can get things done.



But her anti-immigration rhetoric and a warning that she will walk away from the talks if she does not get the deal she wants have not always gone down well in European capitals.



After the row over social care, which followed a U-turn over taxation in the March budget, one interviewer said: "If I was sitting in Brussels... I`d think `she`s a blowhard who collapses at the first sign of gunfire`."



The care row shone a light on May`s habit of relying on a few trusted advisors, which saw even cabinet ministers excluded from discussion over parts of the Tory manifesto.



May, who has represented the wealthy London commuter seat of Maidenhead since 1997, says she does not "gossip about people over lunch", but "gets on with the job".As Britain`s second female prime minister, May is often compared to the first, Conservative "Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher -- but she has struck a markedly different tone.



She says government should be used to improve the lives of ordinary people, and her manifesto rejected "untrammelled free markets" and "the cult of selfish individualism".



May has never been afraid of challenging her party -- as Conservative chairwoman in 2002, she famously warned that the Tories were seen as "the nasty party".



But she insists there is no such thing as "Mayism", only "good, solid Conservatism".



The prime minister credits her outlook on life to her "very happy" childhood in a vicarage, where she was obliged to meet a variety of people from different walks of life.



She studied geography at the University of Oxford, before working in finance, including at the Bank of England.



She met her husband Philip, a banker, at university, after reportedly being introduced by future Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto.



Not long after their marriage, May`s vicar father died in a car accident, followed a year later by her mother, who had multiple sclerosis.



In 2013, May revealed she has type 1 diabetes but insisted it would not affect her career.



It was a question of "head down and getting on with it" -- a message she is hoping voters will heed on polling day.
Moscow: A Russian court on Monday found the former head of a Ukrainian library in Moscow guilty of "extremism" in a high-profile case critics labelled a political witchhunt.

Natalya Sharina, 59, was given a four-year suspended sentence for allegedly inciting ethnic hatred against Russians by stocking books by a banned Ukrainian nationalist writer, and for a separate embezzlement charge.

The lengthy case against Sharina -- who has been under house arrest since 2015 -- comes as relations between ex-Soviet neighbours Ukraine and Russia have collapsed over Moscow`s 2014 seizure of the Crimea peninsula and backing for a pro-Kremlin rebellion.

After the verdict Sharina -- who has been declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty international -- described her ordeal as a "political trial".

"Not one of the books cited were in the reading hall or our stocks," she told journalists. "The verdict has no basis in reality."

"This highly politicised case runs totally counter to justice, and highlights serious flaws in the independence of Russia`s judiciary," said Amnesty`s deputy director for Europe and Central Asia, Denis Krivosheev.

"The prosecution has exploited the highly charged anti-Ukrainian atmosphere that is prevalent in Russia at the moment," Krivosheev said in a statement.

Sharina was detained in October 2015 after works by extreme Ukrainian nationalist writer Dmytro Korchynsky were allegedly found during a search of the library.

Books by Korchynsky -- who took part in protests that ousted a pro-Russian Ukrainian leader in 2014 -- are banned by Moscow as "extremist" and "anti-Russian propagada".
From no tigers in 2009 to a saturation point where it can no longer support its tiger population, the Panna Tiger Reserve has had an amazing eight years.

From no tigers in 2009 to a saturation point where it can no longer support its tiger population, the Panna Tiger Reserve has come a long way in the intervening eight years. The 542 square kilometre expanse of forest is currently home to more than 30 tigers, a habitat under threat from the proposed Ken Betwa river link project. Tigers brought into the reserve as part of a source population, under the reintroduction programme initiated in 2009, have bred among themselves and reached these numbers.

Another conservation milestone was attained last week when Panna reported the birth of a third generation of tigers. Two tiger cubs were sighted in the Sarbhanga forests of Chitrakoot district in Uttar Pradesh, 125 km from the Panna reserve. The cubs, aged about five months, are said to be the offspring of a tigress from the Panna reserve assigned the call sign P213-22 and a tiger from the reserve who'd made the Sarbhanga forests their home. "The tigers in Chitrakoot are from the F2 generation. The birth of an F3 generation implies that a meta-population (distinct from the source population) is taking shape elsewhere in the landscape away from the area of the reserve. This is a good sign," said R. Sriniwas Murthy, former field director of Panna Tiger Reserve.

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Wildlife experts point out that tigers do wander out of their territories, but the moving out of a tigress from a territory it has grown up in suggests the habitat has reached saturation in terms of tiger numbers. Tigress P213-22 moved out of Panna to the Sarbhanga forests in 2015.

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: The CBI on Monday questioned former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and UPSC member Chattar Singh, who are facing charges of irregularities in allotment of plots in Panchkula district.



According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials, Hooda and Singh were summoned by the agency sleuths to appear before it.



It is for the second time that Hooda has been quizzed in the case, relating to allotment of 14 industrial plots, in which he is accused of releasing the orders of plot allotment while he was Chief Minister and HUDA Chairman.



Earlier, Hooda was questioned on May 8.



The CBI had earlier also questioned the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) member, who was the then Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. The case was registered by the agency in May 2016.



In its FIR, the CBI mentioned that industrial plots were given to 14 people by allegedly manipulating certain provisions of allotment which included allowing them to submit their applications even after the last date of submission ended.



Beside Hooda, others named in the FIR included retired IAS officer DPS Nagal, SC Kansal and BB Taneja.
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday carried out searches at the residence of Prannoy Roy, the co-founder and executive co-chairperson of New Delhi Television (NDTV) channel, in New Delhi, Dehradun, and Mussoorie for allegedly hiding a share transaction from the SEBI and causing a loss to a private bank.

The NDTV in a statement termed the move as a "witch-hunt" based on "same old" false accusations.

The searches took place at two locations in Delhi and one each in Dehradun and Mussoorie.

The CBI has registered a case against Prannoy Roy, his wife Radhika and RRPR Holdings Pvt Limited for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 48 crore to ICICI Bank, CBI sources said.

Also, a case has been filed against unidentified officials of ICICI Bank of criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption.

RRPR Holdings had allegedly taken a loan of Rs 500 crore from India Bulls Private Limited to purchase 20 percent shares of NDTV from the public.

The CBI has alleged that RRPR Holdings took a loan of Rs 375 crore at the rate of 19 percent per annum from ICICI Bank to repay the borrowing from India Bulls.

The promoters of NDTV pledged their entire shareholding in NDTV as a collateral to ICICI for this loan, it alleged.

This pledging of shares was not reported to the SEBI, stock exchanges and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, according to the CBI.

Such concealment was allegedly done as a creation of more than 61 percent voting capital which was in violation of Section 19 (2) of the Banking Regulation Act. It should not be more than 30 percent, the agency said.

An interest waiver of 10 percent was given by ICICI.

According to the Act, "No banking company shall hold shares in any company, whether as pledgee, mortgagee or absolute owner, of an amount exceeding thirty percent. Of the paid-up share capital of that company or thirty percent. Of its own paid-up share capital and reserves, whichever is less.

"Provided that any banking company which is on the date of the commencement of this Act holding any shares in contravention of the provisions of this sub-section shall not be liable to any penalty therefore if it reports the matter without delay to the Reserve Bank and if it brings its holding of shares into conform?ity with the said provisions within such period, not exceeding two years, as the Reserve Bank may think fit to allow," it said.

The FIR said that a loss of Rs 48 crore was caused to ICICI bank and consequent gain by RRPR.

In a statement, the NDTV said: This morning, the CBI stepped up the concerted harassment of NDTV and its promoters based on the same old endless false accusations."

It said NDTV and its promoters would fight tirelessly against this witch-hunt by multiple agencies.

"We will not succumb to these attempts to blatantly undermine democracy and free speech in India. We have one message to those who are trying to destroy the institutions of India and everything it stands for: we will fight for our country and overcome these forces," it said.

The CBI spokesperson strongly denied the witch-hunt allegations levelled by NDTV and said the agency was following procedures laid in the law.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said there was no political interference in the CBI raids on Roy's properties and the law was taking its course.

"If somebody does something wrong simply because they belong to media, you cannot expect the government to keep quiet," Naidu told reporters.

The officials were doing their duty and there is no political interference in this, he said, adding that media was free and independent in the country.

"The CBI might have received some information. That is why they have taken action," Naidu said.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy, who last year wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing NDTV of money laundering, told news agency ANI that fear of law is necessary.

"You cannot distinguish between media people, politicians, doctors, etc. If you have broken the law then you have broken the law. We have to develop respect for the law, and for that, we have to make it clear that nobody is above the law. Fear of the law is necessary and it will be applied no matter who you are," Swamy said.

"When all these high-profile people are raided, the common man feels that if such people can be the subject to prosecution then what will happen to them. People will automatically become honest," he added.

Swamy had earlier urged the PM to direct the CBI to file a case against NDTV under Prevention of Corruption Act.
Mumbai: The government is drafting a national policy for Ayush and hopes to launch it by October this year, Union minister Shripad Naik said here on Monday.

"The Centre is drafting a national policy for Ayush (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). The final draft policy is likely to be circulated among ministries and states by June before it makes its way to the Cabinet. The Ayush ministry is targeting to launch the final policy latest by October," the Minister of State for Ayush said here.

He was speaking while presenting the awards to ayurvedic practitioners organised by Sandu Pharmaceutical.

The key proposals of the policy will be to include ayurveda, unani, siddha and homeopathy under the universal health insurance scheme, which will enable integrating traditional systems of medicine into the public health system, Naik said.

"Besides, it will also focus on the need for creation of infrastructure, research facilities and regulation to streamline Ayush," he said.

The government also plans to promote India as a preferred Ayush destination on the global map and harness the potential of the traditional system of medicine for improving primary and preventive health care, the minister said.

"We will also set specific targets to be achieved within deadlines, bring regulation for education and research, as well as set standards for Ayush medicines and treatment," he said.

Taking traditional medicines to the international stage, India is expected to collaborate with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United States for research and development of Ayush.

"The UN agency has evinced keen interest in Ayush medicines and is slated to sign an agreement to this effect in Geneva soon," Naik added.
New Delhi: Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen A K Bhatt today told his Pakistani counterpart that any attempt by the Pakistan military to resort to unprovoked firings along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and abet infiltrators would be met with "appropriate retaliatory actions".

In their telephonic conversation, the two army commanders discussed the situation along the Line of Control which has witnessed increasing incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the last couple of months.

"DGMO Indian Army conveyed his commitment of ensuring peace and tranquility which is contingent on Pak Army's intentions and actions.

"If Pakistan Army continues to abet infiltrations and cause trans-LC firings, Indian Army will take appropriate retaliatory actions," the Army said in a statement, sharing details of the conversation between Bhatt and his Pakistani counterpart, Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza.

It said Lt Gen Bhatt highlighted cases of escalations of tension by the Pakistan Army during the conversation.

"On the issue raised by DGMO Pak Army regarding civilian killings, DGMO Indian Army conveyed that the Indian Army is a professional Army and will not harm civilians in any manner," the Indian Army said.

It said the request for the conversation was made by the Pakistan DGMO.
New Delhi: Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen A K Bhatt on Monday told his Pakistani counterpart that any attempt by the Pakistan military to resort to unprovoked firing along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and abet infiltrators would be met with "appropriate retaliatory actions".



A statement from the Indian Army on Monday said the Indian DGMO spoke to his Pakistani counterpart after a request by Pakistan, and discussed the current situation along the Line of Control.



"DGMO Indian Army conveyed his commitment to ensure peace and tranquility which is contingent on Pakistan Army's intentions and actions," the statement said.



"If Pakistan Army continues to abet infiltrations and cause cross LoC firing, the Indian Army would take appropriate retaliatory action," it said.



"Needless escalations" by the Pakistani side were highlighted.



When Pakistan raised the issue of civilian killings, the Indian DGMO said the Indian Army is a professional force which does not harm civilians in any manner.

"Indian Army is a professional Army and we will not harm civilians in any manner," Lt Gen Bhatt told his counterpart.

Director General Military Operations #IndianArmy speaks to his counterpart at 1030 Hrs today. pic.twitter.com/iZvzqay51Q  ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) June 5, 2017

This comes as tension continues to simmer along the India-Pakistan border, with several ceasefire violations being reported in recent months.



On June 1, a civilian was killed and two others, including a BSF trooper, were injured in firing exchanges between Pakistani and Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.



On the same day, Pakistan also summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad over fresh ceasefire violations on the Line of Control, claiming that one Pakistani civilian was killed.



Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had visited Jammu and Kashmir last week to review the security and also met state Governor NN Vohra to discuss the security situation.



(With IANS inputs)
Jerusalem: India and Israel have vowed to cooperate to combat the menace of terrorism and further deepen their bilateral relations ahead of the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jewish state next month.

The commitment to cooperate on tackling terrorism came during a meeting of Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare S S Ahluwalia and the speaker of Israeli parliament, Knesset, Yuli Edelstein.

The leaders said terrorism was a global menace afflicting countries around the world and, therefore, required closer cooperation.

They committed to "work together to combat the menace of terrorism" and exchanged ideas on the role of the parliament in building bilateral ties, especially vibrant democracies such as India and Israel.

Ahluwalia is leading a parliamentary delegation to Israel in the build up to the visit of Modi in July.

Modi's visit will be the first by an Indian prime minister to the Jewish nation and coincides with the establishment of 25 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Ahluwalia also visited Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Museum) in Jerusalem. He said "the museum is a living symbol of forbearance and a warning to future generations that such instances should never make their way into human history".

The museum was built in the memory of six million Jews, including about 1.5 million children, who perished under Nazi atrocities.

Ten other members of parliament drawn from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha belonging to nine different political parties received briefing on bilateral ties by the Political Director of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alon Ushpiz, who has served as Israel's envoy in New Delhi.

The delegation was taken on a tour to demonstrate various technological achievements made by Israel that has helped transform it into a developed state, despite a severe lack of natural resources.

The Indian parliamentarians also visited autonomous car technology firm, Mobileye, which was recently bought by Intel for more than USD 15 billion.

They were also introduced to the latest solutions for precision farming at the Kibbutz Naandan Jain, and visited Israel's largest water desalination plant at Sorek, south of Tel Aviv.
New Delhi: After President Donald Trump's not so favourable comments towards India over the Paris accord, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday asserted that there has been no dip in ties with Washington.

Asked if the comments are any indication of the relations with the Trump administration, she said, That's not true. India is a major defence partner of the US, and their engagement in Asia-Pacific is as robust as ever.

Trumnp had said that the Paris climate change accord unfairly advantaged India and China, and inclined to go back to the negotiationg table.

Swaraj said the two nations share mutually beneficial relationaship.

Our relationship with the Trump administration is same as we had with Obama's reign, she said at a press conference hereto present the yearly performance of her ministry.

She said there have been several high-level meetings with the Trump adminsitration, including recent visits by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and National Security Advisior Ajit Doval. There have been a lot of positive outcomes from the visits.

We are also in touch with the Congress and the Trump administration to build a strong bilateral relationship, she added.
New Delhi: Addressing a press conference on completion of three years of the Narendra Modi government, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday that Pakistan cannot take Kashmir to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and asserted that the issue must be resolved bilaterally.

India wants to settle all issues with Pakistan through dialogue, she said, but also made it amply clear that talks and terror cannot go together.

The EAM said there was no flip-flop on part of the government in handling Pakistan.

"Pakistan cannot take Kashmir issue to International Court of Justice. Kashmir issue can only be resolved bilaterally," she said, as per PTI.

She was replying to a question on reported remarks of Pakistani law officer that Islamabad will take the Kashmir issue to ICJ.

On possibility of PM Modi-Nawaz Sharif meeting at Astana SCO Summit, Swaraj said "nothing is fixed from both sides."

On the other hand, she said that India had been engaged in preserving environment for 5,000 years, dismissing US President Donald Trump's charges that it signed the Paris pact to get "billions and billions and billions" of dollars from developed nations.



"This is completely not true," Swaraj said about Trump's charges he made while announcing the US exit from the Paris deal last week.

She, however, said the American move on Paris climate agreement had not changed India-US ties.



"India signed the Paris agreement not because of any pressure on out of greed. We are committed to the environment and this commitment is 5,000 years old. We worship nature. It is in Indian ethos. I clearly dismiss both accusations," the EAM maintained.

On the proposed US cap on H-1B visas which could affect Indian professionals, the Minister said New Delhi was in talks with US Congress and Trump administration officials.



"Yes, the concern is there," she said, and added no changes have been made in the visa policy "as of now", as per IANS.



"There are amendments that cannot be made through executive orders," she asserted and denied that the proposed changes in the policy had affected India's relationship with the US.



The Minister said the ties between India and the US since Trump took charge were growing with the "same speed" as was the case when Barack Obama was the President.



"There has been no change (in the ties). We are moving forward as we were moving. We want to resolve all issues with Pakistan bilaterally but talks and terror cannot go together," the EAM said.
Beijing: China on Monday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's positive remarks in Russia about the ties between New Delhi and Beijing despite the simmering boundary dispute between the two neighbours.

"We have noted positive remarks made by Prime Minister Modi. We welcome that," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told media briefing here when asked about Modi's comments made during his visit to Russia last week.

At an economic forum in Russia on Saturday, Modi said that despite the contentious boundary issue between India and China, not a single bullet was fired on the border in the last 40 years.

Notably, China and India, which fought a war 1962, have a dragging border dispute.

Modi had also said that world has increasingly become inter-connected and inter-dependent, a transformation that has made it necessary for India and China to cooperate on trade and investments despite a simmering border dispute.

"It is true that we have a border dispute with China. But in the last 40 years, not a single bullet has been fired because of border dispute," Modi said speaking at a panel discussion at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Reacting to his remarks, Hua said, "We have been stressing that as two major countries China and India maintaining sound, steady and in-depth growth of the bilateral relationship is of great significance."

"Actually, leaders of the two countries pay great attention to the boundary question. Each time they meet they exchange views on this issue. Both sides have agreed that an early question of boundary question serves the interests of the both sides. It is also a strategic goal both sides are striving to achieve," she said.

Referring to the 19 rounds of boundary talks held by the special representatives of both sides, Hua said both sides have "taken serious measures to maintain peace and tranquillity of the border areas."

"The two sides will stick to the overall relationship of the bilateral relationship and deepen cooperation in relevant field so as to realise common development and bring more benefits of the people of both sides," she said.

"We believe that the sound and steady growth of the bilateral relationship will also bring more benefits to the whole region and the world at large," she added.

Modi's remarks as well as China's reaction comes in the backdrop of growing discord between the two countries over a host of issues including the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Beijing blocking India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group as well as the listing of JeM leader Masood Azhar a terrorist by UN.

Also, China claims India's Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet while New Delhi lays claims to Aksai Chin held by Beijing.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delh: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday reviewed the functioning of the National Security Guard (NSG) and took stock of many facets of the elite anti-terror force.

During the hour-long meeting, the home minister was given a detailed briefing on the working of the NSG by its Director General Sudhir Pratap Singh and other top officials.

Singh enquired about the preparedness of the NSG commandos, popularly known as 'Black Cat', to deal with exigencies or terror situation, official sources said.

The home minister was told that the training for the 'Black Cat' commandos was a continuous process and they were alert 24X7 to move swiftly to deal with any crisis or hostage-like situation, the sources said.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, senior officials of the home ministry attended the meeting.

The NSG was set up in 1984 as a federal contingency deployment force to tackle all facets of terrorism in the country.

Thus, the primary role of the force is to combat terrorism in whatever form it may assume in areas where activity of terrorists assumes serious proportions, and the state police and other central police forces cannot cope up with the situation.

The NSG is a force specially equipped and trained to deal with specific situations and is therefore, to be used only in exceptional situations.

The force is not designed to undertake the functions of the state police forces or other paramilitary forces of India.

The NSG is modelled on the pattern of the SAS of the UK and GSG-9 of Germany. It is a task-oriented force and has two complementary elements in the form of the Special

Action Group comprising Army personnel and the Special Ranger Groups, comprising personnel drawn from the central paramilitary forces/state police force.

All the personnel are on deputation.

The NSG commandos also provide security to a few dignitaries, including the home minister, former deputy prime minister L K Advani, former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal besides others.

The NSG was highly appreciated for eliminating the 10 terrorists who carry out terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.

The NSG's headquarters is in New Delhi while the training facility is located on the outskirts of the national capital.

After 26/11 attacks, the central government had set up four regional hubs of the NSG in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata to reduce reaction time.

A regional centre at Hyderabad is also being raised.
By Press Trust of India: Chennai, Jun 5 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu Assembly will meet for its next session on June 14.

Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has summoned the Assembly to meet at 10 AM on June 14, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretary (in-charge) K Boopathy said in a release.

The session is likely to witness the debate on grants for various departments.

advertisement

The state government is also likely to move the Tamil Nadu Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017, draft for which has already been approved by the state cabinet.

Finance Minister D Jayakumar had last week said the government will "very soon" introduce the bill in the Assembly for consideration and passage.

The governments announcement on convening of the state assembly comes amid persistent demand from main opposition party DMK in this regard to debate the grants for various departments. PTI SA BN MVV

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: A special court on Monday sent a Lieutenant Colonel and an alleged middleman to judicial custody till June 17 in connection with a transfer racket at the Army headquarters here in which officers allegedly paid lakhs of rupees to manipulate their postings.

Special CBI Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra sent Lt Col Ranganathan Suvramani Moni, posted to the personnel division of the Army, and Gaurav Kohli to custody after the Central Bureau of Investigation submitted they were not required for further custodial interrogation.

The two were produced before the court after the expiry of their three-day CBI custody.

Kohli, meanwhile, moved a bail plea submitting that since he was not required for a further probe, he should be released on bail.

The court will hear the application on June 9.

During the proceedings, Public prosecutor Amit Kumar told the court the CBI had taken the voice samples of the two and conducted searches at the premises of some others in relation to the case.

According to the CBI, an FIR was registered against Moni, a Hyderabad-based Army officer identified only as Purshottam, Bengaluru-based barracks and stores officer (BSO) S Subhas and Kohli for various offences including criminal conspiracy and corruption.

The bribe was paid through hawala channels, the CBI said in its FIR.

It alleged Moni entered into a criminal conspiracy with Kohli and Purshottam, posted to the engineer stores department, for influencing the transfer of various officers.

Purshottam allegedly contacted army officers who were either posted to different field formations or faced a transfer and wanted to be posted to a preferred location.

He used to contact Kohli, who was allegedly close to senior officers in the personnel division of the Army headquarters here, and used these contacts on the transfers of Army officers for money, the FIR said.

It claimed Purshottam requested Kohli to pursue the posting of one D S R K Reddy and Subhas in exchange for a bribe. Both wanted to be posted from Bengaluru to Secunderabad or Visakhapatnam.

Moni assured Subhas that he would get him transferred through senior officers in the Army headquarters against payment, it claimed.

Subhas allegedly delivered Rs 5 lakh as bribe to Kohli through hawala operators.
Srinagar: Four terrorists were killed on Monday as they attempted to carry out a suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The heavily-armed terrorists lobbed grenades at the CRPF`s 45 Battalion camp in north Kashmir`s Sumbal region at around 4:35 am followed by heavy firing.

A police official said said the firing was retaliated by the guards even as police reinforcement was rushed to the scene of gun battle.

"The fidayeen militants kept firing as they tried to enter the camp. The attack was effectively repulsed by the CRPF sentry and Sumbal Police," CRPF Deputy Inspector General M Dinakaran told news agency IANS.

Luckily, no loss was reported from the CRPF side, he added.

Meanwhile, CRPF Inspector General (IG) Ravideep Singh Sahi told reporters the terrorists hurled grenades and used heavy volume of automatic gunfire to enter the camp around 4.35 am.

The four terrorists, who were foreigners, were engaged in a gunfight which lasted for nearly an hour. The exact identity of the attackers is being established.

"The alert sentries were joined by Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel in immediate retaliation. The four terrorists, who were foreigners, although their exact identity is being established, were engaged in a gunfight that lasted nearly an hour," Sahi said.

"They were neutralised 10-15 yards away from the camp's fencing," he added.

The CRPF camp in Sumbal town is 34 km away from Srinagar.

Several weapons have been recovered along with the bodies of four militants, whose identity is yet to be established, Dinakaran said.

Four AK-47 rifles, one UBGL (Underbarrel Grenade Launcher), over a dozen grenades and a huge cache of ammunition have also been seized, the official added.

#WATCH Four terrorists killed as they attack 45 Bn CRPF camp at Sumbal in Bandipora district of J&K (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/crnIB2BeuM  ANI (@ANI_news) June 5, 2017

Confirming the incident, J&K DGP Shesh Paul Vaid tweeted:

45 Bn @crpfindia / @JmuKmrPolice killed 4 terrorists at Sumbal #Bandipore who were attempting suicidal attack on CRPF camp. #JaiHind  Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) June 5, 2017

AKs and huge quantity of grenades recovered. I compliment the alertness of CRPF & J&K Policemen. pic.twitter.com/Uz6Zi6PpS4 June 5, 2017

The Sumbal camp of the CRPF is the headquarters of the 45th battalion which was headed by Chetan Kumar Cheeta, who survived despite taking nine bullets while fighting militants in Bandipora in 2016.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday hailed the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police for their alertness and "unmatched courage" in foiling an early morning suicide attack on a CRPF camp in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.



"The CRPF jawans and Jammu and Kashmir police showed exemplary courage and valour by thwarting the terrorists` attempt to enter the camp and in successfully eliminating all the terrorists," Rajnath Singh said in a statement.



"The nation salutes and I congratulate the 45th battalion of CRPF in particular, and the entire force of CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police for their alertness and unmatched courage," he added.



A major haul of arms and ammunition, including grenades, explosives and automatic weapons, were made from the killed terrorists.



Lauding the joint effort of Central Reserve Police Force and J&K police, Singh said: "It is inspiring to see the CRPF jawans staying awake all night and maintaining tight vigil and to see Jammu and Kashmir police jawans coming to CRPF assistance quickly. Their joint efforts have brought glory to our forces."



He hailed the troopers, Commandant Iqbal Ahmad, company commanders Shankarlal Jat and Pankaj Hallu, Guard Commander Shri Pankaj Kumar and Constables K. Dinesh Raja and Praful Kumar, and "all the brave officers and jawans posted at Sumbal camp" for their "alertness and unmatched bravery".



The CRPF foiled an early morning suicide attack on one of its camps in Bandipora district, killing the four heavily armed militants.
Srinagar: Authorities today prevented separatists from holding a meeting at residence of hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Hurriyat Conference, placing several leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest.

A posse of police personnel were posted outside Geelani's residence at Hyderpora where the separatists leaders were to hold a meeting and later address a press conference, a police official said.

He said no one was allowed to enter Geelani's residence.

"Mirwaiz has once again been put under arrest since late last evening. He was to attend the joint resistance meeting at veteran leader Geelani's residence today," a Hurriyat spokesman said.

"The anti-Kashmiri state resorted to its usual tactic of curbing the leadership, once again showing that Kashmir is ruled by the forces' might," he added.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody and lodged at a police station here.

The meeting was convened by the separatists to discuss the NIA raids on several of their second rung leaders as part of crackdown on funding street protests and businessmen suspected of carrying out hawala operations.
Mumbai: A non-governmental organisation led by Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra is all set to adopt 208 farmer families, whose sole bread winners have committed suicide owing to agrarian crisis in the region.

This Foundation known as Padma Bhushan Dr Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil will be launched on June 15 and has decided to adopt distressed farmer families from Ahmednagar district, its Chief Executive Officer Sujay Vikhe Patil said.

Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, a former Union minister was a visionary and engaged in several social works. The veteran Congressman's son Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil is presently Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly. He has served as the Agriculture minister in the previous Congress-NCP regime.

The initiative will commence on his birthday (June 15), Sujay said adding various social programs are organised every year on the occasion.

The Foundation will provide aide to the wife, parents and children of 208 farmer families in Ahmednagar district, he said.

It will take care of education, marriage and health-care needs of these families. It will also try to provide a source of income by supporting the family to start a business or secure a job, he said.

These are families that are already covered under some government scheme. "However, we conducted a survey in the last two months across the district and realised that the state government's aide was insufficient. Hence we decided to chip in and fill the gap," he said.

On Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil's absence from the farmers' stir scene, Sujay said, "My father got injured during the last phase of the Sangharsh Yatra, organised by Congress and NCP across the state.

Doctors have advised him to avoid any stress and movement for sometime. Hence, he can not participate personally but he has extended his support to the farmers' cause."
Puducherry: Lt Governor Kiran Bedi on Monday hit out at Chief Minister V Narayanasamy for his remark that the LG should not act beyond mandate, asking if he wanted a rubber stamp or a responsible administrator.

Puducherry needed justice, integrity and good governance, said Bedi who has been at loggerheads with the Congress government here on certain issues

The former IPS officer and the territorial government are locked in a cold war over various matters since she assumed office in May last year.

In January this year, Congress and DMK MLAs demanded that the Centre recall Bedi accusing her having a "dictatorial" style of functioning which bypassed the elected legislature.

Bedi had last month met Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and apprised him of the "constraints" she faced in serving the Union Territory.

Last year, Bedi had threatened to quit and leave the Union Territory if there was no improvement in the situation.

Naryanasamy had yesterday said the chief minister, minister and MLAs have specified authorities and one should not interfere in another's authority.

Today Bedi said the "chief minister desired a Lt Governor who is a mere endorser and a person who may let wrongs happen even when people are suffering injustice".

"He wants a Lt Governor who is just an onlooker and passes time and enjoys benefits of expensive establishment called Raj Nivas without meeting people or questioning officers and would do what he tells even in writing," she said in a Whatsapp message in a group comprising media persons and eminent personalities.

"People are crying for justice, students and parents are crying for admissions as per the orders of Government of India and higher judiciary," she said, asking who would hear them and speak for them.

She said Raj Nivas was now becoming their last hope.

"Does he want a rubber stamp or a responsible administrator," she said.

Bedi has already launched the official website of Raj Nivas and said she wants to make it a bridge between the people and various departments for redressal of grievances.

Narayanasamy has last week criticised Bedi for her directions to officials involved in the ongoing counselling process for post-graduate medical courses and accused her of adopting a "misleading approach" on the matter.

Making a statement in the state Assembly on June 2, he alleged that Bedi was criticising ministers and officials on social media and that she should stop making "derogatory remarks".

Bedi had on May 30 conducted a surprise inspection of the counselling process by the Centralised Admission Committee here and directed officials to ensure 50 per cent of seats available under government quota were filled and not given to private colleges or under all-India quota.
New Delhi: Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy on Monday travelled in the Delhi Metro, including its recently opened heritage corridor, and hailed the mass rapid transit facility as one of the best in the world.

Roy, 72, incidentally is a trained engineer and was part of the pioneering team that created the Calcutta Metro.

"He took a ride in the metro, and was all praises for it. The Governor boarded a train from Central Secretariat Metro Station and travelled all the way up to the Kashmere Gate Metro Station.

"In between, he got down at Lal Quila Metro Station and stepped out to see the design of the structure, as also the bustling Old Delhi the metro line enters into," a senior protocol officer told PTI.

The Governor also spent some time at the new Kashmere Gate Metro Station of the recently inaugurated heritage corridor of the Violet Line service and saw the exhibits on the area's history, put up there.

"He then returned through the Violet Line service and got down at Mandi House Metro Station on way to a press interaction at the Metro Bhawan," he said.

"Though, I am now on in a different profession, but deep within still a 'metro man'. I enjoyed the ride very much.

"Delhi Metro is something that we all are very proud of. I have seen metros in foreign countries too, but this is one of the best," Roy was quoted as saying by the senior officer.

The senior official said it was his first visit to the Delhi Metro. Roy was accompanied by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Mangu Singh during the visit.

"The Governor arrived here Sunday evening and is expected to meet some senior government officials in Delhi. On June 7, he is scheduled to go to Chandigarh, after which he will return home via Delhi," he said.

Violet Line of the DMRC network stretched for about 36 km from ITO metro station to Escorts Mujesar station, up until late last month, when the 5.17-km-long corridor was launched from ITO station to Kashmere Gate metro station.

The three new stations- Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid and Red Fort on this heritage corridor take the Delhi Metro into the heart of Shajehanabad, once the seat of the Mughal empire.
New Delhi: The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that parents of a youth, who was killed in a road rage in 2011 in Manipur involving the son of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, will be provided security by the state government.

The state government also informed the apex court that the parents of victim Irom Roger would be provided round-the- clock security by Manipur Rifles at their residences.

Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh told the vacation bench of Justice Deepak Gupta that an affidavit has been filed by the state government stating that orders have already been issued to provide round the clock security to Irom Chitra Devi and Irom Lokendra Singh.

He said even advocate Utsav Bains, who is pursuing the case in Manipur High Court on behalf of the victim's parents, will also be provided security if he visits Imphal in connection with the case and added that on June 3, an order in this regard was issued by the Inspector General of Police.

In an affidavit filed before the apex court, Manipur Chief Secretary O Nabakishore Singh denied the allegation that at the instance of the chief minister, the administration including police were obstructing the Iroms from approaching the high court to challenge the conviction of Ajay Meetai for lesser offence of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The ASG also said that the five allegations, including that the chief minister was abusing his official positions to obstruct the parents from approaching court, have been found to be false.

The Manipur Chief Secretary in his affidavit said that the allegations levelled that administration was acting in "high-handed and arbitrary manner" was meant "solely to malign" the chief minister.

On May 29, the apex court asked the Centre to consider giving security cover to the parents of the youth.

The Manipur government had told the court that it does not have any problem in providing security to the parents of the youth who have alleged that they feared for their lives.

Meetai, son of the chief minister, has been awarded a five-year jail term under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC for firing at Roger on March 20, 2011, and killing him.

The incident had occurred after Roger had allegedly not allowed Meetai to overtake him in his SUV which had irked the chief minister's son.

Advocate Kamini Jaiswal, appearing, for Roger's parents of victim had earlier said that no one from Manipur has dared to file an appeal in the high court against the five-year jail term awarded to Meetai.

She had alleged that advocate Utsav Bains has also received threats from Ultra groups after he started pursuing the case.

The apex court had on May 22 sought response from the Centre and the state on the plea of parents of youth who also alleged that they are being threatened and family members are being allegedly implicated in cases.

The apex court had not issued any notice to the chief minister and others in the case as sought.

The parents have sought directions "to provide security for the safety of the life and liberty of petitioners and their family members against any kind of threat and victimisation for their peaceful stay throughout India."

They have also sought a direction for an independent probe by a central agency on the ground that the state police was working at the behest of the convict.

"In January, the petitioners (parents) approached several lawyers in the high court of Manipur at Imphal, to file an appeal against the judgement of the sessions judge, Imphal (West), but all the lawyers they approached, refused to represent them due to the influence and clout of the Respondent No 3 (CM), more so, in view of the fact that nobody could dare to stand-up against the chief minister, home minister of the State," the plea said.

The petition referred to the fact that the convict, who was sentenced to five-year-jail term in 2011, is still serving the imprisonment which proves that he has been out of jail for a considerable period during the trial.
Mumbai: A prank played on Shah Rukh Khan apparently went completely wrong! A video of the Bollywood superstar stuck in a muddy pit in the deserts of Dubai has surfaced online.

In the video we can see a lady (presumably a part of the show Ramez Underground hosted by Egyptian comedian Ramez Galal) and SRK trying to get out of the pit.

The lady screams in fear after their car plunges into the quicksand-like pit. The vehicle gradually sinks leaving the lady paranoid. She clings to SRK who looks unfazed by the dangerous situation. He ensures the lady with him is safe but thats when a Komodo dragon moves dangerously close to them.

Within a few seconds, Galal (dressed as the dragon) unveils himself. This leaves SRK completely miffed. The anchor apologises to SRK for the dirty prank but the Badshah of Bollywood is in no mood to forgive him. He almost roughs up Galal for the bizarre prank and asks him to stay away from him.

Watch the video embedded below:

King Khan was in Dubai for a promotional event and had even posed for a picture with Galal. However, it is not very clear if the photograph was clicked before or after the prank.

  

     # #__ pic.twitter.com/50q3Ot3tsq  Ramez Galal (@ramezgalal) 2 June 2017

Moreover, it is unclear if the whole prank was scripted!
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) The telecom regulator Trai today launched a new app that would enable subscribers to rate the quality of a phone call.

The new MyCall app, along with updated and enhanced versions of MySpeed app and Do Not Disturb app are amongst a slew of web initiatives unveiled by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today.

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"As the mobile subscriber base increases, it is important that we continue to get feedback from the customers. The MyCall app will enable mobile phone users to rate their experience about call quality and help Trai gather data on a real time basis," Trai chairman RS Sharma said.

After a call ends, the Android app allows users to select their rating and indicate whether the call was made indoor, outdoor or while travelling.

Subscribers can also provide additional details such as noise or audio delay and mark a call drop, if they believe that is how the call got terminated.

The government and the regulator have been keeping a vigil on the issue of call drops through initiatives like drive tests and automated call systems.

Last year, when instances of call drops spiked, the government and the regulator made a co-ordinated effort to tackle the issue through deliberations with the industry.

Asked about the action being proposed by the regulator based on the data gathered from the app, Sharma said the application would bring transparency on service quality of different operators in various locations.

"Action will depend on the data...We are not talking of any penalty at this point," Sharma said responding to a specific query on this regard.

Meanwhile, Trai has also rolled out an update to its MySpeed app, which allows customers to measure 3G/4G data speeds and send the results to the regulator. The new version will enable the regulator to obtain test data from users in all service areas, and will be free of any charge.

Trai has also upgraded its Do Not Disturb app with new features like an intelligent spam detection engine as well as updates about action taken on complaints within the app.

"We are trying to leverage technology in a number of initiatives to reflect the true picture of services," Sharma said.

At present, there is a framework for DND registry that allows telecom subscribers to block unwanted communication from pesky telemarketers. Reaching out to such subscribers can result in a heavy fine for telemarketers. The new version now adds fresh features to the app.

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In addition, the regulator has launched a service providers portal for the broadcasting space. The portal will harness IT to create consolidated database of service providers of broadcasting and cable sectors. PTI MBI SBT

--- ENDS ---
Jaipur: Five Pakistani nationals were detained in Barmer district of Rajasthan for violating visa norms.

Khojo Bhil (60), Chandu Bhil (75), his wife Dhai Bai Bhil (70), and two minors -- Naresh Bhil (10) and Dharmi Bai (12) -- had a visa for Jodhpur but travelled to Barmer.

They were detained from Gadra road railway station in the district when they were waiting for a train to Jodhpur yesterday.

Khojo and Naresh came to Jodhpur some two years ago and the other three entered India around 20 days back, SHO Gadra road police station Karan Singh said. They were staying at their relatives' house in Barmer for two days.

The place where they stayed is restricted for foreigners, the SHO said.

They are being interrogated by intelligence agencies.

Barmer is among four districts in western Rajasthan which lies along the border with Pakistan.
Washington: The US space agency NASA has postponed the launch of a sounding rocket which will release blue-green and red artificial clouds till until June 11, 2017.

The Sunday launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility was scrubbed due to clouds impacting the ability to test the new ampoule ejection system designed to support studies of the ionosphere and aurora.

According to NASA,"While the launch window runs through June 6, forecast weather is not conducive for supporting the test mission through the remainder of the window. The launch is now scheduled for not earlier than June 11, pending range availability."

The rocket will eject 10 canisters about the size of a soft drink can between 10 to 20 km from the rocket's main payload, and these containers will release the vapour between 4 and 5.5 minutes after launch.

These clouds or vapour tracers allow scientists on the ground to visually track particle motions in space.

The development of the multi-canister or ampule ejection system will allow scientists to gather information over a much larger area than previously allowed when deploying the vapour just from the main payload.

Ground cameras will be stationed at Wallops and in Duck, North Carolina, to view the vapour tracers. Clear skies are required at one of the two ground stations for this test.

The June 4 launch attempt was the fourth for this mission. While the first two attempts were scrubbed due to winds and clouds, the third attempt was aborted due to boats in the launch hazard area.

(With IANS inputs)
New Delhi: SpaceX's first reused spaceship Dragon cargo capsule has arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday, June 5, 2017.

The refurbished spaceship was launched into the space aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on June 3, 2017 at 5:07 pm (2107 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Live images on NASA television showed the spaceship approaching the orbiting outpost, then being grabbed with the station's robotic arm at 9:52am (1352 GMT or 7:22pm IST).

"Capture complete," said NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who operated the robotic arm from inside the station.

Dragon cargo capsule is carrying almost 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms) of science research, crew supplies and hardware.

The spaceship was originally flown on SpaceX's fourth resupply mission in 2014.

Its arrival makes it the first US spaceship to return to the space station since the American space shuttle program ended in 2011.

The latest mission is SpaceX's 11th cargo resupply trip to the ISS under a $1.6 billion contract with NASA.

"We also want to note the special significance of SpaceX 11, which if we followed the naming convention of the artist Prince, could be called 'The SpaceX formerly known as SpaceX 4,'" quipped NASA astronaut Jack Fischer quipped as he spoke to mission control in Houston.

He said,"We have a new generation of vehicles now, led by commercial partners like SpaceX, as they build the infrastructure that will carry us into the future of exploration."

He added,"Now we'd better get back to work. We have a lot of stuff to unload."

SpaceX is working on a version of its Dragon capsule that will carry crew to the space station, perhaps as early as next year.

The California-based company headed by Elon Musk also regularly returns the first stage of its Falcon 9 rockets to upright landings on Earth, as part of an effort to increase reusability and lower the cost of spaceflight.

(With Agency inputs)
Bengaluru: AIADMK (Amma) leader T T V Dhinakaran, out on bail in a case of alleged bribery, today met his party chief and aunt V K Sasikala at the Parappana Agrahara prison here.

"Dhinakaran today met Sasikala at our prison. However, I do not have any information about what transpired between the two leaders," a Parapanna Agrahara prison official told PTI.

A close associate of Dhinakaran, however, said the leader discussed the current developments within the party with Sasikala.

After Tamil Nadu ministers said on April 18 that they were dumping the top duo, Dhinakaran had said he was stepping aside in deference to their wish.

But he recently asserted that he will continue party work, contrary to his earlier stand.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister and senior AIADMK (Amma) leader D Jayakumar said in Chennai today that Dhinakaran should stick to his stand of keeping away from party affairs.

Earlier today, Dhinakaran had told reporters at Hosur en route to Bengaluru to meet Sasikala that a section of state ministers had revolted against him due to "some fears", but declined to say what they were.

Dhinakaran said he will plan his future course of action after meeting Sasikala and will base his actions on her guidance.?

Senior Tamil Nadu cabinet ministers had revolted against Dhinakaran and said he and his "family" -- an obvious reference to Sasikala -- will be kept out of the party and the government.

The leader was recently released on bail by a Delhi court last week in a case of allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official to wrest the AIADMK's 'two leaves' symbol.

Dhinakaran had kicked up a fresh row on his role in the party when he said he would "continue party work" since he had said in April that he was keeping away from party affairs.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK faction on Monday reiterated that they are firm on the decision to sideline jailed General Secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the party.



After presiding over a meeting of ministers at the Secretariat here, Finance Minister D. Jayakumar said that his faction, led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, are keeping away from both of them.



"We are very clear. Our April 17 decision to sideline Dinakaran and his relatives still stands. We are very firm in our decision. There is no question of going back...," he said, adding that cadres including senior functionaries did not meet Dinakaran, who was granted bail by a Delhi court, when he came here.



Pointing out that Dinkaran himself stated that he would stay away from party activities, Jayakumar urged him to "stick to his words".



"We are not dependent on them (Sasikala and Dinakaran). We are independently doing our work and there no interference from anyone," he added.



The minister's statement came just few hours after Dinakaran asserted that he would surely engage in party work and accused senior leaders of not advancing the initiative for merger between the two rival AIADMK groups.



He also said that he would meet his aunt Sasikala, who was lodged in Bengaluru prison, and would discuss about his next course of action.



The other AIADMK group, led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, still insist that a merger is possible only if Sasikala and Dinakaran are officially removed from the party.


Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly will meet for its next session on June 14.

Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao has 'summoned' the Assembly to meet at 10 AM on June 14, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretary (in-charge) K Boopathy said in a release.

The session is likely to witness the debate on grants for various departments.

The state government is also likely to move the Tamil Nadu Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017, draft for which has already been approved by the state cabinet.

Finance Minister D Jayakumar had last week said the government will "very soon" introduce the bill in the Assembly for consideration and passage.

The government's announcement on convening of the state assembly comes amid persistent demand from main opposition party DMK in this regard to debate the grants for various departments.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India did not sign Paris accord under any pressure nor for money.

By India Today Web Desk: India today rejected US President Donald Trump's charge that India had signed the Paris climate agreement to get "billions and billions" of dollars in foreign aid.

"What Trump said is not the reality," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today. "We have signed the Paris accord not under any pressure nor for any money ...to say we did it for money, I totally reject that," she told reporters

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Swaraj said India had signed the accord because of Indian culture and ethos.

"India and Indians have had a oneness with nature for thousands of years. So for some to say that India has signed the agreement because of being pressured or because of greed for foreign aid in this endeavour is completely baseless and unfortunate. I would like to officially make this clear," the minister said.

"India has always respected, even worshipped nature. We will be committed to the Paris agreement irrespective of what the United States decides," she said on Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris accord.

While withdrawing from the landmark Paris climate accord last week, Trump had said the deal was not tough on India and China.

"India makes its participation on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries. Paris accord is very unfair at the highest level to the United States. The current India will be allowed to double its coal production and so does China," Trump alleged.

INDO-US RELATIONS GROWING

However she said ever since Donald Trump came into power, India's relations with USA is growing at the same pace as it was under Barack Obama.

"Under Trump administration, India-US relations are growing at the same pace as the Obama administration. There has been no change in that. India and US have a relationship of mutual benefit," Swaraj told reporters here today.

She stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to President Trump thrice.

"Our officials have also had talks with theirs on many occasions. Every interaction has been positive and good. US is India's major defence partner. And there has been no intimation from their side that might suggest diluting this special relationship we share," Swaraj said.

H1-B VISA ISSUE

On the proposed US cap on H-1B visas which could affect Indian professionals, the minister said New Delhi was in talks with US Congress and Trump administration officials.

"Yes, the concern is there," she said adding that no changes have been made in the visa policy so far.

"There are amendments that cannot be made through executive orders," she asserted and denied that the proposed changes in the policy had affected India's relationship with the US.

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CONCERNS IN THE GULF

On some Gulf nations snapping diplomatic ties with Qatar, she said India will not be impacted.

"There is no challenge arising out of this for us. This is an internal matter of GCC (Gulf Coordination Council). Our only concern is about Indians there. We are trying to find out if any Indians are stuck there," Swaraj said.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Yemen and Egypt accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, opening up the worst rift in years among some of the most powerful states in the Arab world.

Also read:

US pulls out of Paris deal: Why Donald Trump is wrong in blaming India for climate change

Trump withdraws US from Paris climate deal; says deal not tough on India, China

Also watch:

3 years of Modi government: Sushma Swaraj highlights achievements, says relations with other countries have improved

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: Online search giant Google is commemorating World Environment Day 2017 with a special doodle on Monday.

World Environment Day (WED) occurs on 5 June every year, is the United Nation's principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.

First held in 1974, it has been a flagship campaign for raising awareness on emerging environmental issues from marine pollution and global warming, to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime.

WED has grown to become a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually.

Each year, WED has a new theme that major corporations, NGOs, communities, governments and celebrities worldwide adopt to advocate environmental causes.
New Delhi: Telecom regulator Trai has asked telecom operators to launch at least one mobile Internet data pack that has higher validity of one year.

In August last year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had permitted increase in validity for mobile data packs to 365 days from up to 90 days.

This was done to increase Internet usage in the country and also attract first-time users.

However, telecom operators did not launch any such pack.

According to sources, Trai has now issued an "advisory" asking the operators to bring out at least one such mobile Internet pack, reflecting the higher validity that was permitted.
Lucknow: Yogi Adityanth turned 45 on Monday and for the workaholic Uttar Pradesh chief minister, his birthday today was just like any other day -- one full of engagements -- sans any pomp and show.

After donning the mantle of UP chief minister, it was his first birthday which he chose to spend taking part in the international environment day function in the state capital in the morning.

He then left for Aligarh to attend several official functions there.

However, it were greetings galore for Adityanath with Prime Minister Narendra Modi heading the list of a galaxy of leaders who wished him on the occasion.

"Birthday greetings to the youthful & dynamic CM of UP, @myogiadityanath Ji. I wish him a long and healthy life," tweeted Modi.

Others who wished him were BJP president Amit Shah, central ministers Mukhar Abbas Naqvi, Venkaiah Naidu, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Ananth Kumar, V K Singh, Suresh Prabhu and Bandaru Dattatreya, chief ministers Chandrababu Naidu, Raman Singh and Vasundhara Raje Scindia, among others.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik drove to Adityanath's official residence on Kalidas Marg and presented a bouquet.

An official statement released by the Raj Bhavan said the Governor while greeting the chief minister hoped the state will reach new heights in development under his leadership.

Though Adityanath does not celebrate his birthday, but since it falls on international environment day, his followers in Gorakhpur have been planting saplings on this day as it is an issue close to his heart.

Keeping the tradition alive, the saffron-clad leader's Hindu Yuva Vahini carried out plantation in Gorakhpur.

"We have asked all HYV activists to plant at least one sapling today and also ensure that it grows into a healthy plant," state unit general secretary P K Mal said.

BJP workers in Gorakhpur, the Lok Sabha constituency he held five times becomes becoming the chief minister, distributed fruits among patients admitted in Gorakhnath hospital and also donated blood.

They also distributed sweets among themselves to mark the occasion.
Bareilly: In a frightful accident, at least 24 people were killed and 14 others injured when a passenger bus collided with a truck and caught fire on National Highway 24 in Bareilly early Monday.

The bus of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) carrying 41 passengers from Delhi was on its way to Gonda in eastern Uttar Pradesh when the accident took place near Bada bypass at around 1:00 am.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and sanctioned Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of those killed.He also announced Rs 50,000 for each of those injured. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed deep condolence over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who got minor injuries.

The bodies were so badly charred that doctors found it difficult to determine the gender of the victims. DNA tests would be conducted to identify the victims.

"The death toll has risen to 24. Besides, 14 others are suffering from serious burn injuries," senior UP minister Rajesh Agarwal told reporters here.

Agarwal, who belongs to Bareilly, however, said the compensation would be paid only after after the identity of the deceased was established.

He also instructed the officials to ensure adequate medical treatment for the injured persons.

Initially the number of those injured was placed at 15, but the name of one more passenger was added to the list taking the number to 16, of whom two died during treatment.

Three passengers escaped with minor injuries.

"Around 5.45 am, we received 22 bodies from the bus accident site. The bodies are charred beyond recognition. It is difficult to even determine the gender of the people," said Dr Shailesh Ranjan of the Bareilly district hospital.

The number of male and female passengers who died in the accident would be clear only after the post-mortem, Chief Medical Officer, Bareilly, Dr Vijay Yadav, said.

Agarwal, who flew in here from Lucknow in a helicopter on instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to supervise relief operations, said, "A DNA test will be performed on all bodies."

Agarwal was accompanied by two of his ministerial colleagues Swatantradev Singh and Brijesh Pathak.

The bus collided head on with a speeding truck coming from the direction of Lucknow near the inverted University turn.

An explosion followed and fire broke out in the bus.

The driver of the bus is also among the deceased, while the conductor sustained serious injuries.

The driver of the truck, which was coming from Shahjehanpur, is absconding. The police were looking for him.

Police said the impact of the head-on collision was so big that the diesel tank was completely damaged.

They added the death toll could rise as most of the passengers were severely burnt.

Fire tenders were rushed to the accident site.

Senior police officers including Inspector General of Police SK Bhagat, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jogendra Kumar and other officials are monitoring the rescue and relief operations.

"The truck and the bus both caught fire after the collision. Fire engines reached as soon as possible but the flames were so high that it took us a lot of effort to actually douse the flames and reach inside", said Bhagat.

As per SSP Jogendra Kumar, The accident involving a bus of the Uttar Pradesh State Transport Corporation and a truck took place between 1.00 am and 1.30 am.

"22 passengers of the bus died, while 15 sustained injuries. Six passengers are critically injured and have been hospitalised," he said.

Some injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities.

The traffic has been diverted.

Reports said that the emergency exit door of the bus had jammed following the collision, trapping the passengers inside the vehicle in flames.

(With Agency inputs)
Kolkata: Expressing sadness over the killing of Indian soldier Dipak Kumar Maity in Kashmir, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday pledged all assistance to his bereaved family.

"Saddened to lose India's and Bengal's brave son Naik Dipak Kumar Maity, martyred... in Kashmir," Banerjee posted on twitter. She said the state stood in solidarity with his family in their hour of grief.

"The state government will extend all assistance," she said.

Maity was one of the two soldiers killed in a militant ambush on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Saturday.

Maity, 43, joined the Army in 1997. He hailed from Sabong in West Midnapur. He is survived by his wife Rikta and a 13-year-old daughter.
Dubai: An Iranian official says his country can export food to Qatar by sea, as Saudi Arabia and three other nations move to isolate the gas-rich nation after severing diplomatic ties and accusing it of supporting terrorism.

The semi-official Fars news agency quoted Reza Nourani, chairman of the union of exporters of agricultural products, as saying today that food shipments sent from Iran can reach Qatar in 12 hours.

Qatar relies on food trucked in from Saudi Arabia across its sole land border. Al-Jazeera reported that trucks carrying food for Qatar are now lining up across the border, unable to enter the country.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are regional rivals who back opposing sides in the wars in Syria and Yemen.
Pakhtunkhwa: An outspoken Pakistani student killed by a lynch mob was falsely accused of blasphemy, according to an official report that added his murder was organised by faculty members and rival students.

Mashal Khan, 23, was stripped, beaten and shot before being thrown from the second floor of his hostel at the Abdul Wali Khan university in northwest Mardan in April.

The killing led to a national outcry after a video of it went viral.

The country`s top court ordered the formation of a joint investigation team compromising police and intelligence agencies, which is set to submit its findings this week.

"No direct or indirect evidence supporting blasphemy allegations against Mashal Khan (or his friends) Abdullah and Zubair was received," the 308-page report, a copy of which was seen by AFP, said.

It added the killing was instigated by members of Khan`s own secular Pakhtun Students Federation, who felt threatened by his growing prominence as a critic of rising fees and alleged corruption at the university, as well as the instutition`s staff.

Mashal`s father, Muhammad Iqbal, told reporters on Monday that the findings had vindicated his son.

"This proves my son was not a blasphmer," he said, calling for the suspects to be tried by a military court.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive charge in conservative Muslim Pakistan, and can carry the death penalty. Even unproven allegations can cause mob lynchings and violence.

Last month a 10-year old boy was killed and five others were wounded when a mob attacked a police station in an attempt to lynch a Hindu man charged with blasphemy for allegedly posting an incendiary image on social media.

Weeks earlier a mob attacked a mentally ill man claiming to be a prophet at his local mosque. He was later saved by police.

At least 65 people have been murdered by vigilantes over blasphemy allegations since 1990.
Dubai: Gulf states Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Egypt on Monday cut ties with Qatar over accusations it supports extremism, in an unprecedented regional crisis.



The measures taken by the Gulf states against Qatar are the following:

- Immediately cutting diplomatic ties with Doha, with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates ordering Qatari diplomats to leave within 48 hours.



This is a first since 2014, when Gulf countries recalled their ambassadors from Doha, ostensibly over its support for the Muslim Brotherhood.



- Closing air space and maritime territories in the three countries to Qatari flights and shipments, and suspending air and sea links with Doha within 24 hours.



UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia, as well as Saudi Airlines, have said they will halt flights to and from Doha starting from Tuesday morning.



- The three Gulf states have banned their citizens from travelling to Qatar.



- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have also ordered Qatari citizens -- visitors and residents -- to leave within 14 days.



This measure goes against a Gulf Cooperation Council agreement on equal rights of movement and residency for all citizens of its member states.



Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are all members of the GCC.



- Saudi Arabia has closed its borders with Qatar, effectively blocking food and other supplies exported by land to Qatar.



- Only Qatari pilgrims can travel to Saudi Arabia to visit Islam`s holiest sites.


Miami: A shooting on Monday at an industrial park in the Florida city of Orlando has resulted in "multiple fatalities," authorities said, without describing the circumstances of the incident.

The Orange County Sheriff's office said the situation had been "stabilised."

"Multiple fatalities. Situation contained. Sheriff will brief as soon as info is accurate," the sheriff's office said on Twitter.

A year ago, the city - a hub of Florida's resort industry popular with tourists - was the scene of a mass shooting in a gay nightclub that left 49 people dead and dozens more wounded.
Tehran: Ayatollah Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran has vehemently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabian rulers during his speech on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of Father of the Islamic Revolution the late Imam Khomeini on Sunday.

"See how obscene our enemy is! With a decadent, backwards tribal system, the US president stands by the head of the clan and performs a sword-dance. He, however, also criticizes the vote of 40 million Iranians during their free election, " Ayatollah Khamenei said addressing a huge gathering at the late Imam mausoleum in southern Tehran. Later, in a series of tweets, Khamenei attacked both the U.S. and Saudi rulers and tweeted highlights of his speech which he delivered at the late Imam mausoleum in southern Tehran on Sunday.

"POTUS sword -dances next to head of a tribal, backward and purely decadent regime, then sams Iran's free 40-million election," Khamenei tweeted.

Criticising U.S. policy in Syria, Yeman and Bahrain Khamenei said in his tweet, "We believe the enemy's stage wars in #Syria, #Bahrain, #Yemen-the Muslim world. Solutions are negotiation &

terminating weapons transport."

Referring to the Saudi people on his Twitter handle, Khamenei said, "If you talk to the youth in #SaudiArabia, you'll see they hate depending on the U.S."

He further said, "Wisely challenging U.S. has a lower price than appeasing it. Saudi govt. spent half of its wealth on U.S. interests to appease POTUS."

Praising the efforts of Imam Khomeini, Iran's supreme leader Khamenei tweeted, "The Islamic revolution brought by Imam Khomeini was not solely a political transition. The revolution sought change in the social structure: its aim was building a society with a unique identity, one that embraced independence, core values, and innovation. #ImamKhomeini's political change meant defeating a dictator & client regime, then turning it into a people-oriented govt".

Slamming attacks on Yemen, Khamenei said, "Saudi government has been bombing Yemen for nearly two and a half years".

"For 2.5 years, Saudi government has been bombing #Yemen, they will never win over Yemeni people if they bomb them for 20 years! Sadly our brothers and sisters in #Yemen, #Bahrain, #Syria & #Libya are facing major problems while fasting in #Ramadan", Khamenei tweeted.
By Press Trust of India: Ranchi, June 5 (PTI) Union Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha today inaugurated lifts and renovated pay and use toilet at Ranchi station.

"Elderly passengers will be benefited from the lifts," Sinha said.

He also dedicated five subways in Gamharia-Sini section of Chakradharpur division.

The minister said that railways was contributing to the protection of environment by using 5 per cent biodiesel.

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Sinha said that Rs 45,000 crore was invested in railways between 2009 and 2014, while in the last three years, the figure was Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

Jharkhand Urban Development Minister C P Singh made a few requests for development of the railways, which the minister agreed to. PTI PVR NN

--- ENDS ---
Doha: Qatar Airways announced on Monday that it has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia with immediate affect.



"Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" until 11:59 GMT the same day, a statement from the Doha-based carrier said.



A spokeswoman added that it was unclear if the suspension would be extended.
Cairo: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates announced on Monday they were severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, as tensions escalate in the region over accusations Doha sponsors terrorism.

Saudi news agency SPA said Riyadh cut diplomatic ties and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

A Saudi official cited by SPA said the country decided to "sever diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar, and to close all land, sea and aviation ports".

The "decisive" measure was due to "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years", the Saudi statement said.

The UAE followed suit in cutting ties, and Egypt`s foreign ministry also accused Doha of supporting "terrorism" as it announced the severing of diplomatic relations.

The statement said all Egyptian ports and airports would be closed to Qatari vessels and planes.

Bahrain`s news agency said the tiny kingdom was cutting ties with Doha over its insistence on "shaking the security and stability of Bahrain and meddling in its affairs".

The Saudi-led Arab coalition fighting rebels in Yemen`s two-year war meanwhile said it was expelling Qatar over what it said was the country`s support for organisations including al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

Doha has long faced accusations that it is a state sponsor of terror.

It has been criticised in some quarters for its support of rebel groups fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and Qatari individuals have also been sanctioned by the US

Treasury for terror-funding activities.

In recent weeks, Qatar has been accused outright of terror funding in articles which have appeared in the American media.

It was also criticised for providing a sanctuary to former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal, who earlier this month used his Doha base -- where he has lived in exile for several years -- to launch a new policy document.

The Afghan Taliban opened an office in Doha in 2013.

Qatar, which will host the 2022 football World Cup, is a member of the US-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State group.

The country is also home to the Al-Udeid airbase, where the US conducts all coalition air operations for the region.
Riyadh: The Arab coalition has said it has suspended Qatar`s troops participation in an ongoing war in Yemen.

The Guardian quoted the official Saudi Press Agency, as saying that Saudi Arabia had decided to sever diplomatic and consular relations with Qatar "proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism".

Qatar is home to the sprawling al-Udeid Air Base, which is home to the US military`s Central Command and some 10,000 American troops.

Western officials have also accused Qatar of allowing funding of Sunni extremists like Al-Qaida`s branch in Syria.

The snapping of the Saudi-led Arab coalition ties with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar was due to the news that was carried by Qatar`s news agency which Doha alleged to have been hacked.

Qatari-state run news agency quoted Qatar`s emir statement, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani criticised U.S. President Donald Trump and described Iran as a force for stability in the region and threatened to withdraw ambassadors from a range of Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia.

Qatar`s government claimed its official websites had been hacked and categorically denied in which the country`s leader expressed support for Iran.

The Washington Post reported that Online footage of Qatari state television`s nightly newscast from Tuesday showed clips of Sheikh Tamim at the ceremony with the anchor not mentioning the comments, though a scrolling ticker at the bottom of the screen had the alleged fake remarks.

They included calling Hamas "the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people," as well as saying Qatar had "strong relations" with Iran and the United States.Further said "Iran represents a regional and Islamic power that cannot be ignored and it is unwise to face up against it," the ticker read at one point.

"It is a big power in the stabilization of the region."The alleged hack happened early on May 24th and hours later, the website of the Qatar News Agency still was not accessible.

The fake article quoted Sheikh Tamim as calling Iran an "Islamic power" and saying Qatar`s relations with Israel were "good" during a military ceremony.

Doha denied all the comments and said it was the victim of a "shameful cybercrime."Egypt, Bahrian, UAE joined Saudi Arabia in snapping all their ties with Doha .

This situation is a repeat of 2014, when several Gulf countries recalled their Ambassadors from Doha over its support for Muslim Brotherhood.
YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Vice-Speaker of Armenias Parliament Arpine Hovhannisyan on June 1 hosted Special Envoys for Eastern Partnership of Foreign Ministries of EU member-states Latvia, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Slovakia, Estonia and Sweden, headed by Ambassador Dusan Dacho, the Special Envoy of the MFA of Slovakia, which currently holds the EU presidency, press service of the Parliament told Armenpress.

Welcoming the EU Envoys in the Parliament, Arpine Hovhannisyan attached importance to Armenia-EU cooperation and the ongoing programs in Armenia within the frames of Eastern Partnership. She also talked about the ongoing anti-corruption reforms, stating that the Parliament will soon discuss the bills on creating corruption prevention agency and the whistleblower protection.

Coming to parliamentary elections, the sides attached importance to the reforms made in Armenias electoral system.

During the meeting Arpine Hovhannisyan presented in-detail the development process of Judicial Code, the guarantees on ensuring independence of judges. She also presented the draft law on Domestic Violence.

At the end of the meeting both sides attached importance to the Armenia-EU comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement which will be signed in November.

EU special envoys highly appreciated the progress recorded in the past 18 months in Armenia, considering it as a good base for strengthening democracy and developing protection of human rights.
YEREVAN, JUNE 2, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan met with Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe (CoE) Nils Muiznieks in Strasbourg on June 1, the Ombudsmans Office told Armenpress.

The sides discussed the process of ongoing works aimed at preventing tortures and ill-treatment in correctional facilities. The legislative changes proposed by the Armenian Ombudsman aimed at protecting the rights of prisoners were presented.

During the meeting the two officials made a reference to the functions set under the Human Rights Defender constitutional law, as well as attached importance to cooperation with civil society.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the London Bridge terrorist attack, issuing a statement through its propaganda news service on Sunday night, June 5, RT reports.

Islamic States propaganda news service Amaq claimed its militants were responsible for killing seven people and injuring 48 in central London on Saturday, Rita Katz, Director of SITE Intelligence Group, said on her Twitter page.

Seven people were killed and 48 injured in the attack which began at 10pm local time. Shortly after midnight, police officially declared the attacks at London Bridge and Borough Market as terrorist incidents.

Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) supporters celebrated the attack in IS-affiliated groups on the encrypted messaging app Telegram in the aftermath of the attack, but the terrorist group did not immediately jump to claim responsibility, the SITE director noted earlier Sunday.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Key Arab League nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE, have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar after Bahrain said it was cutting all ties and contacts with Doha. Qatar is accused of backing terrorist groups and meddling in other countries affairs, RT reports.

Bahrain announced early Monday that it is severing diplomatic relations with neighboring Qatar and cutting air and sea connections with Doha, accusing it of meddling in its internal affairs. Bahrains state news agency said in a brief statement that Qatari citizens have 14 days to leave the country.

It accused Doha of supporting terrorism and meddling in Manamas internal affairs.

Citing protection of national security, Riyadh then announced it was also severing ties with Doha and closing off all land, sea and air contacts, the Saudi state agency said in a statement, cited by Reuters.

The Saudi state news agency SPA alleged that Qatar embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS and Al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly.

The Saudi-led coalition has announced that Qatars participation in its joint military operation in Yemen has been canceled. The coalitions statement accused Doha of supporting the Al-Qaeda and Islamic State terrorist groups.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has followed suit, citing support, funding and embrace of terrorist, extremist and sectarian organizations as the reason for cutting ties with Qatar.

The UAEs state news agency said in a statement that Qatar is undermining regional stability, Reuters reports.

There was no immediate response to the accusations available from Doha, Al Jazeera said.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. In the event of soldiers getting wounded, the Artsakh militarys casualty notification officers are contacting first of all the families of the servicemen, Lt. General Levon Mnatsakanyan, Commander of the Defense Army told a press conference.

According to the Lt. General, the casualty notification process is done within minutes.

There are cases when the parents of the soldier are abroad and it is inappropriate for them to find out about their sons death from the news. When the Azerbaijani forces suffer losses, no one reports this. They have adopted this kind of a media policy. We are trying to notify their society that their defense ministry is concealing their losses, however no one can accuse us in this, he said, assuring that he has never seen or heard about such thing in the Armenian military.
STEPANAKERT, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. All frontline positions and military bases of Artsakhs Armed Forces are equipped with necessary medical kits, Lt. General Levon Mnatsakanyan, Commander of the countrys Defense Army told a press conference.

According to him, the gear of all servicemen includes first aid kits.

Additional kits were provided to all medics of battalions after the April events: the kits include modern medications. In addition, detachment medics have also been equipped with individual kits, enabling to treat any issue. All sanitary vehicles are equipped with everything needed, he said.
Two police officers who were seen partying with criminals were suspended after information about the matter reached the UP Chief Minister's Office.

By Siraj Qureshi: Two police officials in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura were suspended after two criminals were pictured attending a party thrown in the policemen's honour. The order to suspend the cops seems to have come directly form the chief minister's office. Notbaly, Yogi Aditynath had previously spoken about how some Uttar Pradesh police officials were in a nexus with criminals.

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The party took place after two officials in Mathura were transferred to different posts. According to a senior police official in Mathura, the Radha Kund police post in-charge Subhash Baliyan was transferred to the Chhata police post, while Goverdhan police station Senior Sub-Inspector Vinod Kumar Tomar was transferred to Kosi police post as in charge.

The farewell party of both sub-inspectors was organized at the Radha Kund police post, where two history sheeter criminals including Rohan Singh of Goverdhan also attended the party. Pictures of this party went viral on social media and reached Lucknow. When the pictures reached CM Adityanath's office, senior officials from Lucknow contacted Mathura's SSP and the two sub-inspectors were suspended with immediate effect on the instructions by Principal Secretary (Home), UP.

Social activist Syed Irfan Salim told India Today that the chief minister appears to have had prior knowledge and hard evidence that there was a criminal-police nexus working in Uttar Pradesh and that is why Adityanath made his comment about the link between cops and criminals.

Salim went on to opine that Adityanath himself should be careful, as he was recently seen sharing a stage with Amanmani Tripathi, who is accused of murdering his wife. If Yogi wants the state to be crime free, he should lead by example, Salim said.

ALSO READ | Lakhs of posts in UP Police lay vacant due to none availability of training facilities

ALSO READ | UP cop caught-on-cam 'molesting' two sisters, suspended

--- ENDS ---
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Armys being located in north is the major security guarantee of Talish residents, Lieutenant General Levon Mnatsakanyan, Commander of Artsakhs Defense Army told reporters, reports Armenpress.

There are soldiers in Talish who conduct military service in the frontline, Mnatsakanyan said.

Earlier head of Talish village Vilen Petrosyan said the shots have become very common for the village residents. Now they are trying to resist the shots with new approaches and ensure the peoples safety.
STEPANAKERT, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Artsakhs Defense Army had no shortage of ammunition during the April war, Lieutenant General Levon Mnatsakanyan, Commander of the Defense Army of Artsakh, told reporters, reports Armenpress.

The ammunition has been positioned several times more than it was set. During the April events we didnt have shortage of arms. Currently we have increase in terms of types of ammunition in the frontline. It has been equipped with technically more modern and latest tools, Mnatsakanyan said.

The Artsakh Defense Army carries out works to deliver flowing water in the military posts. We have taken the pipes to the posts to deliver flowing water, he said.

The Defense Army Commander stated that at the moment officers are provided with a chance in the military units to stay in touch with their families via internet. In addition, we will also provide them with Skype which is at the completion stage, he said.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. The lack of necessary reaction by the international community on Russian-Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshins case became a reason for kidnapping of Azerbaijani dissident journalist from Tbilisi, Armenias Foreign Ministry spokesman Tigran Balayan said on Twitter, reports Armenpress.

The lack of necessary reaction by the international community on Lapshins arrest and his extradition to Azerbaijan inspired Baku, he said.

Alexander Lapshin, the Russian-Israeli blogger who was extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan on February 7, has been placed in the isolation cell in Azerbaijans state security service.

Lapshin was flown to Baku from Minsk on a special flight, escorted by state security agents. A group of reporters were waiting for Lapshin in Bakus airport, but Lapshin didnt give any comment to them.

Lapshin faces up to 5-8 years imprisonment in Azerbaijan, under charges of public calls against the state, and unauthorized crossing of borders.

Afghan Mukhtarli is a known critic of the Azerbaijani authorities policies. Since 2015, he was forced to settle in Tbilisi. He disappeared two days ago, and later appeared in Baku and was jailed.

He said that he was kidnapped from downtown Tbilisi by unknown people wearing civilian clothing, who were speaking Georgian. He was forced into a car and taken out of Georgia, heavily battered, blindfolded and taken to another vehicle. He was then forced to a third vehicle, already on the Azerbaijani border, where he heard the kidnappers talk in Azerbaijani. The kidnappers framed him by putting a large amount of cash in his pocket, and now he is charged with smuggling and illegal border crossing. His attorney has already met him, and said that his client has bruised on his face.

Afghan told his attorney that he has severe pain in the chest area, presumably fractured ribs.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. The passenger flow in Armenias two airports comprised 875.011 people in January-May 2017 which is an increase of 30.5% compared to January-May 2016, the General Department of Civil Aviation told Armenpress.

In May 2017 the passenger flow in Yerevans Zvartnots airport comprised 198.182 people, increasing the figure of May 2016 by 34.5%.

In January-May 2017 compared to same months of 2016, 27.7% increase of passenger flow was registered in Zvartnots airport. The cargo transportation in January-May 2017 comprised 9341 tons of goods in the airport which increased the figure of that of 2016 by 81.5%.

In May 2017 the passenger flow in Gyumris Shirak airport comprised 8240 people, by exceeding the figure of May 2016 by 288.3%.

The passenger flow in January-May 2017 increased by 319.5% compared to January-May 2016 in Shirak airport.

In January-May 2017 flights-landings in both airports recorded 23.7% growth.




STEPANAKERT, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Within the frames of the June 13 visit of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to the Republic of Artsakh, the Defense Army will present all violations of the Azerbaijani side and the Armenian sides counter responses, Lieutenant General Levon Mnatsakanyan, Commander of Artsakhs Defense Army, told reporters, reports Armenpress.

As for the investigative mechanisms, the Armenian side has always supported their installation in the frontline. Here the Azerbaijani side tries to hinder that process. We install those mechanisms, and they will be soon. The Co-Chairs also support installation of investigative mechanisms, the Defense Army commander said.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Agriculture of Armenia Ignati Arakelyan on June 5 departed for Minsk on a three-day working visit to take part in Belagro-2017 International Agriculture Fair which will be attended by companies of over 20 countries, the Ministry told Armenpress.

Exhibits reflecting the advanced achievements of agricultural machinery, animal husbandry, seeds and plants production, agro science will be displayed at the fair.

During the visit the Armenian Minister will meet with Minister of Agriculture and Food of Belarus Leonid Zayats to discuss issues related to bilateral cooperation in agriculture field, as well as to outline concrete paths for further mutually beneficial partnership.

Meetings are also expected with the Belarusian interested structures.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Parliament Speaker Ara Babloyan hosted Ambassador of Kazakhstan H.E. Timur Urazayev on June 5, press service of the Parliament told Armenpress.

Welcoming the guest, Speaker Babloyan expressed hope Mr. Urazayev will continue his activity aimed at developing and deepening the relations of the two countries. He highly appreciated the Armenian-Kazakh relations which are based on friendship.

The Speaker also talked about the works on forming Armenia-Kazakhstan parliamentary friendship group in the 6th convocation parliament and expressed confidence that the group will significantly contribute to strengthening the Armenian-Kazakh parliamentary cooperation.

During the talk Speaker Babloyan attached importance to the role of parliamentary diplomacy at international platforms and appreciated the work with Kazakh partners at various structures  CIS PA, CSTO PA, stating that there is a great potential in this sense and the sides can more closely cooperate over issues of bilateral interest. Ara Babloyan emphasized the EAEUs role in coordinating and developing the economic relations of both states, as well as in implementing joint programs.

In his turn the Kazakh Ambassador congratulated Babloyan on his election as Speaker of Parliament and said Kazakhstan aims to develop relations with Armenia at all domains.

He also commented on the April parliamentary election in Armenia, adding that the Kazakh observers highly appreciated the elections organizational level.

Ambassador Urazayev expressed readiness to work with newly-formed parliamentary friendship group members to discuss issues of bilateral interest and develop new cooperation development paths.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. The National Polytechnic University of Armenia (NPUA) will become platform for students and young scientists to acquire knowledge and develop skills on the latest technologies in energy and automation field, reports Armenpress.

The Center of Excellence was opened at the university based on the cooperation between the French Schneider Electric company and Tashir group of companies.

The opening ceremony was attended by President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, Minister of Education and Science Levon Mkrtchyan, President of Tashir group of companies Samvel Karapetyan, Schneider Electric Company President for the CIS Johan Vanderplaetse, French Ambassador to Armenia Jean-Francois Charpentier, NPUA Rector, Professor Vostanik Marukhyan and other officials.

Tashir group of companies Armenias representative Narek Karapetyan informed that all excellent students at the Mechanical Engineering and Energy faculties will receive monthly scholarship equivalent to 500 USD from Tashir charity fund.

This means that energy specialists of new generation with their scholarship can both take care of their needs and study science so that we will never face problem of good cadres in this field. At the moment 30 students will receive scholarship, but we hope this number will be tripled. In addition to this center, we also plan to bring laboratories of other companies to Armenia and establish scientific centers here, he said.

NPUA Rector Vostanik Marukhyan said the Center tends to become a regional center.

Today is a remarkable event in the National Polytechnic University. The works for establishment of the Center quickly launched, and the fact that memorandum was signed between Schneider Electric, Electric Networks of Armenia and Tashir group of companies within the frames of the Presidents official visit to France on March 8, was directly linked with our university. I want to state that we have already received the first batch of latest equipment placed in the Center, and it is ready for students undergoing training in energy field. I assure you that this is a scientific-educational unit in accordance with international standards, the rector said.

Schneider Electric Company President for the CIS Johan Vanderplaetse said it is an honor for him to attend the opening ceremony of the modern laboratories.

I am proud that we did this, and I can say that the most important thing is the students training, since when we talk about students training, we also talk about the countrys future. The future is on their hands, he said, stating this is still the beginning of the cooperation.

Within the frames of opening of the Center, the signing ceremony of agreement between the representatives of Schneider Electric company, Tashir group of companies, the National Polytechnic University of Armenia and Electric Networks of Armenia was held.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the Yerevan Summer 2017 program, Yerevan City Hall and STR Club have jointly organized the 1st sport car race  Drag Racing: Fast Yerevan.

The race was held on the old Yerevan-Masis road, under 6 different types according to vehicle specifications.

Top three drivers were awarded with Cups, Medals and Certificates, while the 1st place winners were also awarded valuable prizes.

The Yerevan City Hall told ARMENPRESS both professional and amateur drivers participated in the event from Armenia and Georgia.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. The future activities of the traders of Yerevans Firdus Street market was discussed during a consultation in the City Hall, chaired by Mayor Taron Margaryan.

Taking into account that construction works will soon begin in the territory, the Mayor tasked relevant officials to negotiate with owners of the capitals markets and fairs on re-locating the Firdus market traders businesses to other areas.

The investor is already launching construction in the area, and we must take steps to re-locate our fellow citizens who have businesses there to other locations, where theyll be able to continue trading, the Mayor said, tasking city officials to engage in talks with markets.

Be consistent in this issue, because some people are spreading disinformation alleging that we are simply evicting these traders, and not proposing any substitutes, the Mayor said, giving a one-week period to complete solve the issue.
You read that right - the incident happened yesterday in in Vikravandi in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district. Read on to find out how it all happened.

By India Today Web Desk: It takes guts to interrupt a wedding. But when the groom has been in love with you for the past six years, and he promised to have his happily-ever-after moment with you, it probably makes it just a bit easier.

That's exactly why 21-year-old Archana tried to stop a wedding ceremony in Vikravandi in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district, and insisted that the groom - Gopalakrishnan - tie the knot with her instead, a report in the Tamil daily Thina Thanthi said.

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When Gopalakrishnan's family asked her to leave, she staged a dharna protest right there at the venue, the report added.

It's already sounds like a script ripped out from a Kollywood screenwriter's notebook, but there's more.

The Vikravandi police got involved, and Gopalakrishnan confessed to being in a relationship with Archana and agreed to marry her, the report said.

Archana certainly got what she wanted, but spare a thought for the poor woman who was left at the altar so theatrically!

As for Gopalakrishnan, all he seems to have suffered was a few hours of embarrassment. But some grooms in Bihar, who're kidnapped and forced to get married at gunpoint, aren't quite so lucky.

ALSO READ | Revolver Rani: Woman kidnaps groom from his wedding venue, was furious over betrayal

ALSO READ | Bihar: Jail superintendents exchange vows over 21 cups of tea

ALSO WATCH | In a wedding in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, bride's father gives ambulance as dowry

--- ENDS ---
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced during his meeting with German Federal Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel that at the moment the German lawmakers visit to Incirlik Air Base is impossible, Diken reports.

In response to Cavusoglus announcement, the Germen FM said their army belongs to the German Parliament based on the Constitution, thats why the lawmakers visit to their soldiers stationed at the Base is important. If this is not possible, our army, according to the Constitution, cannot remain there. It is Turkeys decision. Of course, we would not like the tension to further deepen because of this, the German FM said.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Consultation was held in Armenias Government led by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan during which the new investment programs presented by Ararat and Armavir provinces were discussed, press service of the Government told Armenpress.

The business programs mainly related to expansion of wine-making and fruit vodka production, organic agriculture food processing, production of agricultural machinery, expansion of greenhouses and etc.

Details on programs economic explanations and financial assessments were presented.

The PM attached importance to the evaluation of business programs based on expected results and risks, and tasked to examine the assistance opportunities aimed at moving forward the programs which were approved.
YEREVAN, 5 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 5 June, USD exchange rate up by 0.07 drams to 482.19 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 2.25 drams to 543.19 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 8.52 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 2.07 drams to 622.41 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 159.42 drams to 19765.25 drams. Silver price up by 0.97 drams to 266.49 drams. Platinum price up by 17.60 drams to 14448.58 drams.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. President of the National Assembly of Armenia Ara Babloyan has sent a letter of condolences to the Speaker of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the UK John Bercow and Lord Speaker Lord Fowler. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the parliament of Armenia, the message runs as follows,

Your Excellency,

We learned about the brutal terror attack in London with deep sorrow, which claimed lives of innocent people and others were injured.

On behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and personally me, we convey our deep sorrow, solidarity and sympathy to You, the friendly people of the United Kingdom, and the relatives of the victims, wishing spiritual strength and patience, and speedy recovery to the injured.

We harshly condemn any extremist move based on intolerance and hatred. Our united efforts must be directed at struggling against this horrific phenomenon.

Please, Your Excellency, accept the assurances of my highest esteem.
YEREVAN, JUNE 5, ARMENPRESS. Montenegro became NATOs newest member on Monday (5 June 2017), upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the US State Department in Washington DC, Armenpress was informed from the official website of the NATO.

At a ceremony marking the occasion, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined that Montenegros accession to the Alliance contributes to international peace and security, and sends a strong signal that NATOs door remains open. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro Srdan Darmanovic and was hosted by the United States Undersecretary for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon.

"Today, Montenegro joins NATO with a seat at the table as an equal, with an equal voice in shaping our Alliance, and its independence guaranteed," the Secretary General said. Mr. Stoltenberg noted that NATO will benefit from Montenegros insight into the Western Balkans "and the professionalism, bravery and dedication of its men and women in uniform". He stressed that NATOs collective pledge, Article 5, has kept Allies safe for almost seven decades.

Allied Foreign Ministers signed Montenegro's Accession Protocol in May 2016, after which all 28 national parliaments voted to ratify Montenegro's membership. A flag-raising ceremony for Montenegro will take place at NATO Headquarters on 7 June 2017.

Today marks NATO's first enlargement since 1 April 2009, when Albania and Croatia joined the Alliance.
LOS ANGELESSex educator, author and photographer Lord Morpheous is traveling throughout Europe to debut his latest book How to be Knotty: The Essential Guide to Modern Rope Bondage.

Morpheous visit to Europe includes stops in Venice and Padua.

My time in Padua is for a print series I will be working on to visit the The Scrovegni Chapel that Giotto painted in the 13th century that will serve as source material for some limited-edition prints based on renaissance and contemporary iconography, he said.

Lord Morpheous will continue his tour through the Tuscan countryside, before heading off to Florence, Crete and Athens.

HuffPost recently caught up with the author to discuss the inner details of his new book, in the story This Filthy Lord Helps Couples To Get Knotty.

With descriptive step-by-step color photos also shot by the author, Morpheous instructs would-be erotic rope wranglers the exquisite beauty of intertwined fascination and fear, while explaining its historic origins to curious new users.

While in Europe, a new short documentary Connections in the Dark made its debut premiere at the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival in Toronto on Thursday, June 1. The documentary played as part of the "Local Heroes" short program. Connections in the Dark, directed and edited by Raj Ramnauth, probes the ins and outs of the intricate art of rope bondage as presented by the most talented and well-known performers in this tight-knit community.

The response to the documentary was wonderful, said Morpheous. I am elated at how people felt about it, and I look forward to having other film festivals include this in their program.

The 15-minute film also focuses on Lord Morpheous, a creative expert in the complex terrain of kink/fetish and bondage, and his 12-hour public art installation MBE (Morpheous' Bondage Extravaganza) in Toronto, the largest bondage event in the world, as it celebrates its 10th Annual - and quite possibly final - communal gathering.

See more about Connections in the Dark at ConnectionsInTheDark.com.

How to be Knotty: The Essential Guide to Modern Rope Bondage is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, kinky peoples favorite sex shops The Pleasure Chest, Hustler Hollywood, and other selected nationwide retailers.
BUCHAREST, RomaniaBucharest Summit Awards announced the winners for its first edition, honoring excellence in the live cam industry.

The final nominees were voted live by a Jury during the award ceremony.

The Jury included: Karoly Papp - co-founder and CEO of Jasmin; Pearl Levy - Sales Executive of FirstChoicePay; Lourdes - LourdesStudio owner; Jim Austin - Head of Business Development at Stripchat; Carl-Axel Ingemannsen - CBO @ Co-Founder of DivaTraffic; Laszlo Czero - Director of EU Operations at Streamate; Miroslav Mrna - CEO of Flirt4free training center; Stan Fiskin - co-founder of Centro Group; Patrick C. Friedrich - E-Cardon - Head of Sales/CEO; and Antony AJ - Vice President of AJ Investments Corporation; Dragos C. - Owner & CEO Charm Group.

With eight out of 11 votes, Alexandra Georgia was named Businesswoman of the Year.



With a dedication to her industry, Georgia launched the Live Cam Awards Show in 2015, the first awards show to exclusively honor the performers and companies who serve the now highly-competitive webcam business. She considers the awards show important to improve the image of the live cam industry," which has only recently come into its own.



I was honored to receive this award, it's a huge responsibility. I owe this title to all the cam girls, all the leading women of this industry who inspire me everyday," Georgia said in her acceptance speech.



Georgia grew up in a happy home in Bucharest, a self-described spoiled only child that was born to perform. Immediately upon high school graduation, the headstrong 18-year old created a webcam account in an effort to become financially independent on her own terms. Eleven years later she is launching LiveCam.Business, a group of projects designed for live cam companies needs.
CARTEGENA, ColumbiaLALExpo, scheduled for July 10-12 at the Convention Center Of Cartagena, announced the nominees and hosts for its awards show.

The preparations are under way for the second edition of the LALExpo Awards, which features Colombian webcam models, the countrys studios, international camgirls and websites dedicated to webcam, traffic and internet marketing, as well as the best technology companies in the adult arena around the world.

The nominations can be viewed through the official LALExpo Awards website. Industry members also are invited to participate by voting in the different categories.

This edition of the LALExpo Awards will be hosted by Alejandra Omana, Andy Wullmer and Reggaeton artist Andy Rivera.

Alejandra Omana is a recognized journalist and porn actress, as well as author of the book Stories of a Frontier.

Andy Wullmer is an award-winning manager who started in the adult business in 1999 as a distributor. In 2003 he started his own web company with online stores of DVD and VOD platforms.

Since 2010, Wulmer has worked for SexGoesMobile as an affiliate manager and since December 2011 as CEO of the company.

Andy Rivera will make attendees move to the rhythm of the urban music in the closing party Jasmins life in red.

For more, visit LALExpo.com.
Five former employees of a Staffordshire bakery business that ceased trading last year have been awarded more than 40,000 by an employment tribunal.

The former workers had made claims against Tennants Craft Bakery, Carl Collins, his wife Debbie and their daughter Melissa. The bakery ceased trading in April last year after it was taken over by the Collins family in 2014.

One of the claimants had worked for the bakery since 1986, and another since 1988.

A Birmingham Employment Tribunal had been told one claimant turned up to work to find the premises closed and a notice on the door from the landlord, who had seized it as a result of non-payment of rent.

In another case, having baked the mornings bread, articulated lorries turned up at the bakery to take the ovens away. Staff had been told the bakery was relocating, but this did not happen.

In a report filed last week, tribunal judge Victoria Dean said the business appeared to have misled the claimants as to their future employment.

It is starkly disappointing that such long-serving employees were subject to the treatment by the respondents that they were, she stated.

None of the named respondents, or any combination of them, had responded to the complaints brought against them.

Dean added that the business had failed to comply with any of the standards of good industrial practice.

The employer has simply ceased trading and has terminated the claimants employment, she stated.

The claimants awards ranged from 7,000 to more than 10,000 for unpaid statutory notice periods, redundancy payments, holiday entitlements and court costs.

She also noted that the Collins family did not follow the ACAS Code of Practice and the claimants were therefore entitled to a 25% uplift of the sums they were awarded, in accordance with the Employment Rights Act 1996.

The bakery had previously been run by Philip Tennant and his wife Jane, and had outlets in Hednesford, Chadsmoor and Heath Hayes.
Baker Florin Morariu has been praised for his actions during Saturday nights terror attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market.

Morariu, who works at Bread Ahead in Borough Market, is reported to have thrown crates at one of the attackers, helped 20 people into the bakery, and pulled the shutters down to protect them.

Seven people were killed in the attack when a van ploughed into pedestrians and terrorists carried out multiple stabbings.

Morariu told BBC News: I felt pity for the victims who were lying on the ground; I didnt know how to handle things and thought I was also in danger. I just threw the crate at him [attacker].

I threw the first crate, I knew he was going to dodge it, and while he dodged it, I hit him with the second crate that was in my other hand. The moment, I hit him, there was a police car coming towards us, they were shouting to run away because they were going to throw a grenade.

Morariu has been praised on Twitter with comments including: Romanian Florin Morariu was a true hero during London terrorist attack! Proud of our Romanians abroad and As if I didnt like Bread Ahead enough already These are the names we must remember from this; Florin Morariu is a hero.

Donald Hyslop, chair of Borough Market Trustees, said the organisation was deeply shocked by Saturdays events.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by this senseless act, Hyslop said. Borough Market is in the heart of a strong, diverse and creative community, a community that supports each other and will pull together to show solidarity in the face of this callous attack.

We would like to thank the emergency services for their bravery and quick response. We continue to work with the Metropolitan police with their investigations and the Market and surrounding area remains closed at this time.

British Baker has contacted Bread Ahead for comment from Florin Morariu.
Both Modi and Sharif will attend the Astana summit and there have been speculations that the two leaders might use the forum to chat on bilateral issues.

By India Today Web Desk: Amid a recent spike in tensions between India and Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today rejected speculations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Astana in Kazakhstan on June 8-9.

"No meeting is scheduled either from their side or from our side," was Sushma Swaraj's answer to a question about the possibility of a meeting of both leaders.

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India and Pakistan are among the six observer states in the SCO and will be elevated as full-time members in this summit. The international organisation was formed by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in 2001.

Both Modi and Sharif will attend the Astana summit and there have been speculations that the two leaders might use the forum to have a chat on bilateral issues.

PM Modi has earlier asserted that Islamabad "must walk away from terror if it wants to have dialogue with India". Sushma Swaraj repeated this today saying "talks and terror cannot go together".

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be other important dignitaries who would be attending the summit.

Indo-Pak relations have seen a new low ever since the Pathankot attack in January last year. This was followed by the diplomatic battle over former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court over espionage charges.

The situation was aggravated by action along the Line of Control (LoC). On May 1, Pakistan Army had carried out unprovoked firing, killed two Indian soldiers and mutilated their bodies along the Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

This was followed by a major counter-terrorism operation by Indian troopers who conducted punitive strikes and destroyed many Pakistani posts which were aiding cross-border militant incursion.

PAKISTAN CAN'T APPROACH ICJ

A Pakistani law officer has reportedly said that Islamabad will take the Kashmir issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as India approached the global court in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

"Pakistan cannot take Kashmir issue to ICJ. The Shimla agreement and Lahore declaration are very clear on Kashmir issue that it can only be resolved bilaterally. The two countries are bound by these bilateral agreements," Sushma Swaraj said.

She also referred to some cases pending at other courts such as Hyderabad Nizam funds case in the UK court and issues pertaining to Indus Waters Treaty before the World Bank.

Rejecting suggestions that the government had a "flip-flop" policy in handling Pakistan, she said India is very clear that "it wants to hold dialogue, resolve all issues bilaterally without mediation from any third country, organisation or anyone else. But at the same time terror and talks cannot go together."

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The minister also emphasised that the government was asking other countries not to see cross-border issue or terrorism emanating from Pakistan from the prism of India but see if the international terrorism was in anyway linked with that country.

"Finally, where was Osama Bin Laden found? In Pakistan," she said, adding it was time to finalise the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN and define terrorism.

On Pakistan's contention that it will raise jurisdiction on the merit of the Jadhav case, she said India has a very strong argument and it will win the case. She also made it clear that India's case was based on Pakistan's violation of Vienna Convention under which consular access was not only "essential but compulsory".Also read:

5 Pakistan jawans killed, 6 others injured in retaliatory firing by Indian Army at LoC

Sushma Swaraj slams Donald Trump's billion-dollar charge made while exiting Paris climate deal

Also watch:

3 years of Modi government: Sushma Swaraj highlights achievements, says relations with other countries have improved

--- ENDS ---
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.
Gordon Lightfoot, performing "If You Could Read My Mind" in 1970

If You Could Read My Mind

1969 by Gordon Lightfoot

If you could read my mind, love,

What a tale my thoughts could tell.

Just like an old time movie,

'Bout a ghost from a wishing well.

In a castle dark or a fortress strong,

With chains upon my feet.

You know that ghost is me.

And I will never be set free

As long as I'm a ghost that you can't see.



If I could read your mind, love,

What a tale your thoughts could tell.

Just like a paperback novel,

The kind the drugstores sell.

Then you reached the part where the heartaches come,

The hero would be me.

But heroes often fail,

And you won't read that book again

Because the ending's just too hard to take!



I'd walk away like a movie star

Who gets burned in a three way script.

Enter number two:

A movie queen to play the scene

Of bringing all the good things out in me.

But for now, love, let's be real;

I never thought I could feel this way

And I've got to say that I just don't get it.

I don't know where we went wrong,

But the feeling's gone

And I just can't get it back.



If you could read my mind, love,

What a tale my thoughts could tell.

Just like an old time movie,

'Bout a ghost from a wishing well.

In a castle dark or a fortress strong.

With chains upon my feet.

But stories always end,

And if you read between the lines,

You'd know that I'm just tryin' to understand

The feelin's that you lack.

I never thought I could feel this way

And I've got to say that I just don't get it.

I don't know where we went wrong,

But the feelin's gone

And I just can't get it back!

This rendition of "If You Could Read My Mind", as well of the arrangement on the recording with Lightfoot's phrasing within his perfect brooding baritone was the allegorical "lightning in a bottle". It is as much musical perfection as is Louis Armstrong's rendition of Henry Mancini's (melody)/ Johnny Mercer's (lyrics) "Moon River", which is high praise indeed. This is what real art looks like.

Canadian Balladeer Gordon Lightfoot was never a fixture among my favorites, as I consumed volumes of uniquely eclectic music from the most enlightened period of any within the realm of the classical creation of music; however, Balladeer Lightfoot did create one song that has stuck with me over generations. His ballad "If You Could Read My Mind" was that one song that was my guilty pleasure, as an over stimulated rock'n' fool of the late 60's and 70's. It was that song that I truly understood at its essential core, when I was then so pathetically self-absorbed in any melancholy stupor, so common for misdirected minds and spirits. It was a melody that kept me company, as I grew too introspective as to how weird reality rolls with the punches, and then throws them back 2 fold, and with a fine accuracy.Regardless of my mood swings while "comfortably numb" to the real world broiling about me then, this song poked a big, valuable hole into the veneer of my pathos, and showed me another side within my introspection that needed some tending and much mending.is that song, in melody and verse, that possesses the perfect blend of what worked then, and even now for just me. I still get its allegorical flow of thought that seems to etch quite a bit deeper upon the wall of my soul. Still, I haven't considered the song for about a decade, and it still has an element of power into my sense of nostalgia flowing through me.The words above are carried in melody by a healthy allocation of the chords: G, F, C, D, and to a lesser extent, to elevate the the tone /mood in subtle increments, chords G7, Em, and Am7; so from my novice perspective - not too difficult to play. The difficulty will be in getting the picking to a serviceable arrangement, because, there is no strumming in this song, which is good for me; I'm not much of a strummer - I'd rather pull strings up, rather than down. It's a habit. As you will notice in the video, the song is carried by the picking of proper resonant notes out of each individual chord to well accommodate Gordon Lightfoot's pitch perfect brooding baritone, which was magnificent when recorded in 1970, and in the video below made that same year.What piqued my interest, in this short retrospective of Gordon Lightfoot, was my son-in-law, Neil's, discussion of "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" which was the subject of an interesting telecast that he had recently witnessed. Instantly, I thought of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song,And now, as I am want to do, I searched my laptop for the song's lyrics, the chords, and I hammered out something resembling this classic remembrance of unrequited love, or other melancholy moments. It was fun for a bit, especially when my wife sang along with me, and, remarkably, she remembered the words far better than I. Thank God for my computer at the ready, or, I would be lost in the lyrical remembrance, and I dare not try to assemble the chords without its aid. Still, I enjoyed the moment, and I intend to learn this song on my acoustical six string, just as I plan to learn many more of similar power. I will give an update on this progress when one is warranted.
Claudia Dunbar Allen

Died: July 19, 1935, Died: June 1, 2017



Mrs. Claudia Dunbar Allen, age 81, a resident of Roper, NC, died Thursday June 1, 2017 at Vidant Chowan Hospital.



A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday June 4, 2017 at Davis Cemetery and will be officiated



by Walter Taylor and singing by his wife, Elaine Taylor.



Mrs. Allen was born in Durham County on July 19, 1935. She was raised by Mrs. Maggie Taylor. Most people know Mrs. Allen by "Mrs. Jo" and "Mammy". She was a strong, kind hearted, caring women that loved her family. She enjoyed taking care of others and worked hard her whole life. She received her CNA degree from Beaufort Tech, and worked in healthcare for many years. She was a blessing to so many in the community by taking care of their elderly loved ones. She loved to travel, and visited several countries including Germany, Italy, and France. She would take trips to the mountains in the fall and take pictures of the leaves changing colors. Every summer she took vacations with loved ones to Myrtle Beach SC. Mrs. Jo loved to paint, and was quite the artist. She enjoyed collecting antiques, and owned an antique shop years ago. She was married to Leon Dunbar for 43 wonderful years, the best years of her life. On Thursday Mrs. Jo peacefully gained her angel wings and is now reunited with the love of her life in heaven.



She is survived by her husband, Roy Allen, Sr., a son, Kenneth Ashley Dunbar of Wenona, two



granddaughters, Laura Ashley Moore and husband Tanner of Washington, Heather Bryant and husband



Todd of Winterville, three great grandchildren, Avery Mae Moore, Hunter Bryant, and Carter Bryant.



She is preceded in death by two brothers Paul Stilley, Dick Taylor, and a sister Pauline Stilley.



The family will receive friends at the home of her granddaughter Laura Ashley Moore, 150 Mill Hole Road Washington, NC 27889.



Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.



Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven is honored to serve the family of Claudia Dunbar Allen.


A Winnipeg bride who went to Greece for her dream wedding and honeymoon says it has become a nightmare after her husband fell ill, had two major surgeries and now battles pneumonia in an Athens hospital.

Stephanie Sarlakis, 28, and Nikolaos Sarlakis, 33, left Winnipeg on May 11 for a small wedding reception with Nikolaos's family in Salomina, Greece. The two were married in Winnipeg in January, but wanted to celebrate with family and later tour the Greek islands on their honeymoon. Their plan was to return home to Winnipeg on June 9, but now, they don't know when they'll return, and they're left with thousands in extra costs.

"I've been calling it my honeymoon nightmare," said Stephanie Sarlakis. "This is a trip that we've been looking forward to and planning for a year. It was our dream honeymoon.

"It's been awful. Never in a million years would I ever have imagined going through something like this. And being alone in it."

The first week was full of family, laughter and celebration on the island of Salomina, just off the coast of Athens. Her husband was in great health, she said.

"He was excited to show me his home and show me his country and for me to meet all of his family," she said.

"It just very quickly turned into the opposite of that. It turned into him fighting for his life."

On May 21, they took a ferry from the mainland to the Greek island of Santorini. Nikolaos began to complain of feeling unwell.

"We kind of just chalked it up to the boat was making him sick," said Stephanie. They tried to go to dinner, but her husband had a fever, chills and worsening pain in his abdomen.

"You could tell that he was really weak, he was almost falling asleep at the table," she said.

Early the next morning, she took him to the Santorini General Hospital in a taxi, as there were no ambulances running at the time. After some tests, doctors suspected he had appendicitis.

Story continues

The small hospital had only been open for 10 months, with surgeons onsite since March, said Sarlakis. But the surgeons told them if they were to transport her husband to a bigger hospital in Athens, he might die of infection in transit.

So they chose to operate.

They found Nikolaos's intestine had ruptured as a result of diverticulitis, which causes pouches to form on the walls of the colon.

Surgeons removed the blockage in his intestine that caused the rupture.

On May 27, he was released from hospital with instructions to recover for a few days before returning for a checkup.

They were going to head back to Salomina on May 29, but his condition worsened again.

"He was standing in the bathroom screaming, in agonizing pain, calling for help, and saying he's having a second attack and he needs to get to the hospital," said Stephanie Sarlakis.

"It was terrifying. The doctors thought that he was out of the woods."

Told to speak with a priest

This time, before they operated, doctors advised Nikolaos to speak with a priest. Because of the severity of his infection, they weren't sure he would make it through the surgery.

Doctors found a second rupture in his intestine, and that gangrene had started to develop as a result of the infection. They removed the gangrenous section and gave him an ostomy bag to allow the resection to heal and for the infection to clear.

"The second time the surgeon, when he came into our room to talk to us, he was apologizing to me, he said they didn't think that this would happen and he was so sorry. And when a surgeon is apologizing to you, you don't really know what to think. There's a million things going through my mind," she said.

"All of that was terrifying and trying to hold it together because my husband is scared and I don't want him seeing me be weak because I'm trying to be the strong one."

Nikolaos was airlifted out of Santorini on June 1 to a hospital in Athens. He was admitted to the Athens Naval Hospital with a fever as a result of developing pneumonia.

Now, as he recovers from the two bowel surgeries, he is battling the lung infection and is having trouble clearing fluids from his lungs. He's stable, but requires high levels of oxygen and care. Doctors expect his hospital stay to last several more weeks.

Financial burden

The couple had traveller's insurance through Blue Cross, but the benefits don't cover accommodations until after the expected end of their trip.

Since Nikolaos is a dual citizen with Canada and Greece, his medical care bills are expected to be taken care of by the Greek government.

But his wife says that since her husband became ill, they have had about $10,000 in extra expenses, including hotel stays, meals, medical expenses and medications, her ferry trips in to Athens to visit him and a non-refundable trip to Crete.

She said there are many unknowns with what Blue Cross will cover, so she appreciates the GoFundMe account started by her sister.

"That's not something that I ever would've asked for and it's something we would've silently struggled with," she said.

"The support of friends and strangers has been so overwhelming."

In the future, she said, she'll read the fine print on any health insurance policies. Much of what she hoped would be covered  such as accommodations  wasn't. And trying to deal with the case worker while dealing with a crisis has been a challenge, she said.

"You think that OK, I've taken the correct steps, making sure all of those ducks are in a row, and then when you need it, they're not there," she said.

Nikolaos's family is now helping with his care and support while he's in hospital, which has been a relief, she said.

He'll need extensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy once they return to Canada, which she hopes happens at the end of June. Doctors haven't made any promises, given the severity of his condition, she added.

"All we can kind of do is take it day by day and hope that he gets better so we can come back to Canada and be at home," she said.
A Syrian refugee looks up as her father holds her and a Canadian flag as they arrive at Pearson Toronto International Airport in Mississauga, Ontario, December 18, 2015. Photo from REUTERS.

People outside of this country may be confident in their assumptions that Canadians are friendly, polite, peaceful and tolerant. But go to a Timmys and ask two different Canadians how they define themselves and the answers you get may be vastly different depending on whether theyre from the East or the West, Francophone or Anglo, first-generation or seventh.

Or will they?

Yahoo Canada partnered with Ipsos Public Affairs to explore how Canadians view their relationships with the world and each other. In todays political climate, we wanted to see whether we are actually as welcoming, inclusive and progressive as we seem in comparison to countries such as the United States and England, seeking to tighten their borders and rethink multilateralism.

Opinions on the results:

Throughout April, we surveyed Canadians to gauge sentiment on the national priorities, and core values that define us. We also wanted to know how the election of Donald Trump as president of the U.S. has affected Canadians impressions of leadership qualities and their own mobility.

Overall, the data suggests Canadians are most concerned about maintaining our social solidarity by prioritizing a strong health care system for all and reducing poverty and the nations economic burdens.

More from our Canada 150 series:

More startling, however, was evidence that the nationalistic sentiments that gained traction in the U.S. during last years presidential election may have migrated north. More than half of respondents appear worried that immigrants and refugees are causing an erosion of Canadian values and public safety.

Thats not to say Canadians oppose helping the less fortunate. Wide margins of Canadians support taxpayer-funded poverty alleviation programs. That more compassionate touch is displayed by Canadians preference for Justin Trudeaus leadership style over that of Donald Trump.

Story continues

In the polling, two overwhelming concerns among Canadians became clear: healthcare and employment. Ipsos Vice President of Public Affairs Sean Simpson says he isnt surprised.

When the economy is not in great shape, the economy [jobs] will come up and will challenge healthcare for the number one issue. And everything else tends to be a secondary issue, said Simpson. Get people employed, keep them healthy and everything else is secondary.

However, few issues have received as much public attention this year as immigration and refugees policies. Scenes of happy Syrian families arriving at Canadian airports have been replaced by more ominous stories of asylum seekers trying to navigate across the Canada-U.S. border in the freezing dead of night.

While almost no one questions the idea that Canada has become a nation of immigrants, if not recent arrivals the certainly first- and second-generation communities, poll data shows many now are wary of immigrants and refugees.

A slim majority of Canadians polled, 57 per cent and 55 per cent respectively, say refugees and new immigrants are a threat to Canadian values. A further 53 per cent of say refugees threatened Canadas safety.

I think whats happening here is that theres a disconnect between the outward and the inward [attitude towards immigration], said Simpson. And thats a wake up call. Its a reality check because I think we think of ourselves in certain way and maybe were not that way.

However, the data also shows Canadians see benefits of welcoming immigrants and, to a lesser extent, refugees. More than half of respondents, 58 per cent, said that Canada is better off because of immigrants, and 45 per cent said the same of refugees, with millennials being most supportive of both groups compared to Baby boomers.

It portends, because of demographics, that we will become more tolerant, more welcoming as, I hate to say it, as the boomers move on and as millennials age, said Simpson, because they seem to be the most positive towards immigrants and refugees.

Despite the changing attitudes among younger Canadians, its important to parse the difference between immigrants and refugees. Immigrants are approved for entry through the immigration process, where they are assessed as either a liability or a boon to the country. Canada currently sets a limit of approximately 250,000 immigrants per year.

Refugees, on the other hand, are admitted on the basis of what Canada can do for them, and the limit is less precise as its subject to global events. Based on CBC analysis, Canada has welcomed around 26,000 refugees each year over the past decade.

When Canadians were asked to think with their wallets and prioritize how tax dollars should be spent, the majority ranked assisting families in need and the homelessness at the top of their list.

But perhaps more surprising, at the height of efforts for reconciliation and rebuilding of relationships with Canadas First Nations, less than a quarter of Canadians polled believe investing funds to improve Indigenous communities should be a priority.

On the question of effective leadership leadership, Canadians overwhelmingly selected Justin Trudeau as their preferred leader, although U.S. President Donald Trump did receive high marks in some important categories.

That a quarter of Canadians feel Trump does a better job at national security and almost as many feel hes better at delivering on economic growth may help explain why Canadian voters are so concerned about economic uncertainty or an influx of refugees.

Perhaps the country is still shaken by economic events from a decade ago. Or maybe Canadians are getting more skeptical as cynicism increases as to whether global security and relationships are getting worse, not better.

Whatever the case, these results reflect a country that is living up to its reputation as a welcoming and caring one, albeit with less open arms and minds than people outside our borders may believe.
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New York, June 5, 2017Bahraini authorities should revoke an order barring the independent news outlet Al-Wasat from publishing and stop harassing the newspaper and its journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The Ministry of Information Affairs yesterday ordered Al-Wasat to cease publishing in print and online indefinitely, the outlets editor-in-chief Mansoor al-Jamri, told CPJ.

Al-Jamri said that an official from the ministry called an Al-Wasat employee to notify the outlet of the ban and did not offer any reason for the closure. An article about the ban by the official Bahrain News Agency refers to an editorial published in Al-Wasat yesterday that included the defamation of a sisterly Arab country. Al-Jamri told CPJ that the Bahrain News Agency article may be referring to an op-ed about protests in Moroccos Rif region.

Al-Wasat has long been the scapegoat for a government fearful of allowing a free press, said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney. This ban should be lifted immediately.

Al-Jamri said that the outlet received a letter from the Bahraini authorities confirming that the newspaper was barred from publishing until further notice. The letter did not provide a reason for the ban. The lack of any recourse or communication channel with authorities has left the newspaper unsure of how to proceed, he added, saying that the lack of due process left them in the dark.

The Embassy of Bahrain in Washington, D.C. did not immediately respond to CPJs emailed request for comment.

Al-Wasat, which is Bahrains only independent publication, was ordered to suspend publication in January of this year, and has repeatedly been shut down in the past, CPJ has found. CPJ honored Al-Jamri with an International Press Freedom Award in 2011.

Last month, CPJ joined several news agencies and press freedom organizations in calling on King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa to allow journalists to operate freely in the country. The call is in response to Bahraini authorities denying entry to a German journalist involved in a documentary critical of the countrys human rights record and authorities questioning three Bahraini journalists, including an Al-Wasat staff writer, about social media posts and a protest.

Also last month, a Bahraini court convicted in absentia Nazeeha Saeed, a journalist for Monte Carlo Douliya and France24, of working without a license. Saeed, who lives in exile, told CPJ the court fined her 1,000 Bahraini dinars (US$2,650).
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When Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and her long-persecuted National League for Democracy party won elected office in November 2015, bringing an end to nearly five decades of authoritarian military rule, many local journalists saw the democratic result as a de facto win for press freedom.

Myanmars previous military regimes imposed strict restrictions on the media, including a pre-publication censorship system that left any news or commentary even remotely critical of the junta or its commanding officers on news publications cutting room floors.

For decades, Myanmar, previously known as Burma, was home to one of Asias most repressive media environments, where scores of journalists who dared to shirk the regimes censorship orderseither under pseudonyms or by filing secretly to exile-run independent mediawere sentenced to jail terms in abysmal and often brutal prison conditions.

While those restrictions started to lift under previous President Thein Sein, including an end in August 2012 to pre-publication censorship and the release in November 2012 of political prisoners, including many journalists, in a mass presidential amnesty, self-censorship endured because laws used to stifle free expression and punish dissent remained on the books. In 2013, CPJs report Burma falters, backtracks on press freedom, found Thein Seins military-backed, quasi-civilian government lacked a genuine commitment to a more open press environment.

View: Myanmars anti-press laws

Now, one year into State Counsellor Suu Kyis de facto leadership, and despite hopes that the former political prisoner and pro-democracy icon would leverage her resounding mandate to roll back military power and strike down draconian laws, the situation for journalists has not materially improved, according to Myanmar-based journalists who spoke with CPJ.

Press freedom in our country is not really improving, said Kyaw Zwa Moe, editor of the English-language edition of The Irrawaddy, a news group established by exiles that began operating from inside the country during Thein Seins term. There is still limited space for independent media due to restrictive laws, [media] market monopoly, no clear policy for access to information, and media-unfriendly establishments and authorities.

Presidential spokesperson Zaw Htay, who served the same role under Thein Sein, did not immediately respond to CPJs request for comment.

A woman takes a selfie with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar in May. Journalists say conditions for press freedom have not significantly improved under her rule. (Reuters/Soe Zeya Tun)

Kyaw Zwa says that while Suu Kyis NLD-led government has not imposed new restrictions on reporters, it has also not done enough to amend or abolish laws from the military era, including bans on reporting that could be deemed as threatening to national harmony and security. The government has still failed to create an environment where independent media can practice their professions freely and ethically, said Kyaw Zwa.

Chief among those laws is section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law, a broad provision that carries potential three-year prison terms for cases of defamation over communications networks. While the law was used only occasionally against journalists under military rule, politicians, military officials, and even Buddhist monks are increasingly using it now to stifle online and social media criticism.

Journalists who endured the military regimes pre-publication censorship say there is still a wide range of topics, including cases of high-level corruption, religious criticism, communal violence, and the militarys operations, activities and business dealings that are still largely taboo under Suu Kyis democratic government.

They say the rising use of 66(d) has hamstrung them from reporting into alleged past corruption and abuses committed under the former junta. Myanmar PEN, a free expression group, estimates 55 66(d)-related cases have been filed since the NLD took power, including charges filed against social media users who posted material critical of Suu Kyi.

Swe Win, chief reporter at the local Myanmar Now newspaper, was charged under 66(d) on March 7 for his critical reporting on a prominent radical Buddhist monk, U Wirathu, who in a Facebook post thanked the assassins who shot and killed a Muslim NLD legal adviser at Yangons international airport in January. A week later, the reporter was stopped in the street by three men who had photos of him on their mobile phones and who acted in a threatening manner, according to reports.

The monks defamation case against Swe Win, filed by supporters of one of the radical Ma Ba Tha groups that he leads, has since been dropped. However, the Buddhist fundamentalist group the Patriotic Monks Union of Myanmar pressured the Ministry of Religious Affairs to pursue legal action against the reporter for allegedly defaming Buddhism, according to reports. It is an incendiary charge in the Buddhist-majority nation. Human rights activists have accused Ma Ba Tha of inciting communal violence against groups or individuals it views as a threat to Buddhism, according to media reports and rights groups. Wirathu has denied any role in the violence.

Politicians have also used the act to stifle media criticism. Eleven Media Group chief executive Than Htut Aung and chief editor Wai Phyo were detained November 11 under 66(d) over an editorial that alleged Yangons chief minister may have been involved in corruption, according to reports. The journalists were held in pre-trial detention for nearly two months before they were released on bail. The results of the pending case will set an important precedent on the laws use against the press.

Section 66(d) is hugely problematic, said Thomas Kean, editor-in-chief of Frontier, a local weekly English-language newsmagazine that he says has faced threats of legal action but no cases under the law. It is so broad that anything we report could result in a complaint to police. We dont actually spend too much time thinking about it because if you tried to avoid potential cases by self-censoring you would have little left over that you actually wanted to publish, he said.

Other reporters and editors told CPJ that critical reporting on the military, completely banned under the junta, is still fraught under Suu Kyi. Thats in large part because Myanmars transition to democracy remains incomplete, with the military maintaining autonomous control over the defense, home, and border affairs ministries and having a 25 percent appointed bloc in parliament.

The military has leveraged those residual powers to block reporters access to conflict zones, including a news blackout of a military operation in western Rakhine Stateimposed since Octoberthat rights groups claim gave cover for rights abuses of ethnic Rohingya civilians. The government denies abuses were committed during the lock-down operation, which is now the subject of a United Nations human rights inquiry.

Authorities have blocked access to the region to enforce the blackout and threatened legal action against reporters who violate the ban. Reporters have been allowed access to certain areas in recent weeks, but only via two tightly controlled tours run by the government, Kean said.

Reporters are not wholly free to report on military and security matters deemed as sensitive, said Aye Aye Win, a recently retired Associated Press bureau chief who reported for decades under Myanmars military rule. The fact that the NLD government has no control over the military and [lacks] political will to promote press freedom are the reasons [the] situation in Myanmar has not significantly improved.

Reporters who question the official narrative also come under pressure. Presidential spokesman Zaw Htay singled out Myanmar Times investigations editor Fiona MacGregor on social media, including on the President Offices official Facebook page, as biased against the government for a story she reported citing information provided by a local rights group that alleged around 30 Rohingya women had been raped by soldiers in a Rakhine State village on October 19, 2016.

MacGregor said she was fired by the privately owned English-language newspapers management days later for breaking company policy against damaging national reconciliation and the papers reputation. MacGregor told CPJ at the time that she felt Zaw Htays comments aimed to stifle local and foreign reporting on the alleged sexual violence and carried a tacit threat of possible criminal defamation charges.

Zaw Htay did not immediately respond to CPJs request for comment about her claims. Kavi Chongkittavorn, a senior editor at Myanmar Times, acknowledged CPJs emailed request for comment but the papers managers did not immediately respond.

The rape accusations have since been widely reported, including in a Reuters investigation published April 25 that interviewed several Rohingya women in refugee camps in Bangladesh who claimed they were sexually abused and raped by Myanmar security forces. Suu Kyi told the United Nations in February she would investigate the allegations, according to news reports.

Still, local groups are pushing for positive change. On May 3, Myanmar PEN and 13 local media and rights groups released a one-year scorecard report assessing free expression conditions that found a significant shortfall in relevant reforms under Suu Kyis watch. The government has the power to promote media freedom and freedom of expression, but it hasnt made it a priority, the report concluded.

The report noted that the NLD-dominated parliament amended 19 and enacted 23 laws during its first year in power, including a new personal privacy and security law that aims to curb physical, though not online, state surveillance. Lawmakers also abolished the 1950 Emergency Provisions Act, the ex-military regimes security law of choice for targeting dissidents and journalists, which had allowances for life in prison or even death for violations.

But with other repressive laws still on the books, including the 2013 Telecommunications Law, 2004 Electronics Transactions Law, and the 1923 Official Secrets Act, among others, that carry prison terms, Myanmars media is still susceptible to vague and arbitrary threats. The NLD government is trying to reform laws, but based primarily on its own perceptions, not on international human rights standards, the PEN report said.

[Reporting from Bangkok]

[EDITORS NOTE: This blog post has been updated to reflect that Fiona MacGregors comments to CPJ were made last year.]
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The release of a private conversation between a well-known journalist and his source has shaken the journalistic community in Brazil and highlighted the increasingly polarized and uneasy terrain in which political reporters work.

The conversation between Reinaldo Azevedo, a right-wing columnist for Veja, the countrys influential weekly news magazine, and Andrea Neves, the sister of Aecio Neves, a senator and former presidential candidate for the centre-right PSDB party was recorded by police as part of a corruption investigation. It took place on April 13, five weeks before Andrea Neves was arrested as part of the Car Wash operation, a multi-billion dollar corruption scandal that has engulfed many of Brazils top businesses and most of its leading politicians.

BuzzFeed Brasil published the conversation last week after it was included in a package of what the newspaper Folha de S.Paulo said was more than 2,200 conversations released by the Supreme Court.

Azevedo is not under investigation and the transcript does not appear to contain information relevant to the inquiry, prompting many journalists to say they believe it was released solely to harm the writer, who has become more critical of the investigation in recent months.

A spokesperson for the Supreme Court told CPJ it would not comment until after an investigation, requested by Azevedo, is finished. The journalist did not respond to CPJs request for comment.

The case has sent a chill through newsrooms across Brazil and reporters have put aside their divisions to unite against what they see as a real threat.

With great frequency, if not always, we consider [Azevedos] points of view repugnant, said a piece co-authored by Glenn Greenwald in The Intercept. It is hard to overestimate the extremism in his conservative positions. Needless to say, none of that matters right now. Disagreeing with a writers positions does not justify the publication of his private telephone calls by government investigators.

Azevedo, who in the conversations with Neves appeared to call his own magazines critical reporting of her brothers party disgusting, resigned hours after details of the conversation came to light.

In a farewell piece entitled, My Last Post for Veja, Azevedo said the release of his conversation characterized a police state and called it an aggression against one of the guarantees of the professionthe secrecy of a conversation between a journalist and their source.

In a response to BuzzFeed that he published online, Azevedo made a number of points, including:

I am not being investigated.

The transcript of a private conversation between a journalist and his source has no relation to the object of the investigation.

Making this kind of conversation public is simply a way to intimidate journalists.

Journalists right to conduct private conversations is enshrined in Brazils constitution, with Claudio Lamachia, head of the countrys Bar Association, comparing it in interviews to attorney-client privilege enjoyed by lawyers and their clients.

The case is the most high-profile of several incidents in recent years that journalists and freedom of speech activists say has worried them.

In August last year a court in Brasilia ruled that investigators could obtain the confidential phone records of a journalist with the newsmagazine Epoca. The paper fought the ruling. [CPJ was unable to determine if its appeal was successful.] A court in Sao Paulo took a similar decision in 2016 in a case against a reporter with the newspaper, Folha de S. Paulo. The paper said in December that a judge revoked the order.

And in 2015, a court ordered the entire newsroom of the Diario da Regiao to turn over its phone records so police could try to identify the source of one reporters stories. The Sao Paulo paper got an injunction and the case has still to be decided by the Supreme Court, but the incident prompted staff there to review the way they work.

We take more precautions now, the reporter involved, Allan de Abreu, told CPJ. We meet with sources personally when we can to avoid talking on the phone and we look for ways of communication that are less easily traced.

We all feel that the state is becoming more heavy-handed when its interests are threatened. And these heavy-handed actions against journalists are both very strong and very worrying.

Such incidents come against a background of nationwide crisis. Left-wing president Dilma Rousseff was impeached last year and replaced by her opponent and former vice president Michel Temer. Temer himself has been caught on wire tapes appearing to condone the payment of hush money to a jailed legislator. [Temer said the recording was not proof of wrongdoing.]

In the vacuum, investigators, police and attorney generals have grown in stature but there are fears by many in Brazil that some of their actionssuch as the release of the Azevedo tapesare politically motivated to discredit opponents or other influential figures.

Two of the leading candidates for next years presidential election are also helping stoke the backlash against a press.

In recent months, Brazils media have reported how Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing congressman abused journalists and opponents who challenge his statements, calling them illiterate and idiots and challenging them to one-on-one debates. And, Lula, the former president who hopes to run again for the Workers Party, has said that if elected he may take action to limit journalists power and even arrest those he claimed spread lies about him.

The already charged atmosphere was worsened by the Azevedo revelations, with the Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism saying in a statement, The investigation of a crime cannot serve as a pretext for the violation of the law, nor for the trampling of fundamental rights such as the protection of sources guaranteed in the constitution.

The fact that these cases are popping up is worrying, Vinicius Mota, the managing editor of Folha de S. Paulo, one of Brazils biggest newspapers, told CPJ. We hope that authorities will be diligent in separating out what is professional journalism and what is of interest to them.

[Reporting from Sao Paulo]
Expelled Hizbul Mujahideen fighter Zakir Musa released an audio clip in which he scoffs at reports that he ratted out Sabzar Ahmad Bhat. Musa also slams Indian Muslims for being 'spineless' and asks his supporters to come join him.

By Ashraf Wani: Expelled Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zakir Rashid Bhat, or Zakir Musa, has released a four-minute audio recording in which he scoffs at reports that he ratted out Sabzar Bhat, the Burhan Wani successor who was recently killed by Indian security forces.

Musa, who was quit Hizbul Mujahideen after threatening to behead Kashmiri separatists, begins his audio message with a call to his supporters to come meet him with their weapons. "There is no need to clarify (that I did not rat Sabzar Bhat out) but those who claim to represent me must visit me with their weapons and I will serve them well," Zakir says with a scornful laugh.

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India Today had earlier reported that several Hizbul fighters suspect that a personal messenger close to Musa tipped had off the Jammu and Kashmir police about the location of Sabzar Ahmad Bhat's hideout. Sabzar was killed in May in an encounter close to his hometown of Tral.

Zakir Musa then goes on to talk about a reported rape of a Muslim woman in Bijnor. "It is shameful that Indian Muslims are spineless and don't act against the perpetrators of such crimes," he said.

Musa then quotes the sayings of Prophet Muhammad and recalls the Conquest Of Hind (Gazwa-e-Hind). "Our beloved prophet has assured Jannat to those who participate in the conquest of Hind," he says.

The militant commander, who earlier had called for public hanging of All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders in Kashmir, calls the Indian Muslims most unconscionable.

"Indian Muslims are most unconscionable and have forgotten about the battle of Badr," he states before going on to talk about the issue of cow vigilantism in India.

He says, "My blood boils when I see Muslims being attacked by gau rakshaks and Indian Muslims must form groups to take part in the conquest of Hind."

ALSO READ | Who is Zakir Musa? Why Hizbul Mujahideen distanced itself from his 'Islamic Kashmir' remark

ALSO WATCH | Burhan Wani's Hizbul successor Zakir Musa threatens to chop off heads of Hurriyat leaders

--- ENDS ---
One of the worlds most promising, and in terms of economy, fastest-growing regions, sub-Saharan Africa, is under attack by transnational criminal networks. Corruption is one of their major weapons.

Corruption is an abuse of power at every level that impacts rich and poor countries alike, in both the private and public sectors. Corruption destroys trust, undermines development, and erodes confidence in democratic institutions. It distorts markets, causes higher prices, discourages investors, and stunts economic growth. And it is particularly destructive to communities in developing countries, where it blocks development and progress.

As the criminal networks see it, you must spend money to make money, and that goes double for corruption. And transnational crime is tremendously lucrative, accounting for 8 to 15 percent of the world gross domestic product.

Hundreds of millions of [dollars] every year enable criminals and other threat networks to corrupt the regional economies and the global financial system, said Senior Director for National Security and Diplomacy Anti-Crime Programs at the State Departments Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, David Luna:

The proceeds of drug trafficking and other forms of illicit trafficking are fueling a dramatic increase in corruption among the very institutions responsible for fighting crime.

The collusion and complicity of some government officials with criminal networks have helped carve out an illicit trafficking corridor that stretches from the West African coast to the Horn of Africa, from North Africa south to the Gulf of Guinea.

Across these illicit routes, bad actors and networks are corrupting critical institutions and enforcement systems that endanger everyones security, said David Luna.

The United States is determined, in cooperation with our partners in Africa, to disrupt and dismantle transnational organized crime networks.

In support of President Donald Trumps Executive Order on Transnational Criminal Organizations, the United States will continue to assist our partners to strengthen their capabilities to combat todays threat networks, said Mr. Luna.

We must crackdown on corruption at all levels and cut off the ability of kleptocrats, criminals, and terrorists to enjoy the fruits of illicit enterprise and that enable the financial capacity to execute their operations.
chris wallace

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt was grilled repeatedly on Sunday by television anchors hoping to get more clarity on President Donald Trump's decision to leave the Paris Climate Accords this week.

Political talk show hosts confronted Pruitt about his assertion that the deal, which 156 nations signed in order to curb emissions that fuel climate change, would be damaging to the American economy.

Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace aggressively pushed back against the Trump administration's assertion that China and India were not seriously committed to reducing emissions, saying "the reality is different from what the president said."

"Mr. Pruitt, aren't you focusing on the wrong thing?" Wallace asked, pointing out that the solar industry employed twice as many people as the coal industry, one of the beneficiaries of Trump's decision.

"Aren't you and the president protecting the horse and buggy business just as cars go online?"

Pruitt dismissed the question, saying the US needs coal and solid hydrocarbons to address high demand for electricity as well as "attacks on our grid, attacks on our infrastructure."

"If we have peak demand needs you want a diversity of fuels that generate electricity," Pruitt said.

Wallace also noted that despite Trump's promise that his decision would benefit the residents of "Pittsburgh, not Paris," the Pennsylvania city's mayor committed to staying in the climate agreement.

"The mayor of Pittsburgh said 'We're not a steel town anymore, we're a green town,'" Wallace said. "And in fact he rejected what the president said."

"This president has said we need an all of the above approach," Pruitt said. "We should not penalize sectors of our economy, Chris. Government regulations shouldn't be used to pick winners and losers."

The hosts also pushed Pruitt to support his claim that the Paris agreement would not ultimately reduce the effects of climate change.

Story continues

Multiple anchors, including Wallace and ABC's George Stephanopoulos, pointed out that the Trump team was misinterpreting data from a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study. Pruitt said the scientists have "short memories," and attempted to discredit the MIT author's comments.

"It's very fishy to me that MIT updated their results after we started citing it," Pruitt told Wallace.

Pruitt refused to answer again whether Trump still believed that climate change is a hoax.

scott pruitt climate change epa

"Meet The Press" host Chuck Todd pressed Pruitt on whether he still believes that carbon dioxide is not the primary driver of climate change, a belief directly at-odds with the overwhelming scientific consensus.

"You don't believe that CO2 is the primary cause?" Todd asked.

"No, I didn't say that. I said it's a cause," Pruitt replied.

"Primary?" Todd asked.

"It's a cause of many," Pruitt said. "It's a cause like methane, and water vapor, and the rest."

Wallace and Stephanopoulos each pressed the administrator four times on their respective shows about whether Trump believed in climate change.

"Doesn't it matter whether or not the president believes there is man-made climate change, whether he believes it's a hoax?" Stephanopoulos said. "That is the predicate for the entire decision."

"The focus is on the efficacy, the merits of the deal, and the demerits of the deal," Pruitt said, dodging the question by pointing out that the US has reduced carbon emissions substantially in the past two decades.

"I don't want to beat a dead horse here, but you're not going to tell me whether or not the president believes climate change is a hoax?" Wallace asked on his show.

"The President has indicated that climate changes," Pruitt said. "It's always changing. I've indicated the same."

One of the primary advocates for leaving the agreement, Pruitt has been its primary defender, fielding similar questions at a White House press briefing on Thursday. The Washington Post noted that he has become one of the most influential policy advisers in the Trump administration, rolling back a number of rules regarding emissions, water pollution, and pesticides.

Green activists have pushed back against Pruitt's claim that many top environmental groups do not support the Paris climate agreement.

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," Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune said in a statement Sunday. "Contrary to Pruitt's 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."

Watch the clips below:

On @ThisWeekABC, EPA chief Scott Pruitt still won't say whether President Trump believes climate change is a hoax. https://t.co/fB4sCtkQ5E pic.twitter.com/PN0BHx3L30  This Week (@ThisWeekABC) June 4, 2017

EPA Admin Scott Pruitt: Exiting the climate deal was not a political decision #MTP pic.twitter.com/kqxNwGjshd  Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) June 4, 2017

NOW WATCH: 'Really?': A reporter calls out Huckabee's claim that 'countless' FBI employees were happy with Comey's firing





More From Business Insider


* Some CEOs will not abandon presidential advisory boards

* Among them are CEOs of Wal-Mart, IBM, JPMorgan Chase

* They cite the need to have a seat at table, stay engaged

* White House pushes back against criticism

* Tesla, Disney CEOs left councils after Trump's climate move (Adds that General Electric's CEO will remain on Trump's manufacturing council, paragraphs 18-19)

By David Shepardson and Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON, June 2 (Reuters) - Several major U.S. companies, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc, JP Morgan Chase & Co and IBM Corp, on Friday said their CEOs will remain in an influential presidential advisory group despite objecting to President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord.

Citing the need to stay engaged with the administration, business leaders said they would remain in their advisory roles to continue working to influence White House policies.

Trump, a Republican, on Thursday said he would pull the United States from the landmark 2015 global agreement to fight climate change, drawing anger and condemnation from world leaders and heads of industry.

Tesla Inc Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk and Walt Disney Co CEO Robert Iger reacted by leaving White House advisory councils after Trump's move.

"Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world," Musk said in a Twitter post on Thursday. He was a member of the business advisory group, known as the Presidents Strategic and Policy Forum. He also belonged to Trump's manufacturing jobs council.

Asked about CEOs' criticism of the U.S. withdrawal, White House spokesman Sean Spicer on Friday said some companies that expressed support for remaining in the agreement raised concerns about the emissions reduction targets.

Spicer, speaking to reporters at a daily news conference, added he does not know if Trump will replace Musk and Iger on the business council.

A spokesman for Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the largest U.S. retailer, said on Friday that Chief Executive Doug McMillon will remain on the business council.

Story continues

McMillon said in a Facebook post late on Thursday he was "disappointed in today's news about the Paris Agreement. We think it's important for countries to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

IBM CEO Ginni Rometty will remain on the council, the company said on Friday as it reaffirmed its support for the Paris accord.

"IBM believes we can make a constructive contribution by having a direct dialogue with the administration  as we do with governments around the world," a company spokeswoman said.

Cleveland Clinic Chief Executive Toby Cosgrove will also remain on the council, a spokeswoman said.

Another prominent chief executive, Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase & Co, criticized Trump's decision. The company acknowledged Friday that he would not step down from Trump's business group.

"I absolutely disagree with the administration on this issue, but we have a responsibility to engage our elected officials to work constructively and advocate for policies that improve people's lives and protect our environment," Dimon said in a statement.

PepsiCo Inc Chief Executive Indra Nooyi is expected to remain on the council. The company said in a statement on Friday that while it is "disappointed with the announcement, we hope there is a way for the accord to move forward with the U.S. at the table."

'LET'S GET A BETTER DEAL'

Other chief executives also issued statements criticizing the decision to withdraw from the accord, including the heads of Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc and Goldman Sachs .

General Electric Co CEO Jeff Immelt, who is on Trump's manufacturing council, said on Thursday he was disappointed in the decision and added: "Industry must now lead and not depend on government."

Immelt will remain on the council, a company spokeswoman said on Friday.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who is also on Trump's manufacturing council, called the withdrawal "a failure of American leadership." A union spokesman said on Friday that Trumka intends to remain on the council to serve "as a voice for working people." Boeing Co Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg also will remain on the manufacturing council, the company said.

Trump administration officials pushed back against company criticisms in television interviews on Friday.

National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn dismissed concerns about potential economic fallout from the climate deal withdrawal, such as the potential of other countries slapping tariffs on American manufacturers.

In an interview on CNBC on Friday, Cohn said the move was part of the administration's efforts to boost U.S. economic growth and help companies by increasing demand for U.S. goods, along with other efforts targeting regulations, taxes and infrastructure.

"If we can grow our economy, we're going to consume more and more products," he said. "We're going to need more manufacturing in the United States just to deal with domestic consumption."

The issue could resurface later this month when, according to an administration spokesman, the White House plans to hold a June 19 meeting with technology leaders.

Kellyanne Conway, a White House senior adviser, said on Fox News the deal would have "a statistically insignificant impact on the environment."

"If you really cared about that piece, and you're one of these CEOs crowing today, then you would say 'let's get a better deal,'" she said in the interview on Friday, adding that Trump had said he was open to future negotiations.

Trump created the business advisory group in December before taking office to assist him in making policy decisions. The council is led by Stephen Schwarzman, chief executive of Blackstone Group LP.

Blackrock Inc Chief Executive Larry Fink said on Thursday he would continue to serve on Trump's business forum, despite reservations about the White House climate decision because he believes he can add to policy discussions and be a voice for investors.

General Motors Co said Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra also would remain on the presidential advisory panel, while it remained unclear whether Ford Motor Co's new chief executive, James Hackett, would join the group.

In February, Uber Technologies Inc CEO Travis Kalanick quit the business advisory council amid internal pressure over Trump's immigration policies.

(Editing by Matthew Lewis)
nuclear bomb

Since the Cold War, the US and Russia have drawn up plans on how to best wage nuclear war against each other  but while large population centers with huge cultural impact may seem like obvious choices, a smarter nuclear attack would focus on countering the enemy's nuclear forces.

So while people in New York City or Los Angeles may see themselves as being in the center of the world, in terms of nuclear-target priorities, they're not as important as places in states like North Dakota or Montana.

According to Stephen Schwartz, the author of "Atomic Audit: The Costs and Consequences of US Nuclear Weapons Since 1940," as the Cold War progressed and improvements in nuclear weapons and intelligence-collection technologies enabled greater precision in where those weapons were aimed, the emphasis in targeting shifted from cities to nuclear stockpiles and nuclear war-related infrastructure.

This map shows the essential points Russia would have to attack to wipe out the US's nuclear forces, according to Schwartz:

US Nuke Targets

This map represents targets for an all-out attack on the US's fixed nuclear infrastructure, weapons, and command and control centers  but even a massive strike like this wouldn't guarantee anything.

"It's exceedingly unlikely that such an attack would be fully successful," Schwartz told Business Insider. "There's an enormous amount of variables in pulling off an attack like this flawlessly, and it would have to be flawless. If even a handful of weapons escape, the stuff you missed will be coming back at you."

Even if every single US intercontinental ballistic missile silo, stockpiled nuclear weapon, and nuclear-capable bomber were flattened, US nuclear submarines could  and would  retaliate.

According to Schwartz, at any given time, the US has four to five nuclear-armed submarines "on hard alert, in their patrol areas, awaiting orders for launch." Even high-ranking officials in the US military don't know where the silent submarines are, and there's no way Russia could chase them all down before they fired back, which Schwartz said could be done in as little as five to 15 minutes.

Story continues

But even a strike on a relatively sparsely populated area could lead to death and destruction across the US, depending on how the wind blew. That's because of fallout.

radioactive fallout zone nuclear blast expanding shrinking 48 hours bruce buddemeier llnl

The US has strategically positioned the bulk of its nuclear forces, which double as nuclear targets, far from population centers. But if you happen to live next to an ICBM silo, fear not.

There's a "0.0 percent chance" that Russia could hope to survive an act of nuclear aggression against the US, according to Schwartz.

So while we all live under a nuclear "sword of Damocles," Schwartz said, people in big cities like New York and Los Angeles most likely shouldn't worry about being struck by a nuclear weapon.

NOW WATCH: Watch how the US would shoot down an incoming ICBM in its tracks





More From Business Insider






reza aslan

CNN host Reza Aslan faced backlash on Saturday after calling President Donald Trump a "piece of s---" after a terrorist attack in London left seven dead and dozens wounded.

In a tweet on Saturday that was later deleted, the University of California, Riverside professor and host of "Believer" quoted the president's use of several terrorist incidents in London to justify his executive action barring individuals from several majority-Muslim nations.

"This piece of s--- is a not just an embarrassment to American and a stain on the presidency. He's an embarrassment to humankind," Aslan wrote.

The tweet immediately sparked outrage on the right.



CNN host Reza Asian calls @realDonaldTrump POS-same guy who ate human brain on TV. Must have been his own brain!

 Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 4, 2017



CNN Host Reza Aslan Calls Trump Piece of Sh*t for Correctly Identifying London Terror Attack.

via @lucasnolan_https://t.co/Hxr82rDdYtpic.twitter.com/jUZGyFs9wW

 Breitbart Tech (@BreitbartTech) June 4, 2017



As people bleed out in the streets of London, CNN host Reza Aslan identifies Donald Trump's tweets as the major issue of concern. #CNNisISISpic.twitter.com/kbKtS1eIP1

 Stefan Molyneux (@StefanMolyneux) June 4, 2017

Aslan deleted the tweet and apologized Sunday afternoon, saying he lost control when he saw Trump's "derogatory" response to the London attack.

Story continues



I should not have used a profanity to describe the President when responding to his shocking reaction to the #LondonAttacks. My statement: pic.twitter.com/pW69jjpoZy

 Reza Aslan (@rezaaslan) June 4, 2017

In a statement on Sunday, CNN distanced itself from Aslan, but applauded the host for apologizing.

"Reza Aslan is not a CNN employee, but does host a series on the network," a CNN spokesperson said. "We are pleased that he has apologized for his tweets. That kind of discourse is never appropriate."

Aslan, who is Muslim, has been highly critical of Trump's travel ban, which was halted by a federal appeals court due to a debate over whether it is overtly religiously discriminatory.

The professor went viral for his clash with Trump supporter Kayleigh McEnany last year over the proposed ban as well as Trump's claims that thousands of Muslims in New Jersey celebrated after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, an unfounded assertion.

"Anti-Muslim bigotry has been the hallmark of Donald Trump's campaign throughout," Aslan said.

Trump's response to the incident on Twitter was criticized by many in the UK and on the left who have frequently blasted his occasionally misinformed attempts to blame violent incidents on Islamic extremists.



In a single tweet, Trump...

1) Confirms it is a ban (illegal)

2) Is politicizing an ongoing incident https://t.co/pgn4rZAqQF

 Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) June 3, 2017



Never underestimate Trump's ability to exploit anything or anyone to promote himself or his agenda. #LondonBridgehttps://t.co/yj74VvXVe4

 Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) June 4, 2017

For its part, CNN has become a frequent target for Trump and the right as the network has ramped up its intrepid reporting on the Trump administration.

This was the second time this week a CNN-affiliated personality enraged the right.

CNN severed ties with comedian Kathy Griffin after she posed with a bloodied prop Trump head.

Though Griffin has a decades-long career in comedy and maintains minimal ties to the network  she has hosted its fairly unserious New Year's Eve special  some on the right labeled her a "CNN star."

NOW WATCH: 'Really?': A reporter calls out Huckabee's claim that 'countless' FBI employees were happy with Comey's firing





More From Business Insider




FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds a rally at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. March 20, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

President Donald Trump drew backlash last month after he did not explicitly endorse Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's founding document during his summit with NATO allies in Brussels. And it appears his own national security team was blindsided by it.

The article, known as the collective-defense clause, stipulates that an attack on any member is an attack on all. It was invoked for the first time in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Five sources told Politico on Monday that US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, national security adviser HR McMaster, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson worked with Trump on the speech for weeks and pushed hard for the Article 5 language to be included after viewing later drafts in which it had been taken out.

Lower-level members of Trump's national security team, meanwhile, were completely blindsided, according to the report.

"There was a fully coordinated other speech everybody else had worked on"  and it wasn't the one Trump gave, a White House official told Politico. Another national security source told Politico that "they [the team] didn't know it had been removed."

"It was only upon delivery," the person said.

Trump said in his speech that the US would "never forsake the friends that stood by our side" in the aftermath of 9/11. But he did not explicitly endorse Article 5, as every US president since Harry S. Truman has when speaking outside NATO headquarters.

Instead, Trump used the speech largely to lecture representatives from nearly two dozen member countries for not meeting their "financial obligations" to increase defense spending to 2% of their gross domestic product.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

It is unclear whether Trump deleted the line of his own volition, or advisers such as Steve Bannon or Stephen Miller  both of whom view NATO with deep skepticism  pressured him to take it out.

Story continues

But it is indicative of how much influence the anti-globalist faction of the White House  led by former Breitbart chairman Bannon  has over Trump, who has shown a willingness to discard the advice of his more politically experienced advisers in favor of guidance from a small group of unseasoned but loyal confidantes.

NSC spokesman Michael Anton did not dispute the account, telling Politico that Trump's presence at the summit was an inherent show of support for Article 5.

"His continued effort to secure greater defense commitments from other nations is making our alliance stronger," Anton said.

Anton appears to have been echoing White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who told reporters last month that Trump did not need to explicitly endorse the collective-defense clause in his speech because "the entire ceremony was called an Article 5 dedication."

'Putin will be thrilled'

Trump's omission left current and former NATO officials reeling, with many speculating that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be overjoyed by it.

"Putin will be thrilled at Trump's refusal to endorse Article 5," Tom Wright, the director of the Center on the United States and Europe and a fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy at the Brookings Institution, said at the time. "Unimaginable under any other president."

Nicholas Burns, the US ambassador to NATO under President George W. Bush, said in an interview last month that it was "a major mistake" for Trump to not "reaffirm publicly and explicitly" the US's Article 5 commitment to NATO.

"I was the US ambassador to NATO on 9/11 and remain grateful for the unstinting support given to America by our European allies and Canada," Burns said. "Trump is not acting like the leader of the West that all US presidents before him have been dating back to Truman."

NATO was founded in 1949 as Europe's answer to the Soviet Union, and the 28-member alliance continues to serve largely as a counterweight to Russia's ambitions in eastern Europe.

Several post-Soviet states, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are now NATO members. Montenegro will become a member in June.

Putin said on Friday that Russia "will think about how to eliminate this threat" if Sweden joins NATO.

"One of Putin's aims for the past 15 years has been to erode the effectiveness of NATO and eventually to undermine it," said Mark Kramer, program director for the Project on Cold War Studies at Harvard's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. "Little did he realize that he would eventually have a US president who would eagerly assist this goal."

"Some of Trump's advisers such as James Mattis and H. R. McMaster are strong supporters of NATO, but Trump himself clearly is not,' Kramer continued. "He praises tyrants in Saudi Arabia but can do nothing other than scold democratic allies in NATO."

Trump's speech at the NATO summit came on the heels of his trip to the Middle East, where he told Arab leaders he was "not here to lecture" them about human rights.

Kramer added that he doesn't "rule out" the possibility that Trump has hastened NATO's demise.

"In light of what Trump has said and done, no leader of a NATO country should have any confidence that he would fulfill Article 5 if, say, Estonia were to come under attack from Russia," he said. "Trump's successors might be able to rebuild confidence in the U.S. commitment to NATO, but I don't rule out that the alliance will collapse before Trump leaves office. Putin's goal will have been achieved."

NOW WATCH: The Obamas just shelled out $8.1 million for the DC mansion they've been renting since leaving the White House





More From Business Insider
People walk through the lobby of the London Stock Exchange in London, Britain August 25, 2015. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett/File photo

By Danilo Masoni and Helen Reid

MILAN/LONDON (Reuters) - European shares slipped on Monday as energy stocks dragged and banks were led lower by Spain's Banco Popular on concerns that it could be wound down.

The pan-European STOXX 600 (.STOXX) index fell 0.1 percent, with activity reduced by a public holiday in the region, while Britain's FTSE (.FTSE), which hit a fresh record high on Friday, dropped 0.3 percent.

Banks were the biggest drag to the STOXX index with Banco Popular (POP.MC) falling as much as 18 percent to fresh record lows on worries that it could be wound down if it does not find a buyer.

Investors dismissed attempts by the company's chairman, Emilio Saracho, to soothe nerves. In a letter sent on Friday, Saracho told his executives that the bank was solvent and urged them to remain calm and confident.

A trader said the recent price slide made a recapitalisation of Banco Popular hard to achieve, while there could be risks of contagion to other Spanish banks.

Italian broadcaster Mediaset (MS.MI) and Spanish subsidiary Mediaset Espana (TL5.MC) were also big fallers as concerns grew over Vivendi (VIV.PA) potentially freezing its stake at 10 percent, to comply with the demands of AgCom, Italy's telecoms competition regulator.

The attack in London on Saturday, which killed seven people and injured 48 just days before a national election, dented some tourism-exposed stocks but had no major impact on broader equity markets.

Budget airline Easyjet (EZJ.L) fell 1.9 percent, and Merlin (MERL.L), which runs attractions including London's Madame Tussaud's waxworks museum, fell 1.6 percent.

European travel and leisure stocks (.SXTP) fell 0.8 percent, the worst-performing across sectors.

The German and some other European stock markets were closed for a public holiday, reducing overall activity.

Oil stocks were another drag as the oil price dropped after Gulf states and Egypt cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. [O/R]

Story continues

Shares in France's Total (TOTF.PA) fell 0.8 percent while Italy's Eni (ENI.MI) declined 0.6 percent, although BP (BP.L) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) rose slightly.

Meanwhile, shares in companies in which Qatar holds stakes were mixed. Miner Glencore (GLEN.L) fell 1.2 percent, in line with peers, while utility Iberdrola (IBE.MC) and Barclays bank (BARC.L) gained, and builder Vinci (SGEF.PA) was down just slightly.

In a sign that sell-side enthusiasm for European equities may be starting to wane, Morgan Stanley reined back its position on the region on Monday, saying it now preferred Japanese and U.S. stocks.

In a note entitled "Curbing our Enthusiasm", the bank's strategists said European equities are now a 'consensus overweight', and the positive catalysts of better economic and earnings trends with an increase in inflows had already begun to play out.

(Reporting by Danilo Masoni and Helen Reid; Editing by Susan Fenton)
For Norwegian Air, taking delivery of its new Boeing (NYSE: BA) 737 MAX 8 is another great marketing opportunity. It's offering a dozen people a once-in-a-lifetime ride on the airline's newest plane.



But just four days after opening an auction for seats on the delivery flight scheduled for June 13, Norwegian says it won't be taking off that day.

"Boeing has informed us that the delivery of our first 737 MAX is postponed until the end of June," the company said in a brief statement.



Why the delay?

Boeing spokesman Doug Alder tells CNBC: "On occasion delivery processes run into minor issues  whether for maintenance or other reasons. In this case, we and our customer decided to re-schedule this delivery in order to resolve a minor technical issue."

Alder declined to give further details about issues causing the delay. Boeing expects Norwegian Air to get the plane by the end of June.



Pushing back scheduled deliveries of new planes is not unusual, but Boeing has a lot riding on its new 737. The transition from the current 737 NG to the 737 MAX is being watched closely.



Boeing is currently building 42 737s each month, with monthly production scheduled to jump to 47 later this year, 52 in 2018 and 59 in 2019. As that production climbs, so will deliveries of the 737 MAX.



There's no indication that delaying some initial 737 Max deliveries will jeopardize Boeing's production plans, but pushing back Norwegian's delivery comes less than a month after Boeing suspended 737 MAX test flights to inspect some of the engines for a potential manufacturing flaw.



After inspecting the LEAP 1B engines and working with the engine manufacturer CFM International, (Singapore Exchange: CFMH-SG) Boeing resumed test flights, and the first 737 MAX 8 was delivered in mid-May to the Asian carrier Malindo Air. Malindo is now operating two 737 MAX planes.

As for Norwegian, the delivery delay will not change the airline's plan to expand service to the U.S. this summer.



"This will not affect our operation or our passengers, as the upcoming launch of transatlantic routes between the U.S. East Coast and Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Norway will be operated by another aircraft type," the airline said.

Story continues

Boeing shares closed Friday up more than 1.6 percent at about $190.23.

Watch: Boeing resumes 737 MAX flights after engine issue





More From CNBC


Speaker Paul Ryan, holding a Health and Human Services report, managed to get the AHCA through the House. The bill is now being rewritten by the Senate. Source: Getty Images

As the Senate rewrites the American Health Care Act (AHCA), the GOPs bill to repeal Obamacare, the RAND Corporation released a new, in-depth report about chronic diseasea matter central to the health insurance debates.

According to the report, people with five or more chronic conditions  which constitutes 12% of the population  accounted for 41% of total healthcare spending in 2014, the latest year of data. Adding people with three to five chronic conditions, these two groups constitute 28% of the population and account for 67% of spending.

On the other end, 71% of the population, with two or fewer conditions, make up just 33% of total healthcare expenditures in the United States.

The RAND Corporations report, which was done in conjunction with FightChronicDisease.org, paints a picture of a fairly standard insurance model: a large group subsidizes the other, smaller group, which uses more resources.

Dismissing people who spend money lowers premiums

Targeting how the larger group subsidizes the smaller group is one of the chief ways the GOP would lower premiums for healthcare purchased on the individual market.

The Congressional Budget Office analysis of the AHCA found that 23 million people would lose health insurance by 2026. Many of them would be people with preexisting conditions, since states that receive waivers to loosen regulations surrounding insurance would take steps that would price out that populationeven with additional funding to subsidize the costs.

Since healthier people could choose a pool based on their expected healthcare costs over one based on community ratingan average of people in the same geographic area with the same age and smoking statusinsurance costs would fall.

For a state taking those steps, as well as reducing essential health benefits, the AHCA would likely be able to lower premiums 20% for healthy people buying individual insurance.

In effect, these premium declines come out of two basic changes. The first is simple: fewer services cost lessthough perhaps not for everybody because benefits like maternal care, substance abuse among others would run up a pretty big bill, and quickly. But the other factor comes from simply how insurance works. A group of people pay dues so that if something bad happens, the fund will help pay for them. If you take out the people who draw on the account  in this case, sicker people  the pool doesnt need as much money and premiums go down.

Story continues

Besides pointing out who pays for whom, the RAND Corporation study colored debate around the CBO score and preexisting conditions by showing just how thin the line is between having one and not having one. According to the findings, six in 10 adult Americans had at least one chronic condition in 2014. Four in 10 had more than one.

Chronic conditions arent necessarily preexisting conditions. (52 million adults have preexisting conditions today, touching 53% of households, according to a survey from Kaiser Family Foundation.) But as the editor-in-chief of Kaiser Health News Elisabeth Rosenthal wrote in a recent New York Times op-ed, the pre- and perhaps post-ACA landscape had insurers deciding to lower the bar for what a preexisting condition could be.

This isnt just older people, over 65, though 81% of that cohort has multiple chronic conditions. Half of adults 45 to 64 have multiple conditions, which has trended upwards since the early 2000s. If the GOP is unable to figure out a plan for preexisting conditions, the web of people it could entangle would be vast.

Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann. Got a tip? Send it to tips@yahoo-inc.com.

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The Pentagon's successful interceptor missile defense test this week is seen as a step toward reducing the nuclear risk from North Korea, but now China and Russia are seeing the U.S. technology as a threat.



Regardless, North Korean state newspaper Rodong Sinmun said Thursday that its military was "ready to conduct an ICBM test-fire at any time."



During Tuesday's test, the U.S. military intercepted a mock intercontinental ballistic missile target fired from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California during a test of its Ground-based Midcourse Defense, or GMD, system.



Besides California, the U.S. also has the GMD system deployed at Fort Greely in Alaska. The interceptor test took place a day after the North Korean regime fired its ninth ballistic missile test this year.



Tuesday was only the 10th successful test out of 17 conducted since 1999. This week's test also was the first live-fire test against a simulated ICBM target.



The test is seen as a sign the U.S. military is making progress to combat the mainland U.S. threat from North Korea. Still, the use of numerous decoy missiles or countermeasures by an enemy could overwhelm or confuse the interceptor system and render it useless.



Russia and China already have developed countermeasures to increase the chance of a missile reaching a target. And the North Koreans also are believed to be developing similar capabilities, which creates additional national security concerns given Pyongyang's rapid advances in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

'Many different ways'

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Friday quoted a military spokesman for the hermit state as saying the U.S. is "sadly mistaken if they think such missile interception system can prevent the shower of [a] nuclear strike."

"There are many different ways that a missile can trick an interceptor," said Harry Kazianis, director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest, a think-tank based in Washington founded by former President Richard Nixon.



There's an expectation that U.S. adversaries will intensify efforts to counter the GMD and other missile defense technology. Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted as much Thursday



"This destroys the strategic balance in the world," Reuters quoted Putin as saying in remarks at an economic forum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Added the Russian leader: "What is happening is a very serious and alarming process. In Alaska, and now in South Korea, elements of the anti-missile defense system are emerging. Should we just stand idly by and watch this? Of course not. We are thinking about how to respond to these challenges. This is a challenge for us."

At the same time, China's semiofficial Global Times said this week that the interceptor test is proof the U.S. may be preparing for military action against North Korea and also that the technology "breaks strategic balance among nuke-armed countries."

"The enhancement of America's missile defense capability will, in theory, undermine the effectiveness [and] efficacy of nuclear strikes launched by its main strategic rivals, thus consolidating its own domination," according to an op-ed Thursday on the Chinese military's official web portal.



China believes the systems "will also stimulate other countries to develop strategic penetration technology at a faster pace or enhance their own strategic defense capability, which will exert a new impact on international security."



Russia's and China's first-strike capability and their response capability are "neutered" by the U.S. missile defense, according to Ed Turzanski, an international policy and national security expert at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a think-tank based in Philadelphia.



"They believe they were put in a situation where they are going to have to counter that, and that's the age-old story of military capability," he said.



Turzanski, who worked in the U.S. intelligence community in postings throughout Asia and Europe during the Reagan administration, noted that during the Cold War there was an agreement with the Soviet Union that limited the number of U.S. interceptor missiles on each side. That agreement ended when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.



"We knew the minute you had the ability to knock my missile down, you had survivability and you could launch a first strike with impunity. We wouldn't tolerate it from them, they are not tolerating it from us."

Number of GMDs grow

The U.S. hopes to have a total of 44 GMD interceptors available by the end of the calendar year, up from 36 today, but even with that amount there may not be enough interceptors to take out more than a dozen incoming ICBMs, according to experts. A group of senators last month introduced a bipartisan bill that seeks to bolster homeland missile defense and sharply increase the number of interceptors.

The next test of the GMD interceptor system is scheduled for late 2018, according to the Missile Defense Agency. Boeing (BA) is the prime contractor on the GMD program.



The U.S. missile agency has received more than $120 billion since 2002 on the GMD missile defense system and it plans to spend an additional $37 billion through 2021 to further develop capabilities, according to a Government Accountability Office report released last month.



Meantime, Russia and China also are concerned with the THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems deployed in South Korea. THAAD, a system manufactured by Lockheed Martin (LMT), stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense.



The controversial THAAD system is a mobile, ground-based system deployed about 130 miles south of Seoul, South Korea, to defeat North Korean missiles. However, its powerful radar gives the U.S. the ability to peer deep into both China and Russia and monitor military activities.



Analysts suggest one way Russia could respond to the U.S. anti-missile technology is by increasing its cyberweapons targeting missile defense systems as well as pushing more space-based anti-missile solutions. Russia also could increase the number of fake missiles it has coming down on targets so more interceptors go to the wrong missile.



"There are ways to trick the computer systems to think that there's a lot more missiles coming down on a target," said Kazianis. "The challenge here is that there's so many different ways to literally fake out the interceptor system."



At present, the U.S. is considered ahead of Russia and China in developing space-based sensors and interceptor technology. Infrared sensors already are on satellites to detect missiles and the Pentagon is expanding efforts to develop a network of additional sensors in space and to experiment with kill capabilities from space.



Laser weapons also show promise as part of a missile defense system. They have already been tested in manned aircraft and now development is underway in drones.



The U.S. Missile Defense Agency's "long-term goal is to deploy lasers on high-altitude, long-endurance UAV platforms to destroy ICBMs in the boost phase at long standoff ranges," according to spokesman Chris Johnson.

Several challenges remain, though, including overcoming the huge power requirements of laser weapons and the scale necessary to put the weapon technology on unmanned vehicles. General Atomics is working on a high-energy laser system for its UAVs that could be used for a range of uses, including missile defense as well as offensive capabilities.

"The challenge there is getting the laser powerful enough while also to be light enough to fit on the back of a UAV," said Thomas Karako, a senior fellow at the International Security Program and director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think-tank.



That said, Karako indicated that the laser-based UAV weapon would only be useful for the boost phase of a ballistic missile when it's most vulnerable and rising. The laser probably wouldn't be reliable to kill the missile warhead on its re-entry since at that phase it is designed to withstand intense heat.





More From CNBC


By Francesca Landini

MILAN (Reuters) - For the Italian government, it seemed like a recipe for success: create an official "Made in Italy" logo to defend the country's finest food exports from an army of foreign impersonators.

On supermarket shelves worldwide, a star-shaped logo would mark out real Italian cheeses, hams, pasta and sparkling wines from those that only look or sound Italian, such as Parmesan made in New Zealand or Prosecco bottled in Brazil.

But Rome has discovered that even the simplest recipe can go wrong. Instead of unifying Italy's food industry against a common enemy that is bagging billions of euros in sales, the government's proposal for a Made in Italy certification quickly created bitter divisions.

A row has erupted over what it means to be truly Italian - should every single raw ingredient be made in Italy, for example - and now the project could be ditched altogether for lack of an industry consensus, according to two industry ministry sources who declined to be named as talks with food firms are ongoing.

"For now there is no final decision on whether to go ahead with the Made in Italy sign, we are studying it, we are doing technical checks," said one of the sources, an industry ministry official who is working on the project.

"We will launch it only if it fully meets the requests of producers," he said, adding that the food industry was split into several groups with conflicting views on the project.

The ministry announced the project at the end of last year, and began consultations with food producers in March, in response to industry complaints that foreign-made foods masquerading as Italian produce were costing the country billions of euros in lost export sales.

A logo guaranteeing Italian origin would enable exporters to grab some of the roughly 60 billion euros ($67 billion) in annual global sales generated by foreign imitations, according to Italy's food producers' lobby, Federalimentare.

Story continues

Marketing experts agree. Brand Finance, a global consultancy that compiles an index of the world's most valuable brands, estimates it could add up to 5 percent to the enterprise value of small and medium-sized Italian food companies.

"Domestic companies would surely gain from such a logo given that Italy has a high reputation in the food sector and many of them are not well known outside the country," said Massimo Pizzo, Italy managing director for Brand Finance.

However, Federalimentare's members could not agree on a definition of Italian-made. Some took a hard line, insisting products be made entirely in Italy from ingredients sourced at home, while others argued for a less stringent approach.

'IF WE OPEN THE DOOR..'

The consortium of producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, the king of Italian cheeses, insists on rigid standards for everyone.

"If we open the door to products with foreign ingredients, we are not talking of real Made in Italy ... this is not the kind of help we are looking for," said Riccardo Deserti, chairman of the consortium.

Under the consortium's rules, recognised across the European Union, cheese can only be marketed as Parmigiano Reggiano, or by its English name Parmesan, if it is made according to a precise method within a restricted area around the town of Parma.

The consortium of Prosecco wine producers takes a similar stance, rejecting the idea of being put in the same authenticity category as products made with foreign raw materials.

On the other hand, some firms believe traditional Italian production methods should be enough to qualify for the logo.

Barilla, the world's biggest pasta maker, wants to carry the Made in Italy logo though 16 of its 30 plants are abroad, including in the United States and Russia.

"We are Italian, we pay taxes in Italy and we run our foreign plants following the rules of the Italian quality," Paolo Barilla, vice chairman of the family-owned business, told a food conference in March. A Barilla spokesman declined to make any further comment for this story.

One of Italy's most identifiable food brands, the high-end food chain Eataly, draws a finer line on the issue.

It recently opened its first store in Moscow where an embargo on some European food imports forced it to make some cheeses from local ingredients. It sells mozzarella and burrata made in Russia, but not Parmigiano.

"I totally agree with the idea of a Made in Italy sign," Eataly founder Oscar Farinetti told Reuters at the inauguration of the store, but did not say whether he sided with the Italian-made purists or the likes of Barilla.

OLIVE AND OAK

Italian food producers can at least agree on one thing: that foreign rivals are competing unfairly by marketing distinctly Italian products, using words and symbols that suggest an Italian origin but listing the real provenance in fine print.

They point the finger at goods such as New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra's (FCG.NZ) Perfect Italiano range of Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses or Garibaldi Prosecco made in Brazil by the Garibaldi Winery Cooperative.

Contacted by Reuters, a Fonterra spokesperson said the group markets the two cheeses using their Italian names and featuring the Italian flag because they were launched by Natale Italiano, an Italian who migrated to Australia in the 1920s.

"While the brand is proud of its heritage, its packaging is evolving away from featuring the Italian flag," Fonterra said.

The group did not disclose the turnover of the Perfect Italiano products.

Garibaldi Winery did not respond to emailed requests for comment.

The Rome government had proposed a Made in Italy logo employing the symbols of the Italian republic: a star framed by olive and oak branches.

The project was, however, constrained by EU rules.

The government planned to include products if their last "significant transformation" happened in Italy, the ministry official said - meaning, for example, sausages produced in Italy using imported meat would qualify for the label while ham made in a foreign plant of an Italian producer would not.

This would bring the logo into line with the European Customs Code governing country-of-origin labeling, but the plan satisfied neither side in the food fight; the purists balked at the idea of foreign ingredients being allowed, while other firms argued the rules were too stringent.

Hence the impasse that threatens the project.

"Even if we wanted to, we couldn't use a different standard from the one used in Europe," said the source.

(Additional reporting by Maria Kiselyova in MOSCOW and Ana Nicolaci da Costa in WELLINGTON; Editing by Mark Bendeich and Pravin Char)

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English Latvian

Notice of convening of the ordinary shareholders` meeting of JSC Ditton pievadkezu rupnica

Under sections 269 and 273 of the Commercial Law and subsections 54 (2)1 and 541 of the Financial Instruments Market Law of the Republic of Latvia, pursuant to Company`s Articles, Regulations on the convening and course of shareholders meeting, the Management board of JSC DITTON pievadkezu rupnica (reg. No.40003030187) is pleased to invite shareholders to the ordinary shareholders` meeting that will take place at the Company's registered office (at Visku St. 17, Daugavpils), on 7July 2017, at 9 a.m.

Agenda:

Approval of the annual report for 2016. Profit distribution of year 2016.

Registration of shareholders will take place on the meeting day on 7July 2017 from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. at the venue of meeting.

Only those shareholders, who on 29 June 2017 - the record date for participation in the ordinary shareholders` meeting of JSC Ditton pievadkezu rupnica - are registered with the number of shares by the Commercial Register Office in the registration file of the Company, have the right to participate in the ordinary shareholders` meeting of the JSC Ditton pievadkezu rupnica on 7 July 2017.

Each shareholder may exercise the rights:

to the extent that an order under sections 274 (2) and 276 (3) of the Commercial Law, subsection 54 2 (1) and 54 2 (2) of the Financial Instrument Market Law provides within seven days from the day of publication of the notice and on the day of shareholders` meeting;

in pursuance of an order under sections 276 (4) and 283 (1) of the Commercial Law at least seven days before the shareholders` meeting and on the meeting day.

Additional information on shareholders` rights mentioned above is available of the website of the JSC Ditton pievadkezu rupnica www.dpr.lv .

The total number of voting shares is 7 400 000. All shares are of the same category. Each share is entitled to one vote.

The shareholders may participate at the meeting in a person or by delegating an authorized representative or a proxy.

Authorized representative of the shareholder, registered as a legal entity in Latvia, should provide a document justifying the identity and an original of the notary decision on the appointment as a legal representative or a statement on the granting of rights to represent the interests of this legal entity issued by the Enterprise Register not earlier than 5 days prior to the day of meeting (printouts from data bases of Lursoft or Firmas.lv shall be accepted as well).

Authorized representative of the shareholder, registered as a legal entity in a foreign country, should provide a document justifying the identity and a power of attorney granting authority to represent this legal entity, issued and certified under the law of the corresponding state.

Proxies should provide a document justifying the identity and the power of attorney certified according to the Laws of the Republic of Latvia, Articles and Regulations on the convening and course of shareholders meeting of the Company. Form of the power of attorney is available in the attachment.

Other pro forma procedures on the convening and course of shareholders meeting of the Company can be found on the Companys website www.dpr.lv .

In case, on 7 July 2017, the ordinary shareholders` meeting of JSC Ditton pievadkezu rupnica will fail due to lack of quorum pursuant to Company`s Articles regardless of the reasons, the shareholders may postpone decision-making process on issues of the agenda announced in accordance with Company`s Articles. The reconvened meeting with the agenda mentioned before shall be held on 7 August 2017 at 9 a.m. in the administrative rooms of JSC Ditton pievadkezu rupnica at Visku St.17, in Daugavpils. The registration of shareholders will take place on the meeting day when the meeting is continued from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. due to order mentioned before.

The shareholders can become acquainted with the draft decisions on the considered issues and fulfil other procedure formalities starting from 22 June 2017 until 6 July 2017 including, and additionally, in case shareholders` meeting is adjourned - from 22 July 2017 until 4 August 2017 including, on working days from 9 a.m. until 16 p.m. in the secretariat of the Company at Visku St.17, in Daugavpils. Draft decisions will be available also on the website of JSC Ditton pievadkezu rupnica www.dpr.lv. For more information, please contact by (+371) 65402333

Management board

JSC Ditton pievadkezu rupnica
Signs Non-Binding Letter of Intent to Acquire Expanded Land Position

Management Changes

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wealth Minerals Ltd. (the Company or Wealth) - (TSX-V:WML) (OTCQB:WMLLF) (SSE:WMLCL) (Frankfurt:EJZN), reports that it has received positive results from the recently completed transient electromagnetic and gravity geophysical surveys at the Laguna Verde project, in Region III (Atacama), northern Chile (the Laguna Verde Project).

The Company also announces that it has signed a letter of intent (the LOI) with Atacama Lithium Chile SpA in connection with the grant of an option to acquire additional exploration mining concessions (the Concessions) with an aggregate area of approximately 6,300 hectares surrounding the Laguna Verde Project and comprising the Salar Green and Union projects that, if exercised, would bring the Companys total land position in and surrounding Laguna Verde to approximately 8,700 hectares.

A figure accompanying this announcement is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc686271-7dbf-4264-9a6b-d17dd5929ac1

Geophysical Survey Details

The objective of the gravity and transient electromagnetic (TEM) geophysical surveys was to explore for potential lithium brines at depth in the area surrounding the Laguna Verde brine lake by characterizing and mapping the geoelectrical and density structure in the area close to the body of surface water at Laguna Verde. A total of 132 stations of 250m coincident loop TEM data and 108 stations of gravity data were acquired around the Laguna Verde brine lake. The geophysical contractor has reported that the data quality is good to excellent for both the TEM and gravity surveys.

The resulting gravity model suggests a basin whose depth varies between about 400m and just over 1000m within the surveyed area. This is consistent with previously reported historical work completed by a third party, which concluded that the basin thickness was approximately 500m (see news release April 10, 2017). Conductivity variations within this interpreted basin suggest the presence at depth of saline groundwater (potential brine) in lateral proximity to the surface body of water at an interpreted depth of 200 to 300m, with the strongest response at the western end of the lake. A zone of low resistivity is also observed at depth to the northeast of the lake, representing perhaps a (partially) separated volume of saline groundwater.

Drill targeting has not yet been completed but initial results suggest up to three shallow drill targets in close proximity to Laguna Verde (200 to 300m from surface) and an additional drill target to test the interpreted deeper brine to the northeast (>400m from surface).

A figure accompanying this announcement is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e072d112-d3ec-479b-8557-8f1884f8d36e

Option Agreement Commercial Terms

Under the terms of the LOI, and subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence by the Company and approval by the TSX Venture Exchange, Wealth Chile and Atacama Lithium SpA will enter into and execute a formal property option agreement (the Option Agreement) whereby the vendor will grant to Wealth Chile the exclusive right and option (the Option) to acquire 100% legal and beneficial interest in and to the Concessions, free and clear of all liens, charges and encumbrances, in consideration of the payment of an aggregate of USD $4,000,000 and the delivery of an aggregate of 5,000,000 common shares of Wealth, to be paid and delivered to the vendor as follows:

Date Cash Payments

(USD) Wealth Common

Shares Within 5 business days of the execution of the Option Agreement: $ 200,000 1,000,000 12 Month Anniversary $ 500,000 1,000,000 24 Month Anniversary $ 1,000,000 1,000,000 36 Month Anniversary $ 1,000,000 1,000,000 48 Month Anniversary $ 1,300,000 1,000,000 Total: $ 4,000,000 5,000,000

During the term of the Option, Wealth Chile will be responsible for maintaining the Concessions in good standing, and paying all fees and assessments and taking such other steps as may be required to do so. There will be no other work commitments, and any work carried out on the Concessions will be at the sole discretion of Wealth Chile. Finders fees in an amount equal to up to 5% of the aggregate value of the earn-in consideration for the Option paid and delivered by Wealth Chile may be payable in connection with the Option, which fees will be payable in common shares of Wealth.

All Wealth common shares issued in connection with the Option will be subject to a hold period in Canada of 4 months and one day from the date of issuance.

Henk van Alphen, Wealths CEO commented, Originally Laguna Verde was targeted for its surface brines, however, exploration results over the past 6 months have switched the Companys focus to a conventional lithium brine model. The recent geophysical survey results are very encouraging. We believe the Project has good potential for discovery of lithium brines at depth and lateral to Laguna Verde and the Company looks forward to drill-testing priority geophysical targets in Q3 2017.

Management Changes

The Board of Directors of the Company and Lawrence Talbot have agreed that he will step down as Vice-President and General Counsel of the Company. The Board and Management would like to thank Mr. Talbot for his significant contribution to Wealths corporate development. The Board has named Jonathan Lotz as the Companys new Corporate Counsel. Mr. Lotz is a member of the Bars of British Columbia & New York and is a founding partner at the firm Lotz & Company, which has a significant mining and securities law practice. Most recently, Mr. Lotz was a partner at the national law firm of Heenan Blaikie LLP, where he headed the Vancouver mining and securities law practice groups for the firm prior to its dissolution in early 2014. Additionally, the Board would like to announce that Mr. Xiaohuan (Juan) Tang will step down from his role as COO, although he will remain a director of the Company. The Company is also currently increasing its management capacity in Chile to have professionals based in-country to best advance its core lithium projects.

Qualified Person

Mr. Keith Henderson, PGeo, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Henderson and has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis of this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. The geophysical surveys at the Laguna Verde Project were undertaken by Southernrock Geophysics, Santiago, Chile. A total of 132 stations of 250m coincident loop TEM data and 108 stations of gravity data were acquired around Laguna Verde. Data quality was good, within specifications, and commensurate with the objectives of the survey. Data was processed according to standard methodologies. 1D inversion modelling was used to generate compiled sections, plan maps, and 3D visualizations of the results of the TEM survey, and Bouguer slab and 2D basin inversion models used to generate models for the gravity dataset.

About Wealth Minerals Ltd.

Wealth is a mineral resource company with interests in Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile. The Companys main focus is the acquisition of lithium projects in South America. To date, the Company has positioned itself to develop the Aguas Calientes Norte, Pujsa and Quisquiro Salars in Chile (the Trinity Project), as well as to work alongside existing producers in the prolific Atacama Salar, in addition to its recently announced Laguna Verde lithium project acquisition. The Company continues to aggressively pursue new acquisitions in the region. Lithium market dynamics and a rapidly increasing metal price are the result of profound structural issues with the industry meeting anticipated future demand. Wealth is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of this future mismatch of supply and demand. The Company also maintains and continues to evaluate a portfolio of precious and base metal exploration-stage projects.

For further details on the Company, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.wealthminerals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

WEALTH MINERALS LTD.

Hendrik van Alphen

Hendrik van Alphen

Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement, timing and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Laguna Verde Project and otherwise, anticipated results from the exploration activities, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves on the Laguna Verde Project, the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, the successful negotiation and execution of a definitive option agreement for the Concessions and the Companys expectation that it will be able to enter into agreements to acquire interests in additional mineral properties, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, issues raised during the Company's due diligence on the Concessions and the Laguna Verde Project, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of lithium and precious metals, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including TSX-V acceptance of any current or future property acquisitions or financings and other planned activities, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Companys latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Companys Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Companys mineral properties.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NRG Metals Inc. (NRG or the Company) (TSX-V:NGZ) (OTCQB:NRGMF) (Frankfurt:OGPN). The Company is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement to purchase the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project, located in Salta and Catamarca Provinces, Argentina. The property package of 3,287 hectares is comprised of the Alba Sabrina, Tramo, Natalia Maria, Gaston Enrique, Viamonte and Norma Edit concessions, all located in the Salar del Hombre Muerto in northwestern Argentina.



Highlights of the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project Include:

20 surface samples collected in 2016-2017 range from 48 to 1,064 mg/L Li, averaging 587 mg/L Li, with seven samples over 800 mg/Li [see sample details in table below].

Magnesium to lithium ratios range from 1.1:1 to 10.2:1, averaging 4.6:1, which are low by industry standards.

Geophysical data indicates zones of low resistivity, interpreted to be potential lithium-bearing zones that are open at depth.

Adjacent to Galaxy Resources Sal de Vida lithium development project and FMC Corps long-time producing Fenix lithium brine operations.

The location of the project and the concessions is shown on the map below. The western part of the Salar del Hombre Muerto is host to FMCs Fenix Mine (~20 km south of the Hombre Muerto North property), which has been producing lithium for over twenty years, and Galaxy Resources is developing its Sal de Vida lithium project in the eastern part of the salar.

Adrian Hobkirk, CEO of NRG Metals, commented: We are very excited to be able to lock-up this project in the preeminent lithium brine production and development area in Argentina. NRG has a highly qualified, Argentina-based team of professionals experienced with lithium exploration, development, through to lithium production.

RECENT SAMPLING AND CSAMT GEOPHYSICAL RESULTS

In October 2016 and January 2017 (January was a rainy season month), a total of 20 surface geochemical samples were collected under the supervision of Nivaldo Rojas, who is an independent Qualified Person (as defined in National Instrument 43-101). The samples range from 48 to 1,064 mg/L Li and averaged 587 mg/L Li. The average Mg/ Li ratio is 4.63:1.

Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project Sample Results Sample Type Li Mg B K Density g/mL Conductivity

mS/cm Mg/Li mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L NS_001 Brine 864 2,515 311 5,866 1.18 229 2.91 NS_002 Brine 1,064 4,385 216 6,727 1.18 237 4.12 NS_003 Brine 322 1,537 212 2,451 1.13 188 4.77 NS_004 Brine 958 2,038 589 7,314 1.2 227 2.13 NS_005 Brine 1,021 1,549 646 7,758 1.21 240 1.52 NS_006 Brine 568 1,112 503 4,912 1.22 242 1.96 NS_007 Brine 543 3,432 381 3,758 1.19 225 6.32 NS_008 Brine 347 3,087 248 2,559 1.16 208 8.9 NS_009 Brine 415 861 432 3,391 1.22 230 2.07 NS_010 Brine 1,013 1,155 438 8,593 1.2 193 1.14 NS_015 Brine 48 490 14 427 1.03 40 10.21 NS_016 Brine 537 3,952 69 4,644 1.19 187 7.36 NS_017 Brine 298 2,008 97 1,486 1.17 184 6.74 NS_018 Brine 824 2,666 67 7,057 1.19 193 3.24 NS_019 Brine 544 1,856 67 4,276 1.16 176 3.41 NS_020 Brine 582 1,932 76 4,803 1.15 173 3.32 NS_022 Brine 440 2,098 55 3,142 1.12 150 4.77 NS_023 Brine 958 1,441 129 9,288 1.21 184 1.5 NS_024 Brine 223 1,794 50 2,106 1.1 123 8.04 NS_25 Brine 162 1,317 38 1,400 1.08 97 8.13

Sample results indicate that the near-surface brines contain high lithium and potassium values with relatively low magnesium values. Surface samples were collected from pits excavated by hand and then drilled to up to 2.4 meters below surface with a manual auger. All assays were analyzed by Alex Stewart Assayers, an ISO certified laboratory located in Mendoza, Argentina.

A map accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15ae6183-f293-43aa-afb5-c5d8e1e4c33a

In January 2017, a Controlled Source Audio Magnetotelluric Survey (CSAMT) was completed by Geophysical and Exploration Consultants S.A. of Mendoza, Argentina. CSAMT is a geophysical investigative method for obtaining information about subsurface resistivity. Low resistivity results are interpreted to represent potential lithium brine zones. Two CSAMT lines were run covering the Alba Sabrina, Natalia Maria and Tramo concessions. The E-W line that extends from the Alba Sabrina concession through Natalia Maria and the Tramo concessions is approximately 9,600 meters long. The results for this line show a long, low resistivity anomaly from Natalia Maria to the eastern border of the Tramo concession. There is a 60-70 meter thick upper horizon with low resistivity values that range from 0.2 to 1.3 ohm/meter. The low resistivity zone extends to a depth of at least 250 meters in the Tramo concession, and the anomaly is open at depth. The NE-SW line located on the Alba Sabrina concession is approximately 7,800 meters long. The results for this line indicate the presence of a near-surface, low resistivity layer up to a depth of 60 meters with resistivity values of 0.01 to 10 ohm/meter. Towards the southwest, the low resistivity layer appears to increase to a thickness of 150 to 250 meters.

SALAR DEL HOMBRE MUERTO -- AREA INFORMATION

The Salar del Hombre Muerto has been extensively evaluated by both FMC and Galaxy Resources. Galaxy Resources acquired the Sal de Vida project when it merged with Lithium One. In a 43-101 Technical Report dated March 7, 2012, Lithium One provided a detailed log of diamond drill hole SVH11-21 with assay values that ranged from a low of 564 mg/L Li to a high of 895 mg/L Li over the 95 m length of the hole. That hole is located 750 m south of the Tramo concession. In a press release dated April 10, 2017, Galaxy Resources announced the initiation of production-well drilling at Sal de Vida, approximately two km south of the Tramo concession.

Given robust exploration, development and mining activity in the area, access to key infrastructure is excellent. Provincial Route 17 passes within 10 km of the project, a 600 megawatt power line between Salta and Mejillones, Chile is 160 km to the north, and a natural gas pipeline connecting mining operations in the Puna region is within 10 km. A railroad line between Salta and the Chilean sea port of Antofagasta that is being reactivated is 100 km north of the Hombre Muerto North property. Company technical management are currently reviewing all available data, and will be providing further details in the immediate future.

TERMS OF THE OPTION TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT

The project is being acquired through a purchase option agreement from a private borate producer from Salta, Argentina named Jorge Moreno. Mr. Moreno is a well-known businessman in the region, with interests in mining and agriculture. He has been involved in the production and exportation of borates for more than 20 years, and he is also involved in the provision of logistical and mining services for remote projects. In 2016, he was one of the vendors of the Pastos Grandes Project to Millennial Lithium.

Terms of the acquisition are US $5.65 million in cash payments and 10 million NRG Metals Inc. common shares staged over a 54- month period. The payment schedule is as follows:

US $50,000 on signing for a 90-day due diligence period and for the completion of a NI 43-101 Technical Report on the project. The due diligence period may be extended to 120 days, if necessary. Upon acceptance of the NI 43-101 report by the TSX, NRG will pay Mr. Moreno US $100,000 and issue one million common shares of NRG common stock. At that time, Mr. Moreno will join the board of NRG Metals Inc.s Argentine subsidiary. At six months from Item 2, US $250,000 and one million common shares of NRG. At 12 months from Item 2, US $250,000 and one million common shares of NRG. At 18 months from Item 2, US $1,000,000 and one million common shares of NRG. At 30 months from Item 2, US $1,000,000 and two million common shares of NRG. At 42 months from Item 2, US $1,000,000 and two million common shares of NRG. At 54 months from Item 2, US $2,000,000 and two million common shares of NRG. The project will be subject to a 3% Net Production Royalty, of which 50% may be purchased for US$3,000,000 within 36 months of Item 2.

NRG Metals Inc. is an exploration stage company focused on the advancement of lithium projects in Argentina. Company management are highly qualified in the exploration and development to production, of lithium brine projects. In addition to the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project, the Company is evaluating the 29,000 hectare Carachi Pampa Lithium Project in the province of Catamarca, which is in the final stage of drill permitting.

NRG Metals Inc. currently has 66,330,885 shares issued and outstanding, and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under symbol NGZ, on the OTC QB Market under symbol NRGMF, and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under symbol OGPN.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of NRG Metals Inc.

Adrian F. C. Hobkirk President and Chief Executive Officer / ahobkirk@nrgmetalsinc.com

TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE

The technical and scientific disclosure contained in this press release is approved by Nivaldo Rojas, B.Sc. Mining Engineering (Universidad de Atacama, Copiapo, Chile) of Rojas & Associados, Mining Consultants of Mendoza, Argentina. Mr.Rojas is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, and is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He is independent of NRG Metals Inc. and the vendor, Jorge Moreno, within the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Rojas visited the site October 3-5, 2016 when he was contracted by Mr. Moreno to supervise collection of surface geochemical samples. Mr. Rojas supervised the preparation of this press release and approves the scientific and technical disclosure contained herein.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed the content of this news release and therefore does not accept responsibility or liability for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release.

This news release contains certain forward- looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The transaction described in this news release is subject to a variety of conditions and risks which include but are not limited to: regulatory approval, shareholder approval, market conditions, legal due diligence for claim validity, financing, political risk, security risks at the property locations and other risks. As such, the reader is cautioned that there can be no guarantee that this transaction will complete as described in this news release. We seek safe harbor.
Finnish English

Stock Exchange Release 5 June 2017, at 4 p.m.

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, HONG KONG, SOUTH AFRICA, SINGAPORE OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

Silmaasema Oyj's ("Silmaasema" or the "Company") public offering (as defined below) has been oversubscribed multiple times. The Board of Directors of the Company and Intera Fund II Ky ("Intera"), acting on behalf of the sellers (as defined below), have by joint decision decided to discontinue the subscription period for the public offering in accordance with the terms and conditions of the offering (as defined below) today, 5 June 2017 at 4 p.m. The institutional offering (as defined below) and the personnel offering (as defined below) continues in accordance with the terms and conditions of the offering (as defined below).

The initial public offering comprises the Share Issue and Share Sale (as defined below, and together the "Offering"). In the share issue, the Company offers new shares of the Company (the "New Shares") for subscription (the "Share Issue"). In addition, Intera Fund II Ky, a fund administered by Intera Equity Partners II Oy and certain other existing shareholders of the Company (together with Intera, the "Sellers") offer existing shares in the Company (the "Sale Shares" and together with the New Shares, the "Offer Shares") for purchase (the "Share Sale"). The Offer Shares are offered for subscription by (i) institutional investors in Finland and internationally (the "Institutional Offering"), (ii) private individuals and corporations in Finland (the "Public Offering") and (iii) Members of the Board of Directors of Silmaasema and to all employees of Silmaasema in a direct employment until the end of the subscription period 6 June 2017, independent ophthalmologists, entrepreneur opticians and franchisees (the "Personnel Offering").

The Board of Directors of the Company and Intera, acting on behalf of the Sellers, will decide on the acceptance of subscriptions made in the Offering, the final subscription price and the number of Offer Shares on or about 8 June 2017 and the final result of the Offering will be published through a stock exchange release immediately after decisions.

The discontinuation of the subscription period for the public offering does not otherwise affect the Offering timetable. The Offer Shares issued in the Public Offering and the Personnel Offering are recorded in the book-entry accounts of investors who have made an accepted commitment on or about the first banking day after the pricing takes place, on or about 9 June 2017. In the Institutional Offering, the Offer Shares will be ready to be delivered against payment on or about 13 June 2017 through Euroclear Finland Ltd.

The trading of Silmaasema's shares is expected to commence on the pre-list of the Helsinki Stock Exchange on or about 9 June 2017 and on the official list of the Helsinki Stock Exchange on or about 13 June 2017. The share trading code is "SILMA" and the ISIN code of the shares is FI4000243399.

Nordea Bank AB (publ), Finnish branch acts as the Global Coordinator and Bookrunner in the IPO and OP Corporate Bank plc acts as the Bookrunner in the IPO. Roschier, Attorneys Ltd. acts as the legal advisor to the Company. Borenius Attorneys Ltd acts as the legal advisor to the Joint Bookrunners.

Additional information

Pasi Kohmo, CEO, Silmaasema, +358 50 331 7015, pasi.kohmo@silmaasema.fi

Kati Raiha, Director, Marketing and Communications, Silmaasema, +358 50 416 6764, kati.raiha@silmaasema.fi

Juha Saarinen, Chairman of the Board, Silmaasema, +358 40 513 9573, juha.saarinen@silmaasema.fi

Silmaasema in brief

Silmaasema is a Finnish company, which offers all products and services for optical retail and eye healthcare nationwide. Silmaasema's management views it to be the largest private eye clinic provider offering eye surgeries and the second largest optical retail chain, according to the Finnish Association of vision and eyecare NAE ry, with 25.3 percent market share. Silmaasema's target is to the market leader in optical retail and eye healthcare related clinic operations, including cataract and refractive surgeries.

The Silmaasema chain has in total 148 optical retail stores in Finland; of which 125 are own stores and 23 entrepreneur driven stores, as well as 13 eye clinics. In addition, Silmaasema has eight optical retail stores in Estonia. The Silmaasema chain employs close to 1,000 eye healthcare professionals. In 2016, the Silmaasema chain conducted around 210,000 optician's eye examinations, 190,000 ophthalmologists' appointments and over 15,000 cataract and refractive surgeries. Silmaasema's Group net sales were 101.3 million euros in 2016 and adjusted EBITDA was 12.0 million euros.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa, Singapore or Japan.

These written materials do not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor may the securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration as provided in the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder. Silmaasema Oyj (the "Company") does not intend to register any portion of the offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.

The issue, exercise and/or sale of securities in the initial public offering are subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Neither the Company, Nordea Bank AB (publ), Finnish Branch ("Nordea") nor OP Corporate Bank plc ("OP") assume any responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions.

Nordea and OP are acting exclusively for the Company and for no-one else in connection with any transaction mentioned in this announcement and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this announcement) as a client in relation to any such transaction and will not be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to its clients, or for advising any such person on the contents of this announcement or in connection with any transaction referred to in this announcement. The contents of this announcement have not been verified by Nordea or OP and neither Nordea nor OP accept liability for this information included in this announcement.

The information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities referred to herein in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Investors must neither accept any offer for, nor acquire, any securities to which this document refers, unless they do so on the basis of the information contained in the applicable prospectus published or offering circular distributed by the Company.

The Company has not authorized any offer to the public of securities in any Member State of the European Economic Area other than Finland. With respect to each Member State of the European Economic Area other than Finland and which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of securities requiring publication of a prospectus in any Relevant Member State. As a result, the securities may only be offered in Relevant Member States (a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive; or (b) in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive. For the purposes of this paragraph, the expression an "offer of securities to the public" means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to exercise, purchase or subscribe the securities, as the same may be varied by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.

These written materials do not constitute an offer of the securities referred to herein to the public in the United Kingdom. No prospectus has been or will be approved in the United Kingdom in respect of the securities referred to herein. This communication is directed only at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") and (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment activity to which this communication relates will only be available to and will only be engaged with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.
NEW YORK, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tec CTL, Inc., New York-based energy company announced today that it has received a commitment of a total of 20,000bpd from the Botswana governmentowned company, Botswana Oil Limited. This represents approximately 25% of the expected average annual production from our total projects, which could generate well above $350 million in annual revenues based upon the current oil prices. The current average price is around US$40pb and a combination of fixed and market-related pricing with attractive floors and ceilings is under discussion in order to secure positive margins in the early years of production. The parties have agreed to negotiate an off-take agreement over the coming months.



Ogaisitse Khama, Vice-Executive Chairman of Tec CTL, commented: "We are extremely pleased to have received this Letter of Commitment with BOL as another step to ensuring the economic success of the Phungula Plant. We can now go out to the market with great confidence and raise all the necessary capital for the development of our first phase which will be in production within the next 24 months.

We are pleased to have this commitment from BOL in this juncture and believe that our success will be a bellwether for others in the African market, says Bernard Yaw, Co-Chairman of Tec CTL, Inc. Now, we will be able to focus on securing more of these partnerships across Africa until we have secured off-takes for the remaining 60,000bpd. While we are wild at it, our advisors will be working tirelessly to raise the necessary project financing.

About Tec CTL, INC.

Tec CTL is a New York-based, vertically integrated United States oil & gas corporation. The company explores, develops and produces oil, gas and chemicals. It owns four projects in Botswana and the same have the capacity to produce a total of 80,000 bpd and seeks to increase through inorganic growth within Africa and elsewhere.

About BOTSWANA OIL LIMITED

Botswana Oil Limited (BOL) was established to support the government of Botswana to achieve two broad, national economic objectives. These objectives are to ensure the security and efficiency of fuel supply to Botswana and promote active citizen involvement in the petroleum industry.

BOL is wholly owned by the government of Botswana, represented by Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, and incorporated under the Companies Act of Botswana.
English Estonian

The Management Board of AS Silvano Fashion Group, registry code 10175491, registered address Tulika 15/17, 10613 Tallinn, (hereinafter SFG) convenes an annual general meeting of shareholders on 29 June 2017 at 12:30 (Estonian time) in Radisson Blu Hotel Olumpia conference hall Epsilon, address Liivalaia 33, 10118 Tallinn, Estonia.

The registration of participants of the General Meeting starts at 12:00 (Estonian time) at the venue of the meeting.

I Agenda

Pursuant to the resolution adopted by the SFG Group's Supervisory Board on 29 May 2017, the general meeting will have the following agenda:

1. Approval of the 2016 Annual Report of AS Silvano Fashion Group;

2. Distribution of the 2016 profit of AS Silvano Fashion Group;

3. Election of the auditor of AS Silvano Fashion Group for 2017 fiscal year and determination of auditors fee;

4. Extension of authority of the member of the supervisory board;

5. Reduction of the share capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group.

II Proposals of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board

The Management Board and the Supervisory Board make the following proposals to the shareholders with regard to the agenda:

1. Approval of the 2016 Annual Report of AS Silvano Fashion Group

Proposal of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board:

1.1. To approve the 2016 Annual Report of AS Silvano Fashion Group.

2. Distribution of the 2016 profit of AS Silvano Fashion Group

Proposal of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board:

2.1. To approve the profit of the 2016 financial year in amount of EUR 8,273,000;

2.2. To make no allocations from the 2016 profit of AS Silvano Fashion Group into the reserve capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group. Following the reduction of the share capital, the reserve capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group will correspond to the requirements provided in Article 336(2) of the Estonian Commercial Code;

2.3. To distribute the profit by paying dividends to the shareholders of AS Silvano Fashion Group as follows:

2.3.1. The list of shareholders of AS Silvano Fashion Group entitled to profit distribution shall be fixed on 13 July 2017 at 11:59 p.m.

2.3.2. EUR 0.20.- per share shall be payable to the entitled shareholders as a dividend at the latest on 19 July 2017;

2.4. To allocate the rest of the profit of AS Silvano Fashion Group from the 2016 financial year into the undistributed profit of previous periods.

3. Election of the auditor of AS Silvano Fashion Group for 2017 fiscal year and determination of auditors fee

Proposal of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board:

3.1. To elect audit company AS PricewaterhouseCoopers (registry code 10142876, address Parnu mnt 15, 10141 Tallinn) as the auditor of AS Silvano Fashion group, whose authorities shall be valid until the next ordinary general meeting of AS Silvano Fashion Group;

3.2. To authorize the Management Board of AS Silvano Fashion Group to sign an auditing agreement with the audit company AS PricewaterhouseCoopers for the auditing of AS Silvano Fashion Group 2017 business activities at a price that does not exceed the price paid for the auditing services of AS Silvano Fashion Group in 2016 fiscal year.

4. Extension of authority of the member of the supervisory board

Proposal of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board:

4.1 To extend authority of the supervisory board member Mr. Toomas Tool for the

next term of authority starting from 1 July 2017 till 30 June 2022.

4.2. To continue with the remuneration plan of the supervisory board members as

approved by the annual general meeting held on 30 June 2012.

5. Reduction of the share capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group

Proposal of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board:

5.1. The reason for reducing the share capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group is a need

to reduce the share capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group and to cancel the 1,000,000 own shares acquired within the own share buy-back programme as approved by the shareholders of AS Silvano Fashion Group on 29 June 2016;

5.2. The share capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group shall be reduced by EUR 300,000 from the former EUR 11,100,000 to EUR 10,800,000;

5.3. Upon the reduction of the share capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group, the 1,000,000 own shares acquired within the own share buy-back programme as approved by the shareholders of AS Silvano Fashion Group on 29 June 2016 shall be cancelled;

5.4. Upon the reduction of the share capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group, the share capital of AS Silvano Fashion Group shall be divided into 36,000,000 shares with the nominal value of EUR 0.30.

III Organizational questions

The list of the shareholders entitled to participate in the ordinary general meeting shall be fixed 7 days prior to the date of the General Meeting, i.e. on 22 June 2017 at 11:59 p.m. (Estonian time).

At the General Meeting, a shareholder is entitled to receive information from the Management Board about the activities of SFG. The Management Board may decide to withhold information if there is a reason to believe that the disclosure of information may cause significant damage to the interests of SFG. If the Management Board refuses to disclose information, the shareholder may demand from the General Meeting to adopt a resolution regarding to the lawfulness of the information request or file a petition to a court of law within two weeks of the General Meeting requesting the court for the ruling requiring the Management Board to disclose the information.

The shareholders whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital may request for additional items to be included in the agenda of the General Meeting, if the respective request is submitted in writing at least 15 days prior to the General Meeting.

The shareholders whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital may present their draft resolutions to each item in the agenda in writing no later than 3 days before the General Meeting.

Draft resolution regarding to the agenda items and other documents presented to the General Meeting (including annual report, report of the sworn auditor, profit distribution proposal and report of the Supervisory Board) are available for examination on every working day as of the notification of the General Meeting until the business day preceding the day of the General Meeting at the headquarters of the Company at Tulika 15/17, Tallinn on business days from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Estonian time).

On the day of the General Meeting the materials related to the agenda of the General Meeting are available for examination at the venue of the General Meeting as of the opening of registration of participants until the end of the General Meeting. In order to examine the documents: (1) the shareholders who are natural persons are required to present a document verifying their identity and their representatives are additionally required to present the power of attorney in written form; (2) the representatives of the shareholders who are legal entities shall present (a) an extract from the registry where the legal entity is registered; and (b) a document verifying the identity of representative; and (c) in case of representation on the basis of proxy, also a power of attorney.

Documents and data which are disclosed according to Article 2941 of the Estonian Commercial Code, including the Annual Report, report of the sworn auditor, profit distribution proposal, report of the Supervisory Board, draft resolutions regarding to the agenda items, data on the Companys shares and voting rights related to the shares as of the date of the notice on the convening of the General Meeting and the templates of power of attorney are available on the homepage of the Company: http://www.silvanofashion.com.

The following documents must be submitted to participate in the General Meeting:

- the shareholders who are natural persons shall present a document verifying their identity and their representatives shall present the power of attorney in written form;

- the representatives of the shareholders who are legal entities shall present (a) an extract from the registry where the legal entity is registered; and (b) a document verifying the identity of representative; (c) in case of representation on the basis of proxy, also a power of attorney.

Unless otherwise provided by a foreign agreement, a document issued by a foreign authority shall be duly apostilled or legalized. Documents in foreign language should be accompanied by the translation into Estonian, verified by relevant institution.

Prior to the General Meeting the shareholder may notify the Company of the appointment of a representative or the revocation of the representative's authority by sending a digitally signed e-mail message to info@silvanofashion.com or by delivering the information in person on workdays between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Estonian time) or via mail to AS Silvano Fashion Group, Tulika 15/17, 10613 Tallinn, Estonia by 5 p.m. (Estonian time) on the business day preceding the day of the General Meeting.

For any information regarding the general meeting of the shareholders or the agenda items, please contact Jarek Sargava (e-mail info@silvanofashion.com; phone +372 684 5000).

Jarek Sargava

Member of the Board

Silvano Fashion Group

E-mail: info@silvanofashion.com

Tel: +372 684 5000; Fax: +372 684 5300

Address: Tulika 15/17, 10613 Tallinn, Estonia

http://www.silvanofashion.com
chismooo wrote:

aadileakhter wrote: Hello Guys,

My name is Aadil; I got my confirmation from HHL yesterday that I am selected. Hope to meet everyone on this post soon in HHL.

Please do join this post I believe it will be very helpful to know each other.



If you require any help from me, do let me know.



Best Regards

Aadil



Congratulations Aadil! Which program have you got accepted to? When will the program begin?



Could you tell about your profile? What is your background, MBA goal and GMAT score?

Besides, I appreciate if you can share your experiences about the application process. It would be great to learn from your experiences and hear tips from you.



Which schools have you applied besides HHL?



Best, and congrats again Congratulations Aadil! Which program have you got accepted to? When will the program begin?Could you tell about your profile? What is your background, MBA goal and GMAT score?Besides, I appreciate if you can share your experiences about the application process. It would be great to learn from your experiences and hear tips from you.Which schools have you applied besides HHL?Best, and congrats again

Thank you Chismoo,I am selected for the Full-time MBA of HHL. I am the co-founder at LeanPort which is a software company based in India with an office in Berlin and partner office in major parts of the world. I have been running my company for the past six years. My MBA goal is simply to enhance my skill sets and improve my people engagement skills. Also, networking is one of my key reasons for pursuing an MBA.My GMAT score was 660.My overall experience was excellent, I was in touch with the Student recruitment manager for the past few months which was a great help as I had no idea about GMAT etc, the overall process was pretty straightforward, and there was no problem completing them.For my interview, I was asked questions about the work I have done so far and my future plans. I would say it was a very friendly interview and I felt no pressure about it. I just want to advice, be honest in your SOP as I believe that will play a very critical part in your admission process and try to write it yourself. This would give you a lot of confidence.I have not applied to any other school besides HHL as I was clear from the very start that I want to join HHL because it is very economical and it is one of the best programs for Entrepreneurs in Germany.
orange

excepting for

for

in

but

in

but

for

with

of

Okay, to be honest, you could highlight everything in each option because they're short and all different. However, if you look at the entire sentence, carefully, a major clue should jump out at you:

Mauritius was a British colony for almost 200 years

excepting for

the English language was never really spoken on the island

Whenever we have two independent clauses in a sentence, what do we need to have to connect them? A conjunction or a semicolon !

(A) Mauritius was a British colony for almost 200 years , excepting for the domains of administration and teaching, the English language was never really spoken on the island.

INCORRECT

(B) Mauritius was a British colony for almost 200 years , except in the domains of administration and teaching, the English language was never really spoken on the island.

INCORRECT

(C) Mauritius was a British colony for almost 200 years, but except in the domains of administration and teaching, the English language was never really spoken on the island.

CORRECT

(D) Mauritius was a British colony for almost 200 years, but excepting for the domains of administration and teaching, the English language was never really spoken on the island.

INCORRECT

(E) Mauritius was a British colony for almost 200 years , with the exception of the domains of administration and teaching, the English language was never really spoken on the island.

INCORRECT

There you have it - option C is the correct choice!

Hello Everyone!Let's tackle this question, one issue at a time, and narrow it down to the right choice! It's a pretty short sentence, so this should be a quick one to answer! To start, here is the original question with the major differences between the options highlighted inMauritius was a British colony for almost 200 years,the domains of administration and teaching, the English language was never really spoken on the island.(A) excepting(B) except(C)except(D)excepting(E)the exceptionthe domains of administration and teaching,We have two INDEPENDENT CLAUSES in here with a phrase separating them.Let's take a look at each sentence with the non-underlined parts worked back in. Make sure that there is some way to separate the two independent clauses that is grammatically correct (a conjunction or semicolon):This isbecause there is no conjunction to connect the two independent clauses together. It's actually a run-on sentence with a modifier in between to throw you off! A modifier is not good enough to separate two independent clauses - it MUST be a conjunction or semicolon.This is alsobecause it doesn't have a conjunction to connect our two independent clauses! A modifier in between them isn't good enough!This is! It uses the coordinating conjunction "but" to combine the two independent clauses together to create one complete sentence.This is. While it does use the conjunction "but" to combine the two clauses, we have an idiom problem. The phrase "excepting for" is not an acceptable idiom in English. "Except in" or "with the exception of" are the correct forms of this idiom.This isbecause it doesn't use a conjunction to connect the two independent clauses. It's one long run-on sentence with a modifier in between, which isn't good enough to work.It's the only one that uses a conjunction to connect two independent clauses together AND doesn't have any idiom issues.Don't study for the GMAT. Train for it._________________
Most moviegoers tend to sum up all of a films features  acting, directing, special effects, and script  into a blanket "I loved it" or "hated it". But movie industry workers, and even film connoisseurs, can attest to the contribution of the movies 'cinematics, or technical features, towards creating any movies atmosphere.



Artistic movies are composed of a multitude of 'shots or discrete scenes usually lasting only 6 to 20 seconds; together the hundreds of individual scenes combine to make up the movie. For each shot the director has many options on how to film the same. For example, imagine that the movies script calls for two actors to speak a fixed dialogue in a specified location. Even while the director stays true to the script, he has considerable leeway in how to film the scene. He may film an 'extreme long shot, with the camera far away. This tends to show the setting in a panorama, emphasizing the background while underplaying the actors, and is used primarily in outdoor scenes where the backdrop is particularly impressive. Or, he may employ the 'long shot, which brings the camera close enough to capture the actors entire bodies, together with some of the setting. And finally there is the 'close-up, where the camera is brought in close enough to focus on the actors heads and faces and has the effect of spotlighting a particular actor while hiding the setting and other actors.



Camera 'angling refers to the cameras height from the ground and thus the vertical angle from which the audience views the action. The most common angle is filmed at adult eye level, though some artistic films for or about children can capture a childs-eye view of the world by filming from a childs eye level, looking up at most things. Similarly, even ordinary films can switch to 'low angle view by occasionally lowering the camera to look upwards at a character or building. The low-angle format suggests that the object or character is somehow larger, grander and more dominant or intimidating. In contrast the 'high angle shot positions the camera to look down on a character which often suggest that he is inferior, powerless, or in trouble. A 'side by side shot of two characters suggest that they are equal in importance, while filming one character as seen over the shoulder of another emphasises that character, while reminding the audiences that he is being observed or heard.



Show Spoiler C

1. The passage discussion most clearly suggests that the most important aspect of filmmaking is



A. figuring out what moviegoers are going to love

B. deciding how to make a movie artistic

C. using a good director

D. signing a top actor for the lead role

E. having excellent music





Show Spoiler B

2. According to the passage, a scene from a horror movie showing two lovers embracing, unaware of the huge monster closing in on them, would be filmed using



A. an 'eye-level, 'close up

B. a 'high-angle, 'long shot

C. a 'low angle, 'long shot

D. a 'childs eye level, 'close up

E. an 'eye-level, 'over the shoulder





Show Spoiler A

3. According to the passage, a childrens film with three alternative shots showing a mother scolding her small daughter, the daughter, and the father who is secretly listening, would most likely be filmed using which sequence of camera angles?



A. 'low angle, 'high angle and 'over the shoulder

B. 'low angle, 'low angle, and 'high angle

C. 'high angle, 'high angle, and 'over the shoulder

D. 'over the shoulder, high angle, and 'low angle

E. 'high angle, 'low angle and 'low angle A. figuring out what moviegoers are going to loveB. deciding how to make a movie artisticC. using a good directorD. signing a top actor for the lead roleE. having excellent musicA. an 'eye-level, 'close upB. a 'high-angle, 'long shotC. a 'low angle, 'long shotD. a 'childs eye level, 'close upE. an 'eye-level, 'over the shoulderA. 'low angle, 'high angle and 'over the shoulderB. 'low angle, 'low angle, and 'high angleC. 'high angle, 'high angle, and 'over the shoulderD. 'over the shoulder, high angle, and 'low angleE. 'high angle, 'low angle and 'low angle




THERE IS LIKELY A BETTER DISCUSSION OF THIS EXACT QUESTION.

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If you would like to discuss this question please re-post it in the respective forum. Thank you!



To review the GMAT Club's Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow these links: --== Message from the GMAT Club Team ==--If you would like to discuss this question please re-post it in the respective forum. Thank you!To review the GMAT Club's Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow these links: Quantitative Verbal Please note - we may remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines. Thank you.

Hi,On this question:--The golden toad of Costa Rica, whose beauty and rarity inspired an unusual degree of human interest from a public generally unconcerned about amphibians, may nevertheless have been driven to extinction by human activity. In the United States, a public relations campaign raised money to protect the toad???s habitat in Costa Rica, establishing the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve in 1972. However, setting aside habitat was not enough to save the species. The toad's demise in the late 1980s was a harbinger of further species extinction in Costa Rica. Since that time, another twenty of the fifty species of frogs and toads known to once inhabit a 30 square kilometer area near Monteverde have disappeared.Between one third and one half of the world???s amphibian species???including frogs, toads, and salamanders???have declined or disappeared. Scientists hypothesize that the more subtle effects of human activities on the world's ecosystems, such as the accretion of pollutants, the decrease in atmospheric ozone, and changing weather patterns due to global warming, are beginning to take their toll. Perhaps amphibians - whose permeable skin makes them unusually sensitive to environmental changes - are the biological harbingers of the natural world, giving humans early notification of the deterioration, if not destruction, of our ecosystem.It can be inferred from the discussion of amphibians thatA only thirty species of frogs and toads remain in Costa RicaB relatively few non-amphibious animals have permeable skinC most have either already become extinct or are in danger of extinctionD humans do not usually take signals of environmental deterioration seriouslyE the extinction of so many amphibian species supports the contention that humans are responsible for the situation--The OA is B. I chose E (which actually didn't really convince me 100%, but I eliminated all others). I eliminated B because it implies, by saying few, that there are non-amphibious animals that have permeable skin, but we can't infer that from the text. There may or may not be any. I agree that we can infer that it is a rare characteristic, but it could be that no other animal has permeable skin, we just don't know, that's why I think it can't be correct.I would appreciate your help on this question.
As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ
For eight years, American Alex Honnold dreamed about climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without any safety equipment. But whenever Honnold went to the park and looked up at El Capitan, he became frightened.

That changed last Saturday.

Honnold, a world-class rock climber, reached the top of the great rock wall in about four hours. He used only his hands and feet.

He is the first person ever to climb the 914-meter high granite wall alone and without ropes or safety equipment to catch him if he fell.

I was pretty much elated, Honnold, 31, told the Associated Press about reaching the top. I was probably the happiest Ive ever been. Its something that I thought about for so long and dreamed about and worked so hard for."

Honnold began preparing for his historic climb two years ago. He climbed El Capitan while wearing safety gear countless times. He tried to memorize every hole he had to hold and the positions of his body. He repeated the climb again and again, until he felt sure enough to try the so-called free solo climb.

The most difficult part of the trip is about 700 meters off the ground. At that point, the very small holds in the rock are only big enough for a thumb to fit.

But Honnold said the climb was more mentally difficult than physically difficult.

Each year I would show up and it would seem just much too daunting, he said. To walk up to the base of the climb without rope and harness, it just feels a little outrageous. Getting over that side of it was the hardest part.

Observers say Honnolds climb has pushed the limits in a sport that requires a high level of physical ability, risk-taking and mental strength.

Daniel Duane wrote the book El Capitan: Historic Feats and Radical Routes.

This has never been done before ... and its hard to imagine anybody ever coming close to what hes done, Duane said. He is totally alone at the top of his game.

Alex Honnold grew up near Sacramento, Californias capital. He began doing indoor rock climbing at age 11. He dropped out of the University of California, Berkeley to train full-time.

Honnold dismissed criticism by those who say hes being irresponsible by not wearing protective equipment.

I could see how for a non-climber it might seem completely insane. But Ive devoted 20 years to climbing and probably six or seven to this particular project...It took years of effort."

The climb up El Capitan once took climbers several days to complete with the aid of ropes, safety equipment and a partner. But in the past 20 years, speed climbers working with a partner and using ropes have set records in reaching the top.

In January 2015, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson became the first to free climb the Dawn Wall, a very steep climb to the top of El Capitan. They used ropes only to catch them if they fell. They reached the top in 19 days.

Duane said Honnold has an extreme ability to control fear and his body for a long period of time.

To climb without ropes where the slightest slip is literally fatal in that arena requires enormous self-control and focus, Duane said.

Im Ashley Thompson.

The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

elated - adj. very happy and excited

solo - n. something that is done without another person

thumb - n. the short, thick finger on the side of your hand

daunting - adj. tending to make people afraid or less confident : very difficult to do or deal with

harness - n. a set of straps that are used to connect a person to something (such as a parachute or a seat)

outrageous - adj. surprising or shocking

insane - adj. wild and uncontrolled

enormous - adj. very great in size or amount




Saudi Arabia, Egypt and several Arab nations have ended diplomatic relations with their Gulf neighbor, Qatar.

The move follows criticism over Qatars support of what many Arab nations consider terrorist organizations. Adding to the conflict is Qatars close ties to Iran, Saudi Arabias rival.

Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, the Maldives and a government group in Libya also ended diplomatic relations with Qatar on Monday.

The state-owned Saudi Press Agency said Qatar supports terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic State, and al-Qaida.

Qatars Foreign Ministry said the kingdom is facing a campaign based on fabrications, or false stories. The goal, the ministry said, is to cause damage to Qatar.

The conflict between Qatar and other Arab nations grew in recent weeks, when Qatar officials said its state-run news agency and Twitter account had been hacked. Officials said the result was the publishing of a fake, or untrue, news story.

The story said Qatars emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, had called Iran a regional and Islamic power that cannot be ignored.

State-supported media in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries continued to report the story, despite protests from Qatar that it was false.

Small country with large reach

Qatar has only about 2.3 million people, but is the worlds largest producer of liquefied natural gas. It shares a big underwater field with Iran.

Qatar is home to the Al Jazeera international news network. Its reporting of protests in Cairo was credited with helping the Muslim Brotherhood win power in Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood government was then removed by Egyptian military.

Like other Gulf nations, Qatar is an American ally. The United States has an air base in Qatar used for air attacks against Islamic State militants.

U.S. and others trying to solve dispute

The pulling of diplomatic relations follows a visit to Saudi Arabia last month by American President Donald Trump. Trump told Gulf leaders that he strongly supports Saudi Arabias efforts against both Iran and against Islamic militant groups.

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Qatar and the other Gulf states to end the dispute. He made the comments in Australia, where he is attending an international meeting. He offered U.S. help in finding a solution.

Also on Monday, Turkish officials said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is working to end the diplomatic crisis. The Associated Press reported that the Turkish president had spoken by telephone with Gulf leaders.

Two other Gulf nations, Kuwait and Oman, still have diplomatic relations with Qatar. Officials from the two countries are meeting separately with officials of Saudi Arabia and Qatar late on Monday.

Effects felt immediately

The effect of the break in diplomatic relations was felt almost immediately in Qatar.

Qatar Airways was banned from Saudi airspace. And the United Arab Emirates stopped air service to Qatar by its three airline carriers.

Qatar imports almost all of its food. Forty percent of the food comes from Saudi Arabia. There were long lines to buy food at markets in Qatar on Monday, the Associated Press reported.

Ed Yeranian reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English, with extra reporting from The Associated Press and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page.

__________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

sectarian - adj. relating to religious or political sects and the differences between them

disturb - v. interrupt or make more difficult

stability - n. the quality or state of something that is not easily changed or likely to change

region - n. a part of a country, of the world, etc., that is different or separate from other parts in some way

affiliate - n. an organization that is connected to a larger organization

allied - adj. joined in a relationship in which people, groups or countries agree to work together

hack - v. to secretly get access to the files on a computer or network in order to get information and/or cause damage
British police continue to investigate a deadly attack last Saturday in London.

Seven people were killed and more than 50 others injured on or near the world-famous London Bridge.

It started when three men drove a van into people walking on the bridge. The men then got out of the vehicle and ran to a nearby market and began stabbing people. The victims reportedly included British nationals and foreigners. London police killed three attackers.

At least 10 people have been detained as part of the investigation. The Islamic State group claims responsibility for the attack.

The violence came less than a week before Britains parliamentary elections. Political campaigning restarted on Monday after a one-day suspension after the attack.

It was Britains third terrorist attack in less than three months. On May 22, a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a concert in the city of Manchester. In March, five people died in an attack on Londons Westminster Bridge.

The attacks turned much attention in the election campaign to national security issues.

British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the latest violence. She said that, in addition to being an attack on London and the United Kingdom, it was also one on the free world.

May said there was no clear evidence that the three attacks were operationally connected. But she said they were bound together by the evil ideology of Islamist extremism.

She said she believed there is far too much tolerance for extremism in Britain. We need to be more robust in identifying and stamping out extremism in public service and across society its time to say enough is enough.

May hopes to use the elections this Thursday to continue serving as prime minister and leader of the ruling Conservative Party. At the time she called for the vote last April, she was considered the favorite against Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. But the race has grown much closer in recent weeks.

Public opinion surveys show Mays Conservatives are leading Labour by between one and 12 points. Earlier surveys did not correctly predict the result of Britains vote to leave the European Union (EU) a year ago.

Mays government has been working with police on security measures to make the voting safe. She stated that violence can never be allowed to disrupt the democratic process.

Corbyn has criticized Mays record on security issues. He said he supported calls for her resignation for ordering cuts in police forces while she served as Britains home secretary.

However, Corbyn said the best way to get May out is for people to go out and vote.

There's an election on Thursday, that's the chance, he said.

The Labour Party has promised to increase the number of police officers and to strengthen neighborhood security programs to fight terror.

May said Corbyn is unable to guarantee Britain's security at a time of such increased threats. 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, she said.

May said Monday that Britain's anti-terrorism operations were fully financed.

But London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a Labour member, said his city had been forced to cut about $775 million for police from its budget. We have had to close police stations, sell police buildings and we've lost thousands of police staff.

In addition to setting anti-terror policies, the election winner will be responsible for negotiating Britain's withdrawal from the EU. Other major issues during the campaign have been the state-run National Health Service, immigration and the economy.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. His story was based on reports from VOA News.com, the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

ideology  adj. set of ideas or beliefs

tolerance  n. willingness to accept feelings or beliefs that are different from your own

robust  adj. strong and healthy

stamp out  v. end something, destroy

disrupt  v. cause something to end or not be able to continue in a normal way

boast  v. express pride about yourself or something you have done
Ten Americans recently received two college degrees: one from a university in New York and the other from a Chinese university.

The dual-degree program is a project of Hofstra University on Long Island and Chinas Dongbei University of Finance and Economics.

Herman Berliner is the head of Hofstras Business School. He believes it is the first time American undergraduate students received degrees from an American and Chinese university at the same time.

Under the program, visiting Dongbei professors teach some of the business and finance classes at Hofstra.

Students also take part in a six-week summer internship with an international company in China and attend education programs organized by Dongbei.

Global economy requires global education

Now a days a good business education should be global because it is a global economy, Berliner said. And it should be hands on because hands on gives our students more exposure to the reality they will find in the business world.

Berliner said he expects to welcome Chinese students to Hofstra to continue their education and take internships at American companies.

Tori-Rae Matisoff of Monroe, New Jersey, is one of the 10 students to graduate with two degrees in business -- one from Hofstra and the other from Dongbei.

Last summer, she worked for the human resources office of Pfizer Inc. in China. Pfizer is one of the worlds largest producers of medicine.

This kind of experience really opens up your mind, the New Jersey woman said.

Matisoff, who knows Mandarin, said she met in China with Pfizer workers who wanted to improve their English skills. So, they would have bilingual discussions.

Chinese anxious to discuss America with Hofstra student

The Chinese workers asked her a lot of questions, like what kind of President Donald Trump will be. They also wanted to know whether she and her family had guns because, as she put it, no one carries guns in China.

The workers also asked about how she signed onto to Facebook. In China, the government blocks Facebooks website. The site is easily accessed in the United States.

Matisoff also helped a human resources director at Pfizers China office better understand reports from company officials in other countries.

She spoke English very well, but sometimes you need a little context, Matisoff said.

She is continuing her business studies at Hofstra. She hopes to complete a masters degree program.



Stuart Rabinowitz is Hofstras president. He told the students that learning about another culture and how to communicate when you dont speak the language well will help them as they leave Hofstra for jobs or graduate school.

These are experiences and skills that will set you apart, he said.

While Hofstra appears to be the first undergraduate program to offer dual degrees with a Chinese university, many American colleges offer students a chance to study overseas for part of a school year.

And some colleges offer dual graduate school degrees with colleges outside the United States.

Northwestern University in Illinois, for example, offers a Masters of Science Degree in engineering with Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China.

Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies offers a dual masters program in global politics and economics with Tsinghua University in China.

At Hofstras graduation ceremonies, the 10 dual-degree recipients were given a red stole from Dongbei University, as well as their Hofstra diploma.

Donbei University is in the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian. About 20,000 students are taking classes there. Hofstra has over 11,000 students.

Hofstra students in the dual-degree program take all their courses in English. Knowledge of Chinese in not required.

Still, Berliner wishes more American students would develop better foreign language skills. Most Chinese students learn English, he said, while a small percentage of Americans can speak and read Chinese.

Thats a disadvantage, Berliner said.

Two years ago, the Modern Language Association reported a drop in the percentage of students taking foreign language classes at American colleges and universities. The association said that nine out of every 100 students took such a class in 2009. But in 2013, the rate was eight per every 100 students.

While the number of people studying Spanish and French was down, there were increases in Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and American Sign Language, the group noted.

Recently, some Princeton University educators proposed that all students be required to take a foreign language class, even if they already speak a second language. It would help them better understand the world, the educators said.

Im Bruce Alpert. And I'm Dorothy Gundy.

Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page.

__________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

dual degree - n. official documents from two colleges given someone who successfully completed a series of classes

internship - n. a job given to students so they can get training and experience in a profession

global - adj. international or worldwide

bilingual - adj. Able to speak in two languages

access - v. a way of being able to use or get something

diploma - n. document which shows that a person has finished a course of study or has graduated from a school

disadvantage - adj. something that makes someone less likely to succeed than others
my first trip to Europe (on my own). It is incredible how anyone managed to travel at all before the internet information explosion. I went to the French Consulate in NYC and grabbed tons of brochures and just picked one that seemed reasonably priced and in a good location. I took a cab from the train station (arrived by Eurostar from London) and the driver had no idea what I was talking about. Fortunately, I had circled the location on a paper map and was able to just give it to him and point to the circle. I used pidgin French (not even left over from high school, mostly just from having sung a few choral pieces in French) to explain that the huge purple box (from Liberty) was une chapeau grand to the lady who brought me to my room. I'm not convinced she understood me at all. My room in London had been so small I could touch two walls with my outstretched arms while standing next to the single bed. This was luxury. I could walk around just a bit and get the hat box out of the way. It is on the left bank and an easy walk to absolutely everything. I didn't even bother with the Metro. But honestly, my fondest memories of the stay have nothing to do with the hotel specifically. It was just being in Paris for the first time. Sainte-Chapelle. The Louvre. Notre Dame. I went to Musee d'Orsay on the day it was open late entirely by accident and didn't even realize it was way after regular closing until just before I was ready to leave. I went to see Cyrano even though (did I mention?) I don't speak French. It was still easy to follow. The hotel was just enough in a neighborhood that I could eat mostly street food panini and crepes and bread and cheese and charcuterie from local shops. Great trip. Too short. I should go again. Soon.
In an early clinical trial, 33 out of 35 (94%) patients had clinical remission of multiple myeloma upon receiving a new type of immunotherapy ? chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting B-cell maturation protein or BCMA. Most patients had only mild side effects.

The study will be featured in a press briefing today and presented at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

"Although recent advances in chemotherapy have prolonged life expectancy in multiple myeloma, this cancer remains incurable," said study author Wanhong Zhao, MD, PhD, an associate director of hematology at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University in Xi'an, China. "It appears that with this novel immunotherapy there may be a chance for cure in multiple myeloma, but we will need to follow patients much longer to confirm that."

CAR T-cell therapy is custom-made for each patient. The patient's own T cells are collected, genetically reprogrammed in a lab, and injected back into the patient. The reprogramming involves inserting an artificially designed gene into the T-cell genome, which helps the genetically reprogrammed cells find and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

Over the past few years, CAR T-cell therapy targeting a B-cell biomarker called CD19 proved very effective in initial trials for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and some types of lymphoma, but until now, there has been little success with CAR T-cell therapies targeting other biomarkers in other types of cancer. This is one of the first clinical trials of CAR T cells targeting BCMA, which was discovered to play a role in progression of multiple myeloma in 2004.

Key Findings

The authors report results from the first 35 patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant (refractory) multiple myeloma enrolled in this ongoing phase I clinical trial in China. First signs of treatment efficacy appeared as early as 10 days after initial injection of CAR T cells (patients received three split doses of cells over a week). Overall, the objective response rate was 100%, and 33 (94%) patients had an evident clinical remission of myeloma (complete response or very good partial response) within two months of receiving CAR T cells.

To date, 19 patients have been followed for more than four months, a pre-set time for full efficacy assessment by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) consensus. Of the 19 patients, 14 have reached stringent complete response (sCR) criteria, one patient has reached partial response, and four patients have achieved very good partial remission (VgPR) criteria in efficacy.

There has been only a single case of disease progression from VgPR; an extramedullary lesion of the VgPR patient reappeared three months after disappearing on CT scans. There has not been a single case of relapse among patients who reached sCR criteria. The five patients who have been followed for over a year (12-14 months) all remain in sCR status and are free of minimal residual disease as well (have no detectable cancer cells in the bone marrow).

Cytokine release syndrome or CRS, a common and potentially dangerous side effect of CAR T-cell therapy, occurred in 85% of patients, but it was only transient. In the majority of patients symptoms were mild and manageable. CRS is associated with symptoms such as fever, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and problems with multiple organs. Only two patients on this study experienced severe CRS (grade 3) but recovered upon receiving tocilizumab (Actemra, an inflammation-reducing treatment commonly used to manage CRS in clinical trials of CAR T-cell therapy). No patients experienced neurologic side effects, another common and serious complication from CAR T-cell therapy.

Next Steps

The researchers plan to enroll a total of 100 patients in this clinical trial, at four participating hospitals in China. "In early 2018 we also plan to launch a similar clinical trial in the United States. Looking ahead, we would also like to explore whether BCMA CAR T-cell therapy benefits patients who are newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma," said Dr. Zhao.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which make antibodies to fight infections. Abnormal plasma cells can crowd out or suppress the growth of other cells in the bone marrow. This suppression may result in anemia, excessive bleeding, and a decreased ability to fight infection.

Multiple myeloma is a relatively uncommon cancer. This year, an estimated 30,300 people1 in the United States will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and 114,2502 were diagnosed with this cancer worldwide in 2012. In the United States, only about half of patients survive five years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
A combination of two immunotherapy drugs is safe to give to patients with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, that has spread to the brain, and could help control the disease.

Melanomas that had spread to the brain responded to, or were kept stable, by the drugs ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumab (Opdivo) in around half of patients, according to an early look at unpublished results from two clinical studies.

While patient numbers were small, the results could offer a new treatment option if confirmed in future studies.

Dr Lynn Mara Schuchter, from the University of Pennsylvania in the US, said the findings 'could be practice changing'. But she added that patients now need to be followed up for longer.

Schuchter said that larger clinical trials would be needed to confirm the potential benefit for these patients, and to work out when is the best time to offer this treatment.

The findings were presented at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago in the US.

Little is known about how immunotherapy might be able to help control melanoma that has spread to the brain, a common complication in patients diagnosed with late stage disease.

Patients whose disease has spread to the brain have been ineligible for previous clinical trials of immunotherapy for melanoma.

The phase 2 CheckMate 204 study , led by Dr Hussein Abdul-Hassan Tawbi from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the phase 2 Anti-PD1 Brain Collaboration (ABC) trial , led by Professor Georgina Long from the University of Sydney, specifically recruited patients with melanoma that had spread to the brain. Most of these patients weren't experiencing symptoms as a result of the tumours in their brains.

Of the 75 patients treated on the CheckMate 204 study, 60 percent saw the disease in their brain respond to the combined treatment, or be kept stable by it, at the middle point of follow-up, which was 9.2 months.

16 patients (21 percent) saw the disease in their brain completely disappear following treatment.

Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK's chief clinician, said the results of the CheckMate 2014 study "suggest that a combination of the immunotherapy drugs nivolumab and ipilimumab is safe and effective against skin cancer that's spread to the brain."

"Radiotherapy can have limited benefits, so these results are encouraging and may be another option for some patients in the future once larger trials are done," he added.

On the ABC trial, 42 percent of the 26 patients treated saw the disease in their brain respond to some degree to the combined immunotherapy drugs at the middle point of follow-up, which was 16.4 months after treatment. This increased to 50 percent when looking at 20 patients who had not previously been treated with a targeted cancer drug for melanoma, suggesting the immunotherapy combination may work better upfront, although these numbers are small.

4 patients (15 percent) saw the disease in their brain completely disappear following the combined immunotherapy treatment.

Six months after treatment, 67 percent of patients on the CheckMate 204 study hadn't seen their disease get worse, so-called progression free survival. On the ABC trial this was 46 percent.

Schuchter said that while these early results were 'fantastic', most patients on these studies did ultimately see their disease get worse. And across the different study groups between a quarter and half of patients who took part have died.

According to both lead researchers and Schuchter, the side effects experienced by patients on these studies were as expected for immunotherapy treatment of melanoma. But in some cases these can be serious, and must be carefully managed.

More information: Efficacy and safety of nivolumab (NIVO) plus ipilimumab (IPI) in patients with melanoma (MEL) metastatic to the brain: Results of the phase II study CheckMate 204. Efficacy and safety of nivolumab (NIVO) plus ipilimumab (IPI) in patients with melanoma (MEL) metastatic to the brain: Results of the phase II study CheckMate 204. abstracts.asco.org/199/AbstView_199_181375.html A randomized phase II study of nivolumab or nivolumab combined with ipilimumab in patients (pts) with melanoma brain metastases (mets): The Anti-PD1 Brain Collaboration (ABC). abstracts.asco.org/199/AbstView_199_187928.html
Compared with cesarean deliveries, midpelvic forceps and midpelvic vacuum deliveries lead to higher rates of maternal and infant trauma, according to a new study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

These midpelvic operative vaginal deliveries, carried out when the baby's head is midway through the mother's pelvis, account for about 3% of singleton deliveries in Canada, approximately 10 000 deliveries per year.

Previous evidence on maternal and child injury and death after delivery with forceps or vacuum compared with cesarean delivery is inconsistent. In Canada, more than 20% of all deliveries by forceps or vacuum are midpelvic deliveries. In 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encouraged increased use of forceps and vacuum delivery to reduce rates of cesarean deliveries.

To better understand the impact of operative vaginal delivery compared with cesarean when either could be used, researchers looked at data on 187 234 singleton births in Canada, excluding Quebec, over 10 years (2003-2013). They included all midpelvic live or stillbirths via forceps or vacuum and cesarean delivery between 37 and 41 weeks gestational age. Of these, 76 755 women needed intervention because of poor uterine contractions and 110 479 because of fetal distress.

In deliveries that did not involve fetal distress, severe complications for the baby were 80% higher following midpelvic forceps and midpelvic vacuum compared with cesarean delivery. The rate of severe birth trauma was five- to ten-fold higher in deliveries by midpelvic forceps and midpelvic vacuum compared with cesarean delivery. Severe obstetric tearing occurred in 19% of women delivered by midpelvic forceps, 12% of women delivered by midpelvic vacuum, and 20% of women that delivered using a combination of midpelvic vacuum and forceps.

The study was restricted to deliveries in which the baby's head was midway through the maternal pelvis and does not apply to forceps and vacuum deliveries carried out when the baby's head has descended further down the birth canal.

"It is important to understand that similar to cesarean deliveries, midpelvic forceps and vacuum deliveries are invasive procedures with their own risksrisks that we have now quantified and that should be communicated to women who may encounter them, especially when the risk is as high as one in five," says lead author, Giulia Muraca, a doctoral researcher at the School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC). "Women who are delivered by midpelvic forceps or midpelvic vacuum should be afforded the same standard of informed consent as women who consent to cesarean delivery. Ideally, this should take place prior to labour when women are considering their birth plans."

"Our study suggests that unless we can improve our ability to select candidates for midpelvic forceps and vacuum deliveries, or improve training in such deliveries, encouraging higher rates of forceps and vacuum delivery to reduce the cesarean delivery rate could increase rates of neonatal complications, especially birth trauma, as well as maternal complications such as severe postpartum hemorrhage, and obstetric trauma such as tearing," says Giulia Muraca.

The authors stress that there are circumstances during labour, such as fetal distress, when forceps and vacuum have potential to save lives through saving time compared with a cesarean delivery.

The study was limited by the authors' inability to assess the skill level of the physician or health care provider delivering the babies.
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 birthis 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."
Credit: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Newborn infant girls have better outcomes than their male counterparts due to an innate genetic advantage in responding to acute infections, according to new research from RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland). The research is published in the current edition of Pediatric Research.

While females have a recognised survival advantage throughout the entire human lifecycle, this is particularly evident during the newborn period. Newborn boys have higher rates of infection and sepsis compared with baby girls of the same gestational age and have poorer survival.

The explanation is to be found in our chromosomes, in particular the difference in chromosomal make-up between females, who carry two copies of the X chromosome (XX), and males who carry one X and one Y chromosome (XY). The X chromosome contains more of the genes involved in immunity than does the Y chromosome. Females can have a higher expression of these immune genes than males and this gives them an advantage in dealing with acute infections, and could also be implicated in gender differences in certain diseases.

This research measured the presence of a factor called IRAK1 (interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1), which contributes to immunity against infection, in the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies. Higher IRAK1 gene and protein expression was detected in the female cord blood and the authors believe this may explain in part the differences in inflammatory outcomes in infants.

According to the senior author of the research paper Professor Catherine Greene, Associate Professor of Clinical Microbiology at RCSI: "The phenomenon of female neonates being hardier than their male counterparts is well recognised. This research shows this is due to a fundamental genetic advantage which may also contribute to more effective responses to infection and disease throughout the human lifecycle."

David O'Driscoll, who carried out the experimental work in RCSI and is first author of the paper, said "Our findings in full-term newborn babies suggest that a similar phenomenon could be occurring in preterm infants where gender differences can be even more marked."

More information: David N. O'Driscoll et al. Expression of X-linked Toll-like receptor 4 signaling genes in female vs. male neonates, Pediatric Research (2017). Journal information: Pediatric Research David N. O'Driscoll et al. Expression of X-linked Toll-like receptor 4 signaling genes in female vs. male neonates,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.2
Pictorial health warning labels (PWLs) used in the congruent and incongruent condition. Credit: Penn Medicine

In recent years, smoking rates among adults in America have steadily declined; yet tobacco use remains the largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Cigarette packages in most countries include a health warning label that describes the risks of using the product, but the position, size and design of the warnings may vary. In the US, health warnings with pictures have been contested through the courts by the tobacco industry. In a new study published recently in Tobacco Control, Penn researchers found that health warning labels that include images or Pictorial Warning Labels (PWLs) are more effective in gaining and holding the attention of smokers when the image and the text convey similar risks.

The study was led by Andrew A. Strasser, PhD, a research associate professor in Psychiatry, lead author Kirsten Lochbuehler, PhD, and Melissa Mercincavage, PhD, two postdoctoral researchers at the UPenn Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science (TCORS).

Strasser argues that research will help prove that images reinforce, not distract from, the important warning messages in text-only cigarette labels contrary to what some tobacco industry companies have claimed.

"It is interesting that much of the tobacco industry's argument against PWLs is that they are mostly emotionally evocative, too graphic, or not factually true. Our study demonstrates, with non-intrusive, objective measures, that smokers engage a great deal with the images, which likely suggests they do not find them too graphic or off putting," Strasser said.

"Adopting pictorial warning labels on tobacco products would be an improvement in communicating risk compared to the text-only versions currently on domestic packaging. This is an important and effective way to disseminate knowledge about health risks."

In the study, Strasser and his team of researchers evaluated 112 daily cigarette smokers between the ages of 21 and 65 years old, and used eye-tracking to objectively observe how participants viewed congruent PWLs, where the images and text conveyed identical risk information, compared to incongruent PWLs, where image and text content differed.. Participants were later asked to recall the image, text and risk message from each PWL. The team found that smokers had relative greater difficulty recalling the text than they did recalling the image, and focused faster and longer on the image than the text. The researchers also observed that smokers who viewed congruent PWLs better recalled the information in those warnings at the end of the study. The study findings suggest that PWL formats where the image and text express similar messages or themes may be an optimal design strategy.

"The results clearly demonstrate that images in warnings get and hold viewing attention, as evidenced by the short latency to first view and the viewing duration of the images. These are important processes in attention and learning theory, and may help us to more clearly understand how to maximize ways to convey risk information," Strasser said.

In future studies, the researchers will examine how repeated exposure to PWLs affects recall as well as more complex communication constructs, such as changes in attitudes and beliefs toward tobacco products, intentions to quit smoking, changes in smoking behavior and decreases in smoke exposure using biomarker measures. Strasser's team is also focused on examining how viewing patterns change over time when smokers are repeatedly exposed to PWLs and how accumulated exposure may be associated with more profound improvements on tobacco use and exposure.
Credit: Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. (FVB)

As the cell's molecular control center, the mTor kinase regulates cellular metabolism, growth and division. However, in cells affected by pathological change, the regulation goes array. Therefore, it would be helpful if the central control could be simply turned off to suppress insulin resistance or cancerous growth for example. Scientists at the LeibnizForschungsinstitut fur Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) in Berlin (Germany) succeeded in locating a crucial off-switch for the central cell control. Paradoxically, this 'off-switch' is a lipid kinase producing a product previously known for its role in the activation of mTor. The results just appeared in the high-ranking journal Science. They bolster the hopes of patients waiting for new effective therapies against diabetes, obesity, cancer and a rare congenital muscular disease.

The important control functions of the mTor kinase influence cell metabolism, division and growth. For example, the molecular control unit ensures the production of new proteins or the storage of fat and carbohydrates in metabolically active tissue. These processes are stimulated by the influx of sugar and amino acids and by signals initiated by growth factors including the insulin-like growth factor. If this influx does not occur in a starvation period, mTor switches the cell from anabolic to catabolic mode. Instead of synthesizing new proteins from amino acids, the cell now activates clean-up processes to remove damaged proteins, which could become hazardous for the cell or organ. The cleansing effect of interval fasting is attributed to the consequences of deactivating the mTor kinase.

In certain disease states, it would be sensible to shut down the mTor kinase complex. In cases of diabetes and obesity for example, pathological mutations exist in the cellular control center. This also applies to many cancers. This raises the question how and where to switch off such a complex mechanism.

A Surprising Discovery

To find this switch-off mechanism, researchers in the LeibnizForschungsinstitut fur Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) in Berlin kept a keen eye on nature's ways to accomplish this down regulation. According to known facts, the lysosomal mTor kinase complex becomes less active or inactive in extended hunger periods. The lysosome is the regular cell compartment for the mTor kinase complex activity. However, the complex also turns inactive several times during the day without leaving its membrane-bound place. This happens for example when the stimulating insulin signals do not arrive. Therefore, there has to be a natural mTor brake somewhere in this location. The discovery of this brake is now published in the top journal 'Science'. It came as a surprise even for FMP Director Professor Volker Haucke: "We found a local lipid kinase on the lysosome. This kinase deactivates mTor. Paradoxically, if the lipid product of this kinase is synthesized on the cell surface membrane, it is rather known as growth stimulating lipid, i.e. it has the exact opposite effect."

As the scientist discovered, another scarcely investigated specific class II lipid kinase (PI3KC2) exists in the cell, which deactivates the mTor complex on the lysosomal membrane in the absence of stimulating signals from the outside. In the absence of hormonal signals such as insulin or insulin-like growth factor (e.g. at night), the lipid kinase PI3KC2 becomes active at the lysosomal membrane. The active lysosomal lipid kinase phosphorylates a lipid, which then deactivates the mTor complex. Under these conditions the lysosome mainly functions to degrade cellular proteins.

The discovery of this off-switch for mTor sheds light on one of the riddles in basic cell biology. In addition, the new insights are of the highest relevance for clinical research projects. Doctoral candidate Alexander Wallroth in collaboration with Dr. Andrea Marat (a former postdoctoral researcher now working in New York) discovered the mTor brake. Alexander Wallroth comments: "We set out to discover biomedical applications, and our research is closing in on that goal."

Biomedical Applications are within Reach

The scientists set their immediate sights on practical applications in the treatment of obesity and diabetes. The well-known diabetes drug Metformin already utilizes the mTor repression by activating an enzyme in the same cascade as the now discovered lipid kinase.

Alexander Wallroth emphasizes: "If we succeed in activating the discovered lipid kinase, we will have another, possibly better shut-off switch for mTor. This will enable us to devise therapies, which influence sugar and fat metabolism. There is even a chance to influence the growth of malignant tumors. It is generally known that patients treated with Metformin are less prone to developing cancer even though obesity actually increases the cancer risk. Right now, our discovery may or may not be applicable to cancer therapies. However, our group considers new approaches within the range of the possible."

Now Underway: The Search for Active Agents

Scientists consider the lipid kinase PI3KC2 a particularly suitable therapeutic fulcrum because this kinase is not essential for survival. Targeted manipulations from outside the body would therefore be relatively safe. Therefore, scientists working in the screening unit of the FMP are busy hunting down activating and inhibiting substances, which are specific for the lipid kinase.

An activator could be useful for the treatment of diabetes and obesity because it will dampen mTor activity. An inhibitor could possibly be useful in other therapeutic applications: The lipid kinase now identified as an mTor inhibitor also plays a crucial role in myotubular myopathy. So far, there is no treatment for this disease, let alone a cure. Recently, Canadian scientists demonstrated in mouse and zebra fish models that switching off the lipid kinase PI3KC2 can at least partially cure a rare congenital myotubular myopathy (muscle weakness). So far however, the used inhibitors are unsuitable for use in humans because they also inhibit related enzymes. This alone is a good reason to search for a specific inhibitor.

While the FMP has not developed real drugs, the institute certainly can deliver the 'raw materials' for such development. In view of the started search for active drugs, Volker Haucke promises: "We discovered a new, potentially promising point to attack mTOR and are now pursuing possible therapeutic options. Following up on our work, there is a reasonable chance for our scientists to identify candidate molecules with the desired clinical effects someday."

More information: mTORC1 activity repression by late endosomal phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate. Science (2017). Journal information: Science mTORC1 activity repression by late endosomal phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate.(2017). DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf8310
Two immunotherapy drugs currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of melanoma also show promise for treating a rare but aggressive form of papillary thyroid cancer.

Up to 44 percent of papillary thyroid cancer patients have a B-raf mutation that can be specifically targeted by existing cancer drugs.

The B-raf gene belongs to a class of genes known as "oncogenes," which send signals to normal cells that cause them become cancerous. B-raf gene mutations have known roles in the development of many human cancers including melanoma, lung and thyroid cancer.

In a randomized, phase 2 multi-center clinical study, led by Manisha Shah, MD of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James), investigators tested the effectiveness of the targeted therapy drug, dabrafenib (pronounced "da bRAF e nib" and marketed as Tafinlar), given alone compared with the same drug given in combination with trametinib (pronounced "tra ME ti nib", marketed at MeKinist) to treat a subset of advanced papillary thyroid cancer patients with B-raf mutations.

Initial data shows that both dabrafenib alone and combined dabrafenib/trametinib therapy are well tolerated by patients, resulting in a 50 to 54 percent response rate among the patients advanced BRAF-mutated papillary thyroid cancer participating in the trial.

The OSUCCC - James team presented their findings (Abstract No. 6022) today at the American Association of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

"This is an entirely new approach to treating a disease that has limited treatment options. There is no clear 'winner' between single- and dual-agent targeted therapy yet but the good news is that both therapy approaches resulted in positive outcomes for patients, and that gives us more treatment options to help patients with this disease," says Shah, a medical oncologist and researcher with the OSUCCC - James Translational Therapeutics Research Program. "Targeted therapy has the potential to change the standard of care for patients affected by this rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer."

Researchers will continue to follow patients on this trial to determine if dabrafenib alone or dabrafenib given in combination with trametinib is more effective long term.

Study Design and Methods

For this OSUCCC - James-designed and led study, oncologists recruited 53 patients with progressive B-raf-mutated progressive papillary thyroid cancer. Patient median age was 63 and all received treatment at Ohio State, Massachusetts General Hospital, MD Anderson, University of California - San Diego or University of Chicago. Patients were randomized to receive twice daily dabrafenib alone or dabrafenib given in combination with once-a-day trametinib. All drugs are administered orally. Patients who experienced disease progression on dabrafenib alone were able to cross over into the combination treatment arm.
Transmission electron microscope image of negative-stained, Fortaleza-strain Zika virus (red), isolated from a microcephaly case in Brazil. The virus is associated with cellular membranes in the center. Credit: NIAID

Research presented by Farshad Guirakhoo, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, GeoVax, Inc., at the ASM Microbe 2017 meeting showed a new Zika virus vaccine that gives 100% protection in mice. The vaccine is the first to be based on the Zika virus NS1 protein, and the first to show single-dose protection against Zika in an immunocompetent lethal mouse challenge model. Results of the study were presented on June 4 at the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Microbe conference in New Orleans.

The rapid spread of Zika virus worldwide and its association with abnormal fetal brain development has made the need for an effective vaccine clear. Controlling the mosquito vector and protecting people against mosquito bites have been the main means of defending against Zika virus infections.

The viral vector vaccine technology developed by GeoVax uses a highly potent, safe, and replication-deficient viral vector (Modified Vaccinia Ankara, MVA) to express vaccine antigens in the recipient's cells. It has previously been used to develop vaccine candidates for HIV and Ebola virus. The vaccine, from GeoVax Labs, Inc. in Atlanta, Ga., was tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Ft. Collins, Colo., with funding by a grant from the CDC.

In the presented study, outbred immunocompetent mice were exposed to a lethal challenge dose of Zika virus delivered directly into the brain. "A single dose of GeoVax's NS1 vaccine candidate protected 100% of vaccinated animals," said Guirakhoo. In contrast, 80-90% of sham-immunized control animals died within 7-10 days.

Because the NS1 antigen is not presented on the surface of the virus, it was chosen as the target immunogen for the vaccine to avoid a potential risk of disease enhancement when vaccines are developed based on Zika virus envelope proteins. This "Antibody Dependent Enhancement (ADE) of infection" phenomena has been shown between Zika virus and a related flavivirus, Dengue, in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

An NS1-based vaccine could also limit or block transmission of Zika virus in its mosquito vector. The NS1 protein is abundantly produced by flaviviruses in infected hosts and is picked up together with the virus after the mosquito takes a blood meal from humans. The NS1 proteins interfere with the innate immune system of the mosquito, evolved to fight foreign pathogens, allowing the flavivirus to replicate and disseminate in mosquitoes. Therefore, said Guirakhoo, "a vaccine that can induce effective antibodies to NS1 and disable its function has the potential to reduce growth and transmission of Zika virus in its mosquito vector. This could enhance vaccine effectiveness in endemic areas by blocking the virus transmission from infected individuals to other members of the community."
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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

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister tells Polish senator about consequences of Azerbaijani aggression

Armenian deputy in Vilnius talks about goals of Azerbaijan's aggressive policy

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

Armenias Pashinyan: Spreading of fake news by Azerbaijan becomes prelude to new aggression

Armenia PM: Azerbaijan, with its practices, reminds of Al Qaeda and Islamic State, which discredit Islam

PM: Armenia, Karabakh propose Azerbaijan to create demilitarized zone

Pashinyan: There is no Armenia army in Karabakh

All 10 fallen soldiers transferred on October 27 by Azerbaijan to Armenia are identified, buried

Pashinyan: Armenia is going to present new proposal to Azerbaijan

$25M allocated to Armenia MOD

Biden says he will discuss Ukraine conflict at G20 summit

Pashinyan: Armenia has no obligation to construct new roads

Pashinyan: Aliyev not only threatens but is already preparing genocide of Karabakh Armenians

Armenias Pashinyan: Azerbaijan president is attempting to create invented grounds for closing Lachin Corridor

Erdogan tells what relations between Turkey and Armenia depend on

Iran says it has developed first hypersonic ballistic missile

Armenias Pashinyan: Russia peacekeepers are deployed in Karabakh indefinitely

FM Lavrov to head Russia delegation at G20 summit

Erdogan: Ankara continues mediation efforts to resolve Ukrainian crisis

Armenia to get 100mn loan to fund budget deficit

IAEA head: Talks on Iran's nuclear program ended inconclusively

Armenia PM: Aliyev grossly violated tripartite written agreement of Sochi

This year 320 people seek asylum in Armenia, 213 are from Ukraine

Erdogan speaks on trusting relationship with Putin

Gold prices remain stable

Ombudsperson in Brussels, reflects on top Azerbaijan leaderships policy of Armenophobia

Indonesian authorities: Putin won't come to G20 summit in Bali

World oil prices falling

Washington demands part of Israeli Arrow 3 for sale to Germany, be produced in the U.S.

Armenia Security Council chief meets with Lithuania officials

Armenia FM heading for Paris

Egypt launches Tax Free system for foreign tourists

Washington, Brussels don't approve German plan to resume transatlantic trade talks

Newspaper: Armenias Mirzoyan makes it clear to Blinken that wording Artsakh should be included

Newspaper: Armenia parliamentary opposition decides to return to legislative body

Polar and brown bear hybrids may appear in Yakutia due to climate change

Volkswagen releases office chair with electric motor and klaxon

Israel reveals Pulcinella secret, admitting that it used drones not only for surveillance

Chinese woman makes dresses for her daughter out of trash bags

Poland and Slovakia will increase defense spending

Audi presents new crossovers Q8 e-tron

Benny Gantz: Israel has an opportunity to strike Iran's nuclear facilities

France National Assembly speaker reaffirms solidarity with Armenia, Armenians

Samvel Babayan: Russia will withdraw peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh

Hungarian government sets price ceiling on eggs and potatoes

Benny Gantz: Israel does not have the production capacity to supply Ukraine with air defense systems

Germany must adopt energy-saving measures in face of skyrocketing inflation

Beglaryan: Azerbaijan continues and will continue its policy of genocide and hatred against the Armenian people

Kiev believes it is too early to talk about withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson

Raisi: Relations between Tehran and Moscow have a bright future

Taliban virtue representative kills minor for refusing to marry

Meeting held at Ministry of Defense

Kaljurand: A fair peace agreement, that will guarantee the rights and security of the Nagorno-Karabakh people, is needed

ATMs closed at night in Germany because of increasing number of break-ins

Moldova to request 450 million from EU amid fears of stopping Russian gas supplies
In the event of Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) Defense Army soldiers being wounded, the Artsakh military contacts first of all the parents of these servicemen, and the casualty notification process is done within minutes.

NKR Defense Minister and Defense Army Commander Levon Mnatsakanyan told the above-said to journalists, reported Armenpress news agency.

There are cases when the parents of the soldier are abroad and its inappropriate for them to find out about their sons death from news sites, he added. The Azerbaijani side [also] suffers losses, but no one publicizes this; they have adopted such media policy. We are trying to inform their society that their defense ministry is concealing about the losses.

And reflecting on the present-day situation along the line of contact and the avenues for resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Mnatsakanyan said: We need to understand what were fighting for. Everything is motivated, and victory will be ours. Azerbaijan will gradually attempt to exacerbate the situation to inflict us damage. [But] we will do everything to deal the final blow, if needed.

Also, the Artsakh defense minister and defense army commander informed that they have done extensive work at the line of contact since April 2016, when Azerbaijan unleashed a large-scale military aggression against the NKR, and therefore their frontline is now under full control, thanks to a video monitoring system.
YEREVAN.  President Serzh Sargsyan visited the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, where he attended the opening of the Center for Excellence.

The center was co-founded by Schneider Electric, the world-renowned French company, and Russia-based Tashir Group of Companies, the press office of the President informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The Center of Excellence is being opened in capital city Yerevan in the presence of President of Armenia, and three months after the signing in Paris of a memorandum of cooperation between Electric Networks of Armenia, a subsidiary of Tashir Group, and the said French company. The memorandum was signed on March 8, during President Sargsyans official visit to France.

The President toured the center, and inspected the work done so far and the conditions and capacity of this state-of-the-art high-tech center.

Established on the basis of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, the center will be the first track-record of close collaboration between Schneider Electric and Armenias scientific community.

Dozens of students and young researchers will have the opportunity to develop their skills and get acquainted with modern technologies in the fields of energy and automation.

The new center will be useful also for the practitioners engaged in electricity supply.

During the opening ceremony, a four-party agreement was signed between the representatives of Schneider Electric, Tashir Group of Companies, National Polytechnic University of Armenia, and Electric Networks of Armenia.
YEREVAN. - One of the most remarkable events of the year, the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival (IFF), will breathe a new life into the cultural life of capital city Yerevan from July 9 to 16.

The representatives of Golden Apricot Yerevan IFF, the Ministry of Culture of Armenia and general partner of the festival, VivaCell-MTS, on Monday announced the launch of the 14th edition of the festival.

The press conference started with the presentation of the official posteran apricot-shaped geometric figure symbolizing the 14th edition of the festival.

The speakers of the press conference, Minister of Culture of Armenia Armen Amiryan, VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, Golden Apricot IFF Founding Director Harutyun Khachatryan, Programs Director Mikayel Stamboltsyan, and Artistic Director Susanna Harutyunyan underscored the importance of the year-long cooperation, presenting some of the programs to be implemented within the framework of the 14th edition. In particular, they announced the names of international jury members of four main competition programs, as well as the titles of the opening and closing films.

The film Khasphush (1927), from director Hamo Beknazaryan will be screened during the opening. The screening will be accompanied by Vahagn Hayrapetyan and his bands live music composed specially for this film.

The film, which marks its 90th anniversary, follows the Persian revolutionary movement of the peasants, being the first Armenian historical-revolutionary film.

Intent to Destroy (2017) from director Joe Berlinger was chosen as the closing film. The Armenian Genocide documentary premiered at Tribeca Film Fest. The director meets with historians and scholars to discuss the Armenian Genocide and the continuing denial by the Turkish government.

This year the festival received about 1100 film submissions from 96 countries.

More than hundred films were included in the competition and non-competition programs.

There are events, which leave an invaluable mark on the public life: they shape minds, create opportunities to bolster the countrys reputation, and to educate generation. I wont be mistaken if I say the Golden Apricot Film Festival is one of those events in Armenia. It shapes a system of values, uses the language of the art to raise problems, and to sow seeds of beauty and vigor. It has been the visit card of Armenia for 14 years in a row. I am proud of our cooperation and of the festivals achievements for all these years, said VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.
Prior to Any IS Connection to Melbourne Hostage Incident, Pro-IS Group Celebrates
Reuters notes that Rouhani, who was re-elected to a second term in Mays sham elections, will struggle to fulfil campaign promises of job growth, increased freedoms, and increased investment by foreign companies.

However, it is important to note here, that whilst the infighting in the Iranian Regime will not help Rouhani to run the country, that is not the reason that the Iranian people will not see the benefits promised by the President.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, the senior Iran analyst at the Washington-based Foundation for Defence of Democracies, blamed the lack of behavioural change for lack of foreign investment.

He said: Rouhani will continue to solicit the return of foreign businesses  to Iran without providing them with a much-needed change in behaviour to boost their confidence.

Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, agreed.

He said: Irans regional strategy has been consistent for four decades, regardless of who is president of the country. Opposition to the U.S. and Israel hasnt changed, and opposition to Saudi Arabia has intensified.

Rouhani is referred to by Reuters and others in Western media as a moderate but in reality, he is anything but: he executes children and political prisoners, defied the landmark nuclear weapons deal, and hates the West as much as anyone in the Iranian Regime.

Also, considering how many promises Rouhani broke in his first term (releasing political prisoners, fixing the economy) how can any Iranians trust him to keep his promises this time.

A senior official in the Iranian Regime, revealed that others within the Regime are attempting to bring Rouhani down. This is not surprising, given that the Iranian Regime is locked in constant struggles for power and they believe that by taking Rouhani down, they can seize power for themselves. The Regime does not differ on policy, all of the members just want to be the ones in control.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: To weaken Rouhani, they will try all possible ways, from provoking hawks in Washington to imposing more political limitations at home  and isolating Iran economically.

The only person with the power to change anything within Iran is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who warned that the Saudis faced downfall for their alliance with the US which was strengthened last month.

Therefore, it is time to stop appeasing the mullahs and work with the Iranian Resistance instead.

Related
3M Awards 2017 OHS Scholarships

The three winners were honored during a June 4 reception at the AIHce conference.

SEATTLE -- 3M hosted a reception June 4 in honor of the three recipients of its 2017 Occupational Health and Safety Scholarships. The program, in its 31st year, awarded three $5,000 scholarships to outstanding students in OSH graduate programs in the United States or Canada who intend to pursue a career in the occupational health and safety profession.

The three 2017 winners are Emmanuel Zervoudakis, a graduate student at the University of Michigan; Elise Lagerstrom, who is pursuing her Ph.D. in environmental health and ergonomics at Colorado State University; and Jennifer Hudson, who is working toward her master of science degree in the Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Program at Johns Hopkins Universitys Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Hudson said during the reception that her scholarship is much appreciated and shes grateful for the companys support of her studies. She is working a summer internship this year at The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and intends to become a Certified Industrial Hygienist, she said.

3Ms Personal Safety Division accepted applications for this years scholarships in March 2017. The winners were chosen by a selection committee comprised of 3M occupational health and safety professionals on the basis of academic achievement, related work experience, and professional goals.
It was 2015 when Aaron Rosko and Emily Thomas founded Press, a mobile food operation specializing in Belgian style waffles. In the beginning, they kept things simple. They had a table, a waffle press and a pop-up tent, which they transported to the Tosa Farmers Market each week.

But as folks fell deeper and deeper in love with their uniquely delicious liege waffles, it became obvious that it was time for an upgrade. So, they went on the hunt for the perfect trailer. They found it when they spied a 1962 Shasta Airflyte on Craigslist.

"Aaron and I are really passionate about food, but also the experience," notes Thomas. "So, Press has always been about giving people great service, a great product and a really special experience. Its all in the details."

And those details played out in the design of their trailer, which was completely rehabbed with the help of numerous family members and countless hours of sweat equity, resulting in one of the cutest little food trailers youve ever seen.

The truck debuted last week at a variety of events around town, and it will be making its rounds at farmers markets, festivals and food truck gatherings all summer long.

Press will also be launching a brand new coffee program in the next couple of weeks. Options will include both cold brew and hot brewed coffee made with a custom blended coffee from Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.

"We really wanted something that would pair well with the waffles," says Thomas. "Something robust, but that was also mellow and smooth. And we worked with the folks at Anodyne to create the perfect blend."

Why waffles?

Press marries Thomass lifelong dream of owning her own restaurant with Roskos love for Belgium, which he discovered while studying there during college.

The two business partners met ten years ago while working at Gracious Events catering; Thomas is an interior designer by trade, and Rosko has a background in marketing. Over the years, they found themselves working together not only in catering, but also at at Eppstein Uhen Architects. While their day jobs werent unsatisfying, Rosko says they found themselves wondering: "What crazy thing can we do together on weekends?"

The food truck concept seemed a good fit. So, they toyed with a variety of ideas, including Belgian frites with a variety of sauces. But the more they brainstormed, the more the idea of introducing Milwaukee to a truly authentic Belgian street food experience resonated. Rosko says he practically "lived on" the waffles while he stayed in Belgium.

"Theyre sold all over Belgium," explains Rosko. "There are little carts by the train station and kiosks in a variety of places throughout the city. And theyre open all day and night. In Belgium, people eat waffles just about any time of the day."

Even more importantly, when he returned to Milwaukee, he couldnt find them anywhere.

More on liege waffles

If, when we say waffles, youre picturing the batter-based waffles ordinarily passed off as Belgian waffles in the States, youre sorely mistaken. Liege waffles, also known as gaufre de liege, are quite a different animal.

Yeasty and caramelized, these waffles are formed from an extra-rich buttery brioche dough thats given a luxurious rise before being studded with pearl sugar and scooped into the waffle maker.

Their flavor is rich and intense, and their texture is stretchy and layered. Maybe most delightful is the faintly crunchy exterior, which is formed through the caramelization of the pearl sugar on both the exterior and interior of the waffles. In fact, these arent the sort of waffles you can have a singular bite of and quickly forget.

The waffles (priced between $5 an $8) are simply delightful on their own or dusted with a bit of powdered sugar. However, Press gilds the lily by topping them with a variety of housemade ingredients like the ultra-popular combination of lemon curd, blueberry compote and whipped cream.

Other options include Nutella or speculoos cookie spread, or strawberries and bananas. There are even slightly more savory choices like housemade honeyed goat cheese with candied bacon or SA Braai mild chutney, or candied bacon with Press peanut butter cream and bananas.

Meanwhile, seasonal flavors include options like bourbon cherry in the autumn or an early summer favorite: peaches with Clock Shadow quark, basil and honey.

The waffles also keep well. So, plain "Tomorrow Waffles" can be purchased a few at a time and reheated in a toaster or oven at home, providing a quick weekday breakfast that can be eaten right out of hand.

Find Press

Like most mobile food operations, Press has a busy summer ahead. It will make appearances at area farmers markets (including Tosa, South Shore, Shorewood and Westtown) along with events like Jazz in the Park and regular food truck gatherings like the one at Schlitz Park.

Press is also becoming a popular option for weddings and other parties. It offers trailer service, as well as a catered waffle bar thats perfect for brunch, dessert or as a special late night offering. You can find Press by checking the calendar on the website or by following it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

As it grows busier, Press will be looking for one or two part-time employees to assist with prep work at its commercial kitchen in Riverwest. Interested parties should contact them through the website at presswaffles.com.
This past winter, the Riverside Theater summoned "the ultimate Harry Potter film fan experience" to Milwaukee: The Harry Potter Film Concert Series, featuring a screening of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" joined by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra playing John Williams' iconic score.

Good news, Potterheads: They're not done.

This morning, the Riverside announced that the Harry Potter Film Concert Series will return this winter with part two of the beloved movie series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." The special screenings  completely with the MSO providing the music live  will take place Dec. 15-17.

"Harry Potter is synonymous with excitement around the world, and we hope that by performing this incredible music with the full movie, audiences will enjoy returning to this world and to the many wonderful magical characters that inhabit it," said Brady Beaubien of CineConcerts and concert producer for the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, in a press release.

Tickets for the show will go on sale beginning Friday, June 9, at noon, so get ready to "accio" yourself some tickets before they run out!
New information gleaned from gravitational wave observations is helping scientists understand what happens when massive stars die and transform into black holes.

Rochester Institute of Technology researcher Richard O'Shaughnessy and collaborators reanalyzed the merging black holes detected by LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory) on Dec. 26, 2016.

"Using essentially freshman physics, we drew new insights about the most violent events in the universe," said O'Shaughnessy, an associate professor in RIT's School of Mathematical Sciences. He is also researcher in RIT's Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation and a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration.

O'Shaughnessy presented his research findings at the American Astronomical Society meeting on June 5 in Austin, Texas. Physical Review Letters has accepted a paper co-authored by O'Shaughnessy, Davide Gerosa from Caltech and Daniel Wysocki from RIT.

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration cited O'Shaughnessy's research in the paper announcing its third discovery of gravitational waves that published in Physical Review Letters on June 1.

The current study reanalyzed the binary black holes, known as GW151226. It has been the only time LIGO has reported binary black holes must be spinning, O'Shaughnessy said. LIGO's previous measurements suggested that the larger mass orbited the other at a slightly tilted angle.

O'Shaughnessy and his team link the black hole's misalignment to when it formed from the death of a massive star. The force of the stellar explosion and collapse expelled the newborn black hole with a "natal kick," causing this misalignment, the authors suggest.

Natal kicks are thought to occur during the formation of neutron stars, which are created from the death of less massive stars than the progenitors of LIGO's sources. O'Shaughnessy's team suggests this phenomenon could also apply to binary black holes, which orbit each other.

"My collaborators and I tried to constrain the strength of these natal kicks based on LIGO's observation," O'Shaughnessy said. "If it formed from an isolated pairs of stars, we conclude strong black hole natal kicks were required. That's an exciting challenge for models of how massive stars explode and collapse."

Gerosa adds, "Our study corroborates years of tentative but suggestive evidence that black holes might have received these kicks. And with just one of LIGO's observations, we learned something about how a star exploded billions of years ago. That's the promise of gravitational wave astronomy in action."
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Research recently published in the European Economic Review shows that improved electrical storage technology spurs innovation in both renewables and fossil fuels electricity production.

The paper, "From fossil fuels to renewables: The role of electricity storage," also offers evidence that better storage technology boosts the efficiency of the entire electricity sector. However, it calls into question the assumption that improved storage alone can lead to reduced carbon emissions by boosting renewable energy innovation.

The study, by Itziar Lazkano of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Linda Nstbakken of the Norwegian School of Economics, and Martino Pelli of the Universite de Sherbrooke, looked at more than 50 years of patent data from 70 countries to reach their conclusion.

"We looked at companies that had been granted patents in electricity generation technologies and determined the probability that they would apply for future patents," Lazkano said. "We found that having a patent in storage technology made companies more likely to apply for another patent, either in renewable electricity generation technology or in efficiency-improving technology in fossil fuels."

Lazkano notes that the findings indicate that improved energy storage, while addressing a basic problem of renewable energy, does not necessarily spur the replacement of fossil fuels by renewable sources, as many had thought.

"One of the big challenges of renewable energy has been intermittency  for example, that the generation of power from wind and solar varies with current weather conditions  and improvements to energy storage directly address that," Lazkano said. "In addition, fossil fuel plants benefit from better storage technology as they are able to supply electricity without incurring high ramping costs."

Lazkano says that fossil fuel plants, particularly coal-fired plants, must pay a significant cost when ramping up production to meet peak demands. By storing energy, those plants can dampen the swings in production and mitigate the ramping costs.

"This means that the mere existence of storage technology, which benefits both renewable and fossil fuel power generation, doesn't necessarily lead to lower carbon emissions from electricity generation."

Because improved energy storage isn't necessarily a silver bullet for reducing carbon emissions, the authors say policy measures are needed to increase the use of renewable energy and prevent increased use of "dirtier" fuels such as coal. However, they note that storage offers electricity system operators better ways to combine conventional and renewable electricity.

"(E)lectricity storage can enhance energy security and reduce blackouts by increasing the flexibility of electricity markets," they write.

More information: Itziar Lazkano et al. From fossil fuels to renewables: The role of electricity storage, European Economic Review (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2017.03.013
cADI PSF-subtracted images of HD 131399 Ab obtained with GPI in 2017 in J (top left), H (top right and bottom left), and K1 (bottom right) bands. A two-pixel lowpass filter was applied on the images to suppress shot noise. Intensity scales are linear, different in each image, and chosen to saturate the PSF of HD 131399 Ab. The central star is masked numerically, and its position is marked by the white cross. Credit: Nielsen et al., 2017.

(Phys.org)A new study conducted by an international team of astronomers suggests that a recently discovered alien world, designated HD 131399 Ab, may not be a planet at all, but rather a background star. The researchers presented evidence supporting their hypothesis in a paper published online May 19 on the arXiv pre-print repository.

HD 131399 Ab was discovered in July 2016 using the SPHERE imager of the Very Large Telescope at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile. Located some 316 light years away from the Earth, the object was initially classified as an exoplanet orbiting its parent star HD 131399 A every 550 years at a distance of about 80 AU from the host. The star is part of the triple system HD 131399 in the constellation Centaurus.

A reanalysis of the available data from SPHERE, as well as new photometric and spectroscopic observations carried out with the use of two other instruments, has led the researchers to call into question our current knowledge about HD 131399 Ab. The team led by Eric Nielsen of the SETI Institute, reinvestigated this object using the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) installed on the Gemini South Telescope in Chile, the NIRC2 near-infrared imager mounted on the Keck II telescope in Hawaii and also the SPHERE instrument to derive colors, spectra, and astrometry for HD 131399 Ab.

"The analysis of the data reveals unexpected spectroscopic and astrometric results that motivated the reanalysis of some of the already published data obtained with VLT/SPHERE," the astronomers wrote in the paper.

After its detection, HD 131399 Ab was classified as a young and massive planet. The astronomers discovered that HD 131399 Ab is about 16 million years old and has the mass of approximately four Jupiter masses. The new study, based on the data collected in 2017, presents the hypothesis that the object is a K or M dwarf star.

By analyzing the escape velocity of HD 131399 Ab, the researchers ruled out the possibility that the object is a bound planet. According to the authors of the paper, the probability that HD 131399 Ab is a background object is about 43,000 times greater than the probability that it is a bound planet.

The team also excluded other hypotheses such as the possibility that HD 131399 Ab is a planet or a planetary-mass object in the process of ejection from the system.

"We note this is very unlikely a priori, since the chance of observing a 16 Myr star just as it is ejecting its planet is very low," the researchers wrote.

According to the team, the most plausible hypothesis is that HD 131399 Ab is a background star. They found that spectra and magnitudes of the object obtained by GPI and the revised data from SPHERE are mostly consistent with a K or a M dwarf, the most probable candidates for a background object.

"When compared to predicted background objects drawn from a galactic model, we find this proper motion to be high, but consistent with the top 4 percent fastest-moving background stars. From our analysis, we conclude that HD 131399 Ab is a background K or M dwarf," the authors concluded.

More information: Evidence that the Directly-Imaged Planet HD 131399 Ab is a Background Star, arXiv:1705.06851 [astro-ph.EP] arxiv.org/abs/1705.06851 Abstract

We present evidence that the recently discovered, directly-imaged planet HD 131399 Ab is a background star with non-zero proper motion. From new JHK1L' photometry and spectroscopy obtained with the Gemini Planet Imager, VLT/SPHERE, and Keck/NIRC2, and a reanalysis of the discovery data obtained with VLT/SPHERE, we derive colors, spectra, and astrometry for HD 131399 Ab. The broader wavelength coverage and higher data quality allow us to re-investigate its status. Its near-infrared spectral energy distribution excludes spectral types later than L0 and is consistent with a K or M dwarf, which are the most likely candidates for a background object in this direction at the apparent magnitude observed. If it were a physically associated object, the projected velocity of HD 131399 Ab would exceed escape velocity given the mass and distance to HD 131399 A. We show that HD 131399 Ab is also not following the expected track for a stationary background star at infinite distance. Solving for the proper motion and parallax required to explain the relative motion of HD 131399 Ab, we find a proper motion of 12.3 mas/yr. When compared to predicted background objects drawn from a galactic model, we find this proper motion to be high, but consistent with the top 4% fastest-moving background stars. From our analysis we conclude that HD 131399 Ab is a background K or M dwarf.

 2017 Phys.org
Artist's illustration of star KELT-9 and its super-heated planet KELT-9b. Credit: Robert Hurt / NASA/JPL-Caltech

Imagine a planet like Jupiter zipping around its host star every day and a half, superheated to temperatures hotter than most stars and sporting a giant, glowing gas tail like a comet.

That is what an international research team led by astronomers at Ohio State and Vanderbilt universities think they have found orbiting a massive star they have labeled KELT-9, located 650 light years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus.

The discovery is described this week in a paper titled "A giant planet undergoing extreme-ultraviolet irradiation by its hot massive-star host" published by the journal Nature and in a presentation at the spring meeting of American Astronomical Society in Austin, Texas.

With a day-side temperature peaking at 4,600 Kelvin (more than 7,800 degrees Fahrenheit), the newly discovered exoplanet, designated KELT-9b, is hotter than most stars and only 1,200 Kelvin (about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler than our own sun. In fact, the ultraviolet radiation from the star it orbits is so brutal that the planet may be literally evaporating away under the intense glare, producing a glowing gas tail.

The super-heated planet has other unusual features as well. For instance, it's a gas giant 2.8 times more massive than Jupiter but only half as dense, because the extreme radiation from its host star has caused its atmosphere to puff up like a balloon.

Because it is tidally locked to its staras the moon is to Earththe day side of the planet is perpetually bombarded by stellar radiation and, as a result, it is so hot that molecules such as water, carbon dioxide and methane can't form there.

"It's a planet by any of the typical definitions based on mass, but its atmosphere is almost certainly unlike any other planet we've ever seen just because of the temperature of its day side," said Scott Gaudi, professor of astronomy at The Ohio State University and one of the lead authors of the study.

The reason the exoplanet is so hot is because the star it orbits is more than twice as large and nearly twice as hot as our sun. "KELT-9 radiates so much ultraviolet radiation that it may completely evaporate the planet. Or, if gas giant planets like KELT-9b possess solid rocky cores as some theories suggest, the planet may be boiled down to a barren rock, like Mercury," said Keivan Stassun, Stevenson Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Vanderbilt, who directed the study with Gaudi.

Astronomers at The Ohio State University and Vanderbilt University have discovered a planet that is so hot, its temperature rivals most stars. Credit: Credit: Robert Hurt, NASA/JPL-Caltech.

On the other hand, the planet's orbit is extremely close to the star so if the star begins to expand it will engulf it. "KELT-9 will swell to become a red giant star in about a billion years," said Stassun. "The long-term prospects for life, or real estate for that matter, on KELT-9b are not looking good."

While Stassun and Gaudi spend a lot of time developing missions, such as the NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, designed to find habitable planets in other solar systems, the scientists said there's a good reason to study worlds that are unlivable in the extreme.

"The astronomical community is clearly focused on finding Earthlike planets around small, cooler stars like our sun. They are easy targets and there's a lot that can be learned about potentially habitable planets orbiting very low-mass stars in general. On the other hand, because KELT-9b's host star is bigger and hotter than the sun, it complements those efforts and provides a kind of touchstone for understanding how planetary systems form around hot, massive stars," Gaudi said.

Stassun added, "As we seek to develop a complete picture of the variety of other worlds out there, it's important to know not only how planets form and evolve, but also when and under what conditions they are destroyed."

How was the new planet found?

"We were pretty lucky to catch the planet while its orbit transits the face of the star," said co-author Karen Collins, a post-doctoral fellow at Vanderbilt. "Because of its extremely short period, near-polar orbit and the fact that its host star is oblate, rather than spherical, we calculate that orbital precession will carry the planet out of view in about 150 years, and it won't reappear for roughly three and a half millennia."

Astronomers at The Ohio State University and Vanderbilt University have discovered a planet that is so hot, its temperature rivals most stars. Credit: Robert Hurt, NASA/JPL-Caltech.

In 2014 astronomers spotted the exoplanet using one of two telescopes specially designed to detect planets orbiting bright starsone in the northern and one in the southern hemispherejointly operated by Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Lehigh universities. The instruments, "Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescopes" or KELTs, fill a large gap in the available technologies for finding extrasolar planets. They use mostly off-the-shelf technology to provide a low-cost means of planet hunting. Whereas a traditional astronomical telescope costs millions of dollars to build, the hardware for a KELT telescope runs less than $75,000. Where other telescopes are designed to look at very faint stars in small sections of the sky at very high resolution, KELTs look at millions of very bright stars at once, over broad sections of sky, at relatively low resolution.

"This result demonstrates that even 'extremely little' telescopes can play an important role in discovery," commented James Neff, astronomical sciences program director at the National Science Foundation, which partially funded the research.

Using the KELT-North telescope at Winer Observatory in Arizona, the astronomers noticed a tiny drop in the star's brightnessonly about half of one percentwhich indicated that a planet may have passed in front of it. The brightness dipped once every 1.5 days, which means the planet completes a "yearly" circuit around its star every 1.5 days. Subsequent observations confirmed that the signal was caused by a transiting planet and revealed that it was what astronomers call a "hot Jupiter"an ideal kind of planet for the KELT telescopes to spot.

The astronomers hope to take a closer look at KELT-9b with other telescopesincluding Spitzer, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and eventually the James Webb Space Telescope after it launches in 2018. Observations with HST would enable them to see if the planet really does have a cometary tail and allow them to estimate how much longer the planet will survive its current hellish condition.

More information: B. Scott Gaudi et al, A giant planet undergoing extreme-ultraviolet irradiation by its hot massive-star host, Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature22392 Journal information: Nature
In this dividing cell, chromosome fragments (red) remain in the middle of the green spindle structure, while the rest of the chromosomes have segregated to the two poles. Fragments that fail to segregate to daughter nuclei form micronuclei, resulting in an unstable genome and cancer. Credit: Travis Karg

The DNA vital to the life of a cell is packaged in chromosomes, and a variety of checkpoints, repair mechanisms, and other cellular safeguards exist to maintain the integrity of the chromosomes during cell growth and division. Those safeguards can fail, however, and a cell may find itself trying to divide into two daughter cells with a loose chromosomal fragment drifting away from a broken chromosome.

William Sullivan calls this a "worst case scenario" for the cell. The potential consequences include cell death or a cancerous cell growing out of control. But Sullivan, a professor of molecular, cell, and developmental biology at UC Santa Cruz, has found that the cell still has one more trick up its sleeve to rescue the broken chromosome.

The latest findings from Sullivan's lab, published in the June 5 issue of Journal of Cell Biology, reveal new aspects of a remarkable mechanism that carries broken chromosomes through the process of cell division so that they can be repaired and function normally in the daughter cells. Sullivan has been studying this process in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. His lab has created a strain of flies in which broken chromosomes are common due to the expression of a DNA-cutting enzyme.

"We have flies in which 80 percent of the cells have double-strand breaks in the DNA, and the flies are fine," he said. "The cell has this amazing mechanism, like a Hail Mary pass with time running out."

Videos of dividing cells show both normal cell division, in which duplicated chromosomes (red) segregate neatly into two daughter cells, and complications resulting from a broken chromosome. Credit: Sullivan Lab, UC Santa Cruz

The mechanism involves the creation of a DNA tether which acts as a lifeline to keep the broken fragment connected to the chromosome. Powerful new microscopy techniques enable researchers to observe the whole process in living cells, with bright fluorescent tags highlighting the chromosomes and other cellular components.

When a cell divides, it duplicates its chromosomes to make one set for each of the daughter cells. The membrane around the nucleus, which keeps the chromosomes separate from the rest of the cell, breaks down. The two sets of chromosomes then line up and segregate to opposite sides of the cell, pulled apart by a structure of microtubules called the spindle. A new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes, and new cell membranes separate the two daughter cells.

Sullivan's research has shown that chromosome fragments don't segregate with the rest of the chromosomes, but get pulled in later just before the newly forming nuclear membrane closes. "The DNA tether seems to keep the nuclear envelope from closing, and then the chromosome fragment just glides right in at the last moment," Sullivan said.

If this mechanism fails, however, and the chromosome fragment gets left outside the nucleus, the consequences are dire. The fragment forms a "micronucleus" with its own membrane and becomes prone to extensive rearrangements of its genetic material, which can then be reincorporated into chromosomes during the next cell division. Micronuclei and genetic rearrangements are commonly seen in cancer cells.

A DNA tether (red) acts as a rescuing life-line to pull chromosome fragments (blue) into the daughter nuclei during cell division. Credit: Ann Royou

"We want to understand the mechanism that keeps that from happening," Sullivan said. "We are currently identifying the genes responsible for generating the DNA tether, which could be promising novel targets for the next generation of cancer therapies."

Sullivan has just received a new four-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to continue this research.

Graduate student Travis Karg is first author of the new paper, which shows that spindle microtubules play an important role in driving the delayed segregation of chromosome fragments. The other coauthors, in addition to Sullivan, are Mary Williard Elting and Sophie Dumont at UC San Francisco and Hannah Vicars at UC Santa Cruz. This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.

More information: Travis Karg et al, The chromokinesin Klp3a and microtubules facilitate acentric chromosome segregation, The Journal of Cell Biology (2017). DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201604079 Journal information: Journal of Cell Biology
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

An international team of scientists has concluded that "highly protected" marine reserves can help mitigate the effects of climate change and suggests that these areas be expanded and better managed throughout the world.

Globally, coastal nations have committed to protecting 10 percent of their waters by 2020, but thus far only 3.5 percent of the ocean has been set aside for protection - and less than half of that (1.6 percent) is strongly protected from exploitation. Some scientists have argued that as much as 30 percent of the ocean should be set aside as reserves to safeguard marine ecosystems in the long-term.

Results of the study, which evaluated 145 peer-reviewed studies on the impact of marine reserves, is being published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"Marine reserves cannot halt or completely offset the growing impacts of climate change," said Oregon State University's Jane Lubchenco, former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator and co-author on the study. "But they can make marine ecosystems more resilient to changes and, in some cases, help slow down the rate of climate change.

"Protecting a portion of our oceans and coastal wetlands will help sequester carbon, limit the consequences of poor management, protect habitats and biodiversity that are key to healthy oceans of the future, and buffer coastal populations from extreme events," Lubchenco said. "Marine reserves are climate reserves."

The scientists say marine reserves can help protect ecosystems - and people - from five impacts of climate change that already are taking place: ocean acidification, rising sea levels, an increase in the severity of storms, shifts in the distribution of species, and decreased ocean productivity and availability of oxygen.

Lead author Callum Roberts, from the University of York, said that many studies already have shown that marine reserves can protect wildlife and support productive fisheries. The goal of this peer-reviewed literature-study was to see whether the benefits of marine reserves could ameliorate or slow the impacts of climate change.

"It was soon quite clear that they can offer the ocean ecosystem and people critical resilience benefits to rapid climate change," Roberts said.

The benefits are greatest, the authors say, in large, long-established and well-managed reserves that have full protection from fishing and mineral extraction, and isolation from other damaging human activities.

The study notes that ocean surface waters have become on average 26 percent more acidic since pre-industrial times, and by the year 2100 under a "business-as-usual" scenario they will be 150 percent more acidic. The authors say coastal wetlands - including mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes - have demonstrated a capacity for reducing local carbon dioxide concentrations because many contain plants with high rates of photosynthesis.

"Unfortunately," Lubchenco said, "these ecosystems are some of the most threatened coastal areas and have experienced substantial reductions in the past several decades. Wetland protection should be seen as a key element in achieving greater resilience for coast communities."

Coastal wetlands, along with coral and oyster reefs, kelp forests and mud flats, can help ameliorate impacts of rising sea levels and storm surge. The average global sea level has risen about seven inches since 1900, and is expected to increase nearly three feet by the year 2100, threatening many low-lying cities and nations. The dense vegetation in coastal wetlands can also provide protection against severe storms, which are increasing in intensity in many parts of the world.

Climate change already is having a major impact on the abundance and distribution of marine species. Phytoplankton communities are changing in response to warming, acidification and stratifying oceans, and upper trophic level species are being affected, threatening global food security. Climate change interacts with and exacerbates other stressors like overfishing and pollution, the researchers say.

Reducing some stressors can increase the resilience of species and ecosystems to impacts of other stressors.

"We have seen how marine reserves can be a haven for some species that are under duress from over-fishing or habitat loss, and as a 'stepping-stone' for other species that are recolonizing or moving into new areas," Lubchenco said. "Reserves also promote genetic diversity and provide protection for older fish and other marine organisms. In short, reserves are one of the most powerful tools in our adaptation toolbox. Reserves enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems, and thus our resilience."

Lubchenco, who recently completed a two-year term as the first U.S. Science Envoy for the Ocean, has been involved in research at Oregon State on the interactions between people and marine ecosystems. She has led pioneering studies on coastal hypoxia (so-called "dead zones") and innovative ways to achieve sustainable fishing and other uses of the ocean.

The authors point out that effectiveness of marine reserves is often challenged by lack of staff, equipment and funding; inconsistent management; lack of communication with industry and local communities; and concerns about displacing fishing activities. But, they point out, these challenges can be resolved. Their findings that reserves enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems suggests that reserves may offer the best hope to adapt to a changing climate.

"Marine reserves will not halt, change or stop many of the threats associated with climate change affecting communities within their boundaries," they write. "We contend, however, that existing and emerging evidence suggests that (marine reserves) can serve as a powerful tool to help ameliorate some problems resulting from climate change, slow the development of others, and improve the outlook for continued ecosystem functioning and delivery of ecosystem services."

Provided by Oregon State University
Illinois professor David Flaherty, right, and graduate student Daniel Bregante are working on a greener way to produce plastic and resin precursors that are derived from fossil fuels, a process that might ultimately lead to broader industry adoption of this fine-tuned and environmentally conscious version of a much older process. Credit: Photo by Joyce Seay-Knowblauch

Researchers at the University of Illinois are contributing to the development of more environmentally friendly catalysts for the production of plastic and resin precursors that are often derived from fossil fuels. The key to their technique comes from recognizing the unique physical and chemical properties of certain metals and how they react with hydrogen peroxide.

Many plastics are made from molecules called olefins that are derived from organic materials such as fossil fuels. To form these types of plastics, olefin molecules must be altered using oxidizing chemicals to make plastic and resin precursors, called monomers, by rearranging their chemical bonds so that they can reach out and grab on to other monomers. This allows them to stitch together into long molecular chains - the building blocks of plastics, said David Flaherty, a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering.

"The current methods used for turning olefin molecules into something useful also uses or produces things we don't want, like chlorine, which can be corrosive, and CO2," said Daniel Bregante, a chemical and biomedical engineering graduate student working with Flaherty, and a co-author of a report on the new method.

Carbon dioxide is often thought of as a waste product of fossil fuel combustion. However, Flaherty said a significant amount of CO2 forms from the production of plastics derived from fossil fuels.

Many production processes use environmentally dangerous organic peroxide or chlorinated oxidants, Bregante said. Together, these concerns have prompted the researchers to explore greener options for plastics manufacturing.

In a paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the group looks at how and why the identity of certain metals, called transition metals, affect the reaction. They also studied how efficient the process is when using hydrogen peroxide - an environmentally friendly oxidant whose only waste product is water, not chlorine or CO2.

To form the critical monomers, olefins and oxidizers pass through tiny, rigid spongelike structures called zeolites. These zeolites contain metal ions in the pore spaces that act as catalysts to push the chemical reaction toward the plastic-producing pathway, Bregante said.

"This process has been used for decades," Flaherty said. "Yet, the underlying reasons for how the metal atoms activate hydrogen peroxide and why some metals are better than others for this chemistry have not been fully understood."

Flaherty's group said their reaction can take two pathways: one that leads to the formation of monomers and one that leads to the wasteful decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. They have proved in their latest research that the two pathways will respond differently depending on which metal is used, and the next step will be to look at how altering the pore size of the zeolites will affect the reactions.

By unlocking more of the mysteries of this reaction, Flaherty and Bregante said their research might ultimately lead to broader industry adoption of this fine-tuned and environmentally conscious version of a much older process.

"We need to know not only that it works, but also how it works to convince industry to make the switch," Flaherty said. "The facilities used to produce plastics are starting to reach the end of their useful lifetime, and new industrial infrastructure based on this revised method could be a fresh start."

More information: Daniel T. Bregante et al, Periodic Trends in Olefin Epoxidation over Group IV and V Framework-Substituted Zeolite Catalysts: A Kinetic and Spectroscopic Study, Journal of the American Chemical Society (2017). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b01422 Journal information: Journal of the American Chemical Society
Maryam Rajavi said: Islam promotes tolerance towards adherents of other faiths and fellow human beings. Islam espouses peaceful coexistence among mankind from every race, gender, faith and creed. Accordingly, we argue that the dispute is not between Shiites and Sunnis, not between Christians and Muslims, not between those in the Middle East and those in the West. There is not a war among civilisations. The main dispute and confrontation are between despotism and fundamentalism on the one hand, and democracy, freedom, and the people who desire freedom and progress, on the other hand.

The meeting, held in Auvers-Sur-Oise during the Muslim celebration of Ramadan, was entitled Interfaith Solidarity Against Extremism.

Rajavi called on those present to recognise extremism, particularly that present in the Iranian Regime, and reject it thoroughly as the true nature of Islam commands.

She said: I seek your permission to call on all Muslim nations, and all Sunnis and Shiites, to join hands and stand up to those responsible for such a catastrophic situation. Our call is to unite in solidarity, based on a strong foundation over which the overwhelming majority of Muslims concur. Ideologically, this foundation, which derives from the truth of Islam, is to deny religious compulsion and compulsory religion. Politically, it is to stand up to the religious tyranny ruling Iran, which is the common enemy of all nations in the Middle East and is the epicentre of belligerence and export of fundamentalism to other countries in the region.

Secularism

Rajavi rejected the idea of compulsory religion, as she has many times before when addressing the need for a secular Iran.

She said: Everyone believes that Islam does not approve of using force to impose an opinion or a religion. Once coercion, compulsion and vengeance are rejected, the prospect will arise for brotherhood and sisterhood  the historical and collective conscience of our nations  to spread. One of the main tools of religious compulsion and imposition is excommunication. This is a means to rid oneself of opponents, in favour of monopoly and imposing despotic rule under the veneer of Islam. [Former Supreme Leader of Iran] Khomeini initiated the decree for the massacre of political prisoners in 1988 by excommunicating the PMOI.

She continued: Rejecting all forms of compulsion in religion also opens the way for the principle of separation of religion and state, and leaves no room for tyranny and religious discrimination under the name of God.

Terrorism

Rajavi addressed how the international community can act to end terrorism by tackling that worlds number one state sponsor of terrorism: The Iranian Regime. The Regime is currently mired in crises and is likely to fall any day now.

She said: Firstly, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the main operative advancing all the clerical regimes policies in the region, must be officially recognised and declared as a terrorist entity. The presence of this criminal force and its proxy militias in Middle Eastern countries must not be tolerated, and they must be evicted altogether from those countries.

She continued: Secondly, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must expel the Iranian regime and grant Irans seat in this organisation to the Iranian peoples Resistance. Thirdly, the Iranian peoples struggle to bring down the clerical regime and establish freedom and democracy should be recognised. Undoubtedly, the vast strength of solidarity and resilience among our nations will put an end to the mullahs religious dictatorship and realise the victory of the people of Iran, as well as of the peoples of the region.

Syria

Rajavi also addressed the issues of the Syrian Civil War, which has been made significantly worse by the involvement of the Iranian Regime on behalf os the Bashar Assad dictatorship.

She said: The incidents of recent years in the Middle East, particularly the slaughter of at least half-a-million innocent people of Syria with the complicity of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), have proven the mullahs endless hostility to Muslim and Arab nations.

Prior to Rajavis address, attendees visited a photo exhibition, entitled Carnage and mass killings, from Iran to Syria, which displayed photos of the martyrs in the Iranian and the Syrian resistance forces and demonstrations against the Assad regime.
Millimeter-wave radars covering several tens of meters could be on cars, bikes, and smartphones. This might create a lot of new applications including games. Credit: Hiroshima University

Hiroshima University and Mie Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited (MIFS) today announced the development of a low-power millimeter-wave amplifier that feeds on 0.5 V power supply and covers the frequency range from 80 GHz to 106 GHz. It was fabricated using MIFS's Deeply Depleted Channel (DDC) technology. This is the first W-band (75110 GHz) amplifier that can operate even with such a low power-supply voltage. Details of the technology will be presented at the IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium (RFIC) 2017, running from June 4th to 6th in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The W-band covers the frequencies used by automotive radars. Sophisticated driver-assistance and self-driving will require radars with millimeter-wave beam scanning capability that can "see" in day and night conditions and even in adverse weather conditions. Such a phased array will consist of up to hundreds of transmitters and receivers. As battery-powered cars become more common, it is imperative that these circuits be low power. Lowering the power-supply voltage is the most effective means of accomplishing that. However, transistor performance drops with voltage and no W-band amplifier has so far operated at as low as 0.5 V . The team of researchers successfully demonstrated a W-band amplifier at 0.5 V by bringing together MIFS's DDC technology and design techniques developed by Hiroshima University. The DDC technology offers high-performance silicon MOS transistors even at low voltages and is currently available from MIFS as a 55-nm CMOS process. The design techniques further improve transistor and circuit performance at millimeter-wave frequencies.

"Now that seriously low-power W-band circuits really seem possible, we should think about what we can do with them. Applications aren't limited to automotive radars and high-speed communications between base stations. What if you have a radar on your smartphone? Today's smartphones can already sense things like acceleration, audible sound, visible light, and Earth's magnetic field. But the only active probing device is that tiny LED (light-emitting diode) that can illuminate at most a few meters. Add a millimeter-wave radar on a smartphone, and it doesn't have to be a so-called primary radar, which only detects waves reflected back. Your smartphone could respond to waves from your friend's radar and send some signal back. A whole lot of new applications could be created, including games," said Professor Minoru Fujishima, Graduate School of Advanced Sciences of Matter, Hiroshima University.

"Another significance of our 0.5-V W-band amplifier is reliability. We researchers know that some millimeter-wave circuits presented at major conferences, biased at 1 V or higher, won't last long. They degrade as you measure them, within days or even hours, not years, because of the so-called hot-carrier effects. You wouldn't want to get into a car that loses its sight so quickly. The 0.5-V supply voltage will significantly reduce hot-carrier generation," Prof. Fujishima added.

"Compared to conventional CMOS, our DDC transistors offer excellent performance in low-power operations. We have proven that we can extend those outstanding qualities to the millimeter band. I am delighted that our collaboration with Hiroshima University has produced a millimeter-band amplifier. We plan to move forward by building a design environment for maximizing the capabilities of DDC technology," said Mutsuaki Kai, Vice President of Technology Development, Mie Fujitsu Semiconductor. The research group plans to continue exploring the possibility of low-voltage millimeter-wave CMOS circuits.

More information: K. Katayama, S. Amakawa, K. Takano, T. Yoshida, M. Fujishima, K. Hisamitsu, and H. Takatsuka, "An 80106 GHz CMOS amplifier with 0.5 V supply voltage," IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium (RFIC), June 2017.
This movie shows the progression of NASA's Near-Earth Object Wide-field Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) investigation for the mission's first three years following its restart in December 2013. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA/JHU

NASA's Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission has released its third year of survey data, with the spacecraft discovering 97 previously unknown celestial objects in the last year. Of those, 28 were near-Earth objects, 64 were main belt asteroids and five were comets.

The spacecraft has now characterized a total of 693 near-Earth objects since the mission was re-started in December 2013. Of these, 114 are new. The NEOWISE team has released an animation depicting this solar system survey's discoveries and characterizations for its third year of operations.

"NEOWISE is not only discovering previously uncharted asteroids and comets, but it is providing excellent data on many of those already in our catalog," said Amy Mainzer, NEOWISE principal investigator from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "It is also proving to be an invaluable tool in in the refining and perfecting of techniques for near-Earth object discovery and characterization by a space-based infrared observatory."

Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of the planets in our solar system into orbits that allow them to enter Earth's neighborhood. Ten of the objects discovered by NEOWISE in the past year have been classified as potentially hazardous asteroids, based on their size and their orbits.

Credit: NASA

More than 2.6 million infrared images of the sky were collected in the third year of operations by NEOWISE. These data are combined with the Year 1 and 2 NEOWISE data into a single archive that contains approximately 7.7 million sets of images and a database of more than 57.7 billion source detections extracted from those images.

The NEOWISE images also contain glimpses of rare objects, like comet C/2010 L5 WISE. A new technique of modeling comet behavior called tail-fitting showed that this particular comet experienced a brief outburst as it swept through the inner-solar system.

"Comets that have abrupt outbursts are not commonly found, but this may be due more to the sudden nature of the activity rather than their inherent rarity," said Emily Kramer, a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow at JPL and lead author of paper on the NEOWISE study. "It is great for astronomers to view and collect cometary data when they find an outburst, but since the activity is so short-lived, we may simply miss them most of the time."

The tail-fitting technique identifies the size and quantity of dust particles in the vicinity of the comet, and when they were ejected from the comet's nucleus, revealing the history of the comet's activity. With tail-fitting, future all-sky surveys may be able to find and collect data on more cometary outburst activity when it happens. A paper detailing the tail-fitting technique and other results of the study was published in the March 20 volume of the Astrophysical Journal.

Originally called the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), the spacecraft was launched in December 2009. It was placed in hibernation in 2011 after its primary astrophysics mission was completed. In September 2013, it was reactivated, renamed NEOWISE and assigned a new mission: to assist NASA's efforts to identify the population of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects. NEOWISE also is characterizing more distant populations of asteroids and comets to provide information about their sizes and compositions.

Provided by NASA
The mosses found in Birge Hall provide valuable information on the states habitat during a time of increasing urbanization and industrialization. Credit: ERIC HAMILTON

The Wisconsin State Herbarium at the University of WisconsinMadison has discovered a collection of more than 2,000 mosses from the turn of the 20th century, lost to time in a cabinet inside Birge Hall, where the herbarium is housed.

The mosses were collected by former herbarium curator Lellan Cheney throughout Wisconsin and by other collectors at Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Since mosses are particularly sensitive to environmental changes, these rediscovered specimens provide valuable information on the Wisconsin and Great Lakes ecosystems from a time of increasing industrialization and urbanization. The mosses will be added to the more than 1.3 million specimens of the herbarium collection for researchers to study.

Renovations of a third floor Birge Hall officestuck under a leaky men's roomdrew attention to old cabinets that hadn't been touched in years.

"We had these old computer punch card catalogs that were salvaged from the old days when computer programmers had cards all in files," explains herbarium director Ken Cameron of coming across the lost samples. "They were throwing them out and we had all these mosses shoved in those computer card files."

"As we started looking through them we realized they were all one-of-a-kind, which was really exciting," says Cameron.

Cheney became the curator of the herbarium in 1891, a position he held until 1903. He collected the 1,500 rediscovered mosses in the 1920s across Wisconsin. As a collector, Cheney was known for his specialization in mosses and lichens. Previous work published by UWMadison botanists comparing Cheney's lichen specimens from the 1890s with samples from today found that increased urbanization in the Madison area dramatically reduced the number of species of lichens. Similar work could be undertaken with the new moss specimens.

The 1,500 rediscovered mosses were collected in the 1920s across Wisconsin and Isle Royale. ERIC HAMILTON A forgotten collection of mosses from the turn of the 20th century collected by former Wisconsin State Herbarium director Lellan Cheney was discovered recently in Birge Hall. Credit: ERIC HAMILTON

"Mosses can be really important indicators of environmental quality, water quality, and air pollution," says Cameron. "Somebody will be interested in looking at these samples and where they were collected."

The other mosses come from Isle Royale, decades before the island and surrounding area in the waters off the Michigan Upper Peninsula were made a national park. The team of Stuntz and Allenabout whom little is knowncollected the 500 samples in the summer of 1901. The mosses provide an account of the island's environment while major changes, such as the loss of native herbivores, was taking place.

"There's a lot of research now being done by ecologists at UWMadison on how Isle Royale's ecosystem is shifting and changing," says Cameron. "Being able to go back and look at these really old collections could be valuable to people trying to project the future of the island's environment."

After 168 years, five buildings, and one fire, the Wisconsin State Herbarium occasionally contends with surprising finds hidden in forgotten corners such as these rediscovered mosses. Sometimes special collections arrive by other means. A few years ago, Cameron received a phone call from a teacher in New York, pointing him to a private collection of plant specimens from northern Wisconsin for sale on eBay. When Cameron said he couldn't purchase them, the teacher bought the collection with his own money and donated it. The teacher felt the collection should remain in Wisconsin and be available for research.

The herbarium's digital database helped Cameron and other curators quickly confirm the uniqueness of the rediscovered mosses. All of the herbarium's Wisconsin collection has been digitized and they are steadily digitizing the remaining collection. Cameron is the lead researcher of a UW2020 initiative that will coordinate the digital archives from UWMadison's natural history collections, including from zoology, entomology and geology.

At the founding of the University of Wisconsin, the Regents declared that it should house a "cabinet of natural history." The cabinet eventually dispersed to house the growing collections in diverse departments, including the herbarium in botany.

"And now we're coming back together, not in a physical way, in a common building, but through a virtual platform," says Cameron of the digital archive project. "160-some years later, the cabinet, the museum of natural history, is re-forming, but in this new 21st century online way."

More information: Matthew P. Nelsen et al. One-Hundred Years of Change in the Corticolous Macrolichens of Madison, Wisconsin, Evansia (2007). DOI: 10.1639/0747-9859-24.4.108
Polish taxi drivers blocked the streets of Warsaw to protest against ride sharing app Uber and competitors, arguing they represent unfair competition

Two thousand Polish taxi drivers on Monday snarled traffic in the capital Warsaw by driving at a snail's pace to protest against competitors including the controversial ride-sharing app Uber.

Traditional cab operators argue that the app represents unfair competition because Uber drivers can dodge the rules and restrictions that regulate professionals.

Blaring horns and flying small red-and-white national flags, the taxis inched through Warsaw at around 10 kilometres (6 miles) an hour blocking the city centre and major thoroughfares.

Organisers said that around 2,000 drivers took part in Warsaw and hundreds joined in several other cities across the country. Uber began operating in Poland in 2014.

"We want the government to respond to the illegal activities of some in the transport sector," said Jaroslaw Iglikowski, a representative of the Warsaw taxi union.

Iglikowski insists that Uber and other drivers fail to comply with laws requiring taxi drivers to use cash registers and undergo psychological tests to obtain licences.

Poland's competition authority UOKiK said last month that it found no grounds to sanction Uber and other operators for alleged breaches of competition rules or consumer rights.

Uber has become one of Silicon Valley's biggest venture-funded startups and has expanded its ride-sharing services to dozens of countries.

It does not employ drivers or own vehicles, but instead relies on private contractors with their own cars, allowing them to run their own businesses.

The app claims it is a service provider, connecting passengers with these freelance drivers directly and cheaply.

But critics and competitors around the globe say this allows it to flout costly regulations such as stringent licensing requirements for taxi drivers, who undergo hundreds of hours of training.

Thousands of Spanish taxis went on strike in Madrid and Barcelona last week to protest against Uber and similar ride-hailing company Cabify.

 2017 AFP
WeChat Pay is a fully integrated payment solution within WeChat, the worlds most popular mobile social communications service with 936 million active users and Alipay is a super lifestyle app run by Ant Financial Services Group with more than 450 million active users. Together these platforms jointly account for 90% of Chinas mobile payment market share. Both super apps allow users to book a trip, hail a taxi, order food, book hotels, purchase tickets, manage investments, perform transactions on e-commerce websites and more to create a cashless society.

Chinese arrivals into the United States are expected to grow by 121 percent by 2020 to reach more than 5 million travelers, making it the third largest international market and the largest overseas market for the United States. Chinese travelers are already the highest spending international tourists in the United States  having spent more than $27 billion in the United States in 2015, and this number is expected to continue to grow rapidly. This tremendous growth brings new possibilities for American retailers and destinations to continue to grow their share of visitation and spending from Chinese tourists. Ensuring that your destination is China-Ready and China-Smart will accelerate this development and expand your opportunity. Payment assurances and acceptance of locally trusted and preferred Chinese providers are one of the top ways for retailers and destinations alike to capture this growing market, said Renee Hartmann, Co-Founder of CLA, The Citcon platform is seamless to the merchant and provides endless opportunities for revenue growth. We are excited to now be able to offer this service to our clients.

TMG is committed to helping our clients continue to engage the outbound Chinese tourists in meaningful ways and convert them into customers. The best way to do this is to enable WeChat Pay for our clients, says Jeff Fish, Head of Client Strategy at TMG. TMG and Citcon have already successfully launched the first WeChat Mini Program in the United States together, enabling mobile commerce for DFS and plan on strategically engaging all current and future clients together as an end-to-end solution.

As the authorized payment partner of both WeChat Pay and Alipay, in addition to major credit cards such as UnionPay, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express, Citcon is a onestop shop for merchants to connect with Chinese consumers and accept payments anywhere. Citcons stand-alone mobile point-of-sale (mPOS), easy-to-integrate API and software products empower merchants to optimize growth both online and offline, with an easy and affordable rate compared to credit card processing. In addition to the convenient payment solutions, merchants will also be able to gain in-depth consumer behavior insights, manage business performance, run marketing campaigns, guides users to merchants stores while saving their shopping preferences for future visits and manage lifetime customer loyalty programs.

Our partnership with CLA and TMG makes targeting and growing business with Chinese consumers easier than ever for brands in North America, said Chuck Huang, Founder and CEO of Citcon. China is changing rapidly. Mobile payment is the new frontier of commerce and China is leading this trend. By providing an integrated and easy-to-use payment solution, Citcon is creating a future that takes payment and marketing to the next level, empowering global merchants to drive business growth with millions of Chinese consumers.

About Citcon

With headquarters in Silicon Valley, Citcon is an integrated cross-border payment and marketing platform that connects global merchants with Chinese consumers. As the first authorized payment partner of WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay in North America, in addition to major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, Citcon brings mobile payment to the next level. With our extensive experience and deep expertise in Chinese outbound tourism market, mobile payment, cross-border ecommerce and cross-border marketing, Citcon is the one-stop solution for global businesses to reach millions of Chinese tourists and domestic consumers. Citcons founding team comes from Visa, PayPal, eBay, Uber, Groupon and Yelp. Citcon is backed by leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms and received strategic investments from leading technology and financial service companies in China. For more information, please go to www.citcon-inc.com

About China Luxury Advisors (CLA)

China Luxury Advisors (CLA) is strategic consultancy dedicated to connecting the worlds leading brands and destinations to the global Chinese consumer. CLA specializes in designing unique marketing programs for luxury brands, institutions, tourism associations and destinations that attract and connect the global Chinese demographic to deliver stakeholder value. CLA offers a full suite of services for clients including brand strategy, market entry, research and insights, media planning, digital and technology platforms, travel trade outreach, merchandising and loyalty programs.



Other Point of Sale articles of interest:
NCR Unveils World Class Speaker Lineup for 2017 Synergy User Conference

Duluth, GA, June 5, 2017  NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), a global leader in omni-channel solutions, announced today the keynote speakers for NCR Synergy, its annual retail and hospitality customer conference. Martin Lindstrom, one of the worlds premier brand-building experts and TIME 100 honoree, and Dan Heath, best-selling author, Fast Company columnist and senior fellow at Duke Universitys CASE center, will be headlining this years event.

For companies to thrive in todays connected economy, they need to reshape their operational models to meet the needs of the 21st century connected consumer. Martin Lindstrom and Dan Heath will both inspire and educate the audience on how to truly understand consumers deepest desires in order to create breakthrough products, brands and moments of experience that leave a lasting impression.

Astonishing sometimes, provocative always, Martin Lindstrom will discuss the seismic shifts transforming our culture as social media and connectivity constantly penetrate our lives. Martin will share the surprising things hes learned from observing consumer homes across the world, including thought-provoking pictures and videos. The audience will gain powerful insight into the consumer of tomorrow and also acquire the tools to decipher and decode whats coming.

Dan Heath has co-written three New York Times best-selling books: Made to Stick, Switch and Decisive. At this years conference, Dan will be drawing concepts from his upcoming book, The Power of Moments, to reveal the four elements that make up defining moments that have a catalyzing or transformative impact on our lives. He will be sharing examples from inside and outside the corporate world about how to construct these pivotal moments that spark delight, leave a lasting emotional connection with others, and can change the course of the future.

Held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando June 26 through June 28, NCR Synergy 2017 will gather key retail, wholesale distribution and restaurant operators together for an immersive experience where attendees will discover new ideas and innovations, and learn real-world best practices to help grow their business today and prepare for the road ahead. Many industry experts are scheduled to speak, including Lee Holman, Lead Retail Analyst at IHL Group, Tom Hutchings, principal at RBR, Leslie Hand, vice president at IDC Retail Insights, and Scott Langdoc, vice president at Boston Retail Partners.

Changing consumer behavior and technology disruption is fundamentally reshaping the way our customers drive productivity gains and deliver engaging, rewarding consumer experiences, said David Wilkinson, senior vice president of global retail sales at NCR Corporation. We look forward to sharing ideas and collaborating with our global customers at NCR Synergy.

We are deeply committed to helping our customers embrace technology disruption and make the complex simple to move at the pace of change versus reacting to it, said Sandy Preizler, vice president of global hospitality sales at NCR Corporation. The hands-on omni-channel workshops, action-packed educational sessions and the thought-provoking presentations given by both Martin and Dan promise to make this years Synergy the best yet.

For more information on NCR Synergy and to register for the event please visit: www.ncr.com/synergy.

About NCR Corporation

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leader in omni-channel solutions, turning everyday interactions with businesses into exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware, and portfolio of services, NCR enables nearly 700 million transactions daily across retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology, and small business. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make your life easier.

NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Ga., with over 30,000 employees and does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Other POS News:
Omnichannel Ordering Delivers at Tazikis Cafe

On a Greek getaway in 1997, Keith Richards and his wife Amy fell in love with small-table Mediterranean cafes where communities gathered to savor fresh Mediterranean flavors. With a vision to recreate their amazing dining experiences, they opened the first Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe in 1998 in Birmingham, AL serving fast, quality food at reasonable prices.

As Chief Innovation Officer for Tazikis (and parent company Fresh Hospitality), Dan Simpson describes himself as a man with eyes on the horizon, on a quest to marry consumer dining trends, technology and marketing to grow the Tazikis brand. With 65 restaurants now in operation, the line-service fast casual chain has aggressive plans to double its locations by the end of 2017. And, off-premise diningtakeout, catering, delivery and even third-party deliveryis the key to driving Tazikis revenue growth.

Guests want chef-driven quality delivered at very fast speeds and they want it for $10 or less, which is squeezing high-end restaurants, cited Simpson. With federal and state laws driving up labor and overtime costs, Tazikis lacked the technology to seamlessly support online orderingand that capability is the lynchpin to off-premise dining dollars. Operational efficiency is the backbone to success, Simpson said. All orders, regardless of how they are placed, must translate very quickly to the kitchen line to keep food moving.

With Tazikis existing POS system, there was no way to integrate online ordering without a costly and painful POS integration. In addition, Tazikis kitchen display system had no backup when it went down, creating chaos in the kitchen and confusion at the register. Simpson needed a common platform for all order typesone that could funnel orders through a single gateway to the kitchen. When he met Shaun Shankel, CEO of ToGo Technologies, Nashville, TN, Simpson knew he was on the right path.

Make That ToGo, Please

ToGo Technologies brings best-in-class mobile and online ordering to restaurants of all sizes, with cloud-based solutions tailored to each restaurants operations. The ToGo platform integrates thirdparty loyalty and analytics software as well as credit card and gift card processors, storing restaurant data in a centralized cloud container for easy access and management.

Epsons OmniLink smart printers are the cornerstone of ToGos online ordering solution. We needed an intelligent printer that could connect directly to our cloud, one that we could configure and install easily at restaurants that lacked the time, money and bandwidth to go through a full POS integration. With Epsons OmniLink, we dont need to manage complex POS software to get orders to the kitchen. Its a very stable and flexible way to bring complete online ordering to smaller chains that otherwise couldnt afford it, cited Shankel. OmniLink comes completely configuredthe restaurant just plugs the printer into their router and starts accepting orders.

Seamless Digital Ordering

The ToGo platform with Epsons OmniLink TM-U220-i is the backbone of Tazikis off-premise dining initiative. You max out your capacity when you focus only on your four walls, noted Tazikis Simpson. In 2017, we will offer patrons online ordering for takeout, delivery, catering and curbside pickup as well as in-store kiosk ordering and a fully-integrated loyalty program that seamlessly tracks all types of orders. Guests can order via the website, iOS and Android mobile apps or on Facebook providing them four digital front doors to connect with the restaurants.

The ToGo cloud integrates with Tazikis kitchen display system (KDS) and to Epsons OmniLink. When an order is placed, it goes to three places simultaneously: to the KDS, to the OmniLink, which sends the order to the kitchen frontline and prints the receipt at the register, and to Tazikis ERP system for inventory management. ToGos rules engine ensures that incoming orders are seamlessly funneled into the kitchen workflow.

When we added online ordering, we removed the human interaction at the front end, Tazikis Simpson noted. Since our staff no longer take the order, they rely on the OmniLink printer to make sure its 100% accurate before the customer heads out the door. For us, OmniLink has become a critical guest interaction tool, he said.

The Power of the Cloud

When an order comes in, different items are routed through to the OmniLink printers in the kitchen. Because it is cloud based, we have the flexibility to map our workflow any way we want. If an order does not get to the KDS screen, it will migrate to the OmniLink printereven when our systems are down. With OmniLink as our failsafe, we have the redundancy to ensure that we can always keep operating.

Customers place orders via the mobile app, which offers different menus and fulfillment optionsincluding in-store pickup, curbside pickup, as well as catering. They preorder and prepay, and all orders are automatically saved for easy reordering. If I order for tomorrow, the cloud synchronizes when my order goes into the KDS and through the cloud to the OmniLink printer, Simpson noted.

OmniLink Grows With You

ToGo Technologies Shankel appreciates OmniLinks ability to grow along with his customers needs. When you start out with one restaurant, you need a simple POS system and an OmniLink smart printer. Then you grow to ten locations. You can use an OmniLink at the POS for guest receipts and another for kitchen tickets, and maybe a third to drive your KDS. As your business evolves, Epsons OmniLink printer evolves with it.

Tazikis Simpson agrees. We just added curbside pickup or virtual drive-thru so after you place a to-go order and approach the restaurant, geofencing triggers a second notification on the OmniLink printer that lets us know youve arrived. The order has been prepared, this second notice tells us when to package it up. OmniLink truly scales with us as we scale. By serving patrons like never before, there is no doubt that Tazikis is going to scale.

With OmniLink, we now have a very stable and flexible way to bring complete online ordering to smaller chains who otherwise couldnt afford it.  SHAUN SHANKEL, CEO, TOGO TECHNOLOGIES

EPSON and OmniLink are registered trademarks and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. 2017 Epson America, Inc.



Other Point of Sale news of interest:

Save
- A young Nigerian based in America, Chris Emejuru, has expressed his interest to contest the presidential elections in Nigeria in 2019

- Emejuru is the founder of a consulting firm, Liberty Approach & Allied Consults (LAAC)

- LAAC provides relevant, substantive information regarding government policies in Nigeria

A young Nigerian based in America, Chris Emejuru, has announced that he will contest for the presidential elections in Nigeria in 2019.

Emejuru said he will be declaring his ambition by the end of June at an event organised by the Nigerians in Dispora (NIDO).

Emejuru is scheduled to speak at the event with the theme: "Nigerians Building Nigeria" scheduled for Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1 in Maryland, United States of America.

Emejuru says he can make a difference in Nigeria

In a statement sent to Legit.ng, Emejuru described some of the challenges facing Nigeria as a nation as 'deep'.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

Part of the statement read: Today, in Nigeria, there are many challenges that we face, and I tell you they are deep. We have a mountain to climb (power, health, education, finance, labour, etc.), but the vision that has risen from this difficult journey will not end in vain but I believe will be overlooked at the glorious view from the mountain top.

Nigeria is one; from the beauty of the North, to the magnificence of the South, to the wonders of the West, united we will remain, as an example for many, for Africa, for the world."

Emejuru stated that as someone who havetraveled from the United States of America to the Nigeria, he has witnessed two sides of the spectrum.

To the west of the Atlantic, you see wonder manifested in a constitution graced by pioneers with adherence to country and the rule of law. And to the East, a young burgeoning giant of aspirations and thought, still wrestling with what value we hold as a democracy," he added.

Emejuru called on Nigerians to read more about him and his aspiration on his website www.chrisemejuru.com,assuring that by the end of the month his intentions will be made known.

Meanwhile, the minority leader in the House of Representatives, Honourable Leo Ogor, has said the Muhammadu Buhari administration has no clear cut economic policy.

Ogor, who represents Isoko Federal Constituency in Delta state, made the comment on popular breakfast show, Sunrise Daily on Channels Television today, June 1.

His words: This government has no clear-cut economic policies. The primary responsibility of every government is the security and welfare of it's citizens.

We voted this government because we expected them to do better than the previous administration.

This government made so many promises and they have not been able to keep one. If a government has a programme which we think is laudable, it must be given some level of legal framework."

Watch the Legit.ng TV vox pop asking Nigerians if a youth can lead Nigeria below:

Source: Legit.ng
- A newly established party, the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), makes several promises to Nigerians ahead of 2019 general elections

- A chieftain of the party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, announces that the party will carry along all segments of the society in its dealings

- Nwanyanwu states that the APDA will introduce electoral college system in voting for its party positions

The Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), has been officially launched in Abuja.

The new party which has been talked about in political circles for a while, made several promises to Nigerians ahead of 2019 general elections.

READ ALSO: Biafra: Nigeria Army drops bombshell, explains how military officers allegedly escaped IPOB/MASSOB ambush

A chieftain of the party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu announced on Monday, June 5, that the party will carry along all segments of the society in its dealings.

Dan Nwanyanwu said the party will carry along all segments of the society in its dealings

He informed the gathering that the party will constitutionally reserve 30% slot for women, 25% for youths and 5% for people living with disabilities.

Legit.ng learnt that he also said if the party has a chairman at any level, his deputy will be a woman and vice versa.

PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigerias #1 news app

'Women and youths bare the brunt of bad politics with the habitual use of use and dump politics,'' he said.

Nwanyanwu also stated that the APDA will introduce electoral college system in voting for its party positions.

The party said it will constitutionally reserve 30% slot for women, 25% for youths and 5%0for people living with disabilities

Highlight of the event was the presentation of flags to the party chairmen at the state level.

Legit.ng gathered that the interim national chairman of the APDA is Alhaji Mohammed Kabiru Shittu.

Watch a brief video of the party's launch below:

Meanwhile, Nigeria was absent from the 51st ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government which kicked-off on Saturday, June 3.

The summit was held in Liberias capital, Monrovia, with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in attendance.

As at the press time, Legit.ng checks reveal that there is no official statement from Aso Rock on why Nigeria stayed away from the meeting.

In the video below, Legit.ng TV asks some Nigerians if they regret their voting choice during the 2015 election.

Source: Legit.ng
By Andrius Sytas RAMONISKIAI BORDER CROSSING POINT, Lithuania (Reuters) - Lithuania has began constructing a two-meter high wire fence along its border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad ahead of military exercises Moscow is planning to hold there in September. While the 45-km-long (30 mile) fence will provide little defence against a full-scale attack, it aims to prevent provocations and incidents, Lithuanian Interior Minister Eimutis Misiunas said on Monday. "In order to avoid such situations, we decided we need the fence", Misiunas said at the groundbreaking ceremony. For Lithuania and other Baltic republics, which won their independence from Moscow in 1991 but remain home to ethnic Russian minorities, any massing of Russian troops near their borders spreads concern, especially since the 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula by Moscow. Although Russia has not disclosed the size of the Zapad (West) exercises that it holds every four years on its western borders, analysts have said that this year's drill may be the largest in quarter of a century, with a movement of about 100,000 Russian troops expected. The recent deployment of 1,000 NATO troops to Poland and each of the Baltic states has unnerved Moscow, which had warned in January that it was a bad idea. The United States will have doubled its troops in the region for the duration of the military exercises, an official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. In July, the U.S. Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) missile battery will be deployed in Lithuania for two weeks in July, for the first time in the region where Russia has air superiority. The fence, which is to cost 3.6 million euros, is to define clearly the geographical border between Kaliningrad and Lithuania. Surveillance equipment installed alongside will give an early warning of any violation, the minister said. (Writing by Andrius Sytas; Editing in Warsaw by Lidia Kelly)
Israeli soldiers sitting on tanks in the Sinai Peninsula on the Israel-Egypt border on May 25, 1967. The Six-Day War in 1967 saw Egypts vaunted airforce destroyed and its army humbled (AFP Photo/STF)

Fifty years ago today, on 5 June 1967, a war began to rage in the Middle East that would go on to have a seismic impact on global politics to this day. Almost 8,000 kilometres away, the prime minister of a newly independent nation in Asia was keenly monitoring the progress of the Six-Day War, fought between Israel and five Arab countries.

Lee Kuan Yew knew the outcome of the war could be critical in deciding the future of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), less than two years after Defence Minister Goh Keng Swee invited the Israelis to train Singapores fledgling army. The year 1967 was also when Singapore instituted national service.

Before the war, two teams of senior Israeli ranking officers, led by Major General Rehavam Zeevi, had laid the groundwork for the creation of the SAF, ranging from training of recruits, commanders and officers, designing course materials to establishing SAFs first military base.

When the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War broke out in June 1967, we were relieved the Israelis were not defeated or our SAF would have lost confidence in their Israeli instructors, Lee wrote in his book From Third World To First: The Singapore Story, 1965-2000, Volume 2.

In just six days, the Israelis crushed the armies and air forces of the Arab countries and dramatically transformed the map of the Middle East. The land area that Israel controlled more than tripled to include the occupied territories of the Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, Gaza Strip, the West Bank and within the latter region, East Jerusalem.

As Professor Michael Leifer, an international relations scholar, noted in his book, Singapores Foreign Policy: Coping With Vulnerability, Israels astounding victory against the Arab States in the Six-Day War in June 1967 served to vindicate the choice of (Israel as Singapores) defence partner.

Developing Singapores army after the war

Military cooperation between the two countries intensified after the war, said Jacob Abadi, a professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic History at the US Air Force Academy in a book written by him.

Story continues

After the sweeping victory of Israels armoured columns during the war, Singapore decided to build a strong armoured corps in January 1968. It signed an agreement to buy 72 AMX-13 light tanks from Israel, at a time when neighbouring Malaysia did not have a single tank. A group of 36 pioneering Singapore armour officers were also trained by the Israelis at a secret location to operate the AMX-13 and in tank warfare.

In addition to creating a strong deterrent force in the army, Singapore aimed to develop a modern and sophisticated air force, with the devastating prowess shown by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) during the war providing an impetus for the Republic. Adam Tzivoni, a retired IAF colonel, was appointed in 1968 to help set up Singapores air force. The Singapore Air Defence Command, the predecessor of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, was set up in September 1968.

Israels sweeping victory in the Six-Day War after an initial air strike, which destroyed the aircraft of all surrounding Arab countries on the ground, underscored the importance of developing an efficient air force for Singapore, said Prof Abadi in his book, Israels Quest for Recognition and Acceptance in Asia: Garrison State Diplomacy.

Impact on international relations

The wars impact on Singapore in its early days of nation-building extended to the arena of international relations.

A resolution sponsored by Arab states was tabled in the United Nations General Assembly to condemn Israel after the war. It was an occasion for Singapore to display its independent foreign policy before the global community.

Specifically, Singapores vote in the resolution could affect its relations with countries strongly opposed to Israel and determine whether the Israeli military advisers would stay.

Lee said in his book, I was in favour of abstaining in the vote. The Cabinet agreed with my view. We abstained and the Israelis did not leave.

Singapores friendly ties with Israel during its early years of independence did not sit well with many developing nations, Prof Abadi said.

Indeed, it was a daring and provocative decision on Lees part to be so completely identified with Israel after the Arab states had suffered such a humiliating defeat. By its rapprochement with Israel, Singapore had alienated all nonaligned nations and was therefore a subject of condemnation in all of their meetings, he added.

With closer military cooperation after the war, the Israelis negotiated hard with the Singapore government to upgrade their trade mission in the Republic. Once the government assessed that the regional political environment was more conducive, it allowed Israel to set up an embassy in Singapore in May 1969, which was a bold move given the geographical reality of a Muslim-majority region.

Choosing Israels citizen-soldier model

Since the second half of the 1960s, Singapore and Israel have expanded bilateral cooperation to include trade, technology and cultural exchange.

The defence dimension is, however, still the most significant in the relationship and influenced to an extent by Israels battlefield successes and experience over the decades. Today, the SAF possesses highly advanced Israeli military equipment including the Heron 1 unmanned air vehicles, the SPYDER air defence system, and the SPIKE anti-tank guided missile system.

In the early period of independence, Singapores leaders were considering emulating one of three small nations  Switzerland, Finland and Israel  whose close communities were able to survive and thrive despite being surrounded by much bigger neighbours. The Jewish states victory in the Six-Day War would have been fresh in Lees mind when he made known the Singapore governments decision at a meeting of the Socialist International in October 1967.

Lee said, In the end, Singapore opted for the Israeli pattern, for our situation it appears necessary not only to train every boy, but also every girl to be a disciplined and effective digit in the defence of their country.
Colombia's Marxist FARC rebels accused the government Sunday of "repeatedly breaking" terms of their peace deal, and threatened to delay their demobilization. "After the government's repeated non-compliance with the Peace Agreement (signed in November), the FARC is going to seek international monitoring," rebel leader Rodrigo Londono, AKA Timochenko, warned on Twitter. Timochenko earlier said he was "considering" postponing demobilization. It was not immediately clear what the FARC rebel leader meant about international oversight, which is already part of the UN-monitored peace process even after demobilization. Earlier, President Juan Manuel Santos said the government said would stick to its calendar. "That is our commmitment and we will fulfill it," he said. The president has called the peace process "irreversible." The peace deal aims to end Latin America's longest-running civil war which has dragged on more than five decades. Several incidents have been mentioned by the FARC as serious, including FARC doctor Jose Vasquez being detained Sunday at a roadblock in San Jose del Guaviare. The government and the FARC, formally known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the country's biggest rebel group, reached a deal after four years of negotiations in the Cuban capital. Colombian voters rejected it by a narrow margin in a referendum in October. Santos and FARC leaders then drafted a new version of the accord and the government pushed it through Congress despite resistance from critics. The Colombian conflict erupted in 1964, when the FARC and the ELN took up arms for rural land rights. It drew in various rebel and paramilitary forces and drug gangs as well as state forces. The conflict has left at least 260,000 people dead and displaced more than seven million, according to the authorities.
By Geert De Clercq PARIS (Reuters) - U.S. cities, states and businesses can fulfil commitments made by the United States under the Paris climate change agreement even though the U.S. has withdrawn from the pact, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg said in Paris. "Americans don't need Washington to meet our Paris commitments, and Americans are not going to let Washington stand in the way of fulfilling it," Bloomberg said following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Friday. Bloomberg, who is the U.N. Secretary-General's special envoy for Cities and Climate Change, said the United States has led the world on emission reductions over the past decade. Those efforts had been led by citizens and cities, he added, not the federal government, aided by market forces that have made solar and wind energy cheaper than coal. "I want the world to know that the U.S. will meet its Paris commitments and that through partnerships among cities, states and businesses we will seek to remain part of the Paris agreement process," Bloomberg said. He said he would notify the U.N. Secretary General and the climate change secretariat that U.S. cities, states, businesses and others will aim to meet the United States' commitment to reducing emissions 26 percent below the 2005 levels by 2025. "We are already halfway there and we can accelerate our process further even without any support from Washington," Bloomberg said. He said his own foundation will help coordinate the U.S. effort, which will be called America's Pledge, and it will help submit "nationally determined contributions" like other nations. The foundation will provide the $15 million commitment the U.N. climate change secretariat will lose from Washington to ensure there is no disruption in their work, he said. It will also help fulfil the Paris agreement reporting requirements so that the world can track the United States' progress. Macron, in a joint news conference with Bloomberg and Hidalgo, said the Paris climate pact is irreversible despite U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from it. "The Paris agreement is irreversible and will be implemented because it is our responsibility," he said. He added that China, Russia and India had confirmed their commitment to it. "Yesterday, the government of a great nation renounced its climate obligations, but a nation is not only its government," Macron said. "Other actors -- political and economical and civil -- have stood up, and thousands of promising initiatives are being taken. We will support them and fight on their side." (Reporting by Geert De Clercq and Yann Le Guernigou; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Catherine Evans)
Craters as wide as 12 city blocks on the Arctic seafloor were put there by giant eruptions of underground methane gas.

Some of these craters had been discovered in the early 1990s, but only now have scientists mapped the features in detail. Researchers have discovered that there are many more craters than first believed  more than 100 giant ones and perhaps thousands of smaller pockmarks  and that these features probably formed about 11,600 years ago. This happened as the retreat of ice sheets destabilized frozen gas under the seafloor. Some mounds of frozen gas exploded, creating the craters still seen today.

"It's an analog for events that could take place in the future around contemporary ice sheets," said study researcher Karin Andreassen, a marine geologist and geophysicist at the Arctic University of Norway in Troms. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, Andreassen said, so studying these undersea eruptions is important for understanding how they might affect the climate. [8 Ways Global Warming Is Already Changing the World]

Frozen methane

Andreassen and her colleagues were funded through the Research Council of Norway with grant money earmarked for understanding methane release from the seafloor. It's well-known that methane bubbles up from the sediments under the ocean in the Arctic, Andreassen told Live Science, but these small seeps don't reach much higher than 650 feet (200 meters) into the water column above the ocean bottom. The gas dissolves back into the ocean water before it can reach the atmosphere.

Hundreds of craters dot an area of 170 square miles (440 square kilometers) in the Barents Sea. More than 100 of those are more than 0.6 miles (1 km) wide. K. Andreassen/CAGE

Explosive methane eruptions might be much different. Andreassen and her team took the research vessel Helmer Hanssen to the Barents Sea off the northern coast of Norway. The researchers used a variety of techniques, such as collecting seafloor sediment samples. They also beamed acoustic and seismic signals to the ocean floor and subsurface and used the echoes to map the contours below.

Story continues

The researchers discovered more than 100 giant craters, each up to 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) wide and nearly 100 feet (30 meters) deep, in an area of 170 square miles (440 square km). The scientists also discovered many previously undiscovered mounds, known as pingos. These pingos are lumps of methane hydrate, or methane gas frozen within a lattice of water molecules.

Exploding pingos

It's these pingos that can explode when the conditions are right. Andreassen and her colleagues used mathematical modeling to figure out what kind of pressures, temperatures, water depths and other factors are required to keep the methane hydrate locked in the subsurface, and under what conditions the gas explodes.

he site of the craters is in the Bear Island Trough (Bjrnyrenna) in the Barents Sea near Svalbard. K. Andreassen/CAGE

Their findings told the story of how the craters came to be. During the icy Pleistocene, which began 2.5 million years ago, an enormous ice sheet more than a mile (2 kilometers) thick covered the Barents Sea. As this sheet ebbed and flowed and scraped along the seafloor, it altered the pressures on deep reservoirs of gas far below the sea surface. The gas, mainly methane, moved upward into shallower sediments, Andreassen said. There, it was stable within the upper 1,444 feet (440 m) of the subsurface, frozen as methane hydrate and capped under the pressure of the ice sheet.

But then the ice started to retreat about 17,000 years ago. The release of pressure allowed deeper hydrates to bubble up and travel to shallower sediments. Eventually, Andreassen said, this cycle led to the creation of pingos made of a thin, concentrated layer of methane hydrate under great pressure from the gas below. When the methane-hydrate crust finally gave way, the underground gases erupted out like shaken champagne.

"We think that the forces must have been enormous," Andreassen said.

The eruptions left behind the craters seen today. The researchers obtained further confirmation of the date of these eruptions by looking at ice scours on the seafloor. These scours indicated that the eruptions happened as the ice sheet was retreating, but while there was still ice in the area, the researchers said. Individual gashes from icebergs dragging their bottoms can be seen in some craters. [Gallery: An Expedition into Iceberg Alley]

Atmospheric effects

Such giant eruptions could very well have sent methane spewing into the atmosphere, Andreassen said, but there is not yet proof that the exploding pingos did, in fact, do so. Nor does anyone know whether the methane released affected the climate, she said. (Methane is 84 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide in the first decades after its release, so smaller amounts can cause greater warming relative to carbon dioxide.)

Exploding pingos can't happen just anywhere that ice is retreating, Andreassen said  big underground gas reservoirs must be present, too. There are areas today where that combination exists, though. The east coast of Greenland is one example, Andreassen said, along with the many Arctic basins north of Siberia and some portions of Arctic Alaska and the northwest Canadian interior.

If a pingo collapsed tomorrow, though, there's no guarantee humanity would notice. These areas are remote and largely unmonitored, Andreassen said.

"These are vast areas," she said. It takes weeks by boat to reach Greenland even from Norway, she added.

Nevertheless, the researchers said they plan to hunt for more craters and mounds around Greenland and to the north, east and west of the Barents Sea.

"We definitely know that [the eruptions] were important for the changes in the chemistry of the ocean, but we don't know yet how important it was with regard to the atmosphere and the climate," Andreassen said. "That is something we need to explore."

Original article on Live Science.

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The leader of Malta's Labour party, Joseph Muscat, was sworn in as prime minister on Monday, a day after his party's second landslide victory in four years. Muscat, a 43-year-old former journalist who has been premier since 2013, called the general election a year early after his wife was implicated in an alleged corruption case arising from the Panama Papers data leak. He took his oath of office at the president's palace in Valletta before proceeding on foot amid throngs of cheering supporters to the Auberge de Castille, which houses the prime minister's offices. Official results show that Labour won more than 55 percent of the votes, beating the Nationalist Party by over 35,000 votes, a result similar to that achieved four years ago. The Nationalist Party won 43.7 percent, the greens took 0.83 percent, while the rest went to independent candidates. Muscat's party is expected to have a nine-seat majority in the 69-seat parliament. "My priority is to unite the country. We have huge potential but we need to erase the divisiveness this campaign has brought about. There are people with potential on either side," Muscat told journalists after the ceremony. "Irrespective of the electoral result -- which was the biggest ever -- this will not lead to us treating people like flies. It places an even greater responsibility on our shoulders," he said. A judicial inquiry is underway to determine whether an offshore company disclosed in the Panama Papers leak actually belongs to his wife, Michelle. They have both denied the claims. The leaked documents also revealed hidden offshore companies allegedly owned by the country's energy minister, Konrad Mizzi, and by Muscat's chief of staff, Keith Schembri.
Nepal has signed an agreement with a Chinese company to build the largest hydroelectric plant in the impoverished landlocked country, which suffers from a chronic energy shortage. Nepal's energy minister Janardan Sharma on Sunday signed the agreement for the China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) to build the long-mooted 1,200 megawatt Budhi-Gandaki hydroelectric project. Estimates put the project cost at $2.5 billion. A financing agreement will be signed later, ministry spokesman Dinesh Kumar Ghimire told AFP. Water-rich Nepal has a mountain river system that could make it an energy-producing powerhouse, but instead it imports much of its electricity from neighbouring India. Experts say it could be generating 83,000 megawatts, but its total installed generation capacity currently stands at less than two percent of that. Demand for electricity has long outstripped supply in Nepal due to chronic under-investment and inefficiencies in the power network. The result has been crippling for domestic industry and deterred foreign investment. Crucial infrastructure development has flagged in the years of political paralysis that followed the end of the Maoist insurgency in 2006 and the overthrow of the monarchy two years later. India and China have vied for influence in the small country, with both pumping money into Nepal through large-scale infrastructure projects. CGGC is currently building three smaller hydropower plants in Nepal and has completed another one, though critics have complained that the projects have consistently run over time and over budget. Nepal's government is also currently building a 750 megawatt plant with China's backing. Meanwhile, construction of two large India-backed projects -- each with a price tag of over $1 billion -- is expected to begin later this year after years of delays.
By Sue-Lin Wong and Mariya Gordeyeva HORGOS, China/KHORGOS, Kazakhstan (Reuters) - On the border of China and Kazakhstan, an international free trade zone has become a showpiece of Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature "Belt and Road" Initiative to boost global trade and commerce by improving infrastructure and connectivity. Chinese state media are filled with stories about the stunning success of Horgos, the youngest city of China's new Silk Road. Last month at China's Belt and Road Summit - its biggest diplomatic event of the year - promotional videos about Horgos' booming economy ran on a loop at the press centre. But Chinese business owners and prospective investors who had recently visited the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center (ICBC), told Reuters they were disappointed by the disconnect between the hype and reality. Rather than the vibrant 21st Century trading post of Beijing's grand vision, Horgos is instead developing a reputation as China's very own tax haven. "We were so unimpressed by what we saw that after looking around for three hours, we turned around and drove eight hours straight back to Urumqi," said a businessman from the capital of China's far western region of Xianjiang, who only wanted to give his surname, Ma, due to the sensitivity of the topic. Several business owners echoed complaints about poor design and low visitor numbers made by Ma, who visited Horgos to investigate the viability of opening a high-end clubhouse. "You've got Kazakh farmers walking around with plastic bags full of cheap Chinese t-shirts and you want me to open a club for government officials and businessmen to meet inside the zone - which, by the way, you can't drive your car into and doesn't have any five-star hotels?" Ma said. On the Chinese side of the border there are five malls selling cheap consumer goods, though traders complain there are not enough visitors. "Sometimes I'll sit here for a whole day and not make a single sale," said Ma Yinggui, 56, who has a market stall selling clothes. "Some Kazakhs are rich but most are poor. They come and haggle over a 20 yuan ($2.93) t-shirt." More than five years after the 5.3 sq km trade zone opened, much of the Kazakh side remains empty. Only 25 of the 63 projects on the Kazakh side have investors, according to Ravil Budukov, ICBC press secretary on the Kazakh side. About 3-4,000 people enter from Kazakhstan each day and around 10,000 from China, he added. The Xinjiang and Horgos governments declined to make officials available for comment to Reuters for this article. Huang Sanping, a senior Xinjiang government official, told Reuters at a news conference in Beijing that he had just returned from a visit to Horgos, a city "performing extremely well. It's full of vitality and flourishing". CHINA'S TAX HAVEN Beijing has bestowed numerous tax breaks and preferential policies on Horgos hoping to stimulate growth in this strategic border town in Xinjiang, a key link on the new Silk Road between China and Central Asia, where the government says it is battling to defeat Islamist extremism. According to Horgos' tax bureau, 2,411 companies registered in Horgos last year, taking advantage of five years of no company tax, and a further five years paying half rate. At least half those companies are registered in Horgos solely for tax purposes, estimates Meng Shen, Director of Chanson & Co, a boutique investment bank in Beijing. Chinese celebrities are opting to register production companies in Horgos and an increasing number of financial services and IT companies are also registering there, according to Guan Xuemei from Shenzhou Shunliban, a tax advisory firm that recently opened an office there. But with no obligation to operate from Horgos or even in Xinjiang, it is unlikely this policy will create jobs or bring money to what has long been an economic backwater, say experts. "In theory this is a good policy because it aims to stimulate the local economy," said Shen. "But Beijing didn't think through the fact lots of companies wouldn't actually want to operate from Horgos which is very far away from China's economic centres." Those who do trade in the "free trade zone" find they face restrictions from both sides. The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) - of which Kazakhstan is a member - limits traders from the Kazakh side to importing up to 50 kg (110 lbs) of any goods per month duty-free. China bans imports of many food products - the Kazakh goods most desired by Chinese consumers worried about food safety at home - and caps traders from taking more than 8,000 yuan ($1,175) worth of goods out each day. "The EEU is a significant barrier because Russia and Kazakhstan and other Central Asia countries want to develop their own industries, they don't want to constantly rely on cheap Chinese goods," said a former Chinese government official turned businessman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Mao Shishi, 44, who currently raises cattle in nearby Qingshuihe, wants to import wool and wild herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine from Kazakhstan to China through Horgos. "I'm watching and waiting for any policy changes. Right now we can't import lamb, fish or wild herbs into China," Mao said. LOGISTICS THOROUGHFARE Plans to develop a parallel special economic zone in Khorgos - as it is known on the Kazakh side - as a logistics hub appear to be having more success. Trade volumes are sky-rocketing at the Khorgos Gateway dry port in Kazakhstan, where container freight is lifted off Chinese trains and onto Kazakh ones because of different gauge rail tracks. "According to our plans, this year we are going to trans-ship around 100,000 TEUs, five times more than we are doing now," said Asset Seisenbek, head of the commercial department at Khorgos Gateway, referring to "twenty-foot equivalent units", an industry measure based on standard shipping container sizes. Electronics giants HP and Foxconn both ship goods through the dry port, which is faster than sea freight but cheaper than air cargo. One container sent by sea to Europe is about three times cheaper than rail, while air freight is between five to 10 times more expensive, according to Seisenbek. Last month China's COSCO Shipping and Lianyungang port took a 49 percent stake in Khorgos Gateway which Seisenbek sees as an opportunity to attract more Chinese business. This sort of investment is what Horgos/Khorgos should hang its hat on, according to Ma, the businessman underwhelmed by the international free trade zone. "The free trade zone doesn't need to be that successful if the intercontinental trains and roads take off," he said. "In the grand scheme of things, that's the main role for this part of the world." ($1 = 6.8100 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Sue-Lin Wong from HORGOS, China and Mariya Gordeyeva from KHORGOS, Kazakhstan; Additional reporting by the Beijing newsroom, Olzhas Auyezov in ALMATY and Michael Martina in BEIJING; Editing by Alex Richardson)
A Russian court on Monday found the former head of a Ukrainian library in Moscow guilty of "extremism" in a high-profile case critics labelled a political witchhunt. Natalya Sharina, 59, was given a four-year suspended sentence for allegedly inciting ethnic hatred against Russians by stocking books by a banned Ukrainian nationalist writer, and for a separate embezzlement charge. The lengthy case against Sharina -- who has been under house arrest since 2015 -- comes as relations between ex-Soviet neighbours Ukraine and Russia have collapsed over Moscow's 2014 seizure of the Crimea peninsula and backing for a pro-Kremlin rebellion. After the verdict Sharina -- who has been declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty international -- described her ordeal as a "political trial". "Not one of the books cited were in the reading hall or our stocks," she told journalists. "The verdict has no basis in reality." "This highly politicised case runs totally counter to justice, and highlights serious flaws in the independence of Russia's judiciary," said Amnesty's deputy director for Europe and Central Asia, Denis Krivosheev. "The prosecution has exploited the highly charged anti-Ukrainian atmosphere that is prevalent in Russia at the moment," Krivosheev said in a statement. Sharina was detained in October 2015 after works by extreme Ukrainian nationalist writer Dmytro Korchynsky were allegedly found during a search of the library. Books by Korchynsky -- who took part in protests that ousted a pro-Russian Ukrainian leader in 2014 -- are banned by Moscow as "extremist" and "anti-Russian propagada".
Prince Harry speaking to Nazhath Faheema, a Muslim Youth Ambassador of Peace, as they had iftar together during a visit to a childrens home in Singapore on Sunday (4 June) . Photo: Reuters

Its not all the time that you get to see a prince in Singapore, let alone to have a date with one.

Singapores Muslim Youth Ambassador of Peace, Nazhath Faheema, was one of the lucky ones who scored a seat right next to Prince Harry on Sunday (4 June) when His Royal Highness joined in an iftar meal at Jamiyah Childrens Home. The prince is in Singapore for a two-day visit to meet with charity organisations, including Action for AIDS, and to attend a fundraiser for his charity Sentebale on Monday (5 June).

While 32-year-old Nazhath was informed beforehand that she would be attending the VIP event, little did she know that she would be sitting right next to Prince Harry until the day itself. At the event, she shared with him more about Singapores culture, taking him through the iftar and eating dates together.

It took me some time to realise that I was sitting next to him. But he is a very down-to-earth, very calm, very casual person. It felt very easy; he was very approachable, Nazhath told Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore in an interview on Monday morning (5 June). She later added, It was almost like talking to a friend, really, I couldnt believe it.

Nazhath was appointed as one of the 20 Muslim Youth Ambassadors of Peace (MYAP) in 2015 by Jamiyah Singapore, social group IM.PROF and the Kadaiyanallur Muslim League, with an objective to promote peace and to counter terrorism and have anti-radicalisation initiatives in the country, according to Nazhath.

Nazhath Faheem talking to Prince Harry at the iftar on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

Prince Harry, who is also 32 years old, had joined Nazhath and others for a brief iftar  about 30 minutes  before proceeding to meet other youths in attendance. After he was seated at about 6.45pm, Nazhath guided him through the iftar, from the Islamic call to prayer to eating the dates and porridge that were served.

He was amazed that throughout the whole world, all the Muslims use dates [to break fast]. I remember reminding him there were seeds in the dates, so look out for that. Later I explained that the porridge is also something many Muslims would eat during Ramadan as well.

Story continues

Prince Harry had also shared about how impressed he was at a silat performance he had witnessed earlier in the day. He was amazed at how the young kids [were able to perform], especially while they were fasting, said Nazhath.

And then the conversation steered towards the recent London attack, which Nazhath said was an unavoidable topic. Recounted Nazhath, He shared how it was important for the community to stand together against it. He emphasised that the individuals who do these [attacks] are not part of any religion or any community. They are individuals who do evil acts and its important for the community to stand together.

Besides exchanging views on global current affairs as well as sharing more about MYAP to the Prince, Nazhath said His Royal Highness had also taken interest in Singapores national food.

I did share with him that theres no one national food because were multicultural. There are very different famous foods  theres chicken rice, theres laksa, theres fish curry, there are so many, she said. He appreciated the diversity [in Singapore]. He shared that diversity is very important.

At the end of her meeting with the prince, Nazhath admitted that she felt like she was walking on air. After that, when my friends saw all the pictures and the videos and everything, everybody started to message me on my phone. My phone went buzzing, everybody was like Is that you? It was difficult to get me on ground. Everybody was curious about what we talked about.

In between laughs and discussions with the prince, Nazhath also found their conversation a purposeful one, in which she was able to exchange views as well as share more about MYAP with the prince.

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Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers. It also offers investment and wealth advisory services; digital investing services; financial services and solutions; and investment management, and trust and custody services. In addition, the company provides life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and annuity products; creditor and travel insurance to bank customers; and reinsurance solutions. Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. It operates through approximately 900 bank branches and 3,300 automated banking machines in Canada and the United States. Bank of Montreal was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
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.
Landscaping businesses who heavily depend on foreign labor are begging the government to expand the number of visas available for workers, as lawns are apparently going unmowed.

More H2-B Visas for Landscaping Needed

In a call Thursday with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, these businesses said without a big increase in the number of H-2B visas available for low-skilled seasonal workers, lawns and beautification projects will remain incomplete.

At this point right now, because we have no workers, we are turning down work, we are returning deposits and we are cutting business in half, said one woman from a New Jersey landscaping firm, according to The Washington Times.

Many of the calls for expansion are coming from the National Association of Landscape Professionals, which has urged landscapers to call members of Congress to put pressure on the administration.

We understand how critically immediate cap-relief is needed, NALP said. Literally, every day that they do not act is another day that you are suffering and are at risk of shutting your doors due to lack of workers to fulfill your existing and potential landscape services. NALP continues to work aggressively on your behalf, but once again we need you to lend your voice to the fight.

Congress has already given the administration the authority to expand the H-2B program from 66,000 to 135,000 visas for the current fiscal year, and it appears that the Trump administration is receptive to the complaints and will expand the program, despite contradicting strenuous campaign promises from President Donald Trump.

Well likely increase the numbers for this year, perhaps not by the entire number Im authorized, [Homeland Security Secretary John F.] Kelly told Congress on Thursday.

Opponents to the move to increase the number of visas are also making their voices heard.

Rosemary Jenks from NumbersUSA, an immigration restrictionist group, said that businesses should do some hard thinking if their viability depends on high rates of foreign workers.

If your business model is based on recruiting foreign workers above the level authorized in regular law, you probably should rethink your business model, Jenks said.

Republished by permission. Original here.
One of Hawaiis most iconic hotels just got a huge renovation and rebranding. And its something that travelers have been anticipating for quite awhile.

The renovations at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo include upgrades to the hotels 388 rooms, two restaurants, lobby bar, nightclub and other public areas. Overall, the project cost $20 million. And it is now part of the Doubletree by Hilton brand.

But in many cases, the changes werent just upgrades  they were an attempt to catch up to expectations of a changing tourist market. There was a time when Hawaii stood out among exotic destinations.

But todays international tourists may travel to locations as distant as Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, Cancun and Toronto. And even domestic destinations like San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas have stepped up their games.

The changes made the hotels spaces hold up to national standards, which is important especially in such a popular tourist destination. Travelers want to stay in clean, contemporary settings that offer all the convenience and amenities theyve come to expect elsewhere.

Yet the hotel had to also retain the unique flavor and character of Hawaii to make it stand out. Hence the new tag The Home of Hula highlights the free hula shows and classes for which this destination is already famous.

The Secret to Keeping Your Small Business Up to Date

Fortunately, theres no reason to spend anywhere near $20 million on your small business  even if you had it  to keep up with changing customer tastes.

First, keep an eye on the competition. What are they doing youre not? Once you figure it out, dont simply copy. Instead, look for ways to incorporate new trends with your brands own distinctive style in mind.

Second, keep asking your customers for feedback and dont be afraid to listen to what they have to say. This will give you the opportunity to stay ahead of the trends instead of just following them. You can create new products and services that anticipate changing customer tastes thus catching your competitors off guard and forcing them to try to catch up to you.
Why is it so important for people, especially those representing the communication sector, that search engines or machines understand the emotions hidden within words?

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Great mixer but I had to complain about it within a month. And it was a horrid experience. What's the emotion behind such a status? A tool developed by scientists at the Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies at the Slovak Technical University (FIIT STU) in Bratislava ranks it at the level of 24 percent (at a scale from -100 to +100 percent).

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The success rate of this algorithm is at a similar level to other sentiment-analyzing methods for other world languages, including English. The accuracy of identifying emotion (sentiment) correctly is at the level of 80 percent. Why is it so important for people, especially those representing the communication sector, that search engines or machines understand the emotions hidden within words? Understanding the emotion allows us to better understand people's needs. This is important feedback from the perspective of business. Sentiment analysis in customer reactions to launching a new product may influence a companys marketing strategy, says Juraj Caranek, SEESAME strategist, partner and communication expert who is participating in the development of this algorithm.

An understanding machine  a serving machine

If machines understand us better, they will serve us better, says Marian Simko, head of Sentigrade team at FIIT STU. Even if the future as depicted in Isaac Asimovs novels is relatively far away, there are already machines that can substitute for humans in performing complex tasks.

These days an alpha version of a special web app, Sentigrade, has become publicly available. It was developed at the FIIT STU in cooperation with communication experts. Among other things, it can analyze hundreds of Facebook statuses and comments under various posts and identify those with the most heated reactions.

Speed and the ability to process huge volumes of text at the same time are the core advantages of sentiment analyses done by machines. A human can manage dozens of comments under a post, but to analyze hundreds of them or an entire profile would be a challenge. This approach actually allows for comparison of public profiles used by brands or celebrities. We want the segment analysis to be automated and as precise as possible, so that it can also be applied to texts at any domain of any type, adds Marian Simko.

An overview of the most positive and negative comments and posts also gives the opportunity to step into the discussion. Contrary to tools that can identify the most active fans, Sentigrade-like tools should allow the identification of those who are speaking most positively about the topic, product or brand.

Slovak language and its peculiarities

Current research in semantic analysis has focused mostly on world languages, mainly English. Marian Simko explains that even if the principles of language analysis are similar, there are differences that can really complicate the whole thing. One example would be diacritical marks. Some texts contain them, others dont and the machine is confused  it does not understand it or at least, it is troubled. Other challenges include sarcasm, double meanings and other semantic aspects.

In order for the algorithm to correctly understand the meaning of a particular word, it was necessary to teach it to recognize the context in which it occurs. Comments on the Internet are often written without diacritics. A word written in such way can thus have two or three different meanings, each for a completely different thing or concept. Besides technology experts, the development of the algorithm also involved linguistic experts, who helped with the creation of a kind of dictionary with which the machines are able to work.

Is it actually possible that machines would one day really perfectly understand human speech? They can somewhat understand it, but it is questionable if they are ever going to understand it as humans do. Todays machines can learn to solve more than trivial problems, however, understanding human speech in its broadness is one of the most complex issues.

The technology that recognizes the sentiment of Slovak language can today effectively handle large amounts of text and monitor how sentiment develops over time, compare the sentiment of various conversations, and generate practical analysis. Further development should bring even more. For example, marketers could compare their own campaigns to industry benchmarks and obtain an additional tool to evaluate the success of their marketing campaigns (not only on social media). Moreover, a connection to CRM tools will allow them to prioritize and capture negative customer reactions even sooner.

How can sentiment analysis in texts help marketing managers?

Improve customer service;

Manage online product and company reputation;

Improve quality of content;

Learn about target groups, their thinking and needs;

Learn about the language of discussants in a certain sector (i.e. travel and tourism);

Manage crisis communication;

Effectively communicate with communities.

Tomas Grecko is strategist & content specialist at Seesame, s.r.o.

Originally published in Connection, the magazine published by AmCham Slovakia
The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of hoaxes that appeared over the past week.

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Communist-era secret service ID of Bencik is a hoax

A number of Facebook pages, among them mostly those linked with the extremist LSNS, have been sharing a scan of an alleged ID of an employee of the Communist-time secret service StB, with the picture of well-known blogger Jan Bencik.

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The scan of the ID has attracted much attention and hateful comments. But it is very easy to prove it is fake  even a layperson can easily check the list of StB collaborators or the StB registration protocols on the website of the Nation's Memory Institute (UPN).

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Read also: The Sme daily starts a hunt for hoaxes Read more

The name of Jan Bencik is mentioned twice in the registration protocols, with years of birth of 1912 and 1936. It is therefore not possible that the protocols should concern the activist. Also, the names are listed in the categories "signal file" and "observed person", which does not point to the people collaborating with the StB.

In addition, the ID on the scan is dated October 16, 1945, which is three years before Bencik was born. Also, the picture depicts him as he looks now, yet he must have looked differently decades ago.

Despite that, the fake ID has been collecting likes and attracting hateful comments.

Cancer is caused by the lack of a vitamin  that does not exist

Cancer is a business rather than an illness. It is merely a lack of vitamin B17, which has been known as a medicine for decades but the onco-business has been trying to keep it secret from the public.

This is the latest version of the known cancer-related hoaxes, recently published by a Slovak website about homemade remedies. The article offers a way to cure cancer in two simple steps: evaluation of a person's health condition and a cure with the cores of the pits of fruits. They claim the B17 vitamin can cure 90 percent of all cancer occurrences.

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Read also: Slovakia to leave NATO is a hoax Read more

One of the main flaws the article relies on is the idea that cancer is one uniform illness. This is an extreme simplification of the problem.

"There are many sub-types of cancer that behave completely different," says Tomas Ondriga, a medical doctor who co-authored the project Charlatan Hunters, directed at uncovering and busting hoaxes about medicine.

Various types of cures apply for various types and stages of cancer. Thus it is very improbable that there could be a cure that would be effective for all occurrences of cancer.

Ondriga also noted that the B17 vitamin is not a vitamin and should really be called laetril. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of amygdaline, a substance that is present in the pits of apricots, peaches, or almonds.

"It is a marketing tool that we unfortunately encounter very often at present," said Lubos Drgona from the Oncohematology Clinic of the medicine school at Comenius University. He considers the claim that cancer is a lack of vitamin B17 to be absurd.

No clinical studies have ever proved the positive effect of amygdaline or laetril on cancer patients. On the contrary, amygdaline proved to have side-effects: the symptoms of cyanide poisoning.

Retail chains face hoaxes too

The Lidl retail chain recently faced unfounded allegations by an unknown man that the amount of nitrates in the foodstuffs the store sells is too high. Other retail chains have faced similar hoaxes in the past as well.

In May 2015, a video was circulating among Slovak Internet users in which a man claimed that the scales for fruits and vegetables in Kaufland are set to weigh more than they are supposed to.

In February this year, Lidl and Tesco faced a problem when an unknown Facebook page offered 100-euro vouchers for shopping in their stores. The vouchers looked very trustworthy, and to obtain them, internet users were asked to fill out a questionnaire. Both brands distanced themselves from the website, which most likely was attempting to lure sensitive data from people or spread viruses.
The demands remain the same: investigate the biggest scandals and dismiss the politicians behind them.

Organisers of the first student protest, Karolina Farska and David Straka. (Source: SME)

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Three protests against corruption are planned for June 5, starting at 17:00. They will be hosted by Bratislava, Kosice and Prague. The Slovak cities of Zilina and Presov will host protest marches next week.

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The Bratislava organisers say that the demands made at their previous anti-corrruption march on April 18 have not been met.

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The organisers are calling for an investigation into recent scandals involving Gorilla and Basternak. They are also demanding the removal of Interior Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer), Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar and Special Prosecutor Dusan Kovacik.

The system is currently works in a way that makes some people untouchable, and it allows people to enter politics only to make money, said one of the organisers, secondary school student David Straka, as quoted by the Sme daily.

The organisers will collect signatures for the petition containing their main demands. If the petition is supported by at least 100,000 people, the parliament is required to address it.

Before the April march, some media outlets speculated that the organisers do not have the support of politicians. The organisers issued a statement on June 5 to clarify that they are not a political movement and do not support a particular party.

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Read also: Prague to hold anti-corruption march as well Read more

We believe that everybody can choose on their own in an election, the organisers wrote in a Facebook post. We dont try to impose our opinions on anybody. We also distance ourselves from any political party or movement.
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Slovakia, as well as 10 other countries mainly from Central and Eastern Europe, has given a yellow card to the proposal out of concern that the new conditions of the Directive will reduce the competitiveness of our workers on the European labour market.

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In July 2017, the European Parliaments Employment and Social Affairs Committee will vote on the revision of the Posting of Workers Directive. Evidence of the fact that cross-border posting of workers/employees[1] opens a number of practical, wage-related and social issues, is also seen in the number of current amending proposals. To date, 523 amending proposals have been tabled to the Directive in the European Parliaments Employment and Social Affairs Committee. Of these, the rapporteurs must prepare a compromise text of the revised Directive for the summer vote.

Posted workers in numbers

Posting of workers has an increasing tendency. According to the EU data, the number of posted workers in the EU increased by almost 45 percent between 2010 and 2014. In 2014, there were 1.9 million posting cases in the EU and 2.05 million in 2015. Posting is most used in agriculture, construction and transport.

Slovakia is a country that posts significantly more workers than it receives. According to the European Commission data from 2015, in the number of posted workers the country is ranked 6th, representing almost 98,400 posted workers. In the number of received workers Slovakia is ranked 18th. Slovak companies most often post their workers to Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. In Slovakia, posted workers mostly come from Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, France and Romania (according to the European Commission data for 2015).

What is the amending proposal for the European Directive?

The nucleus of the rules for posted workers is the 1996 Directive concerning the postingof workers in the framework of the provision of services (96/71/EC). In 2014, the second Posting of Workers Directive was adopted, the Enforcement Directive (2014/67/EU), aimed at strengthening the practical application of the rules on the posting of workers and addressing issues related to fraud or circumvention and the exchange of information between EU Member States. Subsequently, the European Commission carried out a review of the Posting of Workers Directive and in March 2016 presented another revision of the Posting of Workers Directive from 1996, in particular upon the request of France and Germany.

Martina Poliacikova, Senior Associate (Source: Ruzicka Csekes s.r.o.)

The main reason for the revision was the argument that the more frequent use of the posted worker institution creates social dumping in the EU, and therefore the draft of the new text is based on the principle equal work for equal pay. The current revision of the Directive should in practice provide for the equal treatment of posted workers with domestic workers, in particular in the field of remuneration during posting.

For Slovaks working abroad by way of posting, this means that their wage during the posting must meet not only the minimum wage scales of the country, where the work is done (Note: As it is in the current version of the Directive), but in the meaning of the proposed amendment of the Directive their remuneration in case of posting should have the same conditions as for the domestic worker working in that post.

The proposed revision of the Posting of Workers Directive had to be re-examined by the Commission, as several European countries, mainly from Central and Eastern Europe, including Slovakia, are of an opinion that the revised Directive takes powers in the field of wage issues. The proposal was given a yellow card on the grounds that the Directive will eliminate the competitive advantage of countries with lower wages.

However, the outcome of review was that the European Commission again supported its draft revision of the Posting of Workers Directive in July 2016 and considers it compliant with the subsidiarity principle (the Commission is of the opinion that the proposal does not interfere with wage issues that are the responsibility of the Member States, since the definition of what constitutes the wage is left to each MS). The EU Council and the European Parliament continues in discussions on the revision of the Directive.Other proposed changes, with the exception of the above mentioned wage scales and remuneration are to apply to: the application of collective agreements in all sectors of the economy; the same remuneration rules in the context of subcontracting; the principles of equal treatment for temporary agency workers; the rules on the protection of the labour law of the host State applicable on long-term posted worker; limitation on the length of the posting to 24 months (or 6 months), and strengthening the principle of equal pay for the same job.

The aim of the Commissions proposal is to create a level playing field for posting companies and domestic companies to ensure that the rules applicable to domestic companies are equally applicable to posting companies.

The current European Posting of Workers Directive, as well as the Slovak law on Cross-border Cooperation in Posting Staff have brought many new obligations for employers in cross-border postings of staff. However, practice shows that the regulations on posting workers at both the European and the national level are unclear, complicated and administratively burdensome for both the employers and the posted workers. Even some EU states are still lagging behind in implementing the Enforcement Directive.

POSTING WORKERS IN PRACTICE

Who is a posted worker

A posted worker is a worker, who for a certain period of time, carries out his/her job in provision of services in the territory of another EU Member State than the one in which he/she normally works.

Categories of posted workers to provide services

Under Section 5 par. 4 of the Labour Code, the posting of a worker to perform service work is his/her cross-border:

Posting under the management and under the responsibility of the posting employer based on a contract between the posting employer as cross-border provider of service and the recipient of the service, if there is an employment relationship between the posting employer and the worker during the posting period  posting in cross-border provision of services ;

; Posting between the controlling entity and the controlled entity or between the controlled entities, if there is an employment relationship between the sending employer and the worker during the period of posting  concern posting , or

, or Temporary assignment to a user employer, if there is an employment relationship between the posting employer and the worker during the posting period  cross-border temporary assignment or cross-border delivery of work or cross-border leasing of labour.

The difference between posting a worker to perform work abroad and a foreign business trip

Foreign business trip Cross-border posting to perform work The worker performs work on behalf of and for the benefit of his/her employer, e.g. business meeting with a contractor;

Performing work during a business trip is not a provision of services, but is performed under an employment contract;

Worker on a business trip follows the instructions of his/her employer, the subject of which is not the provision of services as direct objective of his/her work. The worker performs specific service for the recipient of such service abroad;

The employer sends his employee for the purpose of providing a specific service directly to the recipient of the service.

Written agreement on posting

Domestic employer may send a domestic employee to perform work in the provision of services from the territory of the Slovak Republic to the territory of another EU Member State only on the basis of written agreement with the employee containing, in particular the following:

Date of commencement and end of posting period; Type of work; Place of work; Wage conditions.

In the case of cross-border posting in the form of temporary assignment to another employer (as opposed to a classical posting, in the case of cross-border temporary assignment giving instructions to the worker, work assignments, organising, managing and control of his/her work is done by the user employer abroad), the written agreement must contain, in addition to the above requirements, also the name and seat of the user employer and the conditions of unilateral termination of work before expiration of a temporary assignment.

In addition to a written agreement, the domestic employer must inform the domestic employee about the working conditions and conditions of employment by the state, in whose territory the domestic employee is posted. An informative overview of working conditions in the EU Member States can be found on the website of the National Labour Inspectorate http://www.nip.sk/?id_af=508&ins=nip.

The Posting of Workers Directive of 1996 provided that although a posted worker remains an employee of the posting company and is covered by legislation of the sending State, that posted worker shall be entitled to the fundamental rights valid in the host country, in which he carries out temporary work.

Conditions of host country applying to the posted worker:

- Minimum wage scales;

- Minimum wage benefit for overtime work;

- Maximum length of working time;

- Minimum rest;

- Minimum length of annual paid leave;

- The working conditions of women, adolescents and childcare of under three years of age;

- Conditions for hiring of workers through temporary employment agencies,

- Health, safety and hygiene at work;

- Equal treatment between men and women.

Employers obligations when posting employees under the Slovak Posting of Employees Act:

A. Obligations of the host employer (i.e. an employer from another EU Member State posting its employee to work on the territory of Slovakia)

At the latest on the day of posting the employer is required to notify in writing or electronically (https://www.nip.gov.sk/?lang=en) the National Labour Inspectorate:

Its data (i) legal entity: business name, seat, ID No. and register, in which it is registered (ii) natural person: full name, permanent address, ID No. and register, in which it is registered; The estimated number of posted employees, including full name, date of birth, permanent residence and nationality of each posted employee; Date of commencement and end of posting period; Place of work and type of work during posting; Name of the service or services that the host employer will provide through the posted employee in the Slovak Republic; Contact person (full name and address of the person; it may be only a natural person) authorised to serve documents, who will be in Slovakia during the posting period.

At the place of work of the posted employee the host employer is obliged to:

Keep an employment contract or other document confirming an employment relationship with the posted employee; Maintain and keep records of working time of the posted employee in the scope of Section 99 of the Labour Code (i.e. the record of working time, overtime, night time, active part and inactive part of the employees standby, so that the beginning and the end of the period of time, when the employee was at work or was ordered or agreed a standby time, is recorded); Keep documents on the wage paid to the posted employee for work during posting.

At the request of the Labour Inspectorate the host employer is obliged to:

Submit a contract of employment or other evidence of employment relationship with the posted employee, records of the working time of the posted employee, documents on wage paid to the posted employee, Deliver an employment contract or other evidence proving employment relationship with the posted employee, records of the working time of the posted employee, documents on wage paid to the posted employee, even after the termination of posting, Submit a translation of the above documents or parts thereof into the Slovak language within a reasonable time specified by the Labour Inspectorate.

Additional important information can be found at: http://www.safework.gov.sk/?site_lang=en&t=46&s=198&id_fi=

B. Obligations of a domestic employer (i.e. an employer based in Slovakia posting an employee to work in provision of services on the territory of another EU Member State):

The domestic employer is required by the National Labour Inspectorate or the Labour Inspectorate, upon its request to provide information for the purpose of identification of posting and control compliance with the posting rules and other information related to the posting.

Other obligations for the domestic employer are set by the legislation of the State, to which the employee is posted to work in provision of services. Therefore, we always recommend contacting the relevant national liaison offices and authorities in the country, to which the employee is posted and ask for information about the conditions prior to posting employees abroad - see http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=726&langId=en

Internal Market Information system and possible sanctions for non-compliance

The Internal Market Information System (IMI) was established under the Services Directive in the Internal Market in order to facilitate and accelerate the administrative cooperation between the competent authorities of the EU and EEA Member States. Through direct electronic communication, individual Member States verify the information and submitted documents themselves.

In the event of non-compliance with the obligations relating to the posting of employees, the fines imposed may also be enforced in another Member State.

Overview of basic legislation on posting of workers:

96/71/EC European Parliament and the Council Directive of 16 December 1996 concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services;

2014/67/EU European Parliament and the Council Directive of 15 May 2014 on the enforcement of 96/71/EC Directive concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services, amending Regulation (EU) 1024/2012 on administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System (the IMI Regulation);

Labour Code  Act No. 311/2001 Coll. as amended;

Act No. 351/2015 Col. on cross-border cooperation in the posting of employees for the performance of work in the framework of provision of services and on amendments to certain laws.

[1] European legislation uses the term worker, the Slovak legislation uses employee
All roaming services were restored by June 1.

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The O2 mobile operator fixed an error that caused 100,000 of its clients to not be able to acess roaming services abroad.

The company announced on June 2 that it would compensate its clients in two ways  a several euro discount from their individual invoices the amounts and a free GB of data, the Sme daily wrote.

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Technical analyses showed that the failure was caused by a software error on the communication nodes of the operators supplier, CETIN, the TASR newswire wrote.

The glitch lasted from the afternoon of May 30 until the evening of May 31, when international calling was reinstated. Roaming services were restored gradually, O2 spokesperson Tereza Molnar told the TASR newswire.
The 2017 Global Peace Index finds that the world has became more peaceful in the past year, although the entire decade has been less so.

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The 2017 GPI provides a comprehensive analysis of the state of world peace. It shows that amidst continuing social and political turmoil, the world continues to spend enormous resources creating violence, while devoting less to measures that encourage peace. The index says that the key to reversing the trend in peace is through Positive Peace  a holistic framework of the key attitudes, institutions and structures which lead to long-term peace.

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The 2017 GPI finds that the world slightly improved in peace last year but has become overall less peaceful over the past decade. The GPI noted that the impact of violence on the economy is enormous, and the decline in Positive Peace can make countries susceptible to populist political movements. The GPI did point out that that there has been a decline in militarisation over the past three decades.

Slovakia falls in GPI ranking, Europe marked by rise of populism

Most of the nations in the GPI became more peaceful over the last year: 93 countries improved while 68 countries declined, including Slovakia.

Slovakia has an overall score 1.611 GPI (of totally 5) and ranks 26 out of 163 countries. It scores 1.5 (out of 5) in militarisation,1.8 in the Society & Security category and 1.4 in Domestic & International Conflict. For Slovakia, the national cost of violence has been calculated at 4,480,139,266 US dollars. Its neighbour rank almost all better: Austria is 4th totally, The Czech Republic 6th, Hungary 15th  but Poland ended up 33rd and Ukraine, with its civilian conflict, 154th , the GPI stated in its latest report.

The report also assesses recent political developments in Europe, finding that the increase in support for populist parties in the past decade corresponds with deteriorations in its Positive Peace criteria. While Europes overall score on Positive Peace improved from 2005 to 2015 by 0.3 per cent, this improvement is well behind the global average improvement of 1.6 per cent.

Increased perceived levels of corruption within the political elite, rising inequality in wealth, deterioration in press freedoms and media concentration, along with diminishing acceptance of the rights of others are linked to many of the issues populist parties have successfully capitalised on, the GPI wrote on its website. This demonstrates how the negative trends in Positive Peace across Europe cannot be separated from the rise of populism across the continent.

According to its website, the GPI is a statistical analysis conducted by the New York-based Institute for Economics and Peace.
The Slovak president, prime minister, and foreign ministry expressed grief to the UK and offered recommendations for Slovaks.

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President Andrej Kiska has sent his condolences to British Queen Elizabeth II, calling the attacks heinous crimes. Your Majesty, it is with great sadness that I received the news of the brutal terrorist attacks perpetrated against citizens of the United Kingdom in London, Kiska wrote Kiska in a telegram, as cited by the TASR newswire. Please accept, along with the families of the deceased, their loved ones and all the people of your country, my deep sympathies. According to Kiska, Slovakia emphatically condemns these heinous crimes and will continue to stand by the United Kingdom and its allies in the fight against terrorism. He also posted an update on his social network page, writing that Slovaks share the grief of Londoners: In the fight against terrorism, were all united and unafraid.

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The attacks in the centre of London left seven people dead and 48 hospitalised. According to police reports, three perpetrators drove a van onto the pavement of London Bridge, ploughing into a crowd of people. They continued to Borough Market, where they assaulted people with knives on the street and in bars and restaurants. Police shot and killed the three attackers.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has condemned the terrorist attacks, expressing his sympathies to the families of the victims. Ensuring safety and security for people must be among the top priorities of European policies, said Fico, adding that he has prepared for a factual dialogue with partners at the European level aimed an expanding security policies that could improve the defence of European cities against terror attacks.

Speaker of Parliament Andrej Danko expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and to the inhabitants of London. He voiced his hope that the latest in a series of deplorable terrorist attacks against innocent people will be duly punished.

Recommendations for Slovaks in post-attacks London

The Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Ministry reported on June 5 that it has not received any information indicating that Slovaks were harmed in the attacks. The representative office in London is in touch with the British authorities and is ready to provide aid to Slovak nationals," ministry spokesperson Igor Skocek told the newswire.

The ministry also recommends that Slovak citizens avoid the area of London Bridge and the adjacent Borough Market, Southwark Bridge, Borough High Street, Southwark Street, Lower Thames Street, King William Street, Gracechurch Street and Canon Street, the SITA newswire wrote, citing the ministry website. The ministry is using the lowest-level warning .

In these areas, movement is limited due to ongoing police investigation, the ministry said. It is also recommended to avoid places with a high concentration of people and to expect stricter security checks of your person and your luggage. The Foreign Ministry also encourages Slovaks to utilise the voluntary registration service on the ministerial website before making a foreign trip.

Any Slovak citizens unable to contact their relatives in London may contact the non-stop diplomatic service on the 004212/5978-5978 phone number.
Lipsic steps down as party chair after being involved in a fatal traffic accident.

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Gabor Grendel became the new chairman of the NOVA political party after being elected by delegates at the NOVA congress in Bratislava on June 3.

Grendel garnered almost 100 percent of the votes and has replaced ex-MP Daniel Lipsic, who endorsed him for the post.

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Lipsic stepped down as party chair after being involved in a fatal traffic accident last year, although he's still a rank-and-file member.

"After thorough consideration, I arrived at the conclusion that due to the current situation, I wouldn't be able to commit myself fully to the obligations arising from heading the party," Lipsic, who's also relinquished his seat as an MP, said in January as quoted by the TASR newswire.

Read also:

Read also: Lipsic charged with unlawful killing Read more

Also discussed at the congress were various scenarios for further developing NOVA.

"A view has prevailed among the membership base that we should continue as a stand-alone party," said Grendel. "It was this vision that I presented to the delegates and they expressed their trust in it."

Another variant was initiating talks with another political party on a potential merger, while the third scenario entertained disbanding NOVA.

Nova Vacsina (New Majority), or NOVA in abbreviated form, is a centre-right political party registered with the Interior Ministry since October 25, 2012. Its stated aim is to rebuild Slovakia in a better and more just image. Shortly before the 2016 general election, NOVA merged its slate with that of Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OLaNO), and the two parties are represented in parliament as OLaNO-NOVA.
More rallies are scheduled to take place in Presov and Zilina next week.

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Thousands of people marched in Bratislava and Kosice against corruption. A protest rally also took place in front of the Slovak Embassy in Prague in the Czech Republic. These were a continuation of the anti-corruption march in Bratislava which took place on April 18 because the government has not met the requirements of its organisers. They are calling for an investigation into recent scandals involving the Gorilla incident and Basternak. They are also demanding the removal of Interior Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer) Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar and Special Prosecutor Dusan Kovacik.

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Read also: Anti-corruption marches return to Slovak streets Read more

In Bratislava thousands of people and students marched behind a banner stating, The Deed Is Taking Place. It referred to a number of scandals involving politicians that were dropped by the law enforcement authorities with the explanation that the deed didnt take place.

People have stopped not caring about where the country is going, how its being governed and by whom ... that theres corruption and the state is being pillaged, with education and health care lacking this money, said secondary school student David Straka, who was one of the main organisers of the march, as cited by the TASR newswire.

One demand of the earlier students' protest in mid-April has been met in the meantime, namely the scrapping of the controversial Vladimir Meciars amnesties of 1998, while other demands were repeated on Monday. In addition, the protesters demanded a thorough investigation into actions pardoned by Meciar in the 1990s.

The speakers included former Smer regional secretary Renata Kolencikova, former investigator of president Michal Kovacs son Michals abduction, Peter Vacok, mother of murdered former police investigator Robert Remias, Anna Remiasova and foreign students.

Read also:

Read also: About 5,000 marched against corruption Read more

Among others who delivered speeches was also Jozef Lutter, former policeman and member of the National Criminal Agency (NAKA). He said that Interior Minister Kalinak has lost respect and that the police are under political influence.

Actor Jan Gurdulic criticises the call of Prime Minister Robert Fico to report corruption.

There are enough corruption reports; start investigating them, said Gurdulic as cited by the SITA newswire.

Among the attendants of the march were also opposition politicians from the Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OLaNO-NOVA) as well as the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH).

The police did not report any incidents during the protest.

Rally in Kosice

In Kosice the rally was attended by some 3,000 people.

The demands that we handed over at the Government Office have not been met, said the events organiser Karolina Farska. We dont want politicians and people who we believe are responsible for corruption in Slovakia constantly to ignore us, so weve decided to carry on with the marches, holding them not only in Bratislava, but also in other cities.

More rallies are scheduled to take place in Presov and Zilina next week. Farska stressed that the marches remain free from political undercurrents and from backing by politicians and parties.

Public figures such as actress Dana Kosicka, comedian Jakub Gulik and former Foreign and European Affairs Ministry employee Zuzana Hlavkova came to lend their support to the initiative.

Farska said that the rallies are intended to restore peoples trust in state agencies and mechanisms that are responsible for justice, including the police, prosecutors offices and courts.

Ficos response

Prime Minister Robert Fico has always honoured public gatherings called pursuant to the law and the free expression of views, said the Government Office in response to the anti-corruption march held in Bratislava on Monday afternoon.

Fico welcomes the fact that young people are drawn to societal issues.

What matters is to make sure that these kinds of events are decent and arent used to score political points, the Government Office wrote as cited by TASR.
Viewpoint

Supporting the Full Life-Cycle for OER-Based Lessons is Critically Important

"Curriculum, Curriculum, Curriculum."

Image: Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, sweating profusely while hopping up and down across the stage exclaiming "Developers, Developers, Developers"  but substitute ES baying "Curriculum, Curriculum, Curriculum."

In effect, our blog posts over the past year are about identifying the issues involved in the following absolute truism: the key to the successful and productive use of technology in the K-12 classroom starts with good curriculum. Herewith, then, is yet another set of issues that must be addressed!

It doesnt take a crystal ball to see that OERs  Open Education Resources  are the future of curriculum. That said, turning OER into actual, coherent, cohesive, aligned curricular lessons is fraught with challenges. The particular challenge under our microscope here is this: we arent seeing support for the full life-cycle of an OER-based lesson on OER websites. Say what?

Lets step back  in time  to when curriculum was "atoms (paper) based" in contrast to todays OER-curriculum that are "electronic bits-based." While it might not have been explicit, there was nonetheless a "life-cycle" to a lesson that teachers followed:

Lesson development: Teachers typically would be provided with textbook-based lessons. Of course, teachers would tweak those lessons to better suit the specifics of their classrooms, e.g., differentiating for the struggling and the accelerated learners, localizing to make a lesson more geographically-based, etc.

Teachers typically would be provided with textbook-based lessons. Of course, teachers would tweak those lessons to better suit the specifics of their classrooms, e.g., differentiating for the struggling and the accelerated learners, localizing to make a lesson more geographically-based, etc. Lesson distribution: Next, distributing a lesson to the students typically involved handing out a piece of paper, writing information on the blackboard, or simply telling students what to do.

Next, distributing a lesson to the students typically involved handing out a piece of paper, writing information on the blackboard, or simply telling students what to do. Lesson enactment: Next, teachers were intimately involved in lesson enactment  as often, the lesson started with a monologue, with the classroom of students then working pretty much in lock-step.

Next, teachers were intimately involved in lesson enactment  as often, the lesson started with a monologue, with the classroom of students then working pretty much in lock-step. Lesson assessment: Assessment was done by a teacher walking around and/or by taking papers home for subsequent grading.

Assessment was done by a teacher walking around and/or by taking papers home for subsequent grading. Lesson sharing and reflecting: Teachers would share tips about enactment, grading, etc. in the hallway and/or the teachers lounge. Teachers would make notes on how the lesson went  and would use those notes to guide the reuse of that lesson during the next school year.

Paper and a teachers filing system, then, were the key technologies providing support for the life-cycle of atoms-based lessons.

Unfortunately, in the bits-based, OER curriculum world, the OER websites tend to provide basic support for "lesson development" and very basic support for "lesson distribution" but not much support for the those other phases of the life-cycle.

During enactment, teachers need to be able to see what the students are doing  and share with the class examples of students work. Remember the wonderful utility of LanSchool?

Assessing student work can be a real challenge! At times teachers have needed to look at the actual device a student was using in order to review the artifact that was produced on the device. And sometimes teachers have needed to visit the website of an application in order to assessment student artifacts produced using that application.

While some of the OER websites support teacher comments, more support is needed for reflecting on lessons, and for conversing about and sharing lessons.

We are purposely treading lightly here; our intent is not to criticize the hard work of others, but to point out issues that still need addressing.

Indeed, starting with current OER websites as a basis, we have designed and developed the Collabrify Roadmap Platform (CoRP), a suite of tools that explicitly supports each phase of the lesson life-cycle. CoRP is built around the Lesson Roadmap, a deeply-digital representation of an OER-based lesson. (We have described the Roadmap in a video on YouTube.) The Roadmap representation  a concept-map, node/arc, style representation  anchors the life-cycle of a digital lesson; tools in the Collabrify Roadmap Platform, then, support educators and students in manipulating a Roadmap during the various stages of a lessons life-cycle, as follows:

Develop/tweak a lesson: Using LessonBuilder, a teacher is able to quickly and easily create a digital lesson from scratch  or take an existing digital lesson and modify it, e.g., add/delete a digital resource, or modify an existing digital resource. The nodes in a Roadmap that define the learning activities in the lesson can be elements from any OER website; keeping CoRP truly open is an important design guideline. Distribute a lesson: Using Dashboard, a teacher can send a lesson to her/his students quickly and easily. Importantly, using Dashboard, a teacher can put students in groups so that the students can work collaboratively on the lesson. (And the groups can be changed during enactment, of course.) Monitor the enactment of a lesson: Students use LessonLauncher (a highly restricted version of LessonBuilder) to move through the nodes in a Roadmap, while the teacher uses Dashboard to quickly and easily "watch" what her/his students are doing as they are doing it. Using eHallway, teachers and students can engage in text-based conversations, e.g., a teacher can send a note to a student (or a group of students) with suggestions. Post-enactment, assess and provide feedback: After a lesson, a teacher uses Dashboard to access the artifacts students created during the lesson; all the artifacts for each student are stored in one place, making review much, much, easier. And, using eHallway, a teacher can provide feedback to the students on their work. Review learning analytics: A teacher must be able to quickly see key analytics that characterize student performance. For example, if the students are working in groups, a teacher needs to see at a glance if one of the group is not contributing. Share a lesson: A teacher can post a Roadmap into the Roadmap Repository in order for other teachers to use in their classrooms or tweak and then re-use. Teachers can use eHallway to engage in extended conversations about a lesson Roadmap, e.g., discuss implementation strategies, discuss localization issues, etc.

The Collabrify Roadmap Platform is device-agnostic; it runs inside a browser  and it is free!

In the old world of atoms-based curriculum, teachers were comfortable  though limited. As education transitions to bits-based, OER curriculum, we all need to be careful: some of the "old," analog procedures need to be preserved  or at least some of the old functionalities (e.g., support for managing the full life-cycle of a lesson) need to be re-invented since they did serve and still do serve a real purpose.
By Tuomas Forsell and Jussi Rosendahl HELSINKI (Reuters) - U.S. private equity group Blackstone Group said on Monday it had offered to buy all shares in Finnish real estate investment company Sponda for about 1.8 billion euros (1.5 billion) as it seeks to expand its real estate business in the Nordic region. The cash offer, 5.19 euros per share, represents a premium of 20.7 percent compared to Sponda's last closing price. Sponda's properties, which include office and retail spaces in Finland's largest cities, were valued at about 3.8 billion euros in March. "Our proposed acquisition represents another step in Blackstone's long-standing strategy of investing in high quality real estate assets and businesses across the Nordic region," James Seppala, Blackstone's head of European real estate said in a statement. Shares in Sponda jumped to trade at 5.195 by 1008 GMT. A move by an international player into Finland's real estate sector had been expected for some time, analysts said. "Due to Finland's weak economic situation over the past years, this stock has been trading at a discount, and it seems that the owners did not believe it could trade at a premium any time soon," said analyst Matias Rautionmaa from OP Equities. "For Blackstone, this firm offers good cash flow and yield that they can distribute to owners." Sponda's board unanimously recommended that shareholders to accept the offer. Sponda's largest owners include Finnish-Swedish foundations and Finnish pension fund Varma. Swedish real estate fund manager Areim AB will be a co-investor in the bid. It declined to comment on the share of the ownership it would take. Blackstone on Friday agreed to sell European warehouse firm Logicor to China Investment Corporation for more than 12 billion euros in the biggest ever private equity real estate deal in Europe. Goldman Sachs and Nordea advised Blackstone and UBS advised Sponda on the deal. Sponda was founded by the Bank of Finland during the country's banking crisis in 1991 when it took over assets from SKOP bank. (Editing by Jason Neely)
By Sue-Lin Wong and Mariya Gordeyeva HORGOS, China/KHORGOS, Kazakhstan (Reuters) - On the border of China and Kazakhstan, an international free trade zone has become a showpiece of Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature "Belt and Road" Initiative to boost global trade and commerce by improving infrastructure and connectivity. Chinese state media are filled with stories about the stunning success of Horgos, the youngest city of China's new Silk Road. Last month at China's Belt and Road Summit - its biggest diplomatic event of the year - promotional videos about Horgos' booming economy ran on a loop at the press centre. But Chinese business owners and prospective investors who had recently visited the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center (ICBC), told Reuters they were disappointed by the disconnect between the hype and reality. Rather than the vibrant 21st Century trading post of Beijing's grand vision, Horgos is instead developing a reputation as China's very own tax haven. "We were so unimpressed by what we saw that after looking around for three hours, we turned around and drove eight hours straight back to Urumqi," said a businessman from the capital of China's far western region of Xianjiang, who only wanted to give his surname, Ma, due to the sensitivity of the topic. Several business owners echoed complaints about poor design and low visitor numbers made by Ma, who visited Horgos to investigate the viability of opening a high-end clubhouse. "You've got Kazakh farmers walking around with plastic bags full of cheap Chinese t-shirts and you want me to open a club for government officials and businessmen to meet inside the zone - which, by the way, you can't drive your car into and doesn't have any five-star hotels?" Ma said. On the Chinese side of the border there are five malls selling cheap consumer goods, though traders complain there are not enough visitors. "Sometimes I'll sit here for a whole day and not make a single sale," said Ma Yinggui, 56, who has a market stall selling clothes. "Some Kazakhs are rich but most are poor. They come and haggle over a 20 yuan (2.28 pounds) t-shirt." More than five years after the 5.3 sq km trade zone opened, much of the Kazakh side remains empty. Only 25 of the 63 projects on the Kazakh side have investors, according to Ravil Budukov, ICBC press secretary on the Kazakh side. About 3-4,000 people enter from Kazakhstan each day and around 10,000 from China, he added. The Xinjiang and Horgos governments declined to make officials available for comment to Reuters for this article. Huang Sanping, a senior Xinjiang government official, told Reuters at a news conference in Beijing that he had just returned from a visit to Horgos, a city "performing extremely well. It's full of vitality and flourishing". CHINA'S TAX HAVEN Beijing has bestowed numerous tax breaks and preferential policies on Horgos hoping to stimulate growth in this strategic border town in Xinjiang, a key link on the new Silk Road between China and Central Asia, where the government says it is battling to defeat Islamist extremism. According to Horgos' tax bureau, 2,411 companies registered in Horgos last year, taking advantage of five years of no company tax, and a further five years paying half rate. At least half those companies are registered in Horgos solely for tax purposes, estimates Meng Shen, Director of Chanson & Co, a boutique investment bank in Beijing. Chinese celebrities are opting to register production companies in Horgos and an increasing number of financial services and IT companies are also registering there, according to Guan Xuemei from Shenzhou Shunliban, a tax advisory firm that recently opened an office there. But with no obligation to operate from Horgos or even in Xinjiang, it is unlikely this policy will create jobs or bring money to what has long been an economic backwater, say experts. "In theory this is a good policy because it aims to stimulate the local economy," said Shen. "But Beijing didn't think through the fact lots of companies wouldn't actually want to operate from Horgos which is very far away from China's economic centres." Those who do trade in the "free trade zone" find they face restrictions from both sides. The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) - of which Kazakhstan is a member - limits traders from the Kazakh side to importing up to 50 kg (110 lbs) of any goods per month duty-free. China bans imports of many food products - the Kazakh goods most desired by Chinese consumers worried about food safety at home - and caps traders from taking more than 8,000 yuan ($1,175) worth of goods out each day. "The EEU is a significant barrier because Russia and Kazakhstan and other Central Asia countries want to develop their own industries, they don't want to constantly rely on cheap Chinese goods," said a former Chinese government official turned businessman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Mao Shishi, 44, who currently raises cattle in nearby Qingshuihe, wants to import wool and wild herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine from Kazakhstan to China through Horgos. "I'm watching and waiting for any policy changes. Right now we can't import lamb, fish or wild herbs into China," Mao said. LOGISTICS THOROUGHFARE Plans to develop a parallel special economic zone in Khorgos - as it is known on the Kazakh side - as a logistics hub appear to be having more success. Trade volumes are sky-rocketing at the Khorgos Gateway dry port in Kazakhstan, where container freight is lifted off Chinese trains and onto Kazakh ones because of different gauge rail tracks. "According to our plans, this year we are going to trans-ship around 100,000 TEUs, five times more than we are doing now," said Asset Seisenbek, head of the commercial department at Khorgos Gateway, referring to "twenty-foot equivalent units", an industry measure based on standard shipping container sizes. Electronics giants HP and Foxconn both ship goods through the dry port, which is faster than sea freight but cheaper than air cargo. One container sent by sea to Europe is about three times cheaper than rail, while air freight is between five to 10 times more expensive, according to Seisenbek. Last month China's COSCO Shipping and Lianyungang port took a 49 percent stake in Khorgos Gateway which Seisenbek sees as an opportunity to attract more Chinese business. This sort of investment is what Horgos/Khorgos should hang its hat on, according to Ma, the businessman underwhelmed by the international free trade zone. "The free trade zone doesn't need to be that successful if the intercontinental trains and roads take off," he said. "In the grand scheme of things, that's the main role for this part of the world." (Reporting by Sue-Lin Wong from HORGOS, China and Mariya Gordeyeva from KHORGOS, Kazakhstan; Additional reporting by Olzhas Auyezov in ALMATY and Michael Martina in BEIJING; Editing by Alex Richardson)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China hit back at Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's offer to help China transition to democracy on Monday, saying the "values and ideas" pushed forward by her party had caused chaos on the self-ruled island. China's Taiwan Affairs Office said only mainland Chinese had the right to speak on mainland affairs, while suggesting Tsai could better spend her time reflecting on "the widespread discontent" in Taiwan and the "reasons behind why cross-strait relations had reached an impasse". 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. "We are closer than any other point in history to the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese people," office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang said in a statement sent to Reuters. "(Taiwan authorities) should not divert attention and shirk responsibility while further inflaming cross-strait antagonism." Speaking on Sunday, the 28th anniversary of the violent suppression of student-led pro-democracy protests in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, Tsai said the biggest gap between Taiwan and China was democracy and freedom, needling Beijing at a time when relations are at a low point. "For democracy: some are early, others are late, but we all get there in the end," Tsai said on social media. "Borrowing on Taiwan's experience, I believe that China can shorten the pain of democratic reform." 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. While tens of thousands gathered for a candlelight vigil in Hong Kong on Sunday, the Tiananmen anniversary remains strictly taboo on the mainland, where public commemorations are banned. (Reporting by Philip Wen and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Nick Macfie)
[June 05, 2017] NovaSparks Broadens Its U.S. Cash Equity Options Market Coverage

NovaSparks, the leading field programmable gate array (FPGA) market data company, today announced that it has added the two BATS Options exchanges, BZX Options and EDGX Options, to its list of supported markets. BATS Options feeds are among the most challenging options feeds for any market data feed-handler. In addition to the very high message rates, they also provide full depth information, thus requiring heavier processing to construct the book. With this expanded offering, NovaSparks confirms that banks and trading firms do not have to choose between speed and market coverage when upgrading their market data infrastructure. "Adding support for BATS Options underscores our commitment to increasing NovaTick's coverage of the options markets," said Luc Burgun, CEO of NovaSparks. "Processing full-depth options feeds like BATS Options in under a microsecond demonstrates true hardware technology prowess since we are able to process 64,000 instruments per FPGA module, or 256,000 instruments per NovaTick appliance." NovaTick's average latency for the processing of a BATS Opions packet is 995 nanoseconds, measured wire-to-wire. This is combined with a level of determinism that only an FPGA can deliver where the latency remains below 1,300 nanoseconds for 99.99 percent of the packets. NovaTick is based on a pure FPGA architecture, augmented with tightly integrated multi-core Intel (News - Alert) processors to support non-latency sensitive tasks such as exchange recovery functions. NovaSparks' ticker plant has a single application programming interface (API), which allows banks and trading firms to deploy additional feed-handlers quickly and effortlessly.



About NovaSparks, Inc. NovaSparks is the leader in FPGA-based high performance and ultra-low latency market data solutions for the financial industry. NovaSparks unique FPGA centric approach delivers sub microsecond processing latency including book building, even during market peak periods. Available for over 50 feeds among the major Equity, Futures and Options venues across North America, Europe and Asia, the feed handlers are packaged in easy-to-deploy appliances offering an extensive fan-out capability for market data distribution. Founded in 2008 and backed by well-established investors, NovaSparks' offices are located in Paris, France and New York, USA.

For more information, please contact Barbara Rizzatti at 971-998-9404 or [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert): @NovaSparksFPGA. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170604005001/en/

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By Ben Blanchard and Chris Mfula BEIJING/LUSAKA (Reuters) - Zambia has detained 31 Chinese nationals for illegal mining in the African country's copper belt but has failed to provide strong proof of their crimes, a senior Chinese diplomat said as he lodged a complaint. Lin Songtian, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's director-general for African affairs, told a Zambian diplomat in Beijing that China understood and supported actions to crack down on illegal mining, the ministry said in a statement late on Sunday. However, Zambia had not only not provided strong proof of the crimes of the 31 detained but had also detained a pregnant woman and two victims of malaria, Lin said. "China expresses serious concern and resolute opposition to this," the ministry cited Lin as saying. Zambia's Home Affairs Minister Stepehen Kampyongo said he held a meeting with Chinese Embassy officials on Monday over the matter but declined to give further details, saying Zambias immigration department was handling the matter. Immigration department chief Moolo Milimo told the Times of Zambia that the 31 Chinese, who were arrested in the copperbelt town of Chingola, would be deported, according to the newspaper's online edition. "We have taken the position that the 31 Chinese who were arrested in Chingola on Saturday have to be deported to their country for failure to conform to the laws of the country (Zambia)," Milimo said. China hoped Zambia could handle the incident appropriately and as soon as possible, and release the innocent, Lin said. The government has always asked Chinese companies and citizens to respect the laws of the countries where they operate, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday. China, however, opposes "selective" law-enforcement actions against its citizens, she told a daily news briefing. "China will continue to pay close attention to developments in this case," she added. Chinese companies have invested more than $1 billion in copper-rich Zambia but there has been animosity, with some Zambian workers accusing firms of abuses and underpaying. In 2012, Zambian miners killed a Chinese supervisor and seriously wounded another in a pay dispute at a coal mine. Zambian police charged two Chinese supervisors at the same coal mine with attempted murder two years earlier, after the shooting of 13 miners in a pay dispute. Resource-hungry China is investing heavily in Africa, a supplier of oil and raw materials such as copper and uranium, but critics have warned its companies take with them their poor track record on workers' rights and environmental protection. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Chris Mfula; Editing by Paul Tait/Clarence Fernandez/Susan Fenton)
By Idrees Ali SYDNEY (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Monday the United States and its allies would continue to fight against Islamist extremists and would not be scared by attacks against the West by the Islamic State group. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said Britain must be tougher in stamping out Islamist extremism after attackers killed at least seven people by ramming a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbing revellers in nearby bars. Islamic State, which is losing territory in Syria and Iraq to an offensive backed by a U.S.-led coalition, said its militants were responsible for the attack, the group's media agency Amaq said in a statement monitored in Cairo. One French national and one Canadian were among those killed. At least 48 people were wounded in the attack, including at least one Australian. "We are united, as I said, in our resolve, even against an enemy that thinks by hurting us they can scare us," Mattis said, appearing in Sydney alongside U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for the first time outside the United States. "Well, we don't scare," Mattis said. Mattis and Tillerson were due to hold a media conference with their Australian counterparts later on Monday. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the world would likely see more such attacks, and that it was a problem that the global community must be "vigilant and determined and defiant". "These criminals, these terrorists, are cowards. There is nothing heroic in what they do," he told an earlier media conference in Sydney. "Now, this is a corruption, a disease, within Islam. It is a global phenomenon and it has to be dealt with globally," Turnbull said. The three assailants in the London attack on Saturday were all shot dead by police. It was the third Islamist-inspired attack in the United Kingdom in the past three months, prompting British Prime Minister Theresa May to declare overnight that "enough is enough". (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Paul Tait)
By Andrew Osborn MOSCOW (Reuters) - The head of Russia's only state-run Ukrainian library was convicted on Monday of inciting hatred against Russians in a case that she compared to a Stalin-era political show trial. Armed, masked police arrested Natalya Sharina in October 2015, confiscating books that the authorities called illegal anti-Russian propaganda. The raid followed Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and an uprising by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, and came at a time when pro-Kremlin politicians were regularly calling Ukraine's leaders fascists. Sharina, 59, has been held under house arrest and has always denied wrongdoing. Library staff testified in court that they had seen police officers planting the books, an allegation that investigators rejected. A Moscow judge on Monday dismissed Sharina's arguments and found her guilty of inciting ethnic hatred and of a separate charge of misappropriating funds. She handed Sharina a four-year suspended prison sentence, against which Sharina said she would appeal. Ivan Pavlov, her lawyer, said she would take the case to the European Court of Human Rights if the appeal was unsuccessful. Sharina, wearing a white blouse, said she was upset and surprised by the verdict, for which she said there was no evidence. "The state prosecutor admitted herself during the proceedings that this was a political case," Sharina told reporters after the ruling. "Not one single book featuring on the current list of extremist literature today was present. People will probably recall this in a couple of decades ... in the same way as we remember 1937 (the height of the Stalin-era show trials)." The British-based human rights group Amnesty International said Sharina's conviction showed "utter contempt for the rule of law" and reflected "the highly charged anti-Ukrainian atmosphere that is prevalent in Russia at the moment". Moscow's Library of Ukrainian Literature, which housed a collection of 52,000 books and periodicals, is formally still open, but its shelves have been emptied and its volumes packed up, ready to be merged into another library's collection. It traces its history back to 1918, reflecting centuries of close cultural ties between Russians and Ukrainians, and has, in various incarnations, weathered a Stalin-era clampdown on Ukrainian literature and the political turmoil of World War Two. "The library that was founded has in essence been destroyed," Sharina said.
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Libya's eastern-based government has followed regional allies in cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar, its foreign minister, Mohamed Dayri, said on Monday. It blamed Qatar for funding groups that have contributed to Libya's current divisions. Qatar denounces accusations that it supports militants as lies. The Libyan move is largely symbolic because the government, which sits in the eastern city of Bayda, has little authority within Libya and is not recognised internationally. Qatar has not had a presence in eastern Libya for several years. The Bayda government is aligned with an eastern-based parliament and powerful military commander Khalifa Haftar. They have spurned a U.N.-backed, internationally recognised government in the capital, Tripoli. A spokesman for the eastern parliament, Abdallah Bilhaq, said the chamber was also cutting ties with Qatar. The announcement came after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Regional powers have sided with opposing camps that have vied for power in Libya since the 2011 uprising that toppled veteran strongman leader Muammar Gaddafi. Their interventions are widely seen as worsening the conflict. Egypt and the UAE are considered key supporters of Haftar, who has built his position battling Islamist militants and other opponents in eastern Libya. East Libyan authorities accuse Qatar of backing rival, Islamist-leaning factions in western Libya. In a statement, the Bayda government's foreign ministry said Qatari support for Islamist groups and political parties had led to the rise of the self-declared National Salvation government in western and southern Libya in 2014. The National Salvation government was set up in 2014 after armed supporters took control of Tripoli, prompting their rivals to move to the east. It has been sidelined since the arrival of the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord in the capital in March last year. During the same period, Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) has gained ground in central and southern Libya, taking control of oil facilities and military bases. Most recently they have advanced near oasis towns in the Jufra and Sabha regions. (Reporting by Ayman al-Warfalli; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Gareth Jones/Jeremy Gaunt)
[June 05, 2017] Forcepoint Names Praveen Asthana as Chief Marketing Officer

AUSTIN, Texas, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global cybersecurity leader Forcepoint today announced technology marketing and management executive Praveen Asthana has joined the company as chief marketing officer (CMO). Mr. Asthana is based in Forcepoint's Austin, Texas headquarters and reports to CEO Matthew Moynahan. As CMO, Asthana leads all aspects of global marketing for Forcepoint and its four business areas  Cloud Security, Network Security, Data & Insider Threat Security and Global Governments. Asthana will be responsible for driving Forcepoint's position as the premier brand and global leader in human-centric security systems that protect employees, critical business data and intellectual property wherever they work or reside. "At Forcepoint, we believe the future of cybersecurity centers on understanding the behaviors and intent of people as they interact with each other, and with critical data and IP," said Moynahan. "With Praveen onboard, we have the proven global marketing leadership to drive new and innovative solutions into our industry consciousness, as well as across our global customer base and partner network." Throughout his career, Asthana has successfully built leading marketing organizations that drive both revenue and brand awareness. Asthana comes to Forcepoint with over 25 years in technology marketing and management leadership, most recently at Oracle where he served as senior vice president helping to lead Oracle's pivot to the cloud. "I am excited about the human-centric approach Forcepoint is taking to protect businesses and government agencies. This shift in focus towards people, rather than technology infrastructure, reflects the reality of today's threatlandscape," said Asthana. "We have an exciting opportunity to both transform the market with this vision and to make the world safer in the process. I'm honored to be a part of this journey."



Prior to Oracle, Asthana was CMO at Gravitant where he created a new market for hybrid cloud management and brokerage services. Asthana also spearheaded Gravitant's digital marketing strategy, driving revenue growth and brand awareness that paved the way to a successful acquisition by IBM in 2015. Earlier in his career, Asthana spent nine years at Dell, most recently as vice president of marketing and strategy for Dell's $12 billion Enterprise Group. Prior to that, Asthana led marketing for Dell's Storage and Networking Division where he drove three-fold revenue growth over five years. Asthana earned a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California and a bachelor's of science degree in electrical engineering from California Institute of Technology.

Asthana's appointment is the latest move by Forcepoint to expand executive talent in the first half of 2017 with veteran leadership hailing from some the world's most respected companies, such as Oracle, Dell, HPE, Palo Alto Networks and Symantec. Recent additions to the Forcepoint management team include Sean D. Foster, chief revenue officer; Brian J. Miller, senior vice president of customer success and operations; and Timothy B. Solms, senior vice president and general manager, Global Governments. About Forcepoint

Forcepoint is transforming cybersecurity by focusing on what matters most: understanding people's intent as they interact with critical data and intellectual property wherever it resides. Our uncompromising systems enable companies to empower employees with unobstructed access to confidential data while protecting intellectual property and simplifying compliance. Based in Austin, Texas, Forcepoint supports more than 20,000 organizations worldwide. For more about Forcepoint, visit www.Forcepoint.com and follow us on Twitter at @ForcepointSec. Join Forcepoint on Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forcepoint

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/forcepointsec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForcepointLLC/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forcepoint Media contact

Liem Nguyen

[email protected]

512.498.8821 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/forcepoint-names-praveen-asthana-as-chief-marketing-officer-300468252.html SOURCE Forcepoint

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On May 18, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer sent notice to Congress that it was the Trump administrations intention to initiate negotiations with Canada and Mexico regarding modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

According to the notice, In particular, we note that NAFTA was negotiated 25 years ago, and while our economy and businesses have changed considerably over that period, NAFTA has not. Many chapters are outdated and do not reflect modern standards. For example, digital trade was in its infancy when NAFTA was enacted. In addition, and consistent with the negotiating objectives in the Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, our aim is that NAFTA be modernized to include new provisions to address intellectual property rights, regulatory practices, state-owned enterprises, services, customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, labor, environment, and small and medium enterprises.

According to the notice, there will be a 90-day period after which the Trump administration will begin negotiations with our two North American neighbors. The notice is short on details as to what specifically needs to be renegotiated. Trumps anti-NAFTA rhetoric during the presidential campaign was extremely severe; however, the notice takes special care not to use any accusations or insulting language, preferring to refer to NAFTA as needing to be modernized.

On March 20, 2017, speaking at a rally of supporters in Louisville, Ky., President Donald Trump said that NAFTA was the worst trade deal made by any country, I think, in the world. If Trump believes this to be true, why does he want to renegotiate NAFTA? He should cancel it. Lighthizers notice certainly does not sound like its a move to cancel the worst trade deal in history  rather, it seems to be extremely cautious in its tenor.

In reality, whatever Trump believes about NAFTA, there are too many people in his support base who benefit from this agreement and would be negatively impacted if it were to go away. Trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico has increased from $290 billion in 1993 to more than $1.1 trillion in 2016. By analyzing statistics generated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., estimates that approximately 9 million U.S. jobs depend on trade with Canada. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that approximately 5 million U.S. jobs depend on trade with Mexico.

Entire U.S. economic sectors are dependent on North American trade. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2016 U.S. agricultural companies exported $17.9 billion of exports to Mexico, with corn ($2.6 billion), soybeans ($1.5 billion), and pork ($1.3 billion) as the leading products purchased by our southern neighbor. In Midwestern states that supported Trump for president, such as Iowa, the agricultural sector depends on these exports to keep their investments healthy and their workers employed.

On April 29, when Trump was quoted as saying, I was all set to terminate (NAFTA). I looked forward to terminating. I was going to do it, it was revealed that his own secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, had persuaded him with charts and statistics that this was not a good idea because it would cost the U.S. jobs and directly affect Trumps support base. Ironically, Republican members of Congress, who have stuck with the Trump agenda, are advising him to proceed cautiously with the agreement. They understand the high stakes of backing all three North American partners into a corner from which they cannot escape. As the negotiations occur, it is going to be an interesting dynamic to see how Trumps supporters in Congress perform the delicate balancing act of representing the interests of their constituents who depend on NAFTA, while attempting to be loyal to the president.

I believe that certain parts of NAFTA could use a fine tuning, such as modernizing the energy sector provisions and making sure that North American content rules are being applied and can be adequately monitored. The trucking issue, which on paper allows registered long-haul trucks to cross into the interiors of either nation to deliver loads, also needs to be reviewed. Trade agreements should not be static and should be reviewed periodically.

If the U.S.-China trade agreement is any indication of the direction that the Trump administration is going as pertains to trade, NAFTA might receive a simple tightening up without any major structural changes. The tough talk on trade could end up being a lamb disguised as a lion. Perhaps, after a tweak here and a tweak there, the president can raise his hands and declare victory so that this issue can be put to rest, thus allowing the thousands of companies and millions of people dependent on trade under NAFTA to go on with their lives without the uncertainty and confusion that he himself has created.

Jerry Pacheco is the executive director of the International Business Accelerator, a nonprofit trade counseling program of the New Mexico Small Business Development Centers Network. He can be reached at 575-589-2200 or at jerry@nmiba.com.
MOVEMENT ON FRONT-YARD PARKING: In October, I wrote about the city working to update its zoning code to address confusion/misinterpretation of the 2007 legislation regarding parking in your front yard.

Specifically, that while the City Council had voted to ban the practice, zoning officials interpreted the amendment as affecting only properties developed from that day on. That interpretation meant if your home was built before 2007, you were grandfathered in and got a free pass to park in your yard.

And many neighbors have argued that includes a free pass to bring down everyone elses property values.

Richard emails, According to your (Oct. 17) article the city was in the process of (revisions) to address our confusing and outdated zoning code. Can you give us an update on this continuing problem in our city? Its even a problem in upscale Tanoan, where at least two homeowners park in unimproved areas of their front yards.

Seven months after that column, Diane Dolan, policy analyst for Albuquerque City Councilor Isaac Benton, has an update.

We were recently informed that the Planning Department included language related to this issue in the proposed IDO. (FYI the IDO is the Integrated Development Ordinance  part of the ABC-Z Project that is updating and consolidating outdated/confusing/conflicting zoning codes, sector plans and development ordinance standards into one streamlined, easy-to-access document.)

But back to Dolan, who shares that this wording is now in the proposed IDO:

Parking in Residential zone districts or for single-family detached dwellings, two-family detached dwellings and townhouse dwellings is prohibited on any portion of the front yard setback other than on a driveway or drive aisle meeting the standards of this IDO and the DPM. (emphasis is mine)

Dolan adds, We have not yet discussed this with planning staff to determine whether the grandfather issue is resolved by this proposal based on their previous interpretation of the existing ordinance. We expect that council will begin hearings on the IDO in August at Land Use, Planning and Zoning (Committee meetings) and can address any deficiencies in the proposed language.

I-40 SURFACE IN NEED OF A FIX: A caller pointed out recently the rough going eastbound between Coors and the Big I, and it brought to mind it was not that long ago that paving crews were on I-40 around Coors.

Emilee Cantrell of the New Mexico Department of Transportation says, The area near the Coors interchange was done in 2015. We will advise our maintenance section to check it out. We are doing design work on a project to address the concrete pavement between Sixth Street and Rio Grande.

WHO DO YOU CALL ABOUT CHOPPERS, REDUX: In the past readers have expressed concerns with helicopters flying low over neighborhoods in the Northeast Heights.

Now theyve crossed the river.

Westside Tony emails, Where does one go concerning air traffic? Living here on the West Side, we frequently have one to six military-looking helicopters that fly very low over the neighborhood on their way to Double Eagle airport, causing the house and everything in it to shake. Now that the West Side has become fairly populated, couldnt they change their flight path a little to the west so as not to fly over the populated areas?

Daniel Jiron, public relations and marketing manager for the Albuquerque International Sunport, says, For military aircraft, I would recommend they contact Kirtland Public Affairs at 846-5991. They may also want to contact the FAA. The number to the tower is 856-4900.

Editorial page editor DVal Westphal tackles commuter issues for the Metro area on Mondays. Reach her at 823-3858; dwestphal@abqjournal.com; or P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, N.M., 87103.
People from all walks of life throughout our wonderful state share deep love and affection for New Mexico, and we must not allow ourselves to be divided by political disagreements. No matter our political leanings, we all hope that those in government will take action that improves the state, particularly economically. Our state is in an economic crisis, and our leaders and lawmakers must put politics aside and work together to right this ship. In no industry is that economic leadership more important for New Mexico than the energy sector.

Unfortunately, anti-energy activists have in several recent cases demanded government intervention that predetermines market outcomes, irrespective of the desires of the consumer or the natural flow of the economy.

The first involves the Sandoval County Planning and Zoning Commission as they finalize an oil and gas ordinance. Ultimately, the county commissioners will have the final say on implementing regulations that I pray will be responsible, business-friendly and respect the market.

Many southern Sandoval County residents have expressed hostility toward the energy industry, not fully understanding that it has served their county, and their state, for nearly 100 years. Northern Sandoval County is part of the San Juan Basin, which has been a major producer of oil and natural gas since the early 20th century and has fostered an industry that has enriched Sandoval County residents for decades. Together with the Permian Basin in southeastern New Mexico, the oil and gas industry has a long and prosperous history in our state.

Every city, county and school district has directly benefited from the tax revenue and the royalties paid by exploration and production. Anti-energy policies negatively affect the tax revenue our state receives and worsen our budget crisis, making it more difficult to fulfill important government responsibilities like education.

Sandoval County, and every county for that matter, should leave the enactment of oil and gas regulations solely with the state, as they have the staff, resources and expertise to oversee the industry. The best way to avoid jurisdictional confusion and regulatory redundancy is for county commissioners statewide to stop the ordinance process, as increased bureaucratic red tape will only raise costs for taxpayers while doing nothing to protect the environment.

The second recent issue is the U.S. Senates failure to repeal an Obama-era rule on methane emissions, an effort our Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich unsurprisingly led the fight against. The Bureau of Land Management rule imposes significant burdens on energy production on federal lands, hurting producers in New Mexico, many of whom hold leases on federal land, as the industry already suffers from low prices.

Udall and Heinrich both should better understand the industry upon which their state is so dependent. Our senators believe that producers are wasting resources by venting and flaring at the wellhead. This could not be further from the truth. Producers have any number of reasons for this procedure and would never knowingly waste the precious resources they work so hard to harvest. U.S. senators and BLM bureaucrats with no history of working in oil and gas cannot know what is best for the industry. Further, regulating the countrys air quality is not in BLMs congressionally-given authority  that jurisdiction has been mandated by Congress to the Environmental Protection Agency. BLM has plainly exceeded its authority.

By protecting this rule, our senators have put New Mexican jobs at risk at a time when the industry, and our economy, needs our help. Our state cannot afford the constant demonization of reliable energy by our Senate leaders. Their actions are holding us back economically.

The energy sector is too important to New Mexico to stand by as bureaucrats and out-of-touch politicians embrace regulations that stifle local producers. We need strong leadership on energy issues that will improve our economy and increase state revenues. The love we share for our state demands no less.
The Bernalillo County Planning Commission will soon decide whether it will ignore and jeopardize the regions water supply as it considers the proposed Santolina development. If the panel makes the wrong decision  to ignore water  and the Bernalillo County Commission approves that decision later this summer, the outcome will jeopardize our regions public water supply, negatively impact local consumers, and affect taxpayers throughout the state.

Santolinas proposed annual water use is large  14,380 acre-feet  roughly equivalent to Rio Ranchos annual use. At the heart of this controversy lies a question that New Mexicans know is not simple: where will Santolina get the large amount of water it claims to need? Though the developers and the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority have a simple answer  from the authority  the truth is not simple. Undisclosed impacts could adversely affect New Mexicans for generations to come.

Bernalillo Countys Planned Communities Criteria require Santolina developers to demonstrate they have adequate physical water and legal rights to it before being eligible for the green light. The developers dodged this requirement in their 2015 Level A Master Plan process by promising they would meet the requirement before approval of the Level B Master Plan. Now, at the developers request, Bernalillo County is considering approval of the Santolina Level B Master Plan while continuing to ignore water.

Despite rhetoric to the contrary, the water authority does not have the water rights to supply Santolina. Worse, existing consumptive uses of water in the Middle Rio Grande exceed legal limits. Water availability in the Middle Rio Grande is a zero-sum game: any new use of water requires an equivalent existing use to stop.

The Middle Rio Grande as of April has a water delivery debt on the Rio Grande Compact books for the first time since 1990. Our water use has wiped out a 270,800 acre-foot credit in only 17 years. Still worse, the debt could grow to violate the Rio Grande Compact in 2018, inviting Texas to expand its Supreme Court water under-delivery lawsuit  now limited to New Mexico below Elephant Butte Dam  to engulf the Middle Rio Grande.

Santolinas new depletions of water would aggravate the Middle Rio Grandes water budget deficit, the associated trend toward New Mexicos failure to comply with Rio Grande Compact delivery requirements, and the impacts of non-compliance on the water authoritys water rights portfolio. Those impacts could severely constrain the water authoritys ability to provide water to current customers.

As I testified in 2015, and emphatically repeat, the public and the water utility authoritys existing customers deserve full disclosure of the terms and impacts of providing this large new water service. These disclosures then deserve the informed consideration of the planning commission, the Bernalillo County Commission and the water utility authority before Bernalillo County agrees to Santolinas proposed land uses or the authority commits to serve any new water demand the size of Santolina.

For the future of our city and our county, I exhort the commission to deny Santolinas request and require the developers to follow the rules designed to protect our limited water supply. I also urge my neighbors to attend the next planning commission meeting Wednesday, June 7, to demand Santolinas water supply details be disclosed and fully considered.

Why, I ask, as should you, would the county ignore water?

Norman Gaume is the architect of the 1997 Albuquerque Water Resources Management Strategy calling for full direct use of Albuquerques San Juan-Chama water. He served as director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and engineer-adviser to the New Mexico Commissioner, Rio Grande Compact Commission. His 2015 written testimony to the Bernalillo County Commission on the Santolina project is at: www.nmelc.org/2015_ngaume_testimony.pdf
WASHINGTON  With his backward policies and his tiresome antics, President Trump seems to be trying his best to do something that ought to be impossible: Make the U.S. presidency irrelevant to world progress.

Climate change offers one example. Trump tried hard to build suspense for Thursdays announcement about whether he would honor or trash the landmark Paris accord; doubtless hed rather have attention focused on greenhouse gases than on the snowballing Russia investigations. At this point, however, I have to wonder what difference the decision to leave the agreement actually makes.

Trumps pro-coal program of deregulation  a quixotic attempt to revive an industry being strangled by global market forces, not politicians  and his boosterish advocacy of oil and gas mean the United States has little chance of meeting its Paris emissions targets anyway. The real-world impact of Trumps choice is more diplomatic than environmental.

More important are his domestic policies. And even if Trump succeeds in weakening federal fuel economy standards, automakers will be unable to ignore Californias tougher requirements, which are also imposed by 12 other states  comprising more than one-third of the U.S. vehicle market. The administration can seek to override the California standards, but such a move would lead to a lengthy court battle. George W. Bush filed such a challenge in 2007 but California sued, and the case was still pending when Barack Obama took office in 2009 and abandoned it.

The only other nations that have rejected the Paris pact are Syria and Nicaragua  not the kind of company the United States usually keeps. The rest of the world is going about the business of making big investments in clean-energy technology. The next breakthrough in solar power is likely to be made in China or Germany, not here.

Energy policy is just one area where Trump is encouraging the rest of the world to go on without us. Much more urgently, Trump has called into question the U.S. commitment to the trans-Atlantic alliance, which for seven decades has been the worlds most important guarantor of peace and engine of prosperity.

Following Trumps first overseas trip as president, which included NATO and G-7 summit meetings, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Europe really must take our fate into our own hands. She said the time when the continent could rely on others, meaning the United States, was over to a certain extent.

Merkel is a cautious politician who carefully measures her words. There have been many times over the years when Europe and the United States were not on the same page, but this moment feels different. Trump has raised doubts about the relationship in a way none of his predecessors did even at moments of sharp disagreement.

Trump scolded European leaders for not spending more on defense, saying that they have failed to meet their financial obligations and that the status quo is unfair to American taxpayers. He failed to offer an unconditional guarantee of European security. In private talks, he harshly complained about Germanys trade surplus with the United States.

Britains Brexit vote and Trumps America first rhetoric appear to have ironically brought the continental members of the European Union closer together. Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the other nations in the bloc have the wherewithal to provide for their own defense  and surely will do so if they dont believe they can rely on the United States. Someone tell me how this would make the world safer.

Part of the problem is that the Europeans see Trump as going out of his way to forge a friendlier and more cooperative relationship with Russian strongman Vladimir Putin, whom EU members such as Poland and the Baltic States rightly consider a threat.

Trump got a warmer welcome, and did less to give offense, during the Middle East leg of the trip. The speech in which he sought to address the Muslim world could have been better but also could have been worse, given his previous antipathy toward the 1.6 billion followers of Islam.

But Trump has given responsibility for forging peace between Israelis and Palestinians to a total amateur, his son-in-law Jared Kushner. The president declines to adopt the customary U.S. stance in favor of democracy and human rights, instead offering autocratic leaders such as Saudi Arabias King Salman and Egypts Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi his uncritical embrace. Such realpolitik has come back to haunt the United States in the past, and it will again.

Trump is abdicating all moral power. The world has no choice but to move on.
Bill Richardson built a national reputation negotiating the release of Americans jailed in notorious hot spots around the world.

The former New Mexico governor and U.N. diplomat is still negotiating on the global stage, but lately he has been doing it on behalf of chimpanzees instead of political prisoners.

Richardson found himself back in the national news recently when the Humane Society of the United States announced that it and the New York Blood Center had reached an agreement  with Richardsons help  to provide for the long-term care of 60 chimps in Liberia. The animals fate was thrown into doubt after they endured decades of medical research in the search for a hepatitis B cure.

The Blood Center retired the chimps from their research role in 2006 and placed them on remote estuary islands off Liberia, while delivering food and fresh water to keep them alive. But after nearly a decade  in 2015  the Blood Center said it would no longer provide care for the primates, which forced the Humane Society to step in. When an animal rights uproar ensued and the New York Blood Center became the target of international anger and protests, Richardson also got involved.

Over the past year, he and Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle sent letters to the Blood Centers big donors asking them to push the organization to come to the table for talks about a long-term solution for the chimpanzees. After laying that groundwork, Richardson launched one-on-one negotiations with Howard Milstein, chairman of the Blood Centers board.

The big challenge was the Blood Center felt they were not responsible for the plight of these chimps, that they were basically on their own, Richardson told me in a phone call last week.

Of course, many New Mexicans are familiar with the issue of chimpanzees and medical research. Just last year, 19 chimpanzees that spent decades in research labs in New Mexico were transferred to forested sanctuary in Louisiana, thanks to a grant by Animal Protection of New Mexico. At one point, New Mexico had more research chimpanzees than any other state.

In 2013, the National Institutes of Health placed strict constraints on chimpanzee testing, limiting research to one colony of 50 chimps. Then in November 2015, NIH Director Francis Collins said the government would no longer maintain a colony of research chimpanzees.

After decades of testing, U.S. researchers have conceded that there are too many differences at the cellular level between humans and chimpanzees to justify using them for research of that type. As my colleague DVal Westphal put it in a column last year, the studies involve too much pain for the chimps and not enough gain for humanity.

They have had a very difficult time in our society, Richardson said. Theyve been tested for medical ailments, they have been abused, they dont have adequate sanctuaries. They are sent back into the wild, but it takes resources and medical treatment.

In the case of the chimpanzees used for research by the New York Blood Center in Liberia, its going to take about $12 million to provide for the primates, the youngest of which could live for another 40 years.

There was a lot of pressure on the Blood Center from a lot of their donors and from animal rights groups to basically make amends and to make a sizable contribution, Richardson said.

And ultimately, with prodding from the Humane Society and Richardson, it did, finally ponying up $6 million. The Humane Society is working to raise the rest.

The Blood Center stepped up and put up $6 million, and I think its a fair compromise, Richardson said. The rest we will do by fundraising. Theres now a clear pathway to care for these chimpanzees in the decades ahead.

I asked Richardson, who was named the Humane Societys Humane Horseman of the Year in 2014, what drew him to the issue of animal rights. He credited his tenure as New Mexicos governor.

I was a latecomer, he said. I was reasonably sensitive to animal rights, but I really have become passionate about it.

Richardson recalled the hard-fought, but ultimately successful, battle to ban cockfighting in New Mexico. He also worked on reintroducing the Mexican gray wolf in the state, protecting wild horses and stopping some euthanasia of cats and other pets. His Santa Fe-based Richardson Center for Global Engagement also advocates on behalf of endangered elephants and rhinos in Africa.

Richardson said three Santa Fe residents, in particular, lobbied him passionately and successfully on the issue during his tenure as governor: actress Ali McGraw and Eugene and Claire Thaw, who run the Eugene V. and Claire Thaw Charitable Trust.

They sensitized me to the plight, Richardson said. They thought this could be one of my good legacies.

He also said while Americans in general have become more sympathetic and caring about animals, people in the West seem especially attuned to this issue.

Its a very Western thing, Richardson said. In the West, we care about water and land and animals and protecting wildlife.

UpFront is a news and opinion column. Comment directly to Journal reporter Michael Coleman in Washington, D.C., at mcoleman@abqjournal.com. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor.
SANTA FE  State auditors say they will examine complaints that New Mexico cities arent getting their fair share of tax revenue collected by the state government.

They asked Albuquerque  the largest city in the state  to provide data going back three years to help determine whether theres a problem and pledged to do extra testing during an annual audit, according to a letter released Friday.

The move comes after Albuquerque City Council President Isaac Benton said the city has dealt with erratic and error-filled distributions of gross receipts taxes over the past year.

Other cities also have concerns, with potential litigation against the state under consideration, said William Fulginiti of the New Mexico Municipal League.

The proper distribution of gross receipts tax revenue is critical, he said, because it makes up roughly three-fourths of the revenue used to operate city governments.

Its really an issue for us, because thats our primary source of money, Fulginiti said in an interview Friday.

The state Taxation and Revenue Department says its conducting an internal review of tax distributions. And the department is open to an independent audit, spokesman Ben Cloutier said.

Nevertheless, the state has a robust system in place to correct distributions errors, whenever necessary, he said.

In a letter last month, Benton asked State Auditor Tim Keller to have his staff conduct an audit of the revenue distributions. At one point, Benton said, the citys October revenue shot up 19 percent over the same month in the previous year and then fell 12 percent the next month, among other odd changes.

These wild fluctuations have become the norm, not the exception, Benton said in the letter. Im concerned that the GRT distribution system at Taxation and Revenue is broken and that the city is paying the price for it.

Cloutier said his department is open to an audit, but it shouldnt be conducted by Keller because hes a candidate in this years race for mayor in Albuquerque.

The Taxation and Revenue Department is willing to work with an independent auditor to assess GRT distributions to improve efficiencies and better serve New Mexico taxpayers, Cloutier said.

In a letter to Benton, Hamish Thomson of the Special Investigations Division of the Auditors Office didnt promise a full audit. But he requested more information from the city and said the office would expand its testing as part of the annual audit process.

Aaron Nieto, operations administrator in the Auditors Office, said the work will be done in conjunction with an independent firm and that it comes in response to complaints from throughout the state.

This work is only a piece of the annual audit being done by professional (Auditors Office) staff along with an independent accounting firm, he said in a written statement.

Gross receipts taxes are levied on most goods and services in New Mexico, similar to a sales tax. The state collects the money and then distributes some of it back to local governments.

At least some fluctuation in the revenue is normal, depending on the level of economic activity in a community. In general, increased buying and selling of goods and services means more revenue for the state and local governments.
An 81-year-old who was crossing 4th Street was not in a crosswalk when he was hit and killed by a driver in the North Valley Monday morning, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office.

Spokesman Joshua Campos identified the man who died as Gilberto Marrujo.

Marrujo was walking westbound across 4th Street just south of El Pueblo around 7 a.m. when he was hit by an oncoming driver who was turning left from El Pueblo to southbound 4th Street, according to Campos.

The driver had a green light, and Marrujo was 20 feet from the nearest crosswalk when he was hit, Campos said.

Marrujo was rushed to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where he died.

The driver stayed at the scene and spoke with deputies. He is not facing immediate charges, Campos said, and the case will be sent to the District Attorneys office.

Campos didnt name the driver.

Southbound 4th Street was closed for at least an hour while deputies investigated. It had been reopened by 9:30 a.m.
[June 05, 2017] NANOBIOTIX : promising data from phase I/II Head and Neck cancer trial with NBTXR3 presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Annual Meeting

NANOBIOTIX: PROMISING DATA FROM PHASE I/II HEAD AND NECK CANCER TRIAL WITH NBTXR3

PRESENTED AT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY'S ANNUAL MEETING



Very good safety profile with no AEs and SAEs in stage III/IV in frail patients older than 70 years old

7 out 9 patients had C omplete Reponse at 10% dose level or more

Follow up shows a potential impact on long term disease control

Amendment filed for a dose expansion cohort of 44 additional patients

Plan to open this study in the United States Paris, France and Cambridge, Massachusetts, June 5, 2017 - NANOBIOTIX (Euronext: NANO - ISIN: FR0011341205), a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering new approaches to the treatment of cancer, presented the results of the Phase I/II head and neck cancer trial with its lead product candidate, NBTXR3, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Chicago. Nanobiotix's Chief Medical Officer Elsa Borghi said: "The very good level of tolerance seen so far, the absence of Adverse Events related to the product, and the rate of Complete Response in this population, indicates that NBTRX3 could play a key role in the treatment of head and neck cancer. It could potentially have a direct impact on the patients' outcome via Loco-regional Control, Quality of Life, Safety and Overall Survival." Illustration : 3D reconstruction of CT scan (tumor in yellow) patient treated at a 15% dose level showing a Complete Response 7 months after the end of the treatment. Population treated

Head and neck cancers represent a group of aggressive cancers that appear in the mouth, nose, sinuses and at the top of the aerodigestive tract. This disease is a major public health concern in USA, Europe and Asia. Nanobiotix's Phase I/II head and neck trial targets frail and elderly patients (more than 70 years) who have advanced stage III/IV cancer with very limited therapeutic options. The only available treatment for these patients is radiotherapy, as their condition does not allow them to receive a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which offers a better survival outcome. These patients with radiotherapy treatment alone have a poorer outcome with lower Response Rate, and shorter Overall Survival. Uncontrolled tumor growth in such population will significantly decrease patients' Quality of Life because basic functions such as swallowing, breathing, speaking and eating are impaired. The use of Nanobiotix's NBTXR3 in this population aims to provide better local and systemic desease control and prolongs survival with the improvement of Quality of Life. Results presented at ASCO annual meeting (Abstract #6080) A phase I trial of NBTXR3 nanoparticles activated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of advanced-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). (Poster board #68, Authors: Christophe Le Tourneau, MD, PhD, Valentin Calugaru, Thomas Jouffroy, Jose Rodriguez, Caroline Hoffmann, Bernard Dodger, Victor Moreno, Emiliano Calvo; Institut Curie, Paris, France; START Madrid, FJD, Madrid, Spain; Centro Integral Oncologico Clara Campal, Madrid, Spain). Primary endpoints: Safety and Feasibility NBTXR3 has demonstrated an excellent safety profile, with no Adverse Events (serious or not) related to the product.The radiotherapy safety observed in the trial has been strictly the same to the IMRT well-known toxicity. This is an important finding, given the elderly and frail population treated in this trial. Additionally, the injection was demonstrated to be feasible and appropriate as the product remained in the tumor from the first day until the last day of radiotherapy. Marginal passage in the blood circulation has been observed during injection time. No leakage in the surrounding tissues have been observed. The highest dose (22%) continues to be evaluated. Exploratory endpoints: efficacy and patient outcome (follow up and duration of Response) The Overall Response Rate (Partial Response plus Complete Response) was evaluated as per RECIST 1.1.

The first data showed promising signs of antitumor activity. The Overall Response Rate is 91% (10 out of 11 patients evaluable) and 7 out 9 patients (78%) had Complete Reponse at 10% dose level or more. In addition, the tumor response suggests a dose deendent effect (see figure below: waterfall plot).



So far, all of the patients treated at higher dose levels (15% and 22%) have shown a prolongated Response with no loco-regional or distant relapse, with a medium follow up of 12 months.

Best Response obtained for patients at different dose levels (*patient one non evaluable) Additional findings

The trial also showed that most of the Complete Responses occurred between 3 and 10 months after the end of the treatment, during the follow-up period when patients were not receiving any oncology treatments. Interestingly late appearance of tumor Complete Response as well as an unusual case of Pseudo Disease Progression followed by tumor Complete Response have been observed in the study. Given the existing pre-clinical data and recent clinical data in Soft Tissue Sarcoma patients (abstract ASCO 2017 number e14615 http://bit.ly/2rsNi2M) showing the abiltity of NBTXR3 to trigger a specific adaptative immune pattern, Nanobiotix will include an immulogical biomarkers analysis in this study. Potential Value of NBTXR3 in this indication

In oncology, finding ways to impact overall survival rate and quality of life with good safety is the ultimate goal. The preliminary findings seem to show that NBTXR3 has the potential to do this. The excellent safety profile demonstrated thus far in this elderly and frail population, indicates that NBTXR3 would represent a valuable option to preserve and improve Quality of Life compared to other treatments. This safety profile also opens up opportunities for combinations with different types of treatment. These encouraging results point towards a positive improvement of loco-regional Control, impacting Overall Survival. Next steps

Nanobiotix is filing a protocol amendment of this study to include 44 additional patients in an expansion to demonstrate the efficacy of NBTXR3. Nanobiotix is opening 12-15 additional sites in Europe to expand the development of this indication. The company plans to expand this study in the US. *** About NBTXR3 phase I/II trial in Head & Neck cancer

A significant proportion of head and neck carcinomas in the western world are found in the oral cavity, and the oropharynx, the posterior continuation of the oral cavity that connects with the nasopharynx (above) and laryngopharynx (below).

These structures play a crucial role in swallowing, breathing and speaking. Locally advanced oropharyngeal cancers can obstruct the airflow or infiltrate muscles or nerves, significantly disrupting essential local functions. Response in H&N cancer patients is related to: Age, stage, size, comorbidity, localization of the tumor and infection by the human papilloma virus (presence versus absence of HPV).

Local control of the tumor, when possible, is critical to preserve organ function, quality of life and has a direct impact on the disease outcome including Progression - Free Survival and (PFS) Overall Survival (OS).

Design

The target population for the Phase I/II trial are patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, tongue or oropharynx (Stage T3 and T4), who are also classified as frail and elderly. They have a poorer prognosis as compared to other Head and Neck cancer patients. In this population tumor response and local control are usually very low compare to patients eligible for combined treatment: radiotherapy plus cisplatin.

This study has targeted patients with bulky tumors, with significant invasion of local tissues. In order to ensure the optimal treatment for every patient, the design of the study has included two routes of injection of NBTXR3: intratumoral injection and super selective intra-arterial injection.

Arm 1: Intra Tumoral (IT) injection, Dose escalation (5%, 10%, 15%, 22% of the tumor volume). Number of patients could go up to 20 (3 to 6 patients per dose level could be treated; 3 if no safety issues).

Arm 2: Intra Arterial (IA) injection, Dose escalation (5%, 10%, 15%, 22% of the tumor volume). Number of patients could go up to 20 (3 to 6 patients per dose level could be treated; 3 if no safety issues). Arm 2 has not been explored as the IT injection in arm 1 has been shown to be feasible and successful.

Patients received 35 daily sessions (2GY per session) of radiotherapy starting one day after the injection of NBTXR3 with a total of 70Gy (standard of care).

At 50Gy (71% of the total dose) tumor volume is evaluated to assess the possibility of the patient to continue RTx (if tumor volume shrinkage is more than 50%) and avoid further unnecessary radiation toxicity and salvage surgery. About NANOBIOTIX: www.nanobiotix.com Nanobiotix (Euronext: NANO / ISIN: FR0011341205) is a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering novel approaches for the treatment of cancer. The Company's first-in-class, proprietary technology, NanoXray, enhances radiotherapy energy with a view to provide a new, more efficient treatment for cancer patients. NanoXray products are compatible with current radiotherapy treatments and are meant to treat potentially a wide variety of solid tumors including soft tissue sarcoma, head and neck cancers, liver cancers, prostate cancer, breast cancer, glioblastoma, etc., via multiple routes of administration. NBTXR3 is being evaluated in: soft tissue sarcoma (STS), head and neck cancers, prostate cancer, and liver cancers (primary and metastases). Additionally, head and neck cancer and rectal cancer trials led by Nanobiotix's Taiwanese partner, PharmaEngine, are underway in the Asia Pacific region. The Company has filed in August 2016 for market approval (CE Marking) in Europe for its lead product NBTXR3. The Company started in 2016 a new preclinical research program in Immuno-oncology with its lead product NBTXR3, which could have the potential to bring a new dimension to cancer immunotherapies. Nanobiotix is listed on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (ISIN: FR0011341205, Euronext ticker: NANO, Bloomberg: NANO: FP). The Company Headquarter is based in Paris, France. Affiliate in Cambridge, United States. Contact Nanobiotix



Sarah Gaubert

Director, Communications & Public Affairs

+33 (0)1 40 26 07 55

[email protected] /

[email protected]











Noel Kurdi

Director, Investor Relations

+1 (646) 241-4400

[email protected] / [email protected] Media relations



France - Springbok Consultants

Marina Rosoff

+33 (0)6 71 58 00 34

[email protected]



United States - RooneyPartners

Marion Janic

+1 (212) 223-4017

[email protected] Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Nanobiotix and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Nanobiotix considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the update of the reference document of Nanobiotix filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) under number D.16-0732-A01 on December 27, 2016 (a copy of which is available on www.nanobiotix.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Nanobiotix operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Nanobiotix or not currently considered material by Nanobiotix. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Nanobiotix to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Nanobiotix shares in any country. At the moment NBTXR3 does not bear a CE mark and is not permitted to be placed on the market or put into service until NBTXR3 has obtained a CE mark.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  It was a local dispute over land in rural, northern New Mexico that turned violent, forced the governor to call the National Guard and catapulted a former Pentecostal preacher into a national radical leader among a growing but frustrated Mexican-American population during the turbulent 1960s.

Five decades later, the violent courthouse raid orchestrated by Mexican-American activists that helped spark the Chicano Movement is hotly debated in a state that now boasts the nations highest percentage of Hispanic residents.

New Mexico marked on Monday the 50th anniversary of what is now known as the Tierra Amarilla Courthouse Raid. The attack was connected to age-old Spanish land grant disputes and began after activists from the group La Alianza Federal de Mercedes sought to make a citizens arrest of then-District Attorney Alfonso Sanchez.

The group wanted local officials to start honoring Spanish land grants outlined in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo  the treaty that ended the U.S.-Mexican War of 1848  and give land back to the descendants of Hispanic pioneering families they say had been illegally seized by whites.

The raid boosted the legitimacy of the land grants, Ralph Arellanes, chair of the Hispano Round Table of New Mexico and a descendant of a land grant family.

During the June 5, 1967, raid, the group, led by Texas-born activist Reies Lopez Tijerina, shot and wounded a state police officer and jailer, beat a deputy, and took the sheriff and a reporter hostage. The men then escaped to the Kit Carson National Forest, generating excitement among supporters and fear throughout others.

New Mexico Gov. David Cargo eventually ordered a convoy of the New Mexico National Guard to the remote mountain hamlet of Tierra Amarilla where they searched for Tijerina and his men while confused ranchers on horses looked on.

Tijerina was arrested but ultimately acquitted of charges directly related to the raid. He eventually spent about two years in prison for federal destruction of property.

The armed attack outraged some, but it inspired Mexican-American college students of the Chicano Movement. It came amid urban race riots, the emerging Black Panther Party and the militant American Indian Movement.

The raid turned a property rights struggle into a civil rights struggle, said David Correia, author of Properties of Violence: Law and Land Grant Struggle in Northern New Mexico.

After 50 years, the episode still divides residents in northern New Mexico, said Annette Rodriguez, a visiting Chicana and Chicano Studies lecturer at the University of New Mexico.

Michael Olivas, a Santa Fe resident and law professor at the University of Houston, said his cousin, Eulogio Salazar, the courthouse jailer who was shot in the cheek during the raid, was later beaten to death. Olivas has long contended that Tijerina was responsible for his cousins death  a charge Tijerina denied until his own death in 2015.

The area is forever spoiled for me in my mind, said Olivas, 66. I cant even go up there to visit.

Others, like Arellanes, said the raid encouraged more Hispanic activists to get involved politically.

Alexandro Jose Gradilla, a Chicana and Chicano Studies professor at California State University, Fullerton, said that unlike other civil rights struggles, the courthouse raid participants sought something tangible  land.

They werent asking for something theoretical like voting rights or better housing, he said. They wanted a specific plot of land and they were willing to take up arms for it.

While others activists like Malcolm X talked about armed struggle, Gradilla said La Alianza actually did it. Thats why the event became such a powerful movement, Gradilla said.

After five decades, researchers can begin to dissect the complexities of the raid now that many of the participants have died, scholars say. For example, Correia said scholars can examine the role of women in the movement that used to be dominated by men.

We can start exploring the use of colonial documents to determine property rights, Rodriguez said. After all, this was once Native American land first.

___

Follow Russell Contreras on Twitter at http://twitter.com/russcontreras
AUBURN, N.Y. (AP)  An inmate at a maximum-security prison claimed he repeatedly practiced a daring escape plan involving a coffin-like box hidden under tons of sawdust and that guards never noticed what he was up to.

Gordon Woody Mower, who is serving a life sentence without parole for killing his parents two decades ago, told The Post-Standard of Syracuse (http://bit.ly/2svJLOB) that he practiced escaping Auburn Correctional Facility 50 times before guards discovered his plan in April 2015  two months before two convicted killers cut their way out of a different maximum-security prison in upstate New York.

Mower said his plan involved being buried alive in a bottomless 3-foot by 4-foot wooden box under a big mound of sawdust produced by the prison's woodworking shop. The sawdust is hauled away regularly in a tractor-trailer by a local farmer who uses it as horse bedding. Mower said the plot failed when another inmate tipped off guards.

The newspaper reported Monday that the planned escape was confirmed by prison records sent to Mower's lawyers at Prisoners Legal Services. Karen Murtagh, executive director of the Albany-based agency, said Mower approved the records release to the newspaper.

There was no response Monday from state prison officials on Mower's story.

Mower was 18 when he used a .22-caliber rifle to murder his parents in March 1996 inside their home in rural Richfield Springs. Mower said he hatched a plan while serving his sentence at Auburn, the state's oldest prison at 199 years old. He has since been transferred to the maximum-security prison in Elmira.

Mower claimed he compiled information on the routines of prison guards overseeing the farmer's weekly visits. He said another inmate who helped design the scheme would use a small tractor with a front-end loader to put the box on the farmer's truck, then cover the box with tons of sawdust.

Mower said he would have worn googles and a protective mask from another prison workshop. After the truck left the prison, he said he planned to pull himself free from under the sawdust. He said he was injured several times during dry runs of the escape when the box collapsed under the weight of the sawdust, but the guards never noticed anything unusual.

Where were the corrections officers? Mower told The Post-Standard. How did we build all this stuff, get buried alive and nobody sees or says anything?

Mower said another inmate alerted guards to the plan on April 3, 2015.

On June 6, 2015, Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped the Clinton Correctional Facility in northern New York by using tools provided by a prison employee to cut their way through their prison cell wall and gain access to the prison's underground infrastructure. Matt was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer three weeks later. Sweat was rearrested and wounded by a state trooper two days after that.

Their escape, which touched off the largest manhunt in New York history, was even more embarrassing for state prison officials when it was revealed that prison tailor shop employee Joyce Mitchell provided Matt and Sweat with tools that a guard unwittingly delivered to the inmates. Matt and Sweat also were able to practice their escape without guards noticing.

Information from: The Post-Standard, http://www.syracuse.com

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
The number of low-income families tapping into government-funded child care assistance is steadily increasing in New Mexico, but state officials say two-thirds of those who are eligible have yet to enroll.

Children, Youth and Families Secretary Monique Jacobson says her agency is working to raise awareness about the program as elected leaders look for more ways to tackle generational poverty issues.

The state has among the nations highest rates when it comes to children and working families living in poverty, and agency officials and advocates see the program as a tool to help parents get ahead while keeping children out of potentially harmful situations.

Oftentimes when we see abuse or neglect occurring, it is either at the hands of an inappropriate caretaker or because Mom or Dad have so many stressors in their lives, Jacobson said in a recent interview. Many of these could be alleviated if they had a safe place to leave their children while they are going to school or working.

As of April, state data show that more than 19,300 children were enrolled in the child care assistance program. While the numbers fluctuate from month to month, officials say it is a significant increase over the past two years.

A recent change allowing children to stay eligible for 12 consecutive months has boosted enrollment by about 6 percent, according to legislative analysts.

The percentage of children enrolled in what the state classifies as high-quality child care also has increased to about 70 percent, up from 57 percent at the end of 2014.

Aside from simple access to care, providing quality child care can improve the chance of success once children enter school, Jacobson said.

This is huge. We think this can address both safety issues as well as achievement gap issues, she said.

The program is financed through state funds and federal block grants, making for New Mexicos largest expenditure when it comes to early childhood services. The budget for the fiscal year ending this month totals nearly $112 million, a more than 25 percent increase in six years.

Still, some advocates are worried about future funding, pointing to the states persistent budget problems and federal negotiations that could lead to less money for grant programs that support social services.

Amber Wallin of the group New Mexico Voices for Children said child care assistance allows parents to go to work and earn more for their families while putting children in quality centers where meals are available and they can be flagged for everything from health issues to special education needs.

Were still not investing as much as we should in the program given what we know about its huge benefits and given what we know about the huge need in New Mexico, Wallin said.

State money for the upcoming fiscal year will remain stable, but Wallin and others are planning to reignite a much-debated call to tap one of New Mexicos permanent investment funds to provide more money for such programs.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo.  A Colorado judge has ordered a runaway husky returned to a man who reported her missing more than three years ago. However, the dog is still with her most recent owner, who plans to appeal the decision.

Routt County Judge James Garrecht heard arguments Friday after Michael Gehrke of Canon City filed a civil lawsuit against Ashlee Anderson of Steamboat Springs seeking the return of the now 7-year-old Siberian husky, Steamboat Today (bit.ly/2qQWv15) reported.

The judge said he couldnt take into account the bond between Anderson and the dog in making his ruling.

I dont think anyone here acted in bad faith, Garrecht said in ordering the dog returned to Gehrke. But the best interest of the dog is not the issue here.

Gehrke said he bought the dog he named Mya as a puppy in February 2010. The dog ran away in September 2013 and apparently ended up in the company of a homeless man.

A school secretary who found the dog learned the homeless man had been arrested, and she placed the dog in a home with Anderson, who had moved to Steamboat Springs.

Anderson named the dog Sitka. When Sitka ran away in February, animal control scanned the dog for a microchip and learned she was purchased by Gehrke and had been reported stolen.

Efforts to mediate the case were unsuccessful. Anderson offered to pay the $1,200 purchase price to keep the dog.

Gehrkes attorney, Jay Wayne Swearingen with The Animal Law Center firm in Denver, argued the dog clearly belonged to Gehrke, who bought it as a 10-week-old puppy.

Andersons attorney, Emily Kelley, argued Gehrke was never the rightful owner because he didnt transfer the dogs microchip registration to his name. They also argued the dog had been abandoned, that Gehrke did not seem attached to the dog and that if Anderson hadnt had the dog treated for heartworms, she would have died.

After Garrecht made his ruling, Anderson posted a $2,400 bond to keep the dog pending her counter claim.

Were disappointed in the judges ruling, Kelley said Friday. However, this is the first step in a very lengthy process.

Gehrke, too, was frustrated with that process. I got my dog, but I dont get my dog, he said.

___

Information from: Steamboat Pilot & Today, http://steamboatpilot.com/
SANTA FE  A bipartisan council of legislative leaders agreed Monday to seek proposals for a new study of New Mexicos tax base  a move aimed at guiding efforts to overhaul the tax system, officials said.

The goal is to pick a company within 30 days to do the work and have the data available by the fall.

Pam Stokes, a staff attorney for the Legislative Council Service, said the study will focus mostly on gross receipts taxes and income taxes, both personal and corporate. She described it as the first of its kind.

The study should give lawmakers better information, Stokes said, on how state revenue would change if the tax code were revised. In other words, if the state were to impose a new tax on an industry  or eliminate taxes on certain transactions  the Legislature would have a solid estimate of the financial impact.

Weve never done a study like this before  trying to evaluate our tax structure and figure out what the unknowns are, Stokes said Monday.

The push to reshape New Mexicos tax code emerged this year as a serious point of contention between Republican Gov. Susana Martinez and the Legislature, where Democrats hold majorities in both chambers.

Martinez pushed lawmakers to simplify the gross receipts tax system and make the state more friendly to businesses. Democratic legislative leaders, in turn, said they support the concept in general but dont want to act without fully understanding how the proposed changes would affect state revenue.

In the end, a Martinez-backed proposal to overhaul the tax system failed in a House committee during last weeks special session. But the Legislature approved $400,000 in funding for a tax study.

Sen. William Sharer, a Farmington Republican who pushed for the study, said Monday that he doesnt want policy proposals from the company that carries out the research, just information that will help lawmakers decide on their own what ideas to pursue.

These policy discussions should be outside whatever theyre doing, Sharer said. This study should just give us raw data.

The Legislative Council, a group of lawmakers who oversee operations of the Legislature itself, unanimously approved a motion Monday to request proposals from companies interested in the work.
WOODLAND PARK, Colo. (AP)  Police in a Colorado town rescued a bear cub that got trapped in a car after likely searching for a snack.

Officers in Woodland Park said a woman called police Friday to report strange noises coming from her car.

A responding officer opened the door and ushered the cub back into the wild, but not before snapping a few photos. Authorities posted them online with a reminder not to keep food in cars in areas frequented by bears.

Police believe the cub's mother somehow opened the car door. When officers arrived, they could hear an animal rustling in the nearby bushes, but they didn't see the mother bear.

The Gazette in Colorado Springs reports (bit.ly/2ru8GUa) that officers checked the area several hours later and saw no signs of the animals.

Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
The Indian Prime Minister @NarendraModi is the third-most followed world leader with 30 million followers on his personal account and 18 million followers on his institutional account, @PMOIndia, which is in fourth place on Twitter, according to Burson-Marstellers Twiplomacy study. Pope Francis is the most followed world leader on Twitter with a combined total of 33 million followers on his nine language accounts, ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump with 30 million.

Indias Foreign Minister, @SushmaSwaraj, is the most followed female world leader with 8 million followers and @IndianDiplomacy is third among foreign ministries with 1.2 million followers on Twitter.

Twitter is the prime social network used by 276 heads of state and government, and foreign ministers, in 178 countries, representing 92 percent of all United Nations (UN) member states. Facebook is the second-most used social platform by world leaders, with 169 governments having established official pages. However, world leaders have, on average, twice as many followers on their Facebook pages as followers on Twitter. Data for Twiplomacy, which updated the studies about Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Periscope, was captured in May 2017 using Burson-Marstellers proprietary Burson tools, CrowdTangle.com and Twitonomy.com.

Are World Leaders Conversational on Twitter?

While President Trumps tweets have generated 166 million interactions (likes and retweets) over the past 12 months PM Modi is in second place with 35 million interactions. For instance, in 2015 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a Direct Message to his then 12.5 million followers celebrating one year in government. Today selected accounts can still send him direct messages and are greeted by this welcome message.

Visual Communications on Twitter

A number of world leaders have use animated gifs to lighten up their tweets in a fun and playful way. For example, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi created a gif to promote his mobile app.

The 2017 edition of Twiplomacy also examines the use of other social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Periscope, and the Twiplomacy.com website includes rankings as well as a social media atlas for each country studied. The study found, for example, the number of governments using Periscope has doubled over the past year, offering a cost-effective way to broadcast press conferences live.

Politics and diplomacy are playing out on social media in a way we have never seen before, said Don Baer, Worldwide Chair and CEO, Burson-Marsteller. With the U.S. president bypassing traditional government channels to communicate directly to his supporters and detractors alike, we can expect more people in positions of power to adopt this practice. Our Twiplomacy study shows how fast-paced and dynamic our communications landscape truly is.

The 2017 Twiplomacy study analyzed 856 Twitter accounts of heads of state and government, and foreign ministers, in 178 countries with a combined total audience of 356 million followers. Foreign ministries tend to use Twitter to establish mutual relations. The most followed non-government account is the United Nations Twitter account, @UN, which is followed by 338 of the 856 world leaders' Twitter accounts; @BarackObama and the @ObamaWhiteHouse are followed by 312 and 254 world leaders, respectively. @UNICEF is the second-most followed international organization and The New York Times (@NYTimes) is the most followed news organization. The @Twiplomacy Twitter account is the eighth-most followed non-governmental account by world leaders, with a following of 184 heads of state and government, ahead of @Reuters and @TheEconomist.
AT&T West, along with subsidiary DIRECTV, has reportedly reached a tentative agreement with 17,000 of its employees by working closely with the Communication Workers of America, but talks are ongoing with a large number of employees. The agreement that has been reached is tentative in nature. The deal was brokered by District 9 of the CWA, and affects workers in California and Nevada. It spans four years, and includes a wide range of improvements on current contract terms, including raises, affordable healthcare through the employer, and some tweaks to job security. The agreement has yet to be finalized, but both parties and the CWA are reportedly satisfied with the proposed terms. This deal only covers a bit less than half of the total workers involved in the recent 3-day strike, which represented only a small part of AT&Ts total operations, meaning that there is a lot of ground left to cover.

AT&T is reportedly working on another contract that will cover around 21,000 of the workers that went on strike recently, leaving only about 2,000 out in the cold. The landmark strike that spurred the current state came after a long impasse. AT&T had not been subject to a strike of any major scale since 2012, before roughly 40,000 workers walked off the job in the afternoon on a Friday a couple weeks ago, and only returned the following Monday morning. Recent events include two firsts; this tentative contract, to be voted on later this month, will mark the first time that DIRECTV workers are receiving union-driven contract coverage. The three-day strike, meanwhile, marked the first time that AT&T wireless workers joined with their landline and call center fellows in declaring their grievances to their employer.

The leadup to these talks is a long time coming. AT&T has been engaging in ongoing talks with the CWA and its own employees for many years, most of which proved unproductive. When protesting workers crashed a shareholder meeting in Dallas to let AT&T know that they werent renewing their contracts as they were and subsequently handed down an ultimatum for a strike, AT&T apparently listened up and began working more closely with employees, hoping not to suffer any sort of significant event like the month-plus strike that Verizon workers staged last year with the CWAs help.
Google on Monday said that it has addressed a relatively widespread outage of its Google Home units that werent responding to voice requests. Several users who took to the companys Product Forums confirmed as much, with one noting that the Alphabet-owned tech giant rolled out a patch over the weekend that reportedly eliminated all issues which started manifesting themselves earlier this month. The problem essentially disabled the Google Assistants support for voice commands, with the companys artificial intelligence (AI) companions answering every OK Google query with something went wrong, urging users to try again in a few seconds. The problem persisted for at least two days until it was fixed, with owners of Googles Internet of Things (IoT) device experiencing various failure rates during the outage period.

While the Mountain View, California-based company stated that the issue causing the outage has now been resolved, it has yet to clarify on the matter and its currently unclear whether the firm will opt to explain what caused the problems in the first place. In light of the fact that only Google Home owners were affected by the outage  with the smartphone version of the Google Assistant working in a reliable manner in the last several days  the cause of the ordeal was likely directly related to the software running on the connected speaker. One Google took to the firms Product Forums earlier today to apologize for the inconvenience and thank the companys customers for their patience. While the issue should now be fixed for everyone, those who are still having trouble communicating with the Google Home variant of the Google Assistant are encouraged to reboot the device by physically unplugging it and plugging it back in after around a minute, the company said.

If none of that helps and your Google Home unit is still telling you that something isnt right when you try communicating with it, consider sending feedback to its developers by launching the Google Home app, tapping the hamburger menu, navigating to the Help & feedback section, and then selecting the Submit Feedback Report option on the following screen. Being an important part of the companys product strategy, the tech giant will likely be hard at work ensuring that another major Google Home outage never happens again.
The June 2017 security patch is now available for Nexus and Pixel devices that are still being supported. This means that users should begin seeing an OTA landing on their device in the next few days. Or, users could opt to sideload the OTA and even flash the entire factory image. Obviously, flashing the factory image will take much longer, and it will also cause the device to be wiped clean, and youll need to redownload all your apps and set everything up once again. Sideloading the OTA just replaces the files that were changed and youre good to go.

According to Googles security bulletin for this month, there are two security patches once again. Theres one for June 1st and one for June 5th, which patches everything. This has been done for Googles partners to easily update their devices, since not all patches are needed for devices from LG, Samsung, Motorola and other partners. There are a few vulnerabilities in Bluetooth that were patched this month. These vulnerabilities dated back as far as Android 4.4.4 and were present in Android 7.1.2 which is currently the latest version of Android. There are quite a few vulnerabilities for Qualcomm, MediaTek and NVIDIA processors (and their components) that were also patched this month. Google has not released the exact details of these vulnerabilities  which is typical  as the company doesnt want unpatched devices to become vulnerable, and allow hackers to find a way into those devices.

Security patches dont bring anything new for users, but they are important updates to install on your device. They keep your smartphone, tablet and other devices up to date, and safe. So when the update lands on your device, be sure to install it, instead of telling it to install later on. For this update, the Pixel and Pixel XL are getting build NKG47L (there are a few different builds for the Pixel and Pixel XL, make sure you grab the one for your carrier), Nexus 6P, Pixel C, and Nexus 5X are getting build N2G47W all of which are Android 7.1.2. The Nexus 6 gets build N6F27E which is Android 7.1.1, along with the Nexus 9 getting two builds N9F27C, N4F27E both of which are also still Android 7.1.1.
Camera capabilities of the OnePlus 5 are comparable to those of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, one industry insider said on Monday. The source made that claim on Chinese social media website Weibo that identified their post as originating from the OnePlus 5, giving more credence to recent reports that the Shenzhen, Guangdong-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) opted to send early prototypes of its next Android flagship to ten reviewers in the Far Eastern country. With the device being only a few weeks away from its official launch, OnePlus is likely looking to use popular tech bloggers and other community influencers to promote its latest premium handset.

While the industry insider comparing the imaging prowess of the OnePlus 5 to that of the Galaxy S8-series devices may have gotten access to an early unit of the phone, they didnt provide more details on the handset thats heavily rumored to ship with a dual camera setup consisting of two horizontally arranged sensors and a dual LED, dual tone flash unit located in the top-left corner of its rear panel. Apart from being the first OnePlus-branded device with a dual camera setup, the OnePlus 5 may also differentiate from its competitors by featuring software developed by DxO Labs, a Boulogne-Billancourt, France-based imaging software firm. The Chinese company already confirmed that the French software firm participated in the development of the OnePlus 5, though it didnt provide more information on the matter.

According to previous rumors and official teasers, the OnePlus 5 will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip (SoC) and boast a 5.5-inch QHD display panel protected by 2.5D glass. The Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer is expected to offer two variants of the device with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal memory and 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage space, respectively. While neither is likely to feature a microSD card slot, both are expected to be significantly thinner than the 2016 OnePlus 3T, in addition to improving on its imaging performance and the overall user experience. Recent rumors indicated that the OnePlus 5 might be unveiled as early as June 15, so more details on the upcoming handset should follow shortly.
Motorola India has confirmed that its latest model, the Moto Z2 Play, is set to go up for pre-orders in India on June 8. Last year, Motorola released the original Moto Z Play, with the handset receiving much praise due to its value-oriented design and battery life. With the recent announcement of the new Moto Z2 Play, the company is surely looking to recreate the success of last years model, particularly in markets that are still experiencing strong growth such as India.

Motorola India is offering customers a couple of options in order to purchase the device. The phone maker has yet to confirm the official price of the device in the South Asian country, though consumers are being offered the chance to pay Rs. 2,000 ($31) upfront and pay the rest over ten interest-free monthly installments. Customers will also be given the chance to pay for the device in between three and 12 interest-free monthly payments, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) said. As an extra incentive to those who pre-order, Motorola will gift them a Moto Armor Pack, which includes protective accessories, most likely a protective case and a screen protector, though the company has yet to confirm specific details regarding the pack.

With a large 5.5-inch display panel, as well as the Snapdragon 626, a 3,000mAh battery, new 12MP sensor, and the option to choose between two version boasting 3GB RAM / 32GB of storage and 4GB RAM / 64GB of internal flash memory, Motorola has created a device that aims to appeal to a wide variety of customers. With the increased marketing surrounding the model in India, Motorola is surely hoping to gradually push its existing customers towards more expensive devices and away from its lower-end models due to the extra profit that the company can make by selling premium handsets. The financing options, as well as the pre-order incentives may prove tempting to many consumers, so the companys plans to push the mid-range model could pay off in the long term. If the company prices the handset in an aggressive manner, the Moto Z2 Play has a solid chance of repeating the success of its predecessor, and more details on its pricing will likely be available later this week.

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Qualcomm is in the middle of closing out a deal to purchase NXP Semiconductors. The companies announced the deal in October of 2016, and have not yet closed it out. Its been under some tight scrutiny in the European Union due to the fact that Qualcomm is essentially purchasing a competitor. And now, regulators are saying that Qualcomm has not offered any concessions to make the deal for NXP go smoothly. Typically companies have to offer up concessions to buy their competitor, in order for regulators to approve of the deal. AT&T had to do something similar when it was purchasing DIRECTV. Now, since Qualcomm has not made any concessions  which it had until June 1st to do so  it could be looking at a pretty lengthy investigation before the deal is approved.

The competition authority division of the EU is in the middle of a preliminary review of the deal, which will end on June 9th. There are basically two ways this review could end up, next week. The authority could clear the deal unconditionally, or it could decide to open an investigation into the deal, and that investigation could last around four months. Qualcomm could attempt to convince the regulators in the EU that the deal is not anti-competitive, during the investigation. Which is likely something that they will do. If that doesnt work, Qualcomm will be forced to offer concessions, or abort the deal. Competitors of Qualcomm have said that it wants the company to agree to fair licensing practices, which is something Qualcomm is already in court for, with Apple.

While Qualcomm is a big mobile processor provider, it does have its hands in other areas. Like modems and such. NXP, by contrast, is available in a lot of key cards for buildings and public transport. Rivals have been asking for the ability to still use NXPs products after the acquisition goes through. Now at this point, its still unclear whether the acquisition will actually go through or not, seeing as Qualcomm isnt making it easy on the competition authority, who is reviewing the deal between the two semiconductor companies  this is the largest deal in the semiconductor industry, ever.
The Google Play Services version 11.0.55 may have broken Chromecast casting via an Android Wi-Fi hotspot, according to a number of reports from Android users who are unable to get this functionality to work following the latest update to Googles proprietary set of background services and application programming interfaces (APIs). Some consumers recently took to Googles Product Forums to report the bug that hinders their ability to cast content over hotspots hosted by Android devices but the Mountain View, California-based tech giant has yet to acknowledge the issue in any official capacity.

Some industry insiders are speculating that the Alphabet-owned company may never resolve the problem as the new update to Google Play Services technically didnt break any officially supported feature. Using an Android Wi-Fi hotspot to cast content with Chromecast is not a functionality that was ever advertised by Google and was essentially more of a workaround than a full-fledged feature of its product portfolio. Regardless, the functionality has worked without major issues for years, even if it was never officially supported by the company, and many users who relied on Android-powered tethered networks to cast content with Chromecast are now left without this convenient option.

Users without an access to a regular Wi-Fi router are currently left without an alternative, provided that theyre adamant to run the latest build of Google Play Services. Everyone else can opt to sideload some of the pre-11.0.55 builds of the software onto their device and continue casting video content with Chromecast like they did before. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of Google Play Services, that likely isnt a long-term solution, as users who decide to consciously stay behind software versions may soon find that theyre missing some key features and functionalities of the Android operating system and its software. As things stand right now, Google is the only one that can resolve this issue going forward, though it remains to be seen whether the company opts to do so in the near future. Likewise, the firm has yet to clarify whether the now-broken feature was deliberately disabled or if the recent Google Play Services update rendered it useless by accident.
Yandex.Taxi, Yandexs on-demand transport service has announced that it has developed a prototype of a self-driving car. The company say it will eventually be used across a wide variety of industries and offered as part of its taxi service in the future. The company, which is owned by the Russian search giant, Yandex, unveiled its prototype, a modified Toyota Prius which relies on artificial intelligence, cameras and sensors along with a whole host of technology that is homegrown by Yandex for other parts of its company such as Yandex.Navigator and Yandex.Maps. These include computer vision, real-time navigation, object recognition, and mapping which have all been developed over many years. Yandex is using its own custom-built hardware as well components that are currently available on the mass market. The company says it will be discussing how to create its own automotive-grade hardware in the future with potential partners.

Although the autonomous car has not yet been out on a public road, Yandex says in a post on its blog that it has tested the car in a number of environments and the car is able to drive in complex environments including on roads with heavy traffic. Dmitry Polishchuk, the head of Yandexs self-driving car project said in a statement that self-driving cars are set to revolutionize the way we commute within a matter of a decade there are dozens of companies around the world building their own driverless cars, but only a few of them have components crucial for turning this project into reality. Yandex, which is owned by Yandex Labs and operates out of the San Francisco Bay Area, say it has internally sourced the vast majority of the essential system that makes the cars autonomous.

There is a universally accepted classification system for automated vehicles which separates all self-driving cars into different levels from 0 to 5. If a car is classified as Level 0, this means a human has full control over it. Yandex say its car will be a Level 5 which requires no human action or intervention to drive at all. Yandex say it aims to test its car on public roads sometime in 2018. In time, Yanadex says it hopes to develop partnerships with car manufacturers and others who are involved in the autonomous car market in the future, although it says is currently too early to consider when the cars may become commerically available.
Samsung plans to double its smartphone production in India with a massive investment to expand its current Noida, Uttar Pradesh production line. The development will take place with land purchased next to the existing plant, and reports out of South Korea citing industry and government sources state that a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the project will take place on June 7. Samsung Electronics is set to spend 40 billion rupees (around $621 million), more than twice the amount that the company originally planned to invest when the expansion was first announced in October 2016. At that time, the company intended to invest 19.7 billion rupees (around $306 million).

The latest planned level of investment will allow Samsung to expand its production area at the Noida plant to 240,000 square meters from its current size of 120,000 square meters. This will result in an increase of phone production from 5 million units to 10 million units per month, latest reports indicate. The tech company also plans to double the number of refrigerators it produces in India, from the current 100,000 units per month to 200,000 units. The expansion move was first unveiled as part of Samsungs Make In India initiative, with hopes to increase Samsungs share in the Indian smartphone market. A Samsung executive recently said that products made at the Noida plant would eventually be exported, but could not say when exactly that would happen.

The Noida plant was established in 1996 and currently employs 4,000 people. Following the expansion, there could be at least 2,200 additional jobs for the local population as well as an increase in indirect jobs through suppliers. When the expansion plans were agreed with the Uttar Pradesh state government last year with a memorandum of understanding, the target was to complete the new plant by 2019, with smartphone production doubling by 2029, but recent reports dont clarify on that timeline. India is the worlds second largest smartphone market, although feature phones are also still popular in the country. According to a recent market share report, Samsung holds more than a quarter of the smartphone market in the South Asian country, far ahead of rivals such as Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, and Lenovo. An update on the companys India-related plans might follow later this year.
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DibbsBarker has launched a free learning tool to give Australian businesses of all sizes a course on their intellectual property (IP) rights.Called  IP Ready , the online tool was launched at the 2017 AusMedtech conference, with support from AusBiotech, the countrys biotechnology industry organisation. DibbsBarker partners Anna Feros and Rob McInnes led the development of the tool.The tool gives users an understanding of the main forms of IP and helps them identify gaps in their own IP knowledge. Though particularly relevant to the biotechnology, medical technology, health and life sciences sectors, the tool can be used by businesses from startups to established companies, the firm said.McInnes says that there has been an increase in demand for DibbsBarkers IP protection and commercialisation services, particularly as government is fostering innovation as a main growth driver for the economy.DibbsBarker said that IP rights are often misunderstood and their value sometimes overlooked, even though the success of companies often hinge on IP. The tool can help businesses who have never considered IP before gain a basic understanding of the range of IP rights, Feros said. It also helps businesses familiar with IP rights and management by giving a refresher in the legal area.It also helps users identify areas where IP risks might arise in ways that often get overlooked, such as how contract workers are engaged and how their creative output is captured and protected, Feros said.
Hogan Lovells and Reed Smith have announced new areas of focus to their global capabilities.Reed Smith has launched a global financial risk management practice headed by New York partner who has joined the firm from Venable where he was co-head of risk and compliance.Meanwhile, Hogan Lovells has launched a diversified industrials group as part of a revamp of its industry sector focus.It brings together brings together the firms capabilities in areas including conglomerates, manufacturing, chemicals, transportation, logistics, construction, and engineering.There has been an increase in the proportion of solicitors in England & Wales who are women or from Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds.The Law Society says that although the improvement is a step forward there is still work to be done at more senior levels as fewer women and BAME lawyers are making partner."Increasing diversity in the solicitor profession is a powerful force for good and a cause for real celebration, said Law Society president Robert Bourns."However, the gender and ethnicity gap at more senior levels continues: more than 40 per cent of male solicitors become partners - compare that to less than 20 per cent of women and just over 20 per cent of BAME solicitors.He added that those firms with strong diversity, inclusion and social mobility policies have a competitive advantage.Lewis Silkin has hired a new chief operating officer from the recently-merged Nabarro.Graeme Wood succeeds Jan DeCerce at the international firm, which has an office in Hong Kong as well as its London base. He had been with Nabarro for only a year and was previously with Linklaters Nabarro is now part of CMS.Siew Kam Boon has joined Dechert in Singapore as a partner in the corporate practice.She was previously with K&L Gates and focuses her work on mergers and acquisitions, with a significant background in cross-border transactions, and on private equity and emerging growth with an emphasis on Pan-Asian matters.
TDI

The German manufacturer will install a software update for the affected cars, which were made between 2010 and 2013, because analyses have discovered that the V6 and V8engines of those models have higher NOx emissions than the permitted limit.As Audis representatives explain, tests have shown that the emissions of nitrogen oxides exceed the maximum permitted limits by 20 to 100 percent.The increased emissions take place in certain situations, and are negatively impacted by the software of the transmissions of those vehicles, which are all automatic units.While the manufacturer does not mention the latter, the A7 and A8 were never offered with manual gearboxes and V6 or V8 engines, so it is safe to assume that dual-clutch automatics and torque converter gearboxes are employed with those motors.About 14,000 of the affected cars were registered in Germany, so Audi has talked with the countrys Federal Motor Transport Authority to ensure that the campaign will take care of all of the elements that are relevant to ensure a correct application of the fix.The four-ringed brands representatives apologize to its customers for the inconvenience of having to take their vehicles to a dealer for a repair that will take about 30 minutes. The companys reps have also stated that they will correct all anomalies for all of the products they sold.The release that announced the recall campaign has also mentioned that the first customers will be notified starting July 2017. No changes to fuel economy, reliability, acceleration, or other key factors of an automobile are expected to happen once the update is made.It is unclear if the software that has to be changed has any links to the defeat device deployed by the Volkswagen Group in some of its TDI engines, or if this situation is just a mistake that has not been observed for several years.
Donald Trump referred to global warming as a "hoax," and that was even before he was elected to head the country. However, he also said a lot of other weird, even absurd things, so everybody hoped they were all ramblings meant to earn himself a few votes, and not de facto opinions.In other words, we thought he would show a lot more common sense than he actually did. Elon Musk's decision to become a councilman for the President was regarded as odd, to say the least, but the Tesla CEO must have thought that, given the circumstances, it's better to be on the inside of where things important to your business are decided rather than outside. And if you can change the man's mind about global warming in the process - or at least plant some doubts - then all the better.After Donald Trump had announced he was pulling the U.S.A. out of the Paris Agreement, it became obvious that it's not so much his beliefs that are driving his actions, nor the will of the Americans, but a completely different agenda that no counseling can affect. As a result, Elon Musk announced his resignation from the presidential council in a message on Twitter : "Am departing presidential councils> Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world."The Tesla CEO was not alone in openly criticizing Trump's decision. Numerous other members of U.S. business circles condemned the move, as well as countless politicians, mayors, and so on. Some states or cities have vowed to keep working toward the Paris Agreement target regardless of the U.S. policy, which has now placed the country in the select company of Nicaragua and Syria, the only other two nations that did not sign the Paris Agreement. And Nicaragua only declined to sign it because it was "too weak," having made up its own set of more aggressive goals since.
kW

EV

The Japanese brand constructed the station in the parking lot of its European Research and Development Center, which is located in Offenbach, Germany.The element employs 940V technology, which is state-of-the-art, and four vehicles can simultaneously be charged with different types of connectors, with up to 150split between them.In the future, Honda wants to integrate a hydrogen generation and refueling station at the same center, and it will be used in the same manner as the newcharging point: internal research.You already know that Honda does not sell electric automobiles in Europe yet, and that its portfolio is restricted when plug-in cars are concerned.However, it does have a few hybrids in its lineup, and it prides itself on being a pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Unfortunately for the manufacturer of highly appreciated motorcycles and cars, its rivals at Toyota and Nissan have much more plug-in vehicles in their ranges.One of the two brands can pride itself with the worlds first hydrogen fuel cell car sold across the world to regular consumers, while the other has a very successful line of electric automobiles.Fortunately, the automaker still has a shot at the Fuel Cell Vehicle and electric car market, but it needs a line of products that will bring enough range in comparison to the other products available in the segments they will compete in, while also being sold at a competitive price. The balance between range and price is something that all of Hondas rivals are struggling to obtain.Honda wants to show its commitment to an electric future in the Old Continent, and has reaffirmed its strategy in this segment of automobiles. In case you have forgotten, the Japanese automaker wants to implement electric drive technology in two-thirds of its cars sold in Europe by 2025.
AMG

Just because you overtake everybody on the highway doesn't necessarily make you a good driver - it just means you're much more open to breaking the laws. You can't really know how fast you are before you've tried lapping a circuit and getting a bit of reference on your time.The revelation can come as a shock and a huge blow to our self-esteems, but there are those who get over it more easily. It's the people who realize they can't be the best at everything, and there's nothing more important about driving than any other activity out there.James is one of these guys. He's also the head writer at Donut Media, and he's more than willing to acknowledge he's a slow driver. He's also freely admitting to being a regular at Wendy's fast food, which was something his t-shirt was struggling to hide without too much success.The other James is the creative director at Donut Media, and he describes himself as a fast driver. He says he's grown up racing cars, which might have something to do with that. Today, though, he won't be doing any of that. Well, technically he will, only he'll be driving a Mitsubishi Rage (yes, it's a Mirage) hatchback around the track.James, on the other hand, will be slotting his Wendy's body behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG CLA45 sedan - not exactly a race car, but with 330-odd horsepower, it's still a massive improvement over the 78 of the Mitsubishi So, will the extra 252 horsepower prove to be decisive, or will the superior skill of the more experienced racing driver make all the difference? The two lined up at the starting line of the Willow Springs track to find out.At first glance, the gap between the two vehicles seems to be too significant. There's only so much skill can do against pushing the throttle pedal and nothing happening. Skill usually does its thing in the corners, but whatever the Rage James could make up for when turning, theJames would nullify in the straight bits.At least that's what the theory says. For the actual result of this "completely unscientific experiment," you'll have to watch the video below. It's quite short and equally entertaining.
Although theres been a death watch over Learjet for a year or more, the Bombardier subsidiary had cause for celebration last week. The iconic bizjet brand sold its 3,000th aircraft on June 2 and it coincidentally happened to be the 100th Learjet 75 produced by the Wichita plant. The aircraft was handed over to Leggett and Platt, a Missouri furniture manufacturer. Its the companys second Learjet 75. The event was attended by 1,300 people, most of them employees, with a smattering of local celebrities and Learjet founder Bill Lears daughter-in-law Brenda Lear. I think whats touched me today the most is to see the outpouring of people that wanted to be here when they heard about this event coming, said David Coleal, Bombardier Business Aircraft president. It really shows  the passion and the pride that this iconic brand instills in all of us every day.

The company most associated with the founding of the business jet sector began in Wichita in 1963 and was purchased by Bombardier in 1990. The Canadian company introduced four new models in the intervening 27 years but there are fears the 75 will be the last. Bombardier canceled the mostly composite Learjet 85 program last year because of tight finances and sales of the other models have dropped in recent years, leading analysts to believe the brand may be doomed. Coleal didnt directly address that issue in his remarks. The Wichita site has become a key pillar in Bombardiers future, Coleal said. The site has diversified and expanded, and truly represents what makes Bombardier exceptional. With all that said, our roots will always remain with Learjet.
5 June 2017 12:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The recent meeting of the defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey in Batumi marked the beginning of a promising military alliance in trilateral format.

The defense ministers of the three countries discussed issues of strengthening security of their countries and stability in the region as a whole. Following the meeting, the parties agreed on the creation of a new format of interaction between the General Staffs of the armed forces of the three countries in parallel with the existing format of trilateral cooperation at the level of heads of the defense ministries.

Obviously, this cooperation causes negative reaction in neighboring Armenia, which has started talking about the threat to its national security that allegedly comes from each of the three countries.

Azerbaijans political scientist Fikrat Sadikhov, commenting on the issue, noted that the new military alliance between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia intend to act as the unifying union against separatism and international terrorism for the security of their borders and the region as a whole.

I believe that for occupant Armenia this fact should be alarming and a real message from its neighbors, for territories of which Armenia groundlessly claims many years. Armenia pursues a policy of aggression and seizure to expand the geography of its living space, Sadikhov noted.

On the other hand, the alliance does not aim to assign someone else's territory and does not intend to threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia, notes the expert.

The coalition is aimed at preserving and restoring the territorial integrity of these countries, particularly Azerbaijan, as well as at improving the military and defense potential of these countries to protect their national interests, Sadikhov said.

Of course, appropriate plans for the prevention of various threats of terrorism, religious extremism will be outlined; therefore Armenia must draw conclusions from the current geopolitical situation, the new realities, and not irritate neighboring countries, Sadikhov noted.

The political scientist added that Armenias leadership should weigh the pros and cons and realize that it is perceived in the region as an aggressor country and and the whole world community is aware of that.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 June 2017 15:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Armenian presidents recent speech at the Parliament, in which he said that the number of the countrys population will reach 4 million in 2040, and the social burden will be reduced, was a surprise for all, and especially demographers. Because, the available is contrary to plans and wishes of Serzh Sargsyan.

Demographer Artak Markosyan, commenting on Sargsyans estimates, said that the figure is far from the reality.

Markosyan, talking to Armenias 1in.am agency, presented the data of the UN Population Fund, which has two scenarios on the population growth in Armenia by 2050: the country will have 3.2 million people at best, and 2 million at worst.

Armenia still has mobile population. That is, emigration does not cease, and after 2009 it shows a stable growth trend, Markosyan noted. It is unrealistic to speak about increase of the population on the backdrop of a continuing exile.

The expert reminded that as many as 81,200 children were born in Armenia in 1986. It was the peak of fertility, and the population number was fairly high until 1991, but after independence the birth rate began to decline, noted Markosyan.

Moreover, there was a sharp drop in the birth rate in the first trimester of 2017, and that was the lowest demography indicator over the past 25 years, Markosyan noted.

The population of Armenia was about 3.6 million in 1991, but after the Soviet breakup, the situation has extremely aggravated. Due to the government failures, socio-economic problems and poor prospects of living in Armenia, many of the countrys population decide to leave abroad. Now, Armenias population is even less than 3 million.

The youth mainly prefer to leave abroad as they cannot find appropriate jobs in their homeland. The current volume of unemployment in Armenia exceeds 18 percent of the able-to-work population, which is the highest indicator among the CIS.

The official data shows that the birth rate in Armenia for the first 3 months of this year has decreased by 6.5 percent as compared to the data of 2016, while the mortality rate has grown by 3.8 percent. This means people cannot afford to have children due to all the obstacles they face in Armenia.

Therefore, the population of the country keeps aging, and it wont be surprising if Armenias population will decline by 1 million until 2040 rather than increase, as Sargsyan expects.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 June 2017 11:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Joseph E. Stiglitz

Donald Trump has thrown a hand grenade into the global economic architecture that was so painstakingly constructed in the years after World War IIs end. The attempted destruction of this rules-based system of global governance  now manifested in Trumps withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 Paris climate agreement  is just the latest aspect of the US presidents assault on our basic system of values and institutions.

The world is only slowly coming fully to terms with the malevolence of the Trump administrations agenda. He and his cronies have attacked the US press  a vital institution for preserving Americans freedoms, rights, and democracy  as an enemy of the people. They have attempted to undermine the foundations of our knowledge and beliefs  our epistemology  by labeling as fake anything that challenges their aims and arguments, even rejecting science itself. Trumps sham justifications for spurning the Paris climate agreement is only the most recent evidence of this.

For millennia before the middle of the eighteenth century, standards of living stagnated. It was the Enlightenment, with its embrace of reasoned discourse and scientific inquiry, that underpinned the enormous increases in standards of living in the subsequent two and a half centuries.

With the Enlightenment also came a commitment to discover and address our prejudices. As the idea of human equality  and its corollary, basic individual rights for all  quickly spread, societies began struggling to eliminate discrimination on the basis of race, gender, and, eventually, other aspects of human identity, including disability and sexual orientation.

Trump seeks to reverse all of that. His rejection of science, in particular climate science, threatens technological progress. And his bigotry toward women, Hispanics, and Muslims (except those, like the rulers of Gulf oil sheikhdoms, from whom he and his family can profit), threatens the functioning of American society and its economy, by undermining peoples trust that the system is fair to all.

As a populist, Trump has exploited the justifiable economic discontent that has become so widespread in recent years, as many Americans have become downwardly mobile amid soaring inequality. But his true objective  to enrich himself and other gilded rent-seekers at the expense of those who supported him  is revealed by his tax and health-care plans.

Trumps proposed tax reforms, so far as one can see, outdo George W. Bush in their regressivity (the share of the benefits that go to those at the top of the income distribution). And, in a country where life expectancy is already declining, his health-care overhaul would leave 23 million more Americans without health insurance.

While Trump and his cabinet may know how to make business deals, they havent the slightest idea how the economic system as a whole works. If the administrations macroeconomic policies are implemented, they will result in a larger trade deficit and a further decline in manufacturing.

America will suffer under Trump. Its global leadership role was being destroyed, even before Trump broke faith with over 190 countries by withdrawing from the Paris accord. At this point, rebuilding that leadership will demand a truly heroic effort. We share a common planet, and the world has learned the hard way that we have to get along and work together. We have learned, too, that cooperation can benefit all.

So what should the world do with a babyish bully in the sandbox, who wants everything for himself and wont be reasoned with? How can the world manage a rogue US?

Germanys Chancellor Angela Merkel gave the right answer when, after meeting with Trump and other G7 leaders last month, she said that Europe could no longer fully count on others, and would have to fight for our own future ourselves. This is the time for Europe to pull together, recommit itself to the values of the Enlightenment, and stand up to the US, as Frances new president, Emmanuel Macron, did so eloquently with a handshake that stymied Trumps puerile alpha-male approach to asserting power.

Europe cant rely on a Trump-led US for its defense. But, at the same time, it should recognize that the Cold War is over  however unwilling to acknowledge it Americas industrial-military complex may be. While fighting terrorism is important and costly, building aircraft carriers and super fighter planes is not the answer. Europe needs to decide for itself how much to spend, rather than submit to the dictates of military interests that demand 2% of GDP. Political stability may be more surely gained by Europes recommitment to its social-democratic economic model.

We now also know that the world cannot count on the US in addressing the existentialist threat posed by climate change. Europe and China did the right thing in deepening their commitment to a green future  right for the planet, and right for the economy. Just as investment in technology and education gave Germany a distinct advantage in advanced manufacturing over a US hamstrung by Republican ideology, so, too, Europe and Asia will achieve an almost insurmountable advantage over the US in the green technologies of the future.

But the rest of the world cannot let a rogue US destroy the planet. Nor can it let a rogue US take advantage of it with unenlightened  indeed anti-Enlightenment  America first policies. If Trump wants to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement, the rest of the world should impose a carbon-adjustment tax on US exports that do not comply with global standards.

The good news is that the majority of Americans are not with Trump. Most Americans still believe in Enlightenment values, accept the reality of global warming, and are willing to take action. But, as far as Trump is concerned, it should already be clear that reasoned debate will not work. It is time for action.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Trumps Rogue America

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5 June 2017 10:33 (UTC+04:00)

Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center of Azercell Telecom LLC has opened an affiliate in the city of Gandja.

The new center supported by PASHA Bank will operate at the Azerbaijan Technologies University and will aim to support the youth in realizing their innovative ideas, organize training events and workshops, as well as interesting meetings about startups, assist in development of various projects and enable the university students to present their projects in Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.

Imran Baghirov, Head of Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, noted that Gandja Office will help to further upgrade knowledge and skills of the students. Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center has always conducted projects aimed for the development of the youth in the country and it continues its activities in this way. We have signed memorandums of cooperation with the educational institutions. Media center for students has been recently launched in Baku State University, he said.

Barama Innovation Center was founded in 2009 by Azercell with the aim to support entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan. The Center generally supports IT projects and start-ups operating in this industry and helps them become successful businesses. Barama Center has made a number of achievements during six years of its activity. More than 30 projects were launched at the center and 20 of them completed successfully. 4 companies have been established and successfully run operations. Barama has upgraded its activities since 2014 to become a professional business incubator and was introduced to the public with the name Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.

The leader of the mobile communication industry of Azerbaijan and the biggest investor in the non-oil sector Azercell Telecom LLC was founded in 1996. With 48 percent share of Azerbaijans mobile market Azercells network covers 80 percent of the territory and 99.8 percent of population of the country.

Currently, 4.5 million subscribers choose Azercell services. Azercell has pioneered an important number of innovations in Azerbaijan, including GSM technology, advance payment system, 24/7 Customer Care, online customer services, GPRS/EDGE, M2M, MobilBank, one-stop- shop service offices Azercell Express, mobile e-service ASAN signature, etc. Azercell deployed first 4G  LTE services in Azerbaijan in 2012.

According to the results of mobile network quality surveys of Global Wireless Solutions company and international systems specialized in wireless coverage mapping such as Opensignal and Testmy.net, Azercells network demonstrated the best results among the mobile operators of Azerbaijan.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 June 2017 11:19 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The structural reforms, including those in the banking sector, will help ensure the growth of Azerbaijan's GDP, reads the latest edition of the World Bank's (WB) Global Economic Prospects report.

The report says Azerbaijans economy will grow by 0.6 percent in 2018 and by 1.3 percent in 2019.

Many countries, including Azerbaijan, carried out reforms to strengthen the financial sector, reads the report. Since the beginning of 2017, Azerbaijan's economy began to recover, showing positive results.

Earlier in May, Chief Economist of the WBs Europe and Central Asia region Hans Timmer noted that Azerbaijan had accelerated structural reforms, including simplification of customs procedures and business licensing, which supports the development of the private sector.

Speaking about the ongoing reforms in the banking sector in the country, Timmer stressed that it is important to make sure that the banking sector remains healthy.

"The biggest challenge in this area is the need to form a banking sector that will help to create new jobs. The improvement of the banking sector should be supported not only by fiscal resources, but also by the relevant legislation in the field of bank restructuring and resolution, "Timmer said.

Founded in 1944, the World Bank has 189 member countries, staff from more 170 countries, and offices in over 130 locations.

The WB is a unique global partnership: five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries.

Today the Bank Groups work touches nearly every sector that is important to fighting poverty, supporting economic growth, and ensuring sustainable gains in the quality of peoples lives in developing countries.

Azerbaijan joined the World Bank Group in 1992.

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5 June 2017 13:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

An exhibition "Essential values", dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan Carpet Museum has opened in Belgrade.

The exhibition taking place in Ethnographic Museum is realized in accordance with the memorandum on the five-year cooperation in the field of museum development and preservation of the cultural heritage between Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and the Ethnographic Museum of Belgrade.

The event was co-organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Serbia and Azerbaijani Cultural Center, Azertac reported.

Directors of the Ethnographic Museum and Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Mirjana Menkovic and Zarifa Alizade addressed the event and spoke about the importance of the exhibition.

They noted that last year the Serbian carpets "Pirot Kilims" were displayed in Baku. The exhibition showcased the Pirot Kilims collection, which is one of the oldest and most important collections in Serbia, including 169 carpet products woven in 1792-1932.

Later, the participants were invited to view the samples of ancient Azerbaijani carpets. More than 40 carpets by carpet-weaver, founder of Azerbaijani carpet Museum Latif Kerimov were displayed at the exhibition,

The exhibition was followed by fascinating gala concert. The exhibition will run until July 1.

Latif Karimov, the eminent carpet master and scholar, had meticulously researched the history of Azerbaijani carpets and systematized 144 styles based on geographical regions (cities, towns, villages).

He was true protector of the national art and used to conduct courses on carpet weaving to introduce Iranian techniques that were not known to the Karabakh weavers. For students who were illiterate and could not take notes, he even composed goshmas (poetic genre) to get them to remember weaving procedures.

In addition to carpets, Karimov successfully designed jewelry, wood carvings, china and fabric patterns, as well as interior decoration patterns for buildings.

In 1954, Karimov organized his first personal exhibition which featured carpets, architectural ornaments, wood carvings, china vases, jewelry, and graphic items. His efforts and enthusiasm led to the establishment of the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum in 1967, first one of this kind in the world.

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum was named in his honor in 1991.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 June 2017 10:10 (UTC+04:00)

"SABAH Graduate" was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center on June 4.

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, Azertac reported.

SABAH groups were established in 34 specializations in 7 state higher education institutions in 2014-2015 academic year. SABAH groups now enroll more than 2,300 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.

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5 June 2017 10:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan has made good initial progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, according to a team of United Nations experts, who visited Baku last week.

The mission team, composed of experts from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), found thatdespite the countrys current economic challengesgood progress has been made in reducing poverty and expanding public and social services.

The team called attention to the need to reach out to particularly vulnerable population groups, as well as step up investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

Together with other UN Member States, Azerbaijan signed off on the 2015-2030 global sustainable development agenda at the September 2015 Sustainable Development Summit in New York. This summit also approved the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are now being used to measure progress in rich and poor countries alike in reducing poverty and inequalities while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in the preservation of the planets ecosystems.

To help countries implement this agenda, the UN is fielding expert missions that focus on aligning national development policies with the SDGs, as well as accelerating progress towards sustainable development. Azerbaijan is one of the first countries in the world to host such a mission.

The fact that Azerbaijan is one of the first countries to field such a mission is a very heartening indicator of the Governments commitment to the global development agenda, said Ghulam Isaczai, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, stressing that it also shows Azerbaijans leadership in putting the principles of sustainable development into practice.

Azerbaijan has made excellent progress in reducing poverty and social exclusionparticularly during the oil boom, Ben Slay, senior advisor to UNDPs Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS and the mission team leader pointed out.

The challenge is how to continue this progress during times of low oil prices, by creating more decent jobs while investing inrather than depletingthe countrys natural capital. Increased investments in wind and solar power technologies, as well as in energy efficiency, can extend Azerbaijans oil exports abroad while also creating green jobs at home.

During its week-long mission, the UN expert team held meetings with government officials as well as representatives of Azerbaijani civil society and leading think tanks. A report of the missions findings is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

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5 June 2017 11:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

An international conference has been organized to discuss the current situation in civil service, to exchange of experience and best practices in civil service training in Baku.

Representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Cabinet of Minister, 12 ministries, state services, state committees, judicial organs and nearly 40 executive power authorities took part in the work of the conference.

The conference was jointly organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union (EU) and the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The topic of the two-day conference is Modern Civil Service: new paradigms, innovation and practices that will address the issues of quality improvement of public services, existing know-hows, the role of training institution in developing relevant strategies and practices, and the impact of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to civil services in the world.

Rector of the Academy of Public Administration, Urkhan Alakbarov, addressing the event, informed the participants about the progress achieved in the civil service system of the country.

This conference and activities implemented under this joint project have been aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and will help the government to develop efficient civil service pipeline in Azerbaijan, Alakbarov said.

Isaczai stressed the important role of civil servants in achieving SDGs in Azerbaijan. Civil service should become a source of pride and prestige in a country. Professional civil servants play a key role in developing policies that are technically efficient and effective and also responsive to the needs of large sections of the population, he said.

This conference is a closing event of the UNDP Project on Support to the Civil Service Training in the Republic of Azerbaijan funded by EU and jointly implemented with the Academy of Public Administration.

Within the framework of the project, a training center has been established and equipped that will play an important role in coordination of the civil servants training and provision of the methodological assistance to state bodies and other training centers.

Project has also managed to accomplish set of tasks aimed at improving and introducing new teaching technics for civil servants. More than 30 training modules has been developed and delivered to the trainers of the Public Administration Academy, Training Centre premises in the Academy has been fully equipped, Library and Resource Centre was established with 200 books and publications on relevant thematic areas.

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5 June 2017 12:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

A solemn event dedicated to the 71st Anniversary of the new system of government in Italy was held in Baku on June 3.

On this day in 1946, Italy ceased to be a monarchy and moved to the republican system of government.

Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Giampaolo Coutillo greeted the guests of the evening saying that for 25 years, Italy and Azerbaijan have continued successful strategic cooperation based on three postulates -- political dialogue, economy and culture.

"Italy is the most important trade partner of Azerbaijan. We intend to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all directions," the ambassador said.



The event was also addressed by Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament Valeh Alasgarov, who congratulated the government and the people of Italy.

He stressed that Italy and Azerbaijan are reliable friends and partners for many years. "Italy and Azerbaijan have been developing successful economic cooperation for many years, which is the key to a successful political dialogue," the MP said.

Azerbaijan is an important economic partner of Italy. The Italian companies operate successfully in Azerbaijan, particularly, in the energy sector.

In 2016, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Italy amounted to $1.89 billion decreasing by 33.5 percent as compared to 2015. Italy, which has been ranking first among major trade partners of Azerbaijan during eight years, was the third in late 2016.

However, in early 2017, Italy again became the leader among Azerbaijans trade partners. The two countries trade turnover amounted to $461.5 million in January-March 2017, increasing by 41.4 percent as compared to the 1Q2016.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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5 June 2017 12:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Special Forces of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia are conducting joint exercises Caucasian Eagle in Tbilisi, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported on June 5.

The exercises, which are being held in accordance with an agreement between the Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian defense ministers, will continue until June 14.

The joint exercises of the three countries play an important role in strengthening the capabilities of their armed forces.

The Azerbaijani Army, which today is considered the most modern army in the Caucasus, consists of Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Navy, and the Land Forces.

The skills and combat readiness of the Azerbaijani army are growing year by year, as the countrys Armed Forces regularly conduct military exercises. The Azerbaijani army is supplied with modern weapons and technical equipment for maintaining a high level of combat capability.

The army building process is of particular importance for Azerbaijan, as twenty percent of the country's territory is under Armenian occupation and the country is in a state of war with Armenia.

---

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5 June 2017 15:53 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The World Economic Forum has assessed the Azerbaijani roads as the most qualitative in the CIS area.

The ranking of the international organization on quality of roads put Azerbaijan 50th among the world countries.



Neighboring Russia was ranked 123rd, Georgia 78th and Armenia 81st. Among Central Asian countries Tajikistan was placed 70th. Kazakhstan took 108th and Kyrgyzstan 131st places.

The rating of the best roads went to countries such as France, the UAE, Portuguese and Oman. The countries with worth roads are Moldova, Mozambique, Ukraine, Mauritania, Paraguay, Congo and Madagascar.

The road infrastructure is not only important for the functioning of the economy and wellbeing of population, but also serves development of the regional cooperation.

The road infrastructure modernization is among the main priorities of the Azerbaijani government. Huge investments are regularly made for the improvement of highways in the country.

Many who visit the country are satisfied with the quality of the countrys roads, in general, and in Baku, in particular.

Report for January-September 2016 of Azeravtoyol Company said that a total of 542.7 kilometers of roads were built, repaired and reconstructed throughout the countrys territory in January-September 2016.

The work on road improvement also included construction of 12 new road bridges and repair of five bridges.

More than 30 roads, avenues and streets with a total length of 63.2 kilometers were reconstructed and repaired in Baku.

All these works were carried out in accordance with the State Programs on Socio-Economic Development of regions of Azerbaijan for 2014-2018 and of Baku City and Its Settlements in 2014-2016, approved by President Ilham Aliyev.

--

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5 June 2017 15:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on June 5 to appoint Elchin Guliyev as the head of the State Border Service.

The State Border Service of Azerbaijan was established on 31 July 2002. The Service periodically holds exercises to improve the skills and experience of its staff.

--

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5 June 2017 16:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

An international conference titled "Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Trilateral Relations: A vision for Future" kicked off in Baku on June 5.

The conference is organized by the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan (SAM).

Addressing the event, Assistant to the President for Foreign Policy Issues, Department Head Novruz Mammadov hailed the contributions of the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey cooperation format to the relations.

He underlined the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars projects as the examples of this cooperation. Mammadov hailed good prospects for trilateral relationship.

Mammadov added that Turkey's membership in NATO and signing of the Association Agreement between Georgia and the EU do not hinder the development of this cooperation, but rather contribute to the security, stability and sustainable development in the region.

Mammadov went on to say that the North-South corridor cooperation format created two years ago between Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran, has a great future as well.

These formats are effective because national, economic and political interests coincide, he said.

Speaking at the conference, the Director of the SAM under the President of Azerbaijan, Farhad Mammadov, brought to the attention of the conference participants that the trilateral cooperation of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey has great experience and history.

The SAM director stressed that the recent projects  the transport agreement, the construction of ports, the signing of the agreement with China, the securing of Turkey's access to the Central Asian region, the role of Azerbaijan in the development of the West-East corridor  create new opportunities for cooperation.

Mammadov underlined that the cooperation of the three states in ensuring peace and stability in the region is of great importance.

"History shows that this cooperation has strengthened our independence. Ensuring our security is not directed against other states. However, some circles abroad say that this format is directed against someone. In this matter, they pursue their goals. We must protect this format," Mammadov added.

Chairman of the Center for Strategic Studies under the Foreign Ministry of Turkey Mesut Ozcan also stressed the importance of Azerbaijan-Turkey-Georgia trilateral cooperation.

The chief research fellow at the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies Kakha Gogolashvili, while speaking at the event, noted that the geopolitical location of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey allows ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

"Political changes in our countries in no way affect the relationship between our states. The format of tripartite cooperation allows us to discuss our problems and relies on the interests of our countries. All three countries support each other's territorial integrity, he said.

Gogolashvili also stressed that Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey support each other in the process of European integration.

Georgia has signed an associative agreement with the EU, Turkey discusses membership in the European Union, Azerbaijan is negotiating a new agreement - all three countries in the broad sense of this word are part of the European community. Our cooperation in this direction is very important," he said.

Turkey supports Georgia in its membership in NATO, and we believe that we will become a member of the Alliance. This is important for Azerbaijan. It will be a guarantee for Georgia in terms of protecting its territories and will impact the entire region," Gogolashvili concluded.

The conference continued with panel discussions.

The event features discussions on the development of cooperation between the three strategic allies as well as security challenges for trilateral relations, security aspects of relations and tools for fighting non-traditional threats.

The conference brings together acclaimed experts from Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia, including chairman of the Strategic Research Center under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, director of Center for EU Studies at Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, director of Political, Economic and Social Studies Foundation, chief research fellow at the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies.

---

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5 June 2017 17:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Baku Telephone Communications Production Association will launch the Secure Internet project in the near future, a source in the telecommunication market of Azerbaijan told Trend on June 5.

The project is aimed at helping users of the BakinterNet Internet service provider in filtering unwanted Internet content.

The content filtering service will protect children from the influence of inappropriate sites by limiting their access to certain digital content. These include web pages containing adult content, gambling, profanity, information promoting violence, etc. Users will be granted access only to trusted Internet sites, which have been filtered and comprise only useful information.

The service will not be limited only to ensuring the safety of children and the younger generation from the negative influence of the global network. It also provides protection from viruses, phishing, etc.

In Azerbaijan, with over 9.8 million people, about 77 percent of the population has an internet connection.

Today, children start their acquaintance with high technology and the Internet from early infancy. Adults should realize both physiological and psychological danger of the Internet and all the means to access it.

Earlier, the Teaching and Innovation Center of the Institute of Information Technologies of ANAS reported it will create a center of child safety on the Internet. The Center will be engaged in an intellectual analysis of the obtained information, thus playing an important role in solving this problem.

---

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5 June 2017 13:28 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The price of oil rose in Asia trade on June 5 after Saudi Arabia led a group of four Arab states to cut off diplomatic ties with the State of Qatar.

The price for August futures of Brent crude oil increased by 0.98 percent to $50.44 per barrel, the price for July futures of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) jumped by 1.01 percent and stood at $48.14 per barrel.



Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt said they would sever diplomatic ties with Qatar. Saudi Arabia said it was severing ties with Qatar for the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism.

Last month, Qatar's state-controlled news agency posted comments purportedly from its emir that praised Iran and called Hamas the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Qatar said its state news agency had been hacked, but Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt nevertheless blocked the websites of several Qatari news outlets.

Still, market participants will be watching to see if Qatar, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), decides to disrupt the production cutback deal.

"This means Qatar may have little reason to keep the production quota and if that happens, it might encourage other OPEC members to cheat too," said Phin Ziebell, the Senior Analyst of National Australia Bank.

Another factor affecting the oil prices is the statistics released by the US Baker Hughes company. The number of drilling rigs in the U.S. has increased by 0.88 percent to 916 over the working week ending June 2, according to the date of Baker Hughes.

In annual terms, the number of drilling rigs increased by 508 units, or more than 2.25 times.

U.S. crude production has averaged more than 9.3 million barrels a day for four straight weeks. The government now expects production to reach nearly 10 million barrels a day next year.

President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement on Thursday sparked additional concerns that the U.S. oil production could expand rapidly in the absence of a stringent focus on curbing the use of fossil fuels.

The increase in U.S. drilling activity and shale production has mostly offset efforts by OPEC and other producers to cut output in a move to prop up the market.

OPEC and some non-OPEC producers extended a deal to cut 1.8 million barrels per day in supply until March 2018 in Vienna on May 25.

---

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5 June 2017 12:37 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Roughly 2,237,140 tons of Azerbaijani oil was transported via the BTC main export pipeline in May 2017.

Over 10 million tons of oil was transported via this pipeline in January-May. In general, more than 332 million tons of oil has been pumped to BTC since the start of pipeline exploitation until June 1, 2017.

In addition, overall 561, 762 tons of Turkmen oil was pumped via BTC in May 2017.

Some 2 million tons of Azerbaijani oil was delivered from Ceyhan Port to the world market in May 2017.

SOCAR reported that 1,322 million tons of this volume was the oil of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan Republic.

During January-May of 2017, the volume of the exported oil from Ceyhan Port to the world market totaled 10, 275 million.

In general, 330,110 million tons of Azerbaijani oil has been exported from Ceyhan Port to the world market since the start of BTC exploitation until June 1, 2017.

Baku-Tbilisi Ceyhan pipeline carries oil from the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field and condensate from Shah Deniz across Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey.

The pipe links Sangachal terminal on the shores of the Caspian Sea to Ceyhan marine terminal on the Turkish Mediterranean coast.

---

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5 June 2017 11:11 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The Turkish section of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway corridor (BTK) will be ready by the end of June, Turkish Minister of Transport, Maritime and Communication Ahmet Arslan said during the inspection of the railway in the Kars province.

Arslan arrived in Kars province on June 3 to inspect the BTK. The ministry reported that for now it is necessary to complete minor works for completing the project.

The BTK railway has come to the fore as a critical project at the western end of the Silk Road.

The BTK railway is being constructed on the basis of the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey intergovernmental agreement.

Peak capacity of the railway will be 17 million tons of cargo per year. At the initial stage, it will serve one million passengers and transport 6.5 million tons of cargo.

BTK project is expected to further strengthen the neighborly and fraternal relations among the three countries and enable the countries to supply domestically produced goods to the world markets.

The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) invested some $630.2 million in the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project as of January 1, 2017. Last year, the fund allocated $41.9 million for the implementation of the project.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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5 June 2017 12:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The National Holding Company Uzbekneftegaz and Russia's Gazprom PJSC signed an agreement on strategic cooperation, a representative of the Uzbek holding told Trend.

The document was inked by Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Uzbekneftegaz Gulomzhon Ibragimov and CEO of Gazprom energy company Alexei Miller in the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum  2017.

The document envisages cooperation between the parties in the implementation of new projects in the territory of Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the agreement, the parties will cooperate, in particular, in the field of reconstruction, construction and operation of gas infrastructure facilities, geological exploration, production, processing and storage of hydrocarbons as well as use of compressed and liquefied natural gas for autonomous gasification.

Gazprom has been cooperating with Uzbekistan since 2002. Then, Gazprom International completed a five-year exploration program on investment blocks in the Ustyurt region, which resulted in the discovery of the Jel gas field in 2009. The parties plan to sign a production sharing agreement (PSA) on Jel.

Gas Project Development Central Asia AG (GPD, a subsidiary of Gazprom International) is a member of a consortium that since 2004 under the PSA has been building and reconstructing the Shakhpakhty field in the northwest of Uzbekistan.

GPD also owns 25 percent of the equity participation of Kokdumalakgaz joint venture (JV), which is engaged in the extraction and utilization of associated gas in the fields in the Kashkadarya region.

This year, GPD and Uzbekneftegaz created Natural Gas Stream for joint exploration and development of gas fields in the Ustyurt region.

GPD will also take part in the construction of a new oil refinery in the Jizzakh region.

In April, Uzbekistans government signed PSA on the investment block "Independence of Uzbekistan" with supplementary exploration and development of the '25 years of independence' gas field with a consortium of investors in the GPD, Altmax Holding Ltd. and Uzneftegazdobycha (part of Uzbekneftegaz). The total volume of investments under the PSA is estimated at the level of $5.8 billion.

The project is designed for 30 years. At the initial stage, it provides for the creation of capacities for extraction and processing of up to 2 billion cubic meters of gas per year, at the second stage the capacities can be increased to 4 billion cubic meters. It is planned to build a gas chemical complex on the basis of the '25 years of independence' field.

In April, within the framework of the visit of the Uzbek president to Russia, Gazprom and Uzbekneftegaz signed a five-year contract on Gazproms purchase of 4 billion cubic meters of gas annually.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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5 June 2017 17:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Russian President Vladimir Putin has anew rebuffed the accusations about his country's interference into the recent presidential elections in the United States.

The allegations over Moscow's support to the president-elect Donald Trump caused enormous reaction in the media, thus putting a shadow on the illegitimacy of the polls.

U.S. officials and many observers believe that Putin wanted to decrease Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's chances of election because she publicly took a tough stance over Russia.

Putin used an interview aired on June 4 on NBC to distance himself from the controversy over suspicions of Russian interference in election process which set back Russia's hopes to improve strained ties with the U.S.

Putin expressed his conviction that no outside interference can affect the final result of the elections in any country, not even in a small, much less "in such a great power as the United States."

During the interview, Putin underlined that the United States itself has a history of meddling in foreign elections.

"Put your finger anywhere on a map of the world, and everywhere you will hear complaints that American officials are interfering in internal electoral processes," he said.

Putin claimed that Russia has a preference in an election but only reacts to the "political direction" that the United States seems to be heading in.

He also called a load of nonsense the idea that Russia has damaging information on President Donald Trump and denies having any relationship with him.

In addition to being unable to influence elections in any country from outside, the president cited NBC other arguments against Russia's accusations of such attempts. He suggested that skilled hackers anywhere, including the U.S., could shift the blame for hacking onto Russia.

Putin repeatedly rejected claims that Russian hackers had acted to help Trump win the election  an assertion that has been substantiated by multiple U.S. intelligence agencies. Officials at those organizations have said Putin personally ordered an influence campaign in an intelligence report ordered by former President Barack Obama.

I havent seen, even once, any direct proof of Russian interference in the presidential election in the United States, the president said at the interview.

Putin commented on individual meetings of Trump team members with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak, as well as the fact that he himself sat at a table with Michael Flynn in 2015, who became an adviser to the U.S. president for national security in 2017 and soon left this post because of accusations of hiding contacts with Russian representatives.

Putin said that he practically did not talk to Flynn, and learned about the fact that Flynn had previously had a relationship with the U.S. special services later.

He also stated that he has not heard of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushners proposal to create a closed communication channel between Trump's team and the Russian leadership using Russian diplomatic missions and equipment.

U.S. Congress is currently investigating the possible Russian intervention in the presidential election, during which Donald Trump has won. At the same time, there are regular reports in the American media about the contacts of members of Trump's campaign headquarters with Russian officials and businessmen. Russia repeatedly denied such accusations while Kremlin called them "absolutely unsubstantiated."

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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5 June 2017 18:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Russias Gazprom is ready to consider the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), designed to transport natural gas from Azerbaijan to the EU countries, as an option for gas supplies to Europe, Kommersant newspaper reported referring to its sources.

Gazprom is now leaning towards the Poseidon gas pipeline as the main option for the supply of gas through Greece to Italy.

On June 1, Head of the Italian gas transportation company Snam Marko Alver, at a meeting with Gazprom head Alexei Miller, suggested to use the TAP extension instead of Poseidon for the second thread of the Turkish Stream.

This is at least twice as cheap as Poseidon, according to Snam. The resource base of TAP is the second phase of development of the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field.

Gazprom has not commented on the issue, but showed readiness to consider TAP as an additional option.

The sources in the company say that the leadership of Gazprom has a very good relationship with Edison - "the partners were the first to offer Poseidon, and to refuse it without good reason would be wrong."

"But it is already clear that to build Poseidon in the optimal time for Gazprom, until the end of 2019, when the second thread of the Turkish Stream is to be completed, will be very difficult. In March, Edison spokesman Elio Ruggieri said that it takes two years to prepare the project and three more to build.

This means that by 2020, when the transit contract with Ukraine expires, Gazprom will be able to receive technical opportunities only for the delivery of Turkish Stream gas to Bulgaria and Greece, but not to Italy.

TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union. The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.

The pipeline will connect to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italys south.

TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 kilometers, Albania 215 kilometers, Adriatic Sea 105 kilometers, and Italy 8 kilometers).

TAPs shareholding is comprised of BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

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5 June 2017 14:34 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Turkish low cost carrier Pegasus Airlines plans to launch direct flight between Baku and Ankara, Sales Director of the Company Emre Pekesen told Trend.

Pekesen said that from June Pegasus Airlines will be operating a second hub in Turkey, Ankara and the company is currently working on obtaining permissions to launch a direct flight between Ankara and Baku.

The companys spokesperson stated that the permissions from the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority to launch this direct flight have been already obtained and Pegasus is now awaiting the corresponding permissions from the Azerbaijani Civil Aviation Authority.

"If this permission is granted on time, our plan would be to launch Ankara-Baku flights this summer and additionally connect Baku via Ankara to more than 20 other connections within Turkey and further beyond in Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa," Pekesen said.

He stressed that Azerbaijan has always been an important market and one which the company values greatly.

He went on to add that Pegasus Airlines has been awaiting permission for almost five years to open direct flights between its base airport Sabiha Gokcen in Istanbul and Baku but due to the bilateral agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey, which only permit one carrier from each country on the route, the company has so far not been able to launch those flights despite its great wish and readiness to do so.

"We are monitoring this closely in the belief that we need a more liberal Air Services Agreement which would allow to provide more flights and more airlines to operate as a result which would serve to realize the full potential of our trade and tourism relations," Pekesen said.

He also noted that previously Pegasus Airlines launched direct flight between Istanbul and Azerbaijani Gabala. However, due to preference for guests to fly to Baku, it was not profitable enough and the company unfortunately had to close this route.

Pegasus is a Turkish low-cost airline with a fleet of 77 modern aircrafts. In 2016 the company transported over 24 million of passengers.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
R.H. Bruce Lockhart was a British Government agent in Russia before and after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. He met all the main leaders of the Tsarist regime, the Provisional Government as well as the Soviet leaders, Lenin and Trotsky. His first-hand experiences and lucid observations were published in his remarkable book entitled Memoirs of a British Agent in 1932. It became an instant best-seller in Britain and America. Although it presents things from the standpoint of a staunch supporter of the British establishment, it is nevertheless a fascinating account.

Coming from a privileged upper class background, Lockhart found employment in the higher echelons of the British Foreign Office. In early 1912, he was responsible for overseeing a Parliamentary Delegation to Russia and was soon appointed as Vice-Consul at the British Consulate in Moscow. In this capacity, he met a whole host of dignitaries with connections to Russian upper class life.

The Tsar and the War

The First Word War proved a fundamental turning-point. The tsarist regime entered the war with great confidence and its early triumphs stiffened its resolve. However, the wave of patriotism which swept the country did not last.

Russia was dominated by the autocratic Tsar Nicholas and above all his wife, the Tsarina. His blind obstinacy gave rise to frequent frictions within the regime. Moscow, always much more anti-German that St Petersburg, was a perfect cesspool of rumours of pro-German intrigues in high places, writes Lockhart. In his diary for February 1915, he notes, Today an officer telephoned to ask when England was going to rid Russia of the German woman, which was a reference to the Empress. This is the third time that this kind of thing has happened this week. It was to happen still more frequently as the months passed.

Things started going badly on the German front. The Russian advance into Austria had stalled. Lockhart reported the growing anti-government mood, with increasing socialist anti-government and anti-war agitation taking place amongst the workers. There was a growing antagonism between the masses and the regime, especially against the Tsarina. Riots broke out in Moscow. For the first time since 1905, wrote Lockhart, the mob had felt its power. It's appetite for disorder had been whetted.

Lockhart greatly admired the British Ambassador, Sir George Buchanan, who had foreseen the catastrophe that was approaching and attempted to warn the Russian autocracy. But to no avail. One day, Buchanan went to see the Tsar personally. He informed me that if the Emperor received him sitting down all would be well. The Tsar received him standing. Typical of the Foreign Office, Buchanan was treated as a scapegoat for the coming revolution.

To the aristocracy, states Lockhart, the complete absolutism of the Tsar was something more than a religion. It was the rock on which its own sheltered existence was built.

Things got progressively worse on the Russian front. There was retreat in Galicia and the Carpathians as the Germans advanced on Warsaw, which finally fell in the summer of 1915. Rumours quickly spread of Russian troops manning trenches with no guns or ammunition. But there were worse things to come.

The Liberal politicians politely demanded reforms and more representative government. But the authorities resisted, fearing that reforms would open the road to revolution. The Tsars reply was to dissolve the Duma and dismiss the most popular ministers. He then appointed himself Supreme Commander, states Lockhart. It was the most fatal of the many blunders of the unfortunate Nicholas II, for Commander-in-Chief he became personally responsible in the eyes of the people for the long succession of defeats which owing to Russias technical difficulties were now inevitable.

In my own mind, the feeling of inevitable disaster became stronger and stronger, he wrote. The inexorable hand of fate was already stretched out over the ruling class of Russia. Rasputin, the mad monk, had so much influence over the Tsarina and the Tsar, that it caste a cloak of mysticism over the whole regime. Under the strain of so much madness the last props of Tsarism were falling away.

There was increasing discontent not only in the villages but also in the trenches. The Tsar simply brushed this to one side. What is all this talk about my peoples confidence? he barked. Let the people merit my confidence.

Not surprisingly, the Tsar and Tsarina were great admirers of the fascist Black Hundreds and their pogroms against the Jews.

The revolution begins

Lockhart reveals that the atmosphere in St Petersburg was more depressing than ever. Champagne flowed like water, he wrote, describing the frivolity of the upper classes. And in the streets were the long queues of ill-clad men and garrulous women, waiting for the bread that never came.

In the factories, revolutionary propaganda had a huge impact. The shortage of bread provoked a series of riots. Then, on 12th March (new calendar) a bread riot turned into a revolution, to use Lockharts words. Within five days, the old regime had collapsed and the Tsar had fled. In Moscow there was no bloodshed. There was no one left to defend the old regime, notes Lockhart. My most vivid memory of that afternoon was the warmth of the surging mob before the Town Duma.

"What is important to realise is that from the first the revolution was a revolution of the people, explained Lockhart. Describing the sweep of the revolution, he says that The floodgates of three hundred years had been swept away. The Allies were stunned by the revolution, which they were forced to greet first with feigned enthusiasm and then with increasing alarm.

As in 1905, the revolution threw up workers councils or Soviets. The old regime had collapsed and power was in their hands. However, under the influence of the Mensheviks and Social Revolutionaries, they handed power to a Provisional government, headed by Prince Lvov. He would have made an excellent chairman of the London County Council, writes Lockhart. The Provisional Government was composed of bourgeois representatives, who threw away their tsarist braids for democratic credentials.

The Allied powers were desperate to get the new Provisional government to continue the war. However, the masses wanted bread, land and above all peace. The new government resisted these demands, and therefore became increasingly unpopular. Even when the socialist Kerensky assumed the premiership, there was no change of policy.

Caught between the cross-fires of the Bolshevik Left, explains Lockhart, which was screaming peace at every street-corner and in every trench, and the Right and of the Allies who were demanding the restoration of discipline by Tsarist methods, he [Kerensky] had no chance. And he fell, because whoever had tried to do what he did was bound to fail.

The Soviets under pressure from the masses talked of peace without annexations. But as Lockhart reveals, It was a formulae which caused considerable annoyance and even anxiety to the English and French governments, which had already divided up the spoils of victory not yet won, in the form of both annexations and contributions.

Bolsheviks in power

Finally, in September, the Bolsheviks succeeded in winning a majority in the Soviets on the basis of bread, land and peace and all power to the Soviets. Within a month, the Bolsheviks were in power. I had long foreseen the inevitability of the Bolshevik Revolution, states Lockhart. I could not share the general belief, stimulated by the opinion of nearly all the Russian experts in London that the Lenin regime could not last more than a few weeks and that then Russia would revert to Tsarism or a military dictatorship. He then adds, Rather futilely I sought to combat the firmly-rooted conviction that Lenin and Trotsky were German staff officers in disguise or at least servile agents of German policy.

Lockhart had been forced to leave Russia for medical reasons before the Bolsheviks had taken power but was soon sent back to unofficially establish links with the Bolsheviks. However, his diplomacy ended in failure as the push for military intervention by the imperialist powers gained the upper hand.

The October Revolution was greeted favourably by workers everywhere. However, the capitalists internationally saw it as a deadly threat. The Russian bourgeois were desperate to overthrow the revolution by any means they could and get back their property. As Lockhart explained, The one aim of every Russian bourgeois (and 99 per cent of the so-called loyal Russians were bourgeois) was to secure the intervention of British troops (and, failing British, German troops) to re-establish order in Russia, suppress Bolshevism and restore to the bourgeois his property.

The consensus of official opinion in London seemed to be that Bolshevism would be swept away within a few weeks, explained Lockhart. The bourgeoisie were openly delighted at the prospect of a German advance, which had emboldened the anti-Bolshevik press to attack the Bolsheviks with a frenzied fury.

Lenin and Trotsky

When Lockhart returned to Moscow he had an interview with Trotsky in the Russian Foreign Office. He struck me as perfectly honest and sincere in his bitterness against the Germans, he says. He has a wonderfully quick mind and a rich, deep voice. With his broad chest, his huge forehead, surmounted by great masses of black, waving hair, his strong, fierce eyes, and his heavy protruding lips, he is the very incarnation of the revolutionary of the bourgeois caricatures.

He also met with Lenin. He received me in a small room on the same floor as Trotsky's. It was untidy and bare of all trappings except a writing desk and a few plain chairs. It was not only my first interview with Lenin. It was the first time that I had set eyes on him Yet in those steely eyes there was something that arrested my attention, something in that quizzing, half-contemptuous, half-smiling look which spoke of boundless self-confidence and conscious superiority.

Later I was to acquire a considerable respect for his intellectual capacity, but at that moment I was more impressed by his tremendous will-power, his relentless determination, and his lack of emotion.

Lockhart gives a frank appraisal of life in St. Petersburg during this period. The Bolsheviks had not yet succeeded in establishing the iron discipline which today (1932) characterises their regime, he says. They had, in fact, made little attempt to do so. There was no terror, nor was the population particularly afraid of its new masters. The anti-Bolshevik newspapers continued to appear and to attack the Bolshevik policy with violent abuse The bourgeoisie, still confident that the Germans would soon send the Bolshevik rabble about its business, was more cheerful than one might have expected in such disturbing circumstances. The population was starving, but the rich still had money. Restaurants and cabarets were still open, and the cabarets at any rate were crowded.

Lockhart actually pins the blame for violence not on the Bolsheviks but on the imperialists. This is in complete contradiction to todays historians, who do everything to blacken the name of the Bolsheviks. I mention this comparative tolerance of the Bolsheviks, because the cruelties which followed later were the result of the intensification of the civil war. For the intensification of that bloody struggle, (the) Allied intervention, with the false hopes it raised, was largely responsible I do suggest that our intervention intensified the terror and increased the bloodshed.

Lockhart reveals that the situation was so easy going, that the Bolsheviks gave him practically a free hand. He was even able to attend a meeting of the Executive Meeting of the Soviets. Again, this flies in the face of those modern-day historians who are keen to play up the so-called dictatorship of the Bolsheviks. We had no difficulty in seeing the various Commissars, relates Lockhart. We were even allowed to be present at certain meetings of the Central Executive Committee. On one occasion we went to hear the debate on the new army. In those early days the Bolshevik Parliament held its meetings in the main restaurant of the Metropole Hotel, which had been renamed the First House of Soviets.

At the debate he met Lenin, Trotsky (who spoke) and Radek. He says he also shook hands with another man. I paid little attention to him. He himself said nothing. He did not seem of sufficient importance to include in my gallery of Bolshevik portraits. If he had been announced then to the assembled Party as the successor of Lenin, the delegates would have roared with laughter. The man was the Georgian Djugashvilli, known today to the whole world as Stalin, the man of steel.

This again confirms the position of Stalin as a grey blob of the revolution, only brought to power with the victory of the bureaucracy.

Imperialism, counter-revolution, and civil war

Lockhart reveals the actions of the German occupation, which supported the counter-revolution. They had set up a bourgeois Russian Government in the Ukraine, whose first action was to restore the land to its former owners. This naturally provoked a peasant revolt which was suppressed with great cruelty.

Moreover, the military support which the Germans had afforded to the White Finns in the Finnish civil war, was another factor to our advantage. Germany seemed to be taking the side of reaction.

The Allied armies also sided with the Whites. The British intervention did not take place until 4th August. Lockhart relates that as a result of the increased danger which now threatened them, the Bolsheviks tightened up their discipline.

The Whites were led to believe that Allied military support would be forthcoming in decisive strength. The figure generally mentioned was two Allied divisions for Archangel and several Japanese divisions for Siberia. Encouraged by these hopes, the anti-Bolshevik forces began to increase their activities. On 21st June, Volodarsky, the Bolshevik Commissar for Press Affairs in St. Petersburg, was assassinated on his return from a meeting at the Obuchoff Works. The Bolshevik reply was swift. In his speech to the St. Petersburg Soviet, Uritski, the head of the local Cheka, made a violent attack on England in which he accused the English of organising the dead Commissar's murder. The next day Schastny, the Commander-in-Chief of the Baltic Fleet, who had been a prisoner in the Kremlin, was condemned to death and shot. At the trial, Trotsky distinguished himself by the violence of his language. The Terror was beginning.

Clearly, the Bolsheviks were involved in a defence of the revolution, attacked by both the Whites and the Allied Powers. Lockhart conspired with the counter-revolutionaries. ...I increased my contact with the anti-Bolshevik forces, states Lockhart. As far as we were concerned, they were represented in Moscow by an organisation called the Centre, which was subdivided into two wings of Left and Right, and by the League of the Regeneration of Russia founded by Savinkoff. [...] The White generals regarded Savinkoff with suspicion. Indeed, about this period I received a letter from General Alexeieff in which he stated that he would sooner co-operate with Lenin and Trotsky than with Savinkoff or Kerensky. Both organisations were agreed on one point only. They wanted Allied aid and Allied money.

The Bolsheviks faced a new threat. This time from the Left Social-Revolutionaries, who were part of the government, but who resigned in protest at the Brest Litovsk treaty. Secretly, the Left Social-Revolutionaries began to prepare fantastic plans for the overthrow of the Bolshevik Government and for a renewal of the war with Germany.

The foreign intervention added to the alarm. According to Lockhart, It raised hopes which could not be fulfilled. It intensified the civil war and sent thousands of Russians to their death. Indirectly, it was responsible for the Terror.

Lockharts book is very revealing. The fact that it is written by an opponent of Bolshevism is even more remarkable. It is certainly far more honest than the books churned out today about the Russian revolution.
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'A clear sign of the demonic'  Archbishop of Canterbury on London's Islamist terror

Jane Austen had an apt phrase for everything. Winchester's most famous daughter is buried in the city's cathedral.

There, 3,500 people gathered yesterday to mark the end of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Thy Kingdom Come initiative.

To one side, away from the Matt Redman music, the hands raised in praise and the throng of all ages, were words that Jane Austen had written in her Book of Common Prayer.

'Have mercy, oh gracious Father, upon all those that are suffering. Give them patience under every affliction, strengthen, comfort and relieve them.' In the wake of the terrorist attack in London on Saturday night, in which seven people were killed and 48 others were injured, it seemed appropriate.

Between Ascension and Pentecost, hundreds of thousands of people in 85 countries have been praying for people they know. Three million people have joined in on social media. Two million have watched the daily videos posted online.

It was all meant to end so triumphantly in the closing, commissioning service in Winchester Cathedral: sending people out to continue to pray.

Then three terrorists created carnage in central London.

So the mood among the congregation  all standing, except for the very old and very young  was expectant when the Archbishop of Canterbury stood up to speak.

He said that the terrorist attack had been 'a clear sign of the demonic and chaos'.

The Church, he said, was 'only a club, and not a very good one' without the Holy Spirit.

But, with the Holy Spirit, 'the club becomes the greatest army in history. It grows into an army without weapons, an army of peace that overthrows empires and brings revolution with hope. 'The Holy Spirit,' he said, 'brings order out of chaos.'

For two hours people stood, sang, prayed, and frequently cried. This was not solely an event for the young, though a local girl, sitting her GCSEs this week, read a prayer.

All ages were gathered in a sign of very British unity. The elderly with sticks or crutches, sat in the side aisles. A toddler carrying her toy panda danced behind an artist drawing a dove in chalks.

A young woman, her hair in dreadlocks, wore a sweatshirt bearing the logo, 'Keep Psalm and carry on'. And at one point, I found myself sitting next to a bishop on his knees on the stone flagged floor, deep in prayer.

Many more sat outside on camping chairs, wrapped up against the chill evening air.

Winchester Cathedral has seen it all, of course. Its choir is world famous. It has the longest nave in Europe.

But beyond the grandeur, the local people who worship there are good at facing adversity. When it looked like the cathedral might collapse into the surrounding water meadows, when cracks started to appear in the early 1900s, the cathedral seemed in danger. A deep-sea diver, William Walker, worked under the cathedral every day for six years, shoring it up with bags of concrete.

Its West Window was smashed during Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. The local people, undeterred, collected the pieces, and years later, tried to put it back together again. They couldn't make all the pieces fit, so the picture is lost in a kaleidoscope of bits and bobs of colour.

And yesterday, simply by turning up to pray, the 3,500 local people were saying that they would not be cowed by terrorism and that they put their trust in God. Perhaps there is hope, after all.
Dear America: A letter to the US about the London attack

Dear America,

First, thank you for caring about the latest terrorist attack in London. There's been a outpouring of love and support that's been really heartening, and we're grateful. You'll understand if I exempt your President from that. Misrepresenting our (Muslim) London mayor and making strange remarks about gun control don't do him any favours over here, I'm afraid. On the other hand, thank you so much for Ariana Grande, who at only 23 years old has shown grace, courage and a maturity way beyond her years. Her concert yesterday was just what Manchester needed. She's a credit to your nation and you should be proud of her.

But I'm writing this because I want to stress a couple of things.

First: what happened in London on Saturday night, and in Manchester before that, and on Westminster Bridge before that, was horrible and disgusting. And yes, people are a bit nervous. They tend to think a bit more about where the exits are on trains and are more watchful in public places. But with all due respect to the New York Times, we aren't 'reeling', or anything like it. We're sad and shocked, but calm and resolute. Check out the #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling hashtag if you want to know how we really feel.

Why? I'd like to think Brits are just tougher and less excitable than less favoured nations, but I don't think that's really true. It may be that we're more used to it  we had three decades of Irish republican terrorism to contend with, after all. But there's also a simple numerical calculation. It sounds heartless, but it isn't  we do genuinely grieve for the dead and injured. But around 9 million people live in London. Seven died on Saturday. It takes more than that to make a city that's gone through the Blitz and 30 years of the IRA 'reel'.

Second, though, and more importantly. Your President used Saturday's attack to reiterate his call for a travel ban on people from Muslim countries. That probably wasn't very wise, as one of the reasons why the courts struck it down because it was religious discrimination  banned under your constitution  and those tweets just reinforce that.

People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

Another well-known conservative, Franklin Graham, has returned to the charge as well. He said on Facebook: 'Since 9/11, I have been warning America about the dangers of the teachings of Islam. Followers of Islam are taught very troubling passages that encourage them to murder and maim those they refer to infidels, or nonbelievers.'

He goes on to warn about the dangers of radicalisation, which is fair enough. But he goes on to talk about the 'threat of Islam', to implictly back Trump's travel ban, and to pray that the US  and the UK  will 'wake up before it's too late'.

I suspect Graham speaks for many on the right of American religion and politics (the tweet above was liked 27,000 times and retweeted 7,400 times). As far as the travel ban goes  that, of course, is up to your courts, though it's worth saying that the terrorist attacks on the UK have come from people born and bred here. A travel ban wouldn't have helped at all.

However, what I'd really like to get across is that for most Christians in the UK  and for most citizens, with the exception of a small and deeply unpleasant far-right grouping  Islam is not a threat. Muslims are not the enemy. We live alongside them. They are our colleagues and our friends. We vote for them to be London's mayor or to represent us in parliament or on our local council. We share the same concerns about the secularisation of our young people and the influence of a godless society. We note that Islam is growing in the UK. But converting Muslims, or stopping them converting other people, is not our main priority. We're only too aware that there are millions of native Brits who've turned their backs on the Church. If a few of them decide to go to mosques instead that's hardly a thing, when you think of how many are left.

We are deeply, deeply aware of the dangers of extremism. Of course that's more of a danger in the Muslim community and they need help dealing with it. But we don't believe you can blame a whole religion for the actions of a few people who pervert it. The Lord's Resistance Army doesn't represent Christians, after all, and neither does the KKK. Nor did the IRA.

We know there are parts of the Quran that seem to sanction violence against non-believers. But assuming that means Islam is fundamentally violent is, with respect, to misunderstand how religions work. There are texts approving violence in the Bible, too  that one about people who knock out children's brains being blessed in Psalm 138 is pretty unequivocal, for instance. But most religious people understand how to read these texts in context and interpret them in ways that let them live in love and charity with their neighbours. It's the ones who don't that are the problem. And talking about 'Islam' as 'dangerous' and a 'threat' ignores the fact that a religion does not stab people or explode bombs. People do that. Some Muslims are bad, just like some Christians or Hindus. Most are good. Here in the UK, we treasure that knowledge and we won't let people divide us.

So we urge you to, yes, 'wake up before it's too late'. Don't fall for people who tell you Muslims are the enemy just because they're Muslims. Trying getting to know one of them instead; they're just folks. And US Christians should perhaps note that demonising someone because of their faith is not a very good foundation for witnessing to them.

Oh, and don't fall for people who tell you Britain is beaten, either. We aren't.

Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
How should Christians decide whose political ideology is the correct 'Biblical' one?

Twenty eight years ago the political scientist Francis Fukuyama published an essay with the bold title, 'The End of History?' With the passing of the Soviet Union, Fukuyama argued, there were no longer any realistic competitors to the western model of liberal capitalism. It was the final and best form of human government, balancing freedom and equality. This was an idea about ideas  and the idea was that there was no need for any more big ideas. All successful government would simply be a variation on that theme.

In the 1990s it seemed like Fukuyama might be right. New democracies flowered in eastern Europe, and many of the left-leaning parties of the west seemed to concede the argument. No longer did they argue for a different kind of society, just a better version of the one we already had. In the US, the UK, Germany and New Zealand the 'Third Way' was born. Left of centre parties abandoned ideological socialism in favour of a market-plus-social-justice. The structure of society would be left largely untouched, but the less well-off would be looked after by the state funded by wealthier tax-payers. As New Labour doyen Peter Mandelson once said, they became 'intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich as long as they pay their taxes'.

The problem with the 'end of history' thesis is that nobody told history. 2001 (the attack on the Twin Towers), 2003 (the beginning of the Iraq war), and 2008 (the financial crash) will stand as years where liberal democratic capitalism suffered body blows. Security, global leadership and the financial systems have experienced a great disruption, and it is no surprise that the effects of this continue to spill into domestic politics, including on the level of political ideas.

The 2008 crash in particular created the conditions for a revival in the contest between big ideas. The financial crash, followed immediately by massive state support of the banking sector made a mockery of the rhetoric of laissez-faire capitalism  these great engines of the entrepreneurial economy needed massive public investment to dig them out of a hole of their own making.

The sovereign debt crisis that followed after (where financial institutions stopped lending to governments) created economic and social havoc on countries like Greece, and posed tough questions against the solidarity of European nations. Even in the UK, the state itself has been forced to change its size and scope in order to manage down its deficit  that is, the annual gap between income and spending, before even thinking about existing debt. Whether it has been necessary and effective or not, austerity has certainly undermined the social compact that undergirds British politics.

The ideological picture at the general election feels reassuringly familiar. In the red corner, we have Corbynism  defined at least partly by a rejection of New Labour. Corbyn's Labour does, at least in theory, advocate a different approach to government, taxing the wealthier more aggressively, renationalising key services like rail and mail, and offering big retail policies like the abolition of tuition fees. The mood music against 'neoliberalism' and 'the few' provides an umbrella under which a wide progressive alliance can gather.

In the blue corner, we have Mayism  with her solid conservativism with an aspiration to help the 'just about managing'. On the one hand, the ideological mood music is hard to pick up under the relentless repetition on the words 'strong and stable'. On the other, it is clear that the liberal conservativism of Cameron and Osborne has gone, and here's something new. May's conservatives are not neo-Thatcherites. If anything, they're trying to do what New Labour did, consciously rejecting hard ideological commitments  'We must reject the ideological templates provided by the socialist left and the libertarian right and instead embrace the mainstream view that recognises the good that government can do... We do not believe in untrammelled free markets. We reject the cult of selfish individualism. We abhor social division, injustice, unfairness and inequality. We see rigid dogma and ideology not just as needless but dangerous.'

The dim prospects in this election for third and fourth placed parties (SNP excepted) are another way in which the country has reverted to the politics of a previous era. UKIP polled 3.9 million votes in 2015 (for one solitary seat), but their powers now are much reduced.

This points to the elephant in the ideological room: Brexit. The politics of Brexit are arguably more important now than the usual ideological positioning between left and right  it has been the main expression in the UK of a much broader political phenomenon of identity based populism, which has emerged in response to challenges of the 2010s. This politics cut across traditional lines. Political parties have to trim their ideological sails to the new wind, while being careful not to alienate important parts of the base.

The author David Goodhart has described Britain as a nation now dominated by two tribes  the 'Anywheres' and 'Somewheres'. Anywheres tend to be relatively wealthy, university educated, mobile, and comfortable with multiculturalism. The Somewheres, in contrast, 'have lost economically with the decline of well-paid jobs for people without qualifications and culturally, too, with the disappearance of a distinct working-class culture and the marginalisation of their views in the public conversation.' Although they lack cultural profile, the Somewheres are far more numerous (perhaps half the population) than the Anywheres (perhaps a quarter of the population).

One way to think about the general election is as a battle for the 'Somewheres'. Can Labour attract back the Somewheres who voted UKIP in 2015? Can it make a clear argument on immigration? How many traditionally Labour-voting Somewheres will vote Conservative, on the basis Brexit means Brexit? Have the Conservatives done enough to convince those Somewheres that the 'nasty party' are tuned into the needs of the just about managing. Can Labour appeal to Somewheres and Anywheres at the same time? Liberal Democrats and the Green Party are competing for Anywheres along with Labour  who can break through? Scottish Nationalists provide an interesting case study in how to root yourself in multiple ideologies  they attract both traditional nationalists Somewheres and progressive Anywheres. Pre-Brexit, this took nearly every constituency in Scotland.

So what are the main lessons? First, ideas aren't dead and gone from politics  they're as important as ever. Second, politicians do not have the luxury of being philosophers. They have to fit their thinking into the wider political context. Not only do they have to hold their ideology lightly but they have to make it work in their favour, using it to speak to the big political questions of the day. Third, politics is about power, and many politicians and political parties don't necessarily set out their ideological positions, in fact often they deliberately hide them. Christians need to be aware of the ideas at play under the surface of party politics. They're like underwater currents, which exert an invisible but powerful influence! To understand politics, we need to understand what these ideas are and how they pull in different directions.

Christians themselves don't stand apart from these powerful political undercurrents, but they are warned that our own thinking should not be defined by them, not conforming to the 'pattern of this world'. In the week between now and the election, many Christians will make a mistake of claiming that their own political ideology is self-evidently the 'Biblical' one. They can't all be right. They can be, and they are, all wrong.

Paul Bickley is the Director of Political Programme at Theos. He is the author of 'Building Jerusalem? Christianity and the Labour Party (2010)' and a number of Theos reports. Find him on Twitter @mrbickley
London attacks latest: Welby says religion IS involved as police raids continue

Police have said they know the identities of the London Bridge attackers who killed seven people and injured 48, andwill release their names 'as soon as operationally possible'.

Three men drove a white van which hit several pedestrians, before leaving the vehicle and stabbing a number of people in nearby Borough Market on Saturday night, before armed officers shot all three suspects within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency call.

This morning, Metropolitan police officers searched two addresses in east London and said a 'number of people' had been detained following raids in Newham and Barking.

The fast-moving developments came after 12 people were arrested in Barking on Sunday following raids at a flat that is believed to be the home of one of the attackers. A 55-year-old man has been released without charge.

Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said this morning that a 'huge amount' of forensic material and evidence had been seized from the van and police raids.

The so-called Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, the first victim has been named as Canadian national Chrissy Archibald. A French national was also killed, according to foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

The details emerged as Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning that he disagreed with those who argue that such attacks have nothing to do with religion.

'We have to say that if something is happening in our own faith tradition, we must take responsibility for being very, very clear in countering it,' he said.

'Long term, I would say it's global, it's generational and it's ideological,' he added.

The Archbishop also said that one of the 'issues' with Islam is its lack of clear structure. 'I would say...from an outside perspective one of the issues about dealing with Islam is there isn't a structure with a pope or bishops and archbishops that you can go to and say these are the leaders so there will always be particular groups that may take views that are different to the mainstream,' he said.

But Welby praised the 'extraordinary' level of condemnation among 'every single' Muslim leader that 'we know'.

He also criticised the 'very high level of lack of religious literacy' among some faith figures. 'One of the problems in this country is a very high level of lack of religious literacy by those who have to take responsibility for countering these things,' Welby said.

Pope Francis over the weekend said he was praying for victims of the London attack. 'May the Holy Spirit grant peace to the whole world,' Pope Francis said, according to Vatican Radio. '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.'

Cardinal Vincent Nichols tweeted: 'All involved in disturbing and violent incidents in #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket and #Vauxhall are in my prayers this night.'

The attacks came just days before voting is due on Thursday in the general election. Campaigning began again in earnest today, though the statement given outside Number Ten yesterday by Theresa May, the Prime Minister, provoked some political reaction last night.

May said that 'enough is enough' and there had been 'far too much tolerance of extremism' in the UK, and outlined the need for fresh security measures.

However, Labour's shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said that this had provoked a 'debate' and last night the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, attacked May. He criticised her record as Home Secretary in claiming that the Police Federation were 'crying wolf' over police cuts, and hit out at the Government's close relations with Saudi Arabia. Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, today also attacked May's record on police numbers and claimed that the Prime Minister had made the 'wrong choices' on security.

The issue of security now looks set to dominate the final stretch of election campaigning.

Yesterday, Welby preached a powerful sermon at Holy Trinity church, Folkstone, saying: 'The strongest power in the world is the love of Jesus Christ. It is more powerful than the evil of terror or the profound wickedness of the terrorist. It is invisible to most rulers, it is unheard-of by most communicators; it has no Twitter account, it does not show up on Facebook but it has overcome more nations than the greatest armies, changed more lives than the finest orators and communicators, drawn more people into true community than all the social media there is, has been or ever could be.'

Southwark Cathedral, which remains closed following the attack, has posted reaction and a special prayer on its website.

The acting Bishop of London, Pete Broadbent, spoke on BBC London, saying that Christians' response should be to pray and 'seek the peace of our city' and insisted churches would remain open for prayer rather than closing because of security fears. Asked 'where was God?, he replied: 'God is always there in the mess. We have a faith which believes in a Jesus who was crucified in the midst of mess and who understands suffering. We don't understand why it happened, we have huge sympathy, we send our condolences for those who have been killed and to their families and for those who have been injured. But God is there in the messy bits because that's the sort of God he is.'
Political Correctness isn't to blame for the London attack  and neither is Theresa May

It would be easy to blame Saturday's London terror attack on Theresa May. Easy, but unfair, unhelpful and, ultimately, wrong. The fact is: nobody is to blame for the attacks but the attackers. More than that, pretending that we can prevent them altogether is childish and untrue. So, for all our sakes, don't do that. As the kids on the internet like to say: Don't be that guy.

Yes, the Prime Minister was Home Secretary for six years, so her sudden epiphany that we have not done enough to prevent terrorism does look a lot like either an admission of incompetence or a self-administered shot to the foot. And yes, her enthusiastic support for the UK's arms sales to Saudi Arabia  the biggest source of support for ISIS and other wahabist extremist groups  is well known. Yes, she is an enthusiast for our bombing of countries like Iraq  a policy that has been the greatest recruitment and propaganda coup Islamist groups ever received (according to the former head of MI5, not just Jeremy Corbyn). And yes, she seems comfortable with entire civilian communities living in terror of our drones overhead, occasionally killing civilians.

But nothing Theresa May could have done  and nothing any future government can do  will make us completely safe from these sorts of attacks. You can tell me that this is lily-livered surrender. You can tell me this is letting the terrorists win. I tell you that it is being a grown-up and living in the real world. People die. Sometimes they die at the hands of murderers. This has always been true.

I grew up in Apartheid South Africa where bombings were carried out against the oppressive regime, and they sometimes killed civilians. My school had educational 3D models of different mines and bombs on the walls. We had drills not just for fire but for armed attacks and bomb scares. I remember going to a Wimpy on a Saturday morning with my parents and being afraid that one of the tables might have a bomb under it. I had seen the news. I knew it could happen.

The Apartheid government was not squeamish about 'fighting terrorism'. People were routinely tortured, assassinated, imprisoned without trial and subject to military law in their neighbourhoods, their very movement controlled and their lives open to infinite scrutiny, based on being parts of 'dangerous' communities. And bombings still happened.

This is why the tweets and speeches on the weekend about how 'political correctness' had allowed it and how the entire Muslim community were to blame for the atrocity were more than just annoying. Yes, the fact you still have to explain to some people that Islamist extremists no more represent all Muslims than The LRA or the KKK represent all Christians is still mind-blowing. But what was more appalling was the widespread and automatic scapegoating of perceived 'softness' on extremism and the profoundly stupid belief that there is some magic bullet politicians are just unwilling to use to 'stop all this nonsense' (extending even into the territory of congratulating and agreeing with Donald Trump, God help us).

Lest we forget, the largest such attack on British soil was committed by people who were born here, not people who snuck in pretending to be refugees from conflicts we helped create. The most recent one was committed using a van and knives. So, when I hear people muttering about how 'Enough is enough' and how somebody should do something, I just want to ask: Do what, exactly? Would you like to ban an entire religion? An entire set of ethnic groups? Perhaps you would like them to wear coloured triangles on their clothes and be put into camps for our safety? No reasonable person would allow it. No Christian who knows racism is a sin and an affront to the living God should countenance it. And practically, No matter how many extra powers you give the police (and even if we were to stop cutting their ranks), you're never going to ban cutlery and cars.

This is not a war you can win with nuclear weapons. Nor with spies who can't read minds. I'm not sure it's a war you can win at all, as long as the ideology and the anger behind the acts of terror exist. Theresa May can't win it with giving herself and her administration ever more insidious power. Jeremy Corbyn can't win it with diplomacy. No government will win it by controlling the internet or further limiting free speech. We've tried all that. This side of the Second Coming, there will always be angry, unreasonable, evil or desperate people who think civilians are legitimate lives to sacrifice in achieving their ends, and who think entire groups of people should be despised and suspected. Christians (and all people of good will) must make sure that those who claim to act in our name do not use terror as a justification for doing the same.

Pretending attacks like these are the result of anything other than the attackers' depraved view of humanity is both stupid and wrong. Blaming 'political correctness', 'weakness', cultural impurity, allowing the wrong religion to flourish or multiculturalism is more than wrong. It's ironic. These things are exactly what the terrorists hate, too. Don't side with them.

Don't be that guy.

Jonathan Langley is a freelance writer and works for a Christian mission and development agency.
Rival 'missionary bishop' to be announced by GAFCON as Scottish Anglicans fight off split

Scottish Anglicans are fighting off a split this week as they prepare to be the first British church to legalise gay marriage.

In anticipation of the vote on Thursday in Edinburgh the conservative Anglican grouping GAFCON are expected to announce Rev Canon Andy Lines as a new 'missionary bishop' for Scotland, sources have told Christian Today.

The move will come within hours of the vote, which is expected to pass on Thursday afternoon, and will trigger a rupture with Canon Lines offering alternative leadership for traditionalist parishes in Scotland who oppose gay marriages in church.

The new role will rival existing church structures in the UK with priests having the option to defect and come under the oversight of Lines rather than their official local bishop.

Announcing the move a GAFCON communique in May said: 'Faithful Anglicans in Scotland will need appropriate pastoral care.'

The SEC has responded by saying the prospect of a rival bishop is 'regrettable' and breaches the understanding that each Anglican province is autonomous.

Most Rev David Chillingworth, primus of the SEC, said: 'The outcome of the synodical process which will take place in June is not a foregone conclusion. The voices of clergy and lay people from across Scotland will be heard both in debate and in the voting process.

'The Scottish Episcopal Church is working closely with those who find this proposal difficult to accept. Whatever the outcome may be, it is our intention to be and to remain a church which honours diversity.'

Canon Lines is currently chair the fringe church network Anglican Mission in England and part of GAFCON UK's taskforce. He is also director of the missionary society Crosslinks.

The announcement of a rival 'missionary bishop' comes as SEC leaders prepare recommend that priests be allowed to preside over same-sex marriages.

The major chance in church teaching is thought to pass with the required two-thirds majority in all three of the general synod's 'houses'  the laity, the clergy and the bishops.

Synod members are expected to pass that motion that removes the understanding of marriage as 'a physical, spiritual and mystical union of one man and one woman'.

The teaching will read: 'In the light of the fact that there are differing understandings of the nature of marriage in this Church, no cleric of this Church shall be obliged to conduct any marriage against their conscience.'

Rev David McArthy, a traditionalist priest in the SEC and part of the conservative Scottish Anglican Network, told Christian Today there was an 'immense sadness from many people in Scotland' about the upcoming decision.

'It is not simply a group of evangelical churches who have concerns about this but a fairly wide group,' he said.

'I pray that the leadership realise what they are about to do will have serious consequences for the church.'
Saying it with flowers: How a Manchester church reached out to its local mosque

Manchester was the scene of a terrible atrocity a fortnight ago  and a wonderfully healing concert only yesterday. But there's still a deep awareness that the bomb that shattered so many lives at Ariana Grande's concert at the Manchester Arena was detonated by a man claiming to act in the name of Islam.

So one church in the city's Levenshulme district was determined to make sure Muslims in the area know they are accepted and loved. St Peter's Church, which works with the neighborough St Mark's parish, is close to the Madina mosque. Led by curate Rev Daud Gill, who was brought up in Pakistan, church members approached Muslims leaving after Friday prayers and handed out flowers. The initiative was caught on a video that has been viewed thousands of times.

It's the second time Gill has been involved in this kind of witness; the previous Friday he and others handed out flowers oustide the Cheetham Hill mosque and he plans another visit to a third mosque this Friday.

He told Christian Today: 'Most people were glad to take them. Some didn't, but I don't think this was a negative sign  we had some women in the team and it might have been a cultural thing for the men. Generally they were received very well.'

While he said he had not been aware of any hostility towards Muslim in the area after the terrorist atrocities, he wanted to make sure Muslims knew they were not being singled out. 'Our idea was, if there is any tension or fear, or any dislike, we will break down those barriers,' he said.

Gill said that growing up in Pakistan he had many Muslim friends. 'We all probably know that all Muslims don't have that [extremist] view,' he said.
Terrorist attacks like Manchester are a sign of End Times, says pastor

Christians are handing "the enemy" the keys to society without putting up much of a fight, according to California pastor and author Phil Hotsenpiller, who argues in his new book that the increase in terror attacks and lawlessness around the world might be related to End Times prophecy.

Hotsenpiller, who founded the 1,200-member Influence Church in Anaheim Hills, California, is known for preaching and writing about End Times prophecy and is schedule to release his newest book on July 4  One Nation without Law: The Rise of Lawlessness, the End Times and the Power of Hope.

As heinous terror attacks continue to take place in populated cities around the world and claim the lives of innocent men, women and children, Hotsenpiller's new book aims to explain the evil and demonic source behind the spread of lawlessness the world is seeing today.

The book aims to help readers begin to "connect the dots between biblical prophecy about lawlessness and current events."

Speaking with The Christian Post after 22 innocent people were killed and 110 injured when a suicide bomber attacked the outside of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, last week, Hotsenpiller explained that the goal of his book is to help people understand "the mystery" of the extremist lawlessness.

"A lot of people, we look at something like Manchester and we think of lawbreakers but we don't think about a spirit behind that and where that originated from," Hotsenpiller told CP. "I really try to grapple with the hard questions  like what is really going in our world with the shootings, with terror attacks, how we can connect biblical prophecies to lawlessness and current events."

"To help those living in the last days discern the times, Jesus gave prophetic declarations (Luke 11:2930,32) that would signify those times had come. One of them was His prophecy of the men of Nineveh [Mosul, Iraq] rising up.

"It is important to understand that the impact of ISIS reaches far beyond Iraq and the Middle East," he added. "For one thing, prophesy fulfilled in part or completely is a source of encouragement and a tool for believers worldwide. Secondly, a global terror network that is no longer restricted to geographical borders is a new phenomenon, with implications for the entire world. Unlike with other terrorist groups, the appearance of ISIS can be directly linked to the increase of lawlessness on a global scale. The attack in Manchester is further evidence that we are living in prophetic days."

According to Hotsenpiller, the reason why the Manchester attack and other deadly terrorist attacks like it keep happening is because of an evil and satanic spirit that is overtaking the minds of the Islamic extremists responsible for carrying out the attacks.

"When we start to look at evil in the world, it just takes on a whole different level," he said. "That is why Manchester happened, because behind the scenes are these demonic spirits of lawlessness. It says in 2 Thessalonians 2 that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. It's being restrained right now by the Holy Spirit and by believers. But when the spirit and believers are removed from the Earth, then the lawless one, Satan, will be revealed."

"Lawlessness is the evil behind the evil acts and evil people," he continued. "So, it's a developed defiance that comes from Satan himself that does more than just act bad. They actually seek to control everything that is good and from God."

Hotsenpiller was critical of many Christians in the United States today and accused them of "handing over the keys" and conceding to the Islamic agenda.

For historical context, he noted that the Middle East, which is now predominantly Muslim, was once "a Christian Middle East."

"The Middle East was a Christian Middle East until about 700 or 800. By 1100, it was completely gone. Instead of resisting evil, Christians just folded," he explained. "They folded all across the Middle East. Rather than resist, they basically converted to Islam. What they did was they failed to believe the preaching of Jesus and defend that position."

Hotsenpiller told CP that Christians have the ability to "prevent the influx of evil." However, he stressed that most Christians in America want to be "isolated from politics and evil in the world instead of being a crusader."

"Every great advancement of Christianity required somebody's sacrifice and sacrifice wasn't that I went to church on Sunday," he said.

Hotsenpiller noted a few shifts that have happened which suggest that proponents of the Islamic and secular agendas have taken influence away from Christians in various aspects of the American society, including academia and politics.

"What we do is we have these wonderful ideas and we get this great thing going and then because we don't stand for truth, we hand the keys over to someone in the name of some kind of human goodness, but not divine justice. We hand it over and we give up territory to the enemy," he asserted. "Christians have to quit handing the keys over in the name of human niceness and realize that divine justice of God demands that we hold the ground that we have been given or sooner or later we will be giving up the keys to our own house."

Hotsenpiller further argued that too many churches in America today "lack a theological foundation."

"Even though they may be large churches and successful churches and they are ministering to a lot of people, do they have the theological background to know what is going on in our world?" he asked. "I talk to a lot of pastors and they don't have a clue about things that are happening in the Middle East, the history of the Middle East and why it is happening here. Samuel B. Huntington was a theologian at Harvard and he basically outlined in the 1970s the agenda of Islam in taking over America."

This article was originally published in The Christian Post.
The medieval martyr who took on Thor: Who was Saint Boniface?

Today marks the feast day of Saint Boniface, the eighth-century 'Apostle to the Germans' who boldly brought Christianity to a pagan land.

The man known today as Boniface was born with the name Wynfrith, in Devon, England in AD 675. Wynfrith was ordained as a priest at age 30, but soon decided he was made for the missionary life and set out for Frisia, in the modern-day Netherlands. That trip was unsuccessful, but later the Anglo-Saxon ventured for Rome, where he met Pope Gregory II. In 719 the pope gave Wynfrith a new name  Boniface  and a new mission: to evangelise the Germans.

It was a challenging commission: in Germania the then-native religion was the worship of the Norse gods Thor, Odin and Balder. But Boniface found success, especially when he converted influential German chieftains, whose tribes would follow suit. The missionary tore down pagan idols and established churches and monasteries in their place.

One famous tale tells of Boniface demolishing an iconic oak tree in the town of Geismar. The 'oak of Thor' (or 'Donar's Oak') was worshipped by the local community, but Boniface had it cut down (some say he was aided by a miraculous wind) and the wood used to build a church dedicated to St Peter. Boniface lived to tell the tale: the locals thus decided that Boniface's god was mightier than Thor, and many converted.

Nonetheless, Boniface's bravery would cost him his life. On June 5, 754 he and his companions were attacked by bandits. An 80-year old Boniface reportedly insisted on non-violence, and told his allies to lay their weapons down. 'Cease fighting,' he reportedly said.

'Lay down your arms, for we are told in Scripture not to render evil for good but to overcome evil by good.'

There his life ended, but he became a much-revered saint, celebrated in the Catholic, Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox and Anglican traditions.

These words are ascribed to the medieval martyr: 'The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life's different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course.'
What is the legacy of the Six-Day War, which began 50 years ago today?

The Six Day War, which began 50 years ago today, marked not only an immediate, decisive victory by Israel over its Arab neighbours, but also began the occupation with a hugely successful Israeli land-grab. It has had a major, lasting impact on the conflict between the Jewish state and the Palestinians which remains unresolved to this day.

The war, also known as the June War or the 1967 ArabIsraeli War, was fought between Israel and the neighbouring states of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Israel's victory included the capture of the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Old City of Jerusalem, Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights.

First, the context. Tensions grew in the months preceding the war, with Palestinian guerrilla groups based in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan stepping up attacks on Israel, leading to heavy Israeli reprisals.

For example, in November 1966 an Israeli strike on the village of Al-Samu in the Jordanian West Bank left 18 dead and 54 wounded, and during an air battle with Syria in April 1967, the Israeli Air Force shot down six Syrian MiG fighter jets.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser had been strongly criticised for his failure to come to the aid of Syria and Jordan.

In response, he sought to demonstrate total support for Syria, and on May 14, 1967, Nasser mobilised Egyptian forces in the Sinai.

An alliance against Israel was building. On May 30, King Hussein of Jordan arrived in Cairo to sign a mutual defense pact with Egypt, placing Jordanian forces under Egyptian command, and shortly after that Iraq joined the alliance.

Then Israel struck. Early on the morning of June 5, the country staged a sudden, pre-emptive air assault that destroyed more than 90 per cent Egypt's air force. A similar assault incapacitated the Syrian air force.

Within three days, the Israelis achieved an overwhelming victory on the ground, too, capturing the Gaza Strip and all of the Sinai Peninsula up to the east bank of the Suez Canal.

An eastern front in the war opened on June 5 when, despite a warning from Israel to King Hussein that Jordan should stay out if it, Jordanian forces began shelling West Jerusalem. On June 7, in a crushing counter-attack, Israeli forces drove Jordanian forces out of East Jerusalem and most of the West Bank.

Israel took control of the Old City of Jerusalem, a move that is still celebrated in the country today, and photographs of Israeli troops in the Old City remain iconic images of the war and its result.

On June 7, the UN Security Council called for a ceasefire that was immediately accepted by Israel and Jordan, with Egypt also accepting the following day. However, Syria tried to hold out, continuing to shell villages in northern Israel. On June 9, Israel launched an assault on the Golan Heights, capturing it from Syrian forces after a day of heavy fighting. The following day, June 10, Syria relented and also accepted the ceasefire.

Overall, the Arab countries endured massive and asymmetric losses: Egypt's casualties were more than 11,000; Jordan's 6,000; Syria's 1,000 and 700 for Israel.

The Arab countries were heavily demoralised. Nasser announced his resignation on June 9 but stayed in office by popular demand through public demonstrations.

There was euphoria in Israel, which had asserted itself beyond question across the region. Israel's victory was total. In a matter of days it had swept away the deep fears Israelis had harboured and which most in the country saw as critical to the state's survival.

What, then, is the war's legacy? It remains one of Israel's dominance of the region, to the cost of Palestinians.

Today, around 600,000 Jewish settlers live in 140 settlements in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The settlements  not supported by all Israelis by any means -- are deemed illegal under international law.

Fifty years on, the Palestinians remain without their own state and effectively imprisoned in a maze of checkpoints closures and military zones, deprived of civil and political rights and governed by martial law.

Indeed, the consensus which has emerged over the decades, of the need for a 'two-state solution', would involve the Palestinians ending the conflict in return for a state on Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which makes up only 22 per cent of historic Palestine.

Many believe that only outside pressure, primarily from the US, can lead to the resolution of the conflict.

Donald Trump, who visited the region last month, has said that he believes both sides want peace, despite critics arguing that Israel's right-wing Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, secretly preferring the status quo.

But even if Netanyahu was willing to do a deal, there remains the issue of the leadership of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is said in the region to lack authority.

It does appear that now represents what Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury who also visited the region last month, called a rare 'moment of opportunity' for peace.

But 50 years after the Six-Day War, that peace, alas, remains as elusive as ever.
'What kind of a nation we are': Robert F Kennedy's iconic speech offers radical hope in a time of terror

On this day in 1968 US senator and presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy was shot. He died the next day. Kennedy's death, like that of his brother JFK five years prior, shook a nation and threatened its humanity. Today, Kennedy's legacy offers light to a world still reeling from terror.

In many moments since 1968, nations have faced their own crises of terror, times when hope is crushed, and hate and despair look set to prevail. Britain finds itself once again in such a crisis, after facing its third terrorist attack in three months this weekend. The extremist attacks at London Bridge, Manchester and Westminster have caused some to choose division, seeking scapegoats and a local villain to hang  with the targets of suspicion frequently placed on the Islamic community.

On the tragic anniversary of Robert Kennedy's assassination, it's a time to remember the profound words he once offered for a time such as this. Just months before his own murder, Kennedy had to deliver the news of another fallen icon  the death of his friend Martin Luther King Jr on April 4 1968.

Kennedy's remarks from that dark night, to a weeping black community in Indianapolis, have endured because their sentiment lives on beyond one historical moment.

'What kind of a nation we are'

'I have bad news for you, for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world, and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and killed tonight.'

Kennedy understood that King's passing threatened the end of the peace that the civil rights leader had laboured his whole life for. He said: 'In this difficult day, in this difficult time for the United States, it is perhaps well to ask what kind of a nation we are and what direction we want to move in.

'For those of you who are black  considering the evidence there evidently is that there were white people who were responsible  you can be filled with bitterness, with hatred, and a desire for revenge. We can move in that direction as a country, in great polarization  black people amongst black, white people amongst white, filled with hatred toward one another.

'Or we can make an effort, as Martin Luther King did, to understand and to comprehend, and to replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand with compassion and love.

'For those of you who are black and are tempted to be filled with hatred and distrust at the injustice of such an act, against all white people, I can only say that I feel in my own heart the same kind of feeling. I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man. But we have to make an effort in the United States, we have to make an effort to understand, to go beyond these rather difficult times.'

A Catholic himself, Kennedy then invoked more religious language:

'My favourite poet was Aeschylus. He wrote: "In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."

'What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or they be black.'

'We can do well in this country'

Britain may not face the same clear divisions of white and black that persisted in 1960s America, but other divides threaten us still. A fear of Muslims, foreigners and other minorities has undoubtedly pervaded over public debates about security, immigration and national identity.

As Kennedy understood though, to give into shallow labelling and a culture of fear only grants the very wishes of the agents of terror. This politician's pursuit of a higher call would soon cost him his life as well. Nonetheless, his legacy endures.

In Kenney's ever-prescient words: 'We can do well in this country. We will have difficult times; we've had difficult times in the past; we will have difficult times in the future. It is not the end of violence; it is not the end of lawlessness; it is not the end of disorder.

'But the vast majority of white people and the vast majority of black people in this country want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life, and want justice for all human beings who abide in our land.

'Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.'

You can follow @JosephHartropp on Twitter
After an atrocity, public figures are faced with a dilemma. To say nothing would look like heartlessness or indifference, but whatever they do say is almost certain to seem inadequate, shallow, and cliched. They always manage somehow to say something that is either pusillanimous or does not need saying.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, found words that contrived to combine banality with error to describe the citys latest terrorist atrocity. He said that the attacks were deliberate, as if anyone might otherwise have thought them accidental, or performed in a fit of absence of mind. He also said that they were cowardly, which is the one thing that decidedly they were not. True enough, the people that the perpetrators attack were defenseless, but they, the perpetrators, could hardly have been under any illusion about their own probable fate. Even with the prospect of 72 virgins as a reward, it must have taken courage to do what they did.

This is important, because it demonstrates that courage or bravery is not in itself a virtue: it becomes a virtue only in pursuit of a virtuous aim. A man who is evil need not thereby be a coward, and frequently in fact is not. A timidly evil man is probably preferable to a bravely evil one, unless his timidity leads him to superior cunning.

Khan further said that the victims were innocents. In what sense were they innocents? It was unlikely that they, of all humanity, were born without Original Sin. It could only be that they were innocents by comparison with the guilty. But who, in the context of being mown down by a driver or attacked by men with long knives, are the guilty? In other words, there exist in Khans mindif his words mean anything, which they should, since he is a lawyer by traininga group of people whom it would have been less heinous for the terrorists to kill, whom it would not have been cowardly for them to have killed. Can he tell us who they are?

Theresa May, the prime minister, did somewhat better, but even she referred to the innocence of the victims, as though there were guilty victims lurking somewhere who deserved to be mowed down or have their throats cut. And in post-Diana Britain, no tragedy or wickedness occurs without the police and other officials saying (as did May on this occasion) our thoughts and prayers are with the families, when this is most unlikely to be true and is an unctuous platitude that brings no solace. May said on this occasion that enough is enoughmeaning what, exactly? That a little terrorism is acceptable, as if the perpetrators were boisterous children finally being called to order after having been given leeway by the grown-ups?

Things will have to change, she said, without specifying which things. To specify would have been to invite criticism, opposition, opprobriumand just before an election, no less. Best keep to cliches.

Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images
Like many big-city school systems, the Los Angeles Unified School District is in disarray. On track for a graduation rate of 49 percent last June, the district instituted a credit-recovery plan, which allows students to take crash courses on weekends and holidays to make up for classes they failed or missed. Combined with the elimination of the California High School Exit Examination, the classes, which many claimed were short on content, raised the districts graduation rate to 75 percent practically overnight. In 2015, only in five fourth-graders in Los Angeles performed at or above proficient in math and reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Due to out-migration and the proliferation of charter schools, student enrollment in the districtnow about 500,000has dropped nearly 250,000 since 2004.

Fiscally, the situation is no better. In December, LAUSD Chief Financial Officer Megan Reilly told the school board that the district may not be able to meet its financial obligations because it faces a cumulative deficit of $1.46 billion through the 2018-2019 school year. While the deficit figure has been disputed in some quarters, theres no doubt that the district is facing a daunting budgetary crisis.

Many of L.A.s education woes can be traced to its school board and the United Teachers of Los Angeles union, which has controlled the board for years. And thats why what happened on May 6 is so remarkable. Two reformersNick Melvoin, a former inner-city middle school teacher who lost his job due to union-backed seniority rules, and Kelly Gonez, currently a charter school science teacherwere elected to the LAUSD board. Reformers now constitute a majority of the seven-member governing body in Americas second-largest city.

Melvoin, especially, was vocal in his campaign that the school district needed a major shakeup, calling for more charter schools. He also stressed the need for fiscal reform, including a reworking of the districts out-of-control pension and health-care obligations. His opponent, sitting board president Steve Zimmer, said in February that the election was about losing children to the charter movement. Zimmer garnered 47.5 percent of the vote against Melvoin and two other candidates in the March election, but he needed 50 percent to avoid a run-off in May.

Not only did the young Turks (Melvoin is 31 and Gonez 28) defeat the unions candidates; they also raised more money than their opponents, a rarity in school-board elections, where teachers unions historically outspend their challengers. But this time, the unions could not compete with the likes of philanthropist Eli Broad, who donated $450,000 to the campaign, and former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan, who contributed over $2 million. Additionally, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings donated nearly $7 million since last September to CCSA Advocates, the political wing of the California Charter School Association, which spent nearly $3 million on the school board election.

On the union side, United Teachers Los Angeles was the big spender, pitching in about $4.13 million, according to city filings. But much of this money came from the UTLAs national partners: the American Federation of Teachers gave UTLA $1.2 million, and the National Education Association contributed $700,000.

The spending disparity and resulting defeat did not sit well with the unions. The NEA speciously claimed that parents and educators were pitted against a group of out-of-town billionaires, an ironic charge for a Washington, D.C.-based organization to make. According to its latest Labor Department filing, the NEA sent money to Colorado, Georgia, Maine, and other states in 2016 in attempts to sway voters, donating nearly $27 million in all. And besides, the NEAs charge was wrong. The bulk of the reformers donations came from three CaliforniansBroad and Riordan are Angelenos and Hastings lives in the San Francisco Bay area.

In a press release, California Teachers Association President Eric Heins reiterated the NEA message about billionaire donations and, alluding to charter schools, added, public education should be about kids, not profits. Heins and other union leaders sound this theme constantly, though there is no evidence to support the claim that anyone is getting rich off of charter schools: the California Charter School Association reports that out of the states 1,200 charter schools, only six are organized as limited-liability corporations.

We will fight against privatizing our public schools and against creating separate and unequal for our kids, said UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearland hes eager for the fight to begin. In anticipation of the upcoming June 30 expiration of the teachers contract, Caputo-Pearl told his unions leadership last year that, the next year-and-a-half must be founded upon building our capacity to strike, and our capacity to create a state crisis, in early 2018. There simply may be no other way to protect our health benefits and to shock the system into investing in the civic institution of public education.

With the June 30 deadline looming, and Melvoin and Gonez set to be sworn in on the school board the next day, the fireworks you hear coming from L.A. on July 4 may come only in part from patriotic celebrations. The Los Angeles school district has distinguished itself by poorly educated students, a dubious graduation rate, shrinking enrollment, a serious financial shortfall, and a zealous teachers union leader who, more than anything, wants to maintainand in fact increasehis unions power, even if it takes a state crisis to do so. Should UTLA succeed, it will be a disaster for children, their parents, and the already beleaguered taxpayer.

Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Navcas chief executive, Neil Cleeveley, is to retire after 14 years, later this summer, and will be replaced by Jane Ide, the membership bodys head of member engagement.

There will be a managed transition period until Cleeveley retires on 31 August.

Cleeveley joined Navca as head of policy in 2003 and became chief executive in 2014. Before joining Navca he worked for the TUC and was a councillor in Haringey for 10 years.

Caroline Schwaller, chair of Navca, said: Neils contribution to Navca and the movement has been considerable throughout his time here; his knowledge of the policy environment alongside his commitment to the membership and the movement will be sorely missed. I will be sad to see Neil go after his fourteen successful years here, most recently leading Navcas transformation, and everyone at Navca wishes him a long and very happy retirement.

"We are delighted to have been able to appoint his successor from within our current staff, which will ensure a smooth and seamless transition for the organisation. Jane brings a range of experience from elsewhere which combines well with her recent work at Navca. I and the trustee board look forward to working closely with Jane to build on Neil's legacy for the benefit of our members, our stakeholders and our staff."

Cleeveley said: It has been my privilege to, work alongside some wonderful people here at Navca and right across our movement. Our members do amazing things in their communities, often with limited resources. They are the bedrock of social action in England and I will miss the day to day contact with them, but I am ready for a change."

Ide joined Navca as head of member engagement in September 2016 and was previously interim network manager at NHS Clinical Commissioners.

She said: I'm delighted to be taking up this opportunity and am looking forward very much to working closely with our members and our stakeholders to actively represent the interests of infrastructure across England and to support a vibrant, impactful movement for social action. Im particularly grateful to Neil for his ongoing support and commitment in ensuring a smooth transition before taking his very well deserved retirement.

Civil Society Media is hosting its Charity People & Culture Conference on 20 September 2017. For more information, and to book, click here




Flexible volunteering opportunities are not just a nice to have but are now essential for suvival and continued growth, one of the Scout Association's top volunteers said last week.

Alex Peace-Gadsby, chief commissioner of England at the Scout Association, was speaking at a seminar held as part of Volunteers Week by NCVO and the Office for National Statistics, at which experts discussed the implications of research about volunteering trends.

She said that the reality is that society has evolved and people lead busier lives and the Scout Association is doing more to promote the concept of flexible volunteering, for example by enabling role sharing.

Peace-Gadsby's role is volunteer position, with leadership and management responsibility for the adult volunteers across England.

We need to work around volunteers, not expect them to work around us, she said. She advised that it is important to ask potential volunteers what they do to find out out how they best placed to help.

Peace-Gadsby said that making sure volunteering was fun is key to retaining people because if they stop having fun they leave.

What we all need to do is keep volunteering fun and flexible and never something that feels like a burden. As a volunteer manager it is my responsibility to spot when someone is taking on too much.

Four week challenge

Peace-Gadsby revealed that the Scout Association is piloting a scheme to enable people to try out volunteering for four weeks.

After they have completed four weeks, which dont have to take place sequentially, participants get a certificate and can decide whether or not they want to continue to be involved on a regular or ad hoc basis.

An open ended volunteer commitment can feel like a really scary thing, she explained, and said the early results from the pilots were that it is going well.

'Volunteers are active people'

Chris Payne, lead researcher at the ONS, said that when they examined the data from the latest survey it found that volunteers tend to be quite active people compared to people who didnt volunteer, who spent more time in the evenings watching mass media, or watching box sets of television programmes.

Matthew Hill, senior research officer at NCVO added that research suggests that its not that people dont have time, its that people choose to do other things with their time.

He suggested that charities become more flexible to encourage irregular volunteers to give more time. Our lives have become more irregular, he said so it is important for organisations to think about how they can offer flexible opportunities that fit into peoples lives.

We need a culture change

Kristen Stephenson, volunteering development manager at NCVO, said charities needed to respond by taking a more flexlible and collaborative approach.

She said there were a number of factors which influence whether people do, or dont, volunteer and a broader culture change is needed in terms of volunteer management to make it possible for people to volunteer at different stages of their life and move pathways to support them on this journey.

Stephenson highlighted how businesses were reporting that consumers are less loyal to brands and said we might see similar challenge for volunteering. And urged charities to embrace the fact that volunteers may have a more fluid relationship with us.

She encouraged charities to think about how they could share volunteers and allow flexible movement across different organisations and enable those giving time to do a bit more.

She said the sector needs to think differently and change our mentality a bit when it comes to the role of volunteer managers.

She said traditionally charities have offered volunteers a specific role that we define but that it was increasingly the case that volunteer managers enable people to give time and talent.

She suggested that volunteer managers could be known as volunteer enablers in the future.

Sell opportunities better

Stephenson also urged the sector to think about how it promotes volunteering opportunities.

She said: The social side of volunteering is really important and sometimes we dont emphasise that as much as a selling point.

Social media channels can be a good tool for volunteer recruitment she said as it enables charities and individuals to share stories but cautioned that it was also a space for people to express views if theyre not happy.

Civil Society Media is hosting its Charity People & Culture Conference on 20 September 2017. For more information, and to book, click here
Our weekly summary of the latest movers in the charity sector.

Chief executive

Guide Dogs has appointed Tom Wright as its next chief executive, replacing Richard Leamen who stood down from the organisation last November.

Wright will join Guide Dogs in September from Age UK, where has been chief executive for nearly nine years.

Steve Vaid, who has been Guide Dogs acting chief executive since Leamen left last year will reportedly be promoted to chief operating officer and will work closely with Wright when he arrives.

Katie Ghose has been appointed as the new chief executive of domestic abuse charity Womens Aid.

A barrister and campaigner, Ghose joins Womens Aid from the Electoral Reform Society, where she has been chief executive for the last seven years.

Ghose has also been director of the British Institute of Human Rights and an independent commissioner on the Independent Asylum Commission, and has lead parliamentary lobbying for Age UK and served as a trustee on the board of Stonewall.

St Clare Hospice has announced the appointment of Sarah Thompson as its new chief executive.

Thompson, who has worked in the hospice sector for over 11 years, joined St Clare in May from St Josephs in Hackney.

This will be Thompsons first chief executive role, having previously been director of fundraising at both St Josephs Hospice and St Francis Hospice in Berkhamsted.

She takes over from Tanya Curry who stood down from the organisation in April, after six years in the role.

Sue Killen, chief executive of St John Ambulance has announced that she will be leaving her post with the charity after 10 years in the role.

Killen said: After 10 years in charge, it is time for me to step aside and leave it to a new chief executive to take the charity forward.

The recruitment process to announce Killens successor is already underway.

The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust has announced the appointment of Tracey Fletcher as its interim chief executive.

Fletcher joins the organisation on an interim basis and will cover the post while the charity seeks a full-time replacement for current chief executive Emma Atkins, who will leave her post in late June.

Fletcher served as vice chair of the trust between 2011 and May of this year, and has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years.

Finance and strategy

National Spina Bifida charity Shine has appointed Simon Hewett-Avison as its new director of services in England.

A qualified teacher, Hewett-Avison joins Shine from the Teenage Cancer Trust, where he was previously head of support programmes.

Hewett-Avisons new role will see him work within the charitys senior management team to help deliver Shines new corporate plan which launches this summer.

Macmillan Cancer Support has appointed Dr. Karen Roberts as its first chief of nursing and allied health professionals.

The charity said the role is a new one and has been created in recognition of the vital part nurses and AHPs play, both in Macmillans work and across wider cancer care.

Roberts was previously a Macmillian clinical nurse specialist and re-joins the organisation from Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust where she was a nurse consultant.

Non executive

National land management charity the Land Trust has appointed three new trustees to its board.

Patrick Aylmer, Janet Haddock-Fraser and Anthony Bickmore will all join the charitys board this month.

Aylmer is a chartered accountant, Haddock-Fraser is an academic and professor of sustainability and leadership at Manchester Metropolitan University while Bickmore is a chartered surveyor.
More journalists are turning to podcasting to help audiences digest and discuss whats going on in the news. Audiences have devoured newer podcasts like The New York Timess The Daily, which gained more than 20 million listens since its launch in January, and Pod Save the People, hosted by Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson, which topped the iTunes charts at No. 2 (behind Serials and This American Lifes S-Town) shortly after debuting its teaser episode.

Although these are bigger examples, any journalist can start a podcast and start building an audience. While there is not much data available on specific podcasts, total downloads grew from about eight billion in 2015 to more than 10 billion in 2016. Pew estimates more than 35 million people (about 21 percent of the adult population) listened to podcasts on a weekly basis last year up from 17 percent the prior year.

RELATED: A master audio storyteller on how to create a powerful podcast

So what equipment do you need if you are just starting out? We looked into that for you by highlighting popular recommendations (on the cheaper side) from a dozen online reviews from podcasters. If following the list below, expect to spend about $150 to $400 total on equipment if youre starting out from scratch. Please note there may be additional costs, such as studio rentals and professional editing, depending on the quality youre after (or some such thing).

Heres some recommended equipment to get off the ground and start producing a show:

Microphones

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The quality of audio is of course important, and a great microphone is a necessary part of that equation. Below are three options for podcasters to consider depending on commitment level and budget:

Irig Mic Cast  For those truly just starting out, this external mic is a great, cheap option. It is incredibly compact and connects right into the headphone jack of a mobile device or iPad. Best for traveling or other recording on the go, reviews note that this mini mic produces high quality sound. It has Lo/Hi options to adjust the mic sensitivity and a headphone jack to monitor sound levels. The Irig Mic Cast is available for about $30 on Amazon and comes with a stand to place the device comfortably on a desk. For more details, Wired wrote in depth about this handy mic.

Trending: Donald and Melania Trumps relationship through a lens

Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone  Audio-Technica is a brand that is often recommended by podcasters. While they sell a number of different microphones that cater to various needs, we recommend this mic for those starting out. Note USB at the end of the name, which means this microphone can connect to a computer to easily transfer files. Amazon is currently selling this microphone for $83accessories include a pivoting stand, tripod desk stand, and a mini USB cable.

MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone  Those willing to invest a little more should try out the MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone, which sells for about $100 on Amazon and comes with a shock mount and carrying case. This mic is durable and produces clear audio. One reviewer noted that the mic easily picks up ambient sound. Also note that this microphone does not have USB capabilities, so you will need an audio interface or digital recorder with XLR capabilities to use it.

Digital recorders

Those newer to the podcast game may want to invest in a digital audio recorder. Typically small and portable, an audio recorder is a good solution for most podcast recording although it was mostly intended for man-on-the-street-style interviews. It is one of the simplest ways to transfer audio into the proper format to be exported to a computer. Remember it is possible to record and produce a podcast without a digital recorder, so having one is not a requirement. Below are our recommendations for podcasters:

Zoom H4n Pro  Last year Zoom released this updated version of the Zoom H4n. It is quite similar to the previous version with a couple of enhancements. Tech blogger Sam Mallery noted in her review that the sound quality of the audio is crisp and clear. This recorder has built-in stereo microphones to pick up sound and also supports XLR. Amazon is selling this audio recorder for about $200, but there are used options available for cheaper. The purchase includes a case and guide to download editing software.

ICYMI: Two dozen freelance journalists told CJR the best outlets to pitch

Tascam DR-40  The Tascam DR-40 has the standard features podcasters are looking forincluding built-in microphone and XLR input. Whats probably most notable about its features is the automatic safety track recording. This is in place to back up original recordings and prevent distorted tracks. With practice, it is possible to get a very polished and professional sound. This recorder is listed at $159 on Amazon.

Sony ICD-Ux533BLK  Maximize Your Social podcast host Neal Schaffer listed this recorder as one of his go-to tools. The best features of this recorder are the long battery life, storage space and memory, and the overall good sound quality. Schaffer told RazorSocial, The portability of the device has allowed me to record podcasts at exotic locations like a London pub, a food court while eating ramen, and even a taxi cab on my way to the airport! This recorder is currently priced at $97.52 on Amazon.

Headphones

Talk to anyone who has recorded audio and they will likely tell you headphones are a must. They make it easier to monitor audio levels while recordinghopefully eliminating any unwanted flubs during the editing stage. Below are our picks:

Sony MDRZX100 ZX Series Studio Headphones  These Sony headphones wont break the bank and are great quality. Reviews note these headphones dampen (but dont cancel) surrounding noise and produce rich sound quality. Over 8,000 reviewers give these headphone an average of 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. They are currently available for about $17 and can be found for cheaper on competing websites.

ICYMI: The Washington Posts secret weapon

Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones  Sennheiser is known for its higher-end headphones, so the more affordable option still has some great features to take advantage of. Durable and practical, probably one of the coolest features is the detachable earcups from the headband piece. Reviews note the high sound qualityparticularly the amount of bass these headphones pick up. Podcasters will be able to hear clear audio with a wide range of sounds. Amazon has these headphones for about $45

Recording and editing software

Physical gear is only one part of whats necessary to produce a podcast. The other half is the recording and editing software to put all your audio files into a neat, presentable package. Here are our recommendations for newer podcasters with a brief description on what others most like about these programs:

Audacity  Techradar named Audacity the best free audio editor of 2017.The review notes that Audacity, with a wide range of features and capabilities, is very easy to figure out and a great tool for beginners. Podcasters can both edit and record new audio with a microphone that feeds directly to the software.

Adobe Audition  Many of the podcasters interviewed by RazorSocial named Audition as their go-to. With editing, recording, sound effects, and other possibilities, this one tool can handle most post-production needs. There are trial versions of Audition, and it is available for about $20 per month.

GarageBand  This is a Mac-only option, but a good choice considering it comes preloaded on a number of Apple Model laptops. With a simple and straightforward design, newer podcasters will be able to put together episodes with ease. If GarageBand is not already on your device, it can be downloaded for free in the App Store.

Auphonic  Auphonic is another go-to tool for many podcasters to organize audio files. Once audio is uploaded, the software automatically converts, tags, compresses, and takes care of noise leveling. This web-based service is free to a pointdepending on the length and volume of audio files a user is uploading. Reviews note that the fixes are basic, so podcasters looking for more control should consider other options.

RELATED: 10 podcasts to help you keep up with the news cycle

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Carlett Spike is a freelance writer and former CJR Delacorte Fellow. Follow her on Twitter @CarlettSpike.
An institute dedicated to strengthening local journalism is launching an initiative aimed at developing and sustaining new ideas and fostering a venture-capitalist approach to the business.

The Philadelphia-based Lenfest Institute for Journalism has ponied up $1 million for grants, in an approach that is similar to that of an incubator for startups.

Its important not only to recognize the crisis in local and metro news but also to find creative business approaches to solving the problem, says Jim Friedlich, the institutes executive director. And, he adds, Its vital to bring to bear an entrepreneurial, risk-taking and optimistic approach, to view the challenge as an opportunity. Entrepreneurs see opportunities rather than threats.

Friedlich, a former Wall Street Journal business executive and venture capital investor, says recipients of the grants will also be able take advantage of the wisdom of the entrepreneurs-in-residence, the institutes staff and the academic institutions that participate in the institute.

RELATED: Endowment to support Philly media on track to exceed $100 million

The nonprofit Lenfest Institute was founded in 2016 by Philadelphia philanthropist Gerry Lenfest to help safeguard the future of local journalism, under siege in the digital era. Lenfest also donated to the institute the Philadelphia Media Network, which owns The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and philly.com.

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Friedlich says the institute aims to support what he calls a culture of venture philanthropy with the goals of both doing good work and creating successful businesses.

The new initiative will be under the direction of Burt Herman, the institutes director of innovative projects, a former Associated Press bureau chief and co-founder of social media storytelling platform Storify and Hacks/Hackers.

The institute will be seeking requests for grants and residencies in the following areas:

New approaches to reporting, presenting and distributing news, with an emphasis on taking advantage of the potential of technology; expanding audiences and deepening audience engagement; and enhancing business sustainability.

New revenue sources for local news.

Strengthening community engagement.

Reaching underserved communities.

Collaboration among local news outlets.

The program offers both experimentation grants for new projects of up to $35,000 and amplification grants for existing projects up to $100,000. The institute is looking for initiatives that will use Philadelphia as a test market as well as projects from elsewhere that could be adapted to the Philadelphia market.The residencies will be for three to six months and will provide stipends up to $10,000 a month for work in Philadelphia or remotely.

Says Friedlich, We need to fix the business.

ICYMI: Startup that promises no-bullshit journalism nets serious cash

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Rem Rieder is a former USA Today media columnist and before that the longtime editor and senior vice president of American Journalism Review.
Unit Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, acquisition, development, and production of oil and natural gas properties in the United States. It operates through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Contract Drilling, and Mid-Stream. The Oil and Natural Gas segment explores for, acquires, develops, and produces oil and natural gas properties. Its producing oil and natural gas properties, unproved properties, and related assets are primarily located in Oklahoma and Texas, as well as in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. The Contract Drilling segment is involved in the contract drilling of onshore oil and natural gas wells for a range of other oil and natural gas companies primarily in Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming, North Dakota, Colorado, and Utah. It has 55 drilling rigs in its fleet. The Mid-Stream segment buys, sells, gathers, processes, and treats natural gas for third parties. This segment operates 3 natural gas treatment plants, 14 processing plants, 22 gathering systems, and approximately 1,475 miles of pipeline in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Unit Corporation was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Simwave has announced that it has signed a contract with Genting Hong Kong to cover bridge training across the company's cruise brands.

For the next five years, the crew and officers from the firms cruise brands will complete their training and assessments at the Simwave simulator center in Barendrecht in the Netherlands. A new Simwave centre will also be built in Singapore in 2018.

Safety and best-in-class services are our top priority, noted Gustaf Gronberg, senior vice president of marine operations and newbuilding.

Simwave offers us state-of-the-art facilities to prepare our crews optimally to this end. So an evaluation on the simulators in Barendrecht forms part of the job application process for the crews to be assigned to the vessels under construction.

Star Cruises, one of the subsidiaries of Genting Hong Kong, was the first cruise operator in the world with its own simulator center.

"The collaboration with Simwave means we are now able to use our state-of-the-art center branded in our own house style, without the disadvantages of ownership," said Gronberg.

As part of the collaboration, one of the Simwave 360-degree-projection full mission simulators in Barendrecht will be based on the bridge of Genting Dream.

The bridge simulator has a vertical projection system which is globally unique. Alongside all-round projection (on vertical cylindrical screens), eight projectors also project whats happening on the water or the quayside, on both sides of the vessel.

This makes it possible to simulate so-called docking operations (berthing and unberthing quickly and safely) more realistically from the bridge wings, explained Joost van Ree, co-founder of Simwave.
The second credit-card breach in three years at Kmart has once again forced credit unions, and other financial institutions, to deal with the repercussions of potential fraud involving their accountholders.

In the first of two-articles, security experts provide their take on the ramifications of card breaches on credit unions and businesses.

Sears Holdings, the parent company of Kmart, confirmed it experienced another malware-based data breach of its card processing systems. The company did not reveal how many of its 735 Kmart locations saw signs of a breach, but said it did not affect online purchases.

Our Kmart store payment data systems were infected with a form of malicious code that was undetectable by current anti-virus systems and application controls, Howard Riefs, a spokesman for Sears Holding, said in a statement. Once aware of the new malicious code, we quickly removed it and contained the event. We are confident that our customers can safely use their credit and debit cards in our retail stores.
Congress resumes work today, and NAFCU is ready for action as the House prepares to take up the Financial CHOICE Act. Meanwhile, NAFCU witness Steve Grooms, president and CEO of 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union, is preparing to advocate regulatory relief during a Senate Banking Committee hearing Thursday.

NAFCU lobbyists will be on the Hill as work commences on CHOICE, which has several NAFCU-sought measures that would provide regulatory relief to the nations credit unions. A review of appropriate levels of risk-based capital is called for in the bill, along with a reining in of CFPBs rules and a requirement that regulators improve cost-benefit analyses and better tailor regulations to the size of regulated institutions.

The associations advocacy team will also be present during Thursdays hearing, Fostering Economic Growth: The Role of Financial Institutions in Local Communities. Grooms, whose credit union is headquartered in Great Falls, Mont., is one of three credit union industry representatives on the witness list, which also includes banking trades.
North Korea's Cyber War on Australia

Its the secretive unit blamed for a string of cyber-attacks across the world, including the attack that affected 300,000 computers in 150 countries in May. And the West has every reason to be worried about what North Koreas cyber warfare cell, known as Unit 180, is up-to-next.

Unit 180, which forms part of the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) and is its main overseas intelligence agency, already has its eyes and ears on Australia, a cyber security expert has warned.

Dr Greg Austin, a Professor in the Australian Centre for Cyber Security at the University of New South Wales, said there was no doubt North Korea was already active in cyber space in Australia.Dr Austin said while the threat of a North Korean missile hitting this country remained a serious concern, the bigger danger is in cyber space.

North Korea is almost certainly conducting cyber espionage against South Korean targets here, he said.

South Korean people, assets and aircraft in Australia are all potential targets of disabling cyber-attacks.

He said North Korea remained far more likely to use a cyberattack against Australia and that the primary targets of a North Korean cyber-attack in Australia include South Korean leaders, institutions, civil aircraft, or even citizens living here.

Dr Austin, who delivered a seminar recently, Koreas Cyber War Vortex in Canberra, said Unit 180 was just one number given to the North Korean spy agencys cyber cell.

Dr Austin also said the reality was many people didnt realise an active cyber-war was already underway with North Korea.

While Pyongyang knows it cant get into a direct war with the West, it can attack it via a series of smaller wars.

Such attacks were also intensifying in destructiveness and frequency, Dr Austin said. According to him, North Korea has 6000 cyber warriors on home soil and other cells known as Units 110 and 1232 even have some active personal in northern China.

Unit 121 has 600 of its 1800 cyber staff dedicated to disabling South Korean military command and control in the event of war, he told the seminar recently.

Dr Austin said while there was no hard evidence to suggest North Korea was behind last weeks global attack, the reality was it wasnt a sophisticated attack and it could have been carried out by as little as three people.

And if North Korea was behind the global attacks (WannaCry) then this could also affect Australia as well, Dr Austin said.

The US Department of Defence said in a report submitted to Congress last year that North Korea likely views cyber as a cost-effective, asymmetric, deniable tool that it can employ with little risk from reprisal attacks, in part because its networks are largely separated from the internet.

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This is a current list of the top 250 companies by market capitalization on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Learn more .

Many investors understand the reasons for having a diversified portfolio. One way to accomplish this is to diversify within an asset class. For equity investors in the United States this can mean investing in both growth and value stocks.

It can also mean investing in international stocks. And when investors want to do this, they need look no further than our neighbor to the north. Canada has a range of stocks for investors to consider. This article will focus on strategies that investors can use when looking to invest in Canadian stocks.

Why Buy Canadian Stocks?

There are a few reasons for investors to consider Canadian stocks as part of their diversification strategy:

A Large Natural Resources Sector  The sheer size of the country and its location lets investors know that it is an area rich in natural resources. This also means that the country has a source of current and future wealth.

An Advanced Skills-Based Economy  In this regard, Canada is similar to other western nations. The difference is that it is not as common to find these skill-based professions in a country with so many natural resources.

Stability  Canada is not exempt from any problems that impact the global economy. However, the country is known for stable financial and business policies that have kept the economy relatively stable. This Goldilocks economy has meant that many Canadian stocks havent enjoyed the outsized growth of some U.S. equities. However, it also comes with a bit of protection against downside risk.

How Have Canadian Stocks Performed?

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, there was a time when U.S. stocks and Canadian stocks performed nearly identically. Heres a graph that shows the performance of the S&P 500 Index vs. the TSX Index



Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

You can see that with a couple of exceptions, the two indexes performed remarkably similar. That all changed around 2012 and Canadian stocks became less attractive.

Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

This disparity is widely due to one sector, technology. However, Canadian technology stocks have been on the rise. And in 2022, the country is benefiting from renewed interest in materials stocks as well as a spike in commodity prices.

What Are the Best Sectors of Canadian Stocks?

For different reasons finance, materials, and energy stocks are among the best performing stocks as of September 2022. Heres a brief overview of each sector and some of the top names for investors to consider.

Financial  Similar to the United States, Canada has a strong banking industry. Many Canadian banks have a track record of solid performance that can provide long-term value to a portfolio. And several of these stocks pay dividends with attractive yields for investors.

This sector makes up the largest percentage of the TSX at roughly 30%. And the Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY)is the top-weighted constituent in the TSX. Beyond the Royal Bank of Canada some of the other top-performing Canadian financial stocks include:

Materials and Mining  Canadian stocks can be an ideal choice for investors looking to diversify into gold and precious metals without owning the physical metal. Canada has a large natural resources sector. So, its not surprising that there are a number of gold mining companies with Canadian origins. This sector also gives investors exposure to other components in the mining and agriculture sectors. This sector makes up approximately 11.5% of the TSX. Some of the top Canadian materials and mining stocks include:

Energy  Canadian stocks offer both traditional fossil fuel-based energy stocks as well as some renewable energy stocks. This sector makes up approximately 18.5% of the TSX. Some of the top Canadian energy stocks include:

Technology  As mentioned earlier, technology stocks have largely been the domain of the United States. As evidence of this, information technology stocks make up only about 5.5% of the TSX. However, there are a few Canadian companies that have become stars in the new economy being created. Some of the more popular names include:

What Are the Risks of Investing in Canadian Stocks?

One concern about investing in Canadian stocks is that they can be heavily weighted towards cyclical industries. For example, as of February 2022 financials (33.5%), energy (14.8%) and industrials (11.7%) made up nearly 60% of the index. That may be too much for some investors particularly because those sectors all tend to correlate roughly the same way as the economic cycle. But as a long-term play, Canadian stocks are worth considering with a small part of your portfolio.

How to Buy Canadian Stocks

Buy Individual Stocks on a Stock Exchange

Hundreds of Canadian stocks have dual listings on either the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the NASDAQ. This is the most convenient way to get exposure to Canadian stocks because there are no barriers to stock ownership. These shares can be purchased in U.S. dollars directly from the exchange just like purchasing a U.S. stock.

However, for a full list of the best Canadian stocks, investors should look at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). The TSX is one of the oldest stock exchanges having been founded in 1852. Its also the third largest stock exchange in North America in terms of market capitalization.

The Toronto Stock Exchange includes approximately 1,500 companies. It allows investors to trade stocks, investment trusts, exchange-traded products, bonds, commodities, futures, options, and other derivative products. All transactions on the TSX are executed in Canadian dollars.

Invest in a Mutual Fund or ETF

There are many mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that supply exposure to Canadian stocks. Some funds supply exposure to both U.S. and Canadian stocks. Other funds hold just Canadian stocks. Some examples of those include:

BMO S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF

Horizons S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF

Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap ETF

As with investing in any asset class, investors need to consider their investment objective, time horizon and risk tolerance before choosing a fund that fits their needs. Investors will also want to pay attention to the funds fee structure to ensure youre making the most efficient use of your capital.

The Final Word on Investing in Canadian Stocks

Investing in Canadian stocks is one way for investors to add diversification to their portfolio. MarketBeat provides a list of the top Canadian stocks that trade on the TSX. This is Canadas version of the NYSE or NASDAQ in the United States and includes many of the same stocks.

Thats one advantage of investing in Canadian stocks is that many have a dual listing which removes many of the obstacles that can come with investing in international stocks.

However, investors should be aware that many of the best Canadian stocks are in highly cyclical industries which can lead to underperformance when those sectors are out of favor. Still, due to their relative stability and in some cases an impressive dividend, Canadian stocks may have a place in an investors portfolio.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska has elected three new members to serve on the Board of Directors.

Marj Plumb and her wife, Tracy, https://www.aclunebraska.org/en/cases/waters-v-ricketts. After moving to Nebraska, Plumb volunteered as a nonprofit management consultant with the ACLU. She now directs the Coalition for a Stronger Nebraska.

Shane Strong was born into a military family and was raised in Frederick, Maryland. The United States Air Force, where he and his wife served as Arabic linguists, brought Strong to Omaha. Strong received his law degree in 2013 and is licensed to practice law in Nebraska and Iowa.

Darla Zink has over 25 years of experience as in-house legal counsel at large public and privately held corporations. Zink served as a volunteer member of the ACLU of Nebraska Fiscal Committee for the past year.

Founded in 1966, the ACLU is Nebraska's guardian of liberty, working in courts, the legislature, and our communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States and Nebraska guarantee everyone. To learn more please visit: www.aclunebraska.org
BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
This week is very important in Washington for President Donald Trump as he attempts to focus on infrastructure prior to the Thursday scheduled testimony of James Comey the former director of the FBI.

Congress returns from its Memorial Day break with important votes to make including legislation that would scale back regulations imposed by the Dodd-Frank act.

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However, Trump has started early on Twitter already arguing the Department of Justice should request an expedited hearing of the travel ban he called watered down, before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Only four days from pulling out of the Paris agreement for climate control, Trumps chief of the EPA Scott Pruitt does not have any answers to whether Trump believes that human activity is a contributor to todays climate change.

The terror attacks over the weekend in London prompted not only calls for global support and solidarity, but drew Twitter activity from President Trump. He actually verbally attacked the London mayor due to a misinterpreted tweet by the mayor who said there was not any reason for Londoners to be alarmed at more police presence in the city.

A spokesperson for the mayor said called the tweet by Trump ill-informed, saying the words of the mayor had been taken out of context.

The upcoming hearing with Comey is likely to obscure the shift to infrastructure by Trump. However, there is more action taking place on Capitol Hill this week with the Dodd-Frank Act scale back vote and a vote by the House on Wednesday on a measure that would waive the requirement of a polygraph to expedite the hiring of new Border Protection agents.

President Trump will not likely try to block the testimony of Comey, said aides. He does not plan to invoke an executive privilege as a way to attempt to block Comey from testifying, said sources close to the Trump administration.

This week could end up being a difficult one for the Trump White House as the Comey testimony looms and could create even more problems for the President related to Russias involvement in the presidential election last November.

Congress also returns with the healthcare measure still on its plate which could also cause more frustration for Trump and his administration as that legislation is still far from being approved.

Trumps obvious frustration with his travel ban order will also feature into things this week as he is pressuring the Supreme Court to hear the ban as soon as possible for the countrys national security.
Lincoln Industries is proud to announce the promotion of John Dickey to quoting and customer service manager. Dickey joined Lincoln Industries in 2001 as a packager. He moved into a customer service role in 2007 and then in 2014 he became quoting manager. Dickey will supervise and coordinate the commercial customer service team engaged in serving new and existing accounts. This includes sourcing, delivery, quality, forecasting, quoting and all other related functions to serve commercial customers.
As great as 2017 has been for the shale oil sector, with growing production that put rigs and other drilling equipment back online, and crews back to work, that hasn't necessarily translated to profit growth for equipment and service providers like Helmerich & Payne (NYSE: HP). In its fiscal third quarter, which ended June 30, the company brought in higher revenues from putting more rigs in the field, but those newly operating rigs weren't enough to generate a positive result on the earnings line of the income statement.
A founding member of the nine-nation international coalition that designed the F-35 stealth fighter, Canada once planned to acquire 65 of the stealth fighter jets for its air force. Under this scenario, the F-35's builder, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), stands to enjoy a potential $30 billion payday for first selling Canada the airplanes, and then servicing and maintaining them for decades thereafter.
Indias sixth largest operator Reliance Communications has called for government intervention to ease the debt burden and fierce competition faced by players in the telecoms industry.

For the fiscal year ending on 31st March, RCom registered its first ever annual loss, amounting to INR12.85 billion. The operator has debts of INR440 billion ($679 million), and its shares have fallen by 21% following revelations that it is behind on its repayments for loans from ten different local banks.

After 4G provider Reliance Jio entered the Indian mobile space last year, its low tariffs have spurred intense competition among operators that has resulted in consolidation. RCom itself is spinning of its wireless business and merging it with Aircel, in a deal that is awaiting regulatory approval. Last October it also sold 51% of its tower business to Canadian firm Brookfield Infrastructure Group, receiving a cash injection of $1.7 billion.

Using the proceeds from these transactions, RComs co-CEO Gurdeep Singh has informed its creditors that it will be able to deliver payments of INR250 billion by 30th September of this year. He also noted that the industry-wide trend of falling revenues was the first decline witnessed in India for 20 years, and added that this was having a knock-on effect in terms of contributions to the government.

In order to address this, Singh proposed that Indias regulator TRAI could adopt a different method for working out adjusted gross revenues, as this would push down licence fees and spectrum usage charges. A different method could also do away with interconnect usage charges, which would be timely as the industry increasing abandons billing by the minute/gigabyte.

RComs Q4 net loss was INR9.66 billion  a major decline considering it saw a profit of INR900 million during the same period a year prior. It cited Jios free service promotions as a significant factor, with Singh noting that the disruptive pricing model of offering prepaid users unlimited free voice should have been emulated by RCom. The operator lost 3 million subscribers in the quarter, with fellow operators Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular also reporting significant Q4 losses.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been warned by a group of operators that it must intervene in order to prevent the countrys mobile industry from collapsing.

The group is made up of self-professed second tier operators, and includes nTel, Smile Communications and Spectranet. At a meeting with NCC executive vice chairman Umar Danbatta the group warned that impending systemic failure at an industry-wide level could result in the demise of even tier one operators.

Business journal Leadership Nigeria notes that the operators are warning that wireless firms are having increasing difficulty in meeting their commitments to suppliers  such as network vendors and tower firms  as they are struggling to pay back loans.

Escalating operating costs and increased pressure for CAPEX investments are becoming difficult to justify in the face of stagnant revenue, argue the group. The operators have implored the NCC to introduce safeguards that will help all tiers of operator, including outlawing the predatory pricing strategies that have been adopted by certain major Nigerian operators.

The groups determination to provoke a response from the NCC saw them warn that the failure of any one Nigerian operator would cause collateral damage to the countrys economy, as well as undermining the governments pledges to increase connectivity.
Recruitment industry software supplier Dillistone Group updated the market on its trading and its new product under development on Monday, ahead of its annual general meeting to be held on 7 June.

The AIM-traded company had said at the final results announcement for 2016 released in April, that there was some softness in the UK recruitment market following the Brexit vote last June.

As the firm moved further into the year, it said it had seen some improvement in terms of the volume of new business wins, and was pleased to have taken a number of clients from its direct competitors.

However, a significant majority of its new clients had been new or young businesses with relatively few users purchasing on a subscription, as opposed to a licence model.

While those subscriptions may be valuable in the long term, Dillistone said they had a much reduced impact on short term revenues. and that had not allowed the company to catch up on the slow start to the year.

The group has also been informally told that a contract with a major client is likely to expire later this year or early next, the board said in its statement.

This contract, which is with a client using a legacy product, is worth in the region of 0.6m per annum in contribution terms to the group.

Despite that, the board was pleased that recurring revenues in both divisions were at record levels, providing forward visibility and largely underpinning the group's administrative cost base.

That enabled it to anticipate that revenue in the first six months of the year would be broadly in line with the first six months of the previous year, Dillistone said.

On its proposed new product, the board said development to date had been funded by internal resources while the company explored the feasibility of the product.

The new product addressed a market need which, in the view of the board, was global in nature and had the potential to be very significant for the group.

We believe that our new product will be unique in scope, its commercial model, and its method of delivery.

Although the confidential nature of the product meant that it had not been possible to discuss it widely with the potential market, those conversations that had taken place had been positive, the board reported.

These have led to the board receiving a non binding letter of intent from an organisation which is globally recognised in the market it serves and which plans in principle to adopt the product on release, the statement read.

While other conversations are not as far developed, the board is confident that similar agreements will be reached and, as such, the board has now approved the project and fundraising for completion and launch of the product is now being explored.

Dillistone said it anticipated that development, marketing and other cash costs associated with the new product in the period to 31 December 2018 would be in the order of 2.4m, but excluding any revenue generated in the period.

Approximately 0.7m of those costs would be capitalised.

While significant investment in the new product has already been made, and will increase through the year, it is not anticipated that meaningful revenues will be generated prior to 2018 and the product is not expected to be profitable before 2019.

Thereafter we anticipate that it will be highly cash generative.

The group's cost base increased in 2016, in particular to develop cloud based hosting services, and remained at the level required to continue with its product development programme and to pursue the new product project, the board said.

Dillistone had a cash balance at 2 June of 1.3m.

Medium-term prospects - given the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation in 2018 and the new product launch - remained positive.

Despite the increased investment in the new product - some of which will impact the profit and loss in the current half - the group said it expected to make a small operating profit before acquisition-related items in the first half of the year.

The board said it currently expected that the second half of the year would deliver better results than the first half in terms of general trading.

However, the slow start to the year and the higher cost base meant that the results for the full year were expected to be significantly below market expectations, the board cautioned.

In view of the proposed fundraising, the board said it expected to reduce its dividend until the benefits of its investment in the new product flowed through to the group's balance sheet.

We've seen improvement in the order book since the beginning of the year and are confident that this will improve further in H2, said CEO Jason Starr.

We are delighted by the early response to our new product and excited by its potential.

The new product is essentially a startup being developed within the auspices of an established business, [and] we believe that it has the potential to transform the nature of our business and to deliver significant shareholder value.
Oil and gas engineering and services business, and owner of the proprietary POS-GRIP function-frip method of wellhead engineering Plexus Holdings , announced on Monday that it entered into a new four-year contract with Maersk Oil North Sea UK for the provision of wellhead, mudline suspension systems and associated services.

The AIM-traded company said the initial purchase order was to prepare and provide POS-GRIP HPHT Surface Wellhead systems and Tersus mudline suspension equipment on a standby basis ready to mobilise in the event of a relief well needing to be drilled during the development of the Maersk Culzean platforms.

Revenues were expected to commence during the next Plexus financial year.

The contract further provided for the supply of additional exploration wellhead equipment for future appraisal wells in the Culzean area during the contract term, the board explained, and provided for a 1 year extension.

This is a fantastic contract for Plexus which will help to underpin our future revenues, as well as delivering the opportunity for further exploration well business with Maersk, said CEO Ben Van Bilderbeek.

It is also fitting that Plexus has been awarded this contract for the high profile Culzean Development, as we were involved in the initial exploration wells with Maersk in the Culzean field.
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Somero Enterprises updated the market on its trading on Monday, ahead of the annual general meeting to be held on Tuesday.

The AIM-traded company said it was pleased with the broad contributions to the company's growth in the first half, which had been driven particularly by strong trading in Europe, continuing the momentum in the territory from 2016, and by solid contributions from the Middle East, Latin America and its rest of world territories.

In North America, while H1 trading in 2017 has been flat compared to the prior year due in part to poor weather across the US that has delayed numerous project starts and ongoing political uncertainty, we remain encouraged by healthy market fundamentals in the US that are reflected by the high-level of activity and extended project backlogs our customers continue to report, the board said in its statement.

In China, trading at the start of the year has been slow but we have seen signs of improvement and early traction with our new entry-level products.

On a product basis, sales of Ride-On screeds and the companys recently launched third generation 3D profiler system continued to be strong, and the company said it was also encouraged by early opportunities seen with the recently launched S-158 in China and the SP-16 Concrete Hose Puller.

The mix of sales of our other products is consistent with our expectations.

Somero said it continued to make long-term investments that support future growth by hiring additional sales, customer support, and engineering personnel in 2017, with the added headcount reportedly creating a need for additional office space in its Fort Myers, Florida headquarters.

As a result, the board has approved plans to build a $1.3m expansion to the company's Fort Myers headquarters to accommodate planned growth.

The building project will be completed in H1 2018, with the majority of the cost expended in 2018.

The company said it remained encouraged by the positive trading environment across its footprint, the growth opportunities visible in North America, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and its rest of world territories, and the prospects for improvement in China for the remainder of 2017.

This constructive, positive environment, combined with continued solid margin performance, cost management, and healthy operating cash flow generation means the company's trading to date is in-line with market expectations for the full year ending 31 December 2017.

As it announced in its 2016 results on 15 March, the board had been reviewing the company's net cash position alongside the cash requirements for current business needs and future investment.

Following completion of that review, the board also announced on Monday that it would be distributing $7.5m in the form of a special dividend, representing a dividend per share of $0.133.

The quantum of the special dividend reflects the board's confidence in the medium-term outlook for the company, and was based on the board's consideration of a number of factors including the company's 2016 year-end net cash balance of $20.2m, the company's intention to maintain an appropriate net cash buffer combined with operational and non-operational capital requirements, the board explained.

The special dividend would be paid on 14 August to shareholders on the register on 28 July.
Qatar 's stock market suffered its largest fall in almost a decade after Saudi Arabia led other Gulf states including United Arab Emirates and Egypt in cutting diplomatic ties, purportedly over protecting themselves from "terrorism and extremism".

Saudi Arabia also closed the border and halted air and sea traffic with Qatar, urging "all brotherly countries and companies to do the same".

The official Saudi state news agency said early on Monday that diplomatic and consular relations had been severed with Qatar "proceeding from the exercise of its sovereign right guaranteed by international law and the protection of national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism", thought to be over its support for Islamist movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas as well as its relationship with Iran.

Qatar may be a small state but the proceeds of being number one global producer of liquefied gas means its huge sovereign wealth fund wields much weight around the world, from the UK's Barclays to Russia's Rosneft. Qatar is also home to some 10,000 American troops based at the al-Udeid air base, the US militarys regional command centre.

Saudi, UAE and Bahrain on Monday gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave, Reuters reported, while several airlines including Emirates Airlines, UAE-based Flydubai and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said they would be suspending all Doha flights from Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia also pulled all Qatari troops from the coalition fighting the ongoing war in Yemen.

Qatar's foreign ministry said it regretted the measures by its fellow Arab nations, calling the decisions "unjustified".

"The measures are unjustified and are based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact," the ministry said.

"The aim is clear, and it is to impose guardianship on the state. This by itself is a violation of its [Qatar's] sovereignty as a state," it said, adding that it is committed to the Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Last month Saudi Arabia and the UAE blocked the Qatari websites, which include the al-Jazeera news network, after reports emerged from Qatar's state run news agency of Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani criticising Donald Trump, praising Iran and threatening to withdraw ambassadors from a range of Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia.

Qatar protested that it was the victim of a sophisticated propaganda assault or cyber attack.

US connection

Speaking from a state visit in Australia on Monday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it was important that the GCC "remain united" and said he "would encourage the parties to sit down together and address these differences".

Tillerson said despite the spat, he did not expect it to have "any significant impact, if any impact at all, on the unified fight against terrorism in the region or globally".

Further stirring the pot, Wikileaks released an email from Hillary Clinton to John Podesta that revealed the former Secretary of State knew about both Saudi and Qatari governments providing "clandestine financial and logistical support" for Islamic State and other radical groups by August 2014.

Brent crude prices were initially helped by the news of the political crisis but by midday were down slightly at just under $50.
Strategists at JP Morgan recommended clients stick to a defensive stance, referencing the risk of a sharp correction in US stocks, a phase of significant de-risking in Chinese assets and the possibility that Italian political risks might come to the fore sooner than expected.

Looking to the US, they pointed out how Citi's Economic Surprise Index had moved into negative territory. That, they said, was typically associated with more defensive market leadership.

The CESI also had a good correlation with the S&P 500 and was pointing to greater than 10% downside for US stocks, JP Morgan said.

In parallel, new project starts in China had turned negative for the first time since summer 2015, they said, and that was followed by a phase of significant de-risking.

However, unlike then, another big stimulus package to stabilise activity might not be forthcoming.

The euro area could see some softness too, they said, pointing to recent readings for money supply on an M1 basis in the single currency bloc, which pointed to lower prints ahead for Eurozone purchasing managers' indices.

Commodity prices had also weakened year-to-date and yield curves were flattening again. The inability of bond yields to break out of their year-to-date range was also an increasing problem for market breadth, health and leadership.

Potentially weaker activity and pricing prints going forward might also be headwinds for the earnings outlook, they said.

Lastly, the risk existed that Italian political concerns might retake centre stage earlier than the consensus expected.
Markets in Asia were mostly lower on Monday, as oil prices gained sharply on the news four countries had broken off diplomatic relations with Qatar.

Japans Nikkei 225 was down 0.03% at 20.170.82, as traders responded to the yens strength over the weekend.

It weakened on Monday evening, however, and was last off 0.19% against the greenback at JPY 110.61.

The major exporters - particularly carmakers - were weaker as a result of the stronger yen, with Toyota leading the pack lower, slipping 2.04%.

Toyota also announced it sold its shares in Tesla at the weekend, which it gained as part of an electric car development partnership with the American firm.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite was off 0.45% at 3,091.52, while the Shenzhen Composite bucked the trend to finish 0.69% higher at 1,800.93.

The unofficial Caixin services PMI came in during the day at 52.8 for May, improving from 51.5 month-on-month.

South Koreas Kospi was down 0.13% at 2,368.62, as the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong lost 0.24% to 25,862.99.

Oil prices were ahead in the Asian session after reports emerged that Bahrain, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia had cut diplomatic relations with Qatar.

Saudi Arabia cited reasons related to terrorism for the severance of relations.

They turned around for the European session, however, with Brent crude last down 0.58% at $49.66 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate losing 0.42% to $47.46.

Australias S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.57% at 5,754.87, with the weighty financials subindex dragging the benchmark lower.

Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand traders were enjoying the last long weekend before winter.

It was a mixed picture for the down under dollars, with the Aussie last ahead 0.4% at AUD 1.3381 against the greenback, while the Kiwi weakened 0.16% to NZD 1.4022.
European stocks finished the session slightly lower as traders digested the latest geopolitical news, including the tragic events in London at the weekend, amid caution from some top-ranked strategists.

The benchmark Stoxx 600 ended 0.13% lower at 392.04, alongside a retreat of 0.99% for the FTSE Mibtel to 20,721.04 and losses of 0.66% in France's Cac-40 to 5,307.89.

Germany's Dax was closed for Whit Monday, alongside bourses in Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Greece and Ireland.

In parallel, euro/dollar was off by 0.27% to 1.1252.

Front month Brent crude futures also ended the day on the backfoot, trading lower by 1.32% to $49.30 per barrel on the ICE after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt announced the suspension of air and sea travel to and from Qatar.

Officials in Riyadh cited Qatari support of "terrorist groups aiming to destabilise the region" as the reason for the move.

Acting as a backdrop, strategists at JP Morgan recommended clients stick with a defensive stance in their portfolios, pointing to the risk of a sharp correction in US equities, a phase of significant de-risking in China and the risk of political concerns around Italy coming to the fore sooner than expected.

On the economic front, IHS Markits composite euro area output index was steady at 56.8 points in May and in-line with a preliminary estimate.

However, the survey compiler's euro area services business activity index printd at 56.3 for May. That was down from a reading of 56.4 for April but ahead of a preliminary estimate of 56.2.

According to Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit, those survey readings added to evidence of continued strong economic growth in the single currency bloc during the second quarter.

"So far in the second quarter the PMI surveys are running at levels indicative of 0.7% GDP growth in France and Germany, with nearly 1% being signalled for Spain and 0.5% in Italy," he said.

Societe Generale announced it would launch an IPO of its car leasing arm, ALD Automotive.

Spanish lender Banco Popular finished at the bottom of the pile on Spain's Ibex 35 ahead of a meeting of its directors with European Central Bank officials the next day to discuss its current situation.
European stocks continued to trade slightly lower come midday, as traders digested the latest geopolitical news, including the tragic events in London at the weekend, amid caution from some top-ranked strategists.

As of 1145 BST the benchmark Stoxx 600 was down by 0.13% to 392.05, alongside a retreat of 0.83% for the FTSE Mibtel to 20,754.41 and losses of 0.57% in France's Cac-40 to 5,312.93.

Germany's Dax was closed for Whit Monday, alongside bourses in Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Greece and Ireland.

In parallel, euro/dollar was off by 0.37% to 1.1240.

Front month Brent crude futures on the other hand had turned around, trading lower by 0.38% to $49.76 per barrel on the ICE after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt announced the suspension of air and sea travel to and from Qatar.

Officials in Riyadh cited Qatari support of "terrorist groups aiming to destabilise the region" as the reason for the move.

Acting as a backdrop, strategists at JP Morgan recommended clients stick with a defensive stance in their portfolios, pointing to the risk of a sharp correction in US equities, a phase of significant de-risking in China and the risk of political concerns around Italy coming to the fore sooner than expected.

On the economic front, IHS Markits composite euro area output index was steady at 56.8 points in May and in-line with a preliminary estimate.

However, the survey compiler's euro area services business activity index printd at 56.3 for May. That was down from a reading of 56.4 for April but ahead of a preliminary estimate of 56.2.

According to Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit, those survey readings added to evidence of continued strong economic growth in the single currency bloc during the second quarter.

"So far in the second quarter the PMI surveys are running at levels indicative of 0.7% GDP growth in France and Germany, with nearly 1% being signalled for Spain and 0.5% in Italy," he said.

Still on the economic calendar for Monday were the US ISM non-manufacturing index and factory orders data, both at 15:00 BST.

Societe Generale announced it would launch an IPO of its car leasing arm, ALD Automotive.

Spanish lender Banco Popular was again on the backfoot ahead of a meeting with European Central Bank officials the next day to discuss its current situation.
European stocks are trading slightly lower in early trading, amid losses for Basic Resource shares and Banks as traders digest the latest geopolitical news, including the tragic events in London at the weekend.

As of 1015 BST the benchmark Stoxx 600 was down by 0.18% to 391.87, alongside a retreat of 0.94% for the FTSE Mibtel and losses of 0.53% in France's Cac-40 to 5,315.68.

Germany's Dax was closed for Whit Monday.

In parallel, euro/dollar was off by 0.15% to 1.1265.

Front month Brent crude futures were adding 0.5% to $50.19 per barrel on the ICE after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt announced the suspension of air and sea travel to and from Qatar.

Officials in Riyadh cited Qatari support of "terrorist groups aiming to destabilise the region" as the reason for the move.

From a sector standpoint, the Stoxx 600's gauge of Basic Resource companies was down by 0.78% to 387.02, alongside a drop of 0.22% in a subindex of bank shares.

On the economic front, IHS Markits composite euro area output index was steady at 56.8 points in May and in-line with a preliminary estimate.

However, the survey compiler's euro area services business activity index printd at 56.3 for May. That was down from a reading of 56.4 for April but ahead of a preliminary estimate of 56.2.

According to Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Markit said, those survey readings added to evidence of continued strong economic growth in the single currency bloc during the second quarter.

"So far in the second quarter the PMI surveys are running at levels indicative of 0.7% GDP growth in France and Germany, with nearly 1% being signalled for Spain and 0.5% in Italy," he said.

Still on the economic calendar for Monday was the US ISM non-manufacturing index at 15:00 BST.

Societe General will launch an IPO of its car leasing arm, ALD Automotive.

Spanish lender Banco Popular was again on the backfoot ahead of a meeting with European Central Bank officials the next day to discuss its current situation.
AstraZeneca presented positive results from its Phase III OlympiAD trial on Monday, which showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival for BRCA-mutated metastatic breast cancer patients treated with Lynparza (olaparib) tablets - 300mg twice daily - compared to treatment with physician's choice of a standard of care chemotherapy.

The FTSE 100 drugmaker said that in addition to meeting its primary endpoint of progression-free survival assessed by blinded independent central review, the trial showed that patients treated with Lynparza had a 42% reduction in the risk of their disease worsening or death compared to those who received chemotherapy.

In a statement, the company described OlympiAD as a randomised, open label, multi-centre Phase III trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Lynparza to physician's choice chemotherapy - capecitabine, vinorelbine, eribulin - in 302 patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, which are predicted or suspected to be deleterious.

AstraZeneca said the international trial was conducted in 19 countries from across Europe, Asia, North America and South America.

The data was being presented at the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, during Monday's Plenary Session.

It said the trial was designated for the Best of ASCO selection, which the board said underscored the importance of the results for patients and physicians, with the results published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The OlympiAD data presented today demonstrate the benefit of olaparib in delaying the progression of advanced BRCA-mutated breast cancer, said Mark Robson, principal investigator of Olympiad and the clinic director of the clinical genetics service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

With few alternatives available, a targeted non-chemotherapy oral treatment in this setting could be a beneficial new option for patients.

Sean Bohen, executive vice president of global medicines development and chief medical officer at AstraZeneca, said the OlympiAD results marked the first time a targeted therapy showed benefit over the current standard of care for patients with HER2-negative gBRCA-mutated metastatic breast cancer.

This also represents an important milestone for Lynparza as this is the first positive Phase III trial in which a PARP inhibitor has shown a significant benefit for patients outside of ovarian cancer.

Patients in the trial had HER2-negative germline BRCA1 or BRCA2-mutated breast cancer and were receiving Lynparza as their first, second or third-line medicine for metastatic disease.

Before enrolment, patients had prior treatment with an anthracycline - unless contraindicated - and a taxane.

Hormone receptor-positive patients received at least one endocrine medicine or were not eligible for endocrine medicines.

Secondary endpoints showed an improvement in time until second progression or death in the Lynparza arm of the trial, compared to those treated with chemotherapy, AstraZeneca claimed.

In addition, the objective response rate was more than doubled, with 59.9% of patients in the Lynparza arm showing response to treatment, compared to 28.8% of patients treated with chemotherapy.

A review of the Lynparza safety data from the OlympiAD trial did not identify any new safety signals and the overall safety profile was consistent with previous trials of Lynparza.

There was a lower incidence of grade 3 adverse events in the Lynparza arm compared to the chemotherapy arm, at 36.6% vs 50.5% respectively.

The company said a smaller proportion of patients discontinued treatment in the Lynparza arm compared to the chemotherapy arm, at 4.9% vs 7.7% respectively.
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) said it was ending its probe into PricewaterhouseCoopers' (PwC) auditing of Tesco's accounts.

In a statement, the FRC said there was not a realistic prospect of an adverse finding against the accounting giant. The inquiry related to Tesco's accounts for 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The FRC said it was continuing to look other accountants as part of the investigation. In 2014 Tesco was found to have overstated profits by 326m. The supermarket chain was fined 129m this year as a result.

As well as the fine to the SFO, Tesco agreed to a finding of "market abuse" by the Financial Conduct Authority for overstating its expected profits in a trading update in August 2014.

Following months of talks with the Serious Fraud Office, the supermarket giant reached a deferred prosecution agreement, which meant it would not be prosecuted as long as it met certain requirements.

Tesco also agreed to pay 85m compensation to investors who purchased shares and bonds in the company on or after the 29 August 2014 and who still held those securities when the statement was corrected on 22 September 2014.
John Oliver blasted President Donald Trumps decision on the Paris climate agreement last night on his widely-funny HBO show, Last Week Tonight.

He began by explaining the planets carbon budget and the actual global disaster our planet faces if we dont reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Oliver spent much of his time pointing out Trumps ludicrous misunderstanding of the climate agreement. The whole world is not secretly conspiring against the United States, Oliver spouted. If the agreement was a scheme to hurt American businesses, you know who that might be news to, many American businesses. Because they were not just in favor of this agreement, they even made a last-ditch attempt to change Trumps mind.

Watch above.
According to an Age Wave/Merrill Lynch report, 81% of Americans report not knowing how much money they'll need for retirement. That's more than a little problematic, because if you don't know how much you'll need, you can't know if you've been saving enough.
More than 1,000 U.S. governors, mayors, businesses, investors, and colleges and universities assembled Monday to reaffirm their commitment to climate action and declare they will continue to pursue ambitious emissions reductions despite the Trump administrations decision to pull out of an unprecedented and essential international agreement to curb climate change. This is broadest cross section of the American economy yet assembled in pursuit of climate action.

Together, these leaders are sending a strong signal to the international community and the 194 other parties to the Paris agreement that we will work together to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in the fight against climate change. In the aggregate, the signatories are delivering concrete emissions reductions that will help meet Americas emissions pledge under the Paris agreement.

Thank You Trump for Making Climate a Breaking News Story https://t.co/TjGRFFaEIm  Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) June 3, 2017

It is imperative that the world know that the US, the actors that will provide the leadership necessary to meet our Paris commitment are found in city halls, state capitals, colleges and universities, investors and businesses, the leaders said in an open letter.

Together, we will remain actively engaged with the international community as part of the global effort to hold warming well below 2 and to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy that will benefit our security, prosperity and health.

The Trump administrations announcement undermines a key pillar in the fight against climate change and damages the worlds ability to avoid the most dangerous and costly effects of climate change and is out of step with what is happening in the U.S. The signatories all understand that the Paris agreement is a blueprint for job creation, stability and global prosperity, and that accelerating the nations clean energy transition is an opportunity fornot a liability tojob creation, spurring innovation, promoting trade and ensuring American competitiveness. By declaring that we are still in, the signatories are putting the best interests of their constituents, customers, students and communities first while assuring the rest of the world that American leadership on climate change extends well beyond the federal government.

Signatories include some of the most populous states and cities in the U.S., including California, New York City, Los Angeles and Houston, as well as several smaller cities such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Dubuque, Iowa. A mixture of private universities, state schools and community colleges, both small and large, have added their institutions to the statement. And Fortune 500 companies sign their names alongside hundreds of small businesses.

There are multiple organizations and individuals participating in this movement and World Wildlife Fund has played a convening role in the process, building on our longstanding work with cities and businesses.

Todays announcement embraces this rapidly growing movement of subnational and civil society leaders by announcing that not only are these leaders stepping forward, they are stepping forward together.

US leadership on climate change doesnt begin or end in Washington, said World Wildlife Funds Lou Leonard, senior vice president, climate change and energy. Focusing on last weeks disappointing decision by President Trump misses the bigger story: America is still in this fight.
By Scott Weaver

At a time when storms are getting more destructive, floods more devastating and people and property more vulnerable, accurate weather forecasting is more critical than ever.

Which is why the Trump administrations brazen proposal to slash funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) most important forecasting and storm prediction programs has set off alarms in recent days. In all, the president wants to slash the agencys budget by 16 percent.

Having spent more than six years as a NOAA scientist, I know there are ways to become more efficient and make government work better. Many dedicated professionals within the agency would be eager to partner with the administration to develop that kind of action plan.

Except, efficiency is not what this proposal is about. Rather, it blatantly disregards science and how it protects lives and property.

Here are a few of the NOAA budget lowlights, and why they could matter to you:

1. Delays Hurricane Forecast Improvements

Several NOAA programs are developing advanced modeling to make weather and storm forecasts more accurate and reliable. But the same week NOAA called for an above-average season of hurricane activity, the Trump administration requested a $5 million funding cut for these important programs.

It would slow the transition of such advanced forecasting models into real-life warning systemsdirectly affecting families and business owners who must prepare for severe storms. It would also make the accuracy of American weather forecasts fall farther behind its European and Japanese peers.

2. Eliminates Critical Tornado Warning Program

Vortex-Southeasta $5 million program used to detect, respond to and warn against tornadoes in Southeastern U.S.would be terminated. The program studies the intensity and path of twisters in a region with more tornado deaths than any other and how to best communicate forecasts to the public.

3. Terminates Arctic Research Protecting Fishermen

The president wants to cut a total of $6 million from two NOAA programs that support improvements to sea ice modeling and predictions, along with a program that models vulnerabilities among ecosystems and fisheries.

These programs, among other things, help predict where potentially hazardous floating sea ice may be present, supporting the safety and business of fishermen, commercial shippers, cruise ships and local communities in Alaska.

4. Closes Lab Tracking Mercury Pollution, Fallout

NOAAs Air Resources Laboratory researches how mercury and other harmful materials travel through the atmosphere and fall to Earth. The labs models also help emergency agencies and the aviation industry minimize and respond to pollution disasters such as radioactive fallout or anthrax attacks.

And yet, the administration has requested a $4.7 million decrease to close the entire lab.

5. Slows Flood Forecasting Improvements

A $3.1 million cut would slow upgrades to the National Water Model, an initiative hailed as a game changer for flood prediction when it launched in 2016. The model offers hourly forecasts for the nations entire river networkinformation that helps emergency agencies, farmers, barge operators and others respond faster and more efficiently to floods.

6. Scales Back Forecasts of El Nino

A $26 million cut targets programs that monitor the tropical Pacific Ocean and help forecasters predict El Nino and other global environmental weather patterns. Such cuts would make it much harder to anticipate short-term climate events such as drought, excessive flooding and other extreme weather.

These are just a few of the highlights of the administrations proposed budget for NOAA, but should give you an idea of just how severe they are. These program cuts are not in Americas best interest.

Scott Weaver is a senior climate scientist with Environmental Defense Fund.
By Joanne Spalding and Andres Restrepo

The Sierra Club and its allies sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Scott Pruitt today for delaying crucial safeguards that reduce climate pollution, smog-forming compounds and air toxins from oil and gas facilities. This action represents the first lawsuit against the Trump administration for rolling back EPA climate standards.

Unfortunately, there will surely be many more lawsuits to come: Trumps decision last week to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accordegged on by Scott Pruittdemonstrates the crass and reckless disregard this president has for public health and the environment (to say nothing of his contempt for science, diplomacy and even smart business sense).

Paris Exit Was 'Victory Paid and Carried Out' by Republican Party for the Koch Brothers https://t.co/ENLbOqO62r (@ecowatch)  Sierra Club (@SierraClub) June 2, 2017

This same disregard is apparent in Pruitts decision to suspend these critical leak detection and repair (LDAR) requirements for the oil and gas sector, which were finalized under the Obama administration and were scheduled to take effect last Saturday. Pruitt has moved to delay these vital protections by 90 days on legally baseless grounds, and is planning to delay them indefinitely after that. We anticipate that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where we filed our case, will strike down this lawless action.

A little background on the LDAR program is in order. Leaking oil and gas equipment is one of the countrys biggest sources of methane pollution, a dangerous greenhouse gas that is 87 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at warming the planet. We wont be able to curb the worst effects of climate change unless we limit harmful methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. In addition, when they leak methane, these same equipment parts emit smog- and soot-forming volatile organic compounds, which cause serious lung and heart problems, and air toxins like benzene and formaldehyde, known human carcinogens. Fixing leaks of one pollutant at oil and gas wells limits emissions of all three pollutants.

Last June, EPA finalized standards requiring oil and gas site operators to limit their emissions of these dangerous pollutants. The heart of EPAs standards is its LDAR program, which requires operators of certain sourcesincluding fracked oil and gas wellsto find and repair leaking equipment at regular intervals. This program will provide up to 45 percent of the standards reductions of smog- and soot-forming pollutants, over half of its methane reductions, and nearly 90 percent of its reductions in air toxins. The final standard provided industry operators with a full year to prepare before having to complete the first mandatory LDAR survey by June 3 of this year.

In April, however, Scott Pruitt announced that EPA would reconsider certain aspects of the LDAR program at the request of the fossil fuel industry and would delay the entire programs start date by three months. Pruitts action came as little surprise: remember, this is the same guy who spent months whispering into Donald Trumps ear urging him to trash the Paris accord and the same guy who, as Oklahoma Attorney General, sued EPA over a dozen times to weaken environmental protections. And hes not stopping therelast week, Pruitt notified the Office of Management and Budget that he plans to seek an indefinite suspension of the LDAR program while he looks for ways to withdraw or weaken the standards for good.

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA can only delay a finalized emission standard if a petitioning party can identify some centrally relevant aspect of the standard that it had no opportunity to address during the public comment period. Otherwise, any delay by the agency is illegal. Pruitt claims to have found two narrow aspects of the LDAR program that meet these criteria, on which grounds he is reconsidering and delaying the entire LDAR program. He is also suspending two other aspects of the standards separate from LDAR. But Pruitt is simply wrong: on each of these topics, EPA specifically requested comment in its original proposal, and it updated the final standards in response to the extensive feedback it received from industry groups and others stakeholders. Pruitts delay is therefore a blatant violation of the law.

Pruitts illegal stalling tactics are nothing more than a giveaway to his close friends in the fossil fuel business. To everyone else, they are just more bad news from an administration that delivers little else. EPAs LDAR program will provide real and lasting benefits to communities affected by oil and gas pollution and climate change. Once emitted, methane stays in the atmosphere for an average of twelve years before decaying into carbon dioxide, which then lasts for hundreds or even thousands of years. The LDAR program will significantly curb these emissions; Pruitts delay will simply kick the can down the road while dangerous pollution builds up in our atmosphere. In addition, the delay will occur during the summer, when smog formation is at its worst. According to one analysis, over 2,000 active new oil and gas wells exist in counties with unlawfully high levels of ozonethe primary ingredient of smog. If Pruitt gets his way, these well site operators can continue to let their fracking rigs dump harmful pollution into the air with no federal safeguards to stop them.

Particularly appalling is the fact that many of the communities that will suffer the most are the very ones that Pruitt and Trump claim to care about. In his announcement last week, Trump said that he was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris. As it turns out, Allegheny Countywhere Pittsburgh sitsand its neighboring counties have seen approximately 275 new gas wells drilled since EPA first proposed the LDAR program, over 70 of which are already actively producing oil or natural gas. Each one of these counties has ozone levels that are above EPAs legal limits, and Pennsylvania lacks its own mandatory LDAR requirements. Trump and Pruitt may pay lip service to western Pennsylvanians, but the administrations actions show that they are willing to sell out these communities in order to help dirty industry reap a few more dollars in profit.

Families and communities around the country that are affected by pollution and climate change deserve better than this. Thats why we took Pruitt to court today, and thats why well keep fighting his and Donald Trumps reckless energy and environment agenda every step of the way.

Joanne Spalding is the chief climate counsel for the Sierra Club. Andres Restrepo is a staff attorney for the Sierra Clubs Environmental Law Program.
By Heba Kanso

After months of testing, a hospital in Syria will have uninterrupted power last week, charged by solar power in a project designers hope will save lives and can be repeated across the country.

Syrias electrical grid has taken a big hit after six years of a volatile civil war with most the electrical infrastructure bombed, dismantled or destroyed, leaving hospitals relying on diesel generators but at the mercy of fuel shortages.

So the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM), an international coalition of international medical organizations and NGOs, said it hoped creating the countrys first solar-power hospital would save lives.

To have those active (hospitals) resilient and operational, its a matter of life (or death) for many, many people in the country, said Tarek Makdissi, project director of UOSSM told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

The France-based UOSSM launched the initiative, Syria Solar, with the aim of getting hospitals less dependent on diesel which the organization says is expensive and not reliable. The first solar hospitalthe name and location of which the UOSSM would not release for safety reasonsruns on mixture of a diesel generator and 480 solar panels built near the hospital that link to an energy storage system.

If there is a complete fuel outage, the solar system can fully power the intensive care unit, operating rooms and emergency departments for up to 24 hours without diesel, which is 20 to 30 percent of the hospitals energy cost.

Makdissi said the goal is to get five other medical facilities in Syria running like this by the end of spring 2018 with funding from places like institutions, foundations, government agencies and philanthropists.

How much money can a solar roof save you? Find local deals on solar in your area, eliminate your power bill and join the solar revolution. UnderstandSolar is a great free service to link you to top-rated solar installers in your region that will provide you personalized solar estimates for free. Learn more here.
A draft letter backed by officials in Arizona and Utah is urging the Trump administration to review the uranium mining ban near the Grand Canyon. The letter, which is expected to be sent to Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke on Monday, asks the department to completely overturn the Obama-era environmental protections.

The 20-year ban was issued in 2012 by former Sec. of Interior Ken Salazar. It prohibits new claims for mining in the region, which includes more than 1 million acres of public land adjacent to the Grand Canyon. The ban, however, does not restrict existing mines, four of which continue within just a few miles of the rim of the Colorado River.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has completed many reports on the safety of the water in the region, which helped lead to the ban. In 2010, they found that 15 springs and five wells contained concentrations of uranium that exceeded drinking water limits. Also in 2010, the USGS found radioactive dust several hundred feet from the Kanab North Mine Site at more than 10 times the background concentration for uranium, according to Grand Canyon Trust.

But the draft letter to be sent by the Mohave County board and other regional leaders says that the ban is unlawful and stifles the economic growth of the mining industry. A second letter, planned to also be sent on Monday, will ask the federal government to rollback national monument protections for popular tourist destinations, including the Vermilion Cliffs area in northern Arizona and the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix.

Board chairman Gary Watson told The Guardian, I think the Trump administration is very interested in looking at the situation. A number of companies are very anxious to get in there and start extracting uranium. There is no danger.

Moreover, the letter states that uranium has many military uses and calculates that $29 billion could be profited from uranium mining in the region. A rural area known as the Arizona Strip could provide power generation to the state of California for 20 years.

These numbers might grab the attention of the president, but there are major concerns from area residents, including native tribes.

We are faced with the potential dangers of uranium contamination into our sole water supply, (local) testing in other areas has already shown traces of uranium from mining in the Grand Canyon region, and I dont think we would be able to survive an environmental catastrophe here, I just dont know where we would go, said Carletta Tilousi of the Havasupai tribal council.

The Center for Biological Diversity, Earthjustice and the Sierra Club, have been huge proponents of the ban, pushing for it to be upheld as several mining companies have filed lawsuits to local governments for rights to the land in the past five years.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, uranium mining leaves a toxic legacy on public lands and sacred American Indian sites. It affects habitat for more than 100 sensitive species and has the potential to seep pollutants into underground aquifers used for drinking water.

There was a very good reason the ban was put in place: toxic uranium mining contaminates groundwater, said Randi Spivak, public lands program director with the Center for Biological Diversity. A reversal of the ban would harm people and wildlife while lining the pockets of industry.
BEER-SHEVA, Israel...June 5, 2017 -- Researchers at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) Cyber Security Research Center (CSRC) have demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to covertly siphon sensitive files, passwords or other critical data from any common router.

In the new paper, the researchers demonstrated how LEDs functionality can be silently overridden by malware they developed (code named "xLED"), which infects firmware in the device. Once the xLED malware infects the network device, it gains full control of the LEDs that flash to indicate status.

Network devices such as routers and local area network switches typically include activity and status LEDs used to monitor traffic activity, alerts and provide status.

According to research leader Dr. Mordechai Guri, the head of research and development at the BGU CSRC, "sensitive data can be encoded and sent via the LED light pulses in various ways. An attacker with access to a remote or local camera, or with a light sensor hidden in the room, can record the LED's activity and decode the signals."

Click here to watch a video of the demonstration and determine what famous book is being leaked via the flickering LED signals of a WIFI router.

"Unlike network traffic that is heavily monitored and controlled by firewalls, this covert channel is currently not monitored, says Dr. Guri. As a result, it enables attackers to leak data while evading firewalls, air-gaps (computers not hooked up to the internet) and other data-leakage prevention methods."

The xLED malware can program the LEDs to flash at very fast speeds - more than 1,000 flickers per second for each LED. Since a typical router or network switch includes six or more status LEDs, the transmission rate can be multiplied significantly to as much as thousands of bits per second. As a result, a significant amount of highly sensitive information can be encoded and leaked over the fast LED signals, which can be received and recorded by a remote camera or light sensor.

The BGU CSRC has a dedicated research program to uncover and demonstrate vulnerabilities of electronic devices. Over the past two years, they have successfully demonstrated how malware can siphon data from computer speakers, headphone jacks, hard drives, and computer fans, as well as 3D printers, smartphones, LED bulbs, and other IoT devices.

###

In addition to Dr. Guri, the other BGU researchers include Boris Zadov, who received his M.Sc. degree from the BGU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Andrey Daidakulov, CSRC security researcher, and Prof. Yuval Elovici, director of the BGU Cyber Security Research Center. Prof. Elovici is also a member of BGU's Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering and director of Deutsche Telekom Laboratories at BGU.

About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more.

AABGU, headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.org
The earliest geological indication of humans' impact on the environment discovered in the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv University researchers say

A new Tel Aviv University study has uncovered the earliest known geological indications of manmade impact on geological processes, in particular erosion of the surface, from 11,500 years ago. Within a core sample retrieved from the Dead Sea, researchers discovered basin-wide erosion rates dramatically incompatible with known tectonic and climatic regimes of the period recorded.

"Human impact on the natural environment is now endangering the entire planet," said Prof. Shmuel Marco, Head of TAU's School of Geosciences, who led the research team. "It is therefore crucial to understand these fundamental processes. Our discovery provides a quantitative assessment for the commencement of significant human impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems." The results of the study were published in Global and Planetary Change.

The research was conducted by TAU post-doctoral student Dr. Yin Lu and in collaboration with Prof. Dani Nadel and Prof. Nicolas Waldman, both of the University of Haifa. It took place as part of the Dead Sea Deep Drilling project, which harnessed a 1,500-foot-deep drill core to delve into the Dead Sea basin. The core sample provided the team with a sediment record of the last 220,000 years.

The newly-discovered erosion occurred during the Neolithic Revolution, the wide-scale transition of human cultures from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settlement. The shift resulted in an exponentially larger human population on the planet.

"Natural vegetation was replaced by crops, animals were domesticated, grazing reduced the natural plant cover, and deforestation provided more area for grazing," said Prof. Marco. "All these resulted in the intensified erosion of the surface and increased sedimentation, which we discovered in the Dead Sea core sample."

A natural laboratory in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea drainage basin serves as a natural laboratory for understanding how sedimentation rates in a deep basin are related to climate change, tectonics, and man-made impacts on the landscape.

"We noted a sharp threefold increase in the fine sand that was carried into the Dead Sea by seasonal floods," said Prof. Marco. "This intensified erosion is incompatible with tectonic and climatic regimes during the Holocene, the geological epoch that began after the Pleistocene some 11,700 years ago."

The researchers are currently in the process of recovering the record of earthquakes from the same drill core. "We have identified disturbances in the sediment layers that were triggered by the shaking of the lake bottom," Prof. Marco said. "It will provide us with a 220,000-year record -- the most extensive earthquake record in the world."

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American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) supports Israel's most influential, comprehensive and sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). TAU is recognized and celebrated internationally for creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture on campus that generates inventions, startups and economic development in Israel. For three years in a row, TAU ranked 9th in the world, and first in Israel, for alumni going on to become successful entrepreneurs backed by significant venture capital, a ranking that surpassed several Ivy League universities. To date, 2,400 patents have been filed out of the University, making TAU 29th in the world for patents among academic institutions.
New Orleans, LA - June 2, 2017 - A Lactobacillus isolate from commercial yogurt, identified as Lactobacillus parafarraginis, inhibited the growth of several multidrug-resistant/extended spectrum -lactamase bacteria from patients at a hospital in Washington, D.C.. The research was presented at ASM Microbe 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The inhibitory substance is a unique, bacteriocin-like peptide that is heat stable up to 121C. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria and released to kill other related bacteria that are not immune to their action.

"Considering the current upsurge of antibiotic resistance in hospitals, especially among the gram-negative bacteria, and the exigent need to find viable alternatives, findings from the study may hold promise for possible therapeutic application," said Rachelle Allen-McFarlane, doctoral candidate in the Biology Department at Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Lactobacillus parafarraginis KU495926, identified by 16S rRNA, was isolated from a sample of commercial yogurt on de Man-Rogosa-Sharpe agar by standard plate count technique under anaerobic conditions. The isolate exhibited the typical lactic acid bacterial characteristics: gram positive, catalase, oxidase, and motility negative. Screening of the antimicrobial activity by spot and well-diffusion assays showed that the isolate inhibited the growth of several multidrug-resistant/extended-spectrum -lactamase gram-negative bacterial pathogens from a local hospital.

Analyses of the extract by fast-perfusion liquid chromatography (FPLC), SDS-PAGE, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) suggested that the inhibitory agent is a bacteriocin.

###

The research was conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Broderick Eribo, in the Biology Department at Howard University, Washington, DC. Drs. Winston Anderson, Adrian Douglas Allen, Ayele Gugssa, Ms. Garima Bansal and June Prout, all affiliates of Howard University, also contributed to this work.

The American Society for Microbiology is the largest single life science society, composed of over 50,000 scientists and health professionals. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.

ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.
ASCO Perspective

"While it's still early, these data are a strong sign that CAR T-cell therapy can send multiple myeloma into remission," said ASCO Expert Michael S. Sabel, MD, FACS. "It's rare to see such high response rates, especially for a hard-to-treat cancer. This serves as proof that immunotherapy and precision medicine research pays off. We hope that future research builds on this success in multiple myeloma and other cancers."

CHICAGO - In an early clinical trial, 33 out of 35 (94%) patients had clinical remission of multiple myeloma upon receiving a new type of immunotherapy ? chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting B-cell maturation protein or BCMA. Most patients had only mild side effects.

The study will be featured in a press briefing today and presented at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

"Although recent advances in chemotherapy have prolonged life expectancy in multiple myeloma, this cancer remains incurable," said study author Wanhong Zhao, MD, PhD, an associate director of hematology at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University in Xi'an, China. "It appears that with this novel immunotherapy there may be a chance for cure in multiple myeloma, but we will need to follow patients much longer to confirm that."

CAR T-cell therapy is custom-made for each patient. The patient's own T cells are collected, genetically reprogrammed in a lab, and injected back into the patient. The reprogramming involves inserting an artificially designed gene into the T-cell genome, which helps the genetically reprogrammed cells find and destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

Over the past few years, CAR T-cell therapy targeting a B-cell biomarker called CD19 proved very effective in initial trials for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and some types of lymphoma, but until now, there has been little success with CAR T-cell therapies targeting other biomarkers in other types of cancer. This is one of the first clinical trials of CAR T cells targeting BCMA, which was discovered to play a role in progression of multiple myeloma in 2004.

Key Findings

The authors report results from the first 35 patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant (refractory) multiple myeloma enrolled in this ongoing phase I clinical trial in China. First signs of treatment efficacy appeared as early as 10 days after initial injection of CAR T cells (patients received three split doses of cells over a week). Overall, the objective response rate was 100%, and 33 (94%) patients had an evident clinical remission of myeloma (complete response or very good partial response) within two months of receiving CAR T cells.

To date, 19 patients have been followed for more than four months, a pre-set time for full efficacy assessment by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) consensus. Of the 19 patients, 14 have reached stringent complete response (sCR) criteria, one patient has reached partial response, and four patients have achieved very good partial remission (VgPR) criteria in efficacy.

There has been only a single case of disease progression from VgPR; an extramedullary lesion of the VgPR patient reappeared three months after disappearing on CT scans. There has not been a single case of relapse among patients who reached sCR criteria. The five patients who have been followed for over a year (12-14 months) all remain in sCR status and are free of minimal residual disease as well (have no detectable cancer cells in the bone marrow).

Cytokine release syndrome or CRS, a common and potentially dangerous side effect of CAR T-cell therapy, occurred in 85% of patients, but it was only transient. In the majority of patients symptoms were mild and manageable. CRS is associated with symptoms such as fever, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and problems with multiple organs. Only two patients on this study experienced severe CRS (grade 3) but recovered upon receiving tocilizumab (Actemra, an inflammation-reducing treatment commonly used to manage CRS in clinical trials of CAR T-cell therapy). No patients experienced neurologic side effects, another common and serious complication from CAR T-cell therapy.

Next Steps

The researchers plan to enroll a total of 100 patients in this clinical trial, at four participating hospitals in China. "In early 2018 we also plan to launch a similar clinical trial in the United States. Looking ahead, we would also like to explore whether BCMA CAR T-cell therapy benefits patients who are newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma," said Dr. Zhao.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which make antibodies to fight infections. Abnormal plasma cells can crowd out or suppress the growth of other cells in the bone marrow. This suppression may result in anemia, excessive bleeding, and a decreased ability to fight infection.

Multiple myeloma is a relatively uncommon cancer. This year, an estimated 30,300 people1 in the United States will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and 114,2502 were diagnosed with this cancer worldwide in 2012. In the United States, only about half of patients survive five years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

###

This study was funded by Legend Biotech Co.

ATTRIBUTION TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY ANNUAL MEETING IS REQUESTED IN ALL COVERAGE.

1http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/mulmy.html Accessed on April 24, 2017.

2http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_population.aspx Accessed on April 24, 2017.
ASCO Perspective

"In this case, less is more. We're now able to spare many patients with colon cancer unnecessary side effects of an additional 3 months of chemotherapy without compromising results. This study is an excellent example of how existing treatments can be refined to work even better for patients," said ASCO Expert Nancy Baxter, MD.

CHICAGO - After surgery for lymph-node positive colon cancer (stage III), some patients may only need half of the long-standing standard course of chemotherapy. In an analysis of six clinical trials with over 12,800 patients, 3 months of chemotherapy was nearly as effective as 6 months in patients with relatively lower recurrence risk and caused fewer side effects, particularly nerve damage.

These data will be presented in ASCO's Plenary Session, which features four abstracts deemed to have the greatest potential to impact patient care, out of the more than 5,000 abstracts featured as part of the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

Chemotherapy lowers the chance of cancer recurrence after colon cancer surgery. Since 2004, the standard (adjuvant) treatment after surgery has been a combination of chemotherapies (FOLFOX or CAPOX), given over a period of six months.

The goal of this study, which pooled data from 6 studies conducted in North America, Europe, and Asia, was to determine if 3 months of chemotherapy was as effective as 6 months. While the primary endpoint was not proven statistically, a shorter, 3-month course of chemotherapy was associated with a less than 1% lower chance of being colon cancer free at 3 years compared to the standard 6-month course (74.6% vs. 75.5%). In patients considered at low risk of cancer recurrence (60% of patients in the study), the difference was even smaller (83.1% in patients receiving a 3-month course vs. 83.3% in patients receiving a 6-month course).

"Our findings could apply to about 400,000 colon cancer patients worldwide every year. For 60% of these patients, who have lower risk for cancer recurrence, 3 months of chemotherapy will likely become the new standard of care," said senior study author Axel Grothey, MD, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Rochester, Minn. "Patients with higher risk colon cancer, however, should discuss these results with their doctor to see if a shorter course of therapy would be right for them, taking into account their preference, age, and ability to tolerate chemotherapy."

A key side effect of one of the chemotherapies in the regimen - oxaliplatin - is nerve damage, which can result in permanent numbness, tingling, and pain. The longer a patient receives oxaliplatin, the greater the chance for severe and long-lasting nerve damage. Nerve damage (numbness/tingling of the hands and feet) was substantially less common in patients receiving a 3-month course of chemotherapy vs. a 6-month month course (15% vs. 45% with FOLFOX and 17% vs. 48% with CAPOX).

"Many side effects of chemotherapy, such as hair loss, go away over time, but nerve damage is a side effect some patients have to deal with for the rest of their lives," said Dr. Grothey.

About the Study

This study is a prospective, pre-planned analysis of pooled data from six concurrent, phase III clinical trials conducted in 12 countries. It was established more than 10 years ago as so-called IDEA collaboration (International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant therapy). A steering committee oversaw the study design, and an independent statistical center reviewed the results from all six clinical trials (findings from three of which are being presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting). The study received public funding only.

"We needed this large number of patients to answer the study question, but at the time this study began in 2007 it was not possible to run one study of that size anywhere in the world," said Dr. Grothey. "With more than 12,834 patients, this is the largest collaboration of its kind in oncology."

Key Findings

Patients were followed for a median time of 39 months. For all patients combined, the rate of disease-free survival at 3 years was slightly lower with 3 months of chemotherapy than with 6 months of chemotherapy (74.6% vs. 75.5%). The type of chemotherapy regimen selected affected the difference in 3-year disease-free survival between the 3-month and 6-month treatment duration (75.9% vs. 74.8% with CAPOX and 73.6% vs 76.0% with FOLFOX), although the difference was relatively small in both cases.

In the subset of patients with lower risk colon cancer (defined as cancer spread to 1-3 lymph nodes and not completely through the bowel wall), the disease-free survival rate at 3 years was almost identical for those who received 3 (83.1%) and 6 months of chemotherapy (83.3%).

The rate of clinically meaningful (grade 2 or greater) nerve damage differed depending on the type of chemotherapy regimen received, but was consistently higher for people who received 6 months versus 3 months of chemotherapy (45% vs. 15% with FOLFOX and 48% vs. 17% with CAPOX).

"Aside from nerve damage, longer chemotherapy also means more diarrhea and fatigue, more doctor appointments, blood draws, and time away from work and social interactions," said Dr. Grothey.

"This is extremely important work that will affect the lives of many of my patients hopefully tomorrow, and will allow us to provide a more personalized approach to our patients with colon cancer. Although addressing the question, 'can we give less treatment?' is of major importance to patients and their doctors, it is rare to see this type of study. Given that these questions are unlikely to be of interest to the pharmaceutical industry, federal support for these trials is critical," said Dr. Baxter.

###

This study was funded by grants from the Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, National Cancer Institute, Italian Agency for Drugs (AIFA), Japanese Foundation for Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer, French Ministry of Health, and French National cancer Institute (Inca).

ATTRIBUTION TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY ANNUAL MEETING IS REQUESTED IN ALL COVERAGE.
Tractor Supply Co. has started construction on a new retail store and expansion of its distribution center in Waverly.

The store, at 9531 N. 130th St., should be completed this fall with a grand opening expected in November.

The store will hire about 15 employees, according to a news release from the company.

The 19,097-square-foot retail space will include a sales floor, external customer service desk and pet wash station.

The retail store is expected to be similar to the company's store on North 27th Street near the Interstate 80 exit in Lincoln. It will be along U.S. 6, north of the distribution center, which is being expanded.

The distribution center expansion is expected to add 70 new jobs to the community, the company said in response to emailed questions.

It will add 170,000 square feet to the existing 420,000-square-feet building.

Earlier, during a Waverly City Council meeting, the attorney representing the company said the two projects combined would cost about $16 million. Attorney Tom Huston said the center currently employs about 200 people.

Waverly has approved the use of about $1.8 million in tax-increment funding for the project. TIF is a funding incentive that allows the additional property taxes created by the increased value of the property to pay for aspects of the project that benefit the public.

When Tractor Supply opened the center in December 2005, it supplied around 60 stores, with the company projecting it eventually would serve 140 stores.

The center now supplies 190 stores, and the expansion will allow it to supply about 40 more, according to the company's email.

Tractor Supply has about 1,600 stores, including two in Lincoln and a dozen overall in Nebraska, and plans to grow to 2,500.
ASCO Perspective

"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.

CHICAGO - 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."

About the Study

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.

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.

"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).
ASCO Perspective

"This study gives more validation for the use of genomics in clinical practice and shows it could very well guide treatment choices for patients with advanced cancer," said Sumanta Kumar Pal, MD, ASCO Expert. "These data are particularly interesting in the face of recent approvals for immunotherapy for patients who have evidence of genomic instability."

CHICAGO - Genomic testing of tumor samples can enable personalized treatment selection, where targeted treatments are matched to genetic changes in the tumor. Although a growing number of patients with advanced cancers receive some genomic testing, comprehensive genomic testing is not yet routine care.

A study in France of 1,944 patients with advanced cancer suggests that widespread, routine genomic testing is feasible, although it offers clinical benefit to only of subset of patients at this time. According to the authors, this is the largest study of its kind.

The study will be featured in a press briefing today and presented at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

The researchers found least one "actionable" alteration in 52% of the tumor samples tested ("actionable" alterations are genetic changes that theoretically can be matched to targeted therapies). A molecular tumor board recommended targeted treatments to 676 patients, and 143 of them received the recommended treatment. The five-year survival rate was higher among patients who received the recommended treatment than among those who did not (34.8% vs. 28.1%).

"This study confirms that comprehensive genomic profiling can be performed in routine practice to select patients for targeted cancer therapies," said lead study author Olivier Tredan, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Medical Oncology at the Centre Leon Berard in Lyon, France. "The technology is widely available and requires only a small amount of DNA. Theoretically, we could do this testing for every patient in France."

About the Study

ProfiLER is an ongoing clinical trial that uses genomic profiling of tumors to guide treatment decisions for patients with advanced cancer. DNA from tumor samples is analyzed by next-generation sequencing of 69 cancer-related genes and whole-genome-comparative genomic hybridization. Both technologies are widely available in France and elsewhere in the world, according to the authors.

A multidisciplinary board of experts (the molecular tumor board) meets weekly to review genomic testing results and, if actionable mutations are found, provides recommendations for molecularly targeted therapies.

"We recommended molecularly targeted therapies to patients who had mutations in pathways that could be targeted with either commercially available drugs or those tested in early clinical trials," said Dr. Tredan.

Key Findings

To date, 2,676 patients have enrolled in the study, and 1,944 tumors were analyzed, including colorectal, gynecologic, breast, brain, and head and neck cancer, as well as sarcoma. Actionable mutations were found in 1,004 (52%) of tumor samples; 609 patients had only one actionable mutation, and 394 had two or more (up to six). The most common actionable pathway was the PI3K/mTOR pathway.

The molecular tumor board recommended molecularly targeted treatments to 676 patients (35% of 1,944 tested) based on availability of drugs hitting either the target protein or the pathway activated by the target. Of those, 143 received the recommended treatment, most through enrollment in a clinical trial. The other 533 patients were not able to receive the recommended treatment because of poor health/rapid progression of the cancer, not meeting eligibility criteria for a clinical trial, or difficulty obtaining off-label commercial medicines.

Researchers compared overall survival rates for the 143 patients who received targeted therapies based on genomic testing and 502 patients who did not. At three years, 53.7% of patients who received the recommended targeted therapy were alive, compared to 46.1% of patients who did not. The five-year survival rate was also higher for patients who received targeted therapy (34.8% vs. 28.1%).

Next Steps

The researchers are planning a new, randomized clinical trial, ProfiLER 02, which will compare the 70-gene test used in the current study to a commercial, 315-gene test. That trial should reveal whether screening a larger number of genes leads to more recommendations for targeted therapy.

###

This study was funded by LYRIC and BPI France Financement abounded by European Community.

ATTRIBUTION TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY ANNUAL MEETING IS REQUESTED IN ALL COVERAGE.
Heart muscle is one of the least renewable tissues in the body, which is one of the reasons that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Inspired by the idea of helping the heart repair itself, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Heart Institute have studied pathways known to be involved in heart cell functions and discovered a previously unknown connection between processes that keep the heart from repairing itself. This finding, published in the journal Nature, opens the possibility of developing strategies that will promote heart cell renewal in the future.

"We are investigating the question of why the heart muscle doesn't renew," said senior author Dr. James Martin, professor and Vivian L. Smith Chair in Regenerative Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. "In this study, we focused on two pathways of cardiomyocytes or heart cells; the Hippo pathway, which is involved in stopping renewal of adult cardiomyocytes, and the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) pathway, essential for cardiomyocyte normal functions.

We are also interested in studying mutations in DGC components because patients with these mutations have a muscle wasting disease called muscular dystrophy.

Previous work had hinted that components of the DGC pathway may somehow interact with members of the Hippo pathway. In this study, Martin and colleagues studied the consequences of this interaction in animal models. The researchers genetically engineered mice to lack genes involved in one or both pathways, and then determined the ability of the heart to repair an injury. These studies showed for the first time that dystroglycan 1, a component of the DGC pathway, directly binds to Yap, a part of the Hippo pathway, and that this interaction inhibited cardiomyocyte proliferation.

"The discovery that the Hippo and the DGC pathways connect in the cardiomyocyte and that together they act as 'brakes' or stop signals to cell proliferation opens the possibility that by disrupting this interaction one day it might be possible to help adult cardiomyocytes proliferate and heal injuries caused by a heart attack, for example," Martin said.

Another long-term application of this discovery could be to improve cardiac function in children with muscular dystrophy.

"Patients with muscular dystrophy can have severe reduction in cardiac function," Martin said. "Our findings may help to design medicines to slow down cardiac decline in muscular dystrophy by stimulating cardiomyocyte proliferation. In order to do that, we need more research to understand cardiomyocyte growth control pathways in greater detail."

###

Other contributors to this work include Yuka Morikawa, Todd Heallen, John Leach and Yang Xiao.

This project was supported in part by an Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Center grant (1U54 HD083092) from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development; the Mouse Phenotyping Core at Baylor College of Medicine with funding from the National Institutes of Health (U54 HG006348); and grants from the National Institutes of Health (DE 023177, HL 127717, HL 130804, and HL 118761) and the Vivian L. Smith Foundation. Support was also provided by the Transatlantic Network of Excellence Award LeDucq Foundation Transatlantic Networks of Excellence in Cardiovascular Research 14CVD01 and the American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant 16SDG26460001.
Compared with cesarean deliveries, midpelvic forceps and midpelvic vacuum deliveries lead to higher rates of maternal and infant trauma, according to a new study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) http://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.161156

These midpelvic operative vaginal deliveries, carried out when the baby's head is midway through the mother's pelvis, account for about 3% of singleton deliveries in Canada, approximately 10 000 deliveries per year.

Previous evidence on maternal and child injury and death after delivery with forceps or vacuum compared with cesarean delivery is inconsistent. In Canada, more than 20% of all deliveries by forceps or vacuum are midpelvic deliveries. In 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encouraged increased use of forceps and vacuum delivery to reduce rates of cesarean deliveries.

To better understand the impact of operative vaginal delivery compared with cesarean when either could be used, researchers looked at data on 187 234 singleton births in Canada, excluding Quebec, over 10 years (2003-2013). They included all midpelvic live or stillbirths via forceps or vacuum and cesarean delivery between 37 and 41 weeks gestational age. Of these, 76 755 women needed intervention because of poor uterine contractions and 110 479 because of fetal distress.

In deliveries that did not involve fetal distress, severe complications for the baby were 80% higher following midpelvic forceps and midpelvic vacuum compared with cesarean delivery. The rate of severe birth trauma was five- to ten-fold higher in deliveries by midpelvic forceps and midpelvic vacuum compared with cesarean delivery. Severe obstetric tearing occurred in 19% of women delivered by midpelvic forceps, 12% of women delivered by midpelvic vacuum, and 20% of women that delivered using a combination of midpelvic vacuum and forceps.

The study was restricted to deliveries in which the baby's head was midway through the maternal pelvis and does not apply to forceps and vacuum deliveries carried out when the baby's head has descended further down the birth canal.

"It is important to understand that similar to cesarean deliveries, midpelvic forceps and vacuum deliveries are invasive procedures with their own risks -- risks that we have now quantified and that should be communicated to women who may encounter them, especially when the risk is as high as one in five," says lead author, Giulia Muraca, a doctoral researcher at the School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC). "Women who are delivered by midpelvic forceps or midpelvic vacuum should be afforded the same standard of informed consent as women who consent to cesarean delivery. Ideally, this should take place prior to labour when women are considering their birth plans."

"Our study suggests that unless we can improve our ability to select candidates for midpelvic forceps and vacuum deliveries, or improve training in such deliveries, encouraging higher rates of forceps and vacuum delivery to reduce the cesarean delivery rate could increase rates of neonatal complications, especially birth trauma, as well as maternal complications such as severe postpartum hemorrhage, and obstetric trauma such as tearing," says Giulia Muraca.

The authors stress that there are circumstances during labour, such as fetal distress, when forceps and vacuum have potential to save lives through saving time compared with a cesarean delivery.

The study was limited by the authors' inability to assess the skill level of the physician or health care provider delivering the babies.

###

Researchers from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC and King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia conducted the study.
Most bird chicks need parental care to survive. In biparental species the chicks have greater chances of success if both parents participate in this task, especially under hostile situations. An international team of scientists has revealed that when temperatures rise, males and females in pairs of plovers shift incubation more frequently.

Climate change causes ecological variation and affects the lives of animals. The ever-earlier springs and later autumns caused by rising temperatures cause changes to animals' physiology, breeding seasons and even population distributions. However, little is still known about how animals behave in response to these disturbances.

A team of scientists, working in collaboration with the Donana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), has studied the influence of climate change on incubation in plovers (Charadrius spp.), a genus of shorebirds spread over six continents, with a total of 33 species.

Many plover species nest on the ground in sites where there is no plant cover to detect more easily approaching predators, but where their nests receive direct sunlight.

"This can represent a significant challenge," as indicated to SINC by Juan A. Amat, a researcher at the EBD and one of the authors of the study, which was published recently in the journal 'Global Ecology and Biogeography'.

The scientist adds that the situation can become complicated for birds in the middle of the day, "when incubating adults may not be able to tolerate the high temperatures." Typically, the optimum temperature adults provide for embryonic development is 35-39 C.

"In many bird species where both mates participate in incubation, one sex, generally the female, incubates by day, while the other (the male) does it by night," Amat explains. However, under hot conditions greater cooperation would be needed between males and females.

Males participate in daytime incubation

One solution under changing climates would be to shorten the duration of incubation shifts between the sexes. The paper, which was led by the University of Bath (United Kingdom), analysed the behaviour of 36 populations of 12 plover species. Its results reveal that male plovers assist the females during daytime incubation.

"Males' participation in daytime incubation increases both with ambient temperature and with as the variability of maximum temperatures during the incubation period," the expert stresses.

The research demonstrates that a rise in temperature changes these bird pairs' behaviour and their daily routine in terms of nest attendance. "This flexibility of parental cooperation would facilitate responses to the impact of climate change on populations' reproductive biology," explains Amat, who considers that the reason behind the male's increased help is the need to better protect the embryos from extreme conditions.

Previous studies have confirmed that environmental instability has an influence on the early stage of reproduction and the lives of birds, and that unpredictable variations in the environment also affect how bird pairs cooperate in caring for their offspring. The conclusion of this new paper is that climate variations strongly influence parental cooperation.

###

Reference:

Vincze, Orsolya et al. "Parental cooperation in a changing climate: fluctuating environments predict shifts in care division" Global Ecology and Biogeography 26(3): 347-358 DOI: 10.1111/geb.12540 March 2017
EMBARGOED until 4:45 p.m. CDT on June 5, 2017, to coincide with a presentation at American Society of Clinical Oncology 2017 annual meeting (Abstract 6513) and with publication of the findings in JAMA Oncology

CHICAGO -- June 5, 2017 -- For an investment of $125 for each year of life gained since the 1950s, the National Cancer Institute-funded SWOG clinical trials program has added 3.34 million years of life for cancer patients in the United States because of successful therapies that were proved through its trials.

That is the conclusion of an analysis, led by a faculty member at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, of outcomes data from 193 randomized Phase III clinical trials tested by SWOG. The findings are published in today's issue of JAMA Oncology and will be presented and discussed by the lead author, Dr. Joseph Unger, today, at 4:45 p.m. CT at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.

Sponsored by the NCI, SWOG is a network of cancer researchers from centers and hospitals around the United States and in six other countries. First organized in 1956, it allowed clinical trials to tap into diverse sets of expertise and enroll more patients by involving multiple institutions. SWOG today is one of five remaining nationwide networks set up to carry out NCI-sponsored cancer prevention and treatment trials. (SWOG originally stood for Southwest Oncology Group, but now is officially known by just the acronym.)

Taxpayers have invested an estimated $418 million in SWOG treatment trials of all sizes since they began. Researchers at Seattle's Fred Hutch, which has been the home of SWOG's Statistics and Data Management Center since 1984, decided to take an in-depth look at the return on that investment, and the results surprised them.

Looking only at the largest and most sophisticated type of SWOG studies completed through 2015, the researchers analyzed 193 randomized Phase III clinical trials -- trials specifically designed to prove that a new treatment works better than existing therapies. Of this group, 23 showed that the new, experimental therapy improved overall survival for trial patients, providing strong enough evidence to change how cancer is treated.

Yet this core of 23 successful clinical trials has produced a steady rise in survival for patients. According to Unger, a biostatistician and health services researcher in the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutch and principal investigator of the study, cancer patients in the U.S. have gained a cumulative 3.34 million years of life, compared with what their survival would have been without these treatments. By dividing those years of life saved by the estimated cost of all SWOG studies since 1956, Unger and his colleagues calculated that it took an NCI investment of only $125 for each year of life saved.

"Joe Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative and SWOG's 60-year anniversary motivated us to view this organization's structure from the 30,000-foot level and to assess what its impact has been," said Unger. "And we found it has had a huge impact on the lives of people with cancer, for a very reasonable investment cost on the part of federal funding agencies."

According to an analysis by the NCI, cancer is the leading cause of years of lives lost in the nation. In a study that ranked all other major causes of death in the country, cancers were responsible for 9.2 million "person-years of lives lost" in 2013, compared to 7.3 million for heart disease and 3.8 million for accidents.

The researchers display the impact of these gains in a chart that depicts a progressive buildup of colored layers representing years of life saved due to each of the 23 therapies. Of those treatments tested in SWOG trials, all but one are still in use today, Unger said.

Significantly, 84 percent of those years of life saved have accrued since 1990, a reflection of the accelerating pace of improvement in cancer research. While the focus of the study is on the gains already achieved, the researchers also projected the lifesaving trends forward and calculated that the impact of the same SWOG trials alone would grow to 4.32 million by 2020; to 5.38 million by 2025; and will have nearly doubled to 6.29 million by 2030.

Unger acknowledged that the study requires numerous assumptions, some conservative, some less so. For example, the study's central findings are based on the assumption that practice changes were adopted by the oncology community upon publication of the SWOG findings. Calculations also provided in the study show lower improvements in life years gained for cancer patients if the new therapies were adopted later. If, for example, all treatments took three years after publication to be adopted, the years of life saved drops to 2.9 million from 3.34 million.

"The assumptions you make are pretty important," Unger said. "I tried to be conservative in our modeling assumptions, so as not to overstate the impact." For example, because no records of the investment in SWOG trials exist prior to 1985, the researchers used a backward projection of 1980s study costs to the beginning of the SWOG trials, even though the budget for SWOG's treatment trial program in those early years was almost certainly much less.

"This study just considers the investment dollar cost of conducting these trials," Unger said. "Even if my estimate was off by an order of magnitude -- and the investment per year of life gained was $1,250 -- that would still be a very small investment."

The NCI provided support for the research reported in this study, although the content of it is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Unger is a member of SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center and has been involved in data analysis of those trials for more than 20 years.

The 23 positive trials enrolled 12,361 patients. The years of life gained were calculated through a complex formula that included clinical trial data, corresponding survival data from the national SEER 9 cancer registry, and life table data.

Unger said the study results provide strong evidence that SWOG and its four sister networks deliver a strong return on the investment required for them to carry out their studies. "If Congress is looking for a cost-effective approach to the design and conduct of studies for new cancer therapies, I can't think of a better model than the cooperative group system," he said.

###

In addition to Unger, co-authors of the paper are Dr. Michael LeBlanc, of Fred Hutch and the SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, and Dr. Charles Blanke, of the SWOG Group Chair's Office/Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland.

EMBARGOED until 4:45 p.m. CDT on June 5, 2017, to coincide with a presentation at American Society of Clinical Oncology 2017 annual meeting (Abstract 6513) and with publication of the findings in JAMA Oncology.

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At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch's pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation's first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women's Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network.
A newly discovered Jupiter-like world is so hot that it's stretching the definition of the word "planet."

With a day-side temperature of 4,600 Kelvin (more than 7,800 degrees Fahrenheit), planet KELT-9b is hotter than most stars, and only 1,200 Kelvin (about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler than our own sun.

In an article in this week's issue of Nature, an international research team led by astronomers at Ohio State University and Vanderbilt University describes a planet with some very unusual features. The article is titled "A giant planet undergoing extreme ultraviolet irradiation by its hot massive-star host."

Two Lehigh University astronomers -- Joshua Pepper , assistant professor of physics, and doctoral candidate Jonathan Labadie-Bartz--coauthored the study, which was also presented at the spring meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

KELT-9b is a gas giant 2.8 times more massive than Jupiter but only half as dense, because extreme radiation from its host star has caused its atmosphere to puff up like a balloon. And because it is tidally locked to its star -- as the moon is to Earth -- the day side of the planet is perpetually bombarded by stellar radiation, and as a result is so hot that molecules such as water, carbon dioxide and methane can't form there. The properties of the night side are still mysterious -- molecules may be able to form there, but probably only temporarily.

"It's a planet by any of the typical definitions based on mass, but its atmosphere is almost certainly unlike any other planet we've ever seen just because of the temperature of its day side," said Scott Gaudi, professor of astronomy at Ohio State University and a leader of the study.

KELT-9b orbits a star, dubbed KELT-9, which is more than twice as large and nearly twice as hot as our sun.

"KELT-9 radiates so much ultraviolet radiation that it may completely evaporate the planet," said Keivan Stassun, a professor of physics and astronomy at Vanderbilt who directed the study with Gaudi. "Or, if gas giant planets like KELT-9b possess solid rocky cores as some theories suggest, the planet may be boiled down to a barren rock, like Mercury."

That is, if the star doesn't grow to engulf it first. "KELT-9 will swell to become a red giant star in about a billion years," said Stassun. "The long-term prospects for life, or real estate for that matter, on KELT-9b are not looking good."

A possible UV-fueled tail

Given that its atmosphere is constantly blasted with high levels of ultraviolet radiation, the planet may even be shedding a tail of evaporated planetary material like a comet, Gaudi added.

While Gaudi and Stassun spend a lot of time developing missions designed to find habitable planets in other solar systems, the scientists said there's a good reason to study worlds that are unlivable in the extreme.

"As has been highlighted by the recent discoveries from the MEarth collaboration, the planet around Proxima Centauri, and the astonishing system discovered around TRAPPIST-1, the astronomical community is clearly focused on finding Earthlike planets around small, cooler stars like our sun," said Gaudi. "They are easy targets and there's a lot that can be learned about potentially habitable planets orbiting very low-mass stars in general.

"On the other hand, because KELT-9b's host star is bigger and hotter than the sun, it complements those efforts and provides a kind of touchstone for understanding how planetary systems form around hot, massive stars," Gaudi said.

Stassun added, "As we seek to develop a complete picture of the variety of other worlds out there, it's important to know not only how planets form and evolve, but also when and under what conditions they are destroyed."

A tiny dip in stellar brightness

How was the new planet found?

In 2014, astronomers using the KELT-North telescope at Winer Observatory in Arizona noticed a tiny drop in the star's brightness--about half of one percent-- that indicated that a planet may have passed in front of the star. The brightness dipped once every 1.5 days, which means the planet completes a "yearly" circuit around its star every 1.5 days.

Subsequent observations confirmed the signal to be due to a planet, and revealed it to be what astronomers call a "hot Jupiter"--the ideal kind of planet for the KELT telescopes to spot.

KELT is short for "Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope." Astronomers at Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Lehigh University jointly operate two KELTs (one each in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres) in order to fill a large gap in the available technologies for finding extrasolar planets.

Other telescopes are designed to look at very faint stars in much small sections of the sky, and at very high resolution. The KELTs, in contrast, look at millions of very bright stars at once, over broad sections of sky, and at low resolution.

It's a low-cost means of planet hunting, using mostly off-the-shelf technology: while a traditional astronomical telescope costs millions of dollars to build, the hardware for a KELT telescope runs less than $75,000.

"This discovery is a testament to the discovery power of small telescopes, and the ability of citizen scientists to directly contribute to cutting-edge scientific research," said Pepper, who built the two KELT telescopes.

The astronomers hope to take a closer look at KELT-9b with other telescopes--including Spitzer, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and eventually the James Webb Space Telescope. Observations with HST would enable them to see if the planet really does have a cometary tail, and to determine how much longer that planet will survive its current hellish condition.

###

Besides Vanderbilt, Ohio State and Lehigh, American partner institutions include Fisk University, Pennsylvania State University, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, University of Notre Dame, NASA Ames Research Center, Bay Area Environmental Research Institute, Swarthmore College, IPAC, Brigham Young University, University of California-Santa Cruz, University of Wyoming, Louisiana State University, University of Louisville, Spot Observatory in Nashville, Westminster College, Kutztown University, University of Hawaii, University of Washington, Texas A&M University, Wellesley College, and the Winer Observatory in Sonoita, Arizona. International team members are from Denmark, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Switzerland, Australia, Germany and South Africa.

The study was largely funded by the National Science Foundation through an NSF CAREER Grant, NSF PAARE Grant and an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Additional support came from NASA via the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Exoplanet Exploration Program; the Harvard Future Faculty Leaders Postdoctoral Fellowship; Theodore Dunham, Jr., Grant from the Fund for Astronomical Research; and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
WOODS HOLE, Mass. -- Rotifers are tough, microscopic organisms highly resistant to radiation and repeated cycles of dehydration and rehydration. Now Irina Arkhipova, Irina Yushenova, and Fernando Rodriguez of the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) have discovered another protective mechanism of this hardy organism: the Terminons. Their findings, which can have implications for research on aging and genome evolution, are published this week in Molecular Biology and Evolution.

Terminons are a type of retrotransposon, DNA sequences that can copy themselves from RNA and relocate within the genome. While most transposons insert between DNA sequences, Terminons are unusual in that they attach at the end of chromosomes. Arkhipova first came across transposable elements that insert at chromosome ends in 2007 but only now has the size of these transposons been determined.

Chromosomes in eukaryotic cells (which make up all multicellular organisms) are capped with DNA sequences called telomeres, which protect the ends from degradation. By attaching to telomeres, Terminons provide even more buffer against chromosome degradation, which has been associated with aging. The discovery of Terminons could have substantial impact for research on the mechanisms of aging.

The Terminon is a giant transposon, approximately six times the size of the typical retrotransposon. Terminons reach this giant size because they seem to pick up additional genes, either from viral or cellular origins, Arkhipova says. While Terminons may be involved in capturing foreign genes -- a highly unusual property of bdelloid rotifers discovered in Arkhipova's lab -- it is unclear how this happens. Depending on what genes they acquire, some retrotransposons have evolved into viruses. So could Terminons evolve into viruses?

"That would be a very interesting question we hope to address, but these would be totally new types of viruses that haven't been described before," Arkhipova says.

Absent from all other life forms, Terminons are found in only the bdelloid rotifers. Members of this rotifer class span tens of millions of years of evolutionary history, suggesting this protective mechanism for their chromosomes is ancient. With so many undiscovered organisms occupying every niche of our globe, it is possible there are other unknown types of transposable elements that have potential for tremendous impacts on their hosts.

Several MBL scientists are actively developing the rotifer as a model system to study transposable elements in the genome, the mechanisms of aging, DNA repair strategies, and evolution without sexual reproduction.

###

Citation:

Arkhipova, I., Yushenova, I.A., and Rodriguez, F. (2017) Giant reverse transcriptase-encoding transposable elements at telomeres. Mol. Biol. Evol. DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx159

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery - exploring fundamental biology, understanding marine biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago.
Scientists have pinpointed a new source of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that's more potent than carbon dioxide. The culprit?

Tiny bits of decomposing leaves in soil.

The new discovery, led by Michigan State University (MSU) researchers and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is featured in the current issue of the journal Nature Geoscience.

"This study looked at the geometry of pores in soils as a key variable that affects how nitrogen moves through those soils," said Enriqueta Barrera, program director in NSF's Division of Earth Sciences, which funded the research. "Knowing this information will lead to new ways of reducing the emission of nitrous oxide from agricultural soils."

The finding could help refine nitrous oxide emission predictions and guide future agriculture and soil management practices.

"Most nitrous oxide is produced in teaspoon-sized volumes of soil, and these so-called hotspots can emit a lot of nitrous oxide quickly," said Sasha Kravchenko, an MSU plant, soil and microbial scientist and lead author of the study. "But the reason for these hotspots has mystified soil microbiologists since they were discovered several decades ago."

Part of the vexation was due, in part, to scientists looking at larger spatial scales. It's difficult to study and label an entire field as a source of greenhouse gas emissions when the source is grams of soil harboring decomposing leaves.

Changing the view from binoculars to microscopes will help improve nitrous oxide emission predictions, which traditionally are about 50 percent accurate, at best.

Nitrous oxide's climate change potential is 300 times greater than carbon dioxide, and emissions are largely driven by agricultural practices.

To unlock the secrets of nitrous oxide hotspots, Kravchenko and her team took soil samples at NSF's Kellogg Biological Station Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) site. The site is one of 28 NSF LTER sites that span ecosystems from grasslands to deserts, coral reefs to the open sea.

In partnership with scientists from the University of Chicago at Argonne National Laboratory, Kravchenko examined the soil samples at Argonne's synchrotron scanning facility, a more powerful version of a medical CT scanner.

The scanner penetrated the soil and allowed the team to accurately characterize the environments where nitrous oxide is produced and emitted.

"We found that hotspot emissions happen only when large soil pores are present," Kravchenko said. "Leaf particles in soil act as tiny sponges, soaking up water from large pores to create a micro-habitat perfect for the bacteria that produce nitrous oxide."

Areas with smaller pores produce less nitrous oxide.

Small pores, such as those in clay soils, hold water more tightly so leaf particles can't soak it up. Without additional moisture, the bacteria can't produce as much nitrous oxide. Small pores also make it harder for the gas produced to leave the soil before being consumed by other bacteria.

Next up, the researchers will study which plant leaves contribute to higher nitrous oxide emissions. Plants with more nitrogen in their leaves, such as soybeans, will likely give off more nitrous oxide as their leaves decompose. The scientists will also look at leaf and root characteristics to see how they influence emissions.

###

Additional MSU scientists who were part of the study include: Ehsan Toosi, Andrey Guber, Nathaniel Ostrom and Phil Robertson. Researchers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University in Peshawar, Pakistan, and the Argonne National Lab also contributed to this paper.
Is it a case of nature versus nurture when it comes to two "cousin" exoplanets? In a unique experiment, scientists used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to study two "hot Jupiter" exoplanets. Because these planets are virtually the same size and temperature, and orbit around nearly identical stars at the same distance, the team hypothesized that their atmospheres should be alike. What they found surprised them.

Lead researcher Giovanni Bruno of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, explained, "What we're seeing in looking at the two atmospheres is that they're not the same. One planet -- WASP-67 b -- is cloudier than the other -- HAT-P-38 b. We don't see what we're expecting, and we need to understand why we find this difference."

The team used Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 to look at the planets' spectral fingerprints, which measure chemical composition. "The effect that clouds have on the spectral signature of water allows us to measure the amount of clouds in the atmosphere," Bruno said. "More clouds mean that the water feature is reduced." The teams found that for WASP-67 b there are more clouds at the altitudes probed by these measurements.

"This tells us that there had to be something in their past that is changing the way these planets look," said Bruno.

Today the planets whirl around their yellow dwarf stars once every 4.5 Earth days, tightly orbiting their stars closer than Mercury orbits our sun. But in the past, the planets probably migrated inward toward the star from the locations where they formed.

Perhaps one planet formed differently than the other, under a different set of circumstances. "You can say it's nature versus nurture," explains co-investigator Kevin Stevenson. "Right now, they appear to have the same physical properties. So, if their measured composition is defined by their current state, then it should be the same for both planets. But that's not the case. Instead, it looks like their formation histories could be playing an important role."

The clouds on these hot, Jupiter-like gas giants are nothing like those on Earth. Instead, they are probably alkali clouds, composed of molecules such as sodium sulfide and potassium chloride. The average temperature on each planet is more than 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit.

The exoplanets are tidally locked, with the same side always facing the parent star. This means they have a very hot day-side and a cooler night-side. Instead of sporting multiple cloud bands like Jupiter does, each probably has just one broad equatorial band that slowly moves the heat around from the day-side to the night-side.

The team is just beginning to learn what factors are important in making some exoplanets cloudy and some clear. To better understand what the planets' pasts may have been, scientists will need future observations with Hubble and the soon-to-be-launched James Webb Space Telescope.

The team's results were presented on June 5 at the 230th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Austin, Texas.

###

The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore conducts Hubble science operations. STScI is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., in Washington, D.C.

For more information about NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/hubble

For additional information, visit: http://hubblesite.org/news_release/news/2017-22

Ray Villard

Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Eight computer science professors in Oregon State University's College of Engineering have received a $6.5 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to make artificial-intelligence-based systems like autonomous vehicles and robots more trustworthy.

The success of the deep neural networks branch of artificial intelligence has enabled significant advances in autonomous systems that can perceive, learn, decide and act on their own; deep-learning software aims to mimic the activity in layers of neurons in the neocortex, the part of the brain where thinking occurs.

The problem is that the neural networks function as a black box. Instead of humans explicitly coding system behavior using traditional programming, in deep learning the computer program learns on its own from many examples. Potential dangers arise from depending on a system that not even the system developers fully understand.

The four-year grant from DARPA will support the development of a paradigm to look inside that black box, by getting the program to explain to humans how decisions were reached.

"Ultimately, we want these explanations to be very natural - translating these deep network decisions into sentences and visualizations," said Alan Fern, principal investigator for the grant and associate director of the College of Engineering's recently established Collaborative Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute.

Developing such a system that communicates well with humans requires expertise in a number of research fields. In addition to having researchers in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the team includes experts in computer vision, human-computer interaction, natural language processing, and programming languages.

To begin developing the system, the researchers will use real-time strategy games, like StarCraft, to train artificial-intelligence "players" that will explain their decisions to humans. StarCraft is a staple of competitive electronic gaming.

Later stages of the project will move on to applications provided by DARPA that may include robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Fern said the research is crucial to the advancement of autonomous and semi-autonomous intelligent systems.

"Nobody is going to use these emerging technologies for critical applications until we are able to build some level of trust, and having an explanation capability is one important way of building trust," he said.

The researchers from Oregon State were selected by DARPA for funding under the highly competitive Explainable Artificial Intelligence program. Other major universities chosen include Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford, Texas and University of California, Berkeley.

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New information gleaned from gravitational wave observations is helping scientists understand what happens when massive stars die and transform into black holes.

Rochester Institute of Technology researcher Richard O'Shaughnessy and collaborators reanalyzed the merging black holes detected by LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory) on Dec. 26, 2016.

"Using essentially freshman physics, we drew new insights about the most violent events in the universe," said O'Shaughnessy, an associate professor in RIT's School of Mathematical Sciences. He is also researcher in RIT's Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation and a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration.

O'Shaughnessy presented his research findings at the American Astronomical Society meeting on June 5 in Austin, Texas. Physical Review Letters has accepted a paper co-authored by O'Shaughnessy, Davide Gerosa from Caltech and Daniel Wysocki from RIT.

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration cited O'Shaughnessy's research in the paper announcing its third discovery of gravitational waves that published in Physical Review Letters on June 1.

The current study reanalyzed the binary black holes, known as GW151226. It has been the only time LIGO has reported binary black holes must be spinning, O'Shaughnessy said. LIGO's previous measurements suggested that the larger mass orbited the other at a slightly tilted angle.

O'Shaughnessy and his team link the black hole's misalignment to when it formed from the death of a massive star. The force of the stellar explosion and collapse expelled the newborn black hole with a "natal kick," causing this misalignment, the authors suggest.

Natal kicks are thought to occur during the formation of neutron stars, which are created from the death of less massive stars than the progenitors of LIGO's sources. O'Shaughnessy's team suggests this phenomenon could also apply to binary black holes, which orbit each other.

"My collaborators and I tried to constrain the strength of these natal kicks based on LIGO's observation," O'Shaughnessy said. "If it formed from an isolated pairs of stars, we conclude strong black hole natal kicks were required. That's an exciting challenge for models of how massive stars explode and collapse."

Gerosa adds, "Our study corroborates years of tentative but suggestive evidence that black holes might have received these kicks. And with just one of LIGO's observations, we learned something about how a star exploded billions of years ago. That's the promise of gravitational wave astronomy in action."

###

This research has been supported by the National Science Foundation and NASA.
The Kuroshio, originating in the Philippine Sea east of the Luzon Strait, enters the East China Sea (ECS) northeast of Taiwan Island, flowing along the outer edge of the ECS shelf, and turns eastward to the Pacific Ocean through the Tokara Strait(Refer to Figure 1). It directly affects hydrological conditions, the distribution of biota, and seabed sediments in the marginal seas of China, particularly the ECS.

Research programs like the China-Japan Joint Research Program on the Kuroshio (JRK) and the Kuroshio Edge Exchange Processes (KEEP) have provided profound understanding of the Kuroshio's impact on adjacent sea areas. Among these, the Luzon Strait, the area northeast of Taiwan Island, and the sea area southwest of Kyushu (Japan) were the three key incursion areas of the Kuroshio into China marginal seas. But generally, except for some research discussing Kuroshio incursion after the investigation of parameters like nutrients and inorganic carbon, most studies have been focused on numerical simulation of marine oceanic processes. Very few reports concern trace elements such as Ba in the Kuroshio mainstream and adjacent East China Sea.

Now Professor SONG's group in Institue of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have identified that the scope and extent of the Kuroshio incursion into the East China Sea could be quantitatively described by using Ba as a tracer. In an article named "Dissolved barium as a tracer of Kuroshio incursion in the Kuroshio region east of Taiwan Island and the adjacent East China Sea", with professor Jinming Song as corresponding author and which will be published soon in Science China: Earth Sciences, the geochemical characteristics and the factors influencing dissolved Ba in the Kuroshio mainstream east of Taiwan Island and the adjacent East China Sea area are reported. The influx and extent of incursion of Kuroshio water into the ECS were first quantitatively estimated by using Ba as a tracer.

By the investigation of dissolved barium(Ba) in sea water in the region of the Kuroshio mainstream east of Taiwan Island and the adjacent ECS, the study stated that, the Kuroshio upwelled in the sea area northeast of Taiwan Island; the north-flowing water in the Taiwan Strait restrained the incursion of Kuroshio surface water onto the ECS shelf, while Kuroshio subsurface water gradually affected the bottom of the ECS from outside. Using end member calculation and choosing Ba as a parameter, the scholars pointed out that the Kuroshio surface water had little impact on the ECS, while the Kuroshio subsurface water formed an intrusion current by climbing northwest along the bottom of the middle shelf from the sea area northeast of Taiwan Island into the Qiantang Estuary, of which the volume of Kuroshio water was nearly 65%. Kuroshio water was the predominant part of the water on the outer shelf bottom and its proportion in areas deeper than the 100 m isobath could reach more than 95%. Thus, Ba was able to provide detailed tracing of the Kuroshio incursion into the ECS owing to its geochemical characteristics.

This study enriches the research of the Kuroshio. It provide a new means to reveal quantitative interactions between the Kuroshio and the East China Sea, and it have important significance and reference value in exploring the influence of the Kuroshio on the ecological environment of the ECS.

###

This research was funded by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No. XDA11020102), the Aoshan Talents Program(No.2015ASTP-OS13)and the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project (Preliminary Deep Sea Research, No.2016ASKJ14) Financially Supported by Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, and Joint Fund of Shandong Province and National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U1406403).

See the article: Liu W, Song J M, Yuan H M, Li X G, Li N, Duan L Q. Dissolved barium as a tracer of Kuroshio incursion in the Kuroshio region east of Taiwan Island and the adjacent East China Sea. Science China: Earth Sciences, 2017, doi: 10.1007/s11430-016-9039-7.

This article was published online (http://engine.scichina.com/doi/10.1007/s11430-016-9039-7), in Science China: Earth Sciences, by Science China Press.
KANSAS CITY, MO  Competing regulatory genes talk to each other to maintain balance of cell state, according to new research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.

In a study published online June 5, 2017, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Stowers scientists Bony De Kumar, Ph.D., and Robb Krumlauf, Ph.D., provide evidence of direct cross-regulatory feedback, or cross-talk, between Nanog and Hox genes.

Nanog and Hox genes regulate cell pluripotency and differentiation, respectively. When cells are pluripotent, they have the capacity to self-renew and the potential to change into any of a number of cell types. And when cells differentiate, they become a more specialized cell type, like heart, brain, or skin cells.

In adult organisms, striking a balance between these two states is important to keep many tissues in equilibrium. The blood supply, for example, has cells that are differentiating, dying, or being repaired, and a reserve population of blood-producing adult stem cells is needed to help replace them.

The Stowers study suggests that balance between pluripotency and differentiation hinges in part on regulatory communication involving inhibition between Nanog and Hox genes. Krumlauf compares this cross-talk to parents giving their children instructions.

Parents may say, You need to get good grades; you need to learn this, for positive guidance but they are likely to reinforce the importance of that advice and minimize negative outcomes by saying, You dont want to do this, says Krumlauf, an investigator and scientific director at the Stowers Institute and senior author of the study.

Both positive and negative instructions are important. Nanog and Hox genes each have their own distinct jobs and by inhibiting each other they work together to direct the proper balance of cell states by helping the cell avoid wrong turns and stay on course.

Differentiation and pluripotency are well-studied processes, says first author De Kumar. This paper actually links the processes together. Before, we did not know that these pathways were talking to each other. It was pretty surprising for us.

The researchers made the discovery while studying Hox genes in the early stages of mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation. These architect genes control the layout of a developing embryo and play a key role in the establishment of the basic body plan and craniofacial development.

At two hours and 12 hours of retinoic acid treatment, the researchers found that both Hox and Nanog genes bound to many of the same target sites in the cell, indicative of the regulatory cross-talk between the pluripotency and differentiation pathways. The researchers also observed that depending on the context, Hox and Nanog repress each other. The findings paint a picture of cell states that is more plastic than in a fixed program.

Over the past 10 to 20 years, biologists have shown that cells are actively assessing their environment, and that they have many fates they can choose. The regulatory loops weve found show how the dynamic nature of cells is being maintained, says Krumlauf, who was recently inducted into the National Academy of Sciences for his seminal work on Hox genes.

The work provides important insight into the basic processes of tissue formation, and holds relevance for the field of regenerative medicine and the development of therapeutic approaches for certain cancers.

Other Stowers contributors include Hugo J. Parker, Ph.D., Mark E. Parrish, Ph.D., Jeffrey J. Lange, Ph.D., Brian D. Slaughter, Ph.D., Jay R. Unruh, Ph.D., and Ariel Paulson.

The work was funded by the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.

Lay Summary

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research examined the relationship between two regulator genes -- Nanog and Hox. Nanog regulates a cell state called pluripotency, where a cell has the ability to self-renew and the potential to change into any of a number of cell types. Hox sparks cells to differentiate, or become a more specialized cell type such as a heart, brain, or skin cell. These genes "talk" to each other to keep cells balanced between pluripotency and differentiation. Researchers from the Krumlauf Lab and their Stowers collaborators provide evidence of this direct cross-regulatory feedback, or cross-talk, using mouse and zebrafish model systems. The study was published in the June 5, 2017, issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Nanog and Hox genes work together to direct the cell by helping it avoid wrong turns and stay on course. The work provides important insight into the basic processes of tissue formation, and holds relevance for the field of regenerative medicine and the development of therapeutic approaches for certain cancers.

About the Stowers Institute for Medical Research

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a non-profit, basic biomedical research organization dedicated to improving human health by studying the fundamental processes of life. Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, and his wife, Virginia, opened the Institute in 2000. Currently, the Institute is home to about 500 researchers and support personnel, over 20 independent research programs, and more than a dozen technology development and core facilities. Learn more about the Institute at http://www.stowers.org and about its graduate program at http://www.stowers.org/gradschool.
The first systematic analysis of police body camera footage shows that officers consistently use less respectful language with black community members than with white community members, according to new Stanford research.

Although they are subtle, these widespread racial disparities in officers' language use may erode police-community relations, said the researchers who conducted the study, published June 5 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"Our findings highlight that, on the whole, police interactions with black community members are more fraught than their interactions with white community members," explained Jennifer Eberhardt, co-author of the study and professor of psychology at Stanford.

The racial disparities in respectful speech remained even after the researchers controlled for the race of the officer, the severity of the infraction, and the location and outcome of the stop.

To analyze the body camera footage, a multidisciplinary team from Stanford's psychology, linguistics and computer science departments first developed a new artificial intelligence technique for measuring levels of respect in officers' language. They then applied this technique to the transcripts from 981 traffic stops the Oakland Police Department (OPD) made in a single month.

The researchers' novel technique demonstrated that white residents were 57 percent more likely than black residents to hear a police officer say the most respectful utterances, such as apologies and expressions of gratitude like "thank you." Meanwhile, black community members were 61 percent more likely than white residents to hear an officer say the least respectful utterances, such as informal titles like "dude" and "bro" and commands like "hands on the wheel."

"To be clear: There was no swearing," said Dan Jurafsky, a study co-author and Stanford professor of linguistics and of computer science. "These were well-behaved officers. But the many small differences in how they spoke with community members added up to pervasive racial disparities."

"The fact that we now have the technology and methods to show these patterns is a huge advance for behavioral science, computer science and the policing industry," said Rob Voigt, a Stanford linguistics doctoral student and lead author of the study. "Police departments can use these tools not only to diagnose problems in police-community relations but also to develop solutions."

Video footage as data, not evidence

The study is not the first time Eberhardt has collaborated with the OPD to study possible racial disparities in policing. In 2014, the City of Oakland contracted with Eberhardt and her team to assist the Oakland Police Department in complying with a federal order to collect and analyze data from traffic and pedestrian stops by race.

OPD, like many police departments nationwide, has been using body-worn cameras to monitor police-community interactions. But drawing accurate conclusions from hundreds of hours of footage is challenging, Eberhardt said. Just "cherry-picking" negative or positive episodes, for example, can lead to inaccurate impressions of police-community relations overall, she said.

"The police are already wary of footage being used against them," Eberhardt said. "At the same time, many departments want their actions to be transparent to the public."

To satisfy demands for both privacy and transparency, the researchers needed a way to approach the footage as data showing general patterns, rather than as evidence revealing wrongdoing in any single stop.

Yet "researchers can't just sit and watch every single stop," Eberhardt explained. "It would take too long. Besides, their own biases could affect their judgments of the interactions."

New methodology for analyzing footage

To explore police-community interactions in the aggregate, Eberhardt concentrated on the language extracted from the audio of the footage as the technologies for analyzing videos are limited.

She sought out Jurafsky, an expert in using computers as a tool for understanding human language. Because the policing industry considers "offering respect" an important way to achieve harmonious police-community relations, Eberhardt and Jurafsky decided to study the level of respect in officers' language. In particular, they set out to explore whether officers speak more or less respectfully to people of different races.

Together, Eberhardt, Jurafsky and seven other colleagues examined transcripts from 183 hours of body camera footage from 981 stops, which 245 different OPD officers conducted in April 2014.

In the first phase of the study, human participants examined a subsample of the transcribed conversations between officers and community members -- without knowing the race or gender of either -- and rated how respectful, polite, friendly, formal and impartial the officers' language was.

In the second phase, the researchers used these ratings to develop a computational linguistic model of how speakers show respect, including apologizing, softening commands and expressing concern for listeners' well-being. They then created software that automatically identified these words, phrases and linguistic patterns in the transcripts of the officers' language.

In the third phase, the researchers used this software to analyze the remaining transcripts -- a total of 36,000 officer utterances with 483,966 words. Because the team had so much data, they could statistically account for the race of the officer, the severity of the offense and other factors that could affect officers' language.

"Understanding and improving the interactions between the police and the communities they serve is incredibly important, but the interactions can be difficult to study," Jurafsky said. "Computational linguistics offers a way to aggregate across many speakers and many interactions to detect the way that everyday language can reflect our attitudes, thoughts and emotions - which are sometimes outside of our own awareness."

"Our findings are not proof of bias or wrongdoing on the part of individual officers," Eberhardt cautioned. "Many factors could drive racial disparities in respectful speech."

Footage for improvement

The research team is currently extending their work to analyze the language used by community members during the traffic stops and to study other linguistic features captured by the body cameras, including tone of voice. They also plan to explore the interplay of officers' and community members' speech as it unfolds over time.

"There is so much you can do with this footage," Eberhardt said. "We are very excited about the possibilities."

Eberhardt praised the City of Oakland and OPD for being open to having their data examined, and said she hopes that other departments across the country will invite similar collaborations.

"I'm hopeful that, with the development of computational tools like ours, more law enforcement agencies will approach their body camera footage as data for understanding, rather than as evidence for blaming or exonerating," Eberhardt said. "Together, researchers and police departments can use these tools to improve police-community relations."

###

The study's other co-authors were Nicholas Camp, Rebecca Hetey and Camilla Griffiths of the Department of Psychology; and Vinodkumar Prabhakaran, William Hamilton and David Jurgens of the Department of Computer Science.
To help reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics for common childhood illnesses, parents would benefit from fuller communication from their health care providers, suggests new research published in the NCA's Journal of Applied Communication Research.

To help reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics for common childhood illnesses, parents would benefit from fuller communication from their health care providers, suggests new research published in the National Communication Association's Journal of Applied Communication Research.

The study's authors found that only 4% of parents advised to delay the use of antibiotics for their children's ear infections recalled receiving comprehensive advice, including information about the infection, the risks of antibiotics, and how to properly care for their children.

Importantly, the study also showed that parents who recalled receiving more detailed explanations from their health care providers were more likely to use antibiotics only if they were truly needed. By waiting to administer antibiotics, parents allow their children the chance to recover naturally.

Lead author Erina L. MacGeorge from Pennsylvania State University explained, "When we use antibiotics, the strongest bacteria still survive even though we feel well again. Over time, these bacteria adapt to become resistant 'superbugs' that even very strong antibiotics with dangerous side effects cannot kill. Our best defense is to avoid antibiotics whenever possible, with guidance from health care professionals."

Previous studies have shown this so-called "watchful waiting" approach to be an effective way to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use without affecting patient safety. However, the findings of this study suggest that parents' compliance with watchful waiting advice could be increased by enhancing physician instruction.

The research study examined 134 U.S. parents of children under five years old who were given antibiotics to administer in case their child's condition failed to improve within a certain timeframe. They were asked to recall their interactions with health care providers and report what they remembered being told to do. They were also asked if they ultimately used the antibiotics.

Review of participants' responses revealed that even when parents reported receiving explanations about the risks of antibiotics, their understanding of what they heard was not necessarily complete or correct. One participant reported, "If children are given antibiotics when it is not necessary, they can build up an immunity to them." However, it's bacteria, not children, that become immune to antibiotics, so the dangers of overuse extend beyond any individual child. This misunderstanding illustrates the challenge of understanding antibiotic resistance, and the need for health care providers to more clearly communicate the dangers of overuse.

According to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, parents advised to undertake watchful waiting should receive information from health care providers on the nature of ear infections, adverse effects of antibiotics, how to monitor and manage symptoms such as pain, and when to seek follow-up care.

With antibiotic-resistant infections currently responsible for 50,000 deaths per year in the United States and Europe alone, the results of this study suggest that further research is needed to help combat overuse.

###

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A treatment for depression using Emotional Faces Memory Task (EFMT), a technology originally developed by two Mount Sinai researchers, resulted in a significantly greater reduction of major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms compared to a control group, according to initial clinical results presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry Annual Scientific Convention on May 19, 2017, in San Diego. EFMT is a cognitive-emotional treatment that is delivered via an app on the Click Neurobehavioral Intervention (CNI) platform , a clinically-validated patient engagement platform developed by Click Therapeutics.

This treatment was developed at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai by Brian Iacoviello, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry who is Director of Scientific Affairs for Click Therapeutics, and Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean and Professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Pharmacological Sciences. The underlying mechanism for MDD that the intervention targets involves an imbalance in the activity of specific brain regions: individuals with MDD show hyperactivity of neural systems involved in emotion processing, such as the amygdala, coupled with decreased activity of systems involved in cognitive control and emotion regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex. The amygdala processes incoming emotionally salient stimuli, whereas the prefrontal cortex, as the executive center of the brain, decides whether the incoming stimuli are noteworthy.

Patients using this therapeutic are asked to identify an emotion displayed in a series of faces, and for each face, they are asked to identify the number of faces earlier in the series in which they encountered the same emotion. This aims to balance brain activity in these regions to work in concert with each other. In the trial, the therapeutic reduced MDD symptoms by 42 percent in the experimental group after six weeks compared to 15.7 percent in the control group, which was given a similar task using simple shapes instead of emotions. "The aim is to target the thinking abnormality we see in patients with MDD - that of perseverating, ruminating, obsessing, dwelling on the negative - by activating these two nodes (emotion processing and cognitive control) simultaneously. Thus, higher cognitive control regions will stay active even while the brain is processing salient emotional stimuli, giving the individual the capacity to shift their mindfulness and attention so that they are not perseverating," said Dr. Iacoviello. The initial results demonstrate that the efficacy of this digital therapeutic is comparable to drug therapy, with a highly favorable safety profile. Dr. Iacoviello added, "We will be advancing these encouraging results to the next level, by incorporating this therapeutic into a highly engaging mobile platform and launching it through the CNI platform. It's exciting to have the opportunity to test the program within a large health care system such as Mount Sinai."

Dr. Charney said, "Mount Sinai embraces creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This technology illustrates our strengths in translating health care discoveries from the academic setting into industry, and ultimately to the patients that will benefit from them."

Mount Sinai Innovation Partners (MSIP), the commercialization-arm of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, has been a key partner in this development. Erik Lium, PhD, Senior Vice President at MSIP, said, "We strongly believed in the potential of this technology based on early trials at Mount Sinai, and are pleased with our commercial partnership with Click Therapeutics. We look forward to the development of this technology into a digital therapeutic that will be used to treat a major disease."

###

About MSIP

Mount Sinai Innovation Partners facilitates the real-world application and commercialization of Mount Sinai discoveries and the development of research partnerships with industry. MSIP is responsible for the full spectrum of commercialization activities required to bring the Icahn School of Medicine's inventions to life. These activities include evaluating, patenting, marketing, and licensing new technologies, while also engaging commercial and non-profit relationships for sponsored research, material transfer, and confidentiality. For more information, visit http://www.ip.mountsinai.org.

About Click Therapeutics

Click Therapeutics, Inc. engineers, validates, and commercializes Digital Therapeutics solutions to benefit people with unmet medical needs through cognitive and neurobehavioral modification. Click Therapeutics digital interventions enable change within individuals, and can be used independently or in conjunction with biomedical treatments. The Clickometrics adaptive data science platform continuously personalizes user experience to drive cognitive and behavioral outcomes. As the leader in Digital Therapeutics solutions, Click Therapeutics is building the brains behind digital health. For more information, visit ClickTherapeutics.com.
In 2002, the FDA approved the drug imatinib as a first-line therapy for adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) caused by the fusion gene BCR-ABL, known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The approval dramatically extended the lives of patients with the condition and, in many ways, ushered in the era of molecularly-targeted treatments against cancer. Now worldwide phase II clinical trial results presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting 2017 show the promise of the second-generation drug dasatinib, also aimed at BCR-ABL fusion in CML, in a new population, namely pediatric patients.

Of 113 pediatric patients studied, 75 percent of patients who had previously failed or did not tolerate imatinib saw progression-free survival 48 months after starting treatment with dasatinib. Of newly diagnosed patients - those who were previously untreated - more than 90 percent saw progression-free survival at 48 months of treatment. Chronic myeloid leukemia makes up about 5 percent of all childhood leukemias, resulting in about 150 cases per year in the United States.

"Despite the fact that there is a common molecular driver - BCR-ABL -- for this disease in adults and in children, the manifestation in children is different. Pediatric patients tend to have more aggressive disease," says Lia Gore, MD, co-director of the Hematological Malignancies Program at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, pediatric oncologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, and the study's senior author.

In addition to the ability of dasatinib to control the condition, Gore and colleagues were interested in the speed of its effects, showing major cytogenic response (a term describing the dramatic reduction of oncogenic BCR-ABL protein in the bone marrow) within 3 months for more than 50 percent of patients who had previously failed imatinib, and complete cytogenic response within 6 months for 64 percent of newly diagnosed patients. At the time the study was designed, cytogenic response were defined as critical endpoints, Gore states, although today the ability to attain molecular remissions is the most clinically important: "Molecular remissions were outstanding as well," Gore says, "and the molecular data will be presented later this month at the European Hematology Association meeting and in our final manuscript of the study."

"What we saw from the patients we enrolled at Children's Hospital Colorado and around the world, is that patients had great disease control, minimal toxicities and were really able to move into normal activities, a normal daily life. One of our long-term patients is in college now and is studying to go on to nursing school as a result of her experience," Gore says.

Gore points out that because most cancers including CML are more common in adults, it takes fewer collaborating centers to enroll enough adult patients in clinical trials to draw meaningful conclusions about the effects of new treatments. On the other hand, because pediatric cancers are less common no single center, or perhaps not even a dozen centers, would see enough patients to test many of the newest medicines. The current trial is the largest prospective trial of pediatric patients with CML, offered at 80 medical centers in 18 countries.

"This is a perfect example of collaboration in the community of cancer research and points the way toward a new model of testing medicines against rare conditions," Gore says.

Ongoing clinical trials hope to evaluate whether treatment with dasatinib and later generation drugs aimed at BCR-ABL fusion oncogenes will be used throughout a patient's life to control cancer as an ongoing, chronic condition, or whether these drugs can be safely discontinued after reaching some endpoint of disease control.

"We used to think that everybody with CML had to have treatment for life. But we don't know that now. A new generation of trials is evaluating whether some patients may successfully discontinue therapy, both in pediatric and in adult CML, and if so, who those patients are. We would ideally learn how to predict who can successfully discontinue and who needs to remain on treatment so that we are treating the right patients for the right length of time to optimize their chances for the best quality life," Gore says.

For now, Gore says the current study shows that "children benefit from this drug and so far, it's very safe."

Gore will present these trial results Monday, June 5 in an Oral Abstract Session from 8:00am-11:00am at the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL.

###
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Research from a University of Illinois expert who studies identity and meaning in occupations and organizations says a purposeful increase of female representation in the managerial ranks of the male-dominated profession of engineering may foster some unintended consequences, and may even add another layer of sex segregation on top of the one it's meant to mitigate.

Engineering remains one of the most sex-segregated occupations in the U.S., with women representing about 15 percent of the overall engineering workforce and as little as 8 percent in specialized fields such as mechanical engineering. To account for such disparity, engineering organizations have actively sought to promote women -- so much so that female engineers are now in managerial roles in numbers disproportionate to their overall representation as employees.

But according to a new paper from M. Teresa Cardador, a professor of labor and employment relations at Illinois, engineering firms may have well-meaning intentions regarding the promotion of female engineers, but moving them into managerial roles may foster a form of "intraoccupational segregation" that appears to have unintended negative consequences.

Published in the journal Organization Science, the paper sheds light on how and why sex segregation persists despite women's increased representation in managerial and leadership ranks of engineering firms.

"There are typically two career paths in engineering organizations -- technical or managerial," Cardador said. "So you can look at it in two ways: either women are more likely to move into managerial roles in engineering firms, or they're less likely to stay in technical roles. There are many men who pursue the managerial path as well, and women are still underrepresented at the highest managerial levels of an organization. But the number of female engineers who choose or are ushered into the managerial career path is disproportionate to those who choose the technical path."

The paper's analysis of interviews with more than 60 engineers suggests that an inverted role hierarchy in engineering - that is, valuing technical roles over managerial roles -- may explain these gendered career patterns and their unintended consequences.

"In business, the highest-status positions tend to be managerial. But in engineering, technical ability is revered while management is what you do if you have good organizational and communication skills," she said.

Subsequently, management is less associated with having "technical chops," Cardador said.

"Women are stereotyped as having less technical competence in engineering, which perhaps explains why men are much more likely to remain on the technical side and women are tracked into the management side," she said.

Although women's increased access to managerial positions in male-dominated occupations should represent an important step in addressing sex segregation by helping more women to stay in engineering, it may actually run counter to the retention benefits that organizations are trying to achieve, Cardador said.

"Companies are legitimately struggling with this problem of attracting and then retaining women in the engineering field, and are making a concerted effort to correct this imbalance," Cardador said. "But in their zeal to attract and retain female engineers, they may be overcorrecting and thereby undermining what they're trying to achieve. It's good intentions gone awry."

The negative consequences for women include fostering reduced identification with engineering as an occupation; reinforcing stereotypes about women's suitability for technical work; and increasing work-life balance tensions, according to the paper.

"From an identity perspective, some women reported that taking the managerial path allowed them to experience perceptions of enhanced role fit -- the sense that they enjoyed and were well-suited for their work role," Cardador said. "But on the negative side, women on the managerial path described feeling mixed identification with engineering -- that is, they didn't consider themselves or feel that they were considered by others as 'real engineers' once they went over to the management side."

Having women in managerial roles also tends to validate the idea that women have "soft skills" like the ability to socialize and communicate with co-workers but lack the technical capability to be in a highly specialized role, Cardador said.

"Female engineers also encounter more subtle forms of discrimination in the forms of task-assigning," she said. "If you're a woman and you're in a project meeting, you're often the one who gets tasked with taking notes or managing follow-up communication, simply because you're seen as more organizationally and socially adroit than your male engineer counterparts."

Women also typically have more responsibility for child care outside of work, "and my research shows that managerial roles create more work-life tension because they may not have as much flexibility as technical roles," she said.

"All of these things combined -- the reduced identification with the profession, the persistent validation of stereotypes, and then these work-life balance issues - have the potential to increase a woman's chances of leaving the profession, which may ultimately make the goal of retaining female engineers in engineering firms more tenuous."

A dearth of female engineers not only poses a problem for equal opportunity and gender equality issues, but also creates problems of "a diversity of ideas and creativity within organizations and the occupation itself," Cardador said.

###

Editor's notes: To contact M. Teresa Cardador, call 217-244-1398; email cardador@illinois.edu.

The paper "Promoted up but also out? The unintended consequences of increasing women's representation in managerial roles in engineering" is available online.
A new book by a University of Kent researcher in international relations uses material published by Wikileaks to conclude that Trump-style nationalism will be counterbalanced by the growing strength of the Latino vote in the US.

A new book by a University of Kent researcher in international relations uses material published by Wikileaks to conclude that Trump-style nationalism will be counterbalanced by the growing strength of the Latino vote in the US.

As the fastest growing ethnic group, Latinos are projected to make up over a quarter of the population by 2060 and could constitute a moderating force on US foreign policy in Latin America, according to Dr Rubrick Biegon from the University's School of Politics and International Relations.

His book, US Power in Latin America (Routledge, April 2017), makes extensive use of leaked diplomatic 'cables' to examine the interplay between different facets of US leadership in the context of the globalisation of the Latin American economy.

It explains how, in the first decade of the new century, the emergence and consolidation of the 'New Latin Left' signalled a profound challenge to the long-standing power of the United States in the region.

US Power in Latin America details the ways in which US foreign policy responded to the threat of 'radical populism' in countries like Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador, with the US military shifting its strategy and Washington reinforcing existing multilateral bodies amid the creation of new Latin-America-led institutions.

Citing US officials' own words from trade negotiations, multilateral diplomacy and military strategy, the book finds that while Latin Americans have exhibited increased confidence in regional and world affairs in the 21st century, the US has responded to stabilise and reinforce its traditional supremacy.

###

For further information or interview requests contact Sandy Fleming at the University of Kent Press Office.

Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879

Email: S.Fleming@kent.ac.uk

News releases can also be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/news

University of Kent on Twitter: http://twitter.com/UniKent

Note to editors

Wikileaks was set up in 2006 to allow whistle blowers to release anonymous documents and became a household name when Chelsea Manning leaked information about the US military.

For preview copies of US Power in Latin America (Routledge, April 2017) Claire.Maloney@tandf.co.uk

The anti-secrecy group exposed the inner workings of governments, military and trade deals around the world, spearheaded by Julian Assange, a journalist, freedom of information advocate and currently self-confessed political refugee in Ecuador's embassy in London.

Established in 1965, the University of Kent - the UK's European university - now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome.

It has been ranked: 22nd in the Guardian University Guide 2018; 23rd in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2017; and 25th in the Complete University Guide 2018.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent is in the top 10% of the world's leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its 'Table of Tables' 2016.

Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014). It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality.

In the National Student Survey 2016, Kent achieved the fourth highest score for overall student satisfaction, out of all publicly funded, multi-faculty universities.

Along with the universities of East Anglia and Essex, Kent is a member of the Eastern Arc Research Consortium (http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/partnerships/eastern-arc.html).

The University is worth 0.7 billion to the economy of the south east and supports more than 7,800 jobs in the region. Student off-campus spend contributes 293.3m and 2,532 full-time-equivalent jobs to those totals.

In 2014, Kent received its second Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
A Lincoln judge sent Kimberly Wheeler back to prison Monday for aiding and abetting the solicitation of prostitution.

Wheeler, 41, had pleaded guilty.

Police say it started with an online ad for an escort, answered by an undercover officer.

When the plainclothes officer showed up June 14, 2016, at Kayla Holt's apartment near 16th and Garfield streets, Wheeler answered the door, collected money and showed him to a 17-year-old runaway, prosecutors said.

Wheeler, who was out on parole on drug delivery charges, was sent back to prison. On April 25, she finished her sentence on the drug charges, but went straight to the county jail in Lincoln on the new case.

She had remained there until Monday, when Lancaster County District Judge Darla Ideus sentenced her to 18 months of prison, plus a year of post-release supervision.

In April, Ideus sentenced Holt to seven years in prison for keeping a place of prostitution involving a minor, child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a child. She had pleaded guilty.

A third woman, Jacqueline Stebbins, is accused of posting ads of the 17-year-old online and receiving pictures of a 14-year-old girl for the purposes of advertising, according to court documents. She is set to enter a plea later this month.
PHILADELPHIA - In recent years, smoking rates among adults in America have steadily declined; yet tobacco use remains the largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Cigarette packages in most countries include a health warning label that describes the risks of using the product, but the position, size and design of the warnings may vary. In the US, health warnings with pictures have been contested through the courts by the tobacco industry. In a new study published recently in Tobacco Control, Penn researchers found that health warning labels that include images or Pictorial Warning Labels (PWLs) are more effective in gaining and holding the attention of smokers when the image and the text convey similar risks.

The study was led by Andrew A. Strasser, PhD, a research associate professor in Psychiatry, lead author Kirsten Lochbuehler, PhD, and Melissa Mercincavage, PhD, two postdoctoral researchers at the UPenn Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science (TCORS).

Strasser argues that research will help prove that images reinforce, not distract from, the important warning messages in text-only cigarette labels contrary to what some tobacco industry companies have claimed.

"It is interesting that much of the tobacco industry's argument against PWLs is that they are mostly emotionally evocative, too graphic, or not factually true. Our study demonstrates, with non-intrusive, objective measures, that smokers engage a great deal with the images, which likely suggests they do not find them too graphic or off putting," Strasser said.

"Adopting pictorial warning labels on tobacco products would be an improvement in communicating risk compared to the text-only versions currently on domestic packaging. This is an important and effective way to disseminate knowledge about health risks."

In the study, Strasser and his team of researchers evaluated 112 daily cigarette smokers between the ages of 21 and 65 years old, and used eye-tracking to objectively observe how participants viewed congruent PWLs, where the images and text conveyed identical risk information, compared to incongruent PWLs, where image and text content differed.. Participants were later asked to recall the image, text and risk message from each PWL. The team found that smokers had relative greater difficulty recalling the text than they did recalling the image, and focused faster and longer on the image than the text. The researchers also observed that smokers who viewed congruent PWLs better recalled the information in those warnings at the end of the study. The study findings suggest that PWL formats where the image and text express similar messages or themes may be an optimal design strategy.

"The results clearly demonstrate that images in warnings get and hold viewing attention, as evidenced by the short latency to first view and the viewing duration of the images. These are important processes in attention and learning theory, and may help us to more clearly understand how to maximize ways to convey risk information," Strasser said.

In future studies, the researchers will examine how repeated exposure to PWLs affects recall as well as more complex communication constructs, such as changes in attitudes and beliefs toward tobacco products, intentions to quit smoking, changes in smoking behavior and decreases in smoke exposure using biomarker measures. Strasser's team is also focused on examining how viewing patterns change over time when smokers are repeatedly exposed to PWLs and how accumulated exposure may be associated with more profound improvements on tobacco use and exposure.

###

This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) (P50CA179546, R01CA180929 and P20CA095856).

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $6.7 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $392 million awarded in the 2016 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2016, Penn Medicine provided $393 million to benefit our community.
Engineering researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed the most detailed and extensive local map of air pollution ever produced for an urban area, using specially equipped Google Street View cars to measure air quality on a block-by-block basis. This new hyper-local mobile approach to measuring air quality, which reveals that air pollution can vary dramatically even within a single city block, could address major air quality monitoring gaps worldwide.

The research team was led by Cockrell School of Engineering assistant professor Joshua Apte in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Google and Aclima, a California-based provider of environmental sensors. By integrating Aclima's sensor system into Google Street View cars, the team mapped air pollution in 78 square miles of Oakland, California, over an entire year, collecting one of the largest data sets of air pollution ever measured of single city streets. This new technique maps urban air pollution at 100,000 times greater spatial resolution than is possible with traditional government air quality monitors. Their approach and findings were published this week in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. The study included co-authors from the University of Washington, University of British Columbia, Utrecht University, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Aclima and EDF.

The team believes that their hyper-local mobile measurement system could be implemented in many cities throughout the world, providing detailed air quality information for citizens, families, local governments and scientists. The new technique could address major air quality monitoring gaps worldwide and has the potential to transform the way air pollution is monitored in urban areas as well as shed light on the health effects on city dwellers.

Air pollution is a major global risk factor for illness and death, and the air pollution that people are breathing can be, at times, far worse than what official air quality monitors report. Most large urban areas have only one air quality monitor for every 100 to 200 square miles. In comparison, the UT Austin team's mobile approach maps air pollution every 100 feet, or at about four to five locations along a single city block.

"Air pollution varies very finely in space, and we can't capture that variation with other existing measurement techniques," Apte said. "Using our approach and analysis techniques, we can now visualize air pollution with incredible detail. This kind of information could transform our understanding of the sources and impacts of air pollution."

In many locations, the team's Google cars measured air pollution levels that were several times higher than at Oakland's official monitors. In their analysis, the researchers also identified many recurring hotspots where pollution on a single block was consistently much higher than elsewhere in a neighborhood. These pollution hotspots included the port, busy intersections, restaurants, warehouses, industrial plants and vehicle dealerships.

"What surprised us is that there are consistently locations that can be as much as six times more polluted on one end of the block than on the other," said Kyle Messier, a UT Austin postdoctoral fellow and a co-author of the study. "Among other things, this demonstrates that people are getting disproportionate exposures of unhealthy air at some locations."

This project is the latest phase of a partnership between EDF and Google, who have been working together since 2012 to map and measure a growing list of health and environmental risks, including hidden leaks from local natural gas systems.

"Air pollution is largely an invisible threat, one that poses especially disproportionate risks in lower-income areas like West Oakland. This new method allows us to visualize the data so communities and policymakers can identify the sources of harmful pollution and take action to improve safety and health," said Steven Hamburg, EDF's chief scientist.

The study's approach was designed to be cost-effective and easily replicated. For instance, research partner Aclima designed pollution sensing systems that made it straightforward to collect high-quality air pollution data on moving vehicles day after day. Driving more than 14,000 miles, the Google cars collected 3 million measurements of nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and black carbon pollutants in Oakland, generating the largest urban air quality data set of its kind.

As the study's principal investigators, UT Austin's contributions included:

Designing the data collection approach and directing where the cars drove on a daily basis.

Developing data analysis algorithms to produce block-by-block maps of street-level air pollution from measurements made by passing Street View cars.

Identifying neighborhood hotspots of air pollution.

Determining how this approach could be efficiently scaled up to other urban areas.

In the future, Apte hopes to take this mobile air quality monitoring approach to other major cities to help formulate a hyper-local map of air pollution in the United States that could help people make more informed decisions.

"You could use this information when you're picking a school for your kids. Is there a school with a playground that might have better air quality because your kid has asthma?" Apte said. "This hyper-local information about consistent air quality can be really useful for people, especially those who are vulnerable because of age or health condition."

###

Funding for the study was provided by the Environmental Defense Fund.
A UTA civil engineer and hydrologist has expanded his weather-watching audience to iPhone users.

D.J. Seo, the Robert S. Gooch Endowed Professor of Water Resources Engineering and a civil engineering professor at The University of Texas at Arlington, designed a cell phone app called iSeeFlood.

The app, developed in 2016, was initially available only for Android cell phones. It is now available for iPhones. iSeeFlood encourages the public to file timely reports when they see flooding of varying severity on the streets, in and around their homes, and in streams and creeks.

Such flash floods can be dangerous to pedestrians and motorists alike. Any advantage in knowing where, when and how fast flash-flooding is occurring can save lives and property. Visit this link for the iOS download. Visit this link for the Android download. Visit https://www.iseeflood.org for an interactive display.

For iSeeFlood, Seo is collaborating with DeepStratus, a technology company based in northern Virginia to improve the app and data display.

"We are hopeful that the collaboration with DeepStratus will help UTA take this cell phone application worldwide," Seo said. "This crowdsourcing tool can not only inform the citizens for real-time decision making but also help build the data we need to understand and cope with flash flooding worldwide in a more intelligent and data-driven way."

Seo said DeepStratus is also harvesting weather-related tweets and social media posts to help collect and build the data needed to make informed decisions on flash flooding and to advance flood science.

"Urban flood management has become an integral part of planning and services in metropolitan areas like North Texas," Seo said. "We need big data and crowdsourcing approaches to assemble needed information is especially needed in urban areas where so much development is taking place."

Since last year, Seo's team has also been installing about two dozen innovative wireless sensors around creeks, streams and flash-flooding zones in Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie and Arlington to improve high-resolution modeling of urban water systems. The sensors recorded and transmitted information about how much water was flowing, providing additional data to help the cities and National Weather Service make quicker and more accurate forecasts and alerts.

"But it's too expensive to put up sensors wherever flash flooding data are needed," Seo said. "That's why we need to rely on crowdsourcing and this phone app is a great way to gather the data we need."

Ali Abolmaali, UTA Department of Civil Engineering chair and Dr. Tseng Huang Endowed Professor, said Seo's work will help design changes in how North Texas is built.

"Once the data are collected, it's invaluable to the cities where they came from," Abolmaali said. "I could see this kind of phone app and data collection spreading across the globe."

Seo's iSeeFlood app and sensor work is but one of the many projects he and his UTA team are working on.

###

UTA also is hosting a Water Management Workshop Tuesday, June 6, in the Rady Room of Nedderman Hall on campus. The National Weather Service, Dallas Water Utilities, the Tarrant Regional Water District, the Brazos River Authority and many city water departments will be attending to discuss water supply and flood forecasting initiatives and needs.

The iSeeFlood app and the wireless sensors are research outcomes of Integrative Sensing and Prediction of Urban Water for Sustainable Cities, a joint project among The University of Texas at Arlington, University of Michigan and University of Massachusetts Amherst. The project is supported by a $1.2 million National Science Foundation grant Seo received in 2014 to improve sustainability of large urban areas affected by extreme weather, urbanization and climate change through the NSF's Cyber-Innovation for Sustainability Science and Engineering, or CyberSEES, program.

Seo joined UTA in 2010 following professional appointments to the National Weather Service's Hydrologic Research Laboratory in Maryland and as a senior researcher in the Environmental Remote Sensing Research Laboratory at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology in Taejon, Korea. Seo earned his master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his doctoral degree from Utah State University.
Imagine a planet like Jupiter zipping around its host star every day and a half, superheated to temperatures hotter than most stars and sporting a giant, glowing gas tail like a comet.

That is what an international research team led by astronomers at Ohio State and Vanderbilt universities think they have found orbiting a massive star they have labeled KELT-9, located 650 light years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus.

The discovery is described this week in a paper titled "A giant planet undergoing extreme-ultraviolet irradiation by its hot massive-star host" published by the journal Nature and in a presentation at the spring meeting of American Astronomical Society in Austin, Texas.

With a day-side temperature peaking at 4,600 Kelvin (more than 7,800 degrees Fahrenheit), the newly discovered exoplanet, designated KELT-9b, is hotter than most stars and only 1,200 Kelvin (about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler than our own sun. In fact, the ultraviolet radiation from the star it orbits is so brutal that the planet may be literally evaporating away under the intense glare, producing a glowing gas tail.

The super-heated planet has other unusual features as well. For instance, it's a gas giant 2.8 times more massive than Jupiter but only half as dense, because the extreme radiation from its host star has caused its atmosphere to puff up like a balloon.

Because it is tidally locked to its star -- as the moon is to Earth -- the day side of the planet is perpetually bombarded by stellar radiation and, as a result, it is so hot that molecules such as water, carbon dioxide and methane can't form there.

"It's a planet by any of the typical definitions based on mass, but its atmosphere is almost certainly unlike any other planet we've ever seen just because of the temperature of its day side," said Scott Gaudi, professor of astronomy at The Ohio State University and one of the lead authors of the study.

The reason the exoplanet is so hot is because the star it orbits is more than twice as large and nearly twice as hot as our sun. "KELT-9 radiates so much ultraviolet radiation that it may completely evaporate the planet. Or, if gas giant planets like KELT-9b possess solid rocky cores as some theories suggest, the planet may be boiled down to a barren rock, like Mercury," said Keivan Stassun, Stevenson Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Vanderbilt, who directed the study with Gaudi.

On the other hand, the planet's orbit is extremely close to the star so if the star begins to expand it will engulf it. "KELT-9 will swell to become a red giant star in about a billion years," said Stassun. "The long-term prospects for life, or real estate for that matter, on KELT-9b are not looking good."

While Stassun and Gaudi spend a lot of time developing missions, such as the NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, designed to find habitable planets in other solar systems, the scientists said there's a good reason to study worlds that are unlivable in the extreme.

"The astronomical community is clearly focused on finding Earthlike planets around small, cooler stars like our sun. They are easy targets and there's a lot that can be learned about potentially habitable planets orbiting very low-mass stars in general. On the other hand, because KELT-9b's host star is bigger and hotter than the sun, it complements those efforts and provides a kind of touchstone for understanding how planetary systems form around hot, massive stars," Gaudi said.

Stassun added, "As we seek to develop a complete picture of the variety of other worlds out there, it's important to know not only how planets form and evolve, but also when and under what conditions they are destroyed."

How was the new planet found?

"We were pretty lucky to catch the planet while its orbit transits the face of the star," said co-author Karen Collins, a post-doctoral fellow at Vanderbilt. "Because of its extremely short period, near-polar orbit and the fact that its host star is oblate, rather than spherical, we calculate that orbital precession will carry the planet out of view in about 150 years, and it won't reappear for roughly three and a half millennia."

In 2014 astronomers spotted the exoplanet using one of two telescopes specially designed to detect planets orbiting bright stars -- one in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere--jointly operated by Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Lehigh universities. The instruments, "Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescopes" or KELTs, fill a large gap in the available technologies for finding extrasolar planets. They use mostly off-the-shelf technology to provide a low-cost means of planet hunting. Whereas a traditional astronomical telescope costs millions of dollars to build, the hardware for a KELT telescope runs less than $75,000. Where other telescopes are designed to look at very faint stars in small sections of the sky at very high resolution, KELTs look at millions of very bright stars at once, over broad sections of sky, at relatively low resolution.

"This result demonstrates that even 'extremely little' telescopes can play an important role in discovery," commented James Neff, astronomical sciences program director at the National Science Foundation, which partially funded the research.

Using the KELT-North telescope at Winer Observatory in Arizona, the astronomers noticed a tiny drop in the star's brightness--only about half of one percent--which indicated that a planet may have passed in front of it. The brightness dipped once every 1.5 days, which means the planet completes a "yearly" circuit around its star every 1.5 days. Subsequent observations confirmed that the signal was caused by a transiting planet and revealed that it was what astronomers call a "hot Jupiter"--an ideal kind of planet for the KELT telescopes to spot.

The astronomers hope to take a closer look at KELT-9b with other telescopes--including Spitzer, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and eventually the James Webb Space Telescope after it launches in 2018. Observations with HST would enable them to see if the planet really does have a cometary tail and allow them to estimate how much longer the planet will survive its current hellish condition.

###

American partner institutions include Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University, Fisk University, Pennsylvania State University, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, University of Notre Dame, Lehigh University, NASA Ames Research Center, Bay Area Environmental Research Institute, Swarthmore College, IPAC, Brigham Young University, University of California-Santa Cruz, University of Wyoming, Louisiana State University, University of Louisville, Spot Observatory in Nashville, Westminster College, Kutztown University, University of Hawaii, University of Washington, Texas A&M University, Wellesley College, and Winer Observatory in Sonoita, AZ. International team members are from Denmark, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Switzerland, Australia, Germany and South Africa.

The study was largely funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through an NSF CAREER Grant AST-1056524, NSF PAARE Grant AST-1358862 and an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship under grant 2014184874. Additional support came from NASA via the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Exoplanet Exploration Program; the Harvard Future Faculty Leaders Postdoctoral Fellowship; Theodore Dunham, Jr., Grant from the Fund for Astronomical Research; and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
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Universities across Europe are to take part in a 10m (8.7m) project to transform farming.

Recent policies of agriculture based on intense mechanisation, excessive use of external inputs (water, energy, fertilisers, pesticides etc) and mono-crop farming has resulted in soil degradation, reduced biodiversity and increased economic risk for European farmers.

To increase diversification, biodiversity and foster sustainable development of bioeconomy, the European-wide consortium is aiming to develop and deploy innovative farming and agribusiness models.

Portsmouth University is one of the universities taking part in the project. It has been awarded 165,416 from the EU-funded Horizon 2020 as part of a 10 million five-year project to increase the long-term resilience, sustainability and economic revenues of agriculture across the EU.

It will do this by assessing the benefits and minimising the limitations, barriers and drawbacks of diversified cropping systems under low-input practices that are tailor-made to fit the unique characteristics of six EU pedoclimatic (a microclimate within soil that integrates the combined effects of its temperature, water content and aeration) regions - Mediterranean south and north, Atlantic central, Continental, Pannonian and Boreal.

University of Portsmouth researchers will develop mathematical models to explore how diversified cropping systems, tested in field experiments and case studies, influence soil-water-atmosphere-plant systems from farm to landscape level, for each of the regions included in the project.

The results will help to develop a simple decision support tool to select the most appropriate cropping systems and agricultural practices to improve farm productivity and sustainability. It will also provide guidelines for the most efficient uses of resources across the many sectors involved in the bio-economy.

Crop diversification

Dr Marianna Cerasuolo, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Portsmouth said: In view of the socioeconomic and environmental problems arising from monocropping and high-input systems, there is now a growing emphasis on crop diversification and optimised use of resources.

Increase in land productivity by crop diversification with decreases in production and environmental costs with adaptation of the entire value chain could contribute to the growth of the European agrarian sector.

In the end, focusing on research and innovation for rural development, with emphasis on developing new framework systems and business models adapted to the rural context of each pedoclimatic area of the EU, to foster sustainable growth through adoption of diversification, sustainable practices and efficient use of resources.

It is hoped that the project will provide: i) increased overall land productivity; ii) more rational use of farm land and farming inputs (water, energy, machinery, fertilisers, pesticides); ii) improved delivery of ecosystem services by increments in biodiversity and soil quality; iii) proper organisation of downstream value chains adapted to the new diversified cropping systems with decreased use of energy; and iv) access to new markets and reduced economy risks by adoption of new products in time and space.
Liberal Democrat rural spokesperson Baroness Kate Parminter has said the Conservatives have let down farmers who have failed to guarantee to replace EU subsidies for the long term.

Visiting Cornwall for the election campaign, she said rural communities have been 'taken for granted'.

"We need a new reformed system for agricultural support for farmers to ensure British farming remains competitive and doesn't lose out after Brexit," she said.

"We also need to encourage new and younger people to come into farming by championing different forms of ownership including longer tenancies, share farming and community ownership.

"Our rural communities have been taken for granted by the Conservatives and their needs ignored.

"We would invest 2bn to ensure the provision of universal high speed broadband, and work with Ofcom to ensure that mobile phone companies provide fast and reliable coverage in rural areas."

'Not a penny less'

Defra secretary Andrea Leadsom said the Conservatives have committed to the same funding levels as CAP.

She said: "If elected on June 8, Theresa Mays Conservatives will commit to the same spending on farming and food production over the next Parliament as is now provided by the EUs Common Agriculture Policy.

"As we translate the body of European law into our domestic regulations, it means that the rules around the environment, food and farming will be set in the UK."

A Welsh Labour candidate for Brecon and Radnor constituency said he would 'chain himself' to the rails of Westminster if funding was cut.

"We have got to keep farmers in business because the rural economy is reliant on farming," he said.

"The starting point for negotiations should be not a penny less.

"Wales needs special treatment and if that is not forthcoming I would chain myself to the railings of Westminster.

"Every 1 farmers spend in the local economy is worth 7 to the wider community."
Landowners including the Queen could lose up to 1 million a year under plans to slash farming subsidies for wealthier farmers after Britain leaves the European Union.

Farm minister George Eustice said the distribution of payments was 'unfair'.

Lands operating on the Queen's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk receives 700,000 a year in government funding, while farms near Windsor Castle receive 300,000.

Mr Eustice told Politico: "I dont think many people could defend the notion of an area-based subsidy system staying in place for perpetuity.

"Its a little bit upside down because it means the largest payments go to the largest landowners who arguably need it the least," he said.

Landowners featured in the Sunday Times Rich List last year received more than 10 million between them.

Smaller farms

Under the current CAP, 80% of funds go to 20% of farms, as funding is determined by the amount of acreage a farm has.

Mr Eustice and the Conservatives are trying to prioritise smaller farms as Britain begins negotiations to leave the EU.

But Defra secretary Andrea Leadsom said it was important to commit to the same funding levels as CAP.

She said: "If elected on June 8, Theresa May's Conservatives will commit to the same spending on farming and food production over the next Parliament as is now provided by the EUs Common Agriculture Policy.

"As we translate the body of European law into our domestic regulations, it means that the rules around the environment, food and farming will be set in the UK."

The commitment to match the same levels of spending will continue until the end of the next parliament, around 2022.

Then a new system will be introduced to 'set up new frameworks for supporting food production and stewardship of the countryside.'
Latest survey results by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) show that farmers confidence for the next three years has taken a significant knock.

The survey shows an 18-point drop in mid-term confidence in the last two years. It says the political environment since the UK voted to leave the EU is a key driver for this fall.

Despite overwhelmingly being in support of leaving the European Union at the Brexit referendum, farmers are increasingly feeling gloomy.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said it is 'unnerving' to see the three year outlook drop. He said in the past been it has been fairly resilient and optimistic.

(Graph: NFU)

He said: Farmer confidence is absolutely critical to the future of a profitable and productive food and farming sector. In such a period of uncertainty politically, we need politicians to fully understand the impact this lack of clarity is having economically.

The outlook from farmers is positive for the next 12 months due to the weak sterling, but we all know farming businesses are long-term and cannot rely on currency fluctuations.

The Government elected later this week will need to take firm action to maximize on the future potential of British food and farming.

We need a competent and reliable workforce, a fit for purpose domestic agricultural policy and the right trade deals. And to address this debilitating uncertainty, they need to give the industry as many assurances as possible.

Decreasing investment

Investment intentions - which are also a good and early indicator of profitability, production and how progressive farmers can be  showed farmers were nearly twice as likely to be decreasing investment (20.1%) as a result of the EU referendum than increasing investment (10.7%) in the next 12 months.

Mr Raymond added: Investment in farming businesses is integral to our ability to produce food efficiently and sustainably, ensuring food security and farmings huge contribution to the health and wealth of the nation.

With just 10% willing to increase investment in their business, it does not paint a pretty picture for the progressive industry that we are striving to be.

But this is exactly why well be working closely with the newly elected team at Defra, to ensure that investment is a key part of a new domestic agricultural policy.

Since the referendum, farmers have also raised concerns that the end of free movement and the single market could be severe blows.

Tens of thousands of migrant workers, mostly from former Eastern Europe, are required seasonally for harvesting, and the majority of the UKs food and farming export trade is with the EU.

The loss of the former will raise costs and if farmers are penalised by EU trade tariffs, their exports are likely to suffer markedly.
The administration of the Beef Efficiency Scheme scheme has resulted in a number of beef farmers choosing not to participate and others deciding to withdraw their participation, according to NFU Scotland.

Following pressure by the farming union and Scottish farmers to make changes to the administration of the scheme to make it more workable and remove some of the frustrations, farmers taking part in the Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES) have been informed this week of changes to the distribution of tissue tags for calves born in 2017.

The Beef Efficiency Scheme requires farmers taking part to collect tissue samples from a proportion of their calves born every year, as well as their bulls, to allow genetic information to be used to estimate the genetic merit of animals for breeding.

An estimated 180,000 beef cows from 2000 Scottish farmers have enrolled in the new five-year 45 million Rural Development scheme which looks to improve the efficiency, sustainability and quality of the beef herd whilst helping producers increase the genetic value of their stock and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

NFU Scotland has informed Scottish Government of the frustration felt by farmers when multiple batches of tags arrived at different times of the year for different animals that in the same batch of calves.

As a result, Scottish Government will now only make one selection of animals for tissue sampling per-business per year.

NFU Scotland has, in recent months, highlighted concerns to the Scottish Government that some farmers were unable to tissue sample animals as they had already sold them in sales prior to receiving their tissue tags.

'Frustrating'

The latest development will allow applicants who believe they will be selling spring-born calves at autumn sales to enter their calving data on the BES database early, by 9 June 2017, if they need their tissue tags delivered between late July and 1 September.

Commenting on the change, NFU Scotland Livestock Committee Chairman Charlie Adam said: Tags arriving at different times of the year for calves which were all born during the same period of time has frustrated our members.

Scottish Government has listened and for calves born from 2017 onwards this should not be a problem again.

New flexibility that will allow farmers to get tissue tags sooner is welcome and should make it now workable for more farmers to tissue sample their 2017 spring-born calves. It is hoped that the same flexibility will be given later in the year for the autumn-born crop of calves.

Its important that farmers remember that while they may choose to upload their data early in order to receive their tissue tags in early July, the existing deadline for entering calving data for spring-born calves has not changed, and it is necessary for this data to be entered by 15 July at the latest.
A judge sentenced a California man to more than 13 years for a conspiracy to launder more than $140,000 in drug money and to distribute meth in Lincoln in 2011.

A jury in Lincoln found Sergio Valencia Sr., of Santa Ana, guilty of the two charges at a trial last summer, but not guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States.

U.S. District Judge John Gerrard sentenced him Monday to 13 years and four months in federal prison, plus three years of supervised release.

Prosecutors said Valencia and Marisela Pescador funneled more than $141,000 received in exchange for delivering methamphetamine to Lincoln through banks in Nebraska and California over a five-month span.

The U.S. Attorney's office said drug couriers brought meth to Lincoln and deposited the proceeds in Wells Fargo bank accounts, making nearly three dozen deposits of $5,000 or less.

Then, the couriers contacted Valencia and Pescador, who withdrew the cash in California.

On June 8, Pescador got four years of probation with intermittent confinement for 16 consecutive weekends and six months home confinement. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to money launder.
Farmers are cautious about signing up to new schemes, survey shows
With 37,000 locations across 120 countries, McDonald's (MCD -0.90%) is easily the biggest restaurant chain in the world. The fast food titan is also among the most profitable companies on the market. Despite a weak operating year in 2016, its 20% profit margin places it 9th from the top among the 30 members of the Dow.

It might surprise you to learn that most of those earnings weren't produced directly through the sales of trademark menu products like Quarter Pounders, Chicken McNuggets, or Big Macs. Instead, Mickey D's market-thumping profitability is thanks to the rent, royalty income, and fees it collects from its army of franchisees.

Selling franchises, not burgers

McDonald's runs a franchising business model under which it trades access to its brand, its operating infrastructure, and its resources to restaurant operators -- for a hefty price. These entrepreneurs pay an initial fee at the start of their franchise. They also send in an ongoing royalty that's based on a percentage of their sales. Finally, franchisees pay McDonald's rent for the property that, by the way, can't drop below a certain rate and is set on 20-year terms.

This approach is an incredibly efficient way to run -- and expand -- a fast food empire. Since the franchisee puts up all the capital, McDonald's can quickly scale up its market footprint with almost no financial risk. It also benefits from the fact that rent and royalty fees carry much higher margins than do direct markups on fast food sales. That's how its profitability stays around 20% of sales, or roughly double the best that Chipotle (CMG 5.34%) could manage before its food-safety scare problems pushed results lower last year. The burrito specialist doesn't franchise at all, opting instead to own all its locations.

There are significant trade-offs to a franchising setup. Among the biggest is the fact that McDonald's has little control over the employees who serve as the main point of contact between the corporation and its customers. While Chipotle places significant emphasis on attracting and grooming the best crew that it can with an eye toward developing them into management positions, McDonald's leaves those kinds of decisions up to each individual franchise owner. The corporation also has little say in how the franchisee chooses to market and price its menu, or whether it is taking all the right steps to protect the brand.

Opting for higher profits

Yet this setup is extremely profitable. Most of McDonald's revenue comes from the 15% subset of its restaurant base that it directly owns and operates. Last year, those locations generated $15.3 billion of sales, compared to the $9.3 billion the company booked in revenue that came directly from franchisees who run the remaining 85% of its fast food restaurants.

However, the picture changes dramatically when you look at the bottom line. McDonald's only generated $2.6 billion of raw profits from its company-owned stores last year but collected $7.6 billion -- almost three times as much -- in rent, royalties, and fees from franchisees.

Given the impressive financial benefits, it's no wonder that McDonald's has decided to double down on this business model. It plans to sell 4,000 of its company owned locations to franchisees this year on the way toward reaching a 95% franchised business over the long term. What the company gives up in fast food sales through this move is likely to be far offset by increased earnings.

McDonald's still needs to find answers (like mobile ordering and delivery) to the market share problem that has sent customer traffic down for the past few years. But whether it quickly achieves an operating rebound or not, the company is likely to see its profit margin increase as it commits even deeper to its franchising business model.




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


















Pastor Karen Clarke deals with death every day.

At First-Plymouth Church she acts as a different kind of grief counselor -- she helps people deal with the death of their pets.

Now, she's facing her own loss. Clarke and her partner, Dali Podenski, said their 15-year-old rescue dog, Kelsey, doesn't have much time left. The terrier-shetland sheepdog mix is experiencing "total kidney failure, so it's time to say goodbye."

Though it's difficult, Clarke feels grateful to have support from the church's animal ministry, pastors and friends.

"We've got a supportive community around us that holds us up when we can't hold ourselves up," she said.

And her tragedy comes at a time when support is abundant. The ministry hosted its 10th annual Animal Blessing on Sunday.

The event was a chance for any type of pet to attend services and receive a blessing from the clergy. There were blessings, too, for children's stuffed animals and photos of pets unable to attend.

"It's the pet-human bond that puts this together," said Dick Spearman, who brings his dog, Brody, to help in the ministry as a therapy animal.

This year, nearly 335 people joined the service, as well as countless animals, including a macaw parrot, a tortoise and plenty of cats and dogs. In previous years, Clarke said there has been a camel, chickens and even a 10-foot-long Burmese python.

Together, participants raised $729 to split between Hearts United for Animals and LightShine Canine, a rescue group working at the Pine Ridge Reservation.

"I think it's a very attractive thing for them to be able to monetarily extend this ministry out," Clarke said. "They trust that our judgement is that the people at HUA and LightShine do good work and take care of their animals."

Clarke joined the church eight years ago and helped form the animal ministry.

As the only animal minister in surrounding states, she receives phone calls and emails from people requesting blessings for their pets or needing help grieving a pet's death.

Pets play an integral part in people's lives and their loss, she said, can be just as painful as losing a family member.

The animal ministry committee also brings pets to hospitals to visit patients and to work with children during bible school. Clarke was visited by a dog during a stay in the hospital.

"It's a chance to hug somebody who doesn't care that you're hugging them," she said. "Because you're miserable and to get that unconditional love back is everything."

As Clarke looks forward, she knows her own grief will be difficult, but "the gift of the ministry" is receiving back the support she continuously provides.

"I cry just as hard as everybody else does," Clarke said. "Other times, I'm the strength for the person going through that, but we have a real impact on people's lives and they feel like they have someone walking with them through a difficult time."
The Ritz-Carlton, the legendary luxury hotel brand, opened the doors of its first hotel in the capital of Kazakhstan. With the capital city an emerging destination for business and leisure travelers, The Ritz-Carlton, Astana elevates the local hospitality landscape with exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and commitment to creating memorable experiences.

Located in the Talan Towers, The Ritz-Carlton, Astana, owned by Verny Capital Group, joins an elite business center and luxury shopping gallery to create the city's first high-end, mixed-use complex, creating a new type of lifestyle and luxury experience in the region. With a unique yet graceful design, The Ritz-Carlton, Astana is also a natural extension of the square around the nearby Bayterek Tower, a monument and symbol of modern Astana.

The Ritz-Carlton, Astana features 157 guest rooms, including 32 suites, and 27 residences, all of which offer panoramic city views, thoughtful design that celebrates the beauty of the capital city, and spacious layouts. A Club Lounge on the 14th floor provides guests with an additional sanctuary, private check-in, dedicated Club Concierge, and culinary presentations throughout the day.

Three new restaurants showcase gastronomic excellence from around the world and will delight guests and local residents alike. Adjacent to the main entrance, zen offers the finest selection of organic produce, while Mokki, an all-day dining restaurant, offers guests a sense of comfort. The selection is completed with Selfie Astana, the newest creation of the Russian-based restaurant group White Rabbit Family, which will offer masterful cuisine to accompany the stunning city view from the 18th floor.

A peaceful spa retreat will also offer an array of treatments and spa packages that include seasonal offerings and signature treatments, all of which are chosen for their holistic qualities. Spa amenities include a dry and steam sauna and swimming pool, with a fitness studio adjacent to the spa. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton, Astana will help create unforgettable meetings and events by offering luxurious settings paired with exceptional cuisine and personalized service. The hotel's 1000 square meter ballroom, well-appointed meetings rooms, and modern business and banquet amenities are well suited to accommodate a diverse range of meetings and events.

Hotel website
Zaplox AB (Zaplox), a market innovator of advanced mobile key services, has signed an agreement with One Palm Apartments (One Palm), a luxury residential apartment community in Sarasota, Florida. Under the agreement, Zaplox will provide One Palm with a comprehensive solution in the form of a mobile app and administrative portal. The system will enable the distribution and management of personalized mobile keys, and provide a communication venue for management with the residents.

The Zaplox mobile key solution offers great convenience to the residents of One Palm, a multifamily residential high-rise apartment community, by providing a personalized apartment- entry option. It also opens up opportunities for proactive communication throughout the lease term. The solution has been installed at One Palm in cooperation with ASSA ABLOY Hospitality, a leading provider of electronic door locks for the hospitality industry.

Magnus Friberg, CEO of Zaplox, comments, "We integrated our solution with ASSA ABLOY Hospitality locks in 2015, and we continue to work closely with them to offer complete mobile key solutions to our clients around the globe. We are, of course, very pleased by the fact that we are now closing one of the agreements that we initiated in conjunction with them."

ASSA ABLOY Hospitality works continuously to bring the latest technologies and upgrades to its customers to meet the ever-evolving demands and needs from today's travelers and hotel guests. The progression of mobile key technology solutions are an important component in this process of advanced digitalization.

One Palm is managed by RAM Partners LLC., a full-service real estate management firm that manages 32,000 apartments throughout the U.S. Vicky Iglesias, Property Manager at One Palm, comments on the installed solution, saying, "We see great possibilities for taking care of our guests and exceeding their expectations, since we can proactively use the app to communicate our services. This will make their everyday life at the property more smooth and comfortable."

Zaplox offers mobile key services primarily to the hospitality industry and the solutions have been in commercial use since 2011.

"We are well prepared for the ongoing digitalization in the hotel industry with integrations in place, and with an expertise in smart and efficient mobile key services adapted to different customer needs," concluded Friberg.

About Zaplox

Zaplox is a market innovator of the contact-free mobile guest journey and mobile key services for the global hospitality market. The company operates in Europe and North America and offers a turnkey platform for managing the guest's hotel stay, improving the check-in and check-out process, and distributing mobile keys directly to guests' mobile phones. Zaplox solutions save time and costs while providing hotels with a direct channel to communicate with the guests and generate additional revenue. The solutions have been in commercial use since 2011, and the company is listed on the NASDAQ First North Growth Market.

www.zaplox.com

Magnus Friberg

CEO & President
Cambria Hotels Surpasses 100 Hotels Open and in the Pipeline

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) today announced aggressive growth and development plans for its upscale brand Cambria Hotels in 2017. Cambria now has 30 hotels open across the United States, and more than 70 in the pipeline. Four hotels have opened in 2017 and 10 more will open by the end of the year. In addition, 18 ground breakings and multiple executed franchise agreements are expected.

Two Cambria properties opened in May, in Los Angeles  LAX and Chicago Loop-Theatre District, following the celebration of two openings in Texas earlier this year in Southlake (Dallas) and McAllen. The Cambria in Newport, R.I. also will be opening soon.

Here are additional details about the recently and soon-to-be open properties:

Cambria Hotel Los Angeles  LAX  The Los Angeles  LAX property opened on May 2, as the first Cambria in California and first of five properties planned for the Los Angeles area. The 152-room upscale property is minutes from Los Angeles International Airport. The property features a modern design that takes its cues from the fashion-forward city that surrounds it, including Mid-century modern accents and exclusive vibrant local artwork reminiscent of 1950s Los Angeles.

Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop - Theatre District  The 22-story, 199-room property opened on May 25 and is the brand's first adaptive reuse project and second hotel in Chicago. Situated above the historic Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre, Cambria repurposed this former office building, matching the landmark status of the property with the aesthetic of the hotel. The hotel is also in the center of the Chicago Loop, an energetic business district, and home to a number of Fortune 500 company headquarters, as well as directly across the street from Block Thirty Seven, a hub of high-end restaurants and local retail outlets.

Cambria Hotel Newport  The 129-room property is within walking distance of Easton's Beach, the iconic Newport mansions, as well as near the Naval Station and a variety of businesses. The hotel offers guests picturesque waterfront views, and opens this month.

"This is an exciting time for Choice Hotels and our upscale segment. We have great momentum with the Cambria brand expanding throughout the country, including on the west coast, in the Midwest and on the east coast," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "The pipeline is the largest that it ever has been, and we will continue to grow the brand in key U.S. markets through our aggressive acquisition of numerous land sites and buildings."

Choice Hotels is investing more than $450 million in corporate capital investment to expand the Cambria brand, and bring great properties to the right markets faster. This strategy includes identifying and purchasing land and buildings in key urban destinations, and leveraging these locations to secure Cambria franchise agreements. In fact, of the nearly 100 hotels that are currently open and in the Cambria pipeline, a third of these properties are a result of land or a building that was identified and secured through Choice Hotels.

Key downtown, urban locations where Choice Hotels is currently seeking partners includes Denver, Colo.; Austin, Texas, Minneapolis, Minn., Portland, Ore., Seattle, Wash., San Francisco, Calif., and Boston, Mass.

"The Cambria brand is a great investment, offering a strong value proposition for developers. We are providing meaningful levels of capital support for the right projects, enhancing developer returns and allowing them to secure construction debt at competitive terms. On top of that, we deliver all the critical tools and resources to successfully operate an upscale hotel in prime locations," said Mark Shalala, vice president, development, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "The incredible pace of Cambria's growth is a result of a carefully planned development strategy, and our determination to make a significant impact in the upscale space. Plus, we partner with fantastic developers who recognize this compelling opportunity and share our passion and vision for the Cambria brand and its future."

Additional Cambria openings this year include properties in Dallas, New Orleans and Phoenix.
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
Two red-and-gray trolleys would be rolling around downtown Lincoln this weekend on rubber tires, carrying passengers, if things had gone according to plan.

But things didnt go according to plan. The city has no trolleys roaming the streets and probably wont for another 10 months or more.

However, the city has not paid any money for the trolleys in what has become a legal debacle.

The two trolleys arrived in Lincoln in late April and staff began planning for a May unveiling, when the mayor would have shown them off at a news conference.

But when staff inspected the vehicles they found some problems, mostly minor, said Mike Davis, transit manager.

Bolts on the bottom of the bus hadnt been coated for rust protection; decorative etched windows were not in the right place (one was next to the driver's seat); there were no pads on the back of the wooden seats; one bus wouldn't start because of wiring issues.

The city had earlier inspected the trolleys at the Wisconsin factory where they were built for major deficiencies, Davis said.

The company suggested the trolleys be returned for the fixes, a process expected to take just a couple of weeks.

But the two trolleys will likely never return to Lincoln.

The city attorney's office is waiting for the final paperwork to establish who owns the trolleys and what company should get the as-yet-unwritten, half-million-dollar check. They don't expect to get that paperwork.

The city contract for the trolleys was with National Bus Sales. But last fall that companys assets were purchased by Creative Bus Sales, explained Chris Connolly, an assistant city attorney.

Buying the assets is not the same as a merger, said Connolly.

Lincoln has not been able to determine who owns the two trolleys. Representatives of Creative Bus Sales have not come up with documentation to prove ownership. And the city has not been able to get anyone from National Bus Sales to respond, Connolly said.

There were two issues  technical and legal, Connolly said.

"On the legal side, we couldnt be sure we were paying the right entity," he said. And we are not going to send $500,000 to someone unless we know it is the right party.

Connolly doesn't believe that paperwork will ever arrive and expects the city will terminate the contract for the trolleys and move on with redoing the whole purchasing process.

That means Lincoln likely won't get trolleys until next year.

The build time for the trolleys is about six months. Putting out another request for bids will take several months. So Davis expects it will be next spring before the city sees new trolleys.

The city is out the $1,757 paid for the inspection in Wisconsin, but has spent no money on the purchase itself.

We havent lost a penny on this. Not one penny," Connolly said about the purchase.

The legal issue actually started before the technical problems became apparent.

Connolly has been asking for the legal documentation since January. So hes unsure whether Creative Bus Sales decided to take the trolleys back solely to correct the technical problems or because they knew they didnt have the legal paperwork necessary to finish the deal.

The two compressed-gas trolleys  with a price tag of $511,000  were to be purchased using federal funds (85 percent), Black Hills Energy (5.5 percent) and local funds (9.5 percent). That money will still be available for the vehicles in the future.

They are intended to be a novelty that will attract tourists and promote fun rides downtown and in the Haymarket.

They would replace the city's downtown shuttle service buses. Some studies have shown that novelty rides such as trolleys increase ridership in general, Davis said.

StarTran had received pictures of the finished trolleys. Then they were driven to Lincoln and staff took their own pictures.

"It is actually very sad, like someone giving you candy and then taking it away from you, Davis said.
The Osage Nation is interested in pursuing gaming on ancestral territory in Missouri.

Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear has identified three potential sites for development, The Osage News , the tribe's newspaper, reported in January. He's already reached out to officials in the state and approved $52,700 in donations for the new governor's inaugural ball in hopes of garnering support for the effort.

That was me trying to establish a good relationship with the governor of Missouri, Standing Bear told columnist Tony Messenger of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch of the donations to Gov. Eric Greitens (R). We thought we would show him respect.

The tribe once had a reservation in Missouri but would need to acquire trust lands in order to establish a casino there. The land-into-trust process typically takes years to complete.

The tribe also would need to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the governor if it intends to offer slot machines, blackjack, poker and related games. The state has never entered into such an agreement.

Generally, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act bars casinos on land acquired after 1988. But Section 20 of the law contains an exception for land within a tribe's "last recognized reservation."

In the history of IGRA, the Quapaw Tribe appears to be the only one to have secured this particular exception. In that case, the land was within a former reservation in Kansas

After living in Missouri, the Osage Nation was forced to move to Kansas and later to present-day Oklahoma. The tribe operates seven gaming facilities in northeastern Oklahoma.

Read More on the Story: Tony Messenger: Osage Nation hopes $50,000 gift to Greitens paves way for Cuba, Mo., casino (The St. Louis Post-Dispatch 5/27)

An Opinion: Editorial: Gov. Eric Greitens makes risky wager on dark money donations (The Kansas City Star 6/3)

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Books Buddhism, Politics, and Political Thought in Myanmar

Pre-novice monk Zarnayar, 11-years-old, walks as he studies Buddhist texts at a monastery outside Mandalay, Burma, Nov. 10, 2015. / Reuters

With Buddhism, Politics, and Political Thought in Myanmar, Matthew J. Walton offers a thorough account of how Buddhist ideas have influenced political thinking and, as a result, political action, in Myanmar. Central to such an account is the argument that politics in Myanmar cannot be thought of without Buddhism, given that Buddhism, as a moral universe, delineates what the political consists of, and what forms political authority and participation might take.

The phrase moral universe is a significant term for Walton one intentionally used to underscore the fact that, for Buddhists in Myanmar, political action and political change are quintessentially moral practices insofar as the world is understood to be governed by moral rules, and a moral logic of cause and effect (8). Yet, as Walton makes clear in his successive chapters, this moral universe, and the moral-causal logic upon which it is built, is not unproblematic for Burmese Buddhists, but rather produces certain political impulses and tensions. Such tensions must be acknowledged if scholars and citizens alike are to develop a deeper understanding of Myanmars political inheritance and still-fragile transition. This pragmatic orientation towards core concepts of contemporary Burmese politics makes Buddhism, Politics, and Political Thought much more than an exercise in political theory or religious inquiry. Instead, the questions Walton seeks to answer, while lying at the intersection of Burmese political thought and Buddhist moral practice, are profoundly concrete in nature.

Take, for example, the question of human nature, as addressed within a Burmese Buddhist worldview a topic Walton tackles in the third chapter of his book. While providing a detailed reading of two key texts addressing human nature and its relation to socio-political circumstances and modes of authority the Agganna Sutta and the Cakkavatti Sutta the chapter ultimately constructs an argument with tangible consequences for contemporary politics. Given that the suttas Walton analyzes provide two notions of human nature that exist in tension with one another the notion of humans as inherently flawed and weak, and that of humans as simultaneously powerful in their capability of achieving ultimate enlightenmentit is unsurprising that visions of the value of political authority might also exist on a spectrum that lies between two poles. When humans are envisioned as inherently flawed, then the promise of political authority is one linked to the preservation of moral and material hierarchies a logic that resonates in the commonly-heard invocations as to the necessity of a disciplined democracy or for government based on the establishment of order (a concept discussed in detail in chapter 4). Conversely, a viewpoint that foregrounds individuals ability to transcend their flaws posits a more complete solution linked to moral action one that exists above and beyond the temporary and transitory order achieved by forms of political authority.

These two responses to the question of human nature, and the role of authority vis-a-vis a population, have direct implications for the types of political arrangements deemed acceptable or effective in Myanmar. Walton makes this clear in discussing the way in which contemporary visions of governance oscillate between an expressed goal of maintaining order and that of liberation, with governance seen as that which could free citizens to strive for moral action and, relatedly, a just and stable state. Sometimes existing in opposition, but often woven together in complex articulations as to what sort of democracy Myanmar might pursue, these two logics of government, and the paradoxical moral universe upon which they are built, must be understood if we are to assess progress toward the expressed goals of Myanmars political actors and institutions.

Questions of human nature and the resultant goal of governance relates in important ways to how exactly politics, as a concept, might be conceived a point that underscores Waltons central proposal that it is only with an eye toward Buddhist thought that we might understand what the political consists of in Myanmar. Even at the most fundamental level, when considering the common Burmese word for politics, nain ngan ye, politics articulates in significant ways with the paradoxical Buddhist conceptions of humanity and authority referenced above. Nain ngan ye, itself, implies an emphasis on kingly authority and the demarcating of the realm of high politics, one accessible only to elites. Such a conception echoes, in significant ways, a vision of government as that which achieves order through the actions of a highly selective group of actors, and where the moral failings of the masses render them unable to exercise political rule. It is interesting to contrast this selective, elite inflection of nain ngan ye with more recent notions of political participation as associated with individual moral practice (a phenomenon to which Walton turns in the fifth chapter). Foregrounding moral practice and meditation, and such actions implications for the collective, this latter conception of politics counters the more dominant notion of politics as relevant only to the elites. Instead, in this second conception, ones moral practice can affect the circumstances of their community, and the collective pursuit of liberation, both in the religious and political senses of the word.

While such points represent only a sampling of the diverse, yet equally essential, religious and political concepts outlined in Waltons text, what is evident even in such a brief summary is the ways in which terms foreign scholars might commonly associate only with a liberal, rights-based theory of governance terms such as freedom, democracy, and participation take on new meaning (sometimes dramatically so) when considered in terms of the moral universe in which they function. Particularly valuable in this regard are the pages Walton devotes to the translation and explication of common Burmese language words such as the example of nain ngan ye referenced above and, relatedly, local understandings of commonly-cited Western terms. A section on the three most commonly-used notions of democracy as circulated in Burmese political discourse those of a disciplined democracy, a rights-based democracy, and a moral democracy for instance (see chapter 6), should give pause to scholars and advocates alike, reminding them to ask what exactly is meant by the unqualified use of the term democracy in the Myanmar context. Such insights can only come from close readings of the texts that represent both historical and contemporary political thought in Myanmar, in their original Burmese a task Walton advances here in his engagement with Burmese language sources from the last 150 years. In addition to complicating scholarly notions of the political in Myanmar, Buddhism, Politics, and Political Thought in Myanmar delivers a second challenge to the field of Burma/Myanmar studies by demonstrating just how crucial Burmese language materials and competencies can be in the crafting of an academic text.

Even in arguing for the conceptual and methodological advances he proposes, Walton is nonetheless keenly aware of the limitations of his study limitations that he draws on to effectively map out the state of the research into Buddhism and political thought in Myanmar, as well as to identify productive directions for future research. Recognizing, for example, that a focus on Burmese Buddhism, precludes him from addressing either the diversity external to such a category such as Buddhist practices of non-Burman groups such as the Karen, Mon, or Shanor that which lies within in the variations in Buddhist thought and practice extant among Burman Buddhists Walton notes the necessity for comparative scholarship that extends beyond assumptions of a single, coherent perspective on politics in Myanmar. Furthermore, while Walton furthers discussions of Burmese Buddhisms relationship to politics, arguing strongly for recognition of Myanmars own intellectual history and the Buddhist political ideas that undergird such a history, the question of how Myanmars dominant political and religious philosophies might have been developed in dialogue with other traditions could use more attention a point Walton himself underscores in his discussion of twentieth century debates around the proper relationship between Marxism and Buddhism. Certainly, the fluidity with which ideas traveled throughout the colonial and independence eras, not to mention the contemporary moment when an influx of political consultants and governance specialists brings a new language through which politics is discussed speaks to a need for more fine-grained research into how Buddhist ideas exist not as a pure body of thought, but rather one developed in dialogue with other contradictory worldviews throughout history.

Possible expansions of this research aside, overall, Buddhism, Politics, and Political Thought in Myanmar provides a much-needed accounting of contemporary Burmese Buddhist approaches to politics, and the worldview and logics upon which such approaches are based. Clearly written, yet carefully researched through both English and Burmese language texts, the book provides a foundational introduction to Buddhist thought useful for religious scholars and those less familiar with Buddhism, alike while also spelling out the concrete and practical implications of such a worldview when it comes to the domain of politics. Whether related to Buddhist nationalism and associated exclusionary politics, the carefully-managed transition to a discipline-flourishing democracy, or the fraught relationship between freedom and authoritarianism in Myanmars history, Waltons emphasis on the Burmese Buddhist moral universe is indispensable to any number of questions central to Myanmars ongoing political transition.

This article originally appeared in Tea Circle, a forum hosted at Oxford University for emerging research and perspectives on Burma/Myanmar.
Burma Businessman Reports Death Threats After Alleging Bribery Scandal in Tourism Ministry

Hotel sign in Pyin Oo Lwin. / Nan Myaing Hotel / Facebook

RANGOON  The owner of Rangoons Orchid Hotel, U Htay Aung, on Saturday accused the Ministry of Hotel and Tourisms permanent secretary U Yee Mon of demanding 10 million Kyats (US$7,402) from him in exchange for a recommendation letter to banks regarding the provision of loans.

U Htay Aung had a 15-year lease to operate the Nan Myaing Hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin, which is owned by Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, and had applied to build an extension to the structure in 2016. In June of last year, he asked for a recommendation letter from the tourism ministrya document that U Htay Aung hoped would serve as a guarantee for the bank in order to fund the extension.

The hotelier said he was asked to provide 10 million kyats to U Yee Mon and an undisclosed amount to lower level tourism ministry officials.

U Htay Aung agreed to the deal and withdrew 16.7 million kyats from the bank. However, cracks in the relationship began to show once the permanent secretary took on a supervisory role regarding the Nan Myaing project, U Htay Aung said.

[U Yee Mon] pointed out small things [that were wrong] and we faced the challenge of continuing the project with many restrictions, he explained.

Although U Htay Aung said he had already successfully negotiated loans with two of Burmas biggest commercial banks, Kanbawza and Ayarwady, the ministry canceled the extension project for the Nan Myaing hotel within weeks of the permanent secretarys approval.

U Htay Aung said he then complained to the State Counselors Office, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, as well as the Anti-Corruption Commissions office in March of this year, explaining how he felt that the permanent secretary had misused his power.

I know I was guilty as well, for giving him a bribe, U Htay Aung said, adding that because he had engaged in the transaction, he felt he deserved the unfortunate turn of events.

Weeks later, he said he received death threats over the phone at the Orchid Hotel and that hea Muslimwas called racist names by the caller.

The caller said they could kill me anywhere. It would not cost more than 10 million kyats. And then, I told him, dont shoot me like U Ko Nigive me a shot in the middle of the forehead, U Htay Aung said, a reference to the assassination of the National League for Democracys legal adviser, who was murdered in January after he was shot from behind, in the back of the head, outside Rangoon International Airport.

U Htay Aung added that he had been planning to hold a press conference in Naypyidaw in recent months, but that the efforts had not been successful. He then spoke publicly about what he described as the ministrys blackmailing in his own Orchid Hotel in Rangoon on June 3.

After speaking to the media on Saturday, he reportedly heard that the tourism ministry had hired legal consultants in order to file charges against him.

I wont regret my conduct and I am expecting the worst, said U Htay Aung.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism published a statement on Monday evening, but did not address U Htay Aungs allegations of bribery. Instead, it said that the Nan Myaing Hotel was a state-owned building, and that the company that leased it in 2013National Trading Co. Ltd., owned by U Htay Aunghad fallen behind on payments and was required to repay its debt.

The company hid its violations, blamed the ministry and complained about the officials and departments which could determine the case, the statement said, adding that the ministry would obtain its remaining rental fees from the company.

The Irrawaddy phoned the director-general of the tourism ministry, U Tint Thwin, on Monday but there was no answer, and reporters also were unable to reach permanent secretary U Yee Mon for comment at the time of reporting.

This article was edited to correct the amount given to U Yee Mon from 16.7 million Kyats to 10 million Kyats.
Burma China and Burma: Not Only Pauk-Phaw

Burma State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they meet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 16, 2017. / Damir Sagolj / Reuters

Pauk-Phaw and its Evolution

Pauk-phaw was a term coined in the 1950s to describe the supposedly friendly and close relationship between China and Burma. It may be translated as fraternal but, according to Burma expert David Steinberg, it has a closer Chinese connotation of siblings from the same womb [and] was used uniquely for Burma. A memorial to honor the pauk-phaw relationship was erected in Mangshi in Chinas Yunnan province in 1956 and the term was invoked as recently as September 2010, when Burmese junta leader Snr Gen Than Shwe paid an official visit to China.

But despite such diplomatic niceties, relations between China and Burma have not always been especially cordial. China, a vast, mainly inland, empire, has always looked for outlets to the sea for its land-locked western and southwestern provinces. That policy began as far back as the 18th century and manifests itself today in the One Belt, One Road development strategy proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to open new trade routes between China and Eurasia. The Burma corridor gives China access to South- and Southeast Asia as well as the entire Indian Ocean region, and has, therefore, always been of utmost strategic importance to whoever is in power in China.

In the 1760s, the Chinese Qing Dynasty launched four military expeditions against Burma in order to occupy the country. The Chinese were driven back after suffering extremely heavy casualties and the successful defense of the Burmese kingdom laid the foundations for todays boundary between the two countries. Burma survived as an independent nation until the arrival of the British in the 19th century. British colonization kept the Chinese even more firmly at bay, however, a new era in bilateral relations was ushered in after Burma became an independent republic on January 4, 1948 and Mao Zedongs communists proclaimed the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on October 1, 1949.

After that, relations between China and Burma may be divided into five periods. In the first from 1949 to 1962, Beijing maintained a cautiously cordial but basically friendly relationship with the non-aligned, democratic government of Prime Minister U Nu, which ruled Burma from independence until Gen. Ne Win and the army seized power in a coup detat on March 2, 1962. In the second period, during the first sixteen years of Ne Wins rule, Beijing actively supported the armed struggle of the insurgent Communist Party of Burma (CPB). China poured more arms and ammunition into the CPB than to any other communist movement in Asia outside Indochina. Following policy changes in China after the death of Mao in 1976, and the return to power of Deng Xiaoping in 1978, the third period began as Beijing sought rapprochement with the government in Rangoon.

At the same time, however, support for the CPB continued albeit on a much reduced scale. The fourth period of relations came after the Burmese militarys suppression of a nationwide pro-democracy uprising in Burma in September 1988 and the formation of a junta initially called the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and then the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). When Western nations imposed sanctions on Burma, the relationship with China began to be characterized by genuine cooperation as China ramped up economic ties and politically shielded the rights-abusing military regime from international criticism. This arrangement allowed Beijing to make deeper economic and political inroads into Burma than at any previous time.

The fifth period began in 2011, when a new, quasi-civilian government led by former general Thein Sein took over and began to steer the country away from its heavy dependence on China, which had begun to alarm many fiercely nationalistic Burmese army officers. Relations with the West improvedand Chinas response to this new and unexpected situation came in two different forms: 1) continued support for the Burmese government, and 2) support to certain insurgent groups fighting the regime. This strategy may appear superficially contradictory, but it is a system that, under examination, has its own logic.

China may have transformed its economic system from rigid socialism to free-wheeling capitalism, but politically, it remains an authoritarian one-party state where the Communist Party of China (CPC) is above the government and military. The old policy of maintaining government-to-government as well as party-to-party relations has not changed. Even while trade with China continues to boom and the Chinese are selling fighters-jets and other military hardware to Burma, party-to-party relations continue to be maintained with the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the successor to the CPB. The UWSA today is better equipped, with Chinese-supplied weaponry, than the old CPB army ever was. The UWSA serves as a stick in Chinas relationship with Burma while diplomacy and promises of aid, trade, and investment are the carrot. As China sees it, it cannot simply hand over Burma to the West. The country is far too important strategically and economically to the PRC for that to happen.

1949-1962: The Pauk-Phaw Years

The relations between China and Burma in the late forties were troubled by a disputed and largely un-demarcated border, illegal immigration into Burma by vast numbers of Chinese laborers, businessmen and even farmers in search of greener pastures, and smuggling. Relations became even more uncertain when large numbers of Nationalist Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) troops of the Republic of China (ROC) retreated into Burmas north-eastern hill areas following their defeat in the Chinese civil war.

From clandestine bases in remote border mountains that were not under the control of the central Burmese government, these Kuomintang forces launched a secret war against Chinas new Communist government, supported by the ROC government on Taiwan, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Thailand. There was a definite possibility of a war between the PRC and the unwilling host to these forces. However, the Sino-Burmese relations that developed from this initial possibility of conflict provides a good example of how a small, comparatively weak country worked to preserve its independence and neutrality in dealing with the largest and then most powerful nation in Asia. Burmas independent foreign policy vis-a-vis China was all the more remarkable considering that successive Chinese governments, regardless of their political nature, always considered Burma to be a vassal state and the pre-colonial Burmese kings often had to send tribute missions to the Chinese Emperor.

A breakthrough came in early 1953 when Burma decided to take the matter of the Kuomintang presence on its soil to the United Nations. Prior to that, the fledgling Burma Army had fought several decisive battles against the Kuomintang, which clearly demonstrated that these guests were not camping on Burmese territory with the consent of the government in Rangoon. On April 22, 1953 the UN adopted a resolution demanding that the Kuomintang lay down their arms and leave Burma. Although thousands of Nationalist Chinese soldiers were evacuated to Taiwan, the UN resolution was thwarted as Rangoon was unable to stop the provision of reinforcements to remaining forces via secret airstrips in north-eastern Burma in aircraft provided by the CIA.

Regardless, the U Nu government had made its point, and on April 22, 1954, the PRC and Burma for the first time signed a bilateral trade agreement. On June 28-29, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visited Burma at the invitation of the Burmese government and held talks with U Nu. A joint Sino-Burmese declaration was signed by the two leaders on June 29, endorsing the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence: Mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in each others internal affairs, equal and mutual benefits, and peaceful coexistence.

Even though this policy was labeled pauk-phaw, in reality, Burma adopted a neutral stand on foreign policy, with the ultimate aim of preventing China from interfering in its internal affairs. The concept pauk-phaw relied on a deeply asymmetrical friendship between Chinaa huge and often threatening regional superpowerand Burma, a much smaller country on its periphery. The first years of Burmese independence were marked by widespread insurgencies, and the CPB was one of the major rebel forces. Although the CPB had strong Maoist tendencies as early as the fifties, Beijing refrained from supporting it.

The next issue to settle was the disputed Sino-Burmese border, which U Nu discussed in detail during a September 1956 visit to China. He returned with a tentative plan for a settlement that called for Chinese recognition of Burmese sovereignty over the so-called Namwan Assigned Tract in exchange for ceding to China three villages in Kachin State: Hpimaw, Gawlum and Kangfang. China also pledged to recognize Burmese claims on the remainder of the 1,357-mile frontier.

U Nus concessions provoked protests from both Burmese politicians and ethnic groups such as the Kachin, who rose up in rebellion in 1961 as a direct result of the border talks with China. However, negotiations continued for nearly four years until an agreement was eventually signed on January 28, 1960.

In 1958, U Nu was forced to hand over power to a military caretaker government, headed by army chief General Ne Win, who concluded the border agreement and signed a treaty of friendship and mutual non-aggression with China. In addition to the three Kachin villages (59 square miles), Ne Win also ceded the Panhung-Panglao area of the northern Wa Hills (173 square miles). In return, the Namwan area (85 square miles), which for all practical purposes was part of Burma anyway, formally became Burmese territory. More importantly, though, China did renounce all its claims to areas in northern Kachin State. Until that time, Chinese maps had shown the border to be just north of the Kachin State capital of Myitkyina and Taiwanese (ROC) maps still show the border at that point, since Taipei has never recognized any agreements signed between the communist government in Beijing and other nations.

Following a general election in February-March 1960, U Nu returned to power. With the border now demarcated, Burma launched a new offensive against the Kuomintang forces in north-eastern Burma the following year. This time, thousands of Chinese troops of the Chinese Communist Partys Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) also crossed the border into Burma near the town of Mong Yang north of Kengtung in eastern Shan state, where the Kuomintang maintained a major base. Mong Pa Liao, another Kuomintang base near Burmas border with Laos, was also attacked in a campaign that was clearly coordinated with the Burmese military. It is reasonable to assume that this was part of the new friendship agreement between the PRC and Burma as well, although it has never been admitted officially.

Tomorrow: Part 2. Brothers no More

This article was originally published here by The Project 2049 Institute, a policy group based in the US.
Burma Human Rights Activist Charged Under Article 66(d) for Live-streaming a Satirical Play

Human rights activist U Tun Tun Oo. / Salai Thant Zin / The Irrawaddy

PATHEIN, Irrawaddy Division  A local human rights leader in Irrawaddy Divisions capital Pathein was arrested on Sunday after he was charged with Article 66(d) of Burmas Telecommunications Law for live-streaming a play that was critical of military clashes with ethnic armed groups on Facebook.

Police arrested U Tun Tun Oo, leader of the Human Rights Activists Association, for streaming the drama entitled We Want No War staged by high school students and undergraduates of Pathein University during a peace discussion in Pathein on Jan. 9.

Personnel of the Burma Army South Western Command filed a lawsuit against him at Pathein Central Police Station under Section 34(d) of the Electronic Transactions Law. But police sought legal advice from township law officials who suggested charging U Tun Tun Oo with Article 66(d) instead.

U Tun Tun Oo was brought to trial at Pathein Township Court on Monday.

Nine students performed the satirical play in which a news agency called Oxygen interviewed supporters of Burmas conflict.

I streamed it live so that my friends could watch it because my son participated in the drama. I did not intend to defame the military, he told the media.

The Burma Army also sued nine students involved in the drama for defamation.

The Pathein Township Court judge acquitted seven of the nine students but charged twoKo Aung Khant Zaw and Ko Myat Thu Htet, who organized the play. The two are still facing trial.

Since the enactment of the Telecommunications Law in 2013, there has been a total of 67 cases filed under Article 66(d), according to a local research group led by a former prisoner Maung Saung Kha, a poet who was jailed under the same charge in 2016.

On Friday, police detained chief editor of The Voice Daily newspaper Ko Kyaw Min Swe and regular columnist Ko Kyaw Zwa Naingalso known by his pen name British Ko Ko Maungunder Article 66(d) over a satirical article about Burmas peace process.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Human Rights Watch Defends Muslims Praying in Public

Security forces in front of a madrassa in Thaketa Township after nationalists sealed off the religious school. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Human Rights Watch on Monday called for the Burma government to overrule local officials in Rangoon who are threatening to charge Muslims for holding Ramadan prayers in a public space.

On May 31, about 50 Muslims worshipped near a shuttered Islamic school in Thaketa Township, one of two madrassas in the area that were shut down by a ultranationalist mob on April 28. It is unclear when they will reopen.

In a statement on June 1, township authorities warned Muslims from the group they would take action under Article 133 of Burmas Penal Code for praying in public without official permission, as it said the prayers blocked the road and threatened stability and the rule of law.

Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch (HRW)s Asia Division, said: ward-level officials threats to charge and prosecute Muslims who took part in the prayer session on May 31 was further evidence of the Myanmar governments failure to protect religious freedoms.

Since that day, local police and ward officials in Yangon have been consistently harassing and threatening members of the Muslim community with criminal charges and fines because they dared assemble in the street to hold prayers during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, he said.

These actions by local officials are an outrage that should be urgently overruled by senior leaders in the General Administration Department, or failing that, the minister of home affairs. If the ministry refuses to act within days to cease these threats of charges, then as de facto head of government, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should step in to protect freedom of conscience and religion, he added.

Robertson said mosques and madrassas that have been forcibly shuttered should be immediately re-opened.

Religious believers should not be threatened or criminally charged simply for exercising their fundamental right to observe and practice their religion, he said.

Local Muslims told The Irrawaddy that they do not have enough places to pray. Township authorities were unavailable for comment on Monday.
Burma KNU Vice Chairmans Tight Schedule Upsets Karen Community in Canada

KNU vice chairman Padoh Kwe Htoo Win speaks at the groups 16th Congress in April 2017. / Karen National Union Headquarter / Facebook

CHIANG MAI, Thailand  Members of the ethnic Karen community in Canadamost of whom are refugees from the civil war in Burmaare disappointed the Karen National Union (KNU) vice chairman Padoh Kwe Htoo Win will not visit them on his tour of the country, according to an activist.

Padoh Kwe Htoo Win and other leaders of ethnic armed organizations, such as Lian Sakong of the Chin National Front, Khun Myint Tun of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization, and Sai Leng of the Restoration Council of Shan State are touring Canada from June 3 to June 10 to study its federal system.

Hsa Moo, a Karen activist who works with the Karen community in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, told The Irrawaddy the community wants to hear the KNU vice chairman clarify the groups stance on Burmas on-going peace process.

The Karen community in Canada feel [Padoh Kwe Htoo Win] does not have time for them. They want to hear from him and know about the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) in particularabout what the benefits of the NCA are for the Karen people, she said.

She added that the community would like an assurance of the safety of refugees on the Thai-Burma border who she claimed are under pressure to return their homes in Burma despite the militarization of the KNU-controlled territories in Karen State. The community wants to know how the KNU and Burma government plan to safely repatriate the refugees, she added.

Burmas State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be in the country from June 5 to June 9 to meet Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials before traveling to Sweden.

Burmas ethnic communities in Canada, including the Karen, plan to hold a peaceful demonstration in Toronto on June 9 while the State Counselor visits the city.

They will ask for rights for ethnic minorities, said Hsa Moo, adding that the ethnic groups will also question Daw Aung San Suu Kyis plans for refugee repatriation.

The protesters will raise concerns about militarization in Karen State and growing pressure on Burmese refugees in Thailand to return home because of cuts in humanitarian aid, according to the activist.

The EAO leaders plan to visit the cities of Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec. In a letter written by the KNU vice chairmans assistant and seen by The Irrawaddy, Padoh Kwe Htoo Win said he could not meet the Karen refugees in Canada because of a tight schedule, but that the EAO leaders were open to a visit and small discussion.

You might also hear that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is coming to Canada and her government members will be joining this study trip, read the letter. However, she has her own schedule and I dont want to speculate if she will be traveling with the team or not.
Four staff members were assaulted Saturday at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, the Department of Correctional Services confirmed Monday.

Spokeswoman Cara Wilwerding said two staff were assaulted initially and two others a short time later. There were no serious injuries or medical emergencies, she said.

The incidents began when one inmate refused to return to his cell and then struck a staff member. Staff responded to the unit at 7:20 p.m. A similar incident occurred later when staff were attempting to respond to another inmate that required medical assistance.

Crisis response members were brought in as a precautionary measure, Wilwerding said. They assisted with cell moves and then left.

Pepper spray was used and one inmate suffered exposure, she said.

All four staff members were taken to a hospital to be checked and were then released, Wilwerding said. One staff member lost consciousness briefly during the assault, but he was examined and found not have a concussion or serious injury, she said.

A serious injury is defined by the department as one that requires urgent and immediate medical treatment and restricts usual activity. Examples of serious injuries include cuts needing stitches, broken bones, concussions, and partial or full loss of consciousness that makes the assaulted person unable to defend himself or herself.

Assaults on staff by inmates had been growing in the prisons since 2013, but Corrections Director Scott Frakes said in April that during the most recent six months, fewer assaults on staff had been reported.

Five inmates have been killed at the prison since May 2015. Four were killed, presumably by other inmates, during two disturbances, and one more recently, whose cellmate has been charged with his strangulation death.
Burma Police Open Case Against Army Battalion in Kachin IDP Deaths

Locals find the bodies of three Kachin civilians who were allegedly killed by the Burma Army near Hka Pra Yang village in Kachin State. / Supplied

RANGOON  The Mansi Township police have opened a case against Battalion 319 of the Burma Army, after its soldiers were accused of killing three internally displaced ethnic Kachin men in Mai Hkawng village, Kachin State.

We opened charges against them for murderArticle 302 [of the penal code], police officer Aung Kyaw Soe Win told The Irrawaddy on Monday.

He said it could not yet be confirmed how many members of the battalion might have been involved in the deaths.

The Burma Army is holding its own military investigation, according to the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. After the investigation is completed, they will allegedly hand over the soldiers in question to the police.

The police will do a press conference when we know more about it, Aung Kyaw Soe Win said.

Nhkum Gam Awng, 31, Maran Brang Seng, 22, and Labya Naw Hkum, 27, from Mai Hkawng internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, were reportedly arrested by Battalion 319 on May 25 near Hka Pra Yang village, about three miles away, while they were collecting firewood, according to camp officials and community elders. Their maimed bodies were found on May 28, with the victims having sustained skull fractures and knife wounds, according to a post-mortem report.

Camp officials and the victims family members hope to prosecute those responsible for the murders in a civilian court, a member of the Kachin Baptist Convention told The Irrawaddy when the story broke in late May.
Burma Trio Arrested in Burma Admit to Bar Girl Murder

Accused killer Preeyanuch 'Preaw' Nonwangchai (centre) and two alleged accomplices were photographed after they surrendered to Burma police Saturday. Afterwards, they were turned over to Thai authorities at the Tachilek border crossing and later officially charged with murder. / Supplied

BANGKOK, Thailand  The three female suspects wanted for the murder of a karaoke bar girl have confessed to the charges laid against them, with one of the suspects, Preeyanuch Preaw Nonwangchai, insisting she had no intention to kill the victim.

Speaking at a press conference Sunday following their arrests, national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda said the death of 22-year-old Warisara Klinjui is not linked to any organized drug ring. A personal feud and an unpaid debt were the motives, he said.

The police called in the media Sunday afternoon in Bangkok, several hours after the arrests of Ms Preeyanuch, 24, Kawita Earn Ratchada, 25, and Apiwan Jae Sattayabundit, 28, were confirmed on Saturday night.

The three have been charged with cooperating in premeditated murder, concealing a body and theft. A crime re-enactment is expected to take place Monday at 7-8 locations in Khon Kaen.

The suspects were not present at the press briefing led by the national police chief. They were flown from Chiang Rai to Bangkok and then to Khon Kaen province where they were to be further interrogated by investigators in charge of the case.

The trio are among a group of five who allegedly killed Warisara, dismembered her body and buried the body parts in Khon Kaens Khao Suan Kwang district late last month. The female trio fled across the border to Tachileik in Burmas Shan State on May 25, the day Warisaras body was discovered.

Two other detained suspects are Wasin Namprom, 25, who was arrested in Laos and his girlfriend Jidarat Promkhun, 21, who was nabbed in Ubon Ratchathani.

Thai authorities sought help from their Burma counterparts to hunt down the suspects, who hid in a vacant house in Tachileik. The trio were detained by Burma authorities on Saturday night and delivered to the Thai police Sunday morning.

According to Pol Gen Chakthip, who questioned the three suspects by himself for an hour, the suspects have confessed to all the charges and Preeyanuch has implicated Wasin as being involved in the dismembering.

Pol Gen Chakthip said Warisaras murder stemmed from a personal conflict as the victim had given police information leading to the arrest of Preeyanuchs husband in a drug-related case. Her husband is now in prison. In addition, Preeyanuch claimed Warisara owed her up to 40,000 baht for more than a year.

Quoting Preeyanuch, the police chief said she had no intention to kill Warisara but wanted to teach the victim a lesson.

She insisted she met the victim by chance about 1 a.m. of May 25 after not having seen her for a year. So she asked her to get into the car to teach her a lesson but they had a row in the car and she strangled the victim in a fit of rage. The victim died in the car.

The suspects thought about concealing the body by dumping it into the water but knew it would turn up. So they dismembered and buried the body, he said.

According to Pol Gen Chakthip, the suspects contacted authorities to surrender under pressure.

They gave themselves up to authorities because we put a lot on pressure on this case. We asked Myanmar to help hunt them down. The suspects said they didnt want other people to get in trouble, he said.

At least they had the conscience to turn themselves in, he said.

The hand-over of the three suspects was made on Saturday night shortly after 9 p.m. when Lt Col Aung Mien U, the Burma co-chairman of the Thailand-Myanmar Border Township Committee (TBC), and Pol Lt Col Ten Win, chief of the Tachilek police station, sent an urgent message to Col Kidakorn Chantra, commander of the 3rd Cavalry Task Force of the Pha Muang Force and the Thai co-chairman of the TBC.

On receiving the message, Col Kidakorn ordered Thai authorities led by Pol Col Ekkorn Bussababodin, chief of the Chiang Rai immigration office, Pol Col Songkrit Ontakhrai, the Mae Sai police chief, and Thai TBC members to receive the suspects from Burma authorities.

The hand-over was made at a bridge across the Sai River and witnessed by a large number of people including tourists on the Thai side.

A photo of Thai and Burma authorities with the three suspects went viral.

Commenting on social media calls that the trio faces the death sentence, he said sentencing is a judicial matter and said the harshest penalty in a murder case is death.

Pol Gen Chakthip also defended police treatment of the suspects, who were seen in several photos released on social media as relaxed and not handcuffed, saying authorities were confident the suspects would not flee.

He also claimed it was normal for police to let female suspects apply make-up while in detention.

Pol Maj Gen Charoenwit Sriwanich, deputy chief of Police Region 4, said no drug charge was pressed against the suspects.

Pol Lt Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said immigration authorities had pressured business operators not to provide shelter to the suspects.

He said the three went out with customers on May 27-28 before turning up in Tachilek.

After hearing about the arrests, the victims family said they want to see justice run its course and the punishment must fit the crime.

Thonglom Klinjui, 67, grandmother of the victim, said the crime was cruel and inhumane and hoped the suspects would get what they deserve.

Sakhon Phasi, mother of Preeyanuch, said she was relieved to hear that her daughter is alive.

Sakhon said she hoped her daughter would be forgiven now she decided to pay her dues for the crime.

She has surrendered and will pay for what she did, I hope she will be forgiven, she said.
Commentary Open Letter to the State Counselor

State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, pictured at the second session of the Union Peace Conference in Naypyidaw in May. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

Dear State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,

I hope your trip to Canada and Sweden is going well. I have no intention at all to bother you, as I know you will have important meetings with the leaders of those countries to discuss their own transitions to a federal democracy, and how they might inform our own.

Like many people, I understand that this is the most important issue for your government and our entire nation.

However, Id like to raise an immediate issue that is damaging the reputation of your government, due to an unfortunate legacy.

It might not be as important as restoring the peace process or building a federal nationpriorities of yours since you assumed the role as a de-facto leader of our country. But it is also an issue that your government and Parliament should take into serious consideration without delay.

There is something ugly occurring which I, like many people, believe should not be happening. It concerns Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law.

You must be aware that for the past 14 months under your administration, 61 defamation cases have been filed under Article 66(d). Out of these 61 cases, around one dozen journalists were charged and many of them are still awaiting trial.

The latest targets of the statute are U Kyaw Min Swe, chief editor of The Voice, and the publications regular columnist Ko Kyaw Zwa Naing, known by his pen name British Ko Ko Maung. They were taken into custody on Friday. The Burma Army filed a lawsuit against the pair under Article 66(d) over a satirical article that questioned the countrys armed struggle and peace process.

I know that 66(d) is not a creation of your government. It was enacted by ex-President Thein Seins quasi-civilian administration in 2013. The article bans the use of a telecommunications network to extort, threaten, obstruct, defame, disturb, inappropriately influence or intimidate.

Many people believe that the previous government, run by ex-generals, created such a legal mechanism to be able to sue those who stood against their administration. Of the seven cases filed under the Article 66(d) during their tenure, five led to sentencing. Three cases were filed due to defamation against the commander-in-chief of the military while one was against then-President Thein Sein. Only one case was filed due to defamation against you.

I am sure you, your government and Parliament are quite aware of the previous governments intentions.

After all, 61 cases have been put forward using this article under your National League for Democracy (NLD) government to date. This has been shocking, indeed, and indicates that something has gone wrong under the NLD-government. However, I dont interpret it to mean that your government is solely responsible for all of the cases.

According to the Research Team on the Telecommunications Law led by activist Maung Saung Khaa poet who was himself sentenced and jailed in 2016 under Article 66(d)the military has used the law to file seven lawsuits while members of the NLD used the article to file six lawsuits. Meanwhile, other known NLD supporters have used the article to file eight lawsuits because they believed others defamed you as the State Counselor. Thus, out of 61 cases, it is believed that around 20 of the cases were politically motivated.

What surprises me is why the NLD government or its Parliaments have let its members and supporters apply this controversial law created by the previous government against individuals today. Even high-ranking officials of the NLD administration and the party have turned to 66(d), rather than more standard defamation charges described in penal codes.

In terms of defamation, there exists Article 500 of the Penal Code. Perhaps the previous government and former parliamentary members of the then ruling military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party thought that defamation over the internet, through the use of social media, might have been more damaging than traditional methods of communication or media.

I can only conclude that some of the NLD governments officials and key members of the current parliaments share the view with those who enacted Article 66(d) in 2013.

That might be one reason why it has taken far too long to review this controversial law. Many activists have demanded that Parliament repeal or amend the law, so that it is not abused by influential people or institutions. Those activists are disappointed, as it seems that the current democratic administration will this controversial law to be misused by anyone.

State Counselor, I personally believe that its high time to review Article 66(d) through concerned parliamentary committees. As long as this controversial statute is yet to be addressed, we will see more individuals, including journalists, be jailed under charges of defamation. Its ugly, isnt itboth for our country and for your administration.

Kyaw Zwa Moe is the editor of The Irrawaddys English edition.
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By Jeffrey D. Sachs | (Project Syndicate) |  

NEW YORK  US President Donald Trumps ravings against the 2015 Paris climate agreement are partly a product of his ignorance and narcissism. Yet they represent something more. They are a reflection of the deep corruption of the US political system, which, according to one recent assessment, is no longer a full democracy. American politics has become a game of powerful corporate interests: tax cuts for the rich, deregulation for mega-polluters, and war and global warming for the rest of the world.

Six of the G7 countries worked overtime last week to bring Trump around on climate change, but Trump resisted. European and Japanese leaders are accustomed to treating the US as an ally on key issues. With Trump in power, it is a habit they are rethinking.

But the problem goes beyond Trump. Those of us living in the United States know first-hand that Americas democratic institutions have deteriorated markedly over the last several decades, beginning perhaps as far back as the 1960s, when Americans began to lose confidence in their political institutions. US politics have become increasingly corrupt, cynical, and detached from public opinion. Trump is but a symptom, albeit a shocking and dangerous one, of this deeper political malaise.

Trumps policies embody mean-spirited priorities that are widely backed by the Republican Party in the US Congress: slash taxes for the rich at the expense of programs to help the poor and working class; increase military spending at the expense of diplomacy; and allow for the destruction of the environment in the name of deregulation.

And, indeed, from Trumps perspective, the highlights of his recent trip abroad were signing a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, berating other NATO members for their supposedly insufficient military spending, and rejecting the pleas of US allies to continue in the fight global warming. Congressional Republicans broadly cheer these frightening policies.

Meanwhile, Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress are trying to rush through legislation that would deprive more than 20 million people of health care, in order to cut taxes for the richest Americans. Trumps newly proposed budget would slash Medicaid (health insurance for the poor), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food for the poor), foreign assistance (aid for the worlds poorest), funding for the United Nations, and spending on science and technology. Trump would, in short, gut the federal programs for education, training, the environment, civilian science, diplomacy, housing, nutrition, and other urgent civilian priorities.

These are not the priorities shared by most Americans  not even close. A majority wants to tax the rich, maintain health coverage, stop Americas wars, and fight global warming. According to recent polling data, Americans overwhelmingly want to stay in the Paris Climate Agreement, which Trump has pledged to leave. Trump and his cronies are fighting public opinion, not representing it.

They are doing this for one reason, and one reason only: money. More precisely, Trumps policies serve the corporate interests that pay the campaign bills and effectively run the US government. What Trump signifies is the culmination of a long-term process whereby powerful corporate lobbies have bought their way to power. Today, companies like ExxonMobil, Koch Industries, Continental Energy, and other mega-polluting companies no longer need to lobby; Trump has handed them the keys to the State Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Energy Department. They also hold senior congressional staff positions.

Much of the corporate money can be traced; the rest flows anonymously, as dark money that avoids public scrutiny. Supreme Court justices who themselves were frequently wined and dined by corporate donors gave the green light to keep these corrupt flows secret in their infamous Citizens United decision.

As investigative journalist Jane Mayer has documented, the largest source of dark money is the tandem of David and Charles Koch, who inherited the highly polluting Koch Industries from their father, a man whose business history included building a major oil refinery for Germanys Nazi regime. The Koch brothers, with a combined net worth of some $100 billion, have spent freely for decades to take over the US political system, mobilizing other right-wing corporate interests as well.

When it comes to tax policy and climate change, the Republican Party is almost completely in the hands of the Koch brothers and their oil-industry cronies. Their immoral aim is simple: to cut corporate taxes and deregulate oil and gas, regardless of the consequences for the planet. To achieve these goals, they are prepared to try to remove millions of poor people from health-care coverage, and even more shockingly, to put the entire planet at dire risk of global warming. Their evil is chilling, but it is real. And Trump is their factotum.

Before Trumps recent foreign trip, 22 Republican senators sent him a letter calling for the US to withdraw from the Paris climate accord. Almost all receive significant campaign funding from the oil and gas industry. Most of them probably depend directly on donations from the Koch brothers and the lobbying organizations that they secretly finance. As the Center for Responsive Politics, a public-interest group, has shown, spending by oil and gas companies on federal candidates in the 2016 election totaled $103 million, with 88% going to Republicans. This of course includes only the funds that can be tracked to particular donors.

The rest of the world urgently needs to understand America for what it has now become. Behind the formal structures of a once-functioning democracy is a political system run by corporate interests with the cynical aims of cutting taxes on the rich, selling weapons, and polluting with impunity. In Trump, they have found a shameless frontman and TV personality who will do their bidding.

It is now the job of the rest of the world to say no to Americas reckless corporate greed, and of Americans themselves to reclaim their democratic institutions by pushing dark money and corporate malevolence from their midst. Given the small (52-48) Republican majority in the Senate, the Democrats and just three honest Republicans would be in a position to block most or all of the Trump-Koch agenda. The situation is therefore salvageable, though it remains highly dangerous. Americans  and the world  deserve much better.

Jeffrey D. Sachs, Professor of Sustainable Development and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University, is Director of Columbias Center for Sustainable Development and of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. His books include The End of Poverty, Common Wealth, The Age of Sustainable Development, and, most recently, Building the New American Economy.

Licensed from Project Syndicate

-

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CNNMoney: Inside murky foreign profits at Trumps hotels
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Francis Ghiles | (OpenDemocracy.net) |  

Militarising the region further and taking sides in a recently concocted sectarian conflict will likely end in tears.

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, Saudi King Salman Bin Abdelaziz Al Saud, US First Lady Melania Trump, and US president Donald Trump. Picture by Balkis Press/ABACA/ABACA/PA Images. All rights reserved.The foreign policy milestones of the first months of the Trump administration are chalked up in the terms of successive reversals of positions taken by Donald Trump during his campaign. Trump used to say NATO was obsolete; now he does not. He was a cheerleader for Brexit; German Chancellor Angela Merkel persuaded him that the European Union was here to stay.

For a man who claimed on the campaign trail last year that Islam hates us and who twice attempted to introduce a ban on certain Muslim visitors to the United States, having three Islamic summits organised for him  with the Saudi royals, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the leaders of more than 40 Muslim-majority countries  was a triumph against the odds. In Riyadh, he stayed on script, sparing his hosts the daily flip-flops that have been his hallmark in foreign policy.

Urging those who listened to him to drive out the scourge of Islamic extremism is the easy part. Calling on a putative Sunni coalition to unite against Shia Iran is quite another matter. Choosing one side in a spiral of sectarian warfare is, of course, the exact opposite of Barack Obamas policy.

The 2015 nuclear accord the United States and five world powers signed with Iran to restrain its nuclear programme was dismissed by candidate Trump as the worst deal ever. Yet, lacking any realistic alternative, as president, Trump is reluctant to tear it up.

Tehran has used Shia Arab proxies to build a power base in Iraq and Lebanon but Saudi Arabia spends billions every year exporting its brand of Wahhabi Islam and bigotry towards Shias and all other religious minorities. The kingdom has, for decades, done all in its power to destroy Sufi traditions. In Europe, it funds mosques in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom where bigotry is the daily fare of preachers. The terrorists who strike European cities regularly hail from a Sunni background. The hand of Iran is nowhere to be found.

This may explain why Germany and France are extremely reluctant to bring NATO into the Saudi-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) as Trump is urging them to. Europe bears the brunt of terrorism linked to Middle Eastern affairs.

Its leaders also sense that offering Iranian voters, who have just defied the theocratic establishment by giving a big majority to Hassan Rohani, the centrist president behind the nuclear deal, a renewed pariahdom, may not be the wisest course to follow. Iranians want to engage with the world, which is what Obama gambled on two years ago. The Saudis are just buttressing their autocracy.

However much they applauded him in Riyadh, the Saudis and their Sunni allies, not all of which, such as Kuwait, share the kingdoms hard-line stance on Iran, will probably be disappointed by how far Washington will go to push back Irans influence in the region. Deterring Iran is one thing; rolling back its positions in Syria and Iraq is a different matter.

As it is, the Iranians are supporting the US-backed government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Baghdad while the United States is not considering any move to oust Iranian ally, Syrian President Bashar Assad. Some Sunni countries have been more forceful in intervening in Yemen but the result has been a political and a humanitarian disaster. The 34-member Islamic Military Alliance Against Terrorism is full of fissures as its members just do not seem to be on the same page.

Trump put ISIS and Iran on the same footing, evils that must be eradicated. The contradiction that Iran is ISISs greatest enemy seemed lost on American leaders. The America First policy the president proclaims will have been comforted by the $380 billion worth of trade and investment deals, including $110 billion in US arms sales, signed during the visit.

Does any observer in the region believe that, by piling in even more sophisticated killing machines, some of which Saudi nationals are not capable of manning themselves, peace can be brought to bloodied, often chaotic states?

Obama extended the drone war indefinitely, Trump is using ever more special forces, granting them a freedom of action that could one day cause a major upset, unforeseen in Washington, to which every decision to move no longer has to be referred.

Militarising the region further and taking sides in a recently concocted sectarian conflict will likely end in tears.

America has adopted the Israeli and Saudi position  that Irans enmity to the United States is immutable but what benefit can the United States possibly derive from an unwinnable war in Yemen? Does it not understand that a unified Sunni coalition of countries means nothing in North Africa, from Egypt to Morocco, where there are no significant Shia populations and Iran is of little concern?

In October 2013, the distinguished British Conservative politician Michael Ancram delivered a lecture at the Centre for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University in Washington. It was titled How the West lost the Middle East over the past century. Trumps visit will ensure the United States does not regain that region anytime soon.

Francis Ghiles is senior research fellow at the Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (Cidob). He was the Financial Timess north Africa correspondent from 1981-95, and now contributes to newspapers such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, El Pais and La Vanguardia. He is a specialist in emerging energy markets and their relationship to political trends, and has advised western governments and corporations working in north Africa.

This article was originally published on The Arab Weekly on 28th of May 2017

Via OpenDemocracy.net



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TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - June 05, 2017) - Victoria Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: VIT) "Victoria" or the "Company" is pleased to announce initial results from the 2017 Dublin Gulch exploration campaign. Assays from the first 22 drill holes into a new target, the Eagle West zone, immediately adjacent to the Eagle Gold Deposit, strongly suggest additional near surface gold ounces proximal to the Eagle Gold Deposit. Highlighted results include, 21.3 meters of 2.11 g/t Au in drill hole DG17-805C, 21 meters of 0.88 g/t Au in drill hole DG17-783C and 16.2 meters of 0.85 g/t Au in drill hole DG17-779C.

The 2017 Dublin Gulch exploration program has been underway since early April and is focused on the continued testing of the Potato Hills trend mineralization concept. While there are six first order drill targets (see Company News Release dated April 4, 2017), Eagle West was a second order target drilled early in the program as it was readily accessible for early Spring drilling. These early results continue to demonstrate the upside potential along the Potato Hills trend located adjacent to the Eagle Gold Deposit. Mineralization at Eagle West appears geologically similar to both Eagle and Olive-Shamrock and represent a potential Eagle main pit extension or a satellite deposit accretive to the main Eagle Gold Deposit.

"The Eagle West discovery demonstrates the exploration potential along the Potato Hills trend and another successful application of our new geological model developed from Olive-Shamrock definition drilling -- shear zones related to the intrusive contact zones," commented John McConnell, President and CEO of Victoria. "We currently have four diamond drills operating on the property and are focused on the Olive-Shamrock Zone and other first order Pototo Hills trend drill targets."

This year's Eagle West drilling program targeted a 300 meter by 200 meter stock of granodiorite and focussed on the upper 50m of this intrusive body. A grid drill pattern of 50 meter spaced drill holes on 50 metre spaced north-south lines was used for this area and helped establish the bounds of the granodiorite stock. Typically, where granodiorite was intersected gold mineralization was encountered.

Initial drill results from this Eagle West target are summarized in the table below:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) NOTES DG16-779C 27.4 35.4 8.0 0.78 - DG16-780C 12.8 29.0 16.2 0.85 - From Top of Hole DG16-783C 10.4 31.4 21.0 0.88 35.92 From Top of Hole including 17.3 31.4 14.1 1.24 52.75 DG16-784C 17.8 18.8 1.0 1.17 10.4 DG16-786C 5.9 21.6 15.7 0.31 - From Top of Hole and 32.0 49.8 17.8 0.38 - DG17-787C 17.6 54.9 37.3 0.47 Including 40.5 51.8 11.3 0.82 DG16-788C 48.5 61.0 12.5 0.48 32.73 DG16-791C 31.6 41.2 9.6 0.32 - DG17-793C 8.8 34.8 26.0 0.49 - From Surface DG17-795C 5.9 14.4 8.6 0.88 - From Surface DG17-796C 24.4 66.6 42.2 0.26 - including 47.2 59.4 12.2 0.5 - DG17-798C 8.6 65.5 56.9 0.29 - Entire Hole Including 42.7 59.4 16.8 0.43 - DG16-799C 7.6 58.5 50.9 0.2 - Entire Hole DG16-802C 6.1 57.9 51.8 0.3 0.93 From Top of Hole including 6.1 15.2 9.1 1.44 2.92 From Top of Hole DG16-803C 10.9 51.3 0.1 - From Top of Hole DG16-805C 11.6 70.1 58.5 0.87 1.35 Entire Hole including 48.8 70.1 21.3 2.11 2.11 DG16-811C 2.4 59.4 23.5 0.11 - Entire Hole

* Apparent true widths are estimated at approximately 70% to 80% of intersection lengths

Not only were Eagle style mineralized sheeted veins encountered in the Eagle West drilling program but a higher grade, structurally controlled zone was defined on the Northern contact margin of the intrusive. Pervasive sericite alteration and massive sulphide mineralization, both akin to the Olive-Shamrock zone were noted during drilling at Eagle West, a fact that further underscores the Potato Hills trend mineralization concept on the Dublin Gulch Property is working to target accretive gold mineralization targets.

Approximately 3,600 meters have been completed at Eagle West this season, with assays from 22 of 41 total drill holes received to date. While the majority of drill holes were 60-70 meters in length, several deeper holes that targeted gold mineralization continuity to depth were drilled towards the end of the Eagle West drill program and these results are expected shortly. As part of this Eagle West drilling campaign a series of whole core metallurgical samples were collected from five drill holes and have been shipped to Kappes Cassidy & Associates ("KCA") of Reno, Nevada to conduct metallurgical test work to confirm that this material is amenable to heap leach recovery methods that will be utilized for the Eagle Gold Mine.

About the Dublin Gulch Project:

Victoria's 100%-owned Dublin Gulch gold project is situated in central Yukon Territory, Canada, approximately 375 kilometers north of the capital city of Whitehorse.

The Phase 1 exploration program is budgeted at $6.2M. Approximately half will be focused on the rapidly developing Olive-Shamrock deposit, a high-grade satellite to the fully permitted and construction ready Eagle Gold Project. The Company will continue step-out and definition drilling at Olive-Shamrock with the intention of expanding the known, near-surface, minable tonnage along the mineralized shear zone. Additionally, six first order targets along the 13 kilometer plus Potato Hills trend will be tested during 2017 exploration activities. In addition to their geological potential, these targets are each proximal to Eagle and largely accessible by existing access roads.

Victoria's exploration efforts at Eagle and Olive-Shamrock over the last two seasons have greatly advanced the Potato Hills Trend mineralization model which defines intrusion-related mineralization along a general northeast-southwest contact across the entirety of the Dublin Gulch and adjacent VBM claim blocks. It was the application of this mineralization model that drove the definition of the Olive-Shamrock zone.

The other Phase 1 targets selected for advanced exploration include:

East Potato Hills -- a 2km x 1km gold+arsenic intrusion related, geochemically anomalous target never before drilled

Nugget -- an undrilled Eagle lookalike with exceptional geochemical and trench anomalies

Rex-Peso -- a past-producing high-grade silver zone under-tested for gold mineralization

Falcon -- an intrusion related gold mineralized target defined by Victoria in 2013

Lynx Dome -- an historic high-grade silver producer under-tested for gold mineralization

All of these targets, with the exception of Nugget and Falcon, lie within five kilometers of the Eagle Gold Mine footprint and are largely road accessible.

About the Dublin Gulch Property

Victoria Gold's 100%-owned Dublin Gulch gold property is situated in the central Yukon Territory, Canada, approximately 375 kilometers north of the capital city of Whitehorse, and approximately 85 kilometers from the town of Mayo. The Property is accessible by road year-round, and is located within Yukon Energy's electrical grid. The Company has constructed and maintains a 2000 person all-season camp at the project site.

The Property covers an area of approximately 555 square kilometers, and is the site of the Company's Eagle Gold Deposit. The Eagle Gold Mine is expected to be Yukon's next operating gold mine and, between the Eagle and Olive deposits, include Proven and Probable Reserves of 2.7 million ounces of gold from 123 million tonnes of ore with a grade of 0.67 grams of gold per tonne, as outlined in a National Instrument 43-101 feasibility study. The NI 43-101 Mineral Resource for the Eagle and Olive deposits has been estimated to host 191 million tonnes averaging 0.65 grams of gold per tonne, containing 4.0 million ounces of gold in the "Measured and Indicated" category, inclusive of Proven and Probable Reserves, and a further 24 million tonnes averaging 0.61 grams of gold per tonne, containing 0.5 million ounces of gold in the "Inferred" category.

Analytical Method

All exploration drill core from the 2017 program was logged and prepared for shipment on-site and Victoria's Eagle Camp where they were subsequently delivered to the Whitehorse, Yukon, sample preparation facility of ALS Minerals. There, samples were crushed and pulverized, with prepared pulps sent to ALS Minerals' analytical laboratory facilities in Vancouver where they were analyzed by 33 element ICP-AES package ME-1CP61 with a 50 gram Fire Assay Au finish (AU-AA24). A comprehensive system of standards, blanks and field duplicates was implemented for the 2017 Dublin Gulch drilling programs and is monitored as chemical assay data became available.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Paul D. Gray, P.Geo., as the Qualified Person.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 5, 2017) - Asanko Gold Inc. ("Asanko" or the "Company") (TSX:AKG)(NYSE MKT:AKG) is pleased to announce the Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") results of a staged expansion at the Asanko Gold Mine (the "AGM"), located in Ghana, West Africa, which confirms the AGM is a large scale, long life quality asset with a viable and robust two stage organic growth plan and strong cash generation capability.

The Expansion DFS is comprised of two growth projects, Project 5 Million and Project 10 Million.

Project 5 Million:

Designed on modular basis allowing plant upgrade and development of Esaase as discrete packages

Processing plant upgrade to 5Mtpa US$22 million capital cost Approved and under construction Completion in Q4 2017

Development of large scale Esaase deposit Includes construction of overland conveyor linking Esaase to processing facility Capital cost of US$120 million Capital leverages the Company's ability to further grow production at any time in the future

Averages 230,000oz/pa over 20 year mine life at an AISC 3 of US$968/oz

of US$968/oz Robust business on standalone basis with a long life Over US$80 million average annual projected pre-tax cash flow from operations at steady state 13% after-tax incremental IRR, NPV of US$658 million at 5% discount rate and a gold price of US$1,250/oz



Project 10 Million:

Modular expansion with full flexibility on timing of project execution Construction of additional 5Mtpa CIL plant to double processing capacity to 10Mtpa Capital cost of combined growth projects, P5M & P10M, of US$350 million

Averages 450,000oz/pa at steady state for eight years at an AISC 3 of US$890/oz

of US$890/oz US$185 million average annual projected pre-tax cash flow from operations at steady state

20% after-tax incremental IRR, NPV of US$811 million at 5% discount rate and a gold price of US$1,250/oz

Timing dependent on ability to predominantly fund from internal cash flow, supported by debt financing and market conditions

Commenting on the announcement, Peter Breese, President and CEO, said, "Our growth plan has been designed to be fully flexible so that it can be advanced in modular components, according to cash flow generation, balance sheet strength, financing opportunities and market conditions.

Our first expansion module, the plant upgrade to 5Mtpa, is a great low cost capital efficient project which is fully funded, delivering a 40% increase in throughput. We expect to see some volumetric increases in Q3 2017, ahead of full commissioning in Q4 2017.

The Board is reviewing the optimal timing for the development of Esaase and the conveyor, as well as Project 10 Million, and the respective investment decisions will be dependent on the Company's cash position and financing opportunities. This review will enable us to prudently bolster our liquidity position to over US$100 million by Q2 2018 without overextending the balance sheet or diluting shareholders, thereby securing our growth pipeline to ultimately deliver a production profile of over 450,000oz a year, making the Asanko Gold Mine one of the largest mines in Africa."

Summary

The Expansion DFS is comprised of two discrete growth projects, Project 5 Million and Project 10 Million and is based on the optimal NPV on a capital unconstrained basis for the AGM which assumes the sequential development of each project. However there is complete flexibility on the timing of the development of Esaase and the conveyor, as well as the Project 10 Million plant expansion. A construction decision to proceed will be at the Board's discretion and dependent on an optimized balance sheet, financing opportunities as well as favourable market conditions.

Project 5 Million

Project 5 Million comprises two modules, the upgrade of the existing carbon-in-leach ("CIL") processing plant from a design of 3 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") to 5Mtpa, and the development of the large Esaase pit, which includes the construction of an overland conveyor from Esaase to the processing facility. Production averages 230,000oz/pa over a 20 year life of mine ("LoM") at an AISC3 of US$968/oz.

The plant upgrade to 5Mtpa has been approved and is currently progressing ahead of the original schedule. Some volumetric increases are expected in Q3 2017, with commissioning of the full 5Mtpa plant due in Q4 2017.

Based on Front End Engineering Design ("FEED"), the final capital cost estimates are US$22 million for the plant upgrade, US$78 million for the conveyor and US$32 million for the development of the Esaase deposit and associated infrastructure, with a total project capital cost of approximately US$150 million.

Table 1 - Summary of Project 5 Million Production Metrics on a Standalone Basis 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 LoM

Total Total Tonnes Mined '000t 29,801 41,558 37,845 38,317 38,716 679,247 Ore Tonnes '000t 4,709 5,228 5,295 5,322 5,198 100,796 Waste Tonnes '000t 25,092 36,330 32,550 32,995 33,518 578,451 Strip Ratio W:O 5.32 6.95 6.15 6.20 6.45 5.74 Ave. Mining Grade g/t 1.86 1.67 1.64 1.61 1.84 1.57 Tonnes Processed '000t 3,950 5,012 5,000 5,000 5,000 *102,745 Ave. Feed Grade g/t 2.03 1.78 1.60 1.55 1.83 1.57 Gold Production '000oz 242 268 240 233 276 4,849 *difference in tonnes due to stockpile inventory in 2017 Note: Asanko's 2017 production guidance is 230 - 240,000 ounces

Table 2 - Summary of Project 5 Million Project Economics on a Standalone Basis Total Tonnes Mined '000t 679.2 Total Tonnes Processed '000t 102.7 Total Gold Production '000oz 4,849 Life of Mine Years 20 Operating Cash Cost2 US$/oz 837 Total Cash Cost2 US$/oz 903 AISC3 US$/oz 968* Project Capex US$ million 150 NPV 5% US$ million 658 Incremental NPV US$ million 176 Incremental IRR % 13 Note: Based on US$1,250/oz gold price *Corporate G&A not included in the economic assessment

Gold Price Sensitivity (Project 5M)

The NPV 5% at various gold prices is shown below. A US$100/oz movement in the gold price results in a movement of approximately US$199 million in NPV.

Price US$ Gold/oz NPV 5% (US$m) Downside Case - 1,150 459 Study Basis - 1,250 658 Upside Case - 1,350 857

Funding

Project 5 Million is expected to be funded from cash reserves and cash flow from operations. The plant upgrade to 5Mtpa will be funded from cash on hand. The Board will consider the optimal timing of the development of Esaase and the conveyor, based on the Company's balance sheet, cash position and market conditions.

As provided in the original agreement, Asanko has the option to extend the first principal repayment of the Red Kite facility by an additional year to July 2019. If the Company elects to exercise this option, it would accumulate an additional US$46 million in cash in 2018 to contribute to the development of the conveyor.

Gold Price Sensitivity (Project 10M)

The NPV 5% of the free cash flows at various gold prices is shown below. A US$100/oz movement in the gold price results in a movement of approximately US$226 million in NPV.

Price US$ Gold/oz NPV 5% (US$m) Downside Case - 1,150 585 Study Basis -1,250 811 Upside Case - 1,350 1,037

A NI 43-101 compliant technical report will be filed on SEDAR on or before July 18, 2017 and will also be available on the Company's website: www.asanko.com.

Expansion DFS Presentation, Conference Call and Webcast Details on Monday, June 5 at 8am EDT Management will be hosting a presentation in Toronto and accompanying conference call and webcast today at 8am EDT, details below. Toronto Presentation Belgravia Room, Omni King Edward Hotel To attend, please arrive by 7.45am and RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Conference Call & Webcast Details at 8.00am EDT: US/Canada Toll Free: 1 888 225 8011 UK Toll Free: 0800 496 1093 International: +1 303 223 4384 Webcast: Please click on the link: https://cc.callinfo.com/r/183fpsaijbtsj&eom Replay A recorded playback will be available approximately two hours after the call until July 4, 2017: US/Canada Toll Free: 1 800 558 5253 International: +1 416 626 4100 Passcode: 21852384

Summary of the Expansion Definitive Feasibility Study for the Asanko Gold Mine, Ghana, West Africa

Introduction

The Company engaged DRA Mineral Projects ("DRA") to manage the Expansion Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") of the Asanko Gold Mine ("AGM") in Ghana, West Africa. DRA were the EPCM contractors for the construction of the existing CIL processing plant and associated infrastructure, which was successfully constructed and ramped-up ahead of schedule and under budget.

The Expansion DFS is comprised of two discrete growth projects, Project 5 Million and Project 10 Million. Project 5 Million consists of two modules, the upgrade of the existing carbon-in-leach ("CIL") processing plant from a design of 3 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa") to 5Mtpa and the development of the Esaase pit and the overland conveyor. Project 10 Million is the construction of a second replica 5Mtpa CIL plant to double processing capacity to a total of 10Mtpa, with a commensurate increase in mining operations.

Figure 1. Locality Map of the Asanko Gold Mine and its deposits





DFS Assumptions

For the purposes of the Expansion DFS, both Project 5 Million and Project 10 Million have been scheduled around the optimal NPV on a capital unconstrained basis for the AGM. This assume commissioning of the Esaase pit and overland conveyor in Q1 2019 and commissioning of Project 10 Million in Q2 2020, reaching steady state operations in 2021. The financial outcomes for Project 5 Million, as a complete project, and for Project 10 Million are presented on this basis.

Importantly, the timing of the development of Esaase and the conveyor as well as the modular expansion, Project 10 Million, will be at the Board's discretion and dependent on an optimized balance sheet, as well as financing and market conditions. Only the plant upgrade to 5Mtpa, at a capital cost of US$22 million, has been approved by the Board.

AGM Mineral Resources

The AGM mineral resources comprise two main pits, Nkran and Esaase and nine satellite deposits, Akwasiso, Dynamite Hill, Adubiaso, Abore, Asuadai, Nkran Extension, Adubiaso Extension, Esaase B zone and Esaase D zone.

The AGM Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") was updated at December 31, 2016 (see news release February 24, 2017) to reflect depletion from the first two years of mining operations, the application of updated constraining parameters for resource modelling in line with best practices, and the inclusion of the three deposits discovered in 2016; Akwasiso, Nkran Extension and Adubiaso Extension, as well as two additional pits at Esaase.

Previous MREs on the AGM orebodies were unconstrained. Based on CSA Global's recommendations, Asanko has adopted a 0.5g/t cut-off and applied US$2,000/oz gold price as a constraint to all its MRE. The Mineral Reserves are estimated within the pit shell at a forward looking US$1,300/oz gold price.

In April 2017, the MRE for Akwasiso was updated to incorporate the results of a successful infill drilling program that increased resources by 79%.

The MRE for Nkran, Akwasiso and Dynamite Hill has been compiled by independent experts CSA Global, ("CSA"), a leading mineral resource consulting group. The MRE for Esaase Main has been compiled by CJM Consulting ("CJM") and audited by CSA. The MRE for the remaining satellite deposits is based on the 2014 CJM estimation. 89% of the AGM MRE has been compiled and / or audited by CSA.

Table 1: Asanko Gold Mine Global Mineral Resource Estimate (as at April 25, 2017)

Deposit Measured Indicated Total (M&I) Mt g/t Au Moz Mt g/t Au Moz Mt g/t Au Moz Esaase Main 26.64 1.37 1.17 65.50 1.37 2.89 92.14 1.37 4.06 Nkran 5.58 1.67 0.30 34.71 1.68 1.87 40.29 1.68 2.17 Akwasiso - - - 6.72 1.49 0.32 6.72 1.49 0.32 Abore 2.30 1.39 0.10 4.68 1.33 0.20 6.98 1.35 0.30 Dynamite Hill - - - 3.80 1.45 0.18 3.80 1.45 0.18 Adubiaso 0.83 2.35 0.06 1.57 1.89 0.10 2.40 2.05 0.16 Esaase D zone 0.97 1.09 0.03 1.35 1.39 0.06 2.33 1.26 0.09 Esaase B zone 0.87 0.99 0.03 2.21 0.76 0.05 3.08 0.82 0.08 Asuadai - - - 1.97 1.21 0.08 1.97 1.21 0.08 Adubiaso Ext. 0.16 1.94 0.01 0.31 1.59 0.02 0.47 1.71 0.03 Nkran Ext. - - - 0.20 2.61 0.02 0.20 2.61 0.02 Total 37.35 1.42 1.70 123.0 1.46 5.79 160.40 1.45 7.49 Notes: All pits are at a cut-off of 0.5g/t Au within a US$2,000 per ounce of gold pit shell. Nkran includes depletion of 5.08Mt at 1.66 g/t Au for 270,471 ounces, as at December 31, 2016. All figures are rounded to reflect appropriate levels of confidence. Apparent differences may occur due to rounding.

AGM Mineral Reserves

The AGM Mineral Reserve Estimate4 ("MRev") was updated at December 31, 2016 and incorporates a more conservative CSA resource model for the Nkran pit. In April 2017, following the successful Akwasiso infill drilling program which increased reserves and grade, the Akwasiso MRev has been updated.

In addition, the MRev has been modified to reflect new cut-off grades following an NPV optimization exercise that was completed for each pit. This optimization process seeks to determine the best outcome balance between the highest NPV, the maximum ounces produced and the lowest cost per ounce produced per pit. As a result, cut-off grades vary according to ore type. At Nkran, the cut-off grade is now 0.7g/t for fresh ore. At Esaase, 0.6 g/t cut-off is used for all ore. For the satellite deposits, 0.5g/t cut-off is used for oxide ore and 0.7 g/t cut-off is used for fresh ore.

Table 2: Asanko Gold Mine Global Mineral Reserve Estimate (as at April 25, 2017)

Deposit Proven Probable Total Mt g/t Au Moz Mt g/t Au Moz Mt g/t Au Moz Esaase Main 21.5 1.44 1.00 41.05 1.47 1.94 62.57 1.46 2.94 Nkran 4.40 1.85 0.26 18.37 1.93 1.14 22.77 1.91 1.40 Akwasiso 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.95 1.51 0.24 4.95 1.51 0.24 Abore 1.59 1.44 0.07 1.60 1.53 0.08 3.18 1.48 0.15 Adubiaso 1.04 2.00 0.07 1.04 1.82 0.07 2.09 2.08 0.14 Dynamite Hill 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.84 1.49 0.14 2.84 1.49 0.14 Asuadai 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.30 1.09 0.05 1.30 1.09 0.05 Nkran Ext. 0.11 2.47 0.01 0.08 1.91 0.00 0.19 2.24 0.01 Esaase D zone 0.20 1.05 0.01 0.40 1.70 0.02 0.60 1.56 0.03 Adubiaso Ext. 0.12 1.66 0.01 0.10 1.34 0.01 0.21 1.53 0.01 Esaase B zone 0.10 0.83 0.0 0.00 0.92 0.00 0.10 0.85 0.00 Total 29.1 1.53 1.43 71.73 1.60 3.68 100.81 1.58 5.11 Notes: Reserves estimated at a forward looking US$1,300/oz gold price. All figures are rounded to reflect appropriate levels of confidence. Apparent differences may occur due to rounding. Only Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources were converted to Mineral Reserves. Nkran includes depletion since February 2015 of 5.08Mt at 1.66 g/t Au for 270,471 ounces, as at December 31, 2016. Reserves excludes the ROM stockpile of 1.52Mt at 1.36 g/t Au for 66,669 ounces and the marginal stockpile of 0.43Mt at 0.67 g/t Au for 9,121 ounces as at end December 2016.

Pit Optimization Methodology

As an example of the optimization process followed for each pit, the tables below describe the steps taken with the Nkran pit.

Previous Nkran Pit Reserves at 31 December 2016 Nkran Reserve New Design  CSA 22.9Mt @ 2.03 g/t for 1.47Moz  New Pit - 22.8Mt @ 1.91 g/t for 1.4 Moz - 0.8 g/t cut-off - 0.7 g/t cut-off - depleted Dec 2016, as disclosed in Feb 2017 - depleted Dec 2016

NPV Pit Evaluation - illustrated in 1Mt increments 0.7 cut-off 0.8 cut-off Ore Tonnes 23Mt 23Mt Grade 1.94 g/t 2.03 g/t Strip Ratio 5.75:1 6.91:1 Ounces 1.43Moz 1.50Moz NPV US$558m US$559m Cost per ounce US$759/oz US$812/oz

When optimizing the various pit sizes and cut-off grade options for the Nkran pit, each pit shell was assessed at cut-off grade intervals of 0.05 g/t from 0.50 g/t to 0.85 g/t. The NPV of each pit, based on 1Mt ore tonne increments, was then determined and compared at the various cut-offs. This optimization essentially trades off head grade reduction against reduced strip ratios for the best NPV.

The above table shows that for the same ore tonnes and essentially the same NPV, the reduction of head grade from 2.03 g/t down to 1.94 g/t is off set by the reduction in strip ratio and the subsequent reduction in the costs per once produced, US$812/oz down to US$759/oz.

In the case of Nkran, the 23Mt of ore produced the highest NPV option within the required cost per produced ounce range, and then formed the basis of the subsequent design pit used for the reserves and mining schedule.

All pits went through the same optimization process with an additional layer of complexity in the case of the pits containing significant quantities of oxides. The evaluation also then determined the optimal cut-off grade by rock type, i.e oxides and fresh ores were evaluated independently.

Project 5 Million

Project 5 Million consists of two modules:

Upgrading the processing facility to 5Mtpa, which is due to be commissioned in Q4 2017: An additional tailings pump chain and pipeline to the tailings dam Addition of one additional Knelson gravity gold concentrator Additional intensive leach reactor Installation of a larger diameter cyclone overflow pipeline to the Pre leach thickener Installation of a larger diameter thickener underflow pipeline to the CIL plant Increase capacity of the oxygen plant to deliver an additional 5t per day oxygen The addition of one extra electro winning cell in the gold room



Development of the large Esaase deposit Esaase Mineral Reserves: 62.6Mt at 1.46 g/t gold for 2.94 million ounces of gold contained Construction of 27km long overland conveyor from Esaase pit to the processing plant Processing of 2Mt of ore from Esaase, with Nkran and the surrounding satellite deposits supplying the balance



Mining Operations

Asanko has assumed contractor mining for the AGM. PW Ghana Ltd ("PW"), the current mining contractor at Nkran, will also mine the Esaase pit. Local contractor miners will be awarded contracts to mine the satellite deposits, in line with Asanko's corporate social responsibility strategy.

All pit optimizations based on actual and quoted prices from our main contractor - PW Ghana

As opposed to previous studies, this DFS uses both Whittle pit optimizations to define pit shells and then NPV scheduler to define optimal value for each individual pit. Considerations included: Optimizing cut off grades by pit Optimizing cut off grades by ore classification Optimizing pits for maximum NPV and optimal AISC

Once optimizations were completed, all pits went through a process of detailed design and multi-pit scheduling - tonnes and grades of all pits are different to previous disclosures based on this exercise.

Based on the DFS timing assumptions:

Nkran and satellite pits plan to ramp up to the combined ore mining rate in H2 of 2017, with the Nkran, Akwasiso and Dynamite Hill pits in full production by January 2018 and supplying the full 5Mt of ore required in 2018 whilst the Esaase conveyor is constructed.

Once the Esaase conveyor is commissioned, the Nkran and the satellite pits reduce ore production down to 3Mtpa, with Esaase making up the additional 2Mt.

In 2027 Esaase starts to increase its ore contribution as Nkran and the satellite pits tail off, with Esaase supplying the full 5Mtpa by 2031.

Developing the Esaase Pit

The Esaase deposit, discovered by Asanko in 2008, is the largest deposit within the AGM. It is a greenfield deposit that has not been previously mined, even by small scale miners. Located approximately 27kms from the processing facility, Esaase will be over 3km strike length and consist of three pits, South, Main and North, and two satellite pits Esaase B and D zones.

Mining operations at Esaase will initially mine oxide ore to open up the deposit and then move into more competent fresh ore. The mining schedule will allow both oxide and fresh ore to be delivered to the processing facility.

During the first year of operations, ore will be mined primarily from the Southern Lobe of the main Esaase pit, resulting in a feed grade to the mill of 1.4 g/t gold at a throughput rate of 2Mtpa of oxide/transitional ore feed. The balance of the ore will be provided by Nkran, Akwasiso and Dynamite Hill.

The Esaase deposit will be mined utilizing a conventional truck and shovel surface mining method. The primary mining fleet will initially deliver the 2Mt per annum ore requirement and then step up to 5Mt per annum as ore sources from Nkran and the satellite pits are depleted. The fleet will ultimately comprise three 300 tonne class excavators and twenty-eight 90 tonne dump trucks, supported by ancillary equipment to maintain this mining rate.

Grade control drilling together with expanded laboratory facilities at the processing facility will be used to delineate the ore from the waste. Ore and waste will be drilled and blasted, then loaded and hauled to either the run-of-mine ("ROM") pad or the waste dumps. ROM ore will be tipped onto the ROM pad stockpiles and the re-handled initially into a mobile crusher. The permanent primary crusher and secondary crushing station will be added to the circuit once more competent fresh rock is being mined and processed. ROM ore will be primary crushed (-150 mm) and secondary crushed (-90 mm) at Esaase and then transferred to the expanded central processing facility on an industry standard, troughed overland conveyor. Waste will be hauled to two waste dump positions situated in close proximity to the pit to reduce operating costs.

Bench heights employed are based on geotechnical recommendations, mining equipment considerations, grade control drilling, effective drill and blast and ore dilution considerations. Oxide material will be mined with 6m benches at an overall slope angle of 40.4, while fresh competent material will be mined at 6m benches with a 24m stack height and competent slope angles for the NW wall of 50.0 (geological hanging-wall) and for the SE wall of 56.3 (geological foot-wall).

Pit dewatering has been provided for the Esaase pits and is integrated with the overall storm water management philosophy developed for the Project.

The average mining cost for Esaase over the LoM is estimated at US$3.29 per tonne mined (ore and waste). The mining capital and operating cost estimates, mining schedule and Esaase Mineral Reserve Estimate were prepared by independent consultants DRA (Mining Division) (Pty) Ltd from Johannesburg, South Africa and based on productivity and cost estimates received from the mining contractors executing the current mine plan at Nkran.

Overland Conveyor

An overland conveyor will transport ore from the Esaase pit to the central processing facility. The conveyor route has been designed around the optimum geotechnical considerations and the AGM's 11 pits. The conveyor will be approximately 27km long and will be constructed within a 12 meter fenced servitude. An overhead power line will run along the conveyor providing power to the conveyor and the Esaase site. There will be a number of pedestrian and road crossings along the route.

The conveyor will have a maximum capacity of 1,200 tonnes per hour of ore from Esaase and will be controlled with a variable speed drive. Dust suppression, spillage control and vibration monitoring have also been incorporated into the design to be environmentally compliant.

The construction of the conveyor, including commissioning, is scheduled to take 18 months. Asanko has appointed ELB South Africa ("ELB") as the EPCM for the conveyor. ELB recently designed, installed and successfully commissioned a 26km coal conveyor in South Africa.

Upgrading the Processing Plant

Project 5 Million envisages upgrading the processing plant to increase throughput from a design of 3Mtpa (currently running at 20% above capacity at 3.6Mtpa) to 5Mtpa. Ore feed will initially come from the Nkran pit, Akwasiso and Dynamite Hill until Esaase is commissioned. The oxide ore coming from Esaase will be fed onto a stockpile at the mine. A tunnel feeder arrangement will feed the ore to the mills.

A number of peripheral equipment upgrades to the processing plant are required. In the milling area the cyclone cluster will be upgraded. An additional gravity screen and Knelson concentrator together with a second Intensive Leach Reactor ("ILR") will also be installed to maintain the gravity recovery. An increased pipeline diameter from the cyclone overflow to the pre leach thickener will be installed. The thickener underflow pipe to the existing CIL will be replaced to a larger diameter to accommodate the increase in volumetric flowrate. The CIL intertank pump cell screens will be increased from 13m2 to 14.5m2 and an additional tailings pump train and pipeline will be installed. The original pre-oxidation tank has been converted into a leach tank, maximizing residence time in the circuit. An additional electro winning cell and associated pipework will be installed in the gold room. An additional 5 tonne per day oxygen plant will also be included as part of the upgrade. All these modifications will be installed during normal plant scheduled maintenance.

The recovery for each ore type has been determined by the current performance of the processing plant, metallurgical test work performed at ALS in Perth, Australia and historical information from the previous operator Resolute. In addition, extensive co-leach and blend ratio test work was carried out at ALS in Perth, Australia.

Table 3: Project 5 Million Process Plant Recovery

Composite % Recovery Ore sourced from Nkran & Satellite Deposits Oxide 91.7 Fresh 93.8 Ore sourced from Esaase Oxide 92.9 Transitional 92.6 Fresh 94.0 LoM Blend Recovery 93.6

Table 4: Summary of Project 5 Million Production Metrics

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 LoM Total Total tonnes mined '000t 29,801 41,558 37,845 38,317 38,716 679,247 Ore tonnes '000t 4,709 5,228 5,295 5,322 5,198 100,796 Waste tonnes '000t 25,092 36,330 32,550 32,995 33,518 578,451 Strip Ratio w:o 5.32 6.95 6.15 6.20 6.45 5.74 Ave Mining Grade g/t 1.86 1.67 1.64 1.61 1.84 1.57 Tonnes processed '000t 3,950 5,012 5,000 5,000 5,000 *102,745 Ave Feed Grade g/t 2.03 1.78 1.60 1.55 1.83 1.57 Gold produced '000oz 242 268 240 233 276 4,849 *difference in tonnes due to stockpile inventory in 2017 Note: Asanko's 2017 production guidance is 230 - 240,000 ounces

Power

All incoming power is provided by the existing 161kV power line from Obuasi, which is sufficient for the plant upgrade. Power demand for the plant upgrade to 5Mtpa throughput increases by approximately 4MW, from 16MW to 20MW.

As part of the Esaase infrastructure upgrade, a 33kV overhead power line will be laid along the servitude of the conveyor and will provide power to the conveyor and the Esaase site. The existing emergency back-up generators will be capable of supplying power to strategic drives in the event of a power outage.

Permits

Mining operations at Esaase and the overland conveyor are fully permitted, following receipt of both the Environmental Permit and the Mine Operating Permit in February 2017. All the satellite deposits have received the necessary approvals and permits to commence mining. No additional permits are required for the plant upgrade to 5Mtpa.

Capital Cost

The total capital cost for Project 5 Million on a standalone basis is US$150 million, based on Front End Engineering and Design and a Controlled Budget Estimate. The increase in the capital cost, compared to previous estimates, is due to a change in Rand:Dollar exchange rate and detail design on the bulk earthworks along the conveyor servitude.

Table 5: Project 5 Million Capital Costs

Description US$ Millions Mining (pre-production costs) 0.8 Overland Conveyor 78.0 Process Plant 21.9 Infrastructure (including power) 11.5 Owners Costs 16.2 EPCM 11.1 Sub Total 139.5 Contingency 10.1 Total 149.6 Note: Rand: Dollar exchange rate of: R13.8:US$1

Operating Cost

Total Cash Costs and All-in-Sustaining Costs ("AISC") for Project 5 Million as a standalone project are shown in Table 6. General and Administration expenses are a fixed cost, which would average US$23.8 million per year. The LoM AISC for Project 5 Million as a standalone project is US$968/oz.

Table 6: Project 5 Million Forecast Total Cash Costs and AISC

US$ per ounce sold LoM Mining 487 Processing 246 Onsite G&A 100 Refining 4 Operating Cash Cost2 837 Royalties 66 Total Cash Costs2 903 Sustaining Capital 36 Corp G&A 29 AISC3 968*

Notes: *Corporate G&A not included in the economic assessment - Mining unit costs are provided on a cash basis, ie. all of the mining expenses planned for the year are reported as operating costs. In practice, the Company expects to record some of the waste stripping each reporting period as capitalized stripping, which will be shown as sustaining capital for AISC reporting purposes. - For 2017, the Company has issued AISC guidance of U$880 -$920/oz. - LoM Corporate G&A expenses have been estimated at US$7.9 million per year.

Annual Cash Flow

The forecasted annual cash flows, based on a US$1,250/oz gold price and after taxes and applicable royalties, are laid out in Appendix 2.

Gold Price Sensitivity (Project 5M)

The NPV 5% at various gold prices is shown below. A US$100/oz movement in the gold price results in a movement of approximately US$199 million in NPV.

Price US$ Gold/oz NPV 5% (US$m) Downside Case - 1,150 459 Study Basis - 1,250 658 Upside Case - 1,350 857

Funding

Project 5 Million is expected to be funded from cash reserves and cash flow from operations. The plant upgrade to 5Mtpa will be funded from cash on hand. The Board will consider the optimal timing of the development of Esaase and the conveyor, based on the Company's balance sheet, cash position and market conditions.

As provided in the original agreement, Asanko has the option to extend the first principal repayment of the Red Kite facility by an additional year to July 2019. If the Company elects to exercise this option, it would accumulate an additional US$46 million in cash in 2018 to contribute to the development of the conveyor.

Table 7 - Summary of Project 5 Million Project Economics on a Standalone Basis

Total Tonnes Mined '000t 679.2 Total Tonnes Processed '000t 102.7 Total Gold Production '000oz 4,849 Life of Mine Years 20 Operating Cash Cost2 US$/oz 837 Total Cash Cost2 US$/oz 903 AISC3 US$/oz 968 Project Capex US$ million 150 NPV 5% US$ million 658 Incremental NPV US$ million 176 Incremental IRR % 13 Note: Based on US$1,250/oz gold price

Project 10 Million

Project 10 Million consists of the construction of an additional milling, gravity, CIL circuit to treat an additional 5Mtpa of ore from the Esaase pit, which will increase the processing facility's total capacity to 10Mtpa. The second processing facility will be built alongside the existing plant and will leverage off the infrastructure and overheads already in place at the AGM.

The existing CIL processing facility is industry standard technology and has performed above expectations in both recovery and throughput, hence the decision to replicate this facility for Project 10 Million. This plant selection represents a very low risk option as the majority of the equipment is duplicated and the plant operators and maintenance staff are very familiar with all the equipment installed. Synergies will be realized through common spares holding and common reagents.

The new processing circuit will consist of two 5.6MW motors driving a run of mine ball mill, milling to P 80 of 106 microns. Gravity recovery will be maximized through processing the full cyclone underflow through four Knelson concentrators. The recovered gravity concentrate will be treated in an ILR, which will be the same design as Phase 1. A new pre-leach thickener and CIL circuit, with a dedicated elution and carbon regeneration circuit, will be installed, which will be identical to the existing plant. In general, the current reagent facilities are sufficient to make up reagents for the second CIL plant, additional reagent dosing pumps will be provided to supply reagents as required to the appropriate plant. An additional 10 tonne per day oxygen plant will also be installed. The gold room will be expanded to include additional two electrowinning cells, a drying oven and a larger gold furnace to accommodate the increase in gold production.

Benefits of a CIL plant over flotation plant

The Phase 2 Pre-Feasibility Study (see news release dated May 14, 2015) had scoped a flotation circuit alongside the existing CIL processing facility. Following the superior performance of the existing CIL plant and the higher than expected gold recovery, a 2016 test campaign was commissioned to investigate the blending of Esaase ores into the CIL plant. This test campaign included significant optimization work of blends and separate treatment of Esaase ores through a CIL and a flotation plant, using the operating process costs from the existing processing facility.

The gold recovery rates were similar to previous testwork results, however due to the cyanide optimization testwork the operating costs for CIL reduced by US$1.10 per tonne milled compared to flotation. It was further noted that the reagents in the flotation concentrate were observed to be poisoning the carbon in the concentrate leach circuit. As a result, the concentrate leach circuit required additional tankage as well as a higher frequency of elution and regeneration of the carbon, thereby increasing costs.

In addition, the experience gained from operating the existing CIL plant and the relative familiarity of the Ghanaian workforce with CIL rather than flotation, together with the higher cost of the flotation leach circuit led to the decision to simplify the processing circuit by replicating the current CIL flowsheet and constructing an additional 5Mtpa CIL facility. This will save on Front End Engineering and Design and capital costs. Additional advantages also include savings on reagents and holding costs, reduced insurance and operating spares holdings.

Table 8: Project 10 Million Process Plant Recovery

Composite % Recovery Ore sourced from Nkran & Satellite Deposits Oxide 91.7 Fresh 93.7 Ore sourced from Esaase Oxide 91.9 Transitional 92.5 Fresh 94.4 LoM Blend Recovery 93.5

Increasing Mining Operations to 10Mtpa

The increase in ore feed to the 10Mtpa processing facility will be sourced from the Esaase pit, which will ramp up production to an average of 7Mtpa, approximately 2Mtpa oxide/transitional and 5Mtpa fresh ore. The mining fleet will be increased to accommodate the increase in tonnage from Esaase and the conveyor has been designed to accommodate the additional tonnage. A permanent primary and secondary crusher installation will be built at the Esaase site and crush material down to -90mm. A stockpile will be constructed at Esaase to manage a consistent feed onto the conveyor belt.

Power

Power demand for the additional 5Mtpa CIL processing facility increases by approximately 20MW to 36MW. As part of the power infrastructure upgrade, an additional 33MVA mine substation and a plant 11kV substation will be required.

Water Management

A detailed integrated water management model has been completed by Knight Piesold on the water requirements for both Project 5 Million and Project 10 Million. This model takes into account all the consumers and sources of water. Under normal rainfall conditions there are no water shortfalls and makeup requirements are met from a range of sources including, return water from the TSF, rainfall runoff from the tailings and supernatant pond surface and surrounding catchments, Nkran Pit dewatering and curtain dewatering, Esaase pit dewatering and runoff, Sediment Control Structures, Satellite Pits standing water and dewatering and runoff. There is sufficient storm water storage capacity in the TSF to accommodate all design storm events and rainfall sequences, with sufficient freeboard to comply with Ghanaian Mining Regulations, which require 1m freeboard over a 1 in 100 year recurrence interval, 24 hour storm event pond volume.

Tailings Storage Facility

The tailings from Nkran and Esaase pits will report to a common, expanded Tailings Storage Facility ("TSF"). The TSF will consist of a multi-zoned downstream perimeter embankment, comprising a total footprint area of 386ha (basin area 279ha) in its final state.

The TSF will operate with the current configuration until the throughput is increased to 10Mtpa. Full basin works in the water dam reservoir (including surface preparation and basin HDPE liner construction) will be completed at this point. Tailings will then be deposited from the eastern extents of the basin to fill the expanded TSF basin. Subsequently, the TSF will be raised as a single cell as required during the operation. The TSF stability analysis indicates that factors of safety for the TSF embankments do comply with the latest Ghana Mining Regulations and audited by Knight Piesold.

Permits

An updated Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") will be required for the expanded 10Mtpa processing facility. A draft EIS is expected to be submitted to the Ghanaian Environmental Protection Agency in Q3 2017.

Village Resettlement

The increase in mining rates to 7Mtpa at Esaase for Project 10 Million will require a full resettlement of the Tetrem Village, which comprises approximately 250 structures and has been estimated at US$24 million. A new resettlement site has been identified and the new village will be based on the designs of the successful Nkran Partial Re-settlement as a blueprint. A moratorium has been declared and formal resettlement negotiation with the local community will commence in 2018. In Year 6 of operations at the increased rate, there will be a partial resettlement of Esaase/Manhyia, which comprises 115 structures.

Capital Costs

The combined capital cost estimate for Project 10 Million is US$350 million and has been compiled to a DFS level of accuracy incorporating a combination of market pricing based on tenders returned from key suppliers and actual pricing from the current operations.

Table 9: Project 10 Million Capital Costs

Description (US$ Millions) Process Plant 78.5 Mining (pre-production costs) 6.7 Infrastructure, power & water 31.0 TSF Expansion 12.1 Resettlement 24 Owners Costs 15.8 EPCM 17.6 Sub Total 185.8 Contingency 13.9 Total 199.7 Note: Rand: Dollar exchange rate of: R13.8:US$1

Timing & Funding

For the purposes of the Expansion DFS, Project 10 Million has been scheduled around the optimal NPV on a capital unconstrained basis for the AGM, which assumes steady state operations in 2021. However as Project 10 Million is a modular expansion, Asanko has complete flexibility on its timing. A construction decision will be at the Board's discretion and will be dependent on both the successful commissioning and ramp-up of Project 5 Million, an optimized balance sheet, as well as positive market conditions.

Project 10 Million Forecast Operating Costs

Total Cash Costs and All-in-Sustaining Costs ("AISC") for Project 10 Million on a life of mine basis are shown in Table 10. General and Administration expenses are a fixed cost, which average US$24.9 million per year.

Table 10: Project 10 Million Forecast Total Cash Costs and AISC

US$ per ounce sold LoM Mining 465 Processing 229 Onsite G&A 63 Refining 4 Operating Cash Cost2 761 Royalties 66 Total Cash Costs2 827 Sustaining Capital 26 Corp G&A 37 AISC3 890*

Notes: *Corporate G&A not included in the economic assessment - Mining unit costs are provided on a cash basis, ie. all of the mining expenses planned for the year are reported as operating costs.In practice, the Company expects to record some of the waste stripping each reporting period as capitalized stripping, which will be shown as sustaining capital for AISC reporting purposes.

Annual Cash Flow

The forecasted annual cash flows, based on a US$1,250/oz gold price and after taxes and applicable royalties, are laid out in Appendix 1. An incremental IRR of 20% was calculated by comparing the cash flow generated by combined expansion projects, Project 5 Million and Project 10 Million, to the cash flow that would have been generated by just operating the AGM at 3.6Mtpa.

Gold Price Sensitivity

A range of project sensitivities have been evaluated to assess their impact on the base case numbers included in the financial model. The most significant financial sensitivity identified was the gold price. Mineral Reserves were estimated assuming a forward looking gold price of US$1,300/oz.

The NPV 5% of the free cash flows at various gold prices is shown below. A US$100/oz movement in the gold price results in a movement of approximately US$226 million in NPV.

Price US$ Gold/oz NPV 5% (US$m) Downside Case - 1,150 585 Study Basis - 1,250 811 Upside Case - 1,350 1,037

Appendix 1: The Asanko Gold Mine - Project 10 Million - Key Financial Data

(US$ millions) LoM 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Gold Production (ounces) 4 844 816 242 007 267 866 240 572 378 667 476 209 421 603 442 035 496 848 452 692 458 580 443 738 416 017 107 982 0 Gold Revenue 6 056 303 335 301 473 595 527 553 621 566 573 555 520 135 0 Operating Expenditure Mining Cost (2 253) (101.2) (129.9) (140.7) (208.1) (237.4) (240.3) (246.7) (217.8) (262.0) (199.9) (146.5) (111.8) (11.4) 0.0 Processing Costs (1 109) (45.1) (49.7) (51.3) (86.4) (104.0) (106.1) (106.1) (108.4) (109.4) (110.5) (108.7) (101.9) (21.9) 0.0 Onsite G&A (304) (23.4) (27.5) (27.5) (27.5) (27.7) (27.7) (27.7) (27.7) (27.5) (27.5) (13.7) (13.7) (4.7) 0.0 Refining (19) (1.0) (1.1) (1.0) (1.5) (1.9) (1.7) (1.8) (2.0) (1.8) (1.8) (1.8) (1.7) (0.4) 0.0 Royalty Payment (320) (15.1) (16.7) (15.5) (25.0) (31.5) (28.0) (29.2) (33.0) (30.1) (30.5) (29.6) (28.5) (7.4) 0.0 Total Cash Costs (4 006) (185.8) (224.9) (235.9) (348.5) (402.4) (403.6) (411.4) (388.8) (430.7) (370.2) (300.4) (257.5) (45.8) 0.0 Capital Expenditure Project 5 Million (150) (61.4) (69.8) (18.5) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Project 10 Million (200) 0.0 (14.7) (137.9) (47.1) (0.0) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Sustaining Capital (125) (6.8) (7.4) (1.9) (7.2) (8.5) (9.6) (18.7) (8.2) (11.4) (7.0) (4.7) (20.4) (1.2) (12.3) Total Capital Expenditure (475) (68.2) (91.9) (158.2) (54.4) (8.5) (9.6) (18.7) (8.2) (11.4) (7.0) (4.7) (20.4) (1.2) (12.3) Tax Payments (416) (7.1) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (22.6) (74.3) (43.4) (67.2) (85.5) (88.3) (28.1) 0.0 Post Tax Cash Flow 1 159 41.4 18.0 (93.4) 70.4 184.4 113.8 99.8 149.7 80.4 128.8 164.1 153.8 59.9 (12.3) Discounted Cash Flow 811 41 17 (85) 61 152 89 74 106 54 83 101 90 33 (7)

Appendix 2: The Asanko Gold Mine - Project 5 Million Standalone- Key Financial Data

(US$ millions) LoM 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022-26 Average 2027 - 31 Average 2032-36 Average 2037 - 2038 Average Gold Production (ounces) 4 849 653 242 024 267 943 240 166 233 062 275 765 240 448 217 616 222 452 188 110 Gold Revenue 6 062 303 335 300 291 345 301 272 278 235 Operating Expenditure Mining Cost (2 363) (101.2) (130.2) (135.7) (145.0) (134.1) (129.9) (99.9) (105.2) (40.7) (Processing Costs (1 192) (46.6) (55.7) (51.4) (51.6) (51.4) (51.3) (61.7) (64.2) (49.5) Onsite G&A (486) (23.4) (25.1) (25.1) (25.1) (25.2) (25.1) (25.1) (20.4) (8.7) Refining (19) (1.0) (1.1) (1.0) (0.9) (1.1) (1.0) (0.9) (0.9) (0.8) Royalty Payment (320) (15.1) (16.7) (15.5) (15.1) (17.7) (15.4) (14.8) (15.3) (12.9) Total Cash Costs (4 380) (187.3) (228.7) (228.6) (237.7) (229.5) (222.7) (202.3) (206.0) (112.5) Capital Expenditure Project 5 Million (147) (61.6) (66.8) (18.4) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Sustaining Capital (175) (6.8) (6.6) (17.2) (17.3) (1.9) (6.7) (11.2) (4.3) (6.8) Total Capital Expenditure (321) (68.3) (73.4) (35.6) (17.3) (1.9) (6.7) (11.2) (4.3) (6.8) Tax Payments (337) (6.5) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 14.0 (21.2) (22.5) (41.9) Post Tax Cash Flow 1 023 40.3 32.8 36.0 36.4 113.3 57.1 37.3 45.0 33.6 Discounted Cash Flow 658 40.3 31.2 32.7 31.4 93.2 40.5 21.2 19.0 12.8

About Asanko Gold Inc.

Asanko's vision is to become a mid-tier gold mining company that maximizes value for all its stakeholders. The Company's flagship project is the multi-million ounce Asanko Gold Mine located in Ghana, West Africa.

Asanko is managed by highly skilled and successful technical, operational and financial professionals. The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities.

Notes:

1 Non-GAAP Performance Measures

The Company has included certain non-GAAP performance measures in this press release, including working capital, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per share, operating cash costs, total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced and all-in sustaining margin. These non-GAAP performance measures do not have any standardized meaning. Accordingly, these performance measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

2 Operating Cash Costs per ounce and Total Cash Costs per ounce

Operating cash costs are reflective of the cost of production, adjusted for share-based payments and by-product revenue for each ounce of gold sold. Total cash costs include production royalties of 5%.

3 All-in Sustaining Costs Per Gold Ounce

The Company has adopted the reporting of "all-in sustaining costs per gold ounce" ("AISC") as per the World Gold Council's guidance. AISC include total cash costs, corporate overhead expenses, sustaining capital expenditure, capitalized stripping costs and reclamation cost accretion for each ounce of gold sold. Corporate overhead expenses not included in economic assessment.

4A 'Mineral Reserve' is the economically mineable part of a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource demonstrated by at least a Preliminary Feasibility Study. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined. DRA is of the opinion that the classification of Mineral Reserves as reported herein meets the definitions of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves as stated by the CIM Definition Standards (2005). Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. Inferred Mineral Resources are excluded from the Mineral Reserve Estimate.

Qualified Persons Statement

Malcolm Titley (CSA Global Principal Geologist; AIG), is the Qualified Person for the sign off of the Nkran, Akwasiso and Dynamite Hill Mineral Resource Estimates. Charles J. Muller, (B.Sc. Geology (Hons), PR.Sci.Nat., MGSSA, a Director of CJM Consulting Pty Ltd. ("CJM") of Johannesburg, South Africa) is the Qualified Person for the sign off of the Esaase Main, Esaase B and D zones, Abore, Adubiaso, Adubiaso Extension, Asuadai and Nkran Extension Mineral Resource Estimates. The Mineral Reserve Estimates are reported in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 requirements and the South African Code of Reporting of Exploration Results (SAMREC), which is consistent with the CIM Estimation Best Practice Guidelines in Canada. Mr Titley and Mr. Muller have reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. Phil Bentley, Asanko Executive: Geology and Resources (Pr.Sci.Nat.; FSAGS) is the Asanko Qualified Person under NI 43-101 guidelines who assumes technical responsibility for Geological and Mineral Resource contents of this news release.

The Mineral Reserve Statements were all prepared by Thomas Obiri-Yeboah, B.Sc. Mining Engineering (Hons), PR.Eng, a Senior Mining Engineer of DRA Mining (Pty) Ltd. ("DRA") of Johannesburg, South Africa. The Mineral Reserves are reported in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 requirements, which is consistent with the CIM Estimation Best Practice Guidelines in Canada. Frederik Fourie, Asanko Senior Mine Engineer (Pr.Eng.) is the Asanko Qualified Person under NI 43-101 who assumes responsibility for the Mineral Reserve contents of this news release. Mr. Obiri-Yeboah has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.

The information in this news release that relates to the metallurgy and processing is based on information compiled by Mr Glenn Bezuidenhout, who is a Metallurgist and a Fellow of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Bezuidenhout is a Director of DRA Mineral Projects. Mr Bezuidenhout has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify and is a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 - "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects". Mr Bezuidenhout has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.

The information in this news release that relates to the economic assessment is based on financial models compiled by Mr Godknows Njowa, Venmyn Deloitte. Mr Njowa has acquired the qualifications of Master in Mining Engineering specializing in mineral project evaluation, Bachelor of Science honours in Mining Engineering and Professional Accounting Qualifications with the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators and has 13 years' experience in mineral project evaluation. In addition Mr Njowa is a registered Professional Engineer registered with Engineering Council of South Africa and a member of both the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Njowa has sufficient experience to prepare the financial sections as disclosed in this news release. The economic assessment is based on technical and cost information signed-off by Asanko's technical consultants and includes economic inputs (including but not limited to taxation rates, government royalties, commodity prices and foreign exchange rates) provided by Asanko. Mr. Njowa has not conducted a technical due diligence of the economic and technical assumptions received from Asanko and its advisors. Mr Njowa consents to the inclusion of such financial information in this release in the form and context in which it appears.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wealth Minerals Ltd. (the Company or Wealth) - (TSX-V:WML) (OTCQB:WMLLF) (SSE:WMLCL) (Frankfurt:EJZN), reports that it has received positive results from the recently completed transient electromagnetic and gravity geophysical surveys at the Laguna Verde project, in Region III (Atacama), northern Chile (the Laguna Verde Project).

The Company also announces that it has signed a letter of intent (the LOI) with Atacama Lithium Chile SpA in connection with the grant of an option to acquire additional exploration mining concessions (the Concessions) with an aggregate area of approximately 6,300 hectares surrounding the Laguna Verde Project and comprising the Salar Green and Union projects that, if exercised, would bring the Companys total land position in and surrounding Laguna Verde to approximately 8,700 hectares.

Figure 1. Laguna Verde Lithium Project land position showing the location of the pre-existing option property (blue outline) and the newly acquired projects (green outline). The location of geophysical gravity and TEM survey lines (red lines) are superimposed.



Geophysical Survey Details

The objective of the gravity and transient electromagnetic (TEM) geophysical surveys was to explore for potential lithium brines at depth in the area surrounding the Laguna Verde brine lake by characterizing and mapping the geoelectrical and density structure in the area close to the body of surface water at Laguna Verde. A total of 132 stations of 250m coincident loop TEM data and 108 stations of gravity data were acquired around the Laguna Verde brine lake. The geophysical contractor has reported that the data quality is good to excellent for both the TEM and gravity surveys.

The resulting gravity model suggests a basin whose depth varies between about 400m and just over 1000m within the surveyed area. This is consistent with previously reported historical work completed by a third party, which concluded that the basin thickness was approximately 500m (see news release April 10, 2017). Conductivity variations within this interpreted basin suggest the presence at depth of saline groundwater (potential brine) in lateral proximity to the surface body of water at an interpreted depth of 200 to 300m, with the strongest response at the western end of the lake. A zone of low resistivity is also observed at depth to the northeast of the lake, representing perhaps a (partially) separated volume of saline groundwater.

Drill targeting has not yet been completed but initial results suggest up to three shallow drill targets in close proximity to Laguna Verde (200 to 300m from surface) and an additional drill target to test the interpreted deeper brine to the northeast (>400m from surface).

Figure 2. Laguna Verde brine lake, 3D visualization viewed from above toward the northwest with draped inversion model sections of resistivity from the TEM survey beneath the semi-transparent satellite image draped over topography. Areas interpreted to have shallow (200-300m) brine drill targets are outlined in transparent red, while areas with potentially deeper drill targets (>400m) are outlined in transparent blue.





Option Agreement Commercial Terms

Under the terms of the LOI, and subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence by the Company and approval by the TSX Venture Exchange, Wealth Chile and Atacama Lithium SpA will enter into and execute a formal property option agreement (the Option Agreement) whereby the vendor will grant to Wealth Chile the exclusive right and option (the Option) to acquire 100% legal and beneficial interest in and to the Concessions, free and clear of all liens, charges and encumbrances, in consideration of the payment of an aggregate of USD $4,000,000 and the delivery of an aggregate of 5,000,000 common shares of Wealth, to be paid and delivered to the vendor as follows:

Date Cash Payments

(USD) Wealth Common

Shares Within 5 business days of the execution of the Option Agreement: $ 200,000 1,000,000 12 Month Anniversary $ 500,000 1,000,000 24 Month Anniversary $ 1,000,000 1,000,000 36 Month Anniversary $ 1,000,000 1,000,000 48 Month Anniversary $ 1,300,000 1,000,000 Total: $ 4,000,000 5,000,000

During the term of the Option, Wealth Chile will be responsible for maintaining the Concessions in good standing, and paying all fees and assessments and taking such other steps as may be required to do so. There will be no other work commitments, and any work carried out on the Concessions will be at the sole discretion of Wealth Chile. Finders fees in an amount equal to up to 5% of the aggregate value of the earn-in consideration for the Option paid and delivered by Wealth Chile may be payable in connection with the Option, which fees will be payable in common shares of Wealth.

All Wealth common shares issued in connection with the Option will be subject to a hold period in Canada of 4 months and one day from the date of issuance.

Henk van Alphen, Wealths CEO commented, Originally Laguna Verde was targeted for its surface brines, however, exploration results over the past 6 months have switched the Companys focus to a conventional lithium brine model. The recent geophysical survey results are very encouraging. We believe the Project has good potential for discovery of lithium brines at depth and lateral to Laguna Verde and the Company looks forward to drill-testing priority geophysical targets in Q3 2017.

Management Changes

The Board of Directors of the Company and Lawrence Talbot have agreed that he will step down as Vice-President and General Counsel of the Company. The Board and Management would like to thank Mr. Talbot for his significant contribution to Wealths corporate development. The Board has named Jonathan Lotz as the Companys new Corporate Counsel. Mr. Lotz is a member of the Bars of British Columbia & New York and is a founding partner at the firm Lotz & Company, which has a significant mining and securities law practice. Most recently, Mr. Lotz was a partner at the national law firm of Heenan Blaikie LLP, where he headed the Vancouver mining and securities law practice groups for the firm prior to its dissolution in early 2014. Additionally, the Board would like to announce that Mr. Xiaohuan (Juan) Tang will step down from his role as COO, although he will remain a director of the Company. The Company is also currently increasing its management capacity in Chile to have professionals based in-country to best advance its core lithium projects.

Qualified Person

Mr. Keith Henderson, PGeo, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Henderson and has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis of this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. The geophysical surveys at the Laguna Verde Project were undertaken by Southernrock Geophysics, Santiago, Chile. A total of 132 stations of 250m coincident loop TEM data and 108 stations of gravity data were acquired around Laguna Verde. Data quality was good, within specifications, and commensurate with the objectives of the survey. Data was processed according to standard methodologies. 1D inversion modelling was used to generate compiled sections, plan maps, and 3D visualizations of the results of the TEM survey, and Bouguer slab and 2D basin inversion models used to generate models for the gravity dataset.

About Wealth Minerals Ltd.

Wealth is a mineral resource company with interests in Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile. The Companys main focus is the acquisition of lithium projects in South America. To date, the Company has positioned itself to develop the Aguas Calientes Norte, Pujsa and Quisquiro Salars in Chile (the Trinity Project), as well as to work alongside existing producers in the prolific Atacama Salar, in addition to its recently announced Laguna Verde lithium project acquisition. The Company continues to aggressively pursue new acquisitions in the region. Lithium market dynamics and a rapidly increasing metal price are the result of profound structural issues with the industry meeting anticipated future demand. Wealth is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of this future mismatch of supply and demand. The Company also maintains and continues to evaluate a portfolio of precious and base metal exploration-stage projects.

For further details on the Company, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.wealthminerals.com).
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 5, 2017) - Southern Arc Minerals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SA) ("Southern Arc" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has agreed to the terms of a financing with Japan Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:JG) ("Japan Gold") pursuant to which Southern Arc will invest $5 million and acquire 12,500,000 units of Japan Gold at a price of $0.40 per unit. Each unit will consist of one common share of Japan Gold and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle Southern Arc to acquire one additional common share of Japan Gold at a price of $0.40 per share for a period of 5 years. On closing of the private placement, Southern Arc will own 53.08% of Japan Gold's issued and outstanding common shares.

Morris Klid, an independent director of Southern Arc, stated, "Southern Arc is pleased with the manner in which Japan Gold has advanced over the past 8 months. At a high level, operating in a stable jurisdiction such as Japan is a key consideration for global mineral exploration. In particular, Japan Gold's prospecting rights applications have grown from 80, comprising 5 projects, to 173 prospecting rights applications comprising 11 projects with 32 Prospecting Rights having been granted. The independent board members support the decision to increase Southern Arc's strategic stake in Japan Gold to 53.08% upon closing of the private placement. In addition, the full 5 year warrants, exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share, give Southern Arc the opportunity to maintain a significant interest in Japan Gold as it develops."

The private placement with Japan Gold is a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") by virtue of Southern Arc being a "control person" of Japan Gold and is subject to minority shareholder approval (within the meaning of MI 61-101) by shareholders of Southern Arc and Japan Gold. In addition, John Proust, Michael Andrews and John Carlile are directors and officers of Japan Gold. Also, John Proust and Michael Andrews are directors and officers of Southern Arc, while John Carlile is a director of Southern Arc and Robert Gallagher is a director of both companies. Southern Arc and Japan Gold intend to call shareholder meetings on July 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m PST and 11:00 a.m PST respectively in order to seek minority shareholder approval to the terms of the private placement in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and MI 61-101.

The Independent Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the terms of the financing. Further information regarding the review and approval process undertaken by the board of the Company will be disclosed in an information circular prepared for the Company's shareholder meeting. The private placement is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(b) thereof.

The closing of the private placement is subject to Southern Arc and Japan Gold obtaining shareholder and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. The units (and securities underlying the units) to be issued under the private placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

About Southern Arc

Southern Arc is a Canadian company focused on creating value through project generation and strategic investments in mineral resource companies with a focus on gold and copper-gold. The Company currently owns a 42.57% interest in Japan Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:JG), which has applied for 173 prospecting rights licenses in Japan in an area with known gold occurrences and a history of mining; and a 29.9% interest in Tethyan, an AIM listed company (AIM:TETH) which is advancing a number of copper gold projects in the Tethyan mineral belt in Serbia. Southern Arc also holds an investment in Osisko Mining Inc. (TSX:OSK), which is advancing a number of gold projects in Canada's Abitibi Gold Belt, including the high-grade Windfall Lake Gold Project in Quebec, Canada; and an interest in the West Lombok project in Indonesia, a resource-stage property with several gold-rich copper porphyry and epithermal gold vein prospects. More information is available at www.southernarcminerals.com or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Activists have set up camp outside Whiteclay and say they won't leave until the fate of the village's four embattled beer stores is sealed.

Organizer Joe Pulliam said a handful of teepees and tents have been erected at the site known as Camp Justice, a longstanding memorial on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, just across from Whiteclay on the Nebraska-South Dakota state line.

"We set up last night," Pulliam said Monday.

The Whiteclay stores once sold millions of cans of beer and malt liquor each year, much of it to residents of the reservation, where alcohol is banned.

The stores closed indefinitely in April after the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission refused to renew their liquor licenses. Now the Nebraska Supreme Court is weighing whether to keep them closed forever.

Pulliam said the activists plan to remain at Camp Justice  the site where two Pine Ridge men, Ronald Hard Heart and Wally Black Elk Jr., were found dead in 1999  until the state's high court makes a final decision.

That could take several months or longer.

Oral arguments are scheduled for August, and the Supreme Court could still decide to return the case to a lower court for reconsideration.

Some of those gathering at Camp Justice were part of unrelated protests at North Dakota's Standing Rock Indian Reservation in response to the Dakota Access oil pipeline. The main Standing Rock protest camp, which was razed in February, housed thousands of people for months.

"If we have to do that, that's what we'll do," Pulliam said. "We're definitely going to have a voice, and the way we express our voice is to camp."
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 5, 2017) - Japan Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:JG) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has agreed to the terms of a financing with Southern Arc Minerals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SA) ("Southern Arc"), pursuant to which Southern Arc will invest $5 million and acquire 12,500,000 units of Japan Gold at a price of $0.40 per unit. Each unit will consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant of Japan Gold. Each warrant will entitle Southern Arc to acquire one additional common share of Japan Gold at a price of $0.40 per share for a period of 5 years. On closing of the private placement, Southern Arc will own approximately 53.08% of Japan Gold's issued and outstanding common shares.

David Farrell, an independent director of Japan Gold, stated, "Japan Gold is pleased with Southern Arc's vote of confidence in our strategy to deliver value to all shareholders through both property acquisitions and the drill bit. The pricing of this financing was a key consideration in the independent directors agreeing to this related-party transaction. We look forward to leveraging this investment for the benefit of all shareholders."

The principal use of proceeds from the private placement is intended to fund $3,650,000 in exploration expenditures with the remaining $1,350,000 allocated for general working capital.

The private placement with Southern Arc is a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") by virtue of Southern Arc being a "control person" of Japan Gold and is subject to minority shareholder approval (within the meaning of MI 61-101) by shareholders of Southern Arc and Japan Gold. In addition, John Proust, Michael Andrews and John Carlile are directors and officers of Japan Gold. Also, John Proust and Michael Andrews are directors and officers of Southern Arc, while John Carlile is a director or Southern Arc and Robert Gallagher is a director of both companies. Southern Arc and Japan Gold intend to call shareholder meetings on July 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m PST and 11:00 a.m PST respectively in order to seek minority shareholder approval to the terms of the private placement in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and MI 61-101.

The Independent Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the terms of the financing. Further information regarding the review and approval process undertaken by the board of the Company will be disclosed in an information circular prepared for the Company's shareholder meeting. The private placement is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(b) thereof.

The closing of the private placement is subject to Southern Arc and Japan Gold obtaining shareholder and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. The units (and securities underlying the units) to be issued under the private placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

About Japan Gold Corp.

Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused solely on gold and copper-gold exploration in Japan. The Company has applied for 173 prospecting rights licenses in Japan for a combined area of 57,337 hectares over eleven separate projects. Thirty-two of the applications have been granted as Prospecting Rights. The applications cover areas with known gold occurrences and a history of mining, and are prospective for both high-grade epithermal gold mineralization and gold-bearing lithocaps, which could indicate the presence of porphyry mineralization. Japan Gold's leadership team has decades of resource industry and business experience, and the Company has recruited geologists and technical advisors with experience exploring and operating in Japan. More information is available at www.japangold.com or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 5, 2017) - White Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:WGO) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced the initial RAB drilling programs on the Dime and Loonie properties. An estimated 50 to 60 drill holes, representing approximately 5,000 to 6,000 meters of drilling are planned between the two properties. These drill holes comprise the first phase of a three phase drilling program planned over 6 properties by the Company in 2017.

The drilling programs on both the Loonie and Dime properties will be managed by Dawson City, Yukon based Ground Truth Exploration and will utilize their track mounted RAB drills. The drills are designed to evaluate targets for potential, near surface mineralization at a lower cost and reduced environmental impact compared to other drilling techniques previously utilized in the White Gold district. Additionally, the programs will utilize on-site XRF analysis and downhole optical televiewer surveys paired with 3D modelling software for daily geologic, geochemical and structural interpretation to guide the drill programs. Follow up diamond and/or RC programs will be planned contingent upon exploration results.

The Dime and Loonie programs are planned to last approximately 4 weeks. Following these programs, the RAB drills will mobilize to the Nolan and IND targets and details of those programs and initial RAB drilling results from the Loonie and Dime projects will be provided in due course.

Details of the Phase 1 drilling programs are summarized below:

Loonie Property

The 2017 drilling program on the Loonie Property will consist of 25 to 30 RAB drill holes testing over 700m of strike length and up to 100m depth along the Lira trend.

The Loonie Property is located 50km south of Dawson City, Yukon and consists of 499 claims covering approximately 98,900 hectares. 2017 RAB drilling on the Loonie property will focus on the Lira target, an approximately 75m x 740m, zone of anomalous gold in soils associated with an E-NE trending shear zone(s). Mineralization along the zone is associated with strongly quartz-sericite-clay altered and brecciated felsic orthogenesis with quartz veining, disseminated pyrite, and locally visible gold. Grab samples performed by the Company in the area have returned grades from trace up to 110.1 g/t gold. Historic RAB drilling on the target returned grades from trace up to 20.7 g/t gold, which included 12.2m of 4.93 g/t Au from LOORAB14-01 (see the Company's News Release dated January 23, 2017 for more information).

Dime Property

The 2017 drilling program on the Dime Property will consist of 25 to 30 RAB drill holes testing over 350m of strike length and up to 100m depth along both of the Gemini soil anomalies. Additional work on the property will include airborne DIGHEM surveys, soil sampling, geologic mapping/prospecting, DC IP-Resistivity surveys, and GT Probe sampling on other target areas to advance them to drill ready status.

The Dime property is located 65km south-southwest of Dawson City Yukon and consists of 245 claims covering approximately 5,014 hectares. 2017 RAB drilling will focus on the Gemini target which consists of two approximately 325m x 200m, north-northeast trending, gold in soil anomalies with values from trace up to 919 ppb Au that are associated with strongly anomalous arsenic (>100 ppm As). Mineralization in the area is associated with strongly sericite altered meta-sediments and fine grained meta-intrusive rocks with zones of quartz veining, brecciation, and disseminated, oxidized, sulfides that appear to be associated with a series of N-NE trending, moderately west dipping, faults that are interpreted as 2nd-3rd order splays of a regional scale east-west fault that transects the property. Structurally and geochemically, the property shares strong similarities to Goldcorp's Coffee project, 75km to the southeast. (see the Company's News Release dated April 25, 2017 for more information).

In addition to the RAB drilling, exploration activities currently underway include:

Airborne Dighem surveys on the Bonanza, IND, Nolan, Toonie, Loonie, Dime, Black Hills, Pedlar, and Betty properties.

IP-Resistivity surveys on the IND and Dime properties, with additional work planned on the Nolan, Black Hills, Brew, and Wolf properties.

Drone surveys on the IND, Loonie, Dime, and Nolan properties, with additional work planned on the Black Hills, Brew, Hayes, Wolf, and Pilot properties among others.

Initial soil and GT Probe surveys are also anticipated to commence within the next week.

The Company encourages individuals interested in the Company to visit its website (www.whitegoldcorp.ca) to further understand the size and scope of the Company's projects in the White Gold District.

The analytical work for the 2017 program will be performed by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd., an internationally recognized analytical services provider, at its Vancouver, British Columbia laboratory. Sample preparation will be carried out at its Whitehorse, Yukon facility. All soil samples will prepared using procedure SS80 (dry at 60 C and sieve 100g at -80 mesh) and analyzed by method AQ201 (aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis). All rock, GT Probe, and RAB samples will be prepared using procedure PRP70-250 (crush, split and pulverize 250 g to 200 mesh) and analyzed by method FA430 (30g fire assay with AAS finish) and AQ200 (0.5g, aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis). Samples containing <10g/t Au will be reanalyzed using method FA530 (30g Fire Assay with gravimetric finish). Metallic-screen analysis may also be utilized if coarse gold mineralization is encounter (FS600).

Jodie Gibson, PGeo, of GroundTruth Exploration Inc. has acted as the qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. GroundTruth Exploration Inc. is owned by the spouse of a director of the Company. Potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource on any of the Company's properties to date, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in any such target being delineated as a mineral resource.

Ground Truth Exploration Inc., Dawson City, YT, designed and managed all work for the Company. The reported work was completed using industry standard procedures, including a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program consisting of the insertion of certified standards, blanks, and field duplicates into the sample stream. The qualified person detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data.

About White Gold Corp.

White Gold Corp. owns a portfolio of 15,258 quartz claims across 25 properties covering approximately 305,440 hectares representing approximately 30% of the Yukon's White Gold District. Preliminary exploration work has produced several prospective targets. The claim packages are bordered by sizable gold discoveries owned by majors. The Company has outlined an aggressive exploration plan to further explore its properties. For more information visit www.whitegoldcorp.ca.
TORONTO, June 5, 2017 /CNW/ - LSC Lithium Corporation (the "Company" or "LSC") (TSXV: LSC) is pleased to announce that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of:

the tenements and other mineral rights held by Orocobre Limited ("Orocobre"), South American Salars SA ("SAS") and Borax Argentina SA ("BA") (collectively, the "Orocobre Group") located in the Salinas Grandes Salar, in Salta and Jujuy provinces, Argentina , covering approximately 25,027 hectares; and

, covering approximately 25,027 hectares; and the option from Advantage Lithium Corporation ("Advantage") over the 1,471 hectare Stella Marys Project located in the Salinas Grandes Salar, in Salta province, Argentina .

These acquisitions increase LSC's land package on the Salinas Grandes Salar bringing LSC's portfolio of lithium brine salars to approximately 300,000 hectares, which represents extensive lithium prospective salar holdings in Argentina, and which, together with LSC's existing tenements, cover 86% in the centre of the Salar in Salta province and 45% of the centre of the Salar in Jujuy province. In the Jujuy province, a large portion of the Salar is also controlled by the cooperatives.

TERMS OF THE ACQUISITION OF THE SALINAS GRANDES TENEMENTS

Pursuant to the agreement made on March 28, 2017, as amended on June 2, 2017 (the "LSC-Orocobre Agreement") among LSC, its Argentine subsidiary Lithium S Corporaiton S.A. ("LSCSA"), and the Orocobre Group, LSC has (through LSCSA) acquired: (a) all tenements held by the Orocobre Group located in the Salinas Grandes Salar, in Salta and Jujuy provinces, Argentina, (the "Salinas Grandes Tenements"); (b) interests in the portion of a mining exploration application (cateo) that is in proximity to the Salinas Grandes Tenements in Jujuy province; (c) a royalty held by Orocobre in certain tenements located on the Salar de Pozuelos in Salta province owned by LitheA Inc. (which company is being acquired by LSC as disclosed in its news release dated March 15, 2017); and (d) certain usufruct rights to extract borates located in the Salinas Grandes Salar.

In connection with, and as consideration for, the acquisition, LSCSA:

(a) has transferred to Orocobre three tenements in the Salar de Olaroz located in Jujuy province covering approximately 3,821 hectares;

(b) has paid to Orocobre $4 million at closing;

(c) will pay to Orocobre $1 million on each of the 1st and 2nd anniversaries of closing and $944,630 on the 3rd anniversary of closing; and

(d) has granted to an affilate of Orocobre a 2% royalty on the brine concentrate produced from the Salinas Grandes Tenements, calculated using the same methodology applied by Orocobre and its affiliates for the calculation of the royalties paid by Orocobre or its affiliates to the provincial government of Jujuy for Orocobre's last two fiscal years (the "Salinas Grandes Royalty") regardless of any retroactive or future changes to such methodology made after December 31, 2016.

Payment of the deferred cash consideration may be postponed to the 4th anniversary of closing and/or subject to reduction of up to $1,222,712 at LSC's option in the event that valid title to certain mineral interests covering up to 4,503 hectares cannot be transferred to LSCSA within three years of closing. LSC has guaranteed the payment obligations of LSCSA for the deferred cash consideration.

In addition, each of Orocobre and BA has agreed to: (a) a 10 year exclusion area covering the 10 km area from the external perimeter of any of the Salinas Grandes Tenements, and (b) a 10 year non-interference zone respecting all properties held by LSC located south of Rio Las Burras.

TERMS OF THE ACQUISITION OF STELLA MARYS PROJECT

Pursuant to the agreement made on March 28, 2017 (the "LSC-Advantage Agreement") between LSC and Advantage, LSC has acquired from Advantage its option over the 1,471 hectare Stella Marys Project located in the Salinas Grandes Salar, in Salta province, Argentina (the "MSR Option"). The MSR Option is governed by an agreement with Minera Santa Rita SRL ("MSR") dated October 27, 2016 (the "MSR Option Agreement") and the LSC-Advantage Agreement.

On closing, Advantage assigned the MSR Option to LSC in exchange for:

(a) LSC making aggregate cash payments of approximately $690,000 to Advantage in reimbursement of option payments and related expenses previously paid by Advantage pursuant to the MSR Option Agreement and a commitment to pay up to an additional $48,000 in finder's fees payable by Advantage;

(b) LSC issuing 256,520 LSC common shares to Advantage as reimbursement for the 600,000 Advantage shares previously issued by Advantage to MSR pursuant to the MSR Option Agreement.

LSC has the right to acquire the Stella Marys Project pursuant to the exercise of the MSR Option prior to Setpember 21, 2017 by:

(a) making a cash payment of $650,000 to MSR;

(b) issuing to Advantage a number of LSC common shares (calculated on the basis of the proportionate closing prices of the LSC common shares and Advantage common shares on the trading day preceding the date of closing of the MSR Option exercise), as reimbursement for the issuance by Advantage of the 900,000 Advantage common shares to MSR in connection with the exercise of the MSR Option; and

(c) entering into a royalty agreement with Advantage with respect to a 2% royalty on the brine concentrate produced from the Stella Marys Project that will be granted by LSC to Advantage, calculated using the same methodology as used for the Salinas Grandes Royalty.

Advantage has agreed to: (a) a 10 year exclusion area covering the 10 km area from the external perimeter of any of the Salinas Grandes Tenements, and (b) a 10 year non-interference zone respecting all properties held by LSC located south of Rio Las Barros, subject in each case to an exclusion in respect of tenements held by Advantage in the Guayatayoc area.

The 256,520 LSC common shares issued to Advantage are subject to a 4-month hold period until October 3, 2017.

Qualified Person/Data Verification

The scientific and technical information included in this press release related to LSC tenements is based upon information prepared and approved by Donald H. Hains, P.Geo. Donald H. Hains is a qualified person, as defined in NI 43-101 and is independent of LSC, Orocobre and Advantage. No Qualified Person has reviewed or verified any information in this press release related to the Orocobre tenements to be acquired by LSC.

ABOUT LSC LITHIUM CORPORATION:

LSC Lithium is an emerging lithium producer that has amassed a large portfolio of prospective lithium rich salars. LSC is focused on developing its tenements located in five salars: Pozuelos, Pastos Grandes, Rio Grande, Salinas Grandes and Jama. All LSC tenements are located in the "Lithium Triangle," an area at the intersection of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile where the world's most abundant lithium brine deposits are found. LSC Lithium has a land package portfolio totaling approximately 300,000 hectares, which represents extensive lithium prospective salar holdings in Argentina.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Miramont Resources Corp. (CSE:MONT) ("Miramont" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive share exchange agreement dated June 2, 2017 (the "Share Exchange Agreement") for its proposed acquisition (the "Transaction") of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Puno Gold Corporation ("Puno").

Puno is a privately held Ontario corporation. Minera Puno Gold, S.A.C. (Minera Puno) is a Peruvian corporation and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Puno. Minera Puno is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and development in Peru and holds options to acquire a 100 percent interest in the 988.69-hectare Cerro Hermoso project and the 4400-hectare Lukkacha project.

Both projects are located in southern Peru and are highly prospective exploration plays within deposit hosting mineral belts. Cerro Hermoso is located in the Puno Region, 60 kms west of the city of Juliaca and 55 kms north of Buenaventuras 2.3 million ounce San Gabriel gold development project, which has similar breccia-pipe mineralization. Lukkacha is situated in the Tacna Region and is located 55 kms east-southeast of the operating Toquepala Mine of Southern Peru Copper (a porphyry copper project with 2016 reserves of 1,929 Mt grading 0.57% Cu) and 60 kms north of the city of Tacna. The Lukkacha Project is a porphyry copper prospect. Management also cautions that mineral resources on nearby properties are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the subject property.

Terms of the Agreement

Pursuant to the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement, Miramont will issue to the shareholders of Puno (the "Puno Shareholders") an aggregate of 15,048,000 million common shares of Miramont ("Transaction Shares") at the time of closing of the Transaction. The Transaction Shares to be issued will represent approximately 37.5% of issued and outstanding common shares of the resulting issuer, assuming completion of the proposed financing on the terms described below.

Financing

Concurrently with closing, Miramont intends to complete an equity financing of units of the Company, each unit consisting of one common share and one share purchase warrant, for gross proceeds of not less than CDN$3,000,000, (the Miramont Financing), at a price of not less than CDN$0.30 per Miramont common share. As an anticipated term to the Miramont Financing, which may be brokered or non-brokered, Miramont may pay cash commissions and issue certain share purchase warrants (each, a Commission Warrant).

Overview of Cerro Hermoso Project

The Cerro Hermoso Project, located in the Puno Region in southern Peru, covers a large, 1.4 km-diameter diatreme breccia pipe hosting extensive showings of mineralization. Puno has identified three types of epithermal gold-silver-copper-lead-zinc exploration targets within and around the diatreme complex including (1) precious and base metal-rich veins, (2) breccia-hosted disseminated mineralization and (3) precious and base metal-rich manto style mineralization in limestone surrounding the diatreme.

A two-lane paved highway runs from Arequipa to Juliaca, providing year-round access to the project.

Sampling within the breccia pipe has documented widespread and strongly anomalous gold mineralization with a disseminated character. Channel samples collected by Golden Mining Corporation returned values up to 9.30 grams per tonne gold over 1.9 metres in un-mined areas within the breccia pipe, and sampling by past workers has shown continuously gold mineralization in channel sampling of 1.79 grams per tonne gold over 43.1 metres. Eighty-nine (89) samples collected by these workers within a 400 x 100 metre zone in the N-central portion of the diatreme are highly anomalous in gold and silver, with 58 of these samples having greater than 0.10 grams per tonne gold  these 58 samples average 1.20 grams per tonne gold and 22 grams per tonne silver.

On the west boundary of the breccia pipe, a private Peruvian company, Minsur, operated the Santa Barbara underground mine from 1966 until 1990, producing approximately 740,000 tonnes of ore grading 450 grams per tonne silver and 2.0% copper as reported in, Hardolph Wasteneys, 1990, PhD thesis Epithermal Silver Mineralization Associated with a Mid-Tertiary Diatreme, Santa Barbara, Santa Lucia District, Puno, Peru.

Numerous showings of silver-copper mineralization around the entire perimeter of the diatreme indicate potential for a complex system of veins much more extensive than what was previously mined.

In addition to the direct targets for gold-silver-lead-zinc disseminated mineralization in the breccia pipe, and vein-type silver-copper veins in its periphery, one drift from the old Santa Barbara Mine discovered small replacement mantos of silver-lead-zinc mineralization in a favorable limestone unit 240 meters in the subsurface.

Overview of Lukkacha Property

The Lukkacha property, located in the Tacna Region of Southern Peru, has a large target for a potential porphyry copper deposit

The project lies 60 kms northeast of the capital city of Tacna and is accessible via paved and all-weather gravel roads.

Regionally Lukkacha is located along the trend of Perus largest copper deposits of Cerro Verde, Cuajone, Quelleveco, and Toquepala, a NW-striking belt of copper deposits aligned near the Incapuquio Fault. The geologic setting at Lukkacha is similar to the nearby Toquepala Mine complex (Southern Copper Corporation), one of Perus largest copper mines, presently planned to increase production from 140,000 tonnes Cu per annum to 360,000 tonnes Cu per annum in 2019 (Southern Copper Press Release Jan 31, 2017), and with 2016 reserves of 1,929 Mt grading 0.57% Cu (Southern Copper 10K form, 2016). Management also cautions that mineral resources on nearby properties are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the subject property

The Lukkacha project encompasses a large, zoned system of hydrothermal alteration typical of porphyry copper deposits with a central zone of sericite-pyrite-quartz (phyllic) alteration and tourmaline-sericite alteration covering approximately 3 km 2 .

. A circular zone of geochemically anomalous copper and molybdenum approximately 0.8km 2 in area was identified by past workers on the project. This zone occurs within the south-central part of the phyllic alteration. Phyllic alteration is locally accompanied by intense stockwork veining and strong leaching. Puno believes that hypogene copper mineralization may have been leached during weathering and may be enriched in the subsurface.

in area was identified by past workers on the project. This zone occurs within the south-central part of the phyllic alteration. Phyllic alteration is locally accompanied by intense stockwork veining and strong leaching. Puno believes that hypogene copper mineralization may have been leached during weathering and may be enriched in the subsurface. The project lies within 50kms of the international border, and as such, requires government approval prior to commencement of exploration activities. Minera Puno has initiated the application process.

Management

The Companys acquisition of Puno will bring with it a senior management team with extensive experience in mineral exploration in South America, all of whom are fluent in Spanish:

Quinton Hennigh, PhD, P.Geo, currently serves as a director of Puno and has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Miramont. Dr. Hennigh is an economic geologist with more than 25 years of experience with major gold mining firms including Homestake Mining, Newcrest Mining and Newmont Mining. Currently, Dr. Hennigh is President, CEO and a director of Novo Resources Corp., which is developing a gold mine in Western Australia.



Peter Drobeck, M.Sc, P.Geo is a co-founder of Puno and serves as its President and a director. Mr. Drobeck has 36 years of experience in business development, exploration, mining geology and exploration management, primarily in the Americas. He previously served as Senior VP Exploration of AuRico and VP Exploration of Electrum. Mr. Drobeck has agreed to as a director of Miramont and in a consulting capacity as part of the exploration team.



Ronaldo de Oliveira is the Vice President Operations of Puno and a co-founder. He is a Brazilian exploration geologist with 35 years of experience in mineral exploration and development and project management. Most recently Mr. Oliveira served as Exploration Operational Director, Peru for Silver Standard Resources. Prior thereto he served for fourteen years as Exploration Manager, Brazil for Teck Resources. Mr. Oliveira has also worked with Vale SA (also known as CVRD) and BHP. Mr. Oliveira will continue to provide his services to Miramont as project manager.



Hall Stewart, B.Sc, C.P.G. is a co-founder of Puno and serves as its the Chief Geologist. Mr. Stewart has more than 30 years of international experience in mineral exploration and resource development. From 1996 through 2002 Mr. Stewart was Project Geologist for a number of companies at Ocampo, Chihuahua, Mexico including four years as Chief Geologist for Gammon Lake Resources, Inc. Ocampo is now one of Mexico's most important silver mines. In January of 2003 Mr. Stewart started Man on Foot Exploration, Ltd. with a grubstake from Bolnisi Gold, N.L. Man on Foot's discovery oriented fieldwork resulted in the recommendation to Bolnisi to acquire the Palmarejo property in southern Chihuahua, Mexico. Palmarejo is now the flagship project for Coeur D'Alene Mines, one of America's largest silver producers. In January, 2011 Mr. Stewart started Commonwealth Silver and Gold Mining Inc. with two colleagues. That company was successfully sold to Marlin Gold Corp. in May of 2015. Mr. Stewart will continue on with Miramonts exploration team.

Tyson King, President of Miramont, stated The acquisition of Puno Gold and its subsidiary Minera Puno is an exciting step for Miramont. Taking the geology, geochemistry, and setting together, the Cerro Hermoso and Lukkacha exploration projects represent exceptional early-stage targets for gold-silver-copper deposits in Peru. This is a tremendous opportunity for the Company to explore and develop highly prospective properties in a well-established mining jurisdiction.

Peter Drobeck, President of Puno, commented Our Puno management team is very proud of our accomplishments to date in acquiring the rights to two significant exploration projects in prolific mining regions in Peru with world-class potential. We are delighted to be entering into this merger with Miramont, which will enable us to work together to move the projects forward aggressively to identity their full potential.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of customary conditions, including approval of the Canadian Stock Exchange (the CSE), completion of the Miramont Financing and the completion of a Technical Report on the Cerro Hermosa property in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Trading of the Company's shares on the CSE has been halted in connection with the announcement of the Transaction and is not expected to resume until the CSE has had the opportunity to review certain documentation relating to the Transaction, including an Information Circular and Form 2A Listing Statement which is currently being prepared by the Company. Pursuant to the policies of the CSE, the approval of the Miramont shareholders for the Transaction will also be required.

Peter Drobeck, President of Puno Gold Corporation, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Drobeck has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.

Some technical information contained in this release is historical in nature and has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate. This technical information has not been verified by Miramont and may in some instances be unverifiable dependent on the existence of all historical grab and trench samples and drill core. Management also cautions that mineral resources on nearby properties are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the subject property.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 5, 2017) - Precipitate Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Precipitate") (TSX VENTURE:PRG) is pleased to announce results and interpretation from the latest geochemical and geophysical surveys at the "Southeast" and "South Jengibre Zones" within the Company's 100% owned Juan de Herrera project in the Dominican Republic. The latest results have elevated these zones into emerging possible future drill targets.

Precipitate has completed a comprehensive interpretation of recently collected geophysical and geochemical survey data at the Southeast and South Jengibre zones, both located approximately six kilometres ('km') southeast of the Company's Ginger Ridge Zone. Collectively, soil and rock sample results, along with induced polarization ("IP") and magnetic geophysical survey data have outlined compelling multi-layered anomalies at both the Southeast and South Jengibre Zones. Notably, surface rock grab sampling at the Southeast Zone has identified a new high-grade copper showing, with laboratory values up to 13.5% copper, 0.5 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold, and 52.1 g/t silver*. This early stage Southeast Zone copper showing and other anomalous gold-copper sample locations eastward into the nearby South Jengibre Zone are the focus of ongoing follow up exploration work.

Southeast and South Jengibre Zones gold-in-soil anomalies and IP + magnetics geophysics illustration maps





Recently completed interpretation of newly generated geophysical data along with current exploration data of the Southeast and South Jengibre Zones has yielded the following highlight results:

Southeast Zone

650 metre ("m") by 125m multi-element soil anomaly with gold up to 144 parts per billion ("ppb"), plus various pathfinder elements (open in all directions, except to the southeast);

Northwest trending soil anomaly coincident with important geophysical features, including moderate-high IP chargeability and resistivity and magnetic low signatures important for potential gold mineralization in the region;

Discovery of a new early stage high grade copper showing with strong disseminations of chalcopyrite (rock grab samples reporting up to 13.5% copper, 0.5 g/t gold, and 52.1 g/t silver*); and

Sampling of other areas between Southeast and South Jengibre has reported copper values up to 1.1% and gold values up to 1.1 g/t

South Jengibre Zone

350m by 150m multi-element soil anomaly with gold up to 229 ppb, open to the southeast;

Gold-in-soil anomaly correlates with pathfinder elements, zinc and lead, with lesser silver and antimony;

Soil anomaly is coincident with moderate IP chargeability and high IP resistivity and moderate magnetic low signatures;

Located only two kilometres south of GoldQuest Mining's Jengibre zone, where past work reported highlight rock channel sampling results of 59.5 metres grading 1.58 g/t gold (see GoldQuest news release of October 7, 2009) and rock samples to 17.7 g/t gold and 1.4% copper; and

Rock grab sampling southwest of the main trend has reported gold values up to 5.2 g/t and 1.25 g/t across a 4.0 metre outcrop

* NOTE: Surface rock grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades of the zone.

Jeffrey Wilson, Precipitate's President and CEO commented, "We are pleased that our extensive IP and ground exploration work over recent months is yielding positive results and delineating prospective new targets. The identification and refinement of the multi-layered geophysical-geochemical anomalies at both the Southeast and South Jengibre Zones substantially expands the scope and scale of our ongoing exploration on the project with additional potential drill targets emerging to augment our current work at Ginger Ridge. In addition, the discovery of a new high-grade copper showing at the Southeast Zone is an important development, as it is the first time field crews have identified a significant surface volcanic rock exposure enriched with chalcopyrite (copper) within our Juan de Herrera property."

Work on the Southeast Zone has identified a northwest trending, 650m by 125m multi-element soil anomaly which is open in all directions, except to the southeast. The soil anomaly is characterized by a correlation of gold with various pathfinder elements which include silver, arsenic, antimony, selenium and moderate lead and zinc. The zone is coincident with (i) moderate high and locally variable IP chargeability and resistivity anomalies and (ii) a magnetic low signature. At the Zone's new copper showing, five rock grab samples were collected from outcroppings over an estimated area measuring 10m by 5m, where volcanic rocks host strong disseminations and fracture infills of chalcopyrite, yielding up to 13.5% copper, 0.5 g/t gold, 52.1 g/t silver and greater than 100 g/t selenium*.

The South Jengibre Zone is marked by a 350m by 150m multi-element soil anomaly which is open to the southeast. The soil anomaly is characterized by a correlation of gold with several pathfinder elements which included zinc and lead, with lesser silver and antimony; the relative strength of the zinc-in-soil anomaly is notable. The South Jengibre Zone is coincident with (i) moderate IP chargeability and high IP resistivity anomalies and (ii) a modest and diffuse magnetic low signature. Cursory sampling of small local rock outcrops, located about 200 metres south of the gold-in-soil anomaly, report gold results from nil to four metres grading 1.25 g/t gold from an exposure of sheeted and stockwork veins accompanied by disseminated pyrite and silica flooding.

Soil sampling at Southeast - South Jengibre Zones covers an expanse measuring about 2.5 km by 0.5 km covering the most prospective Cretaceous aged Tireo volcanic rocks in the area. Current soil sample density ranges from 25m to 50m intervals along northeast oriented lines at 50m to 200m line spacing; additional soil sampling is essential and planned for the area. The gold-in-soil anomalies are defined by values exceeding the 70th percentile or 4.7 ppb. To date, gold-in-soil values for the two zones range from nil to 229 ppb.

Rock and soil samples were bagged, sealed and delivered directly to Bureau Veritas ("BV") preparation facility in Maimon Dominican Republic where they were dried, crushed (or sieved in the case of soils) and pulped. Sample pulps were then delivered to BV facilities in Vancouver BC (an ISO 9001 accredited facility) for analyses. Samples were crushed (or sieved) to with up to 80% passing 2mm and split using a riffle splitter (code PRP70-250). An approximate 250 gram sub-sample split was pulverized to minus 200 mesh (74). A 15 gram sub-split from the resulting pulp was then subjected to aqua regia digestion and multi-element ICP-MS analysis (code AQ201). Rock sample results with gold greater than 1,000 ppb were subjected to fire assay (ICP-ES finish) analysis (30 g pulp; code FA330-Au). The induced polarization/resistivity survey was carried out by Matrix Geotechnologies Ltd of Toronto Ontario, using a 10 kW generator Time Domain IP system using the Elrec Pro 10 channel receiver with a receiver dipole spacing of 25 metres, (pole-dipole array), which provides quality subsurface resolution for 2D Quantitive Sections and 3D voxel modelling for exploration drill targeting. The figure accompanying this release shows a plan view of interpreted gradient chargeability.

This news release has been reviewed by Michael Moore P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Precipitate Gold Corporation, the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under NI 43-101 standards.

About Precipitate Gold:

Precipitate Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic. The Company also maintains assets in British Columbia and southeast Yukon Territory and is actively evaluating additional high-impact property acquisitions with the potential to expand the Company's portfolio and increase shareholder value.

Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.precipitategold.com.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 5, 2017) - Trigon Metals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:TM) ("Trigon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the filing of its National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical report ("the technical report"). This follows the Company's press release issued on April 20, 2017 announcing an updated Inferred Mineral Resource estimate at the Company's Kombat operations located in northern Namibia ("Kombat").

In conjunction with the technical report, the Company has also completed a scoping level study on the Kombat operations, in the form of a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA"), the results of which are summarized in the technical report. The PEA confirms that the Kombat operations have a best-estimated net present value ("NPV") of US$72 million and a robust internal rate of return of 45.5%.

Stephan Theron, President and CEO of Trigon, commented: "We are pleased to have completed the technical report and PEA in order to take the Company one step closer to its near-term strategy of open pit mining. The results of the work done have confirmed our internal evaluation of this attractive and exciting project and we look forward to moving the Company forward to production."

Phase 1 - Open Pit Mining

The Company remains focused on its phase 1 strategy of open pit mining in the Kombat Central and East areas to facilitate early cash flow generation. As set out below, the start-up capital required for first production of the open pit amounts to US$7.73 million, which includes: power, water and other infrastructure requirements; contractor mobilization and site establishment; refurbishment of the existing mill; studies and design and working capital. Although the capital cost of the mill refurbishment is expected to be financed by the proceeds from open pit mining; the mill is expected to be utilized for future underground operations long after the depletion of the open pit reserves.

Technical report

The updated Mineral Resource estimate reported on April 20, 2017 was in respect of the Kombat West, Central and East, Asis Far West, Asis Gap and Asis West areas. The Company is pleased to have subsequently included additional Inferred Mineral Resources at Gross Otavi, resulting in total Inferred Mineral Resources of 6.905 million tonnes at a grade of 2.78% copper, 1.14% lead and 19.11 g/t silver, as set out in detail in the table below.

Combined Inferred Mineral Resources for the Kombat Operations as at April 2017

Mine Section Tonnes

(Mt) Density

(t/m3) Cu

(%) Pb

(%) Ag

(ppm) Cu

(Tonnes) Pb

(Tonnes) Ag

(kg) Kombat East 1,232 2.83 1.37 1.05 1.70 16,924 12 895 2,089 Kombat Central 0,848 2.82 1.79 0.33 6.90 15,135 2 767 5,848 Kombat West 0,458 2.89 2.77 2.97 2.44 12,684 13 610 1,119 Kombat Total 2,538 2.83 1.76 1.15 3.57 44,743 29,272 9,056 Otavi Central 0,643 2.84 0.93 2.50 0.85 6,006 16,053 546 Otavi Total 0,643 2.84 0.93 2.50 0.85 6,006 16,053 546 Asis West 2,475 2.88 4.05 1.28 32.36 100,214 31,735 80,078 Asis Gap 0,166 2.83 2.35 0.35 21.15 3,909 590 3,514 Asis Far West 1,082 2.85 3.42 0.10 35.81 37,000 1,036 38,763 Asis Total 3,723 2.87 3.79 0.90 32.86 141,122 33,361 122,355 Total Total 6,905 2.85 2.78 1.14 19.11 191,871 78,685 131,957

Notes:

Historical mine voids have been depleted from the Mineral Resource. Historical mine voids were not available for Gross Otavi so the tonnage has been reduced by 1% for historical mining. Additional 7.5% porosity factor has been applied to Gross Otavi for the karst voids. The open pit Mineral Resource is declared to a depth of 150m with a CuEq cut off of 0.77%. The underground Mineral Resource (below 150m) is declared at a CuEq cut off of 1.4%. No tailings have been declared at a 0.4% Cu cut off (upside potential at 0.3% Cu cut-off). Densities for the hard rock material have been modelled. A geological loss of 15% has been applied to the Mineral Resource. All reported Mineral Resources are limited to fall within the property boundaries of the project area. Columns may not add up due to rounding. Inferred Mineral Resources have a large degree of uncertainty as to their existence and whether they can be mined economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the Inferred Mineral Resource will be upgraded to a higher confidence category.

Preliminary Economic Assessment

The purpose of the PEA was to investigate the economic viability, upside potential as well as future exploration requirements of open pit and underground mining targeting the copper and lead resources at Kombat East, Kombat Central, Asis Far West, Asis West and Gross Otavi, taking into consideration mining methods, treatment methods and development of additional infrastructure. The PEA has been based on the total Inferred Mineral Resources as set out above.

Production and processing

Payable saleable product tonnes are illustrated in the graph below





The combined open pits and underground mines have a potential life of mine ("LoM") of nine years mining 4,418 kt at an average mined grade of 2.83% copper as set out in the table below.

Item Unit PEA Ore Tonnes Mined kt 4,418 Average Cu Grade Mined % 2.83% Average Ag Grade Mined g/t 20.63 Total Cu Concentrate kt 420 Total 45% Pb Concentrate kt 30 Total Cu Metal Paid For by Smelter kt 108 Cu Payability (Including Refining) % 91.4% Cu Payability (Including Refining and Treatment) % 79.9% Total Silver Ounces Paid For by Smelter koz 2,443 LoM Years 9

Capital

The capital schedule for the Kombat operations for the life of mine is set out in the table below. The start-up capital required for first production of the open pit amounts to US$7.73 million. Total direct capital expenditure over the life of mine is US$67.21 million (excluding contingencies and stay in business capital) with the peak capital expenditure during years 2021 and 2022.

Capital Expenditure US$m over LoM East and Central Open Pit Mining Capital 1,51 Gross Otavi Open Pit Mining Capital 0,72 Underground Mining Capital 25,96 Asis Far West Development Cost - Capitalized 12,63 Asis West Development Cost - Capitalized 15,42 Total Direct Mining Capital 56,23 Plant Capital Open Pit Plant Capital 2,97 Underground Plant Expansion Capital 3,90 Tailings Storage Facility 0,24 Total Direct Plant Capital 7,11 Other Non-Direct Capital Corporate Overhead 1,00 Environmental Licensing and Permitting 0,30 Pre-Feasibility Study and NI43-101 (Reserve) 0,21 Feasibility Study and NI43-101 Update 0,35 Surface Exploration 0,35 Underground Exploration 1,66 Total Other Non-Direct Capital 3,87 Total Direct Capital over LoM 67,21

Operating costs and commodity prices

Direct cash costs (C1) for the Kombat operations consist of plant and mining operating costs, concentrate transport costs, treatment costs and refining costs. Other cash costs (C3) include corporate overheads and the Namibian revenue royalty of 3%. Kombat has an all-in sustainable cost of US$109/milled tonne that equates to US$1.77/copper equivalent pound ("CuEq lb"). The turnover, cost and earnings numbers are displayed in the tables below per milled tonne and per recovered copper equivalent pound.

Item Unit PEA Milled Tonnes kt 4,418 Net Turnover US$/Milled tonne 172 Mine Cost US$/Milled tonne 34 Plant Costs US$/Milled tonne 12 Other Costs US$/Milled tonne 35 Direct Cash Costs (C1) US$/Milled tonne 81 Capex US$/Milled tonne 20 Production Costs (C2) US$/Milled tonne 101 Royalties US$/Milled tonne 5 Corporate Overheads US$/Milled tonne 3 All-in Sustainable Costs (C3) US$/Milled tonne 109 All-in Sustainable Cost Margin % 36% EBITDA* US$/Milled tonne 83 EBITDA Margin % 48%

Item Unit PEA Copper Equivalent Tonnes Tonnes 122,106 Net Turnover US$/CuEq lb 2.82 Mine Cost US$/CuEq lb 0.56 Plant Costs US$/CuEq lb 0.20 Other Costs US$/CuEq lb 0.57 Direct Cash Costs (C1) US$/CuEq lb 1.33 Capex US$/CuEq lb 0.31 Production Costs (C2) US$/CuEq lb 1.64 Royalties US$/CuEq lb 0.08 Corporate Overheads US$/CuEq lb 0.05 All-in Sustainable Costs (C3) US$/CuEq lb 1.77 EBITDA US$CuEq lb 1.36

Using the discounted cash flow method to calculate the NPV and the intrinsic value (fundamental value based on the technical inputs, and cash flow projection that creates an NPV) in real terms, the Kombat operations have a best-estimated net present value of US$72 million at a real discount rate of 11.02%, a payback period of less than 5 years and an internal rate of return of 45.5%.

The following commodity price forecasts were used in the discounted cash flow model in the PEA.

Item Unit 2018 2019 2020 2021 Long-term Silver US$/oz 17.42 17.76 18120 18.14 18.16 Copper US$/tonne 5,624 5,510 5,628 5,733 6,507 Copper US$/lb 2.55 2.50 2.55 2.60 2.95 Lead US$/tonne 2,193 2,071 2,006 1,930 1,878 Lead US$/lb 0.99 0.94 0.91 0.88 0.85

The PEA is preliminary in nature, and it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized.

The technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Kombat Copper Project, Namibia", dated May 31, 2017, was prepared for Trigon by Minxcon (Pty) Ltd ("Minxcon"), and is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.trigonmetals.com.

Board Update

The Company announces the resignation of Mr. James Xiang as a director of the Company, effective immediately. The Company would like to thank Mr. Xiang for his contributions to the Company.

Qualified Person

Mr. Uwe Engelmann (BSc (Zoo. & Bot.), BSc Hons (Geol.), Pr.Sci.Nat. No. 400058/08, MGSSA) of Minxcon, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined in NI 43- 101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this press release. As a director of Minxcon, Mr. Engelmann is considered independent.

Trigon Metals Inc.

Trigon is a publicly traded Canadian exploration and development company with its core operations focused on copper resources in Namibia, one of the world's most prospective copper regions, where it has substantial assets in place with significant upside. The Company continues to hold an 80% interest in five mining licenses in the Otavi Mountain lands, an area of Namibia particularly known for its high-grade copper deposits. Within these licenses are three past producing mines including the Company's flagship property, the Kombat Mine.

Website: www.trigonmetals.com
KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 5, 2017) - FISSION URANIUM CORP. (TSX:FCU) (OTCQX:FCUUF) (FRANKFURT:2FU) ("Fission" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the final assays of the winter program, including results that confirm high-grade mineralization at the new R1515W zone at its PLS property, host to the Triple R deposit, in Canada's Athabasca Basin region. Six of eight holes at R1515W zone were mineralized, with four returning multiple high-grade intervals, including hole PLS17-557 (line 1530W), which returned 3.12% U 3 O 8 over 8.5m in 1.24% U 3 O 8 over 27.5m and 5.15% U 3 O 8 over 2.0m in 1.71% U 3 O 8 over 9.0m. R1515W, which was discovered during the winter program, is the western-most zone on the 3.17km mineralized trend and is one of three high-grade zones at PLS that may be added to the updated resource estimate planned within the next 12 months.

Additional Mineralization 120m West of R1515W: Exploration drilling, which targeted the Patterson Lake Corridor a further 120m west of the R1515W zone, was also very encouraging - returning 0.74% U 3 O 8 over a 0.5m interval in PLS17-514 (line 1665W). Importantly, this signals that the corridor continues to be very prospective for hosting high-grade uranium further along trend to the west towards the high-grade boulder field.

Ross McElroy, President, COO, and Chief Geologist for Fission, commented

"These final assays confirm robust, high-grade mineralization at the new R1515W zone we discovered this winter, as well as continued growth on the R840W and the R780E to R1620E gap area. We are also excited by the mineralization we encountered another 120m west of the new R1515W zone and it is expected that part of our summer drilling program will continue pushing west toward the high-grade boulder field, which lies 3km west of the R1515W zone."

Assay Highlights Include:

PLS17-557 (line 1530W): key intervals

27.50m @ 1.24% U 3 O 8 (189.0m to 216.5m), including: 8.50m @ 3.12% U 3 O 8 (192.5m to 201.0m)

9.0m @ 1.71% U 3 O 8 (219.0m to 228.0m), including: 2.0m @ 5.15% U 3 O 8 (225.5m to 227.5m)



PLS17-553 (line 1515W) key interval:

12.0m @ 3.16% U 3 O 8 (184.5m to 196.5m), including: 2.50m @ 6.03% U 3 O 8 (185.5m to 188.0m) 3.0m @ 7.01% U 3 O 8 (190.5m to 193.5m)

14.50m @ 0.82% U 3 O 8 (199.0m to 213.5m), including: 4.5m @ 2.25% U 3 O 8 (206.5m to 211.0m)



PLS17-560 (line 1545W) key interval:

14.0m @ 0.66% U 3 O 8 (196.5m to 210.5m), including: 2.5m @ 2.05% U 3 O 8 (202.5m to 205.0m)



Table 1: R1515W Zone - Composited Mineralized Intervals from Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Grid Line Az Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) U3O8 (wt%) R1515W PLS17-530 1485W 103 -86.7 142.10 143.50 1.40 0.13 154.50 157.00 2.50 0.12 203.00 203.50 0.50 0.07 PLS17-533 1485W 321 -80.20 140.00 156.50 16.50 0.39 PLS17-537 1485W 335 -79.9 No Significant Mineralization PLS17-539 1515W 336 -80.4 134.50 135.00 0.50 0.08 165.50 166.00 0.50 0.06 191.50 206.00 14.50 0.40 192.00 194.50 2.50 1.18 220.50 221.50 1.00 0.18 PLS17-547 1515W 346 -78.1 No Significant Mineralization PLS17-553 1515W 343 -81.2 140.50 146.50 6.00 0.29 145.00 145.50 0.50 1.04 169.00 170.00 1.00 0.08 173.50 175.50 2.00 0.05 179.50 181.50 2.00 0.35 180.50 181.00 0.50 1.17 184.50 196.50 12.00 3.16 185.50 188.00 2.50 6.03 190.50 193.50 3.00 7.01 199.00 213.50 14.50 0.82 206.50 211.00 4.50 2.25 PLS17-557 1530W 333 -82.6 105.50 106.00 0.50 0.05 107.00 107.50 0.50 0.07 158.00 158.50 0.50 0.13 168.00 171.50 3.50 0.08 189.00 216.50 27.50 1.24 192.50 201.00 8.50 3.12 219.00 228.00 9.00 1.71 225.50 227.50 2.00 5.15 230.50 232.00 1.50 0.28 PLS17-560 1545W 340 -79.8 137.00 140.00 3.00 0.08 175.00 175.50 0.50 0.08 181.50 185.00 3.50 0.64 188.50 192.50 4.00 0.07 196.50 210.50 14.00 0.66 202.50 205.00 2.50 2.05 214.00 224.00 10.00 0.33 226.50 242.50 16.00 0.37

Composite Parameters

Minimum Thickness: 0.50m Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Table 2: R840W Zone - Composited Mineralized Intervals from Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Grid Line Az Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) U3O8 (wt%) R840W PLS17-541 735W 314 -82.0 123.50 124.00 0.50 0.11 126.50 130.00 3.50 0.09 132.50 138.00 5.50 0.27 148.00 151.00 3.00 0.05 160.00 161.00 1.00 0.10 167.50 169.00 1.50 0.11 174.50 179.00 4.50 0.14 PLS17-545 765W 333 -80.3 101.50 125.00 23.50 0.32 128.50 146.00 17.50 0.06 149.50 152.50 3.00 0.07 155.50 158.00 2.50 0.12 PLS17-548 765W 345 -81.50 208.00 209.00 1.00 0.07 PLS17-551 795W 342 -79.50 160.00 160.50 0.50 0.16

Composite Parameters

Minimum Thickness: 0.50m Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Table 3: R780E Zone - Composited Mineralized Intervals from Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Grid Line Az Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) U3O8 (wt%) R780E PLS17-536 1245W 150 -81.6 172.00 174.50 2.50 0.21 193.00 193.50 0.50 0.07 250.00 255.00 5.00 0.16 257.50 275.00 17.50 0.26 279.50 282.00 2.50 0.13 297.00 297.50 0.50 0.06 PLS17-542 1245E 152 -81.8 No Significant Mineralization PLS17-546 1170E 330 -68.9 No Significant Mineralization

Composite Parameters

Minimum Thickness: 0.50m Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Table 4: 1665W Area - Composited Mineralized Intervals from Drill Holes

Zone Hole ID Grid

Line Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

(wt%) 1665W PLS17-514 1665W 315 -80.4 118.00 118.50 0.50 0.7410 PLS17-519 1665W 156 -84.4 No Significant Mineralization PLS17-523 1665W 363 -81.6 No Significant Mineralization

Composite Parameters

Minimum Thickness: 0.50m Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Composited % U 3 O 8 mineralized intervals are summarized in Tables 1 to 4. Samples from the drill core are split in half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK for analysis which includes U 3 O 8 (wt %) and fire assay for gold, while the other half remains on site for reference. All analysis includes a 63 element ICP-OES, uranium by fluorimetry and boron. Individual zone wireframe models constructed from assay data and used in the resource estimate indicate that both the R780E and R00E zones have a complex geometry controlled by and parallel to steeply south-dipping lithological boundaries as well as a preferential sub-horizontal orientation. Similar geometrical relationships appear to be the case with the R840W and R1620E zones as well. All depth measurements reported, including sample and interval widths are down-hole, core interval measurements and true thickness are yet to be determined.

PLS Mineralized Trend & Triple R Deposit Summary

Uranium mineralization at PLS occurs within the Patterson Lake Conductive Corridor and has been traced by core drilling approximately 3.17km of east-west strike length in five separated mineralized "zones". From west to east, these zones are: R1515W, R840W, R00E, R780E and R1620E. Thus far only the R00E and R780E have been included in the Triple R deposit resource estimate, where-as the R840W and R1620E zones and the recent addition of the R1515W zone, fall outside of the current resource estimate window.

The discovery hole of what is now referred to as the Triple R uranium deposit was announced on November 05, 2012 with drill hole PLS12-022, from what is considered part of the R00E zone. Through successful exploration programs completed to date, it has evolved into a large, near surface, basement hosted, structurally controlled high-grade uranium deposit.

The Triple R deposit consists of the R00E zone on the western side and the much larger R780E zone further on strike to the east. Within the deposit, the R00E and R780E zones have an overall combined strike length validated by a resource estimate of approximately 1.05km with the R00E measuring approximately 105m in strike length and the R780E zones measuring approximately 945m in strike length. A 225m gap separates the R00E zone to the west and the R780E zones to the east, though sporadic narrow, weakly mineralized intervals from drill holes within this gap suggest the potential for further significant mineralization in this area. The R780E zone is located beneath Patterson Lake which is approximately six metres deep in the area of the deposit. The entire Triple R deposit is covered by approximately 50m to 60m of overburden.

Mineralization remains open along strike in both the western and eastern directions. Basement rocks within the mineralized trend are identified primarily as mafic volcanic rocks with varying degrees of alteration. Mineralization is both located within and associated with mafic volcanic intrusives with varying degrees of silicification, metasomatic mineral assemblages and hydrothermal graphite. The graphitic sequences are, associated with the PL-3B basement Electro-Magnetic (EM) Conductor. The R840W zone, located 495m west along strike of the Triple R deposit, now has a defined strike length of 465m and is still open. Drill results within the R840W zone have significantly upgraded the prospectivity of these areas for further growth of the PLS resource on land to the west of the Triple R deposit. The recent discovery of high-grade mineralization further to the west on line 1515W (R1515W zone), located 510m to the west along strike of the R840W zone, has significantly upgraded the prospectivity for further growth to the west along the Patterson Lake Corridor. The recently discovered high-grade mineralization in the R1620E zone, located 210m to the east along strike has significantly upgraded the prospectivity for further growth of the PLS resource to the east of the Triple R deposit.

Updated maps and files can be found on the Company's website at http://fissionuranium.com/project/pls/.

Patterson Lake South Property

The 31,039 hectare PLS project is 100% owned and operated by Fission Uranium Corp. PLS is accessible by road with primary access from all-weather Highway 955, which runs north to the former Cluff Lake mine and passes through the nearby UEX-Areva Shea Creek discoveries located 50km to the north, currently under active exploration and development.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., President and COO for Fission Uranium Corp., a qualified person.

About Fission Uranium Corp.

Fission Uranium Corp. is a Canadian based resource company specializing in the strategic exploration and development of the Patterson Lake South uranium property - host to the class-leading Triple R uranium deposit - and is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia. Fission's common shares are listed on the TSX Exchange under the symbol "FCU" and trade on the OTCQX marketplace in the U.S. under the symbol "FCUUF."
OMAHA  Omaha authorities have identified the body of a man found floating in the Missouri River.

Boaters spotted the body around 2:15 p.m. Sunday. An Omaha Fire Department river rescue team recovered it near Eppley Airfield on the northeast corner of the city.

Omaha police say investigators have identified the man but declined to release his name.

Police say no foul play is suspected in the death.
Brazil, Latin America's largest country in population and area, appears to be coming unstuck politically in the face of persistent corruption among its leaders.



Brazilians impeached their elected president, Dilma Rousseff, last August, based on what was for Brazil minor budgetary sleight of hand. Now her successor, Michel Temer, 76, is under heavy fire, including vigorous action in the streets, in response to the appearance of a tape in which he appears to approve offering bribes to another jailed politician.



Impeachment is being talked about again, but that possible remedy is sullied by the thought that his possible successors are no walk in the sun either. If Temer were impeached, his constitutional successor would be the speaker of the lower house of parliament, the equivalent of America's Paul Ryan. The occupant of that post is Rodrigo Maia, under investigation for graft. The head of Brazil's senate, Eunicio Oliveira, is accused of taking bribes. Former President Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva, once a "man of the people" political hero, is considered a possibility if Temer is pushed out but is facing criminal charges for graft.



All in all, it is such an ugly picture that some Brazilians are wondering if democracy and elections offer them any possibility of putting their country back on a right track. The economy is also not benefiting from the political nightmare.



There is even faint, unrealistic talk of restoring the monarchy. The last emperor, Dom Pedro II, was forced out in a military coup d'etat in 1889, resulting in the establishment of a republican form of government. Brazil has had military governments, most recently in the 1964-85 period. Its current military leaders have indicated that they are not interested in ruling again, wishing not to court the unpopularity that forced them out last time and looking at the formidable economic problems Brazil faces.



They also look at the absolute chaos in neighboring Venezuela, which pits President Nicolas Maduro against an increasingly angry, hostile population.



In the meantime, Temer had to use the military briefly already to counter violent demonstrations in Brasilia, the capital. Also, in the meantime, Brazil's courts, its states' authorities, some members of the legislature and the threat to him inherent in Brazil's constitution limit him in what he can do as a probably corrupt, not very skillful and unpopular president of a nonetheless very important country.







This editorial appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




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.
GRAND ISLAND  Albert Einstein, Mark Twain and St. Francis of Assisi will be gracing the city of Grand Island sometime this summer.

A statue of Einstein will be placed at the airport. Twain's statue will be holding a book on a bench outside the city library. The statue of St. Francis will sit on a bench outside St. Mary's Cathedral.

The statues are part of a public art project undertaken by members of Grow Grand Island, a resident-driven effort to develop the Hall County city. The need for arts and humanities enhancement was identified by a Grow Grand Island committee.

"Art is a unifier across cultures, generations and genders," said committee member Tammy Morris. "Art will attract residents as well as visitors to appreciate the Grand Island community."

Six months ago the group dedicated its first sculpture: the bronze "Imagination Takes Flight" piece at College Park by Grand Island native Matthew Placzek. On Thursday, a dedication ceremony will mark two sculptures placed at Railside Plaza. They were created by Omaha artist Jun Kaneko.

Some local attorneys are trying to raise $39,000 to put a bronze George Washington statue in front of the Hall County Courthouse.

Ray O'Connor, who donated the Einstein, Twain and Assisi statues, said he remembered seeing the statues in Beaver Creek, Colorado, and speaking with his wife, Jennifer, about how they belonged in Grand Island.

"We hope this will raise awareness of how important art is in a community," O'Connor said.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that afflicts an approximate 2.5 million patients world-wide, giving rise to multiple issues regarding quality of life and the potential for disability. Up to 15,000 people are newly diagnosed with MS every year in the US, while another 45,000 experience a clinical precursor with similar symptoms. Distinguishing between MS and other possible neurological conditions typically requires multiple brain MRIs and cerebrospinal fluid testing, which are costly and take a long time. Fortunately, the diagnostic technology company IQuity (pronounced I-Q-witty) has been working to speed that up with an RNA-based test to aid doctors in diagnosing MS, as well as a host of other autoimmune diseases. Medgadget spoke to Vanderbilt University faculty member and IQuitys Founder and CEO, Dr. Chase Spurlock, about the introduction of their IsolateMS diagnostic test to the market.

Mohammad Saleh, Medgadget: Can you tell us about IQuitys mission and the science behind your new technology?

Chase Spurlock, IQuity: IQuity is the product of over 10 years of research that was conducted at Vanderbilt University. We licensed the technology a couple of years ago and continue to advance it and further our understanding of RNA in the context of human disease. At a foundational level, what weve developed is a process that can identify the presence or absence of disease by analyzing gene expression  which is a measurement of real-time activity in cells. By analyzing RNA, you can capture a snapshot of the information taking place molecularly inside cells. Weve harnessed that information and analyzed it to provide new tools for doctors so, when used with other diagnostic methods, they can tell if a patient does or does not have a disease. Im an immunologist by training, and one of the biggest clinical problems is autoimmune disease  when the very system thats meant to keep you healthy actually turns on you and makes you sick. In many cases, we dont know how these diseases arise, and a lot of them are difficult to diagnose. Misdiagnosis is very common, particularly early on.

So we set out to develop a new tool that utilizes RNA to be able to answer this detection question. We found that patients with an autoimmune disease, and even patients with other types of diseases like infections, have very different gene expression patterns that we could detect at the level of RNA. Of the autoimmune diseases that we examined, each individual disease had its own molecular portrait. With the invention of computer-science-based approaches, such as machine learning, that have advanced significantly over the past five or six years, we can now leverage these techniques to be able to analyze our data sets in ways that werent possible 10 years ago. What this allows us to do is to develop clinical assays that measure RNA and then analyze the resulting data using these cutting-edge techniques. This produces a result that is reported to the doctor indicating whether or not a patients molecular portrait or gene expression profile fits with a particular disease. We find that this approach can be used at the earliest onset of symptoms  so this molecular signature is present at the earliest stages of disease. If you look at a lot of the known autoimmune diseases, early diagnosis and treatment leads to the best outcomes. Early diagnosis is key.

Medgadget: You look at lncRNAs, which is different than looking at the mRNA transcriptome. Why is that?

Spurlock: Our original studies, performed more than 10 years ago, focused primarily on protein-coding genes or mRNAs. The dogma at one time was very linear: DNA makes RNA; RNA makes protein  so we thought most of the RNAs code for proteins. But with the completion of the Human Genome Project in the early 2000s and the follow-up ENCODE project, we now appreciate that the vast majority of the genome is transcribed. Of the active transcription, only a small sliver of the genes actively transcribed code for protein. So what does the remainder of this transcription do? Prior to 2010, a relatively new class of non-coding RNA molecules, called lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs), gained significant traction in the literature. These lncRNAs are functionally different from short non-coding RNA (less than 100 base pairs). If you look at the patterns of lncRNA expression across cell types, they are differentially expressed in such a way that they are very indicative of cell identity. lncRNA expression pattern was very specific for a particular type of cell. The work that we did identified one of the first lncRNAs that was differentially expressed in rheumatoid arthritis and found that levels of this lncRNA responded to therapy in a cross-sectional study. That was one of the early links between lncRNAs and autoimmune disease. We followed this up further to look at certain subsets of immune cells in a paper published in Nature Communications in 2015, where we identified lncRNAs that were differentially expressed among T-helper cells  including Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells in humans. Given the cell-type-specific nature of lncRNAs that we found, we followed these studies by examining gen expression profiles in human disease by doing a simple comparison of mRNAs versus lncRNAs in patients. What we found was that in protein-coding genes, you struggle to see a 2-fold difference across case-control comparisons (i.e. healthy controls vs. multiple sclerosis patients). The lncRNAs are much more dynamic, often showing a 4-fold difference or greater. The ability to detect larger and very significant differences in certain patient populations allows for better applications of machine-learning methods so we can carve out specific algorithms and models to contrast disease vs. non-disease.

Medgadget: You mentioned that this is analogous to taking a snapshot look inside the cell. How do these lncRNA expressions change over the course of the diseases that you are interested in?

Spurlock: One of the things that were focused on immediately is the determination of the presence or absence of disease  being able to look inside a blood cell and ask if a patient has an expression profile consistent with multiple sclerosis or not. What were going to be doing in the future is taking that a step further and asking how these lncRNAs change as a consequence of time or therapy. That might allow us to determine, for instance in the case of multiple sclerosis, if a patient is entering a period of relapse. Perhaps one day well develop a test that will give a doctor an early warning system to indicate that a patient is in relapse and therefore needs more aggressive therapy or monitoring. The same holds true for other autoimmune diseases such as Crohns disease, where you have flares that are associated with bowel damage. These could be avoided since clinical treatments are highly effective, and knowing when relapses or remissions are occurring adds to the tools available for the doctors clinical decision-making process.

Medgadget: As I understand it, in its current form, IsolateMS is able to indicate whether a disease exists, but not answer what stage of clinical progression its in. Is this correct?

Spurlock: In the case of MS, we took an approach of trying to identify MS vs. non-MS. The reason we decided to go with that approach stems from the floating nature of the clinical criteria for the stages of MS  the criteria for what constitutes relapsing, remitting, and primary vs. secondary progressive MS is still a moving target. We know that the patient has MS, but its been very difficult for the clinician to definitively say which stage it is. Our algorithms depend on good dataset inputs to train models that can detect whether a molecular profile is specific for different stages of the disease. Given the incomplete nature of the clinical criteria to make those determinations, we decided not to pursue that at this time with this assay. However, it is one of our ongoing R&D goals. We want to take that molecular profile and further interrogate it to define the clinical stage of disease.

Medgadget: How is MS typically diagnosed without IQuitys IsolateMS system?

Spurlock: Ultimately this will be a complementary test in the clinical pathway. Historically, diagnosis for MS was based on clinical criteria alone, and then we progressed to other measurements such as testing spinal fluid or electrical activity in the brain. Diagnosis of MS was revolutionized in 2001 with the inclusion of MRI studies to be able to detect lesions that occur in the central nervous system. The clinical criteria for MRI currently require observation of changes in the size of a lesion over time  which can force a patient to wait for long periods before some physicians are comfortable labeling the diagnosis as clinically definite MS. Spinal fluid analysis has its own difficulties, such as patient discomfort and reduced accuracy compared to other methods. The physicians that weve talked to would like to alternatives to spinal fluid analysis and view our blood test as one such alternative. So we can potentially combine our test with MRI scans in order to have that additional confirmatory test for an MS diagnosis.

Medgadget: Is a blood sample necessary for this test or are other bodily fluids valid as well?

Spurlock: Yes, we need blood because we detect lncRNA from a whole-blood sample thats then collected in a PAXgene tube. We take a few teaspoons of blood from a patients arm and collect it into these tubes that immediately stabilize the RNA  allowing us to capture an immediate snapshot of the transcriptional activity occurring in a cell. This is in contrast to other methods that might use cell sorting or a similar process to isolate particular subsets. If a cell population is out of the body for any length of time, these transcriptional profiles can shift  so having the PAXgene technology to immediately capture the transcriptional profiles of these cells helps us push pause on that process and is key for the assays success. These tubes were a joint venture between BD and Qiagen, and theyve been well documented for their stable shelf life. Weve also tested their stability during shipment over great distances, and theyre one reasons why weve been able to succeed in carving out this disease-related molecular signature.

Medgadget: Are you marketing this platform as a diagnostic or screening technology?

Spurlock: Its a diagnostic. We dont want to be labelled as a screen. This is also a provider-ordered, not direct-to-consumer, test. So doctors would have to have a reason in their medical judgment to order this test because they suspect MS or some other inflammatory neurologic condition and want to use this test to rule it in or out.

Medgadget: Youve developed this around a centralized testing facility. Why did you choose that instead of developing a testing platform for hospitals and other labs?

Spurlock: Great question! We are initially going to go to market as a laboratory-developed test, which is regulated under CMS/CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). To qualify for that, the test has to be produced, sold and marketed by an individual lab. However, if you were to put this test in multiple labs across the country, it would require FDA approval. That may be something we pursue in the future, but were initially going to market as a laboratory-developed test to speed up the time required to introduce this new test to patients.

Medgadget: So by going this route, you were able to get the product to market faster without having to go through the expensive process of clinical trials?

Spurlock: Right, but you have to remember that immediately with the launch of this clinical assay, IQuity will be working with physicians to document the utility of our test in patient populations. We want to see how this test changes the physician decision process and how the patient diagnostic process is altered with the inclusion of this RNA-based assay.

Medgadget: How does this test compare to existing systems when it comes to cost?

Spurlock: If you look at the cost of MRIs and factor in high deductible plans  patients end up paying out of pocket for a number of these procedures because insurance companies are placing limitations on the number of MRI scans that are covered in a particular time period. Looking at the market, the price for a molecular-based test like ours can be $2,000-$5,000. We plan to offer assistance to patients so that the price could be as little as $1,250. It will not initially be covered by insurance companies, so well be going to market with a patient-paid test.

Medgadget: Your company website mentions that youre working on applying the same technology to irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Could you touch on those applications and why you chose these diseases in particular?

Spurlock: Thats part of our expanding portfolio under our Isolate test panels. If a patient comes into the doctors office with gastrointestinal distress, its typically one of two broad classifications: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the case of IBD, Crohns disease affects the entire GI tract, while colitis is confined to a very distinct portion of the tract. So being able to know, at the earliest onset of symptoms, what youre faced with is critical. If a doctor suspects IBS and we detect a signal for IBD, we can get these patients to a gastroenterology clinic so they could be appropriately treated as early as possible. There was actually a study showing that a significant number of patients diagnosed with IBS were in fact Crohns patients and already had significant levels of bowel damage. Unfortunately, once the damage has occurred, its too late. So just like in MS, having a good yes or no assay for IBS, in contrast to these inflammatory processes like IBD, could be of enormous clinical benefit. In the case of MS, were not trying to replace the MRI; and in the case of GI diseases, were not expecting to eliminate scopes. What we are doing is allowing doctors to have an early test that would effectively triage that patient and increase the providers efficiency. So as a primary care doctor who runs this test, I would probably be able to manage IBS in my clinic. But if this is in fact a case of IBD, I need to refer this patient to the GI doctor for a scope appointment and potential initiation of therapy to stave off the bowel damage.

In the case of rheumatology, weve worked for a long time looking at different expression signatures that were present in commonly-seen diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. We were very successful there, but around the year 2009 we saw that the clinical decision-making process for fibromyalgia syndrome was starting to come into focus. Compared to other diseases, such as depression, fibromyalgia had a very distinct molecular portrait. These patients are primarily women that have been struggling to get a diagnosis  theyre in pain and it was something we felt we needed to take a look at. A rheumatologist has to exclude rheumatoid arthritis or lupus before they can give a positive diagnosis of fibromyalgia, so were hoping to provide that extra tool for the clinical decision-making process.

Medgadget: Any estimates on when those assays will be coming to market?

Spurlock: For the GI assay, were anticipating a summer release. In the case of fibromyalgia, were aiming for a fall release. This is all under our Isolate panel to rule in or rule out a disease, and itll be the first wave of these assays. Hopefully someday soon well be able to do disease activity monitoring as well.

Medgadget: As an immunologist, an obvious interest is autoimmune diseases. But Im wondering if IQuitys future goals include other diseases and fields of interest?

Spurlock: If we look at some diseases like Alzheimers, were able to detect distinct profiles in those diseases as well. But we want to be very focused and direct in our approach. According to numbers published by the NIH, autoimmune diseases are right up there with heart disease, diabetes and cancer. If you think about how often we talk about autoimmune disease in the news, its nowhere near these other conditions. Its a tremendously underserved community and were looking to change that.

Medgadget: Where do you see this technology going over the next few years?

Spurlock: I think what were seeing is the birth of an era of RNA diagnostics. I was at a conference recently and it was quoted that with DNA alone, you cant diagnose the majority of human diseases. I believe that is very much the case, and with RNA you can capture an immediate snapshot of whats happening in the body. If you think of your immune system, its out patrolling the provinces of your body and it is capable of seeing things before the physical manifestations of the disease. We need to be able to decode and harness that information. I think that right now were focused on providing a tool for doctors, and wed like to see our ability to monitor these diseases come online in the near future. Apart from our laboratory services, were committed to building out an analytics platform that could be used to partner with drug companies and academic researchers to be able to interrogate RNA data and gain insights that leverage our processes, knowledge, abilities and experience. Developing IQuitys analytics arm is probably one of the biggest goals in my mind for the company.

More information on IQuitys website and about their science

Brochure about IsolateMS for care providers suspecting MS
by Tanya Gazdik , June 5, 2017

Following on the heels of a three-market campaign, car research and shopping platform CarGurus is rolling out a national effort breaking today.

"Detective" and "Motivational Guru" position CarGurus as the simple, easy solution for car shoppers looking to find great car deals from top-rated dealers. The spots play on the notion that while consumers might feel like they need detective skills or even a guru to navigate the complexities of car shopping, CarGurus makes it fast and easy to find the perfect deal. Plum14 handled creative with Director Nick Spooner of The Sweet Shop and Chirp Films. Ocean Media handled media planning.

The Cambridge, Mass.-based company launched the two TV spots in April to kick off the company's first mass-media awareness advertising campaign. The 30-second commercials aired on network and cable television in Nashville, Austin and Denver, concurrent with a national YouTube campaign. For the national rollout, the brand will test initially on a wide array of both broadcast and cable networks with a variety of programming and dayparts, then optimizing to those that perform the best, says Sarah Welch, CarGurus SVP of consumer marketing.

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As we move into brand marketing were still very committed to measuring and optimizing performance, Welch tells Marketing Daily. Our primary target is in-market auto shoppers, but with our expansion into TV, were also investing to build broader brand awareness to fuel long-term business growth.

The brand has more than 20 million unique visitors a month, but lags in brand awareness versus more established players in the space who have been building their brands for decades, she says.

We view this investment in our brand as an opportunity to build on and extend our growing market presence, Welch says. We see this investment building top of funnel awareness and engagement with our brand, but also playing a strong supporting role in improving the efficiency of our existing performance marketing efforts by increasing familiarity and trust with our brand. Were tracking the impact of our TV efforts on traffic and conversions on our site and have been very pleased with the results from initial regional testing.

In terms of specific audience targeting, the brands core leans toward males with a fair number of Millennials, she says.

So the programming is skewed a bit towards reaching that target audience to start, but the campaign will have a broad reach, Welch says. We will test and learn what drives the best results and optimize accordingly.

Founded in 2006 by Langley Steinert, co-founder of TripAdvisor, CarGurus is the top U.S. third-party car shopping and research platform, as measured by unique monthly mobile user traffic per comScore. The company has grown primarily through digital channels and word of mouth.
MARTELL  Lincoln-area hunters will have a new place to zero their rifles for this year's deer season.

A 100-yard sighting-in range  where hunters go to ensure the sights on their rifles are properly aligned  is scheduled to open this summer at Killdeer Lake in southwest Lancaster County. If it's deemed a success, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission plans to place similar facilities in wildlife management areas around the state.

"This is going to benefit hunters quite heavily in Nebraska," said Jeff Rawlinson, who oversees hunter education and shooting range development for Game and Parks.

Target shooting is generally allowed at the state's wildlife management areas, but is restricted in places close to population centers because of safety concerns, said Jeff Hoffman, assistant administrator with the wildlife division at Game and Parks.

That leaves local hunters with few options to prepare their rifles before hitting the fields.

At the Killdeer range, which is still being built, hunters will fire into a concrete tube that helps limit noise and prevent wayward shots from hitting anything but the berm at the far end of the range.

Ryan Dethlefsen is thankful for the addition.

In Sutherland, his hometown, he lived a quick drive from two ranges where he could sight-in his rifle for deer season. Around Lincoln, where he lives now, he struggles to find a safe spot.

"There's no public gun range around Lincoln to go sight-in a deer rifle," he said.

The $100,000 Killdeer range is being built using a mix of private and federal grants.

Despite the safety features, Chuck Nyhoff, a retired carpenter for Lincoln Public Schools who has lived near Killdeer Lake for about 35 years, still worries about the sound of gunshots and the well-being of his 12-year-old twin grandsons, who fish and ride bicycles at the lake.

People still shoot bottles at Killdeer and Cottontail Lake down the road, he said, even though both lakes have signs saying target practice is prohibited. He figures the range will attract more scofflaws.

Plus, he said, "I know I'll hear it."

Roger Hudson, who lives about a mile west of the lake, isn't concerned. He trusts Game and Parks to build a safe facility that won't produce too much noise.

Many people in the area already allow hunters or target shooting on their land, he said.

"Out here in the country, you know, we all shoot. That's one of the reasons we move out in the country  so we can shoot."
by Wayne Friedman , June 5, 2017

Ad technology company Simulmedia's internal software system will now be available to outside media agencies and marketers.

Its Video Advertising Marketing Operating System (VAMOS), which optimizes TV campaigns on audience and outcomes, will now be licensed to marketers, agencies, and TV/media owners as a Software as a Service (SaaS).

Marketers can incorporate their own first-party data into VAMOS. It can create custom audiences based on CRM, first- and third-party data and granular viewing behavior, factoring in 180 million viewing events each day and 25,000 targeting attributes for nearly 60,000 different brands.

VAMOS evaluates hundreds of millions of combinations of national media plans to deliver the most effective campaign.

Dave Morgan, CEO of Simulmedia, says VAMOS is distinct; it predicts TV viewing patterns weeks ahead of program air dates and recommending campaigns.

Users can integrate their data with other data from MRI, Nielsen, Oracle, IRI, Nielsen Catalina Systems and others.

Simulmedia says with VAMOS, it has worked with dozens of marketers like Clorox, The Home Depot and Choice Hotels for their national TV ad campaigns.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 5, 2017

The National Center for Public Policy Research's Free Enterprise Project (FEP) is asking Alphabet, Google's parent company, to explain the logic behind some "questionable" grants.

The FEP asks shareholders to vote for Proposal No. 10 during Alphabet's shareholder meeting Wednesday that would require the company to publish a transparency report. It would increase accountability and could help Alphabet avoid unnecessary controversies, according to a letter written to shareholders by National Center General Counsel and FEP Director Justin Danhof.

He wrote in a statement that Alphabet should provide additional transparency around the company's funding for "those endeavors that provide a benefit to the communities and initiatives germane to the company or that create general goodwill."

Danhof finds it difficult to see how donations to groups like the Clinton Foundation and the Center for American Progress fit within the criteria for donations. He is asking shareholders to vote for proposal No. 10 at Alphabet's shareholders meeting that takes place Wednesday.

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FEP's Proposal No. 10 asks the company to provide an annual report that discloses the company's standards for choosing recipients of company assets in the form of charitable contributions. It also asks for the company to explain the business rationale and purpose for each of the charitable contributions, and for the names of those asking for the contribution and the benefits to society. It also wants Alphabet to publish a follow-up report confirming the contribution was made for the stated purpose.

In Danhof's prepared comments for the Alphabet meeting, he notes that Alphabet's donation to the Center for American Progress is highly controversial. Under the direction of John Podes, CAP, which has been accused of anti-Semitism, "wrote the blueprint for the Obama Administration's expansion of executive power."

Alphabet, most recently, lodged complaints about the same use of executive power now with President Donald Trump in office. Podes later became chairman of Hillary Clintons presidential campaign.

This is nothing new for the National Center for Public Policy Research's FEP. The activist group has presented similar proposals at Apple and GE meetings. It also has presented proposals on reporting return on investments for Google's energy projects and disclosing conflicts of interests.

In 2013, The FEP approached google about the issue of gun ads on the Google Ad platform as President Obama heated up discussions of controversial gun laws in the U.S.
by Maarten Albarda , Featured Contributor, June 5, 2017

Attentive readers will have noticed that todays column has a new name, and I guess we must talk about that first. We are now known as Media Insider versus our old name of Online Spin.

I think changing the name of a column is a minor event in the grand scheme of things. But the fact that were dropping something called Online in the name of a column and replacing it with the word Media tells us a lot about the state and direction of the advertising and media industry.

It was a mere decade ago that trying to convince marketers to shift some budgets to online was a very difficult thing. At a company where I started during the back end of the last decade, the average global digital spend was below 3%!

Many companies back then had objectives like shift x% of total advertising dollars to digital. Evangelists roamed the speaker circuit making fun of companies and CMOs that spent little to nothing on digital advertising.

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Fast-forward to today. There is a whole (greedy and part seedy) tech industry that eats massive amounts of digital ad dollars, to the extent that digital budgets are now larger than almost any other slice of the marketing pie. We struggle with significant issues like digital ROI and attribution, transparency, fraud, net neutrality, ad blocking and more. Google and Facebook are the largest advertising platforms on the planet.

And marketers spend a disproportionate amount of time trying to understand it all.

So yeah, digital media has gone from marginal to massive in 10 years, and is now as much mainstream media as TV is. Heck, in some cases, digital is TV (and vice versa).

So with that out of the way, we can address an event from last week that falls more or less in the same category of digital driving media: WPPs announcement that it was merging MEC and Maxus, two of their media agency brands.

This is not an insignificant event, first of all for the people that work in either of the two companies, as jobs will be lost, which is never fun.

Second, clients (we assume) choose their media agency partner with great care, but now that agency will cease to exist as an individual entity. The name will change, the people will change (and might struggle a little with motivation during the uncertain transition), the headquarters will move (from London to New York no less), the CEO will change. As an advertiser, you might even find that a major competitor is now part of your newly merged agency client roster. Oopsies!

We have always stated that all global media holding companies are, first and foremost, financially driven companies, and agency service providers second. There is nothing wrong with this, as long as marketers understand that, ultimately, the agencys first priority is Wall Street.

Advertisers are significantly restructuring their agency ecosystems and rewriting their agency contracts because of recent revelations about media agencies digital media practices and industry challenges. So this merger is all about cost savings and responding to an environment where managing clients media assignments is becoming less profitable  especially since digital media is the largest chunk of a clients media budget.

If youre a WPP shareholder, youre all for the merger. If you are otherwise impacted by the merger, I hope it works for you, too.
by Philip Rosenstein , June 5, 2017

No matter how poorly Donald Trump may treat the press, his administration has deep, lasting connections to American media.

Beyond the obvious links through senior White House advisors Steve Bannon (former Breitbart chairman), Jared Kushner (former New York Observer owner) and campaign advisor Roger Ailes (former Fox News CEO), a recent investigation by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) reveals the Trump campaign gave about $150,000 to conservative outlet The Daily Caller.

Owned by Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, the funds given to The Daily Caller were undisclosed to Fox News viewers  even though Carlson interviewed candidate Trump, appeared to promote his positions and complained about biased reporting against him.

According to the investigation, The Daily Caller received the $150,000 in 2016 in return for access to its email list server.

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The Trump campaign sent about 25 emails to the news sites email list at the tail end of the 2016 presidential election, September-November. The site touts a 20-million strong unique readership audience.

The standard price for the reach would have been around $150,000. Such email blasts would have been far more expensive closer to Election Day.

Carson himself would have received a portion of the funds as a result of his leadership role at The Daily Caller, raising serious questions about his independence during Fox News coverage of the presidential campaign.

Of note: Donald Trump tweeted a number of Daily Caller articles to his Twitter followers during the campaign. Later, he chose Tucker Carlson to host a two-part interview, which included access to Air Force One.

These revelations challenge the ubiquitous response from the White House that mainstream media is biased and captured solely by liberal interests.

The investigation also revealed a troubling relationship between the Web site and its nonprofit arm  The Daily Caller News Foundation.

Our investigation uncovered that his tax-exempt charity appears to operate for the benefit of his for-profit media group, raising serious questions about whether American taxpayers are being forced to subsidize his business, stated Lisa Graves, executive director of The Center for Media and Democracy.

How much has he made from these arrangements? Carlson owes the American people  including the viewers who trust him  honest answers, and probably a refund, she added.

The Daily Caller, cofounded by Carlson and Neil Patel, a former Dick Cheney aide, debuted in January 2010. The controversial firebrand Ann Coulter is a columnist. His opinion editor is Moira Bagley, the Republican National Committee's press secretary in 2008. The site's $3 million in funding comes from Wyoming financier Foster Friess, a major GOP donor of conservative and Christian causes.

The site is part of the White House's rotating press pool.
Guardian, Monday, June 5, 2017 12:22 PM

Privacy International, an advocacy group, has challenged the EUs Investigatory Powers Act, arguing that its bulk collection of email and social media data is illegal. After a minutes silence in memory of the victims of the attack in London on Saturday, the investigatory powers tribunal (IPT) said it was considering whether to refer the issue  concerning the use by GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 of bulk communication data  back to the court of justice of the European Union in Luxembourg," Guardian reports.

Read the whole story at Guardian 
GameStop Corp. is a specialty retailer founded in 1999 and headquartered in Grapevine, Texas. The company was originally known as GSC Holdings Corp. but later changed its name following its IPO. Originally a brand of then dominant Babbages, Gamestop altered the way video games were distributed and it is now the world's largest retailer of video games and video game accessories. The company went public in 2004 and operated 4,573 stores at the start of 2022. Brands under the company umbrella include Gamestop, EB Games, and Micromania as well as 50 pop-culture-themed Zing Pop locations.

Gamestop Corp. provides video games and entertainment products through its global network of e-commerce properties and stores. The company sells new and pre-owned gaming platforms and accessories like controllers, headsets, memory cards, and gaming software as well as in-game products like digital currency, downloadable content, and games. The company also sells new and used memorabilia and collectibles. Genres include TV, movie, comic book, and game characters as well as many other items from pop culture. GameStop Corp. also operates Game Informer, a magazine and website dedicated to the gaming industry including reviews, updates, and new developments in technologies.

Game enthusiasts enjoy two primary benefits of using Gamestop. The first is access to the full range of games and gaming accessories. The second is the ability to sell or trade their old equipment and games for fair prices. All old equipment is refurbished to a like-new state before resale.

In 2021 Gamestop announced it was entering the world of cryptocurrency. The company revealed plans to build an NFT (non-fungible token) platform for listing, selling, and holding digital or digitized artwork and collectibles. The beta version launched in 2022 and has so far seen great success with an average daily volume exceeding $1 million. The NFT marketplace also featured Web3.0 games in which characters and in-game items are held forever on the blockchain. As of September 2022, the most successful retailer on the NFT marketplace was Gamestop Presents, a collaboration of cover art from Game Informer Magazine. Sales at the time were just under 168 ETH or about $221,500.00.

GameStop began a slide in 2016 following a series of bad investments that included a foray into the world of mobile phones. The slide came to an end in late 2021 when shareholders using the Reddit thread Wallstreet Bets orchestrated a short-squeeze and brought on the age of meme stocks.
CHADRON  He never made it to the moon, but somehow, Richard Dabney landed here.

Meet the rocket scientist who brought rock 'n' roll back to Chadron: a guy who grew so frustrated with the straight-lined logic and pencil-pushing bosses at NASA, he gave up a career as an aerospace engineer and moved a thousand miles to the Nebraska Pandhandle to start a radio station.

This college town in the middle of ranching country draws many artists and academics from far-flung places.

"I'm the only one who came here to do radio," Dabney says.

He grew up in Kentucky and had never visited Nebraska before he learned a slice of FM signal across this semi-arid expanse of the Great Plains was among 288 permits being auctioned by the Federal Communications Commission in 2004.

Chadron boasted a low cost of living, little crime, a college, an airport and  most importantly  no rock on the airwaves since KPNY went Christian.

So Dabney paid $3,500 for the FCC permit, $50,000 for equipment and another $35,000 to build a 199-foot tower in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, before transmitting his first tune  he thinks it was Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World"  on 93.7 KVAR in 2008.

The Alleycat now broadcasts commercial-free rock from east of Gordon along U.S. 20 to Harrison in the west, as far south as Alliance and as far north as Hermosa, South Dakota, and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Repeaters carry the same songs with a bit more clarity on 88.7 in Chadron and 88.1 in Crawford.

And Dabney, 57, haunts the bar at the historic Old Main Street Inn, sipping glass mugs of beer and hunting for ghosts using an iPad app that converts magnetic fields into words.

He's a quirky figure in this city of less than 6,000: a pilot, patron of the local music scene and a proud promoter of a place he'd never heard of until 12 years ago.

"I dont know how you can miss him," says close friend Ed Hughes, a local author who writes under the name Poe Ballantine.

Dabney is tall, with long, curly, gray hair, aviator-framed glasses, and a collection of brightly colored shirts and several leather jackets.

His conversations  even with strangers  tend to veer quickly and wildly off course.

"The listener nevertheless might be spellbound, and might find himself two hours later walking dazed into the sunlight and wondering if it was all true," Hughes says.

The night he met with a reporter, Dabney's obsession was his ghost app.

He's found that hunting for paranormal phenomena provides a unique window into the histories of Chadron and surrounding towns, revealing intimate stories about the fur traders, soldiers and other folks who once settled these parts.

"Chadron, you know, has a Wild West history, and so we think maybe that is part of why there are such interesting things and places and buildings," says Rossella Tesch, director at the local library, who hosts a pair of haunted walks with Dabney every July during Fur Trade Days.

She's also an Alleycat listener, tuning in most days on her way home to Gordon.

"It's good rock  old rock. Something to keep me alert."

Most days, Dabney's station plays anything from The Kinks to Death Cab for Cutie on random rotation, with occasional live shows broadcast from the Bean Broker coffee shop or other venues around town.

For a while, Chadron State College students could DJ from campus, but the studio went dark after an instructor left the school.

So there's no DJ, although sometimes, you can catch the owner's recorded voice during station identification.

And the random shuffle has a perk: It introduces people to tunes they might never hear on their curated smartphone playlists or the algorithm-chosen rhythms on Pandora or Spotify radio.

"They change their view of the world, their view of themselves, their view of life."

Dabney joined NASA for the paycheck. Radio was his first love, and remains his truest passion: "It still seems like magic."

His mother bought him his first radio when he was 5. Now he keeps 200 antique radios in his cluttered home, along with nearly 5,000 vinyl records and 1,500 CDs.

"There's magic in music, and there's magic in the way it comes through the airwaves," he said. "If there's no magic in the music, we don't play it.

"That's a way of adding a little bit of something to western civilization."
The following companies are subsidiares of Textron: AAI Corporation, AAI Services Corporation, ALSTOM Gears, Able Aerospace, Able Aerospace Services Inc., Able Engineering & Component Services, Aeronautical Accessories LLC, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company LLC, Arctic Cat, Arctic Cat ACE Holding GmbH, Arctic Cat France SARL, Arctic Cat GmbH, Arctic Cat Inc., Arctic Cat Production LLC, Arctic Cat Production Support LLC, Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Arctic Cat Shared Services LLC, Arctic Cat UK Ltd., Arkansas Aerospace Inc., Avco Corporation, Aviation Service servis letal doo Ljubljana, Aylesbury Automation, B/K Navigational Equipment sro, BELL TEXTRON ASIA (PTE.) LTD., Beech Aircraft Corporation, Beech Holdings, Beechcraft Defense Support Holding LLC, Beechcraft Domestic Service Company, Beechcraft Germany GmbH, Beechcraft International Holding LLC, Beechcraft International Service Company, Beechcraft New Zealand, Bell Textron Canada International Inc., Bell Textron Canada Limited/Limitee, Bell Textron Co. Ltd, Bell Textron Inc., Bell Textron Korea Inc., Bell Textron LLC, Bell Textron Miami Inc., Bell Textron Prague a.s., Bell Textron Rhode Island Inc., Bell Textron Services Inc., Bell Textron Supply Center BV, Bell Textron Technical Services Inc., Benzlers, Brazaco Mapri Industrias, Burkland, Cessna Aircraft Company, Cessna Citation European Service Center SAS (99.9%; 1 share  Textron France SAS), Cessna Dusseldorf Citation Service Center GmbH, Cessna Finance Corporation, Cessna Finance Export Corporation, Cessna Mexico S de RL de CV, Cessna Spanish Citation Service Center SLU, Cessna Zurich Citation Service Center GmbH, Citation Parts Distribution International Inc., Cushman Inc., Datacom Technologies, David Brown Group, Doncaster Citation Service Centre Limited, E-Z-GO Canada Limited, Energy Manufacturing, Flexalloy, HBC LLC, Hawker Beech de Mexico S de RL de CV, Hawker Beechcraft Argentina SA , Howe & Howe Inc., Howe and Howe Technologies, Industrial Technology Inc., InteSys Technologies, International Product Support Inc., KSB Annecy SAS, Kautex (Changchun) Plastics Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Chongqing) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Guangzhou) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Pinghu) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Shanghai) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Wuhan) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex Corporation, Kautex Craiova srl, Kautex Germany Holding GmbH, Kautex Inc., Kautex Japan KK, Kautex Shanghai GmbH, Kautex Textron (UK) Limited, Kautex Textron Benelux BVBA, Kautex Textron Bohemia spol sro, Kautex Textron CVS Limited, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, Kautex Textron Iberica SL, Kautex Textron Management Services Company de Puebla S. de RL de CV, Kautex Textron Portugal  Produtos Plasticos Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., Kautex Textron de Mexico S de RL de CV, Kautex Textron do Brasil Ltda., Kautex of Georgia Inc., Kaywood Products Corp., Klauke, LCI Corporation International, LLC Textron RUS, Maag, McCord Corporation, Mechtronix, Medical Numerics Inc., Midland Industrial Plastics, MillenWorks, MillenWorks Themed Technologies, MotorFist LLC, OPINICUS Simulation and Training Services LLC, OmniQuip International, Opinicus, Optical Boring Co., Opto-Electronics, Opto-Electronics Inc., Overwatch Systems, PEINER Umformtechnik, Pipistrel, Pirelli Tyres - General Rubber Goods (GRG) division, Premiair Aviation Maintenance Pty Ltd, Progressive Electronics, Ransomes, Ransomes Inc., Ransomes Investment LLC, Ransomes Jacobsen France SAS, Ransomes Jacobsen Limited, Ransomes Limited, Ransomes Pensions Trustee Company Limited, Replacement Part Solutions LLC, Response Technologies LLC, Rotor Blades Limited, Sukosim Verbindungselemente, TRU Simulation & Training Spain SL, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., TRU Simulation + Training LLC, TekGPS Engineering Srl, Textron Airland LLC, Textron Atlantic LLC, Textron Aviation Australia Pty. Ltd., Textron Aviation Canada Ltd., Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Textron Aviation Finance Corporation, Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Prague Service Center sro, Textron Aviation Rhode Island Inc., Textron Aviation Services de Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Capital BV, Textron Communications Inc., Textron Far East Pte. Ltd., Textron Finance Holding Company, Textron Financial Corporation, Textron Financial Corporation Receivables Trust 2002-CP-2, Textron Fluid and Power Inc., Textron France Holding SAS, Textron France SAS, Textron Global Services Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment UK Limited, Textron IPMP Inc., Textron India Private Limited , Textron Innovations Inc., Textron International Inc., Textron International Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Limited, Textron Management Services Inc., Textron Motors GmbH, Textron Motors North America Inc., Textron Outdoor Power Equipment Inc., Textron Realty Corporation, Textron Shared Service Centre (Canada) Inc., Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Textron Sweden AB, Textron Systems Australia Holding Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Canada Inc., Textron Systems Corporation, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK (Holdings) Limited, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK Limited, Textron Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Textron UK Pension Trustee Limited, Textron Verwaltungs-GmbH, Turbine Engine Components Textron (Newington Operations) Inc., United Industrial Corporation, Westminster Insurance Company, Williams Machine & Tool, and Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Services Limited.

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Ace Pan African broadcaster, Anita Erskine has just been identified and celebrated from the other side of the world... Australia, in a campaign specially designed to highlight outstanding women around the world.

In a series of tweets published from both the twitter handles @kristinferguson and @CelebratingWom. Dr Kristin Ferguson, a board member Australia's national broadcaster, ABC Australia and an ardent Womens advocate, described the facets of Erskine, which allows for her inclusion in the Celebrating Women campaign.

It is no secret that Anita Erskine is deeply passionate about Women's issues and has consistently proven her commitment to lending her voice and personality to initiatives designed to support Women's groups, international agencies and recently became of Starr 103.5FM's Starr Woman Project.

For more on the #CelebratingWomen campaign, visit CelebratingWomen Facebook

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Akumaa Mama Zimbi, known in private life as Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, will hold her annual National Widows Alliance Conference (NAWAC-2017) on Saturday, June 17, a progamme she has been undertaking to empower widows by bringing them under one umbrella.

The event, according to the organisers, will take place at the Accra International Trade Fair Centre from 8:00am.

The theme for this special event which is also to celebrate the United Nations International Widows Day is 'Empowering Women for Greater Achievements'.

This year's event is expected to attract a large number of personalities, including ministers of state and female celebrities.

The event will also witness live musical performances from some selected Ghanaian hiplife, highlife and gospel artistes who will entertain guests who will grace the event.

According to the organisers, a number of activities will take place during the conference and some of the activities include singing and dancing by widow groups, mini trade fair, medical screening, among others.

The event is being sponsored by UniBank, Indomie Instant Noodles, Everpure Purified Water, Joy Dadi Bitters, GTP, Yeripa Jasmine Rice, Minataand Daughters Porridge Servings, Mobile Engineering Services, Kalyppo, Bedita Pharmacy and a host of others.

NAWAC is an initiative by the Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF) through its Widows Alliance Network (WANE) project for sustainable socio-economic development of widows in Ghana.

By George Clifford Owusu
Nat Brew, popularly known in the showbiz industry as Amandzeba, is spearheading a music concert to champion the liberation of Palestinians from Israeli occupation.

The musician and his colleagues will on Friday, July 14 organise a musical concert dubbed 'African Voices for Palestine' at the National Theatre in Accra to express their solidarity with the Palestinians.

The event which is being organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign Ghana will witness some renowned artistes performing alongside Amandzeba.

Some of artistes billed to perform at the event are Knii Lante Blankson, Stonebwoy, Kwabena Kwabena, Jackie Ankrah and Gyedu Blay-Ambulley.

Others are Black Rasta, Edem, Rocky Dawuni, Pozo Hayes, Klala, Besa Simons, Naa Amanua, Miata Fambulley from Liberia, among others, who will entertain prospective audiences with contemporary and old-time songs.

Speaking at the launch of the event at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, Amandzeba Nat Brew stated that the concert was motivated by the historic struggle of the Palestinians similar to that of the people of South Africa who endured suffering under apartheid, where musical concerts organised around the world contributed significantly to bring an end to that system of governance.

According to him, The Palestinians have suffered assassination and detentions without trial while their farms have been destroyed and lands stolen from them and denied access to water. Palestinian refugees have also been denied the right to return to their homeland.

We are protesting against these crimes against the Palestine people hence a number of musicians including; myself decided to organise this concert, he explained.

Amandzeba, therefore, called on other stakeholders, including members of parliament, trade union leaders, political parties, youth and students' groups, chiefs and the public to join them during the concert.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Osama Bin Laden may be dead physically today, but his spirit and what he stood for, will live on forever, unless, and until the question or the grievance he and other like-minded individuals have, are addressed (Palestinian Statehood and Western Military presence in some Arab countries).

Bin Laden was not just an uneducated person hiding somewhere in the remote mountains of Afghanistan (Tora Bora), spotting a long beard and clinging onto an AK 47 assault rifle, but a literate person with a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Bin Laden, who in the late 1990s became a guest of the Taliban after fleeing Sudan, did not start the problems of Afghanistan that has refused to go till date. Lets go down memory lane!

Before the arrival of Soviet troops in Afghanistan in December 1979, the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan had taken power after a 1978 coup , installing Nur Mohammad Taraki as President. The administration of Taraki initiated a series of radical modernization reforms throughout the country which turned out to be highly unpopular, particularly among the more traditional rural population and the well-established traditional power structures. The government vigorously suppressed any opposition and arrested thousands, executing as many as 27,000 political prisoners. Anti-government armed groups were formed, and by April 1979 large parts of the country was in open rebellion. The government itself was insecure, with in-party rivalry, and in September 1979, the President was deposed by followers of Hafizullah Amin , who then became President. Deteriorating relations and worsening rebellions led the Soviet government, under leader Leonid Brezhnev , to deploy the 40th Army on December 24, 1979. Arriving in the capital Kabul , they staged a coup , killing President Amin and installing Soviet loyalist Babrak Karmal from a rival faction , as President of Afghanistan. Afghanistan has known no peace since then. This is all as a result of failure to address the grievances of a section of the Afghan population.

Taking this to a much wider perspective to drive the point home, during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, some of the liberation leaders were killed along the way. Those that easily come to mind are Steve Biko and Chris Hani. Steve Biko received anonymous threats and was detained by the apartheid government security services on four occasions. Following his arrest in August 1977, Biko was tortured by state security officers, resulting in fatal head injuries, and died shortly after.

Chris Hani was assassinated on 10th April 1993 outside his home in Dawn Park , South Africa. He was accosted by a far-right anti-communist immigrant named Janusz Walus , from Poland, who shot him in the head and back as he stepped out of his car. Walus fled the scene, but was arrested soon afterwards after Hanis neighbour, a white Afrikaner woman, called the police. Clive Derby-Lewis , a senior South African Conservative Party MP and Shadow Minister for Economic Affairs at the time, who had lent Walus his pistol, was also arrested for complicity in Hanis murder.

Historically, the assassination is seen as a turning point. Serious tensions followed the assassination, with fears that violence could erupt and plunge South Africa into the abyss. Nelson Mandela addressed the nation appealing for calm, in a speech regarded as presidential even though he was not yet President of South Africa. He said, Tonight, I am reaching out to every single South African, black and white, from the very depths of my being. A white man, full of prejudice and hate, came to our country and committed a deed so foul that our whole nation now teeters on the brink of disaster. A white woman, of Afrikaner origin, risked her life, so that we may know, and bring to justice, this assassin. The cold-blooded murder of Chris Hani has sent shock waves throughout the country and the world. ... Now is the time for all South Africans to stand together against those who, from any quarter, wish to destroy what Chris Hani gave his life for, thus, the freedom of all of us.

While riots did follow the assassination, the two sides of the negotiation process were galvanized into action, and they soon agreed that democratic elections should take place on 27th April 1994, just over a year after Hanis assassination. Grievance addressed and today, we have a peaceful South Africa.

The message to Presidents, Prime Ministers, Chief Executive Officers, Managing Directors, heads of organisations/institutions, etc., is that, when grievances are raised, side-stepping them does not solve the problem. Negotiating to find a common ground, is the only way out. Military might and other dubious methods, are not the solution! Has the killing of Bin Laden stopped the springing up of Boko Haram, Islamic State, and several others? No!!

Currently, a section of the Ghana Armed Forces, have raised some grievances with regard to their deployment in the fight against galamsey following the degrading and worse than animal killing of Capt. Mahama. The current leadership of mother Ghana need not brush those grievances aside!

Alhassan Salifu Bawah

Lecturer & Social Commentator

[email protected]
The writer

05.06.2017 LISTEN

It is estimated that 400,000 Junior High School (JHS) students will sit for this year's Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE). The examination will commence on Monday, June 5, 2017 and will end on Friday, June 9, 2017.

The BECE, for now, is a major determinant of the destinies of 1000s Ghanaian children as those who are unable to gain admission into the secondary, technical, and vocational schools due to poverty or failure in the exams find themselves on the street.

This year's BECE is a special one; it's a special one because the government has indicated its willingness and commitment to make it free for all students who will pass and be placed into public senior high, agriculture, technical and vocational schools by the Computer School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) of the GES.

What is not clear to me, and I am sure majority of Ghanaians is what constitutes a pass. My doubt is incensed by the partisan nature the BECE cut-off point has been subjected to for the past few years.

In recent past, grade 6 in a particular BECE subject was considered a pass and when a student was able to get grade 6 in 5 subjects, the student was given aggregate 30. This aggregate 30 thus, became the cut-off point for the selection and placement of the graduates into secondary schools.

However, there have been occasions where JHS graduates with aggregate 40 and above are considered admission into some public schools, something which was a worry to majority of Heads of our Educational Institutions.

There is a rumour that, the NPP government under President Nana Akufo-Addo intends to bring the cut-off point to aggregate 21. The reason being that, a few could make it to the secondary level to lessen the financial burden of the government as the free SHS takes off in September.

For me, if that is the intention of the government, then it is dangerous and I would be disappointed. This is because, most students in the public schools, especially in the rural areas and less-endowed schools would be at a disadvantage.

For instance, in some of these less-endowed schools in the hinterlands, the best aggregate sometimes begins from 26. How could these students, most of whom are from the poor families, enjoy the free SHS? How does the NPP's intention of redefining basic education to encompass senior high school be comes a reality? And don't we think that only the children of the rich will enjoy the free SHS?

I learnt that the proprietors of private senior high schools are pushing for the cut-off point to be low so that, the rejected students after the Computer Placements could enrol at the private schools to keep them in business. If this is true, then I am sorry for Ghana.

Whilst wishing all BECE Candidates, including my lovely eldest daughter, Yaa Boatemaa Agyemang the best of luck, I would urge the Hon. Minister of Education and for that matter, the government to come clear on the cut-off point for the 2017 BECE. This will remove any doubts in the minds of parents and students.

God bless Ghana!! God bless 2017 BECE Candidates!! God bless Nana Akufo-Addo!!!

Katakyie Kwame Opoku Agyemang - 0202471070

Asante Bekwai-Asakyiri
The Germany Branch of the NPP wishes to express it's condolence to the family of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama, especially his wife, children, parents and the Ghana Armed Forces. The Captain was lynched by a mob at Denkyira-Odumase in the Central Region, after the residents mistook him for an armed robber. Over the years, innocent victims have lost their lives as a result of mob action and instant justice. The perpetrators have offended the collective conscience of Ghanaians.

It's quite unfortunate that the heartless officials of the NDC, especially Johnson Aseidu Nketia, Koku Anyidoho, Solomon Nkansah and others are making capital with their propaganda out of the unfortunate incident. It is needless for the General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Aseidu Nketia to attribute the death of Captain Adam Mahama to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.

The NDC accusing the President of presiding under impunity is mischievous. Capitalizing on the death of Captain Adam Mahama to score cheap political points at a time the country is grieving smacks of signs of irresponsible opposition.With their selfish and trivial political propaganda of lies and mischief, and from the way they are still talking recklessly as they did while in government, they surely are not aware of the cause of their defeat. The NDC propaganda theories concerning the death of Captain Adam Mahama are very insensitive, shameful and irresponsible.

This is not the time to resort to the dirty politics the NDC is noted for. Any attempt to sidestepped the truth will be fatal and a step backwards to our democratic credentials. We must all do away with politics and fix culpability where it ought to be. Ghanaians are mourning the painful death of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama and would not accept any attempt at watering this sad episode with cheap politics.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has call for a full scale investigation into the matter with immediate effect, so as to bring all the perpetrators to justice. People taking the law into their own hands, especially visiting brutal acts on defenceless persons is not a civilised way of dealing with issues. The Police has started putting in place measures to eradicate mob action which has been with us for decades. Ghanaians must have confidence in our security and judicial system, as it's not right that we take the law into our own hands.

Alex Tuffour

Communication Director

NPP Germany
The writer

05.06.2017 LISTEN

The spirit of the revolution shall not die! On this occasion of 38th anniversary of the June 4th uprising, I salute all fellow Cadres, comrades and all those who have held on to the spirit of the revolution to date. The June 4 revolution gave hope to our country Ghana and its institutions at the time. Patriotisms, devotion and commitment were the virtues exhibited by men and women that eventually changed the course of our country, Ghana. That was the day our great party, the NDC was conceived, the day that reversed the clock of economic, social and political failure.

It was through the vision and sacrifice of Ft. Lt. Jerry Rawlings and the June 4th movement that brought a clear departure from the abominable norms and disorders of our society at the time. J.J Rawlings, in fact, represents the greatest national security assets and virtue that averted total collapse of the country Ghana. The presence of Jerry Rawlings and the June 4th Movement put a stop to all military coups in Ghana since then. And the security of Ghana was secured.

This was so because, the June 4th and the subsequent 31 December uprising was not financed by stooges - internal collaborators, and their imperialist colonial masters. In fact, it was undertaken by men of conscience, principle and integrity who were passionate of correcting the canker that was eating up our values and society at large at the time.

The economic conditions before the revolution were very much unbearable and have been described in some academic quarters as shambolic and beyond human endurance. In fact the economic degradation that the country Ghana found itself in was due to the series of military takeovers and equally and importantly the incompetent quasi-democratic civilian regimes that were in control of the nation's affair at the time. Today the population appear to lacking the needed confidence in the police and the military, attacking them and in some instances destroying lives and property.

Who born dog! I still remember how the state of Ghana looked like before the coming of J. J. Rawlings, the modern father of Ghana. Our industries were collapsed, progressive development projects were abandoned, the Judiciary was a failure, public institutions have all stopped functioning and in fact, about 90% of our road networks were not motorable. It took up 4 days some times to travel from Accra through Kumasi to Mim in the Brong-Ahafo region.

Those, who today, want to distant themselves from the Revolutions can, join the opposition to our party to do so. The opposition then was and still very much aware of the achievements and the significant of the June 4th Revolutions and in fact, became scared of its continuous celebration and remembrance; and so outlawed it as a public holiday. Why? They believe, showing the video of the state of Ghana before and after, on each commemoration day of the Revolution, will keep them (opposition) perpetually where they belong.

But you know what? Let us welcome all who have now seen reason or reasons to come back home. The beauty of collective accountability cannot be ignored!

But one thing remains, that 'the evolution of contemporary viable democracy in Ghana today was based on the struggles by ordinary people led by Flt Lt J. J. Rawlings for political space and voice, initially on a non-partisan basis under the PNDC, and subsequently, in a constitutional framework of multiparty democracy under a government of the NDC.

Constitutional democracy, thus emerged on the bedrock of commitment by ordinary people to work hard to produce the nation's wealth, to uphold truth, abhor corruption, and distribute the benefits of hard work equitably for the greater, social and economic wellbeing of all Ghanaians'.

As we commemorate the event, let us all again cast our mind back and renew once again our commitment, dedication and patriotism to mother Ghana as envisaged by the spirits of the Revolution.

Long Live Ghana

Long Live Founder J.J. Rawlings

Long Live NDC
Appiaduman-hene, Odeefour Owusu Amoaye II

05.06.2017 LISTEN

Chiefs and their elders have for centuries played significant roles in the development of Ghanaian societies and they have also served as the embodiment of our traditions and histories.

Significant changes witnessed in this country immediately after independence and in the latter part of the 20th century have led to the diminishing of the role of several traditional authorities.

One paramount chief who has however remained very relevant in the face of the huge social, economic and political changes is the paramount chief of the Appiadu Traditional Area, near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Odeefour Owusu Amoaye II.

Since his enstoolment at the tender age of 14 years in 1950 he has never relented in his efforts to bring development to his people at Appiadu, the Golden Stool and the nation as a whole.

Speaking in an interview with Agyenim Boateng, host of Meman Nti program to be aired on Angel TV, Odeefour Amoaye II revealed how he has been privileged and inspired to serve three kings of the Asante kingdom, namely; Otumfour Sir Agyeman Prempe II, Otumfour Opoku Ware II and Otumfour Osei Tutu II.

Enumerating some of the interventions he has initiated to improve the lives of his citizens, Odeefour mentioned some school blocks he has constructed to boost the education of pupils and students in that traditional area.

He has also in the past and now continues to offer scholarship to brilliant students to pursue various programmes of study at the tertiary institutions and colleges of education. He is proud that his interventions in the educational sector are paying off as the beneficiaries of his generosity are now contributing to the development of Ghana in diverse ways.

The acute water challenges faced by the residents of Appiadu was also resolved following the construction of a mechanized bore-hole that pumps water into reservoir, from where the township fetch water for domestic and other uses.

Odeefour Amoaye II also constructed a state-of-the-art center for training of the youth in ICT to equip the youth to make them competitive in the global arena.

Other developmental projects include the construction of a community center for social and other gatherings and a spacious funeral and durbar grounds, where well-organized funerals are held by the townsfolks.

As a measure to compliment the efforts of the government in encouraging people to use the banking system, a microfinance scheme christened, Appiadu Microfinance, has been established for the community. This has come as a relief to the townsfolks who hitherto had to commute long distances to access any banking service.

Odeefour Amoaye II who expressed delight for having to represent Otumfour Osei Tutu II at several meetings and gatherings took the opportunity to advise other traditional rulers to join the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) to protect their environment for the sake of posterity.

He also advised politicians to shun away from corrupt practices and rather protect public purse and he also called on Ghanaians to support the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to succeed and deliver on its mandate to the people of this country.
The Nebraska Dyslexia Association, which provides information for families, advocacy services and support groups for kids, parents and adults with dyslexia, invites adults with dyslexia to an evening of conversation June 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 5921 Sunrise Road. In addition, families with children with dyslexia are invited to a Root Beer Float Social at Holmes Lake on July 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information, call (402) 488-7920.

Want to know more about dyslexia? Presentations are available for your workplace. Contact the Nebraska Dyslexia Association at www.ne-da.org or call (402) 434-6434.

Dyslexia, a life-long language-based learning disability, occurs in 15-20% of the population. Approximately 40% of siblings, children or parents of an individual with dyslexia will have dyslexia. Past generations of adults who struggled through school were generally not identified. To have knowledge of dyslexia provides families with the tools to make sure their family member has the support needed in the workplace and/or at school. LB645, passed by the 2017 Nebraska legislature, clearly defines dyslexia. The Nebraska Department of Education provides a Technical Assistance Document for dyslexia to educators and parents.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Three young Ghanaian ladies have become the talk of international News having been chosen among a list of 28 other young African ladies from 26 African Countries for this years Moremi Initiative Leadership and Empowerment Development (2017 MILEAD) Fellows.

The 3 are Ms. Iris Kwafo-Mensah, Founder and Managing Partner of Pink Aware Foundation, A Teach For Ghana Fellow, Education and media Coordinator of Project Hope and a former Womens Commissioner of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Ms. Fafali Nyonator, Founder of Falis Foundation,Executive Member of Tertiary Women Empowerment Network , Assistant Managing Director, Alliance for Women and a former SRC Womens Commissioner of Africa University College of Communication and Ms. Maame Darkwaa Twum Barima, CEO of Tenacity Clothing and Packages, and Programmes Assistant at the West Africa Civil Society Institute

The three were selected from over 2,500 applications from 45 countries with Ghana been the only country among the 26 selected countries to have had 3 fellows selected while all other countries had one each.

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a uniquely designed initiative committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of Africas most promising young women leaders. Fellows go through a yearlong training and mentoring program, designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and support womens leadership on critical issues.

Moremi Initiative is a widely recognized leading and pioneer organization promoting womens leadership and social justice in Africa. Its investments in transformational leadership over the past 13 years continue to inspire and equip a new generation of women leaders on the continent. Moremi Initiative is a United Nations Accredited organization with offices in Africa and the United States and operates across Africa and the Diaspora.

The 2017 fellows will converge in Accra, Ghana to kick-start the 2017 MILEAD Leadership Institute - a three-week intensive training program - which will be hosted by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon.

The Institute will serve as a platform for Fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences necessary to occupy and excel in leadership positions, and gain knowledge on cutting-edge issues critical to African women and their communities.

In addition to knowledge building lectures, skills-training workshops, teambuilding activities, role plays and other interactive activities, Fellows will be mentored by experienced and accomplished women leaders who are committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of African women leaders.
It was 24th June, 2014, I went to Circle with a friend of mine. He bought a brand new Samsung Galaxy Ace phone at one of the numerous phone outlets( we would later find out that the phone was not genuine). We then made for the TipToe Lane to buy some phone accessories.

My friend, well-aware of the security situation of the area, removed his new phone and put it in one of the front pocket of his trousers. You have to be careful ooo. This place...they will take your phone right now. Fast. This warning ensured that I pushed my phone further down my breast pocket and held it as I walked. Having come from a place where taking this extreme precaution was rare, I guess my awkward movements gave me away as new in town.

In a split second, I was pushed and one of my legs violently kicked against the other. As I tried frantically to not fall, I absentmindedly held the shirt of a young man. It was to no avail. I fell face down, my hands preventing the whole of my torso from touching the ground. My friend helped me and I quickly rose to my feet only to find myself surrounded by four evil-looking young men who were unmistakably high on wee. My phone was gone!

The guy who had pushed me ( I recognised him because first, I had seen him at the shop and second,I had seen him turn and look at me as he walked pass me) asked me why I was obstructing movement, his hefty hand ready to slap me. I explained that someone had pushed me and apologised. At this point a nosy trader asked me whether someone had snatched my phone. I did not answer her.The four furious-looking guys hurled choice insults at me and barked instructions at me. The ordered me to wake up to the fact that I was in Accra and walk like a civilised person. I thanked them and walked away with my friend.

The nosy trader asked me again whether or not my phone had been snatched from me. I said yes. She uttered a good number of ohs, each succeeding oh conveying more pity than the previous. She then revealed to me that those who had wanted to beat me were the same people who had taken the phone. By this time the gang had crossed the road to the other side.

My friend was deeply hurt. For me, my relief at not being lynched smothered the hurt caused by having my first smartphone phone forcibly taken from me. But it was back at Mempeasem later that evening that the full impact of what would have happened dawned on me:

If I had raised an alarm, the gang would have accused me of rather being the thief, and would have pounced on me; the nosy trader would have kept quiet, so as not to be victimised later; my friend would have tried valiantly to rescue me and would have likely rushed to the nearby police station; others would have promptly put their cameras on in order to capture the incident; then traditionalists, atheists, agnostics, Bible-believing Christians and pious muslims would have surrounded me and hit me with all the viciousness they could have mustered; others would have hurled all sorts of dangerous objects at me; yet others would have cursed me; another group would have walked pass, afraid of intervening or joining the slaughter; I would have been pounded to a pulp and the holiest of the group would have ensured I was dead by smashing my head with a rock or block; the Devils incarnate himself or herself would have generously supplied a gallon of quality petrol and sprinkled the contents of the gallon expertly and thoroughly on me; one of his compatriots from the Hell would have set me alight.

As I burnt, one of the senior managers of Hell would have brought a tyre and stoked the fire; some sanctimonious passers-by would have expressed subdued disgust at the action; the murderous gang would have finally begun to disperse. Only a handful would have been genuinely horrified.

My friend would have returned to my charred body. And the incident would have most generously been shared on social media by insensitive persons keen on being first to share blood-curdling news

The fact about MOB INJUSTICE is that we are all at great risk. We need to bestir ourselves to fight it. We must consciously, consciously, avoid taking part or inciting others to do it or, worse of all, JUSTIFYING it. A way to start is to put pressure on our security agencies and on our grossly irresponsible political class to allow for the proper prosecution of suspected criminals.

#No to Mob Injustice!
The Agona West Municipal Assembly in the Central Region led by its Municipal Chief Executive, (MCE), Hon. Justina Marigold Assan says Sanitaion Plan has been set up to combat firth in the Municipality so as to eradicate environmental related diseases.

The MCE stated this after over 5-hour massive clean up exercise organized by the Assembly on major streets of Agona Swedru on Saturday to mark the monthly Sanitation Day.

Hon. Justina Marigold Assan noted that the Sanitation plan was going to ensure that the Agona West Municipality becomes the most cleanest municipality in the Central Region.

" Agona West used to be the cleanest municipality in the Central Region. Unfortunately we seem to be losing the fight against firth. We would soon made available copies of the Sanitation plan available to combat this social canker. We believe this would educate the people on the need to observe hygienic practices in their homes and communities. Even though we have not recorded any cholera outbreak in the municipality, all hands ought to be on deck to achieve the needed results. I have observed with concern the way and manner children were being sent on daily bases to dump rubblish at various vantage points dotted in the municipality. My concern is that most of the children couldn't reach the height of the rubbish containers so the only option for them was to dump the rubblish beside the containers. This practices has been a source of worry to residents especially those around the various rubblish containers"

Hon. Justina Marigold Assan cautioned that henceforth parents found to be engaging children in dumping of rubblish would be severely dealt with according to the sanitation bye laws of the Assembly.

The MCE therefore called for all hands to be on deck to ensure clean environment in the Agona West Municipality.

The Member of Parliament for Agona West, Hon. Cynthia Morrison who donated Sanitation tools to the Assembly said public education on Sanitation would soon be carried out in all the communities to sensitize the people on the need to observe cleanest at all times.

The tools made up of long blooms, rakes, spades, wheelbarrows, Wellington booths and hand groves among others was to support the monthly clean up exercise in Agona West Municipality.

Hon. Cynthia Morrison lauded the people especially personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, staff of Melcom, CEO of Lucky Girl Group of Companies, Mr. George Gyamfi, staff of Zoonlion Company Limited and personnel from the environmental health department of the Assembly for their selfless contribution towards the exercise.

"Let me also commend Swedruman Council of Chiefs for their massive support towards the fight against firth in the Agona West constituency. They have been a great help and wish to appreciate their efforts. We would continue to rely on their advise and contributions to make the municipality a safe haven"

Mr. George Freeman, the Agona West Municipal Environmental Health Officer who received the tools of behalf of the Assembly thanked Hon. Cynthia Morrison for the donation adding that they would be put into proper use to serve the purpose.

He stated that the tools had come at the right time in the wake of the raining season. Mr. George Freeman noted that environmental sanitation was a share responsibility which requires all hands to eradicate environmental related diseases.
The Nkosuohene (Development Chief) of Lower Axim Traditional Area Nana Osei Nkwantabisa has donated One Thousand One Hundred and Fifty-Nine (1,159) pieces of Mathematical sets to all the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region last week.

The annual exercise which started in 2013 at Apewosika, a suburb of Lower Axim has for the past two years covered the five paramouncies namely Lower and Upper Axim Tradional Areas, Nsein Traditional Area, Ajomoro Traditional Area as well as Gwira Traditional Area which forms the Nzema East Municipality.

The presentation which took place at the forecourt of the Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service(GES) was well attended by heads of the various schools, departmental heads of the directorate, students, some invited Assembly members, clergy.

Nana Nkwantabisa in his remarks mentioned that the exercise was aimed at encouraging the pupils to strive for the best ahead of their exams as well as cushion parents from buying Mathssets for their wards but rather use the monies to serve as top-ups for their wards during their examination period.

He added that the gesture was also part of his contribution towards promoting education within and outside his jurisdiction in addition to the existing educational initiatives put in place by his overlord Awulea Attibrukusu III such as sponsoring of mock exams for all the candidates in the Municipality.

"It is my hope that our brothers and sisters will give out their best as they prepare to write their exams since my office and the office of Awulea Attibrukusu III are in strong contact to ensure that brilliant but needy students are given the necessary support to help them further their education".

He admonished the students to be mindful of the rules binding them before and during the examination period by eschewing from all manner of nefarious activities that will serve as an impediment to their future aspirations.

"We also hope to have single grades especially from the female candidates, since my office is ready to assist such students to get to the top notch in their educational career". Nana underscored.

On his part, the Assistant Director in charge of Supervision of Schools in the Municipality Mr. Francis Ackah Nyanzu on behalf of the Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) thanked the Nkosuohene and his team for the gesture and urged others to emulate his good deeds.

He cautioned all candidates to be respect their invigilator and obey the rules and regulations set up by the Ghana Education Service.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

To say that we Ghanaians are very hypocritical is quite an understatement of the true nature of my own people. Sometimes, I wonder whether George Orwells animal farm was written to describe the Ghanaian society or it is the later that shows characteristics of the story in that book. We as a people are so confused that, we really dont know what we want or what is good for us. We have become so much a reactionary society such that, we wail and cry after an incident and when the dust settles after the turmoil, we tuck our tails between our legs and go on as usual as if nothing happened until the next disaster strikes and we are back with our senseless emotions crying and calling for interventions again.

Like the proverbial vulture, when it is raining and we are getting soaked, then we realize that we need a shelter to protect us from the drench, however, when the rains stop and the sun comes back, life goes on as normal and we forget the need for shelter until the rains come again. This is what we have become as a people. We always react after the fact but fail to take a cue from the episode to prevent the re-occurrence of the same situation. We seem to be our own enemies by doing and encouraging the very things that are against our interest.

We encourage tribalism and nepotism when it favors us but cry out loud against it when it affects us negatively. When John Mahama packed his government with people of northern extraction, all northerners, and NDC people kept quiet and said to themselves that their time had come. Now that the tables have turned and Akuffo Addo is also packing his government with Akyems and other southerners, the northerners are crying foul. Isnt this hypocritical? What is good for the geese is equally good for the gander.

Captain Mahama (May his soul rest in peace) was mistaken for an armed robber and lynched, all of a sudden, the whole nation is thrown into turmoil, from the President to the ordinary man in the street is crying and condemning mob justice, yet two days after the Captains death, a suspected phone thief was lynched in Kumasi and there was no uproar because he was not a military personnel. How many people have not been lynched in Ghana before the captains death? Why did we not care about those lives? Did we know what those who were lynched before captain Mahama could have become in future if they had all lived? There was the possibility that some could have risen to become ministers of state, army generals, top business executives and etc. yet they never had the chance to live to realize their dreams because they were lynched by a mob whether guilty or innocent. We Ghanaians kept quiet over all those killings because to the larger community, those people were not so important and as such their deaths were not so hurtful. This is the reality and let somebody challenge that this is not the case.

In the past four years or so, there has been a spike in the use of acid as a weapon of choice in settling scores. Many women have suffered acid attacks from their previous lovers after the break in their relationships, Political use of acid on enemies have been recorded in many cases with the NPP northern regional chairman as a typical case that comes to memory, yet nothing and I mean absolutely nothing has been or is being done about this growing trend, we as a society turn a blind eye to this dastardly act and play the Ostrich as if nothing is wrong with that, but let someone douse a politician, a military man or a policeman with acid, all of a sudden, our sleeping consciences would be awaken and everybody would criticize as if that had not happened before. This is how we behave as a people, when the problem starts we tend to gross over it until it gets bigger and bigger before we start questioning how did we get here? My heart bleeds anytime I read or hear that a young woman has been doused with acid by a former lover, yet the larger society does not decry over that simply because such victims are not big people.

Look at the issue of land guards, they have been terrorizing land owners for years, yet nothing is being done about it, not even our useless parliament seems to notice this societal menace and pass laws to prohibit it, we will watch it grow until one day, it would fester into a full fledge guerrilla group and we would come asking where did it come from? How did we get here?

If for nothing at all, Captain Mahamas death has shown how hypocritical we are as a nation, whiles almost all Ghanaians turned to be saints and preachers against instant justice in general and mob lynching of suspects in particular, you could hear prominent people including Major Derrick Oduro, radio presenters like Captain Smart, even Pastors who seem to suggest that the military should be allowed to teach the town folks a lesson. I stand for correction if I am mistaken, but I need to ask these people this simple question, which article in the constitution guarantees the military or even the police, the right to brutalize suspects of any criminal act including murder? Why do we accept brutality from the military and police but not from civilians? Isnt that hypocrisy of the highest order to suggest that a section of the society has the right to use instant justice but other section of the same society does not have the same right? Are we not governed by the same constitution? Why should the police brutalize suspects after their arrest but we the masses cannot brutalize suspects when we arrest them? Why do we approve one form of instant justice but condemn another? If suspects are innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, why do we accept it when the police beat suspects before they are sent to court even if they do not resist arrest?

We should know exactly what course we want to chart for ourselves. If we want to live under the rule of law, then the law must be applied in all circumstances irrespective of personalities because all must be seen as equal before the law and not the present scenario where some are more equal than others when it comes to the implementation of the law. We must always be guided by what former President Kennedy said injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere
Riyadh (AFP) - Gulf states on Monday cut diplomatic ties with neighbouring Qatar and kicked it out of a military coalition, less than a month after US President Donald Trump visited the region to cement ties with powerhouse Saudi Arabia.

In the region's most serious diplomatic crisis in years, Qatar's Gulf neighbours Riyadh, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as well as Egypt all announced they were severing ties with gas-rich Qatar.

Riyadh cut diplomatic relations and closed borders with its neighbour to "protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism," the official Saudi Press Agency said.

A Saudi official cited by SPA said Riyadh decided to "sever diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar, and to close all land, sea and aviation ports."

The "decisive" measure was due to the "gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years," the Saudi statement said.

Many expatriate and Saudi travellers use Qatar as their gateway into the kingdom.

A Saudi-led coalition which for more than two years has been fighting Iran-backed rebels in Yemen separately announced Qatar was no longer welcome in the alliance.

In a statement, the coalition accused Qatar of "support to (terrorist) organisations in Yemen".

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, in the Saudi capital Riyadh on May 21, 2017

Qatar had assigned warplanes to the coalition conducting air strikes against Yemen's Huthi rebels.

Egypt's foreign ministry also accused Doha of supporting "terrorism" and announced the closure of its ports and airports to Qatari carriers.

'Shameful cybercrime'

Doha launched a probe into an alleged "hack" of state media after it said false and explosive remarks attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani were published on the Qatar News Agency website last month.

The stories quoted him questioning US hostility towards Iran, speaking of "tensions" between Doha and Washington, commenting on Hamas and speculating that Trump might not remain in power for long.

The alleged comments were made after Trump's visit to the region.

However, Doha has denied all the comments and said it had been the victim of a "shameful cybercrime".

Trump's visit to Riyadh -- the first foreign stop of his young presidency -- saw the two sides sign a "strategic vision" agreement to intensify ties in defence, economics and other areas.

Riyadh has embraced Trump's harder line against its rival Iran, with which it severed diplomatic relations in January last year.

In a Riyadh speech to Muslim leaders from around the world, Trump urged them to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists", as Sunni jihadists carry out attacks in many countries.

But he also singled out Shiite Iran for allegedly fuelling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror".

Qatar said it had also been the victim of a hostile media campaign, particularly in the US over the issue of its supposed support for Islamist groups.

Qatar has so far given no indication of where the alleged cyber May 24 cyber attack originated.

But regional powers including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates used the comments to demonstrate that Qatar is out of line with Gulf foreign policy, especially regarding Iran.

Media organisations in several countries in the region reported the emir's comments as fact, despite an official denial by Qatar.

They also blocked Qatari broadcasters and websites following the alleged comments.

In a sign that the rift in Qatar's relations with its near neighbours was deepening, one Saudi newspaper reported that members of a prominent Saudi family had demanded that Qatar's state mosque, the Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque, be renamed.

The demand came amid questions over the Qatari royal family's link to Abdul Wahhab, co-founder of the Saudi state.

Some experts had feared the current situation could trigger a repeat of the crisis in 2014, when several Gulf countries recalled their ambassadors from Doha, ostensibly over its support for the Muslim Brotherhood.

Last week the Qatari emir travelled to Kuwait to meet Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in what was widely seen as an attempt at mediation by the Kuwaitis.
Mr. William Nyarko, Executive Director of research and education think tank, Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA) has described the four-year ban placed on Mr. Francis-Xavier Sosu by the General Legal Council of Ghana as harsh and not proportionate to the alleged misconduct.

He, however, added that although the sanction placed on the celebrated human rights lawyer is harsh, it also opens a window of opportunity for change urging the fast rising young lawyer to test the law by appealing the decision of the Council and taking it all the way to the Supreme Court of Ghana if needed.

Harsh as the decision is, along with it not being proportionate to the alleged misconduct, it is also an opportunity for changeto test the law by appealing the decision and taking it all the way to the Supreme Court of Ghana, if necessary., Mr. Nyarko added.

ACILA is incorporated under US law as a 501(c) (3) research and education, non-partisan, and non-profit think tank and under Ghana law as a non-governmental organisation. Its focus areas are democratic governance, rule of law, international criminal justice, international human rights law, and monitoring African states compliance with regional and international instruments.

The famous lawyer was handed the ban over two issues, including allegedly overcharging a client which attracted a one-year ban and advertising cases he had won on social media, which also attracted a three-year ban by the General Legal Council (GLC). The Committee of the GLC was chaired by Justice Sophia Akufo (incoming Chief Justice of Ghana) last Thursday after it had found him guilty of an alleged professional misconduct contrary to the code regulating legal practice in the country.

Mr. Nyarko was reacting to the news of the ban on his facebook page:

Rights in peril and an opportunity for change: A rising human rights lawyer in Ghana, Francis Xavier Sosu, has his right to practice law in peril for four years: three years for advertising the name of his law firm and address on Facebook and one year for overcharging a client.

The decision by the General Legal Council, the body that regulates legal practice in Ghana, literally set social media and mainstream media ablaze with reactions.

Coincidentally, the man who has been defending the rights of others, mostly the indigent and vulnerable in society, has his rights in peril.

Harsh as the decision is, it is an opportunity for changeto test the law by appealing the decision and taking it all the way to the Supreme Court of Ghana, if necessary, in a similar manner that US Lawyers John R. Bates and Van OSteen did when they appealed to the US Supreme Court following an up to a six-month ban imposed on them by the State Bar of Arizona for advertising a legal clinic that they were to hold.

The decision of the US Supreme Court that overturned an earlier decision by the Supreme Court of Arizona gave the US the landmark case Bates v. State Bar of Arizona, 433 U.S. 350 (1977). See the case info for the case brief, holding etc http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/433/350.html)

Having a landmark case Sosu v. General Legal Council. is an idea whose time has come. Sosu has stated that he will appeal the decision and we look forward to it.
African women has affirmed their determination to use their leadership roles in the transformation of the continent.

This follows the historic launch of the African Women Leaders Network at the United Nations headquarters in New York. It seeks to enhance their leadership roles in the transformation and stability of the continent.

By this act, African women have undertaken to come together and galvanize Africa into a peaceful. united and prosperous continent free from all forms of violence.

They have also agreed to avoid regression and ensure that all the gains made by African women in leadership are consolidated and sustained.

This followed three-days of High-Level meetings, panel discussions and consultations on Africa's transformation Agenda 2063 and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 80 women leaders from the continent. The participants, drawn from politics, business, academia, media and civil society waved their respective national flags to signify the launch amid shouts of joy.

The meeting was jointly organized by the African Union Commission, United Nations Women and the Permanent Mission of Germany.

Ghana's Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms. Otiko Afisah Djaba read the Call to Action by the participants. It said that African women were committed to establish and nurture an inclusive network comprising a diversity of women and young women in leadership from all sectors of society, including political, public and private sector, civil society and grassroots women.

They also agreed to hold leaders accountable for the implementation of the agreed frameworks and protocols, apart from influencing dialogue and thought on issues affecting women and supporting women to be part of decision makers, including the highest level.

In her remarks, Ms. Djaba said that it was" time now to walk the talk as Agenda 2063 is rolled out on the continent" and urged African women to unleash their full potentials by sitting at table with the men to take decisions that will inure to the benefit of the African continent.

"Ghana and other African countries have a track record of gender-empowerment. Since independence, they have actively sought to explore goal driven measures to increase the participation of women in governance, and we appreciate the example of Rwanda for setting the pace" she stated.

To demonstrate political will, the Minister mentioned that Ghana's President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo was recently recognized as a Gender Champion by AU, saying that "This reaffirms the AU's active efforts towards championing women's rights, and therefore the transformative empowerment of the continent".

Ms. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, the Chef de Cabinet, on behalf of Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, assured that the SG will pursue gender equality around the world and at the UN.

Former President of the Transition of Central Africa, Madam Catherine Samba-Panza said the world can do better with women in leadership positions as she had personally demonstrated in her country.

At her turn, The Executive Secretary of UN women, Mrs Phumzille Mbambi-Ngocuka, charged women to always engage their leaders to ensure that they implement decisions that are critical to women. She also announced that her organization is going to engage countries where women are contesting elections this year and support them.

In her remark, Madam Bineta, Director of Women, Gender and Development Directorate (WGDD), praised the determination of the women to transform the African continent and also their partners for their support for the Network.

Ms. Patricia Flor, Representative for Germany, welcomed the new initiative by the African women to transform the continent, saying that even some African countries like Rwanda are doing better that Germany in terms of the number of women in government.

Ambassador Tete Antonio, praised the participants for the work done. He advised them to try and implement the bold and far reaching conclusions they had reached.
Off recent times,media houses in the country have drawn the attention of the nation's citizenry to the havoc and catastrophe posed to us by the nefarious and unacceptable activities of illegal miners in the country. Famous among the negative effects of the unregulated mining activities in Ghana are; the degradation of our lands and inefficient use of our mineral resources. Classical example is the pollution of the Pra and Shama river which serve as drinking water to the various communities in which they are situated.

This situation has not only caused the people of their drinking water but has destroyed all fishes and live in these water bodies rendering fishermen and the youths of these affected areas jobless. Also is the upsurge of prostitution and hard drug abuse as a sub-culture of the galamsey business. Records have it that most galamsey workers abuse hard drugs provided them by their Chinese and foreign bosses to stimulate them to work harder and in the cases of most ladies,they are used as sex slaves and forced into prostitution. It is no wonder that the highest growing incidence of HIV is recorded in the Western region, due to the influx of sex workers in mining areas.

Of what reason should the people of Ghana suffer this much, and what excuse do we have as a nation for our inability to fight this menace which is more than decades old.It is only evident that governments after governments have been unsuccessful in their battle against galamsey due to the activities of some influential citizens and public office holders who act as kingpin in the galamsey business and even own more illegal mining camps then their foreign accomplices.

Recently following the arrest of the 31 year old Chinese galamsey queen, Asia Huang, names of influential men and those who are supposed and paid with tax payers money to protect the integrity and resources of this country have rather been tagged and associated to the rampant rise of galamsey activities in the country. Among this men are, the Ashanti Regional NPP chairman Mr.Bernard Antwi Boasiako, former Ashanti Regional Police Commander Mr. Nathan Kofi Boakye and Former Ashanti Regional Minister Mr.Alexander Ackon who are alleged to have unflinching supported and provided security to these Chinese galamsey operators for their greedy and personal gains. If these people in power who are supposed to lead the fight against galamsey are vehemently involved in the business,then who exactly are we fighting against.

For a tree to be terminated permanently, it must be uprooted so must the case of galamsey,the government and our able security personnel must not only arrest foreign galamsey operators for them to released later on by their accomplices in high places and offices,but must also arrest and prepare for trail all corrupt leaders and officials who strongly safeguard and facilitate the activities of these foreigners.

In that manner,the battle against this nefarious act could be won but till then,the country and its citizenry must take to heart afforestation to protect our environment, ensure enough rainfall and prevent cases of desertification,since the activities of galamsey operators are eventually turning our country into another Sahara desert. On that note,

I say kudos to the Environmental Protection Agency for the planting of 1,000 seedings,these seedlings comprised of Acacia, Mango,Cedrelia,Ma hogany and Tick.

If galamsey must be stopped then it's bedrock must be destroyed totally.

Elliot Nuertey

0265260479

[email protected]

Radio Univers 105.7FM.
Dont say never until you get jinxed. A few decades ago certain crimes and practices seemed alien to the Ghanaian but not anymore. Those were the days one could proudly say we didnt have this or that happen in our backyards. They probably did happen but went unobserved, perhaps not as widespread as we find them today.

Those were the times that you didnt associate a murder with a pastor/priest, a police in a heist, a father and daughter in love affair, a judge involved in a bribery scandal, a teacher cheating in an examination, or a woman involved in arson or assassination etc.

Sometime in March 2000 a man and his brother walked into Choice Newsroom.

Sir I need your help. My child has been kidnapped, the man told me.

Did you mean kidnap Sir? I enquired.

It was like telling someone that the Pope (a Catholic) has converted into Islam and is now a Moslem. But hiss response was affirmative. The mans 10-year-old boy had been kidnapped by an unknown assailant, he alleged. When, where, how, why, what were legitimate questions that followed immediately.

Truly it sounded strange to me because the word kidnap at the time was unfamiliar to Ghana. Newspapers and radio stations carried ads of lost and found children. But we didnt hear news about hostage takers and demand for ransoms. I could not imagine that happen in Accra Newtowna sprawling suburb of Accra, where the man claimed they lived. My instinct told me something wasnt right.

I started to probe the father of the alleged kidnapped boy and lo and behold it turned out to be a fabricated story. I dispatched them immediately, upon discovering that his ex-wife who was resident in London, UK had returned home. The woman had told him she would pick up their son after school. She did exactly that and they went to her family home in Labadi, Accra.

So what motivated him to do that?

I had no idea. From my investigation it appeared he and his ex-wife were in good terms. He even told me theyd been talking since they got divorced. Perhaps he wanted to be heard on radio (an attention seeker). Well I killed that unholy ambition. And barely a week later a man approached me at the Ministries and asked if I remembered him. He was the mans brother. What did he say?

You really tortured [drilled] my brother .how did you know that his wife was back?

That was 17 years ago. Things arent the same. Not everyone that smiles at you is a nice person. You cannot ask an unknown driver for a ride. You cannot take custody of someones luggage or baggage any longer. That was common then you cannot do that now. Bottom line nothing is alien to Ghana nowadays. But what went wrong?

And did you hear the news over the weekend about the contract killer?

Yes, reality has hit home and it seems all of the above have now found a breeding ground. The frequency at which they happen is also mind-boggling. The Ghanaian is left in a profound state of bewilderment. The Ghanaian is amazed at the turn of events as it appears things are falling apart and the centre can barely hold the pieces together. Its like a seismic shock turning and shaking the very socio-cultural foundation.

That raises the question: Is contract killing another creeping bug?

Without a doubt Ghana has found herself dealing with all manner of menaces and there appear to be one factor thats fueling all of them. Its love for money!

Money is driving people into ditches. People are seeing Malams, consulting Oracles, Mediums and Juju men for money. Sakawa the code name for Quick Money seekers is on the rise. Cyber fraud and ponsy schemes which used to be a western fad is growing astronomically at Ghanas backyard. Its all about money, money and money. Life means nothing anymore to humankind. If one could take anothers life and become rich overnight so be it. You cannot trust your business partner, a friend or a brother.

Apostle Paul in his first letter to his young disciple Timothy said this: For the love of money is the root of all evil. Some people eager for money have wandered form the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs, (1 Timothy 6:10).

Over the weekend, a 41-year-old Ghanaian business woman was caught up in the picture painted by Paul. Joyce Antwi a resident in Kumasi in the Ashanti region had barked up the wrong tree, when she thought shed found the right person to kill her business partner.

In 2015 the suspect received an amount of GHc 99,000 from her partner to expand J her (Joyces) business and pledged to pay back her debt by April 2017. Instead she conceived a wicked plan to make sure that her partner was killed. Unfortunately for Joyce, she got arrested by the police on Saturday following a tip off by the man shed hired to kill.

Whats contract killing?

Contract killing is a kind of murder in which one party hires another to kill an individual or group of persons. It involves an illegal agreement between two or more parties in which one party agrees to kill the target in exchange for some form of payment, monetary or otherwise. In the United States the crime is punishable up to 15 years or life in prisonment.

Between 1989 and 2000 the Australian Institute of Criminology carried out a study of 162 attempted or actual contract murders in Australia. The study showed that the most common reason for murder-for-hire was insurance policies payouts. It also found that the average payment for a hit was$15,000 with variation from $5,000 up to $30,000 and that most commonly used weapons were firearms.

Contract killings accounted for 2% of murders in Australia during that time period. Contract killings also make up a relatively similar percentage of all killings elsewhere For example they made up about 5% of all murders in Scotland from 1995 to 2002

One of the worlds most notorious contract killers was an American Glennon Engleman (1927-1999) from St Louis a dentist by profession. Glennon moonlighted as a hitman concocting and carrying out at least seven murders for profit over the course of 30 years. He was already serving ten life sentences in a Missouri jail when he pleaded guilty to the murder of a man and his parents in a separate contract killing. Methods used to kill his victims included shooting, bludgeoning with a sledgehammer and car-bombing. Engleman died in prison of a diabetes related condition in 1999. The exact number of his victims is unknown.

Ashanti Regional Police Commander DCOP Ken Yeboah told the local media that Joyce informed the supposed assassin on the 23rd of May to assassinate the business partner. She paid the purported killer GHc 2,500 out of the total GHc 5,000 contract fee she offered him. But her days had already been numbered. On Saturday the police went to Joyces residence and she was arrested.
What do we want? Justice for Capt. Maxwell Adam Mahama? To kill those who killed him? Oh yes ! That is very simple. We can kill them because our laws permit killing of people who have been tried and proven guilty of murder charges despite the fact that Amnesty International is impressing upon us to expunge it from our law books. I believe it should be there and apply them when necessary.

It can still be done with much ease. In fact, no hustle at all. The prisons services are there to ensure that they are killed but not through instant firing at the shooting range as a section of the public are calling for, and for that matter missing the days of the revolution. How many of the youths in this current generation saw the revolution anyway? We are only told by our parents and grandparents who are gradually fading away with the painful memories of the atrocities some innocent Ghanaians went through in the hands of soldiers during military rule.

The firing squad is unlawful and unconstitutional way of killing people during the the military rule so we should allow it to belong to history as it is believed that many innocent Ghanaians were wasted in that manner without a fair hearing or trial before a court of competent jurisdiction. We can still kill them but it should be done constitutionally and in a democratic manner else we may be guilty of the same crimes that the alleged murderers committed by killing the Captain.

Section 46 of the Criminal Code (Act 29/60) states emphatically that he who is guilty of murder shall suffer death penalty. This is crystal clear and does not need any Constitutional interpretations from the Supreme Court. It's black and white in the Criminal Code and has not been repealed or ammended. Death penalty for those who are guilty of murder charges and not to waste about it. The law does not prescribe any punishment for murderers apart from death penalty so we should rather call for due processes of the law and not instant execution of them at the firing squad. The fact they were lawless doesn't mean the whole country should also follow emotions and be lawless because our country is govern by laws in a democratic dispensation.

Section 47 of the same Act defines murder as "Whoever intentionally causes the death of another person by any unlawful harm is guilty of murder, unless his crime is reduced to manslaughter by reason of such extreme provocation, or other matter of partial excuse... Here the law goes ahead to cites grounds on which murder charges can be reduced to manslaughter and that is through extreme provocation or other matter of partial excuses. Did Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama provoke his assailants extremely to warrant his untimely death? If not, then we are likely to gain some convictions on the charges of murder if prosecution is able to make a strong case at the court.

We can still kill them if we really want to. It's a matter of the president signing the death warrants after trial and hand them over to the prisons. They will execute them without wasting our time. I am told there are some prison officers who take execution allowances. I dont know whether they are still taking it since they implemented the single spine salary structure. If they are still taking it, then it means that there are some prison officers who are paid by government to kill people who are proven guilty of murder charges and other felonious crimes like treason and high treason. We can still fulfil the biblical saying that "he who draws the sword dies by the sword" constitutionally and democratically. It's still not late so tell our colleagues in the military fraternity to hold their breaths. We are now in democratic country where the rule of law is supreme.

The problem however with the death sentences and its execution is our presidents who blatantly refuse to sign death warrants for people who are proven guilty by courts on murder charges to be killed. That is a shirk of legal responsibilities by our presidents and probably some of the reasons why mob attacks and lynching of people seem to be on the rise. One of the effects of death sentence is to deter others from committing such crimes after justice is served. People have forgotten that if you kill, you will also be killed so people commit heinous crime with impunity as we saw in the case Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama. We must remind them that death sentences still exist

My checks indicates that the last time a death sentence was executed in Ghana was 1993 under the watch of H.E Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings. Since Paapa J left the office as the president of the Republic, all the succeeding presidents have failed to sign the death warrants which is a legal breach. It is a clear case of abuse of human rights for the courts to condemn people to death and yet the nation fails to take up its responsibilities to kill them. We are only torturing them psychologically which is against their human rights. Isn't it a contempt of court to have failed to carry out the orders of a court and a slap in the face of our justice system? I believe it is.

We can put H.E Nana Akuffo Addo to test with the death of Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama if we really want justice to be served and not being emotional with the whole thing. In no time, our emotions will heal particularly those of us who are not directly connected to the family of Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama. The media will turn their eyes somewhere and discuss unreasonable political shows. When no one is watching, that is when people can escape justice after several adjournments in the court. We only talk in times of crisis and forget when our emotions are healed. That is our nature as country and people.

I don't know about Ghana but in some jurisdictions, members of the deceased family are invited to watch the execution of people who are proven guilty of murder charges. Psychologists believe that watching someone who killed a relative of yours dying painfully gives you some kind psychological reliefs and increase your confidence in the law because justice is served. You become satisfied emotionally and psychologically whereas others schools of thoughts call for total forgiveness.

We can equally do same by inviting the general public to watch how those who are likely to be proven guilty of murder charges in the case of Capt. Maxwell Adam Mahama will be executed by hanging since we want to see them dead. If their deaths is what will give us psychological relieve of our traumas due to how the Captain was gruesomely killed instead of calling on powers that be to put stringent measures to ensure that mob attacks and lynching are totally elminated from our society. Just imagine that after the judgment and the following day, it is in the news that the killers of Capt. Maxwell Adama Mahama have also been killed after proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction? That one sound more democratic than handing them over to the soldiers to execute them by firing squad at the shooting range.

We are in a democratic country and our ability to enforce the law will make the rule of rule of law effective. Tell the presidents to sign death warrants pilling on their desks. They should clear backlog of all death sentences on their desks to serve as deterrent to others. I do not want to sign death warrants that is I am not a president.

In Ghana, we kill murderers by hanging them because that is what the law says and not through firing squad because rule of law has come to stay.

Ahanta Apemenyimheneba Kwofie III

[email protected]

#Ahantadiaries_04_06_17
05.06.2017 LISTEN

GhanaCompares, a fintech company and the first Ghanaian product comparison website is growing with more insurance companies joining its platform.

GhanaCompares.com was launched in November 2016 to help make shopping for insurance and other financial and professional products easier and more transparent for the Ghanaian consumer. It is the first comparison website of its kind in Ghana, and allows users the ability to input their information once and receive multiple quotes from service providers. By comparing the quotes and policies, the consumer can make the best decision based on service quality and affordability. GhanaCompares also educates the general public by providing free advisory articles on insurance and other products.

The company want to grow and compare more insurance and financial products. In order to make shopping for insurance and financial products in Ghana easier for Ghanaians, they will add more products to their list of services said Nii-Nmai Dsane, founder and CEO of GhanaCompares.

In April this year, GhanaCompares won the GBT Business booster pitch competition in the Netherlands. As winner of the competition, GhanaCompares will attend the GBT Investors Conference in Accra in October. This conference will give GhanaCompares the opportunity to raise money for its business. Investors have already shown interest in GhanaCompares.com to help

The jury which awarded Ghanacompares.com the prize praised the business for the work it had done so far. GhanaCompares has the potential to be a real game changer and to bring transparency to the Ghanaian insurance market shared the jury.
Rabat (AFP) - Protesters in northern Morocco have remained defiant for a second week, taking their anger over unemployment and alleged corruption to the streets.

On Sunday, hundreds took part in a ninth straight night of protests in Al-Hoceima and other towns in the Rif region, although an AFP correspondent said the crowds appeared to be growing smaller.

They chanted demands for the release of protest leader Nasser Zefzafi after he was arrested on Monday last week. A solidarity rally was also held in the capital Rabat.

Around 40 activists and key members of the grassroots Al-Hirak Al-Shaabi -- or "Popular Movement" -- led by Zefzafi have been detained since May 26.

Al-Hoceima has been the focal point of protests in the neglected Rif region, with demonstrators demanding greater development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment.

The government said Sunday, the final day of a three-day general strike, that "the doors to dialogue remain open", despite clashes which erupted at the weekend and the previous week between demonstrators and security forces.

Al-Hoceima and surrounding areas have been shaken by social unrest ever 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.

Protesters in the Rif have rejected the mediation of local officials, accusing them of corruption, and branded the central authorities a "police state".

With the apparent breakdown in trust, the weekly Maroc Hebdo pointed to parallels with major protests of 2011 when uprisings ripped through the Middle East and North Africa.

The mainly ethnically Berber Rif region has long had a tense relationship with the central authorities in Rabat, and it was at the heart of the Arab Spring-inspired protests in Morocco in February 2011.

"It seems that only the king really has the means to calm the situation," said Maroc Hebdo, adding that the Moroccan people were waiting to see "if he will intervene".

King Mohamed VI relinquished some of his near-absolute control through constitutional reforms following the 2011 protests.


Former President Jerry John Rawlings has been honoured by the chiefs and people of Wa in the Upper West Region for his contributions to the development of the region and its people.

The Upper West Region was carved out of the then Upper Region during the previous Rawlings administration when the region had just three districts, with Wa as the regional capital.

Mr Rawlings worked with many appointees from the Upper West Region and elevated many young politicians to various positions to help in the development of their region and communities.

On Sunday, June 4, 2017, kingmakers of the Wala Traditional Area enskinned Mr. Rawlings, with the traditional title Bagrepie Naa.

The kingmakers would now refer to former President as a rock that cannot be harmed by people surrounding it per the title.

The enskinment coincided with the former president's visit to the region to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the June 4th Uprising, together with members and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and others, who also believe in probity and accountability in all spheres of life in Ghana, especially from duty bearers and public workers.

This year's June 4th Anniversary under theme, 'Restoring the Values of Probity, Accountability and Truth in Contemporary Governance' was observed in Wa in the Upper East Region.

Former President Rawlings thanked the chiefs and people of the Wala Traditional Area for the honour, saying it would inspire him and many others to contribute to the development of the country.

Mr Rawlings bemoaned the high level of intolerance and tension across the country.

He commended the security agencies and the chiefs in the area for ensuring that pockets of violence in the area did not escalate into bloody conflict.

Former President Rawlings also called on the chiefs of the Wala Traditional Area to continue to offer good counsel and guidance to the leaders of the country to ensure that Ghana becomes prosperous and peaceful.

Naa Seidu Braimah of the Guli Traditional Area, who spoke briefly in an address on behalf of the kingmakers, referred to former President Rawlings as a strong leader, who stood for what he believed in and defended what was right.

Even in times of crisis, you never turned your back against us, and we think this is the only way to recognise your contributions to our development, Naa Seidu Braimah declared.

From Ebo Bruce-Quansah& Eric Kombat


Barclays Africa Group Limited has announced that following the completion of South Africa's largest book-build in South African Rands, Barclays PLC has sold 33.7 percent of Barclays Africa's issued share capital at a price of R132 per share.

This results in accounting de-consolidation of Barclays Africa from Barclays PLC.

Barclays PLC sold 285,691,979 Barclays Africa ordinary shares at a price of R132 per share, which results in Barclays PLC reducing its shareholding to 23.4 percent, with a further 7 percent to be taken up by the Public Investment Corporation at a later date, following receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals.

The shares in the overnight book-build were multiple-times subscribed and sold to a mix of existing and new investors, both locally and internationally.

The aggregate gross sale proceeds were approximately R37.7 billion.

It was announced in March 2016 that Barclays PLC would reduce its shareholding over time.

The overwhelming investor interest in this book-build process that took place overnight has given Barclays PLC the opportunity to expedite this process.

The completion of this transaction demonstrates an exceptionally healthy investor appetite for Barclays Africa, and our strategy of becoming a leading stand-alone financial services group in Africa, said Maria Ramos, Barclays Africa Group Chief Executive Officer.

The significance of this sell-down is that Barclays PLC is no longer the controlling shareholder of Barclays Africa, which now has a diverse shareholder portfolio made up of very supportive, long-term, institutional and individual investors.

Barclays PLC will remain an important shareholder and will support Barclays Africa throughout the sell-down and operational separation processes, which are already well underway.

According to Ms Ramos, independence from Barclays PLC will create several opportunities, which will ultimately result in benefits for different stakeholders.

Barclays PLC will contribute the equivalent of 1.5 percent of Barclays Africa's market capitalization, equating to approximately R1.85 billion (based on Barclays Africa's share price of R145.95 as at 30 May 2017), towards the establishment of a broad-based black economic empowerment scheme.

As announced in February 2017, Barclays PLC has agreed to contribute approximately R12 billion (765 million) primarily to fund the investments required for Barclays Africa to complete the separation from Barclays PLC.

The contribution will, in part, go towards investments in technology, rebranding and other separation projects.

Ownership of Barclays and Absa operations in Africa does not change as a result of the reduction in shareholding.

The 11 banks that form part of Barclays Africa will continue to be led and operated by people with deep local knowledge and a diversity of skills and experience.
The Progressive Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association has received support from Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to set up an electronic platform to pay cocoa farmers across the country.

This follows the association's application to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to issue 'No Objection' letter to the Central Bank in support of its proposal to set up an electronic platform to pay farmers.

COCOBOD has therefore issued a letter of 'No Objection' to the Bank of Ghana in support of the association proposal to set up an electronic platform to pay farmers.

We hereby cover our no objection to the application of Progressive Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association to set up an electronic platform to pay cocoa farmers with mobile money in line with Bank of Ghana regulations, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo stated in the letter.

The innovative Cocoa Sika Payment Platform, an electronic payment system for cocoa farmers, to facilitate rapid and secured payment of monies to farmers for beans purchased has been on the drawing board for some time now.

It will seek to eliminate physical movement of huge sums of money to farmer gates and ensure a cashless system that will eradicate losses associated with the physical cash payment system.

An elated President of the Progressive Licensed Cocoa Buyers Association, Samuel Anane, commended the new COCOBOD for supporting their quest to pay cocoa farmers electronically.

He also commended Dr. William Mensah, a Deputy CEO of COCOBOD, for supporting indigenous LBCs despite the challenges facing the cocoa sector.

He was of the conviction that the new administration would bring back life to the cocoa sector to improve the welfare of cocoa farmers and all stakeholders.

So far so good; this new administration is friendly and a listening body. We believe that they will improve the sector and help the nation register high and record cocoa production, he explained.

He added that the association would collaborate with the banks and MTN to set up redeeming points where farmers can cash their money as and when they need it.

Mr. Anane said a secured redeeming point would ensure prompt payment to farmers in all agro industry, adding that the Cocoa Sika Payment Platform would gradually push farmers onto the formal financial platform that would allow them access to loans to expand and improve their farms.

A business desk report
Yoofi Grant- CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Premier David Makura- The Premier of Gauteng Provincial Government and Her Excellency Lulama Xingwana- South African High Commissioner to Ghana

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yoofi Grant, has encouraged investors, particularly those in Gauteng, South Africa, to invest in Ghana.

He said Ghana is currently positioning itself to become the business infrastructure and tourism hub in West Africa, indicating that the two countries have things to learn from each other.

Ghana will position and turn things around to make it more attractive to investors for mutual benefit, he added.

Mr. Grant, however, indicated that although there are a lot of investment ventures in Africa, partnerships for investment between African countries account for only 12 percent.

If Africa is to exploit its position to become a major player, it needs to trade with each other to about 80 percent, he added.

He expressed the readiness of the country to partner other African investors for business and development ventures.

Mr. Grant disclosed this while speaking at the GhanaSouth Africa Business to Business Seminar in Accra themed, 'Investment and business partnerships, the vehicle for intra-Africa integration and impactful economic development.

The seminar held in collaboration with the South African High Commission in Ghana and the Gauteng Provincial brought investors from both countries together to explore trade and development opportunities.

South Africa's High Commissioner to Ghana, Lulu Xingwana, who led the delegation of senior government officials and investors, in her address, said the seminar was to enhance the bilateral relations between South Africa and Ghana.

She said the collaboration is also to consolidate the political and economic relationship between the two countries while strengthening trade ties as directed by the African Union (AU).

The areas of investment we are looking at include road, infrastructure, agriculture, agro processing, rail, manufacturing, automobiles and port infrastructure, she said.

The Premier of Gauteng Provincial Government, David Makhura, on his part, called for the reintegration of Africa in terms of investment and trade.

He said African countries can take advantage of the opportunities to create businesses for the youth, who are eager to put their energies to good use, while developing the continent through its rich mineral resources.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri & Abigail Owiredu-Boateng
The ordeals Ghanaian workers especially women endure when they are employed to work in the Gulf States of the Middle East is somewhat household knowledge.

It would appear that it is the employment agencies which benefit from the arrangements and not the workers who end up abused by wicked rich Arabs.

The Arabs who engage these Ghanaian workers unfortunately see them as beasts of burden and exploit them to the maximum. Some have been maimed as a result of physical abuse suffered at the hands of wicked Arabs.

With their passports seized and kept by their bosses, it is unthinkable for them to even consider fleeing from the bondage in which they live as soon as they set foot in these countries.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has had cause to lodge complaints to some of these countries time without number about the crude treatment they mete out to our citizens.

Under the NDC regime, we can recall how once upon a time our envoy in Saudi Arabia with responsibility for some Gulf countries had to travel out of his base to intervene in one terrible issue involving a Ghanaian lady who suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of her owner.

The employment agencies in spite of these obvious challenges and even danger our compatriots are most likely to endure when they travel to the Gulf countries, continue to put out juicy advertisements about an awaiting paradise.

In the most drastic measure yet from the Foreign Affairs Ministry suspending the engagement of Ghanaian workers for work in those countries we can only say bravo to those who thought this out.

We cannot fold our arms apathetically as rich Arabs use our girls or women as sex slaves. Allowing them to continue to satisfy their libidos on unsuspecting girls from Ghana should not be entertained under any circumstances. After all we are not starving in Ghana. Haba!

The story of a Ghanaian driver who was killed in Saudi Arabia  a story which we carried in the DAILY GUIDE a few years ago is still fresh in our memories.

To date we doubt if the bereaved families of the heavy duty driver who lost his life under strange circumstances have been pacified.

Much as we are guided by the tenets of diplomacy and detest xenophobic tendencies, in our remarks we deem it important to state that the average Arab in the countries under review who engage black workers from our part of the world do not have any iota of deference for them.

Examples abound about how many Ghanaian women have had to succumb to the nightly sexual overtures of their 'masters' whose children and other members of their families also come to forcefully have their turns.

The economic challenges are not as bad as to warrant our migration to these hell on earth regardless of the negative fallouts of such ventures. We must, as human beings, maintain our dignity.

Even locally, we have reliably heard about how badly some of our compatriots have been treated working for persons of Gulf origins.

It is the responsibility of the state to protect her citizens and this has been exhibited. It is for this reason that we side with the decision and wonder why a total ban would not be more appropriate than a suspension.

The disregard for blacks is in the genes of the persons under review and so they would not stop exhibiting the tendencies which have prompted this commentary.
Our country is once again mourning the death of an illustrious son, Captain Maxwell Mahama. Its shocking!And even more shocking as captain Mahama of the 5 Battalion of infantry was a victim of a mistake of an unjustified mob justice.

He was lynched by some locals of the Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region of Ghana whilst on military detachment in the area.In what can be described as inhumane enough,his body was burnt after being stoned to death by the locals who claimed they mistook him for an armed robber.What a misthinking!What kind of heart do these people have.Such heartless rapscallions!

Whilst I join the rest of Ghanaians to commiserate with the family;especially,the wife and children of this hero of our time,I wish to employ all well meaning Ghanaians to join the call for the necessary justice to be served in this case.Its probably,the biggest gift we can offer as fare-thee-well to the soul of our late brother.This case should not end like any of the other cases.

But come to think of it,do you really think this is the first time a mob has taken the law into their own hands and visited such untimely death on well meaning citizens of our land?In this era of rule of law(not rule of mob) and nearly strengthened institutions of state,do you really think its necessary for a mob to take the law into their own hands and commit such acts with impunity?

Today,the rather painful murder of our brother is making all the news headlines and attracting attention because of one reason-he was a dignified army officer.He was an asset to our nation.You know how we respect soldiers in Ghana!

But as we still continue to mourn,have you ever wondered the number of people who have suffered similar ill-fate in the name of so-called mob justice?Maybe they are in tens,thousands and millions.I guess you didnt hear or you didnt saw.I just guess such cases have not been witnessed in your community whilst we look on,and some times endorsed such acts.Beat him! Kill him!He is the criminal in the town!They have been albatross on our neck for so long a time.So kill am;beat am.

Probably,you didnt hear of their cases because,they didnt command respect in society.They were ordinary people like you and I.They were tagged by self acclaimed law enforcement agencies as the usual thieves, and killed instantly.Maybe because of a goat,sheep,fowl,bicycle,motto inter alia.Maybe you didnt hear of these cases not because you didnt want to hear but because, these people were presumed as commoners in society.

You deliberately forgot the common biblical proposition,All men are created equal.

But come to also think of it,.Why do you think a mob will take the law into their own hands and commit such atrocious acts with immunity? Its simple!Lack of trust in our justice system.You will often hear such people say,sending such victims to the court or police station for proper interrogation and fact funding will amount to freeing them automatically.It will amount to no punishment, although, such people may be found culpable of such crimes.This is usually the cliche.

Permit me to state here that,this is where our institutions must wake-up to the realisation that they are letting society down by their actions and inactions.Anarchy and destruction with impunity would continue to be the order of the day insofar as societal perception of our institutions of law continue to sink.Its just a wake-up call to our institutions,especial of law.

We dont want any startling revelations by Anas Aremeyaw Anas again.We dont want any vigilantism any longer:Invincible Forces,Delta Forces, Azorka Boys,Bolga Bull Dogs must take a cue.Let our institutions work and win back public trust,else

Indeed,the gruesome murder of the humble servant of our land,Captain Maxwell Mahama of blessed memory has thought us a bitter lesson.Unfortunate as it is,but it has sounded the wake-up alarm for us all to begin to discourage mob justice from our society.The law must take its cause no matter the confidence so lost in same.We make the law and the law make us.Hence,the law mirrors society.Lets build the law the way we want it.

Join the campaign to end mob justice now!Remember,it could be you!

I pray,however,that justice is served to the family of late Captain Maxwell Mahama.

May the good Lord bless us all.

The writer is a teacher by profession,a freelance journalist,youth advocate,blogger/writer and a student at the University of Ghana Business School pursuing Bachelor of Science in Administration with a major in Public Administration.

By ANANPANSAH,B ABRAHAM(AB)

(The Village Writer)

0241129910/0200704844
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Off recent times, media houses in the country have drawn the attention of the nation's citizenry. Indeed, this has created havoc and catastrophe posed to us by the nefarious and unacceptable activities of illegal miners in the country.

Palpable reference can be said of the enormous negative effects of the unregulated mining activities in Ghana are; the degradation of our lands and inefficient use of our mineral resources. Well, a classical example is the pollution of the Pra and Shama river which serve as drinking water to the various communities in which they are situated.

However though, this situation has not only caused the people of their drinking water but has destroyed all fishes and live in these water bodies rendering fishermen and the youths of these affected areas jobless. Not forgetting, the upsurge of prostitution and hard drug abuse as a sub-culture of the galamsey business.

According to Expert projections, most galamsey workers abuse hard drugs provided them by their Chinese and foreign bosses to stimulate them to work harder and in the cases of most ladies,they are used as sex slaves and forced into prostitution.

Indeed, It is no wonder that the highest growing incidence of HIV is recorded in the Western region, due to the influx of sex workers in mining areas.Off what reason should the people of Ghana suffer this much? and what excuse do we have as a nation for our inability to fight this menace which is more than decades old? It's quite obvious that, governments after governments have been unsuccessful in their battle against galamsey due to the activities of some influential citizens and public office holders who act as kingpin in the galamsey business and even own more illegal mining camps than their foreign accomplices.

Recently following the arrest of the 31 year old Chinese galamsey queen, Asia Huang, names of influential men and those who are supposed and paid with tax payers money to protect the integrity and resources of this country have rather been tagged and associated to the rampant rise of galamsey activities in the country.

Among this men are, the Ashanti Regional NPP chairman Mr.Bernard Antwi Boasiako, former Ashanti Regional Police Commander Mr. Nathan Kofi Boakye and Former Ashanti Regional Minister Mr.Alexander Ackon who are alleged to have unflinchingly supported and provided security to these Chinese galamsey operators for their greed and personal gains. If these people in power who are supposed to lead the fight against galamsey are vehemently involved in the business,then who exactly are we fighting against.

For a tree to be terminated permanently, it must be uprooted so must the case of galamsey, the government and our able security personnel must not only arrest foreign galamsey operators for them to released later on by their accomplices in high places and offices,but must also arrest and prepare for trail all corrupt leaders and officials who strongly safeguard and facilitate the activities of these foreigners.

In that manner, the battle against this nefarious act could be won but till then,the country and its citizenry must take to heart afforestation to protect our environment, ensure enough rainfall and prevent cases of desertification,since the activities of galamsey operators are eventually turning our country into another Sahara desert. On that note,I say kudos to the Environmental Protection Agency for the planting of 1,000 seedings,these seedlings comprised of Acacia, Mango,Cedrelia,Ma hogany and Tick.

If galamsey must be stopped then it's bedrock must be destroyed totally.

Elliot Nuertey

0265260479

[email protected]

Radio Univers 105.7FM.
RACINE  With a special mayoral election likely around the corner, one alderman is suggesting making mayor into a part-time position and cutting the salary along with it.

Alderman Henry Perez of the 12th District said: I dont think we need a full-time mayor and he feels that now is a good time to make that change following Mayor John Dickerts spring announcement that he plans to resign sometime this summer to take a new job as director of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a water advocacy group.

Perez has filed a request with the city asking for discussion about transitioning to a part-time mayoral position at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting.

The item was listed on the City Council agenda that came out on Friday. But it would be up to City Council President Dennis Wiser to schedule the meeting for discussion on the topic, Perez said. Wiser could not be immediately reached for comment Friday on the topic.

Perez said the city has an experienced city manager: City Administrator James Palenick.

Palenick started as city administrator in the end of April, taking the spot of retiring city administrator Tom Friedel.

This is one of those positions, when you have a city administrator, is not necessary, Perez said about the full-time mayor position.

Legally, there is not a lot that the mayor does, Perez said. I see the council taking a bigger role, now that we have someone we paid a lot of money to become our city manager  It makes sense to reduce the role (of mayor).

The vision should be coming from the council, Perez said.

Along with reducing the position of mayor to part-time, the salary should also be reduced, Perez said.

This is a good opportunity for us to reduce and save some money, Perez said.

He said when he was a police officer in Pinecrest, Fla., outside of Miami and they had a city manager and part-time mayor. That worked great, for that suburb, he said, which has a population of about 20,000. The mayor was basically a public relations person, which is a system Perez thinks worked well.

Alderman John Tate II, who was elected in April, said Friday the idea of a part-time mayor never crossed his mind.

It seems like the executive of the city would demand full-time attention, Tate said.

But he said he would be interested in hearing more from Perez about what a part-time mayor position would mean for the city and what it would look like.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Ben Ephson has a point that when nominations open, shortly, for the electioneering campaign of would-be executive officers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, the suspended General-Secretary of the party, is apt to register his desire to win back his old job (See Kwabena Agyapong [sic] Likely to Contest NPP General-Secretary Post  Ephson Kasapafmonline.com / Ghanaweb.com 5/23/17). Indeed, when he spoke to yours truly from London, UK, a couple, or so, months ago, Mr. Agyepong sounded quite sanguine and upbeat about his position at party headquarters as substantive General-Secretary, even an indefinitely suspended General-Secretary.

Mr. Agyepong made it loud and clear that he was still the General-Secretary of the New Patriotic Party. We did not go into the details of his excommunication from party headquarters, but it was heavily implied. It was, however, not the reason why he had gotten in touch with me via e-mail to let us talk about something I had written about him that he did not seem to be pleased with.

In my piece, I had noted, matter-of-factly, that I did not think that Mr. Agyepong could happily work under the leadership of President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a man that from all reliable mainstream accounts, he did not seem to have any remarkable regard for. Mr. Agyepong vehemently protested and said that most of the stories festooning the very public impasse that led to his indefinite suspension had been wildly exaggerated.

For instance, he denied Mr. Musa Superiors well-written and widely publicized allegation that Mr. Agyapong had ordered Nana Akufo-Addos portraits to be taken off the office walls at the partys Kokomlemle headquarters. I told him that it was Mr. Superiors heart-wrenching account that had made me lose any confidence and benefit of the doubt that I hitherto harbored for him. But even more significantly, I pointed out to him that I had suffered a major psychological trauma in the wake of the inexcusably primitive abduction and brutal Mafia-style assassination of the three Accra High Court Judges on the night of June 30, 1982, on the express instructions of then Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) Chairman Jerry John Rawlings and his cousin and National Security Adviser, Capt. Kojo Tsikata (Rd).

Of course, one of those highly principled and intrepid judges, Mr. Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, was the father of the suspended NPP General-Secretary. I had been forced to leave Prempeh College, where I was an A-Level student, for nearly a year. I further added that I had been emotionally and psychologically heavily invested in his fortunes and those of his siblings, whether he realized it or knew about it or not. Which was precisely why I had been deeply pained by his very public disagreements with Nana Akufo-Addo.

At the end of our conversation, I came to the conclusion that unlike Messrs. Paul Afoko, the suspended New Patriotic Partys National Chairman, and Sammy Crabbe, the suspended 2nd National Vice-Chairman of the party, Mr. Agyepong clearly seemed chastened. He seemed to have learned a lesson or two from that rancorous experience. But there was also something that I found quite admirable about his feistiness, as well as his steely self-assuredness.

When I asked him whether it would be okay with him if I put in a good word or two in his favor in one of my future columns, Mr. Agyepong paused momentarily, as in a sigh, and wistfully quipped, You see, as President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo has to maintain a global perspective. He has to think beyond individual issues. I have been to his house three times and spoken with him since he won the election. But I am not pushing it. I prefer to let him make his own decisions, either regarding me or anybody else, for that matter.

Well, like Mr. Ephson, I think that Mr. Agyepong would be better off working for Nana Akufo-Addo and the long-term interest of the party outside of the NPPs Kokomlemle headquarters. You see, too much blood has been needlessly spilled, too many foul words have been exchanged, and too many feelings and egos have been bruised. Time to let deep cuts and festering wounds heal. And then, once again, all can pick up the proverbial broken pieces, stitch them together, and peacefully and amicably move on.

*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs
A sequence of June 4, 1979 actions and their multiplying effects confirmed my suspicion things weren't right.

Early that morning, I was in a taxi to the airport to fly back to continue my studies at the University of Lagos. My former roommate at the Commonwealth Hall was seeing me off.

Onto the Aburi road, a voice boomed from a passing car's radio. 'Sounds like Nkrumah speech,' I said. As we approached the old airport roundabout, the driver of a taxi approaching from the opposite direction (Accra town) was waving and shouting frantically. We should turn back because there was a coup in town and people were being killed. I had spotted a helicopter hovering over the airport. We quickly turned back and were offloaded at the Commonwealth Hall Observatory. Vandals were gathered bewildered.

Speculations were flowing when Mr Professor, then a law lecturer and to-be chair of the notorious citizen vetting committee, showed up. The law place was a key action point, the brains behind the coup, where laws were written, judged at vetting committees or Kangaroo people's court and executed at Gondar Barracks.

'Things are a tossup but it appears the boys are winning,' he said.

Moments later, troops showed up at the Observatory firing wildly into the air. Their leader, a certain captain managed to calm them down. 'Things are tough,' he complained in anxiety. 'We desperately need your support. You students should go and demonstrate to support us.' Students had demonstrated in support of coups in 1966 and 1972. So why not one more coup?

University buses were mobilised and students hit town. I joined one of them because I thought it would be a conveniently safe way of reaching my cousin's house. He lived right across the police headquarters and it had been announced on radio that the place would be bombed because General Odartey-Wellington was holed in there.

I arrived to witness soldiers charging from behind the police headquarters building, shooting in our direction with bullets flying over our heads, us lying flat on the carpet.

Apparently, the general was rather at Nima Police station where we learned later he had been hunted down and killed. Lt Col A.A. Enningful heading the trial of Flt Lt Rawlings and his accomplices for a May 15, 1979 putsch and Major Samuel Boateng Okyere, a prosecution witness were also killed.

Airport closed, I eventually, had to cross the Aflao border through the bush and to Lagos by road to complete my studies at the University of Lagos. I had fled Acheampong following a brutal police beating on May 13, 1977 during a student demonstration.

I yearned, like many of my compatriots, for civilian rule. I had flown to cast one vote during the second round of the 1979 elections. Yet as I readied to return home in December 1981, June 4 returned in December 31, forcing me into a 12-year exile.

So the student support was choreographed. People say in 1966 support for the coup was spontaneous. It wasn't and couldn't. I have classmates, dead and alive, who would testify to a kind of blackmailing coercion to get us to march in favour of it. January 13, 1972, maybe.

Today if lawlessness is rife in the motherland, if mobs are forcibly freeing incarcerated suspects, if a political leadership was rotten corrupt the past eight years and before, if dirt and filth engulf the environment, they have roots in June 4, 1979. It is the second worst motherland's day of shame after December 31, 1981 (the worst) and February 24, 1966 (the third worst).

Its symbolism is jailbreak, summary execution of people who had built careers without proof of charges; the beginning or justification for vigilantism. The 'babies with sharp teeth' of recent years are a throw-up of June 4, 1979 as aggravated by December 31, 1981.

The May 15, 1979 putsch was an insurrection. Add that to the June and December ones. Collectively, they were anti-lawfulness. The executed generals did nothing worse than the babies with sharp teeth. I don't remember schools for children with disabilities being closed from 1972 to early 1979 as happened under the 2009-2016 administration.

Europe's enlightened despots used the AFRC/PNDC brute force tactics to institutionalise discipline and lawfulness. AFRC/PNDC brute force has instituted vigilantism lawlessness ('we no go sit down let them cheat us every day'). State sponsoring PDCs, WDCs, CDRs, CVCs, tribunals, cadre cropping in short, planted and nurtured the seeds of indiscipline the motherland has to endure today. State institutions must function as wings of the NDC but independently under NPP.

Let those who profited from June 4, 1979 celebrate. Those of us who feel victimised will mourn. That is the world I wish wasn't but unfortunately is. Some people's glorious day, my always remember doomsday.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has elected its new executives in the Northern regional sector of Ghana.

A former Northern Regional Vice Chairperson of the TUC, Rebecca Yankson, was elected as the chairperson.

She is the first female chairperson to be elected by polling 17 out of the 32 votes cast, representing 53.12 percent out of the 32 votes cast to represent the region.

Mrs Yankson was sworn in by the Deputy General Secretary, Joshua Ansah of the TUC.

Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, Rebecca Yankson said it was time for women to take up affairs of the TUC in the region and assured members that she would work hard to uplift the image of TUC.

Women in the Northern Region for a very long time haven't had such opportunity and so I will work hard to create more opportunities to help champion the cause of improving the welfare of the members, she underscored.

According to her, her office would operate an open door policy that would bring development in the region.

She called for the support of the past executives to help address the welfare of workers in the region to ensure workers have the sound mind to contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

Other executives elected include a disease control officer of the Tolon District Assembly as the vice chairperson; an auditor by profession, Seidu Yussifu, won the auditor position; the treasure went to Alhassan Issah, while the secretary and the assistant went to Mr Ibrahim Sullo and Mr Joseph Iddrisu respectively.

Mr Ansah urged the new executives to team up in addressing the needs of its members.

According to him, there is a new social protection and occupational safety, health and environment department that would assist workers to plan well for their future.

He encouraged members to plan well for their retirement, adding that it was crucial to avoid any misfortune in future.

Mr Ansah asked members to educate other colleagues on the need to prepare well for their pensions.

FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale




The specialised vehicles ordered by former President John Dramani Mahama before exiting office, and meant to be used by the incoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration are ready in Dubai.

The new cars were to beef up the presidential fleet and were ordered a few days to the handing over of power to President Akufo-Addo.

Per the contractual terms, the vehicles were to be delivered within 60 days after which payment would be made.

However, the delivery of the vehicles had run into difficulties because of some unresolved issues, including the indefinite moratorium placed on the acquisition of new vehicles by the Akufo-Addo regime.

But with the valid contract between the importing company  Amalgamated Security Services Limited and the State  Ghana government may be slapped with huge judgement debt if it goes ahead to abrogate the contract entered into on January 3, 2017.

The $9m worth of contract for the procurement of 55 vehicles for the presidency was signed on behalf of the previous government by Alhaji Salifu Osman, a Deputy National Security Coordinator.

The presidential fleet covers the president, vice president, the first and the second ladies, the presidential press corps and medical team.

The vehicles are mostly bullet-proof Mercedes Benz (S600) meant for the security of the president, his vice and their wives, cross-country vehicles for long distant treks and escorts, two cross-country rapid intervention vehicle, two cross-country ambulance and a pickup truck with radio and communication as lead cars.

A larger number of the vehicles was to be allocated to the office of the president and the vice president while the remaining were to go to the office of the first and the second ladies as well as the security detail at the presidency.

Even though everybody is maintaining silence on the deal, a senior member of the previous NDC administration confirmed to DAILY GUIDE that the Mahama regime indeed placed the order to re-stock the depleting presidential fleet for the incoming regime in order to make room for the smooth running of the new administration.

The source was not ready to give details, saying that it is a security issue and so the National Security was handling the transaction.

Currently, the president uses a 10-year-old BMW which occasionally breaks down with high servicing cost.

And when the vehicles go for servicing, he uses his private ones  a situation which is detrimental to his personal security.

Recently, while returning from an official engagement at Peduase Lodge, near Aburi in the Eastern Region, DAILY GUIDE learnt the BMW nearly broke down, compelling the driver to reduce the speed limit. It was later detected that the ball joint was on the verge of dislocating.

The dearth of vehicles is also affecting other departments at the presidency.

The office of the first lady, according to DAILY GUIDE sources, oftentimes has to rely on National Security for vehicles to prosecute her charity project outside Accra. It did happen during the recent event in Kumasi relating to fundraising of about GH9 million for the building of an emergency Maternity Block for the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to reduce maternal and infant deaths.

As it is, the hands of the new administration are tied as the new vehicles are still in Dubai ready for air-lifting to Ghana upon clearance.

The delay is accruing rent charges and the agent is not ready to accommodate the cost any longer, DAILY GUIDE has gathered.

The vehicles are customized for Ghana and cannot be used by any other country.

They have adequate security features as they are designed to withstand the effects of a hand grenade as well as other possible attacks.

They are fitted with radio, video communication and other warning devices for the use of the presidency.

According to DAILY GUIDE checks, four companies were invited to submit bids before Amalgamated Security Services Ltd. was selected, looking at its track record in terms of delivering superior technology and after sales service.

By Fortune Alimi


The Accra Mayor laying wreath at the memorial service: INSET: Samuel Atta Akyea

GOVERNMENT HAS lauded waste management giant, Zoomlion Ghana Limited and its subsidiary, Dredge Masters for their prompt response in keeping the sanitation situation in Accra under control immediately after the June 3rd twin fire-flood disaster.

Speaking at a memorial church service on Saturday, June 3rd this year, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Adabraka, a suburb of Accra, in remembrance of victims of the June 3 flood and fire disaster that killed about 200 persons at the Nkrumah Interchange in Accra, the Minister of Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Kyea indicated that the response from Zoomlion and its subsidiary at the time was very impressive.

He said the two entities needed to be commended for the quick response in helping to save lives.

He specified, I must say that but for the humane attitude of a company called Dredge Masters, an affiliate of Zoomlion, the situation could have been worse.

Mr. Atta Akyea explained that Dredge Masters was working day-in-day-out because of the human dimension to the company. You know companies are very commercial in their orientation. Without money, they won't work. Sitting on my desk are various bills that we need to pay them.

According to him We have this disease that a contractor can be owed six years after completion of work and expect that the contractor will be impoverished and the rest of it. But a Ghanaian company called Dredge Masters they have not been paid off but nevertheless, they are still working because some catastrophes are more serious than posting dividends and profits.

He added that so, please when we are acknowledging those who have played a major role in this issue, we should remember Dredge Masters and Zoomlion.

Immediately after the tragic incident that fateful Wednesday night, Dredge Masters began desilting the Korle Lagoon which is believed to be the major cause of the flooding situation in some parts of the capital and the company has since remained at work.

Zoomlion on its own has stepped its cleanup exercises, partnering and supporting numerous private and public organizations to promote good sanitation in the city.

Memorial Service

In attendance were families of the deceased and surviving victims many of whom could easily be identified by the burnt scars on their bodies. Government officials from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies were also present.

Prayers were said for the spirit of the departed souls as their names were mentioned one after the other. The surviving victims were also committed into the hands of God as they continue to battle with life after the horrible incident coined by many Ghanaians as Black Wednesday.

Mr. Atta Akyea, who spoke on behalf of government at the ceremony, expressed the belief that never again would that incident happen to Ghana.

However, he said that could only be possible if the citizenry change their attitude towards the environment by putting an end to the habit of littering around, especially, in drainage facilities.

The Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, on his part paid glowing tribute to the spirit of the departed souls and wished the surviving victims well in all their endeavors.

He used the opportunity to remind residents in Accra about the President's vision of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa by end of his tenure in office and therefore noted that the Assembly will not renege on this promise.

We have decided that the National Sanitation Day will be an enforcement of our bye laws to check all city dwellers who decide to make the environment filthy, he said.

About the Disaster

In the middle of a heavy flooding and rainstorm mid-night Wednesday, June 3 2015, an explosion at Kwame Nkrumah Circle Branch of the GOIL filling station in the capital Accra, reportedly killed at least 200 people that plunged the whole nation into an official three-day national mourning.

The streets of the capital from the accident scene were littered with bodies while some were found in drains taking authorities weeks to clear the remnants of the disaster.

The morgues were congested with bodies and hospital authorities were overwhelmed with casualties from Ghana's worst ever disaster that occurred on June 3.

BY Melvin Tarlue


05.06.2017 LISTEN

I am baffled to the last degree, why should NDC communication team be disgracing themselves like that? I almost pass out (vomited) when I heard the entire NDC communication team trying to make a political capital out of the just ended ECOWAS chairmanship position.

To start with, the union was established on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos , with its stated mission to promote economic integration across the region. A revised version of the treaty was agreed and signed on 24 July 1993 in Cotonou. Considered one of the pillar regional blocs of the continent-wide African Economic Community (AEC), the states goal of ECOWAS is to achieve "collective self-sufficiency" for its member states by creating a single large trading bloc by building a full economic and trading union.

ECOWAS also serves as a peacekeeping force in the region, with member states occasionally sending joint military forces to intervene in the bloc's member countries at times of political instability and unrest. In recent years these included interventions in Ivory Coast in 2003 , Liberia in 2003 , Guinea-Bissau in 2012 , Mali in 2013 , and Gambia in 2017 .

Secondly, ECOWAS chairmanship position is not been voting. It has always been by consensus and it has never been voted for. NDC should go and read page 7 to 8 of the ECOWAS THIRTY-EIGHTH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AUTHORITY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT held on 2nd July 2010 and up breast yourselves with current happenings.

The Rotational Chairmanship agreement was proposed on 2nd July 2010, and was adopted on 10th December 2010.

When it was adopted Umar Musah Yar'Adua (Negeria) was given the nod and was succeeded by GoodLuck Jonathan (Negiria) due to the untimely death of Yar'Adua. After Goodluck Jonathan term Alhassane Outtara (Ivory Coast) came in followed by John Mahama (Ghana) then Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) and now Gnassingbe Nyadema (Togo). If you care to follow the trajectory it has been Anglophone and Francophone since December 2010.

No wonder the Second in-command of the Ghana Arm Force (H.E Dr. Mahamud Bawumia) said the entire NDC fraternity hate reading. now I understand, they engage in frivolous propaganda and noise Making. No wonder every well meaning Ghanaian now knows that NDC is synonymous with propaganda and corruption.

NDC communication team should Follow this link download the treaty of ECOWAS THIRTY-EIGHTH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AUTHORITY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT held on 2nd July 2010 and up breast yourselves with current happenings.

The Rotational Chairmanship agreement was proposed on 2nd July 2010, and was adopted on 10th December 2010.

When it was adopted Umar Musah Yar'Adua (Negeria) was given the nod and was succeeded by Goodluck Jonathan better Educate themselves and stop the propaganda.

http://www.ecowas.int/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/38th-ECOWAS-Summit-Sal-2-July-2010.pdf rad page 8. It started in 2010.

IBRAHIM SULEMANA

(NPP COMMUNICATION TEAM MEMBER - GAMBAGA)

(0201762153/0244372700)
05.06.2017 LISTEN

The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle constituency of the Western Region, Hon Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah has appealed to Muslims in the country to pray earnestly for Ghana as they are in the holy month of fasting (Ramadan).

The Lawmaker made the appeal to the Muslims when he paid a courtesy call on the Odikro(Caretaker) and people of Kamgbunli Islamic community in the Ellembelle District on Saturday, June 3, 2017.

He urged Muslims in the community and various part of Ghana to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for Ghana and Ellembelle District especially in these "hard times". "Pray for the president of this country, Ghanaians and myself" he said.

Hon Armah Kofi Buah added that it is a high time the misconceptions that Muslims are boisterous and violent be cleared and the onus lies on the leaders of the Muslim community to educate their youth on it.

On the development of Kamgbunli Islamic Senior High School (UBAISH SHS), Hon Armah Buah pledged to continue the establishment of the science laboratory being done by the GNPC. "Right now my position at first has been reduced,so I'm going to lobby through the central government and the private sector for the establishment of the school's hostel".

On the brouhaha over mob attacks in the country, Hon Armah Buah pointed his worry on the tragic brutality of Captain Adam Mahama and registered his deepest condolence to the family.

He said this country is gradually becoming a lawless state. "Laws are not working in this country, no justice, this country needs serious prayers because what is happening is unconstitutional", he added.

He also said that over-politicization of the state institutions must be stopped. "I don't understand the reason why NDC comes to power workers laid off and also NPP comes to power workers too suffer the same trend, these phenomenon must stop for good", he charged.

During the visit, Hon Armah Buah who was the former Petroleum Minister in the erstwhile John Mahama administration donated bags of rice and sugar to be distributed to all the Zongo communities within Ellembelle District.
South Africa gained a reputation in recent years as a hotbed of mob violence in Africa, thanks to the bloodthirsty hoodlums whose periodic xenophobic rampages against African migrants shocked the world. But that dubious distinction is on the verge of passing from South Africa to Ghana. The socially destabilizing phenomenon is now as much a problem in Ghana as it is in South Africa.

Lynch mobs are increasingly becoming an unsettling social issue in Ghana. Every now and then instant justice is meted out to someone in communities both large and small across the nation, the latest example being the lynching of an up and coming young army officer in the Denkyira district, Captain Maxwell Mahama. The young officer, father of two, was callously murdered despite making his military identity known to his assailants.

Besides killing, the vigilantes in Ghana are often prone to actions that show how degenerate they are, actions that demonstrate their total lack of common human decency; in other words, they have a capacity for evil beyond imagination. To illustrate this point, not too long ago in Kumasi, a woman was accused of theft by some vendors.

A crowd quickly gathered, set upon the poor woman, beat her mercilessly, stripped her naked, pushed her onto the ground, spread her legs wide open and men, demonstrating just how cruel and depraved they could be, stuck the tips of their shoes and their fingers into her genitals. Not even animals in the wild would subject one of their own to such savage and dehumanizing abuse.

Miraculously, the woman came out of this harrowing ordeal alive, but whether she can overcome the psychological trauma resulting from

her dreadful experience is another matter.

The most frustrating thing about all this is the impunity the perpetrators seem to enjoy. Seldom, if ever, is anyone punished by the authorities for such egregious crimes. The criminals commit their crimes and simply walk away - free. Conventional wisdom rationalises the absence of judicial sanctions for vigilante crimes on the assumption that the victims are all armed robbers.

Obviously, that is an exaggeration. Captain Mahama was certainly not an armed robber. The lady in Kumasi who was stripped naked in public and degraded did not even carry a screwdriver, much less a knife or a pistol in her handbag. She was the antithesis of an armed robber. And her experience was hardly an isolated case.

Lynch mobs are getting a free pass in Ghana.Yet

at the height of the xenophobic violence in South Africa, Ghanaians made much of the failure of the South African authorities to prosecute the vigilante groups. How is the absence of punishment for those who engage in mob violence in Ghana any different from the nonchalant attitude of the government in Pretoria toward its own criminals?

Vigilantism undermines the rule of law; it is a surefire way for a nation to dissolve into total anarchy. Vigorous enforcement of the law is the only way to combat the menace. While there is no denying that armed robbery poses a real and present danger to society, mob violence, left unchecked, could easily rival the former as a major destabilizing factor in Ghana. Somalia should always serve as a tragic reminder to Ghanaians that the rule of law must never be taken for granted.

Kwadwo Kyei
Monrovia (AFP) - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it has extended the mandate of its military mission in The Gambia.

The force, consisting mainly of soldiers from neighbouring Senegal, was first sent to the small country in January to compel longstanding president Yahya Jammeh to relinquish power to his elected successor Adama Barrow.

At a weekend summit in the Liberian capital Monrovia, the 15-nation body commended the "crucial role" played by the mission in keeping The Gambia secure but leaders took note of "the fragile situation" in the country and extended the mission for 12 months.

They also broadened the mandate of the force known as ECOMIG to include support for training Gambian armed forces and urged other ECOWAS members to contribute additional troops.

Jammeh, who came to power in 1996, initially conceded defeat to Barrow in the December 2016 election, but a week later the strongman changed his mind, claiming abnormalities marred the poll result.

After mediation by Guinea and Mauritania, strong regional pressure and the arrival of Senegalese troops, Jammeh went into exile in Equatorial Guinea on January 21, leaving the way clear for Barrow, but the departed ruler still enjoys a degree of support.

The ECOWAS statement issued overnight Sunday made no mention of tension between the foreign troops and Gambian protesters who have called them "an occupying force", notably in Jammeh's native region about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the capital Banjul.

After a clash on Friday when ECOMIG troops faced a violent demonstration, one protester died of gunshot wounds and several were injured, according to the interior minister and details given by a local resident.

The regional leaders urged Barrow to establish the required framework and mechanism that will promote national dialogue and reconciliation, and render justice to past injustices, and strict respect to international norms and principles.

The Gambia is a sliver of land running across Senegalese territory from east to west either side of the Gambia river with Banjul located on the broad estuary giving on to the Atlantic.

Its main exports include woven fabric, varieties of nuts and lumber, with small amounts of minerals. Tourism is vital to the economy.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Diplomatically, the relationship between Uganda and Burundi can be described as cordial. But its more to the individual interests of the two leaders; Yoweri Museveni and Pierre Nkurunziza respectively.

The Ugandan leader is the only one surviving of the three African statesmen who spearheaded the process that lifted Burundi from the quagmire of a dozen-year ethnic bloody war (1998-2000).

The other leaders were Tanzanias Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and South Africas Nelson Mandela. These have since died. Of these statesmen, only Museveni witnessed the signing of the Arusha-Burundi Peace Accord of 2000 upon which, the current politics of Burundi ought to be structured. Until lately, he, therefore, drew a considerable respect among Burundian politicians from both sides of the divide.

In light of this, Burundi is considered a valuable and strategic ally of Uganda as a country and Museveni as a person.

Despite a number of cooperation pacts and MOUs in key areas like agriculture, transport, education, health, security, ICT, trade and investment, Nkurunziza has personally been inspired and physically supported to implement some major national, regional and international policies by Museveni.

Its upon this basis that the former UN secretary General Ban Kin Moon literally appointed Museveni to sort out the present mess in Burundi as a peace mediator.

JOINING AMISOM

When Uganda became the vanguard of peace-keeping forces in Somalia against the Al-Shabab group in 2007, it somewhat appeared awkward for only one country to intervene in an internal affair of a sovereign state.

Uganda had been oddly persuaded by the Pentagon of Americawhose troops had twice in early 1990s and 2000s been humiliated, bruised and killed by the Somali militants.

While Washington provided the international diplomatic coverthrough the UN-Security Council and later the African Union, there was an impasse, as these two bodies could only sponsor a sole countrys military into another country under their name.

Efforts to negotiate with Nigeria and Senegal hit a snag. Ethiopia, on the other hand was perceived as a risky party, whose involvement could reignite conflict with Eritrea which had just ended a few years back.

Not to miss the opportunity, Museveni highlighted to Nkurunziza the advantages of joining this mission. Typical of him, Museveni never appears to be more interested than the one he persuades into an action.

So, he pointed to Nkurunziza how he was to gain international recognition by being foremost in enabling the formation of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) that was to be supported by the US and EU via the AU. Reality is Museveni had more interest in this as without another African country joining it, it was a null and void project.

For once, the otherwise, ill equipped and trained Burundi military was exposed to the state-of-the-art military equipment and training skills before their deployment in Somalia.

They became the second army to join Ugandas UPDF in that mission that has lasted to the present. Later on, other African countriesincluding Kenya found it attractive to join.

Nkurunziza is recognized in the US security sector for his initial role. Its partly why today he is upbeat about the Republican administration of Donald Trump because in the first place, the Somali intervention was sanctioned by the Republican George W. Bush administration.

But, if Nkurunziza must appreciate any benefits from this intervention, he renders credit to the mentorship gained from Museveni.

JOINING THE EAC

The East African Community (EAC), which is political in nature, is ultimately aimed at becoming a political federation under one executive political leadership.

The bloc originally comprised three nationsKenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Driven by his personal ambition to reconstruct and reinstate the influence of the centuries old Chwezi Dynasty, Museveni persuaded both Rwanda and Burundi to join the grouping. In his writings, Museveni contends that, the Chwezi dynasty used to stretch from modern day northern Tanzania, via Burundi, Rwanda, eastern DRC, central and norther Uganda, parts of western Kenya as well as South Sudan and western Ethiopia. Hence to him the present day traditional institutions including the 600800--year old Buganda, Toro, Bunyoro kingdoms in Uganda, are subordinates of the Chwezi dynastywhose principal leaders are the ancestors of present day Hima and Tutsi ethnic group.

In the same manner that Museveni managed to convince Rwanda and Burundi to join EAC, he did bring on board Salva Kiir and South Sudan. Currently, he is only left with Eastern DRC to have the entire territorial structure of his dream shaped together.

In the meantime, Burundi has never fully grasped the objective of its membership to the EAC. The initial mandatory annual fee was physically paid on its behalf by Uganda tax payers (through Museveni) so that it does not become a reason for not joining. The other subsequent annual fees are still pending payment.

Although records indicate that beside Kenya, all other EAC members pay annual fees in piece meal, Burundi is faulted for one hundred percent defaulting. Latest records for 2016 show Kenya has paid 100%, Uganda90%, Rwanda64%, Tanzania30% and Burundi00%. Hence Bujumbura and in particular president Nkurunziza clearly do not place the EAC among their financial year priorities, but rather perceive it as a Museveni project.

EPAs AND THE EUROPEAN SANCTIONS AGAISNT BURUNDI

On 16 October 2014, the Eastern African Community finalized the negotiations for a region-to-region comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU). The agreement covers trade in goods and development cooperation. It also contains an extensive chapter on fisheriesaiming mainly to reinforce cooperation on the sustainable use of resources.

Main features of the agreement draft include: 1.) Immediate duty-free quota-Free access to the EU market for all EAC exports; 2) Partial and gradual opening of the EAC market to imports from the EU, taking full account of the differences in levels of development between the EAC and the EU.

The deal was to be signed and ratified by October 2016. But it has since stalled principally by Tanzania and Burundi. The former is skeptical of clause (ii) that requires to open its market for better-standards European products and the later insists the EU must first reinstate the aid it froze.

Now that Museveni assumed the EAC chairmanship for the next one year, he pledged to help resolve the Burundi political impasse as well as the EPAs. Its clear that Museveni intends to help Nkurunziza (unverified reports suggest it was him who helped Nkurunziza to sneak back into Bujumbura after he had been temporarily overthrown by coup plotters in 2015)

So how is Museveni to help Nkurunziza this time? First Nkurunziza has to accept a tit-for-tat-deal with Museveni.

Considering that the European Union is desperate to have the EAC sign the EPAs, having waited since 2014, and the fact that it represents their interests against Chinese dominance in this region, Museveni is to argue in favor of lifting the EU embargo against Burundi on basis that it not only impact on Burundis economy but also other bloc members EU seeks to economically deal with.

He is for instance to report that the volume of trade between Uganda and Burundi used to be $27.2m in 2014 before the sanctionssimply because in that FY the Burundi budget was donor-supported. But in the subsequent FYs until now, there is virtually no trade going on. Uganda in that case, does blame the sanctions much as Burundi is doing. On the strength of those economic arguments, the EU is poised to partially or fully lift the sanctions against Burundi.

On the other hand, Museveni will endeavor to persuade the Burundi belligerents to allow Nkurunziza complete this term as they prepare themselves for a free and fair election that is only three years away in 2020. In this breathing time space, Nkurunziza has to pay more attention to what Museveni advises him next on ways of retaining legitimate power or regional influence.

MUSEVENI AS MAIDEN EAC EXECUTIVE LEADER

Museveni as the annual incumbent EAC chairman will be followed by Nkurunziza next year. It therefore follows that Museveni has to effectively use these two years to drive home his regional political interests. After pacifying the situation for Nkurunzizaie helping to lift EU sanctions and influencing relative calm in Burundi, Museveni will expect Nkurunziza to bring on table the issue of implementing the EAC political federationwith him as the most senior regional head of state to become the first regional executive leader. He expects that Uganda, Kenya (in case Kenyatta returns for second term), South Sudan and Rwanda will support that suggestion. And Tanzania, for its own reasons will not but will have no power to veto it.

By this, Nkurunziza will not only have paid for Musevenis support but also secured a new lease of himself retaining power with a now more empowered Musevenis regional and international influence.

Because of higher expectations in Nkurunziza Museveni has recently made the Bujumbura Ugandan embassy one of the most fundedonly next to that in Washington, USA.

M23 REBELS AND BURUNDI REFUGEES IN UGANDA

Uganda is home to over 45,000 Burundian refugees, many of who live in the Nakivale Camp in the western Ugandan District of Isingiro. Over 200,000 Burundians have fled the country after violence broke out in protest of President Pierre Nkurunzizas re-election in 2015. This implies they feared for their livesand therefore, sympathetic to the group of the foiled coup leaders, many of whom Tutsis.

Fearing that the huge Tutsi presence in Uganda would transform into an armed rebel wing, Bujumbura recently embarked on a campaign to convince its citizens who took refuge in neighboring countries of Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo to return home. But Uganda, which initially had accepted the Bujumbura request reversed its decision, after ascertaining and dismissing Burundis fear.

Indeed, Burundi had obtained intelligence of its citizens being trained in combat skills from Uganda. It turned out though, that the suspected training could have been for M23 rebels whose mission is to capture and occupy territory in eastern DRC and later demand for its secession from the main DRC.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, in the mid-term, the relationship between Uganda and Burundi has more to do with advancing Musevenis long term regional interests than for Uganda as a country. In retrospect, it is cordial in the political sense and very low in the economic aspect that is the key concern of most Ugandans.
RACINE  The Racine Revitalization Partnership, a nonprofit community housing coalition, is considering developing an Uptown property for housing and retail purposes.

The property, which is collectively known as 1418 Washington Ave. but also encompasses 1420 and 1422, was a subject of discussion at Thursdays Redevelopment Authority meeting. The authority authorized an option agreement of $101 by which RRP, represented at the meeting by Executive Director Ed Miller, could purchase and develop the site.

We would be looking to do several apartments on the second floor, Miller said.

Miller added that RRP would be bringing the buildings retail space up to White Box level, referring to the code compliance incentive program the city introduced this year.

The property, which once housed a George Webb restaurant, was purchased by the RDA in 2007 for $109,000. Initially, the plan for the site was to include it in former mayor Gary Beckers artist relocation program, but that program fell by the wayside.

RRP may spend up to $37,900 in pre-development costs to do its due diligence on the property, according to City Development Director Amy Connolly. The option period runs from June 1 through the end of 2017.

Well work, in the next couple of months, through a development agreement, Connolly said. Once they know their final construction costs, then well come to you for a full development agreement and purchase.

Connolly compared the project to the one at 615 Marquette St. the city is currently working on.

At this point in time, were just asking for a look at the building and the ability to do some pre-development work, Connolly added.

Miller said that RRP would work with local leasing agents for the building in hopes of filling it with commercial tenants.

Connolly estimated that the city spends about $2,000 annually to maintain the property and has spent about $50,000 maintaining the actual building since purchasing it in 2007. She added that working with RRP to develop a project in Uptown was an important city priority.

One of the opportunities that we have is to find a developer who can get it back on the tax rolls producing tax revenue and to use whatever federal funds we can to leverage its development, Connolly said.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Briefing the accredited ambassadors of the permanent members of the Security Council, the Troika and the European Union in Khartoum, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour, warned that the holdouts rebel movements, crossing from Libya and Southern Sudan, were trying to undermine the stability and peace in the region, and to drag the government-against its will- into a military confrontation, in order to abort the unilateral ceasefire announced by the government more than one year ago.

There should be no mistake, the timing of this military escalation was by no means coincidental; anti-Sudan circles have been racing against time in order to preempt and abort the evolving chances of a possible rapprochement between the Sudan and the United States and to sabotage the increased propensity and prospects toward the complete lifting of sanctions by next July.

Preceded by a frenzied media campaign to demonize Khartoums human rights record, the unleash or to be more precise - as shall be reviewed later - the reproduction of military adventure, no matter what, the entailed costs and the losses, should be understood as the last-ditch effort, to change the status quo in Darfur. In fact it has been anticipated, the closer the deadline for the complete lifting of the economic embargo, the more desperate and mad the anti-Sudan circles would be.

In other words, ostensibly the military facade of this stereotype suicidal military adventure hid a sinister political strategy of dragging the otherwise relatively stable Darfur, in yet another military escalation, at this very specific time frame. The apparent scheme is primarily premised on exploiting the ensuing media pang or the "halo effect", to turn tables on the Sudan governments ongoing resilient and celebrated efforts to restore peace and order in Darfur in recent years.

Sadly enough, the said "halo effect", could be clearly pulsed in both the statements of UNAMID or the Troika issued immediately in the aftermath of the rebels military attack. Both statements are feared to have fallen to the trap set by those who orchestrated this suicide military escalation in the first place.

Both statements perhaps fell short of calling things by their real names. Ambiguity in such a situation not only equates between the aggressor and the aggressed upon, but more importantly, serves the overt and covert purposes of those who planned, financed and launched this military operation across the borders from Libya and South Sudan. The bottom line for now- is that Sudan as a sovereign country has been a victim of direct terrorist aggression by some neighboring countries and in a flagrant violation of international law. At the end of the day Sudan has only exercised the right of self-defense and its responsibility to restore security and stability in its territories.

It was not coincidental that, the mauled military attempt comes at a time Darfur has been virtually recuperating of security threats, entering entered a new phase of security and stability. It comes at a time the people of Darfur have accepted the challenge of diverting their resources and energies for development and reconstruction, and for patching up their social fabric, unnecessarily torn apart, by years of abhorrent conflicts. This positive shift in Darfur has been clearly authenticated by both regional and international testimonies;

1. The newly appointed head of Darfur hybrid mission (UNAMID) Jeremiah N. Mamabolo told the UN Security Council last April, that security situation in the western Sudan region has changed and the fighting has by far diminish. Adding that Darfur of today is a very different place from what this region was in 2003 when the armed conflict began, and from that of a year ago. Based on this conclusion, the joint envoy said discussions on UNAMID exit strategy from Darfur continue to take place.

2. In 15th May 2017, The 15 members of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) have ended a five-day visit to Sudan, which took them to Darfur, where they hailed the significant improvement in the overall situation in Darfur as well as the cooperation between the government and the council.

3. By the same token, and upon his return from Darfur on May 18th, the current President of the of the Security Council, the Ukrainian ambassador, Vladimir Yelchenko, made an important statement that the Sudan and Darfur in particular, is witnessing considerable progress and development in the overall situation, praising the cooperation of the Sudanese government. Sudan hopes that Yelchenkos statement in Khartoum would be translated in the upcoming Security Council measures on Darfur.

4. More importantly however, on May 22nd 2017, the tripartite mechanism of Sudans government, the United Nations and the African Union, approved a joint work plan stipulating gradual withdrawal of the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) from many areas in the region. In the joint communique the mechanism reiterated full improvement of the security and humanitarian conditions in all Darfur states, and approved the recommendations earlier agreed upon which stipulate gradual exit of UNAMID from many areas and restructuring of the mission.

In fact, in complete disregard for the expressed regional and international resentment, the holdout rebel movements, continued to manifest intransigence toward different and consecutive peace initiative whether in Darfur or the two areas. The latest of which has been the American initiative and proposal for the delivery of aid assistance to the civilians in the rebel held areas in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile.

That very intransigence has recently prompted even Donald Booth, the U.S. envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, to warn and ask the international community to be very wary; that these holdout rebels are more than willing to ignore the interests and the well-being of ordinary civilians, in favor of their own narrow political ambitions, no matter what are the costs.

In fact, in complete disregard for the expressed regional and international resentment, the holdout rebel movements, continued to manifest intransigence toward different and consecutive peace initiative whether in Darfur or the two areas. The latest of which has been the American initiative and proposal for the delivery of aid assistance to the civilians in the rebel held areas in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile.

That very intransigence has recently prompted even Donald Booth, the U.S. envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, to warn and ask the international community to be very wary; that these holdout rebels are more than willing to ignore the interests and the well-being of ordinary civilians, in favor of their own narrow political ambitions, no matter what are the costs.

Again that narrow political ambitions was quite evident in the fact that, albeit all sincere domestic, regional and international efforts calling for lifting of the American sanctions, due to their proven full negative impacts is on innocent citizens in Sudan, the holdout rebels opted to be in the wrong side of history, calling unequivocally instead, for instilling and furthering of the said sanctions. Such isolated and disgraceful position was strongly condemned by almost all sectors of the Sudanese people, including those who do oppose the Sudanese government.

By the same token, despite all indications on the ground, do confirm that Sudanese forces were not only in their maximum alert and preparedness; being in full control of battle theatre all over Darfur, but also the intelligence about the movements of the rebel forces whether in South Sudan and Libya, were both anticipated and closely monitored, the self-proclaimed leaders of holdout rebels, from their luxurious hotels in big world capitals, opted to gamble again and again, leading their remnant combatants to death and destruction.

History shall harshly judge the unscrupulous and Machiavellian rebel leaders, who propelled by the very narrow political ambitions, continue to tool and scapegoat these misguided Sudanese youth, every now and then in a yoke of a losing battle. They were-in no time- mauled and inflicted stupendous losses in lives and equipment. In fact in the last showdown, prominent and historical rebel leaders were either killed or captured.

History repeats itself, the humiliating defeat of the rebels in northern and eastern Darfur, was in fact a copy past reminiscence of previous suicidal attempts with invariably many underlying commonalities;

1. In April 2015, heavily- armed 1, 100 JEM rebels, with the intention to attack and sabotage Sudanese oil facilities in Higleej, after months of protracted and sophisticated training in South Sudan, infiltrated the Sudanese borders. They were utterly mauled and devastated in Goz Dango (South Darfur). Out of the invading force, only 37 of whom, managed to escape, gasping for breath, back into South Sudan. The Sudanese forces captured intact, around 200 vehicles of the invading rebel forces.

2. Likewise, earlier in May 2008, JEM rebels in yet another suicidal act, attempted to assault the capital Khartoum- hundreds of kilometers from their bases in the west- suffered their first crushing defeat, with hundreds captured, wounded or killed. Besides, at least two-thirds of the 180 vehicles involved in the assault were destroyed.

Ironically enough, only in March this year, in a political gesture to reinforce regional peace initiatives and to reinforce the unilateral cessation of hostilities, Khartoum has pardoned and released 259 of the captives in both of the above military adventures, dozens of whom had been already sentenced to death. On its part, the international community and particularly chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr. Zuma issued statement welcoming Khartoums release and the respective commutation of sentences.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Last Friday, a social group calling itself One Ghana Movement was launched, with the sole objective to advocate for justice for the people who were affected in the June 3 twin-disaster, which happened at the Goil filling station in Accra some two years ago.

A member of the group, Lawyer Samson Lardy Ayenini, speaking at the launch in Accra on Friday, said they are ready to ensure that the officials whose negligence led to the disaster are prosecuted.

The pursuit of justice will not only result in fair compensation to victims and their families and punishment to those officials who are found culpable, but, even more, drive the sense of accountability and responsibility of citizens, corporate Ghana, and public officials.

Citizens shall be emboldened not to allow their rights and privileges to be trampled upon, for public servants and politicians shall realise that they will be held accountable for their actions and must give their optimum. One Ghana shall provide both legal and advocacy services to victims and their families to realise the project's objectives, he noted.

The Chronicle couldn't agree more with the group for standing up to support our brothers and sisters who were adversely affected in the natural disaster, which claimed and maimed the lives of the highest number of people in the history of this country.

Over 150 people lost their lives in the twin-disaster, which brought the country on its knees, and several others suffered one deformity or the other.

Additionally, most of the families of the over 150 victims, as well as those who suffered several injuries that fateful day, are yet to be fully compensated.

Leadership of the country, then led by President John Dramani Mahama, joined by others from around the world, fretted over their losses and promised to support them by way of compensation to reduce the burden of their grief.

However, two years on, nothing tangible has been done for the victims, except for the inerasable scares on their bodies that have become permanent reminders of the horrible experience.

It is, however, refreshing that the One Ghana Movement group has threatened a series of actions, including resorting to the court if need be, in order to get justice and compensation for the victims.

The Chronicle is poised to support the One Ghana Movement all the way to the end, to ensure that we get justice for our brothers and sisters who suffered irreparable damage to their lives, brains and bodies.

The attitudes of our governments in seeking justice for the ordinary Ghanaian has become a defect on the state's support calendar, which is giving credence to the hunch that governments intervene only when influential or high-ranking personalities are involved in a disaster.

The paper can state on authority that any time ordinary people are involved in a national catastrophe, it is the negligence of the people, the politicians will say, but when an important personality is involved, it becomes a national disaster.

For example, people perish through motor accidents at the Winneba junction along the Accra-Takoradi highway on a regular basis, but when some top Ghanaian neurologists from Korle-Bu died at the same spot in 2005, the country turned upside down.

That is not to suggest that The Chronicle did not grieve over the demise of the specialists, but the paper is concerned about the way we neglect the ordinary Ghanaian to fate.

We are appealing to the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration to put in place the necessary structures to ensure that in the next few months, all those affected in the twin-disaster, as well as those who suffered one deformity or the other, are adequately compensated.

Otherwise, we allow the wise saying which states that A nation that does not reward its heroes is not worth dying for to become a reality.

Ghana must learn to protect its people, and also make them feel an integral part of the country they believe in and adore.
The author of ''A Call For a Ministry of Ghanaians in Foreign Lands with Two Subsidiary Parliamentary Seats From Each Continent'' Mr. Osei Mensah Michael who is also the Founder of OGHA, Organisation of Ghanaians Abroad,and GHACIF, Ghanaian Community in France Council, last 22/05/2017 paid a working visit to the office of Mr. Akwasi Awua Ababio, Director of Diaspora Relations at the Flagstaff House Accra.

The Author who was accompanied by Mr. Haruna Maiga, OGHA Ambassador and Mrs Agoe (GHACIF Patroness) urged Mr. Ababio to make the transformation of his office into a substantive Ministry of Ghanaians Abroad, a major objective.

He said that, Ghanaians living abroad have become the nation's greatest offshore asset. Past governments have struggled to harness the full participation of the diaspora in Ghana's nation building. In spite of the numerous institutional structures and links established in the past, the status quo still persist.

According to Mr. Osei Mensah, the way forward is clear. The immediate creation of a substantive Ministry of Ghanaians Abroad will review the commitment government attaches to the millions of Ghanaians lost to the diaspora.

He said this proposal will earn Ghana a distinctive mark in her democratic dispensation across the globe and it will call for an improved diaspora commitment and participation with corresponding development.

He took the opportunity to present copies of his book to the office of the President.
Rabat (AFP) - Moroccan authorities on Monday arrested two more leaders of a protest movement, after demonstrators rallied for more than a week against corruption and unemployment.

The northern port city of Al-Hoceima, in the neglected Rif region, has been rocked by social unrest since the death in October of a fishmonger.

Mouhcine Fikri, 31, was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season and his death has sparked fury and triggered nationwide protests.

The demonstrations have snowballed, giving way to a wider protest movement demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment.

Nasser Zefzafi, who emerged as the head of the grassroots Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or "Popular Movement", was arrested on May 29 after three days on the run.

He was detained along with others for "attacking internal security" forces, after a warrant for his arrest issued May 26 sparked turmoil in Al-Hoceima, a city of 56,000 inhabitants.

Since then protesters have taken to the streets nightly.

On Monday, the man widely referred to as Al-Hirak's number two, Najib Ahamjik, and a woman, Silya Ziani, seen as an active member of the protest movement were arrested, a lawyer and an activist said.

Ahamjik, who identifies himself as an accountant on his Facebook page, had gone into hiding after Zefzafi's arrest but posted two online videos calling for "peaceful" protests to continue.

His arrest was announced by lawyer Abdessadek El Bouchtawi on social media.

Ziani was in a taxi with three other activists on her way to Casablanca when they were arrested, said one of them, adding that the three activists were however released.

Protests and dialogue

On Sunday, hundreds of demonstrators took part in a ninth straight night of protests in Al-Hoceima and other towns in the Rif region, an AFP correspondent said.

Unlike other nights, the crowds appeared to be growing smaller but they chanted demands for the release of Zefzafi.

Protesters carrry portraits of Nasser Zefzafi, the arrested leader of a protest movement, during a demonstration June 4, 2017 in Rabat in solidarity with Morocco's neglected Rif region

A solidarity rally was also held in the capital Rabat.

Around 40 activists and key members of the grassroots Al-Hirak have been detained since May 26. Around 20 have been referred to the prosecution.

The government said Sunday, the final day of a three-day general strike, that "the doors to dialogue remain open", despite clashes at the weekend between demonstrators and security forces.

Protesters in the Rif have rejected the mediation of local officials, accusing them of corruption, and branded the central authorities a "police state".

With the apparent breakdown in trust, the Maroc Hebdo magazine pointed to parallels with major protests of 2011 when uprisings ripped through the Middle East and North Africa.

The mainly ethnically Berber Rif region has long had a tense relationship with the central authorities in Rabat, and it was at the heart of the Arab Spring-inspired protests in Morocco in February 2011.

"It seems that only the king really has the means to calm the situation," said Maroc Hebdo, adding Moroccans were waiting to see "if he will intervene".

King Mohamed VI relinquished some of his near-absolute control through constitutional reforms following the 2011 protests.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Kumasi, June 5, GNA - Professor Samuel Afrane, the President of the Christian Service University College, has called for Christians to take centre stage in the fight against wickedness and unruly conduct in the society.

He said he found it deeply troubling that people were increasingly becoming uncaring and unforgiving.

The nation, he indicated, could not travel that path and asked Christians to lead the way to help everybody to recognize 'our shared humanity'.

Prof Afrane was speaking at a public symposium organized by the Ashanti Region Scripture Union (SU) in Kumasi.

'The impact of SU work on society: past, present and future' was the theme chosen for the programme held to climax 150 years of reaching people with God's word.

Activities marking the event included evangelistic outreach, health walk and screening, rally, a day of prayer and congregational worship at selected churches.

Prof Afrane asked church leaders not to over concentrate on numerical increase at the expense of the spiritual growth of the people.

He counselled that more emphasis was put on helping them to do what was right, noble and dignified.

He urged the SU and other Christian bodies to target the youth - aid them to be God fearing and to reject acts of misconduct.

'There is the need to intensify the ministry among families and the youth particularly, to secure their future and that of the country', he added.

The Reverend Samuel Odarno, the Founder of Trinity Foundation West Africa, appealed to school authorities, to open their doors to the SU to teach students the word of God.

He said this was the way forward to turn them away from sexual immorality and the practice of occultism.

GNA

By Josephine Nyarkoh, GNA
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Accra, June 5, GNA - Armed robbers in a taxi attacked the German Restaurant at Community 11 in Tema made up of the guests who comprise mainly the expatriate community.

The robbers who were shooting indiscriminately bolted away with mobile phones, cash and other valuables.

A Greek national who was at the scene said in her police report that she did not exit the car she was in because she was too shocked to see one of the robbers carrying a rifle and the other a pistol.

'The one on my side fired his pistol in the air and demanded our money - I handed over my hand bag - he wrenched the glove compartment open and took the box but discarded it on the floor.

They opened the boot and looked in the back and a taxi driver stopped to ask what was going on and the robbers sprayed the car with bullets.

'We went to Community 11 Tema Police Station and filed a report - about 15 minutes later a Chinese couple also came to the police station with a similar story - finally the taxi driver came and showed the bullet holes to the Police.'

The items stolen from the Greek National included a hand bag, containing both foreign and local currency and two mobile phones - one I phone 7+ with number 07770608272, and one Samsung Galaxy with number 00233244698792 valued at $ 350.

The bag of her colleague was found in a gutter near Max Mart, Tema with his credit cards and driving license intact.

She said the Chinese couple told the police they had been attacked three times and that the expatriates in Tema community felt very uncomfortable and unsafe.

GNA
By Alexander Nyarko Yeboah

Tema, June 5, GNA - Mr. Felix Mensah, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, says the Nana Addo-Danquah Akuffo Addo's government will fulfill its free Senior High School (SHS) promise.

'Nana Addo-Danquah Akuffo Addo asked me to tell you that he has good plans for you and among these plans is the free SHS,' he said.

He said this on Monday during a visit to some selected centres for the on-going Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) within the Tema Metropolis.

He observed that the free SHS policy of the government was starting with pupils who were currently writing the basic examinations adding that 'the confidence these students are showing tells everyone that they have positioned themselves to take advantage of the free SHS policy'.

He hinted that the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) would support the Metro Directorate of Education to ensure that President Akuffo Addo's bid to make SHS education free in Ghana came to pass.

He observed the good and orderly manner in which the examinations were conducted, and praised the supervisors and the metro education authorities for their role in organizing the examinations.

Mrs. Margaret Frempong-Kore, the Tema Metro Director of Education, advised the candidates against examination malpractices.

'Don't copy, don't look for 'apor', Don't look for anything. Just concentrate on what you have studied,' she advised.

She revealed that with the help of the Metro Health Directorate, nurses had been stationed at the various centres with first aid drugs and sanitary pads.

In all, 7,183 students were expected to write this year's BCEE examinations in the Tema Metropolis.

The three thousand, five hundred and twenty boys and 3,663 girls are sitting in 25 centres under the watchful eyes of 250 invigilators and 24 assistant invigilators who are supervised by 25 superiors.

Candidates came from 181 schools made of 49 public and 132 private schools.

GNA
By Dominic Adoboli,GNA

Anlo, June 05, GNA - The Centre for Agricultural Policy and Analysis (CAPMA), a Non-Governmental Organisation, on Monday donated 1000 mathematical sets and pens to candidates writing the 2017 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Anlo Constituency in the Keta Municipality.

The donation also included 10 cartons each of bottled water and assorted soft drinks, meant for supervisors and invigilators of the examination.

Mr Bright Demordzi, Executive Director, CAPMA, a native of Yenui, near Anloga and former Member of Parliament (MP) for Botiano-Englisi-Amanfro Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, said the presentation was "out of love and care for students" and his interest in academic excellence.

The former MP who toured some examination centres encouraged the candidates to put up their best and make the area proud.

Mr. Vincent Ntakor, Zion College Assistant Headmaster, who received the items, cautioned the candidates against examination malpractices.

A total of 1,306 candidates are writing this year's BECE examination in the Anlo Constituency.

GNA
Ghana Government have advanced on plans to regularised it's operations at hajj village, ahead of 2017 pilgrimage to the Holy land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said.

Speaking to section of Muslims at Cape Coast Central Mosque, as part of his Ramadan Tour, the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana said, Muslims will no longer be stranded at hajj village doubting over the flight to use for the holy pilgrimage.

He added that anyone who requested to embark the holy pilgrimage, upon completion of the process, will receive text message indicating the day, flight and time of the departure.

According to Veep, the list will be published in national dailies to obviate crowding, mosquito bites and confusion which usually occurs.

Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, explained the purpose of the Ramadan Tour to Class News' Maxwell Attah in a sideline interview. "The purpose is to fast and worship with Muslims as well as thanks Allah for his mercies" He said.

As part of the Ramadan Tour in Central Region, Veep together with The Regional Minister, Mr. Kwamena Duncan visited some selected Mosques in Kasoa and Winneba.

Other prominent members involved in the tour were Hon. Enerst Arthur and the MP for Cape Coast North Hon. Barbara Ayisi.
Kinshasa (AFP) - A man and a teenager went on trial in a military court in Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, accused of killing two UN experts in March, their lawyer said.

Evariste Ilunga, a 16-year-old student, and Mbayi Kabasele, 30, who sells palm oil, are being tried for war crimes, including murder and mutilation, as well as terrorism and taking part in an insurrection, their lawyer Tresor Kabangu told AFP.

They appeared before the Kananga military court for the start of the trial which was then postponed to June 12 on the prosecutor's request, Kabangu added.

In a case that has drawn international attention, American Michael Sharp and Swedish-Chilean Zaida Catalan were kidnapped March 12 while investigating mass graves in the restive Kasai region, where hundreds of people have died in months of vi9violence.

Their bodies were found only 16 days later and Catalan had been decapitated, though her head was never found.

The UN in May raised questions about the county's 10-week probe into the murders, saying it appeared to have been concluded in haste.

DR Congo's justice department said last month that 16 people were involved in the killing.

Monday's prosecution request for a delay came after the defence questioned the court's legitimacy to judge war crimes, according to Kabangu. He said their imprisonment was "illegitimate."

The trial opened 48 hours after President Joseph Kabila made his first official visit to Kasai, where violence erupted eight months ago.

Some 400 people have been killed and 1.3 million displaced in Kasai, according to the UN, since government forces in September killed Kamwina Nsapu, a tribal chief and militia leader who had rebelled against Kabila.

Last week, a group of international and local aid groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International called on the UN Human Rights Council to open an urgent inquiry into the violence.
RACINE  Law enforcement are responding to a report of a one vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 94 near the exit for Highway 20 early Sunday afternoon.

According to scanner reports, the crash involved a gray PT Cruiser and the vehicle became upright again shortly after the crash, which took place just before 1 p.m. Sunday. It's unclear how many people were in the vehicle or if anyone was injured.
The president of National Service Personnel Association, Philip Quaye Burbery says Nana Akufo-Addo's government is poised in making agriculture the back bone of the development of this country.

He has, therefore, appealed to national service personnel across Ghana to see agriculture as the source of goodies that will come their way.

According to him, if ten percent of national service personnel choose to go into agriculture after serving, the unemployment rate in Ghana would be reduced drastically.

According to the NASPA president, there is no need for Ghanaian graduates to complain about unemployment or join the unemployment association of Ghana if they chose agriculture.

He charged his colleagues to look beyond white colour jobs and rather go into agriculture.

Addressing a NASPA mini congress in Kumasi under the theme: 'Planting for food and job: The role of service personnel', Mr Burbery said: There are a lot of Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) that are ready to support the youth who want to go into farming and called on the youth not to leave the agriculture sector in the hands of the aged.

If the old women and men are even able to do farming, how much more the youthful and energetic, he asked and wondered the amount of food that could be produced if the youth took over agriculture in this country.

NASPA President indicated the readiness of the association to support the government's planting for food and job policy and charged his colleague personnel to begin to think like people who want to become employers and not employees. Go out there and do the calculations, you will realise that majority of the wealthy people are farmers and they are youth, just like you and I, he said.

The Deputy executive director of National Service Scheme (NSS), Nana Boakye, congratulated the national and regional executives of NASPA and charged the association to take advantage of planning for food and jobs policy of the government.

He announced that the NSS will be rolling out policies including insurance policy to make NSS attractive. Nana Boakye urged NASPA to work in unison and advised the national executives to make sure the structures work.

Madam Jennifer Appiah Bempah, the Ashanti regional director of NSS, hailed the theme for the programme, saying the scheme has resumed its farming activities for which Ejura, representing the Ashanti region, has taken the lead again.

She disclosed that they have cultivated 600 acres of maize, which is thriving, in spite of the emergence of the army worm infestation.

She said Ashanti NASPA was very passionate about the farm and has donated 3,000 litres of poly tank to help in the spraying of pesticides to combat the army worm infestation, besides promising to renovate the sheds at the farm.

From Richard Owusu-Akyaw, Kumasi
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with support from the Switzerland government through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has commissioned an ultra-modern laboratory at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) -Soil Research Institute (SRI) in Kumasi.

The upgrade of the CSIR- SRI laboratory by UNIDO through the Trade Capacity Building (TCB) Programme for Ghana is part of an ongoing strategy to strengthen the country's testing laboratories to provide reliable and internationally accepted tests for sustainable value chains for exports.

The laboratory refurbished with modern equipment and technical assistance from UNIDO now implements laboratory quality management system which is in compliance with international standards.The institute also has the capacity to effectively conduct soil classification, land evaluation, soil fertility management, soil mechanization and water management, environment and climate change laboratory analytical services.

A statement issued in Accra over the weekend and signed by Linda Abena Korkor Gyala, National Expert, Marketing & Communication of UNIDO said the TCB programme is supporting Ghana to improve compliance with trade-related standards and supports Ghana's economic development and integration into world markets by developing a competitive and sustainable export economy.

The programme, with a dedicated total amount of US$ 9.8 million by the Switzerland government through SECO, has strengthened Ghana's export capacities.

It has since its inception enhanced export potential of targeted sustainable value chains for fruits, cocoa, fish and wood products.

It has also provided specific technical assistance to support the conformity assessment institutions in the country in areas of standards, certification, inspection, accreditation and testing.

Beneficiaries of the programme include the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), which obtained accreditation for its management system certification body, product certification, it's testing laboratories in areas of pesticide residue analysis, microbiology, mycotoxin testing and increased its capacity in standard development as well as upgrading its textile testing laboratory.

The Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture(MoFA) has also improved its inspection methods for exported fruits and vegetables, upgraded its seed testing laboratory for the analysis of quality seeds and is working towards becoming a European Union (EU) competent authority in the field of horticulture.

Other beneficiaries of the UNIDO/MoTI Trade Capacity Building Project are the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), CSIR  Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), Forestry Commission -Timber Industry Development Division and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) which has an established national traceability system that ensures that exported horticultural products can always be traced back to the farms and developing a digital market hub for Ghana.

In addition, the programme has provided support to some manufacturing companies in Ghana to obtain food safety and management system certification.

UNIDOs primary objective is the promotion and acceleration of industrial development in developing countries and the promotion of international industrial cooperation.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

I thank the Governments of Fiji and Sweden for co-hosting this Conference, and I thank everybody who was involved in its preparation.

But a special word of gratitude to the President of the General Assembly, Peter Thomson, for his determination and leadership all the way through that led to this conference.

We are here today to take decisive action to nurture and protect the lifeblood of our planet.

Oceans and seas cover two-thirds of our home. Maybe we should change its name from Planet Earth to Planet Water. Oceans provide food, energy, water, jobs and economic benefits for people in every country  even those that are landlocked.

They are a crucial buffer against climate change and a massive resource for sustainable development. The health of our oceans and seas is inextricably linked with the health of our planet and all life on earth.

Many nationalities, including mine, have a special relationship with the sea. The truth is, the sea has a special relationship with all of us. It keeps us alive. But that relationship is now under threat as never before.

Pollution, overfishing and the effects of climate change are severely damaging the health of our oceans. According to one recent study, plastic could outweigh fish  if nothing happens - in our seas by 2050.

Rising sea levels threaten entire countries. Oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, causing coral bleaching and reducing biodiversity. Changing currents will have a serious impact on weather patterns; we must prepare for more frequent storms and droughts.

Fisheries in some places are collapsing. Dead zones  underwater deserts where life cannot survive because of a lack of oxygen are growing rapidly in extent and number. Many species could be extinct within decades.

Conflicting demands from industry, fishing, shipping, mining and tourism are creating unsustainable levels of stress on coastal ecosystems.

Numerous reports, global commissions and scientific assessments have described the serious damage to our most vital life support system  but the situation is getting worse. Governments are not making full use of the tools available to them, including the Convention on the Law of the Sea, and UN Oceans.

We are here today to turn the tide. We created these problems. With decisive, coordinated global action, we can solve them. Sustainable Development Goal 14, the Goal of the Oceans, must be our roadmap to clean, healthy oceans.

The essential first step is ending the artificial dichotomy between economic demands and the health of our seas. The conservation and sustainable use of marine resources are two sides of the same coin.

Second, we need to promote strong political leadership and new partnerships, based on the existing legal framework. I commend all the signatories of the Call for Action that will be formally adopted this week.

Now we need concrete steps, from expanding marine protected areas, to the management of fisheries; from reducing pollution, to cleaning up plastic waste.

I call for a step change, from local and national initiatives to an urgent, coordinated international effort. The ongoing work with a view to a legal framework on conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction is particularly important to the future of the oceans and their biodiversity.

Third, we must translate the political will of the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda into funding commitments.

Fourth, we must deepen our knowledge base, with better data, information and analysis. We cant improve what we dont measure.

Finally, we must share best practices and experiences. Most solutions are local, but many have broader relevance.

The United Nations has a critical role to play. We are committed to providing integrated, coordinated support for the implementation of all the historic agreements of the past year, including the Sustainable Development Goal of the Oceans. I am determined to break down barriers between UN agencies and programmes, to improve performance and accountability.

We are already building partnerships with Governments, the private sector, civil society and others, and working with international financial institutions on innovative financing to release more funds.

We are harnessing the power of big data to improve the basis for decision-making and accountability.

And UN Oceans and the entire UN system will continue to play a convening role as a forum for information-sharing, advocacy and the development of international law.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The Portuguese writer Vergilio Ferreira once said: Da minha lingua ve-se o mar. From my language, you can see the sea. So it is appropriate that my first major UN conference as Secretary-General concerns the ocean  a precious resource for so many countries.

The Swedes were sailing around the Baltic Sea and as far as present-day Istanbul some 1,300 years ago. Fijians were sailing canoes at record speeds and for record distances around the Pacific, well before that.

A Japanese creation myth tells of how the archipelago was formed from sea water. An Inuit creation myth is centred on Sedna, the Goddess of the Sea.

The sea indeed, belongs to all of us. Improving the health of our oceans is a test for multilateralism, and we cannot afford to fail. We must jointly address the problems of governance that have held us back.

I am aware that there are many obstacles to progress but we need a new strategic vision.

I call on all Member States to engage in the dialogue necessary to define a new model for the future governance of our oceans.

Unless we overcome the territorial and resource interests that have blocked progress for far too long, the state of our oceans will continue to deteriorate. We must put aside short-term national gain, to prevent long-term global catastrophe.

Conserving our oceans and using them sustainably is preserving life itself.

Thank you very much.
An NPP National Chairman Aspirant, Mr. Fred Amankwah - Sarfo, has reiterated his vision to construct a new spacious ultra modern party headquarters for the NPP under his chairmanship.

Interacting with the Central Region Youth Organizers of the New Patriotic Party, the astute politician indicated his desire to contest and win the high office of National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.

He opined that every national Headquarters denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are coordinated, hence the noble objective.

He is of the view that the current headquarters situated at Asylum Down has outlived it's useful contributions.

According to Mr. Fred Amankwah - Sarfo who is the Acting National President of the Doctoral Researchers Association of Ghana and a PhD Researcher in Information Systems at the University of Ghana Business School, the NPP has a huge opportunity to elect him as the National Chairman in the next delegates election scheduled for early 2018.

Mr. Amankwah - Sarfo said new regional and constituency offices will also be constructed to give the executives a comfortable working environment and be used to attract new members into the party through membership drive programs.

Mr Amankwah - Sarfo is resolute in his chairmanship bid and assures all party faithfuls to stand by him to contest and win the position of National Chairman of NPP.

Mr Amankwah - Sarfo contested the first vice chairman position of the New Patriotic Party in the last delegates congress held in Tamale in 2014.

He is the founding member of the Young Patriots and a co founder of the Progressive Nationalists Forum.

The NPP National Chairman Aspirant was part of the Electoral Commission accredited Monitoring Team for the New Patriotic Party.

The National Chairman who said he ascribes to the 3D Concept of leadership, namely Dependable, Determination and Dedication indicated his desire to lead one party devoid of factions.

The fifty year old Mr Amankwah Sarfo finds recognition, reward and harmony the key to the development of the party.
Paris (AFP) - Injury-plagued Kevin Anderson is hoping the hamstring strain which forced him to quit the French Open is just a "hiccup" which won't impact his Wimbledon build-up.

The 31-year-old South African was 6-3, 3-0 down to seventh seed Marin Cilic in his Roland Garros fourth round match Monday when he retired.

The hamstring injury is the latest in a worrying line of physical setbacks which have stalled his career.

Anderson was a top 10 player in 2015 before a shoulder injury and ankle surgery saw his ranking slump to 80 in the world.

"It's a little hiccup in the road right now. Hopefully I can get back at it as soon as I can," said Anderson.

The Johannesburg-born player was bidding to reach the last eight in Paris for the first time and had been encouraged by a solid clay court run-up.

He was a semi-finalist in Estoril, made the quarters in Geneva and third round in Barcelona where it took Rafael Nadal to stop him.

Now he turns his attention to the grass court season and Wimbledon next month.

That campaign is due to start in qualifying for Queen's in London in two weeks' time.

"I'm actually just in the process now of speaking with doctors, getting some scan results back just to get an assessment of what is going on," he explained.

"It's going to be a quick turnaround. So fingers crossed I'll be ready. Again, it might be a tough decision.

"Queen's is one of my favourite events of the year. So right now, I can't really think too far ahead. I certainly hope to be ready as soon as I can."

Cilic will be playing in his first French Open quarter-final.

He is the first Croatian man in the last eight since Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic in 2006.

Cilic will face third seed and 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals.
The Chief Executive Officer of Jonah Capital, Sir Sam Jonah has said that job creation is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity. He revealed that Youth unemployment is indeed perhaps the biggest risk to economic stability in Africa. It is a responsibility that Government alone cannot discharge he said..

He was speaking last Friday, May 19, 2017, at the official launch of the Richard Jonah Entrepreneurship and Academic Enhancement Program (REAP) at the African University College of Communications (AUCC) on its Adabraka campus, Accra.

Delivering the keynote address, Sir Sam expressed concern about the high rate of youth unemployment in Ghana and Africa as a whole. He said universities, if they are to continue to be useful to society, need to proactively shift their focus to developing graduates who are creative problem solvers: Graduates who placed in any situation would have the requisite skills and training to identify opportunities and garner the requisite resources to turn those opportunities into viable businesses employing themselves and perhaps others too. Sir Sam said that the most appropriate way to teach entrepreneurship in a university setting is to provide a safe place for experimentation under the tutelage of a more experienced entrepreneur. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to AUCC and the Sam E. Jonah School of Business for the initiative in making such a meaningful contribution in loving memory of his late son Richard Jonah.

In yet another thought-provoking speech by the founder of AUCC, Hon. Kojo Yankah, he said, he has always held the view that Africans do not need jobs to progress, but rather the relevant skills that will ignite the appropriate management of their God-given resources. The former Minister of State reminded students that naming of the School of Business after Sir Sam Jonah was not for cosmetic purposes. It was born out of a deep conviction that Africans should be proud of and cherish their own to enable us inspire the youth with our own successes he added.

Responding to the cliche that universities arent producing students the business world needs, the President of AUCC, Dr. G. Koryoe Anim-Wright said AUCC is responding to that clarion call with this innovative programme which addresses the changing needs of the business world. She further said the REAP Program will not only provide students with the ability and capacity to start their own businesses, but will also teach them how to think creatively and ambitiously, outside the box. She encouraged students to fully embrace the initiative adding that the executives who have agreed to mentor students are accomplished entrepreneurs who have taken simple ideas to unimaginable heights in our society. Through this programme, we will expect you to do more, to learn more, and in the end, to be more she added.

On behalf of the Sam Jonah School of Business faculty, Mrs. Adelaide said the REAP Program provides students and faculty the opportunity to learn from successful professionals in a more personal way. The relationships we believe will foster an entrepreneurial culture and spirit in our students and also allow successful integration into the world of business she emphasized.

REAP is an initiative from AUCC in recognition of the astute entrepreneurial capabilities of Richard Jonah which makes him standout among his peers. It will involve final year students of the Sam E. Jonah School of Business at AUCC and will equip them with practical entrepreneurial training and mentorship from leading Ghanaian entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Present at the event were other leading business executives across Ghana, Members of the Governing Council, Management, faculty, staff and over 170 level 300 students of the Sam E. Jonah School of Business. There was poetry performance in memory of Richard Jonah by Spoken-Word artiste DeSoul, a student of the university college.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

THE Federation of Muslim Councils of Ghana (FMC) the umbrella organization for Muslims has written to remind the President and the Government of New Patriotic Party (NPP) over their obligation to Muslims during the current Ramadan fast and the two Muslim festivals in Ghana

In a letter which begun with a salutation of peace unto the president and government the FMC reminded the government of a long standing practice to provide Muslims of food for the Ramadan and the festivities

The letter was written with the approval and signed by the National Coordinator of FMC Alhaji Abdallah Showmie Williams

The letter headed kind support for Ramadan fast and two annual Muslim festivals and addressed to H.E. NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANAFLAGSTAFF HOUSE, KANDA - ACCRA went as follows;

The Federation of Muslim Councils (FMC) presents its compliments to H.E. the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and has the honor to respectfully convey to His Excellency the President the following:

There has been a long-standing practice, by the Office of the President in past successive governments of Ghana, to provide kind support to Ghanaian Muslims for fasting in the holy month of Ramadan and for marking the two major Muslim festivals, Eidul-Fitr and Eidul-Ad-ha. The support normally takes the form of sugar and other beverages (such as Milo, Milk, Lipton etc.) for the fasting, while basic food items like rice and cooking oil are provided for each Eid festivity. These are channeled through key Muslim organizations across the country for onward distribution to the poor and deserving Muslims among them, and go a long way to impact lives.

It is now six days into this years Ramadan fast with no sign of the practice continuing. The FMC would want to attribute this to sheer inadvertence and nothing deliberate on the part of His Excellency, hence this correspondence.

For the avoidance of doubt, Your Excellency, the FMC is the constitutionally recognized mouthpiece of Muslims in Ghana (vide Article 166[1]) (a) [v]) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic Ghana). The FMC represented Ghanaian Muslims on the Constituent Assembly that gave birth to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, and has frequently been consulted by parliaments of the Fourth Republic on a wide range of issues.

By virtue of its position, as an umbrella body, the FMC represents the interest of Ghanaian Muslims by serving on a host of statutory, governmental and non-governmental institutions, among which are the National Media Commission (NMC), Boards of the four State-owned media, Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), the Ghana Education Service Council, National Council For Curriculum Assessment (NaCCA), Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Narcotics Control Board, National Population Council (NPC), to mention but a few. The FMC has also been an active member of the Coalition of Domestic Observers (CODEO).

It is our fervent hope that Your Excellency will hear our plea.

May Allah protect and richly bless Your Excellency.

The Federation of Muslim Councils avails itself of this opportunity to renew to H.E. the President of the Republic of Ghana, the assurances of its highest consideration.
ExLA Group Gender Programme is pleased to announce to all stakeholders and the general public that the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Ms. Clare Akamanzi, will deliver the keynote address for the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) 2017 scheduled for July 23  27, 2017 in Accra, Ghana. She will speak on the theme for the congress, Harnessing Africas Demographic Dividend: the Case for Women in Leadership.

As CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Ms. Akamanzi also serves as Member of the Cabinet of Rwanda. Prior to these roles, she served as Head of Strategy and Policy for H.E President Paul Kagame. She has been a prominent figure in the socio-economic transformation of Rwanda having served as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the RDB for over 7 years.

Ms. Akamanzi has also previously served as a Commercial Diplomat in London and a Trade Negotiator in Geneva at the World Trade Organization. She is an International Trade and Investment Lawyer, who has lived, schooled and worked in 7 countries in 3 continents but nothing beats the privilege of being part of rebuilding her nation.

She is a 2012 Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and was named one of Africas Top 20 leading women in economic development by Forbes in 2013.

Ms Akamanzi is a Harvard Kennedy School MPA alum, where she was the recipient of the Lucius N. Littaeur Fellows Award; the Raymond & Josephine Vernon Award, both for academic excellence and distinguished contribution to HKS community, as well as the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Public Service. She also holds an LLM (International Trade and Investment) with distinction from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and LLM (Hons) from Makerere University, Uganda.

On her presentation, Ms. Akamanzi will give insight into how Africa can fully utilise the advantage of its demography with women in leadership. She will also pay heed to the Rwandan success story and how they benefit from being one of the topmost countries in promoting gender diversity in leadership at all levels.

The Young African Women Congress (YAWC) 2017 will be a gathering of young women within the age limits of 18 and 40 across Africa and the diaspora in a 5-day residential congress to discuss issues pertinent to women and girls development on the continent. They will be guided by accomplished women leaders through keynote presentation, panel discussions, group sessions and career fairs among others.

Prospective participants can register at www.yawcafrica.org
Thirty-four suspects including two lactating mothers accused of killing Captain Maxwell Mahama have been remanded by an Accra Central Magistrate court.

They have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder and will reappear in court on June 21, 2017.

The remanded suspects include six women.



The state prosecutor DSP George Amega pleaded with the court presided over by Ebenezer Kwaku Ansah for more time since investigation is still ongoing.

ARRESTS

According to the police, so far 42 persons are behind bars in connection with the horrendous murder of Captain Mahama.

The Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, DSP Sheila Kesse Buckman, told Starr News the youngest among the suspects is a 12-year-old while the oldest is a 57year-old man.

So far we have arrested 42 suspects which we believe to be directly connected to the murder of the deceased. Some of them were arrested in the Central region, Western and others from the Ashanti region. The youngest is a 12year old boy and the oldest is a 57-year-old man, she confirmed.

She added 35 of them have been arraigned before court and the Police are closely monitoring investigations from the Police headquarters.

The police have pledged to arrest all suspects connected to the killing of the Military Officer.

Captain Mahama was lynched by residents of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central region on Monday May 29, and he will be laid to rest this Friday, June 9, 2017.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

An NPP National Chairman Aspirant, Mr. Fred Amankwah - Sarfo, has reiterated his vision to construct a new spacious ultra modern party headquarters for the NPP under his chairmanship.

Interacting with the Central Region Youth Organizers of the New Patriotic Party, the astute politician indicated his desire to contest and win the high office of National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party this noble objective since

Headquarters denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are coordinated.

He is of the view that the current headquarters situated at Asylum Down has outlived it's useful contributions.

According to _*Mr. Fred Amankwah - Sarfo*_ who is the Acting National President of the Doctoral Researchers Association of Ghana and a PhD Researcher in Information Systems at the University of Ghana Business School, the NPP has a huge opportunity to elect him as the National Chairman in the next delegates election scheduled for early 2018.

_*Mr. Amankwah - Sarfo*_ said new regional and constituency offices will also be constructed to give the executives a comfortable working environment and be used to attract new members into the party through membership drive programs.

Mr Amankwah - Sarfo is resolute in his chairmanship bid and assures all party faithfuls to stand by him to contest and win the position of National Chairman of NPP.

Mr Amankwah - Sarfo contested the first vice chairman position of the New Patriotic Party in the last delegates congress held in Tamale in 2014.

He is the founding member of the Young Patriots and a co founder of the Progressive Nationalists Forum.

The NPP National Chairman Aspirant was part of the Electoral Commission accredited Monitoring Team for the New Patriotic Party.

He ascribes to the 3D Concept of leadership

Dependable

Determined

Dedicated

He indicated his desire to lead one party devoid of factions.

The fifty year old Mr Amankwah Sarfo finds recognition, reward and harmony the key to the development of the party.
Latrun (Israel) (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday pledged that he would not cede military control of the West Bank's Jordan valley in any future peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Speaking at a ceremony marking 50 years since the outbreak of the 1967 Six-Day War, Netanyahu's comments seemed likely to cast a pall over US President Donald Trump's attempts to breathe life into long-stalled peace efforts.

"We seek peace with our neighbours, a real peace, a peace that will last for generations," Netahyahu said at the event, held at the Israeli army's Armoured Corps Museum at Latrun, west of Jerusalem.

"That is why in any agreement -- and without an agreement -- we shall maintain security control over all the territory west of the Jordan Valley and because of that we insist that the Palestinians finally recognise Israel as the national home of the Jewish people."

"That is the foundation for peace and refusal it what prevents achieving it," he added.

In the 1967 war, Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and subsequently annexed east Jerusalem, in a move never recognised by the international community.

Trump visited Israel and the Palestinian territories last month, calling on Israelis and Palestinians to make compromises for peace but offering no specifics on how to resolve the 50-year-old conflict.

He did not specifically mention the two-state solution, long the focus of international efforts and US Middle East diplomacy.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, however, reiterated his call for a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital.
As the world marks World Environment Day today, waste management giant, Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, has partnered with the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Minerals Commission to deepen awareness about the destruction wrought by the lack respect for the environment.

The one-day event held at Winneba in the Central Region was themed, "Connecting People to Nature".

It was organised by the Centre for School and Community Science and Technology Studies (SACOST) in collaboration with Change Attitude Ghana.

The event was also used to launch the Zoomkids Club in Winneba. Zoomkids is a sanitation-focused club in about 400 basic schools across the country.

National Coordinator of Zoomlion Foundation, the corporate social responsibility wing of both Zoomlion and the Jospong Group of companies, Mrs. Sarah Kyei, explains the launch of the Club in Winneba was timed to coincide with the World Environment Day to send a strong message.

She adds that sanitation clubs are necessary to drive home the message of a clean environment into children, revealing that 15 schools have been nominated to benefit from the Zoomkids Club project.

The Zoomlion Foundation also donated a dustbin to each of the 15 schools.

We are hoping that with the launch of the Zoomkids Club, children in Winneba will embrace the culture of good environmental sanitation practices so that together we can wage the war against littering the environment, she said.

Members of the Zoomkids Club serve as ambassadors for sanitation improvement through peer education. They also interact with other students through the network of over 400 schools. Beneficiary schools occasionally receive sanitation improvement logistics from the Zoomlion Foundation to organise cleanup activities to maintain a clean school environment.

Head of External Affairs at the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Romeo Adogla, who delivered a speech on behalf of the Head of Environment at the Chamber, Ahmed Nantogmah, said the Chamber considers the celebration of the World Environment Day as essential to the transformation of Ghanas poor sanitation record as it serves as a key reminder to all and sundry about the need to pay attention about how the environment is treated.

Romeo Adogla

We believe that our desire for a clean environment represents a powerful sense of destiny and hope for the future... a clean environment that includes clean air, water and land is essential for human existence, conducting business and creating wealth. So clean air, water, land and energy must be sustained through conservation and proper management through effective policy implementation by the government, he said.

Director of Shape Attitude Ghana, Wonderful Baisie Ghartey, noted that environmental awareness education must be initiated to students from the basic school level.

He reveals his organisation is partnering the Zoomlion Foundation to establish sanitation clubs in schools of the Efutu district in the Central Region,

A representative of the Municipal Chief Executive, Mrs. Adwoa Amofa, urged the students to practice good sanitary habits.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected]
Bamako (AFP) - The EU is giving 50 million euros to set up a joint African military force in the Sahel region to fight jihadists, the bloc's foreign affairs chief said Monday.

The funds will help pay for the troops to fight terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal immigration, European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said in the Mali capital Bamako.

"Stability and development of the Sahel region are crucial not only for Africa but also for Europe," said Mogherini.

Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso -- dubbed the Sahel G5 -- in March approved plans to build the force of 5,000 troops made up of soldiers, police forces and civilians.

Mali's north came under attack in 2012 from jihadist groups, linked to Al-Qaeda, who hijacked an ethnic Tuareg-led rebel uprising.

Though the Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013, jihadist groups continue to mount attacks on civilians and security forces in the arid remote north.

Since 2015, the attacks have spread to the centre and south of the country, often spilling over into neighbouring countries including Niger and Burkina Faso.

The initial decision to create the G5 Sahel force, in the semi-arid region south of the Sahara, was made in November 2015, during a summit in N'Djamena.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

Zuarungu, June 5, GNA - Candidates writing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Bolgatanga Municipality this morning converged at their various Examination Centres to write their maiden external examinations for admission into Senior High School.

About 19,873 candidates are expected to write this year's BECE in the Upper East Region. Out of the number, about 9,820 are male candidates while about 10,053 are females.

Ms Jane Sabina Obeng, the Upper East Regional Director of Education who inspected some of the centres this morning expressed joy at the level of discipline exhibited by the candidates in the various examination centres and entreated them to continue with that until they finished with all the nine papers.

The candidates are being examined in subjects including English and Ghanaian Languages, Social Studies, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Basic Design and Technology, Religious and Moral Studies, as well as French. The candidates who commenced the examination with English Language Paper are expected to end their final examination this Friday.

Some candidates were however absent from some examination centres when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited these centres this morning.

Two students were absent at the Zuarungu Senior High school Centre 'A' and 'B' in the Bolgatanga Municipality.

A total of 510 students from 14 Junior High schools in that circuit were expected to undertake the BECE

A visit to two of the designated centers at the Zuarungu Senior high school campus at about 0840 hours showed anxiety in some of the candidates who were patiently waiting for the arrival of the question papers to the centre.

Mr Allan Adombire, examination supervisor at Centre 'A' giving a breakdown of the candidates population said 279 students registered for the BECE, and according to him, out of the number, 132 were males and one of them was absent while the females were 147.

At Centre 'B', one girl was missing out of the total of 131 registered candidates expected to write.

According to Mr Augustine Atusbora, an invigilator at the centre, 127 females and 103 males were present at the centre to undertake the Examination.

At the Zamse Senior High Technical School (ZAMSTEC) Centre, about 906 candidates were posted to the centre comprising 438 males and 468 females. Three females and two males were absent.

The condition of candidates at the Bolgatanga Senior High School (BIGBOSS) was not too different as one female candidate was absent out of the 396 candidates sent to that examination centre in the Talensi District.

That centre has 206 males and 190 females.

The GNA observed that there were no hitches regarding logistics for the examination including examination materials and the arrival of candidates and invigilators as invigilators from the various Centres, Mr Joseph Wuni Bugri and Mr Blaise Dery from the BigBoss and Zamstec Centres respectively confirmed sanity at the centres as of the time of filing this report.

GNA
Kyebi (E/R), June 5, GNA - This year's World Environment Day has been observed with a call on all stakeholders to collectively protect the lands, forest and water bodies from further destruction.

The Minister of Science, Environment, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong- Boateng , who delivered the keynote address at a durbar in Kyebi in the East Akim Municipality in the Eastern Region, said the fight against negative environmental practices required collaboration of all Ghanaians towards an integrated approach to natural resource management.

He said it was time for the nation to act collectively to curb the environmental degradation and water pollution so that posterity would not blame the current generation for negligence.

He said humans would not survive without the environment and, therefore, encouraged the citizenry to treasure nature by protecting and preserving it.

The World Environment Day is marked June 5 every year across the globe by member countries of the United Nations, to create awareness on various environmental issues ranging from marine pollution, climate change, to sustainable consumption, protection of wildlife and the management of hazardous waste, among other environmental challenges that are threatening human existence.

The global theme for this year's celebration is: "Connecting People to Nature in the City and on the Land, From the Poles to the Equator."

Ghana adopted as its national theme:" Connecting People to Nature from Cape Three Point to Bawku," with the slogan "Connect to Nature."

Prof Frimpong-Boateng noted that Kyebi was the home of political heavyweights in the country and mighty personalities like Dr J.B Danquah, Ofori Atta and the current President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and, therefore, urged the inhabitants not to allow migrants to destroy the Atewa Forest Reserve, which abound in biodiversity with rear species like primates, plants, butterflies, flora and fauna.

In addition, the forest reserve host major rivers like Birim, Densu, Ayensu and others that served as sources of water for treatment to more than five million people in the area.

The Minister charged the people to ensure that the water bodies had been restored to their original state.

"I want to see Birim, Densu and Ayensu like how they use to be clean and pure in the 1970s where you could see the bottom of the river with rocks while mud fish swim in them, "he said.

He called for the restoration of the degraded lands and forest through massive afforestation programme.

"The time has come for us to appreciate nature. As a country, we have always demonstrated strong and constant connection with nature in our socio-cultural activities.

"But through our activities, we have exhibited gross disrespect for nature, "he noted.

The Minister said the absence of these essential ingredients of life such as water, forest, mountain, flora and fauna, mankind ceased to exist as humans, adding: "When the last plant dies, the last man will die."

Prof Frimpong-Boateng said the natural resources had high potential for ecotourism promotion, which would create employment and generate revenue for the nation.

Mr Eric Kwakye Darfour, the Regional Minister, called for a collective sense of responsibility and efforts to redeem the degraded natural resources and protect the undestroyed ones for sustainable development.

He expressed appreciation to the planning committee for selecting Kyebi for the national celebration and assured that the Regional Co-ordinating Council would work and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in reversing the negative trend and restore sanity in the Region.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, Okyehene, who chaired the function, had dedicated many years of his life advocating the preservation of the environment.

The event attracted people from all walks of life including traditional rulers, assembly members, representatives of civil society organisations interested in environmental sustainability and youth groups.

As part of efforts to preserve the environment, the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry, has developed a five-year multi plan to deal with illegal mining.

The project dubbed: 'Atewa Till Eternity Video,' campaign spearheaded by Rocha Ghana an NGO in environment protection and supported by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Accra, featured 10 artistes.

The musicians performed at the function to thrill and educate the gathering and also presented copies of the CDs to the Okyenhene, who commended them for a job well done.

The ambassadors include Osei Tufour (OBOUR), President of Musicians Union of Ghana, Sherifa Gunu, Mzvee, Kojo Rana, X,Heleen and Kuami Eugene.

GNA

By Beatrice Asamani-Savage, GNA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed that 17.69 percent of plastic waste materials generated annually in the country, finds its way into the ocean.

Speaking at a sensitization workshop on waste management and segregation for basic schools in Accra, William Hayfron-Acquah, Chief Programmes Officer, (Built Environment) at EPA, feared the menace poses a serious threat to Ghanas fish stock.

He added that 0.45 percent of electronic waste materials produced every year, may also contaminate Ghanas water bodies including the sea.

In 2016, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development indicated $135 million worth of fish was imported in 2015 due to the reduction in the countrys fish stock.

According to the Ministry, only 20,000 metric tonnes of fish is produced annually against a consumption level of 950,000 metric tonnes every year.

Hayfron-Acquah, however blamed the chronic pollution of the ocean as one major challenge affecting Ghanas aquatic life.

If we have 17.69 percent of plastic, 0.45 percent of e-waste, and glass materials making up 4.92 percent, then we are probably talking of 23.06 percent going into our oceans. As we know, organic waste which makes up 58.40 percent of Ghanas waste product each year, may hardly finds its way into the sea, he clarified.

Hayfron-Acquah also stated that, we dont have the powers to do that; we can only collaborate with city authorities like the A.M.A to ensure that. Last year, the authority took court action against the Accra Metropolitan Assembly which led to them procuring biodegradable digesters for the treatment of septic waste at Lavender hills, that is the extent we can go.
05.06.2017 LISTEN

2013, Greda Estate, Landlady said to my Ghanaian wife: The rent is GHC 400 a months, but when now a White Man comes, it will be GHC 700. We did not rent the house!

My wife has forbidden me to buy at any open market in Ghana as we will be always charged double. In Germany each item has a fixed price; regardless of colour, ethnicity, financial status, everyone pays that fixed price or leave it. No trader would ever jump to the conclusion, the buyer is Black, for that a poor man, so let us give him the tomatoes for a lesser price. He pays what is indicated, he gets it or not, simple as that.

When we need to rent a taxi, I constantly have to hide behind a house or bush as when I as a White Man talk to the Taxi driver, we have to pay double. Some Taxi Drivers get angry about my wife when they see that she is with a White Man feeling to be cheated by their sister asking for a higher than fixed price by getting angry about her. In Germany a Taxi has a Taximeter indicating the price of the ride. You pay no matter your intellectual or financial status, your colour or your religious believeyou pay or you stay at the road side, simple as that and straight forward. It feels very bad as a man to hide behind a bush while the wife is doing the fare negotiation, believe me as I know what we (my courages, beautiful, great and strong wife Alberta Mensah, an Ashanti from Kumasi with Relatives in Lome) are sadly- are going through in Ghana each and every day.

When we need an Electrician, a Plumber, a Painter, why should I be asked by my wife to hide in the bedroom as when they see my skin colour, we will be charged double? Why should I have to hide myself from anybody but walk about Ghana as a free man not being discriminated by the Blacks simply because of my skin colour? Blacks assume all White People are rich, for that they can take chances, but in Hamburg 1000 people sleep rough on the streets, in London 3000 and in European cities, like in America as well, a great number of people live from Social Benefit or Unemployment support. All across Germany Tafeln are widely used, facilities that collect unused food items, cook them and offer a meal to the needy in our societies.

In Ghana Foreigners, targeted mainly against White People, must have a Non-Citizen Card, nothing but a money making machine. In Germany and EU countries Foreigners must have a valid passport and inside a visa/residence permit only! This card is obviously not achieving the objective to control and supervise the situation of foreign Nationals in the country as lamented over and over again by Ghanaian Politiciansbut it still exist as a requirement to get residence status. Unlike threatened in the introduction campaign, Banks, Telecom providers, NHIS and others do not care about the card at allonly the passport!

Registrar General Department in Ghana is asking a black Ghanaian for GHC 800 when opening a Limited, a White Man has to pay GHC 12 500 while in Germany to establish an equivalent, GmbH, the registration fees are the same for all regardless of skin colour, money or believes. The Department argues, this is done because White People transfer their profit generated in Ghana back to their country and this is the only opportunity to benefit from them. Each year Ghanaians are sending USD 3 Billion back to Ghana to support their families, start building a house or future business. So, they do the same as we do but we do not financially punish them for thatso, come on brothers and sisters of another colour, and stop discriminating us with nonsense!

Ghanas institutions and individuals discriminate us Whites; why should we have any interest to hear from Ghanaians the slogan When you see a White Man in Church, you can go home as you have seen God, when they do not understand the value of human beings as they are? My both immediate Parents died long time ago;, now I have only two black Parents in Kumasi and a black Spiritual Father, Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi from Glorious Wave Church Int. Sakumonoso, what is all these nonsense here in Ghana (and Africa as a whole)?

A White Man with patience over time can easily find himself in the pushed into situation to hate Blacks and become Racist against them for what they have done against him in the first placebut it should not be so! So, Blacks in Ghana, do not push us White People against the wall, we beg of you as people of the same human race.

This happens to White People all over Africa but Media Houses, local or foreign, do not pick up such stories and campaign the Blacks to end it like the many outcries of White People racism against Black People, it is fair and right? Certainly not. Wherever Racism is visible and hidden, whoever is doing it to the other race, must be educated to stop it. One sided campaigns cannot be taken serious anymore but the sad issue must be addressed from all angles to finally solve it. Therefore, not only Blacks have to speak out against Whites, but also Whites against Blacks on this matter as we are all one, Gods creation and he had not created races of colour, but humans of his believe.

NB: 1957 Ghana had a population of 5 Mio., today 27 Mio, representing a multiplication factor of 5,4 (27:5); using this for the next 60 years Ghana will grow to a population of 145,8 Mio. (60x5, 4), even more as good healthcare ensures longer life and more babies surviving to give birth themselves later in life. Nigeria, today 160 Mio. people, in 60 years will be close to 864 Mio. citizen (160x5, 4) as long as tradition, macho men and children are seen as part of social security that push the numbers upwards. Less prices for commodities, finished natural resources and climate change implications on food security having negative effects already today, and in the light that already now you cannot feed, shelter and cloth your own people out of your own strength and given blessings in abundance (by 2030 Germany will have 4 Mio. less Germans, we need Migrants to secure our economy and social system); Question: how do you want to feed all these people when you do not have the right relationship with White People as partners by your side telling you the truth about you straight into your face, but be nice to you in public only to gossip badly about you behind closed doors and you will never know nor hear, but their thoughts and subsequent actions will influence your future?

Blacks: you better change!

Author: Dipl.-Pol. Karl-Heinz Heerde, Sakumono, Tema West, Ghana, phone +233(0)265078287, [email protected] , 03.6.2017
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United States on Monday urged the United Nations to establish a special investigation into the murder of two UN experts who had been gathering evidence of mass graves in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley, in Geneva for meetings of the UN Human Rights Council, also said a separate formal commission of inquiry should be set up to report on human rights violations in Kasai province.

A 16-year-old student and a 30-year-old man went on trial Monday for the murder in Kasai of American Michael Sharp and Swedish-Chilean Zaida Catalan two months ago.

The United Nations has questioned the Kinshasa government's handling of the probe that led to the arrest of the two suspects, saying it was hastily done.

"After the tragic deaths of Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, they and their families deserve justice," Haley said in a statement.

"We owe it to their legacy to end the human rights abuses being carried out by armed groups and the DRC government against the Congolese people."

Haley called on countries to support the US push for a special investigation set up by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and a commission of inquiry "into these horrific acts."

Last week, a coalition of 262 Congolese and nine international rights groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International urged the Geneva-based rights council to set up the inquiry on the Kasai violence.

The region has seen a major spike in violence since September when government forces killed tribal chief and militia leader Kamwina Nsapu who had rebelled against President Joseph Kabila.

The unrest has claimed more than 400 lives and forced more than 1.2 million from their homes, according to UN figures. Unconfirmed local statistics put the number of dead as high as 3,000.

The UN has also reported finding 40 mass graves, which Sharp and Catalan were investigating when they were abducted and killed.

The rights council has set up similar commissions of inquiry to collect information on atrocities committed in Syria and North Korea.
President Donald Trump View Photos

President Trump delivered the Weekly Address and was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

My fellow Americans,

I am thrilled to be back in the United States after our first historic foreign trip.

Over the course of 9 days, Melania and I traveled to some of the holiest sites in the three Abrahamic religions and met with nearly 100 foreign leaders. Everywhere we went, my goal was to advance American interests, to build a coalition of nations to drive out the terrorists, and to unlock a future of peace, prosperity, and hope for all Americans  and people around the world.

In Saudi Arabia, I was honored to participate in a historic summit with the leaders of more than 50 Muslim and Arab nations, where King Salman and many other leaders expressed their desire to take on a greater role in defeating terrorists who murder innocents of all faiths.

At this unprecedented summit, we opened a new center to combat extremist ideology, launched a task force to block funding for terrorists, and agreed to a massive economic development deal that will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the United States.

I also discussed the importance of the nations of the region taking more responsibility on migration  so that more young people are part of creating a better future in their home societies.

From Saudi Arabia, I traveled to Jerusalem, where I reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel. There, I prayed at the Western Wall, visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and was awed by the majesty of that sacred land and the perseverance of the Jewish people.

I also traveled to Bethlehem, another ancient city of wonder, where I met with Palestinian leader President Abbas. Both President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu assured me they are ready to reach for peace.

From Israel, I traveled to Italy, where Melania and I were greatly honored to visit the Vatican and meet Pope Francis. He was really wonderful  a great guy.

Then, I traveled to two summits with our key allies  first, the NATO Summit in Brussels, where nations agreed they must do more to meet their financial obligations and pay their fair share  because right now, it is not fair to the United States. But it soon will be.

Next, I attended the G-7 Summit in Italy, where we worked to improve coordination on shared security threats, achieve more fair trade that gives workers a level playing field, and agreed on the goal that refugees should be resettled as close to their home countries as possible so they can be part of the future rebuilding.

Before we returned home, I was delighted to conclude my trip by visiting American military families  unbelievable people, the true source of our strength. We will always protect those who protect us.

Our first foreign trip was full of historic and unprecedented achievements. Joined by many old and new friends, we have paved the way for the new era of cooperation  one that calls upon each nation to take more responsibility to bring peace to their people. One that works together to defeat the scourge of terrorism and deliver hope to all of Gods children. And one that protects American interests so we remain a strong and prosperous nation  strong and prosperous, like never before  and a beacon of freedom and opportunity for many years to come.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
Update at 4:20 p.m.: According to CAL Fire, a fire that fully engulfed a garage in a Copperopolis residential neighborhood has been contained. It had caused a brief spot fire in adjacent vegetation that responders were quickly able to snuff.

Currently a battalion chief, three engines a hand crew and medic unit remain onscene doing mop up and investigators are looking into the cause.

Update at 3:46 p.m.: CAL Fire reports that progress is being made to knock down a structure fire involving a garage on Canoe Street in Copperopolis near Cheyenne Road.

Officials say personnel extinguished a small extension fire that had begun to spread into the adjacent wildlands. At this time several units are being released, including air resources. Copperopolis Fire, three state resources and a hand crew remain onscene.

Original Post at 3:35 p.m.: Sonora, CA  Columbia air resources and numerous ground units are being dispatched to a report of a fully engulfed structure fire in Copperopolis in the 2200 block of Canoe Street near Cheyenne Road. We will pass along more details as they come into the news center.
The political parties in Nigeria have changed a number of times during the last fifty years. There were different sets of said parties, and all of them have made a huge impact on the history of the country itself. They are a big part of the political history of Nigeria, and it is necessary to talk about them.

The political parties in Nigeria since 1960

As we all know, Nigeria became an independent federation in 1960. Before that time, in 1959, three sets of political parties were formed - the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons (NCNC) and the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC). In addition to these, the Action Group was created too.

The newly formed political parties were led by Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo respectively. The time of election came by, and no political party was able to win the majority. The NPC and the NCNC decided to form the national government which led to choosing Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as the Prime Minister and Nnamdi Azikiwe as the Governor-General.

Three years later, Nigeria became a republic, and Nnamdi Azikiwe became the president of Nigeria with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister. Also, in the same year, the Census was conducted. It led to the split between National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons and the Northern Peoples Congress.

The splitting resulted in a lot of different consequences. The NCNC decided to join a faction of the AG and formed a new political party - the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA). It was led by Obafemi Awolowo. The other part of the split group, the NPC, joined the remaining faction of the AG and thus created a new party called the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).

READ ALSO: Problems of Nigerian federalism and solutions

After the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) a lot of things changed. The election of a new president - Murtala Mohammed and then his sudden murder had an impact. Muhammadu Buhari was then elected on December 31, 1983. A new election two years later saw Ibrahim Babangida taking the president's chair. Then, there was a new election in 1993 that was held between the National Republican Party (NPR) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This resulted in the victory of Moshood Abiola from the SDP.

After 1993, Nigeria returned to the civilian rule, and in 1999 a new president was elected - General Olusegun Obasanjo, from the Peoples Democratic Party. He defeated two existing parties - the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress (AC). Even though the CPC had the most of the voices from the Northern part of Nigeria and the AC the states in the Southwest part, the PDP still won the majority of all votes.

In fact, there was another political party during the elections - the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), but it only had votes from a handful of states in the southeastern part of the country. However, General Obasanjo was soon defeated by Umaru Musa YarAdua.

The presidency changed hands once again, and it became time for the VP of Umaru Musa YarAdua - Goodluck Jonathan to take the seat. He even won the elections for the second time, in 2011. However, his popularity did not last long. He lost the support of Nigerians(except for the southern and southeastern part of the country).

The PDP was almost broken up because many of the political bigwigs decided that its better to leave the party. A lot of them went to other parties, some of the members created a new political party. It was called the nPDP.

A few years later, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), faction of the APGA and the Action Congress (AC) formed an alliance which was called All Progressive Congress (APC). The party presented Muhammadu Buhari as a presidential candidate. A lot of the leaders of the PDP (for example Olusegun Obasanjo) then left PDP to join the APC.

In 2015, Muhammadu Buhari of the APC defeated Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP. And he is still the current president with Yemi Osinbajo as the Vice President.

A lot of other political parties participated in the election:

- Hope Democratic Party;

- African Democratic Congress;

- Alliance for Democracy;

- KOWA Party;

- National Conscience Party;

- Allied Congress Party of Nigeria;

- United Democratic Party;

- African Peoples Alliance;

- Accord Alliance;

- Citizens Popular Party;

- People's Party of Nigeria;

- Labour Party;

- United Progressive Party.

Among the listed parties, only the All Progressive Grand Alliance had the chance to win the election. The presently ruling party is APC, and the PDP is remains the opposition party.

READ ALSO: Former LP gubernatorial candidate shuns PDP, joins APC

Source: Legit.ng
There are tons of methods if you want to know how to make yogurt at home in Nigeria. We have chosen the best (and the easiest) method for making homemade yogurt that would be simple to achieve by anyone. Whether you use raw, pasteurized or powdered milk, we have a recipe for you!

How to make yogurt

The process of preparing the mixture that is to become yogurt is usually rather simple and is not too confusing. Most people are divided on how to get that mixture to become yogurt.

You can buy a special machine called yogurt maker for the best experience, and it only takes 3-4 hours to make yogurt with it. However, you can use almost anything: a crock-pot, a cooler (ice chest), a thermos or even a large saucepan and some blankets. The main idea is to keep a steady temperature of 38-42C for 4-8 hours.

If you have made your choice, you can proceed to the first recipe.

How to make yogurt from scratch

If you want to enjoy some homemade yogurt, you dont have to be a scientist or a chef. There is a very easy way to make yogurt with the least amount of ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

 1 to 3 liters of milk;

 2 tablespoons of unsweetened live yogurt or a bag of starter culture.

No, we havent missed anything, this is really all you will need to make yogurt at home. The amount of milk depends on how much yogurt you want to get in the end.

Instructions:

 Pour your milk into a large saucepan and heat it up until it is boiling. Stir it continuously so it will not burn.

 Take the pan off the heat and leave it to cool until it is about 40C. If you have a thermometer at your disposal, use it to determine the milks temperature. If you dont, just make sure that it is just warm to the touch and not hot.

 Put your live yogurt or starter culture in the warm milk and mix them together until they dissolve in the milk.

 Take some containers for storing your yogurt and sterilize them with boiling water.

 Pour the milk and yogurt mixture into your containers.

 Put the containers in the warmest spot of your house and cover them with blankets (or you can use any other way of maintaining the temperature). Leave them for at least four hours (ideally six-eight hours).

 After the time has passed, check your yogurt. If it is firm, store it in the fridge for at least one hour before consuming. If it is still runny, leave it in a warm place for a bit longer.

 You are done! Enjoy your homemade yogurt :)

How to make yogurt from raw milk

READ ALSO: How to make Nigerian pancakes?

There is a way of making yogurt at home that does not involve heating your milk to 100 degrees. The ingredients are still the same, but the way you make it is slightly different.

Instead of heating the milk all the way up to 100C and then cooling it off, heat it to 40 degrees and take it off the stove right away.

If you are using starter culture, scroll up and use the instructions for the previous method. On the other hand, if you are using live yogurt, you need to add a tablespoon of yogurt per one cup of milk for it to work. And now you can scroll up to the recipe above.

Some people prefer this method, as the milk is not pasteurized. But the end product is thinner than that of the first method. So choose for yourself, or consider the third option  powdered milk yogurt.

How to make yogurt from powdered milk

If you dont have the option of regular milk, or you actually prefer to use powdered milk, try this recipe. You will need:

 2 cups of warm water

 2 tbsp. of unsweetened live yogurt

 1.5 cup of powdered milk

Instructions:

 Take a pot and mix the water with the powdered milk. Stir until well combined.

 Put the pot on the stove and heat the milk mixture until boiling. Dont forget to stir constantly, so that the milk wont burn.

 Take the pot off the stove and let it cool until it is about 40C.

 Put the live yogurt in the milk and mix them thoroughly together.

 Pour the mixture in the sterilized containers and place them somewhere warm for 3-4 hours.

 Place the yogurt in the fridge for the night.

 Add some sweetness to it or consume it the way it is.

Notes:

 Homemade yogurt can last for up to three days in the fridge.

 You can use any type of milk you want (except for lactose-free milk). If you use this kind, it will not affect the process of making yogurt but it will affect the consistency and the taste.

For example, lately, goat milk has been gaining popularity for making yogurt. The finished product is thinner than that of cow milks. On the other hand, there is sheep milk, that results in thicker and sweeter yogurt. You can also use non-dairy milk, but you might have to use gelatin to achieve the desired thickness.

And that's all. We hope that our article has helped you understand how to make your homemade yogurt and you enjoy a delicious result.

READ ALSO: How to make coconut candy with honey?

Source: Legit.ng
- Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, mother of music maestro, Fela, fought against the Alake of Egbaland in present day Ogun state between 1946 and 1949

- The women were displeased with various actions of the Alake, some of which were the introduction of taxation on womens produce and non-representation in the sole native authority

- She led a massive protest against the Alake which spanned a period of almost four years culminating in the self-exile of the monarch

Born on October 25, 1900 in Abeokuta in present day capital of Ogun state, South west Nigeria, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, was a womens rights activist and a traditional aristocrat in Nigeria. She was one of the most prominent women leaders in her generation. She was the first woman in the country to drive a car.

Following her doggedness, she was described as the doyen of female rights and the mother of Africa. She was a very powerful force advocating for the Nigerian woman's right to vote and fought for womens recognition in government.

She was the mother of the activists Fela Anikulapo Kuti, a musician; Beko Ransome-Kuti, a doctor; and Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, a doctor and health minister. She was also grandmother to musicians Seun Kuti and Femi Kuti.

Her father, Daniel Olumeyuwa Thomas, was a son of a returned slave from Sierra Leone, who traced his ancestral history back to Abeokuta. He became a member of the Anglican faith, and soon returned to the homeland of his fellow Egbas. She was raised by parents who valued education and became the first girl-student admitted to Abeokuta Grammar School, hence, her nickname-Beere which means first girl in Yoruba.

The audacious story of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, the woman who chased the Alake of Egbaland from the throne in 1949

She later went to England for further studies. She soon returned to Nigeria and became a teacher. On 20 January 1925, she married the Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti. He also defended the commoners of his country, and was one of the founders of both the Nigeria Union of Teachers and of the Nigerian Union of Students.

READ ALSO: Biafra: Nigeria Army drops bombshell, explains how military officers allegedly escaped IPOB/MASSOB ambush

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti received the national honor of Member of the Order of the Niger in 1965. The University of Ibadan bestowed upon her the honorary doctorate of laws in 1968. She also held a seat in the Western house of chiefs of Nigeria as an Oloye of the Yoruba people.

As a strong womens rights activist, she provided strong leadership for women in the 1950s. She founded Abeokuta Women Union (AWU), an organization with more than 20,000 women membership and through which she championed her fight against discrimination against women and other anti-women programmes.

Ransome-Kuti, in her vociferous nature, launched the organization into public consciousness when she rallied women against price controls that were hurting the market women. Trading was one of the major occupations of women in the Western Nigeria at the time.

In 1949, she led a protest against the native authorities, especially against the Alake of Egbaland. She presented documents alleging abuse of authority by the Alake, who had been granted the right to collect the taxes by the colonial administrators. Oba Ladapo Ademola, the Alake of Egbaland with 89 crowns, became the king of the Egbas in 1920.

Legit.ng learnt that in 1918, Governor-General Lugard had introduced a system of direct taxation and created the Sole Native Authority which was a form of indirect rule whereby the traditional rulers acted as agents for the colonial government. The Sole Native Authority, equivalent to todays local government, was headed by the Alake of Egbaland.

It had far-reaching powers and all the previous checks and balances on the power of the Alake were eroded under the indirect rule system as kingmakers, chiefs and priests who could act to limit the abuse of power of the Alake were now dependent on the Sole Native Authority for their appointment to advisory councils.

Information Nigeria reports that prior to the advent of the British, women had participated in politics and had their own representatives. The most important, was the Iyalode on state councils whose duty was to protect and promote womens interest. When the British came, it never occurred to them that women had any significant role and so they never made any provision for women. Nevertheless, some women titles like Iyalode and Erelu remained but they lacked power and influence.

Fela Anikulapo and Funmilayo his mother

The aching issue for the Egba women was taxation. Having been subjected to tax by the colonial government, they provided as much as one-half of district revenues. Yet, they had no direct representation on the Sole Native Authority council, a situation they abhorred so much.

READ ALSO: Osinbajo is appointing only Yorubas and Christians - Northern leaders blasts acting president

Further, the manner by which taxes were collected was often through insult, violence, chasing of women, beatings and stripping of young women ostensibly to assess their age.

As time went on, complaints increased, reaching a point where women decided that their only chance to gain redress of their grievances was a more militant approach. They considered the tax as foreign, unfair and excessive. They also objected to the method of collection. This was the one issue which catapulted Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti into the political limelight, first in Abeokuta and then in Nigeria.

In 1923, Ransome-Kuti organized a group of young girls and women into the Abeokuta Ladies Club. The group was made up of western educated middle class and mostly Christian women who concentrated on crafts and social etiquette.

Between 1943 and 1944, the Abeokuta Ladies Club regrouped and expanded to include market women who had approached Kuti to explain their ordeal to her. Most of these women were uneducated and it was at this point that Kuti began her political activism which was aimed at raising the standard of womanhood in Abeokuta, encouraging learning among the adults and thereby wiping out illiteracy from the land.

Funmilayo felt deeply pained after hearing the exploitation and the hardship the colonial masters and the native authority had subjected the people to and the harassment from the police officers in Egbaland. Reports say she discovered that the Alake, the traditional ruler of Abeokuta was diverting confiscated rice to his own stores, selling it and pocketing the profits for himself. These rice were confiscated from the women by the government.

In 1946, the burden of taxation became unbearable and the Abeokuta ladies club metamorphosed to Abeokuta Women Union. This was designed to challenge both colonial rule and the male-controlled structure. Through the union, they opposed price controls and imposition of direct taxation, engaged in press campaigns and mobilized so much pressure against the Alake.

The Abeokuta Women Union was a well-organised and disciplined organisation. Mass refusal to pay the tax combined with enormous protest led to brutal response from the authorities as tear gas were deployed and beatings were administered. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti ran training sessions on how to deal with this threat, teaching women how to protect themselves from the effects of tear gas and how long they had to throw the canisters back to the authorities.

Abiyamo, a Nigerian blogger, reports that under the leadership of Funmilayo, the women demanded exclusion of direct female taxation of Abeokuta women. They also demanded for the representation of women in local politics and governance. Funmilayo was of the view that no important decision could be made without the involvement of women.

When her protests began, the Alake did not take her serious. She was seen as a typical women ranting. They under estimated her believing she would go nowhere. But that was their undoing. From 1946 to 1948, she led women in protest against women taxation, non-women representation in the native authority. She even led protest against some of the business interest of the Alake of Egbaland.

She was persistent in her demand for women rights and representation in the native authority. She called for taxation of expatriate companies, abolition of native authority and replacement with representative government where the interests of women were well represented.

The crowd of women Funmilayo gathered in protest against the Alake of Egbaland in Ogun state

She sent various petitions to the Alake but her petition fell into deaf ears. In 1946, the group sent a delegation to the Alake to present their demands but rather than assuage the pains of the women, the Alake went further to increase the taxation on the women.

At a point of her protest, the royal court issued an edict that all women who owned property must pay income tax. Following the repressive decree, she termed the Alake a dictator. She lashed out at the royal court, calling her women to prepare for war.

READ ALSO: Buhari recovering fast - Orji Uzor Kalu

In October 1946, about 1000 women protested to the palace of the Alake but the British police applied teargas on the women, beat them mercilessly and dispersed them from the palace. The anti-tax protest was a long one with Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti at the head leading the women in the struggle.

In 1947, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti refused to pay her taxes and was arrested. At her arraignment where she pleaded not guilty, thousands of women congregated at the courthouse to demonstrate their support for her. The next year, she again refused to pay her taxes while the protests went on.

According to Dunamis, another Nigerian blogger, the women saw the action of the Alake as their strength, it gave them more morale and will power to continue the protest in a more aggressive way this time. During this time, they released a document they called the AWUs grievances and therein, they penned down all their accusations against the Alake of Egbaland and the sole native authority.

The next form of protest took a new format, it overwhelmed the Alake and community at large. It lasted for over 48 hours at the palace of the Alake. It started on 29th of November 1947 to the morning of 30th November with over 10,000 women fuming outside the palace of the Alake under the leadership of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti

Several tall talks were chanted coupled with numerous incantations to rebuke and demean the Alake. At this time, the British authority tried to seek solace from both parties. They implored the king to hold an olive branch, to ensure the community is at ease, they were feeling uncomfortable already due to the die-hard attitude of the women.

They further made false promises to the women that the bone of contention, the tax, would be suspended and the final outcome about would be communicated in three days. When the women noticed it was just a fallacy, they geared up and marched to the palace with over 10,000 infuriated women for the protest.

The audacious Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, the woman who chased the Alake of Egbaland from the throne in 1949

They demanded the release of their detained members. This took over two days in a spot and uproar outcry of justice and respect for the women. This started on the 8th of December and as at 10th the detained women were released.

In January, 1948, Kuti was banned from the palace for insulting the Alake and the British administration supported it. Administrative attempts to woo away the Abeokuta Womens Union executive from its support of Kuti failed. They also refused to attend any meeting without Kuti.

By April, the women were determined to get rid of the Alake and obtain their demands, one of which included that the Alake be removed from office. They continued their demonstration and vowed to go on the streets unclad, an action which was a taboo in Egbaland.

Vanguard reports that at one protest, the Oro stick was brought out, a symbolic artifact of the secretive male cult of the Ogbonis, supposedly i

mbibed with great powers, and the women were instructed to go home, before evil spirits overcame them. When the women shrank back in fear, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, grabbed the stick, waved it around, noting that that women now had the power before taking it with her, displaying it prominently in her home.

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This action gave her, a reputation of fearlessness and courage, which led 20,000 women to follow her to the home of Alake of Egba land. As the women protested outside the kings palace, they sang in Yoruba; Alake, for a long time you have used your penis as mark of authority that you are our husband, today we shall reverse the order and use our vag*na to play the role of husband.

With her continuous protests coupled with series of letters calling for the removal and dethronement of the Alake of Egbaland, the king voluntarily decided to abdicate the throne of his forefathers and went into self-exile. He remained that exile for one year until he returned to his throne in 1950 but by the time he was back as king, he did not make the mistake of challenging the women of Egbaland or their fearsome leader, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti.

In her old age, Funmilayos activism was overshadowed by that of her three sons, who provided effective opposition to various Nigerian military juntas. In 1978, Funmilayo was thrown from a third-floor window of her son Fela's compound, a commune known as the Kalakuta Republic, when it was stormed by one thousand armed military personnel. She lapsed into a coma in February of that year, and died on 13 April 1978, as a result of her injuries she sustained from the fall.

Watch this Legit.ng video and tell whether the Nigerian police are friends or not

Source: Legit.ng
There are aspects of Illinois state government of which we certainly want no part: A severely underfunded pension system  Wisconsins is a model of being well-funded, while the Chicago Tribune last week made reference to Illinois staggering pension backlog  comes to mind. Well also take a pass on the bipartisan manner in which the Land of Lincolns governors take actions which land them in prison.

But our neighbors last week took statewide action on something wed be happy to bring across the state line: Automatic voter registration.

The proposal would register eligible individuals automatically when they visit Secretary of State offices and several other state agencies unless they opt out, the Associated Press reported. The Illinois House endorsed it 115-0 on May 29; on Wednesday, the Senate passed it 55-0, and Gov. Bruce Rauner has indicated he will sign the bill into law.

Democratic state Rep. Robyn Gabel of Evanston, the measures House sponsor, says the proposal would modernize Illinois voter registration system and increase participation.

A previous version passed both chambers last fall but Rauner vetoed it over concerns it didnt do enough to prevent voter fraud. Republican state Rep. Mike Fortner of West Chicago says this bill addresses all parties concerns.

Employees at the driver facilities currently ask if someone using the facility wants to register to vote, David Druker, press secretary for the Secretary of States Office, said in an interview with the La Salle News-Tribune. If Rauner signs the bill as expected, the new questions will ask if they dont want to be registered.

We think this is an excellent idea, one that should streamline voting in Illinois while addressing concerns about fraudulent voting.

We have written here previously that asking a prospective voter to provide proof of his or her identity is a reasonable request. We also have stated our recognition that for all law-abiding citizens 18 or older, voting is a right, affirmed with the same powerful language in the 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th Amendments as something to not be denied or abridged.

A person who has obtained a state ID at a state facility has demonstrated proof of identity and had it recognized by that state.

Illinois is on the verge of making that all that is necessary to register to vote in that state. Wisconsin may have finally found something in Illinois state government worth imitating.
- Nigeria was absent at the 51st ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government

- The summit was held in Liberias capital, Monrovia

- There is no official statement from Aso Rock on why Nigeria stayed away from the meeting

Nigeria was absent from the 51st ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government which kicked-off on Saturday, June 3.

The summit was held in Liberias capital, Monrovia, with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in attendance.

As at the press time, Legit.ng checks reveal that there is no official statement from Aso Rock on why Nigeria stayed away from the meeting.

Netanyahu is the first non-African leader invited to address the ECOWAS leaders.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

Netanyahu addressing ECOWAS leaders at the summit

Morrocos King Mohammed VI had canceled his trip to the summit due to the attendance of Netanyahu.

King Mohammed VI wishes his first presence at an ECOWAS summit not to take place in a context of tension and controversy, said a statement from the countrys foreign affairs ministry.

King Mohammed VI had been pushing for his country to join the West African bloc as a full member.

It is not clear if Nigeria's decision to stay away from the event is in solidarity with the Moraccan King whose closeness to President Muhammadu Buhari is an open secret.

Nigeria's former president, Olusegun Obasanjo was however in attendance.

Legit.ng cannot however ascertain if Obasanjo attended on behalf of the Nigerian government or his capacity as an elder statesman in the West African region.

Speaking at the summit, Netanyahu urged African leaders to partner with his country to build the continents capacity.

I come here as an instruction of the simple truth, Israel is coming to Africa and Africa is coming back to Israel. I believe in Africa, I believe in its potential, present and future.

I believe in Africa...it is a national priority for us. Israel has the solutions for many African challenges, he said.

READ ALSO: London attack: You console UK while herdsmen slaughter Nigerians  Fani-Kayode blasts Onyeama

Netanyahu in a group photograph with the ECOWAS leaders

Netanyahu also invited the leaders of the ECOWAS member-states to the Africa-Israel summit in Togo in October where he is expected to meet with the leaders of 25 African countries to discuss multilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe emerged as the new chairperson of ECOWAS, taking over from Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Watch the Legit.ng TV video below of the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi talking about the achievements of the federal government.

Source: Legit.ng
A lot of us go out for shopping at least once a week. There are different places where people might go, but a lot of them usually choose a local supermarket. One of the most popular ones is the Shoprite Nigeria Supermarkets. And today we will discuss who the mysterious owner of the said supermarket is!

The owner of the Shoprite Nigeria Supermarkets

First of all, lets start with the fact that we are not talking about a Nigerian company. Yes, that's right, the Shoprite Nigeria Supermarkets are only a subsidiary of the Shoprite Holding Ltd, the South African retail firm.

Since it was founded in 1979, it has become the largest food retailer in Africa. It is all over Africa (15 countries!) and has 2653 outlets with the headquarters in the Western Cape province. It has an insane amount of employees - 143,000! The company is also listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange as the largest and oldest stock exchange in Africa.

But the question is still in the air - who is the owner of this massively successful company? The answer is plain and straightforward - the owner of the company is Mr Christo Wiese, the South African Billionaire.

The outlets of the company

READ ALSO: Tomato production in Nigeria: which regions are the most successful?

The journey of Shoprite in Nigeria began in Victoria Island, Lagos. This was the time when the first store of the Shoprite Nigeria Supermarkets was opened in the country. Then other subsidiaries were opened in:

- Madagascar;

- Angola;

- Botswana;

- Zambia;

- Namibia;

- Congo DR:

- Mozambique;

- Congo;

- Ghana;

- Swaziland;

- Mauritius;

- Lesotho.

The company has its supermarkets in Nigerian cities like Ilorin, Enugu, Ibadan, Onitsha, Abuja, Kano and many others. They do not just own the Shoprite supermarkets but also other brands like OK Foods, OK Grocers, Enjoy and others.

Now you know who owns the largest retail company in Nigeria and Africa. The company is still growing, and perhaps in the future, we will have more supermarkets and other franchising brands of the Shoprite Holdings Ltd.

READ ALSO: Insurgency in Nigeria effect on the economy

Source: Legit.ng
- A bereaved mother has cried out to the world to help her get justice for her daughter allegedly murdered by a man

- She accused a philanthropist in her neighborhood, one Alhaji Usman Adamu of killing her daughter

- She also alleged that the police is trying to bury the issue without getting justice for her daughter

A bereaved mother, Philomena Odama, has cried out to the world to help her get justice for her daughter allegedly murdered by one Alhaji Adamu Usman in Abuja.

Odama alleged that Usman murdered her daughter under the pretense of helping her financed her and other girls in the neighbourhood to finance their education.

Odama wrote a petition to the Inspector General of Police and Senate president alleging that the police and the alleged killer of her daughter coerced her to collect N400,000 as settlement after her daughter's death.

Read the mother's petition below:

Odama's picture and a copy of her mother's petition.

I am a native of Yala LGA in Cross River state. I am resident at old Karmo village in Abuja.

Joy Odama is my first daughter. She is a 200 level undergraduate of Mass Communications at the Cross River State University; who just returned for Christmas holidays and met her untimely death.

On the 18th December, 2016, one Elizabeth from Ogoja LGA, Cross River state, who is my daughter's friend visited us and told Joy to accompany her to see one Alhaji Usman Adamu who she said was a philanthropist that gives scholarship to young students. She said the Alhaji lives in the same neighborhood, precisely at Ibro Quarters, Old Karmo-Abuja.

Knowing Elizabeth as a long time friend and without any suspicion, she innocently followed her to the said Alhaji's house.

On getting there, my daughter called me that the Alhaji wants to see me. I asked why and she said that the Alhaji wants to help her with her education with other girls who lives in the neighborhood who are there with their parents.

I quickly got to the house and Alhaji Usman Adamu promised to help in my daughters education and equally promised to get me a job with the Nigerian Security & Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). We exchanged numbers, I graciously thanked him and left with my daughter.

Two days later on the 20th December, 2016 in the evening, Alhaji Usman Adamu called my daughter and said his house help is seriously sick and that she should please come and look after her while he goes to get a doctor.

He also said he has called other girls (i.e the other girls we saw in his house the previous day). Joy told me and I allowed her to go. That was the last time I saw my daughter alive.

After a while on the same day, I called Joy and she said she was at the house with the other girls and will soon be coming back. About an hour later, when she was not yet back, I called severally but she did not pick. Out of curiosity, I called Alhaji Usman Adamu on his number 08179606208 but he too did not pick. I became more worried and went to the house but couldn't gain access to Alhaji's apartment.

READ ALSO: Nigeria absent as Netanyahu addresses ECOWAS summit

The next morning, I called Joy and Alhaji Adamu several times to no avail. Eventually, Alhaji Adamu picked his call and to my surprise, he pretended not to know who I was nor who Joy was.

When I pressed further he said "did anything happen to Joy" as if she does not know where she is. At this point I knew all was not well.

In panic, I called my husband (who was not around at the time due to the nature of his work), my relatives and neighbors and we all agreed to report to the police. As we were about stepping out to the police station, we saw two policemen in our house who asked us to follow them to the police station at Karmo.

On getting there, the DPO informed us that all the girls that went to Alhaji's house are all unconscious; that one is not responding to treatment while the others are responding. We requested to see Joy but we were turned down and asked to come back the next day.

We pressed further but the DPO insisted we go and come back as directed. The next day being 22nd December, 2016 I went back to the police station in company of relatives and a lawyer who is a close family friend. To my utter shock, I was told that my daughter was dead and has been taken to the mortuary.

We asked to know how, why and what led to Joy's death and the DPO, CSP Nkem Raphael declined further comments.

Our lawyer asked if the Alhaji has been arrested but CSP Nkem Raphael bluntly told us that as far he is concerned, Alhaji is not culpable, no crime has been committed, that my daughter died a natural death and he cannot arrest Alhaji Usman Adamu. DPO Nkem told the lawyer to take the matter to his superiors but that he has already informed them about the matter and as far as they are concerned, Alhaji Adamu cannot be arrested.

We requested to know the whereabouts of my daughters corpse and the other girls responding to treatment so we can interview them.

The DPO directed us to Federal Medical Center, Airport Road Abuja and on getting to the mortuary, we discovered body has already been embalmed.

When we asked why my daughters body was embalmed without our knowledge, one of the attendant's confided in us that Alhaji Usman Adamu first brought the dead body in the early hours of 21st Dec,2016 claiming to be the father of the girl.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

But on seeing the body, they suspected foul play and insisted that they will not admit the body until they see a police or doctor's report. Alhaji Usman Adamu left and came back with DPO Nkem Raphael of Karmo Divisional Police who ordered them to immediately embalm the body.

We also discovered that the other girls the DPO claimed were on admission in the hospital were not there. We went back to the police station to find out why our daughters body would be embalmed without our prior consent. At the police station, I saw Martha, one of the girls whom I met at Alhaji Usman Adamu's house.

She was by the police canter and I asked her what happened to Joy and she narrated the following; " on the 20th of December, 2016 Alhaji Usman Adamu called her to come to his house, that he has already called the other girls to help him look after his house help who was very sick.

But her elder brother ( Emmanuel, who was also in the police station with her) stopped her from going to Alhaji's house that day. But that she sneaked very early in the morning to Alhaji's house the following day and on getting there she was shocked at what she saw.

She saw my daughter, Joy Odama lying lifeless on the floor and the other girls were stooling and vomiting. She became afraid and tried to run out of the house but Alhaji Usman Adamu and some inside the house held her back and brought her to the police station.

When I was about asking her further questions, some police men shouted at her to stop talking and whisked her away.

We went back again to the DPO, CSP Nkem Raphael to ask why my daughter was embalmed without our knowledge and that we heavily suspect foul play and demanded for an explanation and further investigation.

The DPO reiterated his initial position and bluntly told us not to pursue this case further, that he would advise us to dialogue with Alhaji Usman Adamu for our daughters burial. He insisted he has nothing more to do with us until we agree to meet with Alhaji Usman Adamu.

On the advise of a family friend, we agreed to meet with Alhaji Usman Adamu to shed more light on what actually transpired. On the agreed date of the meeting being 24th December, 2016 by 10am, we were at the police station with our lawyer but on sighting the lawyer, the DPO lied that the meeting has been postponed.

When the lawyer asked why, he said that the Alhaji was not around and that his number is not connecting, that he will call the lawyer and inform her of the next date for the meeting. Immediately the lawyer left, the DPO quickly called us inside his office and we were so surprised to see Alhaji Usman Adamu sitting right there.

The DPO told us to put off our phones and drop it on his desk , that he does not want the meeting to be recorded. In attendance was the DPO, CSP Nkem Raphael, DCO, SP Michael Obiora, the Inspector

Crime and Alhaji Usman Adamu. On our side was my husband, myself, relatives and a family friend.

The DPO was the first to speak. He said if we know what is good for us we should agree to whatever the Alhaji will offer us and desist from further pursuing this matter.

Alhaji Usman Adamu then offered to settle the matter with three hundred thousand naira (N300,000) and we became infuriated with anger, left home and informed the lawyer what happened. The lawyer insisted that further investigation be carried out.

READ ALSO: Biafra: Nigeria Army drops bombshell, explains how military officers allegedly escaped IPOB/MASSOB ambush

The DPO again called for a second meeting where we met with AIG Umoru Usman Shehu; AIG Intelligence, Force Headquarters Abuja. AIG Umoru told us bluntly also that investigation in this matter is closed and cannot be reopened.

He said Alhaji Usman Adamu should add an additional One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) to his initial offer. He told us harshly that that is the much he can do in this matter and that is his final decision and it is in our best interest to accept the offer.

At this point, apparently sensing the threat in his tone, a family friend present called us aside and advised that we collect the money to give them a false believe that we have agreed to their terms while we go home and think of the next line of action, including having it as an exhibit.

As it stands now, it is very visible the blind and audible to the deaf that Alhaji Usman Adamu has people in high places within the Nigerian Police Force and have connived with them to deny our poor family justice.

So, I am passionately pleading and calling on the government and the general public to come to my aid so that my daughters gruesome death will not be in vain. Investigations has revealed that my daughter, Joy Odama is not the first girl that Alhaji Usman Adamu has killed on the pretext of helping them.

I am using this medium to appeal to all to help me seek for justice in the painful death of my daughter.

In the video below, a 63-year-old mother laments the death of her child in the hands of cultists:

Source: Legit.ng
- MASSOB leader, Solomon Chukwu, has reiterated that the south south region is part of Biafra

- He berated those stating otherwise, describing them as ignorant of history and simply trying to impress their Fulani taskmasters

- He listed names of notable Nigerians who are indigenes of the larger south south and called them true Biafrans

In reaction to reports that the south south is not part of Biafra, the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOB) has reiterated that the entire south south geopolitical zone and the entire Eastern Nigeria are included within the territory of Biafra.

Solomon Chukwu, a leader of the group, stated this while speaking with Vanguard on Monday, June 5.

According to the MASSOB leader, the anniversary commemoration in honor of Biafran heroes which was observed across the eastern region on May 22 and 30 had proven to the Federal Government that the people of Biafra can no longer be held back in their struggle to have a homeland where they could find greater accommodation and satisfaction.

He warned those saying the south south was not a part of Biafra to stop deceiving the public and berated them as being ignorant of the history of the Biafran struggle.

READ ALSO: 24 Nigerian food products rejected by the EU in 2016 - NAFDAC

He said: Those who say south south or Niger Delta is not part of Biafra are ignorant; most of them are politicians in the south south zone who are saying it out of mischief to impress their Hausa/Fulani task masters.

History has it that people like Ojukwus second in command, Gen. Philip Effiong, fought for Biafra till the end.

Was Effiong not from Akwa Ibom State?

My father and other strong men of Niger Delta also fought for Biafra till the last day of the battle. How can somebody like Albert Horsefall say that Port Harcourt is not part of Biafra?

Im a Biafran from Ikwerre land in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers state.

Im a true son of Niger Delta. Till today, we still have many strong men from the South South who stands to be counted in supporting Biafra.

People like Uche Okwukwu, Asari Dokubo, among other great Niger Delta sons who are in support of Biafra.

Whether they call us south south or Niger Delta or Igbo, the Eastern region is united in the struggle to actualize an independent State of Biafra.

Some people from the area who sabotaged Biafra during the war have seen through the Hausa/Fulani deception and regretted their actions."

Going further, he stated, This has been one of the divide and rule styles they use against people of the Eastern region, by saying Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River, Bayelsa is not part of Biafra but it is no longer working, our people have seen through their tricks over 30 years ago.

We are wiser now; people from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and the Igbo speaking part of Edo and Benue attend MASSOB meetings."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the agitation for Biafra has been condemned by the first Director General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) and former DG of Department of Security Service (DSS), Albert Horsefall.

Horsefall also told the groups agitating for a sovereign state of Biafra; including the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB), to cease agitating for secession.

According to him, Biafra is dead and gone.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video asking if Biafra is really achievable

Source: Legit.ng
- Miss Oyeleye Lateefah Abiola graduated as the best student in Ukraine

- She was one of the 87 students sent by Osun state government to the National University of Kharkiv to study medicine

- Osun state will be sending a delegation to attend her graduation coming up soon

Miss Oyeleye Lateefah Abiola has emerged as the overall best graduating student at the Kharkiv National University in Ukraine where she studied Medicine.

According to Premium Times, Miss Abiola was one of the 87 students sponsored by the Osun state government and topped her 2017 class with a percentage score of 95.6% in a class that had 564 students.

READ ALSO: Looters of public funds funding anti-government media war - Osinbajo raises alarm

Semiu Okanlawon who is the director of the Bureau of Communication and Strategy in a statement explained that the deputy governor of the state, Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, will lead a delegation from the state to attend the graduation ceremony on June 30.

The director explained that Miss Abiola was one of the 98 students who were supposed to study medicine at Osun State University but the National University Commission scraped the course due to the non-availability of a teaching hospital.

"This was a source of concern to the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. This unfortunate development compelled the governor to seek for options to rescue the students from abrupt truncation of their dreams to become medical doctors.

In the course of looking for solutions, the National University of Kharkiv, Ukraine came into focus. By 2012, arrangements were concluded to send the students to Ukraine where they resumed their studies, Okanlawon explained.

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He said the rest of the students who did not go to Ukraine already had option secured for them by their parents.

He said the government had to wade off criticism against the decision to send the students to Ukraine to complete their medical studies.

In an earlier report by Legit.ng, a Nigerian from Igbedi in Bayelsa state emerged the best graduating student from the Lincoln University in Pennysylvania.

Victor Pere made a straight A average in computer science from the university.

He said although he had challenged of late fee payment, he never allowed such issues blur his vision towards achieving his focus in life.

See Legit.ng TV video of JAMB applicant lamenting the difficulty in security the form below

Source: Legit.ng
The Biafran struggle has been on the minds of many Nigerians recently. This is partly because Nnamdi Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra was released on Friday has kept the struggle up, despite his detention by the Nigerian government.

The question, what do Biafrans really want is one many have asked. The map of states the Biafrans want includes the former Eastern region of Nigeria, which was inhabited principally by Igbo people.

Biafra has been commonly divided into four main sections: the Igbos, the Ibibio-Efiks, the Ijaws and the Ogojas.

If the Biafran agitation is a success, below are the states that will stop being in Nigeria:

The 25 provinces of the proposed Biafra state

READ ALSO: Check out Nigerian territories on Scottish pound - But could this be real? (photos)

These are the states that will leave Nigeria:

1. Abia

2. Anambra

3. Akwa Ibom

4. Bayelsa

5. Enugu

6. Ebonyi

7. Imo

8. Delta

9. Rivers

10. Cross River

11. Igbanke in Edo

12. Southern part of Benue state

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Southern Cameroon joins Biafra, pledges support for IPOB

Meanwhile, world acclaimed Nigerian novelist, nonfiction writer and short story writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is to lead team of scholars to Washington where a discuss boardering over Biafra will take central stage.

The writer whose words on the the issues surrounding feminism has a global attention, would be the keynote speaker at a conference tagged: " Remembering Biafra", scheduled to hold at the The George Washington University in DC.

George Washington University's Remembering Biafra conference will bring together scholars, activists, and humanitarians to examine the global impact of the Nigeria-Biafra War of 1967-70.

Legit.ng recently produced a video on war machines used during the Biafra war:

Source: Legit.ng
- There was tension in Bayelsa state over the weekend following the killing of a policeman by gunmen

- The police officer was said to have fought gallantly but could not survive the gun wounds from his assailants

- Also, a chieftain of the PDP, Gbalipre Turner, narrowly escaped kidnap attempt by men of the underworld in Ogbia local government area of the state

There was palpable fear in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital over the weekend following the armed attacks on some parts of the state which led to a bloody shootout between a police patrol team and unknown gunmen, leading to the killing of a police sergeant.

The police, however, foiled the attempts by gunmen, numbering 20 to gain entry into the home of the state treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Gbalipre Turner, and kidnap him.

Legit.ng gathered that the two incidents, which occurred in Akenfa area of Yenagoa local government area and Opume community in Ogbia local government council of the state, caused a lot of panic among residents of the state capital.

It was learnt that the gunmen, who shot dead the policeman, approached him under the deception that they were strangers who missed their way and asked him for direction.

While offering them direction, he was shot at close range with locally made pistols and his rifle taken away.

READ ALSO: MASSOB leader says south south is part of Biafra

It was gathered that he fought gallantly and shot two of his attackers, the blood trail showed that some of the police killers sustained fatal gun shots, an eye witness said.

At Opume community in Ogbia, policemen foiled the attempt to invade the home of the state treasurer of the PDP, Gbalipre Turner. It was gathered that Gbalipre Turner was fortunate and escaped the invading gunmen.

The spokesman of the state police command, Mr. Asimin Butswat, who confirmed the development, said the command is awaiting more details while investigation is going on.

In a statement issued by Comr. Amiebi Turner, the acting chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, confirmed that the Turner, who is also a member of the Opume council of chiefs, escaped through the back door when he sighted the gunmen.

According to Turner: Gunmen on Friday 2nd June 2017, wielding what looks like an AK-47 weapon, numbering about 30, broke through his gate, unknown to them, Mr. Turner had already gotten information and left the environment shortly before their arrival.

While they attempted to break through the main door, the locals, becoming aware of the incident, raised alarm and fired shots from their hunters guns, the gunmen fired back from inside the residence, and later left the scene on information that the police were on their way.

Turner, however, condemned the kidnap attempt and described the upsurge in assassination and kidnapping in the state as a frantic attempt by criminals to liberalize crime in Bayelsa state.

According to him: We express optimism and confidence that the restoration led administration of Governor Seriake Dickson is capable to take on this callous challenge.

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To put on record, this is not the first time, Mr. Gbalipre Turner is having cases of attempted kidnap, we could recall sometime back in 2013, his daughter was kidnapped by gunmen, on several occasions, he had three times escaped kidnap attempt by suspected gunmen.

This issue has become a serious one as it is one case among many, ranging from the assassination of the Radio Bayelsa journalist, the assassination of the former PDP chair and others, it has therefore become imperative that drastic measures be taken to curb these spate of crimes.

Recently, the rise in violence in Ogbia local government area has also left some dead and demands urgent attention.

Meanwhile, a medical doctor, Dr. Samson Bekewari, has threatened to drag the authorities of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to court over alleged attempt by its personnel to shoot and kill him over minor incident of knocking down a stray dog.

The incident, which triggered outcry among residents of the state capital and members of the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), was, however, fixed for peaceful resolution between the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and the NMA.

But the peace meeting, which was held in the office of the state commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Desmond Agu, failed due to alleged harassment and undue threat of violence.

Watch this Legit.ng video and ascertain whether members of the Nigerian police are friends to Nigerians

Source: Legit.ng
Editor's note: Hamzat Lawal is an activist and currently the Co-Founder/Chief Executive of Connected Development [CODE]. He is working to build a growing grassroots movement of citizen-led actions through Follow The Money for better service delivery in rural communities. He writes on how the ideals of democracy and good governance empowers rural communities in Nigeria and beyond.

Read below:

Dating back to the 16th century, democracy is a system of government whereby the citizenry exercise power directly, mainly through electing their leaders. Some of its core encompass the active participation of citizens in politics, governance and civic life; human rights protection; respect for rule of law; and choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections.

It has a sharp contradistinction with fashions of government where power is either held by an individual, like in an absolute monarchy or military rule, or where power is held by a small number of individuals, also known as oligarchy. The end of the Cold War led to the adoption of democracy as a model of government in many countries particularly in Africa, following the instantaneous transposition in international power polarity with the United States becoming a hegemony.

As a result, many countries all over the world have adopted several dates as democracy day, so as to raise consciousness about the ideals of democracy and celebrate its practice, following their distinctive histories. For Nigeria, democracy day is on the 29th of May, a commemoration for the return of democracy in the country, in 1999.

Follow The Money campaigns have seen projects like #SaveShikira in Niger state force government to be responsive to citizens plight

Internationally, it is widely believed that some of these aforementioned core of democracy can be best achieved or implemented through good governance. Good governance describes how public institutions can conduct public affairs and manage public resources effectively. This brings in the essence of participation, transparency and accountability as the elemental pillars of good governance, as well as a conducive environment for the civil society to thrive.

A transparent government occasions possibilities for more effective management of public affairs and resources and lubricate participation. The latter enables the citizenry to participate in governance and hold the government to account. If this is the case, it is therefore safe to conclude that the civil society has much role to play in informing citizens and carrying off advocacy for effective public oversight.

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However, Africa has been characterised by the elements of bad governance, following the established characterisations of good governance in this piece. Wrecking of public funds has been a run-of-the-mill practice across the continent. For Nigeria, from 1960 till date, approximately US$400 billion has been siphoned by corrupt government officials. Public records are mostly inaccessible in many parts of the continent; government departments often do not have an information desk and do not publish their activities.

Many times, funds and incentives meant for rural communities have failed to get through to the communities. And these communities are rarely aware of such funds and even when they are aware, they lack the wherewithal to demand accountability because of a capacity-deficit. In furtherance, citizen participation in governance has been exceedingly poor primarily because of the weak social contract in a considerable number of African countries, secrecy in governments operation, and the high-handedness of different tiers and levels of African governments.

To counter some of these trends, many civil society organisations on the continent began pushing for open government; a canon which holds that the citizenry have the right to access the documents and proceedings of the government which is chaperoned by international calls for African governments to be transparent.

In addition, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) was birthed in 2011 as a multilateral and multi-stakeholder initiative with the aims of obtaining concrete commitments from national and subnational governments so as to empower citizens, fight corruption, promote transparency, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. Many African countries including Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Tanzania etc. are already part of the partnership.

Our Nigerian-based Connected Development [CODE] in the spirit of enhancing and promoting the ideals of democracy and good governance empowers rural communities, build their capacities to engage the government and provide them with access to information on fragments of public finance that concerns them, knowing that democratic representation is about who controls what, when and how. This is majorly through our Follow The Money (FTM) initiative.

During CODEs North-east map up training to have participants track funds meant for the reconstruction of North-east Nigeria. Photo Credit: CODE

Through FTM, we promote and safeguard transparency, accountability and participation in governance through tracking, monitoring and visualising governmental and international aid capital spending in rural grassroots communities. FTM monitors the efficacy of such funds spending through advocacy, visualisation using the social media, mainstream media, community outreach, Freedom of Information Act backed letters, cartoon illustration, stakeholder engagement etc.

Through the initiative, the organisation has been able to boost citizen participation in governance, ensure service delivery around projects in communities, facilitate development, contribute to poverty eradication, while assisting in the improvement of government agencies responsiveness to public inquires.

A continental belief in the works of the organisation became evident on 8 April 2017, when in Marrakesh, Morocco, CODE was awarded the ONE Africa 2016 Award which recognises, rewards, and advances the exceptional work of African organisations, dedicated to helping the continent achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. FTM is topically the largest volunteer grassroots movement on transparency and accountability in Africa and through it, CODE has impacted the lives of 30,000 (est) rural community members through successful campaigns such as #SaveShikira, #SaveBagega, #FurnishTongo, #RehabilitateAfiaNsit etc.

READ ALSO: This is why Ebonyi state may soon become the greatest state in Nigeria

With the domestication of Follow The Money grassroot movement in The Gambia and Kenya, the initiative has different teams, from data miners to lead investigators that coordinate the process-chain of all our campaigns. In a quest to decentralise our operations and make them sustainable, we created ifollowthemoney.org to manage a pool of over 200 project assistants/volunteers from across the continent that assist in following up on our campaigns in these communities.

They reside in rural communities and are empowered to individually take lead in tracking the implementation of these funds while we provide them with technical support. By letting rural communities know of funds appropriated for capital projects in their communities and requesting information from the concerned governmental departments, we have ended up contracting the chances of such funds being siphoned or misappropriated.

Through Follow The Money, we believe having access to governmental financial data is one of the surest ways of fighting corruption, and that such access to information is a democratic right of every citizen. It is in the interest of democracy that African governments hold on to their commitments regarding the OGP to mainstream access to information, civic engagement and fiscal transparency in the management of public affairs and resources.

Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@naij.com  drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors.

Were ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App.

Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to Legit.ng Opinion page!

Watch the Legit.ng TV video below of the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi talking about the achievements of the federal government in the last two years.

Source: Legit.ng
- After 81 days in prsion, Kemi Olunloyo has regained her freedom

- She had accused a court registrar of stalling her release from jail despite meeting her bail condition

- Olunloyo who is known for making controversial statements had earlier said her father and Obasanjo used her younger brother Oyeleke for rituals in 1999

Emerging reports suggest that the controversial blogger, Kemi Olunloyo, has regained her freedom.

Legit.ng recalls that Olunloyo has been held in a Port Harcourt prison custody for about 81 days.

On the order of the Inspector General of Police, Kemi Olunloyo was jailed in a Port Harcourt prison, over her story which suggested that actress Iyabo Ojo and Pastor David Ibiyeomie were caught-up in an adultery mess.

A post by Sahara Reporters suggests that the blogger was released in the evening of Monday, June 5.

READ ALSO: Biafra pressure! Ekweremadu, Obiano are not sponsoring us - IPOB

After seeking financial aid to get out of jail, the embattled ex-governors daughter and US trained investigative journalist accused a court registrar of stalling her release from jail.

Legit.ng gathered that the former Oyo state governor Victor Omololu-Olunloyo's daughter accused the chief registrar of the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court of sitting on her case in order to continually keep her in prison despite having allegedly met her bail conditions.

Reacting to this accusation, the deputy chief registrar Maimunat Folami revealed that all Kemi said earlier is false.

She said: We have done everything that were supposed to do. This allegation is very strange. I have to do all the works of ensuring that all the documents are put in place.

Few months ago, Olunloyo was reportedly arrested by men of the Nigeria Police Force over a controversial statement she made earlier in March about ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

The notorious Twitter troll had alleged that her father, a former governor of Oyo state Victor Omololu Olunloyo and Obasanjo used her younger brother Oyeleke for rituals in 1999.

Kemi wrote this in an Instagram post on March 5, Obasanjos 80th birthday.

She warned the former president to stay away from her family and stop taking her father to ritualists.

The controversial critic, who always boasts of her investigative skills, also vowed to upload the video of the ritual on YouTube soon for all to see.

Watch this Legit.ng video in which activities following the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was captured.

Source: Legit.ng
- Federal government pleads with the government of Indonesia to cancel death penalty passed on Nigerians

- The federal government is pleading for life imprisonment

- About 50 Nigerians are serving various jail terms with 11 of them on death row

The federal government on Monday pleaded with the government of Indonesia to commute the death penalty passed on Nigerians in the countrys prison, to life imprisonment.

Foreign affairs minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, made the plea in a joint communique issued at the end of bilateral meeting between the minister and Mrs Retno Marsudi, his counterpart from Indonesia.

He said: On consular issues, Nigeria recognises the drugs emergency situation in Indonesia and pleaded for commuting death penalty to life imprisonment.

READ ALSO: Ex-Governor Orji Kalu lied meeting President Buhari in London - Sahara Reporters claims

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there are about 50 Nigerians serving various jail terms for different offences in Indonesia with about 11 of them on death row.

Human Rights organisation, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) had called on the federal government to boost its efforts in fighting for Nigerians on death row in foreign countries.

The organisation stated that no fewer than 300 Nigerians were currently on death row in prisons across Asian countries since 2016.

Statistics at the disposal of LEPAD revealed that 120 Nigerians faced the prospects of death in Chinese prisons, and over 170 in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and five in Qatar, United Arab Emirate and Saudi Arabia.

The organisation estimated that about 16,500 Nigerians were being held abroad, while most of those on death row were convicted of drug-related crimes.

Onyeama said the two countries agreed to deepen contacts between their respective national Chambers of Commerce and private sector operators with a view to further enhance bilateral trade and investments.

He added that they also agreed on the importance of enhancing the existing cooperation between the two countries.

He said the two countries agreed to simplify bilateral trade through the establishment of a Bonded Logistic Centre in one of Nigerias ports that could be used for Indonesian products.

Marsudi had earlier announced her governments growing interest in promoting mutually beneficial economic relations with Nigeria.

The visiting minister expressed concern that there had been decline in bilateral trade between both countries in the last five years.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

She said that her government was prepared to enhance its economic relations with African countries, especially with Nigeria, in the years ahead.

She said that Nigeria and Indonesia have the resources and energies to enhance their areas of cooperation.

Watch the Legit.ng video below to see how devastated this Nigerian woman was after losing her 16-year-old son to cultists:

Source: Legit.ng
DC's Batman spotlight is expanding to his sidekicks more and more

Members of Batman's family will seemingly play huge roles in the DCU in 2023
Russia has claimed it has carried out more successful tests of a hypersonic Zircon missile, a year ahead of schedule.

In April, 2017, Russias new hypersonic anti-ship Zircon missile has reached eight times the speed of sound (about 6100 mph) during the test, a source with Russias defense sector told TASS.

The source noted that Zircon missiles can be launched from universal launching platforms 3C14 which are also used for the Onyx and Caliber missiles.

It is expected that the new missiles will be installed at the heave nuclear-powered cruisers Peter the Great and Admiral Nakhimov.

The expected range with a new type of fuel is about 1000 km (600 miles) at Mach 5-6. The export version will be limited to 400 kilometers range. Launching platform is the 3S14 Agat, also used to launch the SS-N-26 Strobile and SS-N-27 Sizzler missiles.
38 injured in Kavre bus crash

At least 38 persons were injured when a passenger bus fell 20 meters below the Araniko highway at Tinpiple area of Paanchkhal Municipality on Sunday.
Brothers become rival candidates in Baitadi

Two brothers from Baitaidi are taking sibling rivalry to a whole another level.
Dhurmus-Suntali Foundations fourth project on the cards

Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation has unveiled its next project named Namuna Nepal (Model Nepal) on Monday.
Revisit Glorious Days of the Roman Empire with Rival Gaming's Chariots of Fire

Published June 5, 2017 by Ivan P

Chariots of Fire features expanding wilds in the base game and exciting bonus features where the first and third reel can become fully wild, creating a huge winning potential.

Slots with a historical background generally tend to be well accepted by the players. Relying on this tendency, Rival Gaming has come up with Chariots of Fire, a slot that revives the spirit of the ancient Roman Empire and their mighty legions that spread fear across the entire known world.

Let the Victory Festivities Begin

One of the most cherished traditions of ancient Rome was the Triumph, a festive occasion celebrating great generals on their return home after successful military campaigns. As it befits an empire that relied primarily on its military power, these occasions lasted for days and involved rich parades, gladiator fights, and chariot races.

Drawing back on these traditions, Rival's Chariots of Fire is set on the backdrop of a monumental Roman building, with its sturdy stone pillars, and symbols like Roman soldiers, shields, the Emperor adorned with a laurel wreath, a noble lady, white war horse, and an SPQR insignia (wild).

Solemn music playing in the background adds to the overall atmosphere, setting up the mood for the occasion.

Exciting Features

Rival Gaming's Chariots of Fire slot features five reels and 25 paylines. With all the wilds expanding during the base game, the slot offers a solid winning potential even during the base game, but it is the free spins round where the things start to get really interesting.

Landing three or more Roman soldier symbols on the reels will initiate eight free spins, during which all wins are multiplied by two, and the third reel becomes wild and remains wild for the duration of the free spins.

Big winning chances come from the second feature, Roman Victory, which is initiated by three or more Super Solider symbols landing on the reels during free spins. During the Roman Victory feature, the first reel will become wild as well, basically guaranteeing at least a decent win.

If you feel like revisiting the past and reliving the glorious moments of the Roman Empire, you can find Chariots of Fire featured at a number of online casinos powered by Rival, like Vegas Crest Casino and SlotsMillion Casino.
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"The book is very well written...very important in this individualized capitalistic illusory world that enslaves us all within its tentacles and forces us to believe that we are atomized and disconnected beings. Indigenous Lakota people end prayers with "Mitakuye Oyasin...all my relations..." An ancient African proverb states, "A person is a person only because of and with others..." This instructive text is very useful for us living in what we are always told is the modern world, because it reconnects us all and reminds us that ultimately, the endless circle of the Universe binds and connects us all and the Earth is Mother to us with no hierarchy...the ones at the bottom matter the most...like the ants who build mounds and hills, all working in unison and harmony...the book teaches that we were created for community and our destiny is organic community...anything else is doomed..."



Julian Kunnie, Professor of Religious Studies/Classics at the University of Arizona and author of The Cost of Globalization: Dangers to the Earth and Its People
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Rob Kall's book, Bottom-Up points the way to a more caring and connected world. This stimulating book combines realistic facts with idealistic optimism at a time when both are so urgently needed."



Riane Eisler, author of The Real Wealth of Nations and The Chalice and the Blade
Fall in Chiraito price hurting farmers

For six years, Devi Maya Tamang has been engaged in chiraito (Swertia chirayita) farming.
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This is a reprint from NewsBred.

Indian Express today wrote a bottom spread on its front page which mocked a (now retired) judge in its headline and went on to term his recent claims on medicinal benefits of cow as "vague and outlandish."

The headline "A little fact-check of Honourable Judge's cow order in Rajasthan" was full of sneer and contempt. It's as close to abusive as it gets. It's like a reader telling the Indian Express editor: "So Mr Editor, how much monthly bill you save by using your distinguished newspaper in place of a toilet roll?" If my quip stinks, it's meant to drive home the point.

The entire 945-words wordathon is meant to counter Justice (retd) Mahesh Chandra Sharma of Rajasthan High Court who, while declaring his wish that cow be made the national animal on Thursday, quoted several sources, mostly foreign, to highlight the animal's medicinal benefits.

The reporter set about dismantling the judge. From rattail combs to chisel and hammer, the writer used every weapon at his command to deliver a thousand cuts. It was akin to how a deranged psychopath chops off every limb, bone, muscle, sinews of a hated victim, plucking the eyes from the socket; gulping down the bursting blood in both hands. The violence in the pen of the reporter, and that of the newspaper, is unmistakable.

Sadly, this hatred and venom isn't backed by the report itself. Let me take readers through the Indian Express rebuttal point by point; and challenge the newspaper to either prove me wrong or make a public apology (don't worry, both things won't happen. For mainstream media in this country are supreme artistes of hit-and-run stories).

CLAIM 1: German scientist Rudie Steiner: "Cow uses its horns to acquire cosmic energy."

Indian Express rebuttal: It's not Rudie Steiner but Rudolf Steiner. (Phew!)

CLAIM 2: Cornell University's Ronald Goreite: "Cow milk boosts memory and the MDGI protein prevents cancer from entering blood cells."

Indian Express rebuttal: It's Ronald C. Gorewit. The MDGI (mammary-derived growth inhibitor) thing is inconclusive. (Bravo!)

CLAIM 3: Dr Vijayaakshmi of the Centre for Indian Knowledge System: "Women's milk is getting poisonous everyday from using chemical fertilizers instead of cow dung."

Indian Express rebuttal: Dr. Vijayalakhsmi was travelling (so couldn't be contacted).

CLAIM 4: Mumbai's Dr. Kanti Sen Saraf: "Spraying cow dung on urban waste removes all foul smell and converts waste to fetilisers."

Indian Express rebuttal: Dr. Saraf's work has been backed by some studies. (Would you believe it! It's like "you are right but you said you were right.")

By now, the reporter has unlocked his kalashnikov and is spraying bullets everywhere. He now claims the Judge was outlandish in his report on several counts. He quotes a little-known scientist who in turn claims the references the Judge has made are not in the mainstream academic space." (Does this irony makes sense to you? It didn't to me).

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The new movie, War Machine, on Netflix starring Brad Pitt begins as a hilarious and satisfying mockery of General Stanley McChrystal, circa 2009, as well as of militarism in general. Hilarious because of the deadpan sincere idiocy. Satisfying at least to those of us who have been screaming "What are you idiots doing?" for the past fifteen-and-a-half years.



war machine

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Should we be glad that a Hollywood movie can still be made mocking the murderous malevolence of true believers in militarism, or should we be disturbed that theaters won't show such movies and they have to end up on Netflix? Should we be glad that a war satire set in Afghanistan didn't have to wait decades for a different war, in the manner of Mash, or should we be disturbed that most viewers will not know a current war is being mocked because they either believe the war on Afghanistan has ended or they simply can't keep up with the proliferation of wars?

Regardless, I recommend making sure every movie-lover, Brad Pitt fan, young person, and old person watch this movie. Watch a sincere true-believing military commander and his sycophants consciously choose to win an unwinnable war, proposing straight-faced to work on protecting people while not killing them -- or killing them less, or something.

The basic truth that people don't want armed foreigners in their towns and would rather not be bombed is presented here in straightforward dialogue as well as comedic exchange. And Brad Pitt's character, based on Stanley McChrystal, and on Michael Hastings' account of McChrystal, is depicted as having turned himself into a human hammer, unable to see any problem as anything other than a nail -- his ambition to "win" a war driving his blindness to the absolute unwinnability of foreign occupations or "counter-insurgency" or "counter-terrorism," also known as terrorism.

The whole thing stops being funny three-quarters of the way into the movie, when the protests of troops that they cannot distinguish civilians from enemies becomes an actual demonstration of that inability. When we get to watch the General in charge articulate all of his usual platitudes and nonsensical pep-rally lies (even if lies to himself, still lies) to a man whose child has just been murdered by U.S. troops, the laughter is gone.

Even when we see a village leader ask the General to "please leave now," there's little satisfaction in this plea of the Afghan people for the past decade and a half finally making it into U.S. ears, because we know that the U.S. military will not ever listen.

We also know that this movie constitutes the extent of the punishment that the real Stanley McChrystal will ever receive for his crimes. There will be no trial, no legal judgment.

Speculation as to the cause of death of Michael Hastings continues, but speculation as to whether the individuals crashing the U.S. war machine into Afghanistan year after year have committed murder in a futile and criminal attempt to advance their personal interests should end. There is no doubt that they have done and are doing just that on a massive scale. They are, as this movie points out, and as no U.S. newspaper or television station dares to state, endangering the United States under the banner of slogans claiming they are defending and protecting it.

Here's part of an open letter to President Donald Trump that anyone can sign here:

The United States is spending $4 million an hour on planes, drones, bombs, guns, and over-priced contractors in a country that needs food and agricultural equipment, much of which could be provided by U.S. businesses. Thus far, the United States has spent an outrageous $783 billion with virtually nothing to show for it except the death of thousands of U.S. soldiers , and the death, injury and displacement of millions of Afghans. The Afghanistan War has been and will continue to be, as long as it lasts, a steady source of scandalous stories of fraud and waste . Even as an investment in the U.S. economy this war has been a bust .

But the war has had a substantial impact on our security: it has endangered us. Before Faisal Shahzad tried to blow up a car in Times Square, he had tried to join the war against the United States in Afghanistan. In numerous other incidents, terrorists targeting the United States have stated their motives as including revenge for the U.S. war in Afghanistan, along with other U.S. wars in the region. There is no reason to imagine this will change.

In addition, Afghanistan is the one nation where the United States is engaged in major warfare with a country that is a member of the International Criminal Court. That body has now announced that it is investigating possible prosecutions for U.S. crimes in Afghanistan. Over the past 15 years, we have been treated to an almost routine repetition of scandals: hunting children from helicopters, blowing up hospitals with drones, urinating on corpses -- all fueling anti-U.S. propaganda, all brutalizing and shaming the United States.

Ordering young American men and women into a kill-or-die mission that was accomplished 15 years ago is a lot to ask. Expecting them to believe in that mission is too much. That fact may help explain this one: the top killer of U.S. troops in Afghanistan is suicide. The second highest killer of American military is green on blue, or the Afghan youth who the U.S. is training are turning their weapons on their trainers! You yourself recognized this, saying: "Let's get out of Afghanistan. Our troops are being killed by the Afghans we train and we waste billions there. Nonsense! Rebuild the USA."

The withdrawal of U.S. troops would also be good for the Afghan people, as the presence of foreign soldiers has been an obstacle to peace talks. The Afghans themselves have to determine their future, and will only be able to do so once there is an end to foreign intervention.

We urge you to turn the page on this catastrophic military intervention. Bring all U.S. troops home from Afghanistan. Cease U.S. airstrikes and instead, for a fraction of the cost, help the Afghans with food, shelter, and agricultural equipment.
"I am pleased that I did it, for even today I cannot find a single note in it that I could remove, nor can I find anything to add. This gives me strength and satisfaction. The fourth symphony represents a very important and great part of me. Yes, I'm glad to have written it."

---Jean Sibelius in the 1940s

After completing the fourth symphony Sibelius stood on a borderland behind which lay either "madness or chaos", as he later explained to his friend, Walter Legge. "A symphony is not just a composition in the ordinary sense of the word," Sibelius wrote in 1910. "It is more a confession of faith at different stages of one's life."

In his diary: "No one, no one at all discusses me. I'm completely out of the picture. I am intentionally burning my boats," and "I am holding high the banner of real art."

By spring his optimism had waned. "Again in the deepest depression," reads a diary entry of April 21.

In a much later letter to his friend (and biographer) Rosa Newmarch about the symphony: "It stands as a protest against present-day music. It has absolutely nothing of the circus about it."

Later, when asked about the symphony, he quoted August Strindberg: "Det ar synd om manniskorna" (One feels pity for human beings).

Noting the completion of the symphony in his diary on April 2, 1911, Sibelius commented: "It calls for much courage to look at life straight in the eye."

>>>>>>>>>>>>

Completed in 1911, with first performance in Helsinki on 3rd April 1911 (Orchestra of Helsinki Philharmonic Society conducted by Jean Sibelius).

The fourth symphony was once considered to be the strangest of Sibelius's symphonies, but today it is regarded as one of his greatest works.

From the first moment I heard the opening notes of the cello, I have always been deeply moved by this music.

It is a statement of profound thought that goes far beyond the cinematic interpretations of gloomy northern forests and fjords and mountains and fog, all of the programmatic stereotypical geographic interpretations of much of Sibelius' works. It has a density of expression, and a mastery of counterpoint that make it one of the most impressive manifestations of modern thinking from the time of its creations. At times when I listen to this and other Sibelius compositions, that I am sitting at the feet of some great existential master lecturing from the Great Beyond, like listening to Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, T.S. Eliot, or Dmitri Shostakovich.

The 4th Symphony was written in 1910/11, a period of darkness for the composer, after undergoing an operation to remove a malignant tumor from his throat, and he was convinced that the cancer had spread. The operation also meant that for two years he had to do without his indispensable friends: alcohol and tobacco. It was further a wretched time in Sibelius's personal life, because the world was rushing towards World War I, and Finland was recovering from the prior century's famine in which Scandinavians had had to eat the bark of trees to keep from starving.

Sibelius thought deeply about changing his composition style while he was in Berlin in 1909, and this was his overall state of mind when he joined the artist Eero Jarnefelt for a trip to Koli, the emblematic "Finnish mountain" in Karelia. The landscape of Koli was an endless source of inspiration, and Sibelius said that he was going to listen to the "sighing of the winds and the roar of the storms," and Sibelius composer considered his Koli visit as one of the greatest experiences of his life.

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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. ]

Here's a reasonable question to ask in our unreasonable world: Does Donald Trump even know where North Korea is? The answer matters and if you wonder why I ask, just remember his comment upon landing in Israel after his visit to Saudi Arabia. "We just got back from the Middle East," he said. In response, reported the Washington Post, "the Israeli ambassador to Washington, Ron Dermer, put his forehead in his palm." Which brings us back to North Korea. As pollsters working for the New York Times recently discovered, were President Trump to have only the foggiest idea of that country's location, he would be in remarkably good company. Of the 1,746 American adults the polling group Morning Consult queried, only 36% could accurately point to North Korea on a map of Asia. Other typical answers: Thailand, Nepal, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.

And here's why this question matters: those Americans who located North Korea correctly on a map -- that is, those who had an accurate sense of where the ongoing crisis over the regime of Kim Jong-un was taking place -- were significantly more likely to favor "diplomatic and nonmilitary strategies" to deal with it. In the same spirit, they were less likely to favor "direct military engagement -- in particular, sending [in] ground troops." Of course, the U.S. already has plenty of ground troops on the Korean peninsula. Twenty-eight thousand five hundred of them and at least 200,000 American civilians are in South Korea today and would quickly be swept up in any war there. If that conflict were to turn nuclear and the Demilitarized Zone between the two countries became "ground zero for the end of the world," they would potentially be incinerated. How eerily strange, then, that what Jonathan Schell once called "the fate of the Earth" now rests in the hands of two unnervingly narcissistic men: President Donald J. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

With that in mind, you would think that Washington would be pushing hard to get us to a negotiating table rather than continuing to rattle the nuclear sabers and imagine militarized solutions to the ongoing crisis on the Korean peninsula. Instead, in recent weeks diplomacy has repeatedly been declared a failure and other "options" on that "table" in Washington where such options are always regularly said to be kept have been highlighted. Under the circumstances, could there be anything more important than not ruling out diplomacy and negotiations over the roiling Korean crisis and so leaving the full responsibility for what happens in the hands of those two narcissists and their generals? On this subject, consider what Tom Dispatchregular Rajan Menon, author of The Conceit of Humanitarian Intervention, has to say about why diplomacy and actual negotiations hold out a kind of hope that few have cared, or dared, to acknowledge in the present crisis. Tom

Avoiding Apocalypse on the Korean Peninsula

Why Diplomacy Is Not Naive Appeasement in the Korean Crisis

By Rajan Menon Defense Secretary James Mattis remarked recently that a war with North Korea would be "tragic on an unbelievable scale." No kidding. "Tragic" doesn't even begin to describe the horrors that would flow from such a conflict. The Korean peninsula, all 85,270 square miles of it, is about the size of Idaho. It contains more soldiers (2.8 million, not counting reserves) and armaments (nearly 6,000 tanks, 31,000 artillery pieces, and 1,134 combat aircraft) than any other place on the planet. The armies of North and South Korea face each other across the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, and Seoul, South Korea's capital, is a mere 35 miles away as the artillery shell flies. More than 25 million people inhabit that city's greater metropolitan area, home to about half of South Korea's population. Unsurprisingly, untold numbers of North Korean missiles and artillery pieces are trained on that city. Once the guns started firing, thousands of its denizens would undoubtedly die within hours. Of course, North Koreans, too, would be caught in an almost instant maelstrom of death. And the war wouldn't be a bilateral affair. South Korea hosts 28,500 American troops. In addition, there are some 200,000 American civilians in the country, most of them in Seoul. Many in both categories could be killed by North Korean attacks and the United States would, in turn, hit multiple targets in that country. Pyongyang might retaliate by firing missiles at Japan, where 39,000 American troops are stationed, concentrating on the network of American bases and command centers there, especially the U.S. Services Headquarters at Yokota Air Base near Tokyo. And that's without even considering the possible use of nuclear weapons. If anything, Mattis's description is an understatement. And don't assume that the danger of a Korean conflagration has passed now that President Trump has become trapped in the latest set of political scandals to plague his administration. Quite the opposite: a clash between North Korea and the United States might have become more probable precisely because the president is politically besieged. Trump wouldn't be the first leader, confronted with trouble at home, to trigger a crisis abroad and then appeal for unity and paint critics as unpatriotic. Keep in mind, after all, that this is the man who has already warned of "a major, major war" with North Korea. Trump vs. Kim So far the coercive tactics Trump has used to compel North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons program and cease testing ballistic missiles have included sanctions and asset freezes, military threats, and shows of force -- both serious, as in the recent Key Resolve and Operation Max Thunder joint military exercises with South Korea, and farcical, as with a supposedly northward-bound naval "armada" that actually sailed in the opposite direction. Such moves all involve the same presidential bet: that economic and military pressure can bend Pyongyang to his will. Other American presidents have, of course, taken the same approach and failed for decades now, which seems to matter little to Trump, even though he presents himself as a break-the-mold maverick ready to negotiate unprecedented deals with foreign leaders. By now, this much ought to be clear, even to Trump: North Korea hasn't been cowed into compliance by Washington's warnings and military muscle flexing. In 2003, after multilateral diplomatic efforts to denuclearize North Korea ran aground, Pyongyang ditched the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and two years later declared that it possessed nuclear weapons. In October 2006, it detonated its first nuclear device, a one-kiloton bomb. Four other tests in May 2009, February 2013, January 2016, and September 2016, ranging in explosive yield from four to 10 kilotons, followed. Three of them occurred after the current North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, came to power in April 2012. A similar pattern holds for ballistic missiles, which North Korea has been testing since 1993. The numbers have risen steadily under Kim Jong-un, from four tests in 2012 to 25 in 2016. Clearly, the North's leaders reject the proposition that American approval is required for them to build nuclear bombs and ballistic missiles. Like his father, Kim Jong-il, and his grandfather, Kim Il-sung, the founder of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (or DPRK, North Korea's official name), Kim Jong-un is an ardent nationalist who regularly responds to threats by upping the ante. Trump's national security adviser, General H.R. McMaster, characterized Kim as "unpredictable." In reality, the Korean leader, like his father and grandfather before him, has been remarkably consistent: he has steadfastly refused to stop testing either nuclear weapons or their possible delivery systems, let alone "denuclearize" the Korean peninsula, as McMaster demanded.

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mashup image created from EPA logo and Canva.com free image

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I know there is a left wing knee-jerk reaction to privatization and towards defending big government. But we are living through a time when big government has been taken over by some of the most dangerous narcissists and psychopaths on the planet--politicians in thrall to billionaires and toxic corporations.

We need to privatize government to protect ourselves from Trump-appointed foxes in the henhouse.

That's usually something that conservative and corporations want, but now, we have a government that has been taken over by, despoiled by and infected by a psychopathic narcissist who allows decisions to be made by an extreme right wing bigot, Steve Bannon.

So the way that Americans need to protect themselves is to take a bottom up approach to privatizing government. Not privatize it so it is run by big corporations, as Republicans and corporatist Democrats routinely do, but privatize it so it is run by groups of responsible, respected individuals who are accountable to people.

They could even be elected in privately held but open elections. I think this is a new way of thinking. Correct me if I'm wrong and this is already being done.

We need to replace the EPA since it is no longer a trusted organization/institution. We need to replace health care organizations. We need to replace the Justice Department. I wouldn't be surprised, if these efforts take root, that the government agencies that we are defending ourselves us by privatizing, would go after the new privatized entities, accusing them of horrific crimes. But that shouldn't stop us.

Mike Bloomberg stated that we are, from the bottom up, going to keep going supporting the Paris accord, that he'd provide up to $15 million of the funds the US has drawn from supporting the UN efforts. He said, according to an NPR article,

"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 , the former New York City mayor who now serves as the U.N.'s special envoy on cities and climate change. "Mayors, governors, and business leaders from both political parties are signing [on to] a statement of support that we will submit to the U.N.," Bloomberg said, "and together, we will reach the emission reduction goals the U.S. made in Paris in 2015."

This week, Mr. Trump, the puppet through whom Steve Bannon dictates policy, will be talking about infrastructure. What he will be doing is doling out privatization opportunities to private companies. There's a huge difference between that predatory, extractive approach to privatization and what I am proposing.

The reality is that both Democrats and Republicans are, for the most part, more loyal to their corporate and billionaire donors than they are to the American people or the nation's commons. We must take action to protect ourselves, our national resources, and the planet.

The good news is that even some of the biggest corporations are stunned by Trump's grotesque actions and statements. They might even help such an effort in a benign, arms length way.

Another way we can bottom up "privatize" the government, at least the part related to the environment and the Paris accord, is to change our personal habits.

Boycott companies that support Trump and his messengers

Boycott companies that fund legislation that aims to make food and the environment healthier, like companies that supported the "Dark Act," which forbids states from passing GMO labeling laws.

Change our eating--consume less animal products

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Peter the Great's gold layered throne room in St Petersburg's Hermitage Palace.

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When ancient history and a fast-moving present manage to join up in front of the tv cameras, the result is a record of a major turning point.

Yesterday MSNBC broadcast former Fox News anchor Megan Kelley's interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Having been accused by candidate Trump of being unfairly tough on him during the presidential debates, she has been avenged, but she did not live up to the opportunity given her, rehashing the old saw about Russian interference in the US election and affording Putin the opportunity to point out that what the US was accusing Russia of, is what the US does all the time, all around the world.

When Megan shot back with 'So tit for tat?', the Russian president slammed her with 'No, a matter of facts."

Kelly succeeds the hapless Fareed Zakaria as last year's American anchor on the stage of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, also known as the Valdai Discussion Group with the Russian President and his guest of honor who, this year, was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the ever-'breaking' media world, Kelley deserves to celebrate her change of status, while for President Putin it is the discipline of chess and judo that enabled him to schedule a meeting with the newly elected French President in the Palace of Versailles just days before chairing his yearly meeting of business and cultural leaders from around the world. His native city of St Petersburg was built by Russian Tsar Peter the Great on marshland to compete with the Sun King's extravaganza,, and the meeting celebrated the 300th anniversary his trip to Versailles in 1717.

Contradicting Washington's claim that 'Russia is isolated', the Valdai Discussion Forum has been held every year since 2004, systematically ignored by the mainstream international press and most of an alternative press that tends to concentrate on Beltway-designated breaking news.

This year was no different, the msm is all over President Trump's decision to take the US out of the Paris Climate Accord, as if he doesn't not know a carbon kilowatt from a sou's ear, ignoring the equally portentous fact that Europe just left Sam to rejoin Louis and Peter: As the Russian President was flying to Paris, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the most important European leader since the Gaulle/Adenauer duo, declared that it was over with the US.

The subtext of Merkel's statement, that Europeans could no longer count on their allies, but had to take their destiny into its own hands 'as Europeans' was that Europe had reached the limit of its commitment to trans-Atlantic 'values'. America's wars around the globe had dumped hundreds of thousands of Muslims onto the shores of Christian Europe, and now its latest 'value' (Making America Great Again) challenged the survival of the planet. No history book would be able to accuse Europe, tarred by centuries of anti-Semitism and wars of conquest, of being anti-planet!

Following upon the rapprochement between Pakistan and Russia over Afghanistan, India is being invited to join China's One Belt, One Road development project (of which The Economist just became aware http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2017/05/economist-explains-11 )in the background.

Those of us who have felt closer to the Europe of our ancestors than to the land necessity brought them to, and who have despaired of ever seeing it free from its grasp, can finally breathe a sigh of unexpected relief: Europe is coming into its own, realizing that it doesn't have to invade Russia "because it's there", that Germany doesn't have to impose its orderliness on the Greeks, and that once it decouples itself from America's wars of aggression against the Islamic world, it will be able to accept that Islam, the fastest growing religion in the world could rejuvenate the land of Charlemagne as it joins with those of Peter and Confucius, where it has always belonged.
Why is it in terms of progressive reform the country is going backwards?

Last time I checked, citizens were by very sizable majorities for practically all of the things progressive activists actively promote.

I've cited these statistics repeatedly but they're worth looking at again:

75% of Americans want a federal minimum wage of $12.50 per hour.

63% of Americans want a federal minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.

75% of voters want fair trade agreements protecting jobs, workers, the environment.

76% of voters want a cut back on military spending.

76% of voters want the U.S. completely out of Afghanistan.

79% of voters want no reductions in Social Security, 70% support expanding it.

79% of voters want no reductions in Medicare.

80% of voters oppose the "Citizens United" U.S. Supreme Court decision.

68% of voters think taxes on the wealthy should be increased.

71% of voters support massive infrastructure renewal.

65% of voters want laws to combat climate change.

62% of voters want tuition free public colleges and universities.

74% of American voters are for ending oil industry subsidies.

We could probably add a few more to the list but this offers us the necessary perspective.

A great deal of energy and time by dedicated activists continues to be devoted to these and many other worthy causes: protecting a woman's right to choose; respecting human rights, especially those of immigrants and vilified minorities like Muslims; protecting the quality of air and water, stopping the wanton destruction of the environment; reining in abuses in the workplace; reducing police violence; on and on, all initiatives reflecting the best values and instincts of people who believe America is for all Americans, not just a privileged few.

Yet, all of these are constantly under assault.

This should come as no shock. There has always been a tiny aristocratic elite in our nation which views itself -- not hard-working everyday citizens -- as the true engine of our wealth and greatness as a country. Reacting to both the reforms of the 1930s under FDR, and the hard-won gains in civil and human rights in the 1960s and 1970s, these elitists set about reversing these populist measures with a comprehensive, long-range strategy of taking over the governing institutions at all levels and in every branch of government, then subsequently imposing their own selfish, self-serving agenda on the rest of us.

What we see now is their spectacular success. The Republicans -- who most thoroughly and with ideological purity represent the interests of this ruling elite, though over the past two-and-a-half decades or more, the Democrats have been scrambling to align themselves with the ruling class, abandoning their traditional base of union workers and other citizens of the lower and middle classes -- now have the White House, both houses of Congress, a majority of the state legislatures. Even the majority of state governors are Republicans.

They have kicked our progressive asses good!

The reaction by our end of the political spectrum to this highly organized assault on the system of government, which we progressives and the majority of everyday people believe is supposed to serve the interests of all citizens, has been short-sighted and fragmented.

The end product of decades of what we failed to properly assess and address is what I call Whack A Mole activism.

Just like the amusement center Whack A Mole game -- though we hardly find it amusing -- we are constantly challenged to whack at one crisis, while others are poised to quickly follow. There's always another crisis popping up somewhere else.

We haven't even finished fighting in Afghanistan or Iraq, but now we have to fight another war in Syria. While we're fueling the crisis in Syria, we start another one in the Ukraine. As if these weren't enough, we're getting ready to fight Russia, China, North Korea.

We stop the Keystone XL, but five more pipelines get backroom approval. We get ready to challenge them, the Arctic gets opened up again for more drilling. More offshore rigs start popping up everywhere. Leases are being handed out like Halloween candy to explore for gas in our National Parks. Our heads are spinning.

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New Jersey and Virginia are the only two U.S. States politically in play in a major way in 2017, with governor and most, if not all, down-ballot state, county and local positions on the ballot. According to the United States Elections Project - Voter Turnout Data, in 2016, Virginia, an open primary state, had a primary election voter turnout of 30.1 % or 47.5 % higher than New Jersey, a closed primary state, with 20.4%.

In New Jersey, those voters who do not specify a political party affiliation when they register to vote are listed as unaffiliated; as a closed primary state, only voters who affiliate with a political party may vote in that party's candidate selection process (i.e., the primary election). However, NJ unaffiliated voters may declare a party affiliation up to and including the day of the primary election. Therefore, unaffiliated voters can participate in the primaries, if they are willing to join one of the political parties for at least primary election day.

In the 21st Century both political parties have been losing registered voters, the Republican Party starting after 2004 and the Democratic Party starting after 2008, with unaffiliated registered voters increasing nationally by almost 63% (27% versus 44%) between November 2004 and April 2017, according to Gallup.



90% of the Elections are Determined in the Primary

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The majority who vote in closed primaries are hardcore partisans, with these primaries favored by both major political parties. In more cases than not, closed primaries result in nominees that are polar-opposites and with one gets elected to the political office, gridlock is the result.

Closed primaries raise a "Taxation without Representation" issue. Why do we, the taxpayers and voters, go on subsidizing the parties' closed primary elections? Why do we prop up partisan machines that so often give us unappetizing choices, leaving us with state and local governments prone to squelching of innovation, bad policy and gridlock?

Between October 2010 and April 2014 Rasmussen Reports ran several polls asking likely voters "Is it fair to say that neither party in Congress is the party of the American people?" The October 2010 poll resulted in 43% agreeing, 35% disagreeing, with 22% not sure. The April 2014 poll results were: 53% agreed, 28% disagreed, while 19% were not sure. Put another way, in April 2014 almost twice as many likely voters agreed that it was fair to say that neither party in Congress is the party of the American people! Unfortunately, Rasmussen Reports has not polled this issue for over three years, but it is doubtful that the results have improved.

If the majority of likely voters (which excludes those unlikely to vote) believe neither party in Congress is the party of the American people, is it any wonder that the United States experiences such low voter turn-out? The inability to have a say in the primaries cause many unaffiliated votes to suffer "learned helplessness" resulting in too many of them dropping-out of the electoral process, yielding low turn-out in general election.
From Counterpunch



Photo by Bryce Edwards

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One has to wonder why terrorists like those who struck on Saturday night in London, and earlier in Manchester, launched their attacks now. It is difficult not to infer that their violence was timed to influence the UK election this coming Thursday.

Those behind the attack -- whether those carrying it out or those dispatching the terrorists -- want to have an effect. Terrorism is the use of indiscriminate violence for political ends. It has a logic, even if it is one we mostly do not care to understand.

So what do these terrorists hope to achieve?

Based on prior experience, they will assume that by striking now they can increase fear and anger among the British population -- intensifying anti-Muslim rhetoric, justifying harsher "security" responses from the British state and shifting political support towards the right. That is good for their cause because it radicalizes other disillusioned Muslim youth. In short, it brings recruits.

Islam is not exceptional in this regard. This is not a problem specifically of religion. As experts have repeatedly pointed out, disillusioned, frustrated, angry (and mainly male) youth adopt existing ideologies relevant to them and then search for the parts that can be twisted to justify their violence. The violent impulse exists and they seek an ideology to rationalize it.

Once Christianity -- the religion of turning the other cheek -- was used to justify pogroms and inquisitions. In the US, white supremacists -- in the Ku Klux Klan, for example -- used the Bible to justify spreading terror among the black population of the Deep South. White supremacists continue sporadically to use terror in the US, most notably Timothy McVeigh, who was responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.

Terrorists can exploit secular ideologies too, on either the far-right or far-left. Just think of the Baader Meinhof Gang or the Symbionese Liberation Army, back in the 1970s. The latter famously made a convert of Patty Hearst, granddaughter of publishing empire magnate William Randolph Hearst (aka Citizen Kane). After she was taken hostage, she quickly adopted the group's thinking and its violence as her own.

The Islamic terrorists of our time believe in a violent, zero-sum clash of civilizations. That should not be surprising, as their ideology mirrors the dominant ideology -- neo-conservatism -- of western foreign policy establishments. Both sides are locked in a terrifying dance of death. Both believe that two "civilizations" exist and are incompatible, that they are in a fight to the death, and that any measures are justified to achieve victory because the struggle is existential. We use drones and "humanitarian intervention" to destabilize their societies; they use cars, guns, knives and bombs to destabilize ours.

The dance chiefly takes place because both sides continue it -- and it will not be easy to break free of it. Our meddling in the Middle East dates back more than a century -- especially since the region became a giant oil spigot for us. The tentacles of western interference did not begin in 2003, whatever we might choose to believe. Conversely, a globalized world inevitably entails one where a century-long colonial battlefield can easily come back to haunt us on our doorsteps.

The solution, complex as it will need to be, certainly cannot include the use by us of similarly indiscriminate violence, more "intervention" in the Middle East, or more scapegoating of Muslims. It will require taking a step back and considering how and why we too are addicted to this dance of death.
Speaker Gharti to hold talks with major party leaders, chief whips

Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar is scheduled to hold a meeting with the top leaders and chief whips of major political parties to resume the House proceedings on Monday.
The track looked immaculate. Duncan Ferris spent a week here ahead of the race and together with the team at Fort William had done an amazing job of getting it ready and it looked better than ever.The weather was up and down all week which helped the track keeping the dust down and binding the new jumps and corners together nicely. We had rain for practice on Thursday, sunshine for qualifying and mixed conditions on Saturday for the race with a huge downpour just before racing!Practice started on Thursday with riders getting used to the new track layout. The rock section was now gone and two extra corners were included making the track longer and giving riders more passing options. The biggest obstacle to conquer was a new option to go inside on the penultimate corner and then triple into the last turn. A technical move that required precision and speed! On Friday, there was a second practice session followed by qualifying. Going in reverse order of world rankings and starting with the women, qualifying got underway...It was great to see Romana Labounkova racing in Scotland again. The BMX Olympian has always split her time with BMX and 4X and now looks to be focusing on 4X races in the future. She was certainly the favourite for this event, but her competition would come from Helene Fruhwirth, the 2015 4X ProTour Champion who looked great and Natasha Bradley, the British rider who has finished 2nd twice already in 2017. Would this be her event? Natasha set a great time on her run stopping the clock at 45.951. It was faster than Helene who was next on track by a second. The final rider was Labounkova who in turn went a second faster than Natasha crossing the finish line with a time of 44.840 and would head into the finals on Saturday with the all-important gate pick.1st  Romana Labounkova - 44.8402nd  Natasha Bradley  45.9513rd  Helene Fruhwirth  46.9934th  Deborah Primrose  48.188Next up were the men. Duncan Ferris got the home crowd shouting as he took the hot seat early on and it looked like being a solid time until former 4X World Champion Joost Wichman laid down an amazing time of 40.692. Next up, Felix Beckeman was on a flier crossing the finish line, setting the fastest time. Tomas Slavik then went even quicker taking a second off Felix time. Luke Cryer then slipped into 2nd with a good run, penultimate rider World Champion Mitja Ergaver could only place 8th and the final rider on course, Scott Beaumont, looked on it but a slip before the final triple lost him valuable time, crossing the line in 5th.1st - Tomas Slavik  39.1062nd  Luke Cryer  40.1783rd  Felix Beckeman  40.3534th  Joost Wichman  40.692On Saturday, huge crowds lined the track and the scene was set for a great night of 4X. Fort William has never failed to deliver and in 2017 it produced some of the best 4X racing ever seen in the Highlands.In the men's race, there was an early exit for Bogdan Bondor and Euan Speirits. Will Evans made an early exit in the quarterfinals as did countrymen Alex Metcalfe, Davi Roberts and eighth seed World Champion Mitja Ergaver.On to the semi-finals. In semi-final 1, the lineup was simply incredible. This race didnt just represent a final at any race over the last 10 years, but also represented the guys who have helped to push 4X forwards over the last decade. Tomas Slavik with first gate pick took gate 2, Joost Wichman with second gate pick chose 4, Scott Beaumont with third pick went for gate 3 and finally Quentin Derbier took 1. The crowd were cheering and all 4 riders high fived each other before getting set up. It was a great gesture and we were set for the race of the day. The gate dropped and Slavik took the holeshot with the others close behind. On the exit of turn 1, Wichman and Derbier were close whilst Beaumont used the berms to carry speed. Passing Wichman on the exit of turn 3, Boom Boom then lined up the inside pass in turn 4. Through he went and the home crowd went crazy, but it was short lived when Wichman from 4th made an amazing pass moving ahead of both Beaumont and Derbier in one move. Beaumont stayed close and the two fought to the finish line but it was Slavik and Wichman moving into the final.In semi-final 2, Hannes Slavik took gate 1, Felix Beckeman took 2, Luke Cryer in 3 and Duncan Ferris in 4. As the gate dropped it was Slavik and Beckeman in a drag race down the first straight. Slavik took the lead in turn 1 with Beckeman in 2 and Cryer moved into 3rd. Then in the blink of an eye, Slavik hit a rock and it threw his bike sideways. Beckeman moved into the lead with Cryer and Ferris battling for the final spot. Ferris dived inside on turn 4 but couldnt make the pass stick and Beckeman took the win from Cryer.In an action packed womens small final with crashes and passes, 2016 4X ProTour Champion, Hannah Escott took the win and claimed 5th overall for the night.In the mens small final it was Beaumont who led the race from the start but with a great pass, Quentin Derbier won the race and claimed 5th position for the night with Beaumont in 6th, Hannes Slavik in 7th and Duncan Ferris in 8th.So it was time for the main finals...In the women's, it was Romana Labounkova on gate 1, Natasha Bradley on 2, Helene Fruhwirth on 3 and Deborah Primrose on 4. The gate dropped and Labounkova made the snap and led into turn 1. Bradley was in 2nd but Fruhwirth, riding her full suspension bike was starting to make a challenge. Into the new turn 4, with an inspired move Bradley made the pass of the night moving into the lead. Labounkova stayed close and battled all the way to the line but Bradley in front of her home crowd took the win from Labounkova, Fruhwirth and Primrose. It was an amazing race and got the crowd ready for the mens final.In the men's, Tomas Slavik took gate 2, Luke Cryer with second pick went for gate 4, Felix Beckeman took 3, then Joost Wichman chose 1. The gate dropped, and the 4 riders fired down the first straight. Slavik won the drag race to turn 1 with Beckeman battling with him all the way. Wichman was in 4th after being squeezed on the first straight and Cryer in 3rd. The two lead riders rode wide on the first turn and down the 2nd straight which allowed the race to bunch up and the others to catch them up. Through the new turns, the riders kept it clean but on the exit of turn 5 Wichman was able to move inside of Cryer to move into 3rd. Slavik held onto the finish to claim the win ahead of Beckeman and Wichman with Cryer rolling across the line with a puncture in fourth.A fantastic night of racing that was appreciated by the thousands of fans in Fort William as well as the thousands more who watched the live broadcast over the internet. A great display of 4X racing on one of the best tracks in the world. Thank you to everyone involved in hosting such an amazing event.Round 4 of the 4X ProTour will take place on 15th July in Jablonec, Czech Republic at Tomas Slaviks home track. You would be a fool to bet against him, but without a doubt, the other riders will be working hard between now and then to try and win in JBC bike park.For more information on the 4X ProTour, please visit:
The Muck: How Many Bullets Does It Take to Bag in The Colossus?

June 05, 2017 Kim Yuhl Contributor

What do you do after busting the Colossus?

Fire another bullet, of course. And another. And another. And another.

WSOP bracelet winner Grant Hinkle joked on Twitter that the WSOP Colossus is the "softest $5k event of the year." The buy-in was $565. Players were allowed one re-entry per flight and can buy into any (or all) of the six flights which means after 12 bullets, a player's investment could be as much as $6,780.

It seems Hinkle was in good company. Many poker pros were prepared to fire multiple bullets and fire multiple bullets they did, contributing to the 18,053 total entries for the tournament.

Bullet 6 of the colonoscopy  Jamie Kerstetter (@JamieKerstetter)

About to fire Bullet 9 into final colossus flight. Hoping to avoid a 10th...  Ryan Laplante (@Protentialmn)

5 Colossus flights 6 bullets  Mike Leah (@GoLeafsGoEh)

Bullet 8 in the softest #WSOP of the summer without finding a bag or even a mincash after having 10 starting stacks https://t.co/WB2AxLpXun  Matt Stout (@MattStoutPoker)

I like to consider myself the six bullet, one bullet wonder. # ... 'nother (last) Colossus dinner break @WSOP  Chris Lindh (@LINDHsanity)

Firing final bullet in Colossus. Lucky #11 ?!? ########################  Matthew Wakeman (@mjw006)

Trigger warning: Just cashed for the second time in the Colossus. This is my third bullet.  Andrew Brokos (@thinkingpoker)

Whatever Hinkle's total investment, he was finally able to bag a nice stack.

Made Day 2 of Colossus with 208k. Feeling relieved.  Grant Hinkle (@GrantHinkle)

What do you say to someone who tries to go to the bathroom during the break of a large tournament?

Rookie mistake.

The hallways get a little crowded, and the bathroom lines extend down the halls during break time. It doesn't help that players are running to re-enter either. But the most fun comes from watching poker fans run from their table in the Amazon Room to catch a glimpse of the poker superstars playing in the One Drop inside of Brasilia.

For you poker fans making it to day two of the Colossus is there will be more selfie opportunities as the unofficial final table of the One Drop High Roller gets underway at 2 p.m. and will be playing down to a winner. Follow along with PokerNews as we'll be providing hand-for-hand coverage.

What do you say when someone keeps checking their watch?

Speaking of the One Drop ... hurry up, already.

When the tournament returned to action on Day 3, the field was nearing the money bubble, and there was a concern by several players that there might have been some slow playing going on.

The concern was real and Igor Kurganov, Nick Petrangelo, and Charlie Carrel made a point of talking to the floor together to express their concern. The tournament director assured the trio that he was keeping an eye on the suspected offenders with a clock in hand. Play sped up significantly a short-time later after the bubble burst.

The bubble ended up bursting shortly after, and then play sped back up.

Some things never change, including Phil Hellmuth

After doubling up during Day 3 of the High Roller, Hellmuth went over to Brandon Cantu bragging, "this was my first all-in, and of course, I was a 2:1 favorite." While talking to Cantu, All-American Dave delivered some meals, and Cantu asked Hellmuth to secure him a seat at the media table to eat his lunch. Cantu made himself at home until security asked him to leave. He left, alright.

World Series of Clean Up After Yourself. https://t.co/wkqdkedPKy  Paul Oresteen (@PaulOresteen)

Some things never change, including William Kassouf

You might remember Kassouf turning #likeaboss into a thing and being the "black sheep" that landed him on our list for the top ten stories of 2016. Whether you love him or hate, there's no denying he's entertaining to watch. Unless you're in a hand with him, that is.

Today, in his initial appearance at the 2017 World Series of Poker, his chatter was cordial, and his table-side behavior was toned down. There is still see a hint of his infamous antics that you can't help but feel want to break free.

From the PokerNews Live Reporting Blog after passing Kassouf's table:

He was joking with the players and asked to buy the button. After being reminded that he can't buy the button in a tournament, another player joked with him and said, "They made a rule about stalling because of you, and here you are, still stalling," he laughed.

And on the second pass of his table, he was all-in and trying to convince the player contemplating a call that "he had it," and calling for cocktails. The good news is the player didn't need much convincing and soon folded and Kassouf lived to play on.

Did Phil Hellmuth really light his shoes on fire?

Sarah Herring talks to Phil Hellmuth about a video she received of him lighting his shoes on fire in the Rio parking lot.
"I feel like all the time I see such incredible tiny moments."

Back in 2014, Grey Gersten set out to capture strangers most intimate secrets with the immersive exhibition "Custom Melodies." The songwriter set up camp in downtown Manhattan's Mmuseumm in an abandoned elevator shaft and wrote songs based on the conversations and experiences of those who paid him a visit. The answers to these deeply personal questions - "have you ever thought you were going to die?", "do you often have an awareness of your heartbeat?" - became the catalyst for which the song was based on.

Gersten has long been a part of NYC's experimental music scene. He previously recorded under the name Eternal Lips, which featured vocal contributions from Sharon Van Etten and TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone. Gersten also created a film score for internationally acclaimed artist Tom Sachs' 2016 film A Space Program. Widely involved in a variety of collaborations and projects, all of these experiences fed into the making of his latest record.

Now on the cusp of releasing his debut LP under his own name, Naked Light is a record that centers around being emotionally present in any given moment. It has a raw and visceral feel to it, as Gersten invites you in the same way he invited strangers to divulge some of their innermost truths.

Popdust sat down with the songwriter to discuss Naked Light, identity, and the beauty of vulnerability.

You describe the recording process for this album as "freewheeling, unselfconscious, and intimate." Can you elaborate?

My main goal for this record was just to be as emotionally present as possible. I just tried to completely forget that we were recording or that we were going to release this, so I thought of it more as an experience. I worked with a very close friend of mine, Shahzad Ismaily, who co-produced it. He had just opened up a recording studio - it's around the corner from my apartment so we had a very informal schedule. I would just call him up if I had an idea for a song or he would call me in the middle of the night sometimes and say, "why don't you come over? We'll see what happens." The whole thing had this kind of treehouse feel to it - you know, usually when you make a record you write all the songs before and book a certain amount of time in the studio. This was completely different than that. The song "Remain" was something I wrote in the studio and then we recorded right when I wrote it. I think the reason I did that is, you know, when you're feeling something and you really allow yourself to feel that, it can resonate with people. I was just interested in pursuing that because so many artists I really love do that. Sometimes you listen to a Neil Young song or a Nina Simone song and you're like, "is it even okay that I'm listening to this?" It feels like you're reading someone's diary. There's something so beautiful about the power of vulnerability.

Is there a story behind the track "Remain"?

It's nice to allow people to find their own meaning in it, but I could say really broadly that it's about relationships that you have with people - how people can enable you to do things, inspire you to do things, even open up a new connection with yourself because you're resonating with this other person - friend, lover.. It's a song about how love has this ability to open doors for you and your experience in the world.

What would you say primarily inspired "Naked Light"?

I was really inspired by Neil Young and seeing him in Carnegie Hall around 2014. He just played solo and there was no record he was promoting, no tour, just this random set of four shows. I had seen him before and I had grown up listening to him but something about seeing him, in that moment in my life, made me realize that music for me is more about feelings than sound. My priorities shifted completely. I stopped thinking about productions and instrumentation and arrangements and just thought about, "If I'm not really emotionally present, it does not matter what instruments I use." And that's why I think the record is almost sparse in some ways. Once we got that, it was like "do we even really need to add anything to this?" So there's some very difficult tracks on it. I would say Neil Young, just in general, and John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, a record that I keep coming back to - there's such an amazing concessional intimate connection to Lennon on it... Any Nina Simone, anytime she sings. Even just like, Modern Lovers. I listen to that record all the time. I think those were demos that they were making in order to get a record released and the record never happened but they sound really good. There's such a quality in his vocals - it's like, "do you have any idea how amazingly real he's being right now?" I think people are fascinating how they can reveal something universal when they kind of forget that people are watching or listening to them. I feel like all the time I see such incredible tiny moments. People on the street, wherever, they just have no awareness of it and then that moment is lost forever. There's a space of unselfconscious lack of awareness in music and art that can be really beautiful too.

I always see people I would cast in my movie even though I'm not even making one.

Exactly. I don't want to say anything definitive but I kept being like, "You're only worth listening to if if you don't think anyone's listening to you. You're only worth looking at if you don't think anyone's looking at you." I don't know what happens to us when we realize we're being recorded, but we're definitely losing something human.

That's a good point. I feel like whenever Ryan Seacrest gets in front of a camera he just turns something on. It's a fascinating thing about people.

I know. I think it's something about people realizing what they can do and exploring all of these different possibilities I don't know if i could ever be like an entertainer in that way Ryan Seacrest is, in that he kind of has a thing and he can just do it. I don't know. Sometimes people have a really solid act and sometimes their act is about it not being so solid. [laugh] I think i'm still figuring out who I am and what I'm making and all these things, so this record was just really "what happens if I just let myself fall apart? Let's see what happens here."

You used to perform under the moniker Eternal Lips. Do you feel a difference in identity between that project and this one under your own name?

When I put out the Eternal Lips record I was kind of thinking about it as an imaginary unit. It was a really pop-centric project. I had never made any pop music and I knew it wouldn't be seen as "real" pop music but I wanted to engage in it as sincerely as I could. It felt like I was kind of creating this whole fantasy world for an imaginary band and that whole idea of it being a pop thing.. And then, you know, people started talking about it a little bit. So I was thinking, why am I asking people to call me two different things? On top of it, the project had a really strong conceptual identity in terms of the look of it and the media that was being made of it but in terms of me personally I was just walking around as myself, so I felt like if you're going to ask people to call you by another name you have to really go 360 with it and live it. I started thinking about David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust, and how he would dress as Ziggy every day for years and he would hire fake photographers to follow him around. So it's a complete commitment to that character. I was nowhere near that, so I was like "I should drop this" - especially when I started thinking about making this record and having it be personal and vulnerable and intimate, it made no sense. I think going forward I will just do everything under my own name. It gets confusing. Not to mention, when you first put out something in the world you're afraid to put your name on there, and I think once you put it out publicly you're like "okay some people are gonna love this, some people are gonna hate this, a bunch of people won't care.. and life goes on."

In 2014, you launched an immersive exhibit titled "Custom Melodies" in which you would ask strangers certain questions and then create songs based on their experiences. What was that experience like?

I was set up in a very small museum in Chinatown and people made appointments - every night, about 12 people came. Each one would fill out a bunch of paperwork about their dreams and what they're afraid of and then they would talk to me for about five minutes. Often they'd say something really interesting so I would record their voice saying that and build this track around it in 10 minutes and then record it once, all live. Within 20 minutes, I'm meeting someone, recording a song, and then they're leaving. I did a records worth of material a night for about two weeks straight. The takeaway from that experience really feeds into this record because what was happening there was people were opening up and being incredibly candid and personal and telling me about a breakup that happened that day, standing there in tears. I was kind of absorbing those emotions and putting it out through sound but doing it in such a fast way while also recording it on my phone. I feel like that work had a lot of resonance to it and I realize, this is not about the sound necessarily, it's definitely not the recording quality, it's about the song being emotionally present. So that was a thing that really inspired my new record - just thinking, all you really have to do is be emotionally present and everything else can flow with that. That was an incredible experience. It meant a lot that all these people kind of trusted me enough. I also thought it was just such an amazing way for people to communicate. Part of what's beautiful about it is that no one used their real name - everyone created a fake name. There was no photograph. Everyone made their own record covers. So when you're listening to this online, you're not thinking about who these people are specifically, you're just experiencing these raw human feelings independent of an identity.

An application for a "custom melody", courtesy of Grey Gersten

You said you "hoped to expand the idea of on-the-spot song creation outside of New York." Is that still a goal for you?

Yeah, I want to do Custom Melodies again. I want to try to do it in other countries and I want to try to do it in prison in America. It's been a few years since I did that project but I wanted to do some other things before i came back to it. Like I did a film score, then I did this record, and a few other things. I didn't want to get just locked into that - I was wary of getting tagged as, "that's the guy and he does that thing." I also took time to think about what would make the experience better and more incredible. I think taking it to prison is top priority. I used to teach in a maximum security prison when I went to college at Bard. They have an amazing thing called the Bard Prison Initiative and I used to teach at this prison called Eastern for a couple years. I think a lot of people in this country are incredibly frustrated and outraged at the industrial prison complex. I don't really know how to change that reality, but I think if I could bring Custom Melodies to some of those places and amplify some of those voices, I feel like it could help people start to realize just how many people are in prison and those are real people and have some of the same feelings that you do. More than just numbers or statistics. Once you start hearing that person's voice say something that maybe you once thought, I think that could open up some compassion channels.

How did you come up with the concept behind your upcoming record release event, "Sunset to Sunrise"?

I was thinking about how fragile this record is and the idea of playing it in a club and it just seemed so.. It would not make any sense in that environment. So I thought about different ways to bring it to people, and I thought - what was the environment of the recording? It was in the middle of the night, and spontaneous, and I didn't know what was going to happen. What if I could create an experience or a show that is open in that way? In some way it'll feel like we're still making the record. The other thing is, I like records, I like concerts, but the way those things are structured is often just about what's the most convenient way for them to be commodified. If we decide everything on convenience and money, I don't know if a lot of interesting things will happen. I was just rethinking these structures and how to open them up so anything can happen. I honestly don't know what will happen at this event. The record is a half hour long. I've invited some people to sit in, and there's a comedian coming, and all kinds of things, but I really don't know what will happen and it's beautiful to leave that sort of openness.

The other thing I like about it is that no one will see the same thing. There's definitely something about everyone being at a show and everyone starts moving through this linear experience together but there's also something about this format where everyone will come at a different time, everyone will see something different, it will feel different for everyone. It really brings you into the moment in a different way. I like the responsibility it gives the audience - they're not just consumers, they're a part of it.

Courtesy of Grey Gersten

What's next for Grey Gersten?

I think what I want to do next is something with comedy. I don't know exactly how that's going to happen, or even what format that's going to take, but I feel like comedy is an incredible way to get people to think about things differently or share some unknown truth. I feel like in this moment in our culture, comedy has a power that I don't think music has. I think people are really looking to comedy for philosophy in a way. I think that's something that was happening with music more in the 60s and 70s, and sadly I don't know if there's too much music or it's become devalued somehow, so I'm just interested in trying to do something with comedy. It feels funny to me that there's not a lot of humor in my work up until this point. I think a lot of my friends would say I'm a funny person. And it's like - how do I get that into what i'm doing? Maybe it has nothing to do with music. I'm just realizing what a big part of myself it is and what a resonance with society it has right now. It also might just be making a really emotionally candid record can lead me to feeling like "I don't need to give that again right now." You look at the world - i look at the world and it makes no sense. It's just beautiful chaos.

Especially right now.

Yeah, I'd say we're in a peak moment of that right now. Nothing makes any sense at all - politically, economically, socially, religiously. It's all just a chaotic mess. I think once you recognize that, you decide if it's a tragedy or a comedy. I think it's the same perspective - just a question of what language you're putting it out in. To me, this record is not a tragedy record, but certainly not funny. I'm interested in going forward and taking that same perspective and seeing if I can put it in a comedic language.

Find Grey Gersten via Twitter, Facebook and official website.

Naked Light is out June 9.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the First Aid Market: China Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2020" report to their offering.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-05 09:07:50

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# 587 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Future Market Insights (FMI), in its latest report titled, China First Aid Market Assessment and Opportunity 2014 - 2020, projects the China first aid market to exhibit a CAGR of 6.3% between 2015 and 2020. Adoption of aggressive promotional campaigns are key factors driving growth of the market.The report is focused on basic first aid products such as adhesive bandages, disinfectants and gauzes. Though the basic wound care segment in China accounts for miniscule share of the overall wound care market in China, it is expected to witness significant growth over the next few years. Increasing awareness about non-traditional first-aid products among consumers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is the prime driving factor for the market in the region.As of 2014, basic first aid products accounted for less than 20% share of the overall wound care market in China. Strategies such as innovative product packaging along with aggressive market campaigning has led to surge in demand for these products in China. Government emphasis on healthcare policies, liberalization of policies related to distribution of licenses and FDI influx are other key driving factors of the first aid market in China. On the flipside, low healthcare expenditure and higher preference for Chinese traditional medicines among consumers is a major restraint for non-traditional wound care product manufacturers.Request For Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-cn-659 The report analyses the China first aid market in terms of sales revenue (US$ Mn) by product, cities and by retail sales channel and provides information regarding market dynamics, value chain, competitive landscape, current trends, market estimations and forecast.On the basis of city, the China first-aid market has been segmented into Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities. Among Tier 1 cities, Shanghai offers good market opportunities for first-aid products manufacturers. It is anticipated to generate 1.4X higher sales revenue by the end of the forecast period as compared to that in 2014. Disinfectant products are anticipated to account for over half of the sales revenue in Tier 1 cities, followed by gauzes and bandages respectively. Tier 2 cities are expected to generate 1.3X higher revenue than Tier 3 cities by the end of 2020.Among retail sales channels, drugstores and pharmacies are key channels for sales of adhesive bandages. Hospitals are the key channel for sales of gauzes. Hospitals account for major share of retail sales in Tier 3 cities in China. Though drugstores, pharmacies and hospitals are key retail sales channels for adhesive bandages and gauzes, modern retail sales channel are the most preferred mode for sales of disinfectants. Hypermarkets and supermarkets account for over 60% share of retail sales of disinfectants.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-cn-659 By product type, the China first aid market has been segmented into adhesive bandages, gauzes and disinfectants (antiseptics). While disinfectants are projected to be the largest market segment throughout the forecast period, its presence is limited to Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in China. The disinfectant products segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.5% between 2014 and 2020. Reckitt Benckiser and Walch are key players in this product segment. Organized players account for significant market share in the disinfectants products segment. Among products, gauzes (woven and non-woven) covers significant market in Tier 3 cities in China. Sales revenue of adhesive bandages is further segmented into butterfly stiches, transdermal bandages and special bandages. Transdermal bandages account for significant market share in the adhesive bandages segment.Key players in the China first aid market include Johnson and Johnson, Winner Medical Group Co., Reckitt Benckiser, Yunnan Baiyao, 3M Company, Nepstar Drugstore, 7-Eleven, Beijing Hualian Group and A.S Watson Group.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-04 22:54:02

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
Integrated plan stressed for dealing with Valleys issues

Kathmandu was ranked among the top 10 cities of the world where liveability had improved in the last five years, according to the Global Liveability Ranking Report 2016 published by the Economist Intelligence Unit last August.
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.




Rural Minnesota CEP goes live with AppsInHD HRIS By: Rural Minnesota CEP RuralMN BROOKFIELD, Wis. - June 5, 2017 - PRLog -- HarrisData, a leading provider of enterprise application software, announced today that Rural Minnesota CEP, one of the nation's leading concentrated employment programs, has gone live with AppsInHD HRIS. AppsInHD is HarrisData's Cloud based HR and Payroll solution that radically reduces the amount of computer interaction required to accomplish common business tasks.



"With the automation capabilities provided by AppsInHD, Rural Minnesota CEP can seamlessly manage and report wages for programs and funding sources. We also save money through the upload of single ACH files each payroll," said Nancy Bisek, Comptroller, Rural Minnesota CEP.



Tim Dunn, President at HarrisData said, "It's always rewarding to provide solutions that help organizations like Rural Minnesota CEP improve operational efficiency so they can focus their efforts on expanding their service delivery and assist additional individuals with needs to attain or retain employment."



By aggressively leveraging principles of connectedness and information automation, HarrisData is redefining business productivity for the next decade. HarrisData's AppsInHD architecture allows for scalable, reliable deployment in the cloud or on-premises, using modern web technologies inside the application.



About HarrisData



HarrisData is a family owned and operated business founded in 1972. We develop enterprise application software for mid-sized businesses. Currently, HarrisData offers a number of software solutions such as ERP, CRM, HRIS, and Financial Management. Our software is neither a complex system designed for global giants, nor a desktop solution lacking the essential controls required to run a modern business. With our software, we deliver the basic tools that help you grow your business. We have succeeded for forty five years through a commitment to excellence and a determination to serve customers well.



Learn more at



About Rural Minnesota



For over forty five years Rural Minnesota CEP has been committed to improving the lives of people in Minnesota. We exist to serve people of all ages to prepare for employment opportunities. We are proud of the fact that our agency is a leader in delivering workforce development services. Every year RMCEP serves over thousands of enrolled clients and has an average of over 45,000 visits to the eight WorkForce Centers located within our service area.



For more information visit us at



Photo:

https://www.prlog.org/ 12643960/1 End -- HarrisData, a leading provider of enterprise application software, announced today that Rural Minnesota CEP, one of the nation's leading concentrated employment programs, has gone live with AppsInHD HRIS. AppsInHD is HarrisData's Cloud based HR and Payroll solution that radically reduces the amount of computer interaction required to accomplish common business tasks."With the automation capabilities provided by AppsInHD, Rural Minnesota CEP can seamlessly manage and report wages for programs and funding sources. We also save money through the upload of single ACH files each payroll," said Nancy Bisek, Comptroller, Rural Minnesota CEP.Tim Dunn, President at HarrisData said, "It's always rewarding to provide solutions that help organizations like Rural Minnesota CEP improve operational efficiency so they can focus their efforts on expanding their service delivery and assist additional individuals with needs to attain or retain employment."By aggressively leveraging principles of connectedness and information automation, HarrisData is redefining business productivity for the next decade. HarrisData's AppsInHD architecture allows for scalable, reliable deployment in the cloud or on-premises, using modern web technologies inside the application.HarrisData is a family owned and operated business founded in 1972. We develop enterprise application software for mid-sized businesses. Currently, HarrisData offers a number of software solutions such as ERP, CRM, HRIS, and Financial Management. Our software is neither a complex system designed for global giants, nor a desktop solution lacking the essential controls required to run a modern business. With our software, we deliver the basic tools that help you grow your business. We have succeeded for forty five years through a commitment to excellence and a determination to serve customers well.Learn more at www.harrisdata.com For over forty five years Rural Minnesota CEP has been committed to improving the lives of people in Minnesota. We exist to serve people of all ages to prepare for employment opportunities. We are proud of the fact that our agency is a leader in delivering workforce development services. Every year RMCEP serves over thousands of enrolled clients and has an average of over 45,000 visits to the eight WorkForce Centers located within our service area.For more information visit us at http://www.rmcep.com/ rmcep Email : ***@harrisdata.com Tags : AppsInHD , HarrisData , Rural Minnesota CEP , Cloud Solution , Hris , Payroll , Software Industry : Business , Software , Technology Location : Brookfield - Wisconsin - United States Account Phone Number Disclaimer Report Abuse Account Email AddressAccount Phone Number HarrisData PRs HarrisData Announces New President


For Arabian Buiness

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-- Sberbank, the largest bank of Russia, today announced receiving the certification for its Mudaraba Finance transaction from Shariyah Review Bureau (SRB).Sberbank, based in Moscow, is responsible for providing wide selection of banking services from deposits and to loans to bank cards, money transfers, bank insurance and brokerage services including supply chain finance solutions. The bank helps organizations optimize their working capital, reduce costs and mitigate financial risk. It currently has 16 thousand branches in all 83 constituent entities of the Russian Federation."We are committed to listening to our customers' needs and helping them achieve what they want," said Behnam Gurbanzada Counsellor to the Deputy Chairman. "Offering Sharia compliant products is another great way of showing how we care for our customers and helping them improve their business in light of faith based principles."Speaking on the engagement of Shariayh Review Bureau, he stated, "their decade's worth of experience in Sharia structuring and certification is a welcomed opportunity for our bank" "their extensive knowledge in Mudaraba and leasing development, Islamic financial working capital solutions has helped us to ensure our customer's receive the Sharia compliant solutions they need to compete and maximize value in the Russian economy."Following the Sharia certification of their first transaction, Sberbank has also reaffirmed that it will remain fully committed to Sharia compliant financial activities for its customers. The bank expects to continue making more Islamic financial deals in the Russian federation, provide Islamic liquidity and offer leasing support to all its customers and institutions seeking Sharia compliant solutions.SRB will continue to supervise the transaction on a periodical basis and ensure the transaction adheres to Sharia compliance standards. "Banks around the world are continually looking for ways to engage in Sharia compliant transactions, as customers show clear interest in receiving Islamic financial services from their local banks" said Yasser S. Dahlawi, CEO and Founder of SRB. "We believe SRB has a unique set of expertise and solutions to help these banks bring Islamic financial products and services customized to their local needs and regulatory developments and deliver highly targeted products at scale." "We will continue working hard to review and supervise Sberbank's transaction and sharing best practices of the Sharia complaint marketplace."SRB has succeeded by building a scholarly platform covering 16 countries that delivers intelligent insight on Sharia compliant affairs, as well as delivering review and certification service with quick turnaround times. "Over the years we have developed innovative tools to help design, build and solve financial challenges in light of Sharia" added Mansoor M. Ahmed, AGM at SRB, "we continue to tailor our Sharia Board and Advisory services to meet the needs of the banking community, which is a significant and growing customer segment of our client portfolio," "Licensed by central bank of Bahrain, wide-pool of Sharia scholars covering 16 countries, quick turnaround in reviewing documents, direct access to experts, in-house team of Sharia Auditors set us apart in the Sharia Advisory industry and, more importantly, deliver a great experience to banks like Sberbank."Sberbank is the largest bank of Russia and the leading financial institution in the country, which plays a key role in facilitating the country's integration into the global economy. The atlas of Russian banking sector, Sberbank holds almost 35% of the total banking assets and is the key lender to the national economy and the biggest deposit holder in Russia. Sberbank services more than 135 million individual customers and more than 4 million corporate clients in 20 countries. The largest distribution network of Sberbank consists of almost 17,000 branches in Russia and its international operations include UK, US, CIS, Central and Eastern Europe, India, China, Turkey and other countries.
"Canada is a country designed for adventurers. For women who want it all, Canada delivers the goods."

By: Wild Women Expeditions

Sunset on the beach

Contact

Widness & Wiggins PR

***@travelnewssource.com Widness & Wiggins PR

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-- Canada's coastlines and national parks, plus this neighbor's 150th heritage anniversary in 2017, are components of three summer wilderness vacations with Wild Women Expeditions, the tour company offering more active travel departures for women only than any other operator in the world."Canada is a country designed for adventurers. For women who want it all, Canada delivers the goods," said Jennifer Haddow, Owner of Wild Women Expeditions (https://wildwomenexpeditions.com/). "We've been trailblazing outdoor adventures in Canada for over a quarter of a century. Increasingly women want to feel the freedom of connecting with wild space in its finest form. In Canada are some of the wildest and grandest natural treasures on the planet."Backcountry camping is one of Wild Women's signatures, a staple of 70 percent of its trips (a higher percentage of wilderness immersion than any other women-only company offers). Women carry their accommodations (tents) on their backs, as well as food and personal belongings, into remote wilderness where come night, a campfire and the stars overhead provide the only light. Geology, wildlife and First Nation spiritual heritage found in Canada's national parks figure into adventures in Newfoundland, British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Professional wilderness guides, all female, lead the trips. Following are capsule descriptions of three of the company's Canadian adventuresis a seven-day hiking and kayaking expedition that utilizes ocean-side cabins. The $2,295 CAD per person rate includes professional, local female guide(s), all meals, fully outfitted sea kayak day trip on Bonne Bay (think Minke whales, eagles, terns, and kingfishers), guided hikes (think Woodland caribou, Rock ptarmigan and Arctic hare) and walks throughout the park, a Western Brook Pond fjord boat tour, roundtrip transfers from Deer Lake Regional Airport (servicing Toronto) and a park pass.Daily challenges reflect the philosophy that women can discover and build on their own inner strengths by mastering hurdles in the safe company of other women. The first hike in this UNESCO World Heritage Site ( https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/World_Heritage_ Site ) is 5km with a 500m elevation gain/loss on rugged trails; the second is roundtrip 9km with a 300m elevation gain/loss; an estimated five-hour kayak excursion precedes the third hike, a 16 km, 800m elevation gain/loss trek experienced in over eight hours while climbing Gros Morne Mountain, the highest point in the park at 806m. Easy walks follow in tandem with a catch-your-breath boat tour of a landlocked fjord.This park is as important to Plate Tectonics Theory as Ecuador's Galapagos Archipelago is to the Theory of Evolution. The challenges of this environment become metaphors for those the women face, hiking first through a barren, nutrient-challenged landscape;then discovering where the peridotite ends and the ancient oceanic crust begins, down through boreal forest to rugged coastline where pillow lava and sea stacks dominate the shoreline; then moving on to the rich marine wonderland of Bonne Bay and a landlocked lake before accomplishing a summit. For more details see http://wildwomenexpeditions.com/ trips/newfoundland- multisport/ in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site is a fully outfitted eight-day camping (on beaches) and kayaking expedition at $2,795 CAD per person that includes camping gear, all meals, Zodiac transportation, park pass and the expertise of two certified kayak guides.This National Marine Conservation Area of Canada is north of Vancouver, BC. Here paddlers drift through Haida First Nation waterways, passing ancient totem poles. Black bears mosey among towering trees; sea lions and seals flop at the water's edge. "You are one with the water. The silence is heavy and heavenly," said Haddow, adding that water, wildlife and the spirit of the First Nation combine to create a spiritual quest.Routes south and north begin in Sandspit on Moresby Island (serviced by air from Vancouver). Southern route departures are Aug. 14-21, 2017, and Aug. 20-27, 2018. Northern Route departures are Aug. 21-28, 2017, and Aug.For more details please see http://wildwomenexpeditions.com/trips/haida-gwaii-british-columbia/.in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a fully outfitted, eight-day camping, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, surfing and hiking adventure. The $2,895 CAD per person rate includes services of two female guides, three nights camping, four nights inn accommodation, all meals, ground transportation, scheduled activities (and all gear), half-day surfing and paddling lessons, four-day sea kayak expedition to Vargas Island in Clayoquot Sound and guided coastal hikes.Guests meet at Tofino Ecolodge on Vancouver Island, accessed by ferry or air shuttle from Victoria or Nanaimo, BC. From here the Wild Pacific Trail and the Pacific Ocean become both playgrounds and challenges, as does a three-night camping/four-day backcountry kayaking trip to experience the old growth forests and First Nation spirits of Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve off the west coast of Vancouver Island. For more details please see http://wildwomenexpeditions.com/trips/vancouver-island/.Founded in 1991, Wild Women Expeditions is the world's largest women-only travel company. Its initial focus was on canoeing on remote Ontario waters. Through an unwavering focus on Canada, one of the wildest, most pristine countries in the world, Wild Women Expeditions became Canadian experts in a pioneering niche that introduced small groups of women into wilderness settings. Even though the company now hosts guests all over the world, it retains a national focus with more trips and more women-only, backcountry camping adventures in Canada than any other women's travel company in the world.: Widness & Wiggins PRSara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.comDave Wiggins / 720-301-3822 / dave@travelnewssource.com
Julio Gonzalez, tax reform expert and CEO of Engineered Tax Services, attends Latino Coalition's tax reform panel

Media Contact

Melissa Ferguson

mferguson@engineeredtaxservices.com

4404632371 Melissa Ferguson4404632371

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-- This Wednesday, tax reform expert, Julio Gonzalez, will attend The Latino Coalition's (TLC) panel in Washington, D.C., regarding tax reform. The panel is titled: "Why do we need Tax Reform: how will it affect Industry and Small Business". It will be led by moderator, Hector Barreto, who is the chairman/CEO of TLC.Other panelists include Eric Grey, Director, Government Relations, Edison Electric Institute, Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayer Union & NTU Foundation, and Rachelle Bernstein, Vice President and Tax Counsel for the National Retail Federation. Congressman Carlos Curbelo, Florida 26th District, will be speaking.Julio indicated in a recent speech that, "Tax Reform is difficult. With tax reform you are taking money from one group and giving that money to another group and the group that is losing will fight hard to save it. It is much more difficult that tax rates cuts which are lowering tax rates." Our Hispanic communities are greatly impacted by the proposed tax reform blueprint proposed by the Ways and Means committee. We agree as a group that tax reform is important. We feel like there could be a few areas within the proposed blueprint which could have unintended consequences for small business owners that could hurt the growth of GDP. This event will be a good forum for us to talk about these concerns so that we are helping with a tax reform approach that is good for all Americans."You can attend the panel for free by signing up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/ e/why-do-we- need-tax-reform- how-will-it- affect-industry- and-small-business- tickets-32917553288? invite=& err=29&referrer=&discount=&affiliate=&eventpassword . It takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rayburn Building: 45 Independent Ave SW, Washington, D.C.TLC was founded in 1995 by a group of Hispanic business owners from across the country to research and develop policies relevant to Latinos'. TLC is a non-profit nationwide organization based in Southern California, with offices in Washington, DC and Mexico. TLC addresses policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. TLC's agenda is to develop initiatives and partnerships that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic and social development of Latinos.Julio Gonzalez founded Engineered Tax Services (ETS). ETS is the largest specialty engineering firm nationally. ETS works with many of the Top 100 CPA firms and Fortune 500 companies and family offices nationwide.Julio is also CEO for Gonzalez Family Office and Engineered Venture Services. Julio is a nationally renowned tax reform leader, as well as the largest private minority owned business in Palm Beach County. He sits on the Executive Council for the Hispanic 100 and he spends time weekly in DC meeting with the Administration, Congress members and Senate members on the current tax reform blueprint.